November 10, 1951

Loma Linda, Calif., 11-10-51

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

What a whirl this last week has been! Now it's time I settled down and got some writing done. There is so much to say that I hardly know where to start. First, perhaps I could try to see if there is anything in your letters that needs answering.

Your 20th Century letter came yesterday, Daddy, and yesterday afternoon Benton and I hunted up Mrs. Faith, but she wasn't at home. We left two or three Reviews and Instructors [Adventist magazines] and a note telling her who we were and that we had been there. She lives in a fairly nice place--nothing extra, but a fairly new house that needs painting. [I really have no idea what she's talking about in this paragraph!]

Such ambition as you do have, Mother. I bet the house looks really nice. I don't know when we will be seeing it again, but it probably won't be too many months. One never knows what we are likely to do, but we probably won't be there before Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I have had a wonderful inspiration. Do you suppose you could come here sometime during the vacation period? We talked to Lloyd [Lloyd Wilkins, my mom's sister's widower] and Vi [Viola Walker, Lloyd's sister] about coming down then and making our house the meeting place. Then you could get to see the children without having all the work and worry of a houseful. And it would also make a day less of travel for the Wilkins and Walkers. We haven't worked out the details yet, but thought it would be nice to be thinking about it and figuring out the details. What would you think of the idea? Probably 20th Century work would have a holiday slump about then anyway.

Are those tablespoons of shortening you use in the bread standard size tablespoons, or your great big mixing spoon?

I'm so thankful that you are both well, but don't work too hard anyway. We have been praying about a different car for you too. It may be the Lord will lead you to just the right one. Benton says it would be better if you could get one from some individual who you knew had taken good care of the car because you can't trust the dealers. But of course the Lord knows where the best car for you is anyway. It would be nice if you could get a car that you could trust to bring you out here for Christmas.

Now for news of our trip. Friday at P.U.C. [Pacific Union College, an Adventist college in Angwin, California] we just tore around trying to see people, and then didn't make nearly all the rounds. We saw the Sevrens and Mrs. Hartin, Gwen Wagner and Frank and Mrs. French, my old roommate, Bob Reynolds, etc. I didn't get to see my old students. We just didn't have time. We saw Sophie Andross Becker and her family too. She is expecting another baby any time now.

Just a little after sunset we arrived at Mt. View. The kids [my mom's sister's children, Carol, David, and Cherie] acted tickled to see us. After supper we all went over to Domer's [my dad's brother's son] in Milton's [Viola Walker's husband] car to take Rachel [Domer's sister] over for the night. Warren [one of Domer's brothers] and Marion [Warren's wife] were over there too, and we had a wonderful time singing and visiting all of us together. Domer lives in San Jose.

Sabbath morning we went to church in Mt. View; then in the afternoon we went to another little town near there--can't remember the name--to listen to Elder Mead Mcguire speak. I guess he was conducting the week of prayer there. Anyway, he told us about some of his personal experiences with Sister White [Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Adventist church who was believed to be a prophetess], and it was really good. After the meeting I told him who I was, and he acted very pleased. And who should we see at the meeting but Mrs. Atherton from Binghamtom, N.Y. She lives around there somewhere now. I get so excited that I can't remember all the vital facts that people tell me at such times.

Saturday night there was a special home talent variety program in the academy auditorium [presumably Mt. View Academy, an Adventist high school there]. Lloyd was in a quartet that sang for it, so of course we went. It was very interesting. They were trying to raise money to pay for the chairs in the auditorium.

Sunday morning Benton and I did most of Vi's washing. Sunday afternoon we went over to San Jose to have Domer check our teeth. He took x-rays, and Benton had one small filling replaced. I had one suspicious spot in my one remaining wisdom tooth, I think it was, but he thought that it would be safe to leave it, so I didn't have to have anything done. It is pretty nice to have a dentist in the family, and we have two of them.

Sunday night we went to some pictures and a lecture about Alaska in the Press auditorium [the Pacific Press Publishing House, an Adventist publisher that used to located in Mt. View]. Monday morning, since it was Benton's birthday [December 5], we went to town to buy groceries, and found a lovely doll for about $6.00 which Vi and I got for Carol for Christmas. Carol is learning to sew, so we thought now would be a good time to get her a doll to sew for. Vi was going to make her one, but now she'll make it for Cherie, and Carol will have this one. They are planning a tool chest for Davy for Christmas -- one that Lloyd will make and select individual tools for.

When we got back I made a cake for Benton. Then that afternoon Vi took us over to Leland Stanford University to look at the chapel and go up on top of the tower. Then Milton took us through the Press. I was so tired by then that I didn't care whether school kept or not, but I guess it didn't hurt me. We were going to go to bed early that night, but stayed up and talked instead [those of you who know me will note here that I AM my mother's son!].

Tuesday we went to Saratoga to visit some of Aunt Mary's relatives ["Aunt Mary" was Mary Wareham, my dad's first wife who had been killed in the Accident]. We stayed all night with Cecilia's folks [Bert and Edith Gerrans -- Bert was Mary's brother] way up in the hills. We also went to see Aunt Mary's sister and another one of there brothers that I had never met before. They were all very nice to me.

Wednesday morning we headed for home and got here about 6:30. It was surely good to get home! For a couple of days, though, I was pretty tired from it all, but now I seem to be on top o.k.

Thursday morning we went to town to take care of some business for Bethel [my half-sister who was 29 years old at that time]. Friday I cooked all morning, and then Benton helped me clean. Yesterday we went to S.S. [Sabbath School] and church, had a little nap, then went to call on Mrs. Faith, then to Spears in Arlington, then to Elder Fields in Arlingron. Oh, yes, Friday night we went to meeting and heard Ralph Longway tell about his experiences in internment camp [a camp where the Japanese imprisoned citizens of countries they were at war against during the World War II]. I guess he must have been Baguio instead of in Los Banos [both in the Phillipines -- my mom's brother and his family were imprisoned in Los Banos, I believe]. He made it very interesting and impressive. He is a freshman medic [medical student, I presume] this year, I guess.

Now for a report on the children. They seem well and happy. Vi is taking good care of them, I'm sure. I don't think Lloyd isn't logical--he just isn't head of the household because it isn't his house--it's Milton's. However, he seems to be happy. There are many women on his trail--lots of nice girls in Mt. View. Vi thinks that he would be more likely to warm up to M [I'm not putting her name her since I don't know if she's still alive or not] than to any of the others, though. She suggested that we invite M up for Christmas too--said she was sure Lloyd would like to see her again. He spoke of her every once in a while, she said, and missed her. So that is something. About all we can do besides inviting her is to pray that God will guide. After all, He knows what would be best for them all.

Milton's sister is living in Mt. View all of the time now. Of course she is over at the house much, and it is very evident that she would be interested in Lloyd. However, I don't think she has a chance. She gives the children music lessons and has done a lot of sewing for them. She is an expert seamstress and is teaching Carol to sew. For that I am thankful, but I don't think she would ever make either Lloyd or the children happy, so I just hope the constancy of her presence doesn't wear Lloyd down. I really don't think it will. She is a nice girl, no doubt, but Benton and I decided that she wouldn't be the one for Lloyd at all. Of course, in the end, he will do as he pleases, which is all right. Vi says, though, that he doesn't want anyone that the children don't like, and she says they love M. Time will tell.

It is time for me to have more x-rays of both my chest and my femurs. We will probably take care of that sometime this week. Benton hasn't gone back to work yet. He put his name on all three registries this a.m., but there doesn't seem to be too much doing now. so don't know how long it will be before he is called. Right now he is washing the car and I guess Omar [my half-brother, who was a few years younger than Bethel] is helping him.

This is terrible typing. Guess I'm just getting careless in my old age. About all the typing I do is writing to you folks. And I just write about as fast as I think and don't worry about the mistakes because I know that even with all of them it is much easier for you to read than is my handwriting [well, actually I DID correct a FEW more errors than usual in this letter, but not all that many -- I made many MORE myself, but, of course, I proofread and can catch and correct them so very easily with all this 21st century technology!].

I wish you could have been with us on our trip. I'd like for Benton's and my relatives to meet each other. I know that you would all like each other. I really got into a nice family, and so did Benton.

Incidentally, can you send me Uncle Roy's [my mom's mother's younger brother] current address. I don't know that we will be able to see him for some time, but you can never tell when we might get an inspiration to go into L.A., and I'd like to be sure to know where to find him if we should get the chance. I might even get around to sending him something one of these days. Bless his heart, he needs someone to love him. He hasn't had very much love in his life.

Well, I guess this is about all the news for this time except that we love you and want you to take care of yourselves. And don't forget to let us know what you think of the Christmas idea.

Oodles of love,

<signed>Lois Ruth and Benton

Postcards from October 31 and November 1, 1951

[This was written on a post card with a picture of the Harbor Motel in Crescent City, California, starting with the words printed on the card:

HARBOR MOTEL -- On The Beach, Quarter Mile So. of Crescent City, Calif. 14 Modern Cottages. Midway between Frisco and Portland.

Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Holmberg, Owner-Managers.]

9:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Here we are this far on our way -- had a lovely trip down the coast today on U.S. Highway 101. Will go on to P.U.C. [Pacific Union College, an Angwein, California] tomorrow and then to Mt. View Friday. Rachel is with us as far as San Jose.

Take good care of yourselves.

Much love,

Lois Ruth & Benton

[This was written on a standard blank postcard from the Post Office.]

P.U.C., Angwin, Calif.

Nov. 1, 1951, 10:00 p.m.

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Here we are staying tonight with Fern Millard's mother and sister. We had a lovely trip down the Redwood Highway today. Tomorrow we'll be going on to Lloyd's [Lloyd was my mom's sisters' widower.] -- Are having a lovely trip.

Incidentally, when you make bread, how big is your "hunk" of shortening? I've forgotten.

Take care of yourselves.

Ooodles of love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

October 27, 1951

[This is another hand-written letter, since she was still in Portland, Oregon, away from home.]

710 S.E. 61st Avenue

Potland 16, Oregon

October 27, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

The letter you mailed the 22nd got here, I think, the 24th. They really make pretty good time coming here. I should have answered it sooner, but got busy and just didn't.

We are planning to leave here next Wednesday morning. We will be in the Mt. View area by Friday anyway. Just at which place we'll stay we don't know yet, but at least we'll be seeing Lloyd and the kids [her sister's widower and their children]. Probably we will leave there about Monday or maybe Tuesday and head straight for home.

We have been having a lovely time, but it will be good to get home again.

This last Thursday Annie May took us for a ride up the Columbia River, and it surely was beautiful. It was the first sunshiny day we had had in a week here. This is really wet country. Benton and I are quite satisfied just to visit and are glad we live in California instead of Oregon.

So Joan Henthorn (?) has her baby. I must get busy on those booties. I'm glad it was a girl -- all the Henthorns are boys.

The house must look lovely. We'll have to come around to see it one of these days.

Is Uncle Roy's [my mother's mother's brother, I think] address still the same? If you have it handy, you could send it to me. If we get a chance, we might go to see him sometime.

We'll be glad to see Lucille whenever she can come. We'll be home again by that time.

Benton's mother has picked up since we have been here -- comes out with some pretty cute things sometimes. It is just sad to see her mind wander so, though much of the time it is quite clear. We have to dress and undress here, as she gets her clothes all mixed up. We have also kept busy trying to help around the house. I've been doing most of the cooking -- have made a couple of apple pies, a roast, soup just about every day, etc. It has been fun.

Sunday a.m.

It is nearly noon, and Benton and I have just finished the washing. It was foggy all morning, but the sun just came out. I gave Benton's mother a bed bath this a.m. too, so have been busy. Now I'm about to get lunch ready. Annie May gets home about 12:15. I think I'll have eggs scrambled with a dab of mushroom soup and some cheese -- never heard of it before, but thought it might be good.

Well, take care of yourselves. We love you lots. You are the best mother and daddy in the world.

Love,

Lois Ruth & Benton

October 21, 1951

[This letter was hand-written rather than typed like the others. This was no doubt because she was in Portland, Oregon, and had not brought her typewriter with her.]

710 S.E. 61st Avenue

Portland 16, Oregon

October 21, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Well, here I sit in the big chair listening to Annie May's radio while Benton has his feet on the register and is reading the paper. [Annie May was my dad's younger sister.]

The letter your wrote Friday arrived here yesterday. That's faster than we get mail in Loma Linda from Phoenix.

You are surely ambitious, Mother, to be doing all that painting. I hope you don't do more than you should in all of your zeal. You'll have the house looking so slick we won't know how to act when we come again -- clean new paint and fancy new curtains.

We are having a nice visit. I find I have married into a very lovely family, though of course Benton is the best one in it. He seems to be a general family favorite too among all the nieces and nephews and aunts, etc. They all think he is pretty wonderful.

Benton's mother isn't very well. [She was born in Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic but in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at that time) in the 1880s. She had emigrated with her family to the U.S. when she was only a small girl. I never met her.] She has a little arthritis, but mostly her troubles are simply due to old age -- senility. She gets around a little, but lies down most of the time. She reminds me so much of Grandpa. She walks just about as he did and everything. She gets confused quite a bit too -- goes back into the past. She'll worry about whether there is fuel in the fire, though when her mind is clear she knows the heat is controlled by a thermostat. Then sometimes she thinks there is an outside toilet. She sleeps much during the day and prowls at night. Annie May was just about worn out from being up with her so much at night, so we sent Annie May next door to Dayton's and Benton and I get up with her. [Dayton was my dad's older brother. He and his wife lived right next door to Annie May in Portland, Oregon.] She is all right most of the time, but often she is confused -- wanted me to put up the shades to let in the light this morning before daylight. All this has been going on for only about 6 weeks. Before that she did the cooking for Annie May and some of the work. She was a little better this last week, they say, than she had been for a while - guess it did her good to see Benton. She is really a sweet old lady and still comes out with a little quite unexpected wit every once in a while. She worries for fear I'll work too hard just like you do, Mother. But I really don't do very much around here.

Annie May works every day at the Portland San [Sanitarium], which is just a block from here. She has charge of Central Supply from which they dispense portable equipment, I.V.'s, pharmaceuticals, etc. She does the buying for the department and everything. She is three years younger than Benton -- is very sweet.

Benton's brother Dayton lives next door. He and his wife Goldie are Rachel's parents. They have been very sweet to me too.

Sunday evening 6:30

Well, here we all sit -- even Benton's mother. We have just finished supper. I got it while Benton and Annie May did the washing. Annie May washes in the basement and usually hangs the clothes there because it is usually raining outside. It has rained most of the day today -- this is rainy country, and Benton and I are glad we don't live here all the time.

Poor Helen! -- and all the rest of my friends. I'm planning a duplicated letter to mail out, but haven't written it yet. Perhaps I can get it written while we are here. I already have the stuff to type it on and someone to run it off for me at the academy in Loma Linda. I owe at least 35 letters, and that seems to be the only way I'll ever get them all written. It beats all how many things seem to have to get done.

Your letter mailed Oct. 11 came the same day I wrote you that last card. Omer [He was my half-brother and was in the Air Force at that time.] is home and forwards our mail to us. We'll be here until after next week end anyway. I don't know just how long Benton will plan to stay. He is a bit anxious about his mother and wants to see how she gets along.

Did you know that while you were enclosing various letters you sent me back the last one I wrote you? I'll send it back.

The kids are having quite a time with their folks. I'm glad they stayed. Incidentally, this absence may contribute to your added well-being. You just don't have so much to worry about much now.

Right now I don't need the skirt and suit. We'll see about them when we go to Phoenix again, which may not be too terribly long away.

Well, I guess this will be all for tonight. Do take care of yourselves. We love you heaps. Benton sends love too.

Oodles of love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

October 5, 1951

About noon, October 5, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

We just finished our Friday cleaning -- Benton helped me by vacuuming and shaking the rugs, -- and now Benton is up on the hill and I have everything already to heat for dinner, so thought perhaps I could sneak in a note to you. Should have done it before, but I get busy doing things and just don't get to writing at all.

Yestrday we got our release from the lawyer to sign for a settlement of $1000. It is a printed release, and one paragraph states that the fact that they are offering a settlement does not mean that they accept any responsibility in any way whatsoever for the accident. I hate to sign it, yet I almost believe it is the thing. The lawyer went over everything with us, and it doesn't look as if we do have too much fighting chance. Even Harold, who had more hopes before than anyone else did, doesn't think there would be much chance. None of us can believe that Florence was all to blame by any means -- perhaps not to blame in any way, -- but we have no witnesses, and the evidence, be it false or true, which the other side has makes it look as if the truck was simply minding his own business on his own side of the white line, and it would be hard to convince a jury of unprejudiced people otherwise. We were going to try to prove negligence because he didn't sound his horn, but can't prove that at the speed we were both traveling he could really have had time both to blow the horn and swerve at the same time. What we rather think is that probably both our car and the truck were just about on the white line, and niether swerved soon enough, but we can't prove that at all. If we took it to court we probably would get nothing out of it and would just have court costs to pay. However, the only way we could get anything was do what we did -- file a claim and let them offer a settlement. Your letter, Daddy, came yesterday -- I mean day before yesterday, -- and I thought maybe we should go through with the suit. However, when we got the release -- a standard printed form, -- and it said that this payment was in no way an admission of any responsibility of any kind whatsoever, I wondered and Benton had thought for a long time that the lawyer might be crooked because he had waited so long, but then he read an article in a recent Reader's Digest about the courts and how they all got far behind because they had a much greater volume of business in the last several years, but no increase in judges to take care of it. Consequently many cases were delayed and justice was not carried through properly. Now Benton seems to think the lawyer is all right. We surely prayed a lot about it -- even just before we went in to see the lawyer. It is a ridiculously low payment, but I really don't think we have the evidence to win in court, because they in no way accept any responsibility in making this payment.

That surely was sweet of Lucile to wash the woodwork for you. It surely needed it, and you just aren't strong enough to do things like that.

We may be going to Benton's mother's any time now. His man [actually, his patient] is still living, but he may have to drop the case and go anyway in the next week or two. His mother isn't too well -- wants to stay in bed all the time, just doesn't seem to have much interest in doing anything else. She has arthritis, and just doesn't have anything to make her interested in doing anything at all. We probably will be going up in another week or two anyway.

We were so happy to hear about Daddy's raise. The Lord surely does take care of us, doesn't He? Now he will be getting about $20 more than doing the janitor work, and I am sure the work is much easier for him and that he will do much more good doing it.

... [I removed a paragraph here because it was more personal talked about a person who may still be alive.]

I have been busy sewing. Benton's night shirt is all done except taking out the bastings and tacking down the facing around the neck. It took me quite a while to match the plaids -- they are on the bias. Then I have almost finished that blue plaid skirt that you cut out for me while I was in training. I am putting on the waist band. It is going to look very nice. I want it to wear to Portland [where my dad's mother and other members of his family lived].

I didn't iron at all last week, so this week it really piled up as we washed again Monday. Tuesday night I got busy and ironed nine pairs of pants in one evening. I found that I could cut about a third off the time doing a pair when I stood up to iron. That gave me a little courage.

Last Sabbath I had a houseful of company. One of the fellows I used to go to school with at A.U.C. has recently moved to town with his family. I knew they weren't very settled, so invited them home to dinner Sabbath. That was five, and then I invited Art Moores home too. He is the one I used to write to -- the medical student. We were just recovering from that -- had lain down about half an hour when the phone rang and who should be on the other end of the line but Inez Gram Scofield [a childhood friend of my mom]! I got so excited that my headache went away and didn't come back all evening. Here she was in Loma Linda. Her husband now has a Master's degree in pharmacy and is working at the White as of two or three weeks ago. They came out and had supper and spent the evening with me, and we had a wonderful time. But you should have seen the dishes. Everyone had wanted to help me do them, but I hadn't felt like doing them then, so wouldn't let them do it. It took me more than an hour to do them that night, but I just took it easy -- it sort of relaxed me a little. It will be swell to have so many of my friends around handy. I had just a wonderful time.

Well, now it is 12:45, so I'd better wind this up and get my husband something to eat. We love you and pray for you. Do take care of yourselves and don't overdo. We don't want anything to happen to you.

Much, much love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

September 27, 1951

September 27, 1951, 10:30 p.m.

Box 673, Loma Linda, California

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Here it is two days over a week again. Life certainly does seem to move fast for me. Anyway, we've got a lot of work done since last I wrote to you. We have also had two letters from you -- the last one came this morning. But I can't get at them to answer them properly because I am baby sitting and have the Runnals baby asleep on our bed and don't want to waken her. Her folks have gone to the L. A. County fair in Pomona, and I have had her since 4:30 this p.m.

And speaking of baby sitting -- I have been having a wonderful time. She is so cute and so good and happy. She just followed me around. When I was dust mopping in the bedroom, she got the hair brush and tried to dust mop with that -- she was helping me! After supper we went for a walk -- she riding in her little go-cart. She has quite inspired me, but probably I'd better wait awhile.

Last Wednesday and Thursday we canned about 35 quarts of peaches. Benton helped me in the mornings, and Myrtle Oss and Shefrah Rozenstain came over for a while Wednesday evening and helped. We will surely enjoy them during this coming winter.

Sabbath afternoon I walked all the way over to Mary's house and then went to some pictures with them. Mary brought me home. It was quite a walk. They live over on Prospect street, the other side of Anderson street -- that is, farther east than the San -- almost directly east from here. I felt quite proud of my accomplishment.

Sabbath we also got a letter from our lawyer [regarding The Accident] saying that the adjustor had offered a very small settlement and that we should get together and come to see him about it. Sunday morning we went over to Keyes' [Mrs. Keyes was the other woman injured but not killed in The Accident] for dinner to talk over what to do. Then we had an appointment with the lawyer Wednesday morning. He went over everything with us. He doesn't believe all the testimony either, but doesn't think we have too good a chance of proving what we think. He says those truck drivers always are going only 35 mph when they get into court, though he says he has usually had to go 70 or 80 to pass them. He said we really didn't have a fighting chance, though he would be willing to fight if we wanted to take the gamble. However, if we lost, we would be out about $75 a day for he court costs and get nothing from it. The adjustor had offered the absurdly small amount of $750. He thought he might talk I'm into getting it up to $1000, but I don't know. We are about to say that we'll take it, for even though it is a pittance, it is better than nothing at all. The lawyer was pretty nice about it -- said he wouldn't take his whole third since it was such a small amount. If we get $1000, he will take $200; and if we get $750, he will take $150. It seems as if we could wisely handle more money that that, but probably the Lord knows best. We have certainly prayed a lot about it, and are continuing to pray. The Lord can work miracles if it is His will that we should get more out of it. Probably the sum would be divided four ways. I don't know just how thin I should try to spread my part -- thought maybe I would just give it all to Dr. Pohle, as he is really out more actual money than any of the others who just donated services.

Monday we went to town in the morning -- were shopping around for two hours. I was getting a little tired before we finished, but not too bad -- came home and got dinner afterward. I am really gaining in strength.

Sunday and Monday evenings I spent helping Miss Nephew [a schoolteacher who lived across the street from us and who was later MY 4th grade teacher!] correct some of her workbooks. The poor girl was swamped because she was trying to keep up her regular work while trying to plan a program for the last of October. It seemed like old time to be checking spelling and kinds of sentences again, but I also find myself not yearning for any of these "good old days."

Tuesday morning we washed. I intended to iron that evening, but somehow lost some of my drive and just did puttery things instead -- still have the ironing to do, but it will get done sometime -- it always does somehow.

Last evening I sorted my junk that we brought from Phoenix this last time. Benton hasn't had time to refinish the book case and set it up, so we can't unpack the books yet. Poor man -- he has been too busy helping me can. Bless his heart, he surely is a wonderful husband -- seems nicer all the time.

This morning we just stayed home, and I actually got my husband a nice dinner. Usually we gad so much in the morning that I just have time to warm something up in a hurry. It has also been too hot to bake until the last few days. Today we had baked potato, baked squash (I tried baking that volunteer squash -- one of them that had gotten pretty old), and cauliflower warmed up by baking it in a cream sauce, or sort of scalloping it. For dessert we had peach cobbler. It tasted pretty good, but I thought it was a little bit too juicy.

Tuesday morning, I mean afternoon, Mrs. Hubbs [many, many years later, after this Mrs. Hubbs died and my Dad died, my Mom married her widower, Romeo, and thus herself became the new Mrs. Hubbs!] came over to see me. Professor [Romeo Hubbs] was at a meeting in Glendale. He came Wednesday morning while we were at the lawyer's. I had told Mrs. Hubbs that we had an appointment at 9:00 the next morning after she was here, but he came at 9:03, his note said. I was so sorry not to see him. But I did enjoy a nice visit with Mrs. Hubbs.

Fri. morning.

Hello Mother & Dad. Glad you are feeling well & improving mother.

We are going to the Fair this morning at Pomona [the Los Angeles County Fair].

Love to all,

Lois & Benton

September 18, 1951

September 18, 1951

9:45 p.m.

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

My how time does fly! Here it has been two days more than a week since I have written and I am very much ashamed of myself. Wednesday night I was going to be sure to write, but got so busy cutting out nightgowns for Benton and me that I just didn't finish until 11, so went to bed. Then last night I ironed until the last minute. Tonight I am supposed to be canning peaches, but just must get a letter off before you think something terrible has happened to me.

Now to back up. Monday morning a week ago we washed and in the evening Cecelia came. She stayed until Thursday noon, so I had quite a time getting my ironing done because we talked so much. We lay awake that night and talked till about two, then of course we weren't up at the usual time in the morning. but it didn't seem to hurt us in the end. It was surely nice to have her here.

Tuesday morning a week ago we went to Calimesa where we had got our peaches on the way home from Phoenix and got another lug of culls -- Rio Oso Gems this time. They were only 75 cents a lug, but weren't so good as the Hales we had bought before. We wanted them just for eating while Cecelia was here.

Wednesday morning we went over to the base to see Omar, and he showed us around. And while we were in the PX, guess what Benton got me for my birthday -- a lovely pair of Wiss pinking shears! I was so thrilled. That's why I had to get to sewing as fast as possible. I will really have to learn to sew now. He is so sweet to me.

Thursday morning we visited and then took Cecelia to the bus in San Bernardino at 11:30. After she left we shopped around and found a pair of white shoes for Benton that he has been needing for some time.

Thursday evening Shefrah Rosenstein came over. She brought some skallops for supper, helped me get supper, and ate with us. Then in the evening we talked and played duets on the piano. It was fun, but I didn't get my work done.

Friday Benton vacuumed the whole house, and I cooked for Sabbath. I had a pie shell from the week before so tried a new kind of peach pie -- cut up fresh peaches in the shell crushed a few and added sugar and tapioca, and  then poured that over the peaches. Of course it would have helped if I had known how much sugar and how much tapioca to use, but it wan't too bad anyway -- didn't have quite enough sugar. Oh yes, I also made myself a happy birthday cake [September 14, 1951, was her 34th birthday] -- Swan's Down Devil's food with a powdered sugar and butter icing. It tasted pretty good. We cut it Friday at dinner time. I skipped the candles because I was in too much of a hurry.

Late Sabbath afternoon Bob and Irene McEachren, he a senior medic, -- they used to live in our upstairs apartment, and I use to teach them at CJC when they first started going together -- came from LA with their two charming little girls. I invited them for supper. They left about 9 o'clock, and then I ironed pants.

I found a very nice roast patty recipe in Stirring Passages -- you have a copy in the book case. It is carrot and rice cutlets. I made it first for Omar, but Benton liked it so well that I made it again this weekend. It is very easy, you might like it too.

Sunday morning I started to cut out our night shirts. Benton and Omar both helped me get the materials in line, etc. Then I used my new pinking shears for the first time. In the evening, by myself, I cut out my night gown, but that is as far as it is.

Monday morning we washed, and then last evening I ironed. I don't get started with my evening work so early these days because I go for a walk every evening. I try to get it in just before dark, but don't always make it. I usually get supper, clear the table and stack the dishes, then go for my walk. I rest when I get back, do the dishes, and then start my work. By then it is usually about eight o'clock or after. I'm getting so that I can go quite a ways. Tonight I went to the little store on the corner then on up the main street to the end of the sidewalk on this side -- where the orange grove begins [for those of you who know Loma Linda today, that's where the houses end and the parking lot/structure is on University Ave.]. Then I came back and went a block the other side of our street and came up that and home again. I'm getting pretty frisky these days.

This morning we went to Banning to get some peaches. We saw a sign up for Hales. The man said they were too small for the packers to take, but that we could have them for 50 cents a lug if we would wait while he picked them off the trees. We went and helped him pick them ourselves. We got four lugs for us, one for Miss Lucas across the street, and one for Mrs. Roberts. I'm still scratching from the peach fuzz, but it was fun. Of course I didn't climb any ladders or anything -- just picked the ones that were within my reach from the ground. They are small, but firm and fresh and sweet. Tonight I have been getting out our fruit jars and checking what rubbers and tops, etc. we need. I was going to get some canned, but I did want to be sure to get this letter off. Benton is going to help me tomorrow morning.

Thanks so much for sending our knife back. We were just going to buy another one, though I knew you didn't need it. It was stupid of me to leave it. It came the same day your letter did, which was last Tuesday, I think. Right now I don't know what I did with it, so if you asked me something I should be answering, just ask again.

Thanks also for the lovely birthday card. I don't mind birthdays anymore since I have a right to be getting old and settled. I'm getting restless to become a grandmother, but Benton doesn't seem anxious to be a grandfather - says it would make him feel old [neither of them actually did have grandchildren until nearly 7 years after my dad died, so he never DID get old!].

Yesterday we got a lovely wedding gift from the J. F. Bohners -- two beautiful dresser scarves. It surely was nice of them to remember us that way. I must get a thank you note off to them right away too.

When I finish this letter, I'll go wash my jars. I think perhaps I'll try canning a few jars cold pack just to see what they are like that way. It really would be a lot easier.

Benton is still on with his lung cancer patient -- don't know how long he will last. He is at home now, but still has the three nurses on. Now they are talking about giving him some kind of high voltage x-ray treatment. Probably all it will do at best is prolong his agony, though I guess he doesn't suffer too much -- doesn't know what's going on most of the time.

Well, I haven't had any cramps since I started taking calcium, so I guess my husband is a pretty good doctor to have prescribed it. It comes in wafer form, so he eats one every morning too -- they taste good.

Do take good care of yourselves. You are very, very important to us. Be careful not to work too hard.

Heaps and oodles of love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

August 25, 1951

10:30, Saturday night

August 25, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

We have had no letter since last I wrote to you, but we had two between my last two, so we can't complain. Perhaps we will have a letter in the mail tomorrow. Anyway, we haven't worried because we have been so sure that you would be getting along all right. I surely hope that confidence is not false.

If we go according to appointment, we shall be seeing you soon -- our appointment with Dr. Lytton-Smith is for September 4. However, before we say for sure we are coming then, we want to check up on what our lawyer [regarding The Accident] is up to -- thought it wouldn't pay to bother to check up much sooner, as he probably wouldn't know too much definite very long ahead of time. We really haven't talked much about plans as we haven't realized how near the time is. Time surely does fly.

Today we had our first visit from a member of the Wareham tribe -- Warren, our nephew, the one who married Marion John. He had come down to L. A. to meet Marion on her trip from back East, but found that she would not be in until tomorrow, so he came out to see us. We had a funny dinner. I had made a lemon fluff pie, which turned out to be soup and was so rich that we almost felt sick while eating it. But I guess things were all right. Benton had to go to work at three, but Warren stayed until about five and visited. He is a nice boy. He wanted me to know that I was welcomed into the family. Wasn't that sweet?

After Warren went this p.m., I went for a walk with Donna and Mrs. Roberts. We went down to the main road at the foot of our street, then over to the next block, and back again, and I could have gone farther, so I guess I am making some process. However, my legs often ache and hurt quite a bit -- guess the muscles are rebelling a little at being awakened from their extended vacation.

Omar [my half-brother] went to visit his girl friend this weekend. It is unusual for him to get a chance to go anywhere as he usually has to work Saturday nights. I hope he is having a good time. He surely is a nice boy.

Last Tuesday I did my washing all by myself as Benton was working mornings. It took me a long time because when I began to get tired I worked about three times as slow. But it was nice to know that I could really do it all by myself. Wednesday morning I did all of the ironing. I'm not a very fast ironer yet, but perhaps I'll improve when I get so that I can stand up to do it and when I become a little more skillful at it. At least I get it done, and that is something.

Thursday morning Benton was off, so we went to town to spend all of our money. We went to the bank, then went and bought me a pair of new shoes -- can't decide for sure whether they will really be comfortable or not, but think that they will be all right. We also bought some flannelette to make us nightshirts -- thought I'd make one for me to match Benton's so that we'd be twins. We got a little seersucker, too, to make me another bedjacket that won't have to be ironed. Soon I hope to start sewing, though we don't have our machine back yet.

Thursday afternoon Benton had to go to work again -- another burn case. He is still on that one now -- don't know how long that will last. He hasn't had a day off since you folks left, so he really deserves a little rest one of these days.

Yesterday I did nearly all of the cleaning and cooking, so you see I'm getting so that I can work a little faster all of the time. Maybe sometime I'll be able to amount to something yet. In the meantime, Benton still loves me anyway, though I can't imagine why.

Last week I at last finished unpacking my books. They still have plenty of sand in them [because they were thrown out of the car in the Accident, too, and there was a sandstorm!], but most of them are at least usable, and that is something. Benton is enjoying reading my Medical Science book and my Surgical Nursing book, as they are much more modern than anything he had when he took his training so long ago [he finished in about 1917 or 1918]. He takes them on duty with him and reads them. Since he has been taking care of this burn case, he read the section on burns. However, though the book was published in 1948, it is not up to date on treatment for burns. It seems that now they dress them with a little vaseline gauze then wrap them with ace elasticized bandage so that air can't get in, then they don't dress them again for sometime. They also give the patients ACTH, and they don't seem to have so much pain. I'll get some of the nurses' course yet [she had had to drop out because she had contracted tuberculosis, and that was also why they were taking her to Arizona when The Accident happened] by proxy or by hook or crook or something. One never knows what might become of me after all. At present I'm quite contented -- if my legs would just get well faster.

Thursday I called up about my x-rays, and Dr. Simpson said she could see no evidence of activity [that is, tuberculosis activity], but that I should keep checking frequently. So that is that anyway. At least it was a comfort to know, because I do get tired sometimes.

I also have my last leg x-rays that Dr. Nickel ordered -- thought maybe Lytton-Smith would be satisfied with them when he sees me. If he is, we will save a little money -- nothing Scotch or Jewish [she actually use to brag about having some of BOTH!] about us! I still marvel how my right leg can look like it does and still hold me up, but it surely does. I must still be making bone or something, because I eat like a pig and am not gaining weight. Anyway, it's fun to eat like a pig, though it is rather expensive.

Our tomatoes are just bearing enough to keep us going now, though Benton says they may pick up again when it gets a little cooler. Anyway, I have all I want to eat, and Benton and Omar never did eat them much anyway. I also have enough for salads for the family, so we don't have to buy any. We had two cantaloupes off our vine last week too, and they were really good. Our squash is beginning to bear again too, and our middle peach tree is giving us a nice supply of really delicious peaches, though we haven't had any more to can. We are going to plant some chard and some string beans one of these days too -- not many, just a package of each, and maybe not even that much chard. At least it will give us a little bit of a supply of really fresh vegetables, and it will be fun.

Here it is after 11 already, so I guess I'll finish this in the morning. Maybe we will have a letter from you by then too.

Anyway, we  love you, and want you to take care of yourselves. We'll be seeing you before too long, no doubt.

Much, much love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

<handwritten>

Sun. a.m.

We are on our way to see Keyes [Mrs. Keyes was the other person injured in The Accident] in La Sierra.

August 20, 1951

Monday p.m., 3:30

August 20, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

How time does fly! I was going to answer your other letter right away, but now I've let two come since last I wrote. It is only a day over a week, but I wasn't going to wait that long. The last letter I wrote and the next to the last one you wrote must have crossed in the mail. Then we also have one from you written the 16th. That I think came Friday, which is pretty good time. The x-rays came the day before. Thanks a lot. We are going to take them up to Dr. Simpson this p.m. and see what she has to say about them. You also sent the ones of my back and neck, which is all right too.

You will surely be busy getting the kids' things off. I hope that it won't be too much for you.

We had quite a few peaches from our second tree -- bigger and better than the first. This a.m. I canned a couple of quarts and ate about one quart or less.

Are Pauline and Henry still there? I surely would love to see them -- am so glad that they are happy. That was surely sweet of them to give you a lovely nightie. What kind was it?

Yesterday we saw Mrs. Hankins in the store, and the she told us she had seen you in church the day before. It was good to know that you had been able to go. Did the cooler freeze you out?

That was nice of Laura to write you that little note. I owe her a letter -- as I do many other people. I'm toying with the idea of mimeographing the major news and taking care of things in a more or less wholesale manner as I did before. That is at least a lot faster.

I thought Pauline and Henry had already sold the store. What will they do about school starting back in Washington? It would be awful if Pauline had to go and Henry stay on in Phoenix. That just wouldn't work. My, but that would be terrible!

I'm glad Daddy is still happy with his work and that you are happy with your kettle. The smaller one would have been just too small.

I was going to write to Retha [her brother Paul's wife] what I thought the kids should take, but didn't get around to it. Lawrence should probably take either Old or New Testament -- probably the former, -- English I, and since he can't get his vocational by correspondence, probably either algebra, biology, or world history. I should say at least two of the last three, and it wouldn't hurt if he took all three of them. Then he would have time to take something extra when he got back here, such as typing or more musical groups -- things that he couldn't get so well by correspondence. Of course he could get typing that way, but it wouldn't be very much fun. However, it would probably cost less, and Retha could provide very able demonstrations. On second thought, that might be a very good idea.

Norma would take Denominational History and Youth's problems, English III, geometry, and should have Spanish I, though it would be hard to get the pronunciation to start with unless someone around there could help her the first lesson or two. However, she should really have it so as to be ready to have Spanish II when she is a senior. I don't know the new principal there, but would be quicker to take Lucile's advice if she were handy anyway.

Last Tuesday I washed and in the evening did most of my ironing. Wednesday evening I went gadding with the girls to Yucaipa.

Sabbath morning Benton was working, so I went to church with Donna. I thought it was very nice of her to take me. I felt quite smart because I walked up the front steps without hanging onto anything or anyone. Of course, they are very short steps, and I couldn't go down them without something or someone to hand on to -- not easily anyway, though I could get down if I had to. My legs are getting stronger, but now I am going to start working more on the bending. Today I swung my pail in the morning, then at noontime squatted ten times instead. That really makes the joints know something is going on.

Friday I did most of the cleaning myself -- all but our bedroom. For dessert I made a graham cracker pie crust and a butterscotch filling from two packages of prepared pudding mix. It tasted very good, if we do say so ourselves.

Who should come in to see us Sabbath afternoon but the Henry Bruners. It was so nice to see them. She and I compared our exercising notes, as per usual, and had a wonderful time. She has gained a lot, and really looks well. She said that Dr. Peterson here thought that she had progressed faster than he had ever thought that she would. Of course, we both have years ahead of us before things will be back to normal again, but it is encouraging when other people can see progress.

Yesterday I finished unpacking my books. What a mess! I still have the trunk to finish, but that won't be so bad. I've also started reorganizing our drawers and getting things straight there. The other night I darned socks while I baby sat.

Last night Benton and I took care of the Hastings baby while her daddy gave a Bible study somewhere. She surely is cute, but she really inspires me. But I guess I better wait until I can get around better and stand loss of sleep better before attempting such a full-time sitter's job as having one of my own would be. Probably I wouldn't have one so cute anyway. I'm sure it wouldn't be so petite [Oh, well, uh, hmmm....].

Benton is feeling better now than he has felt for quite a while. I hope that I can take good care of him and keep him feeling that way.

Do take good care of yourselves. Just don't worry if you can't get all of your work done. Things will work out someway -- they always do, if we can just be patient.

Oodles of love,

Lois Ruth and Benton

June 18, 1951

Box 653

Loma Linda, California

June 18, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

It was so much fun to call you yesterday. Benton was sweet to let me do it -- even suggested when I said something about getting a card for Daddy -- said it wouldn't cost much more than a nice card anyway. It was good to know that you were at least fairly well.

Your letter came Sabbath, I think it was -- the letter with all the enclosures in it. All those kind words about the good condition of the children must have warmed your hearts. They surely did have a good care while they were with you. We were interested in the letter from Aunt Ruth [my mom's father's younger sister, who was in China at that time] too. I wonder if they know anything about the Korean situation. Anyway, it sounds as if the communists are doing a few good things in Peking -- wonder what it's a blind for.

I'm glad you are keeping check with the doctor. Somehow I don't think that you will have to have surgery, but am glad that Dr. R. would want you to come to Loma Linda for it if it should be necessary. Much as Dr. Zirkle irks me sometimes, I think he is a pretty wonderful surgeon. Probably he wouldn't even irk you -- I'm just ornery. He is really a good doctor, I'm sure. And I would want you to be near us if you had to have anything like that done too.

Benton has been working several nights, which I don't like at all and neither does he. He works tonight, then goes on another case tomorrow afternoon. We are both feeling fine now -- don't know what queer kind of bug must have bit us both, but it seems to be gone now, and we are getting along fine. Right now Benton is making some nice shelves for me in the kitchen. They are for my cookie jars and the canister set and maybe the electric mixer so that I will have more work room on the drain boards by the sink. I really get around pretty well now, though the stool still comes in very handy a lot of the time. I have a wonderful time trying out new things. I have tried quite a few of the recipes in Stirring Passages. I think you have a copy of it too. It was a premium with the Health subscription 8 or 10 years ago. Some of the things we like, and some of them we don't, but we have eaten everything so far anyway, so that is a start.

Last Friday I made my first cake with a recipe -- a chiffon cake from my Betty Crocker cook book -- made it in a tube pan. It turned out pretty well. The texture seemed a bit course, though - don't know whether it was supposed to look like that or not. The icing was too soft. and ran all down on the side. However a while in the refrigerator fixed it, and it tasted good anyway. I'm trying to get into practice so that I can make a birthday cake for Omar [my half-brother, who was in the Air Force at that time] on July 4. I'm having a lot of fun doing it all. Benton did all the cleaning Friday, bless his heart. I'll be glad when I can do all my own work, but it seems as is it takes me so long to do everything. I work and work and work, and don't get very much done at all. But at least I am improving -- can do more all the time without getting quite so tired, so that is something. Of course I might get more done if I wouldn't drop everything and run off with Benton every time he takes the car anywhere, but he says that's what I'm supposed to do! My current task is trying to get the ironing done - have ironed four pairs of his uniform white trousers. The steam iron is just the ticket for that job. I use it a lot and enjoy it more all the time. Incidentally, I think I am also increasingly glad that it is a General Electric. I've ironed 3 or 4 white shirts so far, and Benton seems to think they are all right, so I guess I'll do for a while anyway.

Last evening I climbed the hill behind the house and helped Benton pick the Boysen berries. Then we took some of them to some old maid sister on our streets in the jars that they had brought us some canned fruit in. The neighbors around here are very nice.

Could you do something for us? Dr. Lytton-Smith wanted to see me again, but I don't know quite what to do about getting an appointment because Benton's work is so irregular, and we can't know ahead of time just when we can do things. Do you think you could call the office and explain that Benton does special duty nursing and ask them if they could give us a tentative appointment sometime about the middle of July? It would be a shame for Benton to have to leave a good case or something to go. Maybe they could tentatively give two or three dates. The doctor probably wouldn't need to see me more than five minutes anyway, and perhaps could squeeze me in if he could have some general idea of when we might be there. Anyway, if you could talk to them and feel them out, I surely would appreciate it. Then we would just come when we could. You could leave the bed in the garage made up, and we could just go out there and crawl in as we probably would arrive around midnight or so so as not to travel across the desert in the heat of the day.

Incidentally, do you still have that set of things for decorating cakes and making fancy cookies? Do you remember I got it to give as a wedding present and then decided to keep it? I made some cookies with it for that shower for the Tanquarys right after they were married. If you still have it somewhere and don't need it, I'd like to bring it with me when we come back.

I have written Bekins Van and Storage in San Bernardino to ask about rates for moving the piano. We went to another place, and the rates are according to weight. I think it would be $33 for 600 pounds, and $46 for 1000 pounds. I don't know how much the piano weigh. Do you suppose you could get any information by phone from that end of the line? We have to pay a dime to call San Bernardino here, and of course there is no trucking company in Loma Linda. Perhaps they could give you more definite information when you could give them the measurements. That we couldn't do. It will be wonderful to have the piano here, but I feel sort of selfish taking it away from you.

You should see our beautiful glads. We pick them as soon as they start to bloom so that the sun won't burn them. We have quite a nice bouquet on our table now. They are really lovely. We also have some nice carnations and roses. When I get so that I can work in the yard, I'm going to learn about how to take care of all the flowers and have a wonderful time. There are so many things that I want to do -- I just know there won't be time for them all. It seems as if I keep busy all the time now -- just playing -- haven't done any work yet to amount to anything. I have so much fun all the time. Everything about being married seems to get better all the time -- I'm just like a contented cow or something!

Probably I'll get your letter tomorrow, but think I won't wait to mail this one. We pray for you each day and love you a lot. Do take good share of yourselves.

Love to you both from both of us,

(signed) Lois Ruth and Benton

June 13, 1951

Box 673

Loma Linda, California

June 13, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

It has been a whole week since I have heard from you -- guess you spoiled us before, and we miss it now. I know we don't deserve to hear any oftener when we didn't write any oftener, but we still miss it and wonder how you are. I just am trusting that no news is good news.

These have been busy days for us this week. Friday I cooked all day and Benton cleaned. I made a chocolate cake with a Pillsbury mix, made a walnut roast, cooked potatoes and green beans. Thursday night we made jello salad -- lemon gelatin with carrots and cabbage in it (incidentally, we didn't like it very well.)

Sabbath morning we went to S. S. [Sabbath School] and church, then decided to go to the Commencement Sermon in Pasadena. We called the girls' dorm to see if there might be some girls there who would like to go -- there were -- one white, the other black. We thought that we were late because we had such a late start, but got there just before the processional started. If I remember it, will put in a program for you to look at. The service was very fine -- Elder Carcich was the speaker, and you have his address in the Medical Evangelist. But probably the most exciting part was seeing everyone afterward -- and just about everyone was there, and of course asked about you folks. Besides many of my classmates, here are some of the people I saw: Elder Carcich, Mrs. Sevrens, Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert and daughter, Echo and Glenn Stevens, Mike and Iola Gaspar, George Smith, Billy Bradford from Hudson days who was graduating from lab technique, Norman and Doris Clapp. The Clapps particularly wanted to be remembered to you. They were quite surprised to meet my husband -- as were many people! We had a lot of fun. I had my crutches, but didn't use them around the auditorium at all -- got pretty tired by the time we started back a block to the car, so used them then. Probably there are a lot of other people I should mention, but can't think of right now. Some of course, you wouldn't know anyway.

Just about five minutes after we arrived home, Cecelia [my dad's first wife's brother's daughter] and her folks arrived -- her mother, father, sister, and aunt. With five of them and two of us and the two girls who had gone with us, we had quite a crowd for supper. It was so late, I hardly knew what to get, but we had quite a meal -- split pea soup, tossed salad, cottage cheese and peaches and pineapple delight. I guess we ate the cake that night too. We had quite a time sleeping all of them, but finally managed. Benton and I tried to sleep on one twin bed, but we don't do so well when so circumscribed -- I get too restless with my legs. However, we got along fairly well, and I guess it didn't hurt us.

Sunday morning Cecelia woke up with a sore throat, and before dinner time had a fever of 102.4˚. That would have been bad enough, but she was supposed to march to get her diploma at 6 o'clock. Finally we figured out that she was having a reaction from a typhoid shot she had had Friday. We called the doctor to see what to do. He said it had to run its course -- could try aspirin to get her fever down, but she shouldn't try to march unless it came down to at least 100. She also had some emperin-codeine and took one of those. She did get the fever down and did march. But by the time her folks found her afterward in the crowd, she was about ready to pass out. We got her home and called the doctor. He said she had not only a violent reaction, but a case of pharyngitis -- would be tonsillitis if she had had tonsils. The poor kid was pretty miserable. She was still sick the next day, but her folks took her back to the White [the White Memorial Hospital, in Los Angeles]. Don't know how she is now.

Naturally I was a bit nervous about having Aunt Mary's ["Aunt Mary" refers to my dad's first wife who had been killed in the Accident] folk here -- didn't know how they would feel about me. However, they were very lovely -- were glad that Benton had someone, and were very sweet to me -- seemed just about like the family by the time they left Monday. They pitched in and helped me a lot -- I didn't wash a dish while they were here. They helped with the meals and set the table, etc. Of course Benton helped a lot too. He is really pretty wonderful. I had quite a time getting used to the idea of having to take the whole responsibility of planning and everything and being hostess, but they were nice people to start in on. I really enjoyed having them, and I think they enjoyed it too.

Benton worked Monday night, and is going to work again tonight 11 to 7. He doesn't like the night work, and I don't like to have him do it, but that seems to be all that there is right now. One never knows how long it will last -- this kind of business is rather uncertain. [My dad worked as a "special duty nurse", which meant that he stayed right by one patient, either in a hospital or at the patient's home -- this was before they had intensive care units.]

This morning we did a huge washing. I didn't count the sheets, but there were at least a dozen and as many towels besides uniforms, pillow slips, wash cloths, dish towels, overalls, pants for me, and miscellaneous things. I put a whole tub full to soak in bleach last night. Benton laughed at me. Things had got a bit dingy looking because he had always washed in such a hurry, and he was quite tickled at my zeal to produce a white washed. He grinned and said he suspected something like that would happen when a woman got into the house. He surely helped me a lot -- hung out all the clothes and starched his own uniforms. We had the lines filled and had to take some things down before we could hang up the rest. It took us about three hours to do it. But this machine is a honey. I just rinse and whirl until the water runs out quite clean. You would love it.

Benton finished paying for the car the other day, and changed it to joint ownership with me. I surely never had a car before -- don't know how to act. It surely was easy to get it! Every day I realize a little more what a lucky girl I am in every way -- to get all these wonderful material things along with a perfect husband is just more than one should even expect.

My steam iron seems more wonderful all the time too. It really comes in handy -- makes me love to iron and press.

All the time I get around a little more easily, though my legs still hurt quite a bit when I use them. But I keep waddling less and less; and though progress is a bit slow, at least it is progress; and that is encouraging.

Benton and I seem to be still getting happier all the time -- haven't had even a hint of an argument yet. I always have my own way, and he says he always has his own way, so I guess there just isn't anything to scrap about.

We are keeping pretty well -- have a nap every afternoon and quite a bit of sleep at night. Yesterday afternoon after my nap I had a doll to play with. Mary Runnels brought her cherub over for me to take care of. I had a little stroller to push her in, and pushed her around outside on the porch and walk. One of the student nurses came over and played with her on the lawn, and the girl in the apartment played with her too, as did her husband and my husband. The baby is really cute -- a little fatty not quite ten months old, but she can pull herself up to standing and almost walk with help. And she love to jabber. Wish I could have one of my own. [See! I WAS really wanted! LOL]

Well, maybe I'll get a letter from you tomorrow, so, will add some then. Remember we love you and pray for you every day. Do take care of yourselves.

Lovingly,

(signed) Lois Ruth and Benton

June 7, 1951

Box 653

Loma Linda, California

June 7, 1951 -- 4 p.m.

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Here it is a week and a day since last I wrote, and I have had two letters from you. I was going to answer your other letter as soon as it came, but felt so awful and kept thinking I'd feel better and didn't want to write until I did. The antihistamines just postponed my cold, it seems, and what a funny cold it was -- just a little sore throat, not much of a runny nose, not much of a cough, but an awful headache. Guess it must have gone into my sinuses -- they don't feel completely clear yet, but I feel so much better, that it is wonderful. Sabbath I just stayed in bed most of the day, and did quite a bit of the day Sunday. However, now I feel much, much better and have been gadding around here and there.

Benton worked double shift until Sunday, then was off both cases Monday. He seemed to have a touch of the same cold, though his made the top of his chest seem a bit congested instead of going to his sinuses. He is a lot better now  - didn't stay in bed much, but hasn't put his name down for these four days. He has just worked around in the yard and house and done some business. Then we have just napped when we felt like it and taken things easy. We feel pretty good now.

The best news you have written us is that you are so much better, Mother. Do take it easy now that you can. Just let things go if it is too much for you -- that is what I have to do. It is hard, but it is the only way sometimes, and it is best just not to worry about it -- learn to accept it since it can't be helped.

The camp meeting sounded good too. It seems to me that a lot more people get a chance to attend when it is held right there in Phoenix. And the publicity is excellent and may be a means of winning many non-members to the Truth.

It was good to know that the youngsters at least got to Hawaii in one piece each. I'm glad that Norma had a chance to be with the J. C. for a while. They are cute, I think. Of course, it is puppy love, but as long as they aren't too silly, it is quite natural for them to have a little fun.

Mother, if the doctor told you to come back, you better go. Prevention is much better than cure, you know; and the modern idea is that it is much smarter to go to the doctor when you're not sick than to wait until you are sick.

I couldn't help but be impressed with Daddy's solicitude for his typewriter when it is too tired.

We were thrilled to jbiw tgat (whoops, my right hand started to get too close to my left) know that you have two new orders for GREAT CONTROVERSY. Maybe you'll have time to do more now with all the excitement at a lull. But don't get too complacent, because we are coming back for a few days, you know, to stir things up again.

There are a lot of things that I intended to bring but didn't, I find. My black skirt is probably still in the closet and my plain skirt, unfinished, is somewhere. I have the pieces here. We can get them along with any number of other things when we come.

The cannas must be very lovely. do you suppose they will still be blooming when we get there? We have quite a few flowers -- roses, carnations, gladiolas, geraniums, petunias, snapdragons, etc. I'm going to have to learn how to take care of them.

Our wedding album came today, and we are quite thrilled with the pictures. We have to get a list ready so that they can send pictures to the relatives and friends that we are giving one to. We decided to have some of the ones of us together standing -- they are cheaper by the dozen.

We are busy these days, as this weekend is graduation at C.M.E. [College of Medical Evangelists, the former name of Loma Linda University], and Ceclia's folks [the family of Burt Gerrans, the brother of my dad's first wife, Mary], some of them, are coming down for the weekend. We don't know who or how many or exactly when, but we are trying to get ready. This morning we went to a market and bought a lot of food. At least I don't want them to starve, though I don't know how fancy I'll be able to serve them. Benton is quite satisfied with the Eldridge milk-bottle-cereal-box-on-the-table style, and he always helps me. But I'm not going to let it worry me. I'll just do the best I can, and if they don't like it, I'll just think they wouldn't anyway and not worry about it. If they are like Cecelia, they will be all right.

Yesterday we did the town. We tried to exchange a lamp shade, but couldn't find out where it had been bought. We also spent some of our wedding present money for a dandy clothes basket that isn't a basket. It is a metal foldable rack with an open canvas bag on it, and is quite wonderful. We also got a food grinder and some little gadgets that I wanted. It was a lot of fun, and Benton was the model of patience. Then last night we went over the Jerry and Helen Seibert's to see some of our honeymoon pictures on their projector. We really have some good pictures of Oak Creek Canyon. We have a few of our wedding too, though they are a bit spoiled because we opened the camera trying to get the film out. Anyway, they are worth having, and that is something.

This morning I made some toll house cookies -- chocolate chip, and this afternoon I want to get some other things ready that can be fixed ahead of time. Then I have to wash my hair too. I intended to write to you sooner. Now I'm afraid you won't get this until Monday, and am greatly ashamed of myself. Do forgive me. I do love you anyway.

Benton surely is a wonderful husband. The Lord surely knows what is good for us better than we do. I'd never have picked him out in a million years, but he is certainly making me happier than ever I have been before.

I still have 28 thank you notes to write to Phoenix people, then I'll start with the Loma Linda list! I really didn't have time to be sick. It seems as if I keep busy all of the time, though a lot of my busy-ness is resting. I am walking better and longer, though the improvement is still gradual.

Well, I guess that's enough for this time. Do keep praying for us as we do for you.

Much, much love,

(signed) Lois Ruth and Benton

May 30, 1951

Box 673

Loma Linda, California

May 30, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I've been so busy trying to get my thank-you notes written that it looks as if I have neglected my own mother and daddy. And I still have a lot more of them to write -- 36 more for the gifts received in Phoenix, then I have to start on those for the gifts received here.

Yes, they had a surprise shower for us last Sunday night. Benton was working, but when he came home for supper, the crowd gathered. They had made arrangements with his patient and his patient's family so that he could stay beyond his half hour supper time. We got a lovely floor lamp, a tablecloth, a couple of tidbit trays, a couple of potted plants in these fancy pots, a fancy marmalade dish and cover and spoon, a set of "his and hers" towels, and a fancy flat vase with a little fawn in the middle of it. That I have filled with flowers now -- carnations and roses that I picked yesterday. They had a nice little program and wished us happiness. It surely was nice of them. People around here surely think Benton is a pretty nice fellow, but they don't know the half of it. He is really wonderful. I was afraid that perhaps people might resent me, but they don't seem to. Everyone has been very lovely.

Last Friday we went to see Dr. Nickel. He had said that he would like to see me. He was very nice, as usual. He said that the reason I waddle is that my quadriceps are weak, and he gave me some simple exercises to strengthen them. That will help my joints too, he said. He said that they wanted to do a bone graft when they put the plate in, but they didn't think I could stand it then. He said that I could come in to see him any time when he is here and ask him any questions that might pop up. He surely was nice -- acted glad to see me.

Sabbath we went to the college church, then Benton had to go to work in the afternoon. Toward evening Bob and Irene McEachren, who used to live in Benton's apartment, and whom I knew at CJC [the college in Alberta, Canada, where Mom had taught and where she first met my sister and my dad's family], came over. They are in LA now where he is a junior medical student. They seemed to be very happy for us.

Then Sunday night was quite an occasion. Mrs. Simon, the assistant dean of girls, told me that the news of our marriage made her happier than that of any other. Everyone was so nice.

Monday morning we did a huge washing. Benton showed me how to work the machine -- it is an Easy with a spin drier. My, but it works lovely! I'm already sold on it -- wishy you could have one, Mother. Benton hung up all the clothes, and did a lot of the rest of the work, too.

Monday evening a call came from a new hospital near Beaumont for Benton to take care of an accident case. He thought that he would be off his case at the San in a day or two, so said he would take it. Then he discovered that his patient here at the San was going to surgery again. That means he is working double shift, and I don't like it at all! However, we hope it won't be for long. He says the work isn't hard -- could have done all the work on both shifts in about two hours yesterday. He gets a little sleep on duty, so that makes it not quite so bad. But it seems as if I never get to see him at all any more, and don't like that a bit!

The last few days I have been trying to get a cold -- why, I don't know, as I have been getting plenty of rest. However, I've been taking antihistamine, and it hasn't been too bad. We don't get to bed until 11:30 now, then Benton gets up at 5. I wake up then, and we have worship before he goes, then I go to sleep again. This morning I slept until nearly 11! I sort of baby myself -- just stop when I get tired.

Yesterday, I thought it would be a good idea to get outside, so spent about a half hour out picking flowers. Today I watered quite a bit in the flower beds and sat outside and wrote a couple of thank-you notes.

Keyes [Mrs. Keyes was the other woman who was injured in The Accident] were here today -- she was on her way to see her doctor. He has fixed her up pretty well. They said that Lloyd [Mom's sister's widower] was planning to come down June 15 for a few days to try to sell his house. They also said that the lawyer had said that our case might not come up until next Spring!

I really felt guilty today when your second letter came since I had written. Your other letter with the kids' [Norma and Lawrence, Mom's niece and nephew] schedule in it came Sabbath. I would have loved to be at Inglewood to see the kids, but Benton was working. Then too, it was pretty late -- we wouldn't have got home until after one o'clock Monday morning.

Mother, I'm so sorry you have been sick again. Maybe now that things have calmed down, you will have a chance to start feeling better again. I wish that there were something that I could do. At least you have that syringe, and that is a comfort.

Last Friday I made my first cake -- made it with a Betty Crocker cake mix, but think I must have beat it too much, as it had a few holes in it. Anyway, it tasted good. I used the Mixmaster, and didn't know exactly how it worked. I'll know better next time. I think I may get up courage enough to try a regular cake with a recipe -- have to get in practice so that I can make one for our son's [Omar] birthday July 4!

While Keyes were here, we got to talking about Lloyd and the present set-up. They, too, think he should remarry -- and MK[edited for privacy] was the one they had picked out! Harold thinks he may kid Lloyd a little when he is down and tell him he should get on the ball and ask MK. We thought he might take it from Harold better than from anyone else. And you know how slow Lloyd can move when it comes to such things. Karyl told Charlie Keyes that she didn't like the set-up too well, or something of that idea. Poor little kids [Mom's dead sister's kids] -- it has been pretty hard on them too. Probably Cherie minds it the least of all of them because she was too little to remember much.

This country surely isn't so hot as Phoenix. Tonight it is really chilly, though it was warm and sunny today.

Our pictures came back, and they are really pretty good -- those, that is, that we took. We haven't seen them on a [slide] projector yet. When Benton gets off his p.m. shift, we'll go visit the Sieberts and get a look a them. They are the people who lent us the camera, and they have a projector. They are a nice young couple -- younger than I -- and have a darling little youngster not quite 2 yet, but taking everything -- a smart little tyke. She is a physical therapist, so if I get in a jam for that kind of professional advice and muscle training, she would know just what to do.

Well, it looks as if that is about all the news. Do try to take care of yourselves, and don't worry about anything. We love you and pray for you every day.

Lots of love from both of us to both of you,

(signed) Lois Ruth and Benton

May 24, 1951

Box 653 [They didn't yet have mail delivery at the house!]

Loma Linda, Calif.

May 24, 1951

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Here it is a whole week since we left. In lots of ways it seems longer than that, and in other ways the time has surely flown.

It was so wonderful to talk to you last Sunday. We were going to call before that, but something would come up that it would make it too late before we got to it, and we didn't want to get you so excited that you couldn't go to sleep. We were so glad to know for sure that you were better, Mother, and we have been praying that God would give you both the strength you need to get the children [her brother Paul's children, Norma and Lawrence, who had been staying with their grandparents -- Paul and his wife, Retha, were in the Far East, in Japan at that time, I think] ready to leave. It hardly seems possible that they will really be going next Sunday or Monday. Which airport will they take off from in L.A.?

We are getting along just wonderfully. Benton has worked only a day and a half, so we are still having our honeymoon, only now he thinks I am a pretty good cook -- better than he expected, he says. I really haven't done anything very fancy yet, but I do get around better all of the time. You'd laugh to see me sitting on the stool by the stove mashing the potatoes or trying to get something flavored right. He helps me a lot. He is about as near perfect as they come. He surely is a wonderful husband. It seems as if we are happier every day.

I had forgotten that I knew so many people here in Loma Linda. Just about everyone had heard about us, and they all seem very happy about it. The neighbors around are just as nice as Benton said they were. We got here about 9:30 Thursday night; and while we were still unpacking, the three ladies from across the street came over to congratulate us and wish us happiness. They are really lovely. One of them teaches the 6th grade, another is the librarian at the Academy, and the other is Fern Millard's mother. They are very lovely. Next to them across the street are a couple who were pioneer missionaries in Manchuria -- the Petersens. They came over to wish us happiness and brought us two lovely towels and wash cloths. Down the street from them are two Miss Scotts -- sisters of Howard Lee's wife -- the Howard Lee's were teaching at CJC when I was. He is Frederick Lee's brother. One of them came yesterday and brought us a can of peaches and three cans or glasses of jelly, and the other brought a nice bouquet of Canterbury bells.

The people that live in our apartments are nice too. Upstairs is one of Benton's classmates and her husband, and downstairs is a young couple with a cute baby 6 months old. She is Dr. Ward's nurse, and he is taking pre-med at La Sierra. He worked as an orderly at the San [the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital, as it was then known] when I was in the hospital and came in a time or two to help turn me. They are nice too.

Friday we went to the Loma Linda Market to get something to eat and met everyone and his brother. Elder Pease was there and asked about you folks. Then we went to see Monty's wife for a couple of minutes and then to see Mary and Dick Runnels and their cherub. That night Mary and Mrs. Zerne, the supervisor on surgical floor, came to see us, and Mary invited us to her house for Sabbath dinner.

We went to the Hill church Sabbath so that I wouldn't have to climb a lot of steps and saw quite a few people there that we knew. When we got the mail after church, there was a card from Cecelia saying that May 6 she had had her appendix out and wishing that we could come to see her. We went that afternoon and stayed for an organ program -- Alexander Schreiner from Salt Lake City Tabernacle played. That was a big day for both of us, but we survived and resolved not to do it too often. Sunday night we went to the capping at the Hill church -- 20 got their caps. It was really inspirational, but guess I'll have to be satisfied to be married to a nurse instead of being one myself.

The other night Mr. and Mrs. Spear came to see us. He is a nurse -- the one who used to special a man across the hall from me when I was in 111. They are nice people. Monday night we went up to the hospital to see Mrs. MacQuarrie. She is the one who wanted me to be her guest in the hospital for one day and gave me a check for $15.00. She is back in to have her colostomy closed -- was supposed to have surgery Wednesday morning. She was pleased to see us -- said she suspected something. She had it all figured out that Benton came at first in sympathy, and then with other intentions. She put it so sweetly. She was happy for both of us. We took her some roses.

Yesterday Mrs. Ward and Lavaun came and left us a card with a $10 bill in it. Wasn't that sweet of them? They wanted to know about you folks. They are moving into a place about 5 miles the other side of Redlands -- I think it is Dr. Carlisle's place. They will have a swimming pool, and invited us out sometime.

Everyone has been wonderful to us, but we don't get much work done. I have about a dozen thank-you notes written out of the 70 that must be taken care of. Gradually I'm getting them finished. I don't do much else except get meals, and Benton gets what little breakfast we eat. He declares he is happy with fruit and several kinds of dry cereal. Whenever I get tired or sleepy, I just go to sleep -- talk about a life of leisure! Anyway, we are glad we did it -- we both think the other one is better than we expected even; and as far as we feel, it seems that there isn't even very much difference in our ages.

Yesterday we got your letter and the syringe. The postcard came Monday, I think. Benton wants to thank Norma for her letter too. It came day before yesterday, I think. Thanks for sending on Willetta William's card. She didn't give me any address so that I can answer it. Maybe she will write again.

It surely will seem lonesome without the kidlets. Give them our love. We wish we could see them off. Lawrence must be really thrilled with his clarinet. I'd love to hear him play it.

You should see our lovely flowers. Today Benton picked our first gladiola -- a lovely white one. We have all kinds of roses, sweet peas, pansies, snap dragons, peonies, carnations, and just about everything. Last night I climbed the hill to look at the garden and trees. You must come to see us sometime.

Well, I guess I'd better stop and get my husband some dinner. He surely isn't very hard to cook for.

We both send love. Do take care of your sweet selves. We don't want anything to happen to you.

Lovingly,

Lois Ruth and Benton