The Daily Grind is a blog series all about the historic Morningstar Mill at Decew Falls.

Surprisingly, there are only a few photos in the collection where Nora and Jessie Morningstar are pictured together. They were born seven years apart, Nora in 1887 and Jessie in 1894, and this age gap may offer a clue as to why.

The earliest image of the sisters appears in a family portrait from about 1900.

In this photograph, Jessie is sitting in a rocking chair and is leaning on her hand. She has a bright smile and appears to have a carefree and lively spirit.

In 1901, Jessie wrote… ‘I am 7 years old now and will be 8 next winter. I love to play. I love to sing.’

Later, reflecting on her childhood, she wrote… “I adored my father and followed him everywhere—observing everything he did—which perhaps explains my ability to handle household repairs. I always loved to read, explore the outdoors, and care for animals. I rode horseback, had a pet raccoon that followed me like a dog, and we always had a fox terrier along with many kittens. I was a real tomboy—climbing trees and playing boys’ games—but I also loved dolls and never had enough of them.”

Nora, on the other hand, appears more formal. She sits poised with her hands neatly folded in her lap and is looking directly at the camera. She wears a belt like her mother’s and appears to be very grown up. Like her mother, Nora was caring yet firm, and often reported Jessie’s mischief—much to Jessie’s resentment.

Nora and Jessie did have a close relationship; however, their lives took different paths. Nora married the ‘boy next door’ and became a homemaker, following in her mother’s footsteps. Jessie, inspired by a neighbour’s daughter and her sister-in-law’s aunt—both of whom studied nursing in the U.S.—pursued a career in nursing.  After marrying, she settled in Savannah, Georgia, where she raised a family.

When Jessie left to study in the United States, the farthest she had traveled was Buffalo. Her studies and career took her to Rochester, New York City, and Boston. After long shifts, she and her friends would gather for late-night ‘feasts,’ talking into the early hours. On her days off, she enjoyed shopping, going to the movies, and learning to play golf and tennis.

The remaining photographs illustrate the sister’s differing styles, and the two images from 1916 reveal their differing personalities. Nora appears dignified and elegant, while Jessie seems to be having fun challenging the status quo. At this time, Jessie was on winter break, having just returned home from the ‘city,’ and was eager to introduce her sister to the latest trends.

Carla Mackie is Historical Services Coordinator with the City of St. Catharines. Historical Services includes the Morningstar Mill, the Lakeside Park Carousel, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.