Here are more tidbits from  letters written by my grandparents in Summerland, with all kinds of news and “flavor” of Summerland in the 1950s.  Enjoy!

Date: unknown: early 1950s by the sound of it
To: The Mott children in Vancouver
From: Emily Mott

Lunch is ready but Daddy has not come home yet. Have parsnips, beets, raw onions and beef, and for dessert pudding. Yesterday we were invited to the Aunties [Miss Banks], so have our left-over dinner for today. II have tried to get lamb but they had only stewbeef. Because there is no snow left, we took the car on Sunday, and the Aunties, of course. We called for Mr. Uchida and family. Miss Sherwood had dinner with us also.

Just heard over radio–Amman enjoyed his meal at a restaurant, that is the first until they brought him a lobster. He said, “I’ll eat your garbage, drink your dishwater, but I refuse to eat your big red bugs.”

Hey! Know what! Ruth phoned me at 9.05 to say their 8 lb. 40 oz. girl was born at 10 minutes to 9. She went at 8. I saw the lights in the caseroom and phoned the James’ Sr. to ask if all was normal at the parsonage. She said she had talked to them about 15 minutes earlier and there was not excitement. Ruth was still there. So as soon as Ruth phoned her, she called me to tell me my surmisings were right. Just after that Ruth phoned me, but I did not tell her I had already heard the news.

Now for the sad–but not too sad; it could have been really bad. Marilyn Wade has been learning to drive. Her folks were in Vernon yesterday, so she took 3 girls for a ride in their truck, which had no brakes. They went 70 miles per hr. and she couldn’t make the curve. She is still in hospital, has broken collarbone. Nella Huva is in hosp. too; I don’t know what is the extent of her injuries, but I guess not too serious. Daddy doesn’t know who the other girl is. The Heavyside girl just got a cut, so had it treated and went home. There were 4 of them in the seat of the truck.

We took the Aunties to town to vote on Sat. afternoon. It was so nice out, that everybody seemed to be in town. Mr. Gillard and Mr. Halquist got a good number of votes, but Bob Butler was elected. Good for us. Mr. Gillard phoned to the neighbors round here and to John too to ask us to vote for him.

The mice have been coming in at the back; I’ve caught 6 small ones. It is colder tonight, but clear and bright. Mr. Famchon is busy at his pruning these days. He has been reading the books which I gave him. Daddy had an enjoyable time at the B.I. meeting in Penticton. He has new library books.

I have beentalking to Doreen; she admits they need God. She says Steve’s mother-in-law has cancer. Mr. Greenslade is in hospital; they hope it is not cancer.

Daddy says it is 22 [F] now at 10 p.m. Well many parts of Can. and U.S. and other parts are really getting “weather.”

Date: Wed. Jan 6th, Sheila’s 9th birthday
To: The Mott children in Vancouver
From: Emily Mott

Daddy is writing, just about finished, he says. I must get a few words ready so as to have the letter ready for mailing when Bertha comes. Hope she has a stamp for we used all our this morning. Daddy sent for a seed catalogue; I mailed an order to Eaton’s Wpg. Also I sent in a form to Christian Supply to have them say they did not receive the money order sent on Nov 16th. Ruth has no crib blankets, so we are getting her a pair at Eaton’s. Today we had the 3 children and Auntie Vi for dinner, a big dinner really, judging from the way they ate and the way Daddy is over-stuffed.

Date: fall 1954
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Masset)
From: John Mott

Mother and I have the fruit all off and, all in, and are busy with fall work. Mother is going to Milne’s cannery in the morning and will likely be working a week or ten days, her and Auntie Violet are going together.

I am sending the prints of the white and black pictures I took of the wedding some of them are very good. I hope to get them made into slides. If any of them are suitable I can get them enlarged, those that are marked & look very good.

I am sending the coloured slides to Laura and she can send them on.

We have had some fine weather this last while, it is cooler today and may freeze soon. Different ones have told us of hearing from you.

Wishing you every blessing.

Date: June 22, 1959
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Revelstoke)
From: John Mott

We have been looking forward to you coming for the summer, and mom was telling me that you were worrying whether you should come on account of the children etc. Now if you did that, I would be very disappointed as I am fond of the children. In a few days they will be right at home.

We need you with us, it is getting that we should soon have you either with us, or close to us.

Date: June 24, 1958
To: Marjorie and Bill Wright (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

Had Aunt Carrie’s company down yesterday for supper–and cherries! Just wait till Norma J. and Stewart come–Granddad says there are low branches for them to be kept happy. Just when do you leave? Oh well, never mind writing, we’ll find out when you come on Saturday. Hope you’re not all tuckered out.

Isn’t this heat hot! It was 96 [F] on Sunday, but it is cloudy today. Perhaps it will ease up and rain and split the cherries. Daddy says if it does we’ll be spared a picking job. I’m glad he doesn’t worry about crops.

Co-op opened yesterday. We didn’t go, for it was too hot.

Date: March 22, 1955
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

I’m just wondering if Harold mailed Evangels to you. He said he would.

Miss Weber had first mtg. tonight [at Kelowna D.Q.M.–District Quarterly Meeting of the Free Methodist Church]. She comes from Oregon, I believe, starts at 7 and finishes at 8 so children may go straight home. We called for Marily & Lois Milne, delivered them, Mr. Uchida, June, Faith and 3 children they brought along, so are home for the evening. Daddy is asleep. I’ve been reading Digest.

On Mon. we had dinner with the Childerhoses. We feel very sorry for them, as they miss Mable so very much.

We visited Hicksons. She is making the dresses, so is hiring catering done. They expect 150-160. Lois & 2 children will be there but she didn’t mention Alma. Phil will teach till end of term: she has an apartment rented. I guess they are not sure just what they’ll do after June. I was surprised to see Mrs. H. so cool & collected. Daddy talked with Doreen while she cleaned kitchen ceiling and walls. She says her best year was studying bible in Toronto. Was I surprised when she told us she is reading Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. Well I am happy to hear it. They have Praying Hyde in their library. They intend to read Peace with God, which a cousin will lend them.

First thing we know, Easter will be here. Sent a box of cookies to Preston to nibble at while he is studying this week. Mailed a little something to our Masset children for Easter. My icebox cookies are nothing to boast of, but maybe you can eat them.

The Medal Contest was last night. Daddy said he would expect our 2 Marjories to win, which they did.

Daddy lost no time, he told Dr. Munn this morning [that Marjorie would be delivering her baby in Summerland in the summer]. You know Daddy. Dr. Munn says he will be here in July. He has 2 or 3 young women who will go to their moms, but in the meantime he is keeping tab on them. Their big event is this Fri. or Sat, Barbara’s wedding.

I wonder if I told you the Aunties [Miss Banks] plan on taking on the 3 grandchildren to see their Grandma for Easter: of course Neil would take mumps, but we hope he is alright then.

Daddy says it is okay to tell you our big secret but we do not want L.J. to know till she walks into the diningroom and sees our Viking refrigerator sitting in the space where radio and cabinet were. Daddy has planned on getting one for me for a long time, so this is it. He is far more pleased about it than he was about tractor, flume or new roofing, because this is my present. He looks about like you did, Bill, over the gift of sewing machine to Marjorie.

Billy Graham spoke to 15,000 people in Scotland last night. I heard it on 10 o’clock news.

Ooh, it was, as you say, warmer last month–but this is March. It was 13 below [F] on March 4th and it is cold again this morning 15 above, but unusually cold for March 23rd. So many people have had flu, but it is on the wane now.

Bob says Wesley was offered 2 foreman positions, but did not accept. Bob says he is faithful and a good steady dependable worker. He has been from Thurs. to Sun. 103. Dr. Van. gave penicillin so by Mon. he was normal, but no work till Friday. Geo-Lewis was 104 1/2.

Auntie Vi came in bringing papers. I told her to come up and Muriel too to have a cup of tea & enjoy seeing our frig. after school.

Mr. B. had too much square dancing. That’s why he had to go to hosp. here & to Pent. for x-ray.

Mrs. B. was called to P. Albert as her father is low.

Date: Saturday 8 a.m. Nov. 2 (year?)
To: Marjorie and Bill Wright
From: Emily Mott

It is a beautiful sunny morning. Daddy expects to go to lower town to take some pictures. A lot of trees are bare around here but many are still pretty. Yesterday he sent in his last film and bought another for his colour camera and a black and white.

Emma Schindel is to be married on the 10th and asked if we still have the song, Let the rest of the world go by. I found it. Evelyn and Preston sang it at a school do, and Evelyn wants to sing it for them.

Marjorie James is down again worse than the first time. Donny has been quite sick too. Baby has had a sore and croaky throat. Ruth and Joe have been fighting the flu. I just phoned to find out how they are. Joe said he could hardly keep going, but has had to keep working on the house, for it was so drafty, but is a bit better now. It was hard to preach and take the funeral service on Thursday, but he managed, and at Mrs. Moore’s request, he and Ruth sang, It will be worth it all when we see Jesus–just beautifully.

Daddy and I keep well we are thankful to say. We have been under a strain, like the Moore’s belonged to us. I think I told you he said to her, “Mother, I see the angels–I think, I think they are coming.” Oh, the look on his face was something she’ll never forget, he was so happy. That was on Monday, I believe, or perhaps it was on Sunday. He seemed better after they put him in the oxygen tent. He didn’t suffer. Mrs. M. came over between times. She took a bath about 4.30, ate a bite and went back. She said they could hardly find his pulse, but she still hoped he would be alright, if it were God’s will. He asked her to sing “I will praise Him,” and she sang everytime he asked her, about 6 times. He praised the Lord. The nurses were so kind, especially Mrs. Graham. Dr. McDaniels came to see him about 8.30. He must have known, but tried to encourage her. She was simply wonderful. I did not go to Judy’s shower, but was lying asleep on the chesterfield when Mrs. Moore cam running to tell me, “Ray’s gone” 10 pm. Between us we got word through to the relatives. She was a brick. Then she went to bed on the chesterfield and all of a sudden she broke into sobs. It was a great reflief. I stayed beside her for about a half hour. I don’t think she had slept, but came to our room and said she must phone Beryl again to tell her not to come, as the trip might be too much for her, and then they are trying to meet so many bills. That was about 20 to 1 a.m. She slept till 6 and then phoned Mr. Cross to take her home for she had so many things to do. We went up and Ruth and Joe and Mrs. Bolton were there. Mr. Schnell was coming to stucco the parsonage, so after Joe did what he could for her, he had to go home. Ruth stayed on till nearly noon. Raymond had asked Mr. Cross to have Daddy go with him to take over till Daddy got back. Everybody has been grand. I stayed till Raymond came and we had supper (first she had eaten all day), and he brought me home. It was so good to see him.

Now it is 2.30. We have the blanket wrapped for Judy, yellow, got it right at Simpson-Sears store in Penticton. We’ll go to see if the dad will take it down. Sorry we cannot very well have the shower for her. There is too much flu about and folks have not had time to think of showers at our church. However, I’ll get the book down to Judy, with some recipes.

Went down with Sylvia on Wednesday to Pent. Expect to go again next week with her. The children were well enough to stay with Carrie. They are improving; Murray was worst. She and Norman have been alright so far, and Geo. and Carrie.

Marilyn has been in bed since they have been at Grace’s. Granpa James came home last night, but Auntie Marion stayed with Marilyn. Lilian is at home today, not feeling very well. David is alright and Charlie is back at school. The Thompson’s mother and dad in Kamloops have been in hospital both with pneumonia.

Maureen is better and is just waiting till her baby comes. Mrs. Miller is more cheerful and may go home soon. Helen was not well for 3 weeks, but has kept Lee’s two boys. He passed his exam at the Coast.

It is sad that Ruth McClarty or is it McLarty, died and left the two little boys and her poor husband. She was in hosp for 2 months, they say with viral pneumonia, but we hear it was cancer of the lungs. Ruth Dale told Auntie M. but she says it is not generally known, so we are not telling it around. Her parents just returned from Europe and had 2 happy weeks with her, and then she went suddenly.

Beryl, Jack and Mr. Moore’s brother Leslie and wife came by car, arriving 8.30 on Wed. eve. The other two brothers we have met, came that afternoon. Rhodena got there early in morning of Thursday, as Bennie was sick with flu just when they were going to drive on Wed. She went home on 11 bus Thursday evening. The uncles went Friday afternoon, and the others came for supper Friday night with us. Mrs. Moore wants to work the remaining 2 weeks at Walter’s just to get over the first of being alone. Then she has promised to go to Dena’s for Christmas and to Beryl’s and the others for 3 months. My, the children were so good to her, paying expenses and being all the help they could to her. All the same, she will be so alone, but she says she could not wish him back.

Vi has been very sick. Woody is alright so far. They almost lost little Byron. Gail was sick & and the other 3.

Date: June 18, 1957
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Masset BC)
From: John Mott

We are looking for your homecoming. We want you to spend as much time as you can with us.

We have a good crop of cots, the young cherries have a lot on, the peaches are loaded, so are the pears and prunes. We want you to put up all the fruit you want.

We have had a lot of rain the last couple of weeks, before that, it was hot and dry.

Date: Late winter 1958 or 1959
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Revelstoke BC)
From: Emily Mott

Somehow this month is flying along fast. If it continues to be mild like at present and sunny, spring will be here with a rush. We hope it is not as early as last year. Brenda came to spend the time with us until her mother goes home around 1.30. she and I were looking at the pink humps, telling us the rhubarb is ready to shoot up. Likely we’ll have more cold weather yet.

The Bulman folks are still in Penticton and will spend next week with us. Hope it is warm enough for them.

Well, I did as I was told, went to Dr. Munn, and then to hospital on Sat. a.m. and it took only a few minutes for him to burn around that small scab. He says it is quite usual in our climate. I am glad that is all there is to it, except that he wants me to go over for him to have a look in two weeks.

Mrs. Smith still cannot sit up without help, and cannot put her weight on her foot. She is patient though, and does a lot reading–never realized how many friends she has until now. Red Cross workers call often, for she was a faithful quilter on Tuesdays.

Mrs. Sheldrake is in for a sore back. Mrs. Dorothy Nelson had operation in Vanc. General, but is in here again feeling just the same.

The Milne family arrived home on Sunday a.m. 4.30 last. They left Blake’s on Friday morning and with George (a cannery worker) taking turn about with Howard, really got here fast. Mrs. Milne is still very poorly. Today Lorne and Ann Bloomfield and 2 children started for Newport to visit the Milne’s. The girls miss each other very much A. & S.

It is so bright and sunny that one feels like working in the garden. Daddy cut down most of the maple this morning. I begged him to leave some, so there is 1 piece.

Hope Tuey had a fine time on his birthday [Jan. 11]. Susan had dinner that day at Graham’s as usual, and then the Graham’s came to the James’ for supper and cake. We had cake after churc, Donnie’s. On Mon., Margaret’s b-day 16th, they had the y.p. (young people) after their meeting.

Brenda is not trouble as long as her parents are not here. She is really a nice child. She has done the puzzles which N.J. worked with; tell Dunie the one with the girl going likedy-scoot down the skiihill and the other two. She is singing away as she works. Skippy likes her.

We had the Aunties [Miss Banks] and Miss C. for supper and pictures on Sat. evening, then Geo. and Carrie on Sunday for dinner and supper.

Date: Fall 1957
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Revelstoke BC)
From: Emily Mott

We keep thinking of you all in your new home. Our house is very quiet. After you left, I washed dishes, then did all the downstair floors on my knees. Before bedtime I waxed them all. (Washed girls’ room, bath & hall & steps Sat a.m. too).

We went to town at 2. Mrs. Moore came after visiting hrs., picked beans, prunes, toms and stayed for supper. I made jam from those remaining pears & peaches–and prune jam.

I guess you were awake at the usual time–so were we. No little birds sang upstairs and no little feet pattered down.

We had dinner at Mrs. Moore’s. She came for supper as well as Geo. & Carrie. People came from Pent. to see Daddy’s dahlias–enthusiastic–almost as bad as he is, very fine foreigners with a girl & a boy.

After church Daddy and I were asked over for coffee & cake at Graham’s. I am pleased to see how Margaret is settling down.

I did extra polishing on Sat. & this morning, as Carrie informs me that they are coming this evening with Annie & Dick to surprise Daddy. Winnie gave us mums and the man from Pent. brought beautiful dahlias, which I have on a large platter. Then the Watkins dealer came.

Daddy is repairing the verandah roof, so we hope to begin the shingling job after our rest. First he had to DDT wasp nests.

He says Mrs. Menu [sp?] passed away early a.m. We do hope she was prepared. Mrs. Bloomfield had quite an influence on her.

Mrs. Sheldrake was saying she tries to keep crocheting to keep her mind occupied. She told Mrs. Moore there is just like a constant pull where the wound is.

Mr. Moore may be able to go home in 10 days or so. We wonder how they’ll manage financially.

We are happy to have our orchard well disced on Sat. Daddy feels quite well caught up at hospital.

Tuesday, 6.15. We’ve had supper and Daddy is resting. He was really pleased when Geo., Carrie, Sylvia, Norman, children, Annie & Dick came singing Happy B-day song about 7:30. He showed them his last pictures and some others. We visited and then had tea and very nice sandwiches Sylvia & Annie brought, Carrie the lemon cakes I like and Annie & Dick had the cake made & iced. Mrs. B. made an angelfood for Daddy. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you Daddy got a sport shirt last night from the relatives.

Daddy got his ck. I’ll not have extra for churches this fall, but Daddy will pay all the same. The handicapped children & cerebral palsied must be helped and Moose Jaw Bible College this time.

Saw Mrs. Fabbi at hosp. She was going to Pent. chapel to ‘pray for Mrs. Menu,’ whose funeral is 9 a.m.

Andy Faasse’s Theresa broke an arm at school today.

Mrs. Joy was at her folks’ 60 anniv. Her mother, 96 yrs, has lived for the Joy’s. The family is dining at Prince Charle’s H. tonight. Ruth and Joe were given a dinner at Prince Charle’s H. last night. Carol & Dorothy arranged & paid. Lena & Mrs. Faasse were invited also.

Date: Fall 1958?
To: Bill & Marjorie Wright (Revelstoke BC)
From: Emily Mott

My newspaper seems to have gone out of print–no time. Shower for Elsie Pike who married Mr. Potts on Labour Day, Thursday last at Shady Nook Cottage, H. Milne’s former home.

Mrs. Kelt was buried on Thursday and Mr. Meede, Lydia’a father, on Satur–no Friday last. Daddy was pallbear, both times. Our pastor has been so rushed and he has a bad cold.

Mrs. Mascott fell last Monday, cutting her head at the back. She had 4 stitches and was in hospital until Sat. a.m. but has had tests she was needing, and looks rested. He told her not to wash, but she went ahead anyhow, and somehow didn’t make the step from the basement without a fall. They were going to Vancouver last Thursday for 5 days, but they hope to go this week. If I were not working I could have gone too. He is very good to her, and the neighbours are wonderufl.

Mrs. Wright’s old neighbor, Mr. McNabb, is in hospital for over 10 days, perhaps 2 weeks. I phone the son today and he says he is still in danger (heart, of course). The son and daughter are coming today. I wonder if Mrs. Wright knows. Mrs. McNabb is staying with the son here, where she can visit her husband. He was so cheerful when we visited him last, was it Aug 28?

Fred Smith came for his prunes on Sat. I am invited to Betty’s shower on Mon. night, but do not like late nights when I’m working, so Daddy filled the wheel-barrow with small cacti, and it really looks nice. We are invited to the wedding on Oct. 3 at the Anglican church at 7.30, so I guess we’ll go.

Auntie Muriel takes us to work and comes for us. We are getting used to it. Next week we work till 5.30. Vi leaves most days at 3, and if I couldn’t stand it, I would quit then too. We have stayed on the porch but tonight we decided we’ll move inside, and we’ll miss the good fresh air.

Howard seems to be getting along fine. He surely enjoyed his visit to Revelstoke and was very much interested in the scenery around there.

Howard gave your letter to Daddy on Friday. He and Alberta came for awhile on his way to Miss Banks’ that evening. Howard said the children didn’t bother him, since they have 5 at home to make noise.

Those plums stood too long. They do make good jam though. I did quite a lot, adding some peach and crabs, using certo.

Godfrey Chadburn is going to finish his high school and then go to take teacher’s training. He quit in Grade 10. Ross McLachlan is going to take teacher’s training as well this year.

Mary Ward is expecting the 2nd child, oldest is 14 months. Viola Ganzeveld will be married soon, 4th, I think.

Meade Siegrists have a daughter. Mervil is being married soon.

Went to Elsie Pike’s shower on Thursday night, Mrs. Potts’, I should say. She got a nice lot things and was very pleased.

I am asked to Betty Ferrie’s shower on Mon. night–told you.

Daddy surely prays for all our family and that Bill will be kept well and able to carry on.

Date: not sure: mid to late 1950s
To: “All of you”
From: Emily Mott

Another lovely Tuesday evening finds me raring to get to the garden. I was happy to get the front garden partly done and some transplanting done in the back garden, that was on Monday. I had a letter to mail for Preston, so took it along to mail in the box beside the Aunties’ [Miss Banks] I saw Harry there so took along radishes, lettuce, and onions. Then I had to stop to talk to “Solomon”, so now I should be wise and profit by the things I heard about the schools of this day-England is so much better, etc. I saw a few cots on his trees, so just had to come through our orchard to have a look at our trees. At least we’ll not have too much thinning to do. I see a few cots here and there. Perhaps we’ll spend more time, and earlier on the pears. There is a good picking of asparagus.

Annie is coming for X-ray this afternoon, her yearly checkup.

We heard Eleanor Stewart is going as exchange teacher to England.

Doreen Flesher will teach music at Moose Jaw next term.

Daddy had to go to a business mgt. at the church last night, so I visited Ruth [James]. She says the week spent in bed has given her a rest. Carol [James] was showing us her graduation gifts and was so pleased. All the kids in Gr. 12 are studying hard for finals; hope the 42 make it. Carol has been asked if she would play [piano] for Conconully camp Aug. 6-16 but she may have to work at the cannery at that time. Audrey hopes they’ll be doing cots then; they must be going to ship them in from the south. Of course some places here were not hit by frost.

I called at the Clarke’s to give them some asparagus. I met the daughter who has been there with her husband since early spring. She says she is glad her moter is at rest, although they miss her very much.

This is the meeting which Daddy is to take, class meeting. Every year he says he’ll not be put in again, but because there is a need, he accepts. It is good for him though and folks like him to take it, because he brings encouraging messages.

We are happy that our “children” are bringing up their children to love and serve the Lord. It makes our hearts ache when we hear of some poor kids around here going to the bad.

Date: 30 March 1956
To: Marjorie and Bill Wright
From: Emily Mott

And then the door-bell rang. There stood Winnifred and Roy. They had been to visit Joy, Walt, and 2 children. They have called on many we know. It is 15 to 12 and they have just retired. So must we, but they enjoyed so much looking at the pictures, and we enjoyed seeing ones Harold loaned them, wedding, honeymoon, etc. Roy is beginning to get interested in a camera. My it is good to have old friends drop in. I showed Winnifred some of your gifts.

I am sure Dorothy must be a fine person and such a help to Harold.

Stirling and Ruth were in the pictures. She seems like a lovely girl.

Thurs. aft–March is really going out like a lion, not cold but windy. I hear they had 5 – 15 ins. snow in S. Alta.

What a time they had getting the dryer into the back door at hosp. It took 2 hrs. and now there has to be a new transformer installed before it can be used.

I notice a little guy, perhaps about 4 running up the hill, just the way Preston used to. Babies get away too fast. Winnifred and Roy are happy about Joy’s tote and he prayed that our children & their children would seek wisdom from God to bring up their little ones in His way. They called at Childerhose’s and then were on their return journey. They had a slide of Miss Dewar and Dorothy.

The Christian View of Science & Scripture is Mary’s first book. Daddy is reading it, using Webster’s plenty. He says every minister should read it whether they are interested or not.

I am really enjoying Peace With God–thanks, Bill. Anyone who reads it is without excuse indeed. Daddy saw several copies .35 on a Pent. newsstand; later he looked and all were sold. Now them have them in our drugstore.

You should see all the new 2-tone cars around.

I hear Mrs. Schindell is in hosp.

Mary will tell you about Alice’s wedding.

Remember Fabbi family in house where Dick Lloyd built? Their son is 12 and now they are happy to have a second son.

Miss Webber is splendid. A child of 4 could know the way, as she makes it so clear and definite.

D.Q.M. is this week-end. We hear Bro. Stewart is bringing a carload.

Date: unknown; late 1950s
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright & children (Revelstoke?)
From: Emily Mott

Is your weather following this pattern? We have lovely sunny, warm, bright mornings, and usually around 4, light wind and sprinkles begin. There is no rain really, so we keep sprinklers going often on lawn. I’m very glad for this weather as Daddy does not need to irrigate.

I have made junket for supper as we have strawberries from our patch. I’m wondering if Bill would like junket. Surely it could be made with Delta Milk.

Have tried to settle down to making up the jacket dress, but I’d rather do anything else. Called on Alice this am, then spent 2 hours weeding strawberries. They were terrible. My back garden looks fine but oh the fine weeds down under! However they’ll get done. I sat on a mat and used a knife to get fine weeds out of carrots and Daddy used Tilly between rows.

How we would love to be at your special services. Nothing in this world gives such abundant joy as seeing souls praying through to victory. Then the glorious news about Doug is so encouraging. Truly God is working in hearts, hungry hearts. Doug can be a power for good.

Unc. Oscar and Aunt Ruth may visit us this summer. They have a trailer.

Daddy has been to town to get fuses for hosp. I have pattern laid on blue material and hate to cut it out, but I guess I need it for Jean’s wedding and I suppose Marie’s in Aug.

I put money in letter box on the George’s home on Wade Street. Dorothy D. saw Stella later & told her they found it.

Date: Sept 6, 1954
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Masset)
From: Emily Mott

The weatherman promised showers, but he missed it this time. Sun. was and today is typically ok. Labour Day weather–really hot where I’m sitting in the sunshine on the verandah. Daddy is at Cuthberts going over his bee hives, and when he returns at 3, we are to pick peaches, nearly the end.

On Sat. the Aunties [Miss Banks] brought your letter.

And then came Marjorie J., June and the twins.

Now Mr. C. brought Daddy home. Huh–the beeds didn’t hurt themselves; gave only 15 or 20 lbs. over enough to winter themselves. But then look at the ‘weather’ they had.

Date: Wed., Feb 2
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright
From: Emily Mott

Bro. Angell preached the 2 best sermons yet. You can tell he prays!

The Grahams came for dinner, went to a singsong at 2.30, came back for supper. Bro. Angell too. I read Treasures in the Snow to the twins all the spare time I could find. You’ll have to read it to your family a few years hence.

The twins went along with Marjorie for sacrament, also Donnie, Verne, & Sutochi. Judy also stayed since she is a member.

A new couple, older people, have rented Mrs. Burdette’s home, F.M.

Well I told the Auntie’s [Miss Banks] and they how nice it is to get your family early. The Keens are married 5 yrs. and Auntie M. [Muriel] says they mustn’t like children. They say Joan & Colin are delighted with their adoption of 3 weeks and they have asked for a second baby. The part that thrills me is that Joan is not I AM now. That is an answer to prayer.

Olive says Reta & Joe are talking adoption. I had to smile as they were only married a year last Sept.

I know just how you feel at present, you know [about expecting their first child]. I felt like an angel. Sometimes I wanted to get on the tallest bldg. and tell the world. And then again we felt like it was so sacred, we wanted to keep it a secret as long as we could. The two of you go through the long time of waiting together and you are drawn closer to each other. Daddy can hardly wait. We were just as happy waiting for No. 4, except that we knew more what to expect.

6 babies are in hosp. now. I don’t know who yet. I know Lorne Perry’s are expecting No. 4.

We have to smile, you getting all those yds. of flannelette. Perhaps they are for diapers & nighties. Because you’ll be home when there is much sunshine, you’ll not need to bring too much luggage for baby. Don’t knit too much, because you know the first baby gets gifts. We’re glad you’ll not teach much longer, because you have to be on your feet too much.

I read 3 books last week and now I’m at Jungle Doctor. I must make myself sew at WMS [Women’s Missionary Society] quilt this morning, though reading is much more delightful.

Verna is with her mother who is in an oxygen tent since Sun. Her grandma, Mrs. A. Wright, is in hosp. and Mrs. W. Wright has been there for 3 weeks.

Alma & Harold came for afternoon & supper on Wed. She does not work now.

Date: Oct 15, 1954
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright (Masset)
From: John Mott

Mother is working steady at the cannery. Shirly told me tonight that they would be going for a week or ten days yet. Mom has big plans for her money. We are still sleeping on the veranda, it gets down to 34 [F] or so at night. It has been cold enough to kill squash and cucumber vines.

On Thanksgiving day we had Mr. & Mrs. Moore to dinner. Two old childless couples together. We had a good day on the way taking them home we went to see Annie and Dick. Annie said that she had a good time at the wedding. Dick said that he would of gone but he was afraid that we would have to stand during the ceremony. He said that he had been at an Adventist wedding and had to stand for an hour.

Date: Feb 3, 1955
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright (Masset)
From: John Mott

This is one of our cold mornings. It was 13 above [F], the coldest this year so far is 12 so you see it is a warm winter.

U.S. Pres. spends half a day every week with his bible in his study, letting no one from outside disturb him. He needs God’s guidance, he says.

Date: Aug 19, 1959
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

By this time, you’ll have heard about the James SON, born at 9 on Sunday, weight 9-7 1/2. You remember what a big baby Preston was at birth, 9 1/2 lb. Isn’t it providential that Grandma James went along with them-also that baby came so soon, not late as Ruth’s babies usually come. Carol was asked by the new minister to make the announcement at church, and you can just see her, taken by surprise, standing up and facing the people, just beaming with happiness about her new baby brother. It is hard for her to stay here. She said after church, “I want to go home; I want to bath the baby for Mom.” Remember she took over and cared for Marion from the start.

We had Rev. Sooter and his brother-in-law for dinner at noon, and then we were at the Aunties’ [Miss Banks] for supper, well dinner again-too much to eat for a Sunday. The Drake children, except Mary, are there. Harry will come to take his aunties to look for a house where he is to teach. It will be very pretty at this season up that way.

Mr. Famchon went home yesterday from hospital again, but likely has to stay in bed most of the time. I notice his face is not as puffy now. Daddy has been changing sprinklers for him, as Louis W. injured his back at work.

I told Winnie that you would not be at Marie’s wedding. They count on around 70. She’ll be here 3 days previous.

Helen Miller Rohn is home on a visit.

Date: late 1950s, probably fall/winter 1958/9.
To: Norma June (“Dunie”) and Stewart (“Tuey”) Wright (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

Dear Dunie and Tuey:

Dorothy Fisher, Allan’s mummy, talked to me this morning, telling me what good children you were when you visited them. It made your gampie and gammie Mott very proud of you. She says some children go there and they are so naughty that they just about tear the place in pieces. Then you were very good children when we had dinner at Marjorie and Robert’s place. You ate your dinner nicely and acted just like good boys and girls should act. We had a little girl here for dinner and she didn’t like anything much, and especially her milk. We told her our grandchildren like to drink the kind of milk we have. She hasn’t got nice pink cheeks like you have and we told her we hoped she would not have to get the kind of teeth grandmas and grandpas wear.

John G. and Donnie were in Vancouver and saw your Holden cousins and they said they are just lovely children. Kathryn is a beautiful baby, they said, and John held her in his arms almost all the time they were there. We are very happy and pleased to have 8 wonderful grandchildren like you all are. Remember that Jesus loves all the children everywhere, but He is very happy about the ones who love Him, and who do what Mummie and Daddy tell them, and do it right away quickly. Junie and Tuey are just like that. Isn’t that very wonderful.

Always when we read our bible and pray, Gampie prays for both of you and Joyce, Janice, Bruce, Marion, John and Kathryn. Pray for us, won’t you. We need to do every day just what Jesus wants us to do, because we are children of our loving heavenly Father. We want to be good too.

Lots of XX00

‘Member where we put crumbs for the birds? Well one just had its breakfast while another watched. You see they take turns, just like they were good, happy little children. Now I see a lot of birds in the lilac bush close to the clothesline where the crumbs are. Our heavenly Father takes care of them too.

Date: April 17, 1955
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright (Masset)
From: Emily Mott

If time goes on and our heavenly Father spares you to live until Aug. 14, 1986, may your 32 years be as happy and wonderful as ours have been. All through the years we have proved it pays to serve Jesus. I’m so glad I followed when He said, This is the way, walk ye in it. Somehow we do not feel concerned about our precious children up north, because your times are in His hands and you wish them there

Thank you for what we needed. Mrs. Younker & Etta gave us blue & gold towels & frig. set. When we came from church Mary had been over with tulip & daffodils.

Date: late 1950s
To: Bill & Marjorie Wright & children (Revelstoke probably)
From: Emily Mott

I really had to smile when Daddy came over to ask if he had an old pair of socks, heavy ones, with the feet cut out, as Enid wanted to travel around in the deep snow to take pictures. There were 6 prs. but all mended and too good to cut up. But he went happily over with a pr. and would tell her to put them over her overshoes. He has had so little to do [at the hospital], he wondered if they might tell him he is not needed, but he knows they would have to pay more for two men. He was glad when Mr. O’Mahoney got paint and let him go ahead with the boiler-room. The ceiling and walls look very nice in grey and the floor will be red.

Yesterday, Friday, was a mild day with water running everywhere. Today is beautifully bright, but colder. However, it is better for our valley and for folks too. I have got cot buds in water; a few more days should tell the story. Uncle Geo. brought both peach and cots in and there is no life in them. Always we seem to have a few. Last year was light on cots.

The lake is the colour of Blue Galilee right now.

Joe [James] is feeling better today, though his eyes trouble him. Mrs. Davis is bringing Ruth to see him. Daddy says he is now in the men’s ward instead of the semi-private.

Daddy has spoken to Mr. Schaffer about having the house rewired. He is busy with other jobs at present.

I tried to find Walter Wright to pay $46.50 house ins. but they are in Winnipeg at Audrey’s wedding today.

N.J. You should see all the little birds eating crumbs from the box on the clothespin pole.

Date: April 17, 1957
To: Bill and Marjorie Wright & children (Masset)
From: Emily Mott

George Graham has had to quit work. It is a good thing she has a profession and can make the living. He was talking to Daddy and made Daddy so happy when he told him what fine children we have–and we have. You haven’t caused us heartbreak. I remember Dr. Vanderburgh praising you all several years back. It is God, not just parents.

We had a nice time at Merle’s wedding. Rev.Richmond’s wife went along with us to the service. Mrs. Scott and Mrs. B. came in our car. Just Marilyn in pastel green and baby sister, Leslie, in yellow, attended. There were about 75 guests at reception in hall; there was a grace, too. We sat across the table from Donny Cristanti and the Crawford boy. He gave the toast, Mr. Crawford, good neighbors. Merle’s folks and all were very happy. After the honeymoon back to see Granny Heavysides, Merle will graduate.

I was going to have the housework done up today and bake tomorrow, but the garden called me; besides I wrote several Easter cards and letters between times. Mrs. Munn mailed them for me, after she visited Mrs. Famchon. She is so happy because little David comes once a week for lunch with Barbara. The next one is coming in June. Graham is very happy; we saw pictures of the wedding, and again she is to be grandma.

Anne left a cute nylong dress for either Marion or N.J. and a blouse and sleepers. I think the play coat will fit N.J. next winter. It can be passed down.

Everytime I hear a noise, I wonder if some more earth caved in. Garden is coming nicely, so we’ll have vegetables when you come. Could have onions for supper except that we are going to prayer meeting tonight.

George Smith, second son of Louis, was married last Sat. afternoon. Daryl Weitzel and a high school teacher, I think home ec., gets married this Saturday.

Well, it is surprising how the cots have come out today, with warmer weather. I know what the noise was, Popsie hauling the big stumps from the back yard down to burn them in the garden while it is still April-and he didn’t want me to know he was doing it because it is such heavy work. ‘Scuse all the errors, please, as I am hurrying to get the cleaning done before we go to church, and to mail this letter.

Date: March 17 1955
To: Marjorie and Bill Wright (Masset)
From: Emily Mott

I see Daddy now out on lawn, deciding where he’ll plant begonias–under the walnut tree. He said he would not get new dahlias this year, but I had to smile when I see an order of $6.00 ready for M.O. [mail order]. Oh well it does me good to hear him planning his flower gardens.

Our shingles, hexagons, came this morning. It will be around $150.00 lower than we expected for that type. Next thing is to pay income tax.

Doreen called for 4 pedestals yesterday. Yes, Phil and Don still plan on April 11th.

Well I wonder if you heard the home coming of the Vees. I smiled as Daddy listened right to the end. Of course they did bring fame to Penticton and to our O.K. Valley.

We just forgot to tell you we had 13 below [F] on Friday a.m. Mar. 4, but it soon warmed up. It seems to have injured peach & cot blossoms up the Valley, but it likely helped our thinning here. People always worry.

I’m send a bundle of S’lad Review to you.

Lois had a lovely wedding and reception, but I guess they had more money then and of course prices were much lower.

We are very glad kitchen floor lino is laid, and that Mr. Moore is helping Al. They surely need the upstairs for their big family.

On Mon. night we had the parsonage people to supper at 5. They had to get to CYC [Christian Youth Crusaders] at 7. They love to get out for a meal. 8 is quite a family, and they are not asked out very much. I told Ruth to serve the ham and let the children have as much as she decided was alright for them. We had a 1/2 gallon icecream, strawberry ripple.

On Tues. night we had the Aunties [Miss Banks] to help us with the rest of the meat. They love to talk of spiritual matters and we spent an hour or more over the bible.

Date: Feb. 5, 1959
To: Bill & Marjorie Wright & family (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

We had sunny days, so cheering for hospital patients, and now it is snowing, so perhaps our car will have to remain inside again. We have been happy to take ruth to see Joe. He went into hosp. on Sun. night after church and had slipped hernia operation on Monday morning. It was bad and could have been fatal if he had waited much longer. He was almost 2 hrs. on table. Please pray for him. He seems to be doing as well as one could expect, but this is only Thursday. Norman will bring Ruth down today.

Mom James’ had a birthday on the 4th. Ruth had her down. She came to see Joe on Tues. and had supper with us. She is a brick indeed.

Mrs. Smith takes her trouble in its stride, and embroiders and reads. Alice Killick is in the same room, with weights on her feet. She has slipped disc and other back trouble.

Date: early July, late 50s.
To: Emily & Cecil Holden (Burnaby)
From: Emily Mott

I had cleaned the porch for the second time, but not since Howard took off part of the verandah. So it was a job to try to get it at least partly dust-free. I washed the floor just before we went to bed, and intent to give a second cleaning this morning. There sits all that paint still wanting to be put on the rest of the house and front verandah, but perhaps between time I may be able to get at it.

Last evening Carrie and George came down. She and I shelled peas I had picked earlier. Geo. got 4 pails of cherries to take with them to the prairie, leaving on Sat. morning. It is a good thing they got them, incase they may be split this morning, although Vans and Lamberts do not split easily. The young trees have a fair crop this year and they are the kind of fruit which bring the best price. I suppose we might get 14 cents a lb. Now Daddy is in from setting sprinklers, and it is raining again and the sun is shining. He says so far no damage has been done, that he can see. This rain is a blessing to many, if not to fruit-growers.

Granddad says many branches are low, and he would enjoy watching the grandchildren fill up on cherries. But if we are spared and the orchard keeps on doing well, what a find time they’ll have helping take off the crop. We walk around sometimes together and visualize this. It will be fun watching Norma J. and Stewart when they come.

I almost forgot this letter was in the machine. Margy, Bill and children have come and gone, also Alfred and Altha. We had such a lovely time with them yesterday and this morning untill 11 a.m. We kept hoping they would go your way, but they said they must get along home the shortest way, so went south. They said they’d go to the Coast another year perhaps. Altha had never been here and she thought it just the prettiest country she’d been in. Sylvia and the children went with us to see the new [Kelowna] bridge, and then to watch the new ferries come and go.We went to see George’s house and then to the Farm for supper and to Powell Beach. I don’t know when we have seen anyone who appreciated our country as much as Althea.

I picked the cherries this afternoon for canning, then was too lazy to do them, but there are still plenty on the trees for us and anyone who want to can some. If we go to camp [Family Bible Camp in Winfield, BC] tomorrow, we’ll take these along for a treat. Alberta phoned me, then the matron, and Alice, right after that. I was sitting down hoping to fix the hem on my new dress which Margys helped me to pick out.

Miriam Drake finds it hard to bear the pain since varicose vein surgery. If apricot picking didn’t begin on Monday, they would go up for a couple days just to give her a little lift, cheer you know.

David MacDonald was picking cherries in the Temple orchard, when something stung his leg. Later that day they went for a swim. Suddenly he said to Elvie, “I don’t feel well.” His eyes began to roll and she got him into the car and went to the hospital at 80 miles per hr. She just made it there in time to save him. Poor Elvie has had some dreadful shocks to bear alone this year, father’s sudden passing in Jan. and mother around June 1st and then this. David si alright now.

Mr. ___ went to the house and beat up his wife again, but I don’t know just where she and the children are at present. And still they want more outlets for drink here in S’land! Poor woman spent a week in hospital, simply broken, after 20 years of grief with an alcoholic. The precious children have had suffering and sorrow; it is all they have known.

Monday a.m. Breakfast is ready. I suppose Daddy is doing up chores so that we may begin cot picking. (Famchon’s did their yesterday. Frank Guerliuk came to help). We never had such a quiet Sunday that I can remember. We read, slept and listened to radio, and prayed that folks would be reached at cam.

Date: winter 1957
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright
From: Emily Mott

Sat. Dorothy & Richard paid us a short visit. He says he thinks he’ll be a vet.

Geo. Graham made three tries to get up past hosp. & found it too slippery, so his car is at our front door. New snow fell last night. We shall have to walk to S.S. unless the wind which is really blowing now, clears the road.

When Sylvia went for her lesson on Tues., I went along and am happy to have my machine in working order again. The main spring had not broken, but the small wire with small hook attached, had slipped off. Daddy could have fixed it, but he did not care to try because it is still new. It was alright to take it to Simpson-Sears and they had me take it to be repaired. Now I know more about the machine. Of course it was suggested by the salesman at the typewriter shop, that I take it back to SS and ask them for a rebate a buy a good machine from them.

Carrie and Geo. had us for dinner on Sunday. They came to both Sunday services.

We were happy to have the Moore’s and Grandma Matthews for supper and pictures on Tuesday. She will be leaving for home soon, and they will be going to stay with Rhodena and Ben’s children while they go on their trip to Calif.

Daddy is to go to Kelowna today with the committee on building. They will make plans for the new Tabernacle at Winfield [Bible Camp].

Tomorrow night we are to go to Dr. Munn’s for the evening to see their movies and to show Daddy’s slides.

Weather is beautiful these days, so gardens are the topic of conversation with many. High wind took snow and sun is bright now every day.

Aunti Vi and I both took a notion to knit jackets the same. Miriam, Bill and family were down on Sunday last; all are well.

Glady’s mother (Holland) died Jan. 30.

Date: January 1, 1959
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright & children (Revelstoke)
From: Emily Mott

Because this is a new year, I must not make errors, but start it out right. I was getting quite good again, after doing the Aunties’ [Miss Banks] songs and recitations for their Sunday School classes and many Christmas letters. But, as Uncle Ernie put it to me once when we were practicing shooting, “It is not what you used to be able to do, but what you do now.”

Daddy has had his telescope out looking at a woodpecker sitting on top of the barn. He will get pleasure from it. He had the car warmed last evening so that we might take the Killick family with us to Watch Night service, but a storm brought snow enough to make the roads slippery. So we were happy to go with Joe, paying him instead of a taxi. He, of course, offered to come, for Bob was to take the song service, and a good one it was. Joe had a Bible quiz, then bible reading and prayer. Quite a few were out including Y.P. [Young People] and some children. ‘Member how pleased you were, Margy, when you could stay up till 12?

Hyacinths will be out soon, two purple, 1 rose and I think 2 whites. Two trumpet shaped flowers are out fully. [They did lots of “forced” bulbs in the house in winter!]

Harold and Alma just came at the right time to fill in the blank after you left. They stayed for supper, and asked to see Preston’s boat pictures and others they had not seen. Alma brought icecream, so I got bananas to go with it; also they had packaged, sliced ham at Overwaitea, and we had a nice, light supper.

After I finish this for mailing today, I must get the vacuum busy. Yesterday morning I did the washing, and then we went to town. I hung only a few things on the line and finished drying them inside, for the wind was strong from the south. Then around 9 p.m. there really was a wind. There was no snow, and soon it turned colder and we wondered how the snow could come so fast, but just enough to make the roads slippery. Daddy says it may melt by noon, and if not he’ll put on chains, for we are to go to Sylvia’s along with her folks to dinner at 12.30.

Visited Mrs. Smith last evening; her stomach was still no good; it could have been a bit of stomach ‘flu.

Daddy says Betty was still on at 9 am; no nurse had come to relieve her. Ruth Pearson was on till midnight. Mr. Elsey had an operation yesterday.

Thanks for coming down to make our Christmas a merry one. God help us all to live for Him this 1959!

Date: early winter 1958
To: Marjorie & Bill Wright & children
From: Emily Mott

I came home on 6.30 bus. Daddy met me; it was cooler than when I left on the Monday morning. I had stayed up visiting every night almost and on the bus people smoked all night. Worse than that, people in the back seat drank and sang and laughed so loudly that I had only a few snatches of sleep. So I slept after I came home and had breakfast, some in afternoon and again in evening; went to bed at 9.30 and then slept almost all Sun. afternoon. But I’m caught up now.

We have snow the last couple days, just enough to make the roads slippery, so P.J. stays inside, until P. sends chains.

I feel just fine. Have our room fixed nicely with the new lino rug and bed set up. Had the rooms ready for company before I left for Vanc. Now I’m painting the bottom part of the kitchen. Then when the curtains are up, I’ll hope to get at cards and notes in some of them. I’ll try to get done early so as to be rested for the holidays. Daddy finds the gas heating a big help. He doesn’t have to lift those big tubs of sawdust and coal-pails any more and his feet and legs are better. You know he is not the kind who complains, but he appreciated the change.