Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

London

Friday, August 12, 1038

Staying at the Strand palace hotel, 7 Shilling with breakfast. What a breakfast. More than I can eat. I am writing this all at one time because I left all baggage but a tooth brush in Brussels.

Among the things we saw: Cleopratras Mudle, Buckingham palace, Scotland Yard, Cheshire Cheese, Dickens (old curiously shop), Goldsmith house, Goldsmith grave, Temple Church, parliment building, Several plays ("The Glourision Morning" and "Idiot Delight")

Saturday, August 13, 1938

I liked London very much. Shall come back some time. It is quite expensive, too. I bought two tweed coats for 11 dollars each and a pair of pants for 4 dollars. The tweed coats are really the best one can buy. I nearly bought an overcoat but didn't.

Sunday, August 14, 1938

Met an American boy named Dick? From Pittsburgh. Fine fellow. He had been going to school in Switzerland. I really envy him. It cost him 3.00 for nearly 4 months of schooling. He is preparing for diplomatic service. At school he learned to speak German in the few months he was there.

Monday, August 15, 1938

We all saw London together. Ran in to Drew Kuhn. He was on the boat and a fine fellow. I sure do like the place. The people are plenty nice. I think one reason is the fact I understand the language.

1 pound for 5 dollars
20 Shilling per pound
12 Pence for Shilling
half Crown - Florine

Left at 4 for Brussels. Boat trip was rough. In Brussels at 10 o'clock. Caught 12:55 train for Paris.

[Bob sent a postcard to Gene (Merle) 15 Aug. '38 that showed the "Bank of the England Guard". In a message on the back of the card - Bob writes, "This is really an OK place and no foolin'. Leaving for Paris in an hour. Hope I like it, but I doubt from hearsey. Yours, Bob"]

Info concerning the "Bank of the England Guard" on the Postcard -- By private arrangement with the Governor of the Bank of England, the foot Guards Regiment finding the Guards for the day detail 1 Officer, 1 Sargeant, 1 Corporal, 20 men and a Drummer or Piper to take over the duty of guarding the Bank of England during the night. The Guard receive extra pay for this duty by the Bank of England. Sentries are posted throughout the night guarding the approaches to the valuts where the gold bars are deposited.

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