Early 20th century family history
Dave and Frances have returned from Adams Center with Lydia. Everyone is on board with Dave and Ruth getting married; Janie and Percy are especially supportive. Jennie continues to be in delicate health, so Bill writes that he will return within a week or so Read More …
Ruth receives a note from home that her mother has dangerously high blood pressure. She makes the decision to return home to help with all the work around the house so that Jennie can take care of herself. April 20, 1936 464 First Street Albany, Read More …
Ruth was busy working with a patient. Her friend (and roommate) Loretta starts looking into making arrangments for living in a different apartment over the summer. The weather this week in 1936 brought massive flooding to NY state and New England. The flooding was so Read More …
Ruth must have gone to stay at Preston Hollow after her last letter dated Feb 21, 1936. After she returned to Albany, it wasn’t long before she was assigned a new case. March 10, 1936 464 First Street Albany, N.Y. Hello Honey, Gee, am I Read More …
Mid-January doldrums! Dave has been working in pouring rain and Ruth is frustrated, because despite all the work she has been getting, she hasn’t been paid. This post contains a bonus letter from Lydia Sprague. January 13, 1936 Middleburg, N.Y. Hello Darling, Don’t be surprised Read More …
Ruth and Dave exchanged Christmas gifts early, most likely because Ruth had to work over the Christmas holiday. She received a cedar chest that was hand-made by Francis and Dave. (Addressed to: 1807 Ninth Street, Rensselaer, N.Y.) December 24, 1935 Middleburg, N.Y. Hello Hon, I Read More …
This was Thanksgiving week, so there was only one exchange of letters before everyone gathered in Middleburg or Preston Hollow. Because this is such a short post, I’ve added notes here about what we were able to find on Zelma, who is often mentioned in Read More …
After what must have been a heavy snow storm, everyone is busy clearing out. Ruth’s job had ended, so she is back to waiting for another call. She receives news that her stepfather, Bill, was also laid off from work. November 18, 1935 Middleburg, N.Y. Read More …
Ruth finally has work and considers herself lucky that it’s an easy case. Because of the weather, Dave and Francis are unable to go to work. Dave hints that things at home aren’t always pleasant because of his ill-tempered father. November 11, 1935 Middleburg, N.Y. Read More …
Ruth still cannot get work and is frustrated about it, made worse by the fact that her friend Loretta is getting lots of different jobs, leaving her feeling overlooked. Dave had a job with the local election board, which paid him well for a long, Read More …