Aunt Mollie Checks In

Aunt Mollie was Belle's sister-in-law; the wife of Robert Edward 'Ed' Barnett, Will and 'Babe's older brother.

I'm beginning to pick up a theme of admonition in these letters on all sides to the tune of 'we haven't heard from you in forever and we never hear from anybody else either'. I guess they needed e-mail or Face Book.

The following is a letter Mollie wrote to 'Babe' in July of 1921 after he had returned to Oregon from Butler.

(transcribed below)

'hot enough to roast an olive'---is a new one for me.

The Burnett's wife she refers to is Bernice Turner, wife of Albert Burnett Turner.

The next letter will shed some light on Mollie's reference to Burnett's wife.

July 13--1921

Dear Babe

            Your card rec- and we all were glad to hear from you. It was only a few words but not one of us was surprised to hear of you going back to Oregon. Did you not like Butler. How did you leave Will & Belle. We never hear anything from any of them but I often think of them. Well Babe I started this letter some time ago but as usual I never have any time very much that I can call my own so this afternoon all are gone and while I have an opportunity I will try and answer some letters. Well Babe it is hot enough here to roast an olive. guess it is not quite so hot there.

My Sister from Radford has just left. Her and her children were up for a few days.

Ed taken them home and Edward and Mary went with them for the Circus tomorrow. Well Riner is not married yet. He is still in Richmond. Marion is married four weeks ago last Saturday night but didn't marry the Girl in N.J.  I heard from Walter a few days ago. he wants to come home and wanted me to send him some money to square up a little board Bill so he could come. Ed is fixing to build two more rooms to the house hall where the porch is now and a front porch. They are all well at Cora's but I never see her unless I go down. Our curiosity Box is still across the road. Did Burnett's wife go back to Oregon and are they going to stay there and are you going to stay there. Give my love to Mag and tell her to write to us. Erney is still living in the same way. I will close with much love to you both from all of us.

Your Sis Mollie