Evan Call Family - 19330205a

Historical Context

This letter, dated February 5, 1933, was written by Evan's sister Rosa "Vivian" (Call) Bagley--presumably from her uncle Reuel's gas station. Her mention of Floyd [Bagley] is somewhat amusing -- she goes on to marry Floyd a little over a year later.

The "Gold and Green Ball" was a major annual social event for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community, featuring dance competitions and the crowning of a "Queen."

Uncle Reuel was the founder of Calliber (later Maverick/Flying J) gas stations. Reuel Call was a pioneering entrepreneur in the Intermountain West.

The excitement over a "noiseless, portable, green" Underwood typewriter and the mention of "brasswear" (decorative brass items) as a popular trend provides a glimpse into the technology and style of the era.

[Letterhead]
PARCO Gasoline
CALL SERVICE STATIONS
Reuel Call, Manager
Afton, Wyoming
Produced and Refined in Wyoming

Sunday Feb. 5 - 33

My Dear Brother:

I’m sitting in the churchhouse waiting for a rehearsal. You see your not the only one who spends quite a bit of your time in the church-house! I’ve been spending about one half of mine lately.

And please don’t scold me for not writing. I know it’s perfectly terrible to continually watch for mail, and watch and watch, and watch.

And I’m sending you my best sisterly regards at this late late anniversary of your birth! Seems like I never quite catch up with you no matter how I try.

Also—Evan, the brasswear you sent was lovely, thanks so much. Mama and I drew cuts to see which should get the tray (that being the most favored) and Mama got it, but I didn’t mind, they are both so pretty and so useful. And then brasswear is so popular at the present time. I should like to have gone with you when you bought it. I acquired quite a taste for it through a professor who had collected it from all parts of the world, at school last winter.

(Later) The rehearsal is over now. We are doing a little one act for mutual. I guess I haven’t told you that I am M.I.A. Dramatic leader and dance instructor, it keeps me quite active. But I do enjoy it. After this play is over there will be a lull for about a month I suppose, and then the spring contest work will begin.

Now shall I brag a little? We had our stake Gold and Green ball last night, and I won over the other ward queens. Queen for an hour! There was such a crowd, and when I went out to make my bow I felt like a fool—but I was awfully thrilled. Also we danced the Gold and Green foxtrot. There were twenty nine couples. Elwood Johnson and Grace took first place, Linc and I second, and Gerald and Bernice Michaelson third. Evan, if Linc and I were married, and we fought all the rest of the time, I believe we would be perfectly happy when we danced. And Mama and Mrs. Gardner got as big a kick out of it as we did I think. Evan, you’ll be pleased in Mother when you get home. She’s the best sport. And she looks so much younger than she did before you left.

We are [missing text] so much, and yet

I’m afraid its going to be very hard for you to adjust yourself to the change. So don’t be disillusioned if we don’t seem quite what you thought of us when you were away.

I had a nice chat with Clifford Johnson the other day. I didn’t know that you both labored in the same district. He has been stepping Mary Lancaster.

I hear that Geneveive Hemmert and Golden Barker will be married sometime in the summer.... Allie Gardner and Hilary Hyde in the spring. Linc certainly hates to see Allie go. Do you like me to just ramble like this? I know one gets out of touch with the home goings-on so quickly. Glen Settle is in from Montpelier seeing Helen today. Erma Taysom steps Kenneth Brown... Did you know that Bus is home? Stanley and Norine seem to be patiently waiting for June... Gerald is buying ironing boards and building tables and washstands. I rather think the folks will give him the little house (one of them) in the upper part of town. Do you think that will be far enough away for them to keep in touch with the "Pater" and out of touch with the in-laws? Reuel and Verna are still with us. They expect to get into their own home soon.

Well Evan, Conrad and I have become quite chummy during these rehearsal periods..... he has just been here..... its getting late and dark.. and cold, night meeting won't start for an hour anyway so I guess I’d better go home.

So I’ll have to say S’long for this time, Reuel probably needs his typewriter (Its certainly a peach Underwood, noiseless, portable, green, it must be quite similar to yours). We have been using it in our play.

(Handwritten postscript):

(Later still)

I’ve been to the station for awhile. Floyd was there. No I haven't a date. I went with Linc last night. My second date this winter. I guess Floyd didn’t like it much. Oh, Evan I envy these kids who seem so satisfied. So happy. Apparently sure that they know what they want. I can’t feel that way. That’s why I went with Linc last night. He's so clean so well—"refreshing."

By the way Evan I heard once that you had a lady missionary out there that you were kind of sweet on?

come on, loosen up a bit - or was that a false alarm?

(There, the bell for church.)

Well Evan if you have time drop me a line - if you havent at least remember that I think of you a lot. Maybe the Bishop will despair of trying to marry me off after a while, and decide to send me on a mission. I suppose that is what I need.

Evan, I’m a lonely creature I dread the thought of spending a Sunday night alone, even if it is entirely my own fault.

— Well - at least I have variety!

good night and

Load o' Love from

your old Sis

I'm sorry I was so late in wishing

you Happy Birthday!

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