Kelsale Saxmundham

This post card sent from Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk, U.K. to Canada in January of 1908 was sent by Alice Hall who would later marry Horace Nevard to become my grandmother. I don't know how they met as the Nevards were from Lexden, Essex. That is not so many miles today but in 1908 travel  was on foot, bicycle, or if you could afford it, train. Possibly Ernest Nevard, in his chosen profession of brick layer had a work project in Saxmundham, who knows? In any event, he met up with Mary Hall at Kelsale who later became his wife. From that point on it would not be too surprising if his younger brother, Horace (my grandfather) tagged along and met up with Mary's younger sister, Alice Hall in the early 1900s. Although they did not marry until 1918 after WW I ended.
It can be a complicated family tree to follow. Even more so when you consider that one  of  the  Hall girl's brothers, William, married the Nevard boy's sister, Louisa. Confusing  enough to follow? It is a good thing I have it all down on paper to refresh my memory sometimes.

Louisa's Wedding 1905

Ernest Nevard along with brother, Arthur, had been in Canada two years when he received this letter from his sister, Louisa Nevard back in their old home of Lexden, Essex, U.K.

November 2, 1905

36 Straight Road, Lexden, Essex

Dear Ernie

I have just been writing to Arthur, now I want to write you just a few lines to tell you when I am to be married. We have fixed it for the 20th of this month at 12:30. If its later I will let you know. The Canon will be away and he would like us to wait until he comes back but Mr. Briggs says he will do it if I like so I no doubt he will.

I have been to the Chrysanthemum show this evening. I have always wanted to go and never have been able and tonight I ought to have been at home doing my dress but mother said she should go if she was in my place as I may never have such a good chance. I enjoyed myself very much. The band was simply lovely.

I have had several presents and have some more to come yet. They are as follows: Misses C..... Queen Ann tea set, plated. Nurse Winstanley, sideboard cloth. Mrs. Clayden , glass cake stand. Nellie CLayden, china jam dish. Nurse B....., glass cheese dish. Aunt Annie and Uncle, bread knife and trencher. Winnie, a tea cozy. Annie is going to give us a cruet, Alice a tablecloth. Mrs. Hall, the cake and a pair of blankets. Then I have some more coming. Mary has given me the tea set which I like very much. Mother has given me a nice white quilt and Emily, a colored one.

Willie would have liked to have gone to London but I don't suppose we shall go as I have so many things to pack up afterwards. I like the house where I shall live very much. They are large rooms 18 feet wide and 19 1/2 long upstairs and down.

Mr. Wooltorton? gave Willie a nice present, a red glass sugar basin with silver edging and handle and sugar tongs. I expect we shall muster up a good few altogether but I must let you know afterwards. Grandfather has given me 5 shillings too which is wonderful isn't it. I am sending you a pattern like my dress. Emily's is a blue with a hat to match and Alice's too. I have a white chiffon hat. I will save you and Arthur a lump of cake if I can for Mary to bring out so I should like you to have a taste. I will write again later on when I am Mrs. Hall but I have heaps to do.

With love from your ever-loving sister, Louie.

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.