Thanks to
Caryl Blanchard (Metcalf) for Providing this Biograohy as well as the pictures
I know I was born--that fact is assured. The blessed advent happened the 17th of June, 1899--the turn of the century, and, if I live until 2000 AD then I will have lived in 3 centuries and over 100 years old--my patriarchal blessing says I shall live a long life "to see the redemption of Zion." Well, getting back to being born--place--2nd south and 4th east--in the old 12th--13th Ward in Salt Lake City, Utah. My father, Carl Phillip Salm had a butcher shop at this address and the family lived in the upper quarters. My mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Susanah Keller, known as Eliza. She was a beautiful Swiss girl emigrated to Salt Lake City for the Mormon Church when she was 20 years old, born and raised in Weinfelden, County of Thueirgan. Her hair was glossy black and straight and she wore it parted in the middle and rolled back on each side of her head. There were six children. Walter, Alma, Emil, Lillie, Flora, and Ernest. 3 blue eyes, 3 brown.
The first thing that I remember in my young life was when by baby brother, Ernest, was born. I was 2 years old in June and he was born the following 6th of October. Mother had hoped he would be born on her birthday the 8th of October. She was born in 1863, my father was 19 years older being born 10 of July, 1844 in Unterschoft, Germany. The day Ernest was born we were living in an apartment located at 9th East & 21st South in Sugarhouse (northwest corner). Lillie and I were taken to a lady's apartment; she gave us a piece of toast and told us not to get on her nice white bed. I can remember she left us standing and I got so tired I climbed on the bed anyway--seems as though I went to sleep and when she found us she gave us the "dickens" and I started to cry. I don't remember ever seeing my baby brother at that time. But I do remember there was a hydrant on the place and I turned it on and got all wet and in the chill October weather, while my mother was confined to her bed, the midwife did not care for me--to change my clothes, etc. consequently, I came down with pneumonia. I had had exema (sic) all through babyhood and was just getting over that. I became so sick with pneumonia that I took convulsions and my parents thought I was going to die. Mother said I layed (sic) near death's door for weeks. They did not expect me to live--then one day they gave me a new doll, put in bed with me. I looked at it and the first words I had spoken for weeks was, "it has eyes, hasn't it." From then on I started to get better, but it left me with an affliction--that of holding my breath" when I was hurt. I remember mother would have to splash cold water in my face to "bring back my breath." I can remember the pain it caused. Two particular cases I remember very vividly once when a neighbor boy hit me in the head with a toy hoe, the temple, the other we were playing ball, I was hit with the baseball bat. I sure saw stars both times. I outgrew that affliction.
As a baby my hands and face were covered with exema--the doctor then did not know much about diets--my uncle in Switzerland used to send milk chocolate for me to eat--with knowledge we possess now, that was the worst thing they could have given me. Mother said that she would have to put gloves on my hands and tie them to the cradle or walk the floor with me night after night until 4 and 5 in the morning. I would be crying and she would be crying, too--it must have worn her out having four other little ones to tend besides me. "Poor mother." Father's business failed, mother said, because he had too much sympathy for poor people and he let customers have credit who never paid their bills--so he had to "work for the other man" and many times he would be out of work and made things very hard for mother and the little family--they rented ever since they were married but when mother 's brother died, Fritz (the one who emigrated with her (Fritz) Fred Keller--we willed $500 to her. This she immediately took and purchased a small two room dwelling up on Garfield Ave. (1157) in Sugar House. They borrowed $1,000 more and built another large room on to it and we moved into it when I was 4 years old.
It had a very large lot with the Emigration Creek running down the ravine in the back. There we spent many happy childhood days. At first we had a horse and buggy and a cow. I remember drinking the warm milk when father first brought it in to be strained in a large shiny tin bucket. Now that warm milk would make me sick. Shortly afterwards father sold the horse, cow and buggy--but we had a lot of fruit trees on the place and father always would raise a nice garden and planted more young trees. He built a shed and in the glorious summer evening he would climb on top of it and sit on the roof watching the beautiful sunsets. I would climb up too and watch with him the sky turning a myriad of colors until darkness claimed the world. Being a very spiritual man, he would always remark, "Flora, our Heavenly Father is the greatest artist of all--see how beautiful he paints the sky."
The creek that ran in back of our place and adjoining neighbor's yard together with the tall cottonwood trees offered a cooling blessed relief in the hot summer time. There the neighborhood kids would congregate several times each week for a swimming session. We dug out a large, deep place and that was our "swimming hole." One day we dammed it up and poured in two large sacks of salt and thought we could float as in Great Salt Lake. Funny--it didn't work. A very strange thing happened. I don't just remember how old I was, but probably it was the coldness of the water and I was such a little tike I went under." I know my spirit left my body for I can remember seeing--looking down on my body under that deep water--events in my life flashed through my mind as in a quick movie show in rapid succession--then the first thing I knew I was crawling at the bank out of the water, grabbing on the slippery rocks and fell on the bank exhausted but revived.
Another instance in the Emigration creek--it was in the spring of the year and high muddy water was rushing down. We were down at the Wagstaff home 1120 Wilson Ave. I was very active and a great one to climb trees. I thought is was fun to get on an over-hanging branch and have the rushing water below me. The time I ventured too far and could not get back and was hanging over the water. Mr. Wagstaff just rescued me in time or I would have surely been drowned in that angry deep. Mother said the night before she had dreamed that I was stranded on a small island surrounded by muddy water and she could not get near me. I was calling for help to rescue me.
Trees were always my hobbies. I was very active and athletic. Elise and I climbed every tree around the neighborhood--the tallest the better. The higher I could get, the more thrilled I was. I never fell or broke a bone. The guarding angel certainly might have been with me for I surely ventured far. I had no fear of anything. Even at nights after visiting with Lavina (Hodson) Lawrence up on 13th East or down to Tessie Wagstaff's place, when it was pitch dark I would run home and have the cool night air on my cheeks and down my lungs.
My sister Lillie was not as venturesome as I. She always held back and would "bawl" me out for some of the crazy things I did. It was Lillie who found our Fairyland, down in the ravine. At the top of our street was a lovely plot. The creek trickled its winding way amid a regular jungle of small trees, pussy willows and Lilly's of the Valley, moss and black mud. We had our own hiking trail secluded from the peering eyes of everyone. Sometimes we would pack a lunch and go up there and have a picnic, supplementing it with fresh watercress, which grew abundantly, and drink the cool clear water from the many natural springs. I was a child of the out of doors. In the spring of the year and summer, I used to get an old broom and chase grasshoppers and butterflies. I used to like to ensnare the large beautiful ones, the ones that had the big red wings, and crackle as they bobbed up. The low bench and the high bench, we would wander and pick violates, buttercups and Indian Paint brushes, Sweet Williams, and Sego Lilies that grew in abundance--all these bench lands have been subdivided and thousands of homes built on our old tramping grounds from 17th South and past hills always held mystery and deep fancy for us--that was where the robbers lived. Several times the police found stolen property hidden in there. I was never brave enough to venture inside. Besides, my parents had warned us against it--but it was the neighborhood tradition and held fascination for everyone. There was the time Elsie and I climbed to the top of a large tree growing at the ally and Westminster Ave. There were no houses then and the ice cream man and his girl would stop their wagon and "spoon" in the evening. We dropped rocks on the top of the wagon and spoiled their tet-te-te. They had to move on and were they mad and disgusted. Mean trick!
We had our little school house named "Central School" or the "Ashton School." It was a small 2 story affair with a large playground. The Sugar House Ward was next to it to the west--located at 12th East and 21st South Streets. The Irving Junior High School now has built a large building school there and taken over both the school and church property, but the old rock retaining wall still remains. When I first went there as a beginer(sic) I was thrilled when I could jump off the low wall to the unpaved walk but was I thrilled when I got big enough to jump off the highest place. That was an accomplishment! When mother and father took me to church was I proud to show them, demonstrate to them, my accomplishments. Mother held her breathe (sic) and they both call me their Tom Boy! It did not do to put nice dresses on me--I couldn't be dressed up and put on the shelf--I was either up in the trees, digging a dirt hole, or playing with the polywogs (sic) and frogs in the pond. I remember when the train tracks came thru Sugar House. Part of them on 11th East and 21st South. Where the Sterling Furniture is now located, northeast corner, was a lovely pool of water where we gathered most of our polywogs (sic). There was a livery yard nearby and I used to stop and watch them shoe the horses in there--just like Longfellow's poem, The Village Blacksmith. It also was on our way to school. Or "returning home way."
My father died in Aug. 1910. I had just turned 11. There were 6 of us and mother left alone. Mother's health was always poor and father had been very, very sick. He had a cold and it turned into Bright's desease (sic) and dropsy--his poor legs were so filled with water--they could not "tap" any out--his kidneys were absolutely gone. I remember his large swelled legs--he couldn't walk, he couldn't lie down, and when sitting, most of the time he would gasp for breath. I guess he would pray to die--this and come one morning--he was sitting on a big chair, in the bedroom and mother woke us up and said he was dead. I remember the undertaker coming, brought a great large basket and lifted him in it and covered it with a sheet. We all felt very bad but mother tried to tell us it was best for him. The Lord had called him and that he had a greater mission on the other side. He was buried from the Sugar House Ward Chapel. Father was a high priest--there was another man died in the ward about the same time--I don't recall his name--he was just a deacon, but they asked mother if they might hold the services together which she consented to. Mother bought a grave lot on 4th Ave. and Center Street City Cemetery. It overlooked the whole valley--mother thought that that would please him--a beautiful view! An there his body rests alongside of mother's, but their spirits live and are active in a more beautiful glorious world. My father was a very spiritual man. I met a German man, in later years, who knew him very well--he said father knew scripture and doct5rine better than any man he ever knew. He used to gather we children around him and preach the gospel to us. Tell us to be good and explained things to us, especially about the end of the world. It used to fill me with awe and fear. We had family prayer and had to take our turns in praying. When we would kneel around the table in our bare feet and night clothes--the dog and cat would lick our feet and toes--the human touch--and cause us to laugh. Then some times we would get the giggles at the table while eating--that would aggravate my father and we would be sent away--he was very firm and had a temper, too--especially if my brothers were not obedient--Emil and alma. One time when he found out that they had not gone to Mutual when he had sent them--he thrashed them with a buggy whip. He had a very tender heart but still clung on to that tentonic (sic) nature to "spare the rod would spoil the child"--no child physicology (sic) in those days! How times had changed! Very little whipping I did when I was raising my children. They were all quite obedient when little--stubbornness prevailed, but when they arrived at the "teen age" that is the age that was so bard to cope with. Alone without a husband to guide them it was a real chore and having to work during the day besides! How I longed to stay home.
When I arrived at the age of 8 years, like all good Mormon children, my mother took me up to the big tabernacle in Salt Lake and I was baptized. I remember first my father explained to me that all my little sins would be forgiven and from then on, I should be very obedient and follow the commandments of the Lord and never forget to say my prayers. I felt very humble and repentant and I cried when no one was looking. I was very excited when I got in that fount and rather scared of being "buried" in the water, but even then I felt wonderful after it was over and when father took me to church on Fast Sunday and I was confirmed and received the Holy Ghost.
At an early age I went out to work--helping here and there with housework. My first job was when I was 11 years old. After school I would wheel that 2 McCartney children around the block in their buggies until dark. Then work on Saturdays helping the housemaid. For this I got .75 cents a week! I always took the money home to my mother. McCartneys lived on 17th and 10th East. He was a wealthy real estate man, but like all wealthy people then hired help were mere slaves. Sometimes I got hungry and ran home first to get something to eat after school a child is always hungry--then she would get after me because I was a little late. I told her once I went home because I got hungry, so she threw me a shriveled up apple. Mother then put an extra sandwich in my lunch which I ate on my way to work. Imagine a mother treating a child like that. (I never spent any money, I always took it home to mama because she needed it so badly.)
Then I was 14 I went to work for a Jewish lady--Mrs. Lehman. He was part owner of the Salt Lake Brewery. They lived on 10th East and 5th South St. I tended their two little girls--Virginia and Louise. I worked there during the summer and received $2.50 a week. They were really nice to me. I had my own room and they took me right along with the little girls to town visiting, etc. It was then I had my first ride in an electric automobile. I thought it was swell. She always said I could be taken for the little girl's sisters because I was dark. I suppose I could be taken for a Jewess. As I was in my teens I would baby-sit for people who lived in the ward. All during high school I did this getting a quarter to fifty cents a night. Usually I would have a place to do housework on Saturdays--sometimes I would get $1.00 working all day. I thought that was grand. I always bought my own clothes (I didn't have many). People would give us clothes ad shoes. I remember once wearing w pair of high buttoned shoes that had been given to me, to school one day--Oh how they hurt! I suffered all day long. After school I took them off and walked home in my stocking feet. Oh, how good it felt! The toes were so narrow, it doubled up my toes. It was very seldom I got a new pair of shoes and when I did, oh, how I loved them and tried to keep them new and shiny by polishing them with shoe polish or Vaseline. Especially the patent leather ones. We had to wear and wear our shoes, have them repaired time after time, until they could be repaired no more.
Sometimes in the summertime the Taylor family, Mr. Jack and Florence Taylor (maiden name Brewster) would take Lillie or I up to the canyon with them. At that time it was by horse and wagon. They would fill their wagon with provisions and supplies and their little family of girls (one boy, Harold) and go to the Mountain Dell City farm and camp above the home up there. Oh, we had fun sliding down the hay loft in the barn and wandering over the green meadow--climbing mountains and trees--sleeping on the ground--eating bacon and eggs, which smelled so good in the morning. At Christmas time, too, it was the Taylor place we went to first in the mornings. We used to baby sit for the babies as they came along--it was a nice family and they did much to improve me. We had a good time on that street (Garfield Avenue). It held all kinds of interest for me. Elsie DuPreis (married Roy Buckner) was one of my closest girlhood friends who liked athletics as well as I. We were both dark skinned (olive complexioned [sic]) and looked like a couple of Indians in the summer time. How we liked to "hook on" the ice wagons and grab a cold piece of ice on a hot day. Ice never since has meant so much to me as it did then--in spite of our lovely refrigerators and deep freezer--as we have now. Ice galore, but something is lacking.
They had an old "Relief Society Hall" at the bottom of Garfield Ave & 11th East. We used to get the balls of carpet strips & play ball with them much to the dismay of all concerned. We used to sit on the step of this little old building to wait for the old Sugar House street car whenever we went to town. The street car tracks went from town 2nd South & Main to the old State prison located at 13th East and 21st South Street. They kept the prison grounds so beautiful to my young eyes when I ventured up there one day from school. I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen--little realizing the ugliness of the inside of that institution. I also remember going to conference in the tabernacle with my father--they served the sacrament--the building was so beautiful and big--it was bewildering to me. They conducted a kindergarten at church-- mother used to send me--it cost 25 cents a week. I remember I was very bashful and we did a lot of art work with crayons and had scissors--snubbed nosed one--to cut out things. I remember I felt very alone and did not mingle with the rest of the children. I was only 4 or 5--sometimes I would cry and want to go home--the teachers were kind to me, especially one I remember was Nettie Thompson--she was a beautiful spirit--she was disappointed in love, they said, but all the children loved her and I especially.
My father used to play hide and seek with us on summer evenings, and he had a trick of spinning his plate at the table--he sure could make it go around fast in a horizontal position between the table and his lap. I haven't even figured out yet how it was done. I used to hold his hand when we went to church. He was a Sunday School teacher and when I was little I used to cry and go up to the stand where all the teachers were seated during preliminaries or until we all separated for classes. For Church he always wore a white shirt with a stiff front and pleats or tiny tucks. I also remember my mother ironing those stiff shirts--it always exasperated her. She was a perfectionist--they had to be just so. I imagine she spent hours on them. I am glad I never had to fuss and bother with shirts like that for by husband & boys. Things are much more easy for the housewife nowadays. I would not want to go thru (sic) So (sic) many hardships! It is a wonder she lived as long as she did. She died when she was only 52.
In the pleasant summer evenings we used to play hide seek"--"no bears out tonight" when little--when older it was "run sheepie run"-""kick the can"-and baseball, "jacks-"jump the rope." We would play at recesses & noon time both double & single rope. I was at the heighth (sic)) of my glory--how I loved it and I was one of the best everyone said so. Mother used to get so aggravated when we stetted down for hours to play jacks and neglected the dishes, beds, dusting, etc. In the winter time my brother Walter got us a sleigh for Xmas and we would have such fun on our own street Garfield Ave--that was before we had many autos--just vehicles of wagons & sleighs (wagons with runners). How we would go lickety slick (sic) down the street. All pile on one little sleigh--the heavier the load--the faster we would go. Some times we would take it to the Emerson School with us & walk up to 13th East and Harrison Ave-a very steep hill-so time consuming to walk up that we would only have time to come down a couple of times--but oh it was worth it, so daring & such fun to whiz down so fast. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one could carry such enthusiasm for things throughout life. (Clay Hicks and Mary Smith) (Father's whistle) Walter worked for the Scott Hardware Company on Main Street & he bought the sleigh for us--one for all six of us! What fun we had--lots of arguments who was to have it when.
In summer evenings Father would let us stay out and play until 9 o'clock & then he would whistle for us to come home--kinda like a curfew--and boy we had to start for home pronto. We could hear that whistle for blocks around--it certainly was shrill & strong--we never could say as an excuse "I couldn't hear you.'" We always heard and knew we had to come home then and we did.
After the grade schools I entered high school 1914. Tessie, Lillie, Susie Sears & a lot of the friends we graduated with & knew in church all entered the West High (the only High school in Salt Lake at that time) except the LDS--which charged admission and which was prohibited to us. We all made "baby doll" dresses they were called--all the same style out of the same material only varying in color--my material was always red or pink. Lillie's blue. The dresses had a small rose bud print, voil or lawn with puffed sleeves--low gather necked and high gathered waistline--on a Grecian style robe. They were trimmed with insertion threaded with black narrow velvet ribbon--we had "Mary Jane" shoes (black patent leather with one strap--low heels). We thought we had the world by the tail! I took the normal (teacher) courses and Lillie and other friends the commercial (business)--the second year of High was at the East High School having been completed for fall classes of 1915. I saved car fare because I walked to school to & fro--from our home on Garfield Ave. Sometimes I would work & buy a book of student tickets & ride on some of the worst winter days.
Lavina Hodson (Laurence) Myrtle Taylor (Hendrickson) and I usually walked to 13th East and along there to 9th South & school. How I enjoyed that walk hurrying in the mornings so as not to be late. & taking our time and loitering along after school! The "bench" was just starting to build up our vacant fields of foothills were being dug out for basements for homes--and such lovely homes they were--strong & well built to endure forever. Not the type that are thrown together since World War II without basements. We would walk along to the time of the Meadow lark and pick the profusion of wild flowers. The air was so clean, so pure and fresh--how I loved it all. There was a flowing well at the corner of 13th East & 13h So. here we would always stop & rest & drink in the hot spring & fall days. It seemed like our walk was always with giggles & laughter--giggly teenagers-- and still it was grim for me--mother's health was failing and she was sicker than we realized--that day in November, 1915--I was called from geometry class down to the office--Walter was there and told me to hop on the back of his motorcycle and we would go to the hospital that mother was dying--Lillie already was up there. When we arrived she was breathing her last. Poor mother way talking to her husband, my father. She said, "I'll come if you want me to come but what about the children?" Then she passed away from this mortal existance (sic) to her well deserved rest. We had gone to see her on a Sunday Prior to this--she was in a ward and she asked me to sing some songs. I was so surprised and bashful that I wouldn't but I have always been sorry that I refused--if she had been alone I would have done so, but with other people in the room, I was petrified.
Mother's nerves in the base of her brain were all rotted away which caused her terrific headaches--sinus condition--it was brought on by every strain and hard work and a bunch of lively kids. We were ignorant & dumb but what teenagers are not? No employment then to supplement what Walter contributed to the family--being the oldest he took over while father was sick & unemployed, and after father died.
Tessie's Wedding
After going with D. Crawford Roberts for more than one year Tessie set her wedding date for April 9th 1956. We were very busy for a month or so prior to that date. She asked Mrs. Lucine Anderson Sillote Mrs. Patricia Hutchins and Thelda Kay Roberts as bridesmaids. Norma was Matron of Honor. Flower girls Delene, Caryl and Lana Metcalf. Tessie bought the dresses for them all (material for the dresses) pink taffeta with scallops around the neck and hemline--the little girls dresses were whole length and they held baskets filled with blossoms. They were adorable--and everyone else looked beautiful. Tessie was a beautiful bride. She wore a brocaded nylon over a pink taffeta (similar to the bridesmaids) long tapering sleeves & high neck was the white nylon. Crawford wore a white suit--they were a beautiful couple--both blondes--well shaped and proportioned with such beautiful wavy hair--both of them. Mrs. Roberts wore a blue lace dress and I bought a beautiful rose taffeta everyone had white high-heeled slippers (and did my feet hurt after standing in line shaking hands with so many). I went to the kitchen a minute to see if the refreshments were holding out. I asked, "How many have we served now?" "300," she said. I said, "I know I have shook hands with 8000. They received such lovely presents--so much. They are a blessed and lucky couple. Everyone remarked how lovely the ward house looked. We had it decorated with pink and white apple blossoms. One large arched trellis and four smaller ones with a white picked fence--all "dolled up" with pink and white. The primary asked if they could have the decorations afterwards to use in their coming conference. I was quite flattered!
As Tessie and Crawford previously had taken their endowments , they went up to the Salt Lake Temple to be married and sealed only. About 30 people accompanied them--relatives and friends. They used a brand new beautiful room that had not been opened--the East side of the temple--the largest room so far that can accommodate such a large crowd. They looked like a couple of angels in their white temple clothes and blonde hair. Just about everyone was in tears, there was such a wonderful spirit.
After the reception they left on a honeymoon for Las Vegas and on the way back took a session in the St. George temple and the guide took them through all the rooms even on the roof. The same with the Manti temple. Tessie was so thrilled with it all and Crawford, too. What a wonderful (way) to spend a honeymoon! They_____________ an apartment in Ogden, Crawford went to work for the Dee Hospital and Tessie is back to her job at the Navy Base.
Also in the grandparents in the receiving line where Crawford's grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Crawford early residents of Corinne and Brigham City. He is in his 80's and got out of a sick bed to witness the marriage. He got sick at the reception & they took him out & home. That morning Crawford's mother received a call from Delores, her daughter, from the Philippines where she is with her husband who is stationed there, advising that their first baby, a girl, had been born that morning April 9th, 1954. Mrs. Crawford later said it would have been strange if there had seen a birth, wedding and a death in the family all the same day! Thank goodness there was just the two joyful events. The grandfather is still ailing but very witty and humorous in spite of his afflictions. The grandmother is losing her eyesight.
April 1955
Tessie has quit her job as secretary to Mr. Elliot here at the Naval Depot (where she has worked for practically 2 years) to have her baby. We all are so thrilled--Crawford especially--the doctor said it would be the 4th of May, 1955. Crawford had been drafted to enter the service the 15th of March, but they deferred him on account of the baby until the 15th of May. I surely hope it is all over with by that time. The doctor said it would be a big baby. She has had 2 nice showers and gotten practically everything to usher the new life into this world. All I hope and pray for these new little spirits is that they come mentally and physically O. K. They are now living in my basement apt., but Tessie says if Crawford is drafted she will live with me.
The darling little baby girl was born May 5th, a day before Crawford's birthday--8 lbs.--a week after Crawford left for army camp in Camp (Chison?), Colorado for his "boot" training--he served his time to the last of July, was home for the 24th and then Tessie, baby and he left in August for Ft. Knox, Louisville, Ky. In the midst of a terrible heat wave that lasted for weeks--in an old Ford. We worried very much but the Lord was
with them & the arrived safely. He was fortunate enough to get in the signal corps and learned about radio, they taught him the international code. About the 1st of December he was shipped overseas to Korea--much to our grief & Tessie & baby came home to stay with me. The baby took very ill while in Louisville & also after arrival in Salt Lake we had her in the hospital at Tooele. Tessie stayed there with her a week & all during the winter and spring. She had one cold after another. I will be glad when summer comes. I think she will feel better. She is so darling. Always smiling even when she first wakes in the morning--getting so cute and now learning to walk at 10 months. Tessie got her old job back at Clearfield with Mr. Elliot--head of employment. She started working exactly one year to the day since she left. Mr. Elliot is very happy that he has her back again and not have to break in any one new. She leaves the baby, Camille, with Mrs. Roberts, Crawford's mother. She is lucky to have a driver who will stop night and morning while she deposits her and picks her up again. Robert Grey (Shorty) and driver, lives out in Kearns and makes the trip to Clearfield every day and has just bought a new Ford Station wagon which is very nice--Tessie has a pillow and goes to sleep in the back seat to and fro. I have completed my 12th year & going on my 13th year in Civil Service. It just doesn't seem feasible--I only intended to work for a few months when I started--to help out this war & hear we are headed for another war in the middle East.
Also this year Norma's little Paul was born on the 6th of October,1955(Ernest's birthday) He is a fat, chubby little boy without one speck of hair--but, like all of Norma's children crawled at 4 or 5 months & will probably walk at 8 months. She sure has her hands full with the twins barely 2 years & the new baby besides the other four and husband to care for. This year they were fortunate to have 2 rooms added onto their modest little home. Del built most of it. I helped them buy the cement blocks. The elders in the ward came and helped him lay them. Mr. Shurtlif helped him with the 2 x 4's and lumber. Mr. Metcalf, his father, wired the place so now it is ready for plaster. We hope it will be completed this summer.
Summer 1956
The Lord surely has blessed me with health and strength all my life. I am thankful to Him that I can work and make a good living and send David on his mission. So few women my age now have so many ailments.
This summer I got a "leave of absence" from Sunday School--so took the trailer house up to Brighton and about every weekend spent the hot summer days up in the cool canyon--"my paradise." It was so good to get away from it all and relax. Sometimes the grandchildren would come with me and sometimes my friends who are also widows. The new ski lift was being built and finished, and of course we had to have a ride on that, an initial ride. The scenery was all very beautiful--but it was cold, too, even in the hot summer.
We had a few days over the 4th--so 3 widows, Audry Stephens, Susie Heath, Elsie Buchner and myself--hitched on the trailer house and away we went down to Zions, Bryce, Cedar Breaks, and the Grand Canyon. It was a wonderful trip. I had been twice before, but every time it is more awe inspiring. Oh, those magnificent colors and formations. Our families were all "holding their breath" and were very apprehensive about 4 women going alone, but we were not alone--so many good and kind other travelers helped us when we had a little trouble hitching and unhitching. The whole trip only cost the all (sic) of us $80.00--$20.00 a piece. I did have to have new brakes put on the car, but I would have had to anyway had I just traveled around Salt Lake. Oh the trip was so much fun. We all got along so well with no arguments or quarrels everyone had a sense of humor and the trailer house saved us a lot of money. We intend to take another trip next year some other place with the old trailer house, probably San Diego & Tiajuana, Mexico.
Tessie changed her job again--thought it would be better to have more time with the baby so she got a position as secretary in the adjudications office in the Veteran's Bureau located at 1700 Redwood Road. About June '56. She liked the work immediately. She liked to read the case histories of the mental patients up at Fort Douglas. Some were so grievesome & awful. I think it made her very depressed whether she would admit it o not that with worrying & taking care of baby, clothes & church work were just too much for her--she was near a nervous collapse and the doctor told her to rest in the hospital (County) 3 weeks in there! They have helped her so much but she now will be glad to come home again. I will be glad to have her. Crawford was sent for by the Red Cross and is leaving today, Nov. 29th and probably will be reassigned in the States. I hope so--then Tessie & baby can go with him again. December 4th, 1955 Tessie was released from the hospital. Crawford called home from Oakland that he was on his way home. Will be home Thursday. He felt quite bad he had not received any word from Tessie. They had told her at the hospital every week he was on his way home so naturally she did not write. Then he didn't come after all.
Dec. 2nd--Had a Sunday School program in our night meeting. The officers conducted a Junior Sunday School with the little kiddies--Caryl, Delene and Lana sang "There will always be a Christmas." They did real well. Mrs. Snyder accompanied them. Norma made large red collars out of crepe paper for them to wear. I thought it was the best number on the program. "Proud Grandmother" I am going to have them repeat it at our union Christmas party.
Romances
I have been going down to Jackson's to the dance and to the Friendly Club. Both places cater to the older folks--waltzes, two-steps, 3 steps schlottish (?) quadrills (sic), etc.
all accompanied by an old fashioned orchestra. I have met quite a few men, all of them wanted to marry, but non of them offered to me. I met Herman Stilz while I was working at the Sub-depot Ogden Arsenal Redwood Road, Salt Lake. Later his wife died and he moved to Long Beach and works at the Douglas Aircraft--repairs precision tools--now his lovely daughter Naomi is married so Herman bought himself a nice trailer house--has asked me to marry him. He has such a sense of humor and is so nice. He took me through the opening tour of the Los Angeles temple--also to dinner at Naomi's home. We always have a nice time together. He is very entertaining. Some doctor, his friend, said he was the smartest man he ever knew. Also, Gene Wagstaff, Aunt Tessie Parker's brother wants me to marry him. He is a very nice fellow.
April 1954
The month of April 1954 was quite eventful. After Tessie' wedding we got word that Curtis Jr. had been sent the hospital. They had to operate on him and removed a growth from one of his ribs about the size of a lemon. Took off part of the rib and inserted a steel one together with a wire mesh to keep him from "caving in" we were all fearful it was cancer but after having it analyzed it was negative, but the doctor said it may or may not appear again. I am very down this weekend. I'd hope I find him OK. In the meantime Lillie called from San Francisco & the doctor said she had cancer in her female organs and had them all removed. He speaks very favorable now. The weeks looked so black but now are bright again. I also had trouble with tenants in the basement apts. but now they have taken their things out & I have the little Avery girl divorced from her husband with two darling babies--Iola Wagstaff.
May 10, 954
Yesterday was Mother's day. It was beautiful weather & I went to services in the morning. Norma "dolled up" the twins & went too. I took Marc & he slept on my lap all during the program. Del & Norma and family presented me with a lovely potted rose and white chocker & earrings. David some lovely nylon gloves. Tessie & Crawford came down from Ogden and brought me a waffle iron & a potted rose to plant in my garden. Lois & Vernon sent such a lovely nylon slip from Lg. Beach. I appreciated all their thoughtfulness. I have such a wonderful family. the Lord had blessed me with decent "kids" and lovely grand children. They are most adorable.
Curtis & Mayrene were all tied up with sickness. I am so worried about him that I have decided to take a trip down there next week. I have a chance (opportunity to relief drive down there with a young lady whose husband is going to be discharged from the Navy in San Diego.
Week of May 17th 1954
Well here I am in Vern & Lois' kitchen trying to scribble some more. Gary & Karen (cute little tikes) are to school & Lois has gone over to the shop to help Vernon with the office work a half day. Herman Stultz who lives in Norwalk and who visited my relatives in Germany is coming over to visit is morning. It is a usual California misty morning. In fact I have been cold since arriving here--haven't been acclimated yet.
I came direct to Curtis Jr.'s place first and found him in good spirits in spite of what he has gone through hut he is working too hard. His establishment is very busy. I thought I could coax him to come back with me so he could rest & relax and have a chance to mend for a month or so--but no that was impossible he said--too busy down here with his work--doesn't know if he will even be able to get a vacation since he spent so much time in the hospital--too bad. I pray the dear Lord that the doctor has taken out all of the cancer & that he will mend and his health & strength restored.
Mayrene is a wonderful wife to him & little Sherman a darling little boy. Too bad he has to be raised alone, but he has little friends--he "get's along" with people very well. They had a lovely apartment over the Mortuary with all of their utilities paid in exchange for Mayrene's services to help out downstairs a few hours a week. Consequently they are renting their home in Compton.
Since coming down here I also contacted Ernest and he had dinner with us at ____(Jriendad's) place and brought me out to Vernon's home after to stay a couple of days. Last night he took me to Warner's theater so we say "Cinerama" a new revolutionizing of motion pictures. It was marvelous! We went traveling all over the world and were "right there" ourselves. I suppose it will be the "coming thing" in movies now. Monday it was Vernon's birthday & Mayrene's on the 16th. We all had chicken dinner together--Vernon & Lois treat. Mayrene took me for a drive to Santa Monica and we saw the lovely ocean--drove all along the shore for miles--had a fish dinner and then went to see the new Los Angeles Temple which is partially completed. It is beautiful and a very impressive sight. It will be magnificent when finished and I know the Lord will be pleased with our efforts. We also visited the large Los Angeles Airport with the huge planes coming in & going out every minute. Little did I know then that I would be flying to the same airport from the Hawaiian Islands just six months later--a sad circumstance.
The summer of 1954 was quite the same as usual--I took my trailer up to Brighton and spent some weekends up there. On my birthday, June 17th, the office bunch gave me a chicken dinner over in the cafeteria--we all ate so much & had a good time. The first of June we (Mr. Labrum, Pat, David, & I) took a trip up to Sandpoint, Idaho to David's camp in the Forest Reserve--took turns driving. It was a beautiful trip--we stopped off at motels during the night and traveled by day--went up to Lewiston, Idaho routs--his camp was almost to the Canadian Border. The forest region is wonderful. David took his radio but he said he didn't have much chance to use it--all the other boys snatch onto it. They made him one of the foremen. He spent 3 months up there--worked hard but managed to embroider 3 hand towels, which he sent to Pat--she hemmed them & submitted to the County Fair. Won 2nd prize--would have won first prize had it not been for the hemming (so Pat said). In the meantime I made plans to take a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Henry & Eliza have tried to get me down there for the last 30 years, but I had a family to raise--now I was practically free so I wanted to arrive the 18th of October which was Aloha week & celebrations for a week. But in September we heard that Junior had another operation and that he was full of cancer--the doctor gave him 3 or 4 months to live. It was dreadful--he was not told--we thought it best not to tell him. There was no point in it. I was going down & postpone my trip but Mr. & Mrs. Last (Mayrene's mother and father went down to be with them) they told me not to come as it might make him suspicious and to still plan for my trip--which I did. I had waited all summer for a passage on the Luxline(?) (luxury liner) and finally a cancellation came through for the October sailing date. I was thrilled for that but reluctant to leave Junior. Finally the day came for me to leave. I spent a week in Los Angeles. Curtis Junior was laying on the divan in the front room. The doctor had taken out a couple of ribs and part of his lung, had inserted a steel plate in his side and some wire mesh to keep his organs in place. He looked very bad but still could joke--I hated to leave him but they told me they would cable me if he got worse or passed away--so it was with a heavy heart that I left. Mayrene, Sherman, Lois, Vernon, Gary and Karen went with me--they let us inspect the ship--we took pictures and roamed about until they were told to go back to the dock (all visitors).
It was 4 o'clock October 13th, Wednesday, 1954. The whistles blew--people cheered, serpentine and confetti were thrown overboard and music played. The decks were thronged with passengers and the dock was packed with visitors, relatives and friends, all were shouting and waving farewell. It was thrilling but sad. I thought it would be the last time I would see Junior again. I could see him lying there on the couch a dying man and I wondered if it was right for me to make merry when he was suffering so. After departure we stood in line to put in our order for deck chairs (which was foolish as there were plenty for free we later learned) then made arrangements for our table in the dining room. After that I went down to my cabin and met the other two ladies who shared it with me. They were very nice--a girl about 25 years who was going over to get employment, her name was Beverly. Another lovely person was Miss Lynn Shepperd, who lived and nursed in Los Angeles, but lived in New York, her family home (sic).
The first night when I went to the dining room there a the tab le sat a gentleman--he introduced himself as Mr. Babst--a retired railroad inspector from Los Angeles--originally from Chicago. He was very nice--had been over to the Islands about three times also to the orient--so he was a seasoned traveler--he escorted me around the ship and gave tips and information to me--a first voyager. The only thing he didn't dance for which I was very sorry--but he had a sense of humor and we had a good voyage together. Also at our table was a Mrs. Lucile Warner who lived in Pomona, Calif., but who originally came from Boston and she spoke as such--she was also very nice and entertaining. All these people were on a prearranged tour of travel service and were only to stay in the Islands 10 days or 2 weeks. I considered myself lucky that I had Henry and family living down there with whom I could stay and driven around--it sure saved considerable in expenses that the others envied me (not maliciously of course).
It was a beautiful ship--there was a wonderful host--his name was Mr. Howard. He said his mother was a Hawaiian and his father Irish and that he was born in a cave (maybe that was just a "build up" to give an "atmosphere." At any rate he was a large and tall fellow--full of pep, vim and vitality and knew how to handle crowds--was very intelligent-- and was liked by everyone. He gave yukalale (sic) lessons and hula dance lessons. Also arranged socials, teas and all entertainment in general--such a wonderful trip--such a wonderful ship. Luxury Liner it was indeed! Equiped (sic) with swiming (sic) pool--picture movies--library--dance floor--orchestra--bar--lounges--showers and bath--just like a great big expensive hotel. Such beautiful dining rooms and such wonderful meals and service. Our waiter's name was Albert--he was originally Scandinavian but had operated a night club in San Francisco--he was excellent and a lot of fun. He sure know his business. He made Postum for me every day. We met 2 Mormon missionaries on the boat and they held services and sacrement (sic) on Sunday--only 2 other LDS present besides myself but a few others came who were interested.
The weather was ideal and the ocean calm--it was so blue as Lillie described it (she had made the trip previous years) "like the ship plowing thru a blue carpet. We could sight another ship, "The President Wilson" in the horizon. It was due to arrive in the harbor the same morning that we were. Moses was the name of our steward, he was Phillipino (sic). We were given seasick pills which I took, but I did not suffer any seasickness--in fact my sea legs were very sturdy and I could run up and down the steps like nobody's business. Very seldom I used the elevator. The air conditioning in our room bothered me and caused sort of pleuresy (sic) in my side and back. The ship doctor put some adhesive plaster on it--large strips--it cleared up and they handed me a bill for $5 before I left the ship. We were told to tip our waiter and steward $5 each last day on board.
We had perfect weather for sailing all the way--not too cold. The morning we sailed into Honolulu harbor there was a slight drizzling rain. Howard spoke over the loud speaker and said it was liquid sunshine. It was beautiful thru the sunshine. I swear there were rainbows everywhere. Breakfast was served on deck and everyone was out making ready for the landing--it started their "Aloha" week--the arrival of the Luxline fishing boats and all kinds of sailing crafts came out to meet. us--all were in colorful array of paint, etc.--so vivid against the blue waters. Their king and queen dressed in native costume were on a flat craft with the lovely hula girls singing and dancing to the tune of the ukeles (sic). The native boys dived into the water where those on deck parted with coins 10 cents or quarters. Even fought over the money. Would put them in their mouths until they had a mouthful. Then overhead a plan scattered 150,000 nanda (?) orchids over the ship. It was all so beautiful. The travel agents had arranged for the dancing girls to put leis on their groups and sing and dance in their colorful outfits of ten leaves.
florists would walk the decks calling our names to present them with a "lei"--the florists were burdened down with their ware of flowers. Flowers and leis of every description. As we walked down the gang planks, I spied Eliza and she presented me with a beautiful Samoan lie made out of a some species of lily (red & tan) it was rather a lost art and very unusual, everyone admired it--then when I met Henry and Flora's children I was bedecked with leis of every description orchid, etc. I couldn't begin to name them all. We stopped in the park and saw a man (Hawaiian) dressed in native costume, peel the coconuts and drink the juice. From then on there was something doing all the time--such strange things! We stopped off at Eliza cousin's house in Honolulu and she gave me a real large orchid and small, small ones on a stem--they were beautiful and very rare. (Lily Rathburn) her name. She also gave me a white orchid before I left--very rare--she is so sweet.
So many of the mean and women that I met were graduates of the BYU and held outstanding positions. Henry I never realized is 72 years old--still hale and hearty and good looking, if he only would wear his teeth. The dentist made a set for him but he doesn't wear them. He is very well-liked down there--makes friends with everyone and he and Eliza are very hospitable--especially among church people. They have a lovely ward in Laie and the temple and the grounds are out of this world. Tourists from all over the world visit there on their tour--thousands every year. The island of Oahu is not very large, but like all of the islands is very, very green from the top of the high needle-like peaks to the beaches. It is beautiful and green, flowers just grow every were--so colorful and vivid! Imagine hedges of orchids! Eliza's house--most houses--have rattan furniture and mats on the floors instead of rugs--everything is modern, electric range, water heater--bath, toilet, etc. and in our homes
Henry took me sightseeing every where to all the points of interest and then some! We visited Pearl Harbor and saw there the USS Wyoming--that is the top part of her sticking out of the water--the American flag flying over the 3,000 boys lying dead in her hulk--the result of Japan's sneak attack touching off second part of World War II, the "Punch Bowl" an old extinct volcano bed forming the top of a mountain--thus it's name--contains 50,000 graves of our dead boys--it is kept up very nice and wonderful--they took out all the crosses and have flat stone markers so that it can be easily taken care of and mowed. Waikiki Beach was not very outstanding to me. I preferred the one by Henry's place in Laie. Waikiki is always so crowded and is very short and narrow--can't walk any where without stumbling over someone. The airport and rows of little houses where they make and sell flower leis--all so wonderful.
We attended a wedding while there--real Hawaiian style. They had a stage all set with backboards covered with big palm leaves and other large leaves and flowers galore and white wedding bells--singers and entertainers to one side and a microphone installed. The invited guests were seated on benches on the ground below--first the groom and his attendances (sic) came up--dressed in white then the bridesmaids and last the bride and flower girls in front and in back strewing flowers as they came. Beautiful orchestra played "Here comes the bride"--and then all the other love songs befitting a wedding I love you truly. Because--all the beautiful Hawaiian music suitable to such an occasion./ Then the ceremony was performed. In this case it was a nut brown maiden and red-headed freckle-faced sailor boy--they were both Mormons from Lehi, Utah. The former Stake President officiated and married them then they came down from the stage and everybody went indoors and or under shelter where long tables were set for the wedding feast. They had buried and backed fine pigs and night before--we had lau lau--coconut pudding--pickled fish--pineapple-poi--they never serve bread or rolls just all kinds and variety of foods and soft drinks. At the brides table they sang and danced--her brothers and sisters, then her mother and then the bride danced the love dance to her husband and then he awkwardly tried to dance one for her--everyone laughed. It started as a beautiful day but right after the ceremony and everyone had filed under the shelter it started to rain--it rained all through the feast until it started to get dark. The groom whisked the bride away in a car--I hope her lovely dress didn't get soiled and wet.
After 4 weeks of Hawaiian life Vernon wrote that Curtis Jr. was worse so I immediately packed my cases and Flora called the airport for me and Henry drove me to Honolulu Airport. They loaded me down with leis and gifts--the ladies in Eliza's club brought over seed lies of every description, fans, and bags for me. It was a sad parting. I took on the plane with me a huge piece of white coral that Eliza gave to me--it is beautiful! So I flew over the Pacific ocean at night. I didn't sleep much I was so tense and worried about Curtis Jr. Mayrene, Mrs. Last and Sherm met me at the airport in Los Angeles. I put a lei around their necks and saved three for Lois, Karen, and Gary. We drove to the Utter McKinley apartment and there poor Curtis Jr. was stretched out on a hospital bed in a dark room--the drapes all drawn. He took hold of my hand and said, "Mom, why did you come?" He sensed it was because of him, but I made an excuse that I had seen all I wanted to see and things were getting dull in the Islands. He accepted it but whether he believed me I don't know. I was glad I could be with him and do my share to help out. He was getting thinner each day and was living on Jello water. part-time nurse was in attendance. Evelyn Meakin--she was very nice. But we expected Junior to go anytime--how he suffered! I was down there until the new year. We thought the Lord would call him before that. I came home and was back on the job for 2 weeks and then on the 4th of January, 1955 the Lord took him to be a missionary to "preach to those in prison" as the Bible says. He lived a good clean life and was worthy of the highest reward. When I left he said "I'll see you in Heaven, Mom" I told him to look up my father, Carl Phillip Salm, and tell him I was trying to gather the genealogy together as it said in my Patriarchal blessing to do. Mayrene was very devoted to him and nursed and gave him his shots day and night. They were his only salvation. Everyone was so helpless even the doctor admitted his helplessness. It is terrible to have to stand by and see a loved one die. They dedicated him to the Lord. He wanted to go but he said there was so much he wanted to do here--but I guess we are never ready to leave this world. I slept on the couch in the front room rather than in my own room. He breathed so loudly that when he did breath quietly I would first get paralized (sic) for fear the end had come. He surely had a host of friends. The people who owned the McKinley gave Mayrene his check just the same every pay day and also sent family floral pieces and the employees contributed on his birthday and Christmas ave. $200 each time. Lastly a Mr. Hubbard from San Diego owns a casket Company furnished a beautiful metal casket to be laid away in--cost about $1,500. Such a beautiful creation. He had picked out a medium priced one (being in the business) We didn't tell him of what Mr. Hubbard had consented to do. It is hard to talk about those things. Before he went he lost eyesight in one eye weeks before and towards the last he said I can see a group of people here . they are waiting for me but I can't distinguish who they are. The a week before he lost his eyesight completely and the day he died he said "I can hear an angel from Heaven calling me, this is the day" and so the Lord took him away from his suffering into his heavenly home and into a new missionary work as the Elders had blessed him and ordained him for. I tried to tell him that he would be better off than we who were left--we were the ones to feel sorry for. Well 2 weeks before this I had to leave to get on the job by January 1st. I didn't want to go but the doctor said he might linger on for quite a while. Mr. and Mrs. Last was (sic) down there so Mayrene was in good hands, but on Friday the 14th of January 1955 Heavenly Father took the poor dear. Vernon phones me as soon as I came home from work. So Norma, Dell (sic) and family (Delene, Caryl, Lana and Doug) all prepared and we left to be there for the funeral. It was snowing and blizzard--we were rather fearful of the roads--but even though with plenty of snow, the car was new and heavy--we braved it (left the twins Marc & Marcia) out to Magna with Mr.& Mrs. Metcalf, their grandparents.
Norma phones Lynn Coons and he told them they could stay with them. Curtis had a wonderful funeral--they fixed him up to look just like life--friends and flowers galore and we buried him in the masauleum (sic) in Englewood--a lovely place (where he requested) the light beam through the stained glass windows and beautiful organ music playing (what he especially liked). So it was a life well lived--what a satisfaction for his family and the promise of eternal life for him. He looked so nice in his temple clothes. We ended the week by going down to San Diego took the children to Balboa Park and zoo. Also to El Capistrano old mission--the pigeons blew all around and landed on our heads, arms, and feet. They sold wheat to feed to them. What a chuckle we got. Mr. Last took movies pictures of it all. On our return home we encountered another blizzard from St. George up to Salt Lake. We were all tired and went to bed. Tessie decided it was too much of a trip for her expecting her baby in May.
David's mission
Live was going on as usual until February 1955 when Bishop Ray Smith called me in and asked what I thought of sending David on a mission. I was thrilled as I had wanted Vernon and Junior to go but the war intervened for them and they married their sweethearts rather than let someone else "get them" while they were away. David was serious with Pat Labrum was engaged to her and had decided to get married this June. She is a lovely girl, comes from a real nice family and has been trained to be a good little housekeeper and cook--also sews lovely--all around sweet wholesome LDS girl--beautiful girl. The only thing I feared was for her age--she was only 15-16 on the 12th of March 1955. David was also rather immature and impatient--well there was a situation--now the mission will overcome that. When he comes back they will both be more stable and she will have graduated from High School (sic). Already she has so much in her trousseau--lovely light blonde wood cedar chest.
Two weeks later after Sunday School, David came home in the kitchen and said "Mom, how much money have you got because I want to borrow some." I thought "Oh, oh, he is going to get married." "I don't have very much, I said since I have to pay $90.00 a month on the new Mercury car. Why do you ask?" "Well, the bishop called me in and wanted to know if I would go on a mission. I was so glad I could have cried. Are you going, I said, did you accept?" "Sure I did but I will finish this quarter of University be over with in a few weeks." Bishop Smith wants me to go while he is still in the bishopric. He is going to move to Idaho soon." So he was interviewed by the State president Elder Christensen, then by one of the 12 apostles, Elder Bruce McConky--we calf hardly wait until he got his call from President David O. McKay. I was in the hopes it would be to Switzerland or Germany but so it was to the Spanish-American Mission whose headquarters are at San Antonio, Texas. He will have to learn the Spanish language. He took a few months of it in school but dropped it because he said he couldn't form the words properly--I told him at the time not to drop it--but to no avail. Now he has to learn it--usually it takes one about 6 months to master it if they are humble and prayerfully rely on the Lord. He entered the mission home on the 23rd of March. His farewell was on the 13th Sunday night. There was a very nice turn out. $85 was given him at the church, but so many gave him money 9illegible word) about $200 in all including the shower held Monday March 28th in the Mill Creek Ward house. Emil could not come but brought in $20.00 from he and Kate. Uncle Alma and Tottie sent him a lovely cowhide briefcase, full of pockets, zippers, with his initials stamped in gold--also include (sic)a cowhide covered note book also his initials on that. It is certainly beautiful--besides a wonderful guiding spiritual letter and pages of spiritual and uplifting quotations. Ernest who has to homes to support him sent him $5.00 and after July could send him $10 a month. All was so lovely. Carol and her husband Ralph Sutherland sent $5.00, too. Everyone was so thoughtful and nice. The Labrums took him to town one day and completely clothed him. A very nice couple who works with me Alice and Howard Bentenson gave him a metal foot locker. Florence Porter brought a very nice pressure cooker for him to use. Last but not least Mayrene gave him 2 suits and other clothes of Curtis, Jr. They were all very nice and fit him perfectly. So he left Salt Lake Wednesday March 30 at 5:30 via D&RGW first to Denver, then Dallas, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. He is still in the mission home at present writing. While still in Salt Lake President and Mrs. Bowman of the mission had come for conference and gave a luncheon to the 4 missionary (sic) assigned to that mission--to get acquainted with them (they were here to attend the April conference. The luncheon was at the Ambassador hotel. David said it was very nice and liked the President and his wife very much.
First letter from David says he is stationed at San Antonio in the mission home that everyone speaks Spanish and he has started to learn, too. No one will speak English to him so he started on a campaign to learn the articles of faith in Spanish. Sent him a daily journal for an Easter present--Pat sent some cookies.
April 26th Pat called up last night--she received a letter saying David had been detailed to New Mexico and had a Mexican brother for a Senior Companion. Guess I will get my letter to-day (sic). Lives in an apartment with four other missionaries in Albuquerque. Seemed quite discouraged because of the language--stayed with Elder Torres--parents have a bakery in Bountiful--also make Mexican food, etc. He resided in Albuquerque until Xmas time--was very sick with the flu and wisdom teeth. The president called him back to San Antonio and there he was sick in bed over the holidays. He [had] to have 2 teeth extracted. We sent all his Xmas presents to Albuquerque. So the poor guy spent Xmas without one present from home--he finally got them the 10th of January--said it was the best Xmas he had every had--well I called him just before Xmas. I was to worried. I later met Sis. Bowman at a reunion and she said he was a pretty sick boy and that she was a trained nurse and they watch the health of their missionaries very close. He is now still in San Antonio and enjoys the work very much--my last letter, April 1956 he writes--he now knows the language--knows more about his religion and has had many, many wonderful experiences by being humble and depending on the Lord. That he would not trade his experiences now for all the money in the world--how he appreciates me for maintaining him there and giving to him this wonderful opportunity and I in turn thank the Lord for my health and strength that I can still work --have such a good job and can meet all my obligations. The car is now paid for and am now paying off some small loans I had to incur.
About the 1st of August, 1956 David phoned that he had been made District President over the largest territory down there--southeast Ne3w Mexico and S.W. Texas. It is quite a thing to be made D.P. Of course he had to have a car to convey him around to the various branches so he bought one from the departing missionaries for $250--a Studebaker Commander. In the meantime Pat (Patricia Labrum) is busily working at a drive-in establishment--saving money for clothes and trousseau--she has so many beautiful things and quilts her mother and she have quilted together--lovely linen cut work--crosstitch (sic), etc. She surely is a home girl and should make a wonderful wife for David. Returned missionaries bring home such wonderful reports of him--he is making so many contacts and very serious and determined. David called home the 1st part of November--it seemed so good to hear his voice again--we could have talked on forever--but the bill was mounting, but we were both thrilled in spite. His home base is Carlsbad, New Mexico. He has had to supervise building a church at Pecos--and after it was finished and all the dignitaries came he acted as an interpreter for them--he loves the Spanish language. When he is released from this mission [and] arrives home I hope--or rather before he arrives home I would like to meet him with Pat and take a trip through Old Mexico--they say it is very beautiful and fascinating--knowing the language he would also make a good guide for us. David was very wonderful missionary--so humble and good that he was promoted to second counselor over all the Spanish American Mission. It was a very high honor and I surely was proud of him.
I wrote him when it was time for his release that I would meet him and come home with him but he wrote he wanted to come directly home--he and another missionary--no delays as he wanted to burry and register for school--so I gave up that idea.
About the last week in September 1957--Tessie and I were canning peaches--with all its mess Pat had come down with her mother her hair in curlers and in pedal pusher's pants when in popped David--were we surprized (sic)--a week ahead of his expected time. It was a happy reunion be3lieve me everyone laughing, crying and talking all at once. He was quite surprized (sic) at the new addition (family room and new bedroom) on the house. I kept it a secret from him--he enrolled registered a the U but was suffering from severe stomach ailment--which had us all worried--nothing seemed to help him. So he took several exrays (sic) at the LDC Hospital but they could locate nothing. It was finally decided it was severe nerve trouble--worrying over his homecoming--school--getting married--preparations, etc.--he took an extra heavy course at school and the Bishop called him to become assistant Ward Clerk--it was all just too much all at once.
Nov. 1st 1957
The wedding was beautiful--it was the first reception held in the brand new 8th Mill Creek ward House 4200 South 11th East St. Autumn flowers and leaves were the decorations--the bridesmaids were dresses in different color autumn dresses and held darling baskets of autumn flowers--the lovely wedding cake--prepared by Dr. Wm Plaas was so beautiful white with autumn leave (sic) frosting and the temple on top. Little Marcia Metcalf was the flower girl (4 yrs) she was so cute in a forest green silk dress and her hair piled high on her head in curls and tied with a ribbon--after the first few guests she became so bored--she sat there and pulled her bouquet apart and flower pedals were scattered all over the floor around her (on the carpet) She was at the end of the reception line everything so "high-toned" and formal and then she so human as any little child would do--that it was quite amusing to everyone who passed--they got quite a "bang" out of it. Norma worked so hard weeks beforehand making darling pinafore aprons (orchid) with ruffles for Delene, Caryl and Lana who together with Douglas took the gifts into the gift room,. Norma was at the reception table with the guest book--she was afraid her 8th child would be born there (he came on the 22nd of Nov.) But she looked beautiful too as usual. Tessie was beautiful in her bridesmaid dress together with Odean (Owen Jr. Labrum's wife) and Mable (Labrum's foster daughter) Mrs. Wanda Labrum (Pat's Mother) worn (sic) a rust colored brocaded dress and I in gold with white sheath dress. Not forget5ting the bride--she was beautiful in a white lace bouffant shirt--long sleeves and tight bodice--a lovely veil etc. She looked like a story book doll and David a hansome (sic) groom in a white tuxedo coast and dark charcoal trousers--all the men were dressed that way. Mrs. Labrum had had a rough time all summer prior to this with her health--in and out [of] the hospital and doctors office--I was afraid she could not stand under it all--but she held up just fine (trouble in her brain and inner ear). She was in the hospital again a month afterwards--too bad such a young woman.
Not to forget telling about the wedding in the temple. David felt so keen about school he attended the first morning class--then he asked the teacher if he could be excused as "he was getting married at 10 am and he was expected to be there." The teacher said "for heavens sake man you had better to right now." We picked him up in front of the Park building at the U and down to the temple we drove. Pat's Grandmother and Grandfather were waiting there--also her parents (Jack Hemingway--Grandfather's name) her aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Hemingway--Tessie.
I had prepared a wedding breakfast after--chicken fricassee--salad, rolls, soft drinks--ice cream & angel food cake. They all seemed to enjoy it too.
President John Hawkes of the Salt Lake temple performed the ceremony--the wonderful talk he gave them--it all was so lovely and the promise to be married for all time and eternity is so wonderful and divine--I am sure this marriage will be sealed by the holy spirit of Promise--such striving for the same ideals and ultimation (illegible).
Pearse Labrum, Pat's father and he grandfather did a lot of carpenter work, plumbing and painting in the basement apts and I let the young couple move their things down there to live while David goes to school--during November he and Pat got the Asian flu and were so sick--I also had it--also Tessie. It was terrible. David lost so much school I doubt he can ever make it up--we are fearful he will be drafted into the service and will be unable to finish school. I hope not.
Christmas 1957
In April 1957 Melvin Burt (our former bishop) and his sons contracted to add 2 rooms on my house. Since making the basement into apts. during the war, it left me without an extra bedroom which I needed when the grandchildren or company comes--so I had 2 rooms tacked on--a bedroom with extra sliding door closet and a family room with a lovely corner fireplace brick from floor to ceiling and a lovely picture window to the east and a double window to the south. It looks directly to the beautiful Wasatch mountain range--Mt. Olympus being a prominence--such beautiful scenery--different picture every morning, noon and evening with the clouds, mists, and clear outstanding bold mountain it was named for--also lovely Twin Peaks--the changes of color of the foliage during the 4 seasons and the beautiful winter scenes of white--what majesty and strength they portray. I had the family room furnished with rattan furniture bought at Granite furniture--it was made in Hong Kong--I wanted to make it into a Hawaiian room. I covered the hole over the stairway to the basement and put different kinds of flower posts etc. on it together with trophies and things I bought in the Islands such as shells, large coral piece Aunt Eliza gave to me, Hawaiian hula doll, etc.--it really is lovely--I wonder why I did not think of it years before. It is such a charming place to entertain and so cozy with a big open fireplace blazing away. I don't want to leave home anymore now with this hospitable addition. David sent me a lovely large Navajo rug that I put on the floor before the fireplace and I had some colorful drapes that I hung to the windows. Norma's children especially like to come over over (sic) and help make the fire and toast marshmallows or pop corn. Tessie, Crawford and Camille came to live with me last May but intend leaving in February when Crawford gets through with his railroad telegraphy course--he then has been promised a job somewhere with them--wants to be in Utah somewhere. I hope he makes it allright (sic)--for a few years they will be moving from one station to another--so they have decided to buy a trailer house so the family can move with him. In a few years he will be able to get a permanent position in a station in a large city such as Salt Lake, Ogden or Provo.
December 31st, 1957
Last evening Tessie and Crawford bought their trailer house--I fell in love with it! 2 rooms--parlor--kitchen, bedroom--bath--with a large screen porch on the front (collappseable) (sic) so compact and roomy--1954 model--paid1900 cash for it. I sure hope he gets his job now.
New Years Eve 1957
We were so warned over the radio press--at work to be careful and not go out this evening--better stay at home traffic and drinking was bad so I spent a quiet evening over with Norma, Dell (sic) and family--looking at Television. I took over fruit cake, penocha (sic) (that I made) hard tack and nuts. They all enjoyed the refreshments. Dell bought Norma a washer (Maytag automatic) for Xmas and got a good bargain and spent the evening assemblying (sic) it himself--but they failed to send hoses, etc. so he was trying to use what material he could find--then the motor belt wasn't tightened and Norma and he were pretty disgusted. There were so many dirty clothes to be washed and they did want it to preform (sic) O.K.
New Years Day
Crawford's mother, father, Grandmother, brother, and sister came down for dinner. I made a fire in the grate and ate in the family room--kitchen--2 tables together. Played Holma (like Chinese checkers) in the evening a game over 100 years old brought from Switzerland--was my Uncle Emil's who worked for the French government in France. After they left, Crawford, Tessie, David, Pat and I, Mrs. Snyder played Flinch and other games. It was a cold night--temp went down to 16 above--but during the day the sun shone brightly all day long.
Jan. 5 1957
[Washer] Works O.K. now.