Mary Cutler Paulin to her son Frederick, 18 April 1883

Letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick Paulin, 18 April 1883

Acock’s Green

April 18^th/83

My dear Fred,

I feel [illegible] that we have not written to you before this but you will have had letters from the Bordesley folks, all we have thought of is looking for letters from you. Nancy thinks for them we could last help feeling very [illegible] about you it was such terrible matter the [illegible] of March and altogether we are getting frigid and the wind is very cold, your father is better but is bothered as usual with business – we think you must have suffered [illegible] no board that terrible [illegible] hope with may be repaid for all it

[2]

Will be a long time before you feel settled or comfortable and we do trust you will folks keep well we keep having colds here, no cry has colds Miss Shearman is getting better but looked very ill for three weeks after [illegible] left but kept to her duties poor girl, she says why did you go from all your best friends we only wish we were with you we should not much how rough it was. Your father has been getting seeds garden, George has worked being well too Saturdays he is getting £1 per week now [illegible] will be able

[3]

To manage. I must try and let some news Uncle William writes he is passing his bill in the House of Lords commuted yesterday will send my dividend the end of the week. Grandpa sent £5 unknown to Grandma because copperman is so long lending the tent, very kind poor old gentleman. Mrs Grant so as here yesterday looking very well for her letter I have [illegible] I went to see her with your first letter – Lizzie and Polly came on & after Sunday and staid till Monday evening they were both pretty well but we [illegible]

[4]

Right since you left – I have it a busy long time getting use to your absence. Papa says you have done quite right to go and he wishes he was with you. I think Birmingham will soon be blown up. A parcel coming from Auntie Bessie this week. Louise is very busy getting ready to go. We have sending you kind enquiries after you kind see take greater interest in the postman. [illegible] with united love and kindest wishes now and after Mother

Who is Who:

Nancy – no idea

Miss Shearman – Miss Louise Shearman ran a private school in Acock’s Green, in the 1890 s she boarded young George Rutherford when he was a student

Mrs Grant – no idea

Grandpa and Grandma – George and Sarah Paulin, resident in Henley-on-Thames

Uncle William – Mary’s brother William Henry Cutler, who at the time was fighting the government over their takeover of the Windsor and Eton Waterworks, a Cutler family business he inherited when their father died in 1842

Aunt Bessie – Mary’s paternal aunt Elizabeth Cutler Bennison (1806-1887)

Lizzie – no idea

October 26, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, 26 June 1866

Letter from Fredrick Paulin to his son Frederick Arthur Pauline, June 26, 1886

Notepaper – Office of the Maquinaria Ferreteria y Quincalla, Ernest Street, Birmingham. A monthly journal printed in the Spanish language in the interests of the Engineering, Hardware, iron, and metal trades, circulating throughout the Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries of the Globe.

[1]

Presenting best wishes to you and your party + compts to Mr Hawkins + Mr Gibbons and Phillips weekly post by this mail

Saturday June 26, 1886

Dear Fred,

It has been warm for two days this year here yet. Yesterday and today mark how celebrated the old country is becoming, even the weather yearns to concede what the “Grand Old Moonlighter” would fair have included in his delusions. Brummen is undoubtedly largely affected by the chopping see-saw condition of the political world and how the weather has recorded how it can be put about! And the improvement or recovery has only just been possible by the present hope and prospect that the Grand old Thimblerigger is at last detected and disgraced.

It has occurred to me that you might when you can manage it send me a letter on commerce and the progress of trade in your district for publication in the Ironmonger or Martinton Smith or British Mercantile Gazette as they may come to accept such at plated intervals of the year for a consideration, of course. Please tell George that I called at Brimeads[?] on Wigone[?] St this week in London as to their approving him their agent in Victoria and District and Mr B said he should be very pleased and will send out the necessary lists paper terms per Turner Beetow [?] & Co, so this is good news for the piano member. I went also to Chappell &Co who say they will send a consignment of music, but it has not been yet officially announced to me so pointedly as M Brimsmead who is celebrated for respectability and means in every way as good a house as any in the UK or Europe.

I [illegible] circular of the Victoria kettle. The Co say they will send out ½ gross to British Columbia to you +Co. I thought [illegible] it would be just the thing for the Paulin Bros firm to handle and they acquiesced at once. The matters is the best I have ever seen see paper indised called “the Dominion” three men jumping on it has no discouraging effect – is not a [illegible] affair

[2]

Where I have not yet been

Is being exhibited at the Colonial Exhibition and I by accident met the patentee and maker at Perrys [illebigle] on Holbourn Viaduct. His name is Gale but I have mislaid his circular with his address on it is some place beginning with W in PQ (Province Quebec I spose) Canada nad he told me his sone was now in Victoria to do business with this Dominion Matters. I have given him your name at Box 112 PO so you may hear from him. Tell Ernest I will look W&B up as to the lamp question and Kynoch as to the Blue Boler + the Stanley Works as to the photo frames but I have very little time beyond that which is occupied in efforts to keep the pot boiling and it doesn’t boil over a very vigorously in fact it is slow to boil at all, and very trying sometimes. Your dear mother is improving, seems gaining strength a bit, having apparently derived benefit from cod liver oil which is the last tried remedy. The Henley Folks seem well. The Regatta takes place the week after next, and will last 3 days this year because there are not to be more than 2 in a heat. The finish is to be at the point, not at the Bridge. Doesn’t this allusion show the Regatta to your mind most plainly? It will be present to my mind tho’ not literally to my vision. We are pleased to hear you are all well that the country is enjoyable climate ditto, feeling good, prospects we hope ditto, and we sincerely trust that some of the good things will be secured by the Paulin Bros firm which the CPC, the clearing off by fire of Vancouver, the Pacific being or the variety of developments in your new enterprise may place in your way or within reach. We notice “Bold Soldier” is keeping in the race and you home with the united love of your belongings here, the sincere wish for your unity + combination in the march forward ~~the sincere regard from~~ of your Affectionate Father.

October 12, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to FA Pauline, Easter 1886

Acock’s Green Easter Sunday [not stated – but 1886]

Dear Fred

Two days since Good Friday I wrote you + your brother George both in one envelope the contents were in general expectation +c of hearing of the safe arrival at your end of Geo and of Ernest’s details as to the ship’s expenses between Liverpool and N York. All these details came to hand yesterday, Saturday in letters from George, Ernest, Herbert + Ernest’s wife so that we are now more at ease and know enough to afford us a considerable amount of comfort that thus far all is well with ours away. We have a reminder of George’s letter of the great kindness W Hawkins exhibited to us in his most thoughtfully disinterested letters

Of precious information which he sent us respecting your illness at a time when the outcome of result was in no way assured or certain and we confess it that amongst the many mental [illegible] appertaining to the despatch of voyagers W Hawkins was entirely overlooked. And now we learn is endeavouring to secure George an organist’s position! We trust this peculiarly handsome behaviour will be fittingly recognized.

Herbert seems to have escaped the ordinary amount of trying that sickness and unites in confidence we hope now soon to hear from Ernest + party that they too

Are with you and what you agreed plans are and to what extent the agencie Ernest has one likely to serve the “Paulin Syndicate” in BC, also whether there is anything else I can move on this side across to your side. Let Ernest + wife

Habberfield Short 91 Queen Victoria Street London

When he has l[illegible] on business + the general outlook, because they if sufficient encouragement exists, be of value to the said “Paulin Syndicate”

And Habb + Short wishes to learn more as to the new colony +c. I have as think in the way of news to tell you beyond what I have written on Friday. 2 days ago.

And I fully expect that the news will rest in a great proportion with your side from which we shall frequently expect to hear. I am attending a few days gardening in the next week – Easter week = and hope the weather will permit it. I am sending you Goddard’s newspaper “The Period” by their post also “The Weekly Mercury”. We are greatly consoled by George telling us he found you jolly and trust all will be jolly yet. The clouds do seem to be rolling by really! Our united love to all

From your affectionate father.

September 26, 2020 0

Mary Paulin to her son Frederick, 1 April 1886

Henley Lodge

April 1^st/86

My Dear Fred

Yesterday, after coming back back from seeing my four children off to your destination, I found a letter from you dated to 9^th March Just 22 days coming so as dear George started [illegible] on the 10^th March by this time he is with you I trust as he is with you and I hope well he must have had a rough journey – I quite think you the lone of your [illegible] that you are far from well and you think of [illegible] change I wish you

Very new to come home the journey would I hope will not be so bad, [Illegible[ was a gentleman had the fever in Victoria the same time that you did and was decided to come to England for his health you will hear from George the party we are sending now they all intend working and having a good try to get on it so as a terrible parting yesterday but I have good faith and really look forward to seeing them all again some happy

Day I feel glad they are coming your way as I know you will advise them I can hardly tell you all the [illegible] by you have gone through to get them under way and May you send them in the prayers of all kind friends here they are young but have good courage. I went home with Louise after seeing them off you will be glad to hear she has a happy home with a Mrs Lilly. The M[illegible]t Sutton Coldfield there is plenty of work for her to do but they are kind to her and it is a very healthy place. I am expecting

The old people to come and stay with me it is not a very cheerful prospect but must manage as well as I can – you talk of Summer and flowers it is winter here now and looks like its to be for some time. I shall feel very anxious till I hear how the travellers get on so I shall all look forward to the pleasure of seeing you but not if you think the money would be too much for you. If ever we can get the money we shall all come to you

Kindest love and wishes to all my children and hope you will all be happy

1 – written across text

Together. I hope George will be able to do your work and you have a rest

Love and prayers

Your affectionate mother

I am sorry your letter came just so late to get the letter you wanted.

[Cheat sheet – Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick Arthur Paulin

Letter sent the day her son Ernest, his wife Emma, her sister Amy and Ernest’s Brother Herbert left England for Canada. George another son had just arrived in Victoria.

Reference to the old people is to her in-laws from Henley-on-Thames, and Louise is her daughter. It appears Louise went into service with Mrs Lilly.]

August 8, 2020 0

Wedding of Dorothy Gardiner, 1927

Times Colonist 13 Apr 1927

Evening Wedding at Cathedral was pretty ceremony

Miss Dorothy Gardiner became bride of John Perry of Vancouver last night

Charming in its appointments was the Easter-tide wedding quietly solemnized at Christ Church Cathedral last evening at 9 o’clock, when the Bishop of Columbia united in marriage Miss Dorothy Pauline Gardiner, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F Gardner of 1013 Fairfield Road to John Perry of Vancouver. The bride is a native daughter of this city and was a popular member of the now defunct “J Unit” Chapter, IODE, which did much valuable work among the latter years of the war and after the armistice.

The bridal part entered the church to strains of the Mendelssohn wedding march, played by the organist Harold Davies. Escorted by her father, she made a winsome picture in her wedding gown of white Georgette with skirt of lace applique, and back panel of pleated Georgette, and on one shoulder a cluster of orange blossom, was caught to the coiffure beneath a cornet of orange blossoms, some of which had been worn by her mother at her wedding. A handsome sunburst brooch of pearls, the gift of her mother, and a shower bouquet of bridal roses and swansonia completed the bridal toilette.

Mrs Rita Dougan, sister of the bride, was the only attendant, smartly gowned in a French beaded gown of wisteria Georgette with becoming hat to match. Mr George Pauline, cousin of the bride, supported the bridegroom and Mr Claude Connorton acted as usher.

After the ceremony, a reception attended by about seventy-five guests was held at the home of the bride’s parents. The young couple stood beneath a bell of lillies of the valley in the drawing room, which was arranged with masses of yellow and white spring flowers, Mrs Gardiner, mother of the bride, received with the bridal party, and was handsomely gowned in toast brown cut velvet, with Kenmare hat of the same shade, and becoming coat of charmeen cloth in desert brown.

The three-tier wedding cake, cut by the bride, centred the supper table in the dining room, where a dainty colour scheme of mauve and pink was carried out with tulips.

Many beautiful gifts were received by the young couple. The bride’s gift to the groom was a gold watch chain; bridegroom to bride, a gold bracelet set with amethysts and pearls; to the matron of honour, a gold bangle; to the best man, gold watch chain, and to the usher, gold cuff links.

Later Mr and Mrs Perry left for a honeymoon trip to Portland, Oregon, the bride travelling in gown of brown and Moselle crepe Madeleine, made by Cheruit of Paris, with a coat of Valencie blue needlepoint, trimmed with natural lynx and becoming little hat en suite. Later they will make their home in Vancouver.

Among the out of town guests at the wedding were Mr and Mrs Stanley Gardiner of Vancouver, and Mrs Chas McAdam of Nanaimo.

August 4, 2020 0

George Paulin to Frederick A Paulin, 13 Aug 1884

Letter George Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 1884

[1]

London,

Balmoral Buildings

91 Queen Victoria Street V

Birmingham

Short, Short & Co

c/o Messrs McClelland Bros

Cambridge St, B’ham August 13^th 84

Dear Fred

You will almost think I have forgotten you, but had I any news I should have written before. Many thanks for papers received a week ago. I notice your remark in the centre of one of them that “all’s well.” You will see by the above address that I am back again in my old quarters, and so I shall remain I expect now until I emigrate the place is alright you know as regards comfort but they have the name of paying the most miserable screws in B’ham. I am very please to inform you that we are all in very good health + in pretty fair circumstances that is to say we can manage to pay our way + this is as much as you can expect these times.

I trust you are having a good salmon harvest up your way. We have the prospect here of having the best harvest for 7 years so I hope to see better brave, not that I don’t have to work hard enough for my 25/ a week now.

I have had plenty of work on the organ this year, having played services at St Lawrence’s “Morning Afternoon + Night for the last two months, this is filling your Sundays up with a vengeance eh” Gladstone’s jerrymandering government are still in power, deeper in the wind, the laughing stock of Europe + everywhere else. Louise is at home from Henley and

[2]

Very well but what her future movements are going to be I don’t know. Bessie is as you know at Fordre’s. Florence + Amy are learning Dress making at Miss Ristews but as they are all apprenticed with no pay they are expensive then in the household. Pa has gone a Sheffied journey this week I don’t expect him home until Saturday, hope he’ll have good luck. Vicar says he has had a very nice letter from you and is very pleased. Your place in the choir is still vacant.

Acock’s Green is just as quiet as ever no go at all, cricket clubs falling to pieces in all directions. You don’t happen to know (I suppose) a place out your way where an organist teacher of harmony would be able to do a good thing eh.

I went to Blackpool on August Bank Holiday, had a splendid sail on the sea beautiful weather. We have had it 92o in the shade for the last fortnight, such weather not seen for years. Sunstroke the rage everywhere. Cholera playing up high jinks in the South of France ni fach the worlds waking up all together. Gordon shut up at Harthorn, Gladstone told the house he was not shut up, but only hemmed in. House roared made the Gom in such a rave – must have been after supper I should think.

Well old man I think this is enough twaddle for one dose I wish it will find you as it leaves Henley Lodge + [illegible] in the best of health.

Your affectionate Brother

George

I am still single + have not got a girl + don’t intend to have up as I think of exploring Outer Africa and putting Stanby’s light out.

December 2, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 1883

[1]

I say don’t send another storm across just yet, one arrived here on the 11^th instant, and did no end of damage, loss of life & c.

Yardley Rd

Acocks Green

Saturday Evening

Dec 22^nd 83

Dear Fred

I am rather surprised to hear you have had so few letters as I have written you 4 since my recovery. Did you get the [illegible] photos + how the print arrived yet.

I send you per this post the Xmas no of Illustrated. I hope it will reach you.

Things have been going on here about the same as usual, business with Pa fluch also very much, some times for days he does nothing, and at other times the reverse, for instance one day this week he made 7/15/-

[2]

I am very sanguine myself that if he keeps quietly on that things will be better with us.

Our grand old man at Henley sent his usual Xmas donation this week £5 + I am pleased to add that Grandma is better, but Louise is going to Henley after Christmas to take care of her.

Mr Bennett of Derby the recipient of a (engolostic) – something wrong – push from your humble servant last year, has again come up to the scratch with containing 6 bottles of Liqueurs + £1 to be divided amongst the youngsters.

Thank providence for these.

Our Xmas will of course be necessarily a quiet one, but as we are all in good health we have a lot to be thankful for, and

[3]

We may live in hope of spending a Merry Christmas this year + a still merrier one when we shall I hope be all together in 1884.

I trust that you and Charlie are getting on Hay won + that you will enjoy a very Merrie Canadian Xmas, and start the New Year with light hearts + full of hope. I shall not forget you in my speech Xmas night. I don’t expect you have forgotten the last festive board yet. Eh! I have taken 2 or 3 services for Mr T lately, and hope soon to be in a crib.

If you intend returning in March let me know as I will endeavor to get you a berth.

Now above all things take care

[4]

of yourselves, and lay yourselves out to enjoy a thorough Xmas, rather late advice of course, but it will apply to whatever time this reaches you.

All the members this house joins with me on wishing you + your partner A hearty Christmas + prosperous New Year with a hope of a speedy meeting.

Hoping to hear from you soon + that this letter will find you in the best of health + spirits.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

Mr Jos McClelland has sent me a Xmas box from Sheffield, a good pocket knife in case

[Mr Bennett is George Bennett, the husband of Frederick Sr’s sister Sarah Ann; the old man at Henley is Frederick Sr’s father George Paulin, and Grandma is Sarah Clements Paulin, their grandmother, George in Henley’s wife]

November 30, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 22 Apr 1884

[Letter parts missing – Tuesday April 22^nd, 1884]

[5]

Our garden is very much improved from gravelled, back nearly all dry + planted. Plenty of rose trees + pansies, primroses, forget me nots, daisies + other spring plants all blooming, in fact when you again cash yer blooming heye round here you will find very few of the old caudrants remaining.

Should I get his berth at Short’s I shall most likely drop back into my old groove that is steadily saving for my departure into the western hemisphere. I was thinking in the event of my coming out which I hope will be with the next 12 months, whether the resources of British Columbia would admit of the arrival of another distinguished luminary. I shall imbue my illiterate mind with shorthand and music thoroughly before venturing + most likely I am going to have lessons in tuning. Don’t let your mind revert too much for the old country, [illegible] is much worse here + I don’t think it will

[6]

Ever get better. If you came back to Birmingham for good I am sure you would regret it, and besides when you have found will allow it, you can visit here for a holiday. Whatever you do, don’t listen to any recommendations for the canvassing business, it is a dirty job + would not suit you.

There are educated men in B’ham offering their services for 10/- per week, hundreds of them. When I come out it will be when I have enough capital to do it well. That is to have a decent Exchequer when I arrive.

This job at Shorts of I got it will be not more than 25/- per week, so I shall have to live pretty close to save.

I consider from what I gather from your letters, that you are better off than 999 out of 1000 young men of your age. I have better prospects

Butty Shearman is quite well and I still am our track, so attentive to Ma + Louise,

[7]

you’d better keep out of the road. Are there any girls out your way. I suppose there are or you wouldn’t be so quiet on the subject. The Green Football has at last come to a dismal failure + the Star fellows have again clubbed together under their old name. I know it would come to this.

[Image] Adams

I beg to inform you htant EJ Adams + F Preston both wear boxers much to Joey Kiss’s delight, whose remarks on the subject are forcible if not polite.

Vicar is obliged to go away again for his health – he is always very poorly. He frequently enquiries after you. Polly + Lizzie Braund came here on Easter Monday + stayed all the afternoon + evening. They seemed well.

Louise is still very dissatisfied with the Henley folks. They are certainly very unkind

[8]

To her and it is very [illegible] that a young girl like her should have to coddle with old people.

Well to conclude I can only say that when I next write I hope I shall have better news. I am very unsettled myself and if I have £20 in my pocket [illegible] would it see me for some time. I hope + trust I shall get the funds to make start soon.

We are all in good health + trust you are + will remain the same.

I remain

Your affectionate brother

George

[images]

Sir W Harcourt

Smith of ours

Joey

Adams

Tuesday April 22^nd 1884

November 20, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Oct 1884

Letter from George Paulin[e] to Frederick Pauline 12 Oct 1884

[1]

Henley Lodge

Acock’s Green

12/10/84

Dear Fred

Many thanks for your last letter just received we are all pleased to hear you still keep well.

I am glad to tell you we have had a sty built + put two pigs into it which are getting on nicely. We have an idea of closing the back door up by means of a small conservatory but funds are not quite up to the mark yet. £12/00/. Required.

From your letter I should gather the scenery is very fine out your way, plenty of sport too. I suppose you will be back in Victoria before

[2]

This reaches you, for the winter, or perhaps you contemplate honouring us with your company on Xmas day + come straight on..

How are the two junior members of the Norther Western Expeditionary Co getting on St: rather dry I am afraid.

The weather has turned suddenly cold the last week having jumped into the middle of December all at once, and settled all the late autumn flowers. We expect a very severe winder, there being a large quantity of berries about this season.

Butty Shearman is quite well thank you + sends her love, she does not look – er – er ahem any worse you know, sweet 18sh! She has visited us very frequently,

[3]

Lately, the reason is that lately I have grown very much like you, at least so I heard her say. This is a compliment isn’t it? I know one point on which we are decidedly alike “Our Boohoo’s Oh Dear boy” if then only knew the [illegible] of mine – directly the weather changed this week, he immediately put on his winter garb of deep cherry red. Alas we are companion in misfortune and though the ocean rolls between our hearts, will go out to one another say “Dear boy I pity you” we are going to have a large Conservative demonstration in support of the house of Lords at Aston on Monday

[4]

Answered to Nov 12^th 1884

13^th Oct when Col Fred Raidry + all the talent will address your humble servant intends supporting them. I am very pleased to tell you that we are all enjoying terrific good health, but Ma is a little poorly to day, but I think only from fatigue.

If things at Victoria are not up to Dick @ Victoria I should make tracks for Henley Lr for Christmas + go out again next spring with me.

I think I have given you quite enough of my nonsense so will dry. With love from all + trusting to see you home soon.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

[Image] Joe Rogers in Choir Sound like pouring water in this pot

November 18, 2019 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