Dorothy Chambers 1900 - 1986

More photos of Dorothy Chambers.

Last Letter and More Information

The previous post, letter number 175 from April 15, 1928, was the final letter in this series. Dorothy (my grandmother) and her then husband B.M. divorced a few years after returning to Texas. B.M. (Bruno Maxwell) died in 1964 at age 75 and Dorothy died in 1986 at age 86.

I must say I was surprised at how long it took me to get all the way through this. While I started by re-typing the letters from a photocopy of the already transcribed and printed letters, I quickly realized the magnitude of the job and had a copy shop scan and apply OCR. Most of the work then consisted of cleaning up errors, adding links, reading (of course!), and creating the actual entries and scheduling for publication.

I hope some of you out there following this blog enjoyed some of these letters. I will be posting a few photos of relevant people mentioned in the letters. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about the congoletters blog.

Best,

Mark Evans
Ann Arbor, MI
February 21, 2010

Congo (175) Antwerp, Belgium 4/15/1928 [DCS] [BMS]

Queen's Hotel
Antwerp, Belgium
April 15, 1928
My dear homefolks:
Got here on the 13th, Fri., about suppertime. My! but it was grand to get to civilization again and off the boat. It seems to me ocean travel gets worse every time we make it. Not that we had a rough voyage, especially, but neither of us are fond of the sea and are sick a lot of the time. We have chosen the Aquitania again and reach N.Y. about the 3rd of May. The Millers leave a few days ahead of us, but on the larger boat. We don't get there far behind them, as few days on the ocean as possible for me. We expect to see something of Holland in the few days we stay over and also go to Brussels to see the Buses and some other friends.
As there are other boats leaving, we hope you will get this before we get to you. We got your letter when we reached here and were very pleasantly surprised. I was afraid you would not write us here. Also Uncle Kent had written us here. It was in answer to my letter saying we didn't want to miss him along the way if he was anywhere near our route. I shall enclose his letter. If we hear that Aunt Lutie is at Lexington and that it suits her for us to make her a visit for a day or two, we may go by there. I am also writing Uncle Kent when we expect to be there. We had such a hurried visit with him the last time in N. Y. He came just the day or two before we left and our room was full of our trunks and packages for missionaries. I was afraid he got disgusted with us, for he stayed only a few hours. Surely he just realized how hurried we were.
The trees are budding here, and they say it has been quite warm, but it's snowing today; however, the snow melts as soon as it reaches the ground. We are very comfortable here. We have stearn heat and can have a coal fire also, if necessary. Max hasn't even had a cold so far. We have taken on an English woman to care for our crowd of 6 children so we can go anywhere and do anything we wish without having to take them out into the cold. We shopped all day yesterday and went to the show last night. Guess we won't go to the show again soon as B.M. 's eyes won't stand it.
Hope to hear from you in N. Y. again. If the roads are good, I hope to come by Livingston. I will hear, though, about that.
Lots of love to all.
I got tapestry and ebony elephants in Tenerife.
We will see you before long.
Lovingly,
Dorothy
Dear Folks;
Dorothy has written you about all the news we have. We are enjoying our contact with Europe. As Dorothy wrote, we're planning to sail on the AQUITANIA, which is scheduled to leave Southampton, England, on April 28th, to arrive in New York about May 3rd or 4th. This will give us a few extra days here to see a bit. I had hoped to make a trip to Cologne, Germany, for a day there, but understand there is some trouble and expense about passports, so may not go, but we hope to spend a day or two in Holland.
Well, we will be hearing from you in New York, and hope to see you now in a few weeks.
With love to all.
B.M.

Congo (174) Luebo, Congo 2/19/1928 [DCS]

Luebo, Feb. 19, 1928. Sunday
Dearest homefolks:
One week from tomorrow, we are expecting to start on our long trip home. From the State, we hear that Yellow Fever is finished at Matadi. The Millers are also going with their three children, so we will have company. They are very nice people. We stop keeping house about Thursday and eat with Rowena in order to get everything packed and sold. Everything is practically finished now. I still have to finish Max's suits, but there isn't much left.
Miss Wilson of the Baptist mission of whom perhaps you remember us speaking of being at the U.M.H. and a Dr. Parmer of the Swedish mission came up on the Lapsley on a visit and they are going back with us, so we will have quite a jolly party. Miss Wilson is a lovely lady, even though she is English, and they generally throw up their hands in perfect horror at some things Americans do. She is a sport, though.
I haven't gotten your last letters as the plane did not bring foreign mail last time. It comes up on boats again as it used to unless the letters have special stamps on them. We have certainly been fortunate, for air mail is practically finished now. I don't imagine you will have any more letters coming out here. Be sure and have me a letter at the Latham. I have written Nettie that we are going to try to get to Shreveport so as to go straight to Livingston. We want to leave most of our baggage there to save transport. I had so much rather come that way, too, so I can see Hickman, Nettie, and James and my friends in Livingston. Do hope the roads will be good so you can meet me. We are planning now to go by Lexington for a day or so. If the committee has any special occulist for B.M. to see, we may have to go too far out of the way. We can't afford to go much out of the way. I am going to save every cent I can so we can get started housekeeping when B.M. finds a job or decides what we will do. As Easter is when Uncle Kent is generally around Lexington, I hoped to see him, too.
Mrs. Cleveland sent the combs to me yesterday that you folks had in my Xmas package. B.M. never got his things and I am ashamed to ask any more. I didn't know until your last letter that there was anything for B.M. Thanks for the combs. I will enjoy them on the way home.
This is the last letter I will write until I see you unless we don't catch the 12th of March boat. If we don't, it's because we are trying to be careful at Matadi. We won't run any risks, so don't worry.
Goodbye and love to all,
Until we meet again.
Dorothy
P. S. Max is very excited about going to see Grandmother and Grand daddy.

Congo (173) Luebo, Congo 2/5/1928 [BMS] [DCS]

Luebo, Congo Beige, Africa
Feb. 5, 1928
Dear Will:
This is just a short letter to let you know about our plans. We will probably leave here about the first of March for the States, reaching New York along the first or middle part of April. We are due to stay four years this term, but as I have been having trouble with my eyes for about a year now, I am coming home to have them examined and new glasses fitted. The trouble seems to be that my eyes have changed from the glasses I have been wearing.
All of us are quite well otherwise. Max is doing as well as we could wish for, and growing fast.
Hope you folks had good crops this last year. I believe you were going to move this year to a new place, but as I haven't your address am writing you at your old one.
If you get this letter in time, we would appreciate having a letter from you when we reach New York. If you write the first part of April, it will no doubt reach us. Address us at LATHAM HOTEL, New York City. Or you can just write us at Dorothy's home, where we will first go; address us at PINCKNEY, TEXAS.
Trust this finds all of you well and that we will hear from you. With love to all.
Your brother and family,
Bruno and Dorothy

Congo (172) Luebo, Congo 1/18/1928 [BMS]

Luebo, Jan. 18, 1928

Dear Folks:

Just a few lines before we close this mail. Dorothy has written you about our plans. We expected to be at Lubondai long ago, but it seems that everything has turned out for the best. Just when we had planned to leave here, the glasses ordered for me arrived, and Dr. King (who was to try them on me) came a few days later. There are about four combinations that he has to try in case the first do not fit; we have tried two sets, but these two give me no relief at all, and as he chose the most likely at first, it is hardly possible there will be anything in the lot to help me. So we are planning to go down on the next trip of the Lapsley; it left here this past Monday for Kinshasa, and will be back here, if all goes well, about the 21 st of Feb., and leave about the first part of March. This would put us in Belgium (leaving Matadi on the steamer for Antwerp about March 19th) about the 6th of April, and in New York about April 20th to 30th. We will have another mail in which to write you 18 days from today, and we may be able to give you more definite dates at that time. I suppose we will have two more mails to leave here before we do.

In regard to the yellow fever. We have just had a wireless telegram from Matadi giving information about the fever. It seems they have it well under control; there have been no cases reported yet at Kinshasa, or Thysville (this is halfway between Matadi and Kinshasa). As they had an epidemic of it there (Matadi) about 4 or 5 years ago, they evidently understand how to handle it.

The Stixruds are due to sail from New York on Feb. 25. All of us are quite well, and trust you are all the same.

Love to all,

B.M.

The Dr. Cousars, who are at home, announce the arrival of a daughter in Nov. We shall no doubt report something similar from the Longeneckers here in next mail.

Congo (171) Luebo, Congo 1/1/1928 [DCS]

Luebo Jan. 1, 1928

Dearest homefolks:

A note before the mail closes. I have had the Flu for the last three days so don't feel strong enough to write much. I have not been very sick, just a little fever, but it has left me very weak, even though I have not been in bed all the time. There is a lot of it in the village and among the missionaries, too. One thing that has been hard on me has been trying to pack and the uncertainty of our going to Lubondai. We have about decided to wait until the glasses come after all. I wonder if you can realize how hard it is not knowing what is going to happen next. I had almost torn up housekeeping, but we did not get off to Lubondai when we expected to B.M.'s eyes hurt him badly when he uses them, and the occulist told him not to use them, but they put Miss Black as station treasurer and she can't get on to the job and expects B.M. to help her all the time. He feels sorry for her and it's hard for him to refuse. That's why we need to get away.

There is a committee in here to look over the Lapsley. There have been some changes made and some felt they made the boat unsafe--Mr. Pettis, Bibanga, Bell Anderson, Lubondai, and Mr. Daumery, Mutoto.

Max had a perfectly wonderful Xmas. Rowena helped me fix his tree. She had all the decorations, including candle holders. I had some crepe paper and bells and the room just looked beautiful. I have not tried to count the presents he got. Every person on the station gave him something besides I had quite a lot to give him. He got two guns and Mr. McMurry gave him a garage with five cars, the kind Aunt Nennie sent us last Xmas. He is wild about the set and plays with them all the time. I have put some of the things away, for he just got too much for his good and breaks them up so badly. It hurts me, for I can't ever remember breaking my things just for the fun of it. I wish you could have seen him, though,when we brought him in to see the tree. He was just too precious for words. It's at times like this that I do wish you could be with us. It was the first Xmas we have celebrated in our home since we married. Of course, the reason is Max is old enough to really enjoy it. We ate our dinner Xmas day with Mary, then the station had a big dinner at Rowenda's Monday night. The Lapsley got in just in time for Xmas with the Savels, Miss Headen, & two new ladies. Georgia and Mr. Watts hadn't been up for over 6 months, so we had great rejoicing. Georgia is expecting a new arrival in April, and perhaps I wrote you Dorothy Anderson expects one in Feb.

The Lubondai people seemed very anxious for us to come there and we may go yet if the glasses fit. If the glasses fit, we may resign at April Ad Interim Meeting, or I may come home alone. I do wish we could talk it over with you.

I can't help but wonder why Nettie does not write me. I wrote thanking her for getting the Xmas things and asking the price and about the patterns and she never wrote me. Everything came except the patterns. I suppose I wrote you that LeNoir got my package by accident and wore all three pair of stockings before she found out they were not hers. I got them just before we left for the lake. I just can't remember if I told you or not. I thank you ever so much for the stockings. They are beautiful and I will certainly write Mrs. Drew soon. I haven't memory an inch long these days.

Love to all,

Dot

Congo (170) Luebo, Congo 11/22/1927 [BMS]

Luebo, Nov. 22, 1927

Dear Folks:

It has been a few weeks since I have written you, as Dorothy generally gives you all the eventful news, at least I often take that as an excuse. I don't always add a few lines.

Dorothy is no doubt writing to you about our plans for going to Lake Nkamba. I will not dwell at length on that. The main reason for our going at this time is that I am going with Dr. King over to Wembo Nyama to see the eye specialist who is there, and the Shives want to go on a vacation, had so planned, and it will be quite convenient for Dorothy to go along. We will probably not be away more than ten days, or two weeks. You will remember that we were out at Nkarnba (Mu Nkamba, the natives call the Lake) just a year ago. We will know for certain after this trip, as to whether we will be coming home in the near future or not. My own opinion is that it would hardly be advisable for me to stay much longer than we have been planning, that is, some time in February. However, we hope to be able to write you more definitely in a couple of weeks, which is by the next air mail after this one.

I have been passing through a little difficulty with one of my teeth which decided to grow an abscess at the root. Mr. Wilds treated it, that is, opened it through the nerve root, on Sunday afternoon, and yesterday, it pained me considerably all day. He drained it again last night, so today it is considerably better, and I feel it scarcely at all, except that my face is a bit swollen. So the worst is no doubt ever. I have had such good health out here, both this term, and the previous ones, that I certainly can't complain along that line; of course, excepting my eyes. In fact, all three of us have been in good health.

The Mission Meeting has now been a thing of the past so long that it hardly seems important enough to write you about. The most important actions taken were those in regard to Self-government and Self-support of the Native Church. This is with the aim of placing in the hands of the native leaders, and of the Native Church, as much responsibility as they are capable of assuming. This will not be done by one step, but will be undertaken gradually. First, a group of native congregations that will assume the responsibility of expenses, will be enabled to call their native pastor, and elect their elders, deacons, etc. (It is seldom that anyone native Village has the Christian population or the means to support a pastor, so it will be done by a grup (or a section, we call it). Of course, all this is under the superintendence of the Mission. Then when two or more of these groups have taken this step, they will be able to form their Presbytery. Of course, this sounds very small to you folks who are used to all these things, but it means a big advance to us. Then other things in connection with this are along the following lines; No native pastor is to be ordained in the future, except as he is called by a group of native churches; the same with native elders. Heretofore we have ordained these officers on the various stations as they were found to be capable of holding the position. You will note the matter of self-support included in the condition when a church calls its pastor. This, as you can readily see, will mean a great step forward, and we believe will be the means of increasing our native gifts many-fold.

The missionaries' furloughs are nine months from the time they land in New York till they are to sail from that place.

Another matter was the placing of the "Central School" for missionary children at Lubondai. A teacher from the States is on the way out, at Kinshasa now, we presume. Miss Mclaren, the nurse at Lubondai, is to be temporary matron. Lubondai is supposed to be the most central point This is quite a serious question out here, as there are a number of the children of school age, and more coming to that stage before long.

I can't think of anything else of importance that would interest you, but will be able to give more details when the minutes are printed.

Dr. King has just returned from Bulape, where they rejoiced over the arrival of the latest Member of the Mission, young James Allen Wharton; all doing well. This is their seventh child, two having died out here. Mr. Wharton had a right serious spell just as Dr. King was leaving, some intestinal trouble, but he is quite well again. I don't remember whether I wrote you about it, but in April, 1925, at the Ad Interim Meeting at Mutato, he had a similar spell.

I have been reading the "Life of David Livingston," by Blaikie, and it has made quite an impression on me. A remarkable story of a remarkable life. Also the life of William Carey, first English missionary to India. it is unfortunate that more of us don't read these biographies, as they are inspiring. We just don't have time these days to do "anything" as the saying is (that, or like, we should).

With love to all.

As ever,

B.M.

Congo (169) Luebo, Congo 11/3/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Nov. 3, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

The mission left it up to the doctors about B.M.'s eyes and whether we go home in Feb., so you see it is uncertain. It looks to me as if they are trying to keep us from going. B.M. is sure his eyes can't stand it, but he has such a strong conviction about resigning, I don't know what we will do. B.M. has had trouble with his eyes for over 1 1/2 years now, and I was anxious for us to go home several months ago. The mission says if the doctors think 2 or 3 months rest would do any good, to take it, preferably away from Luebo. I can't imagine any place out here I would enjoy staying 2 or 3 months and I will not be happy if I have to stay over. Of course, the doctors have not had any meeting yet. Dr. King is at Bulape and wants B.M. to go back with them to Mutoto and from there to the M.E.C.M. to a lady occulist. We don't know a thing about her, only she had not brought her outfit saying she wanted to look conditions over first. It is certainly a suspense to me. I have everything I need for going home and most of Max's clothes made. Even a few months would make a difference in my outfit. However I am still planning on Feb. until I hear otherwise.

I bought a white wool chambray dress trimmed in red buttons from a woman across the river who is outgrowing her clothes. It's a beauty, almost new, for about $5, and I bought a cape from Mrs. Dax this A.M. for $5.50. It's also pretty, a light gray trimmed in orange braid, the very thing I need for a spring wrap and on the boat. I notice from my McCall's Oct. issue that capes are in again.

I just can't write any more. I am all upset as I always am when I have to buy clothes.

I love you,

Dot

Congo (168) Luebo, Congo 10/18/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Oct. 18, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Your two long letters were a joy after not having any from you last mail. I understand why, since your letters last night. I am so glad you took that trip and had such a good time. Hope we can make a trip of some kind in a car next summer, for I have never made one any distance. Wish we could plan one with Hickman, Nettie & James. But that's too far ahead yet. You don't tell me about them any more. I would like to know if Hickman is still working at Snelling's. Nettie hasn't written me for a long time, either. Hasn't written a word about the toys' price or anything. I am glad you have hopes of better roads. If we don't have to go after the mail anymore, I guess we will go to Livingston a lot.

B.M. will take care of his eyes, I think. I wanted to go before the winter months; now it's too late. We don't think Feb. too early to leave here. That puts us in Belgium about the last of March. I have been thinking along the lines of B.M.'s teaching French for some time. He does not think he could spend two years in study at this time in his life. Of course we will have to see later.

Lucille wrote me she was going to Terrell to be treated. I do not believe from what Lucille wrote me in her last letter that they are in bad circumstances. Of course Mr. R. could have lost in some way. But Lucille wrote that Mr. R. had built her a nice house in a nice section near a good school. That was several months ago, though. Some way, I got it into my mind that Mr. White was dead. Isn't that awful, and when you wrote of Mr. & Mrs. White, I certainly had a funny feeling. I thought Mrs. White was in Fla. with Aunt Lottie. I suppose you wrote if Mr. W. died she would go there, and I took it for granted! !

Mother, Aunt Lutie wrote how sorry she was that she had not been able to see us when we were home last time and asked us to come. You see, I know how Uncle Kent does when he goes to see her. We would only be there a day or two and we would go to a hotel. You need not worry about that. I am just as welcome at Lex. even if she has no home to entertain us in as at Aunt Hons. She knows I understand that. If we were to be there a week or more, it would be different. As to K.C., I agree with you heartily. We will manage not to spend a night, but hurriedly pass through. We will go up to Uncle Jim's office and for a few minutes call at the house, if convenient. B.M. is much interested in pigeons, and that is one of the biggest centers in the south. We must spend some of our time seeing them, I am sure.

[Evidently the rest of this letter is missing.]

Congo (167) Luebo, Congo 10/16/1927 [DCS]

Oct. 16, 1927 8:30 A.M.

Dearest homefolks:

I am a bad hand for a pen, but I want to write to Nettie and Rubye today and I have a lot to write you, too, so excuse me this time.

I got my package from the Allens about two weeks or more ago, but I kept waiting to write for I thought I'd get your package you said you were sending for Xmas. I got only the Xmas things from Nettie and there weren't any tree decorations. Now I have forgotten what I told Nettie about decorations. I thought I asked her to send them, but I may have written later and told her not to and intended to order them myself. Anyhow, I got mixed up, I reckon, and I'll have to do the best I can on nothing. The things she sent for the children were lovely and it was certainly sweet of her to take so much trouble. I will be sick if your package is lost. I have written the Allens about it and expect to hear in a few days. I waited too long to write about it, but I was afraid they had trunks they hadn't opened and I did not want to hurry them. She has been in bed once since they came. It seems foolish for her to come back to Congo to me, but she may get along all right. I did not get a letter in the last mail, the only real mail that has come since I have been in Congo without my getting at least one letter from you. I guess it was delayed some way and probably you told me about the package. You might try to trace it if you know nothing about it.

I have been doing an unusual amount of entertaining lately, and I am so tired of it. The Dr. Kings and five children are here now going through to Bulape. They are going to be with Mrs. Wharton at the birth of her baby. Mrs. Longenecker expects hers in January. You know she nearly died when her last baby came. Dr. King is one person I never mind entertaining. I'd entertain him every day to keep him here. Max is in excellent health at present. He passed a round worm yesterday, but the treatment for them is not bad, they say. I am surprised he hasn't gotten more worms. He talks about Grandmother and Granddaddy a lot, but the most interesting thing about you to him is that you have a car. I have told him that some day we are going on a boat to see you. A boat blew down at the river this A.M. and he asked if we were going to see you. I wish we were!! B.M.'s eyes are not any better, but we don't feel that we can go home in Mid-winter. We have written to mission meeting, which is in session now at Lubondai to go home in Feb. We are planning on leaving here about the middle of the month. Don't be uneasy if you hear we are coming sooner. We had intended to go to M.M., but for the last month or more, B.M. has been expecting to go to a lady oculist about a day from Lusambo in a car at the Methodist Mission at Wyimbo Nyama, but she has written that she is not prepared to fit lenses.

We have been asked to stay over this next year to take the Cleveland's place at Lubondai, but we could not think of it for more reasons than one. Don't mention this, please, to anyone. B.M. 's eyes are one reason, of course.

I don't know how things are going to be with you this winter. I hope I’m not asking too much, but I should certainly like to have about two dresses ready for me when I get out home. Some of the others said their people had them some dresses ready and it was such a pleasure to shed their old ones-and since I'm not planning to get anything new for the trip, I know it would be fine. Now all I want is for you to select the material and a way to make them. My idea is a rather nice dress (silk) to wear in the car when I go places, say to Livingston, Midway, or around in the neighborhood, and a gingham or two for around the house when I want to dress a little. Something like that olive gingham of yours with all-over embroidery you had when I was at home. Miss Cassie might be willing to select me the silk sometime when she goes to Houston and Mrs. Tucker said she would be glad to sew for me when I needed it. Of course, things may have changed with her. That was when I first came out, but you could perhaps get it made in Livingston. Mrs. Tucker certainly did my dresses reasonably when I came out, but I would like for you to select some way to make them, if you have time. Remember, I still like ruffles and frills, if they are wearing them. The dresses you have been sending me have fitted nicely, so you need not worry about that. I do not expect to be any bigger. Since I use a little coloring on my face, the color of the dress does not seem to make much difference.

I am anxious to know what you are going to do this winter. You know we may be home the last of March or the first of April if we make good connections. We still expect to go by to see Aunt Lutie, but that won't take but three or four days more. We have not decided just how much traveling we will do in Europe, either.

I guess we still have lots of time to write you things, but remember you can write us along the way at the Queen's Hotel, Antwerp, or Latham Hotel, New York. At the Latham especially I'd Iike to have a letter telling us where you think it best for us to come-to Warren, Woodville, or Livingston. Livingston is especially hard for us on account of changing trains with so much baggage. You could write this in your next letter and I think we would get it. If it makes any special difference, write it in the next two so we will be sure and get it. If we don't hear I think we will go on to Warren as the roads are always good that way. Of course, we can tell you on the wire we send from New York. Hope it gets to you straight this time.

The thing I am most sorry about in not getting that package from you is the suit pattern for Max. I wanted to start making his suits and I wanted that pattern. The one I have is too small. I didn't thank you for the rompers. I got them and they were almost too small, so I traded them to Jean for some white material to make Max two suits. She is going to hem them around the bottom and make bloomer suits for her little girl. Mother, you do not realize how big Max is, and he does not wear rompers anymore, only in the mornings. He is still trying to wear out the ones your circle made for him. They are most too small, now, but have been very serviceable. I made Max a bath robe out of bath toweling I had and trimmed it in some cord I had on an old gown we made just before I went to the hospital with a cord around the waist to match. It certainly is cute. My latest in cooking is cream puffs. I made some beauties the other day, and they stood up at least four inches. Dr. King gave me a physical examination yesterday and found me in very good condition. I still have nettle rash nearly every day, occasionally, though--not bad.

Love to all,

Dorothy

Congo (166) Luebo, Congo 9/28/1927 [BMS]

Luebo, Sept. 28, 1927

Dear Folks:

This is the day for mail to close, only a half hour left now, but I wanted to send just a line. Dorothy hasn't had time to write today, as we have had company and interruptions many during the past few days.

Miss Virginia Allen is here on her way home; has been here since Saturday a week ago. Mr. Earl King and family came in last night to join them. They will be leaving tomorrow morning to catch the train at Mueka (about 34 miles from here), where they will be joined by Miss Frances Worth, of Bulape. From Mueka they go to Ilebo (now called Port Franqui), a distance of about 100 miles, a port on the river where they will catch a steamer for Kinshasa. This train business is new for us, and will be a help. It will not be long now till the railroad from Port Franqui to Bukama will be finished; at Bukama they connect with the railroad running to Capetown.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Anderson (the other Dorothy) came in Saturday, and will be leaving Thursday (tomorrow). We are always glad to see these folks; Dorothy Anderson is liked by everybody, and quite a friend of Dot's. She is the daughter of one of our missionaries to Korea (Rev. Hunt); I'm not sure just now whether they belong to the Northern or Southern Board; their home was in St. Louis.

The biggest thing in Max's life these days, and for some months past, is a car. He goes through the motions of driving a car, or cranking one, or honking, or some other part, most of the day, and often goes to sleep making a noise like one. He is doing fine, and learning to talk fast now.

What is Hickman doing these days? Haven't heard anything about him in a long time. Evidently he must be with the Snelling Grocery, as you haven't written of any change.

The folks will be leaving for the Mission Meeting soon. They leave here on the.11 th of October. The Hobsons will leave a week earlier, as he is to be at an Evangelistic Meeting of the Mission to be held a week in advance of the Mission Meeting. We had thought of going, but have decided not to.

With love to all.

B.M.

Congo (165) Luebo, Congo 9/11/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Sept. 11, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

I made notes for your last letter but did not get to finish and now I have lost the notes and can't remember where I left off.

I do remember that I wanted to say that I was most sure Edd never burned my letters as he said he had done, but I can't see how he could hurt me with them. I am certainly surprised Dedye told you. Can you give any reason for her doing so? They may be trying to bring up something I said, perhaps about Kiam letter opening, but they have known for years we thought they did that. I told Douglas one time, I think. I am not worrying about it, you may be sure. Rubye has written me some very nice letters since I have been back this time, and I want to write her in this mail. I'm sorry I have not written since she was hurt.

I hate to think about having to learn to drive over again, but it seems that Fords will be very much out of style by the time we get home.

I am so glad Hickman and Nettie got that nice Radio. I know they will enjoy it. I never hear you speak of yours. Do you never use it?

Where is the grist mill to be, and do you mean it is to be run by water power?

Was so sorry to hear of the death of your friend, Mrs. Southern. It seems that they must be mighty close friends to have kept up with us for so many years. It hurts me to think of all the good friends I could have, too, if I would only write and keep up with them. I don't know anything I have enjoyed more lately than a letter from Miss Cassie from Kerrville.

I hope the visit from the senators will do good and I am looking forward to their articles.

I am waiting to write Nettie until the package comes, and I can write more specifically about things. I hope she has sent the bill with the things. If she made a trip to Houston to get them, I want to pay her fare, too, because it means so much to me to have them. I have made 2 large and about 6 small stars out of tin foil for decorations and they are so pretty.

As I want to write some more letters, I will close.

Love to all,

Dot

Congo (164) Luebo, Congo 8/24/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Aug. 24, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Your two nice letters came last night. I want to write you this A.M. even if it won’t go off for about two weeks. We don't get to answer by the same mail any more. Paper mail used to come by plane, but the second plane does not come any more and therefore we have no chance to answer. I like to write as soon as your letters come, though.

Yes, time gets closer and closer for us to leave for home, but strange to say, even though I am wild to come home, I am more contented than I was several months ago. I have torn off all the months on my calender except four --up to January, which is not on mine. After Xmas all my time will be spent in packing and selling everything except the things I can't part with. I certainly hate to sell my dishes and tea set. They are so pretty and I am so afraid I can't get what I want for the money at home. However, we could not afford to bring them home. This is such an unsettled, discouraging life. We spent time, thought, energy and put our heart in things, and then have to sell them all when we go on furlough. Take our birds, for instance. They are just doing fine. We eat or sell 50 or more squabs a month. We know them (the grown ones) all apart. Half of them we raised ourselves. Now we must sell them; perhaps someone will take the whole bunch. If not we will have to sell here and there to be killed or perhaps not cared for. My garden will likely be just at its best. I will get some good from it, of course. My flowers I will give away to my friends. Think how discouraging this would be to have to start anew every time you came back from furlough.

I wonder in the ball game, which side you were for. I am sure I would have "rooted" for the older set because I know them best.

It's good that you may get the mail route by home, but where will we go when we can't go to the P.O.? !! I I think I'll go walking in the woods. I feel like now if I could get turned loose in those woods, I could wander for hours and not get tired. Why is it I love that place out there so, and long to stay there, when it's the strong desire of so many people to trot over the globe as I do and have to stay at home., I guess it's the unfortunate disposition of lots of people to be discontented wherever they are. I wonder if that's true! !

I think the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is very true.

I certainly did enjoy and appreciate the music to that song. I shall write to John about it.

I wish I had some of those fig preserves. I am sure there would not be any left if we were there to eat them. I think often when we open this sorry tinned stuff out here of the lovely preserves we had when we were in Livingston staying at the Snelling's house. There is certainly one thing I enjoyed while there and that was eating. I guess you remember. I don't think I have ever enjoyed my food as I did there and then! I often think, too, of how I would have lived without that car. I have also worried a lot about your not going, too. I realize now why, I think. It's one of my failings to see things when it's too late.

Later. Sept. 4. Sunday-

Sewing makes my mind turn toward home more these days, as a lot of the things I am making are for going home and at home. But on Sunday, I write to you and have time to think. I am working hard. Harder than I have ever worked in my life. In fact, I feel that I am learning how to work. I am busy most of the day and the wonderful part is that I am not unusually tired when night comes. Lots of times I don't even take a rest at noon. My garden is beautiful; my flowers are most all taking a rest You can't expect them to keep on forever. I have zinnias all up and down my paths again. The ones you sent are about finished, but they certainly had their days. I had a bouquet on my table all during dry season when there was nothing else.

Now shall I tell you what I have in my garden, or are you tired of it? I don't seem to have much else to tell, though. About 150 celery plants started, 20 cabbage plants out in the ground with lots of young ones coming on in raised bed, 18 tomato plants blooming and 2 sizes of young ones corning on, 10 eggplants, lots of pepper plants, and I am getting peppers from old plants. I have pole string beans, pole limas, and bush butter beans, okra, turnips in ground and some planted in beds for greens, cucumbers, squash, spinach, about 100 onion plants and plenty of lettuce. I am getting only a few tomatoes, celery, lettuce, turnip greens and peppers from my garden now. In writing all of this to you, I have had an inspiration. I have wanted for a long time to write to the Enterprise. Perhaps I will write something on gardens in the Congo.

Sept 8.

The mail closes today, so I must mail this. Mr. Longenecker has gone to lIebo [?] to meet the Allens to take them to Bulape. I hope to get my package before long.

Dot

Congo (163) Luebo, Congo 8/21/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

August 21, 1927

Dear Mother and Daddy:

You cannot know how glad I was to get that picture. It's simply splendid. It's so natural, I almost felt like kissing you. My, but it made me homesick! How much I would give to be home this winter. It just seemed that I just didn't get any winter when I was home, for I had to stay shut up in the house a lot with Max. When I went in the car, I had to sit so rigid for fear Max would cry. Now Max would have just as much fun as I. He is so full of life and such a pleasure to us. I don't say much about him except that he is either sick or well, and you don't know him as you could if I would write more about him. I am really afraid to write much for fear you will be disappointed in him when he does get home. Then, of course, he seems almost perfect to me. I am afraid to tell you what the people on the station say for fear you will think me conceited. Mr. Longenecker told B.M. yesterday that Max was a handsome fellow, & Mr. Craig had told me several times that he is the best child on the station. I consider this last a pretty good compliment, for Mr. Craig is quite a child critic being an old bachelor. Max gets a lot of attention, too much for his good, and I am so afraid it will go to his head. The trip home is going to be bad for him, for one can't discipline properly in traveling. So I can't tell how he will be when we get home. I want to say just here that certain feelings I have had about (other grandchildren) are absolutely finished. I was crossways with the whole world in those days.

I have a tailor working for me. We are making underclothes for Max. We also made three pair overalls for him yesterday. I think I shall get my underclothes made up now also.

I did not know there was anyone living at the Sam McKee place or had been for years. Is Kate still living in Camden? How is Cassie and family and where are they living?

The Hobsons are at the Kampungi place for a vacation. Excuse this--Max came asking for a pencil to write to Grandmama. It's one of his great ambitions to write you a letter. While we were at the lake, B.M. hunted a lot. Max got the craze and every once in a while, he comes in bringing a piece of wood or something telling me he has killed a monkey. He brought something the other day that reminded me of a log that I used to carry around as my baby. Do you remember it? Daddy got it and put it on the fire one day and nearly broke my heart. I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose.

We are so glad to get the clipping about John F. and Minnie. Do you know where they went?

Lucille has written and asked me to stay with her while Mr. Wilds is at church. She isn't well, so Max and I are going over.

Lots of love,

Dorothy

Congo (162) Luebo, Congo 8/11/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

August 11, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Things are going very well with us. I believe B.M.'s eyes seem to be better. My great interest at present is my garden and it is doing so well. I am hoping to reap it before we go home. The rains won't begin before the 1st or middle of Sept. but I am getting my tomatoes, eggplants, peppers,cabbage, celery, etc., started now in raised beds. We are having turnip greens today from raised beds besides celery and lettuce. I want to raise your garden for you when I get home. I think I have the "craze." I love to watch things grow.

I wrote you a nice long letter last week so I am going to stop now and write to Mrs. Stixrud. She has had a very serious operation since she has been home but is all right now, I think. She sent us a Kodak picture of their family. It's real good. They and Stegalls are at Montreat for the summer. We hear Steg has some serious spinal trouble caused by S.S. treatment.

We are having quite a lot of entertaining to do. Two cars came in last night.

Lots of love,

Dot

Congo (161) Luebo, Congo 7/17/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

July 17, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

We got three good letters from you last night. I was not intending to write again, but must answer these. I mailed one only yesterday. There is a chance of this mail from the second plane not going on this steamer, however.

I should be in church now, but I'll tell you how it happened. Rowena has a Sunday School for the native children just at the edge of the village about a quarter of a mile from our house. She has the service for the children while the service for the grown folks is being held in the big shed. I have been taking Max to these services. Today is the first day of a conference for the natives and Mr. Wharton is here from Bulape to preach for us, so we were all going up there, even Rowena. I was playing on the piano, and when I got up to get Max ready for church, he wasn't to be found. B.M. was starting out to the third shed to his service and was late. He called to me that Max was up the path. Thinking that he was going to Miss Black's, whom he is crazy about, I sent a boy to call him. He couldn't find him anywhere, so I went hunting him and found him in his place at the children's service. I would have stayed and perhaps should have but I was afraid I might disturb the native who was substituting, then it was too late to go marching into the big shed.

It's a great honor to have such a smart Uncle as Uncle Jim. We hope to visit Aunt Lutie on our way home. We are thinking of getting Uncle Jim to suggest a good occulist for B.M. to go to. Do you think he would think we were trying to keep from paying, for you know doctors never charge each other? The committee pays all our expenses of that kind, you know. I am afraid Aunt Nell might criticize us anyway. B.M. went in a car that was going to Mutoto the other day to see Dr. King about his eyes. He told B.M. he didn't think it would hurt his eyes to stay until spring if he took care of them. Please tell me how he is going to take care of his eyes and most of his work book work. Nevertheless, we stay until spring. I will not come home in midwinter unless I have to. It's too much risk for Max.

I'm so glad my Xmas box is going to get here. Max will enjoy them so much. I want to have a nice Xmas for him. He is already looking forward to Santa Clause!

We hear that the Allens will get here in about five or six weeks. The stockings you are sending will certainly come in fine. My old ones are just about gone.

I will certainly write to Mrs. Drew. I got such a sweet letter from Miss Cassie. I do wish I could make myself write to my friends more often for it does me so much good to get letters like that. I want to write Mrs.Muller next for I love her, too. Miss Cassie writes that they are building a duplex house in order that August may live with them. That certainly is fine.

I enjoyed the newspaper articles so much. It's a shame about Charlie's picture. He actually looks like he is dead. Has he changed that much? Almost made me cry. The rest were pretty good for newspaper pictures. I'm so glad for Lizzie. I know you are proud of her. Wish Sarah could have had that chance, wouldn't have done our village much good, though. How and what is Alvina doing.?

We get the Enterprise regularly and do enjoy it. Wish you would send in a letter taken from mine to you. Everything is so commonplace to me, it does not seem that there is anything to write. Perhaps I will take courage some day.

You always think of my comfort and pleasure before yours. Please don't change rooms, for B.M. is not apt to stay out at Pinckney long. After two or three weeks, he is likely to start out hunting a job. I love the little room you had built for me and would love to stay in it. The whole place is beautiful as far as that goes. How I would love to stay out there if there were the least chance. I guess I love my old home too much for my good.

Mother, we could never think of taking your hard earned money for a tour of that kind. That is the reason I never mentioned it. It was sweet and like my dear mother to think of such a thing. We have saved some and are going to do some sightseeing for a few days in Europe. I expect if we leave here in February as we plan to do, it will be too cold to spend much time in Europe with their poor heating system

Max is especially well just at present. I am very much contented to stay on until spring. My seeds came and are up and looking fine. I hope to have a good garden. I am going to start sewing for Max for going home before long, and think I will enjoy it. I am looking forward to getting the patterns from Nettie.

Max and Helen get along much better than they used to; however they hardly ever play together unless he comes here or at the tennis court. Mary does not watch them if I let them go down there. It helps me to hear your ideas on the subject. I never tell her anything she does not want to know if Helen is bad! I long for a nice playmate for Max, for whatever she does, Max wants to do. She is about six months older, you know.

I know the house looks nice since you painted it and I'm sure it will still be all right when we get there, for it's only about six months before we leave! I certainly would not spend money on draperies, for the house is pretty enough without them.

I have plenty of soutache braid for Max's suits if you have not already sent it. I ordered it from Montgomery Ward. Miss Headen sent my old barrette back, so I am in no need of combs. We may not open the package until Xmas as you asked at first. It's going to be hard, though. I do not know Mr. Maroney. Livingston people are most all strangers to me. You did not enclose Aunt Nennie's letter.

Today is our wedding anniversary and we are invited down to Rowena's. I have hardly eaten a meal at home since we came back from the lake. B.M. went to Mutoto and I had a lot of invitations out. Jean stayed with me at night so I wouldn't be lonesome. It's nice to have such good friends. I am certainly going to miss them everyone when I get home.

Mr. McMurry had "Tick Fever" and had to stay at Bibanga until he was cured. He came back with the people from Mutoto last night. We are glad to see him back.

Lots of love to all,

Dorothy

Congo (160) Luebo, Congo 4/28/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

April 28, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Your letter came in last night on a plane we were not expecting. You see, we don't know what to expect these days and we hear now that we will have two weeks air service. This will be very nice if true. Don't you think I have done better about writing to you since I have been back this time?

You were talking about Cisuaka. He is still with us and it seems that we will be able to keep him until we go home. Nzeba, his wife, gave birth to a baby girl this morning and they named her for me (Masinga)--I am going to make her a dress and go to see her this P.M. or tomorrow. It is certainly distressing about Beulah. It seems so strange to me that those girls had those bad ideas in their heads and hearts and that I never knew anything about it when I was growing up. They never mentioned it to me. All the missionaries who come back from furlough these days say things are terrible among the young people, high school boys and girls. I can hardly believe that all they say is true. So you see, it is not only among the Indians, but white people know how to get away with it. Times must be bad.

I was so glad the films reached you. They are good and the envelope was rather heavy. I had some fears that they would not arrive safely. Please send Lucille one of the best of Max and me to San Benito, Rural Delivery.

I planted the zinnias this morning. I was glad to get them, but hope you didn't deprive yourself. I do wish I could see the roses. I am not trying to raise any anymore. I planted my dry season garden yesterday out by the wash place. B.M. had it fenced off for me, and I laid off the rows and planted it myself--okra, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, mustard & turnip greens, cabbage, cucurnbers,and a few butter beans and string beans for soup. Water is a big problem during this dry season, but I hope I can keep it going.

It is so hard to tell what I will absolutely need; you see, I can't tell how these dresses are going to last. I would be absolutely fixed if I went home now. My idea now is a satin dress black or blue, whichever color they are wearing most. I prefer navy blue. Ito has one I am crazy about. She says it's grand for traveling and does not muss easily. The pockets and trimmings are black oil cloth and white buttons sewn on with colored thread. It has a short circular over skirt and a fancy ruffled net front. If I could get something like this that I like I would be set up. I have been looking for some nice material that won't wrinkle badly for the train and boat. In the spring, that's all I'll need with a wrap. I have something here that would do until I get to Belgium for a wrap. You could have this made in Livingston or Terrell if you go there and send it through the mail. I'll go to see Ito's dress and perhaps tell you more about it. The material is the biggest thing. I want it good,but I do, of course, like rather frilly things, not too plain.

Later. I went up to see Ito's dress this A.M. and what do you think. She insisted on my taking her dress and sending her another one for her to go home in. That's almost 2 1/2 years from now. Later, as I wrote this, I began to think that's 2 1/2 years is too long to have a debt hanging on, and if we don't come back to the mission, there is no telling where we will be, so I asked Ito to sell me the dress. She agreed to this, but wanted only $10, but I persuaded her to take $15, and I am sure I will get more good than that out of it. It's a $50 or $60 dollar dress and she got it for $27.50. All my descriptions were unnecessary, but I guess you will be interested to know what it looks like. I am trying to take good care of the rest of my clothes and I believe I will have plenty to come home in. I am going to put this one I have just gotten and the peach georgette you sent me from San Antonio in Jean's cedar chest so the roaches won't get them.

The seed you sent me are up. I hope I can keep them alive during the dry season. Thank you so much for them.

Love to you all,

Dorothy

P. S.. Tell Aunt Nennie I certainly did appreciate the violets and I would like to hear from her sometimes, even though she feels that her letters would not be interesting. I am sitting on the porch and the wind is blowing. That's the reason my letter is so blotted.

Love,

Dot

I had a nice letter from Rubye in the last mail. Glad to hear Hudson and his wife are together again--Dot.

Congo (159) Luebo, Congo 3/27/1927 [BMS] [DCS]

Luebo, March 27, 1927

Dear Folks:

It has been a couple of mails since I have written you, and now we have word that the next plane is due in a few days. With the planes coming regularly every 18 days, these mail days slip up on us before we are aware they are due. It takes us a few days to read and digest a mail, and then we think, by habit, that the next mail is· still a long ways off, and we are caught.

We are considerably less in numbers at Luebo now, 17 grown folks, whereas we were 24 only a few months ago. I suppose you have heard of Mr. Martin's sudden departure. He was planning to go about August or September of this year, but had word in the last mail that his mother was very low and might not last long and they urged him to come home immediately, which he did. His mother has T. B. As you have no doubt heard, this has been quite prevalent in their family. He had a brother to die from this, and Mr. Martin was threatened along this line himself some time back. This sudden exit has made it rather hard for the Evangelistic Department, as they have not had sufficient time to get things in order.

A little seven month's old baby died across the river last week; a child of one of the state officials, and who happens to be a Protestant, or rather his wife. So they asked the Mission to conduct the funeral. Several of us attended the burial, both Dot and myself. The baby was taken sick about 3:00 A.M. with a high fever and died at 1:00 the same day. Mrs. Shive said it could have been fever of the brain, as the temperature of that runs very high, and this child's fever went up to over 107. I should have said malaria fever of the brain. This same family lost a child 8 months old a couple of years ago. Mortality among children seems no higher here now than at home, although I remember when I first came out here it was rather high (I mean among white people), and an alarming percent of the first children of our missionaries died here. But now, with such a large number of children, we have much to be thankful for in the matter of their health. Of course, people have learned how to take care of them; two things that I believe have contributed a great deal are quinine and proper food.

Our squab plant has now gotten to a profitable stage, and we are having about all the squabs we care to eat. We have about 38 pairs of mated pigeons, and they are doing fine. Besides the profit, we both derive considerable pleasure from raising them. Besides squabs to eat, we also raise some to increase our flock or to replace some not so profitable. They are hardworking little creatures, and very interesting. It takes regular and careful attention to keep them in good condition, but only a little time each day its needed.

March 28, 1927

Dorothy mentioned the fact that another boat had been added to the service from Belgium to the Congo. However, this is not a first class passenger boat and the officials state it will not carry mail. It is a boat that will carry only cargo and second-class passengers for the Congo, but no mail, at least so they report. There are quite a number of people coming to the Congo in second class; a large number of state officials, according to rank, are required to come second class. The names of the four boats coming are as follows: THYSVILLE (the one we came out on this time), Anversville (the one we went home on last time), ELIZABETHVILLE; these are the three first class passenger boats; then the STANLEYVILLE, is a new boat just put in service, and which I refer to above as the one carrying only second class passengers. This last named is smaller, and above as the one carrying only second class passengers. This last named is smaller, and takes 22 days for the trip, whereas the others only take 18 days. I doubt if we can count on mail coming more frequently at this time. We will let you know if we hear further.

I note what you say about Max's rupture, and hope you have not been worrying about it, for he has suffered very little (practically none as far as we can tell) from it. And now it seems to have almost disappeared. Dr. Cousar says that it is not something to worry over unless it gets to an enlarged stage, for he claims that over half the men have this trouble or have had it as children. He has had quite a bit of experience at Johns Hopkins, which as you know, is no mean hospital. Mrs. Stegall's little baby had it too, but it was about like Max's and Dr. Stixrud did not consider it serious. So I believe you will be safe in scratching this off your list of worries.

One of the government officials is living here in our village now collecting taxes and information among the natives. They are quite pleasant; the Madame speaks right good English, and he speaks some. She is here visiting Dorothy this morning.

We had a birthday party at the Longeneckers Sat. evening in honor of little Dorothy; she is about five, I believe. Max enjoyed it tremendously as well as the rest of us.

It's time to quit, as I have lots of other things to do. Trust this finds everybody well, and with love to all.

As ever,

B.M.

P. S. Please excuse my writing on both sides, but our letter is getting heavy.

We have just had word that the Allens hope to start back to the Congo in July. They expect to have their medical exam about May. Of course, it all depends on this report. She had dormant or inactive for a long time previous to this, Personally I doubt if they will be permitted to return so soon; but that's humanly speaking. If the Lord wants them back now, it isn't with the doctors? ?

Dorothy

Congo (158) Luebo, Congo 3/20/1927 [DCS]

Luebo March 20, 1927

Sunday

Dear homefolks:

Your letter was a surprise after our trip to the lake yesterday. It seems that perhaps since their putting on two extra boats from Antwerp that we will likely get mail more often. A plane came in but I did not expect mail. We left yesterday morning at nearly 8:00 A. M. in the truck for Kampungi. There were 8 grown people and four children. The children took hammocks from Kampungi, a distance of about four miles, except Max rode on the wheel with B.M. The rest of us walked. I enjoyed it until in the afternoon, and the walk back to the car tired me. It was all forgotten soon, though. The Morrisons were at the lake and they had gotten things fixed up real nice. We took the children in wading after dinner. Max did enjoy it so much. Then what do you suppose I did. I wonder if you will be surprised. I got Kemp to bob my hair!!! I like it much better than I did before, guess I knew more about how I wanted it. I think it's going to look nice. Now don't tell me in your next letter you are sorry as they are wearing long hair again!! Jean and Mary have both bobbed their hair, too.

B.M. was just as much against it as he was before, I think, but he gave his consent and I believe he likes it now. I have it up in the back, but have left enough on top to pull down over my forehead. I let Miss Headen have my barrette and now I have to use B.M.'s tie pin. That was the best barrette I ever saw. I got it at Gerlachs. I wish you could enclose me one in a letter; would that be against the rules? It had purple glass sets and two wires underneath like myoid bow holder, and about 1 1/2 inches across. I have some small barrette I got across the river, but I can't get them to fasten. I asked Squeak to send mine back. but I am afraid she won't. She said she liked it too well!

I am sorry I did not mention the stockings sent from Gerlachs for I got them, and I don't know how I would have gotten along without them. They were all nice. I couldn't help wondering where you got your news about Albert Mathews. There are certain people out our way whom I believe wouldn't mind telling tales on him.

Max is sitting here on the porch playing church. He sings awhile, then covers his eyes for a short prayer. The only word I understand is "amen." I take him every Sunday to our English service at 5:00 o'clock. He gets mighty restless sometimes. I have been fixing up his baby book this week. I think it is very good for the time I have spent on it and the pictures have helped out wonderfully. I am hoping to hear in your next letter that you have received pictures and films we sent.

I can't think of any more news, my main object in this letter was telling you about my hair. My plan for the next week is sewing. The slips you and Aunt Nennie made for me have gone to rags. I expect to make about four more, three gowns, (pink crepe), and some bath towels. I brought toweling instead of towels this time. I may make me a dress or two for everyday wear. I want me a "ballcan [?] blouse" suit. They remind me of the beautiful ones you made for me when I went to Missouri to school.

Love to you all,

Dorothy

Congo (157) Luebo, Congo 3/8/1927 [DCS]

Luebo, March 8, 1927

Dear homefolks:

I am in a big hurry this A. M. as it's the beginning of the rainy season after a short dry spell, and we are trying to get things started in the garden and yard. It rained a good rain last night and so it's a fine time to plant. I planted out about 30 tomato plants from raised beds and a few eggplants, but spent most of my time on flowers. I am planting zinnias, cosmos, and a few other things I got at Lubondai up and down both my front paths, most were only transplants and thinned. The one zinnia I got from the seeds you sent is living, but I fear it's been too shaded on the porch. The mail come in last night, got two letters from you and Daddy's enclosure.

Mr. Martin has gotten a call home on account of his mother's weak condition and they want to have a family reunion. It has put in my head the idea of going home. Just to think I could be with you in a little over a month and during your vacation, too, but I have no excuse at all, as I am unusually well for Congo, but of course it was at the beginning of my third year that I began to feel it the last time. B.M. would have been willing, I believe, if I had had more time to get ready. This is just the time of year I want to come home, too. I must forget it though, and look forward to coming home next year about this time. B.M. is having some trouble with his eyes and if they get worse we will certainly come home on that account, for if we stay at home and I think we will, our keep would depend on his eyes. He can't afford to run any risk. We are not expecting to come, of course, but I just wanted to warn you that if you heard we were in New York, you would not be uneasy. Max has hadthe"Flu" but is well again now. I believe every child on the station has had it.

The Stegalls and Rochesters left on the Lapsley last week & Mr. Martin is hoping to catch the same boat from Matadi. If Mr. M. is not as enthusiastic about us as you expect him to be, it is because we are the Hobson's best friends. He and Kemp are in the same department and although I have heard of no serious misunderstandings, they have very different ideas along some lines. We seem to have "clicks" on this station; It can't seem to be avoided on a large station and Mr. M. is very partial to his particular friends. There has been no disagreement, and things are running smoother than usual. I like Mr. Martin very much.He is a fine and most interesting man. I hope you will be able to hear him speak. The Allens and Vinsons are special friends of his.

We are keeping Stegall's Victrola and enjoy it. We have a record in the native language sung by Mr. McKee in England. It isn't very good, I don't think. We may bring ours home. There is a story on the Congo written by Annie M. Barnes. She has not been to Congo, but got her descriptions, etc., from members of our mission and the M. E. C. M. It isn't supposed to be true but is rather interesting. I want us to read it together when I am at home. There are some mistakes naturally. I think I will write and have a copy sent to you. Don't read it until I come. "The Lost Treasure of Umdilla" is the name of it.

The Morrisons are going to our new lake near Kampungi tomorrow for a two weeks vacation. Hobsons will be off the road until Mr. Martin comes back.

I can't think of any news and it's most time to mail this. How I would love to be coming in the place of this, but it's much better to come in a year with a clear conscience.

Love to all,

Dot

Congo (156) Luebo, Congo 2/16/1927 [BMS]

Feb. 16, 1927

Dear Folks:

There is no special significance in the color of this ribbon I am using [red] except that the blue is very faint and this is so much plainer.

The plane came in this afternoon and brought us one good long letter from you. About every third mail, so Dorothy figures, we get only one letter 'from you, due to the fact that the previous letter was just in time to catch the other boat, and the following letter just too late for this one. Then we will probably get three letters in the next mail. We know just what day to look for the mail now--every eighteen days, regularly.

Everything is moving along quite smoothly with us. All in good health, especially the important branch of the family -Maximum. He just has a good time most of the time. We went on a picnic Saturday, and went in Mr. Longenecker's truck; coming back I drove and Dot and Max sat on the front seat with me. Tonight at supper Max had an old tricycle, and had turned it over and was using one of the wheels for a steering wheel, and now and then, he would reach under the wheel to manipulate the spark and gas levers. I am going to use Stegall's old Excelsior motorcycle while he is on furlough, and have been riding it some lately; of course Max is very much excited over this. It will be a help to me also, in getting out.

When Mr. Priest left here I gave him my good watch to leave in Belgium, with our agents there, to be repaired and sent out. But I understand he did not have time to attend to this, as he had only a day or two in Belgium. Not having heard anything from him about this watch, I am writing him in this mail and asking him to send it to you in case he still has it. So if it comes to you will ask that you just keep it for me, for I doubt if it is worth sending out here again; I've had so much trouble with it.

Our garden has been suffering for rain, as this is supposed to be the rainy season, but yesterday and today are the first real good rains we have had in about a month. Things will now pick up in that line. Dorothy has done real well with her garden this year.

Our pigeons are also doing well, and we are beginning to enjoy squabs quite frequently. We both enjoy watching them and get quite a bit of pleasure from handling them. We now have about 35 pairs that are at work. It has taken us some time to get to the present place, as we have had several severe setbacks, but they look very promising just now.

Did we tell you that Gus, that's Ida's son who lost their little girl Xmas before last, have a new daughter, born in November.

Trust this finds all of you well, and with love to all.

As ever,

B.M.

Congo (155) Luebo, Congo [BMS]

Luebo, Dec. 12, 1926

Dear Mother & Daddy:

Here we are back at Luebo. While we enjoyed our vacation and we believe all of us profited by it, still it feels good to be back at home again. Especially after having to stop and pack up again so much on our way back from the Lake. As I don't know what Dorothy has written, or will write in this letter, we may duplicate our remarks. But she is at church just now, and the "Lapsley" leaves tomorrow morning, so we must get our letter ready today.

Will try to give you some idea of our trip. We got the use of the Station (Ford) truck, which is being used by Stegall, and packed all our belongings in that. It has a rain-proof top, with curtains for the sides, so we were prepared for rain. We left here on Monday, Nov. 15th, and traveled that day about 120 miles, and stopped for the night in a native village; we left there early the next morning and reached Lubondai, our newest station, at 11 :15 A. M. It was our intention to go by Mutoto instead of Lubondai, but as one of the bridges was in bad shape we thought it best to go around. Then we had not planned to go by Lubondai, but a ferry on the Lulua river was reported to be in bad shape, so we went around by Lubondai, which is somewhere between 80 and 90 miles farther than the other way. However, we enjoyed our stop at Lubondai, where we spent the remainder of that day, and left again the next morning about 6:30. That morning we traveled till 11 :15, and stopped to feed Mrs. Shive's baby and discovered that we had lost our suitcase, containing nearly all the baby's clothes. Of course, this upset us considerably, and naturally Dorothy was very much worried. We turned and went back for about 12 or 15 miles, hoping we had just lost it. However, as our gas supply was limited for our return to Luebo, we decided to go on to the Lake, and send back word to Lubondai station and ask them to send out messengers to look for it. We fortunately met a Mutoto messenger on his way to Lubondai. So we went on to the Lake that day, reaching there about 7:30 P. M. The Smiths, who were to join us at the Lake had just reached there that afternoon. We would have arrived about 4:00 P. M. if we had not lost the time looking for the suitcase. But before I go further, I'll tell you the remainder of the story about the suitcase. While at the Lake we had word from Lubondai that they had sent out messengers all along the road we had traveled but had found no trace of the suitcase. Of course that made things look blue. Dorothy Anderson, though, sent Dorothy quite a number of clothes that just fit Max, so that helped considerably. We had faint hopes of finding the suitcase on our way back, so when we reached the place about where we thought we had lost it, we began to make inquiries; so after a bit we saw a white man, who is working a gang on the railroad being built through here, and he informed me that the State Officer about 36 miles away, and on our road to Lubondai, had sent a notice out stating that he had found a suitcase. So we followed this up, and found the State Officer, who duly turned the suitcase over to us, and with every article intact. We had lost it about 23 miles from Lubondai. You may know there was rejoicing in the family when we got the suitcase. And so it happened that we returned with all our possessions!! This event, though, almost made us feel like giving up our vacation,but of course, we became reconciled to it, for a great deal worse could happen than the loss of a few possessions.

We found the lake a splendid place, and had a fine time, including Max. It is one of the best bathing places I have ever been in. The water is very clear, and always remains at an even temperature, which makes it fine for a swim before breakfast; it has a sandy bottom. They have a boat, with an "Evinrude" attached, so we had lots of boat riding. There are lots of wild ducks and we had ducks to eat nearly every day. Shive and I each killed a large antelope, which has fine meat. The Lake itself is a beautiful sight; it is about 2 miles long, and a mile wide on the ends and about 2 miles in the middle; they have sounded it and found it about 140 feet deep in the middle, and 100 feet deep in most places. The shape is somewhat like two "y'"s joined end to end. There are very few trees as it is out in the middle of a great plain. It is surrounded by a high, but sloping ridge of hills, and on some of these hills you get magnificent views of both the lake and the surrounding country. There are no native villages close, as they have had superstitious legends about the water swallowing a village, and have always been afraid to build near it.

We left the Lake on Thursday, Dec. 2nd, taking the Smith family (Mr. & Mrs., Ruth, age 4 years, and the baby), with us to Lubondai. We reached Lubondai that evening about 6:30 (but don't forget that we found our suitcase just about an hour before reaching Lubondai!!) quite happy. We stayed at Lubondai until Tuesday morning, and had a most enjoyable visit with our Lubondai brethren (and sisters). We had planned to leave Monday morning but they persuaded us to stay until Tuesday, which proved to be better, for we had expected to spend a night on the road and reach Luebo the following day, as Monday is a hard day to get away early. But instead, we got an early start Tuesday and reached Luebo about 6:00 P.M. that day. The Lubondai missionaries are: Mr. & Mrs. Cleveland & family; Dr. & Mrs. Cousar, Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Anderson (Dorothy Anderson), Mr. McKinnon, and Miss Uston (nurse, and I believe has a little place on that family tree of yours, or some of her relatives; she is a relative of our first missionary, Samuel Lapsley). They have a beautiful site for a station, in a densely populated territory, and the best soil for farming of any of our stations.

We found our house and belongings in fair shape. Our pigeons, naturally, not prospering greatly as we had a native to look after and feed them, but they are in good shape and all here, and we have already begun to get them straightened out, and hope to have plenty of squabs soon. We were eating them right along before we left. We get a great deal of pleasure from them, as well as profit.

Have never told you much about Mission Meeting. The most important change, as far as we are concerned, is that the Printing Office was turned over to Mr. Longenecker, editor of our native paper, the Lumu lua Bena Kasai, in order that he might give his whole time to that work; he made a study of photo engraving while at home, and expects to print lots of pictures in the native paper. He had no special work when he came back, for he was at Bibanga his last term and did not go back there, so this job fits him very well as he can give his whole time to it, and which needs a missionary's whole time. And you may be surprised to know that I am to take over the day school here at Luebo the first of the year. We are hoping to get out an educational man this coming year, a Mr. Gordon, who is ready and anxious to come. But in the meantime, I will have the school, as well as the work of Station Treasurer.

The "Lapsley" is leaving tomorrow morning, and the following are going down with it, for furlough: Mr. & Mrs. Savels, and Miss Headen, from Luebo; Mrs. Bedinger and child, as her mother is not well and who is also keeping two of Mrs. Bedinger's children at home.

I suspect you are going to be without mail from us for over a month. We failed to get a letter off before we left, on the plane that left just at that time; then we did not get a letter in on the plane that left while we were at the Lake, or rather, that left just as we got back; we had thought we would be back in time to get mail off on this last plane. We are certainly sorry for this as we don't like to miss any mail in getting a letter off to you. And especially, too, since we got such a good mail on both these last planes.

It's about time for dinner, and we have the Bedingers with us. Mr. Bedinger came to Luebo to see Mrs. Bedinger off. He is staying out here for a year or two. Mrs. Smith came to Luebo in the truck with us, and she and Mr. Bedinger will go back to Mutoto this coming week.

Trust this finds you both well, and with lots of love.

B.M.

Congo (154) Luebo, Congo 10/9/1926 [DCS]

Luebo

Oct. 9, 1926

Dear homefolks:

The Air Mail and your August 25th letter has just come. I am sorry there was such a long time between letters, but I guess that was because the plane did not come. I write you more regularly than I ever have in Congo, I think, and I am more happy than I have ever been out here also. I am raising a garden and have fine prospects so far. I don't remember if I told you what I had or not, if so I'll tell you over cause that's the most interesting thing in my life just now, unless it is making suits for Max.

As you know I suppose this is my first real garden and it has been so grand to watch the seed peep out of the ground and then grow. They tell me the insects will discourage me later, however that may be, I am enjoying them now. As I told you before, we start all the rather delicate vegetables in raised beds until they get strong enough to transplant, of which I have two large ones. One is about 4 by 8 ft, the other 3 by 6 and the rows are made the narrow way of the beds. In the large bed I have 2 rows of mustard just up, 1 row tomatoes, some have been transplanted, 1 row sweet bell peppers. I have learned to like them so much and they are also good in salads, 1 row eggplant, 2 rows mustard from which I get greens every few days, 1 row cabbage, 1 row red bell peppers, 1 row lettuce. This bed was started over a month ago and egg plants and cabbage have nearly all been transplanted to the garden. In my other bed are things planted later in order to keep things going and are duplicates mostly--with the exception of turnip greens and celery. I have between 75 and 100 cabbage plants that I hope to share with others on the station. In the garden besides the things I have mentioned, I have spinach, cucumbers, onions, okra, butter beans, & a brown bean (good in chili), black eyed peas (I planted these in order to get them green. I can't get them from the natives thus), and a very large red sweet potato. I got the start from Lubondai. There is a place we are cultivating behind our house where we have planted peas, corn, sunflowers, and a kind of native pea which are especially good for the pigeons. I do hope we can get some good out of our garden for I crave vegetables and we have had practically none except of course what we buy from the natives.

Our pigeons are doing well again and we are eating them right along. We serve them barbecued most and company seems to enjoy them. Won't you-please send me your old recipe for gingerbread and potato pie. I have been trying both these lately, but I just can't make them good like you used to.

Going on to sewing, I have made Max 7 pr. trousers and 5 waists in the past week. Don't you think I am smart? They are just real pretty, too. Do you remember the blue voile waist I had that Georgia gave me? I took that and made a beautiful little waist for Max. Now I hope you won't be angry with me and please don't tell Nettie, but I made Max a suit out of that wash silk you sent me. It was just too small across the shoulders for me and made Max such a pretty suit. It was a beautiful dress, well made, and I liked it, but that's the big disadvantage of sending dresses to me. I am surprised as many fit as do. I am just the same size now as ever. Weighed 91 1/2 yesterday and that's a good weight for me. I have a real good appetite generally.

Max is getting along real well with his whooping cough. He has lost three meals, I believe, and has had it about six weeks. He always coughs worse when it's rainy and damp. I think he must have a very light case. Is it your idea that whooping cough can't be had again even if it's a light case?

B.M. is to go to Bulape to Mission Meeting next week. I had hoped to go, too, for I certainly hate to stay alone, but as Max has whooping cough, I can't go of course. He will be gone 2 weeks and Rowena and Kemp will be on the road. I guess I'll live through it though. Jean has asked me to come up there and stay, but I think I'll stay at home to take care of things and then it's best for Max to be at home.

Later. I left Max with Rowena and went with B.M. to the village where he preaches on Sunday about 4 1/2 miles away yesterday and certainly did enjoy it. I may have told you that I sold my wheel. The man paid down part of the money, then came back and got it because he could not get the rest. He was a great big man and should not have had a ladies wheel anyway. Perhaps I'll sell it later. After a good trip like yesterday, I hate to sell, but it's so seldom I do go I hate to let it run down between times.

I was so glad to get the picture of Daddy and the Southern girls. It's good to get pictures of you folks from time to time. Isn't that little Kodak of mine still working? You could get a roll of films once in a while. It does us so much good. We have been intending to take more pictures, too, but never get it done.

I gave Sankie my Uke and am teaching her some of my old songs. I had ordered some new strings and they came last week--made me wish I had it back, but I hardly ever picked it up but what I thought of the night at our "singing" when I couldn't sing a thing and didn't even get it strung properly.

I am going to close now. B.M. isn't going to get your cheque off to you again this time. I do hope you are not needing it. I hope also you and Aunt Nennie are going to keep well this school term. Now since I have no baby to keep you awake, I should certainly love to be there.

Lovingly,

Dorothy