1943 - Attorney for Pearl Wineland

Joseph Choate

Lawyer

530 West Sixth Street

Los Angeles

July 25, 1943.

Mr. & Mrs. Archie Wineland,

857 Thistle Street,

Seattle, Washingon.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Wineland:

For some time your sister-in-law, Mrs. Pearl Wineland, of Los Angeles, has been conferring with me concerning her domestic difficulties and has at last decided to institute proceedings to obtain a divorce from Ervin Wineland, her husband, o n the groud of desertion. She has told me of your letter to her from time to time since his departure from Los Angeles, and in view of all that has tanspired since hs departure, and from your letters, undoubtedly you are in sympathy with her decision.

First, may I convey to you her assurance and also mine, that there is no desire or intention of proceeding any further than the mere matter of obtaining a divorce on the grounds of desertion. All that which has transpired heretofore is a closed matter so far as she is concerned except that she now feels that she should obtain her freedom after five years.

With this assurance coming from her I am writing task if you will assist her in serving upon her husband, Ervin Wineland, a copy of the Complaint for divorce? She has not known of his whereabouts since his departure and is not interested in his present whereabouts but as you undoubtedly know, under the law, a person must be personally served with a copy of the Complaint by any person over eighteen years of age, or it will be necessary fro Mrs. Wineland t go to the added expense of publishing for a period of three months, the fact that said complaint had been filed in the Countyof Los Angeles. In order to save Mrs. Wineland the cost of this publication I am writing you to ask if you will do her the favor of serving a copy of the Complaint if the copy is sent to you, or if you wish to have someone else serve it upon him will you see that the Complaint is put in the hand of someone else for service. All that needs to be done is to hand it to him personally.

In the event Mr. Ervin Wineland I not in your vicinity, then, if I sent you a copy of the Complaint will you send it to the Constable of the town where he resides, so that it may be served upon him? Whatever expenses are incurred in making the service will sent to you immediately after the service has been made, so that you will not be involved in any expense.

This procedure is suggested because your sister-in-law, Mrs. Pearl Wineland, thought that you might not care to disclose to her where her husband now is, and as I have said, she is not interested in his whereabouts only that she would like to have him serve personally rather than incur the expense of publication.

If you can assist Mrs. Wineland in this matter it will be greatly appreciated. I am enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your reply, and if you will assist her in this matter we will send to you by return mail a copy of the Complaint with instructions.

Thanking you for your early attention to this matter, I am

Very truly yours,

(signed)

JC:M

1962 - Geo & Ila

Osborne, Kansas.

Dec, 13^th. 1962

Dear Archie and Mable:

Got your letter and card yesterday. I had been intending to write to you for over a month but guess I was just to lazy.

Couldn’t figure out your letter dated on July at first and then your last letter was dated on Nov 25^th you must let your letters lay around for a month or so before mailing them Ha.

Well old Kansas sure had a good crop of every thing this year. Wheat averaged thrity bushels and Oats barley and corn were good and Milo was the best ever lots of milo went one Hundred and ten to twenty bushels on dry land and irrigated land as much as one hundred and fifty.

Seemed like we got rain every time we needed it. Hay and alfalfa and grass. The grass that I planted omy plowed lad is great, some of the blu steam is as high as the toas the car.

I am building a big dam on the south west corner of the section. It will be nearly thirty feet deep and will cost over three thousand dollars. The government pays half you know. Or I wouldn’t have built it.

I haven’t seen Ablert Hackerott or any of the bowlbys or Don CHRYSTLER FOR OVER A YEAR. Havent been to Natoma only once since last Spring. I was there on the night of Dec 3^rd and got my fifty year Masonic pin. I was in fifty years in June 1961 but dint get my pinuntil the 3^rd. Bob McEldowney and I are the only ones left alive of the ones that were in when we went in.

They said that night that Jay Russell will get his pin next year but he lives in Old Mexico. Do you remember Jay and Jess. I had forgotten all about them.

FIfty years is a long time to look ahead but not so far to look back.  Captain George Craig was the Master when I went in. Bob and Will both belonged Juis Horn Jim Pooley and Wilson Drake that I remember.

I see Marvin Wineland quite often and Shorty once in awhile. Shorty must have been pretty young when he got married. Don’t think he is over 66 or 67.

Gosh your dad must have had quite a bunch of kids in his three families. Don’t remember if I ever saw him after he married Roxie.

We a going to calif in January and I will sure go down to see Irvin and buy some of his cravings if I like them. Helen will gladly take us dwn to see him. Think that wood that he uses he shipped from Hawaii. He wrote me and told me all about it.

Now I see that JFK is going to ut taxes. I suppose it will be as much as fifteen cents per person. I really think that with in a couple grnerations that the Government will own all the land but of course they will let the people pay the taxes.

Wm and Katie were here in August for a few days. He could walk a little better but still has to use a cane. And is still in CLIF TAKING TREATMENTS> All their kids live in Colo now but Richard, Kathleen and Elane and they will move to Bolder as soon as they can.

I am glad that Shirley and Husband are back in US. When will his time be up or is he going to make a career out of it? And it will sure be nice for you and Mable to have another grandchild. Don’t suppose I wil ever have another. But it nice ti have several because the e is always of a chance of losing one or two.

Ada and her husband were here in September and said they were going to Hawaii in October and wanted us to go with them and we said we sure would and then Ada wrote and said her husband had backed out  We were really disappointed because I can hardly get Ila out of town So we finnaly did go to Utah for a few days. We went with another couple from Denver, Disnt get to see George as he was on Maoutain rounding up his cattle to sell, but we got to see all the rest and stopped by and Saw Clifford and Dude.

Well don’t wait so song to write next time.

Love to both from both of us.

Geo & Ila

1950 - Archie Wineland?

10 – 16 – 1950

6336 – 32^nd – SW

Seattle, 6 Wash..

Dear Uncle Geo, and Aunt Violet,

Got your nice letter so will answer before I forget. Aunt Violet, that was a nice newsy one you wrote Shirley. Glad you got to take a trip, and I know you Folks enjoyed it. Did you get to see the Building at Coz Geos, that they used in taking the Picture? I got quite a kick out of that. Quite a country out there isn’t it? I don’t believe I’ve seen Lucille since we came west, yet mabe I have, any way I’ll bet if I met her I’D know her for sure. You wrote about the Deer hunting in Utah, ts about the same situation here, Irv and I were out opening Day up over the pass, and we never saw one. Ran into lots of Elk sign, but no Deer Probab ly too high up, but down lower there were too many hunters too suit me. The Game Dept estimates theres over 100,000 hunters that went out of Seattle. There has been 6 killed so far. (hunters) Very few Bucks so far. Irv and I plan on Going this Wk end. Ha an Elk hunt all fixed up, but the Fellow I was going with called up and decided he hadn’t better go ashe would loose too much time from work. Since I’m working too, it isn’t so disappointing as we can go over east from of the Mts and take in a Sat and Sun and loose no time. Next door neighbors Father killed a bear yesterday, and his 12 year old grandson killed the young one. Old mother bear weighed 175 and small one 75, I’ll bet the grandson feels big. I saw a black bear that was killed yesterday, and it was awful thin. Theres lots of bear in this country.

See by the paper they had a big rain around Natoma, bet the wheat is big enough for pasture. Would like to be back there, I’d go after that buck I saw. Hope Ralph got the alfalfa sowed. I wrote Warrena, but haven’t heard from her. Guess I’l have to write Ralph and find out what kind of a deal he will make. Mom and Shirley say they will be back, but mom says she wants to know what the set up is before she quts her job to go. What do you think would be a good and fair deal for both? I know one thing for sure, if I ever go back to the Ranch I’m never going to come back to this contry. I do think tho that it would be a better deal than working. Cattle are going to be high, and every thing else for

1929 - re: Bill Kirk estate - E. E. Spencer, Atty

Ernest E. Spencer

Attorney at Law

Hayes Center, Nebrska

May 23, 1929.

Mr. Archie Wineland

Natoma, Kansas.

Dear Sir:      In re: Estate of Bill Kirk, deceased.

I have been intending to write you for some time concerning my findings on the questions you asked me concerning the above estate, but I have been so busy as County Attorney with criminal work that was forced to put this matter off.

The records show that Mrs. Kirk during the course of the probate of the above estate secured permission of the District Court to sell the real estate on the ground that there was not sufficient personal property to satisfy the debts against the estate. The land was then sold by Mrs. Kirk as administratrix at public sale to Joseph Hruza, he being the highest bidder for $3500.00. The amount of land involved in the sale was two quarters or 320 acres and the amount of the debt of the estate as claimed by Mrs Kirk was #3622.15. The land as you will note sold for a little over $10.00 per acre. It is probably worth from $15.00 t $20.00 per acre. Mrs. Kirk as administratrix gave a deed to Joseph Hruza, her brother on Jan. 9^th and on Feb. 13^th Joseph Hruza deeded the land back to her for one dollar and other valuable considerations. On April 15^th Mrs. Kirk gave a mortgage on the land to one Frank Kroutliek for $2000.00.

I have had a talk with one of the appraisers, Mr. John Curran and while he admitted that the personal property was appraised low he said that all of the farm machinery was old worn out stuff and that it would not bring any more on a public sale. He was favorable to Mrs. Kirk and in reply to one of my questions said that Mrs. Kirk deserved everything that was coming to her. Mrs. Kirk as also allowed by the county court $100.00 per month for 12 months for support of herself and family during the administration of the estate. While this was very high yet no objection was made at the time it was allowed so it would be impossible to object to that part of it now.

I have also had a talk with Atty. John F. Cordeal of McCook, who is considered one of the best probate lawyers in this part of the State and we both agreed that while there is no doubt but that you heirs couldopen up the proceedings which were had and that you might be able to get the deed to the land set aside on the ground of fraud, yet there would be such a small amount of money involved that it is doubtful whether it would more than pay the expense. We also came to the conclusion that unless we could show that the property had been fraudulently appraised to low and that the claims allowed against the estate were in part improper that the sale of the land by Mrs. Kirk to pay the debts would probably stand. If the court found that the debts were proper and that the sale by Mrs. Kirk was proper we would loose the case. While it seems clear to me that there was a considerable amount of fraud yet I feel that it will be hard to prove and for that reason I would not want you to spend any money when it is very doubtful whether you would get any money if you won the suit. If this land is worth $15.00 er acre the total value would be $4800.00 and after the debts of the estate were subtracted there would be $1177.85 to divide between Mrs. Kirk and you 8 children which would give each of you a little over $100.00. The expense of the resale of the land would also have to come out of this sum if the court set the deed to the land aside. After the expense of suit and attorneys fees I am doubtful if you would have anything left.

I trust that this has fully answered your questions and I will be glad to be of service to you heirs at any time in any way.

Very truly yours,

(signed) E. E. Spencer

EES:KLS

Personal note: Guess my grandfather lost the land he was expecting when his father died.  Fraud is fraud, no matter how you look at it. Mrs. Kirk (in my research) sounds like a real b***ch. My great grandfather Cary Wineland aka Bill Kirk, sounds like an interesting person and the theme "what comes around, goes around," seems to have happened to him in the end. 

1937 - Wallowa County Relief Committee

July 14, 1937

RE: WINELAND, Irvin George

Mrs. Esther Kelly Watson, Supervisor

Children’s Department

Multnomah County Relief Committee

552 County Courthouse

Portland, Oregon

Dear Mrs. Watson:

I have recently had the opportunity to again discuss with Mr. and Mrs. Archie Wineland the matter of them taking their nephew into their home. It was explained to them that the maximum amount that they could receive for the care of one child would be $18.00 monthly. It was felt that they could take the boy for that amount but that they did not wish to make it a permanent arrangement until they had seen the boy and he had spent some time with them. It is suggested that perhaps he could spend the two remaining months prior to the opening of the school year with them pending their permanent decision. If he were a likeable and desirable child they would then consider keeping him permanently if aistance were given them financially.

Would Multnomah County consider giving them a temporary grant for two months at $18.00 per month and would his transportation here and his return, if necessary, be provided?

Yours very truly

WALLOWA COUNTY RELIEF COMMITTEE

By

(Miss) Floris Sorensen,

County Administrator

1937 - Wallowa County Relief Committee

April 23, 1937

RE; WINELAND, Irvin

Mrs. Esther Kelly Watson,

Supervisor

Children’s Department

Multnomah County Relief Committee

551 County Courthouse

Portland, Oregon

My Dear Mrs. Watson:

I have recently discussed the matter of Irvin Wineland’s care with Mrs. Archie Wineland and she has indicated that it would not be possible for them to take the child in their home without financial aid and they would like to know what assistance they would receive and from whomit would be received, should it be decided to bring the boy to Wallowa. As had been explained in previous letters, Mr. and Mrs. Wineland and small daughter have been self-supporting since their arrival in Oregon from Kansas but they have had great difficulty in remaining independent and it would be impossible for them to take another member into the family without adequate financial aid.

It is the understanding of this office that in June the Dependent Children’s Program becomes effective. However, it is not known what the procedure will be regarding children o are non-resident in the County. Will Multnomah County care for Irvin Wineland in Wallowa County? Mr. and Mrs. Winlenad would like to know what amount they would receive monthly if they did take the child. I feel sure that if financial arrangements can be made that no better care could be obtained for the boy. Has Johanna Wineland reported the whereabouts of her parents?

Yours very truly

WALLOWA COUNTY RELIEF COMMITTEE

By (Miss) Floris Sorensen, Exec. Secy.

1985 - Wava Wineland

McPherson, Kansas,

Dec 20, 1985

Dear Mable,

I don’t think you know who I am. I remember meeting you only one time. My name used to be Wineland. I am the daughter of Ira Wineland & the Granddaughter of Marshall Wineland. My mother was a Seaman. Her brother Joe Seaman was married to Nettie White.

I have wanted to contact you or your daughter for some time but didn’t have an address. I know Aunt Laura used to be in contact with some of you folks. But she is gone. I saw this address in the Natoma paper. Anyway I know your daughter especially has done some research & gathered information on the Wineland Family History.

I just wrote a book on my memories of the Wineland Family. It is mostly a personal book written for my children and grandchildren. Telling mostly of my growing up years in Osborne Co. There were so many relatives, living near, that I knew personally not just heard of. The book has 200 pages of picturs, maps, stories & family history. It covers about five generations o Winelands. The books cost $26.00 each to hve made. I only had 50 books made up. I only have 2 or 3 left that are not spoken for. I could let you have one if you are interested. Total cost would be $28.00 as it takes $2.00 for mailing. (I’ve tried to get one into each branch of the John Wineland Family)

It is cold & miserable in Kansas. Hope this finds you & your family well and may you have a Merry Christmas. This may not reach you as I don’t have a street address.

Sincerely,

Wava Nelson

PS I sent this before Christmas but the letter was return – so will try again.

1971 - M Robinson

Seattle Wn.,

Jan -11-71

Dear Mabel –

Just a line to say hello and to thank you for the very nice xmas card. I wanted to send one to you but didn’t know where to sent it as I hadn’t heard from you since last xmas when you were in Alaska as I didn’t think you were still there or was very much surprised to hear from you from Japan, how long have you been living there?

Well I guess it’s a small world these days places are not as far away as they use to see to be before the fast planes brought them so much closer to every-thing.

Well I’m still here managing this apt. house but I am getting awful tired of it too. My one and only vacation I’ve had since 1965 was in November 1968.

So I am going to try and get away from here for a week, orso as soon as a friend of mine gets over the flu and feels better then she will come over and take care of the place until I come back.

I may give it up later on this year as its getting so dangerous here now with the robberies and all, a person is afraid to go out at night at all you are not safe even in the day-time.

It would be nice if a person could go out in the evening for a walk when the weather is nice but those day are gone for-ever I guess.

Sure hope you folks have more freedom from this sort of thing than we do.

Well Mable hope you and the family had a nice happy holiday season and also all well.

When are you coming back to the state? Glad to hear the people are so nice that helps a lot.

So will close for now I have a very bad headache excuse the scribbling.

Wishing you and yours the best for the New Year, as always

Margarite Robinson

PS Drop a line if you have time.

1971 - Elsie Woodside

 7544 – 15^th Ave. SW

Seattle Wash. 98106

Friday March 5-1971

Dear Mable.

Been waiting & waiting to hear from you. I’ve talked to Mrs. Taylor three or four times since she came home. One of these days I’m going to try and get over to her house and see the pictures she has. She certainly must have enjoyed her visit. I’m so glad.

I’ve been waiting & waiting to get at least a “why don’t you write letter,” from where ever you were at, until I talked to Mrs. Taylor. Myletters to you came back & so did the 2 bundles of shopping news I had mailed. Reason I sent them, was there were notices about Gil Conte and his new place of entertaining.

Haven’t even heard from your mother since I got her card Christmas. Then she was still in Ore, but said she was going to California for Christmas.

At least I know you are still with us on this old Planet, which is really getting abused. No wonder we’re having Earthquacks & by the way was your sister in that quack area? Right now we have had snow still little here & there & so cold for this time of year. Jim hasn’t been outside to walk even as far as Dunlaps for couple of weeks.

He hasn’t been feeling to good since Christmas. Looks good but right after Christmas he got this huge bail, or carbuncle or infection, thing on his neckjust above the hair line. That was the worse thing I ever tried to take care of. It’s still has little swelling. If he’d only stop picking it. Took Dr 3 trips out to see him. Now guess what? For a week now I’ve been trying to get, whatever caused this one that’s now on his left hand. It’s on his index finger, between the knuckle joint & first joint on that finger. I think it’sover the worse now. Needless to say, Jan & Feb. have been the months I sure haven’t had much sleep. My house is really dirty but, I just don’t have strength to do much cleaning. But one of these days, I’ll surprise myself & really dig things out.

I can’t go over & see Mother as often as I’d like too, but she calls me every night. I have only seen Pinky & Bee once since the middle of Dec. Christmas was a pai in the neck. But Just Jim & I and we enjoyed a quiet day. (I think)

Say Mable, I don’t think I told you before But the tag on the outside of your pkg to me said One Tea set.” When I opened it Gordon & Don had stopped by. It was the yarn winder. Don showed me how to put it together. Anyway I went down to Irene’s & Marcia was there so I told the girls, my tea set was a yard winder. Marcia looked at Irene & then they just hawled, she said, “Oh my yarn winder whatever that is, is a ice tea set.” O we all got a laugh out of that. I still haven’t seen her “yarn winder,” & some day when I can visit for more than 15 min or so, I’ll show Marcia the yarn winder.

Mable I have so much to tell you, but I’m going to make this little short. I’m sending it to Myron & see if you get this one. Did you even get the Christmas pkg Betty MacLaughlin sent you? This week she is home sick with the Flu. So Irene didn’t get to go over there, Irene said Mac isn’t very well. She can tell you about them. Irene’s letter came back too.

It’s 7:30 a.m. I’ve got to get up & fix breakfast, dress Jim’s finger, & if I’m ready by 9:50 a.m. Irene will take me up shopping. Atta never gets going until almost supper time. Once in a while I get her to go around 3 or 3:30 but then I’m always late with supper, but I’m thankful to have some one kind enough to take me shopping & to see mother.

I’m sending this to Myron & see if you get it. If you do, please drop me a note fast. Love, Elsie

Give our love to all Did you get your tax notice ours is over $200.00 next yer it will be more.

Note: this a Mable’s best friend from Seattle. They lived 3 houses apart from each other. This friendship lasted over 50 years. Jim and  Elsie passed away in the 70’s. Grandmother was without her best friend for close to 10 years. She was greatly missed by all (our family as well).

Jan 1929 - C D Brge

Boomsville MO

Jan 23th 1929

Mrs. Sarah A. True

Dear sister will write you a few lines & had a Letter from one of your friends I have forgoten her Name she said you had the flu I answered her Letter But have herd Nothing more from you hope you are well By this time if you Did Not Get well I hope Lance Brady will write me and Let me know I taken the flu too months ago today am up Now But am week

the weather is cold here and I Don’t Go out so if you Get thin Letter write or have some Body to write for you hoping this Letter Reaches you and finds you well or at least much improved

I am your

Brother C. D. Birge

April 1958 - Mrs Louie White

On the Envelope:

Mrs. Louie E. White

Natoma Kans

No Such Number (check mark)

Mr and Mrs Archie Wineland

1414 Holden

Seattle 6 Wash

Letter:

Apr 29, 58

Dear Archie and Mable,

Guess I’ll write a little Iv forgot if I wrote last or not. Iv got so I forget so bad.  some things I can remember all right then others I forget But guess others do the same I have some sad news to write But maybe someone else has all ready told you Poor Aunt Mattie was laid away yesterday Pm. It was such a shock for us as she had kept her ailment so careful that we shouldn’t know it she did write Uncle Geo But he was to keep quiet about it so others wouldn’t hear she had cancer of the breast and kept spreading It had been going for years They had went to Texas a time or two But it seemed to just be on trips we supposed to be pleasure trips then here came a death message. Thursday (writing in pencil) It just seems as tho it cant be possible Poor Bob he looked so bad and then for him. The old Lot is filling for a long time your mother laid there alone then, grandmother & Uncle Louie grandfather Aunt Violet, Now- and Aunt Nettie and Aunt Mattie and my place is waiting for me, and likely wont be a very long wait. So its filling up pretty fast the past few years Uncle Wm and Aunt Katie didn’t get to come perhaps you knew that. Have you got to see them yet Elaine isn’t very far from you Is she? Iv not felt too good the last 3 or 4 days was on the bed part of Sun and of course yesterday was hard on me and today Iv been on the bed a good part of the day again hope I can feel better and get at something again. Gladys didn’t get to come to the funeral yesterday they bought a home in Waldo and live there now they want to see the farm Bryan is in Hosp. Again went Thurs I believe Twice he’s been there since last fall. Guess Ill go to bed and finish in the m. (back to pen) Sat m Well here its Sat and this isn’t on the way yet.  We are getting soaked this m and believe it rained a good part of the night or commenad partly early this m and been coming pretty steady this forenoon you have never written for a long time Do you ever plan to come back to see your native state any more It looks a little lighter maybe it isn’t raining so heavy.

Guess this all for this  time, Have a letter started to Philo and G so I should try and get it read for the mail box too.

Write when you can

Your Natoma Aunt  

August 1 (1959) - Unknown

Saturday

August 1

Dear Shirley and all,

I haven’t run on to any work as yet. Boeing lost a contract of some sort, I have no idea what. They haven’t been doing any hiring since.

Things haven’t been the same since you, Chris & Lynn eft. It is kind of quiet.

Lynn & Chris will be pretty big, compared to the time they left, when I see them again.

Learn a lot of the German language so you can teach it to me when you g back.

I haven’t been home much any of the last week and a half. I have only watched a few TV programs in that time. I met a kid, Dave Holtzclaw from White Center and weve been together every since. He and his fokls are real nice, we get along fine. Dave is as much a screwball as I am.

I put my HiFi on that 3 legged whatchamacallit beside the bed.

I’ve taken up reading as a pastime now. In the last 2 weeks I’ve read 10 pocket size books. I’ve read 4 assorted and 6 by Rex Stut. (the ones with Nero Wolfe in it)

My car became immobile last Tuesday. Tuesday and Wed. it was down because of a broken starter. Every thing is ship shape now.

Better sign off now, getting tired.

Love always,

(looks like) Jollad

(signed)

Note:  Believe this to have been written in 1959.

July 18, 1959 - Diane George

July 18, 1959

Dear Shirley & Family,

I’ve been thinking about what I would write all day. Now that I’ve started, I don’t know what to say. Frist I’ll ask how your trip was. I hope you didn’t have a hard time with the kids.

Your mother said, you were lucky to get to go. I’m so happy you got to go.

If you have time, would you write and tell me about your house. Your mother didn’t ay much about it, but she said was interesting to read about in your letter. She said you have great, big keys, and double windows. How does Chris like it in Germany, and the baby? I bet he is glad to see his daddy.

You know our puppy. Well his ears are trying to stand up. Right now the left ear is up and his right ear is still down, like when you saw him. We got him his cod-liver oil to make his ears stand up. Boy, does he love it. He takes it from a spoon, just like a baby. Enough about my dog.

I don’t know Myron but say hello to him for me. I hope I will meet him some time.

Mamma and your mother had a Tupper party today. They sold about $20 worth. They said it was not much but they learned from it.

I sure miss you Shirley but I know you like I better in Germany with Myron.

As you can tell I am an awful letter-writter, so be patient with me till I can brush up on my spelling and English. Write when you can.

Your Friend

Diane George

PS I don’t know if you have our address so here it is:

------

Seattle 16 Wash

This letter is not very long but I’ll improve with time.

August 4, 1959 - Darlene & Bob

August 4, 1959

Dear Shirley, Myron & kiddies –

Gee it was so nice to get your letter – I would have answered sooner but we had had company from Calif., for a week. A couple we met in Texas. Myron knows him, his name is Jonnie Worley. We really had a great time but I was so tired from chasing and lack of sleep I couldn’t hardly move. Bob was & still is on vacation & we are really enjoying it all we can. Ronnie & Bob went down & watched the hydro-planes try out today & you can well imagine how Ronnie liked that. The weather hasn’t been too nice this weektho so it kind of limits us as to what we can do.

Tomorrow we plan to put the 3^rd coat of paint on our house (which I have) & it sure looks nice now. I just love to paint.

Oh yes, I am going to play golf Thurs & that is a real joke as I don’t even know how to hold the club – but Bob insists I go – so if he wants to baby sit who am I to argue.

You remember Joy DuCharme don’t you? Well she had  baby girl last week, don’t know what kind of a mother she will make but who knows she may be better than me!!

Gee your trip just sounded so nice & what an experience for you. I’m so glad you like it so well, but even if it were a hole it would be wonderful just to be with your hubby & family. I don’t doubt but what Myron does love that little girl she is so sweet & Chris is just a regular little man.

Ain’t you surprised that I don’t have a list a mile long of all the things I need from Germany? I’ll wont until you have time to settle & for me to get some money (that is another joke). Only one little thought if you ever run into Channel #5 price it for me & maybe I can save my pennies!

Well, butter get to bed now & try to catch up on a little sleep but I will be writing again.

Take good care of yourselves & write when you have time.

Love,

Darlene, Bob

Kathie & Ronnie

Please understand....

I just wanted everyone to see what I'm going through to get these letters posted. This is a copy of one of the letters I've already posted. I file them in a "acid free" plastic sheet. Each letter posted is filed in a binder. Eventually the binder(s) will be labeled and dated by each person sending the letters.

Over the last week, I have been going through boxes of photos, letters, documents, etc., that my great great grandmother, great grandmother and grandmother felt needed keeping. In all of these papers, I'm going through to see if they need to be noted for genealogy purposes. It's overwhelming at times.

Crazy me, had "piles" of stuff for each set of family members. One pile for each of my mother's uncles, one pile for the True family, etc. The box that I set aside for my brothers and myself seem to grow. At times I want to just burn them, and I would never know what I missed, but I tend to be the "keeper" of the family.

So, that pile you see all over the floor was cleaned up, put into bigger piles for each family member we plan to return photos and documents to.

Trust me, this is not all I have.

This is a photo of the letters I found in the 2 shipping boxes you see at the top of the photo. You can take those letters and multiply them at least 4 times, and you can get a good idea of what I'm going through. I have more letters and my parents tend to tell me they have even more at their house.

So, please be patient with me, as more letters will be copied and posted. It takes a lot of time to copy the letters, and as I do, I keep them in a thumb drive. My brother has offered to help me with the letters, and I may just take him up on it.

In the meantime.....more letters to come......

1980 - Becker (family friend)

Mrs. Irene Becker

7515 – 15^th Ave SW

Seattle WA 98106

Air Mail

Dearest Mable,

I’ll bet you by now wonder if I remember where you are – I am so sorry. I have had two letters come back – Hope this one reaches you.

Mable we are leaving Seattle the end of June -  the girls & I will be living in Painesville Ohio. George will be working in N. York this summer – But at least we’ll see him weekends, this every two mths of seeing each other does not work – Is very hard on the girls.

Did Elsie write and tell you Mary Ellen is going to have a baby – We were very upset at first. But somehow time heals – the baby is due the end of August. She s going to keep the baby, and has been able to continue her school year – So at least she will not be missing school. Or I should say her 10^th yr. Mable. I felt so bad But have gotten over it now the one that really helped me through all of this is Betty – I really love that woman – they have told me I am like there family.  Diane cryed as hard as I did, Gee she is a wonderful Girl.

Jim is still giving Elsie a bad time. He can be so mean at times. I guess a person should really understand those things. He has failed so much. I think his problem is liking to stay in Bed.

Mable, where would you like me to Store your things that you had me keep. Gee I wish you were here, you better come to see me when you get home. You know Mable your house sure isn’t the way you left it. I’ll put a bug in your ear. I do not believe the party who you having takeing care of things ever comes to check. I know Elsie doesn’t want to admit this.

Rain, Rain –I sure would like to see it go away – Very Depressing –

I just got back from Boston I spent ten days with George, Gee we had such a wonderful time: we plan to do this more often. Time slips by to fast. We’ve been seventeen years Sure seem impossible. Please excuse all my spelling I try to write too fast. When will you be coming home from Japan?  Mable – thank you so much for everything you gave us for Christmas. I thanked you before, But those letters came back. Sorry I didn’t get you anything – Please let me know what you need – panti hose or anything I will get them from the Ban before I leave.

George’s mother & Dad will be having there 50^th wedding anni. The 22^nd of June – So we plan to move around that time.

Mable, I misplaced all those books you sent me on China, But you use your own Judgement, Something plain would be nice. All white or maybe something trimmed in Gold. I also would like a tea set with cake plate’s – something very dainty – No Blue. I have a 16 piece setting of Blue anian. If you can find the good Danhue Coffee mugs, they cost $2.00 a piece here – very expensive – I would like ten of those. If they think it will take longer then a month of come to the states. Please send them to the address that I will put at the Bottom of the paper – I feel guilty asking for all of these things and never doing a thing for you. Is there something I can do for you.

Bozzali’s are about the same still on there high horse, half the time these yard is so full of Junk, you wouldn’t believe it. Have they ever put there pail on the fence? Noisy me

How is all the taylor Family? Hope fine tell them all hi. Will they be going back east, when he is out of the Air Force – my Oldest Brother will retire the end of this month – my mother & Dad are real well – mom is Drawing her – Social Sec now – I’ll close now – think of you very often – I was going to write to you from Boston & send you a card – I forgot your address at home – Mable – I will deposit money in the bank – One day this week – will send you deposit slip then – Love as Ever Irene & family

I have to tell you what Bette Lou said today – I wish Grandma Wineland was here – then we would have someone to visit.

Other address to send the China and other to if not possible to reach me by the Frist of June – or Last of May is.

Next day – address on small paper

July 11, 1940 - Ernest Birge

SEYMOUR MANUFACTURING Company
Seymour, Indiana

July 11, 1940

Mrs. Sarah A. Johnson

1506 Y Ave.,

LaGrande, Oregon

Dear Mrs. Johnson:

I thank you very much for your letter of July 7^th enclosing to me your pictures. You may not feel younger than your age but you certainly look quite a few years younger. I am very much pleased to have the pictures and can see in them something of a family resemblance to an aunt who lived with me for a number of years.

I was very much pleased several days ago to have a visit from your nephew, Charles B. Birge, who lives in Bonnville, Missouri. He was traveling through this part of the State and stopped off to see me. I found him a very pleasant gentlemen and should like to have the pleasure of knowing him better.

Last week I took three or four days off and ran up to our summer camp in Michigan to celebrate my fortieth wedding anniversary. Not all of our family could be with us however we had a very pleasant time. I would like to be able to spend most of the summer in northern Michigan as it manages to get so hot here.

I will be very glad to have you write me again whenever you feel inclided to do o. I am always glad to hear from you.

Very sincerely,

(signed: Ernest N. Birge)

ENB:VS

April 1, 1940 Ernest Birge

Okay, I'm a little confused about this relationship - I BELIEVE Ernest and Sarah are half siblings. Why he keeps calling her "Mrs. Johnson" is beyond me. I do know they were working on the family history way back then. 

Seymour Manufacturing Company

Cythe Snaths, Grain Cradles

Post Hole Diggers, Etc.

Established 1872

Seymour, Indiana

April 1, 1940

Mrs. Sarah Johnson,

1506 Y. Ave.,

La Grande, Ore.

Dear Mrs. Johnson:

I am returning to you the letter addressed to your husband with reference to the death of his sister. I am also returning the slip with reference to the death of Charles Birge, and thank you for sending both of these items to me. I think you are quite right about Elijah’s wife was named Pamelia as a cousin of my father’s wrote a letter in 1860 giving his wife’s name as Millie Sommers, which is probably the short for Pamelia.

I am inclosing to you a couple of pictures showing myself, my wife, and some of our grandchildren. This was taken at our summer home in Michigan. I trustthat you have recovered from your fall.

Sincerely yours,

(signed: Ernest N. Birge)

Ernest N. BIRGE

ENB:DF

Nov 16 1981 - H Turn

I realized it had been a month since I posted any letters - so I am posting as many as I can today. I have added some that I had already copied. I would love to post the photo of the letters, but I am unable to scan and post on the blog. I will see about taking photos of the letters so you can see what I'm having to go through on handwriting. I hope you are getting something from these letters, as I know I am. 

Nov. 16, 1981

H. Turn
2310 Rio Grande

San Angels, TX 76901

Dear Mable,

Thank you for those kind words about the book. I met a lot of great people while gathering all of the data. So I really reaped the most benefit.

Thank you for sending order for Maurice, and please thank him for ordering, for me. Orders are coming in now that more people have heard about the book or have seen one. But it was the ones like you who ordered “sight unseen” who made the book possible.

There were 300 oks printed and I mailed out a little over 200 the first mailing. I think it is possible that I may run out of books. Of course I would hate that, you know how that goes. But I could print more, but would need at least 150 standing orders before the printer would mess with it.

What rattles me is, everyone writes such nice letters and no one tells me about the errors! I’m sure they’re just being kind. People call by phone all the time – Of course that is exciting, too. (And people wonder why anyon would mess with doing something like this. ha They should just try it and see how mnay nice people they have in their “family.”)

I mailed the book to Maurice today as I had to go to P.O. and mail other orders that came in today. Since it takes so long for BOOKRATE mail to get to where it’s going, I like to get them right on out.

I really missed out on a large group of people by not doing the contacting for material myself. I’m speaking of the Mathesons. But if Wilda had not gathered that data, we would be still waiting for a book while I completed that part. She’s really a super person to have working on ones side in doing something.

I thought maybe the Rooks book would put a damper on this one because so many people are also in that Rooks book. But doesn’t seem to bother a thing. And I am glad that Rooks book did finally get delivered. I know it was in the “making” fr an awfully long time even after going to the printer. Wilda put in a lot of time, and Raymond, gathering stories for that book.

I didn’t realize how mear Thanksgiving is until our Daughter and fam. said they’d come for Thanksgiving and I looked at the calendar. Ha

Both guest rooms are piled high with boxes of books, mailing cartons and all the files etc that accumulated while “doing” the book. I just moed everything out of the den when I took the book to the publisher last April and haven’t gone through everything and thrown out the million pieces of paper. Now I’ll need to get going and clear away the “mess.” I can remember how thrilled I was when each “piece of paper” was received in the mail in the form of data for the book. ha

I had no room to save the letters but kept only pages with data. The trash man will think I’m fixing to move when he sees Friday’s pick up. ha

I think it will be nice for a change to be able to see the floor and top of furniture. Be like a new house. ha And Wayne tolerated the the whole thing – 3 years of it.

You wrote a very interesting letter. I wish the record of dates and places you had lived had gotten into the book. You know how it is when someone in years to come will wonder about these people like we wondered about the “ancestors” and had to find out about some of them in researching old courthouse records. ha

And we will be ancestors someday. ha

I must stop rattling and get started on this house. I don’t really know where to start.

Hope you have a nice holiday Season and a really great 1982.

I’ll probably never know it’s come and gone as I usually can’t keep up with the way time flies these days. But enjoy hearing from you.

Love, Helen

Jan 24, 1950 - A B Whilhite

Hardtner, Kans

Jan 24, ‘50

Mr. Archie Wineland,

Yours of the 9 of Dic rec’d. Sorry I mislaid your letter, just found it last night. Got that outfit rote me for reference hope you made it ok. No I am not married as yet. Sure is cold, sleeping by myself though. Clara is just fine. Pages have a nice Liquor Store where they run the restaurant now. Doing a nice business. Just got a letter from Robert Tyson this A.M. he is in Detroit Michigan now but not located as yet it is snowing here this a.m. 15 above Zero. Not nutch wind. I am living up stairs I say living just staying. Archie after we left Holdrege, went straight to my wheat 50 to 75 per cent hail, got 4 bn per acre. Just paid little over expenses, but cut some more for my neighbors then came home Bob got sick went to Hospital at Mitchell S.D. have not saw him since. Yes I had your drivers Lisence will send it to you, am thinking of going cutting wheat again this year. Brought case home left other 2 up there aim to sell them

Well Arch not mutch new down this way. All I do is haul a little sand go to dances, try enjoy my self, Clara & myself go to most all dances. A card party billed for to night. Don’t think of any news just now is still snowing. Will hang up for this time.

As ever, A.B. Whilhite

Will tell all hello for you.

1940 - Albert Birge

Calcord Oka

Feb 1-40

Dear Sister rec your letter a few days ago I was so glad to hear from you once more it had been so long I was afraid you had left this old world of trouble. Me and wife is as well as old people can be expected to be. Sure would love to see you Harve is in Drunright Oka and was well the last I heard from him we had had the coldest winter than many years I do hope there will be good crops this year the crops hasnt been good for so long a time. Sarah how old are you I will be 70 years old the 2^nd of August do you get a Pension me and my wife both get a Pension I dont know how we would live if we didnt get it for we are not able to do any hard work I have High Blood Prishor and it make it hard for me to do any work dont wait so long to write for we cant be here very much longer our time on earth will soon be over and I want to be ready to go when the Lord call for me. Well good by Dear sister be good and god bless and keep you from your old Brother Albert.

1935 - Hogan's (friends of the family)

Natoma Kansas

Dec 19, 1935

Thursday

My Dear Mabel – Will you are still on the road but I wanted you to have your usual Christmas greeting so I guess I better be sending it. No doubt you are at Bob & Matties this evening if  your plans worked out as you thought they would. Hope you are getting along O.K. I am sure little Shirley will be glad to get to the end of the journey not to mention the rest of you.

We cleaned our kitchen up today. It really needed it – as you know.

Hope you get along O.K. – and that you wont eat to much Christmas.

Will write more some other time –

Lovingly, Jo

The girl dressed in red on this Xmas card is you – you like red so well.

NOTE: This letter is from Mr & Mrs. W. P. Hogan, Natoma Ks R.R.1

Hogan’s were very close friends to my grandparents. 

Dec 13, 1961 - Irvin Wineland

524 Wooerest Lane

Fallbrook, Calif

December 13, 1961

Dear Mabel and Archie,

Must get a letter started to you or Irvin never will getaround to it. He is busy picking avocados today and getting wood.

He did finally get into our own house but not until Thanksgiving day so we are still getting straightened out.

We like it here fine, its quiet and we are on a sort of a private street surrounded by avocado trees. Its been a little cold the last week and we have been burning our fireplace most of the day. Lots of old orchards and wood in these parts just for the getting. We do like our palce very much and everything is new. Had to get some secondhand furniture but we are very comfortable.

Hope Archie and you Mable are not working too hard as we are all getting old and can’t go it quite so hard. I’ll let Irvin go on with this. It seems as tho Shirley has been overseas a long time and should be coming home soon. I don’t think I have an address for them but will search my books. We can walk to town very quickly from here tho it seems like the country too. I will have to get out my knitting again as Irvin likes wool socks this weather. Its been so long since I have knitted don’t know if I still know how.

Aloho – well we finally got moved in our new home its rather small, but is about the best built house Ive ever seen – we have a foundation 18” deep 1 ft wide of steel & concrete and 34 cement pillars under the floor joists they are 4 by 8 – all 2 x 6 raftus, the code in Calif on new homes is certainly strick all copper pipes through out the house, 4 electrical circuts with 1000 aurps, its all add on the cost but I guess in the long run is worth it. I picked 6 boxes of avacados yesterday they are 11 c a lb very low – but in Jan will be up again I’ll pick some more then – then in April & May we have 4 Hass trees that will be ripe they should bring around 40 c a bl, we only have 25 all together on our place. I planted some beans and artichoke plants the other day, will be planting lettuce & carrots and peas between now and first of year.

Well have a nice Xmas and arrange to come down here next summer – best wishes for a happy holiday – Marion & Irv-

June 2, 1959 - Irvin Wineland

I realize I've been behind on these letters and I apologize - life does get busy - and even back then it did too.

Box 65 Hauula
Oshu, T. H.

June 2, 1959

Dear Mabel and Archie:

I'm jut start this letter as Irvin has been telling me to remind him to write to you folks for several days now. I reminded him when he was too busy I guess.

So glad Shirley had such a nice baby girl. Irvin sent a package in the mail for her about a week ago so Shirley should be getting it soon or maybe has it now as sometimes a boat leaves right away and packages get there quickly.

We are getting more and more in the egg business like you Mabel. Have over 100 chickens but some of them pullets yet. Everybody wants eggs so will have plenty of customers.

It is warmer here now and I sure enjoy my daily swim in the ocean. By this time you should be getting some warm days and hope your garden is doing well.

I do quite a bit of sewing. Made my two sisters in Seattle a housecoat for their birthdays and make most of my own dreses, and some of Irvin's shirts. Took a course in Ukelale playing at the rural school in Hauula but it is over ow. I enjoy playing for my own pleasure if noone alea's. Anyway it is something that is not irritating to the nerves of other people, not like a horn.

We have 6 cats including two kittens which we will be selling soon. I'll let Irvin tell you about his orchids, etc. I hope Shirley and baby are doing fine and I bet Chris is a proud brother. I like -----(note)---- for a name.

Hi all!

Well it is in the afternoon now and I'm poopled. I mowed our lawn this morn and just came back from an old lady about a block away. I trim some trees and burn a lot of rubbish for her. She's been in the hospital and I do some odd jobs for her to help her out. Our plants including Orchids are sure blooming nicely now as well as our roses, anthuriums we always have about a doz orchid plants in bloom through out the year. I guess I have a few over 60: plants now of all most popular species. I want to inter some in a show in aug and then have a larger show in Oct, which I am pointing for.

I wrote Aunt Bess a couple of weeks back in ans to her letter to us she is keeping house for Harold is well and she was going to Kansas for Memorial Day.  The sun is straight over hd the last day or so as noon then till about July 15 our shadow will be to our south around noon time.
We got a day or so pullets and when they began laying the neighbors wanted eggs so we got about 30 more and still more people wanted eggs - now we will have around 110 or 120 when they get to laying, we got 65 (cents sign) a doz as is - wouldn't grade them and that was the price we get in the year round - large AA grade retails at 80 to 85 (cent sign) in the stores. Mainland eggs retail as 60 to 65 here. We feed an all egg mash made here in the Islands. I believe is a little better feed than Albers - which they sell here also & we pay 5.30 to 5.45 for 85 lbs sack - we've had 75 to 90% production through ut the year, so thats not too bad. We had to go into Honolulu tomorrow. We do our shopping in Kaneshe here on the wind ward side as we can do better with food prices than in Honolulu.
Marion always shops some in Kresses or Woolworths and at thrifty or Long's ding stoes alike the thrifty drug store in Seattle only these are about twice it's size - Wig warm has a large dept store here and is doing OK. they sell everything from wash machines T.V.'s, clothing and about anything you can think of.
Sears is opening a large Swanky new store here in Aug - about twice the size of their present store. A new Steel mill, 2 new cement plants a standard oil refinery is going up also. Dupoint Chemical is going to build a large factory about 10 mins from us about half way to Kasche - which means in Hawaiian slim man.
Write when you can and send us all the news.
Tell Shirley to take good care of the babe,

Love to all,

Marion and Irvin


NOTE: the name of the child is my name. I keep my middle name to myself for safety reasons, even though I'm sure you can find it on the internet somewhere else.

Irvin was big into his orchid plants, and he has several registered in England that he named.