Personne

Manny, Louise Elizabeth

1890-1970

Louise Elizabeth Manny (1890-1970) was born in Gilead Maine, the daughter of Charles DeGraff Manny and Minette Lee Harding. In 1893 her parents moved to Newcastle, where her father became an agent for the R. Corry Clark Spoolwood Factory.

Manny was educated at the St. Mary's Academy and Harkins Academy in Newcastle, Halifax Ladies College, the Ursuline Convent in Quebec City and McGill University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1913.

After teaching at Halifax Ladies College, Manny returned to Newcastle and accepted a position in the office of the R. Corry Clark Spoolwood Factory. She was secretary and office manager from 1916-1946. She was also a part-time insurance agent and had an antique and antiquarian book business. In 1953, Manny was appointed the first librarian in the Old Manse Library, a position she held until her retirement in 1967.

Manny's interest in Miramichi history led to weekly newspaper columns, periodical articles, radio broadcasts and several books. In 1946 and 1947, Manny began two projects for Lord Beaverbrook: the supervision of the restoration of the Old Burial Ground at Wilson's Point (The Enclosure); and the collection of Miramichi folk songs. In 1957, she founded the Miramichi Folksong Festival. Her collection and research led to the publication of "Songs of Miramichi", which she co-authored with James R. Wilson.

In 1961, Manny received honorary Doctorate of Laws degrees from St. Thomas University and the University of New Brunswick. The National Council of the Jewish Women of Canada presented her with a Woman of the Century medal in 1967.