In 1958 my mother got married and moved across the country. These are the letters written to her, mainly by her mother, between 1958 and 1960. Others in the series are in my del.icio.us file.
This week I get a glimpse into why my grandmother had literal heart attacks. She seems very upset about the missing sewing machine.
March 11, 1959
Dear Maryrose and Pete:
Well I still don’t know if you received the machine or not. The last report I had from Singer is that the machine got to Albuquerque on Feb. 25 and it went to a smaller trucking company who delivered it to you on March 2nd, the same day you wrote your last letter. They are sending a photostatic copy of the receipt with your supposed signature. Then I’m going to Flint with some of your letters to compare signatures. I hope you have the machine because if you haven’t and the signatures aren’t the same someone is going to have a lot of answers, because those trucking companies are bonded and it is like fooling around with the U.S. Mail.
I don’t know why this had to happen to us. Mr. Greggs said it is the first time such a thing has happened to them and they are going to push it thru and find the machine. I told him I was sick about it for in the meantime you were doing without the machine. Greggs called the trucking co. in Albuquerque by phone and they told him about the second trucking company really delivered it March 2nd and they are sending a photostat. Could it be possible some one on the ranch signed for it and did not turn it over to you? I’ll see the signature tomorrow and Lord help the person who got it if it wasn’t you. Believe me I’ll help the law as much as I can because the wear and tear on my nerves has been terrific.
So much for trouble. Spring is on the way. Several people have seen robins and I heard one. We still have some ice and snow, but it is going away slowly, which is a good thing because of a flood threat. This Thursday when I go to town, I’ll buy some shirties and 1/2 dozen, and some rubber pants. I guess you have enough receiving blankets. I’ll get some lap quilted pads. I’ll let you get your sheets because you’ll know the size.
Among the Lithuanians, it is customary for the godparents to buy the baptismal dressings. Ih ave the dress and slip that you and Calvin were baptized in. Remember the dress was my confirmation dress and the slip my first communion dress. Would you want them? I wondered if Spaniards have some such custom. Have you any bath towels for the baby and some wash cloths?
Oh yes, Pei Lei and Charlie (mom’s friends from college) have a little girl born March 4, 15 8:26 p.m. She weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces. They named her Evelyn. Just got the card today. We heard in a round about way that Mr. Reinerton is anti-Catholic, so maybe that is why he didn’t call Dad, because Dad told him he could talk with Father Donahoe for a reference. Mr. R. got mad at Father Sheridon about some plumbing and then got al ittle sore at Father D. because he didn’t get the church and school pluming and heating. So I don’t know when Dad will go to see you. Maybe he’ll wait until a short time before you and Pete come and come back with you. We’ll figure something. Maybe he’ll go when I go, but that is when the tornadoes start and it would be terrible to leave Calvin alone.
How did your antibodies test come out? We hope and pray you keep on feeling good and that you don’t go voer your due date too much. The first baby usually come a little late. Sometimes early, we just pray that the baby gets here safely, girl or boy, either one is welcome with us.
I am enclosing a picture of your machine style 185K style 286 Serial number EN 506455, if you have the machine check the numbers, will you. I wouldn’t care to have them give you a cheaper model. Must get ready to go to work.
Lots of love to both of you and May God Bless you,
Mother.
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