White House Meadow, Felsted, Essex, England
I AM IN AMERICA FOR three months holiday visiting my twin
sister, she married a soldier during the last war.
I am the owner of a steam engine which I named ‘Felsted
Belle’. It is a Garatt 7 hp., weighs 7 tons and was built in
1916. I drove this engine over 100 miles by road last year to
different Rallies (Reunions you call them).
I am a member of three different Clubs in England. You can guess
how thrilled I was to find steam engines in this country (U. S.). I
was surprised to find as many as I have found and the friendship,
and the friendship, I can’t really explain it in writing.
I have met Mr. George Bednar, a reader of your Magazine. George
has become a great friend of mine. The first day I met him he
loaned me some of your magazines to read. I have enjoyed them very
much, indeed. I was very surprised to read an article from Mr. R.
G. Pratt, who is a member of the East Anglican Traction Engine
Club, and together we sit on the committee of that Club.
I would like to try and express my thanks for printing his
article regarding our Queen. It was very pleasing to read.
I also like the history of the Baker Fan. It seems very
interesting. I would like to make one. I’ll bet that would
bring a lot of fun and skill in England. I am a long way from being
a mechanic or engineer but I love engines and I get a thrill out of
them. I am also glad they are being preserved in this country. I am
enclosing a photo of my engine. I think you would like it. I am the
driver and a friend is steering and my son, who is six years old,
is in the tender where he rides all over the country. I hope some
day he will follow his father’s footsteps and he can take over.
I have met a man who is known as Steam Engine Joe. He has given me
some lovely souvenirs to take home. My friend, George, has also
given me some nice photos and souvenirs. I gave some of my photos
away to different ones.
I have made some good friends in this Country who I am going to
keep in touch with by letter. I also would like to be a friend of
yours. I definitely am going to be one of your readers in the
future.
I am certain that Elmer won’t mind if I take space to
express sincere regret that I was not home when Elmer and Mr.
Clarke called at our home one Sunday afternoon. We certainly would
like to have met and talked with him. Perhaps again? The
Printer.
