Elsie Greenwell Upton 1887-1964

Elsie Upton was born the 1st of February 1887 in Damascus, Clackamas County, Oregon. 

Elsie Greenwell and Fannie Greenwell 

About 1904

I thought that since Valentine's Day was just around the corner, it would be fitting to pay homage to the young, single Elsie Greenwell.  It the above photo she is about 17 years old.

A Page From Elsie's Autograph Album

The album contains autographs from friends and family members from 1897-1901.  I like this page, complete with a robust floral sticker.  It is signed by her maternal uncle, William Grim 

Mother's Day

Wishing all the Waning Women a Happy Mother's Day. 

James Waning and Janet McAdam Waning - 1912

Elsie Greenwell Upton and V'Ona Upton and Margaret Upton - 1919

The 1940 Census - Otto and Elsie Upton

1940 US Census - Springfield, Lane County, Oregon

The Upton Family is in the middle of the page - Household #54.

They are recorded as living at 503 5th Street.  They own their home valued at $5000.  Elsie has an "x" by her name - she provided the family's information to the Census Enumerator.  Elsie and Otto are recorded as having a 8th grade education, V'Ona age 21 as 4 years of college, and Ellen age 16 as 4 years of high school.  The census also notes that 5 years earlier the famiy resided in Dexter, Oregon.  Otto is listed as a logging contractor and V'Ona as a book- keeper for a bank.

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" 

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" 

December 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Greenwell Upton - Part Two

Elsie's Letter Continues...

Letter - Page 4

"...spent 9 days with him.  She has been very lonely since his ship left for some where in the S. Pacific.  This all happened in Nov.  They had their Thanksgiving to-gether.  They are very proud to be grandparents.

Elton Greenwell Smith1 was born Nov. 13th.  I was going to sent you his little announcement card but I can't find it now but will look it up.  Geo. and Adah2 have been working their house over and she is pleased with it.  She wishes she could have had it better when the girls were young and growing up.  She is not the only one that wishes that.  We had a letter from Olivia3 last week and they wanted us to come down there for Christmas.  I tried to be nice when I wrote her but I told her we couldn't come.  I told her you were coming home.  We wouldn't..."

Letter - Page 5

"...have gone any way.  Christmas is a special day for those you love.  I am glad if you girls learned to love Christmas as I always have.  Will Aunt Fannie and Uncle Fred spend Christmas with June and Family?  I hope you can sell your home soon.  It is hard to be un-settled.  It will be grand to have you near so we can see you often.  Dad said he saw the largest deer yesterday at green tops that he ever saw.  Jim will know where that is.  Dad has all the work done on his barn he plans to do this winter.  It sure is nice here this P.M.  I am going up town and mail my letters and cards.  I don't know why but we haven't had our mail to-day.  I stood in line 3/4 of an hour trying to mail Ellen's package.  I have Helen's ready..."

Letter - Page 6

"...to mail but I believe I will wait a day or two to mail it.  Take good care of my Sugar Pie and yourselves.  Bye for now.  Write often. With our love,

Dad and Mom

Dad said this morning he would like to take a week off but he was afraid he would want two instead of one.  I wish he could have a vacation.  He didn't get to go hunting this year."
  

1 son of Elton and Esther Greenwell Smith
2 George and Adah Long Greenwell - parents of Dortha and Esther Greenwell Smith
3 Olivia - Otto's sister - Olivia Upton Adams

December 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Greenwell Upton - Part One

As Christmas neared, Elsie wrote to her daughter and family.

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Springfield, Oregon
12-13-43

Dearest Margaret, Jim, and Barbie:

I was sorry Barbie couldn't stay with us longer.  She was just as good as a little girl could be.  I have finished my wash and tho't I would write to you while I rest.  Barbie helped me wash last Monday and my clothes looked the best they have in a long time.  I was glad to have some of Barbie's little things in my wash.  She said something funny I will have to tell you.  I knew she should go to the bathroom and I was trying to convince her she should go and she said, 'Grandmother I don't have to grunt for I did those things at home.'  She finaly(sic) went and was a much happier little girl.

Barbara - 1942

Dad and I enjoyed her a lot and the..."

Letter - Page 2

"...house was so quiet and we were lonesome when she went home.  Thank you for letting us have her for a few days.  About the dress she tho't Mrs. Gerlach gave her, I am not surprised.  That was to be a Christmas present but Mrs. Gerlach didn't understand it that was so she finished it for her while she was here.  Nothing was said who gave it to her.  Mrs. Gerlach made it for me to give her.  I hope it is alright.  I think those were nice gifts you got for June's1 kiddies.  You can't get much or any thing but what it will cost a lot.  I got Dianne a book and paid $2.50 for it.  It is a nice story about a horse.  I hope she will like it.  I read the story and tho't it was good."

Letter - Page 3

"If I knew where Don was I would send him something.  I mailed Ellen and Grover a package last Thursday.  I tried to make it look like Christmas and I hope they get it in time.  We had a letter from Ellen Saturday and she has another bad cold.  I am worried about her for she has so many bad colds.  I had sent her winter clothes to her the week before and she hadn't received them yet.  I hope she gets them alright.

Dad when(sic) up to Fall Creek Sunday to look after his cattle.  It was pretty cold Sunday so I stayed home and wrote letters and Xmas cards.  I had a letter from Adah2.  She said Dortha's3 husband had called her from Frisco and she went to where he was and spent 9 days with..."


LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...

1 June Gantenbein Suckow - daughter of Fred Gantenbein and Fannie Greenwell Gantenbein
2 Adah Long Greenwell - wife of George Greenwell
3 Dortha - the oldest daughter of George and Adah Long Greenwell

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 August 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Upton - Part Two

Elsie Upton's letter continues...

Letter - Page 4

"...I guess they are pretty busy.  I wonder how Mr. Hall's1 baked beans are coming.  The tomatoes look pretty good.  I hope they ripen.  We plan to have a beef just as soon as it is cool enough to butcher.  Yesterday would have been a pretty good day it wasn't cold but plenty wet.  It sure did rain hard Saturday night but nice to-day.  My clothes are dry and I must get them in.  I wish Barbie was here to help me.  I need some good company.  I feel better now but I sure had a time last week.  My blood pressure was up and the Dr. couldn't think of any reason for it and he ask me if I had had a fight with some one to bring it up so high.  I had to laugh and I guess that was good for me. 

Fred Gantenbein - about 1940

Did Fannie2 and Fred come over for dinner when..."

Letter - Page 5

"...you expected them.  I hope they did.  Aunt Fannie wrote me Mrs. Dickson had passed away.  It does seem strange Mrs. Dickson and Grandad should go in the same week but they both had a long life.  Dad feels pretty bad but doesn't say much very much about it.  

Fannie Greenwell Gantenbein - about 1940

I hope to get my peaches this week.  I am getting rather tired of canning and will be glad when it is finished.

Tuesday morning and I must stop writing to you and write to my other girl3.  I have 12 qt. of beans for you if you want them.  There are other things I want to tell you but they can wait until next time.  Write soon and often.  Love from all of us to you.  Give Barbie a big hug and kiss for us.

Dad and Mom"   

1 Newman Hall - Willard Waning's partner
2 Fannie Greenwell Gantenbein and her husband Fred Gantenbein - Margaret's aunt & uncle.
3 other girl - probably Ellen Upton Hall who was linving in Augusta, GA. 

Late August 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Upton - Part One

In late August Elsie sent a letter saying James Monroe Upton had passed away.

Letter - Page 1

"Springfield, Oregon
8-30-43

Dear Margaret, Jim, and Sugar Pie:

I was sure glad to hear from you and thanks a lot for the pictures.  We got a telegram Saturday P.M. from Pa. stating that grandad1 had passed away.  We didn't know he was any worse.  Dad telegraphed the folks he couldn't come for the funeral.  We telegraphed flowers I hope they got them.  I hope grandmother2 doesn't get down.  Dad is afraid Mother2 won't last long.  I hope he can go east while little grandmother2 is still is still living. 

James Monroe Upton and Nellie (Ellen) Carter Upton - 1934

Sure we will be glad to have company, when do you think you will come.  We were up to the garden Sun.  Tell Barbie that Pat and Mrs. Ragin..."

Letter - Page 2

"...were there.  They went up early and had their breakfast at the fire place.  They caught seven nice fish and had fun.  I picked beans and cucumbers.  I canned 14 qt. of beans and 6 pt. of bread and butter pickles and washed this morning and I am tired.  I want to work on Dad's books when I finish your letter.  I have quite a schedule for to-day don't you think.  I got a pattern for Barbie's coat and I hope you will like it, also a dress pattern for a new dress.  Mrs. Gerlach3 and I have to keep busy.  Mrs. Mitchell4 will iron for me tomorrow.  We brought her a box of beans to can and she came over after them this morning. 

I want to write to Ellen and Grover.  Did they tell you Grover's folks had sold their home in Yuba City.  They should try Oregon.  Barbie doesn't..."

Letter - Page3

"...like to write letters any better than her grandmother does.  

We are going to have corn and fish for supper tonight.  I wish you could be here.  We sure are going to have pie pumpkins plenty for everybody and they look nice.  We planted the seed from the pumpkin Barbie gave us.  Everything reminds us of Barbie.  Gladys called me one evening and we had quite a visit.  She is afraid her husband will have to go for his furlough  is up in October.  Elsie was in to see me this morning and brought me some things from her garden.  She was canning corn this morning and had to come in town for Guy.  Delmar is still picking beans.  He has done well for a little guy.  I haven't seen the Waning Family since last Sunday..."


LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...
  
1 grandad - James Monroe Upton (10 Oct 1862 - 28 Aug 1943)  - Otto's Father
2 grandmother, mother, and little grandmother all refer to Nellie (Ellen) Carter Upton
(26 Aug 1863 - 5 Dec 1953)  Margaret's grandmother, Otto's mother, and James' wife.
3 Mrs. Gerlach did sewing for Elsie Upton  
4 Mrs. Mitchell was Elsie's housekeeper and boon companion.  

July 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Upton

In early July, the Margaret and Jim received a letter from Elsie Upton.

Letter - Page 1

"Thursday Morning

7-8-43

Dear Margaret and Jim:

Just a note this morning to let you know we got your card and was(sic) glad you had a safe trip home.  Barbie is still a-sleep.  I believe she is having a very fine time.  I gave her a blanket to play with in the yard and she sure had fun."

Elsie Upton and Barbara - undated

"We have been having pretty warm weather but cooler this morning.  We had two cards and a letter from Ellen.  She is in Denver after quite a trip.  I wish she would get well and strong and not be so tired.  I must get a letter off to her. 

I have jelly to make this morning and get Dad's bills..."

Letter - Page 2

"...made out for the 10th is just around the corner.  And I am behind with my book work as usual.

We took Barbie over to see V'Ona Tuesday evening and she had a lot of fun and last night she wanted Dad to take her to see V'Ona for she 'hadn't seen her in a long time.'

I enjoyed having you with us to(sic) Margaret and I hope you can come again.  I was glad to see Jim and was pleased he could go home to see his folks.  I have several things to do and must get busy.  Let us hear from you soon and often.

With our love

Dad and Mom

Barbie got to see Pat Ragan."

1943 - Another Note From Elsie Upton

An undated note from Elsie Upton - 1943

Note - Page 1

"Dearest Barbie:

We were sure glad to get a letter from you.  Your Momy(sic) said you went to see Jimmie Bill and his baby brother.  I am glad he has such a nice little brother.  Grandad has a new little calf in the pasture and he would like you to see it.

When you come to Springfield to see us we will take you up to the barn and to see the calf.  How is your dog?  I see Phil playing around nearly every day and he asks about you and wants to know why you don't stay here.  We have lots of walnuts for you.  Won't it be fun to have you come and see us and stay all night.  I can't think of any..." 

Note - Page 2

"..thing I would like better.  Write to us often Sugar Pie.  Bye bye for now for I must get to work.

With all our love - Grandad & Grandmother"

June 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Greenwell Upton - Part Two

Elsie Upton's letter continues...

Letter - Page 3

"...Barbie had better take time to write to us for we do love her you know.  I went over and visited with Mrs. Gerlach a little while this P.M.  She was worried and sewing so hard.  She finished several dresses this week with all of her own work.  Saturday morning I will add a little more and mail this.  More rain this morning and it is to(sic) bad for there is so much hay down.  I guess Dad and I will go to look for another white face calf tomorrow.  I wish Barbie was here to go with us.  My tho'ts always turn to our sweet heart when I need good company.  The Haven of Rest is on the radio and I am trying to listen and write and I don't do either one very well.  Dad was so tired last night by the time he got home.  I wish he didn't have to put in such long hours.  Did Ellen tell you they might come home for a short visit.  I do home they can come.

If the weeds in your garden are only two jumps ahead of the vegetables you shouldn't care for ours are doing much better than that..."

Letter - Page 4

"...I must hurry now and finish my work and take a bath and go over {to} town.  That is a joke about me trying to hurry for I am getting pretty slow.  Write often for we love to hear from you and we do miss you a lot.  With our love

Dad and Mom

P.S. love my baby for me and Grandad. xxx

If your letters sound dumb to you I don't know what mine must sound like."   

June 1943 - A Letter From Elsie Greenwell Upton - Part One

In June 1943, a letter from Elsie Greenwell Upton arrive in Portland.

Letter - Page 1

"Springfield, Oregon

6-18-43

Dear Margaret, Jim, and Sugar Pie:

It is now 6:30 and Dad said he wouldn't be home not before eight.  I tho't I would write to you while waiting.  This has been a nice day after the rain we had last nigh(sic).  I would like a piece of your pie.  I don't make pies often as they last to(sic) long and I usually have to throw the last piece out.

Margaret dear about Mr Waning, I haven't seen the folks since they were here last Monday on their way to Eugene and I didn't see Mr. Waning then, he stayed in the car.  He is not well and I tho't he looked tired but I didn't think he looked much different than when you were here.  

I told Mrs. Mitchell what you said about her and she was pleased.  She didn't get to go to Portland after all her plans.  Mr. Ray brought me 24 chickens and they looked like a big job.  Mr. Roden killed them for me and Mrs. Mitchell helped me dress them.  She could dress about 3 to my 1.  We had them dressed cut up and in the refrigerator..."    

Letter - Page 2

"... in 4 1/2 hours.  I tho't that was pretty good.  We will give you chicken when you come to see us.  Her daughter and babies came over in the P.M.  She has to(sic) nice little girls. "Judy ask where my girls was."  Gladys called Wednesday and we had quite a visit.  She said she would bring her baby to see me some time soon.  She said her mother and father had been to see them.  Dad had to take a trip out in the country last evening so I went along.  We saw some beautiful country we had never seen before.  Dad took me out to dinner and I enjoyed it a lot.  I am feeling better.  I am going to the Dr. tomorrow and I hope I won't need to go for a week or so again.  I have felt pretty low for two weeks.  

It is after seven and I had better put something on the stove to cook.  I see Dad got a card today from Corporal and Mrs. Grover C. Hall.  Grover is getting along pretty fine.  I tho't of you yesterday.  Dad and I were remembering a lot of things about you when you were our baby."   

Margaret Upton - Age 1

Letter to be continued...

A Note From 1943

An undated note from 1943 - from Elsie Upton to her grand-daughter, Barbara,

Note - Page 1

"Dearest Barbara Ann:

We sure miss our little helper and sweet-heart.  Judy didn't know you had moved and she came over Wednesday and brought her big doll and was going to play with you.  Her little sister was so sweet.  Judy sat in your chair when she ate her lunch.  Come and ... 

Note - Page 2

"...see us when ever you can.

Lots of love from us to you.

Grandad and Grandmother

xxxxx

P.S. I wish you were here to get my slippers and wear them for they don't seem the same when I have to get them.  Gammy"



June 1943 - Further Birthday Cards

...And Birthday Cards from Margaret's husband and parents arrived.

Card from Jim - Front

Card From Jim - Inside

Card from Elsie and Otto Upton - Front

Card from Elsie and Otto Upton - Letter

"Springfield, Oregon

6-15-43

Dearest Margaret:

I hope you will have a Happy Birthday and lots of them.  I wish you could have your birthday dinner with Dad and I.  

We had two letters from Ellen yesterday and we tho't that was pretty fine.  Don't you think that was nice.  I will send you one.  You won't need to send it back.  I sure hope they can come see us.  How is my Sugar Pie.  Love her for us.  We think it has been a long day since we saw our Darling..." 

Elsie and Otto Upton Card - Inside

Elsie and Otto Upton - Letter

"...This is a beautiful morning and I supposed it is the same in Portland.  Mrs. Carr came to see me Saturday.  She is still out on the farm and working to(sic) hard.  V'Ona came home Saturday and had supper with Dad and I.  We were glad to have her.  I am going over (sic) town this P.M. and see The Human Comedy with Mickey Rooney.

Mr. Ray will bring 2 doz. chickens tomorrow and they will have to be dressed.  Some job.

Dad did a lot of work in the garden Sun.  His little tractor is fine for cultivating and vegetables are growing and so are the weeds.  Mrs. Waning's garden is grand.  I must close with our love and write often.  Dad and Mom."