The Accident - Summer 1942 - Guest Book

James Waning received a Guest Book from the Swift family to use for his prolonged stay at Sacred Heart.

Guest Book - Cover

Guest Book -Rules

Guest Book - Greetings

Guest Book - Instructions

Guest Book - Names

Guest Book - More Names

Many of the names appear to be members of the hospital staff.

Fall 1942 - The Accident - A Letter from Ella McAdam Caufield

In October Jim and Margaret received a letter from Ella McAdam Caufield.

Envelope

By October Jim had made lots of progress and was about to be released from the hospital. 

Letter - Page 1

"Tillamook, Ore

Oct. 8 - 1942

Dear Family: -

Well your letter rested my mind, it was like waiting for a 'blessed event' waiting waiting for the day he could try his feet and the day came.  So it was a blessed event too.  We never doubted that he couldn't walk as we've seen cases whole lot worse than Jim's and even a neighbor boy's life was despaired of even and he now walks but it was a couple of years,  One leg was just as tho' it was paralyzed.  He dragged it along like it was wooden but now he bends it and walks real well.  

Joe1 says now he'll be over this week end and I hope you can come when Jim is able.  Thanks for the picture of Barbara.  It is very cute.

You will both be glad to come to your own house & live alltho- it is not very close to Dr. but he perhaps won't need a Dr.  Expect Jim's people were very much surprised to see him and very glad. 

Letter - Page 2

"Yes, Joe was initiated into the High from Jr. High.  He wouldn't tell what he had to do, but said it was the worst they could yet!  Anyway he lived thru it and he is thru wearing a green ribbon around his neck for a wk - Ribbon in his hair for a couple of days, etc.  He plays on the B squad but is rather light, better I think for basketball.

We have had quite a little rain, but the hunting season is not on yet, and may not be one.

Haven't heard from Bud2 for three wks now, but he may be something thru by Mon. that is usually the day we get mail.

Gave not heard from Aunt Mary3 for a long time.  Perhaps she is planning a wedding as Beth4 did want a big affair.

Well the silo is built & filled with corn & some oats but they are still busy with a chute & other things.  The Blimp base back of the Fairgrounds is employing about 1500 men.  Building air ways & R.R. into it.  No one gets very close as it is guarded well.  Well I must close & hope Jim doesn't dance Highland Fling before he is really well - Come anytime you can.  Lots of love & luck.

Aunt Ella"

1 Joe - Joe Caufield - Ella's youngest son.

2 Bud aka Waldo - Ella's oldest son.  

3 Mary - Mary McAdam Emert - Ella's oldest sister

4 Beth - Beth Emmert - Mary's grand-daughter.   



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"    

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Letter From Fred Furrow

In early August Jim received a letter from Fred Furrow...

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Portland OR

Aug 2. 1942

Mr James Waning

Eugene Ore

Dear Friend -

Got your card and appreciated it very much.  Hope this finds you getting along with marked improvement.  Boy I think of you often.  Hope you can sleep better by now and keep a lot of courage.  Perhaps you could catalogue your reading interests I would do some thing about the matter.  I just seems to me I'd like to lend a hand but nothing I can do.

I was in Eugene 2 weeks ago today and would have come to see you but just wans't a minute to spare.  I drove down packed up our junk  took part of it to the ranch and moved - a good place to live, you can't find a place to live and can't buy any lumber to build a place to live.

We are under going quite a thunder storm I never saw one just like it it has been almost continuous for hours seems to be centered around Mt. Hood.

Don't seem to be much news to write about get up in the morning and go to work then home chore around go to bed.  GEt up for the same thing.  It takes me 12 minutes by bus to get from here down town about 4 1/2 miles then about 35 minutes to get from town to work about 2 miles all adds up to about 1 hr to be sure and get there on time.  1 1/2 hrs to get home they sure over work these buses - standing loads almost all the time..."   

Letter - Page 2

"...and then they say there will be some 20 or 20 thousand more men needed in a short time.

Well Jim I'll saw off and go to work and hope this helps the day for you a tiny bit when you get it.

Hello to your Family and folks.

Your friend,

Fried Furrow

9004 SE 7th St

Portland, Ore." 

Summer 1942 - The Accident - A Note From Ellen Upton

Jim's young sister-in-law, Ellen Upton dropped by, perhaps with flowers. 

Note - Front

"Dear Jim

Mom thought you would like these.

Well how are you this morning?  I hope the shock of my shoes last night didn't effect you too badly.

I'll be up to see you again sometime this week - that is if..."

Note - Reverse Side

"...you think you can stand me.  Hope you enjoy these flowers.

Love,
Ellen (Auntie)

P.S. I have 31/2 inches crocheted on my knitting bag" 

Summer 1942 - The Accidents - More Bouquets

And Jim received bouquets from Family as well...

The Upton Family

Summer 1942 - The Accidents - Bouquets

During Jim Waning's long hospital stay, he received a dozen or more bouquets from friends...

From the Hucka Family

From Guy & Elsie

From Agness & Eynar

.

The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 3

Letter - Page 5

"We haven't done a thing to our upstairs since you were here.  Needless to day, Ike hasn't time for any work around the house, and we haven't needed the room.  The housing situation is so serious that if we could put in another bathroom, I'd be tempted to have roomers.  We could easily put four upstairs, but that's out of the question for now.  Was Bert Johnson here when I wrote you?  He stayed here for two months, until he got acquainted a little (He was here last night, to tell us he had received his A-1 army rating and expected to be leaving before long.  However, he hasn't had his physical exam, and may be rejected because of his hay fever).  We got a new lawn in the back, and enjoy having that nice fenced-in backyard.  Next year we'll do the front.  I for new blue curtains for the dining room, and slip-covered the dining room chairs with blue flowered cretonne.  Otherwise we haven't made any changes inside.  We got a second-hand piano last month, and I thoroughly enjoy that.

Just before the bicycle situation got bad, we for ourselves second-hand bikes.  Ike made a little wooden cushioned seat for Jimmie, which bolts on the back of either bike (on the tandem).  It has a safety belt, and we surely use it a lot.  Ike doesn't ride a lot, since his hours have been long, but Jimmie and I certainly go places.  I do all my marketing that..."      

Letter - Page 6

"...way - you'd be surprised how much you can carry in two carrying bags hung over the handlebars.  Jimmie is growing up so fast.  He talks almost all the time, until sometimes I wish he'd run out of questions.  He's out now in his bathing trunks, while our neighbor turns her hose on him.  I wish he had our old Wolfie dog for a pal, but her really have no place for him, and I'm sure Ike's folks need him for company.  The white woolie dog you have him on his first Christmas is still a favorite companion.  Today he wanted to give him a bath, but that toy has never been the same since Jimmie dunked him in the water a couple of years ago.  He's minus both eyes now, which doesn't make him any less dear.

I wish we could see Barbie now.  Is she still a beauty, as she was when we saw her last?  Come up if you have a chance, anytime.

Love, Charlotte"   



The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 2

Charlotte Dorsey's letter continues...

Letter - Page 3

"...Ike doesn't feel that he can ask for time off, so of course we skipped the picnic.

We were at Wendling sometime in May - I've forgotten just when, and the town really doesn't seem the same.  Lots of families have gone to defense centers for war-time work - of course all the unmarried me are in service' and I wonder how long they'll be able to keep the mill going.  Harold has been in the army since early Spring - first in training in Texas, then at Camp Murray near Ft. Lewis.  Right now his letters are postmarked Seattle, but we're not sure whether he's there, or whether his mail just goes through that POst Office.  He expects overseas service, and you can imagine how his folks feel about that.  They spent a week at Camp Murray with him, and now feel..."

Letter - Page 4

"...terribly lonesome without him.

My sister and I have been picking raspberries lately.  We quit at one o-clock today because the heat was too much for us.  We've had a lot of fun, and feel quite patriotic about it, but as far as making money is concerned, we're failures.  Mother takes care of Jimmie for me, and because I don't like to waken him too early, we get a late start, and we don't make a hard job of it, and quit when we get tired.  Altogether we're sissies, and make about 20 cents an hout!  It begins to look as it we're in for another hot wek, so my patriotism will probably wear pretty thin.

We haven't done a thing to..."

TO BE CONTINUED....

The Accident - Summer 1942 - A Letter from the Dorseys - Part 1

In July Margaret received a letter from Charlotte Dorsey...

Envelope

Letter - Page 1

"Monday, July 20

Dear Margaret:

Your card has just come, and I'm going to get a letter back to you right now.  You can tell Jim the news, and I'm sure Ike will write soon.  We've thought of you often, and it's a relief to know that Jim is getting along well.  There's always a possibility of accidents; but of course that doesn't keep it from being a terrible shock when it happens to you, or to someone you know.  We're so glad it wasn't worse.

I believe when I wrote last, Ike had earned his machinists' rating and had started working in the shipyards.  Last June 3rd, he switched jobs again, ..."      

Letter Page 2 

"...and is now with Iron Fireman Manufacturing Co.1, doing exactly the same work - building the reversing gear for the Liberty Ships1 that Oregon Shipyard is building.  He has more responsibility here - supervises several other men - and gets a little more money.  The job seems to have more future than the other one, which was purely a war-time job.  He's been working so much overtime - they had July 4th and 5th off - that's the only time he's had off since he took that job, almost seven weeks ago.  And most of the time he worked 12 hours a day!  Jim will understand why Ike has been slow writing.  He leaves for work at 7:20, and when they're working overtime, gets home about 8:30.  By the time dinner's over, that's a day.  They're not working the long hours just now, for which I'm very thankful.  Working week after week with never a "Sunday" for a breathing spell, get pretty tiresome.  The one saving thing is that Ike loves his job, and enjoys working for his bosses, who seem to appreciate it when a man gives his best.

The Dorsey family picnic was held yesterday at Benton Lane Park (what's the new name?) and it's the first one we've missed for years.  I was sorry for there are lots of the family that we think of, and don't see at any other time.  Ike doesn't feel that he can ask for time off..."

TO BE CONTINUED...     

 1 Within a year Jim Waning would be in Portland working for Iron Fireman Manufacturing Company building steam engines for the Liberty Ships.  To read more about Liberty Ships click here.

Summer 1942 - The Accident - 2nd Letter From June Gantenbein Suckow

June Gantenbein Suckow sent a card and two letters - all in the same envelope.  This letter is written with a pencil.  Let's discover why!  

Letter - Page 1

"July 7, 1942

Dear Margaret:

Am I a dumbbell!  The enclosed letter I addressed to "Springfield, Wash".  I wrote a card to Helen1 at the same time - I supposed her card went to "Republic Oreg".  I just haven't time to write a new letter, so I'll send it to you anyway.  I understand Jim is a little better than you thought.  I sure hope that's right.  I'm enclosing a card for him - it's meant to cheer..."

Letter - Page 2

"...him up - but if he's not in the right mood for something like that, don't give it to him.  (I mean well, but I don't know how he is exactly).  The card is too big so I'll mail the letter with the card.

I'm sorry I haven't mailed B.A.'s2 pkg. yet - today I hope - tomorrow sire!

I have strawberries I picked last night on the stove - I'm supposed to go pick raspberries at 9a.m. so I just have to say Goodbye!

I love you all!

June & family

P.S. My pen is in where the kids are sleeping - excuse please!"

1 June's sister - Helen Gantenbein

2 B.A. = Barbara Ann

Almost 70 years later, members of the extended Greenwell Family are still picking raspberries and making jam!

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Letter from June Gantenbein Suckow

June also sent a letter soon after the accident!

Letter - Page 1

"July 2, 1942

Dear Margaret,

We are all so terribly sorry about Jim's accident.  We are all thinking about him and praying for him.  You don't know how hard we hope that he will be all right.  Ellen has been keeping us (via Ma1) informed, but we are anxious to hear more when ever you can write.

I am at Mom's - came to see Dad2.  He is much better 2/3 well he says.  The Dr. said he had to say in bed 1 or 2 days more!  Dad is too hot - he wants..."

Letter Page 2

"...up.  But he has to be careful.

This is the first time I havew been in Portland since last January, and boy, Oh Boy, is it a hot one.  I should go home but I'm afraid I'd cook before I got there.

Thank you so much for Corky's3 package.  Those are the cutest little shirts.  They are just as dear as they can be.  They look awfully nice on him and, he was so happy to have some "square" money."

Letter Page 3

"Judy3 got a little sweater with her birthday dollar.  That was when it was cool.

I have a package for Barby-Ann, at last.  I am awfully sorry to be so late with it.  I guess it's her 2 1/2 birthday.  I won't get it in the mail today, but I'll try to do it tomorrow.

Margaret dear, write when you can, and if there is anything we can do, you just whistle.  I imagine Jim is not interested in anything much now, is he?  As soon as he is able, we will write to him, and try to help make the time pass for him.

Our love from us all (mother & Dad, too)

June"

Letter - Page 4

1 Ma - Fanny Greenwell Gantenbein - Margaret's maternal aunt 

2 Fred Gantenbein - Fanny's husband

3 Corkey & Judy - June & Milton's children.

    

Summer 1942 - The Accident - Card from June Gantenbein Suckow

Margaret's cousin, June Gantenbein Suckow sent a card...

Enevelope

Front of Card

Inside of Card