Daphne is too young and pretty to hide herself in the country. Edith has some gossip.

Edith writes again, but page/s 2 and 4 are missing

98 Rowntree St

Balmain

15^th July 1918

Dear Norman,

Your welcome post card to hand this mail. What a pretty place on the P.C., the garden’s must be fine. I hope you enjoyed the days you spent there. I am so glad you saw Will Darvish ?, he wrote and told me he met you and what a nice time you had together. I am sorry he is leaving England so soon, but shall be glad to see him. I hear about you from your dad. What a busy man you are. I am glad you are keeping well and going strong.

I suppose you will hear about the Tea Meeting from some one else so I will not give you a 2^nd edition…….

Page 2 missing……..

..so you can’t expect a man to do that and come to church on the only day he can take his lady-love out. [I wish we had page 2!]

Did you know Daphne King is engaged? Dr Will Roberts is the happy man (‘Billie” Daphne calls him) is going out to the country to practice and he wants Daphne to go with him, so don’t be surprised if you hear we have a ‘choral wedding’ and another social and send off, but really it is a shame if Mr and Mrs King let Daphne go, she is so young and too pretty to hide herself in the country. She has not seen life yet. If it was one of the old fogies now, or Chas Goud but NO! St John’s can’t get rid of us! We are like “ Tennyson’s” stream going on for ever.

Page 4 missing

We know it’s Edith from address on a previous letter.

Dode reports on the Strong Posts to welcome or farewell boys.

Long Nose Point

Balmain

14.7.18

Dear Norm,

This time it is just before leaving for church. my time for writing but to deny it is bitterly cold and blowing a severe westerly and we have had tea early and no visitors so seized the opportunity to write a couple of letters. I have just written to Joe. I was very pleased to receive your letter this mail but wasn’t it strange that when you started that letter you mentioned in at that Fritz had not been over for some time and before you had finished it you remarked about the maroons. You appear to have had a lucky escape that Bomb dropping quite close to your quarters. 

CG showed me your Photograph taken with Miss Harken and note your remarks. I am afraid that ere long he will be joining the Y.M.C.A. if you give him such invitations. I daresay you Norm, like the rest of them will not come back singlehanded. You all seem to be like a happy family and certainly would bring you back to St John’s when you have the Jolly Miller and C ???

It appears by all the letters at present that you are having the glorious English weather over there that we who have English parents have heard so much about. The Buttercups, Daisies etc at the mention of them Norm, seems to give Mum such a longing. I don’t think it will ever be my lot to go over there but I feel quite content to stay here for Australia will do me.

I suppose you have heard about our Strong Posts well it is just great and we do enjoy it. Anything in the music line I love and it is grand the way all our Staff have entered into it. CG is the conductor and everytime the boys come in or go out we go down and sing. I think I sent you a form in my last letter. Well next Tuesday night we are having an impromptu evening and only members of the staff to perform. CG was asked to arrange the programme and it is wonderful the talent we have discovered since the origin of the Strong Post. It is to be held in the office and supper afterwards and each one is to bring a present for our stall which we are to have on A.I.F Day. Harvey Allen is coming and he said he would not miss it. I will tell you how it gets on in the next letter. I am sending you a mail which has a Photo of some of our girls. I was in the original and it was a good one too. I was screaming, laughing like the rest of them at the chap standing, but the reproduction in the mail chopped our heads off.

Just came home from church and there were not many there, in the first place it is bitterly cold. The coldest I can ever remember and then there is a Memorial Service at St Mary’s for Ruby Lynch, Mrs Vale’s youngest sister who died very suddenly on Tuesday with Gastric Ulcers. It has been a terrible shock to the family for she always had a cheeky word for all. Then Stan was taken away with Appendicitis (since I was up there) and is better now but they said it was a very serious case and Al was not able to see him for awhile. It always appears to me that trouble seems to come at once. The Vale family are having a terrible time lately.

I am enclosing a snap of Ada taken at the SS [Sunday School] picnic by Lina Harper so I sneaked one as I like to put something in besides the letter. I think it is good don’t you?

Mrs Llewellyn is having another concert the Bo Peep again but this time it is in the National Theatre.

Well Norm must close this time as I still have another letter to write and all at 99 send their best wishes and hope you are still well and happy, from yours sincerely Dode

PS I was just thinking that I suppose you will receive this letter in France.

Jackie Castle says there is no one like the Aussie girls. She sounds like a bit of fun!

Ans 13/9/18

Balmain

16.6.18

Dear Norm, Your welcome letter to hand. So you think I am on the downward path for stealing peaches. You don’t know me. What, that is nothing. I even steal men’s hearts.

You seem to be going gay attending so many theatres, and oh what a gay time you are having with the girls, but I am glad to know that you think there is no one like the Aussie girls. We are dears aren’t we.

Well Norm, our Concert has passed off and was quite a success. We cleared £65, not too bad for two nights. I am enclosing one of the Programmes as I knew you would be interested. Oh we did look beauties with all our grease paint and limelight. You would never have known us, and Mr Manning was quite proud I can tell you. We will be repeating it soon for some other Patriotic Fund. Last Saturday I intended taking some snaps. But it rained, so we will have to postpone it till later. If you are a good boy you may get some, and if you are bot you won’t. Today is Anniversary Sunday and I , like the good girl I am went to early Communion. The church looked awfully pretty, being decorated with Arum lillies. Mr Rowsell sent them nearly all from Berry. I suppose you know that he is married now? He was an awful flirts, wasn’t he. The Archbishop will be preaching tonight so I hope it will be fine and there will be a good crowd.

As usual Wednesday is the Annual Bun Fight. I am helping Mrs Irwin on the Teacher’s table. What a blowout we will all have. Bet you would love to be here just to have a party. Of course I am also helping at the Children’s tea. Wouldn’t miss that for worlds, as I think it is the funniest thing imaginable. Will you ever forget their Concert after tea. I think it is too good to be missed.

Mrs Llewellyn is repeating “Bo Peep and Boy Blue” for the Wounded Soldiers Fund. I am not going in it. No good to me. The GFS (Girls Friendly Society) have been very kind and given her Tuesday night so now we meet in the Rectory. It is more comfortable these cold nights I can tell you.

Poor Mr Manning has a terrible cold. I don’t know how he will manage the service today. Up to us to get him a Curate I think.

Oh I must tell you that your poor mother has a rose arch over the front path, put there I suppose for when you and your lady love say Good-night. Wouldn’t you like to hit me. But it looks very nice all the same and your Mum and Dad are still both well. No more news from the old Church, no more weddings of note.

All the family here are well, also Eve and Fred and their small child, although he isn’t very small now.

Frank Grose has gone to France now. Perhaps he will be satisfied as he always wanted to be there. Jack was alright the last time e heard except for a hurt knee playing football.

Can’t rake up any more news now so will have to do the oyster act and close.

So long Norm, keep on smiling, we will be playing Jolly Miller, and Musical Men in the old schoolroom soon I hope.

From your old pal

Jackie Castle.

Dot and others on 1/2 past 8 boat to town and other chat.

Ans, 12/9/18

Long Nose Point

Balmain

30.6.18

Sorry to have to tell you that the ‘Wimmerah’ has been struck by a mine travelling from Auckland to here. It is believed the 70 people have been drowned although there is a hope that they may still be picked up.

Dear Norm, 

Ah well here we are Sunday afternoon again but it is this time as cold as – well charity they say Norm if I do not put the warmth in this letter as if your just put it down to the weather. You will see by the date that another tea meeting has passed and as usual was a bi success this time wholly due to our energetic little worker Mr Robert Adcock and my word he keeps everyone busy and interested. To use Ada’s expression is when you feel you have to when he asks you!

Mr Cakebread was not there but Mr Charlton and the Rev Leslie Langley said lots of nice things and they do seem to buck one up these days. Even the fact of your saying that you liked that letter of mine has made me feel that it is worth while writing another. At home they do not consider I am a good letter writer. In the first place Dad says he never can understand my writing [it is a challenge in places] so I don’t know how you fare about it. I am glad you sent that letter up to Joe. Goodness knows what I said in it but I suppose there may be something in it that I had wanted to tell him.

You mention about Arch not having come across well just at present he seems to have a land position although last Sunday week while he was at Sunday School a motor car drove down and carried him away to go immediately by the tug Champion to Lord Howe Island as a boat had gone ashore there “The Makembo” and he had to fix up the wireless. It must have been a great trip. Tuesday morning our ½ past 8 boat passed the Champion as she was coming on the wave to us. There are quite a crowd of us go over on the morning these days by the ½ past 8. CY, H Allen, Arch, C Orr, A Gooud, and several other St Johns identities and sometimes we take up the whole side of the boat.

I went for the weekend to Newcastle and spent it very nicely with Al and Stan and the kiddies. They are beautiful children, Norm, the little girl 1yr and 9 mths has hair just like Stan, only longer and is pretty as can be. You should see them at meal times when Stan says Hands up and they say grace. Eric the elder one comes in at ‘receive’ and ‘thankful’ but Jean arrives at ‘Amen.’ And so pretty too. Al and I went to church and I did enjoy it and we poured forth our Alto much to the concern of some off the country folk around. I like the minister very much but I think it was chiefly because he resembled Mr Cakebread.  CG ? Said I would not like Newcastle, but Stan took me all over and I was agreeably surprised. The weather was simply perfect and coming down the Lakes and Creeks with their shadows were simply perfect. It was night time but full moon so if you have seen the Hawkesbury you will imaging what it was like.

I suppose Charlie has told you in his letter about our  ???? [Strong] Post. Nowadays all business firms and Suburbs club together to welcome and cheer off the boys who come home or go away and it is very fine. The M.L.C. have been mentioned several times as we have formed a choir and CC is our Conductor. I told Mr King he would soon have a rival. I am sending you a copy of our songs and a snap taken whilst we were waiting for the boys to come. You can easily pick Charlie out but I am hidden by the only little flag in the picture. So puzzle find me. If they come in Sunday or Holidays it is all the same and we are summoned to our Post. You should just see the crowds, you cannot move around our corner and right down Martin Place. I must tell you this Norm?  It appears Charlie, Amy? Gooud and I were on the lorry singing and one of our girls heard someone in the crowd say “oh, its St John’s Choir”. I suppose they thought there were sufficient representative there. On the lorry we have a Piano, 3 Violins and Cello and we stand around it and we all love it. The last time Carmichael and two thousand left we had one of our men in it and when he came round our corner we all gave three cheers, and sang He’s a Jolly good fellow and Auld Lang Syne. And the thousand around us joined in. Mr  Moore, our man, told one of the men in the office he will never forget it and neither shall we for we all loved him he was one of the best and I sincerely hope he is spared to return. He was superintendent of the Sunday School Enfield and I wish I had thought to tell him to call on you, perhaps CG did!

We had letters from Joe this mail and he seems as though he is settled in Gloucester for the while. Fancy you thinking of going to France. I daresay you would like to see it before you return. Mr Manning is on holidays at Woy Woy and we had Mr Freeth from the cathedral all day and I am looking forward to him to night as I was not able to go this morning as Mum is down with the influenza and I had to act as House Cook and Scullery Maid. It was Italian Day on Friday but it did not appear to be as big a success as previous days, although they got over 30,000. I am sending you a sample of Violet day. Well Norm I must close now as Ada is having tea with Miss Best and I as per usual. Left to get tea. Hoping you can understand this scrawl with regards from all at 99 Mum, Dad, Bess, Ada and Dot.

Dorrie reports on her holiday and helping with Italian Day and yes, she calls them dagos.

299 Darling Street

Balmain

June 30^th 18

Dear Norm,

Once again I pen you a few lines trusting they reach you safely and find you in the best of health. I am very pleased to say we are all enjoying good health just now, and everything is OK.

It has turned out rather a cold wet afternoon. I have just come home from Sunday School, not very much business as usual discussed today, we have the old library open again but it is not in full swing yet. Everything goes on just in the same old way. Oh, and we also discussed whether we would revive the Teacher’s meeting. It was carried but whether all the teachers will turn up is another question, however that remains to be seen.

Mr and Mrs Manning are away at Woy Woy I think and Rev Freeth is taking the 

……..page 2 missing…..

Page 3 continues

Looked gorgeous, there were seven tables as usual, I was helping on the choir table again this year. All the tables were prittly arranged. We had ours decorated with the red “point satin”, it shower up well when all the lights went up. Everybody seemed to have a right royal time. Plenty of good things to eat, you know the sort of banquet we always have.

Mr Langley was chair man for the after meeting and Canon Charlton was also present. That was all the visiting clergy we had this time, of course there were several apologies.

Oh I wish you could have been at the kiddies tea. I think it was noisier than ever. The only one who could make his voice heard was Harry Allen but quietness didn’t reign long, as soon as he finished speaking they were all at it again. I don’t think we had as many children this year as in previous years, but we seemed to cater for them much better than usual and everything went off tip top. The concert after took the cake. Mr Gooud got them to join in all the popular choruses and by jove how did they all let rip. I’m sure the noise could be heard miles away. The Huns in France weren’t in it, however it only come once a year so we might as well let them have a good time. We broke up about eight o’clock.

What do you think. I had five days holiday last week down at Freshwater, had a ripping time, the weather was simply beautiful, and bright moon lights nights all the week. The bush just now is a picture ablaze with wattle and native fuschia and yallow flowers. I feel ever so much better for the change. Mother had a full week, only came home yesterday. I had to be home on Friday for Italian Day as I had promised to help. We did very well in Balmain, took over two hundred pounds. I collected £2:12:0 in my box, so I think the dagos will do very well.

Well Norm I think it is time I put an end to this epistle you will be ………….[continued on the back of the page that is missing]

Dorrie [ because we know her address]

[I discovered on Trove that Italian Day was a fundraising day to help the Italian community]

42. Street beside the house is being ashfelted and a trip to Ourimbah

Elsinore

27 Spring Street

February 15^th 1918

Note: This letter has two pages missing and wasn’t entered on the blog in order. We are back to February, 1918. Ourimbah is on the train line north of Gosford.

My dear darling Norman,

Again I take up my pen to write a few lines to my dear boy. I have nothing to answer this time for I have had no letters. It appears that the last mail was left in America. It appears that the snow storm was too bad. Couldn’t load it. I believe there is one to be in tomorrow so we will live in hopes of getting 2 or 3 letters.

Well Norm I have had my long appointed visit to my old friend up at Ourimbah, you know where you and I were to go. Her daughter Rose came down on Thursday to take me up as I wouldn’t go alone. So we went up on Saturday and had a nice trip up. Her father was there to meet us and we had about a mile to drive to their home. They have a very nice home and the place looks beautiful. Grass up to your knees everywhere. They go in for vegetables and have a spring orchid planted out and are doing allright. They milk a couple of cows for their own uses. One son………

.pages 2 and 3 are missing………

Page 4…….one of his. Have you got it yet.  Have you got one of Doug Cowells and Dode's. I must get one of the wedding group. She was to give to you. I always forget about it.

Well Norman the place looks lovely now everywhere green and grass to your knees. They are doing our street now, you know. Thomas street they have done down to our gate, but I have not been here for the last 3 weeks. I wish they would finish it. They had to go to some other work that that the storms did and of course all last week was wet. , so put them further behind. I suppose we will have to keep our share of the ashfelting of the footpath, but I don’t think they are going to do the footpath at present. Mr Goodsir told me they had not the money enough to finish it off yet. That looks bad doesn’t it.

Well now Norm, my darling boy. I must finish up. There is a mail going tomorrow so must post it. I don’t think Norm you should have to stamp your letters. That one from Meg Lonsdale sent wasn’t stamped just written on top with AIF. I am pretty sure you should not have to stamp all your letters. Dad send best love to you and hope you are happy and good night my dear son, with best love and kisses from your loving and affectionate Mother.

I told Mrs Noble that you saw George

Ans 27.8.18

Lincoln Street

Campsie

Sydney

10/6/18

Dear Norm,

I was glad to get your letter and so was Doug. I guess you have not too much time for letter writing with all the work there is to be done over your side of the world.

Thanks for the verses of Ella W Wilcox. [see link below] I am very fond of her poems. I think she is so original. Did you ever see her verses on ‘Heresy’. You would probably think them unorthodox, but the thoughts are beautiful. I will let you see them when you come to see us next time which I hope will be soon. I will not send it as it would not be quite appropriate just at this time, for soldiers have no room for doubt in their awful struggles facing death.

I will send you a few verses to you of my own Norm, it is only a thought that came to me one morning while I was doing my work, so I just sat down and expressed it as best I could. – it will interest you just because you know the sorrow and struggle I went through. Just read it and hide it away in your pocket- the thought will help you I know.

What a lovely service that must have been, it must be a great thing for the soldiers. I told Mrs Noble that you saw George- she was pleased. It must make it seem like home, when a few of the Balmain boys get round you. I called in to see your Ma to see if she had had…………….…..next page lost.

Dode

click on Link to verses of Ella W Wilcox

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6617/6617-h/6617-h.htm

the huns advance seems to have arrested and his ranks depleted.....

Lincoln Rd,

Campsie

20.5.18

Dear Old Norm,

Well, how goes it Norm. We hope you are in the best of health, and if you are we know you are just the same old stick as ever. You are, no doubt, in the England summer know. The news from the front does not read too good over here, there has been a stern tussle alright, but the huns advance seems to have arrested and his ranks depleted. You are first hand, however, and know the situation, and what you want is news from here.

We are still at the Bungalow as you note the lawns looking beautiful, yours especially – with a gorgeous showing of Chrysanthemums (is that right) and Roses. It’s some work, however, keeping the ranch in order. Dode is at present sitting on the rug in front of our gas fire in the Drawing room- you know the spot, reading the ‘Lone Star Ranger” – not a word. She has just finished a month on the organ at St John’s. Mrs King has been away to Tasmania and Dode has been the boss of the organ. She manages very well, although to me that says it. She’s always talking about “old Norm. I often say well  ”Why didn’t you marry the man”. Anyhow she’s just the same old stick and joins with me in our regard for our old Cobber. 

The picnic has come out fine. I helper young Orr as much as I was able to. He came to the shop a couple of times and I went through the procedure, but I was unable to get down to the Picnic. We have been exceedingly busy and I have not known whether I was on hands or feet at times. However, everything turned out alright – a fine day and a fairly good crowd. Of course my beloved wife was there as usual, but she says it was because I was not there but, she says it was fun and there you have it in a nutshell.

What do you think of Bobbie Adcock pooling in for the Church Wardenship again. It was very funny, although everybody does not know it. I was down at Gardiners and asked Bob if he was going to the Vestry Meeting – (he lives at Drummoyne now) Oh, I don’t think says our friend Robert. Well, I says you might come over and keep me company (we were staying in Balmain while Dode was at the organ) Anyhow he said he would come and was to wait for me, - but “me” did not arrive til 9,30 and in the meantime they had pooled Bob into the Wardenship! Of course he didn’t go ‘lemonice’ (Australian). Anyhow he’s hot and strong on the Tea Meeting.

Norm, I want to thank you for that book of views at Douglas. They were very interesting and kind of you to think of me.

I often have a talk with your Ma and Dad. They are looking well. Your Mother and mine are quite old pals as you know.

I spoke to old “Cakey” in town today. He’s just the same old stick. We are at present starting a fortnight’s holiday, later than usual, and we are going to Katoomba for a while, to the caves I hope and then down South Coast to Gerringong. 

Will write later. Best regards, Norm old boy and sincere wishes for your welfare, from your old Cobbers, Dode and Doug xxx

PS. C.G. [Charlie Gooude] is just the same as ever. He went off for a while but has picked up again now. Harry Allen is back at Sunday School – quite like old times.

a friend writes about the first picnic she has missed....

re'cd by ANS 26/7/18

“Viola”

14 Gipps St

Drummoyne

5/5/18

Dear Norman,

I suppose you have given up hope of receiving a letter from this address, but now that I have made a start, perhaps I can make up for last time. It was very kind of you to think of us by sending cards – especially our large son. That is a treat in store for you when you come home. Of course it is of no use to try to tell you what a gem he is; you have only to remember what his parents are like and then guess what he is like. Everyone says he is like his pa, but I have to have a look in somewhere, so I think he has his mother’s good qualities. “nuff said”.

Well Norm, I read your diary [I wonder where the Diary ended up?] and it was very interesting indeed and saw that you always remembered poor old St John’s. Never mind it is very nice to have a book like that to look back on and remember and talk about your trip back home.

Several of the boys that have returned have said that they met you in London, and you seem to be quite a big hit amongst them. You seem to be having a fine time over there and seeing as much as you can. It must be lovely to meet such a lot of the old boys and I suppose it makes you feel that you are not such a long way from home, when you have a good old chat with them. Gladys gives us your letters to read so you see we hear all about your doings etc.

I suppose before you receive this, you have heard about our poor old Dad passing away. We miss him very much, but still when we look around and see so many young lives being sacrificed through this dreadful war, so young, and Dad had lived to 72 years of age, and had led a good and happy life, and he did not suffer for long and had a peaceful end, we ought to be thankful that we had him with us so long and so able to remember what a good Father he was, and always ready for a joke. I know you will remember him and quite understand how we miss him.

Dad was buried just two days before our Sunday School Picnic, so of course we were absent from that great event. I think it is the first picnic I have ……………………..…….page 4 is missing………

41 Oh, you should see the fog

A little perspective here. At the time of writing these letters, Maria was 67. Illma, Norm’s big sister was 11 when he was born.  Maria lost two other daughters in infancy, Elsie May and Maude before he was born when she was 39. Her writing is getting more difficult to read, but she is 67!

Ans 30/10/18

Elsinore

27 Spring Street

May 11^th 1918

My dear funny fancy face Norm,

I have received 3 lovely letters from you this mail and so glad to have them. One is dated 10^th March, 17^th March and 26 March, but I have not received the photos yet. I expect they will be in the next mail. I am glad you met Harry Waites. It must be nice to meet old friends so far away from home. You’ve done very well over there for War bonds week. I told you I took out another War bond. I wanted to take it in your name but found I couldn’t. So took it in my own but never got anything on my ticket. The prize tickets were advertised today. Not one fell to my lot. A young girl at Habberfield won the 1000 pound. Oh if I had won it. I don’t know what I could have done with it. Do you.

You must have been up late meeting the boys. If you were there till one o’clock. Nice hours to be keeping. What did you think of the Requiem Mass. I suppose it was all in Latin. Why don’t you make Fritty [Germans?] keep away from you. 

Your young lady at the Inquiry office must have got a shock I think it would be the death of me. I hope you have received your parcel before this. I was waiting till you got one before I sent another one. They charged 6/- for sending that one and 5/6 for the next one. But I have written to Mr Gillander to let me know when the next Secretary is going and I will send one by him. You will be sure to get it then. Unless the boat goes down. 

I am glad you like the work and feel happy in doing it, but I know you will be happy when you have all the girls around you.

I am glad you got …… .address from Harry. She will be glad to see you. I am also glad you met Jonny Sharpe and Clark. I must tell Mrs Sharpe when I see her. And Meg Atkins. The Mothers are all glad of you seeing their sons. Have you seen George Noble since? Mrs Noble was asking me and what about Charley Palmer? Do you ever see him? You have fine times of it, going out with the young ladies to tea and sitting on the lawns. What sort of people are the English. Homely or stuck up, or like the Australians. I am sure the Australians are the best what say you.

Dear Norm I am sending you a letter written by Acton Emery to  ? great grandmother? And they had it printed. All about Egypt. Poor boy, his is not such a rosey life. Tramping about in mud and slush, it is not very comfortable.

Aunt Kate has been ill but is getting better. Ethel’s husband is taking a farm. He is out of the soldiers now. His heart is bad so Aunt Kate is going to live with him and Ethel wants her to come down and stop a while with me, till she gets settled up for her. I would like her to come for a while.

We had a nice social meeting in the hall on Monday night. They gave young Clarry Hoare a nice steel watch. He ran the picnic and had a few pounds over, without touching a penny of the school money. I think it is the first time that has been done, isn’t it. But it was the beautiful day they had , people help going out on such a day.

I have our photos enlarged dear Norm. and you put in too and it is lovely. I didn’t think they could do it like that. [looks like they combined photos] I wouldn’t have it done unless you were in it, would sooner wait till you came back and had one taken all together but they done it very well. I had it done at David the framer in Darling Street.

We are to have another meeting in the schoolroom about the Honour roll and enlisting. I got notice from Mr Manning to attend. I wonder what it will be like. They are enlisting here alright again most days a 100, one day 129. If they keep up that it will do. Caz ? was not long in getting his thousand. He is a fine man. If I had been a boy I would have liked to have gone with him.

Well dear Norm, Mr Gooude has just been in for dinner. I gave him that piece to read you sent. I showed it to Mr Manning and he wanted me to have it printed so he said if I gave it to him after My Gooude had seen it, he would get it in the Telegraph so I suppose I will do so. I gave him the piece to read that Acton Emery wrote. I will enclose it to you in this letter. Now dear Norman I must come to a close. All friends are well so is Illma, George and family. They were going to the Richmond Show and we were to meet them there, but didn’t. Oh you should see the fog. The worst fog they have had for years here. You could hardly see your hand before you. 

Goodbye my darling Son, with best love from Dad and heaps from your loving Mother, with kisses. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

40 I think people are tired of getting married

Ans 30/6/18

Elsinore

27 Spring St

May 4^th 1918

My dear darling ducky face Norm,

Another letter but not another Sunday yet. This is Saturday night, but if I don’t write tonight I may not have a chance tomorrow for I don’t know who might pop in. I have had Pearl Emery all the week. She left today to go to a friend in Burwood and I am not sorry. I have been out all the week with her. We went to Mrs McClee one day, to town the next day, to Manly the next day and out to Abbotsford with a cousin of mine yesterday. So I think I’ve done very well, but it does me good to go out, though I feel very tired. 

Aunt Maggie is very well, was saying she had a letter from you. She told me to tell you she has not heard from Foster for months and she has sent him parcels and money and doesn’t know whether he has got them or not. She thought you might find out something about him, she sent the parcels through the Red Cross. Did you get his address. I sent it in one of my letters, but will send it in this letter in case you did not get it. 

You must surely have got one of my parcels before this and our photos. What do you think of them. I am getting one enlarged and you sit in it beside me. The artist said he could make a good job of it. He has to have it done this week, but I have not been for it yet. I got Claud’s enlarged for Illma and it was very nice. She thinks a lot of it. Claud is here tonight. He has to go on tomorrow and the train does not come down early enough on Sunday, so he is stopping here tonight to be early in the morning.I like him or Eileen coming like that it is company for me. 

Pa is over at the Church at a wedding. There are very few weddings now. I think people are tired of getting married. Mr Gooud is away on his holidays yet. I think he will be home tonight. He had three weeks. Mr Manning was up at Woy Woy for a couple of days perhaps Cha came home with him today. Mr M sent us a few little fish he caught down there they were very nice. I heard the other  might Matey Elliott girl had given him up. The person did not know whether it was time or not but she heard so. That was Mrs Elliott of Turner Street. Her boy has been up 2 or 3 times but cannot pass. He passed in Balmain but was turned down at the Barracks and he was so upset about it. He was disguised with Matey. He said he would go himself.[this section is a bit confusing]

We had a good welcome home on last Monday night to the returned boys in the school. Dear Norm, it was very nice but there were not many of them there. Some were away in the country and different places, but it passed off very well. Bob Adcock was here on Thursday night with a notice for your Father to put up in the Church about the tea meeting. He is always early, isn’t he. He went to see the YMCA that time and they were to let him know, but he has heard nothing since. Archie Beard was hear last night. He is stopping ashore for a while, I think fitting up ships. I will put Foster’s address here

Air MaChanie[?]

AA F Harvison

69^th Squadron

AFC    A IF

Abroad

I don’t know if that address is right or not. I think it ought to have the name of some place on it, don’t you but that is the address they gave me.

Dear Norman our expence is beginning here now. We had to get a new cistern for the WC this week. The other was done leaking evere where The Cistern cost 2.10.0  I don’t know what the plumber is going to charge. That is our first expense, except painting it, but I suppose the likes of the cistern must be done. Other things you might leave for a while. [it must be late, her writing is full of errors]

We are not getting many eggs now. Our fowls are all moulting and the young pullets are not laying yet. Eggs are 3/- a doz now, the most I have ever got for eggs. Of course they will be dear when you have not any for sale.

Now  my darling son I must come to a close. I will send you a parcel by one of the Secretarys soon. I hope you are well and having nice weather now. We have had a whole week of beautiful weather but there is a change due and which may bring rain. I hope not. Illma, George and all are well, as we all are. Your Dad sends best love. He has not got his letter yet and sending my dear son with heaps of love your

Ever loving Mother with kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 [you may have noticed that there are no question marks. Maria never used them. If there are any, I have put them in to make it easier to read 😊]

39 No one thought it wise, but she bought a lucky Bond

    

recd 8/6/18  Noted on letter by ANS

Ansd 9/6/18

Elsinore

27 Spring St

Balmain April 29 1918

My dear darling ducky face Norman,

I am pleased to tell you received a nice little letter this week and the two books you sent. I got the books on Tuesday and the letter on Thursday evening. Did you send them in the same mail. I believe there will be another mail in next week. I hope I have some more letters. Write every week and post them, the same as I do and they will catch the 1^st mail. Your last letter dated Feb 26, nearly 7 weeks ago. I am glad my dear boy your cold is better. Did you take the Cough medicine I put in your trunk. I am glad you are settled in your new place now and your hours are a bit shorter, You have more time to yourself. What did you say to Queen Mary when you saw her. (did you tell her I was asking about her). How did you come to get in the King’s stables. I suppose they are very nice.

I hope dear Norman that you have got one of the parcels before this. I know one of the mail boats went down going home about 3^rd or 5^th December with all the mails and parcel but don’t think there were any of mine on her. As soon as I hear that got one I will send you more. I will send it with one of the secretaries next time I think. Mr Gillanders told me to, he said they would be nicer.

Well Norman we have had a busy time here this last week or two. You know the Sunday School picnic was held on Wednesday 17April and oh Norman it was a glorious day. A beautiful sunrise, warm and calm tho it was late in the season to have it and the people did turn out. I did not go. Mrs Cowell and I were down at Cronulla for a few days. Came home Tuesday night so I had to wash Wednesday ………I wouldn’t have gone. I didn’t go to the last one when you were here and another thing. I didn’t believe in them having one now and as the war so bad. Mr Manning thought best and a lot were against it, but it was carried all the same..but I think it turned out well. Of course they didn’t go to all the expense you did last time. No printing and all that. I think they only had toys for the little children, none for the bigger ones and they had the concert on Saturday night last and they are going to repeat it next Monday night, for the rectory fund. I believe it was very good. I won’t be here for it. I am going up to Illma’s on Monday and of course last Saturday I was writing to you and it was too late when I had finished to go in and we had our Vestry meeting on Thursday night and it was very good. They proposed Mr Goode and Bob Adcock for the Wardens and Bob and Mr Whitlaw{?}got in. Poor Day is out of it and Mr Goode. I can’t make it out, how he didn’t get in. I am sure he didn’t like it. So in giving thanks to them all when they had done, Day Cowell got and said there was another who deserved thanks and that was the Verger Mr Barwick and Mr Manning said yes and his wife’s name was coupled with it so they gave us a good clap. [the preceding section was very difficult to decipher ..writing extra difficult ..a bit emotional}

They have decided to have the tea in June and a sale of work later on, so I suppose we will be having a busy time but it is not much I can do to help them. I have taken up another 10.0.0 bond Norm. I wanted to take it up for you but they said they wanted your signature and you might have a lot of trouble to get your bond without so I thought I would take one up myself. Mrs Cowell and I went in to Hordens (you know they and Farmers are giving a phone[?] and …….each in prizes for all that takes a 10.0.0 bond) so Mrs Cowell and I went in to get one so we have our prize tickets now. The first prize is a thousand.[?] My number is 29356. The drawing is to take place in the town hall May the 10^th. Of course we have 5 months to pay up our 10.0.0. No one thinks I was wise in doing so. I know it all helps the soldiers.

Mrs Thring has gone to Hobart for a holiday and Dode is playing the organ for her. She was playing this afternoon for a wedding. I did not send Winnies wedding cake in a letter dear Norman.  I sent it in one of the parcels and sent you a pair of socks. Got plenty yet. Do you darn them at all. You must learn to darn you know. Now my dear darling son, I must come to an end. Pa has never got your letter yet and he sends love to you and accept a larger share from your ever loving Mother, with kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jackie concerned with Norm's interest in Pommy girls, sad news and gossip.

Balmain

21.4.18

Dear Norm

Felt quite in the boom this mail, as I received two letters from you. People will think there is something doing, you writing so often. You’d better be careful of back. Say Norm, you are going gay, taking so much notice of the girls. We are quite prepared now to hear that you are going to marry a little Pommy Tart, as you take such an interest in them, Suppose you spend all your time riding in the buses to have a chip to the girls. You’re the limit Norm.

You’ll be sorry to hear that my father died last week. He had a paralysing stroke six weeks ago and there was no hope from the first. We really wouldn’t wish him back for he had such a bad time. Still we miss him very much, but we mustn’t complain only be thankful that we have had him with us so long. Mum is keeping up pretty well, but she has had a bad time of it.

Things are still the same as ever here. Winter is setting in now, wet and cold, but I don’t mind for I love the cold.

Last Wednesday was the Sunday School picnic, but of course I couldn’t go. They had a perfect day, lovely and sunny, and as it was the first picnic I have missed I have come to the conclusion that I must be the Jonah.

There has been a carnival at the Grove for the Voluntary workers this week end but they had awful weather. Hard luck wasn’t it, for they worked real hard.

Glad you liked the snaps I sent you. We are quite a crowd of Australian beauty aren’t we. You wanted to know who the other girl was with Dorrie and Lily. Well that is Kathie Price. You remember her don’t you. Miss M Fitzhardinge is having a concert in the Town Hall for the ‘Prisoners of War’ and Rectory fund, entitled “the story of the War”. All the old crowd are in it. I am Russia again so will tell you all about it when it comes off. I can see I will be counted out as Russia is out of the running. Our GFS is still going strong, with a faithful few. Glad you saw Jack while in England. I had a letter from him this mail, and he had Quinsy, and would be going into hospital to get his tonsils out, so we are living in hope that he will be out of this offensive, but I’m afraid there is not much hope.

Fred, Eva and the son and heir are quite OK. The baby will be quite a young man when you return so I can see you will have him for a pupil. Ettie is spending the morning gardening and making a general muck up of the garden. When all else fails she can go on the land.

Don’t feel in the humor to write a decent letter, better luck next time.

All here and the girls wish to be remembered to you and hope you are behaving yourself.

So long, cheer up, lots of luck and good wishes,

 From your old pal,

Jackie Castle.

Dot writes about her holiday, drives in Ausy landscape, rabbits and fancy dress parties

99 Louisa Road,

Long Nose Point

Balmain

21.4.18

Dear Norm,

I was very glad to hear by your letter this mail that you and Joe had met. Yes, it must be great for the boys to go into a place like YMCA and see a familiar face. From Joe’s letter this mail he is very thankful for what you have done for him and as indeed we are. I did think that was a beautiful card you sent, and I was up at Bundanoon having a holiday at the time and they sent it up to me and I showed it to people up there. One lady was very touched by it and I found since that she had lost her husband at the war. Yes Norm, wherever you go these days you meet someone who has suffered by this cruel war. Just fancy you being on rations, but I don’t think I could ever fancy myself tackling the frog, much as they try to convince us of the delicacy of them.

Well Norm, I came home from my holiday yesterday and have had a thorough change and a finer lot of people I have never met. Nina was up with me for the first week and she said she had had a great time. One man, a Mr Chancellor who by the way is a YMCA man and a superintendent of the Chatswood Sunday School. I asked him if he knew you, but could not remember you. He was a wonderful man all round Norm, as for organizing. He arranged something every night and he was a wonderfully broadminded man, but true to his convictions and is just the kind of man you want now adays. We had a fancy dress evening one night. It was all arranged in a couple of hours and it was wonderful the way some of them made characters out of practically nothing. I could not help thinking of you Norm. One man went as a Red Cross nurse and he came and borrowed my white shoes (which reminded me of the time you came) as he wanted to be all in white and what do you think? They fitted him! But he has a little foot for a man and I well----have a good hold on Australia as dad says. We all had our photographs taken and I will try to send you one and see if you can pick him and I out.

I went on a 60mile drive through Moss Vale, Sutton Forest, Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls and to me it is indescribable and I am quite sure you do not meant to go out of dear old Ausy (as the boys say). One English lad was with us and she said it was the nearest approach she has seen to English scenery since she has come out. The leaves were just lovely, the trees in some parts overlapping and then come to the falls and have driven right on top of them was great. One man we met up there was a friend of dear old Mrs Cakebread and says he is coming over to have a look at the church one night and see us in our surplices. Well, Norm I must hang off my holiday or I would never stop. These days you might say are not for holidays but still we are all closed in 50 weeks in the year and we must for health reasons get out for 2 weeks.

I missed the picnic, the first that I can remember but they had a great day. Ada says that it is the most perfect day they had had and she was sure that financially it would be a great success. She is going to write and tell you all about it. They had the Annual Meeting and Bobbie Adcock has been elected Churchwarden in place of Mr Day. It is grand to think of Bob coming back into action again. He has already asked Ada to take a table for the tea meeting so means business. He is just the one we need to keep the ball a rolling. CG has gone for his holidays to Tamworth. I am glad he has gone inland this year for every year he goes to Woy Woy and being so near the water it is no change for him and he is not looking at all well of late. I think he has been working too hard at office. It is annual meeting time and very busy as I suppose I shall realize tomorrow.

They are going to give an all round welcome home from the parish to 17 boys next Monday.It was proposed to give a welcome to 3 or 4 of our boys, but Mr Manning thought it would be better to make it a parish welcome and to include the boys on the honour roll who have come home. I shall probably tell you their names and all about it later on.

Well Norm, I think I have told you all this time. I forgot to tell you that when I went on the motor drive the rabbits came out in thousands as we were coming home. There were 8 of us and the chauffeur and I sat in front and was assistant and blew the horn as we rounded the corners and he showed me how to drive. As we came round the corner he said to us look now and you will see 2 black rabbits and we all laughed and sure enough they were there and then further up he said there’s a white one up here somewhere. And he no sooner said it than he showed up and ran across the road. Talk about how they almost came in front of the car and said How do you do! As it became dark we put our light on and the light showed them in twos and threes all along the road. It was quite picturesque. Bess is still up there for another week and wish I was but shall have to be satisfied and consider ourselves lucky these times.

Mrs King has gone to Tasmania for three weeks and Dode is playing and Ada said she managed very well. Norm I must close this time and Hope you are still happy in your new work and do sincerely Hope and trust that things will soon be brighter for you all in the food line and this terrible submarine business will be stopped for it seems the biggest fight of all.

With our very best wishes from all at 99

From yours sincerely, One of the kind, Dot.

It is wonderful what people are doing

98 Rowntree St

Balmain

19^th April 1918

Ans 27/8/18

Dear Norman,

Your welcome letter received yesterday about my cousin, for which I thank you most sincerely for taking such trouble find out about him. I am sorry to say he was killed in action, the ninth and youngest son of my Aunt & Uncle. They only received word last week that he had paid the supreme sacrifice. Some one sent home his bible, pocket book and letters and also an account of his death and burial. I have three cousins in the Kirkby family at present in action, one is gassed and one in hospital. I only hope and pray the other two come through this awful battle and come home again.

As it is the Easter Vestry meeting last evening I took the sweet card you sent me (for which I thank you very much for your kind thoughtfulness in sending to me) round to the school room and shewed the parson and all the girls, your Mother and Dad and Charles G . They all said how pretty it is and a beautiful wish. Thankyou again for sending it.

Bob Adcock was at the meeting and voted a churchwarden again in place of Mr Dayy who retired, so Bob made a promise straight away to take a table at the tea meeting in June. He is living in Drummoyne and I am glad he is into some of the Church work again. The picnic was held on Wednesday and it was a perfect day. I didn’t go this time. Mrs Manning said a great number of Mothers were there, but very few of the old parishioners. It was so soon after the Easter holidays, the girls could not get leave from businesses and of course there are no boys. Cecil Miller is home again. His left arm is useless.

Mrs King is taking a holiday in Tasmania. She has not been well since Stan’s death, so we all hope it will do her good. Charlie G goes off today for a fortnight’s holiday. He too has been very off colour since poor old Charlies (Cox) death. He loved the boy so and I am sure feels his loss more than his own brothers.

Mrs Manning  had plans last evening of a beautiful honour board covering the wooden partition of the choir vestry, something that will be worthy of the nave and beautify the church, but I suppose nothing can be done just yet as such a lot of money is wanted for the boys’ comforts, also to carry out the church work.

The Red Cross is to have a day in Sydney next Friday and all are working very hard. We want to get £1.000.000 and beat Australia Day. One scheme is to have a house badge (red cross on white paper) cost 5/- and paste it on the window. Shops in town have their windows decorated so and buildings display numerous +’s so given a fine day the money will be scooped in. Fancy Australia has raised a loan of over £40.000.000 to carry on the War. It is wonderful what people are doing.

Well Norm dear, once more thanking you for your kindness for sending the card, also for the trouble you have taken with regard to my cousin. I must close this careless scrawl but I’m in a great hurry and want to catch the mail.

Hoping you are well and not working too hard, with the kindest regards, from yours sincerely Edith.

Address me by my Christian name it is more friendly.

ed. Photo of the Honour board

The benefits of a Pandemic, this project is back underway. Sorry about the delay.

Dear Reader, I am aware of one, who has recently jolted me back into action on this project. 

Interesting that as we live through a pandemic not seen since the Spanish Flu of 1918, I have resorted  to the letters  from 1918 that I have transcribed and those still to do to reactiveate this blog. 

The letters from here on are more of a mix, some from Maria, mother of ANS Barwick who is working in London during WW1, some from his friends in Balmain and a few are from ANS himself, that were sent back to his family. Unfortunately the bulk of his letters are missing .Similarly the diary that is mentioned as being passed around friends to read is missing. Sadly, if these had ended up with his sister Illma and in her home, they would have been lost in the fire that took her life a few years later.

So, I resume with a letter sent almost 102 years ago to ANS (Norm) from a friend in Balmain.