Uptons and Greenwells - Harry and David - Christmas 1945

George and Adah Greenwell

Given the number of family members who have worked for Harry and David in recent years, I thought this thank-you letter written January of 1946 would be of interest.  The gift of pears - from Harry and David - was the perfect gift for Christmas 1945!

"2 January 1946

Dear Elsie & Otto,

'Happy New Year'.  You see, I had to make a six over the five, after all, but I do wish you & yours a full year of health & happiness.  We spent a quiet day yesterday, resting, with simple meals.  Took our tree down.

We want to thank you for those delicious pears.  It is so very generous & kind of you to give us such a fine gift.  Of course we had pear salad for Christmas dinner.

I hope you had a lively Christmas season.  We did, the happiest for many years.  It was so good to have Dortha home.  She is her normal self again now & enjoyed being home, has gained back a number of pounds.  Esther and Welly both had colds, but not sick.  We spent Sun 23rd with them in McMinnville, Dortha sang for them, sang here in our home church the first Sun.  We brought Welly home with us Sunday night and kept him until they came for Christmas a.m., then we all took Dortha to train in Salem, at 7:00 Christmas night, & they stayed until Wed. a.m. 

Eleanor & her new husband, Maurice Seibert, came this Sun & stayed until Mon. with us.  We enjoyed having them.  Glen has discharged - Thanks Glory - & is home.  Eleanor and Maurice may move to Dallas. 

We are wondering of the floods have done you any damage this time. Did it come into your basement?  I am sorry for all the harm and loss of life it has cause.  It is too warm for this time of year.  The tree buds are swelling and daffodils all through the ground.  Can Otto rest a little in this rain, or does he keep right on?  George worked this Mon., but did have the day before Christmas off.  No more holidays until Decoration Day. 

Hope we can get together for a visit before another year rolls around.  Write & come whenever you can.  We will not try to travel on bus anywhere until better weather.  We missed the Dallas bus, that eve from Oregon City & had to stay in Salem until ten o'clock.  Will stop now & get busy.  My throat is bothering me again so hoarse can't talk & that's awful for me!

Love from us both Geo. & Adah"