Jessie Little

The Society's newsletter ran a column, "Who's Who in Leathercraft", profiling one member at a time. This is the profile of Jessie Little, printed in Spring 1980 and transcribed here from the original.

I.A.L.C. is printed as set.

Jessie Little grew up in the Brampton area of Southern Ontario. As a girl, her interests included horseback riding, baseball, canoeing and other outdoor sports. Many of her summers were spent counselling at youth camps.

After having taught for some years in the Toronto School System, Jessie left teaching, and with her husband, Neil, farmed just north of Brampton. When they later moved to Snelgrove, Jessie returned to teaching, retiring from the staff of Bramalea Secondary School in 1971.

Jessie's interest in Leathercraft dates back many years. She studied under Jack MacDougall, Robert Muma and Isobel Joyce, and has since attended many related courses and workshops in design and Leathercraft sponsored by Community Colleges and Branches. She is a former member of I.A.L.C. and a long-time member of C.S.C.L. She was granted her Fellowship with C.S.C.L. in 1972, and holds a Type A Teaching Certificate with this group. Her articles on colouring, shop tips and Cuir Bouille may be found in earlier issues of The Canadian Craftsman.

Jessie has taught Leathercraft on long and short courses. She has taught from her home, and has given night school instruction at Central Peel and Bramalea Secondary Schools as well as working with the Bramalea Secondary Schools in Leathercraft. She has instructed in schools in Acton and Caledon East, and for Sheridan Community College in Brampton and at Belfountain. Many of us enjoyed her weekend workshop in colouring at Mohawk College. Other workshops have included Hamilton, Woodstock, Barrie, Toronto and King City. She is also in demand for talks and demonstrations to other groups. Added to this, Jessie finds time to participate in many sales.

The number and diversity of awards she has earned attest to Jessie's excellence in craftsmanship, and to her participation in many events and competitions in her field. Among her treasures are many Salon and Craftsman's awards from I.A.L.C. and C.S.C.L., Weston Trophy ribbons, C.N.E. prizes, a Chatelaine Award and Honourable Mention.

As Chief Librarian with the C.S.C.L. Larmour Memorial Library, Jessie has done a great job. Most of the new books that have been added to the original collection were screened personally, and she never passes a book-stall without having a look to see whether there would be something there of value to the group.

Retirement from teaching did not mean retirement from Life for Jessie. She and her husband, Neil, have enjoyed a son and daughter, and two grandchildren have been added to keep things stirred up.

The sympathy of the members of C.S.C.L. went out to Jessie upon the loss of her husband on Palm Sunday. With her usual innate courage, she is picking up the pieces and looking beyond the horizon—as she always did. As she always will.

From the "Who's Who in Leathercraft" column in Canadian Leathercraft, Spring 1980.