Family (Grades K-3)

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Family Recipes

Andrew tells us about Wacky Cake, a special food in his family. Credit: RBCM

Family Traditions

Amelie talks about traditions in her family. Credit: RBCM

Letter to Mama

Listen to a letter written by eight-year-old Arthur Douglas Crease. In 1880, Arthur wrote this letter to his 'Dear Mama' when she was away from home. Arthur's news is about his neighbor's horses and rabbits, playing with friends and the icy cold weather. It's pretty clear Arthur misses his mama and papa!

This letter was read and recorded in 2017 by a Canadian child. What you hear will be different from how Arthur Crease would have sounded in 1880. Click here if you want to read Arthur's letter.

Credit: BCA MS-2879, box 69, file 1

Letter to Lindley

Arthur Crease liked to write letters. Listen to this Christmas letter he wrote to his brother.

This letter was read and recorded in 2017 by a Canadian child. What you hear will be different from how Arthur Crease would have sounded in 1880. Click here to read Arthur's letter.

Credit: BCA MS-2879.79.2 p.1

Dear Great Granny

Warbrick Deans wrote this letter to his great-grandmother describing a windy seaside walk in Victoria.

This letter was read and recorded in 2017 by a Canadian child. What you hear will be different from how Warbrick Deans would have sounded in 1880. Click here to read Warbrick's letter.

Credit: BCA MS-2879.69.17

Rossland Carnival

Have you ever thought about what a winter carnival might have been like a long time ago? Here's someone describing the fun things kids could do.

This program was broadcast in 1969 as a special for the Christmas season. It features settlers' recollections about wintertime in the Fraser Valley and northern BC. The people speaking include Martin Starret, Pan and Betty Phillips, and Sarah Bourgon.

Visit Voices from the Past to hear more stories from the past.

Credit: BCA T2465:0001, with permission of the CBC

Little Pete and the Dollar Bill

Excerpt from Little Pete and the Dollar Bill and Other Stories produced by Imbert Orchard, 1983, (20:12 - 21:03/23:01 - 29:15).

Listen to this fun story of young Peter Lagace and his adventures in trying to return a dollar bill to the person who lost it. As you listen, imagine what family life was like growing up in the Lower Fraser Valley in Peter’s time. Pete also describes how his mother made his clothes from empty sugar and flour sacks!