The Nicholsons were at the peak of their problems in 1912, the year the Titanic Sank. Here are some quotes from Norman’s Letters to Margaret:
“I note what you said about the terrible boat accident. It is one of the worst I ever heard. With such a lot of important men to go down with it; Now that the country cannot afford to loose in a way but, I suppose, their places will be filled and in a short time and they will not be missed. I read of one pathetic case. Of man and wife from Montreal. She would not leave her husband: would rather perish with him than leave him on the boat. “
“Edith thinks its fine out there said the grounds and walks were nice and dry she was giving the news of the service held in the American Presbyterian Church eulogizing Hays loss to the Church and City. I have seen so much about the accident n the papers that I got sick reading it – there are so many conflicting statements that it’s hard to believe any of them.”
“The Nickelodeon’s were reaching critical mass in popularity in 1912, but Norman was ‘old school’ and got his entertainment from the pulpit. Woe betide a preacher who was boring. The Nicholsons were also feuding with a Dr. Kelloch, Richmond’s former preacher, over what I am not sure. But they ‘stung’ him by criticizing his boring sermons.”
“Did you hear the Kingsbury Minister? If so, is he as good a preacher as Mr. Sutherland. I received the papers you sent and in one of them I see that Rd has given a call to a Mr. McWilliam and in another place he is called McMillan. Have you heard him?. Is he a star preacher and is he an old man? So you have Dr. Kellock to fill in at present. I am glad I am not there to hear him, as really I would have to stay away from church if he preached “
Amazing, the mail in those days, considering.
“I have forgotten whether I answered your question about how far the Steel is laid West of Cochran. It is laid 200 miles West and 150 east at present. They expect to make the connection with the steel by Christmas west at Superior Junction. But I am doubtful if they can. I haven’t heard from any of the children since writing you last. The trains that carry the mail from here go through to Cochran in the night. Now, so they won’t interfere with the work trains through the day. So you may get my letters quicker then before. Your letter took four days to reach me “
They were feuding with their relations:
“These MacDonalds are a peculiar sort, self conceited lot of Highlanders.. Hard to make much of them. You seem to be the one they all have so much to say about, but I wouldn’t mind it. Just let them whistle it. Will come that they will all have to come to you in the end. I am with you so you don’t need to care. Do not let these things bother you if you can, they are second considerations “
Norman had had typhoid in 1896, the year he built Tighsolas.
“Now I wish you would be careful not to be around Florance’s too much. If it’s typhoid fever she has you know what a dreadful thing it is and catching. I think as catching as any disease altho some of the Drs. claim it is not. See you get sleep and rest enough and that you take plenty of nourishment to keep well, Keep out as much as you can in the fresh air. Do not try to do too much work running between the both places. You know what it would mean to us all should anything like that take you ”
