Grandma's Christmas Letters: 1959

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 seems to end abruptly with no closing or signature.)

Christmas in Miller

1959

Dear         ,

Christmas 1959

Here it is practically Christmas and I'm just writing my letter. Could it be that I am slowing down? Or is it that I am busier than ever? Every year seems busier.

Being on the Hospital Board and Auxiliary Red Cross Home Nursing and First Aid Programs and Increasing interest and Dental Health Organization all take their toll of my time. Mental health programs, are certainly in the news. For the senior citizens especially broadened program, it is the use of our Loan Closet. It doesn't seem that we can crowd in another category into the public health picture.

Our immunization clinics broadened to include polio shots for adults. The attendance for both children & adults broke all previous records. Which is good news but makes more work. Volunteer help is wonderful and willing, but so many are now on full time jobs, so available health is limited. So that is what makes me busy, and sometimes pretty tired. All of my friends say the same things so guess that it is the same with others.

Miller is not standing still, many changes have taken place. New curbs & new paving, new business places are going up fast, and many more in the planning stage. Supermarkets with increased parking areas are being planned. To the North we have the new Lutheran Church and Wilber's huge Feed and Seed store. Also theUltra modern sunset Motel, electically heated, wall to wall carpeting with TVs… So if you pass through Miller do stop. To the NE we have the new Biddle Addition of pretty new homes and the New Trailer Court, and way out east the new Chevy "Show-room" with plenty of room for Used cars. The new armory adds to our enjoyment, it is roomy and well lighted-even the parking area, does not invite some of "sparking" in the parking.

That is Miller and my center of interest altho I have a great interest in Bob's work in Brookings. He is with Midwestern Homes now. He and Ardis have renamed their company to "The Pauldo Builders" includes both their middle names. Building in Bkgs is making great strides. My family there is planning on moving into their new split level home soon. Joel; John; Julie and Lynn are in school 4th; 3rd; 2nd; and Kindergarten-only Paul remains at home now. The older ones are taking piano, so guess that Ardis is kept busy. She likes to sew-I don't get down there very often, but when I retire-I should move closer perhaps.

Glenn and Darlene will be flying home for Xmas week, both are very busy. D works in an OB doctor's office pms and Glenn still keeps busy at Honeywell. Their address is 966 Warren Str. Pottstown, PA. If you should be in that area they would love to have you stop. We will try to visit as many relatives and friends as possible while they are at home.

I spent a few days at Potato Lake with Althia and Paul in their Lake Cottage, spent some pleasant hours with relatives and friends up there, and enjoyed boat rides on their Lake. Paul & Marleen have a baby boy, Brian. Marlene is Home Ec instructor at a new school (in Riverside area). Roger and Carol also live in Soo City, and are both employed-Carol in a clerical position in the school system, and Roger with the City management. Paul Sr is pretty well and Althia is taking a few courses at Briar Cliff College. Both Rog and Paul are building new homes.

Our courthouse is showing the Christmas spirit with the big Christmas tree in the lobby and wreaths on the office doors.


(Note - the letter ends abruptly here.)

Christmas Letters

Photos are in the author's personal collection.