Anthony Walsh to Alice Ravenhill (May.6, 1941)

Title

Anthony Walsh to Alice Ravenhill (May.6, 1941)

Description

Walsh mentions the artistic progress of a former student named Johnny, whose work is being sold and solicited. He suggests a couple changes to “The Tale of the Nativity” and asks Ravenhill if she can get Major Bullock-Webster to arrange for moving pictures to be taken of the plays and photos of the boys in their costumes. He also mentions that the topic of the “Revival of Indian Arts and Crafts” came up recently in a meeting with the Summerland Board of Trade and that, as a result, his students at Inkameep have been invited to put on “an evening of Indian plays.”

Creator

Anthony Walsh

Source

Royal BC Museum, BC Archives (F/I/R19)

Date

May.6, 1941

Text

Inkameep Indian School
Oliver, B.C.
Canada

May 6th, 1941

Dear Miss Ravenhill:

Many thanks for your letter. I was glad to get the clippings. And glad that another picture had been sold. Young Johnnie is showing signs of great interest. Now that he is officially finished with school, we can meet on a different plane, whereas formerly we snarled and hissed at each other. He is working with his people a lot, but comes to school two days a week. A group of artists from Summerland who recently visited the school ordered a plaque from him, and another ordered a buckskin picture the value being four dollars. So that he is getting some encouragement. The main thing being that he continues on. His mother is very interested in the work and will be a great stand-by.

With regards to the “Tale,” would it be possible to insert where the men arrive from the hillsides, if they could say, “Are you the Foster father of the newly born Baby” Bishop Johnson thought that the idea of St Joseph being the foster-father had not been made clear. Under the picture of hillmen could it read, “The Coming of the Hill-Men”, instead of the Shepherds, as in the first issue.

So glad that the handbook situation has been cleared up. On no amount let your own copy go again.

Do you think Mr. Flintoff could arrange with Major B.W. about taking moving pictures of the plays. I would also suggest if he could take photos of the children in costume. They could be sold at the Hudson’s Bay Exhibition, and here in the Valley. [page break].

Mr. Millar recently addressed the Summerland Board of Trade on the “Revival of Indian Arts and Crafts” and so successful was his talk, that an invitation has been sent to the children to put on an evening of Indian plays. The Board of Trade would back it, and advertise widely. There would also be an exhibit of Indian art, and handicrafts. Summerland is thought to be the most creative centre in the Valley, and thus we should be gaining many new friends, should we go.

Ottawa has not sent its sanction yet, but if it does, all should be smooth sailing. Our costumes and masks are now complete.

Yours sincerely,
Anthony Walsh

Files

IMG_7348.jpg
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Citation

Anthony Walsh, “Anthony Walsh to Alice Ravenhill (May.6, 1941),” The Story is More than Itself, accessed March 19, 2024, https://thestoryismorethanitself.omeka.net/items/show/23.