Highland County Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary, Part XLIV

By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society

First, my apologies to the late Willa B. Stanforth and her relatives, friends and fans. Of course, Willa was not born in 1815 but rather in 1915. What a terrible thing for one woman to do to another, right? This time, my proof-reader-after-the-fact was not Bob, but a faithful online Highland County Press reader. Thank you, Harriet! The assistance and support are much appreciated.

And speaking of women, the ladies in this picture taken in 1937 are Anne Quinn Ottewell and her daughter, Elizabeth, on the occasion of their presentation to King George VI of England.

Anne was a Hillsboroan who had gone to France to study art. It is said that one of her works is hanging in the Louvre. But perhaps of even more consequence, while in France, Anne met a member of the British Consul who was there on holiday. They fell in love and married, making their home in England. Years later, Anne arranged to have their daughter, Elizabeth, “Presented at Court” in London, England, U.K.

King George VI was a new king in 1937, having been coronated after the 1936 abdication of the throne by his brother King Edward VIII. King George VI is described as a reserved and religious man who became a conscientious and dedicated monarch. He visited the U.S. in 1939, the first British monarch to visit our country. He died at the young age of 56. His daughter, Elizabeth, succeeded him and still reigns today.

The protocol involved with meeting royalty of Great Britain has changed very little since 1937. One refers to a king or queen as “Your Royal Majesty.” Unless one is British, you do not curtsy or bow but rather gentlemen might give a respectful nod and ladies, a little bob. One does not touch a member of royalty, but may shake his or her hand if it is first initiated by the royal.

The excitement and attention to detail in attire and protocol must have been great. For most of us, it would be unimaginable. Here, in the portrait, you see these very lovely ladies’ coiffures, long dresses, capes, trains, long gloves and ostrich feather fans. One would almost feel like royalty to be so attired. The Highland House is so fortunate to have been entrusted with the exquisite white ostrich feather fan carried by Anne on that day.

I have long enjoyed looking at it but now that I know its history and Hillsboro connection, it is even more incredible. Have I not often talked about the gifts connected with working for HCHS? Well, this one came in the form of meeting the Camerons, here briefly from England visiting Hillsboro friends and checking on property they still own in Hillsboro. In the past couple of years, they have attended HCHS events while here.

Alison Cameron is the daughter of the young Elizabeth in the picture.

Allison told me the story and gave me the picture of her mother and grandmother. Another picture at the museum is of the fan, protected in one of the display cases in the second floor front hall for all of us to marvel at and appreciate.

Sometimes, all I can say is wow! From clearing the wilderness to meeting royalty, Highland County citizens have done it all. Well, maybe not moon travel (yet), but record the experience when you do! And bring back a piece of the rock! We’ll find a spot for it in the Highland House. In the meantime, share your family history with the HCHS and visit often.