File:1949 - 08 19 Marie Streich letter to Clara Hinderer.jpg

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source:Clara Hinderer collection

This letter was written by Marie Lydia Streich to her Aunt Clara Hinderer in 1949. Marie was attending summer school to earn her Bachelor's Degree while teaching grade school. She and Cousin Ralph Baur had been on a trip to visit their Cousin Kathrine Hinderer. In her letter, Marie expounds on the kind of woman is suitable for Ralph to marry.

Friday the 19th, 1949

Dear Aunt Clara,

How true that one has to pinch oneself to be convinced that the wonderful visit wasn’t a dream or just wishful thinking! I’m still fairly bubbling from the unexpected call of last Sunday - it was the nicest thing that happened in summer school so far. Only one thing could be better and that can’t be! Your visit was the tonic I needed - some “homefolk” to visit with, and to be with, to counteract loneliness. I guess I was sort of lonesome because when I’m lonesome I talk and talk. I’m afraid I did that! Do you mind? It did me a world of good and somehow everything looked rosier this week because of your visit. Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with me! Won’t you do it again some time?

Are you all rested up since you're back home? A trip is tiring and one doesn’t realize how tired one is until you can sink into your own bed. I’ll be like my mother now - “you looked so tired - be sure you sleep lots.”

The calendar tells me that I’ll have to be ready to go to Northfield in another week. The saying “Time Flies” becomes more meaningful to me all the time. I guess I won’t ever wish for today to be over and tomorrow to be here because one really wishes one's life away. The todays are so much fun and bring so much that “that should be enough.”

May I tell you of my experience at the blood back? I had quite a few new experiences that day! I had not trouble giving the blood it fairly gushed out and I filled my bottle a little too fast. I felt fine, I sat up, I got off the bed, started walking to the canteen, began seeing black dots, the people began to grow dimmer, I commented “It’s getting pretty black.” Uh, huh! Another new experience - I passed out just as I was trying to get up on the bed. It must have made a pretty good bump because I had a gang around me when I came to again. It wasn’t voluntary and I myself was surprised when I heard me. Do you suppose it’s a reaction of joy or sorrow?

Well, after a little nap and some strong black coffee I felt better. The doctor tested my blood pressure so many times while I was resting that my muscle aches even yet. From 130 it went down below 100 - the drop was too sudden! Next time I’ll eat more lunch - after all one can’t get any more blood out of two carrots and a bean than the proverbial turnip. Live and learn!

This clipping that I’m sending came from our Sunday paper of the 6th. I had it in my stationary box ready to go into the next letter I wrote to you. I forgot all about it when you were here - The Merna, Nebraska part interested me.

You told me to take good care of your son when we left for Kats. I did that - I was a regular mother! May I pass on these motherly observations I made? The first, I don’t suppose I'd really have to make because you know that - (1) You have a very fine son (2) He has very sound ideas - I’d like to hear his sermons and visit seriously with him (3) He has a pleasing personality and a charming manner (4) His cultured - from a good upbringing (5) By listening (believe or not, I really did!) one could tell he was well educated and had the ability to use that intelligence. It made sense! (6) Any girl should be thrilled by having his attention and be as careful as possible to be worthy of that attention. She might show that in a number of ways - in attitude, in dress, in responsiveness (not physical necessarily), in charm, in interest, in study to keep abreast of him (it might be wise in Ralph's case to have someone of fairly equal educational qualifications of someone who has a sound understanding of the obligations involved), in true friendliness, in understanding, in personal improvement learning housewifely arts. Does that hit them all?

I know that these things are essential in any relationship - we girls just can’t sit back and wait to develop them until the right person comes along! Most of all I think a quality of “being alive” or vivacious is rather desirable, at least, that’s most appealing to me. Next, I like a man that’s really “a man” - just so, i think a girl should be feminine and if she wants her man she’d better be - at all times - right? In all these things I’m referring not to the physical but the true inner-self. It helps to have a nice body but that isn’t always necessary. I was a good 30 lbs. Heavier when I got my proposal. One doesn’t have to have a pretty face but if the person is real an inner beauty radiates and makes him or her priceless. Do I observe wisly?

Now, as myself, may I comment? I hope Ralph chooses a woman who is special - he deserves the best and needs someone with exceptional qualities because so much of his happiness and his success as a pastor will depend on her. He has so much that it is desirable by way of qualities that any girl should be proud to have part claim in sharing the pleasures and sorrows of life with him. Maybe I say this because I know him and know about him - knowing somebody a long time has its advantages.

Having reread what I’ve written I feel I could qualify for a grandmother. I “feel” a lot older than my 27 years - maybe that’s why I’m not age conscious! Do you think I can advise people or is my perspective off the beat? I find that anyone really worthwhile could measure up to my expectations. It has happened! I haven’t incorporated the spiritual aspect because you perhaps can observe that better than I. That’s a must!

Another must - my ironing waiting in the basement. I’m really going to be clean again for another week!

I enjoyed your visit so much and had a nice trip back to Kato. Marion is a nice girl.

Love, Marie