1931 Beehive House Letters, Part 1

Link and explanation of Margie’s trip to Salt Lake: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16272&REC=0&CISOBOX=margie+lyman

Margie & Marvin - 1920

Oct. 3, 1931

Dear Marg:

I just have time to dash off a few lines before the mail gets here. We received your letter yesterday, and was surely glad to hear from you. I hope by this time you are rested up so you can begin to enjoy life, but I can’t imagine anyone getting any rest up there at Conf. time. Everything is about as usual here, we are getting along fine. Ethel is doing very well by us. The young ones are doing fine even to the cat and pigeon.

The windows of heaven have surely been open for a couple of day, the rain has poured down till water runs in every direction, the drouth is sure busted. I guess you know that John recovered O.K.

I went up to Marion’s last night for rehearsal, the first one we have had and since no one came but me the rehearsal was a fiz, but we had a nice visit. I heard them announce Coranton over the radio. I wish I could go with you to see it and further more I think you better not miss any good shows. Well I’ll have to quit if I get this on the mail and I think I have done pretty well since this is the first letter I have written in ten years. Don’t worry about things at home and get anything you need. The Lord will provide.

Enjoy yourself and have a good time.

With much love

From pap and the kids

P.S. Would like to hear from you often and will try and reciprocate.

Marvin Lyman

Goosenecks of the San Juan

Oct. 7, 1931

Dear Marg:

I just received your letter and I perceive that you have not read the first letter I wrote you several days ago, however you may have received it by this time, and if you have I hope it cheered you up some. I don’t want you to feel sad or discouraged while you have such a fine chance to be doing something that should be a pleasure to you. We surely do miss you, and will be very glad to have you home again.

We are getting along fine and as far as I know you should not have any cause to worry about us. Ethel is taking good care of us and we are all well and happy so to speak.

I listened to every speaker on Sunday over the radio. There were certainly some wonderful sermons. I think I got more out of them than I ever did trying to hear them in the Tabernacle. Bro. Shumway came over and listened to the afternoon session. He thot it was fine.

We have a crowd here every day to listen to the World Series Baseball game. It comes in fine and I am getting to be a seal fan. I wouldn't miss one for anything. They have two more games to play.

We have nearly all the first coat of stucco on the Garage, it helps the looks considerable. The weather is idea, hasn’t frosted ye and we haven’t put the heater up. I went to Monticello yesterday, called at the bank and arranged for them to pay our checks. I don’t think it makes much difference whose name you make them in. You can write your own name if you prefer. I don’t believe there is much news and I am a poor hand at gossip so I don’t think of anything else to write about. I suppose by this time you will be deeply engaged in your studies and won’t have time to get lonesome or homesick anyway. We don’t want you to be. Treat yourself to a good time and write to us when you can spare the time.

With much love

Marvin

P.S. If you don’t receive this letter write and let me know.

Margie H Lyman - 1921

Oct. 14, 1931

Dear Marg:

Your welcome letter received. Am glad you are getting along so well in your work, but I don’t think I would like your job. Everything is about as usual here, lots of bad colds in town. Phil’s has been afflicted with a cold but I think he is on the improve. Otherwise, we are all O.K. Lynn Thompson came home from La Sal the other day. He has quit over there and is our cook now.

We had a wonderful Conference here last Sunday. I attended every session. I guess that is why I liked it so much. Apostle Merrill was in attendance but it seemed like he didn’t get a chance to speak as much as I would like. There were so many others to speak.

We are going to have a talking picture here tomorrow night, an outfit traveling thru the country. The kids are planning big on it. I told Phil if he didn’t get better he couldn’t go, so he is making a desperate effort, wears his shows and stockings every day. We have him a dose of Magnesia this morning.

I don’t think of many more news to speak of so I guess I’ll have to sign off.

I have been wondering how you are standing up to the work (Physically. How are your aches and pains. I hope you don’t have to be on your feet too much.

Well be good and write soon.

With much love

From your Old Man

I see by the paper that your school lasts till the 13th of next month. That’s a long time.

Margie Hurst - 1919

Oct. 19, 1931


Dear Margie Dear,

I received your letter today and it seemed awfully good to hear from you again. I am setting here by the stove along trying to keep warm. The little ones have gone to bed and I am watching the lights as Lynn has gone to Cortez but don’t think they have had any results yet in the way of increase. Today has been rather dismal, it started to rain last night and has kept it up nearly all day and still is. The garage has been full of bums all day and there is heaps of mud everywhere.

I am glad you enjoy your work and have the opportunity to meet lots of nice people, they will surely expect much from you when you get home after the splendid training you are receiving.

We are all doing very nicely. Phil had quite a bad dose of earaches but is allright now. He still has some sores on his lips but he is able to hold his own with Caroline when it comes to fighting which they do most of the time when they are together. (Sidney here, I had to laugh at this comment!) I think Caroline is doing alright in school. She is in the best class. Yes I guess the play blowed up at any rate we haven’t had any rehe[a]rsals. I don’t know whether they have given it up entirely or not.

If Garda is home I haven’t heard of it I don’t hardly think she is.

Ethel and Lynn have rented apartments in Blacks house and are located there now. Lynn has been picking some of the apples down on the lot. He is doing most of the cooking. We had a real banquet the other day when Geo. came in off the Survey. The Survey has quit and they have all gone home.

The mail has changed the schedule. He stays in Bluff now and goes north in the morning which should make quicker service between here and Salt Lake.

Well I have about exhausted my supply of news which is very limited at the most. Anyway, I don’t think there is much happening. The deer season opens tomorrow and most of the Blanding men have gone or are going hunting. If I was going hunting for dears I think I would go to Salt Lake.


Write again soon

Heaps of love.
Marvin

Misc. Items...

I've had a wonderful afternoon typing up several letters that Grandpa Lyman wrote Granny in October/November 1931 while Granny was in Salt Lake at the Beehive House. I caught a glimpse of the love Grandpa had for Granny. Granny evidently stayed at the Beehive house while in Salt Lake.

Link explaining Granny's trip to Salt Lake:

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16272&REC=0&CISOBOX=margie+lyman

When Mike and I found these letters from Grandpa to Granny a few months ago, they were gathered together and tied with a blue ribbon. We found this note among the letters...

Marvin's Letter to Margie - 15 May 1955

Note: I probably should have typed all the letters at one time because I just realized there is an 'order' to them!

Blanding, Utah

15 May 1955

Dear Margie:

Sunday night again so will try and bring yo up to date on the news which is rather scarce this week. I hate to keep complaining about the weather but we have had three days of wind and dust till we can hardly keep on top. I went to Mex[ican] Hat yesterday to dig up a tank and when I go home I washed a half a cup full of sand out of my eyes and nose and hair. Phil thinks we should move if we can find a place that doesn't blow but I don't know where that would be.

We didn't go to Salt Lake, went over and talked to Sandergar (sp?) and he thot he could do this building for us. Phil is working on details of the place so that he can give us our internals, we might be able to start within about eight rooms.

Sandergar said Frank Hall's motel cost $56,000.00 and when it was about ready for use the inspector condemned the plumbing and they have to take it all out and do it over. I think Sandergar was quite impressed with Phil's plan.

Well I suppose Caorline is home now and I think it is wonderful that she gets along so well. It just doesn't seem possible that they [have] such a big family, and such a fine one. I am ver proud of them.

We are getting along very nicely. Ethel and Lynn are taking good care of us. I am only eating 2 meals a day and sometimes one. I feel fine no heartburn or upset stomach from eating too much and too often. The boys fix up a little on the side here at home quite often. Marilyn is buying things in good condition.

We finally heard from France and dutch and according to their calculation we should just about have another grandchild by now. According to their fugures they should be homeward bound in about three weeks which will be about the same time as your home run. You will all be very welcome.

Next Sunday I must go to Moab for High Council Visit and the next Sunday to Lockerby. (Where is/was Lockerby???) It will be a terrible rely. When it is ___ it is wonderful to be on the High Council if I didn't feel so incompetent and I feel less competent as time goes on.

Well, I don't seem to think of any more to say so might as well close.

Much love to you and the family. Dad

Patriarchal Blessings of Marjie Hurst Lyman

Hello Family,

I've been transcribing more the letters between Margie and Marvin and found in the group four patriarchal blessings received by Margie Hurst Lyman. After discussing this with Mike, we decided that we probably shouldn't post these blessings. But, if you are interested in reading them, I have transcribed them and would be happy to email you a copy. Please email me at slang@xmission.com if you are interested in her patriarchal blessings.

Thanks!


Mike & Sidney Christensen

Letter Written Shortly after Suzanne's Death

Background...

Lynette Lyman Bayles has a copy of this letter in her possession. Lynette writes, "I hope you will all feel of the great love Granny had for her family and also of her great testimony and faith. I’m glad I can share this sweet letter with you all. Love Lynette Lyman Bayles"

Lynette also told me in the email that there are areas in the letter that are blotched with Granny's tear stains, and so the words cannot be read.

Link to Suzanne's obituary...

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=63170&CISOSHOW=63186&REC=1


Explanation of the Letter...

This is a letter written by Margie Lyman shortly after the death of her little Suzanne. It came into my possession through Margaret Wright who lives here in Mesa. I am so grateful that she called me to tell me of its existence and she felt our family should have it. Margaret’s cousin, Lynn Melville, gave the letter to her, and she passed it on to me, along with this letter of explanation of its origin:

Rachel Melville (addressee on envelope) is Lynn Melville’s (the cousin who brought the letter to me) mother.

Rachel’s mother, also named Rachel, is a sister to Grandma Libbie.

Elma (the letter is written to her) is a sister to Rachel Melville.

Theil Roberts, (the return address label on the envelope) is a daughter of Elma’s. She probably sent the letter to Rachel to give to Lynn when her mom died and they went through her things.

This is a great piece of history and a special piece of Aunt Marg and her strong testimony and strength. I’m glad I got to read it.

Margaret Wright



The Letter...



Blanding, Utah
Oct. 11, 1942

Dear Elma, before I write a word let me tell you that it will be a poor affair. I am a dumb letter writer at the best and it is oh so hard for me to write about the death of our dear little Suzanne.

Your letter was grand and oh you don’t know how much it meant to Marvin & I. It is funny how we go along and didn’t realize just what our dear ones suffer. I was impressed with you and Boyd. Had you pictured as having faith and living up to church standards but I didn’t realize some of the things that bound you so securely. It is so had to have a little darling snatched right away from you but still it is a great satisfaction to me that Suzie suffered very little. I will tell you all about it in detail as near as I can.

On Saturday the 5th of September, she seemed to have a very slight cold. Not the least bit sick but a little hoarse. She played all day and went me and the boys to pick pears. I told Francis and Joe Fin that I would give them a nickel for helping. We had been picking just a few minutes when De Bayles came along with some other little kids on their way to the field. He asked Suzanne to go along. Of course we were all through and home before she got back. She was so cute as usual. She came in and said “I want the nickel I earned picking pears.” I said “you didn’t pick” but I gave it to her thank goodness and she got an ice cream cone. She wanted to go the show but it was a little cold so I coaxed her to stay home. She said she would if I would tell her some stories. I did for an hour or two. She seemed a little tighter in her lungs so I steamed her and rubbed her chest. Heavens I have had children much worse and never been much alarmed.

Sunday morning she insisted on going to Sunday School. So Carolyn got her ready then talked her out of it because she was still breathing real hard. Carolyn stayed with her as I had to play the piano in the Junior Sunday School. They just had a good time all the while I was gone, played chop sticks on the piano sang songs etc. It was about 1:30 when I got home. She was lying down but didn’t seem sick. I continued to steam her and tried to loosen up her throat. Aunt Ellen came in to see her and told her to be at Sunday school next Sunday. I felt like saying “She won’t be there aunt Ellen.” But I tried to put the thot out of my mind but it just stayed in spite of every thing. It was fast day and I had intended going to meeting but felt impressed to stay with my baby. Every one else went.

About 3 o-clock I was sitting on the edge of her bed putting wet towels on her throat because aunt Ellen said she had croup. All of a sudden she had a bad choking spell. I said “honey put your finger in your throat and make yourself vomit.” The little thing tried but nothing came up. She got real dark and needless to say I was terrified. I ran to the door and screamed. Carolyn just happened to be passing. I thot she was at meeting. I sent her for Marvin. The Dr. wasn’t in town but I got Dorthy Bayles, one of the best nurses the Lord ever blessed the world with. By the time they got here Suzie was real white and lying still seemingly in no pain except for the difficulty in breathing. Dorthy said she had asthma and that I was doing all that she could do, but to call her if Suzanne choked again. The rest of the after-noon she just lay there wanting me to tell her stories which I did.

About 5:30 she got up and went into the bath-room by herself just as she got back into bed she vomited a little. I changed her pajamas and just straightened her bed when she went into another very very bad choking spell. I grabbed her up and screamed for Phil to run for Daddy and Dorthy. I carried her into the bath room and dashed cold water into her sweet little face and fanned her and she reached her little arms up and said, “oh mama I’m choking to death” and Elma she was doing just that and there I was helpless. I said out loud, “Oh Father in Heaven you are taking my baby aren’t you?” I knew that he was. We had her administered to earlier in the afternoon but it didn’t make any difference.

Dorthy came and sent for Ann Hatch the public health nurse. They got here and gave her shots of adrenlin about 6:30 and Marvin ran and called our dear Dr. Allan in Moab. He told us to bring her down. At 7 she had her third choking spell and a slight convulsion but after it she was rational. Miss Hatch was holding her by the window, the little black cat was sitting on the sill out side and she waved and smiled at it. I just thot my heart would break right in two. At 7:30 we with Miss Hatch were in the car on our way to Moab. We made it in 1 hr. and 15 min. Dr. Allen and his Brother Dr. D.K Allen of Salt Lake were both there ready to operate or any thing necessary but could find nothing wrong. No temperature, no evidence of pain they tapped her spine and it revealed absolutely nothing. They did everything possible but she never did respond to a single thing. She never seemed conscious after reaching the hospital and passed away at eleven o’clock. We wrapped her in a blanket and retraced our sad path home. We got here about 2 o’clock.

All of our family both mine and Marvin’s were here and they were so good and kind. What oh what would we do without loved ones? We buried her on Monday. Had a beautiful service at 4 o’clock. She was indeed a wax doll. Her little clothes were perfect. Ray went to Cortez and got a lovely little peach color casket and we put our baby girl to rest in a (?) silken down bed. Hazel curled her hair just the way I had kept it all Summer. Oh Elma this is a mess I can’t see (? words smeared and unreadable) You will never be able to read this terribly written epistle but please excuse me and let any of our folks read this if they care to because I can never write it again to anyone. I don’t question the Lord in it neither do I want her back but you know how we miss her and I just have to cry sometime. Thanks a million for your letter give our kind love and regards to all of our dear folks. Love Marg and Marvin

Letters from Marvin to Margie, #2

This letter was also written while Margie was back in New Jersey visiting her daughter Caroline Lyman Christensen and her family, at the birth of Caroline's daughter, Marjorie Christensen Jones.

(I find these letters fun because Grandpa Lyman write about everyone in the family. We receive a glimpse into the life of the family as well!)

Blanding
May 25, 1955

Dear Marg:

Two days late. Will try and dash off a few lines to let you know we are o.k. I went to Moab Sunday might was late getting home. Seems like Sunday is about the only time I have to write. Received a telegram from Francis yesterday announcing the arrival of a boy. This was quite a relief as I was beginning to get a little worries about them being a week past due. Will be going to Locherby next Sunday. That will be another worry of my mind, so I can start on some thing else.

Phil wants to go to Salt Lake tomorrow to see some special shows, etc, this weekend and suddenly Joe has got a lot of things there he wants to see about, so it looks like I will have to let them go.

If you wait till the 5th of June to see the baby blessed it will be a couple of weeks yet before you leave for home. That will be entirely up to you, but remember we are anxiously waiting. Will try and hold out till you decide to come. Will have to close now to get this in the mail.

Much Love to you and the rest.


M.F.L.