Evan Call Family - 19330210

Historical Context

This letter was written on Friday, February 10, 1933, by Evan's father Thomas. When he wrote this letter, he noted that "last night [Feb 9th] was probably the coldest of the winter," and he wasn't exaggerating. February 9, 1933, is famously recorded in meteorological history as the night Wyoming experienced its coldest temperatures ever recorded (hitting -63°F near Moran, and a contested -66°F} at a Yellowstone ranger station). The intense freeze explains why the town's hydroelectric grid ("light power") froze over entirely.

The "winter carnival" mentioned on the second page was actually an iconic regional celebration. Organized in part to boost morale during the Depression, it drew world-famous professional ski jumpers—such as Norwegian-American legend Alf Engen—to compete on Star Valley's massive snow-packed hillsides.

Afton, Wyo. Feb 10th 1933.

Dear Son Evan:

We have just received your splendid letter which you sent by Air Mail. It is unfortunate, that for some unknown cause, You have not received my letter with check Dated Jan 30th. It has been the best I could do since December to get money before the 15th and last of the month when I used to send it a week earlier. But I knew that you had received at least 25.00 from outside sources, that altho' you would need the extra money, it would make it so it would be possible for you to get along for the extra few days, from 22 to 30 so I will continue to do my best to get your check in the mail on the 15th and 30th as I have been doing.

No doubt the severe weather has delayed the mail and your move, as all could easily have delayed the letter reaching you these four days.

It just happens that I have received

25.00 to day which I was doing all I could to get before or by the 15th. So I am sending this check now, in place of a "duplicate" of Jan 30th. If you write (on receiving this) that you still have not received the delayed check, I will send a "duplicate" as soon as I get the word otherwise. I can not send more money before end of month. Our job is being delayed now for warmer weather.

We have just passed through the coldest spell of the winter, unusual for February. Last night was probably the coldest of the winter. Mama and I attended the annual Club banquet, enjoyed a pleasant evening. Tomorrow the great winter Carnival will be held here at Afton, The Worlds Champion Ski jumpers are here for the event.

The light power has been frozen all day. By candle I started this letter, not knowing I had this letter head.

We are enjoying health as usual, There is some serious sickness in the Valley. May you continue to enjoy health and be provided with what you need

Your Father,

(Note: Written upside down on the letterhead paper)

THOMAS J. CALL • CONTRACTOR AND BUILDER • AFTON, WYOMING

PHONE NO. 67W • WALL PAPER • PAINT • HOME REPAIRING • PAPER HANGING A SPECIALTY

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