My Dearest Daughter

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, as well as other artifacts from my family’s past. Others in the series are in my del.icio.us file.

As I was going through Mom’s things, I came across this curious letter written to my father by Sister M. Madeleva at St. Mary’s College. Mom was a St. Mary’s graduate and this apparently is the letter they sent to husbands. It is dated 1957, which is odd because my parents were married a year later in 1958. But as this is hand typed in the day before computers or even memory typewriters, I wonder if that was a typo? Nonetheless I find the language in the letter to be wonderful and very persuasive!

Office of the president.
Feast if St Mary Magdalen
July 22, 1957

Dear Husband Associated,

You need no letter from me to convince you that you have married a St. Mary’s girl. We want to intensify this bond with her school by making you an associate in its life and activities. These are taking on magnitudes and significance which we believe you will be proud to share.

Inevitably, your home will develop, in some measure, around our patterns of womanhood, of home, of all that you value most. Will you letu s make these more palpable by the relationships of Husbands Associated? May we welcome you as an honored member?

Yours in the Holy Spirit,

Sister M. Madelva.

Sister Madelva

I also found my mom’s picture in her Senior year Book from St. Mary’s and it made me very happy.

 Inside the year book



This was apparently when St. Mary’s and Notre Dame were obedient to the magisterium.

Please browse my eBay items!
Visit my new Amazon Store!