november 24th 1908 elmitt barraclough to frederick raymond barraclough
barton-on-humber, lincolnshire to bradford, yorkshire
67 miles
the message
"Frozen Dog
Eastmans Ltd
Dear Ray,
Hope you are well. I shall be glad to see you on Christmas. I am busy at work now, and has not much time.
Best love from Elmitt, to Ray, uncle + ?? all
Good Day"
the sender
Elmitt Barraclough (1895-1974) was one of 15 children born to Joseph Barraclough (1867-1952) and Emma Elizabeth Sanderson (1871-1960). Joseph was a waterman and in 1911 owned his own sloop.
Elmitt married Lily Dore (1899-1992) in 1920.
When the card was sent, Elmitt was 13 years old and working. In 1911 he was working at a cycle works, aged 16. By 1939 he was Managing Director of a canal shipping firm.
the recipient
Frederick Raymond Barraclough (1897-1983) was the son of Frederick Samuel Barraclough (1871-1933) and Alice Maud Taylor (1874-1903). Frederick Samuel was a grocer and was married twice, the second time to Annie Waddingham (1875-?).
Frederick Raymond is the cousin of the sender, Elmitt.
Frederick Raymond married Marion Shakesby (1900-1981) in 1928. In 1939 Frederick is listed as a Civil Servant in the Ministry of Labour.
the tree
the places
Barton-on-Humber, Lincolnshire
Bradford, Yorkshire
what the card says to us
The picture is entitled "Quietude" and reveals that the idea of peace and quiet was the same in 1908 as it is today, though possibly easier to achieve.
The message is from a thirteen year old boy to his eleven year old cousin who he is looking forward to seeing at Christmas in a month's time. At age 13, Elmitt is a working man.
The use of the phrase "has not much time" is a lovely use of local vernacular, I hope. The handwriting is clear but it looks as if the card has been addressed by a different hand.
The sender's address is "Frozen Dog, Eastmans Ltd". What does this mean? Is that where Elmitt works or where he lives? Is it a pub? Is it a boat, after all, Elmitt's father is a waterman with his own sloop? Is it the name of the sloop?