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The Dear Bess and Dear Harry Podcast, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Harry S Truman

From Harry S Truman National Historic Site; a chance to share some of the stories associated with Harry Truman, Bess W. Truman and their times. We will share letters written between Harry Truman, Bess Wallace Truman, Margaret Truman, and others. We will link to digital versions of the letters in case you'd like to see them. You may need to refresh the page for the latest episode.

Episodes

Dear Bess: September 11, 1948

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 11, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, when we hear “September 11,” a variety of images come to mind from that dreadful day in 2001. We hold in our hearts all who were lost, and all who have terrible memories from that day. And for many of us, we may always have those bad memories when hearing the words “September 11.” Will we ever have a time where it is just another day for us? Perhaps not, and that’s perhaps the way it should be.

On September 11, 1948, President Harry S Truman wrote this letter to First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, written in the midst of the 1948 campaign. He writes from aboard the presidential yacht, the USS Williamsburg. By September of 1948, few pollsters or media were expecting Truman to win the election; most, in fact, thought he was going to lose to Governor Thomas Dewey in a landslide. But you’ll hear some of that trademark Truman optimism at the end of the letter.

And here is that letter.

[U.S.S. Williamsburg, AGC-369] September 11, 1948

Dear Bess:

I accompanied Margie to the train yesterday at noon. We arrived at the station just about two minutes ahead of leaving time for the train. They drove us into the east entrance but we walked from the fence to the train. Margie thought that was showing discrimination.

We made it to the car and she plastered my left cheek with lipstick as she went aboard and very carefully wiped it off with her glove! Had a wire from her about 5 P.M. signed "Skinny." I'd been stewing around about not hearing from her and Capt. Dennison started to call Mrs. Steward and they told him at the White House that this telegram signed "Skinny" was there. He very timidly asked me if that by any chance could be Margie. Went back to the White House and saw a lot of customers and finally arrived aboard here at 1:30 when I was due at 12:30. It rained and rained but I won a bet that the sun would shine all day today and it has and is. I'm out on the "back porch" of my deck in a swimming suit taking more burning. We've had a very satisfactory conference on the western speeches. Farm speech at Des Moines on September 18, conservation at Denver on the 20th, reclamation at Salt Lake City on the 21th in the great Mormon Tabernacle, believe it or not--only Presidents of U.S. and high Mormons can do that. Then San Francisco, L.A., San Diego, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Ky. West Va and Washington D.C. Seems like a nice little trip - what.

Charlie Ross is flying up to D.C. to attend the wedding of his neice Virginia's daughter. I'm sending letter up on the plane that brings him back. We are anchored at the mouth of the Potomac at Blakiston Island where Lord Baltimore landed in 1734. There is a monument on it which says that's so. I went and looked at it--that's how I can tell you. This is a most restful day --and how I needed it. Six speeches on Monday was rather strenuous. I told the press boys on Thursday that Labor Day was only a sample of what they'd get on the western trip.

We had pictures on Wednesday and Thursday night. Had Irv, Annette, and Mrs. Davis Wednesday and Jane, Drucie and Irv and Annette on Thursday.

My finance meeting Thursday was a grand success. Margie "stole the show." We're off to win I think.

Lots of love, Harry.

It's September 11. We hold in our hearts all who have terrible memories of that day in 2001. We will never hear "September 11" the same way again.

But we wanted to share a Dear Bess letter from September 11, 1948, from the thick of the 1948 presidential campaign. Few thought Harry Truman had a chance of winning...except Truman himself.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-11-1948

Dear Bess: August 29, 1916

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 29, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter is from on this date in 1916. Harry S Truman is writing Miss Bess Wallace from Commerce, Oklahoma. Why? Well, Truman at this time was engaged in a side business, called TCH Mining Company, with a man named Jerry Culbertson and Thomas Hughes. Zinc and lead ores were the primary concern. Truman invested about $5000 to $5500, and some Truman biographers think his Uncle Harrison Young helped with that. Like many of Truman’s financial ventures, TCH wasn’t successful. Why try? Well, Truman was an optimist, always looking for the American dream. He was also trying to prove himself worthy to Miss Wallace’s family. Note how he refers to Miss Wallace’s mother in the letter. By this time, Madge Gates Wallace was 54 years old, and had a history of back problems and other maladies. You can hear how Mr. Truman wishes her well.

Here’s the letter:

Commerce, Okla. August 29, 1916

Dear Bess:

Your letter came yesterday and I was sure pleased to get it. It seems like ten years since I was at Independence. Mr. Hughes is evidently paying me back for the three weeks I spent at home. I wish I'd stayed there permanently and let the whole shebang go to grass then. We are still getting some good lead and could make money if His Majesty would only let the machinery alone. One of the boilers went down yesterday and will cost about a hundred dollars good money to fix. It not only costs to fix but knocks us out of two days' run, which is a dead loss. We made two tons of lead and two of jack on Monday and would have done as well today.

Your dog is growing right along and I hope to have him at home very soon. If I can only succeed in getting Hughes down here, I'll most certainly even up with him. I shall probably have war with the Throop kids when I go take that greyhound away from here. They think he is the finest thing ever. He is as ugly as a bulldog. If he ever grows to his feet, he can outrun a locomotive or Locomobile either. He is very thin now but I'll have him fattened up before I take him home. Greyhounds are supposed to be thin though, and he may be only running true to type, because I am certain he gets enough to eat.

I can't write you a very good letter this time. They are always poor but this one will be worse than usual because I've got the dumps and am homesick and can't think well – if I ever do. This may be great for experience but it's mighty hard on my feelings. I'd not care if the mine would only pan. But if it doesn't, I'll simply have to suffer from a grand chorus of "I told you so." That wouldn't bother me so very badly if I'd only not gone and lost so much money. I'd sure have been right if I'd stayed at home and worked the farm this time. But how did I know Uncle Harry wouldn't live twenty years? And that he'd lease us what he had when he did die. I'd done given up hope in that direction. The unexpected happened and now I'm all balled up and have gotten Mamma in the same fix. I am going to find a way out though if it takes the hide off both my hands to do it. The worst is surely here now and things will surely brighten up directly. I must quit this, it's not nice to tell your troubles, is it? It makes a person feel good though if he can get a little sympathy, and I'm sure I'll get it. I am going to come home for the Labor Day picnic if the whole thing blows up here.

I do hope your mother is well by this time. I am sorry that we didn't have a picnic and some cookies for the fair, too. Maybe we can do better next time. Please send me another letter quickly.

Most sincerely, Harry

Harry Truman is trying to improve his financial situation, having invested in zinc and ore. Will it work? Is Truman homesick in Oklahoma?

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-29-1916

Dear Bess: August 26, 1912 (postmarked)

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 26, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Yesterday was the 106th anniversary of the National Park Service. It was created by an Act of Congress, and signed by Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. Rather than toot our own horn, we would rather, instead, say thank you to all Americans for supporting the national parks, including Truman. Thank you.

This letter was postmarked on August 26, 1912. Near the end Truman tells Miss Bess Wallace that he’s not in a good humor. Yet there is still a lot of romantic talk in this letter. The first paragraph gives a good insight into the logistics that went into Harry Truman and his visits to Independence.

Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess:

I guess you are having a fine time in the evening. I'm not. I'm mad. The K.C.S. went down at seven o'clock and the Frisco at six. Both too late for me to arrive at a reasonable hour. I tried to call up but for some reason best known to Independence central I didn't get you. She said you didn't answer. I know she told a mistake, to put it mildly. Do you know I left on Friday fifteen minutes too soon? When I got to Union and Delaware the car was coming and I hopped on. It was the 10:25 car. I looked at my watch after getting on. I was leaving by your clock. It was 10:30 by it when we went out on the porch. When I heard the car go uptown I just supposed it was the 10:37. Wasn't that luck? I had so much to do this A.M. that I didn't go to Grandview at all, therefore I'd have had to go downtown and see a hand-scraper face-scraper maybe. Uncle Harrison intended going to town also, but the trains were so late he decided to stay out. He went down to have a look at the babies. He's highly pleased over them.

I wish Mamma would hurry and come home. It's mighty lonesome without her. We don't expect her for a month and then we probably won't see her but for a day at a time. She's plumb dingy over those twins.

It seems that there has been a runaway in the neighborhood. Anyway two boys were here awhile ago to warn another one that his prospective father- in-law was on his trail. They wouldn't believe me when I said he wasn't here. The old man was moving to California to prevent the match. It seems like he's hastened it. Maybe that was his intention. Very mean remark. I'm sure it was not, for the boy's kinda' ornery.

I keep wishing I were in Independence. I hope you didn't let my uncertain date keep you from any others (But I really hope you did.) I am expecting to come to the fair on Thursday. But there is no telling what will happen. Mr. Hall said he expected to thresh here on Wednesday. I hope he chokes if he does. When he says Wednesday of this week he means several days after. The unexpected might happen though. Thank you very much for the Orpheum list. I hope we'll get to go see some dozens of the good things. Please send me a letter for this. I ran out of good paper upstairs and that is why this is short. Also, I'm not in a good humor, as I said before, and can't write a decent letter. Don't work too hard at the fair. Can you show me around when I come in? I hope you can. Answer quick.

Most sincerely,

Harry

By his own admission, Harry S Truman is in a sour mood. There is a lot on his mind. But he can still write some romantic thoughts to Miss Bess Wallace. Uncle Harrison and his sister, Harry Truman's mother, Martha Ellen, make a brief appearance...both are excited over twins that Harry Truman's brother, John Vivian, and his wife, Louella, had. Sadly, one of those twins, Callie Louise Truman, died at age 3. The other twin, John Curtis Truman, lived until 1989.

On the letter, Truman wrote "Blue Sunday."

Dear Bess: August 22, 1913 (postmarked)

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for August 22, 1913, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a letter for you that was postmarked on this date in 1913. August 22, 1913, was a Friday…we hope that that helps the first few lines make more sense. The weekend before, Harry Truman certainly had an enjoyable time visiting Miss Bess Wallace and her family. Today, the drive between Independence and Grandview, Missouri, is about 20-30 minutes. Note that Truman refers to the trip being three hours. Of course, we have the benefit of multiple interstate highways today, whereas the roads here in 1913 were atrocious. A little over a decade later, while serving in the local county government, Harry Truman did much to build a new road infrastructure. While living on the Farm, Truman and his father served as road overseers.

Also in this letter is one of the few instances where, in writing, Harry Truman referred to Miss Wallace’s mother by her name, Madge. Technically, she was Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Gates Wallace. By the time of this letter, she was a widow for ten years, and was often known as Mrs. David W. Wallace, or Mrs. D.W. Wallace. She would also be Harry Truman’s mother in law. But that was six years away. Harry Truman had to prove himself worthy to all, first. Here’s the letter, postmarked August 22, 1913.

Dear Bess:

I intended that you should get this on Tuesday morning instead of Wednesday but I had to work. I ran away in such a hurry Sunday evening that I don't believe I told you what a fine time I'd had. I don't think I ever did enjoy a week end more unless it was some of the others I've spent with you. I think they are all good--best. I suppose Frank arrived home on time. We certainly did have a most pleasant drive. Got home in three hours to the dot. I intended letting him sleep past train time but mamma said I ought not to if he wanted to get back. Papa offered him a job and I thought for a while he was going to take it. They were both of them bluffing though.

I have been cutting clover for seed. We have an immense crop of it but it is so short that it is almost impossible to save it. There is always something the matter with a crop. It's either too dry or too wet or too short or too long or too much or not enough. If is the largest word in a farmer's language. If we could save all our clover seed, there would probably be two hundred bushels. It will probably be only one hundred that we'll get. I suppose I ought not to kick over that much because it mightn't have been any like the corn. We had a sprinkle out here last night. It thundered and raised sand around. You'd have thought a deluge was falling. It only settled the top layer of dust. I have hopes of another one some time in the next month. There's an old gink living down north of us who says it won't come a real rain until October. He says we had a "Comic" in 1901, 1911, and that there's one this year. I almost told him that it was anything but comic, but he really thinks that's the proper word and I didn't say it. He's also an A.P.A. and it takes him fifteen minutes by the clock to say, "The cow crossed the road." He has a confidential way almost like Judge George Clinton's. It's funny once but the second and third times become very, very tiresome--especially when he tries to tell me that the Star is a good, honest paper politically and that Bryan and Wilson are crooks in direct communication with the Pope. It is honestly surprising to find someone with a sixteenth-century mind in this day.

You should have seen what was in that box Ethel sent Mary. I fear very much you'd have never let it get by. It was a pink (really) girdle and a beautiful one. I think Mary is figuring on sticking me for a dress to go with it. I shall absolutely refuse to be stuck this time though for the very good reason that I'm busted.

I suppose you and Madge are playing tennis this week. It ought to be fine now after the shower.

I have read that letter of Miss Maggies. She had a fine time in Boston visiting all the places of historical interest. She said she'd be very much pleased to have you and myself call on her when she got home so she could unburden some more American history. Dinner's ready and I've got to go eat and get to work. You can imagine this blank space full of all the nice things I haven't the brains to say. See you Sunday I hope if I don't have to put up hay.

Most sincerely, Harry

From late summer, 1913, a charming letter from Harry Truman to Miss Bess Wallace. He's still joyous over a recent visit to Miss Wallace's family in Independence. He describes some challenges with crops and the weather, and more. This letter is a terrific insight into Truman's life on the Farm.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-22-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

Dear Bess: August, 1913. (Maybe?)

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 12, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We’d like to share with you a letter, a letter many of us think was written in August of 1913. Here’s the problem…we’re just not sure. Harry Truman didn’t date letter, and the postmark isn’t clearly legible. The best we can do is guess, based on the clues in the letter.

Anyway, lots of great things in this letter. Mr. Truman has a sharp thing to say about lawyers…he and his family were still dealing with a lawsuit that stemmed from the will of his grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Young that pitted Truman’s mother against her siblings. You’ll also hear Truman talk about his views on the telephone. Although it wasn’t a new technology, he just wasn’t comfortable using it. Truman also makes reference to Bess Wallace’s brothers George and Frank, as well as his own brother John Vivian. So this letter is, sort of, all in the family.

Here's the letter.

Dear Bess:

I saw George today in K.C. I might as well have stayed in town for all the time I spent at home. It was necessary for me to see Boxley, principally to get touched for some money. It seems to be a very charming habit of his. In fact, as Bill Bostain said in his famous High School speech, touching seems to be the proper description of interviews with lawyers. If dollars were tears, those gentlemen would certainly have their clients praying for a larger reservoir. Besides the visit to Mr. B., I made one to the office of the Burlington Railway Company. Got about six volumes of literature, and some information. Also I visited the offices of the Rock Island, the C.M. & St. P., the Chicago Grt Wstn. At each one I hid all the books I already had and received a new supply. I brought the literature home in a market basket. (There were apples in the bottom of it.) At each office I learned that that RR had the best and quickest way to go, although there was a difference of six hours in some of the schedules. I have had half the fun of going now anyway whether I get off or not. I've a notion that my name will be no. 9,002 if there are 9,001 claims, but I reckon I'd as well blow sixty dollars for carfare as for booze. Since I don't drink I can charge the sixty off to unrequited thirst and know that at least I'm obtaining more nearly value received. I haven't any excuse to offer for not having called you up except that I went to Federman's twice to do it and couldn't get a phone. That is another time my intentions were good. Please credit. Of course I couldn't possibly spend five cents. I hate to talk over a pay-as-you-enter phone because every time just as conversation is going good, down comes the key with a "Time's up, another nickel please." To tell the truth, I hate to talk over the phone anyway. I'm always rattled and can never say what I want to. I like to use one only when I'm driven to it. I don't even answer one here at home when Mary's handy to it.

I hope George can get off to make the Montana trip. I'm sure we can have a good time even if we get nothing. Also we'll probably get cooled off. I think Frank really wants to go too. My small brother says he's not going to spend money for a Pullman under any circumstances. I've a notion he thinks I'll buy one and offer him half. He's got another thing comming [sic]. I'll sell him half. As dry as its been and as hard up as I am I'm going to be stingy even if he has got twins. Papa's dying to go. I'll bet he does. Won't that be a conglomeration of Trumans.

Bess, I can't write a good letter tonight. I'm mad because I had to come home. The threshers were expected this afternoon and they didn't arrive. I might just as well have been at Independence, provided always of course you'd been home. It was most awful nice to say the breaks in the middle of the week are a pleasure to you. You bet I'm glad. They're seventh heaven to me.

Can I come Sunday? If we don't thresh, I shall have urgent business in town I hope about Friday. Please consider this worth an answer.

Most sincerely, Harry

Here's King Rene. You see I wasn't bluffing.

Could this letter have been written in 1913? Perhaps, although we can't say for sure. Harry Truman didn't date it, and the postmark isn't clear. But it's a fun letter anyway. Truman has a little barb for his lawyer, talks about not liking the telephone, and more.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/ca-august-1913-no-date-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

Dear Bess: August 8, 1944

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 8, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter is an interesting Dear Bess one from August 8, 1944. In this letter, Senator Harry S Truman wrote to his wife about the chaos he was now experiencing as the new nominee for Vice President, which had happened a few weeks prior. Truman was already sort of a government celebrity thanks to the work of the so-called “Truman committee.” But now that he was the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President, the country was eager to learn a little more about the Senator from Missouri. Had Mrs. Truman made peace with her husband’s nomination? That’s hard to say. From the moment the nomination appeared to be happening, she was uncomfortable with the publicity. But she knew her husband would be of great service to the president and country. As her husband became more famous, Mrs. Truman made her zone of privacy all the tighter.

Here’s the letter. Thank you for listening.

Washington, D.C. August 8, 1944

Dear Bess:

Yesterday and today have been hectic - and I mean hectic. I stayed at home yesterday morning and wrote you a letter, signed a lot of congratulation acknowledgements and finally got to the office about 9:30. Fulton was there as were all the reporters in the Senate Press gallery. Fulton resigned, Mead made a statement, I made one and wrote a speech for the record; went down to Harris & Ewing and had my campaign picture made. Went over to the Senate, made the speech, had lunch on John Overton, went to a steering committee meeting in Barclay's office - No 1 in my nine and 1/2 years in the Senate. It was on reconversion - whether we'd take a dose of Walter George and Dr. Vandenburg or a bottle of Dr. Kilgore's prescription with a pinch of No 7 by Murray, a drop of No 8 by H.S.T., some coal smoke by R.R. labor and same castor oil by C.I.O. They decided to let the river take its course. Maybe we will get a bill - I hope, I hope, I hope.

Went back to the office and to discuss V.P. policy with Time. Signed 500 letters and brought 500 more home and a thousand to read. When I looked at the clock it was 12:30. So I went to bed. Got up at 6:40, ate breakfast at the Hot Shop and started over. Had date with Gen Marshall at 11 A.M. Harry V & I took some clothes to the Swede tailor on the way back and I had lunch with Hannegan, Wallgren, Overton, Paul the publicity man and a half dozen other Senators. Pull wires on George Kilgore bill, had my picture taken with Sen. Wagner, signed some more and went to two parties - one at the Carlton for Mr. Thomas head of Auto workers because he's going to the battle fronts. Saw Ramspeck, Guffey, Wallace's secretary, Mark Childs and 1/2 dozen other newspapermen and then went over to the Statler where the Staff were giving Hugh Fulton a farewell party. Ferguson, Burton, Kilgore, Wallgren and I represented the Senate. It was a buffet dinner and a very nice affair. They gave Hugh a scroll and me a send off and I'm home at nine P.M. with my dinner this time - forgot to eat last night. The President has decided he wants me to wait here until he gets to Washington rather than get on his train at K.C. Says the gov't is paying for the train and we can't talk politics on it. So it will a week from Monday instead of Monday for my home trip.

You give a check for the auto bill. Glad you had it fixed. Wish I could have yours worked on by Dan.

Gave Hayden an earful of Robert Finch. I'm glad Leonard is safe. If you can get me a statewide county by county return on the state ticket I'd like it. Wish I could have seen the bowling alley fire. Guess Mr. Sermon has found uplifters and antis aren't so hot after all - also that the lightening doesn't have to strike twice in the same county seat even if the dumbest citizen did get hit first. Maybe my friend Jim P. is still worth more than Hatton, Montgomery et al.

Here's some mail. Will keep you informed on development.

Lots & lots of love. Kiss my baby for me. Harry.

A busy "Dear Bess" letter for you, written on this date in 1944. Harry S Truman, United States Senator from Missouri, was a newly nominated candidate for Vice President, so he is adjusting to that while still doing his job as Senator. And he misses his wife and family.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/august-8-1944

Dear Bess: August 5, 1913 (postmarked)

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 5, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a fun “Dear Bess” letter for you today, written on this date in 1913. And it’s fun for several reasons. Harry Truman charmingly describes a Chautauqua show that visited the area that week, including some humorous descriptions of the attendees. Truman also talks fishing with Bess Wallace. Did Harry Truman like to fish? Well, yes and no. But we can say that he liked fishing, especially, when Bess accompanied him.

But this letter marks what may be the only time that Harry Truman refers to Bess Wallace’s mother, Madge Gates Wallace, by her first name, “Madge.” He often referred to her a “your mother,” or “Mrs. Wallace.” Of course, like most suitors, Harry Truman was also trying to win over his potential mother in law. It remains somewhat difficult to determine just how the relationship was between Harry Truman and Mrs. Wallace. We may never know for sure. But come 1919, once married, the new Mr. and Mrs. Harry S Truman called Mrs. Wallace’s home their home, and it would always be. As President of the United States, he lived in his mother in law’s home. It wasn’t until after Mrs. Wallace died, and Truman left the White House, that, legally, 219 North Delaware Street was the Truman Home.

Here’s the letter.

Postmarked Aug. 5, 1913

Dear Bess:

I am writing this at six o'clock in the morning. We have had breakfast but Mary, Ethel, and Nellie are still unconscious. I don't suppose they'll show up before nine. We were out at the Chautauqua last night. One of the Grandview boys was good enough to take us up in a car. This is the real Belton show that is going on now. You ought to see the difference in the crowds. They look nice, act nice, and are bigger than those who attended the opposition. You know there is all the difference in the appearance of certain bunches of people. It can be seen by riding on a Central Ave car going west and going east. Going west the men wear green sox and pink neckties fastened to rubber collars while the women chew gum and indulge in loud conversation. When the eastbound bunch gets on the majority of them look civilized anyway. That's just the way the two crowds appeared in Belton. We seemed to blend in nicely with the opposition. I haven't informed the girls yet of my impressions of the two crowds. I guess I'll have to tell them that they fit in very nicely with the gum chewing one. I'll take a good start before I begin.

Mr. Gilliland was very funny. He got off a bushel of old jokes but he did them well and differently. Also he had some new ones. All jokes are old I guess but they are new if you haven't heard them. Most all of our good ones are said to have come down from the Greeks and Romans. I suppose they got them from Egypt and Babylon. In addition to Mr. Gilliland there was a Russian orchestra. They had freak mandolins and guitars, and one of them had a fine bass voice. He got off "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep very well. There was also an impersonator. The show only cost a quarter while the opposition was 50 cents.

I suppose Madge has arrived by this time. I hope she won't care about our going fishing. Maybe you can get Frank to entertain her that day by going to the K.C. Chautauqua! I hope you'll get to go anyway. It looks as if it might rain this morning. I hope it does. That's what we need, also it'll make the fish bite better. They say that liver is the best bait. Perhaps you wouldn't object to baiting your hook with liver. It is necessary to bury it three days. That might cause it to be as objectionable as worms. There's an old man by the name of Moore living at Hickman Mills who is an expert in the fishing line and he says liver is the best bait on earth. I don't know what effect the burying has on it but I suppose it adds to the flavor. English are said to have buried their deer meat to make it good. I'd prefer mine to stay on top of the ground.

We can come home by way of the Missouri River and buy a few fish if we don't catch any in Blue. I think that is the usual mode or procedure anyway. There is a farmers picnic out here today. I suppose I shall go after noon. I would go this morning but I don't think the girls will be up in time. It really isn't much fun to go to a picnic though if you don't arrive before eating time. It used to be my luck when I was working in the bank to get to nearly all the Colgan's picnic suppers after they were over. They'd always save me something to eat but its no fun if you don't have an opportunity to spill the jam on somebody's white dress. Besides a picnic supper doesn't usually improve by lying on the ground. Speaking of pouring the jam on someone's dress. I very deliberately poured lemonade on Nellie's linen dress last night. We stopped in Belton and had something to drink. Ethel was very intent on destroying all the straws so the man couldn't use them again while I, of course wanted to be as saving of expense to him as I could. In the struggle that naturally followed Nellie got in the way of some lemonade. It didn't show though. We all thought she'd have some clean spots on the front of her dress. She always manages to be the innocent bystander when there's trouble around. They are going home this evening I guess. We have had a good time since they've been out.

Well I hope to see you Saturday anyway. I shall look for a letter real soon this week.

Most sincerely,

Harry

A charming letter from 1913 from Mr. Truman to Miss Wallace. A Chautauqua visits the area. He talks fishing...and bait!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-5-1913-postmark

Dear Harry AND Dear Bess: July 24 and July 25, 1923

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for July 25, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We’d like to offer a double-header for you today, and feature a rare “Dear Harry” letter, from July 24, 1923, written by Bess Wallace Truman, and the response written by Harry S Truman the following day, July 25, 1923.

The letter from Bess Wallace is rare, because relatively few of her letters to Harry Truman survive. It’s commonly accepted that she destroyed most of them, and somehow missed the few that survive. We’re certainly glad that what survives survive, and we are grateful to the family for sharing them with history…and us.

In this exchange, Mrs. Truman tells her husband about a tooth abscess procedure she had done…in turn, her husband voices his displeasure at the methods of the dentist. Truman wrote his letter at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was on his periodic reserves training.

Here is Mrs. Truman’s letter:

[July 24, 1923] Tuesday afternoon

My Dear- Both of your letters came this a.m. The Sunday letter didn't leave Ft. L. until 2:30 yesterday. It was silly of me to get worried yesterday. I knew it, even when I called but I was so afraid maybe the heat had laid you up or something. Anyway I wanted to talk to you.

The tooth is out. And it's a good thing. Doctor B. said it was much worse than he expected-the x-ray doesn't even show the abscess in the middle of the tooth. He had a pretty bad time getting it out. It had to be cut and drilled out entirely. It took him an hour and five minutes to do it. He was as worn out as I was. But it isn't bothering me much now. He had to give me so many hypodermics, my head feels funny. I'm going back tomorrow to have it syringed out good, to get rid of that pus. I hope this cooler breeze keeps up over Thursday-the trip will be much more pleasant.

There've been a world of airplanes over since the R.O.'s have been at Richard's Field. They seem to keep them as busy as you are. This is some scratching but I can't do it over. Fred is going up to mail it for me.

Lots of love- Bess

And here is Mr. Truman’s reply:

Ft. Leavenworth, Kans. July 25, 1923

Dear Bess: It sounded mighty fine to hear your voice over the phone but I surely feel like busting a dentist I know of. It does seem to me that he could have extracted that tooth in a shorter time than that. I'm very glad it's out and I hope you'll get the rest of them fixed. Whenever you do I'll have my throat cut. I sure feel fine this morning. It is cool and the pep is in everyone. I have been eating too much and I cut my diet day before yesterday. The result has been marvelous. Then we've had a new physical instructor the last day or so and he's been putting us through some real stuff. I'll be able to lick all the rabbits and the Kansas City Journal too when I get home. I hope your old lady gets her road oiled. If she does not there won't be any harm done.

That Battery drill today is going to be some exercise. I'll have about forty green men and you can guess what will happen. We are going to show the infantry how fast we can take up a position and start action. If someone doesn't fall off his horse and break his neck or point the gun north when we want to shoot south, we'll be all right. I've got a good executive and I guess everything will come out all right. Hope to see you tomorrow. Lots of love. I hope your tooth extraction hasn't caused any aftermath.

Yours, Harry

We would like to share both a "Dear Harry" and a "Dear Bess" letter from 99 years ago...talking about a dental procedure. It's one of the relatively few times that we can match a "Dear Bess" and a "Dear Harry" letter. We love when we can do that!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/july-24-1923-postmark

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/july-25-1923

Dear Bess: July 12, 1911

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for July 12, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This is one of the most important of the Dear Bess letters, so we wanted to share it with you. It’s from July 12, 1911. A little context…on June 22, 1911, Harry S Truman wrote a letter to his sweetheart, Bess Wallace. In that letter, he essentially proposed marriage to her, asking her if she would wear a solitaire on her hand. At some point, possibly by telephone, Bess Wallace turned him down. Why? It’s difficult to say, as no letters from Miss Wallace to Truman from this period survive, and neither party ever shared any insight into this. No doubt Truman was disappointed, but did he give up? Nope. The courtship continued, on paper, over the telephone, and in person.

A note about language…this letter contains a pejorative. It is included for the sake of completeness.

If you are enjoying these recordings of these letters, please let us know somehow, whether on our Facebook page, Instagram page, or when you visit. We’d like to hear from you!

Here’s the letter.

July 12, 1911

Dear Bessie:

You know that you turned me down so easy that I am almost happy anyway. I never was fool enough to think that a girl like you could ever care for a fellow like me but I couldn't help telling you how I felt. I have always wanted you to have some fine, rich, good-looking man, but I knew that if ever I got the chance I'd tell you how I felt even if I didn't even get to say another word to you. What makes me feel real good is that you were good enough to answer me seriously and not make fun of me anyway. You know when a fellow tells a girl all his heart and she makes a joke of it I suppose it would be the awfulest feeling in the world. You see I never had any desire to say such things to anyone else. All my girl friends think I am a cheerful idiot and a confirmed old bach. They really don't know the reason nor ever will. I have been so afraid you were not even going to let me be your good friend. To be even in that class is something. You may think I'll get over it as all boys do. I guess I am something of a freak myself. I really never had any desire to make love to a girl just for the fun of it, and you have always been the reason. I have never met a girl in my life that you were not the first to be compared with her, to see wherein she was lacking and she always was. Please don't think I am talking nonsense or bosh, for if ever I told the truth I am telling it now and I'll never tell such things to anyone else or bother you with them again. I have always been more idealist than practical anyway, so I really never expected any reward for loving you. I shall always hope though.

As I said before I am more than glad to be your good friend for that is more than I expected. So when I come down there Saturday (which I'll do if I don't hear from you) I'll not put on any hangdog airs but will try to be the same old Harry.

You need not be afraid of bumping the proprieties with me. You couldn't. So send your package along. My new book has come and it is a dandy. A Hindu myth and really fine I think. I sent you Mollie Make Believe by Nellie this time. I hope you got it.

I was at the stockyards yesterday and a fellow offered to buy a bank down here in the south part of the county if I'd run it. I don't know if I could be a banker or not. You know a man has to be real stingy and save every one-cent stamp he can. Then sometimes he has to take advantage of adverse conditions and sell a good man out. That is one reason I like being a farmer. Even if you do have to work like a coon you know that you are not grinding the life out of someone else to live yourself. Still if this man makes the call loud enough, as the preacher said, I may take it. I can stay at home and help run the farm anyway.

Don't you know of some way to make it rain? We need it so badly that if it does not come it will be a real calamity. They say it rains on the just and the unjust alike but it is certainly passing some of us this year. Twenty miles south they have had plenty.

I hope you will continue your good letters as I really enjoy them and will try to answer them to the best of my ability, and although I may sometimes remind you of how I feel toward you I'll try and not bore you to death with it.

Very sincerely,

Harry

A touching letter from Harry Truman to Bess Wallace. Miss Wallace had turned down his proposal of marriage...how does he react? Listen to find out. Please note that Mr. Truman uses a pejorative in this letter, included for completeness.

If you like these recordings, please let us know, so that we can continue making them for you.

The letter is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/july-12-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

Dear Bess: July 1 & 2, 1911

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcase for July 1, 2022…a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a short letter for you today…actually two short letters…written on this date in 1911 by Harry S Truman, writing on the family farm in Grandview, Missouri to Bess Wallace in Independence. Why two letters? Well, they are combined into one mailing to Miss Wallace. They were still within the first few months of their courtship. Evidently, Miss Wallace was still willing to be called “Bessie,” but that would change in relatively short order, when she asked to be called simply “Bess.”

But one of the reasons we wanted to share these letters is to put a little spotlight on Harry Truman’s Uncle Harrison Young. Harrison Young was a brother of Harry Truman’s mother, Martha Ellen Young Truman. In fact, it was for Harrison Young that Harry Truman was named by his parents in 1884…although the future president was named Harry, not Harrison. Harrison Young’s father, Solomon Young, was one of the leading businessmen in Jackson County at the time of his death in 1892. Solomon Young had the family farm, and wagon trains that used the western trail system.

During the Civil War, Federal soldiers reportedly threatened to hang young Harrison Young, who was about 15 when that war started. Solomon and Harriet Young experienced financial loss on their farm near Grandview during the Civil War, and the Solomon Young estate was still trying to seek reimbursement from this going into the 20th century.

Harrison Young never married. His father Solomon died in 1892, and the original Farm Home burned shortly after that. Family tradition holds that the family Bible burned in that fire. By the early 20th century, Mrs. Harriet Young was getting older, and needed help to manage the farm, by then about 600 acres. Thus, John and Martha Truman, their children John Vivian, Mary Jane and, eventually, Harry, returned to the farm to help. It was a business arrangement as much as a family one. Harriet Young died in 1909. Her will caused a family rift that took several years to heal. Harrison Young died in 1916, leaving the entire remainder of the Farm to the Truman family. When Harrison Young died, the funeral was held in the family farm home in Grandview. It is unknown if Harry Truman attended his namesake’s funeral; he had been in Oklahoma that month working at his zinc and lead mine, which was in danger of failing.

One of the many reasons we are grateful that these “Dear Bess” letters survives is that they are the best documentation of Harrison Young’s life and his influence on his namesake. This letter gives us one of our favorite Harrison Young quotes. What do you suppose he said in lieu of the blank?

Here are the letters:

Dear Bessie: Thanks for Keith of the Border. He is the kind of a story I like. I read it straight through without stopping. Haven't got over the headache yet as a result.

I haven't been able to obtain Ashes of a God yet but have sent to the publishers for it. Guess it'll arrive in a few days. Whenever it does I'll send it along or bring it if I am able. I have three of your books now. I am not going to send any of them home until I can bring them myself as you know what luck I once had.

Did you get a letter from me not long ago? Please answer if only to give me fits for being so fresh.

Sincerely, Harry

Grandview, Mo. July 1, 1911

It is so hot the thermometers have stuck out here. When it was so hot last Sunday, Uncle Harrison said "This sure is ___ on the little thermometers." It takes a good big one to do any good now.

Two brief Dear Bess letters for you, from July 1 and 2, 1911. As the second features a fun Harrison Young quote, we thought we'd put the spotlight on Harry Truman's uncle. Harrison Young (1846-1916) must have been a fascinating man...he certainly had a lot of influence on his soon-to-be-famous nephew.

You can see the original letters here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/july-1-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

Dear Bess: June 17, 1935

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for June 17, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

The letter we’d like to share with you today was written on this date in 1935. Senator Harry S Truman wrote this short letter to his wife, Mrs. Bess Wallace Truman, who was back home in Independence, Missouri. Even after Harry Truman sought elective office, he continued the correspondence he started with Bess Wallace Truman in 1910. This letter, a short one, communicates the loneliness that the relatively new Senator from Missouri was feeling in Washington, DC. At that time, Congress was only in session for about half a year. Mrs. Truman had taken their daughter Margaret home to Independence. Possibly compounding the situation for Senator Truman is the fact that many of his Senate colleagues avoided or ridiculed Truman because of Truman’s association with Tom Pendergast and his political machine back home in Jackson County, Missouri. But day by day, person by person, Truman was able to establish himself as his own man in the Senate, and would accomplish some great things while in that body.

Here's the letter.

June 17, 1935

Dear Bess:

Your card was a lifesaver this morning. I have never in my life spent such a lonesome night. I went "home" at nine-thirty after I'd talked to you and when I opened the apartment door I thought I heard Margaret say, "Hello Dad"-and I asked, well where is mother, as usual, and then I walked all around to make sure I wasn't dreaming, read the Congressional Record, put a sheet on your bed, and turned in. Every time I'd hear that young lady in the next apartment I would be sure my family were coming in. We'll never do it again.

Gates Wells and Mr. Pulliam from Henry Dillingham's office were in the hall when I came to the office at seven o'clock this morning. Saw Murray at 7:30. They are all three staying at the apartment with me tonight, so I won't hear any more ghosts. My mail is in fine shape, only a few unanswered letters and they had to wait for me.

Met with Interstate Commerce Committee a few minutes and told them I had to leave, came down here and locked the door so I could write. I sort of need a phone but I guess I can make out. I've gotten so I can hardly write. You see what lack of practice does. Kiss my baby, tell your mother and mine hello, and say I want to be remembered to all the family.

I miss you terribly,

Harry

In this brief letter, it is clear that Senator Harry S Truman, separated from his family while in Washington, DC, is missing them terribly. This letter drips sadness and loneliness. In a way, he was still courting Bess Wallace Truman, 16 years after their wedding, with these letters.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-17-1935?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

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