September 23rd 1912 Sidney George taylor to Florence taylor

Faversham, kent to Whitstable, kent

8 miles

the message

"Dear Flo

Just a PC in answer to your card.

We are sorry we have not written before, as we have been so busy with hoppicking. We shall finish about Tuesday. Mother is getting very tired now with the hoppicking on.

Hope you are well

Love from all

Love Sidy"

the sender

Sidney George Taylor (1900-) was the youngest child of George Richard Taylor (1861-1935) and Florence White (1862-1943). Sidney George Taylor is a remarkably common name and it has not been possible to identify the correct individual beyond the 1911 census. In that census, George is listed as working in the explosives industry for the Cotton Powder Company. Faversham having been the cradle of the British explosives industry (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faversham_explosives_industry)

the recipient

Florence Taylor (1187-?) was Sidney's eldest sister. In 1911 she was a servant at the house that the card is addressed to and working for a 68 year old widow named Elizabeth Hills who was living on private means. Like her brother, and their sister Nelly Taylor (1890-?) it has not been possible to trace Florence beyond 1911.

the places

Faversham, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

what the card says to us

The picture shows a London County Council Steamer on the River Thames. This card dates from 1912 but the service was only in operation between 1905 and 1907 and failed due to huge debts. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_River_Services) It is odd that a 1912 card would depict that service but it is not known when the card was originally purchased.

The message is interesting because it makes to references to hoppicking (also known as hop picking or hopping). This was a big industry in Faversham at this time and today there is a commemorative festival. (https://www.favershamhopfestival.org/index.php/hop-picking-in-faversham). This would have been an additional source of income for the Taylor family. It is not clear whether they owned a hop farm or were just casually employed. This would have been an important time of year and they were probably missing Florence while she was working away.