November 4th 1911 Eleanor Emily Allen nee douglas to Sybil emma allen nee reed

witney, Oxfordshire to stapleford, nottinghamshire

104 miles

the message

"Dear Sis

Just a line to wish you many many happy returns of the day. Will write a letter in a few days. I am out at work a good deal. I've not much time

With every love

Mother"

the sender

For details of Eleanor Emily Allen nee Douglas (1862-1954) and her family follow this link to another card posted on the same day

the recipient

Sybil Emma Allen nee Reed (1887-1966) was the daughter of Arthur Reed (1853-1932) and Emma Derry (1850-1908). Arthur was a coal miner (hewer).

In 1910 Sybil married George Frederick Allen (1888-1971). George was the son of the card sender. In 1911 George was a railway porter and in 1939 he was a signalman.

the places

Stapleford, Nottingahmshire

Witney, Oxfordshire

what the card says to us

The card is a simple birthday card however there are confusing elements in the message.

It is signed "mother" when in fact it is Sybil's mother-in-law.

Sybil is addressed as "Sis" which is often taken to mean sister.