1936 - Letter to Jewel from her Mother

Saturday Night
Dearest Jewel Mae,

Just received your letter and was glad to hear all the good news. When Daddy came home and told me about you being in the Registrars Office, I almost cried for joy at your good fortune and I hear Dr. Irish is a wonderful man and if you make good with him, you are made so to speak at Tempe. He has been there so many years.

That was a real test to have to take there in his office unexpectedly. I am glad you made it, dear, and the hard one in Psychology I understand is in a way to determine how you reach to certain influences on your disposition or temperament and is to size you up in aptitude on natural abilities. So I am not afraid of that either. You will show up average or higher I am quite sure.

When God writes opportunity on one side of a door, he writes responsibility on the other side. So I know darling what is before you, but I have unlimited confidence in you and your judgement. If you like your roommates and your room, I am quite sure it is all right. Glad you were able to do a good turn. Hope you can secure a neat chest of drawers for your things. So you can take good care of them. I hope you will not have too many disappointments. Maybe you won't have any.

I am happy when you are happy and sad when you are sad.

We are all fine here at home. Cherry has been with us since you left and is a sweet little comfort. Genevieve is a little better. I am going to Conference tomorrow. Have missed you today. Went up town, had a haircut and finger wave. Purchased some groceries for Sunday dinner. Have no desire to go to conference on account of our Choir having to furnish music. No leader! No practice! Bah!

I am so thankful all is as well with you as it is. Lella sent me word she is coming down next Sunday. Made me very happy. I wondered if you said something to make her feel different. "Blessed is the peacemaker" etc.

Be sure and tell me everything about your full program. The tea. The picnic. The reception. I felt like your clothes would be suitable. I went to a party down to Rebe's [Rebecca Hughes Claridge] Had a lovely time. Elizabeth [Claridge Crandall] hadn't had a word from her boy. I overheard her say some nice things about you. Kartchner came here tody to get the big horn. Said he didn't know how he was going to get along without you. Said Clarence had told him he had a date with you and he told him you were the best pianist in the Valley.

I think I have told you all the important news. Will try to keep you posted and want you to know I am thinking of you every day. Write as often as you can and I will answer. Home ain't nothin' like it used to be. But it's pretty good anyway with Daddy, Conover, and Ray.

With love from all,
Affectionately Mother