Postcard from Jeff Hapgood to his grandfather 1908

In a pile of Hapgood family history papers, I found a bright blue envelope. My mother had written on the front “VIP” which was saying something given there were some original photos in the same pile. Inside was a postcard which my grandfather Jeffrey Hapgood sent in 1908 when he was a boy of 8 or 9 years old. The postcard was sent to his grandfather in Croobyar, Milton Ulladulla. Jeff’s father William Hapgood had moved the family up to the Northern Rivers area, and this postcard was to send basic news back home to Jeff’s grandparents, Richard Hapgood and Jane Hapgood (nee Morris/Wearing).

The postcard says “Greetings from Mullimbimby” on the front and on the back there is a postmark from 1908.

Mr R Hapgood, Croobyar, Milton, South Coast.

Dear Grandfather Grandmother,

just a line to let know we are all well. hopeing you are the same. we are milking 58 cows. I milk 13. Phyllis and I go to school. we have 2 miles to go. We have had a lot of rain. from Geoffrey with love from us to all”

Notably, Jeffrey has spelled his name as “Geoffrey”!

The blue envelope had additional notes that the postcard was given back to us by Clare Newton (nee Johnston).

We also have this photo of Jeff Hapgood, about the same age as when he sent his postcard, in Northern Rivers. This photo was sent to me by my Aunt R* and my cousin S*. He is wearing a collared shirt with what we would now call a “sailor collar”, shorts, and boots whilst riding a pony. He looks pretty comfortable! He is believed to be about 8 years old in this photo.

Jeffrey Hapgood about 8-9 years old in Northern Rivers area, about 1907. Family Collection. via Aunt R*.

Hapgood Family in 1907 when they lived in Northern Rivers area of NSW. Family collection.

We also have this photo of the Hapgood Family in 1907 when they lived in Northern Rivers area of NSW is thought to be a little bit later than the photo of Jeff on the horse. We see William Hapgood and Clara Rose Hapgood (nee Newton) and their 5 kids at that time – Jeff approx 9 years old on the left, Clarice aged 8 (front?), Iris aged 6 (right?), Mona aged 3 on Williams lap, and baby Ina on her mothers lap. Jeff is again wearing a “sailors collar” shirt. Baby Ina dates the photo to 1907. The family left Milton in August 1901, according to small note in The Nowra Colonist on 28 August 1901.