A historic First for Selkirk Colonial Society.
The Selkirk Colonial Society has announced a historic appointment for 2026, selecting Frances Clementine Anderson of San Francisco as its first female Colonial Standard Bearer.
Frances was unanimously elected by members at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on 11 March 2026.
She is the great-great-granddaughter of Robert Anderson, known locally as “Honolulu Bob”, who was born in Selkirk in 1875 and was one of the founders of the Selkirk Colonial Society. Continuing the family connection, Frances’s brother, Dashiell Robert Anderson, will Buss the Society flag for his sister on 10 June 2026.
Frances is no stranger to Selkirk’s Common Riding. She first attended in 2013 to support her father, Robert Mailer Anderson, who served as Colonial Standard Bearer that year. The occasion also marked the 100th anniversary of his great-grandfather Robert Anderson’s own term as Standard Bearer. Frances returned in 2022 during a family visit to Scotland.
The 2013 celebrations were particularly memorable for Frances, who joined her father in singing at the Colonial Society’s Bussin’ Reception. Experiencing the traditions of the Common Riding, singing local songs and meeting extended family helped spark her ambition to one day serve as Standard Bearer herself.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Frances is currently working as a Race Support Engineer Intern with Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s most successful teams, with more than 350 wins across its three major series. She will return next year to Columbia University in New York City to complete her degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Although the Anderson family has not lived in Selkirk for more than a century, they have maintained close ties with the Town through regular visits and contact with relatives. A large Anderson contingent attended the 2013 Common Riding, and the Society expects many family members to return in 2026 to support Frances and Dashiell.
The Selkirk Colonial Society extends its very best wishes to both Frances and Dashiell for their big year and would welcome contact from returning exiles, their descendants, or overseas visitors planning to attend this year’s Common Riding. Please contact the Chairman, Ian Clapperton or Secretary, Elana Lawrie.
