This letter was written in May, 1920, just a few weeks before P.W.’s death. It is from Evelyn (Johnson) Carruth, Clara’s first cousin. Evelyn’s father, J.W. Johnson, and Clara’s mother, Gustafva, were siblings.
Evelyn has just returned home from the hospital with her newborn son and is thanking Clara for a doily. Clara has a terminally ill husband, four kids and a farm – and she still has time to make a doily? Good grief.
Here’s a photo of Evelyn from 1912 – she is the young girl in the hat, leaning forward.
305 Garfield Street
Laramie, Wyoming
May 9, 1920Dear Clara:
I received your letter yesterday when I returned from the hospital and want to thank you ever and ever so much for the doily. You are always so thoughtful, Clara – sometimes I wish I could remember you folks as well as you remember us.
We were glad to hear how all the folks are. Father had been wondering about all of you and how you were. Am sorry Will is no better, but we certainly hope he will improve. We are always so anxious to know if he is better.
The baby is fine, and I am hoping he will continue so. He is gaining in weight every day and it won’t be long now until he is growing like a weed.
We all send our love and hope to hear from you soon.
Yours,
Evelyn
Evelyn lists her address as 305 Garfield Street in Laramie. According to Google Maps, this is now a busy downtown intersection on Highway 287 in Laramie.