Roosevelt, Utah Thanksgiving, 1938

[Six years before Perry met Gene, he was a sixteen-year-old enjoying Thanksgiving Day with his parents, twin sisters, and extended family living in Roosevelt, Utah. The following are some letters they exchanged with Perry's sister, Hazel, who was teaching elementary school in Moab, Utah at the time.]

Roosevelt, Utah
Thanksgiving, 1938

Dear Hazel,

The day is spent and the twins [Hope and June] and Perry have gone to a show to finish it off. We have had a fine day. We went to Lind's for dinner and Lucy had a very good dinner. [Elmer's wife, Leona, is Lucy Lind's sister.] I think it would be fine practice for all people to have every day a thanksgiving day.

We went over to Alva Davel's farewell party last Friday night and had a fine time. He fixed up the program himself and had the twins sing, also had his sisters sing. They had fixed one song up themselves and mentioned their love for him. It was sure sweet and touching. Alva is to be in Salt Lake on the 28th.

Perry will sing a solo in our ward conference Sunday. He does very good, you ought to hear him. Then he is taking your place and sings with the twins. His solo will be "Not Understood." Then he has a talk also.

I will leave the pigs and things like that for Perry to tell about. I sure was glad to read your letter. It was full of inspiration. It seems I need it for I still grumble at the best children on earth. I guess I want them better than the best. Love, Father [David Elmer Manwaring]

Leona & Elmer on the farm

Roosevelt, Utah
Thanksgiving evening

My dear Hazel,

We were real glad to get your letter yesterday. Glad also the belated letter reached you. I wish I could forward some "white hyacinths for your soul." We all lack them, and I struggle to keep from getting submerged in the daily grind. Mrs. Wright, I believe, is helping the twins to gather some. They think she is so inspirational. They are not getting any cash though. She came and made another arrangement to get and take them home, furnish all the music material, give them time to practice, etc. It is a nice home. She is kind and considerate and treats them like a daughter.

Elmer, Leona and Hazel by car in
Portland, Oregon where they went to
visit Venice and her new husband, Elvyn

I am glad you had a good trip. You know, last summer I kept saying to myself, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," and that I was going to keep the remembrance of the beauties of the Oregon trip in my mind so nothing could "get me down." Of course, I have failed, but I can still enjoy it in memory.

Did the County pay your expense for institute, and do you think you might get fifty for your summer school last summer? I received my check from the County along with yours, $52.20. Five dollars more than I asked for. I don't know why, but I won't complain. I want a coat and dress, a spread for my bed, and I told the twins I'd try and pay their Logan debt. Then there is the tithing, and the twins would like a Christmas dress, and we all need some blankets, and so it could go on and on.

Our milk has been bringing us about $20 per month, but the cows give less now, it is colder. Did I tell you we were keeping most of the turkeys for Christmas. We lock them up at night as Ollie R. had some of his stolen, so we are not risking it. The twins and Perry have gone to the show. We had one ticket, and Mrs. Wright gave the girls money for two.

Yes, we had a very good inspirational talk from Brother Ballard. He said he didn't fear war so much from Europe, but he did fear trouble from within.

I have bottled some squash, and I must get some more before it freezes harder. Aunt Lucy seemed to appreciate your letter. Mildred is going to the LDS College and is homesick she says, though getting along. Yes, I am glad Venice and Elvyn are making it pretty well, also Lorin and Genevieve.

Our lamp needs filling, so I suppose we will be closing for tonight. You surely are a source of joy to me, Hazel, and I am very thankful for you. Love from Mother [Leora Goodrich Manwaing]

Moab, Utah
November 27, 1938

Dear Dad and Mother,

Your letters came today, and I was surely glad for them. I'm glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. Miss O'Brian and I baked a chicken and had a nice time together. She has never cooked very much and she's the best sport. She helped me clean the chicken and got a real thrill out of it. We've rested a lot and quite enjoyed the holidays.

It's been quite cold here. They say it's frozen more ice here now than it did all last winter. It isn't hard enough to skate on here yet though. There was ice on the Colorado today too. I'm wondering if Perry is skating on the gulch yet. I'm thrilled about his singing and the twins' opportunities.

I've heard from Aunt Lucy. Venice also wrote the other day and I must answer her letter now. We had a very good class in Sunday School this morning. I came home feeling quite good today. I think we've all had enough nice things, such as the Portland trip, to keep us going much longer and better than we do if we'd only call them to mind oftener. Stake Conference was in Blanding today, and Richard R. Lyman will stop here tonight on his way back and talk in our meeting, so I'll tell you about it later.

I was invited out for Thanksgiving Dinner, but declined because it was a family of some of my students, and I thought it would be more restful and enjoyable otherwise. I also turned down a fellow to go to the dance the other night and horse-back riding today because he's kinda dumb and crude. He's a good kid and I feel sorry for him, but not too sorry.

All the young girl school teachers were talking about ages the other day. It turned out that I am the youngest teacher in the school, but the kids say I seem older because I am so calm. Imagine that! If that's what it is, I'll look younger when I'm 35 than they will because keeping calm is the best youth and soul preserver I know of. Our neighbors, in part of the house, jangle and swear at each other constantly. They all have hard lives in their faces.

Margaret and I went for a nice walk this afternoon. It has been beautiful. As yet, I haven't received the $10 for Institute, nor the $50 for summer school, but Mrs. Knight said she thought we'd get it. Glad you got yours, Mother. Do get yourself a coat right away. What did you mean by, "I received my check along with yours?"

What did you decide about the fixing of the radio? I still didn't find out about the sale of the pigs, etc. I'm so glad you have a nice car to go places in. It makes me feel good every time I think of it. [Hazel is helping to pay for the car for her parents.] Is it still in good shape? I hope we can pay for it. Have you settled for taxes, interest, etc.?

I feel much better than when I wrote you last. I guess I never should write when I'm tired and despondent because I write so subjectively that it always creeps in. I think I've never lived with quite the feeling of faith (I guess it is) that I have the last six months, that is, I seem to have the deepest assurance that I am really important in the scheme of things, that I am doing a work, though very small, that no one else can do. In fact, I think I've a feeling of doing my part in making a harmonious universe.

Just how I've come to feel it, I don't know, unless it's just a step in soul growth. It seems to me now that I can live in patience and calmness from day to day, knowing that I'll get just what I deserve sometime, and know more happiness now without that spirit of rebellion that comes otherwise. "God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." I really feel that now. It seems strange that I should say just what I have now considering that I've heard hundreds of other people say the same things before and it didn't phase me.

That's why force is such a waste, I guess. People never will grasp a thing until they're ready for it. I think I waste a lot of energy trying to have my boys and girls do things they're not in a state of readiness for. Let's develop our industriousness both temporally and spiritually.

Glad you were so prompt about writing. I surely liked the letters. All of you write next time, and I'll be seeing you in 4 weeks. Love, Hazel

Perry on the farm with one of the twins

Roosevelt, Utah
November 28, 1938

Dear Hazel,

Well, I guess everything up here is as good as they could be expected to be. The nights are getting very cold now and it is really beginning to seem like winter.

We have an increase now of seventeen little pigs. They seem to be pretty nice little piggies. Pa thinks we had better keep them until spring and then put them on the April market.

I have an appointment with the dentist Wednesday. I am surely glad I am going to have my teeth cleaned because I have always been a little bit afraid to open my mouth even to laugh because I am afraid people will see my dirty teeth. I surely hope he doesn't charge me too much.

School is still just fine and I like it a lot. I didn't make the basketball team this year mainly because I didn't try. I explained to you this summer why I didn't want to get on. Clyde W. didn't make it either just for the very same reason I didn't.

I will surely be glad when you come home for Christmas. I am getting sorta lonesome to see you. I believe the most fun I ever had with you was on the Oregon trip, (except when we talk "business.") It was mainly because you acted so happy and jolly and laughed so much, (except twice, I believe.) So be sure and never forget to laugh and smile because I have noticed when you laugh, it seems to be more than just something put on like Mrs. Larsen, but it seems to come right from the inside, something that is genuine that makes others feel happy also.

I had to give a talk in Sunday School conference Sunday and a song in Ward Conference in the afternoon. I received several compliments on my song, but none on my talk. The folks told me my talk was all right however, so I guess maybe it was. Myself, I think it was pretty good considering I just read the information over and then got up and talked about it. I didn't have a sign of a note. I believe that is the way I will do all the time after this because instead of shaking and fidgeting, I didn't even seem a bit afraid.

I believe we can get the radio fixed up for ten dollars. I was looking up the price of batteries last night. It may come to a little more than that, but if it does, it shouldn't be very much, so I think we could pay for the rest of it. It surely would seem good to have a radio again, wouldn't it?

Well, best wishes until you come home for Christmas. Love, Perry

Perry, what shall I get you for Christmas?

Perry & Gene celebrate his discharge from the Navy.
December, 1945

November 5, 1945 (Monday evening)

My darling Perry,

Oh, why don't I hear from you, dearest Perry? I get sort of blue when I come home every night and find nothing for me and it seems it's been such a long time now. I guess you will be home pretty soon but till then I still want your letters sweetheart. I do hope I get some mail tomorrow for sure.

Yes Perry, I have received three bonds for you and should get another very soon--in fact it's due now. I received my October allotment check today and will put it in the bank tomorrow. I don't think we will reach our thousand by Christmas, but anyway we won't be far from it.

Perry, what shall I get you for Christmas? I want to get you something real nice and something that you need or can really use. But I guess if you get here before Christmas, you can help me find something. Wouldn't it be fun to go Christmas shopping together? Oh Perry, we must do that. You said you liked to shop with me. Oh, we'll have such fun.

You know, there is another couple in Adams Ward who are just engaged--Wanda and Clarry. I'm so happy for them. They're such swell kids. You have met them but may not remember them. Golly, nearly everyone in the crowd from Adams is either married and having children or engaged to be married. And it's all happened over a period of a year. You and I were the first.

Yesterday was Fast Sunday. We had a wonderful testimony meeting, but I can't quite understand why it had to move me to tears. Tomorrow evening is Mutual. I'm attending the Junior Special Interest classes. Orson Hynie will be the speaker this time. I surely do like him. He is such a humble man.

I'm enjoying my job so much. My boss is a swell fellow, so good humored, though quite worldly. And the people I work with are very pleasant. I have an idea I could continue working here thru January if I wished to.

I shall go to bed now. Tomorrow is another day and maybe I'll hear from my wonderful husband. I love you, Perry. Your devoted wife, Gene

Nov. 5, 1945

Dearest Gene,

At last we are on our way for the States--for sure this time. We are loaded to capacity with high point sailors and marines for discharge and are scheduled to arrive at San Francisco November 25th. I don't know yet how long we will be there or if I will get a leave so I want you to come there so as to be there by the 25th. You can probably get a room at the Manx again or leave word at that same USO where I can meet you. You won't need to go down there, just phone. I want you to have time to rest and clean up before I arrive, so you ought to arrange to be there no later than about noon of the 25th. You will probably be rather tired after traveling up there.

We are scheduled to arrive about the 25th, but it is possible we may fall behind schedule so don't be worried if you have to wait a day or so. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible until I get there and don't mind the expense. Better come prepared to stay at least ten days. It may be longer than that. I doubt if it will be less, or I may even get a short leave, but come prepared to stay awhile. If I can find out anymore, I will try and let you know in a letter from Eniwetok. [Marshall Islands] We are going to stop there to refuel. Also, better bring along a checkbook in case we are there longer or may need it for other reasons. I don't have too much on the books.

We left China on the 3rd and will soon pass Okinawa where a destroyer is going to take our mail, so I'm in a kind of a hurry. I hope I've told you all you need to know--don't like to leave you wondering. If I think of anything else, I'll try and let you know from Eniwetok. I got ashore for a short liberty in China and it was really quite interesting, but I can tell you all about that when I see you. Doesn't that sound good? I can hardly believe I am going to see my sweet little wife again.

I hope you aren't disappointed because this may sound like I don't expect to get a leave. It's possible I may, but there has been nothing said about it as yet, so I want you there just in case. If I do get a leave, you can ride back with me on the train, which will be a lot of fun, huh? However, don't count on it too much--you know how I am, don't like to build my and your hopes too high only for a fall.

Be sure and leave word at the USO so I will know if you arrived all right and where you are at. I can't remember the street it is on, but it's down by the water front, down by the fleet landing. You can find out where it's at and phone. I haven't had any mail for so long, I do hope you are all right and will be able to come. I love you so and can hardly wait. Goodbye for now darling, and I'll be see you. Love, Perry

November 8, 1945 (Thursday)

Dearest husband Perry,

Oh sweetheart, when you don't write me, I suffer just the same as you when you don't receive my letters. But darling, I do write you, and I pray always that you will receive them all as soon as possible. I finally got two of your letters of October 23rd and 24th--you were getting close to China. Perry, it was so wonderful to hear from you again. Please write as often as you can, sweetheart. Your letters mean so much to me. I hope you have my letters by now.

Perry, I have heard that the Marines are being taken out of China. How can you be taking some to China when they are moving out of there? That doesn't seem to make much sense to me. Darling, I am so thrilled to think that you will probably be getting out of the Navy by February. Oh, I do hope they will keep you here in the States till then too. How perfect it would be if you could be stationed in San Pedro.

But Perry, we won't be able to find an apartment anywhere cause the housing conditions are very critical. There are no vacancies at all. Servicemen and their wives can't find homes here at all. The paper says that LA will buy barracks buildings from the government to house people in temporarily. LA is becoming more crowded everyday and these conditions are getting worse.

Emily is expecting Dick home sometime this month too and is frantically looking everywhere for a house. I do hope she finds something. I am still at the Sorensen's you know and have a room to myself. It is a big house (8 rooms) and Louis says we should stay right here cause there is plenty of room. Of course, I know it won't be as nice as if we were living alone. Oh how I would love to have a little apartment so we could really be alone. But that seems quite impossible right now.

Golly, the past two days have been so cold here and the nights almost down to freezing. I'm wearing my winter pajamas now. But I guess maybe it's not quite as cold as where you are. My room is very cold though I have plenty of covers on my bed. I know I could keep very warm this winter if I had my darling to cuddle up to. (umm!)

Saturday night is the opera. Oh, I hope it's good. [This letter was never finished nor mailed. Perhaps Gene got Perry's letter of the 5th and realized that he would be in the States before he could receive any more mail from her.]

Nov. 11, 1945

Sweetheart Gene,

Our orders have been changed so that we are now routed to San Diego instead of San Francisco as I wrote in my last letter. After I wrote the last letter telling you to come to San Francisco, I learned that a possibility existed we might go to San Diego, but the mail had already left the ship. Today it was made official, a message just came in this afternoon--I saw it myself--routing us to San Diego from Eniwetok.  We are arriving there in the morning. The captain must be pretty anxious to get back too. He is giving this old ship about all it will take. It is shaking so much I can hardly write, and that is no exaggeration.

Gene, this is what I think is best, and I hope it is agreeable to you. I think you had better stay in Los Angeles and wait for me to either come there or call you from San Diego. I doubt very much if we will stay in San Diego longer than two days or just long enough to unload these Marines. Then I think there is a pretty good possibility we will come up to San Pedro for repairs. After we get there, we will find out more definitely how long we will be there. And if we should stay there for awhile, I can have you come down and maybe you could stay with the Williams for a few days. Or if I should get a 24 or 48 hour liberty, as soon as I got there, I would come right up to LA.

There are several fellows on the ship from and around LA and some are going to try and have a car down there, so I may be able to get transportation with them or try my old standby of hitchhiking. I will phone you as soon as I get there and let you know more what the score is.

I also found out another pretty good piece of news yesterday. I am on a "tentative" list with those who have fairly high points and who they expect to transfer off the ship before it leaves the States again. If I do get transferred, that means I won't have to go back out again and also a pretty good possibility I will get a leave too. Then I will just remain in the States waiting to be discharged--thanks to my little "ten-point wife." As I said, it isn't definite yet, so we will just hope and pray for the best, huh?

Think I've told you about everything. I've got to write my folks and let them know I am on my way back so must close. I love you darling and will be seeing you soon. Yours, Perry

[This was Perry's last letter. He was discharged from the Navy in December, 1945.]

The rain has started here now

Harriet models the kimono Perry brought
to Gene all the way from China.

Oct. 30, 1945

My Darling Wife,

We are still anchored here in the same place. We just started to unload our cargo yesterday, but I don't think it will take much longer if we keep going. We have to unload it all into small landing craft because there are no docks here. We are anchored out so far, we can't even see the coastline, so as yet I can't really say I have seen China.

They are only letting 5% of the crew go on liberty at a time here because there is no transportation to take them in to the beach. I should rate liberty day after tomorrow if we are still here, but if we shove off for "Home Sweet Home" before I have a chance to go on liberty here, I won't be disappointed. Those who have gone over say it's pretty nice and brought back a lot of souvenirs--kimonos, hankies, slippers, etc., so if I get over, I'll try and get my wife something nice.

The main thing I am thinking about though is to come back to my darling and be with her forever. I love you so very much, my darling, and can only think of you and long for you constantly. I get to thinking of you so much sometimes and wondering if you will still be that same sweet person I left. But of course you will, only it's been so long ever since I have had any mail from you that I can't help but wonder sometimes. You were so very perfect when I was back there with you that I really wonder if you will still and always be that wonderful--the answer to my every prayer and desire.

Darling, you can't imagine how I hope and pray our lives together can go on being as wonderful, and more so, as it has been so far. Even in spite of this separation, I think the time we have spent together has been so very wonderful and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We became so much closer and I learned to love you--oh, so very much more. Gene, you do love me as much as I love you don't you?

It's been so terribly long since I have had any of those sweet daily letters that used to give me such joy and happiness that if it weren't for the hope that we will be coming back to the States when we get through here, I would be very blue and despondent indeed. That hope is the only thing that keeps my soul alive anymore.

I suppose this doesn't sound like a very cheery letter does it, and I know you must have all you can bear yourself without me adding my sorrows to your already heavy load. Tell me, my darling, do you still cry sometimes. Oh, you little rascal, how I love you! Must close for now. I hope it won't be too long now before I can have some of your lovely letters again and then shortly after that I can be back with you to stay. I love you with all my heart my Gene. Always, Perry

Oct. 30, 1945 (Tues.)

Dear Husband Perry,

The rain has started here now. It rained all day yesterday and now again today. Instead of mutual classes, etc. tonight, the ward is having their usual Halloween party and dance. We are supposed to come in costume, but I don't want to this year. Emily and I will go over for awhile tho.

The stake Harvest Ball was held last Friday night at Wilshire. There are a lot of fellows back and out of service now so I guess there was quite a big crowd there that night. All the girls had dates and they all wore their pretty corsages to church Sunday. They looked so pretty. Perry, I've heard that the Navy points have been lowered again. Golly, maybe you will get out sooner than you think.

I spent the evening at Mother's again last night and then finally went home about 9:00 pm. This coming Saturday evening Margaret Capp is having a Halloween party at her house for the Adams gang. I'm invited too so of course will go. I always have such nice times there.

Perry, I had a dream about you last night, but I didn't like it. Darling, I dreamed we quarreled. Are you stubborn? Well you were in my dream. I wanted you to wear your Navy blue cap, but you wouldn't. You said it was only for "sissies" and then you put your old white one on. You didn't even try to please me. All I wanted was to see how you looked in it. I was so sure you would look very handsome in it. Perry, when you come in soon will you wear your Navy blue cap for me? Please?

Will you be going to China now Perry? Are you taking troops there? You really are getting to see a lot of the world, aren't you? I hope the trip is a short one though. I do hope I get a letter from you pretty soon. I'm getting so anxious to hear from you again. I love you dearest Perry. Always, Gene

November 2, 1945 (Friday eve.)

My Darling Perry,

Sweetheart, I haven't had a letter from you all week. Where are you, Perry? When will you be coming back to the States? I hope you are getting my letters more regular now. I guess I'm kind of jealous cause Viola has had so many letters this week from Ora, her boyfriend. And tonight there were three letters for her and she says he is heading for San Francisco and will probably be here by the 12th. That's pretty wonderful for her, but I know it can't be very long till my darling will be here too. He'll call me up or send a telegram or maybe just walk right in on me one day, and I'll be the very happiest girl in this whole world and I guess about the luckiest too.

A dream that really did come true.

I do hope we can be together on Christmas, and I have a strange sort of feeling that we will too. I want that dream of yours to come true--remember, you said we were walking together in the snow and it was Christmas. Oh, Perry, it fairly takes my breath away whenever I think about it.

(Sat. eve.)

Dearest, Guess I was kind of tired last night. I wanted to finish this and mail it this morning, but I didn't quite make it. Today was my half day at the office. Mother met me at noon and we had lunch together and shopped around a little after. I bought a pair of soft, warm, fuzzy pajamas for these colder nights. My summer ones aren't warm enough now.

I was hoping I'd find a letter for me when I got home, but there was none. Well, I know I'll get some next week. You must be to China by now. Golly, that sounds so far away--even farther than you've ever been. I hope you don't stay there very long. I just found out that Evelyn and Alden have had their baby. It's a boy and was born in October. Isn't it wonderful. I'm so happy for them. I'll stop here and write you again tomorrow, Perry. Goodnight my lover. I love you, Gene

"The Magic Carpet"

Oct. 23, 1945

My Darling Wife,

This is Tuesday night and we will probably arrive at our objective tomorrow night or Thursday morning. I still don't know exactly the place we are going, but it is near Tientsin way up in Northern China. It's already quite cold--everyone wears all the warm clothing they can and doesn't go outside unless they have to. I'm afraid I'll have to pull out my "long handles" pretty quick.

I surely didn't get much mail at Okinawa, but darling, I am surely thankful for those two sweet letters I did receive. I know it wasn't your fault and I must have lots of mail that will catch up with me eventually, somewhere, sometime. The two letters were postmarked Oct. 2nd and 8th. The latest one before those was posted Sept. 14th, so I know I'm missing quite a few in between.

The sea is quite rough so it's rather difficult to write in this standing position. I've surely been thinking and dreaming about you a lot these last few days, darling. Must have been because you were thinking extra specially about me because I've literally had you on my mind constantly. I keep reminiscing of the wonderful times we have had together and keep thinking how I would like to walk in on you and wondering how you would act. When would you like best for me to come? In the night or day? Would you like to be surprised or would you rather be prepared for me?--huh??

Gene, I am surely glad your mother is getting her patriarchal blessing. I am sure it will be something she will always treasure and enjoy rereading often. I know I enjoy reading both mine and yours over and over, in fact, I think I will read them again tonight before I go to bed. Yours is so deep and full of meaning.

I love you very much, my darling wife, and hope and long so much for the time when I can be with you again--this time forever. Pray that it might be soon. Will close for now my love. Always Yours, Perry

Oct. 26, 1945

My Darling Gene,

We have just found what out here is called "the magic carpet"--orders back to the States. Just as soon as we get unloaded, we will probably report somewhere to load troops to take back to the States. I'm only hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that we don't strike a snag someplace.

We are about 40 miles from Tientsin, which is up the river a ways. Since the war, the river has silted until large ships can't go up it. We are really near a place called Taku but are anchored out too far to see the mainland. We really had a cold trip coming up here and it is plenty cold here although it has been a little warmer today. Everyone has been wearing nearly all the long underwear they could find, steal or borrow--including myself. Really makes me long for sunny LA and you.

I can hardly tell you how happy I was when I learned last night that we had been assigned "magic carpet" duty. It was when I got up to go on watch at 4:00 AM and I felt fairly celebratory all morning. Just when we will get back and if we will get a 30-day leave is all speculation as yet, but I'm surely hoping to be lucky enough to get a leave over Christmas.

We aren't getting any mail here either, but we are able to send it off so at least you can get mail from me so I can keep you informed anyway. I have only had those two letters I got before we left Okinawa in over a month. With hopes now of coming back soon to see you, it gives my spirits quite a lift though.

Must go to bed now, my sweetheart, and get some rest. We will probably be pretty busy unloading for the next few days. I love you, my darling, and can only think and dream of you and of the time we can be together forever. Always Yours, Perry

October 28, 1945 (Sunday)

My Sweetheart Husband,

Oh, my darling, I do hope that by this time you have received several of my letters. You were so blue in your letter of the 18th--I just wanted to cry. The letter you wrote on our anniversary was such a sweet one. Thank you, darling. I received both those letters yesterday. Oh, Perry, I ask the Lord everyday to bring you back to me soon--even this year and that I might have you forever after that. Time goes so fast, but it seems such a long time since we were together.

My job here won't last much longer I don't think--maybe a few more weeks. I'm hoping that you will come back about that time. How perfect that would be. I took Mother to the Ice Follies Saturday afternoon. They were beautiful and she enjoyed them so much. I enjoyed them much more last year with you, Perry. Oh how happy I was then. We came downtown after that and I bought a pair of black patent-leather shoes and Mother bought a cute little hat.

Perry, I'm gaining weight. I weigh almost 125 pounds now. Isn't that wonderful. I'm still taking those vitamin pills. Golly, Perry, every time I see one of the girls from Adams going to have a baby, I wish it were me and I feel sort of cheated. Hortense (Clinger) Earle is going to have a baby now. Isn't that swell--for her? Evelyn (Mills) Betts will have her baby very soon. I hope I can have our baby next year, maybe by August or September. Don't you think we could, Perry?

I keep thinking about all the little things I will do in our little home. I'm trying to think up a lot of good menus for our evening meals. You know I think that's the most important meal of the day. What are some of your favorite dishes, Perry? Do you like stuffed peppers? Mother had them for dinner tonight and everyone liked them--even Daddy. They are quite easy to make. Do you like chicken with dumplings? I can make that too. And for dessert, I think pies are my specialties. I like to make cherry pies or apple the best.

Oh, Perry, I can hardly wait to start being a very domestic little housewife with a kitchen all of my own. But most of all do I long for my dear husband and then children--our own children. My darling, I love you so very much. Surely we have waited long enough. You will be home soon. I pray for this so constantly. God bless you, my Perry. Your very own, Gene