Ella May Walker facts for kids

Ella May Jacoby Walker (born May 14, 1892 – died April 6, 1960) was a talented Canadian American artist, writer, and music composer. She created many beautiful works and helped save important historical places.

Her Early Life and Music

Ella May Jacoby Walker was born in Minnesota, USA. When she was about 10 years old, her family moved to Dundurn, Saskatchewan, in Canada, in 1902.

She loved music and studied it at two well-known schools: McGill Conservatory and Northwestern University. She learned from famous teachers like Percy Grainger. In 1913, she married Osman J. Walker, and they had two sons, Jim and Wilfrid.

In 1920, her family moved to Edmonton, Canada. There, Ella taught piano lessons and helped put on plays. She also played the organ at Knox Church and for silent movies at the Allen Theatre.

Her Journey into Art

In the 1930s, Ella met Arthur Lismer, a famous Canadian painter. He was part of a group called the Group of Seven, known for painting Canadian landscapes. Arthur Lismer inspired Ella to change her main focus from music to art.

Ella started to sculpt and paint old, important buildings in Edmonton. She became a leader in the art community. She was the president of the Edmonton Chapter of the Alberta Society of Artists. She also taught art, including sculpture and painting, at the University of Alberta.

Her Writing Career

Besides music and art, Ella May Walker was also a writer. She wrote articles for newspapers like the Edmonton Journal. She even wrote about music!

She also wrote a novel, which is a long story, called Fortress North. This book was a collection of short stories about the history and growth of Edmonton.

Her Lasting Legacy

Ella May Walker cared a lot about history. In 1947, she joined Edmonton's Archives and Landmarks Committee. She worked hard to find, research, and protect important historical places in the city until 1953.

After she passed away, her sons gave her artwork and records to the Edmonton City Archives. They also created a special scholarship called the Ella May Walker Memorial Award. This award helps students at the University of Alberta.

In 1975, Ella May Walker received a special award from the Edmonton Historical Board. This was a way to recognize all her amazing contributions to art, music, and history.

Ella May Walker left behind many creations. These include her paintings, sculptures, and her novel Fortress North. She also composed music, like a piano piece called Whirlwind Waltz and a song for a choir called The Eternal Guest.