July 2, 1955 Terribly Hot, Enjoying Summer School and The Rejected Article

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Edna & Woody came last night so I didn't get this written.  It has been terribly hot the last few days but it is thundering so maybe it will cool off.  Toni and I took the kids swimming yesterday and we all have red skin today.   I didn't go in the water because I don't have a new suit but my arms & legs really got some sun.  We went to the State Farm Insurance Park which is a wonderful place.  You have to have a pass to get in but a student took us in as his guest.  He works there.

Our music classes are over until fall.  I'm glad because it is hard to get cleaned up and get to class when it is so hot.

Bob is enjoying summer school.  They went to the fire station yesterday.  Ann didn't get to go.  The teacher called and said she had a child in braces, a blind one and one or two others that needed special attention besides the children already enrolled and she didn't think she could take any more.  It was all right anyway.

I sent my article on the tea ceremony to Atlantic Monthly but it came back.  I'm going to sent it somewhere else.  Woody looked at it and thought it was good.  I still haven't heard about the book.

The kids have some sparklers for the 4th & B won't have to teach.  It will be nice to have the extra day.  We're invited to Lake Bloomington tomorrow.  Mildred Wells & her little boy asked us to spend the day with them in a cabin they use.  Bob can hardly wait.

A postcard available on eBay

There isn't any news so I'd better wash my breakfast dishes."

                    Love to you both,

                            Bonnie

June 17 and 25, 1955 The Unexpected Trip to Richland, The Dirty House, The Half-Gone Cake and The Turtles Return

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Here I sit in the middle of a dirty house and don't even have my beds made.  I did make a cake and am waiting for it to finish baking.  I'm trying the banana cake in that Good Housekeeping you gave me and it sure smells good.

Bob is in summer school and seems to like it o.k. but isn't overly excited about it.  I guess they aren't really started yet.  We'll know Monday whether Ann can go or not.  She says she doesn't want to go so I don't know how it will turn out.

Well, the cake is half gone now and the kids are in bed.  I'm watching T.V. and B is working on a radio in the basement.

So far, summer school has been pretty nice for B.  He has had more time at home and things haven't been so rushed.  We had the annual picnic for the department yesterday.  I fell heir to the job of planning it last spring when B was made acting head of the department.  The picnic was a real success and we had around 100 there.  I am so glad it is over.

I'm glad Mabel liked the hand-me-downs.  Some people just don't appreciate used clothes but it makes me happy to give things to people who can really use them.

One turtle got away but we still have the rest.  Bob took one to school to show.

There just isn't much news.  It is cold and rainy again.  Hope you are all fine."

                      Lots of love,

                            Bonnie

NOTE:  We made a quick trip to Missouri to see our Grandad Belshe who had been hospitalized in Springfield.  As usual, we returned with box turtles.  As was the custom, a postcard was written to signal our safe return home.

Bonnie's Banana Cake (adapted from the Joy of Cooking, not Good Housekeeping)

Sift together 2-1/2 c cake flour, 2/3 t baking powder, 2/3 t baking soda and 1/2 t salt.  Cream 1/2 c butter with 1-1/2 c sugar, 1/2 t cinnamon and 1/2 t nutmeg.  Gradually beat in 2 large eggs.  Mash about 3-4 large bananas to make 1-1/2 cups.  Stir in 1 t vanilla and 1/4 c buttermilk.  Combine butter and banana mixtures and add gradually to dry ingredients, stirring well after each addition.  Bake at 350 in 2 buttered, round pans for 25-30 minutes.  Let cool and remove from pans.  When completely cool, assemble cake by topping the bottom layer with butter cream frosting and sliced bananas, adding the top layer and frosting the entire cake.  (Optional:  Add small amount of rum to the frosting.)

June 4, 1955 The Two Hour Recital, The Club Refreshments and The T.V.

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It's so hot tonight we have the fan going.  It has been a wonderful day, though.  We have had a lot of rain this week and things are really growing.  We have really enjoyed the lettuce out of our 2x4 garden and the children get a kick out of pulling the radishes even if they haven't been much.  Maybe if we'd leave them alone they'd get big enough.

Ann brought her report from school today.  It was excellent and she has certainly grown in many ways this year.  They have had a good time in kindergarten and have done so many things.  They still have the two chickens and they are almost too big to fry now.  They had a little garden too with beans and other things which grow fast.

Where is Roger now?  How much longer does he have to stay in the navy?

Bob's recital was real nice.  It lasted almost two hours because there were about 50 children in it.  He got awfully tired and wiggled a lot but did fine.

Phyllis and her new husband came to see us last Saturday and stayed for supper.  They were married Friday afternoon after her school was out that morning.  She plans to teach next year.

I don't know what to suggest for your club refreshments.  There is a good dessert made with angel cake, ice cream & frozen strawberries.  Use the angel cake pan.  Break chunks of the cake & cover the bottom of the pan then alternate layers of ice cream, strawberries & cake until the pan is full.  The top layer should be cake chunks.  Press down lightly to pack & put in the freezer top of the refrig. until it is solid.  You can make this a week ahead.  Turn it out of the pan & cut like cake.  Serve it with a dab of whipped cream.  This is good with coffee.  Something else real easy would be ice cream sodas and a piece of chiffon cake.  Just pour a little soda pop (strawberry is good) in the bottom of a glass, put a few spoons of ice cream in it and fill the glass with pop.  You'd have your drink & ice cream all together.  If I think of anything else I'll write it in my next letter.

I wish I could help you make your cookies.  Make drop cookies.  They are so much less work than rolled ones.

I may as well stop writing.  T.V. is on and it is bedtime.  I've been an hour on this letter so I'll say good-night.  Hope you are both fine."

                    Lots of love,

                          Bonnie

NOTE:  The article pictured above, from Woman's Day, July, 1955 makes a case for turning off the TV to be certain that children have a break.  Some things never change, particularly "electronic bombardment"!

For Angel Food cake recipes posted earlier, use the link:
http://www.annbkennedy.blogspot.com/search?q=Angel+Food+Cake

May 28, 1955 Growing Up, Between Storms, Barnum & Bailey and Summer School

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"The children are in bed but aren't asleep.  We went for a little ride after supper.  They usually play out a while after supper now that we are on daylight savings time.  They can't go to sleep as early as they used to.  Maybe it is a sign they are growing up.

We had quite a storm yesterday--lots of wind and rain.  It hit first about 3:30 and then again at night.  A lot of dead limbs came down but there wasn't any real damage.

In between the two storms B drove to a little town and gave a commencement speech.  It was his second one this week.  He gets paid for them and it isn't so bad.

We will have a vacation on Monday but since Wesleyan University doesn't have the day off we will go to piano class as usual.  Bob plays in his first recital on Sunday.  The whole class of beginners will play together like they do in class so it won't be hard.  The whole school of music from beginners to college graduates give one big recital every year.  Bob's teacher calls it their Barnum and Bailey.  Summer music classes will last until July 1 so we'll continue to go twice a week. 

The children don't have to go to summer school.  It is by choice but we thought they needed something to do.  I think it is more supervised play than anything and it is only during mornings.  If Ann doesn't get to go she will probably go to vacation Bible school.  She still loves Sunday School but Bob still doesn't want to go.

The Optimist Club had ladies night this week so we went and enjoyed it.  The speaker was a minister of the big Methodist Church in Bloomington.  He showed slides that he took last summer of the holy land.

Bob has invited one of his friends to come to play tomorrow.  The children will watch T.V. and then have lunch.  I won't get much done but I guess that doesn't matter.

I'm sorry you didn't get to go to Charlotte's graduation.  I know she was disappointed.  Today is Jerry's birthday.  I sent him some candy but he probably won't get it until Monday.  I wish Beulah would join the Garden Club.  It would be so different and nice for her.

School will be out in two more weeks.  B will teach summer school but will have a week's vacation.  He may have to stay here that week though, to interview some people for jobs in the education department.  Bob's piano classes will be going on then too so I don't know whether we can come or not.  We'll come in August as usual, and that won't be long.

Some of our missionary friends from Japan want us to meet them in Indiana that vacation week but I wrote that we couldn't do it.

Ann was happy about the letter."

                    Love to all,

                           Bonnie

Bob's 1st Grade Class, May, 1955 (Bob is 4th from right, 3rd row, Lynn is front row, 2nd from right)

NOTE:  On May 25, 1955, the entire town of Udall, KS was demolished in a tornado that left 77 dead and 270 injured.  There were no warnings issued.

May 21, 1955 The Dinner Meeting, The Supper in the Dorm, The Picnic for 920 and The Norwegian Pastry

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We went to a dinner meeting of a club B belongs to last night so our letter writing didn't get done on time.  The man who gave the program has been in a book store for 40 years and collects children's books.  He has books in all languages and had a lot of them to show after his talk.  Of course, it was interesting to me.  I should hear about my manuscript in the next two weeks.

Wednesday night we went to the girls' dormitory for supper.  There were a lot of faculty people there but there was only one faculty person to each table so we could get better acquainted with the students.  It was very nice.

Sorensen's new house is going up fast.  They have sold their other one and will move the first.  Their new one won't be done till fall so they are going into a little furnished place for the summer.  You may remember that Woody's brother has cancer and was expecting to die.  He has taken radium and gold treatments anyway as a long shot chance and the cancer has been arrested.  He is working again and the doctors expect him to live out his normal lifetime.

Thanks for the nice package.  Bob's dollar disappeared into his bank.  I think I can get Ann a dress out of the material.  It is real nice and will be so easy to keep washed.  We have applied for Ann's admission to summer kindergarten but the application was late so there is just a chance of her getting to go.  Someone will have to drop out.

 

You made a mistake I guess when you wrote to Ann.  She thinks it is about time you wrote her another letter.  Just put a little note in with our letter.  That will satisfy her.

Last week was a full one.  Monday was a busy day.  I went to the dentist and had 2 fillings.  Then I dressed up and went to a coffee.  Some of our friends have a party on the same date every year.  It is a Norwegian holiday and she makes all the pastries she serves with coffee.

Monday night was the big picnic for school children and parents of our school.  There were 920 there so it was some picnic.

In the meantime I've been sewing on a dress.  It is a simple pattern and if I'd stay at it long enough I'll soon get it finished.  B and I have to be a host & hostess for the senior tea which is coming up soon.  I want it for that.

I must wash my breakfast dishes so bye for now."

                   Lots of love,

                         Bonnie

NOTE:  Both of our parents were always writing something--Dad, for work, Mom, for pleasure and the hope of publishing something.  She wrote and bound an amusing and delightful book in 1936, and I will post it in a couple of weeks.   I can't remember a time when the family typewriter wasn't busy. 

Bonnie's Favorite Norwegian Butter Cookies

Cream 1 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of sugar.  Press 4 hard-boiled egg yolks through a fine sieve and mix into butter and sugar.  Add 1/2 t lemon zest and 1/2 t vanilla.  Gently knead in 2 c of flour.  Pipe dough into small pretzel-like shapes onto baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.  Cool completely before removing from baking sheet. 

Bonnie's Apricot Breakfast Pastry ("Walk-aways")

Soften 1 package yeast in 1/4 c warm water.  Mix 2 c flour and 1/8 t salt.  Cut in 3/4 c cold butter till crumbly.  Add yeast mixture & 1 large egg, beaten.  Mix till smooth & divide in 2 parts.  Roll each to 13x9 rectangle.  Spread over these a mixture of 3 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 c sugar and 1/2 c apricot preserves.  Roll like jelly roll.  Put on lightly buttered cookie sheet--seam side down.  Seal ends.  Cut lengthwise half way thru each roll.  Bake at 375 for 20-25 min. till golden.  Cut slices on the diagonal to serve.

May 13, 1955 The Nylons, The Nuisance, The Appendix, The T.V. and Singing the Wrong Song

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I've been waiting for the children to go to sleep and B has some students down stairs so it's a good time to write a letter.  Your letter came today.

We have been having cold and cloudy weather again.  We did need the rain but it was a nuisance to get out Bob's flannel shirts again.  I had packed some winter things away.

I'm glad you liked the nylons.  I bought my first pair the same time and I think they are more comfortable than plain nylons.  But they don't look as sheer.  I had a nice Mother's day too.  B gave me a red carnation corsage and he and the children gave me underwear.

My formal looked nice and B's red flowers just set it off.  The party was in the boys' dormitory and they had a white carnation corsage for me.  I couldn't wear it too so I brought it home and gave it to Toni.  She wore it Mothers' Day.

I'd like to see Bernadine and Ray before they leave.  We have a new sitter that Bernadine told me about last summer.  I had forgotten about her until she came up to me after my last speech and told me who she was.  The girl's mother has been one of Bernadine's children's teachers.

Is Fannie all right?  I never heard of a pregnant woman having her appendix out.

I don't know whether 1-1/2 yds. will make Ann a dress or not.  The wide material may be enough.  She is between a four and five and it is harder to sew for her now.

You will enjoy the T.V. but the programs aren't as good now as last winter.   "Meet Millie" is my favorite show.  Bob loves the cowboy shows and they can be exciting sometimes--even for me but I wish there weren't so many.  I hope the kids won't pester you to death.  I have more than my share now but wouldn't say anything because Bob went to Watterson's to watch so much before we got ours. 

I wish I could see your iris.  You know how I love them and sometime I'm going to have a garden of them.  Maybe by that time yours will have spread out until I can have some of them.  It has been so long since I sent those to you that I can't remember the colors but it seems like there were three difference ones.

I think I told you that Ann's room had baby chicks at Easter.  They took all of them to a farm, except two.  One is a rooster and one a hen.  The teacher told us the rooster crowed this week so I mentioned it to Ann.  She said, "Yes, it crowed.  But it sang the wrong song."

Hope Daddy's cough is better and that you don't get the bug."

                 Love to you both,

                        Bonnie

NOTE:  For a very quick look at "Meet Millie"...

May 6, 1955 Punch & Potholders, White Carnations and A Blue Kimono

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I just came home from a party at school.  Bob's room gave a Mothers' Day party for their mothers.  Each child had made his mother a pot holder in art class.  The children gave a little program and then we had punch and cookies the children had made.  We hope your Mothers' Day will be a nice day for you both.

I enjoyed the program you sent.  It really doesn't seem that Charlotte is old enough to be graduating from eighth grade.

Ann went to school this afternoon for the first time this week.  She has had a bad cold and ran a fever every day.  She didn't feel so bad but I tried to keep her quiet.  That is almost impossible.  I was afraid she'd get that awful cough but I guess she had another kind of cold.

We are so anxious for her to get her Salk shots but so far we haven't heard any more about it.

I've really worked this week.  I did some painting in the kitchen and have the kitchen about finished.  The woodwork was chipped so badly that it looked dirty all the time.  It looks real nice now.  The floor has to be scrubbed & the curtains washed.

My talk last Saturday was very successful.  It was a home ec. club banquet and the dinner was delicious.  The girls sent me a beautiful corsage of white carnations and it looked real pretty on my blue kimono.

I had a letter from the literary agent today.  She hasn't had time to look at my manuscript except to glance at it.  She said she is very busy but I'll hear from her again the last of the month.  At least she didn't send it back.  I was pleased with the letter.

My formal is all done but the hem.  The fabric is big checks of different shades of gray with a narrow red line thru it.  It is beautiful material but so hard to work with.

B spoke in Decatur at a banquet last night.  They gave him the flowers off the table as well as a check.  We were pleased and surprised.

Hope you are both fine."

           Lots of love,

                 Bonnie

NOTE:  I could hardly believe it when I found the dress, having been packed away for 30 years in my daughters' trunk of dress-up clothes.  It used to have a grey satin under-dress but I haven't unearthed it yet.

Also, included in the letter; the card and "drawings" below.

Bob, where is that Mothers' Day pot holder?

Bonnie's Pink Champagne Punch  (Probably not served at the First Grade party)

Cover 1 quart strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar.  Add 3 oz.  Brandy and 1 bottle of chilled Sauterne.  Let stand 1 hour & then stir.  Add 2 fifths chilled pink champagne and 1 bottle sparkling water.  Pour over ice and serve.

April 30, 1955 Sewing, Printing and Fainting

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It is bedtime but maybe I can keep my eyes open a while longer.  I have sewed all day and they are tired.  We are invited to a formal at school next Saturday night and I want to have a long dress.  The material is silk organdy that I bought last year.  It is pretty but has been hard to sew.  I wouldn't have made a new dress but couldn't zip my old ones that I have had for three or four years.

B says thanks for the Mirror.  We are both happy to have that.  Ann was simply thrilled to pieces with the letter you sent her.  She had forgotten about writing to you but when I explained you were answering her letter she was really happy.  She has learned to print all by herself.  They don't teach the 4 year old kindergarten children to do any printing until they are almost ready for first grade.  Ann couldn't wait and now she knows most of her letters & numbers.  She has a painting on exhibit in the hall at school.  She's proud of that, too.

Bob had his first Salk shot yesterday.  He did fine but was upset when one of the children fainted.

We are curious about the article Maxine gave you.  Where is Elizabeth Shubert's brother & which one is it?

We haven't had any exciting raises in Normal.  The Post probably meant the regular raises faculty get--$20. a month.  That comes automatically and of course we're always happy to get it.

B and I are over our colds or whatever it was.  We still cough a little but feel o.k.

Hope you both are fine."

                     Love,

                           Bonnie

NOTE:  I very clearly remember lining up in front of the nurse's office at school to get the polio vaccine via a sugar cube, although Bob had the first experience with the needle as a first grader.

April 23, 1955 Too Many Pies, Too Many Cowboy Shows and Murders and Too Lazy

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I just finished a blouse to go with my new suit which I haven't worn yet.  B & I go to a banquet Monday night so I'll wear it then.  The blouse collar didn't work right so it took me longer to make it than I planned.   Maybe I have my fingers in too many pies but my sewing doesn't go as easy as it used to.  Seems like something always goes wrong.

Maybe I didn't tell you I had a new perm, and it needs washing now.  The kids are asleep and B is out to a meeting but I'm too lazy to do it.  I cleaned today (just weekly clean up) so I'm out of pep.  One day this week I washed the kitchen ceiling and walls.  It made me so sore it almost got me down!

Ann and I went to ballet class on Tuesday but she wouldn't take part.  The other little girl that went with us got right in the middle of things but not Annie.  She just watched and wiggled.  She still wants to go so we'll go back this next week and maybe she'll join in the class.

I mailed my manuscript on Monday so I'm anxious to hear what is said about it.  It may be a long time before I know.

The cleaner was supposed to come after my rugs on Tuesday.  I haven't seen him yet so I'm about to give up.

Bob will probably get his Salk injection next week.  Isn't it wonderful to have that at last.  We have Ann's name on the list at our doctor's as soon as he gets the stuff.  B and I will take it too as soon as there is enough to go around.  We heard that the shots would cost about $15. per person but the Polio Director here told B he thought we could all get it for about $15. (B, Ann & I).  Bob's shots are on the state.  I hope Charlotte & Jerry get it.

I owe Beulah a letter from way back.  Tell her to write me and not wait for my answer.  But she's as busy as I am now with spring here.

Hope you've heard about your T.V. and will have it soon.  We enjoy ours but wish we had a better antenna so we could have a better selection of programs.  We get too many cowboy shows and murders.

Easter was such a beautiful day.  In the evening we built a big fire outside and had a wiener roast with the Wattersons.

I think every clump of plants I brought from home is still alive.  They are growing and are about to bloom.  I hope they will start to spread.  Things really grow when the sun shines.

Hope you both are fine."

                     Lots of love,

                           Bonnie

April 16, 1955 A Great Event, A Thing Going Around, The Blooming Violets and The Dirt Won't Show

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Since Bob is staying all night with Lynn tonight we took Ann and went grocery shopping after supper.  Bob & Lynn think it is a great event for him to sleep over there.  Ann was disgusted because no one was coming to stay with her but she had forgotten it by the time we got home from the store and is fast asleep.

I have had a sore throat but I went to the doctor when it started down into the bronchial tubes.  He gave me a big does of penicillin and I'm getting rid of it.  I still cough but feel better.  B has a cough, too.  The doctor said this thing was going around.

Ann went to Sunday School last Sunday and looked so cute all dressed up.  I'm making her a new dress out of some cotton we got in Japan.  It has a white background so will get dirty easily.  She needs clothes for she has grown so much and it takes a lot when she needs a nice, clean dress everyday.  She just can't wear one dress two afternoons.

We dug up a little spot of ground and the kids planted lettuce, radishes and some flowers.  The radishes are up.

The weather has been wonderful this week.  The violets are blooming everywhere and the redbud tree by our kitchen window is beautiful.  Bob has one or two freckles.  He wants to have a lot of them.

I'm glad you liked the wash cloths.  I know you would have liked white ones but I couldn't get them so thought you could use those darker ones when we come to see you.  The dirt won't show so much on them.

B is taking a car load of students to a meeting at another college tomorrow.  They will be gone all day.

I'm about out of news so bye for now.  Are the dogwoods out yet?"

                    Love,

                       Bonnie

April 9, 1955 The Late Birthday Package, The Unwritten Letter, The Museum of Science and Industry and The Publisher's Agent

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I hope you had a nice birthday, Mother.  I'm sorry I am so slow and that your package will be late.  It seems that I can't keep up with even half the things I should.  Sid and Steve have both had birthdays too.

Now Roger is home and I never did get a letter written to him.  He must think I'm a poor aunt.  I've had his name on a list for months and never got the letter done.  I've got to take time out and answer one from our missionary friends who are coming to America soon and want to see us in August.  If I don't answer it before they leave Japan I won't know where to write.

I wish we could be home with all of you too.  Bob thinks we should have come.  He says he wants to stay at Grandmother's about three weeks this summer.

We are still tired from our trip to Chicago but we had a very nice time.  We spent most of the day in the Museum of Science and Industry.  It is huge and has everything imaginable in it.  There was a farm with live baby chicks and even a real coal mine.  We went down in it and there were all kinds of buttons to push on the exhibits.  The kids had a picnic.  We couldn't see it all and Bob didn't want to leave.  We went on downtown and got Bob some shoes.  He is so hard to fit but we found some he liked.  We got Ann a coat and me a hat.  Ann's coat is navy and my hat is a little black pancake.

My suit still isn't finished but almost.  I took the sleeves out and cut the yoke off.  I raised the sleeves up and re-cut them.  They are all right now.  I have to finish putting the lining in but it won't take long.

B wants to mail this so I'll stop.  Sorensens were here last night and Woody gave me the name of that publisher's agent.  I am going to send my book right away.

Hope you are all fine.  Have a nice Easter."

                     Love to All,

                          Bonnie

April 2, 1955 Too Wide and Too Big, The Good Audience and The Literary Agent

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I've been sewing most of the day and am getting tired of it.  My suit is almost done but the coat has a dropped shoulder--a yoke.  It makes me look so wide and makes the coat look too big.  I think I'll have to change it some way even if it makes the sleeves 3/4.

There are always a lot of school affairs after our spring vacation so I'd like to have something new to wear.  Ann needs a spring coat but we may just buy one.

Next week is supposed to be vacation but if it is like always we won't get much vacation.  B has another article he has to write.  They wanted it before vacation but he simply couldn't do that so they are waiting for it.  We'd like to come home Easter but we can't this time.  If we go anywhere at all it will be to the museums in Chicago.  We have so little time just for Bob & Ann that we hope to do something with just them this week.  We always have a horde of kids around.

Too bad the store made a mistake on your T.V.  Ours was $180. plus our  radio.  The cabinet ones were almost $400.  and we didn't want a cabinet anyway until we can have one made for radio, phono and T.V.  How long will they take to get your new set now?

B's Cleveland trip was to the Philosophy Society meeting that he and Jim Wheeler attend every year.

My speech last Sunday was to a crowd of college students from Normal and Champaign-Urbana.  The young people's group at the University Christian Church were entertaining the Urbana crowd at supper and with a program.  They had short devotions and then my part.  I thought it was going to be a smart aleck crowd at first but it was a good audience.  They all had fun--including me. 

Maxine had better take the $25. for her story.  She probably worked more than that on it but that would be a beginning.  She may wait a long time before someone pays what she asks.  Woody took my manuscript to N.Y. and asked one of his editor friends about it.  His publisher does not print children's books (except school books) but he told us what to do.  He is going to send us an agent's name.  I can send it to her.  She will read it and if she thinks it's worthwhile, she will try to sell it. If she does not like it she will not show it.  The man said if she turned it down that it probably wouldn't do any good to send it anywhere myself for she works with a lot of companies.  We haven't seen Sorensens in a long while so I don't know if Woody has the name yet or not.  He has been sick and then B was gone.

Don't sit up too late when you get that T.V. now."

                       Love to you both,

                                  Bonnie

March 27, 1955 The Beautiful Day, The Miserable Day, The Rowdy Kids and The New T.V.

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I'm really slow.  Here it is almost bedtime on Saturday night and I'm just getting my letter written.

I haven't accomplished much this week but have kept pretty busy.  We got the venetian blinds up in the bedroom and our old curtains were so near gone I decided to dye some old drapes.  I had to do the job twice and still you can see the pattern.  They don't look too bad and we are using them anyway.

Last Sunday we drove to Champaign to see our friends we met in Tokyo.  It poured rain the whole time we were there and the kids got rowdy but we had fun.  She cooked supper for us so we were late coming home.

Thursday was a beautiful day but I was on the go all day.  The wives in the Education dept. got together at 1:30 for dessert and then I dashed home to take Bob to piano at 4:00.  That night I went to another club and told Toni that I hadn't done anything but drink coffee and talk all day.

Yesterday was such a miserable day.  It snowed all day and although it thawed a little today it is awfully cold.  B and I went to a program at school last night and almost froze.  There weren't any cars on the street but there was a huge crowd at the program.

I'm still trying to house clean.  Yesterday I finished the walls in Bob's room but have the windows and floors yet.

My suit is coming along nicely but a little slow.  This cold weather has sort of taken my sewing mood.  I have to be in the mood to really get sewing done.  B took me to Bloomington this afternoon to get the lining.  He will be gone until next Wed. night and I want to sew while he's gone.  He leaves about 11:00 in the morning to go to Cleveland.  He and Jim Wheeler have hotel reservations together.  Did I tell you we decided not to go to Alabama?  Our vacations didn't coincide closely enough.  I haven't heard from Eve since I wrote we weren't coming.  She probably had a fit.

My sweeper had to be repaired so we took it downtown today.  The place that fixes it handles T.V. sets among other things and we got to looking and talking.  Tonight we own a new set.  It is an R.C.A. table model on iron legs--very simple but nice enough.  The screen is 21" and gives a good picture.  The kids are really thrilled.  We traded our old Crosley combination on it and got a good deal.  Other places wouldn't give us anything for the old radio.  It still worked well and looked nice but was in our way since B built the other radio.

I have a speech tomorrow night and have to do some work on it or it won't be much of a speech."

            Love to you both,

                   Bonnie

March 19, 1955 The Cleaning Spirit, The Shantung Suit, The Marbles and The Prettiest Sweet Potato Vine

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It is a little quiet around here.  Bob and Ann are in bed and B has gone to a meeting.  I'm tired tonight for I have cleaned all day.  When we had those wonderful spring days I got the cleaning spirit so started to house clean.  It took me three days to do our bedroom but I feel that it is really clean.  I never did get to it last fall.  The rugs never were cleaned last fall either but the cleaner has promised to take them in mid-April.  I clean them with Glamorene but they get so dirty here that they need a thorough job once in awhile. 

It is real cold again and snowed a bit last night.  Today was cold enough to keep it from all melting but the sun was bright.

I finally found a suit pattern I liked but now to find time to make the suit.  I have a piece of real heavy silk shantung and it will make a nice suit.  It is beige but I wish it was navy.  I couldn't get navy when I bought it for they didn't have it.

Bob is still awake and he wants me to tell you he has about 100 marbles.  He says he is collecting them.  All the first grade kids have them and they trade until Bob has a different bunch every day.  We are cleaning his room now and he has it all planned to rearrange his furniture.  I don't know how it will turn out.

The first grade has been talking about plants so Bob took a geranium and a sprouted radish to school today.  They planted peas today in paper cups.  I have the prettiest sweet potato vine and he wants to take that to school too.  I'm afraid it would never get there without breaking.

Hope you both are fine."

                 Lots of love,

                       Bonnie

NOTE:  Bob and I were thrilled to find the marble collection recently.  The bag was made out of a scrap leftover from our bedroom curtains. 

March 12, 1955 The Indians, The Gamma Phi Circus, The Earring and The Chicago Trip

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Another Friday already.  Ann's class had a program about Indians this afternoon so I have been to that.  They made costumes and it was real cute.  I took some pictures and I hope they will be good.

Tonight is the school circus and the kids are excited about going to that.  The college students put it on and they usually have a professional or two to perform.  Bloomington is winter quarters for lots of circus people.

Image from The Index, ISNU Yearbook

Ann went back to school on Wednesday.  She still had lots of chicken pox scabs left.  One was hanging on her ear today and I took it off.  She informed me that she wanted that left on for an earring.

The weather has finally turned nice.  We are all enjoying it and I have been doing some cleaning.  Seems like I have more pep when the weather is nice.  Of course, I can get more done when I don't have kids under my feet.

I sure do like my new blouse.  It came Monday and you couldn't have sent anything nicer.

Buddy told us at Xmas that they were coming up right away, but then the winter turned so awful no one could go anywhere.

I still haven't written to Roger.  I am so behind with my letter writing.

B enjoyed his Chicago trip.  There were three meetings he attended.  He actually took part in only one.  Sen. Fulbright was a speaker at one meeting.

Bob still likes piano.  I think the class is doing fine.  There are 12 children in all.

Ann is outside with some good shoes on so I'd better go see to her.  She is hard to keep up with."

                     Lots of love,

                           Bonnie

NOTE:  The picture above of the kindergarten "Indian Day" is the only one I could find.  I remember making the milk carton moccasins and the fringed grocery sack vests.  Cowboys and Indians was a favorite activity throughout the year. 

March 5, 1955 The Coma, The Funeral, The Chicken Pox and The Nice Birthday

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This has really been some week!  B got up and took the 4 a.m. train to Chicago last Saturday and the came home that evening.  We were busy Sunday then getting him ready to leave in the afternoon for Chicago again.

One of our old maid friends has been very sick for a long time.  She had been in a coma for three days and Toni and I have been called up there so much.  The other two old maids would get worried and call us.  They called me Sunday morning and she was taking on so badly.  Toni and I took turns staying with them and she finally died while I was there.  I had to leave to take B to the train so Toni stayed while the undertaker was there and until some other friends came.

The children were upset about Janey's death as well as B's leaving so I've stayed right with them most of the week.  Ann went with us to the piano class but got bored so I hope I don't have to take her any more.

While the children were at school Monday I went and visited with the Ladies (the same ones we call the old maids) and then on Tuesday Lola Rine and I went to the funeral home during school time.  Ann began breaking out with chicken pox that night but didn't feel too bad.  She doesn't do badly in the day but doesn't sleep much at night.

Granny Watterson kept all the children so Toni and I went to the funeral.  It was Catholic and was held in a little town about 15 miles from Bloomington.  We were gone all morning.  Most of the service was in Latin but he preached the short sermon in English of course.

B came home last night and we were all sure glad to see him.  It is sort of lonesome around here when he's gone.

I had a nice birthday.  I got several packages and a lot of cards.  Toni made a surprise birthday cake for me and after school the children gave me a birthday party.

I forgot to say that all three of Toni's children took chicken pox when Ann did.  This is some house full of kids.  Bob is happy to be done with it all."

                 Love to you both,

                         Bonnie

NOTE:  For this birthday and several to come, B would give Bonnie jewelry he purchased in Japan, including the silver bamboo pieces pictured above.

February 25, 1955 Lost Letters, Ann Sneaks Around and Enough Cold and Snow

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Our letters must have got lost last week.  We heard from the Belshes today and they hadn't had our letter either.  We wrote at the usual time and you should have had them.

Bob went back to school today and Ann still hasn't taken the chicken pox.  Lynn sure was disgusted because she couldn't have them the same time Bob did.  It would have been nice.  They could have entertained one another.  He kept me jumping to find things to do.  There were two days that he felt bad but got along very well.  He didn't have many on his face but lots on his back and the marks are still there.

B and I went to school last night to a meeting of first grade parents.  Ann was still up when we got home.  I had her in bed when I left but she wasn't asleep.  As we went out the door B said if we waited five seconds we'd see her come down the steps.  This new sitter is good with the kids but can't get Ann to bed if she is awake or wakes up later.

Since Bob got sick I haven't done anything to the house so I've tried to do some cleaning today.  I didn't get very far, though.

It is still a little cold but Ann took her tricycle out yesterday and had such a good time.  We've had our share of cold and snow.

It is about time for the kids to come home so I'd better stop.  There isn't any news to write anyway."

               Love,

                    Bonnie

NOTE:  In the national news there was much debate about the existing U.N. charter.  Middle East peace and security concerns were prominent in discussion in Feb., 1955 leading to the Baghdad Pact between Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and the U.K.  Conflicts between Israel and Egypt were escalating.  There was always much discussion in our household about current world events and politics.  One of my earliest recollections is of Bonnie saying that she didn't believe there would be peace in the Middle East in her lifetime, or during that of her children's.  At the time I had no idea what she meant.