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From: "Brenda Dougall Merriman, CGRS, CGL" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Writing style & Attitudes
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 21:21:34 -0500
References: <200501070035.j070Zp7Z023641@mail.rootsweb.com>


Elizabeth said:

To: <>
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 7:36 PM
Subject: RE: [APG] Biographical writing style

> We don't live in 1970 any more. Why persist in applying 1970 labels that
> are
> today inaccurate and confusing?

Well, from say 1970 to 2005 is roughly about a generation in genealogical
terms. It takes at least that long to change attitudes and perspectives to
new thinking and "labels." If after this length of time, good or
well-meaning genealogists/authors are still citing the "modified register"
dare I even mention how long we wait for Genealogical Proof Standard vs.
the Preponderance of Evidence to become accepted? <sigh and grin> We do tend
to cling to beloved or catchy phrases.

I'm totally taken aback by Ms Mills' 1970 cataloguing issue. She must have
then been on the tail end of what would become a pendulum swing. In my
experience of rural, agricultural living in the 1970s and 1980s, even the
conservative but ever-thoughtful Womens' Institutes (let alone genealogical
editors) were beginning to recognize that married women had an identity
apart from their husbands.

The shift and new thinking in genealogy will eventually catch up (for those
of us still alive to savour it). The farm I lived on for some 20 years was
always "the old MacKenzie place" (original owner) in local reference. By the
time I left in the 1990s, I do believe the locals were calling it "the old
Bennett place" which was an intermediate owner in the post WW II period. I
truly believe there will be a shift soon to "the old Merriman place" however
many owners down the line continue. Depends how well and deeply you made
your mark at the time. (And yes, the wonderful old MacKenzie portraits have
been passed on from owner to owner for over 100 years). <more G>

Cheers, Eliz,
Brenda


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