39 Hallowe’en can-tipping

November 1, 1934

Dear Corinna,

The boys had a great time last night out Hallowe’ening. After I had mailed your letter we were sitting here thinking of going to bed when all at once there was a sound of many running feet and much laughing and about 20 of them perched on our front step. We put out the lights and looked thru the window and there they sat laughing and calling out to the two cops on the front sidewalk—to “Come on to our party—This is a nice place—Don’t you wish you were here?” etc.

Then the boys made a circle around Merlin Bomsta and sang Ring around the Rosy. Lundstrom said, “Now boys we don’t care how much fun you have but you are too loud because there is a sick boy next door so either be quiet or move on” and they did. The cops tried to keep up with them and they did too. Later they came by here with one boy by the arm and all the rest of the gang following. That was Swede Lindblom but they let him go because they hadn’t actually seen him do any tipping. Then they put LeRoy Johnson and Glen Lindblom in after they had caught them at some mischief—tried to make them tell on the others for half an hour but the boys wouldn’t so they let them go too. Myron said they went up to Grens to tip their can and he was standing guard. He gave them a long talking to and they listened and when he got thru they all clapped. Then Gerry Holm said, “Give me liberty or over goes your can.” When they got to Charley Holmberg’s he too was on guard but stood perfectly silent. They got around him in a circle and yelled—“Speech, speech”. They went back there about midnight and he was still on guard. Ruthie Melin and some other girls were with the boys part of the time. I don’t like to have them destroy any property but I couldn’t help thinking the boys had been pretty cute. They are just full of pep and have to work it off someway.

Ethel went out to Reamer’s tonight after the W.C.T.U. meeting. There were only 11 there with Beatrice. I paid Ethel $1.00 for fixing my coat—she didn’t want to take anything but I felt, and so did Daddy, that she should have something.

Daddy and the children got your letter today. I didn’t look at if of course and they aren’t telling me anything. I told you Myron would like some note book paper for the book you sent him. I think any other school material would please him for Christmas. Daddy can always use a pair of sox. Byron’s address is 620 S. 7th Street.

Your Tuesday letter here and the packages—Harriet and Gloria nearly went into convulsions (more or less) opening them. Daddy didn’t get any car—he couldn’t find any that fit his pocket-book. I am sure Slope County is the place to write for your birth certificate—address it to Amidon of course.

I wonder what business it was Uncle Paul had at Corning. We looked the city up on the map and Harriet remembered it was at Corning that that 200 inch telescope was made last year. She had read about it in her school paper.

I’m glad you have a birthday card ready for Winnie—I am going to get something for her tomorrow. Glad you liked the doll I made. Don’t get it dirty playing with it before you put it on the Christmas tree. Thanks, Evelyn, for those warm stockings you sent for Gloria. Goodness, I just got your p.j’s. off today—worse and worse!

Goodnight and Love to all, Mother.