Heber & Caroline – A Love Story – Letter Eleven 7/13/1924
When our mother passed away I was going through her things and found a stack of letters written by my maternal grandfather Heber to my maternal grandmother Caroline (aka Carrie). The letters cover an 18 month period during the great depression. My grandparents lived in Newfoundland and work was very scarce. Heber during this time stayed and worked in Massachusetts and Connecticut looking for whatever work he could find. Meanwhile Caroline stayed in Newfoundland with the children. Heber wrote Caroline a letter each month. The letters are very interesting as not only do they give a perspective of the time, it shows just how difficult life was. I will each Sunday include photos of the actual letters which I have transcribed with the help of my brother Dana Donovan and sister Barbara Ridgway. Although Heber’s handwriting is very pretty to look at, it can be difficult to read.
Here is letter eleven written 7/13/1924.
My Dear Wife,
With pleasure I write you these few lines saying I am well trusting you are the same, also the children. I haven’t anything strange to tell you at present. We are getting very mice weather here at present. I suppose you are getting the same down there. Well Dear this is Sunday I am all alone. I wish you was near to have a good talk. You bet
we would have a good time if you were here tonight. But never mind darling it won’t be like this all the time. I was out for a drive in Arthur’s car this afternoon. We had a great spin. And yesterday the Orangemen paraded and we all went to a place called Lake Pearl for a picnic, about an hours ride on train. We had a dandy time. We started 7:30 am and finished 8:30 last night. I enjoyed myself fine in fact it was the first time that
enjoyed myself since I’ve been to the states. Is Bill coming back any more this summer? I heard he was coming the last of July. What is George Penney doing this summer? I don’t suppose he is doing much yet. Give my best respects to all the family and friends. I think I have said all for this time. Will write again soon. By by for the present Darling.
From Your Loving & Devoted Husband,
Heber
xxxxxxx
I love the swirls that he does to cross his T’s. Seeing the handwritten letters is really wonderful.
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I know penmanship was a real art back then! He may not have had the best grammar but he did have the most beautiful writing!
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How often was he writing? Did he ever send photos?
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In the beginning weekly. But he was away for over two years. Either the letters slowed down or I am missing a bunch because soon there start to be large gaps in time.
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