So today I found some treasures at my 94 year old Nana's house. Treasure #1 is an old wooden trunk from the 1930's. I brought it home and it is amazing. It will be an heirloom.
Treasure #2 is a collection of love letters from when my great-grandparents were engaged. I thought I'd share them with you, if you care. I think they're the coolest things in the history of time.
Treasure #2 is a collection of love letters from when my great-grandparents were engaged. I thought I'd share them with you, if you care. I think they're the coolest things in the history of time.
SPOILERS! (Click to view)
Biola, California
Aug. 29, 1931.
Dear Naaman,
We made our trip fine. We didn't have any trouble at all. We were going to get up and try to get away before sun up, but we didn't get away until six.
After we got there yesterday Pa went out where Earl was working and got a job in the figs. Both of them went to work this morning. The job will last about two weeks then I suppose we'll go on to Modesto. I like up here but I'd rather be home where I could go to church. Wish I could be there to go tonight.
Vera and Juanita went to Kerman last night to a United Bretheren Church Party. I stayed home and read. I turned on the radio and read to my hearts content. We are going to try to find a place to live in while we're here. We don't want to stay in the house with our Uncle because it's too crowded.
Say, when you see Sister Scruggs ask her if she has had those pictures developed. If she has, when you see the pictures of you and I write and tell me if it was any good. Jewel gave me her address but I don't know whether I'll write to her or not. My! how I miss all the kids. I'll sure be glad to get home. I'm in a hurry so it can be mailed right away.
I'll write more next time. So answer soon. Yours Truly,
Velma
With regards to all.
To the one I love
Porterville, Calif.,
Route 3, Box 267A
Aug. 29, 1931
Biola, Calif.,
Miss Velma Mason;
My dearest friend,
I received your letter today, and words can't express just how happy I felt.
Am glad to know you arrived safely, and to hear that "Pa" got work. I have been lucky so far. Some one has been here almost every day after me to work.
Well, out hot weather seems to be over now and seems more like rain, in fact it did rain a little last night and I was sleeping out doors.
I suppose you still have a strong determination to hold out for Christ. (I have) And remember, I have not missed a day and will not while you are gone, of praying for you and also the rest of the family.
Oh, yes, I bought me a harmonica. We are going to try to start the band next Sunday, sure wish you were here to join.
Sofia is still making big plans for the Labor Day outing. I don't know whether I'll get to go or not, but I hope so. If I go, I might drop up to see if you can come.
Well, I must save a little news for next time.
From your lonesome pal,
Naaman
answer as soon as possible
P.S. - Please excuse the handwriting as my nerves are real jumpy today. Wish we could be together once more - (don't you)?
Tell the girls hello for me
Biola, Calif.
Sept 2, 1931.
Dearest Friend,
Will answer your wonderful letter of yesterday. Was certainly glad to get it. My! how I wish I could come home. I certainly miss all my pals. I haven't been to church or Sunday school since I've been here. In fact I haven't been anywhere. I don't know anybody and don't care to go, but I still have a strong determination to hold out for Christ. It's certainly a hard thing to do when you are among so many unsaved people.
I heard Pa say last night that he though his job would be over by Saturday. The folks wrote a letter to Escalon near Modesto, to see if we could get a job, but they are running full blast with all of the crew they need. If Pa gets through by Saturday we intend to go to my Aunt's in Stockton Sunday, and stay over Labor Day and start home Tuesday. If everything turns out O.K. I'll see you Wednesday night. So we won't be able to come to Roeding Park. I can't think of anything else to say so I'll ring off for this time. Hoping to hear from you real soon.
Am as ever,
Your true friend and lonesome Pal,
Velma Mason
P.S. How's Jewel? Ha! Ha! Wish I could be there to begin in the Harmonica Band. Hope it's successful. How many is going to be in it?
Porterville, Calif.,
Rt. 3, Box 267A
Sept. 4, 1931
Miss Velma Mason,
Dearest pal and friend.
Will answer your sweet letter I just received. Sure am glad to hear that you expect to come home soon, I'll be looking for you. Oh, yes the picnic at Roeding Park has been cancelled, but we are going to have one at Porterville some place.
I was expecting to go to San Francisco Saturday but backed out because I could not get anyone to go with. But sometime maybe I'll have someone to go with me (you) to the conventions.
Well, I got another weeks work at me old job on the Wade ranch. I don't know much more work I can find.
You asked about the harmonica band, I don't know who is going to be in it yet because we didn't start last Sunday. I suppose we're waitin' for you so hurry home.
I'm not going to write much now but tell you all the news in person.
From your loving Husband (to be)
Please answer if you don't come right away-
Biola, Calif.,
Sept. 6, 1931.
Dearest Naaman,
I'm so blue today I don't know what to do. I doubt if we will ever come back to Porterville to live. We thought we were going to get to go to Stockton today but didn't. When Pa gets throught with this job he is going to try and get a job at the Raisin Plant here. If he does, that will last until January. So there's no hopes in getting to go home. They told him they'd give him the job if he could stand it.
Listen please don't let Elmer or anyone else read our letters, not that I really care but I don't want everyone to know what we write. Please Don't!!!
Elmer wrote Vera a letter and told her he read one of the letters.
Since I've been up here I've only been to Biola once. I don't think I'll go to church up here. I dont know anyone and at any rate they wouldnt seem like our C.A.s down there. If Pa goes to work in the Raisin Plant, Vera and Juanita will go to Kerman High. Guess he will know next week sometime. If he doesnt the kids will probably go to school in Porterville. I hope so.
They are calling me to come and help get dinner. Dinners over and I tried to sleep but cant so Ill finish. I never was so homesick in my life!!! I dont have anything to do during the day except dream and I do lots of that. Id certainly love to see you. I think of you often and wish I could be with you once again. Ill tell you you just cant begin to imagine how I feel. If I have to live in Biola until January Ill be ready for the Big House. Ho! Ho! Vera said the other day shed just as leave be in San Quentin as here.
Say, we certainly do get some good music over the Radio. If were here Oct 2nd Im going to write in and have them sing a song for me on my Birthday. I think Ill have them sing I Never Had A Pal Like You. Hows that? The Texas Riders announced over the radio last Wednesday that they would send anybody a picture of themselves and the different songs that sing that write for them. Expect to get ours this next week.
Wish we could be home on Annabelles Birthday, but guess we wont.
It wont be long till Bro. and Sis. Smith will be back. If you dont hurry up and get started on the Harmonica Band there wont be much of a surprise for them.
Vera & Juanita have told my Uncle & Aunt of our plans and I get a lecture every morning and night. Ma got hold of the letter I got Sat. and she certainly did laugh about a certain word you wrote. Im certainly glad to hear you are still working.
Will close by saying I hope to be with you someday. Yours in ????
From Shorty (Velma)
Answer soon in a nice long letter. I love to read your letters. When I hear from you I feel happier.
Porterville, Calif.,
Rt. 3 Box 267A
Sept. 9, 1931
My dearest future, (Velma)
Cheer up, Sweetheart, theres better days coming. You couldnt be any more lonesome than I am.
Am sure sorry to hear that you cant come home. But the scripture says, all things work together for good to those that love the Lord. So be brave.
No, Velma, I wont let any one else read our letters. Am sorry I let Elmer read that one, but he happened to be right with me when I got it.
My, but I wish you could have been here for the picnic, they sure had a good time. I say they because I did not have such a good time without you. All the rest of the kids had partners except me, so you know what I went through with.
Say, dear, you wont let those lectures you spoke of change your mind, will you? I hope not because my love for you grows stronger each day that I live and I would hate for you to change your mind now.
That job I spoke of ran out too soon, but I have been overhauling one of the neighbors cars, just finished today at noon, so Im without work at the present moment.
Ill have to get out and see what else I can roust up. Thats something Ill have to keep doing if I expect to win you for my wife.
Oh, yes I got a letter from Dona & Floyd the other day. Floyd is still working on the railroad, says he things he will take up a homestead up there. He asked me how you and I were getting along and said when we were married, to come up and visit them, and they would set aside their best guest room for us.
What do you say?
I didnt tell him we would or wouldnt.
Say, the other kids at church get quite a kick out of teasing me now because Im letting the whiskers grow under my nose, you know what I mean. Im doing it so the girls here wont flirt with me. But Ill shave them off before you come back, so dont get mad. Ha. Ha.
I stayed all night with Elmer the other night and that Jewel was some case. She gave me all kinds of hints to be hers but of course I didnt take any hints. Some of them almost made me laugh.
Why, Velma, if you were to quit me today I wouldnt go with Jewel because I know what she is. But I know you wont quit me. Please dont.
Well, if I dont quit writing Ill soon have all the news wrote, so will close as ever.
Your Sweetheart,
Naaman
Dont forget to answer soon.
P.S. I expected you here today so I had mom to get all my clothes cleaned up real nice. Now that youre not coming I guess Ill wear my old greasy clothes. I feel like it.
Are you still letting your hair grow so you can curl it?
Oh, yes, you ought to go to church once in a while at least. The letters on the back of the envelope means sealed with a kiss.
Biola, California
Aug. 29, 1931.
Dear Naaman,
We made our trip fine. We didn't have any trouble at all. We were going to get up and try to get away before sun up, but we didn't get away until six.
After we got there yesterday Pa went out where Earl was working and got a job in the figs. Both of them went to work this morning. The job will last about two weeks then I suppose we'll go on to Modesto. I like up here but I'd rather be home where I could go to church. Wish I could be there to go tonight.
Vera and Juanita went to Kerman last night to a United Bretheren Church Party. I stayed home and read. I turned on the radio and read to my hearts content. We are going to try to find a place to live in while we're here. We don't want to stay in the house with our Uncle because it's too crowded.
Say, when you see Sister Scruggs ask her if she has had those pictures developed. If she has, when you see the pictures of you and I write and tell me if it was any good. Jewel gave me her address but I don't know whether I'll write to her or not. My! how I miss all the kids. I'll sure be glad to get home. I'm in a hurry so it can be mailed right away.
I'll write more next time. So answer soon. Yours Truly,
Velma
With regards to all.
To the one I love
Porterville, Calif.,
Route 3, Box 267A
Aug. 29, 1931
Biola, Calif.,
Miss Velma Mason;
My dearest friend,
I received your letter today, and words can't express just how happy I felt.
Am glad to know you arrived safely, and to hear that "Pa" got work. I have been lucky so far. Some one has been here almost every day after me to work.
Well, out hot weather seems to be over now and seems more like rain, in fact it did rain a little last night and I was sleeping out doors.
I suppose you still have a strong determination to hold out for Christ. (I have) And remember, I have not missed a day and will not while you are gone, of praying for you and also the rest of the family.
Oh, yes, I bought me a harmonica. We are going to try to start the band next Sunday, sure wish you were here to join.
Sofia is still making big plans for the Labor Day outing. I don't know whether I'll get to go or not, but I hope so. If I go, I might drop up to see if you can come.
Well, I must save a little news for next time.
From your lonesome pal,
Naaman
answer as soon as possible
P.S. - Please excuse the handwriting as my nerves are real jumpy today. Wish we could be together once more - (don't you)?
Tell the girls hello for me
Biola, Calif.
Sept 2, 1931.
Dearest Friend,
Will answer your wonderful letter of yesterday. Was certainly glad to get it. My! how I wish I could come home. I certainly miss all my pals. I haven't been to church or Sunday school since I've been here. In fact I haven't been anywhere. I don't know anybody and don't care to go, but I still have a strong determination to hold out for Christ. It's certainly a hard thing to do when you are among so many unsaved people.
I heard Pa say last night that he though his job would be over by Saturday. The folks wrote a letter to Escalon near Modesto, to see if we could get a job, but they are running full blast with all of the crew they need. If Pa gets through by Saturday we intend to go to my Aunt's in Stockton Sunday, and stay over Labor Day and start home Tuesday. If everything turns out O.K. I'll see you Wednesday night. So we won't be able to come to Roeding Park. I can't think of anything else to say so I'll ring off for this time. Hoping to hear from you real soon.
Am as ever,
Your true friend and lonesome Pal,
Velma Mason
P.S. How's Jewel? Ha! Ha! Wish I could be there to begin in the Harmonica Band. Hope it's successful. How many is going to be in it?
Porterville, Calif.,
Rt. 3, Box 267A
Sept. 4, 1931
Miss Velma Mason,
Dearest pal and friend.
Will answer your sweet letter I just received. Sure am glad to hear that you expect to come home soon, I'll be looking for you. Oh, yes the picnic at Roeding Park has been cancelled, but we are going to have one at Porterville some place.
I was expecting to go to San Francisco Saturday but backed out because I could not get anyone to go with. But sometime maybe I'll have someone to go with me (you) to the conventions.
Well, I got another weeks work at me old job on the Wade ranch. I don't know much more work I can find.
You asked about the harmonica band, I don't know who is going to be in it yet because we didn't start last Sunday. I suppose we're waitin' for you so hurry home.
I'm not going to write much now but tell you all the news in person.
From your loving Husband (to be)
Please answer if you don't come right away-
Biola, Calif.,
Sept. 6, 1931.
Dearest Naaman,
I'm so blue today I don't know what to do. I doubt if we will ever come back to Porterville to live. We thought we were going to get to go to Stockton today but didn't. When Pa gets throught with this job he is going to try and get a job at the Raisin Plant here. If he does, that will last until January. So there's no hopes in getting to go home. They told him they'd give him the job if he could stand it.
Listen please don't let Elmer or anyone else read our letters, not that I really care but I don't want everyone to know what we write. Please Don't!!!
Elmer wrote Vera a letter and told her he read one of the letters.
Since I've been up here I've only been to Biola once. I don't think I'll go to church up here. I dont know anyone and at any rate they wouldnt seem like our C.A.s down there. If Pa goes to work in the Raisin Plant, Vera and Juanita will go to Kerman High. Guess he will know next week sometime. If he doesnt the kids will probably go to school in Porterville. I hope so.
They are calling me to come and help get dinner. Dinners over and I tried to sleep but cant so Ill finish. I never was so homesick in my life!!! I dont have anything to do during the day except dream and I do lots of that. Id certainly love to see you. I think of you often and wish I could be with you once again. Ill tell you you just cant begin to imagine how I feel. If I have to live in Biola until January Ill be ready for the Big House. Ho! Ho! Vera said the other day shed just as leave be in San Quentin as here.
Say, we certainly do get some good music over the Radio. If were here Oct 2nd Im going to write in and have them sing a song for me on my Birthday. I think Ill have them sing I Never Had A Pal Like You. Hows that? The Texas Riders announced over the radio last Wednesday that they would send anybody a picture of themselves and the different songs that sing that write for them. Expect to get ours this next week.
Wish we could be home on Annabelles Birthday, but guess we wont.
It wont be long till Bro. and Sis. Smith will be back. If you dont hurry up and get started on the Harmonica Band there wont be much of a surprise for them.
Vera & Juanita have told my Uncle & Aunt of our plans and I get a lecture every morning and night. Ma got hold of the letter I got Sat. and she certainly did laugh about a certain word you wrote. Im certainly glad to hear you are still working.
Will close by saying I hope to be with you someday. Yours in ????
From Shorty (Velma)
Answer soon in a nice long letter. I love to read your letters. When I hear from you I feel happier.
Porterville, Calif.,
Rt. 3 Box 267A
Sept. 9, 1931
My dearest future, (Velma)
Cheer up, Sweetheart, theres better days coming. You couldnt be any more lonesome than I am.
Am sure sorry to hear that you cant come home. But the scripture says, all things work together for good to those that love the Lord. So be brave.
No, Velma, I wont let any one else read our letters. Am sorry I let Elmer read that one, but he happened to be right with me when I got it.
My, but I wish you could have been here for the picnic, they sure had a good time. I say they because I did not have such a good time without you. All the rest of the kids had partners except me, so you know what I went through with.
Say, dear, you wont let those lectures you spoke of change your mind, will you? I hope not because my love for you grows stronger each day that I live and I would hate for you to change your mind now.
That job I spoke of ran out too soon, but I have been overhauling one of the neighbors cars, just finished today at noon, so Im without work at the present moment.
Ill have to get out and see what else I can roust up. Thats something Ill have to keep doing if I expect to win you for my wife.
Oh, yes I got a letter from Dona & Floyd the other day. Floyd is still working on the railroad, says he things he will take up a homestead up there. He asked me how you and I were getting along and said when we were married, to come up and visit them, and they would set aside their best guest room for us.
What do you say?
I didnt tell him we would or wouldnt.
Say, the other kids at church get quite a kick out of teasing me now because Im letting the whiskers grow under my nose, you know what I mean. Im doing it so the girls here wont flirt with me. But Ill shave them off before you come back, so dont get mad. Ha. Ha.
I stayed all night with Elmer the other night and that Jewel was some case. She gave me all kinds of hints to be hers but of course I didnt take any hints. Some of them almost made me laugh.
Why, Velma, if you were to quit me today I wouldnt go with Jewel because I know what she is. But I know you wont quit me. Please dont.
Well, if I dont quit writing Ill soon have all the news wrote, so will close as ever.
Your Sweetheart,
Naaman
Dont forget to answer soon.
P.S. I expected you here today so I had mom to get all my clothes cleaned up real nice. Now that youre not coming I guess Ill wear my old greasy clothes. I feel like it.
Are you still letting your hair grow so you can curl it?
Oh, yes, you ought to go to church once in a while at least. The letters on the back of the envelope means sealed with a kiss.
VIEW 15 of 15 COMMENTS
I'm thinking the next one for me will be Persepolis, so that'll be fun stuff...or y'know, thoughtful stuff!