Blue Island, ILL
July 21, 1942
Dearest Erwin:
Sorry to be so slow in writing. Rec’d your card and letter some time ago. Was just trying to answer some mail. You probably heard of Dr. Bundesen, President of Board of Health here in Chicago. Nurses rec’d questionnaires to be filled out (Defense or Emergency) work. Well we sure have had a hot spell but today quite a nice breeze and lots of sunshine.
There’s nothing new here. Ingrid spent one night with me and went to work from here. Also Julius last Thursday, week ago. He is employed now on the south side about one half hour ride from where we took you to bus station and elevated. Guess he is staying with his brother Melvern on north side so he has a long ways to travel. He was with Ingrid 3 weeks. Thought Ruth might be out last Sunday but it was awfully warm so she probably tried some other place to keep cool.
Did you know it was your mother’s anniversary day yesterday (Mon). It is also Aunt Lena’s birthday and my mother* was 71 years the 12th. She wrote me last week. They had a little party. Cousin Florence made her a cake and the family was up with presents.
They’re haying up home and lots of hay and it was going quite well to get it in the barn. Dad is quite the same. Hear you get home to GR now. It is nice to be so close. Makes the weeks short. Hope your studies are interesting and easier than a crossword puzzle. You didn’t locate your little hit _____ did you? Henry will be home soon and I must go to the store.
Lots of love,
Aunt Esther
2433 Collins Street
Write if not too busy.
Note: A lot of family mentioned in this letter from Aunt Esther to Erwin.
Melvern was Erwin’s cousin, brother of Julius mentioned in an earlier letter. At the time of this letter, Melvern was 24 years old and working in Chicago. Unfortunately I am unable to find him in the 1940 census to learn about his occupation.
Aunt Lena was actually Erwin’s great-aunt. She was the sister of Erwin’s grandmother Hanna Holmquist. They both lived in Tustin, MI and their farms were next to each other. Florence was Lena’s daughter.
July 20, 1942, was Erwin’s parents’ 24th wedding anniversary. It’s funny how Esther refers to it as Erwin’s mom’s anniversary and doesn’t reference his dad, who was Esther’s brother!
In the letter Esther writes “Dad is quite the same.” Esther is referring to her father and Erwin’s grandfather, Peter Holmquist. Peter had been involved in a serious fall a year prior at the age of 79. I do not know the extent of his injuries. He would pass away in August of 1943. Sadly, Erwin would pass away after a serious fall more than 75 years later.
Ancestors Across the Ages 