The Snow Drop cover
Three liberal American women who emigrated to Canada with their husbands all considered the
education of Canadian children in mid-19th-century Canada important enough to merit the
publication of periodicals for a children's readership. Mrs. Cheney, a poet and writer of historical
sketches, and Mrs. Cushing, a playwright, were Montreal-based sisters who had both been
published in the United States and were regular contributors to the Literary garland before their
husbands died in 1845 and 1846 respectively.
In 1847, together they launched The Snow Drop, a monthly periodical written for girls aged 6 to
12 and primarily concerned with social roles and domestic responsibilities appropriate for young
women. Eleanor Lay's husband, the founding editor of a rival periodical, the Maple Leaf, died in
1853 leaving Lay responsible for her family and finances. Lay capably took over her husband's
editorial role and ensured the continuation of the Maple Leaf. Although both periodicals reflect
contemporary values, each solicited and published the work of Canadian women writers. As a
result, Canadian families were introduced to Canadian materials, ensuring greater relevance for
the education of their children.
Selected Works
-- The Snow drop or Juvenile magazine. -- 1847-1853. Monthly, illustrated
-- Maple leaf. -- 1852-1854. Monthly, illustrated
Gerson, Carole. -- "The snow drop and the maple leaf : Canada's first periodicals for children". --
Canadian children's literature. -- 18/19 (1980). -- ISSN 03190080. -- P. 10-23
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Harriet Vaughan Cheney