My father's mother was named Ethel and she lived in Shanghai in 1918. He was born out of wedlock and given up for adoption in Japan in 1922. I wonder if your grandmother and my grandmother knew each other. She was British and named either Scott or Gibbison. Fascinating looking into these stories.
No, I'm assuming his father was also British as my DNA is half Scottish and half English. Ethel was living in Shanghai in 1922 when, according to paperwork I have, she gave him up for adoption to an American couple who worked for the YMCA in Tokyo. My father was born in Nagasaki in 1918 so why Ethel gave birth to him there and ended up in Shanghai in 1922 I have no idea.
Hi there Linda, Oh, but I'd love some diaries! I wouldn't say no to a Commonplace Book either... or an apology letter from my British Grandfather... we family historians can be greedy!
My father's mother was named Ethel and she lived in Shanghai in 1918. He was born out of wedlock and given up for adoption in Japan in 1922. I wonder if your grandmother and my grandmother knew each other. She was British and named either Scott or Gibbison. Fascinating looking into these stories.
How amazing Nancy! So your grandfather was Japanese or part Japanese?
No, I'm assuming his father was also British as my DNA is half Scottish and half English. Ethel was living in Shanghai in 1922 when, according to paperwork I have, she gave him up for adoption to an American couple who worked for the YMCA in Tokyo. My father was born in Nagasaki in 1918 so why Ethel gave birth to him there and ended up in Shanghai in 1922 I have no idea.
Did any of the family letters or diaries from that time survive? It would be wonderful to read their perspective.
Sadly not. I would have loved a diary. Sometimes I think of writing this as a children's story... where a diary actually exists!
Excellent idea!
Most interesting story regarding your grandparents. Taking your play around Australia sounds like a great idea. Good luck with it.
You don’t need diaries, you have more than enough information and stories with your photographs.
Hi there Linda, Oh, but I'd love some diaries! I wouldn't say no to a Commonplace Book either... or an apology letter from my British Grandfather... we family historians can be greedy!
Thank you, Jane, for these photos which are most interesting.
Pleasure Russell!
I could feel the heartfelt warmth in your writing - sharing the family photos and history. In particular the snap bottom right 🩵