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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: mezentia on Wednesday 30 July 25 13:17 BST (UK)
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I have just acquired an old postcard sent from London on the 3 May 1904 to a Mr Harry E. Stonyer of Portfield Street, Hereford. This is not the first postcard I have from one of Harry's acquaintances, but this is the first one I can't read, for obvious reasons. Can anyone please help?
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There is a reddit group called shorthand where there will be someone able to interpret it for you.
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My mother was fluent in shorthand but sadly no longer with us to ask, wish I had learnt some myself.
Good luck with finding what it says.
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I would say that that is definitely Pitman's shorthand. About 30+ years since I did any - sorry :(
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This seems to be Pitman New Era.
Here's a first attempt by me, perhaps someone else can fill in words for the question marks. I can't decide on the place name at the end of the first line. The outlines look to be t k s b r, possibly Tewkesbury?
Dear Mr Stonyer, Many thanks for your card from ?
which was very welcome. I hope you had a pleasant
ride and that the weather was [favoured?] It is a very ?ing
card which you sent me and I thank you ever? ?
Glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself as is right - allow
me to [say/wish?] that you continue to do so! I have read
a book "John Halifax, Gentleman" and therefore the house
you mention brings back pleasant memories to me when
you tell me that you are staying there. I hope you will be successful
in getting some ? facts/effects? and you must not
think of them turning out failures - it will be [impossible?]
With kind regards.
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Filling in one gap (possibly) for Tillypeg:
Thanks for your card from Tewkesbury.
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My attempt to fill in the gaps: (one still remaining)
Dear Mr Stonyer, Many thanks for your card from Tewkesbury
which was very welcome. I hope you had a pleasant
ride and that the weather was fine. It is a very interesting card which you sent me and I thank you for the same.
Glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself as is right - allow
me to wish that you continue to do so! I have read
a book "John Halifax, Gentleman" and therefore the house
you mention brings back pleasant memories to me when
you tell me that you are staying there. I hope you will be successful
in getting some ? facts/effects/notes/fees? and you must not
think of them turning out failures - it will be impossible.
With kind regards.
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Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions, and especially for the two translations, they are very helpful.
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In the book "John Halifax, Gentleman", Halifax lived with Abel Fletcher. The latter's house is usually depicted as the Bell Hotel which stands on Church St, opposite the Abbey.
The explains the context of "staying there" in the message on the card.
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Thanks Geoff.
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Oh I'm a bit late to the transcription party! Nice work Tillypeg and Greensleeves :)
I have just one suggestion to make, I think it may be "I hope you will be successful in getting some nice photos and you must not think of them turning out failures".
Good luck with your research
Heather
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Thanks, Heather. That actually makes sense from what I know about Harry Stonyer.
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Well spotted HeatherLynne 😀 It's been good to wake up a few of the old brain cells with this refresher course!