Record

D2313 - Charles Kay Ogden (1889-1957) born Fleetwood, Lancashire, founder of the Orthological Institute, and Ernest Axon (1868-1947) and Dora nee McLardy (1989-1977) of Manchester and Buxton, librarians and local historian - 1943-1951

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Archive Reference / Library Class No.	D2313/2
Title	Letters from Dora Axon to Charles Kay Ogden
Date	Jun 1944-Dec 1951
Description	Aged 49 when her elderly husband died, many of Dora's letters reflects on her need for an income and relate to her return to employment. She describes her preparation for letting some rooms, explaining in detail the movement of books and furniture, the acquisition of gas fires and installation of plumbing, as well as her apprehension and success in the recruitment of tenants, including a memorable young Latvian woman and two actors appearing at Buxton Repertory Theatre. In discussing the challenges of returning to employment she describes a number of discouraging enquiries before being offered work as a librarian at Whaley Bridge. Her letters contain entertaining, if sometimes somewhat condescending descriptions of the work, her colleagues and library users. She acknowledges a rise in her spirits; and writes fewer letters to Charles Ogden. She writes scathingly about resources library practice at Buxton. She also describes other challenges following her husband's death: her house was stacked with books, manuscripts and letters accumulated not only by her husband but also by his father. She confided in Charles Ogden about the burden of responsibility she felt and her sense of being unprepared for identifying what might be valuable and what might be worthless. She frequently describes her low spirits and asks for his advice. (She also reports advice received from Joe [Haddow], her brother-in-law living in New Zealand). The task of dealing with the accumulation of books and papers was made more onerous by the unexpected and frustrating discovery that under the terms of her husband’s will her authority to take action was severely limited. The administration of Ernest Axon’s estate was the responsibility of the Public Trustee Office and Dora’s authority was restricted by this and by the rights of Ernest Axon’s son and daughter from an earlier marriage, with whom she did not have a smooth relationship. Throughout the letters there appear references to Dora Axon’s violin playing; in a variety of ensembles and locations. It is clear from the text that Charles Ogden was also musician. In several letters Dora Axon writes of their shared interest in Basic English and there is an occasional indication that perhaps she was attempting at times to write in Basic English. There are indications that Charles Ogden had associations with Buxton and the letters include snippets of news about Buxton residents and events.
Extent	1 bundle (74 items)
Level	Series
Repository	Derbyshire Record Office
Archive Creator	Dora Axon, nee Mclardy (1898-1977) of Manchester and Buxton, librarian
Archive Creator	Charles Kay Ogden (1889-1957) born Fleetwood, Lancashire, founder of the Orthological Institute
Format	Document

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