Noble of Enniskillen

Photographs: Hendersonville, North Carolina (1926)

2012-02-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

Below are some of my photographs of the Noble children when they lived in Hendersonville, North Carolina circa 1926. Robert Noble took a job as chef at the Kentucky Home Hotel, where they met Jack Dempsey and his wife Estelle Taylor. The kids posed for pictures with sports writers, Jack Dempsey's sparring partner, et al, when Dempsey set up a training camp there. There were lots of visitors from out of town. I'll add more photos after I scan them.

Kathryn, Pat and Bob Noble (on porch of Kentucky Home)

Bob and Pat Noble with Unknown Couple (on porch of Kentucky Home)

Pat Noble sitting in lap of Mr Clark. (Hendersonville)

Bob and Pat Noble with one of Jack Dempsey's sparring partners (Hendersonville)

Pat and Kathryn (Hendersonville)

Pat and Kathryn with an Unknown Man, possibly a sports writer (Hendersonville)

Another version of the sparring partner photo, with a group of women off to the right.

Bob and Pat Noble (at Kentucky Home)

Pat and Kathryn Noble (Kentucky Home)

Pat, Bob and Kathryn Noble with toy Buick (Kentucky Home)

Photographs: Baltimore, Maryland (1918 - 1922)

2012-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some photographs of my grandparents Robert and Kathryn (Carr) Noble and their first two children, Kathryn and Bob, when they lived in Baltimore (1918 - 22).

Kathryn Noble with daughter Kathryn.

Robert Noble with daughter Kathryn (at Mt Holly Inn).

Kathryn Noble with daughter Kathryn (at Mt Holly Inn)

Robert Noble with daughter Kathryn (at Mt Holly Inn)

Robert Noble with daughter Kathryn (in Baltimore)

Robert Noble with son Bob (in Baltimore)

Unknown Man with Bob and Kathryn Noble and Dorothy Dieter (in Baltimore)

Bob and Kathryn Noble and Dorothy Dieter (in Baltimore)

Bob Noble and Dorothy Dieter (at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore)

Bulk Liquor Purchases in Panama Circa 1915

2011-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

My grandfather's correspondence included an undated receipt for bulk liquor purchases as follows:

4 lbs Extract Malaga wine
4 lbs Extract Vermouth
2 lbs Essence Rum Punch

The bottom of the receipt had this math: 3.00 + 7.50 = 10.50 + 7.50 = 18.00 - 1.80 = 16.20. This is evidently the cost of the above three items, minus a 10% discount.
The accompanying envelope is the stationery of Peter Ho Syu, PO Box 80, Colon, Rep. De Panama, General dealer in Merchandize, also in Manufacture of Liquors, Wholesale & Retail.

The receipt was for bulk liquor purchases on behalf of Samuel Wertheim, 47 Vesey Street, New York

Steeplechase Park Combination Badge

2011-01-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

Among my grandfather's correspondence was a souvenir of a visit to George C Tilyou's Steeplechase Park. I will post images soon.

Item is octagonal, roughly 3.5" across, with uneven sides of 1" to 1.75" each. The item looks cut out by hand. A red knotted string is attached through the "H" in STEEPLECHASE. Numbers 1-31 are surely punch card spots representing days of the month for ticket punching purposes.

Obverse-- caricature (2"h x 1.25"w, beg. 1" from top) (red, pink, navy blue) of man with toothy grin in tall white stiff dress collar with red strip tie and red/blue jacket is central figure; "50c" (0.5"h x 0.75"w) (navy blue) on the left and right of caricature; "GEO. C. TILYOU'S" (0.25"h x 1.5"w) (navy blue) (line 1) and "COMBINATION BADGE" (0.125"h x 2.125"w) (navy blue, bold) (line 2) above the caricature; and "STEEPLECHASE" (0.125"h x 1.5"w) (navy blue, bold) (line 1), "THE" (0.125"h x 0.375w) (navy blue, bold) (line 2), with the first three letters of the first word on line 3 cut off, showing " NY PLACE" (0.125"h x approx 1.5"w) (navy blue, bold).

GEO C. TILYOU'S

COMBINATION BADGE

50c (caricature) 50c

STEEPLECHASE

THE

NY PLACE

Reverse-- A large navy blue "96" is in center (0.5"h x 0.75"w) (navy blue on white);, numbers 1-25 in white on a navy blue strip around the edge of the card, oriented with the bottom of each number toward the outside edge of the card, with fine white lines between each number; numbers 26-28 in white on a blue semicircle situated below the "96", with the numbers oriented outward as above; numbers 29-31 above the "96" in similar manner to 26-28; "STEEPLECHASE PARK" in red on white, above 29-31; "COMBINATION BADGE" in red on white, below 26-28; "No. 293017" in red, printed across the "96", with "No." printed with the rest of the card and "293017" obviously stamped on like a ticket serial number.

Letter from Isabel Bolton's Mother Dated Spring 1916

2011-01-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Long Branch, NJ Sunday 191__

My Dear Boy

Isabell and I were sitting hear tonight and were just talking about you and wondering what you were doing tonight what is the matter that you dont come down home for a while as I know the change would do you good and rest your nerves up a little in the quite[sic] country [.] Isabell and I will be alone after tuesday as Papa is going away for about one month we have planted a lovely garden and would have plenty of work for you to do with the hoe. Bob it is lovely hear[sic] the two trees are just fine we have little chickens and they are awfully cute

Isabell is lonesome tonight and so she sat down on the porch and had a nice little cry for herself and I hope she will feel better for a while I know Bob that she would like to see you so try and run down soon I hope you are feeling better in heath[sic] I am getting along fine since I am down hear[sic] got weighed the other day and I am 1 hundred and 37 pounds so you see I am picking up a little when I come out of the hospital I was 90 pounds but I get awfully nervous at times

Eunice has gone to Baltimore for a while and we both miss her & especially on acct of her and the kid fighting and fussing around such as ["This is mine!" "No it aint! Mamma gave it to me!"] and then the fun starts[.]

I have been to NY several times and thought of you then & would say ["W]ell if I go down there he might not be there["] so let it pass & each time without seeing you but hope to see you soon [P]ut everything aside and come down[.]

Papa has been very busy this last week putting up the screens to the windows and also fixing the screen doors[.] I tell you he is a regular farmer now you would die laughing if you could see him hoe[.H]e leaves the weeds and hoe's out the plants and when I give him the devil he says ["W]ell Mam I have to learn[. H]e is very buisy[sic] at the present moment putting a new handle in one of the hoes[.] Isabell broke it the other day and he wants to get things fixed up before he goes away[.]

The kid him and I went for a walk this afternoon in the woods and around the swamp[. W]hen we were walking Papa said[,"I]t is to[sic] bad that Bob aint hear[sic] I know he would enjoy this[."]

Well Bob I have wrote you a long letter and the next thing I want to see is you in person so be sure and come the latest next Sunday[. I]t looks as if we were going to have a storm tonight as it is lightening now and I do hate to see it[.] I get the shivers[. W]ell Bob I guess I will close with love from Papa the Kid and a good share from your Ever Loving Mother

the last call come down to L B [Long Branch]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X Isabell

[Stationary from Broadway Hotel, Broadway, Opp. Third Avenue, Benj. Jennings, Prop. -- Open Entire Year, Permanent and Transient Guests, First Class Cafe, Long Branch, NJ. Stationary provides a date block revealing that it was printed in the 1910's. The letter is dated only "Sunday".]

Letter from Isabel Bolton Dated 4 January 1916

2011-01-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

10 Ocean Port Ave

Jan 4, 1916

My dear Bob

I have waited just as you did, till the last moment to write.

You see we have had so much trouble and I wanted to wait til I could tell you about Eunice, Her trial came up last night, Mama and Papa both went to the trial and it was put off till Friday

Mama got McCally our lawyer for her and he is waiting till one of the judgets whom is his friend to sit, Because he can talk to him and say he knows our family and get her on probation and one day in jail. If she has any other judge she will get three years in the Megdellain home. and that will be awful, She has been laying in Jefferson market west since she was arrested.

Mama wanted to bail her out, But I said no and finally talked it into Mama, Maybe this will make a good girl of her, she didnt think of jail when she was running around, and if she gets out too easy it will not teach her a lesson, she sees now that there is bitter as well as sweet in that kind of life.

Of course she will come home and stay if she behaves, I will have to share my pleasures and luxuries with her and Mama will either have to discharge May or we because the expense on Papa[.] Mama really needs May so the only thing left to do is go to work. Papa says I should stay home and make her work to pay her for being naughty, But Mama says, Eunice is just as dear to her as I am and if she works I have to also, I can just see my trouble starting, my life will be miserable after she comes because we never agree in anything, But I am willing to sacrifice rather than see her go away for three years, that is a long time, But if I wanted to talk to Papa and ask him not to let her come, he would not let her come in the house, so Mama told me if he says to me "Do you think I better take her and give her another chance"

I have to say "Yes" and try to make him care for her as much as he does me, But he told me and so has May that I come first in their hearts, I'll just have to take what comes and just as I said about

her taking the bitter with the sweet I have to do the same. She is my sister and maybe she is just as good as I am, it might have been me instead of her that went wrong and I'd look for sympathy also, I think you still have love in your heart for her, She telephoned the day before she was arrested and said how she met you on eight have and you took her to a restaurant and when you asked if she would have another cock-tail she said "no George", you seemed quite peeved and questioned her who he was etc.

You also said it was all your fault about Lobley and said you hadn't spoken very nice to Mama about her, I think you mean well and good Bob when you dont see her, but I am quite sure a little spark of love still burns in your heart for Miss Eunice You will forgive me I know but I must tell you You say yoiu like me but something seem's to tell me that you dont. I sent Mrs Donavan a New Years card, I sent it to Panama So she would be sure and get it this trip. It is a week after New Years but it was the best I could do. I would have sent your sister one had I known her address.

It was good the boat was delayed Because if it had sailed Thursday I was coming to see you off, then go and spend a couple of hours with Eunice, then come home on a later train. I was going unbeknown to Papa, and I would have been arrested two[sic]. You know they came to her house and said that George (her friend) had sent them, She let them in and told them to sit down and after they had talked a little while the Detective said "you are under arrest." She really hadn't done a thing out of the way. So if I had been there I would have been arrested too. YOu see the judge looks down on anyone that admits strangers to their flats. So she is up for tenement house. Of course the officers lied on her and said she asked them to go to bed. But they tell lies on every body. She surely would get three years. If McCally wasn't a personal friend of a Judge and as it is she might get six months, I hope not anyway. Because they treat you so bad and the food is abominable and she would be way up state where we couldnt visit her frequently so I hope and pray she will be let out, maybe God has picked this device to make a good girl of her.

The pictures Mama and I took are finished and the whole six are good. We cannot find the other ones that papa took of the Gordon's and yourself and I, I thought I saw you take them but I wasn't sure so I didn't say anything about it. Ethel stayed till Frank made her go home and she didn't send him a cent for spending money and when the lawyer telephoned and said his trial would come up the 3 of Jan. she didn't telephone or send a cent so Mama had to pay his carfare to New York & so he could be to trial. She is the laziest person I ever saw and after all we done for them when Eunice got in trouble I asked if Ethel wouldnt try to get her some decent food in to her if we sent some money, she said she was sorry but she wasnt going to be in New York. She lives in Jersey the fare is only seven cents to N.Y. And when she left here she stold [sic] a box of bath soap, all papa's and Mama's handkerchiefs and one of the little dolls I had made for your [illeg] the yellow one. She is an awful thief.

Well I am talking about a lot of foolishness and something I know does not interest you. But I am home all alone - mama and papa are both in New York - and I feel ready to burst with talk to tell some one. This letter is longer than the last but not half as interesting or half as intelect, But I cannot express the feeling in words that I have I feel as though I could tear some body to pieces, I took all the stove apart and blackened it, it never shone so before. I put about a box of blackening on it, three coats and then shone it. I also scrubbed the floor and the celar[sic] steps are as white as snow. But it releaved [sic] the awful feeling that I had, I think I need a good whiping [sic]

Mama says she can not seem to get herself togeather[sic] when it comes to whip me but she can beat Eunice three times a day. And she will too when she comes home we will both get it for dinner supper and breakfast.

I haven't been feeling very well since you are away that confounded [illeg] seems to stick to me. The dog ran away and stayed for three days then came back starved to death. We washed him the other night he looks nice now, and feels so gay that he snaped[sic] at Frank and almost tore his good pants off. Frank went yesterday and the house seems deserted. May is upstairs cleaning the windows. She sends her love to you.

Give my love to Mrs Donavan and Mrs Smith. I suppose you were bothered all this trip with the blooming ass. Well Robbie dear I am going to make a new pillow for the couch so I think I'll be after closing this muddled up thing and I ask you to forgive me dear for the penmanship and spelling as I am very much out of sorts. And I hope you have a nice trip and come back home safely to me. Love and a billion kisses to you. I only wish I had you all the time instead of 1/4 of the time. Little Buster sends her love to you. wishing you a very happy New Year I remains always till niagara falls your little girleen

Isabel

XXXXXXXX

PS. Dont forget and telephone as soon as you dock. Will have a little card waiting for you when you come in.

I D Bolton

XXXX

[Envelope addressed to Mr Robert Noble, Cristoble, Panama, attention to S. S. Panama, Canal Zone, 2nd Steward, postmarked Long Branch, NJ Jan 5, 7 AM, year unclear; return address is partial, [Isabel Bolto]n, [Oc]eanport, Long Branch, NJ; sealing wax on back of envelope]

Letter from Eunice Dated 9 January 1914

2011-01-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

New York City

Jan 9, 1914

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

Maureen's Confirmation

2010-12-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

(From left) Barbara, Maureen, and Pat Jr with their mother Elaine and her mother Frieda Plaski.

On the occasion of my sister Maureen's confirmation circa Spring 1963, my sister Barbara and I posed for pictures with Maureen, our parents, and our maternal grandmother in our parents' front yard at 6511 Perry Court in Landover, Maryland.

Pat Jr and and his father Pat.

Maureen and Pat Jr pose with their mother in front of the family car, a 1961 Rambler American. The family home is in the background.

USS Langley at Norfolk

2010-07-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I came across a book in my family's collection called The Complete Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant, copyrighted 1903 by M Walter Dunne, entered at Stationer's Hall, London, published as "ten volumes in one" by Walter J Black Co, 171 Madison Avenue, New York City, and printed in the US. The book is inscribed, "Property of James Thomas Walker, USS Langley, Norfolk Va."

Many of the old books in my personal collection came into my father's hands on a single occasion in the 1960s. His mother, Kathryn Lucilla (Carr) Noble, widow of Robert, had boxes of books she needed to dispose of. And my father coincidentally had a bunch of empty bookshelves in the basement of our home in Landover, Maryland just waiting for some books. Much to my wife's regret, most of them ended up in my personal collection when my father and step-mother were packing to move to Tennessee after his retirement.

Many of the books were from the estate of my grandmother's favorite Aunt Kate Morgan, who died in 1936. The collection has many inscriptions dating back to the 1880s through the 1910s with the surnames Morgan, Pierpont, Tatnall, et al. (My Aunt Kathryn (Noble) Ogg also had a lot of these books in her living room bookshelves.)

Some of the books are those acquired by my father during his World War Two service in Australia. Others are my Aunt Kathryn's childhood books, including an English grammar book, an English literature book, and a Girl Scouts manual, all from the late 1920s early 1930s, some stamped Maury High School and marked with Kathryn's homeroom number.

But I suppose that some of the books must have belonged to Robert, presenting us with the opportunity for additional clues about his family and personal sojourn. I like to think this book suggests an acquaintance between my grandfather and Mr Walker and/or the USS Langley.

Based on History Central's History of Ships and Navies: USS Langley, there are a couple of interesting intersections between that ship and the life of my grandfather, Robert J Noble.

Between 1920 and 1924, the USS Langley was retrofitted at Norfolk into the first aircraft carrier of the US fleet, sea trialed in the Caribbean, and exhibited at Washington. My grandfather relocated from Baltimore to Norfolk during this period.
Prior to its renaming as the USS Langley in 1920, the collier USS Jupiter became the first ship to pass through the Panama Canal west to east on Columbus Day 1914, while returning from Pacific duty off Mexico during the Veracruz crisis. My grandfather always claimed to have sailed on the first ship through the Panama Canal, but records of the canal's inaugural passage east to west didn't show him aboard that vessel. Perhaps he was aboard this US Navy ship for some reason? Seems unlikely. Ancestry has only limited passenger records for a merchant marine ship called the SS Jupiter, and those are from a landing at New Orleans in mid-1915.

My grandfather lived in Norfolk twice, including the years of the Second World War and those leading up to his death in 1951. He could have picked up the book in those later years and been unacquainted with Mr Walker. But the two items above makes his widow's possession of this book intriguing.

Baltimore, Maryland (1918 - 1922)

2009-12-30T01:16:00.000-08:00

Family tradition says my grandfather Robert J Noble met his wife, Kathryn Lucilla Carr, in Baltimore, where Kathryn had gone to live with an aunt⁽¹⁾ while looking for work as a teacher. After finding a teaching job, Kathryn found part time work as a bookkeeper at a hotel, where they met and fell in love.⁽²⁾

There seems little chance they met in New York City while Kathryn was attending Columbia Teachers College. Kathryn returned to her hometown of Wilkes Barre, PA, after graduation and picked up her teaching certificate, not exactly something a woman would do who planned to court a man living in Baltimore.

According to data provided for a family genealogy⁽³⁾ by Kathryn herself, she and Robert married on June 7, 1918. The genealogy doesn't provide a location, and the genealogist's records were destroyed by vandals.⁽⁴⁾ There is no record of a marriage certificate for Robert and Kathryn in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, or in the Manhattan records of the City of New York.⁽⁵⁾

Family tradition states that one or both families opposed the marriage on religious grounds, supposedly because the bride was Protestant and the groom was Catholic. Whatever if anything might have happened, Kathryn and Robert shied away from their relatives for many years. There were virtually no visits with the children's grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins. None of the Noble children have any significant recollections of their parents' kin.

The tradition continues that, as a result of this religious conflict, Robert and Kathryn pledged not to foist any particular religion on the children. The children chose an assortment of churches to attend, including Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist and Presbyterian.

Robert and Kathryn had been married about six months when World War I ended on 11 November 1918.

When their daughter, Kathryn Carr Noble, was born on 27 June 1919⁽⁶⁾, Robert and Kathryn were residing in the outskirts of northwestern Baltimore city. Robert was working at the Mount Holly Inn⁽⁷⁾, a fashionable suburban hotel in the Windsor Hills section⁽⁸⁾ of the city. Robert, who lived with his family at the inn, worked in the dining room, apparently his first hotel steward job following years of steamship passenger food service experience.

Their son, Robert James Noble, Jr was born at the hotel on 9 October 1920.⁽⁹⁾ There was a terrible thunderstorm that Saturday night, and the ambulance was several hours late, so delivery was accomplished right at the hotel. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Kathryn had gone to the hospital earlier, but the doctor sent her home because she wasn't ready yet. Robert was outraged when he got a bill for the delivery room anyway. ⁽¹¹⁾

Robert was still working at the inn at the time of its great fire, according to his children.⁽¹²⁾

Robert no doubt waited to see whether Cahill would rebuild. When Cahill retired from the Clark Company in 1922, ⁽¹³⁾ Robert left Baltimore for a job at the Monticello Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia.

Mount Holly Inn

Cardcow.com

Completed in 1900 as a summer resort overlooking the Gwynns Falls Valley from Clifton Avenue, the four-story Mount Holly Inn's 120 sleeping rooms offered Baltimoreans a cool respite from the local summer weather.⁽¹⁴⁾ The inn was located at the corner of Clifton and Lyndhurst in the Windsor Hills and Walbrook sections of Baltimore City.

[The Windsor Hills area, where the inn was situated,] was so "country" that cows wandered up Alto road. Monticello road. . . consisted of two muddy ruts. There was no store of any kind until you got to Garrison boulevard or Walbrook junction. Windsor Mill road was the only decently surfaced street leading into the community. The Mount Holly line No. 1300 streetcar ran along [Windsor Mill road]. ⁽¹⁵⁾

After the First World War, the Mt Holly Inn was bought and converted to a year-round resort by Winfield Scott Cahill, President and Treasurer of the James Clark Company, marine engine and boiler builders and repairers of steamships. Cahill's parents were both Irish Catholics born in America, his father a Civil War naval hero. Cahill was born in Baltimore on Nov 2, 1861 ⁽¹⁶⁾, making him almost thirty years Robert's senior. Cahill held interests in tugboat operations, in harbor dredging companies and marine railways, according to his obituary. A Baltimore Sun piece related the following:

At the Cahill plant, and that of the James Clark Company, of which Mr Cahill was president before the formation of the company which bore his name, were built most of the engines and boilers for the tugs in Baltimore's harbor and the great fleet of steamers which plied the Chesapeake and its tributaries in the latter part of the last and first two decades of this century.⁽¹⁷⁾

One can speculate that Robert knew or was introduced to Cahill through mutual acquaintances, given the latter's Irish heritage and steamship business connections.

Mrs Helen Boyd was chaperone of the inn.

Under her ever-watchful eyes, couples danced the two-step, gavotte and whirled to the waltz. Dances looked upon as too flamboyant were strictly taboo -- although the "Bunny Hug" and "Grizzly Bear" were accepted innovations. ⁽¹⁸⁾

The inn burned to the ground in its second fire in twenty years, which occurred on December 7, 1920.

The burning inn, situated on a hill, cast a shimmering glow in the night sky which attracted people from all over the city. . . . When the final flames went out, only a couple of walls and a chimney were left standing.

No lives were lost and only minor injuries resulted. Senator Ovington E Weller and his wife, who were among the 136 guests the night of the fire, lost all the clothing and jewelry in their room.

Cahill's plans to rebuild never materialized. He tried offering a barn on the property as a dance hall, but the venture wasn't tremendously successful. On the site a recreational center was built and dedicated to Cahill, who donated the property to the city in 1939.

Footnotes

1. Some family members say there was an Aunt Kate living in Baltimore who was quite wealthy and took in her niece. Kathryn's Aunt Katherine Morgan seems to have lived in Wilkes Barre her whole life. An Aunt Laura, possibly Laura Barnes, who lived in Baltimore in the late 1920s, might simply have been a friend of Kathryn's.
2. One story says Kathryn worked part time as a food auditor; another says she was a cashier. She worked with Robert at the Lord Baltimore or the Mount Holly Inn, according to some versions; she worked at the Lord Baltimore or some other downtown hotel while Bob worked at the Mount Holly Inn, according to other renderings. Pat remembers a story about a supply elevator in the sidewalk involving one of these hotels.
3. The Descendants of the Four Grandfathers of Walter Samuel, Jr and Mary Louise (Wootten) Carpenter (Carpenter-Wootten), by George Valentine Massey, 1970, Chart 23
4. According to a May 1980 letter from Massey, "Vandals broke into my house some years ago & ransacked my genealogical files. Some were burnt in the fireplace. So I am afraid I do not have the notes I made for your grandmother."
5. This record should be recoverable once US marriage records are gathered and stored in a national database.
6. Kathryn says her birth certificate states her parents were residing at the Mount Holly Inn at the time of her birth. She adds that her father's place of birth is listed as Red Bank, NJ.
7. Photo on file at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD, labelled Mt Holly Inn, Dec 1915, Barker 209.
8. Enoch Pratt Free Library, in a letter dated Jan 12, 1993, said that the neighborhood where the Mt Holly Inn was listed as the 15th Ward in a 1924 Baltimore City ward map. This information might help locate the hotel in the 1920 Federal Census. Robert and Kathryn Noble do not appear in the Soundex of the 1920 Maryland Federal Census, based on a search conducted by the writer.
9. Bob says his birth certificate is says West End Maternity Hospital, 103 W Franklin, Ward 15, Baltimore City, MD, which is marked over with the Mount Holly Inn.
10. According to Bob Noble.
11. According to John Noble.
12. It isn't clear why the Noble family doesn't appear in the 1920 Maryland Soundex. Census takers usually would poll hotels in small towns, but it isn't clear what their practice would have been in the bigger cities.
13. Ibid
14. "Windsor Hills Best Known As City Summer Retreat", by Harold I Silverman, The Baltimore American, Dec 21, 1958.
15. "The Early Days of Windsor Hills", by Robert E Base, The Baltimore Sun, Jul 29, 1956. Photo in article has caption: "It was in 1910 that this photo was taken, looking west from the intersection of Clifton avenue and Mount Holly street. The big building is the Mount Holly Inn; the Cahill Recreation Center now occupies the site."
16. History of Baltimore, Maryland, S B Nelson, Publisher (1898), pp 791-2
17. The Baltimore Sun, Sunday Oct 16, 1945.
18. Silverman, ibid

Pat Noble and the Second World War (1943 - 1945)

2009-12-29T23:33:00.000-08:00

The Draft

My father, Pat Noble, was drafted on 7 Jan 1943 at the age of nineteen. He had a choice to enter the service immediately or take a one week furlough to settle family affairs. He chose the latter option. He wanted to take his mother, Kathryn L (Carr) Noble, up to see her father, George N Carr, but arrangements couldn't be made. Instead, Pat went with his father and brother John up to New York City for a few days.

They stayed at the Barbizon Plaza Hotel at 106 Central Park South. Robert J Noble showed them all around Manhattan, mainly on foot, mostly around Central Park, but also to the Battery and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Robert knew lots of stores, etc. Robert was with his kids the whole time and they never saw any relatives. Robert suggested that they cut the trip short for the sake of Pat's mother, who would want to spend time with her son before he left for the service.

Training

Pat went to the induction center at Camp Lee, a staging area near Petersburg, VA. He went by troop train to Miami Beach, FL, where he spent about three weeks in training. At the end of this brief boot camp, Pat received his assignment to join a military police unit training north of Charleston, SC. He travelled by troop train to a base called Ten Mile, located about ten miles between Charleston and Summerville, SC. The site is now Charleston Airport.

The new arrivals from Miami were supposed to be grouped with a unit shipping out immediately, but at the last minute they were attached to the 1124th Military Police (Army Air Corps) instead and remained at Ten Mile for an additional three and a half months of much needed training.

Pat and four others shared a tent at Ten Mile: Don Dupree (Milwaukee, WI), Ted Glover (Clifton Forge, VA), Eli Rafal (Norfolk, VA) and J J Burns (Milwaukee, WI). Burns was about forty yrs old, the owner of a Buick dealership where Don had worked in Milwaukee (or a Buick dealership associated with the one where Don worked). Don Dupree had been in Miami when Pat was there, but they didn't become acquainted until Ten Mile.

Don introduced my father by mail to his younger sister, Elaine Mary Dupree, and they corresponded throughout the war. The relationship warmed and they married promptly upon Pat's return.

Transportation to the Pacific Theater

The 1124th received orders to the Pacific Theater, where they would guard air bases associated with General Douglas McArthur's operations against the Japanese. McArthur had been forced from the Philippines and was regrouping in Australia. Pat's unit left South Carolina by troop train and assembled at California's Camp Stoneman.

A river boat took them to San Francisco Bay, where they boarded the troop ship SS Matsonia (former S S Malolo). En route to Australia they landed in Auckland, New Zealand, where they stayed a couple of days. The local economy wasn't prepared for all the relatively "wealthy" American troops, who ordered up 16 cent steak and egg breakfasts and similar bargains.

Australia

Upon its arrival, the 1124th was assigned for a few weeks at Amberly Field at Ipswich, which is located about forty miles WSW of Brisbane, a major city Australia's east coast. Pat's unit was transferred to Eagle Farm air base at Brisbane, where he was stationed about a year and a half to two years.

While stationed in Brisbane, Pat became well acquainted with the Edgar family: Harry "Pop" Edgar and wife Cass, their son Henry and his wife Doss, and Henry's daughter Gayl. Pat also had his first sinus surgery there.

The 1124^th split up into three locations: some moved to Archerfield, right across the bridge from Brisbane; some moved to Eagle Farm; and the rest remained at Amberly Field. Pat and Eli Rafal moved with the group going to Archerfield, while Ted Glover and Don Dupree remained at Amberly Field. During the three months he served at Archerfield, Pat received his promotion to Private First Class(PFC).

Pat then spent a year at Garbutt Field in Townsville, Australia. The Edgars came north to visit him while he was stationed in Townsville.(Pop Edgar, then his son Henry, both died not long after Pat left Australia.)

New Guinea

General McArthur and the Allies conducted the New Guinea campaign from Australia. Sometime in the spring of 1945, after the Battle of Biak, Pat was flown from Australia to Biak, a large island in the Schouten Islands off the northern coast of New Guinea to serve the last few months of the war. He joined his friends Ted Glover and Eli Rafal, who were already there.

During Pat's stay, a Japanese plane dropped five or six bombs on the three airstrips there and killed about two hundred fifty persons. Japanese soldiers living in the nearby hills would regularly come and steal food at the base.

Going Home

Pat, Eli, and Ted boarded a ship for home, stopping briefly [but not disembarking from the ship] at Finschhafen en route to San Francisco. An assignment to provide military police services in Tokyo was in the offing towards the end of the war, but they received their discharges instead. They caught a train east to Fort Bragg, NC, where they left the service. They caught a train together to Norfolk. Pat arrived home 28 December 1945.

Pat walked home, used his door key to enter the house, seeing his mother cooking at the stove in the kitchen for the first time in three years.

New York City (1916 - 1917)

2009-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

My grandfather Robert J Noble left the Panama Canal Zone sometime after January 1916 and returned to the New York City area to look for work. German submarine warfare had significantly reduced transatlantic commercial shipping, and demand for passenger liner service dried up after the sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915.

Robert supposedly worked briefly at The New York World, a New York newspaper that closed in the 1940s. Among the recollections he related to his children, Robert told of covering a large munitions explosion in New Jersey in about 1916. That explosion was surely the Black Tom Explosion, which took place on the morning of Sunday 30 July 1916, at the National Storage Company on Black Tom Peninsula. The peninsula juts out into New York Bay across from the Statue of Liberty and is currently memorialized at Liberty State Park near Jersey City, New Jersey.

Robert is said to have become friends with Bernarr McFadden, of isometric exercise fame, while working at The New York World.

While local reporting was exciting, Robert wanted to be a foreign correspondent. When he approached his boss, Robert was told he needed overseas experience before he could become a foreign correspondent. His desire to be a foreign correspondent was transposed into something real by the person providing details of his life for Robert's obituary in 1951.

Robert left the newspaper business in frustration after less than a year. Part of his frustration might have had something to do with World War I and the struggle for the sea lanes. The United States had declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, but Robert wasn't allowed to serve, either because of his age -- he would have been close to thirty years old -- or, more likely, because of his eye injury.

As he walked away from the office, Robert saw a billing for a shipping company offering foreign travel. He decided to ship out right away.

The Panama Canal Zone (1910 - 1916)

2009-12-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

Unsatisfied with the pay and advancement available from Anchor Line, my grandfather Robert J Noble applied for a job with the Panama Railroad Steamship Line while in New York on port of call.⁽¹⁾ By December 1910, Robert had made at least one run to the Canal Zone and back to New York aboard the SS Panama, which operated under the watchful eye of Commander Benjamin Corning.⁽²⁾ Robert would work on and off as a steward aboard passenger liner cruises between the Panamanian ports of Colon and Cristobal and New York for the next four or five years.

Robert told his children that sailors received premium pay for working in Panama in those days because of the danger of yellow fever.

The SS Panama crossed a point east of the Bahamas⁽³⁾ on Christmas Day 1910, according to a ship's record Robert kept as a souvenir. The slip of paper was folded up and used to jot down two names and an address: O'Rourke, McVicker, 367 9th, corner of 35th. This address was likely in Manhattan or Brooklyn.

One of his SS Furnessia crew mates, Milwyn Jenkins (likely the man in the photo above, left), wrote often, updating Robert (above, right) on the old gang at Anchor Lines. Milwyn also bundled newspapers from Ireland and left them in New York for Robert to pick up from the Anchor Line clerk when next in port. Much of their correspondence centered on getting a Panama hat for Milwyn.

Jenkins wrote on 15 December 1910 to congratulate Robert on his promotion.

I am certain that you will get on well, and that your company will find that your advancement is to their credit.

Jenkins updated Robert on the old crew. He also told Robert that the Irish lady, Mrs Ross, rode the SS Furnessia last time out of Moville to join her husband in New York. Jenkins said Robert no doubt remembered her.

In his next letter, dated 19 March 1911, Jenkins said Mr and Mrs Ross were still in New York. He added that "the sister Miss Seary" would be making the next crossing to New York out of Moville.⁽⁴⁾

Robert cooked on at least one occasion aboard the TSS California, but almost all of his correspondence came via the SS Panama.

Robert, who had a youthful countenance, grew a moustache to add a few years to his appearance, hoping to gain respect from and authority over his older and brawnier employees.⁽⁵⁾

Robert lost his sight in one eye, reportedly the result of a storm at sea.⁽⁶⁾ A receipt from the Eye & Ear Department, Ancon Hospital, Ancon, CZ, to the Eye and Ear Clinic at Colon Hospital, Cristobal, CZ, for prescription glasses dated 14 February 1912, might somehow be related to his accident. His son John recalls his father telling of being in the hospital at Colon, but John put the time frame at approximately 1916-17.

Robert attended the Grand Annual Ball of the Friendly Sons of Ireland, in Colon, Canal Zone, on 15 March 1913.

First Ship Through the Panama Canal

Robert told everyone that he was ship's cook aboard the first ship through the Panama Canal, and there's little reason to doubt his story.⁽⁷⁾ There is ample proof that he was in the vicinity at the time; Robert kept a souvenir copy of the breakfast menu from aboard the SS Panama dated 11 August 1914, only days before the official opening of the canal. Many pieces of correspondence and numerous photos show him touring the construction as the locks were still being built.

The official record is silent on the matter, however. The SS Ancon was the first ship through the canal on 15 August 1914, and neither the National Archives nor the Panama Canal Commission could find any records to prove that Robert was aboard.

Robert might have been on an unofficial first ship through the canal, or the first ship to travel the other direction through the canal. Maybe the SS Panama was involved in testing the locks prior to the official opening? Maybe his ship was first to sail from the Atlantic to the Pacific? Then again, Robert might have been aboard the SS Ancon with George W Goethals for the historic event.

Part of the problem in making a final determination is that Robert was not a passenger; adequate records of crew members are not available. Official employment records show a couple of Robert Nobles worked on the canal project, but neither was identical with our Robert.⁽⁸⁾

Robert often boasted of his acquaintance with Goethals, chief engineer of the Panama Canal (1907-14) and governor of the Canal Zone (1914-16), but the proof of same is limited to a stateroom receipt for wine dated 21 December 1914.

Robert made regular runs to New York City⁽⁹⁾ throughout this period, based on correspondence with a series of girlfriends he developed in the city and surrounding area.

A Business Opportunity In Peru that Never Materialized (September - October 1915)

There was at least one break in service with the Panama Railroad Steamship Line during this period. When the SS Panama departed New York on September 9, 1915, this was to have been the last voyage for Robert and a fellow steward named Mr Lobley aboard this line. Although they both wanted to quit right away over bitter promotion disputes, Robert and Lobley needed the seed money they would make on this last voyage for a business opportunity in Peru. Also, they would be embarking on their journey to Peru from Panama, with no immediate plans to return to New York.⁽¹⁰⁾

But Lobley grew uneasy and without a word to Robert abruptly backed out. The day the SS Panama sailed, Lobley showed up instead at Isabel Bolton's New York apartment to explain to Robert's girlfriend why he had quit. Isabel wrote

He told me all about the trouble he had on the boat, and -- well you can hardly blame him, Bob, because it would make you or anybody feel the same. Supposing when you went on the ship the captain said,'Well Mr Noble I have someone to act as first steward so you can keep your old job.'

but she wasn't entirely sure why Lobley was at her place

Well I was more than surprised when he walked in here at three o'clock. I kept looking at the clock and saying,'Well Bob will be going soon'. . . and when he came up gee I almost drop[p]ed dead. I thought -- well, maybe something had happened to you.

While Lobley promised to say his goodbyes to a sweetheart and be at the dock ready to leave for Peru when the SS Panama returned, Isabel was wise enough to realize that Lobley might never follow through on the business deal in Peru.

But on the other hand, it is the last trip and of course the money will make quite a lot of difference to him on account of going to Peru. . . . Maybe he didn't care so very much to go away anyway?

Robert's friendship with Lobley soured and the Peru adventure fell through.

By early November 1915, Robert returned to the SS Panama, back to a Second Steward position. A Mrs Donovan of Brook Haven, New York, a frequent passenger on the SS Panama who knew Robert and his former girlfriend Alma quite well, put in a good word with a Mr Foss at the Panama Railroad Steamship Company. This same Mr Foss wired greetings to Robert from the SS Bunker Hill on the occasion of Robert's last voyage aboard the SS Panama on September 9, 1915. Mrs Donovan got Mr Foss to agree that if Robert wanted his job back, the line would look upon Robert's absence as a vacation. Robert evidently stayed with the SS Panama at least through January 1916. [Donovan letter; Foss telegram]

Robert's son John says his father was chief steward for McCormick Line and Grace Line Steamship Companies, buying supplies for a fleet of six or seven freighters operated out of the Canal Zone. The USS Florida played a part in this scenario, according to John's recollections. This information doesn't fit very neatly into Robert's profile, but should not be discounted entirely.

Alma Wurdemann

Robert's girlfriend in 1913 was Alma Wurdemann, who lived with her mother, Mrs Henry Wurdemann, in Panama.

Robert and Alma apparently socialized over a period of months whenever Robert was in port from his steward's job aboard the S. S. Panama. Alma was clearly interested in developing the relationship, based on her letters to Robert.

The Wurdemanns were former residents of Jersey City, NJ. When Alma and her mother visited relatives in Jersey City Heights, their social itinerary rated a brief mention in their former hometown paper, The Hudson Observer. Alma sent Robert a copy of the article and wrote below it "Guess who?"

Alma and her mother spent the rest of June visiting local friends and relatives, including Alma's nephew and his parents. Robert steamed to Panama and back during this period. Alma made arrangements for Robert to meet her and her mother at the Hotel Shelburne in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, upon his arrival aboard the S S Panama on July 1, 1913. Alma was disappointed when, for some reason, Robert couldn't meet Alma as soon as his ship docked. Robert was to take the train to Brighton Beach from the station at Brooklyn Bridge.

By the end of June 1913, Alma was making elaborate arrangements to meet Robert in Brighton Beach, New York, upon the arrival of his ship on 1 July. When Robert said he couldn't see her on his first day in port, Alma fully expected to see him the next day and provided directions.

Alma and her mother returned to Panama in July 1913. Soon thereafter, Aunt Alma and Grandma invited Alma's nephew down for a visit. The boy was to accompany Mr Noble aboard ship from New York to Panama. There are several photographs, probably taken in Panama, showing Alma and Robert with her nephew and his parents.

On 26 August 1913, Robert wrote Alma from aboard the SS Panama to say that the ship was returning to New York for major repairs and wouldn't make it back to Panama for an indefinite time. A bit melodramatic, Robert claimed that the ship was sinking but that the captain thought they would make port. He was heartbroken to not be seeing her as they had planned; Robert had been counting the days and hours since they last saw each another.

On October 21, 1913, Robert took in a musical comedy in two acts called "The Three Twins" at the Garden Theatre in Colon, probably with Alma.

Alma eventually married another.

Isabel Bolton

His next girlfriend, from 1914 to 1916, was Isabel Bolton. Her family had society contacts and the household had a maid, but the budget was evidently quite tight around the Bolton residence. Isabel lived in a New York City apartment at 150 W 36th Street, at least from September to November 1915. She and her parents moved to a house at 10 Ocean Port Ave, Box 70, Long Branch, New Jersey, in early November 1915, telephone Long Branch 847.

Her sister Eunice was a rowdy New York girl who at least once was arrested for solicitation to prostitute. Robert threatened to put her over his knee when he got back in town, but sassy Eunice only ventured that he would probably like that, and pointed out that she knew a few juicy tales about Robert!

The relationship with Isabel seems to have been more trouble than it was worth to Robert. He evidently didn't like travelling down to Long Branch to spend his leaves with Isabel and her parents. He started to avoid her and not return her letters or even call when he was in port. Isabel speculated in her writings on the direction of their relationship, then the letters stopped.

Footnotes

1. Several blank copies of the Panama Canal Steamship Line's application form survived in Robert's special correspondence folder.
2. The Reference Librarian at the New York Historical Society found the SS Panama in the Record of American and Foreign Shipping, ed 1910 and ed 1917. The 4,193 T ship was built in 1899 in Philadelphia, PA, by William Cramp & Sons S & EB Co. It was owned by the Isthmian Canal Commission. It sailed between New York and Colon. Its master was (Benjamin) Corning.
In a separate reference, she found that the Isthmian Canal Commission expired in 1914. This commission became the Panama Canal Commission, which existed until 1979, at which point the Panama Canal Treaty required that a new commission be set up.
3. "SS Panama at meridian 25 Dec 1910: Latitude 25 degrees 53 minutes North, Longitude 74 degrees 20 minutes West, Distance 341 miles, Benjamin Corning, Master." Form No. TS 59 20 Pads May 1910.
4. Possibly Miss Seary is Mrs Ross' sister.
5. According to his son, John C Noble.
6. One story says a hatchway latch snapped loose and struck him in the face, forcing the eyeball from its socket. Another says a cinder somehow lodged in his eye while at sea. Surgery reportedly included the temporary removal of his eye without anesthetics. The eye was not lost, but surgery failed to restore his vision. This writer's personal favorite was offered by Bob Noble, who said his father lost his eye when a chandelier fell on him at the Lord Baltimore hotel.
7. His son Pat suggests that his father might have been aboard the ship but not a member of the crew.
8. The Panama Canal Commission Vital Statistics Unit replied to my inquiry on 24 Sept 1992, providing copies of employment records for a Robert E Noble and a Robert H Noble, both recipients of the Honorable Roosevelt Medal (medal no 3032 and 5445, resp)(1st bar no 1853 and 3385, resp). Robert E Noble was employed by the Canal from Jan 1910 to Jan 1914 as a locomotive engineer, starting at $140/mo, then $180/mo, finally $210/mo.
9. A January 1915 dental receipt from Brooklyn shows that Robert was quite at home in New York.
10. This explains the "Greetings and Good luck" goodbye message to Robert from M Foss on 9 September 1915.

Mary J Scott

2009-12-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

My Grandfather Robert J Noble corresponded in April and May 1913, with Mary J. Scott, of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand. Until earlier that year, Mary had worked as a stewardess for Anchor Line Steamship Co, of Glasgow, Scotland, apparently making runs between Glasgow; Londonderry, Ireland and New York. At some point during her years with Anchor Line, Mary seems to have made one of that company's runs through the Suez Canal, feeling the brutal heat of the Red Sea.

She and Bob became well acquainted as shipmates, fell in love, and continued to stay in touch after Robert left the company in New York to join the Panama Canal Steamship Company in late 1910. They probably served together on the S. S. Furnessia. Mary still held affection for Robert almost three years later, writing him love poems and sharing her intimate plans. She and Robert saw each other in New York from time to time when their ports of call coincided. Robert probably was writing her, too, based on her knowledge of recent events in his life.

Mary decided in early 1913 to change companies and sail for Australia to join some well-to-do cousins living there. She was apparently a single mother, because she left some sons behind, presumably in Scotland. She wrote Robert about her hopes for Australia in a letter dated April 1, 1913, from aboard ship off Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on her way from New York to Sydney, Australia.:

I hear [[Australia]] is a lovely country. Everyone you hear speak, and they tell me I will never want to leave it. However, time will tell. Should I not like it I will stay, say, for three years and come back if God spares me, and if my boys are good and steady I won't need to go to sea.

Before her last trip from Glasgow to New York, as can be derived from her letter, Mary said farewell to her sons, whom she apparently put in boarding school in or near Glasgow, planning to "get them out" as soon as her prospects improved.

It was a terrible parting with boys and, believe me, I have a good cry every day some part or other. I must work my finger ends off to get them out soon. . . .

Well! I cannot say yet that I rejoice at change of Company . . . 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....

She quit her stewardess job with Anchor Line when she got to New York. The crew threw her a goodbye party there.

I was well treated by my shipmates and [chief steward] before leaving. The ladies bought me a handsome box of underclothing & Mr. Gordon gave me [a one pound note] to buy gloves & anything I needed, & Baker made me a lovely iced cake. I appreciated them all very much.

Mary referred to a number of mutual acquaintances in her two letters. In her April 1 letter, Mary sent regards through Robert to poor old Brady. In her May 20 letter, she seemed to allude to Robert's frustration at not being a Chief Steward yet, given his age, and his idea of leaving the S. S. Panama to go into business with Brady:

I hope you are making lots of money Bob & taking care of it too. It is a wise plan & now is your time. [Chief Stewards] in this [Company] are mere boys & run the bars (both [Chief & Second Stewards]) They are much more refined than Anchor Line.

Mary also referred to Miss D. In her April 1 letter, Mary said Miss D had not written to Mary recently. The Niagara sailed from New York before the mail arrived, Mary told Robert, so she didn't know if Miss D had sent her a letter. Mary asked Robert to remind Miss D. to write. In her May 20 letter, Mary said Miss D still hadn't written.

Mary referred to Clara in her April 1 letter with the following remarks:

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. . . .

Mary left Anchor Line and joined the crew of the RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Niagara, leaving New York for Sydney, Australia. Mary found out shortly after setting sail that the Niagara would be reverting to a Sydney to Vancouver (Canada) run, making the trip too long for her to bear. She presumably was referring to the Anchor Line run from Glasgow when she said New York "was quite long enough."

. . . 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[ew] York was quite long enough.

Her ship crossed the Equator on Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913.

We crossed the Equator at 1:30 pm 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 in Durban (where I expect to go ashore and post this) Thursday aft. & coal & leave again Sunday for Melbourne & Sydney.

Mary posted her letter from Durban, South Africa, when the ship made port of call on Thursday afternoon, April 3, 1913. She liked the ship itself, if not the workload, according to her letter, and the captain seemed to have plans to bring Mary out of the lower holds of the ship, making life a bit easier for her before reaching Sydney.

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)

Mary struggled to keep up with her duties, climbing several decks to service her passengers. She complained of having to do the work of three persons. The chief steward wouldn't allow the use of the elevator by the stewardess because there were so few paying passengers; the bulk were Union Steamship Co employee families. As a result, Mary was always tired, and very unhappy. She missed home. And she missed Robert, hoping to see him again someday.

I feel very, very miserable and unhappy, Bob. Sleep and I are strangers now, and I feel just worn out. Am doing work of three stewardesses which is very hard. And 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 doz real live saloon, & rest are wives and daughters of U.S.S. Co. Employees. . . .

Will we ever meet again Bob[?]. I can't think that we won't. I really would like to meet again. . . . I have pictured you many times Bob & my thoughts are often with you, I can tell you.

Now dear Bob I trust you are well & much happier than I am . . . As soon as you get a new sailing list you might let me have one. I will look [at] your list & see when you will be in [New York] & wish I could have been there too. I never thought I could have been so homesick & unhappy.

After refueling, Mary's ship sailed from Durban on Sunday, April 6, 1913, heading for Sydney, Australia via Melbourne. Based on her May 20, 1913 letter, Mary was met upon her arrival in Melbourne by the ex-Mayor of Footscray, Melbourne. This prominent member of the community invited her to his home and claimed he was willing to take her boys in when they were ready to come to Australia. It is unclear from context whether J Samuel Johnson is one of the very wealthy cousins referred to earlier in her letter.

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.

As predicted, once she arrived at the offices of Union Steamship Company in Sydney, Mary concluded that Vancouver was too long a trek. So she volunteered to serve aboard an inter-colonial run, five weeks from Sydney to Melbourne and back, hitting intermediary points in New Zealand and Tasmania. The ship sailed from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand, then hit ports along the New Zealand coast (Lyttleton, Dunedin, and the Bluff) before heading over to Hobart, Tazmania. They called in Melbourne for three days, then reversed the trip (Hobart, the Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttleton and Wellington) back to Sydney. Mary pointed out that the Bluff is the most southerly point of land in the world.

Quite the opposite of her experience on the Niagara, Mary found there was too little work to do aboard ship. Furthermore, she soon learned that all the big tippers were aboard the ships crossing the Equator, running between Australia and America or Britain.

Well! I am not stuck on this [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 [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 [Chief & Second Steward] at table in Saloon in port & at sea. All the same I am very, very unhappy, more ways than one. . . .

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. . . .

She wanted to get back on a ship heading north, as did many former Anchor Line employees in Australia.

I have met a lot of Anchor Line boys here & met 3 or 4 [Stewards] 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. . . .

Mary quietly began to use her contacts to find another job which would land her north of the Equator part of the time. She even found a promising job offer out of Glasgow, where she could see her sons for a few weeks three times a year.

Don't say a word to a soul, Bob, but I have the chance to get into Blue Flannel Line (Holt's) running from Glasgow to Australia & I am going down to "Auslines" when I am in Melbourne June 3rd to interview [Chief Steward] to see if I can get a position there. Manager in Sydney thot of me & told me I had to see all [Chief Stewards] 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.

John Campbell, one of her fellow Union Steamship Company crew members, was arrested for stealing from a passenger. Mary said Campbell, with whom she was well acquainted, was a former Anchor Line employee; Robert apparently did not know Campbell. As a result of his thievery, the Company fired all their Scotch and English employees, save Mary. It is unclear from her remark whether she was Scotch and they fired all her fellow countrymen, or if she was Irish.

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.

Mary thought she might end up making a run to San Francisco when she returned to Sydney from her inter-colonial run because the ship had been hired to conduct a survey.

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.

Mary continued to miss Robert. She would remember him fondly for taking her to the show. Taking in a theatre performance was always a favorite pastime for Robert, according to his son Pat.

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.

Mary ended her letter with a poem:

'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

Bob Noble Promoted at Battle of the Bulge; Wounded at Andernach

2009-12-28T01:56:00.000-08:00

My uncle Bob Noble, son of Robert and Kathryn (Carr) Noble, served in Company B, 63rd Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division during World War II. In the spring of 1944, the Division was at Camp Cook, California [present day site of Vandenburg AFB], for training in preparation for transfer to Europe. Bob was Squad Leader (Third Squad) at rank of Staff Sergeant, with about a dozen soldiers under his command. The Platoon Sergeant (Second Platoon) was Technical Sergeant Cohen, and the Platoon Leader was Lieutenant Sabatini.

In Sept 1944, the Division traveled by troop ship to Europe. They were supposed to land in France, but landed in southern England instead, where Patton's Third Army took their equipment. They were stationed until further orders at Warminster, northwest of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. According to John S. D. Eisenhower's "The Bitter Woods" (1969, New York), the 11th Armored Division was on reserve status at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) until nearly the end of the year. (Eisenhower, pp 379-80, 409-10)

When the German counteroffensive of mid-December 1944 occurred, the 11th Armored Division was already enroute to France across the English Channel. Bob thinks they were on their way to a light assignment in Brest, France, when unforeseen events overtook them on 16 Dec 1944. Instead, they landed at Cherbourg, France and headed straight to the front to join Patton on the Meuse River in Belgium.

That is probably why the sources are all so vague regarding the 11th Armored Division's status at the beginning of the German counteroffensive. "The Marshall Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia of World War II", by James Collins, Jr (1972, New York) states that the 11th Armored Division was transferred to the Third Army on 23 Dec 1944 near Bastogne. This was reportedly to help Patton cover his left flank after a German tank advance. (pp 2153-4) Eisenhower's book says that the 11th Armored Division was at SHAEF on 16 December 1944, and General Eisenhower ordered the 11th Armored and 87th Infantry Divisions attached to General George Patton's Third Army to the south of The Bulge on 28 Dec 1944. The 11th Armored Div was situated at a backstop position behind the Meuse River for a few days, then was moved toward Neufchateau. (pp 409-10, 416)

On 30 Dec 1944, Patton placed the 11th Armored Division to the west of the narrow supply line into Bastogne held by the Allies. They were under command of Troy Middleton, head of VIII Corps, with the mission to move northward. It was hoped they would come abreast of the 101st Division, which was under seige at Bastogne. At 8 am, the 11th Armored Division saw its first combat in the war, repelling a major German counterattack by Panzer Lehr and the 26th Volksgrenadier, who were trying to isolate Bastogne by cutting the supply corridor mentioned above. (Eisenhower, pp 409-10, 416)

Lieut. Sabatini's platoon saw its first action of the war on 30 Dec 1944. Sgt. Cohen was wounded on the first day of battle, so Bob was promoted in the field to Tech Sergeant and became the new Platoon Sergeant, overseeing four squads totalling up to fifty men.

Patton considered 30 Dec 1944, a critical day and was anxious to get on with the attack, so he pressed the 11th Armored Division into service without sufficient time for bringing up the rear, for reconnaissance or for preparation. Patton would later be critical of Middleton for lack of aggressiveness in his pursuit of the enemy, given that the battle results fell short of expectations and were a piecemeal affair. (Eisenhower, pp 409-10, 416)

The next day, the Third Army saw seventeen German counterattacks. The weather worsened, with sleet and snow. Both sides suffered heavy losses, mainly along the corridor to the west of Bastogne. The 11th Armored Division suffered particularly heavy losses since it was their first combat experience of the war versus a veteran German opponent. (Eisenhower, pp 409-10)

Bastogne was rescued.

On 16 Jan 1945, the 11th Armored Division was a major participant in closing the pincers on the Germans on Houffalize. Many Germans were caught in this snare, which effectively ended the Battle of the Bulge. The actual Allied lines at the beginning of the counterattack as of 16 Dec 1944 were not restored for another twelve days, however. (Eisenhower, pp 428-9)

Eisenhower's book summarizes the battle from Bastogne to Houffalize. (pg 430). It provides asituation map as of 3 Jan 1945, showing the 11th Armored Division in reserve to the southwest of Bastogne. (pg 414) Another situation map, as of 15 Jan 1945, shows the 11th Armored Division northwest of Bastogne nearing Houffalize. (pg 427)

The Third Army then attacked the Eifel Forest. (Eisenhower, pp 437-8) By the second week of January 1945, Patton had reached the Moselle River in Luxembourg, the Sure and Our Rivers, with the aim of reaching the Rhine River at Koblenz. (Collins, pg 2289)

By 4 Feb 1945, a strategy was being formulated by Eisenhower to get past the Siegfried Line and conquer the Rhineland. He developed a three phase attack: Operations Veritable, Lumberjack and Undertone. (Eisenhower, pp 437-8)

As part of Operation Lumberjack, Patton's Third Army moved northward along the Rhine while the 1st Army moved southward, thereby squeezing the Germans out of the territory in between. (Eisenhower, pp 437-8)

The 11th Armored Division, under Major General Holmes E Dager, was situated to the left of Hugh Gaffey's 4th Armored Division, which reached the Rhine River above Koblenz on 5 Mar 1945. On the same day, the bridge at Remagen was taken by the 9th Armored Division. (Collins, pp 2289-90)

Bob says the 11th Armored Division reached the Rhine River north of Koblenz at Andernach on 3 March 1945.

The Third Army's 4th Armored Division reached Andernach, Germany, on the Rhine north of the Moselle River, by 7 Mar 1945. (Eisenhower, pp 437-8)

Bob says the Allies immediately launched a series of Allied assaults on Andernach to expel the hardened German soldiers in position in the town. Tanks entered the city and the battle ensued. The attacks began to show results.

A German retreat from key positions in the city was underway by 9 Mar 1945. Bob's squad received orders that day to neutralize a machine gun nest in town which had a disabled Allied tank pinned down. While the tank driver watched, Bob and a fellow soldier headed down the narrow roadway facing the machine gun nest, drawing the German's attention while the bulk of Bob's squad rounded the building for an assault from the side.

When Bob ducked into one particular alcove, however, a German soldier not cleared from the building Bob was using for cover, shot Bob in the shoulder with a German Luger pistol through an open window at close range. Bob later learned that some of the Germans had been trapped inside this building in the assault and hadn't retreated like everyone thought.

Bob thought he'd lost his arm in a cannon blast, but a quick glance revealed his unfeeling gloved hand still present and accounted for. He ordered the soldier accompanying him to retreat, which he did. By the time a medic appeared, the German machine gunner was spraying the street with gunfire. With shots flying between his legs, Bob convinced the first medic to abandon any attempt at a rescue. But a second medic was more persistent, succeeding in urging Bob to evacuate his position.

The 11th Armored Division made first contact with the 1st Army near Brohl on 11 Mar 1945. (Collins, pg 2290)

Bob was sent to a neurological center for rehabilitation at White Sulphur Springs, WV. He was released from the service in October 1945 and married a month later to a therapist who worked at the hospital at White Sulphur Springs. They had a ceremony in White Plains, NY, where the bride's parents lived.

Bob applied and was accepted at the University of Chicago Law School. Bob always admired graduates like Robert Maynard Hutchins and Mortimer Jerome Adler and was surprised to pass the entrance exam. Bob and Jo went to Cleveland, OH for the interim until school started. Jo worked at the Veterans Hospital in Cleveland during that time in her field as occupational therapist.

Letter from Laura Talbot dated 13 June 1946

2009-12-27T23:04:00.001-08:00

2311 W Lafayette Ave
Balto, Md. June 13, '46

Dearest Kathryn,

You will always be my own dear child. Somehow you were the nearest and dearest that came so very very close to me. I have never felt reconciled to the life that took you so far away from me. I had hoped you would have made that promised visit long long ago.

Last Saturday I had a wonderful visit to Washington. Miss Gertrude Richards and some other friend went over to a commencement. We took a wonderful drive over the city and visited a number of places of interest.

You remember Miss Richards. She taught household economics when you were teaching in Baltimore. You and she met at my house and she liked you so much. She asked about you and asked me to remember her to you. You see dear you are still remembered.

I am sorry you have had such a serious sick spell. I imagine you have always thought of your family and never taken care of yourself. When I looked at Kathryn she seemed so capable and strong but I couldn't see her look like you.

However all her talk was of her mother. She gave you all the credit for the fine way all the children have turned out. You surely have done a fine job with your family and I surely take off my hat to you. I know you are proud of them. I still hope to see your baby -- Molly.

Now dearie write when you have time. I am always glad to hear from my child.

Love,

Laura [Talbot]

Note: Envelope postmarked Jun 13, 1946 12 pm, Baltimore, MD 9, with return address 2311 W Lafayette Ave, Balto, Md. The letter is addressed to Mrs Robert Noble, 323 Westover Ave, Norfolk, Va.

Letter from Pat Noble dated 8 December 1945

2009-12-27T23:02:00.001-08:00

December 8

Dear Mom:

For many years people of all nationalities have referred to remarkable luck as being "the luck of the Irish. Be that as it may I must admit that the occasion that brought on this letter was the fact that tomorrow morning we pull in to Pearl Harbor where mail will be taken ashore. At the moment I'm sitting cross-legged on the cast-iron deck of a Troop transport, "U.S.S. Ulmsted. We started off at a good speed but daily we've decreased our speed so that our schedule has suffered several severe set-backs. Before I describe the vessel passengers, or crew further I'll get you up to date for my future travels. We dock in Los Angeles, my separation center is Fort Bragg, and the fact that the army is flying most of its troops (73%) to their separation centers means I may be home for Christmas. This same boat has Rafal and Glover so if you like you can call his family.

Now for our trip thus far. We left Biak Nov 27th and landed in Hollandia the 28th. Left the same day and now we're almost to Pearl Harbor.

The chow aboard this boat has been so much better than we've been fed in two-and-half years. Which brings up the subject of food and I want to suggest right now a few things I'd like for Christmas week. Fried oysters with chili sauce, filet of sole and tartar sauce, at least two quarts of fresh milk a day, coconut cream pie, angel food cake, Virginia ham, turkey, fresh eggs, good coffee, shredded wheat, toasted cheese sandwiches and you know most of my favorites any way. I imagine a week of chow like that will satisfy me. Remember these don'ts too, no "spam", corned beef hash, "sourkraut" frankfurters hamburgers or bulley beef. Cause I'd not eat them.

Do your best to have Bob and his girl (or wife) home for me when I get there. I'd like to kiss the bride. I know it's impossible to have John there but with Kathryn, You, Dad, Molly, Alex, and Bob and his Mrs, I'd be happy. Quite possibly Elaine will be able to get there in time. I'm writing her also. Please don't have the newspapers full of any thing about me. I'd rather not have anyone know outside of our family and friends because I want the first week at home with you folks. So please refrain from the papers. Thanks. And Mom say a little prayer of thanks for the break I have and also for my buddies soon homecoming.

Loads of love,

Pat

"Make room for Elaine please."

Note: Envelope postmarked December 8, 1945 US NAVY, addressed to Mrs R. J. Noble, 323 Westover Ave, Norfolk "7" Virginia, marked "Merry Christmas", with return address P.F.C. G. P. Noble, 4th Engine Overhaul, Transient Home, Pearl Harbor.

Pat Noble's Army Air Force Personal Affairs Statement dated 29 September 1945

2009-12-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

Below is a transcript of one of my father's military documents from the end of his service in World War II.

Name: George Patrick Noble
Rank: PFC
ASN: 33521657
Date entered on duty (this tour): 7 Jan 43
2 years service completed: 3 Jan 45
Date of birth: 17 March 1923
Permanent address: 323 Westover Ave, Norfolk, Va

Status of my personal affairs reviewed with the assistance of the Personal Affairs Officer at Townsville Air Depot, APO 922 on 29 Sept 1945.

Life insurance beneficiaries are Kathryn C Noble, mother, and Robert J Noble, father

signed by George P Noble
Social Security Number: 231-16-031[2]

Note: WD AAF [Army Air Force] Form No. 128, Approved 1 Mar 1945, entitled "AAF PERSONAL AFFAIRS STATEMENT"

Letter from the Edgars dated 22 July 1945

2009-12-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

95 Sandgate Lane
Albion W 2
Brisbane
22/7/45

Dear Mr and Mrs Noble & family.

Well I must say I have been a long time writing to you. But as you know we have been to see Pat & had a lovely time. He was looking very thin & miserable when we arrived but brightened up a lot & looked better when we left to come home. He had no friends in Townsville to visit & said he missed us terribly & was just waiting for the day to come when he could see you all once again. It was a long train journey for us two nights & one day's travelling but we were very comfortable & all enjoyed ourselves. Gayl had never been in a train before & is wanting to go in it again & see her boyfriend Pat. I think the week we left to come home Pat left there also. We have written to him but have had no reply yet. I guess he will be nearer the Islands, Biack or some where there abouts. We have very few of your boys here now & the place seems empty. The English boys have taken over a lot of these ware houses & camps.

While we were with Pat he gave us several of your letters to read & it was telling him all about Bob. Well we all hope he is better by this & in the best of health again.

How is John & Molly & not forgetting Kathryn & Alex. I would like Kathryn to write if she has time. And now for yourself & Mr Noble. I hope you are both well.
We have all had bad colds & coughs & the weather is enough to give anyone anything. It has been very cold & plenty of winds. Today is the warmest day for a few weeks, but it seems to get cold again at night. & is very cold first thing in the morning you feel like staying in bed.

Tell Molly I am sending her another photo of Gayl taken when she was 3 yrs & has her dolly with her that she sent at Christmas time. I have had some coloured & they have not made the doll's dress blue enought(sic) & have left out the red so I am taking them back tomorrow & get them to alter the mistake & when they are finished I will post it right away. The rest of the photo was perfect so they may just at(sic) well do it properly as I have to pay enough for them. It is very expensive now for them.

We have been trying to get another film for the camera but it seems as though there is still a big demand for them & you just have to be at the counter when they are being sold.

Are you still rationed with goods. Our rationing is a bit better this time. On all winter clothing the coupons have been reduced. But butter tea & sugar are the same & the meat has been cut again. But we seem to get enough in everything so far. Our shops look a lot brighter now the blackout is lifted & they are selling things we have not been able to get for many months.

Well Mrs Noble I think I have run out of news & I know I should have a lot more to tell you but my cold is not so good & I think I will be going off to bed soon.
Give my love to all & write soon. Good luck & good health.

From your sincere friends
Henry, Dorothy, & Gayl
& Mr & Mrs Edgar

Note: Envelope postmarked 23 July 1945 12:30pm, Brisbane, Queensland, with stamp from Australia. Envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs R J Noble, 323 Westover Avenue, Norfolk 7, Virginia, USA.

Letter from Emil Croce dated 6 August 1930

2009-12-27T22:51:00.001-08:00

August 6, 1930

Mr Noble,
Steward
Hotel Monticello

Dear Sir,

I drop few lines
to let you know that I got in
Washington D.C. after a long
ride, every thing went well.

Here in town the
business in about to say, nothing
at all. Summer kills The
Capitol. We do not do
any thing.

My chef is in vacation and
I am working in his place.
Today we had 125 in the coffe
shoppe, 107 lunches, and a la
carte service.

Write to me some
time very glad I met
you.

My Best wishes

Your friendly

Emil Croci
Asst Chef
Carlton Hotel
Washington DC

Note: Envelope and paper are stationary of the Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC, under direction of United Realties, Inc, D. R. Lane, President, J. E. Brown, Resident Manager. The envelope is postmarked Aug 6, 1930 9:30 pm, Washington, DC 14, and addressed to Mr Noble, Steward, Hotel Monticello, Norfolk, Va, Attn: Kitchen. The return address, written on the back of the envelope, is Emil Croci, Asst Chef, Hotel Carlton, Washington, DC.

Letter from Laura Talbot dated 3 April 1930

2009-12-27T22:50:00.000-08:00

4011 Derby Manor Drive,
Baltimore, Md

April 3, 1930

Dear Robert,

Have you kept your promise to me? Have you hunted up all the references on your "Ladder of Salvation"? If you haven't, please get it out and do it right away. I'm sure Katherine would like to read them too. You are lucky to have such a nice sister to help you, (I never had a sister I'm sorry to say) and I hope you are good to her. You know Robert, dear, you have let us all know that you have taken Christ as your Saviour, and you want to follow him, so you must be just as good as you know how. Do what you think He would want you to do. That doesn't mean just being good in Sunday School and church, but that means living a happy helpful life all through the week as well. Jesus wants you to be happy and have fun, but be sure the fun is the kind He would like, and not fun that will hurt some one. Always stop and think before you do a thing,"Would I do that if I could see Jesus standing right by me?" You see, he sees and knows what you do, even though you can't see him.

I'm sorry you did not stay and go to church with me Sunday, and I'm sorry I did not see your Mother. I hope to see your Mother in Church this Sunday and I hope you stay with us and listen to Mr Atkins preach. You know, you might be a preacher yourself someday. Who can tell?

Your Mother wants you to be baptized doesn't she? You told me Sunday you weren't going to be. Robert, dear, why not? Jesus was baptized when he was grown up. You say you were baptized one. You did not know about that. Your Mother had that done because she wanted to give you to the Heavenly Father. Jesus was presented to the Lord at the Temple when he was a little baby, and yet he was baptized by John the Baptist when he was older and knew what he was doing. We cannot make you be baptized for then it would do you no good. When you are baptized it must be because you want to. Not just because you think we all want you to but because Robert has taken Jesus as his Saviour and Robert wants to follow Jesus in Baptism and feel that he is buried with Jesus in Baptism and that when Robert comes up out of the water he is starting a new life with Jesus. It is between you and Jesus, Robert dear, and you have to feel in your heart that you really want to follow him. You pray about it. Really talk to God and I'll do the same and then we'll see how you feel.

Don't forget we have a review on Sunday, and I want you to tell in a few words the story of "An Ambitious Boy Sold as a Slave" Session 21. Don't forget to study Psalm 121 and the names of the New Testament Books.

Lovingly,

Laura H Talbot (Mrs S. G. Talbot)

Note: Envelope postmarked Apr 4, 1930 4pm Baltimore, MD 2, and addressed to Master Robert Noble, 1523 Park Avenue, Baltimore, Md. The envelope is printed stationary, with the return street address on the reverse side solidly crossed out in dark marker, leaving only the city and state. The return address, handwritten on the back of the envelope above a printed "Baltimore, MD", is 4011 Derby Manor Drive.

Letter from Kathryn Noble dated 28 February 1930

2009-12-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

1523 Park Ave
Baltimore, Md

February 28, '30 [Friday]

Dear Darling Daddy,

We are are[sic] all so lonesome without you. I am going to tell you about the play our Girl Scouts was planning to give, just before you left. Mother said it was just wonderfully played.

I wish you could have seen Johnny laugh at the raggedy Ann Dolls. He just laughed and laughed his head off. I saw him from behind the stage, Bobby and Pat saw it at the last reharsel(sic) which was just the same as the one when we had all the people there. Our play was a sucsess(sic). I am sorry that you were not here when we held it.

I am going to send you a list of the players so you can almost picture it yourself as it was played. Mother said it was one of the best plays she had ever seen.

With love and 1,000,000 kisses
From Kathryn.

Mother wants to finish her letter on the bottom.

Note: This letter from Robert's daughter Kathryn was included with the 27 February 1930 letter from Robert's wife, also Kathryn.

Letter from Kathryn Noble dated 27 February 1930

2009-12-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening [February 27, 1930]

Dearest Bob,

I surely was surprised to get your telegram yesterday morning. Forgive my carelessness in not writing Sunday but I was so sure you would get the signed card from the Registered mail that I waited until I could write a longer letter. It takes two days usually for your letters to come and your Sunday letter did not get here until Wednesday. I am like you I must have peace of mind to write letters. When I have struggled from six thirty in the morning with no let up until the last one goes to bed around nine o'clock I am ready to weep and fall into bed too.

Last week Pat had one of his colds and was home from school three days. I took him over to Hopkins on Friday to see about his tonsils being taken out. Thought it a good idea to let them see him at his worst. They referred me to the Harriet Lane Hospital around the corner from there for a general examination. I took him to day and it only took about five hours you know how those clinics are Laura went with me but she left after two hours & I hadn't seen the doctor yet. Such a mob of children. So far there doesn't seem very much wrong with Pat but his tonsils and it will be some time before I get him in will try to run Bobby in at the same time. I made an appointment for next week to have him looked over. I want the children to be in good condition when we come down & Bobby seems nervous, don't think he is entirely recovered from all his accidents in Hendersonville. Pat says "Mother you didn't take me to an old doctor, she was just a nice nurse." Guess he had never seen a lady doctor before. She surely was sweet. Maybe she will give me tonics for them and they will be so fat you will not know them. You remember Kathryn's operation was so simple just a day in the hospital. Don't you think it will be better to get it over here? Johnny likes going to the hospital. Only one thing worries him and that is he is not getting treated.

This is just a short letter but like you to hear from us several times a week. I hope you won't worry about us again.

Lovingly,

Kitty

Letter from George Noble dated approximately 1930

2009-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

United States Line [printed stationary]

29 Sutton Place South
[New York City, NY]

Saturday

Dear Mrs Noble

I am so pleased to know Robbie has started work. I am sure both of you had a very discouraging time while he was idle. Well I guess such things happen in the majority of people's lives and it's only those who have patience [who] come out successful. The sacrifices a husband and wife make in such cases seems (sic) to bind them more & more and it's then I think they [discover] what real love is.

I hope you and your children will be happily settled ere long. It mean(sic) so much for the children when they are so young.

I wrote a few lines to you for my sister Cis she is so pleased you scarcely believe it.

I'll conclude with Best Wishes

Geo.

Note: Letter is directed to Kathryn Noble, Robert Noble's wife.

Letter from Kathryn Noble dated 1 April 1927

2009-12-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

Friday Evening,

Dearest Daddy,

My letters seem so tame and mediocre after your lovely letters that sometimes I hesitate about sending them, wonder if perhaps I hadn't better tear them up and write other ones. I guess though you wouldn't get many if I should do that.

There are always so many things to talk to you about that my pen just flies along and words just come tumbling out at a great rate. -- Pat's cold nearly got the best of him to day - much as it did last fall. He has been up and down all day and now has gone to bed. I greased him well last night and he seems better to-night, does not cough so much. Isn't it strange how a Grippe cold goes right through a family. This time none of us has been real sick.

Justus Pharmacy has had a marvelous Rexall penny sale, two articles for the price of one plus one cent. Mrs Gearing bought a great many things but wanted to split with Carrie on most of them. However I got a rubber apron & one or two other things with her. Then I bought some five cent bars of candy for the kiddies, two for six cents. I only wished I had had about ten dollars to spend and someone to take the second article.

I had a special delivery letter from Coleman to-day asking me to answer by return mail. He is going out of business and wants to know what to do with the things. I don't know what to tell him but thought I would wait until to-morrow, sleep over it as it were. He will get the letter Monday anyway. It seems hard lines to lose the things now when I could perhaps get them in a month or two. Well such is life, we will be just as happy a hundred years from now if we never see any of it again.

Here are the children's promised letters. They had ever so many things they wanted to say, but it takes so long to stand over them, spell out the words for them, and see that they get their lines even, etc. We had two or three sessions to-day so you should appreciate their efforts even if the letters are short.

You should see us piled five in one bed, and really we are able to sleep quite comfortably. Pat and Bob sleep at one end & Kathryn, Peanuts & I sleep at the other end. We go to bed on the installment plan to there is very little trouble getting them to sleep. Peanuts thinks it is great sport playing with the other children.

It is eight thirty and all are asleep or rather in bed but Kathryn so think when I finish this will go up and mail it on the off chance it will go out early in the morning. The Gearings go to Atlanta to-morrow to some conference, will come back next Wednesday. The house will seem empty and lonesome with them gone. They are taking Freddie and will let him go on to Florida to visit his Grandparents.

We must be having the tail end of your storm for it has been damp & cool to-day -- a threatening sort of day but practically no rain. I hope we get no more for we have had so much rain this spring.

Well Good-night sweetheart -- I'll write you a real sweet, nice letter to-morrow and Sunday, a two-day dandy letter. With much love and kisses from your old Pal.

Kitty

Note: Envelope is postmarked Apr 2, 19[27] 7:30 am, Hendersonville, NC. The postage-paid envelope is pre-printed with spaces for a Hendersonville, NC return address. The return address says [Mrs Robe]rt Noble, []odes St., Hendersonville, NC. The letter is addressed to Mr Robt. Noble, Post Exchange, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, N.C.

Peanuts is the nickname for their son John. His hair was curly like peanut roots, thus the name.

Kitty was Robert's wife's nickname, short for Kathryn.

Pat was likely "greased" with something like Vicks Vaporub to help him breathe and fight congestion from a bad cold.

Postcard from Jack Dempsey dated 4 June 1926

2009-12-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Mr Noble

here few days
Leaving for Calif
tomorrow. Hope you are
all ok. Best wishes
to Mrs Noble and all.
Mrs Dempsey joins me in sending
our Best Regards. Jack.

Note: Postcard from the Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado is postmarked Jun 4, 1926 3pm, Colorado Springs, Colo. Postcard is picture of hotel terrace with white metal fence, with mountains in distance in a spring or summer season shot.

Robert Noble wrote the following on the face of the picture postcard:
FROM JACK DEMPSEY WORLD'S HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION. R.N.

Letter from Isabel Bolton's Mother dated Spring 1916

2009-12-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

Long Branch, NJ Sunday 191__

My Dear Boy
Isabell and I
were sitting hear tonight
and were just talking about
you and wondering what
you were doing tonight
what is the matter that
you dont come down home
for a while as I know
the change would do you
good and rest your nerves
up a little in the quite[sic]
country [.] Isabell and I
will be alone after
tuesday as Papa is going
away for about one month
we have planted a lovely
garden and would have
plenty of work for you to do
with the hoe. Bob it is
lovely hear[sic] the two trees
are just fine we have little
chickens and they are
awfully cute Isabell is
lonesome tonight and
so she sat down on the
porch and had a nice
little cry for herself and
I hope she will feel
better for a while I know
Bob that she would like
to see you so try and run
down soon I hope you
are feeling better in heath[sic]
I am getting along fine
since I am down hear[sic]
got weighed the other
day and I am 1 hundred
and 37 pounds so you see
I am picking up a little
when I come out of the
hospital I was 90 pounds
but I get awfully nervous
at times Eunice has gone
to Baltimore for a while
and we both miss her &
especially on acct of her and
the kid fighting and fussing
around such as ["This is mine!"
"No it aint! Mamma gave it to me!"]
and then the fun starts[.]
I have been to NY several times and
thought of you then &
would say ["W]ell if I go
down there he might not be
there["] so let it pass & each
time without seeing you
but hope to see you soon
[P]ut everything aside and
come down[.] Papa has been
very busy this last week
putting up the screens to the
windows and also fixing the
screen doors[.] I tell you he
is a regular farmer now you
would die laughing if you
could see him hoe[.H]e leaves
the weeds and hoe's out
the plants and when I give
him the devil he says ["W]ell
Mam I have to learn[. H]e
is very buisy[sic] at the
present moment putting a new
handle in one of the
hoes[.] Isabell broke it the
other day and he wants to get
things fixed up before he
goes away[.] The kid him and I
went for a walk this afternoon
in the woods and around
the swamp[. W]hen we were
walking Papa said[,"I]t is to[sic] bad
that Bob aint hear[sic] I know
he would enjoy this[."] Well Bob I have
wrote you a long letter and
the next thing I want to see
is you in person so be
sure and come the
latest next Sunday[. I]t
looks as if we were going to
have a storm tonight as
it is lightening now and
I do hate to see it[.] I get
the shivers[. W]ell Bob I
guess I will close with
love from Papa the Kid
and a good share from
your Ever Loving Mother

the last call come
down to L B [Long Branch]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
X Isabell

Note: Stationary from Broadway Hotel, Broadway, Opp. Third Avenue, Benj. Jennings, Prop. -- Open Entire Year, Permanent and Transient Guests, First Class Cafe, Long Branch, NJ. Stationary provides a date block revealing that it was printed in the 1910's. The letter is dated only "Sunday".

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 28 January 1916

2009-12-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

My dearest Bob,

I was
awfully sorry you
went away thinking
I was angry at
you. You know
Bob I expected you
down and so did
poor mama, she
made prune pie and
cookies for you,
so when you said
you couldn't come
I was just the
least bit hurt, But
afterwards I could have
killed myself, because
I know you went
away thinking all
kinds of things. You
aught to know I
wouldn't get angry
at you for anything
just for a moment
maybe but that is
all. But anyhow
you should have
come the night before
or at least phoned
so Mama wouldn't
have all that fussing
for nothing. But
then you, are just
forgetful just don't
think right now
you have so much
trouble and me, and
every thing makes it
worse. I am so far
away it makes things
inconvenient for
you to come down
here all the time and
we must not look
at it from a birds
eye view point You
know I am selfish
and want you all the
time. But of course you
have your work; your
sister (whom you aught
to see more often, and lots
of things that are of
more import than
I am. I am cranky
sometimes and so
nice at others, I am
never the same, like
you, I can't see why
God cursed me with
such a disposition
as I have. But
Bob I do hope you
get out of your trouble
alright, You should
have presents of mine
and not let anyone
get the best of your
temper Of course we
women flare up and
thats all it amounts
to but men should
guard themselves and
learn to hold their
temper. You see how
foolish you were and
the money it cost
you too, But I know
just how you feel I
think I would have
done the same things
myself, one hates
anybody to think they
are afraid, So I
suppose that was
your case. I am
making another
pillow It is the
American Flag. So
I have something to
keep me busy a
couple of days. The
time you are gone is
so long, I like some
embroidery to do it
makes the time pass
quicker. Papa is in
the city seeing about
Eunice's trouble.

You said you might
not come back, But
I guess you will
alright, the man
wouldnt have the
nerve to prosecute
you any further
after having paid
so much to him for
the Hospital and
his wages too. I was
going to send you
a piece of prune pie
but Mama said you
wouldn't get it before
you sailed.

(Friday afternoon)
I just came back
from the post office
and was glad to here
from you, I had only
expected to get the
pictures, but much
to my surprise a
nice letter was there
Bob You are just a
dear, and also a
postal from Mrs --
Donovan,

What an awful surpation(?)
it must have been to
you to wake up and
find a man in your
room. Be careful
dear maybe that man
has someone on the
boat to - get
even with you. Keep
your door locked
some night he may
come in and do
you some harm. I
was angry when
you said about not
being hurt anybody
would (?), I doubted
your word or some-
thing like that, It
was funny you had
no scratches and
lucky too, because if
your face was marked
it would be terrible,
It is bad enough for
me to be scared and
marked as I am with
out you, and you say
You think you will
loose me -- You mean
after we get married
You'll wish you had
someone else who was
not scared the way
I am. But it was
to happen so I am
satisfied and just as
happy as I would
be without her. So
don't think I'd not
like you just the same
if you were scared
because I would.
And it dont make
any difference how
much trouble comes
to you. I'll stand by
you and wait, just
believe me and don't
think about the
loosing part at all.

We caught two
little mice last night
one was a little baby
and the other was
a big one. Mama is
not feeling very well
to day -- neither am I
I was sick all night
last night, Thank
Mrs Donovan for
the postal and all her

I would like to write
her a letter but I really
wouldnt know what
to say. Just tell her
I send my love anyway
I think the pictures
are very nice for such
a bad day. The one
where you, I, Ethel & Frank
are out in front is
very good. Eunice's
trial comes up today
But Papa is having
it remanded till next
month. I hope she
gets out alright.

The New Year brought
You and her a lot of
trouble. But lets hope
and pray befor the year
is gone that we will be
happier, May says she
hopes you will have
just as much good
luck as you are having
bad just now. Now
Bob I was awfully
pleased when you
said you took an
oath not to drink
and I hope you will
keep it always. Just
look at the ring your
mother gave you and
it will help you to be
a good boy. The boat
is bad luck to you
You have been there too
long People are like
that sometimes, If it
was not so long to
wait you could go
on the boat to Frisco
But the (?) it would
be sweet because I
know if you go on that
boat You wont go
out with anyone else
and you could rest
assured I wouldnt
either, Well dear I
must close now and
excuse the mistakes
and make out they
are kisses instead,
May & Mama, Papa,
Eunice & all send their
love to you and I send
my love, kisses and
every thing I got,
now be a good boy
for my sake and come
back safe to Your Kid 'Cis.

XXXXXXX Isabel.

Notes:

Photo of Ethel & Frank, Robbie & Isabel is likely photo contained in this correspondence.

References to New Year's and Eunice's trouble date this letter in Jan 1916.

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 4 January 1916

2009-12-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

10 Ocean Port Ave
Jan 4, 1916

My dear Bob
I have waited
just as you did, till the
last moment to write
You see we have had
so much trouble and
I wanted to wait til
I could tell you about
Eunice, Her frial came
up last night, Mama
and Papa both went
to the trial and it
was put off till Friday

Mama got McCally our
lawyer for her and he
is waiting till one of the
judgets whom is his friend
to sit, Because he carn
talk to him and say
he knows our family and
get her on probation
and one day in jail.
If she has any other
judge she will get
three years in the
Megdellain home. and
that will be awful, She
has been laying in
Jefferson market west
since she was arrested.
Mama wanted to bail
her out, But I said no
and finally talked it
into Mama, Maybe this
will make a good girl
of her, she didnt think
of jail when she was
running around, and
if she gets out too easy
it will not teach her
a lesson, she sees now
that there is bitter as
well as sweet in that
kind of life. Of course
she will come home and
stay if she behaves, I
will have to share my
pleasures and luxuries
with her and Mama
will either have to
discharge May or we
have both to go to work
because the expense
on Papa[.] Mama really
needs May so the only
thing left to do is go
to work. Papa says
I should stay home and
make her work to pay
her for being naughty,
But Mama says, Eunice
is just as dear to her
as I am and if she
works I have to also,
I can just see my trouble
starting, my life will
be miserable after she
comes because we
never agree in any-
thing, But I am willing
to sacrifice rather
than see her go away
for three years, that is
a long time, But if I
wanted to talk to Papa
and ask him not to
let her come, he would
not let her come in
the house, so Mama
told me if he says
to me "Do you think
I better take her and
give her another chance"
I have to say "Yes" and
try to make him care
for her as much as he
does me, But he told
me and so has mMay that
I come first in their
hearts, I'll just have
to take what comes
and just as I said about
her taking the bitter
with the sweet I have
to do the same. She is my
sister and maybe she
is just as good as I
am, it might have
been me instead of her
that went wrong and
I'd look for sympathy
also, I think you still
have love in your heart
for her, She telephoned the
day before she was
arrested and said how
she met you on eighth
ave and you took her
to a restaurant and
when you asked if she
would have another
cock-tail she said "no
George", you seemed
quite peeved and question
ed her who he was
etc. You also said it
was all your fault
about Lobley and said
you hadn't spoken
very nice to Mama
about her, I think
you mean well and
good Bob when you
dont see her, but I
am quite sure a little
spark of love still
burns in your heart
for Miss Eunice You
will forgive me I know
but I must tell you
You say yoiu like me
but something seem's
to tell me that you dont.
I sent Mrs Donavan
a New Years card, I
sent it to Panama So
she would be sure and
get it this trip. It is a
week after New Years
but it was the best
I could do. I would have
sent your sister one
had I known her address.
It was good the boat
was delayed Because
if it had sailed Thursday
I was coming to see
you off, then go and
spend a couple of hours
with Eunice, then come
home on a later train.
I was going unbeknown
to Papa, and I would
have been arrested two[sic].
You know they came
to her house and said
that George (her friend)
had sent them, She
let them in and told
them to sit down
and after they had
talked a little while
the Detective said "you
are under arrest." She
really hadn't done
a thing out of the way.
So if I had been there
I would have been arrested
too. YOu see the judge
looks down on anyone
that admits strangers
to their flats. So she is
up for tenement house.
Of course the officers
lied on her and said she
asked them to go to bed
But they tell lies on
every body. She surely
would get three years.
If McCally wasn't a
personal friend of a Judge
and as it is she might
get six months, I hope
not anyway. Because
they treat you so bad and
the food is abominable
and she would be way
up state where we
couldnt visit her
frequently so I hope
and pray she will
be let out, maybe God
has picked this device
to make a good girl of her.
The pictures Mama and
I took are finished and
the whole six are good.
We cannot find the
other ones that papa
took of the Gordon's and
yourself and I, I thought
I saw you take them but
I wasn't sure so I didn't
say anything about it.
Ethel stayed till Frank
made her go home and
she didn't send him
a cent for spending money
and when the lawyer
telephoned and said his
trial would come up
the 3 of Jan. she didn't
telephone or send a
cent so Mama had
to pay his carfare
to New York & so he
could be to trial. She
is the laziest person
I ever saw and after
all we done for them
when Eunice got in
trouble I asked if
Ethel wouldnt try
to get her some decent
food in to her if we
sent some money,
she said she was sorry
but she wasnt going
to be in New York. She
lives in Jersey the fare
is only seven cents to
N.Y. And when she
left here she stold [sic]
a box of bath soap,
all papa's and Mama's
handkerchiefs and one
of the little dolls I had
made for your [illeg]
the yellow one. She is
an awful thief. Well I
am talking about
a lot of foolishness
and something I know
does not interest you.
But I am home all
alone - mama and papa
are both in New York -
and I feel ready to burst
with talk to tell some
one. This letter is longer
than the last but not
half as interesting or
half as intelect, But
I cannot express the
feeling in words that
I have I feel as though
I could tear some body
to pieces, I took all the
stove apart and black-
ened it, it never shone
so before. I put about
a box of blackening on
it, three coats and
then shone it. I also
scrubbed the floor and
the celar[sic] steps are
as white as snow. But it
releaved [sic] the awful feeling
that I had, I think
I need a good whiping [sic]

Mama says she can not
seem to get herself
togeather[sic] when it
comes to whip me but
she can beat Eunice
three times a day. And
she will too when she
comes home we will
both get it for dinner
supper and breakfast.
I haven't been feeling
very well since you
are away that confounded
[illeg] seems to stick to
me. The dog ran away
and stayed for three
days then came back
starved to death. We
washed him the other
night he looks nice
now, and feels so gay
that he snaped[sic] at Frank
and almost tore
his good pants off.
Frank went yesterday
and the house seems
deserted. May is upstairs
cleaning the windows. She
sends her love to you.
Give my love to Mrs Donavan
and Mrs Smith. I suppose
you were bothered all
this trip with the
blooming ass. Well
Robbie dear I am going
to make a new pillow
for the couch so I think
I'll be after slosing
this muddled up thing
and I ask you to forgive
me dear for the penman
ship and spelling as I
am very much out of
sorts. And I hope you
have a nice trip and come
back home safely to
me. Love and a billion
kisses to you. I only wish
I had you all the time
instead of 1/4 of the time.
Little Buster sends her
love to you. wishing you
a very happy New Year
I remains always till
niagara falls your little
girleen
Isabel
XXXXXXXX

PS. Dont forget and
telephone as soon
as you dock. Will
have a little card waiting
for you when you
come in.

I D Bolton
XXXX

Note: Envelope is addressed to Mr Robert Noble, Cristoble, Panama, attention to S. S. Panama, Canal Zone, 2nd Steward, postmarked Long Branch, NJ Jan 5, 7 AM, year unclear; return address is partial, [Isabel Bolto]n, [Oc]eanport, Long Branch, NJ; sealing wax on back of envelope.

Letter from Isabel Bolton's Mother dated 23 December 1915

2009-12-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

Mr Dear Boy,
I am sorry I
will not be hear to welcome
you home But I have told
May to take good care of you
and I hope to see you Christmas
or if you will be down Sunday
eve I will be at home. I
have to go to NY to do a
little christmas shopping
would of gone [sic] the early part of
the week but I have had a
terrible time with my teeth
will tell you all about it
when I see you
Will say good by
Yours Lovingly
Mama

Note: The reference to May, the Boltons' maid, makes it clear that "Mama" is not Robert's mother but Isabel's.

December 25 was a Saturday in 1915, so her reference to "Christmas ... or Sunday evening" was likely a reference to the December 25 - 26 weekend. This note is probably dated December 23.

Letter is written on ledger paper made by Scott-Coopage Co, NY.

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 18 December 1915

2009-12-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Dec 18, 1915
Long Branch

Dear Bob,
Your note received to-
day, and it was only a note
You will see the next letter
I write, it will be just
on one of these cards, to pay
you back, just because you
feel out of sorts is no reason
why you should take it out
on me, ah well - at any rate
had it only been written on a
postage stamp, it would be
appretiated [sic] just the same.
Don't forget to call me up
as soon as you dock. Love
from all, and kisses from
Isabel.

Note: Envelope is postmarked Long Branch, NJ, Dec 20, 1915, 7 am, addressed to Mr Robert Noble, S. S. Panama, Foot 27th Street, NYC. The envelope has red sealing wax on the back seam. A postal card is used for the letter.

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 4 December 1915

2009-12-27T22:01:00.000-08:00

10 Ocean Port Ave
Long Branch

My Dear Bob,

It really
seemed a shame to
see you go away
again and me
come back down
here.

The short little
week you are here
goes so quickly and
the rest of the month
goes so slow and
seems so dreary
But "[illeg] sure it is
all for the best."

And very true it
is all for the best
that you didn't
go to Peru. I should
have died, But then
as it were, I felt
perfectly justified in
letting you go because
of course I thought
"Bob knows his
own business better
than I do", And at
that time I should
have thought it
very insolent on
my part to ever
suggest anything
different, because
I thought you
did not mean any
thing but mere
friendship toward
me. I couldn't see
how you could
because as Mrs
Donavan thought
of Alma I thought
the same of Eunice.
But now I would
have sense enough
to ask you not to go.
I wish you hadn't
left the ship at all
you would have been
head steward and
could call the ship
all your own.

But of course it
was mostly Lobley's
fault the infernal
scamp. He had not
the faintest idea of
going to Peru at all.
The poor insignificant
simp.

But never mind
some day you will
be the President of
United States in my
mind. And you
will be here Christmas
(That is if you have no other,
previous engagements)

So we shouldn't be
grumbling, Mrs
Pfeifer wrote and
apologised for not
coming Thanks Giving
she said that she
had company come
in at the last minute
and hoped we would
excuse her. But of
course it was her old man wouldn't
let her come, He is
an old crank. But
at any rate she
could have telephoned.

Mama and papa
are out driving
this afternoon, it is
not very cold down
here, although we
had a little snow
storm, and fortune
atley it melted as
soon as it fell. But
I hope we do get
a little before Christmas
as it seems so much
nicer.

I suppose you thought
I acted funny the
day I was down to
the boat. You see the
weather was so nasty
and then the suitcase
and all helped to
make me feel disagree
able, Mrs Donavan
is such a lovely
woman I don't see
how you can help
liking her, she tries
to find some subject
to talk about so the
time won't get
monotonous. I stayed
a long time on the
boat infact longer
than I expected, but
I hated to go, now I
wish I had gone
sooner, before Mrs
Smith and her son
came. It seems as
though I were in the
way. She talked so
intimately to you.
I thought maybe
she wanted to talk
confidentially to you
and couldn't because
I was there, and on
the other hand
I didn't want to leave
too abruptly for decency
sake anyway. It
might look as though
I were the least bit
jealous, never the less
I was glad to get away
and leave you to the
company of your many
friends that were there

But I also hated to
go and leave you.

The plumber called last
night. I told him
that I was engaged
to be married and
was very sorry that
I couldn't keep the
appointment with
him. He left right
away but he called
me up twice today
and asked me if I really
meant what I said.

Anyway I had rather
go to the theatre with
papa because he
likes me for company
I would feel bad if
I thought papa was
in the same theatre
with me and sitting
alone. So we went
as usual last night
and the evening seemed
wonderfully bright
perhaps more so than
it should have been
had I gone with
the plumber. Well
I was just thinking
we have to hand
it to the Old Dutch
Woman she certainly
is shrewd Leaving
the dog in the hall
I am glad you didn't
come up. Something
seemed to tell me not
to let you.

Now Bob I know
you want me to say
that I won't have
any fellows while
you are gone Well
I won't, and I would
like very much if you
wouldn't either but
of course I don't want
to jeopardize your
liberty in any way.
but just the same
I don't want you to
even talk if it could
be to anybody. Because
you know I don't
want or love any
body but you. You
say you expect lots
from me well dear
I hope I can fulfill all
your expectations and
all ways be loyal to you.
as I want you to be to
me. May sends her best
regards to you. Buster
is sleeping on the couch
mama and papa haven't
got back yet. So all I
can say is that I send my
love and kisses, and
hope you will trust me.

I am your little
girleen.

Isabel

Notes:

Isabel first begins to realize that Robbie loves her instead of Eunice. The tie to Panama Steamship Company and the Donovans seems solid here.

Isabel and Robbie seem to have considered an illicit rendez-vous while staying overnight at "the Old Dutch Woman"'s home during Robbie's recent shore leave.

May is the Boltons' maid.

Buster is the Boltons' dog.

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 8 November 1915

2009-12-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

November 8, 1915
10 Ocean Port Ave
Long Branch, NJ

My dear Bob.
We are in Long Branch
at last and we are certainly
glad to get away from
New York. It is awfully
nice down here and I think
you will like it, we only
have the - diningroom,
kitchen and living room
settled as yet because
the wall paperer is working
upstairs also the plumber
we are away out on
the outskirts, we have
to go for our mail and
every thing, so we have
a box the number is 70
(seventy). Mama came
down first and I stayed
two nights alone in the
little room in Jersey.
We are going to bed early
and getting up early too.
Mama and I were sewing
curtains all afternoon
I will find plenty to do
now down here trying
to make the house more
cosey[sic]. One has more ambition
to do little fixings in a
house than in a flat.
I couldn't help thinking
when I got up this morning
that you have been up
about five hours and
have a day s work done.
Well Bob you have been
gone four days and it
almost seems four weeks.
Now Robbie it is all for
the best shure [sic] it's all for
the best. I will be glad
when Thanks Giving comes
I'll be to the station to
meet you, you must not
forget to go to Mrs Pfiefers
or phone, I miss you
an awful lot and wish
you were here.

I can guess what Mrs
Donavan said about me,
she probably thought
I was a bit rougher
than Eunice, she is so
polished and I am
so loud[?] but I don't
care, Mrs Donavan seems
to be very nice, Bobie
dear Please excuse my
writing I expected to
take some time and be
careful, but papa wants
to take me to the Theater
and it is so far to the
centre to mail the letter,
I am writing this in
a hurry, It is seven o'clock.

Now, Now Robbie be a
good boy and dont
gamble. With lots of love
and a million kisses from
Isabel.

P.S. My phone number is
Long Branch 847.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Note: Robbie arrived in port of New York approx Thurs Oct 28, 1915 aboard S. S. Panama and departed Thurs Nov 4, 1915. He expected to return to New York by Thanksgiving, Thurs Nov 25, 1915. He would have stayed until Thurs Dec 2, 1915. This indicates three weeks at sea and one week in New York, with arrivals and departures on Thursdays. This means he would have arrived Dec 23, 1915 for Christmas holidays and departed Dec 30, 1915.

The envelope was postmarked Long Branch, NJ, Nov 8, 1915, 7pm, addressed to Mr Robert J Noble, S. S. Panama, Cristoble, Panama, Canal Zone, with Second Steard noted in bottom left corner, on purple stationary envelope, the same color as the letter above.

Clearly Robert Noble used his experience with Isabel Bolton's family's move from New York City to Ocean Port Avenue in Long Branch to create his birth place of Ocean Port/Long Branch, which appear on his children's birth records. Birth records show he was born in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Envelope from S H Ellis postmarked 5 November 1915

2009-12-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

There is an envelope postmarked Washington, DC, Nov 5, 1915, 6:30pm, addressed to Mr Robt Noble, S. S. Panama, New York, NY, with Pier 67 written in bottom left corner, sent by an S. H. Ellis, 1220- 11th Street N.W., Washington, DC.

Letter from Mrs S. A. Donovan dated 2 November 1915

2009-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Brook Haven Nov 2nd - 15

Dear Bobbie

I was glad to
received your letter, and still
more glad that you are coming
back to us. I always
felt rather dubious regarding
that business proposition and
it is, I am sure, all for
the best that you gave it up.

I had a presentiment
that you would be in New
York when the Panama arrived
and I told Mr Foss to that
effect and he said he hoped
so and that we would look
on it as your vacation so
you see your place is waiting
for you. As for myself,
the Panama did not seem
like home without you,
Therefore you may be sure
of a warm welcome from
me on Thursday.

I looked at all points
of the compass for you on
Thursday last, when in New
York but saw nothing of
you. Miss Cole sends
her best wishes and says
that she is sorry you did
not come out our way,
as she would have welcomed
you most assuredly.

Very truly your friend

Mrs S. A. Donovan

Note: The envelope was postmarked Nov 2, 1915, 4 PM, BROOK HAVEN, NY, addressed to Mr Robert Noble, c/o Panama R. R. S. S. Co, Foot West 27th St, New York City, with note in left corner S. S. Panama; reserve side shows additional postmark Nov 3, 1915, 9 AM, NEW YORK, NY PENN TERM STA.

Mrs S A Donovan, 40 years old and a US citizen, appeared on the manifest of the S S Panama, which had departed New York on 26 April 1917 and stopped in Cristobal, Canal Zone, on 9 May 1917 on its way back to New York. She was serving with the ship's crew as a stewardess. The 8 June 1917 manifest shows Mrs S A Donovan as being from New York.

Also aboard the 26 April 1917 ship was a Mell Foss, 49 years old and also a US citizen. He was listed as chief steward aboard the S S Panama. The 17 July 1917 manifest showed him as Milton Foss. The 8 June 1917 manifest showed M Foss was from Maine. The 1870 Federal Census shows Milton Foss, age 3, son of farmer John G Foss and his wife Mehitable, both of New Hampshire, living in Athens, Somerset County, Maine.

Telegram from M. Foss dated 9 September 1915

2009-12-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

TS 113 3 15 Serial No.

PANAMA RAIL ROAD STEAMSHIP LINE

Station: S. S. PANAMA
──────┬────── ┬────┬──────┬───────┬────┐
Character: │Recd. No.: │Check:│Date Recd: │Time Recd│Recd by:
Rdo │ 1 │ 10 │ Sep 9 1915│ 6:35 │ ILB │
──────┴────── ┴────┴───────┴──────┴────┘

Recd from S S Bunker Hill via Seagate date: Sep 9 1915
To: Robt Noble s/s Panama
──────────────────────────────────────
Greetings and Good luck.

M. Foss

─────┬────── ┬────── ┬─────┬─────┐
Sent No: │Date Sent: │ Time Sent: │Sent by: │Recd by: │
─────┴──────┴────── ┴─────┴─────┘

Letter from Isabel Bolton dated 4 September 1915

2009-12-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

150 W 36 St
NYC
Sept 4, 1915

My dear Bob.
I suppose you think
it funny, that I am writing
so soon the boat having
only left the dock about
an hour, but Mr Lobley
came up soon after I came
home and said he had
(quit) and asked If I would
write, right away and
tell you he was very sorry
and that he would be
at the pier to see you when
you came in.

Well I was more than
surprised when he walked in
here at three o'clock. I kept
looking at the clock and
saying "Well Bob will be
going soon" and when he
came up gee I almost droped
dead. I thought well maybe
something had happened
to you. He told me all about
the trouble he had on the
boat and well you can
hardly blame him Bob,
because it would make
you or anybody feel the same.
Supposing when you went
on the ship the captain said
"Well Mr Noble I have some
one to act as first steward
so you can keep the old job."
But on the other hand it
is the last trip and of course
the money will make quite
a lot of difference to him
on account of going to
Peru. He has left here to
go tell his sweat heart (not
Ironically) the bad news.
Maybe he didn't care so
very much to go away
anyway? I suppose this
trip will be lonesome for
you, without Mr Lobley
But you will soon be
back and I'll have a
letter waiting to tell you
where we are and every
thing. Well I guess this
is all I have to say. hoping
you make a good hit this
trip and love to you from
all. I am

Isabel Bolton
150 W 36

PS
Don't take any wooden
money. IDB

Note: The envelope was postmarked NEW YORK, NY PENN. TERM STA. SEP 9 9 30 P 1915; addressed to Mr Robert Noble, SS Panama, Canal Zone, Colon, Panama, PRRSS Co., Via United Fruit Co steamers or first boat leaving.

Letter from Doris Cassell dated 9 August 1915

2009-12-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

1025 - 40th St.,
Brooklyn, NY

Aug 9, 1915

Dear Mr Noble:-
Are you coming
Tuesday evening to see us?
I hope so, and Mother told
me to ask your sister. Tell
her we would be delighted
to see her. If it is inconvenient
to come Tuesday evening, then
come Friday night, because
Mother is going away on Wed-
nesday to stay a couple of
days. Hoping you are well,

Sincerely,

Doris Cassell

Note: Robert's sister arrived in US between 24 Aug 1913 and 9 Aug 1915. Doris is careful to keep things proper, urging Robbie to visit when Doris' mother will be there to chaperone.

The envelope was postmarked Aug 9, 1915, 12 PM, Brooklyn, NY Sta, with postmark "Blythebourne" stamped across the postage stamp. It was addressed to Mr R. Noble, 24 State Street, New York City, New York, with c/o S. S. Panama in bottom left corner. Enclosed was a postal card with the above note.

Letter from Hotel Holley dated 13 May 1915

2009-12-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

Hotel Holley
Washington Square West
NEW YORK

Mr Bob Noble,
S.S. Christable, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Noble:-
As per my conversation with you
of this morning, we are writing in reference
to any business you may be able to send our way.
Our house is centrally located in the
heart of the shopping district and a short ride
from your piers.

We have a very fine little hotel here
and I am sure that anyone you may send this way
shall receive the very best care. For any ef-
fort you may make in our behalf, we shall be
very glad to give you 10% on any business you
send this way.

We are enclosing complimentary pass
for the season of 1915 which we hope you may
have occasion to use shortly.

Yours very truly,

HOLLEY HOTEL,
By W A Day

WAD: HJS

Note: The hotel owners are mentioned on the stationary as David H and William J Knott. It Happened on Washington Square, by Emily Keis Folpe, p 224, mentions that New York University acquired the Holley Hotel and Holley Chambers to use first as a residence for law students and then as a dormitory for undergraduate students. The book says that the Knott family built the hotel and ran it with a man named Judson Church. It adds that the hotel was named for Alexander Lyman Holley, whose memorial statue sits in Washington Square Park

Dental Receipt 27 January 1915

2009-12-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

GUARANTEE DENTISTS DENTAL CO.
167 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET
2293 3rd Avenue Cor. 125th St.
Chatham Square Cor. Worth St.
OVER BRILL BROS.
Bronx: N. W. Cor. 3rd Ave. & 149th St.

Received on 1-27 1915 Per Dr. Hnl
In payment for Dental Services
Remarks:... Polished fillings
........................
........................
.. No 63274.............

Balance $ 23.00

Goethals Wine Receipt Dated 21 December 1914

2009-11-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

My grandfather, a ship's steward, saved a stateroom receipt for wine purchased aboard ship by George W Goethals, the engineer who oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal.

Grandpa always claimed to have been on the first ship through the Canal, and he certainly was in the vicinity at the time of the opening, but I've found no evidence of his specific claim to date. Maybe he was aboard the S S Cristobal (right) on 3 August 1914, when it made an unpublicized commercial transit of the Canal with a load of cement? Grandpa wasn't on the manifest when that ship arrived in New York on 12 August but he could have been on the ship for the passage through the Canal. Evidence shows that he was in Panama at the time of the official opening on 15 August and the passage of Cristobal's sister ship S S Ancon. He wasn't on that ship's manifest either.

Here is what the wine receipt said:

Panama Rail Road Co.
Panama Rail Road S. S. Line.

Name... Geo. W Goethals
State Room...
Kind of Wine... Apollinairo
$... 20 c

Date...Dec 21/14

[form #] T. S. 2. 10M. 9-14

Letter From A Roberts Dated 11 July 1914

2008-11-03T02:19:00.000-08:00

Phila. Jul 11 14

Friend Bob.

Rec'd the cologne about a week ago and am very thankful for same. Was over in N.Y. on [SS] Colon but the Elect. would not let me work for him so I had to come home, only stayed two days. Am very busy at yard now so I am just as well off. You ought to see our flower garden now. We can pick about 100 pansies every other day, besides other flowers. Had a letter from Riseby to-day but I could do him no good sorry to say. We had a dandy time up here on the Fourth of July. Everybody had their house decorated and it certainly looked nice. Had exercises in the schools all morning, sports in the afternoon. Baby parade and then fireworks. We had 14 people at our house [;] would like to have had you here. Write soon and let me here (sic) from you and do not forget to hunt me up any time you are in Phila.

Yours truly

A Roberts
633 Elkins Ave
Phila Pa.

Envelope postmarked PH[ILADELPHIA], OLNEY S[TATION], [NO DATE] 7 AM; addressed to: Mr Robt Noble, c/o Panama S S Co, Pier 67 N.R. [North River], New York City; S.S. Panama appears in bottom left corner of envelope.

Maybe from a married Alma Wurdemann?

Photo of Philadelphia, PA in 1914.

Photographs of Panama Canal Construction Circa 1914

2008-10-20T15:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

Patrick Crumley was Member of Parliament for South Fermanagh beginning in 1910. He replaced Jeremiah Jordan, who served from 1895 to 1910.
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.
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

2008-10-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

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)
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

2008-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-12T23:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

[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

2008-10-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

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)