My cousin, Kathie, is kindly sending me copies of all the letters that her father, Alfred, received in the USA. He went there in 1928, when he jumped ship, and kept letters from his mother and others. These letters are making such interesting reading for us all. I am going to post the letters and also to type them out as Florence wrote them. Florence obviously had little in the way of education, almost certainly leaving school at the age of 10. As a result she uses no punctuation at all and I have found some letters difficult to read. I am typing in red the words I cannot be sure of. The letters give us so much information about the Depression and our family life in the 1930’s, that I am fascinated by them. I am posting copies of some of the original letters for you to see but then, later, I will just post my typed copy of them.
The thing that comes across very strongly is the love that Florence has for her sons. I think it also comes across, how very close she was to both Alfred and Norman.
June 10th 1928
This is how I have managed to type up the above letter
Sunny Bank
Albert Road
Deal
June 10th 1928
My dear Alf
I wrote to you on 25th or 26th of May. You was just about leaving Baltimore as I was writing, it coming day after I received your letter. I was going to write, but Les was ill and Frank was at home until the 22nd so I had plenty to do. In my letter I told you Les and Lydia were being married the 28th May. Well it came off all right and a very nice wedding they had. When the vicar found Les & you were brothers and you had been in the choir he got all the choir boys together he could and gave them a full service & a very nice address after. The church was full. They had the Masonic Hall and over sixty sat down to supper and a dance after they received just on 80 presents. I have already sent you one paper Baltimore but I manage to get another one for fear you don’t get that one.I was glad you only one week out of work because that takes all the gilt off your savings. Get so much out of work but I new you would try and get a job. Fancy coming to Manchester. I am afraid you will have it pretty rough because it blowing pretty hard here and I see by the papers some of the big liners are held up. I hope you get the chance to cum home but as you say it a lot of money if you only home a few hour. I know you will do what you think best. Frank got his job again in the Blue Line. The name of his ship is Avila. He goes to B A (Buenos Aires) just about the same as the (I can’t read name but looks like) Kowloon boats did. Tom Tillie has a job in New York for two years. I have enclosed some snaps that were taken on the wedding day – they are not too bad but the sun was so strong then we are all drawing a face. Well dear I must close wishing you a safe journey. With heaps and heaps of love & the very best wishes from your loving Mother
I have punctuated this letter but not corrected all her spelling.
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
June 30th 1931
My dear Alf
Received your most welcome letter yesterday. Glad you where about to leave New York. By the papers they have had a heat wave 75 died. We have very nice weather – not to hot. Frank was here two weeks ago,. He has to stand off three & four days a week. Such few boats in. He is having rather a hard time of it. Dad as finished right up everything. Les has the luck to get back to that other chap – thats a lot off my mind to have heard,
Its very hard for for me with no one to give cleaning done waiting for the visitors to come. I dont think Deal is going to have much of a season. Every one short of money. When you get the papers you will see we have had a murder in Deal. I am glad the poor chap got off. Dad knows him. He had enough to make him do it long ago. Normans getting on fine. Likes his work ever so much. You will see in the papers where he has a sale on today in (I simply cannot read the next few words which look like Hawkhurst hospital. Beach Street.)
the sale is at the Auction Mart Park St. He left home this morning at 8 it as just gone 4 as not been home for his dinner.
When there is a sale on that is the hardest part, He never knows when it will end. They have 272 lots to get ride of today. The in closed came here for you the other day. When I saw it was address to Sunny Bank I new it was some one that did not know much about you so I opened it, found it was some one you came knowing going to be married, I hope you get it in time to answer it. When you do they will know it had to come all the way to to NewYork. Well dear I must close now or I shall miss the mail. with all the best god could give you.
From your loving mother
Park Lane is now called Beechwood Avenue
The enclosed was this invite:
June 28th 1932
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
June 28th 1932
My dear Alf
I was just pleased to get your letter as I was to your last. I have been wondering what you were doing. You said you might be out of a job and I was waiting to here from you and what address to write to. I am glad you have got in another job and like it so much. What a lot better for you. You will get on I fell sure. It won’t be for want of trying – that I do know. Norman’s getting on well – every week he comes home we are please with him ??? I am wondering what he will say when I give him your letter this week end to ???? the week you sent Frank the £2 he came to Deal and brought his eldest boy with him I would of kept the poor little lad but to was too much for me to. He was okay here six days. Frank took him back home on the Friday come back again Monday as he had the promise of a job Monday morning but nothing came of it. I kept him here about ten days and give him a good feed up every day. He went and had a hunt around but nothink doing. He went back home is wife wrote and said she only had a few little jobs which he does his self. He ?????? is only a one man firm now. Still we have a lot to be thankful for – a good many people in Deal would be able to let there rooms. Les keeps in work but says they are on the finish if nothink more comes along it is all over. The world alike I don’t expect you got your place if you had not been able to pay that hundred pounds. That was a lot of money for you to pay and now have yourself to keep. I must close now. wishing you the best of luck and heaps of love
From your loving Mother
2nd September 1932
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
2nd Sept 1932
My dear Alf
I think its nearly time you had a few lines from me. I find quite enough to do. Get rather tired and the heat took it out of my. My word it was hot last month. It as broken up now, turned cold and wet. I suppose we shall grumble about that soon. There is not much news. Dad is very well, as a few small jobs come in. Norman starts is weeks holiday from tomorrow, Saturday. Les has had to stand off three days this week as —— again now. I do hope is boss finds enough to keep him going this winter but everything is still very bad over here by the papers. Now Frank is about the same. I am glad you are getting on so well. I fell (felt) more than please about it. Hope you have not had it to hot. It makes one fell right down ill several nights. We were 93 – thats high for here. Frank came home about 3 weeks ago for Dad to set him up with brush as he had got a painter job from June. Dad set him up with what he wanted. I bought him aprons and gave him money thinking he had got a start at last. Monday we heard from him saying that job only lasted three days. He had gone back on 25/- per week as he as nun (none) is dole out that is all they give him now and that he was in trouble about is rent. I sent him £2 at once. I tell him to look for a job & go to sea again if he can. Never mind what he wants. We know very well he can’t get enough food on that money. He would have his food and she would have as much money without him to keep. I don’t know what next we shall have here but don’t you trouble. You have got yourself to look after – that’s why I don’t like telling you all in case.
With best love and wishes from your ever loving mother
dated october 20th 1932
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Oct 20th 1932
My dear Alf
Just a few lines hoping your cold is better. We have all had colds, nearly everyone we know has been laid up with them. Everything is very quiet. Les has only been working two or three days a week and poor old Frank is still out . Have just heard from him this morning. Dad as sold nearly all his working tools just kept few to do any little jobs that come along. What was the use of him paying 6/ 6d a week for is big store and no work and another thing he only wants light work how he was 65 in August. He says he is getting past it. He don’t want roof work just what he can do on the ground and it was no good keeping it on for Les. Some big builders are glad to take little jobs that Dad use to have. Norman will soon be earning more money. We can just manage but one never knows there luck. Old Chapman as just died being buried today. He may left us a 100 or two. I don’t think you will read all about it in the papers. The little snap is of me and my dog taken on the lawn I was washing up when the lady staying with us said “come on I have just one left” but they say if I had guess from it I should not looked so well. I am sending this one she is going to get half dozen more done for me. By the papers there as been rioting in Glasgow and London with the unemployed. We shall have one in Deal if things don’t buck up. Everything seems died no chance of letting your rooms. My people left on the 21st September and I think I was nearly the last one in Deal to have a empty house. Well dear I hope everythink has gone well with you. So far have you been to see the Slavan yet? I should hold in with him. With heaps of love from your loving mother
xxxxx
xxxxx
9th november 1932
I have added a letter that Norman wrote to Alfred, talking about joining Alfred in America so I will not re-post it here but here is a link to the page
https://www.judithbennett.co.uk/norman/
He was obviously enjoying working at Daniels and doing well judging by the complementary letter that he received.
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Dec 7th 1932
My Dear Alf
Just a few lines to wish you a happy Christmas. I shall be think of you wondering where you are and what you are doing. I have sent you three pairs of socks I have made my self this year. Hope you can wear them and like the colour. You wear such gay colours out there if you send some colours you would like I can make you some more. I must have something to do. Have been making Dad, Norman and Frank a long time, They would cost to buy ready made here about 4/6. I can make them for just under 2/- per pair. Not every one can wear home made socks. Wilf is unable make is feet ache. If they the same you can find some one to give them to. So glad your eye is better . It was awful painful I know. A few years ago Frank had the same thing happen. I thought he was going mad. He came down last Saturday , brought is wife and children down to her mothers as she thought her mother would have to be in hospital for a month or two back, Beat took her to Canterbury hospital Monday, They sent her back said they could do nothing until June.
The children and him are going to stay over Christmas. Frank is still out. I don’t know what will happen to him if he don’t soon find somethink. He looks awfull thin , nothing but skin and bone then bikes all the way from Tilbury and back just on 60 miles each way (IT IS ACTUALLY 76 MILES) . I help him all I can but with Norman to keep it makes me poor but I have got a lot to be thankful for. A good many parents have nothink them selves there is plenty here with husbands and sons out of work.
Dad still finds a few little jobs he don’t keep on all the week. He works two or three days then has a rest. I ask Norman if he had seen anythink of Miss March. He says she is going out with some chap that works in the gas works. I have been down for a lot time. It is a good walk from here. OK I have just heard from Mrs Chitty and overs (others?) saying them bakers have sent another 10/- off my account. You remember them they had own house in Blenheim Rd. they still owe me some of the rent. well I must close now. Wishing you everythink of the best health and happyness with fondest love your your ever loving Mother
This is a label sent with socks for his birthday
February 3rd 1933
Elmbank
Park Avenue
Deal
Feb 3rd 1933
My Dear Alf
I expect you think it time you had a few lines from me but there not much news we have had some rather bad weather which left plenty of flu i am just getting over my share its left my back so bad thank goodness i never had such a bad time as last year when i get my back better shall be able to jab? at it I have not heard from Frank for about two weeks when he said everythink was just about the same thinks sometime he will go mad I think I told you all about her people sending for them to come down to her home at Walmer while her mother went in Canterbury hospital when her mother found she did have to stay there that was on the Tuesday as they came on the Saturday
the Monday morning before nine o’clock they were all four turned out with nothing to eat and bitter cold poor old Frank I shall never forget how upset he was what a good thing he never gave up there home I gave them all a good feed & her and the children the money to get back to Tilbury by bus Frank went on his push bike he said the same as I have there is no place like home of course that as made them bad friends now dirty dago her mother they never had sixpence between them and not a bit food what did she think the poor things were going to do
Norman as had is dose Wilf was poorly back before Christmas we received your tel Christmas morning it put the wind up us for the moment that and one or two cards was all we had there was only Norman Dad and I at home I done my weeks washing it was just the same to us everything very quiet I am glad you liked the sacks? you shall have the scarf as soon as it is done
I must close hoping you are keeping well and don’t get the flu heaps of love from your loving Mother
march 30th 1933
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
March 30th 1933
My dear Alf
Why dont you write. Its no good of you saying dont worry. Not hearing from you would make me more. I got your letter the day after I sent the scarf off and wrote next day. Paps think about you I put the address wrong the scarf was not what I thought it was going to turn out but thought it would do just for the cold weather. Since I sent it we have had it quite hot – by the papers you have been having it the same. Les as just started work this week after two week out. When we heard from Frank last week he thought he had a chance of a job. Thats all I have heard. Have you heard from Harolds wife. She payed one of her flying visits . Ask all about you.It was the week I got your letter saying you was out. She ask for your address to write. I don’t know how many times I have given it to her. Dad,Norman and myself are well. I have just started spring cleaning. It very hard work for me with no one to give me a hand. Everythink seems so heavy to lift – thats the matter flu takes all your strength. My hand shakes, I hardly know how to write but I felt I must because all the time I keep think of you the other two have been worrie enough.But you are so far away and I should have been and seen what you where doing before now, if you were nearer. Well dear with love in haste
From your loving Mother
April 28th 1933
Elmbank
Park Avenue
Deal
April 28th 1933
My dear Alf
You don’t know how pleased I was to get your letter, I was sure there was something wrong. I allways have a nasty worried felling (feeling) if there is anything wrong with my boys. Dad said when he read your letter “ you seem to be always right” because I kept saying I know Alf is in trouble about somethink. I am you got another job. Hope everythink goes right this time. You don’t say if you lost your £100. I suppose you did the same as we lost Normans £50. Dirty lot of take ins. Still they lie and seem to do well on other people money. Wilf came home yestday to give us a look. First since October. He was looking fine. Says he is saving every penny. He don’t even smoke. I don’t blame him as he says he never knows when he may be told he is not wanted. Its not so easy for him to get a job in his line now that everyone that can goes in for barbering. Now I have sent you on a white silk scarf. Its not much but I am sure you will like it for evening wear. I meant for you to have it for your birthday the 9th of this month (when) you was 24. I have only seen you once in eight years. An well perhaps it all for the best. I don’t know what you could have done here. Everything is still going bad. Les as had the luck to be kept on. Nearly all the other men came out again. When I heard from Frank last week, he was still out- he writes and build my hopes up he’s got a job coming off next time I hear from him still out. I am felling (feeling) much better able to get out every day. Dad keeps well. Norman as been troubled with his teeth latly. You know what that is. He is having three stopt (stopped) this week. I must close now. With heaps of love from your loving Mum
This letter is from Norman 23rd June 1933 to Alfred
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
23/6/33
Dear Alf
Let’s hope this letter finds you in a better position than I am at present for I am writing in bed and I suppose you know how hard it is to do that the Doctor says I have had haemorrhage of the brain but I don’t believe him nor does mother. This is what happened:- On Whit Monday I went sailing and rowing which I will tell you about later and went back to work for the rest of the week. On Sat following I had a headache but I carried on as usual. All Sat, Sunday it lasted so on the Monday I went to the Doctors it still aching then. The doctor said that I had a touch of sunstroke. He gave me some medicine but as it was still aching in the evening (Monday) I went to see hm again and this time he gave me some tablets.
On waking up on the Tuesday, my head was aching worse than ever, but mind you I was still walking about and during the morning it got on my nerves that I told Mum to fetch the Doctor so I went to bed (about 2.15pm) and the Doctor came during the afternoon. He gave me an injection then another in the evening and one next morning (Wed) and a fourth that evening. He told mother that I had got a haemorrhage on the brain and was a serious case. Mother however did not believe him but of course she did not say so
Now do you think I could have walked about nearly 4 days with a broken blood vessel in my head because I don’t. Also, Alf, according to 3 or 4 people who know a bit about such things I would of had a fit in the first place taking two or three men to hold me down & if I survived that I would have been paralysed down one side and funny enough I had read about this before the people told Mum.
What I have really have is a touch of sunstroke, over exertion and inflammation of the brain but I am ok now so that is alright.
Well Alf, I have also taken to the sea, only in a sense of pleasure, Here is a short account of the mad tricks we get up to:- the crew comprising a Deal lad named Bert Fielder, now working in London, Ted Goodburn and myself, The boat we use is a galley, 25 years old, 29 ft 6 in long 6-7 cwt of ballast , common big sail. Easter Friday we sailed down the coast to Sandwich Bay where those nasty rollers which you no doubt remember in the bay broke over our gunwale and swamped us. From there we headed E a round 5 miles to the Brake Lightship which we boarded as usual. On the Sat we sailed again to Sandwich or Pegwell Bay then rowed 16 miles up the river Stour past Sandwich and “The Mystery Port”. We spent then night in the boat trying to sleep on the oars placed along the seats. Gee it was cold and at day-break we re-rowed the 16 miles to the mouth of the Stour and then sailed home.
We are the first to sail a galley into Ramsgate Harbour for about 15 years, The very first to take a galley up the Stour and on Whit Sunday we rowed from Deal to Ramsgate, sailed for 10 minutes past Ramsgate having encountered a little breeze & then rowed to Broadstairs. From Broadstairs we sailed to the Brake Lightship then on to the South Goodwin Lightship and then into Dover Harbour where we had tea. We sailed from the entrance of the harbour to nearly St Margarets Bay (ratching by the way) where the wind dropped and we had to row home, In that day we covered nearly 50 miles out of which we rowed for about 20 miles
I am getting on fine at my work and since I have been ill the boss (Mr Daniels) has told Wilf that he misses me a lot and that I am the best hand he has had for a long time. The manager has also praised me up to some people who are friends of mine so that is alright.
On the 9th May Frank had a little girl (Audrie Florence Mockett) note:- A.F.M mothers initials. He was down here last week end to see me and is still out of work.
I hope you are getting on with your work alright and are interested for that I do know is half the battle.
Well, Alf, there is a lot I would like to tell you about but I do not know where to start and I cannot scribble much more to you long here in bed. I get stiff all over
Everybody OK here
Cheerio Alf
From your loving Brother
Norman
Letter dated 30th June 1933
The people living in Sunny Bank never got this letter up to us wensday 28th we dont understand what it all means Dad said I had best send it back to you if you want him to fill it in say what he is to put and let him have it back again Norman wrote to you last week he is still in bed hard luck for hm and us as well Dr said he will tell him what he can do on Monday he will have been in bed three weeks by then in hast for mail from your loving mum
letter dated august 25 1933
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
August 25th 1933
My dear Alf
You dont know how pleased I was to here from you. We have been wondering how you got on with those papers I sent on to you but you dont say anythink about them. Dad or I could not understand them. I am sorry Mrs Harrison is leaving she as been like a mother to you. I received a very nice letter from her but have been very busy with people in and get so tired now. I have not really got over the shock Norman gave me yet I dont expect he told you when he wrote how ill he had been. when I sent for the Dr on the 13th of June he only gave him 48 hours to live told me to send for anyone I wish to see him .I sent for Frank, Wilf, Les. Poor old Wilf I thought he was going mad he was so upset I had to keep Norman laying on his back three week he was seven weeks all together before he could go back to Broadstairs he seems very well just now but as to wear glasses and keep him self very quiet. I had to take these people i have in because they had booked my rooms before is illness thank goodness they go the 3th of Sept then I shall be able to rest and pick my self up. I do hope you find some nice rooms and people to live with it makes all the difference if you have some where you can live happy with when you are wanting a meal – & good food. Dont work to hard & over do it you can study to much. Frank was here to week a go for me to help him get a few things. He had got about a months or two work at last – did Norman tell you they have got a baby girl the first in our family I never hear anythink from Horace or Harold just Frank when he wants anythink from???? they a time of it . Les I see nearly every day mainly we call him the little old man I should miss him. The week ends Wilf when the fit takes him he is working in Ramsgate house and can look after his self he says no girls dont trap him we have to laugh you know tough be all ——— I must close with heaps of love
PS dont keep me too long before you let me know what kind of people you are living with
October 17th 1933
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Oct 17th 1933
My dear Alf
I hope these few lines finds you well. I have been expecting to here from you to know your new address. I take it Mrs Harrison is still in New York. My people left after all the middle of last month. Since then I have had a rest and given the house a good clean up. I am felling fine. For the present. More peace of mind. Frank is in work, He got work about six week ago. We dont know how long for. Have I told you before that Dad as put another house up on that piece of ground we had next to Elmbank. Heaps of people are crying all most for houses so Dad went and saw is bank people, ask them if he could have some money. He as got the house up & let at £1 per week. Its not so big as this, so if we can manage to live without wanting any of the rent in five years it will be ours. dad will be 71 by then. I am 62 next Saturday, Still able to do more than some of the bits of girls. All they seem to think about is getting out there hair & dress. The men seem to have the house to keep clean. it is awful to see some of the places they call home. I expect it is just the same where you are. More money they have more they want. When the men are out expect the country to keep them. Dad & I went to Ramsgate last Friday. Saw Wilf looking fine. Norman keep fairly well – is head still troubles him at times. He is not going to sit for his exam this year. It will be to much for him. Harold was supposed to come home from China in June. We have never seen or heard a word from him or her. I told you she came and saw us in March. Everything was alright, then ask for your address and Franks. He as not heard from them. I don’t expect you have.
There not much fresh news You have the papers, you can see all there is going on here. I will close hoping everythink is going well with you. Wishing you luck & health, With heaps of love
From your loving Mother
PS the new house we have names Sunny Bank
I will write to Mrs Harrison
November 30th 1933
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Nov 30th 1933
My dear Alf
I was just glad to hear from you. I was getting worked up to a pitch when the mails came in. Nothink from you. Well Im cooled down now. I got your letter this morning. What a long time it was coming. Les is the only one I see until Norman comes home on Saturday. He always says just the same as Les – dont worry he is alright – someone is sure to let you know anythink was wrong.
By the papers, awful things are going on round about. New York lI always wonder where you are but still I am glad you keeping right away from all the right crowds that cum when all the awful things happen. At the present we are all well, pleased you are in the best of health. Thats the main thing. I chose Sunny Bank for the new house. We had some very happy times in old Sunny Bank as well as sad. I think my ladies miss you when you went away, then when you was missing. What fine bike rides and rambles we used to have. Often you left Wilf can’t & Norman was always tired, We did go down the sand hills a few times but bike riding was so much like work. You and I never thought so in them days. Since you was home four years ago I have only been out of Deal three times. Twice to London for the day, once to Broadstairs when Wilf was ill. I allmost for get what the country like. I just sat & think about old happy times that I shall never have again.
Fancy your hair going grey so soon. I suppose it because you are dark. Mine as just began to go at the sides. That worried me a bit but my age & yours over 40 more than you but still dark people go grey sooner than fair & —— work turns some people grey. So long as you fell fit and well thats everything. I heard from Frank, Tuesday. He was still in work & they where all keeping well. I think this is all for now. Its nearly tea time so must close with heaps and heaps of love & all the best of luck
Your loving Mother
Letter dated July 24th 1934
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
July 24th 1934
My dear Alf
I have been waiting & waiting for a letter from you. I havent had one this three months. I keep looking for the mail – still nothink. Are you busy or ill. What is wrong. I got seven photos about three weeks ago. Have been looking for a letter from you telling me what to do with them. all the people that i have shown them to like the full face one best. I like both. Norman as taken one to put in his bedroom at his digs. Les, Wolf, Frank all want one an I saying I I wont give give them any untill I here from you saying what I am to do with them. What awful hot weather we have been having not so hot by the papers. I see New York are having quite hot enough. I think we shall get it coolere. We are having our real rain this afternoon. Been raining since one o’clock. Now its time everythink
gets burnt up but there is may places worse off than us. Franks wife and three kids are staying with her mother at Walmer. Call them selfs to be more after they are down here. Been there a month come Monday. We are not gone on our first Grand Daughter. They are not looked after. It makes me fell ill when I have them coming. The place is like a pig sty in about ten minutes – Beat just sits down and lets them do just as they like. They have been here a month come Monday. I shall be glad when i hear her say they are going home. Frank comes down Saturday gets back in time for work Monday morning. He thinks his job may last another month or six weeks then he will have the winter to face. I could never put up with them here. I keep my place as nice as I can hoping to be able to do some apartment letting. I have only had one lady in so far for two weeks. Have nothing booked for August but the first three weeks in September everythink is very quiet. Dad & Norman are keeping very well. Some days I am not to bad. Cant put up with moaning so mind you write down and let me know what you are doing. With heaps of love and all good wishes
From your loving Mother
august 10th 1934
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
August 10th 1934
My dear Alf
I was please to receive a letter from you but so sorry you have been ill. I do hope you will get over it. Often people have to have a kidney taken out. I know a woman how as just had one. She is quite well again. Its hard luck just as you are getting on so well but mind you dont work to hard and over do it though its great to know one try hard without getting someone to hold your hand. If you were like one or two more of them just as you began to got on felled your hand with girls & a lot of silly other things. You would never have been able to do it, There is plenty of time yet -trust you for that. Look at what a mess Frank as made of his life and a wife like some fat old sow dont trouble about anything the three kids & him not much more than skin and bones. He went back to Tilbury, Monday in time to start work Tuesday having her & the children sent to Walmer as her mother was suppose to be ill. Soon as Frank was gone her mother and her had a set two (to) down here. They came for me to take them in. I soon got the money off Dad & sent them back to Tilbury. I would sooner be on bread and water than have my home upset with them. Norman will be glad when he comes home this week end to know they are gone. He said last week no peace. They would allways come down Saturday & Sunday. Frank use to come to Walmer Saturday soon as he left work – go back Sunday night. I heard from her saying they got back allright. She said Frank had gone on the dole because his boss had nothink for him to do untill next week. I am not going to take it. All in its time there is five of them to keep but if you have got a wife that let the children do just as they like -just sit & look on never trouble weather (whether) they mess there selves or what they are doing, it dont matter how much money they have. I am ease for money for the kiddies if they were looked after. They are pretty children- the eldest boy is sweet but they are badly fed. There faces are full of bones. As Dad says Frank just blames me for anythink. Les as the best wife so far. His little home spotless clean. Les thinks himself lucky if he can take home £2 10/- week and 12/6 to pay out of that for rent & three of them to live. She is a good manager. Thank goodness I have got them living in Deal and not some of the others.
I took Frank your photo he was out & Les took Eileen March. She came the other afternoon for your address. Stayed quite a time. My word what a change in her. When I went to the door, I wonder who it was. She looked like some chain (?? or is it choir) girl with her lips and face painted up. When I told Lydia she had been, she said “what did you think of her Mum?”. She said “when I go there to have my hair done -what a fright she looks. Quite spoilt her self. I supse its the fashion but how much better she looked without all that make up. I told you all about Dad’s garden in my last letter everything dugged up. I have not been down the sand hills for years. The last time I went out of the town was two years this coming November, that was when I went to Broadstairs when Wilf had a bad turn. He came home this week and was looking fine. He had one of your photos, & Norman one. Two I have kept my self. Frank never ask for one – said that were they to I let them have one that –—-
I must close now, my head begins to bump. Hoping you will let me knowhow you are getting better I hope. I thought there was somethink wrong why you kept me so long without a letter.
With heaps & heaps of love & all the best of health
From your
Loving Mother
PS Frank as just been to see me
I have asked Kathie as to whether her father had a kidney removed, as is implied in this letter, and he must have had an infection as he had both kidneys!
letter dated October 8th 1934
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Oct 8th 1934
My dear Alf
I do wish you would write and let me k now how you are. I keep worrying and wish I new if you were better. I hope so, it would be hard luck for you just as you where getting on so well. we are all very well in health but very little work about. Dad as nothing in. Les as been out three weeks. I dont know about Frank. Have not heard from them since August. I expect they would soon write if he was out & I had five weeks apartment letting. Got through very well. I dont take only two or three people at a time. It is as much as I can do for single handed. They were very nice people. Now I suppose there is a long weary winter in front of us. Les says there is heaps on the dole. More than in January. By the papers, things are not all honey out your way. I cant think why people wont live in peace. Well dear, I send you all the papers, You get all the news. There is not much for me to write. I only hope you find time to write and let me know how you are.
with best wishes and love
from your loving Mum
Letter dated November 20th 1934
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Nov 20th 1934
My dear Alf
I was pleased to get your letter. It eased my mind to know that you was well. I hope you keep so. You must take care your self. Mind what you eat, have everythink as plain as you can get it. Not so much tin stuff that dont do any one much good. We have had bad colds. When Norman gets one it sticks to him. You see he is along here weeks end for me to Doctor up. It does seem madness us living in Deal & the two boys paying home one ???? £2 8/- a week between them & not half looked after. If they were having that money home it would nearly find us all our food. I should have a much better time. They would take me to the cinema or a whist drive. I hate going anywhere by my self. Dad says he is fed up with Deal. There nothink here for us to stop he told Norman to look out for a nice house between now and next winter, Then he will have the house next door Sunny Bank nearly payed for. Then he can ask his bank to let him have enough to pay for another. He was 67 last August. He thinks it will be best for me to be where Norman is. He is getting well but you know he was never strong and if he left where he is now, he is well known & liked, he stands a much better chance of getting another job in Broadstairs or Margate & Ramsgate than here. This place might be growing but all the better class people are leaving because of the miners. As Norman says Dad will find quite as much as he wants to do in Broadstairs. We could get 25/- per week rent for Elmbank. We are trying to get him not to wait till next winter but I know he wont – not until there is another years rent payed off the house next door. We get a £1 per week for that an the bank done and more if he can get it. Gather, twice over our letters have crossed. I wonder if you have got one on the way. Now I hope so. I must close now with heaps of love and all the best of health
From your loving mother.
last letter sent from deal dec 12th 1934
Elmbank
Park Lane
Deal
Dec 12th 1934
My dear Alf
I had just been & posted a letter & the papers to you when your letter came. I was pleased you are keeping well. Health is everything. Well the final thing Dad was sixty seven (67) 18th of last August. I was sixty two or three 62 in October. I am not quite sure. My mother never told me my right age. Next the house next door. Just you put your think cap on. I wrote and told you when Norman was laying very ill summer before last, Dad had just started a house on his piece of land next to Elmbank & the Dr went & told him to pack up & stop the men knocking about. When it was finished I sent & told you we had let it for a £1 per week. If we could live without the rent it would take 5 years to pay for it & told you I had name it (Sunnybank) when I turn out I may find your letter where you thought it good as this is Elmbank that makes four we shall have some day. Blenheim Road and Elmbank are payed for with the money out of Elmbank and Sunnybank and if Dad gets cash he pays every penny he can get actually into the bank. It wont take long before they are the Mocketts. He just said its no good us staying here. The last job he done they never payed him for he can get plenty like that. He has about £200 owing him in Deal alone. Then again, Norman, a few months ago got a raise. Is wages are now 25/- per week. Now his landlady as found that out she wants more money. That will mean I shall have to help just as much as I have had to do nearly 3 years. Well I cant do it on what little bit of house keeping Dad lets me have. I often have felt like crying when Norman as left Monday morning & taken what money he would want left me with a few coppers to last all the week. That why I don’t go anywhere because if I did they would expect me to ask them here. I dont see going into Deal fun.
PS We have just heard from the furniture removers saying they are coming for our things.
Dec 11th 1934
Elmbank
(After the 29th this month our address will be)
Inglewood
Vale Road
Broadstairs
Kent
Dec 11th 1934
My dear Alf
When you receive this I shall be busy packing up. Dad as made up is mind to live in Broadstairs as soon as we can get there. Norman as got a nice house for us through is boss – £800 house for £650. Dad went and saw his Bank manager. He said he could have the money so long as he let him have the deeds. Dad says with the boys money to help keep us we shall be able to leave the rent of Elmbank and Sunnybank to pay it off. Dad will stand more chance of getting work there. Normans boss told him he can find all the work he will want to do & if I am well enough I shall get a better chance of apartment letting there as there is nothing in Deal now for Dad an I in the way of work. I had five weeks let this summer. People around us could not understand me doing so well. Some of them never had a chance to let one week. every one that can clears out of Deal. Yes Norman as wrote to you, He can explain things better than I can. I dont know what I should do without him. He is ever so like you in is ways. I suppose it is going to the same school but Wilf ,since he pick up with a nice girl, he is much quieter and goes to church on Sunday. When he wrote & ask me if he could bring her home he said she is not a girl to pander and paint. Dad & I was very please with her. She is cook/housekeeper to a big man in Broadstairs. Soon after I posted my last letter to you I heard from Frank saying he was out of work and on the nack again. He came down this weekend, He said this makes the Three Christmas he as been out of work but he looked much better than he use to now the shipping is looking up. He is trying to go to sea again, We said what a shame he got married as he did. He is just a boy in his ways. Still we have never heard a word from Harold. Dont know if he is still in the navy or not or Horace & I am not moaning about them. Well dear, I don’t expect I shall get a chance to write to you again before Christmas so I wish the best of luck and health, will send you some little thing later. It is going to cost about £6 to move our lot over to Broadstairs. I have enclosed a card. Norman had them done for me. He says they looks better to send to some of the people that have stayed with me. I must close now. Wishing you all that good
From your ever
loving Mum
31 January 1935 after the move to Broadstairs
Inglewood
Vale Road
Broadstairs
Kent
Jan 31st 1935
My dear Alf
Many thank for your nice letter but we have not received the cable – guess if you sent it to Elmbank they would have sent it on. I expect it is lost. You say in your letter there nothink like moving to stir up your live and give you a heacache. Norman say why didnt you say & told to begin with. The house had been shut up about six months & that was a bit damp. Then the 28th Dec – the day we moved – the rain came down in sheets. It rained every day till next Friday. On the Saturday, Wilf & Norman were both bad with flu. They had about ten days of it. Then it was my turn. I thought I was going to say bye. the Dad had nearly all last week in bed. Since Saturday we have snow and bitter cold. What with one & another I hardly know weather I am in Broadstairs or Deal but once we get the nice weather and get over these colds I am going to like it better. I have got the boys to do little things for me when I was bad. Wilf got up in the night to see if I wanted anythink. Brought me some hot milk and put more hot water in the hot water bottle. He says I put the wind up him. We are ever so happy together. Five years in digs as done him good. He says if ever he had to leave home again he would marry the first girl he met. Both Wilf & Norman tell me now how they have to make shift with anythink. The landlady wants the money not them. With good plain food that I give them Wilf says his clothes too tight allready. There is another thing, for months in Deal I never knew what it was to get up in the morning without a head ack (headache)
Since I have been here I have not had one. When I was ill with flu or what ever it was my head never acked. It a very nice house – I wish you could see it. Les says it seem strang to him not having us in Deal. I expect he will soon come here to live. He says there is nothing in Deal. He as been out of work since Christmas week. Says nearly all the men in the building trade are on the dole. He wishes he were out of it. I have just wrote to Frank – we have not heard from him since he came to Elmbank the end of November. I sent him a few shillings for Christmas & never heard a word. I keep wondering what is the matter. I had a short note from Harold Christmas saying he was out of the navy – only his pension to live on. If he had the money he could do this that and the other. I have not answered it because they ought to have money. He never had to stop work because of the weather – there was his money wet or fine. She used to draw £2 7s 6d every Thursday without (means out of) his pay, as much as Dad allows me to find everythink & now to have to help keep Norman as well & not many weeks I miss sending a few shillings to Frank when he was out of work. If I could do it and keep out of debt so could they & save. I dont say there was often somethink I had to go without but thats all over n ow. I can get a glass of stout or wine if I want it. I have just got myself a bottle of winngannis. The Dr says that is a very good pick me up.
Harold told me when he was made first Class P.O. is pay was $4 5/- a week and there is only is two selfs. Dad says he as no money to hand them. They should have looked out after it when they had got it. He has got to look after his to get this house payed for. We have let Elmbank for £65 per year. That as got to help pay for this. Dad says because we have tryed hard to get a bit. Round some of them think we are millionaires. I think that is all for now. Hope you are still keep well. Health is everythink. I see in the daily paper you have got it very cold as well. My wirelesss as all gone wrong since we have been here. I do miss it. I dont think it can be fired right. I have had it about six years – it never went wrong in Deal. I use to get a lot of news from U.S.A on that. I shall have to look the mercury up. I dont know what the boys have done with them. Everything as been in such a muddle. Les sends them to us now. Wishing you the very best luck & health. With heaps of love from
your loving Mother
April 19th 1935
Inglewood
Vale Rd
Broadstairs
April 19th 1935
My dear Alf
I expect you have wondered why you have not heard I received your thurd letter yesterday I have ask Norman to write from me but he as been very busy at the office after his done there and had is tea he is off to one club or the other is what they can job master from the TOC H he as found it to much for him & I am please to say he is given it up if they will let him it was all very nice for him to have somewhere to go to when he was in digs now we are living here he don’t want so much of it why I have not wrote much in my last letter I said I was getting over the flu then I use to fell so bad after every think I eat I went across the road to the Doc he said I was a very sick woman I had got gastric flu very bad & I have been bad over a month I have not been able to eat – all drink but I am better there as been even such a lot of illness this part of the would (world) this winter I am expecting Lyd Leslie wife to move over Saturday to stay four a week or two as she as been in hospital being bad had somethink like ??? let herself go so long it was tuch and go with her for two weeks. you are wise not to leave your job untill you see a other. Frank as been out all winter again that is a worry to me half a weeks pay is better than nothink at all Norman as long leaves plenty of evening about and as just got 30/- per week he had better stay there than do nothing there is plenty would like his job. I must close now will write later I have kept saying what about my Alf no one writes to him with heaps of love your loving Mum
TOC H was a club opposite St Peters Church and is short for Talbot House. Here is a link to the club https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toc_H
12th October 1935
Inglewood
Vale Road
Broadstairs
Oct 12th 1935
My dear Alf
At last I have found time to write. When I wrote last I told you to (two) ladies where coming to stay with me for two months. I new there would be plenty for me to do single handed. Since every day I got through very well only very tired some days. They have been gone three weeks now. The first thing I though(t) I had best do was give the house a good clean down. Just as I got it done then I had Norman in bed all last week. There is a very bad kind of flu going about. Its all on the chest & throat. The Dr said he could go out Thursday. He seems to be alright now but I think Dad as got it coming. It puts the wind up me. I heard from Les saying they had all been just the same. I was glad you are keeping well and geting on well. The war as started at last, they have been talking about it long enough in back ever sence the last – they have talked about the next. All I hope my boys dont
have to go -let them get on with it. Just at present I think you all are getting on very well for once. I have not heard from Frank for some time. I take it they are right. Les is working on his own. Plenty of work at present. We heard from Harold in July saying he had take a hotel in Portsmouth. He wanted Dad to come for the weekend. Dad never went. He said he expect when they got him there they would soon be wanting money. He said Horace and his boys were doing well. Norman has taken a snap of this house for you – just gone out with it in is pockett. Shall have to send it another time. I like Broadstairs very much. Its warmer than Deal & we have got Margate one of us & Ramsgate the otehre. It only takes about fifteen minutes to get either place. Wilf works in Margate, comes home to dinner every day & he only has one hour that will tell you how near we are.
Close now with best wishes, good health. Heaps of love and kisses from
your loving Mother
letter sent 26th May 1937
Inglewood
Vale Rd
Broadstairs
May 26th 1937
My dear Alf
Just a few lines well I fell (feel) like it. Hoping you are keeping well. In your last letter you said you was getting on fine, still working hard, We are all ok. This warm weather suits me much better. All the winter I got nasty cough, soon as it is warm I lose it & what a winter we have had. Rain day after day. You ask me when my birthday was. It is 21st October. Then I shall be 65. I dont think any of the other boys know. Dad will be 70 in August, He keeps wonderful well. Still keeps working don’t taking only small jobs. Norman keeps him going with work from is office.
Last week Mrs Akers came to see us. She use to live next door to us in Blenheim Rd. Since Mr Akers died she as made her home in London with her daughter. She wanted to know all about you. She looked just about the same. She is in her 78, been staying in Deal for a week came here for a day then on to London next day all by her self. She said I looked younger than I did when she last saw me – thats about three years ago. She says the same as I do – never want to go and live in Deal again. Les & Lyd came last week end. They would like to live here if he was sure of work. Frank is still in work, have had all the children ill this winter. I have not seen him for eighteen months. They have two girls & two boys. did I tell you Harold come in March for five days first we had seen of him for six years. Then Millie came the next week. She looked just about the same – plenty powder and paint. They, by what told us, are doing very well. They are running a hotel in Portsmouth , see Horace every days. Its seven years last Christmas when we saw him last. Harold says he work hards hard & they are all ok. Have three sons. The two eldest in good jobs. Horace often says he would like to see me but for peace sake he dont come. Have you got my Christmas parcel yet. I do believe I put 59 on it not 95, Well there dont seem much to tell you. We dont know any one here or you. Its very nice a quint part where we live no ???. Look right in to the police station.
x Now I don’t want x
to say anthink about this when you write or I shall get into a row for telling tales but some week ago Wilf packed his girl up. She was coming her for two week now & then getting all she could out of him. When she got back to Maidstone she had some one else. They were engaged, going to be married some time this year. She & Normans girl are nurses in Maidstone hospital. I know Norman would like to be Wilf because sence is girl as been away from Broadstairs he says she is not the same – he is never right for her so did write and tell her she could have her freedom & get some one else. He says now he is older & got a good home he would rather stay with me till the last of me. I must close with the best of health and luck from your every loving
Mother
Wilf did marry a Gladys Hughes sometime, July, August or September of 1938 so I have to wonder if this it the girl that is mentioned in this letter. She had an affair and had twins by the other man so Wilfred divorced her.
A card sent to Alfred by Norman and Teddy in 1948
28th september 1948
Inglewood
Vale Road
Broadstairs
Sept 28th 1948
My dear Alf & Chrissie
I am writing to thank you very much for the load of food received August – everythink we were very grateful for. Cheese was a treat, nice, not seen any here for years. I gave the peanut butter to Norman. They like it very much but Dad and I dont but we share things. The frocks arrived September. The working frocks fit but I am afraid I shall not be able to wear them much this year – its getting cold here. Hope to be around to wear them another year. The rest I gave to Teddy. I wish the long sleeved one had fited (fitted) me. They were right for length & cross shoulders but tight round hips. They would have been warm. I don’t know if they fit Teddy – she has not said. I know they received parcel of food same week as us. Expect they have wrote to you by now. We live quite close to each other but dont but dont see a great lot of one another. Dad as been keeping very well this two months – hope he dont have a bad turn like he did last year just as the cold weather started.Trouble is we get food but it is not the same – no fat or goodness in it. Over a month we have not had eggs then only one each. We are thinking of having a shed put up & try to keep a few fowls but then again its food for them. Our age it eggs milk puddings & such things. Same butter and also bacon our lot for the week. One ration each, sugar half a pound a week each for everything. You can gas (guess) how pleased we were when we saw you sent us some. In your last letter you said Alf was going to have six weeks holiday. Hope you had nice weather and a good time together. I often look at photo of you & the children. I bet you are proud of . Has your Dad & Mam got back home yet – if so I hope they fell (felt) better for the change. Thank you both for all you have sent us – it must give a lot of trouble packing things.
Love to you all
Love from your loving Mum
I very clearly remember the parcel that Florence talks about. There was a jar of peanut butter in it and also a large piece of bacon. I had never seen peanut butter before and was not too sure I liked it but, the bacon was a wonderful treat. Sadly, both Florence and George died of flu just five months after this letter was written.