| John and Jessie
McBride |
| Jill Ruddell Great
Uncle and Aunt were John and Jessie McBride who came from Renfrewshire
(John) and Aberdeenshire (Jessie) in Scotland. It is not know when
John came to Aruba or what he did but he married Jessie in 1937 in
Aruba. They had a daughter named Kathleen who was probably
born in Aruba. If any one knows anything about the McBride family
please let me know so I can put you in touch with Jill. |
| These are what Jill
has sent which she found in her parents things when they died. |
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| John and Jessie
McBride's wedding photo, that is L. G. Smith on right in dark suit. |
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| Wedding invitation to
the wedding of Jessie Jamieson May and John Mc Bride. |
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This is the passenger list of those
traveling one the SS Washington, John McBride is listed as Passenger,
age 33, occupation "engineer". If you click on the Passenger List
it will take you to a larger copy. |
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This is a drawing of the SS Washington, a
liner owned by the United States Line. She had a Length: 705 ft 3
in (214.96 m) a Beam: 86 ft 0 in (26.21 m) and Propulsion was B&W
boilers, Parsons steam turbines (30,000 shaft HP) - twin screw with a
Speed of 20.5 knots and she displaced 24,289 GRT.
Accommodations were 580 in Cabin class, 400 in Tourist, and 150 Third
class. As John was traveling to Aruba he was probably already
hired by Lago and therefore traveling Cabin (First) Class. |
| Announcement of the
wedding, probably in the bride's or grooms home town paper in Scotland. |
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this photo has written on
the back....
"Didn't know that the
stork could work this quick, did you? Lucybeth & Margie
(not sure if I am reading "Margie" correctly) at Casa
Grande"
Dan's Note: In the
Smith
Biography by Gerald Lloyd Smith
(oldest son) he mentions Lucy and Margie, Lucy was born
in 1929 and Margie 1932, the photo was taken in 1937
just about right for the girls in the photo.
|
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| Jill writes: This
photo is marked "Mr. & Mrs. G. P. Smith (friends)". It looks like Jessie
McBride on the left.
Dan's Note: This is probably G. L. Smith, Lloyds oldest son and
the author of the biography, and his wife. L. G. Smith and his
wife were married in 1916 so this could be the oldest son.
Dan's second note: Lucy (Smith)
Stewart has confirmed that this is not her brother and the couple, Mr. &
Mrs. G. P. Smith are not part of the L. G. Smith family. |
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| The garden at La Casa
Grande in 1937 |
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| This photo is taken
from the front of La Casa Grande looking out over
Lone Palm
Stadium, (lower level, left) The Big Lagoon and refinery in
background. |
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| The McBride's had a
daughter, Kathleen who's was christening was in 1939. This is
Kathleen with friends. Does anyone recognize any of these people? |
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| This is what is
written on the back of the photo above. |
A.jpg) |
| This photo has,
Uncle James (christening)
written on the back of the photo |
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| John McBride, the
proud father, holding Kathleen in her Christening dress. |
|
There was some
confusion when I received the photos, wedding invitation and wedding
announcement of the McBrides from Jill, their grand nice.
Why was the wedding reception held at La Casa Grande?
What was the connection between the McBride’s and the Smith family?
What was john McBride’s position at Lago.
Jill did not know much about this side of her family and after writing
to a couple of persons who’s fathers worked with the Lake Fleet not much
was learned.
I asked Larry to send out a request for help in one of his mailings and
within hours the mystery was solved.
Jessie May, the bride had been hired by the Smith family to come to
Aruba as a nanny for the two Smith girls, Lucy and Margie. This
information came from Lucy (Smith) Stewart. In her email Lucy explaining
the relationship between Jessie and the Smith Family; she also said
Jessie had made a dress for her to wear at the wedding. That dress can
be seen in the photo with her, her sister and her father in the wedding
photo.
Thanks to everyone who helped solve this mystery. |
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