Historical information

Original owner Nora O’Connor the donor’s adopted aunt, migrated to Canada during WW2 and also worked as volunteer at the Vancouver Mission to Seamen where she met her husband Edward O’Connor who later migrated to Australia. NB Lightkeeper membership category across many of the Missions globally, was usually reserved for women busy as home-makers with children and also as a Junior membership category for children.

Significance

The platter was accompanied by other materials from the Vancouver club of Senior Light keepers and together the material provides a parallel insight and reference to this group. It also provides a historical link within the worldwide network that is now recognised as the Mission to Seafarers.

The Lightkeepers Auxiliary was also active with the Mission in Williamstown where they helped raised the funds to set up the new mission in the E,S & A Bank in 1943 which was furnished thanks to the High Commission of Canada.

Physical description

Circular , varnished wooden tray or plaque with beaded edge froming 'lip". Oval hand painted design of two flags on flag pole, one yellow hoist above blue flag with horizontal white stripe across centre, on a ground of turquoise green. U.C. Lettering in gilt around edge of design (see title). On verso, ink stamp plus an old hanging metal wire.

Inscriptions & markings

indigo ink stamp : hand painted (1st word almost indecipherable)