Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Second Letter from Janet McAdam Waning

In late July Jim received a newsy letter from his mother.

Billy and Net McAdam Waning - undated

"Dexter Oregon

July 26, 1942

Dear Jimmie -

It's some time since I have written you a letter & I'd much rather have called & chatted but Billy1 is too busy to go to Eugene & we have enough feed for chickens to(sic) so no call to go except to visit you - but we'd like to do that but best not to take the day out - as grain is ripening fast and he has so much ahead of him, ready.  He is mowing the little piece south of the barn & windrowing it - can't use the binder - &  guess there isn't much he can use it on - So it will be slow if he has to mow it all - Loris mowed the piece next to Clair Williams place & the one this side of where we dug potatoes - He will pick up the windrow with combine - but we will bunch ours (some job) - and thresh it loose.  We got in what hay he had down,  got the barn pretty well filled up & has(sic) mowed the piece next to woods on the hill & he says the thistles are as high as the horses backs or there about - the best they have ever done - cultivation with the engine helped them - Guess it's quite a mess - The hay is fine up there too.  He'll bunch it & put it in when he can.  He has two boys coming tomorrow.  They live up by M Goodmans - I think he said Durkee was their names - I spose(sic) Mgt2 told you New'm3 had quit the woods & this time for sure - His birthday was yesterday 25th - 75 - about time to retire from woods work.

Last Sat. week ago Mr & Mrs Sherwood came & stayed till Wed PM - They were doing fine & he was eating food for him - when I spoiled it - I killed one of my fat red hens & made gravy and dumplings - Her long suit - so guess she ate too hearty & got sick - She didn't get out of bed till they went home about 2pm - Poor Mr Sherwood was mad & worried as could be.  I was sorry for him - He says, 'best place for her is home - She eats too damn much.' 

Lew & Kenny helped put in the hay Kenny led or drove one of Lew's horses just left her here & Kenny road his pony over - Then Wed Rhoda & Ray'm came too for dinner.  

Retta Wallace Francis - 1944 

A letter from Retta Wallace saying Joe4 died the 15th - Mary5 was over there with her - so that's over & done with - Letter from Marjorye6 - but nothing about coming up - I guess it's off - for Robt was gone on a fishing trip for 3 days - & Beth has become engaged to her new boyfriend & wearing a beautiful diamond & he has the other ring to match - but Bob & M tho't they'd better wait a little - as they have only been acquainted 4 mos - Fast worker him - must think he'll have to go into army - So Beth couldn't leave down there now while everything is going so fine, Marj says, 'He has a good job & nice fellow' so thinks it  be O.K. - Bob Wolf should come back - & be ready to get her on the rebound -

Robert, Beth & Marjorye Emmert

Eva is some better but at Emmerts yet - Munseys7 wrote they were at Camp in Yosemite Park - I think Park, but it may be in the Valley somewhere - Their daughter got a vacation if a month with pay is she got out of town & went to a complete change - or not pay - So she took the folks on this trip - She & mother went up on bus & dad was driving up later - Said they & Morrises had a barbecued steak dinner at Roberts the 4th. 

Paul and Berthy Munsey with Bob Emmert

Tues evg the Cresseys came up from camp for an hr or so.  Then Sat evg John & Mr came for cream & spent an hr or so - & today in PM Mr & Mrs Cressey Sr drove in for a call - John...(is) quite smart to visit with - Well I must quit this it's eleven o'clock & I've been writing so fast I doubt you can make it out - but Margt can - I hope baby & Margt keep well & that you are going to need a bath robe before long.  We get pretty anxious to see you but know we can do no good - so will stay home & work - the strawberry patch makes more watering & I need some wooden feet.  With love & best wishes to you all from Mother"    

1 Billy - Willard Lowe Waning - Jim's father

2 Mgt & Margt - Margaret Upton Waning - Jim's wife

3 New'm - Newman Hall - Billy Waning's partner

4 Joe Francis - Retta Wallace Francis' husband - Retta was Janet's maternal cousin 

5 Mary - Mary McAdam Emert - Janet's oldest 1/2 sister 

6 Rob (Bob) Marjorye & Beth Emmert - Janet's nephew, wife, and his daughter.

I don't think Beth married this young man as her first child was not born until 1952. 

7 Munseys - Paul and - friends of Bob Emmert family - visited Dexter with Emmerts in 194--

link here:  

http://waxingandwaningcousinconnections.blogspot.com/2010/08/dexter-ranch-1946.html