Because she died when I was only in grade 6 it is interesting to use these letters to get to know her - who was she?
Well, one thing I know is that a very busy lady used to write individual picture-letters to 6 of her grandchildren who didn't happen to live very close to them. Although when this first started there were probably only 2 or 3 of us. It worked up from there as new grandkids came on the scene and were old enough to say "why don't I get a letter from Grandma?" So grandchildren were special, and she didn't want us to forget her.
We can also see from today's letter that sometimes she used to cheat -
No, she did not draw this image. It's a printed one. Clever lady.
The written part says
For Jenny,
I hope you can see our Church at Graceville soon.
Love from Grandad and Grandma. XXX
I don't know precisely when these letters started, but I presume they were a weekly inclusion into the family goings on letter that Grandma used to write to all her kids. I know we lived in Barcaldine from 1976 to 1980.
But this letter may have some specific dating evidence and I feel like I should be on Time Team, because I'm getting all excited.
You see, the Methodist Church joined with other churches to become the Uniting Church in July 1977. So this must have been printed before then. Unless, of course, they were trying to get rid of all the old printed material that was now out of date. Hmmm.
However, the fact that we hadn't seen the church must also put this early in our stay in Barky, because we would have visited them from time to time. In fact, my aunt was married there, but I can't remember when that was.
The chance that we'll ever know a date for certain?
... Approximately None!
7 comments:
"Unless, of course, they were trying to get rid of all the old printed material that was now out of date."
I have to admit, that does sound very like the sort of thing that Grandma would do...
your grandma sounds like an interesting lady :) How special to have letters from her...
How wonderful to have those letters from your Grandmother!
What a great opportunity to get to know your grandmother from an adult perspective.
How wonderful to have those letters ! A real treasure and so interesting too
I know this Church well. I used to do eisteddfods here for speech and drama. They must have been run by the Church because they included bible reading - for which I always won first prize! I can read the pants off the New Testament. (not literally - that would be improper)
Hey Jenny, love your blog, just finished reading your 'letters from Grandma'. Would you believe i didnt know anyone other than kent and i received them. I know i still have mine somewhere (probably in a box), mum did the same thing, stuck them in a big exercise book. But i had totally forgotten they'd existed till i read your post.
Great memories, she was a great grandma, i can still tear up when i think about her...
xo
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