A Letter Written on Mar 5, 1942

Rev. Dr. William M. Nesbit
15 Frederick Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut

March 5, 1942.

Our own sweet Betsey;-

God put you into the world to make your mother and father happy - and to keep them happy - and to provide happiness for all who shall ever come close to you. That's quite an assignment. So keep that in mind at any time when you feel a bit discouraged. There are many strings to your bow - and it takes but one to make a bulls-eye.

Your poetry is certainly very good. We enjoy reading each bit of it. I am quite proud at the thought that now I have "two sweet poetesses" in my family.

Mama and I share your disappointment about Macbeth. However, watch out for the next good play that comes into this part of the country - and engage tickets early. How soon shall we anticipate our Angel's visit? next week?

[Handwriting change from Papa to Mamma]

Dear little Girl: While Papa is writing, I will tell you about the black-out. On Sunday evening, Papa and I were eating our supper - when there was a knock on the door. It was the warden. "Turn off your lights", he said. We did and then in a couple of minutes - we heard the all clear signal. The black-out signal was so faint that it wasn't heard at all up here on the "mountain". That was the trouble with the ones in New York - and New Haven. We phoned to the Warden and said that we hadn't heard the black-out signal - and he said that a good many had not heard it. We just this minute heard some whistle blowing an "all clear"signal - and we phoned to the police-station - but they hadn't heard it - so I imagine it was a black-out drill in one of the factories. Papa took one of the black out shades - and cut it into pieces about 12 inches long and made little tops like curtains - and fastened them over our shades in the Radio Room - so we are all O.K. On Tuesday, when we were in Hartford - they were going to leave a black-out - so we hurried and got out of the City - before it started. There is much trouble in hearing - the whistles or horns - That is has certainly got to be remedied. It is not quite enough to hear the all clear signal perfectly, even if Naugatuck is the most perfect city in the U.S.

When we went to Hartford - we saw a service flag - for the first - time - Hanging on a porch - in a small cottage. Mrs. Hudson is going to give a service flag to the Church. Papa had "official board" to-night - and it went off without any trouble. I am so glad your dress - was not a mass of wrinkles. I was sorry you were disappointed about the "assistant-ship" - but I am sure something will open up. Papa has put his name in for a Congregational Church - if there should be an opening. They are going to grant tires to all ministers - and as there are more truck tires than car tires - we will be able to retire - "jaloppy". When I go to New Haven, I will get you some of the "vitamin capsules" - and I know you won't mind taking them. I think your intake of vitamins - may not be quite enough. Let us try them anyway. They are the same ones that Dr. Tilston had such faith in - but instead of 1.25 they have put the price down to .59. It would certainly please me if you will give them a good trial.

Papa is ready to Post this letter.

Good-night Mamma

P.S. It is so strange to see the roads - with just a few cars on them, roads that had almost a steady line of cars on them - 2 months ago.