Evan Call Family

Historical Context

The letter was written by Myrl [Washburn] Hamilton on February 10, 1932, near the "nadir" or lowest point of the Great Depression.

Myrl’s satirical take on the 23rd Psalm ("Pres. Hoover is my shepherd... I shall dwell in the poor house forever") was a popular piece of political "dark humor" at the time. Herbert Hoover was widely blamed for the economic crisis, leading to the coining of terms like "Hoovervilles" (shantytowns) and "Hoover blankets" (newspapers used for warmth).

2. "Walkathons" and 1930s Fad

The mention of the "Walkathon" (dance marathon) at the Granada refers to a major 1930s craze. These were endurance contests where couples competed for prizes by staying on their feet for hundreds of hours. While Myrl views it as "peculiar," these events were popular because they provided contestants with food and shelter during desperate economic times.

3. "Military Marriages"

The term "military marriages" in the context of 1932 likely refers to "shotgun weddings" or rushed marriages, though the phrasing is unique. Her concern over "trashy" magazines and "corrupt places of amusement" reflects the social friction between traditional rural values and the rising "modern" influences of the early 20th century.

4. Music

Myrl quotes lyrics from a hymn, Scatter Sunshine. Myrl contrasts this religious hymn with a contemporary secular hit: "Save the Last Dance for Me." * Note: While many people recognize the 1960 version by The Drifters, Myrl is likely referring to a popular song of the same title from the early 1930s (notably recorded by Russ Columbo in 1931), which was a hit right around the time she was writing.

Draper, Utah
Feb. 10, 1932

Dear Friend,

I am slow in answering your letter, but as usual, I was too busy. My teachers have been trying to persuade me to enter the National Oratorial Contest again this year, and I can’t decide what to do. I am overloaded with regular school work now, and that means hours and hours of extra work.

I am very glad to hear that you are doing so well. You said you needed letters from home and from friends your age, well I need letters from a missionary to offset the temporal side of life. Perhaps you don’t realize what a letter of that type does for a person. I enjoy reading them and they cause a lot of mental activity on my part. They stimulate a great desire, if you get what I mean. I like to be able to cope with all angles of life, destroy wrong ideas and create right ones. I’d like to be able to understand things more fully and appreciate the wonderful opportunities that are here, for the

striving to attain them.

The Ward Teachers just left a few minutes ago, and my but we had an interesting conversation. In the past year, we had 21 marriages, 7 in the temple and 14 out of the temple. These "military marriages" are becoming a serious problem. We attempted to solve the cause of them, but didn’t succeed. I think, the home, church organizations, associates, recreation and reading material are responsible. Some of the magazines that are circulated to the world at large are unfit for the garbage can. Some people say the younger generation is awful compared to the others, they think and do things that our parents never dreamed of. Well who is it that publishes this "trash", advertises cigarettes and sponsors corrupt places of amusements. It certainly isn’t the younger generation. Now who is to blame? So much for that. I have been vaccinated for the "fever". Ha, Ha.

We are having lovely weather. First it snows, then blows, then clears up, then rains, then snows, and begins over again. Ha, Ha. I said lovely.

I certainly do envy you about the opportunities you have of visiting such wonderful places of interest. One year and a half more to enjoy your work in will fly past plenty rapidly.

I shall try to answer that train of questions you fired at me. Remember, however, that my judgement is lacking in many respects.

Weather – I am enjoying the weather, but if I had the power of regulating it, I would cause the wind to cease, and the sun to shine.
Prohibition – Keep liquor away from the wiles of the people. Obey the commandment.
Religion – I only wish I had a clearer conception of the term and what it implies. Someday I hope to enlighten the people's minds to this subject. I am proud that I am a "Mormon."
Government – Well I read the cleverest 1932 interpretation of the 23rd Psalm, but I can’t remember it. It said that Pres. Hoover is my shepherd, he maketh me to lie on park benches etc. and ended – I shall dwell in the poor house forever.
School – Plenty of work. Not a mark below A-.

Recreation – Enjoying myself immensely. The Mutual is giving a Valentine dance next Saturday. Come and join in, and you will understand my point of view on the subject.

Does that suit your majesty?

My Seminary teacher had a serious accident so we have another. It is funny how any one teacher could have such an influence as my original teacher has.

Well enjoy yourself and write as often as possible.

Oh, the Granada is sponsoring a "Walkathon" – 14 couples left on the 400th or so hour. That’s what I call a peculiar idea of recreation and enjoyment. I’d prefer sitting on a tack.

I have been singing a song all day and I just can’t resist writing it here.

"If the world seems gloomy
Sing some happy song.
Meet the world's repining
With a courage strong."

Now for a contrast have you heard the enchanting song "Save The Last Dance For Me."

Success & Happiness
A Wayfarer,
Myrl.

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