At Christmas 1915, my Father, Leslie Richardson (OL 1914-1918) was given a book by Edith Watkins (nee Butters), the wife of Harvey Watkins (the publicity manager at the famous Barnum & Bailey's Circus, 'The Greatest Show on Earth'. The book was 'The Boy with the U.S Explorers' by Francis Rolt-Wheeler, published in October 1914, and inscribed on the inside page:

'Xmas 1915 from Mrs Watkins, New York, USA'.

It appears that my Father added to this inscribed page his own name, and the year 1915 in Capital letters. He was 13 years of age in 1915.

I have often wondered why my Father was given this book by Edith Watkins. Did my Father know Harvey & Edith Watkins? My own first name is Harvey, and I have never known why I was given such an unusual name! Could there be a connection here?

But more intriguing is the question: Did Edith & Harvey visit John Lyons in 1915, by any chance? Is there any hint in The Lyonian Magazine for that year? Did other boys in Leslie's year receive books from Mrs Watkins?

I love a mystery, but I would love to know a lot more......!

Harvey Richardson OL 1957-64

[my brother Roger Richardson was also an OL 1951-1957]