Granduncle Mark's Genealogy Parlor

Some Letters of
Elda Elizabeth (Routh) Eddleman
1910 - 1999


Submitted by her grandson,
Mark Ellsworth Hickman, PhD

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Some of Grandmother Eddleman's Letters

    Grandmother was known for her letter writing. She was an avid writer, and she must have written tens of thousands of pages to friends and relatives across the span of her life.

    We are fortunately to still have some of her letters, which are shared below.





Dear Skippy

A Letter to a Dog She Never Met
"written by Elda's dog"

    Dear Skippy,

    Since we haven't met in person, I thought a "letter visit" from me could be the beginning of an enjoyable friendship -- much like the kind your folks and mine have been blessed with for so many years.

    My folks have missed your folks -- just terribly -- since they moved to California, as they were wonderful neighbors, and their relationship has been a close-knit one. They try to keep in touch now with letters and occasional phone visits, all of which continue to keep their friendship beautifully strong.

    A short note from your folks informed us that they felt the need to have another pet and didn't give us any details other than they named you "Skippy." We are so anxious to learn more about you, so please see to it that we receive a full account of when they adopted you and all the particulars. Hope you have a photo to send!

    I must tell you that m'lady shopped around for an appropriate "Dachshund" greeting to send to you, from me, but alas, to no avail. We really were disappointed as this being my first time to contact you; I did so want to be proper.

    Her arthritic condition hinders m'lady from typing, and though it isn't easy for her to use a pen, she offered to write this get-acquainted letter for me, and I appreciate her willingness to help me realize my desire.

    I do mean to be a well-behaved pet, but I have to confess that I am the "pixie" type, and it's shameful how I often times take them through the paces. I'm just down right fun lovin', and it's not my nature to be docile. I love to play games with m'lady, such as grab a forbidden object and give her a "come-on-and-catch-me-if-you-can" look, and then I dash down the hall and pause at her bedroom door, and leave her to believe -- as she comes toward me -- that I'm going to surrender my prey. But just as she bends to retrieve it, I dart under the bed where I'm safe at least for a while. I should be ashamed, but it's such fun. When she is at her best, she enjoys playing "hide and seek" with me, but it is short-lived as she wears out quickly, and I become short-winded because I have a weight problem and am beginning to worry about my figure. When my master says, "You ol' fatty, you," I tell you that the hairline all along the top of my back stands straight up. Mercy! But, I do love to eat! what's your problem? Lucky you, if you don't have any!

    My master has taught me quite a few tricks, and he loves watching me perform. But, confidently, I'm the dilatory kind and oft' times ignore his coaxing. Again and again I feel guilty for disappointing him 'cause he is so good to me. He pays me the loveliest of compliments. What girl doesn't like to be told that she has beautiful eyes! And, he often says my coppertone coat is "out of this world." Now, please don't think I'm vain for sharing these experiences with you, but I thought they would be of interest to you.

    I want to tell you that we've been snowbound a number of times this winter, and our valley has truly been a winter-wonder land. It has been fascinating watching the neighborhood dogs frisking through all that deep white fluffy snow. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to scamper about with them over in Sudbury's meadow? You see, Dachshunds get pneumonia so easily and my master and m'lady felt that they couldn't take any chances with me. But let me tell you, my master went outside and brought me in a mounded dish of that cold, fluffy delectable snow, and what a treat it was! Now -- I ask you -- isn't he a prince of a man?

    While m'lady takes such good care of me, I really am closer to my master because he enjoys the fun times with me -- such as getting down on the floor to play ball with me. Oh, but this is such a happy time! But, after a while, though, m'lady begins to grumble about what a disheveled mess the living room is in and vents her displeasure about how our skirmishing has caused the atmosphere to be filled with my dog hairs. So, we settle down, as we don't want to cause her to have a stroke.

    Now that February is beginning to unfold, m'lady claims that the very air is steeped with a lovely freshness that is not felt at any other time as she witnesses evidences of Nature's rebirth in every unfolding day. She feels that Spring is truly a spirt-lifting time, 'cause with the rebirth of nature, she claims she feels reborn, too.

    I will be anxiously awaiting an answer to this letter, so will you please have someone write a detailed account of what life is all about in your household?

        Sincerely,

        Your pen-pal,

        Lovey


      --by Elda Elizabeth (Routh) Eddleman (1910-1999)





On Elda's 83rd Birthday

                August 26, 1993


    Dear Christian Church Friends,

    Thank you for helping to make my 83rd birthday anniversary the most blessed and happiest one of all. It truly has been, and it continues to be, a celebration of love. There just aren't words that can fully express the gratefulness I feel!

    I have been literally showered with so many lovely birthday greetings and still they continue to trickle in. I will be so elated if in the final count they number 83 or more.

    Your dear notes and letters enclosed with your beautiful greetings have stirred up so many lovely memories from our earlier years. During those years, we became kindred spirits, and, though our close relationship began many years ago, the bonds of our friendship still remain beautifully strong. God is the reason we remain a strength to one another because His love dwells in us and with His help, we are able to enjoy His blessings to the fullest.

    Because my birthday excitement has not spent itself out, I am finding it difficult to remember my many gifts and who gave them. When I come down from the clouds, I am sure I will remember.

    I do know that I received an alarm clock, which was a "timely" gift, and a shocking surprise was a gift of 83 new one dollar bills! Most every gift was really needed. The gifts which aren't will bless me with sheer joy -- one being a Madonna with Mary holding the Baby Jesus which was made by a very dear friend (I will cherish it forever!), and a gift of a Mr. Sandman castle brings back memories of my childhood and of the magical world I loved to dwell in. If God extends my life to my 84th birthday, I want to have a book for recording of guests and gifts.

    I would be remiss were I not to tell those of you whom I've never met how much I appreciated your cheery greetings and spirit-lifting notes. Just wanted to let you know that you have a very special place in my heart.

    My living room was filled with beautiful flowers, and among them were long-stemmed red roses and a basket of 83 pink rosebuds which covered my coffee table. Never have I received so many lovely flowers at one time. They reminded me of a phrase, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." The loveliness of these breath-taking flowers will remain in my memory as long as I live!

    The delicious food gifts were greatly appreciated as these foods help to round out quite a number of meals -- and it meant so much. The sweet treat gifts also were so enjoyed. Thanks so much to all who brought so nice a variety of food gifts! I shall always remember each of you with loving thoughts and will continue to lift you up in my prayers.

    It meant to much to have our Pastor come mid-morning on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday -- and his wish was realized as it was an unbelievably happy one!

    Thanks to each of you for your loving attention throughout these shut-in years and for your love that has been manifested in so many ways enriching my life. I will never forget your faithfulness and your dear friendship. May the glow of God's love keep your paths bright as you journey on.

        Love and prayers,

        Elda E. Eddleman


      --by Elda Elizabeth (Routh) Eddleman (1910-1999)





On Elda's 85th Birthday

                1995


    Dear Christian Family,

    Please forgive this very-belated thank you letter for those of you who attended my 85th birthday party. Thanks also for your lovely greetings. And to those of you who couldn't come, but sent lovely greetings, thanks so much! I have had the pleasure of rereading all of my greetings, and I will continue to enjoy them from time to time as the verses are uplifting and your dear notes leave my heart filled with the loveliest warmth.

    When it was close to party time, Elizabeth Ann wheeled me down to the dining room where members of my family were. I was so amazed at how my daughters had changed the dining area into a beautifully decorated party room. And, I was so pleased with how festive the room looked. One table was practically covered with gifts of flowers. A basket of 85 pink rosebuds graced another table. And, on still another table were three beautifully decorated large sheet cakes along with a party-sized bowl containing delicious punch.

    Suddenly, I was aware that my guests were arriving, and I wheeled about and saw a steady stream of "two's and three's" crowding into the dining area. It was all so exciting -- much like a sunburst! I was showered with so much loving attention that my cup overflowed with love.

    At times my head seemed to be swimming as besides all of you, numberous others from our Bloomington area came, and a number of very dear friends drove a distance to share my birthday joy with me. What a lovely surprise they were! So many were greeting me continually that I seemed to be looking into a sea of faces! When one is saturated with happiness, sleep doesn't come easily, and long after I was in bed that night, I continued to see your dear images and the echo of your voices stayed wtih me.

    Years ago, I listened to a radio program called, "Queen for a Day," and it was a most interesting and fascinating program. The Lady Winner always cried, and I cried with her. I wondered, then, what it would be like to be chosen a "Queen?" Well, now I know, because of all you dear ones coming to share my birthday joy with me left me feeling like a queen. Even at 85 years of age, dreams do come true!

    By the way, I did receive more than 85 birthday greetings -- as the final count was 110 and two birthday letters! Wasn't that quite a shower of blessings? The count of my guests was close to 150. It was truly a reunion of loving hearts, and I want you to know that each of you added a special kind of joy to my 85th birthday. "The song has ended but the melody lingers on" -- and so it will as long as I live.

    I want to wish each of you a most blessed and happy Christmas, and may the New Year be a more peaceful one, a year of good will, and one steeped in a prevailing love that will change, bless and unite the whole world.

      Love and prayers,

      Elda Eddleman



    --by Elda Elizabeth (Routh) Eddleman (1910-1999)






My Dear Janice Sue

A Letter to Elda's Middle Daughter, Janice
on Janice's 65th birthday

                17 September, 1997


    My Dear Janice Sue,

    It is birthday time again for you, and I pray it will overflow with love and happiness beyond measure!

    Time surely has wings, for it seems only yesterday that my three daughters were young and playing with our neighboring children in our back yard. On bread baking days, Winifred Jean would come in to tell me that everyone was starving from smelling my light bread baking, so I would give her a pan of rolls with butter on a saucer and a knife to take out. Remember?

    Remember, too, the times after church when I would fill a picnic basket from our already prepared Sunday dinner. Of course, we took Mom her tray and left dinner for Lawrence. We would leave, and your daddy would drive until we came to a big shade tree where he would park the care in a nice space off of the highway. The you girls would scramble out of the car with blankets to spread on the grass and put the Sunday paper on the blankets to read after we had eaten. You three loved the comics and laughed a lot. I am sure that your happy talk and laughter could have been heard for distances. Those times were such happy times, weren't they?

    When we could afford the fee to drive in Brown County Park, we would go there. You girls loved going there, too, as we could drive about and see interesting sites and people. It was nice eating from a table, too, and I always brought a tablecloth to spread on it. Remember?

    Our church life has left me with wonderful memories. Just everyone loved our family and we loved all of them. We all worked in our church, and by working with the others, we became bonded much like family.

    Your daddy and I were so proud of you three working so willingly in our church. Every one loved to hear you play the piano and loved to hear you sing, too. You, Mardell [not a relative], and Elizabeth Ann's [Elda's youngest daughter] singing was greatly enjoyed and kept me literally sitting on the edge of my seat. So many other works you three [referring to Winifried, Janice and Elizabeth] performed for our church are remembered, and those memories are blessed ones.

    Who could forget Hazel Stansifer and her crock of whipped cream, or her dear personality? Remember decorating a little tree for the Bender's Christmas and seeing to it that they had a Merry and Happy Christmas, and doing the same for the Cranes? So many other such memories I haven't forgotten that you girls did for others!

    How could we forget the Sears! Remember, one of the times they were eating with us and Frederick said to Winifred Jean, "Here, slave, get me a cup of coffee." And, Winifred Jean told him off. When dishes were to be dried, she gave him a tea towel and she said, "You eat here, you should help with the work!" She loved Inez Louise, but not so much Frederick.

    Thank you for being a wonderful daughter to me! Your kindnesses and thoughtfulness have meant so much and your efforts toward my care!

    I love you dearly,

    Mother



      --by Elda Elizabeth (Routh) Eddleman (1910-1999)











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Copyright 1996-2006, Granduncle Mark
(Mark Ellsworth Hickman, PhD)



Granduncle Mark's Genealogy Parlor

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