Do you have ticklish toes? Willard did! [and he helps save a life]

Shortly after the new year, Willard’s companion, Elder Cottrell, received word that he was to be transferred. In those days, I guess companions were not necessarily always together as Elder Cotterll needed to go to Middlesborough for a week while Willard continued on in the work.  One night, Willard stayed with a temporary companion, James Fitches, at a members home - Brother Smith’s.

Below is Willard’s entry from Monday, Jan. 16, 1905 while staying at Brother Smith’s home.

Cold and windy in Grange Villa. 

About 5 o’clock this morning Bro. Smith came down stairs to go to work.  He came over where James and [I] were asleep and began to tickle our feet and woke us up.  But we went to sleep after he went to work and slept till 7:30 [A.M.] at which time we arose.  Had breakfast.  James [Fitches] went to word as a barber.  I stopped at Sister Smiths till dinner.  After taking dinner, I started for Chester [le St.].  On my way. stopped in at the barber shop.  [the same one that James works at?]  While there we heard someone crying.  Went our and found a little girl crouched down in a corner nearly frozen. It was a bitter cold day and the child was half clad and starved.  We brought her into the ship.  Built a hot fire and got her some hot cocoa and she was soon all right.  I think her parents were drunkards and had neglected her.  I went on my way till I came to Chester [le St.] where I spent the remainder of the day studying at Lodge.  Retired at night.

Home by Midnight?

http://willardneeley.org

With holidays just around the corner, I thought it very appropriate to share some snippets in the coming weeks from Willard's first holiday season as a missionary.

Below is his journal entry from Friday, December 30, 1904 while he was serving in Chester le St., England.

This morning we took the 9:18 train for Newcastle.  From there took the Electric Railway to Wallsend.  Walked a short distance to the Elders Lodge.  Found Elders Davis, White, and Lowe home.  They prepared a nice dinner for us.  Elder Davis was just released to go home and he had to go on business to see Pres. Wilkins at Sunderland.  So, Elders Cottrell, Lowe, White, and I went to Newcastle afoot to spend the day in sightseeing. We first visited the Marketplace.  From there we went to the Old Castle, but it was closed.  From there we visited St. Nicholas church, thence to the Fire department of Newcastle.  We were shown all through.  In the evening we went to the Tyne Theatre.  It rendered Cinderella in a most striking manner.  Scenery and costumes were excellent.  We enjoyed it very much.  It began at 7 P.M. [and] closed [at] 10:30 P.M.  After theatre, we bade Elders White and Lowe goodbye.  Went to the station and caught the 11:30 P.M. train to Chester le.  Retired soon after arriving.

Looks like they may have made it home shortly after midnight, just like Cinderella!

Newcastle Fire Department in early 1900's.

St. Nicholas Cathedral in the background and the Old Castle of Newcastle in the foreground.

Another view of the St. Nicholas Cathedral.

The seats at the Tyne Theatre.

The stage at the Tyne Theatre.