Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

SELINA "EVELINA" and ANNA "WONNETTA" ORRANGE and ROBERT JOHN SALLANS

Selina "Evelina" Orrange was born on 28 March 1898 in Crystal City, Manitoba to John Edward Orrange (1869-1955) and Charity Evelina Dobie (1870-1947). Her siblings were: Anna "Wonnetta" (b 1897), Levina (b 1903), Dorthea E M (1903-1917) and John Edward (1906-1911). The Orrange family lived in Louise, Manitoba (1901), Crystal City, Manitoba (1906), Victoria, Alberta (1911) and Radisson, Saskatchewan (1916). In 1921, Evelina was boarding with the Ed and Mary Armstrong family and working as a bank clerk in Perdue, Saskatchewan. Later that year she spent three months in London as a member of a large ‘Overseas Education League’ group.

At some time between 1935 & 1955, Evelina married Thomas Melbourne Christie who was born on 18 March 1893 to George Morton Christie and Isobel Jones. Thomas had married Alma Nancye Bowell (1892-1975) on 18 February 1913. Thomas & Alma had three children but were divorced sometime between 1930 & 1935.

In 1955, Thomas and Evelina were living at A 914 W 1st, Prince George, British Columbia where Thomas worked as a representative for Investors Syndicate.They were living in Terrace, British Columbia at the time of his death on 8 November 1980.

Wonnetta was born on 31 July 1897 in Manitou, Manitoba. She also lived with her family in Radisson in 1916. By 1918 she was living at 415 23rd St E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and was working as a clerk for Dom Exp Co. By 1921 she was married to Robert John Sallans and they were living in Windsor, Ontario. Robert was born on 10 August 1890 in Dufferin, Ontario to John Sallans (b 1856) and Margaret Adeline Gallaugher (1867-1899). His siblings were: Earnest Wilfred (1892-1917), Pearle Grace (b 1889) and George Herbert (b 1895).

In 1891 the Sallans were living in Melanchon Township, Grey, Ontario. In 1899, Robert's mother, Margaret, died and the 1901 census found various members of the family living in different places. Robert was living with his Gallaugher grandparents in Mulmur, Simcoe, Ontario. Robert first appeared in Saskatoon Henderson Directories in 1913 and was a fireman living in various fire halls from 1913 to 1916. In 1918 he was living at 415 23rd St E and was working as a manager for the Daily Star. He continued working for the Daily Star until 1920. Robert and Wonnetta had a baby that did not survive on 1 May 1934 in Windsor, Ontario. They also had another son. Robert died on 7 November 1935 in Mulmur, Dufferin, Ontario.

It was interesting to note that at the time that the quilt was signed, Wonnetta and Robert were not yet married. If we could find their marriage date, it might be useful in helping pinpoint the time period in which the quilt was being made. Both Radisson and Perdue are close to Saskatoon. In 1918, Evelina's sister, Wonnetta was living in Saskatoon. It is speculated that she, Evelina & Robert signed the quilt together when Evelina was visiting as all three signed in the same area of the quilt.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Orrange/Sallons Tree.

Evelina’s signature & photograph from her 1921 travel record
Courtesy of Ancestry.com