[Wandsworth Society Bedside etc
I came across this story completely by chance. I had been exploring the life and times of the natural history artist Edwin Wilson, who had grown up in "The Beeches" on Trinity Road. I discovered that he (probably) and certain of his brothers (definitely) had been educated at Halbrake School, Park Road (now Elsynge Road).
The Beeches
Dec 20th 1877
My dear Martin,
Thanks for your note. The above slight sketch will answer the question as to attire. Come to Wandsworth Common Station, and any one there will direct to the school. If you could, won't you come first to the Beeches and feed with us, we of course shall be all in a bustle, but that I daresay
you wont mind, come as early as you can.
If you come straight to the school first partake of stand up tea, and then the Pater or Mater will be near at hand to greet and introduce you. I am afraid all you will know will be behind the scenes, until after the performance.
The Operetta is a composition of Ambrose's music by my eldest Brother. Scenery by your humble servant, and dresses by
everybody, but let me warn you not to be excited as the anticipation may be seriously damped bythe reality.
The play is called The Alchemist. The Alchemist is always trying his hand at making gold, and signally fails. The fairy assists him up to a certain point and then in the end brings about his doom.
Alphonso a young [Carolus?] of handsome visage but slender means seeks the hand of the Alchemists niece. accepted by niece but refused by Alchemist
Fairy brings about marriage disguising [?] Alphonso who lends Alchemist money so that he may carry on Experiments and so gets a promise of Marriage.
[?] the Alchemists servant bracket (Comic Element) who hates experiments and loves [?] his supper which he never gets and complains of hunger &.
The Farce is called aunt Tabitha being an Episode in the life of an old [N?] lady who is too fond of her cats. It is full of Wilson[ia]n Puns.
We are very glad your coming please forgive this hasty sketchy and scratchy note. & Believe me with kind wishes for happiness at Xmas
Yours &c
Edwin Wilson
EDWIN WILSON BEECHES LETTER
Edward Potter, the well-known local architect, longtime advertiser in the bedside and past member of the society's executive committee, has sent us this delightful letter.
The Beeches
Dec 20th 1877
My dear Martin,
Thanks for your note. The above slight sketch will answer the question as to attire. Come to Wandsworth Common Station, and any one there will direct to the school. If you could, won't you come first to the Beeches and feed with us, we of course shall be all in a bustle, but that I daresay you wont mind, come as early as you can.
If you come straight to the school first partake of stand up tea, and then the Pater or Mater will be near at hand to greet and introduce you. I am afraid all you will know will be behind the scenes, until after the performance.
The Operetta is a composition of Ambrose's music by my eldest Brother. Scenery by your humble servant, and dresses by everybody, but let me warn you not to be excited as the anticipation may be seriously damped by the reality.
The play is called The Alchemist. The Alchemist is always trying his hand at making gold, and signally fails. The fairy assists him up to a certain point and then in the end brings about his doom.
Alphonso a young [Carolus?] of handsome visage but slender means seeks the hand of the Alchemists niece. accepted by niece but refused by Alchemist Fairy brings about marriage disguising [?] Alphonso who lends Alchemist money so that he may carry on Experiments and so gets a promise of Marriage.
[?] the Alchemists servant bracket (Comic Element) who hates experiments and loves [?] his supper which he never gets and complains of hunger &.
The Farce is called aunt Tabitha being an Episode in the life of an old [N?] lady who is too fond of her cats. It is full of Wilson[ia]n Puns.
We are very glad your [sic?] coming please forgive this hasty sketchy and scratchy note. & Believe me with kind wishes for happiness at Xmas
Yours &c
Edwin Wilson
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