May 10th 1911 iris Bent (?) to alice Harriet Twaites
kennington, London to Streatham, london
6 miles
the message
"My dear Allie
I got back alright last night, my skirt fits simply lovely. will send you a piece of cord, cannot stay to write any more at present & trust you are not downhearted.
tata dearie with fondest love
chin up
ever Iris Bent (?) XXXX"
the sender
Frustratingly, the signature is not clear enough to positively identify Iris's identity. Does she even live in Kennington or was she just passing through?
the recipient
Alice Harriet Twaites (1884-1926) was working as a cook in 1911 when she received this card. That was in Streatham and her employer was a retired doctor called Lewis James. Alice was the daughter of Harry Twaites (1859-1937) and Mary Ann Matilda Noakes (1860-1916). Harry was a hot water fitter. Alice was already in service in 1901 when she was 17.
In 1913, two years after this card was sent, Alice married Ernest John Quickenden (1888-1970). Ernest was the son of Edmond Quickenden (1851-1930) and Ann Channell (1855-1934). Edmond was a brickmaker and general labourer in Epsom, Surrey. In 1911 Ernest was a stoker in the Navy.
Alice and Ernest had two daughters. At some point between 1918 and 1926 they moved to Neath in South Wales. Alice died in Neath in 1926 at the age of 42. Later that year, Ernest married again to Jeanette Evans (1893-1976).
the places
Kennington, London
Streatham, London
Monsal Dale, Derbyshire
what the card says to us
The picture shows Monsal Dale in Derbyshire. There does not seem to be a connection. The design is a bit puzzling because of the addition of the fake ribbon. It detracts from the scene.
The message has some curious elements. What is the significance, if any, of the skirt? Why might Alice be downhearted? Why did she need to chin up? How often were people referred to as "dearie" in 1911? What sort of relationship does it indicate? And most mysterious of all, why is Iris going to send a piece of cord? Or card?
There is a story here somewhere.