Sunday, September 8, 2013

Laura Secord - the first part

The third issue in the Canadian folklore series, issued on September 8, 1992, focuses on Canadian heroes whose feats have taken on legendary proportions. Everyone who buys chocolates in Canada is familiar with the name "Laura Secord". But not everyone is aware that there was a real Canadian heroine named Laura Secord. Born in 1775 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Laura Ingersoll moved to Canada with her family in 1795. She met and married local Queenston merchant James Secord in 1798. But the good times began to fade with the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Great Britain. On June 21, 1813, both her home and town were overtaken by American invaders. Overhearing the enemy's battle strategy, she decided she had to warn the British garrison at Beaver Dams. Since the roads would be too dangerous, she undertook a 20-mile trek by swamp, escarpment and woods. Following many near-fatal mishaps, she encountered a band of Caughnawaga Indians who guided her the rest of the way. Reaching the garrison with her story, the Americans surrendered after the Indians ambushed them on June 24. (Canadian Postal Archives)
(sorry about the small font...)
Designed by Ralph Tibbles 
Based on illustrations by Deborah Drew-Brook 
Based on illustrations by Allan Cormack


This 2013 issue was designed by Susan Scott who "consciously tried to avoid the 'sentimental' look of the earlier stamp in devising the latest postal tribute to Secord" and Montreal illustrator Suzanne Durenceau
There are no photographs of Laura Secord save for one taken when she was nearly 90 years of age, so the designers used photos of some of Laura's daughters who had similar facial features as inspiration and found a model to pose. Canada Post is pretty strict about the models used for stamps, so this mystery woman (who apparently is from Montreal) will always remain anonymous.
The second part on Laura Secord is under cemeteries tab. (this tabbing idea is a work in progress - does anyone have hints on how to transfer posts to new tab?)
SundayStamps

13 comments:

  1. One tough lady no wonder she lived until nearly ninety. I like both stamp versions in their different way.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is an interesting contrast between the two stamps on the same subject.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think all you need to do is cut and paste to move your posts to pages tabs. It is bit cumbersome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great feat by this lady, and the fact native tribe helped her

    ReplyDelete
  5. A heroine in every respect. A fitting subject for a stamp.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I grew up near Great Barrington MA, yet never learned about her. I guess Americans would see this event differently. Two great stamps. thank you for participating this week!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like the second stamp the best.
    I never found a way to move old posts to new tabs, will be interested if you do.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like the second stamp the best.
    I never found a way to move old posts to new tabs, will be interested if you do.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the second stamp the best.
    I never found a way to move old posts to new tabs, will be interested if you do.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the artwork on these stamps, particularly the top one.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! It's interesting to read about a heroine on stamp. I wish the Philippines will feature our heroines on stamps too. Or perhaps they already did. I would have to find out...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the brave ladies of the past! Thanks for the history lesson.

    ReplyDelete

Glad you stopped by. For anyone who stumbled here, don't be shy to say 'hi' and let me know you've visited!