As we continue converting the former Yarmouth Primary School into a new centre for maritime archaeology, small discoveries are already bringing the site to life in unexpected ways. While sorting through donated books, one of our volunteers stumbled across a touching piece of history hidden between the pages.
One of the many long-term tasks our volunteers are tackling at Yarmouth, relates to thousands of maritime books that have kindly been donated to MAT. Their arrival at the school site has resulted in: unloading, relocating, building storage solutions, unpacking, shelving and sorting and this has involved lots of volunteers. From time to time, however, delightful distractions appear. This month, volunteer Jenny was organising books under topic headings when she noticed something inside one of them.
Closer inspection revealed a newspaper cutting about the death of the author of the book (Tarry Breeks & Velvet Garters by CHJ Snider), along with a sealed envelope on which was written, in beautiful handwriting and turquoise ink: ‘From the “House at the Bottom of the Lake” (see page 45) with the best wishes for your happiness, CHJ Snider’.
The newspaper cutting is undated, but refers to the death of 93 year old CHJ Snider the previous day, so must have been from December 1971. The letter within the envelope is also undated, but is addressed to Sylvia who Mr Snider is presenting “this latest of my publications” to. As the book was published in 1958, we can assume the letter was written and put into the book soon after. Sadly, it seems it was never found, as the envelope remained unopened. Mr Snider says “I know Mary would be happy in knowing that I am able to do so”, presumably referring to his wife Mary, who sadly died in 1932. He goes on to state: “I can take a bow for the cover and illustration with good conscience for they are my own creation” and explains that he “took on the cost out of my own royalties”. The letter ends: “It will be a great joy to see you in your happy new home and to talk with you soon” and is signed ‘Jerry’ (one of Mr Snider’s nicknames).
It seems that ‘Jerry’ had a long and fascinating career as a journalist in Canada, including as a war correspondent in both world wars. Not only was he an avid sailor, writing many columns and books on the subject, he was also a marine archaeologist who, after extensive research, discovered the remains of the schooner Nancy in the Nottawasaga River, Canada. The Nancy had been set on fire and scuttled in 1814, without firing a shot during the war of 1812 and ‘Jerry’ Snider was instrumental in its recovery, restoration and public display (https://wasagabeachpark.com/the-war-of-1812-schooner-nancy/).
‘Jerry’s’ wife Mary was also a journalist, notably reporting on the Titanic disaster for the Toronto Telegram in 1912, interviewing survivors as they landed in New York.
Further information on both ‘Jerry’ and Mary can be found here.
MAT would like to take this opportunity to thank all our amazing volunteers, and also Red Funnel, whose generous support has helped us get several van loads of donated books to the Island.
Above: volunteer Jenny with her finds!