2270 South Vine
Come with me as I meet my Mother through this series of letters, she died when I was 6 months old and this is my very first real glimpse into her world, who she was, who she wanted to be and how she loved my Father.
A collection of 36 letters hand written by my Mother Joyce at University of Denver and sent to my Father Earl at University of Colorado Boulder when they were first engaged in 1952. The letters span from September 1952 - January 1953. My Mother died from Breast Cancer in 1971 at the age of 40. The original language of the letters is read intact to maintain the integrity of the authenticity of her words, 1952 is a very different time culturally and economically.
2270 South Vine
Letter 3 09/29/1952 Balancing Academics and Emotions
Description: In this letter dated September 29th, 1952, Joyce reflects on her academic schedule and the emotional challenges of being away from her sweetheart. She shares her experiences with her classes and the social dynamics within her dorm.
Highlights:
Joyce's academic schedule and class experiences. Emotional reflections on being apart from her partner. Social dynamics and friendships in the dorm. Plans for upcoming visits and events.
Hashtags: #AcademicLife #EmotionalReflections #1950sLoveLetters #DormSocialLife
Delta Omicron Stationary
Dad is free from tuberculosis
Mom saved some $, books cost $12.36
Trunks are still in 5
Pen is still leaking
Winnie is trying to study
September 29th, 1952 on Delta Omicron, Joyce Eddie Stationery. Inside the letter is a postcard that my dad sent to himself, it looks like. It says it's University of Colorado Student Health Service official notice that on the September 19th of 1952, the findings of the chest x-ray taken are that you are free from tuberculosis of the lungs. However, to remain in good health, I advised a yearly chest x-ray. So I guess my dad was sending my mom his I'm free of tuberculosis card. Okay. Dear sweetheart, really, I fully intended to write this morning and mail it this afternoon in hopes you'd get it Tuesday morning. But it seems like it's now 11 PM and you'll most likely get this Wednesday.
This is the only day of the week that I have all four classes and to be truthful, I'm not especially impressed with any of them except possibly dramatic activities. But it really seemed good to be back in school again, especially music classes. Composition is the same group of kids that I counterpoint and form and analysis with except for one new student.
George W. was outside the classroom when I came out of genetics class. He doesn't have a class that hour and is debating whether he should visit or not. He said he wanted to ask me a question, but not when anyone else is around. Do you know what he wants? I'll most likely find out tomorrow. If everything goes well, I plan to go downtown Tuesday and get the pictures if they're done and mail them and mom's letter.
Mother raper announced that absolutely no more permissions would be granted without a doohickey from the mothers. So I wrote mother and special delivery crossed out. Oops. What am I saying? Air mail letter, but she may not write back right away. Our little family in parentheses is getting along fairly well. Sandra fun Nally.
If Sandra finally broke down and did dishes tonight, so most likely she'll be allowed to be a part of the group more than she has. Interesting. Dick's beginning to wonder if maybe he likes Winnie after all, and she's beginning to wonder if maybe it's Bob she really wants. Gary isn't it? Or Gay isn't it? My shoulders are never dry anymore.
Oh, from the tears. I found 15 minutes between class and work. So I practiced boards is all I've got for fingers. Now that I think of it, I haven't even sat down and played anything for all of three weeks. My books came to $12 and 36 cents, not counting paper, staff paper, et cetera. Luckily, I had enough without writing a check and I have $3 and nine cents left over.
How lucky can I get? Thanks to the money you gave me this summer, I put some of it in an envelope and put it at the bottom of my desk drawer. Last night I found it and it has $3.05. Marilyn is going to use my alarm in the morning, which means I'll wake up at seven anyway. So maybe I should wait and study in the
Howard was saying he thought it took 2.5 average to get a scholarship now. I didn't ask Pierre know that afternoon as he was very busy and I just got the application and rolled out. Work went very easy today, practically nothing to do in fact. I ate four times today, breakfast, lunch and lunch again at three o'clock and dinner at seven.
Now I think I'll eat your mother's tomato and cucumber before I go to bed. Anne and Sandy are throwing books around the bedroom and Winnie is furious because she wants to study. I'm sorry I cried Sunday, sweetheart, but I really didn't cry as much as I had the week before or the week before that. So I'm getting better, aren't I? I promise I'll try real hard not to cry anymore.
It's so very silly and I'm ashamed to be so silly, but I love you so much and I can't help it. Anne is going to take Organ this quarter and I'll probably help her with it, which will be loads of fun. Anne Huss also... Anne Huss is peeved. Pinned. Anne Huss is pinned to Vic now. Some people just have to break up to appreciate what they had, I guess.
She's either rinsed or peroxide her hair because it's quite a bit lighter and she's using brown rather than black eyebrow pencil so she looks different. She said to tell you congratulations and she thinks the ring is gorgeous. Well honey I'm going to leave you now and get something to eat. After tomorrow there's just two full days till you'll be back again.
Sweetheart, I really do miss you and I love you so much too, but time will pass more quickly I think now that I'm back in classes all my love always Joyce and underneath it I love you more than any one or anything in the world my little honey bye-bye Then a note that says September 30th. Somehow I have a few extra minutes with nothing to do George W was over in the library and said he thought maybe he'd quit wards. He also said he might get to be assistant manager at the Wilton. Here we go again. I called Jafay and I can get the pictures so I'll go down right after genetics, etc. My trunks are still over at five so help me I'm going to try to get them moved tomorrow. This is the day I only have two classes Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I have three of them.
Did I tell you there are only four girls and one boy in dramatics class? He doesn't act quite normal for some reason.
There's one boy who wanders around all the time talking to the fellows and he has the most effeminate voice I've ever heard on a man. Should have been your best friend, This pen is still leaking and I have to wash off the ink before class. Bye for now, all my love, Joyce. P.S. I love you loads. See them boys who are in the theater even in the 1950s.
