A member of the literary Strickland family, this talented author married Lieut. Thomas Traill and emigrated to Upper Canada in 1832. For seven years, they struggled unsuccessfully to establish a profitable farm on bushland in Douro Township. Subsequently, they lived at Ashburnham and Rice Lake. In 1862, following her husband's death, Mrs. Traill's daughters purchased "Westove," and she lived here the rest of her life. Her best known book, "The Backwoods of Canada," is based on her pioneering experiences. In her "Studies of Plant Life in Canada" and other works, she proved herself a gifted botanist.

Location

At her former home, 16 Smith Street, Lakefield

Themes

• Arts and culture
• People
• Women's history