October 25, 1922 - Addressed to Chicago, but forwarded to LA

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

5009 Whittier Bldg.

Chicago, Illinois.

Los Angeles

Calif

From 5009 Whittier Blv'd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 25 - 1922

My Dearest Rayson:

I received another long letter from you today dear, it seems like I get one every day. They cannot come any too quickly for me though as I am always more than anxious to hear from you. They make me so happy for it seems when I am reading that you are very close to me, you write just as you speak.

Father & Billy have gone down to the new house to finish wiring. Mother, Vera, Mrs Slowinski and I  went down to inspect the place this morning and to put up the street number. It is going to be a nice little place and will do them very nicely for a while.

Vera is doing a little knitting and Mother is teasing the cat. Vera says to tell you the cats name is Chris. He is surely a pretty animal and very well behaved but for all I have changed my mind about wanting one.

Today we cleaned the whole house and scrubbed all the floors. It is so dusty out here in Belvidere Heights, we could clean every day.

We haven't had a drop of rain so far although it time for them to start. For the last three days the sun has risen bright and early without a sign of fog. It seems like we are back east again. Won't you be glad dear to try something a little different from ice and snow for a change? I am rather anxious to see what a winter here is like.

Mother and Vera went down town shopping Monday but I stayed home and did a little mending. Also we didn't any of us go to Aunt Mae's so far this week. The tire carrier broke off of the car taking the rear light with and we are afraid we would be after dark coming home and get picked up.

Dearest, this is a hello and good bye letter for I haven't a bit of news. Write soon again and tell me all about yourself. With all my love, dear heart for you and a kiss on every word, I remain as ever, Yours lovingly

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 22, 1922 - Mother asks Rayson to help with the flowers

Addressed to:

Mr G. Rayson Brown.

1468. E 67 St.

Chicago. Ill

From

Mrs Chas Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles Calif.

c/o. Loftus Land Co.

1.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Oct 22 - 1922.

My dear Boy:-

Your very dear letter was received yester-day, and I surely was happy to hear from you. for I do get lonesome at times when I think of you and the rest of the folk's back home, but when you come Rayson every thing will be different.

My dear boy you said in your letter that you had found a real home and some one that cares for you! We surely do, and when you come we want you to feel right at home, and we

2.

are all looking foreward to you coming and hope it will not be long.

Rayson I just wish you could have been here this morning it was just beautiful. There was an awful fogg last evening but it was clear this morning, and when I arose I looked out of the window and saw the sun shining on the mountains and it certainly was wonderful. We were over to Aunt Mae's again last week she had some flowers for me to put out in the ground. My dear Son I have some work all ready for you to do when you come, and 

3.

it is this, to help me with the flower's. I have a row of red geranium's from the house out to the street. Rayson the flower's and palm's out here are beautiful, ever one are busy setting out plants and bulb's to blossom this winter.

Now my dear boy I will have to close this letter and write one to Aunt Eva. Take good care of your-self. and with love and a great big kiss. I am as ever your

Loveing Mother

#virtualoregontrail August 1-7, 1845 - American Falls and the Snake River

Continuing with the Diary of James Field:

Fri., Aug. 1. - Went only eight miles to-day, as many of us had some trading to do at the fort before starting. A wagon was repaired which had a tire bursted on a forewheel 100 miles from the fort, and we took raw buffalo hide cut in strips and wound about half the circumference of the wheel with it, and although we had a stony road some of the way, it lasted to the fort, holding the wheel firm and solid. One thing about Fort Hall is noticeable, their cattle look as fine as I ever saw grass-fed cattle in old Connecticut. Old, broken-down oxen purchased of last year's emigration were just rolling with fat. This is owing to the excellent grass about the fort, the land affording as fine natural pasturage as I ever saw, but is rather poorly adapted for cultivation, being too moist.

Sat., 2. - As one of our company had lost three of his working oxen in the neighborhood of the fort, we lay by to-day to help him hunt them, and they were brought in before night. Companies should never camp close to a fort when it can be avoided, as their cattle and horses are liable to be run off by the Indians who are always found in greater or less numbers in such localities. They are constantly riding about the camps of the whites, always on a full run, and scatter the stock terribly.

American Falls as it looks today.
Photo from http://smilingglobe.com/where-to.aspx?Visit=Idaho&Go=Central_Idaho&Re=America.

Sun., 3. - Took a fair start to-day for the Columbia Valley, glad to leave Fort Hall and all its appendages behind. Traveled about 10 miles, upset a wagon, and camped in the barrens without water or grass. Wood we never miss now, as we can make a fire and cook with wormwood, which grows everywhere upon the barrens. About 12 miles from our last camp we passed the American Falls, where the river passes over a bed of rocks, having a sloping descent of about 30 feet. Here the level river bottom terminates, and here we should have camped. But Capt. Tethro was close ahead of us, and some of our men had determined on passing him this night, so we kept on after he had camped upon a narrow strip of grass. In crossing a ravine the upsetting of one of Capt. Riggs' wagons brought us all to a standstill. I omitted to mention that a short distance from the last camp we crossed the Portnuef River, which was the worst crossing we have had yet, owing to the steep and miry condition of the banks, and the water being the deepest we have yet forded, requiring thick blocks to be put under the beds of most of the wagons.

Mon., 4. - Went about 16 miles to-day, camping upon the Cajeux river, where we found excellent grass. We turned out our cattle about midway between camps, near the crossing of a creek called the Creek of Rocks, as they had no water or grass last night, and many of our company went on there before they took breakfast. This creek runs through a deep ravine, as indeed nearly all the small streams do, and is rather a difficult crossing. Legget's company upset a wagon in it. The road along here would be tolerably fair were it not for the numerous ravines, some of them being very deep.

Tues., 5. - Went about 16 miles to-day, crossing fewer ravines than either of the two previous days, the road being very stony, however, which jostled the wagons terribly. Ever since passing the American Falls the rocks have presented a dark, rusty appearance, as though they contained iron ore.

Wed., 6. - Went about 14 miles over a tolerably fair road, camping on Goose Creek. We nooned alongside a very pretty little lake which is formed by the outlet of a spring. Just at evening a child fell from one of the wagons and was run over, but happening to fall in a miry hole in the road, it sustained little or no injury. This is the third run-over in our company.

The Snake River
By Colleen Taugher - originally posted to Flickr as Pete at Chief Tim, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6315474

Thurs., 7. - Traveled about 18 miles to-day, camping upon the dry fork of Snake river, the water of which stands along in pondholes. That pretty little lake mentioned yester-day I think must have been Snake river, which again came up this noon. The reason of my mistaking it for a lake was that we happened to strike it where its banks were low, its channel broad and deep, giving it a very moderate current, which caused it to present the appearance of a still lake. Since passing the American falls the river has ran most of the way between perpendicular bluffs of rocks, so that we often approach within a short distance of it without seeing it.

From “The Diary of James Field” Willamette Farmer (Portland, OR, Fridays: April 18 – August 1, 1879). 

 27 Jun 1879 (July 29-August 3) 

https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-06-27/ed-1/seq-6/ 

 4 Jul 1879 (August 4-11) 

https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-07-04/ed-1/seq-6/ 

October 22, 1922 - Aunt Mae has a heliotrope started for Mother.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

From E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 22 - 1922.

My Dearest Rayson:

I received another of your wonderful letters Saturday evening and was so glad for I was not expecting one before the first of the week.

This was surely a beautiful day. I wish that you might have been here. There was no fog this morning and the sun came up bright and clear. We could see the mountains quite plainly and that is "very unusual" for that time of the day. Some days we do not see them at all. Later in the day it was quite warm and the air seemed smoky. Some say that is caused from dust or sand storms in the desert. Tonight it is warm enough out of doors to sit without a coat.

There is a pretty new moon tonight hanging over in the south west. I hope dear that you will like this country. It is beautiful by moonlight, when the moon is at its fullest, it seems as though you could reach up and touch it and twice as bright as it is back there.

Billy and Father worked on the house all day. Father put in the windows and Billy wired for lights. Vera calls it her "chicken coop".

After dinner I shampooed my hair but it wasn't very satisfactory as the water is so hard. I will have to look for some castile soap.

Tomorrow the folks are thinking of going to the city shopping and Tuesday Mother, Vera and I are going to drive to Long Beach to see Aunt Mae and spend the afternoon with her. She has a Heliotrope started for Mother. That is my favorite flower. It grows as high as the eaves of the houses here and back home if it grew to be a foot and a half high we thought it wonderful.

Well dearest heart I suppose you are in Ottawa today to see the folks. Write and tell me whether you saw Aunt Vic and give my best regards to Blanche when you write to her. I should liked to have seen her before I left but you know how busy we were.

Have you received the box of pepper berries dear? Vera picked a big box full and sent them to Mrs Armstrong. They make a nice bouquet for winter there.

Last night we three went over to Whittier Blvd, to do our Sunday buying and on our way home we stopped into the dancing pavillion. Vera likes to dance but I am sorry to say that I cannot dance anything but a waltz any more. We didn't stay long but when we started home a heavy fog had lowered and you couldn't see ten feet from you. We became lost, quite naturally, but finally managed to get home all right side up with care. Mother was glad to be home again and Father and Billy were surely relieved when we arrived. It was something terrible, just like London fog.

Mother bought a lovely white ivory bed downtown for twenty dollars, complete. Wasn't that a splendid buy? Down at a store on the boulevard they are selling whole bedroom outfits for seventy five dollars. This includes bed, dresser, chiffonier and chair. I think she intends buying one.

How does it happen that Anna Devore is going with Isabel? I thought Isabel and Bessie Maxwell were inseparable. Nothing that she says can ever worry me dear, I shall just pretend that I don't hear it. That is the best way.

I had a long letter from Irene Cole, Saturday, also. She and Paul and Catherine and Ed Jacobs have been to Detroit, Mich for a couple weeks. When they returned every one thought that Irene and Paul were married. She said Paul did want to get married but she knew her folks would not like it if she were married away from home and so she wouldn't. She had a lovely time and is wild about Detroit.

Well dear this old month is drawing to a close quite swiftly and none to quickly to suit me, for dearest mine, with every little week that slips by brings us nearer together. Mother says it will not be long now, please write and tell me when.

I must close dear heart as it is getting very late and I shall have to be up early tomorrow. Write soon dear and take good care of yourself. With all move and kisses for you, my dearest lover, I remain as ever and forever,

Lovingly your,

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 20, 1922 - "It is called Clorox and has a powerful smell."

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

From E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October 20 - 1922.

My Dearest Rayson:

There isn't much to do around here this morning as so I will write a few lines to you. I am expecting a letter from you today but cannot be sure.

It is foggy here this morning as usual, and there is a little mist in the air. About ten oclock the sun will clear away the fog and we will have a nice day. The rains are due to start now any time. That is what I am dreading but some say it is not so bad as others try to make one think.

Yesterday I gave the dining room chairs another coat of stain and they look quite nice considering who did the painting.

Last night Father drew the plans for the two front rooms and dear, it is going to be awfully nice when finished. I am so anxious to get it finished and then Mother will like it better here.

Mother, Vera, Billy and I drove to Long Beach last night to see the Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Mae asked what I heard from you and when you are coming. They have rented their house and have taken a couple furnished rooms nearer Uncle's work. Uncle Herb and Billy walked down to the "pike" and bought a box of salt water taffy, made in all flavors. It was awfully good.

Vera is doing a little ironing and Mother is washing some flour sacks, with some kind of acid she bought at the store. It is called Clorox and has a powerful smell.

 The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 09 June 1922. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87093407/1922-06-09/ed-1/seq-15/>

This afternoon we are all going down town shopping. Vera has to buy all new dishes to start housekeeping. 

Father has been working on Vera's house but today a Mr Williams from Washington, came to get him to help on his house. He is building a big house just across the street from here.

Well dearest heart I haven't any more news and so will close this and write again soon. Write dear and let me know when you are coming Mother sends her love, she is looking for a letter also. With all my love and kisses to my own dear lover, I remain as always and forever,

Yours lovingly,

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 17, 1922 - "Just a little sample of berries"

Los Angeles, Cal.
Oct 17 - 1922.

My dearest:

Just a little sample of berries, if you do not care for them, give them to Mrs Morgan or Harry's wife. They will last all winter and make a nice bouquet when there are no flowers.

Lovingly your,
Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 15, 1922 - Father, Billy, Mr .Roani & Mr. Noack build a house for Vera

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago, 

Illinois.

Return address:

E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 15 - 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

I was wondering whether or not I would hear from you again this week and surely enough Billy brought home another wonderful letter. It made me so happy dear and I am so glad that you are well. Although I might have promised not to worry, you know dear that seems to be part of a woman's "make up", so to speak. We just cannot seem to help worrying.

It is Sunday again but you would never know it around here. Have to work just as much as any other day. Mr Roani and Mr Noack came over early to help Billy and Father build the house. I was down to the place this noon myself and it is really a nice location. Mother and I got dinner for the men and have just finished doing dishes. If you were here dear, you would most likely be putting them away. I can hardly wait until you come, I will be so happy.

It was nice of Harry to ask you there and I am glad you had a nice time. If we happen back there some day we will surely stop and see them.

Now dear, if I had thought for one minute that you would feel that way I would never have mentioned building on to the house. It is not on youre account at all. The truth is, when Father built this place he forgot all about clothes closets and consequently we must have more room to put our clothes. Just at present most of ours are in the garage, still packed. The neighbors around here think I only have one dress, I guess, as I always wear the same one. But then they don't bother me as I don't know any of them any way and a part of them I don't care to.

We drove to Alhambra one evening for a ride. Do you remember the Gualano's in Ottawa? Vincent and Fortunato are operating a music store in that city. They invited Vera and Billy to see them but they haven't gone yet.

I picked a few berries off the pepper trees here and am going to risk sending them in this letter although they may get crushed. The trees look awfully pretty, just hanging full of red berries.

And another thing if we ever want to sell here, it will sell quicker when there are improvements. The way it is now, no one would care for it. It can be made awfully nice in time.

You should see the pen I am writing with but it writes better than anything around here. It is a pen Father bought for me in Ch'go when I was a little girl. It is only seven inches long and as fat as a match. I have a hard time holding on to it. 

I asked Father about the mail being delivered here and he doesn't know how soon it will be, and so dear you had better give the Whittier Blvd., address and we can see about it when you come.

Billy and Father have just come home from the new house. They used all the lumber they had and so had to call it done for the time being. They most part of it is done, all that is left is the roof, plaster board walls and hanging doors and windows. It is a cute little place, only two rooms. When they build on, these two rooms will be turned into bed rooms.

Well dearest lover it is supper time and I must help Mother. She sends her love to you dear, as ever. I have no more news and so will close. With all the love in the world that I possess, for you dear I remain as ever yours only and lovingly,

Edythe.

P.S. - Dear, Mother thinks it best not to send the berries in the letter so will send them separately. Someone might tear this open and you would not get it.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.