Heber & Caroline a Love Story – Letter 4 – 4/22/1924
When our mother passed away I was going through her things and found a stack of letters written by my maternal grandfather Heber to my maternal grandmother Caroline (aka Carrie). The letters cover an 18 month period during the great depression. My grandparents lived in Newfoundland and work was very scarce. Heber during this time stayed and worked in Massachusetts and Connecticut looking for whatever work he could find. Meanwhile Caroline stayed in Newfoundland with the children. Heber wrote Caroline a letter each month. The letters are very interesting as not only do they give a perspective of the time, it shows just how difficult life was.
I will each Sunday include photos of the actual letters which I have transcribed with the help of my brother Dana Donovan and sister Barbara Ridgway. Although Heber’s handwriting is very pretty to look at, it can be difficult to read.
Here is letter four written 4/22/1924.
4/22/24
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines in answer to your letter I received a couple of days ago. Glad to get it and to know you are well as the writing of this leaves me at present. I haven’t much strange news to tell you at present. It is very poor weather here just now raining almost every day. I have been out of work for almost a fortnight now. I don’t know how much longer I will be loafing
Work don’t seem to be picking up any yet. I don’t think there will be a great deal of building this summer. I can tell you I am sick and tired of walking around. I suppose I will strike a job when the weather gets a little better. I am glad the children are better of the measles.
Arthur’s wife went to the hospital last week for a operation for womb trouble. I don’t know how she is now. I haven’t seen any of them for a while. All the rest of the people are well. How is all the family? I hope they are well.
Give my best respects to them all. It is raining now to beat seven of a kind. I think I have said all for this time. Will write again soon.
From your Loving and Devoted Husband,
Heber
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What they went through in those days is difficult for us to fathom. Do you have the letters from Carrie to Heber?
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Unfortunately no! I don’t know if he saved them.
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Just trying to keep the family alive as he walks the street for work. It’s a theme we continue to see today. Love being able to go back in time, these letters give us a mental visual of the era.
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I also see it as a lesson to all of us that as tough as times may get if we persevere and work hard we can survive!
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