422 2/3/1942 Sadie Erwin to Helen Carlson

Sadie Erwin 1120 Cole St., Enumclaw, Washington Tuesday, February 03, 1942

Helen Carlson Box 582 Newburyport, Massachusetts

My dear Helen, Your letter mailed Friday came yesterday. Would have written to you last night, but took care of Sandra while the kids and Bernice went out to the Wishbone to eat dinner. It was Harold’s birthday so they celebrated that way. They came back here and spent the evening. Bernice wanted to stay all night. I promised her she would come over today if she would go home with her folks. So I went over and got her as soon as Papa went back to work after lunch. She stayed until five when Harold came after her. I had a letter from Gladys yesterday and today. She said Cully would be seeing you and Elmer tonight, and your letter said too you folks were going in to see Cully and the game. I have been thinking about you all, all day and tonight. Papa said at supper tonight he hoped the Hawks could win tonight for Cully’s sake, for he would want to win for his guests (you and Elmer.) Gladys plans to get down to see you before coming West. She also told me she would go right down if they played Boston in the playoff. She no doubt has told you as much about her plans as she has me. Jimmie is having his exams this week. Started yesterday, one each day until Thursday noon. He will then leave for home. In Gladys letter today she sent the money they are loaning Jimmie for tuition and books. He will register Monday or Tuesday. Second semester starts next week Wednesday. Gladys said she had had a letter from Mrs. Ellsworth, and Stella also had one last week. She must have written to you three girls about the same time. Jimmie says he is still glad he moved. He is getting much more sleep and time to study. Now that he has been going to class knowing something about his lessons makes him feel he wants to continue. He has always been a good student, then when he felt he was slipping it made him want to quit. When he was home last week, or rather the week before, his cold was all gone and he had gained some weight. We heard Henry Aldrich again this past Thursday night. When his father had to go and take Henry and his girl to the dance made me think of the many times your father has gotten up to go after some one of you kids or take you some where. Do you remember the night Stella went to the National Guard’s dance with Robert Harvey? The boys expected to get paid that night, but didn’t, so four of them walked as far as 116 West 27th. Got Pop up at 2:30. He took them all home, then ran out of gas some place out south and had to walk for blocks before he got any gas. Got home about 4 A.M. It must have been a surprise to hear from Bob at Camp Dix. Also must have made you and Elmer feel very glad too. Too bad he is quite so far away. If he were not you folks could see him or he might be able to visit you if he ever had a day off. Bob is right about this war making some folks rich, but do not think as many are getting rich as they did in the last war. When the Government gets thru taxing them they won’t have so much. Papa said he would not be surprised if Andy had to go into the army now. Thousands are being called now, that had been excused. Thursday I am sending your package for sure. Do not get much done until after Wednesday night. Could have worked some at the package today if Bernice had not been here, but made her two little pillows and pillow slips for her doll bed that I had given her for Christmas. I have not answered your letter entirely. Will do that next time. It is 11:15 now so am going to bed. Much love to you both. Mother P.S. Am so glad you continue to feel so good. The time will go quickly for you now. It is nice to have a place by yourselves and near Elmer’s work.