Helen was the recipient of the following letter from her future father-in-law.
"Frank Jones, K.C.
Barrister-At-Law
Notary Public, etc.
Digby, N.S., Nov. 8th/35
Miss Helen Scott
Hamilton, Ont.
Dear Helen:
You can justly reproach me for not writing to you sooner, but as Bill informed me that you and he had screwed up your courage to make the perilous plunge into matrimony on or about the 16th of this month, I decided to wait a little longer and make one letter do for the occasion--I find it necessary to economize my energies as much as possible at my age. So you will please make allowance for that, and excuse any apparent negligence on my part. On the eve of your marriage, I wish to assure you that I have the greatest confidence in you and the highest respect for your family; and I am quite sincere in saying that I heartily approve of the choice my son has made. I am quite sure that he will find in you a true and capable helpmate, and I wish you both long life, happiness and prosperity.
I am enclosing herewith as a wedding present, to you a cheque for Fifty Dollars. I am sorry I can't make it more at present, but will try and supplement it later on. In fact, if things go well with me, as I hope they will, I trust that I shall be useful to you and Bill in time of need if ever that should arise. Bill has been having a pretty hard pull to get established in Toronto but I have great hopes that he will make a complete success of his business. He certainly deserves it. But for a time he will have to practice the strictest economy and care. It should not cost him very much for living expenses after you and he get settled down. I hope to be able to make another trip to Toronto and perhaps further west before very long and I certainly look forward with eagerness for an opportunity to visit you.
Mrs. Jones and Helen (my wife and daughter) have departed for New York for the winter, so at present I am baching it. I don't know just what arrangements I shall make later on.
I trust that your parents, Margaret and the other members of your family are all well. Please give them my best regards. With love and best wishes.
I remain
Yours sincerely,
'F. Jones'"
Note: According to Bill Jones Jr., this paltry $50.00 wedding gift was viewed as an insult. Frank, a lawyer and later a judge, had lots of money ($50.00 in 1935 would have a purchasing power around $900.00 today.) Perhaps this "insult" is because Frank Jones and his son could never see eye-to-eye. Frank only understood rights as prescribed by law and could never grasp his son's compassion for the downtrodden, whether individual or national.
As it was, the wedding took place on November 15, 1935 at Sherbourne United Church in Toronto. Bill Jones was 40 years old. Though late in the year, they went canoeing for their honeymoon using Bill's beloved birchbark canoe.
Immediately following the honeymoon, Helen's father took ill and she returned to Hamilton to care for him. It was a dreadfully lonely time for them, apart so soon, as the following letters will show.