World War One - Women in the Workforce

Before the First World War when women were expected to stay at home and were barred from voting, there were few opportunities for women in the work force. 

As men were summoned overseas during WW1, women stepped in to fill the employment vacancies left behind by their brothers, husbands, and sons. 

Women at work during WW1.

During World War One, the Sherlock-Manning Piano Company Ltd. in London, Ontario was the first piano manufacturer in Canada to train and employ women in their production plant. 

The co-founder and President of Sherlock Manning Pianos was Wilbur Nelson Manning. 

Wilbur Nelson Manning was the brother of Luther Manning. Luther Manning was the husband of Mary Ann Fairhall. Mary Ann Fairhall was the sister of Jane Eleanor Fairhall. Jane Eleanor Fairhall was the wife of Richard Culbert. And Richard Culbert was the son of John Culbert and Mary Ward.

Proving once again that all roads lead back to John and Mary.

Note: Sherlock-Manning Piano Co. Ltd. was the last Canadian piano manufacturer, closing its doors in 1991.