To Bertha from Beth Cary –
(Date is approximate, year is 1919)
Dearest Bobbykins,
Christmas season is upon us and I am prepared as usual. Really think that is one thing that the war taught a lot of us, that a jolly Christmas was possible without working half the year. We even took to cards and letters as a family and have enjoyed things. The children and I are at home this year for the first time since I was married. Sort of hard on Leigh to leave him alone at this season but if he gets too lonely, he can go to his mother’s or come here. It is great fun to fix for the kiddies this year. They telephone Santa every day for a different toy. They are typical kids. Alice asks for a dolly, buggy, hot water bottle for it, etcetera, and Fred for wagons and trains. He wants a dolly to ride in the train. Good old babykins is the only one that makes no demands and he will probably cause a _____ by garnering everyone’s store.
Too bad or rather I might as well have married an Army man. My menfolk have the wanderlust again and have sold out lock stock and barrel. Have the ______ to go with it. Plan on driving out in the spring and camping in the mountains sounds ______ but I fear I’ll wish for my screened porch and running water. We stay where we are for at least two months so the worst weather should be past. This year we can’t state anything as a positive fact. It has been frozen up since 1st of October.
We’re having a _____ this year. Have a _____ a birthday club and the ladies aid. All good eating affairs. Keeps one baking most of the time. I’m having a fine time taking in a dun shows. Have been in the cities in the summer the past four years and hence missed out on the theatre. Saw ______ last week and have three before me this week.
Surely was tickled to hear of your father’s decoration if that is the proper term. Really feel quite “set up” to have as friend the daughter of such a man. Really I’m am very proud of him and know you are. Wonder if Reba’s boy will be an Army man, too. You’ll have a regular Christmas if you have him there. Will know what it is like to satisfy a few youthful demands.
Sally sounds like a _____. She is 17 this winter and the best looking girl you ever saw. A _____ _____ and butterfly but with an ability to work and manage what she wants.
Haven’t any further pointers on our unfortunate romance. Things seem to be at a standstill but the man is making a better fight than he was still crazy but tries to be interested in other things and people.
Wish the holidays were over for they have disgraceable memories and dead hope galore and I’ve a hunch his letters rattle quite a few dead leaves.
Must bundle my family up for an airing. Quite a task when the thermometer stands at zero and below.
Wonder who will be next president of R.M.W.C. Notice Webb died in November. Sundial says Helm Becker is married to a minister. Katie McKriuer writes from Paris that she may move to Coblenz or Warsaw. She writes a _____ letter.
Won’t we all have a grand Christmas with folks safe at home again. Allyn and I both had steak last year but it is a gobbler and _____ this time.
Lots of love and good wishes for the holidays.
Beth