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, April 29, 2020

Post Of Orville Matheson Letters -

Orville Grant Matheson was my mother's Uncle.

Orville was the son of Minnie True Matheson Reeder and Joseph Carl Matheson. He was the youngest of 7 children, my grandmother was the oldest of the 7 children.

Born March 25, 1924 in Natoma, Kansas. He married Ophelia Eliabeth "Betty" Eley February 13, 1944. They had 2 children, Patricia Faye Matheson, b. 1944 d. 1997. and Theresa Elizabeth Matheson, b. 1947 d. 1947.

Orville was drafted into the Army. He didn't want to go. He would have rather stayed in LaGrande, OR and had a mechanics shop. He was close to his mother, Minnie Reeder. The letters that are written to him are slowly being posted here. Orville's wife had a daughter, Victoria, out of wedlock, and his sister, Margie, adopted her. She's still alive, so will not post anything about her. Patti I met back in 1978, when Minnie passed away. Because there is no family members of Orville's left, other than Patti's sons (whom I can't find), the letters are with me. Passed down from Great grandmother, grandmother, and mother to me.

I believe his service should be know. I believe these letters will open our eyes to what WWII was like for someone who really didn't want to go. His heart was at home.

Unfortunately, his dreams from these letter, never came to life. He was never to live a long life. He returned from WWII to find out he had a tumor in the brain from being overseas. He didn't live long after that. It was 9 months before he passed away, at the age of 22. He died Jan 7, 1947. in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where he is buried away from the rest of the family.

These letters are to honor him and for his extended family to see what he was thinking as he served our country.

WWII - Camp Haan - Oct 8, 1943 - Orville Matheson

AA Camp Haan * California

Oct 8 – 43

Btny C – 144^th

Camp Haan

Dear Mom & Family,

Well guess I’ll drop you a line not much to say but will write a little I’ve got new times for my truck yesterday. (12-(7:50-20)) figure what they’d cost at $90 a peaces. Quite a bit, huh, I think so. I’m going to LA again this week. I’m going down to see my little woman. I’ve know her about a month now. Pretty good girl too. She works at Douglas aircraft, nice home boy is she a cook. Really a swell girl, but don’t get any Idea’s it’s nothing cerious. Not yet. But can’t never tell. She’s a blonde, a little older than I. Although she’s really swell, have seen her about 4 times now hope to see her this week. Although I don’t know a yet. (over) I’ve also got a girl in Akron Ohio. Never seen her yet. So don’t know what kind she is. We have been to LA I’ve on convoy. Hope I go again tomorrow. Tell Jr. he wants to be good. And win more prizes. Ask him If he wants to come down later on I may get a car. The Government has some here cheap. I might be able to get one I don’t yet. Well mom I’ll have to close for now.

Your loving Son, Mat.

WWII - Oct 19, 1943 - Orville Matheson

AA Camp Haan * California

Oct 19, 43

PtC 144^th

Dear folks,

Well guess I’ll drop you a line. We left Haan Mon. morn at 4:45 am and got here at Irwin at 4:30 pm. Got arranged around a little. It poured down rain about 2 hrs or more an our trip. And over the pass, it was really foggy. Boy ive only went about 4 mi an hour after about 10 mi. then we really roldher(?). Yesterday I was on KP. So today I have a little time to drop you a line. Well I’ll close for now, and write you tonight.

Oct 21 – 43

Well guess I’ll finish this letter kinda dank here but will do as good as I can. Not much to say but hope you can read this. I’m feeling fine. Still driving. Mother this isn’t a letter but you’ll know I’m okay. So will close and drop you a letter.

Mat.

WWII - Dec 1943 (Second Letter) Orville Matheson

AA Camp Irwin * California

Dec 15 – 43

Btny C – 144^th

Dear Folks,

Well guess I’ll drop you a line. I’m okay, feeling fine. Hope you are all well too. I’m still in here It’s not that I’m sick, It’s just that it’s the way the army is mom. I’d have got out the day after I came in if they weren’t so G.d. But in civilian life. I’d never have come. Or even went to bed. But this is the army. Boy, I’ll be glad when this war is over. Maybe I’ll be old enough to know what I want, a man 60 years old, to the army don’t know what he wants. Were just a piece of machinery, drove by a bunch of 2 Lt. and there drove by a Capt. And so on down the line. But hell who care’s. I’ll be out in another five yrs, anyway, maybe sooner. Did you find out anything about the car yet. I’d like to get one soon, so I could earn some money for my furlough. I’ll never have enough otherwise. It’s to hard to save it. But I can try. I like to go and have a little fun, I go to town about once every 3 or 4 weeks now. Nothing in town unless you have a hundred dollars it’s that way all over. Well mom try hard to help me. I’ll pay you back soon as I get out. Then you can keep the car while I’m across. Well mom I’ll close for now.

Your loving Son, Mat.

WWII - Dec 1943 - California - Orville Matheson

AA Camp Irwin * California

Dec 15 – 43

Btny C – 144^th

Camp Haan

Dear Folks,

Guess I’ll drop you a line. Well mom. You can forget about me being home for a while. Say till about March. We got some new equitment and we have to learn it before we get furloughs, so us boys get served again. Mom I’m not the only one theres about 100 more in the same fix. Although a lot of the go AWOL, but I’d rather get out a year sooner. Well mom it’ll be better weather and things might turn out okay. Maybe the roads will be better and I’ll have a chance to earn some more money before then. Well mom got to close for now. Please write soon .

Your loving son, Mat.

WWII - Dec 11, 1943 - Orville Matheson

PO Box 124

Hays, Kansas

March 8, 1945

Dear Grandma & Aunt Minnie:

You must have had a nice birthday! Mom Severns sent us the clipping out of the paper, telling about it. Wish we could have seen you that day, Grandma.

We received the letter you wrote, Minnie, and were sure pleased to get it. I asked Mrs. Schecter if she remembered you and Wright driving out to their place, and she said, “Yes, many a time.” And said they used to have some good times with the folks, too. Ask Grandma if she remembers them?

Was looking at the watches here but they haven’t any except the more expensive ones. The cheapest one I saw as $97.50 (including tax). I guess the people here buy the others up as fast as they come in. Was talking to some of the people who live here, and they say that they haven’t seen any watches for less than $75 here since the war began. It is a fact I know, in other lines of business that the business men have “hiked” their prices up since the Base was established, so perhaps the jewelers have as well. Sorry, Minnie, that we couldn’t get one here for you. Maybe you could send away to one of the mail order houses for it. Would Mabel or Margery be able to help you out – they both live in large cities, don’t they? (Hays is only 7,000 they tell us, but right now with a soldier family in so many of their homes, the population is nearer 10,000 or 12,000.)

Has Dorothy heard anymore from Bob? Sure hope he is all right.

It is awfully nice out today. Not too cold, and the sun is shining brightly. But that doesn’t fool us any. For tomorrow might be a near blizzard. We’ve had several of them since coming out here. Day before yesterday, wasn’t anything to brag about. Ha! Ask Jay if he don’t wish he could be back here in good old Kansas.

Well, the noon hour is past so will have to stop for this time. Write again soon, won’t you?

With love,

Glen & Etta

P.S. Do we have Grandma’s address right? (802 2^nd St. )

Haven’t heard from Willard for quite awhile, but got a letter from Ennard a few days ago.

Mar 1943 - Cpt Glen True

PO Box 124

Hays, Kansas

March 8, 1945

Dear Grandma & Aunt Minnie:

You must have had a nice birthday! Mom Severns sent us the clipping out of the paper, telling about it. Wish we could have seen you that day, Grandma.

Has Dorothy heard anymore from Bob? Sure hope he is all right.

Well, the noon hour is past so will have to stop for this time. Write again soon, won’t you?

With love,

Glen & Etta

P.S. Do we have Grandma’s address right? (802 2^nd St. )

Haven’t heard from Willard for quite awhile, but got a letter from Ennard a few days ago.

WWII - May 1943 - Orville Matheson

AA Camp Haan * California

May 19 – 43

Dear mom

Well guess I’ll write you a line. I’m Ok. Yet. Got your letter the other day. Well I really didn’t expect that much but boy it sure helps & how. Well soon as I get payed I’ll send you back that much & about 25 a month for you to save for me so when I came home on furlough I’ll have some to spend. And I’ll have to start saving so I and Grace will have enough to live on. If we go ahead and get married as we plan. Mother keep my suit as I want it when I come home. Well guess I’ll close for now. Lots of Love, Your loving Soldier, Pvt. A. G. Matheson

Tell Jr. to treat the car like he would (?) as I think he will. (over)

Jr.

How are you I am fine. Hope you are. I’ll send the money home and you can get ning put in the olds so when I come home it be in good shape. How do you like it by now. Say see if you can get a new carberature for it. as I think it needs it. and watch the battery. You can take it out and put something under it to keep it from shorting or it burn it up from shorting. It’s the front cable & see about getting some new universals for it. then you can have you a good car.

Your loving brother,

Pvt Orville

WWII - Aug 44 - Orville Matheson

Aug 13 – 44

Dear Mom,

Well here I am on the east coast. And feeling good as can be expected. I hope you are all well.

Tell that Jr. he had better write often. As I love to her from him. Has his car been running okay since I fixed it. If I had had a little more time I’d have torn the motor down and rebuilt it. But I am going to try and get a garage of my own or hire out as a mechanic after this is over. I may need a little more training on some of these new cars. But know if I want that’s one thing I can be good at. Well mom will close for now and write a little latter on.

Your son with love, Grant.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Dec 7, 1969 - Ted Allen to Minnie Reeder

Dec 7, 1969

Dear Aunt Minnie:

I myself had been wondering if you are O.K. so I was especially pleased to hear from you. Seems like it has been two years since. But I could be mistaken, I’ve been so busy night & day. And when I get through a summer season I’m usually groggy. My sisters Frances and Lydia both were asking me if I had heard from you. Said they hadn’t heard in some time. And that was last week they had asked. They know I usually get a card from you at Xmas.

I was down at Oakley Kans, to be with Frances & all the families at Thanksgiving, but missed the dinner as I had a little cold, and didn’t want to give it to everyone. The dinner was at Frances’ house for 5 families, first in a few years. So, Thurs. morning (the 25^th) I called her to say I wouldn’t be down until evening or later in the week. Then, went back to bed. When I awoke at 10 am I felt pretty good, so I ate breakfast and watched the football game on TV. Then, as I was already loaded, I pumped in the car and drove yet to Aokley. I got in on the leavings from dinner and was quite happy. I called Lydia in Kans. City while in Oakley. Spent four busy days visiting the families & nieces & nephews One half day was for hunting pheasants, and seeing an old friend on a farm a half hour. Saw others at odd times.

One day was spent (or rather ½ day) I took Frances & Will Stevenson with me for the afternoon to Natoma, etc. I drove by Grandparent’s old town house, and no longer is it a fine place. Some one had made a plain shed like structure out of it for a house. Greatly reduced in size, etc.

I have a good picture of it here, I mean the old house.

I drove around town, took a picture of the old hotel made out of chalk rock stone Still there. But maine street is now a on-way street, was I surprised. I drove the wrong way, just looking around, until it was too late.

A fellow told me the old threshing separator that used to sit down in the hole on the main corner, finally was taken out recently.

We drove out to se the rock house of Grand parents, on the homestead. It still stands, but the inside is deterrating of the wood work, finally. Frances said that only 2 or 3 years ago, it was in better shape. But one stone fell out of the place alone the window. It appears as tho it will fall down in the near future, now that it is started.

The place is owned by a Witchita man, he leased it for grazing to a nearby farmer. Also is leased out for oil later.

When we came over the hill to it, I was thrilled to see it stand out along the priairie on the knob. Brought back memories. About all is left is the house & part of another rock shed, no sign much of the old dug-out; slight remains of the old shed out north.

I wish Itcould have been persevered It is a reminder of a great era of which they were a part. This was the first time I had been there since I was living west of Natoma until I was 5 or 6 years old.

But I had been at Natoma, Once, when my younger brother & I went there to stay a winter & go to school while mom was taking care of Grandmother when she was sick. Grandfather was there too.

Then dad, mother, and I was there 3 or 4 days after we got through shucking corn at Moreland. Spent 2 days putting up hay near Natoma, then back home to Boulder.

Another time I went through on my last an exhibitions We stopped to give one in Natoma (Oakley, too).

But never to see the homestead until last week.

I have a couple pictures, here, of Mable’s daughter Shirley & husband that mom left, taken in 1954. My brother Ira in Calif. Did have a son & family living in Japan recently on his 2^nd Army stay there. Was there since I saw him in 1963. I don’t know if he is still there.

Oh by the way we went down to the farm to see Glenn Kaster at Natoma.

I suppose you an Mable heard about Nathan passing a way in 1968.

Going to L.A. Calif. Next July to the horseshoe tourney. Will try to see Bill True. I’ve won some tournaments in the Rockies lately.

I promised Mable that I would have a copy made of a picture of Grandma True. I’ve been awful busy, also there fine camera shop here who used do a great job sold out. Now they send work to Calif. I’m afraid to trust such a picture until I know people like that. So many places now hire students out cheap wages to do the work. Fellows who are learning, and half the time do a bad job. I’ve had to start looking around for a place to get pictures developed elsewhere. I’ve paid for some bad pictures,

Love, Ted (over)

PS I completely overworked in 1967, near exhaustion after 9 months of 20 hr a day.

In 1968 in May I got bit by a wood tick with the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and that is something I hope never to get again. Took a year to get over it. This year, I spent only 4 months of 20 hours a day during summer.

Ted Allen is well know for winning Horseshoe Tournaments in the 1960's. He was top of his class.

Mead WA 1965 - John Kirk (Wineland)

Mead Wash

Sept 11 – 65

Dear Bro & Sis,

Now don’t faint or fall over dead. I will write you a line to let you know how we are over here. I hope that you folk are all well as we are over here except Frank. He seems to be holding his own pretty good some days he feels real Bad then some days he seems to feel Better he is just skin & Bones. He has a tumor in his lower abdomen that is getting real large.

The Doctors have quit giving him anything for Cancer he gets his pain shots & pills he has suffered a awful lot.

I wonder why some people have to suffer so much.

Is your Daughter and her children still there near you if so I will bet you have a time I know how we enjoy our grand children. Well guess I will close.

With love your Bro John & Iola

Unknown Date - Archie to Mable

No postmark or date on this letter – same blue paper as he used in 1923.

Dear Mable –

I am sorry that I couldn’t get around any quicker. Say Kid get Web or Nattie to bring you over tomorrow morning (Sat). I am sending for some Hamburger by Bob. I also wrote to grandfather about the money. Say Kid lets go back over to town Sat nite and then get that straightened up and order our furniture and come back Monday. We want to try and coax Bob to go to Russell after Paint Monday. I want to get a matress and the stuff for a (petition) Monday.

Listen Kid send your Friend or Bring it. The goose, but leave your clothes and other stuff till Monday. Bring all my good clothes and yours also one of your old dresses tomorrow. Make Web or Nettie or someone bring you as I will be most awfully busy tomorrow. I told Mrs. Bowlby to bake me a cake and have it ready sometime Sat and she said all right she looked and I’ll bet she wondered what I wanted it for.

As Ever Archie

This could have been when Mable and Archie eloped. They took off and got married without anyone knowing about it. He had left her a message by the tree they would meet at, in Kansas. I don't know more than that about the elopement. Grandmother didn't talk much about it, other than she met him up on a hill and they planned the escape.

Archie to Mable 1923

Sun Eve 5.30

Dearest Mable –

I received your two letters and was most awfully glad to get them, and glad to know that you got there all right. I sure hope you enjoy yourself. I stayed over today and have been busy all day. Snow and I went up to Walker just after dinner. Gene’s folks came over for dinner but Babe wasn’t along. R.C. B. was over the other day to see me. He wanted my little Bay horse to ride in the Pony Express race next Sat and also that he wanted me to go along. We get from Russell to Ellis. Will explain it to you when I get to see you.

I sure was busy this week. About every night I dreamed of Warrena. Last nite I thought I was working in some town and the kid came along and said she was lost and of course I had to look after her. We won’t have so awfull much more threshing. We are about 5 miles North of Walker now. Kid you will just have to look over my poor writing for the simple reason that I have a pencil that is only one inch long and I am laying in bed with my paper on a little block of wood about 4 by 10 inches so look out for some epiatule. (? Was underlined) Jim and all the rest went home last nite and it seems lonesome around here when I am not working. Now it doesn’t seem that way than as I consider writing work. Well Kid I am now down to the shack and it 6.30 and I am giving to Walker with Phil after supper. I have been a pretty good Boy lately and I will try to be you know I have a pretty bad failing but. But, I am out say no more. Jim and I are going to have a fishing party when we get done and we will pick our crowd and we will enjoy ourselves to the utmost capacity. Tell you when I see you Kid.

Well Kid be good and try and enjoy yourself for once

Well supper’s ready so By By

As ever

Archie E.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

France Jan 4, 1945

France

Jan 4, 1945

Dear Sis and Bro,

Will try to write a few lines tonight. I hope you are all well. As for me. Well I’m fine. But theres a small amount of snow on the ground, and it’s a little chilly.

I received your package today. and was sure glad to get it. and that candy sure did taste good. So I’ll say thanks a lot and as I’ve a lot of letters to write and not much time I’ll sign off. Write again. And hope to see you soon

Your Bro, Grant

Orville Matheson to Minnie Reeder July 9, 1943

Camp Haan California

July 9, 1943

Dear Mom,

How are you, I am fine. Received your box of candy. Boy it was sure good and was glad to get it. Did you get my pictures I sent, mom, send Margie a picture. As I think she deserves one. Well mom I’m sorry I didn’t write sooner. But in the Army we don’t’ have very much time, Well mother you know I can’t write much as I can’t think of much to say mom. Well mother it isn’t the quanity it’s the quality. You’ll know I’m well & happy Although I haven’t heard from Grace for a while, Well mom I’ll close for now & write later. Don’t give me heck. I wrote a note anyway.

Your loving son. Orville

Letter From Orville Matheson to Minnie Reeder June 28, 1943

I thought I would try to copy the letter on the scanner. As we can see, it really didn't work out right. So, I'm back to typing them out in order to put them in the blog.

Camp Haan California

June 28, 1943

Btny A

120^th AAA Gun Bn Mobile

Dear mom,

Well we arrived in camp Irvin tonight about 5 p.m. We are now in Death Valley. Boy is this a desert and how! Well there isn’t really much to say but you’ll address my letters to me at Btny A – 120 AAA Gun Bn Mobile Camp Haan Calif. Well mom sorry but it is getting dark enough so it is hard to see how I write. So will close. I could have wrote this on a card but mom you’ll know I’m well and fine but hate what I’ve saw of Calif., so far. Tell Jr. I have a sleeping bag he can have when I get done with it. Will close for now.

To Jr.

Take good care of the olds. And get it fixed. See you before too damned long. I hope. Orville.