Alice Northcott was born into a prosperous family in Victoria. She came to Quesnel in 1884 to serve as the school teacher. In 1891 she married John Edward Bowron and had to give up her teaching position, since married women were not permitted to teach at this time. Instead she became a telegraph operator, which required long hours and the ability to repair the line. She had one son who died in infancy or early childhood. It is believed that she traveled to the United States and obtained a divorce from her first husband. In 1902 she married Otis Earley. They settled on a farm at Dragon Lake, raised four children and were active, respected members of the community. This fan is just one of the many personal effects from Alice Earley that we have in the collection. If you come visit us make sure to listen to Alice's account of her journey to Quesnel by stagecoach.
Alice Early's Fan
