Grandma's Christmas Letters: 1958

My paternal grandmother wrote a Christmas letter annually which she then copied and sent to friends and family.  She also kept a copy for herself. Re-reading them as a family historian gives me a new insight into her daily life. Below is a transcription of one of her letters; I've tried to keep her actual words, punctuation and grammar intact. (This particular letter was long with no breaks so I added line breaks for readability.)

1958

Dear Friends,

Christmas 1958

Now comes the days of address books and the dilatory pen, when friendships wilted are doused with ink, in hopes they will bloom again….Yes it is Christmas time again, although I've been so busy, I can't believe it. We are all happier when busy, aren't we?

We are getting in the spirit in the court-house today, by decorating the huge tree in the lobby… If I have the Annual dinner in the New Catholic Church dining-room next week… There will be some changes in the office personnel next year, so it will be a farewell to some - but they always seem to not mind.

I have a college student this fall quarter she is very good help, catches on quickly. I shall be sorry when she has to leave… She remarked that she will regret leaving, even tho we have been extremely busy, this is one community she has enjoyed very much. We also have two students at the hospital for experience in a rural type of community…

I go to Brookings often, where Bob and his family live. Their family is the same, except the children are growing up fast. Joel (almost 9) John (almost 8) and Julie (6) in school; Lynne (4) & Paul (2½) keep Ardis busy at home… Bob found time to build a cabin boat this summer. They had it out on Lake Poinsett a few times, but hope to have more fun next year…

Glenn and Darlene are in Pottstown, Pa. He is still with Honeywell and Darlene works in surgery in one of the hospitals nearby… Guess that they like it better in Mpls., but they will soon be acquainted. I visited them this summer & we took a trip of the Eastern seacoast. We saw some of New York City, many places of interest in Pa., R. I., & Mass. It is a trip I won't soon forget. Darlene's folks and Bob & family also paid them a visit this summer. They have a nice apartment, which they're having fun furnishing. They will not try to come for Christmas.

Althia & Paul have a new grandson-Paul and Marlene have a 6 mo old baby boy-Bryan Alan. They now live in SC. Rog & Carol are in the Sports car business in Tulsa.…

Guess this sums it up for this year… And hope to hear your news very soon… Best wishes

Myrle

Christmas Letters

Photos are in the author's personal collection.