Sept 1, 1933. From Mother to Boyd.
Written in September 1933, at the depths of the Great Depression, this letter captures the small decisions, travel plans, and everyday worries of a family navigating a world where money was tight, plans were uncertain, and a simple business related road trip required careful thought.
[Note: Dade Park, was the original name for Ellis Park Race Course, a thoroughbred racetrack located in Henderson, Kentucky]
Home, Sept 1, 1933
Dear Boyd-
We have heard from Uncle Bert’s folks. They are on their way to Chicago. The Auditors Convention will be held there Sept. 5th, 6th and 7th. Bert was to drive a state car and bring Gertrude, Margaret and Elbert Jr. They were to leave home this A.M.
I think that Horace, Gladys and Gibson will join me here and that Horace will drive our car. Our plan is to start Monday AM early. The Miami folks will telegraph and we shall make further plans then. Bert will be at the Congress Hotel.
Paul thinks you will be in Chicago on Labor Day. I wonder if we might meet in that small town.
Louise and I met by accident in London one day and were so surprised to see each other. Neither knew that the other would be in that region. I am forwarding a letter from Mae. There is a small package here for you from her. I shall keep it until you come or until I have information of your whereabouts – enough to send it to reach you. Boyd this trip comes at a bad time for me financially. I shall not let it cost much (unless something turns up to cost a lot). We have had the car gone over and this evening something went wrong with a coil, but I think it is easily repaired. I think our tires will hold out. We shall not drive in city traffic. I guess you will laugh. No doubt there will be a jam there on Labor day.
Paul will hold down things at home. He was delighted with his trip and was satisfied with the length of time there.
I think Louise will sail Sept. 10th arriving in N.Y. 15th. School here begins on 18th.
Dade Park races are drawing crowds.
I shall mail this to the office and let Miss Patterson forward it.
With love, Mother
p.s. Paul has a cold. I hope he doesn’t get sick. I think I shall send Mae’s letter separately. It is heavy.