A focus on family history
Saturday, 30 October 1937
Came to Bella’s about 9.30. The Spriggins only staying 3 days in Frisco, so have gone to 7th avenue. After lunch went into town, all the shops are open until 6 o’clock – had afternoon tea at the City of Paris, one of the best shops. Had dinner, then played crib with Arthur, lost his right thumb about 19 years ago.
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
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]
Friday, 13 August 1937
Went to meet Spriggins, Australia House. Met Mr & Mrs Taylor – big storm they drove me home, came and had afternoon tea in my room – I finished packing for France in the morning.
Thursday, 12 August 1937
Packing my things, getting ready for Saturday. Mrs R had lunch with me and Mrs McCabe came in, and brought cakes for afternoon tea.
Got letter from Miss Cantor. Mr & Mrs Spriggins called and had tea and stopped until 10 –
Monday, 5 July 1937
Dull today. Elsie did some washing, I put them out after lunch. Mr & Mrs Spriggins called, gave us quite a shock. Elsie made coffee, and we went in the Morris Minor, to show them the road. Want me to go to Canada with them & buy a car, which I have promised to do, leaving Sep 2nd – came back. We put them on the right road, came back to 48.
Tuesday, 22 June 1937
Lovely day, stayed in all the morning, getting ready for the Royal Garden Party. 18 went from this hotel [St Margaret’s], caused quite a sensation in the street waiting for the taxi’s. My dress looked very nice. A wonderful party, the King shook hands with me. The Queen looked charming & Queen Mary always in white. The biggest garden party Royalty had ever given, 10,000 guests. Saw quite a number that I knew. The entrance all carpeted in deep rose pink & gold. Very beautiful. Mrs & Mrs Spriggins called at night also Mrs Webb & Cantor. Had 12 people in the bedroom for supper – late night.
Wednesday, 5 May 1937
Too tired to get up, stayed in bed until 12.30 then went to Australia House to get my letters. Very upset, none from Bill [Wep]. Met Mr & Mrs Spriggins who arrived back from the continent yesterday. Also met Mabel & Fred Thearle, looking well. Sat all the afternoon yarning then back to 130 for dinner. Had to go to a cocktail party, but was too tired. Went to bed early.
Top of page Miss [I] Leonard [age 34] gave me one Easter egg
Friday, 26 March 1937
Mr & Mrs Spriggins left the boat for the continent.
Arrived in Marseilles at 6. 6 of us went up to Notre Dame, wonderful position. Go up in a cage, then a great number of steps to the church. Went through and saw everything, had our photos taken, a glorious view. Came back to ship for lunch, and then 9 of us went for a lovely trip over ? efenest ? Mts, through vineyards and potteries.Had coffee at seaside then back to town. Place full of French people. Rather good looking crowd, we caused great fun making ourselves understood. The money came quite easy to me, 1 franc 2 ½. Played bridge at night, won 1.
Photo/postcard in hand: Inscribed: Taken at Notre Dame, on Good Friday 27th March, 1937
Signatures of Mrs F. E. Everett, Thirza Pidgeon, J.H.H. Hill (Mr), J.J.J.? Hill [Mrs E], Mrs E M. McCabe
Monday, 1 March 1937
(J. Spriggins birthday)
Arrived in Fremantle at 7 in the morning. Met Mr & Mrs Ward, friends of Mr Spriggins. Took us all around Perth. Very pretty, war memorial lovely position. Saw all that was to be seen in Perth. Had lunch at top of Post Office then took motor bus to Kalamunda Hills, a round trip. Back to boat for dinner. Left Free at 7 in the evening, after a lovely day. Played bridge at night. Opened bottle of champagne! Mr Spriggins birthday, awful stuff, took ½ bottle to Mrs Hill. Won 6° at bridge.
