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.

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

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






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