[Family Papers Family Correspondence] [Thomas A. Church, nephew 1935-52 and undated] New York City Nov. 9 1935 Dear aunt: How are you feeling i hope you are alright my father bought me some books where are King Arthur and his knights Robinson Crusoe Alice in Wonderland I said thank you and my y farber bought me Gullivers Travels please excuse my mistakes and errors YOUR NEPHEW Thomas church PS I also have the book Treasure Island and Pinnocchio your nephew Thomas A. Church 8256 Kimbark Ave. Chicago, Illiniois January 10, 1939 Dear Aunt Mollie, I hope you are feeling well. I am soo so sorry I Haven't written sooner. - To tell the truth I just didn't find time, I had so much to do! I had to have something ready in History Geography, learn a part for an historical play, study up something, and give a good report on waterpower, only to name a few of the things. I'd make up my mind to write at a certain time, sometimes I'd forget but most of the time I'd have something or other to do. Right after I finish writing I must go up to Stoney Island. When I come back I will study some more on water-power. 2. I have received that wonderful stamp album and "the Cruise of the Cachalot." Thanks very, very, much. They were really very swell. That album has spaces for stamps from every country in the world, and spaces for almost every stamp in the world, that really is a "nifty" album. I had a very nice Christmas. These are some of the things I received, "Seven League Boots" a very good book on the explorations of Richard Halliburton, written by the same man, Spies and Intrigues" by Phillip E. Oppenheim, this book consists of 4 very good stories, and "The Complete Sherlock Holmes" by A. Conan Doyle, which I am reading now, just the thing I wanted, these were given to me by mother. I received "Toby Tyler" or "Ten Weeks with the Circus by Otis from Aunt Sally and a game parade, consisting of 3. fifteen different games from Mrs. Jewel. And of course that lovely, lovely coat Phyllis and F.E. sent me. It really fit swell. I am getting along swell in school. Not much to tell about it though. I meant to save two dollars of the five which you sent me, but I had to break one of them, so now I only have one. The new issue of the paper ought to be out in a day or so, and I’ll send you a copy. I’m afraid I cannot change my mind about Spooks beating Puddin’s since Spooks is so much superior!!! Spook’s just caught a mouse last night. Sending Much Love and Kisses Your Loving nephew, Thomas 6/1/40 Dear Aunt Mollie: Enclosed you will find a little gift, sent by Mr. Stamps a friend of Mrs. Penny's. I have received your letter and will write soon. Sending much love and kisses!!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas [TWIN CITY NEW AGENCY, BENTON HARBO-ST. JOSEPH, MICH.] Dear Aunt Mollie, I am here in Benton Harbor, Michigan to spend a day or so. I am having a swell time. We'll be leaving for the south by Wednesday or Thursday. Sending much (Love & Kisses!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas POST CARD Mary Church Terrell 1615 "S" St. N.W. Washington D.C. Greetings from Benton Harbor Michigan 760 Selma St. Mobile, Ala. Dec. 28, 1940 Dear Aunt Mollie: I hope you are feeling alright. I am feeling fine. First, I want to thank you for my Christmas gift. The suit is grand. It's just what I wanted. Thanks a million. Did you receive the gloves I sent you? I am having a swell time. We arrived at Mobile on Sunday night. Everything was grand on the island. For Christmas dinner we had duck, goose, and roast pig. We also had chicken gumbo. Today we were invited to Mobile for a turkey dinner and will return to the island tomorrow (Sunday). I have received many other nice gifts. Mother gave me a hat, two pairs of underwear, three shirts, and two pairs of pajamas, and a belt. Floyd gave me a goggled ace cap. Aunt Dolores gave me a belt and suspender set. Carlos gave me a pair of stockings. When I return to school next week, I will be a month away from graduation. Sending much love and Kisses!!!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas [New page] 6102 Evans Ave [5339 Maryland Ave] Chicago, Ill. May 11, 1942 Dear Aunt Mollie: How are you? I hope you are well. Well, we have moved. We are now living at 6102 Evans Ave. It is slightly lonesome around here and sometimes I go back to the old block to see some of the kids. I am getting along fine in school. Right now it is pouring down cats and dogs outside. It is really raining! Previously we had 2 or 3 days of a cold snap. I hope the weather improves We are still upset from moving and in a few days hope to be all straight. How are things in Washington? Is there any more talk of air raids In Chicago they are having practice air raid drills and such. In fact the authorities think that Chicago will be one of the first cities bombed. I also hear the Los Angeles, and San Francisco are expecting to be bombed too. Sending much love and kisses!!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas Church ------------------ Postal Telegraph SEP 23 AM 12 W.NE4 49 NL=Sackville NB 22 MRS MARY CHURCH TERELL= 1615 SOUTH ST NW (WASHINGTON DC)= DEAR AUNT MOLLIE HOPING YOU ARE WELL AND HAVING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY I AM BEHAVING MYSELF AND STUDYING HARD I INTEND TO WORK HARD THIS TERM AND MAKE YOU PROUD FOR ME SENDING MUCH LOVE AND KISSES SAY HELLO TO PHYLLIS FOR ME YOUR LOVING NEPHEW HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN= THOMAS CHURCH. .. 1615 "S" St. N.W. Washington D.C. July 30, 1945 Dear Aunt Mollie: I am sorry that you have not received a letter from me sooner. But every time I'd start to write, you'd move on to another address. Well, I'm a working boy now. I have a job at the Army Map Service which is located at 61st and MacArthur Blvd. It is quite a distance from the house, so I get up at 6:00-6:30 so that I can make work by 7:45 A.M. I get off at 4:15. My work comes under a clerkship's heading, but I due quite a bit of [manual] physical work. It is not too hard, though, and I will tell you more about it when you get home. I read the article you sent from Yellow Springs. It was a very fine tribute. It must be wonderful to look back through the years and be able to remember the accomplishments you have made since you left Antioch. I hope you have had a pleasant vacation and will continue to have one until you return. Write a short letter on what you've seen and done. Sending much love and kisses!!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas Cooke Hall Howard Univ. Washington 1, D.C. March 6, 1946 HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON 1, D.C. THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS OFFICE OF THE DEAN Dear Aunt Mollie, I received your letter, and I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself in Mexico City. I am very anxious to see you and hear what you have to say about Mexico.. Everything in Washington is fine. My school work is good, so far. I was worried about my Biological Science for a while, but now my mark in that subject is far above passing. Public Administration isn't faring as well as I wish it were, considering that it is my major subject. I will not fail anything this quarter. I have not heard from my draft board (thank God), and am hoping and praying that I do not. I read recently that Mexico had issued many protests against the discrimination practiced by this country against Mexican laborers working here. Mexico appears to be a great country. [New page] HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON 1, D.C. 2- THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS OFFICE OF THE DEAN - cont'd. I have received a bill from Howard. Why they have sent it to me I don't know, so I am enclosing it. I received your check. Thanks, very much. Well, I hope you continue to enjoy your visit with our neighbors, and I hope you are resting. Write, real soon. Sending much love and kisses!!! Give Phyllis my love and tell her I will write, Thomas P.S. I hope I have this address right. Aug. 26, 1946 Cook Hall-Box #444 Howard Univ. Washington 1, D.C. Dear Aunt Mollie: I called you Saturday morning at 10:30 and again that night. Today Phyllis' roomate told me you had gone to the beach. I want to get my tonsils out on Thursday, Sept. 5, which means I have to stay some place between the 31st and the 5th. After my tonsils are out I would like to stay at the beach - (the doctor said it would be all right). Then I would like to come back into town since I would like to work a few weeks before going to school - besides I would have to come back since, for next week-end. It's the last school week end and I would like to have some spending money. Also if you want me to stay at Kenyon - please send my rent. How is everything down at the Beach? Tell me when you intend to come back to the city. Sending Much Love and Kisses!!! Tell Phyllis hello - Your loving nephew, Thomas. [New page] I imagine you're closing up the house down there. I can get a room on Kenyon St. for $25.00 until October when school starts. I need your permission before I can have the tonsils taken out - then they will operate providing they have room in the wards. My final examinations for this session of summer school are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, so I'm starting to study for them. My hay fever is here again - and sometimes bothers me quite a bit. Today it hit me pretty badly. If possible, could you please send me some extra money Bridge in Fenway, Boston, Mass. 3B-H1167 BRIDGE IN FENWAY, Boston, Mass., is situated in the Back Bay Fens, This antique bridge spans the water through which many canoeists delight, and is one of the many spots of spooning lovers in the Fens. Home for a bit of rest. Back in DC after September 9. See you then Love “Tommy” [*POST CARD*] Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. S.T N.W Washington, DC 1615 “S” St. N.W Washington, D.C. August 10, 1952 Dear Aunt Mollie, I received your interesting letter yesterday which was Saturday and I enjoyed reading it. You asked where I am staying these nights-at 1615 S St. But please don't worry, the house is still standing. I have been forwarding your mail regularly as it arrives, except for the second class mail (newspaper, advertisements etc) and the bills. I don't know what to do with them. I am enclosing one which has a penalty date on the 18th which you can still make. Write and tell me what to do with the others- I can put them all in one envelope and mail them to you, or I can hold them for you until you get back. I have heard neither from the Air Force nor the Army. I guess "no news is good news," but the suspense is killing me. I have been trying to get on at the Post Office by seeing my former foreman who promised to aid me. He hasn't succeeded yet. My allowance is due tomorrow the 11th. I promise I will get a job by the next couple of weeks, even if I have to wait on the tables. As you know, I hate to do that because it conflicts with the professional dignity I am trying so hard to maintain (I can hear you laughing all the way here). It was very nice to hear from you, Aunt Mollie and I was really very happy to hear that you are enjoying yourself at the Convention. I imagine the delegates keep you going, asking questions concerning those things that only you can answer Is there another woman present there who helped organize the NACW? I doubt it. I also imagine they have been bestowing quite a few honors upon you. Incidentally, since I don't know whether you could get a copy of last week's Afro - I have enclosed the article that the "Egg & I" couple wrote. How are Mary & Carlos? Please tell them hello for me. (Pat "Spooks" for me also)> Have a good time, Aunt Mollie & don't worry about a thing. Sending Much Love and Kisses!!! Your Loving nephew, Thomas 1615 8 St. N.W. Washington, D.C. August 18, 1952 Dear Aunt Mollie: I received your letter several days ago. Thank you very much for the check that you enclosed. I really needed it. I had written an answer to your first letter, but evidently it did not arrive before you wrote the second. There is a very good picture of you and Mary appearing in this week's Pittsburgh Courier - I guess you've already seen it since you probably get all the papers there - but just in case! Has the Convention ended yet? From the tenor of your latest letter it seems that it has. I want to see you very much Aunt Mollie, but please, please don't come home on my account. I know you must be enjoying yourself tremendously with Mary & Carlos. And besides I don't think (hope) that I will be called by the Army for another month - so I [*??*] should be here if you stay as you originally intended. Be sure and tell Mary & Carlos hello. I hesitate to add Spooks because I know he must be quite old now. But since I have heard nothing to the contrary I think I am safe in assuming that he is alive & well - so pat him for me & say hello to him also. In my last letter I asked you about the bills - Since I have no way of knowing how urgent they are (some may be important). I am sending them to you in one envelope, 1615 "S" St. N. W. Washington, D.C. August 19, 1952 Page 1: Dear Aunt Mollie: I received a letter from you several days ago-and 2 letters today: one dated Aug. 14th and the other Aug. 15th. I wrote you a letter yesterday but did not mail it because I wanted to send your bills at about the same time also. You know I asked you about the bills--and since some of them may be urgent (and I have no way of knowing which ones are). I had planned to put them in one envelope and air mail them to you. But I couldn't find an envelope large enough, as I waited until today where both of your last letters arrived. Therefore, I am writing a brand new letter, and holding the bills. I want to thank you very much for the check that you sent me, - I really needed it. I felt sure that you had seen the afro in Los Angeles but I sent the clipping just in case- I'll get the date. Incidentally, the Courier (this week's) carries a picture of you and many. Phyllis has asked me to get copies of each paper-which I will be sure to do. I want to see you very much, Aunt Mollie, but please, please don't come home solely on my account. I know you must be enjoying yourself tremendously with Mary and Carlos- and since it has been quite some time since you have seen- or will see them in the future it would be a shame if I were responsible for you cutting your visit short. Them too, I am certain that I won't be inducted into the Army before the middle of September so that I will still be here if you stay as long as you had originally intended. Page 2: Please tell Mary and Phyllis hello for me. Tell Mary I shall write her a letter real soon. In my last letter to you I had hesitated in adding spooks to the "greetings list" but since I heard nothing to the contrary I felt safe in assuming that he is alive and well- which is due in all probability to the excellent treatment he receives. But I was very happy to read in your letter that he is doing so well (straight from the horse's mouth so to speak-ha-ha). Pat him again and tell him hello for me. I will be sure and hold all of your mail for you. Take it easy, Aunt Mollie, enjoy your trip and don't worry about anything. Sending much love and kisses!!! Your loving nephew, Thomas for my allowance, and I have not received any. Also today I bought "Canada Prose & Poetry." A book we have to have for $.75. It is worth over $1.75 at the book store. Would you mind sending me money for articles like toiletries (soap ect.), and hair cuts. I can-not get it from Mr. Parker, and I can- not afford it from my allowance. I am writing my mother tonight. Sending much love & kisses!!! Your loving nephew Thomas Church MT. Allison [ac'dmy] Sackville, N.B. Canada Sept. 22nd Dear Aunt Mollie - How are you? I hope you are well. I received your letter and the two dollars, Thank you very, very much. I sent a box of chocolates for your birthday. I hope you received them all right. The school work is now. Today he was telling us some of his experiences. They are very interesting. He left Norway in the middle of the invasion. He has seen Stuka Dive Bombers on their way to bomb a junction a few miles away. He went to London and missed the "Air Blitz" there, by a few weeks. On the way over, 2 German bombers went over the ship. A submarine circled the ship, but soon put up the British flag. These are just some of his experiences. When you left you did not have any money [New Page fine here. I am getting along all right. Since we haven't had any tests or anything I can't tell you anything definite. Among our studies is the Cadet Training. When the officer [who] would give commands I would do it the American way. Such as about turns, marching, ect. But I soon learned the British style. There is a Norwegian fellow here. He has been in Canada two years Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.