February 8, 1988 I learned of my mother's 1927 New Year's resolutions. They were as follows:
Things to Aim for During the Year 1927:
With seven children, this meant she faced a busy and crowded year. She did not say she would be successful in all of this, but it was her aim. To accomplish these things she needed a better system than I have. I often simply reshuffle chaos.
I was eleven in 1927, and I am
confident that she was doing job in trying to attain that for which she aimed. Unknown of
us at the time, Mother and Daddy had only four days in 1927. Often I heard Daddy sing,
while at home:
"Just a few more days to be filled with praise, And to tell the old, old story; Then when twilight falls, and my Savior calls I shall go to Him in glory. I'll exchange my cross for a starry crown, Where the gates swing outward never; At His feet I'll lay every burden down, And with Jesus reign forever."
Indeed their days were few. At the longest, all our days are few and they pass rapidly. As a child I did not understand this. For example, I once thought Christmas would never come. Now it seems the next Christmas is here before we finish paying the bills for the last Christmas!
As James wrote:
"Come now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, if the Lord wills, we shall both live, and do this or that. (Jas. 4:13-15) Life's swift and unexpected transitions can place us on eternity's shores this day.
On Tuesday night, January A, 1927, our parents left for a Bible class. Our father had taught and preached for years though he made his living as a salesman. Daddy also led singing. Mother had been a school teacher before she married Daddy. They were actively involved in the work of the Lord. Daddy drove up Campbellton Road, on which we lived, and crossed the highway that went to College Park. He crossed double street car tracks. They were hit by the Dixie Flyer as they tried to cross the train tracks. Daddy was driving a Model T. Ford with eisenglass curtains which cut down on one's visibility. The watchman at the crossing had gone off duty at 6 p.m. Daddy was crossing the tracks at around 7:32 p.m. We do not know whether Daddy saw the train and thought it was the light from a street car coming around the bend a ways up the track. The impact threw Daddy around 90 feet and he landed on a rail. I do not know how far it threw Mother.
We lived on Carnpbelltown Road (Route 2, Box 56-A) in Atlanta we were not far from where the accident occurred. My sister Mary, with Mother's permission, had gone to visit a friend Georgia Word who lived on a dirt road close to Mrs. Henson, a family friend on Utoy Road. Frank, my fourteen year old brother was looking after the children. The house was rented from Lee Rosser who lived in the room on the left just after you came into the front room. He went arid got Mary and then took us to the scene of the wreck. We arrived before the ambulance came. I can still see Daddy lying in a pool of blood and Mother whose dress was torn and she was bleeding.
Lee Rosser took Mary to Grady Hospital to see Daddy and then to the railroad hospital to see Mother. Mother died around 8:05 p.m. and Daddy a few minutes later. Rosier then drove her to get Uncle Raymond Davis, my Mother's brother. He pulled up beside them at a light before they got to his place. Mary screamed at him and he thought she was being abducted.
Mrs Henson immediately came to our home and spent the night with us. When we returned home, before I went to bed, I read the Bible. Not knowing where to turn for comfort I read the first and perhaps the second chapter of Genesis. That night was a long, long night. None of us slept well. I remember Mary checking on us from time to time. Davis was not at home for he was attending Burritt College in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
The following account of their death is taken from The Atlanta Georgian. They got
Daddy's first name wrong. It was Benjamin not Berry.
PARENTS OF 7 KILLED AS TRAIN HITS AUTO
Six children, the eldest 17 and the youngest 4, awoke Wednesday morning in a little Campbellton Road home made desolate by the tragic death, early Tuesday night, of the father and mother as the result of a crossing accident in Oakland City. A seventh child, a 19-year-old boy, was on his way home from a theological seminary in Tennessee to join the other bereaved young ones.
The father and mother were Mr. and Mrs. Berry F. Bales. They were fatally injured when the "Dixie Flyer," fast Central of Georgia tourist train, southbound, crashed into their light automobile as they attempted to use the Dowman-Dozier Crossing at the intersection of Campbellton Road and Lee Street, while on their way to church services.
Evidently failing to see the onrushing Flyer, Mr. Bales drove upon the tracks. A moment later the automobile was a tangled mass of wreckage from which the desperately hurt father and mother were being taken by the crew of the train.
Engineer Shouse was in charge of the Dixie Flyer at the time of the accident.
Hemper1ey and Patterson ambulances, arriving at the few minutes afterward, rushed the victims to the Atlanta and Grady Hospitals, where physicians made heroic efforts to save them. They died within a few moments of each other without regaining consciousness. The end came before the eldest daughter, Mary, could reach the bedside of the Mother at the Atlanta Hospital.
The seven orphaned children are Davis, 19, a student at Burritt College, Spencer, Tenn.; Mary, 17; Franklin, 14; Mabel, 13; James 11; Clayton, 8, and Mildred, 4. Mary was to have graduated from Fulton High School this spring. Franklin and Mabel both were students at that school, while the next two youngest children were attendants at grammar school.
There was no watchman at the crossing at the time of the crash. He went off duty, as usual, at 6 o'clock.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bales received skull fractures. Each had a crushed leg and internal injuries. The bodies were removed to the Sam R. Greenberg Undertaking Parlors.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o'clock at the Church of Christ, 967 South Pryor Street, and both bodies will be sent to Fitzgerald, Ga., Thursday night at 9:30 o'clock for burial.
There will be no inquest.
Other survivors of Mrs. Bales are, in addition to the children, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Davis, of Fitzgerald; sister, Mrs. J. M. Massey, of Fitzgerald, and four brothers, J.S. Davis of Chicago; C. F. Davis, of Independence, Mo.; J.C. Davis, of Palatka, Fla., and Raymond Davis, of Atlanta.
Henry F. Garrett, claim agent of the Central of Georgia stated that the crossing was not guarded by a watchman, but pointed out that there is a city law requiring automobiles to stop at such crossings. The train, he said, was en route to Macon and the crew in charge has not returned to Atlanta as yet. (Jan. 5, 1927, pp. 1, 4)
The paper also had photos of Daddy, Davis, Mildred (4), Clayton (8), Mabel (13) and James
(11). Davis was wrongly identified as Franklin.
The January 5, 1927 issue of The Atlanta Constitution carried the following across the
front page: "Man and Wife Die After Auto is Smashed by 'Dixie Flyer' At Oakland City
Crossing". The headings over the column on the right hand side of the paper said:
"Seven Orphaned Children Mourn in Stricken Home". Under this, in smaller type,
was: "Mr. and Mrs. Berry F. Bales Succumb to Injuries Few Hours After
Catastrophe". Then: "Campbellton Road Scene of Tragedy". Then: "Couple
En Route to Church, Had Left Children at Home -- Eldest Son Theological Student".
Davis was at Burritt College which was a liberal arts school in which every student took
Bible. He was not a theological student. The news account was as follows:
Seven Orphaned Children Mourn in Stricken Home
"Mr. and Mrs. Berry F. Bales of Campbellton Road, were killed early Tuesday night when the southbound 'Dixie Flyer', crack Central of Georgia train, plowed through their light touring car at the Campbellton Road and Lee Street crossing in Oakland.
The automobile was turned into a mass of twisted steel and both occupants received such injuries that they died soon after being taken to Atlanta hospitals. The tragedy left seven orphan children, the oldest being 19 years old and a theological student in Tennessee. The youngest is four years old.
The accident occurred about 7:15 o'clock. It is believed that Mr. Bales failed to notice the approaching train, driving onto the tracks before he was aware of the impeding danger. There was no watchman on duty at the time, he having left his post at 6 o'clock, the usual hour.
The train was stopped immediately and members of the crew assisted in taking the bodies from the wreck and obtaining ambulances. Mrs. Bales was taken to the Atlanta hospital and her husband was taken to Grady hospital. Neither regained consciousness after the crash.
Mrs. Bales had a badly fractured skull, her left leg was crushed and she received internal injuries. Mr. Bales received a fractured skull and a broken leg and internal injuries. Doctors at both hospitals used every means possible to save the lives but their injuries were so serious all efforts were futile.
The eldest girl, Mary, on whose shoulders will largely remain the responsibility of the family, was heartbroken Tuesday night over the tragedy. Davis, the oldest son, is a student at Burritt College, Spencer, Tenn. He was notified immediately and is expected to reach the broken home today.
The children had been left at home by themselves, while Mr. and Mrs. Bales were to attend church services. First news of the wreck given the children was that the father and mother were seriously injured. Mary left with a friend to go to the Atlanta hospital but her mother was dead before she arrived at the hospital. Her father died a short time later at the Grady hospital.
The home presented a pitiful sight Tuesday night. Mary, after returning, told of the double tragedy and the younger children grouped about her, heartbroken over the sudden loss of their parents. The youngest child, Mildred four years old, was barely able to comprehend the fact that her father and mother were gone.
All of the children, excepting the youngest, were attending school. Mary was to have graduated from Fulton High school this spring and had brought home here 1927 class ring Tuesday night, displaying it with pride to her parents. Mabel, 13, and Franklin, 14 also were students at Fulton High school, while the other two children, James, 11, and Clayton, 8, were grammar school students.
Complete details of the wreck could not be obtained Tuesday night from railroad authorities as the train continued after stopping and assisting the two dying victims, and no report was filed with officials of the railroad. The train is said to have been in charge of Engineer Hugh Shouse and Conductor Beatty.
An ambulance from A.C. Hemperley & Son, East Point, rushed Mrs. Bales to the Atlanta hospital, while Mr. Bales was carried to Grady hospital in an ambulance of H.M. Patterson & Son.
Other Survivors
No funeral arrangements had been made late Tuesday night. Both bodies were taken to the funeral chapel of Sam R. Greenberg.
In addition to the children, Mrs. Bales is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Davis, of Fitzgerald; a sister, Mrs. J.M. Massey, of Fitzgerald; and four brothers, J.S. Davis of Chicago; C.F. Davis of Independence, Mo.; J.C. Davis, Palatka, Fla.; and Raymond Davis, of Atlanta."
Late on the night of January 4, 1927, someone in Atlanta wanted to tell our
grandparents (Mr. & Mrs. James F. Davis) in Fitzgerald, Georgia about their death.
They thought it best to call the Dicksons, who lived up the country road, and have them
break the news. They had a party line. Grandma heard the number of rings that signaled the
Dickson's home, got up and listened in since she felt something must be wrong because the
call was late at night. What a shock!
Mary said she had seen Grandma, when someone's phone rang, pick up the receiver, put her apron over the mouth piece and listen. This was one of the means of getting the latest news.
January 5, 1927, the following resolution was passed by the Atlanta Theological Seminary:
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Bales of the Night Class of Atlanta Theological Seminary were faithful and efficient members, and whereas, they have been called to their Heavenly Home,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the faculty and students of Atlanta Theological Seminary do deeply regret this loss to Seminary and do sincerely sympathize with the bereaved children and extend to them an assurance of our prayers and interest, and commit them to the care of the Heavenly Father, whom the parents so deeply loved and served.
James H. McBroom, Sr. also spoke at the service held on Friday, January 7 in Fitzgerald. He was assisted by Bruce Nay, the preacher for the Christian Church there. My grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Franklin Davis, attended there. Grandfather and Grandmother were founding members of the church of Christ in Coal City, Indiana in 1890. When they moved in 1910 to Fitzgerald they attended the Christian Church. My parents were buried in the plot which our Grandparents had already purchased. Among the songs sung at both services was the following:
Verse 1: There's a land beyond the river, That we call the sweet forever, And we only reach that shore by faith's decree; One by one we'll gain the portals, There to dwell with the immortals, When they ring those golden bell for you and me.
Chorus: Don't you hear the bells aringing? Don't you hear the angels singing? 'Tis the glory hallelujah Jubilee (Jubilee), In that far off sweet forever, Just beyond the shining river, When they ring those golden bells for you and me.
Verse 2: We shall know no sin nor sorrow, In that haven of tomorrow, When our bark shall sail beyond the silver sea; We shall only know the blessing Of our Father's sweet caressing, When they ring those golden bells for you and me.
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3: When our days shall know their number, When in death we sweetly slumber, When the King Commands the spirit to be free; Nevermore with anguish laden, We shall reach that lovely Aidenn, When they ring those golden bells for you and me.
Repeat Chorus
Brother McBroom said that though the bells were not ringing at the railroad crossing, the golden bells were ringing in heaven for our parents. Years later I paid the following tribute to Mother:
On September 5, 1933, bought a book of clippings in a second hand furniture store
on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. The oldest clipping, as far as I recall, was
October 7, 1892 which said: "Lord Tennyson Died Yesterday". In the midst of some
clippings from World War I, was a clipping of "the latest song hit, 'If You Had All
the World and It's Gold.'"
I was wishing that I had the riches to buy
Concerning Mother, I already knew this through sad experience. My Mother and Father were killed around 7:30 p.m. the night of January 4, 1927 by the Dixie Flyer (a train) in Atlanta, Georgia.
If your Mother is living, tell her now that you love her. You do not have forever to speak to her.
B.C. Goodpasture later told me that my Father loved books. I must have "inherited" this love. Daddy would go to Goodpasture's home to look at his books. One day when Daddy came buy he was not there. Goodpasture had told the black lady who worked at his house not to let anyone in to see the books if he was not there. She let Daddy in and explained that this man had such an honest way about him. Goodpasture also mentioned that he had arrived at the scene of the accident and picked up Daddy's overcoat from which some blood spilled. He reflected on the significance of my Father's life blood.
Some blame God for such tragedies as the death of our parents and for the evil which is in the world. One person said he could not see how a just God could allow it to happen. But God has not promised to protect us from all our mistakes and misjudgements. There are accidents in this world.
There are some who blame their misfortunes on God but take credit for their good fortunes. There are others who say God is responsible for everything which happens to them whether it is good or bad. One person wrote, concerning a young lady wh had been murdered by a thief, "Why would a merciful god strike down such a worthwhile person and more important, why would he do ti with some worthless piece of trash stealing money to finance a drug habit?" Why assume what the evil man does is done by God through the person who does evil?
God did not strike her down. One of God's Creatures, who had become depraved, did it. When God created man with the power of choice, it meant that He did not program man so that man could not make a bad choice. Adam and Eve chose to violate God's law. One cannot scripturally say that God did it. God held each accountable for their own actions. God did not kill Abel. God did not cause the wickedness in Noah's day. In fact, His Spirit strove with man in a effort to bring man to repentance (Gen. 6:3,5; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:7-15). God did not send the messenger of Satan which buffeted Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-9), though God's grace was sufficient for Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-9).
A lot of things which happen to us are our own fault, and a lot is the fault of others. Since God gave man some freedom, man can abuse this freedom and hurt others. In the very nature of the case, man cannot have any freedom of action if it is impossible for man to do anything contrary to the will of God.
Although we should not blame God for the evil done by men, we should try to learn from both the good and the bad. We should be spurred to evangelize that lives may be changed. We should do other things also to help prevent, in so far as we are able, such criminal activities as that of the murdering thief. There are always, however, those of whom it can be said as Jesus said of certain of His day: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matt. 23:37) Christ say come (Matt. 11:28), but of some He said: "and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life" (John 5:40). Man does not have to will to do in this life what God wants man to do. For God to take away man's freedom would mean that man ceased to be man.
What doth is profit to turn out the light we have, and plunge ourselves in to total darkness, because we do not have light enough to answer completely all questions which life or the mind of man can raise?
I have long tried to cultivate the attitude which is set forth in an article I
wrote in 1989.
Elisabeth Elliot's first husband was killed by natives while he was doing missionary work in South America. Her second husband died of cancer. In Suffering Is Not for Nothing, she said: "I'm convinced there are a good many things in this life that we really can't do anything about, but that God wants us to do something with." (Review in the Bookstore Journal, November 1989, p.80)
It has long been my conviction that there are accidents in life. I am not of those who accredit their good fortunes to themselves and their ill fortune to God. Though greatly saddened by the death of my parents (when a train hit their car in Atlanta, Georgia), when I was eleven, I never blamed the accident on God. Although I have not always done it, I have tried to live by the rule, concerning my fortune and my misfortune, of seeking to learn from the experience what God would have me to learn. As a Christian, what lesson can I draw from my experiences which will give me keener insight, greater compassion and gratitude, and the capacity to help others? The question is not why did it happen to me. The question is how can I profit, in one way or another, by this event.
One cannot do anything about whether one is a five talent, a two talent, of a one talent person. Instead of asking why I am the one or the other, I should ask what can I do with whatever talents I have. One is not excused from using one talent just because one does not have five. One is not excused for using two and one half talents just because one was given five and can do more than the one talent person even though using half of one's talents. It is not what I would do if I had five talents but what am I doing with my one or two talents? I am not required to be faithful in five if I have only one, but I am required to use what I have (Matt. 25:14-30; 2 Cor. 8:12). What are you doing with what you have? You may find while using what you have that you have more than you realize.
January 7, 1927, was the last day all of the children were together at one time. A time or so there were six of us together but never all seven. My definition of loneliness is me standing at Grandpa's gate (just to the left of the cement block building in which they placed vegetables, milk, etc.) which opened to the barnyard. On Tuesday, I was a member of a family of nine. On Friday, I was left standing at the gate as the rest drove off. I was eleven. We had just buried our parents. I was left alone with my grandparents about two miles from town. The only bright spot, which did not seem bright at the moment, was that my sister Mabel and Mildred stayed in Fitzgerald with Uncle Jess Massey and Aunt Mabel. Uncle Massey ran Davis Brothers grocery store. Tears were in my eyes, as they drove off and sad loneliness in heart. Tears are in my heart and eyes as I write this, but live in hope of life eternal with them.
One of the pains in connection with my Mother's death was the nagging question: Did she believe me? I did not smoke but I picked up off the street cigarettes which had been partly smoked. We called them cigarette butts. I was going to give them to some schoolmates who smoked. I was trying to get some additional "status" from them. On the day she died Mother found these in my pocket. I explained the situation to her. For a considerable time I worried as I wondered whether she believed me. It was a heavy burden for a child.
Mildred later lived briefly with Uncle Jesse C. Davis and Aunt Retha in Palatka, Florida according to Mary's recollection. She then went to the Christian Children's home on Cleburne Avenue in Atlanta where Miss Sue Hook worked. The Home had more applications than it had space, so they asked that a relative the family take Mildred. Mary bought a house in 1929 with the hope of getting the children together, and she took Mildred in May, 1931.
Uncle Jesse and Aunt Retha took Clayton until Mary bought the house in September 1929. Clayton was the first to live with Mary.
Mabel stayed with Uncle Jess Massey and Aunt Mabel. They had two children -- Dorothy and Donald. She later went to the Vashti School in Thomasville, Georgia, then to the Martha Berry School in Rome, Georgia and later to live with Mary.
Davis went back to Burritt College (a high school in Bell Buckle, Tennessee) to finish the year and then went north, perhaps first to Michigan.
Franklin lived for a time with Gordon Payne, a friend of Uncle Raymond Davis.
After Davis married Edna Lewis early in 1930, Frank went to Glen Cove, New York, and lived
for a time with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Lewis at 21 Franklin Avenue. A high school
teacher, Miss May I. Brandhoist, 5 Knoll Place, in Glen Cove took an interest in Frank and
helped finance his education. From 1931-32 he lived in the campus dormitory in Troy, N.Y.
while he attended Rensselaer Polytech Institute. In 1932-34 he lived at 57 Second Street
in Troy. He met Miss Dorothy Wicks, 15 Nassau Avenue in Glen Cove when he first went there
and later married her.
Mary lived with Uncle Raymond and Aunt Zelma and helped them some in their bakery. When they moved she lived for a time with Mr. C.M. and Anna Henson who were our neighbors on Utoy Road before we moved to Campbelltown Road; where we were living when our parents were killed. She then lived with the Keckeleys who were friends of our family (and attended the South Pryor Street Church) on 958 Crew Street. They were crowded and she slept on the sofa in the front room. They were people with big hearts. Sister Keckeley said it would have been easier for her to lose a sister than to lose our Mother. In September 1929, Mary bought a house at 1539 Pineview Terrace in the West End section of Atlanta.
On January 15, 1927, Mrs. Cora Shelly Saunders wrote Mother from 1563 Matthews Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia where Mother and Father had once lived. Among other things she wrote: "We've been so pleased to receive a card from you the last two Christmases. Last year the address got away from us. Now I'm going to write before it does so again."
"We so often think of you all and wonder how you all are and what you're doing and would so love to know that everything is lovely with you." She also spoke of the church there.
On January 24, 1927 my sister Mary (Louisa) wrote Mrs. Minnie M. Saunders, 1986 11 Avenue, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was returned to Mary as they had moved. The letter said:
Atlanta, Ga.
Jan. 24, 1927
Dear Mrs. Saunders:
I'm going through some of our papers today and I found a letter from you written Sept. 10, 1923.
I have a dim recollection of you people and Shelly's and have helped Mother and Daddy mention both families real often. Mother kept intending to write you but was so busy; seemed as if she never had time.
Mother and Daddy were killed in a wreck Jan. 4, 1927. They were on their way to a Bible school about 5 miles from home. They had just left the house it seemed, when word cam to us children that while crossing a railroad crossing in our car, about a mile from home, they were hit by a fast passenger train, the "Dixie Flyer", going about sixty mile an hour. They were both thrown about 90 feet. They were rushed to the hospital where everything possible was done for them. The wreck happened about 7:32 p.m. At about 8:05 Mother died, Daddy a few minutes later. We buried them both in Fitzgerald, Ga in one grave.
We have no doubt about their being saved, but nevertheless it was awfully hard to give them up. It was all so sudden to us that it is still hard to realize we are orphans and that our dear Mother and Father are gone.
Daddy had just been elected Sunday School Superintendent the Sunday proceeding the Tuesday he was killed. He also had a Sunday School class of boys from 11-16 years. Mother was a member of the Ladies Bible class that met every Thursday afternoon. They both attended Sunday School, church services morning and night, prayer meeting and both were members of a Bible class which met on Tuesday and Thursday night. They not only were attending these services but were putting in practice what they learned at these different meetings.
When we left the Northwest there were 5 of us children. There were three children born in Georgia. There ages are as follows: Davis 19, Mary Louisa 17, Franklin, Jr. 14, Mabel 13, James 11, Clayton 8, Florence would have been 6, she died at the age of 9 months, 2 week, 3 days, and Mildred 4. The family had to be broken. Davis returned to Spencer, Tenn. where he was attending Burritt College. I am staying with my uncle here in Atlanta. Mildred is also with me. I am to graduate from High School this year. Franklin is staying with a friend here in Atlanta. He is in his first year of high school. Mabel is with my aunt and James is with our grandparents in Fitzgerald, Ga. Clayton is with an uncle in Patalka, Florida. So you see the family is scattered.
I will try to send you the latest picture of Mother and Daddy, also one of us children when we have some more developed if you care for any.
Did you happen to know any of Daddy's brothers or sisters addresses? So far we have not been able to find any of them.
I would be more than glad if you and Shelly would write me. It gets real lonesome without Daddy and Mother.
Your friend,
On January 11, 1927, four days after our parents were buried, I wrote Franklin a letter. This is as I wrote it:
Dear Franklin: I started to school Monday it got colder Monday and snow a little granma said she want you to see if you can find the song book with when they ring the Golden bell for you and me. We went to the grave yard Sunday send worth address and send the other army panets and leggions grandpaw said he would get me bicyile if I would be good. Who is the boy you want me to know. I am walk to school and back send Hoyt address. Good by sugar (then I drew a little figure of a boy) your truly James Bales.
You will notice that I saved pencil by not using many punctuation marks or capital letters. The handwriting proves that I made a little progress in improving its looks over the years.
July 26, 1927 my sister Mabel wrote Mary as follows:
I hope it don't take you an hour to read the letter. Write me all the news of Atlanta if you can.
There are 12 pages in it so don't ge discouraged and tear it up.
I was ready and you did not sail by after me. It sure would be fun. I could not make out any of those words but Sweden. I can't make a aeroplane if you will draw a picture of one I will make one but I can't get the shape of one.
If I am full of prunes you're full of apple sauce. (I'm just a kidding you so don't get mad. Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Me Too!)
I know Fay Adams. Do you know her.
I sure do wish you're dream was true.
Your teeth cost you $14.00. Why are you spending your money like that you naughty girl. Ha! Ha!
Tell Mrs. Henson 'Hello' herself instead of 'Hello' me.
Uncle Jess is coming here and going somewhere in Florida. He might come to Atlanta if he don't Aunt Mabel said he would have to pay your way down here. "Hot Dog" won't that be fun? I wish you could come to see me.
I might come to see you some day.
Do you still see the Highland car m---------n? Ha! Ha! He sure is cute aren't you glad you ride that car. Ha! Ha!
You said the house is about 1 from the car line. 1 what (miles, blocks, inches, feet, yards, acres, specks, or what.) Tee! Hee!
Aren't we crazy!!!! I know where Franklin is working I thing across the street from Dady's office.
I will be glad when fore years comes.
PS Won't you?
You had better send me your new address or I won't write to you.
No, I dond wish he would kill my best big sister.
I wrote G. Y----------------------------------------------- but I did not send it. Tee! Hee!
Sunday Grandpa had the worst spell that he has ever had. Grandma thought he was dead. She phoned Central to get some body near the Christian church and tell Aunt Mabel he was gone. But he came too. Grandma yelled for half an hour for some body to come she and Grandpa were at home by herself. James was at Sunday school and Uncle Jim went to see Aunt May she is here now. You know that white house on the other side of there house. Grandma yelled untill one of them heard her and Grandpa did not know anything about it.
I hope you don't feel hurt.
PS Apple sauce.
Will you won't you when
PS Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho!
Me! Too!
Me! Too!
Sure I am some artest. Why don't you tell me something I don't know (But I love you just heaps and heaps). It sure is the truth you can't expect any one with out any sence to be an artest (Are you just finding that out.) Tee! Hee!
Yes I am glad you came to Fitzgerald.
PS You are full of apple sauce.
PS I full of prunes.
Yes I remember I night gown fight do you remember how Mother and Dady laught at us and I got in bed with them and you went back in our room.
At the last part of the letter you put "Don't that sound poetic." What does that mean Tee! Hee! The next time you write a letter write a long letter again. I like to real long letters. Don' you?
PS did you get that big picture of you at Elliot and Linard it is spelled wrong. I guess you know it without me telling you.
Questions
I am going to a swimming party at Bowns Mill Thursday.
PS aren't I crazy.
PS So's your old man and so is mine.
Well (Were am I going to dig it) I guess I had better close (don't you) for this time.
I have wrote you a long long long long long long long letter and I hope you don't feel hurt. Tee! Hee! Tee! Hee! Tee! Hee! Tee! Hee!
(Don't that sound poetic?)
PS I guess your all tired of PS and I am too.
PS I bet you are PS crazy I am PS! PS! PS! PS! PS! PS! PS!
PS is ended for this time. What does youre to the last dieth mean? Ha! Ha!
Youre to the last dich.
Your sis Mabel
My Art
Our Room
PS That's like home.
Mama Mabel wants a drink of water or Mama I not doing any thing to Mabel. Mama make
Louisa leave me alone.
PS I will be glad to see Mildred.
Frank
wrote me on February 2, 1927 from the home of G.L. Payne with whose family Frank stayed
for a time after our parents were killed. He said:
Atlanta, Georgia
February 2, 1927
41 East Clifton Rd.
Dear James;
How are you getting along in your school work now? I am getting along alright in everything except Latin. When we were moving my Latin book got mixed up with the rest of the books and it is packed up with the rest of them. I do not know which box they are packed in .
I joined the Library uptown the other day but cannot get any more books because when we left our old house I let Harvel Ferguson us my card because my time was almost up. He got four books and did not return them. I can not get any more books until I find him or pay for them. They had moved to our old house but have moved away again. I don't know where they live now.
The next books I am going to read are "The Sky Pilot" and "The Three Musketeers."
Have you joined the library down there yet? When I stayed down there I belonged to the library but I do not know whether or not my card is any good now. I just telephone Lee Rosser but he does not know where the Fergusons live. Worth gave me his address but I have lost it. I gave him yours and I expect you will receive a letter from him soon. I went out to J.B. Pilgrim's house Sunday and had a good time.
What is Clayton's address? Louisa had some pictures of Mother and Dad developed and she will soon send you some. How are Grandma and Grandpa getting along? Is Mabel getting along alright down at Aunt Mabel's?
How is she doing in her school work? I must close now because it is getting late.
With Love,
Franklin Bales
P.S. Received your valentine the other day and will soon send you one. I am going out to Billy's house tomorrow and stay all night. I saw Worth and Arthur and Charles in town Saturday and I gave him your address. His address is Campbelltown Rd. R.F.D. #2, Box 39.
February 14, 1927 I wrote Mary as follows:
Dear Louisa: I got your letter yesterday. I heard from worth andrews Friday wrote him Saturday. Mildred is getting along fine and so is Mable. Mildred like to ride the trycle how are you and Franklin getting along tell Franklin to write me. It is after seven oclock How are you?? Getting along. Who did you sell susan to and how much did you get for her? Write and tell me mildred was out Sunday afternoon will be glad when summer comes so we will see each other will write franklin tomorrow. We are getting ready to go to bed tell Lordy to write me some time. It will not be long before Davis will be 21 years old I wonder how he is getting along got a valentine from clayton and Keckley today sure glad to hear from them. Tell franklin to write me soon. Will you be down next summer if you do not I will come down there do you go to the church of Christ where mother and Father went? They have muse (instrumental music) in the church up here. I do not like it. Mable go to the show every Friday. I have not ben to the show at all while I have ben here I told Mable if I were her I would not go to the show so much we have sold our peacan but a fwie. I got 84 eggs the other day I guess I will close so good by with love your brother Jame Bales
I used capital letters and punctuation marks sparingly. My spelling was not up to par. It
still isn't. I misspelled Mabel. One of the words (where I have put ??) I could not make
out. My handwriting has improved a little bit since then. Pecans was not spelled correctly
nor was been and as well some others. My spelling of 'valentine' was very innovative.
Susan was not one of the family but was the cow whose thirst led me to gripe about drawing water for her.
Mabel wrote Louisa on July 8, 1927 from Fitzgerald.
July 8, 1927
Fitzgerald, Ga.
Friday
Dear Sister:
I sure do miss you. I wish you could have stayed here all summer.
It sure did rain hard all last night.
Louisa the other night I got up and I wanted to go the bathroom and I couldn't find the light and I thought Dot was you and I started to calling you to turn on the light for me. I have dreamed of you Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night.
Donald said for me to tell you that he borried a boys skates and is learning to skate!
Dot said that she wished you was back here. Donald said for you to come down next Sunday if you can and he said that he might come up before school starts. Dot said she was alright. How many pictures have you developed send me one of each.
You know that dog that Donald had it ran away last night and he can't find it.
Last Saturday I held a baby that had the whooping-cough and I might have it. Grandpa and Grandma went to the cemetary last night.
Aunt Mabel is going to have her tonsels (I guess that is the way to spell it) taken out soon.
Night before last Dot, Donald and My Self road on the Ferrace wheel. Write soon.
Your sis,
Mabel
P.S. Tell Miss Henson "Hello"
With oceans of love and a kiss on each wave
kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss
Sis
On October 30, 1927 my Grandfather Davis passed away and this left Grandma and me alone. I can still hear her saying sadly: "James, Grandpa has gone." In December I had a bout with the flu which lasted for around a month and left me very weak. I had the flu for a few succeeding years but each time it was less severe.
The deep pain caused by the death of our parents is reflected in a letter Mabel wrote to Louisa. She dated it January 4, 1927. It was 1928, but writing it on January 4 about their passing led her automatically, I assume, to put down 1927.
She wrote:
Jan. 4, 1927
Fitzgerald, GA
Dear Louisa:
It has been one long long long and so long a year since we had our dear, loving, sweet, & every thing elsd sweet dady and mother Louisa. I miss them more and more every day and I know I do. I thought that I would not but I do. Do you. It is now about eight oclock by Atlanta time 9 oclock by Fitz time. Just think one year ago today. I think I will die I miss them so much. I cry most every night for them I can't help it. (Altho I did not use to) am crying now til I can't hardly write. I think I will go crazy if I can't be with Mother and Dady. Well I must go to bed and cry. Some time I wish I had never been born. To look at my sweet Mothers & Dadys picture almost makes me cry to think of them. Good night.
Mabel
PS. Think Uncle Jesse is coming up Sunday.
There were times when I must have been a trial to Grandma. One day I
got upset about something, picked up a few clothes and went out the front door. Grandma
did not intervene. I walked across the front porch. She still did not stop me. I got half
way to the unpaved country road when greatly to my relief Grandma said: "Young man,
you come back here." With a sigh of relief I obeyed!
I was not cut out for the farm. I helped some in the cotton field. We chopped cotton in order to thin the number of plants in the rows. I forget whether it was me or some one else who planted cotton and the planter stuck and when he got to the end of the row he dumped out the extra seeds; not realizing that they would all grow up at the end and there would be none in the row. (I do not think this was me for I was not good at driving the mule.) I sometimes said I picked five hundred pounds of cotton one time, and then I explained that the one time was an entire summer. It was hard work to pick cotton in the hot weather having to stoop down so much and the more you picked the harder it became to drag the cotton sack.
One time I was trying to plow a field but could not plow a straight row or keep the plough in the ground all of the time. The mule seemed to know more about it than I did, so finally I popped the mule with the reins, dropped the reins and the plough and went to the house. In the fall there were pecans to pick and every day there were chickens to look after.
One of the chores which I had was to milk a cow. It took pull in those days to milk a cow. I got so good that I could hit a cat at thirty feet when it came into the barn asking for a stream of milk. In the winter the cows sometimes laid on thier fresh manure and when I miilked them they would switch me in the face or around the neck with a manure stained tail. I got so angry one time that I kicked the cow. She kicked back, not believing in the Golden Rule, knocked over the pail of milk and knocked me into the next stall.
Even as a child I loved to read. One time I was reading a book by Zane Grey, or Horatio Alger, on a rags to riches story, on the side porch. Grandma saw me and rebuked me saying: "James, Granpa is doing the chores so you can have time to study your school lessons and you are reading that old book." Among other books by Zane Grey, I read The Riders of the Purple Sage. In a book by Alger called Bound to Rise, or Up the Ladder, Grandma wrote, "This book was given to James by his Aunt Mabel Massey. Dec. 25, 1927."
As a lonesome orphan on my Grandmother's farm in South Georgia, I memorized the Ancient Mariner. Then I memorized a poem about Income Tax. I am unable to locate it, and all I remember is:
Archibald Roosevelt, Theodore's son, told me that his father thought that the income tax would never exceed five per cent!
Much of the time I had to play by myself, except ocasionally when I went into town and could play with Mabel, and Donald & Dorothy Massey. For a period of time there was a farmer (named Christmas) down the road who had children my age. In order to amuse myself I whittled pieces of wood into small boats which I sailed in the creek. I also constructed trenches and used spent gun shells as soldiers and threw stones at the trenches. Later when I lived with my sister, Mary, and Clayton was there, we threw stones at one another's trenches.
Someone bought me a model plane which was supposed to look like the Spirit of Saint Louis in which Charles A. Lindberg flew across the Atlantic.
I had a slingshot. By getting under the fig tree, when the figs were ripe, I could take good aim at birds. Uncle Jim told me that Aunt Marie would not approve of my killing birds. I think that cut down on my trying to kill birds.
I finished the fifth grade the Spring of 1927 in Fitzgerald. Miss Wise was the teacher and I thought highly of her. However, I did have one problem. I found a straight razor in my Grandfather's trunk. I decided it would be smart (I thought it would give me status in the eyes of my peers) to take it to school with me. During class I took it out, and sharpened a pencil with it. I held it over the aisle so others could see it. The teacher confiscated it and the rumor went around that I had pulled a razor on the teacher. I had never thought of such a thing.
In the sixth grade Miss Adams was my teacher. We did not have screens on the window and
sometimes the door would be left open. That was before DDT and there were plenty of flies.
There was an empty desk across the aisle from me. I put up a sign which said: Fly
Graveyard. The I caught flies, killed them , and lined them up in rows. The teacher did
not think this was funny. One day she said she had been in Milledgeville for four years.
This was the location of the mental institution and of the teachers' college for women.
When she mentioned this, a little voice in the back of the room said: "Uh-huh, I
thought so". She did not take kindly to that remark. I think this was the hardest
paddling she gave me.
On another occasion we had been playing on the dusty playground during recess. After recess I, or someone else, tossed a piece of paper to the front of the classroom. It must have been me, or she thought it was par for the course for me, and she asked me to pick it up. When I did, she noticed how dirty my hands were, held them up before the class and she sent me to wash them. I walked out the back door and along the porch which led to the bathroom. The windows of the classroom opened onto the porch. As I passed by, being chagrined and humiliated, I struck back and tried to gain status with the students by telling her to 'go to hell'. She did not want to, and when I came back she met me at the door. She said: "Young man, what did you say?" I said I did not say anything. She insisted on hearing it so I repeated it. She said: "Come here". I knew what that meant for I had been paddled before. In some cases, I had done something at the end of the school day and was told I would be paddled the next day. So, I wore extra clothes. I did not have on extra clothes at this time, and I realized that in the mood she was in I would be in for a rought time (when they waited some time before paddling one they usually cooled off, but she did not have any cooling time that day). I refused her invitation to "come here". She said if you do not she would call the principal. I said, go call her. She said she would calll the superintendent. I said go call him. I then left and walked out in the country before going to Grandma's house. I carved into the bank of a roadside ditch: "James Bales has quit school". The next day I was in school after I had been talked to by, among others, Uncle Jess Massey, our guardian.
I would rather be paddled that talked to by a teacher. It took a "man" to take a paddling, but I could not stand being talked to by the teacher as she tried to correct m conduct. I am not blaming my teachers for the way they handled the controntation for their time and understanding of each child was limited. My paddlings left no trauma. In fact, when I graduatied from the seventh grade and entered high school, I realized that my conduct was not getting me anywherer and I straightened up and gave my teachers no more problems. While I had conduct problems my grades were very good. For some reason unknown to me (perhaps the strain of good conduct was too heavy, although this was highly unlikely) when my conduct improved my grades suffered somewhat.
The seventh grade was the last grade I was in while living in Fitzgerald. I received a "Certificate of Attendance" which certified that "James Bales is worthy of recognition for prompt and steady attendance at the Public Schools of Fitzgerald, Georgia having been neither absent nor tardy for the term of 1929-1930. Witness the seal and our signatures this twenty-eighth day of May, 1930, Evelyn Owens, Teacher, J.M. Lanier, Principal". If I recall correctly, Miss Womble was one of my teachers.
The Seventh Grade was the last year of grade school. High school was from grade eight through eleven. I attended the first year of high school in Fitzgerald. When I moved to Atlanta it was a twelve year system with high school beginning with the ninth grade. I saw no reason to lose a year because I moved to another school district so I told them I was due to be in the ninth grade. For some reason they never questioned it so I graduated from high school in Atlanta at the same age I would have in Fitzgerald.
I remember shooting a 12 gauge shotgun. I did not hold it tightly against my shoulder and it gave me a powerful kick. Someone bought me a 410 gauge shotgun which had no such kick. Once while hunting with some peo0ple I tried to get a sighting on a quail. As it flew I followed it with the gun. Just as I was about to pull the trigger a face showed up in my sights. Fortunately I did not pull the trigger.
One of my Uncles brought me a small alligator from Perry, Florida. I called it Perry. I would take it to a pond and let it swim. It would try to hide from me but I always caught it. One day it disappeared. If it is still living, I don't want to play with it.
My grandparents on my Mother's side (Mr. & Mrs. James F. Davis) attended the church of Christ in Coal City, Indiana. They were charter members. The congregation was started in 1890. When they went to Fitzgerald early in 1910, they attended the Christian Church. Naturally, when I went to live with them I attended with them. The Christian Church was the result of a split in the restoration movement. They introduced instrumental music in their worship as well as setting up an organization to oversee the missionary work of the congregations.
I wrote a book on Instrumental Music and New Testement Worship. As soon as I got back to Atlanta I attended a congregation which did not use instrumental music.
The Christian Church in Fitzgerald disbanded in the first part of 1991. Gina Schmidt, one
of Mildred's girls, visited the building at Lee and Jasmine in order to examine the
records. We learned later that the ledgers kept by the church had been deposited with the
Christian Church - Disciples of Christ regional office in Macon, Georgia. Gina gave me the
name of the Baptist Pastor whose congreagation now meets in this building. She also gave
me the name of one of the former elders of the Christian Church. I called him, as well as
the Pastor. The former elder said that when he came to Fitzgerald, around 34 years ago, he
was a Baptist. He decided the Christian Church needed him more than the did the Baptist.
He attended there and became an elder. Before the church disbanded they had a retired
Baptist preacher preach for them. When the average attendance diminished to five, they
decided to disband. They gave the building to a Baptist Church. I asked this elder where
he attended now. He said, the Baptist Church.
When I was 12, I was baptized into Christ. My Baptismal Certificate said: "James Bales in humble submission to the Divine Command and as evidence of his faith in the teaching and example of our Savior Jesus Christ was buried with his Lord in Christian baptism at Central Christian Church this 15th day of Sept., 1928, Fitzgerald, Georgia." It was signed by Bruce Nay, Pastor, and O.P. Spiegel, Evangelist from Montgomery, Alabama.
I walked down the aisle, to make public confession and to be baptized, to the blare of my cousin Donald's saxophone (as well as some other musical instruments). I confessed with m lips the faith in Jesus Christ which was in my heart. From what I had learned from scripture I knew that from a believing, penitent heart I must acknowledge Jesus is Lord and be baptized into Him unto the remission of sins. The example of Christ being baptized was not the reason I was baptized except in both cases we were doing what god called on us to do. But Christ was not baptized unto the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) for He had no sins. I remember that when I walked away from the meeting house that night, I felt clean, forgiven. God had promised to cleanse me from my sins if I was buried with Christ by baptism into His death, and was raised with him to walk in newness of life (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:20; Matt. 28:18-20). I knew God was faithful to His promise and that I had been born again into the kingdom of heaven and had been forgiven. I did not know I was saved because I felt good. I felt good because I knew I was saved.
Baptism is not into a congregation but into the church which is the universal body of Christ. The eunuch was not baptized anywhere near a congregation but the Lord added him to the church when he obeyed His Lord (Acts 2:47; 8:26-39).
The validity of one's baptism depends not on the administrator but on the one being baptized. I did what the Lord told me to do. If I had been baptized by a "devil" (and I was not), such a one would not have invalidated my baptism. Judas was one of the twelve apostles, and Jesus said he was "a devil" (John 6:70-71). Did this invalidate the baptism of those who were baptized during the personal ministry? Judas was one of the twelve disciples who preached and baptized (Matt. 10:1-15; John 4:1-2). The baptisms during the personal ministry were not into Christ's church for it was not established during the time Christ was on earth.
A hypocrite who teaches truth does not turn this truth into falsehood. Nor does it turn into error because it is taught by a person who teaches error on other matters. Jesus spoke of the Pharisees making void God's word in order to teach their traditions (Matt. 15:1-15). However, when they were in Moses' seat, that is when they taught what Moses taught, they were to be hearkened unto even though they said and did not (Matt. 23:1-4).
After the church was established, there were hypocrites who preached Christ, and Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached though he did not rejoice in their motives (Phil. 1:15-18). Christ, not good men or bad men, is the Savior. Of course, error taught by a pious person is not changed into truth. It is truth which makes us free (John 8:32).
The decisive issue is not who baptized one but into whom was one baptized. The Lord added me to His church (Acts 2:47). I was baptized into Christ, into His body the church.
I have a postcard of the building in which I was baptized. It had once belonged to the Central M.E. Church but had been purchased by the Central Christian Church.
Letters Mary Louisa worked for ERP in Atlanta. On October 1, 1928, Mary Louisa wrote me from 958 Crew Street:
Dearest James:
How are you and school getting along these days? I haven't heard from you in a long time so get busy and write me a long, long letter.
The fair is here this week. I don't know whether I will go or not. I don't especially care about going as it is about the same thing about every year. I think that Franklin intends to take Clayton tomorrow. I wish that I could get off to take Mildred but of course that is quite impossible.
I saw Mildred and Clayton Sunday. They are both as sweet as ever. I spent Sunday with Mrs. Henson. I sure had a good time.
Do you remember Jack Selman: He has gone to Monrow to school this year. Miss Thomas is still teaching at Central.
I am beginning my finals tomorrow in bookkeeping at night school. May be I will be through some day if I keep on plugging away.
Write me real soon. I will try to write you more letters. I am so tired tonight that I can't even type. I worked until 6:30 and then came to night school so by this time I haven't very much sense. (I never have very much when I am not tired, do I?)
With lots of love.
Your sister,
Louisa
On January 7, 1929 she wrote:
Dearest James:
How are you now. Hope the "flu" has left you and run away to Argentina or somewhere away off.
How does that 2 ??????????run? If it doesn't run a little bit anyway let me know and I will sue the company.
You sure make good grades. Keep it up. It won't be so very much longer until you graduate and you want to know everything you can 'cause you sure will need it. Take if from me, I know, I'm working and realize how dumb I really am. Study arithmetic hard. And your writing is improving. Your doing just simply scrumptious!
It is two years ago today that they buried Mother and Daddy in Fitzgerald. So many things have happened since then, that two years seems like a century to me, doesn't it to you? I wish I could come to Fitzgerald and go to their graves. But I guess I can't.
I will get about 10 days vacation next summer and I sure will be glad. Maybe I can come down to see you -- that is if you want me. Do you?
I saw Mildred and Clayton yesterday. They are both growing and doing fine in school. They were well remembered Christmas.
How is Grandma. Hope she is well.
I haven't seen Uncle Charles or Aunt Mary but once since they have been here and that was before Christmas. Guess they are all right.
Do you remember Beatrice Reese at Albany. She is married now. All the old gang is getting married. More luck to them! Me for Single Bliss!
Write me some time soon and I don't mean may be. With bushels of love.
Your old standby,
Louisa
P.S. You ought to hear the folks rave about my garters. They all think they are pretty. Be sweet, don't take any Yankee Dimes in or play in the branch. MLB
February 4, 1929 she wrote:
Dearest James
I received your letter Sunday and was real glad to hear from you again.
I am sending a letter to you that Davis wrote for all of you children. When you read it send it to Mabel. I have just neglected to send it to you sooner.
Clayton is o.k. now. I went to see him and Mildred Sunday and they were both getting along fine. Mildred was promoted to High first and of course is proud of herself. And of course, I am too.
Study hard, school will soon be out and of course you want to have real good grades.
I guess Uncle Charles and Aunt Mary (Davis) are getting along all right with their bakery. I haven't been over to their bakery and haven't seen them in quite some time, it was before Christmas when I saw them last, just once since they came to Atlanta. But I heard that they were coming along fine with it. I hope that they have a big success.
I think that I will have some little pictures made soon. I will send you one, that is if you want it. Do You? It might scare you to death though.
Write me real soon. With bushes and shrubs and flowers of love.
Your loving sister,
Louisa
On May 6, 1929 she said:
Dearest James:
I received your letter last week and was real glad to hear from you again.
I am sending you a letter from Davis. When you have read it, please send it on to Mabel. You can get his new address off of it.
Saturday was Clayton's birthday. I brought him to town Saturday afternoon. We had a good time running all through the stores. I wish you had been along. I might have bought you a baby doll or an aeroplane whichever you would rather have had.
Miss Hook's, the head of the Christian Home, sister died yesterday.
I think I will go to church tonight for a change. The West End church of Christ is having a meeting. I have been only once.
Franklin, Clayton and Mildred get out of school the first of June.
Write me real soon.
With lots of love,
Your sister,
Louisa
I was still in Fitzgerald August 31, 1929 for on that day I
mailed a card to Mary after she visited us in Fitzgerald. "Dear Louisa: How are you.
I hope you got back all right. I wrote a letter to Franklin today. I sure am lonesome.
Where is Mable and Clayton at now. Have you found a place to rent yet. I hope you have.
Write me every week now. That was my money it was 40 cents instead of 50 cents it was
mine. How is Mable Clayton & Mildred. I am going to do good in school this year write
soon Love James." As usual, for a period of time, I misspelled Mabel's name. My
grammar was not the best either.
On October 24, 1929 my sister Mabel wrote me from Mt. Berry, Georgia where she attended
the school founded by Miss Martha Berry. A note was written at the top of the page and
then followed the salutation.
Please send me your whole address. Your Route and Box number. Important.
Oct 24, 1929
Mt. Berry, Ga.
Dear James,
Received your letter yesterday and was awful glad to hear from you. I have tests every day next week and four Thursday - now isn't that awful?
Its so cool up here we have to wear our sweaters and then its none to hot.
I went to the swellest ball game this evening and to be sure the side I was for won. Rah! Rah!
I hope you pass in Latin. I know you will.
I would warm the envelope before I wrote you but I've no place to warm it. I'll tell you send me a fire and I'll do that very thing.
What did you say Louisa was sending you I couldn't make it out was it Latin or what not.
I'll be glad when I get out of school Oh boy! I can hardly wait til next year.
Oh my such a code as you and Franklin have and such ideas that you think of.
I've read several stories by Tennyson and they were real good.
Oh dear you are getting awful brilliant in History saying Louisa would be 20 the 31 of October. In the reign of Hoover I 19 hundred and 29. My but your smart.
Yes, Yes I want a dimond broach for Xmas - I mean a real one not a 10 cent one.
Whee! You are getting to be a regular artist drawing all those pictures of battle ships, submarines, fishes etc.
Oh I'm like you I can't think of any thing to say so so long til next time.
Lots of Love,
Your Sister
Mabel
It isn't long til you are fourteen is it? Will you be glad?
Email:Mail@jonbales.com
