From Christmas 1942: Letter March 1943 (news took a long time to travel...)

:Isabella and Robert Shiels 1953

 

Kedleston, Saskatchewan,

March 27^th, 1942 (Written after Christmas, to my mother in Victoria)

Isabella Shiels(grandmother) writes to Nessie in Victoria, about her Copper eye treatments ( she went blind, eventually), about neighbours, Christmas parcels, farm highlights.  She mentions my Dad (Davy).At one point she talks about a Christmas parcel she was supposed  to send to a friend, but instead sent to her son, Stuart. who was enlisted in the army. It contained precious butter, fruitcake and sugar (Mum said she had saved up for the fruit). She decided to send another one, to her friend,  as a replacement. My mother said that the men in the barracks loved the fruitcake and butter. Found out later that Grandmother sent Stuart's original parcel to her friend: she got  underwear.

Dear Nessie:
     Was so glad to hear Davy is better and working again. Got your letters and lovely dress when I cam back from Regina, after another 16 days stay at the Queens Hotel. Dad came down with me, and stayed 3 nights. Got one eye burned with copper, every other day, and boy did  swear…..it sure burned , but after the first 4 times I did not mind. No, I never squeaked, but I noticed some MEN who did. Well, it is gradually getting better. I have a month’s home treatment then back for a week. It has cost $100 for trips and medicine and Hospital, and hotel bills, but well worth it. The Doctors bill was light…only $12.

Stuart, Isabella (grandmother), Robert ( grandfather), Bill ( Stuart's brother)

 

      Well, that is enough of ME. Dad and Bill managed fine. Bill is just home from 3 days in Regina, at the winter fair. Had a nice time and bout a new suit. Just fits…a blue pencil stripe, so I am happy. Been at him so long to get it. He got another litter of pigs…..9…and has bought a one way with seeder $225. Three years old……ordered a new disc. We pay half of that so he is well equipped for spring. Hens are laying, but cows slowed down a little. Well, the lovely winter is past and it is blowing these past three days, like Old Harry…dust all over. Could not hang out wash for two days, but must tomorrow, or burst.

First snowfall at 1425 Fairfield, in 1950's

 

Had a letter, also, from Isobel, also Mrs. Moore and Mrs. W. Thompson, and card from Stuart. All when I came home. Had a cable from him today, for $30, and put it through the bank , twenty minutes after we got it, so he gets it so he gets it tomorrow. He had already put his money in Victory Bonds ( $200), when he went to Regina. Poor Stu….I guess he is in some jam. Sent him a lovely box of all-sorts…$5.75 worth, out of the cigar stores, also two parcels. But the laugh was on me as I addressed Aunty Barbara’s parcel to him, alas, in mistake…namely: 1 pound of butter, sugar and one pound of fruit cake. So, had to send another one!

    

(Dad on farm at Christmas, 1942)

     Hilda Mullins is getting wed in two weeks time. Grace is pretty sick. I guess she has gone for an operation, but I really don’t know.

 

Mrs. McLean has to go get the tumours removed . Met her in Regina, but she told me that 20 years ago, when her money was plenty, came to Regina to see Dr. Ritchie. (She obviously delayed treatment). Sure folks are funny. Art Hemmings has been sent home. He has been doctored all the time, and still at it. Angus Wilkie got cataracts of his eyes…they are not very good yet, but they both enjoyed their trip to B.C and Vancouver. Visited with a lot of folks.

   

(isaobel ( sister), Isabella, Nessei (mum)

      Have not tried dress on yet, but it looks lovely, and need I say we were all so glad that Davy was so much better, and good home cooked food will be a big help in his recovery to health. Dad and Bill are both looking well, and as for me I am getting too fat and am real hungry all the time.. So no wonder! But how did I weary in Regina . Visited Mrs. Ambrose, Dad and I , one evening, bit it was not very successful, as she had quite a few droppers and a young couple staying…rather nice people. So, we only stayed a short while, as Dad was uneasy, but promised to call again. Her mother looked good. Hell! Must stop, as I have some more to write, namely Isobel, and Stuart, first. I have been awful busy since I came home. So much to pick up. Had 19 quarts of beef to put up.

        Write soon. With love to Davy and Nessie, from All     (Mother)  

                                           Hope you can read scrawl.

(Christmas across the cul de sac......)