Photographs of Panama Canal Construction Circa 1914

Robert Noble appears in the near ground in the photo on left. I'd like to think he is pictured with his friend Milwyn Jenkins wearing the Panama hat he lusted for, but that can't be known for certain.

In the photo on the right, Robert and his friend appear on the high scaffolding just to the right of the rectangular opening in the lock under construction.

Letter From Milwyn Jenkins Dated February 1914

My dear Noble.

Just a line to wish you 'Bon Voyage' - and to say how glad I was to see you cooking so well. I trust that in course of a very few weeks to find they have so appreciated you as to find you command of your department for you should be in that position now.

I will bring you some special tea over next trip so that you will enjoy a taste of what we have in the "auld countrie" - & Bob my boy remember that when ever you want anything brought out or got, just let me know. Don't forget my Panama, for I want a nice one. I know your taste in same will do all that's necessary. Don't get it blocked any special shape, for I like it as you state not in the various modes a la Yankee, but in the rough. I shall be looking forward to your parcel, but Bob get it addressed to me

c/o Anchor Line
14 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow

or to home

The Cottage
West Kilbride
Ayrshire
Scotland

as we are not calling at Moville, but Queenstown on this & the return trip - via L'pool, so have it sent that I can have it by Friday morning before sailing.

With all good wishes

Sincerely Friend

Milwyn Jenkins

• Anchor Line envelope and "Anchor Line Twin Screw Steamer Caledonia" stationery, complete with color drawing of the ship in top left corner.
• Envelope postmarked New York, 2, NY, FEB 10, 1914, 2:30 PM.
• Envelope addressed to Mr Bob Noble, Second Steward, S/S "Panama", Panama Steamship Co., Pier 69 North River, New York.
• West Kilbride is on the Firth of Clyde, about 25 mi WSW of Glasgow.

Letter From Eunice Dated 9 January 1914

Jan 9, 1914

New York City

My dearest Bob.
I am very, very ill and I am not able to say much. I'm very sorry you will not be in port Sunday but I suppose it can't be helped. I have been sick ever since you have been gone and it seems as though you have been gone about six months. You must excuse this writing but I feal[sic] so bad I don't know what to write. I guess I nead[sic] the cure you mentioned in your letter, but not at present as I feal to[sic] bad. You know you wouldn't spank me, don't you? I should hate to tell you what you nead[sic]. Remember I've got a lot of things on you, you remember that night then was a good time I should have taken you acrost[sic] my knee, "Remember this what I'm saying to you."

Will close now with love.

Eunice

Text of Cable Sent to Alma Wurdemann Dated 26 August 1913

Panama Canal Rail Road Company.
PANAMA RAIL ROAD S.S. LINE.
Pier, Foot West 27th Street, North River.
H I BAWDEN,TERMINAL SUPT.
TEL. 933 CHELSEA.

New York, .......... 191....

Aug 26, 1913

S.S. Panama,
Returning to New York


My Dearest, dearest Alma/

"Returning to New York"!

Is not that sad, sad news? Is it sad to you, Alma? To me, dear girl, it is most painful. My heart aches and pans so! You see, I've been counting the days and the hours since when I left you, and I've been planning according to the ways that have been most usual - and now, -- well, I'll confess, that the disappointment hurts terribly.

Our ship is sinking. We are on our way, in all speed, back again to New York. We do not know whatever can be the matter. She is taking in water much faster than they can pump it out. We left yesterday at 3. Sometime this morning the soundings showed an increase of water in the bilges & the captain ordered the ship about. There seems to be no immediate danger, though. And, I guess, we shall make port all right. But, anyhow, it means our laying up for an indefinite time.

Alma, this is one of those times when I make even by brevity of letter. I can scarce write. I haven't the composure. I am sorry to the innermost core of my heart. If only it should have occurred later on, say, as we neared Colon.


Stationary stock code: T.S. 30 25000, SEPT, 1910.

Letter From R W White Dated 24 August 1913

August 24, 1913

Willoughby House
Enniskillen

R Noble, Esq
Cristobal, Panama Republic
Central America


Very kindly remembered friend Noble,

Man of mystery. How are you? Where are you? What are you doing?

Seven years and no word from you! How ably and how cruelly honest you have been in keeping your word. And, yet, I might have known it. Although, Noble, on that evening when you came to say good-by, making threats of complete exile and isolation, I took it with a grain of salt, so to speak. I said good-by to you then, dear fellow, fully believing that but a short time must elapse before I should see you again. And I'll tell you why it was that I ridiculed your notions.

You had made great beginnings. No young man in my experience had succeeded in placing himself so prominently before a community as you had done. Your big notions of progressiveness. Your well-formed ideas of the better social laws. Your philanthropic aims and efforts for the betterment of your county first, and for the advancement of your country at all times. Your schemes and your plans appealed to everyone, and your enthusiasm and kindliness won the hearts of the people. Dear me, why did you go away? I have watched the things that you had started grow and develop for the common good, just as you had phrophesied(sic) that they should. I have seen those other things and customs wither and go out of existence, because, it seemed to me, that your condemning word and powerful mind warned us that they had long ago lost their usefulness. Your memory shall always live here, old boy. There have been reforms and alterations carried out here during your abscence(sic) that must always remain with us as monuments of your rousing doctines of government and of law. And yet you stay away from us, and lose the value of your many successes. Was it not you who first suggested the uses to which the council might put the old jail premises. Well, they have carried your plans out to the letter. It has been the most creditable thing done here within memory. Your suggestion, too, concerning the ornamentation of the river banks, and the shore promenade, these are other tributes to your wonderful ability. God, man, how hard-hearted and immovable you must have become?

Well, I have searched the world for you with letters. They have been returned to me from India, Africa, Italy, and from all the corners. Again it is but mere speculation that you shall ever receive this. P. Crumley is now M.P., for this district. (1) Just fancy that? And, sure he was only your pupil. If only you had been here. What a sweeping victory it would have been. And how justly entitled to it you are. And the people -- why bonfires should have blazed from every hill-top, if you had been returned. Remember your great election campaign? that aroused and awakened the people. During the last election your ears should have burned. Everyone recalled how that it was you who had broken the first ground. One of the papers wrote an editorial upon your great speech at Tempo. It was a masterpiece. If only you had been ten years older then. People sympathised with your youth. Somehow, I can only remember how you were charged with the fire of love for the people, and with patriotism for the country. Must we lose men of your calibre, and mind, and worth? Come back, your(sic) are wanted. We all love and respect you. I'll promise that there shall be gala celebrations upon the day of your return.

What are you doing at sea? However can you content your heart? I am sorry to tell you that the N.W.I. Printing Co (2) (3) has fallen through. I know that you shall be sorry. Cahal O'Byrne [photo, right] passed through here sometime ago, he came to find out if I had ever yet heard from you. Little Cis, your sister, spent a week's vacation with Mr Healy last month. She has grown very very thin. I was speaking with her. She cried heartily when got a-talking about you. Your father, too, does not look quite so well. Indeed I think that his business suffered after you went away. And I heard that he took to drinking for some time. Dear, dear boy, wherever I look that you once were, I see big, empty places.

So make up your mind to come back to us. I shall await with anxiety the moment when I shall receive some word from you, after which I shall write you at greater length. So with deepest and warmest wishes for your health and happiness I shall conclude, and I have the rught(sic) to send you not only my love but the love of ten thousand admirers.

From your most sincere friend

R W White

1. Patrick Crumley was Member of Parliament for South Fermanagh beginning in 1910. He replaced Jeremiah Jordan, who served from 1895 to 1910.
2. Derry People, a newspaper based on Richmond Street in Londonderry, was operated by N W I Printing Co, according to the 1910 Ulster Towns Directory.
3. NWI Printing Co is likely an earlier iteration of the North West of Ireland Printing and Publishing Co, which operates

Letter From Alma Wurdemann Dated 1 July 1913

Hotel Shelburne

Ocean Parkway, Brighton Beach, NY

Telephone Coney Island 800

Open All Year

American and European Plan

Mr Noble
c/o S.S. Panama
Pier 67
North River
New York City


Dear Bob,

Just a line to express our sorrow that you won't be with us to-day it is a great disappointment indeed, as we had been looking forward to see you soon after the Panama docked.

In regard to coming here the best way is to take the Brighton Beach Train at the Brooklyn Bridge and we will be at the station to meet you.

Shall close now with kind regards from mama, and hoping to see you to-morrow. I remain

With fond thoughts,

Alma


Envelope is hotel stationary, as above
Envelope is postmarked Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY Jul 1, 1913 7:30pm

Cable From Alma Wurdemmann Dated 1 July 1913

Western Union Telegram

Received at 445 West 13th Street

95NY NC 6 3EX

B BROOKLYN N Y JULY 1

MR NOBLE

S A PANAMA

EXPECT YOU TODAY

ALMA

HOTEL SHELBURNE BRIGHTONBEACH

1211P

Letter From Alma Wurdemann To Her Nephews Dated Approx July 1913

My dear Little Joy & Gloom,

I am sending each of you a little present and I hope you shall like it very much. You see, your Grandma & Aunt Alma are very lonely since leaving you. We are now in our own home and should like most dearly if you were here too. I am sure that all of us should have great fun. I hope that papa and mama & you two will come down on the steamer with Mr Noble to see us. We should be very glad to see you. Hoping you are both good boys. With the very best love from Grandma & Aunt Alma

Clipping: enclosed was a newspaper clipping sent to Robert Noble by Alma Wurdemann. The clipping is mounted on a small postal card monogrammed in the top left corner with a large letter C. The clipping reads: Mrs Henry Wurdemann and daughter, Miss Alma, of Panama, formerly of Jersey City, are spending several weeks at the home of relatives residing in Jersey City Heights.

Handwritten note above the clipping: From the June 10, 1913 Hudson Observer (Jersey City, NJ). Below the clipping is Alma's comment: Wonder who these people are -- Do you know? On the reverse of the card is a handwritten notation: c/o Mrs A Kohler, 621 47th St., Blyn[Brooklyn], NY

Letter From Alma Wurdemann Dated 30 June 1913

June 30, 1913

Dear Bob,

Above all I must thank you for your letters both mama and I were very glad to hear from you, and doubly glad that we will be able to see you tomorrow.

As you will notice by the stationary we are at Brighton Beach and will await you as soon as possible.

I have been very ill and am just recovering therefore you will kindly excuse the brevity of this note.

Come as soon as possible as we're anxious to see you.

Kindest regards from mama and myself. I remain

Sincerely,

Alma

Stationery: Hotel Shelburne, Ocean Parkway, Brighton Beach, NY
Telephone Coney Island 800
Open All Year
American and European Plan

Letter From Mary J Scott dated 20 May 1913

May 20th 1913

S.S.S. Willochra (1)
Wellington, NZ
c/o Union S. S. Co. of N. Zealand
George St, Sydney, Australia

My Dear, Dear Bob,

I wrote you from Durban, SA & I really can't remember whether I have written to you from Antipodes or not, but I guess it doesn't matter it is always another one. All the news I have had as yet was about 3 pages from Joe 2 wks ago. So you can imagine how I am & how I feel. Well! I really think I am losing my reason, can't enter into any conversation with a soul & glad to get into a corner all by myself. I am either home sick or love sick, perhaps both. I would give something to be lying at Pier 64 & anxiously awaiting "Bob" popping in. This is a lovely country sure enough, but I never got such a starving with cold as I have since I came here. They transferred me (at my own desire) to their inter‑colonial run i.e. from Sydney to Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, The Bluff (most southerly point of land in the world), thence across to Hobart (Tasmania) & then to Melbourne, where we stay 3 days, then retrace our "footsteps" to Melbourne, Hobart, The Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttleton & Wellington then across to Sydney. A 5 wks trip. Well! I am not stuck on this Co [company] as yet, & don't think ever will. Have very little to do, & not any beds to make in any port, only when at sea. Got a kind & courteous Chf Srd [chief steward] & we can go out at any port -- sailing day [or not,] it doesn't matter. Don't turn out before 4 o/c morning & set up with Chf & 2nd Srd at table in Saloon in port & at sea. All the same I am very, very unhappy more ways than one. Don't say a word to a soul, Bob, but I have the chance to get into Blue Funnel Line (Holt's) (2) running from Glasgow to Australia & I am going down to "Auslines" when I am in Melbourne June 3rd to interview Chf Srd to see if I can get a position there. Manager in Sydney thot of me & told me I had to see all Chf Srds as they came in until I got back to Glasgow & then I would be taken on there. I would like it better & would have 2 or 3 wks at home & see boys every 4 months & get them out with me when they were ready. I would like that better Bob & would be a bit happier & the fact is ‑ There isn't any nobility travelling here. Best people are between Britain & here or America & here. I won't say to anyone what I have said to you. Believe me, Bob I have cried myself to a skeleton almost & will never settle until I am crossing the Line again. Fancy I've never heard a word from Miss D. I have met a lot of Anchor Line boys here & met 3 or 4 Srds from Glasgow & all are anxious to get home, but I've never said I'm trying to get back. I do not regret leaving Anchor Line not for one moment, but I would have liked to have met you occasionally. This Coy[company] has chartered this boat for 2 yrs from Adelaide S.S. Coy [Adelaide Steamship Co]. I haven't seen a parrot like "Lauretta" here, nor half so pretty. She looked lovely on her stand & boys have her beside them on the table whether eating or reading & both had a good weep when they saw her. I hope you are making lots of money Bob & taking care of it too. It is a wise plan & now is your time. Chf 3rds in this Coy are mere boys & run the bars (both Chf & 2nd) They are much more refined than Anchor Line. Now Bob write me a letter a mile long & tell me exactly what you think about me running between Britain & Colonies. They change you around here very much, & I might be sent to San Francisco when we get to Sydney as she is taking up Aorango's sailing for a trip for survey & then perhaps another ones. However if I do I will write you from Frisco. You might see in shipping news I guess you will. I would like one of your new sailing lists. Now I will get my photo taken when I can keep my face straight & I don't know when that will be. I'm sure. I have some very wealthy cousins in Melbourne, & Councillor J Samuel Johnson (last year mayor of Footscray, Melbourne) came to see me on Niagara & to take me home with him & says he will see to the boys when they are ready to come, so my mind is easy on that score. The Electrical Engineer on this boat was a John Campbell (late of Anchor Line) & he is in jail now for stealing one of 2nd cabin passengers bag & jewellry to the value of L 19 ‑ 10. I knew him well. Isn't that a scandal, so they have sacked every man (Scotch or English) I am only man left on. Now Bob take care of yourself & think how I would love to be beside you when you are sitting in a theatre. I've never been to one since I left you & I don't think I will ever again until I see you. Now with all my best wishes & every thing that is good & write soon, soon to your loving old pal,

Mary J Scott

'Tis hard to say "Goodbye"
'Tis A word that causes pain,
But as the years go by,
Perhaps we'll meet again.
And if we never meet again,
I hope you won't forget
To often cast one little thought
To one who loves you yet.

MJS

Envelope postmarked WELLINGTON MY 21 6:15P 1913

Stationary has flag with CSA Co. insignia

Addressee: Mr Robt Noble (2nd Steward)
c/o W Bawdley, Terminal Suptd
SS "Panama"
Panama Railroad S/S Co
Pier 67 Ft of 27st
New York City
USA
North River
via San Francisco

Business card inside letter: MARGARET E PRENOT, LOUISVILLE, OHIO
On reverse of card, in pencil: Care Temple Tour, Margaret Prenot, Hotel Metropole, Rome, Italy, July 30 ‑ Aug 5

1. The SS Willochra was built in Scotland for the Adelaide Steamship Co of Australia in 1913. It was designed to carry 430 passengers, but an economic downturn in the local market forced the company to idle its new ship. The Union Steamship Co of New Zealand chartered it for a year for the trans-Pacific runs described in the letter, then the ship was requisitioned by New Zealand as a troop ship during World War I. (Australian Steamship SS Willochra Model is Aboard At Our New Home. The Semaphore, Mar 2007, Vol XXI, No 1, published quarterly by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum)
2. The Ocean Steamship Co became known as the Blue Funnel Line, due to its characteristic blue funnels, or Holt's, in honor of the company's founding brothers named Holt.
   

Letter From Mary J Scott 1 April 1913

R.M.S. NIAGARA [Royal Mail Ship]

Opposite Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Apl 1st/13


My dear. dear Bob/

I really feel ashamed at not writing to you before I sailed, but I could not get one moment & in a desperate hurry at finish.

Well! I cannot say yet that I rejoice at change of Company, but I hear all will be different when we get to Sydney & she gets into her proper run to Vancouver. I'm very much afraid I will never run to Vancouver with her. The long voyage is simply disgusting. N. York was quite long enough.

However, I must make the best of it now -- it was for my boys sake that I have done it & I believe it will be all right in the end.

I feel very very miserable & unhappy, Bob. Sleep & I are strangers now, & I feel just worn out. Am doing work of three stewardesses which is very hard, & the lifts are not working until we get to Sydney. Chief Steward, declines to use them for class of passengers we are carrying beds. I have about 1/2 doz: real live saloon, & rest are wives and daughters of U.S.S. Co Employes [United States Steamship Co] The ship herself is certainly a marvel. My room is just lovely & every comfort & convenience, but away from my passengers. Captain Gibb has condemned it & says a room has to be got ready on promenade deck for Sydney for "Chief Stewardess" (That's me.)

I do miss Clara every day & I will never forget the happy night we all spent to-gether, but what a sore heart I had all the same, I never closed my eyes that night. I have pictured you many times Bob & my thoughts are often with you I can tell you. It was a terrible parting with boys & believe me I have a good cry every day some part or other. I must work my finger ends off to get them [ie: the boys] out soon.

I hear it is a lovely country. Everyone you hear speak & they tell me I will never want to leave it. However time will tell.

Should I not like it I will stay, say, for 3 years & come back if God spares me, & if my boys are good & steady I won't need to go to sea.

Will we ever meet again Bob. I can't think that we won't. I really would like to meet again. I did not have any letter from Miss D before I left. I was away before arrival of mail. I was well treated by my shipmates & Chf Srd [chief steward] before leaving. The ladies bought me a handsome box of underclothing & Mr Gordon gave me L 1-0-0 to [One pound, no shillings, no pence] buy gloves & anything I needed, & Baker made me a lovely iced cake. I appreciated them all very much. Now dear Bob I trust you are well & much happier than I am & on receipt of this write by return to C/o of Union S.S. Co of New Z., [Union Steamship Co of New Zealand] to be forwarded to offices in Sydney, Australia.

As soon as you get a new sailing list you might let me have one. I will look your list & see when you will be in NYork & I wish I could have been there too. I never thought I could have been so homesick & unhappy.

We crossed the Equator at 1-30 p.m. Easter Sunday. I didn't feel her bump, but a terrific thunderstorm. I felt heat in Red Sea much worse but it was bad enough. We expect to arrive Durban (where I expect to go ashore & post this) Thursday aft. & coal & leave again Sunday for Melbourne & Sydney. How is poor old Brady - remember me to him? Did you see Miss D. since? Hope you did. Now good night Bob & be sure to write me a letter a mile long & I will write again at Sydney & give you all particulars when I've been at office. With lots of love from your old pal & ship mate

Mary J Scott

[R.M.S. Niagara stationary]

Important

Mr Robt Noble (2nd [Steward)]
S.S.S. "Panama"
Panama Railrd S.S. Co.
Pier 67
North River
New York City USA

[note on inside flap]

Have a few Anchor Line boys. but don't know their names. "Lauretta" looks lovely boys sit & talk to her.

[page 3 of love letter to Robert Noble]

A wonderful power has entered my life,
It came when your eyes reached my heart,
I live in a glorious dreamland with you,
a kingdom of love set apart, and all of
my joys are because I love you,
For love is my life & my all & ages to be,
only means you to me to love until
Heaven's roll call.

I dreamed of your coming & longed for you so,
I built you a shrine in my love, & all that
my fancy had dreamed, love, of you;
You broght when you came from above.
Without you I'd be as a lost mountain stream,
that never has reached to the sea,
Eternity's all seems as ages too small,
To live out my longing for thee.
Tho stars of hope are burning low, dear,
My heart will bid me go, dear,
To the end of the world with you.

I mean all this your loving sweetheart MJS

Letter From Milwyn Jenkins Dated 19 March 1911

ANCHOR LINE


SS Furnessia
nearing Ireland
19.3.11



Dear Noble.

I wonder if you got my P.C. I sent you. I hope you are enjoying the best of health. I expect a letter from you telling me how things are going with you.

We had a record voyage homewards last trip getting into Glasgow Monday evening ‑ This time, I am afraid it will be Tuesday afternoon. though we have had extra good weather, barring one day when we ran into an ice pack, miles & miles in length. It was certainly a beautiful sight. We also saw 5 bergs, one of them being a very fair size.

The hero ship goes her maiden voyage Aug 12th. Everyone is counting on the possibility of joining her. It is very funny hearing their different views. Poor souls. Many will be very disappointed. (see note below)

We have a fairly nice lot crossing with us this trip, comparing with some of the passengers we have carried lately.

I expect you are having beautiful weather, and every thing enjoyable. Anyway you have my best wishes that all luck will come your way.

There are few changes amongst the crew. Nearly all the old hands. All trying to be extra good. Certainly its amusing. After you know them.

I intended leaving the parcel for you this trip, but not knowing when you would be in, I thought it safer to give it another 6,000 mile journey.

I also had a nice lot of papers, but will collect more by the time we get into N.Y. next.

Do try & get me a Panama Straw Hat for the summer. I shall be glad to get one. The Ross's are still in N.Y.. The sister Miss Seary is crossing with us next trip from Moville.

All news I will give you when we meet, which I hope will be soon.

With best wishes & kindest regards

Sincerely Yours,


Milwyn Jenkins

[NOTE: The S S Furnessia made her final voyage on 12 August 1911. Mr Jenkins suggested that a lot of their fellow sailors were scrambling to be aboard for the final voyage but many would be disappointed.]

Letter From Milwyn Jenkins Dated 15 December 1910

ANCHOR LINE
SS Furnessia, nearing Ireland
15/12/10

My dear Noble.

I was very glad to hear from you & to hear of your good luck. I am certain that you will get on well, and that your company will find that your advancement is to their credit.

I am sorry that you were not in New York when we arrived ‑ it's more than good of you to even have brought me the hat; and really I don't know how to thank you. I must say it's really too much of you to give it me, but if you wish it I shall be glad to accept it, as I know by your letter you wish me to do so. Anyway I will send you a like token of my appreciation & thanks & I hope you will always wear it when possible to shew that I think much of you ‑ and no one has your future at heart more than I have, and that should at any time I can do any thing to further you interests you know who to rely on.

Precious little has been doing since you left (except it's really now a very happy ship now old Squires has gone to other spheres). The stewards as usual a motly crowd. ‑ Mrs Ross the Irish Lady I think you will remember came back with us last trip to join her husband in N.Y.

We are hoping to arrive Glasgow Tuesday morning. Should we not be in together you had better leave the hat well wrapped up & sealed with Mr Johnie Bumphy, Receiving Clerk at our Pier, & ask him to take special care of it ‑ for me & lock it up ‑

I wrote you in Panama. & surprised you didn't get my letter ‑

Kindest & best of wishes

Sincerely Yours

Milwyn Jenkins

SS Furnessia - Ship's Program Dated 11 June 1910

Concert Programme

S.S. "Furnessia"

Grand Concert

Will be held in the MUSIC SALOON,

On Saturday, 11th June, 1910

Commencing at 7:30pm

********************

Chairman: Pianist:

Mr Allison A Sim. Rev W J Clarke

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

PART I

1 Song ‑ "Juanita," ‑ Miss Michie

2 Song ‑ "Connemara," ‑ Mr Stewart

3 Comic Song "O Who Wid Ye Lie to be Me" Mr Logan

4 Violin Solo "The Lost Chord" Mr J K Blair

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

Chairman's Remarks. Collection

________________

________________

PART II

5 Song ‑ "Jessie's Dream" ‑ Miss Nicol

6 Comic Song "Barney Riley's Daughter" Mr Carlin

7 Song "Island of Dreams" Mr R A Reid

8 Character Song "The Crooked Baubee"

"Mr and Mrs O'Campbell

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

GOD SAVE THE KING AMERICA

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

The Proceeds of this Concert are on behalf of the

Seamen's Orphan Homes

SPORTS

Will take place on the world renowned

ATHLETIC GROUNDS of the "Furnessia"

ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON 11th JUNE, 1910,

Commencing at 2‑30 o'clock

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS‑‑‑

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ O ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

1 Spoon and Potato Race (Ladies)

2 " " " (Gents)

3 Marking the Pig's Eye (Ladies)

4 " " " (Gents)

5 Jumping Competitions‑‑

Standing

Hop, Step, and Jump

6 Girl's Skipping Contest

7 Boy's Race

8 Married Men's Race

9 Cock Fight

10 Pillow Fight

11 Tug of War

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

Mrs Nevin will present the Prizes at the Concert.

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

COMMITTEE:

Messrs. Logan, Campbell, Young, Ross, and Stewart.

"ANCHOR" LINE

SERVICES

********************

GLASGOW AND NEW YORK,

Via Londonderry (Moville) Weekly

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

GLASGOW, MANCHESTER, AND

LIVERPOOL TO BOMBAY,

Calling at Suez Canal Ports (for Egypt and the Holy

Land) and from Bombay, Suez, Ismailia, Port Said,

MARSEILLES and Gibralter to Liverpool and Glasgow

‑Fortnightly.

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

GLASGOW AND LIVERPOOL TO

CALCUTTA,

Via PORT SAID, Ismailia, and Suez, returning via COLOMBO,

Suez Canal Ports, and Gibraltar to LONDON and

Glasgow ‑ Fortnightly.

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

MEDITERRANEAN and NEW YORK,

Calling at Marseilles, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina,

Palermo, Gibraltar, and other Ports ‑ Fortnightly

sailings each way.

____________________________________

For terms of Freight, Passage, and other information, apply to

ANCHOR LINE (HENDERSON BROTHERS) LIMITED,

GLASGOW, LIVERPOOL, LONDON, MANCHESTER,

DUNDEE, LONDONDERRY, GIBRALTAR

Postcard 7 June 1910

[POST CARD postmarked June 7, 1910, 2:45pm, Glasgow, Scotland.]

Mr R Noble

Asst Steward

SS Furnessia

c/o Anchor Line Offices

North River, New York USA

Dear Robbie,

I seen the old Furnessia "Westward Ho", hardly a living soul conspicuous only one man in white overalls appearently a cook or steward. She passed silently about 7 am. I was dissapointed(sic) not seeing you.

What do you think of Jamaica Brig? Caught in a slack time I should think. Would you rather have it than Brooklyn [Bridge]?I think you would by 3000 miles. Well its grand to think the old yin wins by such a long distance.

I hope Miss B & Miss L Green is fine.

PS: Hoping this finds you in good form as usual if so you won't fear rubbing against Jack Johnston

Best wishes & a pleasant voyage

George

Jamaica Street Bridge, Glasgow, Scotland.

[yin is a variation of the word one and is chiefly Scottish.(Webster's New International Dictionary, 2nd ed.)]

[Jack Johnson, upon whom was based the movie The Great White Hope, was world heavyweight boxing champion from 1908 to 1915. This reference was obviously in jest.]

Introduction

At long last, I have traced my Noble family back to Ireland. It seems that my grandfather, Robert James Noble, was born 4 August 1884 in Ennikillen, County Fermanagh, in what is now Northern Ireland. His parents were Robert James Noble, who was born about 1852 and worked as as cattle dealer, and Mary Anne (MacDermott) Noble, also born about 1852. My great great grandfather, a horse trainer, was named Andrew Noble.

I thought I would establish a blog to facilitate the gradual merging of all the information I've collected over the past thirty years. I'll begin by adding the inventory and transcript of the correspondence of my grandfather, Robert James Noble, as well as some of the history I've been able to put together. As times goes along, I'll add more and more of my research notes and pictures.

Inventory of Robert J Noble's Letters and Misc (1910-1920)

• Jun 7, 1910 SS Furnessia, Anchor Line; postcard from George [Noble], Glasgow, Scotland
• Jun 11, 1910 SS Furnessia, Anchor Line; Daily schedule of entertainment for cruise
• Dec 15, 1910 Letter from Milwyn Jenkins, aboard the SS Furnessia (Anchor Line) near Ireland; to Bob Noble, who has left the Furnessia and is now in Panama with recent promotion; Jenkins is fellow crewmate from Furnessia, old Squires left the crew, but rest of the crew still the same; Johnie Bumphy is receiving clerk at Anchor Line pier; Bob bought Panama hat for Jenkins and Bob is to get it to him.
• 1910 SS Panama; at meridian [near Bahamas]
• Feb 22, 1911 SS Panama; purser's envelope
• Mar 19, 1911 Letter from Milwyn Jenkins, aboard the SS Furnessia (Anchor Line) nearing Ireland; to Bob Noble
• Aug 22, 1911 TSS California, Anchor Line; menu
• Nov 30, 1911 SS Panama; thanksgiving menu
• Feb 14, 1912 Canal Zone hospitals; prescription for eyeglasses
• Mar 15, 1913 Grand Annual Ball, Friendly Sons of Ireland, Colon, Canal Zone (St Patrick's Day celebration)
• Apr 1, 1913 Letter from Mary J Scott, Chief Stewardess aboard the RMS Niagara off Port Elizabeth, South Africa; to Bob Noble, SS Panama. Scott is former Furnessia shipmate.
• May 21, 1913 Letter from Wellington, New Zealand, c/o Union Steamship Co of New Zealand, George St, Sydney, Australia; to Bob Noble, 2nd Steward, SS Panama, Panama Railroad Co, Pier 67, NYC
• Jun 30 ‑ Jul 1, 1913 Alma and her mother are waiting for Bob to return from sea at the Hotel Shelburne, Ocean Parkway, Brighton Beach, NY; series of communiques
• Aug 24, 1913 R W White, Willoughby House, Enniskillen, Fermanaugh, writes to R Noble, Esq, Panama; MP P Crumley, for this district; no word from Noble for seven years; Noble's great speech at Tempo written up in local newspaper editorial; NWI Printing Co failure; Cahal O'Byrne came around looking for Noble; Noble's sister Cis not well; Noble's father drinking and business not doing well; Noble ten years too young to win election when he ran, but his progressive ideas are now quite popular and he would easily win now. Come back!
• Aug 26, 1913 Handwritten text of communique from Robbie aboard S S Panama to Alma Wurdemann re cancelled trip to Panama.
• Dec 25, 1913 SS Panama; Christmas menu
• Jan 9, 1914 Letter from Eunice, sister of Isabel, from NYC; to Bob, SS Panama
• Feb 7, 1914 Letter from Milwyn Jenkins, SS Furnessia, Anchor Line, to Bob Noble, 2nd Steward, SS Panama
• Jul 11, 1914 Letter from A Roberts, Phila, PA, to friend Bob
• Aug 11, 1914 SS Panama menu
• Dec 21, 1914 SS Panama; Geo Goethall's wine order card
• Jan 27, 1915 New York City dental receipt
• May 13, 1915 Letter from the Holley Hotel, NYC, to Bob Noble, SS Christoble
• Jul 1, 1915 Panama Lines, envelope only
• Aug 9, 1915 Letter from Doris Cassell, 1025‑40th St, Brooklyn, NY and envelope from Brooklyn; Mr Noble and his sister are to visit
• Sep 4, 1915 Letter from Isabel, W 36 St, NYC, to Bob, who just shipped out; Lobley quit ship, S S Panama
• Telegram from M Foss, SS Bunker Hill to Bob Noble, wishing the latter luck
• Nov 2, 1915 Letter from Mrs Donovan, Brook Haven, NY, to Robt Noble, Panama RRSS Co.
• Nov 5, 1915 Envelope from Wash DC, to Bob, SS Panama, steward
• Nov 8, 1915 Letter from Isabel Bolton, 10 Ocean Port, Long Branch, NJ, to Bob, 2nd Stew, SS Panama
• Dec 18, 1915 Letter from Isabel Bolton, Long Branch, NJ, and envelope
• Jan 4, 1916 Letter from Isabel Bolton, 10 Oceanport Av, Long Branch, NJ, to Bob in Panama; Isabel refers to Mama and Papa; Isabel's sister is Eunice; McCally, Bolton's lawyer, to work on Eunice's case; Ethel & Frank live in nearby NJ; the Gordons (photo of the Gordons, Bob and Isabel); Bob's sister in NYC area; May is the Boltons' paid servant; Isabel fancies herself as Bob's fiance; Megdellain House (NYC jail?); Jefferson Market West (NYC jail?); Mrs Donovan, living in Panama; Mrs Smith, also lives in Panama
• Jan 28, 1916 Letter from Isabel to Bob
• Aug 6‑31, 1917 Receipts for bulk purchase of foodstuffs for ship E Luckenbacher in port in Chile (Stevenson)