Halloween - Days Gone By

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Card from Mikaila - Front - 2011

Card From Mikaila - Inside - 2011

Matt - 1995

Will and Matt - 1999

Last Day of November 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall - Part One

Ellen Upton Hall followed up her letter of November 27th, with one dated November 30th.  

Letter - Page 1

"Ml. Rt. #38

Augusta, Ga.

c/o D.J. Bowles

30 November 1943

Dearest Sis and family,

I'm almost frozen but will try and answer your letter I got today.  I'm waiting for Grover to come home and is this house cold.

You aren't the only one that has the willies seeing Christmas so close.  It won't seem like Christmas not being home.  I've got to make a happy Christmas for Grover this year though.  His folks don't believe in making much over Christmas and he's never had a really gay time.  So this year I'm going to try and make our Christmas as much like we've always had at home for I don't believe anyone ever has more fun than we always have had.  I think I'm going to have chicken for dinner as you say it is just as good as turkey and besides just the two of us couldn't..."   

Letter - Page 2

"...put away a whole turkey.  I have most of the presents already.  Just got a few more odds and ends to get.  Have gotten all the paper, ribbon, etc.  We will have to send the presents home by the 10th to insure getting them there in plenty of time.

1 December 1943

Grover came home last night just about the time I got this far and it was a good thing for I would surely have frozen to death if he hadn't.  We have a very wee fireplace in our bedroom.  We have to use coal and can't get wood to start it with.  I absolutely can not get the coal to burn so I just sit and freeze until Grover gets homes.

4 December 1943

Got just this far the other morning and Mr. Hellrung came over to dictate a letter to me so I didn't get it finished.  

Grover took me out to dinner and a show last night.  We saw "Above Suspicion"1 with Fred MacMurray and Joan Crawford.  It was a war picture and a bit horrible but was..."   

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...

1 "Above Suspicion" - Frances and Richard Myles (Joan Crawford and Fred MacMurray) are newlyweds honeymooning in Europe on the eve of World War II. Unexpectedly, they find themselves commissioned by the British secret service to secure the plans for a new secret weapon masterminded by the Nazis (involving magnetic mines). The trail leads them to Innsbruck where they arouse the suspicions of Gestapo chief Von Aschenhausen (Basil Rathbone). Having secured the plans, the couple find great difficulty leaving the country. Frances is captured and held in a remote castle. She is rescued by her husband and a group of British agents, and, using underground routes, the couple finally cross the border to safety. (Wikipedia).

After the Trip - November 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall

Grover got his furlough, and he and Ellen Upton Hall visited Upton relatives in N.Y. and Pennsylvania.

Ellen wrote a letter in late November of 1943.  The letter is written in pencil and difficult to read.

"Did you get my cards I sent on the trip?"

"Mother said Pat & Bob were home. Lucky stiffs."

"Excuse pencil - my pen is at the factory being repaired."

"Ml. Rt. #38

Augusta, Ga.

c/o D.J. Bowles

27 November 1943

Dearest Sis and family,

You do owe me a letter but will write and tell you something of our trip.

There was just oodles of snow all the time we were there - which made it beautiful (scenery I mean) and it was fun to play in but was very unpleasant in other ways.  Grandma is fine, looks much better than I had expected.  Sure hope Dad gets to see her soon though.  That is about all she looks forward to is when Dad and Mom can go see her again.  By the way she and Grover clicked it off at once, just like old pals.  Jimmie1 is a big boy - fact didn't know him - even mistook a neighbor for him.  Aunt Mildred2 looks much different...There is a new arrival3 coming there on April 26 is "she" arrives when expected.  Say nothing to anyone that I told you as Grandma doesn't know and they don't want to tell her for awhile. Uncle Robert is the one I was shocked when I saw...He could barely walk.  He had the flu and when he got over it his legs were absolutely useless.  They are taking him to a chiropractor (sp?) in Erie and he was getting a little better when we left but was still pitiful...

We went to see Aunt Ida4 for a little while,  She looks old and tired - but still not much gray in her fair.  Helen5 was home....Helen had had a boil and hadn't worked since Wed (that was Sat.)  Went downtown and saw Jane.6  She is a big girl, not quite as tall as I am but before she's twenty she'll be taller.  I'm quite a bit taller than Helen.  Jane is a pretty girl.  Never got to see Virginia7 and family.  From their picture the boys are sure handsome little fellows.  Did you know Bill was a strict Catholic - I didn't.  Uncle Robert, Aunt Mildred, Grover & I stopped by Aunt Ida's again on Monday but no one was home.  As for Aunt Jennie & Uncle Ross8 and family, Aunt Jennie looks the same...Uncle Ross looks very tired...Rachel is a sweet little girl and as bright as a dollar...Janet sure looks like V'Ona did as a little girl.  Except for the brown eyes she's almost identical to V'Ona, especially in that picture of you two kids...All in all we had a swell time while there.

I got home from the trip and came down with the flu.  I'm supposed to be well now but my body hasn't been thoroughly convinced  of the fact and I still drag around a bit.  I have a bad cold.  I went back to work Wednesday but was mighty glad to have the day off Thurs.  We both got the day off.  Instead of having turkey for dinner we had a nice roast.  After dinner we went to a putrid show.

Must get Grover's dinner now.  Bye and write soon.

Love,

Grover and Ellen

P.S. Now about about a letter Jim?"  

       

  

1 Jimmie Upton b. 1928 1st child of Robert & Mildred Upton. Would have been 15 in 1943.

2 Aunt Mildred b. abt 1905 - wife of Robert Upton b. 1898 the 5th child of James & Nellie Upton. 

3 New arrival - "she" turned out to be Robert Upton born April 1944 - son of Robert & Mildred Upton.

4 Aunt Ida b. abt 1890 - wife of Parney Upton b. 1888 the 2nd child of James & Nellie Upton. 

5 Helen Upton b. abt 1914 - 1st child of Parney & Ida Upton 

6 Jane Upton b. abt 1927 - 3rd child of Parney & Ida Upton.

7 Virginia Upton b. abt 1920 - 2nd child of Parney & Ida Upton. 

8 Ross Upton - 4th child of James & Nellie Upton b. 1893 - married Jennie - two daughters - Janet & Rachel.

November 1943 - A Note From Janet McAdam Waning

Janet followed up her letter of the 21st, with a short note on the 23rd of November.

Note - Page 1

"Nov 23rd -

Good morning Barbra - It is foggy here this (sic) - and a little cold - but if you'd been here you could have bundled up in your warm coat & gone to the store with Granpa(sic) - He has gone out to get a piece of meat to send to Portland - & I will put it in a box with the old hen & butter - I hope the old hen doesn't pick into the butter.  I have some of the prettiest chrysante--(?) I've ever had - would like to put some in but guess the odor wouldn't be a very nice flavor for meat & butter - so you can just pretend they are in there - but I'll bet I can find a pretty salmon rosebud - I've had some beautiful ones - ..."

Note - Page 2

"...I have two African Violets potted - started them in water - Billy got two flower pots like any pot but the top is about size of a water glass so I have them on window over the sink - & my violet is blooming again just fine - I keep it over the sink - Chase1 said the best place for it's warm & moist from steam - Billy will take my bundles of papers & magazines today and leave them at Alaska Junk - for he has to go by there on the way to Farmers' Union or elevator - He has to get some grain they were to grind - wheat screenings - Here he is back - so I'll rest the pen a while - I should write to Mary2 - I expect she looks at an empty mail box often - Heaps of love, 
Mom"  

1 Chase - Chase Flowers
2 Mary - Janet's oldest sister - Mary Burnet (McAdam) Emert - in 1943 a widow living in L.A.

The Sun Shines @ The Farmers' Market

The "Occupy Eugene" demonstrators moved from the Park Blocks to Alton Baker Park Friday night, so the Farmers' Market was able to set up in its usual location Saturday morning.  And the sun shone!  A glorious October morning.

These carrots were great...so colorful.

And it's the time of year for Brussel Sprouts...

and Pumpkins...

...and Apple Cider.  I had a sample it was good! 

Celeriac has shown up...

Surprisingly there were still Strawberries for sale.

Such pretty coloring on these heirloom Roma tomatoes.

November 1943 - A Letter From Janet McAdam Waning - Part 2

Janet McAdam Waning's Letter continues...

Letter - Page 5

Note on side: "Box1 will be parcel poast I like to make big words this morning"

"She inquired about you folks - Said her grand daughter was a year old or there about & she'd only seen her once - So folks are not travelling much - She said Buddy Kenney had been called - Said his boss had 10 days o send in his deferment & didn't do it - They were back here in their own house - & I understand she will stay there - maybe part time - Nice Lois had a baby girl this time.  We also met Mrs. Shunnaman - she said Jenkins was our mail man now - Took the job for this Route - Said she missed Mrs Lewis (Jack)

Well Jack C.2 finally got sworn in - I'll bet Ella was all in a dither when the comission(sic) papers came to Tillamook & Jack waiting in Portland for them - You had it right Jim I'll bet the 'wedding' cigars get smoked up now - but that isn't so soft a job either not nearly as much as the Post Office 9 to 5 and 6 days a wk - with your feet up on the desk isn't so good unless the deputies are good - & let J.R. go over & see what..."

Letter - Page 6

Note on side: "A letter from Allphins"

"....Ezra is doing - & greet old acquaintances in Tillamook.
Monday - If Barbra had been here today she could have helped rake leaves & be out with Gran'ma when she hung the clothes out.  It has been a lovely day clothes got nice & dry - I got 63 eggs from the pullets today but only 9 from the old ones - I often wish Barbra could go into the pullet room with me.  They are all singing & making such a noise you can't hear yourself talk & they are so pretty - so white & smooth & their combs so red - They are a fine looking bunch & I hope they do well - Egg man says eggs have dropped about 3c & are due for a further drop - Pullets sell for 40 now & large 50 last wk - this wk 49 - I don't know how many more reductions but several - Billy hasn't any pigs yet - just puts it off - I don't know why - This PM I got 4# butter when the cream man came & this wk I got a 2 year old red hen - & dressed her - I'll have Billy go out to the locker1 & get some meat & fix a box for him to send out - I would have had it away sooner - but was..." 

Letter - Page 7

Note on side: "Billy just got his certificate for his rubber shoes -" 

"...waiting to hear from you - I didn't know if you were coming down or not - I didn't know but you had sold - So it may not get there for Thanksgiving but it will be there for Sunday following - I had a hen two weeks or so ago - cooked the potatoes with the broth - made dumplings & gravy & it sure was good.  I think she was fatter than this one.  I don't know what he'll get from the locker - but beef I think.
I didn't tell you Newman tho't that box spring mattress was cold - so I put it in your bedroom & took that one & the feathers in & made it up - still he wasn't right - He'd rather sleep upstairs & he's just sleep in the bed that was up there - So I got the upstairs swept & washed & put his feathers up there on that mattress - The circulator sits there in the kitchen - never a fire in it since he had that cold..."

Letter - Page 8

"...& Billy put the pail over the stove pipe - So that is that - I tell you he didn't like that stove because he couldn't spit in it - I think & he couldn't see what we were doing either off there - & that was bad - He can sit by the fire place & look out here in the kitchen & keep tab on what I'm doing - & spit in & on the fireplace.  Well that's the last bed shift unless he wants to go in the cellar - He is fine cuts wood every good day I guess he must have 8 or ten cords in split 4 ft stuff - He splits it all that is any size -

Jim, Barbara, and Margaret

Summer 1943 - Portland, OR

Now Barbra when you come to see Gran'ma we'll have a dance - and you & I will sleep together & put Panda under the bed - Well play hide & seek & pop corn - Gran'ma knows you are a big girl now & dress & undress yourself - so I know you can help me make bread & wash dishes feed the cats & calves.  Now I'll say good night & lots of big hugs for my little girl - Love to you all
from Mom"

1 The parcel post box was for the younger Waning family up in Portland.  It contained beef and chicken from the older Waning's Eugene locker and was a Thanksgiving gift.
2 Jack C - Jack Caufield, Ella McAdam Caufield's husband.  He was made a U.S. Marshall - a political commission.    

Happiest of Days To You Two

Here's Wishing Lexa and Jack the Happiest of Days!

Lexa - Summer 1969

Barbara, Lexa, and Chuck - Spring 1983

Lexa - June 1986

Lexa and Miss Meow - June 1987 

Lexa - March 1988

Lexa - September 2011

Sandie and Jack - March 1989

Jack and Sandie - Summer 2011 

November 1943 - A Letter From Janet McAdam Waning - Part One

In late November 1943 Janet McAdam Waning wrote a letter to her grand-daughter, 'Barbra'.

Letter - Page 1

"Dexter, Oregon
Nov 21, 1943

My dear little Barbra -

Grandma has been thinking of you all day and tho' it's time for folks to be in bed I'm just going to write and tell you how much I like to get your letters - even Grandad & Newm read them & say - 'How straight she writes across the paper'.  I read what you write for I know you tell me about Teddy lying on the floor with you - and about you and Daddy cleaning up the yard - so it will

Barbara & Bill Hucka - Summer 1943

look nice - and too about you & Bill staying home while Daddy & Mamma went up town - I'm glad you didn't go up town - for you might get sick & then..."

Letter - Page 2

"...Gramma, Grandad & Newm would be so sorry & I'd say, 'I wish Barbra was better I don't like to have her sick'.  Mrs. Reinvault told me some of the children in the hospital cried & cried themselves to sleep & their mamas didn't come - she was so sorry for them - but she staid(sic) with her little boy & helped take care of him.  They were to put woolen clothes wrung out of warm water around the muscles or parts affected cover that with an oil cloth then warm dry cloth 6 times a day & she said lots of them only got it done twice-a day - & the towels would {be} to(sic) cold & wet on the little things - but she said they were so short of help & so busy.  They just couldn't do it.  Dr. told her she couldn't take Raymond home - for she didn't know how to take care of him - so she worked with..."

Letter - Page 3

"...the nurse and learned just what to do - & Dr. said OK - They could eat anything but just got potatoes & squash - She took in things to Raymond - So Barbra Ann you just play with Teddy & keep well - No hospital for you - 

Last Friday we started for town right after dinner so I didn't have anytime to shop for Xmas or Joe's birthday.  I went to Fed Loan Office while Billy went to the elevator & I got the cancelled Mortgage & abstract & took them & the last bond we bot(sic) to the safety deposit box - met Billy there - as we went out we were surprised to have Mrs. Holcomb step along & say 'Hello there.'  Then we talked quite a while with her - They live out towards Irving, 6 mi out - Live in a garage The house on the place they bo't(sic) had burned - but she says..."

Letter - Page 4

"...It isn't half bad - They have electricity & only she & Del - He works at BK's in Springfield yet - Said Jean was doing just fine in the Wacs, she's quite a go getter.  She said the girls all call her 'Holkie' same as her Dad.  She was to have 10 days furlough & she was going to visit Ann - She's down in the south too - & Sheldon has quit teaching & is a salesman for some oil Co - She said he didn't come home last summer but was going to work - so went to work at a mill and got his leg broke - I think he has a cane or crutch yet - They live north of Tacoma - Said he'd have to go to school more if he kept on teaching - so he had a school but resigned for this other job.  She had just come from the hair dresser & looked like a million - she did look real nice - up & coming - Billy says 'Smart.'  She said it just about done them up to have Ann get married - The Baby..."

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...     

A Postcard From Ellen Upton Hall

The long wait over, Ellen and Grover were finally able to travel to New York and Pennsylvania.

Postcard - Front

Postcard - Reverse

"11-15-43

Dearest Folks,

Am in Erie today.  Grover drove Uncle Robert1 down to the Dr.  Boy have we been having snow.  It is warmer today thought and the snow is beginning to melt.  I will write a real long letter when I get home to tell you all about the trip.  Hope all are well.  Love, Grover & Ellen" 

1 Robert Upton born 1898, Ellen and Margaret's paternal uncle. 

Halloween 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Upton - Part Two

Elsie Upton's letter continues... 

Letter - Page 4

"...It sure will be grand to have Barbie to play with again and to have her stuff around.  It is sure quiet up here1 without any one else to talk too(sic).  I think Mrs. Carr will be back before long.  John went hunting again and she was going to stay with Ada until he gets back.  She is going to get some kind of work.  Did Barbie get to see the new baby.  I am ashamed to tell you but I haven't written to Fannie yet.  I started her a letter but didn't get it finished.  No dear, we haven't got the rat yet.  I am going to the drug store and see if I can't get something that will stop him.  My walnuts are all dried ready to use.  I think it was a shame you didn't get to dry your own.  Barbie has some filberts at our house that Mrs. Gerlach have me for her.  I want to write to..."

Letter - Page 5

"...Ellen and Grover before it gets to(sic) dark so I will close now and will hope to see you soon.  I will be watching for a letter, and I should have one from Ellen too.  She wants me to send her winter clothes and I don't think I should send them if they were going to be away.  I may add a little more in the morning.  Bye dearies.

Dad and Mom

Dad came back early.  He didn't even see a deer.  All the big kids in Springfield were out last night.  They were here by the time we got home.  I must hurry for I want to wash and go over(sic) town.  It is nice here this morning and I hope it is there.  Bye now."  


1 Remember Elsie is writing this letter up at Otto's Fall Creek cabin.  She is by herself and probably has no electricity either. 

Halloween 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Upton - Part One

Elsie Upton began a letter at the end of October 1943.  She was thrilled to hear her daughter and family would be returning to the Eugene, OR area.

Letter - Page 1

"Springfield, Oregon
10-31-43

Dearest Margaret, Jim and Barbie:

We were glad to hear from you and we will be very glad to have you stay with us.  When will you be here or do you know.  I can't tell you how happy we are to plan on having you near so we can see you often and to have Barbie Ann to love.  You couldn't guess where I am writting.  Dad and I came up to Fall Creek and had our lunch and he dug a few potatoes and now I am in his cabin and he las gone hunting and won't be back until about dark.  It is beautiful up here to-day.  The sun is bright and it is just as clear as can be.  I saw Mildred1 in Eugene last night and visited with her a little while."

Letter - Page 2

"She said they finished paying for their place yesterday and she was quite happy about it.  Dad and I just played around yesterday.  We were going to a show but we didn't like the show that were on so we had our dinner and came home and it was a good thing we did for all the kids were out for treats.  They were a nice bunch of little kids, not big boys like we have had.  I wouldn't be surprised if they would be back tonight.  Phil came to the door with a mask on but I knew who he was.  He said 'I'm Phil Sutton and my mother is on the side walk waiting for me.'  He is a dear little boy.  I was sorry to hear Jim's Mother and Dad and I believe Mr. Hall came one day last week while I was away.  I am always missing some one."

Letter - Page 3

"I am wondering if Grover will get his furlough this time and they can take their trip.  Thanks for the pretty card you send and the kind message on it.  Ellen and Grover sent us one too.  Mrs. Mitchell brought me a nice dish of ovenware.  Dad and I didn't go out Friday night2 for he was to(sic) tired.  He has had to do Gordon's work for he is on  another vacation.  Mrs. Gerlach said she would make Barbie's jacket soon.  We want to go shopping this week.  I want a hat and I would like a dress.  Maybe we will get around.  You wouldn't think we would have a lot to do but we sure keep busy.  I think we will have more time since the canning is done for this year.

I will be glad to have Barbie while you do your shopping around.  It sure..."  

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...

1 Mildred Swift Hammond probably.
2 Otto and Elsie's 30th Wedding Anniversary was on 10/29/43.   

Late October 1943 - A Letter From Margaret Waning

In late October Margaret Waning sent a letter to her parents to wish them a Happy 30th Anniversary. 

Letter - Page 1

"Oct. 27, 1943

Dearest Mom and Dad -

Congratulations you two!  I hope you can have some sort of celebration on your anniversary - 30 yrs. isn't it?  If I were only nearer, would love to have you to dinner or something in way of celebration.

Barbie & I got two nice letters, when we stopped for out mail, on way to Montavilla1 for groceries.  One from you (guess I owe you two now) & the other from Mildred2.  She told about Bob's deer - said she knew the piece of meat you got wasn't first class, but she couldn't help it.  Also said she had gained 20 lbs - & told Bob it must be twins - he says perish the thought.  Today first we've been away from home for week &..."

Letter - Page 2

"...a half or so.  We had decided to go over to Charlotte3 & Ike's last Sat. - but but was just too stormy out.  Barbie is sure getting anxious to see that baby.

Used up my points4 (meat) today - bought what I needed - can. milk & etc (only let you have 1 lb butter to a customer) then finished up my points in bacon - 55 of them - $3.68 worth.  People standing around looked as tho' they thought I must be slightly off or something for buying so much - but will use it.

By the way your newly butchered beef sure sounds good - wouldn't mind having a doz. jars or so with some in it - it sure tasted good last winter.  Listen - I didn't mean to sound like a king or something - just wishing.

It was too bad neither you folks or Dad Wanings got any pork5."

Letter - Page 3

"We ate supper tonight at Montavilla - just hamburgers & such - no real restaurant there.  Jim & Bill each ordered one a piece then they ordered two more each - the girls sure looked at them as if they were daffy or something, instead of just plain hungry.  Barbie had a half a ham & half a toasted cheese & milk - she sure enjoys that a lot.

Barbara - Portland, OR - Summer 1943

Well Mom, guess we are on our way back to Eugene6 - Jim put an add in the paper tonight (course that isn't saying it will be sold right away.) & I've been packing all week - I'm sure getting good at it - should be I guess.

Would you consider taking in three strays for a while?  So we can look around & find what we want."

Letter - Page 4

"I had a letter from Ellen too, this week.  In mine she still seemed to think there might be a chance that they could get to go to Penn.  Too bad if they have to move again after just getting settled.

You didn't say in your last letter whether you had caught your rat yet or whether you & Mrs. Carr went to see 'Gone With the Wind' or not & if so how you liked it.

Well dears its (sic) nearly 10 o'clock & 5:30 comes awfully early so by(sic) for now.

Love & kisses -
The Wanings"   

1 Montavilla (a syllabic abbreviation of "Mt. Tabor Villa") is a neighborhood in the Northeast and Southeast sections of Portland, Oregon, and contains an area of 82nd Avenue lasting from Glisan to Powell.

2 Good friends Mildred & Bob Hammond - Bob worked for O.D. Upton for a while.

3 Good friends Charlotte & Ike Dorsey.

4 Each member of the family had ration books - purchases of rationed items, such as bacon, were  based on the number of points / coupons available for use.

5 Re earlier letter from Janet Waning - Billy took the pigs into be butchered, but no one would do so that day, so, rather than wait, he sold the pigs.  

6 The Waning family planned to move back to Eugene, OR before the birth of their 2nd child in the Spring of 1944. 

Late October - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall

A 2nd letter from Ellen arrived before month's end.

Letter - Page 1 

"October 27, 1943

Dearest Sis and family,

Grandma1 sent me your letter and got it Monday.  She sure is a sweet little person.  I really believe she was even more disappointed than we were at not getting to go.  I sure hope we get t go even yet.  He - Grover - says he thinks we can go sometime after the first of Nov., but I'm not going to count on it this time.

Glad to hear you folks (sic) going back to Eugene2.  I know both sets of folks will be tickled to death to have you 'home'.  Sure be glad to get to go home on a visit myself.  Mother Burks thinks we ought..."

Letter - Page 2

"...to make the trip home this time but neither one of us see it that way.  It wouldn't be any vacation for us at all cause we would be travelling nearly the whole time.  And travelling isn't exactly my idea of a good time.

I surely haven't been seeing much of my hubby this week.  Nor will I until after the 3rd.  He has to be at camp at 7A.M.  In order to get him there in time we have to get up at 4:30 - that is lots of fun (my foot).  He has to walk over a mile to catch a bus in order to get there in..."

Letter - Page 3

"...time.  He has to go to Aircraft Identification School until 9:30 at night.  The girls at the office made me mad.  They said I spoiled him cause I got up and got breakfast for him (sic) of a morning, but personally I think he would have a poor wife indeed if I didn't beside I like to have that much time with him.  This week-end - Friday night until 6p.m. Sunday - the 15th RCD is going on 'Biv Wac' (sp?)  I'm so afraid it is going to rain too.  Grover says it will probably just wait until they start.  This other will last through the third - they say we can save our furlough then but I'm not going to believe it until I..."

Letter - Page 4

"...am on the way.  I imagine we will be getting into plenty of cold weather up there too.  If we see any snow it will be all we will see this year unless we leave Georgia before this winter is over.

10-29-43
Well, today is the folks' Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary.3  Wish us kids could all be there for dinner this evening.  Remember their 25th?

Poor Grover Wednesday eve. I felt so sorry for him.  I had to go register for my Ration Book #4.  Incidentally I registered at the Boys Catholic High School and it..." 

Letter - Page 5

"...was one of the spookiest places I have ever been it.  Anyway after I registered I went to see 'We've never Been Licked'4 and met Grover at 9P.M.  He got off real early, forgot about meeting me and went clear home.  Grady and Gertrude had gone to the show too and so the house was all locked up and he couldn't get in.  He made the trip clear back to town and met me.  Poor child he was absolutely frozen.

This gum is for Barbie.  It is all I have handy.  If it is as hard to get gum there as it is here it is almost impossible but Grover gets it for me out at camp.

I really must get to work now.  Write soon.

Love,
Grover and Ellen" 

1 Grandma - Ellen and Margaret's maternal grandmother Nellie (Ellen) Carter Upton. 
2 By June 1944 the Waning family had returned to Eugene, OR.
3 Otto Upton and Elsie Greenwell married the 29th of October 1913.
4 'We've Never Been Licked' - WWII morale film for Texas A&M graduates fighting overseas. Young Brad Craig (Langton) enters the military school with a chip on his shoulder which Robert Mitchum and other upperclassmen quickly knock off. Once adjusted, Craig falls in love with a professor's beautiful daughter, only to find she is in love with his roommate, played by Noah Beery. In the meantime, Craig associates with Japanese spies (including William Frawley of "I Love Lucy") bent on stealing a secret chemical compound being worked on a the University. But is he one of them, or a double agent for his country?