Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 2 September: Farewell London, a new frontier beckons

Thursday, 2 September 1937

Had breakfast ¼ to 8, left hotel with Mrs Cantor for Waterloo Station. Caught the 9 train to Southampton. The Spriggins in same train. Arrive at 11 o’clock, go through the style, show all passports,  etc. Sailed at 1 o’clock, in the Duchess of Richmond, lovely boat 20,000 tonnes. Meals very good, orchestra at every meal also afternoon tea. Called Cherbourg at 6.30. Took on some passengers, also cars. A calm passage so far. Paid 4/+ for chair to lounge in. Walked the deck after dinner then to bed.

France

UK

London Borough of Lambeth, London SE1, UK

26 Bedford Place, London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 30 August: Everything fixed up for trip to US

Monday, 30 August 1937

Went to Shell house, to see about U.S. visa, after to Australia House. Got 2 letters, posted key of trunk to Bella, also parcel for Bill. Had lunch with Mrs Cantor & Jack S – came home at 1.30 to do some ironing. Mrs C came back about 4 – sat in my room, and did some sewing.  Had my medicine made up again for the trip, everything fixed up now for trip. Had my hat blackened up for 2/6. Mrs C brought me up some brandy & bisc for supper at 10.30.

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 27 August: Got 10 letters today, all the news good

Friday, 27 August 1937

Got 10 letters today, all the news good, also £1 from Bill. Packed my big suitcase to send to Sydney by Malgoi?, paid 13/6, then to Harley St for my visa 8/6 – bought dress for Jess, 10/6, had my hair curled at the edges – 25/ – ready for the trip. Mrs Cantor and I went for a walk after dinner. Bought babies (sic) dress for Jess, 15/6.

[Suspect Malgoi is the name of a ship but can not find any reference to it in Trove, etc in shipping news.]

Postcard ink drawing of aerial view of Gloucester Cathedral dated 27 August received by Thirza.

Postcard to Thirza 27 Aug 1937Postcard to Thirza 27 Aug 1937

 c/o Mrs Grundy
“Fairwinds –
Gloucestershire
Aug 27 1937

 

Mrs Pidgeon
At St Margarets
26 Bedford Place,
London W.C.1.
Am just longing to know how you are? & wish your last few days in England will be very happy. Others? are very sorry not to have seen you. Much love & good wishes from yours always Cheerio! Robbie?

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 26 August: No letters for three weeks

Thursday, 26 August 1937

Went to Australia House found no letters disappointed had none for 3 weeks – met Mr & Mrs Spriggins stayed with them all day – left them at 5 came home had dinner, Mrs Cantor & I went to pictures, then Strand Palace, for an orange drink.

[At this time, Thirza’s son, Wep was finishing up his 6 month month caravan trip and was returning home from Queensland via the Bylong Valley – see http://wepidgeon.com/pidgeonpost/?p=333]

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 25 August: Paris to London

Wednesday, 25 August 1937

Left Paris at 10 – got to Dieppe at 1 – crossed over very calm to Newhaven and reach London at 7 – got back to Hotel, in time for dinner. Found nice bunch of roses in room from Mrs Cantor. Went to Strand Palace at 9.30 to see Mrs Webb – with Mrs Cantor and got back at 11.30. Great crowds of visitors everywhere. Wrote to Jack Sprig to see if Mrs Cantor could come with us but he says it is impossible.

East Sussex BN9, UK

372 Strand, London, Greater London WC2R 0JJ, UK

France

26 Bedford Place London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK

26 Rue de Montholon 75009 Paris, France

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 14 August: Travelled to Paris by ferry and train

Saturday, 14 August 1937

Left Victoria Station at 9.15 – got to Newhaven 11.15. Took the S.S. Paris across to Dieppe. Reached there at 2.15 – by the time we got away was 3. Longest train I have ever seen. Great crowd left behind for the 2d [second?] train. Reached Paris at 5.45- such crowds. By the time we got away on the buses was about 7. Got to my Hotel Baudin, had a light diner, then met Mrs Sandford, to try and get into the Jolies Berges, but could not, heavy rain fell so we went into the Jolies Rest. and had lemonade. Got back at 11 – and went to bed.

113 Avenue Ledru Rollin

75011 Paris, France

France

East Sussex BN9, UK

City of Westminster, London SW1V, UK

26 Bedford Place London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK

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