Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1936-12-26 letter to Paul J. and Daniel A. HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.204Context
514 Woodbury Avenue
Columbus, Ohio
December 26, 1936
Dear Paul and Margie
Dan and Aletha:
Dear Children:
The Christmas season became a reality to us when at 11:15 Tuesday night James came in. On Wednesday evening we had a large attendance at the luncheon and the church presented us a fine basket of groceries 1 1/2 bushels. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts gave us a turkey. There is also a chicken in neighbor's refrigerator which we shall have before James leaves. The next day the ice man brought a nice lot of fruit and a fruit cake. On Wednesday also came Dan's special delivery letter with Money Order enclosed. Thursday night we spent as follows: James and Richard went carrolling with a group of musicians at the University, visiting a number of the professors' homes etc. Mama and I heard the world-wide broadcast of "Silent Night." It was about 12:30 when we got to bed. After breakfast Friday morning James acted for Santa Claus. The presents were under the Dan's side-board in the dining room. As the names were read each one opened the package presented. Mama got table-cloths, a sheet, dress, beautiful purse, bath rugs, books, soap, etc. etc. James got six ties, 2 shirts, underwear, handkerchiefs, key case, suspenders, S.S. Lesson book, towel etc. Richard got a hat, 2 shirts, ties, books, shaving cream, cap, etc. James also received a fine scarf from bishop Clippinger, a delayed graduating present. I got a coal shovel, hat, books, bill-fold with cash enclosed, shirt, ties. The strange thing was that not a soul got sox. Well we had a great Christmas. When we sat down to the sumptuous dinner we remarked that there was just room enough for Margie, Paul, Aletha, and Dan. How we wished that you might have been here. James stood on his hind feet and carved the turkey in a very creditable manner. We had turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy, cranberries, salad, celery, peaches, butter and fruit cake. We made the remark that everything on the table was donated except the butter and that was oleomargarine. We all felt that all of you went too far in sending such beautiful presents when we had so little to return. We thank you as much for the kind remembrances and trust that you had a merry Christmas.
We are having a fine visit with James. He is writing several papers using books which we got from the State library. I think mama is unusually well. James thinks Richard looks much better. Mama and Richard take the halibut and think it great stuff. I am fat and do not take halibut. James will return to N.Y. Thursday afternoon and Richard will continue his school work next week. On Saturday afternoon all four of us drove to out to Westerville and found the folks quite well. Oscar Charles looks quite well now so does Aunt Hannah. Doubtless you noted the death of ex-senator Fess who was one of best teachers I ever had. The church work moves along quite well. On Nov. 1st our choir appeared in their new vestments and I believe it is helping them to a more dignified and worshipful service. I am sending to each of you a copy of our conference paper. If you are not receiving it each month send a card to H.J. Bierly, Crooksville, Ohio. I have some good magazines now made possible by your contribution some time ago.
We are glad that both of you have homes and trust that in all the testings of life you may be sustained and encouraged to meet life's battles. People in Athens County are about as usual except that Howard is having trouble with his eyes. This afternoon about thirty of our church people visited Glenn Rest Park east of Reynoldsburg (Ladies Aid gets cash for the visit). I met the salesman Mr. J.R. Newell who said he knew you boys in Otterbein. Do not permit yourselves to become discouraged in your work. Keep at it faithfully and the reward will come. May choice blessings rest upon all of you and come home whenever you can.
Affectionately,
{Joseph Hastings Harris}
