Letter #29

Letter #29
Bountiful, Utah
June 11, 1918

Dearest Henry,

Well, here it is June 11th today. That means that it has been four long weeks since my darling left me for his service for Uncle Sam. Henry, dear, I have read that sweet loving letter which I received yesterday over and over again. My soul so craves your love. I read your sweet message over and over to satisfy my throbbing heart. Henry, if I didn't have your love and vision before me and know your feelings, I don't think life would be bearable. What were we doing four weeks ago tonight, sweetheart? Just think, I've had my ring since then. Well, we mustn't complain because you are performing a grand labor and we have one another to live for. I think I sometimes don't know what I would do if I did not know or didn't have any understanding with you. Perhaps you don't feel that way, but I kinda think you do. But you constitute an immense share of this world for me.
I felt like crying when I found out that you hadn't heard from me. Didn't the candy and the letter reach you all right? I don't know when I felt worse, for I know how life loses its color when letters do not come.
So, George received some cookies, did he? Well, I'm glad. Now I want the truth. Has the candy been at all eatable, or was it very dry? If I send some not over-ripe strawberries, do you think they would be all right? I have been asking and some say one thing and some another. So, I want you to settle it. Do you think it would be okay?
Henry, dear, I do hope and pray you haven't been sick again. I pray, oh so hard, that you won't. Please be careful of yourself for my sake.
You said you were getting some tradesmen. Well, I sincerely believe you. You bet we have some cement here, so come right home, for the job will be the right one. It's a good thing I'm not a soldier, for I couldn't get all those commands through my "wooden" head. But I know someone who is going to learn them, and advance and advance until someone here at home is going to be so proud, she will hardly be able to suppress her love for that soldier.
I am very, very sorry, Henry, dear, about the talk you spoke about, that of the women. Well Henry, where men are (and women for that matter), if they are evil-minded, there is sure to be talk. Thank God I have a fellow who detests vulgarity. I admire you very, very much for it, sweetheart, and have often talked about it.
So, you haven't noticed my ring in the picture? Well, well, it shows plainly in the group picture, too. I think the picture of myself in the group is the best I've ever had taken.
My dear, it's getting terribly hot here now. We washed yesterday, cleaned the kitchen, and went out in the field. Oh, yes, I need a pat on the back, for I was up at 6:30 this morning. We had our ironing and churning done, and breakfast over by 9:10. Mama went up to the Red Cross and has been there all day. We just got back a little while ago from taking her up to Aunt Annie's. Lucy's baby is very sick, I think it's pneumonia. Mama is going to stay all night.
Sister Frank Smedley phoned here last night and invited me up to her place Friday afternoon. The Soldier's Welfare League is entertaining the mothers, wives and sweethearts of the soldier boys. Aunt Alice said in meeting today, that the sweethearts weren't invited, as there would be too many. Sister Smedley told me to be prepared to recite, so I guess I'm invited anyway.
Well, Henry, guess the government will soon take all we've got - men, money and all. Papa's allotment for the war saving stamps is $300. I am sorry, in a way, as we wanted to get out of debt. Four men fix the assessment for all. Your Uncle Tom only has $300. Well, I can go without to help my government.
Oh, sweetheart, you surely would laugh if you could see me trying tonight. Well, I'll soon be an expert. I have the yarn for your sweater, but I'm new and slow at the work.
Papa and Uncle Jimmy are pretty tired tonight. Mama told me to come home and go right to bed, but I told her I had to write a little while. Well, sweetheart, it's 11 o'clock and I'm a little tired and I must get up in the morning, so good night. I will try to write more in the morning. Sweetheart, may I have a kiss? Thanks. Pardon this blob, but one of these bugs which come in at night, got in my ear and I gave a jump. XXX
Good morning. How are you this morning? Oh, I'm fine, but just a little tired, as I have been up since 6 working. Deloras and I have contracted a job on the farm for $2.50. I won't tell you what it is until we finish. Well, anyway, it's honest work and money is money now. We get up and work before breakfast.
Deloras and I have come in from picking some peas for dinner, the first we've had. I wish you were going to have some, too. Well, never mind, we'll have peas tonight.
My, our wells are going down terribly. Every bit of water is turned on the crops, as they are very dry. Your mother told Mama yesterday that they picked 56 cases of berries Monday. I surely wish we had a patch.
My, but Sunday surely seemed a long day. No Henry, no meeting, no nothin'. It surely seems funny without meeting. Oh, how I pity those who have no religion.
Papa heard in town yesterday that every man from 28-45 had to register. I don't know how true it is.
Well, I must close, but please pardon this writing, for I can't read it myself when it gets cold.
As ever, your waiting Sweetheart,
Violet. XX

FYI: Grandma wrote about War Saving Stamps:
The war savings stamp (WSS) was a patriotic program used by the United States Treasury to help fund participation in World War I and World War II, and was principally aimed at school-age children. Stamps were available in 25 cent and ten cent versions, and provided interest. In some cases collections of stamps could be redeemed for war bonds. Every Scout to Save a Soldier was a slogan used to motivate Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to help sell the stamps.