Nantucket. 1908. Flo and May.
Flora Nicholson and May Watters visited Newton Massachusetts in 1908, before my story Threshold Girl begins. I do mention the visit, though. I mention that they travelled to Wellesley College in Henry’s Stanley Steamer! All true as I have a letter from Mrs. Coy in Framingham, where she describes how they dropped in on her unexpectedly and how she was doing housekeeping so a bit embarrassed.
Marion and Edith visit Mrs. Coy in 1912, and she tries to pawn her son Chester off on Marion. Alas, Marion is not impressed. Chester visits the girls in their new flat in 1913, in Montreal, but they still aren’t impressed. (Mrs. Coy sort of implies he is not that keen on marrying, anyway. Hmmm.) Then, in later letters, I see that he has gone mad. Insane. (Mr. Coy writes this upon Mrs. Coy’s death in 1922. He says he visited Chester who was not able to grasp the extent of the tragedy.) I wonder if he went mad after fighting in the war. I’m thinking that’s the most likely thing.
Mrs. Coy mentions “the Prince.” Well, Margaret and Norman visit Quebec for the tercentenary celebrations. They were huge! And the Prince of Wales, soon to be king, arrived on a glistening battleship. I mention this in Threshold Girl. www.tighsolas.ca/page10.pdf.pdf Marion goes to see the films of the Coronation and Margaret says she doesn’t need to, as she has seen the KING already, IN PERSON.
Flo also writes in her letter home that she went to Nantucket with some nurses from the Newton Hospital. And to Norumbega Park.
August 4, 1908
148 Hollis Street,Boston.
My Dear Marion,
Yesterday AM, when I arose I put on an old kimono as it was cool to do a wash in – did a large wash as Chester was gone. I got every extra thing I could into the wash, about 11:am I was just putting things to rights after I had finished washing, and I was about to put a clean table cloth on the dining table as I had taken the other off to wash – when the bell rang. I answered and what was my surprise to find Flora, her cousin Miss Watters and Dr. Watters. I was glad to see them but felt ashamed of my appearance (just my luck). Flora has changed I scarcely think I would have known her had I met her elsewhere. They must be having a good time. They came up in a “Stanley.” I did not get time to ask half I wanted to: I should like to have had the girls come up for a day, but I did not insist as I know there is a lot to see and even half a day with me would not be interesting for young folks.
Dr. Watters appears like a fine young man. Flora said Marion is to teach in Montreal this next year. Herbert might like that. I do not know, but you might go there to live? I supposed Mr. Nicholson can’t go home often, he is so far away. Does Edith return to Three Rivers? I want you to sit down and write me: you owe me a letter. Last summer, you know, Old Orchard had a big fire and one of the cottages burned, I think, belonged to Mr. Norman Nicholson, formerly of Lawrence. I thought you might be a relative of Mr. Norman’s.
Mr. Coy is well this summer. Chester has gone to Maine and New Hampshire. I wish I could have known we were to be alone. I would have asked Ross down. You see, our quarters are limited and I have no help, not so fortunate as you with your three girls. How is your mother. Please remember me to her and your sister, Mrs. Hill. I suppose you had a great time at Quebec and saw ‘The Prince” which to your loyal heart would be reward enough for going.
Love,
Marion (Coy) (cousin)
