Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This letter, dated April 20, 1933, was written by Evan's paternal grandmother, Rosa "Emily" [Staynor] Call from Logan, Utah. Here is a brief look at the world she was living in:

1. The Depth of the Great Depression

1. The Great Depression & FDR

Grandma mentions Evan attending the Inauguration. Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated on March 4, 1933. This was the height of the Great Depression. When she says, "I never felt like praying for a Pres. like I feel for him," she is reflecting the desperate hope many Americans felt. By April 20 (the date of the letter), FDR had already begun his "First Hundred Days," passing massive amounts of emergency legislation.

2. Economic Hardship

The letter mentions that Evan's return will "lift a heavy burden" because it "won't take so much money to live at home." Supporting a missionary during the Depression was a massive financial sacrifice for families. The mention of getting a "ride in an auto" so it "did not cost me anything" further highlights how carefully people were watching every penny.

3. Daily Life in Logan

The "stormy & cold" weather and the reference to the "Almanac" show the reliance on traditional agricultural cycles. Logan, Utah, was (and is) a heavy farming community, and the transition from "house cleaning" to "planting" was the essential rhythm of life.

Logan, Apr. 20, 1933

Dear Evan;

Glad you have been getting on nicely on your mission. I mislaid your last letter found it yesterday, am cleaning house but I thought I'd stop between & write to you. I am sure glad to know we will have good weather soon. It has been stormy & cold nearly all of this month, Almonac [Almanac] says will bad weather nearly all the time till the end of the month. I hate to clean so early but will have to be planting & working in my garden soon, can't do so much at once. Keep fire nearly all the time in the bedroom which I have not cleaned yet, other room is nearly done have to do a little painting. Quite a job for me to clean wall paper especially the ceiling, but that's what I have done in that room. I had a month of sickness this spring, but am well now, every one out there are well. Went out to Rosa's Sat. came back Tues. morning had a chance to ride in an auto both ways so did not cost me anything. People are working now on the farms.

[top, upside down: The other part of the paper will do for you to write on and save money that way.]

Rosa is going to have a hired man to cook for all summer. The Latter day saints should be the best people, but I'm sure there are many in my estimation that are far from being the best.

Glad you had the privilege of being at the Inauguration. I think Pres. Roosevelt is trying his best to consider the people, in every way, I think we should pray for him. It must be trying to feel the nation or the people of the nation are depending on him, what a responsibility rests on his shoulders. I never felt like praying for a Pres. like I have for him, for I feel he is trying hard to do what is right. Yes, I think your folks will be glad when you return home. It won't take so much money to live at home & you will work to help along, which will lift a heavy burden from their shoulders. I can't write a long letter for I have to go to town & get paint this morning in order to get my rooms painted & straightened. Every one of your family are proud of you for you have filled a good mission & are a good boy hope you will carry your missionary experiences with you a long time & will try to do right always.

Glad you are well most of the time. [illegible] Vinnie & Helen join me in sending love to you.

[side: From Grandma. Have enjoyed getting & reading your letters.]

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