Dear Mom, Pop and Tom:
Well, here I am at last. I don't know where the days and weeks go to so fast. It seems that every time I manage to get this typewriter home I have some typing to do for the Primary. I have turned into their official typist, seems to be the only one in the Church.
I want to thank you first for the lovely gift to Bobby. It is the sweetest little outfit I have ever seen and he looks so cute in it. A friend of Blanche's is knitting him a baret to match it and I hope we manage to get home to show him off in it sometime this spring or summer. It's his Sunday-go-to-meetin' suit and that reminds me that some Sunday when he has it on we should take to meetin' and have him blessed--he hasn't really got a name as yet. He's just at the stage where he's proud of new clothes and knows we think he's pretty cute. I had a little birthday party for him and invited three other Mommies and their babies in for the afternoon and the Mommies sure did have fun. Mildred Cahoon, whose baby is the one in the last picture I sent of Bobby, brought her movie camera and took pictures of them. I haven't seen them as yet but they should be good. I bought a decorated cake and ice cream and a good time was had by all. Colleen Morrow, the three year old, gave him a toy; Blanche gave him a little 0ne-piece knit suit; Judy gave him two pair of little summer seersucker pajamas and Billy Cahoon gave him a corduroy suit. I bought his first pair of long jeans and a little sweat shirt. They are little overalls really and he needed them for crawling-he gets so dirty his knees won't come clean and when they do they are red from floor burns. Dad gave him house slippers. Speaking of "Dad" he calls every man he sees Dad and it's mighty embarrassing to "Mom". Mrs. Armstrong sent a little navy blue wool coat, double-breasted and it has little gold buttons and navy insignia on the sleeve. It has a little hat with visor and about next fall it should fit pretty well and he'd better be walking so he can wear it. He is certainly well-outfitted now but he had just reached the point where he was down pretty low on clothes. His things have to be washed so often and he's growing fast. And buying baby shoes is no joke. That last word remind me, Do you know how to tell when a Scotchman is in love?---"By the tilt of his kilt." Isn't that cute?
Getting back to Bobby, I am going to have a nice picture taken of him now and will be sending it along to you soon. We are giving him inoculations for children's diseases. We should have started at six months but I didn't have the heart to do it. So far he has just one shot for diphtheria. He has one more in three weeks. Thenk he has tree shots for whooping cough and a smallpox vaccination. We had it done at five in the afternoon, brought him home, gave him his supper and put him to bed. He went to sleep immediately and slept the night through without a sound. Aside from being a little grouchy, it didn't seem to bother him a mite. I forgot to tell you that he's a regular member of the family now. He has just three meals a day, drinks whole cow's milk from a glass and has one nap after lunch. He even eats such things as round steak(scraped) and cottage cheese. And, of course, he also eats a lot of other little knickknacks like the daily newspaper and wet washcloths. He's a lot of fun and good company. He chases me around the house all day in his Taylor-tot and he is full of mischief and loves to ease. When he first started drinking milk from a glass he choked on every gulp. Now he does pretty well and when he has had his fill he pretends to choke on it or he waits until I get it to his lips then hits the glass and that ends that meal.
Judy had her lip operated on last week and it looks much better. It left It left just a tiny little dcar and I think it will go away entirely. Blanche took her up and cared for her for two days and it was more than she could stand. When Mary finally took her home, Blanche was sick for a few days. Judy walks nicely and is a pretty little girl. Oh, I almost forgot--I had the scare of my life the other day. Bobby was in his bedroom in his Taylor-tot alone and he whimpered a little. It was the sort of cry he generally uses when he gets stuck somewhere and can't make it move. Then he stopped and it was awfully quiet. I went to take a look and you'll never believe it but he was standing on the floor holding to the back of the cart. He had apparently run alongside of his play pen, reached up with both hands and got a good hold on the pen, then stood up in the cart and either stepped out or the cart moved out from under him and he hung tight and found himself out on his feet. At any rate he was out, all in one piece and looking awfully pleased.
Well, I could go on for pages telling you little things about him. I wish we lived closer. We went to Seattle last Saturday and came back Sunday. Our friends at Sand Point wanted some meat for dinner and the markets were all closed by order of the unions. They own that town. We didn't do anything but enjoyed the outing. tomorrow we are going down to Elams to entertain some soldier boys. Thelma is busy doing re cross work and is having three or four boys in for dinner and cards or something and she wants us to help with the fun. I do feel sorry for them, though. There is a whole regiment stationed here and I can sympathize with them--there is certainly nothing to do in Yakima in the way of entertainment--unless you go to someone's home.
Tom, I enjoyed your letter and you had better write often or I won't send you cookies when you are at Fort Lewis. That will be swell as long as you have to be in the Army. You will probably be even closer than that when you go out for ski practice. And you can come over and spend your days off with us. Hope they make you a general someday.
Mom, if I get a little pattern and some seersucker, would you run up some little sun suits for Bobby this summer. I want them for everyday and seersucker is so easy to keep up and you just can't buy them in anything but materials that need ironing. They needen't be fancy, just something to cover his little diaper and a couple of straps to hold it up.
Pop, I just thought I'd tell you that I read Bob's letter before he did and surely enjoyed it. You needn't think there is any privacy in this house. And it seems to me that I write two letters to everybody's one down that-a way. Anyway mine are the longest and I don't leave out things you are just dying to know, like what is Gwen's baby a girl or a boy? I wish someone would tell me.
Well, it's getting late and chilly. We have fire in the morning and then let it go out, the afternoons are just wonderful. But about ten in the evening it starts to get cold. Everybody write. And thanks again for the nice gift--I'll see that you see him in it. Good nite. Much Love, Louise
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
February 25, 1942 Letter From Robert
Dear Mom & Pop:
Surprise----Bet you'd given up hope of every hearing from your renegade son-in-law. Now admit it.
I got Louise going on the Church work so don't have to worry about us getting into heaven now, and was just sitting here smoking and trying to figure out what Roosevelt said Monday, what to believe in the newspapers-- and mulling over the sob story I've herd so much of the last sixty days, that I finally decided Confucius (the Chinese seer) Mohamed and dozens of others were all nuts---none knew what is going to happen.
I thought over the pleasant things I've enjoyed----a trip (free of charge) to San Fransisco, a mix-master in which I get a lot of pleasure, belive it or not, and naturally I was anxious to know how your both getting along with no one at home to heckle you.---When are ya coming up?
We got three inches of snow Monday. Today (Tuesday) it's all gone down---funny weather.
Louise took out our little bundle of energy and pent up T.N.T. to be checked over for an insurance policy I took out for some sort of "promise" to pay when he's 21 years, and I'll be damned if she aint all convinced that everyone stops what they are doing to play with him---(she may be right) Anyway, he's tops as far as health goes and we've decided to keep him even tho I have to fed him every A.M. at six.
We are still terrible busy at the Bank and looks as tho they might believe I'm not all muscle between the ears. So if the Army don't get me, (or I don't get too mad and enlist) we may live in the Northwest a month or so more.
Tom wrote us once---maybe twice--come to think of it, it is twice--seems to be getting along swell, tho Louise worries over his being drafted---but whether he does you'll be proud of him.
Love to both of you and don't forget to drive up--make it while gas is still sold on the open market. Bob Louise says hello.
Surprise----Bet you'd given up hope of every hearing from your renegade son-in-law. Now admit it.
I got Louise going on the Church work so don't have to worry about us getting into heaven now, and was just sitting here smoking and trying to figure out what Roosevelt said Monday, what to believe in the newspapers-- and mulling over the sob story I've herd so much of the last sixty days, that I finally decided Confucius (the Chinese seer) Mohamed and dozens of others were all nuts---none knew what is going to happen.
I thought over the pleasant things I've enjoyed----a trip (free of charge) to San Fransisco, a mix-master in which I get a lot of pleasure, belive it or not, and naturally I was anxious to know how your both getting along with no one at home to heckle you.---When are ya coming up?
We got three inches of snow Monday. Today (Tuesday) it's all gone down---funny weather.
Louise took out our little bundle of energy and pent up T.N.T. to be checked over for an insurance policy I took out for some sort of "promise" to pay when he's 21 years, and I'll be damned if she aint all convinced that everyone stops what they are doing to play with him---(she may be right) Anyway, he's tops as far as health goes and we've decided to keep him even tho I have to fed him every A.M. at six.
We are still terrible busy at the Bank and looks as tho they might believe I'm not all muscle between the ears. So if the Army don't get me, (or I don't get too mad and enlist) we may live in the Northwest a month or so more.
Tom wrote us once---maybe twice--come to think of it, it is twice--seems to be getting along swell, tho Louise worries over his being drafted---but whether he does you'll be proud of him.
Love to both of you and don't forget to drive up--make it while gas is still sold on the open market. Bob Louise says hello.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
February 11, 1942
Dear mom and Pop:
I've been trying to write ever since you called but we are always so busy that when we have a free night we go to bed early and try to catch up in one night on a week's sleep. The night you called we had company and it was hard to talk--there is always an automobile dealer and his wife in our living room. When Bob took the job and they told him they wanted him to live with the dealers, I didn't know they meant it literally. I think they told the dealers and their wives to come and live with us, too. I wanted to tell you what a swell little boy we have but it's kinda hard to brag in front of some people. His teeth are popping in everywhere--has about eight all totaled now. But he still hasn't any hair--everybody grows hair, don't they? We have a lot of cute little things we do every day--he is a great little mimic--I'm going to have to watch my step. He seems to understand everything I say. When I tell him "no" he sasses me--it makes him mad as the dickens. He hasn't had any kind of cold or cough but we ask him how his bad cough is today and he almost strangles himself coughing. The blue bear sits on top of his chest of drawers and I hold him up and ask him if he wants to talk to the blue bear. Then I say "hello Bobby," in a high squeaky voice and he knows he is being kidded. He glances at me with a twinkle in his eyes, then he squeals in a high thin voice, very much like the voice I used. Now ain't that cute--I hope you think so cause I do. I think you had better send me some sort of book on child psychology, Pop, cause I find I don't know how to handle him without giving him a good pop on the fanny. He's determined and strong as a little Sampson. He goes after and gets what he wants. He climbs out of and onto anything he wants. He stands up in his high chair, climbs out of his Taylor Tot and on to a chair, coffee table or anything handy. I've kept an eagle eye on him and he has never had a bad fall but he is very careful with himself, when he gets on the edge of something he peers over and hangs on for dear life. So I stay at a safe distance and let him take care of himself and he does a pretty good job of it, but I'm stumped on one thing. I thought I had him trained not to touch certain things when I told him no and everything went fine for awhile then he suddenly started running around grabbing everything he knew he shouldn't--that's about all he bothers to touch now, in fact, and when I slap his hands he tries to cry and sails into it again. So you tell me what I am to do.
Trouble is coming thick and fast for poor Bob. Boys joining up just tell him to come and get their cars from all corners of the state. They are kicking all the shady ladies around from place to place and trying to catch up with them long enough to get a payment or the car is a job for a detective. All of the dealers are twiddling their thumbs wondering what happens next and their isn't any new business, it's all old. So I suppose a year from now there will be a great many changes for a good many people. I guess as long as there is an automobile department, we'll be here, and do far Seattle talks like they mean to keep the thing alive. I maybe told you that Bob got a $25 a month increase but we are buying a bond a month so it just takes care of it nicely. It's just too bad. I guess we'll be middle-age and still be trying to get a start and stick with something. Don't let all this worry you because to date everything is really going fine. And you know I haven't got a worry portion to my brain and Bob instead of worrying gets mad and does something better.
I wish I had something interesting to tell you but we just see a show, play Tripoli every Saturday night, have people drop in and that's about all. Sunday was a beautiful spring day and Blanche and Sid took us and Judy up to Ellensburg to have dinner. Oh, one thing I almost forgot. Mary's father passed away about two weeks ago and he was a very devout Catholic and we attended the funeral in the Cathedral. It was an amazing show. I'm afraid I could never be converted to it. It just doesn't appeal to my comfortable soul. He left Mary a rather tidy little estates--if they can get it from the church. He had been living in a Catholic home in Seattle and they had tied up a good part of it and Mary is taking it to court. So it is going to be very interesting. I'll tell you the whole story when I see you. it's much too long and complicated to put in a letter.
Well, I must close and go to bed. Our new alarm clock says 10:30 and I feel silly going to bed at 9:30 only that rising an hour earlier in the morning makes me give in.
Write soon and tell me all the gossip. Tell Dick and Ellen hello and they had better write. Hope everybody is well. I write to Tom occasionally and get an occasional answer. Good night. Love. Louise
I've been trying to write ever since you called but we are always so busy that when we have a free night we go to bed early and try to catch up in one night on a week's sleep. The night you called we had company and it was hard to talk--there is always an automobile dealer and his wife in our living room. When Bob took the job and they told him they wanted him to live with the dealers, I didn't know they meant it literally. I think they told the dealers and their wives to come and live with us, too. I wanted to tell you what a swell little boy we have but it's kinda hard to brag in front of some people. His teeth are popping in everywhere--has about eight all totaled now. But he still hasn't any hair--everybody grows hair, don't they? We have a lot of cute little things we do every day--he is a great little mimic--I'm going to have to watch my step. He seems to understand everything I say. When I tell him "no" he sasses me--it makes him mad as the dickens. He hasn't had any kind of cold or cough but we ask him how his bad cough is today and he almost strangles himself coughing. The blue bear sits on top of his chest of drawers and I hold him up and ask him if he wants to talk to the blue bear. Then I say "hello Bobby," in a high squeaky voice and he knows he is being kidded. He glances at me with a twinkle in his eyes, then he squeals in a high thin voice, very much like the voice I used. Now ain't that cute--I hope you think so cause I do. I think you had better send me some sort of book on child psychology, Pop, cause I find I don't know how to handle him without giving him a good pop on the fanny. He's determined and strong as a little Sampson. He goes after and gets what he wants. He climbs out of and onto anything he wants. He stands up in his high chair, climbs out of his Taylor Tot and on to a chair, coffee table or anything handy. I've kept an eagle eye on him and he has never had a bad fall but he is very careful with himself, when he gets on the edge of something he peers over and hangs on for dear life. So I stay at a safe distance and let him take care of himself and he does a pretty good job of it, but I'm stumped on one thing. I thought I had him trained not to touch certain things when I told him no and everything went fine for awhile then he suddenly started running around grabbing everything he knew he shouldn't--that's about all he bothers to touch now, in fact, and when I slap his hands he tries to cry and sails into it again. So you tell me what I am to do.
Trouble is coming thick and fast for poor Bob. Boys joining up just tell him to come and get their cars from all corners of the state. They are kicking all the shady ladies around from place to place and trying to catch up with them long enough to get a payment or the car is a job for a detective. All of the dealers are twiddling their thumbs wondering what happens next and their isn't any new business, it's all old. So I suppose a year from now there will be a great many changes for a good many people. I guess as long as there is an automobile department, we'll be here, and do far Seattle talks like they mean to keep the thing alive. I maybe told you that Bob got a $25 a month increase but we are buying a bond a month so it just takes care of it nicely. It's just too bad. I guess we'll be middle-age and still be trying to get a start and stick with something. Don't let all this worry you because to date everything is really going fine. And you know I haven't got a worry portion to my brain and Bob instead of worrying gets mad and does something better.
I wish I had something interesting to tell you but we just see a show, play Tripoli every Saturday night, have people drop in and that's about all. Sunday was a beautiful spring day and Blanche and Sid took us and Judy up to Ellensburg to have dinner. Oh, one thing I almost forgot. Mary's father passed away about two weeks ago and he was a very devout Catholic and we attended the funeral in the Cathedral. It was an amazing show. I'm afraid I could never be converted to it. It just doesn't appeal to my comfortable soul. He left Mary a rather tidy little estates--if they can get it from the church. He had been living in a Catholic home in Seattle and they had tied up a good part of it and Mary is taking it to court. So it is going to be very interesting. I'll tell you the whole story when I see you. it's much too long and complicated to put in a letter.
Well, I must close and go to bed. Our new alarm clock says 10:30 and I feel silly going to bed at 9:30 only that rising an hour earlier in the morning makes me give in.
Write soon and tell me all the gossip. Tell Dick and Ellen hello and they had better write. Hope everybody is well. I write to Tom occasionally and get an occasional answer. Good night. Love. Louise
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
January 5, 1942
Dear Mom and Pop:
Well at last I have moment for myself. I have been trying to write ever since Xmas and we have either gone somewhere or had company every single night. It's terrible having the holiday come in the middle of the week, when it comes over a week-end you get the week-end and the holiday celebrations all over with at one time.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the lovely present--the mix-master. I should say "we" appreciate it--Bob was the first to use it. He mixed up eggnog for Christmas day. He just can't leave it alone--read all the instructions before I ever got to them and now asks me when I'm using it if I do this and that according to the rules. It's just a beauty and wonderful to use. I've made waffles, a cake and, of all things, my own mayonnaise with it already. Thanks so much but I think you should have kept if or yourselves--it's much too nice for someone who doesn't know how to cook. On second thought it may be just what someone like myself needs. Anyway I surely love it. You may regret sending it--Bob says he doesn't need a wife.
Bobby enjoyed Christmas and we enjoyed him. He had gotten down to practically nothing in the way of toys and clothes since I was making him wait for Xmas to replenish his supply. The Teddy bear was darling and is decorating the top of his chest of drawers. I let him hold it when I'm with him but it's too cute to let him tear to bits. He likes it because it's so colorful. Colors fascinate him. And thanks too for the little suit, it's very pretty and he was certainly in need of it. I hadn't bought him clothes for sometime and he is too big for practically everything he owns. Santa Claus brought him a Taylor-tot, Kiddy car with all the trimmings, a high-chair and odds and ends in toys. The little girl, who tends him gave him a big ball and Judy gave him a little toy gift dog made of oil-cloth. The Leonards were pleased as punch about the pink bear you sent to Judy. I shouldn't tell you but we plan to have their pictures taken together with their bears and will be sending it along soon. It was nice of you to remember her. They all gave us some little gift--we practically belong to the family--and we just couldn't begin to give to all of them so we remembered Blanche and Judy only. We made several calls Xmas day and spent that evening at Leonard's and had supper with them. I almost forgot our own Xmas. Bob gave me three lovely pairs of nylon hose and a .25 defense bond which I can either cash in a couple of months or keep, which I plan to do cause we have been wanting to start buying a bond a month and it is a good time to get started. As a matter of fact the bank took a vote of its employees and sort of pushed thru a plan for each one to spend 10% of his salary for a bond each moth. But we meant to anyway and it's a good thing--I'd like to get this war in the bag. So far our business has gone alone as usual but their will soon be some drastic changes--no tires, no automobiles, no gas, etc. It sort of hits the automobile dept. pretty hard. However, we aren't worried. The bank is absorbing two of Bob's men and Bob will have to run his own dept. Practically alone with a stenographer or two--but it's still a job.
I don't know why but I always get around to talking about the war. I was telling you about Christmas. I gave Bob a hunting coat and Bobby gave him a pair of house slippers. Bobby gave me a bottle of cologne and bath powder. So we had a very nice Christmas with only one flaw and that was being so far from home. Tom sent Bob three lovely hankies and me a table cloth which is very much California. It is a heavy linen in bright color and will be very pretty with my pottery. Speaking of dishes I just can't wait to see your new set, it sounds very pretty. I haven't even seen the dining room set yet. I'm serving warning on Bob that the war gets any closer I'm going to S.L. and he thinks I'm fooling but I'm not. What I started to say is that I may get to see it all soon.
Pop. I'm sorry about the books being such a muddle. Maybe it's all my fault for ever setting them up the way I did. Maybe I'm the only person who could possible ever get them straightened out. Don't tell Mr. Williams when he sees who did it. I'd certainly be happy to help you with them if I were there. I'll have to confess they weren't any too easy for me to balance at the end of the year either and it was my baby. Well, I hope by this time it's all figured out and forgotten and you are busy with a swell new year. And if you are serious about the apple picking job you won't be able to keep from helping to harvest the crop this year if you will just come up into this country. I expect I'll be drafted into the hop-picking corps. I'll have to put Bobby in a sack on my back and you won't be able to tell me from the Indians.
Mom, I have had all I can do on the little quilt done for sometime but just postponed putting it in the mail. I'll have it to you in a few days. Will you please buy a little dollar white baby quilt to pad it with. I think you can get one about the right thickness at Penney's. And also buy the backing for me. I will send a dollar or two and leave the selecting of the quilt for padding and backing to you cause you probably know more about it than I do. They told me that the little light weight quilts are just as easy to quilt and wash without matting inside. As for the backing you use your own judgment on it, I haven't any idea what to even suggest. His little room will be pretty with the blue bear on the dresser, the quilt on the bed and I have red, white and blue seer-sucker drapes at the windows and the whole room is his.
I am sending a picture of Bobby and Billie Cahoon, son of the Studebaker dealer here. I may ask you to send it back if I can't get another print made, the negative belongs to Mrs. Cahoon. It was taken in their home. Billie is three months younger than Bobby. Thought I'd tell you so you would know which one was our young giant. He's the one who looks like a bull in a china closet. But he's cute.
Must close for now. Tell Dick and Ellen I will write tomorrow or next day without fail. Write often and make them long. Thanks again for the lovely presents. Much love, Louise
Well at last I have moment for myself. I have been trying to write ever since Xmas and we have either gone somewhere or had company every single night. It's terrible having the holiday come in the middle of the week, when it comes over a week-end you get the week-end and the holiday celebrations all over with at one time.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the lovely present--the mix-master. I should say "we" appreciate it--Bob was the first to use it. He mixed up eggnog for Christmas day. He just can't leave it alone--read all the instructions before I ever got to them and now asks me when I'm using it if I do this and that according to the rules. It's just a beauty and wonderful to use. I've made waffles, a cake and, of all things, my own mayonnaise with it already. Thanks so much but I think you should have kept if or yourselves--it's much too nice for someone who doesn't know how to cook. On second thought it may be just what someone like myself needs. Anyway I surely love it. You may regret sending it--Bob says he doesn't need a wife.
Bobby enjoyed Christmas and we enjoyed him. He had gotten down to practically nothing in the way of toys and clothes since I was making him wait for Xmas to replenish his supply. The Teddy bear was darling and is decorating the top of his chest of drawers. I let him hold it when I'm with him but it's too cute to let him tear to bits. He likes it because it's so colorful. Colors fascinate him. And thanks too for the little suit, it's very pretty and he was certainly in need of it. I hadn't bought him clothes for sometime and he is too big for practically everything he owns. Santa Claus brought him a Taylor-tot, Kiddy car with all the trimmings, a high-chair and odds and ends in toys. The little girl, who tends him gave him a big ball and Judy gave him a little toy gift dog made of oil-cloth. The Leonards were pleased as punch about the pink bear you sent to Judy. I shouldn't tell you but we plan to have their pictures taken together with their bears and will be sending it along soon. It was nice of you to remember her. They all gave us some little gift--we practically belong to the family--and we just couldn't begin to give to all of them so we remembered Blanche and Judy only. We made several calls Xmas day and spent that evening at Leonard's and had supper with them. I almost forgot our own Xmas. Bob gave me three lovely pairs of nylon hose and a .25 defense bond which I can either cash in a couple of months or keep, which I plan to do cause we have been wanting to start buying a bond a month and it is a good time to get started. As a matter of fact the bank took a vote of its employees and sort of pushed thru a plan for each one to spend 10% of his salary for a bond each moth. But we meant to anyway and it's a good thing--I'd like to get this war in the bag. So far our business has gone alone as usual but their will soon be some drastic changes--no tires, no automobiles, no gas, etc. It sort of hits the automobile dept. pretty hard. However, we aren't worried. The bank is absorbing two of Bob's men and Bob will have to run his own dept. Practically alone with a stenographer or two--but it's still a job.
I don't know why but I always get around to talking about the war. I was telling you about Christmas. I gave Bob a hunting coat and Bobby gave him a pair of house slippers. Bobby gave me a bottle of cologne and bath powder. So we had a very nice Christmas with only one flaw and that was being so far from home. Tom sent Bob three lovely hankies and me a table cloth which is very much California. It is a heavy linen in bright color and will be very pretty with my pottery. Speaking of dishes I just can't wait to see your new set, it sounds very pretty. I haven't even seen the dining room set yet. I'm serving warning on Bob that the war gets any closer I'm going to S.L. and he thinks I'm fooling but I'm not. What I started to say is that I may get to see it all soon.
Pop. I'm sorry about the books being such a muddle. Maybe it's all my fault for ever setting them up the way I did. Maybe I'm the only person who could possible ever get them straightened out. Don't tell Mr. Williams when he sees who did it. I'd certainly be happy to help you with them if I were there. I'll have to confess they weren't any too easy for me to balance at the end of the year either and it was my baby. Well, I hope by this time it's all figured out and forgotten and you are busy with a swell new year. And if you are serious about the apple picking job you won't be able to keep from helping to harvest the crop this year if you will just come up into this country. I expect I'll be drafted into the hop-picking corps. I'll have to put Bobby in a sack on my back and you won't be able to tell me from the Indians.
Mom, I have had all I can do on the little quilt done for sometime but just postponed putting it in the mail. I'll have it to you in a few days. Will you please buy a little dollar white baby quilt to pad it with. I think you can get one about the right thickness at Penney's. And also buy the backing for me. I will send a dollar or two and leave the selecting of the quilt for padding and backing to you cause you probably know more about it than I do. They told me that the little light weight quilts are just as easy to quilt and wash without matting inside. As for the backing you use your own judgment on it, I haven't any idea what to even suggest. His little room will be pretty with the blue bear on the dresser, the quilt on the bed and I have red, white and blue seer-sucker drapes at the windows and the whole room is his.
I am sending a picture of Bobby and Billie Cahoon, son of the Studebaker dealer here. I may ask you to send it back if I can't get another print made, the negative belongs to Mrs. Cahoon. It was taken in their home. Billie is three months younger than Bobby. Thought I'd tell you so you would know which one was our young giant. He's the one who looks like a bull in a china closet. But he's cute.
Must close for now. Tell Dick and Ellen I will write tomorrow or next day without fail. Write often and make them long. Thanks again for the lovely presents. Much love, Louise
Thursday, August 20, 2009
December 9, 1941
Dear Mom and Pop:
Sorry to be so slow writing but I just never seem to have a minute of my own. We went over to Tacoma to a football game Saturday, drove back to Seattle that night to stay with some friends and see the beginning of the fireworks. I suppose everybody knew this would happen sometime soon but liked to go on pretending that it wouldn't. It was quite a shock to get up and find we were at war--just over night. Our friends the Tippery's whom we always stay with over there have the new home I told you about before, out at Sand Point. They are just one block from the Naval reserve and I can't say that I blame them for being really worried. Shari Tippery spent some time in a sanitarium with a nervous breakdown about two years ago and I think she'll be in an asylum before this is over. But Seattle--while we were there--seemed very calm. They were on their toes but everything went along as usual. Shari and I went shopping Monday morning and the stores were jammed with shoppers. Most people seemed to feel that they wouldn't reach our coast. But it was a very comfortable feeling to come back to Yakima. They were guarding all of the bridges and stopped us as we were crossing the Washington Bridge and asked us for our destination. We haven't had a test black-our here yet but I guess they had Seattle in darkness last night. I wish we lived in the middle west on one of those wind-swept farms where the windmills are three miles apart. Our landladies daughter who was recently married to a Marine doesn't know where her husband is. He was on his way to Honolulu, they thought, but he hadn't time to reach there when the bombing started. She doesn't seem particularly anxious, though, and most people I talk with are the same way. I hope you won't worry about us being here cause I think we're pretty safe. There's nothing that would bring them to our village--unless they get hungry for an apple. And Bob and I aren't at all nervous--just now we're fightin' mad. I dropped Tom a line tonight and am anxious to hear his side of it. I hope Dick has plenty of exemption with the little boys.
Well, enough of that. Blanche took Bobby for me over the week-end and she's so darn swell to us and to the baby, too. You'd think he was her grandbaby. She called this morning and asked how her baby was today. Said she just wanted to make sure we were treating him right. I think her bunch all fell in love with him. They think he's the best natured child in the world--and he is. Irene said they had all decided I had a perfect baby. So I'm pretty proud today. He is trying words now. Says dada-you know that one: and baba which means Bobby, of course. He's an awful rowdy. He squeals the loudest I have ever heard. And he's quick and strong. And one of these days he is going to be running around without any pants because it's all I can do now to hold him down and change his diapers. He pushes with his heels and lifts his whole body off the bathinette. And he keeps bouncing that way until Mommy gives him a couple of good slaps on the leg. And it doesn't make him cry, he screams at me. About the time he grows some hair you'll have to see him, I think that will be his cutest.
Dad, I called the Republic and Herald and your ad usually ran Friday evening and Saturday morning so there was plenty of time. I meant to look at it but I was busy getting ready to leave at 7:00 A.M. in the morning and forgot about it and I guess Bob has used the paper for a fire. I can't find it now. I'll look next Friday and let you know what I think of it. It seems good to hear from you and I hope Kay forgets the insertion date often.
Mom, thanks for all the clippings. News of Pheobus was a shock. She was a very sweet person. I heard from Jenore sometime ago and she planned to get married early in December. I am wondering now what has happened. If you know, don't forget to tell me about it in your next letter.
Must close and put up my hair and do my nails tonight--I'm going to the Junior Century Woman's luncheon tomorrow, and want to look my sweetest and there's no time for primping at our house in the mornings. Hope you are all well. Give my love to Dick and Ellen and boys. Write soon and often. Much love, Louise
Sorry to be so slow writing but I just never seem to have a minute of my own. We went over to Tacoma to a football game Saturday, drove back to Seattle that night to stay with some friends and see the beginning of the fireworks. I suppose everybody knew this would happen sometime soon but liked to go on pretending that it wouldn't. It was quite a shock to get up and find we were at war--just over night. Our friends the Tippery's whom we always stay with over there have the new home I told you about before, out at Sand Point. They are just one block from the Naval reserve and I can't say that I blame them for being really worried. Shari Tippery spent some time in a sanitarium with a nervous breakdown about two years ago and I think she'll be in an asylum before this is over. But Seattle--while we were there--seemed very calm. They were on their toes but everything went along as usual. Shari and I went shopping Monday morning and the stores were jammed with shoppers. Most people seemed to feel that they wouldn't reach our coast. But it was a very comfortable feeling to come back to Yakima. They were guarding all of the bridges and stopped us as we were crossing the Washington Bridge and asked us for our destination. We haven't had a test black-our here yet but I guess they had Seattle in darkness last night. I wish we lived in the middle west on one of those wind-swept farms where the windmills are three miles apart. Our landladies daughter who was recently married to a Marine doesn't know where her husband is. He was on his way to Honolulu, they thought, but he hadn't time to reach there when the bombing started. She doesn't seem particularly anxious, though, and most people I talk with are the same way. I hope you won't worry about us being here cause I think we're pretty safe. There's nothing that would bring them to our village--unless they get hungry for an apple. And Bob and I aren't at all nervous--just now we're fightin' mad. I dropped Tom a line tonight and am anxious to hear his side of it. I hope Dick has plenty of exemption with the little boys.
Well, enough of that. Blanche took Bobby for me over the week-end and she's so darn swell to us and to the baby, too. You'd think he was her grandbaby. She called this morning and asked how her baby was today. Said she just wanted to make sure we were treating him right. I think her bunch all fell in love with him. They think he's the best natured child in the world--and he is. Irene said they had all decided I had a perfect baby. So I'm pretty proud today. He is trying words now. Says dada-you know that one: and baba which means Bobby, of course. He's an awful rowdy. He squeals the loudest I have ever heard. And he's quick and strong. And one of these days he is going to be running around without any pants because it's all I can do now to hold him down and change his diapers. He pushes with his heels and lifts his whole body off the bathinette. And he keeps bouncing that way until Mommy gives him a couple of good slaps on the leg. And it doesn't make him cry, he screams at me. About the time he grows some hair you'll have to see him, I think that will be his cutest.
Dad, I called the Republic and Herald and your ad usually ran Friday evening and Saturday morning so there was plenty of time. I meant to look at it but I was busy getting ready to leave at 7:00 A.M. in the morning and forgot about it and I guess Bob has used the paper for a fire. I can't find it now. I'll look next Friday and let you know what I think of it. It seems good to hear from you and I hope Kay forgets the insertion date often.
Mom, thanks for all the clippings. News of Pheobus was a shock. She was a very sweet person. I heard from Jenore sometime ago and she planned to get married early in December. I am wondering now what has happened. If you know, don't forget to tell me about it in your next letter.
Must close and put up my hair and do my nails tonight--I'm going to the Junior Century Woman's luncheon tomorrow, and want to look my sweetest and there's no time for primping at our house in the mornings. Hope you are all well. Give my love to Dick and Ellen and boys. Write soon and often. Much love, Louise
Monday, August 17, 2009
November 16, 1941
Dear Folks,
I thought by this time I'd have a letter saying you would be here for Thanksgiving. Course I'm going to expect you till after Thanksgiving is past. Wish you could make it. Will have goose, turnkey or anything you'd like. And don't let the thought of my working scare you out cause I've improved since last you were here.
I was terribly disappointed about our trip. The couple I was coming with left this morning for S. L. and will probably drop in to say Hello. I didn't plan to go this time since it is to close to Thanksgiving and if Bob didn't come after us at that time we'd probably have been on your hands all winter. And it's doubtful that we can come for Xmas. Bob thinks it's a little too long a trip for such a short time. However, I'll keep working on him. Unless you can come to see us we probably won't see you until spring and our vacation. As an added enticement--besides the extra special dinner--I'm sending a picture of Bobby and Judy. Bobby is sitting in the cart in case you aren't sure. They are going to enjoy each other. They have a lot of fun together now and are both cute youngsters.
I guess Tommy has seen everything Southern California has to offer now after the earthquake the other night. Let me know what he has to say about it. He just won't take time to write. I'm glad to hear that he is doing well and likes it.
We haven't been doing much to write about. When I get a typewriter at home again I'll send a longer and more legible letter. This one is just a written invitation to Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell Dick and Ellen and the little boys Hello and I'd like to hear from them. Bobby must be quite the young man by now and Gary too.
Write and if you can make it wire us. Plan to stay a few days. Much Love, Louise
I thought by this time I'd have a letter saying you would be here for Thanksgiving. Course I'm going to expect you till after Thanksgiving is past. Wish you could make it. Will have goose, turnkey or anything you'd like. And don't let the thought of my working scare you out cause I've improved since last you were here.
I was terribly disappointed about our trip. The couple I was coming with left this morning for S. L. and will probably drop in to say Hello. I didn't plan to go this time since it is to close to Thanksgiving and if Bob didn't come after us at that time we'd probably have been on your hands all winter. And it's doubtful that we can come for Xmas. Bob thinks it's a little too long a trip for such a short time. However, I'll keep working on him. Unless you can come to see us we probably won't see you until spring and our vacation. As an added enticement--besides the extra special dinner--I'm sending a picture of Bobby and Judy. Bobby is sitting in the cart in case you aren't sure. They are going to enjoy each other. They have a lot of fun together now and are both cute youngsters.
I guess Tommy has seen everything Southern California has to offer now after the earthquake the other night. Let me know what he has to say about it. He just won't take time to write. I'm glad to hear that he is doing well and likes it.
We haven't been doing much to write about. When I get a typewriter at home again I'll send a longer and more legible letter. This one is just a written invitation to Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell Dick and Ellen and the little boys Hello and I'd like to hear from them. Bobby must be quite the young man by now and Gary too.
Write and if you can make it wire us. Plan to stay a few days. Much Love, Louise
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Letter from Robert November 4, 1941
This letter is professionally typed on Yakima Valley Branch Seattle First National Bank
Dear Louis:
I am enclosing a sample folder insert which was sent to us along with several types of letters from our main office in Seattle.
I am also enclosing copies of the types of letters which our advertising department in Seattle apparently worked out.
Personally, there are advantages and disadvantages to these letters as I see them, and I believe they lack a little modern appeal. I am sending these to you as I know you will be interested in our direct advertising campaign. I have not had an opportunity to use your letters as yet. However, I did present them to our Seattle office. After numerous committees which meet on this type of material, apparently our letters became lost in the delay. I still have your copies here, and I am planning on putting these into effect as soon as we have exhausted our present supply.
Again I want to thank you for a swell job and speed with which you turned these out to me in view of your busy routine.
Louise has just mentioned to me that you're birthday has come and gone which apparently slipped her mind, and which, i am sure, I had not remembered much to my embarrassment. We certainly would have enjoyed having you here in Yakima with us, as we miss hearing from you from time to time.
Thanksgiving this year has just been announced by the governor to fall on the 20th which may alter Louise's plans of a trip to Salt Lake. However, she is still undetermined. I hope to have some news regarding my future direct mail plans and will keep you posted. Best regards to you and Ada, very truly yours, Bob---- R.F. Armstrong, Manager, Automobile Finance Dept.
Handwritten on top says pardon formality but my steno has no sense of humor. Hello to Paul and write!!
Dear Louis:
I am enclosing a sample folder insert which was sent to us along with several types of letters from our main office in Seattle.
I am also enclosing copies of the types of letters which our advertising department in Seattle apparently worked out.
Personally, there are advantages and disadvantages to these letters as I see them, and I believe they lack a little modern appeal. I am sending these to you as I know you will be interested in our direct advertising campaign. I have not had an opportunity to use your letters as yet. However, I did present them to our Seattle office. After numerous committees which meet on this type of material, apparently our letters became lost in the delay. I still have your copies here, and I am planning on putting these into effect as soon as we have exhausted our present supply.
Again I want to thank you for a swell job and speed with which you turned these out to me in view of your busy routine.
Louise has just mentioned to me that you're birthday has come and gone which apparently slipped her mind, and which, i am sure, I had not remembered much to my embarrassment. We certainly would have enjoyed having you here in Yakima with us, as we miss hearing from you from time to time.
Thanksgiving this year has just been announced by the governor to fall on the 20th which may alter Louise's plans of a trip to Salt Lake. However, she is still undetermined. I hope to have some news regarding my future direct mail plans and will keep you posted. Best regards to you and Ada, very truly yours, Bob---- R.F. Armstrong, Manager, Automobile Finance Dept.
Handwritten on top says pardon formality but my steno has no sense of humor. Hello to Paul and write!!
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