Charlie spent his first Christmas in Europe in New Quay, Cornwall, on the Southwest coast of England. He had almost a month off between terms and he and three American Rhodesmen classmates, Frank Mohler, Edwin Lloyd and Newton Ensign, went there to explore and study. The colleges were closed, and they sought adventure but also inexpensive lodging conducive to study for their vacation.
He was to spend much of his vacation time translating Justinian from Latin, but Christmas was on his mind. Charlie notes in the December 24 letter below “I don’t much like the idea of Latin on Xmas”. This was his first Christmas away and he reflected on that without quite admitting any homesickness.
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December 24, 1905 New Quay
Dear Home Folks:
It’s some little while before church time & I don’t know whether I’ll go or not so am going to write a bit. Have been having a rather quiet time this week—it has been cloudy quite a bit and we haven’t done so much walking as last but has been a fine week to work. I’m about half through my Latin stint and the time is not quite half up either. The other fellows are getting an awful lot done too.
That McClure’s and also a News. Rep. [The Hobart News-Republican] came in yesterday. I read some and have the rest saved up for today. Notice they have a London address. Think I’ll have to invest.
They seem to go in for Xmas pretty heavy in this country. The shops are to be closed three days for example. You have probably heard of English Xmas carols? Well last night just before dinner time we heard some voices begin in our doorway and when we asked the landlady found that was what as the matter. It seems that anyone has the privilege of serenading any one else until he shells up. We went to dinner while they were still at it and I don’t know whether the landlady gave them anything or not. They did finally quit.
We went down town after dinner to lay in a stock of eating—nuts, fruit etc. And had a great time seeing the people. Cornishmen are rather a distinct type in Eng. anyhow and last night was a great time to see them. Every maid and flunky and most everybody else in town was on the one business street and dressed up to beat the band. Go in for colors here about like indians or coons.
Have been to church since I started this at the Wesleyan. Had a good service this A.M. Rather better than the usual run of Meth. “doins”, but am most afraid to go tonight. A special choir service was announced under the direction of Mr. Donkey. They have a new church that seats about 600. Fill it pretty well too.
As far as observance goes, people in this country take their religion pretty seriously and some of the best sights here are the churches. Not only the big ones in the towns and the cathedrals buy the little village ones. Little village & big church usually. They are mostly of the Ch. of E. [Church of England] and have high towers and old style interiors. Fine carved wood and beautiful and costly furnishings in a straw thatched village.
They are having some little excitement here in Englad now. The government is changing and they are going to have a general election before very long. Is a rather unusual occurrence and I’m glad it’s on while we’re here. IS quite an experience to find out about their elections. They say they have pretty noisy times but I rather doubt it.
The carolers are worse than ever here tonight.
Has Beatty learned to play pitch? Will probably the next thing after dominoes. Believe I was about his size when I learned “casino” played a game with Ensign last night. [His brother Beatty then was just under 6 years old.]
There has been a big sea on today and we saw some fine effects this P.M. on the cliffs.
Seems funny to have been in a town two weeks and know nobody in it. I don’t even know the landlady’s name.
I think I must be getting fat. My face is filling up and looks more as it did a couple of years ago.
You asked about Carol. He took the Pass Moderations exam and the last I saw of him thought he would get through. [An exam for those not seeking honors] Was going to London for the vacation. Talked some of coming down here with us but I’m afraid didn’t get very much encouragement. He’s in a fairly expensive place in Oxford and is making most too strenuous efforts to keep down expenses. Proclaimed himself a vegetarian and all that sort of thing to keep down his board battels. The idea is O.K. of course but doesn’t look good to me carried so far. The hall charge for dinner is about $.50 and that is cheaper than you can get any sort of one in a hotel or restaurant. Am afraid I wasn’t intending to economize in that line, at least it would be the last place. Don’t think I’ll have any particular trouble in finances tho.
Am afraid tomorrow is going to be a rather dull sort of day here. I’ve got most everything read except law and don’t much like the idea of Latin on Xmas. Wish I could be with you on the fat turkey deal. We’re wondering what our landlady will offer.
Mohler got a Xmas. present of a copy of that book the Brinkers sent me. I’m getting on pretty well with my Roman Law. Shall be glad to get it read and be through with Latin for a while at least.
You spoke about my letter not being on time. Don’t worry if one isn’t even for several days because with only two mail a week and around in rural places it would not be much wonder if I was to a mail from Queenstown.
With love to all from your son & brother,
Charlie
