Marvin's Letters to Margie - 1953

Note: These letters were written by Marvin to Margie while Margie was back in New Jersey for the birth of grandson Scot Lyman Christensen.

Scot Lyman Christensen

Blanding
Dec. 4, 1953
10:00pm

Dear Ma,

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, but it’s no dream. It started snowing this morning at daylight and has never let up. There is a foot of snow now and may be six inches more by morning. I am facing it with courage and determination. Am I glad you are in New Jersey instead of waiting here to take the plane tomorrow night. I received your telegram and needless to say I am happy about the whole affair, even to getting another grand son.

I love alone to night as Jody has gone to Grand Junction to play basketball tonight and tomorrow night. I just listened to the first BYU game tonight with Idaho State. BYU won by a good margin. Grayson M-Men beat Fort Lewis College night before last in a fast game. They are also playing in Grand Junction tonight.

I received a letter from Francis. He arrived at Chaffer ___. He met a Sergeant on the bus at Oklahoma City. He told him all about where to go and how to get there. Francis said he got off to good start, was on 1 P.P. and guard duty for 24 hours as soon as he arrived. He had an appointment for an audition with the band and thot he might be kept there as their band was not up to full strength. He seed to have a desire to remain there, also he said not to write him until he sent a permanent address.

I received a letter from Phil today, written at Annapolis Nov 30 which was two days before you arrived at Woodbury, he was leaving b bus for Washington where he would take a train that night for Phoenix by way of new Orleans, of course he didn’t know you were coming so soon or he probably would have waited to see you. He seemed to be arranging his own schedule but couldn’t take to much time. He should arrive in Phoenix today. He thot you should visit Norma if you possible could as she was expecting you. I don’t know if he will come up for Christmas but he thot he might come sometime in January, after you get home. It look[s] like we have got the travelingest family I have ever saw.(seen)

We are having breakfast at 7:30 and dinner at 12:30 and just peace [piece] around for supper or go without. Am sure we will get along fine.

Well there is not much news since you left so I better close this and get to bed.

Give my love to Caroline and Doug Mike and Kirk and the rest of the family. I suppose Caroline will be home from the Hospital by now so you can start your writing.

Well, be happy and have a good time and we will try and do likewise.

Love, Dad


Blanding Utah
December 17, 1953

Dear Marg:

I just received a letter from Francis today and one yesterday. He received my letter after he wrote the first one, hence the 2nd letter. I am passing them on to you so you can see what the situation is.

I do not know if Phil has any intention of coming home. Haven’t heard from him since I wrote him.

I suppose you will be heading home as soon after Xmas as you can make connections. Don’t think it makes much difference whether you come to G.J (Grand Junction) or Cortez. You can decide that after you find out what connections you can make.

I received your welcome letter. Hope you have a good visit in New York.

We are getting along fine. Sandra keeps the house clean up and we are getting along fine with meals a day at Lynn’s. We kept two basketball boys here the other night. Also kept Term Habe the other night. He came in with a load of gas and stayed over night. Everything in town was full. The Town is certainly full of people. Another oil rig moved in and there is talk of some more coming in. I don’t know where every body will stay. The Town is full of trailer houses now.

We got the razor for Francis and Burt got the kodac for Joe, he couldn’t get the kind Joe ordered but a better one. We are planning a little surprise for Joe. I think Joe is doing pretty good in basketball. They played Moab in Moab night before last, got beat. They played Green River in Moab last night in Moab. I don’t know how they made out. Hoe isn’t up yet.

Well it seven o’clock and I will have to get up and get to the garage. We have all the business we can handle. Have kept Howard all day part of the time.

They took Phil to Salt Lake the other day to be treated for ulcers of the stomach. Haven’t heard from him since he went up there.

Will ___ now.
We love you and will be glad to have you home.

Dad

I just got the mail and your letter of the 16th. Phil is back from Salt Lake. Ulcers are better but he’s having some bladder trouble.

Write soon. M.F.L

Link to San Juan Record artictle regarding Francis signing to the Concert Band

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=104296&CISOPTR=104249

Basic Training Surprise! http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103960&CISOSHOW=104020 (Link also mentions that Granny had a quilt day at her home. Good news for myself as I'm a quilter!)

This is the letter from Francis that Grandpa sent to Granny with this letter which was dated December 17, 1953.


Camp Polk, Louisiana
Friday Night

Dear Dad and Joe,

Here I am at another separation center at Camp Polk. I have been stationed at the 63rd Army band here though, and will move over there Monday. I sure will be glad to get settled down.

The weather here is pretty nice now. At least it’s good and warm. I suspect it will get plenty warm here in the summer. I can think of places I’d rather be, but I should have a good deal here. The band has no KP or guard and that always looks good to me.

There is a branch of the church at Alexandria, about 60 miles away and if I can find a ride out, I should be able to do quite a little work there. I can’t make it their Sunday though because I’ve got KP. All we do while we are waiting for orders is pull KP and guard and other details. It isn’t bad though.

This is a pretty nice post and an awful big one. The main PX here is almost like Macy’s in New York. They have an electric train setup there with one of those big multi-transform that can run 3 or 4 trains at the same time, and I’ve been up and played with it a couple of times. It sure is confusing trying to run three trains at once. I think there are 4 theatres on the post and 2 or 3 service clubs and a post office, etc., etc. There are no big towns close around so the boys stay pretty much at camp. The camp is located 6 miles south of a little town called Seesville which is 60 miles west of Alexandria, if you want to locate me on the map.

I guess mom has gone to New Jersey by now hasn’t she. Would you send me Carolyn’s address so I can write to them. My address is:

Pvt Francis M. Lyman
US 56 214 214
63rd Army Band
Camp Polk, Louisiana

It looks like I might be coming home again for Christmas. The band is getting a blanket 15 day leave and I would be left down here alone. I think I can catch a ___ to Hill Field on an army flight and come free. Nothing is definite yet, though, so I’ll let you know.

Well it’s time for lights out so I’d best quit for now.

Love, Frances



Blanding Utah
Dec 26, 1950

Dear Margie

I just received your letter. It made me very sad to hear about the little fellers trouble. It don’t seem right for such a little one to have to have such an operation. We hope and pray that everything turns out for the best. Am glad you were there and you must keep me posted of his condition. I don’t know what you have heard from the boys. Anyway Francis didn’t come for Christmas. Will leave there about the 1st of January. Will have 15 days. Have we sent his elokes (__lean) him. Phil thinks he can come up for a few days while Francis is here but I daren’t make any definite plans until we are more sure what they can do.

We are doing O.K. here. I went to Salt Lake 2 days this week. Got back Christmas Eve. Joe and I were invited down to Br. Roots for Christmas Dinner. Sure had a delicious dinner and a nice visit till about 6:00 in the evening. Joe got up early and went to Tohatikee, N.M. this morning with Ellis Palmer. I don’t know exactly what for. I suppose he will be back tonight.

I’ll have to stop to get this in the mail. Hope the little feller will be O.K. and you won’t have to stay too much longer. Love, M.F.L.

Philip Lyman

High School photo of Phil

Francis, Caroline, and Phil

Phil & Caroline

June 1931

Note: These entries about Uncle Phil were compiled from Margie Hurst Lyman's journal by granddaughter Lynette Lyman Bayles.

When Caroline was 22 months old I was blessed with a dear baby boy also born in the Moab Hospital on 17th March 1926. We named our boy Philip H. for my brother. Phil was small and didn’t gain weight as he should and would have had a hard pull but for the kind help of Dolly Bayles who nursed him for several months.

When Phil was 18 months old he became very seriously ill with intestinal flue and it seemed that he could not live. I will always appreciate the kindness of Joe Redd in driving his car up to our door and telling us to take it and get our baby at once to Moab and dear Dr. I.W. Allen. When we left home Phil was so distended and in so much pain that he could not stand to be moved. Patriarch’s Wayne H. Redd and Benjiman Black administered to him just before we left and he lay quiet all the way to Moab except on a few occasions when the car would jolt him too much and then he would cry out with pain. The little chap pulled through under the expert care of Dr. Allen and our faith and prayers but he was never a robust child.

On the 7th of June 1931 prior to my trip to SLC The four of us made a little trip to the natural bridges which stands out in my life as one of the “High Lights.” Caroline was 7 and Phil was just 5 but they made the entire hike from the Edwin to the Augusta up to the ruins down white canyon to the Carolina and back to the Edwin. It was better then a 13 mile hike but they stood it fine. Mr. L.H. Shore of the Beneficial Life Insurance Co. sent them each a pair of hiking boots in recognition of what they had accomplished. They still have the boots among their treasures.

I took Phil and Caroline and went to Grand Junction on the truck with Ray Lyman, Marvin’s brother. We did have the best time. We bought some chairs a little bench and table also a high chair. About this time we moved back up to Dora’s house by the Garage where we stayed until Feb. 1936 when we moved into Oscar Johnson’s house up by the High school.

We were living there when my dear boy Phil was taken ill with pneumonia. We rushed him to the hospital. He was kept in an oxygen tent for several days and had food and water in the veins or he could never have lived.

I brought Phil home from the hospital on the 18th of March the day after he turned 10 years old. A very thin weak child but lucky to be alive.

March 17, 1939 To-day is Phil’s birthday he didn’t have a party but we had a nice birthday dinner for him. Lyn Thompson made him a beautiful cake decorated with shamrocks. To-night he is at a class dancing party. Caroline, Arthur Rogers and Joe Sherman are playing for the said dance. Phil had to make punch.

Nov. 12. Phil gave a very interesting little talk on the part of Youth in genealogical work. I was very proud to have a son who could do as well.


July 6, 1942

Arthur Rogers is trying to encourage Phil to play the piano for the orchestra. I hope he will do it. They have been practicing here to-night. Arthur claims that Phil is good.

Marvin and Phil went to West Water yesterday to stake off a mill site for the Blanding mines. We all went along. While they worked we gathered pine gum for Caroline.

Arthur Rogers and Phil went to Monticello with me and practiced with Wyman Redd. Wyman is Jay and Marie Redds boy and plays a trumpet. Art played the saxophone and Phil the piano. Arthur is trying to start a young orchestra and wants Wyman to play with them.

Phil went down to play a couple of numbers with the orchestra, hope he doesn’t get cold feet and back out. Right now I can hear them playing “don’t sit under the apple tree” that is one of the songs he is supposed to play.

I must not forget to mention that Phil played for the entire dance Friday night Aug. 21st.

Dec. 13 Phil was sustained as Pres. Of the teachers quorum.

Jan. 3 1943 Just came home from a Christmas Cantata given by the San Juan High School chorus class. It was “Chimes of the Holy Night.” My son Phil played the entire piano accompaniment. I was very proud of him. He did a fine as did the chorus.

Jan. 10 My Philip was ordained a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood this morning. I am happy to say he is just as good and clean as when he was ordained a deacon. I hope he will always be worthy of advancement in the Priesthood and I think that he will.

Jan. 17 Philip administered the Sacrament at Sunday School and in meeting. I had a big lump in my throat when I looked at him and heard his manly voice. My mind went back when he was a wee chap. He was so little and under nourished. Many a time I have put him in the bath tub and cried over his little thin body. I thot most every day of his life that he would never grow to maturity. Things are so funny, I always thot Suzanne so husky and well and she was taken so quick. We surely can’t tell just how the Lord will do things. Perhaps it is best we can’t. Marvin told Phil quite a little story tonight that I feel like writing here. I quote.

(Story Marvin told about priesthood worthiness)
“I learned the blessings on the bread and water when first I was ordained a priest and never forgot them. When I was in Camp Lewis during World War one some of us fellows decided one Sunday to find the Mormon church if we could. We walked for a long long way and finally came to a small church. There was a real small congregation. We had never been there before and had never seen anyone there. The presiding Elder was quite an old man. Just as we came in and sat down in the rear of the building he walked down the isle and asked me to come up and administer the sacrament, didn’t even ask me if I was a Mormon. I was certainly thankful that I could do it. They didn’t have a book, card or anything.”

I feel sure that Phil will learn them now.

Jan 24 I was very thrilled this morning because Phil accompanied the San Juan High School glee club. They furnished the music for the 1st meeting of Stake conference.

With the world in such a mess with this terrible war, no telling what she will be doing next winter. God grant that peace may soon come to the earth.

Friday 28 Went to the Presidents Birthday Ball. Had a nice crowd. John McDonald who had things in charge said they cleared “171.00 for the crippled children in America. The school orchestra furnished the music and it was real good. Phil played the piano and it was his first experience playing for an entire dance.

Phil has gone to the fireside chat at the home of Dr. Wesley Bayles.

Phil graduated from High School and has been working for my brothers, George and Phil at their saw mill.

Phil, Caroline and I have been making a fence back at the north end of the house. It looks real nice.

July 29, 1943 Put up the first lunch I ever put up for a working man. Phil had to take his lunch to the mill today.

Sept. 12 Sunday night – Just arrived from Salt Lake where we have been to put Caroline and Phil in the University of Utah. It seems very lonely

1944

March A week ago tonight Marvin and I came from Salt Lake where we had been to attend Caroline’s capping at the L.D.S. Hospital. She got her cap Thursday night march 16th. It was very thrilling. Exercises were held at the Ensign Ward. Marvin gave Caroline and Wanda each a lovely corsage. After the service we all went to the Coon Chicken Inn and had dinner. Beth, Sil and Betty were with us. Oh yes and of course Phil. Friday was Phil’s birthday he turned 18. Saturday we went with him to the Utah Oil building where he registered for selective service.

Marvin was not home when Joe Fin broke his arms. He had gone to Thompson to get a load of salt for the Blanding mines. Phil went with him. He is learning to drive the truck this is his third day driving. He came home from the University last Saturday June 3rd. He will stay home I suppose unitl he enters the army probably in July some time.

Marvin and Phil have gone up to Venices and Barts to Barts birthday party.

Phil talked in church tonight. Then he went to the Fireside chat at Garda Adams and played quite a number of piano selections.


1945 Phil is working as stock tracer at Hill Field. He was accepted for limited service only and so far hasn’t been called. The war continues to be more terrible we have had several causalities and have several prisoners of war. We spent Christmas in Salt Lake and really had a marvelous time. Phil nor Caroline could come home so we took Joe and Francis and loads of candy, nuts, doughnuts, gifts etc, etc. Even a dear little Cedar tree and took up our abode at New America Motor Lodge where we had a real little home for a week. Caroline has been home once since then. I am certainly doing my share of work these days.


Saturday, March 17th was my dear Phils birthday. 19 yrs. old.

Links from the San Juan Record about Uncle Phil during his youth...

Phil in a school Operetta:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=35629&CISOSHOW=35729

Phil bicycled to Bluff:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=49271&CISOPTR=49193

Sunday Meeting:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=67472&CISOSHOW=67513

Phil's piano lessons? ( didn't know he played the piano)
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=67928&CISOSHOW=67961

Phil played the piano:

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69027&CISOSHOW=69068

Phil home for a few days:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69090&CISOSHOW=69130

Phil recommended to ordination to Elder:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69922&CISOSHOW=69935

Pictures...

Thanks to Taylor Lyman for sending these pictures!

Walter C. Lyman

(Marvin's Father)

Elizabeth Finlinson Lyman with children Ethel, Zola, and Marvin.

Elizabeth Finlinson Lyman

(Marvin's mother)




Lyman Brothers (standing) Bart, George, Lynn, Ray, and Marvin

Father (sitting) Walter C. Lyman

The Rest of the Story....

Last week while in Blanding, I found out a little more information on why Granny (Margie Hurst Lyman) ended up on Salt Lake for six weeks. In speaking with her daughter Caroline, she recalled that it was during the depression and the church had invited Relief Society Presidents from all over to a training in Social Work. During these six weeks, Caroline remembers her dad (Marvin) holding a piece of bread against the pot belly stove and toasting it. Caroline said, "I have never forgotten how good the toast smelled when he put butter on the bread." She also remembers him cooking meat this way.

Caroline also mentioned that when they went to pick up her mother in Salt Lake, that this was the VERY FIRST TRIP that she and Phil had ever taken to Salt Lake. This was a BIG DEAL for she and Phil. They were so excited! She said that when they were driving up to Salt Lake, it was winter; and in Price Canyon the car skidded on some ice and turned clear around. They stayed in a little apartment while in Salt Lake and she remembers that she and Phil were running in the hall of this apartment complex and they got in a little trouble!

Certificate that Margie Hurst Lyman was given at the completion of her training.

Picture of the Woman who participated in the six-week training.

Granny is in the front row, third from the right.

Granny has listed each woman who is in this picture and where they are from in her Book of Remembrance that is now in the possession of her daughter, Caroline Lyman Christensen.

P.S. Next week update is on eldest son Phil.

Beehive House letters - Part 3

This is the final installment of the Beehive House Letters. As I mentioned before, I could just see how much Grandpa Lyman loved Granny and how he missed her! Enjoy!!!

Marvin with his Bow Tie

(For some reason, I really like this picture!)

Margie Hurst Lyman

Nov. 4, 1931


Dearest Marg:

I am just writing a few lines to tell you I received your letter today stating that you are feeling better for which I am glad.

It seems kinda lonesome tonight as I sold the radio today to Eli_es Dalton, he took it to Bluff to keep him company this winter. You know he stays in Bluff now for the next 2 or 3 months. The mail leaves here 8:30 in the morning going north.

Lynn Thompson went to Grand J. (Junction) with Ray today to look for a stove. The kids have gone over to sleep with Ethel tonight so I will have the house to myself.

Same is about ready to start building a house. She is getting the lumber from Rowley’s on my acct, if she gets all of it she has ordered it will about pay their account here and will also pay Sam what I owe her.

I hear today that Aunt Caroline is holding her own and has a fair chance for recovery

The American Legion and Aux. are planning quite a celebration on the 11th.

See Link: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=16849&CISOSHOW=16867

They came after me to make another speech in school. I told them I had told my story three or four times and they had better get someone else this time. Of course, I was the main guy in the war but I think some of the others could say a few words on the subject.

Well I didn’t intend to write much when I started and I guess you’ll get tired of reading all this stuff, so I’d better pull in my neck and look to the bed.

I hope you are entirely recovered by now. Take good care of yourself.

I think of you always.

Lots of love,

Marvin

Nov. 10, 1931
Tuesday Morning


Dearest Marg,

First a few lines to give you the latest developments. We had a nice day yesterday but it is all cloudy today. I don’t think it will storm much however so we will not alter the plan.

In case De should call for you to bring you home tell him to go to the Devil. He has been telling around that he is going to bring you home and I thot ma[y]by when he heard I was coming after you he might rush up there and tell you I sent him for you. That’s the way he does business.

I started to tell you in yesterday’s letter about the kids, if I is at all feasible to bring them I will have to do it, they have been counting the days for a lone time and it would surely be a disappointment if I didn’t bring them.

I looked for a letter from you yesterday but was disappointed perhaps I’ll get one today. There is no news so will close my remarks with much love for you.

Marvin

I will drop you a line in the morning, which I suppose will be the last word till I come up.

Nov. 11, 1931
Wednesday Morning

Well Margie my Darling: I will drop you another daily bulletin of conditions. I received your letter yesterday and surely appreciated it.

It rained nearly all night and is all foggy today. The roads are in bad shape now but if it doesn’t rain any more I think we will start Friday. Of course it might keep storming until it will be impossible to come then so if we don’t arrive there Friday night you will know we are delayed on account of storms.

I will not write you again. Am hopeful I beat this letter there. If we are delayed more than a day or t[w]o I may wire you when we will come but you can depend on me getting their as soon as possible as I am sure anxious to see you and with a hug and kiss I greet you.

Until then I am yours. With a heap of Love.

Marvin


Link to San Juan Record stating Margie’s return to Blanding from Salt Lake City:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=16941&CISOSHOW=16957

Beehive House letters - Part 2

Oct. 23, 1931


My Dear Margie:

I am setting up till twelve a clock tonight watching the lights. Lynn has never come back from Cortez but he called up tonight and reported that they had a girl, so I guess he’ll be home soon.

Caroline has gone down to Marion’s to sleep and I made Phil a bed here on the counter, he is sound asleep. I’m in the garage and have been interrupted about fifteen times since I started this letter. There’s a dance on and quite a bit of business and of course I keep the radio going all the time. I certainly get lots of good programs.

Phil is all O.K. again. I think he has asked me about 1000 questions today so I think he is back to normal. He sticks pretty close around with me most of the time I will see about getting him some warm underwear.

I do not know how many checks you have written, and will not know until I get my statement from the bank but I am not afraid of you spending money for anything unnecessarily or foolishly and I want you to have anything you need.

I wish you would let me know just when your school will be finished. I don’t know of any chance for you to come home and unless a right good chance turns up I may come up for you. I don’t want you to be inconvenienced in getting home. Of course I would love to come after you if I feel financially able. I would come anyway if I thot you would have any trouble in finding a right good chance. In case I should come I would probably come the day your school closed and stay one or two days or what would you suggest. Well it will be quite a long time yet. Guess we will have plenty time to make arrangements. I have put in all my spare time fixing the car here and there and everywhere. I’ll soon everything done to it that I can think of. Every time the kids see me working on it they want to know if I am getting it ready to go to Salt Lake.

Marion came down today to see me about going on with the lay. She said she had a letter from you yesterday. She wants me to take the part with Effie. I told her I would if the rest wanted to go on with it.

Well my dear I guess this will be about enough for this time. Please write right back. I love to hear from you.

Lovingly Yours

Marvin




Oct. 28, 1931


Margie Dear:

I just received your welcome letter. Am glad you are feeling better. We are all feeling fine. I think Phil is eating better than he ever did in his life. Caroline’s school is putting on an Operetta tonight. We are all going, that is Phil and me. She is going to be lettuce[e], has a green costume made.

Link: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16651&REC=0&CISOBOX=marvin+lyman

Well they resurrected the play the other day and again it has died. I told them they couldn’t put it on by the 6th but they had to rehearse for a week before they would believe me. They couldn’t get another night before January so I doubt if the old play will see another resurrection day and I think it is O.K. with me.

It has turned quite cold as north wind is blowing and it feels like winter is just around the corner. I put up the heater in the house the other night. It looks like I would probably have to come up and bring you home. I don’t know of any chance on this end and unless you get a chance to come right straight thru I think I will come and get you. I don’t think the bus a very durable means of travel and I doubt if you could find anyone coming straight thru. So unless something else shows up I will probably leave here the morning of the 13th.

I don’t think there is any news to speak of everything going on about as usual. So I guess this will be about all for this time. Write soon.

Much love,

Marvin




Nov. 3, 1931


My Dear Margie:

I received your letter today, was very sorry to learn of your affliction. I hope you are better by this time; am glad you are in such good hands, and I hope you will not hesitate to get what ever medical attention you need.

We are all well and feeling fine, but I was a little worried about you as your letter seemed later than I expected to hear from you. We have been having election today and Lucretia just came by and told me I was again elected to the Town Board. The ballots were all blank and you could vote for anybody you pleased for any office. There were about eighty votes cast, I received 66 for councilman and some for Mayor, so I guess I got my share. The lineup is as follows: H.D. Bayles, Mayor. M.F. Lyman, John D. Rogers, Arthur Hurst and B.D. Black, Councilman.

I received my bank statement today and your checks came in so I have a chance to check up on you. I will say that I think you have been very modest about writing checks so far. Perhaps you have been figuring a little too close. If you need any more clothes or permanent waves or anything else you would like, just help yourself. We want you to be fixed up all O.K. when you come home.

They started for Salt Lake with Aunt Caroline Redd Sunday morning but only got as far as Price when they had to stop and operate, they took our several galls tones, her condition was quite serious the last I heard. I haven’t heard today.

I went to Caroline’s Operetta. It was real good. Caroline did as well as any of them but her costume started to come to pieces when they were dancing and confused her some.

We have just pass thru another epidemic of Halloween. They didn’t do us much damage except the tip the back house over so we thot it was a good time to give it a new location farther away from the house which we did without the aid of a Specialist.

I still don’t know of a chance for you to come home so from appearances I will probably come after you.

Well I have exhausted my supply of news so guess I better stop while I have nothing more to say. Am looking for a letter tomorrow saying you are better.

Much love,

Marvin



Nov. 4, 1931


Dear Margie Girl

I am so worried over you and will be so glad when I can see your dear face again. I do hope and trust you are better. We are all just fine. I am getting better fast now.

I is a beautiful morning it makes one feel good they are alive.

Well the Town Board was elected yesterday. Bishop is Mayor, Marvin, Dad, Johnnie, and Bro. Ben Black are the councilmen.

I went to meeting yesterday and gave the lesson for Luella. I sure did get comp. but I did not do it alone for I was afraid to give it and I sure did plead with the Lord to help me.

Lulla is in the turkey killing. I am worried over her. I do wish she did not have to work so hard.

I saw little Phil yesterday. He is fine he says. He was with Platt D. I saw them both to S.S. [Sunday School] Caroline and Phil.

They gave up the play and they are putting on some kind of entertainment Friday nite. Dora and Reed are fine. He is down nearly every nite.

Nedra is sure doing fine in school. I am so glad. I to not want her to get through but I am afraid she can’t go on. Riley is sure doing good to. I don’t know how long they will keep him out but I don’t see how we can keep him going another year. Dora says Pa_l told her he did not think he would keep her on nay longer than after the holidays and the boys have no work. Dad is not able to do much but we will just leave it to the Lord. He does all things well. I guess you no Aunt Caroline is very sick in price. They started to S.L. [Salt Lake] but she got so bad they could not go on. She had gall stones and gangrene very serious.

Did you see the account of Glen Bailey’s death they had his funeral in Monticello. Dad and Oscar went, also Aunt Onie.

Well, I will close. I do love you.

Write soon,

Marv