April 12 and 19, 1952 The Wonderful Time, The Terrible Cold, The Eleventh Anniversary, The New Babies and B Turns 32

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We have been trying to clean up after our company.  They left soon after 8:00 this morning so we have been washing all morning--sheets, towels and the usual extra things it takes.  We all had a wonderful time--didn't do a thing we didn't have to and just enjoyed ourselves.  We had lots of company so had to keep the downstairs cleaned up but Eve helped so it wasn't hard.  The kids were all amazingly good even if much of the week has been rainy & they had to stay inside.  The men had a nice trip to St. Louis and it was a real nice week for everyone.

Ann developed a terrible cold last night and has some fever but the rest of us are fine.

Tomorrow is our eleventh anniversary.  We'll spend it resting if Ann isn't too cross.  She was up most of the night last night.

B & Bonnie, 6 mo. anniversary, New Haven, CT

We'll check on the iris as soon as we can.  We still haven't had a chance to go get our vine.  They promised the iris would be there by your birthday so tell me next week whether they have come.

Which Mary Lee has a new girl?  We don't get the Mirror anymore.  Mabel is quite thrilled over the baby and the fact that it didn't have to be born by Ceasarian.

B's nephews, Steve & Sid (the new baby at 6 mos.)

Toni gave me and Eve both permanents last night but I haven't combed mine out yet.

B has to go mail this so I'd better stop.  Hope you have a nice Easter."

                    Lots of love,

                            Bonnie

April 19, 1952

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We're both real pleased about B's birthday present.  At first we didn't miss the Mirror much but really do miss it a lot now.  It will be nice to have it again.

I was so sorry about Clair and Dr. Simmons.  At first, I thought I'd send some cards but your letter didn't come until today and the funerals are all over so I decided it would be better not to send any.

Ann's cold is about gone but she still coughs a little and is cross.  She was up at 4:00 this morning to stay so we're tired tonight.  Bobby took her cold and it has really been a bad one.  It is in his eyes now and they are so red and look terrible.  I called the Dr. today about it and have been using ointment on them so they seemed better tonight.

I am sure the nursery had forgotten the iris but they promised to send them Tuesday afternoon.  I bought them at a Normal nursery and not at Kruses.  If you haven't got them by next week I'll call them.

I'm not sure which number from my birth certificate you'll need.

                                            Registration District 275
                                            Primary Registration District 5170B
                                            File No. L
                                            Registered No. L

We are having marvelous weather.  Bobby stays out as long as we'll let him.  I must go to bed.  I can't even see to write."

                   Lots of love,

                          Bonnie

B and his siblings, 1923

B and his sister, 1924

1928

 B and his 6th grade class, 1932

Happy Birthday, Dad!

NOTE:  Early in April of 1952, Truman took control of the steel industry in hopes of averting a strike and maintaining production.  The decision was met with significant opposition and eventually a federal district court determined that his actions were unconstitutional.  In his news conference of April 24, 1952, he addressed the rumor that he was going to seize control of the press and radio by explaining again his actions regarding the steel situation.  For the complete text:  http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=14092