Rev. Dr. William M. Nesbit
15 Frederick Street
Naugatuck, ConnecticutDear little Girl:-
I am enclosing 5 Handkerchiefs that Mrs. Fairbank bought for you at the Fair. [no longer with the letter] I had picked them out and was just going to buy them - when Mrs. Fairbank said "I want to give those to Bessie" - so she paid for them. Will you write and thank her - she does like to have a fuss made over her. Her life is pretty lonesome. She was quite hurt when Mr. Barker brought her her Fair tickets instead of Papa but Papa couldn't help it because he had given out all his, but oh! these people with sensitive feelings. They make things so hard.
I had a good comeback from my teeth - both wisdom teeth - but it was "terrific" while the pain lasted. They put in 4 needles in each tooth and I felt the pain right through it - and they had to put in another[.] Were my legs wobbly - but this morning I feel much better. We are all excited about the War News. Everything is so still up here - you wouldn't think there was any war anywhere and of course nobody speaks of the war. That is a "taboo" subject, so I don't speak of it either. I would advise that you save any old sweaters - or skirts. We can put them away. There may be clothes rationing next year, and any old things that you can wear around home - will give you nice things to wear outside. No more all silk stockings after this supply is gone, and the food rationing is already - beginning in some things. War is a queer thing. I wish we could wake up and find that we had been dreaming.
Well I will close now - and retire - I started this letter in the A.M. and am finishing it in the P.M. It will be so good to see you - we are lonesome as usual but the war makes us even more homesick for you. Would you like me to make any goodies - for the Birthday Party. If you do - please answer right away - so that I will be able to make something in good-time - and get it there a day or so ahead.
Well, I will close - for the second time. Brownie and Andrewsia are getting impatient - to say nothing of the older members of the Quartette.
Love from us all,
Mamma.Dec. 11, 1941.