Uncategorized – Page 2 – A Family History in Letters

August 9 1939

Wednesday 9th August

All up early. Finished packing. Margs & Bibi off early. Quite het up in case we were late. Mum & I off with Monie in the car plus luggage. The rest by tube. Hellish hot & a lousy journey through the city. Arrived at last deposited luggage safely & got rid of it. Then through the barriers – saw Eileen & her mother too- & onto the ship. Made our way to the cabin & found the rest there. All up to the Smokeroom & sat. A terrific crowd- couldn’t see the boat at all – eventually time to go- said goodbye to everyone- Uncle Artie- Aunt Phine- Bibi- Aunt Ettie- Aunt Moo- Aunt Trix- Margs- Monie- Peg & Bill. Boxes of candy from Uncle Artie & Bill. Up on deck & tried to see them – very crowded, so got some men to heave me onto deck chairs & saw beautifully but very tough on the feet. Mum up too. Away, at last – waved & waved until we could see them no more, then downstairs as it was so hot.

Went straight into lunch & just sat anywhere – we are at a table with a peculiar American woman & rather masculine English female. All quite matey.

Down to the cabin afterwards – a four berth- rather small, but with Peggy not coming we have an extra berth which makes more room. The other lady in the cabin is rather a howl – Mrs. McKissoch – American – plump – 35-ish – very racy language & hard boiled, but friendly and amusing. Mum & I upstairs afterwards – lots of the Bulgarians from the Mauretania on board- all full of joy to see us – then who should I meet on the stairs but Nora – Sammy’s blonde of the last night on the Mauritania. All of us very matey, she travelling by herself so we all joined up. Went to the Smokeroom and talked & talked & talked- great fun. Had life boat drill. Very absurd! Out on deck & met Eileen & her Mother- chattered & was introduced to her brother Jimmy who came over on the Georgie- a funny sort of bloke. Left them – booked chairs – & tried to get tea, but none going, so Nora, Mum & I to the bar for an orange juice!

Unpacked a bit more & to dinner – Nora had to go to first setting, but we went to second. To a big table- 2 middle-aged married men opposite – very jolly- one from N/C called Murphy – two Scotch ladies- one married- two other men, quite jovial and an apparition! A large dark man with wavy black hair, curly mustachio, flashing smile and diamond rings! He sat next to me, & we talked after a while – rather amusing broken English – he is an Egyptian – a jeweller – and called William Anawati! All terribly funny. He takes 4 months holiday- has spent 2 in America- all over- & now has 2 to spend in Paris & on the Riviera- lucky devil.

Finished dinner & left the dining room escorted by William! Met Nora being pestered by a drunken Swede, so rescued her and arranged for her to come to our table at meals. Up to the Smokeroom with William and there met his friend Henry – a Swiss – very charming. He is travelling Tourist. Terribly hot, so Egypt suggested we go on deck plus drinks – Tom Collins! We all went up & stood in the pitch dark & drank & smoked- Mummy, Nora & I, Egypt and Henry – terribly funny. William got ticked off for flashing a torch, then brought out chairs from the lounge, and got ticked off for that! What a man! Mummy left us after the 2nd Tom Collins, Nora & I braved a 3rd, then Henry suggested we go through to Tourist, so we went through all first class & finally arrived there and lay on very comfortable chairs and gazed at the stars. All very romantic – especially as I sang! William then produced more drinks- Cointreau this time – very strong liqueur tasting of oranges, so I passed mine onto Henry & he very obligingly drank it. Nora & I then decided it was time to go, so we started back. Egypt tried his technique on Nora who got quite alarmed. I tried to get Henry to go to the rescue, but he was merely amused! Then Egypt changed his tactics & transferred his affections to me, so there I was surrounded by Egypt so to speak. I found my way out though quite safely, and everything ended quite well. Back home & to bed.

August 8 1939

Tuesday 8th August

Up & after a while Aunt Trix, Peg, Mum & I to Jamaica to shop. Rainy – hot & steamy. Got presents – Mum a hat & shoes- me a muslin evening dress – white with red spots! Such a job getting everything. Home eventually covered with parcels.

Then had tea- washed hair & wrote post cards. The others all back. Had dinner- champagne and toasts! Afterwords gave presents & got presents. To Margs & Monie, pyjamas- Aunt Moo, bathing suit, Pegs playsuit- I got stockings, pants, perfume & so on.

Packed & nearly died with the heat. Bed at last.

August 7 1939

Monday 7th August

Up latish, messed about & after lunch got ready to go to town. All of us set out – Monie, Aunt Trix, Bibi, Peg, Aunt Moo, Aunt Ettie, Mum & I.

Downtown miles in awful stuffy subway, verified our tickets & got sailing permits.

Left Aunt Trix, Mona, Bibi & Peg to mess about & the rest of us went up town. Aunt Ettie got us lost a bit, but we at last got to the shops. I bought presents – Aunt Moo gave me some cute pyjama shorts & I got myself an amusing hat – magenta velvet!

On & met the others with Margs, at the Taft Hotel, had dinner & went on to Radio City to the Show. The biggest theatre in the world- very effective like the inside of a zepplin. Saw Carole Lombard, Cary Grant & Kay Francis in ‘In Name Only’- quite good. I cried! Then a sort of ballet & music hall show- very good. Saw the lights of Broadway, had a drink & home. Terrible hot.

August 6 1939

Sunday 6th August

Mum up early & to Church with the sisters. Me up, & Peg & Bibi & Margs & had breakfast. Afterwards all got set & started off for the beach – Reeves Park. Got there & found most of the beach covered with black people. Never saw so many in all my life. Found a decent part after a while- camped & then bathed. Not so rough as yesterday, but great fun. Dressed, then Bill, Margs, Mum, Aunt Ettie & A. Moo & I set out for home, the others staying.

Just as we were starting A. Ettie discovered she had the key of the other car. Such a performance poor Bill had to find them & give the key- waiting around in the broiling sun. Set out eventually, but stopped for hot dogs and orangeade- two each – lovely! Then home & started getting ready to go to the fair. The others then came back & we said goodbye to Marie & Sam, Milly & Ford & Hugh. Hugh refused to kiss me & yelled! Bill, Margs, Mum, Peg & I off to the Fair – Bibi too at the last moment.

Spent the afternoon looking at exhibits. First into the Perisphere- the world of the future- lovely effect of night with stars – then to the city of Light – New York thro’ day and night – the Moto man – making glass – also the city of the past, all cobbles & dim light – the city of the future-lights & plate glass.

We were by then nearly dead, Bibi & Peg with shoes hurting- so we went to dinner. Had cocktails first, me a Pink Lady, then ate spaghetti- what difficulties I had! After dinner to see “Railroads on Parade”- model trains etc. & then in a queue for General Motors – waited a while then got into the building & sat in little double seats supposed to be in an aeroplane looking down on the countryside of the future. Simply marvellously done – cute little trees & motor cars – at the end you are shown the big city of the future – then a close-up of it & finally you get out & you are in it! Very exciting.

Next we took a bus to the Amusement Area. Peg & Bibi wanted to go on the Scenic Railway, so off we tripped- looked most terrifying! Peg & Bibi, Mum & Bill went on first, Margs & I had to wait. Got on at last – and oh Lord! What a time- I was petrified – terrible feeling & I kept nearly getting shot out of my seat! Yelled my head off & finished up as white as a sheet, trembling all over & with my skirts round my waist! Once in a lifetime.

Went to the Savoy to see the Jitterbugs but it was shut, so Mum, Peg, Bibi & I went to ‘The Dream of Beauty’ a naked women show, while Bill & Margs trekked round. Quite amusing with lots of lovely girls minus clothing – Peg very shocked! Came out before the end & met Bill and Margs. They said Errol Flynn had just gone in one of the shows, so we waited & saw him come out. Quite nice – wearing dark glasses.

Thought we needed a drink next so went to a place where they danced. Very tough place, where one picks up! Saw jitterbugs tho’ much to my joy – terribly funny. Also some midgets dancing. A sailor picked up Bibi so we left & went home. All quite dead!

August 5 1939

Saturday 5th Aug 1939

Up eventually- Bibi & Peg into New York with Uncle Artie. I wrote cards – washed clothes & so on. Millie & Ford & Hugh arrived- also Bill. Got set at last & down to Jones Beach – terribly & awfully hot – the sand burning. Into the sea- very rough with a terrific undertow. I kept getting pulled away, but Margs got me to the sandbar & Bill anchored me & saved me from the big waves. In & lay about a bit, then went & had hamburgers & orangeade. After we sat about a while longer, we packed up & set out for home. I was sore & sunburned.

Found Marie & Sam had arrived. Got all spruced up & ready for the party – a buffet supper at card tables- cocktail first with angostura bitters- no like! Lovely supper – made a pig of myself. Washed up afterwards – some out shopping – us left. Older people played bridge – Ford took Peg, me, Mill, Mum & Ena over to see the fireworks. Very lovely.

Home feeling wildly excited & full of the idea of going to Chinatown, to find the others going to bed. Most damping – we retired to bed too. Bill took the men to his house – 14 women & Hugh here!

August 4 1939

Friday 4th August.

Up reluctantly – still hot. Had breakfast & then trailed around a bit. Eventually decided we were going to the Fair. Marga, Peg, Mum & I ready & off in the car. Parked & went into the Fair – awful hot.

To the Norwegian Pavilion first – then some others- U.S.A. & so on. Suddenly started to rain & and skipped from Holland to Italy & saw quite a few- Italy very impressive from outside- rather too propaganda inside.

Felt awfully hungry so when the rain stopped we dashed to the first restaurant – the Finnish. Had to finish cocktails first- I had a Northern Light- very good – then lunch – reindeer steak sandwich- such a frost- like stale tough corned beef! But then coffee and cookies made up for it.

After lunch we went first to the British pavilion – it was simply marvellous- whole atmosphere most impressive & dignified – lots of lovely gold & silver things- photos & models & so on- felt very proud of it and patriotic- wanted to stay there!

On & saw the French pavilion- lovely outlook & marvellous hats & perfumes etc. Margs said she must treat us to a wonderful drink- a pernod – so in we tripped to the bar and got them – yellow things with glasses of ice & water. All put together- ouch- strong liquorice – like cough mixture – terrible! Mom & I ploughed through it with awful faces – Margs & Pegs laughing at us!

Came out very giggly & got two little push carts to take us to Schaeffer’s where we found Uncle Artie, Aunt Phine, Bibi, Aunt Trix & Ena waiting for us. They had had drinks, so we split up & some of us went to the Russian pavilion – very marvellous- propaganda of course but terribly well done- very good sculpture. On & saw some of the Japanese building & then back to Schaeffer’s for dinner.

Aunt Ettie, Aunt Moo, Mona came. Had a huge meal & then to the Lagoon of Nations to see the fountain & firework display- very lovely- music- coloured lights & water- rather heavy atmosphere & the smoke from the fireworks didn’t rise but that only made it more exciting- rather sulphurous & hellish– it was supposed to be the Garden of Eden. Then into the Belgian building & next to the Amusements in a bus.

NUncle Artie took those of us who hadn’t seen it, to see, Billy Rose’s Aquacade. The most marvellous show I’ve ever seen- Johnny Weissmuller – the fastest swimmer in the world- Eleanor Holme- Trudy [Gertrude Ederle] – the first woman to swim the Channel & the best divers in the world. As well as dancers & singers & funny men – it was glorious- girls & men swimming in patterns in the dark with phosphorescent caps on. Lovely.

Out of that, met the others & walked up to the parachute jump- Bibi & Peg – Margs & I on – the most terrible sensation. Awful suspense as you go up – hit the top all of a sudden – you leave your tummy behind & just rush through space – then suddenly bump & crash – you’re at the bottom. We were all of a jitter!

On & Peg, Bibi & I were having an orangeade when a man came up & asked us to come & have a beer with him! We were all hoity-toity! Uncle Artie then took us into a show- a girl in a block of ice- nude of course! Great excitement – a man who was rowing about & yelling for “the gals” got thrown out! We then separated, got by bus to the cars & went home – & in ours- Bibi & I sat on the floor! And to bed- some houseful!

August 3 1939

Thursday, 3rd August.

Up earlyish much to my disgust! Packed & across the road to a place Tracey’s for breakfast. No one else there except the chef – a lovely man who laughed & laughed – he was a Norwegian. Hauled out the coloured woman for us to see, then waved us goodbye. Got stung by a bee!

Drove on- very hot at first, but got cooler & darker & we drove through a terrific thunderstorm- great fun. Had lunch, then went on & arrived at Highland Mills at about 3. Mill & Hugh there & Ford came after.

Had tea then washed up & talked. After a while started to get supper ready outside with Hugh cooking on the open fire, but a storm came & we had to have it inside – hot dogs & corn on the cob!

Cleared away after supper, then all packed into the car & away home. Arrived about 12- terribly hot in New York. Found them all just going to bed– Ena there having arrived from the W.I. that day. “Chewed the fat” to quote Monie & to bed.

August 2 1939

Wednesday 2nd August

Up fairly early – bathed, dressed, packed & away for breakfast. Afterwards found out that we couldn’t fly. All disappointed but decided to go straight on. Went by way of the Peace Bridge & Buffalo – imagine me being in Buffalo! – not a very nice town either – then on by another route. Terribly hot. Drove on & then had lunch.

Afterwards drove again & to Watkins Glen. Out of the car & walked up it- as hot as hell & climbing steps & so on. Very lovely, but rather a washout as there was hardly any water in it & the waterfalls weren’t functioning.

Trailed back & drank then drove on- left dinner till late & couldn’t get served at a place the Iron Kettle but got it eventually at Sally’s Pantry. Drove on & at last got cabins. Crawled into bed & slept- Peg & me together.

August 1 1939

Tuesday 1st August

Woken up quite early & off to get a bath at the house. Great adventures with no water & what not, but managed eventually. Set out around 9-ish & got breakfast at a roadside café.

On again afterwards. The country changing – flat now, not so lovely – getting busier & more populated as we near Buffalo. Didn’t actually go into Buffalo, but drove around & to the city of Niagara Falls. Rather an ugly, industrial place. Asked a State Trooper if I could take his photo – a lovely man!

Down to the river & parked then went & saw the Falls from the New York side. Perfectly wonderful to see the masses of glorious green water rushing down- we went down to the bottom next & saw them pouring over the edge & the spray dashing up & wetting everything.

Next drove across the bridge into Canada. Imagine! I am in Canada! Asked the man to stamp our passports just to prove it!

Went along the river banks- even lovelier from this side – the Canadian Falls much bigger & a marvellous horseshoe shape.

Went to the General Brock Hotel for lunch – a very splosh place where we had a most luscious lunch – very nice. Had lunch in the same place & room that the King & Queen had dinner when they were here.

The heat most terrible- nearly killing us. Drove along to the Falls through the Queen Victoria Park. Went into the Rock House & down the tunnel & got all dressed up in marvellous rubber boots & macintoshes and & hoods – we looked gorgeous. Then down the elevator 180 ft. right into the rock itself. First of all went onto two platforms on the outside of the falls & watched the water & then to two platforms right behind the water itself. A most heavenly sensation to see the constant wall of white frothy water rushing past you & the spray drenching you all the time. We could have stayed & watched it all day – it was so wonderful. We got lovely & wet & the water trickled down my front- all great fun & we looked so absolutely absurd!

Up again & had ice cream sodas, then went & got rooms in a tourist house & then just lay. So hot we nearly died! Baths & dressed & out for dinner. Just had sandwiches & wrote postcards, then went & saw the falls illuminated. Stood & watched for ages, they looked so lovely – the colours changing all the time. The spray was terrific, wetting everything for miles around. Toured around the town a bit, but home & to bed as we were all dead tired.

I posted this on April 3 which was Cynthia’s birthday, in Canada, where she would spend 50 years of her life! The world was lucky to have her for 87 years.

July 31 1939

Cynthia never gets included in the newspapers!

Monday 31st July.

Off to Niagara. Finally got away at about 20 past 9 after dashing round. Aunt Moo tipped Angeline five dollars by mistake – Angeline told me – thrilled to death. I told Aunt Moo- she nearly had a kitten!

Drove along for miles & miles –stopped for lunch – just tea and sandwiches – lovely ones tho’- hamburgers! On & on after lunch- glorious country- hills simply covered with trees – little rivers & lakes. Stopped after a while & had ice cream & bought fruit- gorgeous cherries & pears.

On once more & going up a hill the car suddenly passed away- out of gas! A man tried to push us, but too heavy to get up the hill, so we pushed the car round & coasted 1 1/2 miles back to the Gas Station! Great fun.

Drove on without any further mishaps & had a very nice dinner at a little place by the road. After dinner tried to get cabins and after trying 2 or 3 we got some- Two cabins- Mum, Peg & I in one – Margs & A. Moo in the other. Cute little places – but a lot of flies: undressed & so to bed having travelled about 360 miles since morning.