Helen Balusik: April 30, 1934; Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
Well, it's the end of yet another week. It is finally officially Summer. Being in Wisconsin you have to enjoy this time of warm temps. I know I do. I just hope it doesn't get overly hot.
My week was not to bad. I look forward to the weekend. I should be fairly nice, I hope.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

                   Friday evening
Dear Howard:-
     Well, how are you
these crispy days? Not
so warm is it?
  Your letter came quite
awhile ago but some
times I don't have time
to write- and you don't
mind do you? I'm sure
there are plenty other letters
you get besides.
Howard, I do believe
all that you wrote that
you liked me & all that
because you don't even
know me good only that
we saw each other a couple
of times- I bet if you knew
me better you would

think differently- don't you think
so? This other fellow is bound
to have me say yes to him
before he goes back- so I don't
know what I will do for I
have known him for so long.
I wish I would have known
you better, perhaps then we
would have been closer
pals. I always have longed
for some one that would
truthfully care for me inspite
of my hot temper once in a
while- ha ha!
I bet there are a lot of girls in Ogema
looking at Howard & his farm
if he would only invite them
is isn't that right?
Last night I was to a birthday
party at the Salvation army
hall- most all of it was in
Swedish so I couldn't understand
much of it. Could you? For
your name sounds like you
should be able to.
Gee, I'm so sleepy that I
dropped my pen while I
write this- Wish you were
here to keep me company

for they are gone out.
I wonder what they will do
tomorrow- otherwise I would
go out.
I am sorry I cannot think
of anything else to write.
But you won't mind that
will you Howard.
next time I will try &
write more interesting
then this time.
           Bye Bye
                Me

Every time I read these letters I wish I could have been able to see what he wrote back, but I know I never will.
It sounds like she might have had another man friend she was more interested in. I wonder who he was.
I wonder how hot tempered she was.
I do wish I knew how to speak and understand Swedish. Maybe some day I will find a way to learn it.

Here is a story form The Bee, Thursday, February 1, 1940:

  I wonder what was happening with the Finnish people. Was it here or over there?
Well I ever find the answers/

Here is a story from "Fate" November 1950:

Which old wives tale do you like the most.
The one on the bottom:
Is this something they still use today for solar energy?

Finally, a random picture:

No idea who this is or what year it is from.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope everyone has a very enjoyable weekend.
Don't forget to drop by again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik: April 15, 1934; Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
How was everyone's weekend? Mine was I little too hot and wet. At least the lights didn't go out at home again. No hiking this weekend.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

                     Evanston
                     Apr 15
Dear Howard:-
   Your nice letter came
the other day & I sure do
enjoy them you can be
sure.
I'm surprised that you
even dreant of me, did
you really? And you
wouldn't even tell me your
dream- now was that
nice?
For a change we are having
some snow today altho
the grass is growing fast.
I have been rather blue
for the past week-worrying
about something. I wonder
if I should tell you.

You see one of the fellas that I use
to go with from home came over
here & he mentioned something
about hitching up some time
this summer, but oh its hard
for me to make up my mind
since I get such sweet letters
from you. You know I just
hate the thought of matrimony
I don't know why- I guess its
because they all say thats when
your troubles begin. wish that
I could always be my own
boss.
Well tomorrow night my folks
are going to a dance, so Howard
don't you want to come over
for awhile? Then I will give
you all the kisses you want
for that candy- would that
be O.K? I can hear you say
no - Just think I will be here
alone excepting for the children-
I often wish there wasn't any
children here for then whenever
they go out I could go too.
oh well perhaps some day
I can go out as much as I
please, don't you think so?

Howard dear, I am sort of sleepy
tonight so I won't be able to
write a longer letter like I had
planned.
So can I hear from you
soon again even tho my
letter is so short I think
of you just the same.
Well by by & be a good
boy, won't you?
           Sincerely
           Helen

Well, I wonder if she ever decided if getting married was right for her or not.
Did she hitch up with the other fella?
I wonder how many children she looked after.

Here is a picture from Friday, March 20, 1936; The Milwaukee Journal:

Every street a river- that was the condition Wednesday in Johnstown, Pa. after its second great flood. This picture made from a chartered airplane, vividly shows how Johnstown is situated in the valley of the Conemaugh river, prey for flood waters pouring from the river's narrow channel.- A.P. wirephoto.

This is one of nine picture from one page.
The headline on this page is:
FLOOD WATERS SWEEP INTO THE OHIO VALLEY AFTER CAUSING DEATH AND DAMAGE IN EASTERN STATES

I thought with all the rain we've been getting around the north woods, I would share more pictures from a flood in the past in another area.

Here is a story from the magazine "Fate" November 1950:

Maybe that explains why we are so messed up today.

Finally, here is a random picture:

This was developed around jun 1964. No idea where it was taken.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope everyone has a very pleasant week.
Don't forget to drop by again soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik: April 5, 1934: Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
I hope everyone had a good week. Mine was nice and quiet, just the way I like it. Well, almost. The lights went out on my on Wednesday morning as I was getting my breakfast going. So I ended up with a very luke warm  tea and oatmeal. No toast. The husband the light came back on around 6am. By the way they went out at 4:15am. It wasn't even storming at that time. The sky was clear. It did storm a few hours earlier though. This weekend is suppose to be on the hot side with possible storms.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

                    Evanston
                   Tue. evening
Howard Dear:-
    It isn't long ago
since I send you a letter
so will you mind if you
get another one so
soon as this?
Now see the big box of
candy came Monday after
I had mailed you the
letter- and was I
surprised when the mail
man said the package
is for you.
You sure were a dear
to send me them & how
good they are- Yum Yum.
Why didn't you take
some out for yourself
for I sure will gain

waight weight if I eat all of
them by myself. The Mrs. asked
me & who is that from so
I told her from a fellow. She
said some body must think
a lot of you, altho that I
don't know, do I?
How did you spend Easter
did it rain like it did here?
It rained till about three
o'clock then it turned out
to be a grand warm day.
You know today it was
72 in the shade & it felt grand
to have that warm wind
blowing. Seams like winter
lasted so long.
I am all ready for bed now
no one around only can hear
the clock ticking.
How I wish I was out with
some one tonight in the cool
breeze & the birds singing - I
always thought romance was
a wonderful thing don't you?
Maybe I am mistaken (Ha Ha)
Do you like gingerbread
Howard? We had some tonite
for desert & it didn't turn out

good. I often am surprised I
haven't been fired yet for I sure
do make a lot of blunders in
cooking.
Well Howard I am getting
sleepy as usal so I will have
to go whether I want to or not.
  I hope I have a letter
from you this week or
don't I? I always long
for your letters.
         Will say goodnite
            now & someday
         perhaps I can give you a
         nice kiss for all that candy
                       By By Helen
Thank you
very very
much
Howard

I do wonder what kind of candy did he send and how big was the box?
It does kind of sound like she wants a little romance in her life.
I wonder if she was as bad a cook as she like to say about herself.
The weather at that time sounds a lot like what can happen around here. Or maybe it was the beginning of global warming.

Here is a story from The Bee out of Phillips in Price county; Thursday, February 1, 1940:

I thought that with it mentioning my home town I would share this one.

Here is another picture from the same paper:

I thought that celebrating their 49th was worth showing. I wonder how much longer they were able to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Here is something from the magazine "Fate" November 1950:

 All I can say is, "Smart kid".

Finally a random picture:

No idea when or where as taken. I do wonder who the people in the boat are.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope your weekend started better then mine did today at work. Electricity was out at work for almost 6 hours. So not to much work got done on our shift.
Don't forget to drop by again for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik; March 29 & April 1, 1934; Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
I hope you had a very good weekend. I did. We celebrated our granddaughters 1st Birthday. She even got her own cake to smash. She enjoyed herself. On Sunday the husband and I went for a short hike. Only 2.55 miles. He wanted to bale some hay.How was your weekend?
Anyway, here are two things from Helen:

This is an Easter card.

Here is the second letter:

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

                  Mar. 30-34
                  Evanston
Hello Howard:-
   How are you tonite
I wonder? I feel quite
ambitious so I think
I'll scribble few letters
before I get sleepy.
The Mrs. got herself a
brand new type writer &
so she gave me the
first lesson on it this
afternoon- My, how
I do love them & it
saves time writing.
Maybe some day I
will be rich enough
to get one of my own.
then I'll let you use
it too if you rather

then write.
Yesterday another year was
added unto me so I feel
quite a bit older since I
wrote you last (Ha Ha) But it
happened it was my day off
so I had my hair all fixed
& then in the evening went
to an Easter concert- but it
wasn't so grand- They always
remember to pass the basket
for the collection no matter
what occasion it happens
to be.
Easter day my girl friend &
I are invited to Oak Park
to some friends of mine.
So I'm hoping I get through
in time so we can be there
for supper - how I love some
one else's cooking, but I'm
not good at it at all so I often
said to myself I pity the poor
man that gets me- Ha Ha
For he sure will be slim if
he never was slim before.
Doesn't that sound terrible?
  Yes I have a twin sister
that is married in Phillips.

She lives about two miles away
from my fathers place. She
has to do all his baking &
cleaning while I am gone but
I should think he could be
able to afford & pay her for all
that work. He is very independent
when some one stays at home!
Like last summer all he did
was complain & talked about
others- that I was glad to
get away & go to the city again.
You know this Spring weather
gets me very lonesome for

                 2
fishing & out door sports.
I wonder from one day
to another how long I
will be able to stand it.
I have always wished
I could meet a city
fellow that I would
settle down here rather
then the country but
too I'd hate to give up
country life - I'm so
use to both city & country
that I don't know where
I would like to be.
I always have enjoyed
it because I'm working
& can always have
spending money & go
places where in the
country I'm always

broke & you can't go many
places if you haven't a
beau or a sweety I mean.
I have lots of fudge here in
my room wish you were
near enough so you could
help me with it.
  I hear Mildred's brother
did pass away didn't he?
How old could he have been
it wasn't one of the older boys
was it? I certainly was sorry
to hear that. There were quite
a few from my home town
that went to his funeral.
Yes, those things do happen
sometime & we have to
take it whether it agrees
with us or not.
 Well Howard, I better go
down see how my children
 are behaving for i notice
they have gone out & that
means Helen take care of them
then in case they want
anything.
I am already beginning
to get sleepy I sure am a sleepy

head. Come over & have a visit
with me tonight Howard? I would
make you some hot coffee &
we have some apple pie in
the pantry 0 would that be
O.K.?
I suppose you will get this
until Monday but anyway I
hope you had a very
nice Easter- and think of me
once in awhile for I am lone
some too.
             Well by bye
            and write soon I
            Lovingly H.B. am waiting
                                  for the ready.

It sounds like she is torn between wanting to be a city girl or a country girl. I wonder which life she was able to choose. She sounds like me. I like the country but sometimes I want to live in town.  But not a big city. I like small town life. It can be a little calmer. But it has it's moments too.
I wonder what happened to Mildred's brother.
I wonder how old she was then.

Here is a picture from: Wisconsin REA News, March 1949:

Here Price Co-Op Lineman
Anton Benard climbs up to energize
member Elsome's line. Benard is
connecting the transformer on the
pole to the line with a "hot stick".
The transformer is energized by con-
necting the transformer lead with its
hot line clamp to the 7200 volt pri-
mary wire leading past the Elsome
farm.

I wonder how long he worked for the Co-Op electric company?

Here is a story from "Fate" January 1950:

More about a drug that makes things grow, again.

Finally, here is a random picture:

Jame Swanson age 11.
One of the neighborhood kids.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I hope you have a very pleasant week.
Don't forget to drop by again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik: March 19, 1934; Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
I hope you had a good weekend. I did. Housework on Saturday and a nice hike on Sunday. It was a little on the cool side and a it kind of mists most of the day and the bugs were a little annoying but we did over 10 miles. We thought that we would be sore the next day, but we weren't. I just hope that this week will be a good one also.
Oh well, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

                       Sat. Night
Dearest Howard:-
   seeing you are so
prompt in answering
my letters I will have
to be the same as long
as I have nothing else
to do.
My folks have gone
out tonight again so
I was wondering if
you didn't want to
come over so I don't
have to be here all by
myself- you see some
one could easily come
inside & kid nap me.
Do you think you
would care to come
over if you were in
the city?

You know this morning
was a grand Spring day. I
could hear the birds singing.
Then it turned into rain &
rained till three P.M. & then
came the snow. So now we
have some more snow &
much colder.
Hope its a nice day tomorrow
so I can go out & have a nice
time.
Easter Sunday I am invited
to Oak Park for dinner but I
don't think I can get done
in time- its always about
four o'clock on Sunday when
I'm leaving the house. That
makes the Sundays very short.
I enjoy Sundays at home where
you have the whole afternoon
to take it easy or go places.
You mentioned you were to
Church. May I ask what kind
of a church you go to? You
see I wouldn't go to any one
so maybe you would have
been out of luck. I'm use
to riding in the Model T Fords
and I think they are good
enough for us poor birds

don't you?
I was to a movie Thursday
again & saw "A Chance to Heaven"
It was very good, how a fellow
had a nice girl but another one
came along that was very beautiful
so naturally he fell in love with
this one & left the other go. But
in the end this beautiful one
leaves him & goes to N. York &
forgets about him- so he
goes back to his other girl he
had at first- and shes foolish
enough to go back to him after
that trick- Which of course

                    2
I don't think I would
do. Would you?
I have seen Anna Novy
& Frank lately. They are
saving their money to
beat the band. Perhaps
in few years to come
we will have quite a
few Millionaires around
here. Frank is as nice
as always but I'm not
so keen about his
wife and I don't think
he is so crazy about her.
Altho I might be mistaken.
My sister at home
always remarks how
wonderful her husband
is- but I often wonder
if he is.

 I hear that my brother still
chums with Mildred B. Perhaps
they are serious by now-
Would make me laugh.
He always teases me that if
I wait too long then nobody
will want me- but I just
laugh it off because it isn't
anything to him what I do.
His girl has to do the proposing
I guess the way he use to tell
me and he always lays it
off for a longer time- but I
don't blame him if he
doesn't care to settle down
yet.
I don't really know when
I'm coming home. Sometimes
I wish I was there already
& then again I think I ought
to stay till mid summer. So
I don't know yet what I will
decide.
By the way did you come to
the World's Fair last year? They
are improving it for this
coming summer so you better
be sure & see it this time-
Well Howard I think my
letter is much longer then yours

so I better quit.
I always look forward for
your letters, do you know
that? I guess because they
are so interesting- and I don't
get so much mail.
  Now, don't flirt with those
Ogema girls too much or
someone may get jealous.
    Well by by & don't
     Work too hard
       Won't you answer soon?
               Your friend
                   Helen
When you get tired
of looking at those
snap shots please
send them
back

Now this was a very interesting letter. Talking about the weather, relationships, a movie and the Worlds Fair.
I like the way she explained the movie.

It was made in 1933.
I wonder if they have ever shown it on TCM. I might have to check it out some time. Although it is a story plot I'm not a fan of.
I don't think she ever got her pictures back because I still have them. Did he forget or maybe he liked them so much he couldn't part with them.
I guess I'll never know.

Here are a few stories from Thursday, March 19, 1936; The Milwaukee Journal:

1st story: Would this bill be passed today?
2nd: I do wonder how good of a show was put on.
3rd: I wonder what kind of things go on in a disorderly house.

Here is a story from "Fate" January 1950:

Are they still trying to make a superman kind of brain today?

Finally, here is a random picture:

One of Uncle Kenny's classmates I guess.

Well, that's all I have to share with you today.
I your week is a very enjoyable one.
Don't forget to drop by again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik: March 12, 1934; Evanston, Ill.

Dear Friends,
Well, I made it through another week with no drama. How about you?
I am looking forward to the weekend. I just hope Mother Nature will make it a very pleasant one.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

                 Saturday Night
                    9 P.M.
Dear Howard:-
    here I come again,
do you mind? Wish I could
take a peek in to your
window tonight to see what
you are doing. I suppose
you are having that party
and here I have to stay
at home.
  You know your letters
are very interesting- but
don't kid me that I am
getting sweeter all the time
for every body knows what
an old crab I am. I go
by streaks in my nature.
I will have an open heart
and send you these two
snapshots of myself- They
aren't good but what can I

expect of myself- they can't draw me
any different then I am- ha ha!-
I will be waiting for yours when
ever you have some on hand.
I thought you had some brilliant
ideas for deserts- now I will know
where to ask for information
about cooking, won't I? I think
men know more about good
foods better then women only
that they don't get as much practice
as the women.
Do you think that I believe that
you had only relatives in your
car going to that birthday party
that Sunday afternoon I know
that wouldn't have been so
enjoyable- What I pictures instead
was some young nice blonds
with their arms around Howard
& singing to beat the band- Now
haven't I guesses right?
A little bird told me you had a
very good heart and very generous
now wasn't that the truth?
I often wish I had a nice sweet
way about myself and not only
think of myself all the time.
  Gee, don't you love the thought
of spring being soon here. I do think
thats such a wonderful season
especially for romance- ha! ha!

Well Howard, perhaps if I had some
one to talk to & amuse me tonight I wouldn't
be so sleepy. Am so glad I am
off tomorrow afternoon then
I can finish your letter
well bye by & be a good
boy.
Sunday P!M.
Am ready to go out now, I couldn't finish
your letter last night was too sleepy.
Now I wish you were all ready with
your car waiting for me in the front
For its a grand day out- wouldn't
that be wonderful? Am going to
church like a good girl & see what else
I can learn in behaving.
              By By till next time
                  Sincerely Helen
(Here is the picture she included.)

She looks like a very nice person to me. How about you?
I wonder what kinds of deserts he suggested to her?
Do you agree with her about men just might be better cooks then women?
Not my husband. I do wish he did, but I would still have to clean up the mess he would make afterward.
I hope he did enjoy the birthday party.
As for Spring being a wonderful time, I do agree. But this year, I think Spring was forgotten. It feels like we went from Winter to Summer. How about where you live?

Here are a couple of stories from Thursday March 19, 1936; From The Milwaukee Journal:

 The first one is just one of the stories about the flood In Johnstown Pa.
Now that must have been a very busy phone.
The second story;
It kind of ends unfinished. Not sure if it was continued somewhere else. I just have the one page from the paper.

Here is a story from the magazine "Fate, November 1950:

 I like this story.
It makes a lot of sense to me. How about you?
But in the world we live in today, this is something that is next to impossible to do.

Well, I figured that since there was a picture included with the letter I wouldn't share another picture.
So, that is it for today.
I hope everyone has a very nice weekend.
Don't forget to drop by again real soon for more Fading History.
Till then.
Your friend,
Sandy

Helen Balusik: March 5, 1934; Evanston Ill.

Dear Friends,
How was your weekend? Mine was just right. Saturday I had to do housework. Sunday, we went hiking. it was a nice day for a hike. We only got a few ticks on us. But every time I think of them I get a little itchy. According to our pedometer we went 8.8 miles. Not sure if we will go next weekend. It depends on a number things that could be going on.
Anyway, here is the next letter from Helen:

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

               Evenaton, Ill.
              Friday Night
Dear Howard:-
     You know I thought
your letter was so nice
that I can't help but get
busy and answer tonight.
I have written a long one to
my sister so now I don't
know if I will have any
thing of interest to tell you.
You made me laugh
when you ask for a picture
of me. Wonder what you
would do with it. I suppose
have a good hearty laugh
again, is that it? I would
enclose a snapshot if I
knew I could get one of
you sometime, how about
it Howard?
Do you mean to say
you wrote your letter

before six in the morning? Well
how ambitious- I never would
get time to write at that time.
This morning I had to get up
an hour earlier to wash up the
stack of dishes left from yesterday
You see I was out so every body
else is afraid of ruining the
looks of their hands. Sometimes
I feel like throwing every dish
out through the door. That's the
way it is when your a slave
for some one else. But I always
think to myself well it won't
last for ever I hope. Maybe
some day some one will be foolish
enough to rescue me from working
out for someone else (Ha Ha) but
I wonder???
So tomorrow night is a party
at your house. I would give
anything to be there- but do
you guarantee  good time?
Say Howard, seeing you do so
much cooking, I was going to ask
you about deserts, what do you
think is very good. I never
know what to make for these
people. They only want good things
to eat & I don't know how to make
them. I thought maybe you could
give me some ideas on that.

I still have your Valentine sitting on
my dresser it looks so nice there-
Reminds me of good hearted "Howard"
way out in Ogema. I have often
heard what a good heart you have
so don't let anyone steal it from
you or either ruin it. For a good
heart means a lot these days.
I wish I wasn't so sleepy so I could
keep on scribbling but you will
have plenty to read of this I think.
How is Mildred Bjorkland? I suppose
you will be happy tomorrow night when
you see all the young ladies again????
       Time for little kids like me
            to go to sleep. By By and be good
                       Your Pal Helen
When are those
x's payable
you send
??

Not to much here. A lot of hinting going on. Don't you think?
I do wonder what the Valentine looked like that she liked it so much.
I wonder if Grandpa was seeing Mildred?

Here is a story from Thursday, March 19, 1936 from The Milwaukee Journal:

Must have been a very exciting arrest.

Here is a story from Tuesday, January 24, 1961 from I think The Evening Telegram, Superior, Wisconsin:

I thought with the latest royal wedding this was an interesting story.

Finally, here is a random picture:

(written on the back)
Mrs. Anderson receiving gift from Mr. Nelson at at farewell party May 29, 1960

I wonder what the gift was.

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