Monday, 1 November 1937
Washing day – over at 9, went into town. Bella & I had our hair washed & set, fingernails done, looking quite swish 40c/- and 15c/- for nails. Had lunch at the Emporium, got back early.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 31 Oct: Frisco, day trip to Grass Valley, Nevada
Sunday, 31 October 1937
Left home at ¼ to 7. Took car to the ferry. Huge boat – Santa Clara to Oakland then took train to Sacramento, the capital, 2 hours run in the train. Lorna Finch met us at the station, drove us 3 miles to their home, got there about 10, sat down to breakfast grapefruit, bacon, sausages & eggs quite a large meal, then Mr Finch drove us 157 miles to Grass Valley, Nevada. Got back to the house about 4. Had been on the road, had a big dinner at night. Got back to Frisco at 11 o’clock.
San Francisco, CA
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 30 Oct: Frisco, staying at 7th Avenue
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.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 29 Oct: Frisco, lunch at the Pig ‘n Whistle
Friday, 29 October 1937
Met Bella, Jean & her friend at the Emporium. Went to the Pig & Whistle [at 31 Powell Street] for lunch. Later had a look around Frisco, then back to Bella’s for tea. Went back to camp to pack up, promised to go and stay at their place for a week – raining slightly.
835 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102
31 Powell Street San Francisco, CA 94102
749 7th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 28 Oct: Frisco, lunch with Jean and family
Thursday, 28 October 1937
Peter called for me in a new Buick with Bella. Took me out to his place, 18 miles out. Flash suburb, lovely home, 2 boys 1 girl, keep lady help. Had lovely lunch, 2 whiskies, then Jean took us out in the car for a run around the lovely homes. Had ice sundies – then back again for dinner. Peter came back, more drinks & songs by him, good husband, nice looking. Then they drove Bella & I home about 9.30 & very proud of them all, lovely family.
Jean married at 18 – has been married 19 years, looks only a girl, had a lovely day.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 27 Oct: Frisco, visiting McRitchie relatives
Wednesday, 27 October 1937
Went, met Bella [McRitchie], looks very young. Had chicken lunch then out to her flat. She cut my hair. Had afternoon tea. I bought two dresses – 1 hat, dresses 9.50 each, hat 1.90 tax about 2/ – fit me good. Oh, Arthur & son Bill [Bella’s husband and Thirza’s uncle] came home to dinner, very glad to see me – Arthur looks very well, and very happy – Jean & husband [Peter] came after, had a good evening, and they drove me home – She had married very well – both have their own cars. Going out tomorrow for lunch, husband is calling for me.
[At the time Arthur and Bella McRitchie were renting a home at 749 7th Avenue, San Francisco which is now part of a Safeway shopping complex.]
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 26 Oct: Eureka to San Francisco, CA – miles
Frisco
Tuesday, 26 October 1937
Had a lovely drive through the Redwood Forest, very fine, largest and tallest trees in the world. Got as far as Santa Rosa – con rod broke in the car – arrived in Frisco about 8, in a very heavy fog. Crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, cost us 2/ – Drove through the city, all very gay the lights, trouble in finding a Camp – got one in Mission Rd. for 2.75 a night for the three – after tea, went to the phone, rang Belle Allen [Allan]. Got an awful shock when I told her who I was. Promised to meet her tomorrow at 11.
[Isabella McRitche (nee Allan) was the wife of Thirza’s uncle, Arthur John McRitchie who was born in Sydney, NSW, Australia in December 1869, only 10 years older than Thirza. He married Isabella Allan (b. June 1874) in 1896 in Sydney and they had two daughters born in Sydney, Florabelle in 1897 and Jane in 1900. The family migrated to San Francsico, California in Dec 1906 where a son, William (Bill) James was born in 1907. Arthur was a carpenter and it is suspected that he had moved to the San Francisco area to help in the rebuilding of the city following the devastating 1906 earthquake. Florabelle had married Reg Goldwater and Jane (Jean) was married to a Peter ? at the time of Thirza’s visit.]
San Francisco, CA 94112
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 25 Oct: Grants Pass, OR to Eureka, CA – 166 miles
Monday, 25 October 1937
Left Grants Pass – this morning had a lovely drive through red wood forests – the largest trees in the world. Lovely drive along all the sea front. Heavy fog caught us about 24 miles from Eureka. Quite a big place this, another cabin at 75 – ‘ one of the prettiest drives so far.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 24 Oct: Creswell to Grants Pass, OR – 156 miles
Sunday, 24 October 1937
Had a lovely drive, arrived at Grants Pass, about 4. Place full of cabins. Got a very nice one for 75 c/- cash.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 23 Oct: Portland to Creswell, OR – 146 miles
Saturday, 23 October 1937
Left Portland this morning, with the intention of staying at Eugene for the night, but could not get in anywhere, the places all booked out for the Big Football match. Passed some nice towns, Olympia and Eugene being very nice. Got a camp here for the night, comfortable but nothing like last night. Had good tea and then to bed, not at all cold.