'Memories of childhood recalled by Doris Bradley (born Doris Callister)'
Date(s): 2010
Creator(s): Brookfield, Patricia
Scope & Content: These illustrated typescript memoirs of Doris Callister's time growing up in Baldwin were transcribed from an exercise book by her daughter. Doris recalls time growing up in Baldwin, Port Erin and later Ballacubbon farm off Richmond Hill. Domestic, farm and chapel routine are described as well as people and places of note. She mentions the building of Injebreck reservoir, how funerals were conducted at St Luke's Chapel, Baldwin, village life, the coronation of King George V, the first motor cars coming to Port Erin, strewing primroses at the front door of Ballacubbon and putting bread and milk out for the fairies so no harm would come to the house; also news of the sinking of the Titanic, men enrolling for military service, the dread of a telegram boy coming up the street and the impact of the First World War. Doris mentions wealthy German internees held in Douglas Alien Detention Camp having a staff of servants and taking over some houses for their families. One such internee is named as Count von Bissing. She states that an interned German doctor would visit the sick accompanied by a guard, 'I remember people saying that he was a good doctor and very kind'. Also recounted are earning money by knitting socks for soldiers (wool was collected fom the old Noble's Hospital, now the Manx Museum), economic hardship during war and Armistice Day in November 1918.
Administration / Biographical History: Doris Bradley (nee Callister) was born in 1904. She died in 1983.
Language: English
Extent: 12 pages
Item name: transcribed memoirs
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: MS 12376
Record class: Private
Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im