Letter #46

Letter #46

Bountiful, Utah

June 30, 1918

Dearest Sweetheart,

Well, Sunday night has come again. What have you been doing? I have been good and have been to church. I guess you have been, too. And it is about time to go see your girl. A good thing that I'm not nearer, or I would be jealous of your girl, but as it is, well, go ahead, for you can see, I can't hold you back by grabbing hold of your coat tail. Ha! Ha!

Well, I didn't get down to the post office, although I tried. I haven't heard since Friday. I just have to think of all the good things you have written. Well, I guess you got your cherries today. How did they taste? Well, fine, that's how I want them to do.

I did the funniest trick last night. I went uptown to see if I could get some more yarn to finish your sweater and I forgot to post your letter. When I got home, I saw Lyman, so I sent it up by him. If he hadn't come, I'd have walked up to the post office again. I surely was vexed last night, as I couldn't get the yarn to match, so that means a trip to town again.

I went to meeting yesterday. Mary Jane and I walked home and Lucile, Hilda, and Zada came out and went home to get a report and they didn't get back in time to bring us home.

Well, sweetheart, I guess your girl isn't so nearly bright as some we both know. I found out yesterday at meeting that Marie Lee has been put in as president as the West Bountiful Primary. Her counselors are Mrs. James Arbuckle and Mrs. Shelton. I wish Marie the best of success in her new labor, for she surely needs it, I think especially as young as she is. So, dear, you haven't a very smart one, after all, have you?

I went to Sunday school this morning. I guess I have been put in your class with Esther. D. R. Tolman was the only one of the superintendant there, so he asked me to join the concert work. It seems as if whatever he wants, he always asks me. I didn't used to think he cared very much for me, especially at the sight of Lucile and Esther. There wasn't so very many of the older ones there this morning, as the two theological classes and the parents went together.

There is one thing I have come to love more since you went – more than ever before. I have been merely singing, not thinking of the words. There was one song we sang this morning that told us how to pray. The first thing, I knew was figuring whether my prayers have been right. It said to pray for those who loved you and for those you loved. Oh, how I do that? Last Sunday we sang, "'Ere You Left Your Room This Morning, Did You Think to Pray" - I had to answer nay to myself, and I made a promise to myself that I would, and oh, how much better I felt.

I guess you think, is this the way for a girl to write a fellow, or isn't it very newsy. But, I told you sweetheart, for it is my testimony to me and I will tell you everything.

Mamma, Hazel and Uncle James went to conference this morning, and Papa and I went over this afternoon. There surely was a surprise there. B. H. Roberts was there. He was the one chosen to come with the 145th F.A. Band, as they are coming here to make a tour of Utah. The meeting was beautiful. All sang, "On the Mountain High," to start (my favorite), then Bro. and Sis. Nelson and two Hawaiians sang and played. It was surely beautiful. Then the sacrament was passed, which was unusual for conference. It was in the Bowery in Centerville. Erma Steeper Smith sang, and then James Smedley gave his contest piece, "Why we are in War." The speakers in the order of speaking were President Joseph E. Robinson, of the California Mission, then Brother Richard R. Lyman, the baby apostle, and then Brother B. H. Roberts. They all spoke on war, for it's the only subject now.

Brother Lyman read a telegram, which he had received from the government, it saying his brother Grant had been killed, or rather had died of his wounds. He seemed to feel proud of it. Well, our Maker knows best and we must not worry, for he will protect us. He also read parts of "Fighting for Peace" by Henry van Dyke. My, it was just wonderful.

Brother Roberts was the biggest speaker. He told the people of the conditions existing and so forth. He said that some people were looking for another such miracle now as the two thousand Stripling Warriors of the Book of Mormon. He said that was accomplished by the mothers planting faith in their sons. He asked if the mothers nowadays had planted sufficient faith. He said, "No, a great many of them hadn't," but I said to myself that I knew one who had! I thanked God for it. Through the faith of your mother, which she implanted in you that you will return.

I never have had a doubt, for I am as sure of your returning as I am of your fidelity to me, which I know is rock-strong. He surely spoke fine. He said he would rather have been a simple lieutenant in the U.S. Army, than Kaiser Wilhelm or a king. He surely is filled with true patriotism. Meeting didn't let out until between 4:30 or 4:45 PM.

Mabel and Louise came up and spoke to me. Louise looked at my ring first thing. I said if I had had any sense, I would have had another one on, too. Louise said she wished it were on her finger. I asked Mabel what they were going to do Thursday, the 4th. She said they were thinking of taking a spin up the canyon, as Louise would be down here for the 4th.

I saw Ward and Dell going toward Centerville on their way to Lagoon last night. Sadie Holbrook had her car stolen from Lagoon last night. She hadn't found it today when I heard. Oh, yes, we picked a cucumber Friday. Some class to that, isn't there?

Well, the 20th Infantry have moved. They went Friday. We saw them go when we were out in the field: six car loads, with about 13-to-15 cars to each train. One paper said they were going to France.

Oh, yes, Sister Yurka had a fine baby boy. The stork brought it last Thursday. I haven't been up yet.

Well, I have another job, but it just lasts one day. Tuesday, Hazel and I are to go and help with the Child Survey. It was put off on account of the quarantine.

Mariann Wadoupps just passed by and she said they left Thursday. They’re going to California to try to see Omar, and perhaps Ralph.

Well, tonight is that big concert in Centerville. Brother Hardy is going to send a car down here at eight o'clock, and it is five to, so I will get ready and write more before I go, if I can. X

Well, good morning! Breakfast is over and the berries are picked. Brother Malcolm came for us last night in the truck. I had just got up from writing when he came. Elna and the other four were there last night. Elna hadn't heard from Tab for two weeks. The boys can tell us where they are now. Carter is in England, and Glen is in or near Bordeaux, France. Elna was telling me that Mabel and they are going up around Bear Lake on the 4th. Hazel Wadoupps' husband left for the war last week. I don't know where she will stay.

Esther and I surely have some nice talks together. She was telling me last night that she heard Lucile was doing wrong, going with another fellow. I told her what I thought, and she thought the same. She told me that Lucile had told her that she wanted everything right and ready to be married just as soon as Glen came back. She went up to Clark's after meeting yesterday and then came to meeting last night. I had to smile, because as I was going past him, his eyes went down to my hand. Well, I hope he saw it! He told me I was a stranger now, as I my going out had stopped. I told him I still went. Elna told me that she has had her blessing and that Brother Smith told her things similar to mine. I'm glad she has it, for it is a wonderful thing.

The folks have gone out again, but I am still here, with the very, very sweetest of the sweet. I have picked up one case of raspberries this morning, $.30, which means 10 letters. Just see what's coming to you, sweetheart.

Don’t you get tired of reading my long, tiresome letters, love, for they surely have been long lately. Well, just let me know if you do. Oh, do you wish the mail would come and bring something good, for I know I will get one today.

As always, your loving X X X X Sweetheart,

Violet