Janet (Nettie) McAdam Waning 1875-1976

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 US Census - Willard and Janet Waning

1940 US Census - Lost Creek Valley Precinct, Lane County, Oregon

Willard and Janet Waning are Household #93 near the bottom of the page.  Click on the photo for a 'bigger view".  Note Janet's name transcribed as Jeanette - a clue on how it was pronounced.  Willard has an 8th grade education, Janet is listed as a High School Graduate. The Dexter Ranch is valued at $5,000 - in a couple more years the Wanings would pay off the mortgage.  

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.

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.    

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...     

October 1943 - A Letter From Janet McAdam Waning - Part Two

Janet McAdam Waning's letter continues...

Letter - Page 4 

"...run a fence from above the gate by the spring to the Grayum fence north & seed grass seed & pasture in it - He'll be powerful short of hay I think - but he can try it I don't think he'll be farming many years anyway.  Dr. said the heart caused the stomach trouble & those dizzy spells  He thinks all vegetables except potatoes1 hurt him - so it is just potatoes & bread some apple sauce.  I made two pumpkin pies yesterday & he eats them & the ginger cookies & milk - So maybe he can get along without vegetables - No teeth extracted yet - Both he & New'm have had bad colds but are on the mend.  Billy had Maynard, the man he bo't(sic) the tractor from out it fix it some.  It started so hard & finally quit - Billy would crank & crank until he was all in & feel bad the rest of the day - He fixed it so it starts alright now - I don't know what hew parts he put in - but possibly spark plug & some thing on that little box like thing on the rt. side.  Billy's in bed or I'd ask him - Cost him $11.00 but is was worth it - We cleaned the hen houses the days he was waiting for Maynard & he bro't(sic) home rest of his grain - from F's Union.  He'll get about $1000 for what he sold - So the old place will be paid the 1st of Nov - I hope.2

I cleaned the brooder house & another little house - so when I get the upstairs cleaned I'll think I'm about thru - I can peel apples any rainy day - We must sell the old hens & get the pullets in - a few are laying..." 

Letter - Page 5

"... This morning a dog came - It looked like a German police - It had a Portland license plate 1941 - nice collar with brass buttons all round & nice & fat - He was real friendly - & would have liked to have stayed - Billy was out to the store & took him - He like to get in the car & Billy let him out - at Dexter - Tho't(sic) he might belong some where round & they'd see him - He was smart and very good to mind - but we didn't want that kind of dog.  I told Billy he may be back in the morning.  A wk ago or so Lew Matthews shepherd dog & {can't read} went to the Kintsley's place - & killed 80 pullets they had just paid $150 for, the folks were away.  Walter Kieney saw them chase one into the road & went over there - Mary Kieney has gone east somewhere to Bible College - Vivian Mauney is clerking in Woolworths - Billy took 3 pigs in & neither packing plants would do any custom killing - so Newm says what did you do, he says, I sold them - so he got no meat & Dad Upton didn't get any either.  This is Thurs 1:30PM - and I'm just in from picking up the eggs & putting them in the case - hurries me to get 1 case now.  I have just written a card to Swift to come & get the2 yr. old ones - Then we'll get the pullets shut up tho not may are laying yet - but guess if they got egg mash they'd start.  They are well developed & should lay soon..."

Letter - Page 6 

"...Florence Parvins came while we were there last Fri evg. - & it looks like there's to be another Montgomery in 2-3 mos. - Dorothy the one in Eastern Ore. is teaching this year - so that will help them some - 2 mi. from home & she drives - She & June are speeded up the same some thing to help her & the district too - oh Mrs Allphin wrote & said Mrs. Earl J. had wrote to her & told her Ruth Davis's (Jimmie will know who she is) husband as died - cancer of kidneys I think, Ruth has 4 children last just a baby & her mother Mrs. Wilbur Davis was in the hospital & Wilbur milking 10 cows & taking care of several hundred chickens - He is quite crippled up - Remember Earls talking how poorly they were - but real happy.  So who is bad off?  Not me - with my foot on a chair I have a bad ankle & foot too I guess & soon as Billy gets thru I must see about arch supports - He is drilling the old apple tree field today to wheat - Mrs Jackson said too that Earl was standing the store job just fine - Agnes3 said she suggested me getting Jean4 a warm sweater - (I said I'd try & find something to send her, Jean) & if I cared to she's do the purchasing there - So I sent her $5.00 & told her if there was a balance to let me know & I'd send it to her - I'd never be able to find a garment to fit & then send it back & forth or let Julia or Agnes wear it & send another - Maybe not.  I'm doing that puzzle contest that was in Register Guard - Rebus, I have done 10 series of 6 - I think there's another series - but not sure - It was fun - but I haven't decided what to do with my prize money - any suggestions?  No sale in Minn yet.5  Now you tell Barbra I want her to write Granma(sic) again - & send her a big love.  Love to all of you & keep well - Bill too -
Ma"


1 This is the Barbara Ann Diet!

2 Paying of the mortgage to The Dexter Ranch - a huge event!
3 Jean - Janet's 2nd 1/2 sister - Born Jean Burnet, but known as Jean McAdam Dennis (1866-1944) 
4 Agnes - Janet's sister Agnes McAdam Ingvalson (1879-1972)
5  I think this refers to Janet's oldest brother Tom McAdam (1869-1948).  They moved from Blooming Prairie to Fertile, Minn.

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

In October, a doting Grandmother wrote a long, newsy letter to her grand-daughter...and her grand-daughter's parents!

Letter - Page 1

Written on the side of the letter page 1:
"Haven't heard from Ella recently.  Did you notice the Dale Rexford increase -  a daughter"

"Enclosed for Barbra
Dexter, Ore -
Oct 11, 1943

Dear little Barbra Ann -

I must write and answer your two nice letters you wrote to me - I was so glad to get your letters - for I know some day you will write Grand-dad & Grandma big letters about your work at school - I am sorry you had a could & it made you sick in the night - Grandma should have been sleeping with you so I could put the light on quick & help you - I hope you are all better now - & no more colds - Grandma & Grandpa Upton were here a little while Sunday evg. on their way home & she said your mommie had been quite sick - that was too bad & I hope she is better too - 'Grandad' is sitting in his old rocking chair, reading & if you were here you could have the shawl all wrapped round you & sit on his lap & rock - till Grandma got ready for bed. - Then we'd hurry & jump into bed & tell some stories - Grandma Upton told me about the nice coat & the pretty pretty red dress she sent up to you I'll bet you look pretty nice in your red dress & blue coat - Grandma Upton is a..."

Letter - Page 2

"...pretty good Grandma I think.  I picked up some apples Saturday & some strawberries, 3 boxes on Sunday & I tho't(sic), now if Barbra was here how she would help Grandma - I carried 9 pails full up to boxes in Jim's shop - They had fallen off or I couldn't have gotten them from that high tree - They are quite large & I'll work some of them up before they spoil - I used all the tomatoes (ripe ones) today I made some catsup - not much - only 6 bottles but that will be plenty.  I have 4 or 5 bottles in the cellar now from 2 yrs ago - I have some cucumbers I'll make some of those sweet chunk pickles - so Kenny can have some when he is here - They have only been here once since we threshed - Dick has been home with a bad finger - He was splitting wood - at home - and cut his first finger on the left had - (his good hand) nearly off - but the Dr. sewed it on & I guess in time it will be alright.  He is working at their place preparatory to building - so Rhoda has been home.  Mr. Parvin is done up again & in the hospital this time - a broken rt. leg - He was out in the pasture on one of the work horses bareback going to run his saddle mare in when she turned & kicked his leg above the shoe top..."

Letter - Page 3

"...he rode in to the barn & got off & called to Loris who happened to be there sacking some seed grain - So Loris got his pickup & backed it up & dropped the end gate & took him over to the house - & while Loris went for the pickup - Mr. P. lit a cigar & was smoking when Loris got there - Sther said, it was quite a bad break & he'd be in the hospital quite a long time - They were just getting cattle in & selling them - sold 24 head & had more to sell & more to get in.  Mr. P. wanted some left to feed there at home this winter & Loris asked him how he was going to get up in the hay barn to put down hay on his crutches.  Mrs. Parvin had told him before the accident if he didn't sell those cattle she would & Loris said, "Dad looked at her & says Do you mean that?"  She said, "Yes, I mean it"  This will do him up worse than he thinks - We haven't gone to see him yet - Guess it happened last Wed., but Billy is plowing & hates to take a day off - He has the south field sowed - & the north field is double disked but has so much straw on it he thinks he'll have to rake it & burn the straw before he can drill.  He has plowed the field north of the spring where the apple tree was - He isn't going to farm the hill this year, he thinks, & will dig out that spring & run a fence from above the gate by..."

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...           

July 1943 - A Letter From Janet McAdam Waning

This is an undated letter from Janet McAdam Waning.  Based on the farming topics I place it to have been written in July of 1943.

Letter - Page 1

{There are notes all around the edge of page one - here they are in no particular order}

"Egg day tomorrow & my letter goes too"


"Tomorrow - corn on cob, cream carrots, beet pickles - rest of noodles roast pork canned peaches cookies coffee - Potatoes of course"


"Will send Ellen's1 letter & pictures - return pictures some time"


"Vivian M. was picking beans - Rhoda will bring her ironing & iron tomorrow PM"


"How's Bill2?"


"Dexter, Oregon
Wed - 11 PM 1943

Dear Children -

Well you'll not get a very long letter tonight for we're threshing and got up early - We began yesterday noon was to bed here - about 10 or 10-30 (but didn't get over till after dinner -- I fixed dinner but had 9 with my two - Rhoda3 didn't expect them & had to go to Dexter for meat so guess she was a little late but Bill Raush & a Larson boy -bro of the one that was here last yr - went to his place & ate - so she didn't have many -  This year we have lust 3 teams so it will be a bit slow - Walter, Lew, & Bill W - Billy would have used that sled & the tractor but no men - Walter - the lame fellow from the Grayhum place, Rust from Tom Cruzan place, & two fellows from up Lost Crk Rd - Benke is one but I don't know the other - Billy went over to Hurzlers & bot(sic) 300 sax(sic) & has 200 so he is putting the grain (oats & vetch) in them & having them sewed at the machine so he won't have to sack it in the granary but just haul it in from the straw pile.  He has the cows in the south pasture & the horses either in the barn or barn yard -
Mon - I canned 22 qts of beans baked on Sat I baked bread & a big batch of ginger..."

Letter - Page 2

"...cookies - Mon the beans & dressed 3 roosters & had them yesterday & today. You see my men didn't eat any - I had cooked (roast) pork to day but didn't use it because the chicken was enough - I was done yesterday but Rhoda came to day & will help me thru I expect it will take a good part of Sat so that will make 5 dinners this yr. Today we had mashed potatoes - good gravy noodles with the broth & meat from the gizzards & necks & ribs of the chicken  I boiled.  They sure are fat & it made nice noodle flavor - (bot(sic) noodles) string beans cabbage salad with some grated carrot slices cukes onion, sweet pickles, apple sauce, cookies orange jello with whipped cream coffee & water.

Dexter Ranch - July 1941

Grain is quite good - Have threshed the hill the piece above the ditch north of the spring & most of the oats from north of the house New'm4 hasn't worked - but may tomorrow for Rust can't come - Of course the Kittel boys are here too - Kenny thinks he can pitch but Billy sent him to the house this PM - for it makes it hard for Billy to get his bundles laid on any old way - He takes Billy's wagon because it's low - I know he was mad when he came in (Kenny) & Billy told me tonight.  Got letter & card will send horse radish just as soon as I can won't matter for a week or so as I'll just put in some taps to plant too - I'm not going to answer your letter tonight - Glad you are all OK - & had a good visit with June5 - Billy was saying tonite he wished we had Barbra(sic) for a while.  You're right about where she gets the imagination.  Billy is putting linement(sic) on his leg, cramps.
Love, Ma -"   

   
1 Perhaps Ellen Upton Hall
2 Billy Hucka - boarding with Waning family in Portland
3 Rhoda Kittel
4 Newman Hall - Billy Waning's partner
5 Perhaps Margaret's cousin - June Gantenbein Suckow

June 1943 - A Letter from Janet McAdam Waning - Part 2

Janet McAdam Waning's Letter continued...

Letter - Page 3

"...Daisy & Peggy (your red heifer) will freshen before very long & all but Lily haven't been milking so long - "Tiny Boy" is fine.

Well your old place looked pretty food - only no Marg't & Barbra at the door - In a way I was just as well pleased - a tree had fallen in the back & the top brushed the screen on the porch - don't know how you'd get to the toilet.  It looked all grown up round there where you folks burned - Lots of clover in the right side of the lawn - not mowed  V'Ona has their mower - so they didn't get another - It is just as well - The roses I planted are all growing & budded - The salmon & white to the left are growing but kind of spindly on acct of shade I spose - The 3 over by the [can't read word] & lilacs are doing well - Your mother had spaded round them - The pretty pink in front by the tree had a pretty rose out  - The garden looked good but small - Ours is fine - just bouncing.

Say Billy renewed sub for Liberty the other day - so don't you - Cressey asked about it so he renewed - Just forget birthdays this year -

Well Billy is ready & I must quit - Ella1 referred to Corey2 girls - & the proprietor of the store where Beth3 works - I think I said to her - She might have her capt set for some businessman...."

Letter - Page 4

"...Well I'll just have to write more later - Billy's ready & says Jim woulnd't want a tractor like I mentioned - too big & too much money - so -

Heaps of love -

Mom, Pop, & New'n"   

1 Ella McAdam Caufield - Janet's sister
2 Corey girls - Marjorye Corey Emmert - Rob Emmert's wife & her sisters.
3 Beth Emmert - Mary McAdam Emert's grand-daughter (Beth is 24 in 1943).

June 1943 - A Letter from Janet McAdam Waning

By May of 1943 Jim, Margaret, and Barbara Waning had moved from Eugene to Portland, Oregon.  The elder Uptons and Wanings sorely missed their children and their Grand-daughter.  Here is a letter from Jim's mother, Janet Waning.  It contains a most charming description of how a letter from the Portland Waning family is received by the Dexter Waning family.

Letter - Page 1

"Dexter, Oregon

June 9th, 1942

Dear Children -

Your letter came Saturday & every thing stops while I read it - & that isn't enough - each will find it later on & get their glasses cleaned & read it for themselves - so it really looks like they are greatly interested.  

We are so glad you are enjoying your new home & work - & you should like it better when it has been home longer. 

Sunday Billy & I went to your home on Fall Creek - met your mother & father there.  Your mother said she's hoed 5 rows across the garden - It is so nice to hoe in - The hoe doesn't bounce back at you like here & Mr. was playing round with his little tractor he has a disc that straddles the row & does a good job of cultivating.  He has a one section harrow - but Billy said it was hardly able to handle it when he rode - It tips the front part up & it loses traction - It was OK when he was walking - He said he'd weight down the front -  There had been a new garden tractor in Elliot's before you wrote about one & when the men went in next time after hearing from you it was gone - & they looked around town but couldn't find any..."

Letter - Page 2

"...I see there's one advertised in Sunday's paper - out by Elmira - but it expect it will be gone before the men could get out there for Billy took 3 of his fat pigs in Mon - & had two cooled for us - & will take 3 more today - & bring home our meat & he won't take time to run around.  Then the meat will have to be put away.  I'll suggest they sell their pigs & leave the trailer & go look at the tractor I don't know now far Elmira is - & it may be gone - It is a riding one - but I don't imagine Billy will be in for that - It's cloudy & cool & the pigs could stay in cooler till he came back.  He isn't feeling too good this morning either didn't eat his usual breakfast & I see he took salts - So might not be in the humor to drive around - He usually dreads taking the hogs in - & this time he said he got them loaded & never got mad.  That was something out of the ordinary.  The hogs he took in weighed 706 I think.  The one he sold was 260 - 13 cents - but even down like that we can't buy a wiener pig for less than $10.00 - Billy has put down all feed for these & he will make round a hundred dollars on them - milk & labor thrown in.  He'll try & get 4 wieners for we will have quite a bit of milk all summer.  Daisy & Peggy (your red heifer) will freshen before very long & all but Lily haven't been..."

Letter to be continued...            

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Letter From Janet McAdam Waning

In August Jim's mother sent off another letter..

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Dexter, Oregon

Aug - 10th - 1942

Dear Jimmie -

Your card rec'd OK - and was sorry Billy & I didn't go to Eugene too for it was so wet this morning they didn't thresh so he didn't have to go this PM - but he did a little stroke of business anyway.  I had him take me to see about canning sugar Mrs Guy Lews - across from Bill Rousche (?) is our head quarters & Billy wanted to see Bill about when they'd be here & Shunnaman about helping - so I did fine with sugar & I got 26# on Newman's card also - I'll tell you about it later - I've seen her before but didn't know who she was - She was smoking & a cup of coffee on the table & between puffs she's take a sip - She has lovely flowers, so Billy had to wait a few minutes while she explained the origin of some of them - She has some fine varieties of dahlias & wonderful glads - some white ones that are fine - so large & perfect - Then on we went to Shunneman's Bill R wasn't home so Billy tho't he was up at the machine - but he wasn't there - but we visited an hour or more with them..." 

Letter - Page 2

"...She told me of her son's death - said he was sick Thurs & Fri but his boss lived right beside him in Eugene, didn't call them till Saturday - he was unconscious then & never regained consciousness - He was subject to spells like epileptic fits - nurse told her he had 5 one after another - Dr Dale attended him - They disposed of his house & lot & that took care of the funeral expenses - While there Jackie Lewis came for her to come at 2pm as mother wanted to go to town - She has been helping there ever since Bettie Brown quit, 11 mos now.  She says Dickie is quite spoiled, Jackie is quite grown up - but Eugene is a bad one to have his own way - She likes her work & likes Mrs Hicks - Says Dick Whitman (nephew) is playing ball with the New York Yankees - I think - but it might be Brooklyn Dodgers - However he is in a big money team.

My Jim, I bet it feels good to get those stiff soxes off your legs - Newman said you were having a time cleaning the stickum off - It sounds like you are gaining anyway - That will be such a relief to have your legs free again - Too bad about Ellen hurt herself - I hope nothing bad - It would hurt her dignity too & Barbra taking it all in - She..."   

Letter- Page 3

"...isn't old enough to let such things scare her -  The Park Co paper told of a bad hailstorm thru sections of Shields Valley - Hit Oscar Olson - Three Metiers - Jake Jones boy's crop & some just cleaned out round Clyde Park just beginning to combine - That's what gets the farmer's goat - That's pretty tuff, Your years work shot in a few minutes - A big trout fishing contest last Sunday there suppose Tom Stachwick or Leonard Green tried their luck - $1000 for the largest one caught.  If Tom got that he could get married right quick - maybe? 

I would like to write to Waldo & I must for Ella sent his address - oh yes & it's on that letter I sent you & said you needn't return - I just now tho't of that so do have the one with his address - I should have taken it down - but just didn't , so do save it - I have some quite pretty salmon with cream throat glads and every time I look at them I wish I could get a bouquet to you - but will just have to wait & see what's in bloom when I can go my self & take them.  The salmon & white roses have been..."

 

Letter - Page 4

"...nice too - I look at the pretty buds suitable for cutting - but that's the best I can do - The men won't bother with them - Well I may get in - for I'll have to get a hat before rainy season starts, I don't like to go bare headed in the rain - I'm not Oregonian enough for that & I've still got my card & hat money in my purse.

A cattle buyer is to be up tomorrow - Cattle are not selling so high except to beef kind.  Guess I told you Mr Stone had sold his cream route & truck to a Jack Stalling - Young chap - has worked at West Fir for 7 yrs.  Not much cream to pick up now & I think not so much at the best - for some have sold off their cows.  Mr Stone expected to be called to work in training camp work - Well I've come a long way before taking up your question of wanting Marg't to help he - That would be fine - but I didn't ask her because I tho't she was pretty busy as it is - We won't thresh until Thurs or Fri - if the weather is good or stays good - There's 1/2 a day at the Shunneman place & Pinkstons - Then to Lews & then some for Axtell on the Billy Cruzon place & here - It will be about Fri I'd judge - Billy has had a toothache for a few days - quite bad - Well food night - Love to you all from - Mom"    

Janet McAdam - 1910

Janet McAdam

McLeod, MT - 1911

Janet McAdam

Teaching Certificate

Park County, MT - 1910

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Second Letter from Janet McAdam Waning

In late July Jim received a newsy letter from his mother.

Billy and Net McAdam Waning - undated

"Dexter Oregon

July 26, 1942

Dear Jimmie -

It's some time since I have written you a letter & I'd much rather have called & chatted but Billy1 is too busy to go to Eugene & we have enough feed for chickens to(sic) so no call to go except to visit you - but we'd like to do that but best not to take the day out - as grain is ripening fast and he has so much ahead of him, ready.  He is mowing the little piece south of the barn & windrowing it - can't use the binder - &  guess there isn't much he can use it on - So it will be slow if he has to mow it all - Loris mowed the piece next to Clair Williams place & the one this side of where we dug potatoes - He will pick up the windrow with combine - but we will bunch ours (some job) - and thresh it loose.  We got in what hay he had down,  got the barn pretty well filled up & has(sic) mowed the piece next to woods on the hill & he says the thistles are as high as the horses backs or there about - the best they have ever done - cultivation with the engine helped them - Guess it's quite a mess - The hay is fine up there too.  He'll bunch it & put it in when he can.  He has two boys coming tomorrow.  They live up by M Goodmans - I think he said Durkee was their names - I spose(sic) Mgt2 told you New'm3 had quit the woods & this time for sure - His birthday was yesterday 25th - 75 - about time to retire from woods work.

Last Sat. week ago Mr & Mrs Sherwood came & stayed till Wed PM - They were doing fine & he was eating food for him - when I spoiled it - I killed one of my fat red hens & made gravy and dumplings - Her long suit - so guess she ate too hearty & got sick - She didn't get out of bed till they went home about 2pm - Poor Mr Sherwood was mad & worried as could be.  I was sorry for him - He says, 'best place for her is home - She eats too damn much.' 

Lew & Kenny helped put in the hay Kenny led or drove one of Lew's horses just left her here & Kenny road his pony over - Then Wed Rhoda & Ray'm came too for dinner.  

Retta Wallace Francis - 1944 

A letter from Retta Wallace saying Joe4 died the 15th - Mary5 was over there with her - so that's over & done with - Letter from Marjorye6 - but nothing about coming up - I guess it's off - for Robt was gone on a fishing trip for 3 days - & Beth has become engaged to her new boyfriend & wearing a beautiful diamond & he has the other ring to match - but Bob & M tho't they'd better wait a little - as they have only been acquainted 4 mos - Fast worker him - must think he'll have to go into army - So Beth couldn't leave down there now while everything is going so fine, Marj says, 'He has a good job & nice fellow' so thinks it  be O.K. - Bob Wolf should come back - & be ready to get her on the rebound -

Robert, Beth & Marjorye Emmert

Eva is some better but at Emmerts yet - Munseys7 wrote they were at Camp in Yosemite Park - I think Park, but it may be in the Valley somewhere - Their daughter got a vacation if a month with pay is she got out of town & went to a complete change - or not pay - So she took the folks on this trip - She & mother went up on bus & dad was driving up later - Said they & Morrises had a barbecued steak dinner at Roberts the 4th. 

Paul and Berthy Munsey with Bob Emmert

Tues evg the Cresseys came up from camp for an hr or so.  Then Sat evg John & Mr came for cream & spent an hr or so - & today in PM Mr & Mrs Cressey Sr drove in for a call - John...(is) quite smart to visit with - Well I must quit this it's eleven o'clock & I've been writing so fast I doubt you can make it out - but Margt can - I hope baby & Margt keep well & that you are going to need a bath robe before long.  We get pretty anxious to see you but know we can do no good - so will stay home & work - the strawberry patch makes more watering & I need some wooden feet.  With love & best wishes to you all from Mother"    

1 Billy - Willard Lowe Waning - Jim's father

2 Mgt & Margt - Margaret Upton Waning - Jim's wife

3 New'm - Newman Hall - Billy Waning's partner

4 Joe Francis - Retta Wallace Francis' husband - Retta was Janet's maternal cousin 

5 Mary - Mary McAdam Emert - Janet's oldest 1/2 sister 

6 Rob (Bob) Marjorye & Beth Emmert - Janet's nephew, wife, and his daughter.

I don't think Beth married this young man as her first child was not born until 1952. 

7 Munseys - Paul and - friends of Bob Emmert family - visited Dexter with Emmerts in 194--

link here:  

http://waxingandwaningcousinconnections.blogspot.com/2010/08/dexter-ranch-1946.html

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Letter from Janet Waning

In July James received a note from his mother, Janet McAdam Waning.

In her usual "waste not - want not" fashion she is reusing a note for Proctor and Gamble and her stationery.

Envelope

Note - Front

"Good morning - It's cloudy out here and Billy1 can't mow - too damp & grain won't roll-off the wind rower - Billy gave KEnny $1.00 a day, 3 days - Hay is quite good quality. The boys came & are at work bunching - $4.00 per 8 hrs - Newman2 went down to see if he could get Loris to cut the south field - So Ma has some hayers to cook for but no worse than last wk with the two breakfasts - Our cream supply is slim now - but will have two cows freshen 2nd wk or before in Aug - Pet and Ginger give us plenty for table yet but will tell cream man not to come Thurs - Hens do pretty good - will have about 72 doz - or 21/2 cases today - 33 last Mon - and..." 

Note - Reverse

"...that keeps the amt up - less dozens more per doz - Huelett was up & looked at calves but Billy tho't he wasn't paying enough - 6c for the cow & 8 for the calves - Huelett buys for Blue Bird Co. - Clair Williams family have moved to Salem or where ever he is working - The old school house is a thing of the past - Has been sold & torn down - Lew M said $150 - I don't know who to - Hosticks are all gone - & house rented - not the shop...News up to the minute .  Letter from Soph3 - about same there - no world if Robt4 got out - said she hadn't heard a word. Mac5 is O.K. - Heaps of love to you all - Ma -"

1 Billy - Janet's husband Willard Lowe Waning

2 Newman Hall - Billy's partner

3 Widowed sister-in-law Sophie Ingvalson McAdam 

4 Guessing that she is speaking of her nephew Robert McAdam - letter from his sister indicates that all is not well (in jail?)

5 Janet's brother - Matthew (Mac) McAdam