I got a letter yesterday from one of Caroline and Benjamin Hills granddaughters. She too is interested in family history, and I asked her if she had anything else to add to this story. She told me that her grandmother was taught by my grandmother. That's nice to know. She says the house her grandparents lived in burned to the ground in the 60s so no photographs were left.
1923
A uniform system for numbering and marking state highways has been developed. The profile of Sioux leader Marcellus Red Tomahawk was designated as the state highway symbol. Some people are not very happy about that.
February, 1923
Dear Mary,
I can’t believe that in such a short time since you last wrote to tell us about your new baby, which you named after your husband, that you have lost your husband. I am so sorry. How will you cope? I think you should not stay there, but go to Canby. Bertha is there, and she has been through a similar experience, and she can help you cope with it. She says such nice things about Canby, that it truly must be the next best thing to Heaven, living there.
During the winter we have been going to lots of card parties amongst the neighbors. We all go and the younger children play by themselves until they fall asleep on the pile of coats. The older children join the adults playing cards. Chester is quite good at cards. We often has as many as four tables. We either go to Len's or the Dahles or to the Fishers, or they come here. A big lunch is always served about midnight and sometimes the party isn't over until about 3. When the roads are bad everyone goes by team and sled.
Lovingly,
Laura
I haven't written in this book for such a long time. I guess the only thing I want to add now that we just came back from Lake Isabel near Dawson. On other nice weekends we try to get to Lake Williams at least once in the summer for picnics and swimming.
Chapter 16
1924-25
March 10, 1924
Dear Berte
Thank you for the telegram letting us know about Pa’s death. It was not unexpected, as you say, he was 75, but he had a good and long life, with many children to carry on the memory of him and what he accomplished. I’m sorry I couldn’t get there to see him before he died, or to go to his funeral.
I expect you will stay there now, as you are established, and with our Bertha and Mary so close by, that must be a help to you.
Love from
Laura and family
We went to Chester's Eighth Grade Graduation on 23rd June this year. They held the ceremony for the children from all the township schools at Steele. He got a big certificate, which he is so proud of. It even gives all his marks which I am writing down here.
Reading 77, Orthography 77, Writing 75, Arithmetic 78 Grammar 76, Geography 66, History 65, Physiology 74, Civics 65, Agriculture 69. He will got to Pettibone High School in September.
Christmas 1925
Dear Bertha and Mary,
I know you see a lot of each other, so I thought I could save myself work and write to you both together. I know that your son Bertha, Carroll, is now living with you, Mary, so that makes your connection even closer.
Chester has taken a horse and rode into school in Pettibone times when the weather hasn't been too bad, but now that it is winter, he is staying there. He is boarding with the parents of one of his friends, Joseph Rood. I know his mother, as she has a Norwegian background too, and we got talking and became friends.
Our new little boy, Laurence Hugh, who Nick insisted that we gave that name in honor of me, is doing very well. He was born on September 19th. It is nice that my sister-in-law Lydia’s son Leonard is a similar age, and Lydia is pregnant again and due in January. Laurence reminds me of how Chester looked when he was tiny. And another cousin from Benjamin and Caroline. Harriet was born last year, and Caroline is expecting again too.
Chester is really enjoying his school days at Pettibone High School and doing very well. He is interested in science. He says he would like to go to College, but I think he would have to get a job and pay his own way there.
I expect you’ve heard about Agnes’ newest baby - born in March so not such a baby anymore. He is called Donald.
My mother-in-law, Teuntje, moved to Renville Minnesota a few years ago, as she has relatives and friends from Holland there, and then she got married to a man called Mr. De Jong. But he only lasted a few months, and now she is a widow again. I think she might want to come back here now to be nearer her sons.
Love from Laura
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Written by teddy (240 comments posted) 26th June 2007 | Another good chapter this is, Jean. It was, however, sad to read about more losses in the family. And how awful that Laura couldn’t attend her dad’s funerals.
On the other hand, lots of newcomers too:-)
I really like the notes written down about the children, Laura seems such a caring mum; I am however a bit intrigued of how little she mentions her relationship with Nick.
It must feel a bit strange, and I assume difficult, trying to develop your own dad’s character in the story.
will look forward to the next chapter
Teddy
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Written by coosh (867 comments posted) 26th June 2007 | | You have managed to dig up some extraordinarily tragic events in these pieces, Jean, which, at times, must have required a fair bit of detective work. To be able to quiz people who can describe their memories must be fascinating (notably Mildred). The sense of Laura's geographical remoteness is interesting, particularly against the broader historical backdrop. I assume there are a fair few relatives for whom these are intended. Still pursuing with interest. | Thanks Teddy and Coosh
Written by jean.day (2279 comments posted) 26th June 2007 | The telegram telling about Laura's father's death still exists.
I really haven't done a good job with my grandfather, Nick. The only time I remember meeting him, he totally ignored me. I was about 11 at the time. From what his children have said about him, and written to me about him, I think he was a nice man, and did things with his children.
People in our families don't talk much about or show their emotions, so I doubt if Laura would have raved on about Nick in her diary.
My dad, Chester, was quite a contradiction - quiet and shy, and at the same time loving being with a crowd of people. My mother was certainly the stronger of the two personalities. |
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