1
Beatrice NeelandsBeatrice Campbell was born in 1897 to the Rev. Neil and Augusta Campbell and was the fourth of five children. She was born at Oro Station, near Orillia where her father was a Presbyterian minister with a widespread congregation. As one of the family's musically gifted children, Bea would travel with her father to two or three churches, often driving the family buggy, then later the car, to play the organ for church services.
After graduating from high school in Barrie, Bea went to Normal School (teachers college), and then began her teaching career. She was able to save enough money from her teaching position to enroll in University College at the University of Toronto, where she completed two years towards an Arts degree. She taught Latin in a high school in Markham for a few more years until she had saved enough money to return to the University of Toronto, where she completed her final two years and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1921.
2
Beatrice NeelandCirca 1950
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image loaned from the MNH Auxiliary (Women of Kirkland Lake Exhibit 2012)
Image loaned from Beatrice Neeland Family
3
At university, Bea met Ralph Neelands, a medical student and when his degree was completed in 1923, they married and moved to Kapuskasing, where their first child, Anne, was born. In 1926 the family moved to Kirkland Lake, along with Bea's piano, a wedding present from her parents. It was hauled to their new location by a Walter Little delivery team over the tracks that existed in those day before Kirkland Lake became a town. It was in Kirkland Lake that their next two children, first Nora and then Peter, were born.Bea had a busy life as wife to one of Kirkland Lake's first doctors. She was devoted to his gift which she regarded as a calling. An active member of what was then called the Union Church on Government Road, Bea would readily pitch in to clean the church, play the piano or organ for services and was very generous with her time. As a mother of three, she nurtured her family and always the teacher, shared with them her love of language, a delight in its poetry and a passion for all kinds of music. Bea was also known as an excellent bridge player and hostess; many an evening was spent with guests in their home on Hospital Green. Living as close to Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute as she did, Bea often entertained the women teachers and counted Wilhemina Rutherford and Helen Wattie among her close friends. Her quick wit and interest in people endeared her to many.
4
Beatrice NeelandCirca 1990
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image loaned from the MNH Auxiliary (Women of Kirkland Lake Exhibit 2012)
Image loaned from Beatrice Neeland Family
5
Beatrice Neeland's Home on Hospital Green, Kirkland LakeCirca 1990's
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image loaned from MNH Auxiliary (Women of Kirkland Lake 2012 Exhibit)
Image loaned from the Neeland Family
6
Bea had a natural ear for music and loved to play throughout her life. Even in her late eighties, she was still attending services at Trinity United Church and participated as pianist for the Fellowship Group. Her daughter-in-law Marguerite recalls Beatrice, at age 87, saying. "I have to go over to the church this afternoon to play for the seniors". Long after her eyes failed her or her fingers weren't as nimble, she played the piano and organ whenever she could. After making her home at Kirkland and District Hospital in 1990, daughter Nora recalls on one occasion Bea saw a piano in the hospital lounge and sat down to play her favourite songs. Almost immediately, people began to dance to her nostalgic tunes.7
Trinity United Church, Kirkland LakeCirca 1930's
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image from Museum of Northern History Collection
8
Beatrice Neelands3 April 1987
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image loaned from Museum of Northern History Collection
Image loaned from Northern News
9
Beatrice was a remarkable woman and her contributions to the community of Kirkland Lake were recognized by those who knew her and met her on her walks downtown or in her beloved garden. As her daughter Nora says. "She was always there." A quiet, unassuming woman who never sought the spotlight and devoted herself completely to her family, her friends and her church. She died in 1995 in her 98th year. |
 |
 |
 |