Chickenhouse Chronicles, European Sojourn, 1937-'38

"One of the Strangest Thanksgivings"

Mon, Nov 22, 1937:

Time seems to be flying along. I telephoned M. de Selli'er to fix the electric lights and thought I was clever to be able to do it. It is my school training. I knitted, wrote to Henry, and studied my French. Also wrote to Hattie. Barb and I were invited to some Thé, but she decided not to go so we didn't.

Tue, Nov 23, 1937:

Two dear letters from Henry this A.M. and my money came. He is remarkable to get it to us when there is such a Depression in the States. Oh! my, these Depressions are tiring. We haven't been out of one except momentarily since Dec. '27-ten long years. But there are high spots anyway. Some very high. Some very low.

Wed, Nov 24, 1937:

Strange day before Thanksgiving. No turkey buying. Bought Barb a concert ticket and 4 opera tickets for Dec. 3. Then went to Washington Hall with money for another month's tuition for Polly. Had Thé with Mr. & Mrs. Scovell. Always very pleasant to have Thé with them. Pleasant walk home in the late twilight thru the Bois.

Thur, Nov 25, 1937: Thanksgiving.

One of the strangest Thanksgivings we'll ever have. Polly & I to the Church of England. Barb to her lesson as usual. Lovely, very short American Church Service. Very nice of the English to celebrate for us, willing to sing "Star Spangled Banner" so far from home. After, Polly & I went to the Centenaire. Some beautiful buildings made permanent. Very cold & penetrating. Returned to city. Had our Thanksgiving dinner at our favorite "Place Aux Armes De Bruxelles." No turkey-I had mussels. Then we shopped & bought us each a darling new hat. Then home to dress for the American Embassy Thanksgiving Party. Mary Ann went with us. Very thrilling in the present king's ex Palace-great modern grandeur. We were presented to the Hon. (Hugh) Gibson & Mrs. Gibson, our ambassadors. I had a lovely chat with her. Also the Honorable such a handsome man. We all chatted with him several times. Polly & Mary Ann met Lauren and Fred & had supper with them. They asked us to join them. Mr. Scovell very fine about introducing me to people. After, we all went to an American movie then a delicious place to celebrate.

The "Centenaire" Elsie refers to was in Heysel Exhibition Park, home of the 1935 Brussels International Exposition. Today it is still used for trade shows. Place Aux Armes De Bruxelles is world-renowned for its gourmet mussel menu. Elsie's introduction to the American ambassador will have unforeseen consequences. Seven months in the future his office will grant Barb a visa to tour Europe.

Thanksgiving Dinner menu

Fri, Nov 26, 1937: Polly's Holiday

We slept very late. Then arose & cleaned house. Then marketed and after luncheon I went to town to get money to go to Bruge tomorrow. Polly is so anxious to go. She is so much fun to go places with because she loves everything and is so enthusiastic. Gerta's mother came to Thé; a very charming bright Jewish woman. We got on well. She is learning English very well. In the evening she took Polly to the opera, "Fidelio."

Elsie was anti-Semitic so her friendship with Gerta's mother is interesting. In the coming years the Philips family will assist Gerta's family after they escape Germany and reach New York. (Greta is the mother, Gerta, her daughter.)

1937-11-26 Fidelio Opera, Polly and Gerta

Next week, My grandmother, Polly, and her friend Gerta visit Bruges and tour art museums.