Canvey Island Archive | Historical Characters | The life of Clara James

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The life of Clara James

The Girls Rest Home at Lakeside

By Jill Mason

The Girls Bungalow at Lakeside

Dave Bullock

I am the great niece of Miss Clara James who contributed a lot to Canvey Island. In 1909 she opened a rest home for overworked Eastend girls at lakeside. Miss James was also a member of Canvey council, a J P and a school manager, and a founder member of the womens institute and was also involved in the nursing association.

I would like to know if anybody has any information or photos of her as I am trying to compile her life story with that of her siblings who equally achieved alot in life. I would be grateful of any information, many thanks,

Jill Mason.

This page was added by Jill Mason on 15/07/2008.

Comments/reviews:

Dear Jill

There is a photo of Clara James wearing her hat in Geoff Barsby's 'Canvey Island' photo book. Unfortunately I don't think I have my own copy of the photo to publish here so I have included a Post Card of her Rest Home - I have quite a few more which I will gladly add if you would like to publish her history here on the website at a later date.

By David Bullock
On 15/07/2008

Hi,

I managed to include two images of the house and some children in my book on Canvey history, but I remember Southend Museum holds a small collection.
One lady stands apart by the house. Might that be Clara James?

Robert

By Robert Hallmann
On 16/07/2008