Nostalgia Inside A Cashmere Bouquet Soap Box
A letter from my Nan to her mum about the Royal Easter Show in 1949.
Over on the paid Dear Nan subscription I talked about the pale green Cashmere Bouquet box that I found in my Nan’s undies drawer after she died. Inside the box were some old letters addressed mostly to my great grandmother, and some to my great grandfather.
Some of these letters date back to 1931, before my Nan was even born.
They are simple letters. Small, most of them. There’s nothing in them that speaks of much excitement or mystery or scandal, they are extremely un-Bridgerton like in style, but they do reveal are snippets of the times back then, and family life too, and there’s enough inside these letters that help me get the gist of how life was for my Nan and her family growing up in the 30s and 40s. A sentence here, a paragraph there, put them together with the many conversations Nan and I had over the years, and ask a few more questions from living family members, and the puzzle comes together nicely. And as her story unfolds, and my memories intersperse amongst it all, I’m left with this lovely picture of my Nan and her well lived, mightily humble walk upon this earth. It’s brilliant to me and I’m thankful to have it because it is my story too, at least in part.
This afternoon I will be sharing with Dear Nan members, five of the letters that I found inside the soap box. Each of these letters was written on the 20th of April, 1949. They all happen to mention a day at the Sydney Show, had by my nan and grandpa, my nan’s sister and brother and sister in law, and also my great grandfather. It’s obvious, from each person’s account of their day, that it was a special time. Yet it was just a day out at the show.
It told me more about them than just those simple words scrawled in blue pen. It told me about how simple their life was and how the little things brought them all so much pleasure. It showed that they were quite poor, and it spoke of their love for my great grandmother. Oh, and so much more.
I’m going to share just one of those letters with you this morning. It’s important to me that you know how the most simple of letters, can add such a wonderful layer to storytelling within families. These stories are what connect us and make us who we are. To have them and to read them over and over, well, that’s just a privilege in my book.
This is the letter my Nan wrote to her mum after Nan’s day at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, in 1949.
Post Office
Camden
Wednesday
Dear Mum,
How’s everything down there, well I hope and everybody is doing well. Everything is in order up here and we all miss you very much. I will be glad when you are home. There’s not much to tell so I suppose this won’t be a very long one.
We got home from the show alright. I got three dolls; one blue, one pink, and a fluffy one. Charlie bought them all for me. Sister is ironing and I am going to iron when I finish writing this letter. Charlie bought his bike and I call it a rattletrap but it is nice. He is just like a kid with a new toy.
I had a really good time at the show and bought about ..sample bags. This part should have been up the top but sister thought of it and it fills the page up.
Felix was glad to see me when I got home. Well I’ve run out of news now so I will say cheerio till I see you on Sunday. Give my love to Ron, Bet, Dian and a big hug for my godson. With lots and lots of love
Your loving daughter
Betty xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx these are from Felix
These are for Dian and Kenneth xxxxxxxx
The rest of these letters will be sent to Dear Nan subscribers later on today. If you’d like to become a member of that you can do that here:
Goings on at home …
This week I have:
* spent a large chunk of time creating writing paper and card designs for the Bloom Tea + Toast Club box
* been writing for Dear Nan, going through old photo albums and the goodies I have in my chest of drawers from my Nan.
* spent time, where I can, pottering in the garden - weeding, mainly. This time of year is when they start to come back to life!
* been panicking about my asparagus. The crowns are not up. This is very late for them, and I have concerns that I’ve killed them. I added some blood and bone, manure and a thick blanket of mulch to them at the very end of winter. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t have done all of that this close to Spring? Does anyone know much about asparagus? They are usually prolific, and we have almost an entire bed of them now. I will be so upset if I have ruined them:(
* admired the blossoms. Some are still flowering which is an utter delight. The cherry has finished, and it’s now in full leaf now. It’s only been a week since last Monday’s photo of it in full blossom bloom. Things in the garden can change so quickly, can’t they?
I feel a lot like Monet’s friend, who wrote to him stating that he couldn’t possibly make the date for morning tea, (a get together they had previously arranged, because he needed to remain at to fully enjoy a particular flower in his garden that only flowered for two or three days per year. Can you relate too?
The white prunus is still going. Look at it! Snow on branches:)
* We had our monthly local women’s business meeting this week. I call it The Honey Gathering, because it’s hosted by my friend, Honey, who is a local photographer, and has a new studio in town.
Several creative, interesting, compassionate, clever women come together, around a table full of food (of course!), to chat about their business, support one another, run ideas, concerns, highlights and everything in between. It’s fast becoming one of my favourite things to do every month, and I feel extremely lucky to know these women, and meet with them regularly. It helps boost my inspiration and motivation and feels like a bit of a highlight each month.
*** photo from Palmer and Gunn Instagram
Tea + Toast Club news …
Lovely Fiona, from Palmer and Gunn, created a beautiful video of her pretty writing desk while writing letters using stationery from a past Tea + Toast Club box. I loved watching her use the goodies from the box and create something lovely to send in the mail.
Fiona’s desk is eye candy for anyone who is obsessed with gorgeous vintage treasures. Hello! I am!!! It’s a dream writing desk, and the way she has decorated it will make you feel very happy inside. I promise;) To be honest, Fiona’s entire Instagram account is so beautiful. I know we are all trying to stop the scroll but please do yourself a favour and scroll around over on Palmer and Gunn. You will not be disappointed.
You can watch her video
The next box: Bloom, is making nice progress. It’s a flowery one and I can’t wait to share with you some more of the illustrations Lew has created for the stationery. There are only 8 spaces left for this box so if you’d like one, you can grab one here.
Well, that’s all from me this week.
I hope you have a lovely week ahead!
Love
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