Historical information

The letter was written by Allen Quinn to his mother. Allen started working as a seafarer when he was 16 years old, and frequently wrote to his mother during his travels. He also created an extensive photograph collection, which corresponds with the letters.

Significance

The letter is part of an ongoing correspondence between Allan and his mother. This letter mentions the S.S 'Morgenster', the South African ship Allan was working on at the time, and also which he was signed off from because of South African law.

Physical description

Letter addressed to Mrs S. Quinn, "Sanlorenzo", 63 Ocean Beach, Manly, N.S.W, Australia, in three parts. Part 0152.1 Envelope Part 0152.2 Letter Page, 0152.3 Letter Page. Both the envelope and letter were white paper, which is now a yellow-white. The letter begins "My darling Mum, I hope that you have not worried..." and concludes with "Your loving son, Allan...". Printed across the top of 0152.2: SOUTH AFRICAN MARINE CORPORATION, and handwritten beneath: S.S 'Morgenster', 23rd April, Baltimore.

Inscriptions & markings

Front of envelope: SENATOR HOTEL / 136 WEST SECOND STREET / RENO, NEVADA (printed) / MRS. S. QUINN, / "SANLORENZO", / 63 OCEAN BEACH, / MANLY, N.S.W., AUSTRALIA (handwritten in blue ink). In the top right hand corner are three U.S.A stamps, for the value of 5, 20 amd 50 cents.. In the middle of the top of the envelope is a stamped postmark: JUL 18 / 12 M / 1945 / NEV.
Back of envelope: A. QUINN / MV. JOONAWARRA / 61 (indecipherable) STEAMSHIP SO. / SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. U.S.A (handwritten in blue ink).