With Dignity and Dispatch A Biography of Andrew William Frank

Jean is celebrating ! December 12, she turns another year older...87 now ! Many happy returns. There are a few copies of her three books remaining and they make great gifts....Christmas or any other occasion. Message me here, and we will make arrangements.

On May 11, 1928 Andrew William Frank and Elsie Marion Storey were married in Rockwood. After their marriage, they travelled to Cleveland, Ohio in their brand new 1928 Nash car. Upon their return, they settled into a 15 acre rented farm at lot 19, Concession 4. This is the property they purchased in December 1928, and where they grew their abundance of strawberries, raspberries and other crops and livestock. The start of our family legacy.

Author, Jean Somerville, is speaking at a private function, the District Womens Institute annual meeting in mid May. Her topic is " Embracing Change--- the essence of life". Jean will be sharing the experiences of her great great grandfather, John Newton, who moved from England to Canada in the 1840's and the many changes he encountered. The story of Andrew Frank, her father, will also be featured--- a talented man who basically changed with the times every decade. Jean is available for other speaking engagements. Her three self-published books "The Bands Played On" ; In His Words" and "With Dignity and Dispatch " are for sale.

The true matriarch of our family and musical maestro, June (Frank) Evans Durrant passed quietly on Feb 12. Her beautiful obit says it better than my feeble attempt to pay tribute to her. Durrant (Evans), Lauretta June - For the great majority of her life, June’s exultation of spirit appeared infinite. From her home overlooking Halton Hills, until the age of 94 she drove her own car, travelled around the continent, and efficiently managed her own affairs as well as a social c...Continue reading

On Tuesday October 17, Jean will be speaking to the Nassageyga Historical Society. 7:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Brookville, just off of the Guelph Line. She will be recounting the story of her Dad, Andy Frank---- every decade, he was forced to change careers, and excelled at them. Guests are welcome.

On Friday, June 13, 2014, a special lady in the Frank family will reach a milestone birthday. June Frank Evans Durrant will be 100 years old. The younger sister of Andy Frank, my great aunt June has had an amazing life, Music has been a constant thread- her first performance was at age 8, dancing the Highland Fling and singing two songs. She later taught at one room schools, and ended her career in Georgetown, as Supervisor of Music. June was the pianist for the "Sod Busters"... orchestra. Marrying James Forbes Evans, he was posted to the Bahamas during the war years. They raised two daughters, Mary and Barbara in Georgetown. After Jim's passing in 1975, she later married Frank Durrant, an Englishman who they had met in the Bahamas and had kept in touch through the years. Travel, curling, golf and leadership in community and church were important, Family events always had a musical time, with the fiddle, piano and singing. June is now residing at a retirement home in Owen Sound, where Mary visits daily. A quiet celebration is planned. More of the story can be found in With Dignity and Dispatch". Copies are available. Saluting this wonderful family matriarch----CAROL

Thanks to all that came out to hear Jean Somerville speak about her latest book and publishing. There were about 40 there. With just 1/2 a dozen family members..., they were not all relatives in attendance. ( we do have a big family) Jean is available for speaking engagements, book signings, and community events with a historical bent. Contact can be made through this page. Thanks for your interest in local Halton history. See more

The re-scheduled meeting for the Esquesing Historical Society in Tuesday, March 25 --same time, same place--Acton Library, 7:30 pm. Hoping for no snow storm, this time !

On Wednesday March 12, Jean will be speaking at the Esquesing Historical Society at the Acton Library, 7:30 p.m. She will be relating the Trials and Triumphs of self publishing her three books, as well as a glimpse into the exciting life of her father, Andrew Frank. All are welcome.

Fantastic Christmas gift for anyone interested In local history. Written by Jean Somerville. $35.00. Pickup in Acton.

In the October 15 edition of the Ontario Farmer, there is an excellent article by June Flath. This is not available on-line. If you would like a copy, let me know---or find a rural/farmer person in your area who is a subscriber and borrow the two pages !

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A big thanks to the 65+ people who attended the book launch. If there was a prize for the longest distance travelled, cousin Andrew Pridham from Ottawa would w...in it! A wonderful celebration of a few years work in putting the book together. Special thanks to Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton, a personal friend of Andy's, who accepted a copy of the book for the Milton Archives. The ladies of Ebenezer Church did an exceptional job with the catering----carrot cake and lemon tarts were very highly rated. Thank you to those who pitched in with the setup and cleanup afterwards. Several articles are pending in the press -- and notice will be given on here as they appear. See more

This is the day for the book launch ! Vehicles are loaded with displays and memorabilia and books. We look forward to celebrating with family, friends and associates and honouring the legacy of Andy and Elsie Frank. Ebenezer United Church, Guelph line, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Just three more sleeps till the book launch ! Looking forward to seeing long time and new friends and to celebrate the accomplishments of an amazing family. Some great great grandchildren of Andy and Elsie will be there--too young to read, they will know about their heritage through us sharing memories.

A comment from a life long family friend, who worked picking berries. "We picked up the book in Acton at 4:00 pm. I read more after supper, and by midnight, it ...was finished, I just could not put it down, and it brought back so many good memories. We worked hard and had fun too. Jean, you are an amazing writer, and thank you for preserving this slice of history. See more

Our family is saddened by the passing of Robert Macissac Sprowl- Mac. Not only was he Deputy Sheriff to Andy Frank, he assumed that position upon Grandpas retirement. Mac graciously contributed the chapter on the Sherriff era in With Dignity and Dispatch, Mac also grew up a few miles from Dad, Fyfe Somerville and they were life long friends, with associations through Junior Farmers, judging competitions, curling, hockey,Acton Fall Fair, Knox Church community and social events. Our sympathies to Joyce, Diane and Marie-----a long life, well lived !