Dale, two years eleven months
My mother, Helen-Dale Espy (Little) was born November 13, 1911 in Olympia. (It was during the period of time that her father was serving as a state senator and both my mother and her 11-months-older brother Willard had been born in the state capital.) Most of the rest of the family was at home Oysterville in the care of Mama’s sister Ruth.
This letter from my mother’s sister Medora (who was 12) tells of how she learned the news in those long-ago days of slower everything. The “cast of characters” includes my mother’s other siblings:
Mona, 6
Sue, 8
Edwin, almost 3, (who apparently was with Mama and Papa in Olympia)
Willard, 11 months.
1912 – The Espy Children (Dale, Willard, Edwin, Mona, Suzita, Medora)
Wed. 8 p.m. Nov 15, 1911
Dear Mama,
At recess yesterday morning Mona came over and said I had a baby sister. She told me first and then Sue. You can imagine how tickled I was. Mona is tickled to death and insists that its name is Katherine. I haven’t heard anybody’s opinion on the subject.
Sue said yesterday “I think Daisy is going to have a calf,” and Ruth said, “If you think Daisy is going to have a calf when she is walking around in the yard, can’t you tell when your own mother is going to have a baby when you live in the same house with her.” And Sue said “I tho’t Willard is too young.”
Ruth received a card from Papa written in Tacoma. He said he would be home Thursday. He said Edwin was with him. I guess Edwin was sound asleep thru the whole performance. I do hope you don’t have the severe after pains
Sue was promoted to the third grade Monday. I sent to Meier and Frank’s for her books.
Dale Espy Little, 1999 — “Mom at 88”
The three books we have to read out of school are Laura E. Richards’ “Florence Nightingale,” “Ethics of Success,” and “David Copperfield.” Mr. Sargant will buy “Ethics of Success” and I want to buy “David Copperfield” and “Florence Nightingale.” I have to buy one of them…
Mrs. Guy Hughes had a baby girl Saturday, Nov. 4th and Mrs. Bowen Friday. Nov. 3rd and you yesterday. I guess we will hear of Aunt Susie’s baby soon.
With love and a kiss for the dear baby, Medora
Beloved Cuz, I was so charmed and enchanted to see this wonderful picture of Dale and remember her fondly for the gallant spirit she was! It is also lovely to see the sibs! Thank you for your beautiful writing. I treasure you and all you bring of our beloved people and place. Have a wonderful day…. even with damp robes, leaky boots and surprising eggs! Here it is COLD! 29 at night and low 50’s in the days. I’m happily engaged in teaching both meditation and voice. Life is goooooooood. A million smooches, KK