June 7th, 1918

My Dearest Ella-;

Just got off the train and bought some stationary. Have been wanting to write all along the line. Jack gave me the note so I already owe you a letter.

Was very sorry that you could not get off to come to Salt Lake last night. Jack, Lyman, Beryl mother and the babys went down with me.

There is a car of sailors and one of soldiers on this train. We had a cabanet last night. There were two of the Pantages musicians we saw night before last entertaining.

We are two buisy two get lonesome. We have all got the American spirit. All along the line the people cheer and stare at us. There are a lot of good singers in the bunch. They are always singing the late song hits.

Ella dearest, I am a poor write at best but I don't think you will be able to read this at all. I am writing this letter on my knee. The train rocks so that I almost draw pictures instead of write.

If this letter is soiled don't blame anyone but me. I can't keep from marking it all up.

We will be in Omaha at Midnight. My sister Halee and some of my Omaha friends will be there to see me. We only stop there about fifteen minutes.

Tell Lyman or Jack that I am feeling fine and that I am sure having a nice trip. Give my regards to all my friends in Magna.

I will mail this mess in Cheyenne Wyo.  Address your letters here and they will know where to foward my mail because I don't.

Wish you would write real often. Don't wait for an answer to each letter. Just write as often as you can spare the time and I will do the same.

We are going through the rolling hills of Wyo now. These are sure some funny looking rodes out in the fields. They look like some one had piled them up.

I wish the train did not rock so. I would write a long letter then.

With love and hopes to be with you again,
Orson

P.S. Please execuse dirt sweetheart.

10 Dollar Letters

Hi Everyone,

The first weekend of June 2013, I was out garage sale-ing with my husband. We find this older gentleman selling many antiques and treasures from his mom (like a old doll from the early 1900s), and even some of his own stuff (like a bike from the 50s!)... but what I find was a very special treasure. These old letters.

The Letters

I asked him to explain what he knew about them... He said they were his mom's aunt's friend's letters. As I picked one up, I realized I was holding a letter from the 1920s!!... not only that, but it was a soldier's letter back to his girl... (whom he ends up marrying). I was greatly intrigued and inspired.

He was selling the letters for two dollars each. I bought one. My initial desire was to share with the daughters (our next generation) the history of the war and war letters... that period of time from a true perspective. I was excited about my one letter! :D

Well, eventually, I came back and bought the box for ten dollars. I have now decided to share and write each letter here with you.

I know it will change my life... and I hope that as we journey through this you, too, will see our history in this unique (and rare) perspective. :D

~Yuliya

January 3rd, 1918

January 3, 1918

Dearest Ella-,

                I am very sorry that I did not receive those letters you wrote to me. These fourths the mail and things that were sent to me at the training camps were returned to the sender.

                I received the letter you wrote Oct. 28^th. Ella I heard about three months ago that you were going to join the Red Cross from Beryl. I did not know your Salt Lake City address and I wrote to ask Beryl to send me your address and to show you the letter I wrote her or to tell you to write I don’t remember which.

                I did not get an answer to that letter I received yours and her letters at the same time.

                So you don’t believe in fortunes. I think it will be a misfortune for you when I get to S. L. city because I am going to try to see you the first I get there.

                So Louise and bonnie remind you of me. In what way? I would sure have like to been there when you were down to see them.

                Well, Ella, I have seen lots of country while over here but I am longing for the day when I can go back home again.

                I had the very best time of my life last spring with you. Maybe next spring I will be back there again.

                I think I will work around Salt Lake when I get back.

                I am feeling well. Hope you are allright. How do you like being a nurse?

                Must go to chow now. 

With Love, Orson

Here is the Letter with the Envelope.