1. The Stamp Collections: John Allenby Cummer and Ada Cummer

In exploring his father’s and uncle’s stamp collections, Don reflects on a hundred years of Cummer family history and solves a mystery about who was behind a meticulous display of pre-Second World War stamps. Also, a tragic family loss. Read it here.

2. The Family Bible, the School Book and the Photo Album: Laurine Jackson and Jack Cummer

A hundred years ago (November 26, 1919) Jack Cummer and Laurine Jackson were married in Calgary. He had just come back from the wars. She had waited for him for 5 years. Read their story here.

3. Another Family Bible — Even Older!

An early morning phone call from a stranger in a distant town connects Don to a missing part of the Cummer family history. A Bible from 1827 differs significantly from the 1880s Bible in episode 2, but it also connects him to distant cousins who faced the turmoil of the 1930s. Read about it here.

4. The Wooden Hearts He Gave Away: William Allen Cummer

William Allen Cummer was a man of many talents, but he was best known in the Sunshine Coast as a woodworker. Among his many creations were hearts he made from wood and passed along to others with his blessing. Read his story here.

5. The White Stetson: Carl Burton Cummer

A cowboy hat given at a retirement party in 1963 brings to Don’s mind the life and career of a man who overcame physical adversities to lead a remarkable career and a highly fulfilling family life. Read the story here.

6. The Memoire Manuscript: Calgary’s Mayors

In his 70s, Carl B. Cummer wrote down his reminiscences of a 38-year career at Calgary City Hall, beginning with the mayors he had served from 1925-1963. Read his memoire here.

7. Memoir Manuscript: City Clerks and Royal Visits

Carl B. Cummer continues his reminiscences of the early days of Calgary. Read his memoir here.

8. The Piano: Royden Van Horne Cummer

With the proceeds of a life insurance policy following the tragic death of “Uncle Roy,” the family purchased a piano that remained at the heart of family music activities for a century. Read more.

9. The War Medals: Royden Van Horne Cummer

Returning from the First World War, Roy Cummer revealed to his younger brother the actions that earned him the Belgian Croix de Guerre and other medals. Read More