Trumbull – Dear Newlyweds (2) – A Few Words of Fatherly Advice – November 14, 1943

 

Grandpa concludes the letter I posted yesterday with words of advice to the Newlyweds.

    Alfred Peabody Guion and Marian           Dunlap Irwin Guion, Nov. 14, 1943

Well, I suppose a few words of fatherly advice are in order. There are mighty few young people who go into marriage with any real idea of what it means. They get their notion of it from the clouds where they live while they are engaged, and naturally about all they find out there is wind and moonshine; or from novels which always end just before the real trouble begins, or if they keep on, leave out the chapters that tell how the husband finds the rent and the wife how to make over last year’s coat to look stylish for this season. But is quite easy to get all the facts about matrimony; part of them are right in the house where you spent your childhood, and the neighbors have the rest. Someone has said that you’ve got to have leisure to be unhappy. Half the troubles in this world are imaginary and never happened, but it’s oftener these than the real troubles that break a young wife’s or a young husband’s heart. There are a few folks who can be happy idle when single but married, they have to have something to do or there’s trouble. A woman can find fun from the cellar to the nursery in her own home but with nothing to do but gad around the streets and she’ll find discontent. A man can ride 3 miles on a bus to his job in the morning and find happiness at the end of every trip but he can chase it all over the world in a steam yacht without ever catching up with it. There is usually an idle man or an idle woman in every divorce case. As some wag once remarked “when the man earns the bread by the sweat of his brow, it’s right that the woman should perspire a little baking it.” It’s good to have money and the things money will by, but it’s good too, to check up once in a while to make sure you haven’t lost the things that money won’t buy.

I guess that’s enough of that for this letter which according to the rules, should be just full of sweetness and joy, but marriage is not so much the fulfillment of all one most fondly desires as the beginning of a sacred and serious relationship that in union, can become far bigger than either one can accomplish alone, and it is that bigger fulfillment that, of course, I am hoping you will attain together.

There, I haven’t written at all the kind of letter I should have liked to have turned out on this important day, but there is a lot of truth in the saying “too full for utterance “, and you will both have to read between the lines all the good things that I have left unsaid.

Of course, when you have had time to get the ricin confetti combed out of your hair, would all like to know the details of the wedding itself, if and where you went on your honeymoon, what future plans are as far as Uncle Sam will let you plan, and anything else you think we would be interested in hearing. A surrealistic picture of us here would be a lot of big ears all turned in your direction and listening for all we’re worth.

Yours for good sound effects,

DAD

Tomorrow, a letter from Lad and I will finish out the week with another letter from Grandpa to the family.

Judy Guion

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Trumbull -Dear Newlyweds (1) – Thoughts About THE DAY – November 14, 1943

 

Mowry Addison and Marian (Rider) Irwin, Alfred Peabody and Marian (Irwin) Guion

November 14, 1943

The BIG Day: Let’s go a step farther and simply

call it THE day, otherwise known

to just ordinary folks as Nov. 14th

Dear Newlyweds:

We have been thinking of you all day home here and wishing we had a long-range telescope so that we could focus it in on the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Berkeley and fix in

our memory for all time the setting for so important an event in the archives of the Guion family. With none of our clan present, Lad, I hope you maintained your noted calm and placid mien, and while no one pays much attention to the groom on such occasions anyway, he is apt to forget that fact and feel as though the eyes of everyone were focused on him alone, much as I felt on that Easter so many years ago when I first donned my pair of long pants, and as I walked the few blocks to Sunday school, I was sure the neighbors in every house along the street were crowding to the windows and behind the curtain, peeking out to look at my pants. I didn’t dare look to verify the fact because I didn’t want them to have the satisfaction of knowing I was aware of their scrutiny.

At dinner time today, Aunt Betty decided there ought to be some sort of celebration, so she got down her bottle of port wine, and we all drank a toast in your honor. Did you both feel the surge of good wishes that went speeding over the airwaves on your wedding morn?

It is being borne upon my consciousness that the 14th must be my lucky day  —  my daughter acquisition day  —  for on  February 14^th, just nine months ago, I acquired my first daughter-in-law, and you know, I like it. And I don’t doubt I’ll like it still better when I get better acquainted with the latest blossom from the Little Chapel of the Flowers.

Another bit of evidence that I was thinking of you today is the fact that I went looking for pajamas and bathrobe. I found the former together with a shoe holder I gave you some years ago which I am including in the package with the pajamas on the theory that in your small apartment any device which will aid in saving room will be welcome. I have one more place to look for the terrycloth bathrobe and I am pretty sure it is the right place, so shortly after receiving this first package you can be looking for another. Unless you had a most particular reason for asking that they be sent to you at camp, I’m going to disregard your request and ship them to Bushnell Avenue, because, while there is a limit to the size and weight of packages that is permissible to send to a boy in the armed services, there is no such limitation on shipments to civilians; and I while I haven’t measured the pajama package to see if it exceeds the permissible dimensions, I won’t have to bother with this limitation at all if I mail it to you at a civilian address.

After two weeks in succession hearing from my scattered correspondents, it is perhaps quite understandable that this last week I received nothing at all through Uncle Sam’s mail service. Of course that is not the reason I am ignoring in my salutation all the rest of you to whom a copy of this letter is being sent, but merely that the importance of the occasion overshadows all else and warrants centering the spotlight on “the happy couple from South Pasadena”.

 

Tomorrow, the conclusion of this letter, with a few words of Fatherly advice, then a letter from Lad and another letter from Grandpa will finish out the week.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Two Notes From Lad to Grandpa and an Announcement – November 1, 1943

 

Today, we have a really short note from Lad with the latest details – very practical – except for Dan Cupid. and an announcement of a Tea to inform Marian’s friends of her upcoming wedding. We also have a second letter from Lad discussing some more practical matters.

 

Mon. – Nov. 1, ‘43

Dad: –

Only 13 more days ‘til —–  !!!!  With only one exception (no rent, yet)  everything has been running very, very smoothly.

Naturally, the news about Venezuela Petroleum is most welcome, but at the moment I really don’t know just what is the best course to follow. Maybe it might be wise to sell some of them and take care of the balance at the bank right away. Then whatever we can realize on Marion’s car, we can use as a starter, in a bank account, which is something we should have. Maybe you can suggest something better or more practical, but one of the first things which should be taken care of is the bank, regardless of how it is done. You still have some securities tied up in that deal, too, haven’t you?

We have been trying to find a suitable silver pattern – but it is quite a job, and lots of nice ones are not being manufactured at present. Last Thursday afternoon I got a pass from camp and Marian and I spent a couple of hours looking at rings. We finally found a very pretty one for her and then it wasn’t too hard to find one for me which would match up fairly well. So now, we at least have the rings. That same afternoon we both had our medicals and blood tests, too. We are all set — I think.

I am (we’re) sorry you will not be present, but Dan Cupid didn’t take you into consideration I guess, when he took aim and drove his arrows so deeply through our hearts. But, at the first possible chance, you’ll see us, and until that moment, give my love to Aunt Betty and the rest, and the best of luck to you all-

Laddie

***********************************************

From the South Pasadena Review:

Romance Revealed at Sunday Afternoon Tea

Miss Marian Irwin, Camp Fire Girls Executive Director of South Pasadena is the bride elect of Sgt. Alfred Guion of the United States Army. This news was made known to 25 friends who were entertained at a tea on Sunday afternoon at the home of Mrs. J. Randall Irvine of 1751 La Senda Place.

Little scrolls, bearing the names of the betrothed couple, were attached to Gardenia corsages, which were given to each guest. Pouring at the tea table decorated with pink and white flowers, were Mrs. Irvine and Mrs. James S. Whitcott,  Ms. Betty Irvine assisted in greeting the guests at the door.

Miss Irwin, who was attired in black skirt with powder blue blouse with sequined trim, wore a Gardenia and Guwahati corsage. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mowry A.  Irwin of Orinda, California, and is a graduate of the San Francisco State College. Before coming to South Pasadena a year ago to serve as the Campfire Girls Executive, she taught in the schools of Bakersfield.

Sgt. Guion is the son of A. D. Guion of Trumbull, Connecticut, and was graduated from high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He is stationed at the Santa Anita Army Ordnance Training Center.

The wedding will take place on November 14th at Orinda, after which the couple will return to South Pasadena to make their home. The future bride will continue with her Camp Fire work.

**********************************************

Mon.   22-11-43

Dad: –

In answer to your various questions concerning our financial status via Venezuela Petroleum – :

1^st – Should you pay Investors Syndicate installment from Venezuela Petroleum proceeds?

Ans. Until I know more about the purpose of the Investors Syndicate (length of or number of installments or a maximum total; percentage of loss by sale; etc., etc.) I shall follow your advice and continue on with the installments; using some of the proceeds from Venezuela Petroleum for this purpose.

2^nd – If you decide to sell (and you have my permission) yes, by all means clear up your own back balance as well as

3^rd – the balance due the bank, so that you can clear your name as well as unfreeze your collateral.

4^th – For the moment sell only enough to meet current obligations (Inv. Syn; bank balance; A.D.G. back balance; and retain the remainder of them until further notice.

As to Marian’s and my address – Who knows? Apparently you have gathered, from what I have written, that Marian has had to give up her apartment, and for the moment we are living from night to night anyplace we can find a room. We’ve been looking now for almost 2 months with still no luck, so we have no address we can use as a residence.

Mailing can be to me, at Co. D, Hdq. B__, C.S.A. – Arcadia or to Marian at 2007 Edgewood Dr., South Pasadena. We have six places in mind, but in order to get one, the present occupants have to move out and as there are no available apartments for them either, it’s just a vicious circle and we seem to be at the outer end of the radius. Our friends out here, tho, are wonderful, and we have many rooms in which we could stay if the worst came to the worst. And Marian says – “We still have a car and I’ve slept in worse places. My car is only a Chevy.”  We really aren’t very worried. I guess we are just too happy and confident in ourselves to take it very seriously.

We are extremely happy and seemed to be perfectly fitted for one another. It is probably still pretty early in the game to say anything very definite, but it seems as if it was something that was meant to be, right now. We haven’t had a single setback yet, and things have run very, very smoothly, right from last January, when I first met her.

I hope this letter gives you a little something definite to work on, Dad, but in any case, you are in a better position than I to know just what is better. I have no regrets about selling, since the profit is extremely large in any case. I’m sleepy – so — good night.

Love to all,

Laddie

I’ll finish the week with a two page letter from Grandpa.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Marian writes to Grandpa About Apartment Hunting – November 1, 1943

 

             Marian writes to Grandpa – Nov. 1, 1943

 

Monday

November 1, 1943

Dear “Dad”,

Don’t know where the time has gone since I wrote you last, but believe me, just because I haven’t found the time to write to you before this, doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking of all of you back in Connecticut. I do so wish everyone of you could be out here on the 14th. That would make a very lovely day simply perfect! But surely it won’t be too long before we can meet each other and become acquainted!

Our plans are coming along very nicely, we think. All we do now is keep our fingers crossed, hoping things will continue to run smoothly. We got our rings last week, every time I look at mine, I almost cry! It is so beautiful! And I’m the one who has always said that weddings were a time to be exceptionally gay and cheerful. I’ll probably weep buckets!

I believe Marian is writing about this picture.

One of your recent letters stated that you were sending me, or rather, had sent me, a picture of Lad taken in civilian life. It’s been about three weeks since then, and it hasn’t arrived as yet. Do you suppose it could have gotten lost? I inquired at the post office here, but no package has arrived. Is there any way we can check up on it to see if it has been waylaid along the way? It was very thoughtful of you to think of sending me a picture. I would love to have it, and hope it hasn’t gotten lost.

We are still hunting for an apartment, and every one of our friends is frantically looking, too. But we are sure we’ll find something before the 12th of this month.

Don’t know where to continue in this installment of my life. Would you like a personal touch? I’m very fond of anything that has to do with one Sgt. A.P. Guion . I love Christmas, birthdays, family traditions and am inclined to be rather sentimental, I fear. I love meeting people, having friends who don’t wait for invitations to come over, seeing the snow does something to me that I can’t explain, but it really gives me a thrill. Al says that if I had to live in it for one winter I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic! But nonetheless, I think it’s wonderful. My favorite color is green, with red and blue running close seconds. I very rarely get angry, and when I do, I go out and walk around the block! It helps a lot. I am not a good cook or housekeeper (poor Lad!), but am very willing to learn. I have no particular phobias of any kind – I admire efficiency in other people, but am definitely lacking in that respect. Spur of the moment happenings intrigue me much more – I am not a mathematical genius nor financial wizard – as long as I have money, I love to spend it, and if I don’t have it, it doesn’t bother me one bit!

I don’t know what else you would like to know about me. Ask some more questions if you have any that are bothering you. I’d love to try to answer them for you.

Thank you for including me in your very interesting letters to your scattered family. I have enjoyed reading your letters very much, and am glad that you and I agree as to policy regarding their sharing.

My love to you and Aunt Betty. Tell Jean that I know we could get along beautifully. After all, we have a common interest that is really wonderful, don’t we? And I understand she enjoys interior decorating. Another common interest!

Love,

Marian

Tomorrow a letter from Lad asking for financial advice, and on Thursday and Friday, a two-pager from Grandpa, letting everyone know what is going on with everyone else, as is his custom. 

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad (May I?) – Marian’s First Letter to Grandpa – October, 1943

 

Today, we read Marian’s first letter to Grandpa. She tells him a little bit more about herself and the wedding plans, but her bright and cheerful personality shines through.

Friday –

Dear “Dad” (May I?)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter. I really feel as tho’ I do know you, because Al has told me quite a bit about you. Getting really acquainted however, is impossible by letter, so I, too, am looking forward to the time when I can meet you personally and we can compare “facts and figures”. Let’s hope that that time won’t be very far away.

I started this letter last night, but Al came over so I know you’ll understand when I say, “I just couldn’t get it finished! I tried but —-.” Anyway, I’m glad, now, that I waited, for I have the added pleasure of hearing from you, and somehow that makes you just that much closer.

Thank you, too, for having such a wonderful son. I know we agree fully on all the fine qualities he has – I don’t need to tell you how very nice he really is, but, even tho’ you’ve known him longer than I have, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he’s the one I’ve been waiting for. And may I say a word right here, to Aunt Betty. “Thank you so much for your good wishes. Your opinion of Lad only confirmed what I felt all along. Someday soon, Aunt Betty, we’ll get together and compare notes for I imagine we’ll agree on quite a number of things.”

           Marian, Don, Margaret and Homer Irwin

I don’t know how much Al has told you about me. I haven’t led a very eventful life but I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I am the oldest offour children, two boys and two girls. One brother and my sister are married, and living in or near Berkeley. My youngest brother is in his second year at California (University of) and is living at home. “Home” is Orinda – a glorified country club, at one time, but is now a residential section with about three stores at the main intersection. Dad works for the Westinghouse Electric Supply Company in Oakland. All of his relatives, except his father who is here in California, are from the East, but I believe almost all of them are in Pennsylvania. Most of Mother’s family are here in California, about one hundred miles from where we live. It’s quite a tribe we have, and all of us have been quite close. Cousins have grown up together, Before the war we always went to my Grandmother’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day, and we lived close enough so that we could see each other over weekends and other holidays, too. When we all get together there are about 40 or 45 of us, so you can imagine what a time we must have. And we all love it! I know they’re going to take to Lad immediately – as a matter of fact  – who doesn’t ? – And I hope he won’t be too floored by meeting so many “in-laws” the very first thing. Seems to me I’m supposed to introduce them gradually, but they are all so nice, I don’t think they’ll floor him!

Marian Irwin’s first class – 4th, 5th and 6th grade in Arvin, CA

I went to Berkeley High School and then across the bay to San Francisco State College. I taught school for five years – loved it but decided I wanted something different – so I am now the Camp Fire Girls Executive in South Pasadena. I love it, and will continue working after we are married – but only until Lad gets out of the Army. Then I’ll stop, with pleasure, and we can concentrate on such things as a family and getting really acquainted and besides- I’ve got to learn how to cook! Oh, I can manage to fry an egg or cook a vegetable, but I want to be able to do a really good job of it. You know, be famous for a special cake or a delicious stew etc.!

Lad probably told you that we were being married on Sunday, November 14th, (U.S. Gov’t permitting!) at Berkeley. The reception will be right afterwards for family and those friends who have the gas to drive out! I will be married in a suit, and we are having a double ring ceremony. I do wish you could be there, but will certainly be thinking of you all day long.

Seems to me I’ve rambled on enough. There are still lots of things I’d like to say, but I can’t put them all in one letter. I’ll write again, very soon, and give you more details.

My very best wishes to you and Aunt Betty. It won’t be very long before we meet each other.

With love,

Marian

Tomorrow, another letter from Marian to Grandpa, then a letter from Lad to his father, and I’ll finish out the week with a 2-pager from Grandpa.

Judy Guion

My Ancestors (33e) – Alfred Peabody Guion – The Wedding

(1) Alfred Peabody Guion; (2) Judith Anne Guion.

Lad and Marian

Excerpt from a letter Lad wrote to Grandpa, dated September 22, 1943:

“Arrived in L.A. at 4:10 A.M. and, so help me, Marion was there to meet me.”

Excerpt from letter Lad wrote to Grandpa at the end of September, 1943:

“Since I arrived things have progressed rapidly –.  I have had a complete reversal of more or less personal ideas, and Marian has consented to be my wife.  I never thought I was capable of such strong emotions, but they are certainly present.  When I have had a chance to calm down and think more clearly, I’ll right again and give you more in detail.  Lots of love, Lad

P.S. I personally think that she can top Jean without a great deal of trouble.”

Excerpt from letter dated October 6, 1943, from Lad to Grandpa:

“Some time having elapsed since I last wrote you, I think I can say that, although I’m still way up in the clouds, I at last can think logically.

During my time on furlough I realized that I missed Marian quite a good deal, as I think I told you, but the feeling got stronger and stronger as I came closer to L.A., and not a thing could have pleased me more than having Marian, as she did, meet me.  I realized then that I really loved her, and I also, as I think I told you, realized that she not only liked me very well, but very definitely loved me.  We spent quite a good deal of time discussing all angles of marriage, realizing that this was a rather poor time to undertake anything so serious, and permanent, and although she wanted me to ask her, she didn’t press her point at all.  We had both agreed, many months before, in an argument with another couple, that it was pretty foolish to marry during the present war, but here I am sticking my neck out, or rather jeopardizing her life (possibly) by asking her to marry me.  Arrangements have been made, as far as is possible for a soldier, to be married at her home near San Francisco on November 14th…….

There are 2 things I regret, however, about the proceedings.  (1) You have never met Marian, and don’t know her, so you’ll have to rely on my judgment to bring you a good daughter-in-law, and (2) her parents have never met me so therefore they will have to rely on her to pick out a worthwhile husband and son-in-law.  I think I’m getting the better bargain, and she thinks she is, so we’re completely happy.  Oh!  Dad – she really is wonderful.  I wish you could know her now, instead of having to wait….”

Excerpt from a letter Lad wrote to Grandpa on October 25, 1943:

“Now to answer a few questions —

It will be an afternoon wedding in “The Little Chapel of the Flowers” in Berkeley and I definitely will wear my uniform.  Uncle Sam is still around…..

Marian is 5’5” in her bare tootsies and is far from slim.  In fact, on the plump side, and (just a moment while I asked her) she hasn’t voted for Roosevelt all her life, and she says she very definitely likes fathers-in-law with hay fever….

If you want to know more right away you’d better ask some more questions.  One thing, however, she doesn’t like turnips, and neither do I.”

“P.S. Hello Dad – things are so very clear to us that we just assume that everyone else knows all the details too – Perhaps, by the next three or four letters all your questions will be answered.  Will write again soon.  Love, Marian”

My Mom had the habit when writing letters, to write the day of the week rather than the date.  On Friday she wrote her first letter to Grandpa, five pages.

On Monday, Nov. 1, 1943 she wrote another four pager to Grandpa.  Lad added four more pages which included this quote from the last page:

“I am (we’re) sorry you will not be present, but Dan Cupid didn’t take you into consideration I guess, when he took aim and drove his arrows so deeply through our hearts.”

   Alfred Peabody Guion and Marian Dunlap Irwin Guion,                                        Nov. 14, 1943

 

    Lad Guion and Vern Eddington, his Best Man

 

        Marian Guion and her sister, Peg Irwin

 

A table at the Reception in Marian’s parent’s home

On Nov. 18, Lad writes the following to Grandpa:

“This won’t be much of a letter because I’m not in much of a letter-writing mood — but I’ll try to give you a little something about which you are most anxious to hear. “

He follows with a chronological description starting the Friday before about everything that happened before, during and after the wedding.  He ends with these words:

“Marian wore a dark green suit that I think was the most perfect creation I have ever seen on any woman.  She really looked wonderful.  I’m really awfully sorry you weren’t here, but I’m glad I didn’t decide to wait until after the war. M. is going to write in a couple of days….”

At this point Marian takes up the weekly responsibility of writing letters to Grandpa, letting him and the “Home Guard” know everything that is going on in their lives.

Next Sunday’s post will be about Lad’s and Marian’s various locations up until the end of the war. Tomorrow and for the next week, I’ll be posting letters written in September of 1943. These letters will include more details of Lad and Marian’s plans for their lives together and the wedding, along with comments from Grandpa about their plans Judy Guion.

Trumbull – To the Guion Squad, Quartette, Foursome, or What Have You, Greetings – Family News – April 1, 1943

Jean and Dick Guion

Trumbull, Conn, April 4, 1943

To the Guion Squad, Quartette, Foresome, or what have you, GREETINGS:

Here again it is time to sum up the weekly events as it affects far-flung Guion family, it’s relatives and friends. First in the field of Correspondence Received, there is a three-page letter from our Alaskan outpost, all in red (probably inspired by the income tax he so lately filed), which relates in some detail a week-and skiing adventure conducted amid great tribulations due to a combination of meeting army trucks on narrow roads too narrow to permit passing, necessitating backing up a hill for a quarter of a mile, plus the back wheel of his car coming off; the damaging of one of their planes through the failure of a five-ton tri-motored Boeing to properly take off, etc.

A letter to Jean from Dick urged her to come to Miami in view of the news he had just received to the effect that Dick had been notified his group were being trained for service overseas after a short period of training was completed. So Jean promptly applied for and received a leave of absence, bought her ticket, wired Dick to get ready for a second honeymoon and this morning left on the Silver Meteor for Florida. Dave and Aunt Betty and yours truly made sure she and her baggage were properly entrained at Bridgeport. Barbara (Plumb), too, accompanied us, intending to go to New York with Jean. On the way down in the car, the lure of adventure was too much for Dave so on the spur of the moment he decided to skip Sunday school and go along to New York with Barbara and Jean.

Still another item of correspondence was a letter from Anne ((Peabody) Stanley) announcing receipt of a cable from Donald (Stanley), reading “All well and safe, love”. No date or place given, but the words “sans origine” furnished a slight clue. She also enclosed a clipping from a war correspondent, which in part reads: “Those who don’t know the M.P.’s are ignorant of one of the finest groups in the Army. The military police don’t have the taint to them that they had in the last war. This time they are a specially picked, highly trained, permanent organization. Their training starts where commandos leave off, and from the M.P.’s I’ve seen, their demeanor and conduct, I believe that next to Rangers and Paratroopers, they are really the pick of the Army.”

Also a letter from Grandma to Aunt Betty quotes Anne as writing: “Jean and Dick’s wedding was the most beautiful and strange wedding she had ever seen. She said “I don’t believe there will ever be one like it.” Grandma’s letter also mentions that Burton (Peabody) was in N.Y. recently. He looks fine and has gained 10 pounds. Helen (Peabody) and Ted (Human) are in Mexico, and Larry (Peabody) plans to have a big vegetable garden this summer. Kemper and Ethel (Peabody) are busy helping to relieve the meat and milk shortage. We all owe Grandma a big vote of thanks for interesting and newsy letters. If it were not for her, we would have difficulty in keeping up with the Peabody doings. If you boys could find time to write her once in a while, it would be fine.

It was Lad’s birthday yesterday. For over a month now I have been trying to get him an army (khaki colored, with Army insignia) pen and pencil set, but each time was told they were on order but not yet received. Yesterday, I did find a set not as good as the one I saw some time ago, and of course not good enough in my opinion for Lad, but I sent it to him anyway. (If the nib does not suit your hand writing, Lad, almost any shop out there where they sell fountain pens will substitute the pen itself for one of your liking, at a small fee.

Love from us all here.

DAD

Tomorrow I’ll post another entry from the Diary and Journal of John Jackson Lewis during his Voyage to California.

On Sunday, another of My Ancestors, namely Joseph Marshall Jr.

Judy Guion

 

Friends – Jean Writes to Ced About Her Marriage – My face flushed, my hand’s trembling … – March 28, 1943

My Uncle Ced has been in Alaska for about 3 years and his younger brother’s marriage came as quite a surprise.  He received the following letter about the festivities from the bride herself.

Sunday

March 28, 1943

Dear Ced –

Another week has gone by and I still haven’t written you. The only trouble is, I haven’t even a halfway decent excuse to offer.

Here goes – I can easily imagine the shock you must have received when you read your father’s letter telling of Dick’s marriage. Things happened so quickly, that I think I was as much surprised as anyone. We had been talking about it for some time, but never with much seriousness. Then February 11th, Dick received his little card telling him to report to Hartford February 20th. That meant there wasn’t much time to waste. Dick asked your father if he could marry us, and he said  ‘Yes”.

Friday, February 12, – Dick saw the judge of probate and got a waiver. Noon of the same day, I had my blood test taken and Dick purchased a very beautiful wedding ring. I went back to work three quarters of an hour late. My face was very flushed, my hands trembling and my heart pounding. (but, worst of all, was the thought of telling my boss of the very great event). After two very nerve-racking hours of just thinking about telling him, and asking for a week off – I walked bravely up to him, (at least I thought I was brave), and explained the whole situation. Without a moments hesitation, he said “Certainly”.   Wow!!! Was I glad that was over.

Saturday, February 13 – we went up to see Helen Plumb, (the Town Clerk) and got our license. We then proceeded to Bridgeport to do a little shopping. During the evening there was much excitement as you can well imagine.

Sunday, February 14 – St. Valentine’s Day – The great day. It was a cold but very beautiful Sunday. Your father prepared a wonderful chicken dinner and before we knew it the ceremony was taking place. Your Aunt Anne and Aunt Dorothy, my mother and father and sister were present. Elizabeth was there too. A few hours later we had a small reception. The woman who lives in the apartment, Catherine Warden – prepared the food. Everything was very nice and I’m sure everyone had a good time. We left for New York on the 10:15 train. The gang saw us off in good fashion – Carl Wayne pinned a “Just Married” sign on Dick’s back, and of course they all had plenty of rice. The train finally came, and we were on our way.

We spent three wonderful days in New York – going to shows, seeing a play, eating, and just walking around. We came home late Wednesday afternoon. Dick left for the Army March 1st – now I’m all alone and lonesome. The previous pages are a very detailed report of our wedding. I hope they were interesting.

Your father has probably already told you that Dick is in the Air Corps at Miami Beach, Florida, and that he is training to be an M. P. Dick didn’t like the idea very much at first, but now I guess he has decided it’s a good thing to be. I understand there’s quite a good chance for advancement.

I think your father has already told you that we bought a lovely bed spread, when you suggested a gift. Thank you very much Ced – it was awfully nice of you. Having always liked Trumbull very much – I wanted to stay here when Dick left – so here I am and I like it very much.

I can’t seem to recall ever having met youCed. That isn’t unusual though – I have a very poor memory. I hope it won’t be too long before we meet again. It seems awfully funny or strange to have a brother-in-law I have never met, or can’t remember ever having met. I really am quite anxious to meet you. I’ve heard so many nice things about you. Thank you again for your gift.

Love, Jean

My father, Lad, was stationed near Los Angeles, California, and had some comments regarding the whole affair in a letter to his father.

Camp Santa Anita

March 21, 1943

So Dick is now married. Well, well, well. That move sort of leaves me writeless, but I’ll try to continue, nevertheless. In the first place, I knew pretty much about the affair, long before it happened. In fact, sometime around October, Dick asked me about it, and I told him what I thought about getting married before or during this war, and I see he took my advice – and threw it out the window, or some such place

But anyhow, I believe he really has a wonderful wife. I like her very much. I just hope that knowing that she is there waiting for him will sort of change some of his lackadaisical ways. (Maybe I had better get married).  I can think of lots more to say, but they are better said to Dick or Jean directly, so that’s that.

( NOTE: Lad had no idea that within 7 months, he would also be married, but that’s a story for another time.)

Tomorrow, another letter from Grandpa.

If you’re enjoying these stories and letters, please click “FOLLOW”, enter your email and you’ll be sent an email when I post another story.

Judy Guion

 

Trumbull – Dick and Jean’s Eventful Day – February 14, 1943

Trumbull, Conn., St. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th, 1943

To my three still unwed sons:

Well, things have been happening so thick and fast this week that I scarcely know where to begin, although the one big item of news crowds the others into insignificance. To get the least important out of the way first – – my two office helpers have left to take jobs elsewhere and although they were only part-time helpers, it leaves the company now 100% Guion, Dave and myself, although even Dave has taken a job from 5 to 6:30 PM with the Algonquin Club, setting up their menu on their multi-graph. Dave has also joined the State Guard and drills at the Armory one night a week.

Dick is now in the Army. His notice came through Thursday telling him to report at the well-known Derby R.R. station at 5:30 next Saturday for induction. And now for the big news. Dick is married. I tied the knot personally this afternoon, so I know. It seems that after receiving his induction notice, he and Jean talked the situation over and on Friday they announced they intended to get married at once. So Saturday, Dick got the license from Helen Plumb, obtained the waiver of the customary 10-day notice and blood test from the Judge of Probate, set this afternoon between four and five for the deed, and in the living room, in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Mortensen (Jean’s parents), Mr. and Mrs. (Red) Sirene, Aunt Betty (Duryee), Aunt Dorothy (Peabody) and Aunt Anne, ((Peabody) Stanley) I exercised the right conferred upon me by the State of Conn., and as Justice of the Peace, pronounced them man and wife. The whole thing was arranged and completed in so short a space of time that no opportunity was given to make any but the most hasty arrangements, although I did telegraph Dan, thinking he might be able to get the necessary leave, and also phoned Aunt Elsie, asking her to let Dorothy know. Dan wired back his congratulations to Dick in lieu of personally being present and Aunt Elsie was unable to make arrangements to get away.

Today, as you can imagine, was a busy one. After preparing a chicken dinner held in the dining room, adorned with flowers and suitable St. Valentine’s Day decorations, Katherine Warden took over the arrangements for the reception refreshments held in the dining room at which were present, besides those witnessing the ceremony (I forgot to include Biss above) Dave, Zeke, Paul and Katherine (Warden, renters of the small apartment), Jean’s sister and aunt, grandmother and grandfather, Carl (Wayne) and Ethel and Flora (Bushey), Red (Sirene), Barbara (Plumb), Jane (Mantle), (Paul and Zeke, in the course of the celebration, imbibed freely and at the end, were in “high spirits”). The girls had the dining room attractively decorated and, with chairs filched from various parts of the house and the Wardens, we all sat around in a large circle and enjoyed a light upper. Carl and Paul had obtained a big box labeled “Extra Heavy Duty Rubber” and in this they packed an extra large white baloney shaped object together with a tube of salve which they handed to the bride and groom just before they left for the train and insisted upon its being opened in the presence of all. Jane’s face got red and she retired but Dick stood and faced the music without batting an eyebrow.

Dick, Jean, Dave and I went down to the station in my car and two other carloads went along. During the five or ten minute wait for the train in the packed depot, the usual rice throwing took place and a placard reading “Just Married”, at the last minute was tucked under Jean’s arm. The poor girl was evidently so taken up with the excitement of the moment that she never noticed it and walked through the train in search of a seat with the sign still under her arm, both ends projecting.

I have just got back after all the excitement and as it is nearing midnight, and by the way, it is a bitterly cold night, temperature way below zero and the wind blowing, the house is getting cold, and I guess I am a bit tired with all the doings, so having told the big news here I’ll quit. Haven’t heard from Lad for several weeks.

DAD

Tomorrow, another letter from Grandpa and on Friday, one from Lad.

Judy Guion

Trumbull – Dear Dave (1) – Comments to Dave and Lad – January 16, 1944

 

 

This is the first installment of a  letter Grandpa penned to his sons and daughter-in-law during the first month of 1944.

Trumbull, Conn., January 16, 1944

Dear Dave:

Now that you have become eligible for membership in the “Veterans of Foreign Wars”, and this is the first letter you will have received as a rookie from

me, it is quite appropriate that this week’s news sheet should be addressed to you alone. With your kind permission, however, we will allow other Guion members of the armed forces and their “appendages” to peak over your shoulder, so to speak, and thus glean what few bits of information they may from this screed.

While we did not receive the expected postal from you up to the last mail Saturday, a little bird whispered that internally you were humming a theme song which had a slight resemblance to the old saw: “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home”. But cheer up, all your big brothers went through the same experiences and got over it without any permanent scars. It’s always the beginning that is the most difficult and beginnings never last.

After saying goodbye to you at the Shelton Town Hall Thursday, clutching in your little hands the booklet donated by the American Legion on how to act as a soldier, the little package of cigarettes, chewing,, etc., we drove down to Bridgeport and Aunt Betty took the bus home. I admit I felt a bit lonesome all by myself in the office but having found from past experience that plunging into work is the best antidote for brooding, I tried a full dose of the remedy and held the enemy at bay, if you don’t mind mixed metaphors. I will say however that we all miss you a great deal and every so often someone says: “I wonder what Dave is doing now?”. (If they only knew, huh?)

Every week over this station we call in our correspondents from distant points. We will now hear from Ordnance in Texas. Come in Texarkana. (Pause) We regret that conditions beyond our control interfere with proper reception, but here is a report as of Jan. 9th.

Lad Guion

Lad opens up with the shot amid ship: “I’m sorry, my first thoughts and letters are now to Marian and you all have sort of slid down a peg in line of importance.” (Which is quite proper as long as you don’t back the old man off the map entirely, Lad. I know you won’t do that and even if you felt like it I don’t think Marian would let you, so there) These faithful daughters-in-law of mine do have such a struggle at times trying to get their new husbands lined up. It’s an awful task, girls, I know. I’ve been at it longer than you, sometimes with fair results but many times with but meager returns. All this, of course by way of an aside, because Lad reassuringly goes on to temper the broadside by adding: “However, that doesn’t mean that my affections have in any sense decreased. I still think of all of you constantly but time has been lacking. In fact, I had to skip writing to Marian two nights last week.

On December 18th Lad was given advance notice he was to be shipped out. On the 21st he learned he had to go to Texarkana, Texas and must be there by December 25th. Some Christmas present! By noon of the 21st he was on his way in the Buick. Two flat tires and being forced into the ditch on an icy road were the only troubles other than getting gasoline. He arrived on Christmas Day and until January 3rd worked in getting a group of men ready to start training. If the 23 men under Lad’s charge successfully pass their examination, they are scheduled for overseas sometime in the early summer, but due to the type of work they are trained for, they should always be at least 300 miles from the front.

Lad doesn’t like the weather there at all – snowy, cold and damp. Marian is planning to come out by train about February 1st, and will come to Trumbull with Lad when (?) he gets his furlough.

Incidentally, just to show up thoughtful, generous minded Jean, just as soon as she learned the above, she immediately said, “When they come they can

Jean (Mrs. Richard) Guion

have my room.”, and as admittedly hers is the most attractively furnished room in the house, it’s rather significant. And while I am at it, I might as well tell on her some more. Zeke asked Elizabeth to go out with him to some affair last night, but they could find no one to take care of the children, and in spite of the fact that she was not feeling top-notch, Jean packed her little overnight bag and took the double bus journey over to Stratford. I don’t suppose she will like me publishing these facts but I believe these little kindnesses should not go unacknowledged.

We now switch to Southern California where Mrs. A. P. has a message for us.

Marian Irwin Guion (Mrs. Lad)

Marian writes on some new stationary with her initials and address embossed in green which I sent her at Lad’s suggestion. And now, young lady, stop around at the 5 and 10 on your way back from lunch and pick up a bottle of green fountain pen ink, just to put the finishing touch on this Irish Symphony. Enclosed with her letter were some highly prized photo prints from the Kodachrome slides, showing Marian, Lad, the cake and other members of the wedding party. And there is a promise of more to come later. They were very much appreciated, as you may well surmise. Marian has officially terminated her work with the Camp Fire Girls as of February 1st , and is looking forward to soon being “down in the heart of Texas”, clap, clap or however the song goes. Thanks, Marian, for keeping us so well posted. You’re a great girl, as Lad has remarked once or twice.

 

 

Marian Guion and her sister, Peg Irwin

Lad Guion and Vern Eddington, his Best Man

 

Tomorrow, I’ll be posting the rest of this four-page letter from Grandpa to his scattered family, in all their locations around the world.

Judy Guion