I’d like to thank
the following for their input in making this
work more complete…
Kate Currie, research assistant at the Beaton
Institute at the University College of Cape
Breton, who provided me with information about
Glendale and the history of Saint Mary of the
Angels Church.
Mildred Howard, a genealogist in Sydney, Nova
Scotia, who determined birth dates for several
of Nana’s brothers and sisters, and also
provided Glendale census information.
Rev. Peter T. McLeod, former Pastor of Saint
Mary of the Angels Church, who sent me a copy of
the genealogical history of Saint Mary’s parish.
Rev. Pius Hawley, former Pastor of Saint Mary of
the Angels Church, who sent me a copy of Nana’s
baptismal certificate.
Also, just weeks before this final edition went
to press in 2006, I discovered a marvelous group
of people who live in Inverness Country. These
kind folks are all part of an Internet mailing
list and have been very generous with their time
and information. With their help, I found a
birth date for John Angus on the 1911 census,
confirmed that my researched location of the
general area of the Gillis farm is correct,
located Saint Mary of the Angels on a modern
Glendale map, and confirmed what a friendly and
wonderful place Glendale is. To join this mail
group, simply send an email to
CAN-NS-INVERNESS-L-request@rootsweb.com with the
word subscribe in the header and body. If you
have questions about your Cape Breton heritage,
these people can help. I am grateful to all of
them who responded to me.
After the book was published, as a result of
CAN-NS-INVERNESS mailing list, Jeannette
MacVarish called me. Jeannette is the daughter
of Neil Gillis (Nana’s brother). Her late
husband, Robert MacVarish, was the son of Alan
MacVarish of Glendale. Jeannette worked for Nana
in the late 1950s and lived at Trull Street for
a time. She has been an invaluable source of
clarifications and new information, which I
added to the "Additions, Clarifications and New
Information since publication" page of this
site.
I’d also like to thank…
Lorraine
and Stanley Garland, who left this world far too
early. Both were shining lights in so many
lives. Because of Lorraine, I got to help the
seniors of Foxboro and feel like I was making a
difference again.
Jeff Peterson, editor of the Foxboro Reporter,
for taking a chance on me and letting me write
for his newspaper.
Jack Authelet, former editor of the Foxboro
Reporter and our town historian. His writing
continues to inspire me, and he got me involved
with the Doolittle Home in Foxboro, a place
where seniors live in dignity, respect, and
quality of life.
Mary Cicciu, one of the most remarkable seniors
I have ever met. Mary, I love you.
Sister Andrea MacVarish, for her lifelong
friendship with Nana and corresponding with me
well past her 103rd birthday. Receiving a letter
from Sister Andrea always made me feel closer to
Nana’s memory. May she rest in peace.
And finally, I cannot possible say thank you
enough to…
My Mom,
Marguerite Gillis, for always being there for
me.
My father, Robert Gillis. Writing this book has
helped me understand the complicated man my
father was, and appreciate his legacy. He did
his best, and he loved me. Rest in peace, Dad.
