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

November 11, 1944 "A Bell for Adano", Surviving the Dames Meeting and Angel Food Cake with Chocolate Sauce

See details below for image source

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I guess we're getting all the cold weather.  Today is pretty but cold and windy.  We have plenty of heat so we don't mind the cold weather.  We would like to have some of your tomatoes.  For a quarter we get about four medium sized greenhouse tomatoes and they haven't much taste.  Eggs are .68 for large ones and .58 for medium ones.

Our Dames meeting was perfect.  There were about thirty there and everyone had a good time.   I had to welcome the new girls and the faculty wives who came and I was plenty nervous.  My welcome speech went off fine, though.  The Dean's wife is our adviser and she sent us a huge bouquet of beautiful mums.  They were all yellow and deep red.  I had never seen any like some of them.  I brought them home and they are still pretty.  We had angel food cake with chocolate sauce and coffee for dessert.

I finally found a dress.  It is black jersey (part wool) and trimmed in sequins.  It is real pretty but it almost broke my heart and pocketbook because it cost $16.95.

Is Beulah feeling any better?  What is wrong?

We are going to a play this afternoon.  Tickets were cheaper for the afternoon so we thought we'd take advantage of it.  The play is "A Bell For Adano" and is based on the book.

Next Wednesday evening we're going to a dinner at Hopkins.

I hope you got the Time.  We were so busy last week I didn't get it mailed very early.  It seems that we're on the hop every minute.

Take care of yourselves and write soon."

                                           Lots of love,

                                                 B & Bonnie


NOTE from Ann:  Below is a review of the book, A Bell for Adano.

John Knight "JK" (Davis, CA USA) -John Hersey would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize and become a prominent star in the pantheon of twentieth century writers. This book was written during World War II and was a best-seller when released in 1944. And it still resonates today. In short, it is the story of an American officer given civil responsibility for overseeing the coastal Italian town of Adano following its liberation by American forces.

How Major Victor Joppolo goes about this task is interesting as are the variety of Italians-former fascists and anti-fascists alike--he meets and, eventually, wins over. More gripping, though, is the character of Jappolo himself who, in many ways, Hersey repressents as Everyman--or at least EveryAmercicanman. He is practical, yet sentimental. He wants to do good, but also wants to be loved. He has a strong sense of loyalty, yet hungers after an Italian woman despite loving his wife back home. He admires the Italians, but shapes them in our American mold. He is--in modern psychobabble--conflicted; imperfect, yet very admirable.
The title refers to the city's most prominent--it has dozens of them--bell which for seven hundred years called the people to work, to eat, to love, to church, to life. It was shipped away by the retreating Germans to be made into bullets at some northern foundry. Its lack leaves a gaping wound in the civic fabric. Joppolo, of course, gets the town a replacement bell. How he does it fills you with pride. His first hearing of its strong voice can break your heart. This is a worthwhile book both as a story and as a still provocative look at the American character.

And for comments on the stage play:
http://tragedyandcomedyinnewengland.blogspot.com/2009/03/bell-for-adano-at-shubert-new-haven.html

Angel Food Cake (adapted from New Hood Cookbook, 1939)

Sift 1 cup of flour 4 times.  Beat 1 cup of egg whites until foamy.  Add 1/4 tsp. salt and 3/4 tsp. cream of tartar.  Continue beating until stiff but not dry.  Fold  in 2T at a time 1-1/4 c. sifted sugar.  Sift small amount of flour over mixture, and fold in carefully; continue until all is used.  Fold in 3/4 tsp. vanilla.  Turn into ungreased angel food pan.  Bake in slow oven, (275) 20 minutes; increase heat slightly (325) and bake 40 minutes longer.  remove from oven, invert pan for 1 hour or until cake is cold.

 Easy Chocolate Sauce

Melt 2 sq. unsweetened chocolate and add 1 can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk.  Cook until thick.  Thin with milk to desired consistency and add a little vanilla.  

NOTE:  Eagle Brand milk has been around since 1856.  According to the Borden website, it was developed as an effort to combat the growing problem of illness related to the lack of refrigeration.  It was credited at the time for lowering the infant mortality rate as well.  Apparently a 1920s recipe contest yielded 80,000 entries for clever uses of the product.  Elsie the Cow, and her partnership with Eagle Brand gained significant popularity in the '30s and was featured in the 1939 World's Fair.  At that time, Eagle Brand milk soared in popularity.   One of my first kitchen memories is of Bonnie boiling a can of Eagle Brand for a very long time, cutting off the ends of the can and producing one huge caramel as a result.

April 29, 1972 The Sewing Week, The Yard Work, The Angel Food Cake, The New Dean and The Notes

Dear Mother,

"The day is half gone and I haven't done much toward cleaning up the house. I cut out a jacket dress for myself and that took longer than I expected. This has been a sewing week and I haven't done much else. There is one more snap to put on and Ann will have a new dress and a playsuit. Both of the things were harder to make than they looked so it seems I've been at them a long time. The Post Office is closed here all day Saturday so I can't mail them until Monday.

B is going to mow the lawn again this afternoon but it has been too cold for any other yard work. My garden has to be done over. We covered the tomatoes but it didn't help. The cold got them anyway and they were growing so nicely. The petunias didn't seem to be hurt.

I had a letter from Bessie today. There wasn't much news except that Buddy is back at work full time.

B had a quiet birthday. I had ordered him a new camera bag and it came a day late but he liked it and needed it. We bought his old one in Japan when we were there so it was about to fall apart.

I made him an angel food cake from scratch but it didn't come out like they used to for me. It was about half as big and I don't know why. The sugar wasn't very fine but I did all the sifting and everything. It tasted fine but wasn't very tall. That's my last one because the package ones are so easy and good.

I'd like to see Maxine. It has been years. I don't even try to write (stories) anymore. It takes too much time and it's too hard. Besides, there are so many things I enjoy doing more and I never have time for any of them.

B has to go to school this afternoon to meet with the new dean. He will be here full time June 1 but comes about every two weeks and stays a few days trying to learn about the school's operation. I'll be glad when he comes to stay but hope he doesn't work everyone to death. This school year will soon be over and I just hope next year won't be so hectic.

I must stop and write a note to the kids. Hope you are fine."

                   Love,

                       Bonnie



NOTE: If you want to make an Angel Food cake from scratch, here's the recipe:

http://www.annbkennedy.blogspot.com/2012/03/november-11-1944-bell-for-adano.html

April 8, 1944 Sewing, B Wants Angel Food, Letters to Write, Eggs and Honey Angel Cake

Third Anniversary

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"The weather this week has been simply crazy.  One day we had a lot of snow on the ground and next day it was all gone and real warm.  Today the rain is pouring.   I had intended to go to town and try to find me some blue shoes, but I hate to go in the rain.

B has gone to school to do some studying.  Since yesterday was Good Friday I didn't have to go to school.  I cleaned the apartment and yesterday afternoon took some sewing and went to Caughlan's to use the machine.  I made a white scarf to put in my new coat and put a zipper and band on a skirt.  You know that navy dress of mine that had all of the pleats in the skirt--I ripped the waist off and fixed it so I could wear it as a skirt.  When I find time I'm going to make the blouse Beulah sent to go with it.  I went out on the bus and when B came after me they insisted that we stay for supper and we had a very nice time.

Last Saturday our friend, Dave, came to see us.  We hadn't seen him in a long time because he is teaching too and doesn't come to New Haven much.

I went to the Dames Hospital Unit Tuesday night.  We always get a lot done and it's very interesting to learn to do all the different things and know how they use them.

The birthday card Bonnie sent to her mother

We'll try to go to church tomorrow but it doesn't look like Easter bonnets will be appropriate from today's weather.  Mother, we thought of you yesterday and hoped you had a happy birthday.  Did you get the package?  it wasn't much but I hope you like it.  We sent Stevie some sox, paint book, paints and crayons.  It is so hard to find anything decent for the money you have to spend.

I had a letter from Buddy last week.  They must have a typewriter because he had typed it.  My letters pile up on me so fast.  We owe seven letters.  I guess you wonder who I write to, but Helen S. sent me a beautiful card my birthday, and I write to two girls that I worked with but have left new Haven, besides Beulah, Buddy, Rosalynn, Horace, Billy Young that used to be here from Springfield and you and B's folks.

We will soon be married three years.  For our anniversary present we subscribed to Fortune Magazine.  The rate is $10. a year but B got an offer through Yale of $6. so we thought it was worth it.

Do you have the car fixed?  I hope Daddy doesn't try to walk home for lunch.  That would be so hard.  I saw in the Mirror that mechanics were wanted at Fort Wood.  Why doesn't Daddy apply?  It would be a relief from that store.

We don't know whether B will have to go into a defense plant or not.  In fact we don't have time to think about it.  He works day and night trying to get everything he can, done.  After our trip home he wants to spend the rest of the time reading for his thesis.

I'm glad John Henry was rejected.  He is ruptured, isn't he?  Is that what kept him out of the army?  Aunt Cliffie has a time with her kids.  I hope Junior is better.  What is wrong with Dr. Oliver?

I wish I could get into your egg basket.  We'd have angel food and scrambled eggs and everything.  We use quite a lot of eggs.  The best ones are about .45, which isn't bad.  B is always wishing for angel food and wrote his mother the strongest hint I ever read, the other day.  I made all kinds of fun of him but she wrote back and said it would probably dry out before it got here.

I must get busy so write soon."

                                                                Lots of love,

                                                                           B & Bonnie

NOTE:  Images of Yale, c 1940, are postcards from B's collection.


Honey Angel Cake

Heat ungreased 10" angel pan in 375 oven.  Beat till frothy 1-1/2 c. egg whites (about 10 eggs) with 1/2 tsp. salt.  Add and beat till peaks stand, 2 tsp. cream of tartar.  Gradually beat in 1/2 c. strained honey.  Sift together and fold in 1 c. fine granulated sugar and lightly by thirds (wire whisk) and 1 c. sifted cake flour.  Fold in 1 tsp. vanilla.  Remove heated pan from oven and pour in batter.  Thump pan several times on table.  Bake 30 min. @ 375.  Cool completely and wrap tightly and freeze until ready to eat.

April 30, 1947 The Late Letter, The Blouse, The Afghan Conflict, The Pan, The Jello Molds and The Extreme Hat

Bonnie's Hatbox

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I am wondering why I don't hear from you.  It has been well over a week and everyday I think I'll get a letter.  I hope none of you are sick.

I finally got your blouse done, Mother, and B mailed it this morning.  I hope it fits and that you like it.  Just a month late for your birthday!

The gold buttons were .09 a piece and I'm still looking for the buckle for the dress.

We had a real nice time in New York Saturday.  We left early (about 6:30) and were there when the stores opened at 9:30.  B browsed around in camera shops while I went to the department stores.  I bought an angel cake pan and some jello molds.  B wanted an angel cake for his birthday but there wasn't a cake pan to be found around here so his birthday cake will be late.  I found two patterns of china that would be fine for you but the price is double what is listed in that booklet you gave me.  One pattern had a gold band with a bunch of pink flowers in the center--it was lovely.  That was $208. for 63 pieces.  The other set had a dark red band and a little gold--it was $250 something.  You would like either pattern I know.

The well-used angel food cake pan and jello molds from NY

We have found out that we can stay here another year.  The housing situation is just as bad as ever here so we talked it over and they said we could stay.  It was a great relief to us.

I'm still struggling along with this afghan.  I'm so tired of it that I just hate to work on it.  Maybe one of these days I'll get it done. 

Sunday we called on the Richards and they have their old house all fixed up now and are starting work on the yard and outbuildings.  The house is like a picture book.  They painted the outside a dark dull red with white trim.  Everything about the house has been left as it was when it was built in the 1700s--the old beam ceilings the wide floor boards and everything.  It is very interesting.

The all-school banquet was nice last week.  Only about half of the students came but there were over 700 there at that.  They served a turkey dinner which was pretty good.  The place was decorated like a circus and everything was so pretty.  We had music and speeches for entertainment.

May is practically here and it is still cool.  It looks warm out but the wind is cold.

I bought a new black hat (straw) at a sale last week.  It is pretty extreme but cute.

Well, I do hope you're all all right.  Maybe your letter got lost.  Write soon."

            Lots of love,

                     B & Bonnie

August 28, 1948 Baking in the Heat, Getting Ready to Move, The Fine Flowers and Cocoa Chiffon Cake

Image courtesy of http://recipecurio.com

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Happy Birthday, Daddy.  I hope your package got there yesterday.  Are you all melted there?  It has been awful outside but we keep the house closed & with the fan going it is fairly comfortable.  It rained yesterday afternoon so things have cooled off.

Thanks for the dime but you shouldn't have bothered with it.

School was out yesterday so B will have two weeks of vacation before the fall term begins.  Most of the schools are starting Monday.

We are beginning to think about the move.  We will be here till next Fri. or Sat. so after that write to 308 North Street, Normal.  We're getting anxious and are going to be plenty busy all next week.  The grapes are ripe and we want to make jelly this week, too.  I picked a few this morning & have them stemmed.  If we can get the stuff in the house, we're going to take most of our things out of storage.  We'll have to leave the refrigerator, breakfast set & a couple chests of drawers.  I'd sure like to use my own refrigerator but there isn't room in the kitchen for both.

Have you seen the cocoa chiffon cake recipe in the new Journal?  I couldn't resist it so have one in the oven.  It sure smells good & I hope it will be. 

Bobby has been so good today.  He gets along fine with his egg and potato now.  They take the place of meat and soup every few days and it gives him more variety.  He is growing up--doesn't take a morning nap unless I push him in the buggy.  Then it's real short.  But he naps right after lunch and goes to sleep right after supper--sometimes 5:15 or 5:30.  He still has breakfast at 7:00 and doesn't waken till 6:30 or 6:45.

My flowers are fine.  The Oxalis is real thick & blooms constantly.

Are you rested, Mother?  I hope so and hope it has cooled off some.

Bobby sends a big smile with a hug & kiss for you both."

              Lots of love,

                      B, Bonnie & Baby

Cocoa Chiffon Cake

Preheat oven to 350 for an 8 or 9" pan.  Stir until smooth and then cool, 3/8 c. boiling water and 1/4 c. cocoa.  Measure and sift together into mixing bowl, 7/8 c. sifted Softasilk flour, 7/8 c. sugar, 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Make a well in the center and add in order, 1/4 c. cooking oil, 4 unbeaten egg yolks, 1/2 tsp. vanilla and 1/8 tsp. red food coloring, if desired.  Beat with spoon until smooth.  Measure into large mixing bowl, 1/2 c. egg whites and 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar.  Whip until whites form very stiff peaks.  They should be much stiffer than for angel food or meringue.  Pour egg yolk mixture gradually over whipped egg whites-gently folding just until blended.  Do not stir.  Pour into ungreased pan immediately and bake for 30 - 35 minutes.   Immediately turn pan over and rest edges on top of 2 other pans until cool.  Prepare icing:  Place bowl in ice water, beat until spreading consistency 1 c. sifted powdered sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1/4 c. milk, 3 sq. unsweetened chocolate, melted, 1 T shortening and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. 

April 24, 1948 A Crib, A Buggy, A Walker, Dinner for 1500 and Sponge Cake

B and his Committee, Spring, 1948

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"How are you?  We are all fine.  The weather has been pretty nice this week so Bobby and I have been going outside every afternoon.  We never did find a crib but the girl upstairs brought hers down so now Bobby sleeps in that.  We leave the buggy in the hall downstairs for it is so heavy that I can't get it down by myself.  I had a letter from Beulah this week and she said I could have Jerry's walker.  I really want it but please don't paint it if you haven't already for they use special non-poisonous paint on baby things and I'd rather have it just as it is even if it is scarred up.  Beulah sent a picture of Charlotte.  She is so sweet but has changed so much.  I think she looks more like Beulah than she ever did before. 

Happy Birthday B! April 1948

Today is B's birthday and I baked an angel food yesterday.  I'm real proud of myself for it really is nice.  Of course B cut it last night.  He couldn't wait till today.  This morning I made a sponge cake with the yolks and it looks good too.  Wish you could come over for supper.

The All School Banquet, CCSU Yearbook photo, 1948

The all-college banquet was Wed. night and was a real nice affair.  The governor and lots of other big shots were there and in all there were about 1500 there.  I got my grey dress finished in time to wear and it looked nice with my red shoes.

How's the yard coming along?  I can hardly wait to see the house."

      Lots of love,

           Your kids       

Sponge Cake

Sift 1 c. of flour very well.  Beat 5 egg yolks until thick and lemon colored.  Add 1-1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind and 1-1/2 T lemon juice.  Beat until very thick.  Beat the egg whites with 1/4 tsp. salt until until stiff peaks form.  Gradually beat in a cup of sugar,  2 T at a time.  Fold in egg yolks and gradually fold in the flour, sifting about 1/2 c. at a time.  Put into ungreased tube pan and bake at 325 for about an hour.  Invert pan until cake cools.  Needs no icing, but a lemon glaze is nice.  

July 6, 1946 Pump Trouble, Congress Needs a Good Shaking, The Draft and Chicken Salad

Dear Mother & Daddy,    

"We've had pump trouble too.  It seems strange that in a city like this the school would have its own water supply, but it does.  There is a deep well and an electric pump.  It was haywire for several days but they finally got it fixed.  Luckily it worked part of the time everyday so we got along all right.

The weather has really been nice so far.  It is just about right for me although some people think it's pretty hot.  We had showers this morning and are supposed to have more tomorrow.  We hope not because we're going on a picnic with Sully and Bea.  We haven't seen them since before Christmas so we're going to get together tomorrow.  Just where we'll go we don't know but we're taking our lunch and just going.  We go just like you and Daddy do--start and end up no telling where.  It doesn't take long to get out of Conn. so we'll probably go to Rhode Island or New York state.

Syrup seems to be scarce here too.  We'll watch for it though and get some if we can.  We got some oleo this morning.  The papers say that stores downtown are getting 1.50 for butter.  They can just keep it as far as I'm concerned.

Prices are climbing since the OPA died and especially rent.  Congress certainly needs a good shaking.  It certainly makes me mad the way they dilly dally about such things when every minute means our dollar is worth less and less.

School is awfully boring to me.  I am so anxious to get through but I just have to make myself study.  No, I don't have afternoon classes.  They are from 9:25 - 12:05 but I have to study all afternoon for the next day so it's all the same in the end.  I didn't expect to have to study so much and thought I'd have time to sew or work on my afghan but I see now that I won't so I put my afghan away.

B was really pleased with the money but we both felt that you shouldn't have sent it.  I didn't even buy him anything.  No doubt it will go for photographic equipment of some kind.  Thanks a lot.  If I don't forget I'll send you one of the pictures. He forgot to put one in his mother's letter but he has one for her too.

We don't know what we'll do about moving.  We aren't worrying about it.  We don't think much about the draft anymore.  Of course, it's always in the back of our minds but we're going to plan things just like there wasn't such a thing as the draft so you stop worrying about it too.

School is out August 9th so we will probably start home some time the next week.  It will take us about three days to drive it which is much longer than by train.  That's because we can't drive all night or as fast as the train.

We had a real nice time at Hill's.  She had a cold supper of chicken salad, cottage cheese, peas, potato chips, ice cream and angel food cake.  We were the only guests.  Their son and his wife were there.  He has been in the army and is our age.

I am having the Journal sent to you since I don't know what our address will be.  Then you can send it to me after we get moved.  I never did get the last one.  I guess it went to our old address.

Write soon."

                      Lots of love,

                            B & Bonnie

NOTES from Ann:  For an interesting article about government regulations and the OPA use the link:  http://www.thefreemanonline.org/columns/the-1946-voter-revolt-against-government-regulation/


Bonnie's Chicken Salad

Boil a fryer, cool, bone and chop white meat into 1" pieces.   Save the dark meat for another purpose. 

Combine 1 c. sliced green grapes, 1 c. pineapple chunks, 1/2 c. toasted slivered almonds, 1/2 c. sliced water chestnuts and 1/2 c. sliced celery.  Prepare a dressing of Miracle Whip, sugar, salt and pepper and use only enough to bind ingredients. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors. Serve on Boston bibb lettuce.

March 2 and 11, 1950 A Real Nice Birthday, A Waste of Time, A Terrible Worry, Blue Suede Shoes and The Machine Went Haywire

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I didn't get your letter yesterday as I usually do but it will probably come this morning.  Your card came Monday.  I got a lot of birthday cards and had a real nice birthday.  I made a white layer cake with lemon filling and we had broiled T-bones which we all just love.  Mabel sent me some washable house slippers, Rosalynn a linen hankie and B's folks some earrings.  B gave me crystal and perfume.  I was so pleased with it.  Now I have 6 goblets and 2 sherberts in Fostoria Holly.  I have enough money to buy 4 more pieces and think I'll get 2 of each for I'll probably need the 8 goblets more than I would 6 of each.

I haven't sewed a stitch on my brunch coat but made a smock instead.  It is tiny black and white checked sharkskin and I put a white collar on it.  It is real pretty and neat and I'll wear it for dress-up with the skirt of that black maternity dress we made that summer.  It makes a nice combination.  The old dress cleaned real pretty and I got a bright scarf to liven it up a bit.  So far, I can still wear a very few of my clothes but it won't be long before they won't zip so I want to get a few things made.  B and I are going to learn to use my button-holer as soon as I get buttons for my smock and we used the food chopper on my mixer for the first time last night--sure is fine.

It looks like school will begin next week sometime--probably Wednesday.  This has been such a waste of time for us.  I do wish we could have come home because Bobby is talking so much now I would like all of you to hear him and see how he's grown.  We have an appointment for his yearly check-up on Wed.  He is 36" tall and we're anxious to see how much he weighs.

I forgot to tell you he went to the barber shop for a haircut.  He was a little angel about it and laughed when the barber used the clippers.  The barber was very good, though--so slow and friendly and careful.  Then he gave Bobby a stick of candy and that helped even more.

I was going to go have mine cut so Evelyn could give me a perm. and Bobby cried to go again.  I never did find the woman's barber in so Toni is going to cut it next week.

I found me some low heeled blue shoes downtown.  They are suede and real pretty.  I also found some material on sale and got enough for a housecoat to take to the hospital.  It is white satin with big pastel flowers on it and will make a beautiful housecoat.

Hope you are both fine as we are.

                 Lots of love,

                       B, Bonnie & Bobby

(over)

I was making out a grocery list yesterday and asked Bobby what we should buy at the store.  His answer was, "Bobby an ice cream cone."

Your letter came and I'm so sorry Daddy's sick.  Hope he's O.K. again by now.  There is some flu but not much here."

NOTE:  Truman responded to reporters' questions about the coal situation in his news conference of March 2, 1950:  http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=13717

For the favorite birthday cake recipe, use this link:  http://annbkennedy.blogspot.com/2012/02/may-6-1944-still-sewing-b-chooses-topic.html

Bonnie's favorite perfume was  My Sin, as seen above in the ad from the New Yorker, 1950.

March 5, 1950

March 11, 1950

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"My appointment at the Dr's. is at 1:00 so I'll try to write a short letter before lunch.  I am fine and am anxious to see what I weigh.

Bobby was fine at the Dr's. on Wed.  He is 36" tall and weighs 29-1/2 lbs.  We got him some shoes while downtown and he's so proud of them.

School began on Wed. but Rosemary is having to quit.  She doesn't have money or clothes and is hunting a job.  She has been wearing her roommates clothes and it has worried me terribly since she told me.  Eve, Toni and I are finding some clothes for her and think we can outfit her till she makes money to buy her some new ones.  She will sit with Bobby at night but probably won't be able to help me in the daytime.  That is all right, though, if she can just find a job.  I really don't need extra help but it's nice to have.

I had to stop so now I'm back from the Dr.  Everything is fine but I have to go every two weeks now.  It should be easier to check my weight by going more often.  I've gained 3 lbs. in 3 weeks--too much pie.

The material came today and I'm thrilled to get it.  It is the exact thing I've been wanting but had found only one piece which was 1.98 a yd. and that's too much so was still looking.  You couldn't have pleased me more with anything.  I'm doing pretty well with my clothes.  Toni lent me a suit, a jumper and her good maternity dress.  I've been wearing the suit.  The jumper will do for afternoons and I'll save the dress for special dress-up since it was her best.

I haven't done any sewing.  We started making button holes in my smock and the machine went haywire so I called Sears.  They replaced a part in the shuttle and didn't charge for it.  The man said my machine needed to be used and would last as long as I live.  The button-holer is sure nice.

Little David is gaining fast and is so sweet.  Toni trimmed my hair and it sure looks better.  I didn't have to have a permanent.

I've intended to write to Beulah all week, but just didn't get it done.

I must stop so we can mail this.  I have misplaced your letter so if you asked any questions, you'll have to ask again.  Hope you are all fine."

          Lots of love,

               B, Bonnie & Bobby

NOTE:  Truman's brief news conference on March 9, 1950 covered a wide range of issues, peppered with classic Truman humor, from federal aid to education to statehood for Alaska and Hawaii to the pending civil rights bill and Sen. McCarthy's "charges".  For the complete text:  http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=13724

December 25, 1953 Christmas at Kwansei Gakuin 59 Years Ago Today

Diary Entry:  Dec. 25, 1953

"Bob up first.  Brought sock to our bed to empty.  Waited for Ann to waken. All went down.  Flowers in hall from Kita-san and Teruko-san.  Kita-san had battledores under tree for children.  Teruko-san gave them geta and me a book of origami.

From Bonnie's origami collection

Opened gifts & after breakfast started dinner. Turkey already in oven.  Doorbell rang all day.  Mail came three times, gifts from neighbors all day for children.

Ann & I went to Brays for little tea party. 
Kita-san & Teruko-san left for the rest of day after dinner (ate dinner with us but would not sit at our table). Quick supper & children went to bed with toys.  Bob pulled his loose tooth after he went to bed--lower right front next to eye tooth."

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Merry Christmas!  Our Christmas day is over but yours is just beginning.  I can almost hear Daddy banging the furnace door.  The children are asleep in bed now with toys piled all around them.  I'll have to take them out before I go to bed or Ann may be up playing dolls in the middle of the night.  We have had a big day and the children have been so good and happy but we've thought a lot about home too.  Bobby was the first one up this morning and found his filled sock.  He came slipping into our room and emptied all the things on our bed.  He and Ann had the same things in their socks--a bottle of olives, a chocolate Santa (Bob insisted it was an old man playing a fiddle & it didn't really look much like Santa) a box of caramels and a little rhythm toy like they had at kindergarten here.  Caramels are typical Japanese candy.  They sell them everywhere in little boxes for 20 yen (.05) and they are real good.  Bob had a hard time waiting for Ann to wake up & after she emptied her sock we all went downstairs together.  The first hing we saw was a big bouquet of flowers that Teruko-san and Kita-san had for us in the hall.  It had poinsettia, carnations, mums & white lilies in it.  We had lots of packages under our tree and the children didn't waste any time getting at them.  Bobby got a fishing rod & reel, a toy boat, an erector set, an accordian, a top, a book and some Japanese shoes (geta) and a Japanese game.  Our help gave the children both shoes and the game.  Ann loves to wear hers but Bob hasn't even bothered.

He says it is too cold.  I forgot to tell you what he told a neighbor about the sock he was going to hang up Xmas eve.  He was going to get one with a big hole and put a big box under the hole so Santa would have to keep putting things in the sock.  Ann got 2 dolls (one a funny stuffed Japanese doll that has a squeaker in its middle), a music box, an accordion, a toy car, some blocks, a stuffed animal (from University boys). 

The damascene compact

B got a gadget bag for his camera stuff, a book & a Japanese game something like checkers.  I got a carving set, a necklace, a compact & a piece of silk tweed.  

When we finally got ourselves dressed I helped Teruko-san get dinner and here is our menu--Turkey & dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, candied sweet potatoes, cauliflower, apple nut salad in jello, olives, celery, carrot sticks & radishes, hot rolls, mincemeat pie & coffee.  Sounds good, doesn't it and I still feel like a stuffed toad.  We invited Teruko-san and Kita-san to eat with us but they did not want to sit at the table with us so we fixed them a table in the kitchen.  They always eat in the kitchen but Bob wanted them to eat with us so badly.  They are uncomfortable eating with knives & forks so that is all right.  They enjoyed their dinner anyway.  Kita-san always eats what we do but Teruko-san cooks her own Japanese food.  After dinner Ann went to a little tea party but Bob stayed right with his toys.  One of his friends came and played a while.  I think we amazed Teruko-san and Kita-san by telling them to do as they chose after the dishes were washed but I saw no reason for anyone having to work more than was necessary on Christmas day.  They went off happy and I set out leftovers for supper.  It seems that our doorbell has rung all day and we have had three mail deliveries.  People are still bringing cards and little presents for the children.  We got a nice gift from the Fulbright commission--a reimbursement for B's travel in the U.S. which amounted to almost $100.  We don't know how they figured it but on the basis of train fare which wasn't quite as much as the plane.  Our Christmas has been a big one and I am happily tired out so I think I'll say good night and finish this tomorrow.

Music box

This is Saturday night and the house still looks Christmasy even if we did take our tree out today for the children have had their toys everywhere all day.  We had turkey for supper again tonight and it looks like it will be turkey again for tomorrow.  

I'll go back in my diary now to where I wrote you last.  The stores and streets here were jammed  with shoppers shoving and pushing just as they are at home so we took the children shopping only once.  That was not a real shopping trip but to let them see the toys.  One department store had a life sized Santa at the toy department but he was bowing instead of laughing & chuckling like our Santas.  There was a newspaper photographer in the toys & he took the children's pictures.  Several days later there was a featured article in the paper on Christmas but we weren't in the paper.  I supposed he snapped a lot and chose the best ones.

On the 14th we bought a tree in the village flower shop and it was a real nice one.  The children had lots of fun decorating it & the only thing it didn't have was icicles.  We had lights & shiny ornaments, cotton & and a star.  It was a lovely tree and we all enjoyed it.  It was in front of a big double window and a walk is very near so lots of people stopped to enjoy it.  As long as the sun wasn't glaring brightly we had the lights on.

The Japanese women members of the women's club had charge of the last program so they had three musicians from a music school come and play for us on Japanese instruments.  They were a flute-like horn, a samisen (Japanese banjo) and a koto which is a long plank-like instrument with 13 strings which are plucked.  The music is unusual but interesting.  They played two modern Japanese pieces which were beautiful.  I hope we can get a record of them.  
One of the mission women and I have made preliminary arrangements with a Japanese woman to teach us Japanese water color.  We're to have our first class the last of January.  It should be very interesting.  The woman speaks some English.

The University Board of Trustees gave us a formal welcome on the 17th at a luncheon.  The food was all Japanese and very delicious but I didn't know what I was eating until I got home and B told me some of it was eel.  I'm glad I didn't know.  The luncheon started off with a custard which tasted like chicken and in this custard was baked chicken, nuts, pork & the eel.  It was really good.  Then there was tempura--shrimp, sweet potato slice, lotus root & mum leaves all dipped separately in batter and deep fried.  There was a big bowl of rice, green tea, a mikan (orange) and finally black tea with seaweed crackers.  We ate with chopsticks of course, but the waitresses brought B and me each a spoon which we didn't need.

That same day Bobby's kindergarten put on a Christmas program for the junior college.  Bobby was a shepherd and that night he went to bed signing carols in Japanese.  He is shy about his Japanese but seems to know a lot of it.

In the afternoon that day we gave B's students a party here.  We served cookies, candy & tea and had a lot of fun.  They brought some flowers to us and later brought Ann the stuffed toy and B a dictionary for Xmas.  The ones who come to our house are only a small group of the big English Speaking Club of the University.  B and I went to one of their big Christmas parties and it was very nice.  They had an all day affair on Christmas Eve and B went for a short while and gave a short talk on Christmas for them.  It is a very nice group of students.  

The University sent us a wonderful Christmas present--a big box of oranges and a big box of apples.  They are really good.

One of the missionaries is home from Korea for Christmas.  His family has to live here for at least two years before they can go to Korea.  We had prayer meeting at their house and he told about Korea.  He said the people there had such faith and were building churches when it looked like they couldn't build anything for the hills are bare of trees.  

We went to Bob's kindergarten Christmas program.  It was a typical Christmas program but all in Japanese except when they all sang "Merry Christmas to You" in English.  They even had Santa but the Japanese Santa is an old man walking with a cane.  They call him Grandpa Santa Claus.

The children had milk and doughnuts and the rest of us were served tea and cookies.  Each child had a gift--a lovely small cake and it was very good.  Now Bob is home for vacation until Jan. 8.  The children also got a Bible story book in Japanese.

Last Sunday we went to one of the Japanese professor's homes for tea.  He has lived in America, his wife was born there and his son was born in Chicago.  The boy has been fighting in Korea with U.S. troops and has gone back to America to finish his schooling.  He told his parents he would never come back here to live and they approved.  We had a very nice time and really enjoyed the afternoon.  Mrs. Arai teaches in a commercial college and some of her students were there to meet us.   Kita-san took the children to the zoo while we were gone and they had a time.  He let them ride on everything there.  It is an amusement park, too and they had fun.  Teruko-san was baptized that day so it was a big day for us all.

I finally made the chiffon cake and it turned out very nice.  I sent it to the party at the church for the G.I.s so don't know how it tasted.

Last Wed. night was our party for the missionary families--10 families and about 30 people in all.  Our little program was so nice.  Bobby was the H when they spelled Christmas and then in the pageant he was a shepherd, a wise man & a king in different scenes.  Ann was the angel that appeared before the shepherds and she looked like a real one.  She was all in white with tissue paper wings & her hair combed down.  In another scene she and I were Indian mother & child worshiping at the manger.  Then we had coffee, cool-aid for the kids, cookies & nut bread sandwiches.  I had made six kinds of cookies and two kinds of nut bread so we had lots to eat.  Everyone enjoyed it so much.

Images from the Golden Book of Christmas, 1953

Christmas Eve the Kwansei Gakuin church carolers came around and we served cookies and cocoa to the 25 singers.  They sang all the good old songs in Japanese but ended with Merry Christmas in English.  

Tell Beulah and Rosalynn I'll try to write to them soon.  Both of them wrote letters that go here Christmas Eve.  I owe Mabel a letter too.  Rosalynn's letter had been wet and a lot of it was completely gone--something about pictures & a tea pot.  She'll have to write it again.

Don't get too gay on New Year's Eve."

                      Lots of love to you all,

                             Bonnie 

  

 To the Kwansei Gakuin community, family, friends and readers far and wide, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful and happy New Year!  Thank you for reading!