Wheelbarrow race at Invergarry House

Wheelbarrow race at Invergarry House

ID: PC_GLENGARRY_GMALCOLM_06 DESCRIPTION: The Ellice family hosted various events for local schools at Invergarry House, and there are several photographs of these. After Edward Ellice Junior died in 1880, the estates were managed by Edward’s widow, Eliza Ellice, with the assistance of the factor, George Malcolm. Malcom was factor for 46 years, between 1864 and 1910. He had a close knowledge of every tenant, and during these years the estates were considerably improved, acquiring a branch bank along with post, telegraph and money order offices, and a daily postal service. There were three regular places of worship with several outlying mission stations, and six schools. Malcolm kept letter books recording his correspondence, but only a few of these have survived. One letter concerns the school at Invergarry and the penny readings that were held there. Penny readings were a popular form of entertainment and social improvement during the second half of the 19th century. They tended to consist of about a dozen short pieces such as songs, recitations, talks, pieces of music and readings. Contributors were generally from the local community, and the admission fee was one penny. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 April 1877 Dear Mrs Ellice, We had a grand soirée in the schoolroom last Thursday to wind up the Penny Readings. Mr Cameron was Chairman, & among the speakers were Mr. Stewart from Inverness, Revd. W. Fraser, Fort Augustus, & Archibald McDonald, Daingean, who gave us some of his Canadian experiences, and made a short speech in Red Indian. There were about 200 people present, & of course, we had temporary seats fitted up. After paying all expenses the Readings & Soirée have yielded something for the poor. We yesterday opened formally the new Greenfield school. The children were marched in procession, with the Teacher at their head, & looked very pleased & bright. I gave each of them in your name a paper bag containing fruit, bun, &c, such as were given at the soirée – 24 @ 4d each. Archy Mcdonald, Jr. was again present, &, with others, made a few congratulatory remarks to the children. A number of the parents were also present. At the same time Mr. Burrell made and inspection of the premises with a view to our drawing the Government Building Grant, & was very well pleased with everything. They are really very neat, compact & comfortable premises, and as far as I have had a great deal to do with them from first to last, I felt very pleased that they are likely to answer so well. Archd. McDonald left today & hopes to see Mr. Ellice in London about the 14 to 17th. Yours most obediently Geo Malcolm PLACENAME: Invergarry DISTRICT: Lochaber OLD COUNTY/PARISH: INVERNESS: Kilmonivaig PERIOD: 1900s SOURCE: Glengarry Heritage Centre COLLECTION: Glengarry Heritage Centre Asset ID: 49215 KEYWORDS: