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.

August 23 - September 2, 1961 - England

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 1961 - LONDON,ENGLAND

Seems like I lost several days along the way. When we drive a lot, this often happens. Called Trudy & she’s moved to Essex.  I’ll try again later. Mr. & Mrs. W. Brown, “The Willows”, Crossing, Essex, England.

THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 1961 - LONDON,ENGLAND

Had breakfast & Charles hit the sack & is trying to catch up on his sleep. We hope to go to the Palladium tonite, if we get seats, more later. Mailed all pkgs. home, also borrowed camera, to Bateaux, (1 to Carole & Joyce pkg). George Price arrived with the Palladium tickets, good show, lovely clothes, but we did miss some of the dialect. Had dinner and drinks, good time (visited several pubs). While parked alongside our hotel, someone came too close to our car & scratched the full length of it - Beasts.

FRIDAY AUGUST 25, 1961 - LONDON,ENGLAND

We drove all over London to get our car looked at, no luck. Finally went to General Motors head office & mgr. there tried, still no luck. Later had lunch at Keens near “Fleet St.” not bad, but not as good as 3 years ago. We went to a local show, can‘t remember the name of the picture. Later we went to Romford with George Price for the weekend to visit his family and daughter, Sandy & Ray Moody, 2 daughters, 1 son.

SATURDAY AUGUST 26, 1961 - ROMFORD, ENGLAND

Wonderful family. They received us like long lost relatives. Ray was especially nice & quite talented. Sandy was sweet & cordial. We spent 3 nites with them (Brunchcoat). They took us to many of the quaint pubs only to this part of the country. Had our first taste of cockles (ugh). One taste was enough. Sandy gave me 2 antique teaspoons & a china shoe (very old).  Chas., George, Ray & I went to the public market but no antiques today.

SUNDAY AUGUST 27, 1961 . BRIGHTON, ENGLAND

We drove to Brighton today with George and the Moody’s to pick up the 2 girls & to meet the other daughter, Connie Kennedy. It was a long drive but well worth it as we found Brighton all the things one reads about.  All but the beach, no sand there, just stones.

Lovely bldgs., pier fun zones, dancing. etc., etc.  Connie & Doug Kennedy were very nice, we had dinner here & tea & they joined us at the beach. Doug gave me a very old India coin, one that I will have appraised. We drove back to Harold Wood with the Moody’s & stayed the night.

MONDAY AUGUST 28, 1961 . HAROLD WOOD-ROMFORD & CRESSING,ENGLAND

We left here early to drive to Cressing near Braintree where we hoped to find Trudy & Walt Brown. Yep, they‘re here OK & in a new pub called the “Willows”, about 600 years old, quaint, but nice and comfy.

 We spent 3 wonderful days here, met 2 grandchildren & enjoyed the pub. We learned to play darts the ole English way, met some nice people here too. Poor Jim lost a dart game to me & me an amateur. He was a good sport & wants to play again tomorrow. Chas. bought beer for all the boys in the bar.

TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 1961 - CRESSING, ENGLAND

Really nice weather here. I finally did a big wash & have all of Chas. shirts cleaned & ironed. We went to Braintree shopping. Small town nearby. We helped Trudy & Walt around the pub. Had dinner, tea, etc. Eat, eat all the time here. Jim came back again & wanted to play darts with me. I tried to put him off but he insisted & sure enough I beat him again. He just doesn’t believe that I never played before. Then later we played doubles & Trudy & I won from Jim & Walt. Then on dominoes, Jim & I won from Chas. & Walt.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30, 1961 - CRESSING, ENGLAND

We got up early, packed & got breakfast & ready to leave. I took some shots of the gang & said our goodbyes & we‘re soon on the road to So. Wales to see old George Morgan. We drove the No. Ring Road around London, A40 through Oxford, Gloucester & then into Pontypool where we had a rough time getting a room. We finally got the last one in town but never did get in touch with George. Met a nice student. Lionel Bassel, who joined us & tried to help us find George. No luck so far. We’ll try again in the AM. Beer & beddie.

THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 1961 – PONTYPOOL & NEWPORT,SOUTH WALES

Early this AM we made a final stab to see George Morgan, our Ypres friend. So Chas. went to the police & the captain assigned us a cadet to help find him & the way to his house. This we did & here he was. He joined us for lunch & got us to stay another night as there will be a mkt. day in Newport in the AM & we‘re still looking for goodies. So today we drove just for the ride to Newport & Cardiff & back. Chas. took a nap & we watched TV in the lounge. Also had tea in the lounge. Now it‘s evening.  Chas. is up & we‘re going to decide what to do with ourselves until bedtime. I wrote 5 letters today Chuck, Carole, Bill, Jay & Claire Robertson... good day‘s work. The weather is superb here. We watched TV for a while in the hotel, took a walk through town & later returned to the hotel & had some beer & in walked Lionel Bassel, our friend from last nite. Talked to a lot of people, had fun & to bed after a few beers.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 1961 - PONTYPOOL & NEWPORT,SOUTH WALES

Got up early & George was in the lobby waiting to take us to the market for antiques so off to Newport we went & we hit the jackpot. First of all George gave me as a gift a very old sugar bowl, some horsebrasses & other trinkets, plus 3 brass plaques, an ashtray for Chas. & new candlesticks & Welsh woman thermometer. At the market he bought me 2 copper kettles, a spit arm & some horse brasses (about £7 in all). We hated to let him do it but he insisted. Chas. and I bought at Newport market: horse brasses Pound 1/7, 3 milk jugs pounds 2, pewter stein 6/, copper water bottle 15/, samovar (copper) £3, 2 plates, 7 horns (copper) £13/10/0. George drove out of town about 12 miles & we let him off at a bus station. It was hard saying good -bye to the old fellow. He sure got a kick out of being with us again. We drove on until we came to Chesterfield where we‘re spending the nite. Sheffield is about 12 miles away, next town.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 1961, - DONCASTER, ENGLAND

We’re heading north and gradually to Glasgow & the boat home. It will be a few days yet. We stopped in  Doncaster & went to the public market & were able to pick up 1 copper kettle for 37/6, a good one & a good deal. There was nothing more of interest. We drove on to Morpeth & got a nice room but before we got here we stopped for gas right across from an antique shoppe where I bought a brass water can & 2 pair brass candle holders. Also a good deal pound 3/10 (Gateshead, England). Also bought 2 bone china flower ornaments for gifts at home $1.00 each. I hate to mention this but it’s been dark ever since we headed north & Scotland & right now it’s thunder, rain & lightening. I’m delighted that we are off the road & in where it’s warm. I suppose we’re heading for the same old cold weather in Scotland. In Darlington I bought an all-around pale green dress (£5 reduced from £7/10). Clothes are expensive here (£5/=$1200).

Saturday Eve. – Still heading north on A1 & it won‘t be long before we’re in Scotland. We spent a couple of hours in the hotel pub. Boy what a bunch of characters, I never saw so much beer pumped in one eve, before all 3 bars were loaded. Guess we’ll sleep late in the AM. This is a nice room & we might just as well enjoy it to the hilt since it’s Sunday & there will be no antiques for sale anywhere.

August 19 - 22, 1961 - Tayport, Scotland

SUNDAY AUGUST 19, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Arrived back here & stayed with the Wilkies again. We had a nice dinner, lots of talk & bed.

SUNDAY AUGUST 20, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

On Sunday Connie and I made the dinner while the boys loafed. Later we took a run in the car & did all the harbors. Crail is lovely, a spot for artists. Also visited a remodeled 300 year old house. Very nice, but $15,000 is far too much. No reservations came for our return trip so we’ll try again in the AM.

MONDAY AUGUST 21, 1961 - GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Drove from Tayport to see about bookings. Dundee didn’t come up with anything. Cunard lines didn’t either, so Chas. chanced a smaller line called Donaldson & we just got in on a cancellation. We sail 9/12/61, arrive on the 20^th in Montreal. There will only be 48 passengers on board ship. This should prove cozy. Went back to Tayport & I must add here it poured most of the day. We’ll leave in the AM for the south again to see Trudy & George.

TUESDAY AUGUST 22, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND & LONDON,ENGLAND

Left Tayport after breakfast & headed south on A1. Needless to add it rained most of the way. Rooms were hard to find but before leaving Scotland we drove to Edinburgh & got our mail. We hit the jackpot, 2 from Bill & 2 from Carole & 1 from Chuck & 0 from Val ($45.00 from Bill & $10.00 from Chuck to spend). We drove on until we hit London where we went to a hotel.  Called on George Price, he was out but came over later. Really a nice guy, we had some beer & lots of hot air, etc.

August 14 - 18, 1961 - Northern Scotland

MONDAY AUGUST 14, 1961 -TAYPORT & ELGIN,SCOTLAND

Left Tayport & headed north onto Stonehaven & Aberdeen, Banff, Elgin, Forres. Good. Here we put up for the night & hope to go to an auction in the AM. We did buy a nice piece of pewter in Aberdeen 0/15/0 (a small tappet hen or water jug & later got 2 blue plates). Aberdeen is a lovely city, clean & most interesting. We’re just one day late to see the royal family that traveled the same road yesterday that we are doing today.

TUESDAY AUGUST 15, 1961 - FORRES & ELGIN,SCOTLAND

Had a hard time finding a room, but got the last one in town I’m sure. The weather is cold & we had quite a bit of rain off & on. I’m going home before my legs are red. Had some beer at a local hotel and a cup of tea where we‘re staying & off to bed.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16, 1961 - ELGIN,SCOTLAND

Left Elgin about 1 PM but first got up and had a good breakfast, paid our bill & bought a brass kettle 20/ and a copper measure 10/ from our hotel owner. She has a couple more measures we‘ll try for on our way back. Went to an auction sale ¡n town. Got a teapot 10/ and a toby jug etc. 20/6 and a car rug 20/. It’s been a great experience. One must be fast. He who hesitates is lost. Can‘t beat the dealers!

THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 1961 - GOLSPIE, SCOTLAND

Spent last night at Golspie. We’ll be on our way early in the AM.  Hotel owner gave me a covered soap dish, toothbrush. Dad felt sorry for her & gave her a shilling. Stopped at Inverness, got in on an auction but didn’t buy anything. From here we went onto Forres where we bought a jellypan & 3 blue plates and from here on to Elgin where we got 2 brass milk measures, the same as Mrs. Sinclair’s who sold us the brass kettle and copper measure. Also in Elgin we bought a 3-legged brass kettle from an antique shop (Anderson‘s). Got a room in Aberdeen at Bell’s hotel. Tomorrow is market day & we hope to get more “stuff” there.

 We picked a lovely  bunch of heather in the highlands a part of which is on front of our car behind the plates. We’ve had rain off & on most of the day. In fact most of our trip to the highlands & north. In the AM we will leave for Perth & I think Tayport & so on south.

FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 1961 – ABERDEEN,SCOTLAND

Stayed at Bell Hotel, good room & good food. Went to the open market to meet our friend Violet Stockey, who was to get there early & grab any good deals. She wound up with 2 pcs. of pewter 1 ½ pr. candle holders, brass, a couple blue plates, 3 pc. silver set, she also gave me a lovely broach, all gold and porcelain & a cut glass perfume bottle. She‘s really a sweet person. Went onto Mrs. McPhearson‘s antique shop & spent another $15.00 on some good buys. Then we decided to go on to Braemar, saw Balmoral Castle, and around the Devil’s Elbow onto Blairgowrie & then on to Perth where we are putting up for the nite as we would like to raid the shoppes around town. We had dinner & decided to go to the vaudeville show in town. It was an all Keltie Scot show. Not really A-1 but good & loud. Some good talent. Guess it’s time to go home (I mean Calif.). The girls are beginning to look good to Dad.  Bought 2 pr. brass candle holders here & a small pewter teapot. Prices are too high.

August 10 - 13, 1961 - Tayport, Scotland

THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Went into Tayport. Chas. got the car washed & talked with some of the old Worthies. Went to the P.O. & mailed some letters etc.   Met Mr. Wilkie, they invited us to dinner & to spend a few days with them, so in we went. Had dinner at the Crosskeys in St. Andrews, a good dinner too. Later at their home, a lovely eve., and a wonderful warm home & bed. Smashing. Mrs Wilkie (Connie) is really a good egg, not a bit British. 

FRIDAY AUGUST 11, 1961 - TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Visited more of Chas. friends. Pete Ferguson‘s wife died, a lovely person too. Also visited Mrs. Hanlin. Her husband “Eckie” is also dead. Visited Harry Ferguson & the sawmill. 

More “Worthies” here. Stayed with the Wilkie’s again, had dinner at home. Sent Judy Manclark a wedding gift, a plaid car robe from Tayport. Had lunch at Newport!  Mr. Wilkie (Anson) is past Provost of Tayport etc. Also owner of 3 stores, 2 in Tayport & 1 in Newport. 

SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 1961 - TAYPORT & DUNDEE,SCOTLAND

Took Connie to work in Newport & took ferry to Dundee, leaving our car in Newport. We went shopping in the old marketplace for some antiques. Not much luck, only a few blue plates. Mrs. Hanlin came along, had lunch in Dundee & did some shopping. Later went on a treasure hunt with the Wilkies. Lots of fun, but didn‘t win anything. Earlier in the day we went to the Fete, had tea & won a bottle of whiskey & other stuff. Gave Anson the whiskey & candy for Connie.

SUNDAY AUGUST 13, 1961 -TAYPORT, SCOTLAND

Went to church in the AM with Connie. Later tea out on the lawn, a lovely day. Then a lovely ride into the country, Perth, Pitlochry,  Queens View, etc. 

 The Wilkies came along & had tea in a hilltop hotel where every whisper sounded loud. Saw the salmonladders, Queens View, etc. Later dinner in a nice countryside hotel. Home, lots of talk, beer, tea, bed. Sure tired. Tomorrow we leave for the

north. 

August 7 - 9, 1961 - Edinburgh, Scotland

MONDAY AUGUST 7, 1961 – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Got here just at 1 PM. The cannon at the castle fires at 1 PM each day. The ride up the coast was very beautiful, lovely countryside, but the “dual carriage” way stopped as soon as we left England. Chas. is out looking for a hotel. We shouldn’t have any troubles since it’s much earlier than usual.  Checked into the Waverly Hotel, not bad, but not good, just old. Meals are very good. Got 3 letters today, 1 from Carole & 2 from Bill & $30.00. After dinner we decided to go to the theatre & see “Greyfriers Bobby”, A Walt Disney movie & being shown here in town since the story concerns Edinburgh. It was a cute story & well filmed.

It is raining like mad. We got back to the hotel & discovered they sold no liquor here at all “Temperance” as big as day on the door & we never saw it. We remembered that we had a quart of beer in the car so went and got & it saved the day.  French beer it was too!

TUESDAY AUGUST 8, 1961 - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Got up early & got my hair & nails done. Dad went to the American Express to put a tracer on our mail. Here’s hoping. Visited Aunt Jess & had lunch with her. We didn‘t stay late, we went shopping & bought some kilts & sweaters for the kids. Later we had dinner & returned to Rattray’s to see Charlie. Spent a pleasant eve here & retired about midnight. Still raining like H_ & it’s cold too.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9, 1961 - EDINBURGH,SCOTLAND

Left Edinburgh this AM after very good breakfast & headed for Queens Ferry, where we crossed the Firth ofForth on a ferry & headed in the general direction of Tayport. About noon we stopped to have our car serviced at Kirkcaldy. We had lunch & wandered around town. The stores were closed (1/2 day a week). Now we‘re on the road again & guess we‘ll get a room. The weather is wet & more coming down. Stayed at St. Michaels’ Inn, nice room but very noisy. Good breakfast, new owners here.