Bessie Morgan Rex. Letters to Harold. Mid August 1938. Mid June 1938

Bessie's sons: Maeser, Morgan, Harold.

The following pages are from two different undated letters. Readers might imagine how they fit in.

[undated, mid] August, 1938

My dear boy,

Here it is near the end of the letters I shall write to Brazil and I am sending a mere note. My it seems there is so much to do. The R.S. is putting on a program Sunday & I am held responsible for it. Then I put up beans and beets this week. I hope Winnie has told you all the news. She is a dear. We are going to wash today and it is getting late now. It was so cold last night. Nearly everything has frozen. This has been a poor season.

Time is moving slowly now. I do hope you are home by Thanksgiving. My wont we celebrate.

Am sending you David Kennedy’s address and Vash Young’s. Now I want you to be sure and call on Vash. He will be an inspiration to you. He gave me a very urgent invitation for me and my family if we were ever in N.Y. to call on him, so please put this address where you wont lose it. David would tell you a lot about Wash. Steve K. is there also. Well, I’ll write a long one next week. Your letters are scarcer now, but then I’ll soon have you here so, Auf Viedersehem Mother

2^nd page of an undated June 1938 letter

By all means go down to Washington. I’ll get David Kennedy’s address for you. He can tell you about what chances you would have there. Young Steve Kennedy is there with him now. I’m sure he could help you.

What has changed your mind about school. Why the U of U. I’m not so keen about it, but then, you have been on a mission, and I wouldn’t worry so much about you.

Received a grand letter from Helen last night too. She is such a dear. Am enclosing newspaper clippings of Winnie’s graduation. It is a beautiful morning. But it has been quite cold. The gardens are slow but, it usually is like this the first part of June.

Am feeling so much better. I think the sunshine I am getting is helping. Am going to close this and get it off, only see your father once a week. He is wrapped up in that B. Q. We will get your money off around the first of August. Now please don’t write and say never mind then. We all send our very best love, and wishes for your success and happiness.

Lovingly, Mother

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold August 8, 1938.

This picture is titled haying on the Rex ranch.

 It could just as well be at the B.Q.

Randolph, Utah

August 8, 1938.

My dear son,

It is 4:45 p.m. and I am sitting across the table from my graduate nurse. She is writing genealogy. My girls are heavy on that. I have a cake in the oven, and if it is good you may have a piece. How will that be? We just had a lovely shower, and everything smells so fresh.

We received your very welcome airmail letter. We send it to Helen. I know your letters are rather scarce. We have discussed you pro and con, have decided what you must be and what you must not be. Have decided you will be changed.

(Say Winnie has so much to tell me I cant get this written. Now she must be quiet) She has had some experiences sure. My children are gaining so much worldly knowledge, their mother is quite dumb.

page 2-- It is so nice to have Winnie home, but of course she will have to go again unless she gets this co. nurses job. In some ways I should like her to get it but oh dear there is nothing here for a girl.

Daddy said to tell you he thinks of you, but they are very busy, at the B. Q. haying. 4000 tons of hay to be put up. Oh so much hard work.

I’m so glad you appreciate your mission.—and it is no drain. I’m sure you have had experiences that will influence your whole future life.

So you were rather a stiff Romeo were you? I have mentioned to the folks several times that the girls do not seem to have bothered you much down there.

Oh dear, somebody keeps interrupting me, and then my mind wanders. Fancy you going to a R.S. quilting. Even our bishopric never dare come near our R.S.

I am taking charge of the drama in Mutual this winter. It might prove

page 3--too much for me, but I’ll try it.

Here it is Tue. Morning. This must go this day sure. We had a practice last night and nobody got to write at all. Morgan has gone to milk. He has a milk route too. He makes a little and it all helps. My how these boys are planning, so you fellows can have money to go to school on.  Maeser  figures out to me each week how many steers you will need and how many he will have. It is a very good idea for them. Something to work to.

Well dearie, I think you will have plenty of letter for this time and I have a report to send in for the R.S. so better close now. I must try hard to write better letters to you, more inspiring, as it is nearing the end. Oh my dear, it will be a happy day when we have you home with us again. It seems so long since you went down there. We all send our best love and prayers that you will soon be with us again so until then, piles of love from Mother.

Note on B. Q. “Father continued working at the B.Q. Ranch. (B.Q. stands for Beckwith and Quinn. It was a large ranch north of Randolph.) He would come home on Saturday night and go back Monday morning. Some weeks he’d come on Wednesday night for an overnight.” "Mary Elizabeth Herbert Rex History," Histories of Percy Harold Rex, Bessie Morgan Rex, Mary Elizabeth Herbert Rex and their descendants," published 2014, pg 64. 

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold. July 29, 1938

Crawford Mountains and Randolph, Utah as dusk approaches. 

From cemetery hill.

2nd week of September, 2014

Randolph, Utah

July 29, 1938

My dear son,

My conscience is at work and I am feeling guilty. These three letters a week seem to come very often. I mean when I have to write, but far far between when received.

We received your airmail letter saying you had changed your mind about Europe. You are certainly “off again, on again, gone again;” aren’t you. I enjoyed your letter very much, and sent it to Helen to read, so if you don’t get to write to her, I will send yours on from here.

Winnie will be home next week, so you can write to both of us together. Oh my dear, when you get this it will be getting down to weeks. Or what is this I hear? Pres. Howell better not come home and leave you there.

Wayne got home last Sat. He put on his old crushed hat & boots, & you would never have thot he had been away. Just the same Wayne. Thinner is all. Did I tell you Bob W. & his missionary companion talked in church. His companion was a fine fellow, and has learned much from his mission.

Jack Clayton saw Fred out to the Lake. He didn’t treat his girl much like a

Pg 2

gentelman should & Jack ran across him by a beer stand with a bottle of beer in his hands. I cant think much of him.

Myron gets his release next month. He is going to travel some before coming home.

Oh dear, nobody writes but I, but really dearie I suppose every body is too busy. Daddy & Maeser are at the B. G. Up on Sundays is all. Morgan milks the cows, and hauls milk for the creamery. Busy bunch around here.

I am doing some painting. I didn’t clean house this Spring so am taking all summer to do it. I’m just going to visit when Winnie comes home tho’. In one way I wish she could get this co. nurse job here, but there is nothing here for her, outside of home. I should love to have her home for a while, but I don’t want her to settle down here.

This has been such a cool summer some of my flowers haven’t done much. We work so hard for so little here.

Well, I thought I could fill two pages, but I’m wondering. This is a very quiet place, & I dare not discuss world news with you. Received your Brasionian yesterday. Are you trying

Pg3

like the donkey to live on the last straw, or do you sponge a little. 61$ for the quarter not much. We have missed sending you one 15$, but we will make it up when we send you money to come home.

We all thot of you on your birthday Sunday. Wayne spoke for the first time, and Carrie M. reminded us it was just one year since they received word their missionary was so sick. He doesn’t come out much now. Anniversaries bring joy to some and pain to others, certainly.

Dallas’ wife has a baby girl. He is another who is not emotionally grown up. Nothing like his father.

I am tending to the water and haven’t done much with it yet so must be closing.

I feel content with the thot that you are doing well, or you would not be where you are. I am always so very thankful for my children. They have given me nothing to worry over much so far, and ever pray the Lord will keep them in that straight path. Our best love & wishes for your continued success and soon a safe journey home to us all again.

Lovingly Mother 

Note: My scanner won't accurately scan these letters, so I'll complete them this way.

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold. July 7, 1938.

 Randolph Recreation Hall, a couple of weeks ago.

I hadn't noticed this plaque on the corner of the building before. 

This family played a huge role in its construction.

Randolph, Utah

July 7, 1938

My dear boy,

So far this week, again I have had no letter from you, but I suppose anticipation helps to quiet any disappointment I might feel. Time is getting short now, and I surely am counting the letters I shall write or receive, the months left; & weeks too. Will it be Dec. before you get here? Everybody thinks it is such a grand opportunity for you, to travel I mean.

Here Roy’s father died a week ago yesterday and I haven’t written you. Roy got home about five minutes before the funeral. He was in the Northwest selling knit goods. He flew to S.L. They had such a time locating him. Broadcasted from three or four [radio] stations. You might write a letter to him and his mother. She could forward it to him. I think he is going back. She doesn’t want him to stay here.

We have had miserable cold weather for the past week. Frozen every night. A kind Providence kept our garden from freezing.

Didn’t you ever get my letters telling you that Lynn N. was in Sweden on a mission? Myron gets his release next month, but will travel a little before coming home.

Morgan has sent for a gas motor for his gas model plane. I wish you could see it. He is quite a builder. Maeser is going to the B. G. [The ranch they found work on.] Monday. Morgan will stay here & milk the cows, help me tend the garden, etc. They started haying down there today.

Well dearie, there isn’t much to tell you, so you know who will do the talking when you get home. We have the quiet life here.

Will ring off and do my ironing. We are all very fine here. I suppose your next letter will be from Sao Paulo. Love & best wishes for every success in your work, and I shall try to not be too impatient waiting for you to get home now.

Lovingly Mother

Did I tell you Arch McK. is going to marry Norrine Wahlstrom’s sister (the nurse) in Sept. She is a very sweet girl.

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. June 26, 1938.

Bessie Morgan Rex's Randolph, Utah home last week.

Randolph, Utah

June 26, 1938

My dear son,

I am sitting in the leather chair on the front porch, trying to concentrate my thot’s on a letter to you. No letter from you last week, but I don’t worry. Just like to get one tho’. Daddy is to a meeting of the Broughs to plan a reunion. I tried to turn the earth over yesterday. I am not much good today. But it is glorious to feel able to do a day’s work. The boys have gone to milk—as usual.

Have been reading a book “From Immigrant to Inventor” by Michael Pupin. What an inspiring book to any young fellow starting out in life. A Serbian immigrant landing in N.Y. with 5 [cents symbol] in his pocket and a thin suit on his back. I want my boys to read it—surely. He studied at Columbia UY., Cambridge & in Berlin, but he always found so much in science to enrich his own life, so much to keep his feet on the ground. He is a grand character.

Well, daddy came home, and I guess we don’t get the Brough reunion here. It is to be at Lagoon.

Main St. is being oiled. Fine gravel is piled high in the center of the street & oiling machine is here. Then they will put in cement curbing. It all helps.

Sanborn 1911 map of Lagoon from Wikipedia.

Pg 2. [This page appears to be from a different  letter.]

deciding. That Smith Hughs work in agriculture is a very fine field & Mr. Guymon was sure you would like it.

There – is that a sermon? Well my dear it all totals up – be yourself & don’t be a snob. Ina Jeane home, but she wouldn’t speak to the neighbors. Oh, such people make me sick.

The boys have gone to milk early. Tonight is the big fight & they wont get back to hear it.

I’m afraid this will be a cool summer. It freezes about one night a week. Rather discouraging to people trying to raise beans and posies. However, mine haven’t been hurt yet.

The Broughs are going to have a reunion here this summer. I think. They are planning it. Helen & Glenn, I’m afraid, are not going to make it home. Money is pretty tight right now all over the country.

Here it is the next morning. A beautiful morning too. I hope things grow better now. Such cold freezes and frosty mornings we have had.

Kennedys have been on a 2000 mile trip up thro Mont. & Idaho. And coming back this place looks bare & dry.

Pg 3. Suppose you have heard from Winnie & how she came out in state exams 90 is a good average isn’t it. I shall be so glad to have her home for two or three weeks.

Randolph seems much like the little Serbian village Pupin came from, but I believe our boys and girls can make a success of life if they try. People are so asleep tho’, in these small places. However the Mr. Cook, whom Mary Rex worked for, in Calif. Told her he thot he would have been happier on a small farm, and he is director of Skagg’s stores. Success brings money and sometimes money wrecks people’s lives. They have both forgotten their religions and drink & smoke, & go a pretty pace.

Well here it is Monday morning. Cloudy & warm. Here’s hoping it rains.

I’m also hoping this letter reaches you for your birthday. Getting up in years aren’t you. That is all right if the years bring added wisdom.

Your time is getting short. It will be hard to leave a land you are nearly certain you won’t see again wont it. I can just imagine. Well, it will always bring pleasant memories, I’m sure.

Must close now with a prayer for your well being and success in your work my son.

Lovingly Mother

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold June 22, 1938.

Picture of Winnie Rex, Glenn Frazier, Helen and Flora Rex in about 1936.

Randolph, Utah

June 22, 1938.

My dear son,

Here it is Wednesday and I must get a letter off to you. Three letters a week surely keeps me going. I have left you until the last this week.

Had to write and ask Winnie why she didn’t tell me she came next to highest in the state exams. That is something to crow over—but not Win. Mary Rex came home from Calif. And she came over to tell me how fine Helen and Glenn are coming. She thinks they are a grand couple.

Haven’t had a letter from you this week so far. Saw in the paper that your president has been released. I told your father to be very sure about your money. He said he would be and will get it off the first of August. $150.00. Is that it. Well it will be there before I get an answer to this I guess.

Was talking to the bishop the other night and was surprised at his attitude toward missionaries. Allen Hatch came home with the big head and bishop just barely speaks to him. Of course I hope you have more sense than to let this experience go to your head.

Pg2.  

I don’t want you to be too sophisticated nor think Utah isn’t big enough for you. After all, the more we learn, the more we decide that we are just a very small part of this universe. I always think of Milton’s poem when I hear of some person who thinks he is so important. This the last of it.

"God doth not need either man’s work, or his own gifts; who best bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state is kingly. Thousands at His bidding speed, And past o’er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Allen came in and talked to me the other day & I liked him. I know he is rather conceited tho’. He got a fellowship to a Calif. U. from the A.C. [Utah State Agriculture College] & is going down there next month. He graduated from the A.C. this Spring. I don’t know your idea in wanting to go the Ut [University of Utah]. Is that Pres. Howell’s suggestion? Allen thot you would like either the U or the A.C. spirit better. He went out in Agriculture & says all last year’s graduates have been placed. I hope you think things over well before

Pg 3.

It always looks that way to me too if I get out of the valley overnight.

Tonight is Wayne Argyles & a Putnam girls wedding in Woodruff. All these young people will be married off when you get home. Bishop thot Roy had improved much when he came home the last time. Had gotten over his big head. Are you return missionaries watched.

I believe they are trying to get Alto Dick J. & well I cant remember who now. Anyway they are hunting for those who can keep themselves. Oh Dee Hatch is the other one.

I must be closing now & get the boys’ breakfast. They have been gone since right after five. I think the responsibility placed on them does them good.

When this reaches you, it will be time to send your money I guess. Time is going pretty good now, but when I think Xmas nearly before we see you. Oh dear.

We all send our best love and ever remember in our prayers the dearest missionary (to us anyway) in the field.

Lovingly, Mother

Note: I couldn't include the original letter, I'm having scanner problems.

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold June 15, 1938.

Young Maeser and Morgan Rex at Bear River Ranch

Randolph, Utah

June 15, 1938.

My dear boy,

It is 6:30 a.m. I don’t write to you in the morning very often, but I must get your last airmail letter answered, and we went to the show last night. Two boys have been gone to the field for an hour to milk, so I must hurry and get this written and have their breakfast ready for them. They are going to the canyon for some dry wood for us. Aren’t they fine? Best boys ever.

I was a little excited when I got your letter. Your first leg toward home. They laugh at me and tell me to not start standing on one foot yet, especially when I said it might be near Xmas before you got here.

About Europe. Now my dear, we can get your money. It would be an opportunity you wont get again, but say, stick to your decision. If you go it will mean you will have to work harder to get to school. Will $140.00 give you much for a trip. Do the most worthwhile thing. If you can see that school is going to mean so much more, then think well before taking the trip.

Additional pages are missing.

How Grandma Bessie (Bessie Morgan Rex) cherished her sons!  Aren't they fine? Best boys ever.

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold June 7, 1938.

Percy Harold Rex's cattle 1920.

Randolph, Utah

June 7, ‘38

My dear boy,

Here I am neglecting you. Dear, last week just vanished before my eyes. However, we received your airmail letter. I waited until Wed. to talk things over with your father. Then everything piled in so thick and fast, I couldn’t keep up. So, Pres. Howell has put it into your head to go to Europe. I think he does that to every missionary. Well, it is out of the question to borrow money, but daddy thinks he can sell a couple of cows, and we will send it the first part of August. It will be a grand trip for you certainly.

My I should have hurried this off shouldn’t I.  I forget about the time it takes. Well figure on going, and I’ll write you more next week. I get to see your father once a week—Sundays. And then he is so busy, it is hard to get a word in.

Summer is coming along fine Gardens are up—mosquitoes are up—Ah yes everything.  Yesterday the boys and Flora and I went up the canyon for shrubs. It is beautiful up there.

Winnies taking her state exams today and tomorrow. I do hope she

doesn’t get too excited. She made a grand little graduate.

Saw young Jack when I was down.  I am surprised at him. It seems to me he is wasting so much good time, just fooling around. Jr. Morgan is to be married this month, and has hardly a job. I am surprised there too. 

Saw a sweet little girl from Evanston Sunday. She was with a good looking fellow. I didn’t know him.

This was to be just a note. Have been up since 4:30 watering the garden. Don’t worry. I shall lie down during the day. The boys are out milking.

I haven’t had time to even read something good this last week. I do feel life wasted when I can’t find some good thot in a week. Flora danced last Sat. night, and I made her costume. My it was work.  She goes to Kemmerer Sat. and later to Evanston. They are good at it. Well dearie I must close. Such an uninspiring letter. I shall try to do better. Must get this off. Dear I wont see you until Xmas now. Well, I guess I can stand it. All send their best love, and prayers for your continued success.

Lovingly, Mother.

Note: Bessie Morgan Rex's youngest daughter Flora danced with other Randolph children in Evanston, Wyoming in 1938. Twelve years later Bessie's oldest daughter Helen returned from California and lived in Woodruff, Utah. She joined other Rich County mothers and took her daughter Bessie to dance lessons in Randolph and Evanston. The Rich County children pictured here are cousins.

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold, May 10, 1938.

Glenn and Helen Rex Frazier 1938

 

Randolph, Utah

May 10, 1938

My dear boy,

I waited until after the mail was in to write this letter, hoping of course not expecting, just hoping there might be a letter. Not being selfish tho’ you know, for you see I received a letter Sat. for Mother’s Day. That was lovely & I did enjoy it, but we usually get one on Monday. Well, we didn’t this Mon. so I’ll just have to tell you some news & gossip.

Saturday we received a grand picture of Winnie. A double—one in her uniform and one in her dress. They are lovely. Then yesterday comes one from Helen & Glenn. It is the cutest picture. They both look so fine, and Helen looks five years younger. Of course I am thrilled. I finally have them arranged on the piano, with yours in the middle, but it has taken me all day.

Roy was to be here today. He was released to go to his mother in the hospital, but they said he was coming home. Dottie is still very ill. Not a very happy homecoming for him.

Well, our old cold storm is finally

Harold Morgan Rex 1936-38

clearing off and things are warming up. I’m afraid you will find this a rather bare place when you come back.

Father is down to the B. Q. They are turning the earth over down there. Four tractors plowing. I rather think your father is in his glory.

Winnie graduates this month. I am glad, for her. It has been a long grind I think, but she is a brick.

Oh I wish something exciting would happen, so I would have something to tell you. Life is rather dull right now. Unless this is news. Jim Jackson married Jean Nebeker. Some combination.

School is out in two more weeks.

Morgan graduates from seminary this Sunday. He is a good boy but rather quiet. Not like his older brother, is he.

Here it is the next morning and I haven’t got any body else to send a line with this. I needn’t have written on both sides, but  if the others write it is better. A beautiful morning outside. I hope it keeps it up. Well, my dear I’ll sign off, praying that the Lord will ever help you in your work.

Of course we all send our love, and an extra lot from Mother.

Winnifred Rex Andrus 1938

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. March 20, 1938.

Randolph, Utah

March 20, 1938

My dear boy,

Sunday afternoon. Conference is over, but I didn’t go. Have been a little under the weather, but Dr. Pyoth will take care of me just fine.

Well, it was Sunday & I thot I would hurry & write right then, but my good intentions fell thro. Guess I am lazy. Am feeling very much better now.

I had so many things I wanted to tell you but I expect your father told you some of them. Have felt so badly since Sun. to think I was not able to have Burdett’s & Fraziers up for dinner. They are always so nice to me. Sis. Burdett came up to see me between meetings and Clara and Glenn came up after meeting. I asked Clara if she heard from you, and she looked rather wistful as she said “Not very often.” Shame on you. Such a lovely girl too. And say, does Glenn treat his sister about right. He is a fine fellow. His mission has improved him. You know he is grown up.  

John Morgan, Percy Harold, Maeser Morgan Rex

They say he spoke fine in conference as did Phil Spencer. Now don’t be so stingy with your letters to Clara.

We haven’t had a letter for two weeks now. Whatever is the delay?  We received an invitation to the Brazilian mission reunion next Sat., but I think we shall wait until you come home. We have Winnie graduating soon & I have been such an expense with capsules money is at a premium.

Daddy has gone to feed to be back in time to work at the court house. He makes 4$ a day there. The boys are doing the chores.

Such a dark & dreary day. But think winter is behind us. How glad I am.

Well, dearie, I must close.

Morgan’s father asked him if it didn’t give him a thrill to hear his big brother’s name read out in the Brazilian mission. We decided it gave Morg’s father a bigger one.

Love & kisses from all

Lovingly Mother

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold March 13, 1938.

Randolph, Utah,

March 13, 1938

My dear boy,

My, what a delightful surprise. We received a letter Monday, and then one again Saturday from below the equator. It was certainly a joy to hear from you. I have said I don’t worry about you, for I know you are being taken care of, but I do get rather blue when I don’t hear from you. So it was very good to hear twice.

Right now a March blizzard is on. We have had plenty of moisture this last month, but it has been nice & warm but Oh so muddy.

Evanston, Woodruff & Kemmerer choirs are down practicing for next Sun. but I was tired after meeting, & so came home. I suppose Clara had to work. Hear Glen is home. Well, I’ll be patient these few remaining months. Did you get my letter telling you, if you came to N. Y. I want you to visit Vash Young. He gave me a very nice invitation for self or family. I didn’t get a letter off to you

in the middle of the week. Have been bothered with asthma & it certainly takes all my ambition. Otherwise I am fine.

We sang a hymn today we haven’t sung before. Behold, ‘tis eventide, in the S.S. Song book if you have one. P. 13. It is very beautiful. Bro. Pulham, our leader is every good.

Say, did you preach 50 min. Have you heard the maxim “No souls saved after 20 minutes.” Give the other poor fellow a chance.

Here it is the next morn & your father didn’t write. Well, I shall send this with the kiddies notes.

Have just listened to the news. The world is rather upset, isn’t it. I shudder to think of it. It snowed nearly all night & we have a white world this morning.

Must close this now & get Flora up to take it to the P. O.

We think of you all the time, & are all counting months. Love & kisses from all of us, my dear.

Lovingly

Mother.

(This letter will be continued with information about Bessie's childhood friend Vash Young.)

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold March 3, 1938.

Apostle Albert E. Bowen   [1937-1953]

 (31 October 1876 - 15 July 1953)

Randolph, Utah

March 3, 1938

My dear boy,

It is 5 p.m. but I must get this letter written. Am feeling a little down hearted. We have not heard from you since Feb 11, & Winnie heard from you last week. I just can’t understand why you don’t get our mail. Rec’d a letter from Helen today & she says she hasn’t had a line from you. Winnie said you were blue. It seems so bad to think we can do nothing. I’ll register this & every future letter if I have to.

We had a grand storm last night & we are all wet today. But the weather stays warm. Maeser & Flora have the mumps. Maser has a bad dose, but they are coming along all right.

How are you coming with your work down there. Is it fun to be D. P? [district president?] When we don’t hear from you I nearly wish you were coming home.

The church and recreation hall were dedicated Sunday. We had lovely services. Apostle Bowen was up. He was surprised at such buildings out here.

News came over the radio today that Los Angeles had had a bad flood. Worst in 60 years. They surely have lots of rain. Helen never mentions the bad weather  tho! 

Did I tell you Morgan has made doors & is making shelves for my china closets in the buffet. At last! He is a good carpenter. You should see his gas model plane, with a little gas engine in it. It isn’t finished yet, as he has to have money to buy materials. His teachers say he is some boy. But he doesn’t like basket-ball.

Did I tell you I received those pictures. Was the one for Helen like mine? Well, she has it—so. Miss Wahlstrom, the county nurse was in & when I told her where you were, she knew an elder there married Kennard I think. She found his picture in that group. She is Norine’s sister.

Tonight is choir practice & we have a very fine leader, I want to go.

I am going to stop with this page & let your father put in one. We are so concerned about you not hearing from us. Just know dearie, that we are thinking of you all the time, so please don’t get homesick. So many have told me to tell you hello. Grace Norris & I were talking about you Sunday. Enjoy your work to the fullest, as you haven’t much more time. We all send our love & best wishes for your continued success. Keep writing, if you do get discouraged.

Lovingly, Mother

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. February 20, 1938.

Randolph Ward Chapel

Sun. evening at home

Feb. 20, ’38.

My dear faraway Lad,

It is 10:30, but I must send a few lines off in the morning, so will write this now. Have been to church, & meeting after. Hence, the lateness. We didn’t receive a letter from you last week. Hope we do this next. I suppose you are all settled in your new home.

Bob Wamsley spoke in church tonight. He got home last Monday. [illegible] Smith was here also & spoke. 

Bob is pretty good. Rather rambling, but I think he was nervous.

Winnie was home yesterday & today. It was so good to have her here. She is a darling. We do talk so much. Your father thinks you will have to take a week to stay in & talk to me.

How do you like my pen.  I like it. Fountain pen & magazine for 3 yrs. for a $. I’ll  tell you next week if my $ was wasted.

We still are waiting for snow. Not much has fallen so far, but we have had no cold weather.

I am longing for Spring. I shall plant my flowers, pick them & see them fade,

and then my boy will be home.

I think Winnie is getting homesick to stay here for a while. I think It has been a rather hard row for her. I hope it will only be a means to an end. She loves music. I should love to see her study it.

Next week is our dedication day. Everybody is so thrilled about it. I wish Winnie could have made her visit a week later.

I just read “As a Man Thinketh.” You better get one when you get home. It is fine. I am reading “Wake up & Live” now. It is also very fine.

Morg is building a gas model. Oh it is fine. That boy is mechanically minded. And Maeser has two baby beef. Don’t worry if they haven’t one for you. I think we will manage some way to get you in the winter quarter at school. You must go. These calves seem scarce. Maeser got the best one.

Well here, I didn’t get your letter finished so I must get busy.  It is Monday night & Daddy & Measer have gone to Mutual. Morgan would

rather work on his airplane, but as they have no class, and play basketball all the time, I thot it was all right. He is a pretty good boy.

Have you heard from Helen. She has written several letters to you, so I surely hope you have written to her. She feels rather slighted I am afraid. I think she is getting some of the weather you have. It rained for 19 days without stopping. But she doesn’t complain.

Uncle Will was in today & we discussed world afairs. Things are in a bad mixup I am afraid.

Did Winnie tell you about Aunt Bess’s sister dying. Sarah Pond [Sarah Ann Smith Pond 1878–1938]. She was a very lovely woman.

Has anybody described the church to you. Well, the carpet will be dark maroon—up both aisles, back & across the front & covering the stage or raised part, & under all the choir seats. They are upholstered. Isn’t that nice. The drapes at the windows

are green with gold lining. The ceiling is cello-tex marked off in little squares. The lights—well, they are lovely & so bright. There are the doors on the south that open outside. The old stairway to the basement is torn out. A stairway goes down the north side of the vestibule downstairs. A hall in the center & 7 classrooms leading off. A font room opening into a large classroom that can be used for services. Linoleum on hall downstairs. A big furnace & ventilating system. Doors out to the south & cement steps to upper & lower floors. Oh it is lovely. Everything varnished & looking like new. You wont know it. Come to the dedication next Sunday.

Write & tell us about your work. Myron is glad he is on a foreign mission so he can stay six months longer.

I must close. We think of you so much, and pray for your success. And don’t ever think I am not proud of you. Be a good boy, & write often. All send their best love & an extra large allotment comes from Mother.

 

Randolph Ward, exterior and interior chapel pictures, taken February 2011.

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. February 13, 1938.

Randolph, Utah

Feb. 13, 1938.

My very dear son,

Who is so very far away from us, and I’d give a week’s rations to see him.

We received your very welcome letter yesterday written Jan. 11. First since Jan. 16.Oh my dear, were we shocked to hear you had had so few letters from us. Do you know, I think It is three times we have missed writing to you in the week since last Oct. Whatever can be the matter. And I oftimes wrote when it was a real effort. It made me sick at heart when I read your letter. Don’t think we don’t think of you, & I have missed but one week since Helen left. And you don’t mention your father’s letters and have you got the letters I have sent since you got down there. Oh, dear, if you haven’t.

Bob Wamsley arrives home tomorrow. I shall be so happy when you are headed this way. Of course I wouldn’t hurry your time. I know you are enjoying it.

I just cant think what to say, there are so many things I thot you knew. Helen has been patiently waiting for a letter and she thinks her brother is pretty slow. She is a grand girl. Winnie is coming home next Fri for the weekend I am so happy. I get so homesick to see one of my three wanderers from home & I’ll be so glad next fall when two are home for a little bit.

You will be delighted with the church, when you come home. It is so beautiful. Hope you got the picture of the Amusement Hall.

Here it is the next morning. Stopped last night to go down to the Dr’s. with daddy. Stayed & talked so long. I was sleepy when I came home.

The Dr. is a very nice man, and very well informed on current events.

The town is full of mumps and we thot surely Flora had it, but I guess not.

Did Daddy tell you Helen Jackson married Keith Wamsley. That was a shock. There really isn’t much news from here. Life runs along quite smoothly.

Hope you like your new place of labor, and also your work. I thot you would go down by boat. Tell us what they do for a living down there. It isn’t a[s] tropical a climate is it as it was up at Jargua. Why have ranches in a place where so much could be raised? Lack of water? Tell us about it.

California has been having some bad weather. Wind, rain & an earth quake around Frisco. Helen’s health is so much better down there. She has gained 10 lbs. And has no asthma.

Well dearie, I must get this off this morning so think I better be closing. Oh, I have learned half of the Sermon on the Mount. Rather slow I am, but I have a lesson to give tomorrow in R.S. [Relief Society] & I am reading the New Testament, so I keep busy. Have just read “As a Man Thinketh.” It is fine, but I wouldn’t dare send one to you. Never know when you are  going to get anything from us. I should like all my boys to have that book.

Must get Maeser up to send this off. Will register it. Those other letters I mailed to 264. Hope you got them.

Well, love & kisses from all of us, and may the Lord continue to bless you in your labors.

Lovingly, Mother 

Note: "As a Man Thinketh" is a literary essay by James Allen, first published in 1902. In more than a century it has become an inspirational classic, selling millions of copies worldwide and bringing faith, inspiration, and self healing to all who have encountered it. The title comes from the Bible: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." -- Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7

Bessie Morgan Rex, letter to Harold. 1938 undated January.

"Oh, and does it make me sick to see my boy"

Undated early 1938 letter from Randolph

My dear son,

You wont mind, will you, if I just scratch off a few lines with a pencil. Must get this off to you this morning.

I do hope we hear from you today. We didn’t get one last week, but I thot that a month ago then you were on your way to your new field of labor. I do hope you like it there, and enjoy your work.

Hear from Helen & Winnie every week. Helen is grand down there [Oakland, California]. Think – 130 lbs. that is more than she ever weighted, I think. She found Aunt Lile and her girls. Families do get scattered.

There is a picture of the Joinville R.S. sisters in the Dec. magazine. I don’t suppose you get the magazine. Wish I could send you mine, but I am afraid it would get lost. I do like to keep them. It has so many grand things in it.

You just wont know you are in Randolph Church when you come home. It is all changed so.

Well, we have had no snow & no cold weather so far. I certainly think we will

get some. You see, I am like the old farmers’ wife who said,

“There is a heart, there is a hand we feel but cannot see

We have always been provided for and we shall always be.”

There just isn’t anything of importance around here. We go along in the same old way I guess. Ah last week I wrote a play & we put it on in R.S.

Hope you have written to Helen. She is so eager to hear from you.

I think I better close this. My mind just isn’t perking this morning. Heard “Red Sails in the Sunset” last night on the radio, Oh and does it make me sick to see my boy. I’m afraid as these missionaries start coming home, I’m going to get more impatient about you coming home.

Tell us all about your new home. We all send a bushel of love and surely do pray that the Lord will ever help you in your work.

Lovingly,

Mother 

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. January 19, 1938.

John Morgan, Percy Harold, Maeser Morgan Rex, 

standing in front of their Randolph, Utah home, prior to Morgan's deployment.

 Randolph, Utah

January 19, 1938

My dear dear boy,

Right now, I am going to sit down and write to you. It is nearly six o’clock and I am getting supper ready. Just received your letter of Dec. 17, and was, oh so pleased to get it. Of course it was written before your airmail letter, but nevertheless we enjoyed it very much, so I will chat about it first.

That is a lovely picture of Winnie, isn’t it. I have mine where I can see it all the time. I think my daughters are just grand but don’t say it’s too bad you are her brother. My dear, you have no idea how proud I am of my boys. Your work down there is a constant joy to me, and Morgan is growing into a fine serious fellow who loves things like physics and geometry. I do hope you can accomplish all the things you desire to so much. I am surely happy these days, especially when I think of my children. I received a letter from Helen also tonight

I am so glad she and Glenn are working [in] the ward. Have you heard from her? You should have by now.

Last night a young man came to see me. Do you remember those three salesmen you met in Evanston a day or two before you left. You know they sold Helen a couple of dresses. Well, one Karl Page, liked Helen very much, and so he came up to see me. He kept saying “She is one swell girl.” I should like to capture him for Winnie. He is the sweetest kid. He always wants to know all about you and is looking forward to seeing you when you come home. I like him because he is fine & clean looking, and does he love life.

You mentioned buying a camera. I do hope you were able to keep it. We are looking forward to seeing pictures of Brazil. I am wondering if you have enough money now. Do be very observing. We shall have many many questions to ask you. Did you write to Mr. D. P. Murray. Possibly you didn’t get my letter saying he was much interested in you and will help

you if you go the the A. C. [Agriculture College in Logan. Utah].

I have written a play for the R.S. today. It has been fun, but I do get tired. Myrtle Jones is the new R.S. Pres. And I still teach literature.

Have you decided to come straight home. Possibly that is the best. Daddy has some debts to pay and a hundred dollars is quite a bit right now. If you come home by N.Y. I shall send you Vash Young’s address and you can call on him. He gave me or my family a very urgent invitation.

They cleaned the church today to make it ready for carpet and drapes. Wont that be grand.

We have no snow so far, and a very mild winter. Different from any winter I have seen here so far.

And now my dear, you are much further away from us, but I’m so glad it is cooler. I looked it up on the map, and the weather, I judge, is about the same as our southern states. I do hope you like it. I think you have been rewarded for your good work.

Did I tell you Roy went back to his mission Monday morning. Bob W. will be home next month.

Did I tell you Helen found Aunt Lile. They didn’t know her.

Dear dear, I told you about the boy’s baby beef didn’t I. I am getting tired and sleepy, so I better be closing. There isn’t any news in town of any importance.

Keep up your good work, my son and the Lord will ever bless you. We wait for your letters each week and love to hear from you.

Love & kisses from all of us.

Lovingly,

Mother

Note: Eliza Ann Morgan Smith is Bessie's older sister born February 8, 1875. Vash Young is #8 in Bessie's classroom picture on this post.

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. January 10, 1938.

P. H. Rex and Bessie Morgan Rex home in Randolph, Utah

Continued from here: Bessie Morgan Rex's letters to her missionary son Harold Morgan Rex, serving a mission in Brazil.

Randolph, Utah

January 10, ‘38

My dear son,  ─ further away than ever

It is early 8:30 & so much excitement. Maeser just came in from the stock show.

Well, first of all. We received your letter telling us of your transfer. My dear, I am simply overjoyed, for you, both for your promotion and change of field. I’m sure you are enjoying the change, & I’m glad you are in a cooler climate. I have all the faith in the world that you will make good.

Now, I suppose you are wanting to hear about the boys calves. Morgan came in 4^th place again, and Maeser’s calf stayed in the coliseum. Such happy kids. It is good experience for them. Have they economized. Remember? And how glad I am that we can trust them to not smoke & carouse around like some do when they are out of our sight.

Received a letter from Helen tonight too & she said she saw your picture with the basketball team in the Era. She is so anxious to hear from you. I hope you

have written to her. She is one grand girl. They both work in the ward. I’m sure if Glenn will just come near doing his part they can have an ideal home.

You know, I have been rather under the weather with cold, but your letter & Maeser coming home have made me so much better.

Roy came in just as I finished reading your letter. He is going back to the mission field Sunday & came in to say goodbye. He sends his best regards. Sheldon isn’t going for awhile. I surely hope he doesn’t wait too long & lose the spirit altogether.

I heard a program Sat. night on Brazilian history. It was very nice, and I enjoyed it very much.

This has been the strangest winter so far. No snow or cold weather, but maybe it will be like it was the winter you left.  Oh, that Feb. night you left. I shall never forget it.

Here it is 7:00 a.m. I must finish this and get it off as I seem to be the 

only one writing this time.

The wind has blown so hard all night long, but hasn’t stirred up much in the way of snow clouds.

I must tell you. The church is practically finished. It is to be carpeted, draped, & new choir seats. The amusement hall has been painted. That is, the walls. Randolph can be proud of her church buildings. Did you get those pictures I sent you? I just cant understand the mail.

Blair Findlay sent us a card & sent his regards to you. I think he is making out very well now. Did you get the shirts we sent.

Well, I must close. My dear, our hearts  & thots are ever with you. It seems far away to look at the map, but I don’t worry about you as I would if you were just there on business. Do your part my dear, & all will be well with you. Best love & kisses from all of us, and a good big extra hug from

Mother

Note: I wonder who Blair Findlay, Roy and Sheldon are?