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

The Dear Bess and Dear Harry Podcast, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm 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. Copyright 2026 NPS - For Personal Use Only NPS RSS Generator en 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. National Park Service no djrichardson@nps.gov Harry S Truman National Historic Site no Harry Truman, Bess Wallace Truman, Truman Home, Truman Farm, Truman Farm Home episodic no https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/3D3F72F7-E34B-786D-C43976F7D61FA275.jpg The Dear Bess and Dear Harry Podcast, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:37:50 -0400 Dear Mamma (Truman) and Mary (Truman): April 12, 1945 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140?objectPanel=transcription

]]> Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4B36BAB6-A664-DE32-C03907C9D4F465C6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4B52CDAB-E677-760F-8CF8393A15D816D4 Dear Mamma (Truman) and Mary (Truman): April 12, 1945 National Park Service Vice President Harry S Truman, presiding over the United States Senate, writes to his mother and sister. What he doesn't know is that in Warm Springs, Georgia, President Franklin D Roosevelt was not well and died that afternoon. When this letter was postmarked, Harry Truman was President of the United States. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140?objectPanel=transcription 300 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140?objectPanel=transcription

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 12, 2025, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We are coming to you from the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri.

Normally, we share letters that Harry and Bess Wallace Truman exchanged. But today we would like to spotlight a remarkable letter from Vice President Harry S Truman to his mother, Mrs. Martha Ellen Truman, and his sister, Miss Mary Jane Truman. Just a quick note about this batch of letters. At one point, the Truman Library borrowed these letters from Mary Jane Truman while her brother was working on his memoirs. And at some point after Mary Jane retrieved them, for reasons unknown, she destroyed the originals. So the Truman Library has only photocopies.

The Vice President was fulfilling his Constitutional duty of serving as the President of the Senate. He knew these Senators, loved the Senate and everything about it. But evidently, he was bored enough to write to his beloved mother and sister.

Truman’s boss, President Franklin Roosevelt, was resting in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Note the date of this letter. It’s not clear exactly what time Truman wrote this letter. It was postmarked 9:30pm April 12, 1945. But as Harry Truman was writing this letter, he may have been already president of the United States without knowing it, as Franklin Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage that afternoon. When the Senate adjourned, and before a poker game began, Truman was told to go quickly and quietly to the White House. When he met Eleanor Roosevelt there, he was told, “Harry, the President is dead.”

Here's the letter.

United States Senate Washington, D.C.

April 12, 1945

Dear Mamma & Mary:-

I am trying to write to you a letter today from the desk of the President of the Senate while a windy Senator from Wisconsin is making a speech on a subject with which he is in no way familiar. The Jr. Sen. from Arizona made a speech on the subject and he knew what he was talking about. The Wisconsin Senator is Wiley and the Arizona Senator is McFarland.

We are considering the Mexican Treaty on water in the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. It is of vital importance to South Western U.S. and northern Mexico. Hope we get it over some day soon. The Senators from California and one from Utah and a very disagreeable one from Nevada (McCarran) are fighting the ratification. I have to sit up here and make parliamentary rulings - some of which are common sense and some of which are not. Hope you are having a nice spell of weather. We've had a week of beautiful weather but it is raining and wintery today. I don't think it's going to last long. Hope not for I must fly to Providence R.I. Sunday morning.

Turn on your radio tomorrow night at 9:30 your time and you'll hear Harry make a Jefferson Day address to the nation. I think I'll be on all the networks so it ought not to be hard to get me. It will be followed by the President whom I'll introduce. Hope you are both well and stay that way. Love to you both.

Write when you can. Harry.

]]> Dear Bess April 1, 1911 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7B876F1E-D865-C0E4-092233BAE7344F8C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7B8F1099-E846-0BB7-E7A6741FB0261AA2 Dear Bess April 1, 1911 National Park Service A fun, most descriptive letter from Harry S Truman, farmer, to Miss Bess Wallace, from early in their courtship. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911 407 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 1, 2025, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

The Dear Bess letter we’d like to share with you today was written on this date in 1911. Truman gives Miss Wallace some excellent descriptions of living on a farm like theirs, and working on a farm like theirs. This is one of the most descriptive letters Truman wrote Miss Wallace, and a vital letter in helping us understand this period in Truman’s life.

Thanks for listening, here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

April 1, 1911

Dear Bessie,

April Fool Day. Mamma says it is always customary to send blank sheets of paper today instead of written ones. Well perhaps you'd rather get the blank ones, but I am going to fill these and spoil the spirit of the day.

You see I have been sowing oats all week, got done Thursday night, and hauled about six tons of hay yesterday. My face is a sight, as the girls say. You know the wind blew something "fierce" last Tuesday and Wednesday and the sun also had some effect. Between them I look like raw beef or a confirmed "booze fighter." My voice is also somewhat weary from yelling at the horses. You know we drive four plugs to a drill-have them abreast. It is an impossibility to have four with inclinations alike. I had four whose names may be some index to their character-William, Samuel, Jane and X. X is a bronc-if you know what that is-he has an insane desire to arrive at the other end of the field in the shortest possible time. You dare not touch him with a whip or let him hear one if you can help. William-Bill we call him of course-is an ex-buggy horse. He hasn't much idea of work but to get out of it if he can. I yell at him in my sleep sometimes. When I am not hallooing "Bill, Bill go on," I am saying the same to Sam. Sam is a very large ex-dray horse and he never hurries under any consideration unless I poke him with a sharp stick or land on him with a baling wire whip. Jane, as Mrs. Barclay would say, is just right. She goes as she should. Well when I land on Sam and Bill, Jane and X want to run away. So I have to take it out in lung work and unprintable names. You can just bet that I am glad I'm done. I always sow Vivian's and mine too. This time I sowed seventy acres in five days. That is moving some. Vivian is well had has been hauling hay for me while I sowed his oats. (I do wish I had your new bottle of ink.) Did you get an invitation to the high school reception for Professor Bryant? I did but I can't go. I have a "previous engagement" to a tacky party. I am going as I usually go when at home and I bet I take the cake. My very best friends would refuse to recognize me if they ever saw me in town in my farm rags. They are dirty and tattered and torn with hog snoot marks, splashed milk, and other things too numerous to mention in their makeup. You ask Ethel what a pretty figure I cut when I pretend to work. Mamma ropes me in once in a while and makes me exchange for a clean set, but they don't feel right until I wear them a day or two.

I am glad your "umbrell" is a useful as well as ornamental article. You know they generally are not both.

I would certainly be glad to attend church with you in Independence and hear your choir.

I guess you will have a fine time at the river tomorrow morning. I haven't been down on those bluffs since I was a time-keeper for L. J. Smith. You know I was once a hobo paymaster. Not a pleasant job either.

I am sorry to hear of Miss Dicie's illness but I guess she'll soon recover. Lively people are never sick long. I hope your mother is well by this time. Our whole family is in good health. Papa only has to hop on crutches but he'll soon be over that.

You say you have gone back to W. D. Howells, well I have never come to him yet. He must be all right for he was a particular friend of Mark Twain's. It's luck I guess but I have never read one of his books. I certainly did enjoy The Mistress of Shenstone. I have read The Rosary since I read it and they are both good. I have also been reading the history of Jenghiz Khan the Tartar. He is the only great man in history who had no effect on American history, according to Miss Phelps. You know she began with Adam and came down. But I never heard of Jenghiz till recently. Well I am wound up but shall quit here. Please write me when you have the time as I enjoy your letters very much. I am

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess April 1, 1911 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7B876F1E-D865-C0E4-092233BAE7344F8C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7B942376-988E-9D6E-DB8654A15F5497C5 Dear Bess April 1, 1911 National Park Service A fun, most descriptive letter from Harry S Truman, farmer, to Miss Bess Wallace, from early in their courtship. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911 407 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 1, 2025, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Thanks for listening, here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

April 1, 1911

Dear Bessie,

I am glad your "umbrell" is a useful as well as ornamental article. You know they generally are not both.

I would certainly be glad to attend church with you in Independence and hear your choir.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 28, 1944 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-28-1944

]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/AD376FBF-BD28-CF42-14AE86EA6F279FA5.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-AD4BD164-AD99-03E3-57FF3C39C4E2DCC9 Dear Bess: March 28, 1944 (postmarked) National Park Service Neither Harry nor Bess Truman were known to have talked publicly about their romantic history. This letter is among the few places where Harry Truman did so. It's charming, and we thought you'd like to hear it. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-28-1944 243 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-28-1944

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 28, 2025, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, and coming to you from Independence, Missouri.

Today’s charming letter was written on this date in 1944. Senator Harry S Truman is in Seattle, and, in this letter, reveals more about the history between himself and Mrs. Truman than in almost any other letter. It’s why we wanted to share this letter with you. It’s so unfortunate that letters like this aren’t written much anymore.

Thanks for listening, here’s the letter.

Olympic Hotel Seattle, Washington March 28, 1944 [Postmark]

Dear Bess:

Well it was sure grand to talk to you yesterday. I'm so far away I don't feel so well about it. Miss you and my baby and your mother. Specially miss that evening ceremony of taking the medicine with you. Hope someday you and I can just sit around and enjoy a perpetual honeymoon without worrying about bread and butter and public opinion. Guess I'm just a damned, sentimental old fool. I've always had you on a pedestal and despite the fact that you try to climb down sometimes, and I don't blame you for trying, I'm not going to let you. From Sunday school days, to grade school days, to First World War days, to the Senate, to World War II days you are just the same to me--the nicest, prettiest girl in the world. Most of my associates think there's something wrong with me because I believe in that oath I took in a certain little Episcopal Church in Independence, Missouri, about twenty-five years ago. But I don't care what they think.

We are holding some of the most touchy and ticklish hearings since we started. Wallgren and Magnuson talked too much out here. The papa of Roosevelt's son-in-law is worse than the Washington Herald and the Chicago Tribune combined. They have a rival paper which goes on the other side no matter whether it's right or wrong. Mon took Jackson and me to Everett to see his wife on Sunday. We had dinner on the way back. The hearing here is to be concluded today. Then to San Francisco. I refused to go to Los Angeles by plane today to address the Jackson Day dinner down there because I can't mix my politics with my religion. Religion being "win the war quickly." Hugh Fulton and Kilgore are waiting for me so I'll have to run. Will do better next time. Wish I'd had a letter here.

My best to your mother. Kiss my pretty girl and lots of love to you.

Harry

Has Margie forgotten how to write too?

]]> Dear Bess: March 24, 1914 (Postmarked) https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639058

]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DD201625-01F3-A313-5CD78FB8C9BF6619.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DD341C20-94D7-4D99-11917F0C62FB8C53 Dear Bess: March 24, 1914 (Postmarked) National Park Service A great letter. Mamma Truman is recovering from a serious operation, the Truman family is fighting a bitter lawsuit against kin...and Harry Truman is tempted to buy a car. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639058 412 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639058

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Greetings to you from Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service in Independence and Grandview Missouri and welcome to our podcast for March 24, 2025

We would like to share with you a letter that was postmarked on this date in 1914. There are two especially intriguing aspects of this letter we’d like to explain.

By the time Harry Truman wrote this letter Harry Truman’s mother had had some medical challenges, including a hernia operation. And that operation was performed in the family home, and Harry Truman himself held the light to help the surgeon.

Also, in 1909, Truman’s grandmother…his mother’s mother…Harriet Young died, and her will sparked an explosion in the family. Most of the children of Solomon and Harriet Young received token amounts, while the Truman family received the farm property and all that entailed. As today, lawsuits cost money, and the lawsuit Truman mentions began eating at whatever profits the farm was making. Also, we have the first real mention of the famous Truman-owned Stafford car…this car played a vital role in Truman’s life the next few years.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess:-

Your note came Sunday morning. I was very glad to get it. It helped to get the day by to some extent as it should have gone. Mamma said thank you for your sympathy and kind expressions. She is getting along fine. The doctor said he'd never had a case like hers to do so well.

I am still staying with her and will have to for a few days yet. Vivian was here yesterday, and I made a flying trip to K.C. to see Uncle Harry and Boxley about our infernal suit. There is a prospect of settlement now. It will stretch our finances until they crack, but I guess we'll get over it eventually.

I made an effort to call you up but didn't even succeed in getting Independence. I didn't get another chance because I had to go with Mr. Ferson to buy a carload of hay and when I got to the train there were only about four minutes to spare.

Ferson wants to sell me a Stafford car for $650. It's an old one but will outlast and outlook some of the new ones they are selling now. I told him that unless I could filch the amount from the Young estate while the settlement was being made there was no prospect of my owning a car. It sure is a bargain though. Uncle Harrison thinks we'll have to sell some of the farm, but I hope not. It will bring probably $200 an acre now but in four or five years it may be worth three times that. I hope I never have anything more to do with an estate like this one. It is a hoodoo from start to finish. If there are any other pieces of bad luck loose, I suppose they'll come our way before long. There's no use bothering about what may happen though. I've got my hands full looking after the results of what's already taken place. The gamblers say that fate can't always hand out one brand of luck and I'm hoping strongly for a change in our brand. A bigger crop than ever was raised is what would convince me we were in good again. I got that oat sowed as I told you before, the hired man is just now finishing up with the harrow. We thought we were going to lose him Sunday. I gave him $15 Saturday night and he said he was going to pay some bills he owed. I guess he must have hit a crap game first because he didn't get home until Sunday morning. He came up here about noon looking rather dilapidated and said his wife had given him a round with the poker. Said he guessed he'd have to leave as it looked as if he wasn't going to be able to stay home. I guess they must have patched things up because he hasn't said anything more about leaving. He's a great big man, and his wife won't weigh over a hundred pounds. I'm going to work your mother's system and pay on Monday after this. I wouldn't have this fellow leave for anything. He's the best man we ever had. Mamma is of the opinion that he needed braining, but there is always a bond of sympathy between women when a man has been shooting craps and every good man has his failings. I mean good hired men. Luke, for instance! Vivian is going back to Cass County this morning. He rode up horseback on Thursday night and is going to drive back. I think it is safe for him to leave, Mamma is doing so well. I am hoping to see you before the week is out.

As soon as she can have company there'll be someone here all the time, but we don't allow her to walk any yet to amount to anything. Please send me a long letter as it has been some years since a week ago Sunday.

Sincerely Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 20, 1918 Will he be able to stop and visit his mother, sister, fiancee, and future in-laws en route?

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/0755326D-ECDD-5BE3-52AC79DF2F549381.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-0765D4B8-9845-D720-C51DA9D6F2195621 Dear Bess: March 20, 1918 National Park Service Harry S Truman, United States Army, and his men are finally mobilizing for war after months of intense training. Will he be able to stop and visit his mother, sister, fiancee, and future in-laws en route? https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark 322 no full Will he be able to stop and visit his mother, sister, fiancee, and future in-laws en route?

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

En route to East Coast Mar. 20, 1918

Dear Bess:

We are moving out at last. Sat up all night last night waiting for the train. It pulled in at 1:30 A.M. this Wednesday morning. We have a fine Pullman observation car with all 129th officers except five or six. They are 130th. We are going north and hoping to hit Kansas City. They say we'll go around the outer edge if we do. Your package was just in time and sure was fine. I never tasted such good candy in my life and the cakes were just as fine. This train is so rough I can hardly write but I am afraid if I wait I won't get to mail it. We are sure glad to leave Ft. Sill but we may see the time when it will look good to us. They turned down Lt. Lee at the last minute. I was so mad I could have cussed all the doctors in Christendom off the map if I could have done it. They sent him before a physical efficiency board and he beat them there and got his baggage loaded into the car after spending all day chasing back and forth to division headquarters. Then they made him stay behind and sent a substitute. He was the most thoroughly disappointed person you ever saw. I hated it almost as badly as he did. We don't know where we are going but it looks like we might come through Kansas City now as we are going north on the Rock Island. I'd give anything in the world to see you and Mamma and Mary before I go across but I doubt very much if that is possible except by good luck. I shall keep you informed by wire where I am until I leave this country. All cables will come to Boxley through the chief cable censor so you will be informed immediately on my safe arrival across. You can write me Detachment 35th Division, 129th F.A., Camp Merritt, New Jersey, and I'll probably get it. The train is slowing and I'd better quit, will write some more tomorrow and wire you today.

Yours always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 8, 1918 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6B097257-DC10-C928-62076AD552E43BA6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6B14F754-D49A-2F26-B1EA2A1467CD86D8 Dear Bess: March 8, 1918 (postmarked) National Park Service A charming letter from an anxious First Lieutenant Harry S Truman, who, with his men, is awaiting orders to mobilize to Europe to fight in the war. The last paragraph is especially charming. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark 237 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast, for March 8, 2025, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We love sharing these letters between Harry Truman and Bess Wallace Truman. Each letter is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, with each letter giving us a clearer image of one of the most dynamic relationships in our history.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1918. Lieutenant Harry Truman and his men remain in Oklahoma, and are anxiously awaiting orders to mobilize to Europe to serve in the Great War. By this time Lieutenant Truman and Miss Wallace were engaged. Truman’s experiences in the military, including the instructions in mathematics, military and other disciplines, plus his leadership ability, served his country well, not only in World War I but helped America the rest of his life, especially from 1945-1953.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter:

[March 8, 1918]

Dear Bess:

I got your letter yesterday and one the day before and I was sure glad to hear from you. We are still here and I haven't much faith in our moving out at all. The inspector general has been looking the whole regiment over and the Colonel said he was very much pleased with the appearance we made. All of us had to go on the hill and pitch shelter tents even the officers. It was right comical to see the amount of luggage some of these dud officers took along with them. Some of them thought we were going to leave right from the field and they took along enough stuff to weight four men down. As it was we were only out there about an hour. The inspector looked us over and sent us back to camp. He is still here looking around. I suppose his report to Washington will affect the moving of the Division. There were some Tulsa oil men down here looking things over the other day and Gen. Wright told them to see the 129 F. A. and the 138 Inf regiments if they wanted to see the best. That was pretty nice wasn't it. Your dream about our coming through Kansas City is a perfectly good one. I have it on reliable authority that we will go by way of KC & Chicago. When you get my telegram you'll know then that we are leaving so don't put any faith in the rumors you hear even if they come direct from here by way of a first Lieutenant. He thought he was telling it straight because we all thought we'd leave last Monday. Just keep on writing for I sure do like to get your letters. I've got to run now. Here's hoping your dream comes true.

Yours always,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 8, 1918 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6B097257-DC10-C928-62076AD552E43BA6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6B1701F2-AA35-7CFF-6AE6F6D4C3162982 Dear Bess: March 8, 1918 (postmarked) National Park Service A charming letter from an anxious First Lieutenant Harry S Truman, who, with his men, is awaiting orders to mobilize to Europe to fight in the war. The last paragraph is especially charming. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark 237 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-8-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter:

[March 8, 1918]

Dear Bess:

Yours always,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 18, 1913 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-18-1913

]]> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/0507A3BE-AF2F-0CD0-6A90D7F55D63F324.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-051FCA93-0538-A928-D2D32F3EE882C02B Dear Bess: February 18, 1913 National Park Service A fascinating letter from early 1913. Harry S Truman muses about religion, literature, family, theater, and more. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-18-1913 425 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-18-1913

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 18, 2025, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, which is a unit of the National Park Service. This series is dedicated to sharing with you letters between Harry S Truman and Bess Wallace Truman, letters that not only document a terrific love story, but also document a partnership that helped change our world in the 20th century.

There’s a lot in this letter…all of it wonderful. Harry Truman, farmer, writes his special lady about literature, health, family, and more. We wonder which photographs Truman makes reference to. Thanks to the Truman family, these letters now belong to you, the American people. They are preserved forever at the Truman Library. It’s our pleasure to share them with you, and we thank you for listening.

Grandview Feb. 18, 1913

Dear Bess:

I am having a hard time finding a pen. There are some half dozen around but none that will write. The folks insisted on my going to see an osteopath today. I went but thank heaven he wasn't in. I am totally cured by just having been at the office. I stole a book on theosophy off his desk and I've an idea that had something to do with the cure. It has an article on India in the year 11,182 B.C. telling about the birth of Jupiter, Saturn, and the Indian god Siva the destroyer, a letter from Mrs. Annie Besant, and various other stuff. They contend that we are born until we become perfect, then we enter the bosom of some god or other. It is a very convenient and satisfying system if a person could subdue his brains and make himself believe it. It would be about as easy to believe Greek and Roman mythology. I guess I'll have to plod along with the four Gospels as my foundation for a while longer. They are the best yet. The trouble with the churches is that they don't teach enough of those books. They're too strong on St. Paul and the rest of the Apostles. I don't believe there'd ever have been any split if the teachers had stayed by the original four books. Not to change the subject suddenly but I got two show tickets today for Julius Caesar Thursday night Feb 27 sixth row. How does that suit you? I do wish I could get away this week to see the Blue Bird or Kitty Gordon. Something good is always on hand when I have to stay home. I hope you'll go see them anyway though. I guess Kitty is pretty fine. I'd prefer her to the Blue Bird. Also I'd rather see Eva Tanguey than Sarah B. Let's hope we see them both. A fellow writing in Brgans Commoner this week says his hands applaud Beethoven and Grand Opera but his feet want to move to the old time fiddle tunes. He believes his heart is nearer his feet in this case. I don't know if I love Eva better than Sarah or not because I never saw Sarah.

I busted a camera into four pieces today. I told the lady manager I wanted to get my face in a small enough space to go inside the rim of a silver dollar. I can tell you if I succeeded or not day after tomorrow. It always makes me feel embarrassed to get in front of a picture machine. I suppose a person who can keep his poise in that position makes a good actor or public speaker. I notice they all look very much at ease in their pictures anyway. I am positively confident mine will look very scared or very mulish, one. In either case I'll not find fault with the cameraman for my own shortcoming. This picture is going to be as small as you want it to be. It sure would be a shame to waste any good money to frame it. It will be too highly honored just by your accepting it. I'll show you the proof Sunday if I get them before then.

I'm very glad you liked the roses. I wish I'd had brains enough to think of something really worthwhile but I didn't. I thought of stationery and then decided that would look like an Indian present, at least one with string to it. I'm glad you got some though and I hope you continue to let it come my way.

Mary can't get over my bringing Keeping up with Lizzie home with me. She wants to put something in the name. She and Myra Colgan both had a great deal to say about that book. I'm not going to let either of them read it for that. They both know how I love the name and how thoroughly pleased I am to have them call you Lizzie. They're both in bad for the balance of the week anyway. Lizzie sure was a goer in this case. Would you care to have me extract that East Indian story from the back of Adventure and send it to you? I like it a lot. I'd offer you the whole magazine but I'm afraid you like it about like you do Nick Carter. It is lots better than Nick and not nearly so bad as Ainslee's. The only thing about it is the tough paper it is printed on.

Please send me a letter for this and I'll do better next time. I've had a strenuous day you know, almost saw an osteopath, got my [illegible] mapped, and did a half-day's real work.

Most Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 10, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-10-1912

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F0734B9A-027D-EAF5-8174E09BDC07B300.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F08EDD4C-C4C5-B374-2C82D267FD6F1A1A Dear Bess: December 10, 1912 National Park Service Are you a homeowner facing significant repairs this winter? Harry Truman could sympathize with you, as you hear in this letter from 1912. There are also some nifty reading recommendations that he sent to Miss Wallace that you can search for. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-10-1912 373 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-10-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Greetings, and welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for December 10, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This series is intended to share with you the incredible correspondence between Harry and Bess Wallace Truman…a correspondence that started in 1910 and continued for over 40 years. It’s a correspondence that documents for us a great love story and a great partnership.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1912. Harry Truman, a farmer in Grandview, Missouri, describes a day in the life of a harsh winter in his family’s farm home. That home today is preserved on your behalf by the National Park Service. Next summer, come and visit the Truman Farm…and imagine what it was like to live in that house in extreme heat and extreme cold. That’s the power of these letters. They help us connect with their world.

Here's the letter.

December 10, 1912

Grandview, Mo.

Dear Bess:

Here goes a bid for two letters. Fact is I'd bid for one every day in the week if it would bring it. You really have no idea how broadly I can smile when your letter comes. I almost got my face cracked last week. Fact, because it was nearly frozen when your second came. I wish I could devise some plan to make them come that way every week.

That infernal 10:37 car didn't go until 10:50 or thereabouts and I was so sure I was going to miss the train that I was about to explode with good humor. The lowbrowed motorman whoopederup on account of his lateness though and I had a whole ten minutes to spare. It was a cussin moment when I found that old green and yellow KCS carryall still placidly waiting for me. The thing sat down in Sheffield and lost forty good minutes consequently I hit the hay at 2 p.m. If it could only have been the street car that lost the forty minutes I might have been treading the streets of K.C. as assistant shopper. Probably would have been studying up a place to eat about this time and sincerely hoping that your buying mania would wear off before the Orpheum opened its daily session. Here's hoping you did wear it off before that time. They say the bills good.

I am not shucking corn this morning, as you have probably surmised by the time. You see Mary has not arrived as yet. We are expecting a man to mend the kitchen flue, therefore I had to empty the kitchen and do some other tall stunts - start a fire in the parlor for instance. The parlor stove is the most pigheaded one on the place. I had a roaring fire in the bloomin' thing, departed to the coal shed for more fuel, and when I came back the whole shebang was as cold as a tomb. Now stove, pipe, fire and all are endeavoring to up the flue. I gave it some encouragement with a little John D. extract. I have hopes that the flue is good and that the wind won't get any stronger, in which case we'll still do business at the old stand. I must chase in and see what's happening. It may be necessary to scale the roof and dump a bucket of salt where it will do the most good. It's all right and behaving as a good fire should. You know salt has a most quieting effect on a roaring flue. It is also very quieting to a conversation mill when thrown in in huge quantities. Mamma said that Uncle Harrison once got an unsuspecting neighbor boy to lie on his back, open his mouth, and shut his eyes with the expectation that said uncle would raise him up with a straw. Mamma was standing by with a handful of salt and when the poor fellow got his mouth widest open she dashed in the salt. From all accounts he riz up all right. It seems that he had heated a penny and gave it to Mamma. She enlisted Uncle Harry to help her even up, hence the salt episode. He gave Mamma no more hot pennies.

I am going to mail this so you'll get it on Wednesday A.M. Also I am going to meet the mail train in the morning if it can be so arranged. Hoping for the first edition second to come on Friday as usual. You must be sure and read the "Sob Sister" in the last post, it's a dinger. The author quotes our disputed Otempora O Mortius. The Ike doesn't spell it that way though. The Count Around the Course is also a passable time killer. I got the January Adventure last night and if the cover speaks true it reeks with murder and sudden demise in serious pieces. Mamma's calling me to do some menial job in the other end of the house.

I must quit but be sure and send the two to

Most sincerely, Harry

That chocolate kept me warm till I got home.

]]> Dear Bess: June 28, 1957 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/BFAB5B1A-A84F-56EA-23E33B0577880024.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-BFB42B1C-A25F-3C95-1D0D27B3179F9044 Dear Bess: June 28, 1957 National Park Service Written on their 38th wedding anniversary, former President Harry S Truman recounts where they were in life, together, on every June 28, from 1919 to 1957. This is one of the last known Dear Bess letters. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957 456 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, and coming to you from the Noland Home, 216 North Delaware Street, Independence, Missouri. Joseph and Ella Noland were an aunt and uncle of Harry Truman, and they had daughters that were close to Truman. Aunt Ella was the sister of Truman’s father, John Anderson Truman.

Over the last three years, and over the course of 150 episodes, we have used this podcast series to share with you some of our favorite letters between Harry and Bess Wallace Truman, letters written between 1910 and 1959. These letters not only document one of the greatest love stories in American history, they also document the partnership that existed with these two people. When their correspondence started in 1910, Harry Truman was a farmer working on his maternal grandparents’ farm near Grandview, Missouri. Truman was a partner in this farm in every sense, from the work to the actual business arrangement, particularly with his grandmother Harriet Louisa Young and his uncle Harrison Young. But the letters document that this wasn’t the easiest time in Truman’s life, from broken legs to financial setbacks to litigation to the death of John Truman. The letters capture Truman’s inner thoughts as he served as an artillery officer in World War I. They capture the family dynamics on all sides, showing us that his family faced many of the same challenges that ours do. The last letter was written by Harry Truman as a former President of the United States.

From a farmer in western Missouri to the most powerful individual in the world, and, then, back to being “Mr. Citizen.” Is there a more American story than that?

We wish we had more of the letters from Bess Wallace Truman, but that sadly is not the case. But we are grateful to have what we have. So thank you for listening to these for the last three years. We would like to share today one of the last Dear Bess letters, from June 28, 1957. Former President Truman wrote this to his bride on their 38th wedding anniversary. In his eyes, she was still the pretty girl he first saw at First Presbyterian Church on that day in 1890.

[June 28, 1957. Envelope addressed "To: Mrs. Harry S. Truman. From: H.S.T. No. 38."]

June 28, 1920 One happy year.

June 28, 1921 Going very well.

June 28, 1922 Broke and in a bad way.

June 28, 1923 Eatern Judge. Eating.

June 28, 1924 Daughter 4 mo. old.

June 28, 1925 Out of a job.

June 28, 1926 Still out of a job.

June 28, 1927 Presiding Judge - eating again.

June 28, 1928 All going well. Piano. Al Smith.

June 28, 1929 Panic, in October

June 28, 1930 Depression. Still going.

June 28, 1931 Six-year old daughter

June 28, 1932 Roads finished.

June 28, 1933 Employment Director.

June 28, 1934 Buildings finished. Ran for the Senate

June 28, 1935 U.S. Senator. Gunston.

June 28, 1936 Resolutions Philadelphia. Roosevelt reelected.

June 28, 1937 Grand time in Washington

June 28, 1938 Very happy time. Margie 14.

June 28, 1939 Named legislation.

June 28, 1940 Senate fight coming [sic].

June 28, 1941 Special Senate Committee. Margie wants to sing.

June 28, 1942 Also a happy time.

June 28, 1943 Lots of work.

June 28, 1944 Talk of V.P. Bad business.

June 28, 1945 V.P. & President. War End.

June 28, 1946 Margie graduate & singer. 80th Congress.

June 28, 1947 Marshall Plan & Greece & Turkey. A grand time 28th Anniversary.

June 28, 1948 A terrible campaign. Happy day.

June 28, 1949 President again. Another happy day.

June 28, 1950 Korea - a terrible time

June 28, 1951 Key West - a very happy day

June 28, 1952 All happy. Finish, Jan. 20, 1953.

June 28, 1953 Back home. Lots of Roses.

June 28, 1954 A happy 35th.

June 28, 1955 All cut up but still happy.

June 28, 1956 A great day - more elation.

June 28, 1957 Well here we are again, as Harry Jobes would say.

Only 37 to go for the diamond jubilee!

H.S.T.

]]> Dear Bess: June 12, 1945 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945

]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9030308C-B327-CCC9-3DD41FFADA64FCE7.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-903D14FF-E8FC-9324-E5DC3EF163F73A0D Dear Bess: June 12, 1945 National Park Service President Harry S Truman, in the White House, writes to his First Lady, back home in Independence, Missouri, supervising some repairs to their home at 219 North Delaware Street. Lots of charming tidbits in this letter! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945 245 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for June 12, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter we’d like to share is from this date in 1945. President Harry S Truman writes his First Lady, who was back home in Independence, Missouri.

Truman was still in his first months of his presidency, and he misses his First Lady. But while in the White House, Truman feels a connection to some of his predecessors who lived there. There’s an interesting line in the middle of the letter when Truman alludes to being a County Judge in Jackson County, Missouri. At that time, County Judges were more of an administrative job, and not a judicial one. But Truman seems to make reference to his days as a Pendergast man, and it cannot be denied that he won those local elections with the help of Thomas J Pendergast and his machine.

We’ve shared this letter before, but we love it so we’re sharing it again!

The White House

June 12, 1945 Dear Bess: Just two mo nths ago today, I was a reasonably happy and contented Vice President. Maybe you can remember that far back too. But things have changed so much it hardly seems real.

I sit here in this old house and work on foreign affairs, read reports, and work on speeches--all the while listening to the ghosts walk up and down the hallway and even right in here in the study. The floors pop and the drapes move back and forth--I can just imagine old Andy and Teddy having an argument over Franklin. Or James Buchanan and Franklin Pierce deciding which was the more useless to the country. And when Millard Fillmore and Chester Arthur join in for place and show the din is almost unbearable. But I still get some work done.

Hope the weather lets up and you will be able to do some work on the house. The Gibson boy should have been taken care of long ago. I'll see what's happened. I'm not able to do as many things for my friends now as I did when I was just a dirty organization Democrat and a County Judge.

Guess you and Helen will have a grand time. Hope you do. We are working on Dr. Wallace. Glad everybody was in his right mind at the family party. Undoubtedly they were walking the straight and narrow for your mother. But I'm sure you had a nice time anyway.

That address mixed up is causing me some embarrassment (if that's the way you spell that blushing word). I addressed a letter to you at 4701 Conn. Ave, Independence, MO., and another one 219 North Delaware, Washington, D.C. Now it seems I sent one to the Nolands. The boys in the House here didn't catch that one but they did the other two. I'll have Reathal attend to the chores you suggest. I haven't seen her but twice since you left. She comes in after I go over to the office, usually goes out to lunch and doesn't come back until I am gone again and then goes home before I get over here. Had Charlie Ross and Rosenman to lunch yesterday. We worked on my San Francisco speech. That date is postponed until next week now on account of the slow windup and Gen. Eisenhower's visit.

Write me when you can--I hope every day.

Lots of love, Harry

Glad you saw Mamma and Mary

]]> Dear Bess: June 6, 1945 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-6-1945

]]> Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4B8EEAA1-BBC7-D859-4B57B266B707DA7F.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4B9E670C-E346-6089-40134583A23888E6 Dear Bess: June 6, 1945 National Park Service Written on the first anniversary of D-Day, President Harry S Truman, still in his first months of his administration, shares with his wife (back home in Missouri) a bit of how he intended to shape his administration. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-6-1945 206 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-6-1945

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for June 6, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, and coming to you from Independence, Missouri.

For today’s episode, we would like to share a Dear Bess letter from June 6, 1945. Today is the 80th anniversary of the day known as D-Day. We pause to remember those who exhibited incredible courage that day, and thank them for their honor and sacrifice.

Two notes of context for this letter: • One, this letter was written by President Harry S Truman on the first anniversary of D-Day. A year before, Harry S Truman was a United States Senator from Missouri and that summer of 1944 quickly found himself elevated to being the Democratic nominee for Vice President, with Franklin Roosevelt at the top of the ticket for the fourth time. • In early June of 1945, early in Truman’s term, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret went home to Independence, Missouri, mostly to supervise some work being done on their home at 219 North Delaware Street. Truman missed them terribly, and felt quite lonely without them.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter: June 6, 1945

Dear Bess: Well I'm getting better organized now. My office force soon will be shaken down and so will my Cabinet when I've gotten State straightened out. War and Navy I shall let alone until the Japanese are out of the picture.

It won't be long until I can sit back and study the whole picture and tell 'em what is to be done in each department. When things come to that stage there'll be no more to this job than there was to running Jackson County and not any more worry.

Foreign relations, national finances, reconversion, and a postwar military policy will be the big headaches--and they can all be solved if the Congress decides to help me do a bang-up job, and I believe they will do that.

Had a grand time last night at Biffle's party. Barkley, Lucas, Hatch, Overton, Radcliff, Chavez, Fullbright and Charlie Ross and Harry Vaughan from my office were there as well as several of Biffle's friends from around town. I'd say about 25 in all were there. Old Barkley paid high tribute to both me and Biffle.

Well I'm facing another tall day as usual. But I like 'em that way. I'm never half so worn out when I have too much to do as I am when there is too little. Trouble is I'm working the help to death. Tell my baby I was glad to talk to her last night as well as to her mamma.

Lots of love,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: May 32, 1911 (misdated) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-1-1911-misdated-may

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/44B2CF3F-F608-2739-61B0044629830B87.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-44B69344-D57C-773B-C9C3FDD4436D1922 Dear Bess: May 32, 1911 (misdated) National Park Service This fascinating letter from Harry Truman to Bess Wallace is from the first few months of their courtship. Truman was recuperating from a broken leg, and he passes some time writing to his one true love. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-1-1911-misdated-may 402 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-1-1911-misdated-may

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for May 17, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This podcast series has been sharing letters written by Harry S Truman to Bess Wallace Truman between 1910 and 1959, while also spotlighting letters from Bess Truman to Harry Truman, and letters to others in their family. These letters are an outstanding example of primary documents, and are key to understanding the interpersonal dynamic of Harry Truman’s relationships.

Today’s letter is a good example. It was written by Harry S Truman in the spring of 1911, within the first six months of his courtship with Bess Wallace. He initially misdates it May 32, 1911, but humorously explains why he kept that date.

A little context…when Truman wrote this letter, he was recovering from a broken leg. That’s difficult for a farmer, one whose livelihood relies on being able to be mobile. We wish we had the corresponding letter from Bess Wallace, but Mrs. Truman destroyed most of her share of the correspondence, unfortunately.

This letter is a great example of documenting life on the Truman Farm in the spring of 1911, and we would love to share it with you!

Grandview, Mo. May 32, 1911

Dear Bessie,

You'll notice that I have dated this May 32. If I scratch May right at the beginning, it won't look well and it is easier anyway just to give the month another day. Julius Caesar or Augustus you know could add or subtract days from any month they chose and I guess I can do the same to the one that holds my birthday.

I am dying of curiosity. What on earth is the job I'll have? Of course I'll have to sit tight and wait I guess, but it's mighty disagreeable to burn up slowly with a strictly feminine prerogative. I have really got anxious to work since I can't. I once thought if I could only lay off I could sleep at least two days at a stretch but I simply can't do over five hours now to save me, and I believe I'd really pitch hay with pleasure. So come on with your job. I am getting to be something of an organ-grinding pianist myself now and I can't appreciate your torture at the neighbor's hands at all, because if we had any neighbors close enough to listen I'd be doing them the same way. I can play "Happy Heinie" and "Yankee Doodle" to a fare you well. I suppose it is sometimes good for the neighbors when you have to use an opera glass to see the front gate.

Don't you think Dr. Cyrus Townsend Brady is a fine fellow? I do. When a man has the ability and courage to tell old Bill Nelson what he is, he sure is all right with me. He'll make a success in K.C. too. The Star never did win a political or any other kind of fight of any importance. You know they made a special fight on Jim Reed & W. P. Borland. The Journal said the Star had won an old time victory when Borland was elected. When a man wants to win in this end of the state he wants the Star against him. I hope they don't disrupt the Church in K.C. but I hope they make Grace Church take their pastor back.

Mamma came in just now and gave me a job. Picking stems off strawberries. She had nearly three gallons. It was some job too. I like strawberry jam so well though I ought not to kick about getting the berries ready. They are not very good this year. It has been too dry. We have patch enough for a wagon load but if we get ten gallons we'll do well. I guess blackberries will be fine though. Our patch is white with bloom. Rain Rain. That's what we need and badly too. Do you like to hear how farm crops do? That is all a farmer thinks of this time of year. I hope we have good ones this year anyway. I won't mind my enforced vacation then.

Say, when I am able to walk like a gentleman again will you go to a ball game with me? I mean a real professional game at Assination Park. I am so crazy to walk I don't know what to do. I have been buggy riding a time or two and can go around on three legs. I am like the mathematical dog. I put down three and carry one. That infernal calf is veal now.

Vivian and Mr. McBroom are plowing corn just north of the house and their language is forceful to say the least when they go to turn here at the house. A horse when he is hitched to a cultivator can make a religious crank use profanity. It is not possible to reach him as your hands are fully holding the play, so you have to take it out in strong talk. I have found on investigation that Vivian was entirely responsible for your book going astray. He put it under the buggy seat when they started for Dodson, and Ethel and Aunt Ella had to run for a car and he never mentioned the book. He took both the book and Life to his girl that evening and never said a word until yesterday when he brought the book home. I'll bring it myself next time. Well I hope you'll consider this worth an answer. Don't keep me waiting long or I'll die of curiosity.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 29, 1912 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638962

]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/AF681084-CAB0-C5BC-EE17330EBBA90469.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-AF731669-BE37-6635-6B0590D85009484B Dear Bess: April 29, 1912 National Park Service A fascinating letter to Miss Wallace from the Spring of 1912. We've done this letter before, but it's just that fascinating! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638962 373 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638962

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 29, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site. It was just about 40 years ago that the Truman Home opened to the public, and, since then, millions of visitors from around the world have come here to learn about Harry S Truman, his family, and his legacy. We are honored that visitors continue to do so.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1912. Some interesting family gossip in this letter. When Harry Truman writes about his ornery cousins he is writing about Ethel and Nellie Noland, daughters of Joseph and Ella Noland, who lived at 216 North Delaware Street in Independence…this recording is being made from their home right now! Ella Noland was Harry Truman’s father’s sister, his father being John Anderson Truman. Now Truman was close to the Nolands, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t get frustrated with them once in a while!

These letters from Harry Truman to Bess Wallace remain a tremendous document of Truman’s life on the farm and how some of his family relations were.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. April 29, 1912

Dear Bess:

Your letter came yesterday but I was so all fired lazy I didn't answer it. Do you know those ornery cousins of mine came out Saturday morning and went back Saturday evening, after I'd already made arrangements with the hired man so I couldn't leave Sunday. Wasn't that the height of pure cussedness? I guess they had a good excuse though. Aunt Ella was sick. We had a barbecue and land auction at Grandview Saturday and I had to stay home and work. Doesn't that sound unusual? So I didn't get to see the girls at all. I was just about to finish sowing clover seed and as all indications pointed to rain I couldn't stop. I finished at five-o'clock-115 acres, which means that I probably rode 120 miles on the drill. If you'd only prayed a little harder Thursday, I'd have got off but as it was it only stopped me an hour. Now I'm done and will have to go to plowing. It takes a deluge to stop a plow so I guess I'll have to wait until Sunday. This time Mr. hired man stays if all the relations in the county choose to come. There were about a thousand people at Grandview Saturday. Everybody and his brother was present. If he didn't happen to have a brother, he brought his mother-in-law. That what mine did. (My brother.) Mr. Davidson's feed was the most scrumptious affair you ever saw. He had roast cow and several roast hogs with salad and pie and all the trimmings for the whole bunch. He paid $10,000 for ten acres and got $16,500 for it. Probably made $3,000 clear in a month. Wish I could coin money at that rate. You know he made $3,000 on Jost's election.

This letter is a sort of "continued in our next." I started it at noon, then went and plowed a half day, and now I hope to finish it if Mary doesn't announce supper too quickly. I raked all the hide off the end of my left thumb this afternoon while trying to punch a hole in a strap. It wasn't my Sunday knife, so you needn't be afraid to use the one I carry on holidays. You have no idea how very inconvenient it is to try to wash your face with one hand, especially if that one is the wrong one. I did mine as Tom Sawyer did his-gave it a lick and promised it a better one Sunday maybe. Won't I be pretty by then? I'll come down and let you see how I look if you will be at home. I'll stop at a barber shop on the way though and except for an immense amount of sunburn I'll be as usual. I got axle grease all over my nose this morning. That was before I scratched my thumb and also before dinner so I got it washed off. You've no notion how big my nose is until you see it blacked. I was greasing a plow and got a gob of grease on my glove and for some unknown reason immediately smeared it on the side of my nose. I guess I was trying brush off a freckle. I 'm trying to erase it from the side I did a good job and plastered the whole thing. You'd think that would take a whole bucket of grease but just the little bit I had on my glove was entirely sufficient.

This stationary is a box Mary bought me Saturday so you see I don't have to use a tablet. Though I have one I use on my cousins and my aunts.

I hope you and Mary had a good time on the chaperon job. I suppose the reason they take you two is because they don't need any, isn't it?

"The Jingo" is a story with a brazen moral I guess, and like The Squirrel Cage, won't be fit to read in a few numbers. Did you read the article on Getting up Pinafore in Everybody's? It's a killer. Please send me a letter for this, and may I come Sunday and also May 19 to hear the Bishop and a few other times if I get a chance?

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Mamma and Mary (Truman) : April 12, 1945 Fate had other plans. A few hours later America would be mourning one president and learning about their new one. And the war was still raging on two fronts.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E10FAA38-D367-6102-CD63122E5B70A940.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E13AEFEA-F589-4485-2048F6A8E4F04EF1 Dear Mamma and Mary (Truman) : April 12, 1945 National Park Service On April 12, 1945, Vice President Harry S Truman was presiding over the United States Senate and decided to write his mother and sister back home in Grandview, Missouri...even encouraging them to tune into a radio broadcast where Truman was going to introduce President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fate had other plans. A few hours later America would be mourning one president and learning about their new one. And the war was still raging on two fronts. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140 266 no full Fate had other plans. A few hours later America would be mourning one president and learning about their new one. And the war was still raging on two fronts.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165042140

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for April 12, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We come to you from 219 North Delaware Street, Independence, Missouri, which from 1945 to 1953 was the second most famous address in the United States.

Today we would like to share with you a different type of letter written by Harry S Truman, one written by him as Vice President of the United States, and written to his mother and sister, Mrs. Martha Ellen Truman and Miss Mary Jane Truman, back home in Grandview, Missouri.

Just a note---we are grateful to have photocopies of the letters that Harry Truman wrote to his mother and sister. As former President Truman was writing his memoirs, he borrowed these letters from his sister, and had copies made. Mary Jane Truman for reasons unknown destroyed the originals.

Vice President Truman had been in that office for just over 80 days. Constitutionally, the Vice President serves as the presiding officer of the Senate, and Truman dearly loved the Senate, and had good working relationships with many of its members. Sometimes we live our lives not knowing what fate has in store for us. As Harry Truman wrote this letter to his mother and sister, he had no way of knowing that just a few hours later he would be President of the United States, and the radio address he mentions would never happen. His life would change forever, as would the lives of his family. We’d like to share this letter with you today.

April 12 1945

United States Senate Washington, D.C.

Dear Mamma & Mary: I am trying to write to you a letter today from the desk of the President of the Senate while a windy Senator from Wisconsin is making a speech on a subject with which he is in no way familiar. The Jr. Sen. From Arizona made a speech on the subject and he knew what he was talking about. The Wisconsin Senator is Wiley and the Arizona Senator is McFarland.

We are considering the Mexican Treaty on water in the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. It is of vital importance to South Western U.S. and northern Mexico. Hope we get it over some day soon. The Senators from California and one from Utah and a very disagreeable one from Nevada (McCarran) are fighting the ratification. I have to sit up here and make parliamentary rulings-some of which are common sense and some of which are not. Hope you are having a nice spell of weather. We’ve had a week of beautiful weather but it is raining and wintery today. I don’t think it’s going to last long. Hope not for I must fly to Providence R.I. Sunday morning.

Turn on your radio tomorrow night at 9:30 your time and you’ll hear Harry make a Jefferson Day address to the nation. I think I’ll be on all the networks so it ought not to be hard to get me. It will be followed by the President whom I’ll introduce.

Hope you are both well and stay that way.

Love to you both.

Write when you can.

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 29, 1944 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-29-1944

]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6BF6B55A-C9B7-CD29-1F689E11E80EE76B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6C0994FD-E428-0209-B126638A0E9C0467 Dear Bess: March 29, 1944 National Park Service In this brief letter, Senator Harry Truman talks to his wife a bit about the famed select committee he is leading investigating waste and fraud in defense spending. The committee was bearing much fruit already, saving taxpayers money. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-29-1944 294 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-29-1944

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 29, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, coming to you from Independence, Missouri, a place that Harry S Truman called the center of the world.

We’d like to share with you today a brief Dear Bess letter written on this date in 1944 by United States Senator Harry S Truman. Please be sure to see the link to see a digital copy of the original letter, preserved by the Truman Library. This letter was written on special Senate letterhead. The Special Committee Investigating the National Defense Program had a more common nickname in 1944…the Truman Committee. Via a series of hearings, meetings, visits around the country, Senator Truman, the Committee and its staff were able to investigate expenditures made in the name of defense, expenditures that seemed odd for whatever reason. The Truman Committee, although Truman didn’t care for that name, was able to save the American taxpayers billions of dollars. An initial budget of $15,000 expanded to $360,000 and saved an estimated $10-15 billion. It also made Truman a national figure.

Also in this brief letter Truman refers to an in-law, his wife’s cousin Gates Wells. Bess Wallace Truman’s mother’s maiden name was Gates. Also, please note the kind regards the Senator sends to his mother in law.

Regarding the Truman Committee, we recommend checking out a new book on it by Steve Drummond called The Watchdog that came out last year. There are some important lessons we can learn from that committee.

Here’s the letter:

Southern Pacific March 29, 1944

Dear Bess:

We are progressing down the Southern Pacific at a pace which would land us in Washington in about two weeks if we were east bound instead of southbound. Left Seattle at 4:30 yesterday and now we are approaching Sacramento at about the same time today. I was supposed to fly to Los Angeles yesterday morning so I could make a speech to 1200 Democrats who had paid $2500 a plate for the privilege of being present. I felt I couldn't leave a committee hearing to make a political speech after the furor that resulted in my statement released Monday morning. But I'm going to address the same sort of a meeting in San Francisco tomorrow night. I don't care whether they like it or not. I'm not going to be completely muzzled just because the Special Committee has made good. We had a very fine hearing in Seattle. As I told you yesterday Magnusson and Wallgren had talked too much as the parrot did. The Liberty Ship program has been a success and that, I think, is what history will say. But when demagogues can get up and say that soldiers and wounded are being put into them as troop ships we had to look into it. Naturally we are bound to displease some people. Kaiser made a good witness and most of the papers seem to be happy. The Portland Oregonian said last night we were playing politics. That will be the cry from now on no matter what we do. Think I'll shut down after this trip until fall.

Will mail this in San Francisco as soon as we arrive. Your cousin Walter Gates came to see me yesterday at the Court House. He is selling insurance in Seattle. Said his family were in Portland. He couldn't get a house to live in. Kiss my baby. Love to you. My best to your mother.

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 25, 1918 (circa) Please note that in this letter, Truman uses racial slurs for Jewish, Italian,and German people. They read and sound shocking us today. We include them for completeness.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-25-1918-postmark

]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A180D964-9678-B506-EC1CEDC1E9D0EAC3.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A1A6A8E3-FEC6-840B-5ECD867D5A80C6FF Dear Bess: March 25, 1918 (circa) National Park Service In this Dear Bess letter, written while Harry Truman was en route to serve in the Great War in Europe, he describes buying some new pairs of eyeglasses, his impressions of New York City, and more. Please note that in this letter, Truman uses racial slurs for Jewish, Italian,and German people. They read and sound shocking us today. We include them for completeness. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-25-1918-postmark 572 no full Please note that in this letter, Truman uses racial slurs for Jewish, Italian,and German people. They read and sound shocking us today. We include them for completeness.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-25-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for March 25, 2024, brought to you as a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, and coming to you from Independence, Missouri. It was forty years ago that the Truman Home in Independence opened to the public, and we are honored to serve the American people.

We wanted to share this Dear Bess letter with you, a letter we think dates from this date in 1918. First Lieutenant Harry S Truman and his men are en route to Europe to be part of the Great War effort, and had stopped off for a brief rest in New York. While there, Truman acquired a few pairs of glasses. It’s easy to see that the officer from Jackson County, Missouri, much prefers home, and is eager to fight on behalf of that place he calls home.

Please note that in this letter Truman uses two words that are today considered racial slurs, one for a Jewish person, one for an Italian person. Truman used those words in his letters and in conversation. They sound shocking to us today in 2024. We include them for completeness and context.

As always, we thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess:

Your telegram and letter were both waiting for me when I returned from New York this afternoon. I was in on strictly business today. Bought two pairs of glasses which makes me six pairs so I don't suppose I'll run out.

I accidently ran into an honest optician who happened to belong to my goat tribe (ie Scottish Rite) and he sent me to the best or one of the best oculists in the city. He gave me a complete and thorough examination a prescription I can use in Paris or Vienna and lots of good conversation all for the whole sum of $5.00 and then he asked me if thought I could stand that. How is that for the crookedest town in the universe? Then the optician who also gave me lots of good advice only charged me $17.50 less 10% for two complete pairs of regulation aluminum frames and glasses, throwing in an extra lens that he happened to chip on the edge in the grinding. I can't understand it. Watts stung me for $22.00 for two pairs and Dr. Leonard charged me $10.00 the last time I bought any and they were supposed to be friends of mine, too. This place is on Madison Ave. just off 42nd St. and I know he pays more rent for a week than Watts does for a month. Evidently these men are patriotic even if one of them is named Haustettee. That's the optician's name and he says it loses him business although his son has made some wonderful inventions in observing instruments for the U. S. Navy since we went to war. I sent you a small package today for Easter. I hope it arrives intact. When you wear it think of me out on the Atlantic thinking of you and seeing your face in the moonlit waves of Old Neptune, and wishing, wishing oh so badly that I could only see you. Really I'm almost homesick for you & mamma & Mary. If I could only have stayed these two days in Kansas City instead in this kike town I'd have felt much better. I am crazy to leave because I know that if the British stem this tide there'll not be another and I do want to be in at the death of this "Scourge of God." Just think what he'd do to your great country and our beautiful women if he only could. This is the reason we must go and must get shot if necessary to keep the Huns from our own fair land. I am getting to hate the sight of a German and I think most of us are the same way. They have no hearts or no souls. They are just machines to do the bidding of the wolf they call Kaiser. Old Julius Caesar's description of the [illegible] exactly fits the Germans of today and to think that Wilhelm should call himself Caesar. Attila or Tamerlane would be nearer the truth.

As I told you before I've seen this town from cellar to garrett and from the Battery to the North End and I can't do much for it. When a New Yorker shows you the Woolworth Bldg or Sen. Clark's house or Grant's Tomb or the Hudson River he expects you to fall death with admiration and if you don't he's confident your education has been overlooked. When one of our N.Y. Lieuts showed me Grant's Tomb from the Hudson Ferry I did him like Mark Twain did the dago who showed him the paintings of Michaelangelo. I said, "Well! Is he dead." The nut didn't even think it was a joke. He thought I wanted to know sure enough. Anyone from west of the Mississippi can make these people believe anything. I believe I could sell gold bricks on Broadway and make 'em cry for more.

I shall try my best to find White's and spoil a photographic plate if it will please you. This is Wednesday evening and Friday we leave so I don't know whether I can make it but I'll try.

Don't you worry about me not taking care of myself. I'm not out for V.C.s or Croix de Guerre. I'm going to use my brains, if I have any for Uncle Sam's best advantage and I'm going to aim to keep them in good working order, which can't be done by stopping bullets.

Agnes must want my fine plug pretty badly, but she doesn't want to pay what he's worth. He has a pedigree that would make the King of Spain green with envy. He's worth $300.00 for a saddle horse and being himself he's worth $500.00. If Agnes wants to make an offer like that I might listen to it. Although I promised Col Danford that I'd keep him until the war is over and let him have him if he wants him. That was the only way I'd take him because it would have been stealing to buy him for $100.00. Agnes must think I want $50.00 mighty badly. I do need it and badly but my grand saddle horse isn't for sale. This letter is not what it should be but I'm trying to make up for what I didn't do at Ft. Sill. I hope you'll forgive me because my intentions were the best but I was trying hard to make good for Uncle Sam. I did down there and if I can only hold up on the other side perhaps I can do him and you and everyone some small service. A telegram just came from Gates Wells to know if I can see him. I shall try to meet him at the McAlpin tomorrow if he can come up there and I can get away. It's fine of him to want to see me. Tell your mother I love her almost as much as I do my own and if you ever throw me down I'm going to call her mother anyway. I'll write you tomorrow and wire you Friday.

I shall cable you direct when I land. My cable censor address is Boxley and I can cable oftener because it's about ½ the cost. Keep on writing to the same address the letters will be forwarded.

Yours always,

Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: March 19, 1911 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-19-1911

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/658164F4-C117-94F2-83D687BDB1F611F1.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-65829031-07C1-5E30-6046C7B6134A5997 Dear Bess: March 19, 1911 National Park Service Harry S Truman, farmer, writes about religion and theology, books, chickens, and more in a most delightful letter from early in their courtship. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-19-1911 462 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-19-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 19, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We come to you today from the Noland Home, the home of Harry Truman’s aunt and uncle, across the street from the Truman Home, in Independence, Missouri.

We’d like to share with you a great Dear Bess letter written on this date in 1911. This letter was written in the first year of the courtship of Harry Truman and Bess Wallace, if Harry Truman’s letter of December 31, 1910, was the first letter.

The first paragraph is most fascinating. Harry Truman’s family was mostly Baptist, although Truman’s mother also was described as a “lightfoot Baptist” because she liked to sing, dance, and play games. Miss Wallace’s family is a little more complex. Her grandparents, George P and Elizabeth Gates, were members of First Presbyterian Church on Maple Street, just a few steps from their home on Delaware Street. Bess Wallace’s mother was raised in that church, as were her siblings. But at some point, there was a personnel issue at First Presbyterian that spurred Madge Gates Wallace to move her membership to the nearby Trinity Episcopal Church. Mrs. Wallace remained a member of that church the rest of her life, as would Bess Wallace Truman. It was in Trinity that Bess Wallace married Harry Truman in 1919, and where their daughter Mary Margaret married E Clifton Daniel in 1956.

Note how Truman remarks how he could envision himself retiring to Independence someday…but as a retired farmer. Could he ever imagine he would retire to Independence, indeed…but as a retired President of the United States?

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

March 19, 1911

Dear Bessie,

I sincerely hope you enjoyed the playing of that musical editor was well as I did. He was simply great. You know that I think when good music is played in his style it is always enjoyable. Hope I didn't cause you to do anything against your religious principles. You know that I know nothing about Lent and such things and when I was urging you to go with us to dinner at the Baltimore I was merely thinking of giving you all a good time. That was the first "time" I was ever at an Episcopal Church and I like the service very much. But I guess I'll have to remain a Lightfoot Baptist for a while yet anyway. You know I told you that I also had strayed from the Presbyterian fold; but I went in the other direction. In place of more form we haven't any. But there are many things I do not like. For instance they do not want a person to go to shows or dances or do anything for a good time. Well I like to do all those things and play cards besides. So you see I am not very strong as a Baptist. Anyhow I don't think any church on earth will take you to heaven if you're not real anyway. I believe in people living what they believe and talking afterwards, don't you? Well hang religion anyway; it's a dull subject, but I'll not ask you to dinner any more till after Easter Sunday. Will that be all right?

Mary has not arrived home yet. The last I heard she was in Independence. When she gets down there she never knows when to come home, and I don't blame her. I like Independence and if I ever get rich enough to retire (be a retired farmer, ah) I think I'll land in Independence.

We go to sowing oats in the morning. It will take a week or two as we have about eighty acres to sow. Mr. Hall wanted to know of me if we were planting wheat now. You know a town farmer always gets his verbs mixed. We sow wheat, oats, and grass seed and plant corn and potatoes. See the difference?

I did certainly enjoy Miss Dicey's (I guess that's how you spell her) excitable conversation. I bet she is a person who enjoys life. You know when people can get excited over the ordinary things in life, they live. You know a good author makes common things seem great in books, and people who can live them that way always enjoy life. I never did know but one boy that way and only one man. Neither of them can cross the street without having an adventure worth telling of.

When she was telling about those chickens and that trip to St. Louis I thought I'd go up. I guess they thought I was a perfect chump because I forgot to tell them and you too that I enjoyed the evening, but I most certainly did and you please tell them, will you? Next time I'll do better provided I can have a next time.

Mamma has seven little chickens and more coming. They looked rather out of place when we had that snow. I told her she would have to begin knitting socks if she was going to raise chickens in the winter. The last few days have been fine on them though. One of my numerous cousins was over this evening and she had seventy-six chickens big enough to fly. They were incubator chickens. I hope you don't cook yours before they hatch. They say that is generally what happens the first time. So be careful.

Did you get your suitcase all right? I wish we had thought and taken it to the N.Y. Life Building and then we could have got it. No one ever thought that man would play overtime. They don't generally. Now please don't wait so long to write as I do enjoy your letters even if you do call them notes.

What do you think of Mrs. E. C. W.? Isn't she a caution? Some time when she has a swell recital if you care to go out, we'll go and then you'll see her show off proper.

Well I'm going to quit because I have to run overtime but if you don't want to read, remember you owe me a letter now and I am looking for it.

Sincerely yours, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: An Undated Letter, Likely From 1915 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639084

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C9DD5D2D-F8C9-E528-458774A6E0AD82DF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C9EDDE42-D169-91F2-D07BFA64E6BF9524 Dear Bess: An Undated Letter, Likely From 1915 National Park Service In this undated and most wonderful letter, Harry S Truman talks about his Uncle Harrison, his car, and his new job as caretaker of the Grandview Post Office. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639084 348 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639084

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast series for March 1, 2024, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We come to you from the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri.

Today we would like to share with you a great Dear Bess letter, written by Harry S Truman, farmer, to Miss Bess Wallace, the love of his life. But here’s the thing. We can’t date this letter very well. He didn’t put a date on the letter, and the postmark is mostly illegible. But the letter is a gem. Based on context, we think it’s from 1915. And since he references snow, either early or later 1915. Truman alludes to his Uncle Harrison Young, his mother’s brother. When he refers to ‘Old Liz,’ he is referring to his car, a Stafford touring car he had recently bought. The car was a maintenance headache for Truman, but he loved it.

But perhaps most importantly he refers to taking care of the Grandview Post Office. He was appointed to that job, but didn’t have it long. It’s been said Truman gave the job up to allow a lady to take it, a lady who needed the money. But at the very least, Truman became familiar with the postal service, and this helped him in his knowledge of how government works. And with these letters, he certainly gave the post office some business!

Here’s the letter.

Grandview

Dear Bess:

I got your letter this morning and I can tell you I most certainly appreciated it. I am very glad you like the flowers and only wish they could have been more. If I could have been in town I'd have sent you some fresh ones every day. I am hoping that you'll be up very soon so I can get to see you. It has been so long since I last saw you that it seems like a year. If you don't hurry and get well, Mr. Warfield is going to get by. They tell me that Blanche Ring is as fine as ever at the Orpheum.

I have finally succeeded in getting Uncle Harry home. He remarked when he got here that he was either awful sick or awful drunk, one. It was a combination. The doctor has succeeded in getting him sober and we hope to keep him that way for some time to come. I was in the city Saturday and it did seem entirely wrong not to go to Independence anyway. I sent you a little bunch of homegrown sweet violets. They told me that they are more fragrant than the California variety. I like violets better than any other kind of flowers both to eat and to look at. I shall try and send you some more before the week is out.

We are having a mostly lovely snow out this way. I am hoping it keeps up. Mrs. Chas. H. Lester has asked Mary and me to come out there to dinner tomorrow evening but I fail to see how I'm going to make it over roads like they are now. Old Liz hasn't been out since Thursday when I brought Uncle Harry home. This is the longest rest she's had for some time. I've got to put her back in the factory. She is suffering from a worse knock than ever. It seems that experts are experts only in getting money out of people. They expert an engine all to pieces and do it up again only to find it won't run any better than it would before. They also charged me up with thirty hours labor at seventy-five cents an hour. I don't know how they got it in as the car was only there a day and a half. Charging and getting are two altogether different processes. I am going to jaw with them some even if I have to pay in the end.

I am supposed to take active charge of the post office today but I haven't done it. The thing is a white elephant on my hands. Every person in Grandview who could possibly run the thing has asked me for the privilege of doing it. I have had the efficiency gag, the poor widow who is the only support of her family, the plain, easy-money one, and every other hand drawn on me to get the job. I have so far turned a deaf ear to all of them and allowed the boy I promised it to to keep it. There's no telling what I may do if they keep on. Political promises are no good anyway and I may break mine yet. I have an idea that I'll simply resign and let 'em fight it out all over again among themselves.

I am hoping to see you before the week goes by again. When you get well you've simply got to give me another picture of yourself so I can have one downstairs and one up. It's right unhandy to chase upstairs every day to see how you look. Here's hoping to see the original before long.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 22, 1918 Truman is examined for a promotion. Will he get it? He is also examined for his eyesight...how did that fare? Listen to find out.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918

]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/08C65C51-94D1-99F6-F6389434921862A8.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-08DEF170-AF1D-7D35-13BE40E5644FE420 Dear Bess: February 22, 1918 National Park Service An amazing letter written by Lieutenant Harry S Truman to his fiancee, Miss Bess Wallace, shortly before his mobilization to Europe in the Great War. Truman is examined for a promotion. Will he get it? He is also examined for his eyesight...how did that fare? Listen to find out. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918 347 no full Truman is examined for a promotion. Will he get it? He is also examined for his eyesight...how did that fare? Listen to find out.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Lawton, Okla. [Feb. 22, 1918]

Dear Bess:

This day has been a bright one. So was yesterday. I got your letter both days, and I have been the delinquent party this week. I hope you won't blame me when I tell you what has been happening. The overseas detachment is again having spasms of preparation to leave. I am still on it, thank heaven, and so of course I am having spasms too. I had a regular one yesterday when Colonel Danford ordered me up before an examining board not for efficiency but for promotion. I think I failed miserably because General Berry was so gruff and discourteous in his questions that I forgot all I ever knew and couldn't answer him. He said, "Eh huh! You don't know, do you? I thought so. You don't know. That'll be all, outside." He kept me and the two others, Lieutenant Paterson and Lieutenant Marks, standing out in the cold so long that we took a terrific cold and I couldn't get up this morning for reveille. I got up for breakfast and outside of a slight headache I am all in good health and spirits. That is as good spirits as could be expected in a man when he falls down on an examination. We had no opportunity for preparation and I suppose that it would have been no better if we had. I have been looking for them to say that it was a mistake and that an efficiency board is what I needed instead of an examining one. Please don't say anything about it until the announcement is made as to whether I get the promotion or not. If I don't get it then we won't say anything. If I do then we can tell it. I guess it is a compliment anyway to get ordered up even if I didn't pass. They almost sent me home on a physical, too, yesterday but I talked past the M.D. He turned my eyes down twice and threatened to send me to division headquarters for a special examination and then didn't. I guess I can put a real good conversation when circumstances demand it. You see by taking everything together if I hadn't gotten your letters, I'd sure have been a blue person. In addition to all the other things I did yesterday I turned the exchange over to Captain Butterfield and sat on a general court martial. Some day, wasn't it? Can you wonder that I didn't get up for reveille and still have a slight headache?

I shall cable you as soon as I arrive in Europe. I thought I told you I would once before. I intended to anyway. I am glad Uncle William was landed safely and I hope to see him when I get across. I don't know much to tell you about leaving, but I'll let you know immediately I start. I shall also let you know if I get the two bars. Please don't say anything about that though until I hear that I'm turned down, which is what we all think. I am no longer Trumanheimer. Did I tell you I met a pretty girl in Guthrie who was nice to me until someone sold her my name was Trumanheimer, and then she wouldn't look at me anymore. She thought I surely must be of Hebraic descent with that name. She of course didn't know that it is little I care what she thinks or doesn't.

Please write me as often as possible because the days are sure brighter and not so hard when your letters come.

I think of you always.

Yours, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 10, 1937 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/node/368893

]]> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/8FC67CDF-AED4-380B-209ABA1AD922F023.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-8FD46A44-EB0A-9882-F1B6CCFAA377FBC1 Dear Bess: February 10, 1937 National Park Service A charming letter from Senator Harry S Truman to his wife, near her birthday. One of his sweetest letters to her. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/node/368893 188 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/node/368893

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for February 10, 2024, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, from the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri.

Today we would like to spotlight a Dear Bess letter from on this date in 1937. It’s a letter that we’ve shared before, but it’s so good, why not share it again?

In this letter Harry Truman, Senator from Missouri, writes a few golden nuggets. Truman makes reference to some type an offer from Lucky Strikes cigarettes…this is ironic because Truman didn’t smoke. Lucky cigarettes were made by the American Tobacco Company, and sponsored Jack Benny’s show for many years. But later in this brief letter Truman writes one of his most romantic lines…actually a few of them. He shows his knowledge of classic literature when he cites several ancient goddesses, and references Proserpina. Like Truman, we recommend you look her up!

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

February 10, 1937 Washington, D.C.

Dear Bess: I didn't accept the Lucky offer. Wouldn't my friends, who know my love for cigarettes, have a grand time wondering how much it takes to buy me. I'm glad you are all well, so am I and I expect to stay that way. I'm going to Oscar and Elsie's for dinner tonight. There has been considerable flu here but it doesn't seem to be the fatal kind. You'll get a small package from Mr. Julius Garfinckel's along about Saturday, your seventy-second birthday or maybe it's your thirty-second-I haven't kept very close count on it. It would make no difference if it were your one hundred and fifty-second-to me you'd still be the prettiest, sweetest, best, and all the other adjectives girl on earth-in heaven or in the waters under the earth. You were not only Juno, Venus, Minerva all in one but perhaps Proserpina too. (You'd better look that one up.)

Anyway I never had but one from the time I was six and a half to date-and maybe that's more foolishness according to modern standards, but I'm crazy enough to stay with it through all eternity. Kiss Margie, love to you,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 30, 1912 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638951

]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5CF30644-CCA7-E9BB-DA3F4AF2170BF59B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5CFE91E8-B49C-50DE-F448F920DD83C8C0 Dear Bess: January 30, 1912 National Park Service One of the greatest Dear Bess letters from 1912. Truman talks about the Masons, family, hard work on the Farm, and more. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638951 435 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638951

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 30, 2024, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site in Independence and Grandview, Missouri.

We’d like to share with you today a Dear Bess letter from on this date in 1912. At the time, Harry Truman was working on his family’s farm in Grandview, while becoming increasingly involved in the community. You’ll hear all of this and more in this wonderful letter. In the brief span of a few pages, Truman touches on everything from his involvement with the Masons, hard work being done on the Farm, some business, some politics, and some family affairs.

Truman, too, makes a reference to Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, with no idea that in 33 years he would join that exclusive club of American presidents.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandburg Jan 30,1912

Dear Bessie:- Give me credit for a very early response. You certainly did write me one fine letter (put emphasis on fine, not on one, because they're all fine) and I am going to answer it immediately.

I am going to start in real earnest now to get some of the dirty pelf, for what you say sounds kind of encouraging, whether you meant it that way or not. I am glad Mary Paxton and I can agree on [underlined: one] subject if it is unintentional. We never could when we were kids. But Mary's correct this time. I hope she gets her millionaire someday. I am not resting up to go to work-I have been working up to get in trim. Shucked shock corn all day Saturday and got my eyes so full of dust that I could almost scoop it out. They looked like a professional toper's the next day. We have about four hundred shocks left to shuck before we are done. It is a job invented by Satan himself. Dante sure left something from the tenth circle when he failed to say that the inhabitants of that dire place shucked shock corn. I am sure they do. I hope never to see another year when it is necessary to save so much of it. We are lucky, though, to have it, as it takes the place of hay at twenty dollars a ton. Papa pretends he doesn't mind doing it, but he does just the same. I went down to Drexel last night with Mr. Blair and acted as assistant district lecturer. Went down on the K.C.S. and got back at 5:50 a.m. Got four hours sleep. You ought to see me teach blockheaded Masons how to talk. (Don't ever say that to anyone, for we don't admit that there are any of that kind.) They'd have to be blockheads if I taught them. We had lots of fun. There was a big, old fat guy present who got me tickled and I lost all my high-and-mightiness in short order. We met an old fellow at the hotel who was a cow buyer and a character. He'd quarrel with anybody on any subject. He bet a dollar that Taft would be nominated and then bet two that Teddy would. He fussed with the hotel man because the damper on the stovepipe was not turned at the proper angle. I guess he must have been seventy, but he was six feet tall and straight as a boy. Everybody thought he was funny. He didn't mean half he said but it sounded mighty mean when he said it.

I have to go help Mr. Blair out when it is possible for me to get away, because he has paid my expenses a couple of times to State Lodges of Instruction. I saw his wife on the train the last time I was in town, and she said he had gone off somewhere that day. Said she guessed it was on Lodge business because he always told her where he went except when he went to Lodge.

I won a pound-box of candy on your name the other day. What do you think of that? I went up to Grandview and a man in the confectionary business had one of those cards all full of girls' names. Each name had a number under it on a slip. I took a shot at the best name in the bunch and won a sixty-cent box of Louney's for a dime. That's the second time I've done it. Before, I tore off Elizabeth and won two pounds. I was going to bring you that box but those cousins of mine came out, and Mary knew I had the box and so I had to give it up. They never knew how I got it though.

I shall sure be glad to go to Salisbury's for dinner Sunday. But don't you think people would think I am a terrible tightwad if we walk? I'd like to walk all right and would certainly enjoy it, but please be sure I am perfectly willing to invest in a rig for one day. I hope Miss Dicie does loosen up for Saturday evening, because my time is getting short and I am dying to see Mrs. Polly (as I said before.) I hope this baby hasn't whooping cough. She would think her visit was hoodooed sure if anything was to happen to it.

If Miss D. takes a notion for Saturday, will you call me up? Have it reversed because I'll be the one who benefits. I wonder if her ears burn. Maybe writing doesn't have the same effect on a person's ears as talking. If it does, Miss Dicie's ears ought to be about done enough for sandwiches. Don't you think? I ought to be helping Vivian and Luella to move, but Papa sent the hired men and I am putting my time to better use-at least I think so whether you will or not. Maybe you'll wish I had helped more. I hope not though. And I also hope you'll think you owe me a letter. Two of these tablecloth size sheets are equal to almost four of your size, so I send more words if you do send more sense. I am glad to get them though, any size or style. Hope to see you Saturday and shall Sunday.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 7, 1919 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/52527174

]]> Sun, 07 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9216C09B-9D26-E00D-06E3058BA420E11A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-922DF0B4-D422-AD5D-1BB7EC429DD617FC Dear Bess: January 7, 1919 National Park Service Captain Truman writes his fiancee, Miss Bess Wallace, from France, where he and his men await their orders to come home after their service in the Great War. Truman is worried about Miss Wallace and her family, as they have been quite ill. We can only imagine how worried and helpless he felt half a world away. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/52527174 390 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/52527174

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 7, 2024, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we would like to share with you a letter written by Captain Harry S Truman on this day in 1919, to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, back home in Independence, Missouri. Captain Truman and his men are still in France, awaiting their orders to return home after fighting in World War I.

You will hear in this letter that Miss Wallace and her brother, Frank, and Truman’s sister Mary had the flu. In our recent history, as we dealt with Covid19, we heard a lot about the Great Influenza of 1918. The Great Influenza wreaked havoc everywhere, and may have claimed Miss Wallace’s grandfather, George Porterfield Gates, as a victim in the summer of 1918. Is Truman referring to this influenza? That’s hard to tell. But in their world, just like ours with Covid, everyone was still on edge, having seen suffering and death like never before.

And, half a world away, Captain Truman couldn’t help but worry about his fiancée and his family.

Camp La Beholle, near Verdun

January 7, 1919

Dear Bess:

Such a joyousness—two letters from you last night, one from home, one from Boxley, one from Morgan, and one from some uneasy papa of one of my irresponsibles to know if his son is shot or not. He isn't and never has been over half-shot since he's been over here. (I should be shot saying that, because the kid's one of my best corporals.)

You've no idea how this muddy spot brightens up when letters come. I was so glad to get yours because I have been scared to death, ever since you told me Frank had the "flu," that either you or your mother would get it. I'm so glad you're getting well. It had been almost two weeks since I had received a letter and I was certainly uneasy. Mary was down with it too so you can imagine how I felt. Geo Arrowsmith was in to see me yesterday evening and I told him you had been sick, and he said yes he knew it but wasn't going to tell me if I didn't know it. Considerate man, isn't he? Mary says she is much better and I hope that by the next mail I'll hear you are both in excellent health.

I thought perhaps you'd like to see how I am wasting away, pining to get home and out of the armee, so I'm enclosing you a Kodak picture of me made by Captain Paterson. I am supposed to be engrossed with a letter to you but inadvertently I am holding a pencil instead of a pen. I am thinking of you anyway because Paterson remarked that he'd flatter me as much as the camera would admit because he knew you'd like it that way. Don't you think I'm getting thin? It took Pat nearly five minutes to get me posed so my double chin wouldn't show! The colonel says I'm getting thinner. I'm not so obese as I was a week or so ago and I'm still wearing my American uniforms, which by the way are better than any that can be bought over here now. Tell Uncle Strother that I'll certainly get him an iron cross if it is at all possible to obtain one and I'm good and sure it is. I didn't get one in Verdun the other day because there are no more refugees coming back this way. I am going over to Mars le Tour next Sunday and will try my luck over there. In Metz they sell for 3 marks which is about 75 cents in good money. The Y.M.C.A. is giving a show tonight but I stayed in to finish this letter because I'll have so much to do tomorrow I won't be able to finish it then. I am going to take the Battery out mounted tomorrow for the first time since it came out of the line. We have a lot of new horses, American horses, and new harness. It sure looks good to get lined up like a real battery once more. Parade ground stuff is great for use in peace time but when honest to goodness shootin' is going on you get in and shoot and a few good cuss words properly placed get more immediate action than all the drill ground maneuvers ever did. We've got to exercise our horses and keep the men busy so we should worry. I have some very fine looking horses and I hope I get to keep them until we go home.

I do hope you are well and that all danger from that dreadful flu is past. I am hoping for another letter later than the ninth. I'm glad you like the 77s. They don't amount to much as a present but they are worth something for their associations and the Vosges, Saint-Mihiel, Argonne-Meuse, and Verdun are the fronts the 129th worked on. Yours always

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 31, 1910---The First Letter! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638902

]]> Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/20A78572-E53B-6A48-966C023D8A8046DF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-20BFA677-AEE8-883C-7B627C863B1AEC23 Dear Bess: December 31, 1910---The First Letter! National Park Service On December 31, 1910, Harry S Truman, farmer, wrote what may have been his first Dear Bess letter to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace. It would be his most famous campaign. He had loved Miss Wallace for 20 years, since meeting her at a Presbyterian Church Sunday School. Could he win her over? https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638902 272 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638902

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

We take care of the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri, and the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, Missouri, as well as some other special historic homes on behalf of the American people, and it is our great honor to do so.

Today we would like to share with you a very special Dear Bess letter…the oldest known one…from December 31, 1910.

Harry Truman had met Bess Wallace back at a Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church in Independence back in 1890. He was six, she was five. He fell in love immediately. Miss Wallace? Not really. Now Miss Wallace was the granddaughter of one of Independence’s most notable citizens…George Porterfield Gates, who was a partner in a successful flour mill. In 1890 the Trumans had just moved to Independence.

Harry Truman and Bess Wallace went through school together, graduated in 1901. Their lives diverged after that. But then fate played a hand, and were reunited, possibly in 1910. Family tradition has that Harry Truman’s kin the Nolands had him return a dessert plate across the street from their home to the Gates mansion, where Miss Wallace was living. The rest, they say, is history. Starting with this letter, Truman used his words to convince Miss Wallace that he was worthy of being the one for her.

It was destiny.

As always, thanks for listening. Here is that letter.

Grandview, Mo.

Dec. 31, 1910

My Dear Bessie:-

I am very glad you liked the book. I liked it so well myself I nearly kept it. I saw it advertised in Life and remembered that you were fond of Scott when we went to school.

Nothing would please me better than to come to see you during the holidays or any other time for the matter of that, but Papa broke his leg the other day and I am the chief nurse, next to my mother, besides being farm boss now. So you see I'll be somewhat closely confined for some time to come. I hope you'll let the invitation be a standing one though and I shall avail myself of it at the very first opportunity.

I guess Ethel & Nellie have been busy with their exams is the reason you haven't seen them. I got a letter from Ethel the other day saying she was suffering so from cramming, both mental and physical, and from "epizootic" (whatever that is) that she and Nellie would be unable to come out this week. You know they always spend a few days at Christmas out here. It was just as well, as I would have had to cancel their date anyway after Papa's accident. We haven't quite got over the excitement yet. A horse pulled a big beam over on him in the barn. We were so glad he wasn't killed we didn't know what to do.

If you see fit to let me hear from you sometimes, I shall certainly appreciate it. Farm life as an everyday affair is not generally exciting. Wishing you and all of you the very happiest New Year, I am very sincerely

Harry S. Truman

]]> A Special Episode---President Truman's 1951 Christmas Message from the Truman Home This is dedicated to all members of our Armed Forces and their families. We thank you for your service and sacrifices.

]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/85FE8D6B-E230-E549-1EB47C52A3A9A617.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-861CDABD-A6E5-98BB-F232F41BCF0406B9 A Special Episode---President Truman's 1951 Christmas Message from the Truman Home National Park Service President Harry S Truman delivered this message to the American people from his family's home in Independence, Missouri. The address was in connection with the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree. This is dedicated to all members of our Armed Forces and their families. We thank you for your service and sacrifices. 327 no full This is dedicated to all members of our Armed Forces and their families. We thank you for your service and sacrifices.

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

December 24, 1951

[Broadcast nationally from Independence, Mo., at 5 p.m.]

CHRISTMAS is the great home festival. It is the day in all the year which turns our thoughts toward home.

And so I am spending Christmas in my old home in Independence with my family and friends. As the Christmas tree is lighted on the White House grounds in Washington, I am glad to send this greeting to all of my countrymen.

Tonight we think of the birth of a Little Child in the City of David nineteen and a half centuries ago. In that humble birth God gave his message of love to the world. At this Christmas time the world is distracted by doubt and despair, torn by anger, envy and ill will. But our lesson should still be that same message of love, symbolized by the birth of the Redeemer of the World in a manger "because there was no room for them in the inn."

Our hearts are saddened on this Christmas Eve by the suffering and the sacrifice of our brave men and women in Korea. We miss our boys and girls who are out there. They are protecting us, and all free men, from aggression. They are trying to prevent another world war. We honor them for the great job they are doing. We pray to the Prince of Peace for their success and safety.

As we think about Korea, we should also think of another Christmas, 10 years ago, in 1941. That was just after Pearl Harbor, and the whole world was at war. Then almost every country, almost every home, was overshadowed by fear and sorrow.

The world is still in danger tonight, but a great change has come about. A new spirit has been born, and has grown up in the world, although perhaps we do not fully realize it. The struggle we are making today has a new and hopeful meaning.

Ten years ago total war was no longer a threat but a tragic reality. In those grim days, our Nation was straining all its efforts in a war of survival. It was not peace--not the prevention of war--but the stark reality of total war itself that filled our minds and overwhelmed our hearts and souls at Christmas, 1941.

Tonight we have a different goal, and a higher hope. Despite difficulties, the free nations of the world have drawn together solidly for a great purpose: not solely to defend themselves; not merely to win a bloody war if it should come; but for the purpose of creating a real peace--a peace that shah be a positive reality and not an empty hope; a just and lasting peace.

When we look toward the battlefields of Korea, we see a conflict like no other in history. There the forces of the United Nations are fighting--not for territory, not for plunder, not to rule the lives of captive people. In Korea the free nations are proving, by deeds, that man is free and must remain free, that aggression must end, that nations must obey the law.

We still have a long struggle ahead of us before we can reach our goal of peace. In the words of the Bible, the day is not yet here when the bow shall be broken, and the lance cut off, and the chariot burned. But we have faith that that day will come.

We will be strong so long as we keep that faith--the faith that can move mountains, the faith which, as St. Paul says, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Let us ask God to bless our efforts and redeem our faults. Let us resolve to follow his commandments--to carry the gospel to the poor; heal the brokenhearted; preach deliverance to the captive; give freedom to the slave. Let us try to do all things in that spirit of brotherly love that was revealed to mankind at Bethlehem on the first Christmas day.

The victory we seek is the victory of peace. That victory is promised to us. It was promised to us long ago, in the words of the angel choir that sang over Bethlehem: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." To all my countrymen: Merry Christmas.

]]> Dear Bess: December 19, 1918 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/51459466?objectPage=5

]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F0B97781-C1A7-9164-8231C5DE702D777D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F0CAE213-EE6F-F3F3-09C0A4345171B467 Dear Bess: December 19, 1918 National Park Service A sweet letter from Captain Harry S Truman written just days after the end of hostilities of World War I. Truman is ready to come home. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/51459466?objectPage=5 401 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/51459466?objectPage=5

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess,, Dear Harry podcast for December 19, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service in Independence and Grandview, Missouri.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1918 by Captain Harry S Truman, just over a month after the end of hostilities in World War I. Like the rest of the American soldiers, Captain Truman was waiting…anxiously waiting…orders to ship home. For Truman, home was Jackson County, Missouri, where his mother, brother, and sister lived, where his family’s farm was, and where his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, lived.

Note that in the second paragraph of the letter, Truman tells Miss Wallace he signed up for full separation from the Army. He did, and he did separate shortly after coming home. But then, in a reversal, Truman did rejoin the reserves. There were a few reasons for that, one of them long term…he continued with the reserves until early 1953, after President Harry Truman left the White House.

So, yes, President Harry S Truman was (then) Colonel Harry S Truman’s own commander in chief!

We dedicate this installment today to all in our Armed Forces, and their families, experiencing a separation at the holidays. Technology may make it more bearable in 2023, but that doesn’t make it easy. Here’s the letter.

Dec 19 1918

Still near Verdun

Camp La Baholle

Dear Bess:

This day is a banner day sure enough. Your letters of Nov 24 & 26 came and I am entirely cured of a case of grippe I was endeavoring to have. Those are two grand letters and I am so happy to get them. You are right about my not getting all your letters but I am certainly thankful for what I do get. Your mother is very flattering when she says I write a good letter. I write in order to get letters and if mine happen to appear interesting because they come from France I'm that much more pleased. I appreciate the compliment anyway. Some time back I wrote you a great long winded account of all my doings since leaving Coetquidon. Mr. Lee says he wants to get some of the facts to go into his history of 129th but I don't think they would hardly be worth putting in do you? My hair is not any whiter than it's always been except for a few grey hairs around the edge and they are not visible unless you look closely. I think I told the Nolands in one of my letters to them that my experience in moving up front that first night of the drive when it took me 12 hours to go a kilometer and a half was enough to give me a set of grey hairs. I don't think I have anymore than I've had for the last two years, but my hair is thicker so the helmet must have done it good. I sincerely wish I could have gone to Platte with you and also to the show. There's a good time coming though and I hope not so far away.

We have rumors of going to Hunland and rumors of going to Brest and rumors of staying where we are 'till peace is signed. I told you I'd signed up for "full & immediate" separation from the army. We call ourselves the F & Is and we kid the life out of those who signed up to stay in. But will all probably come home together. Major Gates, Maj. Miles, Sermon, Marks, McGee, the Colonel & myself are all F & Is. Salisbury, Allen, Patterson, Dancy signed up to stay in. The rest signed up for the reserve. I can't see what on earth any man with initiative and a mind of his own want to be in the army in peace times for. You've always got some old fossil above you whose slightest whim is law and who generally hasn't a grain of horse sense. For my part I want to be where I can cuss 'em all I please when I please and you can bet there are some in this man's army who are going to get cussed and more if they fool around me when I get out. I'd give my right arm to be on the military affairs committee of the House. It's not an impossibility is it? You've no idea how the attitude changed when there was no more chance of promotion. It's right laughable sometimes. I got a lot of new horses today which don't look much like going home. I'd about as soon be in Coblenz or Cologne as in this mud hole. If I can find it I am going to send you a copy of a poem called "Sunny France" it's a peach.

You've no idea how I appreciated the Christmas card from all the family. I wish I could send them each one but I can't. Remember me to all of them especially your mother and wish them each a Merry Christmas for me. And keep on writing.

Yours always Harry.

Harry S Truman

Capt Bty D 129 FA

American E F

]]> Dear Bess: December 1, 2023 (postmark) https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46750954

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7C81AF2F-978D-1842-F718099DABFC99CC.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7C9F53B5-B254-1AC5-F2B202818FE6AFAC Dear Bess: December 1, 2023 (postmark) National Park Service In this letter, First Lieutenant Harry Truman writes from World War I training camp, wishing he could see his fiancee, and is missing home. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46750954 314 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46750954

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 1, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we would like to share with you a letter postmarked on this date in 1917, written by First Lieutenant Harry S Truman in Lawton, Oklahoma, writing to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, who was back home in Independence, Missouri.

You can tell that Lieutenant Truman was thrilled to get the fudge Miss Wallace sent but would rather have seen the sender! When Truman refers to “Lizzie,” he is referring to his car, a Kansas City-built Stafford touring car he had bought a few years earlier. He certainly got his monies’ worth out of that car. He sold it shortly before he shipped out to France, and we wonder whatever happened to it.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Postmarked December 1, 1917, Lawton, Oklahoma.

Dear Bess:

Your box of good fudge was handed into my tent Thanksgiving morning by Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. Kelly. It was sure fine and I am most awful glad to get it. I was very much disappointed because I didn't see the sender, because I thought perhaps you might surprise me by coming down. I expected to see you really and it was some disappointment when I didn't. The candy was fine. Mr. Lee got a box of cookies and some candy, too. We could have had a feast all our own if we'd wanted to.

Kelly is the happiest man in camp I guess except Rice Pendleton and C. Bundschu. I asked Mr. Bundschu when he was going back to heaven today and he said he wasn't going he was going to stay here as the thought this was nearer heaven than Independence. Some people have queer judgment in some things. I'd sure like to have a chance to go to Independence and Grandview. I don't think mamma got my letter asking her to come down because I had one from Mary telling me they couldn't come and she never said anything about my letter.

Lizzie has a cog wheel or something cross ways in her interior workings and refuses to budge. So I can't haul Mrs. Dunn around much as I would like to. Anyway her son has a car so she will get all they riding that is necessary. Mize and Flynn and one or two others took Capt. Sermon's car out Thanksgiving day and pinched for speeding on the horseshoe. The horseshoe is a fine rock road running around the camp. Only military cars can ride on it and they can't go over 15 miles an hour.

Sass Dickinson is back. He didn't get a commission at Ft. Sheridan. I can't understand it either because I know a couple of bums who did get commissions and who don't know enough to come in when it rains.

I went to church last Sunday with Lee down to the 128th Artillery and it was Episcopal. I intended telling about it sooner but Lee insisted that I only went because I wanted to write you about it and so I didn't do it. F Bty has been out to the trenches again today and I went along. The canteen is going to be invoiced, inspected and audited tomorrow. Some job.

I have been trying to think if I've failed to answer any questions I should have or have not told you all I know but I think I've done both except that I took Roger Sermon's wife horseback riding last Sunday. He wasn't along either. Hines and his wife and Capt Pete and his were though so I guess it was perfectly proper. I had an invitation a dance last night at our hospital but I didn't go because all the partners were married women and their husbands were all present. Anyhow Lee and I have so much to do that we can't be bothered with a dance. I told Mary S. B. that you wouldn't let me dance until the war is over and I shouldn't be surprised if you hear it so I'd better tell you now. I am looking for a long fat letter tomorrow and next day and I do hope it won't be in vain. If you only know how well I like to get them. Wish I could see you Sunday.

Yours always,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: circa November, 1913 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639039

]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4B7C4B53-E7C7-4284-5716AC933737CB08.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4B8AA7A6-E50D-E6D5-E35C9AFD8FBC3163 Dear Bess: circa November, 1913 National Park Service One of the greatest of all the Dear Bess letters. We just wish we could better date when Harry Truman penned this letter to Miss Bess Wallace. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639039 427 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639039

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 15, 2023, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we would like to share with you a gem of a Dear Bess letter, but here’s the thing. Harry S Truman, living on his family’s farm in Grandview, Missouri, didn’t date it, and the postmark on the envelope isn’t legible. But based on clues, we believe that it’s from November, 1913.

And it’s full of wonderful stuff.

When we talk about Harry Truman and his years on the Farm, we remind our visitors that while on the Farm Truman became well involved in the community. He begins this letter by sharing with Bess Wallace some tidbits about the Masons and its sister group, the Order of the Eastern Star. Truman was heavily involved…indeed the Masons were central to Truman’s life by this time.

But the remainder of the letter is pure love poetry. It’s a pleasure to read to you!

As always thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Circa November, 1913

Dear Bess:-

I've been at the installation of an Eastern Star chapter. The woman who did the job is Julia V. Freyman of Kansas City. She's a Past Most Worthy Grand Matron of Missouri and the nicest old lady. (Say the old in a low voice).

She had on a lace dress and two of the biggest diamond earrings with the most beautiful diamond ring. I never saw one like it. If old Dr. Freyman gave it to her for an engagement he surely had an eye for beauty. It's evidently a joy forever to Julia for she wears it continually - along with several others. Besides all this array of re-gular adornment on her left breast she wore the jewel of a P.M.W.G.M. (There are so many letters I forgot one myself). It is a five-pointed star of solid gold suspended from a bar with a Masonic pin set with diamonds attached by a tiny chain. All this array is what you see at first, but when you get acquainted with her you forget that she has a loose screw for gew-gaws and like her immensely. Not a single woman there had a mean thing to say of her. They all said, "Just isn't Mrs. Freyman lovely!" That speaks for itself. What I started to say is that Sheffield Lodge has informed our aggregation that they are going to come out on Friday to show us how to put on a Third Degree. On Wednesday evening the W. M. has asked me to conduct a Lodge of Instruction, on Thursday evening as president of the Commercial Club I had to call a town meeting to get ready for the Township Fair, and on Saturday I have to call a meeting of the Woodmen to get them to donate their half to the farmers for their exhibition Tuesday. Ain't that an awful array for one pigheaded farmer to have in a November week? Especially when he'd rather be some twenty miles away on every single night. I'm hoping for a flood or snow or some other disaster to take place for I'm dying to come to Independence. I know your last letter word for word and then I read it some forty times a day. Oh please send me another like it. I wear it in my left breast pocket. I'm going to put it in a safety vault to keep from wearing it out. You really didn't know I had so much softness and sentimentality in me, did you? I'm full of it. But I'd die if I had to talk it. I can tell you on paper how much I love you and what one grand woman I think you, but to tell it to you I can't. I'm always afraid I'd do it so clumsily you'd laugh. Then I'd die really. When a person's airing his most sacred thoughts he's very easily distressed. No one ever knew I ever had any but you. You are the one girl I'd ever want to tell them to. I could die happy doing something for you. (Just imagine a guy with spectacles and a girl mouth doing the Sir Lancelot.) Since I can't rescue you from any monster or carry you from a burning building or save you from a sinking ship, simply because I'd be afraid of the monsters, couldn't carry you, and can't swim, I'll have to go to work and make money enough to pay my debts and then get you to take me for what I am: just a common everyday man whose instincts are to be ornery, who's anxious to be right. You'll not have any trouble getting along with me for I'm awful good- natured, and I'm sure we'd live happy ever after sure enough. I'm writing this at 1 A.M. just because I can't help it and if you get tired of it, as Agnes' beau said, put it in the kitchen stove.

This is all the stationary I have upstairs and Papa's sleeping where I keep the other and I can't get to it. If you don't like mushy letters, just tell me so. I never had any desire to write them before or to preach my own good points so strongly. Do you suppose your mother'll care for me well enough to have me in her family? I'm freezing and must quit because my paper's run out.

Most sincerely

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 11, 1913 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639037

]]> Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DD94B0BF-BF94-38E3-3DECA9E21E1DCD91.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DDB432D2-AA85-05B3-B4F61A057B7B98DA Dear Bess: November 11, 1913 National Park Service A remarkable letter from November 11, 1913...in the middle of the letter, the farmer from western Missouri proposes that perhaps someday he could be Chief Executive of the United States. He may have been joking...but as fate would have it, that was his fate, 32 years later, he was Chief Executive of the United States, and Bess Wallace Truman was his First Lady. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639037 434 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639037

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 11, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We’d like to share with you a Dear Bess letter from this date in 1913, the continuation of a series of letters from this week in 1913 we’ve been sharing with you. Once again Harry Truman, farmer, makes reference to their engagement and a reference to his humorous fantasy of being governor of Montana and Miss Wallace being Mrs. Governor. Truman even suggests he could be Chief Executive of the United States. Imagine that! Harry Truman is both earnest and self deprecating at the same time, and it’s most charming.

Truman makes reference to his Aunt Susan. He is referring to Susan Young Bartleson, his mother’s sister. After Truman’s grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, died in 1909, there was a dispute about the will, because Grandmother Young left almost everything including the family farm to Harry Truman’s parents and to Harry Truman himself. It led to some pretty nasty litigation, and, as Truman hinted, Mrs. Bartleson was set to testify about the time of this letter. Eventually there was a settlement, but divisions in the family remained. This lawsuit did much to hurt the Truman family finances. As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter, postmarked November 11, 1913.

Dear Bess:-

I missed the car all right. Also the Southern. I didn't care much because it wasn't necessary for me to get up until 8:30 to catch the Frisco. Papa was in a horrible stew. He was sure I'd been knocked on the head or fallen in the creek. When I told him I'd missed the car he had another fit. It's awful when a person gets to be such a prevaricator that people won't believe the truth when its told to them.

I have been cleaning seed to show at Grandview tomorrow. We have about 50 bu of clover seed to sell I cleaned a peck so beautifully that it's simply a perfect sample. If anybody buys seed from us on the strength of that peck, he'll be sorely disappointed when he gets his seed. I wouldn't spend so much time cleaning it for sale. It would be just as good only there'd be some dirt and trash left in it. We have a peck of wheat, the same amount of oats, and timothy seed to show along with the clover. They are all extra fine because I spent some three hours cleaning them. I suppose there'll be a big crowd at the show. I expect to have a very busy day. You'd think I was running for office if you'd see me chasing around shaking hands with people and displaying a classic cat grin. I will simply be acting as one of the township committee to show people around.

I suppose you had a fine game of tennis today. The weather has been ideal if it'll only keep up. Mary has gone riding on Ben. We are going to lend a couple of horses to girls in Grandview and then have a riding contest. If you'd have come to our fair you might have won the five dollars for the best lady rider. You could have ridden Ben. I am hoping to be one of the judges in that contest so I can tie the ribbon on a plug and then laugh at Daddy because his fine hoss got beaten. He'd never get over it and Uncle Harrison would simply go straight up. I fear I'd have to leave home if I did the trick. I saw an overcoat downtown this morning just like I want but I won't get it. Why? Because it was $75. I can use three at that price and still have money left.

You were most awful nice about the other girl but don't suppose there'll ever be one. If a fellow can pick his idol at ten and still be loyal to it at thirty, there's not much danger of his finding another. One or two of one or two of my aunties and my aunties and good matron good matron friendship have sought to arrange things for me several times but could never understand why they never had any luck. Maybe they will before long. How does it feel being engaged to a clodhopper who has ambitions to be Governor of Mont. and Chief Executive of U.S. He'll do well if he gets to be a retired farmer. That was sure a good dream though, and I have them in the daytime, even night, along the same line. It looks like an uphill business sometimes though. But I intend to keep peggin' away and I suppose I'll arrive at something. You'll never be sorry if you take me for better or for worse because I'll always try to make it better.

I am hoping to see you Wednesday evening. I suppose Mamma and I will have to be present at Aunt Susan's grilling. If she'll only stick to the truth I won't mind, but if she does like the rest I sure will hate to be present. One hates to see a white-haired old lady, one he likes and respects, tearing up the truth just for a few dollars. It has a tendency to make a pessimist out of a person. I like money as well as anyone but I think I'd do without it if I had to cast aspersions on my mother's character to get it. I suppose you are tired of hearing me harp on our old suit but it means so much to us if we lose that I can't help it. You owe me a letter anyway and I hope it'll come early. You'd better send it if you don't want me to have another spasm in the middle of the week like I did last time.

Most sincerely

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 3, 1913 Harry S Truman, farmer, bravely makes another proposal to Miss Bess Wallace.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7542734

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DA161B56-C5DC-ACE3-34995BAA7592047C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DA40B854-F18B-B21A-9029BC20C06BBDB7 Dear Bess: November 3, 1913 National Park Service One of the great Dear Bess letters. Harry S Truman, farmer, bravely makes another proposal to Miss Bess Wallace. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7542734 439 no full Harry S Truman, farmer, bravely makes another proposal to Miss Bess Wallace.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7542734

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 3, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, we’d like to share with you one of the greatest of all the Dear Bess letters, written on this date in 1913. It is a sequel to the one we shared earlier this week.

In this letter, Harry S Truman, harmer, begins by making reference to a letter that his great love, Miss Bess Wallace, wrote him. How much we wish we had that letter. But as we have shared many times in this podcast series, in the mid 1950s, Bess Wallace Truman destroyed her letters to Harry Truman pre-1919.

But in the midst of this letter Truman is pretty brave in telling Miss Wallace that they should get engaged. Perhaps the most fascinating line in the letter is “Bess, why am I an enigma?”

We wish we had Miss Wallace’s answer to that, if in fact she responded to that.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess-

Your letter has made a confirmed optimist out of me sure enough. I know now that everything is good and grand and this footstool is a fine place to be. I have been all up in the air, clear above earth ever since it came. I guess you thought I didn't have much sense Sunday but I just couldn't say anything only just sit and look. It doesn't seem real that you should care for me. I have always hoped you would but someway feared very much you wouldn't. You know I've always thought that the best man in the world is hardly good enough for any woman. But when it comes to the best girl in all the universe caring for an ordinary gink like me--well you'll have to let me get used to it. Do you want to be a farmer? or shall I do some other business. When mamma wins her suit and we get all the buyers and things out of the way I will then have a chance for myself. We intend to raise a 400 acre wheat crop which if it hits will put us out of the woods. If we lose, which I don't think about, it will mean starting all over for me. You may be sure I'm not going to wait til I'm Montana's chief executive to ask you to be Mrs. Gov. but I sure want to have some decent place to ask you to. I'm hoping it won't be long. I wish It was tomorrow. Let's get engaged any- way to see how it feels. No one need know it but you and me until we get ready to tell it anyway. If you see a man you think more of in the meantime engagements are easy enough broken. I've al- ways said I'd have you or no one and that's what I mean to do. (This darned pen has it in for me.) Luella and the kids are here today. They are sure a fine pair. I haven't told Luella my Sedalia and Regalia story yet. I have the most awful job a- head of me you ever heard of. It is necessary for me to pay a visit to six country schools and and make a speech at each one about the Washington [illegible] Fair. It is going to be at Grandview and I am on the committee to get exhibits. The schools have to be notified because the school that has the best exhibit of school work gets $10.00. Also the Com'l Clerk of which I am also the re- presentative is offering a prize for the school with the biggest attendance. Don't you feel sorry for me? you know I've got a timid disposition anyway and school kids especially country ones haven't very much sympathy for a person. It has to be did though. Washington T[illegible] is trying to beat prairie which contains Lee's Summit. I hope we can. Mr. Shewbury is the man who is having the fair for the benefit of the farmers. I am going to borrow a car and see if I can't win $10.00. Mr. Makin is pasturing the finest Hereford cow I ever saw, here. There is $10.00 offered for the best cow. If I enter her and win there'll be $10.00 toward a show or diamond ring. Twenty five premiums like that might get a real pretty one. I'm going to get you one as soon as the change is forthcoming. Bess why am I an enigma? I try to be just what I am and tell the truth about as much as the average person. If there's any - thing you don't understand I'll try and explain or remedy it. I feel very much stuck up at being called one especially by you for I always labored under the impression that it took smart people to be one. This letter seems to me to be more erratic and incoherent than the last but you shouldn't blame me very much be- cause I'm all puffed up and hi- larious and happy and any thing else that happens to a fellow when he finds his lady love thinks more of him than the rest of the beasts. Send me a letter quick. If I can raise business reasons enough to please papa I hope to see you before Sunday.

Most sincerely Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 30, 1913 Harry S Truman, Governor of Montana? Could it be?

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639036

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/0AAE8A3C-AFAC-5558-AA89CC2D21AE2FF5.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-0ABCE80A-FCF1-2C7B-EE32AC4DCE7941D6 Dear Bess: October 30, 1913 National Park Service Some fun in this letter, and some beautiful romance. Harry S Truman, Governor of Montana? Could it be? https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639036 390 no full Harry S Truman, Governor of Montana? Could it be?

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639036

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 30, 2023 , brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We are entrusted by the American people to care for the home of Harry and Bess Wallace Truman in Independence, Missouri, and the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, Missouri…and we are eternally grateful to the American people for their trust.

Today we would like to share with you a letter that Harry S Truman, farmer, wrote to Miss Bess Wallace, the love of his life, postmarked on this date in 1913. Some fun scribbles in this letter, the least of which is Truman briefly fantasizing that he might be governor of Montana someday (and Miss Wallace Mrs. Governor!)

But notice, especially, the romance. He had a way with a pen or pencil, didn’t he?

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Postmark October 30, 1913

Dear Bess:-

I am going to send you a late letter anyway, hoping I'll get one before the week's out. My Blug meeting was a very tame affair. The boozers were not out and I was persuaded to defer any action in regard to selling the hot stuff until after Nov. 11 when Grandview is going to have a [underlined: Township Fair]. As Pres of the Coral Club I instructed a committee to buy some advertising matter and also to raise some money to buy it with. It seems that money has to be in everything.

I am almost persuaded some times that it's bigger than most things. Exbartenders are well represented in the House of Lords (Brewers they call themselves) as well as in New Yorks most exclusive set. All on account of their ill gotten gains. Theres no use being a sourdough though. As Bertha M. Clay would say it's better to be poor but honest even if it does hurt like -- blazes sometimes. In the last month nearly every person I've dealt with in business has taken some cash and left me holding the sack. It's a good thing I wasn't appointed on the committee to raise money because I'd be tempted to embezzle some of the funds.

We are due to have a card party at our house tomorrow night. Some of the Grandview folks are coming down to [underlined: learn] to play 500, with me to tell 'em how. Won't that be a joyous job. I am going to have a good time at it anyway though. They are all rather hilarious and you know I'm not very backward myself when it comes to making noise. If I could only make money as easily as I can stir up a racket, I'd have begged, persuaded, or cajoled you into thinking Harry was the nicest boy in seventeen states. But never mind, my ship's going to come in yet and if it doesn't have you aboard it'll only be a charred hulk and not worth the candle. You know, I told you once before that I thought you the superlative of excellence in everything and I think it harder all the time. I've been crazy about you ever since I can remember. I hope it's a mutual admiration society because then I can work harder and not get half so tired. You know when the motive's strong enough a man can do most anything if he's got the stuff in him. Perhaps I haven't got it but there is nothing like trying to find out. Who knows, I may be His Excellency the Gov of Montana someday (hee haw). How would you like to be Mrs. Gov? I dreamed that I owned a [underlined: German] silver mine in Wyoming last night! Wasn't that a grand dream on a piece of Bride's cake? I guess the spangles and white fronts gave me the silver suggestion, but where under heaven could I get the German part? From my granddad on my mother's side I guess. He was a Dutchman.

Papa has gone to sleep in his chair. He's waiting very patiently for me to finish my letter so he can go to bed. He occupies the couch down here by the stove. I don't feel a bit like going to bed now I've got the habit of staying up I guess. But my oh me, how I hate to arise at 5 A.M. It has to be done though when Papa's around home. If he goes to bed at half-past four he gets up at five and so do I. Mamma is a sleepyhead like me. She never wants to get up but she can stay up till the small hours at night.

I guess this letter is a mixture and doesn't amount to much. I hope you'll answer it though. My letters get one day later every week. You'll get this one Friday unless I mail it on the K.C.S. at 6:30 tomorrow. I lost one by doing that and I'm not going to do it again. Hope to see you Sunday evening and get a letter Sunday morning. Most sincerely

Harry

Papa's going to K.C. tomorrow if I can trust him maybe you'll get this Thursday.

]]> Dear Bess: October 24, 1917 A digital version of the original letter can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46740297?objectPage=5

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/D7562F29-96F5-F54D-58742E88EBD1B04C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-D771660A-EA79-6B3F-72658AA3C26D2B48 Dear Bess: October 24, 1917 National Park Service While in training in Oklahoma, First Lieutenant Harry S Truman wrote this brief letter to Miss Bess Wallace back home in Independence, Missouri. He talks about the weather, illness, and, as always, makes sure he relays his love for her. A digital version of the original letter can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46740297?objectPage=5 222 no full A digital version of the original letter can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46740297?objectPage=5

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 24, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter was written by First Lieutenant Harry S Truman on this date in 1917. Lieutenant Truman and his colleagues were still training for their eventual service in the Great War still raging in Europe. We encourage you to click on the link in this podcast, and take a look at the digital copy of the original letter, as held by the awesome Truman Library. On the envelope, postmarked October 24, you’ll see a stamp, saying “BACK THE BOYS IN THE TRENCHES BUY A LIBERTY LOAN BOND INQUIRE AT ANY BANK OR POST OFFICE.” Did your family buy any such bonds back in the day? We wonder if Miss Wallace, her mother, her grandparents, who owned 219 North Delaware Street, or her brothers did.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Postmarked October 24, 1917

Dear Bess:

I failed to write yesterday because I had a severe case of indigestion to put it politely. In my younger days, I'd have called it something else. Father Tiernan came to my rescue with a big drink of whiskey. The last one he had and also the last one on the reservation. We also had another dust storm yesterday, worse than any previous one. They seem to be progressive in their actions, getting worse all the time.

Today was an ideal day not only as to weather conditions but I got your special mailed last Saturday. Specials don't arrive as well as just plain letters. They send the mail out in a bag and then hold the specials to be signed for.

I am very glad you are getting recruits for the 129th Assn as it seems to have gone very close to the heart of that sister of mine to make it a success. I caught another thief in the canteen this evening. He only stole a dollar but I am going to have to stick him for an example of what happens to a canteen thief.

We had a cold wave today and yesterday. I had to stay at the picket line until 2 o'clock this morning. Mr. Lee was on from 10 to 12 and I from 12 to 2 and Lt. Kelley was supposed to go on from 2 to 4 but the wind quit blowing and I persuaded Capt Pete not to send him out. It is a lot warmer tonight and is a very beautiful night. I hope we get our tents boxed up tomorrow.

It looks as though I am going to get to come home all right the seventh. I am counting on it anyway. Mr. Lee has gone to bed and the light is flickering so I'll have to go too.

Hope to get a letter tomorrow.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 16: 1911 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638938

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/39C3365F-B72A-3FD3-B482CD6D4D64B48D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-39D97490-F567-2E99-F1F85A0099B86285 Dear Bess: October 16: 1911 National Park Service In this October, 1911, letter, Harry S Truman, farmer, writes some less-than-complimentary things about immigrants. But he had no way of knowing that a few decades later he would be a transformative president when it came to immigration reform in a post World War II era. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638938 273 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638938

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 16, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, we’d like to share with you a Dear Bess letter that was written on this date in 1911 by Harry S Truman, farmer, to Miss Bess Wallace, who was living in her grandparents’ house in Independence, Missouri. They were still in their first year of courtship.

There is some rather startling language in this letter that we share with you unedited, as Truman shares with Miss Wallace his views on immigrants as he believes such in 1911. What neither Mr. Truman nor Miss Wallace could imagine was that over four decades later, Harry S Truman, as President of the United States, would be a transformative president when it came to immigration in the post World War II era. But, in 1911, he is writing from the perspective of being a farmer in Jackson County, Missouri, and William Howard Taft was President of the United States.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

Oct 16, 1911

Dear Bessie:-

You see I am writing that note with very exact promptitude. How do you like that for stilted English?

I have forgotten whether I told you I enjoyed the dinner yesterday, but I most certainly did. It was so good that I did not want any lunch until I arrived home at 1:15 p.m. I don't ever remember of having enjoyed myself more than I did yesterday and Saturday. I hope you'll let me repeat the offense at no very distant date.

I am getting ready for South Dakota today. I rather think I'd better hunt up my overcoat this morning. I saw my Colgan cousin yesterday after I left Independence and he is going with me. We'll have enough to play a good game of cards anyway tomorrow night on the train.

I bet there'll be more bohunks and "Rooshans" up there than white men. I think it is a disgrace to the country for those fellows to be in it. If they had only stopped immigration about twenty or thirty years ago, the good Americans could all have had plenty of land and we'd have been an agricultural country forever. You know as long as a country is one of that kind, people are more independent and make better citizens.

When it is made up of factories and large cities it soon becomes depressed and makes classes among people. Every farmer thinks he's as good as the President or perhaps a little bit better. When a man works for a boss, he is soon impressed with how small he is and how great the boss is until he actually believes it is so and that money makes the world go round. It does I guess in very large cities. Say this letter is as dry as a Baptist preacher's sermon. Just skip it and write me one-that is what I am after. We have a preacher out here now who never did see a grammar: He talks South Missouri in the pulpit. It makes a great impression on his hearers, I tell you. Please consider coming out on the last Sunday in this month if the weather permits and let me know if you can. Mamma said it would be all right, the more the merrier. But any Sunday that suits you will be all right with us. Only let me know in time so I can plow and harry the tennis court.

Now you owe me a letter.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 13, 1939 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870508

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9FB77111-CFB0-AC9A-0EDC594F30D507C4.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A1703229-E9F4-CD91-7F70CAD29C6AEE4F Dear Bess: October 13, 1939 National Park Service A brief, but fascinating, letter from Senator Harry S Truman to Bess Wallace Truman from October, 1939. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870508 247 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870508

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 13, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, we’d like to share with you a Dear Bess letter that was written on this date in 1939 by Senator Harry S Truman to his wife, Bess Wallace Truman. Senator Truman was in Washington DC, and his wife was back home in Independence, Missouri, with her mother and family. It’s not a long letter, but has some interesting tidbits. In the first paragraph Truman refers to his eyes…at the age of six, Harry Truman was diagnosed with an eye condition commonly known as flat eyeballs that required corrective lenses for the rest of his life. But it had a net positive for him, as he became a voracious reader and, as you can hear, could sympathize with what was ailing Mrs. Truman’s brother Fred, then 39 years old.

Truman then refers to anti-aircraft artillery, and how he doesn’t think that it’s not enough against a plane attack in force. Those are haunting words considering what would happen just under 26 months later on December 7, 1941.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Washington D.C.

Oct. 13, 1939

Dear Bess:-

Your letter came at ten this morning and I am most happy it did. I'll thank the Columbia Pictures man as soon as I can. I'm certainly sorry about Fred's eye. No one appreciates eyes as I do. Mine have been a handicap for fifty years.

Glad that Arnie was in a good frame of mind. They ought not to hold the situation against us because I've really saved Oscar four different times. Stuart McDonald is leaving and I suppose my pull will be gone with him. He's getting a $75000.00 a year job with the Maryland Causualty [sic] Co., so it is rumored. I'd be tempted to quit myself under such circumstances.

I went over to Aberdeen yesterday after all. It was a grand demonstration. I came to the conclusion that anti-air artillery is not enough against a plane attack in force. We must also have plenty of planes for defense as well. That's a real admission from an artilleryman, and that was not the intention of the demonstration either.

Brought Dewey Short back with me and he told me an earful about the Republican estimate of Stark. It is far from high. He also told me that my position had improved exceedingly in the last three months. I'm sure he wouldn't be telling me what I wanted to hear.

I'll go look at that car. I'm satisfied with it if you are. The color is good too. Why don't you get some new curtains if you want them? Hope you and Chris had a nice ride. Wish I were rich enough to fly home every weekend - we're working this Saturday however.

Love to you both

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: September 28, 1939 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870085

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A322CF45-DD09-8CD3-AEA3AABCA4A51E36.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A368110E-CCD4-00CC-6CCB3067B3F8ED77 Dear Bess: September 28, 1939 National Park Service A fascinating letter from Senator Truman to his wife, back at their apartment in Washington, DC. Harry Truman is seeking an important position with the Grand Lodge with the Masons in the State of Missouri. To Truman, being a Mason was about service to others, and he was a 33rd Degree Mason. He seems genuinely bewildered at the politics involved in this. He served as Grand Master 1940-1941. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870085 379 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147870085

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 28, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, we would like to share with you a “Dear Bess” letter written by Senator Harry S Truman on this date in 1939. We like that it’s written on official United States Senate letterhead, yet mentions events that stretch back to Truman’s days back on the days on his family’s farm in Grandview, his days immediately after his discharge from the Army in 1919 and his wedding in 1919.

No doubt Mrs. Truman knew all of the names involved and all of the stories and the backstories, even if we may not understand all of the context all these years later. But in 1940, Senator Truman was looking forward to what was promising to be a difficult reelection battle, at least in the Democratic primary season fight.

As always, we thank you for listening. Here is the letter.

September 28 1939

Dear Bess:-

Well the St. Louis situation was really a pain in the neck. A fellow by the name of Foster, to whom I'd given the 3rd degree on my return from the war and Tom Reynolds from Kansas City, who was present and helped me to start this organization at Grandview in June 1911 and a former Circuit Judge in St. Louis were the organizers of my opposition. Foster is a civil service employee in the Ry. Mail Service and I could make him most uncomfortable - but I won't. I confered [sic] the degree on him in my lodge with my uniform on in 1919 - before June 28. You'll remember that date.

But the boys at Grandview made it so uncomfortable for him he moved his membership to Tom Reynolds lodge in Kansas City. Everyone at Grandview who was entitled to vote was there for me - including Vivian and he'd never been to a Grandview Lodge meeting but once before. He came very nearly whipping Foster. Nat Jackson, George Marquis and Renick Jones did yeoman service. I'll never forget it. Nat was the angriest man I ever saw after the vote was counted. I had to calm him down by saying what you did - well we won. If it hadn't been for the country boys out state they'd have accomplished their object.

Fred Wood, past Imperial Potentate of the Shrine, a black Republican and a friend of Reynolds came up from Springfield to offset him and did. There were 852 votes cast. I got 436. It took 427 to elect. I had nine to spare - but the Grandmaster was elected by 845 votes. If my friends hadn't put forth such an effort for me I'd have told 'em to go to hell with the office - and I almost did anyway. I'm glad now I didn't. 135 St. Louisans left after the count - they were there to beat me. Henry Chiles was about as happy as anyone after the count was over. He told me that he didn't know what he'd have done if I'd been beaten because it was in his administration. John Snyder and Harry Vaughan were much more nervous than I was.

Now for some good news. Snyder said Ruby Hulen, who is Bill Hirth's attorney was in to see him about some R.F.C. business and told him that he'd never seen such a change in sentiment on me out state. He expressed the opinion to Snyder that neither Stark nor Milligan could beat me. That's some admission from him. Dickman and the ward leaders from St. Louis had a meeting and decided not to make any commitments until after Jan 1. Snyder said that this refered [sic] particularly to the Governor's race. Then someone asked about me particularly and everyone there was for me but they let the rule apply. Dickman told the crowd that the present Gov. would embarrass them if he could but he knew I wouldn't. Dickman refused to ride to the Legion Convention on the same train with the Gov. So the political situation is on the mend. I think my victory in the G. Lodge is symbolic because 75% of that organization is Republican.

Lowell Dyer, one of Harry Jobes' Lieutenants in the war came in today and I'm taking him to dinner tonight. Vic met me at the airport and was most glad to see me. He's always scared the plane will fall.

We'll work out the car situation as soon as we can. Keep on looking. Have your brakes fixed. It looks as if the Crown will buy us each a car. It looks awful good. Kiss Margie.

Love to you

Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: September 15, 1911 Life on the Truman family farm!

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638933

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FE39F7A7-F65B-F3EE-C57A26EB592CE292.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FE3E7E2A-B94D-8C80-B42D4F8CD89EE63D Dear Bess: September 15, 1911 National Park Service Harry Truman's father suffers a broken bone in his foot, and Truman blames "His Majesty." Who is that? Life on the Truman family farm! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638933 275 no full Life on the Truman family farm!

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638933

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for September 15, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1911, and while not very long, gives an interesting insight into life on the Truman Farm then. By then, Harry Truman’s maternal grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, had been dead for a couple of years, so the property was now being operated now by the Trumans. You’ll hear Harry Truman writing to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace how his father, John Anderson Truman, had an accident. When a farmer has such an accident, it can have quite an impact on the output on the Farm, as any of you dear listeners who may work on farms may know! Truman himself knew. Earlier in the year he himself had worn a cast.

Truman also makes a reference to “His Majesty.” Any idea who he is referring to? Well, in case you’re wondering, he uses the reference a lot. He uses the reference when referring to the devil, and specifically to jobs he hates, and in circumstances he feels are against him.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

Sept 15, 1911

Dear Bessie:-

You owe me a letter and I am going to write you a note and tell you so. Do you know what has been hurting me all week? I actually came away and forgot that Columbian you gave me. I thought of it as soon as I got on the car and kicked myself from there home. I suppose I shouldn't tell you I forgot but should cook up some long-winded excuse for not taking it. But forget I did and I am sorry. Save it for me and I'll get it if you'll let me have it.

Do you know I believe His Majesty himself has a special grudge against us. A horse fell on Papa Tuesday and broke one of the small bones in his left foot. He'll be laid up for a month the M.D. says. I suppose as soon as he gets around again I'll take another turn. I am going to have the blacksmith make me some cast iron shoes and sox. They will name us the Insurance Grabbers Association sure now. Don't ever take out any accident insurance. Things begin to happen at once when you do. We'd worried along all our lives without any and a certain gentleman with a large vocabulary and a bent for using it roped us last December. We've been having accidents in job lots since. I really don't know but what those policies had something to do with the dry year.

I got a copy of that red Life last Saturday night and am sending it to you "under another cover", as the ad men say of a particularly heinous offense in circulars. I was in K.C. today buying small pieces of a grain drill. If you buy a whole one, it cost $75; but if you buy it by the piece, it costs $275. A binder whole costs $150, in small bits $600. They always intend to sell as many repairs as they can, too. I tried to get into connection with you over the Bell but couldn't and didn't have time to try over the Home. You owe me two letters.

Sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: September 11, 1948 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155500946

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/31EB7D1B-D4C4-0786-489B5EDF189CDBE7.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-31FC419C-A6F5-61FD-1CE59873DDF962DA Dear Bess: September 11, 1948 National Park Service A President writes to his First Lady in the midst of a difficult reelection campaign...but that President is quite optimistic. (Even if the pollsters and media aren't) https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155500946 325 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155500946

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for September 11, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We at Truman join the rest of America today in pausing to remember all of those who died on September 11, 2001…22 years ago, in the terrorist attack on New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We hold their memories, and their families, in our hearts today.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1948. President Harry S Truman was in the midst of a tough reelection fight against Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York. Few were giving President Truman a chance of winning the election. In fact, about the time this letter was written, many of the major polling organizations in the country suspended their operations, thinking that Governor Dewey’s victory was certain.

Truman had some special weapons in his reelection arsenal…his family. The electorate, as always, loved seeing the family of the President of the United States, and Truman’s was no exception. Margaret Truman, 24 at the time, was gregarious like her father, to an extent. But Mrs. Truman? Not so much. But she was a good sport, and did what she could to help her husband. One of Harry Truman’s nicknames for his daughter was “Miss Skinny,” thus why you hear that reference in this letter. At the end of the letter you will hear that Truman optimism at work.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

U.S.S. Williamsburg, AGC-369 Sept. 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.

Farm speech at Des Moines on Sept. 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.

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 & 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.

]]> Dear Bess: September 5 1911 She didn't come.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638932

]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FD2D8D79-D896-77EF-7759E4A425A35E59.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FD418632-9139-775D-F5709D88BBFE70E0 Dear Bess: September 5 1911 National Park Service In part a heartbreaking letter. A few days before, Harry Truman was excited about building his sweetheart a tennis court on his family's farm...an attempt to win her over, a way to get her to come to the farm more often. She didn't come. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638932 284 no full She didn't come.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638932

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 5, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1911, and is rather a heartbreaking one. A few weeks earlier, Harry S Truman, farmer, had written to Miss Bess Wallace quite excitedly, stating that he was going to build her a tennis court somewhere on the family farm near Grandview. He asked her for directions on how to build one, and he even bought himself the proper outfit to wear to play tennis. He sent her a map on the best way to get to the farm, and worked on making the tennis court perfect for her. Yet despite the heartbreak, Mr. Truman gives us one of our most favorite lines about cake…we hope you like it, too!

But she didn’t come. And you can sense the heartbreak and disappointment in this letter. Evidently she said it was raining in Independence, although Truman said it didn’t down south at the farm.

Yet despite the heartbreak, Mr. Truman gives us one of our most favorite lines about cake…we hope you like it, too!

As always, thanks for listening…here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo.

Sept 5, 1911

Dear Bessie:- It was quite a disappointment when you couldn't come yesterday. I really worked all day Sunday getting that court ready for you. We also had a supply of watermelons on hand. But you can make it some Saturday and Mamma says you must come to dinner next time. The weather was fine out here. It merely sprinkled in the forenoon and after dinner it was cool and nice as could be. The autos were thick. I guess Independence must be better than we anyway. They seem to land more moisture anyway.

It seems as though it is impossible for me to ever get to an Independence fair. I have never been to one. I had made up my mind to be present sure this time. Mamma made up her mind she'd have a couple of rooms papered about two weeks ago - so she had 'em emptied and all torn up, and the paper hangers came last Saturday. I went after them every day in between and so, of course, missed the fair. I had made up my mind to go Saturday and let the hangers go hang and they came. Maybe if I had done that before we'd have had them sooner.

My insurance company settled for the broken pin the other day and now I shall have to go to work in earnest. We begin sowing wheat next week and it is a job. I guess we'll sow about 160 acres.

Say, be sure and save me a piece of those cakes. There is nothing better than cake but more cake and the same is true of pie. So be sure and save me a piece. The devil's food you know would be doing its full duty if I ate it. Don't you think?

I told you before you owed me four pages and you sent them, but you didn't seem to know what I meant. I had sent you four, therefore you owed me the same, see? You do this time too. Although I'll not object to eight or nine.

I am trying to rake up some business in town the end of the week, and if I do, I'll phone you. Write when you can to

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Margaret: August 23, 1945 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/159159712

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6145121F-0453-933D-E45033B931D21144.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6160A8AE-F8BF-B3E6-A30465C4791A7EE1 Dear Margaret: August 23, 1945 National Park Service A little change of pace today, a charming Dear Margaret (Truman) letter, written on this date in 1945. A few days earlier, her father had made the most momentous decision ever made by a human being, that being the use of the atomic bombs on Japan. But Truman makes no mention of that in this letter to his daughter. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/159159712 296 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/159159712

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for August 23, 2023, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We wanted to do something a little different today. Normally we share with you a Dear Bess or a Dear Harry letter with you …but today we wanted to share with you a Dear Margaret letter, Margaret being Margaret Truman, the only child of Harry and Bess Wallace Truman.

Mary Margaret Truman was born inside 219 North Delaware Street on February 14, 1924. At the time, she was born into a crowded house…her great grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Emery Gates was still alive, as was her grandmother, Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace. Her Uncle Fred Wallace lived in the house as well as her parents. She had her uncle George and May Wallace and Uncle Frank and Aunt Natalie Wallace living right behind…so she was born into a wonderfully supportive family.

This letter was written on this date in 1945, still within the first six months of her father’s presidency, and just a few days after the use of the first atomic bombs. For context…in the year Mary Margaret was born, in 1924, Harry Truman was an out of work county elected official, having lost re-election as County Judge. Twenty-one years later, he was now the most powerful person in the world, and had recently made the most important decision any human ever had to make.

When Margaret received this letter, she was 21 years old. Her life changed when her father became president. She lost a lot of independence, having had to have Secret Service presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She adored her parents and family, and worried about the stresses the job had on them. But she also knew that she was an important part of history.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t much of a letter writer as her father was. But we thought we’d share this letter with you today.

Here it is.

The White House

Washington

Aug. 23, 1945

Dear Baby:-

Mamma says you're busted - not physically but financially - so here's a little of the circulating medium to tide you over. She said to send you twenty bucks so I'm sending twenty for her & 20 for me. As mama says "Now you behave yourself." You'd better come home some of those days or send me a picture or something - I've forgotten how you look.

I expect to see your hair grey if it's much longer until I see you. Mr. De Gaulle was here last night. He's a real high pockets 6 ft 6 in tall and a pin head really. Looks to me like he wears a 6 5/8 hat but I may be mistaken.

I pinned 28 medals of Honor on 28 soldiers this morning.

Your ma has gone to Shangrila to see what it's like. We may go up there Friday.

Tell your grandmas hello for me and also your sundry Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.

Lots of love

Dad XXX OOO

]]> Dear Bess: August 18, 1924 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18258409

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5CCCBF36-B13A-27F5-922084108E85F3EA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5CE3BF19-02F9-7E50-270E08ECD5D073AE Dear Bess: August 18, 1924 National Park Service The only surviving Dear Bess letter from 1924. Harry Truman suffered an electoral loss that year, but had a daughter. He references visiting the town in which he was born, Lamar, Missouri, on his way to an American Legion conference in Joplin. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18258409 321 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18258409

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 18, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written by Harry S Truman on this date in 1924. It’s an interesting letter for a few reasons. For one, it’s the only surviving Dear Bess letter from 1924. In that year, Harry Truman suffered an electoral defeat when he lost re-election for county judge for Jackson County, Missouri. But there was some happiness in his life in 1924, in that he and Mrs. Truman welcomed their only child, Mary Margaret Truman, born in February. Also in 1924, Mrs. Truman’s grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Emery Gates, who owned the family home at 219 North Delaware Street, died. Mrs. Gates’ daughter, Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace, Bess Truman’s mother, ended up buying the house and owned it until her death.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Hotel Connor, Joplin, Missouri

August 18 1924

Dear Bess:

I hesitated a long time over the salutation and finally stuck to the old much used and really the best one. You might accidentally leave the opening statement exposed and someone would be sure to say we were a couple of idiots if I should start off "Dear Hon" or "Sweetie" or "Honey Bunch" or a half-dozen equally descriptive and proper words.

James and I had a very satisfactory trip and would have been here by nine o'clock had we not run into a small chuckhole and broken a front spring. The hole was not half as large as forty or fifty we'd been over before but the old spring broke right in the center just as completely as if it had been sawed with a hack saw, every leaf. I had another put on this morning for $7.50, half of which Jimmy insists on standing so I won't be out so awful much, might have broken it if I'd stayed home. We had to make a detour and I went through Lamar, the first time I've been there since I was a year old. I couldn't see much change in the town except that Pop's old livery stable apparently is a garage now.

The convention opened with a bang. The mayor turned the town over to us, and a Hebrew gentlemen by the name of Herowitz read an address from Governor Hyde. We accused him of writing it himself but he said he didn't. I told him I didn't think Hyde could write as good a speech as that. We are invited out to a chicken dinner at the club tonight. It is strictly stag so don't get uneasy. Jimmy is trying to get the state headquarters moved to Independence but I don't think it can be done. It looks as if Carl Grey will be the next commander. George Cowls is here. I saw Ralph a little bit ago. He's taken the pledge--says he's not drinking any more. I hope it sticks. I was pretty homesick last night and am yet. I'd like mighty well to see Miss Mary Margaret Skinny Fatty Sweetness, etc. ad lib. right this minute. It's peculiar how your own wife and children grow on you, isn't it?

I hope to see you Thursday about noon or two o'clock.

Your Harry

]]> Dear Bess: August 14, 1911 Near the end of the letter, Truman offers to build Miss Wallace a tennis court. It's an attempt to get her to come to the Grandview farm more often. Will it work? Stay tuned.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638929

]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/8ACB6DAC-9B40-145A-257D1334E7D646EA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-8ADDD331-96BC-2CAE-3A4B14A23BC0D43F Dear Bess: August 14, 1911 National Park Service A charming letter from the first year of the Harry Truman/ Bess Wallace courtship. Near the end of the letter, Truman offers to build Miss Wallace a tennis court. It's an attempt to get her to come to the Grandview farm more often. Will it work? Stay tuned. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638929 302 no full Near the end of the letter, Truman offers to build Miss Wallace a tennis court. It's an attempt to get her to come to the Grandview farm more often. Will it work? Stay tuned.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638929

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for August 14, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

If this is the first time you’ve dialed up this podcast series, the intent is to share with you some of the extraordinary letters that Harry S Truman and Bess Wallace Truman exchanged between 1910 and 1959. While, unfortunately, most of Mrs. Truman’s share of these letters have been lost, it’s believed that all of Mr. Truman’s survives.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1911 by Harry S Truman, then a farmer, working on his family’s farm near Grandview, Missouri. In August, 1911, Harry Truman was still in his first year of courting Miss Bess Wallace, who was living in her grandparents’ home in Independence. This is one of our favorite Dear Bess letters. There is so much that is wonderful in this letter, but the last paragraph is a gem. Harry Truman was intent on doing everything to win the heart of Miss Wallace, who was known as one of the best athletes in Independence. He offered to build her a tennis court somewhere on the farm in Grandview. Where, exactly? We don’t know. Would this effort bear fruit? Stay tuned!

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. Aug. 14, 1911

Dear Bessie:- Got your letter yesterday but came near not getting it after it arrived. Nellie went after the mail and she decided that I shouldn't have it or anything else. I finally wheedled her out of it. They have been having a big time. We had fourteen for dinner yesterday. Almost threshing day. Everybody helped some though and it wasn't so hard. Say, I had the -est (you can put any adjective you think strong enough) time getting home you ever read.

The southbound train stood on the siding in Noel until my train passed because a freight was off the track. I got to Sulphur at 12:00 P.M. and of course had to stay over. Next morning I decided I'd get you some films down there if I could because I couldn't get to Kansas City in time. Well after going to three places (as many miles apart) I got them and was very thankful I tell you. Then I thought I'd come on home, for if the train was on time I could still see to the clover seed. Well it came into Sulphur one hour late but made up some time to Joplin-but about twenty-five or thirty miles this side of Pittsburg a freight train ran off the track while trying to get in the clear for us and we sat there three hours. I got home at 9:00 P.M. Maybe you think I didn't wish I'd stayed. I've been kicking myself ever since because I didn't. Sorry you didn't get your hay ride. It must have been some fierce booze if it was the Arkansas variety that Frank used. I feel sorry for him. I hope he's well now. I sure do want to see those pictures and would like to have some of them if you'll let me pay for 'em.

Will you please send me the plan for a tennis court. I am going to try and make one. We have a dandy place for it. Wish you could all come out in the machine while all these girls are here. If I get my court built you can come out Saturday afternoons and play in the shade all the time. I was very glad you enjoyed the eggs, and am glad I took them if it caused such a good feeling toward me afterwards. I am going to try and get in toward the end of the week, will call you up from the city if it is all right. Write when you can as I always like to hear from you.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: August 9, 1946 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155391435

]]> Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/57E0F7C6-F580-A1D8-B691701C4F8CAC7E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-58649321-C499-B90C-525760390F722298 Dear Bess: August 9, 1946 National Park Service A brief, but charming letter from a President of the United States to his First Lady, who he is still crazy about! This letter is a fantastic blend of personal matters and state matters, reflective of the lives of the Trumans. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155391435 233 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155391435

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, for August 9, 2023. This series is brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Our park turned 40 years old this year…we couldn’t do what we do without your support, and we thank you.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written by President Harry S Truman on this date in 1946. It’s not a long letter, but a sweet one. It’s so clear that President Truman, writing to his First Lady, back home in Independence, is still mad about her, and misses her very much. And you can easily tell that the president’s mother, Mrs. Martha Ellen Truman, is not well, and her son is worried. Truman hints at a family dynamic…we wish we knew a bit more about this intriguing line.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

The White House Washington [/letterhead] August 9, 1946

Dear Bess:-

Two letters today! Made it very bright and happy. You know that there is no busier person than your old man--but he's never too busy or too rushed to let his lady love, the only one he ever had, hear from him no matter what portends. It hurts just a tiny bit when he finds that trips uptown, time to dress etc. interfere with letters from his lady love. But complaints never got anyone anywhere--so "as the fates decide." I am enclosing you a letter from Mrs. Hill, the doctor's ma-in-law. It is a good thank you note. I didn't acknowledge it. I don't know if it should be.

Thanks for the ten. If you need it I'll send it back. Glad Dr. Greene went to see Mamma. She is on the way out. It can't be helped; but I wish it could. She's a trial to Mary, and that can't be helped either. Wish you could be more patient with both. But I can't ask too much I guess.

Had a press conference today which was a honey. They asked me about Slaughter, Axtell and everything else including Jim Mead, Palestine, Jim Byrnes, Schwellenbach, Anderson and who would win in the 5th district of Mo in November and who would be Governor of New York. Will send you a copy of the questions and answers when I get it tomorrow.

Can't leave here until next Friday. Told you yesterday what I hoped to do. Puerto Rico is off. Kiss my baby--she ought to write her daddy I think. My best to your mother, Frank, George, Natalie, May and –

Lots of love to you

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: August 1, 1943 Although brief, letters like this can still provide valuable insight into the daily lives of Mr. and Mrs. Truman.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/152760918

]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/EF14815C-F1B1-271E-873D18C163B01A93.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-EF25EBF0-0854-D429-B0C00680A7487764 Dear Bess: August 1, 1943 National Park Service A brief letter, from on this date in 1943. Senator Harry S Truman (D-Missouri) is in Omaha, Nebraska, writing to his wife, back home in Independence, Missouri. Although brief, letters like this can still provide valuable insight into the daily lives of Mr. and Mrs. Truman. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/152760918 208 no full Although brief, letters like this can still provide valuable insight into the daily lives of Mr. and Mrs. Truman.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/152760918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Hello, and welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for August 1, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter, a brief one, was written by Senator Harry S Truman on this date in 1943, 80 years ago. Senator Truman was in Omaha, Nebraska, and was writing to his wife, who was home in Independence, Missouri.

Of course, by 1943, Senator and Mrs. Truman had the ability to talk by phone…they had done that since they had begun courting in 1910. But they remained bound by writing letters to each other, being 19th century persons at heart. But even if they just wrote about the mundane things they did that day, that was more than enough…and that is more than enough for us, today!

It’s a brief letter, but, nonetheless, we thought you’d like to hear it on its anniversary.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Hotel Fontenelle

Omaha

Aug. 1, 1943

Dear Bess:-

I told you about the first day of the tour. Got [inserted: up} at six yesterday and just barely caught the seven o'clock Chicago Great Western to St. Joe. Road a very pleasant air conditioned day coach with two seats all to myself and the old thing pulled into Joseph on time. Joe Healey and Theo Quinn met me at the station and took me to the Federal Court Room, where Judge Otis performed the ceremony of administering the oath. All the antis were there including Mr. Clark and the president of the St. Joe Bar Assn. who fought Dick to a standstill.

I think that Mrs. Duncan and I enjoyed the show as much as Dick did. Had an afternoon session with the Legion boys and accumulated some extra funds and then took a nap. The banquet was a grand success. Bennett stayed sober and made a very grand statement on his position on Dick. I think he made some friends. I went to bed at 10:30 got up at one walked twelve blocks to the station (no cabs on Sat night) went to bed again on the train at 2:15 and had another four hours sleep. Will get two more here before we leave. The booking man took care of my big grip and I'm hoping it's here. Hope you all had a nice trip home. Love to you Harry

]]> Dear Harry: July 17, 1923 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24192609

]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F6805C97-ED35-5BDF-C39F874EA6F4C3BF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F697761B-DA56-1110-67EC6B3A39C02629 Dear Harry: July 17, 1923 National Park Service A wonderful rarity for you today, a Dear Harry letter. Not many letters from Bess Wallace Truman survive, so it's a blessing to be able to share them with you when we can. She wrote this letter to her husband 100 years ago today. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24192609 356 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24192609

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for July 17, 2023, 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 Dear Harry letter. They’re rare.

Why are they rare? Well, as Margaret Truman told the story in her 1950s autobiography, called Souvenir, one day former president Harry S Truman came home one day from his office in Kansas City (this was before the Truman Library was finished) and he found his wife, Bess, burning some papers in a fireplace in their home. After asking her what she was doing, she replied, and he, in turn implored his wife to “think of history.” She told her husband, “I have.” To this day, we really don’t know all of what Mrs. Truman burned in her fireplace. But we know that she burned most of her letters to her husband from when they were courting, between, likely, 1910 and 1919. Many years later, when Mrs. Margaret Truman Daniel published her wonderful Bess W. Truman, she quoted some letters that gave readers hints that she, indeed, had at least some letters that her mother wrote to her father. The earliest known letter from Bess Wallace to Harry Truman is from early 1919. We thank Margaret Truman and her sons for sharing these letters with us, and with history.

This letter is postmarked July 17, 1923, and includes persons important to the Trumans’ story. Truman himself was at Fort Leavenworth training. (Major Harry Truman was in his fourth year serving in the Army Reserves.) Mrs. Truman makes reference to Ted Marks, a friend of the family, who served as Harry Truman’s best man at their wedding June 28, 1919. She also makes reference to Eddie Jacobson, who Truman had befriended while training to serve in the Great War, and had opened a haberdashery in Kansas City. Mr. Jacobson played an instrumental role in the Truman administration’s decision in recognizing Israel in 1948. All these relationships were so important, you see.

Here's the letter.

Tuesday - noon Dear Old Sweetness: My! But I was glad to get that letter this morning. And it sure was a nice one - about the nicest I ever had. I'm glad you are so beautifully settled and are getting such excellent food. That was some breakfast! You'll have to be pretty strenuous to keep that front down. You certainly had a grand dinner at Tonganoxie. I wished all evening I had gone on with you. You weren't a bit "home sicker" than I was, I can tell you that. Thank goodness two nights are gone. Eddie called up this a.m. He was at Ted's and they wanted to go up to see you, and he wanted to know what you said about coming up and I told him to go on any day after six, so you may see them on Friday. I'd give my head to go -maybe he will ask me yet. The Swifts got off to Colorado early yesterday morning. He started that old car right on the dot of five o'clock - and I lay there in bed and watched them get ready. I wouldn't have missed seeing Mrs. Swift in knickers for a hundred dollars. Called Dr. Berry this morning - (the pictures came yesterday.) He said there were two he believed should come out - one back one and one front - (just on the side). He couldn't tell just how bad they were but that they might be secreting poison. I'm going up tomorrow and maybe have the big one and wisdom one out. There's no use putting it off. My temp. hasn't run over 99 for the last four or five days. Ho! Natalie and I spent all of yesterday morning in K.C. The sweater sale made a hit. We only bought three - one for her, one for Miss Rose and one for Mother. How did the map-reading class come out? Well, it's awfully darned lonesome but I know you are going to get lots of good out of the trip - and I'm glad too that you are taking it by yourself for I am sure you needed to get away from everything and everybody. Believe me I'll be up there if I can get there for you don't want to see me any worse than I want to you. I'm going to town to mail this so you will get it tomorrow.

Loads of love, Devotedly, Bess

]]> Dear Bess: July 14, 1913 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639021

]]> Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/574AAA60-C484-8529-3FC826B0C3BB14B6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5761EE41-EF4D-9BCE-957B51CD0D95B55B Dear Bess: July 14, 1913 National Park Service 110 years ago today...a charming letter! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639021 280 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639021

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for July 14, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1913…110 years ago! Lots of sweetness in this letter…we thought you’d like to hear it.

As always, we thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview July 14, 1913

Dear Bess:

I came very nearly being in your burg again today. A delegation of roadseekers went to see the court this morning. They wanted Papa but he was nowhere to be found until the very last minute. I had my glad rags on but got left at the post. We are supposed to be helping two different men to thresh this morning. I sent one of them an empty wagon minus the team and the other two teams and wagons. Not playing any favorites but the man with two teams asked first. It's a nuisance to have so many neighbors to help. It's mighty fine when the help comes the other way. We usually have about three days threshing at home and then thresh for thirty days at the neighbors to pay them back. It's a grand system if you like to work.

My head feels like a barrel this A.M. I had it doped out to stay in bed till 10:00 A.M., but my dope wasn't worth a cent. Six is as long as I was allowed to stay in peace. Had to go to the phone and then I just stayed up. I sure do pity a boozer on the morning after. I suppose in addition to the barrel for a head, he'd probably have a taste in his mouth like a burnt boot. At least I've heard them remark that it resembled that article. I can think of no more disagreeable taste, especially if the boot happened to be rubber and tastes as it smells when cooked. I know one fellow who used to drink ink and coal oil to allay the burning thirst of the next day.

I suppose you are exercising a tennis racket today, that is if you saved Luke's scalp. It would be rather windy for a game out here. I guess the breeze must be blowing about forty miles an hour. It's hot, too. We are hoping for rain. I guess we'll get some in a short time â€“ the flies are working overtime.

This stationery you are complimenting so highly is a Christmas present from Mary Colgan. I have had it in a box in the desk and just ran across it the other day. I wasn't especially fond of it but would have used it sooner if I'd known it was here. I gave her a grand lecture on where to buy stationery about two days before Christmas in an accidental conversation on the subject, telling her how much nicer the Jaccard brand is than any other in town. I suppose she had this already on hand and decided I should take it anyway. I did Ethel the same way once and she had bought me some at Peck's and had it monogrammed. I felt like thirty cents when it came. I usually show my knowledge of things where it will do me the least good and make me feel like a fool afterwards. We used to have a Dane working for us who said his mother told him to see, hear, and say nawthing. It's a most excellent theory but mighty hard to practice. I sometimes feel as if I'd surely explode if I didn't get some bright remark off my chest. Nine times in ten I'd feel better afterwards to have been silent.

I hope we can arrange to go fishing with Agnes and Earl some nice day soon. Also I think we have a date to ride over to Excelsior Springs some evening when the weather's fine. I have not forgotten it. Also there is one important date you haven't filled yet. It is with a photographer. I am still hoping for the picture to go in my silver frame. I am hoping to see you some evening this week if we don't thresh too strenuously. You owe me a tablecloth-sized letter anyway.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: July 12, 1911 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638926

]]> Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/BB0D4315-EAAB-A288-AC55A9C8D11489E8.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-BB1EE799-DCCD-3A12-F80E4CCEF93071A1 Dear Bess: July 12, 1911 National Park Service One of the, if not the greatest of the "Dear Bess" letters, written by Harry S Truman to Bess Wallace, after Miss Wallace turned down his proposal of marriage. Once again, Truman pours his heart out to Miss Wallace. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638926 346 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638926

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast and videocast for July 12, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we would like to share with you what is perhaps the greatest of the Dear Bess letters, written on this date in 1911. For a little context…a few days earlier, Harry Truman, in a letter to Miss Bess Wallace, had essentially proposed marriage, asking her if she would consider wearing a solitaire diamond on her left hand. To Truman’s worry, he only received silence from Miss Wallace in Independence. Truman was worried that he had hurt or lost Miss Wallace. It had been, after all, just a few months since Harry Truman and Bess Wallace had begun courting.

Miss Wallace turned him down. We don’t know if it was by letter or by phone. None of Miss Wallace’s letters from this period to Harry Truman survive. But this response to Miss Wallace is a true gem. We thought you’d like to hear it.

Grandview, Mo.

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

]]> Dear Bess: July 7, 1913 So much family in this letter!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/july-7-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E92773A5-F5EF-29DE-A7C65AB59FA6727E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E93CC941-BD47-7E8F-85FA591D21E8E04E Dear Bess: July 7, 1913 National Park Service What a wonderful Dear Bess letter, written 110 years ago today. So much family in this letter! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/july-7-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 331 no full So much family in this letter!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/july-7-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry v-cast for July 7 2023, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written by Harry S Truman, Farmer, in this date in 1913, 110 years ago today. Lots of wonderful information in this letter. In this letter, Truman again relates the challenges of traveling in the region, visiting the dentist, and challenges with phone service. We can still relate to much of this today.

In this letter, too, Truman mentions not only his mother, but Miss Wallace’s mother as well. It’s not too often that Martha Ellen Truman and Madge Wallace are in the same letter! Truman mentions his brother and sister in law, John Vivian and Louella Truman, and some of their kids…do you note a touch of jealousy here? And the Noland cousins from Independence make an appearance as well. As you can see and hear, there is a powerful family dynamic at work here…one of the reasons we appreciate having these letters.

As always, thanks for listening.

Dodson, Missouri July 7, 1913

Dear Bess:

I caught that train this morning by nearly as narrow a margine as we did yesterday. It was across the track when I got off the car. The agent remarked that I was making trains on the minute this summer. To tell you the truth I was not caring much if I missed it. I wanted to go down in town and see the Kodak man and incidentally let Dr. Miller try his luck on my other wisdom molar. According to Mr. Blair, I will be in a very poor way indeed when I lose that one. It will be three. You know I can't afford to part with much wisdom and still run loose. Tell your mother that Mary said she answered the phone last night and Central said that the girl at Independence refuses to connect again. We have been getting most ornery service since March. I haven't paid the bill for the last three months and I don't think I shall. I was mighty sorry your mother got worried about us last night. You tell her that I am a very lucky person and that accidents never happen to me when I have company and am off the Blue Ridge farm. It is only when I am in argument with obstreperous cows and calves that I get worsted. Do you suppose she'll ever let you come again? I hope she will if you enjoyed it, for I certainly had a very pleasant day. If ever I gain credit enough to own an auto then we can arrive on time. Papa and Aileen beat Mary and Bill one game and then got beat one. You see you were the expert in the other games. Did you go to the city today? We are all pleased this morning, I guess, and are satisfied that biting flies mean wet weather.

Aileen hasn't gone home yet. Mary is going to drive her to Dodson this afternoon. I suppose she likes our place as a summer resort, even if the country round about is infested with some very conceited men.

You sure made a hit with the countryside yesterday everyone I saw this morning when I got off the train wanted to know who the nice looking girl was that was with me yesterday.

Myra and Roy were here just after we left and so were Vivian and Luella. Mamma said she went out to help them unload the babies and they didn't have them. Mrs. Campbell and Callie had been to Vivians and taken the kids home with them. Mamma told them if they didn't have the babies they could just drive on and they did. I think Mamma is more dippy over those kids than she ever was over her own and that's putting it very strong.

I could have kicked myself last night for being so considerate of my dear cousins. They had a caller over there and he never left for fully twenty minutes after I arrived. It was John M. Chier. He's a lot better looking than he was when I knew him. I tried to think of something nice to say to him about Ethel and Nellie but the best I could do was to tell what a grand cranberry cook Nellie is. She said she was going to go over and tell your mother what a good for nothing piece of humanity I am and get me ordered out the next time I came. I told her she had a mean disposition anyway but she should at least let me hear what she said.

I hope to see you Sunday if not sooner and you owe the letter.

Most sincerely, Harry

Here's your $. Thanks awfully for it.

]]> Dear Bess: June 28, 1957 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E5C4A0B9-9372-FF1F-FE1A71689C6AA119.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E5D4DBF5-0F96-1452-982E8E8E18D9DEC0 Dear Bess: June 28, 1957 National Park Service Not only is this one of the last known "Dear Bess" letters, it is also one of the sweetest. Written on their 38th anniversary, Harry Truman chronicles their wonderful marriage. Those who have been in long term relationships can relate to some of the ups and downs that Truman remembers. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4 371 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-28-1957?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast and v-cast for June 28, 2023, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We would like to share with you one of our most favorite Dear Bess letters today. It’s also one of the last known to have been written. Former President Harry S Truman wrote this letter on June 28, 1957, on the Trumans’ 38th wedding anniversary.

Harry Truman and Bess Wallace met in 1890 at a Presbyterian Sunday School in Independence, Missouri. Truman fell in love immediately, and carried that love for decades. It wasn’t until June 28, 1919, that Truman married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Independence. They would be married for 53 years…perhaps the greatest presidential love story of all time. And Truman chronicles their married life in this letter. We’d like to share it with you today.

Happy Anniversary, President and Mrs. Truman, from all of us.

[June 28, 1957. Envelope addressed "To: Mrs. Harry S. Truman. From: H.S.T. No. 38."]

June 28, 1920 One happy year.

June 28, 1921 Going very well.

June 28, 1922 Broke and in a bad way.

June 28, 1923 Eatern Judge. Eating.

June 28, 1924 Daughter 4 mo. old.

June 28, 1925 Out of a job.

June 28, 1926 Still out of a job.

June 28, 1927 Presiding Judge - eating again.

June 28, 1928 All going well. Piano. Al Smith.

June 28, 1929 Panic, in October

June 28, 1930 Depression. Still going.

June 28, 1931 Six-year old daughter

June 28, 1932 Roads finished.

June 28, 1933 Employment Director.

June 28, 1934 Buildings finished. Ran for the Senate

June 28, 1935 U.S. Senator. Gunston.

June 28, 1936 Resolutions Philadelphia. Roosevelt reelected.

June 28, 1937 Grand time in Washington

June 28, 1938 Very happy time. Margie 14.

June 28, 1939 Named legislation.

June 28, 1940 Senate fight coming [sic].

June 28, 1941 Special Senate Committee. Margie wants to sing.

June 28, 1942 Also a happy time.

June 28, 1943 Lots of work.

June 28, 1944 Talk of V.P. Bad business.

June 28, 1945 V.P. & President. War End.

June 28, 1946 Margie graduate & singer. 80th Congress.

June 28, 1947 Marshall Plan & Greece & Turkey. A grand time 28th Anniversary.

June 28, 1948 A terrible campaign. Happy day.

June 28, 1949 President again. Another happy day.

June 28, 1950 Korea - a terrible time

June 28, 1951 Key West - a very happy day

June 28, 1952 All happy. Finish, Jan. 20, 1953.

June 28, 1953 Back home. Lots of Roses.

June 28, 1954 A happy 35th.

June 28, 1955 All cut up but still happy.

June 28, 1956 A great day - more elation.

June 28, 1957 Well here we are again, as Harry Jobes would say.

Only 37 to go for the diamond jubilee! H.S.T.

]]> Dear Bess: June 12, 1945 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945

]]> Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E6E7B56F-B2EF-FA97-EEB1F3077C35BC8E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E6FC7BFC-E2B3-3845-C4E0C2BEFC47B654 Dear Bess: June 12, 1945 National Park Service President Harry S Truman wrote this letter to his wife, the new First Lady, on this date in 1945, on his two-month anniversary as President. Mrs. Truman and Margaret had recently returned home to Independence, Missouri to, among other things, do work to make their home look good, knowing that it now had the eyes of the world. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945 290 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-12-1945

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for June 12, 2023, a service for you from Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This particular Dear Bess letter was written by President Harry S Truman on this date in 1945. That date marked Truman’s two month anniversary as President, and the two month anniversary of Franklin Roosevelt’s death.

Harry Truman didn’t really want to be president…he would have been content remaining in the Senate, finishing the term he won in 1940, and perhaps serving one more. But he accepted the Vice Presidency in 1944, and was duly elected.

Also affecting Truman deeply was his wife and daughter’s recent departure from the White House. First Lady Bess Wallace Truman went home to Independence to, among other things, supervise some maintenance work on their home at 219 North Delaware Street. It was in dire need of work, with paint peeling, wood rotting…and now it was the home of the President of the United States. (Except that it legally belonged to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace.) It was during this rehab work that the house likely got its first white paint job…and, in fact, it gained the nickname “The Summer White House.”

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

The White House June 12, 1945

Dear Bess:

Just two months ago today, I was a reasonably happy and contented Vice President. Maybe you can remember that far back too. But things have changed so much it hardly seems real.

Lots of love, Harry

Glad you saw Mamma and Mary

]]> Dear Bess: June 8, 1950 President Truman, in St. Louis, writes to his wife, on the other end of the state, home in Independence, Missouri. Even in 1950, their letters are important to them.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-8-1950-2013?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/2031DB65-D4DF-2946-DE93DD22E92F5890.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-204087B1-E4D4-2B5A-3BFAC77A0C2947AC Dear Bess: June 8, 1950 National Park Service A short letter, but with a lot in it. President Truman, in St. Louis, writes to his wife, on the other end of the state, home in Independence, Missouri. Even in 1950, their letters are important to them. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-8-1950-2013?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 231 no full President Truman, in St. Louis, writes to his wife, on the other end of the state, home in Independence, Missouri. Even in 1950, their letters are important to them.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-8-1950-2013?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for June 8, 2023, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, in Independence and Grandview Missouri. Thank you for listening…this year our park marks its 40th anniversary. We are humbled that the American people have entrusted us with these incredible stories and resources.

Today’s “Dear Bess” letter was written on this date in 1950. President Harry S Truman wrote to his wife, First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, from a hotel in St. Louis.

It’s a short letter, but has a few interesting tidbits. President Truman refers to a porch…he is referring to a newly-extended porch at their home in Independence, at 219 North Delaware Street. When you visit today, you begin your tour on that same porch. The family extended the porch in 1950, for more room. For privacy, the family allowed the shrubs to grow a little higher, particularly on the north side.

Truman also refers to Mrs. Truman’s mother, Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace. 88 years old at the time of the letter, Mrs. Wallace’s health was failing. Mrs. Wallace preferred to be home in Independence, where she spent half the year. Dr. Wallace Graham, technically General Wallace Graham, was Truman’s physician. He provided medical care for many in the Truman family, including Mrs. Wallace. Towards the end of her life, Mrs. Wallace had many health challenges, and was under the special care of Dr. Graham. Mother Wallace died in December, 1952, just weeks before her son-in-law left the White House. She was 90 years old. Born during the Civil War, she died in the age of atomic weapons and television. Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

[New Hotel Jefferson, St. Louis, Mo.] June 8, 1950

Dear Bess:

This hotel pen is the one you read about in the funnies. It has made three or four blots and no doubt will make a dozen more before I'm done.

Had a grand flight as I told you and have finish with the politicos. Have been over my Dr.'s Degree speech, talked to Roy Harper, Mary, Ralph and now expect to go to bed when I have finished this note.

Louis' Margaret came out with us to see her mother. Sullivan, Karst and Karsten the three St. Louis congressmen came out with me too. You've never seen three more happy and grateful men. Their records are 100% and I wanted to show my appreciation.

The pictures of the porch are grand. Wish I could sit on it with you and hold your hand.

My farmer nephews seem to have been written up in the Post Dispatch. Haven't seen the article but from all reports it is good. The P.D. must have had an aberartion [sic]!

Dr. Graham will see your mother tomorrow. Hope she's all right.

Say hello to the family.

Lots of love Harry.

I ought to send you this pen!

]]> Dear Bess: May 26, 1914 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639066

]]> Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7593DCD7-F1F1-62D3-E94F7F937FB13744.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-75988B82-E15A-7C12-81CAD1F75ED10F3E Dear Bess: May 26, 1914 National Park Service A most charming letter, filled with family tidbits, and a great hat story. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639066 280 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639066

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for May 26, 2023, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. This National Park is just about to turn 40 years old. We are grateful to everyone who has made that possible. Today, we especially want to thank the City of Independence, Missouri, and its citizens for their exceptional support and friendship!

On this Memorial Day weekend, 2023, we offer our humble thanks to those who made that ultimate sacrifice, including those who were part of the war that Harry Truman served in, the First World War. Today’s letter was written on this date in 1914. Harry Truman, a partner in the business known as “J.A. Truman & Son, Farmers,” was proud of the paper on which he wrote these amazing letters. Lots of family mentions in this letter. “Louella” refers to Mrs. Louella Campbell Truman, married to Harry Truman’s brother, John Vivian. A few years before this letter was written, John Vivian and Louella married and established their own farm and family. The Hornbuckles were cousins to Harry Truman. Truman’s cousin Myra Colgan Hornbuckle lived to be 94 years old, and survived the future president by just less than 3 years.

And the hat story is wonderful!

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter:

Grandview May 26, 1914

Dear Bess:

I am a day late because I expected to get some good paper to write with yesterday evening and then failed to do it. Mary and I went in after Luella. We took her to see Mrs. White and the Duvalls. They were very much impressed with the kids. Mrs. Duvall thinks the boy looks like me.

We got home at ten o'clock last night. I went downtown and got my gray hat. The hat works had made it look like a 1914 model with a dark gray band and a hand-tied bow. I put it in the back seat to keep it from blowing away, and do you know those two women lost that hat. It is reposing somewhere on Park Avenue between 76th Street and Linwood Boulevard. The car door came open along there somewhere, and they are both of the opinion that it must have been lost out then. I was very much disappointed when I found it gone for I did want to wear it just once. I'll have to buy a straw now, I guess, or another two-dollar cap. Maybe I can go to George's place and get one for a dollar.

I was hoping to see you tomorrow but Luella has decided that she must go back to Amarusia today. If it rains there is no telling when I'll return. We need rain so badly that I don't care if it does rain but I'd hate to get caught down there and not be able to return. Mamma is going along and says that we must return tomorrow. If we do I shall yet see you this week. The Hornbuckles had barely arrived when I did. We both apologized for being late and found that it was entirely unnecessary. The old machine is still running like a clock. I think every time I go out something will surely break this time but nothing has and I'm hoping for the best.

Please to send me a letter this week as it has been some ages since I have had one. I still have your frying pan and spoons, also a fruit jar and a basket. I guess I'll just continue to tote them around until they're needed for another picnic. Anyway I shall try and have them aboard when I get over again.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: May 19, 1913 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639012

]]> Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/09D10995-90AC-0641-5F43F7EB38153E73.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-09DA5616-A991-237B-BF25633627F0CF0E Dear Bess: May 19, 1913 National Park Service We've shared this letter before, but it's so fun, we thought we'd share it again! Such fascinating insight into the Truman Farm Home life, and family experience! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639012 339 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639012

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. This National Park is just about to turn 40 years old. We are grateful to everyone who has made that possible. Today, we especially want to thank the City of Independence, Missouri, and its citizens for their exceptional support and friendship!

This is a fun letter, written by Harry S Truman, to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, on this date in 1913. It’s a fun insight into the inner workings of the Truman farm home in Grandview, Missouri. And it’s always fun to have an insight into Harry Truman’s mother, Mrs. Martha Ellen Truman and his Uncle Harrison Young.

Truman, too, writes a bit about a hired hand that was working for them. We regrettably don’t know a lot about these hired hands, and, prior to things like Social Security records, employers didn’t keep such records. But the stories they could tell!

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview 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 â€“ 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

]]> Dear Bess: May 17, 1911 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638918

]]> Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/43A4757A-A0B0-EC77-759E5BE74F48C3BD.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-43B2A3DC-EE04-DBC6-10CA1EB22200E9F5 Dear Bess: May 17, 1911 National Park Service A fascinating letter from May, 1911, a few months into the Harry Truman/ Bess Wallace courtship. Harry Truman, still healing with a broken leg, talks family, books, Civil War, and more. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638918 434 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for May 17, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. This year our park marks its 40th anniversary as a National Park Service unit, and we thank everyone for entrusting us with these amazing places and resources.

We’d like to share with you today a Dear Bess letter from on this date in 1911. For a little context, this letter was in the first few months of the Harry Truman/ Bess Wallace courtship. And Harry Truman was healing from a broken leg. If you’ve had a broken leg, you understand. Remember that the house that Mr. Truman was living in had no electricity (although it did have a telephone), and as a farmer, having Harry Truman sidelined affected the business. But we make it up with details. Truman sheds some light on some fun family insights, and provides one of the few physical descriptions of his namesake, his Uncle Harrison Young…his mother’s brother. And a fascinating insight into some Confederate history in the family. For this family, the Civil War was always relevant.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

May 17, 1911

Dear Bessie:

I am sitting up at the desk writing this and it makes me feel a lot more independent. Crutches are certainly the most inconvenient conveniences I have ever run up against. You've no idea how experience teaches sympathy. I have thought many a time that some of the antics of people on crutches were unnecessary to say the least. I don't think so now. It really takes an expert to accomplish anything with them. It is necessary for me to wear my uncle's overalls because I can't get my plaster cast through the leg of mine. He weighs 240 and a large part of his weight is around the waist. You can imagine the beautiful profile I make. I don't care for looks now though. I want to get out of bed and I'd almost wear a dress to do it.

I certainly thank you for the book you sent. It is fine. I haven't quite finished it yet. I sent you a copy of Life by Ethel. It is so good. I thought that I could not keep it all to myself. I had wrapped it for mailing when Ethel and Aunt Ella showed up. I hope you hadn't seen it. The center cartoon is particularly entrancing. I should certainly like the opportunity of being a joyrider. I really don't think I'd be one, but I'd just like to have the means to be one.

I was very glad to see Ethel and so I didn't attempt to remove her back hair as I had threatened to do. Anyway I don't believe I could have done it just yet so I let well enough alone. She was perfectly willing for me to try.

You said Frank was anxious to go to Mexico. You tell him he'd better stay out of Greaserdom right now anyway. If a fellow could go as the rearguard of a victorious American army it would be all right, but right now the chances are good that he'd stop a bullet. I am like Mark Twain. He says that if fame is to be obtained only by marching to the cannon's mouth, he is perfectly willing to go there provided the cannon is empty, if it is loaded he'd get over the fence and go home. Sometimes the cannon's breech is as dangerous as its mouth. A member of the Battery got his fingers connected with the breech block on one of those three-inch guns not long ago and left one of them in the gun. I think I shall quit the military stunt in June. My time is out then. I have been a member for six years and have had lots of fun, learned a little bit, and made some friends, so I guess I'd better quit while I am all in one piece. Out at Ft. Riley once while the outfit was out there, a shell exploded at the mouth of the gun and killed seven or eight who were standing too far front. So you see a person is not absolutely safe either in front or behind the gun. Mark's advice is best.

One of Mamma's cousins is visiting us now who was in the real Confederate Army. He was at the Battle of Vicksburg and Corinth and also up here at the Battle of Westport. He thinks that General Price was the greatest man that ever lived. Of all the hair-lifting war tales Cousin Will can sure contribute his share. It really seems funny that in this very country, even right where we live, people should have been afraid to go anywhere unless there were several together. Then maybe the Redlegs or Bushwhackers would kill them. Grandmother once routed a whole band of Indians with a big dog. She was all alone except for a negro woman and two of her children. These Indians told her they wanted honey and if she didn't give it, they would take it and her too. So they sharpened their knives on the grinding stone and then she turned loose a large dog. Away went Indians, some leaving their blankets. If I had been Grandma I'd have disappeared out the front way when they came up the back. But she didn't and finally made them go.

I guess you'll think this is a mighty tiresome attempt at a letter but it is the best I can do today. I read some Chinese poetry this morning and I guess that is the reason I can't do any better. It was rendered into English but even then it sounded as bad as the hen tracks they made for writing look. So if this is too dull to read, I hope you'll consider that you owe me a letter for it anyway.

I want to thank you again for The Mistress of Shenstone, as I sure enjoyed it and so did the rest of us.

I hope your calico chickens will be a success and I am really glad you didn't have to use that awful dip. Vivian has to dip chickens out here. I eat them. Well write when you can and if I land that machine I'll try and use it right.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: May 12, 1912 You can see a digital copy here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638965

]]> Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7481F1B3-ACFE-D2FB-EBC06FE92A800868.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7487461A-AB37-05F3-78F7EDB851329EAC Dear Bess: May 12, 1912 National Park Service Lots of wonderful tidbits in this letter. We've shared it before, but it's such a terrific example of a "Dear Bess" letter, we thought we would do it again for you. You can see a digital copy here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638965 476 no full You can see a digital copy here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638965

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for May 12, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. This year, this park marks its fortieth anniversary…we couldn’t do what we do without your support, so we deeply thank you.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1912. There is so much wonderful material in this letter. We have a glimpse into life inside of the Farm Home, the family dynamic, and Truman’s mother and Uncle Harrison make appearances. And, once again, Truman mentions the lawsuit that he and his parents were engaged in between them and his mother’s siblings, who felt wronged from the will of Truman’s grandmother, Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, who died in 1909. The case wouldn’t get to court for a while, and the finances of the suit strained family finances for years. And it damaged family relationships.

Thanks for listening. 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 â€˜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

]]> Dear Bess: April 27, 1911 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638914?objectPanel=transcription

]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/B4A6CA30-0C65-AD2E-7BA2FAAEE75C433C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B4A8A671-FCAD-F378-EA8D48DDACE52FCA Dear Bess: April 27, 1911 National Park Service What can a farmer with a broken leg do? Well, for one, write to the girl of his dreams. And that's exactly what Harry Truman did on April 27, 1911. Writing and reading helped Truman much during his recuperation. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638914?objectPanel=transcription 347 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638914?objectPanel=transcription

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for April 27, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

In just a few days, our park will mark its 40th birthday, or, the 40th anniversary of the signing of our enabling legislation. We are honored to be doing what we do, and we thank you for allowing us to do it.

This Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1911. Harry S Truman, farmer, was laid up with a broken leg. That was always a risk of working a farm. It was difficult for Harry Truman to recuperate from his injury, which happened not long after he reunited with Bess Wallace in 1910. But these letters helped, as did his books. Harry Truman being unable to work caused some additional work to others, and no doubt that affected him, too. You can get a sense of the depression he feels in this letter, and that’s rare, for Harry Truman rarely felt anything other than depressed.

We’ve shared this letter before, but wanted to do it again because it’s just wonderful. We hope you agree.

Here’s the letter.

April 27, 1911

Dear Bessie,

My pleasure is not to be expressed in words for the nice long letter you sent me so soon. Of course, now I have nothing else to do but write and read, and I certainly appreciate the fact that you wrote so promptly because you I know are busy. I'm not and can write immediately.

I don't expect an immediate reply but I appreciate it very much when it comes.

Your mentioning Miss Hunt makes me think of someone who hasn't entered my head for a long time. But all of the boys thought Miss Hunt was fine. The girls of course didn't think so well of her. Why, I never could explain. You remember when she told us that our class had given her three gray hairs and how she cried when they roasted her in that "banquet?" I really felt sorry for her then. Miss Phelps says Miss Hunt knew absolutely nothing about pedagogy whatever that is. I don't care we had lots of fun with her.

I am glad you had such good luck with your incubator. It does damp the strongest enthusiasm to sit up till 5PM doesn't it? You'll have to time it differently this time. Make them begin at that time and then you can watch all day. If they began at night next time I'd let them go to Guinea. Mamma's hundred don't give her much trouble. She feeds them two or three times a day and the hens do the rest. You see they can run all over forty acres and more if they want to. I shall be worse spoiled than an only child when I get well. Papa buys me candy and fruit as if I were a two-year-old, and Mamma spends half her time making me comfortable and making my favorite pies. You really don't know how much you're thought of until you get knocked out. I shall try and keep my head though.

I am very thankful that I'll have two feet when I'm well as usual. I do certainly feel sorry for Edward Paxton. I would rather be the poorest laborer in Christendom and be physically whole than be John D. and have some of me gone, wouldn't you?

Such things as broken legs are only chasteners anyway. I shall know exactly how to sympath (I've lost my dictionary and forgot how to spell the last syllable, ain't it awful) with my friends when they have like accidents. I didn't before.

I am sitting up today in a Morris chair and I tell you it is restful to get out of bed once in seven days. I had been thinking all along how nice it would be if I could only sleep for seven days straight. I have the opportunity now and can scarcely get in six hours at a time. That is always the way, we are never exactly satisfied with what we can get.

I shall continue to look for the book. I have been improving my mind with Harold MacGrath the last day or two, his Splendid Hazard. It's fine.

I got a note from Ethel saying she would write me in a day or two. I guess they are very busy now and haven't much time for correspondence. I hope you will take this for what it is worth and consider it worth an answer as I most certainly do appreciate your letters. I'll try and do better next time but my pet won't let me sit up long at a time, much as I want to.

Write when you can soon to

Yours sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 18, 1914 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639063?objectPanel=transcription

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DBC5F524-EB57-2755-4AF16322CD564376.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DBC665D0-C6A8-EF22-7D99BCE09B385237 Dear Bess: April 18, 1914 National Park Service Some fascinating tidbits in this Dear Bess letter, written on some spiffy new stationary! https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639063?objectPanel=transcription 242 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157639063?objectPanel=transcription

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 18, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on April 18, 1914. We encourage you to click on the link and look at the digital original, specifically for the letterhead…J.A. Truman & Son, Farmers, Kansas City Home Phone Hickman 6. We really don’t have that many papers that survive with that letterhead. As you’ll hear, Mr. Truman must have just received it, and was obviously proud of it. Some fun tidbits in this letter. Instead of describing them, how about we just share the letter with you.

As always, we thank you for listening. This is our 40th year of being a National Park unit. We are eternally grateful to our visitors and all who make everything possible.

Dear Bess:

I am going to send you that letter I promised. It is not the delayed one but an entirely new brand. Also it is on a new brand of stationery. I kinda like the looks of this, so I thought I'd use it. Our disappeared man was on deck this morning madder than a Mexican pirate. Claimed he'd been down with his daughter all these days. He seemed to think it an impossibility for us to make connection with Belton. Papa let him go to work. The man we hired is a good one too, so I guess we'll have two for a month. Then the best one gets to stay. I am hoping they'll manage to get along all right.

I caught that car all right and got down in town at five minutes to one. That was a record trip. I had to go to E.B.T.'s this morning and part with the price of a pair of white silk gloves. I sure made a nice picture buying gloves elbow length. I must be a great little feminine shopper by this time. It is rather embarrassing sometimes to have a fresh clerk ask me if my wife is a large or small woman. I always say it's for my mother but I'm never believed.

Bess, I'm going to beg you for a phottgraft again. I wish you'd have yer pitur took in that hat, even if it is only a stamp. This is the couple of dozenth time I've asked for one, but I'm still hoping to get it just the same. I've been wanting you to have one taken in that hat if it's only one and that one for me. Please do. I'm going to get cheated out of a letter this week but the picture will do for a substitute. That's almost the same request I made in the other letter and that's all I didn't tell you last night. I know I'll get there Sunday evening and Monday evening now with two men.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 13: 1918 (circa) https://catalog.archives.gov/id/47346663

]]> Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/D67831F1-030E-EEAF-6120566B8B7454CC.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-D6862A35-D1F8-BCF6-28FC1B04CCA4FA2A Dear Bess: April 13: 1918 (circa) National Park Service Lieutenant Harry S Truman and his colleagues arrive in Europe to serve and fight in World War I. The most crucial months in Harry Truman's life to this point are about to begin. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/47346663 316 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/47346663

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 13, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. This year marks the 40th anniversary of our park unit, and we thank everyone for making what we do possible, particularly the American people. Thank you.

The letter for today is interesting in that we’re not quite sure when it was exactly written, but our best guess is that it was written on April 13, 1918. First Lieutenant Harry Truman writes to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, that he is about to land, meaning that he and his military colleagues were landing in Europe to be part of the fighting in World War I. Truman and his men and colleagues were likely feeling the same emotions that all soldiers and sailors still do today when mobilizing. That sadness in leaving home, and leaving loved ones behind…the fear of the unknown, the fear of being hurt or killed. The curiosity of seeing a new land. Some boredom. Loneliness, even when there are lots of others around And more.

As always, we thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

Aboard U.S.S. George Washington Apr. 1918

Dear Bess: We are about to arrive and I am going to write you what purports to be a letter. There are so many things we can't write about that there is practically nothing left but the weather and the scenery to talk of. The weather has been fine all the way across, ideal submarine weather so they say, but I prefer it to the rough kind. We had one day that made me and several others pretty much disgusted with life on the sea. I can't see what a man wants to be a sailor for. Except for the one day, I've enjoyed all the meals I could get. Some of the officers have been sick all the way and, I am sure from my one day's experience, have spent a very unpleasant time. Everyone has a remedy and none of them work but Christian Science and sometimes it fails in a rough sea. We have had a very pleasant time except for the monotony of it. There are six lieutenants in our cabin, all congenial spirits. We play cards awhile then go on deck and hunt for submarines awhile and sleep the rest of the time except when we're on guard.

There is no scenery to write about, nothing but blue water everywhere when the sun shines, lead colored when it doesn't, and copper colored at sunrise and sunset. The sunsets on the sea aren't half as good to see as those on our prairies at home. You see just as far as the rim, which they tell me is twenty miles away. The funny part of it is we never catch up with that rim. If we could only get over it I'm sure we could go twice as fast because it would be downhill. One fellow remarked to me the other night that according to his map of the Atlantic Ocean we'd have a hard pull of it from here to France because it would be uphill all the way. Some of the things the crew pull off are a caution to hear. Most of the best ones are unprintable but are not so bad as humorous when you hear them. I am enclosing you a copy or two of the Hatchet—our daily paper—which will tell you lots that goes on on board every day. I didn't get any of your last letters at Camp Merritt. The telegram about the picture was the last thing I got. I am hoping they were forwarded on this boat and that I'll get them when I land.

Shall write again tomorrow.

Yours always, Harry S. Truman

]]> Dear Bess: April 8, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-8-1912

]]> Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9826C70F-BFAD-CE2F-A9D14AC5C200828A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-982C0DCA-A900-AD92-E5D38C83E950431F Dear Bess: April 8, 1912 National Park Service A fascinating letter from on this date in 1912. Harry Truman uses his pen to contemplate his brother's injury, encouraging Miss Wallace to think well of him, and much more. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-8-1912 453 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-8-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 8, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s letter was written by Harry S Truman, Farmer, on April 8, 1912. It’s really a remarkable letter, with a lot in it. Harry Truman’s brother, John Vivian, makes a brief appearance, as the latest to have suffered a medical misfortune. In 1910, Truman’s father broke his leg, in 1911, Harry Truman broke his. And here, in 1912, John Vivian, who had his own farm by this time, injured his shoulder. It also appears as if the Independence High School alumni association wanted Harry Truman to offer some type of presentation as a distinguished alumnus. But the letter oozes romance, particularly the second paragraph.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter. Grandview, Mo. April 8, 1912

Dear Bess:

Here goes for another start on your letter. Maybe I'll get it finished this time. My dear brother had to go and get his shoulder dislocated when I started the other one, and I was shaken up so on hearing it I couldn't write. That sounds rather feminine, doesn't it? Mamma says I was intended for a girl anyway. It makes me pretty mad to be told so but I guess it's partly so. When it comes to pulling teeth I always yell and I have an inordinate desire to look nice in a photo. You see I have some ladylike traits anyway. If ever you accuse me of having any, though, you may be sure I'll prevaricate and say I haven't. I told your mother I was going to get her a lily for Easter but couldn't carry it. Of course I couldn't possibly have paid a messenger to deliver it, could I? It was my intention to get it when we came home from the Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady's, but as we didn't go of course no lily appeared. I hope she'll give me credit for good intentions. There goes another piece of Hellenic pavement to my credit. (I'm not referring to Greece, either.)

Will you please persuade George to persuade the alumni committee of the senior class to forget that they ever had any intention of giving me nervous prostration? If I get to come to their meeting and they should ask me to speak, I'd die of elevatoritis because I'd go right through the floor. It was my hope that I'd get to come and enjoy myself but I sure wouldn't if that calamity were hanging over me. I wouldn't mind making a botch on my own account but I'd so hate to humiliate my friends. Besides, the meeting is on Friday night and unless something happens to annul a Masonic meeting I'll have to stay home. If I get to go, will you honor muh with yuh company? If I don't show up by 8:00 p.m. you'll know I couldn't kill the Masonic goat and that I'm not coming. If you want to go with any of the other good-looking fellows, you'd better, then you'll have a sure escort. Then if I come, I can suffer from the little green god as well as from luck ague. There are more I's, me's, my's in this than I have succeeded in putting into a letter for a long time. You know I am of a rather retiring disposition and it hurts me to blow my own trumpet so much. I wouldn't only you know that I'm horribly anxious for you to suffer from an excessively good opinion of me! If you should happen to do that and at some date in the distant future I should get to acting up, can't you hand me one by just telling me what I've said on paper? (Provided you don't consign these to range, as Agnes's flame said.) I really don't care a hoot what you do with my letters so long as you write me-that's what I'm laboring for, a letter from you. You may read them to anyone you choose, put 'em under the parlor carpet, or start fires with 'em-just as long as you send me an answer, which by the way won't be used for any of the above- mentioned purposes.

Well, let's change the subject what do you say? Not that I'd ever get tired of it. I shelled corn by hand all day today. That is as long as I could hold my eyes open. I was sitting on the floor in the sitting room shelling seed corn as hard as I could, when pretty soon Papa came in and yelled, "Harry, dinner's ready! Why don't you come on, you going to sleep all day?" I'd been asleep for an hour and didn't know it. You see, I got up at 4:30 a.m. and turned in at 1:30 a.m., which is a rather long stretch between naps. A freight train got in front of the passenger last night and I got off in our pasture and only had to walk about half as far as usual. The moon was just getting up as the train came round the bend and it looked exactly as if our barn was on fire. I was scared stiff. When I got to the jumping off place I decided it was a neighbor's house and only came to the moon conclusion when I got to the house. Some poor fellow was stalled in an auto about two hundred yards from the gate but got started about the time I got to the house. Wouldn't it be pleasant to be laid out about twenty miles from home about 1:00 a.m.? You ought to know for you tried it once. I hope you'll take the risk again sometime soon. Send me a letter immejate [sic].

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 28, 1944 (postmarked) https://catalog.archives.gov/id/154961610

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6AE5F4CE-C293-BED9-1A8CE453C504BB80.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6AF95310-DB9D-FE37-AA8C4D61D540CA89 Dear Bess: March 28, 1944 (postmarked) National Park Service A gem of a letter, written by Senator Harry S Truman to Mrs. Truman...a letter written from Seattle, Washington. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/154961610 295 no full https://catalog.archives.gov/id/154961610

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 28, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s letter was postmarked on this date in 1944, and was written by Senator Harry S Truman while on some official Senate business in Seattle, Washington. It’s an absolute gem of a letter. The first paragraph is about as sweet as anything Truman ever wrote to Bess Wallace Truman, and that is saying something.

By this time, Senator Truman had really made a name for himself with a committee investigating defense spending during the war…a committee that the press dubbed the Truman Committee. Truman never called it that. But the committee and its work saved taxpayers a lot of money, made Truman a household name, and propelled him into nomination for a higher office just a few weeks after this letter was written.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Olympic Hotel Seattle, Washington March 28, 1944 [Postmark]

Dear Bess:

Hugh Fulton and Kilgore are waiting for me so I'll have to run. Will do better next time. Wish I'd had a letter here.

My best to your mother. Kiss my pretty girl and lots of love to you.

Harry

Has Margie forgotten how to write too?

]]> Dear Bess: March 24, 1914 ]]> Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C78834B2-B2B5-9D66-0F796E3F29AD2E12.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C7974BE4-AD84-9DCB-0B39CBA50E2FC043 Dear Bess: March 24, 1914 National Park Service Harry Truman talks about his mother's recovery from her recent recovery from a hernia surgery, and talks about buying a car. This car, a Kansas City-made Stafford, changed his life like nothing else before ever did. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-24-1914-postmark 448 no full

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 24, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s choice was written on March 24, 1914, 109 years ago. It’s one of the most important Dear Bess letters, and here’s why. Truman makes mention of an opportunity of acquiring an automobile, specifically, a Kansas City-made Stafford. This car changed Harry Truman’s life like nothing before. It helped him as he explored social life in Grandview and elsewhere. It helped him as he eventually explored other business and small political opportunities. It helped him in his training in preparing to serve in World War I. But, most importantly, it helped him in his most important campaign…that to win the heart and hand of Miss Bess Wallace. Mamma Truman believed in this too, and evidently helped make the car a reality. The Stafford gave Truman a sense of independence and identity like he hadn’t had before, and became an important part of him.

The ongoing lawsuit that Truman mentions, that stemmed from his maternal Grandmother’s 1909 death and will, was eventually settled, but left the Trumans in a stretched way financially, with debt that snowballed.

Grandview Mar. 24, 1914

Dear Bess:

Vivian is going back to Cass County this morning. He rode up horseback on Thursday night and is going to drive back. I think it is safe for him to leave, Mamma is doing so well.

I am hoping to see you before the week is out. As soon as she can have company there'll be someone here all the time, but we don't allow her to walk any yet to amount to anything.

Please send me a long letter as it has been some years since a week ago Sunday.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 20, 1918 (postmarked) Maybe you know that feeling, and remember what it felt like, that feeling of nervousness, anxiety, and more.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark

]]> Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FCB9368E-024C-84B0-196542D7CACEA7B8.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FCC92D74-F93C-CB5D-D3BF194E1C9E1775 Dear Bess: March 20, 1918 (postmarked) National Park Service This brief letter to Miss Wallace was written by Mr. Truman as he and his men of the 129th Field Artillery were en route eastward, being mobilized, bound for France to fight in World War I. Maybe you know that feeling, and remember what it felt like, that feeling of nervousness, anxiety, and more. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark 289 no full Maybe you know that feeling, and remember what it felt like, that feeling of nervousness, anxiety, and more.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-20-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 20, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s selection was postmarked on March 20, 1918. Harry Truman and his men of the 129th Field Artillery were being mobilized for their deployment for France to fight in the Great War. It was what they had been training for for all these months. No doubt they were all excited, yet nervous, scared, and worried about those loved ones they were leaving behind.

As for Harry Truman, this included Bess Wallace, who he met in 1890 at Sunday School. He was six, she was five. But it wasn’t for another twenty years that they started courting. Once Truman had re-enlisted in the Army, and it was certain that he was going o France, they talked of marriage, and Miss Wallace wanted to marry immediately, but Mister Truman declined, saying that it wasn’t fair to her, in case he came back crippled or maimed, or if he didn’t come back at all. When Truman wore his uniform he carried in his breast pocket a special picture of Miss Wallace…a picture that still sits on his desk at the Truman Library today.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess:

Yours always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 17, 1914 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-17-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

]]> Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/0619B034-D266-87F1-8EB00EBB251E27FE.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-06349806-CBF9-DF41-17FB66DD4AE209A2 Dear Bess: March 17, 1914 (postmarked) National Park Service A fascinating Dear Bess letter, postmarked on this date in 1914. Before Truman bought his car, it took a lot of effort to get back and forth from his family farm in Grandview to Independence or, well, anywhere, as the first paragraph shows. And Truman gives an indication that he is trying for a Post Office appointment. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-17-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7 373 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-17-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 17, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s selection was postmarked on March 17, 1914. There’s a lot in this letter. But listen closely to the section about the Post Office. Later that year, Harry Truman was indeed appointed Postmaster for Grandview, Missouri. On December 2, 1914, in fact. But Truman didn’t really perform the tasks of the job, nor collect the pay. He, instead, turned the job and pay over to a woman who needed the work, and the pay. We wish we knew more about that. So his appointment was short lived.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter. [postmarked March 17, 1914]

Dear Bess:

I did not arrive at home at the proper time. It has taken me all day to get here. I took the drill casting to an auto welding co. down on 19th Street. They agree to have it done at a quarter to nine. I went back at that time and the thing was so hot it couldn't be touched for a half hour. I got a 19th streetcar and made it to Swope Park as fast as I could. Missed the train by about 200 yards. The 200 yards is all I lacked making a mile run. My breath is coming in spurts yet. By the time I'd made it back down town it was after twelve and I supposed it would be too late for lunch anyway so I didn't call. I caught the K. C. S. [Kansas City Southern] at 1:45 and almost got home. Got as far as Hickman's Mill where a freight train was off the track, after sitting a half hour I got off and walked home. Arrived at 4:30. That's some record. From 9:15 to 4:30 covering twenty miles. I could have walked it in half the time. Uncle Harry wanted me to go see the lawyers with him but I refused because I didn't have time! After I got home the confounded casting was too tight and I had to file it for an hour. I am hoping to get an oat sowed tomorrow all day anyway. Papa said he was getting on fine sowing by hand by I noticed him stop when I have in sight. It seems that there are times when Fates are in a contrary mood with some people. Today was evidently their off day with me. Had I have followed my own inclination, I'd have arrived home just as soon. My casting would have been finished smoothly and I'd have been in a most agreeable frame of mind in place of the opposite. I hope you had better luck and got your wedding present all right. Luella is here with the babies. She is nearly well. I have been trying to teach the boy to say Uncle Val. Out of pure revenge Mary tried to make him say Aunt Lizzie. I nearly had to pour a glass of milk down her neck before she came to her senses. (This pen is feeling good or something the ink won't stay on it at all.) Mary and Val nearly came to Independence last night. They said they were afraid they'd cause me too much embarrassment. I told Mary she needn't have worried it wouldn't have been at all necessary for them to have seen me.

It seems that there is going to be some fun over the post office after all. There's an old politician out here by the name of Lindsay who is acquainted with Kim Stone and The Hon. W. J. too. He has a nephew-in-law who took the exam and is trying to have him appointed. This kid has agreed to put the office in Dr. Bradford's Drug store. It is merely a booze emporium. Therefore we've got to beat him for the office. I don't know if we can or not but when I get done sowing oats I'm going to try my luck.

I forgot to ask you if I should get your cousin a seat to Roddy by ours. I can do it as well as not if you say the word. I am hoping to get in some day this week but I have so much to do there's no telling what I'll get to do.

Anyway I'll see you Sunday if not sooner. You needn't worry about not sending me a big to your party I knew you were only entertaining her friends and I don't know her when I see her. I only met her once and then she sat on my hat. You must send me a long letter if you can find the time (do it anyway.)

Sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 13, 1913 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-13-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=2

]]> Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9B609958-90EC-9DDF-5E4B4265D7EA5344.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-9B757304-C010-ECFF-EC204281E9317F66 Dear Bess: March 13, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service In this brief Dear Bess letter from March, 1913, Harry Truman again makes reference to an unfortunate lawsuit that was tearing his family apart, stemming from the will of his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Louisa Young. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-13-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=2 315 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-13-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=2

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 13, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s brief Dear Bess letter was postmarked on March 13, 1913, exactly 110 years ago. Of biggest note in this letter is Harry Truman’s reference to a lawsuit.

Technically, Harry Truman, his parents, and siblings were living and working on land that belonged to Truman’s maternal grandparents, Solomon and Harriet Louisa Gregg Young. Solomon Young died in 1892. His widow, Harry Truman’s grandmother, owned the land, then, with her brother, Harrison Young, the future president’s namesake. When the Truman family moved back to the farm near Grandview, in 1905 and 1906, they, technically, formed an interesting business arrangement with Grandmother and Harrison Young. Farms were, and are, after all, businesses. Harriet Young died in 1909. In her will, she left the land to the Trumans, including her daughter, Martha Ellen Young Truman.

Martha Ellen’s siblings almost immediately filed suit, and the feeling seems to be that the Trumans manipulated Grandmother Young into doing what she did in the will. Well, this litigation took a long time to resolve. Ultimately, the court sided with the Trumans. But financial settlements continued into the early 1920s, even after Harry Truman left the farm and moved to Independence as a married man. The litigation drained the Truman family’s financial resources, and, according to Truman, crippled the profitability of the Farm. Eventually “Mamma” Truman had to add mortgage after mortgage on the property, and her debt snowballed. In 1940, Mamma and Mary Jane Truman lost the Farm, the Farm Home, and had to move elsewhere. Unfortunately, most of the papers from this litigation seems to have been lost. It’s not clear what kind of relationship Harry Truman and his brother and sister had with those Young relatives after this litigation was resolved.

Thankfully, via these Dear Bess letters we know of this lawsuit, and know some of the details. As always, thanks for listening.

Grandview Mar. 12, 1913

Dear Bess: Your most highly appreciated letter arrived this morning. I certainly was glad to get it. My head is still swollen over the remark you made about my photo.

There was a man here to buy the cows Tuesday. I had to come home at one o'clock or you may be sure I'd have tried 64 before the Orpheum. He bought the cows so it was a good thing we came home. I am riding around in all this rain getting testimony in our lawsuit. You know it comes up Monday. I certainly wish I was like Gaul divisa in tres partes because I'm needed at home, in K.C., and in Belton this afternoon. I just called up Blair telling him I couldn't come up and he jumped about a foot high. The lawyer won't let me go, and Papa wants me to help drive the cows to Belton. So there you are.

I got the Orpheum tickets today. They are in the fourth row but on the side. I guess if we understand French we'll hear it all anyway. Diner is waiting on me and if I don't run and eat a bite I'll surely starve this P.M.

Thanks awfully for that Friday letter.

Sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 10, 1914 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1914-postmark

]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/D10AFF45-EB6E-4144-BAABA9F1C8D3FBA6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-D10BA19D-BDA4-6EFD-78B00CFC727A1639 Dear Bess: March 10, 1914 National Park Service If only this letter from March 10, 1914, were longer! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1914-postmark 303 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1914-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 10, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives, the keepers of the Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters.

Today’s brief letter was written on this date in 1914. It’s unfortunate that it’s one of the brief ones, as it’s clear that Truman had much more to share with Miss Wallace.

By the time Harry Truman wrote this letter to Miss Wallace, he had been involved with the Masons for several years now. What did the Masons mean to Harry Truman? Well, if he were here to explain it to us, he might say that the Masons were a way to meet and learn about people, do good for others, share a spiritual fellowship, and a way to learn a special type of leadership. Harry Truman rose as far in the Masons as possible, the 33rd Degree. Truman was very proud to be a Mason, and the Masons were proud to claim Harry Truman as one of their own. They still do.

In this letter, too, Truman’s father, John Anderson Truman, makes an appearance as does Harry Truman’s brother, John Vivian. By 1914, John Vivian Truman had married the lovely Louella, started a family and farm of his own. John Vivian and Louella Truman had a lovely family, part of a larger family that continuously supported each other when it counted.

Here’s the letter.

[March 10, 1914]

Dear Bess:

I am not going to let Tuesday get by this time without getting you a letter written. It's been quite a while since I had one from you. The week's never complete without a least one; the more the better. You would never guess where I am writing this. Frank Blair sent me word to come to Belton today to meet Mr. McLachlan the Grand Lecturer of the Masons. I am in the Masonic Hall writing while the rest have gone to dinner. It only took me minute to grab something to eat. I am hoping they won't come back for a good while so I can get this letter off on the proper train. Well I lost another of my good bachelor friends last week. He sneaked off and got married without so much as saying boo. Delbert Weston, it was. His father didn't even know what he'd done until he came home and brought another Mrs. Weston. I saw the old man yesterday and he said he didn't know whether to soak the kid one or hug him. He decided on the latter course. I have an idea that it was the better one. I haven't seen her yet but I'll bet she's not over five feet high. The mean part of the job was that I was out and spent Saturday and Sunday with him immediately preceding the performance and he didn't tell me about it. Anyhow I won't have to dig up a present.

Papa has gone down to the bottom of Cass Co. with Vivian this morning. I've an idea they really reach bottom in some places. You see therefore I am in charge at home for two days at least. I thought up some seventeen jobs for the hired man this morning and pulled out. It will be necessary for me to go home tonight and see if he did them. Bess there's a confounded Mason up here now and he insists upon talking to me so I can hardly write. I suppose I shall have to stop but I hope to see you Thursday and make up the lack of what I have to write by some E. H. Sothern tickets. I am hoping papa will be home that day. Please save Thursday until the last minute anyway and be sure to send me a letter. Not that this crazy note deserves one but I hope you'll think so.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 2, 1948 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-2-1948

]]> Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5E4FA506-B467-74E4-87F4B38C877B621D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5E54A11A-9782-E9F4-8E41E1647455486F Dear Bess: March 2, 1948 National Park Service 1948. Perhaps the most consequential year of Harry S Truman's political life. This letter, written while on vacation at Key West, Florida, radiates the optimism that became Truman's trademark that year. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-2-1948 252 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/march-2-1948

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 2, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives.

Today’s letter was written 75 years ago today, March 2, 1948. 1948 was one of the most pivotal years in Harry Truman’s life. He was planning to run for a term as President in his own right, but was, according to the polls, unpopular across the country and even in his political party. But rarely will you ever sense any pessimism in anything Truman ever wrote that year. He sensed all along that he would win.

Some fun references to film star Boris Karloff. Forever known as Frankenstein’s monster, Mr. Karloff, like most actors, was eager to show that he had depth beyond that. But the best part of this letter, simply, is the radiant way that Truman writes about his relaxing time at Key West, Florida. Today, where Truman stayed in Key West is another terrific Truman related site that you can visit.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Key West Mar. 2, 1948

Dear Bess:

Surely was glad to get your 28th letter and one from Margie in yesterdays pouch.

Glad you & Margie & Drucie had a chance to see Boris Karloff. The play, I'd judge, is depessing [sic]. Wish I could hear the skit.

Had a press conference and it turned out well - believe it or not. The setting for it was beautiful and the press boys showed their appreciation. Only one smart aleck present John O'Donnell and he got no answer to his question. One asking what I thought Farley thought and intended to do. I told him that Farley himself would be his best source of information.

Went to the beach and had a good swim had lunch at 12:30 and went fishing. We drew sides, Adm. Leahy in charge of one side and I'm charge of the other. I had Clifford, Dr. Graham, Col Landry, & Bill Hassett and the Adm had Vaughan, Capt Denison, John Steelman Eben Ayers & Stanley Woodward. We made up a pot, putting $500 apiece, $1000 to go for the longest fish $1000 for the heaviest fish and the balance to be distributed among the people on the side that caught the most fish by night.

On our side Dr. Graham caught two, a barracuda & a grouper, Clifford a nice grouper & Bill Hassett a 25 pound amberjack. Total weight 421/2 pounds.

Capt. Denison caught beautiful mackerel weight 291/2 pounds and about 3 ft long. So he won both prizes of $1000 but our side divided up the pot. I made a dollar getting six back for my five.

We go again tomorrow. I hope the wind won't blow so much. It rained nearly all night last night but is clear & sunny now. Will have to quit the pouch is leaving.

Lot of love

Harry.

Tell Margie I'll answer after some deliberation.

]]> Dear Bess: February 27, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-27-1912

]]> Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C257668F-E47E-1529-4EB6B0D03B2120B6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C26B5192-9174-A9B6-2B0393963F926C3A Dear Bess: February 27, 1912 National Park Service Lots of family in this wonderful letter from early 1912. Harry Truman always prided himself on being able to be a peacemaker in the family, and you pick up on that in this letter. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-27-1912 471 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-27-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, for February 27, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1912, and sort of revolves around family. Harry S Truman, farmer, talks about some of his cousins, his paternal grandmother, in a very rare mention, and more. Of his four grandparents, Mary Jane Holmes Truman was the only one that Harry Truman never met and, of course, had no memory of. Mary Jane Holmes Truman died about five years before Harry Truman was born. Truman’s baby sister, Mary Jane, was named after her.

Truman also makes note of the ongoing litigation against him and his family. This litigation had its roots in the will of his other grandmother, Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, who left almost everything, including the land to Harry Truman, his parents, and Harriet’s brother Harrison. After years of dreadful and expensive litigation, the will was upheld. But it cost the Trumans dearly…not only financially, but in terms of family relations. Harry Truman did his best to be a peacemaker in this situation. Unfortunately, much of the paper trail for this litigation has been lost, and a lot of what we do know comes from these “Dear Bess” letters.

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. February 27, 1912

Dear Bessie: There. I got it that time without any scratches whatever. It really doesn't look so well as the other but if you like it best that way why that way goes. It sounds better though.

I had the pleasure of escorting Nellie to the airline and Ethel to Maywood the other morning. They saw us going to church alright and joshed me considerably about spending a weekend in town. But it put them in a better humor than they had been when I stayed Sunday night with them. Ethel and I were on our usual footing again but Nellie will have to be extra good to me yet before I forget her nice remarks.

Did you have a good time at Miss Nellie's? I am sure you did though. I am scheduled to appear in Belton this evening as assistant to the Deputy Grand Master. I am going to begin forgetting from now on. The calls are coming too thick entirely. I have to go to Freeman on Saturday and Friday our own session comes off. That dispenses with three nights on which I receive nothing but hot air and get my hatband sprung. I am hoping that the said hatband will soon reach its greatest diameter, in which case I can stay home on at least every third evening. I am hoping to be in town tomorrow, in which case I shall call you up and if you feel inclined, we can go to a show. I have forgotten how to spell the word for afternoon performance. I shall have to go out to my Colgan cousins in the evening and discuss Wedding Marches and such things. Of course Myra says she won't need to worry about such a thing until June or September but she appears very anxious that I know the march right away quick. The cousins are all going to chip in and buy her some silver. I think it would be better to do that than for each of us to give her something useless, don't you? My working days are slowly and surely approaching. Vivian moves on Friday and the following Wednesday it is goodbye hired men. Then Lent sets in for a year and a day with Harry. But work is the only way I see to arrive at conclusions. This thing of sitting down and waiting for plutocratic relatives to decease and then getting left doesn't go with much. I intend making my own way if it takes ten years, which sounds like Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth or Mary Jane Holmes. Some Gilliss expressions are good anyway aren't they? Mary Jane Holmes was my grandmother's name before she married a Truman but she was no kin to the famous one. A person would feel better and could wear a much larger hat if he made his own change than he could if someone gave it to him. If we can just settle our lawsuit this farm will produce about six or seven thousand a year clear and that means about three more than that in town. Such things though take bushels of time and barrels of money. Such things make awful dry letters too but I am hoping that when the seven thousand stage is reached I can persuade you to help spend my half of it. Our dear relatives may take the whole works yet and then we'll have to begin again. That sure would be awful, but I guess we'd live through it.

Don't forget a grand opera some night next week. How would you like to see the Orpheum Road Show in the afternoon and then go to dinner somewhere and then go to the Shubert? We could end up the season in one big splash for there is no telling when I'll get to a show after the sixth of March.

I don't suppose Miss Andrews would care if you ditched her for one afternoon and evening, would she?

I hope to see you tomorrow but if I don't you'll know I couldn't come in until four o'clock.

You owe me a letter. When I send you Montgomery Ward's catalogue you'll owe me a 1,250 page one.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 21, 1918 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/8EC3AAEC-B581-89FB-48DD4F6361899CA5.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-8ED5C10E-0BFE-B2C2-0ACF598DB6879029 Dear Bess: February 21, 1918 National Park Service In this letter from 1918, Lieutenant Harry S Truman writes about his anxiety stemming from an examination for promotion. Will he be promoted to Captain? Stay tuned. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 359 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-22-1918?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, for February 21, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, part of the National Archives. The Truman Library does a marvelous…absolutely marvelous…job preserving these letters for present and future generations.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1918, while Lieutenant Harry S Truman was still training in Oklahoma, and while he and his men were still awaiting orders to ship to Europe to fight in the great war effort. It’s difficult for us, perhaps, to understand the sense of anticipation, fear, and other emotions that Truman and all his colleagues were feeling. They knew who and what they were leaving behind, and after seeing the headlines, they knew what they were heading into. They, too, were a greatest generation. Thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

February 22, 1918 Lawton, Okla.

Dear Bess:

I shall cable you as soon as I arrive in Europe. I thought I told you I would once before. I intended to anyway. I am glad Uncle William was landed safely and I hope to see him when I get across. I don't know much to tell you about leaving, but I'll let you know immediately I start. I shall also let you know if I get the two bars. Please don't say anything about that though until I hear that I'm turned down, which is what we all think. I am no longer Trumanheimer. Did I tell you I met a pretty girl in Guthrie who was nice to me until someone told her my name was Trumanheimer, and then she wouldn't look at me anymore. She thought I surely must be of Hebraic descent with that name. She of course didn't know that it is little I care what she thinks or doesn't.

Please write me as often as possible because the days are sure brighter and not so hard when your letters come.

I think of you always.

Yours, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 13, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-13-1912

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F36631BD-AB3C-9BED-CACBB4897E947B3E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F37B3F4F-053C-28B9-89E8695D5EA44C3F Dear Bess: February 13, 1912 National Park Service It's the first known time that Harry Truman wrote Bess Wallace on her birthday...and he combines it with a Valentine's Day greeting. But he regrets he doesn't have the ability to do much more than this letter. But what a fascinating letter it is! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-13-1912 536 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-13-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 13, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, in partnership with our best friends at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

Today’s letter was written on February 13, 1912, which happened to be Bess Wallace’s birthday. We wonder if Truman celebrated Miss Wallace’s birthday all along in some manner, going back to the time that they met 22 years earlier. They met at a Presbyterian Sunday school in Independence in 1890. But now, in 1912, Harry Truman was working on his maternal grandparents’ farm in Grandview, Missouri, and Miss Wallace was living in her maternal grandparents’ home at 219 North Delaware Street in Independence.

When Mr. Truman refers to his Aunt Ella, he is speaking of his Aunt Ella Truman Noland. Ella Noland was his father’s sister, and, in 1912, lived almost across the street from Miss Wallace and her family, at 216 North Delaware Street. When you come and do a tour of the Truman Home today, you can visit the Noland Home!

Grandview, Mo. February 13, 1912

Dear Bessie:

Since this is your birthday and tomorrow is St. Valentines's and I have neither a present nor a valentine to send you, I shall try and make some amends by sending you a very ordinary letter. Which all sounds very stilted and set just as if it was copied from some ancient work on how to write letters. Doesn't it? Well, anyhow (with emphasis on the how) I wanted to send you something but hadn't brains enough to think of anything decent enough that would properly fit my present assets. So I thought I would get nothing and just tell you about it. That probably won't do you any good but then a good intention ought to count for something even if Pluto does pave his front yard with them.

Would it be the proper thing, do you think, for me to buy some Pink Lady tickets for you and your San Antonio friend for some day next week? If you think so, I would be most happy to do it. I told Mary this morning that Aunt Ella is expecting her to stay all night at Independence Friday, and now I shall have to call up my dear Aunt and tell her Mary is coming down Friday evening. When they come together they'll compare notes and consign me to the Ananias Club, I guess. Anyway Mary jumped at the chance to go to Aunt Ella's, saying she was mighty glad she was asked because she hadn't made up her mind where to stay. Aunt Ella is always glad to have us come down there, so there is no harm done and I won't have to stand an unmerciful grilling from now until Friday just because I want Mary to go to Independence with you. Mary doesn't know yet that we are to be present at the recital. She has already wanted to borrow my glasses, and I am going to be very generous and lend them to her so I won't have to make my pockets sag with them all day. I fear this letter makes me appear as a very sordid and unscrupulous person-but in some cases, you know, the end justifies the means. Miss Maggie would be terribly shocked if she knew I had any slick Jesuit beliefs in my system. She did her very level best to impress us with the fact that the end never justified the means if a person had to overstep the ten great laws to obtain his end.

I think most people are like the man I read of the other day who was waiting to see a friend and picked up a Bible. It fell open at the twentieth chapter of Exodus and he just read the commandments while he waited. When he got through he thought awhile and then said, "Well, I've never killed anybody anyway." I heard a man tell another one on the train last night, that he would have stolen a Bible if he could have gotten it to go into his pocket. Then he went on to describe what a fine one it was with a red leather back and fine wood engravings. Said he wanted it most awful bad but the owner watched him so closely he couldn't get away with it. Now, I think a man ought to draw the line at stealing a Bible. Of course, I suppose it is no worse to steal one than it is to steal any other book or piece of furniture, but it sounds rather sacrilegious, to say the least. I am sure that if I were in the stealing business, I'd be rather superstitious about stealing one.

Say, it sure is a grand thing that I have a high-school dictionary handy. I even had to look on the back to see how to spell the book itself. The English language so far as spelling goes was created by Satan I am sure. It makes no difference how well educated or how many letters a man can string to the back of his name, he never learns to spell so he is exactly sure i shouldn't be e or a, o. I can honestly say I admire Roosevelt for his efforts to make people spell what they say. He really ought to begin on his own name though. Tell Frank that so far as I have sounded, which is only very little, Mize has the bilge on Chrisman, and Gentry is not so well thought of as formerly. I am sure that George would make a good race in this township because he has a great many personal friends around here.

The heavenly geese are certainly shedding feathers around this neighborhood this morning. About two inches of them have fallen already. I guess old man winter is going to stay until March, sure enough. We sure ought to produce a crop out of all proportion to former ones if hard winters count for much! All the oldest inhabitants say they do.

I didn't get any breakfast this morning but I told Mamma I didn't want any because I had some most awful good waffles at about 100:00 P.M. They sure were good.

This is one bum epistle (emphasis on the bum) and I have no excuse to offer for I am doing my level best. As the country newspapers say, news in our burg is on the run and I can't catch up. Anyway, I hope you'll live a thousand years if you want to and never get a day older than you are.

I shall call you up on Friday as soon as I can get to a phone and you can decide if I shall come for you or not. It seems as if I should since I shall desert before Mr. DePachmann gets done throwing fits. He is going to play Mendelssohn's "Spinning Song" and Chopin's great Ab waltz.

Please, I think you owe me a letter even if this concoction is a substitute for something else.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 11, 1918 Check out the last line...it's a beauty!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-11-1918

]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/280E0F32-B62B-E748-0ABFF0F731B9AACF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-281810ED-0CD9-B87C-C59520B8C387E4E4 Dear Bess: February 11, 1918 National Park Service Lieutenant Harry S Truman wrote this letter to Miss Bess Wallace while still in training for his eventual mobilization into war. Check out the last line...it's a beauty! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-11-1918 385 no full Check out the last line...it's a beauty!

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-11-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 11, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, in partnership with our best friends at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

Our Dear Bess letter for today was written on this date in 1918. Lieutenant Harry S Truman, still training with his men in Oklahoma, preparing for their eventual mobilization to Europe as part of the Great War, covers a lot in this letter.

In the first paragraph, Truman references training on how to prepare for a gas attack. Gas warfare was one of the horrors introduced in World War I, and it was obviously on the minds of troops in training. No doubt they were hearing of the horrible effects of gas on their colleagues.

Truman also makes a sweet reference to how Miss Bess Wallace’s voice sounded on the phone. How we wish we had more recordings of her voice. But Bess Wallace Truman was always adverse to having anything recorded, so we have precious few examples of her beautiful voice. And it was, too!

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Lawton, Okla. Feb. 11, 1918

Dear Bess:

Your letters were all waiting for me when I got back and I got one last night. I hope you got my last Oklahoma City letter Sunday. (Filled my pen here. It's always dry when I need it.) I have been going like a horse since I got back. Went over and took some special instructions on gas protection. Had to take a mask like a diver's and get into it and then go into the gas house and sit there ten minutes. Some of the men were very uneasy about going on. They were afraid they'd get gassed and never see the Kaiser. I don't see that it makes any very great difference where a person gets gassed or shot either provided he's slated for either one, because the same result takes place. Still I reckon there's more honor in getting battle wounds than training ones. Don't you worry about what's going to happen to me because there's not a bullet molded for me nor has Neptune any use for me. Had I have been on the boat that went down, I'd have been in Dublin by this time with some Irish woman at a dance (if she looked like you) or taking a look for the man who invented corks and corkscrews. Ireland's a great country so they say.

Mr. Lee is back and says that he sure likes the sound of your voice over the phone. I told him that he had good judgement [sic] and so have I. You don't know what I'd give to see you or even listen to your voice over the phone. You know what, the poet says that Spring time does for young men.

I can't imagine why my letters arrive unsealed because I am always very careful to given them an extra pat at both ends. This one will surely get there sealed. Col Klemm was here today. He seemed very glad to see me and so did Col Elliott. They go to the School of Fire today for ten weeks.

Please wire me if you get sick because I am terribly uneasy if I think the least thing is the matter. I am going to wire you tomorrow if I don't hear that you are all right. For goodness sake don't worry about me. I have so much to do I can't be into meanness and when I have a minute I'm writing to you or mamma. I took some sergeants out riding today to show them how to figure a deflection and also how to sit on a horse. We rode up Signal Mtn and down again and one or two were very glad to get back to camp. One of them informed me that he would stand up to rest for a couple of days. I must be getting to be a tough guy because I don't get tired and I can ride all day without unpleasantness. I have decided to make good and not get an efficiency test (therefore I may get it). You know very well you wouldn't have me home for that even as badly as I'd like to come and you'd like to have me. I'd be forever disgraced. They may have to send me to the supply department or some where like that but I don't reckon they'll give me a test just yet.

I wanted to come home last Sunday so badly I nearly did anyway. I guess I was too cautious but if I'd get kick out for disobedience it would be worse than the other way. I am writing under difficulty. My board keeps slipping and if I go to the canteen I'll have so much conversation I can't write.

Please send me a wire or letter to let me know you are all in good health and spirits and not doing any worrying over a good-for-nothing person like me. I am awfully glad you think I'm well enough without a D.S.O. because I'll never get one. The Huns can't run fast enough to catch me. I don't think they could make another like yourself because perfection comes but once.

Yours always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 30, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-30-1912

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/257642A4-F8A6-64FC-CFD290614FFB3FD6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-2585A175-9889-09D3-36AD71EAE862916D Dear Bess: January 30, 1912 National Park Service A fascinating letter for you today, from this date in 1912. At the very beginning, Truman writes that he is writing from "Grandburg." Why? Was it a simple mistake, or an in-joke? We'll never know. But this letter shows you how busy a fellow Harry Truman was in early 1912, between his work on the farm and his social efforts. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-30-1912 452 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-30-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for January 30, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1912. Truman begins his letter by writing “Grandburg.” Why? We don’t know. Was it a simple error, or a humorous allusion? We’ll never know. But Harry Truman covers a lot in this letter, from some of the dirty work he has to do on the farm, to some of the efforts he was making with the Masons, to some of his other social excursions. One of the things that living on the farm did for Harry Truman was allow him to become more involved in the social scenes in Independence, Grandview, Kansas City, and elsewhere. Today, we call it networking…and it served Truman well in his eventual public service career. This letter is wonderful, too, in that his brother Vivian, sister-in-law Louella, his father…all make an appearance.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandburg January 30,1912

Dear Bessie,

Give me credit for a very early response. You certainly did write me one fine letter (put emphasis on fine, not on one, because they're all fine) and I am going to answer it immediately.

I went down to Drexel last night with Mr. Blair and acted as assistant district lecturer. Went down on the K.C.S. and got back at 5:50 a.m. Got four hours sleep. You ought to see me teach blockheaded Masons how to talk. (Don't ever say that to anyone, for we don't admit that there are any of that kind.) They'd have to be blockheads if I taught them. We had lots of fun. There was a big, old fat guy present who got me tickled and I lost all my high-and-mightiness in short order. We met an old fellow at the hotel who was a cow buyer and a character. He'd quarrel with anybody on any subject. He bet a dollar that Taft would be nominated and then bet two that Teddy would. He fussed with the hotel man because the damper on the stovepipe was not turned at the proper angle. I guess he must have been seventy, but he was six feet tall and straight as a boy. Everybody thought he was funny. He didn't mean half he said but it sounded mighty mean when he said it.

If Miss D. takes a notion for Saturday, will you call me up? Have it reversed because I'll be the one who benefits. I wonder if her ears burn. Maybe writing doesn't have the same effect on a person's ears as talking. If it does, Miss Dicie's ears ought to be about done enough for sandwiches. Don't you think? I ought to be helping Vivian and Luella to move, but Papa sent the hired men and I am putting my time to better use-at least I think so whether you will or not. Maybe you'll wish I had helped more. I hope not though. And I also hope you'll think you owe me a letter. Two of these tablecloth-size sheets are equal to almost four of your size, so I send more words if you do send more sense. I am glad to get them though, any size or style. Hope to see you Saturday and shall Sunday anyway.

Sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 27, 1918 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-27-1918

]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/88DD6F3E-96F0-C2C8-C966FFABF5D16F6D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-88F073DD-C8A2-96AF-8D64944C663627D7 Dear Bess: January 27, 1918 National Park Service From on this date in 1918...Lieutenant Harry S Truman is concerned that he and his men might not be shipped to Europe to be part of the Great War...but, on the plus side, that means he would get to go home to Jackson County, Missouri, and be with Miss Wallace. But Truman is sure he wants to be part of this struggle for freedom. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-27-1918 365 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-27-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 27, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

A most interesting letter do we have for you today, from this date in 1918. You will note a touch of disappointment in Harry Truman’s writing, as he and his men have had a delay in their deployment to Europe to be part of the Great War. Truman and his men have been training non-stop for this, and believed in the cause. But Truman also realizes that if he doesn’t go, he gets to go home to Jackson County where his beloved Miss Bess Wallace is. No doubt he was conflicted. To go “over there,” or go home and be with his fiancée and his mother?

As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Lawton, Okla. Sunday, January 27, 1918

Dear Bess:

I am keeping my promise although my hands are so cold I can hardly write. It does no good to sit on them and you are so far away that old Dr. Miller's remedy can't be worked. We are having a blizzard in real Western Plains style. It began yesterday at noon, coming out of the northwest as suddenly as a thunderclap. The weather was warm as springtime, the sun shining and everything fine, by night it was zero and snowing, sleeting, doing everything else it shouldn't. Our tent is usually as warm as a house but for some reason our stove refuses to draw this morning and we have a cold tent. I am writing to Mamma this morning for the first time in two weeks. I guess she thinks I'm already in France or at the bottom of the Atlantic.

We are sure a disappointed bunch. Got our goods and chattels all packed, weighed, and marked and then turned right round and unpacked 'em. The King of France had nothing on us for we'd already arrived in Paris with a through ticket to Berlin, and now we've got to stay in this magnificent training camp and in all probability get benzined and sent home. We'd all figured that we'd beaten the benzene board by a nose when we were ordered abroad. They are most certainly giving us an intensive course of training. We study drill regulations all week and take an examination on Saturday. I have been closing out the canteen, doing Battery office work, drill, and going to school. It is a strenuous life. Don't hurt me any unless I get mad at someone or something and then there's a blowup. I have also been teaching school for noncommissioned officers most every night until nine- thirty. If I won't be a go-getter when I get out of this place, there's no one that will.

The present understanding is that our special detachment won't go now until March. So you may have the pleasure of seeing me permanently located in Jackson County before then. I would most certainly like to be there for some very excellent reasons but I would hate to get sent home by a benzene board, although there'd be some satisfaction in knowing that I'd tried my best for the old stars and stripes.

We heard a lecture by an English colonel from the Western Front last night and it sure put the pep into us. He made us all want to brace up and go to it with renewed energy. He made us feel like we were fighting for you and mother earth and I am of the same belief. I wouldn't be left out of the greatest history-making epoch the world has ever seen for all there is to live for because there'd be nothing to live for under German control. When we come home a victorious army we can hold our heads up in the greatest old country on earth and make up for lost time by really living. Don't you think that would be better than to miss out entirely? I am crazy to get it over with though because I wouldn't cause you a heartache for all there is in the world.

You'll never know how badly I hated to leave on the night I started back down here. I can most certainly sympathize with an enlisted man who stays over his time. A man sure ought to have some extra credits in the judgment book when he leaves the strongest ties in the world to do what is called duty, don't you think so? This is a fun letter and it is a bad day. Perhaps you'd better follow the advice of Agnes' suitor who always instructed her to put his epistles in the kitchen stove. Anyway I love you just the same and more than ever and I'm working hard to finish the war quickly so we can make up for lost time.

Yours always,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 25, 1912 Please note that Truman used a phrase in the first paragraph that can be considered offensive today. We include the phrase for completeness, as Truman did use such language then.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F3776115-C3FF-D7BD-B6A1DD4F82D3B890.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F3947D89-C1F0-1422-5471D745ED47F010 Dear Bess: January 25, 1912 National Park Service A gem of a letter from January 25, 1912. In this letter, Harry S Truman, farmer, clearly states his goals for his relationship with Bess Wallace and his mother, Martha Ellen Truman. Please note that Truman used a phrase in the first paragraph that can be considered offensive today. We include the phrase for completeness, as Truman did use such language then. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3 392 no full Please note that Truman used a phrase in the first paragraph that can be considered offensive today. We include the phrase for completeness, as Truman did use such language then.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 25, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This is one of the greatest Dear Bess letters, penned on this date in 1912. By the time Harry Truman wrote this letter to Bess Wallace, they had been courting and corresponding for just over a year, if the December 31, 1910, letter was indeed the first.

The second paragraph completely summarizes Harry Truman’s goals…to win the love of Bess Wallace and provide the best for her, and to take care of his mother. You may want to go back and reread or replay that second paragraph. It’s stunning.

There is an unfortunate phrase in the first paragraph that could be considered a slur against Jewish people. At the time, Truman used phrases like that orally and in his writing. They can be difficult to read and hear, definitely. But 36 years after writing this letter, Harry S Truman was the President of the United States who was the first to recognize the new state of Israel.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. January 25, 1912

Dear Bessie:

This is the third letter I have started to you since Tuesday night. You know I took a fool notion not to go over to Aunt Ella's after all and went back to K.C. I figured that I had rather lose an hour's sleep while I was up already than to get up to do it. That sounds like a Dutch Jew wrote it. I was talking to Abie Viner's pa this morning and that's the reason. Abie and his pa belong to the Scottish Rite. They are in the chandelier business. I never saw so many varieties nor such pretty ones as the old man showed me this morning. His store is at 1110 McGee, right back of the Empress. Abie has been married seven years. Think of it. The Scottish Rite has done its best to make a man of me, but they had such a grade of material to start with that they did a poor job I fear. It is the most impressive ceremony I ever saw or read of. If a man doesn't try to be better after seeing it, he has a screw loose somewhere.

I simply can't get "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" of my mind. I think it's the prettiest waltz song of the whole bunch. Mary has gone dippy over "Day Dreams" and won't let me have the piano to play it â€˜cause she wants to herself. I wrote you the craziest letter after I got to K.C. Tuesday evening you would ever read. I didn't have the nerve to send it next day. Did you know you made a most excellent joke Sunday evening and neither of us laughed? I had asked you if you weren't tired of my hanging around so long at a time. You of course said I was who would get tired and I said I would never get tired. Then you, thinking I suppose that something was coming sure enough, grabbed the weather and said, "Oh heck I wish I had some rubber boots!" And we never laughed. I'm glad, for I meant it. You shouldn't have been afraid of my getting slushy or proposing until I can urge you to come to as good a home as you have already. I don't think any man should expect a girl to go to a less comfortable home than she's used to. I'd just like to be rich for two reasons. First to pay my debts and give Mamma a fine house to live in, and second and greatest, I'd make love to you so hard you'd either have to say yes or knock me on the head. Still, if I thought you cared a little I'd double my efforts to amount to something and maybe would succeed. I wouldn't ask you to marry me if I didn't. Say, now ain't it awful -I have already burned up two perfectly good sheets of stationery to keep from saying that, but this one goes. If you don't like that part skip it, which you can't because you won't know it's there. Well, it's just what I think and I mean every word of it.

Won't it be fine if Miss Dicie has her dinner and her party on the same Saturday? I am just dying to see Mrs. Polly and that baby. (Kid, I almost said, but I believe you said it was a lady.) I am afraid that I won't get to take you to hear DePachmann because he comes on the first Friday in the month. Save me the date as close as you can though, and if I can get away and you care to hear him, we will.

Mamma is raising sand with me to come to dinner, and I believe she said there was caramel custard, or was going to be, this evening so I'll have to stop. I guess you'll be glad anyway for I'll frankly admit that this is a bum excuse for a letter, but I hope you'll send one in return. I'll be highly pleased with any kind on any kind of paper. So just send me a letter.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 21, 1919 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1919

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E822EEE0-CCE2-8C79-99A207600FABF0FD.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E82D2FDF-0B4E-8024-8A536A40D1CC1A20 Dear Bess: January 21, 1919 National Park Service This charming letter, written by Captain Harry S Truman in 1919, has a stunning paragraph about a photograph that Truman carried in his uniform shirt pocket. Has any other president (or future president) ever written a more sweet paragraph? https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1919 502 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1919

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 21, 2023, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we’d like to share with you a letter written by Captain Harry S Truman to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace. Captain Truman and his men were still in France, just over two months after the ceasing of hostilities in World War I. In this letter Truman makes reference to a photograph that he kept in his uniform shirt pocket, a photograph of Miss Wallace that she gave him just before he shipped to France. Truman considered that photograph a good luck charm. He eventually kept that photograph on his desk in the Oval Office from 1945-1953…and today that photograph sits on his desk in his office at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, where you can see it today!

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Camp La Beholle, near Verdun January 21, 1919

Dear Bess:

Your grand letter of Dec 26 came last night and of course I was as happy as a kid with a bonbon. I am so glad you had a happy white Christmas. It is a good omen I'm sure and I sincerely hope that the "flu" will be an unheard of ailment from this time forward. Your point is well taken regarding the furniture in my room at the Hotel Mediterranee (can't spell it). It would of course be essential to provide either a place to eat or a range. I am very sure that I shouldn't have overlooked a vital point like that even if I am blinded by Eros. My experiences to date have taught me most emphatically that it is very very essential that food be provided in plentiful quantities even if clothing has to be overlooked sometimes. Some of my men have been pretty close to nature at various times as to clothes but if there happened to be plenty of roast beef and baked beans it was a happy bunch. But leave off the eats for a meal or two and it made one "h---" of a mean war" to put it as they do. Therefore I won't overlook that end of it nor any other I hope. The stationary George and May gave you is simply grand and it makes me sorry to have to answer it on this kind but even this hand is at a high premium here. I think Mary's picture is pretty fine myself.

You know I have two breast pockets in my blouse. Naturally you can guess whose picture stays in the left-hand one. I keep Mary's and Mamma's in the other. Yours is the one you sent me at Doniphan and it has never left me from that day to this, nor will it ever. It's been through all the trials and tribulations and happy moments same as I have. I have looked at it many, many times and imagined that you were there in spirit, as I knew you were, and it's helped a lot-especially when things were blue and it would look as if I'd surely blow up if another thing went wrong. I've never blown up and my disposition isn't so very bad. That picture saved it. The biggest worry I've ever had was when I heard that the original of that picture had the flu and the happiest day was when that letter came saying you'd walked uptown. I am hoping that Nice will not be an impossibility to us and I don't believe it will. You did right to send your proxy to Boxley. He's to be trusted absolutely.

We are having another spasm of moving. There have been orders out twice to move up back to a dirty, little old French village but each time Gen. Berry has been able to get them canceled because we have better quarters here than we can possibly get in a town. I suppose though that we'll go this time. I heard a real good rumor the other day. To show you how they start I'll just trace this one for you. An ordanance sergeant (get that ordANance) who was overhauling F.Bty's guns told the Lt who went after them that his own commanding officer, a Lt. had been told by the Generals aide that our guns were being overhauled so that they could be turned in at LeMans on Jan 27 which happens to be the Kaiser's birthday (so he said) and then we'd all go home. Now the whole foundation for that nice tale was the definite order for us to move back to a little old village and be billeted not far from Bar-le-Duc and about 40 miles from here. It's my opinion that we'll stay there until Woodie gets his pet peace plans refused or okayed. For my part, and every A.E.F. man feels the same way, I don't give a whoop (to put it mildly) whether there's a League of Nations or whether Russia has a Red government or a Purple one, and if the President of the Czecho-Slovaks wants to pry the throne from under the King of Bohemia, let him pry but send us home. We came over here to help whip the Hun. We helped a little, the Hun yowled for peace, and he's getting it in large doses and if our most excellent ex-mayor of Cleveland wants to make a hit with us, he'll hire or buy some ships and put the Atlantic Ocean between us and the Vin Rouge Sea. For my part I've had enough vin rouge and frogeater victuals to last me a lifetime. And anyway it looks to me like the moonshine business is going to be pretty good in the land of Liberty loans and green trading stamps, and some of us want to get in on the ground floor. At least we want to get there in time to lay in a supply for future consumption. I think a quart of bourbon would last me about forty years.

I hope you have a most happy birthday and that you never see another one without me to help celebrate and then may they go on without end. Remember me to your mother and Fred and Frank and Natalie and George and May and just keep writing when you feel inclined, because I love you.

Always, Harry

]]> Dear Daughter (Margaret): January 13, 1932 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-1964/january-13-1932

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/B840CFFA-90A0-1560-0AA16B57603AF30A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B82B9CA9-C968-26AF-8E3FF6D7935E4D6E Dear Daughter (Margaret): January 13, 1932 National Park Service A sort of rare "Dear Daughter" letter from this date in 1932, a letter in which Harry S Truman, Presiding Judge of Jackson County, Missouri, writes to his dear daughter. Truman makes a rare reference to his honeymoon. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-1964/january-13-1932 254 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-1964/january-13-1932

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 13, 2023, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Thank you for joining us in our 40th anniversary year.

Instead of a Dear Bess or Dear Harry letter, we have something a little different…a Dear Daughter letter. This letter was written by Harry S Truman to his almost 8 year old daughter, Mary Margaret, on this date in 1932.

When Mary Margaret Truman was born in February, 1924, there were four generations living in 219 North Delaware Street. Mrs. Elizabeth Gates was still alive, Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace called it home, as did Mrs. Bess Wallace Truman…and Margaret Truman. This fascinating genealogical circumstance only lasted a few months, as Mrs. Gates died later in 1924.

But this short letter is charming in that Harry Truman made reference to his wedding and honeymoon, which, it seems, he rarely did. Bess Wallace and Harry Truman were married June 28, 1919, shortly after Truman returned home from France in the Great War. On their honeymoon, the newlyweds visited Port Huron, Michigan, where they stayed at the Harrington Hotel, the building Mr. Truman refers to in the first paragraph. Margaret Truman later wrote that, "For the rest of his life, whenever Harry Truman wanted to regain the radiance of those first days with Bess, he simply wrote ‘Port Huron.’ For him, it was a code word for happiness."

At the time, Harry Truman was Presiding Judge of Jackson County, Missouri. It’s a confusing title…he wasn’t a judge in the conventional sense, but, rather, a county executive, much like a county commissioner. A few years later, Truman was elected United States Senator for Missouri, then Vice President, then the highest office in the land, President of the United States. But that was in the future. Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter. These letters, too, are preserved forever at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

[Hotel Statler, Detroit, Mich.] January 13, 1932

Dear Daughter:-

I am sending you a picture of the hotel where mother and dad first stayed on their wedding trip. You ask mother if she can recognize it.

I have been out to see the road show. It is a great big aridome [sic] just full of trucks, tractors, rock crushers and pictures of roads all over the country. Today I am going to see the place where they keep little girls and boys who don't mind their mothers and who don't like to go to school. We are going to build a place like it in Kansas City. Tomorrow I am going over to Canada and, I hope (to) get you and mother a souvenier [sic].

Tell mother to be a good girl just as you are and you keep on being one. Tell grandmother and Uncle Fred and Miss Hanson hello and kiss your mother for me.

Your loving Dad.

]]> Dear Bess: January 10, 1911 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated

]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/2BAF2657-C338-AEA2-F4BDECCD9701AAEA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-2BCD7E2D-EC69-1CB6-00245D11C99EE4AA Dear Bess: January 10, 1911 National Park Service We've featured this letter before, but we hope you won't mind. Harry Truman, in one of his first known letters to Miss Bess Wallace, talks about some of the work he's been doing on the Farm, and discusses his reading habits, even saving for a complete set of Mark Twain! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated 410 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 10, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We’ve shared this letter before, but we hope you don’t mind if we share it again. It’s a Dear Bess, written by Harry S Truman on this date in 1911. It is the second oldest-known Dear Bess letter, with the oldest surviving letter having been written December 31, 1910. Are these, indeed, the first Dear Bess letters? We may never know if any others have been lost. But no doubt via his pen and pencil, Harry Truman is trying to prove himself worthy to Miss Bess Wallace. By this time, in 1911, Truman had known Miss Wallace for about 21 years, having met at a Sunday school class back in 1890. He fell in love with her when he was six, she 5. Truman never fell out of love with that blue eyed girl with the beautiful curly hair.

Fifty years ago this month, officially, the late Margaret Truman Daniel published a biography of her father. Simply titled Harry S. Truman, it’s more than an affectionate biography of a father by a daughter. Much more. In hindsight, reading the book and manuscript materials, it was clear that Margaret Daniel was using tools like these letters to understand her parents a little better. In the case of these Dear Bess letters, it was over a decade later that they were released to the public. And we are so grateful that they are!

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. January 10, 1911

My Dear Bessie: You see I haven't learned to write 1911 yet. It's hard to form the habit suddenly. It is also hard to acquire the habit of early rising of your own free will and accord on these chilly mornings. You see Papa could never sleep after a certain time in the small hours of the morning and he always arose and then called me. Now I have to get up myself and start fires, milk cows and do other odd jobs around while it is yet dark. Vivian takes turn about with me though so I can gradually come to it. I don't think I'll ever make much of a mark as a farmer or anywhere else but sometimes I have to come across. This is one of them.

Ethel was out last Friday and I put her to work immediately. She helped me haul a load of baled straw (she sat on top of the straw), and then we got a load of hay out of the stack. You should see her pitch hay. She said she had always been taught never to take big bites on her fork. I told her she could unlearn that on a haystack. She still has that terrible malady I told you of.

My reading has been no heavier than yours - maybe not so heavy. It has been confined to Everybody's and one or two other fifteen-cent or muckrake magazines and numerous farm publications. You know if one farm paper gets your name, you'll get a dozen before the year is over.

I thank you very much for your invitation and shall certainly take advantage of it as soon as I can. I suppose skating is fine. I haven't the time to go see at present. I have only a few things to do such as feed hogs and cattle, build a mile of fence and a barn, and be at the house as much as possible, which isn't very much. I forgot to say I have been reading Mark Twain. He is my patron saint in literature. I managed to save dimes enough to buy all he has written, so I am somewhat soaked in western slang and Mark Twain idioms. My mother has been trying to persuade me to read Alexander Pope. She got a copy of his poems for her birthday. I haven't been persuaded yet, except a few of his epitaphs, which are almost as good as those we used to read of Bobby Burns.

When it comes to reading though I am by it as I am by music. I would rather read Mark Twain or John Kendrick Bangs than all the Shakespeares and Miltons in Christendom.

I have some cousins in Kansas City who affect intellect. They once persuaded me to go to a season of Grand Opera with them. It happened to include Parsifal and some others which I cannot spell. Well I haven't recovered from that siege of Grand Opera yet. Perhaps if they had given me small doses I might have been trained, because I do love music. I can even appreciate Chopin when he is played on the piano. But when it comes to a lot of would-be actors and actresses running around over the stage and spouting song and hugging and killing each other promiscuously, why I had rather go to the Orpheum. Perhaps if I could understand Dutch and Dago I could appreciate it better for I did hear an opera in English once that sounded real good. They say though it isn't good form to appreciate singing in English. I am sorry.

I suppose you'll be sorry too when you see the conglomeration I call a letter. But I do like to get letters, and if you can stand mine yours will be immensely valued. My father is doing nicely thank you and I hope he'll be up in four or five weeks.

Wishing you all the best of health and sincerely hoping that you will honor me with another epistle soon. I am

Sincerely yours, Harry S. Truman

]]> Dear Bess: January 3, 1919 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1919

]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/B06C9C68-A21E-A6A9-5A56AFD1A701369B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B07F2644-0A03-0B87-1D1A8C9D40088FB3 Dear Bess: January 3, 1919 National Park Service Captain Harry S Truman, Battery D, 129th Field Artillery, wrote this letter to his fiancee, Miss Bess Wallace, on this date in 1919. He wrote about a boxing match he lost a few bucks on, and writes about a Christmas box he received from Miss Wallace. And he refers to his impending marriage to the young lady he fell in love with 29 years earlier. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1919 361 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1919

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 3, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter from Captain Harry S Truman to Miss Bess Wallace was written on this date in 1919. Captain Truman and his men are still in France, following the surrender of Germany and the end of World War I. No doubt Truman was anxious to get home, especially to be with his fiancée, Miss Wallace. Notice that Truman shares that there is a chance that farmers will be separated so that they can come home and prepare their crops for the season. In January, 1919, did Harry Truman envision returning to the family farm as before? Or did he have other plans once he took Miss Wallace’s hand in marriage?

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Camp La Baholle, near Verdun January 3, 1919

Dear Bess:

I intended writing you yesterday as I agreed to do, but things happened so quickly and the day went so fast I couldn't do it. Had a basketball game in Verdun in the forenoon, in which I got defeated or my team did, rather, by a bunch of noncombatant engineers. In the evening we pulled off a boxing bout in which my Sergeant Meisburger lost the decision over a gorilla named Hamby, and I lost 1,000 francs. Of course being the loser I should say it was a rotten decision. I won't say it, but the other fellow had to be carried from the ring and my man walked out-so you can judge for yourself what I think of the decision. Also he's been going to the doctor every day since and my man was for duty the next morning. As I told you before, I think more of that sergeant than if he were a boy of mine and I'd rather have been beaten by anyone on earth than one of Salisbury's outfit. But as the French say, "It is the war," and somebody had to lose. I've paid fifteen dollars to see a fight that wasn't worth half as much as that one was though. It was a fight from start to finish and was really a show.

Oh! Loads of joy, my Christmas box came this evening. I started this letter yesterday and had to leave before I got it finished. This pen is a humdinger-writes better than any I ever owned, and those handkerchiefs are certainly the most beautiful I ever ordered. They are certainly grand and I shall use them when I go on state affairs, such as a dinner with the colonel or a trip to Paris, if ever I get another. I'll also save one of 'em to wear to my wedding-which shall it be? I can't decide which is the best looking.

You've no idea what a lot of comfort getting that box was. It was exactly like a small piece of God's country arriving in this forsaken place. Even if it was late, it made no difference because all the days are nearly alike and we can make any one of them Christmas. I just had a horrible rumor imparted to me today--that we go to Germany. There were so many F&I's (full and immediate separation) in the Brigade that all of us have to stick so they say. The Colonel has turned us in as a regiment of farmers from Western Missouri hoping that they'll send us home in time to put in our spring crops. I hope it works. Can't you notice an improvement in my penmanship since I started in with this new pen? I wouldn't take $40.00 for it. Going back to that fight Battery D lost about 8000 francs on it and we had a Y.M.C.A. show here last evening and one of the girls pulled a joke about D Bty's Hack Drivers all being broken but the Ladies of Good Old K.C. were sending a bushel of francs to help us out. They did too send me 3112 francs. A bunch of the sisters of D Bty sold a quilt for $570.00. It was a sorely needed donation too. I tell you after paying 1281 francs for a hog and dispensing all those francs on that fight. Am I immoral to induce my battery to bet on a prize fight? The Chaplain says not. Says if he'd been here he'd have bet on my sergeant.

I am enclosing you some pictures taken on my leave and one especially interesting one of a shell bursting in Verdun. I have seen several burst there but I didn't see this particular one. It is a very good picture.

I hope I can write you a better letter next time. But remember I certainly appreciate all the things in the box and especially the pen and handkerchiefs. Keep writing.

Yours always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 29, 1914 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-29-1914

]]> Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/AF5E520B-B223-DABC-C09906B02B1238F1.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B2AB20BA-0491-325E-8062E78564BFBD80 Dear Bess: December 29, 1914 (postmarked) National Park Service As 1914 comes to a close, Harry Truman wrote this fascinating letter to Miss Bess Wallace. In this letter his Uncle Harrison makes and appearance, as do his cousins Ethel and Nellie Noland. Truman also describes some of the cultural scene in Kansas City as it was at that moment. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-29-1914 397 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-29-1914

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

Today’s letter was postmarked on this date in 1914. Lots of wonderfulness in this letter, and lots of family mentioned. Harry Truman’s Uncle Harrison Young is mentioned, his cousins, Ethel and Nellie Noland, are mentioned.

Truman also mentions his car. He had recently bought a used model made by the Stafford company, made in Kansas City. No doubt an extravagant purchase, there is also no doubt that Truman got his money’s worth out of the car. He used it for business, for some of his business ventures off the farm, for his social pursuits, and used it to drive to Independence to see Miss Wallace at 219 North Delaware Street. He didn’t part with it until the time he shipped off to France in the Great War. If only we had the car today!

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview Dec. 29, 1914

Dear Bess:

Here goes for your Wednesday letter since it looks very much as if I shall stay at home for the most of this week. Tonight the O.E.S. and Masons are going to have a blowout. I am one of the assistant performers as usual at such Grandview doings.

I auctioned off a box supper the other evening for the Grandview school and actually got as much as 3.00 for a box. There were 29 and they brought $23.00. Very good considering that I am not a born auctioneer nor an educated one either.

I understand that Ethel and Nellie and also the Duvalls are coming on the KCS this afternoon. I see right now that my hands are going to be full for one day anyway if not longer.

Several K.C. women of the O.E.S. are coming to the burg this evening and I have a notion they are expecting drayage back in a certain Stafford. I suppose if the wind doesn't blow too much I'll have to accommodate them. If I have a puncture though I shall most certainly make them pump the tire up.

I got home Sunday without a puncture and also took Uncle Harry to town yesterday and got back without a disaster. He began urging me to go to town as early as seven o'clock. I got him in by noon. As soon as he alighted he had to quench his thirst with fire water. About Friday or Saturday I'll have to rescue him again.

I went to the Orpheum after depositing him at 13th. The show was fine except for the fact that one of the chaps got killed a short time before the show began. I was at the wreck immediately after it took place. My seat was in the front row so I had a very good view of the show. The orchestra played a filler for Mr. Dickinson's part. It was very fine. Contained selections from every Grand Opera on the boards.

I met Miss Helen Bryant and a collection of Woodsons, three I think, at the corner of 12th & Main. I suppose you'll have heard of it though before you get this. They'd also been to the Orpheum. It's absolutely necessary to tell where you've been when you're met on 12th west of Main because the chances are two to one in favor of burlesque. You'll have to give it to 12th though when it comes to picture shows. 10th St., Royal and all have to step aside. There's one little old 5 cent show between Grand and Walnut on the south side of the street that has the best shows there are. I've never seen a Pathe weekly or a World travel picture there yet. They have only one fault. On Mondays they will run a continued-next-week but they are so thrilling that they can be tolerated. The one yesterday had a fight on the highest building in San Francisco in which one of the combatants was pitched head first to the sidewalk. It also had a chase through the Fairgrounds. You get all this for the whole sum of five cents too. I got home at six thirty. The road was nearly impassable. It took me thirty minutes to come from Dodson. Usually I do it in seventeen sometimes twelve.

Everybody here is as crazy over my Christmas present as I am. It is a very good thing for me that they are initialed. They are the finest I ever saw. I've always wanted some like them but have been disappointed every Christmas until this one.

I was over at Nolands the other evening naming over what I got and I couldn't remember what Nellie gave me to save my life. It was silk hose. Ethel gave me a beautiful scarf but I have to buy some clothes to wear it with. If the Nolands take a notion to go home New Years Day I shall start the year right by going home with them, but I'll not stop at their house, provided you will not be away that day. You owe me a letter anyway really two but one long one will be very acceptable.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 27, 1946 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-27-1946

]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/AF975E24-CC71-5B46-7485861A73B42267.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4F90AF18-D14B-C314-AA154429ED75984A Dear Bess: December 27, 1946 National Park Service A short, but fascinating Dear Bess letter written by the President of the United States to the First Lady of the United States, shortly after Christmas, 1946. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-27-1946 181 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-27-1946

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 27, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We here at Truman wish all a very safe, peaceful and happy holiday season. Please know that as 2023 approaches that we in the National Park Service are grateful to you for supporting this and all national park units.

Today’s Dear Bess letter was written on this date in 1946. It’s not really long, but there’s a lot in it. Harry Truman often used interesting terms for the White House, often calling it a jail or something similar…especially when he was alone. Truman also mentions his walk…in his middle age, and as long as Truman could physically do it, he was an avid, vigorous walker. He believed that a vigorous walk exercised the body, mind and soul. Perhaps as we approach 2023, we can all add some vigorous walks as a New Year resolution? You can come to Independence and do it in Truman’s footsteps!

Here’s the letter.

[The White House] December 27, 1946

Dear Bess:

Well here I am back in jail again going over the same routine and remembering I have just ten days in which to prepare three messages of historic value so far as the welfare of the country's concerned.

But I can only try to get ready - if I don't there'll be hell to pay and that won't be anything new. I'm used to it. Just came in from a most vigorous walk. It is 28 above and briskness was necessary to keep warm. The weather man says rain bit it is as clear as can be now. We had a nice flight back except for the bump over W.Va. Maybe old John Brown was shaking his apple tree.

Mayes wanted to know how all of you were getting on this morning. Byrnes says he's the most polite of our help. I told Mayes and he said that he was a constituent of Mr. Byrnes' and he must be most polite to him.

Well I've got no one around here to raise hell with me when both you and Margie are away and it's kind of lonesome.

Lots of love Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: December 9, 1913 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-9-1913?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/AF28EDE5-E5F7-4A4C-D31618239156A164.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-AF442714-F1C7-C96F-CED46A44E96FB31D Dear Bess: December 9, 1913 National Park Service In this quintessential "Dear Bess" letter, Harry Truman, farmer and partner in the business firm known as J.A. Truman & Son, Farmers, wonderfully describes some livestock trading he and his father were doing. That was his father's specialty, and it's always wonderful to hear about John Anderson Truman. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-9-1913?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4 388 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-9-1913?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 9, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, which is a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1913, and is, in our opinion, one of the most wonderful examples of a Dear Bess letter. Harry S Truman, farmer, describes life on the family farm, writes about livestock trading, which was his father’s professional specialty, and talks a little family gossip.

As relatively few documents from the Solomon Young/ Truman family farm survive, letters like these are essential. We can only imagine, then, how these letters led to discussions between Mister Truman and Miss Wallace, whether in person or on the telephone. The farmhouse the Trumans were living in did not have electricity, but it did have a telephone, with a party line. Remember those? As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Grandview Dec. 9, 1913

Dear Bess:

Here it is Tuesday morning again and I am just starting your letter. Yesterday was the most strenuous day I've put in for a year. We shipped some cattle and sold some and also sold some hogs. The whole works had to be delivered in Grandview by noon and it was a rush to get there. Of course the hogs had to cause all the trouble they were able to. You know, it's a hard and fast rule that a hog's head is always turned opposite the way he is to go. There were twenty-nine to be loaded. I tried to get them in the barn and did get fifteen in. Usually when I have the barn door open and don't want them in every one of them will be right there. We loaded the fifteen and then tried to get the others in. I put some corn in the barn, and they all went in when one extra smart one grabbed an ear and ran out between my legs before I could shut the door. I went down without a struggle and the hogs all ran out. I finally got them in a little pen and when Papa came back we loaded them without any more trouble.

He'd gone to town with the fifteen while I was having all the trouble. After all our hurry the local didn't come along until 8 P.M. Papa stayed and loaded the cattle and I had to come home and be chore boy. Also I had to be the same this morning. He got up and went to town. He started off about a quarter of six and called me as he went out of the door. I didn't get up until 6:30 and wouldn't have then only it happened to occur to me that the Southern might be late and he'd be back. I got out just in time for he came into the yard gate as I went into the cow lot. I pretended I didn't see him and I wished afterwards I hadn't. Mary told me when I got to the house that he'd ordered the liveryman to take him down in the auto and that if I'd come to the house when he called me I could have gone to town and papa would have stayed home. He'd made up his mind not to go and had walked all the way down here again so I would be ready when the car came. It came before I got to the house, worse luck. He'll be sure to tell me that if I'd got up when I was called I might have gone to town. Really I don't much care because I'd have had to spend the whole day at the stock yards and it's a job I don't care much for. Anyway I wanted him to go in and stay all day today so I can go Friday without creating a disturbance. I really don't want to miss choir practice you know or the [illegible] if choir practice should fail.

Do you know that the Nolands told me the same thing about Mary P. that she told you about them. I guess they were all pretty ignorant from what each said the other knew. Ethel said she told Mary that we were two of the closest mouthed people she ever saw and Mary agreed with her. Far as I'm concerned they can guess on. It won't hurt 'em any. Besides it'll make 'em a good topic of conversation when they do find out.

I came away in such a hurry I didn't get the book you were going to let me have. I'll put it in my pocket as soon as I arrive next time and then I won't have it. Mr. Houchens got off of my car. I met him at Delaware and Maple. He said that he hadn't heard from Manley since he left. They sure are a funny bunch. He said he never wrote and neither did Manley and the only way they heard from each other was through someone else occasionally. He said he was coming out to see me some time soon. I told Mary and you ought to have seen how pleased she was. She likes Fielding just like Ethel does. I've got to bring this to a close in order to get it off this morning. You owe me a letter anyway and I hope to see you Friday evening.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 5, 1937 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-5-1937

]]> Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DEB6ADC8-02DB-0A75-C0500564948A581A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DED1BA00-0518-0404-876ECFC766EF7E1E Dear Bess: December 5, 1937 National Park Service In this December, 1937, letter, Senator Harry S Truman writes to his wife how he wishes his father, the late John Anderson Truman, were alive to see him serve in the Senate. It's his father's birthday. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-5-1937 279 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-5-1937

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 5, 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 by Senator Harry S Truman on this date in 1937, and isn’t a very long one, but it’s a very sentimental one, for Senator Truman, still in his first term representing the State of Missouri, is feeling very wistful about his father.

John Anderson Truman had died twenty-three years before, in November, 1914, in the family farm home in Grandview, Missouri. A few months earlier, John Truman had an operation for a hernia, and a cancer was discovered. In the final days of his life, John Truman expressed regrets to his friends that he had not been more of a success in life, and felt regret in that he felt in that he had been a failure. About ten years after this letter was written, someone relayed this to Harry Truman, who, by 1945, had a different job. An angry Harry Truman replied, “How could my father have been a failure? His son is President of the United States!”

But, fundamentally, whether Senator or President, Harry Truman simply loved and admired his father, as did his brother John Vivian Truman and sister Mary Jane Truman. They were simply a very close family. Thank you for listening. Here’s the letter.

[Carroll Arms Hotel, Washington, D.C.] Sunday, December 5, 1937

Dear Bess:

Your special, enclosing one from Margaret, arrived on time. I was out driving around and didn't get it until noon. I am glad the play went off all right. I was sure it would. Wish I could have seen it. Today is my father's birthday. He'd be eighty-six if he'd lived. I always wished he'd lived to see me elected to this place. There'd have been no holding him. I'll go and see the furniture men just as soon as I can. But I don't want to make any purchases until you see whether you like them or not. I've always wanted to take part in the furnishing of a house. But my ideas have always run to such extravagant tastes that I'm afraid you wouldn't approve. I'd like to have rugs and carpets from Bokhara and Samarkand, pictures by Frans Hals, Holbein, and Whistler, with maybe a Chandler pastel and a Howard Chandler Christy or two with Hepplewhite dining room, mahogany beds (big enough for two), etc. ad lib. Well it can't be done - so we'll have to do what we can and I want you satisfied. What do you want for Christmas? - a feather bed or a potato peeler? Maybe you'd like a washing machine or just a plain tub and washboard.

Margaret told me you had taken her list away from her and it made her head ache to create another. What does she want?

Love to you both,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 25, 1913 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-25-1913

]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DC87D5F6-B65F-D1A4-FBB431F8F99896E7.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DC8A615F-918A-C23C-CA0272AECCFE3BA4 Dear Bess: November 25, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service In this letter from 1913, Harry S Truman writes to Miss Bess Wallace about some of his experiences with the Masons, among other things. The Masons and Harry Truman had a mutually-wonderful relationship. Truman rose as high as a man could do in the Masons, eventually reaching the 33rd degree. Perhaps you have someone in your family in the Masons or a similar organization? https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-25-1913 417 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-25-1913

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

This is the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 25, 2022, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. We hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving yesterday.

The Dear Bess letter we’d like to share with you was postmarked on this date in 1913. By the time Truman wrote this letter, he had been involved with the Masons for a few years, and it was an organization that meant a lot to him. The Masons not only gave him a place to belong and socialize, it was another place for some spiritual guidance and political networking. Eventually, Harry Truman became a 33rd Degree Mason, about as high as a man can go. His sister Mary Jane did the same with the Order of the Eastern Star, eventually becoming its Grand Worthy Matron in Missouri. Early in this letter, Truman tells Miss Wallace that he was reading something called “Kidnapping Colleen.” What was this? Was this a book in serialized form? A series of stories? We can’t seem to find much on it. But it at least shows that Truman was interested in sharing what he was reading with Miss Wallace. They did that the rest of their lives.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Dear Bess:

It's Tuesday morning again and I am just starting your letter. Yesterday morning Papa went out on the road and I started to read the November installment of "Kidnapping Colleen." I went to sleep over it and Mamma didn't wake me up until 3:30 p.m. Isn't she a nice mammy to let me spend a whole day asleep when I ought to have been in the cornfield? About five o'clock a bunch of Masons called up and wanted me to go to K. C. to Lodge. They wanted me along so they could get in. I happened to be acquainted with the big gun of the Lodge they wanted to visit. I tried to call you up but for some reason or other couldn't make connection. That was about seven o'clock. The next time I got to a phone it was 10:10 and I thought I'd better not try so late. I have broken the record for late hours in the last two weeks. The average has been 1:00 a.m. since a week ago Friday, and yesterday is the first extra sleep I've had too. My head feels like it is empty this morning; that is, it has a ringing sound and the Scotchman said that meant emptiness. I heard a most excellent address on Freemasonry last night by Dr. Smith, pastor of the Central Congregational Church. He's a real orator and an extemporaneous one. He told a pretty good story about a young lady who went into a bookstore to get a present for an old man's fiftieth wedding anniversary. She asked the clerk for something appropriate and he turned to the bookshelf without any hesitation whatever and gave her Greeley's Fifty Years of Strife. He was telling that story to show that a man should be familiar with his subject. There were about four hundred present. You never saw such a rush when refreshments were served. It was a like a football rush. The Eastern Star served in the banquet room. It has a dancing floor. There were several disasters to coffee cups and striped clothes. We had to eat standing up there was such a crush. Evidently some were not used to such slick floors. They give dances there about twice a month. I suppose they have a good time. It's one of the best floors in K. C.

I met Val Brightwell Sunday night and rode home with him in his auto. We almost had a year's growth scared out of us at Dodson. There were three men standing at the end of the Blue Ridge right where several holdups have taken place. They didn't stop us but they might as well have for all the difference in our feelings it would have made. Val said he was sure glad that I was along and I was the same as regards him.

I suppose you saw Independence in motion last night. I wish I could have been along. I couldn't ditch my crowd or I would have been. There were ten of them in two machines and they kept me in tow pretty close.

I suppose you'll go to Platte City next Sunday. I hope you have a good time. I guess I'll hold a Masonic Lodge of Instruction that afternoon or go to the Orpheum, one. I'll certainly have to do something. I was wondering if they had a Home phone over there. If you didn't mind, I might call up and tell you where I go or what I do to get through the evening. Do you suppose you'll get to stay the whole week? It sure will be nice if you can but I hope you're back by a week from Sunday anyway. Two in succession would be a calamity. The box supper out here Saturday night will be some diversion. Mary said that Aileen Duvall and Nadine Blair will be here. Maybe I can make them believe I'm staying home on their account. I'll have to put some strong bluff anyway. You must write me a long letter this week to help fill the gap. There is a good-for-nothing coming for a load of hay and we've got to quit.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 21, 1917 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-21-1917

]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/123A4616-A1DB-0746-8F829FF89B2777AF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-124563E2-AD6F-8C0A-02F5E191AD22F96C Dear Bess: November 21, 1917 (postmarked) National Park Service Postmarked on this date in 1917, Lieutenant Harry S Truman writes to Bess Wallace about training, payroll, and pictures. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-21-1917 264 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-21-1917

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 21, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Lieutenant Harry S Truman postmarked this letter to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, on this date in 1917. Lieutenant Truman and the men under his command were still training for what they knew was their eventual deployment to Europe to fight in the Great War. Truman was a man of responsibility. He writes that he is in possession of the payroll, $5000. That’s over $116,000 today. Truman makes mention of a picture…could it be the famous one that Miss Wallace had made up of herself that Truman carried in his shirt pocket during the War? That picture remains on the desk of President Harry Truman’s “working office” at the Truman Library today where, incidentally, you can see these letters for yourself!

On this Thanksgiving week, please be assured that we at Truman are thankful for you for your support of this and all National Parks and for your support of all Truman-related sites. They belong to you, we just take care of them for you!

Here’s the letter.

November 21, 1917 (postmark)

Dear Bess:

I am delinquent this time. This is Wednesday morning and I haven't written since Sunday but I have been going lickety split. I think I named over the various jobs I have to perform in my last and I am trying to make them all hit. So far I don't think there's more than one cylinder missing on each job. I am getting to be a hard boiled cooky if things don't go to suit me someone gets an awful currying. The mess Sgt. of our outfit has succeeded in getting the kitchen everlastingly balled up and Pete elected me to untangle it. Pete is making the best Battery in the Regiment. He stands ace high with the powers that be and also with his men. Tom McGee is also making a fine Captain. We go out to dig trenches again in a few days. I understand that we get to fire our battery from these positions. Hope so anyway.

Today is payday and I have $5000.00 in change on my mind. It is in the Adjutant's safe but two men and pick that up and carry it away. Col. Klemm sent for me last night and told me he would steal it himself if he got a chance. The Govt pays in $20 and $10 bills and every soldier in the regiment comes to the canteen to buy 5 cents worth of candy to get change.

Those pictures are not finished but as soon as they are I'll send one to you. They had to be made in Oklahoma City. I am of the opinion that we will get to stay here at Christmas. I have put in for leave to go home but I doubt if I get it. Everyone is plum crazy to go home and I have an idea that the higher ups will get off if anyone does. I am looking every day for that picture so hurry it up. I am so crazy to see the original I don't know what to do. Can't you come down somehow? Lizzie is running again. Write as often as you can for I sure like to get your letters.

Yours always, Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: November 1, 1918 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1-1918

]]> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DE12BAD9-D355-32B3-1B1FDC789DFC1022.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DE17E188-E5E9-D679-FDE04CAC13BD8F31 Dear Bess: November 1, 1918 National Park Service Just days away from the end of World War I, Harry Truman shares his thoughts on the possibility of the war ending, souvenir hunting, and his ideas for after the War. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1-1918 365 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 1, 2022, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today’s letter was written on this date in 1918 by Captain Harry S Truman, writing from somewhere in France, to his fiancée, Miss Bess Wallace, back home in Independence, Missouri.

The end of the war was coming, and Truman sensed it. He remarks on how many Americans were collecting souvenirs to take home. Captain Truman was among them. In the park’s museum collection today are some remarkable examples. Truman was proud of the effort he and his men were putting forth, but also looking forward to getting home…especially to walk down the aisle with Miss Wallace.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Somewhere in France November 1, 1918

Dear Bess:

I have just finished putting 1,800 shells over on the Germans in the last five hours. They don't seem to have had enough energy to come back yet. I don't think they will. One of their aviators fell right behind my Battery yesterday and sprained his ankle, busted up the machine, and got completely picked by the French and Americans in the neighborhood. They even tried to take their (there were two in the machine) coats. One of our officers, I am ashamed to say, took the boots off of the one with the sprained ankle and kept them. The French, and Americans too for that matter, are souvenir crazy. If a guard had not been placed over the machine, I don't doubt that it would have been carried away bit by bit. What I started to say was that the German lieutenant yelled "La guerre fini" as soon as he stepped from the machine. He then remarked that the war would be over in ten days. I don't know what he knew about it or what anyone else knows but I am sure that most Americans will be glad when it's over and they can get back to God's country again. It is a great thing to swell your chest out and fight for a principle but it gets almighty tiresome sometimes. I heard a Frenchman remark that Germany was fighting for territory, England for the sea, France for patriotism, and Americans for souvenirs. Yesterday made me think he was about right.

I got a letter of Commendation, capital C, from the commanding general of the 35th Division. The ordnance repair department made a report to him that I had the best-conditioned guns after the drive that he had seen in France. The general wrote me a letter about it. My chief mechanic is to blame, not me. He knows more about guns than the French themselves. As usual in such cases, the C.O. gets the credit. I think I shall put an endorsement on the letter stating the ability of my chief mechanic and stick it in the files anyway. I am going to keep the original letter for my own personal and private use. It will be nice to have someday if some low-browed north-end politician tries to remark that I wasn't in the war when I'm running for eastern judge or something. I'll have the "papers" and can shut him up. If ever I get home from this war whole (I shall), I am going to be perfectly happy to follow a mule down a corn row the balance of my days that is, always providing such an arrangement is also a pleasure to you. I think the green pastures of Grand Old Missouri are the best looking of any that I have seen in this world yet and I've seen several brands. The outlook I have now is a rather dreary one. There are Frenchmen buried in my front yard and Huns in the back yard and both litter up the landscape as far as you can see. Every time a Boche shell hits in a field over west of here it digs up a piece of someone. It is well I'm not troubled by spooks.

I walked out to the observation post the other day (yesterday) to pick an adjusting point and I found two little flowers alongside the trench blooming right in the rock. I am enclosing them. The sob sisters would say that they came from the battle-scarred field of Verdun. They were in sight and short range of Heinie and were not far from the two most famous forts of his line of defense. You can keep them or throw them away but I thought they'd be something. One's a poppy, the other is a pink or something of the kind. A real sob sister could write a volume about the struggle of these pretty little flowers under the frowning brows of Douaumont the impregnable.

Please keep writing, for I look for letters eagerly even if I don't write them as often as I should. I love you

Always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 20, 1917 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6EC4DDDE-9A75-CC92-5E8D3D1A91B41138.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6EDC14F5-D5C2-6573-87AF3CAC5E78EC32 Dear Bess: October 20, 1917 National Park Service This letter, from October 20, 1917, was written by Lieutenant Harry S Truman to Miss Bess Wallace. It includes some marvelous details about life in World War I training camp in Oklahoma. Do you have someone in your ancestry who served in the Great War? Perhaps their letters included some of the same things as Lt. Truman's. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 336 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 20, 2022, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Our letter today was written on this day in 1917, written by Lieutenant Harry S Truman, writing from training camp in Oklahoma. Truman and his men were still in training for their eventual service in World War I. We are so grateful that Bess Wallace Truman saved these letters, as they are marvelous documents not only for the Truman story, they also provide an insight into what it was like in World War I training camps like these. Along the same line, we are grateful that Truman was such a fantastic letter writer, and loved to include minutia that make these such wonderful documents.

Thanks for listening…here’s the letter.

[October 20, 1917]

Dear Bess:

This is another bum day. No letter. I have been drilling all day today. Except to count the money this morning, I haven't been in the canteen. The weather has been as fine as it was unpleasant yesterday. If your letter had come it would have been an ideal day. We had gun practice this morning and I fired a problem (theoretically) and was very highly complimented by Major Gates and Captain Allen. Went riding this afternoon and taught some rookies how to sit on a horse and then went to officers riding school and learned a few things myself. Got on a horse that trots like a Ford and had myself jolted into a good appetite for supper. Had a grand supper too â€“ cherry pie and everything. Then school for an hour and a half and nothing to do till 5:45 A.M. tomorrow when I get up and take reveille and repeat the whole performance. Tomorrow is inspection too and we have to have a shave on our faces washed for the Colonel to look at. Shoes are supposed to be shined but I doubt if mine will be. They look as if they had cost 98 cents instead of $10.00. I think I'll wear my boots and spurs they are as good looking as ever. My Dutchman or rather our Dutchman for he works for Captain Allen, Lt. Lee and me, keeps them all polished up. He went riding this afternoon and I asked him if he learned to ride in the horse marines and he said he did. He served 5 years in the German Navy. He's plum nuts over Captain Allen as he calls Pete. Says he'll join the Navy if Pete is transferred from our Battery. Pete's the best Captain in the Regiment. This Dutchman washes our clothes shines our shoes and saves us money generally. I haven't paid a laundry bill since we've been here. The laundries raised their prices 40% for our benefit. Patriotism by practice is their theory. So is it Lawton's. Houses that formerly rented for $11.00 a month are now $27.00 etc. ad lib. $1.00 shirts are $3.00 and everything in proportion. We don't buy from them or patronize them at all. I buy everything for our bunch at wholesale. I had a letter from Myra and one from mamma today. Myra sent me a picture of an American soldier and a French girl and admitted that she didn't think it would work in my case but she'd send it anyway and I could give it to someone else. I'd like to see your widow club. I bet they have a hilarious time. I'll venture to say almost as good time as Capt. Salisbury's Y. M. C. A. meetings after school in the evening.

Had a letter from Morgan & Co. today and also one from Mrs. Hughes. Morgan & Co. seem to be coming along fine. I think they are going make us rich. Wouldn't it be fine to sell our shares for $1,000.00 a piece? I'd be willing almost to pay the income tax to do that wouldn't you? I hope you've found Kuntz. Some lowdown infantrymen or good for nothing regular artillery man stole our dog Casey. He wore about $11.00 worth of harness and was a brindle bull as ugly as any picture of one you ever saw. The ninth section (our roughnecks) are going to clean up on someone if they can find who took him. If I don't get a letter tomorrow you're going to get about a 100 word telegram collect and first class day rate. So you'd better write. I am going to take some more pictures tomorrow and will send you some when they are done. Please send a letter and some more cake for Sunday.

Your Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: October 17, 1917 (postmarked) Truman and Jacobson didn't know it yet in 1917, but they had a destiny...and they would help change the world, particularly in 1948.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-17-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FFEF82CD-C06D-DA4E-6FF050AE6D6AF27B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-0046D8D0-DE3A-B7B3-FA0EC68E3BC9E0F8 Dear Bess: October 17, 1917 (postmarked) National Park Service In this letter from 1917, First Lieutenant Harry S Truman writes about a lot of things but writes quite a bit about the canteen he and his friend and colleague Eddie Jacobson were operating in camp. Truman and Jacobson didn't know it yet in 1917, but they had a destiny...and they would help change the world, particularly in 1948. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-17-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7 454 no full Truman and Jacobson didn't know it yet in 1917, but they had a destiny...and they would help change the world, particularly in 1948.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-17-1917-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

We have a very interesting letter for you today, written by First Lieutenant Harry S Truman, still at training camp in Oklahoma, postmarked on this date in 1917.

After Harry Truman came home from World War I, he and a friend named Eddie Jacobson opened a clothing store in downtown Kansas City. Although it ultimately failed during an economic downturn, initially it was quite successful. In this letter, perhaps more than any other, you sense the germination of this remarkable partnership between Truman and Jacobson. While in Oklahoma, Truman and Jacobson opened a canteen for the soldiers, and it was quite successful. They must have figured that what was successful in wartime must succeed in peacetime, so Truman and Jacobson, Haberdashers, opened in the fall of 1919, not long after Harry Truman married Bess Wallace.

Although the haberdashery wasn’t necessarily successful, Truman and Jacobson remained friends. Many years later, while President Harry S Truman was wrestling with whether to diplomatically recognize the new state of Israel, one person who very much influenced his decision to do so was his close Jewish friend from Kansas City, Eddie Jacobson. Mr. Jacobson is still fondly remembered in Israel today, as is Harry S Truman. They could never have imagined all of this in 1917.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter:

[October 17, 1917]

Dear Bess:

I am writing you in the canteen a picture of which is enclosed. It is not a very good picture either because it was taken the first day we moved into the building and things weren't very clean around the outside (or inside either).

The work still piles up. They find something new to do every day. Drill from seven thirty to nine thirty on the guns and all afternoon on horseback. I have written you a letter every night and gave it to a nut to mail and he failed to do it. He gave them to me this morning. You should have heard the cussin he go or rather you should not have heard it. It would have to be edited to go into the Police Gazette. Some of those letters were works of art at the time of their composition but are stale dope now.

Your good letter came last night and I was so near all in I couldn't answer it. When I found you hadn't received all the efforts I put in on Sunday, Monday and yesterday I was so mad I could hardly see. I am awful glad Chas Mize likes his surroundings in F Battery. He is a very competent officer and I think will have something very much better before very long.

Doc Brown says that it is going to be written in his biography that "he served in but one war" and that he was in Lawton but once. He and Salisbury and Dexter Perry as we call him are the life of our end of the street. Salisbury holds Y. M. C. A. meetings and sings church hymns while Doc Brown discusses the events of his varied career. We'll be in the midst of a most serious discussion on how to attack a Hun trench and Perry will nearly break up the meeting with some remark that just hits the nail on the head.

I am supposed to be at Captain Salisbury's equitation class now but didn't show up because I am taking an invoice for the Division Exchange Officer. They kid Salisbury a lot about his riding class. He asked the col. if he should have that equitation "ridin," school on Wednesday and tha is what every calls it, the equitation ridin' school.

I almost bought a car load of apples yesterday but they wouldn't take off enough on the price. I am some purchaser. Everyone says ours is the best canteen on the job. Jacobson is some manager. That a grand combination Jacobson and Trumanheimer. Ralph was over see me yesterday but I was out.

If Mrs. Mize isn't coming til Christmas she might as well stay at home or come to Paris because I think that's where we'll be. Ours is the best guard artillery regiment in the division or the country I think. Have you discovered what day Miss Rugg is going to have her wedding? Major Gates has been away for three days and I surely ought to be able to get away if he can. Don't you think. I wrote checks until my bank account is as weak as Morgan & Co.'s used to be when I had paid for drilling rig etc. I have taken in about 5400.00 and bough some $9000.00 worth of goods.

I always manage to get back to the canteen no matter where I start to talk. I sure wish I could see you. I'd almost desert to do it. I'm of the opinion that I'd better cripple Chas. Mize. I am still looking for that picture. I don't know if Pete's wife & Mary S. B. stay at the same place but I think not. I am going over to see the first chance I get. Please write me just one line anyway every day. I know I've fallen down on getting my letters off but they were written anyway. I think we will all be glad to have our biographies written along the lines of Doc Brown's. We are going to give Oklahoma to the Germans and call it a bet.

Send some of that cake it never did get bad. It only had 15 minutes to work in after it arrived and it was sure good. I am going to see that Uncle Frank doesn't beat you to the postman from now on if I have to sit up until 3 P.X. to do it. I'll send you some more pictures when they are done.

Your Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 11, 1918 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-11-1918

]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/D90D2D0D-F3FD-8888-E07E14A3FFA19265.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-D920E819-FA26-03A7-76B775C07A9BC1F7 Dear Bess: October 11, 1918 National Park Service Captain Harry S Truman wrote this letter to his fiancee, Miss Bess Wallace, from "somewhere in France." There's a lot in this letter, dealing with war, family, and love. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-11-1918 403 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-11-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 11, 2022…brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Captain Harry S Truman wrote this letter to his fiancée Bess Wallace on this date in 1918…from somewhere in France. He used that phrase because he couldn’t reveal his position on paper, lest it fall into enemy hands. While World War I would end in just a few weeks, that war was still raging in France, and Captain Truman and his Battery D, 129th Field Artillery, was in the thick of it.

In the letter, Captain Truman expresses his regret that Miss Wallace’s youngest brother, Fred Wallace, wasn’t having the best experience in college. At the time, Mr. Wallace was attending the University of Missouri. David Frederick Wallace was born in Independence in January, 1900, and was the final child of David Willock Wallace and Madge Gates Wallace. Young Fred Wallace was only 3 years old when his father died tragically. He was then essentially raised in his grandparents’ house, that of George and Elizabeth Gates, at 219 North Delaware Street. Fred Wallace graduated high school at the local Chrisman High School, and briefly attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. Although he didn’t finish, he was a well regarded architect, with some of his legacies still standing in Jackson County, today. Although he was the last born of the Wallace siblings, he was the first to pass away, in 1957. He and his wife Christine had three beautiful children, and called 219 North Delaware Street home for many years.

Thanks for listening, here’s the letter.

Somewhere in France October 11, 1918

Dear Bess:

Your good letter dated September 9 and numbered 19 came this morning. You undoubtedly are right in giving me the dickens for not writing oftener but my duties have been so strenuous and my work so hard in the last two months that I have hardly had a minute to call my own. If I'd written you every time I have thought of doing it, you'd get several every day.

Since I have been at this rest cantonment I have written every day. But when we go back in, which will be shortly it will probably be another 30 days before I can write with any sense or regularity. I am awfully sorry Fred is dissatisfied with the University and I hope that when he gets settled in the classes he will like it better. I sent one of my bright kids out of the battery to West Point yesterday. If he makes the grade on the examinations he'll get in all right. I think he'll make it because he's a very bright boy. His name is John Uncles. I am very glad you found the Saturday Evening Post showing the inspection at our training camp. My battery is a 75 battery and the shooting ability of it is only equaled by some other 75 batteries. Our regiment has quite a reputation as a firing regiment and the little argument we just came out of didn't dampen our reputation any. You have probably heard of a city named Verdun and a forest named Argonne. They are both familiar to me because I did some shooting into one (the forest) and I hope it was effective. Our Division had a very hard nut to crack but succeeded in gaining more than was expected of it.

I wish I could have gone to Lone Jack with you on your hunt for a chicken dinner. I'd have taken you back through Lee's Summit and about eight miles west, where I know there are chickens and a good old mother who can cook them and we'd have had a real chicken dinner without any expense whatever although from what Mary tells me it is necessary for each one to carry his own sugar. When we go anywhere to dine out over here we carry both bread and sugar. Sometimes we forget it and then it is necessary to use all our arts and wiles to persuade the proprietor of the place to let us have some. If it happens that the proprietor is feminine, there is normally a chance of success by an added compensation of some francs. These people love francs better than their country and they are extracting just as many of them from us as they possibly can. There are parts of their country that are very beautiful and worth fighting for, but most of it would be a punishment to inflict on the Germans to make them take it. I suppose Germany though is the same kind of country only with a different brand of smells. You can always tell a French village by day or night, even if you can't see anything. They are very beautiful to stand off and look at, nestling down in pretty little valleys, as they always do, with red roofs and a church spire. But when you arrive there are narrow dirty streets and a malodorous atmosphere that makes you want to go back to the hill and take out your visit in scenery.

Please keep on writing even if I am delinquent and shouldn't be. Your letters put pep into me and make me want to finish the job and get to New York as fast as possible. I have come to the conclusion that the Statue of Liberty is going to have to turn around if she ever sees me again after I land in U.S.A. once more.

I'll never cease to think of you.

Always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 4 1917 (Postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-4-1917-postmark

]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/683454FC-B7B8-076C-CE33379A7FB6174E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-684224DE-B6BF-D1FD-076DEEF62F9CBC30 Dear Bess: October 4 1917 (Postmarked) National Park Service A terrific letter from First Lieutenant Harry S Truman, written from camp in Oklahoma. Lt. Truman wonderfully describes life in the camp...talking laundry, choosing horses, finding soda pop. Other than missing Bess Wallace and his family, Truman is thoroughly enjoying it! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-4-1917-postmark 427 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-4-1917-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 4, 2022, brought to you by the staff of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

This letter from Lieutenant Harry S Truman was postmarked on this date in 1917, and written in Oklahoma, while Lieutenant Truman continued his training in advance for his service in the Great War. This letter gives us terrific insight into his life in training, everything from laundry to the canteen store Truman was operating with Eddie Jacobson. But most of all you sense that Harry Truman is just enjoying it all, except for the separation from Miss Wallace and his family.

Near the end of the letter, Truman refers to Bess Wallace’s brother Frank Gates Wallace. We know that Frank Wallace was married to Natalie by then, and had completed a draft form for World War I. Was Frank Wallace called up to serve in the war? We don’t know, but we can suspect that the prospect of Frank Wallace, or his brothers George and Fred, going to war was worrisome to their sister Bess and mother Madge Gates Wallace.

Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.

Lawton, Okla. October 3, 1917

Dear Bess:

This is the banner day of my stay here so far. I got two letters from you. One of them was postmarked the twenty-ninth, and the other the second.

I was on the point of wiring you but was afraid it would cause you more worry than gladness and so I didn't do it. I slipped up a day on writing you but couldn't help it. You no doubt got my spasm from the Lee-Huckins written on Sunday night. Monday was my most strenuous day. I began having callers at eight-thirty and from then on until twelve-thirty salesmen nearly ran me ragged. At two-thirty I got a car and began making the rounds, trying to buy some pop and get into connection with a laundry. Pop seems to be unobtainable. I could only get fifty cases and I wanted a carload. The laundries have formed a combination and advanced the prices 40 percent for our benefit. I told them that we would do our own washing. It would cost fifty-four cents to get a shirt, pants, and socks washed. Colonel told me to send the laundry to Kansas City. I am hiring a man here in the Battery to do mine. After I'd seen the laundries and wholesale house to the tune of seven dollars worth of auto hire, I had to run to catch my train back here and get into camp at 12:30 a.m. The canteen is a whiz. I did four hundred dollars worth of business today. It gets bigger all the time. Sold six hundred bottles of Puritan in two hours this evening. It takes six men to wait on the trade and keeps me phoning all the time to keep in supplies. I am writing this at 11:30 p.m. after my day is over. We had a grand time yesterday selecting our mounts from the issued horses. There were one thousand to pick from and we took turns on precedence. I am the seventh first lieutenant from the top and had a grand allotment to pick from. Picked a sorrel with a flax mane and tail. He proceeded to pile three men on the ground one after the other. I am going to get another horse to rest up on when he gets done with me. It was like a bunch of six-year-old kids turned loose in a candy shop when those officers were told to select their mounts. The chaplain was given first choice. He picked a beautiful black with one white hind foot. Everyone was offering him advice but I don't think he needed any. We all had lots of fun and I think everyone is happy with the choice he made. I can't understand why you haven't had my letters. I have written one to you every day but yesterday. All our mail goes to Lawton then comes over here, and I suppose they haven't their system properly arranged as yet.

Don't you give any thought to what that rotten sheet at 17th and Grand says about us. We have an ideal camping place good water and plenty of it; will have electric lights in a few days; have to [six] much to eat good beds to sleep on and our hospitals are going to be palaces when completed which will be very shortly. They are not needed any way as no one has been seriously sick except a fellow who got too familiar with one of these plug's heels, and he's only got a cracked rib. They sent him to the Post about two miles away which has a hospital as fine as R.A. Long's or St. Joseph's. Our doctors have less to do than any of us except the horse doctors. I guess the horse doctors will be pretty busy very shortly though. It looks as if we meant business by getting our horses so soon. I understand that guns are on the way. I'm tickled pink to hear you are going to see Mrs. Klemm. She's sure nice.

My hat is too small really after what Mrs. Montague said. You know that's some compliment from a mother of boys. I appreciate and only wish I could live up to it. I am awful glad Frank is free to do as he likes. I was uneasy when I heard he'd been called. Wish I could have gone to the river with you. I'm awful glad you saw Mamma and Mary and that they were well. I have had a letter from Mary and two today from you and one from you Saturday.

Don't forget the picture for I'm sure lonesome to see you. Thank your mother for her love and give her mine if there is any left from you.

Your Harry

]]> Dear Bess: September 27, 1947 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-27-1947?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/62EDEE29-003B-8F89-254AD801EB798C65.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-62FEBD20-9A65-CB39-D6139C5BF8C2BC95 Dear Bess: September 27, 1947 National Park Service An interesting letter from President Truman to his First Lady from September, 1947. In this letter, Truman makes clear his opinion of the FBI and its director, discusses the health of his beloved Aunt Ella, and more. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-27-1947?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4 265 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-27-1947?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for September 27, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a very interesting Dear Bess letter for you today, written on September 27, 1947. President Harry S Truman is writing from the White House, writing to First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, who was back home in Independence, Missouri. For the Truman family, adapting to the 24/7 protection of the Secret Service was a challenge. It wasn’t that the Trumans weren’t grateful for the work of the Secret Service, but being private people, there was always some give-and-take. But note President Truman’s descriptions of the FBI…he is concerned that J Edgar Hoover’s agency would become like the police states in Russia or Germany.

Truman also makes reference to his Aunt Ella. Aunt Ella Noland was the sister of the President’s father, John Anderson Truman. By the time of this letter, Aunt Ella was almost 100 years old, and it’s clear that her health concerns her famous nephew. Truman’s Aunt Ella and her children played an important role in reuniting Harry Truman and Bess Wallace back in 1910…Aunt Ella and Uncle Joseph Noland lived across the street from 219 North Delaware. You can visit the Noland Home today when visiting us…it is at 216 North Delaware Street. There are exhibits and small films you can watch to prepare for visiting the Truman Home.

[The White House] Sept. 27, 1947

Dear Bess:

Received your Thursday letter yesterday afternoon, also one from Mary and one from Vivian--but none from daughter Margaret. I am sure glad the Secret Service is doing a better job. I was worried about that situation. Edgar Hoover would give his right eye to take over and all Congressmen and Senators are afraid of him. I'm not and he knows it. If I can prevent there'll be no NKVD or Gestapo in this country. Edgar Hoover's organization would make a good start toward a citizen spy system. Not for me.

I am glad Aunt Ella is improving. I've become so I don't like to go see her. So maybe if her mind clears up we can go with pleasure again. Glad you had a nice time at the Kings. I had a nice time at the Vaughan's party as I told you yesterday.

Had to make a radio speech last night to open the Community Chests. Was terribly hoarse but Dr. Graham sprayed me out and gave me cough medicine so I got by. Have had a cough ever since we returned from Brazil. But it is much better today.

The Chief Justice is bringing in a lot of senior circuit judges to see me this afternoon. They came to the office last year but I am having them in the study this afternoon for "tea"--sure enough tea too. The weather has been cool and clear the last two days. I hope it stays that way. I have been over sleeping--didn't get up until a quarter to seven yesterday and 6:30 today. Mays says I'm getting younger--thinking of Margaret no doubt. Hope Frank is better.

Lots of love, Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: September 23, 1912 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/september-23-1912

]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/29045156-FD92-3293-1484CE199555D4A2.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-292338B4-BD75-A5E9-465CBE8085EA4388 Dear Bess: September 23, 1912 National Park Service 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 401 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/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

]]> Dear Bess: September 21, 1946 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-21-1946

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/D2F66AC2-B701-ED8C-A21FBC08DC2179F4.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-D2F72536-A26F-172E-3C4469CF2A48E132 Dear Bess: September 21, 1946 National Park Service 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 294 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/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

]]> Dear Harry: September 15, 1937 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/september-15-1937-postmark

]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/952CB39B-E163-5F28-F31ABCC93B6D60B0.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-955B62F7-C890-5BFF-4370FDAB2E887864 Dear Harry: September 15, 1937 National Park Service 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 217 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/september-15-1937-postmark

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: September 14, 1937 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-14-1937

]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6A3C9DFE-9024-94DB-C2570E943933C785.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6A63643C-B8C5-7F49-35F2308CE1F07D73 Dear Bess: September 14, 1937 National Park Service 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 206 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/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.

]]> Dear Bess: September 11, 1948 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

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F9B2FD44-C3D0-DF6B-293645BB8863FF0C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F9D667ED-D36B-95CF-4E0EAF27EA20D2BF Dear Bess: September 11, 1948 National Park Service 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 300 no full 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

---

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:

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.

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

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F9B2FD44-C3D0-DF6B-293645BB8863FF0C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F9D85CCB-0CFD-A067-D272B223DBF46669 Dear Bess: September 11, 1948 National Park Service 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 300 no full 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

---

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.

And here is that letter.

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

Dear Bess:

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.

]]> Dear Bess: August 29, 1916 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-29-1916

]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/316C0FC7-0348-BBDF-8A97B973CD3488B7.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-316C9B8B-AFD8-6DE2-98B53230314C7CC8 Dear Bess: August 29, 1916 National Park Service 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 313 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/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 â€“ 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

]]> Dear Bess: August 26, 1912 (postmarked) On the letter, Truman wrote "Blue Sunday."

]]> Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/946C3C13-B99A-2E91-A235274B0DE5DD9F.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-94A0EE6D-DE47-DDA0-E7553347649370AE Dear Bess: August 26, 1912 (postmarked) National Park Service 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." 275 no full On the letter, Truman wrote "Blue Sunday."

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: August 22, 1913 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-22-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/B82E5B8C-07EE-30DC-D7E628B6EC580C40.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B82F12F1-A0BA-F44B-8E19267B23D309C1 Dear Bess: August 22, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service 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=6 393 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-22-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: August, 1913. (Maybe?) 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

]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5E8BD2BF-A032-BA63-1AF87ED4AD4AAE99.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5E8E6F21-F7C1-B175-BAD949C7CC4EE984 Dear Bess: August, 1913. (Maybe?) National Park Service 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=1 365 no full 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

---

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.

]]> Dear Bess: August 8, 1944 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/august-8-1944

]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/EB7713EA-BA2F-4C55-5CFCD59649CBB732.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-EB878EE6-BA2D-F792-E6ABEAD36AA0BB22 Dear Bess: August 8, 1944 National Park Service 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 347 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/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.

]]> Dear Bess: August 5, 1913 (postmarked) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-5-1913-postmark

]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/2DE05917-97E1-86A8-FDB2C1645406D57E.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-2DEBABCB-BCBD-2111-2DC6655569C99108 Dear Bess: August 5, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service 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 446 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/august-5-1913-postmark

---

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

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

]]> Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/1A47E554-EB7E-A257-D9775DCB81AF6240.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-1A59249D-C377-C2EC-7E0C9882847F8689 Dear Harry AND Dear Bess: July 24 and July 25, 1923 National Park Service 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 308 no full 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

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: July 12, 1911 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

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/52475DBF-AA76-E23F-23B1B6786FC13E86.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-52581319-0D14-6E93-47CD1E1E47598EC7 Dear Bess: July 12, 1911 National Park Service 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=1 391 no full 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

---

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:

Very sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: July 1 & 2, 1911 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

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4E44FD9C-9ABC-7A14-F9B72A241443AD2A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4E6DD32E-B1D4-A4F3-3200F4A278573CC9 Dear Bess: July 1 & 2, 1911 National Park Service 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=1 316 no full 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

---

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.

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

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7D2190F2-C664-21A1-6CBC1780359F78C3.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7D24ACC8-AB0E-A204-DD62F42AB833314F Dear Bess: June 17, 1935 National Park Service 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=4 223 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/june-17-1935?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

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

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

]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A5A9FE11-DAF2-D714-4D6FBB434F6E0BB3.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A5ADB627-E5DD-0306-88B6D7BF63977CBA Dear Bess: June 8, 1918 National Park Service 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=3 381 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/june-8-1918?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

---

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.

]]> Dear Bess: June 2, 1913 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

]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/725BBFFA-BC74-951A-D09AA9ED1D0FFD4D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-726D4594-F706-49F6-82499756250AF3FB Dear Bess: June 2, 1913 National Park Service 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=4 242 no full 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

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: May 23, 1911 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

]]> Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/767E63E1-B249-2514-7928B0AF4DBB3549.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-768DEA64-08CD-AA30-E824455644BC4762 Dear Bess: May 23, 1911 National Park Service 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 409 no full 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

---

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

]]> Dear Bess: May 19, 1913 (postmarked) 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

]]> Thu, 19 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A0C1A562-FB98-A5BC-2151AD0D19733FFA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A0980C4C-9575-B3AF-E9E20EAFE6C33C4C Dear Bess: May 19, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service 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 316 no full 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

---

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.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: May 12 1912 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

]]> Thu, 12 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/3D09B27F-0E5C-9858-40745259EB5D75B9.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-3D0C9D9E-F4B9-5A7B-2926EA0CC93D6E5B Dear Bess: May 12 1912 National Park Service 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 525 no full 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

---

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 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 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.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: May 5, 1914 (postmarked) You can see a copy here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-5-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

]]> Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/CF32D72D-9EF3-FDEA-B102E2E9242100E9.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-CF41B144-CB07-1204-717D180B57D3B55B Dear Bess: May 5, 1914 (postmarked) National Park Service This is a nifty letter from May 4/5, 1914. Harry Truman, farmer, describes more work on the family farm in Grandview, talks about the trouble with hired hands, and describes an opportunity he has to make some money. He is trying to make himself worthy in the eyes of Miss Wallace and her family. You can see a copy here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-5-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6 389 no full You can see a copy here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/may-5-1914-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

An intriguing letter for you today, postmarked on this date in 1914, likely written the day before. In this letter, Harry S Truman, farmer, describes some life and work on the family farm. He also talks about an opportunity to invest in some land speculation. Truman was keen on improving his situation, if only to show himself worthy to Miss Bess Wallace and, likely, her mother. Most guys do that…we want to make sure that we are worthy. He was determined to win Miss Wallace’s heart.

Here's the letter.

Postmarked May 5, 1914

Grandview Dear Bess: I am going to get your letter off on time even if I am a sleepyhead this evening. I have to go to the city in the morning after the hired man's daughter and I know very well I won't get a chance to do another thing. I almost did a day's work today! Put away all the meat. We have ten hams and three shoulders and some bacon. Here's hoping it lasts till hogs are ripe again, because gasoline is spot cash.

I got home before the rain and only thirty minutes after Mary did. It was just ten minutes after twelve when I came into the front gate. It rained like the mischief at about 12:45. If I'd had to take the K.C.S. I'd have gotten soaked. It will be an awful comedown if that old machine ever refuses to go. I don't know how I could manage to walk from Grandview. The tires are standing up fine. (I have my hand on wood.)

Almost I went to Montana tomorrow. Mr. Hall is going and was very anxious for me to go. But on account of our picnic Saturday and for reasons of expense I have decided not to go until two weeks from today. My claim doesn't come up until June 3, and I don't want to pay over two weeks' board if it can be helped. I haven't much hope of getting a good claim. I've heard a lot of adverse criticism on Ft. Peck in the last month. I'm not going to be bluffed out by conversation though. I'll have to be shown. I think every real estate man in Montana has written me a letter to offer his services in locating meâ€”for fifty dollars. They are very liberal and they all know every foot of the reservation. You know it is only fifty miles by a hundred, and there are only 1,200,000 acres to be homesteaded. So, you see, these men are exceptionally bright and capable and their services ought to be cheap at the price. Think of holding a platte of Jackson County in your head. Ft. Peck is some six times as big. I doubt very much whether it can be done. Anyway I'm not going to part with my fifty dollars until I'm absolutely certain it's a safe proposition. I've an idea that a person will have as good luck just to shut his eyes and put his finger down on the map. One of our hired men (the other one) is off on a toot. He's been gone since Saturday. He's drawn all that's coming to him too. Also it's all he'll ever draw I guess. No boozers for mine. Our hand of help is almost equal to Luke. First one and then the other has a tantrum. No man that's any good would be a farmhand, though, so it's not to be expected that good ones can be found. One good thing, they are plentiful and are not hard to break in.

The paper said this morning that the land was at $10,000,000.00. So there must be about fifteen poor men in it or a hundred and five I don't know which. They're out to land the Shrine Convention for Frisco in 1915. They're welcome to it as far as I'm concerned. I know that if I had $57,000.00 I wouldn't spend it to get a Shrine Convention.

Papa is very much put out at the defection of this second hired man. He was so very pleased with him that he'd take his advice in preference to mine. I've had a good time rubbing him the wrong way all day. I've told him two or three times to wait till Charlie comes and ask his advice. He finally got so mad that I fear Charlie would have gotten his head smashed if he'd shown up at all.

Our picnic is not injured by the rain. If there is not any more after today the roads will still be fine. Anyway if we can't do anything else we'll go as far as we can and have a picnic any way. Uncle Harrison says it's bound to rain two more days this week because it rained on Monday. Lets hope it sprinkles on Tuesday and Wednesday and satisfies the supersition [sic] anyway. You know it might be so perverse as to wait until Friday night to satisfy it and then put in two days hand running.

I shall look for a letter early this week as there's not much chance of my getting in. I'll have to work! (Maybe!) Please send the letter anyway.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 29, 1912 A digital copy can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-29-1912

]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A1A8D2C4-A26C-13A0-C9B4F4206FED499D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A1A9E86D-F678-CBFC-9259008BE21D0573 Dear Bess: April 29, 1912 National Park Service A charming letter written 110 years ago today! Harry S Truman, farmer, writes about his family, some business, and about some literature he is sharing with Miss Bess Wallace in Independence. A digital copy can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-29-1912 720 no full A digital copy can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-29-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

A charming letter for you today, written by Harry S Truman, farmer, on this date in 1912.

Harry Truman certainly loved writing letters, particularly to that beautiful blonde, blue-eyed young lady in Independence he had met in 1890. In these letters to her, he opens his heart in a most wonderful way. Truman writes about his family, some business affairs on and near the farm in Grandview, and discusses some literature he and Miss Bess Wallace were reading. The story of the axle grease is absolutely charming. How blessed we are to have these letters!

Here's the letter, written 110 years ago today.

Grandview, Mo. April 29, 1912

Dear Bess:

This stationary is a box Mary bought me Saturday so you see I don't have to use a tablet. Though I have one I use on my cousins and my aunts. I hope you and Mary had a good time on the chaperon job. I suppose the reason they take you two is because they don't need any, isn't it?

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 26, 1933 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/april-26-1933

]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FEA44514-D2B6-B9BB-D4EB749793C1D9AE.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FEB7BF3E-DAF1-7287-E2F6BDE59777FE4E Dear Bess: April 26, 1933 National Park Service In this letter from 1933, Judge (Commissioner) Truman writes about an anguishing task he had to do...lay off over two hundred employees from the Jackson County, Missouri, government payroll. He had to do this as the effects of the Great Depression was hitting the region hard. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/april-26-1933 231 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/april-26-1933

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 26, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We’d like to share a very interesting “Dear Bess” letter with you today, written 89 years ago today, April 26, 1933. At the time, Harry Truman was serving as Presiding Judge of Jackson County, Missouri. Now Truman didn’t serve as a judge as we would typically think of a judge. Rather, in essence, Truman was presiding county commissioner. And in this letter, as presiding judge, it is clear that the effects of the Great Depression were hitting county hard. So hard that the county had to lay off hundreds of employees to cut costs. That is not pleasant under any circumstance, but it was difficult for Judge Truman, for he knew many of these employees personally. In 1934, Truman made his first run for United States Senator. How many of those laid off employees voted for Judge Truman for Senator? We will never know. Could you? Would you?

He also makes reference to “George.” He is referring to his brother in law George Wallace, the brother of Bess Wallace Truman. George Wallace and his lovely wife May lived in a charming bungalow home behind 219 North Delaware Street. Today, that bungalow is part of this National Park unit, and contains offices and workspace for the Park Ranger staff, and is maintained as part of the managed cultural landscape.

Here's the letter.

Independence, Mo. Thursday, April 26, 1933

Dear Bess:

I got a letter yesterday from you and it made the day livable and much brighter. It was necessary to make arrangements to discharge some two hundred people from the payroll and it was some job. If you don't think I had a headache when it was over you are mistaken. Then I expect to get the panning of my lifetime for not doing more of it.

I am glad you went to see the destroyer. It was a boat like that I rode on from Duluth to Chicago with the Naval Reserve. They are not as nice to ride on as the George Washington. It is a wonder Margaret would go where all those big guns are.

George went to work Monday and seems to like his job fine. He is looking fine. They were up for dinner last night. The old town clock is going full tilt now and keeping proper time.

I am hoping to get down there sooner than I expected although they have slated me for a talk on the radio for May 20th. The weather up here is still cold. I have my overcoat this morning. Tell Margaret I am sending her another funny paper from Mr. Cleveland. Fred sent her one Sunday I think. Please write as often as you can. Tell Kickie hello and kiss my baby.

Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: Undated, Likely April, 1914 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A1B27276-CDA4-3BCA-B3AA1944EF839EC6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A1C879D0-F679-38C4-62A041A2358530BB Dear Bess: Undated, Likely April, 1914 National Park Service A fun letter, likely from April 1914. Harry S Truman had recently bought a second-hand automobile, made by the Stafford company in Kansas City. It was a splendid touring car, but was always a maintenance headache for Truman. But as the car helped Harry Truman get to Independence to see Miss Wallace, it was worth it! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4 475 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 19, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

On this National Park Week, we thank all who allow us to take care of these special places and stories, and encourage all to visit their National Parks! There are over 400 units, in every state…there’s something for everyone. Find your park!

Have you ever felt frustrated by your automobile? Tires? The Engine? Well, this “Dear Bess” letter is for you. Unfortunately, Harry Truman did not put a date on the letter, but the postmark, plus context, makes us believe this was written in April of 1914.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview

Dear Bess:

I am two days late on the letter but I guess you have some slight idea as to the reason. I have been endeavoring to learn to push an auto. My head is rather thick I suppose. Anyway I'm not an expert chauffeur as yet. It is to be hoped that there will be some improvement by Sunday. Have had a puncture already, killed the engine times without number, and got the batteries all worn out by running on them. It is as old man Fred remarked, when you have an auto there is nothing else to cuss about. Your mind is entirely occupied cussing the auto. I managed to get up Dodson hill on high and then killed the engine, getting up about a 2 per cent grade. There is only one thing I can brag about and that is that I can stay in the road. Got by some thousands of telegraph poles without disaster and then ran over a horseshoe full of nails. You can imagine the result of that.

Have you recovered from the big dose of music? I made the K.C.S. limited all right. It was exactly on time and I only waited about three minutes. Mary arrived the next morning and all she could do was talk music and auto. She has an insane desire to drive. She'll soon get it gratified for it's not much pleasure to me to drive. It's an awful amount of bother.

It is as I told you it would be when the car came home. It is raining like Sam Hill this morning and Papa wanted me to drive him to Independence! Ain't it awful what the weather can spoil sometimes. He seems to be fairly well pleased with the purchase. So does Uncle Harry, but neither of them are very anxious to let loose of any money. Papa is starting to the big town up the hill and I have to quit in order to get this mailed. I hope to arrive in Independence Sunday afternoon if nothing busts. Please don't expect the arrival too early but I'll get there some time if I have to take the train! Send me a letter this week since I'm behind almost two. Did you get the special Mary mailed?

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 14, 1918 A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-14-1918

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C5C76167-06D5-6037-6C307629E35126A1.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C5D8C691-DC9E-0A34-35D11117011E26B7 Dear Bess: April 14, 1918 National Park Service Today we feature an important letter from First Lieutenant Harry S Truman to Bess Wallace...a letter written shortly after Lieutenant Truman arrived in France. A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-14-1918 675 no full A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-14-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

A most important letter for you today, a letter written by First Lieutenant Harry S Truman, recently arrived in France, writing home to Miss Bess Wallace in Independence, Missouri. Lieutenant Truman shares his first impressions of France, shares a little about the voyage, and makes reference to the world of censoring letters, common practice in wartime. This letter is a splendid example of how Truman used his letters to Miss Wallace as a canvas, on which he painted wonderful illustrations with words.

Here's the letter.

Somewhere in France April 14, 1918

Dear Bess:

I landed today and have been trying to find a cable office that hasn't a U.S. censor in it. They won't let us cable for things like informing our people we landed safely because the wires are so crowded they can't send them. I guess you've got my cable I left in New York by this time anyway. My cussed pen went dry right up there and I had to get up and fill it. I am in a French hotel room about as big as your grandmother's room and the front hall combined and the floor's as cold as the top of a lake when it's frozen and the grip with the ink had to be as far from the bed as it could be. The electric switch turns off the light in the center of the room, and another turns lights on over the head of the bed. You can't light both at once—when one's on the other goes off automatically and as the bed is the warmest I am writing this in bed. We go to work tomorrow and I have been seeing this town, which is quite wonderful to me. It isn't Paris, but if Paris is as much livelier as it is bigger, Paris is some town. Wine and beer are sold here and most of the 35th Division have been in Oklahoma so long that they are trying to drink all there is here. They can't as the supply seems to be inexhaustible. Prices are marked strictly on the American plan in French money and they skin us alive. Our dinners cost as 10 francs apiece, about $1.80, so you see things are not so cheap. One fellow bought him a Sam Brown belt for 40 franks (I don't know why I spelled that with a k) and gave the man a ten-dollar bill. He got 60 francs in change and the belt so he made a belt and 3 francs by the deal and didn't know it until someone told him that ten dollars was 57 francs.

This is a beautiful place. I wish I could tell you where it is. (Call Boxley up.) The room I have at the Hotel des Voyageurs is furnished in mahogany with double lace curtains at its windows. It has a picture of Henry IV and his children on one side and Henry VIII of England at some state function on the other. There is a fire place (no fire) with a white marble mantelpiece, which has a Dutch clock under a glass case. (The clock doesn't run, probably on account of its age.) It is a beautiful gold affair with a couple of seventeenth-century pikemen on top of it. It is flanked by two exquisitely beautiful lamps and there is a large mirror over the whole thing about four feet square. The chairs are upholstered in red plush. It looks more like some count's bedroom than a hotel room.

I went to a picture show and saw Pearl White in one of the sections of a spasm that has been running a year or so over in U.S.A. The name and explanations were in French and I've forgotten its name but it was good old mellerdramer and I had not seen this episode. There was a comedy and another complete film that was good and a dancer named Miss Theer. We got tired and left before the show was over or I guess we could have been there yet. It began at two-thirty and we left at five-thirty, all for 1 franc 45 centimes—about 35 cents.

We had a most pleasant voyage and I found a well-formed rumor that we were sunk when we got to port. The navy has the army beaten forty ways for wild stories.

I've got to quit because it's 10:00 P.M. and lights go out at nine o'clock and I'm liable to get arrested.

Write me as below.

Yours always, Harry S. Truman, 1st Lt. 129th F.A. Det. 35th Division, A.E.F.

]]> Dear Mamma and Mary (Truman): April 5, 1947 You can see a digital copy of the "original" here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165318606

(The "original" is actually a photocopy...unfortunately Harry Truman's sister, Mary Jane, destroyed the originals.)

]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C9BF2AF6-B0D0-052D-806C06AE18077D20.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C9E040ED-0C82-8751-FFB419FF2F463319 Dear Mamma and Mary (Truman): April 5, 1947 National Park Service We have a special treat for you today...not a Dear Bess or a Dear Harry letter, but a rare letter that President Harry S Truman wrote to his mother and sister. We're grateful to have these letters. Writing letters like these to his family was quite important to Harry Truman. You can see a digital copy of the "original" here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165318606 (The "original" is actually a photocopy...unfortunately Harry Truman's sister, Mary Jane, destroyed the originals.) 199 no full You can see a digital copy of the "original" here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/165318606

(The "original" is actually a photocopy...unfortunately Harry Truman's sister, Mary Jane, destroyed the originals.)

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

Well, no Dear Bess or Dear Harry letter today…we thought we would try something different. Today, we would like to share a letter that President Harry S Truman wrote to his mother, Martha Ellen Truman, and his sister, Mary Jane Truman, on this date in 1947.

In a way we are lucky to have these letters. While preparing his memoirs, Harry Truman reviewed a lot of these letters, and his staff made photocopies. Mary Jane Truman, however, unfortunately destroyed the originals, so the photocopies are all that we have left. In letters to his family, Truman felt comfortable sharing his joys and frustrations as president. His family had the ability to be tonics for his soul. By the time this letter was written, Mamma Truman was in the last few months of her life. Mary Jane was the last surviving sibling, living until 1978.

Here's the letter.

The White House Washington

April 5, 1947

Dear Mamma & Mary:- I have, as usual been up to my eyes in work and haven't had a chance to write promptly. I was glad to get the Dr.'s letter and am hoping to see the pictures next time he takes them. I am glad Mrs. Lester i there with you and I hope you will be able to get Lillie when she leaves.

This has been a right hectic week. The Congress acts like a lot of school boys or even worse. They have been piddling around now for 90 days and have sent me four or five little bills affecting special things like extention (sic) of war powers in certain things and some special things for special sections of the country. But for real policy legislation - nothing.

The Atomic Energy Commission fight finally came to a test vote. Mr. Taft has succeeded in making a real fool of himself as have several other so called "leading" Republicans. I am of the opinion that the country has had about enough of their pin head antics.

Tonight I am to make a nation wide speech to the Democrats on policy. I hope it comes out all right.

Margaret will go to Independence Tuesday to be in Mary Shaws wedding. If the weather is good I may come out next Sunday. But don't count on it too much. Love to you both

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: April 1, 1911 A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FD651BFE-0164-A66C-E82A2F112100B70B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FD744CD6-C904-2B4B-207CBB46FE2CED43 Dear Bess: April 1, 1911 National Park Service A charming letter from Harry Truman to Bess Wallace from April 1, 1911. Some fascinating insight into Truman's work on the family farm in Grandview. Plus insights into what Mr. Truman and Miss Wallace were reading, and more. A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911 363 no full A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/april-1-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for April 1, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site.

This is not an April fool prank, but Harry Truman refers to April 1 in this letter from this day in 1911. This may have been about four months into their fabled courtship. It provides an exciting insight into his life on the farm in Grandview. Today, it takes us only minutes to get from Grandview to Independence. In their world, it was a much more extensive experience.

The Truman Home will be reopening for tours starting Wednesday, April 6, 2022, after a significant closure from COVID. We are open Wednesdays to Sundays. Come and see 219 North Delaware Street! And please visit the Truman Library, which has a wonderful exhibit focused on these marvelous letters.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. April 1, 1911

Dear Bessie,

I am glad your "umbrell" is a useful as well as ornamental article. You know they generally are not both.

I would certainly be glad to attend church with you in Independence and hear your choir.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 28/29, 1918 A digital copy of the letter can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-29-1918-postmark

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5E07C697-CF9E-9E10-5EFBA3D7C9DC6FC8.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5E2340B0-A78F-74FB-AAF26C5C06C52A29 Dear Bess: March 28/29, 1918 National Park Service A very significant letter for today...written by Harry Truman to Bess Wallace as he is preparing to ship to Europe to serve in the Great War. A digital copy of the letter can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-29-1918-postmark 304 no full A digital copy of the letter can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-29-1918-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

A significant Dear Bess letter for you today, postmarked on this date in 1918. After several months of difficult drilling and training, Harry Truman is prepared to make the trip across the ocean to serve in the Great War. We can only imagine how conflicted he was feeling inside. On one hand, he volunteered for this duty, and felt it his noble calling as a man and as an American. But on the other hand, he was leaving behind his mother, his sister, the family farm, and a beautiful blonde haired girl with the most beautiful blue eyes, who he has loved now for 28 years. She wanted to get married before he left, but he declined. He knew the risks of what he was doing, and didn’t want to leave Bess Wallace a widow. Note how Truman briefly explains how the censoring of letters would work. But he needed letters from Miss Wallace more than ever. In his uniform shirt pockets, Harry Truman kept photographs of his mother and sister, and one of Bess Wallace. They were like a forcefield for him.

Here's the letter.

Jersey City, N.J.

Dear Bess:

It is eleven o'clock and I've got to arise at three in order to get my goods and chattels in readiness to go on the boat, but I am going to write you one last letter on this side on the last day I can. I didn't get to see Gates because they kept me here until nearly two o'clock reading orders and instructions as to how we must act, what we must say and not say when we arrive in General Pershing's jurisdiction. About all we can write is "I am well if you are well it is well," and if we were to put that down S.V.B.E.V. they'd destroy the letter and probably hang us for spies. I don't suppose I can even say I love you, because some heartless censor would cut it out as a state secret and spoil what was on the other side. If you get any letters with strips cut out of them you'll know that is what I said and that I'm always saying it. I am awfully sorry but I didn't get to go to White's for the same reason I didn't get to see Gates. It was too late by the time I got through here to do anything whatever in town. If I'd stayed here another week I'd be writing home for money and I haven't got anything for it either only a very uncomfortable pair of feet because of their not being well acquainted with hard pavements. Have two immense blisters, which I never had in all my Ft. Sill marching and countermarching. Bought me a Sam Brown belt today and I look real fussy in it. They're the kind that have a strap over the shoulder and a broad red leather belt in the center with loud brass trimmings. Have to carry a can of brass polish to keep it looking well. It has a hook for a saber but I never expect to wear one.

I didn't get a letter today and I'm terribly disappointed. I know its Uncle Sam's fault on the delivery and I may get it on the boat anyway. Hope so.

My new address is 129th Field Artillery Detachment, 35th Division, A.E.F. via New York. It will take two envelopes to get it all on. Wired you today and as you are reading it I'll probably be going out of Sandy Hook behind a warship.

Remember that I've always loved you and shall continue to no matter what happens, and when the Great God Ammon Ra weighs me for good and for bad I'm hoping that will be for the main and principal cause of the good outweighing. I am hoping to cable you from Berlin soon.

Yours always, Harry

]]> Dear Harry: March 16, 1919 A digital copy of the original is here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/march-16-1919

]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F60B4900-B934-8A6C-AD3520A132BEF8C8.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F6238A43-B3C6-4263-4854697398E1DF41 Dear Harry: March 16, 1919 National Park Service A real treat today...the oldest known letter from Bess Wallace to Harry Truman! Full of some wonderful tidbits and a few insights into their upcoming wedding. While we wish we had more of Mrs. Truman's letters to her husband, we are grateful to have what we do, and grateful to the family for sharing them with us! A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/march-16-1919 317 no full A digital copy of the original is here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/march-16-1919

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for March 16, 2022, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a treat for you today…the oldest known letter from Bess Wallace to Harry Truman…from March 16, 1919. Unfortunately, it appears as if Mrs. Truman destroyed most of the letters that she wrote to Harry Truman, but we are more than grateful to have the ones we do. In this letter we get a fun insight into the upcoming nuptuals, which were to happen once Captain Truman returned home from serving in the War in France.

Here's the letter. It’s wonderful!

[Independence, Mo.] Sunday, March 16, 1919

Dear Harry, According to the Star's latest information you are on your way to Le Mans and I'm wondering if any of these last letters will ever be delivered. It seems to take them long enough to get to you even when postal authorities know where you are exactly-and if you begin to move again, what will happen to the letters?

Was mighty glad to get your letter of Feb. 18. Hadn't heard for such an age was afraid you were sick! Mary was worrying too, so I wrote her a card at once telling her I had had my letter in case she didn't get one in the same mail.

You may invite the entire 35th Division to our wedding if you want to. I guess it's going to be yours as well as mine. I guess we might as well have the church full while we are at it. I rather think it will be anyway whether we invite them or not, judging from a few remarks I've heard. What an experience the review etc. must have been. I'll bet D Battery looked grand and no wonder they led the Division. I couldn't help spilling that little bit of "info" to C. C. I hope you don't mind. Were you at all overcome at greeting the Prince of Wales? He doesn't mean any more to me than the orneriest doughboy but I know I'd choke if I had to address him. It was splendid you got to shake hands with Pershing.

I'll be just about ready alrighty when you come and then we can settle the last details. Mary said Mr. Morgan had a job waiting for you and if you should decide to put in part of your time there, you'll have another home waiting for you in Indep. for nothing would please Mother any better. She said we could have either floor we wanted. I wore my new spring bonnet out to Helen's last week and she said she hoped I wouldn't wear all the newness off it before you got here and I told her I hoped I wouldn't have the time to.

Polly and Ben and the kiddies are coming tomorrow. I don't know why in the world they are coming right now before Miss Jessie gets out of school. She won't enjoy them much, I'm afraid. Wish they could stay 'til after the wedding.

Hold on to the money for the car! We'll surely need one. Most anything that will run on four wheels. I've been looking at used car bargains today. I'll frankly confess I'm scared to death of Fords. I've seen and heard of so many turning turtle this winter-but we can see about that later. Just get yourself home and we won't worry about anything.

Did you hear that Mr. Morgan said he was going to give you a suit! Pretty fine-eh? Are you longing to get back into cits? Eugene says they sure feel fine.

Am glad you gave Colonel Elliot the calling down-in spite of Colonel Smith. I bet he needed it. It's strange that such widely different things as war and picnics will so surely show a man up. I've liked lots of people 'til I went on a picnic jaunt with them and you can say the same thing about several men 'til you went on a war "jaunt" with them-eh? The dear ex- Colonel landed Friday.

I must quit. Hope you have the chance to cable as you said.

Loads of Love, Devotedly, Bess

Mother sends her love.

This certainly is some scratching but I'm sitting in the big chair under the light and it isn't easy to write.

]]> Dear Bess: March 10, 1913 A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/96CA6A5E-F0C1-0BDC-1EA6FD2828335D42.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-96D91A93-C023-14C6-3DC127B1E357E65F Dear Bess: March 10, 1913 National Park Service A fascinating letter today, with a lot in it. Harry Truman is apologizing to Bess Wallace for what must have been an interesting dialogue...we wish we had Bess' letters to gain a clearer picture. And it's always fun to hear an insight into Truman's Uncle Harrison Young, whom the future president was named after. A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7 1017 no full A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-10-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=7

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for March 10, 2022…brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Our letter for you today was postmarked on this date, March 10, in 1913. It’s certainly one for which we wish we had a corresponding “Dear Harry” letter, yet none from this period from Mrs. Truman are known to survive. We can only imagine the conversation that led to the opening line in this letter, whether it was on paper, over the phone or in person.

Here’s the letter. It’s fascinating.

Grandview Postmarked March 10, 1913

Dear Bess: You are muchly mistaken if you think I was in a bad humor when I penned your last epistle. It may have sounded as if I was because I laid such emphasis on having no mammy at home or because I was at the time disgusted with pinheads in general and myself in particular. You see I'd just succeeded in bringing on my stiff neck again and I was sure it was a mollycoddle stunt. I'll try and be more cheerful this time. For one thing I've been to see Mamma this morning and she's promised to come home and visit us a few minutes tomorrow. I took Uncle Harrison down to see his grandnephew and niece. The girl laughed at him and was glad to see him, but the boy yelled every time he came near. I guess the girl was flirting young, showing plainly that she is a girl by smiling sweetly on an old bachelor. Ethel says widows and old bachelors have the fun anyway.

I sealed your letter and the thing came unsealed after it started. The stickum on these envelopes is not of the best. I shall put some extra paste on this one. (I said paste because I can't spell the other word.) If there is any other apology I ought to offer, except for a lack of brain power which I can't help, it is hereby offered for that last spasm of mine called a letter.

I don't know what I was intending to prove by your letters. It was something important at the time. I guess I'll read them back for six weeks or so and then tell you. I was reading of a girl not long ago who read a letter to her mother and told her it was from one of her young man friends. The mother raised sand with her and told her she never heard of such gush. The girl showed her her father's signature and it is said you could hear the snow falling out in the backyard. I think that was a most awful mean and undutiful daughter. My dear uncle is sawing logs on the couch. Every once in a while he hits a splinter and such a choking and scraping of saw teeth (false teeth) you never heard. He holds the record for snoring. He was cussing the jail system this morning. He said if he had his way he'd close every church and jail in the country. Just build a stockade and head the criminals into it and give them a hundred stripes with a whip for the first offense and hang 'em for the second. Then he said judges and marshals and all other such truck would be unnecessary and useless. I don't know why he included churches in the destruction but I guess it's because he hates preachers so badly. He says a highwayman is a gentleman alongside of a preacher or detective. He can almost convince you that it's so, too. I don't think they are quite so bad as a class but there are individuals among preachers who ought not to be able to look a good highwayman in the face. There was once a Presbyterian one in Belton who was a quack doctor and a genuine dinky hoss trader. He's the only really great character that burg ever produced. They tell a story about him when he was going to medical college in St. Louis. He was very hard up for cash and went away from school for two or three weeks, when he came back he had plenty of money. One of his classmates asked him where he'd been and he said, "Oh I'se been down here in Kentucky preaching like ----- for the last three weeks." He'd been holding a camp meeting and industriously passing the hat. It is said that he could preach a sermon that would make a marble statue weep. He could also make a horse trader weep over his bargain. He finally did some shady medical practice and they fired him. And do you know every woman and kid in the church cried and the men hated to see him go. I guess he was a genius with a screw loose. I wish you'd go to the Orpheum Saturday, but if you won't I guess I'll give Boxley a hint to take me tomorrow. I have to go see him tomorrow. Will try and call up this time. Our lawsuit comes up next Monday and I guess I'll be busy as a cranberry merchant on the twenty-fourth of December for the rest of this week. Here's hoping Warfield has a comedy show instead of one to make the caryatids weep as he did last season.

You now owe me a letter. You can let one of them come Wednesday and the other Friday.

Most sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: March 1, 1919 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-1-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/8CA2B283-F2FD-F269-F4B0FDCE7F3A2B03.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-8CB46063-D2CB-6E8A-D1DB1AC831A5C38F Dear Bess: March 1, 1919 National Park Service Captain Harry Truman wrote this letter to his fiancee Bess Wallace shortly before returning home to Jackson County, Missouri. It's full of some fascinating tidbits. Please be sure to check out the digital copy of the original, as it's a wonderful example of a well-written letter! It's here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-1-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3 1277 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/march-1-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

We’d like to share with you a fascinating letter today, written on this date in 1919, shortly before Captain Harry S Truman returned home from serving in France during the Great War. Please take the time to follow the link and take a look at the original letter on the Truman Library’s website. Truman wrote it on Knights of Columbus letterhead. The Knights of Columbus was, and is, a Catholic fraternal organization. Captain Truman had many Catholics in his artillery battery, and remained close to them for the rest of his life. In the letter, Captain Truman talks some military politics with his fiancée Bess Wallace.

Here's the letter. Rosieres, France, near Bar-le-Duc March 1, 1919

Dearest Bess: This has been a beautiful sunny day - the only one for a long time and the first one this month! It was made more joyous by two letters from you. The days are always fine when mail from home comes even when it's raining. My first sergeant reminded me of a day in the drive when I was chasing around figuring a barrage and raising sand with everyone in sight when the mail man gave me a letter from you and I calmed down at once and forgot the barrage, battery and everything else for a while. You won't be the only one to weep when we meet I'm afraid. I'm glad you like the pictures. They flatter me considerably but then we all like picture that make us look better than we are. It was no joke about that fool horse inspector wanting us to cook oats for our horses. He was canned shortly afterwards though and my horses are gone to Germany or somewhere else now and I don't have horse inspectors to worry about any more, and I hope I never have. We only have inspection of the men now - clothes, billets, mess etc etc. I didn't take any pleasure in making that fellow cry who overstayed his time in Verdun and I'd rather be beaten than call a man down but I have to do it to make 'em behave and to keep my job with honor and efficiency. It's one of the many requirements in Army Regulations to make men obey the rules but I don't like to do it. And as for ever thinking of calling you down - why I'd go jump in the river first. I can't even remember of having called Mary down for anything badly as she needs it sometimes. You'll have to do all the disciplining in our household because my heart fails me on cronic [sic] rule breakers and hard cookies in the army if they put up the right kind of talk.

I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Bryant's death. Please extend my heartfelt sympathy to Helen. There's nothing much you can do or say in a case of that kind because it's something we've all got to look forward to but may the day be far distant when either of us have to face the same situation. We have two mothers that are only produced once in the world and if I had my way they'd live forever, or at least as long as I do. But we don't order such things and I reckon it's as well for us we don't.

I had hoped that C. C. Bundschu would keep his mouth closed and state only the real facts relative to himself and let the rest of us alone. As far as I've heard he seems to be making some statements that may make it rather unpleasant for some of us when we get home. K. D. K. [Col. Klemm] was not popular with officers nor men but he played no favorites. He was just as mean to one as another and I think it was a policy he inaugurated from some mistaken idea of German discipline being the best brand. He's been transferred to the 106th at his own request because it's going home before we do. To give him his due he is an efficient officer and would have been a Brigadier General had the war gone on another sixty days. I'm off of him for life but I don't care about its being made public property just yet. He didn't treat me any worse than he did the rest of his B. C. but my Irish thought he did and probably conversed more about him than they should have. Take all the early talk from the first arrivals with a grain of salt because I'm sure they'll talk too much. I hope I shan't have to say a word when I get home either in public or in private about anyone of the 129th to hurt his standing at home. As I told you C. C. was sent home for inefficiency - unjustly we all thought but if he goes to talking too much we won't be so sure about the unjustness of it.

Capt Thatcher is Major Thatcher now and Major (Doctor) Wilson is a Lt. Col. They both deserve the promotion and we're all glad they got it. Col. Elliott is still with and so are Maj's. Miles & Gates. Col. E. T. Smith of the 106th FA is our new commanding officer and he's a good one. Regular Army man, not a West Pointer which is in his favor.

My Battery is still producing champions. I have the Division Featherweight and Lightweight boxers in my organization. Have a man on the Division football team and two men on the basketball team. I lay claim to having had the shootingest outfit, I hope to have the best marching one and I know that when it comes to hand to hand combat no other battery has me beaten. If we can't find someone to lick in an adjacent organization we begin on ourselves. One of the men came into my office this morning and informed my clerk that two of my hearties had just had the best fist fight he'd ever seen. I was not supposed to hear of it and I didn't. I saw 'em both afterwards and from the appearance of 'em it must have been a right successful go. They are friends now and no harm done. I sure feel sorry for Henry Allen if this outfit ever gets to him.

Be sure and keep writing because the letter'll follow us up even to Funston. I love you

Always Harry.

Harry S. Truman Capt 129 FA American E. F.

]]> Dear Bess: February 25, 1919 Harry Truman was most fond of the men under his command, and he writes about them a bit in this letter. And he's ready to come home and marry Miss Bess Wallace.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-25-1919

]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F153A0D6-0CDF-4214-3BFD45CBFC155FE7.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F16FBD67-CFBE-8371-2B3B45CD934B870B Dear Bess: February 25, 1919 National Park Service A most charming letter for today, written on this date in 1919, as Captain Harry S Truman and his men are awaiting word that they'll be coming home after serving nobly in France in the Great War. Harry Truman was most fond of the men under his command, and he writes about them a bit in this letter. And he's ready to come home and marry Miss Bess Wallace. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-25-1919 629 no full Harry Truman was most fond of the men under his command, and he writes about them a bit in this letter. And he's ready to come home and marry Miss Bess Wallace.

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-25-1919

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 25, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a gem of a letter for you today, written by Captain Harry S Truman, still in France following the cessation of hostilities of World War I. He wrote it on this date in 1919. Captain Truman is anxious to board a transport ship and come home to America, mostly because soon after he gets home he will marry Miss Bess Wallace, whom he has loved for about 29 years.

Harry Truman was quite proud of the men under his command. Although some of his men died from illness and disease, not one man from the 129th Field Artillery was lost in battle. Harry Truman was proud of the service he and his battery provided during the war.

Here’s the letter.

February 25, 1919 Rosieres, France, near Bar-le-Duc Dear Bess:

I scored again today. Got a letter from you and it had a Hershey in it praise be. Of course the letter is a joy forever, but a letter and a Hershey - well its worth two praise be's and several thank you's. We can't obtain Hersheys over here and in my opinion there's hardly any chocoloate that equals it for flavor and satisfaction. We get a brand over here that's made by an old party named Menier. It's called Chocolat Menier and it's like Walter Bakers brand that you put in cakes only it's sweet. I hope you'll encore that stunt, and do it often. Yes we are ordered to Le Mans and are schedule to sail April 20, 1919. But don't put too much faith in that date because such festivals are movable and not fixed. If we shouldn't succeed in getting our men altered to fit their service records it may require an unreeling of pink tape to such an extent that we'll be delayed thirty days. What's a mere 30 days to G. H. Q. (which some say means get home quick - I doubt it myself)? There's also a new General Order out to the effect that all battery and company commanders whose funds are messed up will be detached from their organizations and held in France until a proper balance is struck. Now they may reach out and yank me off the gang plank just as I'm getting aboard in order to have me untangle my money from the company's but if they do I'll be much richer by some hundred of francs. You know a battery commander has as many duties and as much prying around to do as the chairwoman of a Ladies Aid; besides having to write to various wives, widows, mothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and paw in laws as to the general health and financial condition of Privates James William O'Grady, King and O'Toole, you've got to keep 'em clothed and fed. If they lose their clothes or trade 'em for Vin Rouge and don't make 'em pay for the loss the B. C.'s stuck. If your reserve ration goes up in Willie Stew by a careless mess sergeant the B C pays. If the battery fund gets tangled the B. C. pays etc etc ad lib. One bird I have refused to write to his mother because Uncle Sam fined him $60.00 for going A W O L to see her and I got a letter from the Commanding General of the Second Army wanting to know why I didn't make him write her. Well he did all right, all right but he wound up his epistle by saying he was only doing it because the Captain would put him in the jug if he didn't, and I let it go because it was true.

They aren't all like that though. I have an overwhelming majority I wouldn't trade for a million dollars. They have real Irish hearts and they love their mother and sweetheart just that way. Some letters to mothers I've censored are masterpieces and I know they are meant because I know the men.

I don't think there's any of 'em thought who are as deeply in love as their own Captain to whom they bring their troubles and I guess that's why he can sympathise with 'em.

Please write as often as you can to one who loves you madly.

Always yours Harry. Harry S. Truman Captain 129 FA American E. F.

]]> Dear Bess: February 16, 1911 That is one of the most key lines from all of the Dear Bess letters...that Harry Truman is an optimist.

A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-16-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F845587A-FEE9-7CE7-916458A2C8222AF5.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F8DA7820-B282-3A96-C4EDB69E5074C365 Dear Bess: February 16, 1911 National Park Service A gem of a letter today. Harry Truman again allows his pen to tell Miss Wallace about his travels, about some horse trading...and talks about how he is an optimist in life. That is one of the most key lines from all of the Dear Bess letters...that Harry Truman is an optimist. A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-16-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 937 no full That is one of the most key lines from all of the Dear Bess letters...that Harry Truman is an optimist.

A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-16-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 16, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a compelling letter for you today, written February 16, 1911. It has everything you could want in a Dear Bess letter. Harry Truman relays to Bess Wallace some of the daily happenings on the farm in Grandview and elsewhere. His fascination with and devotion to Miss Wallace is most evident. But note Truman’s line about being an optimist. It’s a key line in understanding Harry S Truman. No matter the situation in life, Truman had the remarkable ability to be positive about the situation. It was an important part of his personality. And it served him well when he eventually served in government office. And it served America well from 1945 to 1953 while he was President of the United States.

Here's the letter…

Grandview, Mo.

February 16, 1911

Dear Bessie,

I caught the train I was after Tuesday night. I got off at Sheffield and walked about a mile and a half north to Air Line Junction. I was scared to an icicle almost, but it was all for nothing. I didn't even see a hobo. You know not so long ago a man was held up on the Kansas City Southern tracks right where I had to go. They made him exchange clothes and then knocked him on the head for luck. I would not mind the knock on the head so much but I certainly wouldn't enjoy the other. I am not going where I'll even get knocked in the head though if I know it.

I certainly did enjoy myself Tuesday night. That stew couldn't be beat. You know I have always had a kind of a desire to be a chafing dish artist, but I never even had the dish. Ethel had one you know and I got so I could make fudge on it. Farmers have no use for chafing dishes. They have to plow, put up hay, and trade horses. A fellow traded me a horse yesterday. That is, he parted me from a hundred dollars and I have a horse. You know horse trading is the cause of the death of truth in America. When you go to buy they'll tell you anything on earth to get your money. You simply have to use your own judgment, if you have any. I haven't much but I think I got my money's worth. Can't tell though until I work him a few days. A neighbor of ours once had a sale of his furniture and stock. He had a great may horses and some that were no good. He had one that was probably an octogenarian in the horse world. He was very aged anyway. This horse he wanted to sell to a poor lame man who had tried to by it before the sale. So he took a quart of bad whiskey and soaked the poor lame one and then told him he wasn't going to put the horse up. Well that fellow begged so hard that the horse was sold to him for $170. Just about $100 more than it was worth. The owner had a "buy bidder" to run him up. So that between the booze and the bidder he was mulcted for $100. O' the honest farmer. I have found that they sell gold bricks now. That is what rural delivery and party-line phones have done for our uplift.

I am not a pessimist though. There are some honest ones and they are always well thought of even by the crooks. They are always the last ones you get acquainted with too.

We have moved around quite a bit and always the best people are the hardest to know. I don't know why that is either.

My ink is in the same condition as yours. Mary has ordered ink for the last half-dozen times. I have been where it can be bought. But I can never remember it until I go to write. I sincerely hope you forgive this excuse for a letter. You know I am somewhat behind on sleep and the wheels that constitute my brain refuse to run smoothly and therefore I cannot write a decent letter. When a person has hired help he has to be up and thinking all the time to keep them busy as well as be busy himself all the time. If they can draw your money and do nothing, they are all willing to do it. I know because I've been there myself. You've probably heard of George Ade's man who bothered the directors so much for more money that they made him a director, and he was the best man to browbeat the clerks in the whole establishment ever after.

That's usually the case. It's all a matter of viewpoint. A man's might lucky if he has two.

I am not going to bore you any longer. I hope you answer it though.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 11, 1913 (postmarked) And always nice to hear a little bit about Harry Truman's father, John. He died too soon, and too young.

]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/26D70284-A82E-C35A-BE285E314508E1A6.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-26E316DC-C346-5F6C-40B854D5A2C7E2C8 Dear Bess: February 11, 1913 (postmarked) National Park Service Another fun letter for you today. Miss Wallace wants to frame Mr. Truman's picture! In a silver frame! And always nice to hear a little bit about Harry Truman's father, John. He died too soon, and too young. 818 no full And always nice to hear a little bit about Harry Truman's father, John. He died too soon, and too young.

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

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

We have a great letter for you today, postmarked on this date, February 11, in 1913. If you ever need proof that Harry S Truman was ever completely head over heels in love with Bess Wallace, the first few lines of this letter will suffice. It’s wonderful, too, to hear Truman refer to his father, John. John A Truman was a much respected livestock trader, with a good reputation in Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, and elsewhere. It’s unfortunate that John Truman, who died in late 1914, didn’t live to see the successful adults his children became, including one President of the United States.

Here’s the letter.

Postmark February 11, 1913 Grandview Feb. 10, 1913

Dear Bess: You have succeeded in enlarging the size of my hat. The idea of anyone, especially you, ever wanting to decorate my striking likeness with a silver frame has almost made me unable to contain myself with any degree of satisfaction. I even smiled when Mary informed me we were out of water at 6:30 P.M. after a hard day's work too. You know it is necessary for us to haul water a half mile. Also it was dark at six-thirty this evening. I had to hitch up a horse to get that water and eat supper all alone. I can only attribute my good humor to that request. Hang the chaperon. She generally (he I should say) doesn't know straight up about common sense. She (he) can write piffle about how may fingers to stick out when you eat salad and if it's proper to eat pie ala mode with a spoon when ice cream is slushy but for good sense she (he) is no authority. You may be sure I'd never have the effrontery to offer my photo to you because that, it seems to me, would be a case of rank egotism. You want one, you ask for it, you swell my head, make me feel good which is a good deed anyway Q.E.D. Hang the chaperone. I have had a very strenuous day my reason factory is not very good, but you'll get that tintype if I have to bust one dozen cameras. A silver frame! I can't live it down. Now don't forget I want yours worse than ever.

My dad arrived with his two loads of cows last night at seven o'clock. Mamma said he was on his ear in proper fashion when I wasn't there to meet him. He called me in the morning from Lowry City, and the K.C. central had to repeat the message, and instead of leaving that town at 5:00 P.M. he left at noon. She called at twelve o'clock and five o'clock. I'm glad she did. There was no harm done and I spent the evening where I wanted to. We have more old cows now than you have chickens I guess. Fifty-two new ones and thirty we already had. It sounds like the stockyards on a busy day. Of course there are some calves and the cows have more trouble sorting out their proper calves than the people did their babies after the Virginian's mixing them up. Instead of being two hours night and morning tending to the cows it is now twelve hours all day. I am of the opinion it will grow pretty old before grass comes. Anyway Papa is very happy he can get up at unearthly hours and cipher around with a lantern and stay out at night long enough to use one. He would rather yell at a cow than eat a meal. I would rather eat. His being away from home has caused me to get in bad with the W.C.T.U. The mayor of Grandview arrested the saloon man for selling whiskey. He asked me to go his bond to keep him out of jail. I went it same as I'd go a preacher's if he asked me to. This man's a pretty good fellow only he sells booze. I don't suppose it would have done him any good to stay in jail and I'm sure he likes me better. The only ones who will have it in for me are the "backyarders" as Uncle Harrison calls the North Carolinians. I'm not hankerin' for their friendship anyway. They yell temperance and want to lynch a saloon man but they'll go to the city and get gloriously stewed. I told them if they wanted really to shut up the saloon to do as I do and drink no booze, then the saloon man would have to get a pick and shovel and go to work.

I am going to send for Mr. Faversham's tickets for Thursday evening of the week he's here. Will that suit you? We have a man from St. Claire County here. He came home with Papa. It is my duty to show him K.C. tomorrow. Do you envy me my job? I don't. He's a fine man and I like him but I'd rather do something else. He's never been to K.C. and I don't know what to show him except Emery, Bird, Thayer's Eleventh Street entrance and the Shubert (from the outside). Maybe he'll get down to the stockyards and be so interested we can spend the day there. Let's hope so.

You owe me a letter. Also may I come Sunday as usual? Wait till we sell a cow and I'll get you that tintype.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 7, 1911 A digital copy of the letter can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-7-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/62ADA269-BB3D-3178-9DCA0F76FF6CB2FB.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-62BD7522-BF99-B6E1-E87F7B485EDBA0B9 Dear Bess: February 7, 1911 National Park Service This is a fascinating letter. Harry Truman, exuberant after a visit to see Miss Bess Wallace, thanks her for welcoming him. He also shares his thoughts on religion, including a humorous story in the style of Mark Twain. He also mentions his piano playing, which was better than he gives himself credit for. A digital copy of the letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-7-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6 994 no full A digital copy of the letter can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/february-7-1911?documentid=NA&pagenumber=6

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 7, 2022, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

A fun letter for you today, with a lot in it. This is the fourth-oldest known Dear Bess letter, written on this date in 1911. Harry Truman is very much on cloud nine from experiencing a recent visit to 219 North Delaware Street in Independence. Was it on this visit that Truman played the piano for Bess Wallace’s mother, Madge Gates Wallace? Mrs. Wallace’s father, George Porterfield Gates, who built the 219 North Delaware Street we know today, bought the piano that Truman likely played in June of 1883, from the Smith American Organ Company, which had an office in Kansas City. It may be that the Steinway piano in the home today, bought around 1932 by the Trumans, replaced this piano.

In this letter, too, Harry Truman makes mention of his memories of First Presbyterian Church in Independence. It was there that young Harry Truman, age 6, met Miss Bess Wallace, age 5. There was never another girl for Harry Truman. They had a destiny. They just didn’t know it yet.

Here’s the letter.

Grandview, Mo. February 7, 1911

Dear Bessie: You were right. I was about to send you another epistle but thought I had better wait, maybe you would remember that you were indebted to me for one.

I certainly enjoyed myself the evening I was there and you may be assured I shall repeat the offense as often as I can or you will allow me. That cake and coffee couldn't be beat. I am like a girl that once boarded where I did. She said there was nothing better than cake but more cake. I heartily agree with her. It makes no difference about the variety just so it's cake.

I think you and Nellie could probably get some religious excitement on Ethel's part if you would do as a certain woman did Aunt Susan was telling me about.

You know they used to hold outdoor meetings when the weather was good and everyone for miles around attended and stayed sometimes for weeks. Along in the fifties they were holding a meeting not far from here and the preacher had exhorted and ranted and done everything else they usually do when they try to get something started as they call it, but it was no use. He wasn't a quitter though. Finally down one of the aisles one of the good sisters jumped out and began screaming and dancing up and down as they usually do when they get religion. The preacher made a dive for her with his hand extended saying, "Oh! Sister I am so glad to see you come out and say you have religion." Her answer between screams was, "I haven't got it. I haven't got it. There's a lizard on my dress." And she kept on dancing until Aunt Sue and someone else took her outside and one of those little lizards fell off her dress. Try it on Ethel. It will work I think.

I remember Miss Southern very well. Your opinion of her is good. Mary said that the preacher was giving dancers, card players, and theater-goers fits. Well he has done all these things until he is tired of them. Now he has taken to no preaching for a change. I also have strayed from the Presbyterian fold, though I remember my Sunday school days very well. I am by religion like everything else. I think there is more in acting than in talking. I had an uncle who said when one of his neighbors got religion strong on Sunday, he was going to lock his smokehouse on Monday. I think he was right from the little I have observed.

We had a neighbor out here who could pray louder and talk more fervently in meetin' than anyone I ever heard. He'd say in every prayer, "O Lord help this congregation to stop and think where they's a going at." We finally found that he beat his wife and did everything else that's "ornery".

I think religion is something one should have on Wednesday and Thursday as well as on Sunday. Therefore I don't believe these protracted meetings do any real good. They are mostly excitement and when the excitement wears off people are as they always were. I like to play cards and dance as far as I know how and go to shows and do all the things they said I shouldn't, but I don't feel badly about it. I go when I feel like it and the good church members are glad to hear what it's like. You see I'm a member but not a strenuous one. I suppose I am getting to be a bore by this time but I like to get letters so well, especially from you, that I do the best I can to deserve them. I shall be in Independence on the fourteenth to attend the probate court (think of it), and if you are at home I should like very much to come around again.

I am glad your mother likes my efforts on the piano. I am ashamed of it myself. But you know a farmer can't be a pianist much as he'd like to be. Mary is getting to be a pretty good piano player. Ivory tickler, as Shorty Short says. He says his piano has a wheelbarrow movement and a fire escapement. It was an old-fashioned square.

Write when you can to

Yours sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: February 1916 (likely, undated) A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/ca-february-1916-no-date?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F6AD5F06-B391-9BA1-C224DEB1E64AD6BE.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F6BE6C14-FA77-4A75-09B9837FD7D9E421 Dear Bess: February 1916 (likely, undated) National Park Service This is a fun letter to read. Hopefully it's fun to hear. It's an undated letter. But if you've ever had bad luck with a car, even one you love, you can sympathize with Harry Truman. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/ca-february-1916-no-date?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 852 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/ca-february-1916-no-date?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for February 1, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We’d like to highlight a fun letter for you today, although we doubt Harry Truman would consider this letter fun. Unfortunately we don’t have a date for this letter, as Truman did not note a date on the letter, and there is no postmark on the envelope. It’s believed that it’s from February, 1916, based on the chain of events in the letter. One of the great characters in the Harry Truman/ Bess Wallace courtship is an automobile. By this time, Truman was driving a car known as a Stafford, a touring car model, built in Kansas City. Truman had bought the car a few years before, and used it for more efficient travels from Grandview to Independence to visit family and Miss Wallace. The car was impressive for its day, but as you’ll hear the car required a lot of maintenance. Unfortunately, Harry Truman sold his car shortly before leaving for France in the Great War. But thankfully we have several photographs showing Harry Truman and Lizzie, including some with Bess Wallace. The car succeeded in its mission and started Harry Truman’s love affair with cars.

Katy Flyer, Okla. [no postmark]

Dear Bess:

I am going to send you a penciled note to let you know how I came to be here.

I suppose that you remember that I started for Monegaw Springs on Sunday. Mamma went along and we almost reached the springs without an accident. We got within a half mile of them and ran over a stump. I spilled Uncle Harry over the front seat and threw Mamma over my own head. Neither of them were hurt, except Uncle Harry renewed his profane vocabulary. I backed Lizzie off the stump and ran her into town with a badly bent axle. Mamma and I started for home at 6:00 a.m. on Monday. Got within seventy-five miles of it and it began to rain. Had the nicest slipping time you ever saw. What with a crooked axle and a bent steering wheel I could hardly stay in the road. Five miles south of Harrisonville Lizzie took a header for the ditch and got there, smashing a left front wheel into kindling. I phoned to Ferson and he sent me his front wheel. The accident happened within a half mile of a R.R. station, Lone Ture by name. Mamma and I sat there from 1:30 til 8:00 p.m. waiting for the wheel. It arrived all right and I couldn't get it on. Then it began to rain in real earnest. I got soaked. A good farmer came and took us up to his house and we stayed all night. Next morning he hitched his team to Lizzie and pulled her out of the ditch. (I had tried to put the wheel on wrong end to, the night before.) He would not have a cent for keeping me nor pulling the car out. We started for Harrisonville and get about five miles north of there when we ran through a puddle and get the mag wet. Had to phone back to Harrisonville and get a man to come and tear it up--cost a five-dollar bill. Another good farmer took us to dinner free. Finally got to Grandview at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday. Mr. Hall called me and said if I wanted to go to Texas and New Mexico free, R.R. fare sleeper and meals, I could. Took Lizzie to town and gave Ferson his wheel, left her at the factory, and I'm on way to Ft. Worth and the Pecos Valley aboard a special Pullman with a nice crowd of farmers. Several of my close neighbors are along. I endeavored to call you last night but your line was busy. I wanted to come over and see you before I left and also borrow your Kodak. Hope you'll excuse this scrawl as I forgot my pen and stationery.

You are the only one getting any letters this trip. Hope to be home by Sunday and get a ride in the new car while Lizzie has only three feet. I'm headed for Ft. Stockton, Texas, clean off the map on the western border.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Margaret: January 28, 1952 In this letter, Harry Truman, father, gives his daughter some sage advice. The pride that he felt for his daughter is most evident.

A digital copy of this letter can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-196

]]> Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4BE86258-B4FD-E37B-1D103BDB23AC692A.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4C084514-9348-E8BA-12D68ACEC9F0AA1E Dear Margaret: January 28, 1952 National Park Service A Harry Truman classic, written by the President to his daughter on this date in 1952. Margaret Truman by this time had been a professional singer for several years now, and was selling out concert halls around the globe. In this letter, Harry Truman, father, gives his daughter some sage advice. The pride that he felt for his daughter is most evident. A digital copy of this letter can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-196 321 no full In this letter, Harry Truman, father, gives his daughter some sage advice. The pride that he felt for his daughter is most evident.

A digital copy of this letter can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-margaret-truman-1927-196

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 28, 2022, from Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

But today, instead of a Dear Bess or Dear Harry letter, we have an absolutely wonderful Dear Margaret letter, from this date in 1952. Mary Margaret Truman was born in February, 1924, in 219 North Delaware Street. She was very much the apple of her parents’ eyes. When she was born, she was the fourth generation living inside the house, as Elizabeth Gates, Madge Gates Wallace, Bess Wallace Truman and now Margaret were under one roof. Unfortunately grandmother Gates died a few months later, and Margaret had no memory of her.

For many years in her youth, Margaret shuttled between Washington and Independence while her father served as United States Senator for Missouri. This continued while her father was President of the United States. She had sort of an agreement with her father…she wanted to be a professional singer, he wanted her to finish college. She did, and embarked upon a singing career that took her around the globe, and signed a recording contract with RCA Records. In addition to being a singer, Margaret Truman became a radio and television performer, and was a prolific writer. Her biographies of her parents are essential reading. Margaret Truman died in early 2008, a few days before her 85th birthday. The bond between father and daughter is evident in this letter. Have a listen.

[The White House, Washington, D.C.] January 28, 1952

Dear Margie:-

It was a most happy weekend. It always is when you are with your mamma and daddy.

Your pop has been carefully watching the progress and change in his daughter - just as he watched it from five to fifteen. You've never had any advice from your dad except in your interest. When you were anxious to be a singer at fifteen your dad told you to be sure you had an education first. You took his advice. Now you are faced with a successful career. Be very careful that you remember your background and bringing up. Sometimes I'm almost in sympathy with your tough old Grandma Wallace when she weeps and storms about your "show" appearances. But you do not have to let those people pull you down. You can raise them up! I want you to succeed in whatever you undertake. To do that you must give it all you have, keep your balance and display all the Truman-Wallace mulishness where right and wrong are in the balance. Right must always prevail.

Do not let the glamour of the Rockefellers, the Watsons and the so called "stars" get you. There are decent honorable people among the "Big Rich" just as there are among the very poor. Honor knows no class. It is just as great and as necessary at one of the scale as at the other. No one can say which is the top. Jesus Christ was the son of a carpenter (the foster son) and was one himself. He was looked down upon by the "Socially Great" of his time. So was Martin Luther, John Knox, Wycliff, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln.

Remember always to keep your balance no matter how great you may become in your own time. Great men and women are assayed in future generations.

Your dad may never be reckoned among the "Great" but you can be sure he did his "level best" and gave all he had to his country. There's an epitaph in "boot hill" cemetery in Tombstone, Ariz., which reads "Here lies Jack Williams. He done his damndest." What more can a person do? I hope that will be yours and your dad's epitaphs.

Love. Dad.

]]> Dear Bess: January 25, 1912 You can see a digital copy of this letter here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912

]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/BA3CB663-E635-4E68-06DD2A70DDB2074C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-BA5A7D1F-DFBD-F81C-635BEE1B5A1228BA Dear Bess: January 25, 1912 National Park Service A most interesting letter from early 1912. In the letter, Harry Truman again opens his heart to Miss Bess Wallace, with a touch of self-consciousness about his situation. Was he worthy of Miss Wallace? Could he ever be? You can see a digital copy of this letter here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912 368 no full You can see a digital copy of this letter here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-25-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, 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, from January 25, 1912. In this letter, Harry Truman refers to going to his Aunt Ella’s home…she lived at 216 North Delaware Street in Independence, across the street from where Bess Wallace lived. Harry Truman often stayed at 216 North Delaware when visiting Miss Wallace. There is a lot of interesting tidbits in this letter…but note in the middle of the letter a reference to a proposal!

In the first paragraph of the letter, Harry Truman uses the phrase “Dutch Jew.” We share the line exactly as he wrote it. It’s an interesting letter to re-read in context of what Harry S Truman did as President of the United States over 36 years later.

Grandview, Mo. January 25, 1912

Dear Bessie:

I simply can't get "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" of my mind. I think it's the prettiest waltz song of the whole bunch. Mary has gone dippy over "Day Dreams" and won't let me have the piano to play it cause she wants to herself. I wrote you the craziest letter after I got to K.C. Tuesday evening you would ever read. I didn't have the nerve to send it next day. Did you know you made a most excellent joke Sunday evening and neither of us laughed? I had asked you if you weren't tired of my hanging around so long at a time. You of course said I was who would get tired and I said I would never get tired. Then you, thinking I suppose that something was coming sure enough, grabbed the weather and said, "Oh heck I wish I had some rubber boots!" And we never laughed. I'm glad, for I meant it. You shouldn't have been afraid of my getting slushy or proposing until I can urge you to come to as good a home as you have already. I don't think any man should expect a girl to go to a less comfortable home than she's used to. I'd just like to be rich for two reasons. First to pay my debts and give Mamma a fine house to live in, and second and greatest, I'd make love to you so hard you'd either have to say yes or knock me on the head. Still, if I thought you cared a little I'd double my efforts to amount to something and maybe would succeed. I wouldn't ask you to marry me if I didn't. Say, now ain't it awful -I have already burned up two perfectly good sheets of stationery to keep from saying that, but this one goes. If you don't like that part skip it, which you can't because you won't know it's there. Well, it's just what I think and I mean every word of it.

Sincerely,

Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 21, 1913 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

The originals of these wonderful letters are preserved in perpetuity by the Truman Library and their wonderful staff.

]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E6DC8479-B6B7-6898-25FBC7BA4F9CF124.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E6F83AB2-D58E-EF88-BBE82224FCA601D4 Dear Bess: January 21, 1913 National Park Service A charming letter, postmarked this date in 1913. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1 The originals of these wonderful letters are preserved in perpetuity by the Truman Library and their wonderful staff. 397 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-21-1913-postmark?documentid=NA&pagenumber=1

The originals of these wonderful letters are preserved in perpetuity by the Truman Library and their wonderful staff.

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Greetings and welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for January 21, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. We have a gem of a letter for you today, postmarked on this date from 1913.

Near the end of the letter, you’ll hear a primary goal of Harry S Truman, that goal being financially well off, at least well off enough to support Bess Wallace in the manner he felt necessary. Harry Truman was very conscious of that. Over the next few years, Truman ventured into all sorts of business affairs to improve his financial situation, with decidedly mixed success. But eventually, he learned that love conquers all.

In this letter, too, we learn that during a recent visit to see Miss Wallace, Truman slept in Miss Wallace’s brother’s room. That means that, at least that night, 219 North Delaware Street was quite crowded…with George and Elizabeth Gates, who owned the home, Madge Wallace, Bess Wallace, George Wallace, Frank Wallace, Fred Wallace, and Harry Truman. He was increasingly part of the family.

Postmarked January 21, 1913

Grandview

Dear Bess, Here goes for your note to get my letter. It was a very good thing you urged me to get a move on when I was leaving. I ran like a record breaker to get the car. It was a useless proceeding though for there was another one right behind it. The one I was on let it go ahead at Spruce and then switched back at McGee. The Met. seems to care not how it runs its cars.

Have you been doing any more target practice? It was the largest kind of an accident that I ever managed to hit the mark. Luck was with me. Has Fred ever convinced your mother that he had nothing to do with the pot?

I have been emptying my desk this morning and my hands are as dirty as a school boy's. Like said schoolboy it is too cold to go wash them. Therefore those finger prints. I am entirely too lazy to start a new sheet. Please excuse them won't you after I have been honest enough to tell the truth? I bet I got fifty pounds of waste paper off this desk. You never saw so many circulars and letters and ads all in one pile. They came near causing the stove to go up the chimney. Of course yours were not among them. I hope to keep them long enough to settle arguments within the future. I wish that future would hurry and arrive.

I have been out and sold a ton of straw since I wrote that. It was a rather cool job loading it. I am very glad to get back to the house. Bess, I wish you had consented to go to hear that Russian pianist. I believe he'll be worth hearing but I guess I'll not go. I'll save the money to go to some other show with or else throw it away on a hat. Four dollars ought to get a pretty good one. I wish I could get an overcoat for that much. It seems to me that it would be an excellent thing if people wore the same styled costumes for the seasons instead of changing. There's China and Holland. They seem to be as well satisfied with their clothes as we are with ours. If we could do that, think how much we'd be ahead for booze and other luxuries. I'm for it especially because I need the money for booze. I shall probably be in town the day you get this. If I am, I'll call up.

My head is empty and I am slated to milk and feed. Papa has gone to Belton to get himself tortured by a dentist. I'm glad it isn't me. I hate dentists as a class and as individuals until I get a swelled up jaw and then they're fine people to have around. Mamma is sitting here in the room. She insists on telling me a lot of things and then asking my opinion. I've gotten in bad two or three times because I said yes where no should have been. She finally decided that I am a very poor stick to talk to. Wasn't a bit backward about telling me so either. I only grinned. She said she hoped I paid more attention to other people when they were discussing things. I told her I'd rather listen to her than anyone and that mollified her to some extent. Of course I made a mental reservation when I said that. Of course you could never guess who that would be, unless maybe you happened to have a mirror handy. Did you ever pay attention to my humble request for another picture of you? Why don't you do like May does George and give me two or three. They'd be as highly appreciated I assure you. Just try me and see. You've no idea how crazy I am about you and you won't have until I get somewhat richer than at present. Do you suppose that time will ever arrive? I guess not as long as lawyers cost like they do.

You probably owe me a letter. Anyway I'm of that opinion. Please send it and say I can come down as usual on Sunday anyway. I sure did enjoy myself last Sunday and I certainly appreciate Frank's sharing his sleeping quarters with me.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 19, 1919 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-19-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=5

]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7D881B28-B9E9-D02B-D93C07CB60DE99C9.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7D9B95CE-06F9-C49C-5AFFC6405D54E159 Dear Bess: January 19, 1919 National Park Service This January, 1919, letter packs a lot. You can tell that Captain Harry S Truman is worried about the health of his fiancee and sister. He talks about the logistics of mail, a particular problem with commendations, and shares that he doesn't think he'll talk much about the War when he comes home to Missouri. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-19-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=5 440 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-19-1919?documentid=NA&pagenumber=5

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. We have a precious letter for you today, written by Captain Harry S Truman on this date in 1919. Captain Truman wrote this in France, after the hostilities in World War I were over. Truman mentions the flu that his fiancée and sister were dealing with, some Army logistics, and more. Of special note you’ll hear Captain Truman tell Bess Wallace that he won’t talk about the War much once he came home to Missouri. That is so common among Veterans, many of whom are reluctant to talk about their war experiences. Perhaps you have someone in your family who feels the same way that Captain Truman did.

Camp La Beholle, near Verdun

January 19, 1919

Dear Bess: I am certainly in a gladsome mood today-got two letters yesterday and one today. They were dated Dec 19-23-28. I am certainly glad to hear that you are up and almost well. You know I am pulling for you to be entirely well as quickly as possible. I don't know when I've been so worried as when I heard that you and Mary both had the flu, and I've never felt so fine as when I heard you were both getting well.

You asked me if you can address a letter to me at this place. No it can't be done because we may move any time to some little old town in the back areas and then the letter would never find me. If it is addressed to 129 FA American E.F. it will always catch up even if it is a little slow sometimes.

You spoke of C.C. Bunschu's having a letter published saying that we'd be home soon. C.C. will I guess because he was detached from the regiment and sent to the S.O.S. a few days after the regiment was pulled out of the lines. I always thought him a very efficient officer but the powers that be especially one second in command never did like C.C. and that principally was the reason he was sent back. The last I heard of him he was at Bordeaux awaiting transportation home.

Please let me beg of you not to say anything about my letter of commendation. I only told it because I thought I was very lucky and that you'd like to know it. You know the most embarrassing thing that can happen to a fellow over here is to have his enthusiastic friends or relatives publish his private correspondence or hold him up as someone who deserves especial credit. There's not one of us who have done anything that any other one of us could not and would not have done if the opportunity had offered. Most real citations-and citations can only be made by generals in general orders-are a terrible embarrassment to the men they affect. There were three of our lieutenants cited and they are having an awful time living it down. Webster's letters of commendation is causing him no end of kidding just because his folks don't know what a citation is and what it means. General Traub made the fact that I happened to have the best chief mechanic in the artillery brigade a subject for a general memorandum and he wrote me a formal letter of commendation on the condition of my materiel. His statement was that it "showed especial efficiency in the commissioned and enlisted personnel of the organization." Well the enlisted personnel did the work and should have the credit. I sent the letter to Boxley, and if you care to see it he will show it to you. However I don't want it published because it can cause me to be court-martialed for stealing it out of the files of the organization, and would cause me no end of embarrassment. My chief mechanic happened to be a whirlwind and I happened to be lucky, and that's all there is to it.

I have never seen Mary Paxton and I guess I'll be very lucky if I do. I would certainly like to see her. You know we can't go anywhere but to old ruined Verdun or out to Douaumont or some other skeleton surrounded place nearby and I don't suppose I shall see her unless she get assigned to the Verdun area.

Fred is mistaken about your having to get information about me from Miss Maggie. I have written her exactly four letters since I've been in France. I had no idea she would consider that they were worth any comment as I simply told her as I have you of some of the sad and funny things I've seen and heard about and told her of one of our night "Marches."

My long letter to you covered my tracks and experiences pretty well but I'm afraid if must have been an awful bore. I don't intend to talk about the war much when I get home if I can help it because the boys back in the S.O.S. can tell better stories than anything that really happened to us who were lucky enough to see any of the real thing and I think it will be better to let them do the talking - besides I've already told you everything that's happened to me from start to finish and you certainly won't want to be bothered with it again. I saw a piece in the "Herald" saying that some Congressman from Mass. had skinned the armchair brigade alive because they had not been fair to Nat'l Guard officers. I'm going to vote for him for President when I get home. Enough said.

I do wish I could see you but I'm about of the opinion that summer will be well on its way when I do. We know nothing of our future movements and I doubt if Newton D. himself does either or cares much long as the draft boys are well taken care of.

Be sure and keep writing. I love you.

Always, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 13, 1914 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-13-1914-postmark

]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4F405A50-0954-3126-373AF54DA865B98F.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-4F4EB998-D310-1F81-319610C0FA3B86F8 Dear Bess: January 13, 1914 National Park Service A remarkable letter from on this date in 1914. Harry Truman describes some business happening on the Farm, ruminates on the propriety of alcohol, and describes how cold his room is in the family Farm Home. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-13-1914-postmark 411 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-13-1914-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 13, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a gem of a letter for you today, postmarked on this date in 1914. Harry S Truman gives Miss Bess Wallace some insight into the business aspects of the Farm, and makes a sort of rare reference to his uncle Harrison Young. Harrison Young, for whom Harry Truman was named, is an interesting person. He was his mother’s brother and a business partner in the Young/ Truman farm. Harrison’s heart was more in Kansas City than on the family farm, and it was for this reason that the Truman family returned to the Farm in 1905, and Harry in 1906. It’s regrettable that there is only one known photograph of Harrison Young…he must have been fascinating to be around. His nephews and niece were very fond of him.

And listen for an insight into what it was like to sleep in Harry Truman’s room in the Farm Home…a reminder that there was no electricity to the structure until well after Truman left the Farm, and no dedicated heat source. We can be grateful for modern conveniences, right?

January 13, 1914 Grandview Dear Bess:

Here it is Monday night again before I get started on your letter. I intended getting it off in time for you to get it Tuesday but I never did get back to the house after I went out this morning. After we got the cows fed, a man came and wanted to buy one for $42.50 and have us deliver her at Grandview. We told him that if we decided to take him up, we'd be there by two o'clock. The cow was caught after a half hour's tussle all over two acres, and we decided to weigh her and see how much we were being skinned. She was attached to the rear of a wagon and dragged on the scales. She weighed 930 and would bring about $54.00 in K.C. Papa decided that $10.00 was too much of a present to make so we turned her loose. I was mad as I could be after all that trouble, and then keep her. She's a horrid beast, always has her nose where she's not wanted. She's like Uncle Harry's four work steers. He said a fellow had two yoke of cattle named for the different churches. One was called Catholic, one Methodist, one Baptist, and one Episcopalian. He had good reasons for calling them that too. He said the Episcopalian wouldn't eat at the proper time and would try to horn the rest away so they couldn't eat. The Catholic wanted all there was to eat and didn't want the rest to have any. The Methodist was always battling and wouldn't pull a pound, and the Baptist wanted to run and jump in every hole of water he saw. This cow is of the Catholic persuasion. It was 2:00 P.M. when the cow episode was finished. I started to the house and had just got myself comfortably seated when a man came after a load of hay. I had to put on fifty-two bales for him and some of them would weigh all of a hundred pounds apiece. There is no reason on earth for me to belong to the Kansas City Athletic Club for exercise. I can probably get my money's worth out of the pool and barbershop on Sundays, and the bar - I was about to forget the bar.

I have made up my mind to quit the Grandview Commercial Club because they sell booze and then, to be consistent, I join the K.C.A.C. because they do! Most people are about that consistent in their actions. I'll not try to drink up all the K.C.A.C. has on draught the first time I go anyway. I'll endeavor to go by easy stages. It sure would be a strain on the breweries if everyone drank as much as I do - at least a strain on their dividends. It makes me tired to hear a lot of holier-than-thou people yell temperance and try to make me vote dry, and then when I'm in the city with them they make fun of me for drinking buttermilk instead of rye. I was in town on the Thursday before Thanksgiving with some of Grandview's strongest drys. On the way home we stopped at a lunch stand to get a sandwich and then every one of them had to have a cold bottle and I got bawled out because I didn't take one. I never did hear a remark that suited me better than "What you do speaks so loud, I cannot hear what you say." If the drys were all really dry, there'd be about half the booze drank and sold that there is. Excuse me. I didn't intend to get on a Women's Christian Temperance Union subject but it just intruded itself.

I met a cold wave last night as I came down the road. It was a breeze right off Lake Winnipeg coming from right under the south star. I didn't appreciate it a little bit. My north window was up and the bed was cooled down to about absolute zero. I was hot when I got in the house but it didn't take me long to cool off. It was an awful task to arise this morning in that ten-degree room. I finally did but I believe some of the enamel is cracked on my teeth.

I hope to get to town this week but I don't know what day. If I get in I'll call you up. See you anyway Sunday, which will be a long time to wait. Anyway if I get a long letter pretty quick it'll help some.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 10, 1911 A digital copy of the original can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated

]]> Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/B0ACADE8-04B7-D091-9F74176446B8333B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-B0BE46FF-BA7B-6DAC-B54E29AA028742F2 Dear Bess: January 10, 1911 National Park Service One of the very earliest surviving letters. Harry Truman describes to Bess Wallace his life on the Farm, more difficult at that time because his father was recuperating from an accident. He also shares with Miss Wallace what he's reading, especially his love of Mark Twain. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated 376 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-10-1911-misdated

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 10, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. A very interesting letter for you today, written on this date in 1911. By this time, Harry S Truman had been working on his family’s farm about 4 or five years, and you hear a little self-doubt about his abilities.

We wish we knew more about when Harry Truman and Bess Wallace reunited, likely in 1910. In this letter, you hear Truman share a little more about himself with Miss Wallace…his love of books, particularly Twain, his love of music. In this letter, too, is a reminder that Truman’s mother, Martha Ellen, whose family owned this farm, was an educated woman.

Now some of the “Dear Bess” letters written by Harry Truman contain some unfortunate words, including what are recognized today as racial slurs. You’ll hear one here. They’re not easy to read or hear, but they are what they are. And for many of us, they show how much Harry Truman evolved…by the time he became President of the United States he started setting important precedent for civil rights, even willing to jeopardize his own electoral prospects to do what was right.

Grandview, Mo.

January 10, 1911

My Dear Bessie:

You see I haven't learned to write 1911 yet. It's hard to form the habit suddenly. It is also hard to acquire the habit of early rising of your own free will and accord on these chilly mornings. You see Papa could never sleep after a certain time in the small hours of the morning and he always arose and then called me. Now I have to get up myself and start fires, milk cows and do other odd jobs around while it is yet dark. Vivian takes turn about with me though so I can gradually come to it. I don't think I'll ever make much of a mark as a farmer or anywhere else but sometimes I have to come across. This is one of them.

When it comes to reading though I am by it as I am by music. I would rather read Mark Twain or John Kendrick Bangs than all the Shakespeares and Miltons in Christendom.

Wishing you all the best of health and sincerely hoping that you will honor me with another epistle soon. I am

Sincerely yours, Harry S. Truman

]]> Dear Bess: January 7, 1913 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-7-1913-postmark

]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/17723221-DEE8-E576-B64A63654CFB9B50.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-178494CF-E5DA-8785-51867C20B6AEABF9 Dear Bess: January 7, 1913 National Park Service One of the most wonderful of all the letters. It contains some frustration, some optimism, but, most of all, lots of love. This letter could be all the proof one needs that Harry S Truman loved Bess Wallace more than anyone or anything in the world. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-7-1913-postmark 382 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-7-1913-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 7, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We have one of the most wonderful of the Dear Bess letters for you today, from this date in 1913. In this letter it’s easy to pick up on frustration that Harry S Truman, farmer, was having with business and life. But you can also hear that trademark Truman optimism, and, as always, the deep love and admiration he has for Miss Wallace in Independence.

January 07, 1913 Grandview

Dear Bess:

I was all kinds of a fool for not accepting your invitation to stay. When I got home the hired man was here. I didn't get cold but it was not the most agreeable walk in the world from Grandview. Besides instead of being thanked for getting home to milk I got nothing but jibes. Papa had the impudence to ask me if your mother kicked me out. Pretended he was anxious for me to stay because he wanted me to go see Judge Mize on business. Any old time I ever let grim duty interfere with my inclination or pleasure it will be a warmer night than the last one was. You know Mark or Bill Nye or some other smart man has said that when business interferes with pleasure, by all means let business go hang. It seems that people who do are as well off. Anyway they're not pursued by bad hoodoos as I told you I am. Some day I shall whirl on that hoodoo and knock it into a cocked hat, then things will begin to come right.

I bought an Adventure last night and entertained myself with bloodcurdling stories on the train so I'd feel nice and comfortable coming down the road. This month's number sure contains some hair raisers. I took your watch chain and hid it in my hat band. I was going to tell my good holdup man to take my dollar and half but leave such chain provided he found it. I wouldn't lose that for a farm. It's my good luck piece now. I'm not one bit superstitious, oh no. But you know there is always a part of the giver along with a present and that's what makes it precious. I'd be most empted to eat that chain rather than let someone get it.

My letters are like the ones Agnes's flame used to send her. They are candidates for the kitchen stove. These sheets are large enough to start a good fire. I think I shall follow your stunt and get some very, very tiny note paper then they go down the register easily anyway. You ought to use some larger paper. You get the best of me in that. One of my sheets is as big as your two. I'll admit that one of yours is worth all mine but you should give as much paper anyway.

You sure punctured my head in your last. Mrs. Southern was most awful nice to say what she did. Even when you know such things are mistakes they make you feel good. I was on the point of buying a new hat and having my picture took and all sorts of things. Really now, won't you get me a picture made for my watch lid? I want it most awful bad. You know I only have two of you and neither of them is half as good looking as the original. Now you ought to give me one anyway. If it'll help any I'll say they couldn't make one that would be, though I'd like you to let them try.

Are you going to let me come over next Sunday? I hope so. It'll be a mighty long week. There are no holidays in this one and not a good show in town that I've heard of. Besides I'm busted anyway. Boxley is going to New Mexico and has politely informed me that two hundred dollars are in order. That guy keeps me busted from month to month. If it keeps up much longer I'm going into the hands of a receiver in Judge Pollock's court. That seems to be a money making proposition. It wouldn't work in my case for I'm not a public service corporation. I have nothing I could raise the price on except hot air, and that's too high already.

You owe me a four-sheet notepaper letter. At least I think you do. Here's hoping I get it. You are going to get this on Tuesday. Ought I to send one so you'll get it on Wednesday too? I'll have to know pretty quick if I do.

Today is another good day to contemplate a walk to Courtney. I dreamed the other night that you and I took a longer one that that. I was afraid to tell it 'cause it's a bad sign. But I hope it comes true. Not the sign.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: January 3, 1912 A copy of the original is here, courtesy the awesome Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

]]> Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/4607381A-9599-B528-9EAD8E2444C91664.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-460BFA3A-962B-39B3-3E92FBED80BAEB70 Dear Bess: January 3, 1912 National Park Service A very interesting letter. Truman mentions meeting his lawyer, likely referring to a lawsuit his family was part of. He also makes reference to some Masonic activities, and talks about going to the theater with Miss Wallace. Note how Truman admits his lack of funds near the end. A copy of the original is here, courtesy the awesome Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4 409 no full A copy of the original is here, courtesy the awesome Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/january-3-1912?documentid=NA&pagenumber=4

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for January 3, 2022, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today, in this new year, we wish to share with you a letter that Harry S Truman wrote to Bess Wallace on this date in 1912. It’s an interesting one. In it, he makes reference to the lawsuit still pending between his mother and father and her siblings over the will of Truman’s grandmother, Harriet Louisa Young. He makes references to activities with the Masons, which he loved doing, and makes references to perhaps seeing a performer named Mizzi Hajos. Mizzi Hajos was a Hungarian-born actress who was all the rage then. He also makes reference to Blanche Ring, another performer who made the song “In the Good Old Summertime” popular. These two actresses were among the most popular of the day, but did they know that in their audience was, perhaps, a future President of the United States and his First Lady?

Grandview, Mo. January 3, 1912

Dear Bessie:

I am using a stub pen and it goes on a rampage some times. I suppose that 1912 gave it the jimjams anyway it made a beautiful address.

Where were you Tuesday about eleven-thirty? Someone was evidently talking the receiver off your phone. I had to go see our lawyer in the forenoon and I tried to call up to see if you'd go to the Orpheum, but for some reason never did connect up. I guess I'll not be able to come down Thursday, much as I'd like to. I fear you might carry out your threat about the speach [sic] and then I'll have to work today and tomorrow and Friday so I can say I got in half a week anyway. This new route around the sheet is entirely unintentional. I didn't discover until I went to turn it over that I was going backwards. I am too lazy to start again and besides this variety of paper is getting scarce.

I shall have to come to Independence Saturday to swear that I have lived in Jackson County for the last five years and if you will be at home that evening I'd be most awful glad. I went to Belton from K.C. yesterday and helped them install the officers of Belton Lodge. We will do the job at Grandview on Friday. If I hadn't already lost two days this week (and will lose another Saturday) and if it were not for that speach? [sic], I would see the same performance at Independence but I have to stay at home sometimes.

I was Grand Marshall last night at Belton. You can see how it should be done on Thursday. I didn't do it that way. When the show was over I sneaked off to the hotel and stayed all night so I would not have to arise at an unearthly hour. Some one of the good brothers always takes me home with him when I stay in Belton. They are nearly all in business that requires their attention at an early hour. I have not had more than four hours of sleep at one time since last Friday night. Therefore, the hotel.

Did you ever have a house party mostly girls? Well if you have you know whether they sleep or not. You never heard such a racket in your life. It sounded like the ten-cent store on bargain day from Saturday morning until Monday afternoon. Of course I contributed my share of the noise, but my share was mostly in daylight. Five of the girls stayed in one room at night and mine adjoined it on the east. It sounded at times as if a young earthquake had escaped and was endeavoring to enter my room through the solid wall. The girls said that one set wanted all the covers and the others wouldn't stand for it. We had a fine time, though, but as Macbeth would say, house parties murder sleep. I wish people wouldn't all try to have their parties on the same day. You know Miss Dicie and Miss Maggie hit the same date and on Monday evening Mrs. Frank Blair at Belton had a dinner party and Miss Whiteman at Grandview also favored me with an invitation for a party that day. I already had her invitation when you called up. She doesn't know it though I am happy to say. If people at Grandview find out I pass them up to go to Independence they'll think I'm stuck up. I'm not though because I'd pass up the whole state when I get a chance to come down there. Especially between now and February because after that I'll have to stay at home every day but Sunday. Maybe you'll be glad of that but I won't.

How would you enjoy Mizzi Hajos on Saturday P.M.? That is provided I am able to land some decent seats. Would you mind balcony no. 1 provided downstairs is all gone? I believe you said you were going to see Blanche Ring on Saturday afternoon. What is the reason I couldn't meet you somewhere after the show and go to dinner in K.C. and then to the show. Provided of course you could stand the Tea Cup Inn, for I'm too near busted for the Baltimore. Besides, they serve a tabled whatever it is dinner there and I wouldn't have to bother my hear about what to order. I shall call you up tomorrow and tell you I can't come down tomorrow evening and then we can discuss this arrangement. I hope you can go. Now you owe me a letter and a half. Be sure and answer the half.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 31, 1910 Harry S Truman, farmer, living in Grandview Missouri, had been reunited with the great love of his life, Bess Wallace. And now he was on a quest to capture her heart.

You can see a digital copy of the original here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-31-1910

]]> Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/547E835B-D332-66BC-57AA4B9783E374CA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5482EF2D-E8C6-DAD4-F20CECD554388E5C Dear Bess: December 31, 1910 National Park Service The oldest surviving "Dear Bess" letter from December 31, 1910! Harry S Truman, farmer, living in Grandview Missouri, had been reunited with the great love of his life, Bess Wallace. And now he was on a quest to capture her heart. You can see a digital copy of the original here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-31-1910 218 no full Harry S Truman, farmer, living in Grandview Missouri, had been reunited with the great love of his life, Bess Wallace. And now he was on a quest to capture her heart.

You can see a digital copy of the original here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-31-1910

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess, Dear Harry podcast for December 31, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a treat for you today…the oldest known surviving “Dear Bess” letter, dated December 31, 1910. Family tradition holds that one day, likely in 1910, Harry S Truman was staying with his cousins at 216 North Delaware, when the Noland family engineered a reunion of sorts with Bess Wallace, who lived at 219 North Delaware Street. It’s not clear how often Harry Truman and Bess Wallace had seen each other since they graduated high school together in 1901. But at some point, the Nolands asked Harry to return a dessert plate that belonged to Bess’ family across the street. Margaret Truman said that her father crossed Delaware Street “at the speed of light” to ring the bell at 219 North Delaware.

We’re not sure if this is indeed the first “Dear Bess,” but regardless, by December 31, 1910, the courtship was on. Harry Truman had loved Bess Wallace for twenty years by this point. The farmer from Grandview was out to win the heart of Bess Wallace.

Grandview, Mo.

December 31, 1910

My Dear Bessie: I am very glad you liked the book. I liked it so well myself I nearly kept it. I saw it advertised in Life and remembered that you were fond of Scott when we went to school.

I guess Ethel and Nellie have been busy with their exams is the reason you haven't seen them. I got a letter from Ethel the other day saying she was suffering so from cramming, both mental and physical, and from "epizootic" (whatever that is) that she and Nellie would be unable to come out this week. You know they always spend a few days at Christmas out here. It was just as well, as I would have had to cancel their date anyway after Papa's accident. We haven't quite got over the excitement yet. A horse pulled a big beam over on him in the barn. We were so glad he wasn't killed we didn't know what to do.

Very Sincerely,

Harry S. Truman

]]> Dear Bess: December 28, 1941 The original can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-28-1941

]]> Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/12E37169-998A-FB42-270FB542F0006512.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-12EC8D39-A5A2-42BF-8B0B77E514A65BC2 Dear Bess: December 28, 1941 National Park Service In this letter, Senator Harry S Truman makes note of the wedding anniversary of his parents. A charming, if too brief, letter. The original can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-28-1941 204 no full The original can be seen here, courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-28-1941

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Hello and welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast for December 28, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

The famous “Dear Bess” letters continued to be written even after Harry Truman married Bess Wallace in 1919. This letter, from on this day in 1941, is terrific in that Senator Harry S Truman makes a lovely reference to the wedding anniversary of his parents, Martha Ellen Young Truman and John Anderson Truman.

John and Martha Truman came from families that had farms near each other in Grandview, Jackson County, Missouri. We don’t know much about their courtship, but they were married on December 28, 1881. They lost their first child, but then eventually had three others…Harry, in 1884, John Vivian in 1886, and Mary Jane in 1889. John Anderson Truman died in 1914 in the family Farm Home in Grandview. Martha Ellen Truman, called Mattie by some, lived to see her son become President of the United States. She died in 1947.

December 28, 1941 En route aboard Missouri Pacific R.R. to St. Louis

Dear Bess: I found this in my briefcase and thought I might as well use it. The date is the wedding anniversary of my mother and father in 1881. Some time ago, I'd say as we reckon time, but only a snap of the fingers in the universe.

Please call Vivian and tell him that Wilson came in to see me and I talked about Mary's station to him and I believe he'd better talk with him, too. I forgot to tell him when I stopped there.

We almost missed the train after waiting for it didn't we? See that that dumbell orders those seats and then the conductor will be looking for you. I'll make arrangements about your space on the B. & O. if the agent meets me at St. Louis. I hated to leave but my job must be done now sure enough and I wouldn't have had a minute's peace, and neither would the family, if I'd stayed at home. Too much publicity. Somebody said the last "Time" is still calling me the fox-faced little Senator. Maybe I am. As Bulger used to say, it's better to be that than nothing.

Wish you and Margie were along. But I can't have everything I guess. If there are any editorials please cut 'em out. Say hello to everybody and kiss my baby.

Love to you, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 25, 1917 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-25-1917?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

]]> Sat, 25 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/1B797B7C-DE47-30E1-11C47FC8D6C8992C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-1B7CF8F7-943F-80B0-B218646FF382F147 Dear Bess: December 25, 1917 National Park Service Written on Christmas Day, 1917, Lt. Harry S Truman fills in Miss Bess Wallace with the latest from his Army training camp in Oklahoma, while raving about his future mother-in-law's Christmas cake! https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-25-1917?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3 206 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-25-1917?documentid=NA&pagenumber=3

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Happy holidays from the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. We simply wish to share this letter with you from Christmas Day, 1917, while Harry S Truman was in the midst of some Army training, preparing for his service in World War I.

We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season…let’s listen to what Lieutenant Harry S Truman wrote to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, while in training in Oklahoma.

December 25, 1917

Dear Bess: I should be severely reprimanded for this week's work. A whole week has gone since I wrote you. I wired you last night and hope it arrived today. I have been the busiest little bee in the hive I guess doing a full days drill and trying to get my country store off the rocks. I succeeded very successfully in accomplishing the latter. It will run with its usual regularity from now on. I got your package and simply couldn't wait any longer than today to open it. It sure was grand. Those gloves and that sweater were exactly what I needed. Your mother's cake is simply too pretty to cut. It looks exactly like a big Christmas bell. I'm not going to cut it until Christmas Day. Hope you got your package all right. I haven't seen it but if it's according to directions I am hoping it will be acceptable.

There were some promotions in our regiment this week. Kelly, Phelps, Flynn, Joes were promoted from second to first lieutenants. The Colonel and Lt. Col. are going to San Antonio to school and Col. Danford is going to take over our regiment for a month. He's an artillery man for sure and I suppose we must be making some progress to get the use of a man like him. He's written a book on field artillery that is considered a regular Bible by most artillerymen. I guess we'll have to put in a few more hours than we have been now to learn that book. We're lucky to have been using it already for a text book.

Perry is home on a permanent furlough. You asked me how he could be home. That's how. They put him before an efficiency board. We doing real military now and politicians don't count.

Mary S. B. has the scarlet fever in Lawton and Kenneth can only call her up. She has a nurse and is getting along all right. Please don't hold it against me this week and I won't let it occur again. Write as often and as long as you can.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 21, 1911 You can see the original letter here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-21-1911

]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/E5D1C774-F30E-A554-08A7222169F0B799.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-E5F19C03-C728-2308-1284C2764B846EEA Dear Bess: December 21, 1911 National Park Service Lots of romance in this letter, plus an interesting insight into a legal battle Harry Truman and his family were engaged in concerning the will of Mrs. Harriet Louisa Gregg Young, Harry Truman's grandmother. You can see the original letter here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-21-1911 267 no full You can see the original letter here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-21-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 21, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. We would like to share a fascinating letter with you that was written by Harry S Truman, farmer, to his sweetheart Bess Wallace, on this date in 1911.

There is a lot of charm in this letter, as well as a little self doubt that Truman harbored. But the most interesting part of this letter revolves around a legal battle that Harry Truman and his parents were involved with. When Truman’s maternal grandmother, Harriet Louisa Gregg Young died, she left the farm to John and Martha Truman, as well as Harry, who was partner in John A. Truman and Son, Farmers. Martha Truman’s siblings contested the will, and that legal battle took not only time, but significant financial resources, seemingly much of the profits of the farm. Eventually, the Trumans won the legal challenge, but at significant cost. Unfortunately, much of the paperwork from this challenge seems to be lost, making the mentions that Truman made in these letters very valuable.

Grandview, Mo. December 21, 1911

Dear Bessie: You cheated me out of two pages. Aren't you ashamed? If you only knew how glad I am to get them, you wouldn't be so short with them. I suppose I am too crazy about you anyway. Every time I see you I get more so, if it is possible. I know I haven't any right to but there are certain things that can't be helped, and that is one of them. I wouldn't help it if I could you know.

I guess you are lucky that you don't care-as even the best of fellow, which I am not, couldn't very well make a girl happy on nothing a week and a hat- full of debts. You see, I was fool enough or good enough, whichever way you look at it to go in with daddy even on his debts. Say, don't ever mention that as no one knows he has any, especially his relatives, See?

Really though if I thought you cared, I bet I could win out anyway in spite of all the kin in creation.

This is a mighty poor Christmas letter but our dear relatives have succeeded in giving us the bluest Christmas since grandmother died. If you could see the allegations in the brief, you'd think my mother was the prime lady villain. It makes me so mad I could fight a boilermaker. They even accused our grandmother of being weak minded and most everything else-when she was the best businesswoman I ever expect to see. If we'd ever mentioned property to her, that itself would have finished us-as it should have done.

Bessie, if my dear men friends who invited themselves to dinner here Christmas go home on the afternoon train, I am going to try and see you Christmas evening if you are at home. I'll call you up if I can, or if I can't, about five-thirty. But don't stay at home on my account because I may not get to come. I'll bring you a copy of Richeileu if I come. I got Edwin Booth's prompt copy for fifteen cents. It's a stirring play I tell you. Mamma and Mary are going to see Julius in the afternoon. Maybe you'll run into them. I sent you a piece of tin jewelry the other day. I got it some time ago but found a busted link in the chain and had to have it renewed, so when I got it again I just sent it--that's why so early. With a Merry Christmas, I am, as always,

Your Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 17, 1912 ]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/1146F939-A180-6AA3-B958346480CEE87B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-11611201-EC73-4774-C0AB46535B22D0D3 Dear Bess: December 17, 1912 National Park Service A fascinating letter. Will Bess Wallace like the Christmas present that Harry has bought for her? You can tell he's worried about that. 767 no full

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 17, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. We would like to share this letter from December 17, 1912, with you today.

Harry S Truman, farmer, writes of a gift that he has procured for his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace. It’s evident he put a lot of thought into this purchase, and is concerned how it will be received. And if you like to eat sausage, pay note to Truman’s description of how it was made on his family’s farm.

Grandview, Mo.

[Dec. 17, 1912]

Dear Bess: I've got it - oh, job well done maybe. It's not a rope of pearls or a limousine. It took me seventeen and one-half minutes by the clock to decide and seven weeks to think of. Then of course it's not half good enough. I really couldn't get anything good enough, not even if I had a million. You can exchange it for something if it's not agreeable. It didn't come from Cady's or Jaccard's nor E.B.T.'s nor any hardware store nor Monkey Ward's nor the ten-cent store. I'll give you three guesses and if you guess, I'll send it back and get the other one, which happens to be the same thing. The guy brought the wrapper from gay Paree in the bottom of his trunk. He gave me that and it's better looking than the thing itself. You can't guess it, so you needn't try. I'm only building up your expectations so they can be keeled over at one fell swoop. You know a grand disappointment is as much fun as a good surprise--to the lookers on.

That lowdown dentist kept me for one solid hour and nearly drilled into my gray matter, fact is some of it must have leaked out. I went up and down 11th, Walnut and EBT's but didn't run into your mother. If I had I'd have had three lunches. Wouldn't that have been magnifique. When you phoned she wouldn't arrive until one I went to the Elgin and tanked up walked up Walnut and who should I meet but Myra and Mary going to lunch. They insisted and I went. All I could do was drink chocolate while they destroyed some sandwiches at the Scarritt arcade. Polly said she had only three more things to get at 12:30 and had to be at 57th and Highland at 2:30. I bet she's not more than there yet.

I trailed all over the district. Bought the twins a present and Mary one. Have yet to purchase the cousins and pappy one. I got mamma an aluminum roaster. She's been wanting one and as she'd probably make me get it anyway this is a good time to be nice about it. Mary's beau met me and wanted me to suggest what she wanted. I told him I was hunting a brother myself for a suggestion but had none to wake. He seemed to think I was some what of a knot head but I didn't care to have my back hair loosened when I got home. He suggested a thing or two and I told him to go to it they'd suit me all right. He informed that I wasn't the one he cared to suit. The argument ended at that point.

Did your flowers ever arrive? I should have sent a messenger but did think of it at the time. I suppose you carried the prize home. I was in your burg again last night to a Lodge of Instruction. I told Polly that's where I was going but they didn't believe me, neither did Ethel and Nellie or the folks at home. It doesn't pay to tell the truth even occasionally to some people.

We are going to kill hogs today, oh what a mess when the meat comes home. It's always my job to stuff the sausage into sacks. It is a very agreeable one too. Always I put in some good hide off my own hands along towards the last because they blister and the blisters wear off. It doesn't injure the flavor of the sausage.

May I come Sunday, and are you going to let me go shopping with you Monday or? - and? - Tuesday, whichever suits you best - and I wish that wedding was in kingdom come on Saturday night, for that's the only one this week that I can get off to go to a show. Perhaps it is as well for I'll have a few more cents for Christmas presents and lunch Monday and, or, Tuesday.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: December 14, 1911 A digital copy of the original can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-14-1911

]]> Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/109F508D-EA1E-9468-FCA2CE1A5456CCFA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-10A0986F-C7F5-94D6-C8FD4B3F3B95FB07 Dear Bess: December 14, 1911 National Park Service This is a most important letter. Among Harry S Truman's often humorous takes on Christmas and Christmas shopping, Truman is overjoyed that he has, now, a standing invitation for Sunday dinner at 219 North Delaware Street, where Bess Wallace lives. A turning point for Harry Truman, the suitor! A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-14-1911 1222 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/december-14-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 14, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We have a fun letter for you today, written on this day in 1911. Remember, the courtship of Mr. Harry S Truman of Grandview and Miss Bess Wallace was likely in its first year. Quite significantly, in this letter Mr. Truman shares the joy he feels in having received a standing invitation for Sunday dinner at 219 North Delaware Street, where Miss Wallace lived. Much has been written and said about the relationship between Harry Truman and Mrs. Madge Gates Wallace…but in this letter he is over the moon that Mrs. Wallace has extended this invitation. It’s a pivotal moment for Harry Truman. Imagine him at a Sunday dinner, with George and Elizabeth Gates, Mother Wallace and her three sons, George, Frank and Fred, and Bess Wallace. Do you think he was nervous? Or more pleased to be there?

Lots of fun in this letter, from commentary about Christmas and gifts, Mr. Truman’s choice of reading material, and a prank that he played on his sister, Mary Jane Truman. We are so glad these letters survive!

Grandview, Mo. December 14, 1911 Dear Bessie:

I have been dissipating this week in Pleasant Hill. The town is wet and I really could. The Grand Lecturer of Missouri was there and Mr. Blair wanted me to go learn a lecture for him! I have a hard enough head so that when anything is pounded into it in a strong manner, it stays. That's why I got called on. I am very glad I was, for one of the good old brothers down there took me home with him Tuesday night and gave me quail on toast for breakfast-all I could possibly hold, with a plate full of them still on the table when I left. It was a downright shame to leave them. Even the old Lecturer himself looked at them with regret. He came over specially for breakfast. This good brother begged me to stay Wednesday night, too, but I just had to come home. Papa says I only visit at home anyway. I am trying to make use of my time before we fire the hired men, for it'll be home for me then, sure enough. One reason why I attend these instruction Lodges is because when I visit K.C. Lodges or Independence they make a point to call on the farmer Master to do something-and if it is bungled they say, oh well he's from the woods; it's to be expected. If it isn't, they won't believe I'm a farmer. I am though, and I'm glad I am.

Miss Betty is a very good cook to ask me to dinner next Sunday and I shall be glad to go, more than glad, because you are going. Then I'll still have a dinner at your house to look forward to. Tell your mother that I will be pleased to have lunch there Sunday provided it won't cancel a future dinner.

Do you suppose Allen Bros. could be persuaded to take us out and come for us without a J.P. Morgan fee? It would be much more convenient than a rig because there'd be no horse to look after. My sister has an old beau in Pleasant Hill. I accidentally ran into him and it entered my head to play a joke on her. I got one of the boys in the instruction school to write her a card and sign the fellow's initials. I beat the card home, so I don't know how it'll turn out. She has never seen his pen ability, so if Vivian gets the card we'll have a circus for a while.

It certainly is nice of you to say that you enjoyed Lucy more than Trovatore, and I am glad. I enjoyed it more than any Grand Opera I ever heard. The Christmas wish hasn't struck me yet. But it never does until the day before. I guess everyone will be happy when it's over with. Life would not be worthwhile without a Christmas, though. Be sure and save me a fig. An atrocious pun could be made here but you must give me credit for not doing it.

Nellie Noland called me up the other day and her voice sounded as if she were in the last stages of acute excitement. The cause was a visit from some people who had entertained her at Standardoilville. She wanted me for tomorrow night and I have a Lodge election and Third Degree that night. The people decided not to come until next week and I am very thankful. I could neither turn Nellie down nor miss the meeting. I don't know what I'd have done. Probably sent my astral body one place and my temporal the other.

Girls go to an awful lot of work and worry for Christmas, don't they? They'll sew and paint and do fancy needlework for weeks and weeks just to give away. It just takes me about thirty minutes to do the whole stunt. I go grab two or three boxes of candy with pretty pink ribbons (I don't know if the ribbon has one b or two) and holly on them and a piece of tin "joolry" for Mary and the job is done. I usually have to take my four girl cousins to a show Christmas week and then I'm square for the year.

Ethel says men have no business giving girls things to wear, even cousins, because they use such horrid taste in selection. I think she's embittered because a fellow gave her a solid gold bracelet with an amethyst (I wish Theodore Roosevelt spelling were in use) as big as an English walnut in it. It really wouldn't do for Liza Carilen to wear on the stage.

I have been reading The Shuttle, by Mrs. Burnett. It is not so good as The Rosary, by Mrs. Barclay, on practically the same subject. Life and Adventure are my standbys. Adventure is the only magazine printed on cheap paper that I can read. Some people like realism in their reading for entertainment but I want refined Diamond Dick in mine. I would nearly as lief read geometry as George Eliot or Browning. Sometime I am going to read Daniel Dronda though. I hope to meet Mary in K.C. Saturday for the purpose of being bled for Christmas and will call you up about going to Mr. Pritchett's.

I certainly appreciate your making my Sunday invitation a standing one. Remember please that you are in debt to me for a letter, which I shall expect after I see you.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Harry: December 10, 1938 Oh, how we wish we had more of Mrs. Truman's letters!

A digital copy of the original is here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/december-10-1938-postmark

]]> Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7FF26726-C0FE-E969-395D7B623979EA10.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-7FF50774-EDA9-BC36-0BB54ABD79753DCC Dear Harry: December 10, 1938 National Park Service In one of the relatively few "Dear Harry" letters, Mrs. Bess Truman updates her husband Harry with some of the latest happenings in Independence, while Senator Truman is en route to New Orleans. Oh, how we wish we had more of Mrs. Truman's letters! A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/december-10-1938-postmark 416 no full Oh, how we wish we had more of Mrs. Truman's letters!

A digital copy of the original is here:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/december-10-1938-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 10, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

Today we wish to share with you one of the relatively few “Dear Harry” letters that Bess Wallace Truman wrote to her husband Harry, this time from December 10, 1938. It’s unfortunate that Mrs. Truman destroyed most of her correspondence with Mr. Truman, but we certainly understand her personal desire of privacy. In this time before emails and text messages, and when long distance calls were expensive, letters were an inexpensive way to keep in touch. And it was simply a part of their world.

December 10, 1938

[Independence, Mo.]

Dear Harry- You will be a bit surprised to find this waiting for you no doubt. I don't know whether you meant you were starting for N.O. on Sunday or would arrive-so am getting it off in time. Thanks for the stamps-I judged you wanted them used.

Wasn't that a tricky Christmas card from the Shields-Was it in with the table-cloth? Am mighty anxious to see the cloth-am glad you didn't feel too badly stung on the duty.

Marg & I went to K.C. yesterday & bought her evening dress. She is wild about it but I'm afraid it will hurt your eyes.

Bud called up last night-He and Sharon are in K.C. on their way west-B. to Denver & S. to Dodge City-They are coming out tomorrow for a short visit.

Hope it's nice & warm in N.O.-It's chilly here but more pleasant than that warm weather was-

I got some nice cologne in attractive bottles at Wooly's for the girls & will send them to Vic & ask him to "distribute" them. (Writing on a soft magazine has its difficulties.)

Have a good time and hurry home-

Love- Bess

]]> Dear Bess: December 7, 1941 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-7-1941

]]> Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A4C85F96-952B-CB09-384708A09C671A4B.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A4EEFED0-E723-42B5-1F222E28CB277EB0 Dear Bess: December 7, 1941 National Park Service A special letter on this anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Senator Harry S Truman was gradually returning to Washington following traveling to Colorado for a funeral of a friend. He briefly stopped and visited his family in Independence, and wrote this letter from a hotel in Columbia, Missouri. He quickly returned to Washington. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-7-1941 241 no full https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/december-7-1941

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a special letter for you today, with a special date, December 7, 1941. Senator Harry S Truman wrote this letter to his wife Bess Wallace Truman before he learned of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After hearing the news, Senator Truman rushed to St. Louis to secure a flight to Washington, DC. It was an intense trip for Senator Truman, but he was able to return to the Nation’s capital in time to hear President Franklin D. Roosevelt refer to December 7, 1941, as a “date which will live in infamy.” Senator Truman then voted “aye” to declare war on Japan.

Today we wish to pause and remember the casualties of Pearl Harbor and the other installations attacked 80 years ago today. They shall always be remembered. This letter by Senator Truman represents a world lost on December 7, 1941.

Pennant Hotel Columbia, Mo.

December 7, 1941

Dear Bess:

Well it was very good to talk with you this morning. Roy and I went to breakfast immediately afterwards, looked over the hanger across the road, took a walk toward Columbia, and then he left for Springfield. I've had lunch and a nap and have been reading last night's Star and Journal along with today's Post-Dispatch and Globe Democrat. It's funny how things change around in thirteen months. I'm on the front pages of the Kansas City Star, St. Louis Star-Times, and Kansas City Journal for yesterday and am on the front page of the Post-Dispatch editorial section for today and mentioned in about three or four other places in the other parts of the paper and the Globe.

Had a nice visit with the family and with Mamma and Mary. Went over to see Aunt Ella and Nellie and Ethel. Do you know that they have never been to see Mamma since she was hurt? I don't understand 'em. I've saved their jobs and their location on two specific occasions and I'd do it again, but I think they should at least have shown some personal interest in the old lady I'm most interested in, don't you? Your mother looks fine and so do they all. I saw everybody but didn't get to call Mrs. Souter because I got your letter from Hinde as I left town and was halfway to Columbia before I read the instruction to call her. Frank said that Albert is going to stay in the OH house. He was having dinner with Frank and Nat the evening I had dinner with your mother.

I am just about to go back to bed again and get more sleep. That ought to put me in condition to meet the situation from noon tomorrow until Tuesday midnight. Hope you and Margie enjoyed the day. Kiss her for me.

Love to you, Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: December 2, 1912 ]]> Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/EE7B2671-CA07-A9BB-0220DF82CAEC38CA.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-EE893B4C-0DCC-4B6E-E1E86856876B9518 Dear Bess: December 2, 1912 National Park Service In this letter from 1912, Harry S Truman muses about Christmas, and hints that he wishes he could do better for Miss Bess Wallace, his love, who lives in Independence, Missouri. 731 no full

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for December 2, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

Today, we would like to share with you a letter from this date in 1912, in which Harry S Truman discusses the upcoming Christmas holiday with his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, in Independence. Harry Truman loved Christmas, but you sense some worry that he cannot afford to do what he wants for Miss Wallace. Have you ever felt that way? If so, please take comfort that Truman did over a century ago.

Dear Bess: [Dec. 2, 1912]

Here goes for two letters from you this week, see? I'll admit that one of yours is worth two or maybe half dozen of mine still it's a bad precedent to make. Therefore I'm expecting a letter from you tomorrow also Friday. I just wonder if expectations will amount to anything. You see my paper has finally arrived. Mary brought it out. The blooming stuff is as big as a tablecloth and looks like wedding invitations. I guess they put one over on Mary and gave her more than usual for the money. You know that's customary at all jewelry stores. I suppose you are in town today causing a flurry in the mark for presents. You ought to do as I do make a flying trip on the day before the 25th at about 9:30 PM and avoid the rush. I told Myra that is I were in her place I'd give six of those seven casserols of hers for presents and then she'd have no shopping whatever to do. The main thing would be to be careful and not return them to the original purchasers. That sure would cause a disturbance but it might save her money at future Christmas times. There is only one present that causes me any worry whatsoever and of course you could never guess which one that is. I have in mind a limousine a rope of pearls or some other equally inexpensive little trinket that could be bought for somewhere around $2.98. That's the trouble of being born with multimillionaire tastes without the dough. My main ability is to spend cash not to make it. If some gold old malefactor of great wealth would only employ me as his disbursing agent I'm sure I could give him a most tasteful example of how to get rid of his money with the least possible effort and to the greatest possible good to the largest number particularly my friends, enemies and acquaintances. What I need is a guardian or something of the kind as a sort of balance to my insane desire to get rid of what I make. I am doing better than formerly but not so well as I should. I guess as Dicie said we only live once so why not go the limit within the law and good morals. (Which I fear is not so very far.)

This is a most misleading and unsatisfactory document but I'm going to let it go. Maybe you can tell what's not so and what is. The main thing is that you owe me two letters and I want em also you which seems a very very big word doesn't it. Let's hope I get em all in due season. There's another reason I should be a Wall Street Baron. Maybe you'd make a good guardian you never know til you try anyway. I'm doing my level best to get a lot of change gut as Miss Brown says His Majesty has a hand in most things and he usually takes money as his share. Be sure and send those letters. This is wash day and the boilers leakin so I've got to go now.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 29, 1913 A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-29-1913

]]> Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/3C9BF8FE-A6EF-10A0-84BE2AB8824BCAD1.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-38E9345A-D6E8-7044-D174AA1AA067A1F7 Dear Bess: November 29, 1913 National Park Service In this Dear Bess letter, we hear about paying farmhands, Mary Jane Truman's social life, and Harry Truman wishing he had the ability to buy a fancy Christmas present for Miss Wallace. A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-29-1913 695 no full A digital copy of the original is here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-29-1913

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Hello and welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 29, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today’s letter from Harry S Truman to Miss Bess Wallace is from this date in 1913. In this letter, we hear the names of some of the hired help from the Truman Farm. This is sort of rare, because in these pre-Social Security days, it was rare for employment records be kept, and we have no good list of the non-family employees who worked on the Farm. And Truman writes about his sister, Mary Jane, and a beau she was waiting for. Mary Jane Truman was born on the family farm in 1889, and was the last of the Truman siblings to survive, dying in 1978. Mary Jane Truman was a beautiful woman in every possible way. And as we enter into the holiday season, it’s fascinating to hear of Mr. Truman musing about what he can get Miss Wallace that is worthy of her and the holiday.

Grandview Nov. 29, 1913

Dear Bess:

I got your letter this morning. I was sure glad to get it. I suppose you are on your way to the City of the Platte. (Which really means Buenos Ayres.) You must not forget to mail me a card from that burg, so that Miss Duvall will speedily discover her mistake. I have made up my mind to stay home on Sunday in order to help with the evening work. It will be the first Sunday that the men leave and you know my staying at home will look grand to daddy until he sees your card from Platte City.

The Noland girls have never said anything sassy to me about you. They are well aware that they'd better hadn't I guess. They always talk to me as if they were of the same opinion that I am regarding you.

The hired men are paid off. They beat me badly when I paid them. Wornall hadn't had a settlement since July. He had over forty dollars coming. The other fellow got thirty dollars. Just think what a lot of Christmas presents that would have bought. I wish I knew what you want for Christmas. My brain refuses the task of thinking up something really worthwhile and within my financial ability. Were I a Jawn D. [Rockefeller], there'd be no trouble whatever. There's autos and jewelry and most anything in a millionaire's line, but there are so few things an ordinary person can get that are really worthwhile. Maybe I'll have an inspiration of some kind before midnight, December 24. You may get anything from a needle to a threshing machine. I could use a threshing machine in my own business. It might be good policy to give you one. It is said that a man to be absolutely ornery must own one and a fiddle. I haven't reached either yet.

Mary's in an awful stew. Her Pleasant Hill beau has written that he'll be here one day this week. Today is all that's left, and she's got someone else for tonight I think. Then there are three extra people and I bought her the wrong kind of cheese for the sandwiches. I guess she'll be a wreck by Sunday evening. I told her I am going to stay home tomorrow evening and she said she knew I'd stay till 4:00 P.M. Won't she be surprised. You might send me about an eight- or ten-page note for this and I'll try and send you a good letter Wednesday.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 26, 1912 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-26-1912

]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/A17DDF27-CA0A-1894-187D978D318A0F4F.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-A1922036-0B0E-82E2-CDD882596E2592A0 Dear Bess: November 26, 1912 National Park Service This letter discusses Kansas City public transit, hard work on the Farm, and has some terrific classical allusions. It shows Harry Truman's breadth of knowledge. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-26-1912 273 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-26-1912

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 26, 2021 , a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We have an intriguing letter for you today, written on this day in 1912. Harry Truman’s mind is in several places in this letter. But it includes a powerful description of the hard life on the family farm in Grandview. And Truman weaves in some classical references, showing the solid education he received in Independence. We thought you’d like to hear it.

Grandview, Mo. [Nov. 26, 1912]

Dear Bess:

I am going to get this one off on time or bust a hamstring. That is a classic expression because that said string holds the key to the whole set of harness. If it breaks, away go the horses and you stand in the road. Also it is the last piece of harness to break. It is either very rotten when it breaks or the rest of the harness is very strong. I've spoiled my excessive effort but I'll get the letter off.

It was well I left when I did the other evening because that car was uptown. It is a "most" uncertain quantity. No wonder people swear at the Met. They had a transfer out Sunday which said that the car ride is the cheapest thing in town and gets more knocks. A man will go to dinner and tip the waiter for five rides and then whip the con when his transfer is overdue. Mr. Ed Howe of Atchison was the composer of that. I suppose the Met will give him a life pass for it. They ought to. I wish I were a railroad attorney or some other kind of grafter so I could ride free. The depot agent at Grandview has worked for the Frisco thirty years. He gets a pass for himself and wife over the whole system for the balance of his days. He's only fifty, so he can ride some thousands of miles yet. He says he's going to California December 1 and stay a month and then to Penn. and stay a month and then go to work again. I really don't believe, though, I'd want to be a station agent until I was fifty in order to get a pass. Rather be something else. Section boss for instance. I guess I'll be a clodhopper and pay the grafters. That's his privilege.

I have to write this on the installment plan, as usual Papa keeps wanting something. Also he's anxious for me to get to work. We are going to haul some tons of hay today. It is a backbreaking job. Fine exercise though. I just wish I could get some of these white hopes and black champs in on the usual routine farm exercise. You'd hear them howl about being stale and overdone along about four o'clock the first day. They'd do their country and also their morals much better service if they spent their time producing something with their tall muscular force. I hate a prize fighter worse than a packing-house employee. They are both butchers and barbarians under the hide. Worshippers of Woden I guess. Anyway they attempt to imitate Thor when he drank an ocean of booze.

Which makes me remember that there was a Latin Bible called the Vulgate which King James used in his translation along with the Septuagint and Hebrew. I am not writing an essay or connected letter - my trains of thought are scattered as were those of Mr. Brian O'Cree's mother in perpetua. For another jump, I have diligently searched for authority to translate mores death but I can't find it. Guess I'll have to come in and say it means bad manners or something along that line. I guess we could say O horrors and make it modern couldn't we? Hang Cicero, Hebrew, Thor, and all the rest.

You owe me a letter. Send it quickly.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 22, 1946 A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/november-22-1946

]]> Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/DB3AEB84-BE2E-A68E-678928C1BEFE7AC4.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-DB4E90D1-96C2-674F-FA32821011887FF5 Dear Bess: November 22, 1946 National Park Service In this letter, President Harry S Truman writes of some of the fun he is experiencing during his first trip to Key West, Florida, a place he came to deeply love. Fishing, going in submarines, what's not to love? A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/november-22-1946 373 no full A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/november-22-1946

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 22, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.

We wanted to share with you a charming letter that President Harry S Truman wrote to his wife, Bess, while the President was resting in Key West, Florida, on this date in 1946. Harry Truman and his family loved Key West. It was a place for the President, his family, and his staff to escape the stress of Washington, if but for a few days. This was Truman’s first visit to Key West, and it began a tradition that he continued for most of the rest of his life.

Key West, Fla. November 22, 1946

Dear Bess:

It was nice to get your good long letter in the pouch at lunch time yesterday. I am sorry about Margie's not getting back for any of the W.H. functions. Looks as if we've lost her for good and it's a wrench - but we'll have to stand it I guess. Glad the teas turned out not to be so bad as usual. Thanks for telling George about the turkey.

Adm. Leahy & I went fishing yesterday - unannounced. They do it differently here. We sat on the back end of a crash boat in two easy chairs and had a navy captain bait our hook and take the fish off. It was a trolling job entirely. I caught three and the Adm. three and Foskett one. They were nice fish but I don't know why we caught them except that this is Friday and we can furnish some of our Catholic friends something they can eat today. We had a nice ride in the afternoon sun.

Yesterday morning we went down in a new German sub. There was no sensation to it and nothing could be seen except the inside of the ship and the team work of the crew which was excellent. We went down 450 feet. Charlie went down in an American ship the day before and claimed a record for himself having gone down 300 ft. one day and 450 the next he said 750 was his record. We go to Ft. Jefferson today for a day of fishing and sight seeing. The fort is located on the Dry Tortugas where Capt. Kidd, Sir Francis Drake and other equally famous pirates worked.

Tomorrow we go back to slavery. Only one consolation, I'll see my sweetheart.

Lots of love Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: November 1914 A copy of the original letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=8

]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/45C649E5-F1D2-8A8A-42B5A6E724B5D06C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-45DEF07B-0755-A918-55F44C876B11D0C3 Dear Bess: November 1914 National Park Service This touching letter from Harry Truman was likely written just days after the death and burial of his father, John Anderson Truman. In this letter Harry Truman bares his soul to Bess Wallace, many miles away in Independence. A copy of the original letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=8 769 no full A copy of the original letter can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-1914-postmark-0?documentid=NA&pagenumber=8

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Hello, and welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 21, 2021…a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We would like to share with you today a very touching letter that Harry Truman wrote to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, in November, 1914. It’s not exactly certain when he wrote this letter…a notation on the back of the envelope says November 12, and the postmark is unclear. But it was evidently written shortly after the future president’s father, John Anderson Truman, died.

John Anderson Truman died in the family farm home in Grandview in early November, 1914. His son was at his side. His influence on Harry Truman just cannot be calculated. Harry Truman and his father were quite close, and for the last years of John’s life, they were business partners on the Farm. John was also quite well regarded in the community, and he was mourned deeply there. In his final days, John Truman told friends who visited that he regretted not being a success in life. But after his son became President of the United States, and reporters started asking him about his “failed” father, Harry Truman replied, curtly, “how could my father have been a failure? His son is President of the United States!”

Grandview Dear Bess: Here I am a day late sending you a letter but I had a most awful time with a load of hogs today.

They were shipped yesterday evening and I drove down to the yards and stayed all night in order to be there when they were unloaded this morning. I went over to the yards at half past seven thinking I was very late but the hogs did not arrive on the market until 2:30 p.m. There were 34,000 on hand and the yardmen couldn't handle them all. Mine were finally sold about fifteen minutes before the market closed, at 3:00 p.m. I just now arrived at home and I expected to get in at about 10:00 a.m. I suppose I'll carry some of the malodorous dust from those hog yards in my clothes for sixty days. I wouldn't work down there for fifteen dollars a day.

I have quite a job on my hands now trying to make things run as smoothly as they formerly did. You know, I've been in the habit of running the farm for some time, but Papa always made it go. He could make the men step lively even after he was sick a great deal better than I can or ever will. It surely makes me feel a loss that is quite irreparable, I tell you. There are things that I don't suppose I'll ever learn that were entirely natural to him. I have got to arrange to get some cattle to eat up a lot of feed I can't sell, and I'm morally certain that I'll be skinned on the deal. When Papa did those things, the other fellow was never sure that he had all his hide when the deal was over. About six weeks before he died he bought ten cows from an old tightwad here in the neighborhood that no one else can do business with for $500 and sold them for $900. If I could only make deals like that, there'd be nothing to worry about. You've no idea how much he appreciated the flowers you sent him when he was at the hospital. He wouldn't let the nurse throw them away until they were entirely gone. He was very particular to point them out to Aunt Ella and tell her where they came from. We certainly appreciated the flowers that you and your mother and Frank and George sent to the funeral. Your good letter also helped out wonderfully. I can't tell you how much good it really did me. I can't write you a good letter either for as you can probably tell I can't talk of but one subject. It is probably a very good thing that I have more work to do than I can possibly get done because I have something else to think about. I hope you will consider this worth an answer, and if Ferson gets his new car and will let me have it I hope to ride you around in it Sunday. Would like awfully to see you sooner but can't very well leave home.

Most sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: November 15, 1918 A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-15-1918

]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/6E069B24-9305-79DA-FDEAD4693DEE6E4C.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-6E0AE1E7-DCC2-3CD5-7002ABE6AC58F5E8 Dear Bess: November 15, 1918 National Park Service This letter is a gem. In it, Captain Harry S Truman boasts of the success of his artillery battery, and notes that as commander he did "not lose a man." This letter is a great one to use when assessing what the war meant to Harry Truman. A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-15-1918 856 no full A copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/november-15-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 15, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. We have a gem of a letter for you today, from Captain Harry S Truman in France, writing to Bess Wallace in Independence, Missouri. This letter gives us a glimpse of some of the politics to be found in a military unit. How we wish we had the letter from Miss Wallace that Captain Truman mentions, but, alas, it is lost. Captain Truman proudly boasts about the success of Battery D in the recently-ended World War. Somewhere in France November 15, 1918 Dear Bess: Your good letter of October 26 came today and you of course can guess how happy I am to get it. I am enclosing the forty cents for the very nice things you said to me. Being written with red ink reminds me of a letter I censored for one of my Irishmen the other day. He started out with blue ink and ran out so he said well here goes with a little blood and went on and finished his letter with red ink. I suppose his girl thought he really used blood. A letter from you written with charcoal, chalk, or clay would be fine enough to send me into the seventh heaven. I don't care what they're written with long as I get them. I am very glad that Pike Sands holds no malice for my having busted him. You know it is the hardest job a man ever undertook to be absolutely square and just to 194 men when you have good ones and bad ones (very few bad), smart ones and dull ones. I love 'em all and if anybody wants a fight or a quarrel with me he can get it suddenly and all he wants if he says anything derogatory about my Battery or one of my men. I wouldn't trade off the "orneriest" one I've got for any other whole Battery. While I'm not a braggart I believe I can take my outfit and beat any other one in the A.E.F., shooting or doing any other kind of Battery work (every Battery commander in the regiment says the same thing). I recommended one of my kids to go to West Point and he was one out of seven in the A.E.F. to go. I was as proud of him as if I had done it myself. You know I have succeeded in doing what it was my greatest ambition to do at the beginning of the war. That is to take a Battery through as Battery commander and not lose a man. We fired some ten thousand or twelve thousand rounds at Heinie and were shelled ourselves time and again but never did the Hun score a hit on me. There are rumors rife that we will go to Germany to do police and rioting duty. I'd rather go home but if your Uncle Samuel needs us in Germany, to Germany we'll go and be as happy as we can. We got in on the last drive and fired up to the last hour and I suppose that is the reason they'll send us if they do. Shall I bring you some German spoons and tableware or just some plain loot in the form of graft money? I hope they give me Coblenz or Cologne to hold down; there should be a good opportunity for a rising young captain with an itching palm, shouldn't there? I can't remember when I was ever taking any beauty sleep unless it was some time when I'd been up for 60 or 65 hours and was probably sleeping the next twenty four. I have done that several times. Once I was up so long I thought I never would want to go to bed anymore. The Major made me and I felt better after 24 hours of sleep. I hope Bill Bostian has a good time and I wish I was in his place, except that I'd like to bring the Battery home now that it has gone through the war with me. I hope to ride a prancing steed down Grand Ave. at the head of D Bty, the fourth in the column when the last parade before the muster out is made. I dreamed last night that I was trying to exchange a 100 franc note for real money in a Kansas City bank. It was a disappointment when I found I wasn't there. I got a letter from Fred today and shall proceed to answer it. Please keep writing to one who always thinks of you. Always, Harry Harry S Truman Capt Bty D 129 FA American E.F.

]]> Dear Harry: November 7, 1937 A copy of the original letter can be seen here, courtesy of the awesome Truman Library and the family of Margaret Truman Daniel: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/november-7-1937-postmark

]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/7390422C-BFBB-E31B-411AC1BE028E8D75.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-739871DD-F40A-3A0C-B0CDC52C821421D1 Dear Harry: November 7, 1937 National Park Service A treat (we hope!) today...one of the relatively few surviving "Dear Harry" letters. This letter gives us a glimpse into the life of a Senator's wife. It's a gem. A copy of the original letter can be seen here, courtesy of the awesome Truman Library and the family of Margaret Truman Daniel: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/november-7-1937-postmark 531 no full A copy of the original letter can be seen here, courtesy of the awesome Truman Library and the family of Margaret Truman Daniel: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/personal-papers/harry-s-truman-correspondence-file-1919-1943/november-7-1937-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 7, 2021…a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

We have a treat for you today…one of the relatively few “Dear Harry” letters that survive. In her autobiography, Margaret Truman wrote that one day, former President Harry S Truman came home from his office in Kansas City one day and found his wife burning papers. When he inquired as to what she was doing, she replied that she was burning letters. He said “But Bess, think of history!” She said, simply “I have!” We don’t know which letters, specifically, she destroyed, or why she felt compelled to do so. We are grateful to have a few of her letters to her husband. We thank Margaret Truman Daniel and her children for sharing them with us!

This gem is from November, 1937. This letter to Senator Truman gives some insight into their private lives and family. There is much we wish we knew more about. But we are glad to be able to share it with you!

[Independence, Mo.] [November 7, 1937] Sunday- Dear Harry- I was disappointed not to get a Special this a.m. but I guess the call last night will have to make up for it. Ethel called after she had seen Dr. Curran & said that he thought her eye was "definitely better"-but she can not go to school this week-He says now it's some infection & he has to find the source of it. Miss Jessie is coming out to dinner& I am supposed to go for her-but I had such a pile of ironing to do, I don't know whether I am going to get off or not. To-day is just like spring (including the wind). I telephoned Rubin yesterday to get my fur coat out of storage & I might have known it would turn warm immediately. I thought I was going to need it next Sat. You wire Bill Taylor-1312 Bass Ave. I simply haven't the nerve to call them. From henceforth I make no more engagements-The Jim Taylors are going anyway, so it won't make any difference to them except that the Bill T's weren't going to ask them 'til we had accepted. So it's quite thoroughly mixed up. Marg seems ever so much better this morning-& will be back in school tomorrow. Henry Chiles' wife is very low. He called this morning & asked for you. Said Vivian said you would be here to-day. I told him that was the first I had heard of it. I am sorry you are not getting in Wednesday. Lots of love Bess

]]> Dear Bess: November 1, 1911 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638942

]]> Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/9621195A-A8C0-DC53-8D5886A1C85771BF.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-9654FE82-0036-505A-27B7F7FC57181014 Dear Bess: November 1, 1911 National Park Service In this letter from November 1, 1911, Harry Truman describes to Bess Wallace his brother John Vivian's wedding to Luella Campbell, preparing the farm for winter, and his love of music. As always, he expresses his desire to see her in Independence. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638942 1015 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/157638942

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for November 1, 2021…a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today we wish to share with you a letter that Harry S Truman wrote to Bess Wallace on this date in 1911. Much of the letter focuses on the wedding of Harry Truman’s brother, John Vivian, to the lovely Luella Campbell. Luella and John Vivian Truman remained married until Vivian’s death in 1965. Together they had six children, although they lost their first, one of a set of twins, at just under the age of four, in 1916. Following their wedding, Vivian and Luella Truman moved off of the family farm and established their own. In this letter, too, we hear of how the Young/ Truman farm prepared for winter, and we hear some interesting insights into how and why Harry Truman loves music.

Grandview, Mo.

November 1, 1911

Dear Bessie:

I am most awful glad you think a letter to me worthwhile. They are more than worthwhile to me. You can never guess how glad I am to get them.

I really didn't mean to put my principal desire in the past tense. That is something that will never be past with me. My grammar was at fault, that's all.

I suppose Ethel has told you all about the wedding. I was scared nearly to death and so was Vivian. Luella was as calm as if she'd been married a dozen times before. She is more like my Grandmother Young than anyone I know. If my dear Pete doesn't make a success with her to help him, he should be blotted out. Everyone is so well satisfied with the match something surely will happen. Even her grandmother thinks Vivian is almost good enough for her, and Mamma says she's too good for him. They are down to pa-in-law's tonight. Vivian actually told me that they were going to town tomorrow to buy the furniture they need. I guess they'll be at home Monday or Tuesday. The charivari is set for Saturday I think. If it is, I'll not be present for I am coming to Independence if you'll be at home. I am going with Mary and Ethel and Nellie to the Shubert Saturday afternoon and I'd like very much to come down that night, provided of course that you have nothing better to do.

I want an auto so badly tonight I really don't know what to do. I have a special invitation to assist in the dedication of a new Lodge at Swope Park. I shall stay at home because I'd simply be a chunk of ice by the time I drove to 67th Street in a buggy. I couldn't go on the train because Papa and I had to pull up the carrots and beets and bury them this afternoon so they wouldn't freeze. If ever I get my debts paid and then have something left, I'm going to invest it in a benzine buggy, as the hobos say. Then I suppose I'll have the debts to pay over. Just imagine how often I'd burn the pike from there to Independence. I guess you'd better be glad I haven't one for I'd simply make myself monotonous to you. I guess there'll not be much danger of my coming too often this winter for I'll have to work for true, Ethel to the contrary notwithstanding. I always make it a point to invite them out when things are arranged so I haven't anything to do but tease and torment them. That is how Ethel arrived at her conclusion.

The W.M. series begins soon I see. Don't you forget you have pianist dates to go with me. Pianists are all I can stand this winter. I am crazy about any kind of pretty music but of course I can appreciate pianists most. Mary has been practicing on a Mozart sonata that has the most beautiful melody I know of. It makes you think of Greek and Roman fairy stories. Did you ever sit and listen to an orchestra play a fine overture and imagine that things were as they ought to be and not as they are? Music that I can understand always makes me feel that way. I think some of the old masters must have been in communication with a fairy goddess of some sort. That is Mozart, Chopin, and Verdi were. Wagner and Bach evidently were in cahoots with Pluto. Did you ever know that some of those men wrote the worst trash imaginable for potboilers? Raff has over a thousand compositions and about nine hundred are fit for nothing. He'd write one very time he got hungry. I guess you can't blame the poor man. That is the reason rulers should be wise enough to pick the geniuses and pension them so they can do their best. It seems to me that they would be easy enough picked out because they always beat their wives, or run away with some other man's. Wouldn't Reno be full of pensioners?

I hope you'll be home Saturday. If you're not, it'll be my loss of course. I'll phone in the morning sometime after I get to town.

You see, I am sending you the other half of that sheet I tore in two before.

I want you to show me some stenciling when I come down. I never saw any I guess, even it is ancient. If I have, I knew it not. You owe me a letter now. Next time I'll wind up and fill two full sheets. Now you know what's coming, so beware.

Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 26, 1917 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-26-1917-postmark

]]> Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/62971880-F022-5C3D-34EA14AED5981C12.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-62982575-B522-5D34-880BDBB84105F22F Dear Bess: October 26, 1917 National Park Service In this letter, Harry S Truman, in camp in Oklahoma, describes camp life to Bess Wallace. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-26-1917-postmark 223 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-26-1917-postmark

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Harry, Dear Bess podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today we would like to share with you a letter that Harry S Truman wrote his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace, on this date, October 26, in 1917 while in Oklahoma, preparing to serve in World War I in France. This letter has some splendid descriptions of Captain Truman’s environment and of some of his colleagues in arms.

Perhaps some of you listening have letters from loved ones serving in the military. Maybe this will inspire you to find and read them again. Cherish them. Preserve them for the future generations of your genealogy. We’re grateful that Bess Wallace Truman and her husband saved these.

[October 26, 1917] Dear Bess: This has been another fine day. Your letter came on time today. I'll admit that our mail service is [illegible] all right but it is improving and I hope that very soon it will be perfect running order. Father Tiernan is in charge and has built himself a fine tent to work in. Mr. Lee and I have our tent boxed up now and it is like living in a house. The floor is bright and new and shows the dust awful plain but I think we'll soon have it black enough so that will be remedied. Our dust storms continue with charming regularity. Some of the natives are of the opinion that they will quit but I doubt it. Mary sent me a box of fine cakes yesterday and another today. I had a regular party. It was just like flies around a sugar bowl. The Col. and Lt. Col. were among the flies too. They feed us fine but things from home sure taste good. We received our full quota of drafted men yesterday. The regiment is was strength now. They are a fine bunch of fellows. Most of them are big huskies from Missouri farms. Some are from St. Louis and Kansas City. They seem to be as well satisfied as could be expected. They all have fine big overcoats and O. D clothes which is more than we have. We all have stoves now and can keep warm at night anyway. Your enclosure is very fine. I have had my hat stretched on the nice things she said about me. I only wish I could be half as fine as some people think I am then I'd know I wouldn't stay in Okla all eternity. I slipped up on your letter last night because I had no place to write all our goods and chattels were scattered from here to yonder on account of getting into our new house. I am going to send this special on the bet that it may not appear until Sunday and I'll do your tomorrow's the same way. You may get them both on Sunday. I am hoping to see you soon. You never can tell how the Commanding Officer is going to act but I am doing all I can to get away on Nov. 7. It looks good. Write every time you get a chance.

Yours always

Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: October 20, 1918 A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1918

]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/5EDF8E2E-AF57-C8C4-3AB0FBEE978D3605.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-5EE31AE2-A87E-9075-46185B75275A8FF6 Dear Bess: October 20, 1918 National Park Service One of the most powerful of all the letters. Captain Harry S Truman, writing in France, describes life on the front in World War I and again professes his deep love for the letter's recipient, Bess Wallace. A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1918 357 no full A digital copy of the original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/october-20-1918

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 20, 2021, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service. Today we wish to share with you a letter that Captain Harry S Truman, in France serving with Battery D, 129th Field Artillery, wrote to his fiancée, Bess Wallace, back home in Independence, Missouri. In this letter Captain Truman tries to paint a portrait of France for his fiancée, describing his service, while assuring her he is OK and isn’t taking unnecessary chances. It’s an extraordinary letter. Oct 20, 1918 Dear Bess: This is certainly a banner day. I received four letters from you. You were still without any letters from me except one. I wrote you at the first place we were in action. That was a very tame affair compared with what we have been through since as I told you in my last letters. I am awfully sorry I could not write to you in all that last time but it was simply an impossibility. For one thing I had nothing to write with and another I could not have written a sane coherent letter if I had tried. It was the most terrific experience of my life and I hope I don't have to go through with it many more times although we are going to bust Heine if it takes us all and I don't think there is a man in the organization who wouldn't give his life to do it. Please don't worry about us or about me I should say because I am egotistical enough to think that I am your principle [sic] worry. I am very comfortably situated now in a finely furnished dugout with stoves and everything. If I am lucky we may remain a good long time. I think they are trying to let us rest up from our hard work of last month. We marched half across France and were at it every night. I lost nearly all my horses just from marching so far without getting enough rest. We are recuperating now and I hope that before long everyone will be as good as new. For myself I am as fat and healthy as I ever was in my life and except for being a little deaf I have suffered no ill effects from the experience. Maj. Miles is not captured. None of our officers were hurt except one whom you never met. His name is Kenady and he calls it with a long a and accents that sylable. He was gassed slightly. I am glad Mrs. Sands is pleased with my treatment of Irving. I could do nothing else. Mary wrote me that she had met the Aunt of another fellow in my battery whom I just got through busting from a corporal to private. I don't think he will take to it kindly. I haven't taken any unnecessary chances but I had to go back after my guns. No good battery commander would send anyone else after guns he'd left in position under the same circumstances I left those two. I don't claim to be a good B.C. but I have to act like one anyway. I doubt very much if I'll get to come home before the war is over, and much as I'd like to I want to see the finish. I am so pleased that I was lucky enough to get in on the drive that bade the Boche squeal for peace that I sometimes have to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming or not. It really doesn't seem possible that a common old farmer boy could take a battery in and shoot it on such a drive and I sometimes think I just dreamed it. You may be sure that we will make up for lost time when I do get home. I think of you and dream of you all the time. I dreamed no longer ago than last night that I was going to my own (& yours) wedding and I just was on the point of kissing the bride when I woke up and found myself some 4000 miles away and in a dugout. It was some disappointment I tell you. They are not sending as many officers back now as they were. There seems to be a shortage over here. I certainly appreciated the Doniphan pictures and I'm all puffed up that you would think of having one of me enlarged. Wait till you get the postcard one of me with a helmet on. You will then see that I am fattened up again although I'll admit that I have some more gray hairs. Keep on writing because your letters brighten the days. I'll never cease loving you. Yours always Harry Harry S Truman Capt. Bty D 129 FD American E.F. The poem about Gen. Sherman is true.

]]> Dear Bess: October 18, 1939 A digital copy of the original letter can be seen here: Washington, D.C. October 18, 1939

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-18-1939

]]> Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C6168F19-CE41-E701-78515DFFCAFACE1D.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C629AD7D-078A-B328-F75587E7E3CAD11D Dear Bess: October 18, 1939 National Park Service In this letter to Mrs. Truman, Senator Harry Truman writes about family weddings, and his unhappiness about the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." A digital copy of the original letter can be seen here: Washington, D.C. October 18, 1939 https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-18-1939 533 no full A digital copy of the original letter can be seen here: Washington, D.C. October 18, 1939

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-18-1939

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Hello and welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today we present a Dear Bess letter that Senator Harry S Truman wrote to Mrs. Truman on October 18, 1939. Early in the letter he discusses the upcoming wedding of his nephew John C. Truman. John C. Truman was a son of Senator Truman’s brother, John Vivian Truman, and served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Missouri, and later served as clerk for the US District Court of Western Missouri for 20 years. In this letter, too, you sense that the Jimmy Stewart film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” hits a nerve…Senator Truman thinks the portrayal of the Senate is sort of unfair. What do you think? Washington, D.C. October 18, 1939 Dear Bess: Was most happy to get your Monday letter enclosing J. C.'s invitation. Well, if he wants to become a Catholic I have no objection, of course. Now don't pass the buck to me on the wedding present - you know more about what is correct than I ever will. I'm very fond of those nephews. You ought to appreciate how I feel toward them by your own feeling for Fred's children. You put the amount into the present that you'd want to put into it for your own nephew. Get 'em something they can use and can't break up. Here's another one, too, who'll have to have a present. She's a tough egg, but Lester Jordon would cut a throat for me and we'll have to come across with something. Five dollars is enough for this one. This is her second venture. The first one resulted in a cross-eyed son, so cross-eyed it makes your head ache to look at him. Just as bad as the crazy movie actor, Roscoe Ates, or whatever his name is. Hope you got your hat all right and that the bridge game was a success. Went to see Mr. Smith Goes to Washington last night with Minton. Sat in a box with J. Monroe Johnson and Mrs. Johnson, with Louis Johnson next to us in another box. Jim Farley, old man Norris, Wheeler, Guffey and a lot of other Senators were present. It makes asses out of all Senators who are not crooks. But it also shows up the correspondents in their true drunken light too. And that reminds me that the chief correspondent for the Post-Dispatch came by and told me the P.D. had decided to give me a fair break in their news columns for the coming campaign. May see you Friday night at 8:47 K.C. time at the airport; will call if it happens. Is Margie's hand paralyzed? Love to you both, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: October 4, 1939 Funerals...car haggling...and Oscar?

The letter for today can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-4-1939

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/FD5745AE-0C48-A54B-80184473B3224881.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-FD5AF322-ADC3-38E2-E73D24FC85B642D1 Dear Bess: October 4, 1939 National Park Service An interesting letter from Senator Harry Truman to his wife, October 4, 1939. Funerals...car haggling...and Oscar? The letter for today can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-4-1939 523 no full Funerals...car haggling...and Oscar?

The letter for today can be found here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/october-4-1939

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the Dear Bess and Dear Harry podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today we would like to share with you a letter that Senator Harry S Truman wrote to his wife Bess on October 4, 1939. In this letter you get a hint of how funerals can lead to interesting political moments, and how the Trumans negotiated for cars. And it’s a nice example of how Harry Truman preferred Chryslers. In some of these letters the Trumans exchanged stories that evidently meant something to them. But since Mrs. Truman seemingly destroyed most of her correspondence to her husband, some of the references are unknown. That’s where detective work comes in. Maybe you would like to connect the dots based on what’s here? The original Dear Bess and Dear Harry letters are preserved for posterity at the Truman Library. The research room is open to all…not just historians and researchers. When COVID passes and the Truman Library opens, please consider visiting the research room. These materials are preserved for you! Many of them are online, too! Washington, D.C. October 4, 1939 Dear Bess: Your letter came just now and I am glad the special finally got there. I have to go to old man Logan's funeral - Barkley made a special request. I'm going over to Caruthersville and make a neutrality speech Sunday, so I'll have lots of letters when I get back here. Will call you from Memphis and from Caruthersville so we won't be out of touch. Barkley, Halsey, et al. think I should take advantage of the free ride to the funeral to help the situation on earth here, so I'm going to do it. Glad you don't feel too badly about Oscar. He's a lovable kid and I'm always sympathetic to the weak boys. Might have been one myself under certain conditions. But along lines like that I'm rather like my mamma, and she has no weaknesses except to talk too frankly. I'm pleased at the car deal. You will get the radio yet. The Chrysler, I think, is a better buy. We're learning how to deal at last. There's a hundred dollars we'd never have had if we'd jumped at the first offer. Whenever you think they've reached the end of their deal, take the car home and I'll fix it up when I get there. They told me that any deal I made would be either cash or credit. It look as if the Crown deal would pay for both trades if we make 'em. Mr. Clark is all the way in my band wagon. He's been almost on the edge of kissing me for two days. Got mad at the Gov. while he was here. I asked Mr. Shoop why he treated the Gov. so mean on his F.B.I. speech. Said he wouldn't have noticed him at all if he could have helped it. Kiss Margie, love to you, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: September 23, 1947 The original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-23-1947

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/C2AE479E-952D-7083-61C462843157E738.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-C2BAAEF6-E91E-2D30-59EABDABF803F0CA Dear Bess: September 23, 1947 National Park Service A letter from President Truman to his First Lady, September 23, 1947. The original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-23-1947 195 no full The original can be seen here: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-truman-1921-1959/september-23-1947

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the 219 North Delaware Street podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

Today we would like to share with you a letter that President Harry Truman sent to his wife Bess Wallace Truman on September 23, 1947. You immediately understand that the President is very much missing his family. You also begin hearing how his administration is planning post World War II aid for the people of Europe, a program unlike anything America had ever done before.

[The White House] September 23, 1947 Dear Bess: Well you and Margie have been gone three days. It seems like three months. The old place is like a deserted village and the ghosts still walk. I leave my doors open so I can tell which way they are going. Been sleeping so soundly however I haven't heard them only when I wake up at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. It's still an old barn in the form of a jail for me. Marshall and Lovett were in yesterday morning and went over the European situation from soup to nuts with me. It's pretty bad but not quite as bad as I thought it would be. If it works out as planned it will cost us about sixteen billions over a four year period. I cancelled 42 billions in appropriations for the last half of 1945 so if we can buy peace and quiet for about 2/5 of half year's war cost it will be cheap at the price. But I don't know what squirrel heads like Taber, Herter, Bridges and Byrd will think of it. All of 'em are living in 1890 when a billion dollar Congress beat the Republicans in 1892. That was for the two years too. This amount of 16 Billions is just the amount of the national debt when Franklin took over. He ran it up to 40 odd and then the war came along and it is 257 but we can't understand those figures anyway. The sixteen countries seem to have done an honest job at Paris. Our difficulty is corn crop shortage, price inflation and the consenting of South and Central American countries to help us. But it is not so bad as two wars 3 and 7 thousand miles away. And that's what it was April 12, '45. It's a most beautiful day and cold. It was 42? this morning. But sunshine gives a better outlook and I need that. Have some very grave decisions to make between now and Saturday. Hope you are having a nice time. Kiss my girl. Lots of love, Harry.

]]> Dear Bess: September 15, 1911 The original letter can be found here:https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/september-15-1911

]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/25F1FCF7-D634-616A-490B3906BF242F37.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-25F4CF6D-0025-58EA-5742C0BE32C529DB Dear Bess: September 15, 1911 National Park Service In this letter to his sweetheart, Harry Truman shares some of the challenges his family is having on the Farm, and talks about some of the reading materials he and Miss Bess Wallace are exchanging. The original letter can be found here:https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/september-15-1911 212 no full The original letter can be found here:https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/truman-papers/correspondence-harry-s-truman-bess-wallace-1910-1919/september-15-1911

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the 219 North Delaware Street podcast, a service of Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Today we would like to share with you a letter that Harry Truman wrote to Bess Wallace on September 15, 1911. In this letter he talks about some reading materials that Miss Wallace lent him, an accident that his father, John Anderson Truman, had on the farm. Can you guess who “his majesty” is? This letter is a good example of how Truman gave wonderful insights into working his family’s farm, hazards and all. Grandview, Mo. September 15, 1911 Dear Bessie: You owe me a letter and I am going to write you a note and tell you so. Do you know what has been hurting me all week? I actually came away and forgot that Columbian you gave me. I thought of it as soon as I got on the car and kicked myself from there home. I suppose I shouldn't tell you I forgot but should cook up some long-winded excuse for not taking it. But forget I did and I am sorry. Save it for me and I'll get it if you'll let me have it. Do you know I believe His Majesty himself has a special grudge against us. A horse fell on Papa Tuesday and broke one of the small bones in his left foot. He'll be laid up for a month the M.D. says. I suppose as soon as he gets around again I'll take another turn. I am going to have the blacksmith make me some cast iron shoes and sox. They will name us the Insurance Grabbers Association sure now. Don't ever take out any accident insurance. Things begin to happen at once when you do. We'd worried along all our lives without any and a certain gentleman with a large vocabulary and a bent for using it roped us last December. We've been having accidents in job lots since. I really don't know but what those policies had something to do with the dry year. I got a copy of that red Life last Saturday night and am sending it to you "under another cover", as the ad men say of a particularly heinous offense in circulars. I was in K.C. today buying small pieces of a grain drill. If you buy a whole one, it cost $75; but if you buy it by the piece, it costs $275. A binder whole costs $150, in small bits $600. They always intend to sell as many repairs as they can, too. I tried to get into connection with you over the Bell but couldn't and didn't have time to try over the Home. You owe me two letters. Sincerely, Harry

]]> Dear Bess: September 10 1912 ]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/podcasts/F4424859-A232-8EE3-2E759770DB415CFB.mp3 https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/the-219-north-delaware-street-podcast.htm#episode-F45690DD-B02D-B71D-F2ED2239E53CD975 Dear Bess: September 10 1912 National Park Service In this letter from Harry Truman to Bess Wallace, Mr. Truman shares some insights into the challenging world of living on a farm. He talks about his neighbors, workers on the farm, and is planning to see his sweetheart. Truman also makes reference to his friend "Polly Compton" in Independence, You can read an oral history with Mr. Compton's daughter here: https://www.nps.gov/hstr/learn/historyculture/oral-histories_w.htm 328 no full

---

TRANSCRIPT:

---

Welcome to the 219 North Delaware Street podcast. Today we would like to share one of the letters that Harry Truman wrote to his sweetheart, Miss Bess Wallace. Harry Truman likely wrote this from his family’s farm home new Grandview, Missouri, and Miss Wallace was in Independence. Although the distance wasn’t that far in terms of miles, to Harry Truman Miss Wallace was almost a world away. But via letters like this Truman shared his thoughts, his frustrations on the Farm, and his love for Miss Wallace.

September 10, 1912 Grandview, Mo. [Sept 9, 1912] Dear Bess: I am going to put in this Monday evening properly. I have practiced on Polly's wedding march, read a short story, and am ending up by endeavoring to obtain a letter from you. Today has been the most satanic we've had, to my notion. I took an energetic spell last week and decided to clean out the barn cistern and put a pump on it. Well, last Friday evening Boon and I began draining water about four o'clock I guess. Well, we took bucket-about until after six. I guess we must have taken out some hundreds of gallons - and it looked as if there was as much water as ever. We finally quit because it got dark. I took it on myself to finish getting the water out of the cistern by this afternoon. I'll bet I drew some two hundred gallons more or less, and there's still some water in the blooming thing. I'll get its goat tomorrow though. Then I want it to rain about three inches and fill the thing up. I was on the east side of the barn where breezes were scarce and sunshine was plentiful and exceeding hot, as Moses has remarked about the future residence of some of us. I haven't been much warmer since I sat on Mr. Slaughter's hogs while they were being vaccinated. He had some weighing about two hundred and as strong as mules. It was necessary to sneak up and grab a hind leg, then hold on until someone else got another hold wherever he could, and then proceed to throw Mr. hog and sit on him while he got what the Mo. University says is good for him. A two-hundred-pound hog can almost jerk the ribs loose from your backbone when you get him by the hind leg. It is far and away the best exercise in the list. It beats Jack Johnson's whole training camp as a muscle toughener. I helped at that job all morning Saturday and was supposed to get back this morning and finish. Maybe you think I wasn't glad when I called up and found out he'd done the job yesterday without my assistance. I'm most glad he was so scared. He is our important neighbor. That is, in his own estimation. He is a good neighbor but there is a difference in opinions, you know. We have another one that's a caution. He came up and helped us thresh oats. Along four o'clock he said to the man who was pitching bundles up on the wagon to him, "Do you suppose this man pays every night? I'd like awful well if he would, because I've got to stop by the store and get a little coffee and sugar for breakfast." The pitcher was a poor man and came very near lending that old codger a dollar. He's worth a hundred thousand dollars and probably had a wad on him big enough to choke a mule. To look at him you'd think he was a Dago ( we substitute Italian) ditch-digger or something of the kind. He always has about a thousand dollars in bills in his pocket, too. Papa told him someone would cave his head in sometime, but he says no one would think he had any money. You wouldn't either if you didn't know him. He is always trying to appear as a very hard-up poor man and makes out like he's powerful ignorant, while the one I mentioned first wants to appear as a leading citizen with a bushel of brains. Maybe you can guess which is the more popular and also which has the basket of brains. I'm hoping that Boxley or Cox will get me some good seats for Friday. If he don't, there is going to be a grand row. I think I'll take my grouch out on Polly if things don't hitch just to suit. She had no business coming to see me when I want to go see someone else. Now has she? We'll make Friday as joyous as Saturday would have been anyway. Let's go try your new lunch counter, what do you say? I can meet you somewhere and we can have a whole long, fine evening if you would care to. I hope you will. Answer quick and let me know. Most sincerely, Harry

]]>