Making Maps and Drawing Diagrams
My Canadian
Grandmother’s Stomping Grounds
M y dad and uncle
both wrote history about their families and included pictures where they could.
But one of the things that charms me most is their maps and diagrams. Dad drew
a picture of his hometown neighborhood as it looked in his childhood. It’s fun
to see how things have changed in that town. He also drew pictures of farm
equipment they built by hand. Wonderful history! My uncle made sketches of home
floor plans, and yards equally interesting.
I can
guarantee you that history buffs and ancestors will appreciate any maps, floor
plans, or diagrams you can provide. I’m sure my daughters would rave over
anyone’s home floor plan—especially if it includes the placement of furniture.
Below is
an example of a map I drew of the small town of Cockersmouth, Cumbria, England
where my grandfather grew up. The town is very old, and was built around
Cockersmouth Castle. By looking at the map, you can also learn many other
things about the town. You can see a river runs through it, and there was a mill
and a brewery there.
The name
Cockersmouth is also a clue as to how the town got its name. It used to be the
gathering place for cock fights, even after cock fighting was outlawed—say the
history books.
Don’t be
shy about including drawings of rooms, homes, yards, towns, or anything else
you don’t have in a picture. It will only add in the interest to and
understanding of your history. Make it fun, I always say!
Cockermouth, Cumbria, England
No comments:
Post a Comment