Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, May 1884

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, 13 May 1884

Tuesday May 13, 1884

Dear Fred

Yours dated April 7^th received to day in which you afford us a [illegible] glimpse of your present surroundings and occupation and we are all very much pleased indeed with contents. It is cheering and interesting and suggests to us a sincere wish that the summer’s run you have entered upon will strengthen your eyesight, benefit your health and proved remunerative to you in every way. There would be many opportunities doubtless for profitable barter and by the time this reaches you the preparation for market of the prince of fishes will have begun. It is almost a pit that some one or two fo the many grand fellows you will feast your eyes to on cannot come here with as little ceremony or cost as the letters. For we ever can imagine the difference between fresh salmon so called here and that which will be afforded you in a rapid transition

[2]

From the mountain stream to the pot or grid. I saw Blantern’s brother a few days ago and he informed me that you had been graduating in the Indian tongues. I I spose a sort of patois? Are there any sketches to be had of the scenery around you – you might give us one of your own doing for an idea. I will by its immensity probably be difficult subject, but try if you have time, and describe the colourings.

We are going on much the same here. I am still pursuing the “British Mercantile Gazette” with the view of increasing its bulk in advertisements for which I get a share of 20%. Canvassing is of course in the present depressed condition of trade difficult and laborious to the mind still my average earnings per week have been better than the cigar business, besides I seldom go from home and am only responsible to and at the bidding of myself. The rush of such an arrangement and freedom is most appreciable. George I have found an opening for him in the office of Mess Short Short & Co the export merchants in Gr Charles St and the owner and proprietor of the paper or publication I am working.

Ernest is fairly settled and I believe is satisfied with his work at Wright and Butlers the Lamp people. They have now a season ticket each which I paid for yesterday total 11.7.6 and they agree to pay me back so much a month. Our garden is likely to prove much more remunerative to us this year because a larger tract is under cultivation than last season and the ground breaks down better. I have added also some 3 or 4 dozen standard rose trees, some 200 gladioli bulbs, 3 Doulton ware vases in the rear also, and the pansies have given plenty of blossoms all the winter thro. We have in the house the long room and one opposite across the hall papered and [illegible] sundry little items also give a more furnished effect than it used to have – on the whole we are gradually following our destiny and I know you will rejoice when I say that the future may be an improvement on the present

[4]

And that the present is decidedly better than the past which we have just left behind. The Dr Swinbourne would like a line from you, I think you never have sent to him since your departure. He is not in such robust health as his best friends would wish him to be. We have had a visit from Sarah Churchill and Col Burnaby in Birm lately, in anticipation of their bid for the midland metropolitan vote – the former delivered some talented and effective speeches and ahs gone quite to the front of the political arena in their country. Bessie I omitted to say is apprenticed to Fordred (Millinery & Co) and seems to like it up to know. Louise is still with grandpa and Gma at Henley having occasionally all her patience severely taxed occasionally by their eccentricities and crochets still she doesn’t murmur much at the sacrifice. The remainder of the family are well. Your mama is overworked as usual but in fair health, studied with the customary consideration of

Your affectionate father

We eagerly anticipate your letters

August 14, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick Pauline from his father, 10 Aug 1888

[Illegible] Friday Aug 10 [1888]

Dear Fred

The poo for $10 arrived safely and this morning. It has also been paid over to Louise which she will acknowledge to you of course. She has been luck in the way of gifts, money as well as various articles more or less decorative and useful. The wedding went off I think in every way satisfactorily there was every thing the company or the newly married needed or could require and then to the club on Wednesday last so that they had 18 days holiday chiefly at Tynemouth in fishing boating we have not let the house

Yet though several inquisitorial people have replied to my advertisement- property at [illegible] is just now a drop in the market. There are many properties unlet at the same time the speculative builder is busy – Matthews the overseer tells me that owing to the above state of things AG in a clog upon the parochial balance sheet. This is is considered a temporary state only and will probably quickly recover itself. I wrote you some time since the letter any how should be with you before now saying we were all coming in the Lake Superior steamer tine to Montreal and thence to

You via CPR. We have Lpool this day fortnight on the 24 sail. So [illegible] we shall reach Montreal [illegible] about the 2^nd Sept where we hope to meet with Bessie. I have instructed her so far as possible what to do and sent her £2 POO to pay her rail to Montreal from Brooklyn. I hope she will have no difficulty in the matter. I have Royal Insurance introduction to Ward of Victoria also the Butins private card to Mr Turner, and [illegible] in

Also now in Birmi port to manufacture &c saying I am going to BC and could negotiate an agency or hrs &c but the time is yet young for any replies. I am bringing some cheap canvasses in oil, some scenes & C for spec and if they “go” I have arranged for a regular supply. We are bringing a coat for Leonard Philips which his ma has sent for enclosure, but we are not yet decided what to do for you and in the way of clothes. I have two handsome waistcoat pieces that I am expecting to get mended up for you if I can manage the size though Powell. Grandpa sends you a pipe by me – we are very fully occupied in completing arrangements for our journey which I [illegible] start will be safely completed + consummated in our writing again – we bring photos of wedding group and our love to all and from your affectionate Father.

[Cheat Sheet: The letter did not have a year, but Louisa Mary Paulin married Robert Rutherford on the 21 July 1888.

The Ship SS Lake Superior Beaver Line was the ship that they had booked passage to Montreal –

Interesting to note that Bessie was in Brooklyn and would meet the family in Montreal before they went on to Victoria. I will look into this.]

August 12, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick A Paulin from his father, 18 Aug 1884

August 18^th 1884

My Dear Fred

I am afraid the letters to you have not been so numerous as they should have been lately. It is not for want of my telling your brothers to do so, if the letters have been few or scarce you may depend – we have not heard of you since Dr S informed me he had received a letter from you in which you said you were well. We are anxiously looking for a letter daily from you and trust it will soon arrive telling us you are still well and any other news you may have to write about. We have a grand spell of truly harvest weather, the heat is unusual, some days have been tropical, and the farmer is looking up cheerfully at the prospect, and he needs all the help the weather can give to him. Trade, will that which is called so is as bad as it well can be. I as in Sheffield last week and the old traders there say it never was so wretchedly unremunerative as business

Is there at the present time. I still begging away at the British Mercantile Gazette which produces a fitful return. On the whole up to now it has not been so bad. The advertising process is however in every way affected of course by the state of trade, and as August is the month between the seasons – a sort of off time in the calendar it is just now difficult to keep the ship moving, whilst the expenses of home do not diminish as the members severally increase in size and years. The garden is well stocked, the peas were very fine, ditto broad beans, the runners are not quite ready but the potatotes are clean healthy and good size and most of the spaces filled in with [illegible] produce. The flower garden secondary in importance, has yielded us a goodly show the roses are nice and the cardinal gladioli are now brilliant and beautiful. We are pretty well. And Mrs Paulin is still with us. Louise has returned from Henley and is looking out again to assume an independence of home and thus make one less to lean on the exchequer. Geo keeps to McLelland and Ernest to Wright and Brothers. I never see ant of the Collins’ people so do not know how poor Smith is, but spose he is driving along well as he can. The “Green” is much the same. I don not remember a new feature to record and the Choir makes no progress, we are one principally a stagnant composition. Great stirring is now the order in the political world, parliament is prorogued until Oct when the franchise Bill is to be again sent up to the Lords, who will doubtless reject it again, if without the redistribution scheme. Lord Randolph Church holds a foremost place in future conservatism and if he lives

Is destined to lead the party. He is a powerful speaker and agreeable to hear because of his moderately paced delivery without hesitation or trip. The organization of the Conservative party is being perfected throughout the country and will, whenever the general election comes, make a goodly show. A young man who was with you in Deritend Factors Warehouse met me a few days ago and wished to be remembered to you. He is at Martinson & Smiths. I see by the papers today Hanlan has been beaten in Australia by 7 lengths. I do not remember anything else to say so will finish with the hope that you are alright and that we shall soon hear from you soon

Your very affectionate Father

This goes with one from your Mother.

[Cheat Sheet: Mrs Paulin is likely Frederick Paulin Sr’s mother Sarah Clements Paulin. Hanlan is Ned Hanlan the Canadian rower see here for more information on him ]

August 10, 2020 0

Mapping Ernest Paulin and Emma Jane Jennings

Here is the map for Ernest Paulin and his wife Emma Jennings. It is perhaps one of the biggest lists of residences, but then Ernest moved around a lot in his life. Economic insecurity, and other factors led him to live in Birmingham, Victoria BC, Ilford, and Leigh-on-Sea. He died in Victoria in 1912, and the family continued to move about a fair bit before settling in Perry Barr. I included some of the addresses Emma had as a widow on this map.

Map here

July 20, 2020 0

Mapping Louise Paulin Rutherford

Here is the modest map for Louise Paulin and her husband Robert Rutherford.

Map is here

June 22, 2020 0

Henley Lodge, Acock’s Green – Figuring out where the Paulin Family lived in the 1880s

[Repost from Gilliandr blog from 2016]

I had been looking into where the Paulin family lived when they were in Birmingham and trying to ascertain how they lived. My main focus was on their economic or social position. After Frederick’s bankruptcy in Peckham and the Anchor Brewery, I wasn’t sure if they were doing well, especially with 13 children in the home. I had seen the census – and they had two servants. So I was confused a bit – good or bad?

I started an internet search to see if I could find “Henley Lodge” which was the name of the house they lived in, which was in Acock’s Green. There was nothing extant that was called that, but I did find the website for the Acock’s Green Historical Society: http://aghs.jimdo.com/ . I decided to write them and ask if anyone knows if this place still existed. I got such wonderful assistance from Mike Byrne of the Society; it was as if my problem became his problem. Such a great collaborative research process! And as a result I have a pretty good idea of where they lived, and what kind of neighbourhood they lived in.

So here are my initial sources for the place:

1901 Census listing Ernest and Emma Paulin with their five children at “Henley Lodge” Yardley Road

1886 Birmingham City Directory listing Frederick Paulin, accountant, living at Henley Lodge, Yardley Road

And – 28 July 1888 Reading Mercury notice of the marriage of Louise Mary Paulin to Robert Rutherford, stating that she was the daughter of Frederick Paulin of Henley Lodge

Mr. Byrne first went into the sources for the 1881 Census, and looked at where the Paulins lived at that time – which was not Henley Lodge. Here is what he found:

“The 1881 census has Frederick as an accountant on the Warwick Road with his family. There are some records on the internet saying the family lived in a grocer’s shop, but whoever did this had read the previous entry and not noticed that the census was describing the property next door. Looking at the sequence of records, he would have been in quite a good house, which later became a shop, somewhere to the left of or maybe indeed the house with the tall chimney on the left in the 1936 picture and on the right in the 1953 image. However these have been replaced by modern shops as shown in the Google streetview screen shot.”

warwick-road-today — Warwick Road today – Google – courtesy of Mike Byrne

warwick-road-1936 — Warwick Road 1936 – courtesy of Mike Byrne

warwick-road-1953 — Warwick Road 1953 – courtesy of Mike Byrne

As for Henley Lodge, he wasn’t sure given what he knew of Yardley Road, so he asked for a picture, so I sent him my lone outdoor shot which I thought had been taken when they lived in Birmingham because of the age of the children in the image. Apparently this was the help he needed.

“I think I can be reasonably confident that the building Henley Lodge is now called 162 Yardley Road. It was probably built in the early 1880s, which may be why it was not on the 1888 map, which itself was surveyed over a period of time. As you can see from the 1904 map, it stands back from Yardley Road on the corner of Francis Road. This is confirmed by a directory of 1905. In 1900 it was occupied by George Perkins, a well-known local chemist from the Warwick Road near where your family lived in 1881. In 1905 it was occupied by George Hill. Today it is part of a garage business, and the front and back have been covered by extensions, but you can see that it was a large enough house to match the photograph.”

paulins-in-bham — Paulin family in Birmingham, c 1890s – collection of K Paulin

smithsgarage — Smith’s Garage courtesy of Mike Byrne, where you can see the likely location of Henley Lodge with a big garage butting onto it.

162-yardley-road-today — 162 Yardley Road today from Google, courtesy of Mike Byrne. You can imagine that the house must have had a lovely yard at one point – now it is all garage really.

yardleyrdnorthos1904 — Map of Yardley in 1904.

Needless to say this picture of how they lived could not have happened without the knowledge and assistance of Mike Byrne. Clearly they were living an upper middle class lifestyle. Not sure how they financed this completely, but most likely from sources other than his salary as an accountant. He just was not that good at money. Some of the money might have come from his adult sons working, or his wife’s inheritance from her mother, or help from his Dad. All possible! He named his home after his birthplace, and frankly the name made his place sound a bit posh.

Thank you Acock’s Green Historical Society and Mike Byrne! Thank you.

May 12, 2020 0

Letter of reference, 1883

Transcription of letter of reference for Frederick Arthur Paulin from Timothy Jones & Co, March 1883

[1]

Timothy Jones & Co Wholesale Paper Dealers Stationers & Account Book Manufacturers

11 & 12 Edgbaston Street, Birmingham

March 12^th 1883

Mr Frederick Paulin being about to leave England and our employment, we desire to express our regret at his departure, and we trust that the new field of labour in which he is about to enter, may tend to his future success.

We can strongly recommend him, for the position he has held with us, namely Ledger Clerk, and collector which duty he has fulfilled in a most trustworthy and efficient manner, for the past five years, which time he has been with us, and we can confidently recommend him to any position of trust.

Charles J Collins

Josiah Collins

Trading as Timothy Jones & Co

May 2, 2020 0

Disjointed letter, dated around 1886

Transcription of letter from Frederick Paulin to his son, no date, no idea which page is the first page of the letter. Marlene Cormack, who scanned the letter called it the “disjointed letter” which is really spot-on.

[1?]

We share drawing you know from this side 70L at leas line rents per year

No we expect to have 2 to 300L on reaching you

Properly transferred for the purpose

[2?]

Anche chances obtainable for growing into set forms where they may flourish and develop into factors of progress and finally permanent rewards of a Paulin emigration period which may become matters conspicuous in the his long of your adopted colony.

We can’t say it won’t be s

No seasons impregnable obstacles need bar the way

My health is excellent once the operation I underwent in Guy’s

[3?]

Your hardworking affectionate mother is in I know embraces her change of seeing and being with her sons again, and I am additionally anxious that she should be liken on her account and for her sake

So think it well and write me without delay – we have not heard from your side lately nor from Bessie and are looking for news daily – we write in love to you all

From your affectional father

April 18, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, c1884-5

Transcription letter from Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, dated 4 Jun [approx. year 1884-5]

[1]

The British Mercantile Gazette Journal of Commerce

Highest Awards in Two Classes (Silver & Bronze Medals) at Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880, Highest awards in Two Classes (Gold & Silver Medals) at Adelaide International Exhibition, 1880 Highest Award (Gold Medal) at New Zealand International Exhibition 1882

Established in 1868

168 Fleet Street London EC

Proprietors Short, Short & Co

Export Merchants

June 4^th, Wed

Dear Fred,

Yours dated May 4^th came to hand yesterday containing sketch of that luxurious spot the Sulphur Spring. If surroundings are one decidedly romantic and such that we have here only allowed to read about, but not permitted to see. The strikingly various conditions, the grand the mysteriously grotesque, as well as apparently the easily read and understood phases in nature seem to surround you, and will I was know leave a proper impression on your mind and trace behind also constantly suggestive of the Great Maker of it all. We are all pretty well and comfort ourselves that your health continues good. We realize too the fact that plenty to do up Aberdeen drives away the monotony. This is our Whiteweek. George and Ernest + Herbert went to Hen Thames on Saturday last + returned on Monday

[2]

Reaching home about 3 am Tuesday morning. They seem to have enjoyed themselves immensely and to have lost no time in pursuing enjoyment principally on the river you know so well at Corderys and to the Island. Cordery and his wife are both rheumatically afflicted – the former is also financially reduced and really does nothing – a provision most providential has been made however for his support to be acquired by his 2 youngest sons who I hear work hard and earnestly and pretty successfully on behalf of Home – but George or Ernest or both (Ernest is not the most frequent writer to you) should tell you the complete history of their visit. I am often calling a mention to the value you must attach to news from home and placing those at home in imagination in your place and position. I think with ordinary luck my work on the above “Gazette” may prove as remunerative as any recent occupation has been or a trifle better anyhow its respectable labour. The firm is well known + respected too. This opinion of mine will I know receive your best wishes for its corroboration in fact

[3]

We are having a very dry time just now or rather have had now seemingly too long, this locality requires frequent moisture it is very porous and tho rain has peeked at in it has retired again more than once. Our crops will appreciate a fall largely and our garden too. The spuds are nicely thro same 50 yards by 5, the peas 5 good rows well stuck. The broad beans 2 rows 10 yards long well forward to bloom, carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are in their infancy. The apple trees from your pips have positions of prominence midway down the garden and are each in height say 2 feet, 18 inches, and 1 foot. [illegible] as the flowers are secondary in consequence they come next, but they will make a rather nice shew this year, the pansies gladioli roses and mimulus are abundant the annuals are coming along to swell the list – also so that the home far away from you is as gay as we can make it in illustration of the bright hopes

[4]

We indulge in of seeing you back some day to reassure your position of your fathers confidence and your mothers solace amongst your affectionate brothers and sisters. The broom trees in our front given by Dr Swinburne are a glory of gold, one is a silver broom and guards the right bay as you enter from the road. Whilst a Gloire de Dijon is doing its best to climb the side of the porch near the other bay and yields us some 20 blossoms – a red dutch Honeysuckle is making effort to cloth the other side of the porch. If you can picture at all what we are like from the sketch it will strike you as a contrast to the grandeur or the mysteriously grotesque around you + which is referred to in the first lines of this letter. Aunt Mrs Paulin is with us reunited here with the chattels from London and is better for the change. Lastly we all join in the heartfelt good wishes for your health, success, and the same to continue until, we meet again – From your very affectionate Father

F Paulin

April 14, 2020 0

Letter from Frederick and Mary Paulin to FA Paulin, c1884

Transcription Letter to Frederick A Paulin from Frederick Paulin Sr and Mary Cutler Paulin, July 5^th [no date – estimated 1884]

[1]

Henley Lodge, July 5^th

Dear Fred

I sent last week “Truth” + Weekly Post + “Bell’s Life” with the 2 days’ Henley Regatta which seems to have passed off splendidly.

No one went from here – Ernest, George + Herbert visited Henley at Whitsuntide which probably they have already told you about – Louise is still at Henley but I believe she may now return home any day as the old folks have an old stayed attendant – and can now do without her. We have grand summer weather here for fully a month, great heat, unusually fine weather, enough to set the grumblers sighing for rain which has only arrived + probably those with hay about will complain now. They hay crops are light, corn crops look very well, turnips are a very thin crop this the dry time + the busy fly. Our garden is promising we have quite a stretch of potatoes (Magnum forns) not ready yet – a promising crop of raspberries just ripening your young gooseberries + currants have both distributed what they can

[2]

The pear not nearly fit to gather and show well broad beans ditto. The scarlet runner embrace the whole width of the bottom of the garden and are climbing as fast as they can, whilst the spaces are all filled in with plants for [illegible]. The flowers are plentiful and the roses to which I have before refined are doing quite as well as expected. I + Dr Simburne had some chat about you yesterday Sunday in vestry. He hoped I should remember him to you. The choir is the same. They went by invitation to the vicarage last Friday week. I did not go, didn’t care about it, so the Doctor asked me today to come in at any time, he [illegible] be glad if I would. He is well but his health is weak. The annual children’s white dress service takes place next Friday your mama has the usual work to get on contingent ready. The sermon is entitled “Weeds + Flowers” + 8 hymns are to be sung. George is going back to McClelland’s they want him + he would prefer being there

[3]

I am working away on “The British Mercantile Gazette” still, it is difficult business sometimes, but then up to now it has paid. Ernest keeps his place at Wright + Butlers and seems to suit them. Referring to politics a dissolution would not surprise most people at any moment. There is the franchise bill the Egyptian financing business as well as the Soudan knot which stand right in the way of Cabinet and the Election for N Warwickshire just limited resulted in a larger Conservative majority than ever has been known. Lord Randolph Churchill is unwell from overwork he is effected shortly in Birmingham with Col Burnaby and I have arranged with the Town Hall Curator for admission on the occasion. We are all pretty well Aunt is with us from London as you may know + is better for the change in health. The Henley folks are very well but feeble. I should have been in Manchester +c this week but can’t get away before next week now. Mama will finish this morning [illegible] I hope this agate writing will stand let me know.

[4]

My dear Fred

Your father says I need to finish this, but I thought he had told you all the news you will I fear have much trouble to make it out – don’t think it unkind I seldom write. I am always at work, thinking and talking of you many times a day hope with all my heart to see you home next summer. George wishes very much to join you and if he does you must journey home. Bessie, Amy + Florence are all at work nw but not getting any money for two years from the time they started. Your father is doing better or we could not manage this latter two are at Miss Bostons the dressmakers in the village come home to morrow.

Kindest love and wishes your Mother

March 18, 2020 0