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

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

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!!

November 4, 1941

Dear mom and Pop:

I guess you wonder what has happened to me but I have been waiting to write trying to decide what to do about my vacation. I was all set to come last Oct, 20. I was going to ride with Joe Smith--imagine that---a friend of Bob's who has been working with C.I.T. in Seattle but just at that time he was transferred to Denver so that was out. Now Bob has a car in S.L. that must be returned soon and he is sending one of his men after it this week-end and if I decide to come I will ride with him, otherwise, I will wait until spring when bob will get a vacation and we will all be down. If I could just be there it would be swell, but packing a baby that far really has it's problems when it comes time to leave. Another thing is the getting home. Thanksgiving here is on the 20 of November and that would make a short vacation of it and Bob isn't too sure that he can come after us then. They have just finished remodeling at the bank--his department--and they are having a big opening about that time and he should be here. So I am all undecided. I would just love to come and would be disappointed if it blows up. I would like to have you see Bobby while he is still a baby. He's growing up so fast it startles me. Well, I can't tell you anything definite in this letter but if I come I will phone or send a wire and let you know when we arrive. If you don't hear from us before next week you will know we have postponed it. Do you think I'm crazy taking a baby on a long trip this time of year? I wish someone would decide for me.

Dad, I sure missed your birthday this year. You can pretend you have two this year with out getting any older. Bob mailed you a little gift today and we all wish you many happy returns. Bob got up early this morning and turned on the radio and as I was trying to get my eyes open I heart someone say something about the 27th--I suppose they meant November but something clicked in this noggin of mine and I remembered your birthday.

Bob and I are having a little fun this fall. We joined a dancing club that meets once a month and are meeting a lot of young people. We play cards a little and seem to keep pretty busy most of the time. As a matter of fact I think I lead a pretty hectic life but Bob loves it and certainly takes it in his stride. I don't believe I ever told you that Bill Epperson called me one day. If I did just skip this paragraph. He is stationed at Fort Lewis and was just going thru Yakima. He phoned and promised to try to get over some week-end. Says he doesn't love the army and was trying to get in the air corps. I wish he would drop over it would seem good to see him and we could have some fun. I don't think of anything in particular to write about. Bob is doing a little duck hunting and I--good girl--am studying the Book of Mormon. As I told you, I am secretary to the Primary in this district and it is turning into almost a full-time job. They are studying the Book of Mormon and it is really quite interesting. I think I heckle the missionary who is teaching it without meaning to. But every time I bring up a question everybody present says, Yes, that is what we are wondering." The Missionary Ladies called on Betty Davis and left a Book of Mormon with her to read. So she called up and wanted to know if there was anything spicy in it. She is the same old Betty. We are going to play Tripoli with her Friday night if I am not in S.L.

The little boy is so full of Vitamin B1, I'm going to have to stop feeding him mush--he has too much pep for me. Maybe you couldn't stand his nonsense for two weeks. He never cries but he has reached the stage of choking to get attention and he has it perfected till it sounds like he's giving up the ghost then he giggles when I come skidding into the room. He's pretty cute--has four teeth now and just a little fuzz on his top-not and don't tell Ellen but it's not curly. Well, I wish you could see him.

It's getting late so must close. Hope everybody is well and wish someone would write. Mom, I got your letter and surely enjoyed it. I drop Tom an occasional note but can't coax or scare an answer out of him. See what you can do. Glad to hear he likes his job now and hope he can keep it. The radio scares me and I wish the whole mess would stop before there isn't anything left.

Well, Good night again. I'm going to dream on that trip. Maybe I'll figure the whole thing out and be down. Love, Louise

Letter from Robert October 1, 1941

This letter if professional typed on a Yakima Valley Branch of the Seattle First National Bank and sent to Louise W. Larsen at Ad-Craftsmen 524 McIntyre Building, Salt lake City, Utah

Dear Louis:

I can't begin to express my appreciation for the folder of copy you sent me. You really went to work on this deal for me and as soon as I have been given the go ahead signal, I hope to be able to do a job for you. I am not certain yet as to the program in mind based on our Main Office in Seattle; however, I am most anxious to put in a regulation plan for the entire Automobile Loan Department.

I will keep you posted on further developments and in the meantime your time and trouble is worth something to us, and I will appreciate your advising me on the amount I owe you.

Again, many thanks and best regards to Ada and the office.
Very truly yours, Bob---- R.F. Armstrong--Manager--Automobile Finance Dept.

Hand Written on bottom of letter: Louise sends her loved and is surely found of the envelope you sent. "Bobby Jr" cut two lower front teeth a couple days ago and now getting back to his old happy self. Will write again soon---and many thanks.

September 24, 1941

Dear Folks,

Just a line while Bob is writing. Thanks so much for the nice birthday gift. It made me feel a little better about being 29. I haven't spent it yet but will tell you what I finally decide on.

I can't think. Bob is trying his hand at advertising copy, and is thinking out loud. Pop, will you please hurry and dash something off so I can go to bed nights. I have to sit up and listen to it and boy is he full of ideas. It seems we are always bothering you with something, but we will really appreciate a little of your professional help in this job. They expect big things of Bob and he's anxious to "floor them" with something smart. Maybe something may come of it. We don't know what advertising connections they have in Seattle but if they let Bob have a free hand here maybe it would be a gorgeous "in" for you with them. If you don't want to be bothered or haven't the time just tell us and Robert can wow them with his smashing copy and ideas.

Well, I've joined the Church and it's most time consuming. They are building a big, new, $15,000 church here. I didn't know that when I let them talk me into being Secretary of the Primary. I rather enjoy it, though. They have little get-togethers and really do a nice thing for the children in the small, outlying town. Most of the children who attend the Primary meetings are non-member children and it is just about their only social life. Course it's good missionary work for the Church, too. One of the missionary ladies here is named Moore and her father teaches Seminary at North Cache in Richmond. He also taught at Rick's academy at one time. They live in Smithfield and I'll bet you know them.

Bill Epperson called me up the other day. He was just going thru and had a few minutes but promised to come over sometime and spend a week-end with us. I guess you know he is at Fort Louise and he hates the life.

A week ago Saturday Wimm and Heloise payed us an unexpected call. They were on their way to Seattle to visit some old schoolmates. They promised to call you when they get home and tell you all about the city.

Mom, I surely enjoyed your newsy letter and the clippings. Such goings-on. I guess just about everyone I know is married now. Wish you'd write more often, though.

I must stop and get some sleep now. bobby is fine except he is allergic to food. But he gains on it. He weighs 20 lbs now and is getting so darn cute. We are getting all set for our vacation. Think I'll wait until after our anniversary on the 5th of Nov. and leave Saturday Nov. 8th and stay until Thanksgiving. Can you stand it that long? Am enclosing a couple of snaps to show you how big he's getting. When we learn how to operate all the gadgets on the new camera we'll send better ones.

Tell my brothers they'd both better write or I'm going to take them off my mailing list. How are the little boys? I guess Bobby is a young man by now.

How you are well. Write Often, Much Love, Louise

P.S. Mom, I'm saving the Rinso tabs for a set of kitchen silver. Will you save yours and send to me every time you accumulate a few. We have the spoons and they are pretty.

August 29, 1941

Dear Mom and Pop:
It looks like you ain't a going to write two letters to my one and I'd better write if I want to know what you are up to. I don't know what we do with our time but every evening something comes up to keep us busy. Our little neighbor across the hall spends most of her evenings with us, she is so afraid of staying alone but they have been transferred to Eugene, Oregon, already and it's certainly lonesome. I don't know if I could ever enjoy living in the house alone. She and her two youngsters were pests at times but I guess I enjoyed them after all. Wilma and Pete Olson, Betty Davis's brother and wife are looking at the place and if they move in I'm moving out. I'd have the same thing to contend with as in the court--someone at my place all the time. You can't even have what you want for supper.

I had hoped to have some snapshots of the baby to send but will have to wait until next letter now. We bought a Kodak and the next day it started to rain. It fells like fall. It seems to be arriving much earlier than usual. Bobby is getting along beautifully and is the best little fellow you can ever imagine--never cries, not even for his dinner. He coos and calls and smiles all over when I walk into the room. Everyone thinks he is too good to be true but it's all in the way you raise a youngster--ahem. He must weigh close to 20 lbs now and I just can't handle him much. For breakfast he has 8 ounces of milk with an egg yolk in it, cod liver oil and Pablum--a cereal. At 2:00 he has 8 more ounces of milk, vegetables and a vitamin C tablet. Dinner, 8 more ounces, mashed banana of all things and more cod liver oil. The 10:00 at night feeding is the thing of the past. He eats us out of house and home and has grown out of everything. Looks like another giant in the family. I can't wait until you can see him, cause I think he's pretty swell, if my judgement means anything. Judy stands now by the coffee table all by herself. She is much smaller than Bobby. You'll think he's a freak but he's not, he's a beauty. Well, I hope to let you judge for yourselves soon. If all goes well, I plan to come home for a visit about the end of October and stay until Thanksgiving when Bob will get an extra day or two and come after us. Course you may want to send us home before that, but we'll try to be good kids. I'll tell you more about it later but you can just sort of keep it in mind.
I don't think I have written since our trip to Spokane. We went up with Hadley's--our neighbors and stayed at a cabin on one of their beautiful lakes. We took the baby and he enjoyed it more than we did. Had a peak at Spokane and I wouldn't mind living there if they should want to transfer us there sometime. But the exciting part of it all was when we arrived home. Mrs. Hadley has had a girl--sixteen--living with her to help with the children. When she came home the girl had left with every stitch of her clothing, a small radio, Kodak and $8 from a quarter bank. Come to find out she is on parole from a detention home. Poor Ruth didn't even have a pair of shoes to wear and they haven't yet found the girl. Mrs. Hadley told me one day when she first came to live with them that she made beautiful square corners on beds--she was thrilled to death about her.

We haven't done much else but swim occasionally, do a little calling, see an occasional baseball game and a few other odds and ends. Balance is fine but Sid is just getting rid of a bad infection in his arm caused from a slight cut on the elbow. Jim and Thelma Elam are still in town. Jim is working as sales manager at the Ford Agency here. Paul and Betty drop in now and then. Mom, you probably remember Paul's young son who is stationed at Fort Lewis. He just informed them that he has been married for sometime and they are all upset about it, he is only 20. Our landlord's daughter took herself off to Seattle last Saturday and married her soldier boy friend. And they feel terrible. It is certainly messing up a lot of lives, this war business but I guess it is nothing compared to the ruined lives of other people. I have had only one letter from Tom and have written only one. I hope he is doing well. I'm going to write often to him. I'd love to hear from Dick and Ellen and can't wait to see the little boys--or big boys now. Bob loves his work and we have been enjoying the car all summer.

I must go now. Bob is in bed and tomorrow is Saturday-- Six O'clock comes around sometimes before I get the bed warm. I meant to explain about the typewriter. I think Bob told you I'm doing missionary work. I'm secretary to the Primary in this district. They lend me this early model when I have something extra special to turn out. Tell Dick and Ellen hello and make them write. You write too and often. Much love, Louise

July 24, 1941

Dear Family,
Just noticed that today is the 24th. It just doesn't mean a thing to us gentiles. What have you been doing all day for excitement? I don't know where the time goes but here is summer almost gone. I'm still coming home on that vacation but it will probably be in October before I get squared away for it. The babe will then be seven months and should make the trip like a seasoned traveler. He's quite the little gent right now. He's doing fine and is a good boy. His worst habit is being awake from six A.M. and insists that I converse with him. He's strong as a little bull and gets about when we put him on his stomach. With a little help I think he'll crawl one day soon. I'm just wondering how nice it would be to teach him that little trick. Oh, all this reminds me that I have some real news. Florence McCarthy had a Little girl June 29th. She named her Maureen. It makes a very pretty and unusual name. Louise Jarvis wrote a long letter and sent a picture of her 18 pound-er. He's a sweet husky youngster. Well, enough about babies.

We have new neighbors in the other half of our duplex. A young couple moved from Portland. They have a girl three and boy about two. We have been having a lot of fun with them. She's my age and is also struggling along with her housekeeping, working, etc. It's pleasant to have someone close who doesn't tell me how to do everything. Bob and I have been having a little fun lately. Have been swimming in the river several times. Had lots of people dropping in since we moved. Last night we went to an A.J.A. picnic with the vice president of the local First National branch. This same man just returned from a Gyro Club convention in British Columbia and told Bob he met several Salt Lakers who informed him that Bob descended from a long line of Bankers and everybody is doing a lot of talking about it. It didn't hurt him any. We drive out for an ice cream cone every night but it will soon have to stop. The baby has decided he wants one too and he has a touch of temper. That's just about all the news from up this way. The Leonard's are all fine and still talk about there stop in Salt Lake. Did you get our card from Whestling Jack's? I guess it's pretty lonesome with Tom gone but don't worry we'll probably all come home to visit again some day. We are still thinking about it. I'll try to write to Tom often and also do better about writing home. Tell Dick and Ellen hello and talk them into a vacation up this way. Write often, Much Love Louise---Bob sends his love also, Goodnight, Louise