Ada's Birthday Letter to Husband, November 1941

Date: 1941-11-08
Sender: Ada
Recipient: My own Darling One (husband)
Location: Rosemary Cottage, Granville Terrace, Bude Haven, Cornwall
Original scan: 1941-11-08-ada-to-husband-birthday-family.pdf




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Summary

Ada writes a birthday letter to her husband from Rosemary Cottage, Bude Haven, detailing the receipt of his letter and other birthday gifts. She mentions the children, Joan, Gillian, and Penna, and the excitement around parcels, including one for M^c Metcalfe's birthday. Ada expresses concern for her husband's cold and discusses sending him pyjamas and oranges. She reflects on his work at the Lab, the impact of the war, and her deep love for him and their children. The letter also touches on the weather and other family activities.

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Transcription

Rosemary Cottage,
Granville Terrace,
Bude Haven,
Cornwall.

Sat Nov 8 - 1941.

My own Darling One
8.30 p.m.
Such a pile of birthday things are Collected –
– also a golden telegram and letters & cards. I simply
could not resist opening your letter which is before me
now. I've sent the Children out with Joan
as it is a gloriously sunny day. We had a great
search of Penna's letters which seemed to be lost
however when we went to take Penna up – there was
the letter smuggled beside her!!
Your letter was written at the Lab – with many interruptions
– that is just how I often have to write yours – and
it isn't easy to write like that – but I'm so glad you
did it and I'm beginning to answer it today as
tomorrow is Joan's day off. There has been much
secrecy and funny shaped little parcels piled on my
machine – A great envelope with TOMUMY on it – from
Gillian & Penna – It is M^c Metcalfe's birthday too so
Joan is very excited.
I'm so delighted with the barometer – It came
packed in a huge parcel. I have hung
it under the end of the clothes brushes on the pillow.
It has already brought good cool weather tho it

2.
is falling a little now – Thank you my darling one
it is just what I've wanted ever since we
came here. The other parcel I have not
opened yet – will write about it later.
(Post again – more cards – and receipt of the assurance
premium I sent to Penna)
How is your Cold? I'm afraid it has depressed you
a little. Are you cold at night? What about
pyjamas. These man's ones I got for myself are
not wool – but something warmer than cotton
and I'm sure they are full size – Won't you have
them? I've seen some sort of knitted ones
– I mean woven that would suit me better and I have
plenty of coupons. May I send them to you?
The Children had 2 lbs of oranges lately – and
yesterday M^rs B. had some ones and gave me another
couple of lbs – so I'll put you an two in your
next parcel. They have eaten the soft ones and
if the rest will keep I'll put them away for Xmas
I think – The pudding making went off well – I'll
send you a little “taster”.
Another golden telegram –
Among the parcels are ones for Daisy, Hilda, May & Chris

3.
When you say sometimes you feel you could cheerfully
leave the Lab for good – that means Strongways
Lab – was the M.P.C. doesn't it? If there is
no alternative my darling, are I'm sorry you feel
like this – but if you have other things drawing
you and this is just a restlessness preparing
you for other work, it is then, I suppose, just
natural growth – a development in your life.
If it is all research work it sets me thinking
of things D. Dodd used to say – It was when
you were feeling that your work should come before
marriage – he said that our marriage should
be first – and all other “Vocations” go out of
this Central happy life? What is in your
mind?
One wonders what changes will come about in our
lives after the war –
I've not heard from “Spear Bros” yet – I'll let
you know at once when I do. Sorry Nov
makes such big demands for premiums. I think
you are wise to scale down a bit as the look forward
insurance – Will you lose what you put in?
Well – I too will continue this tomorrow after a phone talk
I hope –

4.
Well now I have you to myself a little while –
M^rs Lloyd has taken Penna off & Gillian
has gone to Church with Joan. It was
good to hear your voice on the phone. We had
just finished breakfast and I was trying
to fit photos into the new folders when you
rang. I've put two of you in the one on
my desk – and two each of the Children
in folders on the mantlepiece – Bless you
my treasure – Could any woman ever love
her husband and Children more than I do? You
are my whole life now – without your life would
be meaningless. Is this selfish? Perhaps – but
you all need me still – and when I cannot serve
you all – I hope to be able to watch & enjoy you all
while I live and not make the selfish demands
so many old folk make on their loved ones.
Well here I am 54!!! Cos funny!
I brought a trayful of my things upstairs
last night and when Gillian came in with
Joan & the tea, she undid the parcels of
we and Penna helped – It was almost
like Xmas – How we all enjoyed it.

5.
I enclose a list. The handkerchiefs my made
herself. I wrote letters to Chris & May during the
week so just added a thank you note today – I'm sending
you all my letters that I have answered so that
you can share in my birthday.
I do hope your cold is really better and that
you can enjoy your day today.
The barometer has recorded its first rain –
Well I don't really expect sunshine on my birthday
I was born in a blizzard of snow – Yesterday
was a glorious day and when I went up to bed
I tapped the barometer which was falling quickly so
I did not expect anything else – and am not disappointed
– without it I'm sure I should have expected a
grand day – roll away and the sun is nearly breaking through –
Well, darling, I'd better finish my thank you
letters –
Goodbye my own darling
All my love –
Ada –
So glad the Jacobins like the spotted hare –
I thought they would.

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People mentioned

- Penna
- Joan
- Gillian
- M^c Metcalfe
- Daisy
- Hilda
- May
- Chris
- D. Dodd
- M^rs B.
- M^rs Lloyd
- Ada

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Topics

- birthday
- gifts
- family news
- health
- war reflections
- daily life
- weather

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Uncertain words / phrases

- M^rs B.

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Archivist notes

- The letter details a birthday celebration with multiple parcels and telegrams. It touches on the recipient's work at 'the Lab' and 'Strongways Lab', and reflects on life changes after the war. The sender, Ada, expresses deep affection for her husband and children. The handwriting is clear and legible throughout.
- The word 'TOMUMY' appears on an envelope label, likely a brand or specific item, not a person's name.

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Context suggestions

These were used to update/suggest additions for `archive-context.json`.

```json
{
"people": [
"Joan",
"Daisy",
"May",
"M^rs B.",
"M^rs Lloyd"
],
"places": [
"Strongways Lab"
],
"common_phrases": [
"Goodbye my own darling"
],
"spelling_notes": [
"M^c Metcalfe (likely a variation of Miss Metcalfe)",
"M^rs B. (surname unclear)"
],
"relationships": {}
}
```

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