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Susan Louisa (Moir) Allison
Susan Allison was a pioneer of early British Columbia. Together with her husband, John Fall Allison, and 14 children they lived in what is now Princeton, B.C. Mrs. Allison used the pseudonym of Stratton Moir (her brother’s name) when she wrote some of her poetry. She was very fond of, and respected the natives in the Similkameen area and decided to save their legends in the format of poetry. She explained that native stories weren’t merely “told” with words. The use of body language was equally important when retelling a tale. In her poetry, Mrs. Allison attempted to pass on the legends told to her in a manner that encompasses body language as well as words.
In the 1860s, there were about 300 Similkameen Indians. Their land stretched from Okanagan Lake to Hope and from the US Border north for about 45 miles. They were Interior Salish, a mixture of the Okanagan, Thompson, and Chilcotin tribes. They spent summers in the high country near the source of the Tulameen River, and had numerous trails and trade routes. One of their prized possessions was the Red Ochre they obtained from the cliffs of the Tulameen River valley. They transported this to a trade camp near where Highway 3 crosses the Similkameen River. Their travels were marked by many wonderful Pictographs which can still be seen along the Old Hedley Road.
"In Her Words"
In celebration of the Town of Princeton's 150th Birthday in 2010, and to honour the "Mother of the Similkameen", the Princeton and District Museum and Archive Society will be publishing a collection of the writings of Susan Allison. These works have been compiled by Diane Sterne of the Mozey-On-Inn, with photos and additional information supplied by Lori Thomas, a great-granddaughter of Susan Allison. Proceeds from this book will benefit the Princeton and District Museum and Archives.
This 90 page book is now available at Lulu.com. Type the title "In Her Words" in the search box.
It is available in paperback (8.5" x 11") for $20.00 US plus shipping or as a download for $15.00 US.
It is currently not available directly through the Princeton Museum, but they will receive proceeds from every sale.
The Mozey-On-Inn and the author receive no compensation from this book.
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