Tuesday, December 11, 2007

CHRISTMAS WITH INA, 1934

Though not a Christmas entry per se, anyone who has traveled the controversial route connecting northern and southern Idaho will surely enjoy the following written by Ina in the fall of 1934. Shirley leaves the area to spend some time with Earle and Bernice in Idaho Falls, where they are both teachers and lucky to have good jobs in Depression years. Shirley's absence will make Ina's Christmas celebration in 1934 rather lonely.

"Shirley left a week ago today for Idaho Falls and it just makes you rave to think that it’s like a trip to another country to get to the southern part of your own state. You have to go to Lewiston and I believe stay all night, then on to Grangeville where you arrive about 7 p.m. and stay all night, then to Boise and stay all night; arrive Idaho Falls at 4:30 next day. Her ticket from Grangeville was $13.45 one way, and I believe that is exactly what mine cost to Portland and return. We arranged it so Henry Shockley could take her to Grangeville and that made it a lot easier as well as less expensive. She needed a change badly, and may be able to find a job down there. It seems strange to be here alone again, and lonely. You must write to me, Vance."

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