My mother gave Leyden a box that belonged to my grandfather, Jeffa Porter Hill, Jr. There are several letters in the box, and Leyden and I have enjoyed reading them. We have laughed, we have gasped in surprise, we have wondered aloud at the "guilt trips," ha ha! I am working on typing Grandaddy's life story, and I am thinking about incorporating the letters into his life story. Until I decide, I thought I'd share them here for my family to enjoy. (I'm copying these letters verbatim, spelling errors and all.)
Grandaddy was 15 years old when he received this letter from his
biological mother, Margaret Jane Armstrong Hill, who died when Grandaddy was a
senior in high school. Grandaddy's father, Jeffa Porter Hill, Sr., moved from town to town all over the west looking for mining jobs. His mother was weak and sickly. They could not make ends meet and it was a very hard life. Grandaddy was sent away as a teenager to live on a ranch, apparently with family or close friends, in Pasadena, California, where he became a cowboy. The "dinkey" mentioned at the end of the letter was an early version of a commuter train.
Postmarked: June 29, 1937
Delivery Address:
Delivery Address:
Jeffa P. Hill, Jr.
529 Atchinson Street
Pasadena, CA
Return Address:
Mrs. J.P. Hill
Superior, Arizona
June 29, 1937
June 29, 1937
Dear Soney boy -
Well you finely decided to write didint u? I sure was mad at you, and what I didint say and think, wasn't worth much. I was not much worried, for feel your big enough to take care of your self, but felt bad to think you wouldnt take time to write me. Where you know how I worry about everything. I told Dad I wouldnt write you any more, but u know how I love you dear, and know matter if you do forget about having a Mother, I will write anyway. it is so lonesome here. You could write and tell me what you do and how are friends are, and who you go visit with. I would like to know. $1.70 isnt to much to go see Lovie, but call her first and make sure they are at home so you wont make the trip for nothing. it costs 25c to talk to Justin I think. They live on "B" street I guess you could find the house once you got there. Dont get "losted" tho and dont talk to strangers or get in a car with strangers no matter what they "say". Isnt that awful about that man killing those three little girls and a crazy man like that would just as soon kill boys as girls. I hope they get him. When are you coming home dear? I dont want Carlton & Kathleen to go broke trying feed you. I am feeling pretty good. We went to Globe Sun. afternoon (Uncle is feeling fine. he said he saw the girl who writes to you. did you get the 2 letters Dad sent you that she wrote? also one I mailed last Thurs. I have a little Mexican girl who comes in every morning and does dishes and cleans house she is 13 years. lives near us in that house across from Mrs. Mirich with the blue door. she came last Sat. a.m. and asked me if she could work for me. that her Brother sold me a paper every week, and I was such a nice Lady. you see the little Mexican thinks me nice, even if u do forget that you do have a Mamma somewhere. well your old Mom loves you honey, even if you are to busy to write. did Kathleen get the dress I sent Snookie June 21 please let me know. I had it insured in case it is lost. I thought she would write and let me know. Mabie she didint like it. if its to big send it back and I'll try and find another one. sure wish I was there and could go swimming. its pretty warm today tho its been a bit cloudy since last Sat. well its past three so will have to stop and clean up. will slip a bill if pop will let me as I guess your getting low on cash. next time he sends you some Son write and let us know in less than a month.
Oodles of love & kisses Mother
love to all the family (over)
Dear you will have to wait till pay day to go to Lovies for dont guess you have much of the fine left. dont forget to bring your croquet set when you come home. you could get your ticket to Florence and come on in on the "dinkey" fined out at the S.P. what the fare is and if you can go to Florence. they may sell them clear to Superior that way. the Dink runs there every day I guess. anyway you can call & find out. love M.
Well you finely decided to write didint u? I sure was mad at you, and what I didint say and think, wasn't worth much. I was not much worried, for feel your big enough to take care of your self, but felt bad to think you wouldnt take time to write me. Where you know how I worry about everything. I told Dad I wouldnt write you any more, but u know how I love you dear, and know matter if you do forget about having a Mother, I will write anyway. it is so lonesome here. You could write and tell me what you do and how are friends are, and who you go visit with. I would like to know. $1.70 isnt to much to go see Lovie, but call her first and make sure they are at home so you wont make the trip for nothing. it costs 25c to talk to Justin I think. They live on "B" street I guess you could find the house once you got there. Dont get "losted" tho and dont talk to strangers or get in a car with strangers no matter what they "say". Isnt that awful about that man killing those three little girls and a crazy man like that would just as soon kill boys as girls. I hope they get him. When are you coming home dear? I dont want Carlton & Kathleen to go broke trying feed you. I am feeling pretty good. We went to Globe Sun. afternoon (Uncle is feeling fine. he said he saw the girl who writes to you. did you get the 2 letters Dad sent you that she wrote? also one I mailed last Thurs. I have a little Mexican girl who comes in every morning and does dishes and cleans house she is 13 years. lives near us in that house across from Mrs. Mirich with the blue door. she came last Sat. a.m. and asked me if she could work for me. that her Brother sold me a paper every week, and I was such a nice Lady. you see the little Mexican thinks me nice, even if u do forget that you do have a Mamma somewhere. well your old Mom loves you honey, even if you are to busy to write. did Kathleen get the dress I sent Snookie June 21 please let me know. I had it insured in case it is lost. I thought she would write and let me know. Mabie she didint like it. if its to big send it back and I'll try and find another one. sure wish I was there and could go swimming. its pretty warm today tho its been a bit cloudy since last Sat. well its past three so will have to stop and clean up. will slip a bill if pop will let me as I guess your getting low on cash. next time he sends you some Son write and let us know in less than a month.
Oodles of love & kisses Mother
love to all the family (over)
Dear you will have to wait till pay day to go to Lovies for dont guess you have much of the fine left. dont forget to bring your croquet set when you come home. you could get your ticket to Florence and come on in on the "dinkey" fined out at the S.P. what the fare is and if you can go to Florence. they may sell them clear to Superior that way. the Dink runs there every day I guess. anyway you can call & find out. love M.
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