Karl Henry Dusome Pt. 1: Life

Karl Henry, son of Métis tailor John Peter and Alice Dusome, learned the value of skill and hard work from an early age through his father's tailoring business, situated in the heart of Georgian Bay.

J. Dusome Tailoring first opened its doors in 1884, more than a decade before Karl Henry's birth in November 1897. The October 1884 edition of the Penetanguishene Herald announced the “New Tailoring Establishment” on Robert Street, advertising clothing “...made up in the Latest American Styles at reasonable prices.” In 1901, when Karl Henry was four years old, his family moved their shop to Main Street.

Immersed in this family trade, Karl Henry learned the art of tailoring from his father, mastering precision, patience, and pride in workmanship. 

On November 25, 1915, only weeks after turning eighteen, Karl Henry volunteered for military service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Even though his family’s Main Street shop had closed in 1909, Karl Henry continued to identify himself as a “Tailor” on his enlistment papers–a tribute to his upbringing and the family legacy that had shaped him.

See Our Sources

• Karl Henry Dusome, Canadian Great War Project

• Dusome-Clermont VMFL

• Penetangusihene Herald J. Dusome Tailoring October 16, 1884

• Karl Henry Dusome Attestation Record (1)

• Karl Henry Dusome Attestation Record (2)

• 46 Main Street Penetanguishene C.1900

• John Peter, Mary Alice, and Percy Dusome Gravestone, North Simcoe Cemeteries

Mini Word Search

Have fun with the facts by completing today's mini word search.