Grandma - Oct. 19, 1941

Dear Ted,

Today was my turn to be disappointed regarding the receipt of a letter from a certain person. Yes sir, either you or Uncle Sam failed me today. I hope it was Uncle Sam. Usually I get your letters in the morning mail but yesterday it came in the afternoon so that might be the reason I didn't get one today – if you wrote. You see, we don't get mail in the afternoon on Saturdays. As you can probably see, I'm trying to provide you with an alibi. I'm sure there must be some good explanation though. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Aren't I considerate? Anyway, I'm going to be the same kind of a good sport you are and write you regardless. Maybe I'll get 2 on Monday. We'll see.
We've had some very good and some very sad news today. The sad news has to do with the death of a young fellow just 20 years of age whom we have known for quite some time. He was a very good friend of my younger brother. As far as we can understand his death was due to quinsy and was very sudden – overnight in fact. He had complained some but had gone to work anyway. Last night his mother was up with him and he told her to go on to bed – that he though he'd be alright. In the morning she found him dead. Wouldn't that be awful? He must have choked to death without being able to summon help. I know this isn't of particular interest to you but I was so shocked and felt so badly I haven't been able to get it off my mind very long at a time. Please forgive me for dwelling on it so much in this letter.
Our good news quite coincidentally will work in with the other news. We just got word today that Hordy (my younger brother you know), Jeanette and Mrs. Grueneberg will arrive in town tonight. They say they have something very important to talk over. Goodness, I hope it's not about Hordy getting drafted. They didn't say what it was about but I sincerely hope it's not more bad news. The coincidence is that those people want Hordy to be a pallbearer and if the funeral is Monday, he may be able to stay over and do it. They haven't been down for ever so long and it seems like it was meant to be this weekend just when the other happened. At least it strikes me that way.
You've probably detected by now that I'm not in an overly jubilant frame of mind this evening. It's been so gloomy and rainy all day and that never makes me feel too happy usually. Of course I'm more than glad for the company we're getting but I'm a little leery about this “important” business.
Even though poor Fairmont was severely whipped last night, the University of Dayton and Ohio State came out on tope this afternoon and that makes me feel better about the football situation. I hear Michigan also won so, I'm still waiting for the day that Ohio and Michigan clash. I wish I could be there.
Today I put in my request for Nov. 1, 2 and 3 off but I don't know for sure yet if it will be granted. I don't know why it shouldn't be but as soon as I find out definitely, I'll let you know. Then we can make more certain plans. How will that be?
It's nearly 8:00 and I want to study my Sunday School lesson before the folks get here. I imagine they'll roll in about 9:00 or 10:00.
I wish I could see you and talk to you but until I can – letters will have to suffice. 'Bye again,
Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 20, 1941 (part 2)

Dear Dolores,

You should be here tonight since you are so fond of cider. Just a few minutes ago one of my very good neighbors made me a present of a quart of cider, and it was just made today. I don't have the donuts but I could easily get them. Of course there is another and far more important reason why I wish you were here. You see I'm all alone (except your picture) and everything is so still, and – well, I'm just sorta lonely tonight. It is the kind of loneliness that just one particular person can comfort, and that “particular person” happens to be you. Two weeks from tonight you will be here – at least I am hoping nothing will upset our plans. I can scarcely wait! But no foolin', Hun, I do get dreadfully lonesome for you. If it were not for the fact that I am kept busy all of my “waking hours”, I am afraid you would have a caller quite frequently. Aren't you glad I am kept busy? Really, are you?
In spite of the fact that this has been a rainy day I have been occupied most of the time. I hesitate to tell you what time I got up this morning. Will you think I'm lazy? It was the unearthly hour of 7:15. That is late for me, but I rather enjoyed the extra rest. I cleaned the house, swept and dusted the church, and went to town to do some shopping this AM. Most of the PM was spent studying and reading. It really seemed good to have a little time for that.
By the way, I purchased an alarm clock today so now I will be able to get up “real” early. Don't you think I need one? Ha!
I am wondering if you have plans made in regard to the trip up here. Perhaps you have that all settled. Here is a suggestion in case you haven't decided. I am sure you could get a bus from Dayton to Fort Wayne and it might even come right through to Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. You might have to change at Fort Wayne, I'm not sure about that. If you should happen to get a bus that goes right through to Grand Rapids, you would go through a little town named Martin. That is only about 7 miles from here. My suggestion would be that if you get such a bus, come directly to Martin and I will meet you there. Of course I will be too glad to come to Kalamazoo or even to Dayton if needs be. Just let me know the place and the hour and I'll be sure to be there.
Since I have already written once today, would I be excused with this short epistle? I'll write again tomorrow.

With Love,
Ted

Grandpa - Oct. 20, 1941

Dear Dolores:

I am taking just a few minutes before the evening service to write you since I plan to “head south” right after the benediction has been said – or at least soon after. How I wish I was going as far south as Dayton! Really, I would like to, but you will be working, no doubt, on Monday so I better wait until a later date, had I not. I will go to my uncle's at Hillsdale tonight and from there to Pittsford “early” in the morning where LH and I will tramp through the fields in search of wild game. It's going to be fun! Here's hoping I don't miss as many shots as I did last Wednesday.
It has been a lovely day here, no rain for a change. I was invited out for dinner as usual with a family from the church. The dinner was fine – to say the least. I'll not be so “cruel” as to describe the delicious food we had as you did in writing of the refreshments you served for your Sunday School class party. Seriously, though, I really don't think you are cruel, but I will have to admit that I did feel rather hungry after reading your letter.
After the dinner was finished the daughter began to moan because of the dishes that were to be washed. I offered my services to wash the dishes if she would dry them. She immediately accepted my offer, so between us the dishes were soon washed and dried, however, I had them piled up so far ahead of her that I had to help dry them. I guess she was quite surprised to find I could operate so gracefully (really, I'm not meaning to boast) with my hands in the dish-pan. When the dishes were finished, which was 3:30, I came home and have spent the remainder of the time studying, reading, and writing. Oh, yes, I have also listened to the radio. You will readily see that I haven't had my Sunday afternoon nap. I think I can get along very without it since I went to bed fairly early (9:30) last evening and didn't get up too early this morning.
It might be late when I return tomorrow night but if I am able to keep awake, I promised to write – even if it is only a few lines. That's the least I can do for you, Hun. I would like to do more if I could. You deserve a lot more. If I send my love, will that help? It is all for you, Dolores,

From,
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 18, 1941

Dear Ted,
Here I am again, practically at midnight, writing my daily epistle. Aren't I awful? - Not to get to bed earlier, I mean. The fact is though, I'm actually in bed right now. Yes, sir, I've got my knees propped up and I'm making a valiant endeavor to write thusly. Let me hasten to assure you that it's no easy matter. I thought it would be cozier up here than down stairs all by my lonesome though, so a scribbled and rather illegibly written letter will undoubtedly be the result. I hope you can take it.
Do you want to know where I went tonight? I thought you'd like to check up on me. Mary Evelyn, Marian, and I was my dear old alma mater go down in defeat (via plenty of mud) with the heartbreaking score of 20-0. Aren't you sad with us? We played Xenia – my cousin's alma mater – at Xenia and of course it was a very important game as far as we were concerned. I said “mud” because we had some rain today. In fact it rained almost up to the time we started. Worse yet, it almost kept us home due to the fact that mother issued an ultimatum. She said absolutely we couldn't go if it continued to rain. Fortunately it stopped in time and didn't start again until we got home. Marian got a terrible cold from the game last week. It didn't rain but she and Mary Evelyn weren't dressed warmly enough. They confessed that they sat there and shivered – they were so cold. To get back to tonight's game. Are you expecting an alibi? Well, you're going to get it – (regarding the crushing defeat you know). Four of the regulars were out of the lineup because of injuries. Four more were out because of suspension by the coach as a disciplinary measure. How many regulars does that leave, I ask you? You know the answer and what with having to use sophomores (inexperienced), what could you expect? Not much and that's exactly what we got. I trust you don't think that I'm taking all this as seriously as I seem to be. I had fun and we'll probably go again once or twice. In 3 weeks we play another school that interests us especially. We know several kids from there – in fact we know some fellows who played on the team when they were in school. One of them was quite a star. We're going to make a special effort to go even though it's also out of town – farther away than tonight's. Mary Evelyn does the driving of course but she doesn't do badly. We got there and back tonight safely enough.
I'm not going to say anything about your first hunting excursion. I believe you're chagrined enough without my rubbing it in. I now now why they say “hunting” and not “catching” trips. Ddi you have a nice long hike?
I don't believe I told you about the birthday gift I got Wednesday night, did I? After 1 ½ months I'm still getting them. She (Mrs. Manney) gave both mother and I 2 very lovely handkerchiefs. To me, she also gave (of all things) 2 embroidered very pretty guest towels. For my hope chest she said. Where do you suppose she got the idea I needed one? I really appreciated them though. I'll add them to the other 3 or 4 things in my “hope chest”. Mary Evelyn always refers to my “hope-less chest” of course. Wouldn't you just know it?
My eyelids are closing more and more. Before long I'll be in the land of dreams but before I am I'd better say good-night to you.

Love from your,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 18, 1941

(Both of the following letters were postmarked the same day)

Friday night
Dear Dolores:
Since you are so intent on writing me every I suppose it is no more than fair that I should put forth the effort to do the same by you. Do I sound like it is an “awful” effort? I don't mean it that way. Really, I don't, Hun. It is always an effort for me to write a letter, but when it comes to writing you – well, that's different. I always enjoy writing you. And listen here young lady! Don't be calling my friend in Ohio, the one to whom I write each day, a “pest”. She isn't a pest and I defy anyone to make such a bold statement to me. There, how do you like that? Do you know what I would do with you right now if I had you here? You would be properly executed, and you know how I do that don't you? I am sure you do.
You ask me what to do with a person who is determined to write every day. I ask you what should I do? For my part I don't want to do anything about it. My sincere hope is that she will never change her mind about wanting to write me. But really, Dolores, I am very much pleased to hear from you every day.
When I wrote last night I felt like I was forgetting something. It occurred to me today what it was. You will remember the little “thing-a-majig”, as you termed it, that I brought home with me from Houghton and mailed back to the owner COD. Well, that little thing came back to me yesterday. Mr. Gilbert refused the package so apparently he had secured another one of those things somewhere. It was fun even though it didn't turn out just as I expected.
Would you like to know how I have ben occupied today? If you would, just read the letter I wrote last night. Today has been “ditto” from yesterday. Tomorrow will be more of the same thing, however, I am only working in the AM. I just have to have some time to prepare for Sunday. I really would prefer not to work out at all on Saturday but there is so much to do right now I feel that I should help all I can. I will be glad when I get a little time for myself.
This is short, Hun, but it is just almost more than I can do to keep my eyes open, so I better stop before they snap shut. Perhaps I can add a few lines in the morning. I'll try.
Good-Night, now.
Love,
Ted

Saturday morning
Good Morning Again:
Look, I'm really doing it! Aren't you surprised. I thought you would be. I will have to confess that I wouldn't be doing it if it were not for the stormy weather we are having. Because of that we are not able to work in the corn harvest this morning as I had planned. I really don't mind because I can use the time to a very good advantage. Believe it or not, I have to have some time to prepare for Sunday – if I am able to make myself interesting at all. Even then I sometimes wonder –!!!
You must have a terrible time amidst all the conflict in your home trying to write you “daily” letter. Those “kids” have heaps of fun with you I suppose. I'll bet I could easily guess who is largely responsible for the difficulty you meet with. Your “kid sister!” Am I right? But you can take it can't you, Dolores? I'm sure you can. How I would like to be there sometime when those three girls “gang up” on you. It would be interested wouldn't it? The only hindrance I have to contend with while writing is my radio. Of course I can turn that off if it interferes too much. You can't do that with Mary Evelyn, can you? I'll bet it would be a help if you could.
Have I told you my plans for Sunday evening and Monday? I don't remember whether I did or not. Anyhow I expect to be going down to Hillsdale after service tomorrow night and go hunting with LH Monday morning. Unless I change my mind I will be returning Monday night. Know why? The big reason is because I want to get my mail. I look forward to that every day. And it is nearly time for the mailman to arrive so I must get this letter out.
Love from your
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 17, 1941

Dear Ted,

It's rather late – (11:30 PM) – and I'm sort of tired and I have to get up tomorrow morning and go to work as usual but I couldn't go to bed with a clear conscience or feel just right if I didn't keep my promise and write to you. And far be it from me to get up at 5:00 AM to do it. Honestly, I just couldn't. Of course I know it's nothing for you to arise at such an unearthly hour. It probably doesn't phase you in the least but for me it's practically the middle of the night. I'm awfully glad that with the work I do now the time goes much faster and I don't even get sleepy after lunch – at least I haven't so far.
We had so much fun tonight. We had class meeting here. Remember I told you about it? There were 16 of us including our pastor and his wife and we were divided evenly – that is, exactly half girls and half boys. That's quite unusual. Usually the girls outnumber the fellows. In our business meeting, we elected new officers. Mary Evelyn had the honor of being elected president. They nominated me for every office and finally elected me to the last one – asst. secretary-treasurer. Quite an honor, don't you think? I really didn't want any office at all as you can well imagine, so I'm glad that since I had to have one that it's such an insignificant one. We had loads of fun in our games and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves very much. Anyway they told us so when they left. I'll tell you what we served them and make you hungry – I hope. Cider (very sweet and good), donuts (delicious), candy (also good), and apples comprised the menu. Are you hungry now? Personally I just love cider and donuts.
One of the other Sunday School teachers who is just a little younger than I and teaches the Intermediate girls' class kindly asked me to – yes, you've already guessed it – teach her class Sunday morning. Naturally I consented. I never like to shirk my duties – or should I say opportunities. Yes, I guess I'll say opportunities. That would be truer, wouldn't it?
Teddy, will you forgive me if I cut this considerably shorter tonight? I'm really very sleepy. I can scarcely keep my eyes open. Thanks – I knew you'd forgive me. I'll do better tomorrow (I think) so until then I again send you
Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 17, 1941

Dear Dolores:

Before I get too far advanced in writing this epistle let me say that I am not in any frame of mind to be writing. No, Hun, it is nothing you have done that causes me to feel this way. It is rather because of you that prompted me to write. It is just because I am so tired I can scarcely keep my eyes open. Did you ever feel that way? The fact of the matter is I have already been asleep a couple of times. When one is in such a state they are in no condition to write an interesting letter. I know that is especially true of me and I'm sorry because I don't like to write you that way. I am already guilty of doing that I am sure. When I receive you very wonderful letter (and they are) it makes me feel ashamed to mail the type of epistle I am able to produce. But you know the motive back of it all don't you, Hun? I just mention these things so you will not misunderstand me. You won't will you? If at any time my letters appear to be indifferent and uninteresting, you may be assured that it isn't because my feelings toward you have changed. It is just another of my many infirmities.
Perhaps a brief discussion of the activities of the day would enable you to understand why I am so “weary in the flesh”. This has been just another of those many days crowded with activity. I left home at 7:00 AM, as usual, worked all day and returned about 7:30 this evening. You can easily see how much time I have at home. We worked a little later tonight than usual. It got so dark that we couldn't see the corn any longer so we had to quit. Now you may wonder what we were doing that was so important. This will probably be “Greek” to you, but I will try to explain. We were picking corn with a power-picker. That is a machine that fastens to a tractor and harvests the corn as it is driven through the field. Do you understand? Perfectly – I suppose!!!! My task was to haul the corn from the field to the place of storage and unload it. By the time I got one load off, there was another one ready. Incidentally, I use a tractor to draw the corn also. Tomorrow – and probably for several days – I will be doing the same thing. Now, Honey, please forgive me for “boring” you with all this misery. It is the only way I know to explain how I am occupied.
Guess what! That's right, I got two letters again today. The letter wrote Sunday night finally arrived. It was missent to Alpena, Mich. Apparently no one there wanted it so they decided to send it where it was wanted – and it really was too. What mistakes Uncle Sam's postal employees will make! I thought yesterday it was a bit strange that you didn't write me on Sunday (you see I depend on you), but I decided not to mention it in my letter. You do so well by me that I would be very unfair to think of complaining. Then, when that letter came today, it was self-explanatory. I believe my service is improving. I haven't missed a day so far this week. I hope it will continue.
So LH finally acquired a set of Vincent's Word Studies did he? I was glad to hear that. They are very valuable books for any Greek student. How I would like such a set! I could name a number of other volumes that I would be proud to own. My library is somewhat lacking in Greek study volumes.
I am delighted, Hun, that you are planning to come out in a couple of weeks. As soon as I can I am going to engage someone to preach for me Sunday night, Nov. 2, so we can go to Pittsford in the afternoon. I also want to take you around so you can meet some of my folks. Forgive me, please. I mean so they can meet you. I am looking forward to that weekend with much anticipation. And I'm glad that you decided to come in spite of your Sunday School Rally Day. You will be coming on Saturday I suppose? Make it as soon as you can. Probably you will be able to make best connections by coming to Kalamazoo, however, if you find it more convenient to come to Battle Creek, or even Grand Rapids, I shall be too glad to meet you at any of those places.
After proceeding this far I find that I am quite wide awake, but I am sure I will be slumbering soundly soon after I put my head on the pillow, which will be soon.
It seems like I am forgetting something, but if I am I will remember it tomorrow.

All my love for you
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 16, 1941

We kept our word. We were at prayer meeting again tonight. In fact we just got home. We had a real good meeting too.
Ted, how I wish you could have been here just now. I really needed your physical as well as your moral support. Our country girlfriend was here for dinner and the evening. When she and Adyllis and Mary Evelyn spied me writing to you – oh dear! They ganged up on me and tried to see what I had written. Orpha finally got this paper and dangled it temptingly close and yet far enough away from me. Fortunately I had only written the first few lines and besides they really didn't read it. I'll have to try and find a more secluded and private place to write after this.
Adyllis and Orpha were here by themselves while we were at church and they tried to tell me they found the letters you have written to me and that they had quite a time reading them. Just more teasing of course. Then Orpha sat in the room as I was starting this letter and carried on about how surprised she was. She said she always thought I was a nice girl but after reading those letters she was so disappointed. Her mother always told her that people who wrote “mush” weren't sincere, etc., etc., etc. I just sat out here and chuckled to myself because I know better. She really likes to tease me and we have a lot of fun. Mother, Adyllis, and Mary Evelyn have gone to take her home so maybe I can finish in peace before they return.
Mary Evelyn is so considerate. Just in case you think you have a funny name she sends the following list (authentic) as a “comfort.” I'll attempt to copy some of them. She has quite a list. Here goes (by her special request and compliments) – Sabieski, Gancasy, Czincel, Anastiasia (first name) Zinkiewicz, Damiszewka, Morejkas, Yuknewicz, Mikalouskas, Ardzeyawski, Audruskiewicz, Znaminski, Balukawick, Senkaliski, Daniszewski, Skrowronski, and Czaryasty. There are a few more but I think this will be more than enough Isn't that an awful list! Do you suppose they could be foreign? And if you don't think they're tough to write, just try it. When you type them, it looks like you hit the keys at random. If this has been any inspiration or comfort, the donor (not me) will be glad to know about it. I'm afraid she'd better not hear what you really think, though.
I think I'm kept pretty busy but I guess I really shouldn't complain when I hear about how busy the folks keep you. Please don't overdo it and especially don't get so busy you don't have time to write to that little pest down in Ohio. Really, she still looks forward to those letters even though she is pretty busy herself and has a nice family to keep her company. And she told me confidentially that she would write to you every day unless it bored you or until you got good and tired of it. What can you do with someone like that?
Mary Evelyn was told today that they are going to keep her on permanently in the office instead of sending her back to the bindery I think you knew that she has been working in the office temporarily on the Democratic campaign stuff, didn't you? The fact is, that is where she secured those beautiful names. However, after the election in 2 or 3 weeks, there will be just regular office work and I think she will like it much better. I hope she gets settled in office work soon. That is her ambition and she won't be satisfied until she does.
My bed would feel pretty good right now and I think I'll see what I can do about it. I hope you had time to write yesterday – even just a short letter.

Love to you from,
“Dodo”

Grandpa - Oct. 16, 1941

Dear “Dodo”,

This makes the second time I have written you today. It is a pretty good average isn't it? It must be terrible to be the “victim” of so much propaganda. I'll try to be brief tonight so perhaps it won't be so bad this time. Please, Honey, don't glare that way.
Am I tired tonight! Guess why? That shouldn't be hard knowing that today was the opening day of the hunting season. It seems like I have tramped over all the hills, valleys, dales and through all the swamps and marshes in this section of the state. What a day! But it has been heaps of fun. I really believe I have walked twenty miles today. Besides all of that while crossing a ditch this morning I went in the water way over my boot-top. I not only had a boot full of water, but I was soaked. More fun!
Now I suppose I am to report on the game I captured. Am I? Why would you embarrass me that way? What I actually got was one rabbit and that right here in my own garden late this pm. I shot at several birds (pheasants) and missed most of them. One of them fell to the ground and got away on foot. I guess I just had “bum” luck today. Perhaps the reason is that I traded guns last week and the one I was using didn't work too well. Part of the time I was using a gun that belonged to someone else so, of course, I wasn't accustomed to it. There is still plenty of time to get pheasants. The other fellows I was hunting with today got six pheasants altogether.
So you're finding that “kid sis” of yours to be a problem child are you? That's too bad. It is a bit hard to know what to do with such an individual, but I believe I have the solution. The next time I come to Dayton I'll treat her real nice. I'm sure she wouldn't like that – or would she. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else. There are other means that can be used you know.
I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open to night, so please forgive the briefness of this letter – please. I'll do better next time.

As Always,
Your Ted

Grandma - Oct. 15, 1941

Dear Ted,

When I got your letter yesterday, I hadn't been up so very long; but today when I got it, I had the whole upstairs cleaned already. It was cleaned good too. Do you believe me? You should because I always tell the truth. (Do I love me).
I've had quite a full day. When I finished cleaning the house, it was time to eat lunch. Then I had to get ready and go up town to the doctor's. Don't get excited. I'll explain the reason for such a visit. I don't know if I told you about the wart I have on the bottom of my foot or not but I do have one. It has become larger and very painful so I decided to do something about it. I went to the doctor for whom Adyllis works. He's a skin specialist and is good at removing warts, etc. I've been to him before so I wasn't afraid or anything. He's awfully nice anyway. I thought he would burn it out with an electric needle, but after seeing it he decided differently. He said that way would make it too painful since there is so much pressure on it, so he used the X-ray. I had to lay on my stomach with my foot propped up for 12 minutes plus the time it took to get everything ready. There wasn't one bit of pain though. The other method would probably have been somewhat painful, so I'm more than glad he did it this way. It may cost more – I'm not sure yet. I must go back in 10 days or 2 weeks unless it becomes inflamed in the meantime. So much for my “operation.” You're probably bored stiff with it all anyway.
To go on with my “activities.” When I came home I went to the grocery for something mother forgot to have delivered. When I got home again I plunged in and helped get supper. I peeled carrots and potatoes (and later beat them), cleaned celery and made dessert. All mother had to do was fry steak and make gravy – minor items, don't you think? Oh, I forgot to mention – I opened a can of peas to put with the carrots. I just love peas and carrots together.
After dishes were done, I had to get ready and go away again. Would you like to know where I went? I'll tell you anyway. Our superintendent had asked me Sunday if I would meet with 3 or 4 others and try singing together. Some fun. There turned out to be 5 of us. We just tried out our voices together to see how they blended, etc. We have (or rather had) an octet at church but it has sort of been broken up. I was not a member incidentally. They wanted me to practice with them next Friday but I have other arrangements. I could change my plans for Friday but they want to sing on Rally Day and if my other plans work out, I won't be there on that day anyway. Know where I'll be? In Michigan! Do you think I'm terrible to miss our Rally Day to come up and see you? I don't. I don't know how I could possibly arrange any other time. If you'd rather I stayed home that Sunday, let me know. It will be the weekend of Nov. 1, 2 and 3. Incidentally, that is also the 1st Sunday of our revivals but they will last for 2 weeks. I can go every other night. See what I mean?
My folks don't think I'm foolish for writing to you every day. (They have another name for it.) Mother says she doesn't think it would do any good even if they did think so and anyway I could write 2 times a day as far as she's concerned. So we'll certainly keep it up as long as everybody's happy, won't we.
It's getting late – almost 12:00 am and I do have to work tomorrow. I didn't have any other time to write to you today as you can tell from my full schedule. Honestly I was busy every minute it seemed. I'm not very sleepy yet but I suppose I should get my beauty sleep. No one needs it worse than I, so good-night.

With Love From,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 15, 1941

5:00 Wednesday Morning

Dear Dolores:
I might say “Good morning” but I'm afraid I would wake you out of a sound sleep. That would be tragic wouldn't it.

You will no doubt wonder what prompts me to be writing at such an unrighteous time of day as this. This is the way it is Hun. It wasn't so late when I got home from Muskegon last night but I was so tired that I thought I would prefer to get up early this morning and write a few lines. You see I skip a day in writing but by sending this out this morning you will get a letter each day this week. I couldn't reconcile myself to the thought of not sending any letter at all. And perhaps I should make another confession right here. I really would have slept much better if I had written last night after I returned. My conscience disturbed me considerably. Did you know that I had a conscience? Probably Mary E. would be surprised to hear that. I was awake at 2:00 and several other times in the early morning thinking of how I had failed.
I had a splendid time speaking at the convention last night. It was supposed to be a young people's meeting but there were several older folks there, however I believe they were all under 99. There was also quite a “flock” of preachers present in the service. I'm not boasting but I will admit that I didn't feel the least bit in bondaged to them – in spite of the fact that I was probably the youngest preacher there.
So the girls had a lot of questions to ask you did they? No, I have never been a girl so I'm not just sure what sort of questions they would be asking. Perhaps they aren't too much different from fellows in that respect. Of course they won't need to know only what you are willing to tell them. Did they embarrass you?
Dolores, I was especially glad for one particular part of your last letter. And I might say that Uncle Sam is doing better. I received a letter every day so far this week. I hope that service continues. But do you know the part of the letter I refer to? I'll tell you. You said you were selfish with my love. I'm glad you are and you have my consent to continue to feel that way about me, but I feel just the same way about you. Really, I do. I don't want to be unfair with you but I am selfish enough to want all of your affections – just for me. Is that being selfish?
Today is the opening day of the hunting season, and are we going to have fun! I am expecting the “gang” along here before long. We want to get out when the sun comes up. I must get busy now and get the coffee boiling, etc. I really do make coffee for breakfast and it is good – even if I do make it. Are you surprised to hear that? Until next time, SO-ooooo long!

LOVE,
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 14, 1941

Dear Ted,

Guess how late I slept this morning. Until nearly 10:00! Of course you remember I got to bed sort of late last night. I'll have to admit though that when I sleep late like that I never feel as ambitious as when I arise early. Are you surprised to hear me admit that? I guess you think I'm a lazy “sleepy-head” but honest – I'm not. Usually on my day off I can't sleep very late. It's only when I'm really tired out that I can. Tomorrow I'm going to get up early and clean the house while mother finishes the ironing. I wouldn't want you to think I merely loafed today after I finally did get up though. I cleaned the rugs in the living and dining rooms, went to the grocery, washed some clothes by hand, ironed them (plus some other clothes), and baked some cupcakes, among other things. Aren't I wonderful? (I'm joking – not bragging, please, about being wonderful). I finally shampooed my hair – after 2 ½ weeks. Isn't that terrible! That's the longest my hair has gone without a bath for ever so long. Mother braided it all pretty and I put up the front curls so now I'm all fixed up for awhile.
Marian (Manney) is over again. She brought her embroidering and worked on it. Adyllis is knitting a baby sweater for a friend of ours. Mary Evelyn is knitting a sweater for herself. Mother is idle for a change. Isn't that a “homey” picture? Oh yes. If I weren't writing to you, I'd be loafing around too. See, you come in handy once in awhile to keep me from being lazy. Aren't you flattered? (I'll bet).
A bright idea struck me tonight while I was watching Adyllis knit. I've decided to knit a sweater for Dolores Jean for her birthday in January. If I start now I ought to be able to finish by then. I'm really serious about it though. Don't you think it's a good idea? Mary Evelyn wants to knit her a pair of mittens. We'll see how that comes out later. From now on my spare time (if I have any) will be well taken care of.
There's something I've been wanting to tell you ever since I saw LH and I kept forgetting. LH thought you might interested in knowing that he recently secured a set of Vincent's Word Studies – Greek you know. He said you would know what they are. I don't myself but they are evidently rather valuable. He's been wanting them for quite some time. It is a second-hand set but in excellent condition. He only had to pay $2.00 and for a new set he said it would have been $7 or $8. He is very much pleased with the transaction and I guess he has a right to be. He told me to tell you about it and I finally remembered.
It sounds to me like you had a lovely reception Friday night. If you got lots of canned vegetables, I can tell you what to do with part of them. You know you can make pretty good soup from even canned vegetables. If you want help (especially when it's time to peel the onion), just call on yours truly. I'm kind of an expert – remember? No kidding though, I heard of a way today on the radio to remove onion odor from dainty white hands (or any other kind of hands as far as that is concerned). Want to know? Well, I'll tell you. You take plain dry mustard and rub well into above said hands and then rinse with warm water. Sounds simple and it's supposed to be sure-fire. I'll really have to try it some time.
I guess you'll have to think of some more dire punishment for Mary Evelyn. She likes the one you already suggested. Besides, she just now stuffed a pencil, a ball of cord, and a paper sack down my back just to be mean. I warned her you were keeping a record of her misdemeanors but she just laughed. What can you do with someone like that? I'll confess I've about given up.
Have a nice time at the convention tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.

Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 14, 1941

My Dear “Dodo,”

Less than an hour ago I received your “note” of last Friday night. No foolin', I really enjoyed it very much in spite of the briefness. Thanks so much taking the time from your busy program to write me. This letter may turn out to be only a note because I just have to take some time this evening to prepare for the service tomorrow evening at Muskegon. You wouldn't want me to be embarrassed by getting up there and having nothing to say would you? I hope that will not be the case. My plans are to work tomorrow AM and take the PM to make final preparations and get there. I really won't mind if it continues (it is raining here now) to rain so we can't work because I have several things to do here before I leave.
This has been another day spent working away from home. That is the reason I didn't get your letter until this evening. I too appreciate coming home after a long hard day's work and finding a “swell” letter waiting for me. You come home and find your sisters and parents waiting for you – and perhaps a letter – but there is no one here when I come home except your picture and your letters. Really, Hon, that means a lot to me.
So the Mayfields were pleased with the idea of us coming down there some Sunday? Of course November 1st will be OK, if you can't get a weekend off before that. I shall be glad to plan that way and you can do accordingly. But as you say, there is a “catch.” I was afraid LH would want me to preach if we came to his place. It might be a good excuse to persuade the people here that they should let me go for the evening service. And on the other hand it hardly seems fair to expect you to listen to me both Sunday morning and evening. Do you think you could stand it? I will try to settle the matter with LH when I go down there to go hunting. And I will be waiting for November 1st to arrive.
As you know I will be away tomorrow evening, but I will do my best to get a few lines written sometime – perhaps after I get home. Until then ---!!!

It is with Love,
Ted