Back in San Antonio

                                                                                                                                Mar 21, 1942

Dear Mother,

            I don’t seem able to find much paper.  We didn't get here until 10:30 P.M. last night, & we should have been here at 4:30 P.M.  We only had 45 mins to wait in Dallas, but the train we got stopped at every town & city.  Harold was there to meet us when we arrived & we went right home to bed.  The place he has is quite nice.  There are 3 good size rooms, enough for me to keep up, altho the walls in the kitchen and bedroom are painted wood, and the windows all thru are so tall.  The front room is wallpaper & very nice.  There is only 1 closet but it is large.  The kitchen range is excellent.  There are 4 gas plates, an oven, a broiler & a section to hold pans.  The table too is good.  It looks like new, & if it isn't you couldn't prove it to me.  We will keep it, & use ours for a table in the front room.  I don’t know whether our freight has come yet, we’re going to see this afternoon.

            This morn I put Alvin back to sleep at 10:00 & lay down too, & didn't wake until 12:30.  Alvin is still asleep & it is nearly 1:00.  We were both very tired when we got here.  Alan took a hotel last night.  He doesn't know just yet what he will do.

            The wind blows here in Texas.  Last night I thought it would blow the house down.  But it is warm.  Alvin was outside looking at our neighbors chickens this morning.  The sun feels so good.  We have a small back yard, & some lawn in front.  It is like a city front yard in Salt Lake.  The neighbor has sweet peas in bloom, across from my kitchen window.  And in front of our house there is a green hedge, & cut trees (trimmed) of several kinds.  It is going to be very nice here.  I’m going to like it I’m sure.  Harold is off today & tomorrow.  We’re going into town today & get a waste basket or garbage can, & shelf paper & some hooks.  The people who lived here must have pulled out every nail & hook in the place.  The kitchen is green paint all over & I never could go sold green walls, but I’ll brighten it up with my white curtains or something.  The linolium is a very pretty green & tan, & the bedroom linolium is a tan flower.

            The baby was asleep when we arrived, & when he woke up this morning called Daddy.  He seemed a little strange toward Harold for ½ an hr. but after that he knew who his Daddy was alright.  We’ll write often, and want to hear from you often too.  

With love from all of us, and may God bless you.

P.S. Call Carlsons & tell them we’re ok. Laura Harold & Alvin

Fast forward seven years - I think I need to use the scanner

[Letter postmarked from Estes Park Mar. 21, 1949, return address says Box 1041 crossed out and changed to 1323 West Virginia, Denver, Colorado.  Addressed to Mrs. Jane S. Davidson, c/o

Daniel H. Davidson, 2939 Sepulveda, San Bernardino, Calif.]

                                                                                                      March 20, 1949

 Dear Mother,

Another week gone by and no word of Mary and her baby.  We do hope nothing is wrong, and that you have all been too busy to write since it was born, because surely it has been born by now.

Today, the first day of spring is a cloudy mirky day.  Yet we have had some nice days in spite of the wind.  It will be good to live in the valley again & see the trees & flowers bud, and watch the grass turn green.  The place we are buying has a lot of tulips.  They were up about an inch a week ago.

Well last Thursday we went to Denver and made the final arrangements for buying the house.  After this coming Friday our address will be

1323 West Virginia

Denver, Colorado

We found out something else that made us very happy.  The new Barnum ward is under construction just 6 blocks or less from our house.  The children will be able to walk to Primary etc.

Our house          Virginia                                                                    Church

o                                                                                                  o

The stake storehouse was completed last June, and Barnum ward

is meeting there until the church is completed, which should be this       stake

summer.                                                                                             storehouse

School             o Alameda Ave.                   o        

Alameda is the highway & they don’t have to go near it. 

Harold has spent most of this time in Denver lately.  Yesterday he had to go down to arrange for an electric line for the range, but he will come home Wed. about noon, and be here until we move.  The Jacksons were up from Longmont yesterday, and they are still looking for a place in Denver.  They like ...............................the drive back and forth [half sheet missing]

to spell it for her, & I don’t know what I’m spelling.  She has had a bad throat, and has been coughing for a week.  It is too bad we have to change schools so near the end of the year.

Tell Daniel to drop us a line & tell us how Mary is we are waiting to hear.

Lovingly,

Laura

Dear grandmother I want to

Tell you what I am doing

in school I am learning

How to read and write

and sPell. I can read dook

That we have it home

I just wanTed To Tell

you This

are you feeling good

Betty Carlson

 [written in cursive]

Dear grandmother,

I want to tell you some

of the things I learned.

I have learned lots of

new games One is

Red Rover.

I have learned

many new words in

our books.  We are just about through

with our Helth

Book.

Are you feeling

well

Sincerely,

Alvin Carlson

Mar 20^th 49

Dear Laura

I was so glad to get your letter and hope you are feeling better and that the house that you got will be satisfactory to you all  I am writing this in a hurry as I am going to bed.  The baby boy was born Mar 14^th  They are going to name him Daniel Jansen.  Mary came home from the hospital Friday.  She is feeling fine, has a touch of rheumatism in her legs but not bad.  I had a touch of it also  I guess we were on the go too much.  The children are all well, the baby is a nice big boy.  He weighed 8 lbs 4 ½ ozs.

I had a letter from Helen, they are having a time of it.  Mont was sick with flue, and David had his tonsils taken out, as his ears started running again, and the baby is still colicky  The weather here has been fine.  I will have to write to Pearl also  I thought Mary or Daniel would write but they didn’t.  Mary didn’t feel like it in the hospital she wrote to several, Helen & her Mother and a few others. Thanks for sending your Aunt Jessie McPherson’s letter to me. I will save it for you.  You better answer her letter.  Give my love to the children & Harold and lots of love to your own dear self

Lovingly,  Mother. 

and do write soon.

Two letters and a postscript

Post Card postmarked DENVER, COLO Mar 19 3 PM 1942 TERMINAL R.P.O.

From: 643 Cedar St. San Antonio, Texas

To: Mrs. Jane S. Davidson

3112 So. 7^th East

Salt Lake City, Utah

                                                                        Thurs. Noon

Dear Mom,

            We’re in Denver & I’ve spent the morn. with Aunt Nell. Alvin didn’t sleep well on the train but he has slept all morning.  I’m going to get a sleeper tonight if there is one available.  The train was surely a grand one.  We are being delayed here in Denver 2 ½ hrs.  It snowed all night & it is still snowing here & the wind is something fierce.  We left in such a hurry from home it was terrible.  I’ll surely never forget my first train ride.  The sleeper tonight will be about $3.05.  Before we got to Denver my shopping bag split & I bought a suit case for $1.25 it is much handier.  Alan is such a big help.  Alvin wants to get into everything tho.  Write to me soon.

                                                                            Love, Laura.

From Roland in Burns March 19^th 1942

Dear Sister Laura,

            Hope you are still in Salt Lake.  Write and tell us all about Harold and what service he is in and so on and on.  We seldom hear from you, whereas you never hear from us, so what we can expect no one can tell.  I regret that you are going so far away, and that I am where I cannot get away to see you.  But it looks as though the Davidson’s are beginning to scatter, and they have a very heavy obligation towards all mankind with the wonderful teachings they have received from   such wonderful parents.  It is up to them to live the life as outlined in principle and fact by their mother, to be thrifty, and unafraid of life.  To raise children to be good citizens first in the kingdom of God , and second in the good old U.S.A.

            Well Texas is a little larger than Oregon, but not quite as beautiful and full of opportunity, I don’t think.  But I am sure if you will get in and serve the Lord He will bless you and yours wherever you go and in whatever you do.

 

            Sorry sis to have to shortchange you like this on this letter, but I am now late for the mail, and I think you would rather receive this now than to wait and perhaps wait some more.  Write anyhow, and let us know the score.

             With love from all of us in Oregon, 

             Your brother and family,  Roland

P.S. from Mother:

            Harold’s Mother got the plants.  She slipped on the steps and fell going home.  She wasn’t hurt as she landed on her knees.  She broke the little lamp, so you will need to give Jean something else.  I have tried to get Carlsons today but they are not home.  They were all o.k. Sat.  Love, Mother

[Roland Davidson must have sent the letter to Salt Lake and Jane Davidson added the PS before sending it on to San Antonio.]

A mother tribute from a son-in-law

 

Air Mail To: Mrs. Jane Davidson

3112 So. 7^th East.

Salt Lake City, Utah

From H.E.C. Box 2395

San Antonio, Texas

                                                                        San Antonio, Texas

                                                                        Mar. 18, 1942

Dearest Mother;

            Here I've been gone almost three weeks and never written once to you personally.  I really feel ashamed.  It isn't that I've neglected you in my thoughts.  I think of you always and my thoughts are of gratitude for your kindness, love and help.

            Mother, I thank you most of all for your daughter.  I love Laura with all my heart and I think that the things I love in her most are the things her mother has taught her.

            I have missed her so much it will be like heaven to have her here with my by Friday.  She and the darling little son she bore me are two of the happiest possessions I have in the world.  I promise to protect them with all my love and life.  I’ll bring them back to you soon for I’m sure Zion has too great a hold on us to let us stay away very long.  My job will very probably end with the war which won’t last long.

            Thanks darling mother for being so kind as to keep my loved ones while I found a home for them here with me.  Someday (from now on I hope) will try our hardest to repay you for this as well as all the other kind gestures you have made toward us.

            We have a fine branch of the church here.  The people are of the top rank in both your and my ways of thinking.  I’m sure Laura will enjoy it.  We’ll write and tell you all about it after Laura gets here.  God bless and keep you. 

                  

                                                                      Your loving son, Harold

P.S. Tell Wid & Edna and family - Helen and Mont Jennette & Burnell and family and Pearl I’ll (will) write soon and in the mean time - all my love and thanks for the help you all so generously gave H.E.C.

72 years ago today there was lots of snow in Salt Lake

                                                                         Mar 17, 1942

 Dear Harold,

            Sorry you sent the money, I guess you didn’t get my letter soon enough telling you I had enough.  I’m just on my way to town now to get it.  I’m in an awful hurry trying to get my things packed.

            Am leaving with Alvin & Alan tomorrow 7:00 P.M.  From D. & R. G.   Will arrive 4:30 Friday.

            Everyone is well, & it is still winter. 15 in. Of snow last Fri & 2 or 3 in last night.

            Will see you soon

                                                                        Love

                                                                        Laura

P.S.  If you have time & money you might get a few groceries in the house. Shortening. Soap. Cereal. pablum. eggs.  You’ll know better than I what you can get.  Love

Where did February go?

                                                  Feb. 15, 1942 [Probably Mar. 15, 1942]

Hello Darling,

            Boy, the next time we move, I go with you when you go, or you don’t go.  What a job we've had.  Ken and Gord, Mont, Wid & Burnell [brothers and brothers-in-law] got all the freight off yesterday which didn't inc. the book case or radio and did include Baby Bed, kitchen table & chairs, dishes, pans, books, bedding & fruit.  The cost was terrible. $34.70.  I pd only $16.00 leaving $35.00 for my fare & Mont promises to pay me $15.00 before I leave.  We’ll have to pay the rest of the freight at that end.

            As far as I know I’m leaving here Wed. eve at 7:00 P.M. on the D & R.G. & will arrive at 4:30 P.M. Friday.  I have a bit of news too.  Alvin & I will not be traveling alone I don’t believe.  Alan Lundgren is on his way, & will try to leave the same time I do.  We will have 4 ½ hrs in Denver, but will come all the way thru on a streamliner.

            Darling, I hope you’re well, and I’ll be so glad when I’m down there & we’re settled.  I've been so busy the last few days I’m really tired, but today, Sun. I have rested all day.  Had dinner with Mother & Dan

                                               Mar. 16, 1942

            Went to church last night & didn't finish writing the letter. Got your special delivery this morn. As I have said I sent the table & chairs, but do not dispose of those you got until after we get there because our freight may take 3 weeks to get there. 

            Helen & Mont are giving me $15.00 & I have $35.00 for my fair.  Hope you have enough to run on.

            Can’t think of anything more to say, but I think you've done wonders.  Can’t wait to get there.

            I’ll leave here Wed eve that’s certain.  But there is a train at 7:00 & one at 8:00 P.M.  I don’t know which one Alan will want to take.  I think it will be the 7:00 P.M. getting us there Fri eve at 4:30 P.M.

                                                 Love,

                                                 Laura & Alvin

P.S. Just received your letter of 13^th.  Don’t worry about money.  I think well be ok.

money matters

            

                                                                                                         March 14, 1942

Darling;

            Received your letter of March 12 and my heart swelled with happiness know that it’s only a matter of days and I’ll hold you in my arms.

            I took that civil service test this morning and have spent the rest of the day shopping.  Here’s what I bought.

            1 gas range at                         $15.00

            1 iron bed at                             $4.50

            1 bed spring at                         $7.50

            1 inner sp. Mattress - recon.  $12.00

            5 piece breakfast set               $9.50

            1 cot and mattress                  $5.00

            connection of range                 $2.00

                                    Terms –cash- !!!

            I looked for hours and the best we could do for the same type of things on terms was $71.50.  Then they needed 1/3 down.  Well I didn't have the $55.50 either.  I had a total of $25.++.  This is what I did.  Paid $20.00 as part-payment and agreed to pay the $35.50 Monday evening.  The things will be delivered Tuesday.

            Where will I get the $35.  Well Monday is pay day.  I’ll get $75 less $10 for the 1^st and 2^nd (which I didn't work).  Which will be $65.  There will probably also be a deduction for retirement.  Say I have a $6 0.00 check   $60.00

                                                                         35.50 - due on furniture

                                                                         24.50

                                                                           5.00 cash on hand

                                                                         29.50

            Now if I should telegram you $20 say Monday I would have $9.50 less my food to last us from the time you arrived till we get paid again which would be on the 2^nd.

            But if you leave Monday you might not get the money at all.  I don’t know what to say.  I guess we could have applied for that money in the teachers retirement.  But it would be too late to help us now.  Maybe Dad or some (if you talked to him) might lone you $25 until the 2^nd of the month.  Maybe you will have to visit some high powered loan office.  You might even go to Mr. Maughn and see if there is some way to get it on our school loan.  I’m sure I could get it if I were there.  But I don’t know about you.  (You know the earner must make the application etc.)

            I've even wondered if maybe I wouldn't get a telegram from you asking me to rake it up down here.  Maybe I could but I don’t believe I’ll try unless I get word from you.  Here’s hoping we figure it out some way.  I don’t believe we had better put off your coming as the longer it drags the less of that $40 you’ll have and the worse it will be.  One thing if Reed stays with us (and therefore the cot and mattress) he will probably pay in advance which would give you something to run the house on.  Well anyway Darling, Don’t worry.  We’ll find some way.  The first (the start) is always hardest.  I recd Reed’s letter and will try to meet him.  About meeting you - I work from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Sundays and Holidays included.  I’ve had today off - but will have to work tomorrow (Sunday) then I have next Saturday and Sunday off.  I would love to meet you too darling and if I know exactly when you arrive I might be able to arrange it, so you had better let me know - via telegram perhaps.  If by terrible chance I can’t make it - You have a taxi take you to 643 Cedar St. (CEDAR ST.)  Our door is the one on the right hand side (going in).  I’ll leave it open unlocked in case.

                                                                        How’s my little boy?  Alvin you sure better recognize your daddy or he is going to cry right out loud.  Please Be Careful Darling and no running in the R.R. station understand? Ha! Ha!  But honestly dearest darling wife Laura it will be heaven to have you with me again.  May God keep you and bring you safely to your Loving Husband Harold