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Filling in the blank spots, and this one is about the turquoise coat – this letter was in the ziplock of undated letters – figured out where it goes [I had just turned 6, first grade]:

November 11, 1957

“Linda is driving us crazy.  Mom she’s a TOM BOY and acts as such at school.  I’m determined for her not to wear levis to school (most do).  But she ruins everything she wears:  tears, holes, ground in dirt.  She’s harder on clothes than John is!  I don’t dare let her wear skirt you sent except to Sunday school!  I’ve lectured, explained, preached and spanked.  Well, she no longer lies – I’m thankful for that and is sweet and helpful in house but oh you should see her come home!

Her beautiful turquoise jacket and white fur is filthy.  First day she ruined it, I washed it heartbroken (it’s a beauty and expensive) and made her wear old jacket for one week.  Then let her wear it again – same thing – and always blames other children!  I gave up.

Then I bought her a lovely pair of garbardine [sic] beige pants and plaid flannel – 5.00 and I need some myself as I only own levis (one pair).  Yesterday she came home and two holes right through in knees.  I never would’ve treated my clothes like that!

So levis for her!!  And she doesn’t care!  Why try?

Today I’m going to try to get refund on lay-a-way of her clothes to apply to others.  It’s no use – we can’t afford to buy her things to ruin first day.  Maybe when she’s older she’ll care!

Meanwhile oh how I need things.  I don’t even have overshoes yet – whole family is outfitted and I have no winter coat even or wool slacks.  I’m tired of it, believe me and Bill says nothing ‘til I have money.  Meanwhile Linda ruins her clothes! ! ! !

Well, from now on I think more of myself and less for her! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Must close.  Much love Mom and thanks a million for your letters.  Give love to Cahills and next I write to Charlie.  Give HIM my love Please!

P.S.  Forgot to tell you she was crawling on cement on school pretending she was a dog! ?”

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*Age 6 – Mother’s letter – purchase of the turquoise coat

*Age 6 – Jan. 1958 First Grade in Mother’s Letters

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