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Part of a November 20, 1957 letter Mother wrote to her mother – probably in reference to what happened with the white ruffs on my parka the year I was in first grade (having just turned 6):

“Also please let’s straighten out matter of Linda once and for all.

No. I I did not write to you for advise!!!

No. II  Linda has always been dressed feminine and given as many (if not more) advantages as any girl!!

No. III  I did buy her more clothes this year and a prettier and more expensive jacket on purpose to make her feel feminine – with NO AVAIL!!  She still wears dresses to school and always does look nice! – when she leaves home!

No. IV  She looked nice up until two because she was in a play pen and stroller!!  — So does Sharon NOW!

ENOUGH SAID except please don’t pass on unwanted un needed advise air-mail please, concerning children – I only mentioned it to let you know that she is not taking care of her clothes and I feel should not wear expensive clothes until she takes care of what she now wears!!  For no other reason.

Linda always was kept nice and still is.  Her hair has always been clean and shining (no child of mine will ever have a permanent in first grade!) and her nails have always been manicured.  I have three girls and you had one – I think I am capable of caring for girls – thank you!  If you want to give advise and must why don’t you give it to Carolyn, seems Sandra [my mother’s only brother’s daughter] needs it, Linda looks feminine and always will just hasn’t matured fully but in time I’m sure she will – and never could or would be like Mimi, Diana or boyish girl you mentioned (but Sandra may – dancing lessons or not).  Probably dieting and less fussy, expensive clothes would do Sandra more good than dancing lessons at 4!!  See I have my ideas too only the difference is I keep my suggestions to myself unless asked for and usually then too as most people don’t relish advise asked for or not asked for (your clients excepted!!)

WHEW – well that’s off my chest.  You’ve always interfered with Linda and probably more reason I’ve had difficulties with her in past than her wearing levis in Glendora.

Sorry if this hurts but next summer I don’t want fusses such as in past over your well meant but unwanted suggestions.

Remember I’ll be 32 in December – not 2!  [all written very large on paper]

Love, Mildred

P.S.  I  When my temperature simmers down in a few days I’ll write a letter.”

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Relates to my “Night On the Stool” experience in these stories –

• *Age 6 – THE MARBLES
• *AGE 6 – FIRST GRADE — NIGHT ON THE STOOL
• *Age 6 – Me and Brownies in my mothers 6-4-1958 letter
• *Age 6 – Where Am I? Not In These Xmas Tree Photographs
• *Age 6 – 1st grade report card 1957-58
• *Age 6 – 1st grade individual picture
• *Age 6 – April 1958 – mountain drawings
• *Age 6 – Mother’s letter – purchase of the turquoise coat
• *Age 6 – Jan. 1958 First Grade in Mother’s Letters

and this post:  +ONE OF MOTHER’S 1957 LETTERS – INVOLVING MY GRANDMOTHER

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