We are pleased to present to you at this time from our Old News telegraph
department, a selection of old telegrams which were actually sent and
received through one of our local north-east coast telegraph offices. As you
will see, these messages were a very important contact for the many
residents of the outport communities along the coast in the early 1900s, and
played an important role for these people in much the same way that our
E-mail is doing for us today: fast and efficient, and, I may add, oftentimes
urgent.
A a rule, a telegram was written with as few words as necessary to minimize
the cost, so any entries in [brackets] are due to my own editing where I felt
necessary.
It is with pleasure that we bring to you now a sample of this new method of
communication for the people of Newfoundland, their mail by telegraph, our
"T-mail 1915", represented here by the people of the Notre Dame Bay area. We
hope you enjoy these brief glimpses as we follow again the lives of our
proud pioneers.
Barbara
April 1915
To: Mr. Fred WISEMAN, Little Bay Islands
April 21, 1915
Let me know if you got a berth for me.
From: Robert LEDREW, Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Mrs. W.S. RUSSEL, Little Bay Islands, N.D. Bay, Nfld.
April 21, 1915
Your message [of the] nineteenth not disappointing.
Please keep me posted.
From: W.S. RUSSEL, Mingan, via Quebec
-----------------------
To: Postmaster, Little Bay Islands
April 22, 1915
Has M.O. [Money Order] Account for March 31st been
forwarded. Reply.
From: J.J. MACARTHY for Supt., St. John's
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To: Postmaster, Greenspond
April 22, 1915
Pay to Frank DEWEY five dollars from B. DEWEY remitting.
From: E. CAMPBELL, Postmistress, Little Bay Islands
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To: Norman W. STRONG, 44 Rennies Mill Road, St. John's
April 24, 1915
Let us hear from you.
From: Hubert, Little Bay Islands
[Norman {1894-1916} was Hubert's younger brother, who
had enlisted in WWI and was likely preparing for his departure
overseas at around this time, as one of his first letters to his
family from Stobs Camp at Ayr was dated August of 1915.
The address here is that of his half-sister Helena {Strong},
wife of {later, Sir} Richard Squires, with whom he was staying.]
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To: J.M. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
April 24, 1915
[Schooner] "Ahava" ready [to leave]. Norman coming home,
all well. Got schooner well manned.
From: Will, St. John's
[Will is W.A. Strong, merchant, half-brother to Hubert and
Norman, twin brother to Helena, all of whom are the children
of J.M. Strong.]
-----------------------
To: Andrew J. MORRIS, Little Bay Islands
April 26, 1915
Lodge meets to-morrow night, please advise candidates.
From: Fred A. CLARKE, Springdale
----------------------
To: Mr. Henry ANSTEY, Pilley's Island
April 27, 1915
What about attachment on schooner and traps. Please reply.
From: R. ANSTEY, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Richard ANSTEY, Little Bay Islands
April 27, 1915
Trap not attached. [We are] selling schooner [at] your amount,
secured on delivery down. Boat finished.
From: Henry ANSTEY, Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Mr. Ernest WELLMAN, Care [of] W.A. STRONG, Crosbie
Hotel, St. John's
April 28, 1915
Leaving Monday if ice clear. [If coast is clear of ice, the boat can sail.]
From: George WELLMAN, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mr. George WISEMAN, Little Bay Islands
April 29, 1915
Keep my berth.
From: Thomas DILLON, Millertown
-----------------------
To: W.A. STRONG, c/o Crosbie Hotel, St. John's
April 29, 1915
Why don't you reply to message sent. Wire when leaving.
From: Belle, Little Bay Islands
[These are my grandparents - my grandfather was probably
on a routine business trip to St. John's.] [And my grandma
not too pleased...]
-----------------------
To: Mrs. W.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
April 29, 1915
Ready to sail [but conditions] all ice. No chance [of leaving]
without change [of] wind. All well.
From: Will, St. John's
-----------------------
To: Baxter HELYER, Griquet
April 29, 1915
Received letter from Herbert yesterday written April 8th
on H.M.S. "Teggs". [He is] well and enjoying himself.
From: J.A. STRONG
[This is Joseph Adolph Strong, merchant, referring to his
brother Herbert who had moved to the U.S.]
-----------------------
To: Robert STONE, Little Bay Islands
April 30, 1915
Heard you were selling your motor boat. At what price.
From: P.A. LEGROW, Springdale
-----------------------
To: James LOCKE, Bishop's Falls
April 30, 1915
Please let me know if George is at Bishop's Falls.
From: Mrs. STONE, Little Bay Islands
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To: Mr. Fred G. WISEMAN, Little Bay Islands
April 30, 1915
Have you berth for me this summer. If not [I will] try someone
else. Reply.
From: Alfred EARLE, St. John's
-----------------------
September 1915
To: Mrs. and Mr. Thomas THISTLE, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 1, 1915
The stork has brought us baby boy this morning both doing well.
From: E. BUTTON, New Melbourne
-----------------------
To: Mr. George STONE, Bishop's Falls
Sept. 2, 1915
Are you coming out. If not am coming in. Reply.
From: Mother, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Andrew MORRIS, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 2, 1915 (10:45 a.m.)
Meeting tonight, can you attend. [This is probably a meeting
of the Masonic or Orange Lodge.]
From: F.M. WELLS, Little Bay
-----------------------
To: F.M. WELLS, Little Bay
Sept. 2, 1915 (12:20 p.m.)
Yes, but may be [a] little late.
From: Andrew J. MORRIS, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Hubert STRONG, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 2, 1915
Private message received here says troops arrived Egypt
proceeding [to] Cairo.
From: Fred ELLIS, St. John's
-----------------------
To: Dr. ABRAHAM, Pilley's Island
Sept. 2, 1915
Bringing Mrs. STRONG up in motor boat on Saturday.
From: J.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
[Joseph Adolphe Strong and his wife Annie (Scott) preparing
for a trip to hospital to await the birth of their child.]
-----------------------
To: Peter CAMPBELL, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 3, 1915
Steamer coming this afternoon. If [you are] coming bring
eating utensils and whatever men [you] can get.
From: P.A. LEGROW, Springdale
-----------------------
To: Herbert A. STRONG, 47 Bowdoin St., Dorchester, Mass.
(Night Letter Rate)
Sept. 3, 1915
Writing you re letter. Under present customs tarrif [I] don't think
possible do anything now. Will try make arrangements when
I go St.John's in fall. Splendid opportunity [to] sell the goods
if could import. Writing particulars. Kind regards all famly.
From: Dolphe, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Thomas RICKETTS, Brookfield, via Wesleyville
Sept. 3, 1915
Sending by wire $10.00 by order Mr. Thomas RICKETTS.
From: J.A. Strong & Co., Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: William STRONG, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 3, 1915 - 9:35 a.m.
Will I pay NOFTEL's fare to Fleur de Lis.
From: Dr. ABRAHAM, Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Dr. ABRAHAM, Pilley's Island
Sept. 3, 1915 - 10:45 a.m.
NOFTEL expected [to] go on schooner. If not fit [for] work
[he] may go home.
From: Strong & Mursell, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: J. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 3, 1915 - 11:30 a.m.
Is the "Monroe" home. Is my close [clothes] there. Answer.
From: Fred NOFTEL, Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Fred NOFTEL, Pilley's Island
Sept. 3, 1915
[Schooner] "Monroe" not home. Your clothes here with Hill's.
From: J.M. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
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To: W.G. DUDER, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 4, 1915
Steamer "Caresbrook" at bottom Hall's Bay to load props
beginning Monday. What about entry. Reply.
From: P.A. LEGROW, Springdale
-----------------------
To: P.A. LEGROW, Springdale
Sept. 4, 1915
Will be up Monday morning.
From: W.G. DUDER, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Jim SHEARING, Pilley's Island
Sept. 4, 1915
Can you accommodate self and child [for] about two days.
Wire collect.
From: Mrs. W.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. W.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 4, 1915
Will do the best I can for you.
From: Mrs. SHEARING
-----------------------
To: Mrs. John S. HULL, c/o Mrs. W. WISEMAN, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 4, 1915
Come by "Clyde". Will meet you at Springdale and settle
passage if necessary.
From: John S. HULL, Springdale
-----------------------
To: Dr. ABRAHAM, Pilley's Island
Sept. 4, 1915
Mrs. STRONG coming by "Clyde". Will you kindly arrange
at my expense someone meet her on arrival.
From: J.A. STRONG
-----------------------
To: Mrs. J.A. STRONG, Hospital, Pilley's Island
Sept. 6, 1915
All well home. Youngsters first rate. Leaving here Wednesday.
Best wishes.
From: J.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: The Sub Collector, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 6, 1915
Permission granted accepts bonds for duty from Strong and
Mursell sureties [for] Thomas THISTLE and
Rev. Thomas PITCHER.
From: Asst. Collector , St. John's
-----------------------
To: Mr. B.P. DEWEY, Greenspond
Sept. 7, 1915
Congratulations for having eight pupils pass exams.
From: Mrs. Robert MORRIS, Little Bay Islands
[It is my understanding that the higher-lever school
final examinations were sent to be corrected in St. John's
at that time.]
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Robert MORRIS, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 7, 1915
Two LOCKEs, two JONES, two MURSELLs, DUDER,
Jessie OXFORD passed. Congratulations.
From: B.P. DEWEY, Greenspond
-----------------------
To: Mr. Edward TUFFIN, Little Bay Island
Sept. 8, 1915
[Schooner] "Little Beulah" at Domino. All well.
From: Douglas TUFFIN
[Message was sent from Domino, Labrador to
Little Bay Islands via Fogo.]
-----------------------
To: Robert OXFORD, Springdale
Sept. 8, 1915
We have a new 3-Mianus [?] in store now if you want one
write us or wire your intention.
[This is probably a 3-hp motor for boat.]
From: E.D. JONES, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Assistant Collector, St. John's
Sept. 8, 1915
S.S. "Carisbrook" loading pitprops at Hall's Bay for England.
From: Sub Collector, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. E. PADDOCK, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 9, 1915
Come on first boat.
From: John DAWE, Grand Falls
-----------------------
To: Mr. Leander HILL, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 10, 1915
Come by "Prospero". Mother very sick [would] like to see you.
Reply.
From: Mrs. James BURRY, Badger[s] Quay
-----------------------
To: Mrs. James BURRY, Badger Quay
Sept. 10, 1915
Mr. HILL not home. Don't know where he is.
From: Mrs. Leander HILL, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Master W. DUDER, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 10, 1915
Well done Willie, you passed Preliminary with honors.
From: Uncle Charlie, Grand Lake
-----------------------
To: Miss Beatrice ELLIOTT, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 10, 1915
Baby boy arrived this morning, doing fine. Write [by] "Clyde".
Tell Mrs. Will and Mrs. Bob.
From: A.F. STRONG, Pilley's Island
----------------------
To: Rev. Thomas PITCHER, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 10, 1915
What time must I leave for Wild Bight. Inform by wire.
From: Elsie BROOKS, Lushes Bight
-----------------------
To: Miss Beatrice ELLIOTT, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 10, 1915
How is everything at home. Coming home Wednesday if
suitable day. Writing[by] "Prospero". Reply tonight. [Miss
Elliott was a domestic servant of this Strong family.]
From: A.F. STRONG, Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Mrs. J.A. STRONG, Pilley's Island Hospital
[Not dated]
Everything alright home. Children all fine. Will be
expecting you Wednesday.
From: B. ELLIOTT
-----------------------
To: James M. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 11, 1915
Arrived here daylight this morning. Not much fish getting here now.
From: J.A. STRONG, Seal Cove
[Both were Little Bay Islands merchants, one giving the other
a report on fishery conditions further north.]
-----------------------
To: Mrs. J.A. STRONG, c/o Hospital Pilley's Island
Sept. 11, 1915
Charmed with news. Hear you are O.K. Writing by "Clyde".
From: Belle
[Belle and Mrs. J.A. Strong (Annie Fiddes Scott) were the
wives of cousins William and J. Adolph Strong of Little
Bay Islands.]
-----------------------
To: Ayre & Sons, St. John's
Sept. 13, 1915
From: Send baby's rocking cot by "Prospero" without fail, not expensive.
Rev. T. PITCHER, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. WHETMORE, Care of C.W. TILLEY, Grand Lake
Sept. 13, 1915
Letter received. Sorry you could not come to see us.
From: Em [Little Bay Islands]
-----------------------
To: Miss Elizabeth STRONG, St. John's
Sept. 14, 1915
Ship [by] rail 1 gallon good rum.
From: W.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
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To: W.G. DUDER, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 14, 1915
Am informed "Caresbrook" ashore near your port. Have
received no advice from you. Wire particulars.
From: Registrar of Shipping, St. John's
-----------------------
To: Registrar of Shipping, St. John's
Sept. 14, 1915
Am going Little Bay this afternoon to investigate re
"Caresbrook". Will wire particulars.
From: W.G. DUDER, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Miss Naomi OSMOND, Moreton's Harbour
Sept. 15, 1915
Could you procure 3 gallons black currants [and] send by "Prospero".
From: Jessie DUDER, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Andrew SIMMS, Little Bay
Sept. 17, 1915
Depending on you join us Monday morning early.
From: W.A. STRONG, Little Bay Islands
[W.A. Strong, merchant, arranging crew for a trip.]
-----------------------
To: Purser, "Clyde", Three Arms, now at Little Bay Islands
Sept. 18, 1915
Kindly bring my valise and mail to Botwood, deliver there.
From: Louis G. HUDSON, Point Leamington
----------------------
To: Mrs. James BURRY, Valleyfield, via Badger[s] Quay
Sept. 20, 1915
Just arrived home. Coming by "Prospero" [and] will land
Pool's Island.
From: L. HILL, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Peter CAMPBELL, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 21, 1915
Arrived 12:30 p.m. All well.
From: Peter CAMPBELL, Burlington
-----------------------
To: Miss Beatrice ELLIOTT, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 21, 1915
Decided [to] wait for "Clyde". Expect nurse come too. Have
spare room ready [and a] nice cup [of] tea. Get Daisy over
[to] meet us.
From: A.F. STRONG, Pilley's Island Hospital
-----------------------
To: Eli LANGDON, Norris Arm, Exploits Bay
[Not dated]
If Arches boat [is] not sold don't sell. Reply immediately
[to me at] Little Bay Islands.
From: Garland LANGDON, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Garland LANGDON, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 23, 1915
Boat is sold. All well.
From: Eli LANGDON
-----------------------
To: Miss Janet PAYNE, 37 Monkstown Road, St. John's
Sept. 23, 1915
Am depending on you for tomatoes and plums.
From: Belle, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. A.E. PARSONS, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 24, 1915
Arrived safe. All well. Don't expect me till I come.
From: Duncan, Springdale
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Mark ROWSELL, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 24, 1915
Mother died yesterday 2 o'clock. Will be buried Sunday.
From: Herbert ROWSELL, Miles Cove via Pilley's Island
-----------------------
To: Mr. BLACKLER, Nipper's Harbour
Sept. 25, 1915
Have you eight tons [of] coals to supply me. Answer by "Clyde".
From: Light Keeper, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. George STONE, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 25, 1915
Writing next week.
From: George STONE, Bishops Falls
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Leander HILL, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 25, 1915
Arrived alright Friday morning 10 o'clock. Mother no better.
From: Leander HILL, Badger[s] Quay
-----------------------
To: Postmaster, Fortune Harbour, Nfld.
Sept. 25, 1915
Money for 'Strong & Mursell' did not come by mail.
Why is it. Reply.
From: Postmistress, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: John RIDOUT, Crouse, via Conch[e]
Sept. 27, 1915
Schooner engaged for you and Arch, leaving Friday
or Saturday.
From: Strong & Mursell, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. John WEIR, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 27, 1915
Arrived here last night. [Will be] home first chance.
From: John WEIR, Tilt Cove
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To: Mrs. Edward FLIGHT, Broad Cove, Bay de Verde
Sept. 29, 1915
[There is] no steamer on Monday. Will be leaving Sunday.
All well.
From: Fanny F. WELLMAN, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Thomas THISTLE, Little Bay Islands
Sept. 29, 1915
Will you instruct your banker by wire to loan me if needed
eighteen hundred dollars at interest of secure valued
property reply.
From: Minnie BUTTON, New Melbourne
-----------------------
To: Minnie BUTTON, New Melbourne
Sept. 29, 1915
Do not know what you mean. Write me and explain.
From: Thomas THISTLE, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. Frederick WATKINS, Pilley's Island, Head's Harbour
Sept. 30, 1915
Send Annie by "Clyde". Father arrived home Sunday. All well.
From: Job WISEMAN, Little Bay Islands
-----------------------
To: Mrs. George HALLETT, Norris Arm, Exploits Bay
[Sept. 1915]
Arrived at Lushes Bight to-day. All well.
From: George HALLETT
-----------------------
To: Miss Edna LOCKE, Little Bay Islands
[Sept. 1915]
Why did you not come. [I am] anxious. Reply reason at once.
From: Mrs. James WINSOR, Tilt Cove
-----------------------
To: Mrs. James WINSOR, Tilt Cove
[Sept. 1915]
Quite well. Coming by "Prospero" next trip.
From: Edna, Little Bay Islands
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To: Mrs. PARSONS, Little Bay Islands
[Sept. 1915]
Arrived [at] station Saturday night. All well.
From: Pearl, Nipper's Harbour
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