Just seen this fab video of 1939 Pathé Pictorial newsreel on the Guardian Unlimited site. Single secretary writes to Heather Jenner Marriage Bureau asking them if they have a possible future husband for her on their books. And, yes, they have! The two singles are then very formally introduced to one another in the Bureau offices. We next see the happy couple walking together in the park then promptly going away on their honeymoon!
If only we could get you matched and married as quickly as this!
The pre-war marriage bureaux performed an important social role finding wives for single men working in the colonies. Some women could find themselves as new brides living thousands of miles from home in very isolated and lonely situations. Others might find themselves living a life of luxury, drinking eternal gin and tonics, playing tennis, watching polo and in charge of a house full of servants.
The last of these marriage bureaux, the wonderful Katherine Allen Marriage Bureau, only closed a few years back. I well remember sipping sherry from a crystal glass with the owner, Penrose Halson, in her office in Thayer Street – just a stone’s throw from where Drawing Down the Moon is based now.
Do watch the video. Great pre-war flavour – here’s the link again: Guardian Unlimited site.
From Mary Balfour, Drawing Down the Moon.
If you are ready to meet someone special, contact the friendly award winning matchmakers at Drawing Down the Moon Matchmaking.
