Rylee B.

Digby, Nova Scotia

Tri-County Regional Heritage Fair

Margaret Davis, The Inspiration

My project is on Margaret Davis a 64 year old women from Brier Island who stood up for herself in a time period that women never would. Her land was being taken away from her, so to save it she made an incredible, life changing decision to walk to Halifax from Annapolis using The Old Soldiers Road. She is an inspiration to many especially women. Margaret worked hard for what she believed in. She is not known by many, but my project is the perfect way to help people learn and understand.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned about my topic was the huge walk she took (The 200 km walk) and seeing the places she walked through, I just thought it was interesting to see a 64-year-old woman have the courage and energy to walk that far of a distance, I’ll tell you now I wouldn’t be able to do it!

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

One important lesson I have learned from my project would be, you can do anything you put your mind to. Margaret Davis believe that she could achieve her goal, and she did achieve it. I think that any Canadian or anybody could do the same. I have also learned that having patience is very important. Margaret Davis had patience, and didn’t give up because everything didn’t happen overnight. Well it is the same for anyone else, and if something doesn’t happen when you want it to, or if things don’t go right for you. Keep going, finish your ideas, don’t throw it away, because all good things come, with patience.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life compared to Margaret’s and all the other women in this time period is remarkably easy. My life is not run by men, and I have freedom. I am allowed to own things, and unlike other women back then I don’t have to do as much. I don’t have to do all the housework, watch children, and stay at home. She help me get to where I am today, all women too. She helped women get rights and for that I thank her. Without her I would never be where I am today.