From Miss Jane on Friday morning, June 3rd, 1949:

Dearest Son,

     How are you this lovely morning? I got up early  and put sulphur on my roses and Aunt May’s. We have had lovely roses, in all colors. It is really dry in some places in the county, for the last rain seemed to be rather local. We haven’t had the showers yet that the weatherman has promised us.
     I am overseeing Aunt May’s house-cleaning.  She has Charlie D. and Mrs. Reynolds both today. Had Charlie D. yesterday and Mrs. Reynolds the day before – so hope to get it all done today but her room. The upstairs was a sight, together with the presses – but is clean now. Uncle Henry’s room is ready for kemtone [a paint].
     I haven’t been up town since I last wrote you, so don’t know any news.  Haven’t seen Ella.
     Tomorrow is Larue’s wedding day, so Blanche* is quite disturbed – says she isn’t going to cry.
     Burl [Sr.] says Dr. Bryon’s house is going up fast – I want to walk up there late this afternoon and probably up town.
     We are expecting Uncle Rube tomorrow – on his “flying trip.” Why didn’t you come along? ha!
      Burl and Banks [Thompson] went fishing yesterday afternoon, but no luck.
     Now Sugar, I will try to write more tomorrow.
     Aunt May is still improving.  We are just fine.  Daddy said at the supper-table that he felt better than he had for quite a while.

Lots of love, Mother

*We’re not sure who Larue is or why Blanche was disturbed.  It took us forever to figure out that Blanche was a nurse hired by the family to live in the house and care for Aunt May.  We found that from a census record.

An early ad for Kem-Tone paint.