Montreal – The Pidgeon Coop

September 11, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 11 September: Montreal to Plattsburgh, then bought a car

Saturday, 11 September 1937

Left Ford Hotel for Plattsburgh. Passing the border, had our luggage all hauled out of the bus to pass the customs. Had to open all mine. Held the bus up for some time. Got to Plattsburgh. Jack [Spriggins] left us to buy a car, and in 2 hours, we were well on our way to New York, packed in a Essex Sedan for £15 – $75. Had a lovely trip, good country, roads fine. Did over 100 miles, so pulled up at an auto camp, stayed the night. 1 dollar each. 35 cents for use of kitchen. 2 bedrooms, nice furnished and very clean. Had a good tea and went to bed early. Car went well.

September 10, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 10 September: Montreal

Friday, 10 September 1937

Arrived at 11 last night at Montreal after going through Customs. Taxied to Ford Hotel. [More info] 1$ 50 [$1.50] for the night. In afternoon, bus ride for 2 hours for 1$. Very pretty place, and some lovely homes and avenues. Like Montreal very much. Had tea, fish & chips, very good 1 / – Visited a church, where there are 99 steps, leading to the church. Saw several ladies pray & kneel on every step, 99 of them, for the sick. Had a lovely drive back to the Hotel. Went to bed early.

September 9, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 9 September: Arrive at Quebec, then on to Montreal

Thursday, 9 September 1937

Quebec

02-301211_0015 — Sailing up the St Lawrence River aboard the Canadian Pacific ship, Duchess of Richmond

Lovely day. Sunny and warm, going up the St Lawrence River. Arrive at Quebec at 8. Had to pass Doctor & immigration before we were allowed ashore. Got on shore at 10, took sight seeing bus, 26 of us to the town, I dollar each. Lovely gardens and city wall. Went to Hotel Frontenac, a very large place. Went up to the 17^th floor to see the view, clean town. Got back to boat at 11.30. Boat left again at 1 for Montreal. Very pretty going up the river. Busy packing, taking our luggage at 6.

July 12, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 12 July: Letters from home and arranging trip to Canada

Monday, 12 July 1937

Went to Australia House for mail. 2 from Bill, I each Bella & Jack, then went to C.P.R. to see about booking my passage to Montreal. Wrote to Jack Spriggins to see about right date. Had my lunch, rain came on, so went back to the hotel. Wrapped up parcels, had a rest and stayed in the rest of the day. After dinner just sat in the Hall room and yarned. To bed about 11.