Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated November 18, 1932, was written by Evan's sister, Vivian, from Afton, Wyoming.

1. The Great Depression & The 1932 Election

The letter was sent just ten days after the 1932 Presidential Election (Nov. 8), which saw Franklin D. Roosevelt defeat Herbert Hoover in a massive landslide.

The Voting Age: The "Sis" mentions that she, her brother Evan, and several friends were unable to vote. At this time, the voting age in the U.S. was 21 (it didn't change to 18 until 1971). Evan was 21, Vivian had just turned 20.
Political Excitement: Despite the economic hardship of the Great Depression, there was a high sense of civic duty; she mentions her friends were "thrilled" to vote for the first time, likely hoping for the "New Deal" Roosevelt had promised to pull the country out of 25% unemployment.

2. Community Life in Afton, Wyoming

Afton is a small town in Star Valley, Wyoming, which had a deeply rooted agricultural and community.

The Relief Society: The mention of the "Relief Society" giving her a bridal shower refers to the women’s organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In small towns like Afton, the Relief Society acted as a vital social and welfare safety net during the Depression.

3. Economic Reality & "Grandad’s Bluebook"

The letter mentions Gerald "consulting Grandad's Bluebook" to find the cost of a diamond.

Luxury in Hard Times: While the family seems to have enough for "hot chili and pie" and hunting trips, a diamond ring was a major investment. During the 1930s, diamond prices had slumped due to the Depression, but they were still symbols of status and permanence.
The "Bluebook": Before the internet, families relied on physical catalogs (like the famous Kelly Blue Book for cars, or various jewelry trade guides) to determine "fair prices" for high-value items.

4. Daily Life and Recreation

The letter highlights how rural Americans stayed entertained without much money:

Subsistence Hunting: Floyd’s thrill over shooting a deer wasn't just about sport; during the Depression, "sending a lovely piece of meat" to family was a significant contribution to the household food supply.
Simple Pleasures: The "skating party" followed by chili and pie illustrates the communal, low-cost social life that defined the 1930s.

Afton, Wyo
Nov. 18, 32

My Dear Brother,

How are you? — I guess you've been under the impression that your ol' sis had completely forgotten you. — I apologize for not writing. I've put it off mostly because I've hoped to be able to send you your ring, and or at least some word of it. — and now I've given up all hope of it.

Evan, the kid who had your ring would not give it up at first. Floyd tried to get it. And I inquired of Wilma several times. She also tried to get it. But it seems that the youngster — or his parents didn't want to let it go. Floyd saw it on him and offered to pay him for it even. But he said he hated to try to take it away by main force. And now Wilma has come to me and said that the ring is lost. I'm sorry Evan. I blame myself for not making a

personal trip down there. I've asked Gerald to do it when he goes so near, but I seldom get down that far myself.

What would you like to hear now? — No more at all — after such news? —

— So you didn't vote? — Reed, Floyd, Ava, and oh numerous others here at home were quite thrilled about being able to vote their first time. Guess you and I will have to wait another four years to vote for president.

Mom and I went [to] Esther Burton's shower last night. She got a fine fellow. Everybody seems to be quite worried about me. Mama says that by the time I get someone who will have me that all my girl friends will be married off and gone. So that if I have a shower the Relief Society will have to give me one. They say there is someone for everyone — if Violet — and Lydia and I

could only find ours!

Oh yes! Gerald was wondering just what anyone could buy a good diamond for— he's been consulting Grandad's Bluebook.

— I hear you have a girl (right??) Why don't you break down and tell me about it. Or is it time to tell? — 'Scuse me for being so inquisitive.

Has Floyd written you since he went hunting? — He shot his first deer. And talk about thrilled! He says "I sure wish Evan was here and we'd go get him one." He's been trying to get Gerald to go with him, but Gerald doesn't seem very interested. He sent us a lovely piece of meat — come on in and I'll fry you a real steak.

We had a skating party last Saturday night. Revel, Pete, Lloyd P., Randy Sessions and their girls and of course Floyd & I. They served us hot chili & pie! I guess

we girls will have to return the compliment and give them a party.

Evan I feel sortly lost without my school work. I feel that vacation time is over and I'd like so much to be back. I had to work awfully hard but it was well worth it.

Am I selfish to think and talk of nothing but myself? I hope you'll write to me, and if you'll suggest anything that you'd like to know, I'll be glad to do my best to tell you. Life here is very much the same — crowds change — and if one is clever enough they are able to change with them or readjust at least. And if not they are simply left out. Well Evan, goodnight for this time I should like to have a real old fireside talk with you again.

Love & Loads of it. Your Sis.

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