Tom Probislo of Meaford discovered an interesting birch-bark autograph book among several quill boxes that his late mother Ilse had collected. The book belonged to “Vivienne” and her connection to Ilse is unknown. The 20-page book is a collection of notes and autographs from her apparent co-workers at Bigwin Inn. Based on these delightful comments and jokes, it seems that Vivienne worked there in 1938.

Tom’s search to find a home for this little piece of history led him to the Foundation. After some sleuthing we discovered that Douglas McTaggart’s book Bigwin Inn lists all the staff who worked there in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Only one Vivienne appears, and her last name is Van Huson. Perhaps this is her book.

Thanks to Ilse and Tom, it will soon be on display at the Lake of Bays Marine Museum in Dorset.