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 169
March 18, 1933
Saturday
Dear James,
I just got in after a session with the pump. It was all right when we got up but it grew colder and a strong wind began to blow and when I went out after a pail of water the pump had frozen. There was a cup of water in the wash basin and I heated it to boiling and thawed the pump with it. I brought in a pail of water before going to bed so as to be sure to have some for morning. Not many cars have gone by here but folks are going to Park Rapids by car. The roads are icy but by using chains and driving carefully we can make it, I'm sure.
I sent the children to school yesterday to find out how things are. Several of the children have had the flu. The teacher is just the same but the children stand by each other so I may send them next week too. The ditches are full of water when it thaws. One of the boys went barefoot day before yesterday and I made our children promise faithfully to keep their feet dry before I would let them go and they did.
We were glad to get your letter yesterday. I took a long walk north thru the corn and buckwheat field and back by way of the South road. There are big drifts on the north side of the woods but the south side is bare. Jenson still has some corn in shock.
We had mashed potatoes, fried eggs, buttered onions and oatmeal cookies for supper last night. I am boiling the last of the ham and cooking a big pot of beans today. Yes, I got the money. We have one lamp-full of kerosene left but we're going to make that do by going to bed early and be rested for your visit. I must get busy at some mending I have piled up here.
Love from us all, Martha, Ruth and John
Nevis, Minn 170
March 21, 1933
Tuesday
Dear James,
We got your nice letter yesterday. It makes us all happy to hear from you. I sent the children to school yesterday afternoon and again this morning. I walked down to meet them and got there a little early so I went in and heard them read. John was very sulky but I had a long heart to heart talk with him this morning and he is going to do his very best for us. I wish they could go to Miles Standish. I think they can make the grade and they would be under the influence of good teachers.
Mrs. Vokes came to call on us Sunday afternoon. She walked over and stayed for supper and we walked down to Jenson's corner with her. It is quiet here without the children but school will keep them busy until you come.
We want to know when and how you are coming and if you walk out we'll come and meet you. The roads are too slippery for me to try to drive and it is still so cold I'm not sure I can get the car started. The paint is peeled off the back of the car so be prepared for a shaggy bunch all around.
The children are too much on their toes to write but talk about when you'll be here all the time and let us both try to see that there is nothing but happiness around.
Love from us all, Martha
Mpls., Minn 173
April 24, 1933
Monday
Dear Martha. Ruth and John,
Well folks I got home all right and made it in 9 hours but the old Ford has got the shimmys again. It worked fine until I got to Mpls. and from there on every little while I would have to pull over to the curb and stop. It seems to be all right if you can drive fast but if you slow up on rough paving it shakes awful.
Every extra man is marked up now and some of the regulars are working pull-outs [extra runs during rush hour] with their runs.
Tomorrow is pay day and I will pack some groceries for you and send them so you ought to get them the next day. It looks like rain here and I hope we get a good shower as it is dry and dusty.
Say John, where do you have the puppy sleep? I guess you will have to have mama spell her name for me as I have forgotten it. And Ruth, if you make the pup a big doll don't forget to tell me how she plays with it.
Well I haven't heard any news but it seems strange at the barn with all the boys gone. One of the old-time motormen had a bad accident this morning which may mean his job. He ran into one of the Company buses at 47th Ave and Lake St. It smashed in the whole front end of the street car and I did not hear what it did to the bus, Walter Ball was Con[ductor] on the street car.
They have up the notice now about uniform inspection. Well I must close and get to work down on Kenwood line.
So love to all from Daddy
Oh say how are the sun-burned necks getting along? Should I send another bottle of Italian Balm?
Nevis, Minn 174
April 24, 1933
Monday
Dear Daddy,
It is Sunday evening now and I have just tacon my bath and John is taking his now. This afternoon after you had left I began to rake the front lown. I went to put the rake down and it landed on the tip the very tip of Mittzi's tail and she began to bark and she barked and I talked to her and she barked still and whenever I went near her again she always barked. and tonight when John was just getting into the tub she licked the soap and began to bark I guess she dident like it eather. well its getting too dark to see so signing off till the morning. It is This Morning now and Mother is feeling better. Well I have to go to school now.
Love from Ruth.
Nevis, Minn 175
April 24, 1933
Monday
Dear James,
I haven't time to look for the tablet so I'll write on this Burpee order sheet. The children have gone to school early so as to have time to play.
Now my main idea in writing is to tell you I want you to take enough money from the bank to buy yourself some new clothes. I'm asking this as a favor and you owe it to yourself and the Company. Get your uniform cleaned and mended. Buy shirts. Go down town where they have new goods and don't buy anything cheap. I'd like you to get 2 nice white broadcloth shirts with collars attached, and 3 or 4 work shirts. You can get some nice tan or different colored shirts with detached collars that would look ever so much better than the blue work shirts. Get a raincoat too. Trench coats are out of style now I am afraid, but if you like them get one anyway. Also get a new cap for Sunday. This sounds like a lot but they are all things you need. We are going to get new clothes too but you need them most.
And I wouldn't hang around the station listening to other men's troubles. If each one of you would talk things over with your wives more and shut your ears to gossip the world would be a lot better off. A man's first duty is to protect and provide for his family. If you have any time left after that is done you can work for some good cause.
This is another wonderful day.
We all send love, Martha
