Dear Dora

Introduction

2011-11-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Dora was created to share the letters of William McGregor Mitchell (18 April 1893 to 15 September 1955) to his wife, Dora Maude Knapton Mitchell (14 November 1893 to 17 November 1975), and their children. The letters were written between 1931 and 1942 and kept by Dora Mitchell until her death. These letters are presently in the possession of a grandson of William and Dora Mitchell, who received them from his mother, Phyllis Dora Mitchell Cannon, a daughter of William and Dora.

William and Dora Mitchell with their three oldest children (L to R: William, Miriam, Lolita, Dora, and Max Mitchell) circa summer 1918.

William and Dora Mitchell were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 25 June 1913. The Salt Lake Tribune that morning wrote, "An interesting wedding of today will be that of Miss Dora Knapton to William Mitchell, which will be solemnized in the Salt Lake temple at high noon, with a reception in the evening at the bride's home." Six children would be born to the marriage. Five of them lived to adulthood.

12 November 1931, Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles

Nov 12, 1931

Dear—Dora— Miriam Lolitta Phylis— Max & Warren—

I would sure like to write a big long letter but I don’t know what to write about. Your daddy is about the same as he was three years ago. Only my hear is grey and I feel lots older.

I have chased all over the country just can’t stay in one place long. But every place I go I still remember you all. I don’t know why I went out to aunt Merle’s place, But I was sure glad [p. 1] that I did. Your letter have made me very happy, they were sure sell please write again. I don’t know when I will get them. I may not be in L.A. for some time again But I will try to see Merle next week before I leave.

Well kids I miss the piano too. Haven’t played for nearly a year, I had a job in a n nite club near S.F. for six months but I got tired of nite work and quite Guess all I will ever do is cut tin.

Your pictures were just dandy I hardly knew. Lolitta. I will send one of me If I can find one. Hope you like it.

I am sure glad you are all well and getting along so well. I will agree with you that you sure have a wonderful mother Take her advice and you will never go wrong.

I know so many things I could write about but I don’t know just what to write about. I supose you [p. 2] will be surprised to hear from me as it is. So maby next time I will be able to write you a bigger and better letter.

Sorry to hear about dear old Dan. He was sure a pal. I hope this finds you all well as it leaves me. May God bless and guide you all

Your Daddy

Bill.

Many Happy returns of the day Dora. Nov 14,

27 March 1932, Los Angeles, California

2011-11-26T14:01:00.001-08:00

Los Angeles

Mar 27, 1932

Dear Dora & all—

Just a few lines to let you know I am still thinking about you. It is Easter Sunday today but to me it is just another day.

I don’t write very often but today I have got to admit I am sick all over. Sometimes things look pretty blue. So if I can find some relief in writing you a letter I know you will bear with me.

Work has been terrible all over Cal. About two days a week and lucky at that. But when you are away from all your loved ones it is sure tough. The only [p. 1] news that I know is bad news so I will forget the news.

How are all my great big girls and boys. Gee I wish I could see you all rite now. Miriam was eighteen on the 23 of this month. I have a good memory for a piker like me.

I wrote dad a letter but he did not ans. So if I don’t get an answer from this one I will swear off for ever. You know the old saying “If a fellow has just one friend he can make a million” and I still think I have one in Salt Lake??

I can’t write or a darn thing today so I think I will have to quit. There is a good ball game today Detroit & Pittsburg at Wrigley Field so I will go see that.

I went to church last sunday at Hollywood. And say they sure have some chapel. It is ~~the~~ one of the nicest churches in town. It has a pipe organ and sure is swell. Is it OK for me to go [p. 2] a mormon church? I still believe the things I learned more than ever.

Say the kiddies promised me a picture of the person that opened this letter. How about it? Maby I shouldn’t ask any favors of you but I just can’t resist this one.

Please write and tell me all the news or scandal and I will write again sooner I hope. From one who love you all.

Daddy Bill.

c/o Vermont Sheet Metal

374 So Vermont Ave L.A.

3 September 1932, Oakland, California

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Oakland Calif—

Sept. 3, 1932

Dear Dora & Kiddies

I guess I never write only when I have to. But here are a few lines to let you know I love you all and am thinking about you so far away, and yet so near

As per usual I am all sick and blue and disgusted. I try to keep up a bold front but I think I have just about reached the limit of my road. When one is all alone in the world things get oh so tuff. Sometimes I don’t know what to do. I still have some good breeding in me that keeps one from utter dispair. [p. 1]

Well I hope this finds you all well. The last three months I have longed to be with you all. Maby some day

I will have received my punishment for what I have done. What do you think? I will try to finish this under better spirits.

I received your letter Lolita. It went to L.A. and then to Seattle and then to Oakland. And here it caught up with me. I don’t know just what to say. I have had the worst luck of my life just now as far as money is concerned. I have just had enough to eat and [p. 2] that is all, When I left L.A. I had some money coming and the man was to pay the last payment on my car two weeks after I left. When I got to Oakland they picked it up one nite and I could not raise $16⁰⁰ so I had to lose it. That left me broke and stranded here. I was on my way back to L.A.> Gee but it sure hurts to think I can’t send you some rite now, To tell the truth I don’t know where my next meal is coming from. Not working and none of the shops here are busy. over [p. 3]

I played piano over station K.W.JJ. while I was in Portland but did not make very much I played here in a club one week and they got closed up.

Well Dora old pal how are you? Your few lines were missed in Lolita’s letter. You know who I love and who I alway’s will. I could get [three or four illegible words] but I must have permission, from the mamma, That is you. Please drop me an answer today as I may leave here soon. As ever your loving Daddy boy Bill.

xxxxxx

5 April 1933, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:58:00.002-08:00

El Cerrito

Apr—5— 33

Dearest Dora:—
Well sweetheart I suppose I am a piker. But honey girl, I have been working nites in El Cerrito and living in Emeryville. So I havent had a chance to get my mail for ten days and I have felt to punk to write. I was holding down two jobs and I got sick and quite one. Well I think I quite the wrong one because the one I am on now is cut down to four days and it may be only two days a week[.] I have been trying to [p. 1] save enough money to get out of this country but it looks like I never will get enough. All I seem to get is a place to sleep and something to eat. If I ever get some new clothes I will be on my way damn soon.

You want to know what I do. Well that is easy to explain. I work in a joint and when I am off for a while I visit some other joint or else go to bed. I have been to one show in six months. I am more or less sponging on a friend of mine. Four of us fellows are living together in [p. 2] a nice house. His wife is In Napa that is the Hospital for the feeble minded. We do our own cooking and cleaning. How would you like a job? I don’t have any women on the string. I have always kept my nose clean. I have trouble enough to keep myself. That is the way I spend my time. What I life. Shit!!! I could get sentimental as hell every time I think what an ass I am.

Well darling that is enough of that. I am off tonight, no dough, no place to go, all I have to do is sit here and drink [p. 3] We have plenty of stuff here because we sell it wholesale. All kinds Whiskey, Jin, Alky, & Wine. Some racket. I should be proud of my self.

How is the chances of getting a job with the Sherriff. I would go for that in a big way. All I do now is play piano. Do they sell beer & wine in Utah yet? I was up to Antioch and some other small touns to see about giving weekly dances[.] If I could put them over I could make some money. At least wages. [p. 4]

I am sure glad you have a good job and like it. But gee dear I wish it was me that had the job and you could take care of a good home.

The pictures you sent were sure swell. Please send some more. If I were to see my kiddies I hardly think I would know them. I would sure know my Dora. Same as ever. You never change, do you honey? Some day if I call you on the phone and say. Hello honey hows for a date tonite. Please meet me at six [p. 5] oclock some place. Oh boy what a thrill. Yes or No? That is what you may expect. Could you take care of me like you used to or are you going to make me wait?

Give my best regards to dad and all the kids Thanks for the Easter card and the extra letter I will try to write more often dear. But I don’t have much news. All I can do is tell you my troubles. And I want to forget them. Love & kisses to you all will hope to hear from you soon. As ever your lover & daddy

W^m Mitchell

28 September 1933, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:58:00.000-08:00

El Cerrito Cal—

Sept. 28— 33

Dear Dora:—

You know doubt will be surprised to hear from me. It has been a long time. But I would like to know how you all are. I often think about the old home and all my old pals, and family.

I have been all over the country and thing are as tough as possible I have been half sick [p. 1] for six months. I think it is caused by my bum teeth.

How are all the kids[?] give them my love and a kiss. I will write them a letter If I get an ans. to this one.

Write and let me know how everything is. Another question I want you to ans. is this. When I was in L.A., Merle said you got a divorce. Is that the truth?

I hope you are well [p. 2] and happy. You are sure entitled to it.

Please ans. this now because I suspect to go to L.A. soon and I would like to here some news from home.

I will write more next time. Love and kisses to all.

Your old pal

W^m Mitchell

22 October 1933, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

El Cerrito Cal—

Oct 22— 33—

Dearest Dora—

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking about you. Well old pal you sure do have a way of reading between the lines. But you are all wrong. I hope that makes you feel better. I wouldn’t be as foolish as you may think. It was just out of curiosity that I asked that question. You know I would never marry again unless I could find [p. 1] another Dora. And I don’t think they ever made another one.

Honey girl I do think of you at all times. But there is just some sort of pride that keeps me from S.L. City. I don’t have many real friends out here, and things are pretty tough at times but I don’t like to complain, so I just grin and bear it. I have lost nearly a thousand dollars this last year. In two places I have worked. I just can’t get ahead. The place I am in now owes me 3 weeks [p. 2] back wages. It looks like I will have a hard time collecting. And I am about broke. My clothes are wore out and winter is nearly here. Why tell you all this bunk? When I get some dough ahead I will come to S.L. and see you if it is just for a few short hours. I just as well tell you the truth. I have wanted to for 4 years.

I live here in the club where I work. I used to have a third interest in it. I have a room here [p. 3] and do all my cooking right here. I tend bar and play piano. It is a swell place but times are to tough on these joints now

How is work in S.L.? Can you find me a job? What a question. But it goes. There are many things I would like to talk to you about. Some day soon I hope I will be able to hold you tight never to let you go again. I swore I would never weaken but I sure have darling mine. [p. 4]

I supposed you know how I feel by now. So you can ans. this letter and tell me what to do. If I do come back I will do a good job of it.

Give my lave to the big girls and boys. I will write to them when I feel better. I am sure nervous today.

Sweet dreams sweetheart[.] I will always love you. So cheer up and be happy. Love and kisses to all, and more for you. <Ha Ha>

X Your Loving Daddy Bill

8 November 1933, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:55:00.001-08:00

El Cerrito Cal—

Nov. 8— 33—

Dearest Sweetheart Mine:—

Here I leave your letter till the last and this is the last page in the book. But darling I will get a new one and write you a dozen pages. Your last letter was wonderful.

Thanks for the present, I will frame it. And the phone call that was a real big moment in my life.

I hope the kids enjoy the letters I wrote. I don’t know [p. 1] much to tell them but I do the best I can.

Every time I think of you darling I get a thrill like I used to get twenty years ago. I’m sorry I have hurt you so much, and I have paid <for> at least part of it. This racket I am in is plenty tough. But now prohibition is out. I will quit it for good. Lots of money one day, nothing the next.

Write me soon dear I love you and it looks like I am beginning to wake up. Sweet dreams sweetheart. Your old bum daddy

Mitch x

[The following letter was inlcluded in the envelope.]

El Cerrito Cal—

Nov. 8— 33

Dear Warren old sock—

You sure do write a find letter. But you get tired to quick.

How do you like the Lowell school? I’ll bet you are the smartest kid in your class.

Write soon son and give me the low down

Goodby my fren x

Daddy—

15 December 1933, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:53:00.001-08:00

El Cerrito Cal—Darling girl:—

Dec. 15. 33

It is OK to remind me to write. I need some one to help me do a lot of things, I have so many thing to tell you, that I should every other day.

Things don’t look very good for me this Xmas. I have been worrying a lot. I don’t seem to be able to get hold of any extra dough. and I just can’t save any money. I only make 15 a week and a place to live. By the time I pay for cats and laundry and a few [p. 1] other things I am broke by the next payday. But I don’t owe anyone a cent. They all owe me. I must have some money to come, home at least $100. I would not think of coming broke

Here it is so close to Xmas and I haven’t even bought a card to send any one yet. I am still on the same job at the 401 club. I played piano one nite last week at a swell new club. I don’t know what I would do in Salt Lake. You tell me. I would go nuts if [p. 2] I couldn’t work all the time.

I sure was glad to hear from all of my girls and boys. Have them write again. I will see you all soon I am sure. But I can’t make it definite. You know dear my only desire is to be with you. Oh honey I will hold you so tight and give you a million kisses. I will even ley you sleep on my shoulder. I get a thrill writing to you like this I guess you know??? I could write a lot of things but you might let some one read it, and then you [p. 3] would blush. How about it dear.

How is dad? I hope he is up and around. I will send him a card for Xmas. Just because I don’t write is no reason you can’t write every day or twice a day.

Give my love and some kisses to the kids for me. When I get time I will write them all.

Be nice sweetheart I will be thinking about you always. Happy dreams dearest Dora mine.

X Daddy Mitch

xxxxx

5 January 1934, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:51:00.001-08:00

El Cerrito Cal—

Jan— 5— 34

I was so glad to get your letter. You know honey I really do love to hear from you. And I mean all of the nice things I write to you. I wish I could be there to tell them to you. I am not the old rough neck I used to be.

I sure was pleased with the gloves, they fit perfect, and the tie it is swell. Out side of a nice Xmas dinner that [p. 1] was all I got. I closed the club at 5 P.M. and opend up at 10 P.M. But I sure thought of you all. All I do is work. I am on nites again. Playing piano and tending bar. You should see me with a white coat and apron. But I sure can mix some hot drinks. “How would you like a pint of Jin?” Remember? <Ha Ha> I would think of something like that.

Jan— 10—34

I will finish this letter now honey. I Just haven’t had any rest for a week— [p. 2] all I have been doing is eat and drink. This Joint is about to close up. I sure will be glad it does. I have nearly froze the last few nites. I think your cold feet would feel good to me.

Please forgive me dear for not being more prompt in answering but you know. It is 5^am now and I have Just got rid of all the customers. [p. 3] But gee dear the days have been swell here. The sun and green grass and all. Just like spring in Utah. Why don’t you come here for ten days or so? I will take care of all but the fare. I may be able to take care of that. You need a Vacation I am not fooling.

Yesterday I saw the Navy planes sail out for Honolula. They sure [p. 4] made a swell sight as they left. Sweetheart I wish you were here. I love you so much but I just don’t know what to do.

Dora I am so sorry I didn’t send dad a card. I just forgot to get one and Xmas day I felt like hell for not sending one. Please dear give him my best wishes and tell him hello. You know how I love him. He is a real pal and the best dad in the whole world. [p. 5]

How are my babies[?] tell them all hello. Send me a picture of you all I want to show off to my friends out here.

Don’t wait to write to me till you hear from me. Write every day. I will make up for it some way. I want this letter to go out today so I will close with lots and lots of love and kisses to you all

Your daddy Bill

xxxxxx More than kisses for you Honey girl—sweet dreams—

[Note: Included in the envelope with this letter is a card for the Four-O-One Club in El Cerrito, California. On the back is a note in William Mitchell’s handwriting: “Some night after 1— A.M. call me up. This is our card. I may quit next week—“]

Darling Girl:—

13 February 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:50:00.001-08:00

Emeryville Cal—

Feb. 13— 34—

Dearest Dora:—

Gee honey I sure have waited a long time to answer your letter. I should be more prompt but I have had some bad luck lately. I haven’t been working for two weeks. The place I was at could not get a lisence to operate so we had to close. I am out some money on the deal. I have been playing piano in a place here but there isn’t much in it.

If I had the money right now I would be in S.L. before the end of the week. I sure feel like hell— [p. 1] But it doesn’t do me any good to get down out here. Because when one does he just don’t have a chance.

I have all my things in storage. Am staying with a friend of mine. He is OK though. I was hoping I could get an apt. so you and I could be together alone when you come down. But I have a friend ~~lef~~ living in Berkely. He says I can have his care and home all the time you are here. It is a swell place.

You wanted to know how far I am from Frisco. Well honey it is just across the bay. Three miles. There are [p. 2] about twenty small towns around here. They have to put up signs to tell when you are out of one and into another. I usualy work in the towns where they have night clubs and gambeling and Dog tracks. That is the only kind of work I caught now. God only knows how I was I was out of it all. My clothes are all wearing out and I will be going hungry soon if I don’t get some new ones. But why cry? If you come down we will have a good time and find a way to get out of this mess. I just need a real pal. [p. 3] You must let me know when you will be here. Send telegram to me at 5504— Beaudry St. Emeryville Cal. If I am not here they will know where to locate me. You can still write me at El Cerrito that is where I get my mail

Please excuse this bum letter I feel punk. I will try to get better organized for your arrival. Now my darling you do what you think best. I will do my part rite to the end. I love you dear more each day. If I can only be worthy of you. You know sweetheart

Love & Kisses to you all

—Daddy Bill—

xxxxxx

14 March 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Emeryville Cal.

Mar. 14— 34

Just a few lines to let you know I love you and am thinking about you.

It sure is a surprise to hear that Lolita is going to get married. But more power to you honey I hope you are happy and have all the breaks in the world.

I would have written sooner but I have been sick in bed for two weeks. Today is the first day I have been up. I had intestinal flu and have been ~~woring~~ worrying a lot lately. Hope I will be well now for a [p. 1] while. I have two jobs I want to hold down. Both of them are playing piano. I go to work on one job at Eight oclock at nite and get of at two in the morning. The other one I go to work at three o clock in the morning and get of at eight in the morning. Not so bad but it is a lot of work. If I can get any money ahead I will be seeing you all soon. Things are plenty tough out here.

Sure glad to hear you are all well. I feel so rotten I can’t think good so you won’t get much of a letter this time. Thanks Miriam, and Lolita for your nice [p. 2] letters. I sure do love to hear from you. Write to me every time you get a chance.

I don’t know any news to tell you darling. All I can say is I love you very much and I will sure be glad when I can be beside you. Sorry you can’t make it out here to see me. You sure would enjoy the trip. But some day perhaps we can do some thing we plan on. Now dear write to me soon I go to the post office every day and only get a letter every two weeks.

Love and kisses to you all.

Daddy Bill

Dearest Dora and all:—

25 April 1934, El Cerrito, California

2011-11-26T13:47:00.001-08:00

April 25— 1934

El Cerrito— Cal—

Dearest Dora & all—

Just a little late in answering your last letter. But I haven’t any news. As you know I had a birth day. Thanks a million for the nice cards. It is sure nice to have some one to remember you. But my birthdays have not been very eventful of late. Just another day.

I just don’t feel good any more. I need to have my teeth out. They are sure rotten. If I ever get enough courage and some [p. 1] money ahead I will have it done.

I am only working a couple of days a week. Just barely getting by. But I still have hopes of something better. Have had tough luck for the last year. Experence is a dear school. As soon as I can at least come home with a good front, I will be there. About all I need is a new suit. I haven’t had one for three years.

Gee honey I can’t tell you how I feel when I think of my coming home to you. I would like to be there rite now. [p. 2] Your letters make me home sick but I love to get them They cheer me up and make me feel lots better. I have so much to do to get back to my old self again. If I do I know you will be proud of your daddy.

Now sweetheart be just patient ~~just~~ a little long and I will do my best. I love you all.

I like your new apt. Do I know where it is???? I still like to kid a little. Also I still stick to my story. <Ha> Your still my best pal and I love more each day. Here is a kiss for you x. Glad to hear you are doing well with your work. [p. 3] Have to save on paper these tough times.

Just had a phone call asking me to work thte rest of the week on a new job. I worded it extra last Sunday. If I can make any money I will keep it. I had to put my ruby & diamond rings in hock last week to keep even. So you see it is tough goings

Kisses and hugs for all of you darling. Sweet dreams sweetheart. Ans. soon and say hello to dad and all the gang. I will write again next week.

Love & kisses,

Your dady Bill—

xxxxxx

27 July 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:46:00.001-08:00

Emeryville Cal—

July 27— 34

Darling Mine:—

Oh what a daddy. I suppose if I wasn’t reminded I would never write to you. Honey girl I was so sick for two weeks I lost my voice and was rite in bed. But I feel some better now. Thanks a lot for the beautiful remembrance. Your telegram was OK with capital letters. I do not get my mail at El Cerrito any more. The new address is Santa Fe Hotel Emeryville. [p. 1]

I am still playing piano for my living. Such as it is. We eat at the place I work. That is the two proprietors and myself. So my room rent is only $3⁰⁰ a week and I have plenty of sleep. Every nite when I go to bed I think about you all. I still say my prayers. I am working for my old pal Max Bridgfort. He is the only one who knows my family affairs. He and I worked together for a year and half in 1931. He has a wonderful wife just a double for you. [p. 2] He is a double for me in a lot of ways. Say hello to him next time you write[.] I know he will be pleased[.] I want him to come to S.L— with me for a visit.???

If I had off had the dough last week I would be in S.L. now. You will be surprised one of these days. If you are disapointed in me will you send me back on one of your buses? What kind of rates can you get a poor guy from here to S.L.? Oh baby what a broker.

I will give you an idea what a good piano player [p. 3] does with all his money. I go to work at 9— P. M. work till 4 or 5 in the morning. I get $1⁵⁰ a nite and $2⁵⁰ saturdays. $11⁵⁰ per week. I pay out 3⁰⁰ for room, 1⁵⁰ cigarettes, 1⁰⁰ laundry— 4⁰⁰ for eats. Barber, cleane, car fare etc 2⁰⁰. If I want to go places I have to make some extra dough. Last nite I made 5⁰⁰ in the kitty, but the live guys are hard to find.

Thanks again for the Telegram. Please write me soon I love to get your most wonderful letters. Love to all and kisses too. I must be rite before I will come home so be patient darling. You will soom be in my arms.

Your loving daddy Mitch.

xxxxxx

6 September 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:45:00.001-08:00

Emeryville Cal—

Sept— 6— 1934—

Dearest Darling Mine—

Here I am late again with my ans. to your dear sweet letter. There is no excuse for being late just the same old daddy. I feel as good today [illegible words] will sure happen. Hope it will be something to make life more pleasant for me.

I want to cheer you up dear so I will tell you all the nice things I think about you and my, “best in the world family.” I mean [p. 1] you and the kiddies. I get more lonesome each day. I live in a hotel one block from where I work. All I do is go home at 6 ^am, get up at three P.M. Go over to the joint have three or four drinks. Eat and go to work. Every day is the same

Thought I would get a break two weeks ago. Had two of my friends say they could get me a job at sheet metal work. But it has not showed up yet. If I can get it I will be able to save some money. I could [p. 2] get 50 a week. as it is now I just get my eats and drinks & room. If I had a car and some clothes I could make plenty but I will get a break soon

I am not loosing my pep dear. I have lost it. Had a chance to go deer hunting the other day but couldn’t go. Last nite I cooked up a dago feed. Macaroni Italian style with deer meat. Gee honey I sure can cook now. My pal Red terry say’s if I could only sing he would [p. 3] marry me. He is a good sport. He just left here. I told him I was writing to the sweetest girl in the whole world. His ex-wife is just like you. Has big honest brown eyes like my honey. He says to tell you hello—

I am all alone in the club today and every time some one comes in I have to stop this letter and serve some drinks. Next time I stop I will have one for you dear. [p. 4]

Well I just had the drink darlink. When I drank I said “here is too my sweetheart in S.L..”

Now for the first time in a long time I am going to ask you to do something for me, Please. I have told you about Max and his lovely wife[.] But he has also a lovely boy and daughter. Now the boy is 13 year old just like warren. He is all wrapped up in Indian relics & things. He saves his nickels to [p. 5] buy arrow heads and peace pipes and all kinds of bugs and such. Now you know how I like to do things. I told him, I (Bud is his name) that I would have you send him some kind of an Indian relic any thing you can find in on the curio stores. I will send you the money if you will get some thing for him. If you want dear you can send it to Mrs. Thomas M. Bridgeford 1212— 53^st Emeryville Cal. I will send you the money [p. 6] If you tell me how much it cost you. Not over ^$3⁰⁰[.] I know how you love kids that age and he is sure a good boy.

Max read your last letter and he says Hello and many of them.

He says if he comes to S.L. with me you can have me fore a week all alone. But he also says I wouldn’t be any good after the first nite <Ha Ha> You know [p. 7] me honey. I don’t like to brag {so/to} I wont say it.

I hope dear this finds you all well and happy[.] give my love to all the girls and boys. Have them write me a line. I would sure love to hear from them all. Love to daddy, and millions of hugs and kisses to my sweetheart. I love you always dear you are my only real pal. In every way. Want to hear from you soon.

Your loving

daddy Bill—

xxxxxx

18 October 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:44:00.001-08:00

Emeryville Cal—

Oct. 18— 34—

Dearest Dora:—

Perhaps I am out of order in writing to you. But gee honey what is the matter? Did I do or say some thing to stop the ever welcome letters? I don’t know what to say until I hear from you. Every day I look for some word from you but, some how none shows up.

I am not feeling so hot tonite. Have a head ache and a cold in my head. Things are sure quiet here. My friend Max sold his interest in this club. I haven’t seen him for a month. [p. 1] But I am still working here for the other pardner. I go to work at 9 ^P.M and get of at 4 ^a.m then I work at another place for three hours. And say honey wish you could have seen me Sat. nite. For the first time in four years I stepped out in a new outfit. Every thing I had on was new. Hat, shoes, suit, shirt, tie, sox, underwear, and watch & chain. And it is all paid for. Now for a car and home to S. L.

I am writing this over the bar and the rail bothers me so excuse please the bum writing. [p. 2]

How are all the girls and boys? If you are not all mad at me, please drop me a line. The phone number here is Olympic 5572— Emeryville Cal Any nite palsie walsie—

I haven’t paid my last weeks hotel bill but I can still pay for a phone call. The boss can take it out of my pay—

There isn’t much news to tell you. I have been to a quite a few shows lately. That is about all I do. I went over to Sacramento a few days ago, and over to Modesto last week. I have been on the wagon for a week. I sure [p. 3] feel lots better when I don’t drink anything. Every friday nite we have a free feed here Last Friday I cooked Virginia baked ham, candied sweet potatoes and the trimmings. Some cook.

Well dear I won’t take up any more of your time. Please write, soon sweetheart. I love you dear and you know it. Say any thing you won’t to just so as you write. Give my love and kisses to all[.] Tell dad hello. And keep sweet.

As ever your loving daddy

Bill—

xxxxxx

7 November 1934, Emeryville, California

2011-11-26T13:42:00.001-08:00

Emeryville Cal.

Nov. 7— 34

Dearest Dora & all—

Yes darling I have been busy for a couple of weeks. Same old daddy, but I think about you all the time. I will try to do better in the future.

Your last letter came today. The first thing when I got up there it was. Sure was glad to hear from Phylis Here is a kiss for her x.

Glad to hear dad is well[.] hope he has good health and happiness for a long time to come.

How did your election come out? We sure had a scare in this state. [p. 1] It looked like we were going to have Sinclair for governor. He is a communist. And the one that got in is a thief so that is that. Politics!

What are all you folks doing? Walt & Geo & Amelia & Vera and dad. Tell them all hello.

I was over to San Francisco a week ago sunday. Had a swell Italian dinner and walked all through China Town. I saw so many pretty things. If I had the dough I would send you lots of pretty things. Next week is your birthday. So I will have to write again Sunday. Do you feel that old?

I saw my friend Max Yesterday. He is sure up against it Ten years as a bootlegger and not a dime saved up. And his health all gone. No Job and none in sight.

Well dear you say to be a good boy. I sure am doing my best. I am trying like ever to [p. 2] do what is rite. My worst habbit has been booze. I haven’t had a drink for a week now. Feel lots better.

Thanks for the phone call sweetheart mine. It was wonderful to hear you and the girls. I love you oh so much dear. Yes I remember Halloween years ago. So many sweet memories. I can never forget The boat ride, The trip to East canyon, the trips to Saltair. So I remember? Do you?

Love to you all[.] will write sunday

Daddy Bill—

xxxxxx

14 November 1934, Oakland, California

2011-11-26T13:41:00.001-08:00

[Telegram; “BIRTHDAY GREETING” written across the top; “1934 NOV 14 AM 12 20” stamped in purple ink.]

FA307 15 NM=OAKLAND CALIF 13

DORA MITCHELL=

50 EAST 5 SOUTH APT 9 SALTLAKECITY UTAH=

DARLING WISHING YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUSTING I WILL SEE YOU SOON LOVE AND KISSES=

WM MITCHELL.

10 August 1935, Santa Rosa, California

2011-11-26T13:39:00.001-08:00

[Written on stationery from the Occidental Hotel in Santa Rosa, California]

Aug 10— 35

Dear Dora & all:—

Here is a little note from the wanderer. I got your letter from Max about a week ago. Sure was glad to hear from you.

I haven’t much news to tell you. Only that I am working at the trade again. Have been working for three months now. It sure seems good after the tough times. I have made around fifty a week. Got myself a small cart all paid for and two new suits, three new pair shoes, shirts and clothes for the next depression

The work is sure hard after the way I have lived for two or three years, at nite I am about dead [p. 1]

This is Sunday morning[.] I am up here for a rest and a ride. Will go back to Berkeley tonight.

I will write you again soon[.] Please forgive me for the long delay. Will you give my love and kisses to all the big girls and boys. I love to hear all about them. You can write me at P.O. Box 163 Berkeley Cal. My private box.

Hoping this finds you all well and happy.

Your pal

Bill.

xxxxxx

5 June 1942, Stockton, California

2011-11-26T13:38:00.001-08:00

[Written on stationery from the Atlas Heating and Ventilation Company in San Francisco, California.]

Stockton Cal—

June 5— 1942.

Dora Mitchell—

Dear Dora—

I received your letter today and as you know I like to hear from you. But when it comes to a reply I am not there.

I am glad to hear that Warren is in the Navy. He should have done it a year ago. There is now way out for a young man but to serve his country. give him my best wishes.

The company sent me here to Stockton to suprintend a large job. will be here for the summer I suppose. Nine and ten hrs a day, six days a week— It is at the air port where those boys got killed nite before last— over— [p. 1]

Sure is hot here, will be worse next month. The pay is good and I get expenses and a company car. So I can buy lots of bonds.

Sorry I don’t write more often but I will see if I can improve in the future. When you don’t hear from a person you cant get mad at them can you?

I do have my memories and I think many times. Some times I am afraid to think. So you know how it is.

Next time you write my address is Box 173. Stockton, California.

Well dear I have to make out the mens checks, today is pay day. They run around ^$100.⁰⁰ each— The company sure gave me a Job here. I am the Sup., Foreman, Bookeeper timekeeper, and what not. But I like it for a change.

Love & Best wishes

Mitch.

x little one—

10 August 1942, Oakland, California

2011-11-26T13:36:00.001-08:00

[Written on stationery from the Atlas Heating and Ventilation Company in San Francisco, California.]

Oakland Cal—

Aug 10— 42

Dear Dora.

Recd your letter at Stockton last week. I am now back at Oakland until they send me out again which I don’t think they will do.

Hope you enjoy your trip last[.] I wrote to Warren today hope he likes the Navy. If you see him tell him hello also tell Phylis hello. I can take my vacation any time now but I think I will wait until the first of Sept. and go deer hunting for a couple of weeks. I sure need the rest.

I haven’t much to write no news The only thing was I owe you a letter and wanted to ans. it. Best of wishes and good luck on your trip

Mitch—