Non Pareil

While working on one of my projects recently I pulled out one of the antique hand saws that I seem to have accumulated here over the years. I know there are power saws that will do the job better, faster and with less effort but in the spirit of making do with what I have I went with this one.
Although after a  few minutes I found it did not work well at all it was still interesting to read the fine print on the saw.

It has "H.W. Nevard" stamped on the handle so I'm guessing it was one that my grandfather brought from England when he first came to Canada in 1905. Probably one that he acquired while working as Carpenter's Apprentice in Lexden, Essex, U.K.  It shows signs of hard use with a break in the handle.
W. Tyzack and Turner & Sons stamped on the frame as well as the name "Non Pareil" over the little elephant image. No doubt a brand name from long ago.

I was thinking of a fellow blogger, Gorges Smythe when I took the saw photos since he appreciates a good wood working tool and writes an interesting blog you might like to check out some time.

Cecil Reports On The War

                                                                            Corder Road
                                                                                     Ipswich
                                                                               29 Sept. 1940
My Dear Horace
You are naturally wondering how we are getting along during these terrible times. Well, thank God, up to the present, fit and well. We of course get Nazi bombers over most nights and as an air raid warden I have to report at the post and then wait for the bombs to drop. Fortunately none have fallen in my sector. For although I have passed a course in first aid, well I should be rather sorry for my patients. We have had a number of bombs dropped around the district and some in the town. One broke most of the stained glass windows on the South side of our Church but no structural damage.
Four people only have been killed altogether. 3 on one occasion and then one. One chiefly from shock.
England has not yet been invaded and no attempt made. Believe me if Hitler and his crowd attempt it he will have a warm reception for the vast majority of people will fight to a man. We haven't got the wind up, neither have the people of London. I speak from my personal experience for Ethel, Daphne and I spent a week with Ethel's father in London. The barrage is terrible and not pleasant but you can live through it.
Leslie came home this weekend. He is quite fit and still working at the same place.
Louie and all her family are still the same. Poor old Louie misses her treatment and her poor legs are as bad as ever. Muriel has been moved to Nayland and she cycles over to see us occasionally when she has a day off. Its 13 miles from here so quite a good ride.
I have not yet heard from you since I wrote about Emily. Its hard to part with your mother and sister but considering all things one cannot but feel that they are better off. For when the air raid alarm goes it is advisable to get downstairs and when you are aged or unwell that is far from pleasant and as likely as not get a chill.
As to food, there is plenty in the shops. I can see no difference from pre-war times and prices have gone up but very little. The only thing I personally miss is sugar. I wish we could have more than half a pound pe person per week. This is for cooking and everything. Butter goes down next week from 6 ounces to 2 ounces per person per week, but there is plenty of margarine to make up for it.
I went to Lexden yesterday afternoon to see Horace. He is now a full time special constable doing clerical work in the Chief Constable's office. He misses Mother and Emily very much but is still carrying on the house at Lexden. He will not have to go into the army and Ethel (Hall's) husband is exempt for some time..
Can now hear a German bomber going over but its very dark and cloudy. He is up so (3 miles I expect) so he doesn't know where he is fortunately.
Well, have no more news so must conclude with fond love from all the family to all the clan of Nevards.
Your affectionate brother Cecil.
P.S.
So you listen to Lord Haw Haw on the German radio? I would'nt advise you to for he is a deliberate liar and makes me feel I'd love to sock him on the jaw.

Cecil and Ethel Nevard

A Christmas Card For Ernie

Bill Nevard was known as "young Ernie" to some in the family. It was a long way from his original home in Lexden, Essex, U.K. to his new home in Saskatchewan, or as it was known then, "district of Assiniboia". It must have been exciting to receive letters and cards from their family still in England. Like this one from Aunt Louie (Louisa Nevard/Hall).

Dear Ernie
I thought perhaps you would like to have a card from Aunt Louie. I hope you will get this in time for Xmas and I hope you will all spend a happy one. I wish I could send you something else but it costs too much by post so we shall have to tell the postal folks they must make it cheaper. I must write and tell you about little Horrie anther time. He is a funny little boy and makes me think of you when you were his age. Uncle Cecil is coming to see us for Xmas if he can. I hope poor mother's cough is better. We had a nice letter from her Sunday morning.
Wishing you all a Happy Xmas and a bright and prosperous new year.

From your ever-loving Aunt Louie

No doubt a familiar view of Bill's old home town of Straight Road, Lexden, Essex.