|
Lily Mark Letters
from Douglas A. Long
and a few photos
1934
 
Christmas 1934 from Douglas A. Long, "Glenalton,"
Clifton Park Avenue, Belfast
1935
10th January 1935 Postmark Omagh to Miss Lily Mark, 'Slievebloom' North
Road, Belfast from Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh
   
  
  
1
2
3
1) 28th March 1935 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, Slieve Bloom,
North Road, Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Foyle Street, Londonderry
Thursday evening 5.30 - My Dear Lily, Just got in after spending a very
enjoyable evening about three miles outside of Derry, we had ? ? ?, but I
had very bad luck! Well Lily, you are still smoking & I have not had one
drink this week, till about half hour ago, you did not keep your part of the
bargain, so I am not keeping mine. I am going out to Dungiven for the
evening. Thank you very much for your nice wee note, which I got in
bed this morning. About to-morrow evening, Mr. Wood wants me to go with him
to a Masonic? dinner, got a note from him reminding me of same, if I am not
up for you before 7.30 do not wait. There are races outside Ballymena on
Saturday, I will ring 'Helen' up on Saturday morning, & if you think of
going it is O.K. with me. Well Lily I have nothing to tell you, except
that I love you very much, even if you are smoking still, glad to see you
are busy, as I am having a very lazy time. So good-bye till Friday or
Saturday. Yours very sincerely, Douglas (kisses & hugs)
2) (no year but how he writes I'm going to put it in here) Hotel
Metropole, Foyle Street, Londonderry Wednesday 10th May - My Dear
Lily, I was very pleased last night, to get your letter at tea time. It made
me feel that some-one was thinking about me, as I felt that I was all alone
in this world. Thank you very much for snap, it is very good, & I will keep
it as long as I live, no matter what you think of me being at Cultra with
another boy. That is one place, I do not want you to take any-one but me,
till you get tired. Well Lily I have not being goof to-day, I am going to
bed now 10-30. I am just after looking at your snap, which I have done many
times since I have got it & showed it to a lot of my friends. Next week-end
I am going to Portrush on Saturday, as it is quite fast enough for me, I
will be home early on Friday & if you have nothing better on, I would very
much like to see you. I only wish you had being at Portrush Easter week-end,
we would have had a great time. Good night Lily & thank you for your nice
letter & snap, which I think a lot about no matter what you think of me.
your own wee lad Douglas (kisses)
3) 12th June 1935 Postmark Portadown to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Central Hotel, Sixmilecross. Tuesday night 10.30 - My Dear Lily,
Just had some supper & thinking of going to bed, I am feeling very tired
to-night. But as I promised I would drop you a wee note, seeing the date of
the month this is. Well Lily I am looking forward to seeing you on
Friday night. I expect to be home early, will call for you before seven if
possible, would like to see the show in the 'Royal Cinema' this week. I am
staying here to-night, did not get finished till late & it is very
comfortable, they have a turf fire in the kitchen, we are going down now, to
have a yarn over the coal, as the saying is in Donegal. I hope you are going
easy on the smoking, I would love to see you giving it up. Father speaking.
Good night Lily, I have being a good boy to-day & no drinking. Yours very
sincerely (kisses & hugs)
  
  
  
1
2
3
1) 26th June 1935 Postmark Omagh to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road, Belfast -
Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh Wednesday night 10 o'clock - My
own darling Lily, I have just got my orders finished, was working till after
9 0'clock to-night & had a good day. The weather has being fine & I think it
is going to ? I am just going to bed now, & have a look at the papers.
I hope you went to Newcastle & had a good day. This morning I got my own
breakfast, & caught the train in good time, was thinking about you sound
asleep in your dreams. Well darling, I do love you with all my heart, even
though you say nasty things to me some times, re I.O.M. Well Lily I may have
being a bad boy, but I kept clear of women, for that is the last, drinking
is miner. I am looking forward to my holidays, for I do need one very badly,
you will not no me coming back from Donegal. I will do my best & try & get
back early on Sunday night & cannot bear to be long away from you, what am I
going to do in Donegal I do not no. I wonder do you feel the same about it.
Well Good night darling & pleasant dreams. Yours very sincerely Douglas
(kisses)
2) 10th October 1935 Postmark Omagh to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh Wednesday night - My Dear Lily, It
is just 10 o'clock & I am going to bed after I drop you this note. I have
had a good day, but did not get finished till after 8 o'clock, it is very
wet here to-night. I am just thinking of last night, when I was with you
down at 'Cultra'. Well Lily it will not be long till I see you again,
looking forward to seeing you on Friday night. I do love you with all my
heart, no matter what you think of me, being a very mistury? man, & I will
always think the same. There is about one dozen men talking all round me, &
it is hard to write, & think what I am doing. I will be up to see you on
Friday night D.V. at 7.30. About Saturday if you want Helen & her friend to
have tea with you, I will go to some of the matches, & see you at night, so
do what you think best. So Good night Lily & all the best, Your own wee boy
Douglas (kisses)
3) 1st November 1935 Postmark Omagh to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh Monday night 12.15 - My Dear Lily, I
have had a very quite night, not many here to-night, they all tried to get
home, I was working late & then went to the pictures all on my own, & no
drinking. Hope you are keeping well & being a good we girl, & no smoking, I
am having to many these days. Well Lily I have nothing to tell you, will try
& get home early to-morrow night, going straight to be to dream of you. With
all my love, Your very loving Douglas (kisses)
1936
  
  
  
1
2
3
1) 16th January 1936 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - West Bay View, Select Commercial Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush
Tuesday night 8 o'clock - My Dearest Lily, Just got my writing finished &
had a game of 'Bar Billiards', going round the head with Jack Moody, he is
here this week, had a beautiful walk last night, as far as the white rocks,
& round the head, talked about old times, it was a beautiful night. Well
Lily I am still of the smoking & I fell much better. I hope you are not
smoking to much. Jack sends his kind regards to you, he is waiting for me. I
am going to be very careful what I write to you, as I do not want you to be
? on Friday night. Well Lily I am going round the head, hope you are being a
good we girl. Your very loving Douglas (kisses)
2) 10th March 1936 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Monday night - My Dearest Lily,
It is just 9.30 & I have finished my orders, this has being one of the
coldest days I ever have being out. I am not going out to-night, for I am
very tired, the best place is bed to-night for I have a hard week in front
on me. Jack is not staying here, he left the end of last week, he was in
with me this last hour & is looking very well, I gave him your message & he
was very pleased. I have asked him & a friend to spend to-morrow night with
me. Auntie Minnie has got the Rev. King on his ? so he has taken over a
troop of Boy Scouts, it is something for him to do, & will keep him out of
bad company. Well Lily I am very much in love with you, & can't stop
thinking of you, just wishing it was nearer Friday. I do hope your little
cousin will get better, for she was such a pretty we girl. I enjoyed my
evening very much yesterday & am counting the week0end till Easter. So
good-night Lily, will write you a we note to-morrow. I see Rob ? got second
at Corbally on Saturday. Yours with all my love Douglas (kisses & hugs)
3) 5th May 1936 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road, Belfast
- West Bay View, Select Commercial Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Monday
night 8 o'clock - My Dearest Lily, Just got my tea finished & ? is writing
the orders, had a good day, but it is only one in five. I do hope that you
are keeping better, for last night you were not well, although you were
trying to keep the bright side up. Was in Ballymoney & Bushmills to-day.
Mrs. Torrence? was very cross with me for not taking you to see her at
Easter, she would like to see you very much, she is just a second mother to
me, & it is very nice to have a good old friend in the country. It is quite
cold here to-night, & I do not think we will got far, have a few games of
'Bar Billiards' & go to bed. Well darling I am thinking about you all day &
that cold, & was telling McCutcheon about your cold, he says girls have no
sense with regard changing clothes, so do get better & I will be home on
Thursday night to see you, & forgive me for all the nasty things I was
saying last night. Yours very sincerely Douglas (kisses & hugs)
  
  
  
1
2
3
1) 22nd July 1936 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 'Slievebloom' 92
North Road, Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Tuesday morning 9
o'clock - My own dearest Lily, I went to bed early last night & had a good
rest, I do hope you did the same, it was late when I got in last night,
stayed with Allen McComb? till 8 o'clock, down at the river, but our fishing
was in vain, nothing doing but it was good fun. Well my dear it is a
long week, & I will have to work hard, had a good day yesterday, will not
say a word of they are all like it this week, it is a fine morning & it is
good to say it. Mr. Jenson? is here this week & we are going to the pictures
to-night. I was speaking to a man in Dungiven?, who saw Jacob at church
yesterday, he is out of BettieBs?. Well Lily I will make a start, will
write to you to-night, & Friday will not be long in coming. My hand is
nearly all right. Your own Douglas, with all my LOVE Douglas xxx
2) 29th July 1936 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - West Bay View Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Tuesday night
10.30 - My Dearest Lily, I was looking for a we note from you to-day but no
such luck. Just left of writing to you & played one game of bar billiards.
Going to bed now, for I am very tired. The snaps came out very well on
Sunday, hope you like them. I am going to do my best & get home to-morrow
night. I am very sad to-night at not getting that we note, will be looking
for it in the morning. I am getting quite a good bowler, played well, Donny?
were down here to they were short one man so I was asked to make the team,
done very well. Well darling I am looking very much to Monday next, & I will
go any place you want me to go. The weather is going to be good so I do hope
Monday is a good day. Portrush is full of people & it is very hard, leaving
it to go to work in the morning. I will try to be home early to-morrow &
will call up for you. Hoping to find you well for I am very worried about
you. So good night Lily, Yours for ever & ever Douglas (kisses)
3) 23rd September 1936 Postmark ? Mealltain Erie to Miss Lily Mark, c/o Mr.
J. McLoughlin, Derryard, Dungiven, Co. Derry - Ramelton Wednesday
morning - My Dear Dearest Lily, Sorry for not writing sooner, but I have
being very busy & working very late, spent last night with a customer here,
only one more & then I will be very near to you. I do hope you are having a
good time & not lonely, for I will be out to you early on Friday. All at the
Knock was asking for you, & saying all kinds of nice things about you. I am
having a good run so far, hope I have a good day to-day, going to
Letterkenny & as far as Donegal town, then I will head for Derry to-morrow
night, have a bath & a good nights sleep, will not be tired when I meet you.
Well Lily I do love you with all my heart, & enjoyed Sunday very much, was
very lonely leaving you, & you looked the same, but Friday is not long in
coming. Give my kindest regards to your two cousins for they are very kind.
I am sure Jacob is working hard at the corn, Uncle Geo or Joe? is in a bad
way with his corn, it is growing in the sheans? Well darling I am going on,
I am being a good boy, & no we drinks. Looking forward to seeing you Friday.
Yours very loving for ever & ever Douglas (kisses)
   
1
2
1) date unclear, probably early 1936 - 6th ? 1936 Postmark Bundobhran Eire
to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road, Belfast - The Hamilton Hotel, Bundoran
Wednesday night 10.30 - My Dearest Lily, I am just after my tea, you have
had yours some time ago. Well Lily I have had a very hard day, but this
place is very comfortable & that is something in Donegal, will be in Sligo
to-morrow & then walking? home, I am nearly sure I will not get home till
Saturday evening, if I do get home on Friday I will be up to see you, if you
think the "Opera House" is good this week, book two seats for Saturday
night. This house is full of Dublin men to-night, some very fine fellows, I
had one we (½ one) this evening coming in here, I was so hungry I could not
stick it any longer, but that is all, going to bed soon, got a very cosy
room to-night. Well darling I am sure you are tired reading this, will write
you a we note this week. I am still loving you the same old way, this is a
beautiful place, hope to bring you round this summer. Your very loving
Douglas (kisses & hugs)
2) (no date but putting it here with the only other letter from this
hotel) - The Hamilton Hotel, Bundoran - 2 - ... the two stores? are
still there, I was looking for them this morning. It is raining very heavy,
I was looking forward to a walk round the front, but I will just finish the
"Rosary£ & early to bed, for I am tired, going into Sligo in the morning,
did not go to-night for I would only be running into some ...
1937
  
  
  
1
2
3
1) 6th January 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Tuesday night 7.30 - My own
dearest Lily, Just after my tea & going to Castlederg to-night, had a hard
day in Derry, but did not do so badly. I received your very welcome letter
this morning & I enjoyed reading it very much, it was very nice of you to
write such a long note to a very lonely boy. I went to bed very early last
night & had a good nights rest, it will be near 10 o'clock when we get to
Castlederg, will be back in Derry to-morrow night D.V., it is hard to beat
this place, just like home & very comfortable. Well my dear I hope you are
keeping well, also your Mother, by the papers Belfast is very bad. Bob
Erwin? of "Young & Anderson" is laid up in the "City Hotel" with the "Flue".
It is bad lines when you are away from home, being ill. Well my darling I am
going now, only three nights more & we are going to have a wet drive
to-night, hope to find you well on Friday. If you are down town book two
seats for Saturday, & pay for them, I will fix you, so darling I am going,
see & say a little prayer for me. yours your own darling Douglas, with all
my love (kisses)
2) 2nd February 1937 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - West Bay View Select Commercial Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush
Monday 1.2.1937 9 o'clock - My Own Dearest Lily, The news is just
coming though & I am waiting up to hear the fight & then am going to bed. I
am going to ring up Auntie Minnie, I am just in after my tea. Well my dear I
am feeling not to bad to-day, I was very seadey? this morning, but I hope to
be able to carry on. I was not well last night, I do think I have got the
flu, but I hope I will be all right in the morning. We will have to try &
make Omagh to-morrow night, & I will try & get home on Thursday night to see
my own we darling, for I do love you & do not like to see you crying. It is
very hard my being away from home, & from you so much but I can not help it.
We will just have to make all the more of the time we are together. Well my
dear I am going to the phone, & then to hear the fight & so to bed, will
write to-morrow night. So good night darling & love me ???? with all my
love, your own Douglas
3) 17th February 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Tuesday night 9 o'clock - My
own dearest Lily, I was very pleased to get your nice letter at dinner time,
even though I had to pay three pence on it, you for-got to put stamp on, but
I did not mind paying. We are just finished & are working at the orders, had
a good day, it is raining very hard now, so we are not going out to-night.
You no Lily I do not mind getting the tickets for the stand at the match, it
would not be nice leaving Jack, so if you think of it there is a Dublin man
here this week, who can get seats for me, if you drop me a note I will get
them. Well Lily I am being a good boy & working hard & looking forward to
the week-end, we will get away by ourselves & have a good time. The Taggarts?
has got a nice range of prices, & we are doing very well with them. Will be
in Strabane in the morning, & back here to-morrow night. Just three more
night & I will be back with you, hope you will not go to the college?, for I
will never want to go to Clones?, as long as I have you, we can enjoy
ourselves in other ways, for I would not like to see you dancing with other
boys. Well darling I love you more & more as the weeks go by, & could not do
without you, & I pray that we will go on in that way till the end of our
days. Good night Lily, going to finish the orders, & early to bed/ yours for
ever & ever Douglas with all my LOVE xxx
   
 
  
1
2
3
1) 6th April 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Tuesday night 11-30 - My Own
Dearest Lily, Another day over, & one nearer Friday. Last night when I was
reading the paper in bed, I saw a run to Culdaff Bay at 7-15. So I took
Norma Lynn down on the bus 2/- return fare, I enjoyed the run very much, was
glad to see Mother & all the friends, had about one hour at Culdaff & home
via Moville, just in & waiting for a cup of tea & so to bed. Well darling,
every-one says that I am looking very well, & my week at Newcastle has done
me good, you will have to come down with me next week-end, Norma & I went
for a walk, about three miles, saw Uncle Geo. working at hay, he was asking
for you. The tea has arrived. Your cousin will arrive from America on Sunday
morning so if you would like to see her, I would run you down on Sunday
evening. I am having a very hard week, people are in no form for buying, &
it is like pulling teeth. Going to Strabane to-morrow & Castlederg to-morrow
night, hope you will enjoy your run down to Newcastle to-morrow evening. The
weather has being good this week so far, Uncle Geo. has got all his hay
saved. Coming through Moville to-night, we could see the fire works at
Portrush, it was a very nice sight to see over the water. Well Lily I am
just drinking a cup of tea, & smoking a cigarette, is not that much better
than Bush - ? I will be home on Friday night early, any chance of you coming
down town to meet me, & have your tea. Drop me a we note to Omagh, for I
feel very lonely this week with-out you, this say week we were at Scarva.
If your Mother would let you go to Portrush for the Bank Holiday week-end
you could say with Doreen, her & Bill will be there. Good night Lily, hope
you are being a good girl, for I do love you & will always be the same.
Yours with all my love Douglas (kisses & hugs)
2) 7th April 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Hotel Metropole, Londonderry Wednesday morning - My Dearest
Lily, Only two more nights & I will be back again with you, I went to the
pictures last night, but it was so hot I was glad to get out. We were down
at the Strand, that is the house we were at. I have to make two calls here
this morning, & then Strabane this evening, will be at Castlederg on
Thursday night & home on Friday early. I was in bed early last night & had a
read at the paper, & said a little prayer for you. Will be looking for
another note from you this evening. So now darling, I must start. It
is a beautiful morning & the sun is shining rightly, do not get eggs for
week-end, I am getting some on Friday. Your own Douglas xxx
3) 20th April 1937 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - West Bay View Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Monday night 9-30
- My Own dearest Lily, This has being a very wet day, but the evening has
turned out well. We got no dinner to-day & we were ready for our tea, after
tea, had a good walk & now in for the night. Berty Woodburn is playing
billiards, & I am on next game, had not a bad day. Doreen got home last
night at 11 o'clock, & had a great day, I went up to her room last night &
she was in great form. I am going to bed early to-night for I was very tired
this morning. I do hope to get a we note from you this week. I am working in
so that we will be home early on Thursday, & if Saturday is good, we will go
to the races. Well my dear I am going to be a good boy, & bed early every
night, & be in good form to see my own darling, for I do love you, more than
all the world - only you, & will all-ways be the same, & you love me - if we
go on that way, life will be pleasant. So good night dear & pleasant dreams.
Your own Douglas, with all my LOVE Douglas xxx
  
  
1
2
1) 18th May 1937 Postmark Coleraine to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - West Bay View Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Tuesday morning 9
o'clock - My own dearest Lily, We are sitting outside a Customers shop
waiting for them to open, it is a beautiful morning, just like summer, it
was late when we got finished last night, after our tea we went round & had
a game of putting, & I made money. Going to try & get finished early
to-night, I am going to get finished with M. McCurley this week, & work the
best people on the Derry journey with him, so darling I will not get home
this week, will be leaving Portrush to-morrow morning, & I do not no where
we will be after that. I am very sorry at not getting back on Thursday but
we will have to make the best out of our week-end. Well my dear, my man has
arrived, & I have being up early to get him past/just? Will be in Bushmills
this evening & back early to Portrush, to get a we note from you. Your own
Douglas, with all my LOVE Douglas xxx
2) 6th July 1937 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road, Belfast
- West Bay View Select Commercial Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Monday
night - My Own Dearest Lily, Well my own we darling girl, it is now 11-30 &
I am just finished with my orders, they were not big but not bad for this
time of year. Portrush is packed with people, I went for a walk to-night
with Mr. O'Hara, he is staying here for the month. I am at the top of the
house to-night, & it is not to nice, I might get home to-morrow night, but
will be with you on Wednesday night D.V. sure. It is a quite week in the
Country & things are not good, & the weather bad. Well my dear, let us
forget last week-end, I am sorry for all I said to you, but I love you &
can't help it & want you all to myself. I will be a good boy next week & not
be cross. Do good night & pleasant dreams. I am tired & of to bed. Your own
Douglas, with all my love, Douglas xxx
 
  
1
2
1) 11th August 1937 Postmark Malainn to Miss Lilt Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - I'm here today, the weather is fine & Donegal is looking good,
will write to-night, in Derry. Your Douglas
2) 9th November 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday morning - My Own dearest
Lily, Was very glad to get your letter this morning, I did not get in last
night till 8.30, had my tea & played a few games of "Table Tennis" with
Norman Lyons? wrote the orders & it was 12 o'clock. Well my own we darling I
love you more & more, & I have spent 3 very happy years with, & I hope &
trust that the next 43 will be the same. I enjoyed Sunday very much, & was
very happy to have you with me. Well Lily I will (there is maybe a page
missing?) to-night it is 9-15 & time I was started. Let me no do I
call for the parcel in Dungiven. Your own Douglas, with all my LOVE xxxo
   
1
1) 7th September 1937 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday night 6 o'clock - My Own
dearest Lily, Writing this we note so that you will have it in the morning.
I had to get out this morning in a rush, for there are a lot of woollen men
out this week, & we were hard at it all day, & had not much of a one at
that. I had a good day yesterday, it has turned very cold this evening, that
will do good, & make them buy the winter goods. Well my dear you will be at
the cookery? to-night, I will be thinking of you, I am going to have my tea
& then the pictures. I will be leaving Derry to-morrow, & try & get Norman
Lyons finished. On Sunday night I just got home, to the garage, got the car
in, & then the petrol went done, so I was lucky, that man at the bottom of
the Hollywood Road was closed. Well dear on Thursday I do not no where I
will be, they have got no phone in Castlederg, so we will have to wait till
Friday, & I will be home early. My tea is ready, & the boy is going to the
post. I love you Lily & you only with all my heart, & am being a good boy so
do not worrie about me. Will drop you a we note in the morning. Your own
Douglas, with all my LOVE Douglas xxx (I saw your Xmas cards & they are
nice)
1938
    
  
1
2
1) January 1938 Postmark Portrush to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road, Belfast
- West Bay View Hotel, Mark Street, Portrush Monday night 8-30 -
My Own dearest Lily, I am just after my tea, & I enjoyed it very much, got
no dinner to-day so we were ready for it. Norman Lyons is with us to-night,
& I was working & did not get to Bushmills this evening, will have to go
to-morrow. I have just got word, a customer in Coleraine wants to see me in
the morning at 8-30 so that is a early start, was speaking to Ted O'Hara in
Ahoghill, he was asking for you. I had a very good day's trade, although it
is hard going. Last night grieved me very much, I could not stick it any
longer, at the time I was thinking of Mattie, it did not matter what ? he
belongs to now, I am very sorry it happened, but I am church & was brought
up in it, I could not help myself. I did not sleep one wink last night, &
that remark you said was ringing in my ears all night, "Do not be under any
obligation to him" I would not expect it from you. Mother was in my room
this morning at 6-30, about the light burning, but I told her I could sleep,
I was down at the firm at 8-15, I left my hat in your house last night, & I
had to get a new one. Well Lily dear I have being working hard all day &
trying to for get last night. I am being well payed for all the wrong I have
done in my life, & you are the only girl I have ever loved & will ever. I am
sure your Father & Mother were cross with me, but that can't be helped. I am
away now & not with you to-night, every one I come across likes me & I have
no enemies, but I love only you & that thing you said before your Father &
Mother, cut me to the bone. Well Lily dear do not be cross with me for any
thing I have said, I am in a bad way, & do not no what to do. Going to
Coleraine & Limavady in the evening, to-morrow. So Lily good night, if you
write to me I will not get it till to-morrow night. So dear I am going to
bed early, & pray "God" that he will comfort me. Your own Douglas, with all
my LOVE Douglas xxx
2) 20th January 1938 Postmark Omagh to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh Wednesday night 9-45 - My Own
Dearest Lily, Just got in here about a half hour ago, & we are very tired.
Yesterday we were at it till quite late & had a bad day. Today has being
good, was out in Gortin & I have pulled up for the bad day yesterday. Well
love, I was glad to get your letter this evening, I am sorry to hear about
Nan? Bob must be a bit of a pansy, he is no man. I will not be home
to-morrow night, but I will be home on Friday before six o'clock, we have
such a lot of writing to-night, will not get finished till 11 o'clock. Well
love I do love you with all my heart, & you be a good girl, & you will never
have to worrie about me when I am away from you, for I love you & all ways
thinking about you, to-night I am very tired & only wish I could get to bed.
I have skinned my leg very badly on Monday, & it is very sore. I will tell
you what happened when I see you. Well love I am going to the orders, will
drop you a note to-morrow. So Good night Lily, Your own Douglas, with all my
LOVE Douglas xxx
  
   
  
1
2
3
1) 26th January 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Wednesday morning 8 o'clock -
My own dearest Lily, Well my dear I am feeling much better, & my cold is
nearly away, Just last night when we got our tea finished Billie came in, &
stayed till 11-30 last night, we did not leave the hotel, but played all the
games you could think of, when I went to write the orders my bag was in the
van, so I have my breakfast over, & Norman is hard at the orders. Got your
letter this morning, & was glad to get it. I hope you & Dan? have a good
time, I see some pictures in this morning "Whig" Well love I hope you are
well, do not worrie about me, we had a good nights fun last night & no
drinking. Going out to Donamana (Donemana) this morning, things are hard
this week, & the weather is very cold. Only two more nights till I am back
again with you, I will get a new suit on Saturday, & Coat, so then I will
look well, for I will always do what you want me to. So dear going to finish
the orders & out looking for more. Your own Douglas, with all my LOVE
Douglas xxx
2) 26th April 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday morning - My own dearest
Lily, Well my dear one night over & you were not long on writing to me, I
have got your letter this morning, but I am keeping it for a while till I
get peice to read it. It was late when we got finished last night, we did
not go out, we have to go out to Claudy to-night at 6 o'clock, to see a
customer that we missed last night. Things are hard, but we are getting our
share, there is a lot of men here this week. Mr. McCutcheon is going to have
a baby in six weeks time & he is in great form but very worried, she has
being having a hard time this winter. Well my dear I am a good boy & will be
home early on Friday, this is a long week, & when I have being seeing you so
often, it is hard to do with out seeing you, will write to-night. Your own
Douglas, with all my LOVE xxx
3) 27th April 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday Dinner 1-30 - My own
dearest Lily, I am just after my dinner & am feeling in good form. Trade is
not so bad. Well dear I have not got a note from you, but I no you are busy,
& I am not cross. You will be going over to the dress-makers this evening, I
am all ways thinking about you, for I love you with all my heart, & love all
your we ways. I am looking forward to Easter. I hope your Mother is keeping
better, do not work to hard yourself, for there is plenty of time. I will
try & get finished in Derry to-morrow & get to Castlederg, will be home
early on Friday, for I miss you, & only wish you were on the phone & I could
ring you up & say good night. On Saturday I would much rather go to the
races on our own, but this Saturday, we will go with Lyons for once, for I
would much prefer to having you all to myself. Excuse this note, I will
write to-night. Your own Douglas, with all my love. xxx
  
  
  
1
2
3
1) Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday night 11 o'clock - My own
Dearest Lily, Well my dear another day nearer to Friday, it is not right to
be wishing our life away like that, but I would like to be with you all the
time. We did not get finished to-night till 10-30, it was very nice out in
the country this evening, & we got a good order, we had over £200 to-day &
it was goods, the way things are. I hope to get finished at 6 o'clock
to-morrow night, there is a good match on. Dundalk are coming & playing
Derry. You are right I can't write a letter like you, I will give you first
prize. It was a very nice letter, & I hope to get one to-morrow, for they do
me good, & make me feel very happy, for you are my own we darling & (I love
you) & never was in love before. If we only could get a house, every thing
would be all right. It has being a hard day for us to-day, we started at 9
o'clock & were working till 10-15 to night, but I will work hard & be home
early on Friday D.V. I hope your Fathers cold is better. I am feeling in
good form. Well Lily dear I have to finish the orders, we are going to
Donamana (Donemana) in the morning, & finish Derry to-morrow evening. I
think I will be able to sell a lot of goods in the Free State, & that will
help us very much. Well love good night & Love me more & more. Your own
Douglas, with all my Love Douglas xxx
2) 31st May 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday morning 8-30 - My own
dearest Lily, Well my love one night over, & one nearer Friday, we were late
in getting to Derry last night, I did not go out, had a few games of "Table
Tennis" & to bed at 11-15. I have got the same room as last time, a good big
bed, hope to show it to you some time. Well love I did enjoy our run on
Sunday, it was great fun, the first good holiday we have we must go & spend
a good day at Portmuck. Well my love I love you more & more as the weeks go
by, it is nice when we have no fighting, just like two love birds, I hope
your Mother is better, you should make her go & see about her teeth this
week. Well love I have my breakfast taken going to post this note at the
P.O. will write to-night. Your own Douglas, with all my Love Douglas xxx
3) 1st June 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Tuesday night - My Own Dearest
Lily, Well my love another day over & I did not get a we note from you
to-day. I was at the office every time I come in to see, you do not no what
them letters of yours do for me, they make me feel happy & I for get all
about the hard customers U have to deal with all day. Well love I will be
looking for one in the morning, & I will be right for the day. We are going
to the pictures to-night, it is a beautiful evening. I only wish I was with
you, & that would be fine. Well my own darling Friday will not be long in
coming, I only wish it was here, for I do miss you. My Love for you is
getting bigger & bigger & I am very contented when I no that you love me. So
love good night, & dream pleasant dreams of me your own Douglas, with all my
LOVE Douglas xxx
   
1
2
1) 20th July 1938 Postmark Londonderry to Miss Lily Mark, 92 North Road,
Belfast - Melville Hotel, Londonderry Wednesday morning - My Own
dearest Lily, Very glad to get your letter this morning, I hope Doreen &
yourself had a good run yesterday & brought home your Father & Mother
safely, also that your face is better & that it is not a boil. Well love so
far this week trade has being very bad, we are trying to sell winter Coats.
I am going to Strabane to-day & Castlederg to-night. I am a very good boy &
have not went down to the Allen?, & never again you can be happy about that.
Yesterday Norma? came with me to Freddie? funeral at 2 o'clock, there was a
very large crowd there, his school friend carried him part of the way, after
the funeral we came back to Derry I did not go to the house. So last night
Normans girl is staying at Portrush & he went & got back at 12 o'clock. I
took the van & went out to Uncle Eddie, Mother was there, she is going home
to-day. I was very glad I went for all the friends were leaving & it was
very lonely for them, I did not get back till 11-30 & went to bed. He was a
fine fellow & to good for this world. Well love I must get started, hope the
other paper came. Hope you are well & your face all right. Your own Douglas,
with all my love Douglas xxx
2) 28th September 1938 Postmark Strandtown, Belfast - G.P.O. Greetings
Telegram Belfast T to Lily Mark Slieve Bloom North Road - Best wishes
for your happiness today and in the future. Hylda and Jack
later years
1
2
1) 22nd August 1959 Co-Operative Insurance Society Limited, Manchester.
Received this 22nd day of August 1959 from Mr. Douglas A. Long, 92 North
Road, B/F the sun of Forty-three pounds ten shillings, in respect of A.B.
870819 £43-10-0 A.B. R?? Prem. Signed J??????? Agent Mr. Scott
2) 7th September 1960 To advertising in Telegraph, Estate Agents, 32 & 34
Arthur Street, Belfast
1
2
1) Sincere Good Wishes I offer for Your Birthday Hours This Fragrant Bunch
of Dainty Flowers from Love from Nanny & Papa xxxx
2) Government of Northern Ireland Ulster Savings Certificates Third Issue.
Name: Douglas Alonzo? Long, 175 Clifton Park Avenue, Belfast
is this Lily? no name or information on any of them
is Douglas among these gentlemen? again no information, looks like the
Shipyard
who are these gentlemen? the second photo was in a cardboard frame that said
Predy, Limavady, the photographers name
the end
|
