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.