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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: 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

Dear Bess: June 8, 1918

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast. Today is June 8, 2022, and this is 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 most charming “Dear Bess” letter, written on this date in 1918. First Lieutenant Truman is writing to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, back in Independence, Missouri. The rank is important. In regards to his World War I service, Harry Truman is often, correctly, written as Captain Truman. But when he first shipped to France, he was a First Lieutenant. You’ll hear how Truman was hearing rumors that a promotion was coming…it did, in fact, come shortly after this letter.

You’ll also hear a few references to censoring of the mail. That was and is nothing new. Mail going to and from a war zone is often censored, in the event that a piece of mail fell into the wrong hands. We wish we had the letters from Miss Wallace that Lieutenant Truman refers to…unfortunately they don’t survive.

Here's the letter.

France, June 8, 1918

Dear Bess: This is sure a banner day. I finished school today and got a letter from you, the first I've had in several weeks. It sure makes life worth while again to hear from you.

We leave tomorrow for the regiment. It will be the next thing to going home to see the bunch. I didn't get any special mention at the school. Some were mentioned as future instructors and some were marked as having done excellent work. There were some who were marked as failures. I got neither so I guess I got by. There's a rumor current that I'm to be promoted soon but I don't know for what or why.

I think I will be able to tell you where I am the next time I write because we are allowed to mention some towns and I think the one where we are going is one of them.

I got three letters from Mary, one from mamma, one from Morgan and one from you. Evidently there are a lot more of yours somewhere. This one was dated May 3. The cake hasn't arrived yet and I suspicion some cursed mail clerk of having eaten it up. It sure makes me feel good to know that you've heard from me and know that I'm safe and sound.

That cake would sure taste good any time whether I am hungry or not. We do not get cake or pie but we get plenty of roast beef or horse I don't know which and beans and soup “ potage du pain” the French call it dish water and bread I think it is but it tastes well. You know the French can flavor anything so it is good to eat. That is excepting Limburger cheese. I am hoping against hope that the cake arrives and so are the rest of the bunch.

No I didn't even know Col Elliott was divorced from his first wife let alone married again. I don't know whether he is with the regiment. In fact I am as ignorant of everything concerning the outside world as if I were in Arkansas. It looks like Arkansas too except for the grand buildings scattered over the country.

Your rumor by way of Morgan from Pete Allen makes me believe that the one that has been current here may be true. I hope so anyway. That is concerning my promotion.

No your letters are not censored at least not so far but you never can tell when they are going to be. You know they work the censor business on the probability plan as figured in differential calculus or somewhere up in that neighborhood. They simply grab a certain number of the officers letters from a pile and judge the pile by the way that number turns out. All enlisted men's mail is read. I read some of it myself.

Bill Bostian just missed seeing me by a nose the other day. He was in a big town over near here just a few hours before I was. I saw in the New York Herald (Paris edition) where he was also in Paris the other day too. I expect he will probably come down to our new camping place and then I'll get to see him.

I hope you read those Hatchets every carefully because they contained some information I was unable to write. Mary said she saw after a time what it contained. Yes that Lodge of Instruction sounded very familiar.

George Arrowsmith got three letters from Independence today and I had to almost whip him to hold him on the ground.

He's also looking forward to the receipt of my cake.

Be sure and keep on writing because letters from you sure help make the hard work bearable and we've got to work like the dickens to whip Heiny and that's what we're here for to out guess out run and out shoot him. So keep writing.

Yours always,

Harry Harry S. Truman 1st Lt 129 FA American EF.

A letter from 1st Lieutenant Harry Truman to Bess Wallace, written from France, in the midst of World War I. Lieutenant Truman refers to a rumor of a promotion. Will he get it? Will he get the cake that Miss Wallace sent him?

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-8-1918?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

Dear Bess: June 2, 1913

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for June 2, 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 1913. It has us smiling, not because it’s a humorous letter…but, rather, because of how relevant it is to us today!

This year, the park started offering regular tours of the Truman Farm Home for the first time in almost a decade. But we also discovered that in the kitchen and dining room of the Farm Home, there has been rapid deterioration of the paint and surface. Normally it would be a simple fix, but there is lead paint involved, so extra caution has to be taken for the safety of all. So, tours presently don’t go into the kitchen and dining room. That’s the way it goes with historic homes…like our own homes, there’s always something that needs fixed. So we’re working on fixing the lead paint problems…just like how in 1913, the Trumans were fixing something. Fear not, we still offer tours of the Farm Home on Fridays and Saturdays…you can see a schedule on our website. Just click on the calendar of events. By the way, you’ll hear a reference to Bess Wallace’s brother, George Wallace, and his future wife, May.

Here's the letter, postmarked June 2, 1913.

Dear Bess:

I have been rejoicing this morning because I found the plasterer gone. He wants to do some painting now. I am going to try and find someone else before he gets back. Dreamland behaved very nicely last night. There were only about a dozen couples to get on. The dancers sure looked fine from the car.

George just now called and said he had a piece of machinery for you as per direction from me. I am sorry I couldn't deliver it but there's no use keeping you from using it just to get to deliver it myself. George said the handle is a little bit larger than Miss May's but that he'd fix it. I hope it will be all right. I am no expert on such matters but I think George is and he said it is just right.

My thought factory absolutely refuses to grind this morning and if I remember correctly I promised you a good letter the last time I wrote. You sure are going to get disappointed but please let George's package have some weight in this case. It was all I could do last night to keep from telling you that perhaps you'd not have to go to Platte to win a prize tennis bat.

I hope you can have a fine game and that it won't rain until Wednesday. I suppose you are getting ready to entertain the Texans this evening. Be sure and search them for hardware before you start any arguments. Texans are generally quick on the trigger and have been ever since Sam Houston and even unto Captain Bill MacDonald.

I'm going to get even with you for not sending me but one sheet. Papa's going to the office and if I quit now you'll get this Tuesday. Here's hoping I get two for one. I'm hoping to see you Sunday if not before.

Sincerely,

Harry

Some things never change! On this date in 1913, Harry Truman, writing from their family farm home, alludes to some repair work being done in that home. Today, in 2022, we are doing the same thing! We are repairing some paint and surfaces, including lead paint abatement. That's how it is with old homes! (Even new ones, right?)

A digital copy is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-2-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

Dear Bess: May 23, 1911

Transcript

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

We would like to share a fascinating letter with you today, written by Harry S Truman to Bess Wallace on this date in 1911. If the December 31, 1910, letter is indeed the first “Dear Bess” letter, then this letter is from the first six months of the courtship. Truman’s cousin Ethel Noland makes a brief appearance, as do Truman’s sister, Mary Jane, and his brother, John Vivian. Family dynamics and a discussion about literature make this letter a treasure. At the time this was written, Harry Truman was still dealing with a broken leg, which was problematic for a farmer. Who would do his work? Less productivity can result in less income.

Note at the end of the letter Truman makes reference to a telephone. The Truman farm home has no electricity in 1911, but there was a telephone, with a party line. While these letters were a primary communication tool, we know that Bess Wallace and Harry Truman spoke by phone too. If only we knew more about what they spoke about.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. May 23, 1911

Dear Bessie: I guess there is nothing for me to do but wait until I am able and then remove Ethel's wig. I sure thought I was consigning your book and Life to a safe messenger when I gave them to her. Vivian hasn't said a word about them to me. I shall corner him tonight. I have an idea a certain lady friend of his could tell me where they are if he doesn't. I shall try and make reparation for the book anyway if it doesn't eventually reach you.

I have enjoyed Nicanar immensely. I suppose it depicts Norman life realistically but I like for them to be more cheerful about it. I am going to read the book again. I found out the name of a Roman Emperor that history never says anything about in it. He really existed too. You see I haven't anything to do but run down historic rumors, and every book I read since I have been laid up that mentions anyone at all in history I never heard of causes me to look him up. I always forget him five minutes afterwards but I have the satisfaction of knowing [who] he was anyway.

I really wish Rex Beach would do something with that Ne'er-Do-Well and be done with it. It makes you feel like the end of the year instead of the middle the way he draws it out. I've an idea the poor boy'll lose his job now and his girl and then have a love feast with her old man, come back and get the girl and the Pennsylvania Railroad and live happily until alimony time. What do you think?

Mary's (mine also) cousin in Texas sent her two horned toads in a box by mail the other day. She thought it was a box of pills. It was all wrapped up and very small. You ought to have heard her squawk when she opened the box. You know they have tails and horns on their heads (their tails are not on their heads) and are furious looking little brutes, but are harmless. They feast on flies, ants, etc. I don't see how these two lived for the box was air-tight.

Mary and Vivian went to the Ruskin High School Commencement Thursday night. Said it was fine.

I guess they are all fine the first few times but when very many pass they get old don't you think? They sure must be getting nifty in Independence if the ushers wanted to wear claw hammer coats. That's spreading things thick. The Kansas City Post has offered ten dollars for the prettiest graduation dress not to cost over five dollars. Do you suppose one can be made for that?

That rain was the finest thing this year. If it hadn't come we would have gone to the wall sure enough. Now we expect to raise something anyway. I hate rainy days generally but these last ones sure looked good to me.

I have an illustration of what happens to people who set grocery store eggs. I am enclosing it. Did any of yours come out that way? Literature, etc., do not go very well with poultry, do they? One good gang of poultry does more for the country though than all the art Charles Yerkes could buy. You know I think a man artist or pianist is the last thing on earth. They do no good for themselves or anyone else. I never did see one who paid his debts if there was any way to avoid it. That shows his artistic temperament, that, a lot of long hair and a kangaroo walk. Sometimes they go dingy or get two or three divorces. That also is a temperamental sign. Some French artist says that geniuses are insane anyway. I guess he is right in some cases anyway. It is all right to be an artist or pianist if you are a real genius like Lhevinne or Hofmann or Turner or Whistler, but the ordinary run of everyday artists and pianists who imitate these men won't do.

I really thought once I'd be an ivory tickler but I am glad my money ran out before I got too far. Who knows, maybe I"ll be a Cincinnatus and be elected constable someday.

If you had called up the other day I'd have made it to the phone some way. I can get around the house to some extent. Soon as ever I can persuade the M.D. to take the cast off I'll do fine. I hope you'll consider this worthy an answer. I'd like to see [illegible] Smith. I bet it's fine. This is the end of my stationery.

Sincerely, Harry

In this letter from May, 1911, Harry Truman and Bess Wallace were still in the early months of their courtship. Many family members make an appearance. Harry Truman was recovering from a broken leg, so these letters to Miss Wallace were another source of therapy for him. It's interesting to read his insights on piano players.

A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-23-1911

Dear Bess: May 19, 1913 (postmarked)

Transcript

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for May 19, 1922, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

A sweet and fun letter for you today, postmarked on this date in 1913. The Truman’s home on the family farm in Grandview could be a busy place. Not only were Harry Truman, his sister and his parents living there, there were farm hands coming and going. This sometimes led to privacy challenges to the residents, as you hear early in the letter. Uncle Harrison Truman, for whom his soon-to-be-famous nephew was named, makes an appearance, and those appearances are always welcome.

But, as always, Harry Truman is trying to impress and show his affection for Miss Bess Wallace in Independence. It was his most important campaign.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview, ( postmarked May 19, 1913 ) Dear Bess:

How do you appreciate my ability as a weather prophet? We had a small rain out here this morning. I hope you had none and that we'll have more.

I started this letter before breakfast and had to quit because there were so many congregated around the desk to see what I was about. We have the freshest hired man that ever hopped a clod. He has to know where every letter comes from and to whom every one goes. I informed him that I was writing a business letter and it was none of his affair where it went. He immediately got the Sunday Post and said he would peruse the personal column and see if he couldn't find a reason for a business correspondence. He found one which said a rich widow desired to hear from a bachelor of some means, object matrimony. I suppose he is going to investigate. I told him he was no bachelor; he's only twenty-one – a perfect infant. He thinks he's older than I am. I told him I was forty-two my last birthday. He had to go to work with a post auger this morning.

I am sorry the picnic note didn't arrive, but I shall look forward to another one later. Uncle Harry pulled out this morning. He's going to Monegaw Springs in the morning. He says they have the finest set of hillbillies in America down there. They give a formal dance every Wednesday evening during the summer. Full dress consists of a hickory shirt and blue overalls for the men, and red calico dresses for the ladies. They must have a good time. He said he showed them how to dance the pigeon wing and crawfish wire, evidently two very complicated steps if names count for anything. I have an idea that he would make a better instructor in poker and seven-up than in dancing. He's too pigeon-toed to dance. It is all he can do to walk without getting tangled up.

I am going to Harrisonville today and Wednesday night too if nothing happens here at home and it will keep on raining. It looks very much like we were going to have a trash mover. I suppose you and the Southern girls will have another party if it rains. You ought to have played tennis yesterday afternoon. It was an ideal day for it. You couldn't possibly have gotten too warm at it. Mamma has a broom just raising sand in here. I never saw anyone but Aunt Sallie who takes any more pleasure in creating a disturbance with a broom than Mamma. The coldest day in winter she'll raise all the windows, get a broom and a dust rag, and just be perfectly blissful while the rest of us freeze. Whenever the dog and cat see her coming with a broom they at once begin hunting means of exit. They know by sore experience that Mamma's broom is a poor implement to get in front of. When eating time comes though they forget the broom as well as the rest of us do.

Please now you owe me a letter if you'll let the stationery count for one. Do you approve of Electric Park? If you do we'll go out when the weather gets warm enough. Mary saved me a dish of strawberries. I can't imagine what she wants, a new dress or hat I bet. See you Sunday if not sooner?

Most sincerely, Harry

A fun letter today. Some interesting insights into the crowded house on the Truman farm. Uncle Harrison Truman makes a fun appearance, as does Mamma (Mrs. Martha Ellen) and Mary Jane Truman.

You can see a digital of the original here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-19-1913-postmark

Dear Bess: May 12 1912

Transcript

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

An interesting letter for you today, written exactly 110 years ago. In this letter to Bess Wallace, Harry Truman describes some hijinks with family and friends. But the most intriguing part of the letter is found in the second half, when Truman describes an ongoing court case his family is embroiled in.

When Harry Truman’s maternal grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, died, she left the bulk of her estate to the Truman family, meaning John Anderson, Martha and Harry Truman. This caused a rift in the family that took a while to settle out of court. This came at great expense to the Trumans, in terms of money and hard feelings in the family. One ripple effect lasted for decades. To pay the expenses of the suit, Martha Truman had to take out repeated mortgages on the family farm. Eventually the mortgages became too large to overcome, and in 1940, while Harry Truman was running for reelection for the United States Senate, the Truman Family lost the Farm Home. It took the family over five years to get it back. By then, her son had ascended from being Vice President to President of the United States. But “Mamma” Truman never lived in the Farm Home ever again.

Here's the letter.

Grandview, Mo. May 12, 1912

Dear Bess:

I got your letter this morning and was very glad. As I have to go to the burg after Mary this evening to bring her from church, I will try to write you one and mail it as I go up. The reason you got the other one in such good time is I gave it to Uncle Harrison and he mailed it in town. I gave it to him so those ornery girls couldn't see it. They led me a dog's life while they were here. I guess I about kept even though. I caused Aileen to take a header in the yard and get her shine spoiled and her dress muddy. Grace upset a glass of milk at the table while trying to put butter on my face, which I had smeared on her arm. We told her she'd have to stay over Monday and do a day's washing, but her beau was coming Friday so she had to go home that evening. Aileen said she was going to send her dress to the cleaner's and the bill to me and that I could set ‘em up to a shine the very first time she caught me downtown.

They played their stunt Thursday evening. Two Grandview girls came down to call and find out who was here. When they came in Grace and I happened to be at the piano trying to sing the words to "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" in the front of the libretto and play the music in the back. We found it couldn't be done and were being roasted by Mary and Aileen for creating a disturbance when these girls came. Mary didn't introduce Grace as Miss Waggoner from Independence, but the frying pan she gave me was hanging up in the parlor-and Mamma made an unintentional break by saying it was too small for Grace and me to fry eggs in. She said she meant it because Grace gave me the pan. Those hens took it the other way and I blushed like a school girl at a play party. Aileen had been reading a story in Ladies Home Journal called the "Twenty-four of June" and she and Mary kept up a conversation on the subject until those girls had it all figured out that Grace's amethyst (How do you spell it?) ring was a present from me-and the next twenty-fourth of June, the day. I was so mad I could have busted open. I had to take them home. When they went to leave, one of them said she guessed these girls must be the cousins I went to see in Independence. The girls never said anything only just yelled and laughed, which was all the evidence they wanted. My strong denial only made them surer. I told them going home that Grace's father was a paint manufacturer in K.C. and she was only a friend of Mary's but they only asked if amethysts were her birthstone. I could only say yes because Grace's birthday is in February too. They think they're awful smart. Let them have their good time. I'll get even with the whole bunch, Grandviewites and all. You needn't be afraid of meeting them because if you do they'll only get more thoroughly balled up. They seem to take more interest in attending to my business than in anybody's around here.

I saw Earl Defon Wallingford up town this morning. She said to tell "Bessie hello when you see her." I guess my dear cousins weren't so mum as they pretended they were.

I am very glad George could decipher that note. It wasn't loaded with dynamite. I guess I must have unintentionally handed him a hunch and he did not want you to see it. I told him I could think of bushels of hot air but I supposed he knew it all anyway (the hot air). That I guess is the reason he won't let you see it. You mustn't tell I told you.

My Uncle accomplished his errand and if there's not a slip between now and Tuesday we will probably be able to bring up our case and dispose of it. I hope so because when you pay a lawyer $100 a month and court costs and trip costs it certainly bends your finances badly when they are limited anyway. Mary Colgan called Mary up and told her not to let me make a date for Saturday May 18 as she is going to have a party. She called on last Monday. I told Mary to tell her to have her party on some other day-I couldn't possibly come because I was going to another one. She nearly bit the phone in two. I don't care. I'd rather see Manon (that's the worst one I can think of) with you than go to two of her parties, and I know that Margaret has Manon as badly beaten as Mark has Geo. Eliot. Well, you see I told you about the stunt. Of course it is my point of view, but Mary's or Aileen's couldn't be much different I don't think. You know people see what they want to see.

I guess you are glad that Frank didn't take that grounded boat. I hope he arrives safely. I'd like to see what a card mailed on the high seas looks like.

Please send me a letter and I wish tomorrow were the eighteenth. I'll get done planting corn on Thursday at noon if it doesn't rain, and will be my own boss Saturday at noon so pray for clear weather this time.

Sincerely, Harry

A fun letter. There had been some hijinks in the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, and Harry Truman describes them beautifully in this letter to Bess Wallace.

Truman also makes reference to the litigation that was still ongoing between his family and the other children of his grandmother, Harriet Louisa Young. This process played out over the next decade.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-12-1912

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