Here are two letters from Ida Frasier, written as thank-you notes following the 1947 Christmas holiday.
Although Ida lived in Lincoln at the time with her son Clarence, she is spending Christmas in Geneva, Nebraska with her daughter Myrtle (Frasier) Hrubesky and Myrtle’s family (husband Frank and daughters Mary Anne, Margaret and Kathryn).
Ida puts me to shame, I so rarely write thank you notes. I console myself knowing that she had a bit more time on her hands at age 83.
This is the last letter I have from Ida. She died 13 months later at the age of 84.
Dec 31, 47
Dear Roscoe and family,
I was surprised to hear all your voices Christmas morning. It made you seem closer and the day brighter. Frank was busy and has been most of the time since. He is taking a man to Lincoln today. He was not well Christmas, did not feel like eating his turkey. He was all right by Fri-Saturday. Myrtle had it, a little temperature and stomach trouble. Mary Anne a sore throat, Kathryn a cold so I stayed in my room a couple of days and did not get it.
I want to thank you Lola for the nice robe that you and Mabel gave me. It is so nice and warm. I put it on when I get up and do not dress until I have my breakfast. And the pretty hanky. The plant that the grand children had Myrtle get is a very pretty poinsettia. You tell them all thank you for me. Is Marvin moved yet? Alice sent me a lavender sweater or bed jacket and C. A. picture. Clarence and Minnie $5 for a hat and Connie Kay a box of writing paper. Nellie an apron and combs. Frank and Myrtle the radio and a bouquet of red geraniums. The girls a box of writing paper. They got themselves a radio photograph.
Roscoe I have [been] thinking about my income tax. Is it March 15 it has to be paid? Minnie wrote on her Christmas card that they would come for me whenever I wanted to come.
Thank you all for everything. With love,
Mother
Everyone that Ida mentions in this letter are children and grandchildren.
Tucked in the same envelope was a letter to Roscoe’s daughter, Thelma [Frasier] Pearson (my grandmother), who in 1947 is married and has three daughters.
Dear Thelma and family,
It was too bad you had to stay home Christmas. I hope the girls are all over having chicken pox and that they did not have it too bad. That was so kind and thoughtful of you and the others to remember me with a nice plant. It is still very pretty.
The girls here were so excited over Santa, they got up about 6 o’clock and guess they did not let their mother sleep much. It is dark and cold here today but hasn’t snowed yet. The ground is bare. I am feeling a little better. They are all very kind.
Love and best wishes to you all.
Grandmother Frasier
