I wonder how many people know what was going on in their mother's mind during the week they were born.

This is kind of a long chapter, but I decided to make it the last one for posting on the site. 

June 25, 1942

Dear Ann and Chet,

We have some news. Georgia is getting married to Bill Childs, whom she has known for sometime now. He comes from Texas and is in the Air Force. We are having a trip down to Texas to meet his family and see the sort of place she is likely to be calling home eventually. I understand that to start with he will be stationed in Washington D.C.  They will probably get an apartment there to start off with. He is a nice man and we think she picked well.

I hope all is going well with your pregnancy this time and you will soon be writing to us with the news of what the stork brought you.

Love
Rose and Julius

Bismarck
August 1942

Dear Rose, 

I received the slip last night and it is beautiful, thank you a million. Viola is coming soon to see us before she goes off to Yellowstone. The baby behaved very well last night. Kathleen thinks that for her age she is a remarkable baby.

Now that I feel better I realize how low down I have been about this letter writing business. And all the time I have been saving this stamped envelope thinking of how you could use it again.

Our baby, Judy, finally arrived after waiting 9 months and almost an additional month. She came the cesarean way, so it has taken a little longer to recover. She is 2 weeks old today but she is fine and I feel grand and we’re going home tonight so we’re all happy.

Kathleen has been keeping house and considering that she doesn’t go out for housework much when I am home, she has done right well. She had even planned a new dessert for Viola today, She is very pleased about the baby being a girl –and I am glad she is – for 2 years ago she showed all the marks of jealousy.

I had a letter from Martha and she said Dad and John Szarkowski from Ashland are doing the shocking. The only John S I can think of is yours. I hope he doesn’t take it too seriously cuz that is hard work. Chet is taking our week of his vacation the last week of August.

Happy Birthday. Tried to think of something cool for you to wear to Texas and all I could think of was a string of beads. These do not cost a lot of money do don’t let anyone examine them too closely. I think the earrings are cute.

Kathleen got back from her trip to Portland the day after her birthday and says she'll never leave home again.

Love to both of you,
Ann

December 2nd, 1942
Ashland, Wisconsin

Dear Ann,

I hope this card gets to you not too late after your birthday. I always remember to buy a card and then forget to send it. I expect you are very busy with your new baby. I hope Kathleen is being a big help to you and I know Chet will be doing as much as he can to help. But it must be pretty hard work at your age to be doing all that again.

Eleanor has a nice boyfriend too, Bob Green from Denver. And John is all grown up and gone to the University of Wisconsin at Madison to study photography. It's all he has ever wanted to do.

We are up to our necks in wedding plans, and I hope you will be able to come, but will fully understand if you say you can't make it.

Lots of love from Rose and Julius

St Alexius Hospital, Bismarck
November 17th, 1943
Dear Rose

I’m taking my annual vacation which gives me a chance to catch up on my neglected correspondents as the last time I wrote you was when I was back here last year.

The boy we ordered is a girl. These war times – can’t even get what you want in the line of babies. But she’s sweet and we’re glad we have her. She will be officially Barbara Jean but we will call her Jeanie as it goes so well with Judy. She and Judy should be good pals.

She came Monday, November 8th. I told Chet not to write my sisters cuz I would in a few days, but it has taken me longer than I expected. She came the natural way which is much the better. I wasn’t half bad after wondering for 9 ½ months. I have a good doctor. He was out of town at the time but left orders with the doctors that substituted for him that I was to have plenty of sedatives during labor. I believe that's why it was easier for me than ever before. She weighted 8 lbs 3 ½ ounces, which is the biggest baby I’ve had. She’s well and husky, who could wish for more?

How is your health? You’ve had things happening at your house – what with Georgia getting married – John graduating and off to the U. I was planning to monogram a sheet and pillow cases for Georgia but at the rate I’ve been doing things the past 6 months I don’t accomplish much besides the family cooking, cleaning and laundry.
I’ve often wondered how gals managed with two babies – now I can find out for myself.

Kathleen is attending Bismarck High this year. She likes it better than St Mary’s but has to work harder. She has quite a long walk too – St Mary's was only 2 blocks from where we live. She has taken to the new baby better than I thought she would.

Judy is a little honey, I asked Chet one day if he thought we’d think as much of the new baby and he said, “of course.” But I wonder.  He is so proud of Judy and she looks just like him. I have snaps of her to send and forgot to ask someone to bring them. I have never acknowledged the little birthday dress you sent – it is so sweet. She wears it when she comes to see me. Is very conscious of it – holds it out in front of her and says, “pretty, pretty”. She calls the baby “the doll”.

We were glad to see Julius last harvest time but expected you would be coming too. He said you were in the chicken business. Not a bad business these days of meat rationing. As early as this there are times we can’t get eggs and when we do they’re 50 cents a dozen. Seems everything is high but our salary – that could be so much higher without causing us any discomfort.

Mabelle came a week ago Sunday to stay with Judy while I’m in the hospital. They get along so well. I’m not even missed much – expect to go home tomorrow. I can hardly believe that next week is Thanksgiving week.

All summer I had such a bad case of eczema. I just waited for time to pass and November to come. My excema is practically gone and it’s a grand feeling.

How is Eleanor? Has her boyfriend been sent across yet? Ma has probably written you that Bud in is the services and Leona lives at Grampa Hamm's. It is time for the babies.

Love you all from all of us.
Thanks. you much for the little dress.
Ann

Oct 29 1946

Dear Rose and Julius

We have just heard of Grandma Szakowski’s death and we wish to express our feelings of deep sympathy. It is hard to see our dear ones go, but it is harder to see them lie if they have to suffer. We can be sure she is happy now.

I have thought of you every day, Rose, for months, with intentions of writing each day and thanking you for the little girls' sun suits. They were so thrilled with the unique way of putting them on. Chet helped Jeanie try hers on cuz she couldn’t wait till I got the lunch on the table and Judy jumped up and down an said, “Do it to me, Daddy, do it to me.” They are large enough for next summer and I am glad because our sun-suit season was very short this year. Seems we were cold all during June.

Kathleen came home with a pair of very short jeans and not much else, planning to get a beautiful sun tan and she froze all the time she was home. She had planned some on coming home for xmas but now thinks she won’t be able to make it. I hate to think of her spending xmas at a boarding house.

She could come home and have a job at the clinic here at $150 a month but she turned it down. She gets more there, but her expenses are so much higher. She has a boyfriend now and she says he is so nice, so that probably makes a difference. Up  to this time she has had little interest in members of the opposite sex.

We still live on the outskirts of town, get our mail RFD but we have a fairly comfortable house so should be satisfied when so many are begging for a place to live.

We were sorry to miss the silver wedding. Had I known you would be there I would have packed up the girls and come by bus. We expect to go home Thanksgiving if nothing prevents it.  Has Georgia had her baby? Did Eleanor go back to Denver? And how long will John be in the army?

Love to you both from all of us, Ann.

November 25th, 1946
Ashland Wisconsin

Dear Ann, Chet, Judy and Jeanie,

I sure have a story to tell you this time. I went to the dentist cuz I had toothache, and it was really bad. I hate going to him so put it off as long as I could, but finally I had to go. I was so nervous that he said he would give me some gas to put me to sleep, and when I woke up, I found that he had taken out all of my teeth. I am sure I never told him he could do that, or asked him even to take out one. So now I have to wait for my false teeth to be made, and I look and feel really old and funny looking. Do you think I can sue him?

Anyway, the purpose of this letter is to wish you a happy birthday. I wrote to Mary as it is her birthday around now too. I wonder how long she and Robie will stay in Aruba. She says it is only for awhile, since it is part of Robie's army work, and she does enjoy it, but the boys are scared stiff of the black people. She sent Dad some oleander plants which he says he will have to keep indoors as they wouldn't survive out in the winter. They smell so sweet.

Georgia's new baby is due any time now. And Mary and Bob are getting ready for their wedding soon.

Love,

Rose and Julius.

Feb 3, 1947
Bismarck, North Dakota

Dear Rose,

This is a great time to be saying thank you for xmas story books but now I can say thank you for the dress too. When I took it out of the box I had visions of myself in a new dress at bridge club next Wednesday. I have worn the same black dress for so long it is getting monotonous even with a change of earrings etc. But when I tried it on, I realized that I am in that past 40 group when life begins to end. My exercise must be the wrong kind. And the only variation I have from work is to eat – so I eat much too often and  have a size 14 waistline. I thought of letting out side seams and moving buttons. Those are such cute buttons, but that still wouldn’t make it – so I’ll have to wear my black dress again after all. I think tho, it might fit Leona and be a good color for her too.

How is Georgia?

Is her 2nd baby a boy or girl and what did she name it?

Wish I could have seen you when you were at home. But to go with the little gals is bad and without them impossible unless I’d go down on a Sunday – just for the day and leave them with Chet. I had thought of doing that some time.

We have had fairly good weather until last week. Today we’ve had 15° below and a 50 miles an hour wind. Our house is  cold. We shovel coal and more coal and when it is windy we can’t get it warm enuf to be comfortable.

But we have joined a Veterans Home Owners Corporation, 125 members and next spring they’re to build homes on a big scale, so we hope now, not to spend another winter in this one. Thus far, the land has been purchased 100+ acres and plotted out – arrangements for federal aid have been made in the spring the city puts in water and lights and the building is to go on full speed. So far we have $300 in the project. That’s all it's suppose to cost us to begin with – then we’re to have 25-30 years to pay as we pay rent. Hope we don’t get stung.

We had a card from Ceal and Edward tonight, mailed in Arizona. I guess they have made money these last years and we poor devils – we just get poorer and poorer.

Those darn MD’s their monthly checks are in the thousands and when we holler for more money they give us a $10 or 15 raise. I get so mad. I think John better be a doctor. Here at the Clinic their regular drawing salary is $300 per month but they get commission on every call, every operation etc. One Dr's December check was $3000 and the $300 and he isn’t one of the owners either.

Feb 14

With a start like that I should have signed my name and mailed it but it seemed I had much more to write. Now I don’t remember what it was. Have had Valentine greetings from Ceal mailed in Pasadena, California.

About a week ago, I had a letter from Vi with the bill for the bag she shopped for us for Sr. Rose Alma. It came to $15.75, so you and Ceal can each send me $5.25 or direct to her if you’d rather just so I know – I can’t send mine until after pay day but she said there was no hurry so I’m taking her at her word. I had no word of greeting from Sister at Xmas time which was unusual I am wondering if she liked the bag. Ceal wrote later she could have got one from Grand Forks – monogrammed even. That would have been so much nicer but by that time we had Vi shopping for one.

Martha wrote Dad passed his 80th birthday without too much strain. He’d received lots of cheer, flowers etc. After the 1st I will plan to go down on a Sat am and  back in the evening.

I was just thinking that it will be 2 years Ash Wednesday since you visited us and we haven’t seen you since. We had the awful pancakes. I have a new cookbook now so I can do a little better.

Our little gals are good company for each other now. They have no other playmates. Some days they play all day long with paper dolls and stuff they cut from the mail order catalogs. Judy is much the smoother of them. When Jeanie has something she wants and she usually wants the pick of things. Judy puts her arm around her and says, “Now honey, etc” Jeanie gives it up no matter what is is.
If we lived down town I’d like to have them both in kindergarten.

Chet is at Knights of Columbus tonight. He is not the Great Knight this year. I didn’t want him to accept it for another year because last year was a strenuous year. They bought a building etc. but now he is one of the trustees and on several committees so he still feels responsible. I believe he’d be as apt to miss Mass as to miss a KC meeting.

I joined the Catholic Daughters about a year and a half ago but I’m not such a good member.

Kathleen is getting tired of her job. Says she's coming home in June and bringing her boyfriend with her. I don’t know whether she means for a visit or if we’re to adopt him. I’d better say good night or I’ll be at this another 2 weeks.

Love
Ann

December 1st, 1947

Dear Ann

Here it is your birthday time again and a new year to come. I just hope it isn't as bad as this last year has been. I do miss Pa so. He was a very special man, and I always thought of him as somebody who I could go to and talk to. But he had a good life, and I guess everybody has to die sometime.

It was nice to see you and your family at the funeral. Aren't the girls getting big and they were so good – much better behaved that Leona's boys.

And what fun to meet Joan's husband Monroe. Aren't all our children growing up?

My Mary will be married soon, and then it will be the turn of your Kathleen. Is she still with that boyfriend? Does she miss being in Washington? You'll have to tell me what she is doing now, as I can't remember if you did tell me before.

Love
Rose and Julius

January 6 1948

Dear Rose

Thank you so much for the lovely red knit slippers. The little girls want to wear theirs all day long. Kathleen puts her on hers  the minute she gets home but I am saving mine for the new house where there will be no dust or dirt to soil them.

Ceal and Edward Larson came on Saturday to consult the doctors. Ceal has been feeling bad for some time and especially so the past week. Yesterday pm she had an examination and xrays and today at 4 pm she checked in at St. Alexius Hospital for surgery by Sat am. She has a tumor on that remaining ovary which may or may not be malignant but I guess they can’t be sure til they see it.

I don’t suppose you can just pick up and go visiting but if you can, and would like to come we’d sure like to have you. Edward drove home tonight but he expects to be back Saturday.

Our love to you both,
Ann and Chet

April 5th, 1948
Ashland, Wisconsin

Dear Ann and Chet,

How will we go on without our beautiful Cealie? It all happened so quickly we hardly had time to say good bye before they were putting all that dirt on top of her grave. She was only 39. That is so very young to die, and she had so much to live for.
Gertie told me that when she went to visit Cealie, she said, “Who is going to play my little piano?” She did so love that piano.

It was sure a cold day in Oakes when we buried her. Ed seemed really upset and I know that he really loved her, but he will just have to get on with his life. He has his business to run.

I wish you could see your way to come to Mary's wedding, but I know that you are so busy and that money is tight, so I will understand if you can't.

Love,

Rose and Julius

Feb 23, 1949

Dear Rose

Fine time to be writing xmas thank you letters but this Lent and going to church twice a day should have some good results.

The little red caps have been to school every day since xmas vacation ended and Judy says all the children, even Sister said she liked them. I had looked for caps for them unsuccessfully. Judy gets ear ache quite a lot and they are saying they might have to take out her tonsils.

The wedding is over and I wasn’t there to take care of you much as I would have liked to be but you know how undependable I am . When you write – tell me what the bride wore and what her new name is. Did Georgia come? I would like to send Mary a gift but Georgia didn’t get one from me. Don't know how I could explain that. Did you eat at home? And did you like the groom? Will they live in Denver? I think too Mary should have had a June wedding There might have been some hope for me getting there but with our mountains of snow and sub zero weather I would be afraid to go even to Jamestown – but now both girls have the mumps. Not too awfully sick but running a temperature of 101°+.

We had a nice xmas. Chet got me a lovely floor lamp – blond wood base and chartreuse shade. Kathleen gave me 2 floral pictures so our living room looks a little brighter. But the davenport is still uncovered. Wonder if I’ll get it done by Easter.

Mary called me from Wood River Feb 6. When she does that I can never think of anything worth while to say. She just wondered if we were freezing to death. We did have a -40 degrees but we were comfortable inside. I like this little house so much.  I almost am glad that we missed out on buying that other house as this one is close to town and suits us very well. And the rent is cheap.

I don’t remember whether of not I told you that that Kathleen and a stenographer from the clinic have a very nice apartment since xmas. It is brand new – all new modern furniture, rugs to the wall, stove, refrigerator and sink all in one unit. Murphy bed – large closet and private bath. They pay $75 a month and lights. But the girls do not get along very well. But neither can afford it alone.

Haven’t heard anything from home lately. Martha wrote once since xmas but all she wrote about was her gifts. Frank and Sharon shopped for about 10 minutes on the way back to California.

Thank you for the caps and skirts and hanky and all. Seems like we are unappreciative but we really aren’t – just slow. That’s all.

Love to you both,

Ann and Chet

December 1, 1950

Ashland, Wisconsin
Dear Ann and Chet

Here it is birthday and Christmas time again, and a half century has gone by. I made a list of all of us and our husbands and children and grandchildren.

Alec and Agnes have Robert who married Blanche but they are now divorced (and he has a son) and Lenore who married Don Moe.

Julius and I have Georgiana who married Bill Childs, who have Charlsie, Bert and Phylis, and Mary who is marrying Bob Green and of course John who is still happily single.

Andrew and Alice have Joan who married Monroe Simmers who have a son, David.

Jack and Ceal have the twins, Marlys and Marilyn, and also Lois, married to Bob Smith who have a son, John.

You and Chet have Kathleen, Judy and Jean

Eddie and Rose; Sister Rose Alma, Cornel and Mabelle, all without families.

Leona and Bud have Bill, Gerry and Carol.

I think that makes us 30, not counting the in-laws, which has  grown from 5 of us in 1900. I wonder what the next 50 years will bring.

Love always,

Rosie