John Paulin to Oliver Pauline, 1911

John Paulin to Oliver Pauline Esq, 30 Dec 1911

Bella Bella, BC

Dec 30, 1911

To Oliver Pauline, Esq

Oak Bay

Dear Oliver,

You’ll wonder why I haven’t answered your kind letter before, but to tell you the truth, I was silly enough to think it came from Wilfred, your cousin, and now he writes me to say that it was not him that wrote to me, and of course now I know it was your kind letter that I received, I sincerely crave your pardon my dear Sir, and promise not to do it again, if you’ll let me off this time (even with a caution).

Xmas passed off here nice and quiet no humbug or worry, and no one called so had to do the best I could with Aunty Annie to help me manage the goose, but you bet he was a sick looking bird when we got finished with him, but there was some more came around the next morning and I managed to get another for New Year’s (so there’s corn in Egypt yet as the saying goes –

Our

[2]

The weather is very cold up here just now, one has to put his hat on to go out of doors, not much snow, but very cold winds, and our water works I mean the rain barrels are all frozen up solid, and we are thinking of bringing them into the house to thaw out.

Well Oliver, I hope you had a jolly good time at Christmas, and trust you’re not feeling any bad after affects, such as too much pudding, etc.,

Remember me kindly to your Mother, Dad and Fred, not forgetting Grandpa Mesher and I shall consider if you will write again that you’ve forgive me, for making such a serious mistake.

So wishing you a very Happy New Year, ill capit nika kloosh tum-tum alta

Mika Uncle Jack.

February 6, 2020 0

Paulin – Clark Marriage, 1959

Daily Colonist, 12 July 1959

Paulin-Clark Rites

Couple Honeymoon on Oregon Coast

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was the scene of the wedding Friday evening, which united Elizabeth, daughter of Mr and Mrs Alick Reginald Clark, 849 Pemberton Road, and Mr George Paulin, son of Mr and Mrs CW Paulin, Pembroke Street.

Dr JLW McLean officiated at the double-ring service.

After a wedding trip to the mainland and the Oregon coast, the couple will return to Victoria to live at 85 Sims Avenue.

Enchanting gown of silk organza was worn by the attractive bride. It was fashioned with fitted bodice complemented by softly draped sleeves and a sabrina neckline outlined with Chantilly lace. A tiara of seed pearls and rhinestones held her veil of illusion trimmed with lace. She wore as jewelry, a pearl necklace and earrings, gift of the groom. Her cascade bouquet was of white and pink roses centred with a sprig f white heather, sent by friends in Scotland.

Preceding the bride up the aisle was her sister, Miss Margaret Clark, maid of honour, and her small cousin, Miss Susan Clark, as flower girl. A ballerina length dress of frosty white nylon organdy over net and turquoise taffeta was worn by the maid of honour. Tiny turquoise daisies dotted the pretty frock, and a cummerbund was tied at the back in a butterfly bow. Her hair bandeau was of pink and white carnations, as was her bouquet. Little baskets of flowers embroidered the dainty white organdy frock worn by Susan.

Best man was Bud Brice and ushers were Don Hamilton and Bob Caldwell.

Receiving guests at a reception in Holyrood House, mother of the bride wore a two-piece dress of beige-toned lace. A clever pink lace and taffeta dress was worn by the groom’s mother.

Bride’s uncle, Albert E Clark, proposed the toast.

For her going-away outfit, the new Mrs Paulin donned a sheath-style dress and matching coat in beige tone worsted fabric. Her hat and gloves were mint green and she had a corsage of white carnations.

January 22, 2020 0

Victor Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Lt VR Pauline

C/o Ave David

Strand, AVC

London

Feby 15/18

Dear Mother

Your letter dated 8 Jany received, thank you very much for it. I think the letters you mention from Dad, Aunties and Bill have gone astray. I received letter and parcel from Aunty Nell, the helmet is absolutely posh, so are the writstlets, in the summer I shall wear the helmet as it is, but just now will wear my leather one over it, as it is mighty cold at 16000 ft.

As regards Birks and Mrs Mcallister, I received a New Year’s card from Macallisters, but Birks doesn’t

know enough, I expect. I had a letter from Jennie Redford (the young lady who is working in the bank) saying that Birks had shown her my picture, and telling me how nice it was, etc. He might write me a letter. I don’t know. I am not worrying much, however, I only sent him in the first place, in case he might think I was working in some munition works or something.

I haven’t heard from Ben, but had a letter from Hilda, saying that Ben spent the day with them and was going to Epsom the following Sunday. I haven’t the faintest idea where Epsom is so can’t give any

Particulars. About Toby. I would suggest having him where he is Milligan is perfectly willing as he should be, his own horse was about petered out when last I saw it. Would not write Parrie any more, heard Birks are pretty good friends, he might think you were bothering him unnecessarily.

I am at Queensbury still and as there is no flying today, owing to the weather, I am writing letters. It is only a matter of a day or so before I leave either for France, Ayr, or back to my squadron in Stockbridge. If Ayr I get a waks course in aerial fighting

If overseas I get 2 days leave and then go to a pool in France and wait for an opening in some squadron. And if Stockbridge I go with 91, as it is an overseas squadron. I would much prefer the latter, as I knoq all the staff, etc., and it would be much nicer than going amongst strangers. But I have got so now that “nothing makes me sick” so don’t worry in the least.

It certainly must have been some sensation when Robin Grays people got that cable that he was a prisoner in Germany.

I have got it all figured out if I get taken prisoner,

I will give a cheque to some German Red Cross Hospital, and immediately Cox & bo receive the cheque they will notify you- get me!

This may seem far fetched but it can be done. When one of the RDC are taken prisoner they never let it out if they can help it. I expect they think it has a bad affect on his pals. But they’re wrong.

I think I will cable my address when I get it, so don’t be alarmed if you receive one. The trouble is you might receive it before this letter,

but if I go to Stockbridge I might not go to France for another month. So don’t worry whether you receive a cable or not.

I received a letter from Nancy thanking me for photos, I expect some of the others will take a jump to themselves soon. Aunty Nell, and Nancy are the only apparent recipients at present. I think Ruby is sore with me because I never went to see her, but spent all my time in B’ham. Hilda mentioned having met her, and told me how nice she was etc., but she hasn’t mentioned my letter as yet, hence my conclusion that she must be “~~~~” in plain English “angry”. She has asked me for a photo of myself every time she writes, but I haven’t one, will have to try and get a snap of some sort taken. I gave that one you sent me for George to Hilda, who just as much as asked for it, so what could I do, nothing!! Si likes the weak hearted creature I am I gave it to her. I figured it out this way, I would see George soon, and it would be much better him not

knowing what I look like until I see him. Then he will have a greater surprise than he would have if he had the pictures. I don’t want you to think I am conceited, but I have changed considerably since I had it taken, having grown some more and very much fatter.

Better looking?? I couldn’t tell you. About the only change I can see in Wilf (in looks) is his nose, which has quite a hump on it. He has a nose exactly the same as Grandpa, I noticed it as soon as I saw him. Well Ma, I recken as how I have written a pretty good letter (for siys anyway) all kinds of love to Dad and yourself, and remember me to everyone

Your loving son

Victor

October 25, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1917

Stockbridge

Royal Flying Corps

December 28, 1917

Dear Mother,

Steno, I am again just before bed scratching off a few lines, no mail has arrived from Canada yet. I received a letter from “Ruby”enclosing a picture, of herself, which I answered immediately, she says Wilf has not written her for 12 months. I wrote back saying I would write him a scolding letter. I also had letters from Ben, Wilf and George. Wilf is, at present on leave he is going up to Aberdeen, whatever for

I can’t tell you, and will stay off at B’ham for a day to see Ben. George hasn’t got anything to say in his letters at all, never mentioned being gassed at all.

I expect 4 days leave soon and will go and see Ben and Ruby, also Mrs Pauline in B’ham. I am afraid I have forgotten if she has children or not, and I might make a break in showing her how ignorant I am regarding some of my relatives. She has been to see Ben, and asked Ben about “Sid”, Ben didn’t know know of any other “Sid” but Sid Thomson so I concluded it

Must be he. But couldn’t figure out how “Sid” knew Aunty “Emmy”. I think thats her name. I’m only making a rough guess. So I am going to wait until she writes me, and kind of break the ice a little. I might get real hold of one of these days and write, “my dear aunt” but no “Emmy”. It would be a good one on me if I wrote “my dear Aunt Emmy” and her name was “Maud” or something of that kind.

How is Dad? I wrote him about a week ago. Yes I ought to get a bunch of letters, for the letters are written, I must have scrawled off about 100.

I had a quiet Christmas

went for a walk around the courtyards, Hants is a very pretty country. W is had a y~~~ feed for a change, that was the only thing that made it seem the least bit like Christmas. I ~~~ was getting better now, but when we ~~~~ here, Wow! W~~ kicked every day, they curse through with a little service.

Well Ma, I hope this letter is not a “fearful bore” (English for D- nuisance) it is near the end now. Love to all, and heaps to Dad and yourself.

Your loving son

Victor

PS “How’s Toby” and Mrs Jones? Don’t confuse the two!

October 23, 2019 0

Victor Reginald Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Letter to Mrs George Paulin from son Victor Paulin, France 22 April 1918

Dear mother,

How are things in old Victoria? Received a letter from Victoria yesterday giving all the latest events, from Nancy Riddell, they are now living at 793 Stillside Ave, wants a snap of me, so I told her to call on you, and you would be sure to give her one. I hope you received the postcards taken at Ayr and the 2 films taken in France while I was in the pool.

I have just returned from Baron von Richtofffen’s funeral, he was the German “star” aviator, and was brought down yesterday by one of the chaps in this wing. He flew a red tryplane. I also went and had a look at that this morning. It was quite a funeral for France, a firing party of Australians, and the pall bearers were officers of the Australian Flying Corps. During the ceremony a formation of our machines flew around the cemetery, everyone was wishing that he had been brought down alive, as he was a brave fellow. I have had him dive on me on one occasion, and am not at all sorry he is out of it, at the same time I have every respect in the world for him, if Idid not happen to be able to dive faster than he on the occasion I mention, he would have “got me” -as the him tryplane is a very frail machine and is liable to break up at a great speed. He couldn’t follow me, believe me, I had “gust up” when I knew that the “star”

“him” was on my tail.

I received a letter from Aunty Nellie, also one from Ben, Ruby and Hilda, everything in the garden is rosy so far as Ruby and Ben are concerned. It appears they have both written me, but I have not received the letters.

Say Mother, did Aunty Floss ever write me? I have never heard from any of our relatives in Victoria, except that one letter from Aunty Doll Aunty Polly. I must have lost a whole batch of mail. I have written about a hundred letters for every one I receive. Expected one from you today, it seems funny that I should receive a letter from Nancy from Victoria, and no other mail with it. Perhaps some more is coming !!!(This letter was dated 11 March)

In case you haven’t received my other letters my address is 23 Squadron, RAF, BED France. I received a letter from Wilf recently, he was in London for a few days. I will get leave in about a month, and will send some more music for Dad, tell him to write a few lines once in a while. I haven’t had a letter from him since I landed in England. I received a Christmas card from him that is all, Well Ma must close now, hope Toby won’t be a nuisance to you, the best way would be to raffle him for the Red Cross!! deducting your expenses.

Love to Dad and yourself, your loving son Vic

October 17, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

Perry Barr

Sunday Dec. 14^th [1941]

My Dear Wilf

I was a great surprise and a very nice one to receive your parcel- No need to tell you, the contents are appreciated and will be enjoyed- also thank you for the kind thought.

I mentioned your letter sent months ago by return post, often wondered if it reached you. Read in the paper you had the Syrens [sic] in Victoria.

Please God it will end at that. Hilda’s hubbie expected to get his leave and be home in Jan., but do not know what will happen now, after this fresh uprising- Fred is in Africa and has been very ill with Malaria. So could do with a rest.

[second page]

Rene’s son is on board HMS Worcestershire, destination unknown.

Hilda and Grace are still hard at it, doing my little bit, by collecting paper, cardboard, rags and bones, they are greatly needed for munitions.

Love to your wife and boy, and also to George and wife, not forgetting ~~~~~

Remember me to Uncle Fred when you see him, we are not sending any Xmas cards this year- Always thinking of you

Love Auntie Emmie

October 15, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

B’ham 30^th Dec. [1941]

Dear Wilf

Many thanks for your newsy letter, before I received it, had written to thank you for the grand parcel you sent, hope you get it, but one cannot be certain of anything these days- The snaps of you all were lovely your girlie is so much like Hilda, as she was at that age, especially the one taken with your boy, he looks a jolly little darling, your wife is very sweet. I know good looking family, not forgetting yourself of course- a slight change from the last time I saw you.

Sent your letter to Hilda, so expect you will get a letter. Jerry was over England last night, we had the syrens [sic] prepared to go into my table indoor shelter, but the all clear soon came. Last winter I went down the cellar next door. Thank goodness for my table, it takes up nearly half of my room, don’t mind that. We brought down 3 Jerrys last night.-

[second page]

You had asked in your letter about Japan coming in, well the Wily Devils have made a good show so far, but it will be a different tale when our allies your side are ready—

You must excuse, I’m still a bit shaky- the syrens [sic] always upset me- can’t explain it. I am not afraid, but the morning sound upsets my tummy. Old age I guess.

Well dear, Hilda will tell you all the news- have not seen her for weeks- I like to be in my own little place and she does not get home, until past black out-

Love to your wife and family

Same to your dear self

From Aunt Emmie

October 13, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1940

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Monday 30^th Dec. 1940

Dear Wilf [Charles Wilfrid Paulin]

Received your Most Welcome letter, it had been examined, OK, yes dear we have been through the mill. Very near to us, 3 lots of fronts and windows blown out. Have been staying with Hilda the last two weeks. She is out of danger area. Got worn out staying in the cellar for 7 to 8 hours nightly. 11 hours one night, then a land mine dropped a short distance from PB Station. So I packed up in the morning. Have to come back for rations and to see my sister, who is in the Infirmary (89 Years of Age). Time flies. Would like to see you, as family man, also George, perhaps some day, you will let us have a family group, also of George and his wife. Have sent your letter to Hilda. She will be so pleased. Do you remember helping me with the under garments- it was a great pity I had to sacrifice the shop, after working so hard. Almost gave the stock away. Never mind, I have my pension of 22/6 weekly and the best children in the world.

I am living in a 3 room cottage, up the passage in front of the old shop- we are having a lull now- so staying home.

We hear planes going over at Hilda’s and get heavy gunfire, shakes the windows, but they go to bed

[second page]

or could not carry over Hilda working over her certificate, Grace Public Assistance, Norman and his daughter are at Dunlop’s.

I thank you very much and George for the kind offer to help. We are OK, many things rationed, but can find something to take their place, can assure you we are far from starving, as Hilda would have you believe. Have only been to town once since the Raids- promised to meet Hilda in lunch hour- but the sights upset me, cause straight back- Poor Brum- this is no secret- published in the papers and I guess you have seen it in News pictures, my sister had- You little know how brave everybody is- bombed shops open next morning without windows and some have their goods outside. Still carry on and will do so until Hitler is wiped off the map. May it be soon- Give my love to your wife and children, also George and wife, the same to Uncle Fred and family when you see them. Lyn does predictions have all come true so far thought it might interest you- writing over to save bulk. Wishing you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for remembering us

Hugs and love from

Aunt Emmie

[Emma Jane Paulin nee Jennings]

October 11, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1942

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

March 31^st [1942]

Dear Wilf

Received your letter dated Jan. 29^th a week ago- Grace and Hilda have flue, both in bed, at the same time- they have now started work again- so many have had it run down conditions, no doubt, cause it- Sorry your sugar is rationed, we have been short, but manage somehow. I had Golden Syrop with my month’s allowance, find a tea spoon in hot milk is fine for porridge (my breakfast dish). The good thing, especially for large families, bread is not rationed, though a little darker in colour. We can stand anything, to help win this terrible war- which of course we shall do with the help of our grand allies- God grant it may be soon. I am still collecting paper and help at home, while the young ones work- That is all I can do now- This is a time where old age is a nuisance. Hope you are all well. Love to yourself, George and all your dear ones. Your loving Aunt Emmie

August 17, 2019 0