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.

January 6, 1960

Dear Kids!
Hi! It’s kinda old and windy today, but I guess it’s nothing like what you are having. We have no snow. It’s nice you are having snow but it does make it hard getting around doesn’t it? Hope by now Elena is over her cold and mama is well on the way to recovery. Thank you for the pictures, they are very nice.

About the little chest of drawers, I have ordered one from Montgomery Ward. I couldn’t pack it so that it would get there in good shape, so I’ll keep yours here and have a new one shipped to you direct. Also there will be a training chair and a food warmer for Elena and Playtex gloves for you. Hope you like em all.

I guess it will be quite a while before the church gets the organ. Although the Holy Name and Altar Societies are working on it, but it is a slow process. Fish Fries are still on. We even had a Feather Party in November. Father D keeps buying property. Our balance on the school is only $12,000, but we owe St. Frances Church $11,000 and $1,400 to our cemetery account. Now he is planning on buying the Berry house for about $13,000. Of course I understand he must plan for the future, but I hate debt, so I can’t see it.

Well I am glad you like the dress. I liked the style very much too, but it was so scratchy. I’m going to look for another one the same style. Course I’m such a funny duck, can’t wear wool or certain kinds of nylon

Right now we are having a cat concert under the house. The weather has been so mild, it has the cats fooled. They think it is spring. Even the Pussy Willows are coming out. Funny business, where the weather should be mild it is severe and where it is severe it is mild.

Calvin still hopes to get his corn soon. I must check on your Index subscription and ours. Did you get the Arizona Highways? We thought you’d like it. We’ll subscribe for the Life Magazine for your Birthday. We didn’t get Elena any toys for Christmas. I thought the monkey and the doll from the Pratts would hold her for a little while.

I am enclosing some stamps. Some of them would be hard to get unless I worked at the rectory. How did Pete like his coffee cup? Calvin thought he’d play a little joke on him. I think a stand for the roaster is a fine idea.

Out of paper so must close now. Please write oftener. Dad gets so lonesome for you, he almost gets sick. He is so funny!

Love from us three- Mother

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