Luther M. Winsor and Beatrice Snow Winsor Letters to Lu and Wickie Winsor 1966

From Beatrice 

Sunday Jan 16, 1966

Dearest Wickie, Lu and the children:

Our being so far from you is getting harder and more difficult to find the closeness we've we've always enjoyed. Our lives are forced upon us by the way we make our living and where we can best serve the Lord. It does look like you , Luther will follow the itinerary your father has had through his professional life. I hope the fine co-operation you have now will continue and that you will find the time always to be with your children as much as you can and know how they feel about present life around them and Church policy. It is heart warming to hear about your church activity there - all of you. How we'd love to be in your audience when you participate. 

Thank you, Wickie for your frequent letters - it helps so much to let us keep up with your activities in general. We are very sympathetic with your financial problem - if we can make you a loan at any time do not hesitate to let us know. Or, why not use the bonds later or when the need arises. If you would like to accept the piano as yours without paying you know we'd love that. The other children have voiced their wishes for certain things we will leave (material things) but it is hard to place values on such things - it depends on your interpretation. 

This is our Sunday schedule today. Dad had priesthood at nine - he walked up to the ward and came home between that and Sunday School instead of resting or reading up there. We had dinner and since Dad did not sleep last night he had a long nap and I went to Waterloo Ward with my young friend Sylvia Dean who does my hair each week. She was a member of Bill Post's choir (all ages of young people) trained as his students for many months to do this cantata concerning the life of the prophet Joseph Smith. it was tremendous. Sylvia did several solos. Now we are soon off to our own ward. 

Last fast meeting our Bro Jacobs in the ward was entertaining exchange students, one from Haiti and one from Turkey who were invited to say a few words at the close. The dark one from Haiti said he had never heard of Mormons before but would like to know more about them, What a small world it is now. Bishop Brossard had his cousin James Brossard from Canada on a recent Sunday sacrament meeting with him who is Father Brossard and has his own church in Canada. (Catholic) of course. Ed goes up there every year to try to make his relatives listen to him. 

Polly has had quite a time with her hand. I hope she will not need more surgery. I sympathize. My poor old index finger is still no good to me. Polly is planning to come up in the spring. She and Bea are planning to get together when Ray goes to San Francisco soon. 

I do not know whether you hear from Pat and Marsh often or not. They should know what their plans will be by now. We had a letter two days ago - most of the children with strep throat and colds. what a changeable climate. The winters are a nightmare with wind and below zero temperatures. I surely hope their new location will be in the west. Marshall is very bitter right now. 

We still have not received the Round Robin. Pat said nothing about it either. We look forward to every word in it. Life is reasonably smooth and much the same every day. I had two sessions at the temple last Friday and enjoyed it very much. There were crowds of missionaries who were doing two endowment sessions with who we alternated. What a thrill!

Michael has been to see us a couple of times - since the holiday he has found a young lady whom he dates. His grades have been good up to now. A steady girl can play havoc with that. He is a wonderful boy and deserves the best. 

I've been painting as I can find time. Bishop asked if I would take with genealogy class in Sunday School.Knowing all it involves I said "no" because Dad said it first which had more weight. Instead I am doing the Work Day topic for Relief Society. 

Home from sacrament meeting - lovely spirit as always. Gog bless and protect you all from harm. We love you very much- how's about a love note from all four of our grandchildren - just a tiny one? It is hard for Dad to do letters - a real task for him. To get up and down is an accomplishment. he is patient and realized we are both a year or so older. He fell on the pavement a few weeks ago and could not get up without help. I was not with him. I cannot remember if I told you about a slight stroke also. He has a hard time to remember what took place yesterday. we are holding on tight and hope we'll have the strength to keep going as well as at present. Lovingly, Mom

Why not have a maid one day a week, Wickie, Now?  

From Beatrice; 

Mar 12, 1966

Dearest Luther:

What a nice surprise to know you will be home long enough for a visit. We shall see to it that nothing is scheduled to interfere. 

As for sleeping etc. don't you dare go anywhere else. You are "ours". Dad's room holds a comfortable single bed (never used except for family). Dad sleeps on the old couch that he brought here from his room in the "guest hours" (Crystal Ave.) It is ragged & disreputable. But he likes it with all its wrinkles etc. Ken slept on the bed when he was here. I take it when the girls come home. we have a long couch in the living room & it is hard for those who like it that way. Pat slept on the floor when she was here & her back was so bad. The Bennetts will be "let out" of the Air Force in June with a lump sum, no retirement benefits. They were not surprised but had "hoped" up to the last. No promotion either. 

Wickie dear: we do wish you could come with Lu - we hope you can all come next summer. 

Love to the children and take good care of each other. We are doing real will health- wise now but we ourselves alone aren't 'kidding' we are aware that machinery wears out with age & use. 

Affectionately, Mom 

I'll save the "talk" until we see you Lu. 

Dear Lu & Wickie:

I hope you are home safely by now and somewhat rested. 

I wanted to tell you when you were here how much we have been enjoying our Hi- Fi - we never did find a time to play a record for you. 

Satan seems to be trailing me this week. I've had such a time to find enuf people for our family sealing next week. Dad gets sick ,I don't sleep and Saturday I must get to Logan for those books. 

I am thankful for my blessings, nevertheless & so so enjoyed the short visits we had together. Lu, if you can get some close -ups like these pictures enclosed - like Ray & Bea's together & the children in groups - maybe the boys together & Marilu by herself? Thanks for everything you did to encourage us - Lovingly, Mom

From Luther: (handwriting is more regular in size and lines even, but the formation a little shaky)

Dear Son and Family

Thanks for remembering Dad. 

I will use the check as part payment on a Remington "Shaver" that I have wanted. I have a Norelco now but it does not give me a good shave.

We too wish that you were close enough to come home often. But it is not so. We shall have to be content to wait. Pat and Marsh are here now. They are locating in a fine home out beyond Granger. Pat is "expecting" next Month. Marsh is ot work with Russ. They will make masks. Russ has more than he can do. That will give Marsh something. They surely will need much. 

Hope you are all fine. 

Lovingly, Dad

From Luther (His handwriting is clear and steady in this letter)

June 25th 1966

Dearest Ones, 

The R.R. is here Ken says he saw it, at least part of it, when it started around. he has been here for nearly a week this time. He will fly home this afternoon. It has been nice to have him here. we have been out to see Pat -marsh & family once, and Ken has been out for a day. We had dinner with them. It is surely fine to have them here again. We shall be very pleased when any of you can be home again. 

Pauline - Jim we know how hard for you just now. Chico is one of many where it is difficult to get along. Just an anti-climax, I think, from now on money is harder to get. Time is at hand, I think when we shall "have a rebound" from the useless :spending" of the past thirty years. 

Jan & Joe, you are better off. Stay with your chosen field. Ken has told us something about work in the schools. 

Muriel and Mary. You are in positions to enjoy life. We are happy that you can. Make the most of it. 

Ray, you too may have to make some adjustments. But you are able and know best. Bea we are very proud of you. You have made the most of a situation that was not so good. You have a good home and you know how Ray wants it kept. You have a fine family and you are a wonderful mother. 

Mike, we wish you a life of success & happiness and pray that you will have it. Dennis and Sharon we pray that you will ever be with us. I refer to the "hereafter". That after all, is all that matters. This life is only a day, when compared with "Eternity". 

Coline & Susan, you are in a very difficult age. It is hard to accept Dad & Mom's advice. But you will get over it and learn for sure that they know what is best for you. Jimmy & Scott, enjoy life while you can for you, too, will grow bigger and will have the same problems as your sisters and brothers have to handle. 

Luther, Wickie and family, you are far away. We shall surely be pleased to see you again. We surely hope and pray that you can come as you have planned to do. 

We love you all and pray for you every day. 

Lovingly Dad - Gampa

From Beatrice

June 25, 1966

Dear Ones: 

This will be done in snatches, I guess. The R. R. arrived yesterday with it's welcome greetings and news. Thank you all for your contribution. Janice, we do sympathize with your situation surrounded by pollen with it's attendant miseries and the rest of you who suffer. I hope it will soon be over. There in Chico where temperatures are so high day after day after day - how do you handle just ordinary chores?

Kenneth has been here since last Saturday and will leave at 4:50 this afternoon. We have enjoyed hin so much - we always exchange ideas about most everything as well as juggle with foods during his short stay. He spent one day out to Granger with Pat in her lovely home. It will take her some tie to get acquainted with all the knobs and switches in her kitchen alone. Marshall certainly picked a prize. I hope all goes well for them. It is so good to be able to pick up the telephone and talk to our family in Granger. 

**************

Here, we saw Ken off at the hotel limousine and the airport. He has a stopover at Vegas and destination Riverside where his friend will pick him up & drive to San Bernidino. 

We had a memorable "Father's Day" with dinner here _ the Bennetts & Kenneth making nine. Kathy was not well and remained at home. "Chicken Delight" ad the trimmings. 

We are having the most delightful cool weather for June. Just a gentle breeze with it. Also some hot periods the same day. The time is slipping away fast and the summer will soon be gone. Michael's and Myrna's marriage July 29th - Lu & family coming home about the 25th of July - we should be able to see most of you. I do not know if we can get there or not for the wedding. It will depend on ways and means and whether Dad is able to go. 

Again thanks for your lovely letters and news bits. Our days will be about the same as usual. Dad had an X-Ray of his back after his bad fall but it showed nothing out of place. Strained muscles, I suppose. He doesn't seem to notice any more. We so appreciate the news clipping of You Jim and the associates of the Family Service group of officers. You have real talent for Public Service work=k - getting along with people is a gift. 

May our Heavenly Father bless and protect you all in your "comings and goings" we love you all so much and pray for each one of you daily. 

Affectionately, Mom

From Beatrice: Sunday, June 26, 1966

Dearest Luther, Wickie & the family: 

We were so happy to hear from you in the R.R. letter. Thank you, for carrying on our tradition whether Lu is home or not. Since you said we might expect you about July 25 and might go to the coast. .Bea wrote some days ago that mike and Myrna expected to marry about July 29th. This might influence your plans and certainly it would make it easier to see each other. Dad & I would like to attend the wedding if possible although it will be uncertain until ways and means for getting there seems feasible and, of course, Dad's physical condition. He has had an X-Ray to find anything irregular with his back. It revealed nothing. Temple work is discontinued during July.

If some of the children would like to remain here and not go to the coast Pat has plenty of room so they are welcome to stay with the Bennetts. I am thinking of your father, Wickie if he is still unable to take confusion then. 

Let us know when you have any concrete plans (?) The Bennetts and Ken were here for Father's Day and we did have a lovely time. All our love to you and 

God bless you for just being "you". Mom & Dad

Sunday Aug 21 - 1966 From Beatrice

Dearest Lu & Wickie, 

This is an announcement of the arrival of the new Bennett baby boy 7# 13 oz. All is well. Pat's experience was unusually easy. She thinks her Dr. is just about "tops". Marsh called us about nine this morning. He had been up all night. The baby arrived at 3 A.M. He will be over at 7 this evening to take us over to the hospital. 

We hope all is well with you, assuming of course all the struggle you must have had in getting things squared away. 

Life goes on here as usual. A week ago yesterday I had my trip to Logan with Rebecca, With the help of five women helpers Mrs. Pierce gave us we came home in good time with about 17 volumes of Snow records gleaned from eighty books of other families. I keep them in the Kitchen of course. They were glad up there to have us take them out. 

I must write the other children now so they will not worry. Your "honey dressing" recipe enclosed Wickie. 

Lovingly Mom & Dad

From Beatrice: Sep. 20 - 1966

Dear Lu & Wickie: 

Since Dad is still sleeping I must use a pen & I tire very quickly. My fingers stiffen & refuse to budge - So this will be short. 

I am a bit worried about getting my history ready for the deadline on Oct. 1. Have been expecting the R. Robin daily for some time. In it you will find prints of the Riley family - all except Michael who never stood still long enough for me to get him with his wife. Pictures like these for each family make a lovely page for up-to-date history. A close - up is necessary & a steady hand.

Could you send me as soon as possible one of you, Wickie & Lu, together then each of the children with their usual smiling faces? 

When I look at our lovely 50 "Wedding anniversary "book I find not one single picture of Wickie. What went wrong? I know I wasn't on the job. I feel cheated. 

Of course you two were at work in most of the snapshots of activity. All the machinery for such an event hung on your shoulders - Once again we thank you both for making it possible. 

Dad is feeling much better and doing a full day at the temple most every week day - three baptismal days. 

We face changes daily. Our bishopric was replaced last Sunday 12. Brossard was only loaned us for two years and he went over another 6 mo. He will still be around but we have to get used to Bro. Ingebretson (Norwegian) a fine man & wonderful background. March had a car accident last week - He was not injured but knocked out. Was driving his truck & a big heavy truck bumped into him. 

The Bennetts are having a round of colds again. I've had my share. The name for their new son will be Christopher Karl. I wish they would leave out the Karl. If each grandson carried the name of the mother's surname it would be perfect genealogically speaking. Of course they have the right to use it anyway. 

Our weather man is still very kind & it looks promising for awhile. The Lord blesses us each day and we are grateful. I've heard nothing from Olive since I wrote her. I'm sure she is busy. 

Take care of each other -Lovingly, Mom

From Beatrice November 8, '66

Luther, My dearest son: 

As your birthday draws near we are both thinking fondly of the wonderful years we have enjoyed your companionship and love in our home & from time to time as we visited with you in many places. Always cheerful and happy-making the best of unhappy situations. 

Your devotion to your Church duties always gave way to those in authority over you - in service where you have been needed. And now when you are released from your position in your ward bishopric in order to serve as the leader of the Scouts I am not minimizing that position in the least. Wen I recall the precious lines that remind us that to serve in the humblest position is not to be ignored for the Savior said: even Galilee was a small place and he himself served in that place." I wanted to include this poem in my history but could not find it. 

We wish you a happy relaxing birthday, dear - enjoy your lovely wife & family. We'll be thinking of you & loving you. I do not know if your father will be able to get a letter ready. It is a real difficult operation. His fingers seem stiff and without elasticity & the writing real cramped. I have been typing some letters & articles for him. 

In any case he will be thinking of you & loving you. I am writing at 4:30 A.M. since I cannot sleep. An all night rain hammered on my window ledge like it was a tin roof. I have not become accustomed to it yet. Looks like snow will follow this rain - there's 8 or 10 inches in the mountains. We have had a long beautiful autumn. 

This A.M 9-11 o'clock the Rel. Soc. women will be bringing baker items here for our bazaar at the ward opening at 1 P.M. Bishop's counselor will carry them up there in his car. He is Ralph Smith great grandson of Hyrum Smith. Our new bishop is Engerbretson a man with experience of a life time behind him but very energetic & likable. He has been Secretary of the Church building committee. You see our chapel is crying for attention. Looks like they will tear down Whitney hall. We miss the Brossards but they still live here. I have made four water colors for the bazaar which should bring them a few dollars. 

This little book has a message - it is well written & down by a professor from your own Alma mater. Hope all of you will read it. This small check is just a greeting. I had something else in mind but it will have to wait. 

May our Father in heaven continue to watch over you and your dear ones and protect you always.

Your loving Mom. 

From Luther Nov 11, 1966

Dearest Luther 

It is your birthday. I cannot let it go by without writing you at least a few lines. I think I have written you a letter on each of your birthdays at least when we have been separated. 

Vernon Turley wrote us a long letter on 6th. I answered yesterday. It made me late for the temple; but that did not matter. I had only to stay a little later to get thru 2 sessions which i do since I have trouble doing genealogical work. I leave that to Mom. She reads faster and she surely does fine. 

Vernon lost his first wife. He is married again. This time to a non member. He was President of El Paso stake and used to come to conference every year. He brought his new wife once, since then he has not been here. we wondered. His letter explains that it is because he has not been well enough to come. Most of y letter was directed to his wife. I wanted her to know that she is married for time only. That all the world, every one, will be saved, but if she wants Vernon for eternity she must act now, while living, for she can do nothing afterward. 

I have done a lot of thinking about our own case and I have wondered whether the reunion at Brice is the last we will have or if, by a miracle, we may have more. Certainly we cannot get together Over There under present conditions. Pauline and her family will be out unless something is done about it now. 

We have a lovely family. All are alive. For which we are thankful. But are we dong all we can? I am not. And the time is going. 

We surely appreciate all you did at Brice. Wonder if it might be done again, perhaps elsewhere You, son, have meant much to me. 

We love  you Dad

From Beatrice

Nov. 14 - 1966

Dearest Wickie & Lu:

Thank you with all my heart for the lovely pictures. They are wonderful & will reproduce very well. The background of the forest adds to it - especially since it is your "home background" literally. They came in the "nick of time". 

I am enclosing something for the expense of the project and hope the book will in some way "make it - up to you".

The time "flies by" - I only need to see your three sons and Marilu to realize fully how much! They are wonderful children with a personality all their own. Give them each a special hug for us. 

Dad is doing very well for him. I wish you could drop in occasionally. Pat finds herself overwhelmed with routine alone. We see very little of them but we can use the telephone. 

I have been fighting cockroaches & losing - hope something can be done. Pressures of many kinds build up but I am going to win - or else! 

I am off to Holladay this morning to paint at 4 P.M------. a birthday "open house" at Harold Bowman for Cousin Lottie Greenwood Hansen who is 93. Her mental powers are greatly weakened - I don't know why they try these things but I guess they know. 

I am busy this week "singing mothers" rehearsals (sang at conference 2 weeks ago & have a concert next Sat. eve. to make money for stake. Please tell Marilu I love her for the willingness to help in Primary- (at age 16 called to teach the 6 year old class) she will receive more than give - and that rule always holds - she will have the blessing while working. 

With love to each of you - 

Yours always, 

Mom

(Marilu-at age 16 I was in seminary 5 mornings a week, teaching Primary Tuesday afternoons and at Mutual Wednesday nights. Sundays it was 2 hours of Sunday School in the morning-class with opening and closing exercises, and one and a half hour Sacrament meeting in the afternoon with at least half an hour to an hour visiting in the foyer after both those meetings. Once a month we had Bishop's Fireside on Sunday evening, and there were youth dances once a month at the stake center. I joked that I might as well bring a cot and live at the church building I was there so much) 

From Luther:

Dec 3 1966

Dearest ones, All. 

Last time I failed you completely. First time since the "Round Robbin" began. I feel as if I was responsible for it, and I am sorry for "letting you down". It was because I "had something to say" and I hardly knew how to say it. You know there are those who "have something to say" and there are others "who have to say something" This time I hope to be in the former class. 

When I went to Logan in 1904, I wanted most 3 things--

1st an education

2nd a family

3rd a mission. 

In 1914 I married your mother - and we were blessed with a family;

In 1911 I graduated at UAC.

But I never did get the mission, except that my work has given me much contact with the "upper ten" But I have not made the most of the opportunity. Now the big question, it has been upper-most in my mind for a long time: 

Was our glorious re-union at Bryce the last we shall ever have! Or shall we be permitted on "The Other side to get together again? 

We have a probation while here in mortality and can do things that can never be done by proxy. If I understand the situation. It is important that we act now. I am anxious for all for I do love you. 

We have been blessed as a family. We are all here. 

Kenneth We are very proud of you. 

Mike, we do hope that you do not have to go. We pray for you. 

Luther, things changed Nov 8 -I think, election came on that date. Keep at it and all will be well. 

Pat- we too have enjoyed your lovely boy. We are pleased that we can see him. 

Pauline & family - we love you. 

Muriel & Mary, you seem to be OK but we want both of you. 

Lovingly Dad. 

From Beatrice:

December 4, 1966

Dearest Ones of all the earth:

What a feast we have had enjoying each of your letters in R.R. Even though you are all facing problems of various kinds you are facing them and what is most important you haven't lost sight of the blessings we have too, along with the optimistic side of living. 

Polly, thanks for the latest on you house ownership difficulties. We hope you may spend Christmas in the new home. 

Since Christmas is so close let us see to it that the children in our family sing with us the Christmas songs that are all prayers set to beautiful music. I know you will enjoy Dr. Rafferty's viewpoint - with I could give you the full text. It was packed with information and conclusions that we all know. (see clipping enclosed) There was a question and answer period and a packed auditorium. 

Luther, I knew you were overloaded but I can see why now that you have explained the paper work and the terrible expense it makes for the taxpayers. Congratulations, son on the scout program you are developing - a big camporee such as you describe stake-wise must have been a real rewarding experience. Having three scouts of your won, you can help them besides fulfilling the dreams of your scoutmaster in the old tenth ward. 

Kenneth, I can in a measure understand the satisfaction you found in working with the professors on your committee in New York. I hope with all my heart that it will develop into something that will prove a blessing to all struggling language students. I talked to Bro. Del Santos from Brazil who lives in the building here. He will be looking for you when you come home again. As you know he sings with the tabernacle choir - has a beautiful baritone voice. 

President Hugh B. Brown and Sister Brown will shortly be moving into the apartment he used to have in this building down the end of hall south. He is in the hospital now and his wife has had a stroke so their problem increases. 

Yesterday was a long rainy day and we tried getting to the wedding reception of Grant Squires and his bride at Reception Center 1227 E. 33 So. Our bus was so late and we stood on our feet nearly an hour till we were exhausted. Never again. We came home. Dad was so anxious to go and Grant is something special to him. I had painted a picture for him so we were disappointed. No more night travel for us. 

This morning the sunshine is pouring in and "all is well". The picture enclosed is a copy of a watercolor that most of you have not seen. You see one of Muriel's & Mary's trees in it's glory. This picture of a Utah canyon stream belongs to Muriel and Mary. They were so sweet to have it copied because I had not been able to do it before they left. 

I have finished a large picture of a "house boat" in Oregon where DeAna painted last summer. Am now finishing one of "Crater Lake with a foreground of naked bleached trees. Quite a "work-our" As soon as I have about ten new pictures for exhibition DeAna will arrange a showing for me at the Z.C.M.I.

We are trying to build up a Christmas spirit inside our apartment with a few decorations and a tiny tree if I can find one. This is Sunday and Pat and I will get our heads together on ways and means of getting together on plans. It is wonderful to have one of your families in town for the Xmas season. Chris is such an angel and so much in demand when we get together. 

Janice and Joe, bless your hearts - it's good to see you are looking to the future - house-wise - I cannot wait to see your addition. Have a happy Christmas week all of you and remember to keep your two chicks close to you. Tell Dave to send us a snapshot of his new girl friend - if he wants to make us real happy. I'm so glad you are all as close together as you are. 

Bea, Let us hope bazaars are all in the background now. I do so appreciate the wedding picture you dent showing mike, Myrna and their grandmother. Thank you dear - Please try to take the holiday real easy like. 

I am asking a favor of all of you with families. Would you like me to send my "life Story" to all the children now or would you prefer that I keep them here until you come home for a visit? I have planned for each one to have a copy of their own. it might stimulate them to write their own or keep alive their memories. Mine has been a bit rusty you will find. 

It is clouding up again as I write this afternoon and portends new storms. Keep well all of you and be happy. we have much to be happy about. 

Lovingly, 

Mom