Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated October 6, 1931, was written by Thomas J. Call from Afton, Wyoming, during a pivotal and difficult era in American history.

The Great Depression

By late 1931, the United States was sinking deeper into the Great Depression.
Thomas mentions working "all the hours that are light" and being "too much asleep to think," highlighting the exhausting physical labor required to sustain a family during this economic crisis.
The scarcity of money is underscored by his mention of not being in a "position to go conveniently" on a trip to Utah, as well as the $25.00 check he enclosed, which was a significant sum for a father to send to a son at that time. For context, $25.00 from 1931 has the purchasing power of approximately $535.00 to $550.00 in 2026.

Local Development and Infrastructure

Despite the nationwide economic slump, Afton saw specific infrastructure projects, such as the completion of a State Garage.
The letter mentions the local transition to modern utilities, specifically referencing "Bro Arthur Burton" preparing for a "new Electric plant," indicating the ongoing electrification of rural Wyoming.

LDS Mission and Temple Work

Evan was serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thomas expresses a deep desire for "Temple work," a central practice for the family, and discusses the importance of researching "family lines" and the "Oral [Orrell] line" for genealogical purposes.

Afton, Wyo. Oct 6, 1931

Dear Son Evan;

I must write you a few lines, altho I cannot think of anything you would be interested in at present. Things are going on about as usual here at home. I work now during all the hours that are light, so when night comes I am too much asleep to think.

We are finishing the State Garage, will take about 10 more days.

Bro Arthur Burton is preparing for his new Electric plant has asked us to help with the small building for the machinery. Reuel is back at the Station for a few days. He has been at the air port in Ogden. The Dixons are living in his house. Lillie is at Logan attending school. Veran is at the same

place she was last winter in Logan, 125 So. 2nd East.

I have not made my trip to Utah with Mama as usual this year. Wanted to go when the appointment was made for Temple work, but was not in a position to go conveniently. I wish Mama had more desire to travel a little especially go to the Temple once a year without fail. I think we owe ourselves this outing because it is the best change from the regular routine of life.

In our Stake H. Priests meeting held Saturday, last, those who attended the Temple expressed themselves in a way that gave us that had not attended a greater desire to get into this work. I have no names to work for in our family line. If one works for their own dead the greatest joy is had.

Now Vivian is gone it would be hard for us to leave. I hope to get some names on the Oral [Orrell] line, that’s my mothers mother I am not sure how its name is spelled correctly.

(Side margin text): I enclose your check 25.00 with wishes for your success Your Father, Thos. J. Call

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