could be to the baby's blessing. Mother and Ida went with me also. The Eighteenth Ward was really filled." November 1943 A VISIT FROM THE IN-LAWS Madeleine to Vern: "Last Saturday night about 7:00 p.m., your Dad and Mother surprised us by calling in for the evening. You know how hard it is for your mom to get your pop to go out for an evening. They have been here three times since just before you left for San Diego. So that is pretty good, isn't it? They and the folks always play Pokeno, and I join them as much as I can until I have to care for the baby. Last Saturday they brought a quart of Model Ice Cream, and Mother gave them a piece of pumpkin pie and a drink of root beer to go with it. Aunt Ida (Ferrin) was here the night they visited-when I was with you in Bremerton (Washington). She so enjoyed the evening that when she found out they had been here last Saturday night, she was right disappointed because she wasn't out here to join in the fun. You know that I bought a folding baby buggy from Aunt Cora Keller's daughter-in-law. I hadn't seen any of these buggies to speak of. But after I had bought it, I saw several. Honestly, I just couldn't have taken the baby in it. I didn't know it was so old-fashioned when I bought it. If looks like a Model T Ford would look against a new Ford. So I sold it to a second hand furniture dealer and got my money back. Then Mother and I went shopping for a new baby buggy. I bought one at Boyles. I'll take good care of it, and as soon as I am through using it, I can easily sell it." November 9, 1943 VERA CHRISTENSEN Madeleine to Vern: "Vera Christensen has invited me to her home tomorrow evening. She is having a few lady friends to her home for the evening. She said for me to bring Jerry if I care to. Just last month, Dr. Eugene Smith warned me not to take the baby in crowds and to keep away from large gatherings myself (during this polio epidemic)." (Note to reader: Vern was being transferred to Alaska at this time) November 18, 1943 CLYDE BRAMWELL Madeleine to Vern: "Last Saturday night, I called Clyde Bramwell and asked him if he would give me a few lessons on how to operate the moving picture projector and suggestions in lighting for indoor pictures. So Sunday afternoon, he came and stayed for two hours. He was very patient in instructing me about the equipment and all. When he was ready to leave, I wanted him to take the money for the lessons, but he wouldn't accept. I thought it was so very nice of him especially when everyone is so busy nowadays. He said photograph was his hobby and that he