Individual Details
Jeannette Karine Stayberg
(29 May 1905 - 8 Nov 1994)
Hudson Area Bio Index: Jeannette K. Stayberg
Source: HSO, 5 May 1949, is Census Enumerator; HSO, 17 Jan 1952, is Noble Grand of Lodge;
HSO, 5 May 1955, District Rebekah Secy-Treas; HSO, 2 May 1957, VP District Rebekah, p2;
HSO, 19 Sep 1957, Rebekah Gives Commission; HSO, 24 Apr 1958, Rebekah Dist Head; HSO, 16 Oct 1958, Special Recognition;
HSO, 23 Oct 1958, Heads Dist Rebekah Meet; HSO, 2 Jul 1959, Installed Conductor, pix; HSO, 22 Oct 1959, Makes Official Visit;
HSO, 14 Jul 1960, Grand Marshall Rebekah, pix; HSO, 10 Nov 1960, Special Recognition, pix;
HSO, 22 Jun 1961, Rebekah State Warden, pix, p4; HSO, 6 Jul 1961, Rebekahs Honor, pix, Sec II, p4;
HSO, 7 Dec 1961, Official Visits, pix, p2; HSO, 12 Apr 1962, State Officer, pix, p4; HSO, 26 Apr 1962, Inspects Lodges, p3, pix;
HSO, 28 Jun 1962, Rebekah State VP, pix; HSO, 28 Mar 1963, Official Rebekah Vis, pix; HSO, 2 May 1963, Make Official Visits, pix;
HSO, 20 Jun 1963, Pres Rebekah Assembly of Wisconsin, pix; HSO, 24 Oct 1963, State Reception For, pix, Sec II;
HSO, 24 Oct 1963, Rebekah Fetes, pix, p3; HSO, 18 Jun 1964, Presides at State Rebekah, pix;
HSO, 17 Sep 1964, Internat'l Appointment; HSO, 20 Jan 1966, Makes Encore as WM, pix;
HSO, 20 Apr 1967, at 4-State Meet, p4, pix; HSO, 9 Apr 1970, Program Leader, px, p7; HSO, 26 Aug 1971, Intern'l Reb. Rep, pix;
HSO, 4 Nov 1971, Awarded Highest Honor by IOOF, pix, p7; HSO, 20 Jan 1972, VP Ladies Aux Patriarchs Militant Canton 22 IOOF;
HSO, 20 Jan 1972, WM, OES, 3rd time, pix; HSO, 27 Sep 1973, Intern line off Rebekah, pix, p6;
HSO, 30 Oct 1975, Militants 1st VP, pix, p15; HSO, 30 Sep 1976, Heads Militants, pix, p20;
HSO, 28 Sep 1978, at Internat'l Meet, pix, Sec II; HSO, 17 Nov 1994, Obit, p18A
m: Hudson, 17 Jun 1926, Clarence P. Erickson **
HHS: 1925
b: 29 May 1905
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Carlton (Jeannette) Bonner of Concord CA and Mrs. Paul (Thelma) Willink of Baldwin; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clarence on Nov. 12, 1980; a son, Clarence John Erickson, a member of the Hudson Police Department who was shot and killed in a gun battle with a fleeing robber in June 1953; two brothers, John and Herbert Stayberg; a sister, Thelma Gartmann; and a daughter-in-law, Lorraine (Johnson) Erickson Heebink.
** Anoka MN, 19 Jan. 1927, on Marriage Certificate
(St. Croix County Forum, Hudson, 25Aug1927)
Mrs. C.P. Erickson and son went to Elmwood on Tuesday to visit a week with Mr. Erickson's people before her departure for Alabama the last of the month.
HSO, 30 Oct 1930, p5
Mrs. Clarence Erickson and children left on Wednesdau evening for their home in Chickasaw, Alabama, after spending the summer with relatives. Lieut. Erickson will arrive at their home in Chickasaw on the same day from Prattville, Tenn., where he has been on instruction work.
HSO, 26Oct1933, p5, c2
Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Jenson, Jr. and family of North Hudson entertained at a family reunion on Sunday in honor of Lieut. and Mrs. C. P. Erickson and family who motored up from Chickasaw, Ala. in September and have been visiting relatives at Elmwood and Hudson. Covers were laid for 31. Miss Gunvalsen and E. M. Erickson of Elmwood, also visited there, enroute from Minneapolis where they had spent the weekend.
HSO, 26Oct1933, p5, c4
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Stayberg entertained for the former's sister and family, Lieutenant and Mrs. Clarence Erickson, on Tuesday last week.
HSO, 2Nov1933, p5, c1
Lieut. and Mrs. Clarence Erickson and daughter, Thelma, drove to Elmwood on Sunday to spent a couple weeks with relatives.
HSO, 9Nov1933, p5, c1
Lieutenant and Mrs. C. P. Erickson and daughter, Thelma, returned from Elmwood Sunday. They will visit relatives in Minneapolis this week.
HSO, 7Dec1933, p5, c3
Word from Lieutenant and Mrs. Erickson and family and sister, Miss Stayberg, who will spend the Christmas holidays with them, says they arrived at Mobile on Thanksgiving Day with no trouble and a splendid trip, making it in three days and four hours, and wonderful weather. Moonlight driving through the Kentucky mountains is a wonderful experience and, that alone was worth the whole trip.
Letterto Miss Thelma L. Stayberg, 1217-12th St., Hudson, Wis. Postmarkedfrom Mobile, Ala., Oct. 23, 1937.
Returnaddress: 302 – 1st St., Chickasaw, Ala.
Chickasaw,Ala
October22, 1937
DearOnes All:-
I don’t know who to write my“million thanks” to for the lovely box I rec’d this morning. I was so tickled Icouldn’t talk. I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say Thanks amillion for all of it. Who am I most indebted to, you or Thal. I hope the GoodLord will answer my prayers and let me partially repay you for all you’ve done.Please let me know what I-O-U.
The hat fit Clarence perfectlyand looks so good on him. He was as tickled as a kid over it, but he wants youto let him pay you for it. The two brown dresses fit me good, especially thelong, newer one—that shall be my good dress. I’m going to put the sleeves backinto it and shorten it. The coat fits as tho it were made for me. I am going tohave it cleaned and reline it after the first when I get some dough. The darkblue fits fine too, and the greenish blue and the light dress fit fine. I shallmake Sis a skirt out of the paid. I’ll get some wear out of the blouses too.Really I was so tickled over all of it, I hardly knew what to do I mostsincerely believe in prayers for the Good Lord has really answered some ofmine, at least lately. Clarence said last year that I would have to have a newcoat this fall, and now I have one. I knew mighty well that I couldn’t afford anew one, but I didn’t know what I’d do when cold weather actually came, and it(cold weather—brrr) truly came today. Of course I have that little short coatthat you sent me two years ago, but that is hardly heavy enough for real, cold weather,but I’m sure this other one will be heavy enuff when I reline it. A coupleweeks ago Clarence and I were talking about the children’s winter coats andwondering what we were going to do for a coat for Sis this winter, and lo! AndBehold! (now hold yourself up, or sit down on a good solid chair, ‘SpeciallyThal) Major Richmond called Clarence at the office and asked him how old Siswas and how big and if we would feel hurt if they offered us a perfectly goodcoat that Meriam had grown out of. They had expected Meriam to wear it thisyear but she was too tall. Well Clarence nearly dropped dead, so did I, but wewent by there last Fri. and the coat was beautiful, a dark rose color, with capto match. The collar hangs as a scarf that can be over lapped in front orthrown across the throat and over the shoulder. On each of these laps is brownfur. It’s a little long on her now, but I am going to let her wear it only as adress-up coat as they also gave me a dark navy blue all wool tailored coat thatis perfect and she can wear it to school. They also gave me two slip oversweaters, one of which Jr. can wear, also a pair of socks. I was dumb-foundedbut needless to say thrilled to pieces. Guess Thal you remember the little coatLeon gave me last Spring for Shushie. I fixed it and put new buttons on it andnow she has a good coat. You folks know that Junie Bug has a good coat, so yousee Dear Ones, through some miracle, we will all have coats this winter.
I’ll also tell you anotherstory, I have worried all summer about where the girls were to get dresses forschool. I bought Shushie a real little beauty from you folks for her birthdayand we bought her one, we also sent for two for Sister, and a little over aweek ago I got a box from Mrs. Welch from Columbus, Ohio, in which was six ofSally’s dresses that she had grown out of. Shushie will get two and Sis four ofthese. There was also a little brown felt hat that just fit Shushie and twolittle sweaters. One I believe I’ll send to Buddy. It’s an all wool red slip-oversweater. I have the pkg packed and wrapped that I was going to send up there,and will send it as soon as I get postage.
I certainly wish you folks couldhave seen how thrilled the girls were over their beads and cups and Junior wasjust as tickled over his tooth paste and cup, but I do wish you could have seenthe smile and his eyes when h saw the tennis racket. His whole heart was in hiseyes, and I nearly cried I was so tickled over it all. Everyone has been toogood to us. Jr. walked around petting and stroking that racket and talkingabout it all the time. I’m going to look and see if he has it in bed with him.Clarence is going to try to re-string it for him. I’ll know where to look forhim from now on. I hope Herb didn’t mind too much letting him have it. We’regoing to send Marion Shushie’s littlerocky horse. We can’t keep all their things and the baby may as well have itwhile she can enjoy it. I also have that adorable little green wool suit that theBrugnas gave Jr. for Christmas one year. It ought to fit one of the boys. Iknow Mrs. Brugna paid $5.00 for it from an exclusive baby shop, and I’ve wantedto keep it as a souvenier of Junie’s baby days but have decided to let thechildren have it. If Helen has any of it left when they’re thru with it she cansave the pieces for me. Jr. wore it only a couple times, for I was keeping itfor nice, and he grew out of it. Does Buddy need a winter coat now? Shushie’sis still good. Let me know. It’s sure a warm one too. Now I have to buy shoesand pants for Jr. and I must have a pr. of shoes, as I’m only wearing theremains of my last winter’s shoes, and now the soles are all worn out on them.But, aren’t I lucky tho? to get all these things that mean so much and helps somuch? Just what we needed. Really all Clarence needed was a decent hat andshoes. Now he has a nice hat. Luckily for us he is so easy on clothes for hehas pieces of his suits left and his 10 year old winter coat is still good.
Now, if I could get my debtspaid I guess I could rest without worrying. I hope to get out of if it’s onlylittle by little. I’m gradually getting the rent down by paying $20 per. Younow our rent was raised $13 to $16 the first of July. Now we are having the tinroof put on the house, and oh!, what a wonderful mess! The roof leaked so badlylast weekend when we had that awful storm that the water ran through theceiling in the sleeping porch and soaked Jr.’s bed twice before we knew it. Nowthere are scaffolds up all around and shingles all over the ground, nails too.The company put on twenty more carpenters the 1st of the month andeight more painters to repair every house in Chickasaw from roof to ground toget them all in good condition and ready so when this new 5 million dollaraluminum plant is ready and the new paper mill they will be able to rent everyhouse. They now have 260 white families here.
Clarence says to tell Bubbs hewill get him a pr. of shoulder pads. He called several fellows today and may beable to get some good used ones but whatever he gets we’ll send rite away, assoon as he can get them. Glad to hear Bubbs is out for football, but do becareful, don’t do like the boy on the front page of Liberty.
Are you swamped with Christmascards yet? Please don’t cuss me out, I have sold 3 boxes (orders) for TreasureChest. Others are pretty but not like it (Treasure Chest).
Oh! Yes, the slips came fine.Will plant them as soon as new roof is finished. My other elms and maples aretwo or three feet high already. These all look fine. Not crushed at all.
Well, it’s now 11:30 and C.P. isthru with his typing and I’m getting cold so believe I’ll turn in. He’s sogoofy I can’t keep my mind on what I’m writing anyway. I gave him a course ofCarter’s little liver pills a couple weeks ago, and he’s been feeling so goodand so foolish that he’s hard to keep up with, but he’s the same sweet ol’Clarence. So good to us. Brings me coffee every morning, yet. After 11 years.If I gain much more weight he’ll be chasing me out first, for fear I’ll get toofleshy. Ha! Ha! Guess I’m safe.
My cold is better. Jr. and Sisare o.k. but we’re planning to have their tonsils out Xmas. They have just oneweek vacation. Shushie’s head is still healing nicely, and her eye is stillblack. Her eyeball is so awfully red and looks bad. Her vaccination is workinggood. It has her about half sick and feverish so she doesn’t want to eat. Ragsis just as crazy as Trix used to be. Runs after the kids and goes goofy if theyrun. She’s screwey that’s all/ Chubby, her pup, is learning fast from hermother. When are you coming after her? We’re keeping her for you and Clarenceis training her, to be a perfect Jack-ass.
We have only 16 chicks and theduck. Only one or two eggs a day Donald has pulled all their tail feathers outso they can’t lay eggs. He wants some too. I’ve heard it often said that if youpull a hen’s tail it will stop her from laying for a few days, and he, the bigbrute, keeps ‘em pulled.
Must say nity nite and sweetdreams and again thanks, a million from the very bottom of our hearts.
Loveand kisses from Us All
Jeannette,Clarence, Junie, Sis & Shushie
HSO, 24 May 1945, p5, Local News
Mrs. Clarence P. Erickson (Jeannette Stayberg), son Clarence Jr. and two daughters, Jeannette and Thelma, who have been living in New Augusta, Mississippi arrived here on Thursday evening of last week. The Ericksons have purchased the red brick house at 1129 Seventh st., and plan to make it their home. Mrs. Erickson's husband, Major C. P. Erickson, who has been overseas in the South Pacific for the past nineteen months, arrived in the States last week and has been confined to the Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, recovering from Jungle Fever. However, he expects to be transferred to the Schick General Hospital in Clinton, Ia. in the near future.
(Letter to Miss Thelma Stayberg, 1217 - 12th St., Hudson, Wis. from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, 302 - 1st St., Chickasaw, Ala. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
June 15, 1937
Thelma Darling:-
To say "we miss you so," is putting it mildly. We're simply lost without "Thal". I don't know which way to turn, nor what to do. I'm just lost without you, but we were so happy to know you got home safely, and I'm sure everyone is happy to have you back. I know you were glad to get off of that bus. I know Darling that you'll have to admit that it was awfully tiresome. I sincerely hope that you get a good rest and enjoy yourself for a while at least, and don't feel that you have to hunt up a slave driving job the first thing. You're throwing the best years of your life away if you go stand over a blistering hot mess like you had last year. I'm so anxious to hear from you, to know how you made out on your trip and how everything was there at home. I meant to write to you as soon as you had gone so you'd hear from us, but I've been on a steady hop ever since your left.
Tues. Eve., 8 P.M.
Well, Darling, here I am again, but I'm holding this on my knee in the car, and it will look mighty messy I'm afraid. We're down at the new Prichard Armory. Sister, Shushie, Marion Jean and Betty are in the back seat. Clarence had to come down as this will be the last drill he will be able to attend with these fellows before they go to camp.
Sat. after we came home from taking you down, ( C. P. stopped at the office and then we went to Dixie Vim) we started picking up things to wash. We started washing about 8 and finished about noon--boy! What a washing! Nine sheets, 7 pillow slips, 4 tablecloths, about 18 bath towels, 7 shirts for C. P. and 5 for Jr., the two yellow spreads, all my dish towels, 6 big dresses and about 10 small, 7 suits of underwear for C. P., and lots of rags, 18 pr. socks, aprons, 3 overalls and you know how is usually ran. I had to double up on the lines and pins. We changed the beds and cleaned the house and went back to town to the office for C. P. to work. On our way home we stopped at Prichard for our groceries, as usual. Fed chickens, bro't in clothes and made supper, and after supper Don Kirk came to see Clarence about joining the National Guard (Sig. Co.) to earn money to go to Spring Hill College next year. He stayed till after eleven P.M. so you know we were tired.
We didn't get to hear any of the barn dance, as the stormy wethater made to much interruption. The children went to bed early. Sis and Shushie slept together. Jr. got up and built the fire and made toast but I didn't get up till 9 a.m. Boy! For Sleepy!
Sunday afternoon we went back to the office. Clarence wanted to get all the lessons corrected before Mon. when he went on leave, and I wanted to get those lists made. The kids went to a dime show, for the first time without us. We worked till after eight. Got home, had supper and went to bed. Don't you love this detail mess? Everything we're going to have coffee I put down three cups, and everytime we set the table we set for you and today Jr.'s been gone so we were lost without either of you. Don came down to go to drill with C. P. last nite and bro't his mother along to spend the evening with me. They wanted Jr. to go out with Don and spend a few days. I'm somewhat worried about him because he stepped on a rusty nail over at Hull's yesterday so I have to give him the lock-jaw serum tomorrow too. It was really deep but bled good, and I soaked it with iodine. These d--- kids are jumping around, and raising so much heck back here till I can't think nor write decent.
It seems as tho if it isn't 1 thing it's 2! The swelling has gone down in my foot to nearly normal, however I haven't put tight shoes on yet, but Sun. morning when I woke up the left side of my lower jaw was swollen terribly and so sore I could hardly talk. Those 3 rotten stumps all abcessed at the roots and the one next too. We went to town Mon. afternoon to the Dentist and he said they (3 on 1 side and 3 back on rite side) must come out rite away and he'll try to save the others in front to make a partial plate.
Wed. A.M.
Thal Darling:- Here I am again. 11 A.M. We just had a terrific cloud burst and tho it has cleared up some it's still lightning awfully sharp and thundering like h---. I don't like this kind of a storm much. The lightning is always so sharp.
Well this afternoon I'm supposed to have these three stumps pulled. Wonder what I'll look like then, or feel like? About 65. We rec'd your cards yesterday and were so glad to hear from you. Hope we hear again soon. Was the locker alrite, and were any of the dishes broken? How did Mom like the cukes and teapot? Did anyone meet you that early or what?
We worked in the garden all yesterday afternoon. It cooled off a little and clouded up for awhile so we pulled weeds till after 6. We picked pole beans, lima beans, 6 tomatoes and 18 cukes, and I pulled a good sized bunch of carrots. Clarence pulled two cabbages Mon. I boiled them for him. You can't imagine the weeds we pulled. My back and legs are sore today from stooping so long.
Junie isn't home yet. Hope he comes this P.M. so he can take that serum. He'll be happy to get your card I'm sure.
Everyone has asked about you. Mrs. Hull called over Sat. and said she was sorry she didn't get to tell you "goodbye" but I should tell you from her. I told her Mon. you got home o.k. Her company left Sat. a.m. too. Watz's were up at the garden last nite and spoke and stopped and talked about the garden some and I told them that you got home o.k. but they're acting sh--ty about something. Hulls told us this morning that Watz's told them that they were going to move to Axis when the rent went up. Annie told me to Mobile--mysterious, you know, deep dark secrets.
Well, guess I'll quite my foolish rambling and iron C. P.'s seersucker pants. Maybe he will have to go on a trip tomorrow. His 10 day leave is all messed up. He was to have it from 14th to 24th and Mon. Eve. when he went to drill a letter had come saying his leave was granted from 20th to 30th, so he may have to hurry to Tuscaloosa and Bigham and Booz on that trip this week. Expect he'll find out definitely at the office today. From all indications Richmond will never be back. Mrs. Kirk told us a lot Mon. Eve. He knows the symptoms and is trying to act 'em out but has failed in some phases of it. It's really laughable. Can't tell you all now.
Must hurry and quite this scribbling. Please write real soon. Tell us all the news. Greet everyone who want to be greeted and give our Love to the Folks, Rob included. Bet he wasn't happy to see you? No?
With all our love, hugs and kisses to our Dear Ol' Sis.
Dot, Clarence, Junie, Sis & Shushie
(Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gartmann, Hudson, Wisconsin from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, Rt. 4, Box 10, Fayetteville, N.C. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
October 1, 1939
Thal Darling:-
Please do forgive me for my seeming neglect, but I have never seen such a place for interruptions and never being left alone! I work from early til late and just as sure as I plan to spend an evening with some of my folks and with a few lines in comes someone, and sits and sits. They come early, even 7 a.m. and stay. I have started several letters to you, but they all get too old to send. I have one here I started September 10th and truthfully tried to get to it to answer your dear letter and mail what little I had.
We are all feeling pretty good at present, thanks be, for it seems I've had just one thing after the other ever since we came here. The 22nd of Sept. Jr. took a man's sized dose of lock-jaw serum and was real sicj from Monday to Friday. He stepped on a wooden staub in the ground and before we knew it he could hardly walk. The cords in his foot and leg were so stiff he could hardly move. The Col. at the hospital was afraid of lock-jaw so gave him a triple dose and he must have really needed it. He had a high fever and was so stiff all over and his skins was creeping and big blotches came out all over. He went to school the first day, Tue., a half day and then not again til Fri. I surely hated to have him miss the very beginning, but it couldn't be helped.
Here it is already 9 p.m. Sunday. We had a late supper and have just heard the Chase & Sanborn program with Charlie McCarthy. I enjoy hearing Charlie. I am so nervous tonite I can hardly sit still, therefore the queer writing. I am going to take a dose of my medicine soon and go to bed. My nerves hadve been pretty good and I've felt better for a month or so, but the last few days I've been jittery and blue. We are going to or planning to move into a little four-room house about two blocks back from the pavement, around the 18th of October. A Staff Sgt. and his wife are being transferred to Panama and we've asked for the house so we can be by ourselves and back away from the pavement. We are so crowded here in these three rooms. These are lovely houses, new, and about the cutest around here, but down where we are to move there are four little new houses and three very nice families who will be our neighbors and who seem anxious to have us down there. Our address will be the same, as we get it at the Bryant's Store.
I am having a little party for Shushie tomorrow, Mon. afternoon, at 4:30. They don't come on the school bus until four or after. There are fifty kids who get on and off the school bus right out here in front of the house. Somewheres around 79 kids ride that bus to and from school every day. It worried me for it's too crowded. They let Jr. and Sis go on the 7th and Shushie to the 3rd, and I'm hoping they'll be able to keep up to the work, and stay with their grades.
We heard the radio say the temperature was 26 in Mpls. the other day. S'pose that ruined all the fall flowers and pretty leaves. I really don't know what to say about our Chickasaw roses, whether they will stand that winter outside or not. Mom will just have to use her own judgment I guess. If they were realy heavily covered, or in sand in the cellar.
I got a letter from Les a couple weeks ago, saying they were going north again to attend his folk's Golden Wedding Anniversary the 16th of Oct. She said they were leaving Mobile about the 8th, Bob has only 2 wks off, and wanted to go and see you and Rob.
Oh! God! how I do wish we could come up! Anyway, she said they planned to stay in a tourist cabin while up there because his folks have such a small place and his sister has no room. I wrote them a few lines and told them where you loved and said I was sure you wouldn't mind them spending a nite or two with you. She said they'd be so hard up because they had to buy a license and battery before they leave. It looks funny to me that his folks insist on them coming up and still have no room for them. I hope you don't mind me saying this.
Must say Nity-nite Darling and get to bed, and try to rest. Please forgive me, and Remember we all love you all so. Give all the folks our love and kisses from the Treasures to you all.
Oceans of Love,
Dot, Clarence and Kiddies
(The letter of September 10th was enclosed)
September 10, 1939
Dear Thelma and Rob:-
First of all let us Congratulate you, our Precious Sister, and our new brother, for we wish you both "all the Luck and Happiness in the World, and may your pathway thru Married life be forever rosy. And, of course, may all your trouble be "little-ones". We are so happy for you both, and sincerely hope and pray that nothing will ever mar your happiness.
Please forgive me for not writing you long ago, as we had hoped to be able to send you something, but as conditions are now, I'd better write you a few lines and send something later. I just can't tell you how "far from everyone" I felt when I knew my only Sister was to be married, and we were so far away and couldn't even send you a telegram, to congratulate you. You folks will never know what genuine loneliness really is, and I'm glad you won't. I often think of how nice it would be to be able to drive in on you all once in awhile, or be close enough so you could come and see us. We're just about the same distance from hom here as were were in Mobile, for it's about 800 miles from here to Chicago. We're not so far from Washington, D.C., about 150 miles or so. We get radio programs from there during the day.
We were so glad to get your letter Thal Darling. Seemed so nice to hear from you again, and to hear about all the lovely things you had gotten. Would have loved to have been with the bunch who surprised you. I know you had a lovely time. It's so nice to know you have everything so nice and are so taken up with your new work. I have tried to picture your home in my mind, but I was only there once, and that was long ago, I believe before Shushie was born. I only sat out in the car with you. I do remember what a beautiful view of the river, etc., you had from up there.
I started this letter by candle light as we had a terrible electrical storm between seven and eight, and the lights werent off for a few minutes. I really don't know when I've ever seen such am electrical display in my life! It was chain lightning and general lightning and such a continuous glow and flare. It has cooled off considerably, flr which we are all very thankful, for we may be able to sleep tonight. It is just about 80 in the front room now but it was 106 in there about 3 p.m. Yesterday was the hottest day this part of the country has had in many years. It was 104 official and about 110 unofficial. I had to take my thermometer in to keep it from bursting. I don't know when I've minded the heat so much. Not since the last Summer we were home I guess, for it never got over 90 in Mobile. We live so close to the paved road and it's all sand round here, so the glare and heat seem so intense. The storm cooled things off considerably and settled the dust at least. Clarence and I sat out on the front porch until 12:30 last nite, for it was absolutely too hot to come in.
We watch the weather chart in the paper every day, and compare St. Paul and Mpls., also Mobile, with Raleigh, for ours is the same here as Raleigh and Charlotte.
Clarence just turned on the radio again to hear Edwin C. Hill, at 10:04, with the Amoco news report. We have kept the radio on, almost all thetime since War was declared, but it's getting so disgusting to have to listen to all the propogana. Suppose you folks listened to Pres. Roosevelt's speech last Sunday night, as we did. It's hard to try to form an opinion one way or the other so far, but it really looks mighty serious to me. I imagine you hear much more war talk around there than we do here, as the Army has been preparing for just this thing for several years, and there's no excitement here at all. Clarence received his new assighment as reserve officer a few days ago. He will take command of the 81st Division Special Troops (Signal Co.), and there will be a Lt. Snooks, second in command. Lt. Kenny, his Commanding Officer here, may transfer C.P. to Air Corp (Sig. Corps) to give him a Technical Sgts. promotion. He surely gave Clarence a fine recommendation. I'll copy the endorsement he wrote on a letter the other day-- "During the past two month I have had occasion to make special observation of the work of C. P. Erickson. He is thorough, foreceful, competant and absolutely reliable. I belive that he would make an excellent officer. I recommend he be given favorable consideration."
I thought that was as good as he could have made it. The Lieut. is a graduate of West Point, also a graduate of the Signal School that C. P. graduated from. He surely has been nice to Clarence and I feel will do a great deal for him.
While C. P. was inspecting 'phones, all over the post (he checked some 998) he came in contact with all the commanding officers and etc and everyone was very complimentary of his work. Everyone seems to like him. I'm hoping and praying he will get a promotion sometime soon. He would have had one long ago, but they have to wait for vacancies. Only so many of each in each corps area. This is a small Sig. Corps detachment of only 23 men. Other parts all over south.
(Here the letter of September 10th ends. There is a diagram on the last page showing where their house is located on Fort Bragg Road, and a floor plan of the house).
(Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wisconsin. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Fayetteville, No. Car.
April 4, 1940
Thal Darling and Rob:-
I'm so tired tonight I can hardly see straight, but I won't sleep until I get a few lines written to my Darling Sister to tell you how terribly thrilled we were to hear the wonderful news about your expected Blessed Event. We wish you all the luck in the World and all the joy and Happiness God alone can give you. Our sincerest prayers are with you every day, and tho I am too far away to share your happiness I will be with you in my every thought.
I received my first word of it on Junior's birthday when Mama wrote a few lines with his card. I had no idea how far or how soon until Monday morning when I received Mama's last letter and she said "about the middle of April." It really hurts to think I have to hear such important news about my only sister just about time for it to happen. Oh! How I do wish I could be nearer or be there to be with you, of course I know you will have the best of care, but I'd love to be there. I feel as tho I'm sorta out of the family. It just seems ages since we've seen you all, but don't think for a minute that these children can ever forget any of you, for they remember everything very vividly. They can talk about last time we were up there and remember things that I had long forgotten. They say, "Mama do you remember when we went or did so and so?"
Before I forget it I want to say thanks a million for Junior's birthday card and the fifty cents inclosed. He was so proud of it and still has it and what Mom sent him. He may have to use it to help pay for his glasses Saturday. I have to take him to town Saturday to have the frames fit to his face. He needs them badly, for his left eye is weak. There is a certain distance from his eyes that he has blank vision. We are hoping that by getting glasses for him now when the Col. says he must have them, that his eyes may grow stronger and that by the time he gets into athletics, etc., he can get along without them. Col. Keeler says he must wear them all the time, at least for a year. He is growing so fast that I'm afraid theones we get now will be too small for his face in six months or so.
They are all three growing so fast, but Junior and Jeannette are closer to the same size now than they've ever been. Shushie is wearing the dresses this spring that Sis wore last spring when we left Mobile. By the way it will be a year Sunday since we said Goodbye to our dear little home in Chickasaw. We left there the seventh. Spent Easter Sunday in a tourist cabin in Montgomery. It will soon be a year since we came to this d-- dump. Believe me I've learned a lot in this year, and will never forget it nor it's ignorant "peables". This is really an experience. I sure hope we can look forward to something much better before long. Clarence hasn't heard yet whether or not he passed the Staff Sgts. examination but everyone tells him he hasn't got a thing to worry about, and I really don't feel that he has. It's just that promotion is so slow in the Signal Corps, just as in the Medical Corps. They say they should know by July 1st and even tho the time seems to pass quickly it does seem a long time to wait. He was recommended last week for a Sgts. rating to fill in a vacancy recently created and if he gets that it will at least be that much. He doesn't, so far, have orders to go off for these large maneuvers. There are nearly eight thousand men out here at the Post and about four thousand are leaving between now an Sunday for the large concentration at Fort Benning, and Camp Jackson, So. Carolina. Later others leave here (about May 1st) to join all the rest for maneuvers in Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. They will be gone until about August. This Fort will be rather deserted during the summer. Troops, trucks, pontoons, huge guns and etc have been coming in here for the last month to spend the night before going on to the maneuvers in the South. Different outfits out here, such as the 83rd Field Artillery, the 36th Infantry and etc, whole regiments, go out on the reservation for practice and when they shoot those huge guns, 10 or 15 miles away, it rattles the windows and shakes the whole house; balloons and planes doing their stuff overhead, dropping huge flares at night, and the booming of huge guns (one gun weights 5 tons) and some smaller that weight 2 and 3 tons apiece, it makes one realize more than ever what we are preparing for. Clarence has shipped out thousands of dollars woth of equipment; batteries, radios and supplies, in the last few weeks all in preparation for the strenuous test our boys are to be put thru. He issued 200 miles of telephone wire and I don't know what-all, to one outfit today. It is just ordinary routine to us here, but civilians just don't realize what preparations are really being made to protect our country and property.
Goodness, here it is already ten-fifteen so guess I'll take my bawth and go to bed. I did a monstrous wash today, and by the time I got the house cleaned up I was all in. C. P. helped me make supper. There's always someone running in and out and I can't ever sit down awhile and write without a dozen interruptions. I owe everyone letters, and it really worries me. I haven't written to Ed and Pearl yet and their Baby was born March 5th. Guess I'll just have to lock the door someday and spend the day writing.
Must say nity-nite for this time, and send oodles of love to you both from Us all. Jr., Sis and Shushie send lots of love and kisses and a snapshot I took in Jan. and just had printed.
Sincerest Wishes for load of luck and happiness and please write when you can if only a few lines. Please, please let me know as soon as it's over.
Lovingly, Your Ol Sis and family,
Jeannette, C. P., Jr. Sis & Shushie
(Enclosed with a letter to Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wis. from "Sister". Postmarked from Fayetteville, N.C. on May 17, 1940)
May 17th [1940]
Thal, Darling & All,
Yesterday evening Jr. and Jeannette came in "Mama we both passed and will graduate tomorrow night." I was so happy. Then C. P. came in all grins but didn't say a word. After supper Master Sgt. Cricthlow and family and Sgt. Cobb, our First Sgt. came in and handed me Clarence's promotion. My birthday present they said. I nearly fainted!
Just too happy for words! Can't tell you. In a hurry. Hope you're all well.
Loads of Love, Dot
(Letter to Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wisconsin from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, R. R. 4 Box 108, Fayetteville, No. Carolina. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
September 16, 1940
Dearest Thal and All:-
I know this will be somewhat of a shock, but I hope it won't be serious. I'm not going to make up any excuses or ask forgiveness for my apparent neglect, I'll just say "wait till you have three the size of ours, and see how many letters you get written." Ha! We rarely have an evening to ourselves, and now it's to hear Miss Thelma's spelling or reading or such. Usually Daddy does it, for I have no patience.
Junior and Jeannette like High School very much, they say. They are each taking English and Literature, Mathematics, Civics and History and Junior is taking General Science and Jeannette Home Economics (cooking). Their book fee was $2.40 each, and science material $1.50 each. Their music, if they take it, is $3.00/month. I had hoped to be able to let Jeannette take piano lessons this year, and let Thelma take it later. Jeannette can play quite a few hymns already, just picking it up from her girl friend.
Sushie has a beautiful singing voice, which I don't want ruined by any fancy lessons, until she gets older and her voice stronger. She sings continually, and everyone loves to hear her sing and remarks about her voice. Junior & Sis expect to join the High School Glee Club this year.
I didn't give up hopes of getting home this summer until the first of September when our Capt. said he couldn't let either Clarence or Sgt. Cobb have a furlough. Sgt. Cobb had hoped to get a least a month and go to his home in South Bend, Indiana, and we could have gone as far as Chicago with him, and have come back with him too. About a month ago I inquired at the bus depot about the fare from here home, and it is $18.35 to St. Paul, and Hudson is 35 cents this side of St. Paul, so it would be $18 even, and $32.60 round trip. We've been wondering if Mom would come down here and visit us awhile, if we sent her the fare? What do you think about it? Don't you suppose Pop & Bubbs could get along without her for a month or so, considering that we haven't seen her for over four years? Couldn't you folks let us enjoy visiting with her just a short while?
We have talked about going home for Christmas, but we can't plan that far ahead. You know we'd love to come if we could, or will if we can, but with national conditions as they are now, we are expecting Clarence to be called out as an instructor with the National Guard. There "90 day wonders", R.O.T.C. Reserve Officers, are a big disappointment to the Army, so they say they will have to call all the enlisted men in the Regular Army who hold Reserve Commissions for they have the actual experience and training necessary. They are going to train so many thousand young men each year for five years, so I 'xpect if Clarence gets called as a Capt. it won't be just a "year's intensive training" but five. Out of the three thousand enlisted men now in the Signal Corps only 60 hold Reserve Commissions. They are being called in everyday. The Army has organized a new streamlined "9th Division" here in the last two months. The new 9th Division is up here about 2 1/2 miles, on the edge of the Reservation, in a huge tent city composed of thousands of tents.
Hundreds of Officers and Staff, Master, Technical, First and Duty Sgts., have been sent here as a nucleus for this new division from Forts all over the country. They call these men (Cadres) with experience and former training; then they have sent equally as many old soldiers away from here as Cadres somewhere else. We have people around here now from all over the country, and the friends we made after coming here sent to Alabama, Georgia, Texas and all over. Sunday some friends came to call and brought a young couple with them, a Sgt. and his wife from Wisconsin. He had been to the maneuvers at Camp Custer this summer, knew Major Strike, etc. These other people, Sgt. Cole and family, are from Indiana.
We've been told that two more new streamlined divisions will be organized here between now and the first of the year, so they expect to have 50-60 thousand men here by then. The complement of the Fort has almost tripled since summer, and now they say there are 956 Commissioned Officers (Cols., Capts., Lieuts., etc) and 21,000 enlisted men (from Master Sgts. down to the Buck Privates). There were about 5,000 men here a year ago.
Just made a pot of coffee in the old dripolator, how about having some with us? We've certainly drank many a cup of "java" out of that ol' pot, hain't we , Sis? Gosh, how I do wish we could drop in on "ya-all" for a weekend, or vice versa. It would seem more like living. I'd lover to see you, Rob and that precious Baby, to hold her in my arms and love her. It just seems ages since we've seen you, and a year longer since we've seen the folks. Bubbs was about like Jr. is now. We could hardly believe that was Buddy holding Nancy on that picture, so tall and slim. He looks a lot like Helen, but more like Herbert to me. That picture reminded me of the ones of Herbert holding Bubbs on his shoulders. Remember he had knee breeches and was so small? Buddy looks more like Herbert now that ever before I think. His forehead and hair line and etc. Nancy looks like both you and Rob. She surely is fat and precious. I'd love to hold her and love her. I have the neighbor baby so she leaves the whole family for me, and even cries for me if she sees me through the window. They can't get her away from me if I'm holding her either. Her name is Sarah Jane Melvin. They have two more cut kids, Merry Ann 2 years old and Buster is 5 years old, but they are so spoiled and rotten you can hardly stand the, but the Baby is so sweet. She will be a year old Oct. 25th. I'd be so thrilled if we had a tiny baby now, and I know Clarence would love it, for he's crazy about all kids, but I guess our order with Sears or Monkey Wards has run out, or our credit isn't any good. Ha!
Before it slips my mind I want to say "Thanks a million" for those lovely snaps and please do it often, so we can at least see Nancy grow by snap shots. The kids were so proud of their pictures you sent with Sis' birthday card. Did she thank for her birthday card and present when she wrote, surely hope so, but in case she didn't, I want to say it was lovely and we surely appreciated it, or them. She hasn't used her pink comb from Bubbs, she's keeping it to carry in her purse. She has a mop of hair like yours (Thal's). She really needs a hay fork to comb it. Lordy, she's so precise, every hair must be just so and her clothes the same way. Not a spot, nor a crease anywhere.
All summer she was the same way. Combed her hair several times a day, took her bath and dressed up after lunch. One day our neighbor lady saw Sis and a neighbor girl (fat and sloppy) coming down the path and she said, "Look at that, looks like an Orchid and a cow-turd coming down the road." I thought that just about beat anything I ever heard. Now, scatter-brained, harem-scarem Shushie, overalls, or nothing-at-all suits her! C.P. says "Chatter-box" and "Scatter-Brains" were written for her. Happy-go-lucky, always! She sure looks like Bubbs. Her mouth is just like his, and Lordy! Such devilish eyes! Just a few minutes ago she came and kissed us Goodnight, each, three times, and giggled and rolled those eyes! I said, "Do you realize that two weeks from today you will be 9 years old?" She hurriedly said, "Yes, Mom, Don't I look it?" and giggled again. She beats anything I ever saw, and I know you'd love all three of them if you could see them now. Junior is much more quiet than the girls. He's the same old "Junie" all the way through. Good hearted and so blamed tender hearted.
Will you please tell Aunt Gurina that we rec'd the prim-ost and were tickled pink to get it? Surely was a big treat, and we are thoroughly enjoying it, especially Sis and I. We nearly ate a whole one first day. I will try to write her soon to thank for it, but thought maybe you would let her know we had rec'd it.
Clarence is sitting across the table from me writing a few lines to Don Kirk and jabbering a mess of foolishness. He said to tell you he was working so hard that he had dropped from 176 to 172 pounds. I'll say he's to be pitied, overworked and abused. Ha! He does work hard I know. Her turns over thousands of dollars worth of property in a day and the paper work is tremendous and so little help, or rather irresponsible assistance in that work is worse than none.
Please write us another nice long letter gain real soon, and tell us all about yourselves, and what you do for diversion and etc. Mom don't write much about what they are doing and etc, she usually rambles off on "LVJ just came in:. Sh__ on her and hers! She did tell us about their trip to Milaca, etc.
Be sure to let the folks know you got this letter from us, for she's been after me so long to "write to somebody." The trouble with me, it takes me two months to get started, and when I do, I never know when to quit, like now. It's ten p.m. and C.P. has already shaved and is about ready for bed. I haven't seen Sunday's papers nor tonite's yet. I have sewing piled up feet high to do, and people wanting me to sew for them. I want to make Nancy a dress and smock it too. What shall I make, about a 1 year old size?
By the way, where are Polly and Lyle now, and how many children do they have? Tell them "hello" from us. Also Ann J. Surely glad to hear they are so sensible and plan to build near home. I'd surely like to see Ann and her hubby, Aunt Gurie and O.K., everybody, again! How are Ruth and Lila and etc? What do Herbert and Helen do? They never write.
I don't suppose you'll see the old Paige come up your driveway as you said. It is still in the back yard, and hasn't been run since last December. It needs tires and much work and paint. We haven't been able to afford to run it before, and I'm afraid we'd be wasting time and money trying to fix it to run much more. We're going to put it in running condition so if we are ever able, we may try to trade up to a better used car. We can't buy parts for the Paige here and a license is according to weight. Brrr! 4400#. We couldn't afford to run a car anyway.
Golly, Sis Darling, I'm so sleepy and my arms is really cramped. I've rambled on and on and hardly said a thing. Please do write us a letter again soon, and thanks a million for yours and the precious pictures. Give Rob our Best Wishes and Love from We All. I know he has worked hard always, I only wish he and C.P. were better acquainted. Tell Mom and Dad-Dad and Bubbs I'll write soon, and we send Love to them too. Surely hope Pop's fall didn't do too much damage. The children enjoyed Bubbs' letters, and Mom's too.
With Oceans of Love and Kisses to you Sis Darling and your dear family and all our loved ones at home.
Forever Your Old Sis,
Dot, C.P. and Treasures
[Out Our Way cartoon from newspaper enclosed. It the two children peering out the front door while a wild animal goes scurrying away from the pig pen. The mother is laying on the floor in front of the door, holding her shoulder with a smoking shotgun laying at her side. The caption reads "You hit him! You must of hit him with both barrels, because he's leavin' without a pig!" At the top Jeannette has written "What does this remind you of Thal? Did you ever shoot both barrels of a 12 guage? (1923) I'll never forget that. Ha".]
(Letter to Mr. John A. Stayberg and family, 1217 12th Street, Hudson, Wisconsin. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
% Asst. Signal Officer
Camp Shelby, Miss.
Nov. 12, 1941
Dear Dad-Dad, Bubbs & Thal:-
First of all I want to thank Bubbs so very much for the letters he has written so faithfully to keep us posted on Mom's condition. We certainly have appreciated them, every one, for we have been so anxious to hear. You can't imagine how hard it is to be so far away when a dear one is so sick. I was nearly frantic for days, but do feel somewhat relieved now. I hope I get another letter when C. P. comes home today.
What do the doctors say about her condition now? Please tell me all about it, for I do want to know everything, and I can imagine all kinds of things. Why didn't they remove the gall-bladder? Is there any danger of a reoccurance of the billiousness? Surely hope they don't plan on doing that later. Of course you know that it is going to take quite a long time for Mama to get her strength back, or be back to normal again, not only because of her serious illness, but her weight and age must be considered. When do they think she will be able to come home? I know that will be a very happy day for you all, and I surely wish we could be there with you. Surely was sweet of Nancy, realizinf Mom wasn't there. Even as tiny as she is. Please remember that we are there with you all in thoughts and prayers, and haven't stopped praying for all of you a single minute.
Clarence and I are wondering about the hospital and doctor bills? We wish you would tell us what your plans are, and what you must do. If there is any way in which we can help, we do want you to tell us. We wish you would tell us, for you know we have worried about it, and we don't want you to put a burden on the place, if we can help. How much is the billing going to be, and how much do you have to pay right away? Please tell me. We have so very much to be so very thankful for, in having our Dear Momie well and home again, and we really have been a very fortunate family all the way through when operations are concerned, so if we all put our shoulders to the wheel it won't be hard at all.
I have one heck of a time since coming here, especially when it came to sitting. I'm just getting over what I hipe is my last one. It's still very sore, but if it's the last one, I guess I can stand it. Last week I had an awful head cold which kept me sneezing and blowing. Right now I'm sitting as close to the fireplace as possible freezing on one side and burning on the other. We can't get wood, because everyone is either working at the camp or too lazy to work. We had a heavy white frost this morning, and these big rambling old houses aren't built to keep out any real cold weather.
I know Mama will be thrilled over the new floor and rug, Bubbs mentioned in his letter last week. Tell us about it, and all about what she does when she gets home.
We are getting mighty tired of falling all over each other in these two rooms. They are quite large, but with five grown people in them there's hardly room to cuss a cat without getting one's mouth full of hair. We should hear from our furniture just any day now, it eems, as it really shouldn't take six weeks for it to come here from Bargg. We don't have a house definitely settled, and it seems we may have to go up to Hattiesburg to live. Rent is so far out of signt, until we expect to have to pay at least $60.00 for a four or five room house, and that will mean to change the children in school again, and they really like it here. They are making good grades, and Shushie is singing the leading part in a pageant here next week. Jr. is dancing (in tails) in it. They have made oodles of new friends since coming here and go out often to little school parties.
Must close and have this ready when Junior comes from school in a few minutes. Please answer it soon and tell us what you plan to do and when Mama will come home.
Thank you all, each, for your letters, and remember our prayers are with you all. Give Mom a big hug and kiss from us each, and we love you all so very much.
All our love from your own,
Jeannette, Clarence, Junior, Jeannette & Shushie
P.S. Clarence said last nite to be sure to ask if you folks were asked to pay for that wire he sent? We had it charged to his account, but hasn't gotten a billl for it yet. He does want to know. Be sure to tell us. Dot
(No envelope. Letter was sent to Karine and John. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Box 105
New Augusta, Miss.
December 8, 1941
Dear Ones, All, At Home:-
It is just 2:30 P.M. and our first day of U. S. entry into this War! Needless to say, things seem to be happening fast and furious, and everyone seems to be more stunned by the realization of an invasion of our shores, than surprised. We had dinner at Camp yesterday noon, Co. Mickle, Clarence and the children and I drove out right from Church at noon and met Major and Mrs. Moses and their children there. After dinner we all went to see Clarence's two huge new warehouses. Then Major and Mrs. Moses invited us to come to their home in Hattiesburg. All this time we were unaware of what had happened. We had barely gotten there when they called from Camp and said the switchboards had gone crazy, that the operators couldn't take the calls, and the coded messages were pouring in!
We turned on the radio and head the preliminary messages from Hawaii and Manila. We hurried home and I made some supper wheil Clarence changed to working clothes and hurried back to camp. He came home at 2 A.M. this morning, and of course went back at 7 A.M. and we don't know when he'll be home this Eve. Two groups of troops left camp during the night, and I suppose more are preparing to leave.
All I know to do is pray for the best, for we must not become alarmed and do a lot of foolish talking. We must have confidence in our right to protect our lives and our homes and freedom. We must feel that we cannot be stopped in this cause against aggression. God knows we could not let those yellow dogs come any closer! We have so much to be thankful for, and I feel sure that we will realize a glorious Victory and that God alone can lead us.
We experienced a very harrowing experience here last Tuesday evening, and are hardly over it. A back bedroom next to our bathroom filled with gas and caught fire from the fireplace and exploded a sold mass of flmaes about ten minutes to five p.m. Mrs. Story and her 12 year old boy and I and our kids were here alone, and pouring down cats and dogs outside. Shushie and Billy S. went out and yelled for help and it seemed no one could hear, then Jr. and Billy ran to town and rang the church bell and we finally got the whole town out. There were no casualties, thank God, a man got his hand badly cut on a broken mirrow and we were all like drowned rats and frantic! I was overcome by smoke and fainted and they sent for the dr. for me, as they said I stayed "out" too long. Jeannette and I had carried out all the clothes in the house to the swings on the porch and I had gone back to where I could only feel my way through smoke.
After they told me the men had chopped a whole through and had it out, I collapsed. Clarence and Col. Mickee came about quarter to six and were scared to death as I was rolled in a wool blanket on a bare mattress. I'm still coughing a dry tickling cough, but hope it will leave soon. Everything, clothes, house, and all were badly damaged by smoke and water, but we are gradually getting over it. The house is being repaired, the bedroom rebuilt, the bathroom, back hall, bedroom and dining room and kitchen are being repainted. We were so terribly scared, but blessedly lucky! We could have been killed or lost everything. We have Butane gas heaters in the rooms.
We have had to get nearly everything cleaned and oh! what a washing I have. Clean clothes were soiled and messed up and I never saw so much wet from rain and mud and cold.
Here come the children! Must hurry as the Mobile bus that carries the mail leaves soon so they must run to town to mail this.
Oceans of Love to you all from us all. Surely hope you are convalescing quickly and will soon be up and around again. Mrs. Story had that same operation after a long seige of suffering and spent a month in the hospital and now feels like a million. She is a little older than you, and not far from your size. Her sister had the same operation about 8 years ago, and now she's fine. Make up your mind that you're going to be fine soon and that will help a lot. Mayble help Pop's and Bubbs' headaches a lot too.
Real cold here lately. Please write soon and tell us all the news. Would love to see an Observer once in awhile.
Please give Thelma these two pictures of her old school in Crichton. She had asked C. P. when we were up there to take one, so we did the first time we went down. Hope she likes 'em.
Again, oceans of Love, from your own kiddies down Mississippi way--
Clarence, Jeannette and Treasures
(No envelope. Letter to Thelma from Jeannette. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Box 105
New Augusta, Miss.
Jan. 26. 1942
Dearest Sis and All:-
I wonder if you got as big a thrill out of that call Saturday night as I did? You can't imagine how wonderful it was to hear my darling Sister's voice, and realize how many miles were between us! Boy! would we have liked to have had some of that coffee with you. It only took 4 1/2 minutes to put that call through from the Signal Switchboard to you, which I thought was wonderful too, especially on Saturday night. We talked 5 minutes, $3.65, and it sure was worth it to be able to talk to you. I only wish the folks had been there too, or Nancy had been awake, so I could have heard her voice. Every receiver on the prairie must have been up "on the ear" for I could barely hear you, especially toward the last. I've thought of it since and wondered it it may not be better to call you all at Uncle Jens' next time so we'd get better connections? For every receiver that goes up weakens the line and conversations. What do you think about the idea? What did Mom and Papa and Bubbs say when you told them i called you? Oh! It was so wonderful to talk to you.
Clarence didn't get through till 12:30 Sat. nite so it was nearly one a.m. before we got home.
Mrs. Mennes and Marjory came to see us yesterday afternoon, (Sun.) and we had a wonderful visit. Mr. Bruns was working so we didn't meet him. I don't think he is leaving here as you said as his orders have been revoked for the time being anyway. They were so lonely and it was so nice to see someone from home. They told us about Nancy, how precious and spoiled (??) she was. Does she know which one is her mother? Ha! Mrs. Mennes would like to get work at camp while she is here and Clarence said he'd be glad to help her, or say a good word for her. They mentioned seeing an article in the Observer about Clarence, what was it? I'm hoping we'll have the pleasure of seeing a lot more of them while they're here. I'd like to know what they write to Nonie about their visit to us. Did they say anything about our home? Or this small town? They said they had heard some mighty fine things about Clarence from Officers up at Headqtrs, and when they were leaving Mrs. Mennes said, "I think he's just as fine as they told us he was." Ahem! I'm supposed to visit them some afternoon this week, if Clarence can let me have the car. He's so busy, but he has two station wagons and drivers to take him all over.
I'm going to write to Nettie and ask her to send me that tub for Nancy, as it doesn't seem as tho we will ever get a chance to get down to Mobile again soon. Clarence is subject to call anytime, day or night, and doesn't dare to get that far away. Well, Darling, it's nearly eleven p.m. and my Sweetheart has shaved and is taking his bath, so he'll soon be ready to hit the hay. I really was ready to go to bed by 8, I was so sleeply I could hardly hold my eyes open. Will fix the coffee, come have some with us.
7:15 p.m., Tuesday Eve.
Thal Darling:-
I want to finish this tonight so Clarence can mail it for me in the morning. We have only one out-going mail per day here, and two incoming, but the mail goes out after dinner so if Clarence takes it with him it ought to be halfway there by noon. Ha! Clarence called at 6:30 p.m. and said he was held up "incoding" several messages and wouldn't get home till 9:30 or ten, so we should go ahead and eat. We did, and the gang came by for the kids to go to the Junior Class play. Jill and I are here by ourselves, "two old hens." She's snoring in front of the gas heater and I have just as much ambition. I went to my Auxiliary meeting this afternoon. That's really the first afternoon that I've gone out since we moved here. Seems I never get thru working, for keeping eight rooms, all one one floor, clean and straightened up for anyone to come in to see, besides cooking for 6, washing, ironing and etc., is really a job.
Col. Mickle went back to Mobile Sunday to work down there. He was working in Clarence's warehouse here as Senior Storekeepe on Civil Service (you see he's retired from the Army). His wife kept nagging him to get a job down there and be home, so he felt he must go when he could get the same type job there. His eyes filled with tears when he told me he was leaving. He said he didn't know when he had ever enjoyed anyplace as he had living here with us. He said he'd sure miss his lovely room and bed, the food especially, and the home comforts and kiddies. He gained 11 lbs the 2 months he was with us. He's a sweet old man, an so much fun. Surely wish Papa could or would come down here for a visit. It would do him a world of good to get away from Hudson for awhile. Don't you think so? We're going to do our best to send Blegan's $50.00 this next month (payday). That'll be a big relief, for it surely has worried me. Well, Honey, must end my rambles for this time, and try to write another letter. Kiss Nancy from us all and Oceans of Love to you all from us all, as always,
Your old Sis, Jeannette & All
Did you get the two pictures I sent you of Crichton 3rd grade? I repainted my kitchen, white trimmed in blue, and made 5 pr. of curtains, bought 5 pr. and have 2 pr. left to put up.
(No envelope. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Nox 105
New Augusta, Miss.
April 18, 1944
Thal Darling and All:-
Congratulations Sis Darling, I'm so happy for you, and I know you are very proud of another son. Rob is sure looking out for some help in his old age! Ha! I am somewhat relieved since talking to Mama, for I don't mind telling you I was really worried after I got that telegram at 3 o'clock this afternoon. First if all Mama wrote me a week or so agao and told me you were expecting again, that knocked the sox off of me; then the other day in Junior's letter she said maybe about your birthday, well, that was another blow! and today, the telegram! What next? You'd better "take it easy" as Junior said in his letter. For Goodness sakes, do try to take care of your self as much as possible. I wish I was up there to help a little. With two babies you'll never get thru. I wish I knew what you planned to name him. I think "Larry" is a real cute now days. We had a precious little boy living here last year named Larry Ray, and one named Larry Edward. You could make it "Larry Winston" or "Donald Winston", either is pretty for a boy. Sister's Sweetheat has a pretty name, Carlton, that could be spelled with a "K" for Mama too, you know. Karlon, Merrill or Morris (K. M.) How about "Jerry", ahem! I always liked that name. Ha! Lonnie is cute, or Thomas (Tommy) for "Thelma". Well, whatever it is, I know it will be cute. You've probably got his name picked out already. Be sure to tell me what it is.
I'm anxious to know all about it, how you got along. What time of the day was he born?
I was afraid Mama wouldn't be able to hear me from out there, because I felt sure every receiver on the line was up and listening, but she evidently could hear good. I could just barely hear Mama, her voice sounded so terribly far off.
Did Nancy get her pkg. by Saturday? I was a little worried for fear it wouldn't get there by "the day". If the dress will be too small by summer send it back right away and I'll exchange it. Was she four or five this birthday? What does she think of the new Bro? Poor Bobby didn't have long to be the baby, did he? (You'd better name this one "Finni I. Hope - Gartmann") Ha! I'd be afraid to try it again with all the quads and triplets and twins born here and there and everywhere. How about Polly, I saw he had another one.
We are all o.k. I guess. I have been worried about Clarence not being able to hear from us for a month, again. i sent him a cablegram last Tuesday, enough to let him know we were up and kicking. He should have gotten it in two or three days.
Will try to write more later Honey, but I'm so tired, will try to get some sleep. Please take care of yourself, as nearly as possible, and please promise to have your teeth fixed as soon as you are strong enough. You owe it to those babies and you'll feel so much better if you do.
Write when you can, and let us know how you are. Be sweet, love the babies from us and keep heaps for yourself.
As Ever Your Sis & Family,
Dot, Jr. Sis and Shushie
HSO, 20 Jun 1963, p1
Installed As President Of Rebekah Assembly
Nineteen members of Mercy Rebekah lodge and Colfax lodge, IOOF of Wisconsin, attended the joint installation of the grand lodge and Rebekah state assembly of Wisconsin, Tuesday evening, June 11, in the crystal ballroom of Hotel Retlow, Fond du Lac, at which time Mrs. C. P. Erickson of Hudson was installed as president of the Rebekah assembly.
HSO, 4 Nov 1971, p7
Mrs. Erickson Awarded Highed Honor by IOOF
Col. and Mrs. C.P. Erickson attended the 124th Grand Encampmnt session; the 79th Department Council, Patriarchs Militant session and the 24th Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant Grand Session of Wisconsin at Janesville, Oct. 17-20 . . . Mrs. Erickson, a member of Mercy Rebekah Lodge 80, Hudson, was one of the ladies to receive the Decoration of Chivalry. Mercy Rebekah Lodge recommended the award, which was approved and conferred by the Department Council of Wisconsin for meritorious service in all facets of civic, social, fraternal, church and home associations.
The jewel which Mrs. Erickson had pinned upon her by a six year old "Maiden of Innocence" was awarded to Mrs. Martin (Margarethe) Petersen, over 50 years ago, and was given to Mrs. Erickson before Mrs. Petersen's death. Mrs. Petersen was the mother of the late Eric C. Petersen.
Mrs. Erickson was the installing Marshall in the installation of officers before the closing session on Tuesday afternoon. She is a guard on the staff of the LAPM association.
HSO, 17 Nov 1994, p18a
Jeanette Karine Erickson, 89
Jeanette K. Erickson, 89, a Hudson native, died Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the Baldwin Care Center, where she had resided since 1983.
She was born in Hudson, May 29, 1905, the daughter of John A. and Karine M. (Jenson) Stayberg, and graduated from Hudson High School in 1925.
After finishing high school she received nurses training and was employed in a physician's office in St. Paul prior to her marriage. She was a volunteer worker at blood banks throughout her life.
On June 17, 1926, she was married in Hudson to Clarence P. Erickson, a military man, and they lived in a number of military posts in the South during their marriage.
In 1946, after Col. Erickson's final tour of duty in the South Pacific during World War II, he retired from the military after 27 years of service. At that time he and his wife returned to Hudson to make their home at the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets.
While in Hudson, Jeanette Erickson was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved gardening and was an exccellent seamstress and embroiderer, and her penmanship style was a small work of art.
Perhaps she is best remembed for her leadership in various local and state organizations and her volunteer work. She was a past president of the ladies auxiliar of Patriarchs Militant of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, twice worthy matron of the Hudson Order of the Eastern Star, and held executive posts in the local and state organization of the Rebekah lodge.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Carlton (Jeanette) Bonner of Concord, Calif., and Mrs. Paul (Thelma) Willink of Baldwin; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Clarence, on Nov. 12, 1980; a son, Clarence John Erickson, a member of the Hudson Police Department who was shot and killed in a gun battle with a fleeing robber in June 1953; two brothers, John and Herbert Stayberg; a sister, Thelma Gartmann; and a daughter-in-law, Lorraine (Johnson) Erickson Heebink.
Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Baldwin, with the Rev. Richard Knowles officiating. During the service, Paul Willink, a son-in-law, was organist; vocalits were grandchildren Mark and Debbie Willink and Paula and Phil Klacan. An organ-piano duet was performed by Paul Willink and a great-grandson, David Willink.
Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.
Pallbearers were Mark Willink, Paula Klacan, Carol Weber, Jack Stayberg, Nancy Hawkinson and Ray Heebink. Honorary pallbearers were Carl Bonner, Richard Bonner, John Bonner, Eric Bonner, Andrew Bonner, Dr. Leonard Torkelson and Winnie VanSomeren.
Source: HSO, 5 May 1949, is Census Enumerator; HSO, 17 Jan 1952, is Noble Grand of Lodge;
HSO, 5 May 1955, District Rebekah Secy-Treas; HSO, 2 May 1957, VP District Rebekah, p2;
HSO, 19 Sep 1957, Rebekah Gives Commission; HSO, 24 Apr 1958, Rebekah Dist Head; HSO, 16 Oct 1958, Special Recognition;
HSO, 23 Oct 1958, Heads Dist Rebekah Meet; HSO, 2 Jul 1959, Installed Conductor, pix; HSO, 22 Oct 1959, Makes Official Visit;
HSO, 14 Jul 1960, Grand Marshall Rebekah, pix; HSO, 10 Nov 1960, Special Recognition, pix;
HSO, 22 Jun 1961, Rebekah State Warden, pix, p4; HSO, 6 Jul 1961, Rebekahs Honor, pix, Sec II, p4;
HSO, 7 Dec 1961, Official Visits, pix, p2; HSO, 12 Apr 1962, State Officer, pix, p4; HSO, 26 Apr 1962, Inspects Lodges, p3, pix;
HSO, 28 Jun 1962, Rebekah State VP, pix; HSO, 28 Mar 1963, Official Rebekah Vis, pix; HSO, 2 May 1963, Make Official Visits, pix;
HSO, 20 Jun 1963, Pres Rebekah Assembly of Wisconsin, pix; HSO, 24 Oct 1963, State Reception For, pix, Sec II;
HSO, 24 Oct 1963, Rebekah Fetes, pix, p3; HSO, 18 Jun 1964, Presides at State Rebekah, pix;
HSO, 17 Sep 1964, Internat'l Appointment; HSO, 20 Jan 1966, Makes Encore as WM, pix;
HSO, 20 Apr 1967, at 4-State Meet, p4, pix; HSO, 9 Apr 1970, Program Leader, px, p7; HSO, 26 Aug 1971, Intern'l Reb. Rep, pix;
HSO, 4 Nov 1971, Awarded Highest Honor by IOOF, pix, p7; HSO, 20 Jan 1972, VP Ladies Aux Patriarchs Militant Canton 22 IOOF;
HSO, 20 Jan 1972, WM, OES, 3rd time, pix; HSO, 27 Sep 1973, Intern line off Rebekah, pix, p6;
HSO, 30 Oct 1975, Militants 1st VP, pix, p15; HSO, 30 Sep 1976, Heads Militants, pix, p20;
HSO, 28 Sep 1978, at Internat'l Meet, pix, Sec II; HSO, 17 Nov 1994, Obit, p18A
m: Hudson, 17 Jun 1926, Clarence P. Erickson **
HHS: 1925
b: 29 May 1905
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Carlton (Jeannette) Bonner of Concord CA and Mrs. Paul (Thelma) Willink of Baldwin; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clarence on Nov. 12, 1980; a son, Clarence John Erickson, a member of the Hudson Police Department who was shot and killed in a gun battle with a fleeing robber in June 1953; two brothers, John and Herbert Stayberg; a sister, Thelma Gartmann; and a daughter-in-law, Lorraine (Johnson) Erickson Heebink.
** Anoka MN, 19 Jan. 1927, on Marriage Certificate
(St. Croix County Forum, Hudson, 25Aug1927)
Mrs. C.P. Erickson and son went to Elmwood on Tuesday to visit a week with Mr. Erickson's people before her departure for Alabama the last of the month.
HSO, 30 Oct 1930, p5
Mrs. Clarence Erickson and children left on Wednesdau evening for their home in Chickasaw, Alabama, after spending the summer with relatives. Lieut. Erickson will arrive at their home in Chickasaw on the same day from Prattville, Tenn., where he has been on instruction work.
HSO, 26Oct1933, p5, c2
Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Jenson, Jr. and family of North Hudson entertained at a family reunion on Sunday in honor of Lieut. and Mrs. C. P. Erickson and family who motored up from Chickasaw, Ala. in September and have been visiting relatives at Elmwood and Hudson. Covers were laid for 31. Miss Gunvalsen and E. M. Erickson of Elmwood, also visited there, enroute from Minneapolis where they had spent the weekend.
HSO, 26Oct1933, p5, c4
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Stayberg entertained for the former's sister and family, Lieutenant and Mrs. Clarence Erickson, on Tuesday last week.
HSO, 2Nov1933, p5, c1
Lieut. and Mrs. Clarence Erickson and daughter, Thelma, drove to Elmwood on Sunday to spent a couple weeks with relatives.
HSO, 9Nov1933, p5, c1
Lieutenant and Mrs. C. P. Erickson and daughter, Thelma, returned from Elmwood Sunday. They will visit relatives in Minneapolis this week.
HSO, 7Dec1933, p5, c3
Word from Lieutenant and Mrs. Erickson and family and sister, Miss Stayberg, who will spend the Christmas holidays with them, says they arrived at Mobile on Thanksgiving Day with no trouble and a splendid trip, making it in three days and four hours, and wonderful weather. Moonlight driving through the Kentucky mountains is a wonderful experience and, that alone was worth the whole trip.
Letterto Miss Thelma L. Stayberg, 1217-12th St., Hudson, Wis. Postmarkedfrom Mobile, Ala., Oct. 23, 1937.
Returnaddress: 302 – 1st St., Chickasaw, Ala.
Chickasaw,Ala
October22, 1937
DearOnes All:-
I don’t know who to write my“million thanks” to for the lovely box I rec’d this morning. I was so tickled Icouldn’t talk. I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say Thanks amillion for all of it. Who am I most indebted to, you or Thal. I hope the GoodLord will answer my prayers and let me partially repay you for all you’ve done.Please let me know what I-O-U.
The hat fit Clarence perfectlyand looks so good on him. He was as tickled as a kid over it, but he wants youto let him pay you for it. The two brown dresses fit me good, especially thelong, newer one—that shall be my good dress. I’m going to put the sleeves backinto it and shorten it. The coat fits as tho it were made for me. I am going tohave it cleaned and reline it after the first when I get some dough. The darkblue fits fine too, and the greenish blue and the light dress fit fine. I shallmake Sis a skirt out of the paid. I’ll get some wear out of the blouses too.Really I was so tickled over all of it, I hardly knew what to do I mostsincerely believe in prayers for the Good Lord has really answered some ofmine, at least lately. Clarence said last year that I would have to have a newcoat this fall, and now I have one. I knew mighty well that I couldn’t afford anew one, but I didn’t know what I’d do when cold weather actually came, and it(cold weather—brrr) truly came today. Of course I have that little short coatthat you sent me two years ago, but that is hardly heavy enough for real, cold weather,but I’m sure this other one will be heavy enuff when I reline it. A coupleweeks ago Clarence and I were talking about the children’s winter coats andwondering what we were going to do for a coat for Sis this winter, and lo! AndBehold! (now hold yourself up, or sit down on a good solid chair, ‘SpeciallyThal) Major Richmond called Clarence at the office and asked him how old Siswas and how big and if we would feel hurt if they offered us a perfectly goodcoat that Meriam had grown out of. They had expected Meriam to wear it thisyear but she was too tall. Well Clarence nearly dropped dead, so did I, but wewent by there last Fri. and the coat was beautiful, a dark rose color, with capto match. The collar hangs as a scarf that can be over lapped in front orthrown across the throat and over the shoulder. On each of these laps is brownfur. It’s a little long on her now, but I am going to let her wear it only as adress-up coat as they also gave me a dark navy blue all wool tailored coat thatis perfect and she can wear it to school. They also gave me two slip oversweaters, one of which Jr. can wear, also a pair of socks. I was dumb-foundedbut needless to say thrilled to pieces. Guess Thal you remember the little coatLeon gave me last Spring for Shushie. I fixed it and put new buttons on it andnow she has a good coat. You folks know that Junie Bug has a good coat, so yousee Dear Ones, through some miracle, we will all have coats this winter.
I’ll also tell you anotherstory, I have worried all summer about where the girls were to get dresses forschool. I bought Shushie a real little beauty from you folks for her birthdayand we bought her one, we also sent for two for Sister, and a little over aweek ago I got a box from Mrs. Welch from Columbus, Ohio, in which was six ofSally’s dresses that she had grown out of. Shushie will get two and Sis four ofthese. There was also a little brown felt hat that just fit Shushie and twolittle sweaters. One I believe I’ll send to Buddy. It’s an all wool red slip-oversweater. I have the pkg packed and wrapped that I was going to send up there,and will send it as soon as I get postage.
I certainly wish you folks couldhave seen how thrilled the girls were over their beads and cups and Junior wasjust as tickled over his tooth paste and cup, but I do wish you could have seenthe smile and his eyes when h saw the tennis racket. His whole heart was in hiseyes, and I nearly cried I was so tickled over it all. Everyone has been toogood to us. Jr. walked around petting and stroking that racket and talkingabout it all the time. I’m going to look and see if he has it in bed with him.Clarence is going to try to re-string it for him. I’ll know where to look forhim from now on. I hope Herb didn’t mind too much letting him have it. We’regoing to send Marion Shushie’s littlerocky horse. We can’t keep all their things and the baby may as well have itwhile she can enjoy it. I also have that adorable little green wool suit that theBrugnas gave Jr. for Christmas one year. It ought to fit one of the boys. Iknow Mrs. Brugna paid $5.00 for it from an exclusive baby shop, and I’ve wantedto keep it as a souvenier of Junie’s baby days but have decided to let thechildren have it. If Helen has any of it left when they’re thru with it she cansave the pieces for me. Jr. wore it only a couple times, for I was keeping itfor nice, and he grew out of it. Does Buddy need a winter coat now? Shushie’sis still good. Let me know. It’s sure a warm one too. Now I have to buy shoesand pants for Jr. and I must have a pr. of shoes, as I’m only wearing theremains of my last winter’s shoes, and now the soles are all worn out on them.But, aren’t I lucky tho? to get all these things that mean so much and helps somuch? Just what we needed. Really all Clarence needed was a decent hat andshoes. Now he has a nice hat. Luckily for us he is so easy on clothes for hehas pieces of his suits left and his 10 year old winter coat is still good.
Now, if I could get my debtspaid I guess I could rest without worrying. I hope to get out of if it’s onlylittle by little. I’m gradually getting the rent down by paying $20 per. Younow our rent was raised $13 to $16 the first of July. Now we are having the tinroof put on the house, and oh!, what a wonderful mess! The roof leaked so badlylast weekend when we had that awful storm that the water ran through theceiling in the sleeping porch and soaked Jr.’s bed twice before we knew it. Nowthere are scaffolds up all around and shingles all over the ground, nails too.The company put on twenty more carpenters the 1st of the month andeight more painters to repair every house in Chickasaw from roof to ground toget them all in good condition and ready so when this new 5 million dollaraluminum plant is ready and the new paper mill they will be able to rent everyhouse. They now have 260 white families here.
Clarence says to tell Bubbs hewill get him a pr. of shoulder pads. He called several fellows today and may beable to get some good used ones but whatever he gets we’ll send rite away, assoon as he can get them. Glad to hear Bubbs is out for football, but do becareful, don’t do like the boy on the front page of Liberty.
Are you swamped with Christmascards yet? Please don’t cuss me out, I have sold 3 boxes (orders) for TreasureChest. Others are pretty but not like it (Treasure Chest).
Oh! Yes, the slips came fine.Will plant them as soon as new roof is finished. My other elms and maples aretwo or three feet high already. These all look fine. Not crushed at all.
Well, it’s now 11:30 and C.P. isthru with his typing and I’m getting cold so believe I’ll turn in. He’s sogoofy I can’t keep my mind on what I’m writing anyway. I gave him a course ofCarter’s little liver pills a couple weeks ago, and he’s been feeling so goodand so foolish that he’s hard to keep up with, but he’s the same sweet ol’Clarence. So good to us. Brings me coffee every morning, yet. After 11 years.If I gain much more weight he’ll be chasing me out first, for fear I’ll get toofleshy. Ha! Ha! Guess I’m safe.
My cold is better. Jr. and Sisare o.k. but we’re planning to have their tonsils out Xmas. They have just oneweek vacation. Shushie’s head is still healing nicely, and her eye is stillblack. Her eyeball is so awfully red and looks bad. Her vaccination is workinggood. It has her about half sick and feverish so she doesn’t want to eat. Ragsis just as crazy as Trix used to be. Runs after the kids and goes goofy if theyrun. She’s screwey that’s all/ Chubby, her pup, is learning fast from hermother. When are you coming after her? We’re keeping her for you and Clarenceis training her, to be a perfect Jack-ass.
We have only 16 chicks and theduck. Only one or two eggs a day Donald has pulled all their tail feathers outso they can’t lay eggs. He wants some too. I’ve heard it often said that if youpull a hen’s tail it will stop her from laying for a few days, and he, the bigbrute, keeps ‘em pulled.
Must say nity nite and sweetdreams and again thanks, a million from the very bottom of our hearts.
Loveand kisses from Us All
Jeannette,Clarence, Junie, Sis & Shushie
HSO, 24 May 1945, p5, Local News
Mrs. Clarence P. Erickson (Jeannette Stayberg), son Clarence Jr. and two daughters, Jeannette and Thelma, who have been living in New Augusta, Mississippi arrived here on Thursday evening of last week. The Ericksons have purchased the red brick house at 1129 Seventh st., and plan to make it their home. Mrs. Erickson's husband, Major C. P. Erickson, who has been overseas in the South Pacific for the past nineteen months, arrived in the States last week and has been confined to the Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, recovering from Jungle Fever. However, he expects to be transferred to the Schick General Hospital in Clinton, Ia. in the near future.
(Letter to Miss Thelma Stayberg, 1217 - 12th St., Hudson, Wis. from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, 302 - 1st St., Chickasaw, Ala. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
June 15, 1937
Thelma Darling:-
To say "we miss you so," is putting it mildly. We're simply lost without "Thal". I don't know which way to turn, nor what to do. I'm just lost without you, but we were so happy to know you got home safely, and I'm sure everyone is happy to have you back. I know you were glad to get off of that bus. I know Darling that you'll have to admit that it was awfully tiresome. I sincerely hope that you get a good rest and enjoy yourself for a while at least, and don't feel that you have to hunt up a slave driving job the first thing. You're throwing the best years of your life away if you go stand over a blistering hot mess like you had last year. I'm so anxious to hear from you, to know how you made out on your trip and how everything was there at home. I meant to write to you as soon as you had gone so you'd hear from us, but I've been on a steady hop ever since your left.
Tues. Eve., 8 P.M.
Well, Darling, here I am again, but I'm holding this on my knee in the car, and it will look mighty messy I'm afraid. We're down at the new Prichard Armory. Sister, Shushie, Marion Jean and Betty are in the back seat. Clarence had to come down as this will be the last drill he will be able to attend with these fellows before they go to camp.
Sat. after we came home from taking you down, ( C. P. stopped at the office and then we went to Dixie Vim) we started picking up things to wash. We started washing about 8 and finished about noon--boy! What a washing! Nine sheets, 7 pillow slips, 4 tablecloths, about 18 bath towels, 7 shirts for C. P. and 5 for Jr., the two yellow spreads, all my dish towels, 6 big dresses and about 10 small, 7 suits of underwear for C. P., and lots of rags, 18 pr. socks, aprons, 3 overalls and you know how is usually ran. I had to double up on the lines and pins. We changed the beds and cleaned the house and went back to town to the office for C. P. to work. On our way home we stopped at Prichard for our groceries, as usual. Fed chickens, bro't in clothes and made supper, and after supper Don Kirk came to see Clarence about joining the National Guard (Sig. Co.) to earn money to go to Spring Hill College next year. He stayed till after eleven P.M. so you know we were tired.
We didn't get to hear any of the barn dance, as the stormy wethater made to much interruption. The children went to bed early. Sis and Shushie slept together. Jr. got up and built the fire and made toast but I didn't get up till 9 a.m. Boy! For Sleepy!
Sunday afternoon we went back to the office. Clarence wanted to get all the lessons corrected before Mon. when he went on leave, and I wanted to get those lists made. The kids went to a dime show, for the first time without us. We worked till after eight. Got home, had supper and went to bed. Don't you love this detail mess? Everything we're going to have coffee I put down three cups, and everytime we set the table we set for you and today Jr.'s been gone so we were lost without either of you. Don came down to go to drill with C. P. last nite and bro't his mother along to spend the evening with me. They wanted Jr. to go out with Don and spend a few days. I'm somewhat worried about him because he stepped on a rusty nail over at Hull's yesterday so I have to give him the lock-jaw serum tomorrow too. It was really deep but bled good, and I soaked it with iodine. These d--- kids are jumping around, and raising so much heck back here till I can't think nor write decent.
It seems as tho if it isn't 1 thing it's 2! The swelling has gone down in my foot to nearly normal, however I haven't put tight shoes on yet, but Sun. morning when I woke up the left side of my lower jaw was swollen terribly and so sore I could hardly talk. Those 3 rotten stumps all abcessed at the roots and the one next too. We went to town Mon. afternoon to the Dentist and he said they (3 on 1 side and 3 back on rite side) must come out rite away and he'll try to save the others in front to make a partial plate.
Wed. A.M.
Thal Darling:- Here I am again. 11 A.M. We just had a terrific cloud burst and tho it has cleared up some it's still lightning awfully sharp and thundering like h---. I don't like this kind of a storm much. The lightning is always so sharp.
Well this afternoon I'm supposed to have these three stumps pulled. Wonder what I'll look like then, or feel like? About 65. We rec'd your cards yesterday and were so glad to hear from you. Hope we hear again soon. Was the locker alrite, and were any of the dishes broken? How did Mom like the cukes and teapot? Did anyone meet you that early or what?
We worked in the garden all yesterday afternoon. It cooled off a little and clouded up for awhile so we pulled weeds till after 6. We picked pole beans, lima beans, 6 tomatoes and 18 cukes, and I pulled a good sized bunch of carrots. Clarence pulled two cabbages Mon. I boiled them for him. You can't imagine the weeds we pulled. My back and legs are sore today from stooping so long.
Junie isn't home yet. Hope he comes this P.M. so he can take that serum. He'll be happy to get your card I'm sure.
Everyone has asked about you. Mrs. Hull called over Sat. and said she was sorry she didn't get to tell you "goodbye" but I should tell you from her. I told her Mon. you got home o.k. Her company left Sat. a.m. too. Watz's were up at the garden last nite and spoke and stopped and talked about the garden some and I told them that you got home o.k. but they're acting sh--ty about something. Hulls told us this morning that Watz's told them that they were going to move to Axis when the rent went up. Annie told me to Mobile--mysterious, you know, deep dark secrets.
Well, guess I'll quite my foolish rambling and iron C. P.'s seersucker pants. Maybe he will have to go on a trip tomorrow. His 10 day leave is all messed up. He was to have it from 14th to 24th and Mon. Eve. when he went to drill a letter had come saying his leave was granted from 20th to 30th, so he may have to hurry to Tuscaloosa and Bigham and Booz on that trip this week. Expect he'll find out definitely at the office today. From all indications Richmond will never be back. Mrs. Kirk told us a lot Mon. Eve. He knows the symptoms and is trying to act 'em out but has failed in some phases of it. It's really laughable. Can't tell you all now.
Must hurry and quite this scribbling. Please write real soon. Tell us all the news. Greet everyone who want to be greeted and give our Love to the Folks, Rob included. Bet he wasn't happy to see you? No?
With all our love, hugs and kisses to our Dear Ol' Sis.
Dot, Clarence, Junie, Sis & Shushie
(Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gartmann, Hudson, Wisconsin from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, Rt. 4, Box 10, Fayetteville, N.C. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
October 1, 1939
Thal Darling:-
Please do forgive me for my seeming neglect, but I have never seen such a place for interruptions and never being left alone! I work from early til late and just as sure as I plan to spend an evening with some of my folks and with a few lines in comes someone, and sits and sits. They come early, even 7 a.m. and stay. I have started several letters to you, but they all get too old to send. I have one here I started September 10th and truthfully tried to get to it to answer your dear letter and mail what little I had.
We are all feeling pretty good at present, thanks be, for it seems I've had just one thing after the other ever since we came here. The 22nd of Sept. Jr. took a man's sized dose of lock-jaw serum and was real sicj from Monday to Friday. He stepped on a wooden staub in the ground and before we knew it he could hardly walk. The cords in his foot and leg were so stiff he could hardly move. The Col. at the hospital was afraid of lock-jaw so gave him a triple dose and he must have really needed it. He had a high fever and was so stiff all over and his skins was creeping and big blotches came out all over. He went to school the first day, Tue., a half day and then not again til Fri. I surely hated to have him miss the very beginning, but it couldn't be helped.
Here it is already 9 p.m. Sunday. We had a late supper and have just heard the Chase & Sanborn program with Charlie McCarthy. I enjoy hearing Charlie. I am so nervous tonite I can hardly sit still, therefore the queer writing. I am going to take a dose of my medicine soon and go to bed. My nerves hadve been pretty good and I've felt better for a month or so, but the last few days I've been jittery and blue. We are going to or planning to move into a little four-room house about two blocks back from the pavement, around the 18th of October. A Staff Sgt. and his wife are being transferred to Panama and we've asked for the house so we can be by ourselves and back away from the pavement. We are so crowded here in these three rooms. These are lovely houses, new, and about the cutest around here, but down where we are to move there are four little new houses and three very nice families who will be our neighbors and who seem anxious to have us down there. Our address will be the same, as we get it at the Bryant's Store.
I am having a little party for Shushie tomorrow, Mon. afternoon, at 4:30. They don't come on the school bus until four or after. There are fifty kids who get on and off the school bus right out here in front of the house. Somewheres around 79 kids ride that bus to and from school every day. It worried me for it's too crowded. They let Jr. and Sis go on the 7th and Shushie to the 3rd, and I'm hoping they'll be able to keep up to the work, and stay with their grades.
We heard the radio say the temperature was 26 in Mpls. the other day. S'pose that ruined all the fall flowers and pretty leaves. I really don't know what to say about our Chickasaw roses, whether they will stand that winter outside or not. Mom will just have to use her own judgment I guess. If they were realy heavily covered, or in sand in the cellar.
I got a letter from Les a couple weeks ago, saying they were going north again to attend his folk's Golden Wedding Anniversary the 16th of Oct. She said they were leaving Mobile about the 8th, Bob has only 2 wks off, and wanted to go and see you and Rob.
Oh! God! how I do wish we could come up! Anyway, she said they planned to stay in a tourist cabin while up there because his folks have such a small place and his sister has no room. I wrote them a few lines and told them where you loved and said I was sure you wouldn't mind them spending a nite or two with you. She said they'd be so hard up because they had to buy a license and battery before they leave. It looks funny to me that his folks insist on them coming up and still have no room for them. I hope you don't mind me saying this.
Must say Nity-nite Darling and get to bed, and try to rest. Please forgive me, and Remember we all love you all so. Give all the folks our love and kisses from the Treasures to you all.
Oceans of Love,
Dot, Clarence and Kiddies
(The letter of September 10th was enclosed)
September 10, 1939
Dear Thelma and Rob:-
First of all let us Congratulate you, our Precious Sister, and our new brother, for we wish you both "all the Luck and Happiness in the World, and may your pathway thru Married life be forever rosy. And, of course, may all your trouble be "little-ones". We are so happy for you both, and sincerely hope and pray that nothing will ever mar your happiness.
Please forgive me for not writing you long ago, as we had hoped to be able to send you something, but as conditions are now, I'd better write you a few lines and send something later. I just can't tell you how "far from everyone" I felt when I knew my only Sister was to be married, and we were so far away and couldn't even send you a telegram, to congratulate you. You folks will never know what genuine loneliness really is, and I'm glad you won't. I often think of how nice it would be to be able to drive in on you all once in awhile, or be close enough so you could come and see us. We're just about the same distance from hom here as were were in Mobile, for it's about 800 miles from here to Chicago. We're not so far from Washington, D.C., about 150 miles or so. We get radio programs from there during the day.
We were so glad to get your letter Thal Darling. Seemed so nice to hear from you again, and to hear about all the lovely things you had gotten. Would have loved to have been with the bunch who surprised you. I know you had a lovely time. It's so nice to know you have everything so nice and are so taken up with your new work. I have tried to picture your home in my mind, but I was only there once, and that was long ago, I believe before Shushie was born. I only sat out in the car with you. I do remember what a beautiful view of the river, etc., you had from up there.
I started this letter by candle light as we had a terrible electrical storm between seven and eight, and the lights werent off for a few minutes. I really don't know when I've ever seen such am electrical display in my life! It was chain lightning and general lightning and such a continuous glow and flare. It has cooled off considerably, flr which we are all very thankful, for we may be able to sleep tonight. It is just about 80 in the front room now but it was 106 in there about 3 p.m. Yesterday was the hottest day this part of the country has had in many years. It was 104 official and about 110 unofficial. I had to take my thermometer in to keep it from bursting. I don't know when I've minded the heat so much. Not since the last Summer we were home I guess, for it never got over 90 in Mobile. We live so close to the paved road and it's all sand round here, so the glare and heat seem so intense. The storm cooled things off considerably and settled the dust at least. Clarence and I sat out on the front porch until 12:30 last nite, for it was absolutely too hot to come in.
We watch the weather chart in the paper every day, and compare St. Paul and Mpls., also Mobile, with Raleigh, for ours is the same here as Raleigh and Charlotte.
Clarence just turned on the radio again to hear Edwin C. Hill, at 10:04, with the Amoco news report. We have kept the radio on, almost all thetime since War was declared, but it's getting so disgusting to have to listen to all the propogana. Suppose you folks listened to Pres. Roosevelt's speech last Sunday night, as we did. It's hard to try to form an opinion one way or the other so far, but it really looks mighty serious to me. I imagine you hear much more war talk around there than we do here, as the Army has been preparing for just this thing for several years, and there's no excitement here at all. Clarence received his new assighment as reserve officer a few days ago. He will take command of the 81st Division Special Troops (Signal Co.), and there will be a Lt. Snooks, second in command. Lt. Kenny, his Commanding Officer here, may transfer C.P. to Air Corp (Sig. Corps) to give him a Technical Sgts. promotion. He surely gave Clarence a fine recommendation. I'll copy the endorsement he wrote on a letter the other day-- "During the past two month I have had occasion to make special observation of the work of C. P. Erickson. He is thorough, foreceful, competant and absolutely reliable. I belive that he would make an excellent officer. I recommend he be given favorable consideration."
I thought that was as good as he could have made it. The Lieut. is a graduate of West Point, also a graduate of the Signal School that C. P. graduated from. He surely has been nice to Clarence and I feel will do a great deal for him.
While C. P. was inspecting 'phones, all over the post (he checked some 998) he came in contact with all the commanding officers and etc and everyone was very complimentary of his work. Everyone seems to like him. I'm hoping and praying he will get a promotion sometime soon. He would have had one long ago, but they have to wait for vacancies. Only so many of each in each corps area. This is a small Sig. Corps detachment of only 23 men. Other parts all over south.
(Here the letter of September 10th ends. There is a diagram on the last page showing where their house is located on Fort Bragg Road, and a floor plan of the house).
(Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wisconsin. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Fayetteville, No. Car.
April 4, 1940
Thal Darling and Rob:-
I'm so tired tonight I can hardly see straight, but I won't sleep until I get a few lines written to my Darling Sister to tell you how terribly thrilled we were to hear the wonderful news about your expected Blessed Event. We wish you all the luck in the World and all the joy and Happiness God alone can give you. Our sincerest prayers are with you every day, and tho I am too far away to share your happiness I will be with you in my every thought.
I received my first word of it on Junior's birthday when Mama wrote a few lines with his card. I had no idea how far or how soon until Monday morning when I received Mama's last letter and she said "about the middle of April." It really hurts to think I have to hear such important news about my only sister just about time for it to happen. Oh! How I do wish I could be nearer or be there to be with you, of course I know you will have the best of care, but I'd love to be there. I feel as tho I'm sorta out of the family. It just seems ages since we've seen you all, but don't think for a minute that these children can ever forget any of you, for they remember everything very vividly. They can talk about last time we were up there and remember things that I had long forgotten. They say, "Mama do you remember when we went or did so and so?"
Before I forget it I want to say thanks a million for Junior's birthday card and the fifty cents inclosed. He was so proud of it and still has it and what Mom sent him. He may have to use it to help pay for his glasses Saturday. I have to take him to town Saturday to have the frames fit to his face. He needs them badly, for his left eye is weak. There is a certain distance from his eyes that he has blank vision. We are hoping that by getting glasses for him now when the Col. says he must have them, that his eyes may grow stronger and that by the time he gets into athletics, etc., he can get along without them. Col. Keeler says he must wear them all the time, at least for a year. He is growing so fast that I'm afraid theones we get now will be too small for his face in six months or so.
They are all three growing so fast, but Junior and Jeannette are closer to the same size now than they've ever been. Shushie is wearing the dresses this spring that Sis wore last spring when we left Mobile. By the way it will be a year Sunday since we said Goodbye to our dear little home in Chickasaw. We left there the seventh. Spent Easter Sunday in a tourist cabin in Montgomery. It will soon be a year since we came to this d-- dump. Believe me I've learned a lot in this year, and will never forget it nor it's ignorant "peables". This is really an experience. I sure hope we can look forward to something much better before long. Clarence hasn't heard yet whether or not he passed the Staff Sgts. examination but everyone tells him he hasn't got a thing to worry about, and I really don't feel that he has. It's just that promotion is so slow in the Signal Corps, just as in the Medical Corps. They say they should know by July 1st and even tho the time seems to pass quickly it does seem a long time to wait. He was recommended last week for a Sgts. rating to fill in a vacancy recently created and if he gets that it will at least be that much. He doesn't, so far, have orders to go off for these large maneuvers. There are nearly eight thousand men out here at the Post and about four thousand are leaving between now an Sunday for the large concentration at Fort Benning, and Camp Jackson, So. Carolina. Later others leave here (about May 1st) to join all the rest for maneuvers in Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. They will be gone until about August. This Fort will be rather deserted during the summer. Troops, trucks, pontoons, huge guns and etc have been coming in here for the last month to spend the night before going on to the maneuvers in the South. Different outfits out here, such as the 83rd Field Artillery, the 36th Infantry and etc, whole regiments, go out on the reservation for practice and when they shoot those huge guns, 10 or 15 miles away, it rattles the windows and shakes the whole house; balloons and planes doing their stuff overhead, dropping huge flares at night, and the booming of huge guns (one gun weights 5 tons) and some smaller that weight 2 and 3 tons apiece, it makes one realize more than ever what we are preparing for. Clarence has shipped out thousands of dollars woth of equipment; batteries, radios and supplies, in the last few weeks all in preparation for the strenuous test our boys are to be put thru. He issued 200 miles of telephone wire and I don't know what-all, to one outfit today. It is just ordinary routine to us here, but civilians just don't realize what preparations are really being made to protect our country and property.
Goodness, here it is already ten-fifteen so guess I'll take my bawth and go to bed. I did a monstrous wash today, and by the time I got the house cleaned up I was all in. C. P. helped me make supper. There's always someone running in and out and I can't ever sit down awhile and write without a dozen interruptions. I owe everyone letters, and it really worries me. I haven't written to Ed and Pearl yet and their Baby was born March 5th. Guess I'll just have to lock the door someday and spend the day writing.
Must say nity-nite for this time, and send oodles of love to you both from Us all. Jr., Sis and Shushie send lots of love and kisses and a snapshot I took in Jan. and just had printed.
Sincerest Wishes for load of luck and happiness and please write when you can if only a few lines. Please, please let me know as soon as it's over.
Lovingly, Your Ol Sis and family,
Jeannette, C. P., Jr. Sis & Shushie
(Enclosed with a letter to Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wis. from "Sister". Postmarked from Fayetteville, N.C. on May 17, 1940)
May 17th [1940]
Thal, Darling & All,
Yesterday evening Jr. and Jeannette came in "Mama we both passed and will graduate tomorrow night." I was so happy. Then C. P. came in all grins but didn't say a word. After supper Master Sgt. Cricthlow and family and Sgt. Cobb, our First Sgt. came in and handed me Clarence's promotion. My birthday present they said. I nearly fainted!
Just too happy for words! Can't tell you. In a hurry. Hope you're all well.
Loads of Love, Dot
(Letter to Mrs. Robert Gartmann, R.F.D., Hudson, Wisconsin from Mrs. C. P. Erickson, R. R. 4 Box 108, Fayetteville, No. Carolina. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
September 16, 1940
Dearest Thal and All:-
I know this will be somewhat of a shock, but I hope it won't be serious. I'm not going to make up any excuses or ask forgiveness for my apparent neglect, I'll just say "wait till you have three the size of ours, and see how many letters you get written." Ha! We rarely have an evening to ourselves, and now it's to hear Miss Thelma's spelling or reading or such. Usually Daddy does it, for I have no patience.
Junior and Jeannette like High School very much, they say. They are each taking English and Literature, Mathematics, Civics and History and Junior is taking General Science and Jeannette Home Economics (cooking). Their book fee was $2.40 each, and science material $1.50 each. Their music, if they take it, is $3.00/month. I had hoped to be able to let Jeannette take piano lessons this year, and let Thelma take it later. Jeannette can play quite a few hymns already, just picking it up from her girl friend.
Sushie has a beautiful singing voice, which I don't want ruined by any fancy lessons, until she gets older and her voice stronger. She sings continually, and everyone loves to hear her sing and remarks about her voice. Junior & Sis expect to join the High School Glee Club this year.
I didn't give up hopes of getting home this summer until the first of September when our Capt. said he couldn't let either Clarence or Sgt. Cobb have a furlough. Sgt. Cobb had hoped to get a least a month and go to his home in South Bend, Indiana, and we could have gone as far as Chicago with him, and have come back with him too. About a month ago I inquired at the bus depot about the fare from here home, and it is $18.35 to St. Paul, and Hudson is 35 cents this side of St. Paul, so it would be $18 even, and $32.60 round trip. We've been wondering if Mom would come down here and visit us awhile, if we sent her the fare? What do you think about it? Don't you suppose Pop & Bubbs could get along without her for a month or so, considering that we haven't seen her for over four years? Couldn't you folks let us enjoy visiting with her just a short while?
We have talked about going home for Christmas, but we can't plan that far ahead. You know we'd love to come if we could, or will if we can, but with national conditions as they are now, we are expecting Clarence to be called out as an instructor with the National Guard. There "90 day wonders", R.O.T.C. Reserve Officers, are a big disappointment to the Army, so they say they will have to call all the enlisted men in the Regular Army who hold Reserve Commissions for they have the actual experience and training necessary. They are going to train so many thousand young men each year for five years, so I 'xpect if Clarence gets called as a Capt. it won't be just a "year's intensive training" but five. Out of the three thousand enlisted men now in the Signal Corps only 60 hold Reserve Commissions. They are being called in everyday. The Army has organized a new streamlined "9th Division" here in the last two months. The new 9th Division is up here about 2 1/2 miles, on the edge of the Reservation, in a huge tent city composed of thousands of tents.
Hundreds of Officers and Staff, Master, Technical, First and Duty Sgts., have been sent here as a nucleus for this new division from Forts all over the country. They call these men (Cadres) with experience and former training; then they have sent equally as many old soldiers away from here as Cadres somewhere else. We have people around here now from all over the country, and the friends we made after coming here sent to Alabama, Georgia, Texas and all over. Sunday some friends came to call and brought a young couple with them, a Sgt. and his wife from Wisconsin. He had been to the maneuvers at Camp Custer this summer, knew Major Strike, etc. These other people, Sgt. Cole and family, are from Indiana.
We've been told that two more new streamlined divisions will be organized here between now and the first of the year, so they expect to have 50-60 thousand men here by then. The complement of the Fort has almost tripled since summer, and now they say there are 956 Commissioned Officers (Cols., Capts., Lieuts., etc) and 21,000 enlisted men (from Master Sgts. down to the Buck Privates). There were about 5,000 men here a year ago.
Just made a pot of coffee in the old dripolator, how about having some with us? We've certainly drank many a cup of "java" out of that ol' pot, hain't we , Sis? Gosh, how I do wish we could drop in on "ya-all" for a weekend, or vice versa. It would seem more like living. I'd lover to see you, Rob and that precious Baby, to hold her in my arms and love her. It just seems ages since we've seen you, and a year longer since we've seen the folks. Bubbs was about like Jr. is now. We could hardly believe that was Buddy holding Nancy on that picture, so tall and slim. He looks a lot like Helen, but more like Herbert to me. That picture reminded me of the ones of Herbert holding Bubbs on his shoulders. Remember he had knee breeches and was so small? Buddy looks more like Herbert now that ever before I think. His forehead and hair line and etc. Nancy looks like both you and Rob. She surely is fat and precious. I'd love to hold her and love her. I have the neighbor baby so she leaves the whole family for me, and even cries for me if she sees me through the window. They can't get her away from me if I'm holding her either. Her name is Sarah Jane Melvin. They have two more cut kids, Merry Ann 2 years old and Buster is 5 years old, but they are so spoiled and rotten you can hardly stand the, but the Baby is so sweet. She will be a year old Oct. 25th. I'd be so thrilled if we had a tiny baby now, and I know Clarence would love it, for he's crazy about all kids, but I guess our order with Sears or Monkey Wards has run out, or our credit isn't any good. Ha!
Before it slips my mind I want to say "Thanks a million" for those lovely snaps and please do it often, so we can at least see Nancy grow by snap shots. The kids were so proud of their pictures you sent with Sis' birthday card. Did she thank for her birthday card and present when she wrote, surely hope so, but in case she didn't, I want to say it was lovely and we surely appreciated it, or them. She hasn't used her pink comb from Bubbs, she's keeping it to carry in her purse. She has a mop of hair like yours (Thal's). She really needs a hay fork to comb it. Lordy, she's so precise, every hair must be just so and her clothes the same way. Not a spot, nor a crease anywhere.
All summer she was the same way. Combed her hair several times a day, took her bath and dressed up after lunch. One day our neighbor lady saw Sis and a neighbor girl (fat and sloppy) coming down the path and she said, "Look at that, looks like an Orchid and a cow-turd coming down the road." I thought that just about beat anything I ever heard. Now, scatter-brained, harem-scarem Shushie, overalls, or nothing-at-all suits her! C.P. says "Chatter-box" and "Scatter-Brains" were written for her. Happy-go-lucky, always! She sure looks like Bubbs. Her mouth is just like his, and Lordy! Such devilish eyes! Just a few minutes ago she came and kissed us Goodnight, each, three times, and giggled and rolled those eyes! I said, "Do you realize that two weeks from today you will be 9 years old?" She hurriedly said, "Yes, Mom, Don't I look it?" and giggled again. She beats anything I ever saw, and I know you'd love all three of them if you could see them now. Junior is much more quiet than the girls. He's the same old "Junie" all the way through. Good hearted and so blamed tender hearted.
Will you please tell Aunt Gurina that we rec'd the prim-ost and were tickled pink to get it? Surely was a big treat, and we are thoroughly enjoying it, especially Sis and I. We nearly ate a whole one first day. I will try to write her soon to thank for it, but thought maybe you would let her know we had rec'd it.
Clarence is sitting across the table from me writing a few lines to Don Kirk and jabbering a mess of foolishness. He said to tell you he was working so hard that he had dropped from 176 to 172 pounds. I'll say he's to be pitied, overworked and abused. Ha! He does work hard I know. Her turns over thousands of dollars worth of property in a day and the paper work is tremendous and so little help, or rather irresponsible assistance in that work is worse than none.
Please write us another nice long letter gain real soon, and tell us all about yourselves, and what you do for diversion and etc. Mom don't write much about what they are doing and etc, she usually rambles off on "LVJ just came in:. Sh__ on her and hers! She did tell us about their trip to Milaca, etc.
Be sure to let the folks know you got this letter from us, for she's been after me so long to "write to somebody." The trouble with me, it takes me two months to get started, and when I do, I never know when to quit, like now. It's ten p.m. and C.P. has already shaved and is about ready for bed. I haven't seen Sunday's papers nor tonite's yet. I have sewing piled up feet high to do, and people wanting me to sew for them. I want to make Nancy a dress and smock it too. What shall I make, about a 1 year old size?
By the way, where are Polly and Lyle now, and how many children do they have? Tell them "hello" from us. Also Ann J. Surely glad to hear they are so sensible and plan to build near home. I'd surely like to see Ann and her hubby, Aunt Gurie and O.K., everybody, again! How are Ruth and Lila and etc? What do Herbert and Helen do? They never write.
I don't suppose you'll see the old Paige come up your driveway as you said. It is still in the back yard, and hasn't been run since last December. It needs tires and much work and paint. We haven't been able to afford to run it before, and I'm afraid we'd be wasting time and money trying to fix it to run much more. We're going to put it in running condition so if we are ever able, we may try to trade up to a better used car. We can't buy parts for the Paige here and a license is according to weight. Brrr! 4400#. We couldn't afford to run a car anyway.
Golly, Sis Darling, I'm so sleepy and my arms is really cramped. I've rambled on and on and hardly said a thing. Please do write us a letter again soon, and thanks a million for yours and the precious pictures. Give Rob our Best Wishes and Love from We All. I know he has worked hard always, I only wish he and C.P. were better acquainted. Tell Mom and Dad-Dad and Bubbs I'll write soon, and we send Love to them too. Surely hope Pop's fall didn't do too much damage. The children enjoyed Bubbs' letters, and Mom's too.
With Oceans of Love and Kisses to you Sis Darling and your dear family and all our loved ones at home.
Forever Your Old Sis,
Dot, C.P. and Treasures
[Out Our Way cartoon from newspaper enclosed. It the two children peering out the front door while a wild animal goes scurrying away from the pig pen. The mother is laying on the floor in front of the door, holding her shoulder with a smoking shotgun laying at her side. The caption reads "You hit him! You must of hit him with both barrels, because he's leavin' without a pig!" At the top Jeannette has written "What does this remind you of Thal? Did you ever shoot both barrels of a 12 guage? (1923) I'll never forget that. Ha".]
(Letter to Mr. John A. Stayberg and family, 1217 12th Street, Hudson, Wisconsin. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
% Asst. Signal Officer
Camp Shelby, Miss.
Nov. 12, 1941
Dear Dad-Dad, Bubbs & Thal:-
First of all I want to thank Bubbs so very much for the letters he has written so faithfully to keep us posted on Mom's condition. We certainly have appreciated them, every one, for we have been so anxious to hear. You can't imagine how hard it is to be so far away when a dear one is so sick. I was nearly frantic for days, but do feel somewhat relieved now. I hope I get another letter when C. P. comes home today.
What do the doctors say about her condition now? Please tell me all about it, for I do want to know everything, and I can imagine all kinds of things. Why didn't they remove the gall-bladder? Is there any danger of a reoccurance of the billiousness? Surely hope they don't plan on doing that later. Of course you know that it is going to take quite a long time for Mama to get her strength back, or be back to normal again, not only because of her serious illness, but her weight and age must be considered. When do they think she will be able to come home? I know that will be a very happy day for you all, and I surely wish we could be there with you. Surely was sweet of Nancy, realizinf Mom wasn't there. Even as tiny as she is. Please remember that we are there with you all in thoughts and prayers, and haven't stopped praying for all of you a single minute.
Clarence and I are wondering about the hospital and doctor bills? We wish you would tell us what your plans are, and what you must do. If there is any way in which we can help, we do want you to tell us. We wish you would tell us, for you know we have worried about it, and we don't want you to put a burden on the place, if we can help. How much is the billing going to be, and how much do you have to pay right away? Please tell me. We have so very much to be so very thankful for, in having our Dear Momie well and home again, and we really have been a very fortunate family all the way through when operations are concerned, so if we all put our shoulders to the wheel it won't be hard at all.
I have one heck of a time since coming here, especially when it came to sitting. I'm just getting over what I hipe is my last one. It's still very sore, but if it's the last one, I guess I can stand it. Last week I had an awful head cold which kept me sneezing and blowing. Right now I'm sitting as close to the fireplace as possible freezing on one side and burning on the other. We can't get wood, because everyone is either working at the camp or too lazy to work. We had a heavy white frost this morning, and these big rambling old houses aren't built to keep out any real cold weather.
I know Mama will be thrilled over the new floor and rug, Bubbs mentioned in his letter last week. Tell us about it, and all about what she does when she gets home.
We are getting mighty tired of falling all over each other in these two rooms. They are quite large, but with five grown people in them there's hardly room to cuss a cat without getting one's mouth full of hair. We should hear from our furniture just any day now, it eems, as it really shouldn't take six weeks for it to come here from Bargg. We don't have a house definitely settled, and it seems we may have to go up to Hattiesburg to live. Rent is so far out of signt, until we expect to have to pay at least $60.00 for a four or five room house, and that will mean to change the children in school again, and they really like it here. They are making good grades, and Shushie is singing the leading part in a pageant here next week. Jr. is dancing (in tails) in it. They have made oodles of new friends since coming here and go out often to little school parties.
Must close and have this ready when Junior comes from school in a few minutes. Please answer it soon and tell us what you plan to do and when Mama will come home.
Thank you all, each, for your letters, and remember our prayers are with you all. Give Mom a big hug and kiss from us each, and we love you all so very much.
All our love from your own,
Jeannette, Clarence, Junior, Jeannette & Shushie
P.S. Clarence said last nite to be sure to ask if you folks were asked to pay for that wire he sent? We had it charged to his account, but hasn't gotten a billl for it yet. He does want to know. Be sure to tell us. Dot
(No envelope. Letter was sent to Karine and John. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Box 105
New Augusta, Miss.
December 8, 1941
Dear Ones, All, At Home:-
It is just 2:30 P.M. and our first day of U. S. entry into this War! Needless to say, things seem to be happening fast and furious, and everyone seems to be more stunned by the realization of an invasion of our shores, than surprised. We had dinner at Camp yesterday noon, Co. Mickle, Clarence and the children and I drove out right from Church at noon and met Major and Mrs. Moses and their children there. After dinner we all went to see Clarence's two huge new warehouses. Then Major and Mrs. Moses invited us to come to their home in Hattiesburg. All this time we were unaware of what had happened. We had barely gotten there when they called from Camp and said the switchboards had gone crazy, that the operators couldn't take the calls, and the coded messages were pouring in!
We turned on the radio and head the preliminary messages from Hawaii and Manila. We hurried home and I made some supper wheil Clarence changed to working clothes and hurried back to camp. He came home at 2 A.M. this morning, and of course went back at 7 A.M. and we don't know when he'll be home this Eve. Two groups of troops left camp during the night, and I suppose more are preparing to leave.
All I know to do is pray for the best, for we must not become alarmed and do a lot of foolish talking. We must have confidence in our right to protect our lives and our homes and freedom. We must feel that we cannot be stopped in this cause against aggression. God knows we could not let those yellow dogs come any closer! We have so much to be thankful for, and I feel sure that we will realize a glorious Victory and that God alone can lead us.
We experienced a very harrowing experience here last Tuesday evening, and are hardly over it. A back bedroom next to our bathroom filled with gas and caught fire from the fireplace and exploded a sold mass of flmaes about ten minutes to five p.m. Mrs. Story and her 12 year old boy and I and our kids were here alone, and pouring down cats and dogs outside. Shushie and Billy S. went out and yelled for help and it seemed no one could hear, then Jr. and Billy ran to town and rang the church bell and we finally got the whole town out. There were no casualties, thank God, a man got his hand badly cut on a broken mirrow and we were all like drowned rats and frantic! I was overcome by smoke and fainted and they sent for the dr. for me, as they said I stayed "out" too long. Jeannette and I had carried out all the clothes in the house to the swings on the porch and I had gone back to where I could only feel my way through smoke.
After they told me the men had chopped a whole through and had it out, I collapsed. Clarence and Col. Mickee came about quarter to six and were scared to death as I was rolled in a wool blanket on a bare mattress. I'm still coughing a dry tickling cough, but hope it will leave soon. Everything, clothes, house, and all were badly damaged by smoke and water, but we are gradually getting over it. The house is being repaired, the bedroom rebuilt, the bathroom, back hall, bedroom and dining room and kitchen are being repainted. We were so terribly scared, but blessedly lucky! We could have been killed or lost everything. We have Butane gas heaters in the rooms.
We have had to get nearly everything cleaned and oh! what a washing I have. Clean clothes were soiled and messed up and I never saw so much wet from rain and mud and cold.
Here come the children! Must hurry as the Mobile bus that carries the mail leaves soon so they must run to town to mail this.
Oceans of Love to you all from us all. Surely hope you are convalescing quickly and will soon be up and around again. Mrs. Story had that same operation after a long seige of suffering and spent a month in the hospital and now feels like a million. She is a little older than you, and not far from your size. Her sister had the same operation about 8 years ago, and now she's fine. Make up your mind that you're going to be fine soon and that will help a lot. Mayble help Pop's and Bubbs' headaches a lot too.
Real cold here lately. Please write soon and tell us all the news. Would love to see an Observer once in awhile.
Please give Thelma these two pictures of her old school in Crichton. She had asked C. P. when we were up there to take one, so we did the first time we went down. Hope she likes 'em.
Again, oceans of Love, from your own kiddies down Mississippi way--
Clarence, Jeannette and Treasures
(No envelope. Letter to Thelma from Jeannette. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Box 105
New Augusta, Miss.
Jan. 26. 1942
Dearest Sis and All:-
I wonder if you got as big a thrill out of that call Saturday night as I did? You can't imagine how wonderful it was to hear my darling Sister's voice, and realize how many miles were between us! Boy! would we have liked to have had some of that coffee with you. It only took 4 1/2 minutes to put that call through from the Signal Switchboard to you, which I thought was wonderful too, especially on Saturday night. We talked 5 minutes, $3.65, and it sure was worth it to be able to talk to you. I only wish the folks had been there too, or Nancy had been awake, so I could have heard her voice. Every receiver on the prairie must have been up "on the ear" for I could barely hear you, especially toward the last. I've thought of it since and wondered it it may not be better to call you all at Uncle Jens' next time so we'd get better connections? For every receiver that goes up weakens the line and conversations. What do you think about the idea? What did Mom and Papa and Bubbs say when you told them i called you? Oh! It was so wonderful to talk to you.
Clarence didn't get through till 12:30 Sat. nite so it was nearly one a.m. before we got home.
Mrs. Mennes and Marjory came to see us yesterday afternoon, (Sun.) and we had a wonderful visit. Mr. Bruns was working so we didn't meet him. I don't think he is leaving here as you said as his orders have been revoked for the time being anyway. They were so lonely and it was so nice to see someone from home. They told us about Nancy, how precious and spoiled (??) she was. Does she know which one is her mother? Ha! Mrs. Mennes would like to get work at camp while she is here and Clarence said he'd be glad to help her, or say a good word for her. They mentioned seeing an article in the Observer about Clarence, what was it? I'm hoping we'll have the pleasure of seeing a lot more of them while they're here. I'd like to know what they write to Nonie about their visit to us. Did they say anything about our home? Or this small town? They said they had heard some mighty fine things about Clarence from Officers up at Headqtrs, and when they were leaving Mrs. Mennes said, "I think he's just as fine as they told us he was." Ahem! I'm supposed to visit them some afternoon this week, if Clarence can let me have the car. He's so busy, but he has two station wagons and drivers to take him all over.
I'm going to write to Nettie and ask her to send me that tub for Nancy, as it doesn't seem as tho we will ever get a chance to get down to Mobile again soon. Clarence is subject to call anytime, day or night, and doesn't dare to get that far away. Well, Darling, it's nearly eleven p.m. and my Sweetheart has shaved and is taking his bath, so he'll soon be ready to hit the hay. I really was ready to go to bed by 8, I was so sleeply I could hardly hold my eyes open. Will fix the coffee, come have some with us.
7:15 p.m., Tuesday Eve.
Thal Darling:-
I want to finish this tonight so Clarence can mail it for me in the morning. We have only one out-going mail per day here, and two incoming, but the mail goes out after dinner so if Clarence takes it with him it ought to be halfway there by noon. Ha! Clarence called at 6:30 p.m. and said he was held up "incoding" several messages and wouldn't get home till 9:30 or ten, so we should go ahead and eat. We did, and the gang came by for the kids to go to the Junior Class play. Jill and I are here by ourselves, "two old hens." She's snoring in front of the gas heater and I have just as much ambition. I went to my Auxiliary meeting this afternoon. That's really the first afternoon that I've gone out since we moved here. Seems I never get thru working, for keeping eight rooms, all one one floor, clean and straightened up for anyone to come in to see, besides cooking for 6, washing, ironing and etc., is really a job.
Col. Mickle went back to Mobile Sunday to work down there. He was working in Clarence's warehouse here as Senior Storekeepe on Civil Service (you see he's retired from the Army). His wife kept nagging him to get a job down there and be home, so he felt he must go when he could get the same type job there. His eyes filled with tears when he told me he was leaving. He said he didn't know when he had ever enjoyed anyplace as he had living here with us. He said he'd sure miss his lovely room and bed, the food especially, and the home comforts and kiddies. He gained 11 lbs the 2 months he was with us. He's a sweet old man, an so much fun. Surely wish Papa could or would come down here for a visit. It would do him a world of good to get away from Hudson for awhile. Don't you think so? We're going to do our best to send Blegan's $50.00 this next month (payday). That'll be a big relief, for it surely has worried me. Well, Honey, must end my rambles for this time, and try to write another letter. Kiss Nancy from us all and Oceans of Love to you all from us all, as always,
Your old Sis, Jeannette & All
Did you get the two pictures I sent you of Crichton 3rd grade? I repainted my kitchen, white trimmed in blue, and made 5 pr. of curtains, bought 5 pr. and have 2 pr. left to put up.
(No envelope. Original in possession of Nancy Hawkinson)
Nox 105
New Augusta, Miss.
April 18, 1944
Thal Darling and All:-
Congratulations Sis Darling, I'm so happy for you, and I know you are very proud of another son. Rob is sure looking out for some help in his old age! Ha! I am somewhat relieved since talking to Mama, for I don't mind telling you I was really worried after I got that telegram at 3 o'clock this afternoon. First if all Mama wrote me a week or so agao and told me you were expecting again, that knocked the sox off of me; then the other day in Junior's letter she said maybe about your birthday, well, that was another blow! and today, the telegram! What next? You'd better "take it easy" as Junior said in his letter. For Goodness sakes, do try to take care of your self as much as possible. I wish I was up there to help a little. With two babies you'll never get thru. I wish I knew what you planned to name him. I think "Larry" is a real cute now days. We had a precious little boy living here last year named Larry Ray, and one named Larry Edward. You could make it "Larry Winston" or "Donald Winston", either is pretty for a boy. Sister's Sweetheat has a pretty name, Carlton, that could be spelled with a "K" for Mama too, you know. Karlon, Merrill or Morris (K. M.) How about "Jerry", ahem! I always liked that name. Ha! Lonnie is cute, or Thomas (Tommy) for "Thelma". Well, whatever it is, I know it will be cute. You've probably got his name picked out already. Be sure to tell me what it is.
I'm anxious to know all about it, how you got along. What time of the day was he born?
I was afraid Mama wouldn't be able to hear me from out there, because I felt sure every receiver on the line was up and listening, but she evidently could hear good. I could just barely hear Mama, her voice sounded so terribly far off.
Did Nancy get her pkg. by Saturday? I was a little worried for fear it wouldn't get there by "the day". If the dress will be too small by summer send it back right away and I'll exchange it. Was she four or five this birthday? What does she think of the new Bro? Poor Bobby didn't have long to be the baby, did he? (You'd better name this one "Finni I. Hope - Gartmann") Ha! I'd be afraid to try it again with all the quads and triplets and twins born here and there and everywhere. How about Polly, I saw he had another one.
We are all o.k. I guess. I have been worried about Clarence not being able to hear from us for a month, again. i sent him a cablegram last Tuesday, enough to let him know we were up and kicking. He should have gotten it in two or three days.
Will try to write more later Honey, but I'm so tired, will try to get some sleep. Please take care of yourself, as nearly as possible, and please promise to have your teeth fixed as soon as you are strong enough. You owe it to those babies and you'll feel so much better if you do.
Write when you can, and let us know how you are. Be sweet, love the babies from us and keep heaps for yourself.
As Ever Your Sis & Family,
Dot, Jr. Sis and Shushie
HSO, 20 Jun 1963, p1
Installed As President Of Rebekah Assembly
Nineteen members of Mercy Rebekah lodge and Colfax lodge, IOOF of Wisconsin, attended the joint installation of the grand lodge and Rebekah state assembly of Wisconsin, Tuesday evening, June 11, in the crystal ballroom of Hotel Retlow, Fond du Lac, at which time Mrs. C. P. Erickson of Hudson was installed as president of the Rebekah assembly.
HSO, 4 Nov 1971, p7
Mrs. Erickson Awarded Highed Honor by IOOF
Col. and Mrs. C.P. Erickson attended the 124th Grand Encampmnt session; the 79th Department Council, Patriarchs Militant session and the 24th Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant Grand Session of Wisconsin at Janesville, Oct. 17-20 . . . Mrs. Erickson, a member of Mercy Rebekah Lodge 80, Hudson, was one of the ladies to receive the Decoration of Chivalry. Mercy Rebekah Lodge recommended the award, which was approved and conferred by the Department Council of Wisconsin for meritorious service in all facets of civic, social, fraternal, church and home associations.
The jewel which Mrs. Erickson had pinned upon her by a six year old "Maiden of Innocence" was awarded to Mrs. Martin (Margarethe) Petersen, over 50 years ago, and was given to Mrs. Erickson before Mrs. Petersen's death. Mrs. Petersen was the mother of the late Eric C. Petersen.
Mrs. Erickson was the installing Marshall in the installation of officers before the closing session on Tuesday afternoon. She is a guard on the staff of the LAPM association.
HSO, 17 Nov 1994, p18a
Jeanette Karine Erickson, 89
Jeanette K. Erickson, 89, a Hudson native, died Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the Baldwin Care Center, where she had resided since 1983.
She was born in Hudson, May 29, 1905, the daughter of John A. and Karine M. (Jenson) Stayberg, and graduated from Hudson High School in 1925.
After finishing high school she received nurses training and was employed in a physician's office in St. Paul prior to her marriage. She was a volunteer worker at blood banks throughout her life.
On June 17, 1926, she was married in Hudson to Clarence P. Erickson, a military man, and they lived in a number of military posts in the South during their marriage.
In 1946, after Col. Erickson's final tour of duty in the South Pacific during World War II, he retired from the military after 27 years of service. At that time he and his wife returned to Hudson to make their home at the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets.
While in Hudson, Jeanette Erickson was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved gardening and was an exccellent seamstress and embroiderer, and her penmanship style was a small work of art.
Perhaps she is best remembed for her leadership in various local and state organizations and her volunteer work. She was a past president of the ladies auxiliar of Patriarchs Militant of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, twice worthy matron of the Hudson Order of the Eastern Star, and held executive posts in the local and state organization of the Rebekah lodge.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Carlton (Jeanette) Bonner of Concord, Calif., and Mrs. Paul (Thelma) Willink of Baldwin; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Clarence, on Nov. 12, 1980; a son, Clarence John Erickson, a member of the Hudson Police Department who was shot and killed in a gun battle with a fleeing robber in June 1953; two brothers, John and Herbert Stayberg; a sister, Thelma Gartmann; and a daughter-in-law, Lorraine (Johnson) Erickson Heebink.
Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Baldwin, with the Rev. Richard Knowles officiating. During the service, Paul Willink, a son-in-law, was organist; vocalits were grandchildren Mark and Debbie Willink and Paula and Phil Klacan. An organ-piano duet was performed by Paul Willink and a great-grandson, David Willink.
Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.
Pallbearers were Mark Willink, Paula Klacan, Carol Weber, Jack Stayberg, Nancy Hawkinson and Ray Heebink. Honorary pallbearers were Carl Bonner, Richard Bonner, John Bonner, Eric Bonner, Andrew Bonner, Dr. Leonard Torkelson and Winnie VanSomeren.
Events
| Birth | 29 May 1905 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin |  | ||
| Graduation | 1925 | Hudson High School - Hudson, St. Croix, Wis | | ||
| Marriage | 19 Jan 1927 | Anoka, Anoka, Minnesota - Clarence Palmer Erickson | |||
| Death | 8 Nov 1994 | Baldwin, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | | ||
| Burial | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Willow River Cemetery |
Families
| Spouse | Clarence Palmer Erickson (1902 - 1980) |
| Child | Clarence John "Junior" Erickson (1927 - 1953) |
| Child | Jeannette Karine "Sis" Erickson (1928 - 2002) |
| Child | Thelma Lorraine "Shushie" Erickson (1931 - 2006) |
| Father | John Arnt Stayberg (1882 - 1952) |
| Mother | Karine Marie Jenson (1883 - 1973) |
| Sibling | Thelma Lorraine Stayberg (1907 - 1969) |
| Sibling | Herbert Norval Arnold Stayberg (1910 - ) |
| Sibling | John Winston Stayberg (1923 - 1945) |
Endnotes
1. Register of Deeds, Birth Records: Wisconsin, St. Croix County, Certificate No. 6380.
2. Miller, Willis H. and Benoy, Marian Thorson, Hudson High School Alumni Directory Star-Observer Publishing Co., Hudson, Wis., 1973, p19.
3. U.S. Social Security Death Index .