Fonds F1808 - Ma Trainor fonds

Josephine “Ma” Smith, 1876-1953, was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She attended a concert at the age of five and upon her return home, she replayed a large portion of the score. Trainor was educated at Notre Dame Academy and taught music for several years at St. Dunstan's University (now University of Prince Edward Island) and Mt. St. Bernard College (now St. Francis Xavier University). For four years, Josephine was the official pianist of Government House (the residence of Prince Edward Island’s Lieutenant Governor). She married John Francis Trainor, 1876-1946, and they had one daughter, Gertrude (McIlhargey), 1905-1992.

The family moved to Calgary in 1912. Josephine was one of two women selected to demonstrate at a flour mill stall at the inaugural Calgary Stampede. Nearby was a stall operated by a pioneer music store; they informed Josephine of an opening for a pianist for an upcoming dance. It was her first public performance in Calgary. Within a month, she started her own orchestra, Ma Trainor's Orchestra, to occupy herself while her husband was away for work. Her musical talents quickly made her one of Calgary’s most renowned figures. Her orchestra was very well known in southern Alberta towns from the 1920s to the 1940s.

She conducted at Calgary's Palliser Hotel for 15 years and appeared regularly at large social functions. On one occasion, she was asked by Lady Isabella Lougheed to play at a reception for the Prince of Wales (future Edward VIII); despite waiting for hours, he never came.

Trainor entertained servicemen during both world wars with proceeds from her performances contributing to fundraising efforts. Beginning in 1939, she was a frequent performer at the Knight of Columbus Hut, appearing every Sunday evening during the war. In appreciation for her devotion and energetic performances, she received a citation by the organization.

Following the war, Trainor changed direction when she started the Calgary Hillbillies Band and toured the province for 6 years. Carstairs, Cochrane, Pincher Creek, Patricia, Mossleigh, Elnora and Duchess were just some of their stops. The Calgary Hillbillies played at community dances and were regularly featured on CJCJ radio. Dozens of admirers would attend these in person performances. One of her preferred events was the annual Elbow Park Community Association square dance.

Always a valued member of the Calgary community, Trainor received over 500 cards and letters for 75th birthday. She passed away on December 9, 1953 at the age of 77.