Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers out there! How do you spend the day? What does Father’s Day mean to you?

My father was one of the 7,000 children sent out to Canada through the Orphan Homes of Scotland between 1861 and 1938.

Although he was born in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire,


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Dad was raised at the village homes near Bridge of Weir, approximately 15 miles west of Glasgow.


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The name Orphan Homes of Scotland implies the children who went there were orphans. That wasn’t always the case. My father wasn’t an orphan. He was one of ten children and after his mother died when he was just two years old, his father had a stroke and couldn’t look after the family.

Grandpa Robertson was married twice. The children from his first marriage helped out as best they could, but in the end, my father and four of his siblings (all from the second marriage) who were sent off to the Orphan Homes of Scotland.

Cottage 1 Quarriers Village - Broadfield Home
My father and his brothers, George and Andy, stayed here in Broadfield Home (Cottage 1).

Because there was no such thing as co-ed living, sisters couldn’t stay in the same house as their brothers. Brothers couldn’t even visit their sisters without the housemother’s consent and only for a short time.

Cottage 13 - Quarriers Village
My father’s sisters, Barbara and Christina, stayed here in Leven Home (Cottage 13).

After my father came to Canada, he worked on a number of farms in the Brockville area and enlisted with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders during World War II.

photo of my father
Robert A Robertson 1913-1969

Phillips Cables (sadly now the property is just an empty lot) provided him with employment from the time my father returned from the war and while he worked there, he met my mother.

robert and ruth's wedding 1950
My parents’ wedding – July 22, 1950

Sadly, I lost my Dad on April 29, 1969 as the result of a workplace injury. He may not be with me anymore but he lives on in my heart.

3 thoughts on “Happy Father’s Day!”

  1. What an interesting story about your father. It sounds very similar to my mother’s story. After, her mother died, she rode the Orphan Train (it wasn’t called this back then) from New York to Texas. I’m not sure why her father gave up his six children. You can read more of her story at my blog for her: http://afamilyforleona.blogspot.com My book loosely based on her story is scheduled for this year, whenever. 🙂

  2. Your book sounds fascinating, Beverly. I can’t wait to read it. In the meantime, I’ll read about your mother’s story on your blog. Who is publishing your book?

  3. 4 RV is the publisher. It’s been edited. Thoughts for a cover. Aidana is working on the cover. No date yet. I’m hoping soon.

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