"It is my birthday Jan. 5th"

Cousin Stan emailed me last week with a question about when Ruth was born. As I transcribed this letter this evening I was shocked (or really should I be?) that I had an answer. Still missing a year, but I found the month and day. I truly just pulled this letter out of a stack without reading it.

Ask and ye shall receive...

Oakland, Nebr.

Jan. 1945.

Marie -

I received the Christmas card and the box of cookies that you sent and thank you very much. Also the $2.00 enclosed and I can assure you that it will help me here during this cold weather. I am still here and I didn't know my-self that I would be here this long.

I sent Elin's card with the last letter and hope you received it all right. Elin has moved again you know. I received a nice box of candy from her and $1.00 with a Christmas card. I was glad to hear from her and I hope she wrote a letter to you and answered your letters. Please answer the above question.

So far I haven't heard from my cousins. I would appreciate it if you would send them my address. You could send them a Happy New Year card at the same time if you don't mind. Thank you in advance.

I suppose there was a lot of noise in Chicago when the New Year came in. Were you up as the old year went out? I was in bed when the church bell rang at mid-night and the New Year came in.

I had dinner at the lady's house where I stay part of the time on Christmas. Also at New Year's Eve and yesterday being New Year's day. It was the first Christmas for me with-out my parents.

Did you receive any Christmas card from Garfield? Did you send him any greeting at Christmas time?

Please let me know if Lottie has written you that she received that plaid jacket for Martin. And if you wish you may remind her to write and let me know. I do get tired of waiting to hear if some-thing has been received that I sent. I think it is impolite not to let one know and to keep one in doubt about whether or not the person to whom an article was sent received it or not.

I am glad you received the rug because I think you should have rugs or carpets on your floors as much as possible where you walk. Don't you?

Does the young lady come to see you someimtes who stayed with you last summer? I think her first name was Katherine. I suppose that you heard from her lately?

When you write to Elin please ask her to write Martin instead of Marty. You know how your father could not stand nick names.

Please Marie excuse this pencil. There isn't much ink here and I don't want to buy any. Also please write soon. Do you mind reading over my letter to answer any questions I have asked?

It is my birthday Jan. 5th 1945. You may send your next letter to me here at Oakland. With best New Year's wishes.

Good-by,

I am, As ever,

Your Mother

And Elin's postcard attached:

Dec. 5th, '44

Dear Mother,

I received your telegram about the Dresser. Yes I received it O.K. & have it home so don't worry about it. We have moved to Colville Wash. The plant where Ray was working shut down. He has another job now at a mine. This town is about the size of Fremont.

The kiddies started the new school yesterday. I'll write you a letter in a few days. I've been busy getting things straightened around again.

Hope this finds you O.K. Please don't worry about the dresser because it all arrived O.K.

Love Elin & Family