Letters to Marie

March 17, 1941 - Neil Doughty

2011-01-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis, Minn.

March 17, 1941

Dear Marie:

        Well, it sure was nice hearing from you once more, honey. Seems like old times all right receiving your letters again. We sure have written a flock of them, back and forth - pages and pages of letters - make a good sized bundle if they were all in one pile.

        So your having a little rain in California? Understand a row-boat would have come in handy last week in the Los Angeles area. I met a fellow, who just came back from out there and he said it had rained steady for a month. He had a lot of pictures with him that he had taken of the "flood" and believe me it rains hard in California.

        Suppose you have heard about the storm we had here Saturday nite and Sunday. The temperature dropped from 35 degrees above zero to 6 degrees below zero in six hours. The wind came in from the North, Northwest - from up around Arthyde somewhere and at one time was at a speed of 85 miles an hour. Talk about a terrible cold wind. Sixty-four persons lost their lives in the blizzard, which covered the states of Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin. Twenty six dead in Minnesota. Golly that wind was something, the house here shook and rattled as if it would fall apart and cold, oh honey! Have sent this clipping along cause thought you might be interested.

        Well darling, I finally got rid of Lady Graham - my brother George, bought a thirty-nine Oldsmobile coupe and he and I made a deal; where by, he would trade in Lady Graham as down payment on the Oldsmobile. So now I havn't any car and spring is almost here - golly Ill have to get busy! Old Lady Graham and I sure got around but even the best of friends must part. She was getting pretty old and shaky so thought it best that I get rid of her. Sure had fun though with Old Lady Graham! - too bad!

        Golly honey, I felt real bad when I didnt receive those pictures. If I have to wait that long before I get them, Ill need double strength glasses to see them with, cause Ill be so old and feeble. I know how "speedy" you are when it comes to things like that. your "prompt", you are - but then I guess I cant complain, cause I dont do so well myself. Soon as it gets nice though I will make it a point to get a few "snap-shots". I have a large picture of Baby Pattrica Hale, but it dos'nt belong to me, its Ma Doughty's, so Ill have to try and get a hold of another one to send you. Wish you would really make an effort though to send me those pictures - please dear!

        I certainly sympathize with all your poor girl's out there. I know how bad you feel when those soldiers and sailors try to make a date with you. It certainly is a shame and of course you hate it.   yes! yes! I almost break down and cry when ever I think about it. Especially when I remember that old slogan of your, "there is safety in numbers" Poor Marie - it sure is sad! - what do you do, stay in nights? - oh, yeah!

        About those relations of mine out there - well they are all strangers to me and in fact I've never seen them and I couldnt ask favors like that of strangers - but I thought that after I had learned a few "tricks" about the radio game them I would offer some thing in the line of experience, might some thing come of it then. One of the local fellows is making four hundred and fifty a month and that is not "hay". Its pretty hard to "break" in to this line unless you know a thing or two.

        It sure is nice Marie, that your working in such a nice place. Golly youll have to tell me more about the "yacht". Do they own it or do they rent it like you rent a row boat at Lake Harriet A trip on one of those "things" would be a treat all right, the "yacht" I mean. The Mr. must be in the "dough". Find out if they need a "good man" around "there" and if so, Ill be out on the next freight, side-door pullman so to speak.

        So you really liked the Valentine: Wee, golly, thats awfully nice. Guess we'll have to call that my "masterpiece" and then forget it, cause I made up my mind that this Valentine was the last one. It was kind of fun sending them to you, but I dont think anyone buy us appreciate them. In fact there wasnt anyone else supposed to appreciate them but you and I. In that case then they wern't made for "publication" and if I was you, I wouldn't show them around to anybody - especially the "boy friend." You couldnt blame him for getting hot under the collar, over a thing like that and if he didn't he must be "easier going" guy than I would be. Must be, I dont "get it" - and still, by this time I know you pretty well too, so I think you're up to your old tricks. Need to be spanked, dont you? yes you do!

        Is your mother and brother still in Waukegan? How did it happen that the "folks" settled there? If thats the case, suppose you have disposed of the property in Arthyde. Remember Arthyde?

        Well golly honey, I havn't been around much since the last letter I sent you. Guess there's not much doing that is "extra" Every body sort of "holding tight" till spring, - wont be long now.

        Thats one time in the year when Minnesota's hard to beat, Spring and early summer. Sure will be glad, when its nice once more.

        Seems like this "trip" I just dont have any "news" of "interest". Dog gone Marie I guess Im "slippin" for sure.

        Golly though honey, did want to say "hello" and let you know Im thinking of you.

        Hope youll write real soon and let me know how things are "going" in San Diego California.

        Hope too, that it will be a week of sunshine and warm breezes, so you can take those pictures cause Im really anxious to see them.

        If you leave in June, will we see anything of you in Minnesota? Sure hope so!

        Write soon wont you dear. Will say Bye Bye for now cause I want to get this in the mail tonight.

        Miss you, too, kid - more that you miss me.

                                Yours as alway's

                                                love,

                                                        Neil

        What kind of a kiss, is one in the western style? - better than the one we use to know?

March 6, 1941 - Wevella

2010-10-31T18:10:00.000-06:00

Arthyde Minn
Mar 6 - 1941

Dear Marie,

Loads of thanks for your letter, was certainly glad to hear from you. We certainly were surprised when we heard you had gone out there. I thought for sure that you would be Mrs. Somebody by now ha ha. Thats O.K. Marie dear to look sharp before you make that final leap ha ha. You know you are young yet, and theres a lot of time in a hundred years. I wish I were out there with you, I'd roll in the hot sand out there all days long, and take life easy, that is if I have the money.

It doesn't seem possible that there is a place in the United States where its so warm at this time of year, does it? Here are are marooned behind big snow drifts many feet high unable to get to the main road only with horses, and no hopes even for the road to open for a few weeks at least. Believe it or not I havn't been any where for seven weeks and Iv'e seen only 3 women in that time. You know I had the "flu" in January and my kidneys have bothered me many weeks so thats why I havn't been able to go any wheres. I'm better now tho thank goodness.

Are you working at a family place? And have you seen any of those glamorous movie stars out there?

Well, snooks you mustn't be lonesome in a fairy land like that, enjoy yourself all you can, now where you have such a good chance. I had a letter from your mother some time ago, she is feeling fine, I'm so glad that she got better, hope she continues to feel that way so she can enjoy a few years of her life yet.

Am kind of lonesome for your folks tho, when you are so far away.

We are going to fix the upstairs this spring, we intend to finish the north end of it for Violets room and paint it, and linolium on the floor. We bought a dresser from that Wests auction sale so next time you come over to visit us, you can bunk with Violet in her new quarters. When you cone back from California you better stop out here for a week or two, hope this old snow will be gone by then ha ha.

Say Marie is that San Diego very far from where Mrs. Ajada lives?

Violet got your card today already that you had written sunday, it certainly doesn't take long for mail to come from there.

Wrote to your mother yesterday too and have one more letter to write so will bring this to a close.

Have a good time out there now we are young only once you know. When you get old you will be more contented to stay in one place when you have seen more of the world when you were young. Lots of love Wevella.

P.S. Lets hear from you again.

March 12, 1941 - Kesasta

2010-10-31T17:44:00.000-06:00

March 3, 1941 - H. Johnson

2010-10-31T17:42:00.002-06:00

March 5, 1941 - Tyohon

2010-10-31T17:39:00.002-06:00

March 3, 1941 - Gracie

2010-10-31T17:37:00.000-06:00

Evanston, Ill

March 3, 1941

Dear My ja:

        So sorry I didn't write sooner But I just read your letter today. I was on my trip in the north woods and was gone for over 2 weeks.

        It was very pleasant to see clean white snow & plenty of it. I almost forgot what Winter is like till I got there. We drove down with a couple young boys that work in Chicago & they were going home for the week end.

        My brother & I went ice skating to the Colonial a indoor rink music there & good ice.

        We also went to watch the skiers in Mt. Zion. It sure is high & they have a ski tow.

        We didn't have skiis so we didnt go down. There were 40 people there from Chicago.

        I called Bertha & I spose Ill see her soon.

        Don't be surprised if we would come there but not quite yet - I hope you get something worth while - I mean in the line of work.

        I stayed in the ________ for 4 days on my way back from ____ had a very nice time there too.

        My trip was more social life than any other - Certainly is nice for a change.

        The snow is all gone here too. raining today so it does look very dreary.

        Sounds so impossible when you speak of flowers. I sure am glad you have a chance to see that part of the world. I hope I may someday too.

        Write to me soon & I promise to be more prompt now that Im settled again.

As Ever,

from Gracie

February 20, 1941 - Emma Marie Ausland

2010-10-31T17:14:00.000-06:00

Evanston, Ills, Feb. 20 - 1941

To Whom it may Concern,

This is to certify that Marie Laukanen has been listed with the Causland Employment Registry and placed, with satisfaction at general housework. Marie is the average general homemaker, doing good, ____ cooking, sewing, etc. ____ ______ __ neat and clean. In Evanston, Marie earned $12.00 weekly. Marie us very conscientious about her work, doing all she can to help the household running smoothly. By this I mean ___ extra work, etc.

I am quite sure that Marie will not disappoint anyone requiring her services, where average general work is needed.

Causland Employment Registry

Emma Marie Ausland, Mgr.

August 19, 1940 - Mrs. Edgar S. Beldey

2010-10-31T17:05:00.000-06:00

Aug. 19, 1940

To Where it may concern:

The bearer of this note, Marie Laukanen, has worked for me for about four months.

I have found her a girl of good character, honest and trustworthy.

She is quick and orderly about her work and agreeable in personality.

Signed

Mrs. Edgar S. Beldey
Evanston, Ill.

August 19, 1940 - Mrs. Edgar S. Beldey

2010-10-31T17:01:00.000-06:00

Aug. 19, 1940

Dear Marie,

        I am enclosing a letter of reference that you asked of me.

        Most people prefer a reference "by word of mouth" but this may answer your purpose.

        I shall be at my apointment about September 21st.

        Yours Truly,

    Mrs. Edgar S. Beldey

February 28, 1941 - Neil Doughty

2010-10-31T16:42:00.000-06:00

Minneapolis, Minn.

February 28, 1941

Dear Marie,

        It really was swell,- receiving your letter and I surely was surprised to hear you were in California! Im awfully glad too, that you had such a grand trip out there - that you like the country so well - and, that everybody's so nice, I know you'll have a good time. The way you described the climate there, - golly honey I envy you - a person sure gets tired of these lone Minnesota winters, there longer every year it seems - so the next time you sit under a palm tree, think of me, wont you dear.

        Jim, Elanor and Baby Pattie were over a Sunday or two ago and they said to say hello! - boy will they be surprized to hear what your up too! Jim sort of has the fevor, to move out of there too - California or somewhere, guess he is working pretty hard and not getting anywhere either, it is the same old story with all of us.

        Well honey, I am glad you liked the Valentine. I feel sort of flattered by your compliments. Didn't think it was very good myself - just wanted you to know, I was thinking of you. It was nice of you to say you liked it. your sweet!

        The radio schooling has "slowed" up a little - partly due to finances and partly due to the fact that I "plugged" away a little to hard at it for a while and it got a little "stale", it gets sort of tiresome at times and I was a little dissapointed too it seems.

        One of my long - lost relation by the name of Lee is in the radio game out there where you are - there is three brothers - Donald, Rowland, Robert and a sister Zera. Donald is the Don Lee network connected with the Mutual Broadcasting System - with stations in Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Francisco, etc. He has a daughter by the name of Pattrica who is in the movies. Rowland Lee is a moving picture producer with M.G.M. or Universal - Ive forgotten. and Bob has the Packard agency in Los Angeles. Their mother Marie Lee is related to my dad and her sister was here at our place on a visit a few years ago. She has a home and studio at Carmel By The Sea, California, where ever that is. They're all of the pretty well off I guess - I dont know them at all - never met the boys, and sure dont know me - and how! There are other relations out there too - scads of them, Josephsons who are in real-estate in Los Angeles and Long Beach - Conterno's in Pasadena - he's quite a singer - or supposed to be - well this is enough about my dear long-lost relations. Any way I know that Don Lee networks is going to "hear" from me one of "these days".

        Golly, honey, I sure hope you wont forget to send me some pictures of you - all you can spare. Im really looking forward to seeing the "likeness" of you again - please don't forget, will you? - cause Ill be dissapointed if you do. Remember the picture you sent me one Christmas? - yep, still got it - for keeps and you wanted it back - try and get it! Gosh Ill be happy to have a picture of you and the more pictures I get the happier Ill be.

        Well, things are pretty slow here as usual. I havn't been around at all, so it really dont make any difference to me at all. No work yet of any kind so the pocket book is pretty slim and you know how that it.

        Don Cable dropped in the other day, so I heard all about the trouble he's been having with Ines. She sure took him to the "cleaners" all right. About all he's got left is his shirt. Funny how women can change too!

        This letter is different that the last letter I sent you and Im glad of that. I didn't like that last one - any. It was awfully hard to write and still I wanted to explain, if I could, some of that "stuff". Anyway Im sorry - about a lot of things, I know that much at least - Im sorry.

        I hope Ive made you understand that Im glad you wrote and hope youll write again real soon and tell me what you are doing for excitement and all about California.

        There's not much news here to write about so my letters are not going to be very interesting - so thought Id warn you in advance - Ill do the best I can. I never was much good at letter writing anyway.

        Have a good time and I know you will - and say "hello" to "your friend" for me.

        Be carefull of those sailors and wear your rubbers when it rains. Remember the time we got caught in the rain storm at the park in Harriet - we stood under a tree and were soaked - but golly, it was fun!

        If you happen to see Lana Turner when you go to Holly wood, why you can sigh right out loud for me!

- and if you happen to drop down to Las Vegas Nevada, why drop me a line and let me know.

        All fooling a side though, do write soon darling, and send the pictures too. Please!

        Bye, Bye, for now then, Sweet, take good care of your self.

Yours, love,

Neil

you mentioned, "the things you wanted were out of your reach", what is it you want - tell me!

Bet you dont know, darling.

February 26, 1941 - Karl

2010-10-31T16:10:00.000-06:00

Feb. 26, 1941

        Dear Marie,

        Well this sure is a surprise, a long ways from home gal and I think that you're the one that really gets aroung. So, I believe that you will see America before settling down, how come that you made such a long hop?

        I can imagine that the coast is beautiful, just like a gift of heaven, thats one spot I havn't been.

        I wrote you a letter the first week of February but it was returned, marked wrong address or address unknown, so my dear I did write but it just din't reach the proper destination.

        I too, have been in the traveling mood and have been visiting around La Salle Illinoise, just a little change of recreation.

        Will be leaving for Chicago next month and will no doubt head for Waukegan. I am making a short visit to Chicago next week so will probably get to Waukeagan in a day and visit the Clayton, will think of you while there.

        How did you make connections such as work and etc., say gal you sure work fast and I always thought you were slow at times, well sometimes I'm wrong.

        Why, only last week we had 15 degrees below zero weather, while I suppose you're weather was in the 80's.

        By the way, there is a chain of shoe stores on the coast by the name of Karl Shoe Company, have often wondered if they aren't Kim Folks.

        I think that you will like California too much to come back to Illinoise. You'll probably _____ a heart-beat in that romantic west.

        They tell me that wine is the favorite liquid out West, so I can see you will have to import your beer from M____.

        Well, my dear, enjoy yourself and always glad to hear from you. So, if you do decide to come-back I will probably see you in Waukegon or Chicago.

With love,

Karl

February 23, 1941 - Esther Hesh

2010-10-31T15:56:00.000-06:00

Feb. 23, 1941

Dearest Marie,

        Just a few lines to answer & thank you for your swell letter which I rec'd one day this week. Thank you so much for it. Was a great pleasure to hear from you in Calif. How are you doing anyway? I'm O.K. but have been bothered with my side again some this week. I wish it would go away & leave me in peace sometimes.

        I got a letter from your mother this wk & she said you were in Calif. Was I ever surprised. I wrote you a letter back there but I don't know if you got it.

        Are you doing housework & how much are you getting, if I'm not too inquisitive. Are there many in the family? What do you do? Be sure and write soon and tell me all about it. Neither of my folks are working yet, Sorry to say. We have been here about 5 weeks. I've been working here even as I went to work the 2nd day I arrived here. Folks are living in a tourist cabin in Colma. It isnt far from here. They have been staying in Berkeley and Oakland at my Uncle's and Aunt's until up to now. Mother doesn't like to live with other people & anyway she hasn't been feeling all well lately.

        Have you gained while in Calif? I can't say I have because I weighed 132 & 135 lbs. in Minn. While here I only weigh 127. I eat enuff vegetables. I ought to gain.

        There is a family of 4 where I'm working. Two children a girls 5 & boy 4. The man works in San Francisco in a waxed paper printing factory on something like that. They are ____ a young couple. I cook for the children & do general housework except the laundry but I iron the childrens clothes. It is a big house. About 11 or 12 rooms. 3 1/2 bathrooms. My roon and bath are in the basement. I get off every Wed. after lunch & every other Sunday after breakfast. I get $40. Wish I was getting $50 & $60 like most of my g. fs. Some $65 & $75. That would really be making a little spending money then.

        Has your mother been thinking about coming to Calif. too? Gee! I sure wish she would come out here. Mother said she'd see if your mother could take care of Gloris day times while she'd go out to do day work. I guess she wouldn't trust anyone else except your mother. Ha Ha

        Well how is your romance flourishing with Ray? Bet he sure was tickled pink when you came out wasn't he? Suppose you'll soon be going on your honeymoon all along the coast with him. Sure would love to see you & don't forget when you go through here you have to stop & visit us. Never will we forget our good & kind neighbors from Arthyde. The best that you can get anyplace & no fooling.

        Hope you can make out my scribbling but I'm just ___ying while the children are taking their nap.

        Dad, Ma & Gloria were over to see me. Gloria has more to say then her mouth can say out the words. I think she has grown a lot. Wish she could go to kindergarden & take piano lessons. I think she'll be a musician with all the pop and dancing feet she has. I hop she'll have better opportunities for schooling etc. then I had.

        Have you had much rain there? We have had an abundance here.

        I got a letter from Eastman girls & they said Agnes Beck had been home for a few days in Jan. and that Elsie Anakala is working in a garage in Kettle River. Also Francis Eastman has married someone. Did you know that Eino Haapanes (Lawler's Land'O Lakes creamery manager) has T.B. and is in Deerwoood sanitarium> They think they can get it cured because he hasn't it very badly yet. Also Walter Mayala & Eino Lundeen from Lawler both are married. I think to some Sevedberg girls from Sheriff Lake.

        What states did you come through coming down? Wasn't the trip wonderful? I got a big thrill crossing the Mtns. but mother was scared. I th__ Black hills of S. Dak. were beautiful. The other states were Wyo, Utah & Nev. We were even in Reno where the movie stars go and get married. Ha Ha.

        Wed. I was to San Francisco & was to see that "Gone With the Wind". It was wonderful. 2nd playing so only cost 40 cents. Originally was $1.50. If you can have a change to see it that is if you havn't By all means don't miss it. Hea__ rend__ing is right. I cried like a baby.

        I heard San Diego is about 400 or 500 mi. from here so we still are quite a ways apart.

        I've been to a couple dances since I was out here. Last one Wed. Nite was fun but not the 1st one Sun. night in Berkeley. I Finnish _____ dance. Old papp_is. I danced with dad, ma & a g.f. from S. Dak. so you can imagine how exciting. 2 or 3 bots in the whole hall. I want to try out bowling sometimes but they claim its quite expensive. Also roller skating & I would like to go skiing out to the Mts. if I could have a week end off.

        Now that I once got started traveling I would like to travel more & more till I'd see every state in the Union. Wouldn't you? That would call a big purse with lots of dough in it which I havn't got so I can't think of such things. Only dream of good things into the future.

        Iv'e wrote nearly a book so will close, & be hoping for a letter from you very soon. Better yet would be to see you & talk to you in person.

        Nalem__nh.

With loads of love,

Ester

February 19, 1941 - Bennie Laukanen

2010-10-29T10:18:00.001-06:00

February 19, 1941

Waukegan, Ill

Dear Marie,

        While passing away my leisure moments I suddenly acquired the urge to pen you a few lines.

        We certainly have had some drastic changes in weather since you went away. It was ten below this morning so you can imagine what such sub-zero weather feels like. According the radio reports it was forty below in Mpls. I have been as active as a fire man on the Soo Line. My muscles are rather fatiqued from excessive shoveling of coal. I hope it lets up soon though. You can be thankful that you are in the land of sunshine & roses. Our flowers out here can be liated in one brand - namely your roses.

        Lee has a nice radio. Hugo bought her a beautiful Zenith Combonation - paid two hundred smackers for it. Stamp collections have been put aside, its phonograph records now. We are going to send Hilmer to Little Vinlander so that he can compse some Finish songs for us.

        Havn't been working for the last couple days again. The whole shop is closed but don't know for how long. There is a belief among us fellows that when it does start up again it will be under a new management. Maybe then a guys could probably get some breaks. I have applications in for these defense factories, but wether they materialize is yet a question to be seen.

        Mother has been in fine health. I was to church with her the other Sunday I really enjoyed it.

        The others have written to you so I guess there isn't much to add.

                                             Much love

                                                               Bennie

February 18, 1941 - Violet

2010-10-28T17:00:00.000-06:00

Arthyde, Minnesota
Tuesday February 18, 1941

Dear Marie,

        Thanks alot for your picture post cards. They were very nice. I certainly was surprised when you wrote and said you were going to California! I could hardly beleive it!

        We've has such a blizzard for the 4 or 5 days that is even almost impossible to go to school. I made it to the road yesterday and got to school but they brought us back. I didn't go today at all. The wind was just howling around the corners of the house. And it drifted something awful. I guess spring is the only thing that can open up the roads. Even the snow plow could hardly get through.

        I'm trying to write small so's I can get some news on this card. Your certainly lucky to be out there in Calif. Mother said she was enveys you. So long as even yours and your friend write.

        Violet

February 5, 1941 - Neil Doughty

2010-10-28T16:23:00.006-06:00

Minneapolis, Minn
Feb. 5 1941

        Dear Marie:

       Thank's a lot for the letter, honey, was glad to know your well again and that "things" are looking better. Sorry though, that my last letter was "disappointing" and will try this time to do better.

        No - I wasn't surprized to hear you were leaving for California, you see I was "told" that last fall, that you expected to go, and was surprized when you didn't - but - not sorry, naturally I was glad you didn't. You see, I know the young mans nice, he's been awfully good too you and the two of you get along swell and you've had lots of fun, there's been a ring on your finger and thats the way it should be, but - Honestly, Marie do you really want to go? I wonder, now look, you've said you "havn't made up your mind", yes, three or four times you've mentioned it, that way, well the way I look at it, if I was you, and I loved the guy, Id go and if I didn't I wouldnt go for any reason. Ive read in between the lines, of your letters, and I know there is doubt, - about something! Well - I wish I could see you, yes, Id help you decide, first Id give you a damn good spanking, one that would hurt! and as soon as it stopped hurting, you'd get another. Dont tell me your going to California, just for a trip, not when he is expecting you to stay. What if you dont stay? Supposing you dont like it, then what?

        This is making me mad I know, but we might as well get it over with hadn't we? You see honey, you dont really know what you want, now honestly, do you? Take "places" for instance, we'll go right down the line. First there was Arthyde then Minneapolis, St. Paul, Arthyde again, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Wilmette, Arthyde, Evanston, Arthyde, Minneapolis and now Waukeagan. Looks like a time table for the Burlington railroad, dont it? Well - you haven't liked any of them have you? The trouble is Marie, darling your so terribly dissatisfied every where and untill you know what you really want, you wont be really happy anywhere! Look at the jobs you've had, holy smokes, honey! - there is a list as long as your arm. Can't you see, dear, that there's something terribly wrong with it all!, it shouldn't be this way. It seems to me, Id want to be sure that going to California, would make me contented, willing to stay put and that it would be for "keeps", and if I wasn't sure - well, I don't know! You could be, - happy anywhere, if you were just sattisfied with things.

       Well anyway we'll leave that for a moment and start in with me. Yes, I remember the poems all right, they wern't hard to write, because I mean't what I said. I could still write them under the same conditions, you see that hasn't changed much, the "place" hasn't changed much either, or the moon. If you were here I could take you out "there" and prove to you that "that" hasn't changed. Nope, not the lake, not the moon or the walks - there still here, but your not. That what started things off "wrong", you're not being here. No "things" havn't changed, we were the "ones" that changed. That first summer you were gone, I was lost, - lost and lonely, but I managed all right there wasn't anybody that could take your place and I was satisfied. I didn't mind waiting cause I knew you'd be "home" and then it would be all right again, but you didn't come "home" did you, you were having too swell a time. It was to "dead" here and "too small a town".

        I use to go with Jim and El once in a while, when they went out, most of the time there was, just the three of us, once in a while a friend of "Els", it was just a "date" thats all, the kind you used to have when you went "out" Don and I got together once i a while too. Don hadn't been married so very long then and Ines was "the only girl" and so we never had anyone with us, but we did get drunk pretty often. After I got the car it seemed to get worse there was always, "week ends" in some joint with Don and after a while Ines started going with us. She didn't like the idea of always being alone and one night I met a friend of hers and Dons and she went with us. It got so that it was a regular thing, the four of us going out. She lived right across the hall from the Cable's in the next apartment and she and Ines practically lived together. I think probably she is the girl you were refering too.

        Well, her name was Eva Stueve and she was a awfully nice "kid" Eva was just a "kid" too, nineteen years old, and kind of small. She had her troubles too, had a "crush" on a fellow and I think he was married, and she was in the "blues" most of the time. Anyway there was some reason why she tried to "drown" her sorrows. She sure, use to get drunk, and the rest of is didn't do bad either. Eva Stueve was all right, she really was in love with this other fellow, she gave me to understand the fist night we were out, that if I expected to get "paid" for taking her out, I could go to hell! After that Eva and I got along all right. She was a square shooter and I give her credit for that. As for their being anything between Eva and I, well, there just wasn't thats all. We had a lot of fun together and thats as far as it went. I haven't seen her now for about a year or so.

        The trouble there, was, that the girls got in a scrap (Ines and Ellenor) and they couldn't say enough mean things about each other and I dont know which one was the worst. Anyway, they both put the "heat" on Eva behind her back. Ines who was her best friend and Ellenor who didn't even know her. Well all I can say about this, is, that one of those girls wan an "unmarried mother" in one affair, and a "common law wife" in another. The other girl wasnt any better than a ordinary "street walker". I dont think they had anything to say about anyone else, being "careless".

        "People who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones".

        I happen to know the "information" you received about me, was from one of these people. I think it came to a question of "proof", you would find her story unreliable and untruthful. So much for that, I hope that explains Eva Stueve's "position" as far as Im concerned.

        Well, after this "battle" the ladies had, Don and I went out alone. I admit I got to drinking pretty heavy. There was a time, when I could put away a quart of whisky straight, without blinking an eye. I got in with a "bunch" down at Freebergs and was hanging around there most of the time! Dont know if you knew that or not.

        A fellow by the name of Norman Childs worked at Freebergs and Norm and his girl, Lucielle and I went out a lot. They werent bad scouts at all, the only thing that was bad was that they drank a little, "heavy" Don and Ines came down once in a while and so did Jim and Ellanor. Sometimes we would all go together somewhere, but most of the time one or the other of Cables or Hales were mad, you know how that is. Well, we had a merry time of it anyway.

        I smashed up the car a couple of times, wrapped it around a telephone pole once, spent all the money I made and felt like hell most of the time. It went on like that every week end and sometimes during the week.

        Well it wasn't long before Lucielle introduced me to a girlfriend of her's. Dorthy G. was her name, real dark, nice looking but sort of "hard boiled". After we had been out together a couple of times, I found out she was married and had a baby girl. Her husband was "working" for the state by "request" for ninety days. A guy cant be a "chump" all his lifeI guess and I "blew up", don't know what really did happen, but I sure as hell was mad. I though she was trying to pull a "fast one" but it didn't turn out that way.

        It was through her that I finally got back on my "feet" again. Yes, Dorothy gave me more hell that I ever had before in my life and I guess that's what I needed. Why she ever bothered is more than I can figure out. Of all the friends I had at that time, Dorothy was the only one that seemed to give a damn, and she got the least from me of any of them. Well any way that the way it turned out, and I guess I got the best of that but I wasn't happy about it.

        Well, I promised to tell you, truthfully what happened and as far as I can see thats it.

        There was Eva Stueve who didn't mean anything to me or I to her. There was Dorothy who gave me a lift when I needed it, but asked no favors. Mixed up in it all was too much booze, that was the bad part of it all!

        Why it was that way I dont know, discouraged I guess, dissapointed too, when things didn't work out right, I just didnt care.

--- rest of letter is missing ---

January 21, 1941 - Raymond Troseth

2010-10-28T15:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Marie,

        This just a note to apologice for any thing and every thing I ever said about girls at the YWCA.

        It was driven home to me very forcefully last Thursday night - that it was me and not them that was the screw balls. For they have all treated me swell - and I realy had a grand time

        I hope you will except this apology and mabe some day let me out of the dog house.

Always

Ray

August 11, 1940 - G. Karl

2010-10-28T13:52:00.002-06:00

Dear Marie,

        Did you receive card, that was to let you know that I was still thinking of you, now was'nt that nice.

        How are you and honey - don't tell me you've fallen in love with some- southern Romeo- Come, Come dear you can't do that to me and as old Ted Lewis would say- please dear think of me, won't you, just a little thought and then, why, with you dear, I'm happy.

        Now isn't that cute?

        Well, I'm here until tomorrow and then to Elgen for a week then to Chicago, that city thats lives all day and night, bars and bars, boy of boy will I get stiff, but Chicago is a lonely city unless you have a partner and thats the truth.

        Say, I bet you have a swell sun-tan, hope to see your sun-tan and all.

        It's Sunday and about 4:30 p.m., I'm indulging in a few drinks and maybe my writing might be a bit jittery, but honey its the band that I am listening to and sup.

        Tonight- Wally Beau is at the rens, have visited the rens the last five Sundays, ----- ---- crowds.

        Business is so dead that sometimes I think that I am dead until I hit that bar at night and then its New Years, once more that begs ----- drunk German is swinging and swaying.

        To you - I send my everything.

        Love Karl

July 26, 1940 - King Karl

2010-10-28T13:29:00.001-06:00

July 26, 1940

        Dear Marie,

        Received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you. My oh my, what cute pictures on the stationary if I have my choice it would be the blonde.

        Thank you, my dear, the little wooden shoes were very cute but you did'nt send me your address and that is why you did'nt hear from me, remember sweet, I promised to write and my pilgrim ancestors taught me to be a man of my word-always a gentleman- thats me.

        Sorry that you are not having a good time and I know that if I were there- never a dull moment- I would give you every thrill that you so desire- providing you would permit. Don't get lonesome Honey, find something interesting to do, such as reading a book- thats cute- you might tell her to stick it up her business.

        News dear, received notice last monday that I am to be transfered to Chicago or some other points east, maybe I will accept and maybe I wont. I know for sure that I will go home first for a much needed rest. Will leave Waukegan about Aug. 6th. I a certain that I will be in Chicago, so if you don't head for Minn.- we will meet again.

        Say Hon, what do you think, my boy, Ted Lewis is at Chez Paree and I listen to him about every eve. at 10:30- WMAQ- tune in the geneltman, boy what atreat.

        Do you miss me dear, well sure I do or is it the Hamms that you miss- yes honey, room 308 as made history during my stay and the memories will be pleasant- you too- like 308 and thats for sure. I will always maintain that I prefer to wake up in the morning with a lovely blonde and have her head resting on my shoulder- cute is'nt it or do you prefer the same business.

        Talk about the weather, we melted here in Waukegan- I always thought that I was hot and such but the weather took the steam out of everybody. We had a hard storm last night so today it's much cooler. Holland must be pretty and I suppose there are many places of interest- Well honey see them all and when you come back you can tell me all about it- when we meet again.

        Yes dear, for your information I have been a little tipsy of late - I am always celebrating- for what I don't know.

        My dear, I've come to that stop sign and to you I say- pleasant memories, a lovely kiss and lots of love,

As ever,

your friend

"King Karl"

"Is everybody happy"