Luther and Beatrice Winsor Letters to Lu and Lyolya 1960 January 18th to July 15th

 January18 '60

Dearest Wickie and Lu;

     We were delighted to have your latest news-to know you are again in Church activity and that you are really needed. That's when you work hardest. I'm all for the new chapel. The church policy is changing from all I hear and chapels are being build in mission territory everywhere to give our people the prestige they deserve. It will attract inactive members as well as non-members. 

     Naturally, I am very much interested in your opportunity Wickie to do some genealogy work among the people in your branch. Did I send you a W.H. Prince Basic Course pamphlet and if not I will do so because it gives direction in your teaching and the hows of filling out the four fundamental sheets. There are also many examples of placing different types of information for irregular conditions. One can teach himself with this book. If you want some of them with sheets let me know. I'll be glad to have them sent straight from Deseret Book. The Prince book is 50 cents. The family group pedigree and personal record sheets are 35 cents a dozen. Family Group and Pedigree practice sheets (pink and yellow) are 1 cent each. 

I have been quite successful in our ward keeping up interest in and teaching this course. We graduated 13 with 7 others needing more time to finish. Now we've organized a new Prince class with 11 members meeting at the ward. Two come to my home Wed. a. m. and others joining this week. I am also teaching the Sunday School class in genealogy "Family Exaltation". It is a gold mine of information. Dad is doing everything in his power to help me so I can give a large share of my time to it. 

I am correcting errors in the Lincoln sheets Aunt Theresa asked me to do. She did this work when she was quite cloudy in her thinking and enduring so much pain so there are many sheets without complete sources of information. Aunt Theresa is progressing nicely and uses a wheelchair or substitute to get around. She is so thrilled that I am teaching and getting these names in to be processed. 

It seems Bea and Ray are naming their new son James Patrick. ha! ha!

Dearest ones, 

Mom has just about covered the ground except to say that she, too has her physical problems. The right leg, near the hip bothers her quite a bit and she has to do so much walking now that I do not drive. We haven't been able to lay by enough to afford public transportation only in case of emergency. We have paid so much to our political government since the "New Deal"  that there isn't much left. And the New Deal started labor unions going so that they have a strike at the slightest provocation. Each time we have a round of strikes and laborers (so called) receive a boost in pay, the value of the dollar goes down. As a result our savings are worth less than 40% of what the money was worth when it was put away for use just now when our regular income is cut to about 1/3 of what it was. 

But this sort of thing is not what I wanted to write to you

We are truly thankful for what we have, and for the ability to go on in service. And we are not worried, really, about the future if we can only remain faithful. "Our Father" who watches over His people will provide in time of need. 

      I endorse what mom has written. We are thankful for all of you and hope that your are enjoying your new environment. We want you to come back, however, before Mary-Lu takes up with one of the "Hill-Billies" with whom you are surrounded. 

Lovingly, Dad, Grandpa

(Marilu-I was 9 and a half at the time)

February 11, 1960

Dearest Wickie & Luther, 

Just after R. R. went on to Myers I intended writing you in answer & I believe I did but memory fails me. 

I can think of no way to better state your case with Lynne than this letter. Surely she will see through her mother's strategy. You have done all anyone could expect from you. 

I know your church life will be 'added upon' all right but it would be best, Wickie if you cut something. I don't know what!!

How about some family group work sheets for your people to fill out family records on---? And pedigree charts! Prince outlines requirements for an acceptable record. How many in your church did you say were Cherokee Indians?  

Dad wants to mail this now---if I can help let me know. Love the 'Winsor Four' for us. 

Lovingly, Mom

(Marilu: I believe he only people in our branch that weren't at least part Cherokee were the missionaries and our family, except perhaps Brother Hornbuckle? His children were all blond and blue eyed like him, though their mother was very much Cherokee. His daughter 'Kissy' was my age and best friend at church. She later came to Atlanta on the Indian Placement program for school years. I was off to college, but helped process that year's incoming students and was so excited to recognize her when she stepped off the bus.) 

1202 E Crystal Ave

Salt Lake-6- Utah

Feb 11 1960

Dearest Wickie and Luther-& family. 

Your letters with a carbon for Lynn just arrived. We surely have enjoyed them, and are really thankful that you are where you are. We miss seeing you Oh, so much, and it was lovely to have you close enough by to come in occasionally. But this is a real experience for all of you. Best of all you are real leaders again, the children as well as you parents. Our chief concern is for the older ones. But each of you are still young and you will all be back in the West before many years. 

You are having a real 'work out' in your church activities, and you will have to make up for many who do not sense their full responsibility. But your example is just what they need and you must be patient and 'long suffering'. Ultimately they will 'step into line'. 

Luther, we are so thankful for the wonderful letter you wrote to Lynn. Your instructions will be carried out completely. Before it goes to her, however, we want to make a copy. 

Lynn was here on Christmas day with a splendid looking young man-I don't know his name. We gave her a present for herself, some perfume. Then we gave her a set of 'before and after shaving lotion' for her young man. (We had just received a big box of things from Ray and Bea) 

Lynne had a 'hairdo' that made her look really grown up and she seemed so pleased to see us. You, Luther, have said just the right things and have handled this problem in just the right way-so far as we can judge. 

(In pencil added on the top of the second page) 'Mom doesn't kno about this, so please don't mention'

You can only wait and see how things turn out. We are sure that you have thought about it a long time and that you have been inspired to write as you did. For this we are truly thankful. 

We are so pleased that you two get on so well together, that you are so well adapted to each other, and that you are able to talk things over without restraint. We shall never forget, Wickie Darling, the wonderful thing you did when you took Lynn and her two sisters into your home at Bryce and cared for them like a mother would. 

Lovingly, Dad

(note: Bea and Ray Riley had a business selling many small items featured in variety stores. There were usually a fun selection included in our Christmas box of their stock. ) 

Feb 16th 1960

Dearest Wickie, Luther & Family,

Thanks, so much, for remembering my birthday and for the lovely card and the lovely sox you left. (They just reached me because Mom has been so busy, so pre-occupied, she over looked them on my birth-day and until now.) No matter, I am thrilled with them. However, although the sox are wonderful, just the kind I like, except they have short legs and I wear only the long type. (Guess I'm very eccentric). I have tried very hard to procure the long type of 'stretch both way' sox, and I found, way off in Chicago, only one pair that were large . Here, at Hibbs, I found a limited few, the kind I want, except that they are 'small'. The clerk said: 'oh! these are O.K., see' and he stretched them out. I bought three pairs; but, when I compare them with the pair I procured in Chicago, I find a vast difference. I tried one pair on, and they are 'too short', so I shall have Hibbs buy more. Meanwhile, I have from National Shirt Co. some good ones, ribbed. They will do until I can get more of the kind you sent, only long legs. We are sending these on to Mike, Denny and Ray. We know you will feel O.K.

We love you all very dearly, and we are anxious that you enjoy every hour, every day, of your new environment. We want to visit you once, at least, if we can. We both want to go there. 

It is still snowing here. Guess we shall not be short of water, after all. People who use water, that means everybody, seemed to be worried when it was so dry, even after Christmas. But we were optimistic, for there was still over 2 months for it.

Lovingly, Dad

March 4-1960

Dearest Luther & Wickie, 

Your letter with enclosure of carbon for Lynn has been here quite awhile. Meantime Mom made repeated efforts to reach Lynn but did not succeed. Finally, night before last Lynn called me. (I had finally called Sister Smith at her office and had asked about Lynn. We had just heard that she was not living at home, but was down highland drive with the parents of her boy friend. We were worried, of course; but later we get the report that she was very happy there, was going to Sunday School, to Mutual & C). Anyway she called me from Leona's home, and was very curt. She refused to see me anywhere except there, at Leonas' and was generally very 'snooty'. 

It was so unusual for her to treat me that way. She has always been very warm and affectionate with me. 

Later, or just then rather, Leona took the phone and explained that Lynn is in the midst of term exams, and would I please come tomorrow evening. That would be last evening after school. 

Last evening, Leona called me and asked that I do not come. 

It seems that She, more than Lynn wanted it that way. (This I say without hearing from Lynn anymore, my own interpretation only)

Yesterday I saw Mrs. Cummings, who has a daughter Lynns' age. She and Lynn and the Anderson girl from Elizabeth street, just below Mrs. Cummings' home, have been 'chums'. We do not care for the Andersons, one bit. I went there teaching for a year, and never had the girl in once. Her mother only once and her father only because we would listen to him time and again, talk about Unions and what a wonderful thing they are. 

The girl is a brunette, a real dark one, like her mother. Last time I saw Lynn she was a grown up blond, with very light hair, So I am told. 

Mrs. Cummings verified her former statement to Mom, that Lynn has been living down Highland Drive a short way, and that she seemed to be happy there. She did not repeat to me that Leona had kicked 'Lynn out' as we first heard. 

Now, Luther, it seems that Leona wants you to stay completely out. Lynn did not say so; but I could tell that what she said on the phone to me was meant for her mother's ears more than for mine. If she wants to she will write you. If she doesn't, I advise that you do no more. You have done everything you can. And you, Wickie dear, have shown a wonderful attitude, I need not repeat what I have said before. 

As for me, If Lynn wants me she know full well that I stand ready to help her in any way possible in spite of her 'snooty' attitude when she talked to me on the phone. She has always been pleased to see me She was here Christmas day-brought a present and received one from us. We also gave her a little case with 3 bottles of lotion to give to her young man. He seemed to be very fine. 

We shall be alert and see how things work out; as for you two, you have done everything. 

Mom is out at a Snow Family meeting, a special one, therefore she has not seen this. 

Lovingly, Dad

March 21 1960

Dearest Wickie, Luther and family-

Saturday evening we went to Layton with some of your relatives, and attended the wedding of Carol Gay and her man, seemingly a very fine young fellow. he has lovely parents and we feel that they will be O.K. They are both young, but it is better that way sometimes. They both appear to be mature- No comment from anyone, so we have only our conclusion. 

Carol Gay had sent an invitation to Lynn to attend a shower a week ago, but it came in our care and Lynn (Leona of course) did not want it delivered. They did not know what it was. 

We have had 3 days of spring in a row. Of course we'll have some rough days yet-but these have been welcome. 

I am pleased that you are getting the Rambler Station Wagon. That, in my opinion, is the best for you. We know how you will enjoy it. We hardly dare hope, but some time we may see it too. These napkins enclosed is soiled but is a sample of the lovely party at Layton. 

Dad, Grandpa (over) 

I must add that the new chapel is decidedly the finest, the most elaborate we have seen. 

March 22-1960

Dearest Wickie and Lu: 

I am ashamed for not having written to you as I intended after we received the R.R. You wrote such a nice letter and we were so happy to hear about your success, Wickie in your English course. It will give you encouragement in tackling other things. 

We begged a ride to the wedding Saturday night with Dena (?) and her son & wife. Had a nice visit with them. I saved a cut-out from the News of Carol's wedding but Dad misplaced it before it could get into the envelope, I am sorry. 

So happy you called Carol. She was dancing on air and told us about your conversation. She was indeed a beautiful bride and I hope sincerely they make a good marriage. Bruce seems rather insecure and of course I can see why -There is no reason why the two of them cannot overcome that obstacle. Stresses and strains are terrific these days - these young people need a lot of backing from their elders. 

When Dad reported Lynne's case to you I think he did not mention the fact that Lynne had been staying with her boy friend's parents since her mother threw her out. It was known to several others. Jean Cummings whom she has known a long time told us this much and that Lynne had confided to her that she wished she never had to go home again. they treated her so grand she hated to leave. She went to Church regularly there and loved her life with them. I do not know how long it lasted. As long as Leona has been living Highland Park ward we have not seen a sign of any of them coming or going, i.e. to church. It seems we are also cut off from any association. They make it very plain. After Leona's unkind accusations against you, Lu, I have no wish to have anything to do with any of them. It fills me with disgust. 

We are very busy here and every day filled with a steady program. Dad had been making illustrated reports of his various projects which he does night and day without a break. Habit clings- one cannot change his pattern. I have enough activity outside my genealogy work to keep me normally in more grooves than one. 

I find Aunt Theresa's work on the Lincoln book very poor & half finished. The research on it will keep me going for years at the present rate. I enjoy it if I do not stay with it too long. 

We are missing you all more than ever. I hope it will be possible to get together before too many months. Yours lovingly, Mom

May 11-1960

Dearest Ones, 

It was a joy to hear from you again- and to be remembered on Mother's Day- My blessings I cannot count-Thank you again- you really shouldn't spoil me like this, gloves, jewelry, etc. all very lovely.  You may be sure all of these will be used & enjoyed. But next time please be moderate and take your own counsel to me. Dad got home late last night from a week in Canada- we are at the Union Pacific Station waiting for the train going through Modena. Uncle Andy will pick us up & will drive us around to Ivins, St. George & Overton. this is a genealogical tour & we hope to accomplish something. 

Since R.R. will take some time reaching you, the news of Aunt Fern Smith's death will not have reached you. She had multiple Sclerosis-lost most of her vision. I will surely miss her even though we seldom saw her for a visit. 

We look forward to getting out to see you wherever opportunity knocks. We miss you so much it hurts. Lovingly, Mom & Dad

July 15th, 1960

Dearest Wickie and Lu: It has been many weeks since we wrote an extra letter. We appreciated the few words that come with the cards you sent while on your vacation. I know you enjoyed that trip and that you are refreshed and ready for anything that comes. 

We are sweltering in 100 plus temperatures during the day. At night the sleeping is good so we manage to get a few things done. I often think of your great Mountains and streams to close to you. Has your summer benefitted from the natural surrounding. What are the children doing for the summer?

Congratulations, Wickie, on your literary successes, what a thrill it must have been for all of you - we all bask in your glory. Keep them going you know you can do it. 

I went to Santa Cruz for a few days June 26th- to see Aunt Theresa and see for myself her progress. It is remarkable that she is able to walk with a cane and moral support beside her. The paralysis is just the same but she can drag the left leg and the arm she can fold in front of her. She came in her wheel chair to meet me at the airport (75 miles drive). Ted brought her out and Ken was also with them (you know of course he is teaching at Santa Cruz for the summer). Mip and Mary came over to the airport at San Francisco for the twenty minutes we stopped there. It was Sunday and they had to be at work the next morning. Carl and Helen were in Utah on vacation (incidentally he rented his mothers house to a professor and his family, even though the house is sold). Ken is staying at Carl's place to take care of it. 

Theresa and I spent most of the time talking genealogy - I stayed at Ted's place consequently saw little of Ken. Aunt Theresa has little control over her emotion and a strong persecution complex. Has a compulsion to talk all the time - it wears her out as well as everybody else. I hope Cornella can manage for awhile. She will have a special nurse. They flew her on a jet plane to Portland the Tuesday after I  came home. Theresa Marie came all the way from Lubbock to accompany her up there. 

As far as doing research work Aunt Theresa will have to be a lot farther along before she is able to use the typewriter satisfactorily, or to concentrate for long. My heart goes out to her. I think she has made a great fight but unless the Lord intercedes she is at a standstill. I now have the Snow family genealogy to keep afloat- The Winsors to check records with the Archives as they come along and Vice-pres. of the Eyring group organization where I serve as genealogy coordinator. 

After I returned from Santa Cruz, dad and I took the train next morning for Modena. Uncle Andy met us - we stayed at Enterprise that night and left early next morning for Jacob Lake (Winsor reunion). We were two days late. We received no announcement so they were nearly through when we arrived. Had held their business meeting the night before. They came from all over - many from Arizona - five family branches. They camped out in the pines near the lodge. I am on the reducing wagon so I could choose my food at the bar. Dad & Uncle Andy slept on cots and I had a cabin which they all shared for miscellaneous services. We visited Pipe Springs on our way home and felt fortunate to arrive here in one piece each. Andy went to sleep at the wheel once and at high speed crossed a road piled high with rock fill. I was thrown to the top of the car twice and suffered a slight concussion. I knew better than to ride with these two senior citizens but you know how stubborn they both are. It seemed the only way we could get down there. Please say nothing about this accident to Dad or anyone. He is so sensitive and he resents one word about the driving problem. Dad is fast losing his sense of reality - he lives in a world of his own - nothing to do now that he wants to do yet everything to keep him busy with the things he should be doing. I must get on with the day. We have a new baby in our apartment now and this is his first day at home, the father is a young Methodist minister in training. 

Let us hear from you soon- we miss your letters. 

All our love to you and the children.

Mom