January 22, 1947 Painting, Purchasing and Planning, Getting Called On and The Afghan is Finished

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Well, I had two letters from you since I wrote last.  B brought the first one after I had written to you.  The other one came at the usual time.

Last week I painted the bedroom and it really looks pretty.  That was such a nice shade of green.  I know now why Mr. Bowman liked that kind better than Kem-Tone.  You get more for your money.  I had half a dishpan when I mixed it and still have almost a full gallon left.  I am thinking of painting the hall now.  I got some green throw rugs and with the chintz the bedroom is all dressed up.  Saturday we bought a chest of drawers at a second hand store.  I had planned to paint it but it looks pretty good the way it is so I don't know whether I will or not.  It is mahogany finish and has a good mirror.  We bought it in Hartford and while we were there I looked for your dishes.  They had only three patterns--all very flowery and none I would want.  Service for 12 in one of the patterns was $163.   The woman didn't know if they would have other patterns or if any others were available.  I think it would be wise to wait a while.

We took Daddy's pen back and they gave us a new one which writes fine.  We'll send it in a day or so.

Yesterday and today I've been painting the pantry.  It looks like a different place.

It simply poured rain yesterday so the biggest part of the snow is gone.  The radio says it's pretty cold there and is going to get cold here too.  It has been pretty warm the last few days.

We went back to look at the $75. desk I told you about.  The floor sample had some water marks on it which the man claimed would rub down and he offered it to us for $65.  We finally decided to buy it after he said he would have it polished and if we didn't like it after it was delivered they would take it back and bring a perfect one.  It was to come today but hasn't yet and it's almost 4:00 now.  We feel we're getting our money's worth even if we get the $75. one.  It is solid mahogany--no veneer even on the sides or back.  It is quite fancy but a nice piece of furniture and we couldn't find a plain one that didn't look cheap.

I'm glad you're using the machine.  When you get used to it you'll use it for everything.

B got my white lamp wired but we haven't found a shade to fit it yet.

This has been the queerest day.  It has looked stormy and yet the sun has been out and the sky is blue as can be.

We have been planning to have a buffet supper for the professors and wives of the education department next Sunday evening but I haven't called anyone yet so we may have to plan for another day.  There would be nine of us and we are going to bake the ham.

The president's wife and two faculty wives called on me Thursday afternoon.  They didn't stay long but I enjoyed their visit.

The afghan is all done and I've been enjoying it. 

Tell Beulah she owes me a letter because I visited her last.

              Lots of love,

                      B & Bonnie

How about the lot next to Dick Teeple?
B just brought your letter and I'm certainly relieved that you've found a lot."


NOTE from Ann:  The afghan is pictured on a chair which belonged to Horace and Mabel.  There are slight variations in the brown yarn, as Bonnie mentioned after having run out of the original color.  The flower and vine pattern is cross-stitched over the crocheted part.  I can only imagine how long the fringe must have taken for the width of the afghan is 5 feet with 6 knots of fringe per inch.

January 15, 1947 The Half-Mile Coast, Lovely in the Bolt, Fussy, Messy and Out of Proportion and Knitting for Bea

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"The kids are having a wonderful time today.  The streets are so slick that there isn't any school across the road so they all have their sleds out.  They can coast about a half mile without stopping on the street in front of our house.  Yesterday was a grand day but it started raining and freezing in the night.  Everything is like glass.  B put the chains on before he left this morning and didn't seem to be having any trouble.

I thought sure I would have a letter from you Saturday but I guess you were waiting to hear from me.

I have looked twice for your wool and found some gray I thought would be nice with silver buttons.  if you like this sample I'll get some.  There just isn't any blue that you would have.  This is all wool and is lovely in the bolt.  The sample doesn't show the weave at all.  It is $2.98 a yard.  Don't take too long to decide for it's a new bolt and won't last long since it's a spring woolen.  Have you tried the machine?

I also inquired at a store in New Britain about your china.  They have only one pattern and you wouldn't like that--too fussy (the pattern I mean-ha!).  It had a lot of flowers on it.  We hope to go to Hartford before long and I'll see what they have there.

I haven't done my painting yet but hope to begin this week.  It is such a messy job I dread to start.

My afghan is almost done.  It is all sewed together and i blocked it this morning while I was ironing.  Just a few more bits of fringe and it is all done.  It is beautiful but a little wider than yours but not as long so it is a little out of proportion.

My next project will be the little sweater for Bea Sullivan.  I told you they were having a baby in the spring, didn't I?  Of course, I always have my crocheted table cloth to work on.  That will always be with me, I guess.

We are going to start looking again for a desk.  The stores advertise January clearance sales but nothing seems to really be on sale except stuff one wouldn't have.

I have some ice cream in the refrigerator and I guess I'd better take care of it.  I put peppermint flavoring in it and colored it green so I'm wondering how it will come out.

Write us all the news."

                    Lots of love,

                            B & Bonnie

January 8, 1947 Warm as Toast and Fixed by Sleep, The Weather Report, Plants and Cuttings and Back to Routine

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I can't remember what I said on the card I wrote.  Anyway, we got home a little before eleven.  Our apartment was as warm as toast and Karl had told the milkman to leave our milk.  We were pretty tired but lots of sleep soon fixed that.

The roads were slick and covered in snow until we got over into Illinois. I told you when I talked to you that the roads were getting better.  The snow had been shoveled but the roads were wet--but not slick.  We spent that first night just at the edge of Vandalia, Ill. and had a good bed in a warm cabin.  We expected the highway to be frozen the next morning but much to our surprise it was dry.  So we sailed right along on good roads the rest of the way.  We seemed to keep right ahead of the storm and were so glad we started when we did.

We had another good snow night before last but it isn't so cold.  Yesterday afternoon I went with Aggie to take Jody and her friend to the ice skating pond just up the road.  Jody had some new skates and had so much fun she didn't want to come home.  We took the sled and I really had fun too.

I did about half my washing yesterday--all the white things.  The rest can be done with my regular wash next week.

The plants you gave me are just fine and I didn't take them out of the car a single night.  The cuttings B's mother gave me were a little wilted but maybe they will come out of it after awhile.

My yarn had come when I got home so I've been working on my afghan.  There is a tiny bit of difference in the shade but it will have to do.

We had some records from Bea and Sully too and lots of Christmas cards.

We are getting back into our old routine again and I hope to start my painting before long.

It was wonderful to see all of you.  Thanks for all the nice things you gave us.  Take care of yourselves."

                        Lots of love,

                             B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  The President's news conference on the budget was on Jan. 8, 1947.  He began by noting,"Well, I am going to sit down and talk into this microphone, because this is--has every chance to be quite a long session."  For the full text:  http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=12850#axzz1tIkay4Vg

December 16, 1946 Bonnie Just Wants to Write, Applying for a Telephone and More Nylons

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This is Sunday night.  B is studying the road maps and I just thought I'd like to write to you.  Everything is fine and we hope we'll be over half way home by this time next week.

We spent yesterday in Hartford and finished our Christmas shopping.  It was awfully cold and the stores were just packed.  Then last night we went to Swann's for supper and had a real nice time.  I was certainly glad I didn't have to come home and cook because we were both tired. 

I guess you know that B's Dad had an intestinal operation.  Horace called us Friday night to tell us about it.  The telephone downstairs is 7860-R2.  We use it anytime we want to but hope to have one of our own in April--that is when they said we could get one.  They (the telephone company) sent us an application blank to fill out some time ago.

I hope you will be all moved and straightened up when you get this.  Even if the house is little you know it is only a temporary home and before you know it you'll have found a place of your own.  Don't worry about it and it will come out right one of these days.  It won't matter if you aren't all straightened up when we get there.  After we get our stuff scattered around it wouldn't look straight anyway.  So just rest and we'll have fun.

I'm bringing some nylons but am wondering what you do with all of them.  Ha!"

                Lots of love,

                      B & Bonnie

Ad from Life Magazine                                                            

NOTE from Ann:  Eleanor Roosevelt's My Day entry for Dec. 16, 1946 sounds familiar.

NEW YORK, Sunday—"I was shocked the other day to read of the attack on Surgeon General Thomas Parran by the American Medical Association. The Surgeon General of the U. S. Public Health Service, it seems to me, has a perfect right to advocate the President's health program if he approves of it. Health is not a thing based on partisan politics, and public health should not be regarded, either by officials in Washington or by doctors, as a political football.

There are differences today within the medical profession as to how more medical care shall be made available to the average individual with a small income. As far as I know, there are a considerable number of cooperative hospital plans and a growing number of medical plans on an insurance or cooperative basis.

The American Medical Association, for reasons best known to its own leaders, but which sometimes seem somewhat selfish to the layman, has decided to oppose most of these plans and it dislikes particularly the Wagner-Murray-Dingle bill. I am only a layman and I don't imagine that this bill is the last word, or the best health program that will ever be developed. But it is a step in the right direction—and we seem to forget that democracy functions by taking one step at a time. As more people become convinced of the value of something, it becomes more universally accepted. Democracies move slowly because they envision the approval of a majority for any new policy, and that means much education of many individuals.

I believe medical men, above any other group in this country, should refrain from attacking as good a public servant as Dr. Parran has proved himself to be just because they happen to differ on methods by which medical care shall be provided for a great number of people. No one denies the existence of the need, and we can argue out the methods without feeling that people advocating any particular methods have no right to their point of view. The majority will decide in the long run."

Also in the news on this day, the UN General Assembly adjourns.  See brief newsreel footage here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7F6hpubam8

December 11, 1946 Getting Close, No Brown Polka Dot and In The Pot

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"The time is getting close, isn't it?  It doesn't seem like Christmas at all--not even the weather.  If it will only stay this way till after we make our trip!  Today is just like March.  The sun is bright and warm but it is plenty windy.  We still plan to leave on Saturday before Xmas and that means we'll probably be home late Monday afternoon.  Of course, that all depends upon the weather so don't worry if we aren't there Monday.  We might hit a snow storm somewhere along the way or we might have one here.  I won't write another letter for we will get there soon after it would.  You needn't write either unless there is something you want but you would have to write right back.

I'm so thankful you have taken a house at last.  I was afraid you were going to wait till all of them were taken.

I couldn't get the brown polka dot for you.  It was all gone and I didn't see anything else you would like except the pieces you already have.

The new term has started and B is knee deep in work again.  He doesn't have to go to Middletown this time for which he is thankful.  All four of his classes are at the college--from 10:30 to 3:20.  He took tickets at the basketball game last night.  There is a committee meeting till 6:00 today.

There is a faculty dinner tomorrow night but we are so busy trying to get ready to come home that we aren't going. We are going to one of the professor's homes Saturday night for supper.  We have a lot of entertaining we have to do after Christmas.  We wanted to do it sooner but never could find time.

There isn't any news and we'll be seeing you soon anyway, so put our name in the pot."

                    Lots of love,

                          B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) was founded on Dec. 11, 1946 to provide food for children in European nations ravaged by war.  UNICEF was a familiar name in our household growing up, particularly at Halloween when we "trick-or-treated for UNICEF" (for pennies and nickles) rather than for only candy.

And about the ad:   Pepsi was the drink of choice for Bonnie's mother.  Although I can't recall ever seeing Grandmother drink one, there were always plenty of tall, glass bottles in a carton, in her pantry at Christmas time.

December 5, 1946 The Grand Weather, The Christmas Instructions, The Swell Ice Cream and Bossy Bonnie

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I had forgotten this was Wednesday so this letter will probably be late because B has been gone a long time.  We're all mixed up on the days because of registration at school and the different daily schedules.  We're having grand weather after an awful Monday.  It was blue cold and the wind was terrible.  It didn't let up all day long.

Yesterday I went to town as B went to school and spent the day with Mrs. McLeod.  I made a cover for a window-seat cushion for her.  They were out here Sunday afternoon for a while.

Just imagine three weeks from today is Christmas.  I wanted to get my afghan done so you could see it but I doubt if I get it finished.  I had to order more yarn and it hasn't come yet.  I'm wondering if they can even match it.

I hope you will soon be moved and comfortable again.  I certainly can sympathize with you about being torn up--it's no fun.  No, I won't regret that you sold the place.  Daddy will feel much better when he gets out of the store and I know that would have been impossible with that little bit of ground.  I will be glad when you buy a place though.  Rent receipts aren't much good.

We can eat off the breakfast table when we're home and don't you dare move that big old dining room set.  Call Irene and have her come after it.  Moving is too hard to move something like that.

Please don't make a lot of big plans for us.  Let's not have any big dinners this time--I mean with all of both families.  I'd rather have a day with you and Beulah's family and then another at B's.  Mabel wrote that she was asking you and Daddy to have dinner at her house Christmas day.  How did that suit you?  I don't want anybody to work and worry at all while we're home.  I know you'll be tired anyway and I don't want you to do a lot of extra work.  Let's just have fun.

Suit yourself about the turkey but a big fat hen will be just as good and easier to fix.

Our refrigerator is a General Electric.  It makes swell ice cream.

Yes, you sent money for postage for the dress material.  You don't owe me a cent.

How is your coal supply?  I'm so glad we burn oil.  That strike has certainly made a mess of things.

I don't know whether I'll get to write to Beulah before we come home or not but you can tell her that the knitting is to be Jerry's Christmas present so stop worrying about the yarn.

There just isn't any news so bye for now.  I hope this letter doesn't sound bossy but I don't want anyone sick this time.  Write soon."

             Lots and lots of love,

                      B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  President Truman issued the executive order on Dec. 5, 1946 to establish a commission on civil rights.  Use the link below for the complete order.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=60711#axzz1tIkay4Vg

And for an interesting summary of Truman's perspective on his presidential responsibilities regarding civil rights: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/highwayhistory/road/s20.cfm

November 27, 1946 B & Bonnie Are Getting Cleaner, The Tests, The Awful Coal Strike and Pumpkin Pies

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Wednesday again!  The days roll by so fast I can't keep up.  This is such a beautiful day and is so warm.  I just hope it stays this way but of course it can't.

I just got my wash out and had a good sized one.  We get lots more things dirty since I started washing or it may be that we're getting cleaner.  Ha!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we have so many, many things to be thankful for.  We are going to McLeod's (where we had the room if you don't remember) for a turkey dinner and I'm going to make some pumpkin pies to take.  I wish I had some of your cream to whip.  B's Thanksgiving vacation starts at 1:00 today and lasts till Monday.  He has worked real hard all week so he could have a real vacation without having a lot of school work to do.

Final exams are to be given next week and B worked all last week-end on his tests.  We didn't even go to church.  He had to make out three but they were some tests.  He spends lots of time on his school work but it's because he wants to.  He loves his work and Hopkins can't compare with the college.  Everyone seems to like him and his work too.  He had not expected to have to go to Middletown next term but the people there asked if he wouldn't come back.

I sent Beulah the material and hope she likes it.  There weren't any patterns suitable for Charlotte in the wash crepe so I got taffeta and it is washable.  I would like to have made Charlotte's but I didn't see how I could get it done before Christmas.

I have brown wool to make me a dress when I can get to it.  The machine is wonderful.  I use it for something almost everyday and am going to hate being without it.  I have just about finished all the big sewing projects I had planned.  There is a curtain to make for the hall and I want to do some re-hemming on those white sheer curtains you sent.  My bed is all finished and looks real pretty.

I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet so I don't know how much the stores have to sell.  When we were in Hartford last the toylands were open but we didn't go to any of them.  Our Christmas shopping is going to be pretty scant this year if we come home but I think that will be all right with everyone.  Christmas vacation begins on Friday before Christmas.  B will have a class till 2:30 so we'll probably start home early Saturday morning.  It gets dark about 4:00 so we couldn't get very far if we started Fri. afternoon.

Yes, I think the coal strike is awful and John L. Lewis should be settled good and proper.  Editorials and commentators here seem to think he has done more damage than good to the miners.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1RhNTv1--Q

It's about time for B to come so I'd better stop and get some lunch.

How are you both?  I know you're tired but try to take it slow and don't make yourself sick."

                  Lots of love,

                          B & Bonnie

 Easiest Pumpkin Pie

Mix together 2 eggs, 1 c. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. ginger (more or less to taste), 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (more or less to taste) and 2 tsp. cinnamon.  Stir in 1 16 oz. can pumpkin and 1 12. oz. can evaporated milk.  Pour into shell, bake @ 425 for 15 min. then lower heat to 350.  Bake 45 min. more.

Southern Pumpkin Pudding Pie w/ Peanut Glaze

Cook till it thickens and bubbles, stirring constantly; 1/4 c. cornstarch, 3/4 c. sugar, 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp. salt, 13 oz. can evaporated milk and 16 oz. can pumpkin.  Beat 3 eggs in med. bowl.  Add some hot pumpkin and then gradually mix with rest of pumpkin mix.  Cook over low heat, stir constantly, 2 min. until thick.  Pour in baked shell, cool, then glaze with following:  In a small heavy pan mix, stirring constantly and cook till mix melts and bubbles for a minute--3 T brown sugar, 2 T oleo and 1 T milk.  Stir in 1/2 c. chopped peanuts.  Spoon on pie at once.

November 20, 1946 The Beautiful Refrigerator, The Tilt Back Chair, The House Full of Company and How the Nazis Went About Their Work

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We are still having beautiful weather but it is cool and when we get up in the mornings everything is frosted over.  Even the trees were white this morning and looked like it had snowed.

You should see our new refrigerator.  It's a beauty.  We went back to the store Thurs. to inquire about it and they had one for us.  It was sent out early Monday morning.  I think I told you it was 7 ft.  It has the unit on the right side so it makes a big place for milk bottles.  There is a big storage tray for meat and the freezing unit is large--has four cube trays and room for frozen foods.  Then there are two big covered dehydrators for vegetables.  We sure are proud of it but it cost $20. more since O.P.A. went off.

I went to Middletown with B last Wednesday afternoon and we found a chair for the living room.  It is a big tilt-back chair with a hassock.  It was marked down from $75. to 29.50 because it was dirty.  We thought that I would cover it but when it was delivered I took the whisk broom to it and it won't have to be covered.  The spots were only dust and came right off.  We felt that we really found a bargain.

This week I've been working on the bed trying to get it upholstered.  I bought chintz for the bed and drapes.  It is white with pink rosebuds and real pretty.

I washed this morning so haven't done anything to the house.  I washed with Lux so it doesn't look so good but will have to do.

Friday night Mr. Rollins (one of the teachers) came home with B for supper.  The Richards (with the old house) came about 7:30 and then the preacher came so you see we had a house full of company.

The speaker at club Thursday was one of the college teachers who was a victim of Nazi education when he was a boy.  His parents got him out while he was still young but he told us how the Nazis went about their work--controlling school, youth movement, etc. while he was a part of it.

If you can't find a farm can't you rent from Cockran until Spring or is someone moving in?

I finally sent the leggings and Charlotte's birthday present.  I can hardly wait to see if they fit.

My rug is all one color--no pattern.  Bissell sweepers are only 6.95 and sure are handy things.

B is coming home for lunch so I have to think of something to fix."

                    Lots of love,

                          B & Bonnie

November 13, 1946 Looking for a Desk, The Minister is Calling, Lard on High and Club Day

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Today is such a nice day but I keep wondering how many more nice days we'll have--especially after hearing about the storms in the west.

We spent Saturday in Hartford looking for a desk and a brown chair.  There are very few desks and they are either too much money or too cheap looking.  We couldn't find any kind of brown chair.  I think I want a platform rocker--at least, some sort of easy chair.  There was one desk that we liked but it was $75. and that is too much to pay even if it was solid mahogany.  I'm going to Middletown with B this afternoon and maybe I can find something down there.  Yesterday I finished the chair cover and it looks real nice.  It is green striped and when I first brought it home I was disappointed but now that it's made it is just fine.

B was home Armistice Day and worked around the apartment.  We went to church again Sunday and have been expecting the minister to call on us any night for he said he was coming.

Have you decided where you will move?   You would have Maude for a neighbor if you moved to the Winsor place.  Wouldn't that be great?  Does anyone live upstairs in Brace Rosenaur's house?  If they do you would not like living there.  Did Irene ever get the dining room set?  We plan to bring back our little tables and a few more things Christmas.  I do hope you find a farm so you won't have to move twice.  It makes me tired to think of it.

The price of meat seems to be settled now.  Steaks stay at .69.  Lard is what is high.  I got my first pound Saturday and it was .59.  It is almost impossible to find so if you have any extra don't sell it till I get home because if we have a refrigerator by then I'll want some of it.

Tell Beulah I have the leggings almost done.  Now I'm wondering if they'll fit.

This is the only pencil I could find so I doubt if you can read this.

Tomorrow is club day.  My hair has to be washed and my fingernails fixed.  I'd better get to work because I haven't even washed my breakfast dishes and it's after 12:00.  I washed though and have had my lunch so bye for now."

                        Lot of love,

                                B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  In the quirky news on Nov. 13, 1946, artificial snow was produced for the first time and dropped over Mt. Greylock in the Berkshires.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/11/dayintech_1113

November 6, 1946 The Windy Election Returns, The Bissell, The Church and The Meat

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"B is listening to the election returns and I got tired hearing the same thing over and over.

This wind has simply blown a gale all day long and is still at it but I haven't been out of the house today.  It's pretty cold but has been a beautiful sunny day.  It doesn't seem like it could be November.

We haven't done much more to our apartment since I wrote last.   I did put those cotton panels you sent in the bedroom.  I didn't get them ironed very straight so they look pretty awful but they do make the place look more like someone lived here and I hope to get some drapes before long.  I've looked for chintz several times but haven't found what I want.  Today I put a coat of undercoat on the chest of drawers.

We bought a Bissell sweeper Saturday.  You should have one.  They're so easy to use.  You might be interested that White machines have gone up $15.50.  Weren't we lucky that we got yours before that happened.

Sunday we went to church in Berlin.  It is a Congregational church and the service was very nice.  The church is very old and a typical New England church--white, tall spire, etc.  If I don't forget I'll put in a program.  Since it was communion day there was no adult sermon but there was a child's sermon and then the children all left.  The communion service was like ours only longer.

I forgot to thank you for sending the paper.  We enjoyed the letters and in fact, the whole thing.

We have been having meat.  You can find some kind most of the time now.  It is still high but has gone down some.  Pork chops are .69, hamburger is from .59 to .65, steak around .75.  Eggs have gone down a lot.  They were .75 when we came out here but they are .57 now.  We still can't get lard but found some Wesson oil the other day.  We still haven't an ice box so I wouldn't want to take a chance with a case of eggs.  They might spoil on me.

We went to McLeod's Sunday afternoon and she helped me with my knitting so I have one leg of Jerry's snow pants done.  I hope he doesn't need them too badly.

I don't guess I'll get my afghan finished before Christmas.  I haven't touched it in a long time and there are so many other things which have to be done.

You can send our mail to the little post office here now.  We have a box and have been getting part of our mail there.  Just address it to Grove Street, East Berlin, Conn, box 39.

Hope you're both fine.  Take care of yourselves."

                    Lots of love,

                             B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  Use the link for an excellent article on the midterm elections of November, 1946.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/newfaces.html

October 30, 1946 Killed Some Time, Sew Sew, Laundry is Fun and The Nylons

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This week has gone by so fast I hardly know where it has gone.  Saturday was Teachers Convention so we spent the whole day in Hartford.  After we got there early in the morning we found out that we really didn't need to go till afternoon so we went down town and bought a shower curtain and just killed time.  B had to grade papers Sunday and then they put up storm windows so we didn't get out till late evening and then we went for a short ride.  These backroads are all new to us and the country is beautiful.

They finally finished sanding the floors but they still need more wax.  The floors are fir wood so they were hard to sand since they're so soft and it took longer than was expected.  They look so much better than they did.

We had our rug delivered yesterday but haven't even unrolled it.  I started the slipcover on Monday and expected to finish it that day and planned yesterday for the drapes but the slipcover took until noon today so I'm making the drapes this afternoon.  We hope to put the rug down tonight.  I can hardly wait to see how it looks.  The slipcover looks like a professional job even if it did take so long.  Since I've sewed all week the apartment is good and dirty and I have an ironing to do.  Now I wonder how I went to school and did all the other things.  I guess I just didn't look at the dirt.  I use Mrs. Hess's washing machine which is a new Hotpoint.  It is actually fun to wash my own things for a change.  We still send B's shirts to the laundry but I want to do the rest. 

We have been having the most wonderful weather.  It is warm and breezy.  The leaves are almost gone so I guess it won't last long.

I bought nylons for you Saturday and will try to get them mailed soon.  They were $1.40 each but just send $2.50 and that will take care of the postage on those curtains.

We plan to take a colored picture of Dr. Richard's old house when they get it painted and cleaned up.  B took some black and white ones for him and he was thrilled to death.

B is on his way to Middletown and I want him to mail this so bye for now."

                        Lots of love,

                                 B & Bonnie


NOTES from Ann:   On Oct. 30, 1946, RCA introduced its first color TV.  See image below.  It was  several years before B & Bonnie begin searching for a television, but I'm certain it was nothing like the sewing machine hunt.

Image courtesy of www.antiqueradio.com

And in the news:

October 23, 1946 The Dirt and Racket, Easy and Smooth Sewing, The Graduation, Bernadine's Boys and The Gift of Lard

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This house is certainly in a turmoil.  The floors are being sanded and a new furnace is being installed.  You can imagine the dirt and racket.  B and I painted the walls and ceiling in the living room and it should look pretty nice when the floor is finished.  The walls are cream and our rug is beige.

It was nice having two letters this week.  They both came Saturday.  The graduation exercises were real nice.  I saw lots of my friends from New Haven and the luncheon was extra good.  Since there is no meat, and hasn't been for weeks, we had turkey.  Sully was there but Bea couldn't come because they couldn't get her a ticket.  I was sorry I hadn't known it because I got two tickets for my guests since I was graduating but sent them back.

There is a teachers meeting Friday and if B and Sully go to Hartford we girls may go too and spend the day together.

Tonight is a reception at the college for all faculty members.  We will have to go.  I told you we were going to Dr. Richards last Sunday.  After we had our coffee and ice cream they showed us all over their house.  It is furnished with antiques and is just like a museum.  It just looked like something out of a magazine, but I wouldn't want it.

I finally have some curtains up in the pantry and kitchen.  I used that little curtain you sent for the pantry by cutting it shorter and got white dotted swiss for the kitchen.  They are made like your kitchen curtains.  I wanted something with some color in it but certain material is like everything else.

The machine sure is wonderful.  It sews so easy and smooth.  You won't have any trouble learning to use it.  It threads harder than most machines but once you learn how it is simple.  It sews backwards by just moving a little lever and has a knee control.  I finally got around to looking at the attachments and they are the usual ones--hemmers, gatherers, etc.

I had a nice letter from Beulah last week and then a card after she got the package.  If we ever get settled we will make the pictures of the kids.  I would love to see both of them.  I have the yarn and directions for Jerry's leggings but need some help with the directions so will have to wait till I go to McLeods.

Bernadine finally got a boy.  I'm awfully glad.  Do you remember how she used to say she wanted five boys so she could bring them to my house to walk on my furniture.  She has a long way to go--both to my house and to five boys.  Ha! 

I'm so glad Junior is going to school.  I hope he keeps on for the four years.

Yes, I've worn my velvet suit both to the club and under my cap and gown.  You'll get to see it Christmas if the snow isn't too deep.  That isn't long off when you think about it.

Thanks for sending the Journals.  I subscribed to the Readers Digest too.

Food prices are awful--eggs .75, butter about .80 and no meat, lard, or oleo.  Mrs. McLeod gave me some lard and we would have been out of luck if she hadn't.

Write soon and I hope you're all fine."

                            Lots of love,

                                      B & Bonnie

NOTES from Ann:  While we're not surprised to see that Bonnie's diploma had to be forwarded three times before it reached her, it is amazing that the Post Office managed to get it delivered in only 4 days. 

Bonnie enjoyed the music chosen for her graduation.  To hear Mahalia Jackson, a favorite of Bonnie's, singing "There is a Balm in Gilead", use the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFMY4V7RdbU

And for Truman's address at the opening of the UN General Assembly on Oct. 23, 1946:

 http://trumanlibrary.org/calendar/viewpapers.php?pid=914

Also of note:

Source:  http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/761870?uid=3739744&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=47698900911587

Clipping from Time, Oct. 21, 1946