Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated September 30, 1931, was written to Evan from Sybil Seymour - likey using a typewriter in the "Type" class mentioned. Sybil went on to marry Marius Anson Call, a child of Anson Vasco Call II and Margaret Ann Hepworth (and Evan's younger "uncle").

The letter reflects the era through its mentions of simple, low-cost entertainment like "open air dances," local fairs, and shared rides in "old Ford trucks." Sybil’s comment about the school being "the bunk" due to a lack of teachers reflects the budget strains many rural schools faced during the Depression.

Sybil mentions two films:

Young Sinners (1931): A popular pre-Code drama about rebellious youth.
Trader Horn (1931): An adventure film famous for being one of the first non-documentaries filmed on location in Africa.

Despite the "heavy" academic load of Chemistry and Geometry, the letter captures timeless teenage themes: staying out late, the excitement of football games (against Montpelier, Idaho), and playful teasing about religious devotion.

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
AFTON WYOMING

Sept. 30, 1931

Hello Ev Old Dear:

How are you getting along with your preaching and converting by now? I guess you are getting more religious all the time. I've not gone to Sunday School for so long that I have forgotten all the religion I ever did know. The last time I went, I went to the North Ward, but that was a long time ago.

This is the third week of school and things are just beginning to be hard. I am taking Economics and Sociology, Type, Journalism, Geometry, Algebra and Chemistry. I'll sure have to keep on the good side of all the teachers to get by with all that won't I? I wouldn't have to take that heavy a course if it wasn't for taking a college entrance course. This school sure is the bunk this year. There is not enough teachers for anything.

The football team played in Montpelier last week. The score was 26 to 6 in favor of Montpelier, but we are going to beat them when they play here. There was eight of us went out in a coupe, and did you say crowded, but fun, I havn't had so much fun since I can remember, unless it was the day before you left when a bunch of us went to the springs in that old ford truck that we had to push up the hills, so we could ride down. Getting back to the subject—that was the first night of the fair in Montpelier, we had lunch and dinner there, went to the show—which was Young Sinners, the one you was telling me about—then we went to the dance which was sure good, and then we finally came home. There was school the next day, but not much for me—or rather, I wasn't for much school.

Until it got so cold there were open air dances in Montpelier every Friday night. I went to four or five of them, and they were surely good, except the last one and that was too cold. I nearly froze right to death. That was the last one they had, I guess they took my advice.

There was a good dance in Geneve a couple of weeks ago. We didn't wreck coming back that time. There is a free one out there tomorrow night, but I think I had better stay home for a change or I might flunk in something.

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you that I discovered the unknown on that picture you sent. It looks a little like you used to. You look as though you had gained several pounds.

Have you got feathered and tared [tarred] yet? I'll bet you wouldn't tell about it if you did.

I ran away Sunday night and went to the show, Trader Horn, that you mentioned being good. Now I will have to stay in for three weeks, every night. Just look at the grief you have caused me by saying that was a good show. I will have to get even with you some way. Even if I have to wait until you get back.

Well I can't think of any thing that would be of interest to you, and I suppose you wish I would run out of type paper so I will quit for this time.

Conducting Church and giving lessons is good for you. Keep it up, so you will know how when you come home, cause that North Ward needs someone that knows how. Don't take me too serious.

American Falls are going to play here Friday [handwritten insertion: the game], you ought to steal a march on the church end come and see it. If you can't do that just say a prair [prayer] for the football team.

If I read this over it will land in the waist [waste] paper basket and I havn't time to write another, so you will just have to excuse the mistakes. I've got an idea! You ought to try and convert me. You better start in your next letter, cause it might take a long time.

Love,
Sybil

P.S. Thanks for the picture. [handwritten]

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