Mary and Sam visit lots of folks in Arizona

Mary and Sam are still in Arizona. It seems they know people everywhere they go, and it also seems they are looking at property to buy. Maybe they want to be snowbirds?

Friday, Jan. 7, 1949

We got up early and ate at our favorite restaurant. Got my hair done and went through a few stores. Then I met Sam at 2 o’clock and we ate a sandwich. Out to see a piece of land Sam saw with a real estate woman in the morning. It is a lovely spot with cactus on it and “above the dust.” There would be a fine view of the city there and the hills and no one would build in front as you are on the first hill. We called Elmer Beard’s at their trailer court and heard all about their business venture at Canyonville. I mailed some to Mr. Haines and Laurice’s Dad to surprise them when they get there. Rec’d letter from Vera. She does not know her mother’s address either. To bed late.

Saturday, Jan. 8, 1949

Today we went downtown about 9:30. Ate and then Sam got mail, car greased and oil changed. I visited stores and bought a hat, then we met at 1. Saw Elmer and his wife just as we were leaving so talked a couple of seconds, not long as we were double-parked. Rec’d letter from Cleora and Mother. To Hereford and called on Nellie Sherman the postmaster. Then to the Ranch, were they surprised to see us. We ate dinner at 6 as usual and spent the evening visiting. Nellie, Bud’s wife, is to have a baby the last of January, which was a surprise to us. Rained all evening so everything is very wet. No guests here, except ourselves so can’t say just what we shall do. Anyway, we will get a good rest. They have a good cook too.

Sunday, Jan. 9, 1949

Today was very wet until about noon when the wind began to blow and it got worse until now at 8:45, it is a regular gale. After a nice breakfast. we sat around and talked. Marvin and her daughter came to dinner, and we enjoyed their company very much. The daughter belongs to Rainbow in Bisbee. Later in the afternoon, we took Marvin home. We stopped at two places to see about a ride for the daughter to school. Marvin lives in a rented house on a hill among the oak trees. A lovely view out of every window but oh, so windy and cold there. It is not so good. However, the house is very lovely inside with Marvin’s own furniture, which is very lovely. Home and ate lunch and sat around and read for a while. A quiet day and plenty of rest. Sam is over listening to the news. I wrote three letters, and three cards so won’t need to write for a while. The moon is out, and it is quite bright.

Monday, Jan. 10, 1949

Today I overslept so was late to breakfast. Sam did not sleep on account of the wind so stayed in bed. How he enjoys sleeping! The wind is still bad, and more is predicted also colder weather so it does not look too good. The folks are having trouble with their light lines blowing down in the wind. They are mending today for the third time. Wrote a letter to Blanche. Studied one hour. After lunch we drove up to Marvin’s and asked her to go to Bisbee with us. She was very glad to go, and we had a very pleasant drive, too. It was bright and sunny out and we enjoyed every minute. We got pants for Jackie Morgan and paper for Nellie Moan. Then took a trip through the stores at Lowell. Marvin treated us to ice cream. Home with Marvin and down to the Post Office where we mailed our parcel to Mary Ruth and Tucson paper to Blanche. Marvin the postmaster and I plan on going to Chapter tomorrow eve. Home and cleaned up before dinner. We had steak and it was very good. Read a while and studied my ritual for an hour. Home to get some study in each day. To bed early. Blowing hard again.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 1949

Today the wind went down quite a bit, so it looked good. Sam slept late again and so did I but I did get to the table. After lunch Red, F.B. and I went for a ride out by the first windmill. We saw a bunch of stock out near our greasy spot and one jackrabbit. The sun was out real bright when we came home but the wind was so strong it was quite cold. I had to have my hat tied on or it would have blown off. In the evening Sam, Nellie Sherman and I drove over to Bisbee where Nellie and I attended Pearl Chapter No. 6. We had a grand time, and it was nice to see the officers march in for the first time. The floor work was so beautifully done it was a pleasure to watch them. Refreshments were served and we were out earlier then we told Sam to come for us so we walked around and finally he drove by. Met quite a few that I’d met here in November 1947. A nice evening. A new guest came today, a man, so he was here at dinner.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1949

Quite a few were late for breakfast and Sam slept in as I told him to turn over at 4 a.m. He was snoring so, and he said he could not get back to sleep. So now he is snoring and evidently enjoying it. The wind has come up again and it looks like rain so this a.m. we shall not ride although F.B. asked me if I wanted to go. The new guest is quite a talker. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio. Don’t know what he does. Has chest trouble and doctor said the dry climate would be good. After lunch Sam, Bud, Nellie and I rode over thru the Port to Kay and Slim’s. We found a roaring fire in the fireplace to greet us, and everything was very cozy. We had a lovely visit, and the baby is very good. It began to pour down rain about 3:30 so on account of the sticky, muddy road they get here when it is wet, we started home. It really is a lovely country over there and I like it. Studied in my ritual again today for one hour. Ate dinner and wrote to Alma Nelson and Babe Michaels. To bed early.

Thursday, Jan. 13, 1949

Today it was very wet when we got up as it had rained most of the night. Sam slept in again, so I wrote a few letters. At 10:30 we drove over to Patagonia and had to wait an hour to get our letter from Mrs. Hamilton (office closed for lunch.) We drove up the river while we waited, and it was lovely in the sun but too slippery to go far. Passed the Rocking Chair Ranch which wasn’t much to look at. Then we hunted up the Hamilton’s and that took a little time as her directions were not too good. They were happy to see us, and we saw the new house which is about half done. We stayed there about two hours and heard all about how they moved, etc. It was all very interesting. Their new house sits way up on a hill and will have a fine view. Home and it was a nice ride as the sun was so warm and bright. We had several good laughs at the new guest, how he chatted! To bed and read a good story. Had a nice letter from Mayme H.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now resides on a classic wooden boat on the Columbia River. She has been researching Mary Theler’s life for the past 17 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].