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

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 30^th. The month of May was really hectic trying to get settle and preparing for Cindy’s wedding on the 28^th. 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 30^th high school class reunion. We were overseas for both the 10^th and 20^th, 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.

Hugo Colo Mar 5, 1947

Hugo Colo Mar 5 1947

Dear Mrs. Reader

Our old Friend I will try and write you a few lines. I sure was glad to hear from you. Yes Orvile came to see us a few minutes when they went through last fall. We sure was glad to see him thow I did not recinese him as he was quit small boy when we seen him last. An he seen s happy that day. I sure was sorry to hear that he has past away so soon. Peter and I have never left Hugo so we have been hear in town all the time. Mildred and family are in San Antonio Texas have been there just about seven years. Her husband work as a civle inploy at the Kelly Air field and has a good job so I guess they will be there for some time.

Thursday morning

And I think I will try and finish this letter while Peter is up town and the raido is quit for a little while as he is comeing home to listen to a speech of se kind. Peter has not been so very well this winter but able to be around I really think he does real well for 74 year as he has been working at the basement when te weather permits which has not been very often this cold weather it is snowing just a little again this morning.

We have had a lot of storm and bad weather and cold this winter. I suppose you folk know Mrs. Clarence passed away about a year an a half ago. I never see any of them  There are not a grate maney of the old folk around Bovina as the most of them have passed on  Well I guess I must close as there don’t seem to be much to write any way.

Your old Friends

Mr  & Mrs P. H. Weyenberg

I hope this find you all well.

September 27, 1870 - Phebe

September 27, 1870

Dear Rosa, 

I am perplexed beyond expression at not hearing from you and am going to make one more effort before giving up in utter despair. The last word I have had from you is a note that came about three weeks ago, and in which you wondered why I did not write and said that two or three weeks previous you had written me a long letter – two sheets full.

I answered your note immediately and told you I had not received your letter and now for more than a week have confidently expected a letter from you each mail day only to be more sadly disappointed at the dreaded words “no letter from Rosa.”  Doubtless you were surprised and perhaps disappointed at finding the writer of this letter is not he whorn (?) you would have guessed from the address on the envelope, but I thought I would resort to a little strategy this time and coaxed Boston to write the address for me and if in consequence you were greatly disappointed on opening the letter. I trust owing to the peculiar circumstances you will excuse me “for this once,” you know.

I believe I told you in the last that my sister had come home, quiet unexpectedly to us, on a visit. She spent a week with us and during her visit we received a still greater surprise, in the person of a cousin who came totally unexpected from Pennsylvania. He is with us yet but I do not know how long he will remain as he is now waiting to hear from a friend with whom he came, and who has gone to Washington Co. He may go home soon and he may stay a year in the west.

My school closed last Saturday so I am once more at home for a little while at last and possibly all winter. I think I should enjoy the prospect of spending the winter at home rather more if we could have a few more real good young people here, and if I could, I think I would have. Rosa back first of all just for my own personal gratification and – to let you see how very selfish I am – I would also take it upon me to decree – well I hardly know how the decree would go forth – but in short, I would pict (?) a note on any attempt of certain gentleman to monopolize her society for more than one day in a month, but I am more than half afraid that this same Rosa has been ensnared but the ever youthful Cupid in consequence  of which her Iowa friends will soon be either forgotten or ignored, and their long cherished hope of receiving a visit from her “dashed to the ground.”

I expect to go to spend a few days with my sister the latter part of next week and I most earnestly hope that you will contribute to the enjoyment of my visit by giving me the satisfaction of reading a good long letter from you before I go.  Boston and I have been disputing as to whether you spell your last name Morehead or Moorhead. Please inform us which is right.

I have been looking over this letter, and shant he greatly surprised if you consider it too foolish to be worth answering. Ebenezer had a letter from Louise last Sat in which she said that her father was so low that they were afraid every hour would be his last.

With warmest love, I remain,

Hopefully Your Friend,

Phebe

Josephine Hogan - 1960

Salina, KS

Aug 1960

Dear Friend Mabel –

Time again for another birthday anniversary for you. Suppose it seems to you that a whole year can hardly have passed by, but suppose that’s the way of it as we get older. Another Summer is about gone but for the most part our weather was not so bad – not so hot as it might have been. Seems w would have some real hot days – then the weather would cool off.

I’m sending you a little gift hope it reaches you in time, but guess if it’s a bit late you’ll understand. I am especially fond of this fragrance and I hope you will like it as well as I do and enjoy using it.

By now perhaps you have had your vacation of Shirley’s were not so far away you no daught would have visited them.

Aunt Dora came to see us the latter part of June. It had been six years in April since I last saw her. Me being some what of the weepy type I was so glad to see her cold have almost cried. Mrs. France Finnesy was coming down here to see a Dr. and she ask her if she would like to ride along – so she came to see us. We had such a nice little visit and I enjoyed it so much but honestly I enjoyed seeing her more. I was surprised to see how little she has aged the past six year. She (I believe is as well as she could hope to be)she sees quite will and her memory is good. As we sat visiting she recalled hopping she remembered as a little girl – when she came to Kansas from Missouri with her parents. This coming Nov 7 she will be 86 and that’s a lot of years to have lived. She still enjoys to have some chickens and she also planted some garden. She stll lives out on the far – I suppose she has lived there for so long – no place else would seem like home to her. I just hope for her that she can continue to do the thngs she enjoys doing – until God calls her home.

Mary had Nettie give her a shampoo and wave set this last week. Guess Nettie is expecting her son & family in the very near future. She told Mary that Geo. seems to be getting along very well.

Don’t know if I told you or not but Mary is taking her social security so she has not worked much this Summer – suppose she will work some later on.

Had a letter from Vela & H. L. quite some time ago.. Velma wrote (Ron) Judy’s husband got his degree in engineering – so they aren’t in Portland any more and I know Howard & Velma miss seeing them as they did quite frequently. I am sure Ron & Judy miss seeing H. l. Velma perhaps as much as they miss them.  At the present – 4 – time Ron & Judy are at Calgary Alberta Canada.

Hope you folks hear frequently from Shirley & family and that all goes well for them.

Suppose Archie has a garden planted again this season. I suppose much the same things are raised out there as here only – more and of a better quality. Enclosed Archie – is a picture of a cucumber – do you have any like it?

I feel sure this cucumber was grown under special conditions – as our Kasas vegetables etc don’t grow and do like this as you both well know.

Guess there I some real nice fruit this year being grown in this vicinity. I suppose for the most part that is due to the moisture from so much snow this last Winter.

As usual seems I have covered space but not much news – as that generally seems to be the way when I write. I do hope you have both been well so take good care of yourselves and let us hear from you.

Mary sends her good wishes and a “hello” to you both. And in her rushes she wll be hoping you will have a niche birthday and will enjoy many more.

Tomorrow is Marys birthday – and she is sixty three year - ? young.

Better close far more. My thoughts will join you Mabel acorss the miles and I’ll hope your special day will be an especially good day for you – so again Happy Birthday & Many more. Thnking of you.

Lovingly Your Friend, Jo

Mabel – I hope your Mother continues to be as well as she could hope to be and that you see each other as frequently as you can.

Last Sunday evening about 10 pm we had a bad storm here – done quite a lot of damage –but we didn’t have any to our house but many folks did.

Ruined Geo & Nettie’s fruit – pears & apples – but Nettie told Mary that salvaged enough apples to have some pies. 

John A. Morton, Secy (The Morton-Parsons Mercantile Co.) 1901

The MORTON PARSONS MERCANTILE CO INCORPORATED

(I will take a photo of the letter – as the heading is really eye catching)

Osborne, Kans.    May 2    1901

Mr. & Mrs. S.E. White,

My Dear Friends,

Your brief note of yesterday just received. I was surprised and shocked to learn of your daughter’s death not having heard of her illness. On examing the Farmer I find urention made of her illness presumably lock jaw. It is so sudden and so unepected that it scarely seems as if it can be true. The thought comes to me again in as this time, as it has so many times in the past. How will I feel when death again enters my family. As it surely will sooner or later, and how will I feel when I fully realize that my own days are numbered. Of course as you know I have stood by the open grave of war ones a number of times in the past but it seems as though it makes me sadder and sadder as I get older. I have a strong hope that there is a brighter life for you and that you and I and our dear ones will share it.

“Alas for him who never sees

The light shines through the

Cypress tries.”

I wish to assure you of my heartfelt sympathy at this time but I know how poor a consolation words are when death has claimed a dear one. – I will write aga soon. Your friend sincerely, John Morton

Warrena Bowlby 1/14/79

Warrena Bowlby,

Rooks Co. Home,

Plainville,

Kansas 67663

Dear Mable and Family:                                                         1/13/79

Thanks for the pretty handkerchief. Didn’t your mother used to make all that tatting for various things? Grandma Shuey used to tat a lot, mother never made very much of it. Also thanks for the card. The girls who work here had a little party for me, cake and coffee.

We are in the clutches of an old Kansas blizzard, zero, with high winds, Bus loads of basketball teams stranded all over the state, regardless they must play ball.

Storms like this always reminds me of the time we got stranded at Parkers, I won’t say anything about the storm that was in the book, but I will say that was the first winter Archie worked for us. He held the fort at home there was no way to communicate, the phone lines were all down. Another storm hit the middle of Mar. not nearly as severe as the other, but the cows were beginning to calve, so there were quite a lost. I guess Archie thought he had just about had it. That was in 1919.

Ralph was 89 in Nov., Angie is still with him, takes good care of him, he has failed a lot of last 2 or 3 years, but does well for his age.

I feel about as usual, some days not so good, other days a let up on the worst of the hurt. My liver still gives me a lot of trouble.

I don’t really have too much news, we are getting so many here from in and around Natoma, Mrs. Tichenor, Renee Snapp Ekey, their minds are about gone, come up with some weird stories, there are 12 others here from Natoma. A Mr. Anold came in yesterday, I suppose he is the one who used to have a shoe shop there.

Xmas wasn’t much, didn’t even have a good dinner which was unusual.

Of course before Xmas people brought in junk to eat or look at, I ate the last of the candy yesterday.

Guess that’s it, thanks again for the card and hankie, Love to all,  Warrena (signed)

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).

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.

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

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

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. 

May 15, 1901 Santa Clara Calif

Santa Clara Calif. May 15, 1901
Mr. & Mrs. S. E. White
                               Round Mound
                                     Kansas

My Dear Friends. We were very sorry to read in the news last eveing of the death of your daughter Lizzie. It came as a great surprise and shock to us. We had missed the issue of our paper the previous week and had not heard of her sickness. We fully understand that it has been the hardest trial that you have ever had to endure and that any expression of sympathy that we can give can do little to mitigate your sorro. But as friends of your family Mrs. Aikin and myself extend to you our sincere sympathy. We have often thought and spoken of you and your children since we have been in the wst and have felt glad to think that you were prospering But it seems to be the lot of mortals some time in life to have trouble and bereavement which can not be avoided or foreseen and which must be bourn with pactience and fortitude. We are at present living in the town of Santa Clara which is three miles from San Jose. We attended a flower carnival at San Jose yesterday which was to have been a great occasion as you have no doubt read in the papers as it was one of the towns the Presidential party was to have visited. But on acct. of Mrs. McKinley taking suddenly ill they hurried on to San Francisco as you have seen by the papers. Business is very dull here this Spring and we have made up our minds to come home not later than September and possibly sooner. This leaves us all enjoying good health. Trusting this will find you the same I remain yours Sincerely  R. L. Aikin
                                                                       Santa Clara Calif.

Post Marked (1982?) heard to read - Bernice McNeal

From
Mrs. Phil McNeal
Natoma, Kans. 67651

To:
Mrs. Mabel Wineland
Centralia, WA

Mon. eve.

Hi Mabel how are you? I saw your not in the Natoma paper where you had a different address. I have intended to write you for quite some time we had some very very cold weather in Jan & I had my water pipes were froze up & I was with out water & had to haul all the water I used quite a job for an old gal to go in such awful cold weather & haul the necessary water. I had done a big wash on Fri. before so Tues glad I had got that done so many people were froze up & it was hard to get help so the boys came & wanted me to move into a low rental cabin in town & I was ready to move in & get away from hauling drinking & cooking water so I took the necessary things to get along with & so I moved in a cabin I had liked it real well here & they have talked me into staying here all time & I guess I will rent or sell my home & stay here & liked when will you come back to Kans. for a visit I have been looking for a letter from you be sure & let me known I want to be here when u come. Has been raining off & on today & this eve it started in real good we were needing a good one I have been up to the house getting a few things I need I didn't bring everything. I am writing with my paper  on my knew I don't know if u can read it. Am watching T.V. too. What kind of a winter did u have? We had it pretty fair & it got real cold just before I moved. so I like it here & the manager of these take care of everything you pay a sum & takes care of all utilities except telephone. he does the mowing & keeping up all. Be sure & let me know when you come I sure want to be here when you come.
Gladys is still in the Rest Home since last July or first of Aug. Hope the rain gets it out of its system & be looking for you. so try & let me know as always. Bernice McNeal (gives address)

Note: If this was written in 1982, which I believe it was, then Mabel never made it back to Kansas. She passed on in 1984.

Unknown date

Seasons Grettings
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Dear Mabel & Archie: Just thought you'd like to see our new church. so am using this to send greetings. We spent Tue with Jo and Mary I baked an angel food cake for her & took a chicken. We took Jo downtown for dinner and had supper ready when Bill brought Mary home from work. They are about as usual. Jo did say that oh had hoped for a little from you folks and Howards But neither had come. So I said maybe they would the next day. Do hope you can have your family with you or be with them for the holidays. Velma wrote what a nice little boy Shirley has.
Patricia has 3 and Rita 2 so we have quite a family now when we are all together. Patricicas babe will be 2 yrs old Dec 26. she is Anita Ruth but we call her Nita. Rita has mat who was 3 Aug 30 and Lori who was 1 Sept 4 Patricia s boys will be february 5 and January 4 on Mch 15. The 3 little boys have quite a bit of rivalry with them gradad But oh how we enjoy all of them. Hope you folks are well as usual But these years are slipping up on all of us. Sometimes I feel like 40 again, and again mor like 80 Ha!
Please extend our greetings to Shirley and family too.
Bill & Jo keep busy. He didn't sell his hiefer calves. So they have 60 other of them. That or getting grain twice a day. He said the past few years the folks that had fed this calves were making more than the fellow that raised them. So he's trying it. Will put out the ones he wants to keep in the spring and may sell the balance of them.
Just read on one paper that Don & Leona had bought 40 head of registered Angus cows and a couple of bulls. He's been handling back cattle for several years. i still kike the Herefords for mine and I know Bill does Bill said he never had better calves than this year. Best ever to you and yours. Bill & Rita