Canadian History Ehx
LightNews LightNews
banner
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Canadian History Ehx
@cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
24K followers 220 following 30K posts
Host of the podcast\radio show Canadian History Ehx. Author of "Canada's Main Street: The Epic Story of The Trans-Canada Highway" Sharing Canada's history daily!
Posts Replies Media Videos
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Sources:

Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame: buff.ly/9pVaeuq
Collections Canada: buff.ly/732luG1
November 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
By the end of her career, Molly had logged 10,000 hours as a pilot-in-command without a single accident.
Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who led the way for many other female pilots who work in the aviation industry in Canada.

🧵9/10
Black-and-white newspaper obituary with the large bold headline: Pilot Molly Reilly dies The article details the life and career of Moretta Frenton Reilly, one of three Canadian women pilots to receive the Amelia Earhart award, who died Monday at age 58 after battling cancer. It mentions her 30 years of flying, over 10,000 accident-free hours, her RCAF service starting in 1942, commercial license in 1946, first Class 1 instrument rating for a woman in Canada, marriage to Jack Reilly in 1957, joint work as captain and co-captain on DC-3s for Peter Bawden Drilling Services, and various aviation honors including induction into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Alberta Aviation Council Award. She is survived by her husband Jack, son Patrick, and daughter Helen. A small Eaton’s advertisement box appears at the bottom left. The text is in classic newspaper serif font.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Often, her co-pilot was her husband Jack Reilly.
In 1965, Molly was hired by Canadian Coachways as their chief pilot. This made her the first female corporate pilot in Canada.
In 1974, she was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.

🧵8/10
Black-and-white newspaper photograph of three people standing together at a formal event. From left to right: a man in a dark tuxedo with bow tie holding a drink and smiling, a woman in a light-colored dress with short dark hair and a small pin on her chest smiling softly, and an older man in a suit with glasses holding a drink and laughing. Caption below the image reads: “LEFT TO RIGHT: BEALE; MRS. MOLLY REILLY, FIRST WOMAN INDUCTED INTO ICARUS; MIKE FINLAND, FIRST PILOT GEOLOGIST” The photo has the grainy texture typical of mid-20th-century newsprint.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
In her work with Southern Provincial Airlines, she also became the first woman to fly professionally to the Arctic. For years, she flew extensively into the Arctic, dealing with poor visibility, few navigational aids and extreme weather.

🧵7/10
Black-and-white photograph of a newspaper article with the large bold headline: It's a flying life for the Reillys Below, in smaller text: EDMONTON (CP) — The Flying Reillys might sound like a circus act, but it’s simply a handy title for Jack and Molly Reilly, a couple from St. Albert just north of Edmonton. Mr. Reilly is chief pilot for Peter Bawden Drilling Services Ltd., of Edmonton, and his wife does the same job for four firms owned by the International Utilities Corp., in then went on to air service training in England and obtained a British commercial licence. Their paths crossed many times in the next 15 years and they finally joined forces — matrimonially and professionally — in 1959 as co-captains of a DC-3, flying men and equipment for Peter Bawden Drilling. The article is in classic mid-20th-century newspaper serif font, with some lines slightly cut off at the edges.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
In 1954, she was hired as the chief flying instructor and charter pilot for Canadian Aircraft Renters. Three years later, she was promoted to full-time charter pilot with Southern Provincial Airlines, making her the first Canadian female pilot to become a captain.

🧵6/10
Black-and-white pencil portrait of a middle-aged woman with neatly waved hair pulled back, wearing small dangling earrings and a high-collared blouse with soft pleats. She faces forward with a calm, gentle smile. The drawing is finely detailed and signed “A. Sherriff Scott” in the lower left corner. The style is classic mid-20th-century formal portraiture.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Molly then earned her instructor's certificate and became a flight instructor at the Leavens Brothers Flying School in Toronto. She continued to upgrade her skills and ratings as a pilot at the same time, including getting her seaplane qualification.

🧵5/10
Black-and-white newspaper portrait photograph of a middle-aged woman with neatly styled short hair, wearing small earrings and a light-colored collared blouse or dress. She is shown in three-quarter profile looking slightly downward. Below the image, bold text reads “MOLLY REILLY” and underneath in smaller type “… first woman”. The photo has the grainy, high-contrast look typical of mid-20th-century newsprint.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
After the war, Molly earned her private pilot's licence. She also gained her commercial flight licence.
In 1957, she competed in the Webster Trophy aviation race, finishing only three-tenths of a point behind the first place winner.

🧵4/10
Black-and-white photograph of an old newspaper headline in bold capital letters reading “Edmonton pilot wins Amelia Earhart award”. Below the headline, the article text begins: An Edmonton lady pilot, M.F.B. (Molly) Reilly, received the International Northwest Aviation Council’s (INAC) Amelia Earhart award Friday. The presentation was made to Mrs. Reilly during... The article continues with details of her aviation career, mentioning she was a Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division) photographer in 1942, served in Canada until 1946, took flying instruction in Ontario in 1944, gained an instructor’s rating in 1948, joined Leavens Brothers Air Services in Toronto, was promoted to captain on Southern Provincial Airways in 1959, joined Peter Bawden Drilling Services in Calgary, and worked as a co-captain on a DC-3 in the North for five years. The text is in classic newspaper serif font with some lines slightly cut off at the edges.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
She applied to join the RCAF to complete her pilot certification but was rejected because she was a woman. In 1941, she joined the RCAF as a photographer in the newly-created Women's Division.
She served in the RCAF as a non-commissioned officer until 1946.

🧵3/10
Black-and-white photograph of a woman with short, curly dark hair seated in the pilot’s seat of a small airplane cockpit. She is turned slightly toward the camera, smiling confidently, with her right hand resting on the control yoke. She wears a light-colored checkered jacket. The instrument panel with round analog gauges fills the background, and daylight is visible through the windshield.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Molly Reilly was born on Feb. 25, 1922 in Lindsay, Ontario, one of eight children. After she graduated high school, Molly started to take flying lessons from Violet Milstead, another fascinating Canadian pilot.
When the Second World War began, Molly wanted to join up.

🧵2/10
Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with short, curly dark hair, seated at a desk. She wears a checkered blazer over a blouse, a bracelet on her left wrist, and holds a pen in her right hand while resting her chin lightly on her left. Papers are scattered on the desk in front of her. The mood is warm and confident.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Molly Reilly was the first female Canadian pilot to reach the rank of captain, the first to fly in the Arctic and the first to become a Canadian corporate pilot.
In 10,000 hours as a pilot-in-command, she never had a single accident.
This is her story.

🧵 1/10
Black-and-white photograph of an older person with short, wavy hair, wearing gloves, seated in the left pilot seat of a small airplane cockpit. They are looking out the side window, hands on the control yoke. The instrument panel is filled with analog gauges and dials typical of a light aircraft from the mid-20th century. Bright daylight streams in through the windshield and side window.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
On this day in 1991, the Toronto Argonauts won the Grey Cup. At the time, John Candy was the co-owner of the Argos with Bruce McNall and Wayne Gretzky. Despite this, his name was not added to the Grey Cup until 2007. Only McNall's name was engraved on the trophy initially.
Two men excitedly pose with the Grey Cup trophy after the Toronto Argonauts' 1991 CFL championship victory. In the foreground, actor and Argonauts co-owner John Candy wears a brown leather jacket over a dark suit, white gloves, and smiles broadly while holding the large silver trophy with both hands. Behind him, wide receiver Raghib "Rocket" Ismail wears an Argonauts jersey, black gloves, and a black cap with "Argonauts" written on it, grinning widely with wide eyes and his arms wrapped around Candy's shoulders in celebration. The background is dimly lit, suggesting an indoor arena or locker room setting.
November 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Sources:

Canadian Encyclopedia: buff.ly/NG0ldwM
National Gallery of Canada: buff.ly/BkPfJaI
Dictionary of Canadian Biography: buff.ly/JGe53bi
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Thayendanegea died on Nov. 24, 1807. Both Brantford and the County of Brant are named for him. A statue of him stands in Brantford and at the Valiants Memorial In Ottawa. Many buildings are named for him. The land his people settled on is now the Six Nations Reserve.

🧵 9/10
Bronze statue of Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) standing outdoors on a stone pedestal in an urban setting. The life-sized figure wears a long coat with fringed sleeves, leggings, and moccasins, with a blanket draped over one shoulder and a sash across the chest. His right hand rests across his body, left hand relaxed at his side. Snow lightly covers the ground and base. Behind the statue, a city street with traffic lights, buildings, and pedestrians is visible under a clear blue sky. A plaque on the pedestal and engraved text reading “THAYENDANEGEA – BRANT” are visible at the base.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
During his life, Thayendanegea did own several Black enslaved people. When he left the United States and settled in Upper Canada, he brought several enslaved people with him including a girl named Sophia Pooley who hunted deer with his children.

🧵 8/10
Oval oil portrait of an older European or colonial gentleman, likely from the late 18th or early 19th century. He is shown from the chest up against a dark, plain background. He wears a high-collared gray coat with two visible buttons, a white waistcoat, a black cravat, and a dark blue sash draped across his right shoulder. His hair is white and close-cropped, and his expression is stern and direct. His right hand holds a black tricorn hat against his chest. The painting shows age-related cracking and wear around the edges.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
For two decades, he fought to get the British and Upper Canada governments to grant his people title to the lands of the Grand River Valley. They refused to do so.
In his last years, Thayendanegea lived in his home at Burlington Bay where he translated the Bible.

🧵 7/10
Colored lithograph portrait of a Native American man, likely a Mohawk leader such as Joseph Brant. He is shown from the chest up against a plain white background. His head is shaved except for a scalp lock tied with red cloth and adorned with two small red-tipped feathers. He wears a dark shirt with a small yellow floral pattern, multiple strands of white wampum beads across his chest, a black scarf or cravat tied at the neck, and a green blanket or cloak draped over his shoulders. A single silver earring is visible in his left ear. The expression is serious and dignified, typical of 19th-century printed portraits of Indigenous leaders.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
In 1784, Thayendanegea led Mohawk Loyalists and others to land on the Grand River that was granted to them by the British. This became Brant's Ford, modern-day Brantford.
The land they received was too small for hunting and Thayendanegea hoped to expand their land.

🧵 6/10
Oil portrait of a Mohawk man, likely Joseph Brant, shown from the chest up against a pale cloudy sky. He wears a striking red and brown feathered headdress with upright plumes, a black beaded headband, and a dark fringed cloak over his shoulders. A large silver gorget hangs at his chest, along with a prominent oval gold medallion bearing a profile portrait, suspended from a blue ribbon tied at the neck. His expression is calm and dignified. The painting style is formal European portraiture from the late 18th or early 19th century.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
After the American Revolution, Thayendanegea tried to form the Western Confederacy to unite the Haudenosaunee with western Indigenous groups to prevent further American expansion into the west. Despite his loyalty, the British provided him with no help.

🧵 5/10
Oil portrait of a Native American man, likely a Mohawk leader, shown in profile facing left. He wears a shaved-head scalp lock with a single upright white feather adorned with a red rose and green leaves. A narrow silver-banded headband circles his forehead. His face has red paint markings on the cheek. He is dressed in a cream-colored ruffled shirt with a wide black scarf tied at the neck, a large crescent-shaped gold gorget hanging at his chest, a silver armband on his upper left arm, and a red blanket or cloak with black patterned lines draped over his shoulders. The background is a simple muted blue-gray. The painting has a formal, dignified 18th- or early 19th-century portrait style.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
He worked for several years with Johnson as his interpreter and translated religious materials into Mohawk.
When the American Revolution began, Thayendanegea organized an Indigenous force to aid the British.

🧵 4/10
Close-up oil portrait of a Mohawk leader, likely Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), shown from the chest up. He wears a striking red feathered headdress with upright red and white plumes, a black beaded headband, and a red coat with dark trim over a white shirt. A large silver gorget with two small holes hangs at his chest. His hair is tied back with a dark ribbon. The background is a dramatic sky with swirling blue-gray clouds and a bright patch of light. The painting style is classic 18th- or early 19th-century European portraiture.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
By the time he was 20, Thayendanegea could speak, read and write English. He was going to attend King's College (Columbia University) but was unable to do so.
During the Seven Years' War, he served with his sister's common-law husband Sir William Johnson.

🧵 3/10
Color painting of a Native American warrior, likely Joseph Brant, standing in a dramatic outdoor landscape at sunset. He points forward with his right arm extended, his left hand holding a long staff or rifle. He wears a white shirt with dark cross-straps, a bright red blanket draped over one shoulder like a cloak, dark leggings with garters, and moccasins. A single feather is in his hair. A wolf or dog stands beside him on the left. The background shows a calm river or lake, distant trees, and a warm golden-orange sky with soft clouds. The overall style is romantic and idealized, typical of 19th-century illustrations.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Thayendanegea was born around March 1742 near present-day Akron, Ohio to Peter Tehowaghwengaraghkwin and Margaret Onagsakearat. His father died when Thayendanegea was a toddler, and Thayendanegea moved with his mother and sister to the Mohawk Valley.

🧵 2/10
Watercolor portrait of Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). He is shown from the chest up against a muted gray-green background. He wears a white headband with two upright black feathers, a light purple shirt with small white floral pattern and ruffled cuffs, a large circular gold gorget at his throat, a black choker, and a dark blue blanket or cloak draped over one shoulder. His right hand holds a silver-bladed tomahawk across his chest. Handwritten text in black ink reads "BRANT" at top left and "Joseph Thayendanegea" at lower right. A small red "W" monogram is visible at bottom left.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) was one of the most important Indigenous leaders of the late-18th and early-19th centuries.
A gifted diplomat, he spent his life fighting for the right for his people to remain on ancestral lands.
This is his story.

🧵 1/10
Oil portrait painting of Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), the Mohawk Chief. He stands in a three-quarter pose facing left, gazing directly at the viewer with a serious expression. He wears traditional Mohawk regalia: a red and white feathered headdress, a white ruffled shirt, a large silver gorget and armband, multiple silver trade brooches and medals across his chest, a black sash, and a dark cloak over one shoulder. His right hand rests on a tomahawk tucked into a colorful sash at his waist. The background is dark and dramatic with swirling clouds. In the lower right corner, gold lettering reads: "Thayendanegea, Joseph Brant, The Mohawk Chief." The painting is framed in an ornate gold frame.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Sources:

The Marker: buff.ly/3FC0HR6
Canadian Encyclopedia: buff.ly/rhZPCuh
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
A grand jury found that the conductor and engineer of the gravel train were criminally responsible. Both were charged with manslaughter. The jury found they should have never entered the main line, especially with dense fog in the area.

🧵 6/7
Color photograph of an elderly man with white beard, wearing a green polo shirt, khaki pants, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, standing outdoors on grass beside a large green-and-white informational sign titled "The Baptist Creek Train Disaster." He is pointing at the sign with his right hand. The sign features historical black-and-white photos of a train wreck, a bridge, a building, and a portrait, along with blocks of text. In the background, a dirt road runs alongside a field with several parked cars and a few people visible in the distance under a clear sky. A red cloth or bag lies on the ground near the sign.
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
Bodies were described as being "crushed beyond all human shape". For hours, bodies were recovered from the train. The death toll from the collision was put at 52 deaths and 48 injured. As the injured were taken to Chatham, it was said their moans echoed through town.

🧵 5/7
Black and white 19th-century engraved illustration depicting the aftermath of a serious railway accident. In the foreground, rescuers and bystanders are carefully removing injured and deceased passengers from a derailed and crumpled train carriage that has torn open, its roof partially peeled back. Several distressed women in long Victorian dresses and bonnets are being helped or carried out; one woman cradles a limp child. Men in shirtsleeves and caps assist the victims, while others climb on the wreckage. Broken timber and debris litter the ground. At the bottom, bold caption text reads: "THE FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT ON THE LONDON, CHATHAM, AND DOVER RAILWAY, NEAR SITTINGBOURNE: GETTING OUT THE DEAD AND WOUNDED."
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social
What he didn't know was that the passenger train was late. At 5 a.m. on Oct. 27, 1854, as the gravel train backed onto the main railway line at 19 km/h, the passenger train emerged from the fog moving at 32 km/h. The collision destroyed the first and second class cars.

🧵 4/7
Black and white photograph of an old newspaper clipping with the large bold headline "Additional Particulars—Upwards of Fifty Killed." Below the headline, the article text in small serif font reads: "We are indebted to the Detroit Tribune, of Friday evening, for the subjoined particulars of the awful catastrophe at Chatham. Through the kindness of W. O. Ruggles, we are able to give the particulars of the most heart rending and terrible railway disaster that ever occurred in America. He says: A few minutes after 2 P. M. yesterday, we left Niagara Falls with three first class and two 2nd class passenger cars, one express and one baggage car. After leaving Hamilton we were detained about midnight between Hamilton and London, by a freight engine being on the track. After a delay of an hour we started and reached London, about..." The text continues downward and is cut off at the bottom edge of the image. The paper shows slight yellowing and wear typical of 19th-century newsprint.
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM