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, Jun 1905 MSS 7952 [ltr. 1, p. 1] Salt Lake City June 1, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I have just put our precious little baby to bed so now I will endevor to answer your letters one I received Mon- day and another yesterday and I can tell you they were gladly re- ceived. We had started to wash Monday when I got your letter but I had plenty of time to read your loveing letter nevermind what I am doeing I always have time for that. Well Dearie it pleases me to hear that you are doeing so well if you keep on and of course you will by the time you come [ltr. 1, p. 2] 2. home you will be a fine preacher. I guess you do’nt like tracking very much when you get the door slammed in your face but I suppose you have to have a little of every thing. Yes F. J. Cannon is home now his son did’nt come with him is he on a mission in England – how long has he been there? If he is the kind of a man you say he is I do’nt see how it is that he has anything to do with his father, but then I suppose it is his father I received the picture I think that You and Willard look the best, but poor Chase it looks as though he had a slice cut off of the side of his face – it is true the work is not very good, but for all that I was very pleased to get it. I will also be pleased to get one of you in your new cloths. I tried to get a laughing picture [ltr. 1, p. 3] 3. of the baby but she moves her hands every time and every one is blured and Mr. Savage says he cant get a laughing picture of her, but I am going to try to get him to finish one of them if he will so you can see her teeth she looks so cute in one of them. I did’nt have mine taken with her you have several of me and I did’nt want it taken again right now. Ruth is so cute she says “Mama[-]m” and “Pa Pa” and once in a while she will say “Tat ta” and sometimes shake her hand She just loves to get on the floor and now she begins to try to pull her self up. She does think Mocah is fine he will let her pull him and will play with her so cute. I thought she would have another tooth by this time, but they seem to be so long coming through. [ltr. 1, p. 4] 4. Yes Bertha minds the baby when we go to the Theatre. Mamma and I went Monday night. Joe took us down in the buggy and of course Bertha and the baby went too and then they went for a ride and the little tad did’nt go to sleep until I came home and she never murmured. After they got back from driveing she romped and played and would’nt go to sleep, I guess the reason was that she had a long sleep after her bath and then another about five o’ clock. She has never stayed awake like that before. The play was an opera called “The Beggar Student” given by the B. Y. College at Provo under the direction of Professor Lund. It was fine for amatures the chorus work was extra fine. I am glad you go to the theatre occasionly It must have been horrible to go [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5. through that Tower but we like to see these things even if they are horrible I would like to have been with you. I told you in a previous letter who went to California. I saw Emly last night she said they just had a fine time she enjoyed the trip immensely, but she was sea sick going to Catalina Islands I am like you I hope some day that you and I can go to-gether. Now Deary you know you would nt rather stay home and let us take the trip you have just taken you know you are tickeled to death to be over there and Ruthy darling and mamma at home now are’nt you? fess up. I mean to fix the picture like those we had on the west wall in the parlor (prospateau) I think I told you that Calvin is home . I told you in my last letter about Alice Roberts baby yes it has three pock marks one on its nose and [ltr. 1, p. 6] 6. two on its hand – has blue eyes and light hair. I did’nt find my perfume. I told you all about the Sugar Stock in a previous letter I am so glad your cold is better and I am glad that you were careful while on the boat and I hope you will always be care ful and take good care of your self I am glad you went to see Sister Everard and that she treated you so well I guess she was pleased to see you. It must have been a fine sight to go through the Kings stables. King George’s coach must be a beauty It is pretty old is’nt it. So you have got your Prince Willie I am glad now if you can just get a little bit fatter you will look better in them I know you will look fine in them but I guess you look thinner and you do’nt need to do that. I will be [ltr. 1, p. 7] 7. glad to get your picture. I guess you do’nt eat very much – deary I wish you would go to a restaur- and onece in a while and get a square meal and do’nt get sick for the want of something to eat. I wish you could get some good milk like we have as you like it so well. Do’nt be afraid to let me know when you need som money and do’nt wait until you hav’nt any Tuesday was Decoration Day Mamma and Bertha & Joe and Ruth & I went up to the Ceme- tary Joe pushed the buggy and some times Mamma and I would get kind of at the back and then people would size Bertha and Joe up and when the met any one they knew they got g[--]ed, but they took it in good part, We went over to Al’s and had supper and then we came home. It was [ltr. 1, p. 8] 8. quite a jaunt and we were all tired out. Yesterday I went to Ida’s and stayed all day The carriage was going down for Mellissa to go up home so I went down in it and when it brought her home I came back in it Ida and the children are well but Hyrum has sprained his ankle again the horse stumble and fell rolling on him. It happen- ed last Friday and yesterday was the first time he went out he got some crutches from Carl Badger and went up town in the carriage and came back in it. I spent a real pleasant day. Mocah had to tag along of course I shut him in the house but I had’nt pushed the hook down far enough on the b[-]ck s[-]rene and he banged against it and got out. I can’t move for him. [ltr. 1, p. 9] 9. Your mother came down in the carriage and we came up to-gether she said the girls each got a letter and she got one and a picture your father had’nt got his picture yet. We have had summer with a vengence the last three days I do’nt know what I will do if it gets much hotter I sometimes wish I was like you – did’nt feel the heat so much. I hav’nt written to Mrs. Field as yet I do’nt like to write letters I am getting tired of it all ready I would rather talk to you I aught not to grumble when you have so many to write but then you like it I like to get them, but do’nt like to write them. Well deary we are all well and all the folks send love and are glad to hear that you are well and getting along so well. [ltr. 1, p. 10] 10. Bertha wants to know which you would rather do take tracts from door to door or take tracks from (the back) door (to the barn) door and milk the cow? Well deary you say you love me now you know you do’nt, but I love you better than I know how to tell you and I tell Ruth how much you love her – after a while she will understand better. I tell you she understands a good deal now. When Mocah runs after a wagon and barks a calls as loud as she can “hea” “hea” I think that is pretty cute. Well deary I think I must say night night With lots of love and hugs and kisses and may the lord bless and protect you is the prayer of your love- ing wife, Millie x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 2, p. 1] #1. Salt Lake City, June 6, 1905 My Own Dear Alvin: I have just got home from Nells - Mamma and I went as far for a car ride Ruth seemed to enjoy it – The boys have two rabbits and they brought one in the house and the dog played with it and Ruth played with both of them she laughed and had lots of fun - she has gone to sleep now so I thought I would answer your letter of May 24 before I go to bed. I received it yesterday and I was glad to get it I assure you so the boys thought they would tease you a little about not getting a letter when they did, but you [ltr. 2, p. 2] 2. see “he who laughs last laughs best” When you got yours they did’nt have one. You think there must have been something wrong because I said I did’nt get a letter for a week and a half – Deary it was two weeks all but a day that I was without a letter you see sweet- heart you was a little over a week going from Boston to Liverpool and then it took the letter the same amount of time to get back to Boston and you see that is how it was. I got the letters you mailed at Queens- town by the same mail as the one you wrote at Liverpool the next morning after you arrived. I have received sixteen letters from you since you left home 9 before you sailed and seven since you landed. These figures makes it look as though I have been rather [ltr. 2, p. 3] 3. stingy when you say you have only received six of course that was two weeks ago so you have more than that by this time. The letter that I wrote to the boat has’nt been returned as yet so it must have got lost some how or other. Well Deary while I am talking about letters I may as well tell about the registared one. I went to the post office to day and Spence Chambers said that he could’nt give it to me unless I could give him a paper with your full name on and of course your letter was just signed “Alvin”. So I went to Kessler and he said he would sign for it and let me have it but in the mean- time Chambers looked for it and found that it had gone. He said he thought it was returned to Mr. Timby so I went to Mr. Timby [ltr. 2, p. 4] 4. and he said that the letter had not been returned to him but that he had the receipt, and he showed it to me, showing that Jos. Cushing an employee at the Church office had signed for and re- ceived it. So when I got home I tel- ephoned to your father to ask him a bout it but he and your mother had gone to Ogden. Timby said it was your cancelled policy and that there was two dollars come- ing to you and the check for that amt. was in the letter. I do’nt know wether it has been sent to you or not – I will try to find out to-morrow. I tell you I think that that man Cushing had his nerve with him to do that and another thing how did they know any thing about it. I am going to go to the post office and tell them that I want all of your mail sent to me and not to the [---] [ltr. 2, p. 5] 5. Wagon, or the Church Office or you mothers. The little girl tel- ephoned up a week last Saturday that there was a notice there (for you) for a registared letter so I got Bertha to go the folling Mon- day at noon and Romney said he had sent it to you mother. She said it did’nt come so I guess they must have taken it to your father and that is how they knew about it. Of course the letter dos’nt amount to much but it would be just the same if it did. I numbr ed one of my letters and I have for-gotten to do so every since so I will start by numbering this one. Ruthy darling has another tooth this time it is at the bottom and I do’nt think it will be very long be- fore she has another. You ask me how I was treated by the Bee Hive folks – very nice and I was invited to go down to din- [ltr. 2, p. 6] 6. ner and stay all day maby I will go down some day, but not to dinner. I guess I can get en- ough to eat with out going to the Bee Hive where food is so scarce. I took the baby in her buggy down town the other day I just love to take her and she is so heavy to carry and if I take her in her buggy it is quite a walk before I get back, but I am going to try to get used to walk- ing. I used to be a good walker but I have got bravely over it. Papa dear I do hope you will take good care of your self and be very careful when you are around Mr. Young he must have the whooping cough and you know any thing like that is contagious so do be careful. I hope you do’nt sleep in the same room as he does. Harry told me to tell you that one of Grant Hamptons brothers was in London going to school I think his [ltr. 2, p. 7] 7. name is Roy or Bob for short. I hav’nt seen Lillian since you left Ida told me that Lillian told her that she had the blues so much but I do’nt wonder at it. The con- dition she is in. I hav’nt seen Miner- va for some time, but she borrowed my coat pattern so I guess she needed something to cover her up. I saw the Ashtons out in front as we went by in the car this even- ing she is still on her feet she had that old wropper on that looks like a night gown He has got his board fence up. I saw Will Davis on the street the other day and he wished to be re- membered. C. W. wife was on the porch as we passed to night in the car and she is going to have a baby and before long from the looks of her they have moved across the street from where the did live. [ltr. 2, p. 8] 8. Sunday I went to fast meeting at the Temple we had a very nice meeting. Ruth was’nt awake when I went and I did’nt like to wake her she slept until half past ten and then mamma took her out side in her buggy and she was just a good as gold it was half past twelve when I got home and she had- nt had any thing to eat since six o’ clock. Really she is the best baby I ever saw. I hurrid out as soon as meeting was over and just as I got out of the gate the car went around the corner so I walked up as far as the Easle Gate and while waiting there Dr. Talmage came along he was also waiting for a car finaly the first street came and Dr. T. paid my fare he said he did’nt get a chance to ride with me very often – He asked about you and wished to be remember- ed to you. Well deary if you have Bro Groosbeck [ltr. 2, p. 9] 9. for your partner you certainly will look like before and after a mission but I hope your mission wont make you as fat as he is or else I will have to tell you like his mother did him that he had better walk some of that off before he comes home. I am glad that Sister Everard is so kind to you does she have her own horses and carriage? My Own dear papa I guess it is hard to go tracting, but you must have “faith” and “faith” is unadulter- ated gaul. Mamma’s eyes are quite bad she went to the doctor yesterday and he says she has an ulcer on the side of the right he thinks he can fix it all right she has got to go to him every day. Well deary we are all well and all the folks send love to you. So you think that when you get dressed up in your new [ltr. 2, p. 10] 10. suit that that is a case where the cloths make the man I do’nt agree with you – you are just a good in you old yellow over- alls as you are in your new suit I would like to see you in it I know you must look swag- ger, but I guess I will see you in it if I wait long enough. Two years is a long time it seems to me that the time goes awfully slow you can bet I will be glad when you are home again. Well deary I cant think of any thing to tell you unless it is that I love you with all my heart and soul and I pray for you always & may the lord bless you and watch over you at all times with lots of love and hugs and kisses, I remain your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x from Ruth and Mamma. [The following two lines were written on the left edge perpendicular to the original text] Deary the ferns are so pretty and they kept just fine not one of them got broken. [ltr. 3, p. 1] #2. Salt Lake City, June 9, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Tonight Lucy Gates gave a concert in the tabernacel - mamma and I went with Zina & Fanny it was real good but her did’nt appeal to me as it did when I first heard her Ida and all the Bomans were there. Ida said Hyrums foot was not quite so well. I was going to answer your dear letter, which I received yesterday morning, last night but Eva Tud came down so I thought I must answer it before I got to bed . I expected to send the babys picture by the last mail but it wasnt finished and I was to get it to-day – Bertha went for it and it was’nt done. She said [ltr. 3, p. 2] [page written upside down in comparison to the front page] 2. they were so buisy with graduat- ing pictures I feel like going down and telling her that Ruths were taken first I hope to be able to send it by the next mail. Deary you do’nt know how glad I am to get your letters even if it was blue I could tell how you were feeling from the way it was written I know how you miss us and how lonesome it is for you, but see- ing that you have got to stay there until your mission is fulfilled I hope the Lord will bless and comfort you, but I guess we are all alike it is hard to throw off that blue feeling, but then we must. I guess when you read this you will think it is one thing say it and another thing to do it. This letter is dated 24th the same as the last one you must have written them the same day. I gave Bertha hers and she said she will answer it soon. She was glad to hear from you [ltr. 3, p. 3] 3. She tended the baby to-night while we went to the concert Joe wanted her to go but she said no she would tend Ruth. The baby like Bertha if she do’nt take her when she comes home from work she cries for her. Oh deary I just wish you could see her she is so cute when I go to take her out of her tub she grabs the side to hold her self in. She still likes her bath but she do’nt like to have her face washed. Mrs. Tarbert was on the porch the other morning when mam- ma was takeing the milk she had Ruth with her and Mrs. Tarbert walked down to the gate to see the baby and she said what a beautiful baby and she is so pretty. Mamma said you had gone on a mission and she said I do’nt see how he could leave that baby. Even Mrs. McIntyre said what a lovely, pretty baby she is and she said she looks so healthy. No body knows better than you and I what a [ltr. 3, p. 4] 4. dear sweet darling she is do they? Well deary I am not answering you letter. You say dry goods are very cheap over there I should think those collars are cheap if they cover the shoulders for $.50 I have’nt got my collar as yet I thought maby I would get it to day because newspapers come as second class matter, but I did’nt get it as yet. I have told you all about the sugar Stock and if we did’nt handel it as you wished and there is any more to take up let either Bro. Nelson or I know if you wish one to hold it longer than we did the other. I heard to-day that Uncle Sam has declared a dividend is that stock in your name? Does Bro Nelson attend to it for you? It is $.37 to day. Yes deary I got the picture you sent me I like it real well, but the finish is not very good I think you look a little pale but you generally do in a picture. I am anxious to get the one with your [ltr. 3, p. 5] 5. new suit and top hat and then I can see how you look as a preacher. Do you wear your long coats and top hats when you hold street meetings or just on Sunday. I do’nt blame you for not likeing to go tracting alone I would’nt like it either and the street meetings I have tried to emagine you on the corner preaching but I ca’nt Deary I want you to write to me always just as you feel even if it is preaching I know I need it, but I never was very religious It is not in me and if I had to go to meeting as much as some people go I would die I suppose when you come home that it will be noth- ing but meetings. You know I do’nt keep the word of wisdom I have a different view of the word of wisdom to what you do. I think it is wis- dom to take what you think will do you good. I dont believe in taking things in excess I never did. Alvin if my body did’nt take any more than I do there would never be a drunkard in the world. You always [ltr. 3, p. 6] 6. have kept the word of wisdom ever since and before I knew you so that is one thing that you have’nt got to learn to do now. Deary I did think I would leave this part of your letter unanswered, but I did’nt I know you wo’nt like the way I have answered it but I am not two faced I never pretend to be what I am not. You say it was about 5:30 here when you wrote the letter I am now answering and maby Ruth is in her chair she seldom sits in her chair in the evening. I put her in her chair first thin when she gets up some times she gets up with me and sometimes I sneak out with out her, We go down to milk and then have breakfast then comes Ruths bath and then either mam- ma or I take her out in her buggy until she goes to sleep she gen- erally sleeps from three to five hours and when she gets up it is dinner and then out of doors again of course when it is very hot I keep her in the house until it gets a little cool. We have had lovely [ltr. 3, p. 7] 7. cool weather for a few days thats the way we have it and then it is so hot we can hardly live and then it is cool again I telephoned your father about your letter and he said he got it and opened it and then gave it to Hyrum because it said in it that the policy was cancelled at Hyrums request. Hyrum has’nt said a word to me about it. I do’nt kow wether he sent it to you or not. All the folks send love to you Harry came up the other day at noon he said he was going to write to you have you heard from Willard and George? I suppose you have. I see by the paper that Snows have a baby girl yesterday morning. She must have counted wrong. When you spoke about the half sox in Bertha’s letter it reminded of Ida. She has made Geraldine a pretty little dress of Irish point embroirdery and she said she had got her some little blue silk [ltr. 3, p. 8] 8. sox that come half way up. I never did like those things. I will tell you what it looks like when I see it. We have got twenty little chickens and three more hens setting. I saw Benny and Emma Goddard on the car tonight thy asked about you and wished you every success. Deary I wish I knew of something intresting to tell you but I do’nt so I guess I will say night night. Sweetheart I love you with all my heart and I know you love us both and I hope the Lord will bless you and be with you at all times to comfort you and make your labors easy for you. With lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma I remain as ever your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. I do’nt know what Ruth will do when papa comes home for she is not much of a kisser once in a while she will kiss me. I will try to get her used to it. [ltr. 4, p. 1] Letter 3. Salt Lake City, June 13, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Your letter dated May 31th came to hand yesterday and I was so pleased to hear from you and to hear that you were well for some how or other I felt worried I feared you were sick although your letter I received Wednesday said you were well. Some times the London Mail gets in Saturday night and then we do’nt get it until Monday so I got Bertha to go to the post office Sunday but there was no letter, but I got it yesterday [ltr. 4, p. 2] 2. and then I felt releived when your letter said you was well. Deary I do’nt see how it was that you had been over a week without a letter I have written every week and nearly always twice a week so you should have gotten them. I know you must feel lonesome when you do’nt get a letter once a week If I have been out I have sat up after I come home to write to you so that you would’nt be so long without a letter. I am so glad you went to Sister Everards Sunday and had a nice time how I would have liked to have had you come to see me on Sunday. There has only been about two Sundays that hav’nt dragged since you left. Last Sunday was an awful long day I thought it never would go. We stayed home all day. [ltr. 4, p. 3] 3. So they have chosen you Pres- ident of the Branch well deary I am glad to hear it - it shows how rappidly you are getting on with your work and I hope you will be able to get the prayers and good feelings of the people over whom you preside and I feel sure that you will. I hope your counsel- ors will be conjenial and that you will be able to work well together. I see you are still holding street meetings about how many do you hold a week? I also got the cards they are very pretty especially the picture of “Miss Gabrielle Ray” Also my collar I like it real well it is very pretty and I think it is cheap for fifty cents. Now deary I am going to send [ltr. 4, p. 4] 4. you something by this mail. Ruthy darlings pic- tures. Bertha went for them yesterday and they werent done and the girl said we run out of papers and that is why we could’nt get them done, but that they would finish them on some more paper she said it was more expensive I like the gray finish very much but her eyes do’nt look very bright in them so I thought I would send you one finished on the other paper and if you do’nt want it you can give it to Sister Everard She moved in all the lauging pictures consequently they were all blured, but I got Mr. Savage to finish one so you could see her teeth it looks awfully [-]ist It really [ltr. 4, p. 5] 5. do’nt look as good as the proof to me but I am going to send it so you can see her teeth. The more you look at the big one the better you like it at least that is the way with me. I do hope you will like them. It was so hot yesterday and her little gums are swolen she was a little fussy, but she has been fine to-day I guess she is like her mamma feels the heat when you say you can hardly keep warm it make me wish I was over there Ruth is getting so cute when we take her up and down the door yard when she gets to the gate she wants to go out she does like to go up and down the side walk I had her out there until dark to night in [ltr. 4, p. 6] 6. she is out until dark every night it is so pleasant in the evenings. Zina cane up Saturday and stayed all day. And we went right from here to the Theatre it was Mr. Frawley in “Ranson’s Folly” it was quite good kind of out of the ordinary. Zina brought us three boxes of strawberries Sister Nibly sent your mother a case from Oregon. The Utah National Bank sent your bank book to me with the returned checks and there is $3.71 to your credit there. George A. Davis is in the L. D. S. Hospital he has been oper- ated on for appendicitus. And is getting along fine. David and Emly called Sunday they had been up to see him Ashtons were with them. I didnt [ltr. 4, p. 7] 7. go out to the buggy because I was’nt cleaned up. David and Emly came in for a minute. Mammas eye isnt much better the doctor says it will be very slow as it has such a start she has to go to him every other day, and now she has got the poison ivy on her nose aside from that we are all well. Joe is here and he and Bertha and all the folks wish to be remembered to you and congratulate you in your new office. Well deary how does it seem to go to meeting so much any way? Bertha had a letter from Mrs. Field and she wish- ed to be remembered to you. She is thinking of coming to Salt Lake this fall. [ltr. 4, p. 8] 8. I made Ruth two little summer bonnets one for every day and one for best the best one is a little dutch bonned made of em bro[-]dery with pale blue rosets she looks so cute in it. I thought I would put blue on for a change. I think I must say night night for this time with lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma I re- main as ever you loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. [ltr. 5, p. 1] #4 Salt Lake City, June 16, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your most welcome letter Wednesday I was so pleased to hear that you was well and getting along so well tracting how does it feel to be turned down? I hav’nt had to pay any thing on your letters since that one so you see they are not so long after all, the longer the better. So you got soaked well I am glad you changed your cloths and I hope you will when you get wet so that you [ltr. 5, p. 2] 2. wont take cold so it makes you thin to carry what you eat I guess you do’nt eat very much do you get many strawberries we have them nearly every meal and then we have such nice cream for them do you get good milk to drink? Deary I did’nt say that you was selfish you are not and you know it, but I do like to go somewhere once in a while. I hav’nt heard any thing about the kodack I went in to see Smith about it and he said he did’nt see why they had’nt sent it – He said as soon as it came he would let me know It has been at least a month since he spoke to me about it. If I do’nt hear [ltr. 5, p. 3] 3. from him soon I will go and see him about it. I told you in one letter that Otterstrom telephoned about his gun and he said he would go and get it. I do’nt know wether he did or not, but I will ask your mother. So Brother Stevens is try- ing to break off with his girl that’s the way it goes and then the girls always get the blame for throwing the missionary over. I do’nt think he is very much in love with her if he was he would try to win her over when she says she dont want to live in Utah any more. Maby she is testing him and if this be the case she will soon decide that he do’nt love her. So Elder Freebourn thinks [ltr. 5, p. 4] 4. that old man Tout would’nt approve of him loveing his daughter. Has he told Nanny that he loves her? How is it that Arvill Clark is studdying in England now? the first time she went away she went to Berlin. I do’nt remember just what the teachers did say they did’nt do much preaching. Well deary I did think I would pay my tithing on the rent but I hav’nt done it yet. Farr’s have only paid one months rent. Last month about a week after the rent was due Mrs. Farr telephoned and said Mr. Farr was away and she expected him any day and as soon as he came home she would send the money up but she did’nt do it. It went on and I thought [ltr. 5, p. 5] 5. perhaps they would wait un- til the 15th of this month and pay the two months to gether but today is the 16th and they havnt sent it yet if they do’nt send it before Monday I am going to telephone and ask her for it. I hav’nt received Mr. Chapples magazine as yet. So you got your top hat and it is top heavy well I am anxiously awating your picture. So you think you look like you are trying to and ca’nt now deary you know you look fine and you know you think “I am it” I guess I will have to walk the other way when you come hom you will be so swell but you ca’nt be too swell to suit me You always look nice [ltr. 5, p. 6] 6. and I like to see you look that way. So you want me to put it in the bottom of my trunk well I will wait until I get it and then I can tell better what I will do with it. Say deary I just wish you could hear Ruth scold my but she has got a temper it is cute now she kicks and shakes her hands and scolds I guess she will get over that. Really she is the sweet- est thing she has got another tooth that makes four two at the top and two at the bottom and she still bites and her gums are swolen so I guess it wo’nt be such a great while until she gets some more You do’nt know how thankful I am that she keeps well, but I am just as careful as can [ltr. 5, p. 7] 7. be with her not to let her get in the sun and I keep her as cool as I can. The weather is so changeable Monday it was so hot we could hardly live and to-day it has just been lovely all day. You aught to hear Ruth call me when she wants me she says mama “mamam mamam mam” and just keeps it up and then she will sas “papa” in a string like that and to day she said “bye bye” Ed Ashton telephoned yesterday to know how much the folks wanted for this place he said they were all well and wished to be remembered to you. He said that Farrs are takeing real good care of our place they keep the lawn watered regular [ltr. 5, p. 8] 8. ly and every thing looks fine. Harry has got corn and potatoes on our land next to Ashtons. They have been flooded one or twice Nell told me. I do’nt know but I think Al’s wife Alice is all right she looks like it, but of course I would’nt say any thing to her. Emly is a pretty good size but nothing like she was the last time. Your father and mother were intending to go to Oregon this week but Martha has the chicken pox and she was going to take Martha and Emma with her so I do’nt know when they will go. Joe has just gone he wished to be remembered to you [ltr. 5, p. 9] 9. I was writeing to you Tues- day when he was down so he wanted to know if I wrote a letter every nigh I told him no just twice a week. Just think deary it will be two months to-morrow since you lift home My but that has been a long two months. All the folks wish to be re- membered to you.. Well my own dear papa I must say night night for this time with lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma. I remain as ever your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. P.S. Deary I think the cards are real cute the coloring is so pretty. [ltr. 5, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 1] #5 Salt Lake City, June 19, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your dear letter this morning you say you got two letters at once again I do’nt see how that is so I thought I would write a day earlier this time Of course I do’nt mind small writeing. Well deary I do’nt wonder at you being tired on Sunday it makes me more tired to go to meeting than it does to work hard, but of course that is your work now and I guess you are tired on Sunday as though you had [ltr. 6, p. 2] 2. been working all day. I try to emagine you sitting upon the stand with your councellors on either side and then getting up and anounceing the hymns and calling on the different elders to speak and now and again speaking your self. Well deary I guess it is hard, but then you can do it. You know how even if you have just started. You must have got your money’s worth if you saw so many breast works I like to see low neck dresses but I like to see them deceent, but I guess those people do’nt care the more they can show the better they like it. They ask plenty for their seats do’nt they? I was a strange co-incident about Nat Goodwin and his wife I saw by the paper that she was going to play in England [ltr. 6, p. 3] 3. and I was in hopes you would see her. Most people seem to think that their separation is just the beginning of a divorse and I would’nt wonder if it is. I am glad that you are not an actor if you were I would want to be “the leading lady” I am something like you I would- nt want to see you loveing some other woman. So you dreamed you came home how I wish it was time for you to come. I also dream- ed, about two weeks ago, that Ruth could walk, but she cant, she is getting so she likes you to hold her so she can feel her feet on the floor and some times she will take steps, but I do’nt let her bear all her weight on her feet as yet I think she will walk before the summer [ltr. 6, p. 4] 4. is over. Well deary I am glad you had a sweet dream of us when ever I dream of you you are always home but you are going away. I dreamed last night that you came home but you was going back. So Brother Groosbeck wishes his mother was near to look after his things well I guess it wo’nt be long until she can. His brother came down here to-day to see if I had a letter mamma told him I did and he wanted to know if you told me when Hyrum was coming home and mamma said you did’nt. I was’nt home. Ida telephoned this morning and wanted me to go to Calders Park so I went Brother Worthington called for me Lis was in the carriage and then we called for Ida and the children and then [ltr. 6, p. 5] 5. to Calders. Your mother and Sister Boman and Maggie cane down later on the car and then Bro. Worthington came for us and brought us home Ruth seemed to enjoy it fine but she got quite tired and I tell you I wished you had been along to help carry her. We had quite a nice time. We did’nt take lunch the releaf society of Granit Stake served a light lunch for ten cens you know Granit Stake runs the park this year. I asked your mother about Otterstroms gem and she said he called and got it. As we came back to-day Hyrum was home and he gave me the letter and the check it is just what you thought it was a cancellation of your policy. I did’nt ask Bro. Nelson how [ltr. 6, p. 6] 6. many shares you had paid for but Ruth and I each have eleven paid for. and I did’nt know how much the note was for, but I understood that you owed 70000 dollars on it when you left so that is just what you said. No I do’nt want you too sell the stock you have I wish we did’nt have to sell the new stock if you was home we would’nt, but you being away I guess it is best.2175 Hyrums foot is some better but you know he is too anxious to walk on it. Martha is better The assessment on the house is $800.00 and on the barn or the top of the lot $70. L[-]st years notice is in the desk and I never think of it when I am down there but next time I go down I will try to remember it. Now deary it is real sweet of [ltr. 6, p. 7] 7. you to think of buying me a hat, but I do’nt need one and even if you did get one how would you get it here and then maby it would’nt suit me yo know I ca’nt wear any shape like lots of people. Maby you could have got something for the babys coat but I have got some I will sent you a sample it cost a dollar a yard tell me how much it would cost over there if you happen to see some like it. I did think I would get Harry to varnish the babies buggy but that man has’nt time to live he has been painting about 4 or 5 buggies and then there is his garden they have about 600 tomato plants set out their place look just lovely but they both work too hard. Harry telephoned up to night he wanted to know about you and they all wish to [ltr. 6, p. 8] 8. remembered to you. I am sorry you ca’nt get good milk over there if they manufacton the milk what do yo do for cream do they mfg. that too. Yes I seem to have a plenty of dinner for the baby at least it seems to satisfy her. I did’nt even have a wrap on when I got weighed I weighed 126 and Ruth 19 we hav’nt been weighed since. Those big teeth are cute they are quite a way a part the bottom one are not so far apart. So you went swimming again I am glad you did but I hope you will be careful I am glad you like the boys and that the are nice fellows. Last night David and Emly called and I rode down as far in the buggy and came back on the car. Ruth was making [ltr. 6, p. 9] 9. eyes at two young men back of us and one said “is’nt she bright she is just like a little squirrel” that reminded me of you you know you used to call her a little squirrel. Nearly every body notices her and she smiles at every body Of course I left Mocah home and again to day he had to stay home he sulked all the time I was gone and when I got home he nearly had a fit you know how he acts. Well Svenson has gone to Omaha at last he has been gone a week as soon as he gets a place May and her sister Della are going to him they expect to go any day. It seems strange I feel just as you do about him but I hop for her sake also her mothers that he will always be a good husband to her. Her [ltr. 6, p. 10] 10 mother is a lovely woman Well deary I do hope that some- thing will turn up before you come home so I can come over and come home with you. That man Brown is a dandy is’nt he They are the kind that make it bad for the missionaries. Yes you told me what it cost you to live. They are getting along pretty well on South Temple they have got it all graded [--] the North side and the North track laid and one layor of th cement on. Some of it is fin- ished and they have started to grade the South side Your father was up in this ward to speak at the Sunday School Union meeting to-night I was at the gate when the went up first street I thought they [ltr. 6, p. 11] 11. would call as they came back but they did’nt. Your mother said she was going with him. Bertha did’nt go she was quite sick when she came home and was just covered with hives, but she felt a little better before she went to bed. All the rest of us are well and all the folks wish to be remembered to you. I am glad that Sister Everard is so kind to you Remember me to her. Well my own sweet papa I think I must close for this time with lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and I and may the Lord bless you and watch over you at all times is the prayer of your loveing wife, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x x x x x x over. [ltr. 6, p. 12] P.S. a sample of the goods and trimming of her coat I hav’nt got it finished as yet [ltr. 6, enclosure 1] [Included with this letter is a small piece of white lace wrapped in fabric] [ltr. 7, p. 1] #6 Salt Lake City, June 24, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I re- ceived your letter dated June 10th Wednesday I was so pleased to hear that you were well. It also pleases me to hear that you are getting along so well with your work. So you resined your position in favor of the new elders. How was it that you happen- ed to have two comforts to present to them ? is that what you used to comfort you when you was a little blue You must have been a hard [ltr. 7, p. 2] 2. baby to wean if it took two comforts to keep you quiet. I am glad you go to the theatre once in a while it must have been a grand sight at Covent Gardens Thea tre I read the account of it in the paper you sent me. So you have made up your mind that I am comeing over to Old England to come home with you I only hope that I can maby something will turn up. You spark the old marrid women do you? Well I guess that will be allright seeing that I am not there, but if I was it would’nt do. I think I will have to hunt up some old marrid man you wont mind if he is marrid will you? Say deary our precious little darling does like to go [ltr. 7, p. 3] 3. out I took her to the lake Thurs- day and she did enjoy it I took her on the merry goround and she just had the best time When I was walking up from the train she nearly twisted her head off first one way and then the other it seemed as though she was afraid she was going to miss something Al and Alice, Joe & Bertha and Mamma and I went out we had such a nice time the floor is just fine I danced three times I tell you Ruth is going to be a dancer when the music would play she would jump and clap her hands and I danced around with her and she thought it was fine. Last night Bertha and I went to a handkerchief shower at Hazel Calders for [ltr. 7, p. 4] 4. Eva Hudson we had a very nice time. Well deary Ruth has another tooth that makes five they look so cute. She is just fine and she gets cuter every day she tries to talk and she can wiggel along the floor a little now and today she tried to pul her self up by my dress and I picked her up and then put her down again and she did it about six times I do wish you could see some of her cute ways Every body thinks she is such a lovely baby and no body knows that any better than you and I. So you think you look a gauck in your new suit and hat now you know [ltr. 7, p. 5] 5. you do’nt you have a picture taken and send me and then I will tell you wether I think you look gaucky or not I am sorry your hair is still fall- ing out I wish you could get something to stop it falling out. I do’nt want you to get bald if you do you will have to get a wig like Lymans and you see if you wore one of those things it would’nt take much to jerk you bald headed. I hope the little red beads will keep you from haveing nose bleed. When I read where your hands were so cold you could hardly write it was 85 on our side porch in the shad. We have had a few real hot days. They all seem hot to me I guess Englands [ltr. 7, p. 6] 6. climate would just suit me. I hope you will be careful and not take cold When it storms over there it stays damp so long and I guess that is why you feell the cold so much. Well deary to morrow is Sunday your big day I do’nt know what I will do. When I was down to Ida’s three weeks ago I wanted to get a setting of eggs for mamma but she only had three so she gave me those and we made up a setting the hen hatched one and it happened to be one that Ida gave me. We had two biddies die and three got downed so we have only got 16 little chicks now. I have weaned the calf I do’nt mind tending her now [ltr. 7, p. 7] 7. but I ca’nt tend her in the winter I would’nt mind if we had a place for her but she has to be in the chicken coop. If some one wanted to buy her I would sell her she is a dandy and just as tame as can be. All the folks send their love to you. Your mother telephon ed to night they are all well I telephoned Mrs. Farr about the rent and she said she would send it up in a few days. I met Miss Florence Groosbeck at Hazel’s last night she said some one told her that her brother had got his releas and she was so tickeled I told her that you did’nt tell me that he had. Well my own dear papa I think I must say “night” [ltr. 7, p. 8] 8. “night” with lots of love and kisses and hugs from Ruth and mamma and may the Lord bless you with health and strength and help you to preform your labors in a pleasing manner before him. I am your’s loveingly, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 8, p. 1] #7. Salt Lake City, June 27, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your most welcome letter yesterday I was so pleased to hear from you and to hear that you were well but sorry you were so blue I think you must have been a little out of sorts, but we ca’nt always feel just so I know I get out of sorts my self at times and mean you know that. Maby it was my letter that made you feel that way. I guess it was mean of me to say I was [ltr. 8, p. 2] 2. tired of writeing letters – Mam- ma thinks I am she thinks I aught not to say mean things to you because she thinks it is hard enough for you without me being mean, but deary you know it is my sarcastic way and I ca’nt help it – you aught to be getting used to it by now. So you are getting to be quite a rassler – so Bro Groesbeck expects his releas this month. We had the teachers last night and his father said they were all quite dissapointed when they got a letter yesterday and it did’nt say any thing about him being released. Some one that just came home told them last week that Elder Groesbeck had been released and that Bro. Young had gone to London to take his [ltr. 8, p. 3] 3. place so they thought yes- terdays letter would sure say he had his releas but it did’nt you know I do’nt get tired of read ing your letters the longer the better. You think missionary work is no snap well I guess it is’nt but I suppose by the time you have been there two years you will think so like all the rest of them. Well deary you think if you had a hold of me for a few minutes you could convince me that you love me I guess I will have to wait a long time to be convinced then because you ca’nt get a hold of me very easy right now. So you hav’nt had your picture taken yet you know I am anxious to see how you [ltr. 8, p. 4] 4. look in you new cloths. you aught to get Ruths pictu in a day or too So you think you wont be hard to cook for when you come home. Deary I do wish you could get something good to eat once in a while if you dont look out you will get so thin that you will haveto stand twice to make a sh[-]dow. Who does your cooking? do you have to take it in turns? I am glad you went to the theatre and enjoyed it. The races must have been punk I would’nt have wanted to stand out in rain to see such things I hope you will be careful about getting wet. You say you can hardly keep warm. Well deary it is not very hard for us to keep warm it was [ltr. 8, p. 5] 5. 86 on our side porch this after noon. You know how I like the heat. Deary you must be careful about scratching your flee bites because your nails are poisonous. Mamma and I rode as far as Nells Sunday evening when we came back the old man was the conductor Ruth thought he was fine and she put out her hands to go to him when we were getting off of the car and he took her until I got off the car and she did’nt want to come back and yesterday she wanted to go to the mailman and he put his mail down and took her and when he handed her back she began to cry she wanted to go with him. She will go to any one that will take her out. She is the sweet [ltr. 8, p. 6] 6. est darling she tries so hard to talk today she said “chick, chick chick” Hen was offered $4,000 for his place the other day, his uncle Jo got hurt on the rail road about ten days ago. His arm was broken in two place, elbo dislocated and bruised about the face and head he is out of the hospital now. His people in New Castle would like to hear mormonism they have tried to find out where the saints hold their meetings there but they ca’nt the have written to him to see if he could find out where they hold them so Alvin if you can find out drop them a line and tell them I think you have their address. They would like to have the elders call on them [ltr. 8, p. 7] 7. they think they would like to know something about the mormons. Hen and Nell and the boys wish to be re- membered to you also Al and Alice and Mrs. Adams, Bertha and Joe and Mamma and Pappa. Mrs. Farrs daughter brought the rent to-day she says they are all well and how much they like the place. You remember that young Williams that went when you did I say his father and mother Sunday night when we were waiting for a car and she introduced us to her sons wife just a young girl. I said I did’nt know he was marrid and she said that they were marrid last fall. Well deary what I told you [ltr. 8, p. 8] 8. about Alice is right she fessed up the other day she seems to have popped out all at once she said she was over six months. Eva and Rule are to be marrid Thursday they are going to have a room at Wills and live over to Johns. He intends to start to build right away I think if it had been me I would have waited a while. Say deary you aught to see Ruth[-] drink milk she just loves it if she see a glass on the table there is no peace until it is all gone. I give her a little now and again and it do’nt seem to hurt her one bit. She is just fine and so am I and I hope you are and I hope the time [ltr. 8, p. 9] 9. will hurry along so that you can be at home with us Deary I love you with all my heart & wish I could see you for a minute it seems an awful long time since you left home just thing deary Friday we will have been marrid two years that seems an awful long time ago and when I think I have got to wait that long before I see you it does seem a long time, but I hope it will hurry along so that you can come home. Well my own sweet papa I will say “night” “night” with lots of love and kisses and hugs I remain your loveing wife, Millie x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 8, p. 10: page is blank]