Georgina
Thomson, south side of Memorial (?) Park Library.
May 28, 1957.
Georgina Thomson
(1892 - Dec. 21, 1963)
Georgina
Thomson served Calgary Public Library as librarian, then
as reference librarian, for 34 years, from 1923 to 1957.
Her contribution to
Alberta in the field of arts and letters was recognized
in 1955 when she was presented with a scroll by the Mayor
of Calgary on the occasion of Alberta's Fiftieth
Aniversary.
Her book, Crocus and
Meadowlark Country, which dealt with pioneer days in
Alberta, was published shortly before her death.
The following is a poem
dedicated to Georgina Thomson.
On
Introducing a Famous Person
(Author unknown)
In
Calgary there's a refrain
Said over and over and over again.
It's taught to children with their prayers
And used by oldsters in wheel-chairs.
To banish ignorance 'tis magic quite,
Makes mental giants over-night.
The words are few - the line is brief
But it gives tortured minds relief.
In case you are in any doubt
I'm sure I'm letting no secret out -
This formula with magic laden
So early learned by lad and maiden
And then repeated by everyone -
Is simply this: "Ask Miss Thomson".
If
you're searching for statistics
On ballistics or logistics,
Or you want to know how you can
Paint a wall:
If you're seeking information
On equation or inflation,
Or how to dress when you attend
A ball:
If in science or topography,
History or geography
You strongly feel your laurels
Should be won:
Or if on Gilbert White you're shaky
And if Selborn finds you quaky
You have only to be patient for a space
For here we have Georgina
With the knowledge in her bean-a
We ask her now if she will take her place...
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