july 13th 1904 ellen ann watson nee hooks to henry watson

whitby, yorkshire to harton, south shields, durham

71 miles

the message

"Dear Harry

Arrived all right ?? ??? & see to things & that everything is all right

From your loving mother 

EM"

the sender

Ellen Ann Watson nee Hooks (1864-1950) was the daughter of Henry Hooks (1831-1872), a dock worker, and Sarah Ann Hodgson (1836-1867). In 1885 she married John Watson (1855-1900), who was a stoker on a stationary engine.

the recipient

Henry Watson (1885-1954) was the eldest child of John and Ellen. He was a motor engineer and in 1939 he is listed as a Special Constable. in 1917 he married May Curry (1893-?)

the places

Harton, South Shields, Durham

Whitby, Yorkshire

what the card says to us

The picture shows a view of Whitby which is where the card was sent from. it is 1904 and the quality of the image, especially the borders, is not the highest. The sky has been coloured sky blue.

It is not clear why Ellen has gone to Whitby as she lives in Harton. She obviously has some things to sort out but what they are we just don't know. This is a simple "arrived safely" postcard to her 19 year old eldest son. Curious that she signed off with both "your loving mother" and her initials as if there might be some doubt.