Think this article [not included] is such a good one and makes me wonder if I didn't goof many times in raising a child. We al think when he grows up then I can live and do things but that isn't so. When you have your family around you is the best time. Here was a 72 yr old negro on a TV program. He had raised 10 children and all went to college and have good positions, and  he has just graduated from High school and now going to college this fall. He was given a check by the sponsor. He never had a good job, just anything he could find to do. but that couple had what it takes to do all that and makes me feel so little.
     That was a nice birthday you had for the Chris [Hahn, Tom's son]. The boys will not forget that experience [whatever it was].
     Will send you some other seed in another letter. The grocery stores were out and got these at the hardware [store]. They had put them away but got out their box. I suppose there are stores -- the seed stores or nurseries that have them all year long. Like to do things for you and now if you need something or want something that would be suitable for a Christmas box let me know. While Christmas is 3 1/2 mo away. You take 5 weeks for getting there and so it isn't so long but keep in mind. Does Chris need the summer variety of PJs and if so, long or short legs and Size 14 now? [Tom and his family lived at San Miguel, Zambales Province, Republic of the Philippines while Tom was stationed at the Naval Communications Station, in charge of Naval Security Group activities in Southeast Asia. He often went to Vietnam on duty. Little did he, or his parents, that his father would soon be diagnosed with cancer and that his mother would break a hip while he was in the Veterans Hospital at Topeka, to the hardship of all as Tom was the only child, far away in the middle of the Vietnam War.]

Sunday Afternoon [22 September 1965] Handwritten. Florence age 65, Walter age 69. Shortly after this, Walt became sick with cancer.  His death record said that he had the disease starting 13 September. rr/s/mh
      Went to church and dad suggested we go out and eat but there was so much food at the picnic last night that I didn't feel like looking at more food so scrambled some eggs and had asparagus and some cantaloupe and that fit the bill.
     The picnic was more of a success than we had expected as last year was almost a flop, but there were 42 there. The trouble was there would have been more but since was Labor Day holiday several were out of town. They asked for volunteers for next year and the Diehls [neighbor's at 1104 High Avenue] and us volunteered so we hope to plan something different and maybe go to a different park. This is the 14th one we have had, the Diehls and us had the first one and have been hosts several times since. The shelter houses are charging a fee now in the summer $2.00 and winter $5.00 but that isn't bad for a crowd. The paper table cloths furnished and gas and all in the winter heat. Each family paid 25c last night for the place. I took 4o cinnamon rolls and the kids sure did gobble them down. Also made a casserole of escalloped potatoes.
     This morn at church they sang "Take Time to be Holy" and I probably have told you before about the time or the first time I ever heard that song and whenever I hear it I still smell peaches. This particular time, was in the fall the first year we were in Topeka [1920] and often Grandma and Grandpa Hahn, Margaret and Louise [Walter Hahn's unmarried sisters] and us would go for a ride. Louise wasn't married until later in the year and was their first year in Topeka, so Sunday afternoons we would get into that Ford of Grandpas and go out on the country roads. Wasn't any traffic on any roads in those days. At one farm house we saw a sign "Peaches for Sale" on the gate down by the road, so we drove up a long lane and there was a peach orchard on one side. The smell was really something and as we got to the house we heard singing -- someone playing the piano and several singing this hymn. So we knocked and said we wanted to buy peaches and they said they didn't sell on Sundays. So I can still smell peaches whenever I hear that song. So this morning my nose got to twitching. We have bowl of peaches and pears on the table now but they don't have that orchard smell. You have never written about the tropical fruits there [the Republic of the Philippines]. Do you get hold of any like the ones in Hawaii?

[Fall 1965] Tuesday Morn at 2:30. Typewritten
     My Dear Son  I feel that the added note I sent off this afternoon wasnt very explicit but I was beside myself and couldnt think straight.
     Dad asked me the first of the week if I wanted to talk to the Dr and I said well you have told me the details so guess that is it but I got to thinking  about it and thought that would contact him today so did and he gave it to me straight, he drew a diagram and where the tumor was and that it was cancerous and that a section of the colon would have to be removed and all depended how much the disease had spread, it was as tho he had run a knife in my stomache but I kept composed and went back and chatted with Dad some more and had to keep calm then also. I asked the doctor if Dad knew and he said yes so that was Dads way of having me find out. I thought that I would never get home [from the Veterans Hospita] at Topeka] so I could break down and as soon as I got in the door the flood gates opened up and have kept up most of the evening and night.
     Dad is so patient and kind and leans on me so much. He said he coudnt write to you as he couldnt put in a letter the things he wanted to write and then he doesnt feel up to it.
     I take you letters out to Dad and he wants me to read them to him and then he will read them again.
     While the thought ran through my mind many times that the ailment might be malignant I wouldnt dwell on it and we are all prone to think, that it couldnt happen to us, but I still have faith and hope that all will turn out alright. They will operate Fri they think, their schedule is full for the week. The waiting is hard and tome will drag. Dad doesnt have any appetite and hasnt for a month or so, things make him feel sickish and when Dad cant eat that is something. He has had enough tests etc to make him upset tho and doctor says now he must eat to get some strength.
     It is a wonderful hospital and everything run so efficient, plenty of help in way of orderlies etc.
     Every one is wonderful to me, offers to take me out to the hospital but some times I like to ride the bus, is a nice part of town and see things and then I can come home with Mrs. Diehl as she works out there and leaves at 4.40. [Mrs. Diehl lived at 1104 High Avenue and Florence live at 1120 High.
     It has rained for days and days. so monotonous but cant tell you anything about rain. [We lived in the Republic of the Philippines.]
     We love to hear about the kids. With Much Love, Mother
     Mae [sister] called this morn and said she would come down if I needed her so may have her come later in the week.

6 November 1965 Sat.  Letter from Neighbor, Zola Snyder. Handwritten
     Dear Tommy: I have news & it isn't pleasant so I'll be on with it. Thurs A.M. your mother fell in the back yard & broke her hip. I called Dr. Lawson & an ambulance to her to Stormont-Vail. After several x-rays she was admitted to #315. Dr. Lawson and & & they (your Mother, Dr. L) to call a bone specialist Dr. Krowl. Yesterday (Friday) at 1:00PM they did the surgery. I stayed till she was awake but missed Dr. K so this AM I called Dr. Lawson so I could report to you & Walt. Dr. L. says he doesn't know exactly what they did but here is what he told me. Her condition is excellent. The ball of the ball and socket joint of her left hip was broken off & crushed - this bal was removed & replaced with some kind of hardware (how do you like that expression?) I don't know what they used. Anyway they put in a new ball & fastened it. There is no cast which is good because she will be up much sooner & no crutches. One M.D. told me that she would be walking with a walker in 10 days to 2 weeks.
     She planned to tell you today but asked me to write because she is shaky & nauseated today - these are not uncommon symptoms - she's uncomfortable & in pain some time I'm sure but is getting all the care anyone could give her. This won't last long. Today she looked very good for the first post op day.
    When we found out her hip was broken she asked me to go out and tell Walt. Of course he was shocked & took it hard - he has gotten himself under control & is doing fine. I go out & report each day. Sunday Jess Brown said if Walt is strong enough he would take him to see your mother - this will be good for both of them.
     Tommy your folks have so many friends they won' want for anything. Both you Mother and your Dad have asked me t take care of the few business things for them. I hope you won't think I rushed in & took over - as long as they want me to I'll do those things you would do. Of course we wish you were here but there really isn't any thing you could do but be that sweet son you are & no can can fill that place. f I can do any thing for you or if you want any questions answered I'll be glad to try. Sincerely, Zola Mrs. J. H. Snyder, 1130 High Avenue.

[November 1965] Tues. Handwritten
     This has been a big day. got to sit in a wheel chair an hour this morn, an orderly lifted me in and out. [Walt was in the Veteran's Hospital; with cancer when Florence fell and broke her hip. I was living in the Philippines and going to and from Vietnam, being very involved in that war with the units that I had stationed there. Because I was their only child, it was difficult for all. When Florence left the hospital, her sister, Gladys (Torgeson) Murphy White I stayed my mother for a while.]
     I have lots of company, Florence Taggart this afternoon and so many pretty things they bring me, all kinds of paper, stamps. I begged folks not to bring plants but have 3 gorgeous plants of mums, 2 yellows and a bronze one that has a large bunch of artificial grapes.
     I miss Dad to tell him things, but not yet able to phone, when I get home we can use the phone a lot.
     It all seems a dream yet, me here and he at another hospital and I keep dreaming that all will be like in the past. We have had a wonderful, well rounded life together, and then everything went boom. I do send messages back and forth and he writes notes also.

5 September 1977. Handwritten. mh
Dear T & N   Fresher this morn and hazy. Was 57 yrs today Dad and I were married. and this year seems so fresh in my mind, some years the day goes by without thinking about it.      The [wedding] day was a bright quite warm one as I had a new winter suit and a satin blouse so it couldnt be as warm as now, for no one could stand a suit this kind of weather. Louise and Margaret went with us to the ministers study First Meth at eleven oclock and then back to grandma & grandpa Hahns for a nice wedding dinner. Dont remember whether there were any relatives there that day. I came to Topeka a few days before and stayed at the Hahns and I shopped for my clothes.
     The day after our wedding was Marie and Eds at Baldwin. The ones at the Hahn house went in the Ford [to Ed Hahn's wedding in Baldwin] and Dad and I went on an early train to Baldwin. We slept in our own home the first night as had my bedroom furniture from home [White City] shipped here, and there was a kitchen table and a stove. The wedding at Baldwin there were a few guests and Mrs Jenkins, Marie's mother, had dinner for us all, and then we left around 6 o'clock pm for KC for a brief honeymoon. Ed & Marie went too. We had a card fro our White City furniture man at a furniture store there and we were supposed to get a percent off. Whether we did or not, I doubt we did, we were so green, and only furniture we got was a buffet, table and chairs, we couldnt afford any more, so we got a few things at a yard sale in Topeka, a few days later--a wicker settee and chair. We did get a table with the dining room stuff, they called them library tables then, a long narrow table and it stuck out like a sore thumb in that almost bare room, but we were very happy and proud of what we had. I had bought things for my hope chest for two or three years so was well supplied with towels, sheets, etc and got a notice from the bank in W.C. a week after we were married I was overdrawn 67 cents. I never lived that down. Dad thought it was quite a joke and loved telling it, but I also came back that I had a cedar chest and many dollars worth of things for the house, also my suit and hat, and only wore the hat to my wedding and to Baldwin and KC and the next day in KC was raining and it was ruined. It costedding hat cost $18.50 and suit $75.00. Clothes were high then.
    The night before we were married the Hahns were playing the Victrola and the record was, "When you come to the end of a perfect day." Maybe you have never heard it but it was so popular then and I got homesick and left the room and went to a bedroom and cried. Dad came in and I told him I was lonesome and wanted to go home to W. C. but in no time he had me in a different frame of mind, so fall has always been a beautiful time for me as that one was such a lovely one.
     And now this Labor Day am also thinking about later years on that day. We always got Colo peaches, the last ones to be on the market and I made what you called Halloween jam, as had te color of Halloween things, used orange peel, and marashino cherries, and peaches, was a beautiful jam and company jam.
     Havent set a any date yet for coming, waiting for cooler weather. The leaf from Shepherd House is out on easel. With love, Mother                                                  
                                                            * * *

During the next period covering these letters, 1978 - 1988,  Florence Hahn lived in an apartment at 2101 High Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. She had moved there from her home at 1120 High Avenue several years after her husband, Walt Hahn, died in February 1967 at the age of 70, when Florence was 65 at the time. Her son, Tom, had left home in Topeka in 1944 after never returned to lived. He wrote to his parents and then to his mother at least once a week, no matter what the circumstances or where he was. Florence was a good letter writer and she wrote and spoke good English. The letters start when she was about 81. Some of them are typewritten. Florence was not a trained typist, but she could manage a letter on the typewriter. The content of most of the letters is not of great importance, but they reflect the life of a widow, with an only child, who maintained good health and a sound mind and body. At the time these letters were sent to him, Tom and his wife, Nathalie, lived in Shepherdstown, West Virginia at 6 South Church Street.

Because we lived in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and my mother live in Topeka, Kansas, we didn't get to see each other often, but she would visit us and when we could we visited he. Sometimes I went by myself on the bus. Usually, when I/we left, she would have a little lunch or goodies of some kind to take with us. This note was in one of those packages:

Thank you for coming to see me, I shall miss you. Hope your journey is a pleasant one. And I love you Mother

February 1978 Handwritten. Age 80. s
     Tom, I wish could remember more about certain things when I was young like you do. I was thinking about my mother [Margaret Owen] after listening to Dr. Shuler [television televangelist] talking about his mother and her apple pies and about mother doing baking for Grandma & Grandpa T [Taral Torgeson (Thomas Torgeson, Sr.) and Torborg Jonsdatter (Matilda Johnson)] of Norway and sending us ] over with it. We sometimes went alone and sometimes one of the sisters went. as they weren't like other grandparents. [They spoke Norwegian and what little English they knew was taught to them by their children from the English they brought home from school. We were a little timid aroud them and so we waited around a short time a short time there. Grandma would go in the bedroom and get each of us a stick of candy, she kept in a drawer in a sack.
     Then mother would send me to an old couples house, a very small house, don't think it is there any more, and the lady was a small person in a wheel chair, and had rheumatism and her hands were so crippled and the man did the housework. I think I called her grandma and she was easy to visit with. When mother went to see her she often gave mother money to buy me something with. Mother never told me until she got me a present. I don't know whether the money was in little change and mother saved it untie she found the present and one present was a beautiful gold locket and chain. I just loved it, and gave it to Betsy Hahn, her grand-daughter] 2 or 3 years ago. Bought a new chain for it. The locket has always been as bright as when new. Then another time a big doll. I never was much for dolls past the little age stage, but it was a nice one. It is in the tent picture.
Tues morn. Was such a surprise during a commercial to get your call and am glad as that gave me a chance to see the Wilson admn. I had seen about an hour at the start, then decided to watch "The Corn is Green," as she is a good actress. but was disappointed in it so was glad to switch over to "Back Stair" [at the White House], and didn't know it was 3 hr deal, so I want to see them [episodes] all. Now this Wilson admn. was when I started working in the [White City, Kansas] P.O. so was especially interesting to me. [Her father, Thomas Torgeson, was the postmaster, appointed by Wilson, and Florence was the Assistant Post Master. One time was in paper that Wilsons two daughters Margaret and Jessie would be coming through White City on the Rock Island train. so some of we young folks went to the station and they came out on the train platform and waved. They were grown up. Got out my "First Ladies" book and read about Mrs. Taft and Mrs. Wilson. [Florence enjoyed reading and belonged to a book club for many years in Topeka.] So I really had a big evening and was nice to know you were watching too and felt like I was close.
     Had snowed all night a fine snow and supposed to get 4 in but will quit this afternoon. Morning paper full of accidents in night and they warn and ask folks not to get out in cars if not necessary as they get in way of snow plows.
     I was up early and bread is raising. and have a casserole of chicken and rice in pepper halves to put in oven at same time. Also tucked a big potato in as it can be used tomorrow in something. I try to put more thing in oven to save gas. [Florence was a good cook, having learned to cook from her mother and having taken lesson taught by the gas company.] So I have been on the go and is only 8 oclock so I will wash my hair next. [Florence once to Tom that when she was a girl in the winter when it was extremely cold, they kept their hair clean by brushing cornmeal through it.]
     Two calls in night in night on radio for beer bread recipe. They say letting it set for 20 min before baking helps, and I put a piece of foil or brown paper over top so won't get so hard. You probably know that. [Florence in later years was a poor sleeper, so she often listed to a talk radio show in bed at night.]

[Pasted in letter, headline] TIRED OF SHOVELING SNOW?
     Am going to write Betsy today. Haven't done that since Christmas. My days seem so full and am content, and I know the snow creates problems but I can;' do a thing about it so why not enjoy it, and I spend much time watching folks walking by by snow up to their knees. I never read funnys but these [enclosure no longer with the letter] caught my eye and got a chuckle out of both.
     So a lot of Love to all Mother and Grandma. Chris this letter ought to hold you a while, and lots of milk and cookies while you are doing hw [home work?? as you say you like to read letters while you have your snack. [Tom's son. Chris, lived with Tom and his wife, Nathalie, during this year and attended Shepherd College at Shepherdstown, West Virginia.]

[13 July, perhaps 1978] rr/m
     Dear Nat [Tom's wife]   Your letter came today and it made good time as was sent Wed pm, but dont bother if you cant get a letter mailed as you are too far from a Post office [in Maine] to run there every whip stitch. But was glad it came today as it seems to long to wait over the the weekend.
     Sat is either a drag for me or full, somehow I just dont like Sats any more, women that have husbands or work like it the best of all the days.
     Went to a wedding at 10 this morn, our asst preacher got married, he is a young fellow in his 30s and has an office in our church and is over at Washburn [College]  so much counseling or something. He is a rugged lookin fellow and modern etc nothing sissy about him yet is sincere about his religion. The minister had the wedding in his yard, it is across from the campus and has a large house and the yard is emense lots of oak trees and shrubbery and lovely outside so cool and they had stereo or amp and the young fellows had guitars etc and sang songs not like the wedding songs am used to, the Mod love kind. We sat in chairs and a large crowd, so many young folks from our church and from the college also. I went with Jenay's mother, dress and everything simple, no on frets anymore what to wear at a wedding, just what they have, only had a best man and matron of honor and our preacher married them and then after the ceremony we went to the church for a reception, their cake was devil's food instead of the traditional white kind. Before the reception they showed slides of the bride and groom, that was taken the past year, them playing tennis, on picnics etc which I enjoyed. Came home and changed clothes and got a light lunch and started in on the 3rd chair to wash off and buff and Garnette came and wanted me to go to a shopping place so I quick changed into a and went and we were only gone a short while, I did look around for a summer dress went and was there half hour or so, and as we got in the door Jerry brot each of us two cucumbers and said,  "Come in for a glass of ice tea, as she wanted a break from her vacuum cleaning.] I think Jerry was a neighbor in the apartment house.] She had worked down town all morning and part of the afternoon so we then he came in, he loves to have folks around and we said we were celebrating the "Happy Hour" and he said "With ice tea?" Just before I went over there my phone was ringing so answered it and it was an obscene call, very dirty.
     I dont know whether you will get much information from Martha as I wrote two years ago when you were making out some papers and asked about her sisters age or something and she said she didnt know. And you asked about my grandmother Owens, about anything I could tell you and cant think of anything. While she lived to be an old lady, she never told us stories of her life and I cant remember my mother telling anything. When I was young and visited them had a good time. Martha Florence's mother's sister] and I are the same age. She let us do most anything in way of play. They lived 6 miles from us and I would go down to visit them on the train. We girls would play AUTHORS in the evening and we would fix up all kinds of concoctions and put in little patty pans and put in oven or on top of the stove and play house that way. Gladys told me last night that she remembered the day Grandpa [Owen] died, he was found in the barn dead. He had diabetes but I dont remember that, or that he had been sick. Grandma and Martha used to come see us on the train. I think that grandpa worked on the [railway] section. After Grandma became a widow one or two summers I went down to a carnival and we fell for a fellow that took up tickets. He didnt know it but we went home and talked about him. I was probably 13 years old but I do remember their yard there were glorious morning glories growing around the well, and apple trees,, one in particular that had such good eating apples they were called sweet apples and were just that and the inside was so white, they were called pound sweets as they were very large. [An Internet search brings up the statement, "Pound Sweet apple is an old variety that has been a favorite for years. Fruits are large, delightfully sweet. Amber to golden yellow when fully ripe and russeted. Very best baked or canned. Also know as Pumpkin Sweet it originated in 1800's in the apple orchards of S. Lyman of Manchester, Connecticut."]
The house was small, and two rooms upstairs which was steep, but dont remember the furniture or anything about the house but them kitchen, had a cook stove and table, etc. Mother told me that a few days after grandma was married her mother came to see her and grandma was cutting out baby clothes from her wedding dress and her mother said, "Addie are you in the Family Way" and he reply was "Isnt every one after they get married" but Grandma wasnt so soon, as she didnt have a baby for a year or more.
     Mae was the one that loved her grandma. She was 10 yrs older than I so could appreciate her and she used to talk about her a lot but cant remember what. I never hear Martha mention her uncles or aunts, they no doubt lived back east and in those days traveling was nil almost.
     Have finished the third chair setting getting the gummy spots off, no one will notice the difference but me.
     Have the phone on the maple chest on the north side toward kitchen and a kitchen chair beside it, so the office is a store room period right now. With an overflow of company I may go back to it for the typewriter table, etc.
    And I feel for you about your treasures you lost from theft [from the cabin in Maine]. Those are things that cant be replaced. Here is a quotation from a little book you and To sent one time "Memories from days gone by"
New things are good things
And they fill our life with pleasure.
But the old things--those that touch the heart.
They're the ones we'll always treasure.

[Sunday Evening]  Quite a day as I went to church with Ruth and Garnette, they always go to church together and then eat some place afterward and so Connie was out of town so I went with them and a call to Ruth this morning that a couple were coming to see her for which they do often so we all went to church together. We went to the cafeteria downtown. We went to First Presbyterian Church, So after dinner we went out in the Potwin area, it is a lovely old part of town and years ago was the best place in Topeka, the houses are very large and beautiful shrubbery. They were having some sort of a Bi Centennial deal in several yards. It was advertised so we wanted to see what they had but wasnt much, some ceramics, macrame, etc, but was fun looking. This couple were so friendly, he is in the real estate business and I dont know where she works. They have their office in their home and he does well. They were the kind of folks that fit in so well. They have no children. When they brot me home I asked them in to see my home. and they set awhile and couldnt get over how cool it was. We had another cool night and so when I left shut the cool air in and pulled the shades down.
    My new permanent is a pleasure to work with, have only shampooed it once since had it done and when ones hair looks good you are always ready to go unexpectedly, so if keeps on looking nice I will have to go to this shop again and will be so convenient as is the shop right on the bus line and get off at 9th and there it is.
     Ruth is having her nephew come and take her to Califor Santa Ana to her brothers golden wedding. She has  to take her poodle dog and wont fly and put it in the kennels. She went out several years ago and this fellow came after her. He is always out of a job. not always but is a loafer and is in his 30s so she pays him well to make the trip.
     When the folks left as they were going out the door the gal down the hall Jerry came tearing out and said, "Was that the Laws" I know them, they were both raised in Clay Center. Several people in the eat8ng place knew him also.
     When over in the Potwin district the folks noticed the old chimneys on the houses and how odd, they said they looked like chimneys on English houses and he took pictures of three, some had two and three chimneys.
     And TODAY is your BIRTHDAY and I dont know how old you are, fill me in. Hpe that your package arrived in time but the timing at your end [in Maine] when you pick up the mail I cant control.
Mon Morn  Another lovely morn, is supposed to warm up a little but nights will be in the 60s and that will be alright, has been cooler, the mornings are so fresh.
     Dont make your letter writing a task but remember I am having a vacation through your eyes so write all the tidbits that goes on, seen the Bartons yet? [The Bartons were friends in Maine. Much Love Mother

Sept 6 [1976]. Typewritten. mh
     I have been thinking about 56 years ago today. What a good life we had together. We were married on the 5th [of Sep 1920]. Louise [Hahn] and Margaret [Hahn] [--Walter Hahn's sisters] went with Dad and I to the First Methodist Parsonage here [in Topeka, Kansas] at 11am and we went to Grandma Hahn's for our wedding dinner. The next day we went to Baldwin [KS] to Marie [Jenkins] and Ed's [Ed Hahn was Walter's younger brother's] wedding at Mrs. Jenkin's home. [Mrs. Jenkins had previously lived in White City, but she moved to Baldwin to give her daughter, Marie, a home while Marie attended Baker University. Mrs. Jenkins also took in students as boarders.] Avis [Marie's sister] and her new husband [Frank? Sharp] of four months were there. I think about six o'clock we two couples went to Kansas City and we stayed at the same hotel. We went to a furniture store. We had a letter for a discount from the furniture man in White City, so we bought a dining table, buffet, and chairs and we didn't have money for anything else. We were there two nights. I had a new wedding suit which was a fall model and was a warm day and then a rain the first day in KC that ruined my wedding hat.
     It was so nice for us to have our relatives living here [in Topeka] and raising our families together. Les [Beckman] and Louise [Hahn] were married in December, then Myrtle [Walter's older sister] moved here the next year and Ed soon after that so that we were quite a family. The Hahns were wonderful people, good folks and loved their children and we were all very happy. Then my folks came two or three years after we did. Dad was still in the Post Office 2 or 3 yrs after I was married.
     We had such fun on picnics and going to the Fair with our kids and we were all poor together. Dad [Hahn had a Model T car the year they came to Topeka and they came here only a few months after we were married. That first fall we were the only ones and them here in Topeka and we had such good times. We would go for a ride Sunday afternoons with Louise, Margaret and Grandma and Grandpa Hahn and we would get lost in the country and finally get back on the road to town. We would stop at their house for a little Sunday evening snack. It seemed that it was a wonderful fall, everything new to us--the big Fair and we even had a guest or two that fall that came to the Fair.
     And Dad had a good time stocking up on apples, pears, etc and grapes. I didn't know much about what to do with them but did know some from home, but mostly my job at home was peeling the peaches and apples and grapes and mother did the rest. And so today all I've done is think about the good times and how beautiful that fall was. And to be in my own home with a furnace and running water and a toilet, I felt like a queen, but most of all I had a good man to look after me and we built our future together with work and dreams. And after 5 yrs we were on our feet getting a head start so planned for a little boy and that made our life complete, you have been so good to us and there are so many things I wish that I had done differently, more patience with you, etc.
     Still no rain, hot in Kansas. Poor Mr [William O.] Douglas. What a life he has now just suffering.

Fall 1978 Typescript [M] [At the top, four fall quotations: "Air deliciously crisp. like the first bite of a McIntosh." "Hillsides looking like Persian carpets." Frost tarnishing the goldenrod." "Cornstalks standing like gaunt soldiers in faded khaki.]
     My Dear Son: Have just come back from my daily walk. Sometimes have to kick start myself to get going but after I start it is rewarding as the air so fresh these days and I think of the humid summer days and being shut [in] as too humid to take a walk so I am going as long as I can before winter sets in. The grass very white with frost. The first big one so plants etc will feel it. T the trees are simply gorgeous and on all side of me is beauty, and I take it in.
     The days last week were so full I didn't know whether I was coming or going but have quieted down more this week. Yesterday the little old lady next door brot me a hot piece of ginger bread. She had it on a napkin on a big sycamore leaf. She was the lady that was here Sun for tea and she is such a smart one and is always interested in things and what the trees look. As she doesn't see well and doesn't venture out side. Well, to go back to the cake, she has a black lady come in often to do her laundry and cleaning and get groceries and this lady had gathered up some leafs  from our yard for her so I know this lady had baked the cake as Mrs. Landis can't see to read a recipe and I was so touched at the friendly gesture of her bringing that piece of cake, and she just comes to the door as says a few words and back to her rooms. The other [neighbor] never knows when to go home. She doesn't cook like she used to and she was a wonderful cook. This is Mrs. Samways.
     I have spent of the afternoon trimming the butternut squash. I have done that the last few years. When your Dad was here he brot me a little pumpkin for the table and instead of cutting it and making a face I pasted eyes, nose and mouth so that I could have it for a decoration all the fall season up to Thanksgiving. This one doesn't have much bottom more tall than squash when they are that way. I made triangle eyes. For nose and mouth I took a little brown sack and crumpled it up for a hat and a red top of ball of fringe and I fringed a strip of brown burlap and have that sticking out from under the cap for the hair and he looks more like a scarecrow than a Jack O Lantern. He is standing on the brass table with a green piece of cloth around the neck. I have other fall things on the table, a ceramic hen pheasant, and artificial color leaves, little squirrels and a colored ear of corn. All these have had for several years and every year they come out of hiding. So I am managing my sad spells by doing something with beauty or creative in the home to pep me up.
     Have stuffed peppers with cubed potatoes and cheese on top and two little custards, one for you. Try to have two or more things in the oven at the same time. [She was a good cook. Through the years she lived alone, from 1967, she manages to cook balanced meals. At this time, she lived next to a small shopping center with a grocery store. Almost every day she went to the store for something or other and to get out and do something. [Florence's step-granddaughter, Diane Torrey, gave Florence the blank Nothing Book as a gift. At Tom's request, she left it to him when she died.]
     Yu mentioned storm windows being hard to find, if you need any for down stairs why dont you try plastic. Mrs. Samways fixed all her windows with plastic as she said her windows were too cold, and he [manager] came over and put it on my bathroom window and it helped a lot but dont attempt anything like that up high windows. He had a small piece of stripping and tacked it on the top and bottom with nails.

[Undated] [rr/s/mt]
The article about greens reminded me of the time mother had a Bridal Brunch for me announcing my engagement. This was Aug. 1st and she wouldnt tell me what she was going to serve, and I cant remember what she had but for something to put the salad on (our garden lettuce all gone) but she used the tops of carrots for greenery, and she made a pretty deal to put, I think it was jello salad, on it. We kids never ate greens she cooked, like horse radish, lambs quarter etc, one of our wealthy women in W. C. [White City, Kansas] when she had club in winter time she would call to Herrington, a larger town and have them send lettuce on morning train, for any luncheon etc. she had. Her daughter was one of my best friends and I loved staying all nite there. She had a bedroom all to herself, a fireplace, blue wall paper & white painted wood work. We didn't have room for a nite guest.

Thursday Evening [At Charlotte Johnson's home in Missouri. October 1978] mh
     My Dear Son. Its raining hard and in a trailer sure is loud when it beats on the roof. [Her niece, Charlotte (Schump) Johnson and her husband, Gayferd Johnson, owned a trailer park in Missouri at this time.] The others are playing cards but I am too full of supper and not good at card games so sitting it out.
     I made the sour cream slaw for dinner tonight, have good meals but once a day. We walked a mile around the court.
     It was such a shock about Marie and last night was awake all night reviewing in my mind the past 52 years or more of our lives, how we started out our married life the same year. They (Marie & Ed) were married the day after we were and we two couple went to KC together and were there 2 days and bought some of our furniture. And from then on when you kids were little, our picnics, holidays etc. together. And then later the hardships . . . and am wondering what brought on this attack, if the fall had anything to do with it. And I battled with myself what was the thing to do about hurrying home, and it seemed so confusing to try and get there and spoiling [surviving sister] Bernices trip, and really with relatives there, I could do so little. It seems as though I have had my share in losing folks this summer, [sister] Gladys, then Ed and Marie, and that is quite a few in a short time. My friends and sister have sure gone.
     The trees are thick not too far from here and are like a small mt or hill and blue haze and so many trees are red but very little yellow showing. Charlotte is such a fun person and is up early mornings.
     Bernice is having a hard time finding new clothes. The Taggarts [probably her husband, Tom's brother, Bob, and his wife] took her shopping one day but no luck, so we will try some shops close by to Zita's [wife of nephew, Francis Schump]. Bernice turned her foot two weeks ago and then Sun. she banged it on edge of [bed] springs and a big lump came on leg, so that slows her down. [24 years later at age 101 1/2, that foot remains her only major health problem.]
     With so much talking its hard to concentrate on a letter but am thinking of all of you. Probably be home Mon. and I hope Bernice stays on a few days but when she gets started she will probably not stay more than a day in Topeka. So with love, Mother

[November 1978] Handwritten. s/pwh
     My Dear Son. Will soon be your birthday [5 November] and I shall always remember it as the happiest day of my life as I had a baby boy to complete my life.
     Grandma and Grandma [Margaret (Owen) and Thomas Torgeson] came the next afternoon allowed in the room at hospitals and the nurse brought you in and Grandpa T held you and kissed you. He loved babies [He and Margaret had had nine of their own.] was so proud you were named after him.
     It was a beautiful fall and then the first light snow came softly down. A yellow chrysanthemum was sent me. In those days greenhouse flowers were rare. It was such a happy time and your dad was there every evening and we were somewhat reluctant in sharing our evening with any visitors.
     As I think back all the years following, they were easy compared to now days. I may not have been the best mother in raising you, and cross at times, when should have been more patient and understanding. You grew up and have made me very proud of you. And your Dad loved you very much too. He was the patient one. And so have a happy day. Will be thinking of you. With love, Mother

2 December 1978 Typewritten. s
     Such a nice letter from you and makes me realize what a thoughtful son you are and such a comfort to me and has made the loss of your father much easier to get through the years because you were always doing something to help. I get bored when folks say to me that their children are too busy they don't have time to write, or say they don't like to write letters. You write such nice things to me and it makes me feel like life is a challenge so I work on it
     This morning as I was fixing the corn and broc casserole for my lunch I thought why not ask my new friend] Hilary for lunch, as she had left me a note on the door Wed and I was gone, that she would stop Fri morn, and so she came at eleven and came in. I said do you have deliveries to make around here and she said she did so I told her to get going and come back here for lunch at noon. Well her eyes sure did light up and she was so pleased and was back here at noon. I made no fuss over lunch, just heated up two slices of my homemade bread. took two cupcakes from the freezer that were three months old but freshen up so well and peaches were pen, made tea, and that was it. Most folks have just a snack at noon, and she ate it with a relish and we had about an hours chat. She has a daughter that lives in K.C. She works at Hallmarks in KC and does designing on cards and goes on business trips for them , so they see each other often.
     I told her the first time she came I wouldn't be a customer as I receive some of her products as gifts and so she doesn't push her wares. She is doing this to get over a frustration of being alone and has worked at different stores until the past few years. Her husband went out in the yard one morning and fell died a year ago from a heart attack, so she decided to try the Avon deal for awhile and can quit anytime.
     I feel the same way you do about Christmas. It should not be such a mad rush but the papers etc are getting one all in a hurrah and it should not be so hectic. A we are doing things all year as you say with trips and things so that is what I like best and the things I can remember and think about all year. I made three trips this year, the two to see you and the one with the girls and feel sort of selfish that I did it yet it was too make others happy too. And so I used the legacy [Gladys, her sister] left me for those trips and so have much to think about this winter. And you helped make the trips enjoyable and Nathalie too, so am busy or have been al fall getting boxes and doing a little shopping for the family and then next year it will be something I can send in a brown envelope. Something soft, as this deal of buying tape etc to please the PO is something. Of course you wrap Books etc every day and tote them over to the PO. I don't mean to complain as I enjoy doing things but it gets to be a chore unless I start early on shopping and I have all along so that hasn't been any big deal. One can't count on the weather this time of the year. So I have a box for the family and have enjoyed doing it but it is not a big affair and I don't want you to do much either. I only send cards to 3 or 4 friends as I write others all year.
     Did you watch New England Christmas last night, I was a little disappointed but parts I liked was with Rod McKuen, and the pictures that were scenes look like Nathalie's crewel embroidery. His voice is so low was hard to get some of it. . . His last poem was about home that wherever you are or what you do is going home.
     I was coming home from the store yesterday and there was a nice little branch of greenery that was on stuff they were using to decorate the store no doubt and was kicked around but a nice little branch on the side walk off of greenery that was off stuff they were using for decorating the store no doubt and was kicked around but a nice little branch. So I brought it home and washed it off and have it in a bottle on the table. Had to put a little stick in it to hold up the top branch. Little things like that little piece of cedar make me feel Chrismasy, and the smell of it and I thought about the Christmas when you were in Maine and the first Christmas without Dad and you surprised me and came home the first part of Dec and were only here two days. You came in with two little pine trees for the buffet and a larger one for the table, and several packages of deer meat on dry ice. Those are the Christmases that one never forgets. While gifts wear out but Memories never do.
     And to make the trip last year and bring Betsy. I have regretted that Betsy didn't get to be with more of the family, but in later years we have been scattered at holidays and not like it used to be when you were growing up. and I wondered if she didn't think it would be that way when she came' However, she got  to see the clan or a part of it Christmas day and Gladys.
     Tis a dark morning and is misting and the forecast is for freezing drizzle or snow by night. Haven't had any snow yet, just one time saw it on a roof.
     Charlotte [her sister Kate Schump's daughter] and Gayferd [her husband] went to Calif [from Missouri] to visit and for Thanksgiving. [They later moved to Orange, California] Their clan put there in a town not far from where they lived had it this year [?] so they went a few days before Thanksgiving and left their car at the Schumps [her Kate's son Francis and his wife, Zita] and will be back Mon, and they will not like this storm, after being there.
     Georgine, Jenay's mother and Jenay and Dorothy' Gary's mother [Church friends] and I were going out this morn to Sorority houses, five of them. They have a show every Dec and it is so interesting. They sell things and the decorations are so pretty etc. I have gone for four years and almost backed out on this but decided to go , but a storm is moving in and I went to the phone to call and say I wasn't going and Georgine was calling me and said it was getting slippery and I am not taking chances and she wasn't either on driving so will be a nice day to stay in.
     The Dickens Readings [at Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, West Virginia] must have been nice. You do have lots of things going on there which makes it interesting and I have enjoyed the activities that have gone to when there.
     The little skinny turkey picture is funny and I will put it in the Nov. month Know Nothing Book. [Diane Torrey's Tom's step-daughter, that is, his wife Nathalie's daughter, gave this blank book to Florence and she left it to her son, Tom]

About 28 March 1979. Handwritten. s
     My Dear Son. Just received your letter written in my Birthday [23 March 1897 at White City, Morris County, Kansas] and is such a good letter. As the years come and go it seems that you feel and write more about your feelings and thoughts and I also feel that I can open up also. Is hard for me to put my thoughts on paper. But while I don't expect you to write all the time about your Dad, am glad you do once in a while. He was a good father and loved us both very much. But since he has gone. I concentrate so much o you to fill that void, he has left, and you have done it so well in beautiful; and sending letters so often, and have made me happy. Our visits keep us in close touch also. I have wanted to tell you many times that if and when something happens to me to not have any guilt feelings, that you have neglected me or have been unkind. You have done so much to make my life a happy one and worth living. So be happy for others.
     And another thing and so happy and relived is about what you have done for Chris . . . And I know that Nathalie has had a part in all this also. Here is Margaret's address you asked for. [Margaret (Hahn) Walter Hottle, Walt Hahn's sister, who lived in Mt. Vernon, Posey County, Indiana.] Am sure she would like a note from you. Gladys wrote to her as they were the same age and their birthdays a day apart and would write on their birthdays, a day apart, and Christmas. [Gladys (Torgeson) Murphy White was Florence's sister.] Also she sent me a letter after Gladys death and I answered it and I wrote at Christmas and received a nice letter from her and she said her three faithful letters writers had passed away. Gladys, Irma [the adopted daughter of her sister-in-law, Myrtle (Hahn) McCollister], and Maries (Marie (Jenkins) Hahn, who wrote for Ed [Walter Hahn's brother].
     One of my Birthday Cards was a long poem about "Birthdays are a gift of God" [Not included here] And I was touched by Chris [Tom Hahn's son] card. What he wrote, "Since one of my most happiest people I know is my grandma. Please feel good about your one day this Spring that is really yours."
With much Love, Mother

Sunday Afternoon [April 1979) Handwritten. s
     Dear T & N. This is one of those wet soupy days and chilly. Was going to church, with the Weeklys, as its Fellowship dinner and they have such good food and was going to fix a bean casserole and got dark and wet so decided to stay home. I get so chilled out a day like this.
     So have put in time on letters, changing addresses. etc to the new phone book, and just puttering, not a planned meal this noon since thought I would be going out, but I fixed a quick one in little steamer and am out of bread s have bran muffin mixture soaking and will have muffins and apple sauce for supper. Muffins heat up so well, and like to have them on hand once in a while.
     The programs should be better tonight than last. I watched Love Boat, but it was a repeat, then turned to movie that was half over, but it wasn't my kind. Watched the Welk Show and it made me teary as they sang Red Sails in the Sunset, "Its a Small World." The latter was one that we hummed a lot at Charlottes [her niece, at Orange, California after we had been to Disney Land. and went on a boat and little dolls from all countries [that mattered to Disney, at least] revolved around and sang it. And so I thought of [her sister] Gladys [] who lived also in Topeka] and how she enjoyed the trip, her first plane ride and all. [Part about niece Charlotte's family life in California not included here.]
     Tomorrow election day for city. Ken Morrow running against Bill McCormick, who had his four terms, 8 years, and he has been good. Ken has talked and sent cards against Bill. He sure looks old. He [Ken] is 60 years and is going 6o make over the city he says. [Ken Morrow was a son of John and Hallie Morrow, good friends of the Hahns and members of their church group, "The Bonehead Club."
     Well so much for that, will see. I didn't register so have no choice. Love, Mother

From a May letter year unknown
The sun was warm but the wind was chill
When the sun is out and the wind is still
You are one month on in the middle of May
But if you come so much as dare to speak
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch
And the wind comes off a frozen peak
And you're back two months in the middle of March (Robert Frost)
You know how it is with an April day

[June 1979] Sunday Evening. Typewritten. s
     Dear T & N. Have just come back from a walk. Little late in starting but wanted the house to cool off ands had the oven on. Baked three poppy seed loaves. They are a sweet variety and have [had] stuff on hand for some time, as I don't want too much of that stuff on hand to eat up by myself, so since found out Avis  was coming thought it would be nice to have something along that line, and also made a meat loaf, and put escalloped potatoes in the oven. The caked baked first as they have a low temp, and the meat loaf in at the same time and then added the potatoes after the loaves were out and the meat loaf needed more heat so was eleven when started out. [Avis Shuart, old-time Sunday School teacher, fellow church member, and along with her husband, Clarence, a member of the church-oriented Bonehead Club that was my folks social group for years]
     Is a gorgeous morn, cool and wore a sweater. Went to see the garden as has been several days since saw it, and it has been so wet so should grow good and is so sturdy looking. No beets, but beans, cabbage no greens for salads. May have had that earlier but is the end of garden. I never see anyone around. [I think she is talking about her friend Hilary's garden. When she was away, she told mother to help herself to it.] I can see why dad liked his walks. He would come home and tell me many things he saw. I didn't have time then. I tried it and he stopped at every grocery store if they were on our walk. He took so much time and started out around 8 30 or 9 and that was my time to work and get the noon meal ready or go Mon Mornings to the Hospital to do volunteer work.
     Had a queer experience the other morn. I woke up at 5 and told myself that I had to stay in bed until 6, so finally dropped off to sleep, and must have been asleep for I saw a person, a woman, hurry down the hall and I got up to see if she went out and the latch was on and the door locked.
I'm like you, Tom. Am sorting out odds and ends of letter material. Leota, Lewis wife [the step son of her sister Gladys White] brought a box of stuff last fall. She works at Hall marks, in the machinery dept, so am using some small env. . . .
     [In speaking of an enclosed about sharing food] When Dad [Tom Torgeson, in White City, Kansas]  had a garden, he would plant so much and work so hard keeping it up after work and then we girls had to take stuff to folks that didn't have any gardens. In those days there was no way of canning peas and beans.
     Did not especially like the Movie last night, but stayed with it, and I thought my mother must have worried about her five girls, no four as I think Mae was a model daughter. I had some concerns about the youngest ones once in a while, coming in late and being so quiet so no one would hear. I was late, 18 years old in getting involved as did not become a woman as early as the others, so I was late in getting started but had no problems when I did. Hope you have a nice picnic tonight.
     Later in afternoon. A call from Florence Taggart that she was coming over if I would be home. So, in a few minutes she was here. I had dressed for the day in decent clothes and so didn't have to rush around and get dressed for her. [She and her husband, Dr. Floyd Taggart, were former neighbors two houses south when we lived at 1120 High Avenue]. They remained friends until Florence's death and she is still living at this time. She brot a news clipping of Amy's [granddaughter] wedding. The little steamer [one of mothers standard wedding gifts] went over big as she did not received any and not much in the way of kitchen stuff. She was here an hour or so and what a nice visit we sure had. Made the afternoon a cheerful one and now can settle down to evening. She brought six hot cinnamon rolls, small ones, so will have two for my supper.
      The day is a beautiful one and so cool in the house and outside also. The robins are going mad with a song. [Remainder of paragraph about a friend's grand-daughter]
      Had a long conversation with a friend and Leota [White, wife of sister Glady's step-daughter] called. I have been thinking about them for two days and had planned on calling them today but didn't and so she called tonight. and said they have thought about me and should have called so we had a nice chat. Lewis [White, Leota's husband] is feeling fine now and back to work and they have a garden and a strawberry patch and have picked 40 qts of strawberries already. They have frozen some for jam, etc, and so with their jobs they keep busy. Was nice to hear from them tho. They were very good to Gladys. She died 23 May 1976. At the time of this letter they lived in Arkansas. Mother particularly missed her sister, Gladys, because they were both widows in the same town of Topeka. Although they lived on opposite sides of town and did not visit each other often, they kept in daily contact by phone.]
     So my day was little surprises after all, and now is bedtime as nothing [of interest] on TV. One little blanket was not enough last night and tonight will dip into 50s and last night 45, so you see how nice it has been today after the rainy day yesterday.

Monday morn [June 1979]. s
     Such a cool beautiful day and two little blankets on last night, but will warm up today. Have been over to the store as wanted an gel food cake mix as am having three and maybe a fourth for lunch tomorrow. One has a birthday so am just having ice cream and cake. So today will slick yup the house a bit and make the cake and look forward to another nice time tomorrow. So doesn't it look like I am getting back the old zip. Wish I could have been more on the ball when you were here. Am trying to eat things that put back the good germs that the bad destroyed. So my walk was short. Only went around the block to the store as my housework will wear me down for too long a walk, With much Love Mother  Recd the Canal bulletin . [Tom was the editor of American Canals  for seven years.]

Thursday Afternoon (Late) June 1979. Typewritten. s
     Dear Tom. Am dashing off a line before the evening program comes on. Not too much this week in the way of a movie, There is one The last of the giraffe  that may be interesting. I watched a program this morn as I had heard what the talk was going to be, about Sisters. A lady and her sister were the speakers and one had written a book about Sisters. They had folks on that were sisters. some had three or four or one and they told of their times growing up, Only one sister said that she and hers never got along and now they are grown they still don't visit or have any contact and I thought of my sisters, our reunions, etc. And also we lied to each other when growing up. Of course there was bickering, etc about whose turn to do the dishes etc and one group said that the oldest ones didn't have the easier breaks as the young ones did and I know that by the time Gladys and Bernice came along everything was easier for them, and they got a few more clothes. But as one lady said, once a sister always a sister.  And it seems now that after [older sister] Mae left home [she] was the one I turned to and in later years after mother was gone she was like a mother, only I felt freer to talk things over with. Its too bad you don't have a sister, and some cousins for your kids.
     You write such nice letter. One came today and you had Betsy over the weekend and that was nice.
     Am glad you got a power mower but like you I do not like directions [in putting it together].  About the mower. Your yard is large and hard to mow so I am glad that you got one. When Nathalie was here I got a plate hanger and it was different than the one I am used to and had to have some studying to get it to work and she got the thing fixed. Grandma Owens [Florence's maternal grandmother] would come to our house and Mother would have to cut on a bought pattern on a newspaper as she [Grandma] didn't like to read directions on a bought pattern.
     I intended to send you a check for a fan for Chris or to help of a refrig for him and My mind wasn't working then, but here is something for what is needed. This money left from my trip home?????? so use it. You probably already have things lined up before you leave [for the cabin in Maine and I see where you are going to start later than you planned, or maybe something for the cabin.
     I have so enjoyed the boo you sent not long ago "Essays on Nature: and all kinds of interesting things. One just read about is about an apple. There is a star in many flowers and the one in the apple is [when] you cut cross wise had way between the stem end and the blossom end and there is a perfect start. I had to get an apple and see.
     The light is good now in the bedroom as the sun has gotten farther west, so that is why I am using the typewriter more. It is too heavy to carry from the bedroom to the living room and the stand too. Sometimes in winter when I am shut in I have it set up on a card table in living room
     All the lilacs were the first flowers to be planted around the newly built cabins and farm houses all over new America. They were planted in a garden at Portsmouth New Hamp in 1750 and they still grow there. When folks moved west they would wrap a root of lilacs in their belongings to plant in their new country.
Fri morn. Raining this morning so the walk is off. Watched movie last night "The last of the Giraffe" a two hour one and it was interesting. A giraffe is my favorite of the big animals. Today seems like Sat but looked at the calendar and it is not. All the news now days in on the planes. Will they or not be allowed to fly.
With much love, Mother

July 1979 After Dinner Noon One. Typewritten. s/mwh
     And it was a good one too. Everything so tasty and I put it on a glass plate and with a large drumstick. A helping of escalloped potatoes and 4 large pieces of zuchini. That was a good meal and now the baking dishes are soaking and will do the dishes later. I looked up in my nutrition book for the vit. It is an old one and doesn't list this squash, but will ask Norma as she knows things from Z to z as she has to fix him special meals. Well, anyway it was the prettiest 4 slices with the green edges around it. Only take 5 min. to cook.
     I used to like the warm summer Sunday dinners as did not have the oven meals so much on the day when weather hot and would have a can of salmon in fridge and cooked peas after got home from church and had a salad and fruit, coffee. Dad would make me iced coffee as had hot . but he would drink it also but later would have a cup of hot.. He did it because of me, fixing the iced coffee. I would sip on it so nice and cool in the breakfast room with shoes off and we would sit and talk longer than on other days.
     The other morning over to Barb [niece Barbara (Hahn) Lamantia, daughter of Walt's brother, Ed] at the coffee Georgia [church friend] talked about their family reunions. They have been to one recently in Nebr and said they had officers to get things organized. And when she got through, she seldom has a stopping place, I told Barbara to get out the Grinter picture. She had said that they had 46 relatives at the reunion. Well, when told her about our reunion and she looked at the picture she didn't have much more to say. We would have 3 and 400 and had officers to manage to see about the chairs. They got them from the funeral home, and they took charge of the silverware, coffee urns, etc and each family paid a small fee for this deal. [200 may have been a close number of people at the Grinter Reunions.]
[Handwritten on the back of the typed page] One page of this letter is missing.

July 1979. Handwritten. smt
   Recd the first letter from the cabin [near Amherst, Hancock County, Maine] and can see how busy you must be. However, it is easier to work if weather is cooler which it probably is there. You do have a lot of company the two weeks I was there and I hope you have time this year for rest, fishing, etc. There will be folks dropping in tho.
     I do remember the hassle about the outhouse at home [in White City, Kansas]. So few things I remember about when my brothers were there but mother would get mad [about the state of the outdoor toilet] and they got busy. She never let that job wait until the droppings hit our bottoms like some folks did. There was always a box of lime to put down, and we had to sweep [the outhouse] out and keep it clean. They moved the building to another location close to the old spot. I never knew about winter up there taking care of that. As I remember Mother was particular about things. We had to pick up the rotten apples under the trees. I guess she wanted to keep us busy some of the time, and we had plenty of chores.
     Now seeing turtle eggs must have been an interesting thing to see. Some many nature things in the woods.
     [Younger sister] Kate [Torgeson) Schump and I had to clean out the chicken shed, but that wasn't too bad. I think abut when I was a kid at hoe more in summertime. We went by my home with the nieces again and it isn't the same place as one in my mind. No trees run down house, etc and the one I remember had apple trees, plum trees, and a swing in a tree. Jean [(Hahn) Johnson] and Patty (Hahn) Blair] so enjoyed our day in White City, looking up places the folks use to tell them about. Jean was born in W. C. Moved to Topeka when she was small.
       A letter from Charlotte [ (Schump) Johnson, daughter of Kate (Torgeson) Schump, Florence's sister]. Gayferd [her husband] brot her maple seeds to plant in pots and she has named them the girls. They are now 6 in. high and also has 5 walnut trees in pots. They can have them. I don't like walnut trees. She is so interested in garden now. Her youngest Brian is married, has been going with her a year. She has a 4 yr old boy and can't have any more, because of an operation. so Brian won't ever be a real father.
     Have come from store. Mrs. S. [neighbor, Mrs. Samways] called this morn, rather early for her and wanted to know if I was going to store. Was raining and I had just washed hair. I told her I couldn't until afternoon. She said that would be . . . . [page missing]

July 1979, Typewritten. Thursday Morn. s/mt
      And a beautiful one, sort of hazy and 67 at 5 o'clock and the day is not supposed to be too hot. Am telling you Kansas has had a good spring and several hot days and nights then comes along a break. Went for a walk and everyone I passes was feeling the cool morn. The vacant lots all around and our yards have been mowed so everything looks nice.
     I am so glad that I moved when I did as have met so many interesting people and probably over on 1120 [High Avenue], I still would have enjoyed the neighbors as always by Wilcock [the neighbors. Hazel and Ed, who lived immediately behind Florence on Wayne Avenue] would have put a damper on that and also the neighbors are old too and ailing and here I have a choice and feel that my horizon has broadened. Saw Mrs. Hawk [another neighbor just behind and to the south of the Wilcox's] the other day when shopping and we had a little chat. An then yesterday Zola [Snyder, second neighbor to the south] called and wanted some info about someone. She said that she was walking over to Falley's now to get groceries. I can't imagine her doing that as she never walked any farther than across the street, but she has always wanted to be patriotic and for a while get a move on for short generation. She said that she was saving gas. They are going on a tour to New Eng first Sept on plane to Boston and then on bus from there
     I got up at 5 and cut some stuff for Hobby sta. [Whatever that is.] Got an idea from a design on back on Calendar book. Am like Grandma Moses. I try not to make the same design twice but catch myself doing it but she never made the same painting twice.
     I am like a one man band, I first write a few lines and then paste something and the cut out a design and then write a little and all this in the bedroom, with cedar chest handy. I can load it up with boxes, etc. [Her Granddaughter, Betsy Hahn, now has that cedar chest in New Hampshire. Now Mother when making a quilt would cut out the blocks all boxed, etc. Not the hit and miss kind [like me] but that way.
     The others have their heat turned down lower than I as I can't stand the cold. But summer isn't gone yet, so had best not brag about the heat not bothering me. Today has been great, 84, this afternoon and humidity 59. That is about the lowest it has been all summer
     On walk this morning the hollyhocks were so pretty in back of a place over by the store and many wild flowers in the vacant lots. The TV gardener that talks here of Saturday afternoon had a lady on that has written a book about the wild flowers in Kansas. She is a smart lady with all kinds of degrees. He says is the best book and we have the most interesting flowers as any state. Avis [her old friend from White City who lived at this time in Council Grove, Kansas]] and we girls noticed so many on trip to Council Grove. I have been reading about birds and flowers and animals in the Nature book you sent and read them on the month that they happen. And have been reading about cattails. The Indians used their fluff for lining mittens and moccasins in the winter. Their name for cattails was FRUIT for Papooses bed as they also lined their baby baskets with the fluff.
     Read an article the other day. To conserve on fuel at the peak time. Iron in the morning and other chores before the heat of the day came and it reminded me of Mother. She would cook a kettle of the new little potatoes from the garden and then we would brown for supper as that did not take long to brown them and cook the kettle of beets as that takes time, so long to cook. Well you are doing the same thing on young cook stove [at the cabin in Maine, where the cook stove took the chill off in the morning as well. Cooking pea soup, etc. and heat dish water and on hot summer afternoons, she would pull down the shades on the sunny side and close the back doors on the west, and we kids had to either stay in our out and no running back and forth letting in flies. An she had a pitcher of lemonade from real lemons for us to take out with us.. And our house seemed to comfortable, except was hot in bedrooms at night many times. But going back to the shady afternoons, I can remember when at other homes how hot it seemed as the kids were allowed to run in and out all afternoon. We seldom went anywhere in the afternoons as there were four of us to play together [Mae had been married and gone from home years before] and mother though that enough. And she wanted to rest some. [Her mother, Maggie Torgeson, was a good mother. She did nice interesting things for her girls. It kind of reminds me of Little Women. The Torgeson's didn't have much money, but they made the most of it.]
     So cooked early this morning two chicken legs and when they were about done ,I out in carrots and potato and barley, and the kitchen wasn't so hot at noon. I took out enough for noon in a small kettle and then cooled the rest and put in the refrig for tomorrow. They are some things that lose their vit. by cooking and reheating. but they are fragile kind of veg like. frozen broccoli and zuchini  which only take a few minutes in the little steamer at meal time. [My mother was a good cook. She went to  cooking classes offered by the Gas Company and to nutrition classes and did the most she could from the resources available to her. Being as only child, I had unlimited access to fruits which she supplied for "snacks" and also saw that I had a bowl of raisins on my desk. Although my desk had a sign with the three "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys that said "DON'T MESS WITH ANYTHING ON THIS DESK" -- a rule I still impose on others, including my wife, my children, and especially CLEANING LADIES -- I tolerated the bowl of raisins.]
Saturday Morning. Handwritten on back of above.
     Another beautiful morning and is very still;, with love, Mother

July 1979. Typewritten. This may have been part of another letter. s/pwh-ch
    Going back to refrigerators . [?] Our first one we got in 1933, replacing the wooden ice box. You sure liked to climb up on the ice wagon and get a piece of ice. [In my memory, the driver would not have permitted us on the wagon. We would pester him for a piece; sometimes he obliges us, sometimes not. I am sure that if every kid on the route got a piece of ice he would have had to return to the plant to reload. Son Tom] You could have had a piece of ice anytime at home but that was the same. [I don't think so! The ice was needed for refrigeration and that didn't like to let warm air into the compartment in which the ice was kept.] The ice man got mad sometimes when several kids were there at the same time and he told you that if you kept off his wagon he would give you a piece. He was afraid someone might get hurt.
     Well, the Beckman's [Walter Hahn's, sister Louise Hahn, and her husband, Les Beckman] and we girls sure had a good time making ice cream in the freezer part and we would get whipping cream and make it. It was cheap in those days, but finally that got too rich for us and we went back to milk. The milk got harder and hard to get out of the pan, so I would make a custard sometimes and stir up a little cream in it and freeze. We would also make sherbets and ices, and you kids would freeze cool aid and make Popsicles. We had that freezer [refrigerator] from 33 to 47. I don't think there was anything wrong with it but Dad got a bargain and a better one in a deal.
     I have a little book that kept so may dates in my head and I sometimes wonder why I keep it but is such a little book and interesting to compare prices. But there are some things haven't put in the price.

                                      
Florence and Peter Rabbit at Tom and Nathalie's cabin on Lower Lead Pond in Hancock County, Maine, about 1978. (Tom Hahn Photo)

August 1979. Monday Afternoon. Typewritten. s/pft
     Dear Son:  What a nice way to start the week, with a picture of Peter [Rabbit] in a letter. He looks so much like the Rabbit on the Easter card and so he has a place on the little shelf in the dining room. Sometimes a little creature takes the place of a friend and I love to hear about him as much as the grandchildren. You are going to miss him when you get ready to leave but think of him as your Cabin Friend.
     There are things that you have written about this time that reminds me of the first time that I went to Winter Harbor [Maine]. I remember John H[hayes, Screenwriter for Hitchcock]. We had a picnic on the rocks and afterwards went to some folks place and stayed there a while and Betsy went over to Hay's and I can't remember the name of the folks where I went. It was in a very swanky neighborhood . Some one brought out lamb chops and cooked,. I had never cared for lamb and took the smallest one trying to like it and it was so good I wish that had taken a larger one. The kids had hamburgers. Can you remember the folks. You used to mention Hays in your letters, his literary career. [Butterfield 8, Peyton Place, Rear Window, The Birds, Butterfield 8, etc.] You and Nathalie have been visiting more than usual haven't you among your friends. Maybe you had more time this summer.
     I too am so glad that you had a nice talk with Ed when he was here. [Ed Hahn, younger brother of Walter Hahn]. I thought the day at Barbara's that he looked like a sweet old man. ... His girls [Jean, Barbara, Pat) were very good to him and now they don't have to worry about him being lonely. He did miss Marie [Jenkins Hahn, his spouse] very much since she left.
     We all have made mistakes and bungled in lots of ways. Maybe we thought we did more that we really did, but I think of the past and wish I had been more thoughtful and kind to others, but I will say that we sisters were very close and did much for each other after our families were grown. For years [sister] Kate was busy with family and we didn't see as much of her as we others did, yet Dad [Walter Hahn] was much on keeping up with family and I think we went more and visited more than the others.
     As I grow older, I have more time to sort out feelings and more on the positive side than the negative, if you can read my mind. I may not word it the way I want tit to be. but when one loses one after another they begin to cling to their memories and think of the happy times [rather] than the mistakes, and all are different and each one has a different side. Like with Zita [Schump, her sister Kate's son's wife] and Charlotte Jonson [Kate's daughter], they are both so good to me and in different ways. I feel like Charlotte is my little girl at times as she is so loving and such a Mama girl with all those brothers. Her brothers are too thoughtful; to her. They are just that kind except Fran [Schump, Kate's son].
     I feel very fortunate that I have nieces and want to keep in touch with them. but I doubt if we will have the family gatherings as much any more since Ed and Marie are gone as the girls Barbara and Patty [Jean lived in Illinois] can hop in their car and can see each other at any time. They are all busy with their families. Ken and Patty have a very good family relationship with their kids, problems and all. They are the loving kind. When we were those little kids, they were always taking hold of our hand and hang around more than the other children.
     Well, just got to thinking about everybody since have been with them all so recently, and am sorry that I didn't get to talk to Jim [Jim Kilkenny was the husband of Marty Becky, the daughter of Louise Hahn, Walt Hahn's sister]. He is almost an stranger as Marty comes up to see her dad [Les Beckman. His wife, Louise, died in 1944.] without him [Jin] and their kids are away from from. [Marty and Jim lived in Ponca City, Oklahoma.] Did you find Marty's note?
     Rick [Corby, her grand-nephew, son of Harry Corby and Becky (Beckman) Corby] has sold his place or has it up for sale and has been over to Becky's some. I did not ask what he was going to do, get an appt or a smaller place. He was at Christmas time interested in a widow but that has fallen through.
     I have written Margaret [her sister-in-law Margaret Hahn Walter Hottle] a letter and telling about all the relatives from last week as I doubt none of the rest will write to her and Ed was very good about writing to her or dictating letters to Maries [his wife]  to write and he would call her and there were two or Hottle lived in Mount Vernon, Indiana.] And I have also written to Dorothy Taggart as Bob Taggart [Florence sister Bernice's husband's brother] He  died the same time that Ed [Hahn] did. I feel badly about that as I had hopes of us being together once in a while.
     I went for a long walk Sat morn and I did like you said. Someone had told you to say a word over and over and I did, and mine was Thank you Legs and was swinging my arms around when no one was looking and so enjoying the walk and met up with a lady and walked two blocks with her and on the way home I began to lag and so yesterday was a short walk as was somewhat lame and I just took a short one this morning.
     The cantaloupes are good now and I cut one up and put chunks in a covered bowl as they have been so good. I figure how many meals I can get out of  one as they are not cheap[ and I read where food doesn't have to be ignored if it is higher than some things  if one can figure out how many servings in a head of this or that.
     Called Mr. Finly [apartment house manager] to fix the faucets and the trouble was only in the little screen filter so hope that is the end of having him here for a while. He is very nice to me. Is a very pessimistic person and always starts in with the country is run by a bunch of dumb clucks and price of things.
       Going back to the time that we went on that picnic, and you mentioned this Haye's writing Peyton Place, etc. It so happened that Movie was on tonight "Murder in Peyton Place" and I watched it but somehow it didn't keep me very interested when they were a weekly series years ago. I used to watch that program and tonight remembered all the characters, but felt like Dad as I couldn't keep up wit so many characters so he wouldn't watch it. I had no trouble that way but just didn't hold my attention too well.
     You mentioned that Nathalie made lobster stew and that is my favorite way of eating lobster. It is really super and the stew so colorful too. A also remember when you were at Winter Harbor, the base, about us going into the woods a short ways and you picked some [highland] cranberries and made sauce and it was delicious. They were a small berry but very red. And also remember that Jimmy, he was an Italian was he not, he would bring vegetables and stop and chat. [Jimmy worked in the Supply Department at the navy base.] That was such an interesting trip that time and I got to see and do things that had never done before, Navy things.
     The robins are getting more drab now as their breast isn't as bright as in the spring and yet I marvel at the brightness of flowers this late. In a summer would would think that they would be faded but their colors are more brilliant than spring flowers.
     Wed Morn. On my walk this morn met a young lady very heavy set and she said that she had cared for her parents for so long and did not get out for walks and she is a diabetic and the Dr told her to walk one miles each day, so she is doing that and then a little ways on my way an elderly couple and they said they took a walk night and morning. They would have a cup of coffee and then have breakfast when they got home. They had come quite a ways as lived on Plass.  The other day was at the end of the walk here on High St, that was in the afternoon and across 21[st Avenue] was a lady with six kids trying to cross the busy st and finally hey got across. A boy about 7 was pushing a stroller with a baby in it and on a rope were 4 little kids and she had hold of he rope. , like folks do in a blizzard to find the way and she told me she kept them on the rope in the store, that was where she was going, and I wonder4ed how she was going to carry groceries with both hands full. Maybe have each child carry a sack. That must have been a sight in the store to see that.
     This letter has gotten way long but am sending it anyway. With Love

Sunday Morn [August 1979]
     Dear T & N  Up early and made a meat loaf and casserole of escalloped potatoes and bran muffins, all in the over while it was going. And yesterday opened a can or peach halves and pickled them for eating with meat or with cottage cheese gives them a perked up taste. And have washed hair, had a short walk and listened to a sermon and is now eleven o'clock.
     It's hot but a breeze so summer is still with us but such a nice break of almost all last week.
     Was interested about Peter [Rabbit] being caught in a net and remember last summer how mad he was and how some of the clan thought I was cruel to push him in the cage where he spent the winter with the Pete Estes Family. I think it was Diane who was the tender hearted one, but he wasn't hurt, just his feeling, and as you say an animal like that has more of a personality free from a cage and can show off more than being shut up. We he was fun, and I was thinking about my ducks. They are a fun pet. One is more fun than two as they depend on each other and don't pay as much attention to you. I had Joey first and he was so much fun. He would follow me around when I hung up clothes and would pick and pull on my shoe laces and nibble my arm and that made marks so had to make him stop that. He stayed in the yard, but one day I sneaked off and went to Mrs. Elliot's [neighbor two doors to the north] and we were sitting in the porch swing and she said look who s coming and there was Joey quacking and I called and he came running to me.
     Then came fall and Dad said we can't keep him all winter penned up, so he said he would take him to the park and put him in the lake or something and so when it was about time to take him I was out on the steps with Joey and Pop came out and sat with us and he said, "You didn't..." and I said, "I did." He was pointing to Joey's head and there was lip stick where I kissed him. Well I missed him ore than Dad as he was with me all day. And then  the next spring he got two and when they got older we noticed one couldn't quack, but would open his mouth and nothing came out. They were good at catching bugs and insects and suirt98ing on the sidewalk which I had to hose off often, and I didn't name them separately but called them The Boys. When I wanted them I would call, Here boys" and both came but they didn't play with me like Joey, and then fall came and the same parting and I rather think that Dad gave them to one of the carriers and they ate them. I wouldn't let him kill them to eat. It was off they seldom went off the place, maybe roam around in Goldie's yard [Goldie Pepple] next door to the north], but I cried when they left and that was a bright spot in my life with an easy time with a pet that didn't need much care of bother.
     Did you have any loons this year? I am sure glad that I went last summer to Maine as it was a hard time for me to get over the loss [of her sister, Gladys] and now this summer have been quite content. I miss Gladys very much but with a different kind of feeling. [Gladys was the inky sister who lived in Topeka.]
     Nathalie, the place mat is so colorful and I have it pasted up under the cabinet. And, speaking of pictures. a note from Gene (Hahn) Johnson, her niece] since she got home [to Glenview, Illinois] and thanking me again for the jewel picture and she said she had it up in the kitchen as that is where she is most of the time when home and she can look at it., but I think that that is  queer place for that kind of picture but if that is what one wants, that's all right.

5 November 1979. Birthday card to son Tom on his 53rd birthday with a nice little drawing by Florence at the top. mwh
     My Dear Son. Am thinking about Nov 6-1926 when you came to us and how proud we were to have the first and only boy. a grandson, in the Hahn family. And while in the hospital, had the first snow, and with a beautiful fallish chrysanthemum plant in the window, and a little baby in a blanket. I thought it the most beautiful and happiest time of my life, and I thought about how I would rock you as we had gotten  large leather rocker.
     The night before you came Grandpa [Chris] Hahn came with Uncle Paul [Chris Hahn's brother, Walt Hahn's uncle] and Aunt Eve to see us and they said the house smelled so good. That day I had made several fruit cakes for the coming holidays
     You were much wanted and how that little boy has grown up to be a thoughtful good and kind son to his mother, and I am proud of all your achievements and  love you. Mother

 

December 1979. Handwritten.
     Dear Tom and Nathalie. Am so glad you are back [having visited Florence in Topeka]. It was so lonesome after you left here but I got busy and put everything back in place and later on all the Christmas decorations all boxed up and put away.
     As I told you on the phone I was out Sat afternoon, it just seemed as though I couldn't stand being in, and so Fairlawn Mall is easier than downtown. all in one spot. So got quite a few bargains at a Drug Store, a chain of them here Walgreens and they also have a counter of canned goods, etc and had advertised prunes for 79 c per pkg, so go 2 boxes as was out, and I sat awhile in the lobby and watched folks. As I was waiting for bus