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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 23, 1912

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for Friday, September 23, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have an interesting letter for you today, written on this date in 1912. In this letter, Truman writes from Saint Louis. Today, Saint Louis is about a 4 hour drive. In Truman’s world, it was like it was a whole country away. Truman’s observations on the theater are fascinating.

But you’ll notice that in the middle of the letter, Truman inserts what we would call today an ethnic and racial slur. We share it with you exactly as written. Indeed, in several of these “Dear Bess” letters, there are, unfortunately, phrases like this. In 2022, how do we interpret that? A few years after writing this letter, Harry Truman, while in World War I, served with men from a variety of backgrounds, including a Jewish gentleman with whom he established a clothing store after the War. Subsequently, in his political career, Truman represented constituents of all different backgrounds, in Jackson County and as United States Senator for Missouri. Then, as President of the United States, after much deliberation, Truman set precedent and recognized Israel as a sovereign state, and also desegregated the Federal workforce and the armed services. Could it be interpreted as Harry Truman growing wiser as he got older? Is that how he would describe himself? We’ll let you decide.

Thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

[The American Hotel, St. Louis, Mo.] September 23, 1912

Dear Bess:

You see, I've followed Frank's advice and hung up at The American. It looks as imposing from the sidewalk as it does in the illustration, too, which isn't usual. The dummy that brought me here was exactly on the tick but it ran so fast I didn't get much sleep. I've already been stung on a vaudeville show at the Columbia. It was either that or Mr. Shea in A Man and His Wife, which seemed from comments and pictures to be an ultra highbrow "drammer." I took the punk vaudeville. Also, I saw the divine Sarah in a movie. It was also necessary to suffer some extra acts to see her at the Hippodrome. She was worth it, though, even if she did play Queen Elizabeth as a very emotional person. Imagine a woman like that great Queen making love as Sarah can and does. Still, I hoped against my convictions that Elizabeth was like that. I also hope that she is. This evening I attended the session of the Tuscan Lodge out on Kings Highway. They have the finest individual building in the state. All of the big guns were present and performed to the best of their ability in the limelight. Some fine highbrow time was had. I came downtown with Judge C. A. Mossman of St. Joe, who is Junior Grand Warden for this state. He is just a nice old man and not one bit stuck up.

Every time I come to this sleepy old town I am more thoroughly convinced that K.C. is a live one. It may not contain square miles or so many Jew jewelers, but it's far and away ahead of this place for things doing. Louisiana Lou is the leading show at the high-class theaters, and I wouldn't go see it because it's already been to K.C. The Shubert is putting on some other musical comedy, and every other show house in town has moving pictures! Except the Gayety, and Gayety shows are not always good. Real business begins in the morning. Tomorrow afternoon I can go on a two-mile parade if I want to and help dedicate the new Home Building. Little Harry thinks he'll skip the parade and go to the St. Louis Fair. I can do that and get back for the dedication. I guess I'll have to turn this sheet or ring for more. It is forty minutes after 12:00 p.m., and as I'm on the twelfth floor I'll not ring this time.

I am wondering if you'll consider this worth anything. I hope you will. I had a bad dream this morning. I thought I went back home from here immediately on arriving to get something I'd forgot and the folks wouldn't let me come back. I was almost ready to do some desperate trick when I woke up. I've been wondering all day if something's gone wrong at home. I never did have a more vivid dream and really thought I was home when I woke up. I am hoping to see you sometime Thursday if I can. Please send me a letter for this.

Most sincerely, Harry

In this Dear Bess letter from 1912, Harry Truman writes to Bess Wallace while staying in a hotel in Saint Louis. His views on the theater in Saint Louis are interesting. But this letter is an example of how, sometimes, Harry Truman used phrases that can, well, make us cringe in 2022. How do we deal with that in 2022? And can it be argued that as Truman grew older, he grew wiser?

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/september-23-1912

Dear Bess: September 21, 1946

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 21, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we’d like to share a letter written by President Harry S Truman to First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, who was back home at 219 North Delaware Street, in Independence, Missouri. In this letter, Truman writes about firing his Secretary of the Commerce, Henry A Wallace.

Henry Wallace served as one of Franklin Roosevelt’s vice presidents, but was replaced on the 1944 ticket by Senator Harry S Truman of Missouri. Wallace was well regarded by the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, but he soon found himself at odds with the Truman administration, particularly Truman’s hard line on the Soviet Union. This is what led, ultimately, to Truman demanding Wallace’s resignation, and receiving it.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

[The White House] September 21, 1946

Dear Bess:

Well I fired Wallace but not by the letter I'd written. I called him and told him he ought to get out. He was so nice about it I almost backed up. I just don't understand the man and he doesn't either. Now that's some statement. I am enclosing you two clippings from the News. One by Tom Stokes on Wallace, which I think may be correct, and an editorial--over which I almost shed tears. I did sit down and write John O'Rourke a note (he's the editor of the News) telling him that now he could call me crazy, crook, or incompetent and I'd never fall out with him.

The reaction to firing Henry is terrific. The stock market went up twenty points! I've had an avalanche of telegrams from Maine to California agreeing with the action. I've also had some from New York, Detroit, and California calling me a traitor to F.D.R. and a warmonger. But I think I'm right. Charlie Ross told me I'd shown I'd rather be right than President and I told him I'd rather be anything than President, and Clifford said, "Please don't say that." Anyway it's done and I feel like Mon Wallgren's Swede. This Swede owned a fine retail business and was doing fine, but according to Mon he became somewhat intimate with a lady named Gina Olson. Gina came to his store one day and told Ole (Mon's Swede) that she thought she was due to produce a child but that she wasn't sure. She told him that she was going to see the local doctor and find out for sure. Well Ole walked the floor, kicked and cussed himself for a fool and wished he'd behaved. Gina came back shortly and told Ole that the Doc could not see her until the next day. So they decided to take a walk and discuss the situation. The walk led them to the town reservoir. Gina said to Ole with Mon's Swede accent, "You know if what I believe is true is confirmed by the doctor tomorrow, I shall come up here and jump into that reservoir." Ole threw his arms around her and said, "Oh Gina, you don't know what a load you take off my mind." Also in Mon's Swedish dialect.

Well Henry's demise makes me feel like Ole did--but not for the same reason, thank God. That reminds me, I had a telegram from Steve Early which said, "Thank God. Steve." Just three days.

Lots of love, Harry

In this Dear Bess letter, President Harry S Truman writes about firing his Secretary of Commerce, Henry A. Wallace. But the Truman-Henry Wallace story doesn't end there...in 1948, Henry Wallace ran against Truman (and Thomas Dewey and Strom Thurmond) for president. But Wallace for only a small fraction of the vote, about 2.38%.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-21-1946

Dear Harry: September 15, 1937

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 15, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a treat for you today, a rather rare “Dear Harry” letter. Rare because it’s believed that in the mid 1950s, Bess Wallace Truman destroyed much of her correspondence with her husband in their fireplace at 219 North Delaware Street. How much was destroyed? We’ll probably never know. We know this story because their daughter Margaret Truman shared it in her memoir ¬Souvenir, and repeated the story afterwards. Why did Mrs. Truman do this? It’s hard to say. She was an intensely private person. But rather than be mournful of what we don’t have, let’s be grateful for what we do have.

This letter ties to a letter that we published yesterday on this podcast, a letter Senator Truman wrote to Bess Truman, from a hospital in Arkansas. Senator Truman was going through a battery of tests, and put a positive, even humorous, take on it. In this letter, Mrs. Truman is being very concerned about her husband. The letter also makes mention of Mr. Fred Canfil. Harry Truman would, if he could, likely say that Mr. Canfil was essential to him, but almost every Truman scholar would state we wish we knew more about Mr. Canfil. For many years, Mr. Canfil served as a manager of the Jackson County, Missouri, courthouse, then served as an assistant to Senator Truman. Then, for almost ten years, Mr. Canfil was US Marshall for the Western District of Missouri. Fred Canfil was loyal to Harry Truman, and the feeling was very much mutual.

Thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

[Independence, Mo.] [September 15, 1937] Wednesday

Dear Harry -

Was surely glad to finally get you last night - had to tell who I was - so I guess you are pretty well barricaded. Nobody but Fred Canfil knows where you are - & he and I have been telling everyone you were out of reach of telephone & wire - and I guess you are at that! I'm afraid you have been holding out on me - judging from your letter which just came the Navy Dr. told you something unpleasant about your heart - and you swore he said it was O.K. after promising to tell me exactly what the report was!

I guess I'll have to write to the hospital down there to get the correct dope on you this time. Here's hoping it's all fine. Am glad it's cool down there. It's grand here but somewhat warmer. May, Natalie, Marg & I are going riding after school. Marg was delighted about the imminent arrival of your pralines. She laid me out for not calling her when I got you last night - but I couldn't have gotten her without waking up both babies.

We had an announcement this morning of Clyde Williams' daughter's marriage. You know what that means.

Mr. Canfil calls every morning to see if there is anything he can do - I gave him a couple of apple growers' telegrams to answer. He found out from Mildred they were already working on it in Wash. - Am sending mail to Vic every day - Stay as long as you possibly can.

Lots of love, Bess

We have two treats for you today. For one, this is a relatively rare "Dear Harry" letter, written by Bess Wallace Truman to her husband, Senator Harry S Truman of Missouri. Secondly, we have a guest voice...sharing the letter and story today is our Superintendent, Carol Dage. Carol recently marked her 33rd year at the park. She started as Curator, and is now Superintendent.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/september-15-1937-postmark

Dear Bess: September 14, 1937

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 14, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

A short, but fascinating letter for you today, written by Senator Harry S Truman to his wife, Bess, on this date in 1937.

If there is a period in Truman’s life that should probably be talked about more, it’s his time in the United States Senate. He loved the Senate, and all that the work entailed. It’s unfortunate that it is unknown where Senator Truman’s papers from his first term, from 1935-1941, ended up. We fear they’re lost. That’s why letters like these give great insight into his work in the Senate, and what his life was like outside of the Capitol. Thank heavens Harry Truman kept up writing to Mrs. Truman and others. We suspect that some of his medical reports like this still reside in archives across the country, waiting to be discovered. This was before HIPAA, of course!

Here’s the letter.

Hotel Tulsa, Hot Springs, Ark. September 14, 1937

Dear Bess:

How do you like my new stationary? The border is a knockout. Believe I'll have some senate stationary made on the same plan. Well I moved into the hospital yesterday morning and they start doing things to me today. Photograph teeth, stomach, lungs and other parts so they say. Make blood tests etc. Say there is nothing to worry about the heart. I told you I didn't trust the navy. I have a northwest corner room on the eighth floor overlooking the town. It is cold as the dickens down here. I had to put on my blue coat and vest last night to witness a picture show on the roof of the hospital.

The weather has been beautiful and I wish I'd gone to this place to begin with. I'd have been six dollars ahead anyway. Only have to pay for eats at $150 per day and medicine, if any. Pretty soft. Wish you'd call Lou Holland and tell him I can't be there the 17th. It will take all week to do this job and since I've started I'd better go through. Feel better this morning than I have for a month. They are really feeding me. I was most starved to death.

Love to you all. Kiss Margey

Harry.

A fascinating, brief letter from Senator Harry S Truman to Mrs. Bess Wallace Truman today, written on his day in 1937. Senator Truman writes mostly about some medical tests that he is taking at a hospital in Arkansas. It seems as if Senator Truman is getting a good bill of health. You might want to look at this letter, too, as he references the unique stationary.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-14-1937

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: 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

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