9. Earliest Letters to Claudia

These two letters represent the earliest letters we could find that were addressed to Claudia, one from a friend named Darlene, the other from Claudia’s mother. Neither had dates on them, although the second letter did say it was written on Sunday, June 16. The 16th fell on a Sunday in 1963 and 1968. Our best guess is that it was in 1968, the summer between Claudia’s junior and senior years of high school. She had flown, apparently for the first time ever, to Salt Lake City and was going on down to Provo. That must have been when she went to Youth Academy, the forerunner of today’s Especially for Youth.

Dear Claudia,

I hope you aren’t mad because I started to walk home without you. Everything on the way down Mission reminded me of you; the pole you always ran into, the bushes you always push me into—even the side of the sidewalk you always walk on. I really missed you. When I came back into the liquor store I saw you and Carol hiding behind all the Fritos, potato chips, pretzels, and Ruffles; I could see you through the little peep-holes where 29¢ potato chips used to be. I got my feelings hurt. On the way down Mission I started to cry, but I stopped just in time when I remembered that I was supposed to be acting suave and sophisticated. Then your mother came. I was nearly beside myself with grief. But your darling mother cheered me up with one of her puny little jokes. Just as I got happier, I thought of you and broke down again. When we picked you up my heart was absolutely broken. But when I saw that twinkle in your eyes, I knew we were friends again. It sure felt good to know it. From now on, I’ll never leave without you and Carol. I’ll know you really don’t hate me—you’re just teasing me. I know we’ll be friends forever.

Your friend,
Darlene

Hi Punkin’

Thought I’d surprise you by getting a letter off real soon—I realize this may be a dangerous thing to do—the shock may be too much!!!!

Anyhow sweetie, Dad and I want you to know we love and miss you—we are constantly reminded of you tho—you left a pair of shoes in practically every room of the house—two pair (both pink, Keds & dressy) in the family room—so how about that!

How do you go for air travel? Doris and I were thinking about you at 10:35—we were on the Harbor Freeway in the downtown L.A. area & wondering if you were taking off on schedule. It’s a good thing we hurried out when we did tho—the lady on the motor bike was there giving the car ahead of us a ticket—we didn’t get one tho.

How are the family in Salt Lake? I suppose Grandma or Aunt Pat had dinner for you—did you have lunch or a snack on the planes? What did you decide about going to Provo?—tonight or Monday morning? (I thought if I ask questions you would write giving the answers—pretty smart, eh!!??

We had a returned missionary from the North German Mission in church tonight—his name Jim Schneider—good German name!

Honey, please take good care of yourself—I don't think swimming should be taken while you’re there—you can swim at home & enjoy other things while you’re there, O.K.? No sense getting sick & missing out completely!

I’ll send you some white panty hose. I tried to get some Saturday but L didn’t have any.

Have fun—Be good—Please write!!!

We love you,
Mom & Dad

P.S. Please let me know the time for the banquet—start & finish—Maybe Aunt Ruth will come.