Rice Lake Christmas Card

Description

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Creator

Gerald S. Hayward, Attributed name

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Paintings

Description

A Christmas card from G. S. Hayward.

Notes

Gerald Hayward (1845-1926), along with his brother Alfred, were born at Ravenscourt, between Cobourg and Port Hope to Captain Alfred and Caroline Hayward. As a young man he held a number of jobs and was even station agent at Harwood for the Cobourg-Peterborough railway. He travelled west aboard a prairie schooner and in 1866 returned to Canada and served as a rifleman in the Feneian Raids. He was awarded 160 acres near Parry Sound but his attempt to farm his land eneded when he was stricken by sunstroke. He left the life of farming to become an artist, travelling to England to study art. He enjoyed success exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1879 to 1883. His miniatures were so superior to paintings that he became a great success in Europe and painted the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Czar and Czarina of Russia plus the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. After a brief return to Canada, he made his home in New York, returning to Rice Lake, Ontario every summer. In 1902 he build The Willows, now Victoria Inn, in Gore's Landing. He contributed greatly to the community.

Inscriptions

"Rice Lake. May you sail through life in smooth waters". G.S.H 1920. With many warm wishes for a very happy Xmas to you dear Fanny - excuse this unconventional card (for I am tired of printed forms) Please give my kindest wishes to all you sisters. - I enjoyed the little afternoon tea with you very much. This sketch has no miniature work in it only a reminder! God bless you in the coming New Year. I am always faithfully your friend, Gerald S. Hayward. Addressed to Miss Fanny Sutherland, 110 East 30th St., New York, NY

Date of Original

Christmas 1920

Subject(s)