The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 3

Letter - Page 5

"We haven't done a thing to our upstairs since you were here.  Needless to day, Ike hasn't time for any work around the house, and we haven't needed the room.  The housing situation is so serious that if we could put in another bathroom, I'd be tempted to have roomers.  We could easily put four upstairs, but that's out of the question for now.  Was Bert Johnson here when I wrote you?  He stayed here for two months, until he got acquainted a little (He was here last night, to tell us he had received his A-1 army rating and expected to be leaving before long.  However, he hasn't had his physical exam, and may be rejected because of his hay fever).  We got a new lawn in the back, and enjoy having that nice fenced-in backyard.  Next year we'll do the front.  I for new blue curtains for the dining room, and slip-covered the dining room chairs with blue flowered cretonne.  Otherwise we haven't made any changes inside.  We got a second-hand piano last month, and I thoroughly enjoy that.

Just before the bicycle situation got bad, we for ourselves second-hand bikes.  Ike made a little wooden cushioned seat for Jimmie, which bolts on the back of either bike (on the tandem).  It has a safety belt, and we surely use it a lot.  Ike doesn't ride a lot, since his hours have been long, but Jimmie and I certainly go places.  I do all my marketing that..."      

Letter - Page 6

"...way - you'd be surprised how much you can carry in two carrying bags hung over the handlebars.  Jimmie is growing up so fast.  He talks almost all the time, until sometimes I wish he'd run out of questions.  He's out now in his bathing trunks, while our neighbor turns her hose on him.  I wish he had our old Wolfie dog for a pal, but her really have no place for him, and I'm sure Ike's folks need him for company.  The white woolie dog you have him on his first Christmas is still a favorite companion.  Today he wanted to give him a bath, but that toy has never been the same since Jimmie dunked him in the water a couple of years ago.  He's minus both eyes now, which doesn't make him any less dear.

I wish we could see Barbie now.  Is she still a beauty, as she was when we saw her last?  Come up if you have a chance, anytime.

Love, Charlotte"   



The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 2

Charlotte Dorsey's letter continues...

Letter - Page 3

"...Ike doesn't feel that he can ask for time off, so of course we skipped the picnic.

We were at Wendling sometime in May - I've forgotten just when, and the town really doesn't seem the same.  Lots of families have gone to defense centers for war-time work - of course all the unmarried me are in service' and I wonder how long they'll be able to keep the mill going.  Harold has been in the army since early Spring - first in training in Texas, then at Camp Murray near Ft. Lewis.  Right now his letters are postmarked Seattle, but we're not sure whether he's there, or whether his mail just goes through that POst Office.  He expects overseas service, and you can imagine how his folks feel about that.  They spent a week at Camp Murray with him, and now feel..."

Letter - Page 4

"...terribly lonesome without him.

My sister and I have been picking raspberries lately.  We quit at one o-clock today because the heat was too much for us.  We've had a lot of fun, and feel quite patriotic about it, but as far as making money is concerned, we're failures.  Mother takes care of Jimmie for me, and because I don't like to waken him too early, we get a late start, and we don't make a hard job of it, and quit when we get tired.  Altogether we're sissies, and make about 20 cents an hout!  It begins to look as it we're in for another hot wek, so my patriotism will probably wear pretty thin.

We haven't done a thing to..."

TO BE CONTINUED....

The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 1

In July Margaret received a letter from Charlotte Dorsey...

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Monday, July 20

Dear Margaret:

Your card has just come, and I'm going to get a letter back to you right now.  You can tell Jim the news, and I'm sure Ike will write soon.  We've thought of you often, and it's a relief to know that Jim is getting along well.  There's always a possibility of accidents; but of course that doesn't keep it from being a terrible shock when it happens to you, or to someone you know.  We're so glad it wasn't worse.

I believe when I wrote last, Ike had earned his machinists' rating and had started working in the shipyards.  Last June 3rd, he switched jobs again, ..."      

Letter Page 2 

"...and is now with Iron Fireman Manufacturing Co.1, doing exactly the same work - building the reversing gear for the Liberty Ships1 that Oregon Shipyard is building.  He has more responsibility here - supervises several other men - and gets a little more money.  The job seems to have more future than the other one, which was purely a war-time job.  He's been working so much overtime - they had July 4th and 5th off - that's the only time he's had off since he took that job, almost seven weeks ago.  And most of the time he worked 12 hours a day!  Jim will understand why Ike has been slow writing.  He leaves for work at 7:20, and when they're working overtime, gets home about 8:30.  By the time dinner's over, that's a day.  They're not working the long hours just now, for which I'm very thankful.  Working week after week with never a "Sunday" for a breathing spell, get pretty tiresome.  The one saving thing is that Ike loves his job, and enjoys working for his bosses, who seem to appreciate it when a man gives his best.

The Dorsey family picnic was held yesterday at Benton Lane Park (what's the new name?) and it's the first one we've missed for years.  I was sorry for there are lots of the family that we think of, and don't see at any other time.  Ike doesn't feel that he can ask for time off..."

TO BE CONTINUED...     

 1 Within a year Jim Waning would be in Portland working for Iron Fireman Manufacturing Company building steam engines for the Liberty Ships.  To read more about Liberty Ships click here.

Summer 1942 - The Accident - 2nd Letter From June Gantenbein Suckow

June Gantenbein Suckow sent a card and two letters - all in the same envelope.  This letter is written with a pencil.  Let's discover why!  

Letter - Page 1

"July 7, 1942

Dear Margaret:

Am I a dumbbell!  The enclosed letter I addressed to "Springfield, Wash".  I wrote a card to Helen1 at the same time - I supposed her card went to "Republic Oreg".  I just haven't time to write a new letter, so I'll send it to you anyway.  I understand Jim is a little better than you thought.  I sure hope that's right.  I'm enclosing a card for him - it's meant to cheer..."

Letter - Page 2

"...him up - but if he's not in the right mood for something like that, don't give it to him.  (I mean well, but I don't know how he is exactly).  The card is too big so I'll mail the letter with the card.

I'm sorry I haven't mailed B.A.'s2 pkg. yet - today I hope - tomorrow sire!

I have strawberries I picked last night on the stove - I'm supposed to go pick raspberries at 9a.m. so I just have to say Goodbye!

I love you all!

June & family

P.S. My pen is in where the kids are sleeping - excuse please!"

1 June's sister - Helen Gantenbein

2 B.A. = Barbara Ann

Almost 70 years later, members of the extended Greenwell Family are still picking raspberries and making jam!

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Letter from June Gantenbein Suckow

June also sent a letter soon after the accident!

Letter - Page 1

"July 2, 1942

Dear Margaret,

We are all so terribly sorry about Jim's accident.  We are all thinking about him and praying for him.  You don't know how hard we hope that he will be all right.  Ellen has been keeping us (via Ma1) informed, but we are anxious to hear more when ever you can write.

I am at Mom's - came to see Dad2.  He is much better 2/3 well he says.  The Dr. said he had to say in bed 1 or 2 days more!  Dad is too hot - he wants..."

Letter Page 2

"...up.  But he has to be careful.

This is the first time I havew been in Portland since last January, and boy, Oh Boy, is it a hot one.  I should go home but I'm afraid I'd cook before I got there.

Thank you so much for Corky's3 package.  Those are the cutest little shirts.  They are just as dear as they can be.  They look awfully nice on him and, he was so happy to have some "square" money."

Letter Page 3

"Judy3 got a little sweater with her birthday dollar.  That was when it was cool.

I have a package for Barby-Ann, at last.  I am awfully sorry to be so late with it.  I guess it's her 2 1/2 birthday.  I won't get it in the mail today, but I'll try to do it tomorrow.

Margaret dear, write when you can, and if there is anything we can do, you just whistle.  I imagine Jim is not interested in anything much now, is he?  As soon as he is able, we will write to him, and try to help make the time pass for him.

Our love from us all (mother & Dad, too)

June"

Letter - Page 4

1 Ma - Fanny Greenwell Gantenbein - Margaret's maternal aunt 

2 Fred Gantenbein - Fanny's husband

3 Corkey & Judy - June & Milton's children.

    

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Card from June Gantenbein Suckow

Margaret's cousin, June Gantenbein Suckow sent a card...

Enevelope

Front of Card

Inside of Card

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Letter from Ella Caufield

Jim's maternal aunt, Ella McAdam Caufield wrote again in September.

Notice that she used her husband's old legislative stationary!

Waste not, Want not! 

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Sept 16

Dear Margaret, Jim & Barbara - This letter I have been planning to write for some time but it seems I always get something I think I must do & there it goes.  Nevertheless I often think of you all and wonder if it isn't about time that Jim is leaving there.1  At least I hope so and am anxious to see how he is when he gets straightened out on earth again.  Its been long but nice he hasn't had too much pain the last 2 mo.  

Joe2 had a fine trip & I want to thank you for all your kindness to him.  He came back ready for school but Ronnie showed up Sat. nite so stayed over until Mon. (Labor Day) P.M. so then he was about all used up again as we had to milk for Eyra & Joe got up at 4:30.  School is going pretty well he finds science (Biology) quite hard.  It is not like I used to have it - is lots harder to work out - It is rather..."    

Letter - Page 1

"...advanced ideas & a new way of working them out - He plays football at nite so is pretty tired by the time he catches a ride out.  He takes Higher Algebra, Eng., Biology, and Wood Work.  One period is physical Ed - It is new as it requires all to take athletics as touch tackle etc - It is to train the physical side that was not tho't of until now.

I canned peaches last wk.  Eyra's Dad bro't him 9 bu & Eyra bro't in about 3 or 4 from valley.  Jack has been working on silo & they have it painted now but need to make doors & something over the top. 30' x 10'."

Waldo (Bud) Caufield

"Bud3 writes about every 2 wks.  He does not give much news.  I have tho't & tho't what to send for Xmas but it is a slicker.  Sent him a box of nuts today - Will send a cheese & I've been looking for air mail paper with red envelopes but no luck.  We sent him a pen & pencil & pocket knife last yr so that about ends the "thinks".  May send him some magazines but unless I disguise them I doubt how soon they are delivered.

No news from S.A. Agnes4 has an old one eyed, stiff hired man but she says he eats just same - Ha Ha!  Much love to all.

Aunt Ella

Hope you are able to get over before the gas is rationed if it is or maybe just a scare.  Expect Aunt Agnes sees about even dropping in Oregon."

1 reference to Jim's months long stay in Sacred Heart - much of it in traction.

2 Joe Caufieed - Jim's cousin - Joe sent Jim a postcard in late August and made the trip from Tillamook to Eugene and Dexter to visit his Waning Cousin and Aunt.  Link to his postcard here.

3 Bud - AKA Waldo Caufield - Jim's cousin.

4 Agnes McAdam Ingvalson - sister to Ella and Janet .  

Fall 1942 - The Accident - Postcards From Chuck Hucka

These postcards arrived from Chuck Hucka during his vacation Philadelphia. 

Card / Envelope - Front

This opens up and displays an accordian folded series of postcards.

Card / Envelope - Reverse

Postcard - Front

Postcard - Reverse

"Benjamin Franklin Memorial and The Franklin Institute
Sep 14, 1942

Dear Jim,
Among many other things I saw this locomotive today.
Hope you are getting along O.K.

Sincerely,
Chuck H."  

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Card From the Hucka Family

The Hucka Family was great about sending Jim cards and notes.

Envelope

Front of Card

Note and Card Extended

"Hello Jim -

Well how are you doing?  Fine I hope.

Everything is fine out her on the farm.  Vern went fishing yesterday and caught a dandy mess of red sides - had more fish than we could eat for breakfast.

Hazel started out to make her fortune picking beans this morning.  She has great expectations anyway.

We had some nice clover hay ready to start putting in the bar this a.m. but it is trying to rain so Vern will saw some more wood instead.

You'll have to look good next time you come up our way or you won't be able to tell where we live.  We have a brand new picket fence all painted white.  We are going to get our house painted too, I think.

The Huckas" 

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Card from George Adams

After a break, I've returned to the cards and letters Jim and Margaret Waning received while Jim was in Sacred Heart Hospital recovering from a logging accident.

The Envelope

Card - Front

Card - Inside

Though the card is not signed, the envelope indicates it was from George Adams - the husband of Olivia Upton Adams - aunt and uncle to Margaret Upton Waning.

Vacation - 1978

Margaret Upton Waning

Grand Canyon - 1978

James Waning

Grand Canyon - 1978

Vacation - 1957

Bear in Yellowstone - 1957

James Waning & Tiny - Yellowstone - 1957

Vacation - 1978

Margaret Upton Waning

Disneyland - 1979

Vacation - 1991

Before there were children/grandchildren

Wailea, Maui

September 1991

Vacation - 1986

Lexa in Trafalger Square, London, England

St Martin's in the Field in background

And a Londener to the left!

8 August 1986

Vacation - 1954

Sandie, Barbara, Connie

Reno, NV Trip

July 1954 

Vacation - 2011

Kristi and Family - 2011

Summer 1948

Connie - About One Year Old

Vacation - 1950

Ellen Upton Hall, Connie, and Grover

September 1950

Vacation - 1957

Connie, Tiny, and Sandy - August 1957

Vacation - 2011

The Happy Campers - Summer 2011

4th of July 2011

Perfect weather, great company and good food.

All the ingredients needed for a Festive Fourth of July!

Mikaila

Will, Cathy, Matt and Ed

Hope and Rob

Matt, Barbara, and Will

Kristi and Lexa

Chuck, Tom, and Connie

Bill

Rob and Quinten