Marion Writes a Letter – “From Your Mother”

Dear One a Diary

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

At D. L. Owens home

January 24, 1938

(This is the entry and voice of Marion Painter)

Your Father and I don’t know who you are yet, but I am here waiting for you to come, while he stays home getting our new house ready for your arrival. Your birthday will be a very happy one for those who love you and there are many.

January 10, was a red letter day for us, too, for then we moved into that little white house the first home you’ll remember, and no doubt the one you’ll always know as long as you stay with us.

Your grandmother and grandfather Painter made it possible for your father to build our home, the foundations being lumber cut from grandma painters homestead, and consent and encouragement was generously given by grandpa Painter.

Father and I planned our home Victor Carlson, our good neighbor and friend carefully did the carpenter work. Daddy was on hand helping all the while.

Yes, our home is like some garment with love sewed in every stitch, for that is the way my dearest husband and your precious kind father built this haven.

 

Grandma Bess and Grandpa Ole helped your Daddy and I move there the tenth of January 1938. That was a hectic day, but a very happy one.

Then Went over to Grandma Painters for dinner, but that night all your grandparents, Daddy and I ate supper in our new home.  The meal was gleaned from Grandma Painters supplies and Grandma Bessies.  Yes, Grandpa Ole bought us a good supply of beef.

Everyone said I was, too excited, yes, I must have been for I hardly slept that night, my first night in my very new home.

The next day your Grandma Bessie and Grandpa Ole came back so Grandma could help me get ready to come down here. They were afraid you might arrive before I would get to Belle or else the roads might become blockaded with snow so we’d have trouble getting through.

We needn’t have worried for you aren’t here yet and the weather has been like a glorious Indian summer.

We have lots of nice things to thank Uncle Billy for too. He has carefully helped with the foundation of our house, the felling of the logs and laying of the floor.

When he knew your Daddy and I were driving here he came and stayed with grandma Painter, so he could do the chores and care for the stock.  He wants you called Jingo Bill after Grandpa Painter and after him.  You’ll enjoy uncle Billy’s humor all of your life.

Lovingly for Today,

Your Mother