Manitoba
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Prison Experience

While awaiting her sentencing, Hilda penned a poem “My Downfall.” It was published in the Western Sun on December 14, 1899 and revealed a great deal about her. It showed her good writing skills despite her social status, her state of mind at the time of her pending execution, her maturity given her age, and her views on gender and religion.

While in jail, Hilda had many visitors including Amelia Yeomans, a member of the Manitoba Equal Suffrage Club. Hilda Blake also attempted to escape using a file provided by her friend, Emma Stripp. Stripp was sentenced to two months in prison as a result. Explore the court documents to find out more about Stripp’s case.

A view of the city of Brandon
Image of the executive members of the Manitoba Equal Suffrage Club. Amelia Yeomans, a member of the executive, met with Hilda Blake while she was in jail awaiting her execution. A of M, Manitoba Equal Suffrage Club 1, Executive, c. 1900
A view of the city of Brandon from the Northeast
Statement of Accused in the Emma J. Stripp trial, page 1. A of M, A 0088, GR 0363, Q. vs. Emma J. Stripp, No. 5

Find out more... search Hilda Blake in the Keystone Archives Descriptive Database.