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