Last year around my birthday (June 2), I got a letter in the mail from my mother's old college room mate, Mary Ruth, who was always known by the nickname "Scooze". I thought it might just be a regular card, but inside was an amazing historical present -- a letter from my mother dating from 1956, soon after my birth, that had been preserved all these years.
I put it in the desk drawer to be sure to save it, but somehow it floated away on the flotsam and jetsam of all my numerous papers and books and letters which I still seem to have even in this digital age, and I couldn't find it for awhile. Today, looking for the laundry card, I suddenly found it again -- that's how it always works!
So I decided this time, I better preserve it better!
Here's the letter from Mary Ruth dated June 27, 2009:
Dear Cathy.
This ancient (1956) letter from your Mom to me "surfaced" in a long-forgotten box recently. It could not be just pitched or shredded -- it's (almost) an historical bit of memorabilia. So, here you are! ...A nice note you'll enjoy. (I hope).
I'm off for Michigan Monday 29th. Have a good summer.
About 2 months ago I did call your #, spoke with your son, asking him to let you know about the letter. I'll bet the message was lost. Anyway...here 'tis.
Mary Ruth
(an "MSC" roomate along with Marilyn).
P.S. Your Mom was such fun! A terrific sense of humor.
And here's the letter, postmarked July 5, 1956 at 5:00 pm from Andover, NY, less than 5 weeks after my birthdate June 2. I was born in Wellsville, NY, nearby, while my dad attended Alfred University on the GI bill, after serving 4 years in the Korean War. The letter is written on the small, flowery notepaper that people favoured in those years, and tucked into a very small and narrow envelope with a 3 cent stamp of the Stature of Liberty with the phrase "In God We Trust". The return address is just "Box 223".
Dearest Scooze,
Your darling little box of baby things came today and I was so pleased at your thoughtfulness. I can just see you trudging through Auerbauch's. Where do you find the time?
Catherine has a lot of semi-curly dark brown hair and I'd been longing for a hairbrush for her. The blocks and safety scissors are wonderful and I love those soft combed-cotton night gowns. You're a dear girl to go to such trouble.
I had a very easy time, went to hospital at 1:30 pm, baby was born at 4:30 and I was conscious all the time. I felt it was such a thrilling experience.
I've been nursing the baby and she's eating like a horse -- gained 2 1/2 lbs in the first month. I seem to be busy every minute. How in the world do you manage with three?
Your last letter describing the children made me want to jump on a train and see you all.
John is busy studying a grueling Phusics course at summer school and working part time. Remember how we killed ourselves with that darn Physical Science?
Does Bob like his new job? Hope everything is going all right.
My mother and sister and John's mother were here for visits to help me.
Company suits me just fine, because although I've met some young girls here with babies, I don't know too many people. Cathy was baptized Sunday, and although the evil spirits are supposed to have left, some of them crop up at night occasionally! Oh, for a straight 8 hrs. sleep.
You probably haven't had that in years. I will write more later. Do you have any pictures of the kids? I'd love one. Thanks so much for the sweet gifts!
[Ann]
Comments