Interview with Miss Janet Gibb of the Grove, Ramsey, about her life
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Date(s): February 1973
Scope & Content: Track 1: Janet Gibb of the Grove, Ramsey talks to John Stowell Kenyon about her life. Janet tells a variety of stories about her grandfather and great-grandfather including her grandfather's travels to Greenland, family links to the Cunard Line and how her grandfather retired to the Isle of Man. She also describes the rescue of a cargo-ship from the ice. She describes her grandfather's first visit to the Isle of Man in 1832 and his purchase and modernisation of 'Poplar Grove', later known as the Grove. She talks about Deemster Cowley and Dr Templeton; her family in Liverpool; her father joining the East India Company and moving to Madras; the Indian Mutiny; her father’s return to the Isle of Man to farm the Calf of Man. Janet recalls her early childhood in Port Erin and on the Calf of Man and talks about Gansey; the Hutchins family; Manx Gaelic; her father’s move to Canada and his death in the Isle of Man in 1886; her aunt at the Grove; Ormly Hall; Dumbell’s Bank failure; Alexander Bruce. Mentions Hall Caine.
Track 2: Janet talks about her grandfather Turnbull; ownership of properties in Port Erin and family members; how her grandfather taught her to read; Joseph Callow of Ballacojeen; Mrs Edwards Havant (later Conister); the Bishopscourt annual garden party; Hill and Barns families; the snow of 1892; construction of roads in Ramsey and Laxey; the ‘old turf road’ near Lonan church. She recalls the opening of the Manx Electric Railway and the move from steam to electric. She talks about shopping in Douglas; her teenage life; Mrs Mills who played music; parties at St Olive's school and the Grove; John Crellin; Hunt the Wren; the White Boys play; Mollag band; origins of the Manx Musical Guild and the medals presented in 1894. Janet ends by recalling her memories of Dr Clague; Deemster Fred Gill; Arthur William Moor; John Miller Nicholson; Cronkbourn (Tromode House); William Hoggatt.
Administration / Biographical History: Janet Anne Gibb was donor of The Grove, Ramsey (1878-1974). John Stowell Kenyon was a businessman and local antiquarian (1908-1998).
Language: English
Extent: 2 hr. 8 sec.
Item name: cassette tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0176
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH