Dear Folks:
Well, I'm just trying out my new typewriter--at home. (oh, oh!) Not doing so well, am I? They sent me an Underwood instead of a Royal, which they can't let me have until the 9th. So I think I'll start out on Sophie with this one and change later--they type should look the same.
Where does the time go? The weeks surely slip along fast. I spent the afternoon making fruit cake. After a few days wrapped in wine cloths I'll taste it and if it is as good as last years, will send you a taste. It smells as good if I remember right. Tomorrow I am going out to Blanche Leonard's to spend the afternoon. A neighbor of theirs has some little red Cocker Spaniel pups and Bob wants one. I'm not sure whether I want to undertake the care of one of the little things so I am going to tell Robert that they have all been promised and then decide whether or not I want one. If I decide on it I am going to wrap it up in bows and give it to him for Xmas. I am going to look at them tomorrow and you know what happens once I've seen some of these cute little pets--just can't resist keeping it. We are certainly going to be a large family if we keep this up.
I must tell you about nearly losing my husband. I still feel queer when I think about it. One day last week they had a big explosion over in Toppenish, killing eight people and injuring a number of others. It was an old warehouse with a number of small stores on its mail floor. That morning Bob and the new FHA man went over to see some dealers. One man they wanted to see in particular was at home ill. They phoned from his office and he told them to wait and he would be down in about fifteen minutes. So they went into a cafe--in this building--to have a cup of coffee and wait. He finally came and they finished their business and left the town about 11:15--at 11:30 the warehouse, including cafe, blew sky high. Bob says he can relax now--after that he feels that he's safe for the winter.
That's about the only thrilling news from Yakima this week. I'm surely sorry to hear of Mrs. Clowes. She's such a lovely woman. Hope she manages to live a long time in spite of the doctors. I can imagine how they all feel. Getting along without her would be really hard on her family.
I wish we could have spent Thanksgiving visiting with you all. I don't think I'd know Fent if I were to see him. How many chilluns does he have now? We have been taking it easy since the big dinner. We have seen a couple of shows and Saturday night we played Tripoli with the Elams and another couple here in the apartment and what we do with the rest of our time I don't know. Speaking of Elams, thanks so much for sending a Makoff catalog. It hasn't arrived as yet but I'm anxiously waiting for it. I surely hate to sit up here for Xmas. I hope next year we are a lot closer. A person must be born and raised here to like this town. But if you happen to be a native...well, they think it's the only spot on earth. I'd like to shake some of them it sounds so silly to hear them praising this Indian Village but I suppose a lot of people may have felt the same way about me when I talk of S.L. Bob is thinking of joining the Junior Chamber but Jim Elam is trying to get him into Senior Chamber of Commerce, Rotary or Lions. He tells him that all Junior members are second or third in command in their companies and Bob should join a more important group. But I want him in the Junior organization so that we will know a few people our own age. Seems that everyone we meet are people along in their thirties. Well, I guess we are destined to grow old before our time.
My, my what alot of complaints for one evening. What's that? You have all decided to have a second glass of wine before you go on with this? Well, Loganberry should do the trick. Did you tell me once that it keeps you awake or puts you to sleep? I must stop now and get this in a sealed envelope before Robert comes home and finds out what his Xmas present is going to be. He's at the office. I was going to walk down and write there but I got lazy and stayed home.
Tell everybody hello and tell Tom I've missed his weekly letter for the last three weeks. I spend all day Sundays wondering if he is diving off Ecker's "A" jump. Write often. Much Love, Louise
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
November 26, 1940
Dear Folks:
Here I am, late again but I have been honestly busy. We got through Thanksgiving nicely. Our turkey was perfect and so were his trimmings. The dressing rated comment--it was tasty, so maybe all I need is a little coaching and I could cook. The Mitchell's had dinner with us. Did I tell you that we bought an 89 cent roaster that just holds a 12 pound turk beautifully and it surely does a lovely job of self-basting. Blanche Leonard told me about it and it saves a lot of fussing with the bird. Course we basted it every now and then just cause we couldn't keep our heads out of the oven. It is one of Kress specials but works. Blanch now used aluminum and says it doesn't do a better job and I don't know how anything could be nicer than our turkey turned out. Friday night two of the FHA boys from Portland came over and had cold turnkey dinner with us and Saturday I relaxed and went to bed about 8:00. One of the FHA fellows from Portland is going to be in this branch and make his home here. He is married and has a two-year old but is leaving his family in Portland until the first of the year. He's a nice young fellow around thirty and I am just hoping his wife is as nice. We'll enjoy having them here. Anyway, he is pretty lonesome just now and spent Sunday at our place. He took us for a ride and we fixed a bite to eat after. I'm going to send CIT an expense account and list dinners for all their employees we have stop with us. Sounds nasty but it gets a bit tiresome there are so many of them coming through constantly. Guess it's my fault, I should never have started it. I intended to write last night and the Elams came up...so that accounts for late letter this week.
Heavens what will happen in S.L. next. I was shocked to hear of Anne Finch. I saw a little of this trouble they had when I was at Mack's but had no idea it was so serious. I guess Paul and Billie feel terrible. There seems to be trouble everywhere. Do you remember me talking about little Betty Mitchell? She is the credit man's daughter and has just been put in a sanitarium for Tuberculosis. She is such a nice little girl...very pretty a smart. I surely feel sorry about it. Every now and then Bob and I quit feeling sorry for ourselves. I was surely sorry to hear about Mrs. Clowes. She is a very nice person and I always liked her. I hope she gets along without any more trouble. And poor Dave Coursey it's going to be hard on him in the hospital with no beers. All joking aside I do hope it isn't anything serious. If you see Mom Coursey you might tell her hello for me and wish a speedy recovery for her husband.
Well, Pop. I haven't had a moment for Sophie but now the holiday is over I have big plans for her. I think I'll get along without any difficulty following it. I shouldn't be too much out of practice so don't worry and do your worst. I'll be showing you what I can do with it one of these first days.
Mom, I'm anxious to hear about your thanksgiving...and who all was there...or would you rather I didn't bring it up. I'll bet it was good and we hated to be amoung the missing. Now Xmas is upon us. Would you do something for me in your wanderings around town. I would like to give Thelma Elam some little thing like the little bottle of Devon Violets we bought at Makoff's for Emma Flandro one year. Do you remember? But...I can't give her that exact gift cause I gave her a little bottle of violet perfume on her birthday. I thought perhaps they might have some other novelty just as pretty and as inexpensive and I would like to have it come from Makoff's done up in one of their extra special wrappings. So if you would browse around and tell me what you find I may have you send me something from there. Don't worry about it but some day when you are down just take a quick look. It isn't important and I can always pick up something here. The only trouble is she spends all her time shopping the stores and knows where everything is and what it cost.
We must be leaving now this office is getting chilly. And you haven't got all the winter down your way. It snowed the day before Thanksgiving and is darned cold. Bob tells everybody that I think an apple and a mile a day keeps the doctor away. I've been pretty good about walking that mile so far, but a quick sprint around the block keeps my figure beautiful these days. Tell everybody hello and write often. Love Louise
Here I am, late again but I have been honestly busy. We got through Thanksgiving nicely. Our turkey was perfect and so were his trimmings. The dressing rated comment--it was tasty, so maybe all I need is a little coaching and I could cook. The Mitchell's had dinner with us. Did I tell you that we bought an 89 cent roaster that just holds a 12 pound turk beautifully and it surely does a lovely job of self-basting. Blanche Leonard told me about it and it saves a lot of fussing with the bird. Course we basted it every now and then just cause we couldn't keep our heads out of the oven. It is one of Kress specials but works. Blanch now used aluminum and says it doesn't do a better job and I don't know how anything could be nicer than our turkey turned out. Friday night two of the FHA boys from Portland came over and had cold turnkey dinner with us and Saturday I relaxed and went to bed about 8:00. One of the FHA fellows from Portland is going to be in this branch and make his home here. He is married and has a two-year old but is leaving his family in Portland until the first of the year. He's a nice young fellow around thirty and I am just hoping his wife is as nice. We'll enjoy having them here. Anyway, he is pretty lonesome just now and spent Sunday at our place. He took us for a ride and we fixed a bite to eat after. I'm going to send CIT an expense account and list dinners for all their employees we have stop with us. Sounds nasty but it gets a bit tiresome there are so many of them coming through constantly. Guess it's my fault, I should never have started it. I intended to write last night and the Elams came up...so that accounts for late letter this week.
Heavens what will happen in S.L. next. I was shocked to hear of Anne Finch. I saw a little of this trouble they had when I was at Mack's but had no idea it was so serious. I guess Paul and Billie feel terrible. There seems to be trouble everywhere. Do you remember me talking about little Betty Mitchell? She is the credit man's daughter and has just been put in a sanitarium for Tuberculosis. She is such a nice little girl...very pretty a smart. I surely feel sorry about it. Every now and then Bob and I quit feeling sorry for ourselves. I was surely sorry to hear about Mrs. Clowes. She is a very nice person and I always liked her. I hope she gets along without any more trouble. And poor Dave Coursey it's going to be hard on him in the hospital with no beers. All joking aside I do hope it isn't anything serious. If you see Mom Coursey you might tell her hello for me and wish a speedy recovery for her husband.
Well, Pop. I haven't had a moment for Sophie but now the holiday is over I have big plans for her. I think I'll get along without any difficulty following it. I shouldn't be too much out of practice so don't worry and do your worst. I'll be showing you what I can do with it one of these first days.
Mom, I'm anxious to hear about your thanksgiving...and who all was there...or would you rather I didn't bring it up. I'll bet it was good and we hated to be amoung the missing. Now Xmas is upon us. Would you do something for me in your wanderings around town. I would like to give Thelma Elam some little thing like the little bottle of Devon Violets we bought at Makoff's for Emma Flandro one year. Do you remember? But...I can't give her that exact gift cause I gave her a little bottle of violet perfume on her birthday. I thought perhaps they might have some other novelty just as pretty and as inexpensive and I would like to have it come from Makoff's done up in one of their extra special wrappings. So if you would browse around and tell me what you find I may have you send me something from there. Don't worry about it but some day when you are down just take a quick look. It isn't important and I can always pick up something here. The only trouble is she spends all her time shopping the stores and knows where everything is and what it cost.
We must be leaving now this office is getting chilly. And you haven't got all the winter down your way. It snowed the day before Thanksgiving and is darned cold. Bob tells everybody that I think an apple and a mile a day keeps the doctor away. I've been pretty good about walking that mile so far, but a quick sprint around the block keeps my figure beautiful these days. Tell everybody hello and write often. Love Louise
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
November 9, 1940
Dear Mother, Dad & Tom:
Thanks so much for the very sweet anniversary gift. You are not among the first--but the first--to give the little stranger a gift. He can't miss being awfully nice wearing such pretty things. It is the first little chenille blanket I have ever seen. Should be nice and warm and soft. I can't decide whether to leave it done up so nicely and keep it clean or take it all out and handle it and look at it. It will probably be worn out before he ever arrives...the temptation is too much.
I'm sorry I'm so slow writing. Have been trying to get at it since the gift arrived but have been kept busy every minute it seems. It came on Wednesday and that night Elams came in. Thursday I washed and that evening Mr. Baker--district manager--and his wife took us to dinner. Then Friday I invited her over to spend the afternoon rather than sit in a hotel room and had them for dinner. If this dinner business keeps up I'll be ready to cook for the King of Denmark. They still worry me but usually turn out pretty well. I was proud of myself last night. Mrs. Baker said anyone who could make muffins as delicious as mine shouldn't have to worry about cooking anything. I didn't tell her that that was one thing I learned to cook at home a long time ago.
We had an enjoyable little anniversary party all by ourselves. Bobby sent me a dozen beautiful red roses. We both startled the town by dressing up and having dinner at the hotel. Then we went to a picture show. By 10:30 it was all over and there we were all dressed up and no where to go and didn't want to go home so we spent another hour over a couple of ice cream sodas. But it was fun. Wish you could all have been along we would have really had a time. Bob told me to go ahead and buy the rugs I wanted and we would call it an anniversary gift for both of us but I can't find just what I want. I thought I had my mind made up. I let one clerk tell me a certain throw rug was alright for a hall. I liked it but was afraid it looked like a bedroom rug so I waited. This afternoon I took Bob in to see it and another clerk told us they were bedroom rugs. Ho Hum..I think I'll leave the hall bare just to be on the safe side.
It surely seemed good to talk to you. I guess I should pay half the bill, though. Bob asked me after how long I insisted on talking. Said that was the way I used to be with him, just refused to hang up. Pop, did you hear me say hello and then tell the operator to wait a minute while I called Mrs. Armstrong. Thought I'd better explain. I had just crawled out of the tub and didn't have a thing on--remember? Just as I said hello I hear Thelma Elam come out of her apartment and most of the time she just gives a couple of little raps on my door and walks on in and I was afraid she might be on her way up to see me so that's why I had the operator wait while I ran for a cover. And this all reminds me that we owe Dr. Sugden a bill which I suppose you got. We would like to pay it. After a grand vacation then to come down and run up doctor bills and have you paying for my prescriptions is just too much. So please let me know what it was.
Where's Sophie? I've been expecting her every day but she hasn't arrived. Hope you haven't changed your mind again. Shall I let Bob read it? or wait till it goes to print. He asks me quite often when it will be here. I'm still looking for it.
Well, Monday is a holiday. I don't know what we'll do. We thought of driving a CIT car to Boise but decided against it when we thought of the bus trip back. It would be fun to go over and see everybody but I suppose this was the last chance, I expect winter here any day. It rains most of the time now and is getting pretty cold. My fur coat arrived and it surely feels good.
Must go now and do a little job for Bob. About the election, I have to smile, too. People in this town were really mad too. I'm beginning to wonder who voted for Roosevelt. This town was so gloomy you expected to see the flags at half mast. I think I'm the only Democrat in town.
Maybe I'll send you a fruit cake to go with that wine, Mom. I'm really thinking about trying it by myself. So if thy are good you'll have one.
Thanks, Tom, for the nice long letter. Seemed swell to hear from you and I'm going to answer it one day next week. A whole letter just to you. And don't forget that promise you made in a weak moment---a letter once a week. So long. Love Louise
Thanks so much for the very sweet anniversary gift. You are not among the first--but the first--to give the little stranger a gift. He can't miss being awfully nice wearing such pretty things. It is the first little chenille blanket I have ever seen. Should be nice and warm and soft. I can't decide whether to leave it done up so nicely and keep it clean or take it all out and handle it and look at it. It will probably be worn out before he ever arrives...the temptation is too much.
I'm sorry I'm so slow writing. Have been trying to get at it since the gift arrived but have been kept busy every minute it seems. It came on Wednesday and that night Elams came in. Thursday I washed and that evening Mr. Baker--district manager--and his wife took us to dinner. Then Friday I invited her over to spend the afternoon rather than sit in a hotel room and had them for dinner. If this dinner business keeps up I'll be ready to cook for the King of Denmark. They still worry me but usually turn out pretty well. I was proud of myself last night. Mrs. Baker said anyone who could make muffins as delicious as mine shouldn't have to worry about cooking anything. I didn't tell her that that was one thing I learned to cook at home a long time ago.
We had an enjoyable little anniversary party all by ourselves. Bobby sent me a dozen beautiful red roses. We both startled the town by dressing up and having dinner at the hotel. Then we went to a picture show. By 10:30 it was all over and there we were all dressed up and no where to go and didn't want to go home so we spent another hour over a couple of ice cream sodas. But it was fun. Wish you could all have been along we would have really had a time. Bob told me to go ahead and buy the rugs I wanted and we would call it an anniversary gift for both of us but I can't find just what I want. I thought I had my mind made up. I let one clerk tell me a certain throw rug was alright for a hall. I liked it but was afraid it looked like a bedroom rug so I waited. This afternoon I took Bob in to see it and another clerk told us they were bedroom rugs. Ho Hum..I think I'll leave the hall bare just to be on the safe side.
It surely seemed good to talk to you. I guess I should pay half the bill, though. Bob asked me after how long I insisted on talking. Said that was the way I used to be with him, just refused to hang up. Pop, did you hear me say hello and then tell the operator to wait a minute while I called Mrs. Armstrong. Thought I'd better explain. I had just crawled out of the tub and didn't have a thing on--remember? Just as I said hello I hear Thelma Elam come out of her apartment and most of the time she just gives a couple of little raps on my door and walks on in and I was afraid she might be on her way up to see me so that's why I had the operator wait while I ran for a cover. And this all reminds me that we owe Dr. Sugden a bill which I suppose you got. We would like to pay it. After a grand vacation then to come down and run up doctor bills and have you paying for my prescriptions is just too much. So please let me know what it was.
Where's Sophie? I've been expecting her every day but she hasn't arrived. Hope you haven't changed your mind again. Shall I let Bob read it? or wait till it goes to print. He asks me quite often when it will be here. I'm still looking for it.
Well, Monday is a holiday. I don't know what we'll do. We thought of driving a CIT car to Boise but decided against it when we thought of the bus trip back. It would be fun to go over and see everybody but I suppose this was the last chance, I expect winter here any day. It rains most of the time now and is getting pretty cold. My fur coat arrived and it surely feels good.
Must go now and do a little job for Bob. About the election, I have to smile, too. People in this town were really mad too. I'm beginning to wonder who voted for Roosevelt. This town was so gloomy you expected to see the flags at half mast. I think I'm the only Democrat in town.
Maybe I'll send you a fruit cake to go with that wine, Mom. I'm really thinking about trying it by myself. So if thy are good you'll have one.
Thanks, Tom, for the nice long letter. Seemed swell to hear from you and I'm going to answer it one day next week. A whole letter just to you. And don't forget that promise you made in a weak moment---a letter once a week. So long. Love Louise
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
November 16, 1940
Dear Folks:
Meant to write earlier in the week but have been pretty busy. This afternoon I am doing a little job for Bob and thought I'd dash off a letter and then try to do a better one early next week. They took my screens down and thus forced me to do a little housecleaning. And I am trying to get my kitchen in better shape for Thanksgiving as we are going to really have that turkey dinner with trimmings. Armstrongs wrote awhile back that they would like to drive up for Thanksgiving but they haven't let us know definitely yet so I imagine they are probably still considering it. If they don't come then we are going to have Bob's credit man and family--the Mitchells--in. They invited us out to their place but we have had dinner with them a couple of times and have never had them back so thought it would be a good time to do it. And Bob is determined that we are going to do a turkey of our own if we have to stay home and eat it alone. He came home yesterday to lunch as proud as could be and announced that he had just had our "turk" put away so we would be sure to have a good one. You'd have thought he had just been out and killed it himself. I saw it later and it is a beauty--12 pounds--hope I can do justice by him. I am going to have the good old dinner we always have at home with my favorite fruit salad and I hope the dressing is half as good as yours and I'll be happy, Mom.
Well Sophie arrived Tuesday, Pop, in fine shape. It must be good. I haven't had time to any more than look through it but Bob settled down that night and read most of it and finished it the next evening. He says it is a very interesting story and to hurry up with some more of it. He can't bear to get hold of a good story and read it serially. He said some very flattering things about it. Said you did something he had wanted and tried to do all his life but couldn't--you seem to be able to put into words what you feel. Guess that is the secret of successful writing come to think of it. I will get on it shortly after Thanksgiving and make it look beautiful, too. I'll work on it a little each day and should have it done in no time. I mean to ask each time I write--shall I use the larger or elite type? Would you like me to send it to you as I finish it--I mean several chapters at a time. How would it be if I sent you the seconds and did not put the page numbers on until it is complete. That way you could make any corrections you might want to and I could do it over where you want it and then finish up the headings when you are finally satisfied with it.
Got your letter this morning, Mom, and am happy to hear you are all well. Sounds like they are busy at the office--working on a holiday--that's swell but I guess the girls don't think so. We'd surely like to spend Thanksgiving with your but that and Christmas are definitely out this year. But I have big thinks planned for next year about this time. I am going and spend a few weeks if I have to leave Bob and junior home. I saw my doctor yesterday and everything seems to be coming along in perfect shape. My heart's perfect, blood pressure always normal and weight creeping up a little at a time. I weigh 125 lbs now. Mom, you'd say I look just right. I like my doctor and am constantly hearing good reports on him. So I feel just swell--have a big appetite and an unusual amount of energy for me. I'm to expect him around March 27 which is earlier than I planned. ( Bob Jr. was born March 5) So tell the boys to plan on batching it about a week or so ahead of that time and a long time after, Mom.
Robert is piling my desk up with work so I must go. Looks like I might work here. Must tell you about something that happened. Bob hired a girl named Katheryn Armstrong and San Francisco went crazy--thought it was me. Had Mr. Baker, district manager, look into it. So I had a lot of fun kidding Mr. Baker last time he was here. I ask him if he thought San Francisco would kick up much of a fuss if they heard about me working Saturday afternoons and evenings--for nothing.
Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving and tell everyone there hello for us. Would like to see the boys. Gary has a birthday soon now. Tell Tom I'm still thinking about that letter. Write often. Love, Louise
Meant to write earlier in the week but have been pretty busy. This afternoon I am doing a little job for Bob and thought I'd dash off a letter and then try to do a better one early next week. They took my screens down and thus forced me to do a little housecleaning. And I am trying to get my kitchen in better shape for Thanksgiving as we are going to really have that turkey dinner with trimmings. Armstrongs wrote awhile back that they would like to drive up for Thanksgiving but they haven't let us know definitely yet so I imagine they are probably still considering it. If they don't come then we are going to have Bob's credit man and family--the Mitchells--in. They invited us out to their place but we have had dinner with them a couple of times and have never had them back so thought it would be a good time to do it. And Bob is determined that we are going to do a turkey of our own if we have to stay home and eat it alone. He came home yesterday to lunch as proud as could be and announced that he had just had our "turk" put away so we would be sure to have a good one. You'd have thought he had just been out and killed it himself. I saw it later and it is a beauty--12 pounds--hope I can do justice by him. I am going to have the good old dinner we always have at home with my favorite fruit salad and I hope the dressing is half as good as yours and I'll be happy, Mom.
Well Sophie arrived Tuesday, Pop, in fine shape. It must be good. I haven't had time to any more than look through it but Bob settled down that night and read most of it and finished it the next evening. He says it is a very interesting story and to hurry up with some more of it. He can't bear to get hold of a good story and read it serially. He said some very flattering things about it. Said you did something he had wanted and tried to do all his life but couldn't--you seem to be able to put into words what you feel. Guess that is the secret of successful writing come to think of it. I will get on it shortly after Thanksgiving and make it look beautiful, too. I'll work on it a little each day and should have it done in no time. I mean to ask each time I write--shall I use the larger or elite type? Would you like me to send it to you as I finish it--I mean several chapters at a time. How would it be if I sent you the seconds and did not put the page numbers on until it is complete. That way you could make any corrections you might want to and I could do it over where you want it and then finish up the headings when you are finally satisfied with it.
Got your letter this morning, Mom, and am happy to hear you are all well. Sounds like they are busy at the office--working on a holiday--that's swell but I guess the girls don't think so. We'd surely like to spend Thanksgiving with your but that and Christmas are definitely out this year. But I have big thinks planned for next year about this time. I am going and spend a few weeks if I have to leave Bob and junior home. I saw my doctor yesterday and everything seems to be coming along in perfect shape. My heart's perfect, blood pressure always normal and weight creeping up a little at a time. I weigh 125 lbs now. Mom, you'd say I look just right. I like my doctor and am constantly hearing good reports on him. So I feel just swell--have a big appetite and an unusual amount of energy for me. I'm to expect him around March 27 which is earlier than I planned. ( Bob Jr. was born March 5) So tell the boys to plan on batching it about a week or so ahead of that time and a long time after, Mom.
Robert is piling my desk up with work so I must go. Looks like I might work here. Must tell you about something that happened. Bob hired a girl named Katheryn Armstrong and San Francisco went crazy--thought it was me. Had Mr. Baker, district manager, look into it. So I had a lot of fun kidding Mr. Baker last time he was here. I ask him if he thought San Francisco would kick up much of a fuss if they heard about me working Saturday afternoons and evenings--for nothing.
Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving and tell everyone there hello for us. Would like to see the boys. Gary has a birthday soon now. Tell Tom I'm still thinking about that letter. Write often. Love, Louise
Monday, May 11, 2009
November 4, 1940
Dear Folks:
Just a shorty tonight. I'm going to write to Aunt Hazel and thank her for that lovely blanket. I had every good intention of telling you to keep it there and use it if S. L. gets any colder cause I have the big trunk full of blankets and the other down quilt now. It is pretty cold here nights but I think one quilt and blanket will be all we'll use again this winter. I'm just hoping the moths don't hear about the rest of the bedding in the basement. Goodness what has happened to the weather down there. Was just reading that you have snow already--also about the airplane crash. seems they just have to have one every year. It is surely too bad. Speaking of planes, what are Tom's aviator friends all doing this winter. Did they automatically join the army or do they go to school?
Tomorrow is an awfully important day...our anniversary and the election. Time certainly flits along. Wonder where we'll be this time next year. Green--the New Business Man I wrote about--says Bob should be in the selling division. So maybe if he talks enough Bobby will get another promotion sometime in the future. Hope they move us in that general direction. I guess Bob and I won't need to ever bother about voting since he is strictly Republican and I suppose I'm Democrat. At any rate I had made up my mind to vote for Roosevelt again. We automatically cancel the Armstrong votes so we don't feel so bad. But I think I'm going to win a dollar from him, anyway. We plan to get all dolled up and have dinner and then see a show or maybe play Bingo. Anyway, it will be a big evening. That's about all the splurging you can do in Yakima. I'm still trying to think of something for my husband to give me. Can't decide whether to get rugs for my hall or clothes for myself. Guess I'll pull a fasty and get rugs. I'm going to have to get clothes soon anyway. Don't tell Bob. (She's 5 months pregnant)
Pop. I can't wait to get those chapters of Sophie. I'm as anxious to read them as I am to type them, so hurry them along. Time is gone thing I have too much of. I'll be looking for it. So send them along as fast as you get them ready.
Mom, you are too ambitious. Makes me feel guilty. My place is getting pretty dirty and I think every day I'll start doing a little cleaning but I always think of something more fun. I did get one job done but I didn't do it. I talked Pokey Grover into kalsomining my dirty closets and then I straightened them up. We bought a little chest of drawers and had them painted and I planned to use it for little clothes as I buy them. Well, all the drawers are full right now and I haven't bought a single thing yet. I would certainly appreciate something like your linen closet. I guess a woman never has enough drawer space.
Sorry we couldn't drop in for duck dinner. We had two ducks given to us but I'm afraid I'm not that advance in my cooking--they weren't so good. Maybe it was because we didn't have wine with them...you old toppers.
Well, I'd better stop or Aunt Hazel will get slighted on her letter. Sorry there isn't much news this time...but maybe something will happen worth writing about in this town some day.
Tell everyone hello and write often. Tell Tom not to write and tell me he has been too busy studying to write. He's got to have a better excuse for me than that. Would like to hear from him. Goodnight. Love Louise
Just a shorty tonight. I'm going to write to Aunt Hazel and thank her for that lovely blanket. I had every good intention of telling you to keep it there and use it if S. L. gets any colder cause I have the big trunk full of blankets and the other down quilt now. It is pretty cold here nights but I think one quilt and blanket will be all we'll use again this winter. I'm just hoping the moths don't hear about the rest of the bedding in the basement. Goodness what has happened to the weather down there. Was just reading that you have snow already--also about the airplane crash. seems they just have to have one every year. It is surely too bad. Speaking of planes, what are Tom's aviator friends all doing this winter. Did they automatically join the army or do they go to school?
Tomorrow is an awfully important day...our anniversary and the election. Time certainly flits along. Wonder where we'll be this time next year. Green--the New Business Man I wrote about--says Bob should be in the selling division. So maybe if he talks enough Bobby will get another promotion sometime in the future. Hope they move us in that general direction. I guess Bob and I won't need to ever bother about voting since he is strictly Republican and I suppose I'm Democrat. At any rate I had made up my mind to vote for Roosevelt again. We automatically cancel the Armstrong votes so we don't feel so bad. But I think I'm going to win a dollar from him, anyway. We plan to get all dolled up and have dinner and then see a show or maybe play Bingo. Anyway, it will be a big evening. That's about all the splurging you can do in Yakima. I'm still trying to think of something for my husband to give me. Can't decide whether to get rugs for my hall or clothes for myself. Guess I'll pull a fasty and get rugs. I'm going to have to get clothes soon anyway. Don't tell Bob. (She's 5 months pregnant)
Pop. I can't wait to get those chapters of Sophie. I'm as anxious to read them as I am to type them, so hurry them along. Time is gone thing I have too much of. I'll be looking for it. So send them along as fast as you get them ready.
Mom, you are too ambitious. Makes me feel guilty. My place is getting pretty dirty and I think every day I'll start doing a little cleaning but I always think of something more fun. I did get one job done but I didn't do it. I talked Pokey Grover into kalsomining my dirty closets and then I straightened them up. We bought a little chest of drawers and had them painted and I planned to use it for little clothes as I buy them. Well, all the drawers are full right now and I haven't bought a single thing yet. I would certainly appreciate something like your linen closet. I guess a woman never has enough drawer space.
Sorry we couldn't drop in for duck dinner. We had two ducks given to us but I'm afraid I'm not that advance in my cooking--they weren't so good. Maybe it was because we didn't have wine with them...you old toppers.
Well, I'd better stop or Aunt Hazel will get slighted on her letter. Sorry there isn't much news this time...but maybe something will happen worth writing about in this town some day.
Tell everyone hello and write often. Tell Tom not to write and tell me he has been too busy studying to write. He's got to have a better excuse for me than that. Would like to hear from him. Goodnight. Love Louise
October 29, 1940
Dear Folks:
What has happened to all of you? Haven't had a letter for ages. Don't need to think that you can let this correspondence business dwindle down to a letter now and then. What are you all doing to keep you so busy? There should be a lot to tell me next time. Up here we aren't doing much of anything to write home about. We have a new business man for this branch and he is one of those super--super salesman who--I hope--wears himself out this first visit over here. He works out of Seattle and comes in here every few weeks. If he wears the dealers down as fast as he has me they well probably be giving him their business to get rid of him. He took Bob and me to dinner with the Studebaker dealer and his wife one night, then the Elams another. Then Saturday afternoon he bounced up to our place and spent the afternoon listening to the football game on our radio and spent another evening. Sunday we had him to dinner and yesterday he sent me a two pound box of Whitman's chocolates. I think he is a little confused on who he is to sell in this territory. He stays until Friday and I will more than likely be taking a rest-cure by that time.
We invited the Elam's to have dinner with us on our anniversary but since it is election night they had already made other arrangements. So I guess we'll get all dolled up in our wedding clothes--if it kills me--and go out to dinner and see what Yakima does on such a night. Every time a really hot election rolls around I can't vote. But I'm not sure who I want to vote for anyway so it is just as well. I can always say it wasn't any of my doings. I just hope the right man wins this time. I guess Bob won't have to join the army for awhile. Today is conscription day but we heard that the state of Washington had enough volunteers that they wouldn't have to draft anyone at present. Speaking of our anniversary, Mom, I have written to Hudson Bay to have my coat shipped up. If they are doubtful as to whom the coat belongs and call you, will you tell them to ship it and explain my change of address and name. They should have it all straight as I talked with one of their girls when I was there last.
Well, there isn't much more to say tonight. I feel fine and my only trouble is not being about to get all the sleep I'd like. Write often and tell me all the scandal. Tell Tom to write and let me in on his latest love affair. Goodnight. Love, Louise
P.S. Just thought...has Tom read Children of God. If Fisher's description of Joseph Smith is correct then I know where Tom inherited his looks. Hope our Smith connection is along that line so it won't spoil my fun.
The United States presidential election of 1940 was fought in the shadow of World War II as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression. Incumbent President Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), a Democrat, broke with tradition and ran for a third term, which became a major issue. The surprise Republican candidate was maverick businessman Wendell Willkie, a dark horse who crusaded against Roosevelt's failure to end the Depression and eagerness for war. Roosevelt, aware of strong isolationist sentiment in the U.S., promised there would be no foreign wars if he were reelected. Willkie conducted an energetic campaign and managed to revive Republican strength in areas of the Midwest and Northeast. However, Roosevelt won a comfortable victory by building strong support from labor unions, big-city political machines, ethnic voters, and the traditionally Democratic Solid South.
The subsequent passing of the 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution in 1947 renders this election the only occasion in American history in which a candidate has served three terms as president (Roosevelt was elected and would have served for a fourth term, but he died only a few months into that term).
What has happened to all of you? Haven't had a letter for ages. Don't need to think that you can let this correspondence business dwindle down to a letter now and then. What are you all doing to keep you so busy? There should be a lot to tell me next time. Up here we aren't doing much of anything to write home about. We have a new business man for this branch and he is one of those super--super salesman who--I hope--wears himself out this first visit over here. He works out of Seattle and comes in here every few weeks. If he wears the dealers down as fast as he has me they well probably be giving him their business to get rid of him. He took Bob and me to dinner with the Studebaker dealer and his wife one night, then the Elams another. Then Saturday afternoon he bounced up to our place and spent the afternoon listening to the football game on our radio and spent another evening. Sunday we had him to dinner and yesterday he sent me a two pound box of Whitman's chocolates. I think he is a little confused on who he is to sell in this territory. He stays until Friday and I will more than likely be taking a rest-cure by that time.
We invited the Elam's to have dinner with us on our anniversary but since it is election night they had already made other arrangements. So I guess we'll get all dolled up in our wedding clothes--if it kills me--and go out to dinner and see what Yakima does on such a night. Every time a really hot election rolls around I can't vote. But I'm not sure who I want to vote for anyway so it is just as well. I can always say it wasn't any of my doings. I just hope the right man wins this time. I guess Bob won't have to join the army for awhile. Today is conscription day but we heard that the state of Washington had enough volunteers that they wouldn't have to draft anyone at present. Speaking of our anniversary, Mom, I have written to Hudson Bay to have my coat shipped up. If they are doubtful as to whom the coat belongs and call you, will you tell them to ship it and explain my change of address and name. They should have it all straight as I talked with one of their girls when I was there last.
Well, there isn't much more to say tonight. I feel fine and my only trouble is not being about to get all the sleep I'd like. Write often and tell me all the scandal. Tell Tom to write and let me in on his latest love affair. Goodnight. Love, Louise
P.S. Just thought...has Tom read Children of God. If Fisher's description of Joseph Smith is correct then I know where Tom inherited his looks. Hope our Smith connection is along that line so it won't spoil my fun.
The United States presidential election of 1940 was fought in the shadow of World War II as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression. Incumbent President Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), a Democrat, broke with tradition and ran for a third term, which became a major issue. The surprise Republican candidate was maverick businessman Wendell Willkie, a dark horse who crusaded against Roosevelt's failure to end the Depression and eagerness for war. Roosevelt, aware of strong isolationist sentiment in the U.S., promised there would be no foreign wars if he were reelected. Willkie conducted an energetic campaign and managed to revive Republican strength in areas of the Midwest and Northeast. However, Roosevelt won a comfortable victory by building strong support from labor unions, big-city political machines, ethnic voters, and the traditionally Democratic Solid South.
The subsequent passing of the 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution in 1947 renders this election the only occasion in American history in which a candidate has served three terms as president (Roosevelt was elected and would have served for a fourth term, but he died only a few months into that term).
Saturday, May 9, 2009
October 21, 1940
Dear Folks:
Here is another week slipped by. Where does time go? The weather is lovely still, the days are almost too hot for a coat. Yesterday was the opening of pheasant season and Bobby, Sidney and another friend of the Leonards got six birds. They cleaned all of them and Blanche Leonard cooked them and a lot of other delicious things and we had that pheasant dinner I have been secretly hoping I would get in on. The boys went out at seven in the morning and about ten Blanche picked me up and we tried to find them. We thought we would do a little tramping through the fields with them but we missed them and had a nice long ride. Sidney has a bird dog which he claims to have trained by himself and is very proud of. They have kept him chained up for a week now waiting for opening of the season. last year someone stole him a few days before and he came home after it was all over. So just as the boys were ready to leave at break of dawn, they untied Pat the dog and he made a dash out of the yard and up the street. Blanche said she has never heard so much shouting and cussing and coaxing in all her life. But they lured him back and everything else went along nicely. We topped the whole dinner off with pumpkin pie with cream and I've been uncomfortable ever since. Wish you could all have been here.
Speaking of good dinners and nice butchers, Mom, mine is not so bad. Saturday Bob wished all afternoon he had a piece of venison. He went shopping with me and was kidding the butcher about selling him a piece from somebodies deer. He showed us steaks and lamb chops until his counter had cleared then brought out a big part of a deer and cut us a beautiful steak...and gave it to us. So we are doing pretty well this hunting season. Is suppose Aunt Hazel brought you some deer meat as usual.
Pop, we finally got Children of God from the library. I read it in the day and Bob at night. I hate to criticise a book rated so high but so far--I have read about a fourth of it--it's a bit dull. Joseph Smith and his visions get too monotonous. Seems he should either have made a history of it or put a little color of his own in and made it a real novel. I imagine the last half is much better. At least the part the Readers Digest used was interesting.
Last Thursday night we went to the opening of the ice arena. Bob and one of the office crew skated and I watched. Wish I were such a good skater I could be sure I wouldn't fall and I'd try it. Looks like wonderful exercise. Then we drove out to the opening of a new gambling place. It's called Bingo and is ten cents a game. It is just like keno only the players take part. They take turns tossing a ball onto a table to find each number. They were paying $4 each game that night and Bob won $6...He won once and the next game two cards won and they split the pay. I think Yakima is going to be more interesting int he winter. I'm not so mad at Bob about the Reno episode now.
Well, Bob is ready to call it a day so will close. His credit man has been charging him overtime about every other night for the last month and every time we drop in there is no one here. So Bob swears he's going to spend every evening at the office for awhile and either make the guy put in the time or at least find out if he comes down. So I'll probably write again in a few days---I don't mean to sit home.
Hope you are all well. What is Tom doing? Tell him to write and tell the kids hello. Goodnight. Love, Louise.
Here is another week slipped by. Where does time go? The weather is lovely still, the days are almost too hot for a coat. Yesterday was the opening of pheasant season and Bobby, Sidney and another friend of the Leonards got six birds. They cleaned all of them and Blanche Leonard cooked them and a lot of other delicious things and we had that pheasant dinner I have been secretly hoping I would get in on. The boys went out at seven in the morning and about ten Blanche picked me up and we tried to find them. We thought we would do a little tramping through the fields with them but we missed them and had a nice long ride. Sidney has a bird dog which he claims to have trained by himself and is very proud of. They have kept him chained up for a week now waiting for opening of the season. last year someone stole him a few days before and he came home after it was all over. So just as the boys were ready to leave at break of dawn, they untied Pat the dog and he made a dash out of the yard and up the street. Blanche said she has never heard so much shouting and cussing and coaxing in all her life. But they lured him back and everything else went along nicely. We topped the whole dinner off with pumpkin pie with cream and I've been uncomfortable ever since. Wish you could all have been here.
Speaking of good dinners and nice butchers, Mom, mine is not so bad. Saturday Bob wished all afternoon he had a piece of venison. He went shopping with me and was kidding the butcher about selling him a piece from somebodies deer. He showed us steaks and lamb chops until his counter had cleared then brought out a big part of a deer and cut us a beautiful steak...and gave it to us. So we are doing pretty well this hunting season. Is suppose Aunt Hazel brought you some deer meat as usual.
Pop, we finally got Children of God from the library. I read it in the day and Bob at night. I hate to criticise a book rated so high but so far--I have read about a fourth of it--it's a bit dull. Joseph Smith and his visions get too monotonous. Seems he should either have made a history of it or put a little color of his own in and made it a real novel. I imagine the last half is much better. At least the part the Readers Digest used was interesting.
Last Thursday night we went to the opening of the ice arena. Bob and one of the office crew skated and I watched. Wish I were such a good skater I could be sure I wouldn't fall and I'd try it. Looks like wonderful exercise. Then we drove out to the opening of a new gambling place. It's called Bingo and is ten cents a game. It is just like keno only the players take part. They take turns tossing a ball onto a table to find each number. They were paying $4 each game that night and Bob won $6...He won once and the next game two cards won and they split the pay. I think Yakima is going to be more interesting int he winter. I'm not so mad at Bob about the Reno episode now.
Well, Bob is ready to call it a day so will close. His credit man has been charging him overtime about every other night for the last month and every time we drop in there is no one here. So Bob swears he's going to spend every evening at the office for awhile and either make the guy put in the time or at least find out if he comes down. So I'll probably write again in a few days---I don't mean to sit home.
Hope you are all well. What is Tom doing? Tell him to write and tell the kids hello. Goodnight. Love, Louise.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
October 15, 1940
Dear Folks:
Well, I have a typewriter this time and no news. Glad to hear you are all busy and happy. We are just loafing along enjoying the lovely fall and not doing anything much. I get ambition now and then and try something new in baking. I'm all set to try an apple sauce cake tomorrow. If things get too dull, I think I'll make more fruit cakes this year around Thanksgiving time. Thelma Elam keeps me busy with something new to try all the time. Every time she and Bob get their heads together it means work for me. They are swell neighbors and we enjoy them a lot. She bobs in and out every day and we spend an occasional evening with them. Next Saturday night we are going out to Leonard's again to make plans for pheasant hunting. Sidney is going to take Bob out early Sunday morning--it's the opening day. I plan to spend the day with Mrs. Leonard. Hope they get a bird. Incidentally, speaking of birds, Mom, I want to know exactly how to cook a turkey. Bob is determined to have one cooked just like your Xmas bird for our Thanksgiving. We plan to buy a small one--about six or seven pounds. Also want to know how you make the white sauce I like so well for plum pudding. If I could only be sure of my dinner I'd invite someone to have dinner with us...but I'd hate to ruin someones Thanksgiving. Wish you could all come up.
Pop, it's too bad you haven't got that novel ready yet cause I certainly have a lot of time on my hands just now. Are you sure you are going to let me do it? Course I want it to be it's best when it's finished. So whenever that time is, don't forget you promised me the job. Wish we were in Salt Lake for the winter, Bob would like to take your business English class if possible. Don't suppose he would come under the heading of bank employee, though. He was wondering about the extension divisions correspondence courses in letter writing or business English. Do they do anything in that field? The Credit Men's Association here ask him to give a speech at one of their meetings on C.I.T. policy. I laughed and he swore he could do it with ease and I think he's planning on it only he doesn't let me know. I suppose all men have to start making speeches sooner or later.
Well, I guess that's all for tonight. I guess I'd better start doing something now and then so my letters won't be so dull. But there main purpose, anyway, is to put you all on the spot where you owe me one. Hope Tom is enjoying his school. Tell him to work hard so he won't have to join the army. But he misses conscription by a couple of years and maybe the war will be over by then. Write often and send all the news. Love to all, Louise
Well, I have a typewriter this time and no news. Glad to hear you are all busy and happy. We are just loafing along enjoying the lovely fall and not doing anything much. I get ambition now and then and try something new in baking. I'm all set to try an apple sauce cake tomorrow. If things get too dull, I think I'll make more fruit cakes this year around Thanksgiving time. Thelma Elam keeps me busy with something new to try all the time. Every time she and Bob get their heads together it means work for me. They are swell neighbors and we enjoy them a lot. She bobs in and out every day and we spend an occasional evening with them. Next Saturday night we are going out to Leonard's again to make plans for pheasant hunting. Sidney is going to take Bob out early Sunday morning--it's the opening day. I plan to spend the day with Mrs. Leonard. Hope they get a bird. Incidentally, speaking of birds, Mom, I want to know exactly how to cook a turkey. Bob is determined to have one cooked just like your Xmas bird for our Thanksgiving. We plan to buy a small one--about six or seven pounds. Also want to know how you make the white sauce I like so well for plum pudding. If I could only be sure of my dinner I'd invite someone to have dinner with us...but I'd hate to ruin someones Thanksgiving. Wish you could all come up.
Pop, it's too bad you haven't got that novel ready yet cause I certainly have a lot of time on my hands just now. Are you sure you are going to let me do it? Course I want it to be it's best when it's finished. So whenever that time is, don't forget you promised me the job. Wish we were in Salt Lake for the winter, Bob would like to take your business English class if possible. Don't suppose he would come under the heading of bank employee, though. He was wondering about the extension divisions correspondence courses in letter writing or business English. Do they do anything in that field? The Credit Men's Association here ask him to give a speech at one of their meetings on C.I.T. policy. I laughed and he swore he could do it with ease and I think he's planning on it only he doesn't let me know. I suppose all men have to start making speeches sooner or later.
Well, I guess that's all for tonight. I guess I'd better start doing something now and then so my letters won't be so dull. But there main purpose, anyway, is to put you all on the spot where you owe me one. Hope Tom is enjoying his school. Tell him to work hard so he won't have to join the army. But he misses conscription by a couple of years and maybe the war will be over by then. Write often and send all the news. Love to all, Louise
In World War II following the German defeat of France, Congress in 1940 adopted the nation's first prewar conscription act, the result of a campaign headed by “Preparedness” leaders. The draft system was set to operate through 1945, but because of intense opposition from isolationists, Congress obligated the 1940 draftees to serve only one year, for training purposes. A year later, the lawmakers voted (203–202 in the House) to retain the 600,000 draftees. After Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Congress extended the draft to men aged eighteen to thirty‐eight, and prolonged military duty for the duration of the war. (Tom was almost 21) Headed by Gen. Lewis Hershey, Selective Service drafted a total of 10.1 million men in World War II, the majority for the army. Nearly 6 million other men and women joined voluntarily, primarily in the Army Air Corps, the navy, and the Marines. Deferments were limited primarily to war industries (Lockheed), hardship cases, and agriculture.
Letter tacked onto the end of this letter: I can't imagine anything worse than having a son-in-law who never wrote, or thanked me for a swell trip costing plenty of $. I'm all broken up noting a month has passed since we had a trip in "heaven" and for all my best intentions of writing I can't imagine where the time went.
Anyway we're swell---wish we were in Salt Lake where we could drop in on you---but the powers that be won't allow that at this time---So thanks again for a wonderful vacation and keep your fingers crossed for an opportunity closer to home! Love, Bob
Monday, May 4, 2009
October 9, 1940
Dear Folks:
Here I am scribbling again. Mr. Baker district manager is in town this time. Whenever one of them is here I can't go down to the office with Bob and use a typewriter. Funny thing, when I write long hand I can't think of anything to tell you.
Received Mom's letter this morning and wish we could have gone riding with you Sunday, or you with us. We took one of the company cars and went up Naches Pass on a collection trip. It happened to be a little Inn up Whithlin Jack's way. We had dinner first-to make sure the food wasn't poisoned-then tackled the manager for a payment. It was a lovely, balmy day but things don't turn a brilliant color here. I guess it's because the nights don't get cold enough.
Saturday night we spent the evening at Blanch Lemond's You remember me talking about Sidney the railroad mom. We just sat and visited around a nice warm fire in the fireplace. Sidney is going to take Bob pheasant hunting. I'm not so sure it's safe after the experience we had with him, but Bob doesn't seem to be afraid. They have a big hunting dog and usually get what they go after. Wish I could go--Blanche goes occasionally. Well, anyway, I'll probably get in on a pheasant dinner or two and Blanche is a good, old fashioned cook. We had chicken dinner there once when Woody and Ted were still here.
Mom, about the sewing--I went out with Thelma Clam and let myself be talked into a cute, little Mother Goose quilt. It's cute but not hard to do and she has promised to help. I have started on it and it's kinda fun. Not only that, I darn Bob's socks now. She caught me one day sewing up big holes like I do runs. She said she's show me how to darn. But I had an ace in the hole and told here I had no yarn. But she had plenty and dashed out and back with it and now you might get to see my beautiful darns. Pop had better send the novel along soon before typing is beneath my feminine dignity. Seriously, I was beginning to worried about it. I've been all set to get started on it for a while now and was beginning to wonder if it had been lost int he mail. Don't worry about it being too much for me. I feel fine and am anxious to do it. Not only that but, I have lots of time on my hands.
The picture of Elaine is surely swell. I thought that one in the plaid coat was a different girl. The other I recognized without readying. It looks just like the mischievous little rascal. Going back to school seems to be quite a fad this year. As Whitty reminded: It's probably where they all belong". I'm enclosing a Washington State beer tax stamp for Tom. I think this is what he was trying to get hold of when he was here. I'm sorry it's torn. If it won't do we can probably get another where that one came from---at Sidney's
Glad you are all well. I'll send a letter you can read as soon as I can go to the office. Tell everyone hello---and write. Love. Louise.
Here I am scribbling again. Mr. Baker district manager is in town this time. Whenever one of them is here I can't go down to the office with Bob and use a typewriter. Funny thing, when I write long hand I can't think of anything to tell you.
Received Mom's letter this morning and wish we could have gone riding with you Sunday, or you with us. We took one of the company cars and went up Naches Pass on a collection trip. It happened to be a little Inn up Whithlin Jack's way. We had dinner first-to make sure the food wasn't poisoned-then tackled the manager for a payment. It was a lovely, balmy day but things don't turn a brilliant color here. I guess it's because the nights don't get cold enough.
Saturday night we spent the evening at Blanch Lemond's You remember me talking about Sidney the railroad mom. We just sat and visited around a nice warm fire in the fireplace. Sidney is going to take Bob pheasant hunting. I'm not so sure it's safe after the experience we had with him, but Bob doesn't seem to be afraid. They have a big hunting dog and usually get what they go after. Wish I could go--Blanche goes occasionally. Well, anyway, I'll probably get in on a pheasant dinner or two and Blanche is a good, old fashioned cook. We had chicken dinner there once when Woody and Ted were still here.
Mom, about the sewing--I went out with Thelma Clam and let myself be talked into a cute, little Mother Goose quilt. It's cute but not hard to do and she has promised to help. I have started on it and it's kinda fun. Not only that, I darn Bob's socks now. She caught me one day sewing up big holes like I do runs. She said she's show me how to darn. But I had an ace in the hole and told here I had no yarn. But she had plenty and dashed out and back with it and now you might get to see my beautiful darns. Pop had better send the novel along soon before typing is beneath my feminine dignity. Seriously, I was beginning to worried about it. I've been all set to get started on it for a while now and was beginning to wonder if it had been lost int he mail. Don't worry about it being too much for me. I feel fine and am anxious to do it. Not only that but, I have lots of time on my hands.
The picture of Elaine is surely swell. I thought that one in the plaid coat was a different girl. The other I recognized without readying. It looks just like the mischievous little rascal. Going back to school seems to be quite a fad this year. As Whitty reminded: It's probably where they all belong". I'm enclosing a Washington State beer tax stamp for Tom. I think this is what he was trying to get hold of when he was here. I'm sorry it's torn. If it won't do we can probably get another where that one came from---at Sidney's
Glad you are all well. I'll send a letter you can read as soon as I can go to the office. Tell everyone hello---and write. Love. Louise.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
September 30, 1940
Dear Folks:
Hear I am at last. Have been trying for days to get a letter off but hate to write long hand--always leave much out--and I haven't been able to get down to the office. We are both fine and enjoying Yakima's nice fall weather. Hope the natives aren't lying when they say it lasts till Thanksgiving or Christmas. Saturday afternoon Bob and I went to the Fair. Then Sunday afternoon we had dinner at the Elam's--our neighbors downstairs--and they wanted to see the exhibits so we went out again. Guess and hope we'll never grow up. This is only the Central Washington Fair but the fairgrounds are quite beautiful and large. At one time the State Fair was held here but they haven't had one for sometime. They have lots of lawn and some beautiful big buildings. I suppose the Utah Fair is in full swing or over by now. Would like to see the countryside down that way just now. Things either don't get colorful here or it turns much alter in the season.
Well, Mom, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better now. I told you to lie down and go to sleep over at Tahoe but you wouldn't mind and you know what always happens to girls who don't mind. I hope you now have your winter case of the flu over with. Was not surprised to hear that Carol Snow has decided to take on a mission. She has tried just about everything from a chorus line in N. Y. to a mission. John Ireland--her troublesome boy friend--told Bob he was going to Los Angeles the first of this month on a vacation and intended to look around for a new position down there. So Carol may not get up in this country at all but will likely be wherever he is. Well, well, I guess that's pretty catty and Carol has always been very friendly. It would be sorta nice to have someone like her here provided they didn't move in. I am having a terrible time trying to plan menus. It's bad enough when you can eat everything but when you have to have certain foods every day it's impossible. One thing it does for you...makes you lose any appetite you have. I can't for the life of me remember the two or three dishes you told me about when you were up, so will you please write them down for me. I think one of them was one of your own--something not too hard and absolutely necessary. I don't expect to make any clothes but suppose I should make some one thing or people will think I'm not interested.
Pop, I'm glad you are sending the novel along soon. I'm really anxious to get started on it. Are you sure you don't want it in delicate? It doesn't take any more time and I thought I could keep the originals--so they wouldn't get messed up--and send the duplicates back to you from time to time. Then if there are any corrections you could make them and send them back to me. Bob is anxious to read it. He's not going to like having to tart with the middle of the book and reading the first chapter later. I'm only kidding. Send it anytime it is ready and any part of it. I'll leave the paging until it's finished. We are reading "Think and Grow Rich." The Elams were raving about the book. Insisted Bob take it and read it. So I offended them when we left. I told them I'd read it, too, just to make sure we got rich. They both blushed and said they guessed they should read it again, they must have missed its message after all. Tell Tom I am really enjoying "Inside Europe." Things begin to look really bad for us just now. I think the German's must make the English feel the same way the Japs make me feel...not scared but just plain mad.
Bob is still pouring the heat on his credit man and since I'm out of news for tonight, I think I'll go now and put a stop to it. I'm beginning to feel sorry for him, too. I still have my sights set on S.L. sometime in the not too far away future and am carrying on a steady and, I think, convincing campaign to get Bob Salt lake conscious, too. So perhaps one of these days we can do our visiting in person instead of by mail. I guess you are getting weary of my running on when i haven't anything much to tell you. Tell everyone hello and write often. I think I should get more letters with three of you down there. Goodnight. Love Louise
Hear I am at last. Have been trying for days to get a letter off but hate to write long hand--always leave much out--and I haven't been able to get down to the office. We are both fine and enjoying Yakima's nice fall weather. Hope the natives aren't lying when they say it lasts till Thanksgiving or Christmas. Saturday afternoon Bob and I went to the Fair. Then Sunday afternoon we had dinner at the Elam's--our neighbors downstairs--and they wanted to see the exhibits so we went out again. Guess and hope we'll never grow up. This is only the Central Washington Fair but the fairgrounds are quite beautiful and large. At one time the State Fair was held here but they haven't had one for sometime. They have lots of lawn and some beautiful big buildings. I suppose the Utah Fair is in full swing or over by now. Would like to see the countryside down that way just now. Things either don't get colorful here or it turns much alter in the season.
Well, Mom, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better now. I told you to lie down and go to sleep over at Tahoe but you wouldn't mind and you know what always happens to girls who don't mind. I hope you now have your winter case of the flu over with. Was not surprised to hear that Carol Snow has decided to take on a mission. She has tried just about everything from a chorus line in N. Y. to a mission. John Ireland--her troublesome boy friend--told Bob he was going to Los Angeles the first of this month on a vacation and intended to look around for a new position down there. So Carol may not get up in this country at all but will likely be wherever he is. Well, well, I guess that's pretty catty and Carol has always been very friendly. It would be sorta nice to have someone like her here provided they didn't move in. I am having a terrible time trying to plan menus. It's bad enough when you can eat everything but when you have to have certain foods every day it's impossible. One thing it does for you...makes you lose any appetite you have. I can't for the life of me remember the two or three dishes you told me about when you were up, so will you please write them down for me. I think one of them was one of your own--something not too hard and absolutely necessary. I don't expect to make any clothes but suppose I should make some one thing or people will think I'm not interested.
Pop, I'm glad you are sending the novel along soon. I'm really anxious to get started on it. Are you sure you don't want it in delicate? It doesn't take any more time and I thought I could keep the originals--so they wouldn't get messed up--and send the duplicates back to you from time to time. Then if there are any corrections you could make them and send them back to me. Bob is anxious to read it. He's not going to like having to tart with the middle of the book and reading the first chapter later. I'm only kidding. Send it anytime it is ready and any part of it. I'll leave the paging until it's finished. We are reading "Think and Grow Rich." The Elams were raving about the book. Insisted Bob take it and read it. So I offended them when we left. I told them I'd read it, too, just to make sure we got rich. They both blushed and said they guessed they should read it again, they must have missed its message after all. Tell Tom I am really enjoying "Inside Europe." Things begin to look really bad for us just now. I think the German's must make the English feel the same way the Japs make me feel...not scared but just plain mad.
Bob is still pouring the heat on his credit man and since I'm out of news for tonight, I think I'll go now and put a stop to it. I'm beginning to feel sorry for him, too. I still have my sights set on S.L. sometime in the not too far away future and am carrying on a steady and, I think, convincing campaign to get Bob Salt lake conscious, too. So perhaps one of these days we can do our visiting in person instead of by mail. I guess you are getting weary of my running on when i haven't anything much to tell you. Tell everyone hello and write often. I think I should get more letters with three of you down there. Goodnight. Love Louise
Friday, May 1, 2009
September 23, 1940
Dear Folks:
Haven't much to tell tonight but thought if I kept writing anyway, I would keep letters coming this way. We checked the telephone company last night. We hadn't heart from you since Tuesday and were wondering how Mom was so we called you about 8:00 O'clock. No one was home so we decided Mom was better and cancelled the call. I wonder how much free information the Tel & Tell Co. Gives out all the time. Pop's letter came today and I'm glad to find you are feeling better, Mom.
News of Clyde Epperson was quite a shock. He is another person you'll really miss around the office. I didn't know Joe Mansfield so well, but liked him a lot.
We have had a few visitors the last few days and I'm beginning to settle back into Yakima again. Yesterday we had the auditor who is still here, to dinner. He's a nice looking San Franciscan and a very nice person. He is taking us to dinner Wednesday night. Looks as though we still have a job. This branch was first in operations in the Pacific Coast district last month. It doesn't mean the largest volume of business by any means but cost of running the branch, size of lists and such. Bob told Al I didn't like it here, so if and when any branches see openings around S.L. perhaps we can put in a bid for one of them. Although it is out of this territory, Bob has two or three friends in positions to help him--so maybe we'll sneak back that way. Just the same, Pop, whistle if you see a good spot.
It is hard to settle back into the same old routine after a swell vacation. We were lucky to miss storms all along the way. They had the most violent storm they have had in 50 years in Yakima. It tore down all their poles and they closed the high schools to get enough pickers out to get the crop before it mildewed. They still lost a big part of it. It seemed to be pretty much in the Northwest so maybe it was a good thing we didn't go to British Columbia. The Central Washington State Fair opens here Thursday. Wish you could see it. The apples are coming in and they will show some beautiful fruit displays. I'd send you a box of apples if I thought they were any better than the Utah variety. Dick could probably pop up with a bigger and better apple than any they can produce here.
I'm getting writer's cramp and trying to read this is probably causing you some distress so I'll stop for now. Pop, hurry the novel up. I can't wait to get started on it. When I get a typewriter I'll write longer and better letters. Goodnight. Love, Louise
Haven't much to tell tonight but thought if I kept writing anyway, I would keep letters coming this way. We checked the telephone company last night. We hadn't heart from you since Tuesday and were wondering how Mom was so we called you about 8:00 O'clock. No one was home so we decided Mom was better and cancelled the call. I wonder how much free information the Tel & Tell Co. Gives out all the time. Pop's letter came today and I'm glad to find you are feeling better, Mom.
News of Clyde Epperson was quite a shock. He is another person you'll really miss around the office. I didn't know Joe Mansfield so well, but liked him a lot.
We have had a few visitors the last few days and I'm beginning to settle back into Yakima again. Yesterday we had the auditor who is still here, to dinner. He's a nice looking San Franciscan and a very nice person. He is taking us to dinner Wednesday night. Looks as though we still have a job. This branch was first in operations in the Pacific Coast district last month. It doesn't mean the largest volume of business by any means but cost of running the branch, size of lists and such. Bob told Al I didn't like it here, so if and when any branches see openings around S.L. perhaps we can put in a bid for one of them. Although it is out of this territory, Bob has two or three friends in positions to help him--so maybe we'll sneak back that way. Just the same, Pop, whistle if you see a good spot.
It is hard to settle back into the same old routine after a swell vacation. We were lucky to miss storms all along the way. They had the most violent storm they have had in 50 years in Yakima. It tore down all their poles and they closed the high schools to get enough pickers out to get the crop before it mildewed. They still lost a big part of it. It seemed to be pretty much in the Northwest so maybe it was a good thing we didn't go to British Columbia. The Central Washington State Fair opens here Thursday. Wish you could see it. The apples are coming in and they will show some beautiful fruit displays. I'd send you a box of apples if I thought they were any better than the Utah variety. Dick could probably pop up with a bigger and better apple than any they can produce here.
I'm getting writer's cramp and trying to read this is probably causing you some distress so I'll stop for now. Pop, hurry the novel up. I can't wait to get started on it. When I get a typewriter I'll write longer and better letters. Goodnight. Love, Louise
August 18, 1940
Dear Mom and Pop:
Guess you think I have forgotten you all but I am in the midst of moving and it's hot and since I'm my Mother's child, I guess I'm getting slow, too. Glad to hear you are all putting in full time to be ready for that vacation in time. Pop, I bet you are going to be happy when you finally get your work all done and find you have another week before vacation and won't have a thing to do. Guess you wonder what I'm talking about but you apparently wrote your last note on the 15th and dated it the 21st. It gave me quite a start cause I hadn't been paying much attention to the date lately...don't know which day of the week it is most of the time so I grabbed a calendar in a hurry and found it was your mistake. But we are just about in shape now and waiting to relax with you for a couple of weeks. If you leave the 31st and arrive here on Sunday the 1st that will be swell. I take it you plan to stop for the night and that will probably be Boise. Be sure and leave there early Sunday so you will get in here early evening and I am going to put you to bed early and Monday--Labor Day---I plan to drag you up the valley about 37 miles to Ellensburg where they are holding a famous rodeo. It's the last day and it isn't far and I know you'll enjoy it. Next to Pendelton it's the biggest rodeo in this country--is really quite a famous one. Then we'll do anything we can think of after that. Don't know whether you are even considering going to British Columbia and don't want to urge you but just in case you are it would probably be a smart idea to bring along some means of identification for you all--including me if you can think of anything. I don't even know what to suggest. A birth certificate would probably cinch it for everybody but I don't suppose you have them lying around down there in a trunk, do you? Don't go to any special trouble, it may be that your car license or such will do the trick.
Bob says birth certificates are necessary. He could probably get mine and Bob's at Country Building and write for the rest, if your interested.
Mom, did you see what I found for you? Maybe you have already run across the picture in Life of your great-great-grandpappy Hendricks or whatever he was. But I remembered you mentioning one night that one of your ancestors was vice-president, so it must be this man. Find him? He's sure a Hendricks if I have ever seen one. Wonder if his middle name is Alma by chance? Mrs. Armstrong will probably get a few things of Bob's together that you might bring, don't know just what it might be so if you will just call by they will have it ready--if anything. Had a letter from Mrs. Armstrong and she mentioned your visit, said she enjoyed it so much and also said you looked just like a young girl. What's the big idea?
I wish we could have gone to the Hendricks reunion. Sometime when we drive home I plan to go round by Cache Valley and have Bob meet everybody. How are they all? And every time I think of the roast chicken my mouth waters.
Tom, thanks for the swell letter. After vacation I'm going to write once a week to you if you promise to answer. Glad to hear you are going back to the U next quarter. Might study a Little journalism yourself. With Pop's help, a little study and your gift of gab and sense of humor you could probably do something for yourself. You know, let them send you all over the world to the hot spots to do a little hot reporting. Imagine that would be a natural for a person who enjoys jumping off mountain tops.
Well, must go. We are going out to Mitchell's for stew and relax in their back yard. Will write again and may think some more things to annoy you about. Let me know before you leave exactly how you intend to drive it, so I'll know just when to look for you.
Oh, nearly forgot. Please send me my social security number. No wisecracks. I clerked one day at Barnes-Woodin Department store. Mrs. Elam does it occasionally and I told her I though it would be fun so she called one day and said they could use me on Dollar Day. Boy what a job. I told them I had had some experience years ago and thy have probably made up there own minds on that point since then. Anyway, they won't pay me my $2.50 until I have my number and ever time I write, I forget to ask for it. Even meant to tell you about it long ago and forgot to.
Write and come whenever you are ready and drive carefully. So Long. Love, Louise.
Guess you think I have forgotten you all but I am in the midst of moving and it's hot and since I'm my Mother's child, I guess I'm getting slow, too. Glad to hear you are all putting in full time to be ready for that vacation in time. Pop, I bet you are going to be happy when you finally get your work all done and find you have another week before vacation and won't have a thing to do. Guess you wonder what I'm talking about but you apparently wrote your last note on the 15th and dated it the 21st. It gave me quite a start cause I hadn't been paying much attention to the date lately...don't know which day of the week it is most of the time so I grabbed a calendar in a hurry and found it was your mistake. But we are just about in shape now and waiting to relax with you for a couple of weeks. If you leave the 31st and arrive here on Sunday the 1st that will be swell. I take it you plan to stop for the night and that will probably be Boise. Be sure and leave there early Sunday so you will get in here early evening and I am going to put you to bed early and Monday--Labor Day---I plan to drag you up the valley about 37 miles to Ellensburg where they are holding a famous rodeo. It's the last day and it isn't far and I know you'll enjoy it. Next to Pendelton it's the biggest rodeo in this country--is really quite a famous one. Then we'll do anything we can think of after that. Don't know whether you are even considering going to British Columbia and don't want to urge you but just in case you are it would probably be a smart idea to bring along some means of identification for you all--including me if you can think of anything. I don't even know what to suggest. A birth certificate would probably cinch it for everybody but I don't suppose you have them lying around down there in a trunk, do you? Don't go to any special trouble, it may be that your car license or such will do the trick.
Bob says birth certificates are necessary. He could probably get mine and Bob's at Country Building and write for the rest, if your interested.
Mom, did you see what I found for you? Maybe you have already run across the picture in Life of your great-great-grandpappy Hendricks or whatever he was. But I remembered you mentioning one night that one of your ancestors was vice-president, so it must be this man. Find him? He's sure a Hendricks if I have ever seen one. Wonder if his middle name is Alma by chance? Mrs. Armstrong will probably get a few things of Bob's together that you might bring, don't know just what it might be so if you will just call by they will have it ready--if anything. Had a letter from Mrs. Armstrong and she mentioned your visit, said she enjoyed it so much and also said you looked just like a young girl. What's the big idea?
I wish we could have gone to the Hendricks reunion. Sometime when we drive home I plan to go round by Cache Valley and have Bob meet everybody. How are they all? And every time I think of the roast chicken my mouth waters.
Tom, thanks for the swell letter. After vacation I'm going to write once a week to you if you promise to answer. Glad to hear you are going back to the U next quarter. Might study a Little journalism yourself. With Pop's help, a little study and your gift of gab and sense of humor you could probably do something for yourself. You know, let them send you all over the world to the hot spots to do a little hot reporting. Imagine that would be a natural for a person who enjoys jumping off mountain tops.
Well, must go. We are going out to Mitchell's for stew and relax in their back yard. Will write again and may think some more things to annoy you about. Let me know before you leave exactly how you intend to drive it, so I'll know just when to look for you.
Oh, nearly forgot. Please send me my social security number. No wisecracks. I clerked one day at Barnes-Woodin Department store. Mrs. Elam does it occasionally and I told her I though it would be fun so she called one day and said they could use me on Dollar Day. Boy what a job. I told them I had had some experience years ago and thy have probably made up there own minds on that point since then. Anyway, they won't pay me my $2.50 until I have my number and ever time I write, I forget to ask for it. Even meant to tell you about it long ago and forgot to.
Write and come whenever you are ready and drive carefully. So Long. Love, Louise.
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