november 14th 1904 A Roberts to james William barrow

Llandudno, conwy, north wales to Oldham, lancashire

93 miles

the message

"Many thanks for card. How is it every body gets hold of that word. (Cariad) has two meanings Love and Sweet heart. Yes. I have any amount of love. But no sweetheart at present. My sister is always luckier than myself in that line. I love little children best. My sister told me about the book you lent her. I do not think you need a book to tell you how to be happy. If there's love at home.

Kindest regards to all

A. Roberts"

the sender

There are no clues that point to the identity of A Roberts. It is not even clear whether they are male or female although female is favourite.

the recipient

James William Barrow (1859-1914) was the son of Benjamin Barrow (1828-1914) and Ellen Leach (1831-1887). Benjamin had a draper's shop in Oldham. James was an office clerk at a cotton mill in Oldham. In 1888, James married Maia Jane Slack (1862-1946). They had two daughters.

the places

Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales

Oldham, Lancashire

Dolwyddlen Castle, Conwy, North Wales

what the card says to us

The picture shows Dolwyddelen Castle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolwyddelan_Castle) in North Wales which dates to the 13th Century. It is about 30 miles fro Llandudno.

The message is intriguing. The nature of the relationship between A Roberts and James Barrow is not clear. Obviously Roberts' sister plays some part in that. There seems to have been some misunderstanding about the use of the welsh word "Cariad". The use of a welsh word suggests that Roberts is welsh, but is not conclusive. Have there been disappointments in love for Roberts? Who knows?

There is also a reference to what sounds like a self help book which may have been a thing even in 1904.

Many questions and few answers.