Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2007.25.02.04 |
Object Name |
Kit, Sewing |
Date |
1940 |
Features |
Housewife sewing kit; multiple components: Roll-Up Case: Length of fabric. Exterior side has two strips of cotton to tie the roll of fabric closed. Interior has three pockets in a ladder pattern up the length of fabric. Top most pocket has a white label with red print "W.M.Alkenbrack". Above topmost pocket is a stamp "S.S.H ____ ____// OTTAWA CANADA//1940" and the inscription in green ink "SGT. ALKENBRACK C-51257" Card Thread Holder: Card stock holding lengths of three different threads (white, black, green) wrapped individually around a section of the card.) Sewing Kit: Small fabric baggy reinforced on bottom with black thread, and held closed with a safety pin. Contents of Sewing Kit: Hardened beeswax cube. Black plastic thimble. A single safety pin holding two buttons. 19 Other buttons of various colours, styles, and sizes. |
Object Story |
This housewife sewing kit belonged to Wesley Mackinnon Alkenbrack during his time with the armed forces in World War II. Wesley was born September 9, 1918 in Kaladar Township, to Claud E. Alkenbrack (1889-1982) and Flora Mackinnon (1889-1959), who were married October 16, 1912. Prior to World War II Wesley served with the 47th Reserve Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery. However, in June of 1940 he enlisted in the 32 or 34 Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A). Overseas he served with the 34th Field Battery and the 14th Field Regiment (R.C.A.). He participated in the first assault on D-Day along the Normandy coast line. He remained in Europe until 1946 serving with the Canadian Army staff lines of Communication with postings in Ghent, Brussels, and Paris. He was discharged June 19, 1946. A housewife sewing kit usually refers to a portable sewing kit. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was common for these kits to be assembled by the women in a soldiers life. Starting in the mid 1800's and into Word War II, Khaki coloured roll up cases containing various sewing supplies became standard issue to army members. With these kits soldiers could darn socks, replace buttons, occasionally sew up wounds, and more. |
People |
Alkenbrack, Wesley Mackinnon Alkenbrack, Claud Ethelbert Alkenbrack, Flora (nee Mackinnon) |
Subjects |
War World War II D-Day Sewing Sewing Kits |
Search Terms |
Normandy Ghent Brussels Paris 47th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery 32/34 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery 34th Field Battery 14th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery |