On exhibit from October 16, 2010 to February 20, the Wellington County Museum and Archives presents Allie’s Kids: Illustrations by Lois Beams MacKenzie. Inspired by Lois’ published memories in 2009, fifteen original framed illustrations highlight her family life in the Depression and the struggles endured by her mother, Allie, as she raised a large family.
In the 1990s, Beams joined the Elora Memoir Group and began recording the story of her life.
Her illustrations are an expression of those memories and the museum is delighted to share them in this exhibition.
Born in 1922, Beams’ father was killed in a sawmill accident in Fergus when she was just 5 years old, the oldest of three children. Her mother remarried and bore several more children in the 1930s. Life with Beams’ stepfather was harsh and jobs were non-existent. During the Depression, the family moved 22 times in 12 years, each dilapidated house worse than the last. Beams’ memoirs present vivid and honest recollections of the hardships of poverty. Her zest for life, however, allows her to embrace with fondness the warm memories of simple pleasures and family love.
Though untrained, Beams is a born artist and writer who has the ability to bring memories alive in visuals and the written word. Copies of her book, Allie’s Kids, is available at the museum’s gift shop.
For more information, visit: www.wcm.on.ca or call 519-846-0916. The Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on County Road 18 between Fergus and Elora, and it is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and noon to 4pm on weekends and holidays.
