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McCully Collection
more McCully items added - three pages
Page One
Page Two
Page Three Page Four Marion McCully auto album
newspapers -
photographs -
postcards - letters -
no dates - Misc
Letters 1966 onwards
bottom of page are those with no dates that I couldn't place in the timeline
1966
  
  
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1) 28th February 1966 - Melvale, Dean's Bridge, Armagh - Dear Mrs. McCully
and Marion, It was a lovely surprise when we came home from our honeymoon to
find your parcel waiting for us. The towels are lovely - I do like the
attractive and unusual combination of the plain & patterned set. Thank you
for a pretty card and most useful present - indeed it was very kind of you
to think of us. We all enjoyed what was a very happy wedding day, and
my parents were great in their efforts to make it a memorable occasion. Then
Philip and I spent a week in the West and Achill where we had bright, sunny
weather and a pleasant and restful time after all our packing & planning.
Now Philip is spending a week with his family in England and I join him next
week. We sail on March 11th from Southampton to Capetown. From there it
takes 3 days by train to reach Zambia. Though I do regret having to part
with my parents the journey promises to be exciting, & I am longing to see
Zambia and our home in Kafue, a small town 30 miles from Lusaka. Thank
you for your kind thoughts and good wishes. Yours sincerely Valerie Pearson
(Scott) P.S. Forgive me - I almost forgot to thank you for your second
present - the lovely embroidered linen tray cloth. hen I opened it Philip
thought it so nice he promised to bring me my breakfast on it - Well, once
anyway! It is pretty and something which we did not have - thank you. V.P.
2) October 1966 - Rev. & Mrs. P. C. Pearson, United Church of Zambia, P.O.
Box 23, Kafue, Zambia - Dear Mrs. McCully and Miss McCully, As my letter
writing has got neglected and a circular is the only way of catching up I
hope that this will not seem too impersonal. We are now feeling quite
settled in Kafue and are pleased that the Presbytery (= Methodist Synod) has
decided to let us remain here after our first few months of finding our feet
and language study. We have been receiving help in our study of Tonga from
one of the boys from the Kafue Secondary School, Godfrey Siandele, who has
been an efficient instructor. We are now at the point where we can use and
understand a few simple phrases but have a long way still to go. Kafue
has for long been a centre of Methodist work in Zambia the main effort of
which has been the boys' secondary school situated six miles south of the
town. As the second oldest such school in the country it numbers among its
old boys many who are now in leading places in the life of the nation. The
school now has 380 students - mostly African - and about 17 staff - mostly
British and Canadian, and thought it is run by the United Church of Zambia
it is largely financed by the government. As the students come from a wide
area most of them are boarders and there is a full programme arranged not
only academically but also leisure activities such as Scouts, Young Farmers'
Club, Stamp club, etc. Many of the boys also give valuable assistance in
running Sunday schools, and at the present time the S.C.M. group is
investigating the possibility of starting Sunday services for the workers on
a farm 15 miles away. At the school I conduct a church membership class and
occasional services. There is a dispensary near the school which
serves the villages in the surrounding area and staffed by a V.S.O. Sister
Meyrick. As my space has nearly gone I will just say briefly that there are
8 other centres of work in Kafue town itself (two congregations one English
speaking (mostly Africans) and one Tonga), the Zambia Youth Service trade
School, Syankamaune, Chiokoma, Simbotwe, Chipapa, and Chikupi. However, more
about those places another time. Many thanks for all the letters we have
received. Best wishes, Philip. I'm adding a separate note about life here
from my point of view. This is our first hot season. After the pleasures of
the so called "cold season" with the occasional cardigan & log fires in the
evening, the hot weather is starting, but fortunately the extreme dryness of
the climate helps a lot. Also the United Church very kindly chose a manse
just 200 yards from Kafue's large and beautiful swimming pool - so during
the "suicide" month (October), we can always dive in there. Our house is
large and airy and we are very happy and comfortable here. The town is
surrounded with lovely hills making this one of Zambias beauty spots. We are
well supplied with Kariba electricity which we use for cooking. On one
occasion when the water pressure fell seriously, after much searching the
trouble was found to be a large hippo sound asleep on the inlet grid in the
river. Each time we cross the road bridge over the Kafue (meaning "Hippo
river") we can't help laughing at their awkward antics. There is no girls'
school in Kafue & therefore no Domestic Science post for me, but I have not
found this a disadvantage as it has left me free to join Philip in our
efforts at Tonga, and also I have been able to travel around a great deal
with him & so get to know the area and its people, which I have enjoyed. On
some of the bumpy dirt roads Philip is most considerate and occasionally
stops to check that I am still on the back of the motor bike - On one
occasion I arrived at a village so evenly coated with red dust from head to
toe that the women just laughed and laughed. Now I find that I travel round
less having worked out a routine of my own. As Phil needs often to take a
helper with him on his Sunday marathons I have become a permanent member of
the small congregation in Kafue Town & teach in the Sunday school there with
children who speak Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba, English & American! We have been
thrilled by the kindness and warmth of our welcome everywhere we have gone,
and have been touched by gifts from a 3 gallon water pot (inongo) (see
sketch above) to the occasional few eggs which Philip brings home in his
pockets for his "mother" - that's me! Our warmest regards & best wishes,
Valerie (nee Scott)
3) 3rd November 1966 from 18 Chatsworth Road, E. Croydon, England - Dear Mr.
and Mrs. Todd, My sister and I did so appreciate your kind welcome to us on
our recent sentimental journey to our Mother's girlhood church. We were
happy to be present at the morning service and to see the fine vases that
had been purchased with our 97th birthday gift for mother. Our mothers life
has been very difficult from the life led on a small remote farm but I'm
sure she had many advantages money can't buy - love, affection and the happy
playmates which make her memories such happy ones. And Jean and I felt that
same warmth wherever we went during our stay. It was kind of you too, to
have us for coffee on the Monday after our church visit. You were good to
take us over to the Rectory, Mrs. Todd - a house with tremendous
possibilities but quite an undertaking for your church, or indeed most
individuals. I do hope the National Trust can see its way clear to taking on
the property. I realize they have priorities and they may be slow in
reaching a decision. In the meantime I wish you all success and happiness in
your church and the community. I think all of mother's family feel they have
? with her old church house for it has always meant a lot to her. Again our
grateful thanks for your gracious hospitality and good wishes to you both.
Sincerely Anne Bowman
     
   
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1) 4th November 1966 Postmark Croydon, Surrey to Mrs. Wm. McCully, Sr.,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland from Mrs. J. Russell
Bowman, 18 Chatsworth Road, E. Croydon, England - November 3rd, 1966
Dear Mrs. McCully, This is a belated but none the less sincere thank you for
the very pleasant time my sister and I spent in your house. The tea was so
very good - just my idea of a proper English tea! Delicious sandwiches and
sweets with a good cup of tea! And our informal visit was so very pleasant
for us. How kind all of you were to us - we can certainly reassure Mother
about N. Ireland hospitality. Jeans visit with us passed all too quickly. On
our return from Belfast we learned my husband had already planned for us to
leave the next day for a five day trip through southwest England, we visited
Cathedrals at Winchester, Exeter? Salisbury, Bristol, Worcester, Gloucester
and on Sunday, we were at Coventry. All of the cathedrals are beautiful,
some more inspiring than others depending upon ones taste in architecture.
We managed to get in a visit to Stonehenge, a stop over at Plymouth for a
walk along the beautiful seacoast and lastly a pleasant afternoon at Bath.
During Jean's last week we kept busy with day trips to near by places and in
London itself where the things to do seems inexhaustible. It was all very
exhilarating and we certainly crowded a lot into a short time. My husband
and I have now settled down in the comfortable apartment which will be our
home for our stay in the British Isles. We plan no extensive trips until
spring but there is plenty to keep us busy here. Soon Jean will be telling
Mother all about our visit to her old house. Mothers life has certainly been
very different from that of our relatives who have stayed on their farms,
but mother was fortunate to be in a home where she had love and
understanding and where lack of material things did not embitter them. This
is the Ireland mother recalls and I'm glad she has such happy memories. I
thank you again for your gracious hospitality. Should any of your family be
in London do have them get in touch with us. with best wishes to you all,
Anne Bowman
2) 16th December 1966 Postmark Southport to Mrs. E. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland, U.K. from Olive Egerton, 15 Weemala
Street, Chivron Island, Surfers Paradise, Qld.? Gold Coast, Australia - My
dear Mrs. McCully, I intended writing to you for some time but I am afraid
this is not a great country to get down to letter writing. It certainly
seems to be a wonderful place to live in, the weather is ideal, just a sheet
over one at night is enough & sleeveless frock even at 11 p.m., men are all
in shorts, short sleeved light shirts & sandals, so they are not to hard on
suits. It is a vast country & would take ages to see all, though Stuart has
been very good in showing us around but I do think it would take one to come
here young. I miss dear old Ireland & I do miss my friends very much indeed.
I think Patsy will be happy here as Stuart lives a very open air life & that
suits Patsy well, she is very brown already. Ruby got here a week before us
& stayed with Stuart & his mother, she had a lovely flat all ready for us.
Mrs. Baumann was disappointed at first that we were not staying with her but
three Egertons all together would be to much, she is a very gentle kind
person & I am glad to say is very happy about Stuarts choice. I don't know
if you heard of Mrs. Heasty very sudden death, just after we arrived Ruby
had a letter from Ronny giving us the sad news, she collapsed in Lisburn &
death was instant, it was a shock to us, as Ronny & his mother called on Sat
& Sunday & we left Monday. I am very sorry for Ronny & only wish we had been
at 198 as he called it second home. Stuart & Patsy decided a short time
after our arrival that it would be a great rush to have the wedding end of
November so arranged it for 4th January at 6 p.m. that is about the time
they they are held in the cool of the evg. Henry hopes (D.V.) to come about
the 23rd December for about sixteen days so it will be nice if we can all be
together for Christmas & the wedding. Ruby has arranged that I go to N.
Zealand with her for a short holiday. I am not yet to sure but she will be
disappointed if I don't. Stuart & Patsy have decided that they would like to
make their home some where on the Gold Coast rather than in Brisbane, which
is not a very nice city, much busier than Belfast & greater traffic problems
than any place, they have taken this flat for three months or longer, this
is a really lovely sea-side place & flats & houses are most difficult to
get, every one comes here for Christmas, & this is also summer holiday
season so they were very fortunate to get this, had to take it from 6th
December so we could not keep two flats, Patsy & I moved here last week,
Stuart is working in Surfers Paradise & sleeps at Surfing Life saying
(saving?) club of which he has been a very keen member of for years. Ruby
got a very good job in one of the hospitals in Brisbane & stays with Mrs.
Baumann during the week, comes here for week-ends. It is difficult for us to
believe that it is almost Christmas, I suppose one good reason is the lovely
weather, blue skies & sunshine all the time. The Australians don't celebrate
the way we do, very often is it on the beach, I think that is where we ill
be as this is a very small flat, knew (new?) just a few months & very
modern. The homes are very different from British homes, ideal from
housewifes point of view, very little polishing to be done as furniture is
very different too. The churches have not the same old character as most of
the Irish Churches have, mostly new & modern as yet we have not found an old
church, it is much higher than at home, especially the Holy Communion
services. I often think of the lovely little Church Lissan is. We are not
sending Christmas cards this year as they would have needed to be posted
just when we arrived, Ruby & Patsy join in wishing you all a very happy
Christmas & all the best for 1967, we trust it will be a Blessed year for
one & all. Please give our kindest regards to Marian, William, Greta,
children also Jim & Heather. I do hope you are keeping very well & that the
weather isn't very cold. I had a letter from Belfast & they said they had
snow there. Yours affectionately, Olive Egerton. P.S. Stuart has just come
in & wishes to be remembered to you & William & hopes all those lovely
animals are well!!
1967
    
  
  
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1) 27th ? 1967? - The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde, Cheshire - My dear Edith, Time for
Christmas correspondence once again; how quickly the years pass by, moreso
the older one gets. Grace has asked me to send her regrets to you that she
is unable to write, her hands are shaky. She is much the same as ever;
neither better; not worse, & the usual grumbles. Of course, one realises it
must be tedious living in a home, but she is well looked after. Roger went
to Canada, in July, & has been very homesick, although happier now, he's
joined the ski-club & enjoying life generally, but says Canada is lacking in
culture & he is looking forward to returning home next July. The experience
has been wonderful for him, the hospital is excellent in every way. He is
filmed officiating at the birth of twins (breech births), & his voice
recorded, to be shown at teaching hospitals for medics, he is quite proud of
this. We hope that he will take George's place here, & then George will
retire, I cannot say that he welcomes it, his work has meant so much to him,
but he will be 65 in February. A Health Centre is being opened here in
December (18th) & so all work will at last be away from the house, at last,
rather too late for us to benefit, the expense has been tremendous. I think
you will be interested to know that Roger has located a cousin of George
(Doris Dickson), she is a writer & broad-caster on T.V. in Canada. There are
also 25 cousins in Canada, 23 of the sur-name Dickson, & there is one George
Alexander Dickson. he is most enthusiastic about it. Roger was always keen
on family connections. We flew to Spain in April, to the Costa Del Sol,
Torremolinos. Lovely to bask in the sunshine every day. The photograph is
taken from a transparency, rather disappointing, as not very clear. This
happens sometimes. Fiona starts day school in January, she's 4½ yrs. & she's
been going to a private school three mornings a week. Do hope that your
family are all well, & that you keep better, & able to get about. Grace
joins us in kindest regards to you all. Best wishes for happiness at
Christmas & throughout the New Year. Yrs. very sincerely Kay Dickson
2) 9th December 1967 - Flat 17, Kekewich House, 1 View Road, Highgate,
London N. 6 - My dear Edith, Thank you so much for your last letter with all
the news of you & your family, which I was delighted to hear. How these
children all seem to grow up so quickly - it really is amazing. You will be
pleased to have your grandchildren so near you & like me, feel they keep one
younger. I know my great grandchildren so. Caroline is now nearly 6 &
Nicholas 2, Patrick & Jill have settled very well in the new house they have
had built at Sorth? My mms Herts & were able to get Caroline into the Church
School there at once. She loves the school & they all take part in the
village activities & have many friends. They are now nearer Evelyn & Edwin &
Jill's parents who now live at Radlett, so the Grandparents are all very
pleased. Patrick is still progressing very well in his work & the
International Publications have made him Advertisement Manager of two more
of their publications. I'm afraid, like his father, he works much too hard &
flies here & there. He went to Holland, Germany & Paris during the summer &
often flies to Scotland. Evelyn spent two nights a fortnight ago in
University College Hospital for teeth extraction in the private wing & is
now suffering from a new denture!! They keep very busy socially & Evelyn
with her W.R.V.S. work on Friday each week, when she helps with a Club for
150 people over 60. They had a nice holiday in Portugal in Sept. & P. & Jill
took the children to the French Riviera in early June. I am better than I
have been for some time; but have to go carefully & am not able to do a
great deal. I manage to go to church & take part in things connected with
that & with the Conservative Assoc.; in Highgate, who meet in our Church
Hall. I had a very trying time till last May with my Colitis & spent four
weeks in our sick-bay in the care of our excellent nurse, we had then. We
have a lady Dr. Jean Boyton who attends here every 3 weeks. She arranged for
me to go to Harley Street to see a Specialist, who is the Vice-President of
the Royal College of Physicians. He arranged for me to go into the Clergy
Nursing Home, Fitzroy Square, W.I. I went to University College Hospital for
3 X Rays & tests of various kinds from there. He & the Resident Dr. at the
Home were wonderful. They decided an operation was not necessary but they
must do something to help me to live a more normal life. Finally they
decided on a tablet the size of a pins' head which I take each morning & if
I am not well another at night. They kept me in the Nursing Home for three
weeks & were just marvellous to me. I never thought years ago, when Tom sent
our Harvest Collections to the Nursing Home, that I should ever go there.
Consequently I have been better since about last June, when I was able to
spend two weeks in Bexhill at a small hotel run by two Nurses & hope now to
be able to do more & get out. Evelyn comes by car to see me about once each
week & they fetch me on alternate Sundays to spend the day with them. Jill's
parents, who now are at Radlett, have invited us all for Xmas day so hope
the weather will be kind. It is dreadful here now, roads almost impossible &
it has been snowing again today. Did you meet Ernest & Molly Finch at Bridge
Street? He was a Specialist Surgeon in Sheffield & became Sir Ernest & later
died in Derbyshire, Lady Finch, Mollie has a sister who lives here & she
stayed in Bangor, N. Ireland with her niece during the summer. When she
returned they had tea with me, so I got news of Belfast, where he works for
the B.B.C. Now I really must stop. With my love to you all, hoping you
will have a very happy Christmastide & the very best for 1968. Yours
affectionately, Esther
3) 18th December 1967 to The McCully (Family?) Churchtown, Cookstown, Co.
Tyrone, N. Ireland Gt. Brit. from Rishworth Grange, Ruawai, Northland, New
Zealand - Dear Mrs. McCully, Mother has told me how kind you all were to
send me a very useful present which she has lodged in the bank for me. It
was very kind of you, so I hope you will pass my thanks on to everyone. By
New Zealand standards (though not by British) Peter's home is quite large,
so we have masses of things to purchase. I stopped with Stuart and Patsy for
a week on my way over and both were very well. Patsy is expecting a baby
next May, and they are both delighted. They were asking after you all. It
was very hard leaving Ireland, especially as I was leaving mother all on her
own, but she was very brave about it. It was, of course, great to see Peter
again, and we are planning to be married on 2nd January 1968. I am sorry
that Peter has not met any of my Irish friends, but perhaps some day we may
return for a holiday, and I can introduce him to you all then. Since I came
back I've been going out to the orchard at Peter's house to bring lemons,
oranges and peaches in from the trees, so it is quite warm here at present.
Very best wishes to you all for Christmas and for 1968. Love from Ruby
1968
  
     
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1) 4th January 1968 Postmark Philadelphia, P.A. to Mrs. Samuel McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, North Ireland from Elizabeth H. Walker,
5217 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A. - January 3, 1968
Dear Cousin Edith, I hope you had a very happy Christmas and holiday time
with your family. Your very pretty and useful luncheon set arrived before
Christmas. Thank you so much for the gift and your kindness. I opened it on
arrival but did not write to thank you until now, because I was very busy
getting ready to go on a trip to Florida with a friend. It was only a two
week trip; but it was a change and a break from all the work I have had here
getting this house cleared out and getting ready to move into four rooms. I
missed being with the family this year; but felt the warm sunshine of
Florida would do me good. Now my clothes are unpacked and I am almost back
to normal; but will still be very busy clearing out many other things. I
gave over a hundred books to a hospital in the neighbourhood. There will be
very little room for vases or bric-a-brack in the new apartment, so I will
have to dispose of them in some way. I am giving some of my dishes, which
were mothers' and are Haviland and Lamoge china, to one of my great neices.
She man be married soon and can use them. I have no idea when an apartment
will be ready for me, it may be next month or may be next year. The Hill
House is only two years old but all two hundred and eighty eight apartments
are now occupied. When I do move I will surely let you know and send my new
address. Best wishes to you and the other members of the family for a
wonderful year in 1968. Thank you again very much not only for the gift but
also for your thoughts of me. Much love Betty
2) 5th August 1968 Postmark Newcastle, Co. Down to Mrs. McCully (Sen)
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - 65 South Promenade, Newcastle, Co. Down
1st August '68 Dear Edith, Thanks for your nice long & interesting
letter. I rang up that night just to ask if you were all right after your
long drive, so glad you had not any ill effects. It was a long day for you &
I know how knees & legs can ache after sitting for any length of time in a
car. Connie McClenehan took me over to see Miss Pane? last night & when I
got home I found difficulty in getting out. However it was worth it all to
see Miss Pane. She was so glad to see me, if I could just get her moved over
to Mourne House, it is just beside this house I could go in to see her every
day. This is a lovely evening, sea & sky so calm, lots of little boats
out, I think there is a race on. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed
your all too short visit, you were always a most welcome guest at out hone
in Cranmore Park. I could have wept when I read that bit, I loved my visits
to Lissan, your dear mother gave me such a welcome & there were always a few
? chickens cooked for me, I can still remember the delicious potatoes &
carrots grown & cooked at Churchtown. My mother always said I could not be ?
with the potatoes etc. we had at home. I am sure you remember the pic-nics
at Lough Fea? I am sure you feel lost without the children. I hope
Stephen's cold has quite cleared off now. I had Alma & Betty Nevin got 3
weeks, they are both teaching in a school. Alma has been on sick leave for
two months, she had a sudden break down in health & Betty had to get free
from her post to look after Alma. I am very fond of them. They & their other
sister May Walker, come to me very often. They had one of the front bedrooms
& it as a bed-sitting-room, they had the two main meals in the dining-room,
breakfast upstairs & the late cup of tea & Bis. there also. I loved having
them, they are so kind & appreciate every thing so much. In spite of poor
Alma not being her usual bright self we all enjoyed being together. This was
the first time they had stayed in this house, Annie was very good coming in
early? to help with the breakfasts, we all felt cheered by their ? visit,
the old ladies are very fond of them too. Yes I do wish Dorothy would visit
me some times, I loved her so much, but you know Pat was rather a strange
type. I gave your love to Miss Pane, she always liked you & was so pleased?
you remembered her. I had a letter from Sadie Crawford this week. I am so
pleased with Marion. She is a dear. I still have her photo in a round frame,
you sent it to me one Christmas, she looks about 3 or 4 & is lovely. Must
stop & make supper. Your visit did me good & not so lonely, come back soon,
much love Vi? Last page Connie McClenehan would like to meet you
next time you are here. Dr. McAdam called to see me as his assistant is on
holidays. When he was leaving I looked in his car to see Barney his Boxer
dog. I asked about him, poor Dr. McAdam told me that poor Barney is very ill
with Diabetes (not properly spelt) I wonder if your men could give us some
idea of treatment in a case like this. The dog & Jimmy McAdam are just
devoted to each other. I should be so glad if something could be done for
Barney. Hope you will not be bored with this epistle. My neuritis is awful
to-day.
  
 
  
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1) 21st August 1968 Postmark Maidenhead, Berks. to Mrs. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Ulster - My Dear Mrs. McCulley, We were both so
pleased to see you all looking so well, and what a gorgeous lunch we had, it
takes the Irish. I wish some of the folk over here could sample it, they
think so much of themselves and believe me it takes some them trouble to
make you a watery cup of tea. We had a fair flight back, the last bit was
very bumpy as it was raining. The weather here is bad, not a dry day, they
say they never remember such a wet summer. Kenneth & his family came back
from Austria early as it was so wet. We went down to Kenneth Saturday for
the night, he moves into his new house a week Friday. We heard from Joyce
and she expects to arrive Monday around 4.30 p.m., we miss her. We found our
way to Armagh, a part of the road outside Cookstown was very bad. Mr. Fraser
met us in Armagh and piloted us out again, we saw the tail end of a bad
accident in Armagh. We got back around 6 p.m. It was lovely seeing you all
again, the family look very well. I hope this finds everyone O.K. With love
Sarah C. Thank Greta & Heather for the lovely lunch.
2) 25th August 1968 - Rishworth Grange, Ruawai? Northland N.2. - Dear Mrs.
McCully, Marion, William and Gretta, I hope this cake will be edible by the
time it reaches you as it seems to have taken me ages to dispatch it.
I hope you and the children all enjoyed the good Irish summer you have had,
though by the time this arrives I imagine winter will be approaching.
Spring is just round the corner here, and we are glad. It doesn't ever snow
here and we only have a few night frosts, but it rains a lot in winter, and
apparently we had the wettest June for forty years. Peter is very busy
at present as sheep, cows and pigs are all multiplying rapidly. I must say
the little ones are very cute. I love watching the lambs and calves skipping
around the fields. This house is very unlike the Poutin? farm house.
Like the vast majority of houses in the area it is a wooden bungalow. It's
not like a Grange either, but when Peter's father came out from England he
decided to call the house after the school he boarded at when he was very
young. We have quite a good orchard where we have apples, plums, peaches,
oranges, lemons and grapefruit. We also have a fairly large garden, and
Peter's mother was particularly interested in roses. I am learning to be a
gardener, and so far that is hard work. I wish you were here to give me some
tips. Marion, do you remember giving me a special notebook for recipes
when we left Lissan? U have put recipes in it over the years, and I now find
it most useful, tho' some sections are getting a bit overcrowded. We
have a copy of the Ulster Commentary sent to us, and I was very pleased to
see an article on Cookstown in a recent edition, so I gave Peter a history
and geography lesson!! I am sure you have heard that Stuart and Patsy have a
little daughter, and we hope to be parents in January. Henry hopes to return
to Ireland later this year, but I don't know how long he will stay. It is
very hard on mother having her "bairns" scattered all over. I trust you are
all well at Lissan, also Jim? and Heather and family. Love Peter and Ruby
3) 1st December 1968 - Apt. 209 Hill House, 201 W. Evergreen Avenue, Phila,
Pa 19118 - Dear Cousin Edith, You will notice that the address is a
different one. I had planned to write to you some time ago but have been
very busy getting unpacked and settled. I moved to my new home on November
1st. There are several and various things yet to be done before I am really
settled, mirrors and pictures have to be put up, which will be somewhat
difficult, as the walls are solid concrete, an electric drill must be used
and an anchor placed in the hole before a picture can be hung. One of the
maintenance men here in the apartment house will do it for me. I am waiting
until they are all ready to put up and then I will have him do all of them
in the same day. After I get really settled and remember where all my things
have been placed, I think it will be a little easier for me. I have only one
bed-room here, instead of the three I had at my former address, and the
dining area is much smaller. Since this is the case, I had to eliminate a
lot of furniture, my nephew wanted it, so I had it moved out several weeks
before I moved here. I hope to be pretty well fixed up before Christmas.
Having so many other things to do, so near Christmas has made it a little
more difficult to get ready for Christmas activities. I am sorry to tell you
that we lost my doctor brother Robert, shortly after Easter in April with a
heart attack. He was 83 years old. We miss him very much, my sister-in-law,
(his widow) and I were invited to my brother Will's for Thanksgiving Day,
along with most of his family, who came from quite a distance in various
directions to be there. One son with his wife and three daughters came all
the way down from Maine, which is about three hundred and fifty miles away.
Roberta, the daughter and her husband and family came from Washington, the
nations capital, also a long distance away. Alex, Roberta's husband has a
civil service position in the government. He has a doctors degree in
Science, and is a research chemist. Roberta's son, Dick is married and has
two children and another expected at the end of May. That made three
generations all there together. We all missed my brother Bob very much. I
think this is apt to be the case more at holiday time. I hope you and all
the family will have a very happy Christmas. I expect the National
Geographic Magazine will arrive again this year and hope all the family will
enjoy it. Love and best wishes to you all. Betty
   
   
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1) 13th December 1968 198 Lisburn Road, Belfast - My dear Mrs.
McCully, I had hoped to be up at Lissan for some time now, but it is
difficult to get up there with out a car. I may get Ronny to take me up one
Saturday before Christmas yet. I trust you are keeping very well, & that all
the other members of the family are well. Christmas is almost with us again,
some how it is less like Christmas than any year has been, I just cam
(can't?) get up any interest in it at all, but very, very, many of my
friends feel the same way this year. I do miss the family very much & at set
times it is a lonely time. The children are all very well, I hear very often
from all three, Henry has just left Brunei, & was very keen to see the
sisters before coming home, he is on his way to Australia to visit Stuart,
Patsy & Kerrie, & then on to Peter & Ruby, I think he will spend Christmas
in New Zealand, it will be lovely to get first hand news of them all. Henry
intends coming home over land & should be here some time in Feb., he wants
to do another exam & may get to England for a time, still England is on our
door step. Peter & Ruby are very well settled & Ruby is enjoying the life
out there, she is expecting a baby end of January, what a pity I am so far
away, Patsy loves Australia & the open air life suits her, I had coloured
snaps of the Baunanon? family & Kerrie looks a bonny little girl, Ruby &
Patsy are keen that I should go out & live between them but they are
thousands of miles apart, so that isn't much good, a pity they didn't settle
for the one country, it would have been easier, however when they are well &
happy that is much to be thankful for. I had Emma Webb for a few days,
unfortunately her eye still gives her quite a bit of pain off & on. What do
you think of the unrest in N. Ireland, certainly times have been rather
unsettled, we are known over the world as the fighting Irish, & no one
understands us. Ruby & Patsy said both Derry & Armagh were on the screens
both in Australia & New Zealand, they were quite worried as they said papers
T.V. etc. were all on the Irish news, I think bad as it was, it to them
sounded as if we were going to be pushed into Eire right away. I trust now
that times will be more settled & that we will have no more parades for some
time. You will be fortunate to be able to see all your family, &
grandchildren at Christmas. I am not sending Christmas cards but I do hope
you will all have a very nice Christmas, & that 1969 will be a Blessed &
Happy year for each one of you. Please give the rest of your family my
kindest regards & best wishes. If at any time any of you are in the city, I
will be delighted to see you so please come along. I do hope to see you
soon. much love, yours affectionately Olive Egerton
2) 19th December 1968 Postmark Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. to Mrs. McCully,
Churchtown, Nr. Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Ireland - Ashcroft Home, Langton
Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. 14-11-68 My dear Edith, Just a few
lines to thank you for your Xmas gift, which will be very useful. I have to
walk on chructes?, & cant do without them. With the cost of living be so
high. I have to pay £9-12-6 per week, the food is very poor & badly cooked.
Only wish I had never got such a bad accident, as it has upset my nerves &
keep getting worse with no sleep ay night, have sleeping tablets, but are
not much good. Now about George & family, Roger was at home working with his
Father but he does not like general practice. He left home & to Shefield &
work in a hospital, but has got a flat of his own & lives anole. (alone?)
He get his dinner at the hospital, he only breakfast & tea at home. George
was very disappointed with him for leaving. He has got no lady friends yet &
is 27 years of age. George is going to retire in March, he got to think
about his health, although he seems a lot better than he was. Hope you will
be able to read this letter, as my writing has got so bad & that is why you
have not had more letters. I often think about you all. The man & wife have
called on me I wish the had. I will not see George until next year, he came
about a month ago, when he came for a hour or so, but I was pleased he
looked much better, K. did not come as she was expecting Roger for tea on
his afternoon off. I am not sending any cards this year. But I wish you all
a very happy Xmas & a bright New year. I could just eat some of Marion mince
pies, do think she could send me some in a tin box. I will draw to a close &
again many thaks for your gift, with love to one & all. Grace. PS Write a
few when you feel like it, as I shall be delighted to hear from you & sorry
my writing is so bad.
     
         
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1) December 1968 The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde,
Cheshire - Dear Edith, I wonder so often during the year how you are keeping
- in better health, I hope. George will be retiring in April, he has mixed
feelings about this as he's always enjoyed his life as a G.P. The Health
Centre has become quite famous, on T.V. twice - but George preferred the old
routine & so did the patients, the new way is so impersonal. There is less
work for me & I welcome that, & more time off for the Drs. but when on duty
its for seven Drs. & a bit hectic at times. There are fourteen Drs. under
one roof, at a cost of £50,000, paid for by themselves, the cost of running
it is rather high. However, when a Dr. leaves he is bought out (that sounds
wrong somehow, but you know what I mean!) There are two groups, seven in
each group. George is the oldest of all 14. He's 65 as I guess you already
know. How quickly the years pass. Roger returned from Canada in May, joined
his father, became very popular but he just didn't like G.P. & has gone back
to hospital & university, in Sheffield, taking up Radiology & hoping to
become a Consultant. He has his own flat, in consequence of which our home
is somewhat depleted! He comes home often, its only an hours run through
beautiful Yorkshire & Derbyshire countryside, we have been over many times.
I helped him with curtains, etc. He enjoyed his 9 mths. in Canada but was
glad to get back to England, says Canada is lacking in culture, He saw, &
did a lot, went ski-ing, to Expo., & drove a truck, on his own; from Ontario
to California for a firm, & got his travelling free (over 3000 miles) & has
some interesting photographs in colour. He met Doris Dickson - a relative,
while there, she is quite an important person on T.V. Do you know of her?
David & Judith are expecting an addition to the family in March, long
awaited, Fiona is 5½ & at school. Grace is still in the home in Sutton, &
very grumpy still, has no visitors except for George, myself & the boys. My
sister is 80 in January, & a very remarkable person, she is so alert, an
excellent cook still, she's a great reader, & lives on her own. A pleasure
to visit her. We had holidays in the Lake District, staying in Grasmere, &
also in Suffolk, my home was in Suffolk for 20 yrs. & we re-visited the old
home, & the grave of my parents, I became all nostalgic & shed a few tears.
I had longed for many years to go back, & was not disappointed in spite of
many changes. We have booked to take the car from Southampton to Bilbao, N.
Spain for nest year, & hope to tour Portugal from there. I would do anything
to avoid flying. Hoping that you & your family will have a good Christmas &
a very Happy New Year to you all, from all of us. With love & happy memories
of that visit of long ago. Yrs. very sincerely Kay Dickson
2) 27th December 1968 (this seems like a draught for
letter #1, maybe a little longer but all the
same news so I won't type it out)
1969
    
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1) 1st January 1969 Postmark Upper Holloway to Mrs. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Ireland - Flat 16, Kekewich House, 1 View Road,
Highgate, London December 30th, '68 My Dear Edith & Marion,
Thank you both so much for the lovely square, hdkf & letter, which, as you
can imagine, I was delighted to have & to hear all your news. The fine
woolly will be just the thing when I am able to get out. Unfortunately I
developed a throat & head cold on Saturday night & have been in bed since.
Weather changed so suddenly on Xmas Eve that I did not go out for "Sherries"
with E. & E. to friends. Edwin came for me on Sunday 22nd & I stayed till
the (dates don't make sense)26th when they both brought me back. I t
was a good thing they did as we have had a blizzard & snow blacks since.
They tell me the roads are clear to-day; but the garden here is covered. A
good thing I am not in Lines? now as I hear on the radio this morning that
L? has been made a centre to which stranded people were being brought. I do
hope my friends at Sutton-on-Sea are all night, as this is the first time I
have not heard from Mabel & John for over 50 years. Poor dears, they are not
well & I can't get to the phone to try to get them - if their phones are
working. I had a lovely time, as usual, with the family & mustered 12
with friends this time. Caroline & Nicholas were my great delight & how they
have grown, like your young family. Yes, I heard & read of the Civic
Rights troubles & often wondered how near Heather was to them. They seem to
have settled down a little now & I do hope it wont spread. What a packet of
sadness Heather has had in the family; but I expect her great joy is in her
husband & family, like Evelyn's. I also had a great grief here just
before Xmas. Miss Ainsworth, who lived here & was my greatest "pal" had a
stroke. She had to be taken to a Nursing Home, where I went twice to see her
& the last time I thought she was a little better, but she passed away quite
suddenly the nest day. Poor Lady Finch (Mollie) her sister, had just
returned home after an operation & is still in bed, was greatly upset.
Michael her son, a nephew, a Dr., & two neices, came to the Crematorium.
Primrose, one neice lives in Bangor, Co. Down, & her husband works with the
B.B.C. in Belfast. She has three daughters, one of whom comes to a boarding
school near Liverpool now, I miss Peggy - Miss A. very much as we always had
alternate Sunday teas together when I did not go to E & E. Also we could pop
along to see each other any time & we could talk freely to each other,
knowing our Families. Marion still at the Rainey & now taking niece & nephew
there - how wonderful!!! Poor Grace Dixon, I'm so sorry she is not
well or happy in her Home. How busy your household must be with all the
practice etc. etc & a Student. I often think of you all & your kindness to
me when I stayed with you. I don't get very far now unless E & E take me,
but managed 2 weeks in Worthing in July, when E. took me by train & I had a
hired car to come back. Your Vicars don't stay very long, so they? I hope
you will get a nice new one. Our Vicar is very nice, a bachelor & has a Mr.
Pelham living with him, who is a relation of the Earl of Yarborough & his
cousin married Sir John Fox who lived near us at Donington. Roberts, our
Vicar is a wonderful host; but does not visit much in the parish, although
he has the Bishop of Willesden living opposite. I have been to "Sherry" with
them once or twice after morning service & he comes here for a chat
sometimes. Poor Mrs. Egerton - I do remember her - having all her family so
far away - so many do now. You & I are very fortunate in having our Family
so close to us. Thank you both again for your gifts & wishes, with my love &
all good wishes to you & all your family for 1969. Affectionately yours
Esther
 
    
  
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1) 27th January 1969 - My Dear Mrs. McCully, On behalf of my mother and the
rest of the family, I want to thank the members of Lissan Church for the
birthday wire sent to mother. If you could have seen the pleasure it gave
her, you would certainly have known that your thoughtfulness was
appreciated. We all thank all of you for your kindness is remembering her
birthday. It's really a remarkable thing, no matter what else she may forget
she never forgets Lissan Church. Mother made a most satisfactory recovery
from the broken hip and is in good health and excellent spirits. She is
still in a nursing home for it would be too much for my one sister who is
still at home to care for her. As long as she is contented we felt is best
that she stay where she could have good care. We hope all is well with
Lissan Church and with all its members, when my husband and I are in
Cookstown in May we hope to pay both the church and the McCullys a visit.
Until then our deepest thanks, both for the wire and for your personal card.
Sincerely Jean S. Miguelon
2) 7th February 1969 Postmark Philadelphia, P.A. to Mrs. Samuel McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland from E. H. Walker, 207 Hill
House, 201W Evergreen Avenue, Phila, Pa 19118 U.S.A. - Apt. 207 Hill
House, 201 W. Evergreen Avenue, Philadelphia 19118 January 23, 1969
My dear Cousin, Your gift, the beautiful scarf, arrived about a week and a
half ago, and your letter arrived this week. I was a little worried because
I had not heard from you and I hoped you were not sick. I look forward each
year to getting a letter from you and learning all the news of the family.
When the letter had not come at the usual time it bothered me. I am glad you
have been well and not sick as I thought you might be. Thank you very
much for the scarf. It is very pretty and will have many uses. I can use it
as a muffler, around my neck or over my head when I do not wear a hat,
especially around the neighbourhood. There is a very nice restaurant, called
"The Evergreen Tea Room" across the street from my apartment house, where
they serve excellent dinners. Sometimes when I do not feel like cooking, I
go over there. The scarf will be just the thing to wear on my head in cooler
weather. So far this winter we have had exceptionally cold weather. It
started early in December which is unusual. February is the time we look for
it, but it started too early this year. Today the streets are coated with
ice. It rained during the night when the temperature was down to fifteen
degrees Fahrenheit, so you can imagine what the streets and pavements are
like. There are very few cars out and only a few people. The papers have
told of many accidents with cars skidding into other cars and people
falling, my brother, Will and his wife, Marian, have gotten out of it for a
few weeks. They are taking a six week holiday on an island in Georgia. It is
surrounded by salt water from the Atlantic Ocean and has a daytime
temperature, on the average of 75 degrees and about 50 degrees at night.
Marian is not any better, I am sorry to say, as a matter of fact she is
worse. She was carried on the train for the trip and Will took a wheel chair
along so he can wheel her about. It is a combination of arthritis and
partial paralysis from the stroke she had. Will says she is gradually
getting worse. Fortunately they have a very good maid, as Marian can do no
cooking or house work. When they have company or any members of the family
there, as they do at Thanksgiving (there were twenty there this past
Thanksgiving) a friend of the maid comes in and the two women do the cooking
and serving. I am glad you had such a nice time at Christmas with your
family. I am sure you enjoy being with your grandchildren. I spent Christmas
day with my nephew and family. He is Will's and Marian's son, and they were
there for dinner also, then I went home with them and spent the night there,
coming home the next day. Yes, I have been reading about the Civil Rights
marchers. I wonder if they all live in N. Ireland, or if some of those in
the south had not come up to help them. If they did not like the form of
government and it's laws, why did they come there in the first place? Of
course we all know that they would like to control the manufacturing and
other business in N. Ireland, as there is very little business in S. Ireland
except the breweries and other business connected with the sale of the beer
manufactured there. I don't think that day will ever come. I hope not. I
also read that a group of Catholic Policemen from England had come over
there and wanted to march to Londonderry to help the others, but your police
would not permit them to pass. I hope the worst of the troubles is over now,
but I suppose they will try to stir up trouble again which they have been
doing periodically for years. Please give my love to all the members of the
family and I hope for all of you a very Happy 1969. Thanking you again for
your kind thought of me, I am, your affectionate cousin, Betty
3) 22nd July 1969 Postmark Newcastle, Co. Down to Mrs. McCully (Sen.),
Church Town, Cookstown, Co. Down (Tyrone) - 21st July '69 65 South
Prom, Newcastle, Co. Down - Dear Edith, Thanks for your letter. I did enjoy
learning about your family. I am sorry to be so long getting a letter off to
you. But I am still rather weak & when I get my house-hold work finished I
am just about finished myself. I am thankful to be able to walk & work
still, my old ladies require a lot of attention especially the eldest. She
is rather forgetful but does her best to help me. Connie McClenehan comes up
here before lunch on Suns. & helps me a lot. She has been so kind & helpful.
I do hope you are keeping well. We are having wonderful weather but the heat
is really awful. Poor Miss Pane is still in Fenneston Home. If I ca? ? get
her changed over to Mourne House which is just beside this I could see her
every day. That would be nice for us both. Connie's ankle is still painful
so we are still limping and then I am still rather anaemic ? is giving me a
new injection. When you know the date of your visit here in August please
give me an idea of date & time. Then I can arrange things and I can enjoy
your visit with a peaceful mind when I have things arranged. I am looking
forward so much to seeing Marion & you. must let Annie away, much love from
Violet, Excuse awful scribble.
    
 
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1) 7th October 1969? The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde, Cheshire - Dear
Edith, Thank you very much for sending the Mid? Ulster mails with news of
Unagh Cottage, most interesting - George was really thrilled to see the
picture of it & the boys. We all remember going to see it, no truth,
apparently, in the ghost story!! We will take it for Grace to see. We
visited her recently, also my sister, who is 80 & lives alone, so alert &
interested in everything. Grace still the same, always complaining & she's
very well looked after. Its a nice home, rather depressing, with a lot of
infirm people & some blind, but the staff are kind & pleasant. Grace very
troubled with her legs, they seem to be worsening, she gets along on
crutches, but very slowly. George is retired since April, cannot say
that either of us are enjoying the new life, its quiet after such a busy,
demanding life, & George was never a man for hobbies, his work was also his
hobby. Trying to get him interested in gardening, but he's very half-hearted
about it. We walk quite a lot. I would like a smaller house, not away from
the district, but this is too big now, & empty surgeries, would like a
bungalow, but George doesn't want to move, so I don't know who will win in
the end. I need help here too, & it all adds to the expense, & when my Mrs.
C. leaves (she's 68 & been here 23 yrs.) don't know what I'll do. She comes
three days a week. Roger is a Radiologist Registrar in a Sheffield hospital
& likes the work immensely, he is buying a flat there, has rented it for a
year, & decided to buy. He comes home most weekends. He's having a Dr.
friend to share. He will be here this week-end as is to be Godfather to a
friends' son. David & Judith are in Blackpool at a conference this week-end,
so we are taking Fiona (now six) to the local Musical Society showing of the
???? Girl. Fiona loves the theatre. I think I told you of the arrival of our
grandson Martin David, now 6 mths. old? a cuddly, chubby little fellow (I
should say big fellow), a Dickson in appearance, a very good baby & so
placid. Will send photographs when I get some printed. This has been a
wonderful summer hasn't it? The best for years. George joins with me in
kindest regards to you all, hoping you are all in good health. Yours very
sincerely, Kay Dickson
2) (although this has no date Violet talks about being cold and winter
and she writes another letter early in January 1970 so I'll put this here)
Thursday 8 Greenhill Park, Newcastle - Dear Edith, I have been trying
to write even a few lines to you. But I never seem to get time. I am
thinking of you all the time & hoping you are keeping & feeling a little
better. The weather is awful, we have been having awful storms, rain & cold.
It plays havoc with our aches & pains. I do hope William may soon be well &
strong again. I am glad he has a good assistant. If he ? rest it would be a
help. I think I am a little better. My Dr. called the other day & he said I
was improving. But of course it is wonderful to think I cent? up & walk
about at all. Dr. Walsh says just keep as quiet & steady as ? can till the
spring comes. Now dear, I do hope & pray that you & William are also
improving. I shall write soon again. But Annie is just going now & will post
this with a stamp. God bless you all & make you well & strong. I wish I ? ?
? go to see you. But perhaps when I do feel very much ? at times I suppose
someone has to be the last in every family. But God has been very good to me
& able to keep a roof over my head that I can still carry on in my slow way.
Cheerio much love dear Edith ??? your old friend Violet
  
   
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1) 25th November 1969 Postmark Belfast to Mrs. Edith McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - 198 Lisburn Road, Belfast Dear Mrs. McCully, I
was up at Lissan Church on Saturday, but it was just around 12-30 when we
got there, I was very sorry not to call & see you all but it was not at all
a suitable time. Ronnie had a few days holidays, & suggested he would take
me up. I had two friends with us, we had to pass through many floods on our
way to Lissan & we had no diesel to travel home late. However I hope to be
up soon again & call with you. I trust you are all very well & that you see
Heather & family often. Derry had certainly a very bad few months, just like
Belfast, although there was no trouble in this end of the city, we were all
very conscious of all that was going on & it was very disturbing indeed.
There is still very great tension & bitterness, I don't think peace is going
to come very soon. We called to see Muriel Hutchinson new bungalow, it is
very nice & a most beautiful view from all windows. I was very surprised to
find she had not moved into it, as I had two letters from her telling me of
Terry's illness, & of his death & her new address on the letters. I often
think of Mrs. Stanton, she was a wonderful person, & always kept so bright
with all her trials. I wonder what will happen to John, I think Emma Webb
thought he might be going into the home in Moneymore, I suppose the farm
will be sold, it is very sad for him. I hear often from both Ruby & Patsy, &
had first hand news of both, a Mrs. Miller from here was out & stayed a few
days with Ruby & Robina Quinn spent a week with Patsy, it was before they
moved into their new house, it was just being built. All are very well
indeed. I often get family sick & wish I could see them all. I am hoping to
go out some time in the near future. Henry is very keen that I take this
trip at his expense, however, so long as he is in this side of the world I
like to be here, as he comes home for week-ends quite often & phones about
three times a week, but when he finishes in London he may go abroad again &
then I would go & see the family. Mrs. McCully, I was indeed sorry not to
see you, but I hope it won't be to long until I see you all. Kindest regards
to all. Love Olive E.
2) 7th December 1969 Postmark Hyde, Cheshire to Mrs. E. McCully, Lakeview,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde,
Cheshire December Dear Edith, Thank you for all the cuttings, it
has been interesting. I guess that you, like me, are getting busy with
Christmas preparations. All are here for Christmas Day D.V. We hear that it
will be a white Christmas. We visited Grace? my sister last week. Grace is
still the same. Complains a lot about her leg, the Dr. talks of operating
again but Grace is against it. She walks with great difficulty, my sister
keeps remarkably well at nearly 80. She cooks lovely meals & enjoys life. I
wish we had known Marion was in The Lakes? when we were last year, would
have liked to have arranged a meeting. We might have met, & not known each
other, its many years since we came to Ireland. George is not settling down
well to his retirement, still misses the old life, perhaps it will take a
long time. He has never been a hobbies man. I have quite a lot of interests.
I was interested to have news of you & your family. Martin David continues
to flourish, he is a true Dickson & a dear little fellow. Fiona is troubled
with her tonsils & will have them out in the new year. She does very well at
School. A lively child. Well, time to say Cheerio! & to wish you all a Happy
Christmas & all the best for 1970 from all. Kindest regards Yrs. very
sincerely Kay Dickson
   
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1a) 8th December 1969 Postmark Chillicothe, Mo. to Mrs. E. M. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland from Joseph L. Miquelon,
1820 Country CB R3, Chillicothe, Mo (Missouri) U.S.A. - 6th December 1969
Dear Mrs. McCully, Thank you so much for your kind letter at the time of
Mother's death, of course at her age it was not unexpected but sometimes I
think since we have had her with us so long it was even harder to give her
up. I am enclosing a check as a memorial gift in Mother's name. Use it in
any way you think best - either something for the church or for the rectory
repair fund. This is from my husband and myself, our two sons, and two
friends who gave to this rather than a contribution for flowers. Lissan
Church was dear to Mother and I know she would be happy to feel she was
helping. My sister is moving to England next month. We plan to visit
them next fall at which time Anne and I will undoubtedly get to Cookstown
for a few days. We shall look forward to seeing you then. I was glad to know
that the new rector is working out so well. We wish you success in your
efforts to repair the rectory. It could be such a beautiful place. I trust
the Christmas sale added substantially to the fund. We hope all is well with
you and we send best wishes for a happy and blessed holiday season to the
whole family. We are still receiving the Cookstown paper so keep somewhat in
touch with Lissan affairs. A merry Christmas and a happy new year to all the
McCullys, Sincerely Jean S. Miquelon
1b) Letter of sympathy on behalf of parish to Mrs. Miquelon on the death of
her mother Mrs. Stewart. Mrs. Stewart was 100 last January & each year her
daughter sends money to buy the Christmas flowers for the church. The brass
vases were to celebrate her 96th birthday. Mrs. J. L. Miquelon, 1820
Country Club Drive, Chilliclothe, Missouri, U.S.A.
1970s
   
 
   
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1) 4th January 1970 - 8 Green Hill Park, Newcastle, Co. Down - Dear Edith,
This is Sunday night & Connie McCleneham came early this afternoon as usual.
She made our tea & did lots of little jobs for me. We had as usual our tea
on my little round table at the fire. It is so nice to have her company.
Like your own dear self, she is a true friend of long standing. Connie came
up for me on Christmas morning & took me up to the little church on
Tullybrannigan (St. Colman's) we had such a lovely service with communion
there at 10 am. This was my first time for me at Church since my illness. I
was rather nervous about it at first. But Connie helped me right up to the
Communion Table. Our Rector came & shook hands with each person. He is a
very very kindly & good man. Then Connie said she wouldn't let me off & that
Mrs.? Wilson ? ? boarder? must come to her for lunch, she had a lovely
little ? Wasn't it good of her. Miss ? is in Finniston House. She was
getting rather difficult for me. She was just 90 years of age at Christmas &
really she was getting very weak & helpless. I did hope to have her a little
longer here. But she is quite Happy & has Miss Paul there. I did enjoy your
letter & such a lovely Box of things it was, just wonderful. They were
shared between us. I do hope I may be able to go out yo do shopping next
xmas (D.V.) Now dear, my hand is getting very painful and my writing was
never very good but it is really awful now. I am indeed sorry this is such
an untidy letter. The weather is terribly cold just now. The ground was
white with snow this morning. Perhaps you will manage to get a run down to
see us & spend the day & have lunch. I hope Marion got her spring cleaning
of the Rectory? last year. I do hope you are all well, especially yourself.
This weather is severe on our aches & pains. now dear, I wish you all every
blessing & happiness in this new year. You all deserve it, you are so kind &
thoughtful to all your old friend. With much love. Your old friend Violet
2) 14th March 1970 Postmark Armagh to The McCully Family, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - R. Ernest Scott, Melvale, Dean's Bridge, Armagh,
Northern Ireland March 1970 Dear Mrs. McCully, My warmest thanks
for your kind message of sympathy following the sudden death of my beloved
wife Mary. I had hoped to reply personally to every message received, but as
they already number about one thousand that would clearly take too long and
I trust that you will accept this formal reply. It is a great consolation to
me and to my children to know that Mary was loved and esteemed by so many
people in all walks of life and in so many countries of the world.
Despite press reports her death was due to natural causes - a major brain
haemorrhage - which rendered her immediately unconscious while driving her
car. A minor collision with a stationary car followed, but happily did no
harm to anyone and had no bearing on her death. The best medical skill
in the land was quickly available, but she was beyond help and her beautiful
spirit passed home to God a few hours later. Despite the weight of my
sorrow I realise that I am among the most fortunate of men to have had the
privilege of sharing her life and love completely for thirty-five years in a
partnership of heart and mind that we both realised to be far above the
ordinary run of marriages. I thank God upon every remembrance of her. Many
thanks to you all. Sincerely, Ernest Scott
3) 19th April 1970 Postmark Upper Holloway to Mrs. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Flat 16, Kekewich House, 1 View Road,
Highgate, London April 16th, '70 My dear Edith, As I do not know
Heather's address, I feel I must write to you to say how very delightful I
was to see her & her daughter. It was most kind & thoughtful of her to come
out here to see me; especially as they had come sight-seeing & their time
was so short. Do please tell Heather how very much I appreciated it all &
the flowers & fruit they brought me. It was a lovely surprise & happiness to
me & brought back thoughts of old times. I was pleased to have news of you
all & to know first hand how things are with you, after reading some of the
things in the daily papers. So nice for you to have all your family so near
you & even on your holiday. Also, I was able to show them photographs of my
family & especially of my two great-grandchildren, Caroline & Nicholas, who
are lovely & such a joy to me. Evelyn & Edwin brought them over to me a
fortnight ago, when they were staying the week-end with them. Heather
mentioned a visit to Ireland again; but I fear those days are over for me
now. I only manage to get to our south coast & Evelyn goes down with me &
Mary? come to bring me back. During this last six months I have had an
erratic pulse etc. & am told by Dr. Boyton to take things "slowly" I'm
afraid I can't do otherwise now. Please let me have Heather's address when
you next write & thank her again for her visit. With much love to you "all"
Yours, as ever, Esther
     
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1a) 21st June 1970 Postmark Philadelphia Pa to Mrs. Edith McCully, Church
Town, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland from Eliz. H. Walker, 207 Hill
House, 201? W. Evergreen Avenue, Phila, Pa., 19118U.S.A. - June 20, 1970
My dear Cousin, I hope you are now getting each issue of the National Geog.
magazine. I am enclosing the letter I received from them after I wrote to
them when I heard from you that you were not receiving any issues after
January. Please let me know as soon as you can whether you are getting them
now. I hope your arthritis is somewhat better now that the colder weather
has gone. We have had so much rain and damp weather here that mine has not
improved very much. I am, however getting stronger and have had less pain
from the operations. I am hoping that by the time real summer weather
arrives, I will be able to go out. My brother Will and his wife Marian are
now in their home up in the state of Maine. They expect to spend this month
there. The climate there is lighter and cooler than here. (it is right next
to Canada you know) There are mountains and pine woods around them and
Marian loves it. They are on a large lake and have row boats and a motor
boat. Each of the married children, and families, spend their vacations
there, each family taking it's turn. The young people like to water ski, and
with the motor boat they can, and have lots of fun. I doubt if Marian and
Will will be able to go after this year, as Marian is getting gradually
weaker and less able to do things. She is having trouble now in even getting
around because of her arthritis and the stroke. She is 88 years old this
year. I hope you and all of your family have kept well and I wish all
of you a very happy healthful summer. Affectionately yours Betty
1b) National Geographic Society, Washington D.C. June 4, 1970
address Dear Miss Walker, The remittance for membership dues in the
National Geographic Society was received and properly credited. All
memberships are renewable on a calendar-year basis only and each dues
payment covers delivery of the N.G. for January through December. Therefore,
mailing was resumed accordingly when the payment was received. blah
blah blah Owen R. Anderson
  
  
  
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1) 13th December 1970 - 27 Shawshire or Shanslieve? Drive, Newcastle, Co.
Down, Co. Down - Dear Mrs. McCully, Just a note to enclose with Miss
Verner's? gift to you, which she asked me to send before she went into
Hospital. Perhaps Sheila Redmond told you, as she said she would try & ring
you before she went away. M8iss Verner? had an accident last Sunday about 2
or 3 a.m. falling & breaking her leg. It has been dreadful lately as she
would not go to bed at a reasonable time & when she was with me, I used to
think on the way home, what could she possibly find to do, as I left
everything ready for her in the morning, but still she would tell me she had
a lot to do & could not get any earlier. She had the operation on Tuesday &
has a plate in, she was very confused both times I have seen her, but that
is to be expected after what she has been through. She has really been a
very ill woman for a long time but she would not give in, * impossible to
help, however I glad of this, as I have been expecting something for a long
rime, but my worry was fine. When I asked her to be careful she got so cross
with me & said she would never fall or do anything silly like that, but
really I am so terribly glad it was not fine. I feel I know you, as I have
heard so much about you from Sheila Redmond? & Miss V??? both have been such
very good friends to me for a long time now. I hope your son is keeping
better, & that you yourself are better too, as Miss V? told me you had not
been too well. Times are so awful now it is hard to pick up if one has been
ill. Miss V? had a few things bought for Christmas & I was to help her with
them today so I am doing what is ? & posting them off for her. If she is not
so confused when I see her tomorrow I will tell her what I have done. With
best wishes & kind regards, yours sincerely, Constance McClenahan?
2) 16th December 1970 - 8 Grassy Lane, Maidenhead - Dear Mrs. McCulley,
Another Xmas is near, and we think of old friends. How are you and your Scheumatism, also all the family. William has two very nice
young people a
boy and a girl. We keep fairly well, Archie gets more deaf and I get stiffs
from rheumatism. It was lovely seeing Heather early in the year, we were
sorry she could not spend a longer time with us, also her daughter Barbara,
we did not visit Ireland this year, we thought the South Coast safer. Ulster
has had a bad time, what do they hope to make out of it, only ruin their
country which was in a prosperous condition. Cookstown will go do in history
producing should a fine M.P. for Mid Ulster. The people who voted her in
should see a physica? Her behaviour was like a madwoman and she looked so
dirty. It didn't help the Irish on this side when they looked at her. We
hope to spend Xmas with Kenneth and his family, we go down Thursday. Joyce
will join us from Leatherhead. The Canadian family as far as we know are
well, we have just finished the power strike, thank goodness. One day we had
9 hours without light and heat. The gas central heating depends on
electricity, so it was no use & I cook with electricity. We have had a
lovely summer and not a bad autumn at present, we are suffering from frost &
fog. Mrs. Laughlin came over in September for 10 days. How is Marion, why
doesn't she come & see us when she is on holiday. I hope this finds you all
very well, and that you will all have a very Happy Xmas together. With love
from both Sarah C.
3) 24th May 1971 Postmark Sackville N.B. to The McCully Family, Church Town,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland from McMaster, c/o Mount Allison
University, Chemistry Department, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada -
Sackville 23/5/71 Dear Folks, We received your gift last week
and I can't tell you how much we appreciate you sending it. Many of our
neighbours have seen and admired it and I'm sure Robyn will look the best
dressed baby in it. I will wait for the really hot summer days before I put
it on her. She is such a big baby that I'm sure it will fit her already. She
will be sitting up soon so we shall send you a photo of her wearing the
dress, sitting on her own. Robyn has proudly produced her w bottom teeth. We
had a couple of miserable nights with her but we are back to peace and
tranquillity now. I felt so sorry for the poor little soul. She was so
unhappy. Before hand her gums were red and raw but now she is happily
clicking on the spoon when I feed her. It has successfully managed to rain
all day today. It mizzled all morning but this afternoon it developed into a
steady downpour. Just like dear old Ireland. Ian cut the grass yesterday but
I suppose it will shoot up twice as fast with all this rain. Ian has dug the
garden but we can't plant yet as we have bad frosts till June. We have a
very rapid growing season though which makes up for the late planting. We
shall be moving from the house we are staying in at the moment in July. We
have really only a month left at this house so I am already making vague
plans in preparation. One thing about moving so much is that I never allow
myself to collect a lot of odds and ends and I am positively ruthless about
getting rid of things which are no longer useful. We are moving into an
unfurnished flat so Ian is busy making some simple furniture which will be a
great help. This seems to be all I can say. Hope you are all well. Thank you
again for the beautiful dress. Best wishes and God bless. from Heather, Ian
and Robyn
 
  
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1) 16th February 1972 Postmark Coleraine, Co. Londonderry to Mrs. E.
McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone - Spring Gardens, C.H.S.
Dear Granny, I hope everyone is well. I was at swimming to-night it was
great fun. I had the Sunday school party on Friday night. It was hopeless the
boys were horrible and so were the games. We had a band there and it was
from C.A.I. it was good. I got a Sunday school prise. I suppose you heard
about the great news about Saturday we beat Cambridge House in the quarter
finals of the cup. We won 1-0. Nicky scored the goal. Their umpire was very
byist. Well anyway we are through to the Semi finals. I did not get any
valtine cards but I don't mind did Ann get one? I am looking forward to
seeing you at the weekend. I wonder how John is settling down in his new
school Wendy-Sue will miss him. (girlfriend). Blossom was very pleased
with us on Saturday. Sorry about the writing but is very in rushed. Sally
Simpson the girl from Dungannon is off with a boy. Can't think of anything
else to write. Babi
2) 17th M? 1976? Postmarks Hobart/Antrim to Miss M. McCully, c/o Rainey
Endowed School, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, Northern Ireland, U.K. from Mrs.
Hilda Fazackerley, c/o Sunnyside Rest Home, 32 Pillmju? Street, Dynnyrne
7005, Hobart, Tasmania 0 My dear Marion, Just a very hurried note to say I
have booked a Package Flight to London Shannon Airport & am leaving here on
Saturday March 20th. Plane goes to Perth W.A. where I shall stay with
friends until April 2nd. From there I fly to London via Bombay & arrive in
England the same day. I shall stay there for a few days & .................
to see my sister & other friends, before flying to Shannon? & on to Donegal.
Is Arnold's Hotel still there? If so, I shall go there for a while &
may take a cottage or caravan for the summer. When leaving England, I was
not allowed to take all my money out of the country. There is no chance of
my obtaining it until 1979 unless there is an emergency & then I shall be
charged 25%, so I may as well come to see my friend & spend some of it. I
feel too active to be in a Rest Home & regulations here do not suit me in a
way - be better in a small flat or cottage. As yet I do not own any place so
while I have no worries about leaving a home here, I might as well try &
enjoy myself. ? has never been to see me in the Home & it is only a stones
throw away - Brian & children come very rarely so I shall not miss them. To
me this is almost incredible for I tried to please! However I have made very
dear friends with some Bolton people & as I like Tasmania I have booked
return. Perhaps you may be going to Donegal with your mother. I hope she is
well. So far I have not fixed a date for Donegal but maybe come after
Easter. Perhaps if Arnolds are still in Hotel you could fix up something for
me there & I can look for something when I arrive. A few weeks ago I sent a
letter & small gift to you & others & I expect I shall be hearing soon I
feel most exerted at the thought of seeing you - may not be wise to stay in
Ulster? What do you think? News of Ulster not good! Magazines most
enjoyable. Have met in a St. Dick here - hailed from Belfast & was very
interested in my magazine. Best wishes & love to all, yours sincerely Hilda
Fazackerley. All news when we meet. Please tell Mrs. Thompson my plants
having a lovely autumn colourings magnificent.
Postcards
are all 60s/70/s & 80s
will include any up to 1969 and if there's any important information, ie
deaths, marriages etc for those after 1970 posted HERE
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1) 28th August 1961 Postmark Cill Airn? to Miss M. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Saturday Heard from J. that you
telephoned. Sorry I didn't hear your news but will look forward to seeing
you. Having an unexpected and delightful trip. Came by Ballyshannon, Sligo,
Westport, Galway but made many detours. We motored round Lough Gill and
visited Lady Gregory's estate Coole near Gort? We arrived here yesterday evg.
and are staying until Monday. Weather is better than I had dared to hope.
R.A.C.
2) 28th August 1961 Postmark Croydon, Surrey to Mrs. W. Carty, Gate Lodge, Lisson, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Dear Rose Phillis? I will be
gaind? on Munday night boat but I might stop with Billy? Tuesday night. Will
see you on ? Lam? Daddy
3) July 1963 Postmark Corca??h? to Miss M. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown,
Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Thursday Arrived here yesterday evening,
weather better than I expected. Friday Had to go to breakfast - so
writing interrupted. Spent yest. pleasantly, motoring out to Clifden and
round the coast. Writing this in Cork while waiting for rain to go over. We
left Galway after breakfast this morning. Best day was Tuesday spent in
Achill. Best wishes for your trip. R.A.C.?
4) 7th August 1962 Postmark ?olspie, Sutherland to Miss M. E. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Monday I hope that you
have been having a restful and enjoyable holiday. We had a pleasant week in
Aberdeen last week, it is a very good centre for training, we visited plenty
of "Stately Homes" - this card shows a corner of one of these (note the
copper urn!!) Yesterday we started to move on up the coast and are now en
route for John O'Groats. Best Wishes D.
5) 11th October 1964 Postmark London to Master Stephen and Miss Ann McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - 12th October Tell
Auntie that I have had a wonderful time in London. This is a picture of the
Queen's palace and her soldiers. I am glad Stephen has started school. Love
to all from Auntie Kathleen.
6) 25th June 1966 Postmark Perthshire to Mrs. E. M. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Saturday Having a most wonderful
holiday. May has had every second arranged & ? time is very limited. Just
haven't had time to see shops. Had dinner in the Gleneagles Hotel last night
- a wonderful experience. Have met lots of old friends. Going to a silver
wedding party tonight. Will stay with Chris next week. Love Heather
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1) 1st August 1967 Postmark Plymouth, Devon to Miss M. E. McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Tuesday Thank you for
your card - I am glad you thought so well of the west country. I came down
for a week after all and I am enjoying myself as usual. I made a detour on
the way down so that I could come over this new magnificent bridge. I return
on 17th August so will contact you after then. Best wishes Dorothy
2) 27th May 1967 Postmark Torquay, Devon to Miss E. Anne McCully,
Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - We spent this afternoon in
Brixham which is a lovely old town. This is where King William landed in
England & also the town in which 'Abide with me' was written. The church is
in memory of Henry Francis Lyle. Lots of Love Auntie
3) 22nd November 1967 Postmark London to Miss M. McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland - Enjoying a few days in the Big
City. Haven't had much time to really see the shops but they all look lovely
just now. Hope you are all A.1. again. Saw the Jewish Festival of
Remembrance at Whitehall last Sunday, it was very impressive, Downing Street
was packed with sightseers & pressmen!! Isa
4) 23rd July 1968/9? Postmark Argyll to Miss M. E.? McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Tuesday Hope you enjoyed the rest
of your holiday in Donegal. We have reached Oban & are staying just outside
the town tonight. We couldn't get in anywhere in Oban for bed & breakfast.
Tomorrow we go further north. There has been rain but it is warm & we have
been able to have our picnics so far. Wilma
5) 5th August 1969 Postmark Loughborough, Leics. to Miss Anne McCully,
Lissan, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N.I. - Having a lovely time. Weather is fine,
going into Leicester on Wednesday. I have been through Belvoir Castle. I
have been up the tower. 138 steps. Love Irene
6) 27th ? 1969 Postmark Brighton & Hove to Miss Marion McCully, Churchtown,
Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Hove Saturday It is some time
since I was last at the Pavilion & today when I re-visited it I found it
even more exotic than I remembered. I am enjoying my holiday very much & am
staying with friends here for the week, tomorrow I am going sailing with
them - I expect I shall upset the boat or do something foolish! The weather
is wonderful; I have not seen any rain since coming to England. I hope you
too are enjoying a really good holiday. Best wishes Dorothy
later PCs with relevant info.
1977 - to Miss Marion McCully ' I hope you are having a pleasant & relaxing
summer and getting your strength built up for going back to R.E.S.
1978 - to Miss M. McCully - Love to your Mother, we enjoy seeing the
Stewarts.
July 1980 - to Miss M. E. McCully - Hope Mrs. McCully is keeping well.
1984 - August 1984 Mauds? Birthday
no date letters and cards
 
 
 
 
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1) Happy Birthday with love from Mammy
2) Christmas Card
3) Greetings. Flowers from Jerusalem. with very best wishes for Christmas
and the New Year, from Annie
4) January 8th The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde, Cheshire - Dear Edith, A
Happy New Year to you all. I thought I should let you know that I have an
Irish girl at long last, from Co. Longford, her name is Mary Gill & she is
17½ yrs. She arrived at 7.30 a.m. on the Friday before Xmas & is a very
pleasant girl & willing to please, I think that, with training, she will
prove a good girl. I like her disposition. She is amazed at the number of
times the phone rings, & at how little time Geo. has off, quite a wonder to
her that anyone could work so hard. (I get awfully fed-up with it), its been
especially difficult this winter, each year gets busier, I shall be glad
when the State take over, if it means more time off for the Drs. We get no
home life at all, I think its such a waste of life, a Doctors' life we all
know is one of sacrifice but even that can be overdone, don't you think? I
feel so sorry at times for David & Roger, they see so little of their Daddy,
& he too is missing so much, for these are their best years. David starts
school tomorrow, Roger started yesterday, it will be good to get back to the
regular routine, thought its not so difficult in Xmas holiday to entertain,
as there's so much to do, & the joy of new toys. They have been to several
parties, to the circus, & Pantomime, "Puss in Boots", & so have had a
....... (missing page)
5) Honours for a Belfast College. Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary of the
Royal Society of Arts, replying to a communication from the Principal of Skerry's College, Belfast, says that the Society has never before awarded
its First Prize, First Place in the United Kingdom and Medal, in Arithmetic,
Stage II., to an Irish Student, examined at an Irish Centre and ground by an
Irish College. This year this coveted Honour, viz:- First Place, United
Kingdom, First Prize and the Society's Bronze Medal was awarded to Mr.
Samuel McCully, who obtained his entire training at Skerry's College,
Belfast.
     
   
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1) Postmark Cookstown to Miss Marion McCully, c/o Miss Harte's Nursing Home,
5 College Park East, Belfast - Lissan, Cookstown, Wed. evening. Dear
Marion, I came back from Portrush last night, and was surprised to know that
you had your operation over. I also heard the grand news that you are
feeling much better!!! You will be relieved and glad to know that you can
now relax, without the dread of an operation always before you!! Madge
tells me that McCully is also in Belfast. How nice for you to see her every
day! And Heather has passed her Music Exam!! How pleased she will be!!! I
believe she is having a great time running the house - and looking after
William at the same time! Judging by what I hear, she is doing everything
very efficiently! Well, I am now back at school again after having a very
enjoyable holiday. The weather was lovely, & as usual, I spent most of my
time in the Harbour. It was simply glorious!! (Just wish I lived nearer the
sea!!!) I stayed with Miss McMullin (Mount Royal), and the food was very
good. We had a jolly crowd in the house, including some people from Omagh. I
was in Portstewart for a short time one evening, and called to see Mrs.
McCay, unfortunately I had only a few minutes to spare, as Etta and Bertha
Millar were waiting for me. I intended going back again some other evening,
but didn't manage, in fact, I was actually on my way to the bus, when I met
some people coming to see me. Mrs. McCay looks well and fit, and Milton
seems so much taller! By the way, Bertha Millar has got a job in "Skerry
Bhan?" as Supervisor with Miss Pattison. She intended going to Belfast from
Portrush on Mon. night or Tuesday, but started work in "Skerry Bhan" last
Friday morning!! It certainly was all very unexpected, but I shall tell you
about it next time we meet! (which won't be very long, I hope!!) Daddy
is staying in P.stewart with Uncle Johnny and Aunt Sarah. I was just
speaking to him for a few minutes before I left Portrush last night.
Florrie? & Rita were also in Portrush but I didn't see them. Rachael Crooks
was married in Claggan Church to-day. She wore blue & the bridesmaid
(Martha) wore pink. Of course, I could only see them from a distance -
through the window - but they looked nice, and there was quite a crowd at
the Church. Edie Barker is still here, but she expects to see her husband
next week, and Gordon is due to go back to school, so I daresay they will
leave here on Monday or Tuesday. Isn't Edmund a dear wee boy! - and he is
such a good child! I thought Gordon seemed rather lame to-day! Wonder if he
will ever be alright. I believe the Bells are leaving Lissan - and Pete
McMahon is getting the house. Dorothy says they are going to live in a
Bungalow near Belfast (about 15 miles from Belfast I think) I daresay the
Roy family would go too, if they got a house! The Nurse Mrs. McBride, has
just come in so I shall say Cheerio. Have just remembered, I had a letter
from Mrs. Casey this morning & she was asking for you all! And now, wishing
you a very speedy recovery, & hoping to see you soon. Sincerely yours Winnie
2)
Mrs. E. M. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Belgrave
Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay. Monday My Dear Mammy, This has been a
lovely day & hot after two sunny days we are beginning to look brown &
healthy. The Hotel is delightfully comfortable & we are having a really
restful holiday. The food is no better than Seabeck? except that we get
smoked salmon as hors d'oeuvres & fish course for dinner. Tablecloths &
napkins are changed every day & towels are changed regularly. Silver is
beautifully polished & the tables are perfect. ? are most professional &
server is very quick. This morning we went to Babbacombe to see the Model
Village. We sat on the upper deck of a bus which was open & it made it a
very pleasant run. Tuesday Yesterday afternoon we took a coach
trip to Dartmoor. The driver was a comedian & that made it most enjoyable.
We were up on Dartmoor & I was surprised to find that the Devon roads are so
narrow. The bus & a car couldn't pass on many of them & cars had to reverse
until they came to a gateway in order to allow us to pass. Roads were in
some cases narrower than the gate-end road. The bus was to where the hedges
on both sides. We got a glimpse of Dartmoor prison in the distance. There is
an outing to Princetown to see the jail but we won't bother to go on that
one! At last I have had a Devonshire tea. It consisted of huge wedges
of a cake slightly wider than soda bread, a dust of strawberry jam & a bowl
of Devonshire cream. The cream is difficult to describe. It is halfway
between whipped cream & butter & is delicious spread on bread. This morning
we went on a conducted tour of Torquay & were glad to find we had the same
driver as yesterday. Your letter was here when we came in for lunch. I was
very pleased to get it & to hear that you are keeping well. Lots of love
Marion
 
 
       
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1) 24th September - Westlands, Westland Road, Cookstown - Dear Mrs. McCully,
I have been away often during the summer but I'm now settled in & hope to
redeem my promise to have you in to see Westlands before the weather becomes
really cold. Marion, I expect, is back at school, so probably only a
Saturday would be possible, but if you could come early in the afternoon it
might not be too cold for you; besides I'd like to take you out for
afternoon tea afterwards. Marnie's eldest son with his wife & little
daughter of eight months were over from Trinidad for six weeks in July &
August, all looking fit & well. It was lovely to have the chance of seeing
my "great-grand niece." (How old this makes me feel) During my time in
Warrenpoint Ian & Jerry Gracey & Ted were there for a week & we saw quite a
lot of one another then. Ted is wonderful for his age & still very
interested in Claggan. I shall be looking forward to your visit & hope that
you will be able to come soon. Trusting all are well & with kind
remembrances to all. Yrs. very sincerely Mary B. Dale
2) 1st November 12 Brackley Road, Cheswick, London W4 - Dear Mrs.
McCully, This is just to thank you for your wedding present. Unfortunately I
haven't been able to get home to see it but Mummy has told me all about it.
It was very kind of you to do all that work & I do love embroidery. John & I
have been very busy since we came back from honeymoon looking for a flat. We
have at last found one in Richmond. We are very pleased with it as this is
where we wanted to live. We have a nice view of Richmond Green from our
front windows & the Deer Park & Kew Gardens from the back. It makes all the
difference to have some trees around. I do miss the country very much. John
& I has a wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica. It is a beautiful island, very
colourful & gay with lots of flowers, trees & brightly coloured birds. The
temperature reached the 90s every day so we spent most of the time swimming
& sun bathing. We certainly miss the sun & the sea now we are back in
London. Well Mrs. McCully I think this is all for now. Thank you very much
again. I shall always treasure the tray-cloth. Love, Barbara Dickie nee
Roberts
3) (last page/s missing) January 7th - The Rise, Dowson Road, Hyde,
Ches. - My dear Edith, Have only just found time to write to you, had hoped
to write before Xmas but I was so busy, didn't want to send a scrappy note
so thought it best to wait until the new year. Thanks for your letter, &
glad to know that all is well with you & yours, sorry to hear of Heather's
illness, what a long time to be in bed, must have been trying for all of
you, pleased to know that she is quite fit again. We are all keeping well,
the boys very lively, & so full of energy, you wouldn't think we were short
of food in England to see them, I do the best I can with the meals, & they
get lots of vegetables, soups & fruit. I have not been short of potatoes,
yet, I had a bag delivered, & get 12lbs. a week ration. Have not been short
of milk, though a lot of people are. George brings bottle of sterilized milk
from a shop & Miss McKees lovely pudding & coffee. The meat & bacon
situation is very bad, we miss the bacon especially, we're all so fond of
it. Makes breakfast a difficult meal. David has lunch at school, but I also
give him a hot meal when he comes home as he does not enjoy the school
dinners. He loves his school very much, Roger sits this year to enter in
Sept. when he will be seven. It's rather young to travel on buses but with
David to take him, he should be alright. Roger started school yesterday &
David tomorrow. This afternoon I took them into Manchester to the theatre to
see "Treasure Island" - very good indeed, but what a day, it has poured with
rain all day & never stopped. We had a lovely Xmas, on Xmas Day went to an
Hotel at Hayfield (in Derbyshire) to a childrens' party, had lunch, father
Xmas brings a present for every child & there is a Punch & Judy show. Boxing
night & New Yrs' Eve we always go to Dances with a large party of friends.
Have been to a number of house-parties. I've won 2 prizes at bridge, a toby
jug & a pair of nylons, George won a prize too, so we're been lucky. I've
had two parties here & so we've had a hectic time, & George in addition is
busy at this time of year, we see little of him in the home. He was not well
at Whit, was in bed a week (tonsilitis) - the first time he'd ever given in,
he just had to, & we got a locum. Then we went away for Whit week to the
Lake District, we stayed in a most beautiful spot, Borrowdale, at a cottage
& had a restful holiday. The boys loved the country since no trouble there
at all. For our summer hol. we went in August to Tenby in S. Wales, a very
lovely spot, the coast very similar to the Cornish coast. Didn't we have a
glorious summer? Hope this summer will be as nice. I've joined a Golf Club &
hope to be able to play in the summer, I'm only a social member just now. I
remember Mrs. Dickson speaking of the Millikens very often. Grace has not
been well lately, we saw her in the summer, went over several times, she
wouldn't come here. She has people living with her, sharing the home, & they
are very nice, company for Grace, most kind to her, the man looks after the
garden & the wife helps with the house-work. Now for news of the Irish maid.
She arrived a few days before Xmas Day last year - Mary Gill, from
Ballinamuck, Co. Longford, 17 yrs. old, very poor, only the clothes she
wore, not even a nightdress. I gave her a brush & comb (found her using
mine), clothes, friends gave her under-clothes & one found a coat for her. I
started her with 30/- & paid her stamp (2/4), bought her nightdresses, etc.
We showed her every kindness, her appetite was colossal & she had more than
her share of rations. There always seemed a wall of reserve between us which
I couldn't over-come, & I put it down to the fact that she was an R.C. & we
Protestants. I never said anything against her religion & she went to mass
every Sun. morning. After 6 mths. you wouldn't have known her, she demanded
more wages. She was now a8 & we gave her 32/- (her stamp now 3/4) I did all
the cooking, I was always up by 7.30 to get breakfast, she did the housework
& I will say, did it very well. They she started getting insolent & was
unkind to the children, & when she began swearing at me we told her to go.
Things just became intolerable & she was making all of us miserable.
Friends here say that I make a big mistake in being too kind. I wanted her
to be happy & to settle down. She's near M/C now, or was. Has been left
nearly 3 mths., & I now manage with daily help 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. & give
lunches, & £2 a week. The wages for domestic help in England are terrific &
one just can't get hiring ....
   
    
  
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1) Grand Hotel Des Alps, Montreux, Wednesday - My dear McCullys All, As you
will see by above address we have arrived here where we stayed the night &
the Hotel is beautiful & bedrooms are luxurious twin beds & a little room
off with two wash basins. We have had tea so far at 10 o'c & about 3 o'c but
find it expensive. We have not had very much sun & we have also had rain &
it is warm but not overpowering. We are enjoying ourselves immensely & we
think the beauty of Swiss Scenery & Montreaux is beyond description,
yesterday afternoon we had a boat engaged & sailed to the opposite side of
the Geneve? it was delightful. We have a very nice agreeable party & the
courier is a very grand gentleman. We have discovered he is a son of Agustus
John the famous painter. We thought from the first he must be somebody.
Daddy finds the breakfast very light. Wed. night. We have
arrived at Interlaban? after a lovely run through ? Pass? We had been at the
Summit, unfortunately the sun did not shine & we had some showers. This
hotel is lovely too & we had a marvellous dinner, soup, veal, cauliflower,
salad potatoes, & carmel custard. Really the best meal we have had since we
came was in the Hotel at Arras. We really are enjoying ourselves very much.
We had a lovely cup of tea sitting outside a cafe tonight, it was the best
tea we have had since we came with the exception of Belgium were we had a
most wonderful tea. We have been loved a great many of the shops here & the
things are beautiful but expensive! I see quite a lot of the ware you
brought home but did not buy any more. The Courier told us Lucerne is the
cheapest place to buy anything we want. In these Hotels the do cater for
your comfort, everything is just perfect. With every accommodation. There
are about 27 in our party and a most friendly crowd. You would see more
tractors between Cookstown & M'felt than we have seen in the hundreds of
miles we motored in Belgium. ? ? I am ? mammy as much as possible, but she
talked so much about Wine & The Casinos that we sampled both last night. It
rained most of this morning finished up with thunder & rain at mid day, and
it can rain in ? If Wm. saw the gardens he would go bankrupt making
alterations. Thursday morning. Off now to see shops again &
after lunch a coach run to Berne? Lots of love from both Ma???
2) Mrs. McCully, Churchtown, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland - Hotel Pe?
Weissenburg? Saturday Dear McCully All, I am not going to waste
time sending letters as we are far too busy enjoying ourselves. A stamp for
a letter costs 8d & a stamp for a card 5d & 4d for the card so I really
couldn't afford to send a great number of cards. I couldn't begin to tell
you about the wonderful time we are having. I thought my Swedish holiday was
marvellous but it was nothing compared with this. I have never in my life
had as much fun as these last few days. In the first place we have ideal
holiday companions, the Farjeckerleys? are the life & soul of the party. I
never realized that Hilda & Tom (as they call each other even to the
children) could be such fun & also so generous. Tom wants to treat us all
the time & Hilda seems to have an endless supply of sweets & chocolates. I
am not surprised that Harrison? ? like to go on holidays with them - they
certainly have the holiday spirit & Tom just keeps us all in fits. Everybody
has completely forgotten that he is "The Boss" There is only one sad
thing about the whole hol. but Miss C. & D. are bearing up wonderfully
well!!!!!!! George & Miss B. behave just like man & wife & it is obvious
that she loves him dearly. She cannot bear him out of her sight for a minute
& just cannot keep her hands off him? She either takes him by the arm or
accidentally touches his arm or knee & of course does not want to mix much
with us. She calls him George to herself, ? to us. She was telling us last
night about how after she spends Saturdays with ? in Magherafelt she takes
him out for runs in her car. They have been great friends for 20 years. I am
surprised that she shows her feelings so much especially in front of the
children. I'll make you laugh when I get home & tell you about some of the
things. We cannot understand why they didn't get married & if he isn't
thinking of marriage it is a pity of her. Of course G. is a sensible fellow
& I think does not like such a display in front of the party & yesterday
made a point of breaking away & walking with the boys. I am sure he is just
as fond of her as she is of him but he doesn't want to show it. She
graduated in 1918 & she must have been 21 then. Yesterday was a wonderful
day. Among other things we went to Grindelwald & went to the Glacier - From
Grindelwald we climbed uphill for over an hour & then we climbed up 743
steps to the glacier. Several times I nearly gave up on the way but
eventually reached the top & walked along the grotto inside the Iceberg, at
the far end of the grotto was a small tree & we picked a sprig for luck.
To-day our legs are not a bit sore & I am sure that if we had climbed half
that number of steps at home we would have been in agony. The air seems to
agree with us - I have never felt better in my life & have not had a trace
of a headache. We haven't tasted tea since we came here & never miss it -
the coffee is delicious. I am writing a diary which you can read when I get
home & it would be a waste of time for me to write details in letters. This
morning is ? so we are sitting out in the terrace & already we are well
tanned. This afternoon we are going up the Niesen? by funicular.? This is a
heavenly spot & we wish we could stay for weeks. Lots of Love Marion
3) Hotel Pension? Weissenburg Dorf, Weissenburg Sunday - My Dear M. I
was pleased to get your letter yesterday evening & to hear about Annahilt. I
am now longing to hear if the Irwins called. This morning we were at Church
at 9.15 believe it or not! We left here at 8.45 & walked for 1¼ miles along
a path through the fields in brilliant sunshine with grasshoppers chirping
all the way to the little German Speaking Calvinist Church. This was just
like a Covenanting Church but the service was short & we were home before
11. Since then it has been too hot & even to sit outside so we are sitting
in the verandah. At 4 o'clock we are going to another village to see some
kind of festival so Mrs. C. & I have decided to have a nap first.
Monday night This morning we were up at 6, breakfast at 6.30 & the
coach called for us 7.10. e had a 3½ hour coach journey to Lucerne. We left
Lucerne at 2 pm. & were back here at 5.45 pm. I was disappointed in Lucerne
& didn't like it as much as the other places we have visited. It is a real
tourist place whereas we are in a mountain village which is much more
pleasant. We simply love the life here & the Pen? is what would be called an
Inn in England. It is very different to a hotel or boarding house but it is
a novel experience & I'll tell you all about it later. Everybody is in good
form & you couldn't be with a nicer crowd. Miss C. & I go around with the
Fazackerley all the time & of course Miss B. & George disappear on their
own. Mrs. F. doesn't think he'll marry her when he didn't do it sooner. The
Fazackerley are great fun & most generous & we really do enjoy their
company. We have done practically no shopping yet because we have been told
that Interlaken is the place to shop & we are having 5 hours there
to-morrow. Presents won't be a problem because the shops are full of the
loveliest things. I bought one or two small things in Lucerne to-day for the
house & I know you'll like them. The scenery everywhere is simply wonderful
- more beautiful than I ever imagined. We saw cows for the first time to-day
with big bells tied round their necks. There was a little rain to-day for
the first time but we were in the coach at the time. The enclosed views are
of Lucerne. Love to all, Marion?
   
 
   
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1) 31 Queen Mary Avenue, Glasgow S.2 Thursday - Dear Marion, This will
be a somewhat brief note. I thought you would like to know I waited in
College yesterday evening to see Heather's final practical. She finished
around 5-10 & we were allowed in about 5-25 or so. Heather will no doubt be
telling you the details. Two things struck me - one how well thought out
were her colour schemes two she made a grand job of salmon mayonaise.
It looked a piece of 7-8 lbs. I saw it when she cooked it previously &
wondered what she'd do as the skin was a little broken, but by jove she made
an excellent finish. The pink flesh of the salmon showing through the cream
mayonaise was picked up in the lovely gladiolas she had for decoration. I
was with Miss Little & she thought it to be a good 1st & you know she
standard is no mean one. It is a pretty heavy course all through & I think
Heather has acquitted herself very credably & one thing I admire about her,
she's had quite a lot of fun as well as working hard. I was wondering Marion
if you'd like to come over for a long weekend about Thurs. 18th July. I am
suggesting that because the High Class Course is on at College & you might
see some of the folks & also I thought I'd try to contact some of the
others, & we'd have a small re-union. Please let me know what your views
are, as soon as possible because I'll have to do some letter-writing. Don't
you think it would be rather fun, if you can spare the time. I know you are
going to Switzerland but the fare is not too expensive here. If Thurs. 13th
doesn't suit you, what about perhaps crossing Wed. night 19th, I think the
course will be finishing on that Friday - yes it does. Do try & come, as I'd
like to see you again very much. Also you'd see Miss Taylor & Miss Gibson.
It's a good plan to keep in touch. I expect you will be as busy as we are
with exams & usual end of term rush. Write soon. Love Jean P.T.O. It has
just dawned that going to Switzerland you may be away the 1st fortnight of
July so I shall invite the others for weekend 21st. Do try to come over
Marion. I'm asking Maire McLarnon & Dorothy Gray too so you could all travel
together.
2) addin? F'stone Grammar School, Penfold House, Coolinge Lane, F'stone or
86 Shorncliffe Road - Gortmacrane, Kilrea. Monday - My dear Marion,
Just the briefest of notes in the midst of preparations for departure! So
you went to Greystones. I hope to hear all about it later on when you've got
over all the excitements of new tern & new colleagues. The last day I was in
M'felt my eyes were just jumping from side to side fo? the Rev. Jas. McCoy,
hairing round corners after a house for Storey? I notices bossy's? chin was
projecting in a most determined fashion & was well round the corner before
him! Congrats on your junior results, me eyes nearly popped out that
day too! Bossy'll be delighted. I shall be in town (M'felt save the mark?)
in Wed next per. 4 train, return per 5.30. Object to collect my suit being
pressed Chez? ?rilly? (& dont breathe it) another one he's making for me,
hence the last-minute rush. I dont think I 'd venture schoolwards having
already said me farewells so I wont tempt the battles? of another one - the
third I believe - but if you were walking that way round that time. I could
if a word with you no? I'll be in the Dalway - Garritty - Logan circuit.
Leave Thurs. Am having 4-5 days in London - meeting lots of former friends
amongst 'em a pal of ? days so I'm looking forward to some ?ree eating!!
Love Mina
3) (part note) ... let me know, so I would be at home. Please write &
let me know all the news. Rita is just as usual, although I don't often see
her, but Vera lives a few minutes walk from where I live. I ....
4) (no date and page/s missing) .... hope that whenever you come back
to England or Scotland you will come stay with us. I would so very much like
to see you again. I shall always remember how kind you were to Jean & I on
the tour. Now I must tell you about our dresses - I'm wearing heavy ivory
satin & a ? net veil trimmed with lace, for my headdress a pearl &
rhinestone tiara & carrying a boquet of red roses. My two big bridesmaids
are wearing heavy gold satin, carrying au? roses, & for their headdresses,
gold leaves? I'm having three attendants in very full skirted dresses of ?
net with silver spots, they are carrying posies & having wreathes ? of tiny
flowers in their hair. Has your daughter made any plans yet? do write & tell
us all about their romances? love to hear. I had a very quiet but most
interesting & enjoyable holiday this year I spent with a friend, we had a
most wonderful time visiting many places of interest & mansion houses which
are open to the public. What wonderful Autumn weather we have had up till
today; I have never seen the countryside looking more beautiful, the colours
are simply magnificent. I seem to spend all my time dashing around, my
fiancé and I are both fond of antiques, so we attend all the furniture sales
trying to pick up bargains, so far we have got 6 black oak dining chairs, a
Coust? cupboard 1689 & a black oak chest? of the same period. We are having
great difficulty to find a refectory table. We are hoping to go up to
Edinburgh this week to ? one. Do give my kindest regards to Mr. McColley -
do write & tell me all about your family. yours very sincerely Margaret
 
  
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1) (no year, part letter) 6th September, Moneymore - Dear Miss
McCully, Congratulations on the splendid results in Domestic Science this
year. I was terribly excited the week the Senior results were published and
the "Mid" was not home long until I had counted up all your distinctions. I
hope the improvement keeps up. I was very sorry to hear that Heather did not
pass Junior Cert. but she is young and will be able to do it again. I
saw you one day in Portrush, but you were on the opposite side of the street
and, of course, you would not condescend to look across!! My girl
friend and I cycled down to Portstewart, but as the weather was
disappointing we only stayed three days. Margaret and I cycled to
Ballymena last week-end. We went through Toome and came home through Port
Glenone. The cycle run was marvellous and I hope to tour Wicklow next year,
if my old bicycle's heart is strong enough. I have done quite a lot of
........
2) (pages 9, 10, 11 & 12 but where is the rest of it?) ... be an
essential journey? We have all got into a rut at home & it is time we
were out of it. I am sitting out in the porch & the sun is shining brightly
- it is delightful. I had better continue with my story where I left off.
Mrs. C. had been away staying with Beryl all last week & when I phoned she
was just on her way back to here. She got the 4 o'clock train from
Paddington & I got one at 5.10. Esther saw me off & it was a most
interesting journey. The train stopped at all stations & I saw many familiar
names. I passed through Ives? where the Duchess of Kent lives & Slough the
home of Horlicks. Joyce met me at the station & we walked up here. It took
only a few mins. I forgot to say that Esther took the cream? bag? with her ?
? eggs & meat & a few things which I didn't need. Mrs. C. & Mrs. G.
were alone in the house & we had a very pleasant evening. Joyce went back to
work early this morning. Joyce earns £30m a month & cannot support herself -
has to get money from, her mother regularly. The conversation was
mostly about Royalty & the wedding. The King & Queen passed through
Maidenhead on Friday. I enclose a cutting which you may find interesting.
I didn't feel the slightest bit sleepy yesterday & I slept like a top last
night. I feel grand this morning & still (touch wood) hasn't had a trace of
a headache. Mrs. C. & I. are going off to Windsor this afternoon & I
am thrilled about that. Of course Mrs. C. is a bit annoyed that I am not
staying here all the time & she says I'll be so tired in London & there is
so little to see etc. I do wish I could have more time here but the
time is so short & Esther has her plans made. I return to London
to-morrow night & E. will meet me. 6.30 p.m. We have just
returned from Windsor Castle. Sally Kellet of Dublin has just arrived this
minute to stay overnight. She is a Supervisor of canteens & has to visit a
canteen in Maidenhead to-morrow. She always stays with Mrs. C. when her
business brings her here. She is a lively girl & is busy entertaining
us with an account of her dealings. 3 p.m. Mrs. C. & I have just
been out for a ? walk round the residential part of Maidenhead & seen some
lovely places. How M. would love it all. Leslie Howard's son lives here &
Mrs. C. sees him often. Sally is powerful chat, I never listened to anything
like her. Mrs. C. & I went to Windsor by the 2.20 bus this
afternoon & we had a delightful time. Words couldn't describe the wonder &
beauty of Windsor Castle. We first of all visited the Albert Memorial
Chapel & found the walls surrounded with Wreaths belonging to Princess
Helena Victoria's funeral. We saw the wreath from Elizabeth & Philip
with their own signatures, another "to Darling Aunt Thora from Ingrid"
another of daffodils "to Thora from Mary, May & Marina" Mary is old Queen
Mary. There must have been hundreds of them. Two wreaths went down
into the vault on the coffin - one from the King & Queen ....
3) page 4 ... opposite side of the globe & almost at the one time. I wonder
what is the reason. If Ruby & Patsy had settled in the one country, it would
have been easier. However they both could have been settled, as I thought
very suitable in Britain but it was not to be that way. Mrs. McCully
enough about my family. I trust you are now feeling much better & that the
family are all very well. I often think of the great kindness of your family
at all times. Emma Webb is coming in later. Kindest regards & love to all.
Yours very sincerely Olive E.
Misc.
1946-61 Magherafelt R.D.C. Housing Scheme. Townland: Tullynure. Lands
proposed to be acquired from ?
 
 
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1) no idea what these are - 39 28th May 1940
2) 31
3) Cathiodermie 29th December in the Astra Room
4) National Savings, Mrs. E. M. McCully
5) The Association of Teachers of Domestic Science in Northern Ireland,
Constitution and Rules
6) Mr. Frank Chandler, 22 Holly Bank Road, Birkenhead
  
  
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1) Final Institutional Catering Theory Examination.
2) Domestic Science: The Domestic Science teacher is handicapped by lack of
adequate accommodation and the fact that many of the practical lessons have
to be fitted into single periods. She prepares all her lessons carefully and
presents them clearly and with verve, thereby arousing and sustaining the
interest of her pupils..... CLICK image 2 to read.
3) No. III Ulcer Diet. Early Morning: Warm Milk 5 gs. Breakfast: Weak
Tea freshly made, strained. Milk 5 ozs. 1 lightly cooked egg or steamed fish
or paridge sieved. Fresh toast or 1 or 2 slices bread (no crust) Butter
Marmalade jelly, or jam jelly (no pips or skin). CLICK image 3 to read in
full.
4)
Some Talk about King William or the man that crossed the Boyne,
But what is that to John McGurk who shovelled out the coin,
No more in rain or sunshine will we have to work,
God rest your soul in glory you're a hero John McGurk.
Some talk about the Land League and some of Healy's
clause,
Some talk about their Parliament that always making laws,
But neither Land League not Parliament that sat on College Green,
Ne'er could compare a gift so rare as McGurk from Ballinascreen.
He left them all his money that he worked for sore and
hard,
You'd laugh to see them coming down from Corric and Drumard,
There was some of them on jaunting cars and others upon wheels,
And they tell me up Lissan they were running through the fields.
As I went over Tonagh Hill I took a look around,
You'd have thought it was the Lammas Fair the crowd that was in the town,
There was the old maids of the big McGlades, their uncles and their aunts,
They were all assembled in the square in front of Father Grants.
And as I dandered down the road I met the whole Six
Towns,
The Kellys and the Connollys, the Bradleys and McKeowns,
There were the O'Kanes and the big McShanes and some I dare not name,
All claiming friendship with McGurk and leaving in their claim.
Out round Myles' corner the Moneyrea men came in,
You'd have thought it was a civil war as I listened to the din,
There I met with Hughie Hagan, I'm sure you know the man,
He said he got a five pound note for holding out his hand.
You've all heard tell of the famine that came in '48,
And you've heard tell of spraying to keep back that awful blight,
But there's nought so surprising I yet have ever seen,
As when I heard the story of McGurk of Ballinascreen.
There's nothing but disappointments in this little
world we're in,
I have lately heard it whispered that McGurks cat is getting thin,
But I wish the ship that sailed the sea from New York round Baltimore,
Would bring another John McGurk and leave him at Moneymore.
5) Matthew 19, 29
6) Charles McCann, Ordained Priest, St. Michael's Church, Lissan, Cookstown
8th June 1969
 
     
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1) (written on a piece of paper) Mrs. Wm. J. McCord, 203 Albert
Street N. Point Edward Ontario Canada Birth Day July 30
2) 31st August 1956 - Financial Accounts
3) 1st September 1955 - Opening of Cookstown Secondary Intermediate
School - lots of names
 
  
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1) no date - The Rainey Endowed School Easter Concert and Operetta "The
Idea" by Gustav Holst - Peter Burton, Robert White, Anne Farley, Jennifer
Egan, Elizabeth Evans, Christopher Brennen. Chorus: Eileen Berryman,
Derek Crothers, Elizabeth Ellis, James Getty, Elaine Hutchinson, Marion
Leith, Eileen McMaster, Ivan Martin, John Turner, Janet Willan.
Produced by: J. M. Scofield. Musical Direction, G. W. Sutton. Costumes, Miss
D. Madden. Stage, R. W. Turner, N. McAteer, J. M. Smyth
2) Grand Opera House, Cinderella 3d. It's Pantomime Time!
3) March 1959 Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt. The Dramatic and
Musical Societies present The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera "The Mikado" in The
Johnston Hall on 23rd, 24th & 25th March 1959 - Cast: Edmund McClure, Fergus
Hartley, James Forsythe, Christopher Brennen, Anne Farley, Betty Ellis,
Elizabeth Evans, Helen Fields, Harry Dunlop. Chorus of Schoolgirls: Jennifer
Egan, Hazel Stewart, Ann Fields, Oonagh Redmond, Roberta Ritchie, Rosemary
Mornin, Laverne Symonds, Lorna Watson, June Davis, Winifred McKeown,
Rosemary Scott, Elizabeth McCullagh, Betty Ferguson, Carol Cochrane, Anne
Lawrence, Lesley Gregg, Eileen McCormick, Daphne Hutchinson, Valerie Lees,
Elizabeth Logan, Heather Hamilton, May Evans, Elaine Hutchinson, Frances
Brown, Isa brown, Hazel Kennedy, Jennifer McLernon, Fiona Galway, Henrietta
Kirkpatrick, Esmé Somerville, Marion Rea, Sheila McCullagh, Grace Stewart,
Elizabeth Service, Betty Mann, May Porter. Chorus of Nobles: D. Crothers, L.
Gregg, I. Martin, C. Bates, N. Lavender, F. Dunlop. J. Patterson, A.
Brunton, B. Forbes, D. Kennedy, R. McQuiston, J. Turner, B. Lyle, P. Burton,
F. Johnston, R. Kernohan, I. McQuiston, T. Fulton, D. Ferguson, M. Brennen,
J. Mawhinney, M. Brown, R. McLean, A. McConnell, S. Stewart. Coolies: D.
Gwilliam, B. Steele, I. Standing, C. Brennen. Soldiers: R. Johnston, B.
Nelson. Orchestra: Miss P. Tate (leader); Mr. B. Wilson, Mr. T. Treanor,
Mrs. B. Clarke, Mr. W. S. Anderson, Miss Concannon, Mrs. E. Cummings, Mr. J.
Kerr, Mr. G. Want, Mr. M. Conway, Mr. L. Armstrong, Mr. B. Wilson, Mr. S.
Sloan, Mr. R. Stewart, Mr. P. Hagan, Mr. D. Ker. Musical Director: Mr. P. J.
Hinkley. Producers: Mr. H. W. Young & Mr. J. M. Scofield.
Accompanist: Mr. G. E. Johnston. Stage Managers & Scenery: Mr. A.
Cowan and Mr. A. Burton. Lighting: Mr. J. M. Smyth & Mr. J. N.
McAteer. Décor & Costumes: Miss D. Madden & Mrs. P. Hinkley.
Make-up: Misses R. A. Carson, P. O'Brien, M. Macbeth, M. McCully,
Mrs. A. Burton, Mr. J. M. Scofield, Mr. G. Leadley, Mr. J. Cowan & Mr. K.
McIlrath. House Manager: Dr. A. E. Gwilliam. Catering: Miss S.
A. G. Cousley & Miss M. McCully. Business Manager: Mr. G. A.
Wareham.
 
 
 
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1) Gaiety Theatre "Show Boat"
2) CEMA The Belfast Arts Theatre in "Anastasia"
3) 4th May 1961 - Lissan Parish Church, Form of Service for the
Re-Opening of the Parish Church and Dedication of Gifts by His Grace The
Most Reverend James McCann, Ph.D., D.D., Archbishop of Armagh. List of
Gifts: Communion Table - John Watterson, in memory of his wife, Matilda.
Communion Rails - Mrs. Payne, in memory of her mother Matilda Watterson.
Silver Chalice & Paten - Joseph O'Neill, in memory of his wife, Joyce
O'Neill (neé Staples). Alms Dish - Mr. & Mrs. R. E. Turkington.
Prayer Desk - Select Vestry, in memory of Andrew Maneely. Credence
Table and Sanctuary Chair - Sir Robert & Lady Staples, in memory of Dame Ada
Louise Staples, wife of Sir Robert Ponsonby Staples (12th Baron).
Book-Markers & Pulpit Falls (in liturgical colours) - Mrs. Ethel Lennon, in
memory of her father Mr. S. Smyth, in memory of his parents, Miss M.
McCulloch & Mrs. F. Millar. Chalice Burse & Veil - Mrs. McCully,
in memory of her parents. Hymn Board, Gift Box & Box for Hymn Numbers
- Mr. Sam Simpson.
 
 
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1) 22nd March 1951 - Claggan Presbyterian Church, Installation of The
Reverend Charles McKimm Eadie, B.A. - Gifts: Minister's Communion Chair,
four Elders' chairs, thirty choir chairs & organ stool - Mrs. Margaret Weir,
of Belfast, in memory of her husband, the late Rev. Andrew Weir, B.A.
Vestibule Plaque - Rev. A. J. Weir, M.Sc., B.D., in memory of his father,
Rev. Andrew Weir. Baptismal Font - Mrs. McKay and Miton, in memory of
her husband the late John McKay, B.A. Carpet for the front of the
church and the aisles - Mrs. Annie E. Crooks, of Portstewart, in memory of
her late husband, Mr. T. J. Crooks, formerly of Letteran. Pulpit Fall
- Mrs. Annie Mill & family, in memory of her husband the late Mr. John Mill,
of Drumard. Offertory Stools - Mr. W. G. Weir, of Portstewart, in
memory of his aunts Misses Isabella & Maggie Dougle, and his uncle, Mr.
James Dougle. Offertory Plates - Mr. H. J. Eadie, of Newtownards.
Curtains - the McCully family, of Churchtown. Session Room
furnishings - Mr. Thomas Neely Mills, of Philadelphia, U.S.A., in memory of
his parents. Mr. S. G. Faulkner, of Belfast and Dr. Dorothy Faulkner,
and Dr. S. H. Faulkner, of England, contributed to the Session room, &
electric lighting of the church. The praise service was led by an
augmented church choir with Miss Marion McCully at the organ, and the
offering, which was most generous, was in aid of the Repair Fund, and was
taken up by Brig. J. A. Sinton, V.C., O.B.E., High Sheriff for County
Tyrone; Mr. J. Hill, High Sheriff for Co. Derry; Messrs. J. H. Gracey,
Lurgan, and M. McCay, Belfast.
2) 15th May 1955 - Claggan Presbyterian Church, Dedication Service of
Church Furnishings and New Session Room and Furnishings conducted by Rev. T.
Kilpatrick, M.A., Millisle & Rev. A. J. Weir, M.Sc., B.D., Letterkenny.
3) CEMA Presents Michael Head & Joan Spencer in a 'Tour of Northern
Ireland'
  
 
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1) Rainey's Endowed School Dramatic Society presents "The Monkey's Paw"
& "The Dear Departed". Cast: D. McIlgorm, Margaret McKee, J. Richardson, E.
Robinson, R. Loughrey; Rhoda McLarnon, Anna Tilson, J. Eakin, Ivy
Henderson, W. Armstrong, M. McGurk. Producers J. M. Scofield & W. McFadden.
Stage Managers: Messrs. J. Smith & A. Cowan. Make-up: Mrs. J. Smith.
Box-office: Miss R. Carson. Wardrobe Mistress: Miss S. Higgins.
Furniture: Mr. Laverty.
2) Cookstown High School presents "The Bathroom Door"
"Eldorado" & "The Bishop's Candlesticks" Announcer: Margaret Anderson.
Cast: Harry Gibson, Muriel Best, George McKenzie, Lily Slaine, Wilma
McCammon, Joan Kelso. A selection of French songs by: Joyce Artt, Pat
Cunningham, Elizabeth Simpson, Betty McKinney, Marjorie McCammon, Elizabeth
McKeown, Ann McGucken & Margaret Duff. Cast: Kevin Campbell, Cyril
Forrest, Gloria McGeagh, Sylvia Shannon. Music: Wilma McCammon &
Muriel Best. Cast: Avril Irwin, Agnes Henry, Desmond Nesbitt, John
Campbell, Edward Scullion.
 
 
 
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1) Christmas 1957 - The Rainey Dramatic Society presents "The School for
Scandal" Cast: Oonagh Redmond, Winston McCracken, Mary Hall, Ian Bruce,
Rosemary Mornin, Elizabeth Michael, Ian McKay, James Forsythe, Albert
Stewart, Derek Crothers, Anne Farley, Frank Johnston, Ian Gordon, Peter
Burton, Christopher Brennen, Harold Dunlop, Kenneth Crockett. Prompters:
Alison Scofield & Mary Hall. Stage Hands: Jim Getty & Alastair Simpson.
Decor & Costumes: Miss Dorothy Madden. Stage Managers: A. Cowan & A.
Burton. Lighting: J. M. Smyth & J. N. McAteer. Business Manager:
G. E. Johnston. House Manager: A. E. Gwilliam.
2) Rainey's School Magherafelt presents "The Stolen Prince" & "The
Whiteheaded Boy" Cast: Philip O'Brien, Maureen Gildea, Grace
McCormick, Robin Woods, Kathleen Scott, Patsy McGoldrick, Bertie Hamilton,
Bryant Johnson, David Swann, George Harris, Louis Cassoni, Heather Taylor,
Effie Galway, Gordon Ward. Cast: Mildred Gaston, Walter Martin, Victor
Bownes, Isobel Loughrey, Mary McKee, Carol Brady, Robin Taylor, Charles
Monaghan, Maurice Larkin, Hazel Simmons, Edna McGucken, Florence McQueen.
Producers: Miss R. A. Carson & Miss H. M. Torrie. Mr. J. M. Scofield.
Sets: Messrs. A. Cowan, R. W. Turner. Lighting: Messrs. J. M. Smyth,
J. N. McAteer, A. Burton. Costumes and Scenery: Miss S. M. Keeble, Mr.
R. G. Dening. Make-up: Miss A. J. Williams, Mrs. O. Jackson, Mr. J. M.
Scofield, Rosemary Redmond. Business Managers: Messrs. G. A. Wareham,
W. McFadden. House Manager: Dr. A. E. Gwilliam.
3) 16th November 1956 - Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt Opening of
The New Extension by Lt.-Col. Sinclair Miller, D.S.O., M.C., M.D.
  
 
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1) July 1945 - Dublin Gate Theatre, Lord Longford presents "The
Magistrate"
2) December 1956 - Foyle College, Musical and Dramatic Society
presents "The Gondoliers" Cast: D. I. Craig, W. S. Hegan, A T.
Hamilton, J. W. C. Traill, J. M. Frame, H. A. Craig, R. G. Beedham, J. M.
Lunn, F. W. C. Heaney, R. C. G. Walker, J. R. A. Moore, R. J. Hamilton, K.
J. Maxwell, V. A. M. Goodman, C. J. G. Lapsley, R. J. Elliott, B. P.
Beedham, J. Lelievre, C. D. McKinley. Choruses & Orchestra: CLICK image 2
of 2 for all the names
 
 
 
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1) CEMA The Ulster Group Theatres in "The
Deep Blue Sea" Cast: Margaret D'Arcy, Olive Burrell, David Benson,
Kathleen Feenan, Maurice Maxwell, Robert Bernal, James Greene, Noel Lloyd.
2) Rainey's School Magherafelt presents "Master Dudley"
"Elizabeth Refuses" & "Riders to the Sea" Casts: Isobel Loughrey,
Hazel Crockett, Florence McQueen, Betty McNickle, Felix Mackle, Margaret
Hartley. Lyle Faulkner, Mary McKee, Mildred Gaston, James Tilson,
Rosemary Redmond. Carol Brady, Florence Ward, Margaret Ferguson,
Edward O'Hagan, Margaret Steenson, Margaret Patterson, Catherine Cameron,
Elsie McClure, Mary McCormick, Norman Downey, John Donnelly, John Moran,
Anthony McGuckin, John Mackle. Stage managers: Messrs. A. Cowan, J. M.
Smyth, R. W. Turner. Make-up: Miss A. J. Williams, Mr. J. M. Scofield.
Costumes: Miss R. A. Carson. Scenery: Miss S. M. Keeble. Box
Office: Mr. T. F. Battersby.
3) Christmas 1956 - Rainey's School Magherafelt The Dramatic Society
presents "Michael" & "The Women Have Their Way" Casts: Erika
Parkinson, Barbara McIver, Christopher Brennen, Randal Hayes, Robert Gordon,
Derek Evans, Heather Hamilton, Margaret Johnston, Adrienne Ritchie.
Gerard McCallion, Janet Willan, Philip O'Brien, Margaret Fowler, Kathleen
Scott, Patrick McGoldrick, Maureen Gildea, Pat Bridge, Victor Stewart, Grace
McCormick, Anne Farley, Michael McMaster, Valerie Lees, Brian Rainey.
 
   
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1) March 1962 - The Rainey Old Pupils' Dramatic Society presents "Arms
and the Man" Cast: Gwen Ross, Phyllis Walshe, Peggy Shiels, Frank
Mitchell, John Scofield, Arthur Arnold, Ernie Ross, Ronnie Moran.
Producer: John Scofield. Stage Manager: Ken McIlrath. Scenery:
Dorothy Madden. Lighting: James McAteer.
2) 9th November 1945 - Rainey's School Magherafelt Speech Day -
There are hundreds of names, please CLICK images above.
H. M. McCully - Distinction: Domestic Economy. Credits: English,
Geography, Music; French, History, Arithmetic, Algebra.
and finally from online
Death Notices
McCully - January 26, 2017, (peacefully), Marion Elizabeth, (in her 98th
year), late of Churchtown, Cookstown, much loved sister of William and
Heather and a devoted and darling aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt.
McCully M.R.C.V.S. January 27, 2017, (peacefully) at Antrim Area Hospital,
William Hayes, beloved husband of the late Gretta, 20 Churchtown Road,
Lissan, Cookstown, much loved father of Anne and Stephen, father-in-law of
Bryan and Amanda, dearly loved grandpa of Ingrid, Rachel, Erika and Jonathan
and dear brother of Heather and the late Marion.
the end
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