Clara Louise Corrin

Epithet: Painter and decorator (1914-1918)

Record type: First World War Biographies

Town / Village residence: Castletown

Biography: Clara was born in 1881, living with her parents in Malew Street until later when she lived with her grandparents, the Bickerstaffs, in Hope Street. In 1911, she was a Tobacconist (Dealer), 'living on her own account'. She married in 1920 at the age of 39.

Clara’s family ran a Painting and Decorating business. In June 1916, it was reported in the Mona’s Herald that “owing to the absence of the menfolk, Miss Clara Corrin, daughter of Mr W. Douglas Corrin, painter of Castletown, has pluckily come forward and is assisting her father in his business by taking the place of a practical painter. She is a capable and dexterous workman, and her example is worthy of emulation where female labour can be temporarily employed to advantage.”

Clara's family were all very musical, inheriting the musical genes from Charles Bickerstaff who played the organ and set up choirs. Clara played the piano and sang. Clara's sister Caroline (Carrie) played the church organ for many years in Castletown. It is said that Carrie’s husband would cook the Sunday lunch. The Corrins regularly took part in fund-raising concerts for charity.

Gender: Female

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