[ Frank Eyton, lyricist. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Frank Eyton') accompanying his typed original humorous poem about road works 'A Finchley Road Cameo'; together with a Typed Letter Signed ('Frank') of reminiscences and family news.

Both items in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Typed Poem followed by Autograph Note Signed. 24 December 1937. 2pp., 8vo. The poem consists of eleven four-line stanzas, with the title typed in red. An apparently unpublished humorous poem, quite charming and well worthy of publication. Begins: 'For months we've had electric road-drills | Right outside our door, | And two gentlemen who play them | Called in yesterday at four. | "Forgive us for intruding," | Said the spokesman, rather shy, | "But we're leaving here on Friday, | So we've come to say good-bye.' The workmen are 'off to Brixton Hlll' ('You won't find a finer surface | In the whole of London Town.'), and 'must leave your road by Friday, | 'Cause they're taking up the drains.' They have found the neighbourhood 'charming' ('the local “pubs” are good'). The errand boys have watched their work without paying Entertainment Tax. Concludes: 'We've rattled all your windows, | And the knick-knacks on your shelves; | And we've played hell with the traffic - | Oh! we have enjoyed ourselves. | But all good things come to an end, | And so good-bye we'll say, | Although it's really "au revoir" - | WE'RE COMING BACK IN MAY!' At the end of the poem Eyton has written in manuscript: 'With every good wish for Christmas and the New Year to all at "135" from | Frank Eyton | 24.12.37. | (The above words may be sung, if desired, to the tune of "The Wearing of the Green" | F.E.)' TWO: Typed Letter Signed. 20 September 1937. He has not seen or spoken to Finck for some time, but the previous day 'went over a lot of old ground and had many a laugh with Stanley Logan' (English actor, writer and director, 1885-1953). The next paragraph concerns 'Basil', who has 'disappeared from sight' since sending a card from the Savage Club. On their last meeting 'I told him I was more or less on my way to Hollywood. He said that he would come through here on his way to Seattle, but then of course you know Basil. He would like a copy of Finck's 'recent book', and is 'inclosing with this my draft for a quid'. He would like one of Finck's 'very welcome letters', to let him know 'what is going on in the old village. It is seven years since I was home, and I confess that I am getting a bit homesick for a visit to Hedge's and Butler's, or any other of the equally inviting spots'. His wife Helen is still in Great Neck with 'the kids', who are 'definitely past the pom-pom hat stage'. From the Herman Finck papers.