African Nova Scotian Teaching and Learning Resources

''James Croxen and some members of his family''

James Croxen was born at Liverpool and died at Five Mile Plains. His wife Emma Edison died at Five Mile Plains in 1923. James Croxen earned his living working with his horse in the gypsum quarries at Windsor, also hauling wood and trucking in winter. He and his wife had thirteen children, nine of whom lived to adulthood. James Croxen's family was noted for its hospitality and kindness to less fortunate neighbours.

Date: ca. 1912

Reference: Nova Scotia Archives Lenore DeWolf Rathbun, First Freed Slaves at Five Mile Plains and Vicinity (typescript, 1950), ill. number 4 (Library GN R18)

Questions to Consider

What do you think is happening in the photograph?

Who is shown in the photograph?

What type of event is shown in the photograph?

What do you think is the center of attention or focus of the photograph?

Why do you think this photograph was taken? Who do you think the intended audience was?

How do you think the photograph reflects the attitude and values of the time in which it was taken?

Do you notice anything unusual or unexpected about the photograph?

If the photograph depicts an event:

When do you think it took place?

Where do you think it took place?

Do you think this is a unique event or something that happened often?

If you think the event is unique, then what do you think make it unique?

If the photograph depicts a person or people:

Can you name the people in the photograph? What ages do you think they might be?

Is the person well known or famous for something in particular?

Where do you think the people lived?

What do you think the people's main activities were?

What sort of things can you tell about the people based on how they are dressed?