RootsChat.Com

Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 09:20 BST (UK)

Title: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 09:20 BST (UK)
Could you please help me to read these pieces. The handwriting is such a puzzle for me
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 09:26 BST (UK)
And these
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Sunday 19 June 22 10:46 BST (UK)
Just to start it off …

Such a disappointment that Jack’s
leave was again postponed – we were making
all sorts of preparations – but perhaps he can
get a longer one this time – and stay over
Christmas – And […?] will be home then
too. Did you find the food at the flat I
   
ordered for you? And are you duly grateful? Who
thinks of who in this family?
I’m glad Anita & Paul will use the
flat & are [next?] – and it will be splendid if Paul
does get a job. His Russian Italian & French
ought to help.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Sunday 19 June 22 11:56 BST (UK)
What. A. Handwriting. :o

I somehow managed to decipher number 5, I think.

-5-
Anita - with all her lack of wisdom
in some ways, is a very fine character -
with the best brain of the lot ... - and is
a pillar of  strength to us all up here
during these days of suspense.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 12:10 BST (UK)
Thank you Bookbox and Zefiro! Now it makes more sense
So, 1-2 and 5 are solved.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Sunday 19 June 22 12:16 BST (UK)
Extracts 3 and 4 ...

I suppose you will Christmas with Anita
Paul & Jack – and I’ll be thinking of you and
hope you all have a very happy time. We still
don’t know when Jack is arriving – only that
week – but he seems so perturbed by our
efforts that I don’t dare to ask him again -
so will just wait until he telegraphs

… agrees with him very well – when[?] Anita & Paul
get back (they are expected tomorrow) he will
have her to play about with.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Sunday 19 June 22 12:18 BST (UK)
with the best brain of the lot ... - and is

with the best brain of the lot I think - and is
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 13:30 BST (UK)
...agrees with him very well – Now[?] Anita & Paul
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Sunday 19 June 22 13:38 BST (UK)
...agrees with him very well – Now[?] Anita & Paul

Don't think so - the letter o is very distinctive in this hand, and I can't see it here. Could be - then Anita & Paul ?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 13:43 BST (UK)
May be. Bot the first letter does't look like t
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Sunday 19 June 22 14:08 BST (UK)
upper part of number 6
Paul can just creak around on his crutches -
taking 10 minutes to walk to the gate & Anita
has to nurse & ... him - as well as take care
of ... & his basterd ... pups
& try to ... books and drive that heavy
car!
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Sunday 19 June 22 14:25 BST (UK)
rest of number 6 as far I can read it.
... war breaks out ... they will
go to ... in ... when Anita will
help Betsan take care of 40 evacuated children -
Thank goodness Desmond is safe at Glaslough -
but what do you think I ought to do? ...
... as Jack can't ... any ... -  ...
... way alive to ... by car?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Sunday 19 June 22 16:23 BST (UK)
Some further suggestions for Extract 6 …

… Anita has to nurse & valet him …

… & try to write books!

In case war breaks out …

... go to Betsan's in Somerset ...

… but what do you think I ought to do? As
soon
as Jack can’t be [seen?] any more – make
my
way alone to Ireland by car?

ADDED
Have we covered it all now?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 16:51 BST (UK)
Have we covered it all now?
Yes, it's done. Thank you Bookbox and Zefiro very-very much!!!
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 20:25 BST (UK)
May I ask to decipher one more piece please?

mentally, with any of us. Anita is ..
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Sunday 19 June 22 21:25 BST (UK)
mentally, with any of us - Anita
is very sound, kind & patient with
him. But it's a great burden - as
without him she could & would
do some useful war work - drive
an ambulance or something and
do it well.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Sunday 19 June 22 22:31 BST (UK)
Thank you Zefiro. Very appreciated
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Monday 20 June 22 20:46 BST (UK)
I think there's still one sentence to be solved in fragment 6. Any suggestions?


Paul can just creak around on his crutches -
taking 10 minutes to walk to the gate & Anita
has to nurse & valet him - as well as take care
of ... & her  bastard ... pups
& try to write books and drive that heavy
car!
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Bookbox on Monday 20 June 22 23:04 BST (UK)
of ... & her  bastard ... pups

For what it's worth, I reckon the first missing word is the name of the dog -- something like Geneva ? And the other word could be the breed? Probably starts with S and ends ...ber or ...ker or ... kee ?

I'm not much good with dogs, sorry!
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Tuesday 21 June 22 12:52 BST (UK)
Thank you, Zefiro. These words are not important for understanding the text.
Do you like this handwriting? Would you like some more pieces?  ;D
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Tuesday 21 June 22 19:26 BST (UK)
Thank you, Zefiro. These words are not important for understanding the text.
Do you like this handwriting? Would you like some more pieces?  ;D

Feel free to post more.
I don't hate this handwriting. It's just a challenge because part of the letters are formed in a peculiar way. If it were nothing but scribbles, jotted down hastily, things would be different.  ;D
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Wednesday 22 June 22 10:52 BST (UK)
Feel free to post more.
I can't resist  ::)
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Wednesday 22 June 22 21:29 BST (UK)
first & second to start; I hope Bookbox can shed her/his light on the remaining words

If Anita is really set on going to ..., I wish
she would hurry up and go, anything to get her out
of London. I can't ...any if she can sleep, eat,
wash, or ...escape being killed: What use is
morale & bravery against tanks.
****************************************************
But do look after Anita and don't let the
gallant creature be needlessly brave. Also you must
say me & Paul in ...such as it is.
How I wish I had you all safe here in my
lovely and curtained house. I could keep you here
until it's all over.

@Fnna: Can you tell me more about the person writing these letters? I guess she's the mother of Anita? I read in your personal text that you research White Russian emigres. Is this mother from there and was she perhaps used to writing in Cyrillic? This could explain the peculiar way of forming the letters.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: mckha489 on Wednesday 22 June 22 22:16 BST (UK)
Is Anita set on going to Kenya?

I can’t see how any of you can sleep

And “say me & Paul for some food. Perhaps it is Pay not say?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Wednesday 22 June 22 22:18 BST (UK)
If Anita is really set on going to Kenya

And “say me & Paul for some food. Perhaps it is Pay not say?
I think it's:  pay her and Paul for your food

No, Zefiro, there are no Cyrillic influence. The letters are written in the WWII time.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Wednesday 22 June 22 22:33 BST (UK)
3rd part
Tell Anita I will pay for her uniforms -
?????
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Thursday 23 June 22 19:41 BST (UK)
4th part, still some work to do

Rosie is being too tiresome about the
cottage. As she is 3 months in arrears in
her rent, and the ... ... it is ... ...
open to new tenants at ... what she says.
I hope she and Anita will use it whenever
she want to, & tell her I said so. It is so that
it could be a refuge for her & Anita that I
let her have it so cheaply, and ... she doesn't
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Wednesday 29 June 22 19:35 BST (UK)
3rd part
Tell Anita I will pay for her uniforms -
?????

I read the same, but the second line remains difficult.
Could you post the following line too? Hopefully this will help.
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Karen McDonald on Wednesday 29 June 22 21:22 BST (UK)
I have come in late on this one.  :) Can't help much, I'm afraid, but I think I can see:

Rosie is being too tiresome about the
cottage. As she is 3 months in arrears in
her rent, and the ... agents ... it is ... ...
open to new tenants at ...double what she pays.
I hope she and Anita will use it whenever
she want to, & tell her I said so. It is so that
it could be a refuge for her & Anita that I
let her have it so cheaply, and ... she doesn't

What say you, Zefiro?  ;D
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Karen McDonald on Wednesday 29 June 22 21:26 BST (UK)
3rd part
Tell Anita I will pay for her uniforms -
?????

I read the same, but the second line remains difficult.
Could you post the following line too? Hopefully this will help.

I can't help but see congratulations in the middle of the 2nd line, but I could be completely wrong!  :-\
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: mckha489 on Wednesday 29 June 22 21:57 BST (UK)
I see “Love and congratulations”
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Thursday 30 June 22 19:48 BST (UK)
I have come in late on this one.  :) Can't help much, I'm afraid, but I think I can see:

Rosie is being too tiresome about the
cottage. As she is 3 months in arrears in
her rent, and the ... agents ... it is ... ...
open to new tenants at ...double what she pays.
I hope she and Anita will use it whenever
she want to, & tell her I said so. It is so that
it could be a refuge for her & Anita that I
let her have it so cheaply, and ... she doesn't

What say you, Zefiro?  ;D

Zefiro says you're right. ;D

her rent, and the agents could let it 50? times
over?
to new tenants at double what she pays.

I'm not sure, so proof me wrong if needed ;)
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Zefiro on Thursday 30 June 22 19:52 BST (UK)
I can't help but see congratulations in the middle of the 2nd line, but I could be completely wrong!  :-\

I see “Love and congratulations”

... love & congratulations from us all
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Karen McDonald on Friday 01 July 22 10:13 BST (UK)
Zefiro says you're right. ;D

her rent, and the agents could let it 50? times
over?
to new tenants at double what she pays.

I'm not sure, so proof me wrong if needed ;)

I am honoured.  ;D

And your suggestion looks absolutely spiffing, I would say.  :)
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Karen McDonald on Friday 01 July 22 10:16 BST (UK)
I can't help but see congratulations in the middle of the 2nd line, but I could be completely wrong!  :-\

I see “Love and congratulations”

... love & congratulations from us all

Brilliant! Piece by piece, the puzzle comes together...

I wish I could work out the word in front of "love", though!
Is it something in brackets?
All I can see is something like (leave)...which does not exactly make sense.  ???
(My first thought was Heavy, but that is even less likely!  ::) )
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: arthurk on Friday 01 July 22 14:30 BST (UK)
Dearest love?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Karen McDonald on Friday 01 July 22 15:57 BST (UK)
Dearest love?

By jove, I think you've cracked it! Well done!  ;D

I have now completely lost the overview. Are there any bits left to sort out?
Title: Re: Help to read pieces of text
Post by: Fnna on Friday 01 July 22 17:39 BST (UK)
Wow! Step by step, piece by piece... very appreciated!