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, June 1906 MSS 7952 [ltr. 1, p. 1] #84 Salt Lake City, June 4, 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- Your dear letter of May 21st came Satur- day and I was so pleased to get it and more pleased to learn that you was feeling better. Yes dearie I know my ink was poor it went thick and I put some water in so that I could use it and I couldn’t remember to get more until I went to write and then of course it was too late. Every time Ruth finds a pen- cil she get a piece of paper and I ask her what she is doeing and she says “write to Papa”. and every time a letter comes [ltr. 1, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 3] 2 she brings it to me and says “Papas letter”. Yes you told me about visit ing one of the saints and how destitute they were. I guess the old man needed a good talking to. I hope he will do better. I did’nt know the name of the Utah girl that got killed in San Francisco. Someone told me about it they saw on account of it in the paper. I did’nt happen to see the article my self. Just as if I cared wether you knew her name or not. Bro. Bruce’s son called to see me and brought the parcel Friday he came down from Ogden that morning I asked him to stay to dinner (which was not quite done) but he had promised to meet a friend of his at one o’clock at the L.D.S. Hospital (he works ther) and Bruce thinks he will get work [ltr. 1, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 5] 3. there also. he seems to be a nice young fellow I asked him where he was staying and he said he was going to stay with his friend. Saturday morning he called I was down milking and he came down there he wondered if it was hard to learn to milk I told him “no” he was on his way to call on Groesbeck and Poulton (who got home a week last Sunday) He said it seemed strange to him as he had never been away from home before and he missed his brothers and sisters. The shawls are very nice and the beeds are beautiful for which I thank you very much No I did’nt get a chance to dance I danced around with Ruth for about a minute and that is all. I forgot to find out what Robert Taylors address was but there is a R.B.T. Taylor 259 West 2nd North – I think that [ltr. 1, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 7] 4. must be his address but I will find out for sure. I know he lives down that way some where. Papa is still improveing but it seems awfully slow the Dr. had to cut it in the center of the hand Friday but he feels better in himself than he did. It is an awful tie for me I have to go to the Dr. with him nearly every day I believe he is afraid to go alone. I had to go to the dentists this after- noon so Alice went with him Mama is pretty well only she still ha the rheumatism in her feet some days she can hardly hobbel. You know dearie between you and I – I believe if we did’nt live so near to the neighbor on the North that we would be better off. You know what I think she is. You ask if I have seen Mrs. Buckel no I hav’nt so you had a case on the widdow? We have been having rain [ltr. 1, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 9] 5. yesterday and today for a change. My but this has been a wet spring. Joe and Bertha have just gone home they send love also Mama and Papa We went to Bertha’s to dinner yesterday and in the evening Tud’s were up there also and we had some fine sherbert and cake I wished you had been there to have some. That cow is not doing near as well this time as she did last you know you used to get a bucket full and the calf had half now I only get a bucket full and I have to feed the calf out of that. Hen is trying to sell her for me The arrangement Hen fixed I can milk her and she ca’nt hurt me but she is so hard to milk I have to milk with one hand or else she would tip the over. It is a bull calf and such a [ltr. 1, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 11] 6. skinny little thing but he eats lots [-] he is not a very hard calf to feed. So if you think I hav’nt got my hands full. There is the cow to tend the calf to feed the baby to tend house cleaning and going to the Dr’s. with Papa every day. Well I will quit complain- ing. Love hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mama. Praying to Lord to protect you from all harm and bless you continually we remain yours loveingly, Millie and Ruth. 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. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 1] #85 Salt Lake City, June 7, 1906 My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your letter of May 25th Tuesday which make 124 that I have received from you since you left home I too number the envelopes as I get them I also put the date on the en- velope. I have a few letters my self. Yes there was a rumor that the Church were going to sell the Street R. Ry and the Losangeles Ry but it was emphaticly denied. You ask me how Aunt Julia is why she has been dead two years last April. Do’nt you remember when she died? I do’nt know how Mrs. Bell [ltr. 2, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 3] 2. is I hav’nt seen her since Annie went home. I owe Annie a letter. I got one from her about a month ago and they were all well She and Mrs. Bell both said they were going to write to you I do’nt know wether they did or not. Bob Prices wife was down to the City the other day I saw her for just a minute she is just fine. Yes Ruth is a great one in the garden today she pulled a branch of the yellow rose tree down and she pulled every leaf off all the roses she could reach I went out and the ground was yellow all around her and she said “Baby pick pretty flowers Mama.” Sometimes I just wish you could see her and hear her talk I never heard a baby talk so plain and so well as young as she is. She does so many cute things Your Mother came up yester- day and wanted me to take the [ltr. 2, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 5] 3. baby down for your Papa to see I was just going to the Dr’s. with Papa so I took the baby and I went with Papa and then I went over to the Bee Hive for a little while. Your Papa and Mama are well Martha is over the whooping cough and Richard is almost over it they had it very very light and I am glad they did, for it is such a nasty thing when people have it hard. I gave your Mother the proofs she thought you looked awful thin they could’nt help but laugh at the way you were all squint- ing. What is making you so old[-] you say you are? What makes you squint so much? you didn’t used to. I am sorry Sister Grant has been so ill but glad she is well again. Too bad she could- nt stay longer in London you would have enjoyed her stay. I wish you could go over to Sweeden to their con- [ltr. 2, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 7] 4. ference it would be a nice change for you Remember Ruth and I to him when you write. I guess you are beisy with Sister Everard’s affairs. Lester Bramwell and his bride called this evening the came down from Le Grande, Oregon, where they were marrid, and are going through the Temple to morrow she seems to be such a sweet girl. He asked after you and wished to be re- membered to you. It does’nt seem to take missionaries long to get marrid after the get home. J. G. McDonald and my cousin Lilly Neal were married in the Temple yesterday they are going to California on their Honey Moon. Your Papa said he did’nt admire his taste because she was so little and he is so little – I think she is as tall as I am but she is very slender – she is quite a pretty girl. I would admire his taste more than her’s – I don’t think he would have been my choice if I had been looking for [ltr. 2, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 9] 5. a husband. Fannie’s sister Kate’s baby got drowned in a ditch in front of their house down at Springville day before yesterday I think it must be 15 or 16 months old. Your mother said she was going down to day. I feel awfully sorry for them it seems such an awful thing. Papa’s hand is improveing but it seems so very slow. I have heard of so much blood poison of late. Ruth and I are well Ruth has another tooth that make 14. I got me a new hat yester- day it is a sort of a panama sailor trimmed with pale blue and white and a touch of black it is quite pretty. I made my red one over early in the spring and I have worn it ever since and I am tired of it now so I thought I would get another. We have been having more rain this week – it did’nt rain to day but it is quite chilly. [ltr. 2, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 11] 6. a fire feels good. The cow is just about the same I hope Hen will soon find a customer for her for me. She is too mean to live. She has’nt fussed one bit after her calf she did’nt even mew after it after we took it away but while it was in her sight she almost went crazy over it Mamas cow had a fit over it she bellowed all night and all the next day. While it was in the corrol she licked it add fussed with it. Mama and Papa and all the folks send love to you. Ruth and Mama send love hugs and kisses. May the Lord bless you continually and keep you from all harm. Yours loveingly, Millie and Ruth. 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. 2, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 2, ins. 1: newspaper clipping titled “Uncle Sam Con. In Good Shape”] [ltr. 3, p. 1] #86 Salt Lake City, June 14, 1906 My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your dear letter of May 30th Mon- day I also received another to- day I was so pleased to get them and more pleased to learn that you are feeling better I fear that you have been feeling worse that you have told me. You look so thin in your picture I got the pictures yesterday your Mother was up to Ogden Tuesday and some one gave them to her and she brought them up yesterday morn- ing they are very nice but you look so thin I was in hopes you would gain [ltr. 3, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 3] 2. a little instead of getting thinner. Your folks are over the whooping cough and are all well I never heard of any one haveing it so light and your Mother said she never did either. Papa is improving but it seems so slow but better be slow and sure. One of Dr. Richard’s boys was jumping and feel and broke his leg just above the ankle. Yes some people think Ruth looks like me and some think she looks like both of us but I think she looks more like you. I am glad you have some one to cook you a good meal once in a while too bad she is not going to stay longer Yes Ruth is a regular little chatterbox she just says every thing and she can do every thing or at least she thinks she can. She always wants to go with us to milk [ltr. 3, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 5] 3. and she says “baby milk the cow” mama lets her sit on her stool some times and she wants to milk and pat the cow ‘baby pat peg” She feeds the chickens oh she does every thing carries the dishes away wipes the spoons. The other day mama was putting the dishes on a chair as she wiped them Ruth came along and took 7 saucers and a sauce dish all at once and when she got to the pantry door she dropped them but she only broke one saucer and she said “baby break saucer.” She does’nt eat scarcely any thing but she is drinking lots of milk now. For a long time she could’nt take it without it soured on her stomach and she did’nt care much for it so I gave her cream and hot water then I gave he the milk with lime water in now she can take it alone [ltr. 3, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 7] 4. and she seems to like it better than she did she has it warm from the cow night and morning and now when we bring the bucket up she says “drink of milk mama” and through the day she comes and asks for it. I told the Dr. the other day about her not eating any thing and he said she will be all right if she drinks lots of milk. She has got her other stomach tooth. She is well and she looks well with her rosy cheeks and tanned hands but she lives out doors most of the time I think she looks a little fatter. I do’nt know whe Hiley is going to be marrid he had Gina out to the lake last night. I went out with Bertha and Joe and I had a very nice time I had a ride on the scenic railway it is quite fine I also had a boat ride on the old mill stream. [ltr. 3, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 9] 5. So you are sending me some hat trimmings if I had known sooner I would’nt have got my hat yet, but they will come in for another one, but I sent that money for your self. Eva Tud has fallen in love with my beeds she wants to know how much they cost as she would like some and she will get you to get them and Celice Reynolds can bring them home for her when she comes I guess you will see her before long. I am glad you went to the opera and enjoyed it. I gave Joe their letter and he said to tell you he will answer it some day he says he is worse than you are at write- ing he says he owes so many letters. I hav’nt written to Mrs. Field yet, but I will write some of the[-] days. It is twelve o’clock so I guess [ltr. 3, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 11] 6. I will answer your other letter next time. Mama and Papa send love to you. Ruth and Mama send love hugs and kisses. Your Mama brought you and I each a ticket to the lake. May the Lord bless you continually Yours loveingly Millie & Ruth. 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. 3, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 1] #87 Salt Lake City, June 18, 1906 My Own Dear Alvin:- I have two letters to answer one I did- nt answer last time and one I got Saturday I was so glad to learn that you are feeling better. Remember me to Sister Chip- man tell her I am glad she cooked you a few good meals. Ruth is writing to Papa I tried to get her to go to bed before I started but she would’nt and as soon as I started she wanted to write to Papa. I sat her on the floor and gave he pencil and paper so she would’nt want the ink. I would give a nickel if you could see her sitting there she just got up and brought it to me both [ltr. 4, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 3]35 2. sides full and said “got done” I said “write some more” so she is going over it again. To day she cried to go with us when I was going to the Doctors with papa so I took her. The Dr. took her up and kiss- ed her and told he what a sweet baby she was and that she looked just like her mama. I met Mrs. Brown today and she though the same thing then another time people say she looks just like you. I thought Willard and George would be gone three years on account of having to learn another language but so much the better for them if they can come home in two years. I hope you wont be gone longer than two years I hope to have you home this time next year. Remember Ruth and I to the boys when you write. Ruth has a little chicken wrapped up in a silk handkerchief and is camping it around as saying [ltr. 4, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 5] 3. “go to sleep biddie” you ca’nt emagine how cute she acts. No I did’nt congratulate Free- brain – they were talking to some- one as I passed so I did’nt stop. So you think Freebrains wife will get lots of loveing – he looks as though he would be quite a lover. So you are forgetting how to love I have the best of you there I do get loved a little by Ruth she is a dear little lover when she wants to be and she likes to be loved – she often says “Mama love”. I wish you had gone on the continent with the boys it would have been a nice trip for you and so cheap. Who is Wilford? I havnt seen Bro. Bruce for two weeks he said he would come down again but he has’nt been I do’nt know wether he is working here or wether he has gone back to Ogden. He seems to be a nice boy and he said he would be glad when you came [ltr. 4, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 7] 4. home. Papa’s hand does’nt seem to feel quite so well to day. Well Dearie I see from this letter that you are in Bedford I am glad you went for it is as you say a change is as good as a rest. Yes I know Sear’s I met him once but he did’nt know me after. I hav’nt met his wife but I know who she is – I am acquainted with her mother and two of her brothers. I think they have three children I am so glad that you had such a nice time while you were down to Bedford the courtesy you went through must have been beautiful. I have often heard Mama speak of the green lanes of England and the fields with the lovely flowers I presume you gathered the buttercups and daisys and fogetmenots while out they are so pretty. Yes I too would have like to have [ltr. 4, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 9] 5. been with you. I guess you did see a difference in that and London. The holly hedg- es must be beautiful especially when the berries get red. Yesterday we went up to Bertha’s to dinner which was just fine then we came home did the milking and them went down to Nell’s. My but their place looks nice they have got the loveliest garden and the grandest roses I ever saw. Hen has worked hard on his garden but it does look fine. I forgot to take his letter to him but I will send it to him. They all wish to be remember- ed to you. We are having changeable weather – for a few day’s it will be so hot we can hardly stand it then it cools off again. Well dearie the cow is no better. She is the craziest animal [ltr. 4, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 11] 6. I ever saw. Mrs. Ellis brought us some hay last week and he says our hefer looks just fine he wanted to know if we wanted to sell her I told him I thought not. I gave him $6.00 to give to Fisher that pays up to the 22nd of this month. He wont make any money on her as hay is so high. It has been up to $15.00 a ton and now the new hay is in and it is $12.00 a ton. Mama and Papa send love to you. Ruth and I send love hugs and kisses. May the Lord bless you continually is the desire of your affectionate wife and baby, Millie and Ruth. 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 Please excuse blots. [ltr. 4, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 1] #88 Salt Lake City, June 21, 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- I got a card and a letter from you today I am so glad you had such a nice time on your trip and that your gained a little I wish you could have stayed long- er I think it would have done you good. If I were you I would go down in September and have another out. It must have been pretty warm walk- ing when it was so hot. So you think you do’nt want any more to do with Sister E’s affairs. Well if you attend to it until your time is up to come home and then it is not setteled some one else will have to attend to it because [ltr. 5, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 3] 2. I do’nt want you to stay longer on account of that. I expect you home by this time next year I do’nt know what is the matter with Ruth’s appetite she does’nt eat much but she drinks quiet a lot of milk and she is gaining I weighed her the other day and she weighed 24 pounds. No I hav’nt been sick – white Dr. Dougelas was tending Papa’s hand he had me dress it in the morning and evening and he would dress it in the after noon and it was such an awful sight that I did’nt enjoy my meals and then I was quite worrid and I lost quit a bit but I am gaining again now or at least I feel better Papa went to the Dr’s. alone to- day for the first time. Dr. Will- cox has been dressing it since Monday. Dr. Richards has’nt been there his oldest daughter Alice died Tuesday. It seems that she had a floating kidney and it bothered her at times [ltr. 5, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 5] 3. and she was to be marrid next month and her father thought it was best to have the operation and have it fixed before she was marrid so she was operated on last Friday or Saturday at the L. D.S. Hospital and died Tuesday. I heard her mother was again st it right along but of course her father did it thinking for the best – he is all broke up about it. I am so sorry it seems so sad she seemed to be such a sweet girl. I do’nt know wether her father operated on her or not. She was to marry Fairbanks the artist. Our house cleaning is all done but the summer kitchen we are going to do that next week. And I tell you I am glad it seemed to drag so, but there was baby to tend, Papa to wait on and go down town every day and that beautiful cow to tend, calf to feed, chickens to tend and some times it seem- ed there was ten million things [ltr. 5, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 7] 4. to do but Papa is getting so he can wait on himself more now. You would be surprised how nervous he has been. Yes Ruth often talks over the phone you aught to hear her she is a chatterbox but she is mighty cute. She likes to be fixed up she says “mama I want to go pretty dress on” “I want to go to” Yes our telephone number is just the same. I hav’nt seen any thing of the Touts I dont know wether they have been to Salt Lake yet or not they are going to give a concert in Ogden sometime this week. Well I have found out who Wil- ford is by this letter it is Elder Beesley and he is to marry Bro. Frewin’s daughter. Yes Arthur Brown the forger is the little fellow that used to call on me or at least take me out he never spent but two evenings at the house but he took me out quite a lot And hes always treated [ltr. 5, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 9] 5. me well. I never did like him but I am sorry to hear of his downfall. He is a young man and he has ruined his reputation for ever. He is out on $2,000.00 bonds. I forgot to tell you that Annabel[-] and Mable Derrick were marrid the Month and Ella’s neice Ethel Cahoon is to be marrid this week or next to Orin Grow’s brother. I do’nt know him but I hope he is’nt like Orin. It was Joe’s birthday yesterday so Bertha had Tud’s and us up last night and we has sherbert and cake and fruit and played flinch we had a real nice time. Richard was on his way down to see old man Reed and he called in and he promised to come back but he did’nt. Mr. Reed has been quite sick he had an abcess in or by the rectum he was operated on Monday and he is getting along fine he was going to [ltr. 5, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 11] 6. sit up a while today. Bertha and Joe and Eva were down this evening they all wish to be remembered to you. Mama and Papa send love. Love hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mama may the Lord bless you continually is the prayer of your loveing and affection ate wife and baby, Millie and Ruth. 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 P.S. I forgot to tell you we are all well. Millie. [ltr. 5, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 1] #89 Salt Lake City, June 28 – 1906 My Own Dear Alvin:- I receved a letter from you Monday and another today I was so pleased to get them and I am so glad you are feeling so much better. So the London paper was com- menting on the kind of waist the American girls wear. I hav’nt seen but one or two of those vulgar ones you speak of I think the waists are beutiful this summer. I think there is nothing prettier than to see a girls neck and arms though a thin waist I do’nt like to see them show all they have but their neck and arms look pretty. Well Dearie I think you better tell Hyrum about the lot your- self if he had wanted to know from me he would have [ltr. 6, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2. asked me and then if had wanted to use it it would have been early enough but now I fear it will be too late to do any thing with it. The man you rented the other lot to is the one that put his cow on all last summer Hen rented it to High Smith. So you are sending me some hat trimmings if I had known I would’nt have got my hat yet but they will come in for another. And you say you could get me a hat thanks just the same but I do’nt want another summer hat. Some of the hats you marked are quite pretty one of them is just like my red one, and I think they are quite reasonable – mille[-]y is awfull high here it gets worse every year. Some of the styles are just about like the styles here the dresses and skirts are also very pretty. We must be having weather just like you are it is hot enough to cook you one day and the next we are glad of [ltr. 6, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3. a fire we had quite a rain storm last night and again to day and it has been quite cold today we have had a fire in the house all day. Hen came up and had lunch with us today and he brought a copy of the Smoot testimony that came to the Con- Magon for you. I walked out to the gate with him and a man was coming down the street he stopped and spoke to Hen and he introduced he and his wife to me he was Ernest Fisher of Bountiful he asked about you and wished to be remembered to you and said I would just like to jolly him for about ten minutes. South Temple looks fine now that it is paved. Papa has at last got brave enough to go to the Dr.’s him- self. his hand is still improve- ing but he still has to go to the Dr’s. every day. Alice Richards was buried Sunday I went up to the cem- [ltr. 6, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 7] 4. etary it did seem so sad they all feel so bad. I saw your Papa up there Aunt Sarah Aunt Julina and Aunt Alice and David and Emily were also there also Mrs. and Mrs. Ashton they wished to be re- membered to you. Saturday I went to the matinee to see Nat Goodwin in “The Genius” it was just fine. Monday evening we went to the lake had a real nice time had two sides on the scenic railway Ruth wanted to go on but I was afraid to take her on that so I took her on the merry-go-round and when it stopped she said “just fine” and the next day all she could talk about was the merry-go- round. I hav’nt sold the cow yet no body wants a chicky cow and I do’nt blame them. I can put up with her kicking better than I can with her hold- ing her milk up. I can just feel her draw it out of her [ltr. 6, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 9] 5. bag then when I get through she lets it down and if I try again up it goes and when I get through trying to get it she lets it down and her bag looks as though I did’nt get half the milk and I have got every drop I can. She is just as gentle as can be to go around. I can walk right up to her in the correll and put the rope on her and lead her out in the yard. and any thing until I start to milk I do’nt think she kickes quite as bad as she did. You ask me what Mr. Cus- worth looks like. Well he is rather tall and quite nice looking and quite English I do’nt know what he does. Sothe Cusworth’s told you Ruth had a bad cold so she did it was the worst cold she has ever had but she has never had a real bad cold it seemed worse because it was in her head and her nose kept running but she was so much better by the time [ltr. 6, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 11] 6 I wrote to you I did’nt say any thing about it. Ruth’s well and so am I and all the folks Your Mama was going to Denver yesterday so I guess she went and she may go on to Chicago. Sister Win- der’s sister is going on a mission and your mama and Sister winder are going with her to her destination. That must be a beautiful place that is pictured on the card you sent me. Well Dearie it is quite late so I will answer your other letter next time. Lots of love hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mama – May the lord bless you continually, love from all of you, your loveing and affectionate wife and baby, Millie and Ruth. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 6, p. 12: page is blank]