17th September 1920 Doris Harriett Fowler to Charles Henry Bushell Fowler

Margate, kent to shepherds bush, london

70 miles

the message

“Well dear old Dad

I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. It would do you a world of good down here. I shall soon be home now

Much love

yours

Doris”

the sender

Doris Harriett Fowler (1899-1980) was the daughter of Charles Henry Bushell Fowler (1867-1931) and Harriett Rooke (1870-1903). Doris did not marry. In the 1939 register she is listed as a cook working for a Financial Journalist named Henry Wheatley in Kensington, London.

the recipient

Charles Henry Bushell Fowler (1867-1931) was the son of Edwin Fowler (1840-1899) and Sarah Bushell (1848-1899).

Edwin was a Fitter by profession and Sarah had worked as a Charwoman.

In the 1911 census, Charles was listed as an Agricultural Engineer Toolmaker. In 1891 he married Harriett Rooke (1870-1903) who had worked as a cook. In 1913 he remarried a widow Emma Baker nee Taylor (1863-?)

the tree

the places

Margate, Kent to Shepherds Bush, London

Margate, Kent

Shepherds Bush, London

what the card says to us

The picture shows a young woman apparently about to dive into the water. The words “Shall I risk it?” are printed on the front. On the back of the card “A GOOD TIME” is printed. Was this a meme in 1920?

The card was sent by Doris to her father and seems to refer to health. Was she in Margate for the sea air? Had she been ill? Was this a cure? And does the fact that she is recommending Margate to her father mean that he is ill and needs the sea air? Charles lived for another 11 years. Doris lived for another 60 (she was 21 when she sent the card) which is perhaps to be expected for someone who is as fit as a fiddle.