Rome 1954

1954 Itinerary so far:
Mon. March 15 - flew from ? to NYC via Pittsburgh on TWA
Weds. March 17 - dinner with Luna and Bob Herron and 3 children at their house
Fri. March 19 - board Saturnia or Vulcania
? - First stop at Lisbon, Portugal
? - Second stop at Gibraltar
Mon. March 29 - Barcelona
Tues. March 30 - Genoa
Wed. March 31 - Sorrento
Thurs. April 1 - Monreale, Sicily
Friday April 2 Palermo
Saturday April 3 Capri, Naples*
Sunday April 4-8 - Rome

*HH adds: Do recall Naples in 1954 as still having war destruction areas to be cleaned.  We had a general idea of the areas we wanted to visit, but no advance reservations and we hadn't heard of credit cards then, just had travel checks and cash and two suitcases w/o wheels.

Rome - St. Peter's Square - card sent to Mrs. NW Ballantyne, Catherine & Roberta, and Wells

Rome card to Wells Mfg. - April 6, 1954

 4/6/54
Have spent about 3 hours here looking around - quite immense and beautiful.  This is a great place for anyone interested in old buildings for they are at every turn.  Right now we are up on the roof of the Church where the Vatican has their P.O.  Have seen lot of little gardens and they use every inch and wonder if the rhubarb is up yet at home.  We are going to stay her probably 2 more days then northbound, it is warm here.  "Happy Birthday" Reatha [Reatha Hakes, HH's Secretary] Have quit writing to Fla. for hope all in Ohio when this arrives.  -- Harold

Rome card to Catherine & Roberta - April 6, 1954

4/6/54 
Here this morning, had breakfast just outside marked with an X [bottom of picture just right of center].  St. Peters is an immense beautiful cathedral.  Have been watching for the Swiss Guard soldiers who wear very colorful uniforms, they guard the Pope's palace but haven't seen them yet.  Certainly miss you both but know you are being well taken care of.  Love, and XXXX, Daddy & Mommie

Jean to her Mother, April 6, 1954, St. Peter's Square

(Reg. Mail) 4/6/54
Spent the morning here and will have to come back tomorrow to see the Sistine Chapel and other things.  If I hadn't brought my low heeled shoes, would be miserable, for so much walking.  My raincoat and winter coat seem very adequate and I have adequate clothes with light blue suit, sweater, etc.  This card won't arrive as fast as those sent air mail but this is being sent from the roof of St. Peters where there is a P.O. and souvenir shop.  All our very best love – Harold and Jean