Death of Cousin Charles

Lincoln, Nebr.
Jan. 17, 1958

Dear Marie -

I wish to thank you for the book you sent about Arizona Highways. Also for the box of candy and green page and a few lines written by you.

You know Marie how I wondered why my cousin Anna didn't write. Did you hear from her at Christmas time? Well in case you didn't I will quote in part from her letter. Anna sent me a lovely Christmas card and within she wrote - To dear Ruth, and this in print on the card -

A Merry Christmas

and

Smooth Sailing

In The New Year

(signed

          Anna

Quote
"I have just not been able to get my-self to write to anybody. After the loss of our dear brother Charles. His passing was such a shock to us for never did he complain of any sickness. He was out "sturdy oak". Then all of the sudden, when he was helping in taking care of another sick member of our family, he got what seemed to be indigestion. After having it for several days, a Doctor was called and he was taken to the hospital and put under oxygen for several weeks. I think the illness lasted only five or six weeks, altogether. We sure miss our dear brother very much and have many periods of deep grieving." Un-quote.

Please write to Anna and let her know I have written to you and send your sympathy. You must have met Charles when you visited Anna.

I am intending to send you a few things and how I wish you would let me know when you have received any-thing which I have sent to you.

I am enclosing some elastic, you may use it to tie on a pencil by your telephone and tie the other end to a nail or hook. Then you have a pencil handy when necessary. You can use what you think is the right length and cut it off. I fixed a pencil that way for the lady I work for.

I had a Christmas greeting card from Mrs. Durand in Omaha. She wrote in part "We are sorry that you are unhappy in your work. Time is much more pleasant if we like what we are doing." Also "I'm sorry that Martin isn't more help to you."

Marie - "A family should stand by each other."

When we were living in Omaha I remember you asked Martin "If I should need help at some time you would help me wouldn't you? And Martin answered that "he would." Now if Martin understood what my situation was I am sure he would do as I ask him. To help me leave this place. I don't think your father heard from him at Christmas time.

Marie I was going to suggest something while I think of it. You know your father's parents pictures that were taken out of the frame? Well they should be put in a frame. I was wondering if you would care to buy one that has 2 separate frames for the pictures and send it to your father. It could be a late birthday present or else you could plan to give him the gift as a father's day present.

Please write soon. And what about the apron? Have you sent you sisters any apron.

New (and unknown) Relatives!

I've never heard of Cousin Elmer or Cousin Charles in Chicago. Hmm...

While Great-Grandmother Ruth is quite direct (if you haven't figured this out by now, well...re-read the letters), I find her approach quite amusing. She knows what she wants. She says what she thinks. She has opinions (while some a bit odd) and makes sure we all know them.

Good for her! And...oh, Lordy...

AB

Lincoln, Nebr., Oct 2, 1960

Dear Marie –

I hope that you write to Mr. Attorney and Mrs. Hardin for me. You know I have been waiting for you to do that for me.

I intend to send you the material I spoke about soon. I thought perhaps it would make a nice skirt for Ruthie. Bur make pleats you know a few, but not gathers.

I hope Ruthie is feeling better. Why don’t you have her get rested up by staying at home? Perhaps such an arrangement could be worked out where she could do her school work at home. Why don’t you get busy and see about it? Don’t wait now.

Encourage Ruthie to see your side of the picture. And why not go to the library and get book or books and read up on the subject of what the cause may be?

I was reading an article about out bad eating habits inherited. The last lines were – “As long as we live, we must work to develop out best selves, both mentally and physically.”

Marie, I would like to call you by telephone next Sunday afternoon. Please tell me then that you have written to the persons I mentioned at the beginning of my letter. I hope then that Mr. Attorney will take action. When he writes to you does he encourage you to help me? I hope so.

Did you ask your dressmaker about flounce pattern? Please tell me Sunday when I call by telephone. And can you remember what my cousin’s name in Chicago was besides Elmer and Charles? Would you mind thinking about it at times until Sunday?

I will now come to a close and remember Sunday afternoon I intend to call you by telephone.

With love,
I remain,
As ever,
Mother

(In haste)