Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Beulah's Letters

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light!

Sunday

Dear Friend,

You're lucky - to be living in such a fair climate but Bob worked on the paper in Santa Monica before he went to LA Times. After 23 years at the Times he is now asst supervisor under Burton ? the chief supervisor. He came up to Portland 2 years ago at Thg. time to be with me there - 3 sons that day together. 

But you seem far away - I always thot I'd like to live down there but is too rich for my blood - have a home here and better stay in it. Even Seattle has horribly high rents.  But when Edna Potwin came out to be with her daughter for the winter - I was tempted to take a train ride - I flew to Frisco once but I wouldn't go into LA airport - 

Are you renting an apt? Do you drive? Maybe you could get over to La Canada to see Edna - Stephen's wife and she is a dear - She & I are the only ones doing any research on Potwins - they are popping up all over.

Don - my youngest son - bachelor - was in Pendleton - was told a Francis Potwin lived there - and at our town bookstore I was told that a woman from Ellensburg (next town north) I had asked for the book Elinor - said she was a Potwin - the woman who runs the bookstore knew me so told this woman to phone, but she never did and haven't her name - So it goes - 

My oldest daughter Ruth now lives in Belmont, is in her late 40's and since her husband's death doesn't like to use her car - 

Our winter has been rather surprising - so cold and 2 snow storms - I wish now I had gotten away but I sprained my ankle months ago and then bursitis set in - I am just now getting back to normal - 

Let me hear how you like your new home - I'm sure you will - it looks like spring but weather is so unpredictable - 

Sincerely,

Beulah E. Potwin

~fini~

editors note: this is the final letter from Beulah, however she will go on to live another 13 years, dying just shy of her 98th birthday, possibly in her own home .... her FindAGrave memorial is here.

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©1968 Beulah E Potwin - Private Collection