L.M. Winsor & Beatrice Snow Winsor letters to Lu and Wickie 1963

 Jan 3, 1963

Dearest Ones, 

Thank you one & all for your love and your thotful gifts. The candy was very nice and the stenciled note paper exquisite. It was all more than two old people deserve. Memories were tucked in which we feel are priceless. We hope you have Dad's Life History by now. The Winsor coat of arms will come later when I can get the Library Book out of "repair". 

We are very busy-and that's good, Looks like you are away a good deal Luther. You will appreciate each other when you are together. 

It's clear & cold and a pleasure to be indoors. Little or no snow as yet. 

Love you all-God bless and protect you. 

Yours - Mom

Jan 3 1963

Dear Luther, Wickie & family 

The holiday season will be over when this reaches you, and you children will be getting ready for school again, if indeed you have not been back already. Mom and I are concerned about you and about your children, when you have them, as you will. We do not worry in the least about ourselves, we are too old. But for you and yours we are concerned, because you have so much to go through. It may seem to be nothing now but----------!

The national debt is terrible, and, with Kennedy and the Democrats in power it is going higher and higher. There seems to be no limit to the spending. Some time there will come a reckoning. Our Great Grand Children may be there. There is bound to be a crash and great will be the fall when it comes. Our Wonderful America may survive, and she may not. 

I am just thinking through my pen. So take it for what it is worth. I only want you to know that we are anxious. 

Lately we have wondered whether the apparent prosperity of our country is real, or whether borrowed money is responsible. Any way, we may find out sooner than we think. 

Mom has been approached by the Ward Supt. of Sunday School to teach a class in Genealogy again. She will take it. This time she is to have a better room; but we shall have to fix it up the way she wants it. Drapes at the windows, suitable black board. (There is now only a small one in the room), more table space, (there is now only one small table). She will need two good sized tables. I have suggested that we eliminate the folding chairs and put in only good chairs; also that we carpet the floor. This we can do. That will make a more attractive Genealogical room, and ward members will be more ready to come. It has been difficult to get response. But, little by little they are being made to realize that this is the most important work to be done in this life. 

We had a funeral again yesterday. Leroy Snow - Sone of former President Lorenzo Snow. But I could not go. I was required to be at Court at the same time. This time a Juror, in the 3rd Judicial District. I have been in court many times, but always as an expert witness. It promises to add to my experience. 

By-the-way, I sent you recently a copy of my life's history. it has some errors which I did not take time to correct. (I sent out about 60 copies) One error that is very inconsistent, appears on Page 38, 1sr line of 2nd paragraph of page. The figure 16 should be 6. 

There are other errors but I haven't caught all yet. We had no opportunity to "proof read" the text so it was printed as is. We gave it to the printer about end of October, thinking to get it out in time for Christmas; but we failed. 

We received your lovely box. Thanks for everything. I shall wear the shirt first when I go to supervise construction of the lake on East Fork of Bear River, in the High Uintahs. Wonderful place for the boys to be. Probably the best in the world.

Must go now -

Love Dad-Grandpa

Mar 16 1963

Dear Luther, Wickie and Family, 

Just received your letter Luther, from the Melrose motel in Kentucky. Thanks so much for writing it. Men less devoted to Family and parents would have found other things to do. 

I have pondered over the figures you quoted. Six to eight million requests for help. Surely they must have been lumped together or they could not have been presented in one meeting. 

My purpose in speaking of this is only to say that I must be a back number -- far behind in my thinking. 

I. too, am not worried about the money A. R. A. is spending. I am gradually getting used to living in a world of "free spenders". The only observation I have made lately is to say that "I am forced to conclude that our seeming prosperity is probably caused by, or is a result of living on borrowed money" Our National debt is so high that it is away beyond comprehension. I could visualize the debt when  it was only one billion dollars.(One billion calls for a stack of new one dollar bills thirty five miles high).

Now the debt is so large that it is away yonder beyond me. What will our great grand children have to meet - Even if our nation is "spared" in our fight against Communism, we are faced by this gigantic problem that had its beginning when the New Deal came into power, under Franklin D. in 1932. You, Luther, were eleven years old then, but you had already been around some, and knew that, before that time, it was possible to get men out to do work for their own good in a community, and young men did not stand with their hands out to be filled by a benevolent government. 

I am not worried about what is being spent here at home to keep such organizations as National Parks in operation, but I am concerned about the "free spenders" who send billions of dollars abroad. I know, for a fact, that every dollar spent , over and above the vast amount put into service of so called "experts" makes that many more enemies for America. I am against it, first, last, and all the time. I was over there when Franklin D. Wasted all those billions on Russia. The Germans had them whipped. The Soviet army stood with "it's back to a wall" at Stalingrad when he sent in tanks, planes, big guns, munitions and supplies and saved them from destruction. I have pictures of the first caravan of 100 trucks and other equipment that went out of the sea port at Bushire. I went part way with this caravan, for I was with Captain Smith who was responsible for its delivery. 

And so, this is not "hear say" but actual first hand witness. 

Roosevelt was responsible. It was he who held you and the others back. General Patten was at the Gates of Berlin and wanted to go all the way.  But Frank said no. Let's wait for Old Joe so he can go in first. Meanwhile the battle went on and thousands of lives were lost. 

It was Frank's fault, and the fault of the "hood winked" people here at home who kept him in office. Not once, not twice, but three times. The "poor saps" who live in U.S. are responsible. 

Now, unless the people look out, the Communists will "swallow them up." Our own tanks, bug guns, and planes were turned our way just as soon as we stopped the "give away" program which at Franklin D.'s order had been going on for over three years. A narrow gauge rail road was converted into a broad gauge, and equipped with 48 complete trains, a two lane highway, hard surfaced, was built through Iran 1100 miles to Russia while I was there. Over the highway 50 trucks were loaded and dispatched as often as every 30 minutes with goods and supplies that were denied people here at home. (I could not buy a white shirt even after I came home.)

Over the R. R. the heavy equipment they still have, and are using, was carried in trains that left every hour for three years. 

Not one dime of the vast billions the Soviets received has been returned to America. 

I have said nothing about the number of ships built and supplied to our enemy. For I did not have first hand knowledge of them. 

Can you blame me for feeling the way I do? I do not care about myself. I am too old. But I do care about what lies ahead for our Grand Children and our Great Grand children. 

Last ight we attended a meeting where the problem of doing something to stop the march of Communism was discussed. That is for younger men than I and Women. Wish I could but all I can do is give my support, such as it is. I cannot enter the active campaign. 

I'll stop here and leave the other side for Mom to add a word 

May our Father Bless You, Lovingly Dad - G'pa -

Dear Wickie & Lu: it was so heart warming to come home after an all day work-out at the library to enjoy your letter, Lu. And thanks again Wickie for keeping us informed about your comings and goings. We can picture you & the environment much better. 

Our activities seem to grow more complex all the time & we have to sort out the things that mean the most. Dad did not tell you about the book he is writing. Perhaps he will next time. Snow shoveling has been an item too. What beautiful snow falls and flurries we've had! Looks like we'll get several days more of it. We're not complaining. 

We're proud of your activity Lu in meeting your challenge. Of course nobody knows better than your parents how well equipped you are to give the advice. And in addition you have the Lord on your side when you live the gospel. Our generation is being called to the other side very rapidly. It moves us faster than ever trying to get things done. We love you all very deeply and look forward to seeing you again before too long. Love & Kisses to every one of you-For always - Mom

May 25, 1963

Dearest Lu and Wickie and family:

I apologize for the delay in answering your letters and cards. I sent the R. R. off some time ago but I know how long it takes to reach you with that. Most of the news is stale. Your letters show the kind of busyness I like. your children are getting a liberal education just traveling about and becoming acquainted with other Americans all of whom have had different environment. I do not think you will ever regret that phase of your lives. 

Thank you all for the lovely Mother's Day remembrances. I am ashamed not having replied sooner. The gloves and scarf both are so dainty and beautiful. I never seem to have too many gloves - wearing them constantly as I do. My hands are getting so ugly that I always rely on my gloves to finish a costume. My left hand is now deteriorating and the nails are getting dark like the right one only not thickening much yet. 

Dad is in Bear Lake this week-end again - that is, yesterday and today, Will be home tomorrow. He tried tearing down ivy on the west side of the house. It had grown into the cornice and up to the top of the chimney. Something had to be done. I warned him and others did, not to try it but, as usual he listened to no one. He borrowed a tall ladder but it was too close to the house below and when he was climbing down he was top heavy and it threw him over the hedge and into the neighbor's driveway. His whole weight hit his shoulder and broke a bone in the right hand. As soon as the hand and arm was in a cast the pain was not so bad. Then he insisted on shoveling and putting out the garden plants - mowing the lawn with one hand. While he is gone I have been able to get some trimming and finishing done on the grass as well as raking. When he is here I am not allowed to do anything outside. I really need some yard work to keep me acquainted with fresh air. 

Polly was home for a week and we spent two days of it in Logan. She found a few of her old friends and I spent the days with Aunt Theresa. We had a room at the hotel where we could visit in between. Aunt Theresa seems to feel a bit of life in her bad leg now. She is encouraged. A large collection of her group sheets that she sent to the records office came back to me for revision and proper procedure. Sometimes I feel the weight of these extras so much I have to struggle to discipline my feelings. I have the embarrassing experience of having to apologize for these discrepancies and the incompleteness they cannot accept.  I am now taking my own sweet time to do the things expected of me. Genealogy research is really plunging forward by leaps and bounds but until the computer is perfected - i.e. until they can teach it the genealogical language it will continue to make mistakes. When they finally are ready records will be finished in the millions per day. So much for that. 

Polly called me last night to say that Jessie (Jim's sister) has finally passed away. She has had surgery twice and they thought the last one would give her life for at least five more years. Cancer of the spine -- In writing today I thought you would like to know these things since you might wait a whole month to know. How poor Jessie has suffered and Jim and Polly too. Your heart would melt to see how hard they tried to make her life as pleasant as possible. 

My good friend, Savella Strong whom I worked with on Temple Square Mission has also been laid away. I visited her at a rest home through the last year. Then one of my lovely students in my S. S. Gen class died this week. She has suffered for a long time with a heart condition. Eva Jensen Montgomery. Her husband was in the Bishopric years ago with Bro. Nelson and Clarence Tingey. Eva was about as near perfect as a woman can be - but how she did want to live long enough to get her genealogy in order. I spent extra time with her and helped her with the family sheets but there is a great responsibility left with her children and grandchildren. So many wake up too late. 

And these are the things that keep me going - I have little outside of them. I am about to launch another showing of my paintings at a new place; the Lampost Art Gallery out on Foothill Drive. I may have to wait some time for a chance. They are showing Utah artists this month. They have had abstracts, a Swedish painter and one from California. Now Jack Sears is on. And some other Utah artists. I thought I would exhibit your Bass Harbor Picture and get it framed of course so it could be used come August and September. 

We told the family in R. R. that we felt the reunion should be postponed until next year. If your coming is uncertain as well as the Bennetts (they will be here in (June 17-July 5) and Ken's plans do not seem to click. Just forget the anniversaries and we'll try hard to get together next year. Love your darling children for us. We think of you daily and appreciate the contact we have through letters. Lovingly, Mom

July 27 1963

Dearest ones: Thank you so much for your post card  Wickie, and Lu for the nice long letter from Nashville. I wish you had the Kennedy Freedoms that you might run to Rantoul, Illinois while you are so close. The Bennetts had ten days to visit after traveling five days to get here July 3. Then they made it home again in 2 days. They camped out traveling west (a nightmare). Marshall learned his lesson about the value of a station wagon vs. a fancy high priced car. Took a long time but it arrived. When you have to sit like a jack knife for long periods of time you cannot appreciate the scenery. I tried it. The family spent most of their time with the Bennetts. Barbara and her family are here now. They saw a few friends. And in between for brief moments we had some visiting. 

It has been seven long years since Pat has seen any of her brothers and sisters. But when she got here and realized how impossible it was for any of them to come here - the heart break was complete. I've never seen her without hope before. Bea and Ray were in Tennessee by air of course. She found that out by chance. I tried so hard to give her a rest but the Bennetts hold tight and there was not a day but they planned something. Our side of the family was forgotten except when meal time came around or sleeping. Marshall was here most of the time - his mother could not function this time as to helping with routine matters. The day they left I had to go to bed and there I stayed until forced on a Sunday morning. I think the trip did a lot of good anyway - they were so exhausted with their time schedule at home and this was a change. 

I have a few things I must talk over with you when you come out. They are serious and I need to have you children understand another viewpoint than your own. Ken will also be here on the tenth of  August. I want you to feel free to come and go as you like. It is easier to make you comfortable when the children are the age of yours. Pat's youngest, Bruce, is two and runs the show. Out of his environment of course he had to conform somewhat and in the house day after day because of the heat outside it was really hard to keep him happy. 

Will your trip now in any way hinder your coming home next year? I feel that will be the last chance for such a gathering. Even then it will not be complete because Michael will be on his mission. Will probably leave in October, 

We'll be here at home for your visit, I am sure. I hope it will not be too short a visit here. I think Dad has had his fill of working on Scout Camp improvements. He is solidly "negative' about most everything. He should be doing some of the things he can enjoy but that is very remote as of now. I do hope you can visit Aunt Theresa for a day. She probably will not be here next year. The doctor says she could go at any moment. her family have been in and out all summer up to now and I think Reuben L. will be here next month too. 

Your work sounds very wonderful Lu, and I can tell you are enjoying it. Your building plans sound like some permanency in Atlanta. We wish you all the success there is in it for you - look forward to talking things over. 

Love to each and every one of you- Your Mom. 

Would you like to picnic with my Romney family on the 17th? This enclosure is from them. They still consider us members. 

November 8th, 1963

Luther Our Son

This too near the 11th of November for this to reach you before your birthday; but, as I recall, you have had some sort of letter each birthday since we have been separated. I want to say again, that you have brought much joy to us and we do appreciate you.

Mom has felt "real tough" for a few days; but she seems to be "over the hump" At least she is up But she is not well. 

We are planning to "give up " this house (These houses) and move into an apartment. A few days ago I approached one of Mooneys men, a Brother Osborne and asked for a triangular piece so that we should have adequate fire protection for the house at the back. But Osborne would not. On the other hand he asked if we would sell to Mooney. We have had Zion's First National bank make an appraisal. It amounts to $24300.00. Mooney arranged for the appraisal. In a few days I shall receive an offer from them. They know our requirements and will act accordingly, giving us an opportunity to buy quarters in one of their new apartment houses. Of course we shall want to see it and have it made over if necessary. 

Since writing the above I have talked to Osborne (he called). Osborne is agent for Mooney Real Estate. I was again at temple yesterday. I assisted at baptisms 2 shifts. A brother Murdock was on one shift. Somehow I learned that he is in real estate. So I presented our problem to him. I was delighted to learn that he too is with "Mooney" and that he is a close associate with Osborne. This morning I called Mooney, and Murdock answered. I had another good talk with him. Now Osborne calls again and says that he will call us 1st next week and take us down to see the new apartment. And so, we may not be here when you come next year. Any way our grand children have been here and have enjoyed the home with us. 

But we are getting "too old" to keep it up and may-be the change will be good for us. 

At any event I have had a wonderful life, and you, Luther, have been a part of the best of it. I often dream about it. Only last night too. 

Wickie we do wish you "Many happy returns" and you are very dear to us. This includes the wonderful family of grand children too. Lovingly, Mom, & dad

November 8, 1963

Luther Dearest - Happy Birthday!

And Wickie to you our thanks for your letters and to both of you for your patience in waiting for answers. 

I hope you can celebrate each other's birthday properly and enjoy it twice this month. I am sure this will be late because the "flu" hit me two days ago and I have just begun to feel human again. I had a booster shot and am nearly ready again for the other. On October 15, I had a bad full length fall on the pavement at night. My right hand got the full treatment and the knuckles of my X Ray hand were badly scraped. It has been very painful and a hazard because it will have to be tested for skin cancer since it has been infected badly. They will do that when all the inflammation is gone. Two or three weeks. I am going to let Dad finish this letter - I am not too good on the machine and not at all by hand. Sometimes I forget to appreciate my hands enough. Love to you all and hugs and kisses all around - we think of you constantly. Keep well and take your work in stride. We are sending you a book that LeGrand Richards wrote we like very much. The prophecies are so beautifully fulfilled in our day.

I do not know if I told you about Polly's operation (one breast removed. Luckily, the tumor was benign. She is still very weak. Please offer your prayers for her. 

 Yours with all my love.-To Marilu, Mark Brian and Wayne

Part of R.R. Just going round (Did I send you the Snow pedigree last year?)

This second page give a report of both of us on our recent hospitalization. I want to send copies to Lu and Pat. 

As to the state of my graft problem --when first the dressing was changed there was a ring of nice pink grafting but in the center was the yellow substance draining as usual. You would think -- "Well, It hasn't taken this time." but you have to remember that the graft was done while the infection was present. You could not expect too much. this it has accomplished: There is a section with some good blood circulation which as time goes on  may help the healing and increase to the good of the whole back of my hand. and then again, they may want to graft still more on the back of the hand later on. Is it clear?  The period at the (Holy Cross Hospital) six days - up to last week was a nightmare with its huge aluminum paddle cast. I was really handicapped in dressing myself or preparing a meal, etc. The local anesthetic they gave me did not show results until I came home. My nerves were shot to the point of crying & laughing by turns. Since then I show it in shaking and inability to take every day problems. 

I expected Dad would be around to help me with the things I could not do. Instead, he had been suffering with a head cold and had spent two days and a night up on the Bear River. He left me the morning I HAD the operation. My Rel. Soc. president had taken me up the night before. He did come in that night before with the 
Bishopric. That is the last I Saw of him until the following Sunday night. Then as I said, he went to bed for Saturday and Sunday with bronchial trouble (his weak spot). I took care of him the best I could with one hand. As the cough grew worse and lungs began to fill, I called Dr Ershler. He asked for the temperature. He and refused everything I tried to do. The temp. was 101 so Dr. told me to send him to the hospital immediately. They kept him for five days. He had good care and since he came home it is a constant fight to keep him down. From here on I am no match for him. He has been working on his new books getting them ready for mailing. 

Our neighbors have been wonderful - I should say neighbors and friends. Phil and Judi downstairs too care of  Dad's dinners while he was home and I was in the hospital. They called me to dinner when I was alone. Judi helped me dress etc. The Fishers brought us our Sunday dinner yesterday and Glades today. So you see, if people know your needs they will answer them. We are very much in their debt. 

P.S. Please do not let custom control your s-pending. A TELEPHONE CAN BE ENOUGH TO SATISFY ANY HEART EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLILDAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS ----------LOVINGLY, MOM

Dec 5 - 1963

Dearest Wickie Luther and Family - If Mom was here she would not approve of the box of "Junk" I am sending you. But it contains some things you may need and it contains some golf balls and marbles for the boys. The balls I obtained while hoeing beets over on the Fairbanks land near the golf course. Don't know why they have been kept so long. 

Recently we loaded a trailer with several suitcases and boxes all filled with clothes we do not need, or they do not fit. The trailer went to So. Nevada and to So. Utah - I also sent our collection of tools, most of them. 

We have tentative plans for leaving this place and moving into an apartment down town. But, we do not know yet. The realty co have requested us for a price, but we have had an appraisal from our bank. (over)

Since writing the other side (of the page) the Bishopric and I have been up to Holy Cross Hospital, with mom. She went in last evening for a skin graft, principally on the right hand. She fell on way to Ward house and skinned the back of her hand. The hurt was worst on the knuckle of 2nd finger, the big one. 

We did not expect her to go to hospital until next week. But it was set ahead to last night because they had a bed - Meanwhile, I had arranged to go this A. M. to Bear Lake for Scouts. We are making a large camp for them up there (269 acres at S. E corner) Wonderful. They have enjoyed it already two seasons. First year without improvements Last year with some improvements. We are making more. 

Bear Lake has become very popular. Land sells for as high as $100.00 per front foot. Regular price is $50.00 per foot. Scouts have been offered a very hansome price for their holdings, but it has been refused. Sorry I cannot be with Mom this Fore Noon when she comes out of the sleep. But ----------

Any way she says go. 

Hope this box finds a place in your "Junk" heap. Some, many of the things I did not buy and I don't know their use.

Lovingly Dad -----

Dec 12-63

Dear Wickie & Luther 

Mom came home yesterday - The Doctor had taken bandage off to dress again and found that the "graft" had "taken" OK. All seemed to be right so he let her come home yesterday. She is O.K. but has one hand bandaged and in a cast. It makes her "nervous" as you might well know. She likes to have things done "day before yesterday" I am not that way so she gets out of sorts with me. But ---------

I think I wrote you about the box of "Junk" I mailed you last week. Any way you should open it before Christmas. Maybe you will find things there that will help in making up things the Children should have. For example there are about 5 golf balls and a large bunch of marbles. We hope that you have a very Merry Christmas. 

Lovingly, Dad & Mom

Dec 23 - 1963 1202 /Crystal Ave

Dear Wickie & Luther - I fear, from your last letter, Luther, that I failed to make it plain that the heavy package contains only "Junk" and that you did not understand that it was to be opened before Christmas so that you might be able to make your gifts to the children more complete. That is the impression I intended to give. 

I fear that you are in for a terrible disappointment. 

We had just loaded a trailer for overton. It contained tools, clothes, and things we do not need. I intended to include some of the "junk" that was sent to you but I did not get it sorted and boxed, therefore it was not sent. Any way there are many things you will not need. Just discard them without any feeling of loyalty. Just put aside such things as you can use. They accumulated, i don't know how, for most of the "Junk" are odds and ends that must have been ordered by builders who were here. Any way most of it came and was accumulated without my knowledge, so that is one reason why I did not know what it is. 

In your various activities you can use some of it. Please do not hesitate in discarding things you do not need. 

The only things I knew about were the balls and the marbles. 

We are gradually getting better. Mom's hand is still bad. I have been in bed, but feel better. maybe I can get this off - and can get down to post some books that were delivered to us yesterday. 

Lovingly - Dad & Mom