My father writes this letter to my grandmother, Olive Letha Rose Schnack. He begins by describing his trip, with his new bride, from New York to Kentucky.
He mentions a 'Kathy' on page 3. I thought that he meant his sister Katie. Katie would have been 12 years old at this time. I can't imagine her getting over a Joe at this age. And I can't imagine a relationship that my father would ask if this Joe had written. Was there a Kathy Linnaberry? If any of my readers have an idea, please leave a comment.
The people in this letter, and their relationship to him, are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack, his bride
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself
2 Sept. 1954
Dear Mom,
Well, I guess its time I wrote you or you're liable to think Irene is starving me or something like that. We had a very good trip down. Of course, it was awful hot and the first night I drove until way after dark and then couldn't find a motel or cabin for miles; so, I finally pulled over and slept for two hours. The next afternoon around four we were just outside of Covington, Kentucky, so we got a cabin and slept until seven the next morning. We arrived here at noon the next day. To break it down, we had 24 hours driving time, used 63.2 gallons of gas (14.7 MPG), had one flat caused from the valve stem breaking out of the tube. I had to get a new tube. I'll never buy a safety tube even if they are better. They are harder than the devil
to get out. I passed the safety inspection okay and got my insurance papers for the Lincoln on Monday (the first one after I got here). So far, no trouble with the car except that its developing a ping. I suppose I should have the engine tuned. When was it tuned up last?
Mom, I'm sure a lucky guy. I've got the best wife I know of. I'm very happy and she can cook very good. We're both very happy and are living a good life. We went to church Sunday with Miss Bess, our landlady, and last night to a Sunday School picnic and had a very good time. We plan to attend regularly now. I think its a good idea, don't you?
Irene has been canning the last few days. So far 7 grape jams, 4 cut carrots,
2 pints pickled beets, and 3 pints bread and butter pickles. Pretty good, huh? I think so.
We are finding out how you have to be careful with money. It sure goes out in a hurry. We haven't bought anything foolish and boy, the cash sure disappears. But, we'll manage until next month and by then _______ should be coming in, too. Genie be needed, I assure you.
Has Eddie decided anything definite yet? Has Kathy gotten over Joe? Has he written? How's Dad's business? Has he sold the Olds yet?
Will you take any clothes of mine, especially my slacks, down to Cole's and they can bring them down when they come. Okay?
Have the proofs come yet? That was a fairly good picture in the paper. Irene looked real good but me, whew!
When any bills come, forward them to me and I'll try to pay them. I will pay as much as I can, as soon as I can. Well Mom, I'll try to write again next week. So until then, we remain
Your loving family (?)
Jake and Irene
P.S.
Say hello to all for us.
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