September 22 - November 5, 1961 - New York, USA

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 1961 - MONTREAL, CANADA TO PULASKI, NEW YORK

We tried all along the way to find a bearing, but no luck so far. In Malone they were so sure they had one that they even took the car apart.  Now our next hope is Rochester. Stayed at Seeleys Motel, a nice place outside of Pulaski, expensive but clean. We had a very good dinner here, later some beer then to bed.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23 TO TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 1961 - SEEKIRK SHORE PARK, NEW YORK

We visited our old stomping grounds at Seekirk. The place is much the same, but somewhat enlarged. We took shots of our campsites also of the community house etc. Dark, dark Saturday. We left here by Highway 104 on our way to Rochester. The traffic was light, the road not so good but with a burned bearing we traveled very slowly in hopes that we can make Rochester & find the part we need.

 We got as far as a small town of Hannibal & a scatterbrain of a 17 year old in a pickup truck was coming the opposite direction when she spotted some boys on our side of the street & without any notice, or signals or anything she plowed right into us. This of course ended our trip to Rochester for a few days. Chas. was hurt the least & he hobbled over to my side of the car & by slapping my face was able to bring me to. My head had hit the windshield and shattered it to pieces.  My eyes hit the rearview mirror & boy what a pair of shiners I got. My knees and legs were black and blue & cut where I went down and caught the heater we think. My chest is really sore; I could have sworn my bones were all broken.  There I lie on the road until the Dr. & ambulance arrived.

 We were both taken to the Fulton, NY-Lee Memorial Hospital. I was immediately X-Rayed. Chas. was treated for his wounds. His arm was badly cut & the Dr. put in ½ dozen stitches.  His leg also bandaged & his hip and thigh were very sore, poor Papa. I looked like a sad sack. 

I was put to bed & here I stayed for 5 days & boy what a long 5 days, lots of pain, bruises but thank God no broken bones. Of course shock is always a great part of an accident & both of us suffered much of this. Bill & Grace came and got Charlie & all our luggage out of the car & took it all to Rochester where most of it was stored in the basement & bedroom.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27 TO FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Chas. & Grace came and took me home to Rochester today. I feel pretty good but lots of chest pain & back near the wing. We walked into the door & the phone was ringing. It was brother Paul to say that Max was in critical condition & could go any time & that they were going over to see him & wanted to know if we cared to go along. We did want to go but my condition ruled me out. So only Chas. went with Mary & Paul. Max was in a coma & very ill! They stayed awhile & his condition remained the same. Chas. said Max was in a very bad way. Perhaps I’ll get to see him today. We engaged a lawyer to handle our accident & all we can do is hope for the best. Our car is really a big mess and am sure it will cost plenty to repair. How we survived, only God alone knows.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

My condition is still the same, sore chest & right arm & shoulder. So today (Saturday 9/30) Chas. and I went to another MD here in Roch. Dr. DiRoberto was quite disturbed about the continuous chest pain, so has ordered a cardiogram just in case some harm has been done to the heart tissue. This on Monday, all such places are closed today. Chas. had neck & leg X-Ray, more pain here. Talked to Jerry yesterday all’s well there. Max is still in a coma, his condition is unchanged. Talked with Mary Jane. She had a call from Sophie regarding Max’s condition. Still no word about cost of our car repairs. Grace & I went shopping & I got Andy a pair of sneakers. We had a good dinner, played some blackjack & beer, later went to bed. Chest was quite sore again, too much strain I guess.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 1961  - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

All‘s still the same, no change in Max. We fooled around most of the am. Later Bill took us for a ride along the lake, a beautiful drive it was 7 then we had dinner at Crescent Beach Hotel in Crescent Beach (down Charlotte Way).  Chas & I treated them to dinner for their 27^th anniversary. We later visited Judy & Bud, the newlyweds, in their apartment. Very nice too. 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 8, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Stayed with Mary & Paul, had new glasses made, very lovely too.

MONDAY OCTOBER 9, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

We stayed with Bill & Faye all nite & went to Max’s funeral in the AM together.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 10, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

We stayed with Bill & Faye all nite. Bill took us to dinner at Colonial Inn.

 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Went to see doctor.  I had lunch with Mary & Paul.  Later joined Bill & Grace for dinner & spending the nite here. Had dinner at Jerry’s with “The Group“ Luella, May, Carolyn. Mary, Erma, Jerry. Had a nice reunion.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Bill took us for a long ride around Canadaigua Lake, Naples, etc. Later had dinner with their aunt & uncle “The Blake Rapalee” a grand evening.

MONDAY OCTOBER 16, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Got information on car. An estimate was given to insurance company of $880 to repair. No one wanted the job there so Chas. and I scoured around town here & found a place that could repair it in 2 weeks. Later we visited Paul & Mary & had dinner with them & spent a quiet eve. Lawyer talked with Paul. Ted got all of Max’s estate. She didn’t deserve it but that is her problem.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 17, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

The Opel was towed to Rochester for repairs, $70 towing charges. Garages in Hannibal and vicinity did not want the job & if they did take it, it would take a year to repair. Thus, the tow into Rochester.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Went to Batavia with Grace & Bill to the harnessraces. We had dinner in the club house & nice warm seats to watch the races. We were about $2 out of our pocket. The last of the big spenders.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 1961  - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Had dinner at the home of Bob & Norma Gerlach. It’s a beautiful home and we had a wonderful evening. Two of the boys had a birthday. Marilyn & Jim & children were there also. A nice family gathering. We spent an hour or so at Faye’s. All’s the same here.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 1961  - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

We had a “fish fry” at J & L across from my old culver office. Fry place is run by a friend of Max & Bill “Lou Sharp” found out too late.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

We talked with Mary Jean about the fall Johnny took. He cut his wrist on a glass bottle & had to get ligaments sewn together. Quite a shock to all concerned, doing fine.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Spent all day with Jerry & did lots of work on the new love of God & am hoping that I too can see the light one of these days.  Chas. joined us in between naps.

MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 1961  - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Went to Dr. DiRoberto & had diathermy. Went to garage to see about car, still unsettled. Went out to Maplewood to dinner with Grace & Bill & Andy. Nice meal. Later went to see Paul & Mary & Johnny who had fallen & had a badly cut wrist. Had some beer & went back to Gerlach’s for the nite.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 24, 1961  - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

We’re at Gerlach’s. Car business is still unsettled. Highest bid for junk so far has been $350. May Hagaman was rushed to Highland Hospital for emergency eye surgery. Had dinner out with Carl & Jerry, a wonderful dinner it was too. May’s operation is over & as far as we can know it was a success. We looked at new cars all afternoon.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Bill Manclark took us car hunting all over Rochester. I think it looks like we’ll wind up with a station wagon after all, Rambler American. Mrs. Harrocks recognized me in in Sibley‘s today. This amazed me since I have not seen her in 25 years or more. We‘re at the Gerlach’s for a few more days anyway. Real nice folks. Had lunch with Bill at 277 East Ave., quite a spot, 99 cent meals, good too.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Spent 2 weeks with the Gerlach’s. Had dinner on Sunday with Marilyn at her home. There were 8 of us, good food, dnnks & cards.

MONDAY OCTOBER 30, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

We decided on the Rambler, $1995. We had $500 down & sent for the rest. Mrs. Frank‘s sister died & we went to see her (Mrs. Hogan). Mrs. Frank bad and sure enough on Monday, during the sister’s funeral she suffered a stroke. Her condition is very critical. Frank was called & arrived late Friday evening. No improvement on Mrs. Frank until Saturday eve. She recognized her son.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Andy Powell‘s birthday & we’re invited there to dinner. We stayed all nite & had a good time. We visited Mrs. Frank condition fair. May Hagaman doing fine after her eye operation. Bill Powell wants to contest the will of Max. He wants our support. We said OK but had no money for fees, he said OK.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 1961 - ROCHESTER,NEW YORK

Louis Smith arrived, he is having an operation on Monday.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 1961 - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Bill & Grace asked Mary J. & Paul over & Lennoyn was here too. Everyone had too much beer but me. Grace & Bill sure blast each other! Said good-bye to the Manclark’s & Gerlach’s & hit the road. We left at 1 PM and did 200 miles only. Here for the nite (Ohio).

September 12 - 21, 1961 - SS Laurentia to Canada

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 1961 - GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Got up at 8:20 AM, had a good breakfast. Packed & now we’re waiting for a call to confirm embarkation time.

S.S. Laurentia - We sailed out of Glasgow at high noon. The weather wasn‘t bad but we were only a few hours out when it started to pour & it rained steady the rest of the day & eve. Then, we found ourselves staying behind a hurricane. Boy, it was really wild. I was “seasick“ all nite, no sympathy from Charlie.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

Come morning we decided to have breakfast in spite of how we felt. I had to leave the table & Chas. soon followed. We were both very ill. The doctor called, fixed us up with med. & he called again & again & by dinner we were OK. We were assigned our tables in the dining room & we are on the good Dr. Smith‘s table #3. I still haven‘t figured out how to get on #1 table with the cap’t.  A few more trips may do it.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

I have only one thing to add, the service on this ship is the best we‘ve ever had. But a small ship like this can sure make it rough for a poor sailor. One feels all the bumps & rocks & rolls. All in all it‘s pretty rough sailing! So far anyway my needs are attended to by a stewardess & Charlie‘s needs by a steward, some class! Our cabin is lovely, twin beds & the lot. Fruit every nite is left on the dressing table etc.  Table #3 - Our table - Mr. & Mrs. McArthur, Dr. Smith, Mrs. Colledge. Mr. & Mrs. Manclark.  Had a good breakfast, still lots of sick people on board ship. The sea is very rough. Still haven‘t been on deck for wind, rain & heave ho!  At lunch Dr. Smith invited us to his cabin for eve. cocktails. We went & so did the McArthur’s. Later a movie in the lounge & after this we had several beers with the good Dr. Smith.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

The wind blew like H___ all nite, don‘t suppose we made any time since it blew the wrong way. We still have not been on deck a rough cruel sea it is. Had breakfast, sat in the lounge & had a “singsong”.  At 11 AM everyone had tea & we took a walk along deck under shelter that is.  I understand we are one day behind time already. Hope we can make it up. I also understand that this ship was made by Kaiser in California (small world). It’s been redone somewhat. I’ve been working on my list for the customs. We also ordered some cigarettes, 200 each & some liquor to take along. We‘re allowed 10 bottles but I think we‘re going to settle for & right now anyhoo.  I do have the distinction of being the only American on board. Dad too, but he’s nor Amer. born. The rest are Canadian or Scot etc. either going home to Canada or on a trip. In fact, the largest percent is Scot including the staff stewards, and so on, most of who all are from Glasgow.  Today we had a short gander around the deck. Nice day, but windy. We lost another 100 miles app. or one day in all so far. Sure a wild sea. Dad tried raw oyster & didn’t like them. I do but find them very rich. We’re off course so as to miss the hurricane,Carla‘s tail end. Another evening & it was beginning to look dull when after 11 PM and everyone but a few had gone to bed. A Mrs. Mary McCallum started to play the piano. She & her hubby, Mr.  & Mrs. Campbell, Dr. Smith, Chas. & I & a Mr. O‘Hagen & Mrs. Quinn sat in the background. So we were off to a singsong & drink. One thing led into another & suddenly Mary played “O You GreatBig Beautiful Doll” & the Dr. & Mrs. Quinn got up to dance and laugh. I never had so much fun. Mrs. O’Hagen must tilt the scales at 300 lb. & the doc is no lightweight. Words can‘t explain the laughs this led from one thing to another & as usual we put the ship to bed about 1 AM. But the payoff came about ½ hour later. The sea got wild, the wildest I’ve ever seen it. We rocked & bumped & rolled. I thought we’d never see daylight again. The wild, cruel sea, cold & weird. The word rough couldn‘t half explain it. No one slept this night, not even the help.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

Every one showed up at breakfast with headaches. No wonder, no one slept but Charlie that is, he really did sleep (the beer). It’s a bright morning & the sun‘s out. We did twice around the deck. It was cold so we came in. I‘ve done my hair & Chas. is in the lounge. Played bingo tonite & I won the first game. 35/app. $5.00. Not bad? Later  more singsong at the piano. After most everyone went on to bed, Mary McCallum played again. Lots of fun, song, drinks & jokes nor to mention dancing by a few just for fun. Had several nice long visits with Mrs. Colledge. She‘s confined because of an injury & since the sea is rough, Dr. thinks it best for her to stay down. She’s on her way to sons in Montreal who’s a Dr. Nice lady, age 70, does not look 60. Really intelligent too. The McCallum’s are Scots on the way to Australia to visit their son, nice folks.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

9:00 AM - Breakfast

10:30 AM - Church service. Rev Moffett, a passenger

11:30 AM - A run or two around the deck really cold, quite a bit of wind, some sun, but not for long. It’s raining now, we‘ve had no need for deck chairs on this trip. If all goes well we should spot land by noon tomorrow. We’re about one day late.

1:00 AM - Good luncheon. Chas. having a siesta. I’m writing as usual

Eve. - Sunday was a quiet eve, in the lounge. We met with our friends, had a few drinks, but no song and dance because of the rough sea. Everyone was tired & the lack of sleep the night before sent us all to bed early. Isabel & Gen. Campbell, Mary & Hugh McCallum, Dr. Smith, we 2 Mary and Chas., GeorgeImeric, a few others.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

Monday nite was somewhat better. We slept for 3 hours in the afternoon. We ordered 8 bottles of liquor & cigarettes. Had a great time again. More of “O You GreatBig Beautiful Doll” etc.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

Saw a tremendous iceberg& not too far out, just about breakfast time. Everyone was out with the cameras. We played shuffleboard with the McArthur’s. All I got was a sore shoulder & Dad got a sore hip. ole age! Took some pictures on deck, nice day, but very cold. Had another wonderful evening. First farewell dinner & then the usual gang in the lounge.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA

Lots of packing to do, lots of good-byes to say. Our gang met on deck after everyone else was gone to bed. No songs today, but lots of fun, jokes, beer, Scotch & what have you. The captain blew his whistle at us flashed the lights off & on. No offense here, we just kept on. Lots of ships passed in the nite, a lovely sight this. More good nights. Lots of kissing, and what have you.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 1961 - S.S. LAURENTIA & MONTREAL,CANADA

Breakfast at 7:20 AM. Customs at 9:00 AM etc. We said many good-byes again & left the ship. We were a while getting our car but were on our way by 10:30 AM.  We got a motel then called Ed Wilkie, made a date to meet him for dinner. Again we ate at “Mother Martins“ in the Carlton hotel & very good too. Ed treated. He‘s a nice boy, quite wrapped up in himself, somewhat like his dad, but a good kid.

September 3 - 11, 1961 - Scotland

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 1961 – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Weather wet, lots of fog, visibility none. Headed north again on A1. Decided it was too wet for sightseeing, very few cars on highways. Took a couple of pictures on entering Scotland, a welcome on one side & a good-bye on the other. Nice opening & closing for my film showing.

 So dark out, hope they’re good.  Checked into the Grosvenor hotel at about 12:30, a nice room 25/6 each but for only one nite. Good lunch also. Called Aunt Jess & talked with Charlie. They were going out to Arthurs for dinner, so we won see them today. Jim & wife are out of town. George & Nan didn’t answer. I don’t dig these Rattray’s. Oh well. I didn’t want to see them anyway. Yesterday Papa bought 2 pounds of green peas & ate them along the road. I had to take the pods off. We talked to George Rattray on the phone, he Invited us to dinner for tomorrow eve. I don‘t think we’ll go.  We spent the eve, in the lounge with a couple of Amer. fellows from the deep south.  A Mr. Austin & Bill Jones. The weather unchanged, it has rained all day. We just discovered that Mr. Kennedy has passed a bill on European spending of $100 per person which goes into effect on September 11, the day, before we sail for home. I don’t  know how this will affect us since antiques were not taxable in the past.  At this point, I don‘t know just how much we’ve spent. Plus we’ve been given many gifts along the way by friends.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 1961 - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Stopped by & saId good-bye to Aunt Jessie for an hour. Then went on to meet George & Nan & family. Later George took us to the golf club, to luncheon, good meal. George had to dash off as he was leaving for Paris. We said good-bye to both & headed for the home of Mr. De Longe, American Counsel General, to find out about new cut in European buying. Sure nuff, it’s been cut to $100 each. Mr. V.R. De Longe, 88 Inverleith Place, Leith, Edinburgh. We headed for Dundee but changed our minds & landed in Leven -Methil where Chas wants to see some of his cousins. I feel lousy, a head cold, a splitting headache, so went to bed & told Chas. to go ahead. But, after an effort, he came back & decided to wait until morning. Too hard to find places in the dark. Today is Labor Day at home so all American offices are closed. We saw Mr. De Longe at home after first going to his office.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 1961 – DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

Went to Dundee By ferry but couldn’t find any antiques. Had lunch at Krilers & then headed north to Aberdeen about 75 miles away. Made it in less than 2 hours. Went to Marshall Street & got 2 kettles, 1 copper, 1 brass, then onto Mrs. McPhearson’s & got a brass one on a stand. She gave me a nice platter as a gift. Got a room at the West End Hotel, our old stomping grounds. Had tea, later beer.  I don’t feel too hot so Chas. chewed the fat in the lobby with some men.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 1961 - ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND

Decided to do some more shopping, so we picked up 2 more copper kettles at the Treasure House (£5). Then decided to see Violet once again & found her in the ole junk shop. While there, a young couple came along to sell a silver tea & coffee pot. Some man bought the tea & we got the coffee pot (dated 1771) for £3 which is really cheap. This couple was on their way to Australia & were selling everything. We were in luck, it’s a beauty.  It was a nice day in Aberdeen even as far as Montrose. After that it was rain & by the time we hit Tayport it was pouring. We stopped at Lyal’s to have a box made for our junk & will return in the AM. Wilkies were not at home, so headed for Newport. Had tea & later we got a room at the Seymour Hotel, very nice too.  We met Mrs. Hanlin & in her words I quote “I’m courting again”. Seems like she‘s met this fellow (age 50) Chas. Melville, also widowed & she likes him & he her. The family objects but she seems happy. We advised her to do what she thinks is right for a change & hang the family. Well anyway we ‘II visit Bill Hanlin & Winnie later tonite (this is the son), & put in a good word for her. She deserves any & all the happiness she can get. Eckie was OK but a cold fish & she needs companionship & affection, who doesn‘t?

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 1961 -TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Took our car in for a full day service.  It will be ready at 5 PM we hope. Had quite an evening, Anson sure is difficult. Don‘t see how Connie can it take for so long. He’s not only dour, he’s a cold fish. No love in his life, he doesn’t know what he’s missing. Connie is very nice; he could have done lots worse. In fact anyone in town is worse. Hope he comes to before it’s too late.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 1961 - DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

Dundee bound on the “Tankee” to pick up our car. The car was ready but a bearing was burned out & one could not be obtained in time to make repairs. So we must drive very carefully & have it done in Montreal. We picked up Connie, had dinner & spent a very nice evening at home. The box was ready for our junk & I spent hours wrapping it all. Oh my aching knees.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Chas. brought the crate for the junk & we packed it solid. Later went for a walk along the Brae‘s, the harbor & the Commond.  We did some shopping picked up Connie, had dinner, took pictures, etc. The weather is quite cold & lots of rain.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Connie s birthday. We went on a long ride to Newburgh, Craigton, a lovely park here, then dinner at Abernathy hotel in Abernathy. Later highballs for us at her home, beer for Chas. A nice day, lots of sun, cool in eve., but no rain.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 1961 - TAYPORT & GLASGOW,SCOTLAND

Got up at 6 AM finished packing had breakfast & said good-bye to our friends the Wilkies & headed for Glasgow (7 AM). We made good time, got here at 9 AM, went straight to the docks & put the car & luggage on board ship. We sail at 11 AM tomorrow. Had lunch & went to a show “The Absent Minded Professor”, it was good. Walked around town, but it was cold & we got caught in the rain. Beer at hotel and beddie.