Famous Canadian Women's Historic Timeline - 1950-1959

Return to Timeline introduction

1950 AD to 1959 AD
Events listed relate to Canadian women with a few extra items added to give the timeline perspective.

This timeline is not all inclusive.

The timeline was fun to prepare and hopefully it will be fun to read. Perhaps it will even be useful.

Events listed are drawn from various sources including those listed on other areas of http://famouscanadianwomen.com

If you wish more information on the women listed in this timeline be sure and check out the birthdays listed in
"Do you share a birthday with a famous Canadian woman?"

LAST UPDATED December 2012

DATES	EVENTS
1950	1950 - Inuit Canadian are given the right to vote. *1950 - Marion Orr* (1918-1995) of Maple, Ontario begins her own flying school. During her career as a flight instructor she trained over 600 pilots. Source: Women in Canadian History. Susan Merrwill http;//www.niagara.com/~merrwill/trivia.html (accessed June 3, 2004) 1950 - Canadians invent the green garbage bag. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. pg 18. Births 1950: 1950 - Born Cathy Kerr (1951-2004) social activist for the disabled March 16, 1950 - Born Kate Nelligan, actress. April 18, 1950 - Born Jane Austin Coop, musician. June 17, 1950 - Born Cathy Sherk ( 1950- ) Canadian Champion women's golfer. July 11, 1950 - Died Dr. Margaret Ellen Douglas (1878-1950) doctor and medical administrator in Manitoba. July 12 , 1950- Born Barbara Astman, photographer and multimedia artist. July 20, 1950 - - Born Tantoo Cardinal, actress. July 23, 1950 - Born Belinda Montgomery (1950- ) well respected support actress worked mainly in TV. September 15, 1950 - Born Sheila Fraser, appointed Auditor General of Canada. September 28, 1950- Born Catherine Robbin, mezzo-soprano. November 2, 1950- Born Wendy Lill Playwright, journalist, community development worker, historian and Member of Parliament (Dartmouth, N.S.) November 22, 1950 - Born Linda Granfield, author. Deaths 1950: 1950 - Died Julia Arthur (1869-1950) international stage actress and movie star. July 29, 1950 - Died Alice Stuart Massey ( -1950) Wife of Vincent Massey and author.
1951	1951 - All three services of the Canadian military begin to recruit women in the reserves. Source: Women in the Military. The Canadian Encyclopedia Online http://thecanadianencyclopedia.com accessed March 2005. 1951 - Charlotte Whitton (1896-1975) is the first woman to become mayor of a major city, Ottawa. 1951 - Addie Aylestock becomes the first Black woman to be ordained as a Minster in Canada. Source: Black History Month http://cyberus.ca/~acdas/bhm1a.html (accessed May 2005) August 16, 1951 - Winnie Roach-Leuszler (1926-2004) becomes the first Canadian woman to swim the English Channel. (Information from her family) October 2, 1951 - the first enlistees in the Woman's Division of the Royal Canadian Navy begin their training. ^{Source: “Doreen Nettie Paterson Reitsma” by Raymond Reitsma , The Vancouver Hall of Fame, online (Accessed December 2012.)} November 12, 1951 - National Ballet of Canada is founded. Births 1951: 1951 - Born Jane Ash Poitras (1951- ) aboriginal artist/painter. 1951 - Born Elizabeth Hay (1951- ) award winning author. February 22, 1951 - Born Elaine Tanner, considered Canada's best competitive swimmer. February 24, 1951 - Born Helen Shaver (1951- ) , actress and member of Canada's Walk of Fame. March 7, 1951 - Born Diane Jones Konihowski, Medal winning track star and recipient of the Order of Canada. March 12, 1951 - Born Susan, Musgrave, poet. March 25, 1951 - Born Ethel Blondwin-Andrews, the first aboriginal woman elected to the Canadian Parliament and the the first appointed to a Cabinet position. March 28, 1951 - Born Karen Kain, prima ballerina. May 6, 1951 - Born Louise Portal, award winning actress, author, and composer. May 7, 1951 - Born Janina Frakowska, international renownd pianist. June 4, 1952 - Born Maryann Kovalski (1951- ) Illustrator for books. July 4, 1951 - Born Beverly Boys, champion diver in springboard and platform diving. July 5, 1951 - Born Marie M. Klawe (1951- ) BUSINESSWOMAN. August 5 , 1951- Born Carole Laure, accomplished actress, director and producer of films. August 23, 1951 - Born Bev (Beverly) Busson ( 1951- ) first woman to be appointed as Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (2006) October 9, 1951 - Born Thelma Sonia Wright ( 1951 ) medal winning track and field star. Deaths 1951: 1951 - Died Mary Alexander Bell Eastlake (1864-1951) artist 1951 - Died Flores (Florence) La Due (1883-1951) World Champion Trick and Fancy Roper, rancher . February 7, 1951 - Died Edna May Diefenbaker (1899-1951) wife of John George Diefenbaker (1895-1979) 13th Prime Minister of Canada. Note some sources report her birth date as 1901. October 5, 1951 - Died Francis Marion Beynon (1884-1951), journalist, feminist and social reformer who in 1912 became the first full-time editor, Grain Growers Guide.
1952	1952 - Elsie Knott, a member of the Ojibwa tribe, is the first Native woman elected chief. September 1952 - Canada's first television stations begin broadcasting in Montreal and Toronto. September 8, 1952 - Laddie Dennis (1920-2009) is the first Canadian woman to appear on Canadian TV. Source: Canadian Broadcast Museum Foundation Http://www.cbmf-fmcr.ca/Newsletter/march 2009/laddie.php (Accessed March 2009) 1952 - Ethlyn Trapp (1891-1972) became the 1st woman doctor to become head of the National Cancer Institute of Canada. ^{Source: Vancouver Hall of Fame (Accessed December 2012)} Births 1952: 1952 - Born Marsha Elaine Boulton (1952- ) listed in the Canadian Who's Who as shepherd and author, she is also an historian. January 10, 1952 - Born Angela Grauerholz ( 1952- ) internationally known photographer. January 20. 1952 - Born Ruth Elizabeth Borson. Canadian Poet. February 19, 1952 - Born Constance Barbara Backhouse educator and author in women's issues. February 27, 1952 - Born Maureen McTeer, author, journalist, lawyer and politician, wife to Prime Minister Joe Clark. March 25, 1952 - Born Elizabeth Legge, artist and curator of fine arts. April 4, 1952 - Born Karen Magnusson, world champion figure skater. April 9, 1952 - Born Diana Zoe Coop, visual artist. April 11, 1952- Born Indira Vasanti Damarasekera an award winning mechanical Engineer. May 13, 1952- Born Mary Walsh (1952- ) award winning actor, comedian, writer and role model. May 19, 1952 - Born Sarah Ellis, (1952- ) author of books for children and youth. June 181952 - Born Shirley Cheechoo ( stage name Cactus Rose) artist, actor, writer, director singer and producer. July 5, 1952 - Born Susan Riva Bellan, import and retail executive and author. July 5, 1952 - Born Laurelea Vorna Conrad, artist and business CEO. August 31, 1952 - Born Carrie-Jo (C.J.) Taylor, artist and author of books for teens. September 17, 1952 - Born Nancy Margaret Reid award winning statistician. December 11, 1952 - Born Goldie Semple (1952-2009) stage actress Deaths 1952: 1952 - Died Arabelle "Belle" Frances Patchen Northwestern pioneer April 12, 1952 - Died Margaret May McWilliams, (1875-1952)author and founder of the Canadian Federation of University Women. May 12, 1952 - Died Lillian Margaret Hendrie, (1870-1952) teacher and author. November 3, 1952 - Died Minnie ulia Beatrice Campbell (1862-1952) social activist and prominent volunteer.
1953	January 1, 1953 - National Library of Canada is established in Ottawa. January 1953 - 5 women, including Mrs. Irven McLean are the first women to serve on a jury in Ontario. Source: Cochrane Northland Post January 22, 1953. pg.2. July 13, 1953 - Stratford Festival begins under a tent . July 27, 1953 - Korean conflict ends. 1953 - Vitamin D is now added to milk. 1953 - Nancy Hodges becomes the first woman senator in British Columbia's legislature. Source: British Columbia Federation of Labour. http://bcfed.com/issues/women/history 1953 - Canada's Outstanding womens Athelete of the year was Ernestine Russell Weaver, (1938- ) Champion Gymnast. (Also won this title for 1954 & 1955) 1953 - Simpson's Department Stores merges with American Sears and the first Simpson's Sears catalogue is issued. Source: Before e-commerce : a history of mail order catalogues http://wwwcivilization.ca/cpm/catalog/catooooe.html (Accessed December 15,2004.) 1953 - Woodward's Catalogue, a tradition in Western Canada, business closes and assets are purchased by the Hudson's Bay Company. Source: Before e-commerce : a history of mail order catalogues http://wwwcivilization.ca/cpm/catalog/catooooe.html (Accessed December15, 2004.) Births 1953: 1953 - Born Catherine Kim McArthur(1953 - ) head of McArthur and Company Publishers. 1953 - Born Micheline Charest (1953-2004) business woman in animation industry. 1953 - Born Roberta Jamieson (1953- ) first aboriginal and first woman to be Ontario Ombudsman, Chief of Six Nations, Grand River Territory and first non-parliamentarian to be a House Commons committee. January 30, 1953 - Born Patricia Kim Alletson (1953- ) Award winning figure skater. March 10, 1953 - Born Debbie Brill medal winning track and field star who has been awarded the Order of Canada. April 12, 1953 - Born Paddy Tutty, musician and singer of Celtic music. July 9, 1953 - Born Margie Gillis ballerina, cultural ambassador, appointed to the Order of Canada. July 31, 1953 - Born Sylvie Fortier, champion synchronized swimmer. September 1953 - Born Anne Laurel Carter (1953- ) author of books for youth. October 15, 1953 - Born Betsey Clifford, World Ski champion. December 2, 1953 - Born Sheila Watt-Cloutier (1953- ) contemporary champion against persistent organic pollutants Deaths 1953; 1953 - Died Helena Jane Coleman (1860-1953) journalist and novelist. May 11, 1953 - Died Jean Adair (1873-1953) movie actress. July 28, 1953 - Died Florence Livesay (1874-1953) journalist and poet. October 12, 1953 - Died Pearl Beatrix Foley ( ? - 1953) author October 12, 1953 - Died Tilly Rolston (1887-1953) She was the second woman in British Columbia to be appointed to the cabinet and the first woman in all of Canada to hold a specific portfolio. December 16, 1953 - Died Rebecca (Becky) Buhay (1896-1953) a radical political organizer. December 18, 1953 - Died Eva Finkelstein Abremovich ( 1877-1953) who in 1897 graduated as one of the first Jewish person from Manitoba College.
1954	September 9, 1954 - Long distance swimmer, Marilyn Bell (1937- ) becomes the first person to swim across Lake Ontario, a distance of 51 km. 1954 - Olivia Poole, a mother of seven children who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, invents the Jolly Jumper. The device can be hung in any doorway and the baby is safely harnessed in such manner as to allow exercise and fun with bouncing. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. 1954 - Canada's Outstanding womens Athelete of the year was *Ernestine Russell Weaver, (1938- ) Champion Gymnast. (Also won this title for 1953 & 1955) 1954 - St John's General Hospital in Newfoundland names its new nurse's residence after pioneer nursing educator, Mary Southcott* (1862-1943). Source : 100 Canadian Heroines: famous and forgotten faces by Merna Forester. Toronto : Dundurn Press, 2004. 1954 - General Electric introduces the portable home dishwasher. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. pg 18 1954 - Swanson and Sons introduced the TV Dinner. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. pg 18. Births 1954: 1954 - Born - during winter seal hunt Rosemarie Kuptana (1954 - ) Social Activist and Native Leader, Officer , order of Canada. February 2, 1954 - Born D. J. McCawley Canadian lawyer and judge. February 21,1954 - Born Katherine Heinrich educator. March 4 , 1954- Born Catherine O'Hara, comedienne and actress of stage and film. September 20,1954 - Born Judith Claire Francesca Marie Bernadette Thompson, award winning playwright. December 12, 1954 - Born Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, writer of books for young readers. Deaths 1954: 1954 - Died Kathleen Barrett Blanchard (1872-1954) Music historian. February 13, 1954 - Died Agnes Macphail (1890-1954) a founder of the Elizabeth Fry Society, she was first woman elected to the Canadian parliament. April 18 , 1954- Died Winifred Eaton (1875-1954) Onoto Watanna , first known author of Asian descent to have works published in America. May 27, 1954 - Died Alice Ravenhill (1859-1954) social activist and author.
1955	1955 - Restrictions on the employment of married women in the federal public service are removed. 1955 - The Canadian Army and Navy begin to recruit women for regular services not just reserves. Source: Women in the Military. The Canadian Encyclopedia Online http://thecanadianencyclopedia.com 1955 - Margaret Gee is the first Chinese Canadian woman lawyer to be called to the bar. Source: Canadian Chinese National Council. Moments of Chinese Canadian History. http://www.ccnc.ca/toronto/history/timeline.html (accessed July 7, 2003) 1955 - Canada's Outstanding womens Athelete of the year was Ernestine Russell Weaver, (1938- ) Champion Gymnast. (Also won this title for 1953 & 1955) 1955 - The Canadian Labour Congress is established. 1955 - The Canadian Sports Hall of Fame is established. 1955 - Abby Hoffman (1947- ) wants to play hockey. In order to play she has to cut her hair short and play as a boy. All went well until the all-star game when players had to submit birth certificates! Abby became an overnight sensation and other girls soon appeared to try out for boys hockey teams! Source: Women's Hockey - backcheck; a hockey retrospective. Library and Archives Canada http://collectionscanada.ca/hockey/024002-2200-e.html (accessed January 27, 2006) Births 1955: 1955 - born Sarindar Dhaliwal (1955- ) artist and feminist of Sikh descent. February 10, 1955 - Born Brenda Clark, illustrator of Franklin the Turtle books. February 1, 19555 - Born Donna Brown (1955 - ) internationally acclaimed soprano. February 28, 1955 - Born Rebecca Gail Cowan (1955- ) artist March 9, 1955 - Born Marilyn C. Bodough, businesswoman and well known motivational speaker who in her spare time was a member of the 2996 Canadian and World Championship curling teams. March 11, 1955 - Born Leslie Cliff , world medalist in swimming March 26, 1955 - Born Annette Mangaard, filmmaker. April 12, 1955 - Born Claire Samson businesswoman in communications and broadcasting. May 19 , 1955- Born Sue Holloway, Olympic skier and Kayak racer. May 26, 1955 - Born Louise Bédard (1955) renowned dancer on stage, TV and movies. June 19, 1955 - Born Renée Elaine Elio, professor and author in the field of computer sciences. July 17, 1955 - Born Geneviére Cadieux, photographic artist. August 12, 1955 - Born Jane Siberry a singer who owns her own record label. August 17, 1955 -Born Manitok Thompson, teacher and Inuklitut programs specialist and MPP Northwest Territories. October 13, 1955 - Born Teresa Toten (1955- ) writer. October 15, 1955 - Born Kristine Winder, model. Deaths 1955: 1955 - Died Mary Margaret "Margery" Brooker (1901-1955) In 1941 the firs woman appointed School Inspector for the Virden District , Manitoba, the First Canadian women to hold such a position. ^{Source: Memorable Manitobans Profile by Gordon Goldsborough. Online (Accessed December 2011)} 1955 - Died Violet Irene Guymer (1885-1955) first woman licensed funeral director in Canada January 1, 1955 - Died Victoria Cartier (1867-1955) Pianist, organist and teacher. January 11, 1955- Died Henrietta Tuzo Wilson (1873-1955) The first Canadian born woman mountaineer. May 18, 1955 - Died Emilie Musgrave Boswell (1886-1955) early journalist with the Winnipeg Tribune.
1956	1956 - The federal government passes a law granting women equal pay for doing "identical or substantially identical" work as men. 1956 - Col. Saunders introduces Kentucky Fried Chicken in a fast food format to the world. 1956 - Lucille Wheeler (1935- ) wins a bronze medal in the Olympics, the first ever Canadian Olympic ski medal. 1956 - Irene MacDonald (1933- ) wins Canada’s first Olympic diving medal, a bronze, in Melbourne, Australia. 1956 - Ernestine Russell Weaver (1938- ) becomes the first Canadian Woman to participate in Gymnastics in the Games in Melbourne , Australia. 1956 - The Woman's Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa is renamed the Ottawa Historical Society. Source: The Ottawa Historical Society Online (Accessed July 2011) Births 1956: 1956 - Born Denise Donlon (1956- ) Broadcaster, Member of Canadian Broadcaster's Hall of Fame. April 4, 1956 - Born Evelyn Hart, international prima ballerina. April 6, 1956 - Sandra Bezic (1956- ) International award winning figure skater. April 30, 1956 - Born Gina Feldberg (1956-2010) an academic who wrote on the social history of health issues. May 10, 1956 - Born Dinah Anderson aboriginal artist and woodcarver. May 27, 1956 - Born Catherine Priestner-Allinger (1956- ) Medal winning speed skater and Olympic organizer June 13, 1956 - Born Barbara Stymiest, one of Canada's top businesswomen. July 31, 1956 - Born Pam Withers (1956- ) author of extreme sports novels for young readers. 1956 - December - Cathy Lacey (1956- ) artist who uses her art to raise funds to create awareness of various community groups. Deaths 1956: May 4, 1956- Died Mina Hubbard (1870-1956) Labrador adventurer and explorer. May 18, 1956 - Died Nellie Margaret Lewis (1892-1956) teacher and author. January 1956 - Died Nora Bateson (1896--1956) Librarian and professor at McGill University August 23, 1956 - Died Isabel Skelton (1877-1956) respected historian and author. September 7, 1956 - Died Amelia Beers Garvin (1878-1956) journalist and editor. September 20, 1956 - Died Nanette Bordeaux, (1911-1956) actress. October 7, 1956 - Died Maud Allan (1873-1956) , pioneer of modern dance.
1957	June 21,1957 - Rt. Hon. Ellen Louks Fairclough (1905-2004) is the first woman appointed to the Canadian federal cabinet by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. 1957 - Mabel Frances Timlin (1891-1976.) is the first woman to be elected to the executive committee of the American Economics Association. 1957 - The Canada Council is established to enhance the Canadian cultural experience. 1957 - Blanche Margaret Meagher (1911-1999.) she is the first woman to become appointed as an ambassador from Canada. 1957 - Winnie Roach-Leuszler (1926-2004) is the first Canadian woman to be a baseball umpire Births 1957: January 17, 1957 - Born Nancy Argenta (1957- ) soprano. February 17, 1957 - Born Loreena McKennit, singer, actress and writer. March 10, 1957 - Born Shannon Tweed, TV and film actress. March 23,1957 - Born Amanda Plummer, actress. March 24, 1957 - Born Olivia Chow (1957- ) prominent politician and MP of the NDP. April 3, 1957 - Born Sandra Bell Lundy, cartoonist and founder of the comic strip "Between Friends" April 6, 1957- Born Gail Amundrud Award winning competitive swimmer. April 9, 1957 - Born Kit Brennan Watters, actress and playwright . April 25, 1957 - Born Francine Pelletier, award winning author. May 1957 - Died Helen Barnard McCall (1899-1957) Photographer May 1, 1957 - Born Marjorie Blackwood ( 1957- ) Award winning tennis star. May 4, 1957 - Born Kathy Kreiner, Gold medal Olympian in skiing. May 21, 1957 - Born Linda Bouchard, composer and orchestra conductor. May 26, 1957 - Born Lucille Lessard, World champion archer. June 15, 1957 - Died Gertrude Childs (1881-1957) social worker awarded the Order of the British Empire 1934. June 16, 1957 - Born Cindy Shatto (1957-2011) a true pioneer in the sports of swimming and diving. June 29, 1957- Born Janice Rennie, award winning financial consultant. August 20, 1957 - Born Cindy Nicholas, long distance swimmer and member Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. September 6, 1957- Born Michaelle Jean (1957- ) 27th and first Afro Caribbean Governor General of Canada. Deaths 1957 1957 - Died Minerva Ellen Reid (1872-1957) Medical doctor, Chief of Surgery Women's College Hospital, Toronto April 22, 1957- Died Dorothy Duncan (1903-1957) author May 1957 - Died Helen Bernard McCall (11899-1957) pioneer photographer in British Columbia. June 21, 1957 - Died Bertha Mabel Dunham ( 1881-1957) Librarian, local historian and author of works for young readers. July 15, 1957 - Died Marion Hilliard (1902-1958), medical doctor who helped develop a simplified Pap test. October 31, 1957 - Died Martha Louise Black (1866-1957), adventurer and politician, considered to be the First Lady of the Yukon. December 14, 1957 - Died Katherine Elizabeth Wallis (1860-1957) a sculptor who was decorated by Britain and France for her nursing efforts in World War l.
1958	1958 - Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is founded in Montreal. Source: The Timechart of History of Canada by Meredith Macardle (2004) 1958- Jean Casselman-Wadds (1920-2011) is the third woman elected to the Canadian Parliament and along with her father Earle Rowe they became the only father daughter ever to sit in the same session of Parliament. ^{Sources: Obituary. Ottawa Citizen December 3, 2011.} Births 1958: July 26, 1958 - Born Angela Hewitt ( 1958- ) renowned pianist known for her playing of music by Bach, but who has recorded other master musicians as well. September 28, 1958 - Born Angella Taylor one of Canada's outstanding sprinters. Deaths 1958: 1958 - Died Elizabeth Matheson (1866-1958) an early doctor in Manitoba who practiced for 50 years. 1958 - Died Jessie Georgina Sime (1868-1958) author. February 16, 1958 - Died Clara Dennis (1881-1958) pioneer photographer of life in Nova Scotia. December 26, 1958 - Died Eva Gauthier, (1885-1958) internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano.
1959	May 3, 1959 - Marie-Marguerite d'Youville ( -1771) is beatified ( a step in the declaration of sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church). She is the first Canadian born candidate for sainthood . 1959 - Canada's Food Rules is renamed and updated to become Canada's Food Guide. 1959 - Betty Oliphant (1918-2004) and Celia Franca (1921- ) found the National Ballet School June 26, 1959 - Queen Elizabeth II and President D. Eisenhower of the U.S.A. officially open the St. Lawrence Seaway. *1959 - Olivia Poole,* the inventor of the Jolly Jumper for pre toddler babies had began manufacturing the device in the 1950's and by the end of the decade the family factory in North Vancouver was supplying all of North America, Great Britain and Australia. *1959 - Ernestine Russell Weaver* (1938- ) dominates the field of Gymnastics in the Pan American games winning four gold and two silver medals. This was the first Pan Am games for the event of Gymnastics. *1959 - Mary and Helen Stewart* win a silver medal int the 4X100 freestyle relay in the swimming relay at the Pan Am Games. Source: British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame Online (Accessed June 2008) Births 1959 : 1959 - Born Mandy Kerlann (birth name Harmunderjit Kaur Brar) international textile artist. January 12, 1959 - Born Helen Vanderburg Born Calgary, Alberta. Champion synchronized swimmer. June 20, 1959 - Born Louise Bessette ( 1959 - ) internationally acclaimed pianist. September 5, 1959 - Born Stacy Dales-Schuman (1959- ) Womens National Basketball Association player and broadcaster. September 16, 1959 - Born Jennifer Tilly, (1959- ) actress. Deaths 1959: 1959 - Died Patricia Jenkins Blondal (1926-1959) broadcast journalist, journalist and novelist. January 21, 1959 - Died Dr. Frances Gertrude McGill (1877-1959) early Canadian medical criminal forensic investigator.