[August, 1957]: “It was wonderful to hear you're now stationed in wonderful, sunny Florida.What a deal, especially towards November and December when we're here shivering in the cold and snow. I imagine you could easily go to Daytona Beach for a weekend and have yourself a time.
I believe if I could go anyplace on a vacation it would be Daytona Beach.
This was Dot's favorite vacation spot: the Ocean Villa, Daytona Beach, Florida. We'd make the 2-1/2-day trip (pre-Interstate), practically every spring.
* * *
Well, Son, summer is nearly over. Davy is getting ready to go back to school next week and I guess he's sort of anxious, as am I.
We haven't been going swimming much because of it being so cool, and I doubt if we will anymore, although we we'll probably go on a couple of picnics–it's more fun in fall anyway.
Every Thursday night we've been having street dances around here and I sure wish you were around as you would enjoy them. They have a three-piece orchestra and they sure wake up this burg.
Davy and I also fixed up your old bike. I was going to teach him how to ride, when he up and got on and rode off, never a lesson or anything. It took me about three weeks and four bruises to ride a two-wheeler.
Bye for now. —Dot
—p.s.: have you heard the song, Lucky Lou?”
* * *
With Sis' newborn, Nancy, in 1956
[October, 1957]: “Just dropping you a line, and am sending you a thing from our local paper, seeing as our Mt. Greenwood neighborhood just finished celebrating its 50th anniversary, and what a time we had. They had street dancing every night, carnivals all over the place, plus a big parade headed by [Mayor] Daley.
They also had a contest and I wanted to see if you'd pick the same girls that most everyone else did. You see, we had to vote for them. Local girls of course.
—Dot (‘Miss Golden Jubilee’).”
* * *
Dot's brother, Lou, in 1958 or ‘59
[November, 1957]: ”I guess Mom told you by now about her gorgeous Hi-Fi. It's the end, I really mean that. We were there last week when she first got it, and what a difference. Some of her prehistoric records sound like new. You'll love it. It's got three speakers and four speeds. We spent three hours just listening to records.
One of these days we may move, as we kind of like a long, low rambling ranch house in a real wooded section not to far from Sis. We keep looking around there, but as yet none are available.
[We were looking at ranch houses in an area named Worth Woods. —D.]
Dave's been doing all the electrical work at a new ballroom on the north side, and the 29th is the grand opening. So we'll probably go. It's also Sis's anniversary so maybe the four of us will go together.
Till I see or hear from you —your beloved sister, Dorothee.”
Dot and Dave
* * *
[December, 1958] ”Hi, handsome. We've had two days where the temperature was well below zero and the snow keeps piling up. Davy doesn't complain tho. I guess there couldn't be too much snow for him.
You're probably basking in the lovely Florida sun. I sure have been kept busy lately, what with Xmas shopping and Xmas cleaning.
I guess Mom told you about my getting my license and you can't imagine how thrilled I was. For most people, it's probably routine, but for me it was my greatest accomplishment.
[My dad was Dot's driving instructor; I was in the back seat, gripping the door handle, ready to jump out. —D.]
Davy's excited about Christmas and I think he still believes in you know who! Whether it's because he wants to or what, I don't know for sure. But I'd be the last to shatter his dream.
—Your big sister, Dot.
p.s.: Still giving the girls a hard time, or are you through with women? (that'd be the day...)”
* * *
[January, 1959]: ”Well Son, last night was New Year's Eve, and for the first time in nine years, we went out without the kids. Sis, Vert, Dave and I went to the Boulevard Ballroom and we had a real ball. They had two orchestras and we danced to everything except the Cha Cha Cha.
Dot and Sis
At midnight, all hell broke loose and we did the snake dance all around the place and a wild time was had by all.
Yours truly paid for it today. I've been dragging myself around all day and it's been a great day for stayiing at home as it snowed all morning.
Dave bought me an easel for Christmas and I've been sketching a little as I've always liked to fool around. They've got a course on tv in Japanese Brush Painting, and I've been following it pretty regularly. Not that I'm any good at it tho.
[Those brush paintings have gotten lost along the way. But I clearly remember the tv show and my mother painting in black on her easel.]
—Your gabby sister, Dot.
p.s.: my favorite song now is Love You Most of All.”
* * *
[January, 1959]: ”We're still practically snowbound. For about a week I couldn't drive and even now if I'm not careful I get stuck at the curb or in the alley. Ah, yes! Winter Wonderland.
Dave and Vert are looking forward to the annual Boat Show Feb. 8th, as they intend to price motors and, who knows, may even buy one, and then they'll have to sit on it till spring when they'll probably live on that boat.
Dot's mom, Dave, me and Son, aboard the “Lone Star”.
It sure would be nice if you could get a leave then and join in the mad social whirl. Dave thinks I'll get on those water skis (dreamer).”
* * *
[April, 1959]: “Well now that you're a world-renowned traveler, I'm afraid anything I'd have to say would be dull.
On my birthday, we'll probably go dancing and have a nice dinner somewhere. Davy gets the last weekend of April off of school (Clean-Up Week), and we're planning to maybe take a trip to Washington, D.C. I'll have the car all summer and intend to chase around a lot.
I write a poor letter, jumping from one subject to the other. But after all, I'm just a housewife and not a globe trotter. Or does that phrase date me?
As ever, —love, Dot.”
