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

Kevin's Day

Wishing the Happiest of Days to Kevin!

Kevin - August 1989

Kevin and Family - 2010

Kevin - Summer 2011

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

Last Day of November 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall - Part Two

Ellen's Letter Continues...

Letter - Page 3

"...It was a war picture and a bit horrible but was a pretty fair show all in all.  They sure have been putting out some 'corny' shows here of late.  They are all terrible it seems like.

Our office is sure going to be upset.  Three of the girls are leaving.  One is just plain quiting (sic) working.  She's been married 4 years and has worked the whole time.  I guess she is getting tired of it and I don't blame her.  The other two girls husbands are going over seas.  One of them would have had to quit soon anyway as she expects an increase in her family in early March.

I'm terribly tired this morning and I have so much to do that it scares me to think about it.  I've gotten so I hate Saturdays.

Got a letter last night from Mom.  She said they went to Newport1 for Thanksgiving.  It rather surprised me for they hadn't been down in such a long time.  Grandma says Aunt Olivia is terribly 'thick' so to speak with Uncle Parney.  She {does not} write to the rest of them but keeps up a lively correspondence with him...

Well, Sis, really must get ready for work.  Write soon and give my love to your family.

All our love,

Grover and Ellen"

1 Olivia Upton Adams, Ellen & Margaret's paternal aunt, lived in Newport, Oregon in the 1940's. 

Halloween - Days Gone By

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Card from Mikaila - Front - 2011

Card From Mikaila - Inside - 2011

Matt - 1995

Will and Matt - 1999

Last Day of November 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall - Part One

Ellen Upton Hall followed up her letter of November 27th, with one dated November 30th.  

Letter - Page 1

"Ml. Rt. #38

Augusta, Ga.

c/o D.J. Bowles

30 November 1943

Dearest Sis and family,

I'm almost frozen but will try and answer your letter I got today.  I'm waiting for Grover to come home and is this house cold.

You aren't the only one that has the willies seeing Christmas so close.  It won't seem like Christmas not being home.  I've got to make a happy Christmas for Grover this year though.  His folks don't believe in making much over Christmas and he's never had a really gay time.  So this year I'm going to try and make our Christmas as much like we've always had at home for I don't believe anyone ever has more fun than we always have had.  I think I'm going to have chicken for dinner as you say it is just as good as turkey and besides just the two of us couldn't..."   

Letter - Page 2

"...put away a whole turkey.  I have most of the presents already.  Just got a few more odds and ends to get.  Have gotten all the paper, ribbon, etc.  We will have to send the presents home by the 10th to insure getting them there in plenty of time.

1 December 1943

Grover came home last night just about the time I got this far and it was a good thing for I would surely have frozen to death if he hadn't.  We have a very wee fireplace in our bedroom.  We have to use coal and can't get wood to start it with.  I absolutely can not get the coal to burn so I just sit and freeze until Grover gets homes.

4 December 1943

Got just this far the other morning and Mr. Hellrung came over to dictate a letter to me so I didn't get it finished.  

Grover took me out to dinner and a show last night.  We saw "Above Suspicion"1 with Fred MacMurray and Joan Crawford.  It was a war picture and a bit horrible but was..."   

LETTER TO BE CONTINUED...

1 "Above Suspicion" - Frances and Richard Myles (Joan Crawford and Fred MacMurray) are newlyweds honeymooning in Europe on the eve of World War II. Unexpectedly, they find themselves commissioned by the British secret service to secure the plans for a new secret weapon masterminded by the Nazis (involving magnetic mines). The trail leads them to Innsbruck where they arouse the suspicions of Gestapo chief Von Aschenhausen (Basil Rathbone). Having secured the plans, the couple find great difficulty leaving the country. Frances is captured and held in a remote castle. She is rescued by her husband and a group of British agents, and, using underground routes, the couple finally cross the border to safety. (Wikipedia).

After the Trip - November 1943 - A Letter From Ellen Upton Hall

Grover got his furlough, and he and Ellen Upton Hall visited Upton relatives in N.Y. and Pennsylvania.

Ellen wrote a letter in late November of 1943.  The letter is written in pencil and difficult to read.

"Did you get my cards I sent on the trip?"

"Mother said Pat & Bob were home. Lucky stiffs."

"Excuse pencil - my pen is at the factory being repaired."

"Ml. Rt. #38

Augusta, Ga.

c/o D.J. Bowles

27 November 1943

Dearest Sis and family,

You do owe me a letter but will write and tell you something of our trip.

There was just oodles of snow all the time we were there - which made it beautiful (scenery I mean) and it was fun to play in but was very unpleasant in other ways.  Grandma is fine, looks much better than I had expected.  Sure hope Dad gets to see her soon though.  That is about all she looks forward to is when Dad and Mom can go see her again.  By the way she and Grover clicked it off at once, just like old pals.  Jimmie1 is a big boy - fact didn't know him - even mistook a neighbor for him.  Aunt Mildred2 looks much different...There is a new arrival3 coming there on April 26 is "she" arrives when expected.  Say nothing to anyone that I told you as Grandma doesn't know and they don't want to tell her for awhile. Uncle Robert is the one I was shocked when I saw...He could barely walk.  He had the flu and when he got over it his legs were absolutely useless.  They are taking him to a chiropractor (sp?) in Erie and he was getting a little better when we left but was still pitiful...

We went to see Aunt Ida4 for a little while,  She looks old and tired - but still not much gray in her fair.  Helen5 was home....Helen had had a boil and hadn't worked since Wed (that was Sat.)  Went downtown and saw Jane.6  She is a big girl, not quite as tall as I am but before she's twenty she'll be taller.  I'm quite a bit taller than Helen.  Jane is a pretty girl.  Never got to see Virginia7 and family.  From their picture the boys are sure handsome little fellows.  Did you know Bill was a strict Catholic - I didn't.  Uncle Robert, Aunt Mildred, Grover & I stopped by Aunt Ida's again on Monday but no one was home.  As for Aunt Jennie & Uncle Ross8 and family, Aunt Jennie looks the same...Uncle Ross looks very tired...Rachel is a sweet little girl and as bright as a dollar...Janet sure looks like V'Ona did as a little girl.  Except for the brown eyes she's almost identical to V'Ona, especially in that picture of you two kids...All in all we had a swell time while there.

I got home from the trip and came down with the flu.  I'm supposed to be well now but my body hasn't been thoroughly convinced  of the fact and I still drag around a bit.  I have a bad cold.  I went back to work Wednesday but was mighty glad to have the day off Thurs.  We both got the day off.  Instead of having turkey for dinner we had a nice roast.  After dinner we went to a putrid show.

Must get Grover's dinner now.  Bye and write soon.

Love,

Grover and Ellen

P.S. Now about about a letter Jim?"  

       

  

1 Jimmie Upton b. 1928 1st child of Robert & Mildred Upton. Would have been 15 in 1943.

2 Aunt Mildred b. abt 1905 - wife of Robert Upton b. 1898 the 5th child of James & Nellie Upton. 

3 New arrival - "she" turned out to be Robert Upton born April 1944 - son of Robert & Mildred Upton.

4 Aunt Ida b. abt 1890 - wife of Parney Upton b. 1888 the 2nd child of James & Nellie Upton. 

5 Helen Upton b. abt 1914 - 1st child of Parney & Ida Upton 

6 Jane Upton b. abt 1927 - 3rd child of Parney & Ida Upton.

7 Virginia Upton b. abt 1920 - 2nd child of Parney & Ida Upton. 

8 Ross Upton - 4th child of James & Nellie Upton b. 1893 - married Jennie - two daughters - Janet & Rachel.

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.

The Sun Shines @ The Farmers' Market

The "Occupy Eugene" demonstrators moved from the Park Blocks to Alton Baker Park Friday night, so the Farmers' Market was able to set up in its usual location Saturday morning.  And the sun shone!  A glorious October morning.

These carrots were great...so colorful.

And it's the time of year for Brussel Sprouts...

and Pumpkins...

...and Apple Cider.  I had a sample it was good! 

Celeriac has shown up...

Surprisingly there were still Strawberries for sale.

Such pretty coloring on these heirloom Roma tomatoes.

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.