Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated September 20, 1931, was written by Myrl [Washburn] Hamilton, from Draper, Utah, providing a charming and personal glimpse into life during the Great Depression.

The Great Depression: Written in September 1931, the letter captures the growing anxiety of the era. Myrl mentions church officials predicting the slump would last years and notes a local dance being held to benefit the "unemployed of the town."
LDS Culture: Myrl references M.I.A. (Mutual Improvement Association), Seminary talks, and stakes (geographical church units). She also references a pun on the hymn "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," jokingly changing "Prophet" to "Profit" in reference to the economic downturn.
Saltair: Myrl mentions placing 9th in a beauty contest at Salt Air (Saltair). This was a world-famous resort on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, known at the time as the "Concourse of the West" and a major hub for social life and entertainment in Utah.
Brockton Fair: Her mention of the Brockton Fair suggests Evan had mentioned the fair in his letter--the Brockton Fair is in Massachusetts and is one of the oldest and most famous agricultural fairs in the United States.

Draper, Utah
Sept. 20, 1931

Dearest Friend,

I received your letter four days ago, that isn't bad, is it? I do not agree with your said philosophy altogether, because I certainly did want to write to you. But anyway it has its bright points. Let’s forget it.

Your letter sounded as if you are very busy, and also that you are enjoying your work. Let me wish you oodles of luck.

I’ll bet the Brockton Fair will be an interesting affair. Guess I’ll come and join in the excitement.

Say, since you have been given such a difficult position and have so much speaking to do, I’ve decided to give you some work to. Just to help the cause along, you know. Now this is it; if I get in a hard jam in preparing my Seminary talks, I may ask you to write me a speech. Not a bad idea. What say you? Don’t lose any sleep over it, however, for I’ll try to get it myself first.

That reminds me, I had to give a retold story in M.I.A. conjoint next Sunday evening. Better come and listen to me. On second thought, maybe you had not better, because you have heard such wonderful stories and speeches that mine might bore you. I have had some practice along that line, though. You see, for the last two years I have won first place in the M.I.A. contest work, including four stakes. I won my Jordan pin in Oratory last year, and received a certificate of honor from the school. I have also won other contests which I won’t mention because you would think I am bragging. I’m not, for I’m just telling you facts. I could be a lot better.

I don’t know whether I’m boring you or not, by telling you about me, but I’m going to take a chance on it. I’d like to know some of your distinguished history also. That is, if you care to tell me.

There is another side to my history too. Last summer I was asked to join the Bathing Beauty contest

at Salt Air. I did and out of 62 girls from all over the state, I won 9th place. It came as a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. I also won 2nd place in another contest on the 4th of July. I’m not really pretty in face or form, so I cannot understand how it happened. Don’t think I’m bad, for there is really nothing to it.

I certainly would be pleased to get a picture from you, so don’t forget. I haven’t any of me at the present, besides the one that appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune last spring, and that doesn't look like me, so I guess you are out of luck for the time being.

Every time I hear from you I feel so insignificant that it’s a shame. You wait though maybe someday I’ll be doing such wonderful work as you are doing now. “That’s My Desire.”

Is the Depression hovering over the place where you are laboring? Some of the church officials have said that it will last from 4 to 6 years longer. President Grant said the people are all singing “We Thank Thee Oh God for a Profit.” He’s about right don’t you think?

Draper is having a dance for the unemployed of the town next week. I hope they get enough money to do some good.

Oh my I guess I should be writing words of cheer to you instead of this sad stuff so I’ll sign off.

May your day be filled with gladness and may your words tend to lighten and brighten the heart of some poor soul.

Don’t forget your picture, and write soon.

Myrl Washburn

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse