File:1944 - 03 10 Ralph Baur letter to his mom.jpg

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source: Clara Hinderer collection

Ralph Baur writes to his mom from Northwestern College, Watertown, WI where he is a Junior. He is enjoying college life. No mention is made of WWII even though 5 days earlier American heavy bombers mounted the first-ever, full-scale daylight raid on Berlin or about the deaths of thousands at Nazi Germany's Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

Watertown, Wis.

March 10, 1944

Dear Mom,

Endlich ich “amal” eine bisschen zeit nehmen um meiner Mutter einen Brief zu schreiben.<ref>Finally, I am taking some time to write a letter to my mother.</ref>

I followed your probelms with much interest. You again handled them like a real veteran; no doubt much “durcheinander”<ref>Confusion</ref> transpired in your mind before the eventful interview. I really feel proud of you the way you handled it.

The only thing I could suggest is that you would have asked for more and really made that bunch sit up and take notice and really show them how much your worth to them. Too bad you haven’t another job in view and then really open up on those critters in a board meeting.

I’m sure with all the cold facts that back you up you wouldn't have to be afraid to face the whole board. I imagine from your little interview you found the only way to get something is to stand up with all boldness and confidence in yourself and ask. I’m sure I wouldn't’ have been able to keep a quiet temperament when a.<ref>Superintendanct Anree?</ref> became haughty after you asked for a new amount. That would have lit the fuse. You certainly have a good disposition.

Philip and I did go up to the Sem. We took the bus and the interurban from there. Schaller met us at the station. We drove up in style. They really fell all over Philip. I really expected that and was glad for his sake. Philip is certainly an interesting traveling companion, and I only regret that our plans of traveling on the lakes this summer was so short lived.

For supper we consumed the complete hot dish; it all tasted so good. In the evening Mrs. Reim and Charlotte Sauer<I believe this is the daughter of William Sauer who was pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI</ref> came over for a visit. We really hauled over New Ulm. Herman Aufderheide <ref>Arthur Aufderheide's dad who own a brick making plant in New Ulm</ref> proved to be center of good deal of conversation.

It developed that Mrs. Reim can call Herman Aufderheide her first boyfriend. She looks and acts and even looks like Mrs. Gieseke. I couldn’t get over it. We went to bed about 10:30.

Sunday morning we went to church with the Schaller’s. Mrs. Reim also came along. There were only about 15 students in church. Prof. Schutze looks as young as ever. He has a very calm delivery, but preaches very simple and from the bible. He must really have an excellent knowledge of the Bible. I talked to him after services. He still remembers you from New Ulm and of course in Cedar also.

We naturally had a big meal for dinner (baked chops main dish). After dinner Schaller mentioned that he heard that Ristean reads off most of his sermon.<ref> When Ralph became a pastor he didn't like it when preacher's read sermons and never read his.</ref> He couldn’t understand how a man could slip so much. Then I told him I didn't like to judge ministers because I don’t know what I’ll be like but wanted to know his opinion about reading out of a ½ dozen secular books on pulpit. He almost split a gut when I told him about “Amen” in middle of text deal.

In the afternoon Phil and I went over to dorm for a short visit; then we took Charlotte for a walk. By this time it was again time to eat and hop a car for Milwaukee. We left about 5:25. We were in Watertown by 8:45. It was a really nice afternoon.

Today I wrote out another check for $10 and paid a $5 debt and also bought two books. Compends<ref>Amazon says:"Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.</ref> $1.45 sells for $2; a short Greek N.T. dictionary $1.25. So you see how the money trickles away. From now on in to the end of the month I’m sitting on the $1<ref>About $14 in 2018 dollars.</ref> I have left.

Gosh, I’ve been writing a whole ½ hour already. Ione Hubner’s brother had an appendectomy last nite. Very sudden I guess. I was out tobogganing while it happened. Bob Schumann, Martin Stern (freshman) and I went tobogganing. Philip was to go too, but his date, Lois Fullbrigg, refused to go (Don’t mention this fact at home).

We used Schumann's and Stern’s toboggan, they also got hold of a car. I furnished the gas stamps. We went out here in the country about 6 miles. The hill wasn’t bad at all. In fact, the moon was perfect. We built a fire, but weren’t too successful in its heat giving qualities.

After the riding portion of the evening we went to one of the girl’s houses and made hot chocolate and also had a good lunch. The girl is a coed up here (Inez Wahl). I had Puy.

We have been kept plenty busy. I don’t mind it as long as my eyes stand up. Did I tell you already? We are having about a months vacation in Sept. and in December 1 month also. I believe this is what I read at afjs.

That was certainly quite an experience Schwab and Stuby had.

It’s getting late and I must study and get ready to see a pageant at the high school. Pup asked me to go with her.

Love,

{Ralph Baur|Ralph]]

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