Ann's Sister Ease at her 80th Birthday Dinner

..................................................................... Sisters Ease and Ann .................................................................

We drove down to Marietta to meet others of the family on Friday evening to celebrate Ease's 80th birthday. Hosted by son Stan Hudgins, also present were Don and Dian Woodruff, Fred and Sara Creighton, Pam Gonzalez, Lydia Nelson with daughters Lilly and Lainy, Michael and Linda Creighton, Ease, Ann and me - at the House of Ming Chinese Restaurant.

Second Snow of the Season

The second real snow of the season started just after dark and came down heavy for the first hour. Had it continued at that rate all night, we'd probably have had a foot or more by morning, but there was only a couple of inches on the ground. The sun came out to a cloudless sky and reflected on the snow like a thousand diamonds. Beautiful!!!

The Last of Augusta's Letters

Publishing these letters of my grandmother has been a pleasant experience for me. She was a prolific letter writer. In the fifteen years from September, 1920 until her death, she wrote 194 letters to her son Albert, and he saved them all. There's no telling how many more she wrote to others that were not saved. She had a unique way of expressing herself. The excerpts demonstrate the intense love she had for her family and give a vivid insight into what life was life in that era.

To reread them in order, scroll back to the posting of January 16, 2007.

The response I've received has been a pleasant surprise. While most have been from family members who knew the people she wrote about, others have enjoyed reading them too. If anyone would like to see the full text of any letter, let me know the date, and I'll either publish it or send a copy via email. Thanks for your interest.

Here now is the last batch...

14 Mar 1935 - "... it's been so long since I wrote you ... I almost feel like I'm out of the picture already ... it was a hard winter ..."

26 Mar 1935 - "... I am feeling better since it is warm ... reading is hard for me ... writing is easier ... I surely appreciate everything my children do for me ... I would rather though serve than be served ... but my time of serving is over ... time now hangs heavy on my hands ... Walter has been working steady at O'Berry's since Christmas ..."

23 Apr 1935 - "... we were at Martin's last Sunday ... Walter and family came in the afternoon ... "Aitchy" had the time of his life hunting Easter eggs ... he runs through the house calling Betty and 'Bakki' ... even Bunny calls (little Martin) 'Bakki' sometime. Nobody could guess the origin of 'Bakki' ... the children play nice together ... Aitchy feels perfectly at home there ..."

18 Jun 1935 - "... How well Papa holds out ... and what a poor number I am! ... mind and body a wreck ... can't remember anything ..."

Jun 1935 - "... Little Martin and Betty were our visitors over the weekend ... they are lovely children now ... and do they like to come! ... they are both on the honor roll at school ... Little W.H. watches all their movements and does all their stunts as good as they do ... Lyddi is not feeling so well ... all her teeth must come out ... there is always trouble somewhere ... a heart full of love I'm sending to my darling ... it's all I have ... May God bless you ..."


Augusta (Jox) Berg died on 26 July 1935 after a massive stroke. The following letter from her husband, Rev. Fred Berg, was written to Augusta’s sister, Mary, describing her last few hours.


Tampa, Florida
July 30, 1935

Dear Mary,

Just a few lines in answer to your dear letter ... we all thank you for your loving words of sympathy and comfort.

Last Wednesday morning Gusta got up at 6:30, had her breakfast, washed the dishes, brushed floors, made up the beds, got things ready for lunch, and after Lydia got home from summer school, partook of the lunch with appetite. After lunch she wrote a letter to Dora. Towards evening she sewed on a rug for Clemmie. She was called in to supper, ate heartily.

I was the first to get up from the table, then Madge got up to go to Walter's. Lydie also got up, but standing in the doorway noticed a queer expression on Gusta's face. Returning after a minute, Lydia saw Gusta's face drawn up and asked her what was the matter. She called Madge back who was just crossing the front yard and called me from the front porch. When we got there we saw that she had had a stroke and procured help to get her to bed. She mumbled that there was nothing the matter, (but) her left arm and left side were limp. She (tossed) all night, conscious at moments. Thursday we had more hope, but Thursday night she had a hemorrhage in the brain. Friday morning she began dying, but lingered till one o'clock. Her body was taken to a funeral home.

Theodore arrived Saturday, Albert came Sunday. The funeral was held at the funeral home yesterday. A simple service was held in accordance with Gusta's oft expressed wish ... How fortunate it was that Madge had last week off, also Martin had a few days off at weekend. And Albert's school was out. The coffin was loaded with flowers. The four sons, Mac, and a neighbor were the pallbearers.

Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we know that she is at home and at rest. She now has what she hoped for and sees what she has believed. We miss her at every turn in the house and the tears flow. My poor girls are thinking of what they might have done for Mother but did not do. But I know they did their best, and you know it too.

God will help us bear this affliction. With our love to you and all of yours,

Sorrowfully,
Fred

Grandma Augusta's Letters - 22nd Batch

18 May 1934 - "... many things I want to tell you ... there is Mrs. Fleagle ... she lost the apartment house ... her long sickness ... renters didn't pay, and left with broken furniture ... happy to be home again ... are times really getting better? ... I can't see anything in our circles ... some people who have plenty already, are making fortunes out of the New Deal, while the poor people go without ... it provides good fat salaries for the already overstuffed officers of the New Deal ... so long as there is still eleven million unemployed, I can't see it their way ... to me it seems just a new kind of gangsterism ... Did you know that Mr. Tillman, Madge's boss, is running for state senator? ... running against Whitaker ... maybe you know what a good friend of mine he is ... he is a dishonest skunk! ... hope Tillman will win ..."

9 Jun 1934 - "... Walter is having so much trouble with his chickens ... I'm afraid he risked too much for the first experiment ... poor boy ... he's worked so hard, thinking he could make a living out of it ..."

16 Aug 1934 - "... Lydie is out house hunting ... we must leave here by September first ..."

Aug 1934 - "... found something that answers our needs ... at a cost of $2,500 ... $250 down and $25 monthly ... Lydie borrowed the $250 out of her life insurance policy ... it is on Tolliver Street ... just one street below Wilson ... about six blocks from here ... everybody thinks it a good buy ... it has four bedrooms and an upstairs that could be fixed up if necessary ... we are moving Friday, this week ..."

Sep 1934 - "... O, my Allie, to think that your mother forgot your birthday! I could cry. Never before did I forget one of my children's birthdays ... all this moving and excitement took my memory away ... O, I never thought I could ever get like this ... Allie, my darling, please don't hold it against me ... old age is not pleasant when the mind wears down ..."

20 Sep 1934 - "... this terrible forgetfulness makes me feel so blue ... I can't trust a thing to my memory anymore ... it is a terrible cross to bear ... much worse even than not being able to hear ... Walter and Clemmie are moved and settled now ... Clemmie rented out the front room to Sadie ... Little Betty started school last Monday ... she did not like to go ..."

17 Oct 1934 - "... saw Walter and family last night ... W.H. is beginning to talk now ... says most anything, but I can't understand him ... but the rest can ... Lyddi is crazy about that baby ... he told his Daddy some time ago that 'Muvvie's' lawnmower was dirty (meaning her carpetsweeper) ... Clemmie bakes a lot of Kaffenkuchen and they always bring Grandma some ... Betty likes school now and is getting along fine ... Martin is working part time again for the Spartan company ... Lyddi is in good spirits ..."

Grandma Augusta's Letters - 21st Batch

8 Feb 1934 - "... they found a house ... it's about a mile from here ... they moved there yesterday ... for the time being the question about this house is settled ... but no telling how soon it will pop up again ... they are not anxious for it just yet ... Walter had this house refinanced on 6% interest ... that will make it easier for him ... I hope taxes will be reduced ..."

19 Feb 1934 - "... Martin is at work again ... now in the office ... lifts heavy bags all day long ... with reduced salary ... he looks so thin ... guess he has trouble aplenty ... We were at Walter's for dinner last Sunday ... baby calls me 'Bama' ... he imitates every sound I make ... Walter has no job yet ..."

6 Mar 1934 - "... Last Sunday, on Walter's birthday, we had quite a lively time here. Walter and his family, and Martin and family were here to celebrate. They all enjoyed themselves immensely ... I believe these occasional gatherings are a great family tie ... it helps to keep the members of the family together ... it is such a comfort to me to know my children are in harmony and peace with each other ... W.H. falls in line with everything ... and Betty and Martin are so careful with him ... Walter is trying a little in the chicken business ... bought 50 chicks and will get more ..."

24 Mar 1934 - "... Little did I realize that you would be gone for three years ... so long since I saw you last ..."

24 Apr 1934 - "... what you say about Roosevelt and his coworkers, I answer with the same as I always said ... Roosevelt assumed for himself the power of the Almighty ... to me his assumption seems nothing less than arrogance ... How can a mere human with but his own ability successfully fight selfishness and greed, which is the cause of all our trouble ... one never hears of Roosevelt, nor any of the big guys turning to the Lord for wisdom and help as the really big men did in all ages past. Roosevelt will not succeed unless he changes his tactics ... I know you will not agree with me, but I can't see it any other way ... Walter has 600 chicks now ... adds 50 every week ... in a few weeks the first ones will be ready for market ... wish him well ... I hope and pray he will succeed ... I see the two Walters every day ... Clemmie three times a week ... the house doesn't cry for paint yet ... you sure did a good job ... we are all so poor ... can't have no painting nor anything else done now ..."

15 May 1934 - "... We went to Martin's for dinner ... Walter and family went to Dade City ... Lydia took care of the chickens ... she had the best time ... Lydia just loves all kinds of animals ... I think Walter is through the worst now ... two weeks ago he sold his first 6 and last week he sold 13 weighing 2 1/2 pounds ... he is aiming to sell 100 a week ... wholesale he gets 25 cents a pound ... he has 900 chicks now ... puts in more every week ... Martin is going to make a change ... this is his last week with the Spartan people ... he can't live on the salary he's getting ... $15 a week ... the children are getting to be real eaters now ... must make payments on his place ... you would be surprised to see him now ... lost 60 pounds ... looks so tired ... he is going to sell sanitary articles ... all kinds of sprays and that line ... all on commission ... has Tampa and St.Petersburg and surroundings. Times seem to be just as hard as ever ... I wish you could see the children ... growing like weeds ... well behaved children ... I think little Martin will be a very practical boy ... Betty is so soft and sweet ... but if you see her in her usual attire, you would take her for a little boy ... she never wears dresses ... W.H. loves to come here and roam around in the yard ... doesn't talk much yet ... how I would like to see little Adelaide! ..."

The Bergs at Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Tennessee

A short break from Augusta’s letters. It was one fine weekend in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Tennessee when Larry and Debbie came from Florida and John, Barbara, and Jordan came from Virginia to join us for a mini-reunion to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary. The picture below was taken at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theater as we entered for the show.

Left to Right: John, Barbara, Jordan, Debbie, Larry, Walter, Ann

Augusta's Letters - Batch #20

Summer 1933 - "... Miss Allen, the nurse, is renting Miller's house ... she is a very good neighbor ... just think of the thousands and thousands of young people who are out of work! It almost makes me hide my face in shame of our high praised culture and civilization ... what have we to brag of anyway? ... Civilization, Culture, Progress? ... Shame on it all ... poor Mrs. Fleagle did two foolish things in her life: marrying an old man, and building the apartment house ... it's a terrible load ... Papa came home a week ago ... he is well ... talks about little dollbaby Adelaide so much ... Patricia was such a beautiful baby too ..."

Summer 1933 - "... Madge didn't get a vacation last year and it is telling on her ... did she tell you when she would take her vacation? ... she is so mum about everything ... she is more close-mouthed than ever ... I do hope that you can get together ... Lyddi never has any vacation ... but she seems to stand the strain better ... it makes me feel so bad that I am such trouble now ... and economy must be practiced on all ends ... I am of no use to anybody ... it looks like I never will be again ... Walter has no job yet ... I don't think he is looking for one just yet ... says he'll find something this fall ... they kept enough groceries from the store to last all summer ... they pay only $5 rent for a little furnished place ... they don't seem to be worried ... and this gives Walter a chance to enjoy his boy ... Clemmie says he takes care of him more than she does ... Today is Martin's 10th anniversary ..."

4 Sept 1933 - "... Happy Birthday! ... 40 years already ... it doesn't seem so long ... may the dear Lord's blessings be ever and ever with you! ... Papa is leaving tomorrow ... will spend a few days with Walter and a few days with Teddy ... School begins the 13th ... this will be his last year ..."

24 Oct 1933 - "... Last week Martin brought Bunny to her Aunt Nettie's and Betty stayed with me ... I had her all to myself ... she is the best child I ever saw ... an angel baby ... never caused me the least rouble ... but as soon as Martin came Friday evening, they had a cute fist fight about who shall sleep with Aunt Madge ... Yes, Betty can defend herself ..."

9 Nov 1933 - "... prices are going up here ... a few months ago we got milk for 13 cents a quart and butter for 25 cents a pound ... now we pay 15 cents for milk and 30 cents for butter ... N.R.A. only makes living harder ... N.R.A. ... what a laugh! ... Did Roosevelt really think that he, a human, could bring the change about that he is calling for, which means a change of heart ... that only the Almighty can accomplish ... Roosevelt was well acquainted with all this hellish condition and the people who brought it about ... does he think he can be a substitute for the Almighty? ... I listened to his first N.R.A. talk, and understood fairly well what he was saying ... the first thing I said afterward was: 'That man bit off more than he can chew'. I believe conditions here are worse than they were ... more and more go on relief and forget all about work ... and plenty are turning to gangsters ... what a condition! ... with no work, they must busy themselves with something ..."

6 Jan 1934 - "... well, the Christmas excitement is over ... there was excitement aplenty ... Patricia, of course, was the main excitement ... we were so happy to have her with us ... Patricia and Aunt Lyddi walked to town to see Santa Claus every day ... and he brought her exactly what she asked for ... a doll, a doll trunk, a wrist watch, a telephone, two dresses, nice silk underwear, socks, and a sweater suit ... she said she was the happiest little girl in Tampa ... the doll goes everywhere she goes ... she says the doll is as big as Adelaide ... Patricia has such beautiful features, but she is so fat ..."

16 Jan 1934 - "... Walter is coming back to Tampa next week some time ... he has no job yet ... Walter and Martin are talking of going into the chicken business ... I can't get enthused about that ... Lyddi works so hard ... since my sickness she takes all the responsibilities of the household upon herself ... who else would do it? ... and when she comes home worn out and tired ... then she must study evening after evening ... never a moment to relax ... A sin was committed when she was not given the same chance in her young years that Madge had ... but don't let her know that I suggested that ... when Walter comes we will live together till things are arranged ... if he could only find a job! ... if he finds a job in Tampa, it might mean a greater change for us ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #19

18 Apr 1933 - "... I buy my eggs from Martin ... as many as he can spare ... pay him 20 cents a dozen ... but on the fruit truck I can get just as fresh eggs for 18 cents ... butter at the A&P came down to 27 cents ... Martin was here with his bunch for a short time last night ... They (the children) just love to take something home with them, like they used to when they lived on Wilson Ave... but one must have what the other has ... often little Betty will ask what have you got to take home for 'me'? ... and how they do love to eat here! ... and if they just had their supper, they'll sit down in the kitchen with Madge and eat a piece of jelly bread and drink a little milk. They are two interesting kids ... Betty is getting to look like Ruth more and more. Martin beats Betty in looks ... he is a very interesting looking child ... has a beautiful figure ..."

24 Apr 1933 - "... just want to tell you this (about the surprise you sent them) ... after going through the prescribed ceremony, Madge opened the box and fell back in the chair screaming and laughing ... O, that naughty Allie ... you know how she always felt about the old pictures of her ... well, we had a good laugh ... but I don't think the picture is so bad if it wouldn't be for the hats ... that's just the way they looked 30 years ago ... and I wonder what the next generation will think of the popular hats of today? ... and did Martin laugh! ... he took it along to show Bunny ... We let Mrs. Walker go ... Lyddi will be home now ... Madge is still plowing along as always ... Martin and his bunch are well and happy ... Betty is an awful sweet child ... I was at church yesterday for the early service, and took communion ..."

4 May 1933 - "... this has been my sentiment for a long time ... we are a doomed people unless we let ethics, morals, and character to be equal in development with our progress in inventions ... I've gotten to where I hate inventions ... they are partly the cause of our misery we are going through now ... machines are now put in the place of man ... and man can starve while the inventor and his ilk reap their fortune and fame ... the words 'science' and 'invention' nauseate me ... Walter sold his business ... do not know what's next ... Martin and bunch are happy on their farm ... conditions do not seem to be any better ... Martin gets only $18 a week now, but they make out ... Lyddi would like to go to Bowling Green for the summer ... she must borrow the money ..."

14 May 1933 - "... for a mother to know that she is loved by her children is all the reward she would ask for ... I got another great big Mothers Day pleasure ... Little Walter presented himself to his grandmother ... Walter is the proudest father ever. He takes care of that baby like a mother ... he feeds it (it's a bottle baby) and changes his dities ... and you ought to hear him talk to the baby ... I never saw such a happy couple as Walter and Clemmie ... Clemmie says she has the most wonderful husband in the world ... Walter sold out his business without a loss whatever ... they are now taking a little vacation to present the baby to its grandmothers ... after that he will look around for a job ... says he is not worried ... they intend to stay in Orlando for a while ... they rented a small place in the same neighborhood ... and now about our little argument ... I don't mean to condemn the machine in itself, but the man who runs the machinery ... as long as man is man ... selfishness, envy and greed are the sins of the ages, and these sins are, to the greater part, imbedded in the hearts of men ... I can't see it any other way, but that machinery is blocking the way of support for the common people ... I say again I have no use for this so called 'science' and 'invention' ... we would be better off without them ... of course, there is no rule without exceptions ... but I am thinking of it as a whole ..."

6 June 1933 - "... Martin came early for our trip to the country ... we enjoyed a glorious day ... the children were so happy ... they are sure two fine youngsters ... Betty always was an angel baby ... but Martin too is getting to be such a sensible little fellow ... he is very much interested in airplanes ... I hope he'll wear that off ... it surely is an ideal place where they are living ... they are out of sight for everybody ... a little distance off the main road ... a perfect place for rest ... Martin lives in the trees ... Betty can't climb so high yet ... I don't think Martin could have made a better move ..."

Jun 1933 - "... Clemmie is baking bread herself now ... when they were here they ate lunch at Martin's once ... and Walter ate so much of Bunny's homemade bread, that she decided she too would learn to bake bread ... she writes she has very good success, and feels quite proud of her accomplishment ... Clemmie sure is a fine girl. Bunny has changed so much since living in the country ... she does all her own baking, even bakes whole wheat bread for me every week ... she is getting right brave ... does what comes her way ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #18

Jan 1933 - "Writing goes a little better than it did the last time, but it is still very hard for me ... I am improving slowly ... I am still in bed the greater part of the time ..."

3 Jan 1933 - "... Well, Clemmie's time is coming nearer and nearer ... they expect the little visitor by February. I wish it was over ... Clemmie is feeling fine, and they are both so happy."

13 Jan 1933 - "... Do you get your pay in real money now for teaching? ... the girls too are under heavy strain ... Lyddi was cut $30 a month, and no telling how long this term will last ... Mrs. Walker does all the work around here now ... she is fine ... she charges $7 a week ..."

1 Feb 1933 - "... Schools ought to be put on federal responsibility ... they are having an awful time here ... no money ... Walter was here last Monday ... he closed up O'Berry's books ... I believe he did it last year too ... the little visitor is expected either the last part of this month or the first of next ... it would be a nice birthday gift for Wallie ... I am now realizing that I am an old woman!"

14 Feb 1933 - "... I am afraid I never will be what I was before ... my travelling days are done ... my sickness cost the girls plenty ... and so little coming in ... poor Lyddi is so discouraged sometimes ... there might be a possibility of Walter coming back ... it's getting awfully hard for them ... things are getting worse all the time ... I think he could get back on at O'Berry's any time ... we would then stay all together in this house till the problem is worked out ... of course that won't be just yet ... they are expecting their little visitor in a few weeks ... you are asking about Martin ... he is better off now than he was in the time of the boom ... he bought 5 acres of land with a house on, about 9 miles from here for $500 ... paying it off at $10 a month ... without interest ... he figures should business get on the rocks, he could raise a little for himself anyway ... taxes are only $9 a year ... he is holding his own in the feed business ... the company bought him a new car ... Betty is such a little darling ... Martin too is a fine little fellow ... nobody could tell if Betty's head gets red under the hair ... she has such heavy hair ... almost white ... Brownie had 8 pups again last week ... by the way, Beardstown is hard hit too ... they moved the railroad shop away from there ..."

20 Feb 1933 - "... Papa seems to be in better condition than he was any winter before ... says he never even had a cold and can sleep like a log ... wish I could say that ... I suffer much from sleeplessness ... sometimes I see dawn before I fall asleep ... I was out in the yard Saturday ... walked around quite awhile ..."

10 Mar 1933 - "Here comes the good long expected news. I, and we all feel so relieved ... now Clemmie has her little Wallie, as she always called the little visitor. I know they are the happiest, proudest parents ever ... another March baby ... the telegram came about 8 o'clock ..."

20 Mar 1933 - "I want to satisfy you first about the baby's little personality. This is the report of things all around Orlando from Mrs. Croft: There is no hat big enough in Orlando now to fit Walter ... and for me not to worry about Clemmie ... she is well taken care of ... has a very good doctor and nurse ... and is doing fine ... Baby is 21 inches long, has blue eyes and black hair, light brown and dark lashes, a nice little round head and little Scotch ears pasted close to his head. Now, can you picture him? I can hardly wait till I see him ... Walter said he never sold so much as he did since the baby arrived ... it is just too bad there is no work for the people ... it's a fine community out there ... in normal times, I'm sure they would make good out there ... well, we'll soon know what the near future will bring. I hope Roosevelt will speed up employment for the people with the same interest as he did the banking business. To me it seems that needs first attention now ... I went to Martin's last Sunday ... did a good deal of walking too around the place ... I do think Martin struck a bargain ... the house isn't so much but it answers the purpose, and the children are very happy there. They have electric lights but no bathroom. They must use a wash tub. There is a little room that would just be suitable for a bathroom ... sometime if he can afford it, they will make a bathroom out of it ... we had to get along without a bathroom too till we came to Greensboro ..."

21 Mar 1933 - "... when you dwell on the beautiful music you are hearing and on the worthwhile things you are seeing, you make my mouth water. I am so glad you can enjoy all of this ... Mine has been a very common every day life, with never a treat for the soul ... duty, duty, nothing but duty. The things that were put in my reach, never really appealed to me ... they were just as common as my life. But why should I complain. It was the lot assigned to me ... and why complain at this hour in life ... what a folly! ... No, I shall cheerfully follow my old course, stimulated with the overwhelming beauty of the near future ... and I had my compensation too ... more, maybe, than others had ... I certainly have much to be thankful for ... we are all poor ... and sometime I am thankful even for our poverty ... after all, it is the easiest burden to carry ... and the Lord always helped us over the tough ends of the road ... if one has to fight for everything one has, it is appreciated more than if one has everything thrown in his lap. Martin says business is terrible ... he fears the worst ... haven't heard from Walter and Clemmie ... they don't complain and don't brag."

1 Apr 1933 - "This is April first, but it's no April fool message that I am going to tell you now. I will let the telegram speak for itself ... Now, what do you think of that? It was a complete surprise to me ... The girls though knew it for months, but Tillie did not want them to tell me on account of my condition ... Well, another March baby (Adelaide) in the family ... Little Wallie's just 3 weeks older ... I only hope Tillie will fare well ... financial conditions are terrible at Theo's ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #17

9 Jan 1932 - "... this world is turning into a big madhouse ... who ever heard of a time when the teachers weren't paid their salaries? Tell me, how do the teachers exist? Such conditions! ... no money for anything ... only the gangsters and politicians ... Madge and Lyddi went to St. Petersburg today for a visit ... Mr. Fleagle is still very feeble ... can hardly talk ... his nephew is here and takes care of him ... poor Mrs. Fleagle! We all had a nice Christmas ... the children are so sweet ... Betty ordered a toolchest ... hammer and screwdriver, pliers and nails ... she got it, of course, and is so proud of it ... no dolls for Betty! ..."

4 Feb 1932 - "... Lyddi is working her head off ... not quite so cheerful as before ... account of the bus ride home ... morning bus is not so crowded and does not stop so much ... stopping every few seconds shakes her up so ... I wish she would apply next year at Hillsborough ... she loses so much time going back and forth ..."

18 Feb 1932 - "... Lydia puts her whole soul into her work ... every nerve in her body is strained to the utmost ... still, school doesn't drain her as much as those awful bus rides ... had a letter from Walter yesterday ... he wants to take me to Orlando for a few weeks visit ... I wrote him that I would go at the close of school ..."

5 May 1932 - "... Poor Lyddi was so happy in her work, but the school board's action dampened her contentment ... sometime ago they announced a 15% salary cut ... then they announced that there was not enough money in the treasury to run the schools for nine months ... so now they are putting the teachers on half pay for nine months. I don't see how they can get along ... why don't they do away with football, basketball, baseball, etc... we don't need those things in times like this ..."

May 1932 - "... Papa writes that Teddy is making very little. They have their garden ... and manage somehow ... the poor teachers must offer their hides to even out the budget, while the big fat gluttons of politicians and office holders are drawing their fat salaries ... there are just as many gangsters in high offices as there are in the underworld ... and they reign over the ballot box ... this nation is doomed ... Lyddi is quite cool about it ... it's not the amount of money that counts, but the blessing the Lord puts on it. And really, I am quite thankful for our poverty. Poor people don't have to face the dangers of the rich ..."

5 Jun 1932 - "... Lyddi will not attend summer school this summer ... she is pretty worn out ... she needs to relax a little ... everything is much cheaper than it used to be ... we can manage ... next week I am going for a short visit with Walter and Clemmie ... Papa won't resign as we thought he would ... they seem to be working out a new plan for the institution ..."

7 Jun 1932 - "This is just to let you know that I am here (Orlando) ... Walter and Clemmie are well and happy ... they both look fine ... you would be surprised to see Clemmie ... she is getting fat ... they are living over the store ... they pay $50 a month rent for all ... it's furnished ... business is nothing to brag about ... but they are making a living ... they are a very happy couple ... I thought they were somewhat isolated out here, but I was surprised ... plenty of neighbors and nice homes all around ... and they are very congenial with their neighbors ..."

12 Jun 1932 - "... now I am going to tell you something about my trip ... just had a fine time ... enjoyed being with the children so much ... a happier couple you won't find anywhere ... they live the ideal life ... no boss to be considered ... they can run the business to suit themselves ... it is a neighborhood store ... just like a family ... everybody carries their joys and troubles to the store ... and Walter and Clemmie listen to them talk sympathetically, but must be just as tactful as a parsonage ... I told them it reminded me of old times ... if they don't see Clemmie downstairs they go upstairs to have a chat with her ... they were happy to see Mr. Berg's mother ... several of them told me how much they thought of my children ... but it wasn't always that way ... the children had a hard row to hoe at first ... the people hated the store on account of the former owner ... then Clemmie went to see them all herself one at a time ... and I guess her friendly face won ... and broke down the ill feeling of the people ... Walter said they would make money if the people only had work ... as it is they have to be satisfied to just make a living ... they both certainly have the good will and respect of the community ..."

27 Jul 1932 - "... today is Martin and Bunny's wedding anniversary ... 9 years. Papa came home last Wednesday feeling and looking fine ... he said you boys treated him so nice..."

5 Aug 1932 - "... I was shocked to hear that after almost two months you have not yet looked up Aunt Mary and Aunt Dora ... you should have postponed one of your sightseeing trips rather than postpone looking up Aunt Mary ... I know how I would feel if one her children treated me that way ... and I know too how A.J. would feel if someone near and dear to him would so utterly ignore him ... judge for yourself ... anyway call her up ... she deserves a little consideration. Martin and his bunch were over last night ... no chance for writing with all that commotion ..."

22 Aug 1932 - "... Papa wants to go back to Greensboro ... this will be the last time. He will leave in a few weeks ... wants to stop by Walter's for a few days and also at Pine Bluff ... he has been real well this summer ..."

Dec 1932 - "... Poor Lyddi looks awful bad ... her life really has been nothing but one disappointment after another ... my sickness hit her terrible hard ... she has worked so hard in that terrible heat ... and only 18 more papers to work out when I got sick ... and now all of her hard summer's work is lost ... and her money too ... I have made wonderful improvement ... I suffered so terrible from awful head pain ... the poor girls suffered with me ... had an awful spell yet a week ago ... but that was the last ... I drop asleep sometimes before I finish my prayer ... now, a little surprise ... there is a little Walli or a little Clemmie on the way ... Albert, if you can write Papa a few lines, he is so anxious to hear from you ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #16

30 Aug 1926 - "... Baby is getting so independent ... doesn't want to be led by the hand ... and always makes for the street ... he and Papa are great friends ... Papa gets him over every afternoon for an outing ..."

16 Sep 1926 - "... I didn't know what to think ... thought you were lost or something ... till I heard from you today ... but still don't have your address ... sending this to the high school ... we expected you to come over on your birthday, but no Allie ... Lyddi baked you a cake but no birthday boy ... Lyddi looks much better ... she sure deserved this rest ... we are both enjoying being together again ... we talk and talk and talk ..."

9 Dec 1926 - "... So you'll only have a week at Christmas ... Papa won't have more than that either ... Tillie and baby are coming along with Papa, and maybe Theo too, but Papa wasn't sure of that. I am so anxious to see Patricia ... wonder how our two babies will carry on together ..."

28 Apr 1927 - "... I can't ... write anymore ... too tired, body and mind, to think. I believe my nerves are on strike ... not being able to hear is hard on the nerves, but not being able to speak and express your thoughts in the proper words, is still harder ... gone, all gone... I felt this blankness coming on me a long time already ... but my will power always helped me out and forced itself through that bundle of nerves ... but even that seems to be gone now ... don't ever mention it, but I believe it is Lyddi's case that is wearing me out so. O, how I hate to see her go again! ... the whip was hanging over our head so close, for the 11th of May was speedily nearing ... she hoped, of course, but there was no assurance ... but yesterday, she heard from Washington ... from the Board of Labor ... she has an extension until November 1st ... we are happy about that ... she is working fearful hard ... some time in May she will finish school ..."

10 May 1929 - "... last year this time Lyddi had heaps and heaps of trouble waiting for her ... but she held out courageously in the struggle and will come out the winner ... and, O, Allie, we owe you so much! Without your help she could never have found her way out. The kindness you showed her will reap fruit ... and if she can get a school here at home, she will have a chance to soon pay you back ... It seems as if Martin too has an outlook for a job ... he took his examination with the Purina Feed Co. and made 96. He is promised a job at the next opening. Walter expects to stay in Orlando all summer ... comes home on weekends ... he looks real well, but is getting so slender his clothes just hang on him ... but he claims he weighs 206 pounds ... he seems to be cheerful ..."

22 May 1929 - "... school closing is near ... does West Palm keep the full 9 months of school? ... I sure wish Lyddi could get a position here ... everything is always so uncertain. If I had Lyddi with me and Martin at work again ... what a load would be lifted ... Little Betty is the sweetest angel child ... she smiles and kicks at everybody and when she is left alone she smiles at the angels. I never saw such a darling child ... I am playing in the yard now to my hearts content. All day, time to play! ... Pay us a visit with the first opportunity ..."

9 Sep 1929 - "Congratulations to you ... my thoughts go back 36 years ... it is all so plain ... how happy I was! ... I think it was because little Gustav was taken away that you were so welcome ... Lydia has accepted a position in the Lake City High School as commercial teacher at $125 a month ... she couldn't get anything in Tampa ..."

30 Jul 1931 - "... July 10, a girl from West Palm, Mabel Stevens, called here to see you. I didn't see her ... Papa talked to her ... she said to tell you they were missing you ... Madge is spending the night at Indian Rocks with a bunch of girls ..."

7 Aug 1931 - "... I don't see why scientists with their gigantic wisdom and knowledge don't get busy and do something useful, instead of figuring out the mileage from one star to another, and figuring out the ... years it takes to evolve from a louse to an elephant ... why not try to can the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter? ... that would be something useful ..."

14 Aug 1931 - "... received my birthday letter Sunday. Thank you so much for your good wishes. Also received the other letter and gift. I certainly appreciate your kind and loving thoughts of me, but I can't accept such a big gift from you boys at this time, when you both have to struggle for your existence ... please don't be offended ... your love and affection is the thing I will always accept ... We were all invited to Martin's for my birthday ... Walter was here too and Lyddi ... we were all together but you and Teddy ... Betty was so happy to have so many people around her ..."

1 Oct 1931 - "... Lyddi says that the bunch at Plant think she is only holding your place for you ... they are expecting you back again ... how funny! ... When they saw the announcement of Walter's wedding in the paper, they came to her real excited and wanted to know was that our Mr. Berg. Allie, I think that they thought more of you than you thought ... Well, were you surprised? Walter told me last summer ... said it was to be kept a secret till they can live together. Walter said they got married secretly on account of business reasons. They had a plan, but it did not materialize ... Guess Madge wrote you all about it ... told you about the announcement ... Saturday they will both quit O'Berry ... Walter was here as a member of this family for the last time last week. It was hard for me to see him go ... we will all miss him. Clemmie will meet Walter in Orlando Saturday ... then they will immediately leave for Daytona Beach for a short vacation ... while there they will look around for a place in a small town where they could open up a little business for themselves. They are not out to make money, just a living. Walter would like a little land with it where he could make a garden and raise chickens. It would do Walter good if he could do some outside work. Can you imagine that nobody at the office had any idea that they were even sweethearts ... the announcement came like a flash of lightning to them. Of course, O'Berry had to be told months ago ... so he could look around for another man. I know they both feel easier now since they can move in the open. I think they will be a very happy couple ... both are so round and solid. I don't think Walter could have found a better companion. May God bless them!"

18 Nov 1931 - "... Papa says Theo is awful hard hit ... can't make any collections at all ... and all his other income is falling off ... nobody has any money there ... NC is worse off than Florida ... he thinks he will have to go bankrupt and lose everything ... trying to find some way out of it ... poor boy! ... Just had a letter from Clemmie ... they are beginning to like it real well ... are satisfied so far ... Martin and Bunny seem to be quite satisfied in the country ... little Martin likes it much better than in town ... he enjoys his bus rides ... did I tell you that he won a star the other week for reading? ... Little Betty is getting to be a little chatterbox ... she is jabbering all day ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #15

18 Oct 1925 - "... Do you remember six years ago today? Six long years for our poor Lyddi! ... Baby (Martin, Jr.) is so cute and darling ... he has a little devil that he plays with now. It's a little rubber red devil that you can blow up like a tire. You ought to see Baby get excited about that thing ... he pulls his tail and hollers! ... Papa is back from his Indiana trip! ... Martin has no work yet ... real estate selling is nothing for a Berg ... I wish to goodness he would find something sure. But if it's worrying him, he keeps it under cover ..."

2 Nov 1925 - "... Walter went to Orlando again yesterday ... he was there the greater part of last week ... expects to be there a whole month ... don't know what his work is there ... he keeps us supplied with all kinds of canned goods ... just glanced at the Beardstown paper ... they must have some awful cold weather up north ... the early cold weather is driving a lot of people to Florida ..."

9 Feb 1926 - "... Martin moved today ... Mr. Fleagle lowered the rent to $45 ... this one is downstairs ... Bunny and Baby can get out better from downstairs ... no rain since Christmas ..."

8 Mar 1926 - "... I know I have neglected you shamefully ... but I just can't help it ... I am most of the time so confused that I can't think sharp enough to write ... it's an awful cross to bear ... not to be able to think straight ... you are young yet and your mind is alert ... I know you will laugh at me ... Walter had a birthday letter from Lyddi ... not much ... just congratulations ..."

26 Mar 1926 - "... I'm going to have Lenchen's birthday dinner next Sunday ... Martin and Bunny will be here, of course ... Baby is getting so cute ... he crawls all over the house ... he loves to come over in our yard and sit in the grass and look at the chickens ..."

7 Apr 1926 - "... Walter had an awful cold ... coughed and coughed ... reminded me of two years ago ... Doctor says it's only a cold though and nothing to worry about ..."

1 May 1926 - "... guess Lenchen wrote you that Walter had the roof shingled. Now we don't have to use a tub anymore in the kitchen when it rains ..."

26 May 1926 - "... Papa doesn't know himself yet how the thing will turn out. He would like to retire very much though. Don't know just when he'll be home ... Baby is practicing walking a little more every day ..."

5 Aug 1926 - "... Martin was just here ... he got a telegram from Lenchen ... she will be home next Sunday ... I wonder why she hurries home so! ... she has a full week's vacation left ... guess she is homesick for Baby ... our yard looks very pretty now ... Papa mows it once a week ... I do the rest ... hear nothing from Lyddi ..."

11 Aug 1926 - "... You'll never guess what a grand surprise came to me today ... Lyddi came home today! The mother died a week ago last Sunday. She nursed her to the last. She put Ossorio in a sanitarium in Havana and sold all their belongings. She doesn't have any special plans ... would like to stay in Tampa ... if she can find a settled position, she will have him come over ... he is in bed most of the time ... she looks awful thin and haggard ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #14

May 1925 - "... Papa was here ... came Friday afternoon and left yesterday. Papa's face is getting littler every day. I do wish he would wear his teeth ... Baby is beginning to walk now ..."

Jul 1925 - "... Papa left for Ridgeway yesterday ... will preach there today ... Now, honey, concerning our discussion regarding Biblical doctrine ... I just want to say this ... I don't want you to change your conviction, if conviction it really is (which I refuse to accept), but I beg you to prayerfully and devoutedly study your Bible ... O, Allie, my own dear Allie, take the Bible truth of the person of Christ away (call it doctrine if you will), then the whole Bible is worse than shenanigan. Our salvation rests in the one doctrine: Jesus Christ ... true God, and true Man ... born of the virgin Mary ... O, Allie, I wish I had the gift of speech and could argue, but it isn't given to me. I put it in the hands of the best lawyer ever. He himself will argue my case with you ... I'll not worry ..."

6 Jul 1925 - "... We are having hot weather here ... just as hot as Florida ... the heat doesn't seem to be hurting Walter any ... he feels just fine ... just a year ago now when he as put to bed ... now, what a change! ... We were at Theo's yesterday and left Papa there for a little work in the garden ... it'll do him good to get a little exercise ... Baby is the dearest little angel. She walks bare footed now ... Guess Martin is in Tampa now ... had just a few words from Bunny ... she is ready to move to Frierson Ave. ... I know Lenchen will be happy to have (them) with her ..."

15 Jul 1925 - "...Teddy and Walter are working so hard now, getting ready for peach shipping ... Teddy is looking thinner every time I see him ... worries so much ... he is a pessimist ... They were out every day last week trying to secure peaches for their shipment. Walter seems to stand it very well ..."

21 Jul 1925 - "Walter intends to be on his way back on September 1st ... I think he probably has a reason for it ... Walter is having much trouble with his car ... it is very doubtful if that Lizzie can make the trip home ... He has been using his car buying up peaches. They are shipping now ... been shipping two carloads every day for the last few days ... it might last another week after this ... they'll make good ... after peaches are over they want to ship watermelons ... this might be a pointer as to Walter's future work in Florida ... but he would have to work on the east coast. But I know nothing ... just guessing ... Walter is going at it from 6 am till almost 10 at night ... had a letter from Aunt Mary today from South Hampton, England ..."

28 Jul 1925 - "... only five more weeks here! Walter is very busy ... today they shipped four cars ..."

5 Aug 1925 - "... time is getting short ... Walter wants to leave here the 27th to be there on first of September. He wants to give O'Berry a lift for a month ... then in October he intends to go to Miami to ship vegetables ... I can't say I am pleased with that O'Berry business ... I will insist that he go to Dr. Adamson first ... He seems to have plenty of pep ... peaches are all over now ... they are shipping watermelons, but there is not as much in it as peaches ... probably Theo will go to Miami later too ... I guess there is something in that shipping business. If Theo comes to Florida, Tillie and baby will come too ... Martin and Bunny are living in the house now ..."

12 Aug 1925 - "... had a letter from Lyddi for my birthday ... was so glad to hear from her ... Tillie had a big birthday spread for me ... wonder what you'll do about your trip ... I like it here with the children very much, but now I am ready to go home. We will leave August 26th ... only 2 weeks ... am anxious to see my yard again. Lenchen writes that Pee Wee keeps things looking real nice ... don't know how to thank her ... Papa went to Concord for a conference ..."

18 Aug 1925 - "... guess we'll spend the last week with the children, and leave from there ... Walter is anxious to get home ... he is perfectly well now ..."

23 Aug 1925 - "... don't you really know anything about Frieda's whereabouts? Twice I have begged you for the information, as I wanted to get a letter off to Lyddi so bad before I leave ... and I feel awful to let her wait so long. I feel really hurt ... if you don't know you could have at least told me so. Now I'm asking for the third time ... and it is only you that I would ask a favor of for the third time ... for I can't believe that you would intentionally snub me ... now this is what I beg of you: write Lyddi yourself and at once ... if you know where Frieda is ... almost two precious weeks slipped away since my first request ... and please, tell me when it is done ... Lyddi's address is:

Snr. Lydia Berg de Ossorio
Limonan, Cuba (Casa de Mercedes Ortega)

9 Sep 1925 - "... We're at home ... Walter is at O'Berry's ... was in Orlando a few days to look after the business there ... he is feeling fine. We are all well and living happy together, but a little (crowded). Baby is a 'great boy,' he is no Berg though..."

2 Oct 1925 - "... Martin tells us you are 5 miles out of West Palm Beach. Guess that must be hard on you ... wonder where this (wandering) is going to end. Martin said he had several offers for work ... he thinks he can start Monday ... and he also found an apartment. It will be ready in about 6 weeks ... upstairs ... $55 a month ... Did you know Fleagles are building an apartment house? That is where Martin is going ... the house next door is sold ..."

9 Oct 1925 - "... are you still meddling ... in real estate? Martin did not get anything certain yet ... meanwhile he is trying to sell real estate ... I haven't got much faith in that though ... wish he could get a good salaried position ... Baby is getting cuter every day ... he is such a darling ... thank you for sending the bird tonic, but I sure don't thank the one who sold it to you ... a few hours after giving it to Billy, we came almost to having a dead Billy. He would not move any more ... was lying flat on the bottom of his cage ... Martin said, 'Let me see what you fed that bird, I'm afraid he's a goner ...' He gave him some castor oil and very soon Billy began to drop real black nasty stuff. Then Martin said, 'Now he'll pull out of it.' ... and so he did. He is as happy again as ever. I think it is a sin to sell such stuff ... to kill innocent birds ..."

First Snow & Batch #13 of Augusta's Letters

The world turned white overnight. This was our first real snow of the season - about three inches on the ground.

Here's another batch of Augusta's letters:

22 Sep 1924 - "Such a surprise! Who would have thought that ... the trip from Tampa to West Palm Beach takes almost as long as the trip to Asheville, but it doesn't cost as much ... I am so glad you are to be near us again ... I just wonder how you arranged the Strawberry Hill business ... Walter is getting fatter every day ... looks just like little Walter used to look ... such rosy skin ... he has not had such color in his face since he came home from Ft.Wayne ... Had a letter from Lyddi Saturday ... the first one in months ... the old lady is sick since the first of July and Ossorio had an awful sick spell again too. Poor girl! Well, the time will yet come when she too will be with us again ..."

25 Sep 1924 - "... Walter never complains, but he is getting awful restless. It is no fun for a young person to lie in bed day after day, and month after month ... he reads ... reads all the time, but that doesn't seem to fill the bill any more ..."

14 Oct 1924 - "... Walter sat up for 45 minutes today ... tomorrow, a whole hour ... I hope the biggest part is over now ... we can never thank the dear Lord enough ..."

23 Oct 1924 - "...tomorrow he is going to get his first haircut since going to bed ... his hair is awful long ... he's been down now almost 4 months ..."

30 Oct 1924 - "... good news! The doctor was here today and loosened up some more ... Walter can walk around a little now ... also he can sit up for two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon ... today is the first day he's been off of the sleeping porch since the first of July ... his eyes were moist with joy ..."

15 Jan 1925 - "I guess you are anxious to hear about Walter's condition ... Well, it's over ... he will soon be pretty much himself again ... O, I can't tell you how thankful I am it's all over ..."

21 Jan 1925 - "... Walter is doing fine ... goes out every day for his walk ... he is very much interested in the building that is going on in the neighborhood ... that helps to pass his time ... and he gets to see and talk to people ... the other day he went to see Dr. Farrar, the one that operated on him, and I suppose he looked around a little in town and met many old friends for the first time since his sickness ... some did not know him and all had a good time off his figure ... he isn't a bit sensitive about his size ... laughs along with the rest ... it cheered him to meet old friends ..."

1 Feb 1925 - "... getting plenty of fresh eggs now ... eggs are still 65 to 70 cents a dozen here. Guess I got about 2 1/2 dozen last week ... at 65 cents that would be about a dollar and a half ... I don't think that feed costs over a quarter a week ..."

4 Feb 1925 - "... We are expecting Aunt Mary and Aunt Dora tomorrow ..."

24 Feb 1925 - "... Walter is out in his car ... he now takes his car out every day a little ... Allie, can you imagine how I felt when for the first time that car held out at the same old place with the same old Walli again? ... words cannot describe what I felt. I just had to cry ... The mail service to West Palm Beach is almost as bad as to Cuba ..."

4 Mar 1925 - "... Walter intends to go over Gandy Bridge this afternoon. The doctor gives him a long rope now. Last week he lost a pound and a half. The doctor said he could start on his trip to NC mountains soon after Easter ... he wants to go in the car and the doctor seems to sanction it ... I don't like that, though ... it would be useless to try to talk him out of it ..."

16 Mar 1925 - "... How is the real estate business on the East Coast now? Somebody told me the northern money men were taking their money out of the Miami banks ... is that so? ... well, those madhouse doings could not last ... today is Patricia's birthday ... Are you remembering Papa's birthday? ... Lenchen is having a touch of flu. She is working, but feels awful bad ..."

27 Mar 1925 - "... The palm is looking fine ... I'm so proud of those palms. Now I have the two palms that I always was wishing for. They remind me of my 'gold dust' twins ... I'm going to give them the best of care, and someday my real 'gold dust' twins will be reunited again with me ... since I'm master of my own time again, I am going to try a few schemes on the lawn ..."

12 Apr 1925 - "...surprise ... I'm going along with Walter on his trip to NC! ... I hate to leave Lenchen alone, but she'll get some girl to stay with her ... I will be glad to see Theo again after such a long time, and Tillie, and the little darling ... you will have to change your laundry arrangements until I get back ... Walter thinks we can get to Theo's by next Saturday ... Last Thursday, Lenchen's friend was invited here for supper ... how affectionately they talk of Bunny! Yes, she certainly is worth our love and affection, too. I often ask myself where would Martin be if she would be a flapper ..."

Apr 1925 - "... Well, here we are! (in NC) ... we had a real good trip ... Theo, Tillie and the Meinhardts want us to stay here ... but I don't know what Walter wants to do. Papa will come Sunday, then we'll talk it over ... Tillie is as sweet as ever ... O, Allie, you ought to see our darling baby ... she looks like an angel ... great blue eyes ... and the sweetest little mouth! There was never a prettier baby. Theo is crazy about her ..."

10 May 1925 - "... We are still at Theo's. They insist we must stay. Walter thinks his boil is getting better. Don't know what our next move will be, but hope to let you know in my next letter. I all depends on Walter. Papa came yesterday and will stay this week ... How much longer will you stay in West Palm Beach? I am glad you found a way of doing your washing. Next year you can send it again ..."