It was during her tenure as Curator-Manager of the Todmorden Mills Historic Site (1973-1984) that the author first met True Davidson.

Born in Scarborough, Ontario, and a Don Mills resident since the age of three, Eleanor Darke has been fascinated by history from childhood, especially by the first-person stories and documents of those personally involved. In her pursuit of these interests the author obtained a B.A. (Honours) in Canadian history and English, Glendon College, York University. She also holds a certificate in Museum Studies, Ontario Museum Association.

Since 1995, Eleanor Darke has served as the Programme Officer, Toronto Historical Board (now called Heritage Toronto), prior to which she was Site Manager at Mackenzie House, Toronto. She is the author of "A Mill Should Be Build Thereon": An Early History of the Todmorden Mills, published in 1995 by Natural Heritage.

The author is married to R. Fred Darke, photographer and video producer.