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.
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