FDR speech, given October 27th, 1941

Grandpa mentioned in his last letter that he was listening to an address by President Roosevelt.  FDR delivered the following speech on the date that Grandpa wrote to his beau in Ohio.


President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Address over the radio on Navy Day concerning the attack upon the destroyer U. S. S. Kearny, October 27, 1941
"The forward march of Hitler and of Hitlerism can be stopped -- and it will be stopped."
Five months ago tonight I proclaimed to the American people the existence of a state of unlimited emergency.
Since then much has happened. Our Army and Navy are temporarily in Iceland in the defense of the Western Hemisphere.
Hitler has attacked shipping in areas close to the Americas in the North and South Atlantic.
Many American-owned merchant ships have been sunk on the high seas. One American destroyer was attacked on September 4. Another destroyer was attacked and hit on October 17. Eleven brave and loyal men of our Navy were killed by the Nazis.

To continue reading...

I thought you might be interested in sharing in the historical context of what your parents and grandparents experienced as they wrote to each other.  As their relationship was growing and giving them life and excitement, I wonder what it felt like for parts of their world to be crumbling around them.

Grandpa, October 28th 1941

Dear Dolores:

Since you are so intent on being a “pest” I suppose I should write “Dear Pest.”  How could I be so rude?  Really Hun, I think you are anything but a pest.  If you are such a one, I must confess that I wish there were more pests, however I am interested in only one and that one is you.  I believe we can settle this “pest” question this week-end.

FDR delivers a speech
(I believe this is the one that Grandpa was listening to).

The Chief Executive - Pres. Roosevelt - is interrupting my powers of concentration.  I am interested in hearing what he has to say, but I fear I will not be able to write very well, while trying to listen to his “plan”!  Why can’t he wait until I have finished writing you?

Can you smell paint Dolores?  You could if you were here.  In fact I painted until 10:00 tonight and still am not finished.  I am glad to say, however, that the kitchen is completed.  I am hoping to paint the back room tomorrow.  You will see I didn’t get as much done today as I had hoped.  I left here this morning before 9:00 to go to the hospital for my glucose test and it was noon when I got back.  Then I had to take time out this P.M. to go back for the report.  Had it not been for all that time, I am sure I could have gotten much more done.

Would you be interested in the report from my test?  I was very much interested and also pleased.  The result was normal so I have nothing to get worried about.  The doctor said “Go home, eat, drink, and be merry.”  Just how literal should I take those orders?  Anyhow I was glad for such a favorable report.

Dolores, I was more than pleased with your letter this morning saying you were still planning to see me Nov. 1st.  Really, thought, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for having you miss your brother’s wedding.  I understand the situation and wouldn’t blame you if you had decided not to come.  Even so I am glad you are planning to come up here.

I guess I didn’t make myself plain concerning the bus I thought it would be best for you to take.  Of course, I thought you would be taking the late bus since it would mean quite a bit less time on the road.  As I said I would be pleased to have you arrive earlier, but it would be a much harder trip for you.  I am sure the plans you have made are best.  You see we are still agreed after all.  I’ll be seeing you Kalamazoo at 4:55 P.M. Saturday.  O.K?  I’ll be sure to be there.

This has surely been a rainy day here - a good time to work inside.  Late this afternoon it turned quite cold and right now I believe it is nearly freezing outside.  The weather forecast is snow before morning.  Boy! do I appreciate my heater?  It surely gives me a lot of comfort.

I have several matters of correspondence that must be taken care of before I go to bed and it is late now so may I please be excused from this to get my other work done?  One thing is a matter of transferring two church letters and that is a new experience to me.  I must also write the pastor of the church where I am planning to be in meetings next week.

Until tomorrow, Good night -

With Love,

Ted

Grandma, October 27th 1941

Dear Ted,

Before I go any farther, let me explain that I am using this terribly large paper because I’m fresh out of my other.  I fully intended to get some yesterday but my memory failed me - as usual.  Let me further explain that it’s just as well I have to use it since this letter must of necessity be short.  Please forgive me again but I was later getting home from work tonight due to our “broken down” car and I must get up early tomorrow and go to work.  I hope you’ll understand my predicament.  You would rather have me write a short letter than none at all, wouldn’t you?

The folks from Detroit left early this afternoon, about 2 o’clock.  I was so sleepy then that I went upstairs and took a nap.  I had to take the 3:10 bus for work.  I know I could have written to you between 2 and 3 o’clock but it slipped my mind until too late.  I guess I forgot that I would have to get to bed as soon as possible since I have to work tomorrow.  I have been having Monday off when I work on Sunday but they double-crossed me this week.  I should not have to be at work at 8:00 am tomorrow since there are supposed to be 10 hours between tricks, but they slipped up somewhere on my schedule.  I referred it to them yesterday morning and they said they’d do something about it but they evidently forgot all about it.  Consequently, I arise early tomorrow.  That 10 hour business is a state law too, so if they are found out they’ll have to pay the penalty.  I did my part.

Please forgive me for all this boring explanation and alibi-ing.  I don’t know why I should bother you with my petty troubles.  I’ll try to do better from now on.

Mary Evelyn is going to stand up with Jeanette and Hordy when they are married.  She is so tickled.  Of course she’ll get a new dress, etc. and that strikes her splendidly.  They are going to be married on Sunday.  Then both families plus Hordy’s best man are going to have a nice dinner at a lovely restaurant not far from Dayton.  Only the immediate families will be present at the ceremony.  Exclusive, see?  I’m still coming up to see you though if you still want me.  They still insist on it.  OK?

I’m going to hurry to bed now.  ‘Night -

Love,

“Dodo”

Grandpa, October 27 1941

Dear Dolores:

Would you believe it?  I have been right here studying since 3:00 this afternoon.  That is what I get for putting off my preparation for Sunday evening.  It really isn’t a matter of putting it off so much as it is the lack of time.  I hardly know when I could have found time to do it before.  Perhaps I’m not exactly prepared yet, but I feel sure I have the mind of the Lord as to the message of the evening.  I will be preaching from John 12:32.  I will admit that it was a bit hard to know just how a text of that kind should be treated.  I am attempting to emphasize the last part, “...will draw all men unto me.”  It would be needless for me to explain here the truth I hope to be able to impress upon the minds of the people.  You will have occasion to hear this “preacher” next Sunday, I hope.  After you have heard him once or twice you may never care to see or hear him again.  I sincerely hope that won’t be true.

Today I had a quarterly meeting which included a communion service this morning.  Since I am not yet qualified to administer the sacrament I had hoped to have Uncle Albert from Hillsdale be here, but this was also his quarterly meeting Sunday so that was out.  Consequently, I did the preaching had had had the retired minister you have heard me speak of here conduct the communion service.  He is the one who will be preaching for me next Sunday  night.  Isn’t that kind of him?  I think it is.

Say, Dolores, I have a suggestion to make for next Sunday, that is providing you are going to be here.  Perhaps I should say a request.  Now don’t say “no” will you?  O.K.  Here it is.  Would you please plan to sing a special number in the service here next Sunday morning?  I can hear you making excuses already.  My plan was to wait until you got here to mention it, but then you could have the excuse that you weren’t prepared.  Don’t worry about the people here being critical.  If they were, they would have a different preacher.  I would appreciate it very much if you would plan to do that and I am sure the people would.  How about it?

It seems like as time goes on the more I have to do.  I don’t mean to be complaining but some times I feel like “Woe is me!”  It seems like I will never get caught up.  Just this morning I was notified that I was to speak at the November meeting of the Allegan ministers.  What that, revival meetings next month, and my own work here and probably I will be working some in the Penny Store, I wonder how I am going to get it all in.  Did you ever feel that way?  There must be a way out.  And of course I have corresponding obligations which I couldn’t neglect.  At least I don’t intend to.

Tomorrow I hope to complete the job of painting here that I have been wanting to do for so long.  I may not be able to get it all done, but I am hoping there will not be much left to do.  You see I won’t have to take time out to get any breakfast so I can get up real early (about 5:00) and start right in.  I might even get one room done before I have to go to the hospital.  It will be necessary for me to be there for at least two hours.

Time out until after church...

9:15 Sunday night

Hello Again!

I just turned my radio on and there is being a hymn sung that we used here in my evening service.  There are quite a number more voices on the radio than there were in church.  In spite of that I think we had  good service - even in spite of a poor preacher.

Before church this evening one of the ladies came to my door with a package for me.  It was nearly time for service so I didn’t  take the time to open it then.  Just a few minutes ago I opened it and guess what I found.  Food, of course!  It included fruit salad, cookies, cup cakes, and two large pieces of fried chicken!  Can you beat that?  Did I eat!  I’ll say I did.  I’m not to eat any breakfast in the morning so I really made the best of it.  I am sure I will survive until lunch time tomorrow.

When you receive only one envelope you may think you are getting only one letter, but you will find I have written one each day and am enclosing both of them in one envelope.  I want to write my sister tonight so I better bring this to a close.  

Good night Hun!

Yours with love,

Ted

Grandma, October 26th 1941

Dear Ted,

I’m beginning to feel my late hours and lack of sleep more and more.  My back aches and my eyes even hurt they’re so tired.  I must be sure and do my best to get to bed early as many nights as possible next week in order to get rested up and prepared for the weekend.  If I do that, we can stay up as long as want to - providing you get “slept up” ahead too.  How will that be?  (Don’t take me too literally.)

The “kids” had quite a time when they went to apply for their license this morning.  Jeanette is of course under age and we thought just her mother would be okay to sign for her, but they asked for her dad.  After some “quibbling” they finally gave it to them, provided her dad can get down on next Saturday or goes to the marriage license clerk in Detroit and has a special form filled out.  So up to now, everything is going along fine.

This afternoon the Detroit folks went to Cincinnati to visit Mrs. Grueneberg’s other daughter and they took mother along.  That meant that father and us girls had to shift for ourselves for supper.  Mother sort of hated to run off and leave us (or so she said) so she suggested that father take us out to eat.  We didn’t object of course, so accordingly he met us after we all were off work and we went to the nicest place.  I had the best vegetable soup I ever ate outside of what mother (and I) make.  The funny part is that they got home shortly after we did.  So we all had a nice time.

This is my best guess at the type of car the
Simpson family may have purchased in 1941

A few minutes after we got home, father started to the grocery after the groceries mother had ordered.  Lo and behold!  The  car refused to start.  We had plenty of gas and everything was running perfectly when we came home from town but it wouldn’t even sputter or anything.  We were parked going down hill so Mary and I started pushing.  More fun (?).  When we got halfway down the street, along comes Hordy and the folks with the De Soto.  Well, we pushed the old Ford for blocks and still she wouldn’t give so we pushed her home.  Hordy and father have been working on it, but they couldn’t find the difficulty and have finally given up.  We are not worrying too much because guess what - we’re going to get a new car very shortly.  Isn’t that grand?  The only thing we need to worry about is to get “Lizzie” in running condition to take in for appraisal and trade-in.  The fellow who is maneuvering the sale for us wants our Ford on Monday because he things he can get our new one then.  We’re tickled pink.  By the way - guess what kind of a care we’re getting?  Yes sir, a Chevrolet!  It’s a beige coach.  Mary Evelyn wasn’t here when our “agent” told us he had it (he’s been trying to get us one for some time) so we decided to keep it a secret from her and surprise her.  I’ll be we’ll have a lot of fun with her when she finds out.  She’s been wanting a new car so long.  So have we all, as far as that goes.

Ted, you really ought to be here tomorrow.  You know what I smell?  Chicken!  2 of them.  They’re getting their preliminary cooking tonight and the odor floats pleasantly out in the atmosphere.  I’m hungry already.  You know I have to admit that when I work, my appetite is much better than when I loaf around.  Strange, isn’t it?

I’m glad to hear that you are no longer going to loaf.  You must be kind of tired just sitting around doing nothing.  All kidding aside though, I think it will be nice for you to clerk in the store if they still want you.  Good luck to you.  And I think it would be good experience for you if you should decide to take that revival meeting.  If they will consent to your starting the 4th or 5th, I will consent to it.  I know - just who do I think I am?  Naturally, you’ll go ahead and do as you think best regardless of me and that’s exactly what you should do.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.  

In a week I’ll be with.  Then we can talk and talk.  Won’t that be nice?  I’ll save some things to tell you until then so good-night for now.

Love,

Dolores

Grandpa - October 26, 1941

Dear Dolores:

It happened just as I thought it would.  I mean by that I received two letters today.  You didn’t let me know did you, Hun?  I knew you wouldn’t.  Perhaps you say I am being over-confident.  Really, do you think I am?  I don’t believe so.  I have been “let down” real hard already and experienced grave disappointment in similar situations, but I have felt differently about you, Dolores.  I do appreciate the effort you have made to get a letter to me each day for the last three weeks.  It has been a source of comfort and inspiration to me just to know that there was someone who thought enough of me to be willing to spend the time and effort to write me every day.  The fact that such a person as you is willing to do that causes it to be even more interesting and encouraging.  And I make no apologies for saying that I think you’re a might fine girl, Dolores.  That is how you rate with me.  And I might even make a confession right here.  You are the only girl who has ever been interested enough in me to be willing to write every day.  The same thing is true of myself in respect to other girls.  Really, Dolores, I am enjoying our “association” far more than I can tell.  Let’s keep it up!  What do you say?

I rather expected to get a call to go and work in the store today, but it didn’t come.  I seemed to be able to find plenty to do without that.  Probably they will want me next Saturday when I will want to be doing something else.  Guess what?  I am only hoping your brother won’t plan a wedding next week-end and respect our plans.  If he does!!! - Well, I’m afraid I won’t like that.  Be sure to keep me informed so I can plan accordingly.

Most of the forenoon I spent cleaning and doing some simple tasks around the home.  Yes, I am beginning to feel very much like this is “home” to me.  At least I am trying to make it a home.  It seems selfish to say “my home”, so I compromise by saying “the home”.  I am hoping to share it with someone sometime.  I also did some studying this morning.  After lunch I studied, rested a while, and later in the afternoon made a call in a home here in the community where a daughter has been ill for several weeks.  I also went into town to do a “little” shopping and made my first visit to a doctor’s office in Allegan.  Don’t get excited.  I’m not ill.  You will remember hearing me say I have to be careful about eating too much sweet foods because of diabetes.  I felt I should check up and find out what my present condition is in that respect.  The doctor wants me to have a glucose test Monday morning.  That means I have to go without my breakfast and go to the hospital where several samples of blood will be taken and tested for sugar.  I will let you know what the result is.

Tomorrow is a busy day for me so I think I better close and do some “slumbering”.  It is nearly 11:00 already.  Until tomorrow - Good night!

Yours with love, Ted

Grandma - October 25, 1941

Dear Ted,

I was afraid something would happen to keep me from getting to bed early tonight – and it did. Our company got here safe and sound. Pardon me – I shouldn't say “company,” just part of the family. The reason for their visit is precisely what we expected. Here's the story:

Hordy's appeal to the board in regard to deferment did practically no good. They're awfully tough up in Michigan about deferments for defense work. Hordy is really needed where he works but that seems to cut no ice whatsoever. So – he has been advised to go ahead and get married because by so doing that might help a lot when he gets his medical. It's his last resort. It may defer him more readily than defense work. We all hope so anyway. This morning they went down and had their blood tests taken. Ordinarily they would not have gotten the results until tomorrow morning but Adyllis brought them home this evening. The doctor she works for took the tests and they were analyzed right there in the same building. Now the “kids” are all set to go down in the morning and apply for their license. Here's where the “rub” comes in. Next Saturday or Sunday they are going to be married but – everyone insists that I do not cancel my plans. They say that since my plans have been made for quite some time and theirs had to be a rushed, unexpected affair, they they will not feel badly toward me if I go ahead with mine. I hate to miss their wedding but I also hate to disappoint you and the Mayfields (and incidentally myself). So – I'll still see you Nov. 1st. If you don't mind, I think I'll take the bus which arrives in Kalamazoo at 4:55 PM. I'll get to see you all day Sunday and Monday and as long as you stay down here. Will that be okay?

I just took 5 minutes out and talked over again with mother the bus question. We decided that for the difference in time that the later bus would be more convenient for all of us. See, we decided against you. Anyway, I hope this won't be the last visit we have together. There will no doubt be other times when we can get together and have long visits, won't there? I thought you'd agree.

I'm glad to hear you finally got a good night's rest. Nine hours of sleep – it must be wonderful! I shall have to try it sometime. I can hardly wait for the chance. Right now it looks like nothing special doing next week so maybe I'll get some decent sleep. That remains to be seen. Remind me never to make any more vows concerning the subject. They just don't work out somehow. You said you ought to be caught up with 9 hours of sleep but I think it will take a whole week of sleep that long at night for me to catch up. I ought to lose weight by losing so much sleep, but the way I've been eating (especially desserts and rich foods) I probably haven't. I haven't weighed myself to find out but I intend to do so just to see if anything will cause me to lose weight. It looks sort of hopeless though.

Everyone has gone to bed again except father (and me of course). He almost always sleeps in a chair until after all of us are in bed. Sometimes he goes on and leaves me down here by myself. Not that I mind though. I don't expect him to wait for me always. About the only reason he stays down is because he has to wait for the bathroom and consequently sleeps until we call him.

I hear the sandman calling – oh so loudly. I think I'll answer it. I certainly am ready to.

Love from your

“Pest” -

In English it's,

Dolores

Grandpa - October 25, 1941

(Note:  There is a mention of Floyd Merrill in this post.  Does anyone know if he is a relative?)

Dear Dolores:

Again you will probably say “What a time to be writing a letter.”  I will admit that at such a time (3:00 Sat. morning) one should be soundly sleeping.  In fact the reason I didn’t write last evening is because I was overcome with that dreadful disease of “sleepiness.”  However, I haven’t really been to bed yet.  You see when one is living by himself he can do what he wants to when he wants to.  But it was all brought about in this way.  Last evening I went with some of my church people to a neighboring village to hear a Russian evangelist speak on conditions in Russia.  It was a long service and the house was late when we got back.  Instead of writing then, I decided it would be much better if I would sleep a few minutes (I was so sleepy) so down I went on my sofa-bed.  The “few minutes” turned out to be about 3 1/2 hours.  You scold me, Hun.  I know I need it.

The last letter you receive before this one will be post-marked “Schoolcraft”.  Perhaps that will arouse your child curiosity.  (I’ll bet you are glaring at me now).  Please forgive me for making such a break.  I will proceed to explain that situation.

You remember Floyd Merrill, do you not?  This year he is working on his degree in Northwestern State Teachers College in Kalamazoo.  His wife has a cousin in Schoolcraft - which is south of Kalamazoo - whom she wanted to visit yesterday, so we went with Floyd to Kalamazoo and from there I took her on out to her cousin’s.  She is one of those women drivers who is afraid to drive if there is another car anywhere around.  Much different from your “kid-sis”.  Then you will wonder what I did with myself in the midst of such a situation.  I went and spent the day with a former college “pal” - none other than Bruce Densmore.  He lives only a short distance from Schoolcraft.  Incidentally, the said letter I referred to was mailed from this town as you will know.

Now back to Bruce.  I’m sure you haven’t forgotten who he is.  Needless to say we had an interesting visit.  Even fellows like to “chew the fat” once in awhile.  You couldn’t guess the event that is coming to pass in his life.  That’s right!  He is planning to be married next month.  Isn’t it terrible what some people will do?

Dolores, you would be interested in knowing that I had a letter from Ivonne yesterday - a good letter too.  She has some very nice things to say concerning a friend of mine who visited in her home with me not long ago.  She only mentioned part of the many nice things that could be said.

No letter from Dayton yesterday!  I’m holding Uncle Sam responsible.  He better come across with two today!  Must stop now.

With love - Ted

Grandma - October 24, 1941

Dear Ted,

I'm waiting for those people to come after me to sing again so while I wait I can at least start a letter even if I can't finish it until later. In spite of your late hours and hard work, etc., you are doing right well with your letter writing. Keep it up, please.

Monday and Tuesday of this week it was so unseasonably warm. Then yesterday it rained and today it's so nice and crisp and cool. I really like it much better this way. By the time I come up to Michigan it will no doubt be really cold, won't it? Do you suppose I should wear my winter coat this time? -----

2 ½ hours later -----

Just as I was thinking what to write next, the folks came and off I went. We didn't sing so much because none of us seemed to be in too good a form. Most of the 2 ½ hours was spent eating and visiting. The lady whose husband has charge of it doesn't sing herself, but oh my! Does she ever feed you! She gets a lot of joy out of doing it. I won't tell you all she had, but it was fattening and along with all the other stuff I ate today – honestly, Ted, I'll be as fat as a little pig. I know you wouldn't want me to get that fat, now would you? After we ate, we looked at pictures of the trip they took this last summer. It was quite extensive, covering 9 states besides Ohio. It evidently was a most interesting trip but I'll “bet” they didn't have a bit better time than I had about about 3 weeks ago. They couldn't have.

When I got home, imagine my surprise at being ousted out of my own private bed chamber. While I was gone, the folks got a long distance (ahem) call from Detroit. The folks are going to be down tonight again – that is, about 2:00 AM. That means that my brother gets my bed. They said that everything was alright but I can just imagine why they are coming. My brother's deferment probably did not go through and they are coming down to get their blood test tomorrow prior to applying for a marriage license. If that's the case, they'll no doubt want to be married the following weekend and if so where'll I be? I'm all upset now and befuddled. Adyllis has plans for next week too so if they do have in mind what I think they have, maybe we can persuade them to wait a week or so. Don't worry too much about it please and I'll let you know immediately all about it when I found out definitely.

I'm so tired tonight that I'll just have to cut this short. I know you don't it and honestly – I really don't like to, but I simply can't write much more. Please forgive me again. Thanks, - you're sweet to put up with my shortcomings.

With love,

Dolores