From Susanna and Wib…
Dear Dad,
Received your letter with the money in it, Wib and I both had a good laugh, because we each sent you money too! I wracked my brain trying to think of something you would like (going to send you some good Tauber records too), we both decided you’d rather have the money, anyway we sure appreciate your $20—you are always on the ball, Wib says.
We’re going to
I’m sending along with this posting, a few pictures taken of us—not so hot, but not too bad. Thought you’d like to have them. Some publicity and reviews about us. I’ll try to send you as much as I can, as I know you’re interested. I sent the same stuff to Mother so you don’t have to take it over for her to see.
We’re leaving for
The kind of thing he should always do. A kind of wacky light comedy, he’s so funny! I laughed ‘till I thought I’d die! Although, it’s not a very good production, it’s completely dead when he isn’t on the stage. I do wish you could see him. We’re going to have a lot of fun in it in
Well, that’s all for now—I hope Christmas has been OK for you and that you weren’t too lonely.
I still haven’t heard from the Kids, we sent them a package today—two sweaters—I thought they would need them, it’s so damned cold in
I know Christmas isn’t much without your own place—I still feel like a vagabond the way we are living, it’s the best thing for now—until we can afford our own place. Write soon—Lots of love from us both, Suzy & Wib
From Wib to Susanna’s dad…
Dec 24- 48
Dear Dad:
You were very kind to send us the money for Christmas, and we know what a sacrifice it meant to you. We thought and thought of things to get you and decided you could always use a little cash. So we are retaliating!! Buy yourself something you really want.
We are having a wonderful weekend in
We have many interesting plans and always are thoughts are to include you, so just pray and hope we work out things together!!
My very best to you always,
Fondly, Wib
Merry Christmas Dad! And love from Suzy!
The ‘Kids’ are now in
From Vickie…
Dear Dad,
By now you probably think we’re dead or simply don’t care a damn about our parents. Although excuses are quite pointless at this late date; believe it or not I did write you two letters but both were apparently lost. At any rate I’m quite sure you’ll receive this one since I intend to mail it myself.
Thanks loads for the ten bucks a piece it certainly came in handy. We haven’t mailed any of our gifts as of yet. I was sick before Christmas and didn’t get a chance to get to the post office, plus we’ve had quite a streak of bad luck. Just before Christmas Kathleen lost $55 while she attended a concert with Marie, so I’ve had to carry the load on my measly earnings.
How is everything with you? Did you have a nice Christmas? We spent Christmas day with Imogene, Aunt Adie and Marie. They’ve been swell to us, however it still isn’t like being with your own people. It’s been two years since I’ve seen you or Mother. That’s a long time. I wonder if I’ll get to see you the coming year. I’m not sure if you know this or not, but I have another job,, in the Loop working for Chritchell-Miller Insurance Agency as a typist and switchboard relief operator. They gave me a $10 bonus for Christmas, which was damn nice of them considering the short time I’ve been there. I sang at the party, and believe it or not I had a lot of nice compliments on my voice. It’s the first time I’ve had the courage to get up and sing in front of a group, and you know it’s funny how you feel so good when you force yourself to do something that your scared to death to do, you feel so much better, like you’ve really accomplished something, however small it might be.
I’ve got to finish this in pen since Mrs. Hughes wants to use the typewriter. I have so much to tell you but I want to get this off to you as soon as possible.
Suzanne sent us two beautiful sweaters, and Mother sent us slippers and two cute comb and brush sets. Kathleen is mailing the gifts this Monday on her lunch hour. I hope you can use what we got you. It’s a heck of time to be getting it but better late that never as Aunt Adie reminds me! Loads of love, Vicki. P.S. I hope I get to see you this year.
From Kathleen to her dad (it's in this letter, a hint that the schizophrenia is beginning to emerge)--
Dear Dad:
Thanks so much for the beautiful gloves (and the $10)- I have used them stedily—they are so warm and perfect for the weather. I sent our gifts late and I’m really sorry about that—I had bought them in time but just couldn’t get them off on time (I know, no excuse). I sent Mother’s gift to you since I lost her address. Didn’t send off to many cards either. I received a nice card from Ruby.
I hope you have been well, also Mother. Are you still with dear old Packard-Bell? I spent Xmas day dinner with Imogene and family—they have been wonderful to me as usual. As a matter of fact I am spending the night with them—I go back to work tomorrow—after having a three day holiday—New Years wasn’t much for me—I went to a show—the people I’ve been living with both worked through the holidays, Rose, (the girl whom I room with) a camera girl in a nite club—works nights—and –Viola the woman who has the two kids who has the apartment—also is in the same type of work. They’ve been real nice to me. Of course, I’m trying to get used to being by myself—but, the relatives here really have made it better for me than when Vicki was alone in N.Y.C. The show is to come here in the middle of February according to Vicki’s letter.
Incidentally, I sang in church in
Mr. Peterson, the head of Kiwanis, thinks we are good and also thinks I should definitely go in with my music—not that he is an authority but he is a man with influence. Maybe something will develop—however it remains to be seen.
The record player is still at the Y.W. C.A., I hope to pick it up soon—so I imagine the records you have could be sent to my present address, if it is not too much trouble. I made some recordings at the Y. and had alittle difficulty regulating the machine but it is a wonderful set and you did a terrific job on it—everyone agrees.
Well I guess I must go to sleep shortly. I am reading a wonderful book which I think is going to help me; “Peace of Mind” by Joshua Loth Liebman a rabbi—he died last year only 43. A marvelously brilliant and sincere book—read it if you can get a copy. Well, love—show this to Mother—Kathleen
From Susanna…
Dear Dad:
Sorry I haven’t been able to answer your letter right away, but I’ve had my hands full right away these past few days.
Paul Kerby (who owns most of this version of “Rosalinda”, and also wrote the lyrics) arrived in N.Y. and wanted to work with me on the part. He’s one of these fanatics who lives, breathes and exists for “Rosalinda.” He drives me nuts. He absorbs all my time and makes me nervous to boot.
I want to get those pictures off to you, but I don’t have any more of mine here. I’m ordering some on Monday. Wib will send his on now, I’ll send mine next week. Wib is leaving Monday night for Detroit, but I’m not going until the following Sunday because this demon Kerby insists that I stay on for a week to work with him.
Wib has a deal working that might bring him to the Coast for 4 months or so. If it goes through we will probably come out around the first of April. Boy! Would I like to see my old
Enclosed is a clipping of an interview we had a few weeks ago. It’s a nice article. Much better written than most of those of those things. Also a review of Wib’s concert which was absolutely wonderful! And believe me (if you can) I’m not bias when I say that. He had been working for 4 weeks in “Rosalinda” and had two shows the day before, got up on that Sunday and sang like a million bucks. He has so much charm on the concert stage—you know how dreary they can be. Wib keeps his audience immersed every second. His voice has never sounded so good. We’ve been working together on our voices and you would be amazed at how much we’ve improved each other. When you live with a voice you, get to know it so well. Mine has improved 100% since “Naughty
Say, can you give me any information about my tax for ’47? I’ve forgotten what it’s all about. That was the year of the loan from Universal. Can you tell me what you know about it? Do I pay or don’t I?
What is the situation?
Well, that’s all for now, got to get to work. Write soon. We’ll be at the Fort Wayne Hotel,
From Kathleen…
Dear Dad:
Received your most generous offering (re $15) and humbly thank you.
I have bought a new pair of shoes and they cost $10.18. They’re good leather and have an extended sole. They’re supposed to be $18.00 shoes. I got them in an outlet store suggested by Imogene. Incidentally, she did the nicest thing last week; she went out and got us some things that we needed badly. Of course, we could have gotten by but it was much better to have them—namely, overshoes for me. two skirts for Vicki (woolen) and a woolen suit for me. The overshoes cost $15 and I’ll gradually pay her back for them.—the skirts, believe it or not cost $2 apiece and my suit was $4, a sale at Goldblatts. I couldn’t believe it. When I saw them they were so cute and warm. She really knows how to shop. We had been to her house for dinner and paid her $10 on what we owed her. She simply took that money and got the things for us. I also went to another teacher of voice, a friend of Vicki’s—the place where she works—she takes lessons from this teacher and she likes him very much. However it is very hard to tell until you study. We start Saturday at $4 a lesson.
By the way, Suzanne sent us some coats but they were too large and we sent them back only to find out that she and Wib had already left for
From Susanna…
Dear Dad,
Received your third letter this morning, I’m terribly sorry I haven’t answered your others (received them both in
First of all, if I never see
Wib did “
Then we did “Rosalinda” and all week I was on the verge of laryngitis. There’s a terrible smog there, the doctor who took care of me said it was “Detroititis”. A lot of the kids in the company have been feeling the same thing.
Wib’s new ‘49 Cadillac came in so we gave in , and bought it, we’re selling our two cars. We kept spending money on the on the old ones so we might as well have a new one. It really is a humdinger! I wish you could see it—you’d get kick out of how everything works with buttons! Gosh! I’ve never seen so many gadgets! A moron could drive it—there are no gears—all you do is steer and brake! It’s gray with a black top and red leather seats.
Wib might come to 
If we have anything really good it goes to
We didn’t get to see the Kids when we were in
Well, guess that’s all for now. Will write as soon as I know anything about “K.M.K.”
From Vickie…
Dear Dad,
At long last I’m getting a letter off to you. I’ve been intending to write you for days, but I’ve been so busy with one thing after the other. I’ve scarcely had time for anything. Besides a voice lesson on Saturdays, I go to school two nights a week, making it a LONG week! I’m taking business English and a review course in typing at Jones Commercial Night school. It’s good for me. Believe me, I’m forcing myself to do it for the express purpose of improving my typing speed and to improve my short hand.
Thanks for the money. Needless to say thanks for your generosity. I wish you were here so we could have a real good Larson gab fest and also a good old Larson dinner. I’m so damn sick of all the crappy junk we’ve been getting in restaurants. My stomach has been in awful condition lately to say nothing of the continual bowel trouble I have. I have to take a purgative three or four times a week.
I worked overtime yesterday, and went to a late concert with Marie. Although, I enjoyed it tremendously, it was really too much for me. it knocks me out. People can certainly interfere with your time, particularly when your time is the most important issue in your life, when your so late getting started in life with all the things you want to do.
I suppose I sound like a nut, but I’d love to go to college. I’m seriously thinking of getting my credits and finishing college and finishing high school, however long it might be. There are so many things I’d like to take; philosophy, Greek mythology and literature. College would be for me.
In some ways I’m much older for my years, and in other respects, as far as any sense of social life is concerned, I’m practically a new born baby, with the exception of the uninhibited characteristics of an infant which I certainly lack. I know I’d undoubtedly meet not only nicer but more interesting kids at college? Of course, there’s always Oscar if I want to settle for a nice intelligent, but extremely dull human being. You know, I just can’t bury myself in work and more work and forget everything that might interfere with my lofty slightly exaggerated aspirations. Time alone will tell whether I have the courage to really work for what I want or not. I do feel that everything is right before you. You’ve but “Seek and ye shall find.” Honesty with oneself is perhaps the most difficult thing there is to learn. Actually I don’t believe anyone ever reaches a point where he can feel that he’s completely honest with himself at all times, for perfection is too much to hope for. But, you do have to learn to keep checking yourself, every time your ready to condemn, pass judgment, or blame someone else for your own stupid actions. The individual is largely responsible for what he does with his or her life. Of course, there are unforeseen mishaps and fortunately none of us are able to prognosticate the future. We can only forget the past and try a hell of a sight harder in the present and the future.
I saw “Hamlet” with Lawrence Olivier, a few weeks ago, it was really wonderful. See it when you get a chance. What that man has done for Shakespeare has been really progressive. He, in my opinion, is the finest actor on the screen today. He seems the only actor who reads and understands Shakespeare so even a layman can feel the full potency of a Hamlet. Brother, I haven’t seen anything I enjoyed so much in ages.
I heard William Kappell last night at Orchestra Hall. He’s the brilliant young concert pianist, who grew up on the east side in
Kathleen and I are still trying to get into the Y.W.C.A., I’m supposed to call the woman tonight. I hope it’s positive. It would be good for us, in spite of the fact that we still wouldn’t have kitchen privileges. At least, we’d be getting a couple of balanced meals a day, aside from all the other advantages; use of the swimming pool, piano practice rooms, laundry services, library and I can go on… I’m really sick of this dump with nosy old lady Hughes sticking her nose in all my business, to say nothing of her little a bit of rearranging and transferring Kathleen’s and my drawers. She undoubtedly knows every cent of money that comes into this house, to say nothing of all my personal letters. Oh! Lovely golden privacy; Where art thou? Such is life to the roomer.
I imagine the television isn’t to hot in
From Susanna to her dad and mother, on her medical issues, as she is trying to get pregnant--
N.Y.C.
Dear Dad and Mother;
I’m sitting under the drier having my hair done so it’s a good a time as any to start a letter to you. Don’t know if I’ll get it finished however.
Well, all my stuff at the doctors is finished—and I must say, it was the most thorough examination I ever had (leave it to the Swedes!). I was down there everyday for a week, having all the allergy tests, blood tests, extensive x-ray (two days of it), eye, nose and throat exam and gynecologist exam. These were all the specialists that doctor that Dr. Ahfelt sent me to—then she did the prescribing, after they gave her the dope. Boy! Is she thorough. It didn’t cost a lot either. Here’s what’s wrong: (!) No appendix trouble; however, I have what they call an irritable stomach and if I don’t calm down I’ll get ulcers. The colon tissue and the first gut are all irritable, I don’t derive the good from my food because of this. I have a cervical erosion. This is the cervix, the lips of the uterus, I have to have it cauterized once a month, which is no fun. The gynecologist said that it nothing unfamiliar and usually comes from a rundown condition. Three or four cauterizations will cure it. This is probably causing my sterility and the menstrual irregularity and pain. He said I’ve probably had it since I was 15 or so because the menstrual pain has been consistent since then.
Also, I may have a cyst on the ovary, because when he examined me there it was quite sensitive. This is called endometriosis! This can be corrected by medicine and isn’t too much to worry about. They won’t know if this really exists until the cervix thing is cleared up. My uterus is what they call retrocessed (& something else which I can’t remember)—remember Mother you thought it might be retroverted—which is similar. He said that’s nothing it will probably straighten itself out if I become pregnant. The eye, nose and throat man said I had the clearest sinuses he’d ever seen. Thank God for that! But my tonsils are diseased and I have a spur in the left nasal passage. This can be removed by operation but he says it isn’t necessary unless it becomes infected. This is like a little appendage in the nose, that shouldn’t be there, so of course it’s liable to infection and might give me more colds than I would ordinarily get. The tonsils they’re going to watch and if I don’t pick up weight etc. they’ll have to be removed. I weighed 113lbs when I was down there and really was pretty thin. I’ve gained 3lbs since.
Oh yes, the lower gut or colon (or something like that) is hanging down where it shouldn’t be, I have to do an exercise every morning for five minutes to make it go back in place. Dr. Ahfelt thinks that after I gain some weight it should correct itself. She prescribed some pills for the para-sympathetic nerve (to calm me down but I don’t notice anything!), therapeutic vitamins and a quart of milk a day. So I’m drinking milk like mad.
I also have a very good book on diet by Gaylord Hauser called “Diet Does it”—it’s really excellent, I’m following his advice. Dad, you should get this book and read it. He’s got a lot of good ideas. And they’re delicious!
Well that’s all the dope. But you know, I’ve figured out what’s really bothered me these last few days and months. You’ll laugh but I’m homesick; I didn’t really realize it until lately. I’d give anything to be in
I sent this letter to both of you because I knew you’d both want to know about the medical exam business, it was too lengthy to write it down for each of you. I’ll mail it to Dad and he can take it over to you Mother.
Well I guess that’s all for now—I can’t think of any more news. Lots of Love Suzy
From Susanna to her Mother…
Dear Mother,
Received your letter this morning. I wish I could send you more than this enclosed “ten”—but we are running close ourselves until we know what we are doing in the summer. When that’s settled I’ll send you a little more.
It seems to me that traveling job is a nuisance (unless of course, you would enjoy bumming around the country). But believe me you won’t like the cold climate much, after the wonderful
With that asthma of yours—you shouldn’t take any liquor. It’s the worst thing for it. I know when I have a cold, I can’t even take a glass of beer and the smoking is terrible for you too. Well! Enough ailment talk!!—just wanted to get this off to you right away—Lots of love from us both—Suzy
JOSEPH L EGAN
PRESIDENT
LA418 PC0I0
P.NKA884 PD=TDNK
LESTER L LARSON= 836 SOUTH FEDORA AVE LOSA=
DEAR DAD OUR THOUGHTS WITH YOU TODAY HAPPY FATHERS DAY
WRITING LETTER TO YOU NOW
LOTS OF LOVE= SUZY AND WIB
From Susanna to her dad…
Dear Dad,
Gee, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to write to you, but we’ve been really swamped learning our music and parts and trying to get packed to move down to
My health is about the same excepting I’ve gained these pounds. I’m taking hormones for these cysts. Doctor says their behind the uterus and on the ovary, these hormones should clear them up. Mother thought the hormones were making me nervous, but that’s not true—I was nervous before I took them. It’s just a lot of adjustment at once. New climate, new way of life, new responsibilities. It’s just going to take time.
We’d love to have the machine you mention! But don’t knock yourself out. We’ve got plenty of time, we wouldn’t be home enough to hear it for the next four months anyway. We’re going down to
Kathleen’s written me about a man she’s met whom she likes very much, And he seems to like her too. I wish something would work out for her—she needs to get married. To the right guy. Vicki, too. This isn’t much of a letter but I’ve given you the main news. Our new address is c/o Bowie, River Road, New Hope, Penna. Incidentally, Wib and I have signed with an agent whom we like here in New York, so maybe we’ll get that radio show that we want. We’re going to do some concert work eventually too. I think Wib will be doing some in the near future and when I’m ready, I’ll go out with him. Well that’s all for now—write soon again. Lots of love, Suzy P.S. I’ll send some snaps of our theatre, when we get to work.
From Vickie….
Dear Dad,
I intended to write sooner but I’ve been working over-time practically every night in this God awful heat, I really haven’t had time. The other gal in our dept. is on vacation, and we’ve been swamped with work. I’m so damn sick of policies, endorsements, certificates and above all bafoon-headed brokers. I could scream! I still haven’t found a part-time job yet.
As you probably know Suzanne and Wib are doing this *musical festival in
*Lambert Music Festival: Nineteen year old Larry Hagman, Mary Martin’s son, of I Dream of Jeanie, Dallas fame etc. was assistant stage manager. (I spoke with him via telephone-July 1999)
From Susanna…(“I think I’m going to have a baby!”)
Dear Dad,
Just a note to let you know how things are going. Tonight we open with “ Rosalinda.” This time I’m playing Adele for the fun of it (next week, the “Vagabond King”—I love this show—it has a wonderful book and beautiful music). And I have some more news. I think I’m going to have a baby!! I have all the symptoms. My period is way past due, and I’m dizzy and faint—get nauseous etc., etc.
I won’t know until I can see the doctor and he can give me a rabbit skin test but I’m pretty sure it’s true. I didn’t think so at first but the tenor’s wife (who has a baby son) and I have been comparing notes and we’re convinced. Wib is worried to death, he doesn’t think I can work if I don’t feel well, but my friend says that they can give you medicine to keep you from being sick. Anyway, who cares about being sick, if you’ve got something to show for it!! Poor Wib! He’s really funny! He looks like he’s been hit in the head every time you mention it. He has his hands full now—he’s directing these shows, too—as well as appearing in them—and then throw him this curve! But we’re happy about it and I knew you’d be also. Well, that’s all the news for now (that’s enough, I guess!) Lots of love, Suzy.
While on tour, Wib and Susanna were billed as “
Playing Desert Song by night and rehearsing Bittersweet by day she lost the pregnancy.
“Wib came to the hospital after the miscarriage and all he could worry about was who he was going to get to go on for me in the Desert Song,” Susanna says. June, 1999
Dear Dad,
Just a not to let you know I’m sending Mother $25 today.
No news for you—they’re doing another urinanalysis, which I should know about on Wednesday.
We open in “Up in
From Kathleen…
Dear Dad:
Well, I have just come from the hospital and Vicki is doing very nicely. Imogene has been wonderful—she was with me all morning and took me to her place for lunch after we had spent over three hours with Vicki. We were with her directly after the operation and saw her coming out of the anesthetic. I must say she had an easy time of it as far as the effects of the anesthetic are concerned but she was full of pain. The doctor said that her appendix was a nasty one and behind the bowel. The x-rays showed this, so I guess you were right in insisting that she have them. They gave her an intra-venous needle after the operation—it seems that is the usual procedure according to the doctor. He has been in to see her 2 times already and will be in again later.
You see, Dr. Harry is Imogene’s doctor she has known him and his wife for a long time—they are personal friends—for that reason—Vicki was really a special patient. Vicki was marvelous the way she took everything. I understand she was singing while going under. The doctor was kidding her about it. Both her bowels are enlarged and Dr. Harry seems to think that it’s a condition that’s been with her since birth. However, they say a good diet will remedy it. Imogene wants her to go from the hospital to her place and stay there until she feels really well. I think it’s a very good idea since here at the Y it wouldn’t be very comfortable for her and at the same time she’ll be getting all the attention she needs at Imogene’s. Imogene has a cook and she says that the cook prepares all the regular meals and she will prepare all of Vicki’s food too. In the meantime I will remain at the Y and see as much of Vicki as possible.
I did not receive any money other than the $10—I hope that nothing happened to it in the mail. Please inform Mother as to everything since I feel it is silly to write everything twice.
Vicki received your letter at the hospital and it was very encouraging. Suzanne called the doctor at the hospital—and was to call him again at his office tonight. I will let you know of any developments and if there is any need to reach me—I will probably be in one of two places through Monday—here at the Y or at the hospital. On Tuesday I will go back to work and the number there is
W.P. Marshall, President
.LA068
RTU.CA188 10 COLLEST=
LESTER L LARSON=
836 SOUTH FEDORA ST LOSA=
OPERATION OVER VICKIE DOING FINE WILL WRITE LATER LOVE=
KATHLEEN & IMOGENE=
From Susanna…
Dear Dad,
Finally get an opportunity to answer all your letters, and I have some good news—at least it looks like it. They tell me I have a fibroid tumor but it is not on the inside wall of the uterus (which would keep the womb from expanding during pregnancy, and which cannot be removed). The womb is extremely extroverted. It may be necessary to have an operation now to suspend the uterus and remove the tumor.
The doctor thinks the wise thing is to build myself up for a year, gain a lot of weight and try again. Only this time I won’t work, I’ll rest, take care of myself and perhaps by that time I’ll be able to carry the baby. If so the uterus will right itself, and the tumor will not interfere as it is small and harmless. I don’t carry by then, I’ll have the operation to remove the tumor and put the womb in the right position. Anyway, I can have children, you don’t know what a relief it is, and how happy it makes me!
I read your little poem to Wib and he thinks your tops. We may go on tour with “The Merry Widow” for 5 months and will probably end up in
I sent Mother a check for $35 and after this on the 24th of each month I’m sending her $30. Every now and then I’ll try and slip her a little more.
I’m enclosing a little photo someone took during a matinee of “Chocolate Soldier.”
Building a home AND a theater and dad ‘the box office man’…..
Sept. 26
Well, as you can see Dad this sat on my desk for two days. I meant to tell you that my doctor is giving me medicine to make me hungry and absorb the fats I eat, and by golly I’ve started to gain weight! I was down to 111lbs and you don’t think I look like a rail! I’m up to 114—He’s a bright young guy, and the first doctor that’s done me any good—I’m tired of the old fogies. He’s a musician, too! Plays the violin very well. Wib and I are getting to know him and his wife.
We’ve worked like dogs this summer and have created a terrific following around here. They’re calling us the Clarke Gable and Carole Lombard of
Forget about this man St. John Terrell, he’s ended up owing me $1400 and we’re taking him to Equity. We are not going to work for him next summer, the general consensus is that he will really have a struggle on his hands, as Wib, Bob Zeller and I practically ran the shows ourselves this summer and they were good!! So now we find that there’s a very wealthy man in the community who wants to back us in building our own theatre. Boy, this would be one tremendous job, but if we can make a go of it, it would be more than rewarding. We’ll have concerts every other week, one opera a season and operettas the rest of the season (two week run). This man (we couldn’t believe it) wants to do it as a hobby, just wanting his money back and a percentage and then it’s ours! Now as Wib says these things are tried all time with people who look feverishly for backers and here we are never even thinking of starting our own theatre and this guy comes along and dumps it in our laps! He had members of the
Wib, Bob, and I have learned plenty this summer with this ‘Tent.’ We’re really excited about it, we see a great opportunity to put on these things the way we want to and the way I’ve always dreamed of seeing them done.
Wib thinks you would make a wonderful box-office man. Would you like to do something like that? It’s a very important job and a tough one. This is the guy who sells all the tickets, manages the box-office. You know, most of them are crooks, it’s hard to find an honest one. Why don’t learn something about box-office management etc. this winter? He ‘s the front-man for the organization. So, who knows? Maybe we’re in business!!!
I’m sending you some dough for your birthday to get what you want. I’ve racked my brain to get you something but I think the cash would be best, so get what you want. Why don’t you put it towards a suit?
Just received your note this morning---Lots of love from Suzy and Wib
BIRTHDAY GREETING
By
LA293PA649
P.TRA602 BDA PD=NEW HOPE PENN 27 822P= 1949 SEP 27 PM 5 50
LESTER L LARSON=
836 SOUTH FEDORA AVE LOSA=
DEAR DAD HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETTER IN MAIL YESTERDAY LOTS OF LOVE
SUZY AND WIB=
WIB=
From Vickie…..
Dear Dad,
Received the $25 for Dr. Harry, plus the other postal checks you sent. Thanks loads. You’ve been more than generous and I don’t deserve it. I really hoped I could have sent you something for your birthday but as usual I did a very foolish thing, I had two job offers; one in the Merchandise Mart and the other in the Palmer House Hotel, so I quit before deciding which one I was going to take. After wrestling with my choices I took the job at the Palmer House Hotel. I don’t get paid until the 20th of this month with 5 days held back. The Palmer House is a branch of the Hilton Hotels. It’s typical of the Town House where you use to work, remember? A slave job where you punch a clock, work 51/2 days a week, getting your salary twice a month. Pound a typewriter 8 hours a day turning into the machine they want you to be. I could’ve kicked myself for not taking the other job. It was a milk dispensary, a small two girl office with a much brighter future and a better salary. My main reason for taking the Palmer House job is because I’ve started
I like the school very much. I made a recording the first night I attended for the speech class.
My articulation and pronunciation is quite good, in fact I tend to over emphasize my words. My main trouble is with the S’s. I’m also taking a course in acting technique under Mrs. Galatzer the director. We begin with pantomime, which I find very difficult, quite essential in aiding the student to gain bodily control, sense of balance., This is called “sense scene one.” When scene one is passed, you do sense 2 scene with a little dialogue then 5 action scenes. All this is the basic foundation to help the student familiarize himself with simple action before the use of props is permitted. It’s much better to start with the simple things and do them correctly before attempting complex characterizations which involves which involves representation of the part through knowledge of the habits and fine points of each students method of approach.
It’s costing me $70 per semester which lasts from September to February. They’re pretty lenient about payment. As yet I’ve only paid my registration fee of $5. I hope I can afford it.
How is everything with you? I suppose your still slaving away at Packard-Bell. You spoke of our plans for the immediate future. I know it would be extremely foolish for me to return to
What I hope to do is to continue school until next summer and then perhaps get into a good summer theatre group with the aide of Suzanne, maybe it will be on the west coast. I suppose Suzy isn’t any too well off financially after all her hospital bills. I was going to write and ask her if she could help me with my tuition, although I hate to do this. What are she and Wib doing now? Had I used my head and remained in the old job, I would have received a good bonus at Christmas, enabling me to pay my tuition. Ah! well, live and never learn!
Having been feeling so hot lately since I haven’t been watching my diet. It’s been very warm here the past week and my prunes spoil in the room so I’ve neglected eating my daily portion. And boy, was I constipated last week, guzzling the Milk of Mag. I was suppose to see Dr. Harry a couple of weeks ago for heart and sewage systems, plus the incision. Think I’ll go in this coming Saturday.
Well, I’m going to close for now. Loads of love, Vicki
PS: Dr. Harry’s name and address Dr. J.R. Harry
From Kathleen..
Dear Dad,
It is about time that I wrote to you. So much has taken place that I hardly know where to begin. I have been working 13 hours a day for the past week and will be working that length of time for the next four months. I am going to try and save money and study.
Then on the weekends I have been rehearsing for the wedding for which I am singing on the 18th of November. There is a terrific lot of singing to do and all in Latin. It is a Catholic wedding and I sing at the back of the church in the balcony. I will sing “Ava Maria”, Schubert and “Panis Angelicus.” And several Latin things. Also, the priest and I sing together during the ceremony. I am thinking of joining an amateur contest called “Harvest Moon Festival.”
Well, will write again soon and let you know the latest. Time is limited. Love Kathleen
PS: We just got to use the machine yesterday (radio) and it is terrific. Love K.L.
From Susanna…
Dear Dad,
Sorry I haven’t written you before but we’ve been plenty busy! We’re moving to another house in
We’re going on tour for the Schuberts in “The Merry Widow” starting November 28th and will be out about 31/2 months. We’ll be hitting
I think it would be wonderful if you could send the machine—we have none and would love to have it. The trunks arrived intact. Bromo is fine and you should see the way Wib makes him mind! Well, that’s all for now—have to get to bed, so tomorrow, I pack to move! (again!) I feel fine, except I’m terribly underweight. Write and let me know about the
From Wib… “…if Frank Lloyd Wright will design our pavilion!!”
Dear Dad:
This is a miracle—you’ve got me sitting down writing a letter—Boy—I can’t write!! Needless to say we are all excited and thrilled at the prospects next summer and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have you in this with us. Of course it wouldn’t be a year round job, and after the summer season is over (on
Best to my favorite Dad, Always, Wib
From Susanna…
Rockwood Farm
Dear Dad,
Sorry I haven’t written you sooner but as usual we’ve been busy—moving etc. Our new house is wonderful! Huge living room, all wood, two stories high, big fire place etc., etc. And we’re really in the country, Bromo’s having the time of his life. By the way, he’s in the hospital. He got stabbed in the leg by a stick (how, I don’t know!), there’s a splinter in it that has to come out. Thanks for sending the record machine, we ‘re tickled with it! I play it all the time. It’s got a great tone, much better than any other I’ve ever owned.
We’re about to go tour with “The Merry Widow,” but not sure of the exact date. The Schuberts are having some trouble with Equity—nothing to do with us, but till it’s settled we don’t go anywhere.
The man who is backing us in the theatre project is in
Well, that’s all the news for the moment. As soon as I know more about Frank L. Wright and the tour, I’ll let you know.
From Vickie…
Dear Dad,
I’ve been meaning to get a letter off to you for weeks but frankly I didn’t feel much like writing until I got a job. Jobs aren’t nearly as plentiful as they were a couple of years ago. At any rate, I start work next Monday at Goldblatt’s Dept. Store. I work six days a week—a 48 hour week, I’ll make a $50 per week straight salary. You see I’ll be handling the Lovable Bra’s exclusively, Lovable will pay part of my salary. The merchandise appears to be of a lower grade and I think because of this the counters are a mess, just heaps of junk stacked in piles. They say I can rearrange the counter to suit myself—I’ll make some bust forms, decorate them in tinsel for a display—is one idea I have. I don’t know if this will meet with the corset buyers approval but I do feel enthusiastic about it. I feel I can really do something with the job as long as I put my all into it. I think it’s the kind of thing that can develop into something big. I had lunch with the salesman from lovable yesterday )I’ve been sponging meals off everyone and his brother since I haven’t had a meal ticket for weeks) he says they want me to be permanent. Mr. Abrahams (the floor manager) say’s the trouble with the corset dept. is that it’s overloaded with old gals, what they need is some young blood to stimulate business with new ideas. I hope I can be tactful enough to handle the old gals. I told him that I thought they’re displays stank and I couldn’t possibly sell worth a darn the way they are now. Oh boy, I know I’ll have to be patient and not cram all my ideas down their throats at once. I know I got a heck of a lot to learn, all the styles, sizes, colors of the various bras. Lovable has a clever little booklet compromised of three bras in three different colors. I’m trying to talk them into buying some booklets for a Christmas display.
Nov. 25—Well I’m finally getting around to finishing this letter—I’ve been working all week in this slave job—Brother what a deal! No cooperation whatsoever from the old biddies. Well, I guess I just have to stick it out as I certainly can’t afford to quit now.
T
hanks loads for the $5 for my birthday—it came in handy. I received a nice letter from Suzy and also Mother. Suzy sent me a lighter and two cute ashtrays. She and Wib still don’t know whether they’re coming to
How have you been lately? Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? Someone gave me a meal ticket at the Y—so I had a nice dinner. You see, I haven’t been getting a ticket since I’m behind in my rent, so I have to eat all my meals out. I’ve met a very nice fellow about a month ago, seeing a lot of him, in fact he’s been buying my dinner almost every night (when I’m broke). His name is Charles McClelland. He’s 25, formerly an executive accountant with Grant Advertising Agency. I really like him an awful lot, but you know Dad, I’m going to play my cards right and not rush into anything. I’ll write you more about him later.
I hope your able to come in January. That would be the best Christmas I could possibly have!
I’m on my lunch hour so I’ll close for now as I want to get this off to you. Loads of Love, Vicki
Joseph L. Egan
PRESIDENT
LA139
L.CB232 86 DL COLLECT=
MR AND MRS L L LARSON=
YOUR DAUGHTERS VICTORIA AND KATHLEEN HAVE BROKEN ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS =HAVE RESPECT FOR NO ONE WITH AUTHORITY IN THE RESIDENCE AND ARE CONDUCTING THEMSELVES IN SUCH A LOW STANDARD SO THAT IT IS NECESSARY FOR ME TO ASK THEM TO MOVE OUT OF THE RESIDENCE AT ONCE= THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN WARNED MANY TIMES=LAST NIGHT VICTORIA WAS SO DRUNK SHE HAD TO BE HELPED INTO THE RESIDENCE= I AM WIRING YOU BECAUSE I KNOW THEY BOTH NEED ADVICE AND HELP FROM THEIR FAMILY=
HELEN KIDD THOMPSON RESIDENCE DIRECTOR=
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