76 West Mary Street, Picton, Ontario

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Over the years of working on this project, questions about the address of the Branscombe home in Picton were unanswered.  Even the Historical Society could not seem to narrow down the address, though they knew it was West Mary Street. 

During our walking tour on the day of the Picton concert, August 15th, we walked on West Mary stopping in front of 76 West Mary Street.  Liz Driver, who led the walking tour, explained the probability of the house being the home of Gena Branscombe’s family.  Local landmarks were noted yet the question of “was this the Branscombe home?” remained.




Several hours later at the “From Picton to the World” concert, Liz met Sheila and Wayne Van Soelen.  Sheila is a cousin of Gena Branscombe’s.  The Van Soelen’s have done extensive research into the Branscombe genealogy.  It was possible that Wayne knew of connection between Gena, her brother Clarence and the Jones family.  With more information at her disposal, thanks to Wayne, Liz googled “Owen Jones.”  In 1941 Gena and Clarence had “granted” Lot 780 on West Mary Street to Owen Jones.  Owen’s obituary referenced his residing at “76 Mary” which Liz is absolutely sure means 76 West Mary Street.


In the November 7, 1910 issue of the Picton Gazette an article titled “Picton’s Talented Daughter Weds” was published.  The bridal party, family members, the pink and white flowers, Miss Florence Emory singing Gena’s own song “How do I Love Thee: Let Me Count the Ways” and the wedding ceremony were given extensive descriptions .
The only fault the writer could find with Gena’s new husband, John Ferguson Tenney, was that he lived in New York and not Canada!  The wedding took place in the Branscombe home.








Yes, indeed on Saturday, August 15th during the Gena Branscombe Walking Tour, we had stood in front of Gena’s childhood home!  Mystery solved.  


#BringingBackBranscombe

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