Lorenzo Swensen (1887-1955) and Beatrice Eloise Wride (1893-1979)

Incoming Correspondence, 1942

Geraldine to Folks, 1942 Feb 14

February 14, 1942

Dear Folks:

What a thrill to get your lovely valentine. The pictures are just grand and the cookies are lucious. I was both surprised and pleased, but mostly pleased with the pictures. They are both just grand, so natural, and made me so homesick. When I told Fern about it she said that would be as good as being home for a week-end, and it is a good substitute. Thanks so much.

Last night was surely fun. I went to the Prom at the U with Shelby. It was formal and had all the trimmings. The hall was so pretty and the dance was fun. No flowers were allowed and there were some beauties checked at the entrance. We were served at 11:45. They had the basement fixed for a dining room with small tables. Each table had a centerpiece of flowers with a candle in the middle and that was the only light. The food was a pear and pineapple salad, creamed veal in pastry shells, peas and carrots, hot roll, ice cream, cookie, and hot chocolate. After eating we danced until two. The theme for the evening was Egypt and the programs were of white leather with a sphinx stamped in it. The favors for the girls was a white pouch evening bag with the school insignia in gold of white doeskin–elegant–no? Although I’m beginning to feel the effects, it was surely worth it.

Before the dance we had our book review and as it was held at a girl’s who lives up stairs I went there first. It was out in time for me to change my dress and be ready for the dance. It was certainly good. Mabel Jones Gabbott that writes poetry so much for the church magazines gave the review on poetry and read some of hers. She has a poem in the new Relief Society book of poems.

Last Tuesday we decorated the table for the Gleaner class and used my piano scarf, the book ends Paul gave me with Myrle’s new set of books, the box you sent for my birthday, with a box of stationery and a pen. It really looked quite nice. I surely love the box. I’ve meant to tell you how I enjoy the apron the kids gave me. It is surely grand. I am enjoying my robe so much too.

Today is Bernice’s last day and the girls in the office are having a surprise luncheon for her at the Lion House. As far as she knows, I am taking her to lunch, but when we get there the kids will all be at the table ready to start. I surely hate to see her go. She is such a good friend and I will miss her so much.

Today at 4:30 Myrle and I are going to a music appreciation class at the McCune that our teachers is giving. It will be so interesting and enlightening. Honestly it is so thrilling to be practicing again. It is rather hard to get back into the swing, but it is coming around.

Sounds like you are surely kept busy. How do the kids like to go to school on Saturday? It will get them used to it when they have to work for a living. Is the weather beautiful there too? It is just like a spring day here except that it is cold.

If you want me to get you some sheets here, I think I could do it. When Penney’s white sale was on I got a couple of good ones and some towels. I think I will be smart to get my suit now and think I’ll also try to get material for a nice black skirt.

Paul is really having to overcome some obstacles for once in his life. He should be glad the persecution is only opposition as it is so much easier to combat than indfference, so I hear.

From what Al Bagley said, I don’t hink they expected Brother Schick to last too long.

Well, it is time to go so will close for now. Thanks again for the pictures. I just love them.

Love
Geraldine