Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated May 7, 1932, was written by Evan's paternal grandmother, Rosa "Emily" [Staynor] Call, from Logan, Utah.

1. The Height of the Great Depression

By 1932, the United States was in the deepest trough of the Great Depression. This context makes Emily's mention of her finances particularly poignant:

Income: She mentions living on $10 to $13 a month. Even adjusted for inflation, this was a meager amount (roughly $230–$300 in today's money).
Self-Sufficiency: Her focus on the garden wasn't just a hobby; it was a survival strategy. Gardens and subsistence farming were essential for many families to "last through the winter" without buying expensive groceries.
Charity: Her mention of Uncle Horace giving 855 adjustments (he was a chiropractor) and many for free reflects the communal struggle of the time—professionals often worked for trade or for free because their neighbors simply had no cash.

2. Missionary Work and LDS Culture

The letter is written to Evan, who was serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A "Privilege" in Lean Times: Sending a young man on a mission in 1932 was a massive financial sacrifice for a family. Her comment that it is a "great privilege to be able to get out in the world" reflects the isolation many felt in small mountain towns like Afton, Wyoming (where she mentions Evan's father was "shut up" since he was four).
The Logan Connection: Logan was a central hub for the LDS community, anchored by the Logan Temple and the Utah State Agricultural College (now USU).

3. Healthcare in the 1930s

There are several mentions of physical and mental health:

"Nervous Breakdown": In 1932, this was a common catch-all term for severe stress, anxiety, or depression. Without modern antidepressants or therapy, people relied heavily on family support.
Home Care: The mention of Aunt Winnie twisting her back while lifting "Uncle Hyrum when he was bed ridden" highlights a time before widespread nursing homes. Families cared for their elderly and infirm at home, often at great physical cost to the caregivers.

4. Communication and Mother's Day

Since Mother’s Day was officially established in 1914, it was a well-ingrained holiday by 1932.

The Value of a Photo: In an era before digital cameras or even cheap Polaroids, a "nice large" photo was a luxury and a deeply sentimental gift. To her, it was a "present for Mothers Day," showing how much she valued seeing the face of her grandson while he was away.

Logan, May 7 32

Dear Grandson Evan;

I sure was agreeably surprised to receive your nice Photo. It is a picture to be proud of. Its a pleasure to know you are taking such an interest in your missionary duties.

I have been quite busy all the week out in the garden quite a lot of the time preparing the ground & planting. I hope to have a good garden this year. I work hard enough in it but ground has never been rich enough to produce the same good stuff that the other people have around here. I have been putting a little manure with everything I have planted so may do better this year.

I received a nice large mothers card from Cyril today also a check & nice letter & check from Uncle Horace. I look upon that Photo as a present for mothers day also. The girls nearly always give me something. Horace says Aunt Carrie Burton was over there two weeks ago & he took her over to Phoenix to see Cyril. They went to

Church & had a good time but Uncle Horace has never felt right well since he had his sick spell in the winter, is quite nervous, is afraid of a nervous breakdown. He has given 855 adjustments during the month of Apr. He gives a great many free to those who cant afford to pay. thats what he told me in his letter a month ago.

We have to have fire part of the time now especially in the evening. We have had a very long hard winter, but with the exception of some rain we are now enjoying spring weather. It seems so nice to be able to get out of doors & work. There is lots of cleaning in the spring to make this place look decent. Well it looks pretty clean now if the things come up I have planted I will feel repaid for my work.

Aunt Winnie & Aunt Rose both work hard but they are well. Winnie is bothered quite a bit with her back but it is twisted lifting Uncle Hyrum when he was bed ridden so I guess it will always bother her.

Going on a mission gives a young or older man a great deal of experience which is of great benefit to them. I wish your father could have gone for has been shut up in Afton all his life from four years old. Perhaps some time he can go you probably will help him to do so when you're home.

This paper I am writing on was a present from Uncle Cyril for Christmas had a box envelopes to match. You know I never buy expensive paper have to live on thirteen, sometimes $10.00 a month. So have to buy stuff that dont cost much but I manage of course I have vegetables I raise that helps me a lot have enough to last through the winter. I do very well. but don't buy expensive stuff.

Well I hope you will continue to enjoy your mission for it is a great privilege to be able to get out in the world & see whats going on.

Much love & thank you very much for Photo.

From Grandma

[Written sideways in margin: Will be pleased to hear from you any time.]

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