File:1940 - 09 20 Letter from Clara Hinderer to Ralph Baur at Northwestern.jpg

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source:RN Baur estate

Dear Ralph:

I am through with the census and with the first long annual report to the state department, so I can take a few moments off to write to you. I presume you are as anxious to have my opinions about your air course as I am to know more about your life at college

I do not know what to say about the air course.<ref>We Wanted Wings It has been my understanding that a person taking this course must have at least two years of college work. You have not had that. On the other hand, I do not believe that you can pass a physical examination because of your heart and your dizzy reaction to being world around. I have have not had an opportunity to study the situation here. Do not know with whom to talk, but will be glad to hear more about it from you.<rev>Apparently Ralph was interested in joining the air corp. In later letters he expresses interest in the glider program.</ref>

The Streight visit last Sunday evening was rather interesting. It seems that [[Marie Marie and Rudolph have brought sort of a rift into the family. The strikes are not in on anything, consequently it is easier for them to talk.

It makes me boil, however, do you think that Lydia is always the one good enough to help them out of all their difficulties, take care of them when no one else will, and she is getting the dirty end of the deal this time. Anyway, it seems that all of them have been asked to sign off. That means they will claim nothing of dad's property and that grandmother will have everything. By law half of everything belongs to her. The only one who cannot sign off any part of his share, nor can his guardian do that, is you. How they will arrange for your share I do not know. Whatever you get will come to you through the Probate Judge. Cordelia will likely be appointed administrator. Rudolph wanted to be, but no one in the family seems to want him. Marie and Helen seem to be the main manager, but as far as you are concerned, they cannot do anything since you are a minor and the law will take care of that. You are entitled to your dad's share; at best that can only be a you hundred dollars.

So far I know that you are taking Latin. How are you getting along and Greek and your other subjects? Who are your roommates? I know that one is a Wenzel, Paul Ke;lke, and one Quintaner and yourself . But where do they hail from, how old, and how do you like them? Have you accustomed yourself to college and dorm life, and how do you like it? I am imagine that if your roommates are compatible, that you will enjoy dorm and college life.

Then, I would like to know about that $1.50 suit. Was it second-hand, threadbare, or how did you fall heir to such a wonderful bargain?

Do you see Johnny Sauer ever and Eb Erhart Fisher? Issi was here last Sunday. She has life. The other night she and Ione Huebner went with a candle and notebook from room to room to see how various people got into bed, what they were doing, etc. Guess they had a lot of noisy fun. Inky had to go up and quiet them. By that time Issi and Iona were in bed with the covers drawn over their heads. I hear things once in a while now. Minnie got in bad the other day. Mueller appointed her to check in the music room. The hall was noisy and Just came in and asked her what she was doing. She told him “checking for Mueller.” Just said, “Then why don't you do it, there is so much noise, and what authority has Mueller to ask you to check.” Minnie said “he didn't need any authority. He was in authority.” Can you imagine the blessedness of the dumb ones? A smart person couldn't get away with something like that.

New Ulm high school won the football game against Redwood Falls last Friday night. Tomorrow afternoon they play Glencoe. Nothing has been heard or seen of our burglars. The door was finally fixed today, so I can keep out the flies. Now it is fixed so that no one can look through the crack to see if I'm there. I'm glad of that.

Kathryn Rauscke and Backer got married last Saturday in Iowa to evade the draft bill. Lots of people are getting married. Vorwerk, who delivered for Joe's grocery, is married too. Presume you saw in the paper that Shipstead beat all his opponents ( that includes and Andreen) by a large plurality. The next day I had a letter from Andreen saying “ I am dead broke now, you will have to wait a while for your money.” Most of it is against the school, so I am not worring.

The weather is quite warm here. How did it happen that you didn't get to Gene’s Mission Festival last Sunday? Didn't the professor take you along? And you wouldn't ask of course. Tell me about Kowalke? Is he a likeable chap semi? How are you getting along with us Oswald? Ruth’s job ends this week. Enestvedt”s wanted her back, but she doesn't want to go back there.

Well, almost 3 weeks of school life are over. That means one twelfth of it. Oh, yes, I have it all figured out, but not because of my own School. Think I will live alone next year.

Now it is your turn to write a long letter. Presume you would like the typewriter. You can have it now, typed only 6 pages of the census. The rest Marion typed. If you have need for it, I will send it to you.

Love to you. (Did you get the Latin book I sent? for what did you pay for, and how much of a bill have week at Northwestern?) Have not heard from Fred, though I have written him another note. Perhaps you better send him one. But don't send him the bills. Tell him you need $100 now, $75 December 1st, and $75 April 1st.

Again love,

Mom

Glad you got into the choir. that will be worthwhile for you, especially for your health. Perhaps by the time you start on a tour I will be caught up so that I can go to hear you sing, and we can possibly have a few days together at Gene’s then instead of at Christmas time.

Met old Plagens at Eibners last Sunday. Father's can brag too. It isn't a mother's trick alone. Said Robert is getting along just wonderful at Concordia. Has a stiff science course and chemistry and physics. And he will have to decide this year what he will be. He knows he will make a wonderful Minister. I said, I presume he will end up at Northwestern. He said, “Da kommet er mir nie hin. Ich bin immer ein Missourier gewesen.”<ref>I can never go there. I have always been Missouri.</ref> I said “Gewesen. Die Missourier sind nicht mehr orthodox, nicht mehr echt.”<ref>The Missourians are no longer orthodox, no longer genuine.</ref> He just laughed.

Have you heard from Arthur? Saw Otto the other day. Says he is going to try to join the regular Army Band now. The National Guard here wasn't called in the first draft.

How is your health? Did the bowel trouble show up again? Will have payday next week, and can send your allowance then. Presume you need more money for postage, Etc.[[Category:

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