June 24, 1921, Letter from Fritz Klem (1899-1942) to His Mother
[On Regent Palace Hotel, London, stationery]
June 24th 1921.
My dear Mother,
Arrived safely in London on Wednesday last, but have been too busy to even pick up a pen to write you.
Our voyage was just great, the seas being just like glass. Smooth and great weather. Very few were even sick. I sure ate like a cow, and am still doing it.
Met the Prince de La Bourbon of France and [illegible] the Romanian Ambassy aboard ship and we had a great time. Wrote a melody for him, to his German lyrics. Twas good.
There were no end to our friends aboard. Our songs and piano playing took with a "bang" on board.
The moon on the water at night was a great sight for me to witness.
We expect to open the week before July 25 somewhere in the provinces, Glasgow Scotland week of July 25 and the Coliseum or Victoria Palace the week following here in London.
Met Newhoff and Phelps, Lionel Paris, Herbert Clifton and a bunch of our friends over here. Newhoff and Phelps took a "brody"[onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/take-a-brody] at Manchester last week but are going to try again. The English are 50 yrs. behind the times.
I am rapidly learning how to count shillings and pounds. It is rather hard, but interesting.
In the meantime, we might go to Coblenz and Germany for a little trip with a few other acts to help along.
It is hard to understand these bloomin' Englishmen - but I say "yes" to all questions.
Took in the Coliseum [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Coliseum] this p.m. The vaudeville - old style stuff - orchestra - very good - 30 pieces and the theatre handsome and much more beautiful than the Palace.
All traffic is on the left side of the road and you take buses and taxis to go anywhere - No street cars. They have wonderful subway tube here. Their trains on R.R. are little dinky cars and engines - that I imagine have to beware of a cow on the track.
Latest shows over here are "Mary" "Sybil" andsong "Avalon" [www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmaKpp51uzI] is a big hit now. They are way behind on everything and as some of the performers say - "do everything backwards and so slow." All songs are sung very slow. No jazz.
Alice Brady, film star [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Brady] was on our bill - that we gave on the ship. We performed for both classes. Travelled 2nd Class and got on boat the last minute again.
We stopped at Bedford Head Hotel two nights and got in here to-day. 'Tis a nice hotel 18/ per day (18 shillings = $4.50 per day double)
Bunch of performers here so I won't get lonesome.
Hope you are feeling good again and have been most courageous during the past week. The realization of father's death gave me the blues a couple of times on the boat, when I dreamed of him. He is with us in spirit. Life is made up of troubles, cares and strifes, therefore we have to be very brave.
Will write again soon with some programs, souvenirs etc.
With my best love and kisses to you - and family. I am,
Your loving son,
Fritz
June 24, 1921, Letter from Fritz Klem (1899-1942) to His Mother
[On Regent Palace Hotel, London, stationery]
June 24th 1921.
My dear Mother,
Arrived safely in London on Wednesday last, but have been too busy to even pick up a pen to write you.
Our voyage was just great, the seas being just like glass. Smooth and great weather. Very few were even sick. I sure ate like a cow, and am still doing it.
Met the Prince de La Bourbon of France and [illegible] the Romanian Ambassy aboard ship and we had a great time. Wrote a melody for him, to his German lyrics. Twas good.
There were no end to our friends aboard. Our songs and piano playing took with a "bang" on board.
The moon on the water at night was a great sight for me to witness.
We expect to open the week before July 25 somewhere in the provinces, Glasgow Scotland week of July 25 and the Coliseum or Victoria Palace the week following here in London.
Met Newhoff and Phelps, Lionel Paris, Herbert Clifton and a bunch of our friends over here. Newhoff and Phelps took a "brody"[onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/take-a-brody] at Manchester last week but are going to try again. The English are 50 yrs. behind the times.
I am rapidly learning how to count shillings and pounds. It is rather hard, but interesting.
In the meantime, we might go to Coblenz and Germany for a little trip with a few other acts to help along.
It is hard to understand these bloomin' Englishmen - but I say "yes" to all questions.
Took in the Coliseum [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Coliseum] this p.m. The vaudeville - old style stuff - orchestra - very good - 30 pieces and the theatre handsome and much more beautiful than the Palace.
All traffic is on the left side of the road and you take buses and taxis to go anywhere - No street cars. They have wonderful subway tube here. Their trains on R.R. are little dinky cars and engines - that I imagine have to beware of a cow on the track.
Latest shows over here are "Mary" "Sybil" andsong "Avalon" [www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmaKpp51uzI] is a big hit now. They are way behind on everything and as some of the performers say - "do everything backwards and so slow." All songs are sung very slow. No jazz.
Alice Brady, film star [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Brady] was on our bill - that we gave on the ship. We performed for both classes. Travelled 2nd Class and got on boat the last minute again.
We stopped at Bedford Head Hotel two nights and got in here to-day. 'Tis a nice hotel 18/ per day (18 shillings = $4.50 per day double)
Bunch of performers here so I won't get lonesome.
Hope you are feeling good again and have been most courageous during the past week. The realization of father's death gave me the blues a couple of times on the boat, when I dreamed of him. He is with us in spirit. Life is made up of troubles, cares and strifes, therefore we have to be very brave.
Will write again soon with some programs, souvenirs etc.
With my best love and kisses to you - and family. I am,
Your loving son,
Fritz