Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 27th, 1932

Darfield Emigrant in “Peach Land”

Three Years in U.S.

We have received the following interesting letter from Miss Ethel Briggs, formerly of Darfield, now of 217 E, 20th Street, Wildwood, New Jersey, USA.

As a regular reader of the “Times” I am interested in the “Hands Across the Sea” feature. I know a few of the people who have written in the paper, but I would like to hear from some of the girls from the Darfield district who are abroad. If their experiences have been as varied as my own, they should make interesting reading.

Depression is felt in almost every country but I think the States are much better than Canada. I came to Canada in June 1929, after six weeks in hospital to begin my experiences. I started work in a Canadian Government Hostel and worked there until I came to the States in 1930. Working amongst emigrants from every country was interesting. Some did well; others failed. It’s been tough at times for me, but I never regret taking the risk and coming abroad. It has been an education to see places, meet people and learn different ways.

I had a desire to travel from being quite small. I liked Canada and I intend some time to pay it another visit. But I should not see in Manitoba the lovely blossoms of this part of South Jersey at present. Before I left Winnipeg I went to a horticultural show and a professor from an agricultural college withdrew a remark he made a few years be. He said then that apples would not grow in Manitoba. I think for the first time apples were being shown that day that were actually grown there.

Jersey is one of the greatest peach growing districts. Hundreds of trees are in bloom on the peach farms. The lady I am companion-help to took me in a car 140 miles on Saturday to see the blooms along the “Blossom Trail” to Vineland, Richland and Bridgeton. There are forsythia bushes, magnolia, cherries and peaches. We had a day’s feast of beauty.

I like the States very much but I am of the same opinion as others: that it is a bad time to emigrate anywhere. I made a resolution when I came out here to tackle any job and the three years I have been out I have been lucky never to out of work. I like the position I hold at present. We live at the seaside and enjoy lovely weather. The front is five miles long and to see the ocean we only need to look out of a window.

I am more than grateful to Annie Drudy, of Hough Lane, Wombwell, who has sent me the “Times” ever since I came overseas. My people write to me often, but the news I get from the paper is much different. They forget to mention all the local doings,

I see lots of things in the paper they never think to mention. I look forward to receiving my “Times” each week.