Corrigan, Dorothy (Sproule)

  • From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Sproule
  • Wiki Biography:
    • Dorothy Sproule (November 4, 1867 – January 2, 1963) was a Canadian poet and civic leader, recognized for her literary contributions and her engagement in Montreal’s cultural and social life. Her work often commemorated nature, the seasons, and national events, including coronations and royal visits, earning her recognition from members of the British royal family.
    • Dorothy Maria Corrigan was born in Dundas County, Ontario, to Alva James Corrigan, a rural postmaster, and Mary Catherine Sipes. Her family was of United Empire Loyalist descent. She was one of five children, four of whom survived childhood. Her father was active in Tory politics and maintained close friendships with Ontario Premier Sir James Whitney and Prime Minister R. B. Bennett.
    • Sproule began writing poetry in earnest following the death of her husband in 1924 and youngest son Hubert Douglas in 1930. Over a writing career spanning more than three decades, she published eight books of poetry, and contributed essays and poems to newspapers and periodicals such as The Crucible (Toronto), Notebook Magazine (Cleveland, Ohio), Great Thoughts Magazine (London), and Visions Magazine (California). Her works often explored nature, the four seasons, holidays, and notable state occasions.
    • Over her career, she received letters from various members of the British royal family, including the five monarchs from Edward VII to Elizabeth II, leading to her being described as the “Canadian Poet-Laureate to Royalty”. She wrote a poem to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of George V. In 1937, her “Coronation Ode”, for which she was awarded the Coronation Medal, was broadcast by the BBC at the coronation of George VI. She also received personal acknowledgement from Queen Elizabeth II for her poems “The Crown Still Stands”, written for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, and “Welcome to Royalty”, for the Queen’s 1959 tour of Canada.
  • Great Granddaughter of Proven Loyalist in Loyalist Directory; https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=7679
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