By 1942, Janice was getting settled in at Syracuse, having lived in several different residence halls and spent some unhappy time waiting tables. She shared her boyfriend troubles with Moon and Pop, who tried to advise her without being overbearing. She also had issues with a few instructors, some of whom, also taught Moon 20 years previously.
In February, Moon went in to the hospital for removal of some fibroid tumors, and spent about 3 weeks there, as was customary at the time. She also convalesced for a bit with Aunt Hazel before returning home.
Janice's brother Harry, acted in the Senior Play, and graduated in June. Moon reported his grades: Eng 93, P.D. 97, Physics 98, Trig 93. Obviously, Harry was no slouch! He got a job with the gas company as a meter reader.
In the summer Janice worked at Eclipse Machine Company in Elmira, a munitions factory that manufactured a newly developed 20MM Aircraft Cannon. Her job involved assembly of the innards of the gun, and she admitted to me many years later that she was never sure if she were inserting the parts correctly. Yikes!
In October, the Wands family, was filled with excitement, as it looked that they might come into a large inheritance from an unknown relative. Alas, it was not to be. Also, Harry, aka the Shrimp, announced that he intended to enlist in the Navy.
As the year draws to a close, it also looks like Janice's relationship with the annoying Bob Fuller is also coming to an end.
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Wednesday (Jan 21 ’42)
Dear Beezie:
It is early in the morning, here, and this morning, no little Geezle is part of it, as this note is written especially to say.
He was himself to the last, nervy and independent, and met his end with dignity and courage.
He had it all planned, knew when the time had come, and yesterday he just went back under the porch, among the deep, dry leaves there, and never came out.
By the time you read this, he will be buried under the apple tree, in a box, and wrapped in Harrison’s old sweater.
Moon
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| Janice and Geezle. Moore's house in background |
Thursday (Feb 19 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Your card has just arrived, following a long visit from Julia. I am cut to the quick by your heartless comparison of my typing and will retaliate with hand-writin’(sic). I was also tempted, om learning of your heresy in regards to Emerson’s articulation, to cut you off with a shilling, but will have to give that up due to unlikelihood of having any shillings
Those measles were 3-day measles, which can be had over + over, which I have done. This time they were said to have been unusual – even developed bunches back of the ears, sore throats, upset stomachs, and I dunno what all.
While taking it easy, I began looking over magazines from the barn + will hook (?-ac) out those paintings from the old Ladies Home Journals + have also saved a few painting sections from the Sunday paper.
The basket-ball riot was not fiction – it made the Elmira papers – when Canton played Troy the 2 principals got in a fight also.
Dunno when B. Duck’s Emerson will happen, due to this interruption of inspiration.
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| An early Emerson |
Your papa is engaged in an interesting proposition, he solved a mathematical problem which he had first persuaded the guy who presented the problem to say was worth $5.00 to solve - now is out to collect.
They’re fuedin’ in the hills. Ralph Langford + the Robbinses – due to a collision of their kids + bikes.
Smileys have a new cat, a beauty, tortoiseshell. Ferdinand seems O.K. now.
I had to borrow a pair of your slacks to wear to one of the first aid meetings. Once again emphasize gratitude to Mrs. F for the $50. Did you put $145 or 45 back in Treasury, will write Vera.
Hastily, Moon.
Wednesday A.M. (Jan 28 ’42)
Dear Beezie
It would have been nice to have had you at home again, but I’m not at all surprised. Also I imagined you might enjoy a free spell in Syracuse. I do not picture you as sitting and sniffling homsicfully into a handkerchief. I hope you get a corking good still life + show it to Hess. Your marks were perfectly acceptable.
Your Aunt H. went + met the train both Sat. + Sunday nights. Claimed to have errands anyway. She particularly wanted you to appear and delight in those caps which she has been having a circus crocheting. She can’t wear them herself + neither can I, because of my pompadour. I believe they have now been mailed to you with the idea that you can retain those you fancy + treat your friends.
Yes, the Emerson business. As usual. I suppose the Emerson mood might come on again. There is no more of the elegant black silk velvet. The red hands occurred because I mislaid the piece of black felt, + couldn’t take time to look it up, tho it reappeared a bit later. The original hands were cut out of an old rubber.
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| Olive Sherwood Wands |
Grandma Wands is not at all well now. She has been in bed for some time with rheumatism, + is better but doesn’t get up and about much. It would be nice if you could send her a get-well card. The address is Olive S. Wands, Tully, N.Y. That’s all.
I am going to take a Red Cross course in First Aid, mostly to be doing something. Friday afternoons, lectures by one Mrs. Rienbold, over at the American Legion Rooms.
We received the bill fer $60 room and we will send that from here.
The bank is the Syracuse Savings Bank, corner James + Salina. Will fix it so that you can draw $100 out there as before + the other $100 you can get from the treasurers. That will leave you $45 + whatever more you need we can probably advance you as you need it.
Wouldn’t it be a good plan to go and try to discover whether you are going to get that loan or not? Ask if they can decide on it one way or the other before you have to make arrangements for your tuition. If Vera is there, which probably, you might consult her. If you do get it, report, so we can advise the bank. Although, if you don’t want to ask them further, you can, as you say, just keep it, if you get it. Be sure and take some identification when you go to the bank/
No special news from here, everything is about as usual.
We wish you good luck and a good time during your next semester.
Let us know how you are, not + then. Don’t worry about fool mistakes. Remember what the iceman said?
Yours ever, Moon
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| Aunt Hazel and Uncle John Boyd |
Mon.. A.M. (postcard Feb 9 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
Can you drop a card in mail on receipt of this giving B. Duck’s address? I may send her a Emerson for a Valentine. Can send it to you in laundry but send address. All as usual here. I went Sat. eve. To the variety show at A.H.S. Harrison very impressive in bald head + whiskers. Peggy (Moore-ac) in Irish kilt dances. Beastly cold this A.M. + clocks set 1 hr. ahead. No notable news, may write, sometime, maybe. Can’t tell, could happen. B. Book returned, laundry arrove. (sic-ac)
Yours, Moon
Sunday P.M. (Feb 23 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
I am sorry, this time to have some disturbing news. As much a surprise to me as it will be to you, but something which happens on all sides all the while, and is considered very stylish.
As soon as we can arrange it, Monday, eve, maybe, I have to go to the hospital to have an operation for fibroid tumor. You will hear, as soon as it is over, and there is no reason to expect any complications. I recovered from the measles and am otherwise in the best of health. There is no cause for such a condition, just happens to happen.
No doubt the Young Matrons will send me a sunshine basket (We are fixing one up now for Alberta Chandler who has just been operated for something)
Your Aunt Hazel will feed the men-folks, + your Uncle John, who has a job up at the Hospital, will keep an eye on me.
You just keep pegging along in your regular way. The worse may be over as you read. I’ll be out in 3 weeks.
Yours with love Moon
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| Get well card from Janice to Moon |
Tue. Eve (Feb 25 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
Moon was operated on about noon, today.
I saw her a few minutes, tonight. She is pretty sick, right now, but not so sick as some, I have seen.
No report is issued except that she “stood the operation very well”. Also she asked that I write – as I intended to do, anyhow.
Do you remember Loren Pierce, friend of Smileys, ex-proprietor of A+P, and owner of “Loren’s Cabins”? He dropped dead today.
With love,
Pop.
Will write by Thurs night, at least.
Thurs. Eve. (postcard Feb 27 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
Your letter rec’d and taken up to Moon. The flowers arrived and were a pleasant surprise. Reports are very good from doctors, but the third day (today) is supposed to be about the worst day. However she has had no transfusion today and is not kicking much – just restless and a bit uncomfortable, partly due to a cold she already had. If she keeps on she should feel better by week end. Will write Sat. again. With love Pop
(postcard Mar 3 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
All continues well – all doctors seem very calm about my case + agreed I’ll survive. Just had my stitches out. Pretty comfortable now. First week was tough. I didn’t take ether. They use Pentothal now, a shot in the arm + off you go before you can count to 10. I have a nurse named Janice pronounced JA-NEECE! 4 beds in this room. Much much snow - Moon
Lovely letter from Leona just came.
Rob’t. Packer Hospital
Mon. A.M (Mar 9 ’42)
Dear Beezie:
At last a letter. I am out of the woods, able to be up +about, sit in a chair + circulate hither + yonner (sic), and Wednesday, I go home, the 16yth day.
This has been the life of Reilly, yessir, house coat, bed jackets Yardley Lavender + Lotus Cologne, candy, + sunshine box with which I’ve been showered. How it’ll be to get back to the salt mines, I dunno.
We are, here, in a semi-private ward. 4 beds, and we don’t move ‘em around as per you Beth do. A very nice, congenial class of patients, + no more privacy than a chicken. It is very calm not, one patient has got well + gone home, but there were spells when it was a case of never a dull moment. The first week or so we had all cute matched brunette nurses, just like a selected set – now they have changed the shift + we have all sized, sorts + shapes. There is one we see once in a while who would retard anybody’s recovery, although she means well. Rather seriously homely + she speaks in sudden loud bursts, violently cheerful. She couldn’t rely on coming quietly thru the 4-foot door with an armful of metal charts, + as she hung one on the foot of the bed she’d drop one with a clang, + as she bent to retrieve it, drop a couple more, ‘Oops!’ she’d say, happily, ‘I spilled some on the bed.’ Anything spillable + what she could do with the bed-pans! The whole place resounded, echoed + reverberated as she banged them about in the toilet. One patient here kicked hers out of bed in the dead of night + it’s a long wat to the floor, which is hard + the clang sounded like an attack by the enemy.
Your father says if you get your bicycle up there you’ll have to come home + ride it up. Maybe you can rent one.
Yes, its something to have made a drapery to suit Hess. (to paint a drapery to suit a fussy professor – ac) Had a letter from Mrs. Boehner + she spoke will of you, very. I wrote to Vera. Nelia Hazard was married Sat. in New York at the famous Little Church around the Corner. Ruth + Irving went down to it. They had a reception at the Hotel Pennsylvania.
I hope Fuller’s tonsils subside. Best wishes to Fuller. I wrote B’Duck, slightly. There’s no time to do nuthin. In a hospital. It’s a full life. I go to mail this. Yours ever, Moon
Friday (postcard Mar 13’42)
Dear Beezie:
Wednesday as per schedule I’m now staying down with Hazel, living in idleness + luxury. I plan to go home Sat. P.M. Your Pop has been having a horrid cold, missed work one day, + just now has to work 12 hours. I shall be glad to be home – hospital life lacks privacy – I continue to feel well, made wonderful recovery, they say – but lost 15 lbs + look like the break-up of a hard winter. As for you, enjoy yourself – nice weather ahead. Love – Moon
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| Views of the Boyd home on short Street, where Herbert and Hazel grew up. |
Sunday Eve. (postcard Mar 16 ’42)
Dear Beezie – Here I am home at the old shack, + feeling O.K. H. + H. doing most of the housekeeping still but I grow more able hourly. Anna Carpenter has just been in to call, and, B.I or N., this P.M. – Julia. Yes, get yourself a new dress, you need a new one for spring anyway + a hat, too – better take F. along. Would like to see your kitten, no more news – letter, maybe, sometime.
Leona’s Mama + Grandma called. ♥ Moon
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| Dress cut and hand sewn by Olive Wands at near ninety years of aege. |
Sunday Eve. (Mar 30 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Pardon pencil. While I discuss the Hess question. He is probably shy a few buttons. Like as not you remind him of one of the girls in his past who gave him the air. I got along with him just fine. I have had excellent instruction, having studied under no less a master than himself and I can’t see any reason for such drastic measures as he takes with you. Definitely it could not possibly be the speed at which you work – everyone has his own natural gait.
It would be at least enlightening to frame Hess. April 1st would be an ideal day but any time would do. Change chairs with someone whose work, if possible is not too decidedly different. Though you could say you were trying an entirely mew style. Would he automatically lambast you as usual + maybe approve your work elsewhere.
I am now passing my time having the grip. It was nothing I needed just now, but everybody’s doing it.
Peggy (Moore – ac) has reaped great honors. She was one of 2 from Athens to go for 2 days to Canton to the county band doings – she had one picture in the Elmira paper. Twice!!!!
Does Fuller realize that in designating what you give him for his birthday, he is starting a dangerous precedent? You can hood him next. If you do not have enough cash to get home you’ll have to retrieve your offering + hock it. Shall we send you money? Line as not you’ve saved price of a ticket. Perhaps I did wrong in attributing the idea for the Janice, Fuller, Leona bouquet to L. : - Maybe it was F. as I may have said before, that was the first “cheer” to arrive + I wuz surprised. This bouquet had pussy-willows in it, the only one I saw that did.
When you come home bring as much winter wear as you can, it would be all right to bring such suit cases as you can on your ticket + leave them home, that is one, anyway – as we believe you’ll have to get a trunk to come home with. It isn’t probably that the Plymouth (Aunt Hazel’s car – ac) will come + get you this time due to conditions.
Did I tell you I had a Sunshine basket with numerous vases – a round art glass crystal (or something) about as big as a grapefruit, (small) from Lina is choice. Also a very unusual one from Anne Moore.
Anne + Gladys were just in to see me. Mrs Lent called, and complimented exactly as usual (1) Your husband goes along with his head in the air. He never speaks.
Repressed reply. ‘I will use my influence with him to have him blow you a kiss, whenever you happen to be peeking out of your window as you’re exceedingly apt to be doing.’
(2) “I just can’t get you boy to visit with me!”
(R.P. The next time he has a free evening I shall urge him to call on you + you can entertain him with tales of how cute your little boy was when he had his curls!)
(3) ‘I come to call on you, but you don’t return my calls.’
(R.P. I don’t call on any number of other neighbors either, + they take it perfectly calm. They like it. You don’t know your luck.
She spared you, tho fumbled about and tried to think of something.
Well you have your Hess, others have others.
I must hit the hay. I don’t get up until I get good and ready – believe it or not. I fix things handy + the fellers get their own breakfasts. I’m going to reform after Easter.
We’re looking forward ardently to having you home.
Nelia Hazard’s new husband, Leiut. Cressman (George-ac) has an article on weather prophesy in the April (I think) American.
The Shrimp has to let his hair grow until the play, many weeks. Mr. Hazard’s idea + I think he will be surprised, I do.
Must close.
Love from all, Moon
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| Harry with C.L Moore, and Julia Moore |
Monday A.M (May 12 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
I write youse (sic) a letter, because your Pa has cut a clipping about an acquaintance which I couldn’t include with a card.
All well here, except that I have a stiff neck – came from serving as registrar for the Sugar Rationing, I guess. Gas next Tue.
The Shrimp has him a cold in the head. He had excellent luck in the play. He was first on the stage, took a deep breath to start, + busted the belt holding up his pants. Fortunately, he was able to hold them up by hand. He had on old overalls + a grey mustache + specs. Adrian, Andy, + Daniel Eddleston were outstanding, Peggy was good – but her part didn’t give her much of a chance.
Moore’s have plunged into East Athenian Society neck + heels. Clarence is now President of the Community Association.
I went to Sayre and got me a new hat – shaped like yours, but black, no flowers, but a terrific veil. Some of the hats to be had are just utterly ultra. Wish I had been in the market for 6 or 8. No sandals fit, this season. I have adopted those brown pumps you left. They’re comfortable + make good emergency shoes.
Trips to the library finally occurred, resulting in plenty of reading matter, just as I become able to clean cupboards, sew + work out in the flower garden.
Mrs. Griswold stopped last night with a gift for Anna Carpenter, as it seems she is Anna’s Pal, and asked if H. would take it up, for secrecy. Your father volunteered. Part of it was a beautiful bunch of pink tulips, and he gave Anna the impression they were from him personally. He said she seemed pleased.
Train times have been changed and it must be discovered whether you can still make connections when you come down from Syracuse. If you have to come by way of Ithaca I may consider timing a visit to Tully so as to come home with you. If you do not obtain a trunk there is one at Tully, Than’s which you could have to come by bus.
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| Than Pierce at home in Tully, Railroad Avenue. |
We have 5 new hens, making a total of 10. The egg season is on. Also the asparagus + strawberry-shortcake season.
Last Friday an event of terrific importance transpired. Athens beat Sayre in the Track meet. Sat Athens placed 2nd in the Roosevelt Trail League Meet at Troy.
I have missed the mail with this, due to its arriving early.
If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get a job pronto on finishing college, before you get involved house cleaning, etc, etc. Though I have plans to involve the Shrimp when his athletic + social duties etc. ease up a bit. He tried that county exam that you did. Had Adrian for competition, A having passed up his scholarship at Drew because he couldn’t get engineering there. H said the exam was very, very tough.
Must close.
Yours ever, Moon
Mon. A.M. 6:45 (May 25 ’42)
Dear Beezie:
Chilly here in early morning, very. We have had horrid weather for a week, either it poured, the wind blew a gale, or it nearly freezes. We needed the rain but our affair did not fit very well because that !!!!! @ Merrill delayed plowing our garden so that we got only the peas in before all those rains, causing more delay. No glads in yet at all.
Quite a bit of the house-cleaning is done, it goes slowly, a little at a time. Have a choice of paper for the living rooms, will paint woodwork as soon as I get it washed. I decided to put off getting paper for your room – tho I found your numbers + looked at Sears samples – until you are home- we have more samples to choose from.
A trunk has been ordered and sent to you. We hope it will solve the packing problem. Start packing in good season so you can have plenty of time to mail home anything that won’t go in. Now, again, I’m undecided about the visit – at this time. You see, Grandma will celebrate her 90th birthday July 6th + that is so near, I may put off this visit + go then, including all of us who can. It would be nice if you could get out to see her before you leave. You could probably go out + back with Lois. It would be a nice thing to do, tho you know I never like to insist.
And now, the news of the season!! The Shrimp has a job! A good one, the minute he graduated, working for the gas company as meter reader + collector at 40¢ per hour 8 hrs. a day, 5 ½ a week, + same pay if he does it in less time – as he plans. Mr. Hazard recommended him for it. He had just come home on Friday sopping wet and was changing his clothes and hollering all over the place about the weather. He said he had had all he could stand. Before he had had a bite to eat – he was home early – a knock came to the door, + there was Mrs. Smiley who told him Mr. Hazard would like to see him shortly after 12 o’clock, in his office. The Shrimp said not a word, but slogged right on over, his conscience a little uneasy because of a cigar he had slipped in Miss Smith’s pocket unbeknownst (he supposed) Mr. Hazard had gone. Shortly after the noon hour was the word he had sent. But rumors of the job emanated, and in the afternoon he applied. He now has merely to get a social security card + a physical exam.
He has his annual (?-ac) now. Cards- announcements. The Baccalaureate Sermon is next Sunday. (a farewell speech to classmates – ac)
The Shrimp never did get to go to the Senior Prom. This disappointed me mightily, due to the flannel pants which never got worn, likewise the white shoes. He went so far as to get dressed for it, finally, intending to go stag, but it poured a deluge all evening + he couldn’t get over.
We are beginning to look forward to having you home again – it won’t be long now. Be sure + let us know in time if you need money or advice. I’ll write again.
Yours ever,
Moon
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| Neighbor, Lucy Smiley and her brother Mr. Thompson |
(May 29 ’42)
Dear Beezie
Special Special:-
An Interview with Anne Hazard discloses that she also received a similar telegram + did nothing about it until she came home, + it was all right. The way ‘tis done, it seems. Only, must take the telegram with you when reporting, to get past the guards. We have it here.
Be sure and mark your trunk, initials might do, name + address better, paint ‘em on or glue a card on for them.
If due to any reason the trunk does not arrive, I will come up with the suitcases, if notified in time – or send what you can with Leona’s mother, heavy + awkward stuff + mail all you can. It should arrive in plenty of time. Let us know when it does, too.
Great excitement here today – we sighted a strange odd, queer, peculiar, unusual animal. The Shrimp said it was one of Bet’s cat-rabbit hybrids. I saw it hopping like a rabbit, with a long tail, + mean to find out about this. I stand a fairly fair chance, as it has its home with us – behind that stack of bricks. Perchance they left the cage open at the zoo + let out all the Korean wallabies or Tasmanian Lemmings + they have took (sic) hold in these parts.
The Shrimp has been up seeing his new boss + being introduced to the 2 stenographers + getting a thumping thorough physical exam by Doc. Stedge, who pronounced him sound as a nut.
You need not have mentioned your murmur – they mean wooden legs, glass eyes, etc.
You must be plenty busy, so needn’t write more than cards – in emergence you could call us, also Pierces by phone. Let us know your needs, if any. How about money?
Love, Moon
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| Moon sez, "this is exactly the way I feel when riding about on the bike" |
Monday 8:00 P.M. (Sept. 29 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
We have a furnace fire tonight, wood, very cozy here- after an otherwise day. It has been cool, cold, chilly, etc. A black freeze expected tonight + we harvested the garden right after supper. Sunday was warm, tho – it rained all day here. I had one outdoors day last week – washed the out-sides of the windows, put in the tulip bulbs, transplanted stuff, took up houseplants, etc. The flower garden will burst out all over with chrysanthemums if they survive the freeze.
Everything continues just fine with us, never better. We’re out of respectable writin’ paper. Red went back, Andy went back – H. caught up on his sleep. Nathan gets in the Army Oct. 2nd. A new meter reader is hired, one who won’t go in the Army – he lacks fingers on his left hand.
How interesting, to make the acquaintance of a person from Peru! Bring him home some time. We were glad to get your letter. What days do you like to get letters? We will send skirt hanger – cards – hard water castile soap – if wished – can you get a new card-board filler up there? Your laundry case needs new. You’d better start knitting those wristlets.
Have you seen B. Duck about? Too bad Fuller misses out on modern Plays. We will be interested to hear you schedule + how classes are. H. says: Keep eye open for bag-pipes, also plaid necktie.
I can’t write. So much conversation going on. Never saw these guys so chatty. Your Pop is going to take a day off tomorrow. He says he is coming down with the Kohlrabi.
No news. Write when you can. Enjoy you self, have a good time, etc., etc.
Yours ever – Moon
I miss Geezle – He always went with the first cold day + came in for attention when you left.
Wed. Eve. (Joint letter from Moon and Pop)
Dear Beezie,
Your card came today and we are glad to hear that you are settled,
Also your check came today and is enclosed. We were getting a bit anxious about it. You can get it cashed at Administration. (I doubt that Syracuse stores will honor it, as here).
It was so cold Sun. and Mon night that we feared you would freeze before you got the blankets from the trunk.
Shrimp is out with Andy, who had his furlough extended until Friday.
Moon will write on the back side of the sheet.
You failed to take your laundry case. Ship first batch home in pkg. bale, or box those wash clothes are probably your spares.
Congratulations on the rest-room job. Hang on to it. You can dish out as good a sob story as anybody’s + every word truth. Guess you do deserve a break at least to that extent.
We’re glad the check came. Do you remember the total of your summer earnings?
Everything is fine here – never more so. I am finishing off the canning + doing odd jobs, such as eradicating flies this P.M. I slept, + did nothing else all the whole afternoon by accident. I’m going to use some of Fuller’s paint to mix the right color + fix the kicks in the dining room enamel – went after milk for H. tonight.
Our best,
From us
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Sketch of a stack of kitchen pots, pans and implements that an exuberant Harrison constructed to celebrate the victory of the Athens football team over Sayre. |
Mon. 5:30 a.m. (Oct 9, ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Above is a sketch of what I found erected on the kitchen table Sat. morning. We had gone to bed, of course, when the Shrimp got in from the game Friday night + he wanted me to hear the big news as soon as possible, + in suitable style – Yessir, we dunnit. I am trying to get you the account in the paper. He wants to keep ours. It was a terrific scrap. A notable incident concerned the band, the Athens band, all in uniform, stood waiting their turn before the game to march out + play – and the Sayre band – apparently on purpose, took up all the entire time playing strutting about in formation + froze out the Athens band, their visitors – the height of discourtesy. Mr. Coccanigna (sp? – ac) was fit to be tied, + every body boiling mad. Apologies came in from many disgusted Sayrites.
Fuller’s beautiful gift, and his note arrived Thursday. Did you see it? A big yellow Fiesta platter – choice. I didn’t guess it from the package, but was totally surprised. I had company the very next day, + used it for the creole chops – a species of glop which you’ll like. I want you to convey to M. Fuller my thanks for his gift in your prettiest manner. Of course, from the viewpoint of a hostess, guests of his quality are their own reward. I am glad if he enjoyed himself. I like that platter very much. We used it again Sunday, for steak.
Last week was a chilly, wettish Aprilish week – very odd for October. The pretty red leaves are all off Moore’s Maple. About half are off our poplar trees. There has been no wind + they have dropped quietly, slowly, + lay flat just where they fell, making a green-gold and russet carpet all around. I like it – it looks so suddenly so different. The way they track in the house, it is a wonder there is enough left to give that effect – every day the pattern is added to the carpet becomes thicker. The maple leaves are yellower. They are down all over the flower garden, in front, and the chrysanthemums are coming out, now in all those rusty red shades.
I shall be glad to hear that you have got the better of your cold, the Shrimp has one, a sore throat, yelled too much at the game, twould seem.
The scrap collecting here was a great thing for days, the sound of express carts mostly after school, nights + wheelbarrows, propelled by all the little boys in town, rivalled all else that was audible, punctuated with the varying clanks + clunks of junk, from various points, particularly when cast upon the impressive pile in front of the school. The little boys did well. The towns had great success, too. Your Papa had a bright idea, and donated a disused furnace which he remembered was in the basement of the Universalist church. If they could get the old bridge, which fell in the river, they’d have something, but it doesn’t seem possible.
How comes the Spanish? I envy you greatly, as I would like to be able to read the famous narrative poem ‘La Araucana’ by Alonso de Ercilla,, and the ‘Cautiverio Feliz’ written by Francisco Nuñez de Pineda y Bascuñan, in 1629.
We still have not a coal fire in the furnace – yesterday we had a hot, hot wood fire, + betimes we have the kitchen range or the heater oil-stove, and betimes it is chilly around the edges, + this is one of the times. I must close + cope. H is awake and listening to his radio. It promises to be a nice day, + I plan to work out-of-doors. About 1/3 of the glads are dug. Some of the upstairs cleaning is done, too – 3 of the clothes presses – yours next.
Enjoy your work + play, take care of y’self + write when you can.
Yours coldly, + don’t take it as ‘tisnt meant.
Moon
Your purple ink is nice.
Oct. 27th (’42)
Dear Janice,
You poor darling. I feared this, somewhat, but was just beginning to suppose it was solid. Now I’ll make just one or two statements. You’ll recover, and Fuller is more likely to live to regret it than you are, definitely. One moment while I step to the book shelves and flatten down his picture. I really thought he was real. ..........Business of dusting off the hands.
Now stop blaming yourself for conversational lacks, or any other lacks. You’re all right. Trouble is people with the taste to appreciate excellence are rather rare. Just buckle down to work, for the time being, + enjoy yourself in your own little way, when you can.
Something else has happened, too! Do you recall a recent conversation wherein I pronounced that we need never expect any unexpected inheritances? Plainly, I didn’t know what I was talking about, + had never heard of Grandma Wands’ cousin Henry Gee. She’s an heiress, + no chicken feed, either. Have you read this in the Syracuse papers? It has been a dramatic time with us. I waited until it was in the bag, before cluttering you up with it while it was a mere bird in the bush. Read the enclosed clipping, and return it. As far as I know, however, there are three cousins, and Grandma’s share of the estate is one-third. We nearly missed out on the whole thing – a hair’s-breadth affair if ever there one was. The New York Lawyer had a letter committing the estate elsewhere, written, signed and sealed, + ready to drop in the post, when our lawyer called from Syracuse. Up came the N.Y. lawyer, out to Tully, interviewed Grandma, who rallied nobly indeed, for 90, and such a time as we had, proving identity, what with letters from Uncle Fletcher – yes – papers-old family bibles. Katie called the lawyer. She reached for the phone with one hand, and a grain of salt with the other. Present worry. Grandma will go on a spree and run through with it.
I’ll be up and see you, before very long, and I’ll write again, soon.
With best love,
Moon
Wed. A.M. (postcard Oct 14 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Your delightful letter received + I will offer you a mere card in return + do a letter later. Our Shrimp is 17 now + wants to join the Navy. He has also an opportunity to work wages + you will hear what comes of it. Canning is over + I am getting away from it all fuddling about out in the garden – glad-digging time, etc. Lovely weather, here, too. Moore’s have another dog – a cute puppy – cocker spaniel, white, touches of old-gold – name ‘Snow-ball’ all well here – Take care of your self. Love Moon
Wed. A.M 6:50 (postcard Oct 28 ’42)
Dear Beezie,
No washing dried Monday, so your laundry will likely be sent tomorrow. Maybe I’ll enclose a letter from Lois, to be returned sometime. Shrimp just rising – he went to a party for the boss last night. I went briefly, to a shower for Doris + Darryl at the Hall. Tomorrow your father expects another attack of Kohlrabi. The shrubs have come + must be planted – also some lilies. Horrid weather. Get yourself that new evening dress + a hair-do to celebrate our prosperity. Write a card or so now + then, when you can. Caustic were the comments from H+H, last night, concerning someone. Bet the ears burned. Saw wood my child + let who will, sophisticate. H. would like very much to come up + see you. He would also like to see F. I’ll write again, soon. Love from all Moon
Sat. A.M. (postcard Oct 31 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Yours received. You’re coming all right – can bawl you out on a post-card. You’re thinking entirely too much about yourself + your shortcomings. None of which you asked for, dope. (Try + give the Frosh a good time) Better those that wipe feet on dishtowels than on feelings. F did too do something. That dog-in-the-manger stuff is what left you out on a line + you’re playing his game his way was a mistake. Doubt if you’d like First aid. (any way, Shrimp plans to come up to Colgate game if he can possibly make it – think he can. Yes- a few items for the wardrobe. What F. wants is more audience for F. He has merely found himself, + considering what I say: finders keepers. I’d feel inclined to discuss that mark in comp. With Prof. K.!!! No more self-reproaches!!!! Letter eventually – love-Moon
Fri. A.M. (postcard Nov. 6 ’42)
Dear Beezie-
Ha! Yours received. Fine. I trust you’re not faking? You sounded completely crumpled up. Look! The future is far easier than the past. F. is a callous little cuss. Let the young buzz-saw be.
I am about to wheel to town, looking or coffee. You are instructed to recover your ration (sugar) card from the Fuller lair, + obtain a lb. of coffee on Stamp 28. It’s for that no. 28 is, now, + bring it to Tully Thanksgiving.
I am afraid to bike in the wet, especially on Susquehanna St. so plan to ride the sidewalk, said she, calmly. love, Moon
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| Moon and Pop were married at Katie and Than's house in Tully in 1920 |
Sunday Eve. (Nov. 9 ’42)
Der Beezie:
The cheerfull note of yours last letter was such a relief, felt fine, at once, immediately, and from then on, I felt so exuberant I never missed the fortune when it faded.
Yes, I had a card from Lois Saturday, and will quote her exact words: ‘Heard yesterday that some Gees have turned up so that complicates matters considerably. Looks like the “gig is up.”’
Heaven knows what the law is in such a case, maybe the lawyers do – depending on how near they’re related, + whether their claim could be outlawed. They might get some, all, or none. I suspect ‘em of being imposters.
If you got the coat, fine. Your wardrobe needed a few innovations. I have moved into all your old sweater. Now have on the white one, which was much nicer after washing.
Harrison looks forward eagerly to the trip up. I look forward to Thanksgiving, maybe I can get to visit you briefly in Syracuse. We’ll see. We’ll see.
The really depressing thing are these Kline C’s. Wish you could ask him if he knows what he’s about – tell him you are having your talent cultivated strictly on the proposition that you keep in the top third of your class, not the bottom third + have had no trouble in any other classes- can’t you change + avoid him. A C in Anatomy, for you is ridiculous. Comp. too, tho taste influences things there, strongly.
Yes – the exodus of all your traps from Fullers is something to consider + Fuller is elected to cart, carry, transport and remove the whole shoot’n’match You sit in the parlor with your hands folded during. Maybe he can get a couple of his girl friends to help him.
No telling about Fuller – a very common behavior pattern, as a matter of fact – a reaction – comes from settling down too much too early in life. The nature of the critter – not due, really, to conversational lacks, or anything similar. Some have their fling + settle back in the harness, others fling on and on. I don’t care if you don’t, one way or the other.
Enjoy yourself. I would like you to have a spot of good going, for a bit.
Write-
love, Moon
Thursday P.M. (postcard Nov 12’42)
Dear Beezie-
Shrimp plans still same – arrives around 10S.M. on Greyhound, goes to Genessee Cottage to wait for you if not met – you could call Bus Terminal + learn time, maybe – he leaves on the 9:00 or thereabouts train from Syracuse.
I should think afternoon Thanksgiving visit would be all right – am writing Pierces to see if O.K. by them – will write again when they reply, or they may call up - + you could call Lois after a couple of days. I plan to come unless inconvenient – then will later – Will write again - love, Moon
Friday Eve. (Nov 21’42)
Dear Beezie-
A brief pencilled missive.
Present income estimates in $175 per month, which multiplied by 12 natcherally (sic), results in the yearly take. Now, this is conservative, best for the occasion. I never thought to be so prosperous. This hasn’t been the case until very recently.
Jack + Sidney are calling on the Shrimp + playing 6-man Razzo-Dazzo foot-ball. The Shrimp on flat on his back – couldn’t go to work today. I had to call the office + explain. He imbibed a ‘Dixie” hot dog last night, on the way home from seeing Lish in Waverly, and it must have been tainted, due to effects he has been a sick Shrimp all night + all day – better now, kept down some toast + orange juice – and will be all right tomorrow, doubtless. Good it didn’t happen last week end.
There is a S.S. + community + Grange farwell party at the Hall tonite for Alberta + Wilbur who are moving to Endicott. I meant to go but ain’t.
It has been such a lovely day ‘just like summer. I have been working out doors, on my steps down the hill, etc. Also I went to the Library on bicycle, great sport, more darn fun. Have you been getting any good of this elegant weather? We had a jug of cider, too. Kids swarming about today selling Christmas Seals.
I go to bed and read my book on Columbia. Shrimp is getting better. He insulted Jack and Sidney, + they went home and now he is beginning on his relatives.
It seems you can’t get coffee with your book until after Thanksgiving, the 28th tis heard. You can git it then.
Snowball snooked a leather glove offa our back porch today. I suspected where it might have went, + sure ‘nuff found it down to Moore’s. Snowball is just awfully cute.
I hope youse kin read this-
Write yerself, sometime.
Much love,
Moon
Sat. 5:00 A.M. Your Pop is DXing, has been doing quite a bit lately. Raining this A.M. We’re having fish for breakfast.
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| Pop's radio set-up |
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| Moon at the sink, Pop at the radio. |
Thu. 11:45 (Nov. 19 ’42)
Dear Beezie
This is a nice silvery green pencil I found when cleaning your clothes press. Your card just came. A post card or letter will follow with income information. I don’t know exactly what it is – it has gone up another slight notch.
You can certainly blow yourself to a new formal without feeling extravagant and should. However I will ship the old, including the red sash. Enclosed is a picture of one I felt like making for you. Maybe you could get you some plaid taffeta a run up one fer yerself (sic) to wear with the velvet top, or isn’t that good anymore? Twould need about 5 yds. At least 4 yd-wide lengths, tho the picture is wider. No tricky bias seams or hems – easy running stitch would serve, but I advise a new one. Go for it.
Lovely day – I go over town shortly – maybe I shall work out doors, after – yesterday I prospected stones down to the crik (sic). It was lovely there, simply lovely, the crik flows strongly, over near our side.
I have spent a large portion of the A.M. giving the kitchen its weekly clean up. I am having a sewing spell, too.
Little Maggie dog is no more. She got killed one day last week – run over I believe.
Shrimp has a new leather coat!!! Fits as the tailor to measure. Sets him off better than anything ever he had. He looks just utterly gorjus (sic) in it. He went to movies last night with the other gas man. Enjoy self----
Love~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Moon
Sunday Evening (Dec 14 ‘42
Dear Beezie-
That Shrimp was going to write you this time but as he is now entertaining an uncountable number of his gang up in his room the chances are about 1,000,000,000,000 to1 he won’t get to it.
Our first snow – 3 or 4 inches - + cold and blowing. I wounder now, at odd moments, if you can get in some winter sporting.
Something was forgotten, in the last letter! Did I tell you, when I returned from Tully, we found a gift with a note which said it was from Spark Plug (neighbor Jerry’s dog -ac) It was the choicest spar-rib seen in years – big, liberal, all the meat which is chops if cut up. That’s a case of casting bread upon the waters, and it shall return again. So we had another Thanksgiving dinner that next Sunday, dressing, cranberries, pumkin (sic) pie.
Jerry stopped in here a spell, one day, + I had quite a visit with him, he has bought a little 15-acre place + built a house about like Berts’, about $400 he has put into building his ‘bungalow’ or will have, doing the work himself, + plans to pipe in water from his spring. He has set out peach trees, had a garden and canned more stuff than I did, I guess + 2 pigs – from whence came our gift of spare-rib. He was around again recently, and Spark Plug was costumed in his blanket + Jerry has apparently moved the belt up to fit. Sparky has his own bedroom, I understand.
I have just recently written long letters to Leithea (?-ac), Ruth, Mildred, + Gertie, and am pretty well written out.
The gang has just descended from the upstairs to the downstairs. I ring off. I retire. In haste.
Lots of love, Moon
(postcard Nov 23’42)
Dear Beezie-
Thursday the 26th I arrive in Tully, and hope to see you there. Shan’t write again before that, probably. Stay over night if you like. I don’t get in until late in the P.M. you know. I only stay one night – leave on the mid-day train – due to the working men-folk – your Pop doesn’t even have the day off. Harrison was exceedingly sick all day Friday, due, it seems to eating a ‘Texas’ hot dog which was off key. Still was limp Sat. Good twasn’t last week. He’s out with Red, now. Red passed exam to be a Flying Cadet. I kin hardly wait. Moon
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