Ritchie, Gertrude, 1903-1998

Gertrude Agnes Ritchie was born 5 October 1903 at Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, the daughter of Charles A. and Lena Ritchie. She completed her schooling in Annapolis. During World War II she served in the RCAF as Equipment Assistant, Administration and Filter Operations from April 1942 until her discharge in January 1945. After the war Ritchie worked as a clerk and buyer for Norris Drug Co., Boston, Mass; she was a clerk and buyer for Price and Company in Annapolis Royal. She managed Boscowan Manor in Lunenburg for 2 summers and Dana Sweeny Antiques Shop in Bedford for 12 summers. In 1959, she joined Northern Affairs and National Resources (now Parks Canada) at Fort Anne National Historic Park doing office work and guiding. In 1962, she was classified as Assistant Technician 2, then Officer-in-Charge during 1964-65 at Fort Anne. She became Acting Superintendent at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck in March 1965; her appointment as Superintendent became permanent in 1966. She retired circa 1968. Ritchie was active in various groups and organizations including United Church Women, Order of Eastern Star, Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, Royal Canadian Legion where she became the first woman to hold an executive position, RCAF Association, Annapolis District Drama Group, Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Annapolis Royal Historical Associaton and Heritage Trust. She held offices in most of these organizations. Ritchie died at Annapolis Royal 9 June 1998.