Irene Herbison tending the chickens
Born in the US to a Boston family in 1870 that provided feed and other supplies to farmers. The family vacationed at Charleston lake in Ontario. They sensed the potential to expand their US business and opened stores Brockville and Kingston. Irene met Hillard at Charleston lake at a little store known as the “Outlet”. Her son Oren worked for both of her brothers during the summer, one in Brockville and the other in Kingston.
Although born to a well to do Boston family, she felt attuned to the country life. The above the photo was taken around 1937, when she was about 67. She was known for being young looking all her life.
She died in 1949. At that time she had very gray hair and had stayed slim all her life. She had been a lifelong swimmer and ran up stairs even a few months before her death.