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McCully Collection
more McCully items added
newspapers -
photographs -
postcards -
letters - no dates -
misc.
Page One - Page Two - Page Three
- Page Four -
Marion McCully auto album
further items found separately and added July 2025
Newspaper Clippings
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1) Mr. Frederick Norman Dalzell, Coleraine, and his bride, Miss Dorothy
Janetta Hatrick, Creggan House, Londonderry, cutting the cake in the City
Hotel, Londonderry, after their wedding at First Londonderry Presbyterian
Church on Saturday.
2) other side of #1 - part articles: Jets dip wings in impressive funeral
salute, The funeral of Mr. Graham W. G. Austin, Silverdale, Culmore Road,
who was fatally injured while motoring home to Londonderry from Belfast in
the early hours of Thursday morning, took place on Saturday from his
parents' residence to the City Cemetery, Londonderry. Mr. Austin was an
officer of the 502 (Ulster) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and a
flight ....
3) a medical strip from The Daily Mail
4) Hatrick- McCully wedding details: Married in Second Moneymore
Presbyterian Church yesterday were Mr. James Dill Hatrick, only son of Mr.
and Mrs. Joshua Hatrick, Creggan House, Londonderry, and Miss Heather
Margaret McCully, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. McKimm
Eadie, of Claggan Presbyterian Church, Cookstown, assisted by the Rev. W. I.
Steele, of Londonderry.... The bridesmaids were Miss Marion McCully, sister
of the bride, and Miss Margaret Hatrick, sister of the bridegroom. The child
attendants were Valerie and Hazel Phair and Sandra Rea. Mr. William
Hawthorne acted as best man, and the groomsman was Mr. Stewart Aiken.
5) as #4
6) as #4 + The ushers were:- Messrs. R. Aiken, P. Knox, B.Sc.; W. H.
McCully, M.R.C.V.S., and T. McK. Scott. Mrs. Rankin Faulkner presided
at the organ. Afterwards a reception was held at Lissan Rectory, which
was kindly lent by Rev. H. L. Phair, M.A., and Mrs. Phair. Almost 200 guests
attended the reception. The honeymoon is being spent touring in Germany and
Switzerland. For travelling, Mrs. Hatrick chose a Country Life suit with
accessories to tone.
7) as #4 & #6
8) as #7
9) OBITUARY Mrs. M. J. Murphy, Gortin, Orritor - (maybe a wee word here
and there missing) On Thursday, 22nd June or July, Mary Jane Murphy, of
? Orritor, Cookstown, passed at the mid-Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, after
a short illnes, (she?) was the widow of Mr. ? Murphy and spent the grea(ter
part?) of her life in the Montober ? She was much respected and beloved and
will be greatly (missed?) by her family and friends. On Saturday afternoon ?
July, her remains were laid (to rest?) in Clare Churchyard. The ? course of
friends and neighbours following the hearse bore ? testimony to the public ?
enjoyed by deceased and member of her family. T(he Rev.?) George McCahon,
M.A., con(ducted) services in the home and (at the) graveside. The chief
mourners were ? Billy, Bob, Albert and N? Murphy (sons); William ?
(brother); Vernon and ? Murphy (grandsons); Benny ?..ness (son-in-law);
Robert J. ? and George Carson (brother-in-law); William, David, ? Ronnie and
Bertie Crooks, W? Thomas and Herbert Murphy and Walter Thom, John C? David
McDonald and Tom M? (nephews), and many (more) relatives. Beautiful wreaths
were put? on the grave as follows:- In ? remembrance of dear mother (from)
her sorrowing son Albert, ? and wee Alberta; In (loving) memory of dear
mother from (her) sorrowing daughter Emma, ? and family; In remembrance of
our dear mother from her sorrowing family; In fond remembrance of dear
mother from her sorrowing son Thomas William, wife and grandchildren; I fond
remembrance from Gertie and family? In loving memory of my sister from
Aggie, George ? family; In affectionate remembrance from her sister Jemima ?
family; With sympathy and ? from Mrs. Black, Derrin? With deepest sympathy
from ? Whyte and family; With deepest sympathy from Mrs. E. Clu?, Ward
Avenue, Bangor; ? deepest sympathy from Mr. & Mrs. William Leeper, Wellb?
Cookstown.
10) backs of wedding announcements, same Obituary of Mrs. M. J. Murphy,
Gortin, Orritor #9 - 22nd July no year
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1) A village braves the rain. Oh, happy, happy day ... a radiant bride, a
smiling groom ... Lord Dunleath and Dorinda Percival after their society
wedding at St. John's Church, Moneymore. ~ The bridesmaids were taking no
chances of catching cold. Jane Moore, aged three, and four-year-old Emma
Chichester-Clark wore neat little muffs which added just that perfect touch
of charm.
2) back of clippings, Obituary of Mrs. M. J. Murphy, see #9 of previous
clippings
3) Funeral Tributes to Mr. J. Hatrick. The funeral of Mr. Joshua Hatrick,
took place on Saturday to the City Cemetery..... The chief mourners were Mr.
James Dill Hatrick (son); Rev. Adam Stewart, Mr. A. Garrett (Newtownabbey),
Mr. E. Dalzell (Coolkeeragh) (Sons-in-law); Mr. James M. Hatrick (brother);
Mr. A. Eakin, Mr. J. L. Morrow (Belfast) and Mr. W. E. Morrow (Belfast)
(brother-in-law) CLICK image 3 to read the full article
4) The Londonderry Sentinel. 6th April 1960 Death of Noted N.W.
Farmer. Full article and photo. CLICK image 4 to read in full
5) back of image 4 - The Londonderry Sentinel. 6th April 1960 - Subsidy
House Too small, says Council. - New Donegal Rector Former Derry Curate -
part article: Rural Districts have three power cuts.
6) Bride and groom are doctors and so is the bridesmaid. Morrow - Gilpin:
Two doctors were married in Osborne Park Methodist Church to-day, and the
bridesmaid and best man also belong to the medical profession. The
bridegroom, Dr. James Morrow, is son of Rev. R. Morrow, minister of
Broughshane Presbyterian Church, and the late Mrs. Morrow. Dr. Robin King
was best man. Dr. Dorothy Gilpin, the bride, is daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. N. Gilpin, 31 Ballygomartin Road. Her sister, Dr. Maureen Gilpin, was
bridesmaid. Taking part in the service were the bridegroom's father, Rev. R.
Morrow, and Rev. N. E. Mulligan......... ~ Stewart - Williams -
A Lecturer in Queen's University, Dr. Derek T. Stewart, was married in
Cregagh Presbyterian Church, to Miss Joan B. Williams, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. H. A. Williams, 45 Ardenlee Parade. The bridegroom is son of Mr. and
Mrs. W. J. Stewart, 30 Haddington Gardens. The ceremony was performed by
Rev. W. A. J. Barbour. .... Her bridesmaid, Miss Jean Miller, was in a frock
of sunglow gros-grain, and her bouquet was of flame roses. Mr. J. F.
Harbinson was best man. After a reception at Greenan Lodge Hotel, Dunmurry,
Dr. and Mrs. Derek Stewart left for a honeymoon in France. ~ Thompson -
Roulston - A Co. Antrim farmer, Mr. Archibald Fitzgerald Thompson,
Ardmore, Crumlin, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Thompson, was married
in Stranorlar Presbyterian Church, Co. Donegal. His bride, Miss Marguerita
Jean Roulston, is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Roulston, Stranorlar. Rev.
A. J. Eakin performed the ceremony, assisted by Rev. W. L. Northridge. ....
Miss Alice J. Turtle was bridesmaid, and Miss Gillian Kee, niece of the
bride, was train bearer. Both wore frocks of ice blue, and sweet pea in
their hair matched their bouquets. Mr. Charles Edward Suffern was best man.
After a reception in the City Hotel, Derry, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson left for a
honeymoon in France and Italy. (returned with thanks)
7) photo - The bridal party at the wedding in Moneymore Presbyterian Church
of Miss Heather Margaret McCully, of Churchtown, Cookstown, and Mr. James
Dill Hatrick, of Creggan House, Londonderry. The bridesmaids were Miss
Marion McCully and Miss Margaret Hatrick; the best man, Mr. William
Hawthorne; the groomsman, Mr. Stewart Aiken; and the child attendants,
Misses Valerie and Hazel Phair and Sandra Rea.
8) back of Dunleath/Percival Wedding clipping - part articles: photo
Carleton Greene at home with his wife, both experts in their fields. -
Show-biz Eric Maschwitz - Beards?
9) Irishman, Police inspector from County Cork - Nairobi, Wednesday - Two
police inspectors were wounded to-day when a terrorist threw a grenade at
them as they were removing three dead and three wounded Africans from the
site of an earier (earlier) gun battle. Fifteen terrorists have been killed
in the last 24 hours, police said. The inspectors are Anthony Robinson (21),
whose mother lives at Cartmell Road, St. Anne's-on-Sea, Lancashire, and
Cornelius O'Driscoll, of Frithville Gardens, Shepherd's Bush, London.
Inspector O'Driscoll's mother lives at Ballymore, County Cork. Neither was
seriously hurt. - Reuter. - Big Canadian Job for Immigrant, Scot to be
director of Shipbuilding. Ottawa, Wednesday .. missing
10) back of #9 article about German rearmament 1956
  
15th January 1921 Permit for having, keeping or using a Motor Vehicle in
Ireland. Mr. Samuel Moore McCully of Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry. Age 32
years; Height 6ft. 1ins.; Build Stout; Hair Black. Car Registered No. IW 436 Make Swift (2 seater) Date 15th January 1921
William &/or Marion - Do you remember ever seeing a
man who looked like this when you were children??
the following photographs
from the 2nd McCully lot
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1) Jean, Pauline? & Olive McCully - Higgins Royal Studio, Belfast
2) Bert Kinnear - Moffett Studios, Portadown
3) photographer Ray Stewart
4) photographer Robt. Lyttle, Belfast
5) Mrs. Higgins
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1) Mrs. Walker? - photographer Sarony, 1206 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia
2) - (there was also an empty frame beside this photo with the info.: Robert
Hayes Bell, Born January 28, 1917, This Photo was taken September 3rd, 1917,
about seven months old
3) This is just a proof, Connie
4) David Dickson at nine months - photographer George J. Leech, Denton
5) Jeweller, S. S. Sloane, Cookstown printed on the back?
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1) Northern Whig Belfast
2) -
3) R. Clements Lyttle Studios, Belfast
4) July 12th 1968 Silver Band (Cookstown)
5) July 12th 1968 Accordion Band
6) a bunch of old keys
7) Fields over Coolfadda House by J. E. Beamish
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1) Edith, Marion & Wm. McCully Bobbie Kinnear
2) I certify that Marion ascended and descended, without any assistance the
743 steps to the Glacier. J. S. Fa? 7th July 1950
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1) Portrush 22.8.15
2) Granni, Anne with fractured arm, Stephen 1963
3) Mrs. Ritchey, Bally??ghan? - photographer New York
4) 1963
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1) Andrew McCully
2) Omagh Show 1965
3) Lila Patterson, Ballyrona?
4) Isa, Ian & Bob, other two little girls Patricia & Deirdre
5) Rainey School Staff, 1936 perhaps. Mr. G??man, Miss Scott, Mr. Black, Mr.
Lavery? Mr. Calvin (Head Master) Miss McKay, Miss Adair?
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1) Barbara, Anne, Stephen, David, John 1965 (names written right to
left)
2) Downings, August 1966 Anne, David, John & Barbara
Dublin photographer
1968
Letters etc. in chronological order
Postcards separately
1889
 
21st July 1889 Florissant Col. Dear Father, I received your
letter one day ago haste to answer. I am still in the woods at the saw mill.
I brought my horse from Boulder about the 1st of the month, I also bought a
buggy and drove here about 150 miles, on the night I got here my horse got
loose and strayed away, through the woods, had got about 16 feet of rope
round his neck, I looked for him for ten days, had advertized in three
papers, I was very uneasy for fear he would entangled with the rope in the
brush and perhaps starve to death. On the 17th I went to Metcalf, a place
about 8 miles from thise, I enquired all around, could find out nothing, on
coming away I met a fellow hauling logs with him. I stoped him, told him
that was my horse. He asked me if I would not let him take that load of logs
to the mill and his wagon home, I said he could, I paid for all
advertizements etc., so I am going to Sue him for my horses work, in looking
for him, I was at great expence, I had to hire a horse to ride & had a man &
horse hired two days. I intend to take a claim & cut the saw timber & sell
it. I have the horse on a fenced pasture now I might need him when I get the
claim, this is a nice part of the country. The Kansas man Alex. Campbell who
owed me $90 or £18 has failed, the Banker sent me his promisary notes, he
had $70 of mine with interest made it $90. I calculate to sell my horse &
buggy abut 1st Sep. in order to go back to School and stay there 9 months
and do my best to finish, the Professors all encourage me, I think I will
have money enough if I get a claim & a good price for my logs, with the
price of my horse. I am glad Marianne is so content & comfortable. I hope
you will have no trouble getting help to take care of the crop. We have
about half an hours rain every day this month, about 2 o'clock a thunder
storm comes up and rain for about 30 minutes. I would rather you would not
sell the farm if you can possible hold on another year. Knowing of nothing
more at this time. Yours truly, Andrew Hayes, address to Boulder
1892
 
2nd September 1892 Fremont Colorado - Dear Father, I mentioned to you
before I had a good mining claim, at any rate I think so. In May there were
three fellows came and dug a hole, something over ten feet deep, as soon as
I was aware I noticed them to get off so they did, know nothing more of it untill today, I found out through a Surveyor they had applied for a patent
on the best vein I have of blue quartz, that is the second patent survey on
me, they cannot do anything now for 60 days, so I write for a little money
so as to meet the boys in court. I think I will have no trouble beating
them, they have done the same trick on several others, these 3 fellows is
hired by a company who has plenty of money and trying to steal some good
property, I expect them to be run off before 3 months. It will cost me about
£250.00 or over £50:0:0 to contest them in Court and get my patent, if you
send it I will see it is put to the best use, I think my claim is to good to
let slip, you are aware what money I made here I have put it nearly all in
this claim, though I expect it all back again and something besides. I had a
letter from James Happer the day after I wrote to you, he is still thinking
of comming here. I wrote and told him the way to come & has not heard from
him since, he may come any time, his wife has been sick for the last two
years. They have commenced to make a rail road from Hayden divide to this
place which will connect Fremont with the Colorado Midland RR, it will then
be much cheaper to get our ore out to Denver and other points. This place is
creeping on slowly and new strikes of mineral are finding every day. Weather
is now fine. I had another trip about nine miles over the mountains 2 weeks
ago and went a fishing in Four Mile River, had no success fishing. Knowing
of nothing more to interest you I am, Yours truly Andrew Hayes. Dr.
Andrew Hayes, Fremont, El Paso County, Colorado, USA don't put
both Dr and MD in my address
1895
 
16th April 1895 Cripple Creek. My Dear Sister, Your letter
received and contents noticed, in return would say I am glad your operation
was a success, and I think your case was a bad one. I left Denver April 1st
came to Cripple Creek and since I have been out at a new mining teritory
about 16 miles west of Cripple Creek. We had quite a hard time to get water
the night we drove in; we could not get any and had to go about five miles
out of our way and stop with a farmer, got to his place about 10 o'clock at
night, and we were awfull tired and thirsty; next morning we started out in
the hills and found a spring about midday so there we stopped. We had only a
tent some provision and bedding, got camped and went over the hills for the
next 3 days and located 9 claims, I intend going back and build a house to
stop in and work my claims. I have an Irishman from County Louth with me, he
says he will do the Assessment work for an interest if I furnish a place to
stay and provisions, so I intend to do so. It was a rough trip but I enjoyed
it walking over the plain hills and camping out and every night we could
hear the hungry wolves howling around, last Saturday night they awoke me
four times, and next morning we found a calf which the had killed that
night, and half eaten up not ¼ of a mile from where we were camped. I took
the calf to be about 3 months old, I never thought the attacted cattle
before, but knew the were fearful mischievous among sheep. I calculated to
go back tomorrow and build a a house and investigate the country thoroughly
and probably get a mine. Professor Kimball is thinking of comming out there
and locate some claims I wrote to him today. Knowing of nothing more
interesting I am, Yours Respectfully Andrew Hayes Dr Andrew Hayes,
Cripple Creek, Colorado
1909
 
5th July 1909 The Bi-Metallic Bank, Cripple Creek, Colo.
Yampa? Dear Sister, Your letter to hand and noticed John Happer has
got back here, we are getting in the crop, chiefly oats and the land seeded
in grass, it will take us this week to finish, but looks favourable for a
good summer. I have a letter from Andrew H. Bell, 1936 Wallace Street,
Philadelphia, Uncle Robert Bell passed away June 22nd 09 3.30 in the
morning, very old, we cannot expect life for ever, the snow was late leaving
so I did not get on the land early which makes me late getting the crop in,
but looks favourable, I am laying down 100 acres in grass, the weather is
fine at present. My nearest neighbour is one mile from my place, Mr. Roup?,
John and me gets along quietly alone. I have very little to say at present,
I suffer from gastritis myself something like you. I believe my cattle are
doing fine at present though I lost some through the bad winter. I need a
Wife here and may go back to the Old Country for one. No more at present,
Yours truly, Andrew Hayes July 12th
1916
21st January 1916 Department of Recruiting for
Ireland, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin - Sir, The Director-General of Recruiting
for Ireland desires me to state that an undertaking to enlist for the period
of the War, signed by you, has been received from the Head of your
Department with a notification to the effect that arrangements cannot at
present be made for your release for Military Service. His Excellency
desires me to transmit to you the enclosed certificate and to convey his
high appreciation of your ready response to his appeal. I am, Sir, Your
obedient Servant, ? Kavanagh for Secretary. Samuel Moore McCully, Esq.,
Magherafelt, Co. Derry
1936
12th January 1936 - 419 Netherwood Road, Beverly Hills, Pa., Upper Darby
- Dear Mrs. McCully, For your kindness to my dear sister in all ways and in
every way, but in your tenderness and care in preparing my sister for
journey to Belfast and for entrance to Hospital, my everlasting thanks. What
you gave her in the ministrations of love and service in time of need I
cannot find words to praise. Jesus said: what you have done to one of my
disciples (page missing)
1940
5th July 1940 Robert Hogg & Co. Ltd., 10 Donegall Square West, Belfast -
Mrs. McCully, Pass to Cookstown 6-15 G.N.Rly. 1 tea-set 41 pcs. Richmond
£5-16-6
   
 
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1) 15th December 1940 - 300 W. North Street, Geneseo, Ill. - Dear McCullys
all, This Christmas letter ought to reach you some time during the holidays
and it bears my hearty good wishes to you all - I hope 1941 will see an end
of war, and you can come and go as you like - I'm afraid you won't have your
daughter home for Christmas as the seas are not very safe to be on now. But
then who is safe! One just has to go on as tho Hitler and his bombers were
not there. We listen to broadcasts several times each day and rejoice when
the Greeks in Albania do well or the English in Lybia - But when the cities
are bombed and the ships sunk then we are distressed. Surely England has
taken a terrible lot of grief at the hand of Germany. You won't dare tell
much for the censors ? all your letters. But you can tell us about Cookstown
folks, & Claggan Church and the doings of your own family. A letter
from Patsy told us Harry McIree? was married but not who she is, or anything
? the bare fact - Said Mr.? McCammon? had moved to Moneymore. We had a
couple of letters from Mrs. Jervis?, In her last letter she said it was from
Mary and that David was very sick. Her first letter told us of Roberts
death. Patsy said Claggan House was empty again. I don't see why some of the
Crooks family don't occupy the house. Surely is would be better off with
some one living in it. It seems to me Londonderry might form? a good base
for England in this war. I can't understand why Eire refuses to give
whatever England needs. I think England should just over-ride them and take
bases. Did Ernie get married? Does Mrs. Dale come to church now & work well
with the new minister? How is Mrs. McKay & her son getting along? Is Rachel
Crooks a full fledged nurse now? She began in 1935 so she ought to be this
training. I presume Ireland is doing her best to produce meat for England.
Cookstown with its bacon factory ought to be a busy lace now-a-days. I am
living in Geneseo now, just three doors from Lydias & have a good maid who
drives my car, tends my furnace & keeps the house & cooks. I really have
very little work to do and do a lot of reading. Just now it is so icy I
can't get out at all. Lydia was invited here for dinner yesterday but didn't
dare risk the ice. Automobiles could hardly go at all, their wheels just
spun on the ice, and there was a good many accidents. I went to the hospital
in Ott???? in October for a hernia operation, got along beautifully and am
so glad it is over. How are the Twiggs? & Dr. Elliot and McIrees? all the
friends we know so well, ?innie McKeown & brother or Crothers? We hear
occasionally from our missionary friends in England, Dr. Louisa ? lived is
Radlett and she and her brother both keep busy with war work. You in Ireland
are able to produce much of your living, milk & butter, eggs, poultry, meat,
etc. as well as potatoes & grain. But those people in London must find it
hard to feed their families. Hitler keeps sinking so many ship loads of
food. William and Heather I hope are well. I should think with shipping so
unsafe that Mr. McCully would find imports light and so his work cut to a
small amount. Do write me a letter and tell me what you can. It seems ages
since I left Ireland in the fall of 1937. Will I ever see it again! I hope
so. And I hope this awful war can be brot to a successful conclusion. U.S.A.
is doing what it can to help out. We may have our own war if Hitler can
manage it. With all good wishes and with happy memories of the home & the
folks the McCullys. Cordially Alice Colby Ramsay
2) 17th December 1940 - Miss Lydia Colby, 315 South Henry Street, Geneseo,
Illinois - Greetings to all the McCully family. We think and speak of you
often and know you are safe so far. We heard from Dr. Louise Thacker who is
only twenty miles outside London. I would like to know now that she is safe.
It is all so terrible and nothing but a crumbling from within the Axis will
seem to stop the horror. You knew of Dr. Robert Wallace's passing in
the fall. Through Mrs. Jervis we heard of it and of things at Claggan
neighborhood. O, yes Alice heard from Patsie. Claggan seems to be getting on
well in its church activities. I am glad. Glad too, that David Wallace has a
happy home with some one interested in him. We are having real winter here
for the last month. It makes me wish to be in the South but I like to spend
my holidays with the family so plan to go after New Years. My landlady with
whom I have staid recently has sold her house so I must find new quarters.
Crops were fairly good here last year. We had a long dry summer but my
farmer grows the new hybrid corn (maize) that stands bad weather so we had a
good yield anyway. I wish we could get some of our surplus to the hungry on
the continent but so far it has seemed impossible. Our church took up an
offering for the Congregational children of England's Christmas recently.
That will be just a drop in the bucket. England is the old homeland for me
so all the devastation comes as a personal affair. I am glad to have seen it
before the bombs got busy. Lord Lothian's passing was sad. To me the
Lord put skilled doctors in this world to be used and uremic trouble works
so fast. I had it three years ago in the South. We worked fast and I hurried
home as soon as I could travel to be among my people. Dying among strangers
may not be terrible, but it seemed so to me. Our family have had much use
for doctors and surgeons this year but are all fairly well now. May you and
yours have a happy Christmas and keep safe all through 1940. Your Friend
Lydia Colby
1941
 
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1) 13th December 1941 - 592 Mayflower Road, Claremont, California - Dear
Friends in Ireland, Greetings to you from sunny California, Lydia and I have
been here two weeks & hope spend four months here - We came in our car, and
have a driver - He also makes himself useful in washing windows, sweeping,
mopping up linoleum etc. as well as driving for us. We have lots of
flowers in bloom now. Roses, pansies, lantana? begonias, and poinsettias and
beautiful pink carnelias. We are sending back home ripe dates and nuts for
Christmas as they grow here. We are very sorry to have entered the war, it
will require so much of the material we could otherwise send to England.
Please do let us know how folks are, The Dales, the Wallace's, the McIrees,
MacKeowns and others. Do you ever see Patsy? We hear something from
those missionary friends of Lydia Ramsay. They said when they were at
Bushey? no bombs had fallen and no windows broken on their street. My niece
Bettie Colby whom you met, was married at Colby Place Sept. 14, and it was
an important event with all of us. Tell me, is Josie McIver? still living?
When will the war end! I would like to see Ireland once more - Are any of
the Crooks family married - I think you told me John was - Is Marion still
in Scotland? Life has to go on, war or no war. I'd love to drink a cup of
tea with you and sit in your drawing room in front of the fire - I'm so glad
you have that nice minister & wife at Claggan Church - Please tell them I am
interested in all they do there. With best wishes for you all - Cordially
Alice Colby Ramsay
1942
   
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1) 24th April 1942 - Dear Patsy, We are home again from California - It's a
long ride - about 2200 miles but we came safely and now we have most of our
house cleaning done. Also I have a fine garden started - many things peas,
potatoes, sweet corn, onions, radishes, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes,
cabbages, egg plants, peppers - also set out 75 fine strawberry plants and
lots of flowers - I found a tin can of Irish flowers seeds p double yellow
nasturtiums and tree lupine? and lots of other kinds - I have planted them
hoping they will grow, particularly the blue delphiniums - I brot them home
in 1937 - We brot a lot of nice growing plants in our car from California,
geraniums, and many kinds of succulents and vines - hope they do well. I had
company for supper tonight, my nephew & wife & two children. Lydia was here
to dinner, also an old friend from the country whom I've known 40 years and
more. It makes me sad to hear there are no flowers at Claggan House - Lydia
toiled so to have nice flowers there - now she sleeps up at Crockany a grave
yard with the rest of the Ramsays, & are just my husband here and Emily. I
have a great desire to visit Ireland once more. I think I will if only this
war will end and things will settle down again. Let Mrs. McCully read this
letter Patsy - I wrote her a long letter from California but presume it went
down in some boat, so many boats have been sunk, I sent her a Christmas
card, I am enclosing one of my Christmas cards in my letter too. You notice
the door is open and I am welcoming you in, I wish I could really do that.
But you have your folks in Ireland and would doubtless be homesick for them
should you come, you notice the Christmas wreath on my door. Also that I
wear my hair short now and it looks neater. Mrs. McCully will be interested
to see the picture. That heavy table you used to carry out on the lawn for
our tea, I have had refinished and it looks lovely in my living-room now.
I'm glad to hear that old Mrs. Donaghy is so well. When you see John the
gardener tell him I was asking after him, I have a young man 22 years old as
my gardener now and he made a hot bed so my flowers are started there & then
transplanted when large enough, some scotch calendulas are to go along the
walks to border them, I had some like them in Ireland, yellow. I enclose a
few seeds of them, for them in California. I hope to have many flowers this
summer. I was glad to hear Dr. Harry McAree & wife have a baby now, do you
know how Mrs. McAree his mother is? Stop in some time & show her this
picture. Where is her daughter Birdie? I would write to her if I knew where
to address her. We hear regularly from Dr. Louise Thacker? who was Lydia
Ramsays friend and visited us two summers 1936 & 1937. But we have lost
track of Jeanie McKay who was Lydia Ramsays very best friend, we knew she
went to Singapore, but tho we have written we get no word of her, I hope she
is safe somewhere. It seems strange to think of you as growing stout. Do you
ever see any of the American Soldier boys? We have sent a good many to North
Ireland. I hope with the coming of spring that David Wallace will be better
in health. Keep up your reading Patsy, definitely plan to improve yourself
each year. My best regards to the McCullys. Cordially Alice Colby Ramsay
 
     
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1) a) 26th April 1942 - Mrs. Ramsey, Kewanee, Illinois - Miss Lydia Colby,
315 South Henry Street, Genesea, Illinois - Dear Patsy, Mrs. Ramsey said she
was writing you and asked me to add a note to her letter. # We had a nice
winter in California and reached home just in time to enjoy my daffodils in
the garden and the mat of blue scyllas? at my door step. My Japanese quince
is red with bloom south of the house and a red caned? plum is covered in the
pink bloom in the front yard. It will have big blue plums? in late summer,
so it is useful as well as beautiful. The tall darwin tulips are beginning
to bloom and my one apple tree is a bouquet in the garden. I cut my first
mess of asparagus out there this morning. Mrs. Knowles a middle aged woman
who is in her third year with me is our helper - But we need stronger arms
for the spring house cleaning and are expecting them next week. Mrs. Knowles
is the pie maker here. She had a delicious blueberry pie in the oven when we
reached home from California and had my house all swept and dusted and warm,
we still have a furnace fire but since it is a bin fed automatic stoker, it
is little trouble to us - a big clinker to be taken out once a day is all.
We have some soldier boys in North Iceland but we have them over the world.
When we kill Japanese a new crop of them seem to rise up to take their
place. The do not seem to mind the loss of their men. Did Alice tell you
what a pretty house Betty has and what a good cook she is? Your friend Lydia
Colby.
1b) (pages seem to be missing - sheet numbered 3 headed) Miss Lydia Colby, 315
South Henry Street, Geneseo, Illinois. .. the older generation - When
I make with an awful dizziness and a dead right leg Sept 5, I realized what
had happened to me and that I had best put my house in order. The Dr.
ordered me to the hospital to lie flat for three weeks - he wanted the
Thrombosis (clot) in a blood vessel on the left brain? to grow fast so it
would not wander thru' the blood stream and do more damage. It was a light
stroke and in a few days I had back the use of my right hand. In three weeks
he let me come home. They had brought a bed down into my sun room & I was
and still am not allowed to go up or down stairs - I have a good elderly
woman I have had over three years as house keeper and we hire a day woman to
wash & do extra things - ? I am up all day and so some work that I can do
sitting. Alice comes in every day and many friends call. To add to our
worries Brother Will got badly burned with some crude oil exploding, our
refineries have too much gas and have much more of it in crude oil that runs
farm machinery than was formerly left in it: distillate is what the
machinery oil is called. They'd better let the auto drivers have it a little
more and have the distillate less explosive, but no one can tell our
bureaucrats anything, we would have plenty of food & meat for ourselves if
ceilings were left off and our bureaucrats dropped in the Potomac river -
and some for the rest of the world. Since the bureaucrats are still alive I
fear meat will be scarce in Jan or Feb. Everyone in rural areas have canned
garden things in quantities this summer, so we do not need to buy
commercially canned things. People in the big cities, many of them work in
defence plants and their wages are enormous, if they can get the points,
they can buy anything. ? just bought $15,000,000,000 worth of bonds and
immediately are asked for $10½ooo,ooo,ooo more. Congress may refuse to allow
the soliciting. Usually Congress yields everything regardless of the
Constitution. Perhaps another election will give Congress a little more back
bone to defy our Jewish Supreme Court Judge and our Secy. of the Treasury.
Things look promising for the Allies but it costs some allies lives which is
a big price to pay. Heather must be most a young lady if she is old enough
to be a Cadet Nurse, I can see her plump dimpled arm as she put her hand in
David Wallace's to walk with him from Claggan Church to Claggan. David was a
fine character whose life will be long remembered in Claggan neighborhood.
It was an honor to have had him for a friend. Remember me to all the McCully
family. With love and best wishes for the success of all of you. Lydia Colby
(envelope possibly belongs with this letter) December 1943 Postmark
Geneseo, Ill. to Mrs. S. C. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, N. Ireland from
L. Colby, Geneseo, Ill. U.S.A. (also numbered list written in pencil)
   
 
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1) 10th June 1942 - 8 Park Drive, Glasgow C.3 - My dear Marion, You must
forgive me both for not having written before and for writing on this paper.
Term finishes in 3 weeks and I am far too busy even to darn my stockings. I
have to work every afternoon & evening from 4.30 until 10 p.m. and then very
often from 11 till 1 or 1.30 a.m. coaching 3 girls now in physiology for
money, as you see I am even earning a little, but of course it takes up a
lot of ones time. I am just in Dietetics, Miss Kidd is giving us
supplementary notes on diabetes, things that are not important for the exam,
so I have decided to write to you instead. But of course I must use this
paper so that she does not notice. I am not alone in this because the girl
next to me & in front of me is doing the same thing. And now for news,
your bed is occupied by a very sweet little girl called Nina Ramsay, I
believe you know her, she has been in College before; she lives in the same
place as Biddy Melville. She is doing institutional. Otherwise, we are just
the same as last term, year, Jill & myself. Jill is miles better than last
term, she actually cracks jokes, the 5 girls next door in the pink dorm,
have turned out quite well too, you know Danny Johnston & crowd, they are
really very sweet. Incidentally I am ? on our floor, so there. A very
interesting bit of news is that we have got a house committee now dealing
with immediate problems & putting a damper on the house-keeper, the 4th
house-keeper is Miss Ludford, the student from last term. The members of the
committee are: No. 1 Alice Nichol, Zeby Wall, Nicky? Holt; No. 8 Maureen?
Paton? Maggy Hay & myself; No. 9 Joan? Walton, Ken Aitken, Dorothy Anderson.
We are highly unpopular with Miss Pare? & Miss Melon? who can't for the life
of them see what the residents grumble about, but with fierce determination
we managed to achieve a few things, like laundry on Wednesdays with the use
of a mangle & electric irons, also more vegetables at dinner, more rolls at
breakfast, 11 p.m. leave on Saturdays, a constant supply of toilet paper,
and do we get it!, the curtains pulled back in the sitting room & such
trifles. We did not get however a sitting for visitors or a running
breakfast, since both seem to be against the traditions of College. So there
you are. But I am out of this place in 8 weeks, so what do I care. Miss
MacWilliam was terribly decent about it though, I think she is the only one
who agrees with us, not only with our requests but also in having a
committee at all. Otherwise life is pretty much the same, I am spending all
my week-ends with Therese & having a glorious time. Her people are most kind
& really do spoil me. Our holidays begin on 1st July and I very much hope to
get into Edinburgh to stay with Alison's sister, Alison has finally joined
the Wrens, she is terribly hard worked, poor dear, and terribly lonely. Her
sister had the baby, it is a lovely little boy, it seems. My holidays
were a huge success, first with my friends in Reford?, then with my cousin
in Leicester. It seems that I must have been very tired on the day you left
& that is why I felt so awful, the girls brought me back from the station in
a taxi, I went to bed but quite soon after it I was violently sick & felt
miles better, what a pity I caused you such a shock. I went to Daly's
a few weeks ago to have my Polyfoto taken; they turned out quite well. I'll
send you a little one with Ida but I am afraid the enlargement takes about
7-8 weeks, so that I shall have to send it to Ida during the Christmas term
and she can give it to you then. It is awfully difficult to make up my
mind which to have enlarged, but I hope you will like it. I have no
time to read at all, as I am so terribly busy. I have borrowed a marvellous
book from Therese on Psychoanalysis & also another one from Blackie (you
know, the fair dietician from No. 9) But goodness me, do you think I have
time to touch them. 11th June: It is only to-night that I can go on
writing to you. I had your letter this morning, I am most thoroughly ashamed
of myself for not having written before. I do hope you will forgive me, of
course I am fine & eat as much as I can, so you needn't worry. Seeing
that I am earning a little money now, I have bought myself a very smart,
gored gray flannel skirt. But you will never guess where, so I had better
tell you - in Pettigrew's children's department. What do you think of that?
I suppose I am going through my second childhood. Anyway it fits like a
glove and I saved a coupon so I am very pleased, now I am trying to get some
shoes but that is a different thing altogether, since I can't possibly buy
children's shoes can I? Both Maureen & Katie have got your letter,
they were terribly pleased and intending to write whenever I ask them about
it, so you can expect a letter from them any moment. I had a long
letter from home a month or so ago, written in January, I am glad to say
they were all quite well at the time. I had a large photo of my sister's, I
wish you could see it, I can't tell you how attractive I grown up she looks,
I was terribly thrilled with it. Well, my dear, I really must stop and
go on with my swatting. I am sitting up again for a change. I hope you will
have a great success with your new job, you seem to get on fine only don't
make yourself too tired. I also hope your brother gets through his exams all
right. I'll let you know all my results. With my very best love, Yours
Marianne
2) 12th October 1942 Postmark Glasgow to Miss Marion E. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic
Science (Incorporated) 1 Park Drive C.3 - Dear Miss McCully, Thank you for
your letter of 4th inst. telling me of your new appointment as Domestic
Science teacher at Rainey's School, Magherafelt. It is very nice that your
have received this appointment in your old school. I am sure that you will
enjoy the work and that you will be very happy. Gr III was certainly worth
while! It is very interesting to hear that the only three Domestic Science
teachers in Magherafelt are Glasgow trained. Who are they? With kind
regards, and good wishes. Yours sincerely, ? ? Principal. Miss Marion
E. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
       
1942
31st December 1942 to Mr. & Mrs. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone,
Ireland - Miss Lydia Colby, 315 South Henry Street, Geneseo, Illinois
Dear Mrs. McCully, Your very welcome letter came in this morning's mail.
Alice is out in Claremont California since November first. I put your letter
in an envelope to forward and before the letter is gone I will try to answer
it. First it was very welcome. I was thinking about you and about Mr.
McCall's and David Wallace's plan to visit America. Like many of our plans,
that one never got carried out. But if peace does come and people can travel
again we will be very glad to see them. I was glad to hear of your children
and know that Marion is making good at her teaching job in Magherafelt and
it is nice she has Heather to ride with her as she comes and goes each day.
I was glad to hear of William and his school at Queens in Belfast. He might
be interested in our nephew Williams work in experimental Agriculture in
State College, Amherst Massachusetts. That state has poor soil so he is
trying to develop a grass that will grow well in it and will hold the soil
from washing in rains. Here in my state of Illinois we have wonderful soil
but we have been having floods last week that wash our soil. I went out to
Colby Place for Christmas - our family gathering. I asked Will to bring me
home Christmas night and fortunately he did, for next day it rained all day
until creeks flooded the roads and bridges went out. Alice had meant to have
a happy time with her friends at Riverside Parsonage Calif. (manse) but went
to her dentist and let him take out an impacted wisdom tooth that her
dentist here had missed getting. We call that a surgical operation and
people go to the hospital for it. I fear she has just gone to her cottage
alone. She had friends with her there all fall but they have gone home now.
This tooth had a bad pus sac and probably made a blood clot in an ankle and
high blood pressure last summer that laid her up entirely for several weeks.
A year ago she supposed she had all her teeth extracted after they had upset
her heart entirely. The dentist failed to get this one that never had come
through the gums. Part of our family have extra good teeth and part have
very poor ones. Fortunately for me I belong to the good teeth part of the
family and alas for Alice she belongs to the poor teeth part. I hope this
clears up her bad health for the rest of her life. Betty was married to an
Iowa farmer a year ago last September. She had been a Home Advisor in the
farm bureau, in an Iowa County. She had done the same preparation that
Marion has taken, only instead of teaching in a school she had her clubs of
girls and women over the county. Dec. 12 a little daughter, Mary Elizabeth
was born to them. None of us have seen it yet. Brother Will plans to go out
after the baby is a little older. Her husband farms on a bigscale-raised 13
000 bushels of corn this year with his brother, that they will feed to
cattle. Brother Will feeds but not on so big a scale. We quick freeze beef,
pork and poultry and keep it in lockers in our country towns so all farmers
and many towns people have their own beef, fresh all year. Much of our
slaughter house meat goes to our army and our allies. A letter from a Ramsey
cousin in Canada says her husband has been butchering many beeves for his
farm neighbors to put in lockers there near Toronto. Farmers have taken to
churning butter there so as to have any for themselves. We are to be
rationed on all kinds of food, but we can mush fruit and vegetables from our
own gardens. Carey, Will's wife is expert at it. I was glad to hear about
all the Cookstown and Claggan folks - glad the present tenant at Claggan is
an asset in your church. You will miss William Wier from your number - I can
see him in my mind as he rose on his toes for his high notes as he sang. I
have an elderly woman with me as housekeeper. My other woman got sick and
this one is now on her third year with me. We have both had the contagious
colds since Christmas. I am over mine, my woman is just taking hers. We had
a cold December but for over a week it has been mild and sunny. There is
still a little snow on the ground. Our pastor in Geneseo has gone to be
trained for an army chaplain. His wife and two sons occupy the manse and she
will do what parish work she can. I think we will have supply pastors from
Chicago. At least we will have one Sunday from there. I do my Red Cross work
knitting sweaters mostly. Just now I am knitting one for a niece who is a
Childrens Welfare worker in Washington. Ruth planned to go to Ireland with
us one summer but had to have a surgical operation instead. She feared the
lack of fuel oil would mean cold rooms in Washington, but so far they have
been comfortable. We burn slack in a bin-fed stoker that runs automatically
by electricity. Fortunately we can get all the coal we need. I hope our
soldier boys are on their good behaviour. We have sent out the best we have
but sometimes even they get out of hand. I said if only I were 50 years
younger and a man, I would be flying over Tokio with Jimmie Dolittle. A
cousin who commands a submarine answered me "Never mind Cousin Lydia, some
day I will meet me a Jap or a Jerry and when I push him under the water I
will say, "That is for my cousin Lydia!" He was cited for bravery last
summer by Admiral King. I have not heard from his wife this Christmas. No
one of us know where he is of course. I must see about dinner. My best
wishes for all of you for the coming year and greetings to all Claggan
friends. Most sincerely your friend, Lydia Colby. I have typed because it is
more legible & I can say more. L. C.
1943
 
 
    
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1)
1943 -
Pro Tanto Quid 1943 342
2) 3rd August 1943 - Carradarragh P.E.S., Moneymore, Co. Derry Tuesday
3rd August '43 - Marion, I'm very glad to hear that you have your operation
over but I'm sure you're still feeling pretty bad. I expect you'll have the
worst of it over & you'll be very glad to be rid of your appendix. I knew
you were going to the specialist last Wednesday but I didn't hear any more
until I heard on Sat. that your operation was over. You'll have a month to
convalesce before you go back to school. I hear that Fazackerley has got a
marvellous new language teacher. Phyllis Garvin & Frances Bell met him in
Dublin and he had been interviewing some teacher there. Phyllis, Frances,
Margaret and Gladys were in Dun Laoghaire last week & they had a very good
time & smuggled quite a bit back with them. Margaret Gray, a friend, were
down too but they were too scared to smuggle & the Customs official was
going to take Margaret's umbrella because it was new looking. Actually she
has it about a year. I would like to have gone with Margaret but my holidays
didn't suit but I might go in October. I hear that its a treat to see the
lights & the shop windows but everything seems to be very expensive. Perhaps
they put it on to the Northerners. It wouldn't be surprizing if they did for
so many people go down with the one end in view - ie. smuggling as much as
they can. It must have been very warm in bed on Saturday. Probably
Heather has been telling you that the Guides were going on a picnic. On
Friday night they suddenly decided to go the next day because the following
Saturday several of them would be on holidays & the Cousleys couldn't come
because their maid was going on holidays. After much arranging we got away &
went to Glenshane Pass. We had a good tea of scrambled eggs & toast and as
we had no plates I'm sure we looked a queer set with slabs of toast heaped
high with egg. It was warm even there but there was a cool breeze & we hope
to go back sometime when those who couldn't come will get a chance. Have you
started to read yet? If so I hope you have plenty of reading material but
you still have your library subscription & it won't be hard to get them
changed. I am reading "Arches of the years" by Halliday Sutherland & I am
enjoying it. I think you told me you read it in Glasgow. I read the other
one "A time to keep" but I was surprized when he turned Catholic.
You'll be glad to have your mother in Belfast. I was speaking to Heather on
Sunday & she was telling me that she was trying to keep house. I'm sure she
was getting on grand but I think she thought it lonely. When you are able to
go about and have time you'll have to come to Maghera & we'll take good care
of you. I have harvest holidays coming before long. This is a dull letter
but I'm writing after school & its the wrong time to write a letter. I'll
hear how you're getting on from William at tennis tonight. Hoping you are
feeling lots stronger & better. I remain yours with love Kathleen?
3) 5th August 1943 Postmark Droichead Atha to Miss McCully, at Miss Harte's
Nursing Home, 5 College Park E., Belfast - The Glen, Mornington, Drogheda
Thursday - My dear Marion, I was so sorry to hear from Sheila that you have
had to undergo that nasty operation, but glad that it has been taken in
time. If I had been in town I would have insisted on your mother coming to
stay at "21" but we are down here until the 15th & I suppose by that time
you'll have gone home. In the meantime I hope all is well with you & that
all in Lissan are tip-top. Ian is with us here, & I'm sure you would hardly
know him - he is 2" taller than me. So if your Daddy or William have any
spares "pants" that they don't want they'll always find a wearer (Ian I
mean!!!) in No. 21. I hope your Mummy & Heather are A1. It's an age
since we saw them, or saw any of you, but maybe you'd be able to come & see
us with Mummy before you resume duty again. You know we'll be delighted to
see you at any time - though judging by ALL the visits you have paid us
recently, you don't seem to think so. Nevertheless there'll always be a
welcome for any of the name in our "mansion". Sheila told me she was
going up to see you, so I hope she'll manage to deputise for her mother! She
is kept very busy in "Moore House," but likes it much better than "Elmwood
House." Now "Here's a health unto your Majesty" & our United wishes
for a very speedy recovery. Love to each and all of you & kind remembrances
from Mother. Yr old friend Isa M. Nesbitt
    
    
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1) 10th August 1943 Postmark Moneymore to Miss M. E. McCully, Miss Harte's
Nursing Home, 5 College Park E., Belfast - Carradarragh P.E.S., Moneymore
Tuesday 10-8-43 - I was very glad to get your letter this morning. I was
going to ring up to see how you were and I'm so glad to hear that you're
feeling better. I believe you when you say the op. was anything but a
pleasant experience but you'll forget it when you remember that your
appendix won't trouble you any more. I was hoping to go to Belfast last Sat.
& I could have gone to see you but my plans were very much altered. Eleanor
was going to P. Stewart for a week. she intended waiting until I got hols in
end of Aug. but John might be home on leave any time after the 15th, so she
was afraid to miss him & decided to go alone last Sat if I would go for the
week-end which I did. It was very wet & cold on Sat. but Sunday was a nicer
day but a week-end is no use at all & I may go down to there or P. rush?
later on. Eleanor isn't in the least daunted about staying alone. She knows
several people who are down but none of them are very near her. She is a
great young monkey & I suppose will enjoy her independence. She has a great
time impressing us with her knowledge of dressmaking. She made herself a
frock at the beginning of the summer but it didn't look as well as it might
have because she had to hurry to finish it. Before she went to P.stewart she
made a blouse out of an old silk scarf. The scarf was lovely fine silk & was
very big & broad but the blouse is a trifle skimped but she is quite pleased
with it & its good practice for her. We are not going to get any more
coupons next year & they seem very scarce everywhere. I haven't one left &
there are several things I'd like to buy but I'll just have to wait until
September and probably then I'll have to do without. Miss Fields is away
these days with some stomach ailment so I have all the youngsters. Except
for the numbers of classes to attend to I rather like it but at times its a
bit hectic & the baby infants are neglected. There is no word of her young
man coming home from Gibraltar yet. She thinks he may be home anytime
because his six months is up but I hope he waits until the time for harvest
hols. for he will most likely get a 14 days leave. I don't know
whether Wm. told you that we were playing Saltersland tennis team on Friday
night. We went on bicycles for it was a good evening & a new thing for
Moneymore, we won. After it there was a dance in (don't understand how I
messed up this scan grr) ?????????went. Regina Haw? ???????? anford are
just home ???????????? hear how much they smuggled up on their persons,
pairs of corsets, ½ dozs of silk stockings, handbags, gloves, blouses,
material, underwear, and they got through. Regina said they didn't think
anyone was searched but we impressed her on how lucky she was that she
wasn't in jail. It doesn't seem to matter how much Regina buys for she never
looks any better dressed (lol sorry I had to laugh here) On Friday
night she was wearing a white Toolina skirt, pleated all the way round and a
red jumper. It mightn't have looked too bad if she had been playing tennis
but the the Dance it looked dreadful. You were asking how we went to
Glenshane. We went by bus & changed at Magherafelt. I was sorry Heather
missed it but before winter we hope to go again. Give Heather my heartiest
congrats. I had heard she was in for a music exam but I hadn't heard the
result. We have no intention of throwing Heather out of Guides for I know
she is very keen, if only she had the energy. I only scold bad-attenders who
go paddling or fishing or walk round the town when they might be at the
meeting. Tell Heather I bought a Morse buzzer when I was in Portrush so will
be able to do Morse inside in the winter. I'm glad you have plenty of
visitors to pass the time & I'm sure your (again grrr) ??????? like
Miss ???????????? ..and & the Rain ??????? have never read "The Fascinating
Hat" but I am very fond of Isabel Cameron's books & I'm sure that that one
will be much in the same tone. Her stories are always light & easily read,
but very enjoyable. You were hoping I could read your writing but its
much plainer than this but my thoughts run to fast for my pen. I hope
the next time I hear of you you'll be getting up for a little & then you'll
soon be home. Don't think of inviting me for a night when you get home. That
would be far too much trouble but when I hear you're home I go up for a
short time so evening after school. You know you'll be easily tired. Speedy
recovery! Lots of love Kathleen
2) 21st December 1943 Postmark ...ark Notts.? to Miss Marion McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - Dietetic Department, The General
Infirmary, Leeds. 24-8-43 Replied 21/11/43 My dear Marion,
I can't tell you how touched I was (honestly) that you had not forgotten my
birthday, it was really very sweet of you, thank you very much for your good
wishes & your present, I shall let you know what I got with it. I only wish
I could send you something but as far as I know that is impossible. However
when I get home I shall send you something especially nice as a souvenir
from me. I am terribly sorry to hear that you had so much trouble with your
appendix, it's a good thing anyway that it's out, much better to get rid of
these tiresome bits in your inside, I am sure you will recover beautifully
during your holiday. I have very good news to tell you to-day as I've just
got a port very much to my liking in Nottingham. I shall be working as
Dietician & Cook at an Emergency Feeding Depot with the possible view of
getting a Supervisory post later. I hope to start at the end of September. I
shall have to look for digs but I shall let you know my address as soon as I
know myself. I have been to Nottingham once, you may remember that I gave a
lecture there in April. I found it a very charming place, not a filthy
industrial town like Glasgow or Leeds, I am sick of the smoke & dirt here &
longing to get to some cleaner place. Also it is very near Bedford so I
shall be able to see my friends as often as possible. The working hours seem
very reasonable, 7-4 Monday till Friday, and 7-11 on Saturday, which seems a
picnic after this place where we work from 8-6 every day & only get a
week-end every fortnight. There isn't much news I can tell you about this
place, as you may imagine we are kept terribly busy so there isn't much time
for anything else. An occasional cinema or theatre is all I do for a change.
To-morrow I am going to see "Barries the admirable Crichton" with Diana
Churchill & Barrie R. Barnes. I hope it will be good, next week we shall
have d'Oglie Carte in Gilbert & Sullivan I think, it's going to be rather
good. Well, my dear, this is all for to-night. Thank you very much once more
& I hope you will have a very lovely holiday. lots of love yours Marianne
1944
 
           
1944
24th January 1944 Postmark Philadelphia, PA to Mrs. E. M. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland from Elizabeth H. Walker, 5801
Morris Street, Philadelphia 44 Pa. U.S.A. - 22nd January 1944 - 5801 Morris
Street, Philadelphia, Pa. - Dear Cousin Edith, Perhaps you can guess the
reason I am writing to you instead of Mother and also why the address is
different. She has left this world to join all the loved ones who have gone
on before. It happened just two days before Christmas, two years ago, that
is why you have no heard from her. So much has happened since and my life
has been so complicated that it only seems like yesterday. Perhaps it is
well that I was kept so busy. I do hope you will forgive me for not letting
you know sooner. The manner of mother's going was so horrible that I could
not write about it for quite a long time and by that time there were so many
things needing my immediate attention that there was no time for writing.
There were many times in the last year when I promised myself I would write
to you the next weekend; but every time something needing my immediate
attention would come along so the writing never was accomplished.
First I shall tell you about mother and then about myself. You could
probably tell by mother's letters to you, that in the last year before her
death she was failing. She was still very active however, as a matter of
fact, she could tire me out sometimes, if I tried to keep up with her, very
often she attempted more than she was physically able to accomplish.
Four days before Christmas she had gone into town to do a little Christmas
shopping. She gave only a few gifts, but those she gave she liked to select
herself. Among the gifts she planned to give was a certain type of baby's
blanket, which she hoped would be used by her great grand child and whom she
never lived to see. My older brother's daughter, Roberta, was expecting a
first baby and mother was delighted about it. Not finding exactly what she
wanted in the first store, she went to another and another until she had
gone into four stores which were quite a distance apart. She then decided
that the first store had more nearly the type she wanted, so she proceeded
to walk all the way back again. She had gone on another errand before
she began to shop so that all together she had walked over two miles.
Naturally, when she returned home she was very tired and this lasted through
the next day. Having spent so much time over the blanket she had not had
time to finish her shopping, so I insisted that she let me finish it for
her. The weather was rather unsettled and it was becoming windy, so I told
her to stay at home and rest. As I was leaving the house she spoke of an
errand in the neighborhood to get some groceries, for the next week, since
it was Saturday. I asked her not to go; but to let it wait until my return,
which I expected would be early in the afternoon. I suppose as usual, she
felt she could do it much better than I could, and, in spite of what I said
she went sometime later, and bought the groceries. The store was only two
blocks away so it was not far. She was returning accompanied by a boy
who was carrying her purchases. The boy being a great deal younger and
faster had gone on ahead of her and had reached the house, which is the
third one from the corner, just about the time mother had reached the corner
on the opposite side of the street. At that minute, also, a trolley-car had
reached the corner of the intersecting street. It stopped to take on several
passengers and mother thought she would have plenty of time to cross the
street before it started again. She had left the curb and was about half way
between the curb and the trolley-track before the car started; according to
a man who was riding on the front platform of the car, the motorman of the
trolley had had an altercation with a truck driver in the square al??? and
was very angry and emotionally upset because of it. He either did not see
mother or else was so angry, he did not know what he was doing. The man on
the front platform says he does not know how the motor man could have missed
seeing her as she was in plain sight. The motor man started the car quickly
and shot across the street full speed, striking mother, spinning her around
before she was thrown to the street unconscious and bleeding profusely.
Before the motor man gained control of the car it was past our door and
mother was lying at the rear end of it. An automobile parked nearby was
commandeered and mother was placed in it for the owner to take her to the
hospital. While I was shopping in town I could not put mother out of
my mind. By this time it had become quite windy and I had a conviction that
if mother did go on the errand, as I was afraid she would, she would have an
accident. The conviction was so strong, I did not wait to finish the
shopping; but returned home. When I opened the door I called "Mother" but
received no answer. Thinking & hoping that perhaps she was resting on the
couch in the living room upstairs and did not hear me, I went upstairs
without waiting to remove my hat and coat. She was not there. Then I thought
she might be in the back yard for a minute, so I came down again to see, and
found the back door bolted. I knew then she had gone to the store. At that
minute the front door bell rang. I quickly took off my hat and coat and went
to the door. A strange man stood on the step. He asked me if Mrs. Thomas
Walker lived here. I told him she did. He then asked if I were her daughter
and I told him I was. Then he told me of the accident, and that he and a
friend had taken her to the hospital. He said he had her hat, her handbag
and a shoe in his house in the next bloke & would get them. It was because
of a letter in her handbag that they knew who she was. Some if the neighbors,
who knew mother, told me later that they had seen her after the accident but
could only guess it was mother because the clothes looked like hers. Her
skull was fractured, just above the nose, her shoulder and pelvis were also
fractured and she was terribly cut and bruised. She lived just two days.
Several hours later she gained consciousness and suffered dreadfully; but
only for a short time. She could not be given morphine because her blood
pressure was much too low from the loss of blood, so after setting the
broken bones, she was packed with ice so that, by that night, she felt no
pain. She told my brother & me the next day that she had not even a
headache. For this we were thankful. To show you how wonderful she was, I
will tell you of a little incident that happened during our visit to her
that day which was less than twenty four hours after the accident. She
remembered that she had several Christmas cards addressed but not mailed,
and several others, whose addresses she was not sure of and intended looking
them up in the telephone book. She asked me to attend to them for her and
put stamps on them and mail them. When her friends received them she
was gone. We could not have the casket open at her funeral, as it would have
been too great a shock for her friends to see. The fact that she was so
mutilated is the terrible part of it all. She was such a lovely looking
person in life. The fact that she had passed on is fairly easy to face,
though I am very lonely without her. She had lived a long and useful life
and was ready to meet her Redeemer; but the memory of the way she had to go
will be with me for a long time, I think. I feel if she had not been so
tired her perception would have been keener and it might not have happened.
Of course I could not live alone in a big house of fourteen rooms. Then too,
every time I looked out a front window, there was the spot where mother lay
and for over a week a large stain on the street from her blood. Every time I
went to the window I saw it, so I closed the house and went to a hotel until
I could collect my thoughts and know what I really wanted to do. I finally
decided that an apartment was the logical thing for me, so about six months
later I started searching for one. It was very difficult, as the city is
crowded with war workers. Then too, it was necessary that I be located in a
section of the city easily accessible to my school. After much hunting
and looking at apartments I finally found one of the size & type I wanted.
Then came the necessity of cleaning up the house, which I had started, and
if deciding what I wanted to keep and which things I wanted to dispose of.
It was quite a task, picking out only enough things for six rooms, from
fourteen fully furnished rooms. Some tings I had grown to love because of
associations or because I had lived with them so long; but I could not have
all of them, so had to part with many. There have been all sorts of set
backs to getting the house all cleared out and it is not all completed yet;
but I am settled in my new home and really like it very much. During the
school term, it is impossible to do any extras so work in the house had to
wait until summer vacation time. No one could help me to go through the
things because only I knew whether or not I wanted to keep them of what I
wanted to do with them. It takes one pair of hands a long time to go
through all the drawers and closets in fourteen rooms, and there were many
things in them, as mother was the type to save things if she thought there
was a remote possibility they might some day be useful. I have been in
my apartment just about a year; but with only myself to get it settled and
do all the work, marketing, which in these days of rationing, takes plenty
of time, cooking, mending, cleaning, washing and ironing in addition to
school, and hours spent on many occasions, in the lawyers' office, getting
the estate settled and on other business errands connected with it, I have
had my hands full. Household help has been almost impossible to secure, as
most of the people who formerly did that type of work are now in defence
industries. It has only been the last month or two that I have felt I was
beginning to "get my head above water" so to speak. I was finally able to
secure a woman who can give me one day each week. She now takes care of my
washing and ironing and cleaning. Just a little dusting every other day
takes care if it until the next time she comes. The last letter you
wrote to mother was forwarded to me here at my new address. There was one
other, which I found months later after it's delivery, lying in the
vestibule at 1936 Wallace Street, where it had been put through the letter
slot. I had asked the post office to forward any mail, for that address, to
my hotel while I was there and later to my apartment, so not expecting any
mail to be delivered there I had not been at the house for some time.
Several other letters were there also, so I think there was probably a
substitute post man on duty one or two days, who did not know about
forwarding the mail. Your letter which I found at that time was
somehow mislaid in my apartment. I have not found it yet. I was saving it
because it contained your address. Mother's address book, which had your
address in it was mislaid after I moved in, and that was found only a short
time ago. That was another thing which delayed my writing to you. I do hope
you will forgive me considering everything. Mother always enjoyed hearing
from you so much, and greatly prized the pictures and the lovely things you
sent to us, as I also do. I think mother owed you a letter and, like me,
meant to write it, but letter writing was becoming increasingly more
difficult for her. I hope I may hear from you sometimes and perhaps, when
this horrible war is over, see you. I should love to have you come and
visit me sometime, if you could. I have a nice guest room with a double bed
and could accommodate a third person easily, so do not let the size of my
home deter you. Wouldn't you like to see the United States sometime? I hope
you may. very sincerely yours Elizabeth N. Walker
      
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1) 14th February 1944 Postmark Lanark to Miss Marion McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - Lesserlinn, Lanark 13.2.44 My dear
Marion, Here I am at long last. I'm terribly sorry I haven't written you
before this but time seems to be flying past so quickly. I really meant to
send a letter with the Xmas card but we were so busy then. Sorry to hear you
had to have an operation but its better to have these things done at the
beginning isn't it? How nice of you to be back in your old school? It
wouldn't make things so strange for you and I'm sure the other teachers
would be very helpful - as if you would need any help!!! Well, Marion, as
for me - I've been at home ever since I left C.D.S. two years ago at Xmas
time. The four of us - Margt, Jo & Marion & I had interviews for the
W.A.A.F.s & N.A.A.F.I. but nothing materialised out of it. Then I intended
to go back to C.D.S. to take in???? However, we were very short of staff at
home and I realised I was needed most here so here I've been ever since -
more or less in the land army. Mother didn't want me to give up my career
but I knew she would be better with less responsibility and worry. And
really she has been so much better since I came home that it has been well
worth it. And I'm enjoying myself thoroughly, an open air life, lots of work
to do - a seven day week but I love it, I even manage to rise at 5.30 a.m.!
(Remember at C.D.S. I used to miss breakfast to have a long lie!)
Marion Lyle is in the A.T.S. but I haven't heard anything of her for ages.
Margt. Hutton is in a canteen in Prestwick under Miss Nile? Jo is teaching
in her old school in Kirkintillock Y likes it very much. I'm going into town
to meet Jo & Margt. the first Sat. they can manage off together. Margt.
became engaged to a New Zealander just before Xmas. I was speaking to her on
the phone but she said the wedding wasn't to be for some time yet, of
course, one never can tell in wartime. I really haven't heard much of any of
the others. Ann Ca??ich? is engaged, Jane Fairlea is married and has a
little boy. Irene Rankin is married, Molly Carson is married to Alastair
Baird, Vivien Todd is unofficially engaged to Norman Frazer, hen is now a
Doctor & has a practice in Shotts. Nevin? is in a canteen in Glasgow. You
would know that Helen, Vivien & Di? McC?? had digs together. Helen is at
home just now. She finished Diploma & took Institutional? & think she
fancies the land army too but whether she'll be allowed to stay I don't
know. They seem to be needing so many teachers? If we could do without maids
and have the house to ourselves it would be so much nicer. And they really
are a problem nowadays! Oh, I nearly forgot to tell you, Jan? was married
last June to a farmer from Strathaven - John Dykes. He is a very nice boy &
they have a very nice place. Helen & I still believe in safety in numbers &
don't feel like settling down for a while yet. We could have done it a few
times but I'm afraid the right one hasn't come along yet. They tell us we'll
have to get a man made to order. Anyway I'll have it all well thought out
before I make such a drastic step. I don't believe in these rushed marriages
even in wartime. Do you? By the way, you didn't tell me very much about your
own affairs. Remember I always said you were a "dark horse" My brother Ian
is in the R.A.D. & has been since June? last. He volunteered & is having a
super time. Just now, he is stationed at Manchester waiting to be sent
abroad - either to Canada or South Africa. He is training to be a pilot. Tom
has left school and is working on the farm. Our social life is as gay as
ever although the rationing of petrol curtails things a bit. However Daddy
still has his car and we have a cute Morris 8 & we still manage a little
petrol. For dances etc. we always hire a taxi or get out the old bike.
"Never be stuck" That's our motto. Well Marion, I can't remember any more
news of C.D.S. When one leaves a place it's so easy to lose touch with
everyone. Maybe after I've seen Margt. & Jo, I'll have some more juicy bits
of gossip. It was grand to hear all your news of the C.D.S. people. Please
give my regards to Marie? & any of the others you may see. What is Jean
Gardiner doing? Is she helping her father? There is a talk of "Dolly"
returning, I wonder who will slip in there. Miss Gill? hasn't been keeping
too well lately. Possibly she will retire at the same time if not before.
Well Marion, as I have other five letters to write this afternoon I must
call a halt. Sunday p.m. seems to be the only time I have for my
correspondence. All the very best for 1944. Love Anne. Hope you can read
this. I know its a scribble but I'm curled up at the fire writing this on my
knees. I was looking at the group of the "P???" we had taken at the start of
our C.D.S. days. It's quite funny now I'm much thinner now than I was in ?
By next year maybe I'll be quite round!
 
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1)
1944 -
Autographs Warshaw. ZGUDA5 Poland 30th May 1944; W. J. Wilson,
Carnmoney, N. Ireland; John Gingles, Holestone, Doagh, Co. Antrim; Edmund W.
Sullivan, Portadown, N. Ireland; Alfred Marr, ? Aberdeenshire; Hubert
Andrew, Paisley; Pauly Bottomley, Bradford, Yorkshire; Philip Thomas,
Todmorden, Lancs. Yorkshire; John Robson, St. Elmo, ? Northumberland; I. or
J. M. Chadwick, King's Lynn, Norfolk; John Strachan, Edinburgh, Mid Lothian;
John G. W. Bowman, South Shields, Co. Durham; J. M. Duncan, Perthshire; John
Macdonald, ? ? Invernesshire?; Ramsay? Borthwick, Linlithgow, W. Lothian,
Scotland; Robert C. Bownass, Brentwood, Low Bentham, Nr. Lancaster; K. M.
Dyce, Edinburgh; Charles P. Renton, Elmbank, Ayton, Berwickshire; Gerald D.
Curry, North? ?, England; Denis Walker, Shipley, Yorks; Charles Walker,
Aberdeen; M. A. Horrox?, Leeds; John Whilson; J. C. Wilson, East Lothian,
Scotland; Jim Gourley, Ireland; Andrew Bin/re.
2) 5th October 1944 Postmark Upperlands, Co. Londonderry to Miss McCully,
c/o Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt, Co. Derry - The Lodge, Upperlands
Thursday Dear Miss McCully, I am very happy working in William Clark &
Sons. I have a very nice job in the Cashier's office and I like it very
much. You will be glad to hear that I have not forgotten the cookery
lessons you gave me as I practice every Saturday. I have also re-started my
French lessons with a Miss Coulter - Governess to Major H. F. Clark's
children - and am getting on well. I wrote to Miss Higgins, but she
did not send me a reply. Perhaps she is too busy. I trust you are well
and enjoying life. Yours sincerely Patsy Faris
1945
    
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1) 15th June 1945 Postmark Geneseo, Ill. to Miss Edith M. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, County Tyrone, North Ireland from Ruth Colby, 300 W.
North Street, Geneseo, Illinois - June 13, 1945 My dear Miss McCully, Your
letter has just come and I am most grateful for it. I shall send it on to
Betty who as you may know is my double cousin and she can then send it to
her father. Aunt Lydia followed Aunt Alice on April 9. Since she could never
be any better we were grateful for her release. My uncle is now getting
about a bit - even riding the tractor to help with the corn planting but we
all worry about him a bit. I have stayed on in Aunt Alice's house but don't
think I can continue to do so. My plans are somewhat uncertain but a letter
sent here will reach me. I too was disappointed that I couldn't have the
trip to Ireland. As Aunt Alice may have told you - instead I went to the
hospital for an operation. Evidently Aunt Alice didn't tell you that Betty
had a second little girl in November 1944 whom she named Jane Alice - Jane
for her maternal grandmother and Alice for Aunt Alice. Yes we all are
grateful that the War in Europe is over. Now we want the war with Japan to
come to an end and hope that with that all wars may cease. Altho I'm not
fortunate enough to know you personally and must admit I don't even know
your connection with the family but I should be glad to hear from you
occasionally and will try to keep you informed about the happenings in the
family and the US. My best wishes to you and to all Aunt Alice's friends in
Ireland. She loved Ireland and felt very close yo all of you. Most sincerely
Ruth Colby
 
 
 
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1) 19th February 1946 - Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry.
- Miss Marion E. McCully was appointed Domestic Science Teacher in this
school in September 1942, after completing very successfully the Four Year
Course in Domestic Science at the West of Scotland School, Glasgow. For a
few months she was in the Magherafelt Office as Assistant Billeting and
Welfare Officer and she carried out these duties with great tact and
efficiency. During the past four years Miss McCully has given excellent
service to the school. She has proved not only an excellent teacher but a
first rate organiser and she has done a tremendous amount of work in
connection with all our school functions. Miss McCall's character is in
every respect sturdy and beyond reproach. She has a very high sense of duty
and all her work is carried out with efficiency and dignity. She has the
happy knack of working with others and her relations here with both pupils
and staff are extremely happy. Her teaching has met with marked success. In
1944 in the Senior Examination four of the first six places in Domestic
Science were obtained from this school, including the 1st place. Miss
McCully gave very valuable assistance with the preliminary arrangements for
our meals' scheme and her subsequent co-operation with Miss Gray, the
Supervisor has been a very pleasing feature of our scheme. I cannot speak
too highly of Miss McCall's work for all out out-of-school activities. She
has always taken a leading part in all the catering arrangements for
visiting teams and school functions. She is in charge of the St. John Cadet
Division of the school, and has a very enthusiastic band of girls. I have
complete confidence in recommending Miss McCully for the position of
Inspector. T. S. Fazackerley, Headmaster
2) 16th March 1946 Government of Northern Ireland, M.O.F., Lissan St. John
Ambulance Cadets - Dear Madam, With reference to your recent letter
regarding the Ulster Savings Certificates registered in the above-named
Division, I have to state that if repayment of certain of the Certificates
is required it will be necessary for Mrs. Martha A. Crawford and M/s. M. W.
Crawford, the officers authorised to apply for repayment on behalf of the
Division to complete personally the enclosed application form (U.S.5) and
return it together with the Certificates, when a Payable Order for the
amount due will be issued. If it is desired to appoint new officers to
act on behalf of the Division, it will be necessary for one of the enclosed
forms U.S.37B to be completed by the officers in charge of the Division.
The completed form should then be returned to this Department for
registration. A copy of the authorisation may be retained for the
records of the Division on the second form U.S.37B which is enclosed.
Yours faithfully H. Hunter - Mrs. E. M. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co.
Tyrone
3) 31st December 1946 Postmark Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry to Mrs. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - Rose Lodge, Magherafelt - My Dear Mrs.
McCully, I think I have already expressed my good wishes for the New Year,
but, as I usually write a line or two, I shall do so again, & may you & all
the members of your household find Happiness, Health & all accompanying good
things in the coming years. I had a letter to-day from R? who has
spent 4 of the pleasantest days he has ever had with the Crawfords in
Bangor, and that to me is as good as having a pleasant time myself. Were you
at the Rainey function? Lawrence has not been too great these last few days.
Joined by all here in every good wish. Yours sincerely Ethel R. Megahey
1947
   
   
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1) 3rd January 1947 Postmark Pomeroy, P.A. to Mrs. Edith M. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland from Mrs. L. E. Jervis,
Pomeroy, Chester Co., Penna, U.S.A. - Dear Mrs. McCully, You may know the
news that I am going to tell you. I received a letter this week from Mrs.
Ramsays brother telling me of the death of Mrs. Ramsay and also Miss Colby,
last March and April, less than a month apart. I feel I have lost two
wonderful friends. I had such beautiful letters from both of them when I
lost my two good brothers. They were lovely in their lives and in their
deaths they were not long separated. Just another link in the chain of loved
ones and friends broken in this world. If you have not heard I thought you
would like to know. We both have lovely memories of that summer when we were
all together. We had a very nice Christmas down at Betty's. The children
surely make Christmas. Betty has two lovely little girls. I wish you and
yours a very happy New Year. Will be glad to hear from you at any time. Very
sincerely A. N. Jervis
2) 13th October 1947 - 16 Millar Street, Belfast - Dear Mr. & Mrs. McCully,
Rentoul & I for such a pleasant surprise on Saturday morning when your
tablecloth arrived, and what a handsome one. It has always been my ambition
to have a silk table cloth as they are so easily washed and look so well but
I did not think they were obtainable, and such a lovely colour that goes
with everything. It just fits my table and I had it on on Sunday ready for
Mrs. Megahey but unfortunately her transport failed her. I'm afraid with the
petrol curtailed we shan't see much of her till Xmas when I hope to persuade
her to stay with us for a while. The bus is too tiring for her and as I
haven't yet given up my office work it is too lonely for her to stay any
longer than the weekend. Rentoul is very well, very busy dashing here and
there; I sometimes hardly see him for a week but it is interesting meeting
the various people round the countryside. He sends his best wishes and
sincere thanks to you both - you have always been very kind to him and he
certainly appreciates his friends. Thank you very much indeed and I hope if
you are ever in our direction you will call and see us. I hope this petrol
cut is not permanent. Yours very sincerely Elizabeth & Rentoul Megahey
      
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1) 26th November 1947 Postmark Edgware, Middx. to Mrs. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland - 6 Ranelagh Court, Glendale Avenue,
Edgware, Middx. Nov. 22nd '47 My Dear Edith, Mac & "The Wains"
At last I am sitting down to answer your letter & to send you the 11d
postage you paid on my macintosh, I believe. Thank you your? so much for
sending it. Time has simply flown since September & Peter's return. I was
able to get my Social Studies Group at the Guild going & we meet on
alternate Monday afternoons. Mrs. Bridge B.Sc. is our Tutor & for the first
six classes we are studying the Marshall Plan! managed to get 20 members &
we are all enjoying it very much. We have had too very good meetings of our
Townswomen's Guild & had a Theatre partier? last week to see The Linden Tree
& The Chiltern Hundreds. I am acting Secretary of the Social Studies & so am
on the W.E.A. Committee at Mill Hill. Then in September Colonel Haygarth
persuaded me to take on the Chairmanship of the Conservative Women's
Advisory Committee here. as there had been squabbles etc. - the Chairman had
resigned. This means rather a lot of work, but we are now pulling together,
having Whist & Bridge Drives alternate Tuesdays & on Dec. 2nd we are having
a Drive & a Speaker for the Women's afternoon, an evening Drive on the 12th
& a Dance on the 16th. I am on the Divisional Committee too, but I have
limited the amount of work I can do, as a condition of taking the
Chairmanship. We had hard work for the Municipal elections here; but what a
result! We turned out the Ratepayer's candidate who had 300 majority last
time & got our man in with a majority of 1379! Our church is having a
week's mission from the 30th conducted by Father Hughes of the Community of
the Resurrection, so we shall have plenty to do there too. On Sunday, Peter
asked two of his University friends over & I enjoyed the young people very
much. Evelyn, Edwin & Patrick are well; but like most people, are
finding the meagre rations rather trying. What do you think of our 3lbs.
potatoes per week? It really is dreadful; as most mothers have fallen back
on vegetables to make up for the lack of meat. It is particularly annoying
when one hears of mis-management about the potato crop etc. & people rushing
to buy them up directly. Mr. Berin? mentioned the probably shortage. I'm
afraid things are going to be most difficult & only the patient Britisher
would stand it all the time. Patrick is very happy in the Senior School &
looks so grown up in his long trousers. He spent last Wednesday night here,
as Evelyn & Edwin were out to dinner. He loves coming & he & Peter get on
very well together. There was great excitement about the Royal wedding in
town; but I did not venture up. I'm afraid poor little me would have been
squashed to a jelly in that crowd. Peter saw the family on the balcony at
Buckingham Palace & all the floodlighting & decorations. I just arranged to
have nothing to do during the Broadcast; but I'm afraid I started off by
shedding tears, when they sang the first hymn which was one of Tom's
favourites. The scene at the Abbey must have been wonderful & I think they
broadcast the service very well. Now, how are you all? I do hope free
from colds & enjoying life to the full & your marvellous Irish food. What is
Heather doing - any news of Glasgow yet? Marion, I expect is very busy with
all the activities at the Rainey, but I hope is not doing too much. Has Mac
managed to get a fair share of petrol - I do hope so, or you will feel
rather isolated. I expect you, Edith, are full of Xmas plans for catering -
good fun. Ours will have to be another austerity one I fear. I wonder if you
could get me a chicken or duck from "Friends or neighbours" - I will be
pleased to buy it as a contribution to our "Family Festivity" Perhaps you
would let me know, would you please? Don't faint, I was actually able to get
4½d worth of suet at the butchers today - my allowance for Xmas!!! I
hope you have good news of William & that Jessie is still "the beloved!. How
are the Scotts, please give them my love & many thanks for their
hospitality. You will be sorry Mrs. O'Boyle is leaving. Who is coming to "Pethens"?(?)
Mrs. Nesbit will be thrilled with her grandson, I'm sure. I do hope Mrs.
Egerton's brother is still not suffering too much, poor dear. Please
remember me to the Rev. & Mrs. I'm sure you find the oil store a great boon,
but I hope your Florence has arrived by this time. I was so sorry to hear
the sad news of the Stanton & McKinney bereavements. They must have been
heavy blows to the families. Our leather classes for this tern finish
on Thursday & I have managed to make a navy leather bag, which will be
useful. Please forgive my delay in answering your lovely long letter. With
my fondest love to you all & again many many thanks for all you did for me.
Yours affectionately, Esther. I see I have spelt your name wrongly,
will you forgive ,e? I know another Edyth. Please remember me to Mary,
Rory?, Linny? etc. etc.
2) (part letter mentions Happy New Year + 1947 & 1948) ... sit Senior
in June so the jig-saw will come in very handy. I tried Senior last
school year (June '47) but failed because I was too young and could not
grasp the necessary knowledge. But I suppose I will sit Queens Matric in
September '48. I hear that Heather is going to Glasgow for training. I do
hope she does well there. If she's half as good a baker as I know Marion is
(from the good things on your tea table when I was at Churchtown) she'll do
fine well. With best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year
and again many thanks for such a useful and enjoyable present. I am, yours
gratefully, Andrew
Next page two - Letters
1948 - 1949
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