21 Wednesday (81-85)
Vernal Equinox New Moon, 8:29 PM
The great
day as begun! In two weeks time today we break up and we will be with daddy!
Three cheers! Time is now beginning to fly! We came out of school at 12:30 and
read until dinner. Straight after dinner we changed into our white silk dresses.
Unluckily it was raining and so we had to go in a taxi to Saint Michael's. When we
arrived there Miss Haskell put on our veils! They were plain white muslin with a
white cross on each. The service lasted from three to 4:15 PM and it was a
lovely service. The Bishop of Winchester confirmed us. After the service we met
Mrs. Nash outside the church and returned to Saint. George's for tea. We had a
glorious time. After tea the Bishop of Winchester, Mr. Moore and his son David came. We were greatly honored with the visit. Mrs Nash departed at 6 PM and
we i.e. Iris, Betty Watling and myself sat round a fire and talked. We had
a wonderful time. We had a letter from Mr. Payton.
N.H
This blog contains the 1928 Diary of my mother, Iris Hunter and her sister Nora Hunter. At the time of it's writing, they were attending Bournemouth High School, a boarding school for girls in Bournemouth, England. It was their final year after which they would be returning to their home in Shanghai, China. Iris turned 17 in Feb of that year and her sister would be 16 in July. I've transcribed it as written along with any photos that were pasted into the diary. I've also added in a few photos
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
March 20
20 Tuesday (80-286)
We had no letters by the first post. There was a parcel awaiting us at 1 o'clock from Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. It contained two confirmation books "Before the Altar" It is very good of them to remember us. Nora had a violin lesson from 2:30 till 3 PM and both Iris and Nora had a science lesson from three till 3:45 PM. After supper we went up to the box room got a few things out and tidied up our boxes a little. Then we washed each others hair. We both completed our spring cleaning with a bath.
N.H.
We had no letters by the first post. There was a parcel awaiting us at 1 o'clock from Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. It contained two confirmation books "Before the Altar" It is very good of them to remember us. Nora had a violin lesson from 2:30 till 3 PM and both Iris and Nora had a science lesson from three till 3:45 PM. After supper we went up to the box room got a few things out and tidied up our boxes a little. Then we washed each others hair. We both completed our spring cleaning with a bath.
N.H.
March 19
19 Monday (79-287)
We had no letters by the first post. We had a letter from mummy at 1 PM saying that mummy had been in bed with a sore throat. She is better now. We went for our last confirmation class at 2:30. We went over the service and were given some papers. After prep we both flew back to St George's in hopes of having a letter from daddy! We were not disappointed. Daddy has got his visa etc and all is arranged for his departure on the 14th. Unfortunately, daddy will arrive two or three days later than we expected but still we know that daddy won't delay his arrival unless it is to "wash up" after his journey! The letter was lovely. We expect two more before daddy's arrival.
N.H
We had no letters by the first post. We had a letter from mummy at 1 PM saying that mummy had been in bed with a sore throat. She is better now. We went for our last confirmation class at 2:30. We went over the service and were given some papers. After prep we both flew back to St George's in hopes of having a letter from daddy! We were not disappointed. Daddy has got his visa etc and all is arranged for his departure on the 14th. Unfortunately, daddy will arrive two or three days later than we expected but still we know that daddy won't delay his arrival unless it is to "wash up" after his journey! The letter was lovely. We expect two more before daddy's arrival.
N.H
March 18
18 Sunday (78-288)
4th in Lent
We went to early church this morning. After breakfast we wrote our letters. Then we went to church again. Iris, Margaret Clifford and Nora went for an exploring walk along Alum Chine and the Branksome Woods. It was great fun. After tea we played the grammie for a while and then we did prep. This time a fortnight we will be with daddy! Three cheers for daddy! What thrills!
We did prep again after supper. We hope to have a letter from daddy tomorrow.
Daddy has left Harbin now and is on his way to Chita.
N.H.
4th in Lent
We went to early church this morning. After breakfast we wrote our letters. Then we went to church again. Iris, Margaret Clifford and Nora went for an exploring walk along Alum Chine and the Branksome Woods. It was great fun. After tea we played the grammie for a while and then we did prep. This time a fortnight we will be with daddy! Three cheers for daddy! What thrills!
We did prep again after supper. We hope to have a letter from daddy tomorrow.
Daddy has left Harbin now and is on his way to Chita.
N.H.
March 17
17 Saturday (77-289)
S. Patrick (Holiday in Ireland)
S.R. 6.11, S.S. 6.7
We have had a glorious day today. Mrs Nash came for us at 10:30 AM. She brought Mary with her this time. We went to "Beal's" and had "ices" Nora had a "Coupe Jacques", Mrs Nash, a strawberry sundae and Iris a "Rainbow" one. We then went to their flat and played the gramophone, ( theirs) until tiffin. We had a grand tiffin too. We showed Mrs Nash our plans for Easter and she seems pleased with them. She will probably let us know soon if she is going to join us on the tour. We went to watch a "Rugger Match" at Cliff House School, Billy's school. It was most amusing. We came back to tea and talked about the new house Mrs Nash is getting. We saw the house this afternoon and it looked extremely nice.
We have invited Mrs Nash to attend our confirmation on Wednesday.
I.H
S. Patrick (Holiday in Ireland)
S.R. 6.11, S.S. 6.7
We have had a glorious day today. Mrs Nash came for us at 10:30 AM. She brought Mary with her this time. We went to "Beal's" and had "ices" Nora had a "Coupe Jacques", Mrs Nash, a strawberry sundae and Iris a "Rainbow" one. We then went to their flat and played the gramophone, ( theirs) until tiffin. We had a grand tiffin too. We showed Mrs Nash our plans for Easter and she seems pleased with them. She will probably let us know soon if she is going to join us on the tour. We went to watch a "Rugger Match" at Cliff House School, Billy's school. It was most amusing. We came back to tea and talked about the new house Mrs Nash is getting. We saw the house this afternoon and it looked extremely nice.
We have invited Mrs Nash to attend our confirmation on Wednesday.
I.H
March 16
16 Friday (76-290)
We had a letter from Dolly today. The Paytons are staying at Bickington, lucky people!
We simply envy them being on Dartmoor.
Iris did work for the Geographical Society this afternoon from 3:30-4:30 pm
We did prep this evening over in the Library, per usual.
I.H.
We had a letter from Dolly today. The Paytons are staying at Bickington, lucky people!
We simply envy them being on Dartmoor.
Iris did work for the Geographical Society this afternoon from 3:30-4:30 pm
We did prep this evening over in the Library, per usual.
I.H.
March 15
15 Thursday 75 to 91
We picked up the Jacque's cake and posted it this afternoon and went together for a short walk. Mr. Moore came this evening and continue just talk on prayer we did needle-work i.e. Nora did rosettes for the Oxford and Cambridge boat race and Iris did her petticoat.
I.H
We picked up the Jacque's cake and posted it this afternoon and went together for a short walk. Mr. Moore came this evening and continue just talk on prayer we did needle-work i.e. Nora did rosettes for the Oxford and Cambridge boat race and Iris did her petticoat.
I.H
March 14
14 Wednesday (74-292)
Last quarter, 3.20 PM
We went to the Wagner concert at the Winter Gardens this afternoon. Bertram Louis was the principal violinist in the orchestra and Queenie Major played the second violin. The orchestra played the "Flying Dutchman", "Tannhauser", "Lohengren" and several other pieces of Wagner's. They ended the program by playing "Shepherds Hey" by Percy Grainger. It was a lovely, jolly time and cheered us all up after they rather sad music. After tea we went to our confirmation class. It ended at 6:15. We then came back and changed for dancing. We had a very nice dancing lesson. We only learned a few new steps this time. The competition is on March 28 and we will have to dance the waltz. I was made a Jacques birthday cake this morning. It was a Cherry Sandwich cake.
I.H.
Last quarter, 3.20 PM
We went to the Wagner concert at the Winter Gardens this afternoon. Bertram Louis was the principal violinist in the orchestra and Queenie Major played the second violin. The orchestra played the "Flying Dutchman", "Tannhauser", "Lohengren" and several other pieces of Wagner's. They ended the program by playing "Shepherds Hey" by Percy Grainger. It was a lovely, jolly time and cheered us all up after they rather sad music. After tea we went to our confirmation class. It ended at 6:15. We then came back and changed for dancing. We had a very nice dancing lesson. We only learned a few new steps this time. The competition is on March 28 and we will have to dance the waltz. I was made a Jacques birthday cake this morning. It was a Cherry Sandwich cake.
I.H.
March 13
13 Tuesday (73-293)
We had a letter from Mrs Nash inviting us out for the day on Saturday the 17th of March. She said that she was going to talk things over with us then. We hope to decide where Daddy will stay when he arrives.
She has got another house nearer Billy's school now, she did not say when they were moving.
I.H.
We had a letter from Mrs Nash inviting us out for the day on Saturday the 17th of March. She said that she was going to talk things over with us then. We hope to decide where Daddy will stay when he arrives.
She has got another house nearer Billy's school now, she did not say when they were moving.
I.H.
March 12 ( Exchange rate )
12 Monday (72-294)
We received a very thrilling letter from Daddy in which he said he was only three weeks away from his departure. He told us that the exchange was still not as good as it might be. On 1924 it was 3/4 dollars to the tael and now it is only two 2/7 to the tael. We hope the exchange will be better before long. Iris went to singing this afternoon and heard some of Wagner's pieces, which are going to be played at the school concert on Wednesday. We went into Miss Haskell's room to have a little talk with her on confirmation.
I.H.
We received a very thrilling letter from Daddy in which he said he was only three weeks away from his departure. He told us that the exchange was still not as good as it might be. On 1924 it was 3/4 dollars to the tael and now it is only two 2/7 to the tael. We hope the exchange will be better before long. Iris went to singing this afternoon and heard some of Wagner's pieces, which are going to be played at the school concert on Wednesday. We went into Miss Haskell's room to have a little talk with her on confirmation.
I.H.
March 11
11 Sunday (71-295)
Third in Lent
We went to early-morning church. It was freezing this morning. I believe it was 5° below freezing point after breakfast. We went for a walk this afternoon with Margaret Clifford. It has been snowing quite a lot today on and off. Three weeks today that he will be here. Three cheers! He leaves Shanghai in three days.
I.H.
Third in Lent
We went to early-morning church. It was freezing this morning. I believe it was 5° below freezing point after breakfast. We went for a walk this afternoon with Margaret Clifford. It has been snowing quite a lot today on and off. Three weeks today that he will be here. Three cheers! He leaves Shanghai in three days.
I.H.
March 10
10 Saturday (70-296)
S.R 6.26, S.S. 5.55
We went downtown to have coffee and cakes with Mrs. Hawes. We waited for a long time before she turned up and we're just going back when she met us and took us up to Smith's tea room. It is a quaint tea place in rather an old fashion design all panels and beams and old China etc. We listen to the orchestra play while we ate and chatted. After that we walked to Dowling's where Mrs. Hawes bought us each a packet of chocolates. We did the rest of our shopping with her and at about 1;10 her brother drove us back to St. George's. We were late for lunch but did not get into trouble
I H
S.R 6.26, S.S. 5.55
We went downtown to have coffee and cakes with Mrs. Hawes. We waited for a long time before she turned up and we're just going back when she met us and took us up to Smith's tea room. It is a quaint tea place in rather an old fashion design all panels and beams and old China etc. We listen to the orchestra play while we ate and chatted. After that we walked to Dowling's where Mrs. Hawes bought us each a packet of chocolates. We did the rest of our shopping with her and at about 1;10 her brother drove us back to St. George's. We were late for lunch but did not get into trouble
I H
March 9
9 Friday (69-297)
No letters came for us at all today. We hope for one from Daddy tomorrow. School went on as usual. We watched a net ball match between Franklin in Raleigh Halls this afternoon. Very close game but in the end Raleigh won by 16 -15 goals.
We did prep over in the library. After supper we played the gramophone till bedtime. We played "Hear Ye Israel" twice because it was so beautiful.
I.H
No letters came for us at all today. We hope for one from Daddy tomorrow. School went on as usual. We watched a net ball match between Franklin in Raleigh Halls this afternoon. Very close game but in the end Raleigh won by 16 -15 goals.
We did prep over in the library. After supper we played the gramophone till bedtime. We played "Hear Ye Israel" twice because it was so beautiful.
I.H
March 8
8 Thursday (68-298)
Iris's savings book came back this morning and that was all we got from the post. We went shopping in the afternoon to get gloves and shoes for the confirmation day. We got some very nice patent leather shoes which will come in useful later as afternoon shoes. We bought some ribbon to re-trim Iris's hat. Mr. Moore came tonight and talked to us about prayer. It was very interesting indeed.
I.H.
Iris's savings book came back this morning and that was all we got from the post. We went shopping in the afternoon to get gloves and shoes for the confirmation day. We got some very nice patent leather shoes which will come in useful later as afternoon shoes. We bought some ribbon to re-trim Iris's hat. Mr. Moore came tonight and talked to us about prayer. It was very interesting indeed.
I.H.
March 7
7 Wednesday (67-299)
We received a letter from Margaret today a great surprise because she has never written to us before. We could not think who knew us at Exeter from the postmark. We went to confirmation class this afternoon. We had a ripping dancing class. Iris has a dance with Miss Norman and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I.H
We received a letter from Margaret today a great surprise because she has never written to us before. We could not think who knew us at Exeter from the postmark. We went to confirmation class this afternoon. We had a ripping dancing class. Iris has a dance with Miss Norman and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I.H
March 6
6 Tuesday (66-300)
Full Moon 11.27 AM
We received no letters by the first and second post but we hope for one by the last. I was had a very funny violin lesson with Mr. Lewis. Miss Brown came in to ask if her diagram of Dan Godfrey's orchestra was right, and if Mr. Lewis could get a photo of "Sir Dan" Mr. Lewis said he had one of him feeding pigs, or his back view, which might be nice. We all laughed at the suggestion of it. Tomorrow we shall be able to say that daddy's journey across Siberia begins in only a week. How thrilling it must be getting for him now. I will still work for the Geographical Society tonight and Nora did prep.
I.H.
March 5
5 Monday (65 -301)
We had two letters today one from Jesse and the other from Billy. We watched a junior netball match between Drake (Iris's Hall) and Cabot Hall. Drake won 33 to 28 goals. A good game to watch.
In Jessie's letter she told us that she had been to a progressive dinner i.e. they went to the first house to have soup, the next by car for salad, then on to house after house until the dinner ended, when they finished up with a dance. We think it must've been fine fun. Miss Haskell wishes to see our confirmation dresses. We hope our white silk frocks will be all right for the occasion.
Nora did prep this evening and Iris did needlework in the junior common room.
I.H
N.H
We had two letters today one from Jesse and the other from Billy. We watched a junior netball match between Drake (Iris's Hall) and Cabot Hall. Drake won 33 to 28 goals. A good game to watch.
In Jessie's letter she told us that she had been to a progressive dinner i.e. they went to the first house to have soup, the next by car for salad, then on to house after house until the dinner ended, when they finished up with a dance. We think it must've been fine fun. Miss Haskell wishes to see our confirmation dresses. We hope our white silk frocks will be all right for the occasion.
Nora did prep this evening and Iris did needlework in the junior common room.
I.H
N.H
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)