This is the first in a series of letters written by Ida (Black) Frasier to her son, Roscoe Frasier. This letter was written in October of 1942 (I deduced that it was October, being the only month that fall with a Friday falling on the 16th).
The previous letter in the archive was written in 1928. Much has happened since then. Edward died in 1938, and I believe by 1942 Ida is living in Lincoln with her son Clarence. She still owns the farm, however, and this letter relays some instructions about it for Roscoe. Roscoe married Lola Timmons way back in 1913 and they had four children who survived to adulthood. The oldest three (Thelma, Ed and Marvin) are all married by now, but the youngest, Vivian, is still at home.
Mentioned in the letter are several of Ida’s children, including Clarence (apparently serving in the military), Mabel and Nellie. Ida also mentions the Russell family. According to my Aunt Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Russell and their son Jesse were longtime neighbors of Edward and Ida. They may have farmed Edward and Ida’s farm after Edward’s passing.
Fri. 16, 42
Dear folks,
I have been thinking I would write to you. I was down home and at Russells last Thursday. Mrs. Rogers said if I saw you to tell you that she would like the rubbish cleared away so she could get coal in the bin. I thought if you could manage it you could have the men that are hunting scrap iron come out with a truck and get the old range and any other old iron there is in the cob house. They would load it too. Forest Raker said in the Gazette to call him for heavy stuff. The time has been extended for another week.
I had good letter from Clarence yesterday. He is good and busy it seems. Did not know yet just what they would have him do. They would graduate Saturday 2 week and four days. They had him climbing mountains for exercise.
How is the corn picking coming. And how are you all. Nellie was over to Mabel’s talking to Bessie Sharrer who is visiting here.
Come and see me when you can.
Mother.
