The Children's Trunks & Bibles
Often, the children in the homes would make these boxes. Some Barnardo boxes were made at the The Barnardo Technical School in England. Most children who immigrated to Canada received a box, others were provided with sacks.
A girls trunk packed up and ready to go
Boys at the Waif and Strays Society Home, Caversham, near Reading packing for Canada c1911
From the 1907 Narrative of Facts - Quarriers in Scotland, Girls boxes en route to Canada
Cecil Bennett's trunk, owned by the BHCARA, is on show at the Canadian Museum of History (Quebec). Cecil and Winnifred Payne are the featured children for this exhibit - opened long term.
Typical size of these trunks: 12 inches high, 14 inches deep and 27.5 inches wide
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A girls trunk with the list of contents still attached to the lid.
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Staff members of Hazelbrae unpacking the girls trunks - 1911
Undated photo of Barnardo Boy's having their trunks inspected before leaving for Canada
The smaller suitcases on the trunks would likely be smaller cases the boys carried for onboard the ships.
Dr. Barnardo girls boarding the train in England. Mrs. Barnardo is believed to be the lady in the middle. These girls are carrying smaller bags for on board the ship as well as the larger trunks. Photo is undated.
Contents of the Trunks
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The contents of the trunks varied from organization to organization. This list found in a letter written by Government Inspector Mr. G. Bogue Smart, c1925, lists the contents of the trunks for the Marchmont House of Annie MacPherson. (published by Marj Kohli - RootsWeb). Most, but not all, supplies trunks for the children to bring these belongings to Canada. The Cumberland Industrial School provided sacks. (The Golden Bridge- page 391) as did the Catholic Immigration Association.
The publications included also varied, but were generally: The Travelers Guide, Holy Bible, New Testament, and Pilgrim's Progress. Cost of the Maria Rye trunks in 1873 was £8 with the outfit costing £2:10s, with free delivery at Liverpool. In 1894 the cost of the contents was £3.10s (Gail Collins) G. Bogue Smart list - 1925 Marchmont:
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1 cap
1 overcoat, muffler, gloves 1 Sunday suit (knickers) 1 second best suit 1 working suit 2 overalls 2 suits underwear a pair braces 3 shirts, 4 collars, 2 ties Handkerchiefs 1 jersey 3 pairs stockings (golf) 2 pair boots 1 pair running shoes 1 pair rubbers 1 hair brush and comb 1 housewife [a sewing kit] 1 Bible Writing material Older Boys1 Overcoat, Scharfe
Hat & cap, gloves 3 suits 4 shirts, collar buttons 4 soft collars, 2 ties Handkerchiefs 1 jersey 1 overalls 1 pair braces, belt 2 pairs boots 1 shoes 3 pair socks 2 sets woollen underwear 1 hair brush and comb 1 housewife (sewing kit) 1 Bible Writing material |
Content in the Quarriers trunks - list from Quarriers - "for the girls, a nicely trimmed dress and hat, for Sabbath wear, two print dresses for summer, a dark hat and warm dress for winter, in addition to the one she travels in, a liberal supply of underclothing both for summer and winter, three pairs boots, four pairs stockings,ties, gloves, colllars, aprons, pinafores, warm ulster ( A loose, long overcoat ) for board ship, jacket, hood and scarf, a Bible, "Pilgrim's Progess", writing desk with materials, brush and comb in bag, and a work-bag with needles, pins, thread, worsted for darning, etc. All is packed in a good strong box with each girl's name on her own." - posted on RootsWeb
Maria Rye 1894 "Little Girls Outfit for Canada" - 3 pairs of drawers, 3 night gowns, chemises, 2 cotton petticoats with tops,2 flannel petticoats with tops, 3 pairs cotton stockings, 3 pairs warm stockings,2 cotton frocks,2 Lindsey (?) frocks,2 warm petticoats,1 warm brown Ulster (coat), 3 pinafores or aprons, 1 straw hat for Sunday, 1 straw hat for travel in, 2 pairs of boots, 3 pocket handkerchiefs, 1 brush & comb & bag, 1 bible & prayer book, 1 box - addressed, Canvas bag - Transcribed by Chris Sanham
Content in a Barnardo's Trunk - From Barnardo offices in England - 1 peaked cap, 2 pocket handkerchiefs, 1 Suit, 1 Pair of braces (suspenders),& one belt, 1 pair of rubber soled shoes, 1 ball of wool for sock repairs, 1 pair of slippers needle, thread & boot brush, 2 long night shirts, 1 Bible, 2 pairs of woolen socks, 1 marked New Testament, 1 pair overalls, 1 Travelers Guide, 1 set of light underwear, 1 Pilgrims Progress, 2 shirts. RootsWeb Note by Brian Rolfe: "
I have seen more than one report that Barnardo's, for example, did not allow any personal possessions such as toys, dolls or letters, to emigrate with the child."
Children's carvings on the lid of Earnest Geo. Newman's trunk - dated August 10 1893
Niagara Historical Society and Museum - the Lavinia Holness 1893 Maria Rye Trunk
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum - the 1870 Maria Rye - Caroline Newbold Trunk
Eliza Morris's trunk - she arrived in Canada aboard the Sarmatian with Maria Rye on 12 May 1873 - Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Ethel (Beecher) Betts 1913 trunk - Barnardo's
National Children's Home trunks - undated photo from "New Lives for Old"
A. (Arthur) Olley, GTR (Grand Trunk Railway), No. 21, Miss MacPherson Stratford Ontario Canada 1908
Below: St Nicholas Industrial school Manor Park 1898
notice the bags and not trunks
Above the trunk of Ernest Geo Newman
Walter Camp trunk - he arrived in Canada 1887-03-28 aboard the Parisian with the Dr Barnardo Homes
BHC Ada Somerfield holding her bible - her hands are the cover shot on this page.
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Home Child Florence Holtby with a Barnardo trunk
A Fegan Home Child trunk which belonged to Irene Fry's father
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The 1885 trunk of Barnardo child Annie Kennit
photos by Lori Oschefski. This trunk is owned by the BHCARA
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The 1890 trunk of Barnardo Child, Richard Williams
This trunk is owned by the BHCARA and is on display at the Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto
The 1889 Dr. Barnardo trunk of Albert J Evenden
Photos published courtesy of Al Fewster
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To read this contract visit:
Directions for Lads on leaving for situations Directions for lad on leaving for situations |
Typical size of these wooden trunks: 15 inches high, 15.5 deep and 26 inches wide
The 1886 Dr. Barnardo Trunk of William O'Mara
Image used by permission of Chris & MB Koester
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The 1891 John Sones Barnardo Trunk. 15 inches high, 15.5 deep and 26 inches wide
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The 1887 Joseph Gale Isle of Man Trunk (made by Quarriers)
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This is the 1887 trunk of Joseph Gale, immigrated to Canada by the Isle of Man Home for Orphan and Destitute Children, escorting agency was Quarriers and he was taken to Marchmont in Bellville before being placed out for work. This trunk is owned by the BHCARA
Mary Kinsley’s Quarrier Trunk – going to Brockville, Ontario 1894 trunk
the huge sticker on her trunk that said NOT WANTED in red letters. Mary was sent to Canada, along with her sister Janet, arriving in Brockville in 1894
the huge sticker on her trunk that said NOT WANTED in red letters. Mary was sent to Canada, along with her sister Janet, arriving in Brockville in 1894
A Quarrier trunk c1930
Violet Graham’s 1906 trunk -
Annie Macpherson
addressed to Stratford, Ontario
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Church of england, waifs and stays -
Islington Technical Home for Boys.
Preparing to Emigrate, Image dated 7th June 1907
BELCHER Reginald 12 VICTORIAN 1907, DEAN Alfred 14 VICTORIAN 1907 DOOLEY Walter 13 VICTORIAN 1907
HARVEY John 12 VICTORIAN 1907 HICKS James 60 VICTORIAN 1907 HILL Ernest 15 VICTORIAN 1907
SMITH Cyril 15 VICTORIAN 1907 STEVENSON John 17 VICTORIAN 1907 TOWNSEND Arthur 14 VICTORIAN 1907
TRAFFORD Percy 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WAIT Clifford 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WILLIAMS Harold 16 VICTORIAN 1907
WILSON James 15 VICTORIAN 1907 WINSON Stanley 13 VICTORIAN 1907 HOPE Frederick 17 VICTORIAN 1907
LEWRY Charles 17 VICTORIAN 1907 MORGAN Mostyn 16 VICTORIAN 1907 OAKLEY George. There is one extra boy in the photos who doesn't appear to have made it aboard the ship - for whatever reason.
HARVEY John 12 VICTORIAN 1907 HICKS James 60 VICTORIAN 1907 HILL Ernest 15 VICTORIAN 1907
SMITH Cyril 15 VICTORIAN 1907 STEVENSON John 17 VICTORIAN 1907 TOWNSEND Arthur 14 VICTORIAN 1907
TRAFFORD Percy 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WAIT Clifford 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WILLIAMS Harold 16 VICTORIAN 1907
WILSON James 15 VICTORIAN 1907 WINSON Stanley 13 VICTORIAN 1907 HOPE Frederick 17 VICTORIAN 1907
LEWRY Charles 17 VICTORIAN 1907 MORGAN Mostyn 16 VICTORIAN 1907 OAKLEY George. There is one extra boy in the photos who doesn't appear to have made it aboard the ship - for whatever reason.
1910 Henrietta Wrenn Trunk - Annie MacPherson
Henretta Wrenn's 1910 Annie MacPherson Trunk
She arrived in Canada with her sister Georgina. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski |
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Mary Ann Ada Long's Maria Rye Trunk
(October 9, 1883 - January 13, 1933) arrived in Canada on the SS Sardinian in 1893
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Edwin Baker Trunk
Gibbs Home, Church of England Waifs & Strays - 1928
Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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Used with permission of his daughter Evelyn Best
The David Young Quarriers Trunk - 1906 -
measurements 32” x 15 1/4” x 15”
photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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The James Douglas Cunningham TrunkJames arrived in Canada in 1890 through the Quarrier Homes
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The 1923 trunk of James Patterson, Quarriers
Born in Ayr, Scotland in June 1908, James Paterson was sent to Canada by the Orphan Homes of Scotland (Quarrier’s) in 1923 at the age of thirteen. This trunk is on display at the Athens Museum in Athens, Ontario |
The Owen McCarthy Trunk
In 1881 Owen McCarthy is found living with his parents Owen and Anna McCarthy. He was sent to Canada by the Dr. Barnardo Homes in 1886. In 1901 he is found in the census as an Inmate of Hamilton Asylum. In 1904 Owen died in the Hamilton Asylum.
Owen died of tuberculosis: |
Home Children (1869-1930) Immigration Records
Name: Owen McCarthy Age: 18 Sex: Male Ship: Lake Superior Year of Arrival: 1886 Arrival Port: Montreal via Portland Arrival Date: 25 June 1886 Party: Dr. Barnardo's Destination: Toronto Comments: 192 boys Source: Library and Archives Canada |
Edward J. Foster TrunkEdward arrived on June 20 1901 with the Church of England Waifs & Strays. He was taken to Niagara-on-the-Lake. His trunk was on display in Wainfleet. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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1903 Eva Cruttenden Barnardo Trunk
Trunk owned by the BHCARA - photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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The John Vallance Barnardo Home Trunk - 1939
Click here for John's story and more photos - photo credit: Lori Oschefski
Click here for John's story and more photos - photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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George A Brewer Gibbs Home Trunk
George arrived in Canada on June 28 1913. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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This box was owned by George A. Brewer, in which he carried all his worldy possessions. George arrived in Canada aboard the SS Victorian on June 28, 1913. He was sent to the Gibbs Home in Sherbrooke, Quebec where he was sent to his first placement on the Coates Farm in Bulwer or Cookshire Quebec.
George left the Coates fram to enlist in the 117th Regiment and transferred to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. After the war, George worked for the CNR out of Detroit and Chicago. He married but had no children. The book "The Pilgrims Progress" was presented to George by Vicar J. Norris of the Liscard Sunday School in 1908. Miss Esther Farnsworth of the WAles Home, Richmond Quebec, a friend of George Brewer donated the box and the book to the Bampton collection of Home Children memorabilia. |
The Fred Forman Gibbs Home Trunk
photos by Lori Oschefski
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Fred W Foreman
B July 24, 1910 D: c1980 Arrived May 17 1925, Gibbs Home Sherbrook Quebec Worked for John Jenkins Farm Minton Quebec. Went out west for harvest, marrie out there. A son Jacob. Now housed at the Compton County Museum |
The Gibbs Home Trunk of Frederick Williams
The 1888 Barnardo Home Trunk of Samuel Corbett
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Name: Corbett, Samuel
Age: 14 Ship: Polynesian Departure Port/Date: Liverpool - 29 March 1888 Arrival Port/Date: Halifax - 10 April 1888 Party: Dr. Barnardo's Destination: Halifax, NS Comments: Party of 205 males to Halifax. Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG76 C 1 b, microfilm C-4513 Type of Record: Passenger Lists |
Samuel's name inside the lid - his indenture contract was also attached.
The 1895 Barnardo Home Trunk of Elizabeth A. Hayter
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Name: Hayter, Eliza A.
Age: 12 Ship: Sardinian Departure Port/Date: Liverpool - 05 September 1895 Arrival Port/Date: Quebec - 15 September 1895 Party: Dr. Barnado's party Destination: Toronto, Ontario Comments: Mr Owens in charge. 298 children Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG76 C 1 a; microfilm #C-4540 |
The 1899 Bristol Emmigration Society Trunk of William Thorne
William and Henry came to Canada on the Montrose, arriving in Montreal on July 10, 1899. William was 10 and Henry was 13. They were both sent to New Brunswick. Their sister Alice was sent to New Brunswick in 1898
The 1902 Trunk of Thomas Eveleigh
Thomas EVELEIGHGiven Name(s): Thomas Surname:
EVELEIGH Age: 17 New England, Barnardo's |
Display made by Judy Nevill , Thomas was trained as a brushmaker in England
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The Stephen Duckhouse Barnardo Home Trunk - 1910
came with brother Alfred Duckhouse
Private
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Two examples of the sheet metal trunk used by Barnardo's - owners unknown
Left one - Canadian Museum of Civilization
Left one - Canadian Museum of Civilization
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Trunk & Bible of James PhillipsJames 9, Florence 11 and Henry 14 came over in June of 1913 with the Middlemore's. They were from the Union workhouse system of Worcester, England.
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Arthur Coates's Trunk
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James Patterson's trunk
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P. Graham Quarrier's Trunk
This trunk is now in the possession of the Merseyside Maritime Museum. 
A child from the Church of England, Waifs and Strays off to Canada with his trunk beside him.
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The Golden Bridge web site provides excellent pictures and details of the children's trunks and Bibles from Quarriers
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The 1907 trunk of George McDowell - Smyle Home
First group of boys headed to the Dakeyne Boy's Farm, Nova Scotia
Alfred T Roberts, Ernest E Litchfield, Fred H Hutchinson, George W. Cadman, Haltim H Smith, Harold Smith, Harry May, Hy A Walker, James Weatherbed, Lawrence Walker, Percy Bailey, William G Cook
Photo courtesy of "Dakeyne Boy's Farm" facebook page
Fegan boys with their trunks
photo from: http://www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/home
Bibles and Books
Bibles of
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The Lucy Wright Bible
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Inside the cover of the Fred Dayes Bible
The New Testament and a Hymn Book from a Trunk
The Percy Chilton Bennett Bible
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We have found a Robert W COOKE born about 1898 who travelled from Liverpool on 11 Oct 1906 to Quebec with Barnardo’s and was living with John McKin and family in Middleton, Norfolk, Ontario in 1911, (listed as Cook, rather than Cooke)
Robert W Cook, married in 1922 to Winnifred Victoria Fines, neither bride nor groom knew the names of their parents. Bible on display at the Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto |
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The Traveller's GuideThe Traveller's Guide was included in many trunks. Please click on thumb nail to see larger view.
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The 1920 Barnardo Bible of Thomas CathcartItem: Thomas CATHCARTGiven Name(s):
Thomas Surname: CATHCART Age: 12 Gender: M Ship: SCOTIAN Port of Departure: London Date of Departure: 1920-06-15 Port of Arrival: Quebec Date of Arrival: 1920-06-29 Year of Arrival: 1920 Party: Barnardo Homes Destination: 50-52 Peter Street, Toronto, Ontario |
This is the cover picture of Roy Parker's book UPROOTED and shows boys before their departure to Canada in 1908. They are from the St. Nicholas Industrial School at Manor Park in London, organized by the Catholic Immigration Association. They are holding what appears to be large duffle bags instead of trunks.
1912 Shipping Agent's Booklet,
In this booklet, in contrast to the contents of the children's trunks, this is what was recommended potential farmers bring to Canada with them:
(posted on RootsWeb by Gail Smith)
"One Good Heavy Winter Suit, made from indigo-dyed
and wool Army Tweed, lined flannel, (pound sign)2 15s 6d;
or from Heavy navy Serge, wool, and indigo-dyed
lined flannel. (pound sign) 2 5c 6d
One Heavy Moleskin Working Suit, with sleeved vest,
(pound sign) 25/-
(The above may be dispensed with if plenty of good, heavy,
warm suits of old clothes are taken.)
One Army Wool Tweed Reefer Jacket, lined with serge, 37/6; or
One Frieze Overcoat, lined tweed, 30/-
One Waterproof Coat (see special list), 16/6; or
One Oilskin Coat 8/6 (we export large quantities of Oil Coats to Canadian
merchants),
One Pair Heavy Cord Riding Pants, either Army quality (clearing line), 10/6
per pair; or
One Pair Corduroy Knickers, 10/6
One Good, Warm Cap, with ear flaps, 2/6.
One Felt Slouch Hat, 2/11.
One Straw Slouch Hat, 2/6
Six Grey Army Flannel Shirts, pure wool, 4/6 each; or with turn-down
collar,
5/- each.
Three Suits Natural Llama Underclothing (singlets and pants), 6/6 per suit.
Six Cotton shirts, striped, for steamer wear; 1/11 each.
Two Suits Pyjamas, strong, 8/6 per suit.
One Cardigan Jacket or Wool Jersey 6/6
Twelve Pairs Strong Socks, 8/6 per doz. pairs
Three Pairs Strong Stockings, 1/6 per pair
Twelve Handkerchiefs, red or blue spot, 3/6 per doz.
Two All-Wool Brown Army Blankets (clearing line) 2/11 each
One Warm Travelling Rug 7/6 each
Two Good, Strong Wooden Trunks, cabin pattern, 12/6 each
Two Pairs Brown Undressed Calf Boots, copper quilted soles, 14/6 per pair
One Pair Army Bluchers Boots, hand sewn, real rejects 8/6 per pair
(Both these lines of Boots have been sold by us to Canadian merchants,,
and are readily bought by settlers, with duty, freight, and merchants'
profits added, in preference to any others.)
One Good Strong Leather Waist Belt 1/11 each
One Pair Leather Slippers, 2/6 or Canvas Shoes 3/9 per pair
One Pair Army Web Braces 1/- per pair
One Pair Puttees, blue or khaki 2/11 per pair
Two Pairs Mittens, one pair moleskin 2/6; one pair knitted 9d per pair
One Jack Knife with Marlinspike 1/-
(posted on RootsWeb by Gail Smith)
"One Good Heavy Winter Suit, made from indigo-dyed
and wool Army Tweed, lined flannel, (pound sign)2 15s 6d;
or from Heavy navy Serge, wool, and indigo-dyed
lined flannel. (pound sign) 2 5c 6d
One Heavy Moleskin Working Suit, with sleeved vest,
(pound sign) 25/-
(The above may be dispensed with if plenty of good, heavy,
warm suits of old clothes are taken.)
One Army Wool Tweed Reefer Jacket, lined with serge, 37/6; or
One Frieze Overcoat, lined tweed, 30/-
One Waterproof Coat (see special list), 16/6; or
One Oilskin Coat 8/6 (we export large quantities of Oil Coats to Canadian
merchants),
One Pair Heavy Cord Riding Pants, either Army quality (clearing line), 10/6
per pair; or
One Pair Corduroy Knickers, 10/6
One Good, Warm Cap, with ear flaps, 2/6.
One Felt Slouch Hat, 2/11.
One Straw Slouch Hat, 2/6
Six Grey Army Flannel Shirts, pure wool, 4/6 each; or with turn-down
collar,
5/- each.
Three Suits Natural Llama Underclothing (singlets and pants), 6/6 per suit.
Six Cotton shirts, striped, for steamer wear; 1/11 each.
Two Suits Pyjamas, strong, 8/6 per suit.
One Cardigan Jacket or Wool Jersey 6/6
Twelve Pairs Strong Socks, 8/6 per doz. pairs
Three Pairs Strong Stockings, 1/6 per pair
Twelve Handkerchiefs, red or blue spot, 3/6 per doz.
Two All-Wool Brown Army Blankets (clearing line) 2/11 each
One Warm Travelling Rug 7/6 each
Two Good, Strong Wooden Trunks, cabin pattern, 12/6 each
Two Pairs Brown Undressed Calf Boots, copper quilted soles, 14/6 per pair
One Pair Army Bluchers Boots, hand sewn, real rejects 8/6 per pair
(Both these lines of Boots have been sold by us to Canadian merchants,,
and are readily bought by settlers, with duty, freight, and merchants'
profits added, in preference to any others.)
One Good Strong Leather Waist Belt 1/11 each
One Pair Leather Slippers, 2/6 or Canvas Shoes 3/9 per pair
One Pair Army Web Braces 1/- per pair
One Pair Puttees, blue or khaki 2/11 per pair
Two Pairs Mittens, one pair moleskin 2/6; one pair knitted 9d per pair
One Jack Knife with Marlinspike 1/-
Information and Sources
Grey Roots
On their own - Britain's Child Migrants
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Children First - by Bill Bowder
Grey Roots
On their own - Britain's Child Migrants
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Children First - by Bill Bowder
