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, Dec. 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; pre-printed text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #122. Salt Lake City, Dec. 3 – 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received your letter of Nov. 21st today I was so pleased to hear from you also to learn that you was well. Why do’nt you go and spend Xmas. with Alex? It would be pleasant for both of you. So Sid Saville is on his way home I guess he will be glad to be back. Yes someone asked that a re- ceiver be appointed to take charge of the Utah Imp. Co. I do’nt know how they fixed it up but they are still doing business. I too am glad Harry made the change when he did. He got a very nice letter [ltr. 1, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 3] 2. from Odell a while a go. Telling him that the customers said how well they had been treat- ed and etc. Ruth has gone to bed and Mama and Papa have gone over to the ward. The Elders Corum are giving a party over there to night the mission ary’s wives were invited but I did’nt care about going – Ruth wanted to go she said she wanted to go to dance – Mama wanted to take her but I thought she better not go to-night. Saturday when I was down town I got her a little wire doll buggy – it came today Mama put it in the bed room and covered it over I thought I would’nt give it to her until Xmas, but she found it and brought it [ltr. 1, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 5] 3. out and she was so tickel- ed with it she said “this is Ruth’s doll buggy. I went to meeting in the ward last night your Papa spoke he spoke real well. After meeting I went up to Bertha’s – Fred Cotter, one of Joe’s missionary companions was up there. What do you think dearie Vick Ensign buried his little girl, five years old, yesterday she died of rheumatism of the heart. She was a lovely little girl I saw her two weeks ago and she looked the picture of health. It is so sad that makes three in less than a year and five in all that they have lost so they just have two boys left. Yes I too wish you had [ltr. 1, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 7] 4. been up to Bertha’s Halloine no we did’nt have a night gown parade it was all girls but Joe and Rulon. Ruth has lots of play things but they do’nt exactly take the place of going out – it has’nt been so stormy the last few days so she has been out more it is cold but I wrap her up and put her rubbers on and let her go out a little while every day. To night it is raining if it is stormy tomorrow she wo’nt like that. Mr. Tuddenham has’nt done any thing to the house so I asked him abo[-]t it and he said it would look awful to fix it on the out side. He asked me if it was any worse and I told him I did’nt know. He says it will have to come down and he hates [ltr. 1, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 9] 5. to put us to the expense of fixing it seeing that you will be home soon. I believe Fans would buy it yet. The last time I was talking to Mrs. she said she liked to place so much that she would like to buy it. I wish they would buy it. I told Mr. Tuddenham and he said if I were you I would certainly sell it if I could. He said he would go down and have another look at it and see if it is any worse. Will Davis called me up the other day and wanted your address he said he had written you. I asked him if he could get me a box of candy for you and he said he would I asked him if he would send it C. O. D. and [ltr. 1, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 11] 6. he said no if I would send it he you he would send it to me C. O. D. nit. He said he wanted to send you some thing and he did’nt know what. He called me up again to night and he said he was talking to J. G. and he said they would’nt let it go through the last Xmas. he sent a lot and it got to New York and they would’nt pass it through the post office there and it was returned. I told him yours went through all right and I will try it again he wished me to wish you a Merry Xmas. and accept the candy with his compli- ments. I sent you a fruit cake last Saturday. A gentleman told me the other day how well I was [ltr. 1, p. 1: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 1] 7. looking – He said it must agree with you to have Alvin away you look better than you did when he was home. I am well and feel fine and so is Ruth and I am very thankful for our good health. I met Aunt Josephine down town and she sends love to you. Will Bruce came to see us yesterday we were just going to have dinner and he had dinner with us. He didnt stay long because he was going to call on an old gentleman that was sick. He looks better than he did the last time he was down. He is an orderly now and he has more time to study. He [ltr. 1, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 15] 8. has passed six examinations he wished to be remembered to you. Mama sent her cow to the butchers and when she was going Ruth said “peggy is going a tata grandmama’s peggy is going a tata.” I just wish you could hear her talk she talks so cute and the expressions on her face she almost talks with her looks. She is the cutest baby in the world any how at least her mother thinks she is. She thinks it is a huge joke to gen in any ones chair when they get up and when they go to sit down she gives them the laugh. Mama and Papa and all the folks send love. Love hugs and kisses. May the Lord bless you continually is the wish and prayer of your loveing wife and baby, x x x x x x x x x x x Millie and Ruth. [ltr. 1, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 17] Oct. 16 – 1906 Apple fritters. 1 pint of flour 1 teaspoonful of baking powder a little salt and about a tablespoonful of sugar. Mix the flower and baking powder and salt and sugar together then break in sugar together then break in 2 eggs (without beating) then add enough milk to make a rather thick batter (thick enough so it will stick to the apple when you dip them in) peal core and slice the apples thin – dip them in the batter and cook in hot grase (lard is best) dip. if you use pineapples put the juice in a sauce pan with a little water and two or three spoonsful of jelly and then thicken with a little cornstarch (mixed with a little water) if you use the apples you can make a dip by useing water sweetened and the same as above [ltr. 1, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 19] 2 The every day plumb pudding I used to make by guess but I will make one and notice just how much of each thing I put in and will write it down and send it. Lemon dip. put a good sized lump of butter and a little flour in a sauce pan on the stove and rub it together with a spoon then add boiling water a little at a time until it is the right thickness of course you will have to keep stirring it all the time then add sugar and lemon juice to taste. I told you on the top of the letter I wrote last night I would send this next time. I was so sleepy and tired I could’nt write more so I thought I would write this out this morning. I do hope your fasting wont make you sick. Love from Ruth and Millie. [ltr. 1, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 21] Every day plumb pudding. 2 cupsfulls of raisins. 2 “ “ currants. 1½ “ “ brown sugar. 1½ “ “ suet chopped fine. 3 “ “ flour. ¾ “ “ milk. ½ teaspoonful “ cinnamon. ¼ “ “ mace. ¼ “ “ allspice. ¼ “ “ ginger. 1 “ “ extract of lemon. ¼ of a nutmeg grated. 2 good slices of bread soaked in milk or water 1 medium sized carrot grated 2 eggs. Mix all the dry things together then add the soaked bread and eggs (well beaten) and milk mix thoroughly then put in 2 cloths leaving a small space to swell, put in boiling water and boil for 4 or 5 hours. [the following line written vertically along the left edge of the paper] If you dont put the carrot in put more eggs. [ltr. 1, p. 22: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 1] #123. Salt Lake City, Dec. 10 – 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- It is a week today since I received a letter from you – I did think I would get one today but I was dissapointed. I sent you two packages to- day one is Will Davis’ candy but I marked it cake as we ca’nt send candy through the mail I put some excelsio[-] in the box to keep it from shakeing I hope it got through all right. Saturday morning I had quite a surprise your Papa came up and brought the dolls that Bro. Jorgenson brought. It was a year last summer [ltr. 2, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 3] 2. since he came up here so that is why I was so sur- prised, but we were pleased with his visit – he was well and said all the folks were well. I showed him the kodack pictures you sent me. He said he thought the last ones you sent were real good of you I received the pictures you sent last Thursday and I gave them to their owners and they all thank you very much. When I unrapped the dolls I told Ruth the dark one was for her and she said “I do’nt want the black one I wo’nt have the blank one I want the white one”. She is a great baby she knows what she likes and what she do’nt like and she notices every thing. I went to the theatre Saturday night it was “The Woman Hater” and I laughed until I fealt as though my mouth was all across my face – every [ltr. 2, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 5] 3 body laughed Martha almost fell out of the box. It was a regular farce all the way through. Aunt Mary telephoned me yesterday and asked me to go to the matinee Wednesday so I guess I will go. She sent her love to you. An orderly named Richard Burrows of Cumberland, Eng- land died, at the hospital last night, of typhoid fever. He has no folks here. Your Papa told me that Sister Grant and the girls were coming home and your Mama said that Alex Nibley was also come ing with Bro. Grant. If his health is poor I think it the best thing he can do is to come home. Well Dearie this letter will reach you just about Xmas. time. Ruth and I wish you a very Merry Xmas. Next Xmas. [ltr. 2, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 7] 4. you will be home and how glad we will be. I hate Xmas. to come because it wont seem like Xmas. without you. Ruth is looking at a magazine she came to a picture of a group of men and she pointed to one and said “there is my Papa.” Bertha sked her when her Papa was coming home and she said “late”. I just ask- ed her if she was ready to go to bed and she said “I guess not” I tell you she is a great baby she do’nt care who she sasses. When ever she sees Joe kiss Bertha she laughs at them so I said what would you do if Papa kissed mama and she said “laugh” and then she ha ha’s. She is a darling kid any how. We are all well and I do hope you are. Mama and Papa and all the folks send love and wish [ltr. 2, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 9] 5 you a Merry Xmas. I do hope you have a nice time Xmas. Dearie I do love you with all my heart and how glad I will be when you are with us again. Love hugs and kisses. May the Lord bless you continually is the wish of your loveing and affection ate wife and baby, Millie and Ruth. P.S. We are having very mild weather. 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. 2, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 1] 51 Langdon Park Road Highgate N. Dec 11th. 1906. Mr. Alvin F. Smith, 97. Farleigh Road, Stake Newington. N. Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your lette & tracts des- patched yesterday. My answer to both, the latter un-read is simple and is to be found in the last chapter in the word of God. “For I testify unto every one that heareth the words of the pro- phecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto [ltr. 3, p. 2] him the plagues that are written in this book. Rev. 22.18. You claim to have received a further revelation from God: this scripture declares such claim to be for ever false. The Canon of Holy Scripture is for ever closed. Beware then how you in- cur the awful penalty im- posed upon those who dare to add to this Book. I thank you for the tracts sent but can not read them, so return them unopened. God’s word bids us be simple concerning evil [ltr. 3, p. 3] and I must condemn as evil those teachings which are based upon a false & so-called further divine revelation. It is my earnest prayer to God for you that you may be delivered from this snare of Satan. Yours truly. R. W. Cooper [ltr. 3, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 1] 1906 [The card contains a hand drawn picture depicting a man sitting on the ground, smoking pipe and drinking something from a cup. He is straddling a barrel that reads “Special”. From his mouth are the words “I wish all the luck I wish myself”] A. Merry Xmas H. C. [ltr. 4, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 1] #124 Salt Lake City, Dec. 11 - 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- I was ten days without a letter then I got two and the next day another so I have three to ans- wer. So you are sick of your cook? No doubt but what you would like to live with Sister Crofts – so you are her favorite well she seems to be yours. of course you tell me she is an old lady but I am not so sure about that. The London papers had a great way of putting it about your Papa. So you are going to send a doll buggy home well it will do for her next Xmas. [ltr. 5, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 3] 2. I thought you would’nt get it here for Xmas. and I did’nt want to dissapoint her so I got a little wire one $1.25 and she does have a good time with it. She says Santa Clause is going to bring her another doll buggy with a doll in. We talk to her about Sand and show her pictures and she is so elated about him I am going to take her down town this week to see the things. So you do’nt recall what I told you about Mr. Morton you mean you do’nt want to you never did want to know any thing about such things. No I did’nt mean that your father told me how to mani- pulate the machine he spoke about the carriage then he said you know how to vote and I told him I did and he said “straight” “strictly straight” what do you call that? You are very [ltr. 5, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 5] 3. sarcastic about the election I too was pleased with the out come it did’nt matter to me who won just so the “American’s” did’nt and some Democrats that were up were no better than “Americans” I do’nt think Sid Savill’s sister saw my beads unless it was my old ones. Papa saw him at priest hood meeting the other night and he told Papa to tell me he was coming over. We are house cleaning this week so I hope he do’nt come until we get through, but that is the time folks come to see one when we are all up set. So you think I must have thought I was writing to some one else when I referred to Ruth as my baby no I did’nt. I would like to know [ltr. 5, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 7] 4. who has a better right to say “my baby” than her mother. You do it repeatedly in these letters that I am answering you say “my baby” And then you tell me I must not do it. I sent the $500 bill for you I owed you $.80 for Eva Tud’s beads I thought you could get you a good meal with the rest. I am going to send $5.00 this time and I would like you to get me two pair of long gloves no. 6 one pair white and one black get a good quality black and if this is’nt enough I will send you some more. Tell me how much they are. So you had a mean dream about me I never have any other kind about you you are always so mean to me. I dreamed of you the [ltr. 5, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 9] 5. other night and it was the same old story. Will Bruce’s foot is all right and his thumb is all heald now. Did you tell his folks? I do’nt know where Madson and Peterson are called to. Rock- wood that kept the store on 11 East and [---]lfth South and Frank Murphy are called. The Murphy Bro’s. have bought that corner where Lon Knight is and they have their candy factory up stairs. Professor J. J. McClellan is the star in a great scandal it is a fright six girls going to have babies and he has skipped with another one is an Ogden girl. I heard that his wife has known that he was untrue for two years. They have five children. I guess you have heard all about Mrs. Bradley killing Senator Arthur Brown, in [ltr. 5, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 11] 6. Washington and about his connection with Mrs. Annie Adams (mother of Maude Adams) I heard that Mrs. Bradley was the way again. He is a good thing out of the community but she aught to have finished her self too. I see by your letter of Nov. 30th that you are going to Liver pool to see the Grants off so I guess they are almost home by this time. So you are going to spend Xmas. with Sister Crofts and New Year’s in Holland well dearie have a good time. I am going to hunt up a beaux so I can have a good time. You say it is nice to be missed is’nt it? I do’nt know I have never been missed. We have had more snow and it is quite cold again. I read the clipping I do’nt think I would care about the straw- berries – there was a big piece in the news about two [ltr. 5, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 13] 7. weeks ago about the filth in the different places where foods are prepared for market why America is nt in it with London. I too am glad your Papa got off with a fine Eva Tud is called on a mission to Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago and around there she expects to go in March. Nell Read Myres has a daughter. We are all well but slight colds. I hope you have a fine time Xmas. and We all wish you a Happy New Year. I went to the Matinee to see the “Sign of the Cross” it was real good and I enjoyed it very much. Lis was there also Lillian (she is as quiet as ever.) Aunt Mary, Uncle John Smith and Mrs. Tud. and I. Nan Owen Roberts is home again. [ltr. 5, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 5, p. 15] 8. You aught to hear some of the cute things Ruth says Mama was daning sox the other night and Ruth wanted a needle so Mama gave her one and you aught to have seen her sew she said “I a mending Grandpa’s sox” and she soon used up a needle full of wool. She wanted to sew the other day and I gave her a needle and a piece of cloth and she said “where’s my thim- ble” and she got mine and put on and sewed as cute as could be she said “I a making my dolly a petticoat” My baby and I send love hugs and kisses Mama and Papa and all the folks send love May the Lord bless you con- tinually is the Prayer of your loveing and affectionate wife and baby, Millie and Ruth. [ltr. 5, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 1] 125 Salt Lake City, Dec. 26 – 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- This is the first time I have gone over a week writing to you, but I have been quite buisy the last week but I did think I would write you Xmas. eve and then I was so tired I left it until moning and then I did’nt get it done. I have three letters to answer two I received last week and one I received yesterday I was so pleased to get them and to learn that you was well and more pleased to get them and to learn that you was well and more pleased to learn that you are gaining a little. Next time I am down town, if I can think of it, I will get weighed. I got the stars you sent also the [ltr. 6, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2. catalogues and Ruth’s books came today but the paper you spoke of has’nt come as yet. There are some beauty furs listed in that catalogue. I am glad you had such a nice time while you were in Liverpool the Grants got home the day before Xmas. but they did’n get their trunks un- til yesterday so one of the Grants girls came over about half past nine last night and brought the things. I think it was lovely of her to bring them so soon. Ruth is tickeled to death with her doll she loves it and kisses it and tends it. It is just as sweet as it can be and thank the lady for me for dressin[-] it. Ruth is so excited over Xmas. that she has’nt had any sleep [ltr. 6, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3. in the day time for three days Xmas. has gone and we all had a lovely time. All the folks were here and no body got sick for a wonder we were all well and had a good time. I took Ruth and went down to your Mama’s for a few min- utes they all seemed to be hav- ing a nice Xmas. Lis and Martha had gone to Hyrums. I went into Aunt Sarahs a minute they had a lovely Xmas. Nelson’s and Millers were there they are all well Bro. Nelson said he wrote you for Xmas. I under- stand that Dick was up to Reeds for Xmas. Mattie Reed was there also. I think Newy is going up. Ruth got lots of things little Harry gave her a little piano and she is just as tickeled as can be with it. I hung her stocking up and I just wish [ltr. 6, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 7] 4. you could have seen her Xmas. morning and you aught to hear her talk about Santa Clause she says so many cute things about Santa and Xmas. I gave Mama and Papa their gloves and they are very much pleased with them and wish me to thank you very much for them. I wish to thank you for mine also they are just what I wanted and they are just lovely. If you was here I would give you a kiss for them but you are not so all I can do is thank you. I sent for you to send me some but send the black ones 6 ½ and send me word how much they are and Nell will pay me for them. Mrs. Sear came over Sunday for her package thinking it would be here but it [ltr. 6, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 9] 5. was’nt here. She did’nt stay as she had left her dinner on cooking she had the three chil- dren with her and they all look well and fine. I telephoned her this morning and she said she would send for the package but it has been raining all day and I guess that is why she did’nt send. Your Mama asked me to go down tomorrow afternoon and the Theatre to- morrow night so I will take her package down with me. She told me you said I had’nt mentioned my beads Dearie I certainly thought I had and that more than once. I am just as pleased as I can be with them and I wear them every time I go any where. Every one admires them. I wore them over to the eighteenth ward one night and I been wonder- ing if they are the ones the Miss [ltr. 6, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 11] 6. Saville saw and wanted some like. I saw Bro. Saville Monday and he said Sid might as well be in England for all he sees of him he started to work right away and then he said you know it is the girl. He wished to be remembered to you. Remember me to Robert Price when you see him. We have been having mild foggy weather for several days and last night it rained and has been doing the same thing all day today. The weather is not like Xmas. one bit no snow the streets are something terrible for mud. How was it that Andelin and Clark did’nt come home on the same boat? No I did’nt have to pay any thing on the stars they came through [ltr. 6, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 13] 7. all right. Yes Hyrum is home he was at the matinee the other day and he started on the same old strain and I did’nt answer him. I took Ruth to the matinee for the first time, since that time you had to take her out, and she was real good and after the matinee I took her down town to see the Xmas. thing and she did enjoy it. The lady that dressed her doll could’nt have chosen a better color as white is Ruth’s favorite if we ask her which one she wants or what she wants of anything she always says the white one. We were in a store the other day and a man started to talk to her and she talked to him and he told her she was pretty enough to have a ring and asked he if [ltr. 6, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 15] 8. she would like one and she told him yes so he gave her one. I tell you she is going to be a winner. I too wish you could have called in on Xmas. my but it would seem good to see you. When Ruth saw the post card she pointed to the girl on your lap and said “here’s papa’s girl”. I heard Mamie was sick today but I do’nt know wether the little stranger has arrived yet or not. Alice Lucas Roberts has a baby boy the day before Xmas. I got a letter from Mrs. Field yesterday and she told me she had had a misscarriage she was three months I do’nt know wether to believe it or not, but Mrs. Tarbert has a son and she has been married 17 years so maby there is hope for Annie [ltr. 6, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 17] 9. yet. Coulson was taken sick Saturday night and was operated on for appendicitus Sunday afternoon the Doctors said if it had gone two hours longer it would have bursted. They gave him either and he has been quite sick since but he is getting along as well as he can. He is at the L. D. S. Hospital. Walt Clawson fell down stairs and killed himself early yester- day morning and he was buried to day. Artie Brown got three years his mother his died since he got in that scrape. McClellan has’nt skipped for I saw he and his wife on the car the other night. I under- stand he blames Squire Coop for starting the story. I do’nt know but I think he must have [ltr. 6, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 19] 10. been guilty of some indiscres- cion or there would’nt have been so much talk every body was talking about it. Mrs. Cusworths little boy tele- phoned today to know when you was coming home I told him I thought about June and he said they had an idea you was coming the first of the year he said his mother received a telegram this morn- ing stating that her mother was dead and he said she was all cut up about it and she wanted you to go see her folks or some- thing so I told him to tell his mama to write you what she wanted and I knew if you could do any thing for her you would. He said they were all well but of course blue on account of this. Tonights paper states that [ltr. 6, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 21] 11. you have two inches of snow in London. I saw Mrs. Pack down town the other day and she said the children had just got over the measels and the Mr. Pack had typhoid last summer but he was getting along fine now. Nell saw Mrs. Sorenson the other day and she said Tessara had rheumatism she has only been to school 6 weeks this year she has had to keep her out on that account. So you want to know what time I got to bed that night – I do’nt remember dearie. I admit I do’nt go to bed very early and I do’nt get up very early this weather. It always happens if I go any where it comes on writing night. If I write in the day time it seems as though [ltr. 6, p. 22: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 23] 12. I have to jump up and down so much Ruth always wants a lot of waiting on if I want to do any thing so that is why I prefer writing at night. I put her to bed before I started to - night. She was tired. Al’s baby was so excited over Xmas. he did have a wink of sleep from eight o clock yesterday morning until twelve o’clock last night. Your mama and the girls gave Ruth some blocks and me some handkerchieves and a very pretty plate. I am glad you had your teeth fixed up – it was real kind of John Taylor to do them. I had one tooth filled last sum- mer and I have another that I must have tended to right away I think all the rest are all right at least I hope they [ltr. 6, p. 24: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 25] 13. are. Hen weighs 183 lbs. with his over coat on. Bertha wears 6¼ gloves but if you have sent them she can do as you said. So you would like a stamp picture well Dearie Hen took some kodack pictures of us yesterday and if ther are any good I will send you one and then you can see what your wife and baby looks like. Yes Mrs. Owen seems to be happy about her baby yes I guess it will be Bertha’s turn next. You ask when it will be our turn that I ca’nt say. Newy and Miller were marrid a little over a month before us and they have two and I think another one on the way. They believe in building up the kingdom in its glory. [---]’s [ltr. 6, p. 26: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 27] 14. is growing just fine. So you think absence makes the heart grow fonder well I do’nt know wether it does or not. Yes dearie if you had gone on a mission before we were marrid I guess I would have found another fellow or at least I would have tried – but I am glad you did’nt because then I might have got the wrong one And of course as it it I never think of such a thing even though I say it in jest some times but I do get disgusted going out alone all the time. And if I had’nt been marrid I would never have stayed in like I have. And I guess you would have been the same you would have hand another girl. Mama and Papa and all the folks send love and hope you had a Merry Xmas. and that you will have a bright and Happy [ltr. 6, p. 28: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 29] 15. New Year. Mrs. Field wished me to wish you a Merry Xmas. and a Happy New Year. Well dearie I guess you will have to read this on the instalment plan as it is so long but you might not get another for a week so you can read half at a time. I aught to have put this on the first page insted of the last. Well Dearie if you was here I would give you a good big hug and kiss and go to bed you are not here so I will go to bed any way, love hugs and kisses – may the Lord bless you continually is the wish and prayer of your loveing and affectionate wife and baby x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Millie and Ruth. [ltr. 6, p. 30: page is blank] [ltr. 6, ins. 1, p. 1] [A postcard with an illustration of two Christmas bells and holly and the following words] A Merry Christmas [ltr. 6, ins. 1, p. 2] [the following text is preprinted on the card] * Post Card * “Place Postage Stamp Here Domestic One Cent Foreign Two Cents” This side for the Address. [The letter is written at a 90 degree angle to preprinted text] Xmas. 1906. Dear Papa:- I like my dolly so much aint it cute, I can tend it on my red chair, baby want tity mamas tity – oh cute sing come to mama – baby wants to got to bye bye. I like my looks so much I let my dolly see my looks I give my dolly a ride in my doll buggy what santa clause brought santa clause a man sana aint a boy Love and kisses Your Darling, Ruth. [the following line is written upside down on the bottom of the card] this is just a sample of how she talks to her dolly [ltr. 7, p. 1] [The following sentence is written upside down at the top of the page.] I got the paper and it came through all right. 126 Salt Lake City Dec. 31 1906. My Own Dear Alvin:- You will see from the date if this letter that this is the last day of 906 or New Years eve. I have just given Ruth a bath and put her to bed so thought I would answer the two letters I have one I received last Thursday and another today I was so pleased to get them also to learn that you was well. In speaking of giving Ruth a bath – you aught to see what a time I have to get her out of the tub she does like her tub. I always have a fight to get her out. I told you in my last letter that I was going to your ma- ma’s the next day I went and had quite a nice time but your mother did’nt say it was a party [ltr. 7, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 3] 2. and I did’nt dress for a party so I felt kind of out of place. Mamie had a baby girl that morning so I went up to see it – it is a sweet little black haired fatty. Buster Brown was at the theatre and I was going to take Ruth so I thought I would stay at your mama’s and go from there to the theatre, but your mama saw Bro. Worthing- ton go by about six o’clock so she told me I could go up to the Bee Hive and stay there until time for the theatre so I went you papa was there having his supper (bread and milk and cheese) Really Alvin I will never get used to your mothers ways if I live to be a hundred. Xmas. day I went down and I met Bro. Worth- ington and he took me the last block and the minute I got there she said “I wish I had seen Bro. Worthington and I would have had him take you home” I told her I did’nt intend to stay. I wonder what she would think of me, if I should say, there is your [ltr. 7, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 5] 3. car you better go, the minute she got in the house. It is the same thing exactly. Well we went to the theatre and you aught to have seen Ruth she was the center of attraction all the people on the stage noticed her especially Buster he made eyes at her and smiled at her and just at the last he threw her a kiss she also amused a good many in the audience she laughed and clapped her hands and just had a good time. She is a great baby after the boys. Saturday Night Aunt Sarah invited me to go to the theatre it was The Sultan Sulu it was real good but not as good as it was the last time it was here. Hyrum and Maggie were there. Hyrum kept nagging at the same old thing I should think he would get something new to tease about once in a while. He said you might get home for next Xmas. and [ltr. 7, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 7] 4. you might not and then when you had been home about two years they would send you again. I told him that was all he knew about it. To morrow we are going up to Al’s I wish you was here to go too. Next Saturday is Geraldine’s birthday and Ida is going to give a party for her and I guess I will go and take Ruth. Coulson is getting along fine What I told you about Newy is O. K. talk about rushing things they were marrid two months before we were and by the time they have been marrid four years they will have three children. Donny is looming too. She was’nt going to have any more until Alonzo was four years old. Well Dearie I forgot to tell you last time about the calf. When Mr. Ellis was in with our [ltr. 7, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 9] 5. hay two weeks ago I sent the money out to Fisher for the alf and told him to ask Fisher how much he was going to charge me for her now as he only agreed to take her for a year for a dollar a month and a few days after he comes in with her she has a calf it was the smallest calf I ever saw but she <(the mother)> is fat and in fine condition – the calf was two weeks old yesterday and it is almost as big a an ordinary calf when it is first born. When the fellow brought it in he said “this calf is only about as big as a rabbit and sure enough it was’nt much bigger only it had longer legs – it is a heirfer – it is growing fine she has all the milk the mother has’nt any more than the calf takes so I have just let her have it all I hav’nt milked her yet I tried two or three times but she kicks like the dickens. When the calf is gone [ltr. 7, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 11] 6. I will either brak her or break her neck. I do’nt mind milking a civilized cow but when it comes to your kind of cows I am sick of them. As soon as this calf is gone I am going to send the old cow to the butchers she is not worth barn room. And if the little beast is as mean as her mother she can go too. I was so mad when I saw that little beast come home I was’nt going to let him un- load it. I told Fisher when he took the calf that I did’nt want her to come in until she was two and a half years old I thought then you would be home and you could tend to her. She is just as gentle as can be to go around and maby she wont kick so bad when she gets used to being milked. Mama sold her old cow to the butcher about two months ago and bought another cow that had a calf a week old and we had only been rid of that calf about a week when [ltr. 7, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 13] 7. ours came home. The new cow is just as gentle as can be it is a durham she gives quite a lot of milk but it is not rich like mama’s old cow’s milk. The old cows milk was much richer than our cow’s. We are not having holiday weather it is warm just like spring. The streets all over the city are in an awful contition the mud is the wost ever. So you decide to go to Sister Crofts for Xmas. well I am glad you did and I hope you go and spend New Year’s with Alex. His mother said they had got someone to take his place so I presume he will soon be coming home. No they did’nt try to tease me Xmas. It seemed as though the time went before we knew it so I guess they did’nt have time to tease me. I am glad you got the cake all right but I do’nt see how it was the stamps were gone I put them on. I think it was [ltr. 7, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 15] 8. $.60 it cost you know it has to be weighed and stamped before it is entered on the book and they set down in the book who it is going to who sent it how much it cost the kind of package and every thing. I hope they did’nt make you pay again. If they did I am going to see about it because the man at the stamp window knows I put the stamps on. I took a package down the other day and he asked me if I had heard from the candy yet. I said “no”. You know when I took it to be weighed he said what is this and I said candy he said you ca’nt send candy I said “it is cake it has to go so he said all right but do’nt tell any body you told me and I assured him I would’nt Nell went to the concert with me. I see by the papers that you are having “snow a plent mo[-]s a plenty” I told you Dearie that Jorgensen left the dolls at the Bee Hive and your Papa brought them up [ltr. 7, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 17] 9. I told you as soon as I got them I too am glad your papa got off with a fine that was bad enough but dearie If the American party had got in I am afraid they would have sent him to jail. They are after Bro. Grant now he came home to Xmas. and went right back to New York to attend to some business before they served the warrant but the paper states that he is coming back to give himself up. What can they do to him he has no new wives (that I know of) and no very young children. I for- get wether I told you that Bro. Grant’s wife that was here has Owen Woodruff’s children the Grand ma Woodruff has given them up to her. Last Thursday while I was down to your Mama’s Mrs. Buckel and Mrs. Williams came so I did’nt see them. Today Alice Reynolds and a Miss _______ (I cant think of her name she was on the trip with Alice and she lives in Provo ) called they told me [ltr. 7, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 19] 10. me to tell you that they came to wish You and Ruth and I a happy New Year and they wished to be kindly remembered to you and they told me how lovely you was to them and how much you loved me but of course I did’nt believe that. Well tell Bro. Hansen I will be pleased to have him stay to dinner when he calls. So you think he is just the man that will come. You said that about Brazier but I hav’nt seen him yet. Well Dearie I am sorry you still have that cook but I am glad you go out and get a meal once in a while and I hope you will con- tinue to do so. Mrs. Sear sent the little girl over Thursday for the package. and I gave it to her. Well dearie it is getting late and I have only answered one letter so I guess I will ans- wer the other next time. I could have answered both [ltr. 7, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 21] 11. but I have been stopping every few minutes to eat candy and nuts it kind of reminded me of when you and I used to sit by the fire and do like wise. What happy times they were I just wish you was here now and we would sit the old year out together. The New Year has arrived where you are and it is getting along towards getting up time another half hour and 1906 will be gone. Mama and Papa and all the folks send love and wish you a bright and Happy New Year. Mama and I went down to Nell’s yesterday Hen took some Kodack pictures of Ruth and I but it was cloudy and I am afraid they wont be good, but if they are you shall have one I love you dearie with all my heart. May the Lord bless you continually – with lots of love hugs and kisses for the New Year We are Yours loveingly, x x x x x x x xMillie and Ruth. x x x [ltr. 7, p. 22: page is blank]