Billy Waning's Trip to Maine - 1947

I blogged earlier about Willard Lowe Waning's trip home to Maine in 1947.  Recently, I found a short newspaper report of his visit.

Will and Laurence Coffin - Pittsfield, ME

"Willard Waning of Dexter, Ore., is visiting his niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. William I. Coffin. Mr. Waning whose home was at Knox, went west when a young man and this is his first visit to Maine in 45 years."

W.I. Coffin Home - Maine

From: "The Portland Press Herald", 29 October 1947, Pittsfield News, Page 20  

Waning News - 1923

Descendants of Charles H. Waning (Willard's Uncle)

1 Charles H. Waning b: Abt. November 1850 in Maine d: Abt. 1941
. +Mary A. Berry b: Abt. February 1854 d: 1926
.... 2 Fred F. Waning b: Abt. 1874 in Maine d: 1896
.... 2 Harry L. Waning b: Abt. 1876 in Maine d: 1952
....... +Mabel L. Libby b: 1875 d: 1936
.......... 3 Clair E. Waning b: Abt. 1905 in 1987
............. +Doris E. b: 1904 in 1988
.......... 3 Elwood L. Waning b: 1907 d: 15 December 1971 in Portland, Maine
............. +Lois M. b: 1913
.... 2 Linnie M. Waning b: Abt. 1879 in Jackson, Waldo Co., Maine
.... 2 John Morris Waning b: 27 July 1881 in Knox, Waldo Co., Maine d: 1928
....... +Faustina W. Whitaker b: Abt. 1876 in Troy, Maine m: 09 May 1907 in Albion, ME d: 1961
.......... 3 Ralph Waning b: 1910 d: 1991
.......... 3 Evelyn M. Waning b: 1908
............. +Forrest Haviland Whitney b: 1913 d: 12 July 2003
.... 2 Manley Berry Waning b: 26 May 1886
....... +Mabel Willey b: Abt. 1887 m: Abt. 1909
.......... 3 Lillian F. Waning b: Abt. 1911
.......... 3 Blanche A. Waning b: Abt. 1917
.......... 3 Barbara P. Waning b: Abt. 1923

Manley Waning, his daughter, and Charles Waning - Unity, ME

"LIBERTY - SOUTH--
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Waning were guests of their son, Manley, and family Thursday of last week." 

"Mrs. Ella Libby was an overnight guest of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Waning, last week."

Mary and Charles Waning - Unity, ME - 1922

"Miss Winifred Waning and sister, Lillian of Unity, visited with their grandmother, Mrs. Charles Waning over the week end."

"Mr. and Mrs. Urban Waning are rejoicing over the arrival of a son.  Mrs. Waning is at Mrs. Fred Farwell's who is caring for her."

"Clair E. Waning of Augusta was at home Sunday."

"Daily Kennebec Journal", 15 November 1923, page 2

Left to right: Charles, Harry, baby Harry, and Clair Edward Waning

Moss Street Home - Purchased 1944

By March of 1944 Jim and Margaret had moved back to Eugene, OR and purchased a home at 1479 Moss Street.  

The Moss Street home sold for $5150.  The Wanings put down $200 in earnest money, and made a downpayment of $1300.  The house loan for $3650 was at 6% with monthly payments of $75.  

Waning's Portland Home 1943

This is the Waning Family's Portland home.

624 SE 146th, Portland, OR   

In late March 1943, the Jim and Margaret purchased

the house for $4700.  They paid $1000 in cash - the down payment.  They then were to pay $65 until the seller's equity was paid off, then the monthly payments would drop to $35 per month.  The loan was at 6% interest.  

The little house was replaced in 1975 with a 4800 square foot multi-family home.

Working at Iron Fireman 1943-1944

According to the following pay stubs, it appears that Jim Waning worked for Iron Fireman Manufacturing Co. in Portland, Oregon from mid-April 1943 to Mid-February 1944.  In his 1943 tax return Jim Waning claimed to have an income of $3010.00 from Iron Fireman Manufacturing Co.  That income required long hours of work. 

Note the Victory Tax.

In August 1943 Jim earned $100 for one week's labor.

I think this required an 80 hour work week (and no increase in wages for overtime).

Each week money was deducted for the purchase for War Bonds.

In September 1943 Jim was ill and missed several days of work.

The next week he took vacation.  If he was paid for 40 hours then he earned $1.25 per hour.

If Jim earned $1.25 an hour even with overtime, then he often worked 68 hours or more in a week. 

These long work hours continued into 1944. 

The O.A.B. tax is the Old Age Benefits Tax - the precursor to Social Security.

December 1943 - A Card From Elsie Greenwell Upton

No surprise, the Wanings received a Christmas card from Elsie and Otto Upton.

Envelope

Card - Front 

Card - Inside

Card - Reverse

"Dear Margaret and Jim and Sugar Pie"

This card isn't what I would like for you but it was the best I had.  Mrs. Carr stayed here hast night and I believe will be back this evening.  She looks well but tired.  

I wish you were here to help me plan.  I sure miss Ellen.  What day will you be home.  It stays so damp and cold.  Dad said it was nice at Camp.  Will see you all soon.  I am looking for a letter from you.

Love

Dad & Mom" 

Late December 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall - Part Two

Ellen's letter continues...

Letter - Page 3

"I got a pretty Christmas card and very nice letter from Mrs. Haach yesterday.  I really must write to Pat.  I've been slow about it.

Something awful happened the other day.  The wife of one of the fellows in Grover's outfit was burned to death.   Sunday morning she was standing in front of the open fire dressing and her clothes caught on fire.  Instead of trying to put the fire out she ran downstairs to her husband.  That was 6 o'clock Sunday and she lived until Monday morning at 10.  I saw her at a ballgame one night - she was a cute little thing.  Her and Nichols had only been married the latter part of Sept.  I feel sorry for him. 

31 December 1943

I had to go to work when I got this far yesterday.  I got yours and Mother's letters yesterday.  We were so..."

Letter - Page 4

"...disappointed that our package never got there in time.I mailed it the 10th. same time as I mailed Mother B.'s and she got hers the 20th.  I sure hope you have it by now - if you haven't let me know for I kept the insurance receipt.

Ellen Upton and Grover C. Hall II - 1943

It isn't seven o'clock yet and I'm all huddled up in front of the fireplace for it is might cold here of a morning.  Grover has been gone nearly half an hour.  He sure is working long hours.  He has been working nearly every night and doesn't get home until 8:30 or 9:30 (buses her only run every hour).  He is getting so terribly tired looking.  He is afraid his outfit is going overseas this spring sometime and it scares me to death.  If he has to go over I will be absolutely lost.

Well, Sis, am most out of paper so will sign off for now.  Write soon.

Love,
Ellen     

P.S. Sure wish Grover & I could have been with you (for) Christmas.  Hope you get our presents soon."

Happy Day!

Wishing You a Happy Day!

Ed - Athabasca Glacier

Jasper National Park

July 1984

Ed and Cathy - May 1987

Will, Matt, Ed and Chuck - October 2011

Late December 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall - Part One

1943 ends with a letter from Ellen Upton Hall.

Letter - Page 1

"30 Dec 1943

Dearest Sis & family,

We got your letter last night and sure was glad to hear from you.  Sis, congratulations on the expected arrival.  Gee whiz, I was ever(y) bit as excited when I read your news as I was before Barbie came.  If you do even half as good as you did before not matter whether it be boy or girl it will be might swell.  I hope however you don't feel too bad.

James, Barbara, and Margaret - 1943

Also, Sis and family I want to thank you so much for the 'family' picture.  You couldn't have given us anything we would have liked better. 

It was almost like having a visit from the Waning family.  And Barbie, I just love my pretty apron and hankie.  It is about the prettiest apron I ever..."

Letter - Page 2

"...had.  And someday when you come to dinner, I'll wear it and show you how nice it looks.

Your package sure came just in time.  We had just finished opening our other presents when a boy brought yours to the door.  Mother B. sent me the prettiest nightie - first one I ever owned (I think at least as far back as I remember).  It is about as fancy as your black one only pink.

I understand from your letter that you were going to be home with Mom and Dad until your house is sold.  I bet they will be happy to have you and Barbie.  Can't say as I blame them, I'd be glad to have you come see me too."

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...

December 1943 - A 2nd Letter From Elsie Greenwell Upton

Elsie wrote a short note three days later upon learning her grand-daughter was ill.  The illness was serious enough to suggest a long distance phone call might be in order. 

Letter - Page 1

"Springfield, Oregon

12-16-43

Dear Margaret, Jim and Barbie:

I hope Barbie is better.  I know you will do every thing that can be done dear for our darling but I do wish I could help.  Your card came this P.M. and I haven't been able to get my mind on any thing else.  Margaret I remember you children would always feel worse at night and temperature would go up and better in the morning.  Please let us know how she is.  Grandad is going to feel pretty bad about his helper.  I have been trying to wrap a few gifts and it just doesn't work.  There are so many things I would like to talk over with you.  I mailed Ellen's and Fannie's packages." 

Letter - Page 2

"I was trying to write cards this morning and Mrs. Carr was talking to me and I made more mistakes.  I like company but I can't write when they are talking.  I will be thinking of Barbie every minute.  Call us if necessary and charge at this end of the line.  We will be anxious to hear from you.  With our love,

Dad and Mom"