tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63176723830799979342024-03-05T14:22:04.724-06:00News From HomeA Father's Letters to his Son, 1931-1940 (Melbourne to Chicago)Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-23560867729130705012015-12-07T16:19:00.002-06:002015-12-07T16:19:45.869-06:00No. 46 -- 13 September 1932<i>Hearing from Noel twice in two weeks seems to have relaxed George a little more, as the tone of this letter feels much more conversational. It's fun to hear the note of sarcasm that comes through when he comments about the "fairly short" miles the women must have walked on their stay in Tremont. But, as ever, he wishes he could help his children more during these financially depressed times.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter of August 12th arrived this week. We were very delighted to hear of the the splendid trip you had away with the members of Dean Ames' family.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">
Noel had spent the summer helping out <br />
the dean of the Chicago Y College <br />
at his home in Wisconsin, presumably<br />
his farm near Brooklyn, Wisc., <br />
which is south of Madison.<br />
<br />
"Dean Ames" was <br />
Dr. John Q. Ames (<span style="text-align: start;">1877-1959)</span>. <br />
I found an <a href="http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7450863/" target="_blank">obituary for him <br />from the Monroe Evening Times <br />dated 5 March 1959</a>. It said in part:</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">
"A native of the Brooklyn area. <br />
Dr. Ames lived on the family farm<br />
until he was 21 years old when he <br />
joined the federal civil service <br />
in the Philippines. He served as <br />
a stenographer for President <br />
William Howard Taft who was <br />
commissioner for the islands at that time. <br />
Later he became ill and was transferred<br />
to a hospital at Shanghai, China, where he<br />
became interested in YMCA work,<br />
and following his recovery he became<br />
secretary of the YMCA in Shanghai,<br />
Moscow, New Haven, Conn., <br />
and South Bend, Ind. <br />
Dr. Ames traveled tens of thousands<br />
of miles during his lifetime. He became<br />
dean of George Williams in 1919<br />
and served until 1932 when he retired<br />
and returned to Brooklyn. ... <br />
Despite his many years as an educator,<br />
college administrator and attorney,<br />
Dr. Ames said he considered<br />
one of his greatest accomplishments<br />
was in producing 132 bushels<br />
of corn per acre on his farm<br />
following retirement."</div>
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It must have been a wonderful trip and I can understand how thoroughly you would enjoy it. The opportunity of seeing so much of the State of Wisconsin was also a wonderful thing for you. The probability is you would never have had a similar opportunity under ordinary circumstances. We followed you trip on the map you were thoughtful enough to send and in that way entered into it as far as we possibly could. We can quite understand that words would fail to describe the beauty of the Lake district and of the wonderful number of Lakes it seems to contain. Frankly, when I looked over the map and saw the patches of blue which indicated Lakes, I was amazed that the number. Now it helps one to understand the way in which the American Associations are able to have such splendid camping sites with such a multitude of Lakes to select from.<br />
<br />
Another thing which amazes us a great deal is the comparative smallness of the cost of such a trip. Here in Australia a trip of that kind would have run into many pounds. I am sure all the members of the family envy you the wonderful trip you had.<br />
<br />
Mother and the girls were away for a week at Tremont and had a thoroughly happy time. They report that in the days that they were there they walked somewhere in the neighborhood of 56 miles. I imagine that some of those miles must have been fairly short ones for them to have covered such a distance in such a comparatively short period. In addition to that the weather was anything but good, and they must have had some wild days in the hills if the weather in the City is an indication of what might have happened in the hills. However, they have all greatly benefited by the change and Ruth in particular seems to have put on weight again and is looking much like her old self again.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"They report that in the days <br />that they were there they walked <br />somewhere in the neighborhood <br />of 56 miles. I imagine that <br />some of those miles must have been <br />fairly short ones for them to <br />have covered such a distance <br />in such a comparatively short period."</span></td></tr>
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I am happy to say that I have managed to stave off any further cold and have had no further evidence of the trouble I had for a few days in the earlier part of the winter.<br />
<br />
Keith and Ruth are still out of work. Keith has had a few days' work with the Texaco Company, but apart from that nothing at all.<br />
<br />
I was glad to notice in your letter a reference to Mr. Norman Weston's offer. I sincerely hope that will eventuate for you, as it will help to largely solve your own difficulties of self support.<br />
<br />
Thanks you for sending the pamphlet which describes the new arrangements for students at the College. It looks as if it will make the position considerably easier for the men who are working their way through school.<br />
<br />
In my last letter I told you that we had started work for unemployed boys. The last fortnight has shown great possibilities in the service we have initiated. Last week we had over 200 different boys in to a programme of pictures, gymnasium work, and a swim in the pool. This week we varied it by having a short lecture period and we also took a census of the fellows who would like to engage in some branch of educational work. This indicates to us distinct possibilities in the way of groups of an educational character, and I think we shall not have much difficulty in finding useful instructors who will help the boys to profitably fill up their leisure time in preparation for a job ahead.<br />
<br />
You will be interested to learn that Mr. Crosby has made a conditional offer of a gift of £500 towards our deficit, providing the Association gets behind a big united movement to raise the balance required to clear the Association of debt on this year's current account. In addition to that Mr. McKean has come to light with a further promise of £100. Roy Nevile and I have been out collecting from a number of business firms and we were successful in securing £50 a year from a number of them for three years.<br />
<br />
Rod Macdonald who used to be in the National Office, has been engaged to organise a big effort with the object of bringing all sections of the Association into a combined scheme. In this way we hope to raise the money to accept the challenge submitted in Mr. Crosby's offer.<br />
<br />
We had a letter from Charlie Jutsum describing his impressions of his job at Broken Hill. He seems to think there is very definite possibilities for excellent work at Broken Hill, although at the present moment the programme is practically a minus quantity.<br />
<br />
George Briggs lost his mother a week or two ago by death. This will probably make some little change in George's plans as far as his home relationships are concerned, but I do not think it will in any way interfere with his plan to go to America next year.<br />
<br />
I had a letter from Sid Peck of the Men's Hotel at San Francisco, in which he said that he would be only too happy to help you at any time you required advice concerning American conditions. I do not think that Sid can do anything in the way of offering you work, in fact that would be a very expensive business for you and for him, but I think that you might find him a useful man if there are any knotty problems that arise on which you would like advice from someone who is in the States.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"I wish, my boy, that we could<br /> send you money, but frankly <br />we are finding conditions to be <br />just as much as we can handle, <br />and in view of this while <br />we are anxious to help you <br />in every way we possibly can, <br />we do not see daylight ahead <br />to any great extent. <br />In view of this we hope that you <br />will take the will for the deed, <br />much as we would love to send you <br />all the help we possibly could."</span></td></tr>
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By next mail I will be sending to you a copy of the new book on "Australian Animals" similar to the one on "Australian Birds" which I sent you some time ago. I am hoping that this may be of some use to you in the talks you may give on Australian conditions.<br />
<br />
This letter should reach you just about the time you are settling into your new year's work at school. You know, Noel old fellow, that we are very interested in all your doings, and that it is our desire that you should make good in every way. We know that you will settle into your job despite the difficulties you are facing, and that you will give to it your very best interest, and with a determination to win success in the work that you have set out to do. We sincerely hope that while we are not in the position to give you much in the way of real assistance ourselves, that it will be possible for you to find a way though your financial difficulties. I wish, my boy, that we could send you money, but frankly we are finding conditions to be just as much as we can handle, and in view of this while we are anxious to help you in every way we possibly can, we do not see daylight ahead to any great extent. In view of this we hope that you will take the will for the deed, much as we would love to send you all the help we possibly could.<br />
<br />
Mother is keeping very well, and so are the other members of the family. Joyce and Edith are splendid, Keith is looking exceedingly well despite the long worrying time he has had without work, and as for myself, am feeling in excellent condition.<br />
<br />
We all unite in sending you our warmest love,<br />
Yours as ever,<br />
Dad<br />
<br />Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-11272683177513592742015-03-26T15:39:00.000-05:002015-03-26T15:50:18.930-05:00No. 45 -- 30 August 1932<i>This letter feels a little more optimistic. George has heard from Noel, school is about to get underway again, and Noel has a job prospect. Even through that job prospect would require a 3 hour round-trip commute, it is in his field of study and means Noel would have income. George encourages Noel to join a church, and reiterates that his three sisters are also joining churches.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter of July 29th reached us yesterday. Of course we were delighted to hear from you and to learn that you had safely received the Postal Order we had sent some time ago.<br />
<br />
It is also cheering to hear that you had a few dollars over which you could use for other purposes.<br />
<br />
We can quite understand the difficulties the College would be experiencing just now with the great fall in revenue that is sure to come as the result of the depressed conditions of business in the United States. There is, however, a feeling of sorrow that it has been necessary for the college to discharge a number of its permanent employees and also to dispense with the services of those who were on a part time basis.<br />
<br />
I am glad to learn that you called in to see the folk at the College with regard to the possibility of a part time job this year. I sincerely hope that something may eventuate from that.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The commute from the YMCA College </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">in </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Hyde Park, which is on the south side </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">of <br />Chicago, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">to the Evanston YMCA, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">which is <br />in the </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">near-north suburbs, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">is still today about<br />1</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">:30 hours </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">by public transportation. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">It's at <br />least 45 minutes by car.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Labor Day in the United States is traditionally<br />observed on the first Monday of September.<br />In 1932, that would have been September 5.</span></div>
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I had a letter from Norman Weston from Evanston, in which he mentioned that he was doing his best to secure a part time job for you with the Evanston Y. It would necessitate travelling to Evanston possibly every night, an hour and a half's journey, and of course the same on return, but he said that he felt if you could make use of that time for study purposes in the train the time would not be wasted. The job would be worth anywhere between 30 dollars and 45 dollars per month. He was hopeful that he may be able to turn this job your way, but of course with conditions as they are, they may have to readjust their whole budget and in this way the job may not be available. In his letter he mentioned that he would be getting into touch with you after Labor Day. I do not know the date of that in America, but I presume he has already made contact with you and has given you the details of what is in his mind. A job of that kind would be distinctly of value to you in connection with your future Association work and it would be a fine touch to have contact with the Evanston Y work.<br />
<br />
I was interested in hearing Ray Williamson had left America. I have not seen him here, so that I presume he is either on his way or else is touring in other parts of the States. We shall be interested to look for him when he arrives back in Melbourne.<br />
<br />
We were also greatly relieved to hear that you had passed your subjects satisfactorily and that you had completed 6 1/2 majors. This credit will help you, of course, in your school work for this year and I sincerely hope you may be able to make the grade in every subject.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">"I can quite appreciate your <br />desire to see as much of America <br />as you possibly can, although <br />frankly, boy, I do not like the idea <br />of you spending your Sundays <br />just on the move from place <br />to place ... . While that may be a <br />very interesting experience ... you <br />should become connected with <br />the Christian Church and carry <br />your share in the work of the Church."</span></td></tr>
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I can quite appreciate your desire to see as much of America as you possibly can, although frankly, boy, I do not like the idea of you spending your Sundays just on the move from place to place as you describe in your letter. While that may be a very interesting experience I think you have other obligations which you should attend to, and one of them is undoubtedly that you should become connected with the Christian Church and carry your share in the work of the Church. I know you have sufficient "gumption" to realise that the best friends you have in America will be those that you form in your Church connection. These will last longer and be of the most service to you, and from that angle I hope you will give the matter very earnest consideration and not spend too much of your time out of responsible duties in some Christian Church.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home are well. You will be interested to know that Mother, Ruth and Joyce, accompanied by a young friend are at present at Mr. Crosby's house at Tremont. They went up there last Sunday. This change will do them good. Unfortunately, the weather has been very bad and it has been raining practically ever since, but we are hoping that the weather will change for the better and that they will have the opportunity of visiting the various places of interest round Tremont. We expect them back next Saturday.<br />
<br />
Little Edith unfortunately could not go up. The reason is that this week she is having exams, and it was necessary for her to remain behind. I do not think she will complete her examinations until Thursday midday. I shall therefore not be able to send her up until some time that afternoon. However, she will have the couple of days at Tremont, and this will, no doubt, help her.<br />
<br />
Ruth will be joining the Camberwell Presbyterian Church. Somehow or other she does not desire to settle down a the South Hawthorn Church. Edith and Joyce at next Communion will be linking up with the Church at South Hawthorn. They have been attending Communicant classes since the Mission, that I referred to in one of my former letters.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; text-align: start;">BUSINESS LECTURES. (1932, August 29). </span><i style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">The Argus</i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; text-align: start;">(Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 4. <br />Retrieved March 27, 2015, from <br /><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4470814">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4470814</a></span></td></tr>
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This week I got into touch with Mr. Jenkins in connection with the Amplifier. He assures me that Mr. Thomas will be coming in to see me with regard to it and I am hoping that it may be possible for us to make some arrangement with him for its disposal.<br />
<br />
We had an excellent time at the Farewell Social to Charlie Jutsum. The programme went off splendidly, the speeches were brief and to the point, and there was a fine spirit animating the gathering. Charlie made quite a good impression in his response to the presentation. We managed to get somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 to 20 as a presentation for him, so that he goes away under good auspices.<br />
<br />
This afternoon we shall be saying goodbye to him at the Adelaide Express. He will be leaving at 4.30 p.m. for Broken Hill. We shall miss Charlie greatly in our work.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTJQ26_H6WUGrixVDN2cMaBBGlUlw8PRL2LD6qE45QHu-fRhwf7Qo5IUawB7_dv6xndVwDqkHgWzpETBb-bCCxWHVWmN-PMeugfnAINFPi9v-PiuMaa-FBeQXA_vSuV7qUT2OFyUsZAg/s1600/TROVE-ARGUS-25AUG1932-P10-article4470122-4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTJQ26_H6WUGrixVDN2cMaBBGlUlw8PRL2LD6qE45QHu-fRhwf7Qo5IUawB7_dv6xndVwDqkHgWzpETBb-bCCxWHVWmN-PMeugfnAINFPi9v-PiuMaa-FBeQXA_vSuV7qUT2OFyUsZAg/s1600/TROVE-ARGUS-25AUG1932-P10-article4470122-4-001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; text-align: start;">UNEMPLOYED BOYS. (1932, August 25).</span><i style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">The Argus</i><br />
<i style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"> </i><span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.1000003814697px; line-height: 16.3350009918213px; text-align: start;">(Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 10.<br />Retrieved March 27, 2015, from<br /><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4470122">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4470122</a></span></td></tr>
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This morning we commenced the work with unemployed boys. About 50 turned up and we gave them a programme of pictures, followed by organised games in the gym and a swim. These lads have all enrolled for future work, Each day this week we shall be having a group of them and we hope by the end of the week to probably enrol up to 250 of them for an organised programme that will run for some months ahead.<br />
<br />
Today I read a letter from Bill McRae, who is at Springfield Y College. He graduated Bachelor of Science in June and is now going on to Yale and following that he expects to spend some time at Columbia University in New York. Bill is majoring on psychological subjects, and seems to be doing particularly well especially in those lines which deal with problem children.<br />
<br />
I haven't heard anything from Tom Laing for some time, nor have I any news concerning Vic Jones. Do you ever hear from them?<br />
<br />
You will be sorry to learn that George Brigg's mother died yesterday morning. The funeral takes place tomorrow, the 31st at 11 o'clock. I do not know whether this will make any difference in George's plans for next year. I have before me his application to Springfield and have been looking over his personal history blank and all their other blanks which he has filled up. I know George expects to send these on very shortly.<br />
<br />
Must close off now. You know my boy we all send our warmest love to you. We pray for you constantly. We feel assured that you will worthily uphold the best traditions of the Australian Movement and that you will show to the other fellows in the College that "the man from down under" is quite able to keep his end up in a way that will bring honor to himself and to the country from which he came.<br />
<br />
With warm love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
<u>Extract from Norm Weston's letter -- 26/7/32</u><br />
<br />
"I enquired for Noel at the beginning of June, while visiting the College, and understood he was going to Lake Geneva to work in the camp there for the summer. They, of course, have had to cut drastically their working force. We practically eliminated all part time help from our Association commencing May 1, until Oct. 1, as well as reducing our full time staff.<br />
<br />
"I have written to Noel asking him to look me up after Labor Day, and I will give him first chance at whatever part time work I may be able to open up for him. I believe I can make a part time job for him in our locker room, to work evenings, which will pay him somewhere between 30 dollars and 45 dollars per month. I can't say just how much at the present time, as something may happen between now and the opening of our Fall work to change our plans. I have my tentative budget made out for the rest of the year (the original one for the full year had to be revised June 1), and will be able to help Noel unless something unforeseen happens.<br />
<br />
"Of course, if he can locate something better at any time, he will always be at liberty to make the change. Evanston is about 1 1/2 hours journey by elevated train from the College, and that means 3 hours daily consumed in travelling. If he is the type who can study in a train he can make good use of the 3 hours; if not, then it will be wasted time."<br />
<br />Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-77104771359280333342014-04-04T14:12:00.001-05:002014-04-04T14:12:09.954-05:00No. 44 -- 25 August 1932<i>This letter is full of examples of how the Great Depression is affecting everyone. The Chicago YMCA College is seeing a drop-off in students and having trouble placing those who did graduate. Keith is still having difficulty finding work. YMCAs throughout the area are shuffling things around to make ends meet. Even George's local church is having to get creative to raise money. The good news: the family is healthy.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
I was expecting a letter by a mail that arrived the other day, but evidently you did not write, as nothing came to hand. I understand the mail will be leaving here tomorrow morning at 3 a.m. and I am taking the opportunity of dropping you a line.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home are exceedingly well, I am happy to say. Mother has completely recovered from her cold and although she hasn't quite the same spirit of “lift” as is customary with her she is still in good fettle.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The [Chicago YMCA College] <br />President referred to the <br />presence of Glover and yourself<br /> at the College and spoke<br /> highly of you both. He also <br />drew attention to the fact that <br />a number of the men who had <br />graduated in June had not <br />been placed because of the <br />difficulties in the <br />American situation."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You will be interested to hear that a letter came to Mr. Crosby from President Jenkins, this last mail. The President referred to the presence of Glover and yourself at the College and spoke highly of you both. He also drew attention to the fact that a number of the men who had graduated in June had not been placed because of the difficulties in the American situation. In his letter, there was also a reference to the fact that there would be a possible drop in the number of students for the next school year, and as far as they could see at the present time they could care for about 200 students; that several of the Professors were already on the job endeavouring to secure part-time positions for men so that they could continue their training.<br />
<br />
I would suggest, therefore, that you keep in close touch with the College and endeavour to get one of these part-time jobs. Put in a strong plea for it and if you can possibly pull it off you know all that it will mean to you.<br />
<br />
Ruth is still at home and is considerably improved; in fact she is back again to her old health and strength again. Last weekend she made application for a job in the dentist’s surgery with the idea of perhaps spending a while at a job of that kind before returning to her training. She has not heard the result of her application.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Joy will be 15 on Wednesday <br />of next week. She, of course,<br /> is beginning to feel that she is <br />quite grown up, and in fact to<br /> look at her you would think<br /> that she has made tremendous <br />development during the past year."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keith has been battling around trying to locate a job but it is pretty difficult matter these days. Joy will be 15 on Wednesday of next week. She, of course, is beginning to feel that she is quite grown up, and in fact to look at her you would think that she has made tremendous development during the past year. Edith is sitting for her term exams this week and is putting in a lot of time swotting up matters which she thinks may be part of the examination work.<br />
<br />
By the way I heard that our friend Jinkins, of the Father’s Club has spoken to Bob Way concerning your amplifier. It appears that he is a relative of Thomas who used to live in the building and who had the picture show, I think it was at Albert Park, and another one in the country. They are turning out some talkie apparatus for picture shows and he thought there might be a possibility of him disposing of your amplifier. I submitted the matter to him last week, but have not heard the result to date.<br />
<br />
We say farewell to Charlie Jutsum tonight. We are making him a presentation, and I am hoping that it will be a substantial amount, because he will need it.<br />
<br />
We are re-organising the Membership work and now making it a departmental matter so that the Younger Men’s Department and the Physical Department will each be responsible to go after the renewals of the men associated with those sections of the work. Records will be taken over by Alf Hines’ Department; Charlie Stradwick has been appointed Sub Editor of “Manhood” so that he will attend to that section of Charlie’s work. I do not quite know what we shall do with regard to the Industrial Work — we will probably appoint one of the Industrial Secretaries as Secretary to the Committee.<br />
<br />
Next Tuesday we start a big job for unemployed boys. I have been developing this for the last two or three weeks and I think we shall have quite a good programme to put over. The plan is to communicate with over 1000 boys who are on the register of the Boys’ Employment Movement, and we will bring them into the Association building on four mornings in the work and possibly on one or two afternoons. The plan is to give them picture shows with industrial and scenic films and films of a general educational character, followed by lecture talks and discussions, and then a turn in the gym with organised games, followed by a swim in the pool. This, we think, will help to profitably occupy some of their enforced leisure. Of course, the whole thing will be done without cost to the boys.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Pirie is in South Australia, <br />north of Adelaide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You will also be interested in hearing that Tru Barber who used to be Secretary at Ballarat, and who for the past couple of years has been in Perth, has been appointed as General Secretary of the Y.M. at Port Pirie, and will be taking up his new duties shortly.<br />
<br />
The other day I managed to get confirmation of an amount of £100 as a contribution to the Port Pirie Association from the Associated Smelters. This has made possible Tru’s appointment to the position, in addition to which a fine effort was conducted by Frank Woodcraft and a good sum of money secured locally.<br />
<br />
The Newcastle Secretary has also resigned, but I do not know just what the plans are likely to be concerning the filling of that vacancy. It is possible that Eric Price who was General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. at Hastings may be in the running for the job.<br />
<br />
Our little Church at South Hawthorn will be holding what it calls “Church Day” on September 7th. It is really an opportunity that will be given to the members and the adherents of the church to make a definite contribution to the church funds in lieu of holding a sale of work or something of the kind.<br />
<br />
Conditions at the Church are pretty difficult as you can well imagine and this is one method that has been decided upon as a means of alleviating the position.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"In the Association we are still <br />battling along, although it is desperately <br />hard and money comes with difficulty. <br />As far as the house is concerned <br />we are down to 43 permanent<br /> residents and the number of <br />casuals coming in daily is<br /> ridiculously small."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the Association we are still battling along, although it is desperately hard and money comes with difficulty. As far as the house is concerned we are down to 43 permanent residents and the number of casuals coming in daily is ridiculously small.<br />
<br />
The Cafeteria is holding its own despite the difficulties we are facing, although of course the returns from that department are greatly diminished in comparison with other years.<br />
<br />
I must finish off now, boy. This letter should reach you just prior to the commencement of your school work, and I do sincerely hope that it will be possible for you to have some part time job made open for you, so that the future may be to some extent assured.<br />
<br />
We all unite in warmest love,<br />
Yours affectionately<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-53554031790930460382014-03-25T00:04:00.002-05:002014-03-25T09:51:33.331-05:00No. 43 -- 15 August 1932<i>Finally, George has heard from Noel and it seems to have brought him a lot of relief. The tone of the letter has lifted compared to the previous few letters in which George fretted so much about finances. We learn more about Noel's summer work with Dean Ames on his farm, and the juicy information that the Dean is no longer with the college. We get a little information about what is going on in Chicago, plus updates about the Melbourne YMCA's programs. And most interesting to me, we see the first reference to my grandmother, Marion Smith. Noel seems to be pretty serious about her, although the reference is very cryptic.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
Your letter of July 3rd reached me this week. I notice, though, that it bore the postmark of July 10th, which indicates that after you had written it you held if or approximately a week.<br />
<br />
You may be surprised to learn that it is a month since you wrote to us. We were naturally anxious to know how you were getting along and thought that possibly you were either short of cash and could not provide the postage, or else that you were so busy with the Dean in his job that you had very few opportunities of doing so.<br />
<br />
We were very glad to get the news concerning your work with Dean Ames, although we can see that you are having a heavy time with the work that you have to do.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We are exceedingly sorry to learn <br />that Dean Ames has severed his <br />connection with the College.<br />... he mentions that Dean Ames </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">had had a bit of a row with the <br />Faculty and I judge from that, <br />that there may have been some <br />reason behind it which the Dean <br />has not referred to in his <br />conversation with you. <br />You will, therefore, be <br />particularly careful that you <br />do not take sides in the matter."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are exceedingly sorry to learn that Dean Ames has severed his connection with the College. He will be a distinct loss to the Movement. It is also a great regret that there is no place for him to fill in the Movement at the present moment. With all the fine experience he has had and the splendid teaching ability he has it seems a pity that he should now be without a job. According to the retirement plan he will receive the whole of the amount that he has paid in plus 4%, so that he will not be at a real loss over the matter, although of course, the loss will come in four years’ time when he would have had the retirement allowance.<br />
<br />
<div>
Presumably your work with the Dean will make you quite an expert gardener!!<br />
<br />
I had a letter from Laurie Bowen in which he mentions that Dean Ames had had a bit of a row with the Faculty and I judge from that, that there may have been some reason behind it which the Dean has not referred to in his conversation with you. You will, therefore, be particularly careful that you do not take sides in the matter.<br />
<br />
When you return to the college there will surely be a number of enquiries concerning any conversations the Dean has had with you.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">According to his <a href="http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7450863/" target="_blank">obituary from the Monroe </a><br />
<a href="http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7450863/" target="_blank">Evening Times</a> on 5 March 1959, Dean Ames <br />
did quite well as a farmer after leaving <br />
the college. His obituary says:<br />
"Despite his many years as an educator,
<br />
college administrator and attorney,
<br />
Dr. Ames said he considered one of
his <br />
greatest accomplishments was
in producing <br />
132 bushels of corn
per acre on his farm<br />
following retirement."
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He is a fortunate man to have his flower farm, as this will no doubt help to keep the pot boiling until a job turns up.<br />
<br />
Naturally we are getting a little concerned regarding your return to College as you will have hardly any resources on which to commence your new school year. I am making desparate attempts to dispose of that wretched amplifier in the hope that I may be able to send something to you in time to be of service in connection with your school work.<br />
<br />
Johnny Walsh I understand is leaving Veall’s and is likely to take a job with the Vocaltone people, the same firm as that with which Rex Baker is connected. Rex has not returned from Sydney. We are expecting word from him any day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1DXbEP27Vo7egIWn0R1sFlz5prwwifCKOTTUdE2FnsMCf7-EJa_up2D7oUPvVvMA5aU-h6KPXgqDXjbPCVz1X4xoUGvEcOWC8JuEiPnfepyYl5ifuuvQysWdHiSg8ZDuVk23ydse9tg/s1600/Argus6August1932Page9USAPresidency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1DXbEP27Vo7egIWn0R1sFlz5prwwifCKOTTUdE2FnsMCf7-EJa_up2D7oUPvVvMA5aU-h6KPXgqDXjbPCVz1X4xoUGvEcOWC8JuEiPnfepyYl5ifuuvQysWdHiSg8ZDuVk23ydse9tg/s1600/Argus6August1932Page9USAPresidency.jpg" height="640" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;">
USA Presidency<br />
Complex Forces in Election.<br />
(1932, August 6). </div>
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The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1957), p. 9. </div>
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Retrieved March 24, 2014, from</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #ff8866; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;"><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4466982">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4466982</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #ff8866; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;">
Continue reading on the TROVE website.</div>
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Your reference to the condition of the Association in Chicago and the inability of the Association to pay its Secretaries indicates a very serious state of affairs. We have not yet reached that position I am happy to say, but we are still in very serious difficulties and it will be a considerable time before we will be able to see a way out.<br />
<br />
We had quite a number of lengthy cables concerning the convention held in Chicago in connection with the political situation. Evidently, the affairs were of the brass band type and quite a lot of “bally hoo” went on.<br />
<br />
The folk at home are keeping well on the whole. Ruth is picking up and we will soon have her ready to return to her job. I think I told you before that she will not be returning to the Homeopathic Hospital. We, therefore, must find another place for her where she can continue her training.<br />
<br />
Edith and Joyce are going along quietly, that is, as quietly as Edith can go! You know quite well how full of life and vim she is. Joy has taken a turn in the same direction during recent weeks and we are surprised to notice she is coming right out of her shell and becoming quite voluble and excitable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"Edith and Joyce are going along <br />quietly, that is, as quietly <br />as Edith can go! You know <br />quite well how full of life <br />and vim she is. Joy has taken <br />a turn in the same direction <br />during recent weeks and we are <br />surprised to notice she is coming <br />right out of her shell and <br />becoming quite voluble and excitable."</span></td></tr>
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Keith has had a few days’ work with the Texaco Company but there is nothing permanent in sight for him. Mother is much better from her heavy cold and looks more like her old self again.<br />
<br />
Alec Moodie has tried several jobs since he left the Renaldi people; he at present is running a bakery business in the Preston or Northerly area.<br />
<br />
At the Association, things are moving along in much the same way as before. We had about 100 young people who went up to Warburton for the Viking Snow Trip on last weekend. They had a thoroughly happy time and I understand there was a great fall of snow, and on the top of Mt. Donna Buang there was four feet of snow altogether.<br />
<br />
We are making certain adjustments in connection with the Boys’ and Physical Departments. We are asking Ivor [Burge] to hand a good deal of his detail to Alan Tassell, so that he might, in turn be able to spend more time outside in personal interviews especially with business men with the object of boosting up that section of our gym work. The classes that Alan has been running for the Boys’ Department will in future be conducted by honorary leaders of course, under the immediate direction of Ivor himself.<br />
<br />
You will be delighted to learn that Charlie Jutsum has been appointed General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. at Broken Hill. He will take over his new duties at the beginning of September. We shall miss Charlie greatly from our work here as you can well imagine, but it will be far better for Charlie to have a job of that kind than to have to leave Association service at this juncture.<br />
<br />
The second bunk house at “Manyung” is practically completed and by next weekend, I think it will be ready for occupancy. There have been quite a number of work parties at “Manyung” during recent weeks, especially with the idea of getting the bunk house completed before the winter season is over, so as to have everything in readiness for the coming summer.<br />
<br />
You will be pleased to learn that we are setting out upon a new job in connection with the Association. For some time past we have been wondering what action we can take in connection with the unemployed boys. As you know there are thousand of them without jobs in the Metropolitan area and we feel that we should take some special action in trying to fill up their leisure time in some profitable manner. We have, therefore, decided to co-operate with the Boys’ Employment Movement, a special committee that has been formed in the City for the last eighteen months, and we will be charged with the responsibility of seeing that these lads are adequately cared for at the Association building, especially during the mornings and on certain afternoons during the week.<br />
<br />
We shall provide a programme of picture shows, lecture, talks, gym, swimming, etc. etc. and in this way help to keep many of them off the streets where they might become a menace to Society.<br />
<br />
I have the job of organising this section of the work and it will take me quite a lot of time to have the thing working along the lines that I have in mind. We plan quite a big job in this direction and I am confident that with the backing of the committee concerned we shall be able to put over something worth while.<br />
<br />
The Girl’s Guild at the Church held its Birthday Party (its 7th) last Thursday, and there was a splendid turnout of the young people and of course a big gathering of the church folk who came by invitation.<br />
<br />
Under separate cover I have sent to you some newspapers which I though you would be interested in looking over. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1YQMxAO-QS6_hhba6E_aR8d_2zK0Jvh_oUe0tSDejykcuxKLbJb7CsmNNrCkVOWpkUBb6pxlCcXPGCR4TlSmbi6_IGihe_bRmbT00ajAbDekR7-9je1UpFOrU8snrVmdN6k00QMG03M/s1600/AdelaideNews17June1932Page8GloverHughesSaunders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1YQMxAO-QS6_hhba6E_aR8d_2zK0Jvh_oUe0tSDejykcuxKLbJb7CsmNNrCkVOWpkUBb6pxlCcXPGCR4TlSmbi6_IGihe_bRmbT00ajAbDekR7-9je1UpFOrU8snrVmdN6k00QMG03M/s1600/AdelaideNews17June1932Page8GloverHughesSaunders.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;">
Before the Public<br />
(1932, June 17). </div>
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News (Adelaide, S.A. : 1923-1954), p. 8. </div>
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Retrieved March 25, 2014, from</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.228801727294922px;"><u><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129052678">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129052678</a></u></span></span></div>
<br />While searching through the online newspaper archive<br />I found this reference to a few familiar names:<br /><a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/search/label/Glover" target="_blank">Clive Glover</a>, Noel Hughes and <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/search/label/Ern%20Saunders" target="_blank">Ern Saunders</a>.<br />This article ties George to Glover and Saunders<br />from his years at the Adelaide YMCA.</td></tr>
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I haven’t heard anything in recent weeks from Clive Glover, although I understand that they are to live-in at the college during the next year.<br />
<br />
I had to drop you a line by hand during last week, as Dorrie Yates was away and I did not have anybody available to dictate to. I am afraid George Briggs and Alan Tassell, will have to think seriously about leaving next year. It looks to me as if it would be inadvisable for them to go to the States especially while conditions are as bad as they seem to be judging from all the reports that we receive. I should certainly advise them to remain here at any rate for another year.<br />
<br />
You haven’t, so far, given us any information concerning how conditions are shaping up, and I shall be glad if you will drop me a line so that I may have a better conception of the arrangements you think will be possible as far as your future is concerned.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first reference in the letters<br />
to Marion Smith, whom Noel would marry<br />
a few years later, and was <br />my grandmother. The reference is cryptic<br />because the woman taking dictation on<br />the letter was a good friend of Noel's<br />former girlfriend.<br />
<br />
See: <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/09/girlfriend-at-home-and-other-tidbits.html" target="_blank">The girlfriend at home and other tidbits</a> </td></tr>
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I would advise you to take your time as regards to Marion Smith, especially during these difficult times.<br />
<br />
I must close off now. You know we all unite in our warmest love to you, and assure you that we look forward with eager anticipation to the receipt of other letters. There should be another mail in this week. So far you have not advised us whether you received the remittance I forwarded in early June.<br />
<br />
With warm love, my boy,<br />
Yours as ever,<br />
Dad.</div>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-14457333249814063732014-03-17T12:00:00.002-05:002014-03-25T09:51:33.327-05:00No. 42 -- 3 August 1932<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH91krG4hXB4xU96alyf5G497n-7TPc84sVFc31QdCaGY0jHbARNghLadJbd0-FDp6reZk3NcEEUbIzZjpT1s5q4x0ds4xfohWj3bFF_x3pyMo6ZA8erw6Tzt4n-SkIGezkkyldP6a9w/s1600/DSC_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH91krG4hXB4xU96alyf5G497n-7TPc84sVFc31QdCaGY0jHbARNghLadJbd0-FDp6reZk3NcEEUbIzZjpT1s5q4x0ds4xfohWj3bFF_x3pyMo6ZA8erw6Tzt4n-SkIGezkkyldP6a9w/s320/DSC_0467.JPG" height="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGk-guMDchtqu8tMX83YKeOu2ep6zz9JQSlyy85UC-mYc5vo5z84jVHZoBVr9I531LD6p0TCGbicAb7vFtsZlZnw-fz9GDe-5GXrrFV63nV58X-Qu4GIpjTtrh68_xIwwI1k6qSPBcYU/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGk-guMDchtqu8tMX83YKeOu2ep6zz9JQSlyy85UC-mYc5vo5z84jVHZoBVr9I531LD6p0TCGbicAb7vFtsZlZnw-fz9GDe-5GXrrFV63nV58X-Qu4GIpjTtrh68_xIwwI1k6qSPBcYU/s320/DSC_0468.JPG" height="265" /></a>
<br />
<i><br /></i><i>As the financial burden at the Melbourne YMCA worsens, the filter drops a bit in this letter and we get some strong emotion from George about the board, calling them "a lot of whipped puppies". </i><i>We also learn that George has placed his job on the line, telling the board that he would be willing to “drop out”. </i><i> This letter is different because he hand-wrote it instead of dictating it to a YMCA typist. I’ve done my best to do an accurate transcription, but part of the writing is lost in the book’s binding, so I’ve had to make a few minor guesses in places. The letter is short and sweet and full of love and longing for his son.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
This is just a brief line to say Hello! There is a mail leaving today. I feel I must drop you a line even if it is very short. Dorrie Yates is away this week (rationed) and so I am writing by hand.<br />
<br />
All at home are well — Mother’s cold is much better but it has left her very weak. My own cold has affected me similarly and I am feeling pretty punk. Still we must “carry on” with the job.<br />
<br />
We haven’t much to add to last letter. Keith is still unemployed and so is Ruth. It’s questionable if she will return to the Homeopathic — the work is far too strenuous. We must seek another opening for her. At the association we are still faltering along. How long we can last with our bank position steadily rising is a moot point. It is probable that Charlie Jutsum will receive the appointment of General Secretary to Broken Hill. The National Committee has recommended him for the job and he is willing to accept it. We may be compelled to make other changes in the staff before long. We cannot go on losing £200 a month.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I suggested to the Board that <br />I drop out but so far they <br />have not agreed to the proposal. <br />It looks to me as if it will <br />have to be faced soon. I am <br />getting really fed up with the <br />Board’s inertia in the direction <br />of raising revenue. They are <br />like a lot of whipped puppies — <br />without any strength to do <br />financial work."</span></td></tr>
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I suggested to the Board that I drop out but so far they have not agreed to the proposal. It looks to me as if it will have to be faced soon. I am getting really fed up with the Board’s inertia in the direction of raising revenue. They are like a lot of whipped puppies — without any strength to do financial work.<br />
<br />
In the long run I guess I will have to let programme matters go and give almost my entire time to financial solicitation.<br />
<br />
I have had you much in my thoughts these days. No letter came again this mail and we are naturally wondering why. Your last letter was dated June 5 nearly two months ago! Let’s hear soon!<br />
<br />
We are full of curiosity to hear about your work with Dean Ames and your doings since leaving college. Did he tell you about my letter to him?<br />
<br />
The kiddies are both well and as usual, full of beans! We are all having a pretty anxious time but we still manage to keep smiling! We are praying for you, my boy, and expect big things for you in your college work.<br />
<br />
With our united love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-79606374642607906052014-03-12T11:39:00.000-05:002014-03-12T11:39:28.891-05:00No. 41 -- 29 July 1932<i>The Great Depression, finances and the welfare of his loved ones continue to weigh heavily on George in this letter. The grim news concerning the Melbourne YMCA's finances continues, along with news about the Bendigo YMCA's troubles. While his three oldest children struggle to make ends meet and build careers, and news from his foster son, Rex Baker is scarce, the bright spots in George's life are so clearly his two youngest daughters -- Joyce and Edith.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
One or two American mails have come in recently, but we have not had any letters from yourself. The next mail to arrive here is due on Monday, and as this mail closes today, I am afraid we shall not be able to await the arrival of your letter.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home are reasonably well. Mother has had a very heavy influenza cold, but she is on the mend again. It left her particularly weak. Ruth is also picking up quickly now that she is on holiday. We expect her to be ready to return to work in about a fortnight’s time. Keith has not yet found anything to do, though he is trying hard in interviews with business houses and by replies to advertisements.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The two kiddies are growing<br /> splendidly, and it is wonderful <br />to see the change in them. <br />You would hardly know Edith — <br />she is growing almost <br />while you look at her."</span></td></tr>
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The two kiddies are growing splendidly, and it is wonderful to see the change in them. You would hardly know Edith — she is growing almost while you look at her. She was very tickled the other day when she got her certificate for passing her musical examination. This, of course, will have to be framed and ready for exhibition to her friends!<br />
<br />
The Harrisons have moved in again to their house and Phil and Edith are tearing around like a pair of lunatics. They are as happy as they can be now that they are united. George Harrison is travelling in the country and only gets home once every few weeks. However, he is happy that he has got a job. His mother and sister are also living next door, so that it is quite a family affair.<br />
<br />
We have not heard anything fresh from Rex Baker.<br />
<br />
You will be surprised to hear that June Carr is married. Keith came home with the story the other day. You will be more surprised to learn that she married young Russell, who was for a time a friend of Keiths. I do not know much about the marriage, but I think it occurred just within the last week or two.<br />
<br />
I suppose you had the opportunity of seeing the Australians play cricket at Chicago. According to the cables they were there for a match or two during the past week. You may have been some distance from the City and may not have been able to make the trip. I thought that if it were possible you would strain every effort to do so.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"Conditions in America, according <br />to the cables in our papers, <br />are not improving at all. <br />They seem to be more <br />bewildering than ever. I think<br /> there is a better spirit abroad <br />in business circles in Melbourne, <br />but we are still a long way <br />from solving our difficulties. <br />... </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">the time back to prosperity <br />will be a very long, drawnout struggle, <br />and changes for the better <br />cannot come quickly.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Conditions in America, according to the cables in our papers, are not improving at all. They seem to be more bewildering than ever. I think there is a better spirit abroad in business circles in Melbourne, but we are still a long way from solving our difficulties. Very earnest attempts are being made to deal with the problem of unemployment and all kinds of committees of citizens, backed by the Government Departments, are doing their best to find work for folk.<br />
<br />
The distress is very serious, especially in the Industrial suburbs. The amount of fraud in connection with sustenance orders must be tremendous, judging from the large number of folk who are being proceeded against for fraudulent dealing with sustenance orders, etc. However, the time back to prosperity will be a very long, drawnout struggle, and changes for the better cannot come quickly.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Here in the Association we are <br />right up against our bank position, <br />and were it not for the fact <br />that some of our Directors <br />have stood by us, we would <br />not be able to pay current <br />accounts this month."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here in the Association we are right up against our bank position, and were it not for the fact that some of our Directors have stood by us, we would not be able to pay current accounts this month. It looks as if we shall have to face the position of very drastic economies in staff and expenditure, and I imagine that within the next week or two, the Board will have to take very decided action in these respects.<br />
<br />
The Industrial work has been kept going in a very fine way by the firms concerned, but a week or two ago we received advice from Messrs. Lloyd Bros & Maginnis that they were making changes in their relationships with the Association, and from the end of this month their Hut will drop out from the Y.M.C.A. Industrial Scheme. Fortunately they are retaining Joe Norman, the Secretary, and making him a kind of Superintendent of Works, although he will still have the responsibility of conducting the Welfare Work, Diningroom, etc. We are glad that the change will not affect him, and can understand that the firm must economise in every way open to them.<br />
<br />
Frank Wilkinson is doing a good job with the Billiard Room. It is splendid to notice the revival of interest among the men and the way in which they are supporting Frank’s plans. He has taken hold of the job in an excellent way and has shown definite ability in promoting tournaments and increasing trade. He has a plan for monthly exhibition games by leading amateurs. We have had two of these demonstration evenings, and they have brought together a fine crowd of men, and the games have been of a high order.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The members of the National <br />Committee will be visiting Bendigo <br />over the weekend, to see<br /> if they can find a way out of <br />Bendigo’s troubles, specially <br />in connection with the disposal <br />of the Association building."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have not much news to pass on to you concerning the other Associations. All of them are having a rather hard run, with perhaps the exception of Ballerat, where they have been able to raise money sufficient to meet their immediate needs. The members of the National Committee will be visiting Bendigo over the weekend, to see if they can find a way out of Bendigo’s troubles, specially in connection with the disposal of the Association building. As you know, the Bendigo Association owes the National Committee about £2,000, an advance made to them years ago, and the National Committee holds a mortgage for that amount over the Bendigo building. The solvency of the National Committee is bound up in the Bendigo building, and some plan must be evolved to solve the problem both for Bendigo and the National work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more about Camp Manyung see the post: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2012/08/camps-manyung-and-buxton-shoreham.html" target="_blank">Camps Manyung and Buxton (Shoreham)</a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You will be pleased to hear that Miss Edith Shaw, sister of Mrs. Thomas Baker, recently sent Ivor Burge a cheque for £20 towards the completion of the second bunk house at Manyung Camp. The fellows are going down over the week end and on subsequent occasions, and hope to complete the structure within the next few weeks. This will be a great help, specially during the week end camps which Ivor is organising each month.<br />
<br />
I had a letter the other day from Harry White. He mentioned that he had been in conversation with Dean Ames concerning yourself. Harry is going to Indianapolis as General Secretary, so that you will not have him available to visit at Chicago. Also another letter from John Cook, who is now at Bailey Island for the summer holidays.<br />
<br />
May Glover also mentioned in a letter to the girls, that there would be a re-arrangement for married students employed at the College, in that they would be expected to live in at the College in future. This may save expense to the College and for the students.<br />
<br />
You will receive this letter towards the end of August. By that time you will have spent about six weeks with Dean Ames. I can only express the hope that you have had a very happy time and have found the contacts you have made of very definite value to you. I know you will regard the arrangements you have made as an opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation, and I am sure you will show the Dean every gratitude for his kindly interest in you. No doubt you will also be working at your highschool subjects so as to enter school with all arrears made up, and in regular standing as a student.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I sincerely hope you will<br /> be able to carry on despite<br /> your present difficulties. The tide <br />will turn a little later on,<br /> but one needs to be sure <br />of one’s ability to hang on <br />until that occurs. We are praying<br /> for you, and we believe our <br />Heavenly Father will help us<br /> to see daylight through<br /> the present problems."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I must close now. We all unite, my boy, in affectionate regards. I sincerely hope you will be able to carry on despite your present difficulties. The tide will turn a little later on, but one needs to be sure of one’s ability to hang on until that occurs. We are praying for you, and we believe our Heavenly Father will help us to see daylight through the present problems.<br />
<br />
With warm love, <br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad.Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-91778298823488465172014-03-03T10:30:00.000-06:002014-03-03T10:30:00.225-06:00No. 40 -- 18 July 1932<i>This letter contains another example of how frustrating it is to have only one side of the conversation, as we hear second-hand about Noel almost being involved in an apparent auto hold up, and other motor-car incidents. The Great Depression is ever-present in this letter. George is still worried about Noel's ability to get a job and make money during his summer break from college. And he continues to worry about the YMCA's finances, saying they are "hard up against it". George's young daughters Joyce and Edith seem to be the bright spots, surrounded by his concern for his older children and his own health.</i><div>
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"It looks as if there was some <br />attempt possible in the <br />direction of a “hold up”. <br />In any case you were <br />wise to consider “Discretion <br />the better part of valor”. "</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your letter of June 5th came to hand on Saturday, written just prior to the closing of your school year, and did not give us any information concerning your examination results. We were rather interested in the events you described, especially that relating to the college dance and your experience on the road. I think you were wise in turning your car and going in the opposite direction. It looks as if there was some attempt possible in the direction of a “hold up”. In any case you were wise to consider “Discretion the better part of valor”. Evidently it doesn't pay to hand over a motor-car to your care, as you seem to be everlastingly in difficulties. The three incidents referred to in your letter all had to do with a car. If I were you I would be careful whose car I borrowed in the future.<br />
<br />
I am continuing your old address as you suggest, and until I hear to the contrary, letters will be sent care of the College as heretofore.<br />
<br />
I am glad that you were able to meet all your obligations at the college and that you are not in any debt in that direction. Before this you will have received the small amount I sent on to you, and I hope that also helped to liquidate some of your indebtedness.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean Ames was Dr. John Q. Ames, who was<br />
dean of the Chicago YMCA College,<br />
aka George Williams College, from 1919-32.<br />
According to<a href="http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7450863/" target="_blank"> his obituary</a>, he retired to a farm in<br />
Brooklyn, Wisc., near the city of Madison.<br />
This may have been where Noel would have<br />
helped Dean Ames.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I sincerely hope it will be possible for you to get some odd jobs during the time you are with Dean Ames, and thus help to meet your immediate needs. We were hoping that your letter would have been a little fuller that it was, but perhaps another will reach us shortly giving us additional information.<br />
<br />
At the Association, things are going on much the same as before. We have had several board meetings to consider any changes in our programme and policy that the times may demand. Suggestions that were made at a conference we held with representatives of the various committees have been under discussion, and certain changes are likely to be made possibly in the direction of an inclusive tariff for residents, but that has not yet been definitely decided.<br />
<br />
We have a membership campaign on at present, but it doesn't seem to have much “kick” in it, and I am wondering what the result is likely to be. We are trying to raise the membership by 300 by the 27th July. It will be hard going and the indications at present are not too hopeful. The Y’s Men’s Club is doing quite well and so are the Vikings.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubert Opperman was a famous Australia<br />
bicyclist, competing in the Tour de France<br />
in 1928 and 1931.<br />
See Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubert_Opperman" target="_blank">Hubert Opperman</a><br />
<br />
His home trainer may have looked like the<br />
one featured <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Hubert+Opperman&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS453US473&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&imgil=M_fwAWnPNNaf7M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcSQhPvpUvxA8dtKAh0joHu5ePeM9AaeYrdGcGe502FxSbrIbUy23w%253B697%253B507%253BURnvKOMC9Meo9M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.bicyclehistory.com.au%25252FMalvernStar%25252Fopperman_the_cyclist.htm&source=iu&usg=__vob31UZkTzcSuA9MSBFZ5WixysU%3D&sa=X&ei=PTYGU9e8MKasyAGaqYGQBw&ved=0CEIQ9QEwBQ&biw=1024&bih=655#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=M_fwAWnPNNaf7M%253A%3BURnvKOMC9Meo9M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bicyclehistory.com.au%252FMalvernStar%252Fimages%252FOpperman_on_Trainer_on_ship.GIF%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bicyclehistory.com.au%252FMalvernStar%252Fopperman_the_cyclist.htm%3B697%3B507" target="_blank">in this photo</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Boys’ Department held a “Get Together” social for the Suburban Clubs on Saturday night and we had about 400 present. Hubert Opperman, the racing cyclist, gave an excellent talk and a demonstration on “A home trainer” for cyclists. It was a good show and went off with fine enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
Frank Wilkinson is doing very well in the Billiard Room. He has trebled the takings inside a month. We have the Victorian Amateur Billiard Championships taking place in the Social Hall just now. This is bringing a considerable number of the prominent billiardists into the building.<br />
<br />
The Viking Discussion on Wednesdays and also on Sundays are going quite well, and so are the meetings of the Fellowship Club. Most of the activities in the building are shaping up quite well, and our educational groups on the whole are in a very healthy condition.<br />
<br />
We are still having serious difficulties with finance and I cannot see much change for the better for some time to come. Frankly, we are really getting to the position where we are hard up against it. It looks as if we shall have to get further accommodation from our Bank to enable us to carry on.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Both the kiddies are well and <br />as full of beans as ever. Joyce has <br />been particularly elated because she <br />has been leading the line in some <br />of the work of the senior girls <br />at the Guild. Edith also has <br />been quite pleased with herself <br />because, as Prefect of her class, <br />she has the chance of <br />“bossing the kids” occasionally! <br />This suits her down to the ground."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Conditions at home are, on the whole, O.K. Mother has had a very bad cold and I also have been feeling out of sorts. This intensely cold weather does not suit me after my illness of two years ago. Both the kiddies are well and as full of beans as ever. Joyce has been particularly elated because she has been leading the line in some of the work of the senior girls at the Guild. Edith also has been quite pleased with herself because, as Prefect of her class, she has the chance of “bossing the kids” occasionally! This suits her down to the ground.<br />
<br />
We are expecting Ruth home this week for a spell. She has now completed a year of her hospital work. No doubt she will be writing you herself before long.<br />
<br />
Keith has not found anything in the direction of steady work though he is answering quite a lot of advertisements and interviewing firms in the hope of getting something to do. The occasional jobs with the Texas company help to keep the pot boiling but they do little more than give him sufficient money to meet his incidental needs and pay for his land. His school Accountancy fees, insurances and so on all come out of the balance of his small savings account which is now down to a pretty low ebb.<br />
<br />
You mention in your letter that you expected to be with Dean Ames about the 15th June. You will have been with him for over a month if that plan carried out. I suppose by this time you will have a clearer perception of the possibilities of work before your school year commences. All our overtures in connection with the sale of the amplifier have, so far, come to naught. I wish to goodness we could find some means of disposing of it. We seem to draw a blank every time.<br />
<br />
We have not heard from Rex. Baker for the past two or three weeks. When last he wrote he suggested the possibility of returning to Melbourne at a comparatively early date.<br />
<br />
Most of the old brigade on the Board are still going strong, although some of them are beginning to show signs of age. Mr. Hooke is not quite as mentally alert as he was a year or two ago.<br />
<br />
We get many enquiries concerning yourself. Gus Froelich and a number of others have made enquiry just recently. They all seem anxious to hear how you are getting on.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"In your letters, we hope you will not <br />think any piece of information too <br />trivial, or that it has no news value to it. <br />We naturally want to know how <br />things are going in every way."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In your letters, we hope you will not think any piece of information too trivial, or that it has no news value to it. We naturally want to know how things are going in every way. It will do us a good deal to help us appreciate your position. Tell us something about the closing up of the school year. What took place at the various functions?<br />
<br />
Your last letter was written just before commencement — perhaps your next letter will tell us something about that event. The quarterly examinations were to be held on June 9 and 10 according to the calendar. If it is possible to send me another copy of the handbook for next year, I shall be delighted, as it gives me details concerning the school which I find exceedingly interesting and help met to know when the various quarters ended, and something about the school life generally.<br />
<br />
I must close now. We shall look forward with keen pleasure to your subsequent letters. You know we all unite in warm love.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad</div>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-6871612711515045082014-02-24T10:30:00.000-06:002014-02-24T12:27:24.076-06:00No. 39 -- 6 July 1932<i>It's been a year since Noel left to pursue his college adventure in the United States. George and the family miss him and are hungry for information. He wishes he could do more to help him. The solvency of the Melbourne YMCA is weighing heavily on George in this letter. He describes their financial position as "sick" and is desperately trying new measures to bring in more revenue to meet the Y's bank obligation. The concern at his job plus concern about his adult children's welfare are weighing heavily on him. His own health is taking a hard toll.</i><br />
<br />
Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
We did not get a letter from you by this week’s mail and I imagine it must have been because it left just at the time of your College closing exercises, consequently you would not have much time to give to letters.<br />
<br />
In the absence of any word, we cannot answer any queries which you may have raised. At the time when your next letter arrives we will hear the latest concerning your school results and your arrangements for the summer vacation.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home are well. Keith has had three or four days’ work with the Texas Co. and I think he still has a day or two to complete ship. He is keeping in good health but he feels his position without working for so long.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the most detail I have seen so far<br />
of George describing his health history.<br />
I was stumped on the meaning of a<br />
"plastine poultice" as George describes.<br />
Google revealed no clues. However,<br />
"plaster poultice" turns up a traditional<br />
remedy using mustard applied in poultice <br />
form. It might be what George meant.<br />
See: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_plaster" target="_blank">Wikipedia: Mustard plaster</a><br />
and <a href="http://www.metnews.com/articles/2005/reminiscing022405.htm" target="_blank">Mustard Poultice</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have not heard anything further from Rex. Baker. Joyce and Edith are both well. There is nothing new to pass on to you regarding them. Mother is also well. As you know, I have to be careful each winter since my illness two years ago. Last week I felt a good deal of pain in my chest and I stood it until Friday night, when I took to bed and stayed there until Monday morning. I feel the long rest did me good, and with the help of plastine poultices I was able to remove the pain and to get a great deal of ease as the result. By Monday I was feeling fairly well, and I am glad to say the improvement has continued; apart from fuzziness about the chest I feel quite well. My temperature went up again and I did not like the signs, but it seems as if I have beaten it this time. Naturally I must be exceedingly careful for the next couple of months. I cannot afford to have illness just now.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crook" target="_blank">Crook</a>" appears to be an <br />
Australian/New Zealand usage meaning <br />
irritable or ill and unwell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are expecting Ruth home for her holidays in about a fortnight’s time. She has been crook again and the rest will do her a lot of good.<br />
<br />
I saw Johnny McRae in the street this morning but did not have a chance to stop and yarn with him. He looked well. I have not seen Margaret Park for some time. Millie Harris we see frequently at Church. She seems to be in excellent fettle.<br />
<br />
Mr. Nichol has not been able to get any additional information so far concerning the Australian Exhibit at the Chicago Fair. He has promised to follow the matter up and to let me have any information as soon as it is available.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"...unless our membership effort </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this month is successful, we will </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have hard work to find the needed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
money to meet our immediate needs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am enclosing a statement which </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prepared for Mr. Crosby which </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gives details concerning the last </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
three years, and which may help </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you to understand how “sick” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our financial position is."</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the Association we are having a Membership Campaign this month and are hoping by this means to secure a lift both in members and in finance. Last night we had a conference between our principal committeemen and the Board. There were nearly 40 present and we had quite a long discussion on our financial position and how it might be relieved. I am afraid that very few of the proposals submitted will be of immediate value to us, but some of them can be ultimately worked out and they may prove of use. We have reached the position at the Commercial Band which is full of difficulty, and unless our membership effort this month is successful, we will have hard work to find the needed money to meet our immediate needs.<br />
<br />
I am enclosing a statement which I prepared for Mr. Crosby which gives details concerning the last three years, and which may help you to understand how “sick” our financial position is.<br />
<br />
The new diningroom service is showing some improvement in patronage, and we are hoping this will continue. General satisfaction has been expressed by our residents and ordinary members with this change in the food service. Of course, the ordinary Cafeteria service runs as well. We have partitioned off the diningroom to make special provision for those who desire a three course meal.<br />
<br />
The Boys’ Department figures are still mounting up. Memberships are coming in very freely. The Montague Boys’ Club is continuing to do good work; the Mothers’ Club at Montague is doing wonderful work. Out at Wardrop they have been reduced to 24 residents. This is a losing proposition and is showing a substantial deficit just now, and of course adding to the general burden.<br />
<br />
We get many disquieting cables showing the intensity of the depression in America. We are hoping that some of these are exaggerated and that the conditions are better than they are reported to be.<br />
<br />
If I judge the position correctly, you are likely to get this letter about the end of July. I hope you are having as good a time as can be expected under the special circumstances. We cannot help feeling that despite the difficulties, a way out may have been found for you to earn something during you vacation. It is a long spell for you to contemplate without monetary assistance.<br />
<br />
We have nothing further to add concerning the amplifier. Keith went down to a Skating Rink at Glenferrie the other day and gave particulars to the owner, who promised to call in, but we have not seen him so far. I really do not know what to do about it. It worries me a great deal.<br />
<br />
We are looking forward with eager anticipation to your letter. I must close now.<br />
<br />
We all unite in our warmest love<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-86535672585896186002014-02-17T10:30:00.000-06:002014-02-24T12:25:44.566-06:00No. 38 -- 21 June 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"We remarked at home over <br />the weekend, it is just a year<br />since you left home. How <br />the time slips by!"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your letter of May 20th reached us yesterday. Just a month on the way. Yes, we remarked at home over the weekend, it is just a year since you left home. How the time slips by!<br />
<br />
You will have received my last letter with the enclosed few pounds, which I hope reached you safely, and was sufficient for your immediate needs. We have tried to speed up the sale of the amplifier, but so far without any definite result. I thought I had a buyer when last I wrote, but he evidently cooled off. We afterwards got a message that he had made other arrangements. Harold Thompson is prosecuting further enquiries and seems hopeful that he will be able to effect a sale. Keith also heard of a man in Glenferrie who is thinking of purchasing an amplifier for use in a skating rink, and he is following that lead up in the hope that it may bring business.<br />
<br />
Your letter suggests that there is not much likelihood of you leaving Chicago during the summer vacation. However, it assures us that you will be able to carry on, though it would be much more satisfactory if you could earn money during the period. Perhaps Dean Ames may treat you generously after all.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"I am sorry that the outlook <br />for work is so bad, and <br />sincerely hope that your <br />prophesies will not be fulfilled. <br />It is a safe policy to think in <br />terms of the most difficult <br />situation likely to arise <br />and I commend you <br />for doing that."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of letters back I gave you the information we had secured concerning the Chicago Exhibition. Mr. Nichol has not been able to get any line on it to date, but if he can dig up information at this end you can be sure I will let you have it.<br />
<br />
I am sorry that the outlook for work is so bad, and sincerely hope that your prophesies will not be fulfilled. It is a safe policy to think in terms of the most difficult situation likely to arise and I commend you for doing that. If conditions are so bad, it is probably that there will not be a large entering class in September, therefore, there may be more work available for the present students.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqUyWFmWy8j_nvN5qj0gYT2evkRibzr79c879AGvCYgBxfeSXfnOzIJRJfJ2mpnuLeWF1sbTsmfN9dW7HnqnYlrMcGoq6tqniz09lVsHQ4tI1WZIiA95RJx9XQcQVKrEZcdXjJwa6X-M/s1600/ARGUS20June1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqUyWFmWy8j_nvN5qj0gYT2evkRibzr79c879AGvCYgBxfeSXfnOzIJRJfJ2mpnuLeWF1sbTsmfN9dW7HnqnYlrMcGoq6tqniz09lVsHQ4tI1WZIiA95RJx9XQcQVKrEZcdXjJwa6X-M/s1600/ARGUS20June1932.jpg" height="400" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bankrupt Chicago. (1932, June 20). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1957), p. 7. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Retrieved February 13, 2014, from</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4458559">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4458559</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not sure if this is the exact article that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
George sent to Noel, but it fits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the description and is probably </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the same subject matter.</div>
<div class="articledescription" style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.33500099182129px;">
</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I enclose a cutting from yesterday’s paper which helps us to realise how desperate conditions in Chicago must be. In addition we have had letters from Laurie Bowen which paint a doleful picture of the frightful straits to which the unemployed in Chicago are reduced. Your letter indicates that the Chicago Y is also having a desperately difficult time. We are hoping that some remedial measures will be taken by the American Government during the present summer in provision of relief works, etc. Our own Government is making great efforts in this direction and it looks as if many of those who are at present unemployed will be absorbed in the next few months. Let’s hope the same thing applies to America.<br />
<br />
I am sorry to hear that the College is having such a bad time. Of course that is to be expected when outside conditions are so bad. Perhaps in your next letter we shall hear all about your Spring quarter examinations.<br />
<br />
I was wondering what had happened to the parcel of books referred to in one of your letters. I quite understand that you have not been able to send them on because of the expense involved.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Australian Eleven refers to the Australian<br />
cricket team. Holmesdale Nitschke is Noel's<br />
second cousin. He played two international<br />
tests in 1931. See Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmesdale_Nitschke" target="_blank">Jack Nitschke</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I do not know anything about the itinerary of the Australian Eleven now touring America. Holmesdale Nitschke is not a member of the team. It is cheering to hear that you are keeping in good health despite the problems you are facing.<br />
<br />
Your message to Alf. Hines and Matron will be passed on to them, and you may expect a letter from them in due season.<br />
<br />
Now just a little home news. Mother is continuing in excellent health and so are all the others. Ruth is now temporarily employed at a small hospital in one of the Eastern suburbs. The work there is not as heavy as at the Homeopathic Hospital. I do not know how long this job will last, but probably not beyond the month of July. In any case it has been useful experience and it will keep her in touch with her work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure exactly which cousin the girls<br />
would have been so eager to visit. Both the<br />
<a href="http://www.willoughbydhs.org.au/History/People/Herbert.html" target="_blank">Herbert family</a> (first cousins) and the <a href="http://www.willoughbydhs.org.au/History/People/Willis.html" target="_blank">Willis</a><br />
<a href="http://www.willoughbydhs.org.au/History/People/Willis.html" target="_blank">family</a> (second cousins) lived in Sydney.<br />
My guess is that it was cousin Irven Herbert,<br />
since she gets the most mention in<br />
previous letters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Edith and Joyce are making plans to visit Sydney at Christmas. We tell them that lots of things are likely to happen before then, which may prevent them visiting their cousin. But that doesn't stop them from making their own plans.<br />
<br />
I have not heard a great deal from Rex during the past few weeks. He is still in Sydney.<br />
<br />
There was a weekend Camp over Saturday and Sunday, at “Manyung”, but the weather was so desperately cold, that I decided not to go. We are right now having some of the coldest weather we have yet experienced this year. It is certainly not weather for camping.<br />
<br />
We are planning a membership campaign for the period July 13 to 27, and just now various meetings are being held in preparation for the event.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wardrop House was a YMCA Hostel located<br />
in Northcote, north of Melbourne.<br />
See <a href="http://heritage.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/article/634" target="_blank">Darebin Heritage, YMCA Hostel, Northcote</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wardrop House is very low with only 22 in residence. On the five months’ work we are down about £100 in the Wardrop accounts. This is adding to our burden at the Central building.<br />
<br />
We initiated a diningroom service for residents and others in the middle of May. This has taken on quite well among the residents but is a losing proposition financially. We may have to make a number of adjustments in the next month.<br />
<br />
Under separate cover I have sent to you a copy of the book “Australian Birds and Blossoms”, which I thought would be useful to you; also newspapers reporting the elections in New Sough Wales. Mr. Lang was soundly thrashed in the elections.<br />
<br />
I have also sent to you a set of reports as presented at the Board meeting last week and from these you will gather quite a lot concerning the various departments of work.<br />
<br />
We are having a quiet drive for funds among the number of our well-to-do friends and are hoping to secure a few hundred pounds to tide us over the lean period. Last week Mr. Crosby got a contribution of £100 from one good friend. We have others whom we are approaching this week. Raising money these days is a very difficult job.<br />
<br />
You will be interested to hear that we have brought Frank Wilkinson back on the staff to take charge of the Billiard Room. Our friend J.B. Bowman had not made a success of the supervision of the room under a part time basis, under which he was employed. It was doomed to failure from the start — in the first place because the arrangement was not good, and in the second place because the man was not suitable. Wilkinson has been on the job for a fortnight and has doubled the takings and has brought into the room a much better spirit and greatly increased patronage.<br />
<br />
Our Educational Classes are going fairly well. We are likely to initiate correspondence courses in Accountancy, Costing, Secretarial principles, etc. etc. Another new move is the formation of a Society made up of past students in Accountancy. We will endeavour to organise a series of monthly lectures so as to retain the interest of these men and keep them in closer touch with the Association,.<br />
<br />
I must close off now. We are hoping that your next letter will bear much better news, and that some job may have materialised which will help you in preparation for your next year’s work.<br />
<br />
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"Conditions are bad for us all, <br />but they must be specially <br />acute for you. I wish it were <br />possible to more adequately <br />help you. I can assure you <br />that as it is possible you will <br />get all the help we can give."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Conditions are bad for us all, but they must be specially acute for you. I wish it were possible to more adequately help you. I can assure you that as it is possible you will get all the help we can give.<br />
<br />
It is quite easy for us to say that you must keep a still upper lip despite the troubles you are facing. We know you will do that. We have thought much about you during the lat few weeks as we knew what you were facing. We are confident a way out will be found for you which will show the guiding hand of our Heavenly Father. Many times we have been in difficulties but the way out has always been shown, and it will show itself in this case I feel certain.<br />
<br />
We all unite in warmest love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad</div>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-74772985008185259112014-02-10T08:30:00.000-06:002014-02-14T22:29:14.739-06:00No. 37 -- 7 June 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
<div>
Your two letters of May 5th and May 9th reached me safely. The earlier one came to the home and the one with the later date came direct to the office.<br />
<br />
I am glad it was not necessary for you to have the gold inlay in your teeth. No doubt the cost would have been very heavy.<br />
<br />
We are sorry to learn that you are having such a difficult time in your last quarter. We can readily understand unless work is available you will have great difficulty in financing yourself, especially in the smaller amounts which one must have available in his pocket.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Today I sent you 25 dollars in <br />American money as requested <br />in your letter. The unfortunate part <br />of it is that to send what would <br />be normally equal to £5, <br />cost £8:16:5. There is the difference in <br />the English sterling plus the difference <br />in exchange between Australia <br />and America. These two things <br />combined, make sending money <br />a ruinous matter."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your letter of the 9th helped us to understand these problems much better than any other letter you had hitherto sent. Today I sent you 25 dollars in American money as requested in your letter. The unfortunate part of it is that to send what would be normally equal to £5, cost £8:16:5. There is the difference in the English sterling plus the difference in exchange between Australia and America. These two things combined, make sending money a ruinous matter. Just think of it, to send £5:0:0, one must spend £3:16:5 additional. However, we are very glad to be able to send this to you, and wish it could have been more. This will enable you to pay your dentist and the other small amounts you refer to, and will give you a few shillings in your pocket.<br />
<br />
I have been trying hard to get rid of the amplifier and today I called in to see Johnny Walsh. Johnny assures me that there is very little call for machines of the kind, but his advice is that we again advertise it and if unsuccessful in disposing of it, we may have to dismantle it and sell the parts. Of course, this is a pretty difficult matter and will take some time to effect. It would be great if we could sell it just as it is for a reasonable figure.<br />
<br />
We note that you have nothing further to add concerning work over the summer period. Evidently you seem inclined to remain at the College and undertake work for Dean Ames. Personally I think this is the wisest plan. While there may be more interest in going with your friends to St. Louis, I really believe it would advance your personal interests more if you accept Dean Ames offer and remain with him. He may also be able to get you additional work in some of the Associations. Could you not exploit that to the limit? Could Larry Bowen help you in any way or Norman Weston? Do not feel at all reticent in approaching any of them for this purpose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I am glad that you were ale to get some additional work with the Building Superintendent in connection with the windows of Dole Hall.<br />
<br />
Your suggestion that we might arrange a loan for you at this end, does not commend itself to me in that it would possibly be misunderstood. If you do not leave Chicago for the summer period you should have a better chance to look around and exploit all the possibilities in that territory. We quite realise it will be possibly more difficult with the increasing unemployment to secure remunerative work next year, and on that account I think you may have a better chance if you are on the spot and thus able to secure anything that may open up in and around Chicago.<br />
<br />
The book on Chicago which you mentioned, has so far not been delivered. Presumably it will come in a later mail. I think you are wise to send books of the type home as you get opportunity. In the majority of cases, steady acquisition of books over the next few years, may mean a trunk load of them at the end; far better to send them on as you get opportunity.<br />
<br />
I am sorry that you have been compelled to resign your Pledgeship to the Fraternity. Let’s hope that things will brighten for you so that you may be able to continue it next year.<br />
<br />
Your debt to Oscar Peterson could easily be liquidated if we are successful in disposing of the machine and in any case we must find some way of meeting it for you.<br />
<br />
We note that you deem it advisable for us to continue sending your letters direct to the College. Presumably if you change your address the letters will be forwarded in due course.<br />
<br />
I am delighted to learn that you are doing speaking work and I hope you will take every opportunity that presents itself in that direction. Mother was deeply interested in your address at the Settlement in preparation for Mother’s Day.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Keith is still out of a job. <br />I am sorry to report that in the <br />Accountancy examination he was <br />not successful in passing in any <br />one of the five subjects. He was <br />just a mark or two under in several <br />of them. This, of course, has <br />disappointed him a great deal, <br />but he is continuing his studies <br />and I have no doubt he will get <br />through next time."</span></td></tr>
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Now just a little concerning home news. We have not had many changes in home circumstances. Keith is still out of a job. I am sorry to report that in the Accountancy examination he was not successful in passing in any one of the five subjects. He was just a mark or two under in several of them. This, of course, has disappointed him a great deal, but he is continuing his studies and I have no doubt he will get through next time. It is unfortunate that he should be so close and not get the additional few marks required.<br />
<br />
Ruth is much better I am happy to say. No doubt she will be writing to you if she has not done so recently. Edith and Joyce are getting along quite well, and mother is keeping exceedingly well. Rex has sent for his clothing so that it looks as if it will be some time before he returns to Melbourne. Edith did fairly well in her term examinations, and her aggregate of marks, strangely, was reduced by her failure in such a subject as drawing. On the whole though, her marks were good. We have not yet received Joyce’s report but presumably that will come to hand any day now.<br />
<br />
We had Mr. Tucker in last week, pruning the fruit trees and getting everything in readiness of the coming summer. I think we should have a good crop of fruit if I can judge by the buds that are already appearing on the trees.<br />
<br />
Our friend Lee, next door, will be leaving Harrison’s house about the 3rd week of the month, so that I suppose the Harrisons will be coming back as neighbors. I have not seen them for quite a long time.<br />
<br />
Last week we had a Bible Study School at our little church, particulars of which you will find on the enclosed circular. It was a splendid success and every night we averaged between 50 and 60 people in the five or six groups. The public addresses were exceedingly well attended and on Sunday night we had the Young People’s Service as the closing function. I took a half-hour community hymn sing before Church and Mr. Watkins gave the address. At the conclusion of his talk he made a very strong appeal for decision for Christ and about 25 young people came forward indicating their desire to accept and follow Him. Among them were Joyce and Edith. Naturally this gave us great joy and we are very delighted with the results both of the Bible Study and the Young People’s service.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdftfrV3gNP8R_nzimDZFSN5cztpVVlZO26toqNieEpsGtUFQssPAvYeZ9Cd7BWgdHJ1E8RWEtj1inb-uqJe5FdiqX4wGcSXWLhfnseAlRG25HgtmBiqFQ7qh1jT1Hd9wZDr7_Ulv-t_c/s1600/Argus28May1932.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdftfrV3gNP8R_nzimDZFSN5cztpVVlZO26toqNieEpsGtUFQssPAvYeZ9Cd7BWgdHJ1E8RWEtj1inb-uqJe5FdiqX4wGcSXWLhfnseAlRG25HgtmBiqFQ7qh1jT1Hd9wZDr7_Ulv-t_c/s1600/Argus28May1932.bmp.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.33500099182129px; text-align: start;">BOYS' SUBURBAN CLUBS. (1932, May 28). </span><br />
<i style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.33500099182129px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">The Argus </i><span style="background-color: #fafae1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.33500099182129px; text-align: start;">(Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 12. <br />Retrieved February 7, 2014, <br />from <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4454550">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4454550</a></span></td></tr>
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In the Association we have had excellent meetings in most of the Departments and there is a good spirit in the work. We are planning a membership campaign in July as one of the functions in connection with our 60th Anniversary. Quite a number of other gatherings will be held and I will send you particulars of these a little later on.<br />
<br />
Over the weekend (King’s Birthday) 45 young people went to Park Orchards for a Conference. This group was made up largely of the Combined Y.M. & Y.W.C.A. discussion group. I am enclosing a picture that appeared in the “Herald” of June 6th. You will see some familiar faces int he picture including Kath, Jim Ralston, Olive Yates, Jean Chamberlain, May Chivers. Ern Gollan reported that they had a thoroughly good conference.<br />
<br />
Work parties went down to both Manyung and Shoreham. The Fathers’ Club, 13 strong, went to Shoreham and cleared about two acres of the reserve alongside the came site.<br />
<br />
We have made changes in the payment of fees to as to meet the difficult conditions. The annual fee can be paid in two half yearly amounts and the gymnasium and other privilege fees can be paid quarterly. This is a radical change in our financial arrangements but is demanded by the times through which we are passing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Let’s hope the elections in <br />New South Wales and Queensland <br />next Saturday will result in the <br />return of a sane Government. If this <br />occurs I think we shall probably reach <br />bottom this winter and from<br /> then on there will be a change <br />for the better."</span></td></tr>
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Let’s hope the elections in New South Wales and Queensland next Saturday will result in the return of a sane Government. If this occurs I think we shall probably reach bottom this winter and from then on there will be a change for the better.<br />
<br />
Well, my boy, we must close off now. I can only say that I am sorry I am not in a position to give you more substantial help. Just now things are particularly difficult for me, as I have three lots of income tax to meet, the payment on the house and quite a number of extras that I did not bargain for. All of these things combined have left me very short. I can only say that I hope conditions will not be so difficult; in a few months’ time I may be able to do a little more for you than I have done hitherto.<br />
<br />
We all unite in sending you our warmest love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
M.O. made payable to Noel Hughes</div>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-7780843013900861722014-02-04T22:00:00.001-06:002014-02-04T22:00:36.742-06:00No. 36 -- 28 May 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
Your letter of April 4th came to hand yesterday. It was good to hear from you so soon. We did not anticipate there would be another mail for a week or two, but the new Matson liner “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Mariposa" target="_blank">Mariposa</a>” had made her first call here, and this has brought an additional mail. In future we shall have a direct service between Melbourne and San Francisco which means more frequent mail service.<br />
<br />
I am sorry to hear that you have no further light on the question of employment for the summer vacation. It would be rather serious for you to be without a job, especially in view of the tremendous amount of distress already in America. There is some degree of assurance in the offer of the Binnington family, that you should assist at their farm. That of course will assure your keep during the period, but will not provide the money required for your re-entrance to the College.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"I wish it were possible for me to <br />send you some money but I <br />frankly do not know whether <br />that can be done at any rate <br />for a month or two. I have just received<br /> my income tax assessment, the <br />payments of which represent <br />£30 which must be found within <br />the next few weeks."</span></td></tr>
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I wish it were possible for me to send you some money but I frankly do not know whether that can be done at any rate for a month or two. I have just received my income tax assessment, the payments of which represent £30 which must be found within the next few weeks. This, coupled with medical and dental expenses for Ruth and Keith, will keep me scratching pretty hard, but I will see what may be possible before you enter College.<br />
<br />
I am doing my best to dispose of the amplifier, but whether we will be successful or not we cannot say.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I am glad that you have been successful in getting 6 1/2 majors credit for your year’s work. It will be great when the whole of your highschool requirements are met, so that you will be carrying your full schedule.<br />
<br />
I have no further home news to give you beyond that given in the letter sent a few days ago. Matters are much the same at home. Mother’s birthday occurred yesterday, and before we had time to open our eyes in the early morning, Edith bounced in with two bunches of violets for mother.<br />
<br />
Keith is having further difficulties with his teeth,and he must have a very heavy bill awaiting payment.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">George writes: "Your search for <br />an animal for the Fraternity meeting <br />was an interesting episode."<br />I wish I knew this story or had<br />a copy of Noel's letter. This is<br />where having only one side of<br />the conversation gets frustrating.<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have not heard from Rex.during the last week or two. I passed you message on to Millie Harries but I have not seen Margaret for some time. Ruth also gave us the letter you sent to her and we were pleased to have the additional information that letter contained. Your search for an animal for the Fraternity meeting was an interesting episode.<br />
<br />
This letter will reach you just after College closes and presumably will be forwarded to your new address, wherever that may be.<br />
<br />
We all unite in warmest love and hope that something will turn up for you which will be adequate to meet your needs.<br />
<br />
With warm love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-9376017023307214362014-01-29T11:12:00.000-06:002014-02-04T21:17:13.973-06:00No. 35 -- 24 May 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
Your letter of April 10th reached me yesterday. We were all glad to hear from you again. We are very happy to hear that you managed to get though your subjects satisfactorily. We note that you are taking 2 1/2 majors during the Spring quarter. The idea of taking up the handicraft work seem to be quite good, especially if it will enable you to earn a further measure of self-support. I suppose you will use it in some type of Boys' work.<br />
<br />
It will be a relief to us to know that you have covered the summer period in some way as far as employment is concerned. I think you have done remarkably well to close the winter quarter free of debt, and that you have expectations that you will meet your needs during the Spring quarter.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uhqUaSzuadzCJhWEZuRVq1MNQmEiD_htODMsIQOVawzL-NsBFjl4reaRQT9MdeN8Nuqo9D7P7k-l2aCFktM_kkqIdqMdLpRFPX6-YFZmBhhfyPCCTB4ddoUP7M92XYmtYwHic5nP-zw/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uhqUaSzuadzCJhWEZuRVq1MNQmEiD_htODMsIQOVawzL-NsBFjl4reaRQT9MdeN8Nuqo9D7P7k-l2aCFktM_kkqIdqMdLpRFPX6-YFZmBhhfyPCCTB4ddoUP7M92XYmtYwHic5nP-zw/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
"It is all right to think </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
that your mouth can take<br />
the place of a bank account, </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
but the fact that you have </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
gold in your teeth will not</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
fill your stomach with food!"</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
-- George WWB Hughes<br />
on the subject of dentisty</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are sorry to hear that you had an accident with your teeth. It is an expensive business having these attended to. I got a bill the other day from Dr. Sharp for £12 covering certain repair work he had effected in my mouth. Keith must have a substantial bill also, as he has been in attendance upon Dr. Sharp for months past. Goodness knows how much will be involved. It is all right to think that your mouth can take the place of a bank account, but the fact that you have gold in your teeth will not fill your stomach with food!<br />
<br />
You also acknowledged the receipt of my letter of March 16th. Since then we have given you regular news concerning Keith and Ruth, so there is no necessity for me to cover the same ground again.<br />
<br />
I am not sure, but I have an idea that I sent you a copy of the newspaper giving details of the Sydney Bridge opening. Of course, you must be prepared to take your share of good nurtured banter when incidents like that occur.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
The printed matter you forwarded reached me safely and I was delighted to get it. We were glad to hear that you had dinner with the Glovers. In a letter recently received by Mr. Hines, May Glover also mentioned the same matter. George Briggs mentioned that he would be writing to you shortly. I will pass on to him the news that you will be forwarding particulars of the course he should follow, so that he will have no back work to make up when he arrives.<br />
<br />
Kath told us that she had received a couple of letters from you.<br />
<br />
Enclosed I am sending some used Sydney Harbor Bridge stamps as requested. The birthday cards for mother and Edith also came to hand and gave them a great deal of pleasure.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phar Lap was a famous Australian <br />
thoroughbred race horse.<br />
He died suddenly and unexpectedly<br />
on 5 April 1932. Noel must have sent<br />
a newspaper clipping from<br />
the United States about the horse's<br />
sudden death.<br />
(See Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phar_Lap" target="_blank">Phar Lap</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was interested in the newspaper account of the death of Pharlap, and also in the copies of the "Collegian" you were good enough to forward. "The Internationalist" gave me some additional information concerning International House and I should imagine this will be one of the finest structures of its kind in the States.<br />
<br />
I was glad to know that the Manager of International House is an old "Y" Secretary. It will be a great institution and should do a great deal in creating the right atmosphere among students.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VtEmIOlD8iWJBJBO20tj-SyZ6Zqgulp1lGWg1VRG4s5cRcmeT_p77m09EoigvpC1PjKJ5_-gHkCYiUwbMSrDfxGJg1bfKbj8YbACmnJVXes1fT8Zsv8lC4qSI3c2Grm3pKOXyKTkHCo/s1600/DSC_0034_InternationalHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VtEmIOlD8iWJBJBO20tj-SyZ6Zqgulp1lGWg1VRG4s5cRcmeT_p77m09EoigvpC1PjKJ5_-gHkCYiUwbMSrDfxGJg1bfKbj8YbACmnJVXes1fT8Zsv8lC4qSI3c2Grm3pKOXyKTkHCo/s1600/DSC_0034_InternationalHouse.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhd0HPLBQZu-WYkLsJwESDOOlPoPgQQZmRjn5ed2WzJ_WFRMgePrsi_WOY51yQvAa6y3PEXFMXa6wczv4JXjiP-TOlzGIRyy0HvXZZL06XaFt4X-sbxi7AbXRxGR-aGc1E9bh3vrls1c/s1600/DSC_0047_InternationalHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhd0HPLBQZu-WYkLsJwESDOOlPoPgQQZmRjn5ed2WzJ_WFRMgePrsi_WOY51yQvAa6y3PEXFMXa6wczv4JXjiP-TOlzGIRyy0HvXZZL06XaFt4X-sbxi7AbXRxGR-aGc1E9bh3vrls1c/s1600/DSC_0047_InternationalHouse.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> International House is a residence hall and program center at the<br />
University of Chicago in Hyde Park. It was opened in 1932.<br />
I took these photos during a Hyde Park walking tour in 2013.<br />
(For more information, see: <a href="http://ihouse.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank">International House</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_at_the_University_of_Chicago#International_House" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had a newspaper the other day from Harry White, giving the particulars of his acceptance of the General Secretaryship at the Y.M.C.A. at Indianapolis. I am sure Harry will put over a good job in his new responsibilities, although it will be a pretty difficult thing to follow a man like A.H. Godard. I must drop Harry a line congratulating him upon his appointment.<br />
<br />
You must be interested to hear that I have passed on the information concerning your amplifier to Jim Swain, and Doug Straton, who have paired up in business as agents in the City. Jim is hopeful that he may be able to dispose of the amplifier, and I hope he does for your sake.<br />
<br />
Alec. Moodie lost his job with the Renaldi Macaroni Co. He is now associated with a company known as the Seon Signs, 433 Bourke Street. I think he borrowed money to go into this venture, and I hope it will prove successful, although it will be hard work selling signs in a time like the present. However, he seems quite optimistic regarding the future. I also had a letter form Laurie Bowen by this week’s mail. Laurie has given some awful figures regarding conditions of the unemployed in Chicago. He seems to think that unless a change for the better takes place over the coming summer, next Winter will witness terrible scenes in Chicago.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> "Last Friday, the Committee<br /> decided upon a further <br />10 % cut in salaries of Executive Offices. <br />In my own case the cut <br />was £100 per annum, <br />which make the fourth <br />in the last couple of years."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my last letter I indicated that there would be some further reductions in expenditure as the result of the meetings of the Finance Executive Committee. Last Friday, the Committee decided upon a further 10 % cut in salaries of Executive Offices. In my own case the cut was £100 per annum, which make the fourth in the last couple of years. Of course, the position has become so desperate that we all recongnise that this kind of thing must be expected, although it does not make it any easier to face when it comes.<br />
<br />
We brought in a report which cuts down expenditure on an annual basis by approximately £1000 a year. Of course, we cannot continue reductions of this kind without impairing the effectiveness of our programme, but until there is “a lift” in business conditions we cannot see how a change for the better can be expected.<br />
<br />
We have had a great number of special meetings to consider the financial position, and on the return of Mr. Crosby from South Australia, we shall resume the meetings with the object of making further investigations in some of the departments. It is clear that we must simply face the fact that we cannot continue to pile up the overdraft at the Bank.<br />
<br />
We are completing the plans for the 60th Anniversary to be held over the months of June and July when a number of functions have been arranged for and we hope to raise money towards our financial needs. Just how far we will be successful, of course, it is impossible to say. Unless our Board tackles the question of raising finance from City firms in something like a systematic way, the Bank will probably come down on us and prevent us increasing the overdraft and should this occasion arise, we will have to dispense with staff to meet the situation.<br />
<br />
Matters at home are O.K. Mother will have her birthday on Friday. Your card arrived in time for that event. She was very pleased that you thought of it. Both the kiddies are well. They were very delighted that you sent them a letter by this mail. No doubt they will be writing to you again shortly.<br />
<br />
We have not heard anything from Rex. Baker. Keith is on the unemployed list again, although he is trying hard to get interviews with business concerns. He doe not find it easy to make the right contacts.<br />
<br />
By the way, Ruth gave me a copy of the photography she had taken some little time ago. This I will forward to you under separate post, although it will not catch this mail.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uNCTEULIMgrxe7W1FHiXMzUf5DTmpeqb0fT-L9u9noOMHSPs6shyf9fh5QaaKt4ghcjPp-H_cEg_CIigmtppWaRBDD2hHtpX4rgTQEPQeoeuuBRARbklcSVtGEL0EmGb3guPCD-b5I0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1292014+110432+AM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">"I organised a treasure hunt,<br />which took them 3/4 hour<br /> to complete. The place<br /> looked as if a whirlwind <br />had been at work! <br />Beds and every other kind <br />of furniture was simply <br />moved out of place in an attempt<br /> to find the various clues."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Edith had her birthday party last Saturday evening, with a dozen or so of her friends along at the house, and of course the place was full of happy, shrieking kids. I organised a treasure hunt, which took them 3/4 hour to complete. The place looked as if a whirlwind had been at work! Beds and every other kind of furniture was simply moved out of place in an attempt to find the various clues. However, it was good fun, and kept them busy for quite a while. Joy is now expecting the same for her birthday at the end of August.<br />
<br />
“Manhood” will keep you informed regarding what is happening at the Y. We have initiated a new dining room service in the Cafeteria, and this is proving a good thing, and regaining the support of the residents, Whether it will pay us or not only the future can tell.<br />
<br />
New classes are starting in the Educational Department this week. The gym, is picking up. The Boys’ Department has now over 1000 boys, counting in the Monday Night group. We are steadily going down in the number of permanents in the house. Although we are endeavouring to secure fresh men, our endeavours do not seem to be meeting much success.<br />
<br />
Of course, you will let us know what your address will be over the summer months, so that we can send letters to you direct.<br />
<br />
I must cut off now. We all untie in warm love and hope that you will be successful in securing a post immediately the college closes. Is there anything doing in the Associations? Perhaps you might get a job at one or other of the Boys’ Camps if the Lake Geneva job does not materialise.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-56942480625590143942013-11-21T11:33:00.001-06:002013-12-12T11:33:23.971-06:00No. 34 -- 11 May 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
We were very delighted to get your letter of March 27th written on Easter Sunday. Even though you may have to work on Sundays to earn your living, I imagine that cannot be helped under the special circumstances you are facing. We are very delighted to have your assurance that you have completed satisfactory work over the winter quarter. Perhaps when you write you might tell us exactly what your results have been in all subjects <u>each</u> quarter, and in that way we will be able to follow your progress more easily.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I hope to post more on Noel's school work</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
soon. Also, see my previous article on</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2013/01/noels-college-journey.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2013/01/noels-college-journey.html" target="_blank">Noel's College Journey</a>.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I understand you still have some portion of you high school work to complete. Perhaps you will tell us how far you have advanced with your back work. When will you be accepted in full status as a student?<br />
<br />
We are more than pleased to know that you have managed to keep body and soul together and that the work provided for you in the college and elsewhere has been sufficient to meet your actual needs. We will be greatly relieved when we hear that you have been able to cover your needs during the summer vacation. I hope it will be possible for you to maintain your connection with the Fraternity, especially if you get your full status as student this year. While it may cost money to retain your identity with the Fraternity, it has certain social advantages which I know mean a good deal to you. I would hesitate before I decided not to link up as you suggest in your letter.<br />
<br />
By this time the weather conditions will have changed for the better and I hope with the coming of the warmer months your clothing may prove to be more suitable than it did over the winter.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Thank you for the enlarged snapshot. It was quite good to receive it and we were delighted to see that you are looking so well.<br />
<br />
I had a letter from Larry Bowen in which he mentioned that he had been in touch with you while on a visit to the College. He also mentioned that you were managing to keep your end up both in the way of self support and in your school work.<br />
<br />
May Glover was also good enough to comment on your work at the College, and told us that you were making satisfactory progress in all directions. These two letter were much appreciated by us.<br />
<br />
Mother and all of us were grated delighted to get your cablegram on the 7th May. The greeting did Mother's heart good and made us all feel grateful for your thoughtfulness.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTYYl-6Unbfjf9srmI4giDSSEvnLrDduz8sS3Bnrm4IzEoYvK9jTuIs88GIqtQlr4TrwAtq4LwEz-70VYA-yX05q-Vu-rJFSK5Il-fjlKfVEnohuK50FvzcATETfaHHRfKXdJYdemOI4/s1600/Chicago_world's_fair_a_century_of_progress_expo_poster_1933_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTYYl-6Unbfjf9srmI4giDSSEvnLrDduz8sS3Bnrm4IzEoYvK9jTuIs88GIqtQlr4TrwAtq4LwEz-70VYA-yX05q-Vu-rJFSK5Il-fjlKfVEnohuK50FvzcATETfaHHRfKXdJYdemOI4/s1600/Chicago_world's_fair_a_century_of_progress_expo_poster_1933_2.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The Chicago Exhibition mentioned is <br />
the upcoming 1933-34 Chicago World's<br />
Fair, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">A Century of Progress<span id="goog_1364354224"></span></a><br />
International Exhibition. It appears Noel <br />
had enquired about Australia's <br />
involvement in the fair.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have had some excellent Mother Day functions at the building. The Vikings had 71 at the Mother and Son dinner and 120 at the social which followed. There were 180 at the older boys function last Saturday night and we are expecting 400 of the younger boys and their mothers next Saturday night. I also spoke at the Residents' meeting at the Association building and the combined meeting with the Y.W. was also a successful gathering. All of these combined to give Mother's Day special significance.<br />
<br />
I hear from Mr. J.R. Nichol regarding the Chicago Exhibition. He reports that Mr. C.C. Gale, the Secretary of the Premier's Office, at the present has no information concerning Australia's intentions. The State authority knows nothing about it, but enquiries are being made in Federal circles and as soon as any information comes to hand, I will send it on to you. My own judgement is that there may be very little done from this end. Most of it will probably be handled by the Australian representative in New York. I am also making enquiries from the Chamber of manufacturers in Melbourne.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motordrome_(Melbourne)" target="_blank">Motordrome</a> was a former speedway</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and Australian rules football ground</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
located on the site of Olympic Park.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rotary Boys' and Girls' Week went off exceedingly well. We had a splendid attendance at the Motordrome where approximately 5000 participated in the display and were in attendance at it. The Churches responded excellently and I had arrangements made for addresses to be given to 52 schools. This kept us pretty busy but it is over now and we are happy that the results proved so excellent.<br />
<br />
Ruth is getting on very well and we hope it will not be long before she is back in her usual good health.<br />
<br />
Keith has been working with the Texas Company for the last nine or ten days, handling some of their oil shipments. He is at present sitting for his Intermediate Accountancy examination, and is having a shot at five subjects. Two of the subjects have been completed and he seems to think that he has done fairly well with both of them.<br />
<br />
Edith sat for her music examination at the Conservatorium last Saturday (her birthday) and we heard the result yesterday. She passed with honours. Naturally she is very delighted and so are we. She has also done well at school, although all the results are not through. She got honours in French and I think 74% in Arithmetic. The other results we will hear a little later.<br />
<br />
Joy has not said much so far concerning her examinations but we shall have her report to hand within the next week or so and will then have all the details.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/4456099?#pstart514992" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkAXsa6ecqgy0cBVMYuEqDHnQuMIJnURndl_VPFyOnQvrlN0RkXm7V_BEL7DNlp1-2CuPJ0dx0YE1kxhJM-zl_zvO0G6MDl-2shHyU1UpLHt-xy2C0S_s8FkZuOK9ITNUQbltEDJJ404/s1600/Argus7June1932page5TROVE.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.:1848 - 1957)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday 7 June 1932, page 5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This article is jumping a little bit into the future<br />
for this letter.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are making plans for the observance of our 60th Anniversary. Some of the functions are detailed on the enclosed. It will be rather hectic for us but I imagine we will get through it all right.<br />
<br />
I had word from my sister, Edie, in Adelaide, that she had further sickness in the home. Her husband has had a very bad time with a ruptured heart, followed by pneumonia.<br />
<br />
The last report is that he is on the mend again, but it will be quite a while before he is fit to work.<br />
<br />
We had a letter from John Cook and he expressed the hope that he may yet be able to do something for you but in that matter I think we should leave entirely to the future. He is having a very bad time with illness with consequent heavy doctor's and dentist bills. He mentioned that he may possible undertake some work at the Lake Geneva School but at the time of writing, had not made any definite decision.<br />
<br />
I must close now. We are looking forward to the receipt of your next letter which we hope will tell us something of your winter term examinations.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home are keeping well.<br />
<br />
This letter should reach you just about the closing days of this term. We wish you well in the exams, and hope that you may not be placed in awkward conditions for the summer period.<br />
<br />
We all unite in warm love,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-62689129557157543232013-04-24T14:59:00.000-05:002013-12-12T11:34:06.337-06:00No. 33 -- 27 April 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
In my last letter to you I mentioned that we had not received a letter by that mail. It arrived the day after, so that I am acknowledging it now. We did not get a letter by the mail delivered yesterday, although I did receive a short note from Clive Glover.<br />
<br />
We are naturally anxious to hear how you got on in the examinations for the winter term. I know it will take a little time before results are made available, but we cannot help expressing a hope that you were able to carry your subjects through successfully.<br />
<br />
I rather like the idea of you English paper on "Conditions in England preceding the formation of the Young Men's Christian Association in London." That should give you an excellent background for a study of the inauguration of our work. We cannot appreciate the philosophy of the Young Men's Christian Association unless we have a knowledge of the soil out of which the Movement grew.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
In the letter that I received from Clive, he also expressed sorrow that your work at Kenwood Church had terminated. Perhaps with the coming of the summer months, it may be possible for you to find other remunerative work, because I quite recognise the fact that to commence your new year's work you must have a considerable sum of money available to meet all you necessary expenses.<br />
<br />
I hope the job at College Camp materialises. The idea of working for your keep is alright as a stop-gap if you are forced to that position, but it is clear, money must be available for you to resume your studies in September, and unless you can earn during the summer months, you will not be in a position to adequately meet the situation.<br />
<br />
I was interested in your account of the College Gym. Nite. You have seen a number of the excellent displays the Association in Melbourne has put on at Circus time, and would, therefore, be somewhat critical of any weaknesses in the programme of the College Gym. Nite. Why not make your suggestions to the proper authorities so that they may be considered.<br />
<br />
I was very pleased to hear that you have been keeping in contact with Andrew Garrod. I think it might be a wise thing for you to keep in close touch with him in case you get the opportunity of visiting New York when you might find his assistance of considerable help to you.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the pamphlet on the "Jerusalem Y". I was very interested in it and it gave me information I had not before received.<br />
<br />
I had a letter from John Cook the other day, in which he expressed sorrow that you were so far away from them. It would be a great delight to have you visit them at times. Of course, he insists that before you return to Australia you should visit New York and of course stay with him. He mentioned that he had had a letter from President Jenkins, asking him to go to Lake Geneva in the coming summer for some work along Endowment lines, but he doubted whether it would be possible for him to go.<br />
<br />
Now just a little home news. Rex is still away in Sydney and we have not definite news concerning his return. The last letter we received from him stated that he expected to be away for about another fortnight. The fortnight has gone and we have no additional news.<br />
<br />
Keith finished up his job on Friday, the 30th April. I supposes we must be pleased that has has had 4 1/2 months' work, although just exactly what he will do in the future is at present unknown. With the winter opening it looks as if he will have another long period of enforced idleness, but we hope something will turn up for him.<br />
<br />
Ruth has gone away for a bit of a spell. She is much improved and we are hoping that it many not be necessary for her to have a long holiday, although the medical advice was the she should have a lengthy rest.<br />
<br />
Mother is keeping exceedingly well. It would not do for her to be ill just now.<br />
<br />
The kiddies are O.K. Edith is to have her 12th birthday on the 7th May, and of course she wants a party. Unfortunately for her she has to sit for a music examination at the Conservatorium on the morning of her birthday. She has been working pretty hard in preparation, so I hope she will be successful in getting through. I am afraid she will have to wait a week or two for her party as on the same night we have a Mother and Son Social at the Y.M., and another one on the following Saturday, so that it looks as if her party will have to be postponed until towards the end of the month.<br />
<br />
I am enclosing a copy of the arrangements in connection with the Rotary Boys' and Girls' Week, which I thought might interest you. I am also sending to you a full report of the Conference held at Geelong, which I attended. It was a great affair and the newspaper gives a pretty full report of it, so that I will not travel over the ground again.<br />
<br />
I had a letter other other day from Fred. Kennard, who asks this question -- "I wonder if you could inform me if Professor J.M.P. Smith is still at Chicago University. Perhaps you will oblige me by asking Noel when you are next writing to him."<br />
<br />
I wonder if you could look up the University Calendar and find out Smith's exact address and let me have it so that I could send it on to Kennard as he requests.<br />
<br />
We get quite a number of enquiries from the members concerning yourself. They are always interested to hear just how you are getting along.<br />
<br />
I have not been able to do anything with the Amplifier. As soon As Rex returns from Sydney, I will discuss with him the question of dismantling it and selling the parts for what we can get for them. I hesitate to hand the thing over as you suggested in one letter, to our radio Club, as I know quite well that you need the money. If i can get even a few pounds for the valves, transformers, etc. it will be of some help to you, rather than to give it away.<br />
<br />
In the Association we are still having difficult times. The position has not eased in the slightest, in fact it has steadily grown worse. I am afraid we shall have to consider almost immediately additional economies, so as to stave off action by the Bank. There has been no improvement in the Residential Department position, but rather the reverse. The number of casuals has dropped still further. The Cafeteria is also in the "doldrums" and membership has also shown a substantial decrease.<br />
<br />
All of these factors combined create a situation without parallel in our experience.<br />
<br />
The Prefects' Consecration Service last Sunday night was a remarkable gathering, and everybody is speaking in the highest terms of it. It was held a the Independent Church, Collins Street.<br />
<br />
Anzac Day Celebration was also a remarkable even with nearly 25000 men participating in the March.<br />
<br />
I must close off now. You know we all united in love to you. It is so difficult to realise that you have been away nearly a year. I wish it were possible for me to send you help to make things a little easier for you, but frankly just at the present moment it cannot be done, and I can only express the hope that you will be able to maintain yourself in the expectation that later on I may be able to do a little for you. In the meantime I am sorry to say it cannot be done. While I have said this I want you to <u>definitely understand</u> <u>that if ever you are really up against it you must let me know without delay.</u><br />
<br />
We all unite in our love and best wishes,<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-47859712827686492852013-03-28T20:18:00.000-05:002013-03-28T21:01:51.783-05:00Who was Keith Hughes?<i>In virtually every letter to Noel, George includes family news about Keith, who is Noel's older brother. When Noel compiled a family history in the early 1980s, he wrote the following biography of Keith.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDOl1GUP1uSQNxRmzo2rWovqSr8GbXU55kFI-PfuRrHgc8EoFCoUnIvJEziYRfvQInqizl44aFFbYg4tVhjvV1uk9A_8uXoeW33xShL-BiBC8EurR7Qc4j-XXXoCqtqYU6jVoxG8YOXw/s1600/KeithHughesc1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDOl1GUP1uSQNxRmzo2rWovqSr8GbXU55kFI-PfuRrHgc8EoFCoUnIvJEziYRfvQInqizl44aFFbYg4tVhjvV1uk9A_8uXoeW33xShL-BiBC8EurR7Qc4j-XXXoCqtqYU6jVoxG8YOXw/s1600/KeithHughesc1938.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<u>KEITH WILLIS BAGOT HUGHES</u></div>
<br />
Keith was born November 5, 1905 in Adelaide, South Australia. In February 1909 the family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, where he attended primary school. He attended high school in Wellington where he was a top athlete. He was quite skillful in cricket and rugby football and he participated in these sports well into his adult years, and assumed responsible offices in the administration in Australia of these sports on a local and national basis.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Note: While I'm not sure of the significance of </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keith's first name, I do know that his two</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
middle names are significant in the </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
family history. Willis was a family name</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
on his mother's side, and Bagot was a </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
family name on his father's side.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Wellington the family lived at Lyall Bay, on the ocean, where he was Captain of one of the Volunteer Surf and Life Saving Clubs.<br />
<br />
After high school he was apprenticed to an architect but gave it up following a minor accident where his skull was creased by a piece of falling masonry. March 15, 1924 the family moved to Melbourne, Australia where Keith secured employment with the Texas Oil Company. This lasted until the onslaught of the Great Depression. For the next several years he was unemployed. Fortunately he was able to secure work for short periods with the Texas Company, when a boat arrived from America, and with the Dryfuss Co. and the Wheat Commission during the harvest seasons, exporting grain. He was also studying accountancy. In March of 1934 he obtained a permanent position in the Credit Department of Myers Emporium.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For excerpts that specifically <br />
mention Keith, see <br />
<a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2000/03/excerpts-news-about-brother-keith.html" target="_blank">Excerpts: News About Brother Keith</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beginning in 1935 he was keeping company with Ella Heale, whom he had first met in the Texaco Office several years earlier, bringing her home in August to meet Mother and Father. On March 5, 1938 Keith and Ellie were married. The following May, Ellie entered hospital because of a tumor. Five months later, October 14, 1938, son Ian was delivered by cesarean section.<br />
<br />
Ellie's health, the outbreak of World War Two and the death of Father in December 1940, all created uncertainty for the future. Keith became a member of the Australian Armed Forces and served in the islands to the North of Australia, with the Air Force rank, FLT. LT.<br />
<br />
After the war he secured employment with the Australian Safety Council, Victorian Air Safety Division.<br />
<br />
Keith also participated in the Boy Scout Movement as a volunteer executive in the Melbourne Headquarters.<br />
<br />
Ellie's health was an ever present concern and it culminated in her death in September 1952. Son Ian was fourteen years of age. Three years later, July 27, 1955, Keith married Doris Garbutt.<br />
<br />
In the period prior to his marriage, Keith while leading a Boy Scout hike in Tasmania suffered a coronary he was not aware of, because unfortunately it was incorrectly diagnosed.<br />
<br />
Three months after his marriage he suffered a second coronary, passing away October 27, 1955.<br />
<br />
Doris was three months pregnant at the time of Keith's death. She delivered a son Keith Thomas Bagot, April 22, 1956.Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-46473015386420790102013-03-19T13:49:00.000-05:002013-03-19T15:33:40.166-05:00No. 32 -- 13 April 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
We did not receive a letter from you this American mail, but a copy of the “Collegian” came to hand. We must assume that no news is good news.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduNxao43vCfycZTH4pJnK8ntRSPkPLv8Hrnn1vliJWjw406NS5B-CByQXa578bdJ3XjLwsapLbld4Zrq4tM3ABz182pQquKajg_YUs1OHNqz_VZjjXCFEowH1qYXXm0eXSd3dDFMTeXo/s1600/Noel+Hughes+early+1930s+chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduNxao43vCfycZTH4pJnK8ntRSPkPLv8Hrnn1vliJWjw406NS5B-CByQXa578bdJ3XjLwsapLbld4Zrq4tM3ABz182pQquKajg_YUs1OHNqz_VZjjXCFEowH1qYXXm0eXSd3dDFMTeXo/s1600/Noel+Hughes+early+1930s+chicago.jpg" height="320" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noel from the early 1930s<br />
in Chicago. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Affairs at home are much the same as I reported in my last letter. Mother is keeping well, and of course, sends her love.<br />
<br />
Keith is getting back into his old stride, although the illness shook him up a good deal. He doesn’t expect his present job will last much beyond this month, and as far as we can see, there is nothing ahead immediately.<br />
<br />
Ruth is still at home, although she is much better as the result of the rest she has had. We are sending her away next week for a spell, and hope shewill be soon right again.<br />
<br />
The two little ones are as usual “in the pink”. Edith is getting more boisterous than ever, greatly to Joy’s annoyance. As you know, Joy is much quieter and less demonstrative than Edith and is consequently reprimanding Edith for her noisiness. However the two of them get on very well together, despite their little disagreements. Edith is making good progress with her music under Miss Marshall. Joy seems to be quite happy at Fintona and is entering into the sport of the school and is, of course, keen on that side of school life.<br />
<br />
Rex. is still away in Sydney. We had a letter from him last week in which he stated he would probably be away for another fortnight, but even that is not certain – he may be away longer.<br />
<br />
There is not a great deal of home news to pass on to you. Things are much the same as in my last letter.
We held the Annual Meeting of the South Hawthorn Presbyterian Church last week, and had quite a good turn out of folk despite the very bad weather. The Church is having its problems as you can well imagine, especially along financial lines. Mr. Baird is, I think, preaching better than he was some time ago and there is good spirit in the Church’s life.<br />
<br />
I have been pretty busy as Chairman of the Boys’ Work Committee of the Rotary Club, and just now am up to my eyes in preparation for Girls’ and Boys’ Week to be held April 30 to May 6. I have a very big programme in hand and hope this year will set new standards of achievement. I will send you a copy of the programme in our next letter.<br />
<br />
At the Association we are still struggling with the financial problem. It is becoming a nightmare! We do not seem able to improve the revenue despite all the economies that we have effected in expenditure. However, we are trying hard to make changes in our work that will enable us to do more promotional work and in this way we hope to improve the position somewhat. It is clear we cannot continue at the present rate of loss. Our banker will stop us before long. The Board is meeting at weekly intervals to try and see daylight through the number of the issues tied up in our financial situation.<br />
<br />
We had a good camp at Manyung during Easter time. While there were only 30 present, Ivor Burge reported that it was the best held in the last four years. There have been further improvements effected and showers have been installed at the camp. Also big improvements were made at Shoreham by a work party which spent Easter there.<br />
<br />
We are still about two-thirds full in the Residential Department and the going is hard. Cafeteria has slumped badly during the last two months. We actually have a loss on the first quarter. This is something new for us. We are also trying to speed up revenue in the Billiard room and have re-formed the Billiard Room Committee with that end in view.<br />
<br />
You will receive this letter about the middle of May and will then, I expect, be scratching hard in preparation for your final examinations. We know that you will endeavour to make a good showing and we ask you specially to remember the folk at home who are desperately anxious for your success. I know you will not give too much time to other matters and will put your best work into your studies. It is only in this way that you can expect results we all desire.<br />
<br />
Please pass on my regards to Clive and May, and also to Foss, Dreaver and others. I must close now.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad.<br />
<br />
(Handwritten post-script)<br />
All unite in sending their love.
<br />
<br />
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<br />Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-72678190098596555382013-03-11T19:04:00.000-05:002013-03-11T19:04:04.939-05:00No. 31 -- 24 March 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel,<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Today, St. Louis is about a five-hour drive down <br />
Interstate 55 southwest from Chicago. <br />
I'm not sure how long the trip would have taken<br />
in 1932. <br />
<br />
Since <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Route_66">historic Route 66 was opened in 1926</a>, <br />
I think it's fair to say that they would have <br />
followed that route. For a description of the route,<br />
see <a href="http://www.roadtripusa.com/routes/route66/illinois/illinois.html">RoadtripUSA.com</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your letter of February 24th reached us this week. We were very delighted to get the news it contained. You are certainly a fortunate young men to be able to spend a weekend at St. Louis. It is good that you were able to make arrangements at such short notice, and that there were others who could undertake the jobs for which you were responsible. I know you would enjoy the opportunity of a visit to such a home and with such friends.<br />
<br />
I did not visit St. Louis when I was in the States though I had planned to do so, but time would not permit me to make the trip. We were interested in all that happened at St. Louis and thank you for giving us such a full account.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16801915@N06/5946639194" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6018/5946639194_c4b853e15b_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Central YMCA at 1528 Locust Street in St. Louis. <br />
The building is now called Centenary Tower <br />
and only the bottom two floor are now occupied by the YMCA. <br />
<a href="http://www.ymcastlouis.org/downtown-ymca/branch-history" target="_blank">See this history on the YMCA website.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16801915@N06/5946639194" target="_blank">Photo by Tom Bastin (Reading Tom) via Flickr</a><br />
Used under Creative Commons license</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember very vividly the campaign held some years ago to secure money for the Central building at St. Louis, and for other branch buildings. It was one of the first of the huge campaigns which the Associations organized in the post-war period. St. Louis was followed by the Detroit Campaign and then by the New York campaign. All of these raised new standards of achievement in money raising for local work by the Associations. Thank you for sending me copies of the material you collected at the Central Y. Some of it is very suggestive and I am sure it will be of value to us.<br />
<br />
The mail bag of miniature photographs also arrived safely. Ditto the “Association Collegian” on Feb. 16th. While your visit was of short duration, you packed into it quite a lot of sightseeing.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXksmucPZas-hVevU5J09EmuyWVAa766Mo2_Y-X4iR2MxFabDs-HpVzVvC6dGxz1NzcjrI7CPS2wBxpXs0GfBNgjWlTqRGrPmfGfkDmBmqzvdQJH3Y4LxxOHcth4-roo3a06-25rJEuyQ/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">This is the same record I wrote about in <br />
the post
<a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2012/08/jacko-broadcasting-kookaburra.html" target="_blank">Jacko the Broadcasting Kookaburra</a> <br />
in
August 2112.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We not that you were to speak on “Australia” on the following Sunday. We hope you got on alright. We are sorry to hear that the phonographic record was cracked when it arrived. I knew the thing was packed securely, as I had it specially done with the object of making sure it would reach you in useable condition. Perhaps it may be possible to get one from the San Francisco office of the Australian National Travel Assocn. At any rate a little pressure at that end may persuade them to get one for you and if you are unsuccessful, please let me know and I will see if I can secure another record.<br />
<br />
I quite imagined you would have some difficulty in maintaining your work at the Kenwood Church. In one of my former letters I mentioned I thought this would happen in view of the prevailing conditions. If you are without that source of revenue, you will be facing difficulties, I am certain, unless it is possible to find something else to take its place.<br />
<br />
The greetings you forwarded in your letter I will pass of the various persons named.<br />
<br />
Mr. Handley, Melbourne High School, has just left for a trip to England, and America, but I do not think he is likely to go inland as far as Chicago. He has made a number of enquiries concerning yourself.<br />
<br />
The folk at home are reasonably well. Keith had a very bad illness and lost 1 ½ stone in weight in ten days. He had Pharangitis, and the medical man said it was one of the worst cases he had seen. However, he is back again at work and is slowly picking up.<br />
<br />
In my last letter I mentioned that Ruth was having a bad run at the Hospital with illness. We had her examined and I am afraid it may mean that she will have to abandon her hospital training for some time. The prolonged period of night work seems to have upset her a good deal, and she must keep a prolonged holiday. Whether she will return to the Homeopathic Hospital to complete her training is doubtful, as we do not think it will be wise to go back to the place which has proved so difficult. However, that remains for the future to decide, but in the meantime she is home and I am trying to make arrangements to get her away for a spell.<br />
<br />
Under separate cover you will find letters from Ruth, Joyce and Edith.<br />
<br />
Having these two patients at home has place a pretty heavy strain on mother, but she is bearing up exceedingly well. Fortunately Ruth did not come home until Keith was practically well again, so that mother did not have the two of them simultaneously.<br />
<br />
Rex. is still away in Sydney, but we expect he may be back any day now. He has been away for three or four weeks.<br />
<br />
The great event in Australia during recent days, was the opening of the Sydney Bridge. I have sent you a number of newspapers including a copy of the “Australasian” in which you will find illustrations of that Bridge and the account of the opening, which may interest you.<br />
<br />
I have heard recently from Harry White, and also from John Cook. What has happened to Clive Glover? I have not had a word from him for a long time. Tell him a letter is overdue.<br />
<br />
Dick Nitschke of Adelaide called in the other day as he as passing through to Sydney to the opening of the Bridge. He was also over here at the time that Holmesdale Nitschke was playing with the South Australian cricket team against Victoria. Holmesdale was been doing very well at representative cricket this year. Just the other day, against New South Wales, he made 119. Dick reports that the folk in South Australia are feeling the strain financially, specially in finding money for the building Edith is erecting in King William Street, Adelaide. I think he has put between 20,000 and 30,000 into it already and it is not yet finished.<br />
<br />
We have had a number of special Finance Committee meetings recently, with the object of trying to find out in which directions we can increase our departmental revenues. I am afraid we have not got far, although various plans have been suggested which might be possible on trial. The Board will never meet our financial needs until they tackle an annual financial campaign. It is the only way to meet the position.<br />
<br />
Ivor Burge is expecting between 30 and 40 fellows at Easter Camp. The main party will leave tonight. He is putting a lot of time into camp work and is doing a fine job. The Boys’ Department will not have an ordinary camp, but they have about 15 or 16 fellows who are spending the whole of the Easter period in doing odd jobs to the camp property at Shoreham.<br />
<br />
Alf. Hines is still away on holiday and we do not expect him back until after Easter.<br />
<br />
I have not been able to get any definite information concerning the Australian exhibit on the Chicago Exhibition, but hope to have it available for you shortly.<br />
<br />
Last Sunday week I had a full church when I took, the Cricketers service at our own church. We had a splendid body of young fellows present and on the whole a most enjoyable gathering. Last Sunday I had a Sunday School Anniversary at Coburg. We had the Church packed 10 minutes before time of commencement. Scores of folk were turned away and here again we had a really good service.<br />
<br />
I have a very busy time ahead of me in connection with Rotary Club work. We have the district conference at Geelong, April 14 to 18, and then at the end of April and the beginning of May the Rotary Boys’ and Girls’ Week. All of this is consuming a good deal of my leisure, but it is an interesting job, and I am glad to have a share in it. You did not tell me whether you called at the Rotary Club in Chicago. I think it would be a good thing for you to make that contact.<br />
<br />
I must close now. You have our united love my boy. We sincerely hope your second term’s results will satisfy you. Please let us have all details as soon as you can. Time is slipping by very rapidly and it is difficult to imagine that you have been away over 9 months. We look forward to your letters with eagerness.<br />
<br />
With much love from us all,<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-79082791028632953322013-02-25T15:15:00.000-06:002013-02-25T15:15:08.050-06:00No. 30 -- 16 March 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter of Feb. 9th reached me this week. We are sorry to hear that you have had the 'flu. Snow is very beautiful as you suggest in your letter, but of course the experience of long walks in the snow can only be carried out when you are properly booted and equipped for it. You probably did not have any of the necessary equipment to face such an experience.<br />
<br />
Winter in Chicago is a pretty desperate business as I can well recall. It was February when I visited Chicago the last time, and the cold was intense.<br />
<br />
I am sorry that you had to miss some of your school work but I guess that cannot be helped under the circumstance.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Lake Geneva is a lake in Wisconsin just north <br />
of the Illinois border. A campus there was part <br />
of the Chicago YMCA College, later renamed <br />
George Williams College. According to a <br />
<a href="http://www.aurora.edu/about/mission-history.html#axzz2LNMzicrS" target="_blank">history of the college found on the <br />Aurora University website</a>: "The roots of <br />
<a href="http://www.gwc.aurora.edu/index.html">George Williams College</a>
run deep <br />
in the YMCA movement of the 19th century. <br />
In 1884, leaders
from America’s “western” <br />
YMCAs gathered on the shores of Geneva Lake <br />
in
Williams Bay, Wisconsin, to attend a <br />
summer training program. Two years
later, <br />
the camp was incorporated, and the first <br />
parcel of the current
Williams Bay campus <br />
was purchased. Since that time, “college camp” <br />
has
been a source of inspiration, recreation, <br />
education and renewal for
thousands of <br />
guests and students."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am glad to hear that you have placed an application with the College for a position at Lake Geneva, and I sincerely hope it will come your way. I am surprised to learn that there will not be a Summer School this year. Is that because of the depressed conditions? I do not recall any similar occurrence in other years. What will actually take place at Lake Geneva during the summer? It is usual for quite a number of Summer Schools and conferences to be scheduled over the months of July and August. Presumably there will be a number of such conferences and you will be attached to the staff if you get the job.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">The World's Fair mentioned was the <br />
1933 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_of_Progress" target="_blank">Century of Progress</a> exhibition in <br />
Chicago. It was a major event in Chicago<br />
history and will come up again in future letters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We note your suggestion about the Australian Exhibit at the World's Fair in 1933. I will make some enquiries on this matter, but I imagine that most of the actual arrangement will be done by our Australian representative in New York. Anyhow I will make some enquiries and will let you know, if possible, by the next mail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUi3pQ3CEu_xyKh_PzoN1ln4rJRFbtxY34AZhDD9PQmwrn9P0OVL_VkOwO4-i7Dqbtv3O8p7vX9mfciF6exocjhNEMQcIzbhJS5z-KZggh-8sKX-P_-QakigyT1zLuOShY_6sAQ5ywy0/s1600/WashingtonStamp1-1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUi3pQ3CEu_xyKh_PzoN1ln4rJRFbtxY34AZhDD9PQmwrn9P0OVL_VkOwO4-i7Dqbtv3O8p7vX9mfciF6exocjhNEMQcIzbhJS5z-KZggh-8sKX-P_-QakigyT1zLuOShY_6sAQ5ywy0/s1600/WashingtonStamp1-1932.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">The Washington stamps mentioned likely included this <br />
stamp, issued in 1932 as part of a bicentennial<br />
celebration of George Washington's birth 200 years <br />
previous. A whole <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1932_Washington_Bicentennial" target="_blank">series of stamps</a> was issued, but this <br />
was the most popular.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank you for the Washington stamps which you enclosed. I have already received a number of used stamps of the same issue which I am carefully keeping.<br />
<br />
I hope your Fraternity dinner passed off satisfactorily. It seems a pretty expensive affair, when it costs 35/- for all expenses!<br />
<br />
Since my last letter, Keith has been exceptionally ill. We have had the Doctor to him practically every day for a week. We thought it might be diphtheria and a swab of his throat was taken and examined, but the result was negative. He has had a very bad attack of laryngitis. The Doctor states it was one of the most severe cases he had ever handled.<br />
<br />
Ruth also has been out of sorts again and I am beginning to wonder whether after all she will be strong enough to continue her training to the end. Today she is home and is very much out of sorts and I shall have to apply for further sick leave for her. The work is so desperately heavy and the hours so long that only the strongest can stand up to the work.<br />
<br />
I am sending you a short printed article that appeared in the magazine section of the "Herald" which describes the Sydney Bridge. This, I thought would interest you. Great preparations are in hand for the official opening which takes place next Saturday. A tremendous number of people from all the States and from overseas are visiting Sydney, and I imagine there will be quite a big round of festivities. It is likely that several of the illustrated papers will bring out special editions on the Bridge, and if so I will endeavour to send you one or two so that you may have all the details.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlemgoXp70z1sHnio71jeT4Vsz1UYf0DsE6AJvl28bllfxs3ZmsntJACWIPRZlRmmFsY15tqrcDvBM0hdYiNIYWnLFKY6Lv1z7hvYLZP3oUcbMg_iNoNFq-G7DbquQ7QR9Xmyd9wB_eqI/s1600/SydneyHarbourBridgePreview1932SydneyHerald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlemgoXp70z1sHnio71jeT4Vsz1UYf0DsE6AJvl28bllfxs3ZmsntJACWIPRZlRmmFsY15tqrcDvBM0hdYiNIYWnLFKY6Lv1z7hvYLZP3oUcbMg_iNoNFq-G7DbquQ7QR9Xmyd9wB_eqI/s320/SydneyHarbourBridgePreview1932SydneyHerald.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), <br />
Monday 14 March 1932, page 10<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if this is the specific article that George <br />
included in the letter, but it fit the description.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Vikings went away for their Weekend Conference last weekend, and had a good time at Beaconsfield.<br />
<br />
We had a work party of 10 fellows at Camp Manyung and they did splendid work which Burge estimates worth about 60. They have erected showers, laid concrete, made drains, and quite a lot of other useful work.<br />
<br />
Rex. is still away in Sydney and we do not know exactly when he will return. I should imagine he will not be back until after next weekend at the earliest.<br />
<br />
We are having special meetings of the Finance Executive to discuss whether we can increase revenues in the different departments and sections of the work. In the face of the depressed conditions it will be hard going to raise additional money, but we must do so or else make further economies. It is obvious we cannot continue to lose money each month as we are now doing.<br />
<br />
Mr. Hines is away on holiday and will not return until after Easter.<br />
<br />
Ernie Gollan is to be married on Saturday March 19th to Lilian Langham.<br />
<br />
George Briggs was offered the General Secretaryship of the Y.M.C.A. at Port Pirie, but he turned it down, so that he might continue his studies and afterwards go to the States. I think he was wise.<br />
<br />
E. C. Parsons, late Physical Director at Perth, passed through here yesterday. He is returning to England.<br />
<br />
Well, my boy, I must close now. I am off to Rotary Club luncheon. I sincerely hope you have completely recovered from the 'flu and that you will be successful in your second term's exams.<br />
<br />
I had a fellow in the other day to look at the Amplifier but I do not expect a sale will eventuate, although he looked the machine over and said he would keep it in mind should an opportunity occur to dispose of it.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home unite in warmest love.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
<i>(Handwritten post-script)</i><br />
<br />
Ruth's birthday card arrived yesterday. Thanks! She will acknowledge.<br />
<br />
Kath sent you a sweater.<br />
<br />
I was amazed to hear that you hadn't written to her for months!<br />
What's up?<br />
<br />
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Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-21951010024778027132013-01-26T01:06:00.000-06:002013-01-26T01:06:00.188-06:00Noel's Account of Crossing Canada in 1931 - AudioWhen I first wrote about <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/08/crossing-canada-on-cpr.html" target="_blank">Noel's crossing through Canada</a> on his way to the YMCA conferences in Toronto and Cleveland, I didn't remember that I had more first-person information about the trip to share.<br />
<br />
In 1982, when I was only 12, I made an audio tape of my grandfather, Noel, recounting some family history, including a story about his trip through Canada with the Hawaiian delegation on the way to the YMCA conferences.<br />
<br />
It's been a learning process for me to get the recording off the cassette tape and into a digitized format that I can share, but I'm finally finished with it. <br />
<br />
So, below is a YouTube video link of Noel telling the story, plus a transcript of the recording. I hope you find it interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zXChJ7OUsqw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Noel:</b> "In 1931 when I came over to America, when we arrived in Honolulu, about 30 young Hawaiian boys got on the boat. They were going to the World Conferences of YMCAs in Toronto and Cleveland. And so, I being by myself, I joined them. And, they were singing Hawaiian songs and everything on the boat from Hawaii to Vancouver.<br />
<br />
"And, when we got to Vancouver, I stayed at the same hotels they stayed at. We were invited to a basket-- a baseball game and we sang at intermission -- at half time we sang Hawaiian songs in the stands.<br />
<br />
"And then, we traveled on the same train, the Canadian Pacific into the Rockies, and I traveled with them. And we sang in the First Class section to amuse the First Class people on the train. And we got into the observation cars, you know, with the glass roofs.<br />
<br />
"And then, when we got to the station for Lake Louise, we got off there as guests of the management, and we stayed one night at the Chalet at Lake Louise. In return for that, we sang on the terrace at sunset."<br />
<br />
<b>Haley:</b> "And by then, you knew all the Hawaiian songs."<br />
<br />
<b>Noel: </b>"That's right. And then the next day, we all piled into a bus, and they took us the 40 miles to the Banff Springs Hotel. And we stayed overnight there and in return for that we sang on the terrace of the Banff Springs Hotel.<br />
<br />
"And when we continued, then, we had a special car on the train for us all the way to Toronto."Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-67781327790426148282013-01-22T22:28:00.001-06:002013-02-05T14:01:10.145-06:00No. 29 -- 2 March 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter of January 26th with its supplementary material dated 30th January, came to hand by the last mail. It was read with a great deal of interest. We were all delighted to know that you are still managing to pull along quite satisfactorily.<br />
<br />
I was interested in your acknowledgment of my letters!!! I have not checked back the list, but I imagine it must be fairly correct.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">This long paragraph devoted to Noel's<br />
involvement in the "<a href="http://www.faqs.org/childhood/Pa-Re/Playground-Movement.html" target="_blank">playground movement</a>"<br />
had me intrigued, so I did more research. <br />
I don't know Noel's specific involvement, <br />
but the movement to create playgrounds <br />
to keep kids off the street started <br />
in the 1890s and seems to have<br />
still been going in the 1930s<a href="http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/976.html" target="_blank"> in Chicago</a>. <br />
It was a movement championed by <br />
progressives and social reformers,<br />
and with Noel attending a social-<br />
service centered college and his <br />
involvement in the YMCA, it seems a<br />
natural fit for him. My interpretation of<br />
this paragraph is that Noel might have <br />
had a job running some of the <br />
playground programs, and George is worried<br />
about the loss of income, so is urging<br />
Noel to keep in contact with the parent<br />
members so they don't drop the program. <br />
For more about the playground <br />
movement in Chicago, <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/30015251" target="_blank">see this article</a>.<br />
Do you know anything about the Playground<br />
Movement in Chicago during the 1930s?<br />
Or the YMCA's involvement in it?<br />
I'd love to hear about it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am sorry to hear that your playground movement is not being maintained at the old levels. I quite imagined that there would be a dropping off as unemployment increased and conditions became harder. It is unfortunate that you are not able to make more definite contacts with the parents, so that you may be able to keep your members. While you may have sufficient coming in to carry your incidental expenses, you must not forget the fact that you have a long period of vacation when your living expenses will be required. I know it is difficult to maintain your college schedule and do everything that is necessary to maintain your grades, and at the same time do interviewing work of this type, but it seems to me if it is at all possible for you to squeeze in occasional visits to the parents, it would pay you in the long run. I know that immediately the vacation period comes round, and the college closes, you will be faced with the problem of maintaining yourself, and I would urge that you give very careful thought to this matter well ahead of the time so that your plans may be in hand for your maintenance during that long period.<br />
<br />
In my last letter I mentioned how necessary it would be to think in terms of the amount you will require to start your next year's College work, with text books and other incidental expenses. Quite a few pounds must be in hand to start the year with.<br />
<br />
I hope you will satisfactorily carry out all the tests required when "hell week" comes round, so that your initiation into the Fraternity may be in order.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">All this talk about money had me curious<br />
so I did some searching. I thought<br />
about inserting images of <a href="http://www.rba.gov.au/Museum/Displays/1920_1960_comm_bank_and_note_issue/currency_notes_of_the_1920s.html" target="_blank">currency from </a><br />
<a href="http://www.rba.gov.au/Museum/Displays/1920_1960_comm_bank_and_note_issue/currency_notes_of_the_1920s.html" target="_blank">the 1930s</a>, but instead opted for this video.<br />
It's very catchy, plus explains the system<br />
of pounds, shillings and pence used in <br />
Australia at this time. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="150" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5ZTeWLA1LAs" width="200"></iframe></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The dollar bill you sent, came safely to hand, although it was quite unnecessary for you to send it. We are only too happy to forward the material you asked for. I will retain the bill as it may be of some value in paying accounts a little later on when I shall require to send money to America. I will give the kids 1/- a piece so that they will feel that we have not taken something from them about which you wrote.<br />
<br />
I am greatly encouraged by the fact that you are getting into your stride in your studies and that you are able to cover the work. Don't forget that it doesn't pay to do without sleep for too long. You can maintain that for awhile, but nature after a time asserts itself and when the testing time comes, such as examinations, etc., the mind refuses to work in the normal way.<br />
<br />
We note your request for a snap of the family. We will endeavour to send something along, better than the one forwarded in the last mail.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Too bad the diary has been lost over the years,<br />
but this did remind me that I have other<br />
treasure related to Noel's crossing of <br />
Canada. <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/08/crossing-canada-on-cpr.html" target="_blank">This post was my initial piece <br />about that crossing</a>, but there is also an <br /><a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2013/01/noels-account-of-crossing-canada-in.html" target="_blank">updated post with an audio recording I made in <br />1982of Noel recounting his Canadian crossing.</a> <br />
It was originally recorded to cassette tape, <br />
but I've digitized it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were very glad also to get a further consignment of your diary. It helped us to understand just exactly what you have done on the trip across Canada. You certainly had a wonderfully good time. We shall look forward to receiving the balance of the diary.<br />
<br />
Ruth is keeping quite well apart from a cold which has now practically gone. No ill effects came from the accident, worth talking about. Edith is getting along quite well at school and also in her music and elocution. She is expecting to have a test in music shortly, so as to find out whether she will be fit to take her first examination in May. Joyce has started music again. We felt it wise to leave her to make her own decision in this matter. Whether she will continue it or not remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
I am rather amused at your reference to "make them study". I wish to goodness I could have drummed the same thing into your head when you were here! I tried hard to get you to realise that you were taking things far to easily, and trusting to pot luck to get through on the American end. Now you realise how essential it is to have adequate preparation so as to get advanced standing.<br />
<br />
All the family read the letter and I also passed on your regards to those mentioned in your letter. Joy is enclosing a letter with this.<br />
<br />
Mother is keeping in excellent health and so is Keith. He had a good deal of trouble with his teeth, but that seems to have straightened out alright. Rex Baker left on Sunday for Sydney, where he expects to remain for about three weeks installing some talkie apparatus.<br />
<br />
Under separate cover I am sending you a letter which arrived here just about the time the last mail left, and which unfortunately, I forgot to forward at that time. It is from one of your friends, a Czechoslovakian who met you at the conferences. I will acknowledge the letter and will send him a little material on Australia. You should answer it at your first opportunity and thank him for the snapshots, etc. It will be a good thing for you to maintain your contact with him.<br />
<br />
You will be glad to learn that we had a very successful weekend for our Business Men's classes at Camp Manyung. Forty-five of them attended and they had a thoroughly happy time. We plan to hold a weekend camp every month during the year. This month we shall have one on the weekend 12th, 13th and 14th March and then the Easter Camp, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th March. Ivor is featuring this in his Physical Department programme throughout the year. Incidentally he is making money which will be turned into new equipment at the camp.<br />
<br />
We had a Rotary weekend at Camp Somers last Saturday and Sunday. About 50 Rotarians attended the camp and we had a really happy time together. Next Saturday I am organising a picnic for 40 of the Montague Club boys who will be motored to Eltham by the Rotarians, given refreshments and a good time. This is part of our policy in connection with the Boys' Work Committee of which I am Chairman.<br />
<br />
I am enclosing a copy of the Educational Department folder, which will help you to see the new classes we are organising this year. There are others we have in mind for later in the year.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4414073" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxZ1cGDe_RRFTzqgSg1HCJKKLtXcWO1_G_H45AuwOZ9NCzuq7-Z-nF6XOTaMnKvNymrevEbzDSgYboCfaXYbFzyMRwkPGGNCqvexuE4CAp6ymDLbesOJ2JPTZ1ptBXII4zVpbrMcd6pg/s320/YMCAArgusHeadlinesP24on27Feb1932..jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Y.M.C.A. (1932, February 27). <br />
<i>The Argus </i>(Melbourne, Vic.: 1848-1956), p. 25. <br />
Retrieved January 22, 2013, from <br />
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4414073" target="_blank">http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4414073</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Annual Meeting was held on Feb. 25th and went off quite well. A copy of the Annual Report has been sent to you. Three new Directors, Messrs. F.W. Bond (Magistrate), A.E. Pascoe and Fred. Walker, both Rotarians, have been added to the Board. They will strengthen us a good deal.<br />
<br />
Matron is away on holiday in Sydney. Miss Ray is carrying on. The Boys' Department programme commences this week, and we are now getting into our stride for the winter's work.<br />
<br />
I have not heard a great deal from America recently, apart from a letter or two from Harry Holmes and Ned Brownell. Mrs. John W. Cook wrote to Mother and gave news concerning Mr. Cook and herself.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh5Me92vqVEHkVJ1LBbpojDxAOl3SsdNq4N3b5C51FRalCmi4R-Nm6xClwOeIX4wKPdQMp2Bu0ir2zQhw936ZCDiD_cxcOqW437LjuP3k-FEv0pvQ0A_VLMi8fgvsJB2_rjSnbYvGeE0/s1600/NOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">For more about Noel's grades, there will<br />
be a future post looking at Noel's<br />
transcript from the YMCA College<br />
in Chicago. I'll put a link here when I have one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time this letter reaches you you will know the results of your second term's work. We shall all be delighted to hear how you got on.<br />
<br />
Alf. Hines goes on holiday immediately after the Board meeting. Most of the others have had their holiday, so that we shall soon be settling down for the year's work. There will be considerable addition to our Boys' Department membership, especially from the Working Men's college. If we could take them they would be able to send us 300 boys, but on account of the difficulties of fitting that number in on the same day as we have the high school boys present, we cannot take more than half that number.<br />
<br />
I must close now. We all unite in warmest love. Kind regards to Clive and his wife.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-40858109585755913932013-01-10T23:15:00.000-06:002013-01-10T23:15:50.600-06:00Noel's College JourneyIn pursuing this letters project, I’m constantly trying to
unearth the back story that makes the letters more interesting. And because the
letters are only one side of a conversation, I sometimes have to search a little to
make sense of the conversation.<br />
<br />
In several of the recent letters, George has commented on
Noel’s school work and grades. Luckily, Noel left us some clues on those subjects in some of the papers he
saved.<br />
<br />
Some of those papers help paint the picture of the steps Noel
took to attend college in the United States. More of those papers show how he
did when he actually got to college. In the next two posts I will try to
paint some of this back story, and then fill in the other side of the
conversation.<br />
<br />
~~~
<br />
<br />
If I were writing Noel's story as a novel, there are a couple moments that strike me as being a great place to start the book. <br />
<br />
Noel identified one of those moments himself <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2012/02/noels-arrival-in-chicago.html" target="_blank">when he wrote, later in his life, about his relationship with his former girlfriend, Kath Lilford</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“On June 19, 1931 the Hughes Family together with Kathleen
gathered at Spencer Street Railroad Station to bid Noel ‘God Speed’ and a
successful college future. Even now in 1986, I can still visualize the group,
and Kath in particular, standing there as the train pulled out of the station.”</blockquote>
Another place to start the story would be only six days prior to
that departure, 13 June 1931, when Noel received word that he had officially been accepted
into the YMCA Training College in Chicago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyOXDY7ni6cAand7rkAUpZT8UeQUcF-f8ENw0ZWG-vlhhHhta7yO-G0QfYAEVLTLlBGCy-_LB0sPTGCom6FNx-ZB24aCKhi2LGnI4F-1Thl9U0YMFAnOpyChhgMlDqFUaz5GsuZWgFtI/s1600/AdmittanceCableGram1931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyOXDY7ni6cAand7rkAUpZT8UeQUcF-f8ENw0ZWG-vlhhHhta7yO-G0QfYAEVLTLlBGCy-_LB0sPTGCom6FNx-ZB24aCKhi2LGnI4F-1Thl9U0YMFAnOpyChhgMlDqFUaz5GsuZWgFtI/s320/AdmittanceCableGram1931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's the telegram that seemingly set everything in motion: "HUGHES ADMITTED UNCLASSIFIED STUDENT".<br />
<br />
The time up to that event must have been filled with tremendous uncertainty. A letter from the YMCA <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-2-23-june-1931.html" target="_blank">acknowledging Noel's resignation from his position there</a> is dated 10 June 1931, before the confirmation telegram even arrives, so there might have been an indication that the acceptance was coming. Or the letter is dated wrong.<br />
<br />
Regardless, his <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/08/crossing-into-united-states.html" target="_blank">immigration visa in his passport</a> is dated 15 June 1931, and <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-1-19-june-1931.html" target="_blank">George's first letter is dated 19 June 1931</a>, the same day Noel boarded a train for Sydney. <br />
<br />
All this paints a picture of a very stressful and hasty time planning a
life-changing decision to travel half way around the world to attend
college. What would Noel
have done if he hadn’t been accepted? Would he have made the journey to attend
the World YMCA conferences in Toronto and Cleveland anyway, and then returned
home? Would he have attended university in Melbourne and pursued a career in
the YMCA? Would he have married Kath Lilford?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~~~ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why did Noel choose to go to school in Chicago?<br />
<br />
From the letters, it’s apparent that some Australians who
were serious about a career in the YMCA sought training in the United States.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As best as I can tell from the letters and a little online
research, there were two YMCA training colleges in the United States that the
YMCAs in Australia tended to use. One was in Chicago<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The Young Men’s Christian Association
College, later George Williams College, and today <a href="http://www.gwc.aurora.edu/index.html#axzz2HXvQj2oC" target="_blank">part of Aurora University</a>) and the other in Springfield, Mass.
(<a href="http://www.spfldcol.edu/" target="_blank">Springfield College</a>). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to a <a href="http://special.lib.umn.edu/findaid/html/ymca/ygwc0001.phtml" target="_blank">History of George Williams College</a> on the website of the Kautz Family YMCA Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"In 1890, when full-time YMCA work was becoming professional, requiring more intensive
training, a year-round 'Training School' was established under the same
leadership. The new school was located in Chicago, Illinois and was greatly
influenced in its human service mission by the social and educational changes
going on in that rapidly growing, industrial city. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"While evangelism and 'Christian work' was clearly at the heart of both the YMCA and the training
school, the work of the association was never dissociated from a social service
purpose. The service mission was one of sensitivity to problematic social
situations young men faced as they migrated from the rural families and
communities to an urban industrial environment." </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
If Noel was intent on pursuing a career as a YMCA secretary, like his father, the two training colleges in the United States seemed like good options. But the Melbourne YMCA experience with Springfield College seems much stronger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ivor Burge, a colleague of Noel's at the YMCA of Melbourne, had just
returned from Springfield a few years prior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More tellingly, George writes in <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2011/10/no-12-24-aug-1931.html" target="_blank">Letter No. 12:</a> </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have had good word from
Dr. Doggett, concerning the four Australians at Springfield. He writes in the
highest terms of the four men -- Evans, McRae, Jones and Laing, and of course
asks for more. I think you have got to do your share in building up a tradition
in connection with the Chicago Y College. Now that Glover and yourself are in
the student body, it is up to you to endeavor to secure the interest of other
men so that the number at Chicago may be increased.”</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With such a strong existing relationship between the YMCAs
in Australia and Springfield College, I’m not sure why Noel chose to attend
school in Chicago. Perhaps it was because of Clive and May Glover and the fact
that Clive was studying in Chicago. I haven’t determined the relationship the
Hughes family had with the Glover family, but based on passing references in
the letters, there seems to be a family friendship, and the Glovers were a tremendous help to Noel on his arrival.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, that’s the best I can determine at the moment as to why
Noel chose Chicago.<br />
<br />
~~~ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Noel also left us some clues as to what he had to do to get accepted into
the college.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQOZvbFbirRVC7Ngg197hOFZa-dywDHpaROoz1CLg-u-epuIEYmCwYtrbw3_XJhCLYg1LqrljKiQcbKU0tK8huHlXHKk2GLLPikLucnYmZNL5cglQ8WN2ddsEHqY8LYlbWV8Yjh0O4c0/s1600/MelbourneHSreference1931-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQOZvbFbirRVC7Ngg197hOFZa-dywDHpaROoz1CLg-u-epuIEYmCwYtrbw3_XJhCLYg1LqrljKiQcbKU0tK8huHlXHKk2GLLPikLucnYmZNL5cglQ8WN2ddsEHqY8LYlbWV8Yjh0O4c0/s320/MelbourneHSreference1931-1.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A copy of a letter from Melbourne High School<br />
that Noel used in his admission packet to college.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Noel was not an exceptional student in high school.
According to a letter of reference from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_High_School_%28Victoria%29" target="_blank">Melbourne High School</a>, he achieved a
Sub-Intermediate rating on his completion of school. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the unsigned copy of a letter from someone at Melbourne
High School, that person explains, “The standards are – Sub-Intermediate,
Intermediate, and Leaving Certificate, in that order, a pass at Leaving
qualifying for entrance to the University.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Australian high school tradition and the U.S. college
admissions didn’t even seem to speak a common language when it came to
evaluating students and their academic achievements, and translation had to be
done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is the nearest approximation I can make to your system
of ‘credits’,” writes the Melbourne High School contact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It appears that Noel only had 2 years of high school, which
may have been fairly normal at that time. I’m not sure. But it seems short,
especially for someone who was college bound. The family moved from New Zealand
to Melbourne in March 1924. Noel would have been 14 years old. He attended
Melbourne High School in 1924 and 1925, which means he would have been 16 at
his completion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to his recommendations from the Melbourne YMCA, he
worked with the YMCA for over four years before he left for the United States
in 1931. So he started that affiliation probably in 1926. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4wDhcAO-9ABYqulPSpWJljyYn0lE8oqx5CnxyRrZNNuXC1EJJFMfI7po58HUmS2kdBM5SZfVJnZgPJflEmDrEe2iNfp4am2JLLqYsD1qmC0s3PGlYsdl_tlX286dRKeh5B1XfwEpFDo/s1600/StottsReference1931-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4wDhcAO-9ABYqulPSpWJljyYn0lE8oqx5CnxyRrZNNuXC1EJJFMfI7po58HUmS2kdBM5SZfVJnZgPJflEmDrEe2iNfp4am2JLLqYsD1qmC0s3PGlYsdl_tlX286dRKeh5B1XfwEpFDo/s320/StottsReference1931-1.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter No. 1 from Stott's Business College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He attended Stott’s Business College in Melbourne 1926-27,
where he studied bookkeeping, shorthand and typing. According to his reference
letter from CH Holmes, the principal of the college: “I might mention that we
always found Hughes to be a well conducted boy, and well liked by both his
fellow students and teachers.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1931 he started studying with George Taylor & Staff.
According to the letter from Geo. Taylor: Noel “has been doing revisionary work
with us during the current year in Arithmetic, Algebra, History, Geography, and
English with a view to attaining the Intermediate standard of the Melbourne
University in these subjects.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6lvaKbePgK1TDEUilJ0fhwKuyN0b-2lWmJH3qeyfDuZTI7iuSw1juvdNxVYt2skhDGDG1gOJ4fAMSL2I4AYK_wmIaY6T6PF6aEgWfZf4djDpYFAKBFkcDhk34eYZrmSQxD4OzszbmIo/s1600/StottsReference1931-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6lvaKbePgK1TDEUilJ0fhwKuyN0b-2lWmJH3qeyfDuZTI7iuSw1juvdNxVYt2skhDGDG1gOJ4fAMSL2I4AYK_wmIaY6T6PF6aEgWfZf4djDpYFAKBFkcDhk34eYZrmSQxD4OzszbmIo/s320/StottsReference1931-2.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter No. 2 from Stott's Business College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The letter from Stott’s Business College is dated 5 Feb 1931
and addressed specifically to the Chicago Y College. The letters from Melbourne
High School and George Taylor & Staff are both dated in April 1931. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s clear Noel started exploring the decision to go to
Chicago by early 1931, but he also might have had an alternate plan to pursue
admission to Melbourne University. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAvbv2wUI5cV_z_kXIYato3sppP1Z2haG_WCNtszA5x36Ck-kFqJsO8dAgO5L9T6a1vKS828ivzVCD3aoWfnwSqFS1BvdATRzEwtUL_S6eXThzFCUO-8BK3-vewOKoc1ybGYSFwiKN1A/s1600/GeorgeTaylorreference1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAvbv2wUI5cV_z_kXIYato3sppP1Z2haG_WCNtszA5x36Ck-kFqJsO8dAgO5L9T6a1vKS828ivzVCD3aoWfnwSqFS1BvdATRzEwtUL_S6eXThzFCUO-8BK3-vewOKoc1ybGYSFwiKN1A/s320/GeorgeTaylorreference1931.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter from George Taylor & Associates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But even though Noel was accepted to the Chicago YMCA
Training College, there was still a lot of uncertainty about his education when
he left for the United States. On his arrival he had to take an entrance exam. In
George’s letters to Noel as Noel is making his journey to Chicago, George frequently
reminds Noel to study for that exam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And despite all of George’s connections with the YMCA, he
did want Noel to succeed on his own. In <a href="http://afathersletters.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-15-29-sep-1931.html" target="_blank">Letter No. 15 --<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>29 Sep 1931</a>, he writes: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have not written
to the College authorities regarding yourself, because I felt that it was not
right for me to use my position in any way to secure additional recognition for
you. I will, however, write them shortly. By now you will have had your
entrance status determined, and your plans laid out for your school work.”</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi-qfZJMqNT9DJe4ErvyzupEZTf7EoEkQxDc13JrCe350fg-Wskkv1QPfVZKV3PWsifmHKiP2O9PsYlMZFenhghXB6DjEagEqsQ4d3srDSrexflAFO9HnO8I8B5RNb8oNkelBeP9XDA8/s1600/YMCACollegeCertificateofAdmission1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi-qfZJMqNT9DJe4ErvyzupEZTf7EoEkQxDc13JrCe350fg-Wskkv1QPfVZKV3PWsifmHKiP2O9PsYlMZFenhghXB6DjEagEqsQ4d3srDSrexflAFO9HnO8I8B5RNb8oNkelBeP9XDA8/s320/YMCACollegeCertificateofAdmission1931.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Y College Certificate of Admission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How did Noel do with his entrance exam? It was
determined that he lacked one year of high school credit, so his scholarship
was conditional on him completing four units of high school work within two
years.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Letter No. 29, George makes a very telling remark in
response to Noel’s advice to his little sisters: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am rather amused at your
reference to ‘make them study’. I wish to goodness I could have drummed the
same thing into your head when you were here! I tried hard to get you to
realise that you were taking things far too easily, and trusting to pot luck to
get through on the American end. Now you realise how essential it is to have
adequate preparation so as to get advanced standing.”</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~~~ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All this leaves me wondering: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can anyone offer insight into how the high school certification program in Melbourne might have worked when Noel attended in 1925? What does it mean to be Sub-Intermediate? To finish when you are 16?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does one apply to a college half way around the world when mail moves at the speed of a ship?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And do I have to go through the University of Minnesota Libraries to view a Chicago Y College Catalog from 1931?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming soon: Noel's coursework and grades </div>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-41018389264938177022012-12-27T09:45:00.000-06:002012-12-27T09:52:47.534-06:00No. 28 -- 17 Feb 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter dated January 9th which you sent by Air Mail to the Coast, reached us the other day. We were very delighted to get a letter so soon after the last.<br />
<br />
I know you will find physiology a difficult subject at the first, but it is surprising how simple the subject can become if you have it constantly in mind and revise it by thinking of your own body, its various organs and their functions. I used to repeat to myself the substance of what I had studied in the text book and apply it to my own body, and in this way got an idea of the relationship of the various organs which I found comparatively easy to memorise.<br />
<br />
I am glad that you have such an excellent instructor in English. That is a subject that demands most careful handling on the part of the instructor, for it to become really interesting. Very frequently it can become dry and unattractive -- everything depends on its treatment.<br />
<br />
We are all glad to know that you have satisfactorily completed the first quarter's work.<br />
<br />
I think in my last letter I asked you to give me some idea of the grading you had received in each of the subjects.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://from.ph/11881" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HL2YVK-qFjJ7Q-qJJ8v-4Rcqko1IhAMRzATHQq4R5h-K_c_0gkXcQ1rdz3__3WLXuN-jdgO-Gqdb-BdOwd8J7NK333Tz2Id4T-WpXRs2e17I7cQbEx86NvZCzrFM5MEYdIfzEgXaJrA/s1600/FriarsBalsamPowerHouseMuseum.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://from.ph/11881" target="_blank">Friar's Balsam medicine bottle</a>, <br />
from the collection of the<br />
Powerhouse Museum in <br />
Sydney, Australia. <br />
Accessed 24 November 2012.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You will need to watch that cold. I know what Chicago is like in the winter and you would be wise to take every precaution to get rid of it as quickly as you can. There is nothing better than to steam your chest and throat by inhaling <a href="http://from.ph/11881" target="_blank">Friar's Balsam</a> or Eucalyptus, or a similar medicant, in boiling water.<br />
<br />
I have not had a chance to see George Briggs, but will ask him to let me see the letter regarding financial needs.<br />
<br />
I was interested in your account of the Fraternities. May I express the hope that you will not give Clive Glover cause to feel that you are becoming independent of his help. You know quite well that a great deal of your present work has been brought to you through Clive's kindly offices, and I sincerely trust you will give him cause to feel that you are grateful to him for what he has done. However, the matter of the Fraternity you join is your own affair, but I hope it will not mean that the Fraternity will occupy too much of your time and keep you away from your college work. It is quite easy to become so thoroughly interested in the social side of college life, that you neglect the very necessary revision and preparation for class work.<br />
<br />
I noticed in the handbook that a modified type of warning is given to new students that they should not become too closely related to the Fraternities or feel that they were "out of the swim" if they had not been invited to one or other of them. You must also watch the question of costs on the social side of college life.<br />
<br />
What a lot of fool stunts are put over in the American Colleges. Surely to goodness there is much more in life than to gather up a matchbox full to toe-nails!<br />
<br />
The summer vacation will need careful thought on your part. Frankly I was hoping that you would take in some time at Lake Geneva, not only because of the credits you can obtain, but also because of the opportunity it gives you to have a very close relationship with many of the leaders of the Movement, and my own judgment is that if it is possible for you to get a job at Lake Geneva, you should take it. Presumably you will get your board and residence and tuition while you are at the summer school. That is all to the good and can be looked upon as savings in that you may not be called upon to expend any sums of money for self-support. The balance of your time I think you should spend, if possible, in work that will enable you to save money in preparation for your next year's college work. You know how necessary it is to have a certain amount of money at the beginning of each term, and in view of this I would urge you to give up the idea of a trip to Los Angeles, and devote your-self to preparation for your next year's work. Not that we would desire you to slave from morning till night, but we think it is important that you should earn all the money you possibly can, especially in view of the depressed conditions in America, which seemingly are likely to get worse instead of better. You must think in terms of "preparing for the rainy day."<br />
<br />
At any rate this summer I feel you should give to earning money, and then perhaps after you have become better established in your school work, it might be possible in the succeeding summer to spend time sight-seeing and travelling.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the message from Andrew Garrod. I also had a letter from him this mail, in which he stated that he had received a Christmas card from you from Chicago, but that you had not given any address. I imagine he must have located the address or else he could not have written to you as you reported. The kiddies have written to Dorothy Garrod, on several occasions, and will be doing so again shortly.<br />
<br />
I was interested in the cutting you forwarded concerning the protest on the part of the hotel proprietors in Chicago, about the Y.M.C.A. having departed from its character building work to enter the hotel business. You know quite well that the Association's explanation is quite valid. If it is true that we make money on our residential sections, it is only that we might be in a position to render more effective service in our programme or in non-remunerative departments. As far as we are concerned it would be impossible for us to carry on our work in the Boys' Department for instance, if we did not make a substantial profit on our residential section. Of course there is a difference between the Melbourne situation in comparison with that of Chicago, but speaking generally I think the argument I have advanced is unassailably sound.<br />
<br />
I have not anything further to report concerning home conditions. Everything is going quite well. Ruth spent last week at home as she had a very heavy cold, and the hospital granted her extension of leave so that she might get rid of it. I think in my last letter I told you that she was "peeved" because she could not attend Millie Harris's 21st birthday. This has all been put right, as Millie held her birthday party on Monday evening which was Ruth's night off, so she and Keith went along and had a good time.<br />
<br />
Keith's job is still holding, but we do not know for how long. Joyce and Edith, of course, send their love, and when your letters arrive you can be sure they are full of questions regarding Chicago and your doings.<br />
<br />
We are expecting Mr. Crosby back from Tasmania this week. We will be glad to have him on the job again. We are to have the annual meeting on the 25th and I am pleased to report that we have been successful in securing one or two new Directors who should be a decided acquisition to our work.<br />
<br />
Mother's cold is practically better again, although she is feeling a little depressed that it is hanging around for so long.<br />
<br />
I have not heard a word from Clive for months past. Tell him I would welcome a line when he has a few minutes to spare.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE5gdlTdNEVDaKuXwvEAlcbqFEesh8F1wFiwwJJ2CXLl2VekoVI_iDPe5V1V4ql6QNEK9jdixL1bpANS_8RFlfLOai2djBJSkw1L2iALCpNKIabWuPWeLPoJlbd8HQ5lZONRVWGy1PjQ/s1600/kathlilford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE5gdlTdNEVDaKuXwvEAlcbqFEesh8F1wFiwwJJ2CXLl2VekoVI_iDPe5V1V4ql6QNEK9jdixL1bpANS_8RFlfLOai2djBJSkw1L2iALCpNKIabWuPWeLPoJlbd8HQ5lZONRVWGy1PjQ/s320/kathlilford.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This might be one of the "snaps" enclosed with this letter.<br />
It was taken over the previous holidays at Camp Manyung. <br />
Joyce and Edith and Mother are in the front row,<br />
George (Dad) and Kath Lilford are in the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I heard yesterday that there is a possibility that Archie Moses, who went to India for us about three years ago, is likely to be sent to America for training by the Indian National Council. In a letter to Trainor, he asked whether any arrangement could be made for him to get part time work at the Chicago Y. I am sure it would be a nice thing for you to drop him a line. His address is A. Henderson Moses, C/o Y.M.C.A., Bombay, India. It would make him feel that there were one or two Australians who would be glad to welcome him should he go to Chicago Y College. Of course, you had better be careful what you say about this in the meantime, as presumably the whole matter is only in its early stages and may not come off.<br />
<br />
I must close now as I must run off to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club Boys' Work Committee.<br />
<br />
All unite, my boy, in sending you our warmest love and hope that you will be able to throw off your cold, and give undivided attention to your work.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad.<br />
<br />
Enclosed -- Snaps 2<br />
Material in Aboriginal Customs & Wit.<br />
<br />
By the way -- Kath mentioned she has not had any letters since before Xmas!!!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaO8gbYacEuumHYExS8pjYmRpRljqB9tRJF3SORlvi7MPW9eWXi8vfI9aBqBy18cyw-OhiHL_VrijnHtPgf2dvP9EJD41yeQ_SSqkVf9qLpicG_f5Y9aJhUAoQKRSbEoOswLhegwvsaw/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaO8gbYacEuumHYExS8pjYmRpRljqB9tRJF3SORlvi7MPW9eWXi8vfI9aBqBy18cyw-OhiHL_VrijnHtPgf2dvP9EJD41yeQ_SSqkVf9qLpicG_f5Y9aJhUAoQKRSbEoOswLhegwvsaw/s320/DSC_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first indication that all is not well in Noel's relationship with <br />
Kath Lilford. George will usually write about Kath from now on in <br />
a hand-written post-script, since Kath is so closely affiliated with the<br />
YMCA and George's typist, Dorrie Yates, is friends with Kath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-59729263168044178892012-10-29T15:43:00.000-05:002012-10-29T15:43:51.282-05:00No. 27 -- 8 Feb 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
Your letter dated Jan. 1st reached us last Wednesday. I think you could probably find out when the Australian mails leave if you get Mrs. Glover to ring up the Post Office. They will be able to give you a list of the mails for two or three months ahead, and in that way you could get the information you need.<br />
<br />
We note that you had a very busy time during the Christmas vacation. No doubt this all worked to your benefit in that it gave you a chance to earn additional money at a time when probably you needed it.<br />
<br />
We shall be interested in hearing a full report of your grades for the Fall quarter. I think you did very well for your first term. There is no doubt it takes some time to get into the run of the regular school work, so as to keep pace with the lectures, demonstrations, etc. as well as with the practical work. We shall be interested to hear your full report of your term's work. I think you were wise in arranging to take two majors for the winter term, although you will have to be careful that you cover the required amount of work so as not to add to your burdens in your last term. You will be wise to make up your arrears of highschool work as quickly as possible, so as to carry your regular schedule and keep pace with the rest of the students.<br />
<br />
We are glad to hear that you received the Money Order safely. We were pleased to know that you had sent so many cards to people in America as well as to those here. I think you are wise to keeop in touch with these folk as they should be of definite help to you in your future.<br />
<br />
I am grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Cook for their thoughtfulness in sending their present. By this mail I am dropping them a note and also to Dr. Wilson of the Kenwood Church.<br />
<br />
We were greatly interested in the College Handbook, as it enabbled us to visualise conditions a little better and also gave us the opportunity of keeping informed regarding the various terms and the usual college fixtures. The new grading system has a great deal to commend it, although it will be a little puzzling at first to follow the difference between it and the old system.<br />
<br />
Keith was delighted to get the extra copy which he is using as a diary, and of course it helps him to pass on information to any of your friends he may happen across.<br />
<br />
I must thank you also for the reply regarding Satchell’s parcels which went astray. This information I have forwarded to Plain Clothes Constable Kavanagh of the Police Department, who had the case in hand. It is a mystery which we cannot solve. Nobody seems to have any information concerning these parcels.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kim_scarborough/25346012/in/photostream/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/23/25346012_cdae75e62c_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lawson House YMCA is located in <br />
Chicago's Near North at West Chicago Avenue<br />
and North Dearborn Street. Built in 1931 <br />
in the art deco style, the Lawson House YMCA <br />
is 25 floors tall. <a href="http://www.ymcachicago.org/pages/lawson-house-ymca" target="_blank">According to the YMCA of Metro Chicago</a>, <br />
"Today it is the largest single-room occupancy (SRO) <br />
supportive housing
facility in the Midwest, providing <br />
housing and wrap-around social
services for extremely <br />
low-income or formerly homeless men and women." <br />
<a href="http://www.suntimes.com/business/7406973-420/lawson-house-y-hits-the-market.html" target="_blank">An article in the Chicago Sun-Times in 2011</a><br />
said it was possibly for sale.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kim_scarborough/25346012/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Photo by Kim Scarborough via Flickr <br />(used under Creative Commons license)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The folder and other printed matter concerning the <a href="http://www.ymcachicago.org/pages/lawson-house-ymca" target="_blank">Lawson Y.M.C.A</a>. also came to hand. What a magnificent building it must be! I am making up a small paragraph for “Manhood” giving some of the particulars.<br />
<br />
You also were good enough to send a large packet of Conference papers. These reached me the other day and I spent several nights perusing them and endeavouring to catch the atmosphere of the conferences. Months ago I ordered a copy of the finished report, but this has not yet come to hand. However, the papers you forwarded have given me a very good idea of some of the principal findings and I am grateful to you for having sent them on.<br />
<br />
We were also greatly interested in reading two copies of the “Association Collegian” of November 19th and December 7th.<br />
<br />
I passed your letter on to a number of the staff folk who were interested in your doings.
I have not much news to give you concerning home matters. They are much the same as when I last wrote.<br />
<br />
We are to have the Annual meeting of the Association on February 25th, when the report will be presented for adoption. I will see that a copy is sent to you without delay.<br />
<br />
Your friend, Johnny McRae now runs a motorcar I believe. Rex. has been away quite a lot, but is home just now. There is some talk of him going to Sydney for a couple of months, but whether this will eventuate or not I cannot say.<br />
<br />
Margaret Park and Millie Harris both had their 21st birthday this month. Ruth is disturbed that she can not go to either function as she is on night duty.<br />
<br />
Edith is greatly elated because she was appointed prefect within a week of the opening of school. She thinks this is a great indication of the confidence her school mates have in her. Joy starts at Fintona on Wednesday. She is full of excitement as you can well imagine.<br />
<br />
Mother is in tip top form and so am I. We all unite in warmest love.<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
DadHaley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-32073686328284070342012-10-05T21:41:00.000-05:002012-10-05T21:44:25.704-05:00Noel's Commentary on George's Letters, Part 1<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2AtoIUPRECuu2rINybVu4Ru2O4uTWKl5-RZ4ONcUH4Ga4CSP_yZCFZkMxy3aqaR5ouRIU8PBkyZzG9kzGN4p2nqCu1QC1f2bk7XT6Nwt-eahTYw_WlnsMmiUb9DeQjgBFolF1q44D80/s1600/Scan_Pic0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2AtoIUPRECuu2rINybVu4Ru2O4uTWKl5-RZ4ONcUH4Ga4CSP_yZCFZkMxy3aqaR5ouRIU8PBkyZzG9kzGN4p2nqCu1QC1f2bk7XT6Nwt-eahTYw_WlnsMmiUb9DeQjgBFolF1q44D80/s200/Scan_Pic0003.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noel in 1982</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Since we are 26 letters into this project and have passed the one-year anniversary since the project's inception, I thought this would be a good time to share a document written by Noel in the 1980s. </i><br />
<br />
<i>When Noel was putting together a family history, he used the saved letters from his father, George, as a resource. After the long job of condensing the letters down to just the family history, he was able to look at them anew and paint a general picture of what he saw happening.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I'll only share the first part right now, and save the second part for when we get a few more years into the letters.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Here it as as Noel wrote it: </i><br />
<br />
<u>Commentary on Dad's Letters</u><br />
<br />
The following was written by Noel in 1984 after having read Dad's letters of fifty years ago. There is no intention to be mundane or emotional, but to say it as I see it with the perspective that the years give.<br />
<br />
The first several years can only be characterized as very difficult ones for Dad particularly.<br />
<br />
Economic conditions were chaotic making the financing of the "Y" almost impossible. The membership decreased significantly, occupancy of the residence declined to less than fifty percent causing Dad untold strain to keep the Association afloat. Salaries were cut several times resulting in a bare bones existence for Mum, Dad and the family. There was a period when the difficulties were so extreme that it was a question whether Dad would continue as General Secretary. However, times became a little better about 1934. The strain of the days showed up in Dad's health. In reading his letters it was obvious that his health had deteriorated considerably, even though he had minimized his illnesses.<br />
<br />
Keith too had a difficult time. He was unemployed for most of five years. Fortunately he was able to secure casual, short time jobs with the Texaco Company, the Dryfus company, the Wheat Commission and others which did give him a very limited but undependable income with long periods of famine up to the time he secured permanent employment with the Myers Emporium.<br />
<br />
Ruth also had a difficult time when she began nursing -- the long hours, the demands of the hospital and the exacting nature of her work also showed up in the continuous string of illnesses she incurred.<br />
<br />
1934 showed the beginning of better conditions and a less stressful living for the family.<br />
<br />
Of course Noel in a foreign country, without any financial backing, struggling to make ends meet, particularly in the years 1931 to 1933, and going to college, also caused some turmoil for Dad.<br />
<br />
The bright spots in the family during these years were, as Dad characterized them, the "kiddies". They were full of life, vim, vigor and vitality -- shafts of sunlight in the dismal days -- a source of great enjoyment to both Mum and Dad, Keith and Ruth.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the two girls, they were opposites in temperament, but in their pre-teen and teenage years pursued similar interests in church and school activities. Edith was more eloquent and excitable, and to quote Father, "Edith is getting more boisterous than ever, greatly to Joy's annoyance. As you know, Joy is much quieter and less demonstrative than Edith, and is consequently reprimanding Edith for her noisiness. However, the two of them get along very well together". "....... going along quietly, that is, as quietly as Edith can go!"<br />
<br />
Also, Chas. F. Crosby was a great friend for on many occasions he made his Summer home in the Dandenongs available for the family to have a holiday in the country.<br />
<br />
<i>Part 2 to be published at a future date.</i> Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317672383079997934.post-76594954245701715122012-08-29T21:41:00.001-05:002012-08-29T21:41:59.545-05:00No. 26 -- 3 Feb 1932Mr. N.A. Hughes,<br />
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,<br />
5315 Drexel Avenue,<br />
<u>CHICAGO</u>. Ill. U.S.A.<br />
<br />
My dear Noel, <br />
<br />
We were expecting a letter to be delivered yesterday but there has been some delay in the mails from America, and we do not anticipate the letters will be distributed until the afternoon mail. This will be too late to catch the outgoing mail which closes at 2.30 p.m.<br />
<br />
We are all well at home. Apart from the fact that Keith has had a very bad face, caused by neglect of his teeth. He had two extractions the other day and this has left a very sore jaw, the cavity not having properly healed. He has had pain for very nearly a week and nothing seems to stop it. The rest of us are in good form.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% rgb(245, 243, 231); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; color: #441500; float: left; line-height: 26px; margin: 1em; opacity: 0.25; padding: 0.2em; position: relative; text-align: right; width: 160px;"><span style="opacity: 0.75;">There is no<br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>royal road</b></span> <br />to success <br />in life, excepting the road of <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>hard work.</b></span><br />What you do in the next few years <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>will color</b></span><br /> your entire future.</span></span>
</div>
Ruth has written you under separate cover. She is a little bit upset because of the heavy work at the hospital. At present she is on night duty which means that she has to sleep during the day. Somehow she doesn't seem to be able to get into this habit, and consequently just now she is desperately tired and nervy. If she can once get over the inability to sleep she will be alright. I do not want her to become ill at this juncture, as it will undoubtedly put her back in her training. Working all night and attempting to sleep all day does not suit Ruth. She has so few hours in which to do anything else. She is not supposed to leave her room until five o'clock in the evening, and she starts work again at 8.30. Nursing is a pretty hard job.<br />
<br />
Joyce has also written to you. Both Ruth's and Joy's letters are in the one envelope.<br />
<br />
Mother is keeping particularly well. I think the holiday at Manyung did her the world of good. Edith is greatly thrilled about her new school work at Gardiner, specially with the fact that she is now learning French. Joyce starts at Fintona on the 10th February. Just now she is being rigged out and I can tell you it is some job to supply all that is required at a school like Fintona.<br />
<br />
Keith has been playing Cricket for the Y.M. While he has not done anything startling, he has still played a useful innings and has done a little with the ball.<br />
<br />
Alec. Moodie has been successful in getting a job with Messrs. Thomas Reynolds at East Prahan. This is the firm with which Mr. T.C. Reynolds and Rod. Macdonald of the National Office are connected. Alec. originally was in the bakery business. In fact I think he served his time at that trade. It was his experience in that connection that made the opening for him with Mr. Reynolds. As you know their product is macaroni and Alec. is to hold down a job in the factory which has distinct possibilities. Now that he is in Melbourne, we are hoping that we shall get some portion of his leisure time in connection with our own work.<br />
<br />
Reg. Gray has been appointed to a curacy under the Bishop of Bendigo. After spending a year at the Bendigo Diocese in active Church work, he will likely come to Ridley College in Melbourne for additional training. This is quite in line with Reg.'s desires and I think he should do well in the Church of England ministry.<br />
<br />
Ern. Saunders, who was on the staff of Montreal Y.M.C.A., has arrived at Perth where he will probably take over the physical and boys' work. I understand, privately, that Parsons, the Physical Director, is likely to leave the Perth Association and in view of that, I imagine that Saunders will take on the physical and probably the boys' work.<br />
<br />
Mr. Crosby's father was buried on the 25th January. Mr. Crosby has not yet returned and I do not expect him back for some days yet. There is sure to be a good deal of business to wash up in connection with the estate.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iIz5W7MP30fsvpAXpAAzzvM9aZf99s2ppdR6lyzC0ZoEkzhUVq9E4UZGfDjSjIv6Ktp6AU2rkZBcdQvBd83Ldm6Xt4BQQmvbRpSA2BiFGNyGEw0F1x7soAZyUzQmUoFACpNW93MYuqQ/s1600/Jacklang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iIz5W7MP30fsvpAXpAAzzvM9aZf99s2ppdR6lyzC0ZoEkzhUVq9E4UZGfDjSjIv6Ktp6AU2rkZBcdQvBd83Ldm6Xt4BQQmvbRpSA2BiFGNyGEw0F1x7soAZyUzQmUoFACpNW93MYuqQ/s200/Jacklang.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Mr. Lang" mentioned by George <br />
is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Lang_%28Australian_politician%29" target="_blank">Jack Lang, then premiere of New South Wales.</a><br />
He was a controversial figure who proposed<br />
an alternative recovery plan to get out<br />
of the depression. He ended up being removed<br />
from his premiership by the then Governor of <br />
New South Wales.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We closed the year with a deficit of £2695. This is about £300 better than we anticipated. Mr. Hooke is of the opinion that it is not a bad position when all things are taken into consideration. However, it is serious enough and we do not want to face a similar situation this year. I must say there is a very definite "lift" in the financial tension and a more hopeful outlook seems to be abroad. We are not "out of the wood" in Australia as our position is so closely allied to the world situation, and our recovery is dependent upon an increase in the prices of our primary products. However the changed political situation has materially affected the outlook of the people and if we can keep Mr. Lang of New South Wales in hand I think the situation will slowly but steadily improve.<br />
<br />
We had a letter from Mrs. Smith of Sutherland Road, Lyall Bay, in which she advised us that Gilbert was married last November. She sent an account of the wedding which was evidently a pretty big affair. She also reported that Stan. Kirk lost his young lady by death.<br />
<br />
We were to have had a picnic at Manyung on Feb. 1st, but there was so few who signed up to go that we had to cancel the conveyances as we would have had rather a serious loss to face. However, a number of private cars went down and according to Ivor Burge, they had quite a good day. We were disappointed at having to postpone the picnic but it could not be helped.<br />
<br />
I am on the job with the annual report and hope to have it completed in a week or so. As soon as we have copies available we will send one along to you.<br />
<br />
Kath. is getting on quite well with the book-keeping machine and we are pleased that most of the back work has been overtaken and from now on we should be able to have accurate daily returns showing our financial position.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I had a visit from Sid. Cox who used to live next door to us when we lived in High Street, Dunedin. Sid. mentioned that his cousin Bernard Cox is a student at the University of Chicago. I understand that Bernard Cox was employed by the New Zealand Government as an engineer on the Otira tunnel and that some little time ago he went to Chicago to extend his experience in engineering. It might be worth your while to make contact with him. I am sure he would be interested to know that you came from Dunedin and that you knew his cousin, Sid.<br />
<br />
Just now we have about 25 fellows staying with us, who comprise the Tasmanian Boxing and Wresting team who were over here for the National games. This has been a good lift to us in our dormitory and cafeteria.<br />
<br />
We are also co-operating with the Herald Learn to Swim Campaign and quite a number of fellows are making use of our pool for this purpose.<br />
<br />
Matron is keeping well, and so is Miss Ray. Bob Way is still on holiday at Shoreham, but he will probable be back at the end of next week.<br />
<br />
We are organising a visit to Camp Manyung - weekend Feb. 20 and 21st, with the object of interesting our Business Men's Groups in the camp. This should be a good means of popularising the camp especially the community camp next year.<br />
<br />
The following weekend I expect to go to Somers Camp with a party of Rotarians. Our Rotary Club has given a lot of support to the Somers Camp, and I think this is one of the means adopted by the camp authorities to show their appreciation of Rotary's help. By the way, have you made use of your letter of introduction to the Rotary Headquarters at Chicago?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi__enPfCVcrbeMjh4G9TGAHrxvMRKRAbxa6u1YpS909Y8rebpTaZnrgu4wQldz6Xnd3Bx3kl2i0EaQRUmIRlrPuDXKICqhzzjTV-2KCdCFBH-wO_C1FxBtQBXBOXu2HgPEAJLDj6TvuE/s1600/MinnietheMermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi__enPfCVcrbeMjh4G9TGAHrxvMRKRAbxa6u1YpS909Y8rebpTaZnrgu4wQldz6Xnd3Bx3kl2i0EaQRUmIRlrPuDXKICqhzzjTV-2KCdCFBH-wO_C1FxBtQBXBOXu2HgPEAJLDj6TvuE/s200/MinnietheMermaid.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Minnie the Mermaid record <br />
mentioned by George <br />
could have been this recording from 1930<br />
by the Bernie Cummins Orchestra.<br />
It was a popular song of the time<br />
and <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=W8PvCRbEKLYC&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=minnie+the+mermaid+1930&source=bl&ots=bLCwcCvtuj&sig=bb-huAeMYmJ6mlexJUEyftEtYdk&hl=en#v=onepage&q=minnie%20the%20mermaid%201930&f=false" target="_blank">was frequently parodied with bawdy lyrics</a>.<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/7II9EzhYgjg" target="_blank">Have a listen at YouTube.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I looked over the list of gramaphone records and found that we have 36 records in the case. "Minnie the Mermaid" is missing from the collection, but all the others named by you were in our possession.<br />
<br />
This letter should reach you towards the end of your second term, and I suppose you will have settled into your stride and become more accustomed to the routine of college life. I hope, my boy, that you will be able to surmount the programme you have set for yourself and that you will achieve success in your studies. You know all your friends on this side will be greatly delighted to learn that you have done will in your school work. It will not be long before you will have completed your first year's study. I suppose that would come somewhere about June.<br />
<br />
We can only hope that you have given yourself application to the tasks in hand and that you have achieved success. There is no royal road to success in life, excepting the road of hard work. What you do in the next few years will color your entire future. Naturally we all want to be proud of you in the work you do in preparation for your life service.<br />
<br />
We want to know more about your activities both inside and outside of the college. The details are always interesting.<br />
<br />
All the folk at home unite in warmest love, and the folk at the office send their kindest regards,<br />
<br />
Yours affectionately,<br />
Dad.Haley Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12374809490325504149noreply@blogger.com0