Mom's father, Émile Langlois, was a calligrapher among other things. On a small table in a corner of his barbershop he would notarize documents, personal letters or formal invitations among other things.
Could that be where our multitasking creative talents come from? Maybe.
In 1936 the great depression was over, but not every one had pockets full of cash.
Grandpa was in that situation so he used his creative talents to show his children the love he had for them despite not having gifts to offer.
He calligraphed a cheque for each of his children. It is worth 365 days of health and happiness from the Joy branch of the Banque de Bonheur.
Mom would have been 15 years old at the time. With all the kids and moving, mom lost hers.
This one is Tante Yvette's. It is made out to her religious name, the one she took on when she joined the nun's order - Soeur Marie Léon.
I always love it when Mom tells this story. If you visit her this year you can ask to see the original check and get her to tell you the story. It is so much better in her own words.
In the meantime, I'm sending along this little story to wish all of you and your families:
A Very Healthy & Happy New Year.
Ah, ma belle Suzie-Q,Tu es VRAIMENT speciale ! Je vais un gros voeux : que ton voeux ce realise.
ReplyDeleteIt nice of you to share this lovely story. Do you know if the cheque a Christmas present?
ReplyDeleteYes the check was a Chistmas present. Back then French canadiens got gifts on New Years or January 6th, Ste-Epiphany, the day the wise men reached the menger.
ReplyDelete