The more life changes the more it stays the same. This letter proves it as Mother is on a telephone shared by other families in the area. She listens in to others talk on the phone and then reports a "wife-swapping" deal that would raise some eyebrows even in our present culture. The difference back then was that NO ONE TALKED ABOUT IT. Yet, here it is ... ~~KR
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Page 4 of one of Mother’s weeklies written from Belmont Heights in Central Park (Rt. 1, Box 130, Montesano, Washington) shortly after they moved into their new home ... composed in 1947 ...
…dog-gone it. One carbon was turned the wrong way. Grant says there is enough perforation from the way I hit the keys for a young upstart like Jeanne to make it out. And Eddie but I guess I better re do that one. Anyway it isn’t Tues. night now. I quit in the midst and now it’s Wednesday after the weeding, and dishes, and good few minutes to chat and rest before bedtime. We are still night-birds. Never getting to bed until midnight but surprising how in the morning when the sun comes through the blinds we are as fresh and rested and eager. That what country life does for people.
But I meant to say in writing of Mom that when she doesn’t stop here then she writes letters and letters about the things we should have discussed. Today I got another postal card. She heard from Europe so she has more plans. She gets so happy with those letters even though she barely makes some of them out. Says they write “high class Polish” but maybe it’s that Mom now has her speech and letters tuned to low-class English. We do a lot of guessing about what’s in the letters. But I imagine not to be compared to what the Polanders put up with when Mommy’s letter arrives. Often she will write me in Polish and most of her words are derivatives of our lingo. She can’t realize that. She is surely the cutie and oh so much fun.
Hey if any of you should ever want to call us we do have a phone here. It’s a six party line. One of these things that never ceases ringing but it’s always for the other fellow. What a change from the private one we had but that adds spice to the country life.
I sometimes listen in to know who our neighbors are but the Chief doesn’t allow it if he is around. I did learn a few things about Belmont Heights. Two neighbors are trading wives. It’s mutually agreeable to all concerned except maybe the little kids. There are little children in both families. One family lives across from us and already it’s Mrs. (name withheld by editor) and Mr. (name ALSO withheld by editor) living under the same roof but the divorces aren’t final. Nice folks too. We don’t know much about the neighbors who aren’t famous for their misbehavior but from all appearances this is a fine looking district.
Oh I meant to give you our phone: Aberdeen 4906 w 4. If you forget it just call information and tell them it’s Route 1, Montesano. You might want to call sometime.
Especially you Jeanne. Hey sis did you gain the pounds you must have lost over that poisoned hamburger? Bet you will be a busy soul with moving. You have it much worse than us because after all there’s no inclination to work in heat like that.
Hey everyone, goodnight for now. It’s a bit late again. Thank you for the lovely letters. Birthday greetings to Pat, Francie, Mickey, Jeanne and sis Rose.
Loads of love, Mom, Dad, Julian, the good chief and your sissie. |
Updated: 02-05-2019 |