Hi Listers,
I've had a busy year what with one thing and another and little time to think about
our Carden family history. However, after a recent visit by my brother from Australia
(whom I haven't seen for 34 years and who has no connection to the Cardens) my
interest in family history was re-awakened as we talked long into the night of our
childhood, parents, ancestors, etc.
So, getting back to the Cardens, sadly there hasn't been anything new from here to
report. Apart from one or two fortunate listers, most of us with an Irish connection are
up against the proverbial brickwall. Of course Arthur is always there to keep the
British end going and to give help where possible, and I'm following the DNA project
with great interest.
As I can't yet find a parental connection to Thomas Carden and Bridget Swift, who came
from Ballina, Co. Mayo to Liverpool where they married in 1833, I thought I'd try my
luck with more recent events.
1. Earlier in the year Jack (John) Carden of NYC wrote that he was interested in finding
a family connection to his father who had emigrated to New York City in 1929. His
father had previously lived in Liverpool but unfortunately Jack gave neither a name nor
date of birth for his father. I wrote and said I would be delighted to help so if
you are still on the list, Jack, please get in touch. I have lots of information to
share.
2. This concerns another John Carden (so many Johns) and is something of a strange tale I
heard recently from one of our Carden cousins and which is also vaguely remembered by my
husband, Fred.
In 1960 a film was made in Hollywood called "Let's Make Love". It
starred, among others, Yves Montand, Marilyn Monroe and Frankie Vaughan, with guest stars
Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly and Milton Berle. Our American cousins may not know Frankie
Vaughan. He was a well-known British entertainer, born and bred in Liverpool, who sadly
died a year or so ago. He'd made several British films and was trying his luck in
Hollywood, and so one day as he was driving around there he got lost. He stopped to
ask a policeman directions and was amazed to get an answer in a Liverpool accent.
After chatting for a time Frankie asked the man's name. It was John Carden.
This story was apparently reported in the "Liverpool Echo" when Frankie
returned home and was being interviewed about his time in Hollywood. He couldn't get
over the fact that he had met a Hollywood cop from his home city.
As far as is known, this John Carden was in the Merchant Navy here before going out to the
US in the 1950s. He was followed shortly by his parents Arthur Carden (b.1904) and
Minnie (Mary?) McGowan and possible other siblings. Arthur lived in California
somewhere. I wonder if anyone has come across this family in their searches? John
Carden is first cousin to my husband and it would be great to have news of him and his
family.
With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year,
Lynn in Liverpool
(Mayo/Sligo Branch)