Bruce and Eric Reford playing chess, c. 1911, Photograph by Robert Wilson Reford
© Reford Gardens, Les Amis des Jardins de Métis Collection.
When it looked like rain, it was better to stay home. While the adults watched boats passing on the river through a telescope and the children pushed their dolls and carriages about the house, the adolescents played chess. Even if no visitors were expected, it didn’t mean the younger set could dress casually: neckties were the order of the day!