On the Saturday 19th September 1908, 17 year old Emily Rourke from Leeds began an art album.
The book was compiled while Emily was training to be a teacher in Leeds. She is seen on the 1911 census with many of her friends who also appear on the enumeration for that year at the college.
The book contains a fascinating collection of artwork and writings from her friends (many from her college). Some of contributions are quite extraordinary and all capture something of life in Edwardian Britain before hostilities in 1914.
The researched Rouke family history is here (14):
| Surname | Name | Dates | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rourke | Thompson | 15 Feb 1895 - Jun 1983 | 5071 |
| Rourke | Wm Henry | January 1889 - | 5072 |
| Simpson | Andrey Minnie Hylda | 12 May 1905 - 27 Feb 1989 | 5073 |
| Simpson | Audrey M H | - | 5074 |
| Simpson | Frances Howard | abt 1898 - | 5075 |
| Simpson | Frank | abt 1873 - | 5076 |
| Simpson | Nancy Florence Ray | abt 1910 - | 5077 |
| Simpson | Phyllis Mary Warren | abt 1902 - | 5078 |
| Thompson | Sarah Elizabeth | abt 1866 - 2 Mar 1936 | 5079 |
| Thompson | William | - | 5080 |
In the beginning of the book Emily writes:
“Whilst o’er this book you give a glance,
I hope you’ll kindly take the chance
To add unto the same.
Can you compose? Then write your own.
If not, some poet that’s well-known
Please quote, and add his name.” E.R.
