Martha transcribed all the letters with their unique spelling, punctuation, and grammar — or lack thereof — so they are immortalized here as originally written.
Nevis, Minn 136
February 6, 1933
Monday
Dear James,
It's a real winter day. The old West wind is blowing and there are several inches of new snow and it's 11 below zero so we decided it was good weather to stay home in. School started today but honestly I don't believe I'll send them as long as we have hopes of going down to stay with you soon. We thought if we could stay where you are the children could walk to either Standish or Hiawatha schools, Standish preferred. I'd like you to see the Principal at Standish and see if it can be arranged for the children to go there the rest of the year.
We are all real well. The fruit and vegetables came thru just before the cold snap and were In good condition. We started to use the corded wood and ran into the oak which is just right for this cold weather. You don't need to send us any money. Bye-bye. Lots of love, Martha
Nevis, Minn 137
February 7, 1933
Tuesday
Dear Daddy,
How are you? I am fine. I made a little rag man he is stuffed with wool from the lamb skin Ruth made a lady thay both got married then I made a airplane out of the matchbox you sent the candy in. thank you for the candy. I am writing with one of the pen pointes you sent. I made a parachute for my little man well the mailman will be coming any minute now so good by love from john L
Nevis, Minn 138
February 7, 1933
Tuesday
Dear James,
I haven't had a letter for several days, but I'm sure to get one tomorrow and you have probably been busy. Your surprise package came today. Everything was fine except the celery was frozen. We are having the coldest weather of the year now and it is windy and stormy besides. The thermometer reads 26 below now so it must be at least 50 below zero. I have 2 good fires going. We are burning the oak and the big halves and quarters of pine and we are nice and warm. I'll sleep on the cot and keep the fires going all night.
Ruth in the grove in winter, with the cabin & snow-covered Model-T in the background - Click for larger image
The children did their lessons at home today and we'll keep that up until they start school again. Just now the weather is too severe. Don't you think so? By the time the weather clears something may happen to decide the matter for us. I want to do what is right.
I sewed on John's new knickers today. There is enough cloth for 2 pairs. We are reading "Silversheen" over again together and just finished the race tonight. We looked up the places in Ruth's geography book. They each made an airplane out of match boxes and played they delivered airmail. We really appreciate all the good things you send us.
We are reading the Bible quite regularly. The children like it and I think it does us all good. I wish you would think of such things and pray once in a while for we surely need a higher wisdom to give us courage to carry on now. I know it means a lot to me and when we get together again I hope we will all be closer together in spirit and be able to build a happy home, for that is the biggest thing in life.
I think I can get fresh eggs from one of the neighbors. We like this kind of canned milk and use a lot of it in cocoa. Nobody has been by for about a week except the mailman. I haven't seen Jensons or Shaws since you were here. The children went to Shaws to play one day and saw the baby. It has one tooth and tries to say "Daddy" and "Mamma". The children made out an order for seeds. Ruth wants to try to raise peanuts and John is going in for peas. It won't be long until garden planting time is here. If we keep busy the days pass by quickly. And you are doing the most important thing of all, earning money so we can keep this farm.
We are all real well and hope you take good care of yourself and keep well too. Get as much sleep as you can and lots of fresh air. Goodbye with lots of love from us all.
Martha
(Tuesday evening)
It is getting to be a regular habit to write to you after the children are in bed, whether I get the letter mailed right away or not. Speaking of weather, it was 32 below zero at 8:30 this morning and the mailman said it was 40 below in Nevis. I used 3 sleigh-loads of wood during the day and night. The big chunks you quartered hold fire good.
Wasn't it a long time between letters? The children studied their lessons at home again this morning. I can finish John's knickers tomorrow. We had "Sim's'' muffins (made by Ruth), syrup, grapefruit and coffee (just me) for breakfast; fried potatoes, buttered cabbage, celery and cake for dinner; cornmeal mush, cinnamon toast and prunes for supper. The celery was all right after it thawed. After pay day you can send us some salt, oatmeal, soap, and more milk and raisins. It seems to me I can see the children grow. I think the simple food is better for them and I feel good too.
Try to write oftener and tell us all the news as we don't see many folks.
Love from us all, Martha
(Wednesday.Feb.8th)
It was 38 below at 8 this morning. I didn't try to keep fires all night' but filled both Stoves before I went to bed, then got up at 3 o'clock and rebuilt both fires. It was pretty cold then but nothing in the house froze. The sun is shining brightly and if there is any wind we don't get it.
I haven't any news but thought you'd like to hear how we are getting thru the cold snap. The children are going to do their lessons now. They make quite a fuss about it but we go thru the spelling and arithmetic anyway. Does the weather make any more business for the Street Railway?
I'll be seein' you", Martha
Nevis, Minn 139
February 9, 1933
Thursday
Thursday morning, 9:30
Dear Daddy,
How are you? I am fine. This Morning I had a slight sore througt. If you can please send us some butter and eggs. Thanks for the candy harts you sent us we need some more ink we have but a very little left. Please send us another puzzle we got this one together and instead of taking three hours it took us three days. Please send your washing as soon as posabul. The cat is shedding so the lice doesn't bother her much. John planted some lima been's and I a white onyon Its at leest a half a foot tall. Well this is all love from us all.
Ruth.
Nevis, Minn 140
February 10, 1933
Friday
(Friday.10 pm)
Dear James,
I thought I'd write a few lines before I turn in. The weather was decent in the morning but by noon a blizzard was blowing. The air outside the grove and in the road was full of whirling snow but we were sheltered from the worst of the wind. Ruth went out to the wood pile with me and threw down a lot of the big chunks you quartered and I split 3 loads of kitchen wood and John got a big box of kindling. So we are "all set". We'll all write a long letter Sunday. John's cold is nearly gone. Ruth has had it today. It was 10 below tonight at 9 o'clock.
Love, Martha
