You may have noticed in my last post a postcard dated from the 1900's. It has a beautiful looping cursive script handwriting that is perfectly preserved on card stock from generations past. I have not been able to stop thinking about this handwriting and wondering "Who was Della?" I fell asleep thinking of her artful script on these special postcards with their lovely botanical images and cheery greetings.
Today when I woke up I knew I would make it back again to the antique barn. I wanted to do some research. I pored through a whole basket of old postcards, feeling the satin finish of the paper and embossed flowers with my fingertips. I was touched by reading the sentiments on each card. I soon made the delightful discovery that several of these correspondences came from this Della who had originally piqued my interest. Reading more I found that Della also had a sister named Blanche who penned similar letters of love and devotion to her Mother. Their mother's name was Mrs. Wetherbee.
I found myself torn between a quilt that I had been eyeing my last few visits, which was tucked under one arm, and this stack of memories in the other. I had to choose just one, so the postcards it was.
The shop owner was surprised that I choose the postcards over the beautiful quilt. I even surprised myself, but I just couldn't hand back this special narrative between two sisters and their mother. I hope you enjoy these special pieces of ephemera as much as I have. This will be the first post of the series, featuring letters from Blanche.
The next post will be letters from Della... Enjoy!
July 14, 1912
My dear Mother,
"It does seem good to have it a little cooler and have a little rain. Our water is still a very small stream. I
wish we might have a good soaking rain. The birthday present you sent came all right and many thanks
for it. It was baking hot coming home that night I have not been any where since. I hope you and the boys
are all well. Perhaps we will write before long. Hope to hear from you soon."
Love to all,
Blanche
Dear Mother,
"What a disagreeable day it has been. I am still wearing my over shoe. My toe is better. I am
afraid it is going to bother about wearing a shoe. Write soon."
Love to all, Blanche
Sunday p.m. My Dear Mother
"Hope you all are well. I looked for some word from you last week. I think we had some hot disagreeable
weather. The rains did much good to crops. It is very dusty here now. How near done are the boys with
their haying? Elmer has about a weeks worth now to do and then he will have to harvest his oats later. I
suppose Carl and Della have returned to Berlin. I hope to hear from you soon."
Lovingly, Blanche
Dear Mother,
"I want you and the boys to plan to spend Thanksgiving with us and have you stay as long as you can. I
looked for some word from you Saturday. Have you heard from Della lately? Please let me know as soon
as you receive this if you can come. I hope you are feeling better."
With love,
Blanche
Dear Mother,
"We all thank you and Della for the pretty Christmas cards. It has been a very busy week. We finished
taking care of the pork yesterday. I hope you are feeling better. I have a little gift for each of the boys to
send out in the morning. Lee sends them a card. I also have a little remembrance for you and Della which
I shall try to send Monday. Let me know if it reaches you safely and both of you write often."
Ever yours,
Blanche
Wed. Eve. Dear Mother,
"I have not heard from you since I wrote the postal, but I hope you are feeling
better. What sever winter weather we are having. I could not hardly keep warm last
week. Lee and I have bad colds. I thought I would write a letter tonight but had to do
some mending. Elmer finished drawing his ice today. He has not drawn any wood yet.
I hope the boys are well. I got a letter from Della today and she seemed to be anxious to
hear from you. I hope you will write me soon."
With much love, Blanche
To be continued: {Part II "Meeting Della}
