104 Marvin gets Wallace Roetzer’s car in trade on a bill

March 26, 1935

Dear Corinna,

I didn’t get a letter off to you yesterday as I washed and had to bake a layer cake for the Boy Scout affair last night–also made 2 dozen sandwiches. We all went up except Daddy who went to bed as he didn’t feel good. I thot it a fine program–Mr. Tilden as Scout Executive talked to the boys and Vernon Olson of course—also a young Senior from Minnesota U. The birthday or Commissioner’s Cake was there and afterwards everyone had a piece of it. I didn’t stay to help with the lunch. Bessie sent a piece of it home by Myron to me.

Uncle Karl’s came to see us last Sunday. We went with them for a ride in the afternoon and they left here about 5 o’clock. John and Caroline look fine and have grown some. John rode Harriet’s bicycle and didn’t want to go home—neither did Caroline for that matter.

The March wind is blowing today and drying up the mud. Hope it doesn’t dry up like it did last Spring. I read in the paper that farmers in Kansas (or one of those states down there) had had those dust storms and the land had been made useless by the blowing away of the dirt so the Government is going to move them to a better place to farm.

Harriet wrote you the tale of the Camp Fire Ceremonial. I didn’t read it as I didn’t feel good and had gone to bed. She rode down on her bike that night and mailed it. Gloria had Diarrhea both Sat. night and Sun. morning so I didn’t go to S.S.—in fact she isn’t over it yet—has no appetite. Daddy seems to be the same way. Wish I’d get it. Maybe I’ll be sorry I said that.

Aunt Nellie is very poorly now. Her leg has been swollen and blue—the Dr. says there is no circulation of blood in it and now a toe has gangrene in it. They don’t know if the toe will have to be taken off or not. Minerva goes every day and does the work there but Oliver said they have an awful time to keep Aunt Nellie in bed. Oliver brought us two nice pieces of beef on Saturday. I’m going to buy a pretty plant for Aunt Nellie with a gorgeous flower on it just as soon as I can get to where there is one.

I bought a little nightie for Barbara—it’s so little and cute. I just had forgotten how little baby things are. I know she must be very dear, even if she did cry that night. I’ll send it soon.

Don’t you ever wear your red silk jumper anymore? Maybe it’s worn out under the arms.

I’ll tell Ruth Rosenquist about your not getting her letter. Her address is Atwater—send her a card. I’m sure if you send cards to Milly, Bernice and Leona they will get them if you just put on Atwater. Of course you know Una is still in town.

Karl said Paul’s are planning a two week’s trip to New York sometime in June. They have offered me to go along—Pennie is to go, too, they thot. I told Karl I would make no plans as I live up only to whatever the day brings. Perhaps Daddy has other plans, I don’t know. We had the canvas cot up in your room awhile you know—and the other night Harriet was in her bed and he went in and laid on that cot. I heard him tell H. that they were in a cabin in Mich. on their way to N.Y. After he had laid there a minute he got up and said it was time to get up so we could get started on the trip across the ferry. Evidently he’s been looking at maps.

We have Wallace Roetzer’s car now. Daddy took it in on a bill. So now perhaps I can get to the city. Esther offered us shrubbery and Dad says he’ll send us down to get it the Sat. before vacation—April 13 I think. Then I will buy my linoleum rug. We will plant the shrubs in front of the house. I will be so glad to get them. Love from Mother.

Extra—

I knew I was leaving out the thing I most wanted to write about but I just couldn’t remember it. My underwear came and it’s lovely. I put the bloomers right on and wore them Friday. The vest will wait till the important date when I decide to doff my winter underwear. G said, “I thot she said it was everyday underwear—I wonder what you call that.” I didn’t open the pretty pkg. till they all got home from school so they could see how prettily it was wrapped. Aunt Frances sent a lovely silk collar and cuffs and Sunday Aunt Esther brought a “nest” of 6 white mixing bowls. Why! They’re just lovely. You are all much too thotful of me. Mother.

The Book Club dues I refused to accept. I sent them back in stamps.