September 16 and 23, 1950 All You Can Drink, The Day Was Warm, Ann is Special and Bobby is Pretty Good

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This has been a wonderful day--quite warm and the sun was so bright.  The leaves are falling but haven't turned yet.  It really seems like fall.

Classes start next week and B hasn't been too busy this week.  Bobby doesn't seem to mind his being gone to school.

The Normal Tomato Festival is going full swing.  They have a carnival and booths of all kinds--one where they give away tomato juice, all you can drink.  B and Bobby went down a while after supper and Bobby went on some of the rides.  He had his first ferris wheel ride and loved it.

I have hardly touched my brown dress since you left.  It seems like it is too late by the time the babies are asleep or there is something else to do.  I bought a couple dresses this week.  One is a sundress which was on sale and I probably won't wear it till next summer.  It had been 10.95 and was on sale for 2.00.  The other one is a fall dress--two piece, grey and green.

We went to Peoria last Sat. and had such a good time.  The day was warm and the babies were good.  I bought a brown hat and purse.  We weren't there very long so didn't have much time to shop.

Aunt Ione was here for a few minutes on Monday.  Bruce is starting to school and they brought him down.  If he doesn't go home this weekend we are going to ask him for Sunday dinner.  He is shy and quiet and seems so nice.

Ann is growing.  I can see that she is bigger.  She gained 10 oz. last week.  Toni lent me her baby scales. 

How are the chickens?  I hope they do well.

How did Charlotte's skirt and blouse look when they were finished?  Will you send me her waist measurement and skirt length sometime?

How is Grandma?  I hope she is feeling better.

It is bedtime and I am sleepy so bye for now."

                 Lots of love,

                       Bonnie

NOTE:  I encourage readers to use the link below to learn about Bruce’s extraordinary and meritorious military service many years later.  We are grateful for, and appreciate his service.  http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=24725

September 23, 1950

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Seems like the evening has been so short.  B went to the movie at school so Bobby and I took Ann for an airing and didn't come in till after 6:00.  That meant a late supper.  

I have been writing to Granny Gibson.  She sent Ann the sweetest locket.  It is heart shaped and yellow gold.  Then B's folks sent her a baby book and a little heart locket.  So she is fixed up.  They sent Bobby a book and some stick candy.  He really enjoys the stick candy.  The only time he has it is when he gets his hair cut.

Granny Gibson playing Chinese Checkers with B's brother in law, Ray

We have been rained in this weekend and haven't been out much.  B took us and Toni and her babies for a ride yesterday and we simply had a cloudburst before we got back.  It rained in sheets and the hail came so hard we were afraid the paint on the car would crack but I guess it didn't hurt it.

We are all fine.  I think B is glad to be back in school.  He gets so bored when he has a few days without school work.  Bobby is still a pretty good boy.  He still thinks Ann is special but I know he feels bad sometimes when she has to have so much attention although he doesn't say anything.  She is sleeping more now and seems more satisfied.  She has always been a good little night sleeper but stayed awake so much in the daytime.  She weighed 10 lbs. 2 oz. last Wednesday and is growing so fast.  I dress her up in little dresses when we go out and she looks so sweet.  She has more hair than she did when she was born and it is very dark brown.  She hasn't lost much of her baby hair and that is blacker than the new hair but it is very dark.  It is awfully long in the back.  Her eyes are certain to be brown.  At times they look real brown but never blue.  They are sort of grey-brown like Charlotte's were.  She smiles and coos when we talk to her.  One of the pictures of the three of us is for Grandma.  We didn't make any for the rest of the folks--just you and B's.  It is so hard to get them done.  B worked half the night on these.  Maybe next time we can send some to everyone.

I go to the Dr. tomorrow for my first check-up.  There will be a 3 month and a 6 month one.  We got his bill the other day--$100.00.  That was less than I expected and he certainly earned that.  I must stop and go to bed so I won't have circles under my eyes tomorrow."

                Lots of love,

                       Bonnie 

                      

NOTE:  Granny Gibson was a completely delightful character--always playful with a great sense of humor.  She had 10 children in as many years, lived to be 100 and was known for her strong political opinions.  She was pictured in the Kansas City Star in the 30s, protesting the activities of political boss Tom Pendergast.   Similarly opinionated and out-spoken was her daughter, B's mom.  Pictured below, see Grandmother B. driving the car at the 1920 Missouri State Fair on behalf of the votes for women effort.