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, Jul 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #8 Salt Lake City, July 3, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- It seems so strange that you go a week without a letter nearly all the time and I hav’nt missed writing twice a week for a long time until last week it is a week to-night sine I wrote you I thought I might as well just write once a week as long as you get them two to- gether so to night I have two letters to answer one I received last Wednesday. and one yesterday. I kind of thought I would get a letter [ltr. 1, p. 2] 2. yesterday so I took Ruth in her buggy and went down to the post office and sure enough I got a letter a nice big fat one I tell you it was a dandy this is the kind I like to get I also got the cards I will soon have a set of the lovers - they are quite cute I gave Ruth her loop the loop. So you are having miserable weather there we are having fine weather only it is too hot to suit me last Friday was a terror but sinse that it has been a little bit cooler but today it was 86 on our side porch so you can tell it is pretty warm. I keep the baby as cool as I can, but she sweats just like I do when she gets too warm [ltr. 1, p. 3] 3. I think she is a little thinner than she was but she is well and that is every thing she is getting quite tall I guess she is going to be a tall thin girl like her papa. I am sorry that Sister Everard had been sick but I am glad that she is better again remembr me to her I am glad that she is kind to you and that you get a good square meal once in a while. It was real nice of Miss Clark to give you tickets and I am glad that you en- joyed it. I was down town Friday and I went in to see about the kodack but they havnt got it yet. They wrote to Western Arms that they had sent it to the factory and they wrote back for them not to do any thing to it but to forward it [ltr. 1, p. 4] 4. but it has’nt come yet. I would like to have some pictures of the different sights you see So George has’nt written you yet he is a funny fellow any way I guess you do more letter writeing than any of them. You want to know how I like tracking well I will be glad when the two years are up so that I can have some one to do it for me, but the baby likes milk and I do’nt mind doing it for her she will need lots of it after a while when I wean her. For four or five days I thought I was going to dry up, but I have had more to-day. I wish you could get good milk over there. That is the funniest thing I ever heard [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5. four grades of milk. So the elders want you to rais a [--] beard I would’nt try if I was you because I do’nt think it would improve you any maby it would make you look a little fatter. I see you keep shaved so you can make an impression on the old ladies and young ladies when they come to church, but you wait you will be in good practice at the end of two years so You can just keep it up when you come home and then I wont get so many dry shaves. That is quite a fine looking bunch of Elders you sent me why did’nt you have yours taken with them. Bro. Cottrell has quite a bunch of whiskers but I would’nt like to see you [ltr. 1, p. 6] 6. with a lot like that, but then there is no danger you couldn’t raise that many if you had to. If you look like Stratford yo must look pretty nice, because I think he looks pretty swell in his suit and hat. So you are getting fat how glad I am to hear it. I guess you had a lot of rocks or some other thing in your pockets. I hav’nt had to pay for any of you letters but the one. Is’nt it funny Monday and Wednesday are our mail days. sometimes I get one on Sunday if I go after it like I did yester- day. You know our post office is on 2nd South and 8th East I am glad you had a nice time at the Crystal Palace [ltr. 1, p. 7] 7. there is nothing like taking in every thing I shot the schutts in Los Angeles but once is enough for me I do’nt know wether I would want to loop the loop or not - I bet it is a peculiar sensation. Joe says he was there last year to the June festival and he like you took in loop the loop so they had some beautiful fire works well it is fire works day here to morrow but we wo’nt have any like you say. All the folk are coming up to morrow. I will be the odd sheep. Bertha was last year, but never mind. Sister Everard is going out tracting with you is she I guess it will seem nice to have company [ltr. 1, p. 8] 8. for once. I am glad you had better success out tracting this time. I imagine it would make a fellow feel funny to have to door slammed in his face she must have thought better of it the next time you called. Well my own dear papa you think you will be worse than ever for kissing and loveing when you come home. I do’nt know wether you will or not Ruth do’nt like to be kissed and if she do’nt get over it I wo’nt let you tease her two years is a long time to wait but it is’nt any longer for you than it is for me I guess you remember two years last Friday our wedding day quite a differ- ence now and two years [ltr. 1, p. 9] 9. ago. I hope the next two will hurry along so you can be at home again even if you are a kiss a bee. You say you have only had 14 letters from me it seems a though I have written forty but I will know now wether you get them or not as I number them all and keep note of it I have had 24 from you I number them as I get them. All you say about Ruth is so but you do like to feed me taffy maby you think I will get jealous of Ruth if you do’nt say these things about me too. Now deary there is some more you say you read between the lines of my letters what do you read between the lines [ltr. 1, p. 10] 10. how sorry I am that is what you read when you was in Montpelier because there was’nt any s[-]s on the lines. Bro Nelson telephoned the other day and said that he had a check for thee dollars for you for the dividend on your Uncle Sam when I go to town I will call and get it. Bro. Nelson has bought a fine new home $5,000 and $600 for the furniture 10 rooms I think I guess you have heard this though, I think it is on 12 South and State they are getting ready to move when they get straight Nony wants me to help her with her dress. Ruth is a dear sweet girl I hav’nt had to slap her hands [ltr. 1, p. 11] 11. for any thing as yet she has’nt bit me once. I would like to know what you would do if I did slap her you are too far away to beat me. Bertha and Joe and Mamma and I rode down to Nell’s last night Harry said the im- plement business was all right. They all wished to be remembered to you allso Joe and Bertha and Mamma and Papa and AL & Alice. Harry said he was going to write to you but he had’nt got at it as yet. I hav’nt seen Lillian since you went away. Emly is a pretty good size but nothing like she was before she has’nt so very much long er to go August or September I think. My cousin Mrs. Heaps had [ltr. 1, p. 12] 12. twins, a boy and a girl, yesterday morning she has two children so she has got her hands full. Will Davis did’nt say he got your card when I saw him. Your mother and Aunt Sarah called Saturday evening and took Mamma and I for a ride we went past our place every thing looks fine it looked so cosy, they have a hammock on the porch like ours Mrs. Soren- son was in her yard but we didn’t stop. How Ruth does like rideing well she likes to go any wher just so it is out. I guess she don’t get that from you We called at Mellissas she is awfully skinny, but her baby is a monster I guess he is going to be a boman She says he don’t cry so much now. It is a good thing he [ltr. 1, p. 13] 13. don’t. Mammas eyes are a little better she goes to the doctor every other day she goes to Dr. Pforitz the same one that cured Berthas eyes I think he is the best here. Once in a while my eyes bother me a little but they are better than they were Yes your mamma sent me a ticket, to Miss Getes concert, for two. I think nearly all the audience was comps. Bertha was’nt offended she do’nt seem to mind being jolleyed. Joe made a brake the other night he said say Bert my insurance will fall due just about the time we are marrid and then we jollyed them until they blushed all down their necks I said now I will have to find out where the insur- ance is due I said I did’nt know the time was set and [ltr. 1, p. 14] 14. they said it was’nt. Their house is’nt started yet The fish business did’nt agree with Joe’s stomach so he has got another job assistant clerk in the city recorders office five dollars less a month but he do’nt have to get there un- til 9 A. M. and out at five and noon on Saturday. Rulon and Eva were married Thursday in the temple and had a reception in the evening Bertha and Joe went. Deary Ruth is’nt as frightend of the chickens as she used to be she just loves to see them we have 28 all togethr and thre hens setting Moch has a fight with the old hens once in a while. sometimes Ruth will say “chick chick” the last two day every thing is “see” she says [ltr. 1, p. 15] 15. it so cute she shakes her hand “tab” ta” now it is so cute she is the sweetest thing that ever happened any way. Deary I do’nt know what you will do next winter I think you had better get you a real heavy suit of cloths. You know the cloths you have with you are very thin. I hope I will have the chance someday to see you carry on a street meeting, for I ca’nt emagine you preach- ing on the street corner Well deary I hope you are well and that you will have good treatment while out tracting and at all times and may the lord bless and protect you at all times is my prayer I pray for you always in my weak [ltr. 1, p. 16] 16. way, but I know that he has blessed us and I am very thankful fo[-] it. We are all well and this is a great blessing. Brother McIntyre was trimming the dead lims out of his popular trees on Saturday and the ladder turned and threw him to the ground they carried him in. He must be hurt quite badly but they say he is getting all right he hurt his back and he ca’nt move, the old lady keeps giveing him morphine so I guess the old man do’nt know how badly he is hurt. They did’nt call a doctor until to day. Vida Richards had a baby but it only lived a few days. I heard she feels awful bad about looseing it. [ltr. 1, p. 17] 17. Well deary I guess I will have to say “night” “night” as the baby just woke up so I went and got her and she is helping me finish. With lots of love and hugs and kisses I am your loveing wife, Millie Ruth’s haveing dinner while I write bye bye I hope you will excuse the blots I do’nt know how I got so many on, but I hav’nt time to write it over. 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 x x x [ltr. 1, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 1] #9 Salt Lake City, July 6th 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Yester- day was my letter day and I was quite dissapointed when I didn’t get a letter but it came this morning and I was pleased to get it I can tell you and to know that you are well I am glad you are able to keep warm now I tell you it is not very hard work for us to keep warm it has been a scorcher to-day it was 82 at 7:30 to night on our porch, So you have had your picture taken that’s you now pretty soon I will be able to see my young man as he looks [ltr. 2, p. 2] 2. on Sundays. I wonder what the people would say if they saw you in your old yellow overalls. I thing if you would have a picture taken in that costume they would make a good pair. So the ladies give luncheons for the gents over there well that is real nice of them I am glad you had such a nice time I guess Miss Clark is a fine singer. I[-] Miss Grant studdying music over there. So you had straw- berries and cream I bet you enjoyed them. We had them nearly every meal as long as they lasted. The raspberries and red currants are in now. Ido’nt care so much for raspberries. I hope you will be able to get lots of straw berries while they are in season for I know you like them [ltr. 2, p. 3] 3. but what do you do for cream if you have such poor milk. So you saw a pretty nice baby did you hold it and love it a little or is’nt that allowed you think you are a pretty proud “dad” do you maby you are, but I am like the man from Missouri It is too bad that George has been sick. I think that person that was baptized was more anxious to join the church than I would have been I would have waited until it was a little warmer. I hope you had a nice time on the fourth of course you would I bet you would be tired when you got through playing ball but then it is good exercise I hope you did’nt get a black eye It would’nt look very nice [ltr. 2, p. 4] 4. for a preacher to have a black eye. Your street meetings are good [---] for are they well that would be allright provide- ing you did’nt have them too often. You will soon get over that after a while you will just as soon preach at a street meeting as do any thing else. Deary I hope you wo’nt get to fighting I know how quick you are, but you will have to put up with a good deal. You just save your fighting until you come home then I will fight with you because I think I can put you down by that because I am getting a pretty big mussel. Milking makes mussel. But I wo’nt kick you when you are down. You can give Ruth a big kiss and hug for her birth [ltr. 2, p. 5] 5. day when she is three years old I do’nt know what you can give her this time. My when I say three years old that seems a long time to look forward to I hope the time will hurry along You think you will make up for lost time with the hugs and kisses you are apt to for get all about that by the time you come home you will be all out of practice Ruth and I are well. I hav’nt been to see anything about my nose it is just about the same I think I do tell you all about my self and Ruth she is the sweetest little darling I ever saw every body says what a sweet pretty baby Your mamma called for a minute last and Ruth and I rode aroud three or four blocks [ltr. 2, p. 6] 6. with them Maggie Boman and Bro. Worthingtons wife was with her All the folks were up here Tuesday and we had a real nice time. It seemed lonesome to me though without you. Harry said he saw a blue wheel out at [-]ans and that the enamel was off the end of one of the handels he thought it was mine so I went down to day to see if they had been in the shop, but hey had’nt every thing is just as we left it. Miss [-]an has a wheel like mine every thing looks nice, but the elm trees and they are covered with some kind of a seal about like this [drawing] they are smothered they are kind of white and are under side of branche they are so thick they [ltr. 2, p. 7] 7. look as though they had been white washed. I am going to see if I can get some one to go and spray them and see if that will help them the one on the west lawn is awfull it will soon die out it some- thing is’nt done. Mrs. Farr said she saw by the paper that they were ordering all the elm trees out down because they were afraid that the scale would infect the fruit trees. I went into Mrs. Packs and paid her the $15 I owed her her baby is’nt very well, [-]era is sick again Pack is better but she says he dont seem to gain his strength very fast she looks bad she is so thin and tired looking. Mrs, Wilkenson was on her back porch sew- ing they have got it all screned [ltr. 2, p. 8] 8. she did’nt stand up but Emly told me that she was quite large and that she expects about the time that she and Mrs. Ashton. Louise and Emly expects the same day Sept 9th isnt that funny. I called at Emly’s she was bathing David and the twins were on the front porch they had been in the water and then the dirt and you can emagine what hey looked like then I walked over to Nells. Mamma went with me but she stayed on the car with the baby. What do you think when I was passing old man Jone’s their back door and window was open and they had been white washing. I am afraid that will be too clean for the old man. I would have stopped in Mrs. [ltr. 2, p. 9] 9. Sorensons a minute but the place was all shut up and it looked as though they were all out. Every body asked about you and wished to be remem- bered to you Wilkesons place looks fine they have a lawn in and hedge and garden and it looks real nice. Did you know Ashton in Forest Dale? His barn burnd down yesterday and roasted his horse to death and lots of chickens the fire caught the house but they got that out There was a wreck on the Park City line not far from Park City yesterday the fireman was killed and Bywater the engineer was seriously hurt The man that is killed leaves a wife and six or seven chil- dren. There was less noise here [ltr. 2, p. 10] 10. on the Fourth. The Mayor issued a procklimation prohibiting the discharge of all fire arms in the city limits and all giant crackers and etc, in the down town district and cops on the car tracks and there were less accidents than ever before I think. Joe has just gone home he wish ed to be remembered to you Bro. Mc Intyre is no better I do’nt know but I am afraid he is hurt worse than they think for they all go up stairs to sleep and leave him down stairs alone the others night he rolled of the lounge and could’nt get up so had to holler for them and the had to lift him on again. He has’nt moved his legs since he fell they are all swolen and just like they are paralized and his [ltr. 2, p. 11] 11. feet and ankles are black. Well deary how are you and how do you get along with your mending. I hope you will be careful and not take cold now that you have taken your unions off. I just wish you could see Ruth when I start to get ready to go out she knows and she watches every move I make and as soon as I go out of the room where she is she begins to fuss and she keeps fussing until we get started and then she jumps and pats her hands too cute for anything. Today while we were waiting for our car on main street she saw three dogs all together and she laughed and hollered at them and was so pleased - I believe she would see a dog if it was a lock away. When we [ltr. 2, p. 12] 12. got home Mocah came running and she jumped and laughed and patte[-] her hands and seemed just as pleased to see him as he was to see her. I tell you she is a winner. With lots of love and hugs and kisses from mamma and Ruth and love from all the folks I am your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie P.S. I had a letter form Mrs. Field she wished to be remembered to you. she is much better than she was she expects to come to Salt Lake this fall. Deary. [ltr. 3, p. 1] #10 Salt Lake City, July 11, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Yesterday was my letter day and sure enough I go it I was so pleased to get it also to know that you was well. Now deary if you do’nt quit telling me not to neglect out precious darling I am going to sas you good For some reason or other you always did think that I neglected the baby and I do’nt know why you should. She has never been neglected if you ca’nt take my word for it you better write to some of the [ltr. 3, p. 2] 2. neighbors around here or Joe he is in and out a good deal and ask them. Her wants are attended to before any thing else. She was’nt very well Friday and Saturday but she is better now she has some more teeth almost through and it is so awfully hot. Now deary I do’nt want you to worry be cause she is all right. But you want me to tell you just how she is and I have Your mother called this morn- ing and Ruth and I rode as far as the Bee Hive and back we went in a minute and saw your papa at first she did’nt want to go to him and then she put out her hands to him she has the cutest trick now she puts up two fingers and points and says “see”. I try [ltr. 3, p. 3] 3. to take her out every night so she will get the change of air. All your folks went to the lake to day and Bro Worthington had to go to the train for them so your mothr told him to come and take the baby out before he went to the train so mamma and Bertha and I went for about an hour and a half and when we got out of the carriage Ruth wanted to get in again I could hardly get her away from it we had a fine ride Mr. and Mrs. Tud and Eva called Saturday and took us for a ride. Joe was going to take us last night but he had to go to council meet- ing and Al was here so he took us. I never saw a baby like to ride any better [ltr. 3, p. 4] 4. than Ruth does. To-night when we were going though the park we stopped a minute to see the ducks and Ruth wanted to stop longer. Mamie was at the B[--]hive to day with her baby my but he has a lot of black hair. it seems so funny because Mamie and Alfred are both fair. Well deary I think your pictures are both fine I think my missionary hubby is a pretty swell looker in his new cloths and top hat. I think I like that one a little better than the other but they are both good. I will be glad when I get the picture and happyer whe the original comes back. I do’nt see how it is that you did’nt get the babys pictures they were mailed the same day as the letter. Papa [ltr. 3, p. 5] 5. mailed the letter when he went and Bertha took them to the post office when she went I ordered a dozen pictures and they made one large one for you and one for me they finished mine on the other paper and I like it lots better I wish I had waited a little longer and sent that one to you but it seemed as though I had waited so long that I was anx ious to send it. They allowed me the two dollars that you paid and I paid $2.00 more so he was real good. Bertha thought she would get one and one for mamma and they charged a $1.00 apice I do’nt think that was bad do you? He did’nt charge any extra for the other paper and he did’nt [ltr. 3, p. 6] 6. charge any extra for finish ing the three styles. You think that your pictures flatter you well I do’nt they look just as natural as can be. I have’nt hear any thing about George A. Davis so I guess he is better. And I hav’nt heard of Bert Davis comeing home. I guess he must be home though if he has been chosen to the Bishoprick. No – I have’nt been for that buggy ride that David and Emly promised me I never expect it. Mamma’s eyes are a little better, but you know she do’nt do as the doctor tells her he told her she must bathe them three times a day for ten minutes with hot watter. some days [ltr. 3, p. 7] 7. she do’nt bathe them at all when she does I have to make her. The poison Ivy is well now. Deary do you take your air cushing to meeting? because I think you need it unless you have got your trousers padded. Yes you told me that you had a letter from George. Indeed it will be nice when we can have the privelage of seeing one another instead of writeing letters. I love you with all my heart deary You say the time goes slow I should say it did here it is’nt three months yet and it seems a year. Well my own dear papa I wish we did have some of your Eng- lish weather and maby we [ltr. 3, p. 8] 8. could get cooled off nice. It was 92 yesterday and again to day I do hope that it will cool off soon, the weather man said it would be cooler to-night but it is hotter than if was last night. Joe has just gone and he wished to be remember- ed to you also Bertha and Mamma and Pappa and all the folks. Well sweetheart I think I must say “night” night for this time with lots of loves and Hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mamma I remain you loveing wife, Millie. [ltr. 4, p. 1] #11 Salt Lake City, July 14, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your ever welcome letter Wed- nesday and I was so pleased to get it also to hear that you are well. I am so glad you liked the baby’s pictures I like them very much. you did’nt say how you liked the gray finish So you will give me a big hug and kiss for them I will have to wait a long time for my pay wo’nt I? I thought it was funny for the queen to give Nannie [ltr. 4, p. 2] 2. To[-]t a dress, but that is just like Foster. I do’nt think that Foster is liked any better at home than he was over there. He thinks he can sing but there is lots in thinking you can do a thing. Yes deary I celebrated on our wedding day by wash- ing it seems to me it was an awful long time ago Maby you do’nt think that I will be glad when the two years are up so you can be at home with us again for it is sucha nuisnace to write letters at least it is for me. I do’nt think you need to loose any sleep over Bro. Grosbeck coming to see us. He seems to be a real nice man but You know [ltr. 4, p. 3] 3. If I wanted a beaux I would get one that did’nt have a wife and then there would’nt be any danger of hairpulling So you insulted Bro Groesbeck Well you know you are con- ceited, but I like to see people with a certain amount of it I guess Groesbeck has plenty. I have given Farrs a receipt each time they have paid. I hav’nt a receipt book but I though I would get one. The Chapple Magazine came last week but I have kept for getting to tell you it is called the “National Magazine”. So papa dear you would like to know what I do when Ruth scolds and kicks (spank her of course) She do’nt know what a spanking is yet for she has never even [ltr. 4, p. 4] 4. had her paddys slapped yet and I hope she will never have to. She scolds me when I clean her nose and wash her face and different things. She is the cutest little darling she understands every thing and she makes us understand what she wants It has been very hot for a week but we had a fine rainstorm today and it cooled the place off fine it is just lovely to-night. Ruth did’nt like the idea of if raining because she had to stay in the house. The folks are no nearer selling now than they were ten years ago, but of course if some one comes along with enough money it will go. The cards you sent me [ltr. 4, p. 5] 5. are so pretty. The crystal palace must be a beau- tiful pla[-]e. Say deary we might have a kiss over the brook once in a while if it was’nt so wide. I hope you will be able to spend a few weeks on the continent before you come home, because while you are that near it would’nt cost very much more. I am glad to hear that you are such a fine singer. Just keep agoing you know practice makes perfect. You aught to have me along to do the singing you know I am a crackerjack. We are all well Joe wishes to be remembered to you. Mamma, Pap and Bertha [ltr. 4, p. 6] 6. and all the folks send love to you. Say deary guess what? L[---]s Duncan, Zella Bartons husband goes to see Eva Puddenham What do you think of that? Of course this is a secret, but then you know secrets are known better than any thing else Your Papa called up to- night to see how we were. He said he was well. Talk about you fighting games you know that light half breed game of mam- mas she has just star- ted to set and she decided to set in the calfs manger every time we feed the calf we throw her out and she runs back and fights the [ltr. 4, p. 7] 7. calf and makes her back up and she just stands her off and every time the calf goes near her fe[--] the old hen goes for her really it is funny mamma went in to throw her out and she went for her and I did the same and she got after me. she is a dandy. Ruth just loves to go to see the calf and chick- ens. She is the sweetest little darling you aught to have seen her loveing her doll this morning it was so cute. Emly told me that Will Mc Ewins wife was taken very sick the other day she was out of her head she has a baby three weeks old and she was up and [ltr. 4, p. 8] 8. around I guess it is a ner vous collaps I do’nt know I think they need to send him on a mission for ten years. Well sweetheart I can think of nothing to tell you so with lots of loves and hugs and kisses from R[--]h and mamma I remain yours lovingly, Millie, [ltr. 5, p. 1] Salt Lake City, July 18, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Your most welcome letter came to hand yesterday and I was so pleased to get it and to know that you are well but sorry you were so done up after playing ball, but I expected you would be because you are not used to playing. I did’n get the pictures until to- day Say deary they are just fine you look so sweet and so natural I would just like to hug and kiss you and I think you look [ltr. 5, p. 2] 2. swaggar in you rnew cloths and hat. You do’nt know how good it made me feel to get them only it made me wish you was home but it is no good wishing that yet as itis just three months yesterday since you left home. We might say one tenth of the time that does’nt seem much does it? I am glad you had a nice time on the fourth. They must have acted like a lot of school boys to quarrel so much. Gro[-]sbeck must be trying to make a reputation for himself before he comes home, but from what you say it wo’nt be a very flattering one. I guess Nanny Tout has lots of admirers. [ltr. 5, p. 3] 3. Deary when you have the head ache do you take some of that caffine because if yo udo’nt you aught to I hope you wo’nt have it very often. I know how bad you have them and you have my sympathy for I know what it is. Yes Harry is doeing the painting at home. Mamma went down Sunday night Harry had been fishing I think she said he got fourteen. I do’nt know how he found time to go fishing. Say deary we get more buggy rides than you can shake a stick at of late Bro. Worthing takes the baby and I for a ride nearly every day and Newy goes with her baby some times [ltr. 5, p. 4] 4. Aunt Sarah twice Lileth Chases wife has gone, my but she is large. I just wish you could see how the baby enjoys it she calls all the dogs she sees and says mew to the cows and when she sees the ducks in the park she just sits and looks at them she do’nt understand them exactly. She has got another tooth at the top that makes six in all. She is just fine since that came through. She us so cute. This morning Worthingten was going down for Lis so he called for Newy then for me and we went and got Lis. Newy had to call at the Bee Hive coming back for a milk can. Willard [ltr. 5, p. 5] 5. wanted the can when he got tired of it he threw it dow in the carriage and then Ruth wanted it so I gave it to her so Willard jerked it out of her hand and threw it down and Ruth slapped him as quick as a flash and then Willard grabbed her hand and then Ruth began to yell really it was cute but I do’nt want her to do things like that but I guess she thought she was boss. We went in to see your papa a minute I rode down as far as your moth- ers and went in to see them for a minute. They are all well also your papa The county infirmery was nearly all burned down yesterday they think it [ltr. 5, p. 6] 6. started from an electric light wire. Nany’s place is just below twelfth South on the west side of state we drove past the other morning but did’nt go in it is a lovely place. Bertha and Joe called on Eva and Rulon Sunday night and Bertha said Eva made more brakes than enough. Rulon was show- ing them the plans of their house and he said this is the parlor this the dining room and this the library and Eva spoke up and said that’s where the kids are going to play. I think she was kind of previous do’nt you? and she made sever al more just a bad as that I think that sounded pretty [ltr. 5, p. 7] 7. good for only being married two weeks. Lileth told me that Chase was in South Wales and that he was intrested in his work [-----] Newy is a pretty good size I under stand that she and Lileth and Emly all expect about September. We are all well and all the folks send love to you. The weather is still hot but not quite as bad as it was last week. Mr. Murdock at the twenty[--] ward store is going to Great Brittan on a mission the sixteenth of next month. I asked your mother if Bert Davis was home and she said “no”. Well my own dear sweet [ltr. 5, p. 8] 8. papa I can think of nothing else to tell you only that I love you with all my heart. With lots of hugs and loves and kisses I am your loveing and affection ate 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 x x x x x x x x x x x x o o o o o o oo o o o o o o o o o o o [ltr. 6, p. 1] #13 Salt Lake City, July 21, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I re- ceived your most welcome letter Wednesday and I was glad to hear that you are well Nothing pleases me more than to know that you are well. Yes Deary I got your pictures and I think they are fine I have both of them on the piano and I often look at them you look so sweet in them. You want to know which I like the best I really do’nt know although I think [ltr. 6, p. 2] 2. I think if I had to take my choice I would take the bust they are both just fine. and I do’nt think they flatter you any. You speak about your first mission I think it would have sounded better if you had said mission. I’m not going to stand for any more So you have got summer at last well I am glad you can keep warm. I hope it wont get too hot for you It is pretty hot here I will be glad when it gets a little cooler. Deary I told you about my eyes and nose in a previous letter and I am well If I was’nt I would tell you. You worry when you do’nt need to - No I would’nt be [ltr. 6, p. 3] 3. pleased to see you not at all. I might act like I did when you came home from Montpelier and you do’nt need to worry about me sewing I could have lots of work if I wanted it but I do’nt it is to hot to liv[-] leave alone work. I have made three dresses since you left I suppose some one has told you that I am sewing and you do’nt need to worry about me looking badly for I do’nt every body tells me how fine and well I look. I think I am a little thinner but not much. but it do’nt hurt me much to loose a little. I should say you are not getting fat very fast, but there is a chance [ltr. 6, p. 4] 4. for you yet if all the boys have gotten fat since the went over there. Deary I think if you would’nt worry and stew so much you would get a little fatter, but then you ca’nt get along without worrying. Say deary if you get bald headed I will have to beat you I do’nt you to wear a wig. It would’nt be very hard to [-]erk you bald headed if you wore one of those things. I wear no. 6 kids gloves and I think I would like a pretty brown. Do’nt bother any thing about the dress goods now as I do’nt need a dress. I think I would rather fix up what I have and wear them out and then [ltr. 6, p. 5] 5. I will get you to get me something Well deary you might send a pair of cur- tains and then we can see what they are like, but how will you send them will who ever brings them have to pay duty on them? When I come over then we will see the sights and bargains to gether. What do they ask for batten- berg curtains. So Malcom Mc is released it doesnt seem two years since he went but then it is because he went be fore we were marrid. I got the tie you sent me and I think it is very pretty I would kiss you for it if you were here but you are not so I ca’nt. [ltr. 6, p. 6] 6. Mamma, Bertha and Joe and Ruth and I went to the lake Wednesday we had such a nice time Joe and I went in bathing the water was just fine there were lots of people in your uncle John Henry and Aunt Joe were there they asked about you and wished to be remembered to you. Heber Culdos was there he also wished to be remembered to you. You aught to se hime I bet he weighs 300 pounds he is a monster his wife looks as though she is going up. Eva Tud. was out there with Duncan. Ruth got stuck on Duncan and wanted to got to him. He took her and held her quite a while [ltr. 6, p. 7] 7. We went for a ride this morning. Newy and I and then we went down and got Ally and the babys and took them up around the Park and back Ally and Newy wished to be remember ed also Aunt Saray. I just wish you could see Ruth playing on the floor Bertha is playing with her. We ask her what the cow says and she tries to say “mew” it is too cute for anything if she sees a cow as we are rideing along she says “mew”. She seems to know every thing I say to her. Last night I was eat- ing some pie and she put her finger on the plate and said “nice” just a plain as I can say it and I said [ltr. 6, p. 8] 8. but baby could’nt have that and she mad pet lips and started to cry and if I say Ruth mamma must wash your face [-] clean your nose she begins to fuss just as if she knows what I say and I know she does. I got your bathing suit while I was at the lake. Bertha and I walked up as far as Grandma Bell’s (Mrs. Fields mother) last night she is pretty well she had a letter from Mrs. Field yes- terday and she said she was sick again. That is a gay postal you sent me. They are nice things for missionaries to be carry ing around do’nt you think? [ltr. 6, p. 9] 9. All the folks send love to you. We are all well. Ruth is just fine now Well deary I can think of nothing else to tell you so I will say night night with lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma. May the lord bless you and help you in your work is the prayer of your loveing and affection- ate 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 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 7, p. 1] #14 Salt Lake City, July 25, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin :- Yester- day was pioneer day and there was a parade at the park so we all went. We took the baby in her buggy and Mocah went along too. The parade was quite nice and we would have had a real nice time but it was so dreadfully hot the heat was something terrible. We did’nt go with the intention of staying all day but it was so hot I did’nt feel like come [ltr. 7, p. 2] 2. ing through the heat with the baby so we stayed un- til evening when we came away it was just lovely but as soon as we got out of the Park it was just as hot as ever the paper said it was 96 yesterday and 92 to day but it was 95 on our side porch in the shade this afternoon so I guess it must have been nearly 100 up here yesterday. Joe and Bertha and I walked down and I came home on the car and Bertha and Joe wheeled the baby home. They got home just before we did and Joe hid my letters. When I came in I did’nt see one so I un- dressed the baby and put her in her buggy and then milked while B. got her [ltr. 7, p. 3] 3. to sleep and Joe did the sprinkling so as to cool the place off a little so when I got through milking he gave it to me and maby you think I wa’snt pleased. I do like to get your letters, but in this one you did’nt say wether you were well or not or any thing about your self I am afraid you are not feeling very good but I hope you are and I do hope you wo’nt get sick, deary. I want you to tell me just how you are and how you feel. Now deary you know I was only joshing You are the only old marrid man I want or young man either. I have never [ltr. 7, p. 4] 4. seen any one I would ex chang you for and I never expect to you are the only one I want and I have got you even if you are a long way from me but it wont be that way always and then when you come home we can have our honey moon all over again but this time it will be happier than before as we have our Darling baby to join in with us which makes our pleasure greater I hope for the time to pass swift ly all the time Now deary you must try to get more intrested in your work and then the time will go much quicker. Yes I was was at Evas [ltr. 7, p. 5] 5. handkerchief shower I thought I told you . So you think Ruth takes her dancing from you I do’nt doubt it. She trys to mock every thing now she says chick and she tries to sh[--]e them I just wish you could have seen her playing with Mocah to night she patted him then he would lick her toes and then she would laugh and laugh. She had such a good time yes- terday she is the best baby to take out you ever saw. Yes Lyman Hudson wears a wig I saw him at the park yesterday and you would never notice it if you did’nt know. Maby you could if he had his [ltr. 7, p. 6] 6. hat off but of course I only saw him for a minute. I do hope you will never have to wear one. I wish you could get something to stop it falling out. Shall I send you some sage? You could make a tea of it and put a little alcohol in it and rub it with that. I am so glad that you do’nt have the nose bleed any more. Yes mammas cow is still giveing about the same amount of milk. Our cow was bllowing the other day pappa went after a kids to take her but he did’nt come until night and she was quiet then so I did’nt send her [ltr. 7, p. 7] 7. If I was as anxious as Brother Gro[-]sbeck for a release I would’nt let every body know it. His father was here teaching to night but I was out riding so I did’nt see him. Your mother went riding to night Lis was along all- so her baby is growing just fine, but he is awfully short Ruth is just the oppos- ite she has such long legs and arms and they are some thing like your they are none too fat - but I guess they cant grow both ways at once. Deary I think you would like f[-]ce if you could have it like we fix it I rather like it we have it once in a while - I put a [ltr. 7, p. 8] 8. a little salt and sugar and then cover it with thin cream and it is just fine, but you see you cant go that milk and I guess it does taste like bran. I am glad you went to Sister Everards remem- ber me to her. If Willard keeps on he will be a second Heber Culdos by the time he comes home I do’nt think I would like so much cheese. There must be just a few children there. I wish you would get a little fatter, but I guess you will pick up a little when the weather gets cooler. You know it is much cooler where Willad is his mother said to night [ltr. 7, p. 9] 9. that he is still wearing his winter underwea[-] Hens uncle is not very well yet he expects to get the splints off of his arm this week. Hen and Claud Gatis went fishing Saturday morning and were to come home last night I guess they came. Nell and the boys came up here and stayed Saturday and Sun- day nights. They did’nt sell but they are talking farm all the time. I wish we could sell ours for a good figure. Hatty Whitney George Pyp[--] stenographer is going away for about six weeks and Eva Hudson Owen is going to take her place Connie [ltr. 7, p. 10] 10. Rulons sister told me She says “I think she is foolish I dont think it looks very nice”. Rulon is going to build on J. Street just North of his fathers. There’s no room to move. I would rather be a little farther out and have room to breathe Joe’s house wont have any more room than Rulons. I have’nt been to town for some time it is so hot when I go I will go in to see Bro. Nelson. I saw him out in a mobile the other evening he was just trying it. He intends buy ing one. I am going to send you a market letter there is a little piece in a about Uncle Sam. [ltr. 7, p. 11] 11. Alice Lucas Robert’s came down Sunday night but she went back to night because it is so much hotter here that it is at home she has a real nice baby but it looks like his father and he is not very hand some. She wants me to go out to her place and If this hot weather keeps up much longer I think I will go out for a couple of week with the baby. I do’nt want her to get sick. She is just fine and so am I only the heat makes one feel miserable. Yesterday morning Eva Tud asked Joe if he was going to the park on the [ltr. 7, p. 12] 12. car and he said so I am going to wheel Ruthy girl down so Eva said “I think you like folks to think that is your baby.” Joe takes all the joshing in good part. He thinks Ruth is just it. He is a pretty good baby tender. Well say own dear sweet heart by the time you get this letter you will be thirty one. I did’nt know what to get for your birth day so I will send you the money and I want you to spend it on your self either for the theater or for candy and fruit let me know when you need some money. All the folks also Joe send love and join [ltr. 7, p. 13] 13. with me in wishing you many happy re- turns of the day. Well deary I hope the Lord will bless you and help you in your work and make it easy for you With lots of hugs and loves and kisses from Ruth and Mamma I am your loveing and affec- tionate 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 a kiss for every year and one X to get fat on. Millie. [ltr. 7, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 1] #15 Salt Lake City, July 28, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I re- ceived your most welcome letter of July 13th Wednesday and I was so pleased to hear that you are well. So Aunt Julina thinks George has the hardest mission in Sweeden I guess what makes him think it is so hard is because he has always had such snaps he do’nt know what work is and if he is kept a little busy he will think he is very hard [ltr. 8, p. 2] 2. done by, but then he was so religious one would think that it would be easy for him. If George gets a few turn downs like you get he will think he has a hard mission. Deary I am sorry you get such turn downs and meet with such crazy people, but you will get used to it and when you come home you will laugh about it. Maby when you go again he will be cooled off and will receive you a little better I hope he will at any rate. I guess you have to use lots of determination at times to over come your discouraged feeling but be determined deary [ltr. 8, p. 3] 3. and you will soon get over that timid feeling and it wo’nt be long un- til you will be telling me that you do’nt mind tracting at all. You know deary I think you would feel so much better about going if you had a partner. Chase do’nt go tracting alone because I heard Lileth tell about Chase and his partner out tracting. She said he has gained ten pounds. What are you doeing they are all getting fat but you. So some one else gets the blues beside you. Well deary I guess they all have them only some of them get them oftener than others. [ltr. 8, p. 4] 4. after writeing to you Tuesday night I went to bed and dreamed you came home you looked quite natural and seem- ed to be pleased, but I thou ght you was going back. I thought I said to you ‘if I had known you were comeing I would’nt have sent that letter”. And then I awoke. So you are able to keep warm it must be hot We are still haveing beastly hot weather Yesterday it was 97 ½ and I did’nt notice how hot it was to day, but I know it was beastly hot. There seems to be no let up to it some times I feel as though I would like to run away [ltr. 8, p. 5] 5. from my self. If it do’nt let up soon I do’nt know what we will do. Talk about sweating - I never sweat. Yes it would be nice to take dinner together but I am not going to invite you because you would- nt come if I did. Yes there will be three of us to take dinner to gether when you come home. You can bet I will be glad when that time comes. Mammas eyes are a little better well quite a bit better I have’nt seen any thing about glasses my eyes are allright. I havent been to the dentist but I am going as soon as it gets a little cooler. [ltr. 8, p. 6] 6. Yes deary I often think of how you used to miss the last car and of the one particular time we went to Nells also of the shady nook by the creek at Was- atch. These things often cross my mind with many others I will also be glad when we can sit by our own fire side again but it will be a long time it seems to me the time goes awfully slow, Richard has gone to the fair at Oregon. Aunt Julina is there also she went with Charley Nibly We went for a ride last night we called for Ida and the baby Hyrum gave me a check for $2.50 belonging to you [ltr. 8, p. 7] 7. dividend from the State Bank. Ruth is just as sweet as ever she does so many cute little things and she tries so hard to talk it sounds so cute. We are all well and I am very thankfull for it. All the folks wish to be remembered to you Hen and Claude Gates had all the fish they could eat and brought about fourty home. Claude lost his gold watch. Well deary I have just read this letter over and it is not very intrest- ing, but I feel kind of tired so I think I will say “night night” and go to bed. Half the folks [ltr. 8, p. 8] 8. around here sleep out side and I dont blame them - I feel like sleeping out side myself May the Lord bless you and watch over you at all times. With lots of love and hugs and kiss es from Mamma and Ruth I am your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie P.S. Dear excuse the scrib bing my pen is poor and I am to lazy to get up and get another, Deary.