It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, Aug 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. August 3rd 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth. I got Your letter #94 Yesterday morning also Ruth's and I was pleased indeed to learn that You are well, I find that I have not answered Your letter No. 92 Yet so I will endeavor to do so this morning, as I expect to leave for Portsmouth at 1 P.M. to attend a district Meeting and I will not be home before Monday evening or Tuesday Morning. Well Mamma this is Ruths birthday - two Years old, what a big girl she must be getting - Papa wishes her many, many, happy returns of her Birthday, bless our precious doll baby and bless her precious Mamma tell Ruth Papa was pleased with her letter she is just the best little doll in this big world, for a great big hug from You both, Your letter 92 refers to the visit You had from Wilford and George, Webb, I owe them both a letter I have not heard from Wilford since he visited You but I expect a letter from him one of these days, telling Me all about his visit - Webb congratulated Me on My sweet wife and baby - Yes Alice [ltr. 1, p. 2] Reynolds told Me how well You looked the last time she saw You and I wish You were looking as well and fat now, but I fear You are working to hard and with the hot weather to help pull You down, I fear You are not looking so well as You did but, I hope to receive that picture of Your self, which You said You would think about having taken, then I will be able to tell for My self. I expect Alice Reynolds and the other girls will be back in London on their way home in a few days - they expect to sail for home on August the 17th so they will not have much time if they expect to remain in London a few days. I will try and get Miss Reynolds to call and see You when she gets home and she can tell You just how I look and all about Me, I see by this letter You it is very hot at home - so it has been over here it is a diferent kind of heat we have one almost smthers and it is so hot in Germany that people are dieing it was very hot all day Yesterday - and in the evening we had one of the worst Lightening storms I ever saw, followed by rain which flooded the streets and cooled the air so this morning it is more comfortable - I hope You will have nothing to do with Your neighbors - and I hope You will not go into see them I dont like them and and never did - and if You keep away from them then they will have no power over You, I would not mind helping You eat some of those chickens You mention having raised - but I will be home to help eat what is raised next year - if all goes well - So it was old sister Buckle that You had reference to - I could not [ltr. 1, p. 3] 3 emagin who You had reference to - Yes the old lady used to tell Me all her troubles and like a father I used to listen to them and this just suited the old lady - So You think Nell Scofield - was tired out well the poor kid did get nearly fogged Say Mamma is she a member of the Church - I came very near asking her and then I thought well Maby she would think it was none of My business but I usually make it My business to ask people I like to know especially when I am associating with people, so I thought I would ask You thinking You would be able to tell Me, Yes I enjoyed the opera and I went to the Hippodrome and also to the St James, since then with Alex he paid for Me - I had seen the play at the St James - “His House in order” I think I told You about it but I enjoyed it again, and the show at the Hip - was fine, I had a fine time with Alex and he wants Me to go as far as Liverpool with him and the folks when they come through on their way home and I may do so, I am glad You dont get tired reading My long letters, I have thought sometimes You would - especially when You get two a week - but I am like [ltr. 1, p. 4] Your self the longer the letter the better I like it - they cant contain to much for Me - so You have been dreaming about Me again and I was cross again as usual well I must have been a cross old patch to so impress You that each time You think of Me in Your dreams - You see Me this way but I am going to be just the opposite when I come home and I am going to try and be good natured I understand this is a good season for fruit at home - it is nothing extra over here the way the strawberry season started it looked as tho we were going to have loads and loads of them but the season was soon over - and the rasperries are not very nice but gooseberrys they have here beat anything I ever saw they are just fine - Yes Mamma I also wish I was close enough at times to have some of this, that and the other, that You have - I wont kick when I get home any old thing will be good enough for Me - it dont take much - and if I can have all the good Milk I want this will do Me. I would give anything for some good Milk, they dont know what good Milk is in this country - it all stinks and it dont taste like Milk to Me and My nose is to big to get anything passed it - that dont smell just right and I cant go Mormon tea - and that is what all the boys use over here - but just give Me some good bread and Milk [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5 when I get home and I wont kick I am glad our doll baby likes Milk and I hope she will soon be so she will like other things as well, You are having quite a time with the cows and that old one of Your Mammas beats any thing I ever saw, she is a good cow if You could only get her with calf but it is expensive keeping so Many I hope we will have a good cow out of the one Fisher has by the time I get home, that was real cute of Ruth to tell Wilford where her Papa was - and just think of her waiting to go and see Papa I hope she will know Me when I get home, she used to know her Papa and how she did like to romp with Me and how I did like to play with her well she is the sweetest baby in this big world - that is all there is about it and her Mother is the sweetest women in this world - too - I went out visiting the Saints Sunday and again Yesterday two of the women are going to have babys and one of them asked Me to administer to her - and I asked her when her time was up and she told Me all about it and her husband sat and listened - and helped her tell her [ltr. 1, p. 6] Story they dont think anything about such things and I am an old Man they think so they dont mind Me - but it did seem funny at first but I am used to it - and it dont Make any diference to Me, I have had lots of experiance one way and another since I came here - well Dearie - it is almost time for Me to go and pack up - I will tell You what kind of a place Portsmouth is when I get back - and I will answer Your other letter next time I write give My love to Your Papa and Mamma also to Bertha Joe - Heu and Nell and Al and Alice and all the folks May the Lord bless My dear folks and all, Dearie I do love You both with all My heart - and I think of You continually - lots of love hugs and kisses for You both from Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [postcard 1, side 1] POST CARD Mrs. Millie A. Smith 29 S. Street Salt Lake City Utah THIS SIDE FOR THE ADDRESS. [postcard 1, side 2] Red Star Line Antwerpen ∙ New York. [picture of steamship and sailboat] Aug. 5 - 1906 Dear Millie & Ruthie This is a picture of the Ship we were on - all well. Affectionately - Papa. [postcard 2, side 1] Postkarte. Nur für die Adresse. Mrs A.F. Smith 29 S Street Salt Lake City Utah U.S.A. [postcard 2, side 2] BINGEN, Mäuseturm und Ehrenfels, Aug 15 - 1906 - 730 P.M. Dear Millie - this is where we are at present take train in one hour for Frankfurt - we came up the river from Cologne - had a lovely time never saw anything so beautiful before in My life - the streaks You see on the hill side ar rock walls and the dark patches are grape vineyards - all the folks send love to You I am feeling find - love to You and Ruth from Papa [picture of town] [postcard/insert 3, side 1] This is the dinner we had on Your birthday dear little Ruth grandmama [design and picture of steamshp] Red Star Line Dinner Menu S. S. Vaderland 3rd August 1906 oo Little Neck Clams Celery Anchovies Oilves Créme de Langoustine Consommé Théodora Bluefish, Baked a l’Italienne Pommes a l'Anglaise Filets Mignon, Marchand de Vin String Beans Poulet a la Virgo Tomatoes Castellane Saddle of Mutton Dauphiné Creme de Navets Omelette Parmesan To order Squab a la Turenne Romaine Salad - Gateau Léopold Banana Fritters Parisian Ice Cream Allumettes Royales - Neufchatel & Cheddar Cheese Dessert Coffee and this is the ship we are on we are now nearly to Papa from Your loving grandmama [postcard/insert 3, side 2] Programme ͚ 1. ,,Soldiers in the Park’’, March Moncton 2. ,,America’’, Overature Ross 3. ,,Jolly Fellows’’, Waltz Vollstedt 4. ,,American Patrol’’ Meacham 5. ,,Tannhaeuser’’, Selection Wagner 6. ,,Wake up my Baby’’, Cake-walk Ascher [ltr. 2, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Aug 8th06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I arrived home at 1145 P.M. and found the telegram and Your letter also one from Mamma written on the boat also one from Papa written from Boston and another just before they landed at Harwich asking Me to Meet them talk about being surprised - that dont express it at all I couldnt sleep a wink and I am sorry My Mail was not sent to Me at Portsmouth had it been I would have been there as soon as they were but as it is, I am almost two days late and don’t get in Rotterdam until tomorrow Morning but I am going - Dearie there is only one thing that I could have wished for in addition to this surprise and that would be for You to have been with them, I have been just as excited as a little kid - and maby worse I am so sorry, the news did not reach Me sooner tho. they must have made up their minds in short order I read the while at Portsmouth a copy of the clipping You sent and I made the [ltr. 2, p. 2] remark to the boys that I wished Papa would come over, but never dreamed he would be here, before I got home in fact I never thought of him coming and less even did I expect to hear of Mamma coming - well I like these kind of surprises and I hope to have another next year when You come over Dearie You tell about Aunt Marys baby, but this is the first time I have heard of the. I guess wonders will never sease I guess You thought You had told Me but this is the first imitation I have heard of it, I got a letter from Zina telling Me the news, I expect to go and stay about a week with the folks in Holland and then return to London and when they come here I will show them the town - O if I only had You here too but we will try and see it all this time next Year, Mamma said she hoped to see Yesterday on My Birthday but she did not and Mamma I thank You for My birthday present from You - I hope You got the things I sent You, they will do for a present on My birthday for You Mamma I am the most tickled lad on earth, I can hardly think of anything but seeing the folks, the girls are back and have just come in to breakfast I Mean Sister Reynolds and the others they are ready to come home and I hope they will call on You when they get there, well Dearie I have got to Press My Trousers and do a hundred and one things - including a trip down Town to get My ticket - so I will not have time to tell You all about My trip to Portsmouth [ltr. 2, p. 3] 3 but I will tell You about it one of these times - we had a fine time and the only thing I am sorry about is that I didn’t get home earlier, so that I could meet the folks, I am glad You took the baby for the folks to see her now they can tell Me all about You both I forgot to tell You that I was well so will do so now - I am all right Dearie - altho I guess I forget to say so at times - No I wont be sick I am going to have something to eat from now on even if I have to get it for My self, I am going to fatten up now, Yes Dearie it was Irvin Fisher that worked with Me and he quit when the consolidation took place, No Dearie I dont think You would eat like You did - when I came home that time I just believe You would be pleased to see Me, So Ruth likes apples so do I do You remember when I trued to coax You to go to St Louis with Me and You brought Me a bag of apples they dont have as good apples here as we do at home - I would like a half bushel right now, and she [ltr. 2, p. 4] likes to go with You while You Milk I like the new Milk it is fine and I have often drank it while I have been milking the cow, I wish I could hear Ruth talk "Gang Papa gone on tootoo train to see Papa" just think she is a perfect little beauty in all respects it is funny she wont talk when the folks are around Mrs O[---] must be a regular gad about - whare does her old Man stop when she is away I am sorry John Tud has Typhoid fever I hope he wont have a hard case, like Your selves we too are having hot weather, I can believe You when You say how hot it has been I hope it wont make You sick, I see that people are dieing in New York from the heat well Mamma give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our precious doll baby for Me - May the Lord bless You in all Your undertakings and preserve You from all harm and danger is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr 3, p. 1] Weingrosshandlung ,,Der Kaiserhof.'' Berliner Hôtel - Gesellschaft. _______ Telephon: Amt 1 No. 1348. Berlin W,, Aug 10th06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth By this letter head You will see that I am here in Germany - just arrived we left Rotterdam this morning at 7 AM and it is now six thirty and we have been here half hour, I got in Rotterdam Yesterday morning at 720 AM had a good voyage - and was not sea sick - I left London by train from Fin Church street 448 reached Tilbury docks at 530 and boarded the Batovier Boat #II which left about 6 P.M. when I got to Rotterdam I went to the Hotel De Holland ordered break- fast and then went over to the Mission head quarters and found several of the Elders there one of which had [ltr. 3, p. 2] 2 just returned from the Depot where he had been to meet Me they expected Me to come by another rout, I learned the folks were at Amsterdam, the boys had just received a telegram from Le Grande Richards telling that he had missed his train and for them to meet Me and hold on to Me until He got here at Rotterdam, it was not long before he arrived and then he and I went out to the Haog, we got there 15 minutes before the folks You see the Hoag is between Amsterdam and Rotterdam pretty soon the train pulled in and You know the rest well Dearie the folks did look good to Me, and You can just emagin how pleased I was to see them, Papa they say looks better than when He left home and Mamma looks fine [ltr. 3, p. 3] 3 I think My self that Papa looks a little thin - and while he has been here he has had no rest becaus President Grant has almost talked him to death but Bro Grant has gone back and he will not be bothered again until he gets in London we took in the sights at the Hoag and in doing so we visited the Peace Congress Hall old prison drove through the forest then went out to the sea shore had dinner went down on the beach, saw thous- ands of people enjoying them selves in one way and another then we came back to Rotterdam and held a meeting in the evening - where we all had a chance to talk, the hall was crowded - and all the people shook hands with Papa and Mamma, and Bro and Sister Nibley I saw lots of the Elders I met the last time. John Taylor was here [ltr. 3, p. 4] 4 in fact the Elders were nearly all hire and some of them came three quarters of a day journey and the people from all over Holland, it was just like some of our congregations at home after meeting I had a good fill up on bread and milk it was just like being at home as far as the bread and milk was concerned, well Mamma I have had a fine time these two days, and now that we are in Berlin, which is reconed to be the, "are one of the most beautiful cities in the world I hope to enjoy My self still more who would ever thought I should have this privilege it never once occured to Me that I should, Papa telegraphed George and Willard to Meet us here we expected to find George here when we arrived but he is not here so I guess they will be on deck tomorrow or next day [ltr. 3, p. 5] [Berliner Hotel Letterhead] 5 we had a very pleasant journey today we were on the all day but it was not at all tiring to Me, Well Mamma it is supper time so I will stop writing for a few mintures well Dearie after supper we took a walk out around for about an hour and when we got back, it was bed time and after listening to some of Luther Howells love affairs I turned in, we had a fine dinner soup - then a nice big “soole” I dont know whether I have spelled it right or not but You will know,” potatoes, green peas, salad bread and butter, and fruit for desert, and I ate all I wanted I am going to gain 20 lbs on this trip, both Alex and I have decided to get fat of course I am quite fat “now” but [ltr. 3, p. 6] 6 but I expect to be worse when I get through,” worse for the better” I was not so skinny that the folks did not recognize Me they know who I was. Alex went to call on his Lady friend - last evening of course he has confided in Me but the rest of the people thought he had gone to call on some students who he is acquatinted with - so he did but it was only one student -Say Mamma we are located at a fine Hotel I have a single room next to Mamma & Papa with a window looking out into the street and we are on the third floor the accom- idations are fine I dont know how long we will be here, but I expect to see Paris on this trip and May Switzerland but I am going to see all I can while the chance is mine and I expect to show the folks [ltr. 3, p. 7] 7- around London before they go home, they didnt come direct to England, and I guess London will be the only city they will visit except Scotland - and I may go to Scotland with them before I get through, I would just give this world if You were only with us but, just wait until this time next year and we will have another time, such as I am having now, I told Mamma I was going to have You come over before I went home - and she thinks that is just the thing to do, She told Me all about our doll baby, and what a time You had had while Your Papa’s hand was so bad it was just about the same as You have told Me - She also mentioned the awful time Your Mamma had had with her eyes but that You were all much better - and [ltr. 3, p. 8] 8 Sister Nibley told Me of seeing You and Ruth at Keath OBrans and how sweet You both looked and how she coaxed Ruth to Kiss her so she could take it to her Papa and how she finally did so, I tell You it is nice to hear direct from You like this, and she delivered the “goods” to Me when we met at the station, and I never got tired of hearing them tell of My pretty wife and baby and what a sweet little talker Ruth is and what a sweet voice she has of course You have told Me all about these things Your self but it always sounds good to Me to hear them, well Dearie I will write to You again in a day or two I hope You are well give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You all and especially do I ask him to bless you both - kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Love Mamma for Papa - with lots of Love hugs and Kisses for You both I am as ever Your loving Husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 4, p. 1] Dom - Hotel Theodor Metz Erben Kӧln Domplatz...Aug 14th06 Ges. M. beschr. Haftung. [KӦER DOM - HOTEL printed vertically across the middle of the page] My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Here we are at Cologne we arrived at 545 P.M. we are located at the above Hotel - we took a Auto ride around town this evening this city has a popu- lation of 367,000 against Berlin’s 3,000,000 so You will see there is considerable difer- ence, they have one of the finest Cathedrals in the world, here in this city, I will send You a post card of it - we expect to leave here in the morning toward- Switzerland - we May be gone about two weeks Yet - we have not had any word from Willard as Yet, but we expect him to join [-]t at Zurich, we left Merlin about 830 this Morning, and was on train all day - it has been very hot to day but this evening we had a fine rain storm which cooled the air considerable, and we expect to sleep well this evening, the folks tell Me I am getting fat already so there is no telling what I will look like by the time I get back to London I do enjoy this kind of life, and it agrees with Me, Say Mamma there are hundreds of Yankee’s here in Cologne and at present there are 5 ladies and two gentlemen here in this writing room it sounds good to hear some one besides Your own crowd who can talk english, it is almost impossible to do any thing in these cities where You cant talk- especially when You go shopping very few people talk english - and it does sound funny to hear them all jabbering and not able to tell what they are saying - but in spite of this I am enjoying My self emensley, the only regret I have [ltr. 4, p. 2] is that You are not with Me - I wrote You a card this morning and mentioned having received Your letter, I also received one from Wilford while I was in Berlin I believe I mentioned this also - I was glad to learn that You and Ruth are well - You are worrying about Me and My health Dearie I am alright - and at present I am feeling fine, and I think I have escaped the itch I have had a beastly ring worm on My wrist for about a Month but I am getting it cured now, Mamma has been doctoring it - and I dont intend sleeping with any of the boys who have the itch - Mamma is doing just as You were in hopes she would and I am mind her and doing just what she tells Me to, and before You get this You will have learned that Your other wish has been gratified - in so Much as You wish that Papa would take Me with him on the Continent and I still have hopes of getting out of London before My Mission is through - I think we will have to put up with J. as President - but his time will be up about the same as Mine and Bro Grant has said to some of the boys that he realized J. was not the right Man for the position but he wants us to Make the best of it, and we are going to do so. I dont want the job I am not seeking after honors, I have got quite enough and at times I feel that too many, there is one fact, and that is I have just as good if not better stand in with all the saints of our Branch - I have forgotten about them while I am away and - dont intend to worry about them until I get back, I guess I will have plenty to do though when I do get back, Yes Dearie George is nearly bold he is much worse than Me, but I am com along at a very rapid gate, it almost makes Me sick - the way I am loosing My hair but it seems as though there is no stopping it - I have done Many things for it but they dont seem to [ltr. 4, p. 3] [Dom Hotel Letterhead] 3 do any good so I have quit, Yes Dearie I had a lovely time at Brighton and I May go down again with Mamma - as she has a message for Sister Jensons people who live there, and I am glad You had a nice time at Salt Air I can tell You I have enjoyed bathing in the sea I believe I like it better than the Lake becaus one doesn’t have to be so careful You can dive or any old thing in the sea. I heard of the Salt Air collision but I did not see the account of it, carelessness again it is a good job it was not worse, I see the company is going to put a double track out there then there will be no danger -You ask what those English women looked like - at Brighton - You can emagin - just like women, some of them of course better than others but I didnt feast My eyes long, I dont care to be conspectious - and besides Men in My position must not see such things - but to see the crowds both of women and Men who do enjoy watching them is a caution but - at Portsmouth they have no Mixed bathing but diferent parts of the beach are reserved for both sex - and women by the scores sit along the shore and watch the Men undress and dress and they only wear a small britch cloth it is awful - they sit right the side of them not ten feet away in Many cases - we took our swims - early in the morning before the women were out - and in the afternoon we went clear off where we were by ourselves I am not very modest in some things [ltr. 4, p. 4] but I dont care to parade My person before a lot of women and Men, I have not much to see but I dont care to show it to every old tom, dick and harry, so the dirty miserable Trib said Papa had gone to Paris to feast his eyes - well I guess they must - have something to fill up their dirty sheet with - but the worst feature is to think that so Many of our people support them by subscribing for the dirty paper, it is about time our people were coming to their senses but I dont suppose that time will ever come until the Millineum - I too wish they would have to go out of business and they will some day old Kearns wont last for ever but I guess the devil will find some other Miserable crowd to do his dirty work - even after Kearns, Cannon and the Goodwins are dead and gone - I hope You have receved the silk gloves I sent You and if You like them I may send You another pair by Mamma, at least I expect to send You something - when she comes home - I would never have thought there was such a diference in the price of gloves here out at home I thought the diference would be about 25¢ the Lisle gloves I sent You cost considerable more than the silk ones and I hope the wont get lost in route, I put them inside of a News Paper if You dont like the mitts You can give them away but I hope You will keep the best pair Well Mamma I have not finished answering Your letter this time but will do so next - Kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss her Mamma for Papa give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You both and all with lots and lots of loves hugs and Kisses for You both. I am as ever Your own Loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 5, p. 1] BAUR AU LAC [picture of city] PROMENADE DES QUAIS: 4 KM. Ouvert Toute l’année ZÜRICH Adresse télégraphique: Aug 17th06 BAURLAC Prop. C. KRACHT ETABLISSEMENT DE BAINS Á L’HOTEL. AUTOMOBILES - GARAGE - REPARATIONS. AFTERNOONTEA - CONCERT GRILLROOM - BAR. My Own Precious Mamma & Ruth we arrived here yesterday at 330 PM the folks stopped at the hotel at the top of this page looking out over lake Zurich a most beautiful picture, George and I went to the mission headquarters with President Ballif where we had a fine bed and good food much better than we have at 97 - we held a fine meeting last evening - and shook hands [ltr. 5, p. 2] 2 with all the saints - and the people were delighted to see the folks - the diferent branches are all in hopes Papa will visit them but some of them will be disapointed becaus He co’nt visit them all, we leave at 305 to day for Lucerne one and a half hour train ride from here, it has been raining all night and is still hard at it and unless it stops we wont be able to see the Alps - for Clouds but we are in hopes to see it clear up. there are lots of Americans visiting here and they are a swell lot it looks good to see them, I am having the time of My life, how I wish You could see all these beautiful places and I [ltr. 5, p. 3] hope You may some day - we have not Yet seen Willard - Papa suceeded in getting a telegram from his President stating that they had located him way up in Russia and that it would be the 23rd before he could reach us so Papa wired him to come direct to Paris - he will loose all this beautiful trip but will go with us to London from Paris, there are lots of beautiful things shops here in Zurich but their prices are high and they think Americans are Made of Money - we cant under- stand the people and I tell You it is a nuisance although lots of the clerks talk broken english - but while we were in Berlin I noticed it worse than [ltr. 5, p. 4] I have here maby it is becaus we have not been so long in Zurich well Mamma I will finish writing to You from Lucerne - I hope You will be able to read this I have been writing it while the folks are wating for Me and using My suit case for a table - the - beautif- -ul mountains here look so Much like ours at home and they say at Lucerne and further up they took even more home like all the folks have been writing home - Papa and Mamma are standing the trip fine and so am I and I feel fine I am packing up and hate the thoughts of going back to 97 - but we expect to be in London by the 28th by by Mamma love to You and Ruth from Papa [ltr. 5, p. 5] PS. The folks send Love to You [picture of hotel] HÔTEL VICTORIA & ENGLISCHER HOF ALB. REIDWED, PROPRE LUCERNE HÔTEL INTERNATIONAL AULAC LUGANO. Aug 17th06 Dear Millie and Ruth Here we are at Lucerne arrived safely and how beautiful it is and right on the shore of Lake Lucerne we took a ride on the lake in a gasoline launch and it was just fine the Mountains are beautiful and large streams of clear Mountain water beat anything I ever saw, and tourists by the thousands are here for their vacation and there [ltr. 5, p. 6] 2- is no more beautiful place in the world - there is nothing like nature it beats all, the Lord knew what he was doing when he made this beautiful world, we took in some of the most important places and this evening we are going to see the Lion Monument, I will send You a card of it - it is supposed to be one of the grandest things in Lucerne and in fact in the world - well Mamma we have seen the Monument and it is certainly grand cut right in the solid rock well Mamma - it is now the 19th I have not been able to finish this letter as Yet becaus of our continued travel but we are now located at [ltr. 5, p. 7] Interlaken at the Hotel Jungfau - a fine place and I can tell You Dearie there are some swell people here - we got here last evening and after Supper all the people got togged out in their very best and it was a swell crowd - some of the swellest costumes I ever saw - and jewels galore - and women were smoking their cigarettes as unconcerned as You please - it has been raining two days steady and this morning it is still coming down - in a steady stream, and dont look as tho it would let up to day - we crossed the Alps Yesterday - in the Cog Railway - it is quite a trip [ltr. 5, p. 8] but we could not see the grandure of the Mountains on a count of the rain and hanging clouds - but we had a nice sail on another lake which took about one hour and a half before we arrived here -there was a big crowd and lots of them were Yankees. this place is made up of Hotels - and You would be surprised to see so Many Americans, in fact most of the tourists are Yankees, we leave here at 11 oclock for Berne and from there to Paris where we expect to see Willard Well Millie Dear I will close for this time May the Lord bless You and Ruth - give My love to all the folks - I love My precious Mamma and baby and send love to You with lots of love hugs Kisses - from Your effectionate Husband & Papa Alvin [ltr. 6, p. 1] HOTEL NATIONAL BERN Aug 20th06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth we arrived here in Bern Yesterday Morning from Interlanken - we found the Elders at the Depot we came to the Hotel then we went to Meeting - and attended conference with the Saints and Elders of this branch - I met Elder Langford and several others, including Bro Faneger of the 21st Ward, He knows You. we had a fine meeting we all had to speak, - again in the evening we held a Priest- hood meeting, and it was the best I was ever at Papa and Bro Nibley did the talking and they were certainly [ltr. 6, p. 2] were blessed with the Spirit of the Lord it was grand - and Most of the boys here have the Spirit of their missions and travel with out purse or scrip and the Lord blesses them and takes care of them and they make friends and and converts, and it almost makes me wish I had been sent to this Mission the Elders are a fine lot of people some of the finest boys I ever met - well Mamma I will finish this later it is now 630 and we have to eat breakfast and leave here at 7 AM for Paris, - - Well Mamma here we are in Paris and I will finish this letter on Grand Hotel Paper - So You [ltr. 6, p. 3] 12. Boulevard des Capucines Paris, le ........................190 3 [printed picture of hotel] GRAND HÔTEL - PARIS TELEPHONES 235-48_235-49_235-51 Chauffage central dans toutes les chambres [drawn in hand pointing to hotel] can see what kind of a place we are at, it is pretty rich for My Blood but I guess I can stand it, the cross, Shows where Papa and Mamma are George and I are on the second floor in the middle of the Hotel the other building You see a portion of is the Grand Opera House of Paris, and the finest thing of the kind in the world we expect to take it in tomorrow evening, it was six oclock when we got here - it took about twenty minutes to come from the station and after we had washed up and had supper we took a stroll around for about twenty minutes, then we come back to the Hotel and I took a good bath and George is now doing like wise I felt awful dirty, it was quite dusty traveling to day but I feel fine now we expect Willard here tomorrow and next day or Wednesday we expect to take Cooks touring , and see the City of couse we will look around some tomorrow Say Mamma [ltr. 6, p. 4] You aught to see the pretty dressed people - it almost dazzles ones eyes - I never saw anything to surpass what we have seen on this trip - this world is a world of Society and what some people call pleasure - and if You could see the people at this Hotel and how they put on the style it would do Your eyes good - well I thought that Interlanken beat anything but this is just about the same and so much more of it and such a lot of the people are Yankees I never saw prettier dresses in My life and You know how I always admired You and Your dresses and how well they fit, well that is just the way with the people here and it does one good to see them with their evening dresses and long trains dragging behing - I have not seen bear skin” dresses to amount to any thing in the Hotel but every one is well dressed, George told the folks that he had seen Millie dressed just as pretty as any of these and so have I. and how well I remember the first time we went to the Theatre You looked sweeter than any I have seen, I did see a very pretty girl on the train to day She sat opposite Me in the driving car, she was just as pretty as she could be - she looked so much like You that I feasted My eyes on her while I feasted [ltr. 6, p. 5] [Grand Hotel Letterhead] 4 My self on a good dinner, she is the first girl I have seen that looked and reminded Me of You, No I think I saw one other girl that reminded Me of You and I think I told You about it, but this one was really like You in looks and size - so You can just bet I enjoyed looking at her, well Mamma dear I will be able to tell You more about Paris in a couple of days after I have seen it, the parts I have seen are much the same as London, that is the down town part of London lots of people and traffic every thing is hustle and bustle so far and the people as a rule are well dressed, especially all the women there are not Many children, but then You know these people dont believe in having babys, a poodle dog is enough for them, at supper this evening there sat all around us women smoking their cigarettes just as unconcerned as did the men this is a swift town and it is done [ltr. 6, p. 6] in fine style and with better taste than in London and the women are leaders, and all they think of is worldly pleasures and fine clothes, Paris leads the world then I guess comes New York and thirdly London, wait until next Year and we will see these sights together George has just come in from his bath and it is getting late so I will finish telling You about these people after I have seen more of them and when I write again I am well and have gained cons- iderable, in the past ten days and I hope I can continue to pick up even when I get back in London we expect to be there for next Sunday we will leave here Thursday evening or Friday morning going to Brussells which is a second Paris and from there we go to London, and I just feel like the old saying, I dont care if I never go back, Well Mamma give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss Mamma for Papa, George sends his love to You so also does Papa and Mamma and Bro & Sister Nibley and Alex - May the Lord bless You and Ruth and preserve You from all harm and sickness - is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa Alvin P.S. Lots of Love hugs and Kisses for You both XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr 7, p. 1] GRAND HOTEL 12 Boulevard des Capucines PARIS Chauffage á la Vapeur Le..Aug 23......190..6 Steamheating Jardin d’Hiver My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Alex and I have been out hunting trunks we finally located them and had them sent to London - they have not been a bit of use to the folks this is the worst country in the world to keep track of Baggage, Yesterday we took Cooks excursion - and went by automobile out to Versailles - we were gone all day visited all the palaces and other places of interest saw all the fine State Carriages old Churches & Etc it was very hot but we enjoyed it very much Mamma was almost done up when we got back - and in the eveining we went to the Grand Opera [ltr. 7, p. 2] 2- House and saw the opera Faust - in french the prod- uction was the finest I
ever saw, it was simply grand and the singing could not be beat - and it is certainly the Grandest Opera House I ever saw it is the best in the world well it is simply impossible to describe it - and aftereach act the people all go out into the corridors and prominade up and down the long halls and You can just emagin what a sight it is to see them all - and hundreds of Americans - among them - I never saw so Many Yankees before since I left home as there is here in Paris, Paris is not such a beautiful city as Berlin and it is not kept so clean but it is pretty swift from all appearances - it is a very buisy place but hardly so much so as London we will leave here in the morning for Brussells and [ltr. 7, p. 3] from there to London. So I will be back home before I know it - You know what I mean by. home London is My home - until I am released and after then of course Zion will be we expect to go upon the Effil Tower to day - we have been through some of the Art Galleries, but it would take a Month to see all there is here to be seen, becaus it is no small place, I have not had a letter from You since I was at Berlin but I presume there are several at London for Me - besides I have not Yet answered this one Yet so I guess I will look it over and do so now, I believe I did start but - didn’t finish, - You make reference to the gloves - they are More expensive here in Paris than in London, I will get You some of the extra long ones and You can cut them off if they are to long this is the way lots of people do - and I may get You a pair each - of white and black - goodness - but Ladies gloves are expensive at home I expect to hear how You like the silk ones I sent You, by the time I get back to London - and I hope You got the Lisle ones also that I put in the News Paper - Alice Reynolds will be home about now that is mean she will be in America and by the time You get this she will no doubt have called on You it is annoying to hear what she said about Me - the Idea of her telling Tuddenhomns such stuff - she was joshing - I think when I got back from Portsmouth I was down town with them [ltr. 7, p. 4] 4 [Grand Hotel Letterhead] the day I left for here or for Rotterdam they were sorry. I had to come away so soon, so You think You will have to keep watch on Me when they are around I guess they wont steel Me and I am quite sure I wont steel them but I had a good time while they were here and I hope they all call on You when they get in Salt Luke I didnt have time to send anything home with them but I will send You something by Mamma when she comes, I am so glad Your Papa is nearly better and I hope he will soon [ltr. 7, p. 5] 5- be perfectly well, I am so glad You are releived of some of the Choirs You used to have to do - and I am glad You are getting fat again You should see Me this trip has done wonders for Me I have gained ten pounds - at least I feel as tho I had I feel fine and eat like a horse, I do like to hear You tell of the cute things our baby does - I wish I could see her - do them well Mamma I will finish this when I get a few minutes Alex is ready to go and I dont want to Keep him waiting he sends his love to You so also do the rest of the folks --- [ltr. 7, p. 6] Aug 25 - Well Dearie it is 645 AM we are here in Brussells - arrived Yesterday at about 12 oclock come to the Grand Hotell had dinner went out to Waterloo come home again anf then walked around town for a while saw lots of swell shops and people - Brussells I think just as fine a city as Paris it is not so large and dirty and it is just as swell a place - Willard met us in Paris - we took him out to see the sights - in a Auto and he was afraid he would be killed - he is not used to crowds but we got him home safe he is fat as can be - we leave here at 930 for London - so I will be back at the old stand pretty Quick - but I dont expect to do any business for at least another week I will write to You again from there as soon as I arrive I expect several letters from You when I get there - the folks expect to leave for home in two weeks from Yesterday so You will see them before long I wish I was coming home with them - but I am not. Well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all and May the Lord bless You and Ruth and preserve You from all harm and danger is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa - with lots of loves hugs & Kisses from Your sweet heart - Alvin [ltr. 8, p. 1] [picture of coat of arms] HOTEL CECIL STRAND. W.C. TELEPHONE No. 4882 GERARD. TELEGRAMS “CECELIA, LONDON.” Aug 27th06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth here I am at the Hotel Cecil we landed in London Saturday night we left Ostend about 230 by boat for Dover, the wind was blowing and when we got out on the North sea - the people began to get sick. I tell You it was rough and at times the old boat looked as though it would go clear out of sight the watter went clear over the deck, Mamma and the two Nibley girls and My self and Bro Nibley were powerful sick - Papa and George & Willard were not I went inside so that I would not get wet and when I got inside - and saw people throwing up all around Me it set Me agoing - and how I did [ltr. 8, p. 2] spew, I was not sick, exactly but the surroundings were to much for Me Luther Howell was awful sick and so was Mamma and the girls finally I decided I would go out on deck where I could get fresh air and after that I was allright - but I never saw so much vomiting and so many sick before, and what a mess some of them were in - and they were so sick that they throw up all over the star cases, floors carpets & all and, one fellow thought I was crazy, becaus - I couldn’t keep but laugh at the rest allthough I was vomiting My self - it was a funny sight and as far as I am concerned I prefer a calm sea when I go on the water, we had a lovely time in Brussells allthough we were not there long - London looks just the same we held two good meetings Yesterday and the saints served lunch at the hall, and they all seemed pleased to see Me - to day I got up early and came down town to look after Mammas and Bro Nibleys trunk they are holding a Priesthood Meeting I couldn’t get the trunks so I come on down to the Hotel and took the folks up to Farleigh Road and came [ltr. 8, p. 3] 3 back - I succeeded in getting Papa’s only the other will be here tomorrow, so I was to meet the folks here at two oclock and they have not yet put in a apperance and it is three oclock - so I thought I would spend the time writing to You, I received two letters from You Saturday night when I got Home and another this morning - or at least just as I was leaving to come down here - I was mighty pleased to get them and especially to learn that You are well this is a great comfort to Me I have had a lovely time with the folks and I dread [ltr. 8, p. 4] 4 [Hotel Cecil Letterhead] the thoughts of them leaving - You said that some one told You Papa was going to bring Me home with him - I am not like the fellow that wouldnt come but that is a mistake - who ever said it. I am doomed for another 8 or 10 Months I guess - they are going to Scotland tomorrow and expect to come back to London in about a one week and they sail for home one week from Next Friday so in about one More Month You will see them back in Zion, I will send You something with them well Dearie the folks have just come so I [ltr. 8, p. 5] will finish this later on, well Mamma I have just returned from a shopping trip with Mamma, and she has come to the conclusion that London is the place - she thinks it is better than any of the others, but I guess it is becaus the beautiful stares are so much nicer than any other place we have been we only went to a few places, and we are all going to the Theatre this evening to see “His House in Order” this will be the third time I have seen it. Saville is hanging onto Alice Nibley, You would think he had a case on, well Mamma it is time to leave for the show will write some more in the morning, Aug 28th Here I am again down at the Hotel - I got home at 1230 last, President Grant & Wife, William Chase George, Luther Howell & My self - went to 97 - and the other folks went to the Hotel and I have been out again this morning looking for Trunks and I have finally got them and landed safely at the Hotel - this is the worst country for handling baggage I have been about four hours finding the last trunk it is now ten minutes to one, and we all leave for Scotland at two - so we have got to leave here in a few minutes I will get settled down one of these days and answer [ltr. 8, p. 6] Your litters - I have been kept buisy since the folks arrived and I hope to enjoy their comp- any some time Yet it is a pleasure to do things for them - they expect to return to London Next Monday and spend the week here and then go home well Mamma - I do wish You were here - I do love You and Ruth May the Lord bless You both - and preserve You give My love to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folks - with lots of loves hugs and Kisses for You both I am as ever Your loving husband and Papa PS Alvin I hope You can read this I have had to write it sections and then hurry like everything