Transcription of the notes kept by Tom Howitt[b.1895] on the trip, including some photographs.[my notes in brackets C. Sellers]
Note: Still working on some details
Our trip started from Boston airport at 6:40PM on August 5[,1960] on the B.O.A.C. airline.
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| Reta Howitt with son, Andrew; husband, Tom; son, John; sister, Lizzie Martin at the airport. |
Dinner was served soon after take off and breakfast was had a short while before landing. Eating, due to the cramped quarters, was not easy, everyone was lucky that they were not stabbed either by themselves or by their neighbors.
The flight over was uneventful except for one incident. The gentleman behind me rising up suddenly to let a lady into the aisle and in doing so, jammed his lighted cigarette into the back of my neck. Of course I didn't bat an eye, he tried to apologize but I said it was alright, if it gave him pleasure to scorch me with his cigarette he could keep on doing it. yeah!
[Aug 6]
The landing at Prestwick was as smooth a job as I have ever experienced. The disembarking and getting through customs took less than half an hour. We found Bunty waiting for us at the gate and we were very pleased indeed to see her. She was good company for us on the bus ride to Glasgow. After unloading we checked our bags and went to lunch, after which we found our way to Queen St Station where Reta and I entrained to Edinburgh.
The train we got was an extra that was put on to take the overflow. It was an extra alright, it was extra dirty, slow, and extra late. A taxi took us from the Waverly Station to the home of Reta's sister Jeanie[47 Northfield Crescent?].
A Royal welcome and a hot lunch awaited us there and then a continuous babel of 'how's so and so' and how's this one and that one was the order of the day and far into the night. My sister[Helen? is this Ella?] and her son Walter[Grieve?] called during the evening and with their departure our first day in Edinburgh ended.
[Aug 7]
Sunday I had planned to get up early, 6:30, and take a walk through the Queen's Park and climb Arthur's Seat before breakfast, however, the next thing I knew was Jeanie knocking and saying get up for breakfast, that it was nine o'clock. My feeble response was to say, 'go away and come back later'. Reta, Jeanie, and her husband, Jim, went to church while I belatedly took my walk through the park.
In the afternoon, Jack Dougall came with his wife Angela, and two of his children and drove us to the Park Bridge at Queensferry.
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| Tom Howitt, Angela Dougall, Reta Howitt, Jack Dougall, Jeanie Dougall |
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| Tom Howitt, Angela Dougall, Reta Howitt, Jeanie Dougall (in front,Raymond?) |
In the evening, we visited Ella who lives a short distance from Jeanie [14 Dalgety Ave?].
[Aug 8]
Monday after breakfast made a visit to Mother's, Reta and Jeanie's, grave at Liberton Cemetery. I took pictures of the gravestone also of the skyline of the city.
[there is a picture of them]
From there Reta and Jeanie made a visit to two old time friends, Janie Waugh and Maggie Nesbit while I made my way back to the city, met Jim, had lunch together, and then went bowling[Willowbrae Bowling Green Club].
The evening was taken up with a visit to Reta's long time chum, Maggie McLagan[I believe this could be [Maggie Chalmers!]. She had her brother and his wife there on a visit from Chicago.
[Aug 9]
Tuesday we made an early visit to Tom Steele(21 Pennywell Gardens?] and his wife(Janet?) in Leith and passed a pleasant hour with them. From there we window shopped along Prince's St. on our way to have lunch with Craig and Elizabeth Richards. Elizabeth drove us from there to our next visit who was Bell Porteous. I had made a visit there with my mother and sister on my first trip home.(maybe Portobello?yes!). We spent the evening with [Nim? Mrs?] and then found our way back [home? here]
[Aug 10]
Wednesday we had plan made to visit my brother, Steve, again we first made our way to Prince's Street where we shopped for over an hour. After lunch Steve and I went bowling for the afternoon, perfect greens with beautiful surroundings[Sighthill Bowling Green Club]. Home for tea we found that Jeanie and Jim, my sister Ella, and young Steve and his family had joined the party. It rained quite heavily during tea time but faired up to make it possible for Steve and I to go bowling again. Steve took us home in his car and another enjoyable day came to a close.[Believe Steve and Martha lived at 34 Sighthill View and the son, Steve, lived at 25 Parkhead Gardens with his wife, Janette]
[Aug 11]
Thursday I went with Reta to meet Maggie[Chalmers/McClagan) and her sister Anna who were going on a shopping spree. Leaving them I wandered down into the Princes Street Gardens where I stood for a while and watched a children's programme going on in the outdoor theater.
From there I strolled up the bridges and turned up High Street, reaching St Giles Cathedral. I entered and spent half an hour absorbing ancient history before I left I inquired at the office for the Rev Henry Whitney, who is the pastor there. This call was made at the request of Alex and Agnes Dakers who were married by Mr Whitney in Port Glasgow. Mr Whitney, however, had just left for a vacation on the continent.
Leaving there I found my way to the North British Hotel[now, The Balmoral] where I was to meet Craig Richards for lunch. Another guest of Craig's was Lindsey Stewart, Deputy Town Clerk of the City of Edinburgh[Verified that Lindsay Stewart was Dep. Town Clerk of Edinburgh 1959-1961. Not the same Lindsay Stewart who has a lecture hall named after him]. During luncheon I did my best to enlighten Craig and Lindsay on the political set up of Boston and Massachusetts. Elizabeth joined us toward the end of the luncheon.
Following the luncheon we made a trip out to Swanson[Swanston] at the foot of the Pentland Hills to visit and take pictures of the home of Robert Louis Stevenson. The home and adjoining cottages are now owned by the city and have been recently renovated with the original setup being preserved.[ Note Reta's mother, Jane Meikle lived here in 1881]
Elizabeth took pictures of Craig Lindsay and I in front of the cottages. The pictures are to be shown at Craig's intended talk about Edinburgh at the Get Together Supper of our church in September.
Leaving the Stevenson cottages we returned to Edinburgh and leaving the Richards there I found my way to Musselburgh where Jack Dougall has his home[13 Milton Dr]. Reta, Jeanie and Jim had preceded me there. While there I met John Scott who had formerly resided near us in Boston. It was the wee hours before we returned home from Jack's place, Jack driving us home.
[Aug 12]
Friday we were up early to prepare for our journey to Carluke. We left Edinburgh by bus at 10:15 and arrived at Carluke about 12:30PM. Bunty's youngest son, Robert, met us at the bus stop. Reaching home I had a joyful meeting with sisters Bunty and Nettie. After lunch I found myself at the bowling green which was quite neat. Back home for supper where I renewed acquaintance with Bunty's husband Robert, son Tom, and daughter, Helen. After supper Robert escorted me back to the bowling green[Carluke Bowling Club] where some of my war time pals, 1917[?], were waiting to say hello. Back home again I found most of Bunty's in-laws were there and from then on it was a hilarious evening.
[Aug 13]
Saturday forenoon we just loafed at Bunty's. In the afternoon Bunty took Reta to Wishaw to shop while I naturally found my way back to the Bowling Green. The relatives again descended on Bunty's home for the evening.
[Aug 14]
Sunday forenoon I looked up a wartime pal and passed an hour with him. Returning, I found Ella and Walter had arrived from Edinburgh and my sister-in-law, Mary[brother Alex's wife] had come down from Glasgow, also present were some of Bunty's nieces and nephews and their families so that was quite a houseful.
[Aug 15]
Monday morning Reta and I packed up and left for Glasgow.Arriving there we lunched at Walter Myron's Restaurant in the Arcade.The afternoon was spent shopping which finished up with a visit to the Scottish Bowling Association headquarters at 50 Hope St. Mr Linning the secretary gave us a royal welcome. We had a long chat over a glass of Sherry and on leaving he presented me Scottish Bowling Association badge and a 1960 yearbook. From there we found our way to [16] Rampart Ave out Knightswood way. A magnificent high tea awaited us there. Bettie Hosie and her sister Rachel being our hostesses. Later we were joined by Billy Hosie, his wife May and daughter Joyce. The evening was all too short. Joyce drove us to Mary's [Alex's widow], a short distance away [28 Westbourne Gardens? Baldric Rd?] where we were to pass the night. So much had to be talked about there that it was quite late until we retired.
[Aug 16]
Tuesday forenoon accompanied Mary for her shopping at Anniesland. After lunch Reta, Mary and I took a bus ride to the Western Cemetery for a visit to my brother Alex's grave. From there we went to Queen St station where we entrained to Edinburgh. Arriving at Parson's Green Terrace we found Andrew Dougall his wife Betty and son Kenneth there to greet us. Another evening of gabfest was enjoyed.
[Aug 17]
Wednesday forenoon Reta and I again trecked to Princes Street to continue our shopping. Back home in the early afternoon. Reta prepared to spend an hour or so at post card writing while I spent the afternoon bowling [Edinburgh Postal Bowling Club]. Reta and I passed the evening with my sister Ella.
[Aug 18]
Thursday we woke up to a steady downpour of rain. By 10:50 however, it cleared off. Reta and Jeanie went off shopping while Jim and I took a bus to Granton and passed an hour on the shores ofthe Firth of Fourth. Returning to the city we met the ladies and had our lunch at Patrick Thompson's.
From there Reta and I proceeded up the High St. to the Castle which was literally swarming with visitors. Our focal point was the Scottish War Memorial which alone is worth a visit to Edinburgh. Any words of mine would be totally inadequate to describe the Shrine. I am leaving the description to the official guidebook.
A bowling match had been arranged for me at the Northern Bowling Green by Lindsay Stewart and just as I was leaving to go there the rain came down and lasted through the evening. We, Reta, Lindsay Stewart and I, had an invitation to dinner from Craig Richards after the game, so the game being washed out we hied ourselves to Craig's home[1 Coates Place, Leith?] where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and passed a pleasant evening. Also present were Mrs. Lindsay Stewart, Craig's brother Charles, and his wife Elizabeth's mother, Buchanaren[?], Craig's brother in law, Mr Waylie, host and hostess, Craig and Elizabeth, daughter Rodney, and son Charles. After dinner Craig's objects of art were proudly shown and enviously admired. It was getting near one o'clock when the party broke up. On the way home Lindsay Stewart would have us stop at his home to look over his treasures. His pride and joy being a beautifully designed dining room, and a bathroom with unique features.
[Aug 19]
Friday morning I took off alone to visit my cousins in Lauriestown near Falkirk. I stayed overnight with Dan Paterson and his sister Anne. Reta, who had a special visit of her own to make on Friday, came through on Saturday forenoon. On Friday afternoon I visited the homes of cousins John Paterson and Martha Scott. In the evening Anne and I took off for Camelon, the other side of Falkirk, to visit cousins Willy and Bella. I did not meet cousin Helen as she was on vacation.
[Aug 20]
[Saturday]
After lunch we watched Dan's homing pigeons coming home on a race from Lancaster England. Anne then took Reta to the Laurieston flower show, all branches of the Paterson family being horticulturalists, while I naturally found my way to the bowling green[Laurieston Bowling Green].
We left Laurieston at eight o'clock as we had to be at Jack Dougall's in Musselburgh by ten as Jack had asked us to view the opening show of the tattoo on his television! Twas two o'clock in the morning when we got home.
[Aug 21]
Sunday we again woke up to a rainy morning but by noontime it cleared up and remained dry until night when it got showery. At three o'clock Reta and I attended the inauguration service of the Festival at St Giles Cathedral, the city officials parading from the city chambers in their robes.
In the evening Jeanie, Jim, Reta and I were invited to dinner at the Richard's. A very pleasant evening was passed there.
[Aug 22]
Monday Reta went uptown to meet her friend Maggie McLagan to shop and visit old friends while I made my way to Warriston Crematorium where my father's remains are. From there I just wandered around revisiting a few of my former haunts and hangouts.
Back home for lunch after which Jim and I walked over the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat and on the way back stopped in at the Postal Bowling Green where I bowled for a couple of hours.
In the evening Reta and I went to the Castle Esplanade to see the Tattoo, it was a magnificent spectacle. It was showery during the display but nobody left.
[Aug 23]
Tuesday we had made plans previously to go on a bus tour, so Jeanie, Jim, Ella, Reta and I set off in the middle of the forenoon for Peebles, the place where my father was born and grew up in. It was a perfect day for an outing, perfect sunshine and not too warm. After a nice lunch we sat on Tweed Green and watched the Tweed flowing by. Ella and I set off to try to find our cousins Alison and Bella Howitt. After a little asking here and there we found them and passed a pleasant hour with them.
Returning to Tweed Green we met the others, took some pictures...
[Aug 24]
Wednesday After breakfast Jeanie and Reta went uptown shopping while Jim accompanied me to the bowling green[Postal Bowling Club]. We got some showers in the afternoon so we all just stayed put. The evening was spent at Anndrew Dougall's watching a soccer game on television also some of the Olympic activities.
[Aug 25]
Thursday we woke up to a splashing northeaster and it looked like our planned trip to the Trossachs was a washout. However it eased off a little at ten thirty so Jack and Angie showed up with their car and although it was still raining and a heavy overcast, we all set off.
Our first stop was the Edinburgh airport where we had coffee. We passed through Falkirk and Stirling and when we reached Callander we stopped for lunch at the Dreadnaught Hotel. The journey from there up through the Trossachs was just beautiful. The heather in full bloom was everywhere, from the roadside to the hilltop.The purple mountains wearing their necklaces of sparkling lochs were magnificent.
Reaching Loch Katarine we got out and walked around for an hour or so just absorbing the scenery.
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| Reta, Angie, Tom and Jeanie |
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| Jim, Reta, Jack, Tom and Jeanie |
On our way back we stopped at the Trossachs Hotel, a remodeled castle of some ancient Scottish chieftain, for tea.
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| Reta, Jim, Angie, Tom, Jeanie at Trossachs Hotel |
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| Jim, Reta, Jack, Tom, Jeanie at Trossachs Hotel |
Returning to Callander we turned North and headed for Loch Earn.
From the time we entered the Trossachs until we reached the head of Loch Earn it was fair with some sunshine, but at that point it closed in on us again and the rain came down in torrents. We passed through Comrie and Crieff without seeing a single person on the streets. By the time we reached Dunblane it had cleared up and we got the chance to see some of the inhabitants there. Passing through Bridge of Allen we got a splendid view of Wallace's Monument up on the hilltop.
It was getting dark after we passed Stirling and Falkirk and at that point we got glimpses of the lights at Grangemouth the sight of which brings out the Oohs! and Ahhs!. Reaching the city we had supper at the Doric restaurant, opposite the Waverly Market and under the shadow of the North Bridge, which was a splendid finish to a memorable day.
[Aug 26]
Friday we woke up to blue skies and brilliant sunshine and as it turned out it was our most perfect day. Reta had planned to spend the day with her friend Maggie while I was making a trip out to Penicuik to look up some of my former pals. After lunch I visited the Eskmills Bowling Green where I met quite a few of the men I had worked beside in the papermill way back before 1914, also one or two of the fellows I had been with in the war. I bowled with them until four o'clock when I had to leave as I had to meet my brother, Steve at five o'clock in the city. On the way to Penicuik I got off the bus at Roslin to make a visit to the Roslin Chapel with it's famed "Prentice Pillar". I had never realized that, in all the years I had resided in that vicinity, there was such undeniable beauty in stonework, the detail is amazing in its variety and magnitude. I am willing to say that nowhere else could one find such varied detail in any one place. I had supper at Steve and Martha's after which we spent two hours bowling on what I would say the almost perfect green [Sighthill Bowling Club] Back to Martha's for a cup of tea after which Steve took me home.
[Aug 27]
Saturday was another morning of heavy overcast and rain. The rain stopped around noontime so Reta and I accompanied Jeanie on her marketing trip to Abbeyhill and Easter Road. At night Reta Jeanie & Jim went off to see the motorcycle races which were nearby, while I stayed home nursing a head cold.
[Aug 28]
Sunday started off with a heavy rain but regardless I went off to meet Bella and Bunty, who came through from Carluke, to make a visit to the graves of our Mother, sister Alice and brother John at Penicuik. It rained all the way out there, but faired up for us while we were walking to the cemetery. We arrived back home in the mid afternoon and later on all the Howitts and Dougalls who were available met at Ella's house for a going away tea for Reta and I, also for Ella's son Walter who was leaving the following day for England as he had enlisted in the Royal Air Force for a nine year period.
[Aug 29]
Monday started off with nice bright sunshine. In the forenoon I went bowling for what might well be my last game for this trip, while Reta and Jeanie made a pilgrimage to Liberton Cemetery to put flowers on Reta's mother's grave.
In the early afternoon Jack and Angie called for us with their car and took us a ride through Prestonpans. Jack drove us around and up, so far as it is possible to go, Arthur's seat where we had a splendid view of the most ancient and historical part of the city. While up there we also looked down on the Wells o' Weary[found 'em on the S side of Arthur's seat on old maps]. After Prestonpans we passed through Port Seaton and Gullane where we stopped for a peak at the world famous golf course Muirfield. After Gullane we passed Dirleton and then on to North Berwick. This run took us along the shoreline of the Firth of Fourth which was dotted with beaches beautiful homes and ancient castles. Reaching North Berwick we got out and passed a pleasant hour at the waterfront where a rocky area has been transformed into a restful spot where one can sit and view the many islands surrounding that part of the coast. The return journey was made by Drem, Long Niddrie, Wallyford, and back into Musselburgh, where overlooking the race course and the waters of the Firth, we had tea at the Woodside Hotel. We then rested a while at Jack's place of business, which is a cafe which belongs to Angie's family, before we viewed "The Nun's Story" in the cinema which is also part of the establishment. Before the movie started, Reta and I went across the street to visit with John Scott and his family. We found Mrs Scott and Cathy at home. John, having a job out of town and only coming home from weekends, we did not see. After the show we had tea with Angie's sisters, Vicky, Lena and brother, Dom and his wife?[Dominica].
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| Angie Dougall, Jim Dougall, Jeanie Dougall, Reta Howitt, Angeie's sisters, Lena and Vicky Di Rollo and Jack Dougall |
They are all so very nice and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Passing Andrew and Betty's home we stopped there to say our goodbyes to them as it was going to be impossible to see them on the morrow. It rained late afternoon.
Tuesday the 30th, our last day here, started out cloudy but dry. I just could not think of the last day without a game of bowls so off I went in the forenoon. I am glad that I did go as I met up with Walter Mair, a member of this club, who was a finalist in this year's Scottish singles Championship at Queen's Park Greens in Glasgow. Before I left he presented me with a Postal Club badge, which I was very proud to receive.
After lunch an hour or so was spent in packing our cases, after which Jeanie, Reta and I took a bus uptown where we wandered around Princes Street Gardens and sat a while listening to a band which was playing there. After supper I took a walk up Arthur's Seat as it was nice and clear. I did not quite reach the top as I was limited for time, however I had a grand view from the point I reached. Incidentally this is the first day of our stay here that has been wholly free from rain, that is up to the present which is 7:00 PM.
Ella made a visit to Jeanie's to say goodbye to us. Jack and Angie came with the car about 7:30 so about 7:45 we started on the first leg of our journey homeward. Jim and Jeanie came with us also. Reaching Glasgow, we were met by Bunty, Nan and Helen Paterson who had come through from Carluke. We checked in then we all headed for the St Enochs Hotel where we had our farewell tea party. The bus taking us to Prestwick left shortly after 11 and got us there a little after midnight. The plane was over two hours late in taking off so we were that much later getting to Boston. John met us at the airport so we were back home by 8:30 AM.
And that was the end of a memorable vacation.
