Required Reading: Perusing the Maggie Pollok Letter Step by Step
Maggie Jessie Pollok: 1872- Approx. 1929?
Among the documents we discovered after Laurel Aird’s death
was a charming postcard/letter written by John Aird’s great aunt Maggie Pollok
to her sister, John’s grandmother Jane Pollok Shields, in July of 1904. The
letter was written while Maggie was vacationing in the Pitlochrie area of
Scotland, and features photos of the scenery. It also provides some marvelous
clues about the two sisters’ lives. Moving through the letter step by step
reveals information that fills in some of the bare bones data found amongst
Ancestry’s digital records.
I am including scans of the original letter, as well as my
transcription. Sadly, I have been unable to find a photo Maggie Pollok.
Pitlochry, 20/7/04
My Dear Jane,
It is quite a long time since I have written to you, but you
always hear from mother anyhow. I like this place very much; it is the Highlands
right enough. The weather has been splendid, although the rain is coming down
in style tonight. We have nice bright rooms and good cooking, the latter being
an important item. Mother seems to be getting on all right at home. You will
notice I have broken my rule and left her alone, but it seemed a sort of
necessity. I felt a bit better towards the end of our stay at Biggar but I went
right back when we got home. The week before we came here I lay in bed nearly
all the time, and even when up could not do anything at all. I sit and lie
about most of the day and in the evening have a short walk. My stomach is doing
fairly well, the main trouble is sheer weakness. We will likely go to Edinb. for
August, as the family is to be away, so I ought to be the better of so much
holiday.
How are you keeping this weather? I see from the newspaper
it is very hot in New York. If you invest in a house in Hamilton, I suppose you
will be settled there for life.
Robert started his holiday last Saturday. He intended going
to Shetland if he was not too late to get a berth. He had waited till the last
to see if Mr. Irving could accompany him, but he was unable to get away.
I was so sorry to hear of the affair about the meeting. I hope
you will get satisfactorily settled somewhere else. Has the public meeting come
off yet?
Aunt Maggie and the others ask to be remembered to you and
John. They are all very good to me and we are having quite a nice time. We are
only 3 ½ miles from Killicrankie where the famous battle was fought and where
Clavarhouse lost his life. I heard the pipes skirling away the other night and
it sound fine among the hills. I am glad the girls are able to help you a
little; Mays report was very good. Love to John and the children from
Your affectionate sister,
Maggie
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