October 1942 Wartime. Babies. Draft Notices.

Oct 17    To Daniel & Mary                     from Mother [Jane Davidson]

Oct 22    To Mother  [Jane Davidson      from Laura

Oct 26    To Mother Dan & Mary            from Helen  [note about Mont Toronto]   

Oct 27    To Mother, Mary & Dan           from Laura, Harold, Alvin, & Betty

Oct 30    To Laura & F                            from Jennette

Oct 31    To Laura                                  from Mother

Oct 31    To Alvin                                  from Grandma Davidson

                                                                                                         643 Cedar Street

                                                                                                         San Antonio Texas

                                                                                                         Oct 17^th 42

Dear Daniel & Mary

Thanks for your letters that we received today.  I was surely glad to hear from you.  Thanks for the money.  You won’t need to send any more.  I will leave here Wed evening if all is well.  Laura & I are feeling lots stronger but it surely pulled us down.  My back just aches just writing a few letters.  I wrote to Jennette & Jesse just short letters, and I am worn out.  I am glad Mary had a nice time in Salt Lake and will be so happy to see Mary Jane.  I had a letter from Jennette & Jesse this week.  They are well.  Did you hear any of Conference.  We got a Tribune from Francis Felt Mont’s cousin that is here and it had quite a bit of conference in it. Roland & family were all well when he wrote.  Willard’s family were all down with bad colds.  Did you know that Roland Fawson joined the navy and it seems as if all the young boys are going away.  My heart just aches for them, and we can only Pray for Peace.  It is too bad that Sister West lost her baby.  It is quite an ordeal to go through.  Hope she will pull herself together and get well soon.  I hope you can all have a days rest after I come.  I mean just forget about work and just sit down & talk. Maybe Daniel can get a day off.  It is too bad when every one has to work so hard Sundays & all.  I wonder when it will all be over the war I mean.  Now dear Children I will see you next week I hope and we can talk about everything with love & a big hug for Mary Jane and you both Lovingly Mother.

                                                                                                      643 Cedar Street

                                                                                                      San Antonio, Texas

                                                                                                      October 22, 1942

Dear Mother,

You've been gone just one day, and we've missed you so much.  During the night last night it was Bra Ma Alvin called for, and at 6:00 A.M. Bra Ma–Cot–and at breakfast. Bra Ma - Chair, and pointed to your chair.  At noon I didn't know what got into him.  I had dinner ready, & told him to get in his high chair, and he went running thru the house calling you, and when he didn't find you he just sobbed, and didn't have anything to eat but his milk.  The house has seemed so strange today, but we have managed fairly well.  Alvin’s arm is much better tonight, but we put another dressing on it with ungentine. 

I hope in traveling your strength didn't give out as quickly as mine did today.  I just can’t do everything I’d like to.  Mrs. Brown came over this morning, & said they hurried home last night from the meeting thinking they would be in time to take you to the depot, but it was 9:20 before they got home.  They didn't say anything to us before because they weren't sure they could get home in time.

The baby is making out fine.  Still eating her dress, & sticking her tongue out.  I started giving her 2 or 3 ounces after each feeding today, & she seems to be better satisfied.  It was quite cool this morning, & Mrs. Brown told me I had too many clothes on the baby.  She told me to take her shirt off in the morning & put it on at night.  And she said she never put a dress & petticoat on at the same time.  Tonight we have been sweltering tho, & yet this morning was about the coolest we've had.

Harold is going to take his exam for the F.B.I tomorrow morning, & has been at the library studying this afternoon.

Well, I hope by the time you get this letter you are able to relax & stretch out on a good bed, and rest after the long trip.  Here it is Thurs. night and you are most likely still in Texas.  Have a good visit with Dan & Mary.  And don’t worry about hurrying home.  When I was so tired this afternoon I was angry at myself for not making you stay another week.

Give our love to Dan & Mary. Laura [over]

We just got Dan’s telegram, but figure he will get my letter tomorrow morning.  I imagine he is worried when we didn't let him know any more definitely than we did.  We’ll know better next time eh?

[From Helen Davidson Toronto]

Salt Lake City, Utah

October 26, 1942

Dear Mother, Dan & Mary,

We were glad to receive the card from Mary saying that you had arrived there safe and sound.  By now I hope you are feeling rested and enjoying  yourself. How is the weather down there. I hope that it will be nice while you are there.

 You have probably been wondering why we haven’t written to you sooner, but last week I just couldn’t get to writing.  I had Mont home a couple of days and he is home again today, besides that I had to be a baby tender for Joe & Ila who were in from Richfield for a few days and also for Martha & Wally.  Mont has kinked his back doing that hard work and so he had to take a couple of days off.  Today he went to work feeling ok but before he had a chance to start this morning his back went haywire and they had to bring him home so I guess he will be home for a week or so.  I just brot  him into the doctor for a treatment to see if it would help.  The doctor said he has to treat it just the way he would a sprained ankle or wrist.

Jennette and the baby came in Saturday evening about 6 or 7 o’clock with Daley Moon.  They didn’t know beforehand that they were coming.  They are both fine, today I took them up to the doctor and he says they are both ok.  I think they will be going back sometime during the week, possibly with the same fellow who brot them down.  Jennette said that they expected to come down again around Thanksgiving and if Burnell could get a job then they would stay for the winter  - she seemed to like the idea of staying with us at Wilshire very much and the more she thinks about it the better it becomes.

Don’t worry about the house, Mother, we will stay here just as long as you are away, in fact we have planned all along to stay here until Pearl came to be with you which will probably be about the time that Jennette & Burnell will come down in November. The people in our house know the situation and are in no rush to get out of our house, in fact we may find ourselves stuck at your place if they can’t find another house to move into which seems to be the case at the present time.  Houses are plenty scarce in Salt Lake now and are getting scarcer all the time.  We aren’t doing anything drastic to the house and we are being very careful with all your things and are only giving away things that we are certain you would give away yourself.  We took that box full of shoes up to the welfare and also some old felt hats that were in the basement.  Sister MacIntosh got herself about five pair of shoes from the lot before we sent them up, she went through the whole bunch and picked out some of Laura’s and Harold’s old ones and took them home to wear during the bad weather and around the house  - she was plenty happy about them and she’ll get some good wear out of them too.

This morning the neighborhood was buzzing with excitement because so many of the fellows are leaving for the army this week and next.  Molly Jackstein’s husband leaves in a few days also Walt Bandt, and Waldo Barrows – they have all been drafted. Molly’s husband tried to enlist in the Air Corps but he was underweight.  They sent him home to fatten up, but his induction papers arrived before he could do anything about it.  They have gone to California for a short vacation and have left the baby with her Mother.                 

Mont received a notice today placing him in 3 –B for no specified time because he is working in defense, but if he has to quit his job because of his back I  know where he will stand. I think he should quit that particular job because it is very hard on him and when he keeps at it for ten hours a day when he hasn’t been used to any kind of hard labor its apt to do some harm.  I think he could get a job at the same place that would be better for him because I don’t want him to have a sore back like his Dad all the rest of his life.

Joe and Ila were asking about Dan and Mary and wanted to know how they are and what they are doing.  They have three fine children and they are both looking fine.  I think everything is agreeing with them in every way.

Mont is all through with his treatment and I’ll have to take him right home and put him to bed so will sign off for now and mail this before we leave town.

Take care of yourselves and we will be happy to hear from you soon giving all the news.  I will write to Laura tonight or tomorrow.      Love to all of you,   Helen.

[Laura’s note:  I called Helen to find out what kind of a defense job Uncle Mont had, and she said he was roofing—The City and County Building among other buildings.  He was drafted while he was on that job.  Uncle Mont was drafted into the Army, but when he went to the induction station some of his friends were being drafted into the Navy, so he said he would like to be in the Navy with his friends.]

                                                                                              643 Cedar Street

                                                                                              San Antonio, Texas

                                                                                              October 27, 1942

Dear Mother, Mary & Dan,

We recieved Mary’s card this morning and were glad to hear you got there as soon as you did.  We’re sorry Dan & Mary didn't get our letter, because we mailed it at the P.O. and it should have gone out.  That’s why we didn't answer their telegram.

So Mary’s birthday is Oct. 23^rd.  I never id know when it was.

I hope Mother that the trip was not too much for you, and that you are rested by now.  Is you cough better?

Alvin has been himself again the last 2 days, so we are thankful for that.  His arm is completely well again. I've never seen anything work better than that ungentine did.

Sunday we went to church, and Sister Turley asked me if I would teach one of the classes this winter.  I almost expected them to ask me to teach one of them if they knew I could arrange to be there each time and thought it might be the work & business lesson.  They want me to take the Theology and Testimony lesson.  It would be something new to me to buckle down and study a gospel lesson.  I remember how you studied & worked to get your lessons, and I almost think Sister Turley asked me to give those lessons on the strength of your testimony, because when she asked me she spoke of you and said what a wonderful knowledge of the gospel you had.  You have surely left a reputation here in Texas for me to live up to.  I know I will have to put my faith in the Lord and seek his guidance in giving the lessons, for I have decided to take it over.  I only hope I will be able to do them justice.

We had a letter from Mae Reed Sat. she said “Sis DeYoung has had a little flue the last 3 days & Bro DeYoung has a cold & isn't feeling so perky as he has been.”  She also said they had a 2 week cold spell, but are having Indian summer now, & she says it is beautiful.  She said Molly Jackstiens husband is going in the army Nov. 2 & Walt Bandt Nov. 6.  Bob Worswick was home for a few days.  He has been stationed in Georgia with the parachute troopers & Wallace came up from Cal while Bob was home.  John Whitman has been in the LDS hosp.  He is kept under an oxygen tent all the time.  She says, evidently dropsy set in along with his heart trouble & he is in a very bad condition.  I guess thats all the news from Mae.  We were surely sorry to hear about Johny Whitman.

The baby is doing fine, but staying awake more during the day.  Last night I put her to bed at 6, P.M. & she slept thru till morning.  It would be good to get her in the habit of that when I want to leave her to go to Relief Society.

Must stop & get lunch now, but write soon all of you.

With Love

Laura, Harold, Alvin & Betty

P.S. Harold still sits 3 places for dinner.

Oct. 30, 1942

Salt Lake City,

Dearest Laura & family,

Yes, here I am in Salt Lake. My first trip since Pearl was married.  I came down last Sat a week tomorrow.  I didn’t know I was coming till 30 minutes before we left so it was a rush & I have been on the go ever since.

The dress you & Mother sent to me came last Sat. morning just an hour or two before I left.  It is surely nice & fits fine.  I had to take up the hem a little.  Thanks a lot.  I needed just such a dress to clean up in & go to Relief Society & such.

I know you are feeling quite alone since Mother left but I am glad she could go & stay with you as long as she did.  I hope she was feeling well enough to travel, and that she will have a nice visit with Daniel. It sounds by her letter she sent you, the one you sent on to us, that it is a long tiresome trip from your place to Daniels.

How are your feeling? Did you get your strength back & are you feeling well & happy? I surely hope so.  Tell Harold hello & give the babies a big hug & kiss for me.  I have been to see the Dr. & dentist.  The Dr. said I am o.k. & everyone is telling me how well I look so I guess the hard work I did didn’t hurt me.  The Dr. told me not to lift anything heavy not even Merrill & I have been doing that so I will have to cut it out.

I had 3 teeth filled.  I needed one pulled but the Dr. wants me to wait till after, so I had a temp. filling put in it.   I just got home about 1 hour ago from attending John Whitman’s funeral.  He died Tuesday night.  He has been in the hospital quite bad for three weeks now. Dropsy set in the last three weeks, so they didn’t give him much hopes. He was semi-conscious most of the time  the past two weeks. His wife hasn’t been dead a year yet.

The funeral was indeed filled with a fine spirit.  Bro. Fox & Bishop DeYoung spoke.  His baby is the only Whitman left to carry on the Whitman name.  It was hard on Sister Whitman She has buried 7 now.

Melba Larsen is in the hospital.  She has intestinal flue & it left her run down & seemed to settle in her legs.  She can’t stand on them & they go numb.  They don’t seem to know what to do or the cause.

Molly Jackstein’s husband had to go to the army next week, they feel quite bad about it.  Walt Bandt has to go soon.

I visited Sis. Carlson one day for a few minutes.  She is quite pale since I saw her last but she said she feels fine.  She surely has her hands full taking care of Ruth’s children. I hope it isn’t going to be too much for her.

I went over to see Lillieth the other day.  She has a baby boy just 4 weeks old but a fine baby.

Clair is quite blue & wants to go back to the mission field.  She says she keeps busy. Helen is going to take us out to see Pearl this afternoon.  I haven’t seen her yet.  They are all asleep now but should be waking soon.  Helen, Merrill & Mont.  Mont has been home all week with a sore back.  I guess that work he is doing is a little hard on him.  He is feeling better now & will soon be out & going again.

Burnell & I still don’t know what we are going to do this winter.  There is plenty of work down here now, but we should wait till bad weather comes as there is plenty to do up there.  We want to do what is best for all.

My boy just woke up so I better quit now.

Did Mother say how long she would stay with Dan & Mary? I guess I will go back home the first of next week if I can get away.  We will come back about Thanksgiving.  That is our plans so we can see Royce before he goes, if he doesn’t have to go before then.

Write when you can & don’t feel blue.  Love from us all & ever praying for your happiness & welfare.  Love Jennette [Davidson Turnbow]

669 G. Street

San Bernardino, Calif.

Oct. 31^st 42.

Dear Laura,

We just got your letter  of the 27^th this morning.  Glad you are all well and that Alvin’s arm is better and that he is feeling o.k. again.  Hope the weather is nice.  We have nice weather here since I came only one day of rain.  The sun is lovely today.  I am glad Mrs. Brown has been so nice to you.  How is Mrs. Mueggy and the Scotts.  I feel sorry for Mrs.Shelton, but tell her to keep looking on the bright side of things.  I know that is hard for her to do but it is the only way that she can be happy, and if she is faithful in  living the gospel, things will work out all right for her, and her husband may not be so happy.  I have not had a letter from Jesse yet I wonder what is the matter with him.  Have you had a letter. I went out for a walk with Mary Jane this morning while Mary did the washing.  Mary hasn’t a washing machine nor a sewing machine.  She does her washing by hand on the board.  They have a nice yard here.  It is a kind of court back from the street, another family  lives farther back and one in front on the street, it is all cement walks and lawn with flowers and trees, and the houses are not close together.  Did you find out from Mr. Futan if you had to plant the leaves after they begin to grow leaves. [Laura’s note:  I think Mother is talking about the Christmas Poinsettes - later references make it clear that it was a good will plant] Will you find out as I think one of the leaves that I brought is still alive.  Mary pinned it to her kitchen curtain.  I go with Mary to the store nearly every afternoon, it is about as far as Piggley Wiggley is from your place.  They have a nice market to go to.  This place is where the Mormon Battalion disbanded.  They have a square called the Mormon square and a monument to the Mormon Battalion.  There are not many soldiers in this place.  I guess they come and go.  I am happy to know that you are going to teach the Theology.  I know you can do it. The lesson last month was on the sacrament and this month’s lesson is on Authority.  Read your lesson in the August magazine, then read in the Articles of faith.  You will get a great deal of inspiration from reading the Articles of faith. Get some one to tell about the apostasy and one to tell about the restoration.

You can get many references of men called of God in the Old Testament.  I know you will get a great deal out of the lesson yourself and if you can get those good sisters to study and live the commandments of the Lord, their understanding will be opened up so that they can understand why those men holding the Priesthood have the authority to teach & bless.

I had a letter from Helen I will send it on, although Mary has already given you part of the news.  My cough doesn’t bother at all only in my throat once in a while, and I take my medicine as Mary does not let me forget.  How about you. You better keep taking it and get more when it is finished.  How is Mrs. Powell, does she come over, don’t let her bother you.  I was going to tell you about Mary how she gets her groceries home. She has a Taylor tot like what Mrs. Brown has and she puts the groceries in two bags, and puts one behind the baby on the seat and the other between the seat and the handle.  It does fine. They were going to take me to a show tonight but can’t get a baby tender as it is Halloween.  I hope no one scares Alvin.  We can go to a show some other time.  I hope Harold does not have to go to Washington and leave you in San Antonio. We will just hope for the best.  The streets here are just like San Antonio only the sidewalks are wider also the streets, and there are lots of lovely palm and other trees of all kinds.  Quite a nice town.  I don’t blame Mary for liking it.  Now dear children keep well and happy and do the best that you can, take care of Harold and I know he will take care of you.  Love to you all from Mother.

P.S. Remember me to Sister Poole and Bradshaw.  I met a missionary that was in the home with Jesse.  He from Salt Lake.  His name is Elder Watkins, a short fat fellow.

Halloween

Alvin’s letter.  Dear little Alvin I am far away from you but I love you just the same and want to give you a big hug and kiss.  Be a good boy and eat your soup and vegetables and pudding, and you will grow bug and come and see Grandma.  You will have a birthday soon and will be 2 years old and Grandma is going to send you a book with kitties and cows and lots of animals  Happy Birthday

Dear Alvin

from

Grandma Davidson.

Finishing up Texas before continuing with Topaz

 Obituary [probably Deseret News 13 June 1942]

Alvin E. Carlson

Alvin E. Carlson of 770 Springview Drive, died yesterday afternoon in a local hospital.

Mr. Carlson was born Sept. 16, 1883 in Pleasant Grove, Utah son of Isaac E. and Mary Anderson Carlson.

He was married Oct 2, 1907 to Hannah Jane Smith in the Salt Lake Temple.  He was a member of the Quorum of Seventy of the Springview Ward.  Mr. Carlson had been a plumbing and heating contractor for 25 years.

Surviving him are his widow: four sons. Kenneth A., Gordon S. and Robert D. Carlson of Salt Lake and Harold E. Carlson of San Antonio, Tex.: three daughters. Mrs. Ruth Owen and Mrs Genevieve Wigginton of Salt Lake and Mrs. Jean Quist of Holladay.: nine grandchildren: two brothers. Ra Carlson of Albion, Ida., and Hiram Carlson of Charleston, Utah; and one sister, Mrs. Effie Astin of Pleasant Grove.

Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Postcard postmarked Jun 15 10 AM 1942 Salt Lake City, Utah addressed to Mrs. H.E. Carlson 643 Cedar St., San Antonio, Texas

S.L.C.
Mon. 7:30 am.

Dearest,

Arrived here at 6:30 Bob is taking me home.  I’ll write you a long letter this evening after the services.

Darling be careful and I’ll be seeing you.  The services are at 3:00 p.m. today.

Harold            

Box 12 Burns Oregon

June 16th 42.

My Dear Laura,

I received both your letters with the sad news of Bro. Carlson’s death;.  Helen sent me a card Friday.  I received it yesterday.  I am glad Harold was able to go home and that you are all right there, with good neighbors and friends.  I know Harold will feel bad that he couldn’t see his Dad alive again but that is the way life is mostly.  Though at longest it will only be a few years and we will all pass on after our work on life is done, and meet our loved ones who have gone on before, so don’t mourn too much.  The Lords ways are not our ways and his wisdom and knowledge are past finding out.  It is a good thing that Bro. Carlson didn’t have to linger in pain at the hospital as so many have to do.  Mother Carlson will feel it the most.  She has always waited on him and I could see, the last time I was there before I left to come here that he wasn’t feeling good but was just as cheerie as ever and joking.  She was telling me about what Sister Van Dam said and I could see that it grieved him very much.  I hope Harold will be able to comfort his mother and that all the boys will rally around her and see to it that she won’t suffer for the necessities of  life.  It will be a trying time for her without the feeling of insecurity.  I know the Lord will Bless her and open up a way for her.  The loss of her husband she will feel all the days of her life, but the Lord will help to bind up the broken heart and she may live to do much good with her family and loved ones.  Bro. Carlson is released from all that pain and anxiety and I think he knew that he would not get better.  Harold will give you all the news when he comes back to you.  I hope that the hot spell has passed and that you are not suffering too much.  I hope Alvin is better and that his teeth will soon come through. Give him a big hug from Grandma and do take care of yourself.  I am glad that Reed is with you until Harold gets back.   We are all well here.  I am going home next week about Friday.  I will be home Sat. 27^th.  I will spend our anniversary here.  It is also Daniel’s birthday, and Father’s day.  It will be a sad Father’s day for the Carlson children, but he was a good father to them and they ought to be thankful for that, and they had him a good many years.  Now my dear Laura I won’t write more I have to write to Jesse.  He is having it hot like you.  Love and kisses to you and dear little Alvin.  Lovingly Mother.

                             
                             S.L.C.

                             June 16, 1942

Dearest Laura,

I received your letter of the 14^th this morning.  It was lovely and certainly a balm for a tender and sore heart.  Yesterday was lovely quite cloudy and a little breeze but at any rate very comfortable.  The services were the most beautiful that the heart can imagine.  I will not try to describe them it to you now as I’m sure I could not do it justice.  I will tell you all about it when I’m back with you again which I hope won’t be many days.  I’m going to town today to see the teacher’s retirement office and will try this evening to see Mr. Maughn after which I’ll know more about increasing the loan.  I’ll try to see Mark and Carry too but they are both working.  Mark night and day.  I won’t forget to visit the others either but hope I can get it all done in a couple of days as I’m too lonesome for you and Alvin to stay longer.  I would like to leave for Texas by Thursday.  I’ll talk with Helen about the basket.  I can’t think of more.  I want to have you in my arms when I tell you the rest.  Mother is a brick and I’m sure with our faith and prayers she will make it ok.                                                            All my love

Harold

  

[Letter from Daniel Davidson enclosed in envelope addressed to Jane S. Davidson c/. R. S. Davidson]

                                                                                                                                                        21         

                                                                                                                                      June 14, 1942

Dear Mom:

Sorry I’ve been so neglectful in writing.  I haven’t been able to be home very many nights.  The work is piling up, and I have to put in some overtime work.  I hope you are well.  Don’t worry about any of us.  We are well and happy.  Mary Jane is cutting more teeth.  I think her upper teeth will come in a few days.

Mary will see you in Salt Lake about July 18 to Aug. 18. I may get a day or so, but so far the boss says “No.”  We are so busy that there is no time to give anyone a vacation.  I think if I stick to my job there will be a better chance for advancement.  I don’t have my new leg yet, but I am going into L.A. sometime this week for a fitting.  I don’t know how long it will be after the fitting, but it has been 2 weeks since I was measured.

This is Father’s Day, and I want to tell you how proud I am that my Dad was such a wonderful man.  I hope that I can be known for good as he is.  I know that if he had been permitted to stay with us that his good work would have grown and his name would have been more widely known for his goodness and character as well as his work.  He was a wonderful Father.  We are all proud of him and you too since you have carried on for both and given us all a home to be proud of and a heritage that excels above any.

Mary and Mary Jane gave me a shirt & tie & tie holder for Father’s Day.  It makes me stop and kind of take inventory to see if I’m living worthy of the title “Father”.  I find that I could improve immensely if I am to become as good a Father as Dad was.  I have no right to permit myself to be less than He and yet it is such a high goal to attain.  I must have the spirit of our Heavenly Father with me even to do half so well.  I pray that I may have the courage to stand always for those principles and ideals that he stood for.  I pray too that I may always abide by the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.  We all need our Heavenly Father’s assistance in all our undertakings.

We have heard from Laura & Helen, but haven’t heard from Jesse in a long time.  We were glad to hear that Lois and baby are both well and doing fine.  I surely would like to see the bunch of them.  Don’t worry about Roland working too hard.  He won’t work too hard.  Work is good for the body and soul.  He will be far ahead of everyone else.  He must take care of his body to enable him to keep working at such a pace, but I am sure that he has the wisdom and understanding to do that.  He is a fine Father, a wonderful brother, an excellent husband and a lovely son.  I hope that I will be able to follow his example.

Well Mom, I’ll write the next time to you in Salt Lake.  I’ll do my best to get there, but the chances are slim.  Take care of yourself.  I hope it isn’t as warm in Salt Lake as it is here.  It cools off at night, but the days are quite warm and sticky. 

May the Lord bless you

Your loving Son,

Dan

Best love from Mary and Mary Jane

                                                                                                                                       June 22, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m ashamed of myself for neglecting to write all last week, & especially on your anniversary and Fathers Day, because I fully intended to, but was so concerned about Harold and everyone at home, and then I was so tired having Alvin all day every day, I usually went to bed with him.

Harold came back yesterday morning after having been on the bus 3 nights & 3 days.  He was pretty tired, & this morning has taken Alvin with him to get his shoes mended.  Other than being tired Harold feels fine about his trip home, and is so happy he could go.  He said that Mother Carlson is well, and holding up fine.  One thing he told me that made me feel good was that the night before Dad died Harley Wiggington went up & talked with him for the first time in nearly a year.

Alvin’s heat rash is cleared up completely, but I had to use a heat rash powder, but it cleared it up in 3 days.  That terrible heat only lasted 3 days but the temperature went up to 112^o

It was 105^o in the house.  Ordinarily it ranges from 85^o to 100^o from morning to evening.  The fan we bought helps a great deal, and it wouldn’t feel so hot if you didn’t perspire so much all the time.  In the evening there is always a breeze, and we have got used to bathing every day, & staying in the house between 12 & 4.  But at beast, it is hot.  And after you have been in Oregon where it is so cool I’m just wondering if the sudden change in climate would be too good for you.  But on the other hand, we would like to have you come very much, and we feel that we can have someone come in & do the work, so you would not have anything to exert yourself with, and as long as you don’t have to work in this heat, you don’t feel it.

If you still think you would like to come, we will be able to send some money by July 10, altho because of Harolds trip we will only be able to send enough for one way, plus $10. For expenses on the way.  We’re just hoping the baby doesn’t come before then.  Harold brought the baby basket with him, & that will save us a little.  Mont & Helen filled it with jam, Alvin’s toys, & Harold’s garments.  Also 2 pr of garments for me, & a few odds & ends I had left.  The one pr. Of cotton garments she sent size 40 must have been yours I guess, but they are going to be fine.

Sister Carlson sent a batiste night gown for my birthday so that gives me 3 I can wear and that will be plenty.  Everything seems to be coming along pretty good, altho we have to be careful.  We feel if we try to do what is right, everything will work out for us.

I want to get this letter off today so you’ll get it before you leave.  I just got your letter this morning.  It took it nearly a week, & was the first letter I’d had from anyone since Harold left.  It is good to have him back.  Alvin was afraid of him, and didn’t know him for a while.  Today he won’t let Harold out of his sight.

I told you Reed was going to get married, but 2 days after he gave his girl a ring he got notice to report for duty in the army today in Salt Lake.  However he had his entry transferred here, & will enter from here this Fri or Sat.

Well, I want to write to Mother Carlson, & so does Harold.  It is nearly 12, & time to get dinner & fix lunches.

Tell the family in Burns hello and I hope Lois & Lois Ann are getting along fine by now.

Your letter this morning surely helped.  Harold & I were both happy to hear from you.

With Love,

Laura

Vale Hotel Oregon

Friday evening

[June 26, postmarked June 27, 1942]

Dear Laura & Harold,

I am on my way home.  Roland  had business in Vale so I came with him. 

Sat. morning at Caldwell Idaho.  I started this letter last night and found that I had no ink in my pen.  I slept at Vale Hotel and was awakened this morning at 3: a.m. with a fire alarm. The fire was on the outskirts of town.  My bus left at 4:20 so I just got up and dressed.  I hated to  leave Roland. We are now at Nampa for a few minutes.  I don’t know where I will mail this but I am writing it in hopes that I can finish it before I get to Salt Lake.  I get there at 9:30 this evening.  I don’t mind riding on the bus.  I got your letter before I left saying that Harold got back all right.  I am glad that he was able to go home and I am sure his Mother needed him.  I had a letter from Helen before I left and she told me she had some Southern people there from Alabama.  They expected Jennette to be in Salt Lake.  They came to go through the Temple.  They are staying at our place.  It seems that Mont’s job is finished and they want him to go to Ogden.  It is always changes.  Just arrived at Boise, had a cup of chocolate and toast, am feeling fine.  I have to wait here an hour so I will mail this from here.  I had a letter from Daniel the other day.  He says Mary is coming to Salt Lake for month from July 18^th to Aug. 18^th.  He doesn’t get a vacation only for a day or so at a time.

I don’t know whether I will see her or not as I intended to leave for your place about the 15^th of July or do you want me earlier.  I thought I would go to see Jennette for a week or so, but may change my plans when I get home.  How much does it cost on the bus to San Antonio.  Just send me half fare and I will only need not more than $3.00 for expenses, and I hope not that much.  I will be happy to see you.  I was going to write Harold’s Mother, but could not remember the address, but will see her when I go home.

It rained at Burns the last 2 days.  Here at Boise the sun is shining bright and it is nice and warm.  It was cool on the bus.  I am wearing my suit and it is quite comfortable.  I also have my navy blue coat and had it wrapped around my feet.  What will I wear down there.  Now dear children bye bye and write soon. I will try and borrow some ink to address the envelope, and will mail this here.  Love and kisses to you and dear little Alvin.  

Lovingly Mother.

 Salt Lake City

 June 27, 1942

Dear Harold and Laura.

Your letter came a day or two ago.  It was greatly appreciated.  We are getting along pretty well.  Aunt Nell has left and Jean has moved so you can never know the lonesomeness although Jean has been up every day but that can not last for long.

Its impossible for me to realize that Dad has gone.  His clothes still hangs in the closet and his presents always seems near but you will never know.  I can hardly live.

Its pay day today and I really have the blues.  If the boys can always have work is my constant prayer because I am depending entirely on them.

Then there is Robert.

He got his certificate yesterday making him a full fledged Ensign signed by Secretary Knox with the United States Navel Seal on it.  

We think we have a little pull for goverment help, will tell you later if it developes.

Robert is very proud of this certificate.

I can’t write more this time.  Please forgive me.

Lovingly

Mother [Carlson]

                              July 9, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m tired tonight, & it has been a little warmer than usual, but I did want to get a letter off to you.  You’ll get it Monday and probably will leave by Wed. evening.  The 7:00 P.M. train from the D & RG makes the best connections I believe.

I wanted to remind you to call Sister Laxman & get Mabel’s address.  You will undoubtedly have a stop over of several hours in Denver and I believe Mabel is working in the mission ofc.  If so you could take a taxi from the station & rest at the mission home while you are there.  If I were you I’d check your bag, & carry a towel & wash cloth & soap in a small box. A suit case is just a nuisance, especially when you have a couple of 2 hr stop-overs.  You might just have your knitting bag in your hands, nothing more.  You can get all you’ll need on the trip in it.  You’ll be safe to take your light coat, but my guess is that you won’t need it after you leave Denver.

I can hardly wait until you get here.  A week tomorrow you’ll be here if you leave the 15^th.  Hope you got the check from Wid ok.

Last night some of the ladies made a special point to invite me to Relief Society, & when I got there they had a baby shower for me.  All the women in the branch turned out.  I was so surprised, & to think the people could be so kind when we’ve been here so short a time.  They gave me 3 lovely blankets, 4 dresses, 2 sleeveless shirts & 2 bands, 2 pads & 2 crib sheets (cotton) a rubber sheet for the basket, some croqued shoes, a knit night gown, towels & wash cloths, a baby book, 2 pair of silk white ankle sox, and more.  I won’t need to buy anything with the exception of a doz. diapers, the thin ones.  The people down here have hearts of gold.  Some that I’d only met came.  It was really lovely.  I invited Ruth Lundgren to go to the meeting to get her started to Relief Society, & she was the only one besides myself that didn’t know about the shower.  She felt as embarrassed as I.

Well, I could go on & on, but I must get some rest.

God bless you Mother, & may you have a pleasant & safe trip down.

With love

Laura

P.S.  If the large rubber sheet is still about will you bring it?  Could you find out what station you will arrive at here.  There is the M.K.T. the Missouri Pacific, Southern Pacific, & one other I believe.  It will make it easier for us to meet you if they can give you that information.  Other than that just let us know the day & the time you leave home, & we can check on when you will arrive.

With Love,

Laura

                                   



July 21, 1942

                                 

                                 643 Cedar St.

 Dear Dan & Mary,

We received your lovely letters Sat. morning, and were so happy to hear from you.  It is too bad you were both disappointed on your trip to Salt Lake.  It seems like we can’t count on anything being definite these days.  We have to take each day as it comes, and if things don’t go our way we have to take it with a smile anyway.

Mother didn’t go to Tabiona as she had planned.  The trucks were all crowded with people going up for the fourth and Mom just couldn’t find a way up.  Jennette I’m sure must have been disappointed.  Mom expected to stay in Salt Lake until Mary came on Sat. but Mother Carlson felt like she ought to come down here as soon as she could so she left Salt Lake Tues evening, and got here Friday morn on my birthday.  It was one of the nicest birthday gifts I’ve ever had.  She came all that long way on the Bus.  She said the trains frighten her, and she was very tired when she arrived.  I believe she still is tired.  We were up at 7:A.M. this morning, & by 10 she laid down on the couch, & went to sleep.  It is 11:30 now and she is still there.  It will take her a little while to get used to the climate.  I hope she can have a good rest before the baby comes, and then I’ll have someone in to help her then too.  I’m going to a Catholic hosp.  It seems to be the best one here too.

When Mother heard you weren’t coming to Salt Lake Mary, she was glad she left when she did.  I believe the trip was quite hard on her, altho she said it wasn’t bad.  She just bought a one way ticket here, and when she leaves she will buy her ticket from here to Salt Lake via San Bernardino.  And if you feel like you can pay a portion of it all well & good.

It sounds like you are really having it hot there.  At least your nights are cool.  The temp. here lately has ranged between 80^o & 95^o.  It is about 95^o when we go to bed, & by morning it will usually get back down to 80^o & then start climbing again.  Mom says she doesn’t feel the heat here anymore than at home except that she can’t get used to the perspiration running down her face all the time.  She will sit & sew & the water will run down & cover her glasses.  Her hair is always wet, & she has had to keep it braided to keep it any where near dry.  She had a wool jacket started for me, but the heat won’t permit her to work on it.

Alvin runs around in a sun suit, & is brown as his hair which is still a golden brown.  You can hardly tell where his hair begins it is so near the color of his skin.  We had quite a scare with him just about a month ago.  He was playing with a dog, & the dog turned on him & bit him in the eye, & on the head.  We still can’t understand how his eye escaped injury, because the dog bit down inside the lower lid.  The Dr. had to take a stitch in his head, & it is just now healing.  There is still a bit of the scab that hasn’t come off.  People here are so afraid of dog bites because of rabbies.  We had to report it to the board of health, & they came out & examined the dog twice within 10 days (the danger period) & made the people keep the dog tied up for the 10 days.  If the dog had taken sick within 10 days Alvin would have had to take shots for rabbies, one every day for 14 days in the pit of the stomach.  We were so thankful he didn’t have too.  Besides being painful they are quite expensive.

Mother is awake & I’ll leave to fix dinner.  She insists I finish.  She got your letter ok.  Helen sent it & it came the same day we got yours.  She intended writing to you this morning, & I was just going to write a short note to put in with hers, but she says now she will write in aa few days.

Mary Jane will be a year old in a few days, and I’ll bet she is cute.  You will have to send a picture of her.  Just wait until she starts walking then climbing.  Last night we put Alvin to bed then went out on the porch for about an hour.  When we came in I walked thru the house without turning on lights until I got to the kitchen & looked in to see if Alvin was ok.  He wasn’t in his bed, & I looked all over for him.  We found him asleep on the floor in the doorway from the hall into the bathroom.  He climbs in & out of bed when he pleases.

Well Dan & Mary.  I’ll stop now, but will write again soon.  We’ll expect to hear from you soon too.

With Love,

Laura

 [Laura’s note:  Mother came to San Antonio for the Birth of Betty, then continued on to San Bernardino to visit my brother  Daniel and Mary.]

                                                                                                                                        643 Cedar St

                                                                                                                                San Antonio, Tex

                                                                                                                                          Aug 4^th 42.

Dear Daniel & Mary

I guess you are wondering what has happened to me.  I know I ought to have written to you when I cam here but with Laura writing I thought I would wait till the baby came but the baby hasn’t come yet and it is a week over due and I am getting tired of putting off writing to you.  I hope you are all fine how is little Mary Jane standing the heat.  I hope she is well.  Dosn’t she have a birthday soon. and I think one of Willards children has a birthday also but I don’t know when.  You will all have to send me a Genealogical sheet with all your dates on it.  I can’t remember and I don’t want to forget Birthdays not that I can buy presents but I do want to wish the children a happy Birthday So I wish Mary Jane a happy birthday when it comes.  We are all fine here.  Laura is fine we are all patiently waiting for the baby.  I don’t hear much from home.  The last letter I had was from Pearl.  They are well.  Mont & Helen had been out that Sunday for dinner.  They had taken Thora Walker out with them.  She was in Salt Lake for the week end.  She is working in Carlin Nevada her home town.  Jennette was well when I heard.  So was Roland & Lois and children.  They have two missionaries at Burns with them now.  So Roland will have some help.  I hope that both of you will write to Jesse as often as you can.  He expects to be moved by the 10^th of Aug. but doesn’t know where they will send him.  It has been sweltering hot is Sikeston [Missouri] and he feels it very much.  It has been pretty hot here but not much warmer than at home.  If only I didn’t sweat so much I really could stand it but I sweat so much my face aches.  My body isn’t so bad, just my face and hair.  This is a lovely clean place and I like it very much.  I will write after the baby comes and let you (sweat drops) know how things are.  You will have to excuse the sweat drops and I won’t write more now.  Some time when I am in town I may get Mary Jane something for her birthday.  I have only been in town with Laura to get some things from the drug store and it was so hot we came right home.  Now my dear Children write to me often whither I write to you or not.  I always look for a letter and one really gets lonesome for a letter here.  I have gone to church twice since I came.  The people at church are very nice.  They have been kind to Laura and gave her a shower and she lot a nice lot of baby things.  All except diapers and we bought a doz since I came.  Now I think I have given you all the news and that you will write to me soon and tell me all that you are doing.  Have you any fruit there we have no fruit here or nice vegetables.  I guess it is between seasons.  I would like a nice feed of Peaches.  Bye bye & write soon.  Lots of Love from Mother to Daniel Mary & Mary Jane. write soon.

 [postcard]                                                                                                                        Aug 6, 1942

Dear Dan & Mary, and Happy birthday Mary Jane.

It is a shame Betty couldn’t wait another day to come when she was already so late.  But the little dickens was here in 10 min less than 2 hrs once she decided to come.  A little too fast for comfort.  It happened tho that the Dr. was in the hosp., & just stayed right here.  She weighted 9 lbs 7 oz. & looks like a little butter ball.  Has very dark hair, & lots of it.  Altho it seems very fine.  Her eyes are very dark blue.  All the nurses say she looks like she is half grown.  I feel simply wonderful & have almost decided to have 14 yet.  I don’t even feel like I’ve had a baby compared to last time.  Harold didn’t have time to worry & fret, & Mother is glad Betty is here. - More later.  Hope to hear from you soon.  Love Laura

                                                                                                                                  643 Cedar Street

                                                                                                                           San Antonio, Texas.

                                                                                                                                          Sept 9^th 42.

Did I write to tell you about the Hurricane that we had here.  It was awful, a week ago last Sunday.  I will tell you about it when I come.

Dear Daniel,

I thought I would have answered your letter by this time, but the time just flies past, and it seems as if after the little work is done there is not much energy left.  Anyway we are all well, Harold is better of his cold and Laura & Baby are fine.  Alvin has a slight cold but I guess he will be all right soon.  Did Mary and Baby go to Salt Lake.  I hope she will have a nice visit with her Mother and friends.  I guess I will leave here the end of this month or the first week in Oct, and will stay with you 2 weeks and be home by the end of Oct.  That is what I am planning.  It will cost me about _0 more to come round by San Bernardino but I do want to see you.  Jennette wants me to come and stay with her in Tabiona this winter.  Burnell has to can go herd sheep and make good wages and she thinks if I came up there with her they would live in Uncle Ben’s house down in town and be near the church & store, and have light & good water, what do you think.  Have you heard from Jesse.  He has been transferred to address = 1416 Blytheville Ark.  He has had a touch of Malaria but is feeling better.  He was in bed several days in the hot weather and it wasn’t fun.  Tomorrow is Helen’s & Lorna Jane’s Birthday.  I wrote to Helen, it is hard for me to remember the grand childrens birthdays.  I will soon have to look on the calander every day and have the days marked but I don’t have a record of their birthdays.  I will have to do better than I am doing.  I had a letter from Aunt Maggie from Scotland.  They are all pretty well, but feeling the brunt of the war after 4 yrs of it.  Lizzie’s husband is still away somewhere, but was getting home on leave.  I have not heard nor written to Aunt Jesse for a long time.  I hope you will write to Jesse & Jennette.  Jennette feels kind of lonesome as she can’t get down and no one comes up.  They are all busy putting up fruit and vegetables.  How is the weather there now.  We still have it hot, it has been raining for several nights and it gets hot again in the day time the rain does not cool it off much.  We had a letter from Bishop and Sister DeYoung last week.  The Bishop has been feeling the heat this summer, and he has to be careful of what he does.  I was happy to hear of one of your Sunday School Class joining the Church.  We all have a great deal of work to do in this church.  It is a pity that the world ignores the truth as they do surely we as Latter day saints have lots to be thankful for.  The Lord has surely blessed us to be able to bear our testimony that we are even a humble member in this church, and it is too bad that some of our members does not realize their blessings.  Now dear Daniel it is time to be getting dinner and I want Harold to mail this.  He works from 3 P.M. to 11 so he leaves for work right after dinner.  Hope you & Mary & Mary Jane are feeling fine, and that I will be seeing you soon if I can get enough money to come.  Don’t go worrying about money, if we all keep well we are surely blessed and the Lord will open up the way for us all if we are faithful with lots of Love from Mother.

(Do you hear from Roland.  Write to him if you can. )

                                  643 Cedar Street

                                  San Antonio, Texas

                                  Sept. 13, 1942

Dear Dan,

We heard that Mary was in Salt Lake, and would be until this coming Fri.  I’ll bet you miss her and the baby.  We are all so homesick for Salt Lake we don’t know what to do.  At the present time we are just enduring the heat. September so far has been worse than the rest of the summer.  We are all covered with heat rash except Harold & the baby.  I don’t know how they escape.  Mother’s & Alvin’s arms look almost raw with it.  We are just hoping for a let-up in the weather.  You probably heard of the hurricane we had Aug 30, that caused over a million-dollars worth of damage here, and nearly scared us all to death, well since then the air has just seemed charged with heat.  We will just have to pray for cool weather.

Alvin has been quite hot, cranky with the heat, and he is still cutting teeth, & on top of that has a cough.  We have to be so patient with him it is pitiful.

Well Dan, as Mother wrote and told you she has kinda’ been planning to leave here the first week in October, but – If it is still as hot as it is now she won’t go till it gets cooler.  And then – we have really had some expenses since we came, and I’m sure we will not have enough put by at that time for her full fair.  From here to S.L. by way of S.B. is near $40.00.  38 something I believe.  Now, if you could send some money to us to help out a little, it would be so much cheaper to buy the complete ticket here.  We want Mom to stay with us as long as she will, and we would like to have her stay and enjoy some cool weather.  So if you can’t send any money by Oct. 1, we would be glad to have her stay here longer.  Anyway write & tell us if this interupts any plans of yours, and we will cooperate with you.

Harold is working again tonight, and this afternoon.  Mom & I took the kids & went visiting.  Guess who –.  Harvey Felt & his wife.  They are here for 2 or 3 months installing telephones.  Ruth Linnaback & her husband are also here for a couple of months.  I haven’t seen Ruth yet, but Mother & Harold saw her this morning in Sun. School.  There is really a swarm of Salt Lakers coming in.

Well Dan this is about all I feel up to writing tonight, except that we are all well, and we have the best baby ever.  She is so good we sometimes forget we’ve got her.  Write to us real soon, & let us know what you can do, and if you have any plans, & what they are regarding Mom coming.

With Love - Laura