LETTERS FROM THE PAST

This blog is to honor those who have come before us. These are family letters that I have had for years and wanted to be able to share them with family. It's an interesting way of knowing how life was in the past.

LETTERS FROM THE PAST

Myron F Taylor with 3 of his buddies in 1952. Over the last 20 years I've been working on our family letters. Letters that have been passed down. Including letters from my parents to my great-grandmother. Every letter was saved by my great grandmother and grandmother. I hope someday to either print them or give them to a museum. I am copying the letters–not being able to photocopy all of them. Each letter is in script. I know today very few can read them. I hope you enjoy them.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Irvin Wineland - July 1 1950

Seattle Wash

July 1, 1950

 

Dear Archie:

We rec’d your letter Wed. and have been busy, so didn’t get a chance to write till now.

Say this Korean Business doesn’t look any too good. I think Russua will pawn off commence China troops to help the North Koreans, before she would help out and I think she’s afraid of US giving her an atomic Bombing.

I talked to Mabel to day and I said I’d certainly send some money and all your bonds to you to bank back there. I think Marion and I’ll send a couple of thous and to some bank east of the nets as if this power Key is ever lit Russia will sure as hell bomb Seattle as one of the 1st US Cities and believe me if they started, I’m getting out. I told Brown that I was pulling out for Montana or points east and no fooling.

You better got lived up on something back there and have Mabel and Shirley come there it’s sure lots safer, and get a extra room for Marion & me –

Boeing’s getting a new contract that’s what Bob, he’s Marion’s sisters husband, he said that a plane with 4 stars was at Boeings for two days, Gen Dewit it was I guess that he’s setting Boeings up for more production.  Those fellows working here, if anything starts with be froze to their jobs, and I wouldn’t want that her in Seattle.

Well I was sorry to hear that the crops are not so good there.

We are leaving next Fri eve for our vacation, will either go up in Canada or to Glacier Park, will write you a line at either place. If we go to Calgary will look up George at Bowdin and say helo for all of us.

We are going over to your place this evening as Shirley leaves in the morning with her grandmother for Oregon.

Well take care of your self and write.

Marion said that she’d like a game or two of Pinocle –

 

As ever Your bro

Irvin & Marion

 

 

 


Irvin Wineland - Mar 7, 1925

Postmark: Mar 7, 1925

 

914 C N Benton Way
Los Angeles

Dear Bro and Wife;

Well we moved again, as you see by the address – the next time we move will be in a place of our own. We are going to buy a couple of acres of land near the City and build us a chicken ranch, and then in a year or so I want to quilt the Hotel business and put all my time on our little chicken ranch.

We just got back from the Dog show at Pasadena this evening. We saw them judging the shepherds (German Police dogs) and I have come to the conclusion, after seeing dogs from Seattle, Spokane, San Francisco and all over the Pacific Coast that the Police Dog stands out as the best of them all.

I am going to get a pup pretty soon.

It rained so hard this evening that it was hard driving the car home.

I sure wish that you and your wife was here and could go on the vacations with us this Summer – We’re going way back up in the Sierra’s and then pack in so we can get some real Trout fishing.

I’d rather catch them than any sport a going.

You two had better plan coming out at least by next fall – then we can take in a few days of deer hunting. I want a nice pair of antlers mounted.

As I am writing, we are listening to a nice program on our Radio – we have a four tube Radiala and loud speaker and can hear it all over the house.

Well write and tell me how you and everybody else is getting along – and all the news as I crave news from all of the folks.

Lovingly, Mary and Irvin 


NOTE: MARY WAS HIS SECOND WIFE OF EIGHT

Christmas 1960 - Jo Hogan Salina KS

Christmas 1960

Dear Friend Mable –

Again it’s time to be sending Seasons Greeting to friends and loved ones. Noticed in particular a greeting in a Christmas card – and I quote – Friends seem nearer Dear ones Dearer At Christmas which is so true – and I might add friends like you. We have been friends for a long time – and I never expect to have another one like you.

You and Archie – as I have mentioned a good many times when I’ve written you were the nicest neighbors we ever had.

Today is a lovely day – we have had such nice weather this Fall. We are needing moisture here at present. Should it snow would very likely do little or no good as it generally drifts.

This weather might stay nice until Christmas – then again may be not. Thank you so much for your good letter enjoyed it so much.

Thanks too for the lovely card – conveying the loveliest of thoughts it was enjoyed too and appreciated.

I am so happy for you both that you have bought a home. One your like and in a nice neighborhood. Some time that isn’t so easy to find and I would imagine in a city of Seattle’s size that would be quite true.

By your description the arrangement is nice.

I hope all goes well and that in the not too distant future it will all be yours so best of luck.

You folks done well to get out of KS – and you stayed out – as did Howard & Velma. It’s for sure they wouldn’t have a little home if they had stayed in this cotton pickin state “.— with I guess for the most part it’s poor wages.

I’ve noticed very few people that ever go to the western states never come back to Kansas – but to the states in this section of the country.

Folks you remember that youngster that Aunt Dora took when a baby – by the name of Joe Westhusin – we used to call him “Little Joe.” He lives in Portland Oregon – he was in this section of the country and he and his wife called on us. He is a real estate broker out there.

I’ve been addressing my or guess it should be our Christmas Greetings of course some of them are mine – like to include a few letters in some others some notes – and some – just my name or ours as it so happens to be. Of course Mary has some she sends.

A letter recently from Jerry & Bess – they are still at Myrtle Beach AFB SC. He wrote he was among the few officers that was still there at the base when he came – so he of course is expecting a transfer to some other place.

He is going to school at night – trying to work towards a degree. The Air Force is not sending him he is doing this on his own accord – but of course the AF is providing the opportunity.

Had Shirley’s address this year so I am sending them a card – and I included a letter – not a very interesting one I’m sure – but any way I wrote a bit.

Jerry’s liked Germany a lot and they too went many places of interest.

Believe I’ve mentioned this before – but I think Jerry was at the Hahn AB when there. That may not be spelled right – but perhaps it’s near enough so one would know the base I have reference to.

Yes – Nettie’s son Nyle and family did come to see her this last Summer. Nettie told me they have such a nice family.

She also told me that they still hope some time to have a little boy – but may be that may he just wishful thinking.

So glad to know that Archie’s hearing and is helpful to him and by now hope he is accustomed to it.

Guess you missed seeing it in the Independent – but Ron & Judy have a baby son – was born in September.

Glad to know that your Mother is quiet well – and that she is able to go to California. Nice she can and enjoy herself in the sunset of her life. Know you have mentioned her age – but I’ve forgotten how old – but would imagine she would be past seventy.

Suppose your extra busy – getting your Christmas cards addressed etc.

Nice birthday card and good letter from Aunt Dora today.

She is real well for her many years and is still out on the farm.

Bill & Rita came down to do a bit of shopping Thursday. We are always so glad to see them but he is always so busy so they do not come very often.  Bill is real well I guess – and Rita as usual has her good and bad days.

Hope you and Archie are as well as usual “- so take good care of yourselves. I’ll or perhaps Mary will be mailing you a little package for Christmas.

I hope you like what I am sending and I think you’ll find it useful.

Perhaps this letter will reach you before the pkg does.

Do hope you’ll both have a nice Christmas and that the New Year will be an extra good year to both of you.

Bye for now – Good Luck & much happiness  Lovingly Jo






Sunday, March 9, 2025

Any Idea?

 Today I was going through photos of my mother as well as a lot of the family. I would like to post a couple, but I found people are taking my photos and posting them as theirs. I had to mark them private because the information is always incorrect. 


Here is one I found. That's my mother in the front. I don't know who the children behind her are. I believe this was in OR before they moved to Seattle. If you might know who they are, I would love to find out. There is nothing written on the back. 


I thought I lost this photo when I gave it to the museum to post next to dads name on the plaque. They lost the photo anyway. When I found this, I was thrilled. I may send it to them through the email, so I can keep the original photo. 

This is some of the stuff I have on my family tree. I found a ton more letters to post here, so I have a lot of work to do, to get those letters posted. 

In the meantime, I thought you might like to see some photos from over 50 years ago. 


Monday, February 17, 2025

Marion Wineland Re: Irvin Wineland July 1963

 

514 Woodcrest Lane

Fallbrook, Calif.

July 29, 1963

Dear Archie and Mabel:

Hate to worry you unnecessarily but thin I should let you know that Irvin is in the Hospital in San Diego. This morning he got dizzy, and passed out for a few minutes. Then when the neighbors and I got him on to the cot (he was in the garage with it happened) he vomited blood so took him to the hospital. He seems quite himself to talk to so it wasn’t a stroke but a hemoridge. The doctors are checking. They don’t think its his chest but seems to be in his stomack or maybe an ulcer. Anyway hope its noting too bad.

As soon as I can find out I will let you  know. They gave him an x-ray, and stuck a tube down in him. We had to come back to Fallbrock tonight. My neighbors were with me. The doctors will check some more. It is a good hospital and I am sure will get good care. I think they will transfer him to the veterans hospital if he has to stay awhile. He seemed to feel quite well this morning before it happened and ate his breakfast as usual. Well don’t worry too much and I promise to let you know as soon as I can see what develops, He does not seem to be in any pain at all and talks quite strong and sensible as usual.

 

Love, for now, Marion

December 1983 - Friends Of The Family - Marilyn M.

 

December 1983

Dear Friends,

This year we’re trying to get our cards out early so we can sit back and enjoy the holidays. Also, we want to pass along our new address.

We had a very busy 1983. It began with a vacation to Florida in January. Believe it or not with all the traveling we’re done, that was our first trip to Florida and what an enjoyable one it was, too. In addition to the tourist attractions, we visited old friends Mel & Ruth Daniel and Dixie & Mae Johnson.

Being in real estate Ken is always running across nice houses, so the inevitable happened – we moved April 30th. The month of May was really hectic trying to get settle and preparing for Cindy’s wedding on the 28th. She married a nice young man, Paul Barnett, from Adelphi, Maryland. It was a beautiful day and they had a lovely wedding in the Crofton Baptist Church. Stephanie was her maid of honor, along with two bridesmaids. We were so happy that my folks were able to come. Cindy and Paul bought our “old” house, so we kept it in the family. It’s nice to have them near. Cindy has taken an educational leave from the airlines, so is attending school as well as working for mortgage company.

In July Ken and I flew to Wichita for my 30th high school class reunion. We were overseas for both the 10th and 20th, so that was the first time I’d seen many of my classmates since high school.

Stil filled with wanderlust, in October we met our friends Fred & annie Stumme in Munich. From there we traveled to Augsburg, Garmisch, Stuttgart, Zweibrucken and Frankfurt – spent 10 days reminiscing and visiting old haunts. Needless to say, we stuffed ourselves with that good German food—schnitzels, fired potatoes, cake smothered in whipped cream. The weather was atypical—absolutely perfect. We had such a good time!! The Stummes spent a few days in Berlin prior to meeting us, and went on to England for a visit when we returned home. We just felt we shouldn’t be away any longer.

Stephanie came home with a ring the other night, so we’re going to have a 1984 wedding. She’s marrying a fellow she went to high school with—they’ve been dating about three years. We’re very pleased. Our family is growing quickly. Stephanie is still with Logicon—going on four years now.

Our door is open if you’re ever our way. Hope each of you is blessed with a healthy, happy 1984!!

Love,

Marilyn

 

 

This is family friends from the military – Ken and Marilyn McKee.

Barb Unknown '82

Christmas ‘83

 

Hi – Merry Christmas from Minnesota. Was such a lovely surprise to get a phone call from Chris last winter. He & Bud had quite a chat judging from all the news bud relayed to me. Great to hear.

We’re all just fine. Our life has changed a bit since Kathy graduated in June. She started at Minnesota State U in Sept. It’s about 75 mi SW of us. Has been getting home every 2nd or 3rd weekend so don’t miss her too much.

Bud is working Sat thru Mon. 12 hour mid shift. Works in the computer room & loves it. (I call it retirement!) Gives him lots of time to party during the week.

Shel is at Northern Telecom. A computer firm west of Mpls. Seems to be doing well just started selling Amway products etc. p.t. She sounds so optimistic about it.

Val works for Metro WW Comm. Also, but in St. Paul. Has been there 5 ½ yrs. & likes it very much & doing well.

I worked p.t. at a garden & apple orchard about a mile up the road from us. The season just ended and I miss it – really enjoyed it.

Still have 2 leagues & occasional volunteer work.

My folks are just great, both retired now & loving it. They go to Oregon for a few months after xmas. Dad started golfing last year & just addicted to it.

Hope this finds you all well.

Blessed Christmas & Great ‘84

 

Love Barb