july 9th 1909 annie to martha (aka Patty) gertrude bailey

stoke-on-trent staffordshire to newcastle-under-lyme, staffordshire

2.1 miles

the message

“Dear Patty

Thanks very much for your nice letter. Sunday will be just as convenient for me as I don’t want to keep you in. Tell Harry that Edgar is coming with me seeing as he did want to come. I think that will be all this time. Give my best love to all.

From your loving friend Annie XXX”

the sender

There are no clues to Annie’s identity.

the recipient

Martha (aka Patty) Gertrude Bailey (1891-1970) was born in Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire. Her parents were William Bailey (1854-?) and Mary Ellen Wood (1856-1912). In the 1911 Census William is listed as a Coal Wharf Clerk.

In 1901 and 1911 Martha was living with her parents in Finney Green, Little Madeley, Newcastle Under Lyme. In 1911 she is listed as a Dressmaker. In 1915 Martha married George William Allman (1890-1949). George was an Engine Worker at a Colliery. In the 1939 Register they were living in Keele, Newcastle Under Lyme. George was then a Post Office Telegraphy Engineer.

Martha’s death was recorded in Stoke On Trent in 1970.

the tree

the places

Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire

Finney Green and Stoke On Trent

Finney Green, Little Madeley, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire

what the card says to us

The picture shows a view of Hanley Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanley_Park) in Stoke On Trent which is where the card was posted.

The message is arranging a social engagement. Annie is going to visit Martha and it looks like they’ve decided on Sunday. The Harry referred to is Martha’s brother Harry Bailey (1895-?). There is no clue as to Edgar’s identity or relationship to Annie.

What we do know is that Annie has a very splodgy pen.