Estella Oros: Dec. 23 1932; Ann Dec. 27, 1932 Gary Ind.

Dear Friends,
I hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was short but it was drama free. The weather is not exactly what I like. More snow. Maybe I just have to throw my hands up and just say Uncle.
Anyway, here are two Christmas cards and a letter from Estella and Ann from Gary Ind.:

I very nice Christmas card. I wish they were still used today but they aren't.

Now from Ann:

As always, for those that find it hard to read, here is what I think it says:

                     Dec.    1932
                     Gary Ind.
Dear Howard:
      I'm sorry I haven't answered
your letter the way I should have, but any way
as long as you will write, to me I will to
when you stop, well of course I must then
also, untill then I will always write soon
or late.
By the way where are you going to spend
your Xmas this year? I'm just sitting at
home, most of the times. Now talk about
getting Xmas presents, I don't think I'll get
any, will you? You know since I ain't
been working I can't have money to spend,
like I use to, so thats why I stay at
home most. where do you keep yourself?
don't you go much around? I bet you have
the swellest times all over there. Estel told
me you had written to her and that you
wanted to know why I didn't write soon,
you know how it is I plan to write and
then something else comes up but anyway
I'll not stop till you do

she said maybe because you write to her
that I get sore, oh no I don't get
sore or jealous of anybody, I love to
have you write to her and me also,
well Howard I don't really know what
to do anymore staying at home not
working can't have any nice clothes
like some girls have or any spending
money, what would you do in my case
Howard? Write me a lot to comfort
me, maybe it will make me happy
don't forget to send me a XMAS card
for Christmas I'm sending you one
write me a lot Please send me a
few pictures of you and your friends
and and give me some more addresses
of your boy friend so I could write
to them, I love to write to strangers
and they should send their pictures I'll
send mine also it will make me
feel better I get a kick out of it
now I'll close
(Written along the side)
To the most Wonderful boy I know
Estel say hello Your True Friend Ann.

This is the Xmas card she included:

Another very nice Christmas card.

Well, Ann's letter makes her sound very lonely. I hope she was able to find a job and get some money for the things she needed. I also hope she was able to find some very nice to her and wrote to her often.
The 1930's was not an easy time for many.

Here is a picture from the scrap book:

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mullins are
shown here after they were mar-
ried recently by a Springfield
(Mo.) justice or the peace. Mullins
is 7 feet 9 inches tall and Mrs.
Mullins is 5 feet 3 inches. Mullins
weighs 287 pounds and is from At-
lanta, Ga., Mrs. Mullins from Chi-
cago, is the former Anita Sbertoli.
Both are dancers in vaudeville.

Now I know what I would look like next to someone that is 7 feet 9 inches tall. I'm 5 feet 2 1/2 inches tall. They look very happy.

Now here is a joke from the joke book, "Bedtime Laughs" 1956:

Darn, no cat swinging. What I bummer.

Finally a random picture:

No idea where this was taken but it says it was developed June 1964.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope you will come back soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Anna: Nov. 10, 1932 Gary Ind.

Dear Friends,
I hope you had a good weekend. Mine was good, even though it was a short one. I just hope I do not have to work next Saturday. I feel so much better if I can have two days off from work. A number of people in my family have been dealing with the flue. Mine cold is finally done. It better not come back. I say enough is enough.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Anna:

As always, for those of you that find it hard to read, here is what I think it says:

                           Nov 10, 1932
Dear Howard
     Forgive me for not answering
your letter sooner I am not so
good right know because I have
a broken arm but I hope you feel
fine. The weather is bad out
here it is snowing and it
very cold. You write in the
letter that you were at a basket
social at the schoolhouse. And
said that you wish that I was
there.boy do I wish that I was
there I would give anything
to go out there. You give me
one of you boy friends don't know
how to address the letter because

you give the name like this
Frank Kelly Ogema Wis is
that all the address. Will you
please ask him to send one
of his picture to me. please
then we send one back.
How is thing out there gee I shore
wish that I was out there
You ask me if I had a picture
of my self but haven't got one
right now I am taking some
as soon as I get it I will
send you one How is the jobs
out there. How is the parties out
there do you go to parties out there
gee this is all I can write
know my cousin Anna is
(written along the side)
left hand Estelle.

here know she ask me to write
                            the letter. forgive
and say hello I E. sister that writing
Dear Howard:              Anna Oros
             I thought I'd drop
you a few lines, as for being over
my cousin's house I thought I'd
also write a few lines, How are
you getting along, Gee i'm getting
along fine, as for a job I haven't
any, but I hope I'll get one soon
have you been skiing or going
to parties dancing I hope you
enjoying yourself I wish I was
there well I'll close now don't
forget to answer my letter as
for me I'm writing twice to you
now        your True Friend
                 Ann E Jean cousin

I wonder how she broke her arm?
Not a whole lot here. It sounds like Grandpa is still going to basket socials.
It does sound like she really wants to be "There". I wonder if she was ever able to visit.
I think that two Ann's wrote this letter or maybe the cousin's name was Jean.
I wonder if the second writer was able to find a job.

Here is a picture from the scrap book. 1936:

The cold weather has temporarily halted the smelt run, but whenever it starts these outfits which have been erected at the water's edge near Michigan end of the Marinette-Menomonee bridge are ready for them.-Journal Staff photo.

If your from Wisconsin you will know all about smelt time. For those of you who don't know what they are, they are small fish. In May there is a Smelt Fry at the fire hall.

Here are a few pages from the joke book, "Bedtime Laughs" 1956:

Enjoy.

Finally, a random picture:

Washington Monument taken from the Jefferson Memorial.
Taken during someones class trip.
Not a real good picture, but it was taken and kept.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope you will drop by again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Anna: Majorville, Jan. 25, 1929 Majorville, Alberta, Canada

Dear Friends,
I hope you had a good Easter weekend. Mine was good. Went to my parents house on Saturday to have dinner with the family. Sunday the husband and I went for a hike. 9.62 miles in about 4 hour and 10 minutes. we went longer then I thought we would but it really was not a bad hike. looking forward to the next one.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Anna:

As always, for those that find it hard to read, here is what it says:

           Majorville, Alberta
             Jan 25, 1929
Dear Howard:- I was so glad
to receive your letter Howard and
it was such a nice one. What you
said I think is so true. i think when
we get older we see life in a different
way and learn more by experience. I
am so glad you feel satisfied with
life like that Howard it is so much
better than chaffing in the boonies
like I am always doing. Keep well
if you possible can Howard because
health is such a blessing. All I have to
look back on his my layed up years
but I guess I had to high ambitions.
Now i don't dare to look forward
I lost my nerve two and a half years
ago and care for life. It seemes like
just when I had it nice and was satisfied
something would come and upset
well it would always be sickness. You
can't imagine how lonesome I've been
ever since last fall. I could have a
good time one evening or day what ever
it happened to be and then everything
would go flat again.

It's only nine o'clock and everyone
else is in bed and I guess I've got the
blues but I've seen a might of trouble
since I came away from home and I
guess it will take a long long time
to get over it.
I like the way you spoke of Mary
and Anna-also that you one nahbout
because I think things things are suppose
to be a certain way and we can't
change them. I am sure Howard the
right one will come along someday
and then you can be glad that you waited.
I think we are attracted to some folks
and if it should be if we only trust
in God it will come out alright if
he sees best it should be one way and
is another thing we only trust in him and
his way it is bound to come out all
right. I know from experience Howard
and maybe some hard experience also
but I have seen his way was right thing
yes I am sure God wants us to have
a good time and I know when unhappy
when we are. Lot of unhappiness we bring
unto ourselves and some other bring on
us, could you tell by this letter that
I haven't been to church since Oct. No that's
another thing I don't always think going

to church gives you a lot of nilygroans ideas
thought it helps wonderfully well.
Howard you have been a pal to me
for years and to think I had to get mad
at you and say those mean things. I
have kept my temper to myself for such
a long time now I am afraid it will
fly forth with a bang some day-Ha!
We went to a house party Friday
night and they wouldn't leave me
alone till they got me on the floor. I
claimed I couldn't & I didn't think
I could. One of the boys said I dances
a lot better than a lot that have
dances for ten years.Others said- and
you try to tell me you never danced
before? See told of Ned a- Ge! I thought
we was going to teach slim to dance
but there was nothing to it. That was
more fun than the dancing-Ha!
Won't dare to try it again afraid
It'l spoil my nap. Ha! I stayed with
a girl friend of mine till Sun. and
we certainly had a whale of a good
time. I laughed till I was sick & they
wanted me to stay the whole week
but felt I couldn't. Lilly Godken
wants me to visit her when her sister
comes and that is soon. So I can't
be gone all the time. I've intended

to meet Pearson & Bentsachy ever
since new years and haven't gotten
together yet. I was almost layeranced
on account of boil under my right
arm for about three weeks as I'd
have to work like the dickens to catch
up for lost time. I want to go home
before harvest this year but I'm not
sure. I hardly think it will be before
I'm not saying what I'll do Howard
but you can expect most anything
from me. Do you remember what you
advised me to do? Maybe I've done it
already. I usually dive into some-
thing or other don't I. Sanapre is my
second name. So had Nel or Han wasn't
there Friday night so they could have
woke up mother & Dad when they got
home what I'd committed an unpardoned
now I'm getting sarcastic aren't I.
Your lucky to have a good home &
you don't have to tie your wings any
other place and Tom won't tell you to get out
if you disagree with some little things
It's nice to be wanted. I could stay
here or to Freda because they want me but
it isn't the same as a home of your own
and as long as mother & dad live I'll be
provided for also but- I've got to quit before
I say to much.  to you & Tom
  Heaps of love as ever your
                 Cousin Ann-

(written along the side of the first page)
Let Tom or Helen read this but please no one else will you?


I'm sorry for the words I got wrong. Not sure if they were misspelled to begin with or if they were Swedish words.
It sounds like she was a kind of sounding board for Grandpa when it came to looking for love.
It does kind of sound like he was still caring a torch for Mary and or another one.
I wonder how often she went dancing?
I also wonder how long she stayed in Canada?
Oh well.

Here is a scrap book picture:

Seven hours late but they made it- Engineer Bert McCormick
(front) and Fireman Bill Hayes inspect the snow covered
engine of the Southwest Limited after their arrival at the Milwau-
kee road depot here late Tuesday.- Journal Staff Photo.

I wonder how many drifts they had to fight their way through that day?

Here is a page from the joke book:

Enjoy.

And here is a random picture:

No idea who they are or when it was taken.

Well, that's about all I have to share with you today.
I hope you will come back again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Anna: Jan. 21, 1929 Majorville, Alberta, Canada

Dear Friends,
I was so glad for me this was a short week for work. I am so needing a three day weekend, again. With Easter this weekend it will once again be kind of a busy one. At least it's not work.
Anyway, here is a letter from Anna. I'm not sure if it's an Anna I've already shown you or if it is a different one.

As always, for those that find it hard to read, here is what I think it says (in some places I might get it wrong):

               Majorville, Alberta
                  Jan 21, 1929
Dear Howard: Kid you have
been on my mind ever since
I read your letter. What is the
matter Howard- discourage
with life? I know you are but
Howard don't let one or two
women spoil your life. I guess
I haven't been the pal I use to be
a nesther have I Howard? I
am sorry if I hadn't. There
is all kinds of stories isn't
there and there always is two
sides to them. Every time we
get a song about Mary on the
radio and there are several of
them I think of you two. You
can't imagine how sorry I am

over it. I have some experience
in life my self in that way so
even if you don't think I can't
understand I do and I think I
can see both side of it. I
have had several problems and
some since I landed up here.
There is a especially two that
has bothered me and I am afraid
I will have to worry about a
third problem. This might sound
funny to you Howard but
I'm just writing this to show you
I understand and as Hilda K.
said- please show this to nobody
Find something interesting
to do and things will come out
right- it's bound to one way
or the other. I know it's hard
for you and Tom there alone.
Just think Howard if many
had gone through with it and

then changed her mind wouldn't
it been a lot harder. I know my
self that I wouldn't & couldn't
let a man change for me if he
didn't do it for his God & my God.
Don't you think she has had a
heartache also- I can bet she has
Enough said. I'm always
giving you a sermon but oh
Howard I don't mean it that
way at all so don't misunderstand.
I'm having such a good time
up here. If one don't come along
some one else does and so so
no wonder I have a hipa now
of a time. The kids are bound
I'm going to learn to dance and
I don't want to. Freda & Lois went
to a big one in Queenstown  Fri.

I had three chances to go but
wouldn't when I couldn't dance.
One party ( I was dumbfounded) stayed
home when I woulldn't go. We went
out Thur night & sat instead Tues.
night is another one. Freda wants
me to go but I don't want to a
bunch from this neighborhood
is going and I know I'd have a
good time. I have been trained to good.
it was more fun when I knew I'd
get a lecture afterwards eh what!
The kids around here claim they
are going to teach me.
There is a young couple that
are staying at one of our neighbors
here this winter. The old folks are
gone and say if we don't have
a great old time. We go so
much and have so much company
that time flies by so fast.
The teacher is planning on having
some thing in the school house

soon. He wants me to help him
with it. Talk about cut up.
One of the neighbor boys& his sister
and the teacher & I went to Queenstown
one night last week. Us
four some can have a cincus
also. there is such a lively bunch.
I want to go in to Lids soon
I know I'll have a good time there
also because there is a lively bunch
there also and in the winter
time everybody takes it easy and
just enjoy them selfs.
Lid and Jennie & family went
north for Xmas. Lid and three
men neladrin of Jennies went
moose hunting and got lost.
They had to stay out in the
woods all night and they

claim it was real exciting.
it's a bush country up there.
it's about three hundred miles
from here.
Gro promised Freda & I a
triped to Calgary soon. Hope we
can go. I have an invitation
tonight a girl freind of ours who
was married just before Xmas
is married and lives near Calgary.
and I want to go so bad.
if I stay over next summer I
want to take in the Calgary Stampede
you should see some of the stunt
riders etc. I have seen them
at the smaller affairs and it's
so good. The Stampede is a lot
like the fairs back home only
they do so much riding here.
I have seen so many new
things since I came up here
but that's natural because you
can say it's a new country
but oh how I wished I could
have just a good old time

like we use to have. I know
I have had more chances to
get out here etc. I was telling
Freda about the dance at Winells
barn- the other day- She is
such a good scout. It is so
funny but I miss her just
terribly when she's gone and she
claims she does when I'm gone.
She says I can go home for
next Xmas- but I claim we
are both going home this summer.
but I never plan on anything
anymore because if I do I always
have got a sick stomach which up
set my plans& spoil them.
It doesn't seem long since
we went to Copper Falls that
Sun. We never knew then

what was in stone for all
of us in the future did we.
This is a funny world isn't
Howard and we each and
every one of us have to play our
own game not for losing or
gaining it seems but fave & square
I don't want you to think women
are4 so terrible they have their
side of the story also.
Write to me soon won't
you- I have written so fast
that I'm afraid you can't read
this.
Helsa I am so micki forthom
me.          As ever the same
                  old-    Anna

I know there are a number of words I was not sure of. They might be Swedish words or just very bad spelling not sure.
Anna, I think, might have been his cousin. I think I might have shown you one before but I'm not sure.
Anyway, I think he was writing to her about losing Mary and maybe another one that I don't know about. She was doing her best to make him feel better and to encourage him not to give up looking for the right one.
It sounds like she was enjoying Canada. I wonder if she stayed there and if I have relatives up there some where. I guess I'll have to ask questions to my Dad about that or maybe my aunt.
It sounds like she was not much of a planner but like to do thing spur of the moment.
I wonder if she ever learned to dance.
I wonder if she knew the other side of the story with Mary.
Anyway, long letter and your tired of reading about it.
Here is a picture from the scrap book:

 (Thursday, March 26, 1929)
Cameron, in Barron county,
was under several feet of
water when this picture was
taken. A creek tributary to the
Red Cedar river, overflowed
when a heavy rain melted snow
in the hills northeast of town.
The efforts of 50 men, who piled
sandbags, and freezing weather
Tuesday night allayed the dan-
ger.- W.F. Erickson Photo.

I wonder how long it took them to dry out after that.

Here is a page from the joke book:

Enjoy the jokes.

And here is a random picture:

I thought since she mentioned Copper Falls I'd show another picture of it.

This has been a very long post. I know you are tired of reading it. So I will just wish you all A Happy Easter.
I hope you will come back again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Anna: April 14, 1926 Milwaukee, Wis.

Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all well. I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to the weekend. The week for me has been uneventful. Unfortunately the weekend looks to be the same. I just won't have to work.
Here is the next letter from Anna. It's been awhile since I've shown a letter from her.

 As always for you who find it hard to read here is what it says:

            Milwaukee, Wis.
                  April 14, 1926
Well old Pal-   It will
never happen again. I wanted
you to get a letter on your
birthday any way. I had meant
to get those mats for your car
but haven't gotten down town
for oh! so long. Freda must
have gotten your letter. Some
April fools joke. I've been up
side down for a week now.
Company and extra work.
Plenty of it the last week. The
laundress, Mrs. Mary and I
have some tatted around.
Ge! Howard you must
be hard hit. Hang on to Mary
she is a Jewel. I heard you

were engaged. Are you? Why
haven't you told your big sister?
Nothing would please me more.
I rec'id Toms letter yesterday
I am sorry your mother
is not feeling very well. It
certainly is to bad.
  This is the fourth letter
but I place them in envelopes
right away and want the names
taking each one separately so
no mistakes will be made.
Well I suppose in about
six more weeks I'll be leaving
here to go to Cambridge out by
the Lakes- Oh how I hate to go
because I know it will be
terribly lonesome. I think
I can come home for a week

or two during the summer
though and maybe get there once
in awhile. Its near Madison
about 60 miles from here.
I'm all alone home and it
is kind of quiet but very nice
for a change. I just felt like
being alone this afternoon.
All the orphans were
invited for supper to Sammers
Sun. night. We sure had fun.
We always do there. We and
Mrs. named orphans because
we are away from our folks.
and home. I'm "The kid"- oh
if we don't cut up.
Last night I was to girls
club. Oh if we didn't have
a stiff time. This woman has
her house just shinning

and its misery to go there.
I was there to a birthday
party last week with Hammer.
rev. H. was going to be dignified
but Mrs. H & I had the fun back
of the old ladies back. He forgot
his dignity there also.
We're going to have Y. P. social
next Friday night. Last time
it was so dull but hope this
one will be more exciting.
Nothing to write about
the weather now-  it is
ring cold to day. It has been
lonely & warm before-
  Take good care of Mary
but don't forget to write to me
some times. When will we go
to copper Falls again? lake many
home & I'll so along to Mankegen -as ever
                                                      Ann-
(Written along the first page)
Helsa your mother!


I know a number of words are wrong, sorry. I tried to guess at those the best I could.
Now for some of the things she mentioned. I'm not sure where she got the information that Grandpa and Mary might be engaged. I'm thinking that the two of them were the talk of the area when they hung out together and wrote letters to each other so much. But it was not meant to be.
When she talked about orphans I wonder if they were actual orphans or maybe children that were abandoned by their families. I guess I'll never know.
 I wonder what kind of fun they had that turned out to be undignified. Another part of history that has faded away never to be known again.
The word Hela is Swedish for healthfulness.

Here are few random pictures for you to look at.

No clue who any of these people are. Although I think there is a possibility that the middle one could have been taken by the home place, but I'm not sure.

Well that's all I have for you today.
Have a good weekend and don't forget to stop by again on Tuesday for another letter to Dear Howard.
Your friend,
Sandy

Anna: Nov. 14, 1925 Milwaukee, Wis.

Dear Friends,
I hope you had a good week. Mine was, so far, quiet. I am right now in the process of putting together a bridal shower for my youngest daughter, which is this weekend. it's just going to be something simple. More like just a get together for family and friends that can make it. So so going to busy for the next couple of days.
Here is the next letter from Anna. it looks like at this time she was living in Milwaukee. Living with a minister and helping out different people.

Now this is a long letter but as always here is what I make out of it.

             896 Scott St.
            Milwaukee, Wis.
           Nov. 10, 1925
Hello My old Pal:- How
are you? I'm fine. I was
glad to hear you and Mary
are on loneable teams
yet. I read three letters
today thats doing pretty
good isn't it.
   Milwaukee is some
town I can tell you.
I've worked five days since
I came here the rest of
the time I've been sight
seeing. I am at Rev. Hammar
now. It certainly is a
nice place to stay. We

have more fun. They have
no children. I've met so
many nice people in church
also. Dandy young people.
 A woman called up to-
night who wants me to come
and work for her. I said
I would. She is a S. Methodist
and is going to the hospital
and be operated on. I'm
going to keep house for her
man and two boys-12-8.
I have three jobs promised
me in thou different stores
so you see I'm well supplied
as well as a wonderful
boarding & stepping place.
They are a young couple and

I'm so at home here
  Helen & Hannah writes
to me about your kindness
taking them up to the
basket social. What are
you doing now? Are you
still at Rib Lake?
  I think it will be lone-
some out to this place where
I'm going tomorrow because
I've been on the go all the
time here.
  Sat. P.M. there was such
a snow storm but Mrs. H.
and another woman & I
went up town. We giggles
and laughed like crazy.
We heard after wards

about the terrible blizzard
there was Sat. I guess
people thought we were
crazy but we were not
the only ones. The streets as
well as the stores were
just crowded.
I'm reading the book
"Wanderer of the Waste Land"
by Zane Grey. it sure is good.
 Tell Mary Hello? Write
to me soon if not sooner
won't you.
Helsa your Mother,
Dad & Tom from me-
  As ever-the same old
                             Ann

P.S. This is Thur. I never
got you letter mailed so
will write some more. I'm
at Wauwatosa now. Mrs.
Hallstrand went to the
hospital to hours after I
arrived here so you can see
what I have on my hands.
She had an operation for
a tumor this morning.
Mr. H. has been gone all
day and won't be back till
tomorrow night. Two of
the neighbors have called
so I don't feel so alone.
  My address here is
58th and Mieneske route 1
Wauwatosa, Wis.
 In care of Gustav Hallstrand

I think I'll only be here
three weeks then you can
address it to- 896 Scott St.
Milwaukee, Wis. in care
of Rev. C.J. Hammar.
  Write to me soon because
its lonesome out here.
Can you read this
scratching

Now if you remember Anna was in Marinette. Now she is staying at a Rev's place but working at a number of different places.
I wonder how things turned out for Mrs. Hallstrand?
I wonder what kind of places she visited when she was site seeing in Milwaukee?

I looked up the book she was reading by Zane Gray. It was first published in 1923. It is thinly disguises as an autobiography. He wrote more then 90 books. About 50 of his books have been made into about 112 movies. He dies in Oct. 23,1939 of heart failure.

Helsa should have an o over the a which translates in to healthfulness.


Here are a few random pictures for you to look at.

On the back is written: Mrs. Nels Johnson and son Fred. No clue when it was taken.

No idea who these women are or when it was taken or where.

This picture is Grandpa's house. I do not know who is standing in the doorway for sure.

Well that's about all I have for you today. I hope you have a good weekend.
Till next time.
Your friend,
Sandy