Not only an Irish Landmark but a home – Memories of the Rea Family
Kathleen Crawford contacted Irish Landmark Trust when she heard that we were restoring Triumphal Arch Lodge to tell us about her memories of growing up there. Kathleen’s grandmother, Margaret Jane Rea, was the last occupant of the lodge along with her daughter Ellie. Kathleen has many happy memories of summer holidays spent at the lodge from a very young age. Her elder brother and sister went to the school opposite the entrance gates that has since become a house.
Margaret grew vegetables and flowers in the large area to the left of the Triumphal Arch entrance, immediately behind the railings. She grew all her own vegetables, which she tended regularly, and Kathleen remembers her always wearing a large straw hat when she was gardening. The front entrance to the lodge was not in everyday use as it is today because the small vestibule behind it was used as a pantry to keep perishable items cold. Kathleen remembers the entrance most used being on the left side of the lodge with the kitchen and sitting room to the front of the lodge and two bedrooms at the back.
Kathleen’s Aunt Ellie was the post lady for Brookeborough and the surrounding area. She also bottled milk in the Colebrooke Creamery and Kathleen remembers helping her to put the tops on the milk bottles. Margaret Jane died in 1964 but Ellie Rea stayed on in the lodge for a few more years before moving away.
We love to hear stories that connect us to our properties. If you have a story to share please contact grace@irishlandmark.com.