October 2, 1948 The Puppy, Bobby Sees the Light and Black Walnut Cake

Favorite Golden Book, "So Big"

308 North St.
(not Normal St.)

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We are all fine and hope Daddy's finger is better.  How did it happen?  Bobby has been cranky all week and we think it's that tooth bothering him.  I haven't done very much but entertain him.  We did go to a faculty picnic Thurs. evening.  It was at 5:00 so I fed Bobby at 4:30 and the sitter put him to bed.  She is the same one we had before and he likes her fine.

We had a letter from B's mom and didn't realize she was so sick until we got your letter.  Then we wished we had come home but it was too late to start.

Yesterday we found Bobby a puppy.  She is nine weeks old and a red cocker.  She is awfully cute and real small.  We think we'll call her Penny.  She is a good dog but not pedigreed.  The mother is & the father can be but never has been and it would cost $60. to trace his pedigree so the people didn't think it was worth it.  There were only two pups--one each sex but the male had been sold.  We gave $15. for her but she sure is pretty.

I called about my machine but they haven't come yet.  I did find some black tissue faille & will send you a scrap when I cut it.   Bobby does pull himself up and walks around the crib and playpen.  He is into everything.  He loves to get under the dining table--then can't get out.  The flashlight keeps him still for a few minutes.  He likes to watch the light on the walls and ceiling. 

Are there any walnuts this year?  I'd love to pick some up Thanksgiving if there are any.

Take care of that cold, Mother & see that Daddy takes care of his finger."

                Lots of love,

                       B, Bonnie & Bobby

NOTES from Ann:  Of the almost 300 letters that have been posted thus far, the stamps have been identical--the purple .03 Thomas Jefferson or the purple pre-stamped envelope.  Many commemorative stamps were issued in 1948, and many were created at the urging of senators and representatives trying to please constituents.  The general public was not at all pleased,  believing for the most part that the chosen subjects did not warrant the honor of being on a stamp.  The stamp that started it all and pictured a rooster was the 100th anniversary of the American poultry industry.  See the comments below from Time, Oct. 11, 1948 and for images of the '48 stamps:
http://www.1847usa.com/ByYear/1948.htm

Apparently Bonnie thought that the friendship with Canada warranted commemorative postage.

Black Walnut Cake

Cream together 1/2 c. oleo and 2 c. brown sugar.  Add 3 egg yolks, well beaten.  Combine 2 c. flour, 3 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt and add alternately with 2/3 c. milk and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Stir in 1 c. finely chopped black walnuts.  Beat 3 egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture.  Bake in a greased tube or bundt pan for 45 min. at 350 or till it shrinks from the pan and is golden brown.  Frost with cream cheese frosting or bake in layers and fill with penuche. 


Penuche (Joy of Cooking, 1946)

Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved, 2 cups brown sugar, 1 c. water or milk and 1/4 tsp. salt.  Boil these ingredients quickly, without stirring, to the soft ball stage.  Add 1 T butter.  Place the sauce pan containing the candy in cold water.  When the bottom of the saucepan is cool begin to beat the candy.  Beat it until it is smooth and creamy.  Add 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 c. nut meats.  For candy, drop onto waxed paper.  For cake, spread between layers and frost the top.