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Note: N856 WARD REC: Carey Ward; FHl film 7310, # 379. Cancellation - Louisa B. Park Howard, do John S. Park = Martha Melissa Parker, born Provo Bench, Sharon Stake, Utah co, Utah 21 Jun 1883, blessed by Jo Dilworth 7 Jan 1886, bp by Thos Cordnor 3 Aug 1893, conf. by Peter M. Wintz 6 Aug 1893. Married Josiah Howard in temple 5 Sep 1906.
Howard 88
November 8 1905
Recieved from miss Lula Park
ten dollars on tuition
$10.00 Dr Romania B Penrose
park 1292
List of licensed Obstetricians # 460 Lula B. Park
Park 412
Letter verifying that Lula B Park was a licensed obstetrician. License number 460. She was licensed between July 1 1906 and October 1, 1906.
State of Utah
Department of Business Regulation
Department of Registration
330 East Fourth St, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
533-5711
Scott Matheson Paul T. Fordham
Governor Director
November 7, 1978
Mrs. Lorna Walker
3772 Lorna Drive
Granger, Utah 84120
Dear Mrs. Walker:
This letter will certify that LULA B. PARK was a licensed obstetrician in the sate of Utah holding license number 460, as shown by the records of this office.
This license was issued to her sometime between July 1, 1906 and October 1, 1906. (The exact date was never recorded).
For further verification please contact the above address.
Sincerely,
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION
[Signature]
PAUL T. FORDHAM, DIRECTOR
PTF:gg
OFFICIAL SEAL
of the
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION
Park 1088
Post card written by Louisa B Howard nee Park to her daughter Virginia
Dear Virginia
Haus Mama Little girl. Did you larn you peace for primary I sure hope so did papa get home yet if you write to me send it to Grandpa Park. Well I will close & to weave on my basket & then get ready for meeting I am sure lonsom to see you all haus Vernal From Mama
howard 1622
History Early Utah Midwives, Discusses early women who went back east to study. Park 413
United States Census, 1940 California Los Angeles Long Beach judicial Towns Councilmanic District 9 59-139 Long Beach Judicia...) in Assembly District 70
Image 42 of 52
Poppy 1431 158 O 1000
Howard Louisa Head 0 F W 56 Wd no 8 8 Utah 94 same house 20 20 yes 3 12 nursing private p4 760 86 1 6 260 55
Vernal P son 2 m W 26 S no 14 30 Idaho same house yes 1 40 clerking grocery p5 220 61 1 50 1500 240
Verda daughter 2 F W 22 SH H 30 Utah 94 same house no no yes 52 musician newwoolier no 6 0 0 yes
Melvin son 2 ma W 19 S 4 14 20 Idaho 89 same house no no no 3 6 0 0 no
12/4/36
Mr & Mrs Ira Coulson
I am doing knight duty now I wanted to get in store before it closed so came early decided I would come over to hotel & write to you. sure was happy to get your letter even if I didn’t make a big fuss over it, like Melvin did his, he was plenty happy, he said, thats the first letter I ever got, & went over, sat himself down to enjoy its contents. I was out home for dinner last nite. We sure had a lot of fun, or I did listening to Vernal & Melvin. Vernal got it & read it, he sure laugh at the drawings & kidded Melvin, he said you just knew how dumb Melvin was, because you even had to draw it out, he said he wouldn’t want to hold the Rabbit while you shot at it. I talked mishion to Vernal, he said he was going to start right now saving up money to send Melvin, he said Melvin didn’t like work any way, so a mishion would be just right for him, said he would keep him out 4 years. How did you get converted to a mishion Ira? If Vernal didn’t have his business, it would make some difference, but under the condishions It requires faith. You have sure been working Ira. You get home & almost meet yourself gowing back you are on your feet too much, sure hope you are better by now. & don’t have so mutch rush work. The S. S. Calling is sure great, quite a surprise all so soon that work will be a real pleasure for you, & what is your work Virgie? Ira has just changed your last name & shortened the first, I am just begining to realize you are married & gone. I sure miss you, when I go home, seams like you should be coming. I washed yesterday, today I cleaned up some, so Verda would have time to practice, & tomorrow I will Iron. Verda may help Vernal again in store. I wish he could teach Melvin the store work. Melvin don’t like it, he likes wood work. he gets and A in tiping at
(this is all of the letter I can locate. JLCO)
howard 1552
Missionary Certificate
To All to Whom This May be Presented:
This Certifies, that the bearer, Sister Louisa B. Howard who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of said Church, with authority to preach the Gospel and perform other missionary labors pertaining to her office and calling. We invite all men to give heed to her teachings as a servant of God, and to assist her in her travels and labors, in whatsoever things she may need.
Virgil H Spongburg President of ________ Stake
Dated December 14, 1947
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Missionary Call Date September 19 1951
Louisa B Howard Long Beach 2nd Ward
Dear Sister Howard
You have been recommended as worthy and suitable to fill a mission in the Long Beach Stake of Zion under the uniform system organized by the First Council of the Seventy in all of the Stakes of Zion, under the direction of The First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles.
It gives me great pleasure to approve of this recommendation, and therefore you are hereby called into this service to labor as a missionary in this Stake under the direction of the Stake Mission President, to whom it is confidently expected you will give your loyal support.
Full compliance with all missionary regulations and cheerful and faithful response to all assignments will be required of all missionaries. You will be relieved of all ward and stake activities in order that you may devote yourself to the work to which you are now called.
Kindly let me know if you accept of this appointment and of your willingness to serve.
Praying the Lord to bless and qualify you for this labor and to five you joy and gladness therein, I remain
Your brother, Virgil H Spongberg Stake President
Setting apart to be attended to on September 23, 1951 in Long Beach 2nd Ward Chapel 3:00 P.M.
park 1309
Missionary Certificate
To All to Whom This May Be Presented:
This Certifies, that the bearer, Sister Louisa B. Howard who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of said Church, with authority to preach the Gospel and perform other missionary labors pertaining to her office and calling. We invite all men to give heed to her teachings as a servant of God, and to assist her in her travels and labors, in whatsoever things she may need.
Virgil H Spongberg President of Long Beach Stake
Dated September 23, 1951
Long Beach California
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Long Beach Stake Mission
Louisa B. Howard
This certifies that you are honorably released from your appointment as a missionary in this Mission. No greater service can be rendered than to labor faithfully for the salvation of the souls of men. the gratitude of those who have been the beneficaries of your voluntary generous labors will ever be a source of satisfaction in inspiration to you.
May the joy that comes from the conscientious performance of the duties of this high calling ever abide with you and inspire you with a constant devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Lynn Durham Mission President
November 9 1953
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Missionary Certificate
To All to Whom This May Be Presented:
This Certifies, that the bearer, Louisa B Howard who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of said Church. We invite all people to give heed to her message
F. M. Zimmerman President of Long Beach Stake
Dated July 28 1954 Compton California
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Missionary Call
Date May 24, 1954
Louise B. Howard
301 East Louise St.
Long Beach 5, California
Dear Sister Howard:
You have been recommended as worthy and suitable to fill a mission in the Long Beach Stake of Zion.
It gives me great pleasure to approve of this recommendation, and therefore you are hereby called into this service to labor as a missionary in this Stake under the direction of the Stake Mission President, to whom it is confidently expected you will give your loyal support.
Full compliance with all missionary regulations and cheerful and faithful response in all assignments will be required of all missionaries. You will be relieved of all ward and stake activities in order that you may devote yourself to the work in which you are now called.
Kindly let me know if you accept of this appointment and of your willingness to serve.
Praying the Lord to bless and qualify you for this labor and to give you joy and gladness therein, I remain
Your brother F M Zimmerman
Setting apart to be attended to on May 26, 1954, in my home at 1324 South Poinsettia Compton California, at 8:00 P.M.
park 1308
Letter written to the Ira Coulson family 18 September 1955
My dear Coulson Kids,
I am glad you received the last letter I sent, but their is still another not accounted for. It was a large plain white square envelope, the envelope was one some Wedding announcement was sent to me in. It had no stick on it, so I put some on in post office.
Well I really write many letters to you in my mind I just don’t get them put on paper. I am a little sleepy now so my mind will not be so active. This morning I was up at 6 s.m. getting things ready for my class, I was late getting home from class I stopped & visited with Elmo & Vetris a little while, they are fine. Elmo has his second cast on, because he showed off, with the first & threw a bone out of place, I am sure I told you about it.
Well last thursday 15 September Vern & family left they may go on to Bend. But Vern said he would see how the children stood traveling, then they will come to your place, I sent a box, tryed to put in things you would use, another small box with Joys boots in hope they fit her, I put a hot pad in. I never use it here, some time the boys may come home with cold feet at night so you can see if you ever need it, you will have it. I was sure glad to get your letter & the one Lee sent me, I felt real serious about Lee joining the Army. but I didn’t have any electric shock go threw me, like I felt, when Melba told me Melvin had been called, he enlisted after as you know. so on with Lee, I am serious about it, but I am sure he will be OK. I guess its just the fact that he is grown up enough to join or as he says get drafted in, he is just a jump ahead so that is something to be thankful for. & then Lee as you have explained in detail to me. I don’t think you have made any mistake in what you have. I don’t think the Army have anything any better to offer. It will be long hard work if war comes & that is your work. Well dear Grandson you really have a full line of work as you will have lots of real hard study to do. one thing you can be thankful for is your capacity to assimulate quick, first necessary is a good healthy body strong nerves so take care of your self in all ways get plenty of sleep, then with faith & prayer you can accomplish every righteous desire of your herart.
Now about the sweater you see I am knitting it on smaller needle I am knitting it real close so the stiches are real small so that should help on the fit. I sure hope it fits I will be anxious to know if it don’t fit if its too large. I promise to make another & use finer yarn, that will be the same number of stiches & some smaller. so we will see how this is & now that I know the pattern I am wondering if this couldn’t be made with less stiches. so be sure & let me know how this fits it will soon be finished if I can just get a little more time to knit. I have a lot of missionary work to do. I went to church tonight just got home I visited with one lady for one hour about that after, Brother Wasdon was speaker. he talked on the boyhood of Jesus, kind of house they lived in at that time only one room dirt floor one or 2 small windows they were high up, so no one could peak in I guess & then they had no blinds, his talk was taken from a book used by seminary teachers a few years ago, so was true.
Well Monday I have cottage meetings then Dean & family will take me to see Reed & Patty I haven’t been over to see them yet. We will go soon as Dean gets out of school. he likes his school. I will send Lucy letter then I wont need to tell you about them.
Now my dear daughter don’t you worry about me I really have been on the go. No fooling I have been looking at furniture first I decided I would not look around but just decide quick & save time. so I picked out a set at F.M. Thomas you know on Artesia street. I happend to show Vernal my deal, so he went to see it, & then he thought I better look around, so I did I have spent around two or three weeks about a day each week. I am real glad Vern did stop the deal, because I have found places I could do better. Brother Zimmerman gave me a good deal & a much better dresser but I am still looking. I talked to Verda & she knows a retired furniture dealer here is his offer I go to store pick out what I want get the number & manufactur’s name so I got them Friday he will order the furniture whole sale plus ten percent for his work I will find out what he can do first of week guess you are wondering what furniture I am wanting. Well remember the empty room. I want twin beds in there. I am getting the flamewood the 9 drawer dresser & 2 posturpedic mattress & springs Sealy this store have the vanity dresser & bench its a beauty but I believe I better take the square mirror & 9 draws. The vanity only have 3 smaller draws I wont get the chest of drawers because of drawers in wardrobe. No what do you think? the head boards are the book case type & I have decided on the Holly style no foot board. Verda says the covers don’t slip off hers are that style. Then of course I will take the south room and use my room for spare. the reason is because I can have my papers & scripture or what have you real handy so I can make better use of my waking hours than listen to radio & I want to try the hard mattress. That is the same as you have isn’t it?
Brother Zimmerman wants me to get I should say he recommend the Arthofarm Matts or Sealey Delux. His were same price as the discount house or store if its as good & it should be its Sealey. Vern would like me to get it from Zimmermon, so if this deal of Verda isn’t real saving I will get Zimmerman to figure again. So far he has given me the best price. Will I would rather do business with him if I can do as good. I must close & I couldn’t call you as you didn’t give me your phone number any way what would one of the younger Coulsons say if I ask for myself. so I was glad you called me. It really did help a lot, I wish Vern had called so I would know where they are & if they will leave there either the first of October or 15. for California her mother is with them this summer. They will take her to Portland the 24 of September & then after that they will get ready for their trip here will by by for now.
Love Mother
Hi Lee I want you to know that I really did appreciate your letters. It was sure sweet of you to write thanks a million. I am always thinking about you. So its good to hear from you.
park 1328
Missionary Certificate
To All to Whom This May Be Presented:
This Certifies, that the bearer, Louisa B. Howard who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of said Church, with authority to preach the Gospel and minister in the interest of said Church. We invite all people to give heed to her message. F. M. Zimmerman President of Long Beach Stake
Sated November 7 1956 Long Beach California
park 1313
Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park 30 May 1956
My dear darling Daughter
I started my work at 6 a.m. Its one thirty now, I sprayed some things first time this year, & pretty soon after I was through Mrs Neel came over all excited to tell me the greek was washing his car & with the hose. Would wash off all my spray. Well I said, there is nothing I can do about it, so she went back. Sometimes she gives me a funny look, but I never take sides with her. I tell her I always try to look for the good & no matter who it is I find something good. & then President Adamson told us one time, if we couldn’t find any good, to just keep our mouth shut. Well dear I put this writting material out last night but its hard for me to write to you, if I decide to write at night I end up going to bed, or reading something restful, I know too well what you are going through, but I don’t seem to find words that would relieve the heart ache. I don’t know why Lee has not been healed, but those who would obtain great blessings can just look out, they will sure be tried. & it seams as though you must be tried as Abraham was. That was not easy what Abraham went through, you know he did every thing & ready to jab the knife when the angel stopped him, so I know the Lord will heal him, but when you don’t write, I know he is no better, & it sure hurts me to know he is so seriously sick, I know the Lord has all power to heal him. Did he ever have his patriarch blessing? I don’t seem to remember. If he didn’t be sure & have it, or could you have another, some do. I know Leona took Arnold Dilworth down to Brother Durham before he went into the war. & this patriarch rebuked the destroyer & said he should escape death & come back. Arnold told us how that was fulfilled, he said their was one raid he crawled out of his fox hole, with others, other boys were all killed, shells fell all around him, but he didn’t get hit, he crawled back in his hole. Well Sunday is fast day, so I will fast & pray for Lee to be healed. Next Sunday, Vern will bless his baby so I will go out that will be early they have their Priesthood at 7:AM. I will have to learn the way out, but I can do that. Will I have gone back in Missionary Work. Just had a cottage meeting at my home. It was sure something strange. A girl I have meat a few times, I phoned to her home, to see about a date with her Mother she said her Mother was not interested, but she was, & wanted me to teach her. She would see if she couldn’t meet at her girl friends home but she didn’t find out so I told her to bring her girl friend to my home, so that date was set then I got to thinking I had no companion for that night. I decided to get a young girl, no the twins couldn’t I phoned to three other girls none could come, so finally I phoned to Gail Romer. Margie Spongberg daughter, yes she would come. I was so surprised she was the girl friend, but she didn’t tell me, we had a nice meeting & will each Wednesday, she goes with a mormon boy, Ray Blanchard, probably some of you know him, but he isn’t very active. I mean the investigator goes with.
It has been very hard for me to do anything while Lee is so sick but, I do get the spirit & can give a good lesson, so I guess its best I do. I have another meeting Thursday night with my companion Sister Howard Preice. I know Ira had their boy & a girl or so in Seminary they have eight children, you better take care of your self dear daughter & take one of those vitamine tablets in morning just one so you won’t get down sick. I’ll bet Joyce will enjoy her drapes. Now its your turn next, for drapes. Sure hope I get to be queen, & can win a lot of things, if I get the right day I will win. Sometimes so many poverty cases go. They naturally win, but I will try any way. soon as they send the tickets.
How is the school Larry & Joyce you will soon be ready to be promoted. Well write when you can Night & sound sleep. Love Mother
park 1327
Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park April 20, 1958
My dear Coulson kids,
I will send a check for Lee’s suit around the first.
I sure do miss you. the visit was so very good I enjoyed every minute of it except when we left one part of that has worried me ever since. I can’t get over caring off so much of your food. That cheese was reallly good taste better than a lot of the other loaf cheese much higher in price the apricots well I don’t think I will ever open. I don’t think our apricots here are as good a flavor. & that cake, well Vern just seamed to want it so I didn’t say any thing. Vern hasn’t been so well since we got back seems like his arm & hand bother, fingers get numb. It seems like his tooth aches but x-ray didn’t show anything the matter. I haven’t heard how he is since Thursday. Reva was down then, said Vern may have his tooth pulled. She got a perscription from the dentist filled, he hasn’t been getting any sleep & he don’t like not being able to sleep. Every one else is fine. I have been real busy. Eddie Andrus has been doing some painting around my place the south windows were all getting scalley like they were when you painted them Ira. I think I will have him give them a second coat. That is in some places not all over. Billie Oymon will be here in the morning sometime to see about the termites, its the ground kind I guess.
Well this is monday morning, I will finish this letter & get it mailed to you. I think about you so much how are your coming with getting your house fixed up. Sure hope they can take care of it. But it won’t be easy it’s noon now. I went to bed for awhile so feel better now. I have had so much work last week it got me all tired out. Yesterday I went on my first cottage meeting. I hope to do more this week. O yes I must send Lee his notes back. I wonder if he has needed them? & I forgot the name of the book he said, they recommended. Larry Price was here to our missionary study & report meeting yesterday. He will be a stake missionary until he leaves on his full time.
I forgot the name of the shampoo the kind you use remember I said I would write it down, but never did.
I have been using up some sample bottles Hallo & Fitches, one bottle had no directions or name except, Conti on top of the bottle, its clear, looked like shampoo. On the glass bottle it had made in the glass Fill Paint. Well it sure was not shampoo. My hair is so dry & I hope it hasn’t ruined my permanent. Its some kind of a bleach, because It made my hair so light I was in such a hurry Saturday to get it done. As I had a missionary baptism I attended. I used my rinse after believe me it changed color to real dark. Well so much for that. I won’t ever try that again.
Reva was here this morning a minute. The dentist has not taken out the tooth yet. Don’t know which one. So Vern is taking the medicine. Gets some rest the baby Gary was here all day Thursday, real sick temperature was 104 seemed better when Reva took him home. But soon got worse so they got the doctor for him, Dr. said he didn’t know what it was. He is better, but so thin & peaked Well I guess I have told you all the news such as it is your sweater won’t be on its way for another week sure sorry being so slow. I will explain more later. Oceans of love Mother
park 1338
Letter written by Louisa B Howard May 31, 1959
Well I sure think about you, sure hope you are all well & happy, every thing is fine here, working night was hard on Vern. He quit but not with the manager’s consent, but it got him down. When he couldn’t sleep, when he wanted to sleep, that was in the early evening, then after midnight he couldn’t sleep. So he quit went to see his Doctor I think his doctor will write to his company, that they put him on day work. He is doing fine now, & hopes to go back to day work soon. He is real sensible, not taking any chances on letting himself get out of control. I don’t see him very often, but Reva said he was intending to write to you so guess he did. He told Reva she could work so she got a job. Disney Land office work. She works the same shift he had swing. But she likes it in fact when she is home she likes too watch T.V. while she irons or puts up her hair or just watch it. She says Vern has all the kids in bed by 7 P.M. so he soon got better, the way it hits him, first he gets real sleepy, & at work no chance to sleep, that goes on a week or so, he fights sleep off. Then next he gets so weak, that’s when he quit. He said he decided he would go to Hospital so made the appointment, but he decided he better fix a fence, so his beef steer couldn’t get out. He went out to fix the fence he coulde only pound one or so nails. When he would have to lay down. He had to lay down every half hour, then the relaxation helped him, next day he was over it he went to Dr. but didn’t need to stay, he has managed his case fine. Well I didn’t intend to write so much about Vern. But when I start to write no telling what I am going to say. Just depend what comes in my mind.
Well Elmo decided he would find a used car for me & he did. Its a 49 nash real clean inside & nice. He came for me to go see it. Well I was not impressed. Vetris said Elmo was real disappointed in me. Price was two hudered & fifty dollars. My car this car still stands in the garage but I think if I can find a good used car I’ll get it. About the little car, well I wouldn’t want, & the gas, I don’t intend to use the car not very much. A new car insurance license, and all would be so high. Who knows when Lee & Larry go on their mission I may want to help some. & Larry is going to the U. Good he can be home now of course I would love to have you all come down but you are all a working family. & you had the trip to Arizona. So what ever you decide will be OK with me, but don’t come for the work. I can get that done here. & sometimes just a rest at home is good. That is the way Pred. Durham took his, he just did a few things he had wanted to do. I am sure enjoying my vacation I don’t go unless I want to. But it will soon be time for Sacrament meeting I go to that. But refuse everything else. My television is fine its the G.E. a special at Dooley’s Pres. Zimmerman said for me to get it. Said we can’t begin to match their prices. Now if I don’t write more, you will have more time to just rest relax. I am fine. So don’t worry about me. Vern says he thinks he will get a Pontiac. Yes new. But he will use it a lot. Write & let me know your plans. now after I mail this. I’ll think of a dozen things I wanted to tell you. I am anxious my dear girl to know about you. Love mother
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Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park 2 July 1959
My Darling Ira, Va, Lee, Joy & teddy
Well I just read your letter it wasn’t lost at all right in the drawer, I probably had hold of it a few times, but in my rush failed to know it. Larry read it over yesterday, see we are very considerate of your time! Larry said we better tell you that he got his battery OK none of the clerks could get it or would try, but I was sure the one that waited on me would, so I looked for him & he sure did. He remembered me. Sears Long Beach are very rushed. Leona says she won’t do business with them again but goes to compton. Well Larry came home from M.I.A. said he would stay with me next winter, and take special course in auto. I’ll let him tell you, but he said I would have to get your consent that he wouldn’t have to go to college. I shouldn’t put it that way college is a privilege & a must if one gets any place in the world. All our great men & women are picked from colleges thats for sure, knowledge is forever but they must get down & really study. Yes they can play, just as hard when its in order. Well I am sure glad you have started, real good healthy bodies is most important, & Joy dear if your Dr. wants you to brush your teeth & tongue twice a day, go the extra mile make it four times. Yes you have time if you don’t waste time, & you don’t want to do that because that is a sin. Eat a good breakfast then chores next, get out your old rusty violin wipe off the dust & you know the rest. And Lee R. in the last family letter I wrote I said I was especially interested in the girl. I really intended to say was your guitar. When I come there, I am sure you will have some specials to play for me. Well here is Larry up drinking a glass of grapefruit. Next he is eating cantalope, he probably wont know he is threw & that is breakfast, but I can always remind him.
Well Larry had no intention of writing to you until he received answer to his, so today here it came, he is a little disturbed because no letter from his father. He did feel happy because you at least mentioned his name. Well I guess we better get in & call up the junk yards seams funny you could be so lucky & get them there. Larry says tell you get the fan. This is bent I sure wouldn’t want to give you the punishment of hauling hood, front fender apron & fan down here, so I don’t know what I do will try to get them here & let you know. Well I have every thing ready for Angel cake, I waited for Larry so he could put it together. Now I have him working so probably he will give me a minute to finish this. Larry tied the hood on my car. We went to body shop. He said it would cost a lot for labor to pound this out. If I could pick up one for $5.00 or 6.00 would be cheaper. This body man said apron, fender fan, & all would cost about the same for all as for a few. Cake is in oven. Oceans of Love Mother
park 1331
September 4, 1959
My dear Coulson kids
Well I had Tuesday set for the day I would go to the Bank & take care of some business, but some how I feel an urge that I should go today. I alway’s try to listen to the promtings of the spirit to guide me & we are promised by our Heavenly Father that we can have the Holy Spirit to direct us in all we do. He wont fail us, unless we fail him, we must do all that he has asked us to do. We must put on our thinking cap?
I think Lee will be anxious to get his suit & his supply all ready so I hope you get this Saturday you should without a special delivery.
Well I am feeling so much better, Friday evening Vern brought 3 lugs of grapes as I had ask for them. I am using all my old up. I opened a bottle put up October 4th 1944. It was in perfect condishion. I think keeping fruit in the card board boxes help it, keeps out humidity. So I intend to do as the our leaders advise us to do, use the old & keep the new. Well yesterday Mosrn. I was up at 5 a.m. started on the grapes. I had every thing organized, so I lost not a minute of precious time, at 1. P.M. I went to bed for nearely one hour, got up feeling fine & at 8 p.m. I was in bed. I put up 20 quarts real lovely juice. & I had all my mess pans all washed clean, I slept good all night was up before 7 this morn. I just can’t believe it I am feeling fine. Tuesday I go to Dr. but I am sure he will find my pressure down. I started improving wright after the blessing, now I have an urge to get to Genealogy work. I don’t know about missionary work I’ll see how the spirit moves me.
I sure do miss you Larry no fooling you gave me sutch a start in the fruit cubbard soon as I can now, I’ll go threw the rest. I’ll keep this new over in that cubbard & the old this side, I sure hope your car is doing real good now its home it should behave its self It did make a mistake when It started for home, but its home now, you can keep it under control. I found the bill when my car was painted, so I’ll get started on it next week probably monday. I’ll wash it first & then touch up the paint, & next wax except where the new paint is. I sure hope you get registered for school in time, & do a real good lot of study, with your natural intelect you can realy become a great & useful man. I sure love you a log & if ever I can do any thing for you be sure & know this, that you can depend on me. I won’t fail you, any more than I would fail the Lord. I do want to keep all his commandments, & all the covenants I have made with him when I was baptized & on threw other covenants!
Vern told me Reva picked all the grapes of coarse the kids helped some she sure is a worker & a good manager in her home, faithful in the church. Now, dear daughter have you finished your letter to me? judging from past experiences thats the way it happened will take time any way to get the family picture I want one. O yes you will know, I payed the charge of $3.95 or 4.95 which ever it was sure wish you luck. I don’t know if Lucie is there or not, probably not as this is September. I am quite well informed on Dr’s of all kinds, about the ony way this Dr could help her would be to work on the mind. That is he gives treatments, some of their treatments or medical help is just for the purpose of establishing faith in them, the patient must believe in their Doctor.
This Dr I go to not often it was over 6 or 8 months the last time, but this time he wanted to see the results of his pills he is very honest tells me right out what the nerve pills were. So he wanted me back in a month.
Now about the blouse if you don’t look good in that style, be sure & let me know, its a good blouse I got at Pennys. It fits me only just a cheaper blouse is OK under my suit. I don’t need any for look. I just Wear a neckless suit buttons all the way to neck. The gloves Naomi left here last Winter, you may see her at Lee fairwell or some time,
Lots of love to you all Mother
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Letter written by Louisa B Howard before January 31 1960 to her daughter Virginia.
My dear girl Va. Guess you thought I had forgotten about you, but I fooled you guess yours is the hardest one to write, so I left it until the last. Well I am sure that you have been directed to the best Dr. his advise sounds the best. That only the growth should be removed. Why remove a healthy uterus? I am sure you are right about the growth, its sure a shame it was not removed years ago. But I sure would not have the uterus out, unless it was necessary. If the growth had spread around, but the way I understand it the growth can be removed with out injury to the uterus, then it won't be so hard on the nerves. Some Doctors always want a complete removal. A while back some wanted to take out the ovary, so it goes on. Linn Durham his wife had babies all along the last was just as healthy as the first, (through the change) the reason you couldn't carry one through, was the growth. The uterus couldn't enlarge. I have not made this very plain, but you will get what I am trying to say.
It sounds like from your letter what little you said, that you don't expect to take much time off from work. The 22 of January would be the best time for your doctor unless you can get the first. Well you may probably have it all arranged. I would sure like to be there, but I don't think I would be much help. Ira is so handy & with his helpers you won't be neglected. Joyce can do a lot & she is quick with her work, & so good at it. She will hunt up all her spare time, that's for sure. You really got something very special, when you were so blessed with her. Larry may not have much time. But he can use all his teasing time. No more teasing. But use the time & energy doing good, being helpful, I probably didn't need to write this. He has already advanced in all things right.?
I haven't been to town, the reason, is I have been expecting the bill from Readers Digest it hasn't come yet. Did you get yours O.K.? Well it may come today, so I'll wait until the mail comes. And if it don't come I'll go any way. I'll send you a check I better send it to Ira. He probably is the one that pays all the bills. Do you have any insurance? That will help out. Don't go short let me know your needs.
O yes I got some thompson's NBO-600 natural B complex primary dried brewers yeast 1 lb. $2.50 & 10 cents for tax. It has no drug's seams like they should not charge tax. They didn't have your kind or brand. But they had some loose looked like it, at the health store. She had a little shovel she took some out of a big sack but the price was about the same. So I would rather have the bottled. Yours was in plastic bags so was air tight. I received a real nice cheerful letter from Lu. She likes her work, is having her recommend sent there said her sister really enjoyed getting breakfast for her. Let me know if I can do anything - my faith & prayers are for you. I know the Lord Will help you in all you do. Love Mother
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Letter written by Louisa B Howard to the Coulson family January 20, 1961
I have been watching T.V. I was a little curious so here they are at Luncheon. I have so mny jobs to do, no time for this. I have so many things to tell you so I better get on with the news. I intended to write this yesterday, but did some outside work, &then Elmo was here to work on my car. But had to leave as the ward wanted him to work on some lights he came back this morning but left again. I use the car first 3 days of week for missionary work, but he may get it fixed. Hope so. News Wednesday morning I answered the phone Leona said Myrna was sick. What should she do? I said can ambulance get her to hospitla quick. She couldn’t get Ambulance so they were on their way out to car when the baby droped on cement. She had a sheet so gathered it up rushed back to house phoned again to know what to do to get it to cry. I was soon dressed so I could go with her. the cord had never been tied. Time we got to Navy hospital the sheet was, well later on when the Dr examined the baby he siad it had lost half or more of its blood, they gave it a transfusion. Howard had been home all night had left for work. The baby is just a month pre-mature so that is what threw them off. Well I was sure hurt, why didn’t they call me. Just last week Howard to Myrna on a long trip, so no question that is what brought it on. Of course they called the hospital, but that’s no good, unless they got a Doctor they should of called me. The forgot that I brought over 1000 babies in the world. & I studied & passed the state exam. Melvin wanted me to go in hospital but I woanted to work in the Church, but I remember & would of rushed her off to Hospital, they Exrayed the baby, but hard to detect brain damage. Myrna was here just night before, I told her why the Dr. are keeping weight down so no long hard labor guess she didn’t get it. I am watching parade, so if this don’t make since, now I’ll turn to some real special news when I got home about 7.a.m. there was a special delivery letter of you will promise to send it back. Maybe I will let you read it. He says on Envelope says 11:30 p.m. January 17, 1961 January 18, 10: am sure came quick. Glad he got my letters but sorry he didn’t get yours.
I also recieved a nice interesting letter from Lee in answer to my letter so my grandson’s sure not neglecting me hum?
Did you get the book for Ira? hope so.
Missionary work is OK have some that will be baptized soon as we finish lessons.
I must go turn on the water. I haven’t watered the lawn through all the hot weather. I watered the trees & the Lemon tree, it only has a sprinkling of lemons on. Last year I failed to fertilize it maybe that makes the difference.
What size socks does Lee wear, & what color is his suits. I think they are dark blue & size of stretch socks up to 11 take care of your selves & I may see you in April. Love Mother.
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Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park to Virginia and her family February 21, 1961
Dear daughter & family,
Well it sure did work, I got your card & you got a note from me. I sent one any way, now I’ll try it again, only you may not tell me what I want to know, so I will tell you, & then if you have a good suggestion I’ll be glad to receive it, my car has been giving me trouble, Elmo put in a good generator so it charges, but it runs fine when it runs, but if it decides to stop, it just stops in the most unheard of places you ever heard tell of. Yesterday it stoped several times from my place to Orange where I stop for Ludlow. It was acting up when I was driving down Orange. Soon as I reached a right turn I took it, as I rather be on a side street of the main blvd. It stoped & no start so I phoned for Elmo. time he got there it would go but I got him to take us where we were going. It was not a missionary, but I had appointment with the doctor & then we were getting a few things from the store. It came home OK. Elmo can’t figure out whats the matter. He will work on it tomorrow. He is makeing a nice desk for Dorothy Smith. Wants to get it finished. He would of had it finished but I call him too much.
Now here is what I have decided to do. Get another car Bro. Richie works in car business he will have a 2 door Rambler 1960 about a week, now the owner wants a 4 door this 2 door is hard to get in, for his wife. So many here drive the Rambler, he wants $17.95 for it. I checked so that is his price. George Romney is president of the company. He is stake president in another stake.
Vern likes the Ford, & then there is the Carmier Chevrolet, Richard Andrus was in last night he likes the Bolts Wagon. So quite a lot to choose from Elmo says if I wait. I may get a car from someone with no job so can’t continue payments.
Well I have decided to go see the car owner still has it. Until the new cars come in I’ll wait until I can get ahold of Vern, see what he thinks, I have a cottage meeting tonight so will mail this, on the way.
If you are real rushed don’t try to write until you have time. I realize you are all of you over worked I am the only lazy one & I sent a letter to Larry sure hope he gets the packages I sent a note to Lee, but that was a mess as Gary was talking to me & I am used to being quiet.
Love to all Mother
This letter isn’t very plain hope you can make it out.
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Louisa Howard
This certifies that you are honorably released from your appointment as a missionary in this Mission. No greater service can be rendered than to labor faithfully for the salvation of the souls of men. The gratitude of those who have been the beneficaries of your voluntary generous labors will ever be a source of satisfaction and inspiration to you.
May the joy that comes from the conscientious performance of the duties of this high calling ever abide with you and inspire you with a constant devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Arthur M Bodine Stake Mission President
August 28 1961
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Social Security death index
Park 1
Letter to Joyce
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original Patrichal blessings
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family group sheet filled out by Louisa B Park explaining her two marriages and various ordinances that were performed
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Letter from Louisa “B” Howard to Virginia coulson February 8, 1962
My Dear Daughter V.A.
Your letter was sure interesting & I have a few things I want to know about, so that is why I am writing to you, of course this includes Ira, as I never say anything to you that I wouldn’t tell him, in fact I would take his advise on any & all things & welcome it. Now about Lee his Vocation is mighty good. That he is so talented in but he has a special gift in religion. I’ll quote Glenn Pearson he is a teacher freom Y years ago. He taught all the missionaries around here, each one of us paid $10.00 for the course, quote, I didn’t want to teach history, ne named several other subjects. I wanted to teach the gospel, unquote, so he taught all the seminary around, he taught at U.C.L.A. I didn’t get much out of the term, I guess I was like Lee Stokes said. I found out what I didn’t know & that was nothing. But if I could of had time to go over & study the scriptures, I sure would of got a lot that I didn’t know. But at that time Vern had a nervous break down & so my mind was more on him. Now about Lee if his wife is careful & saving she should be a help to him & June would be nice, they could come here for their honey moon, they can, any way. But where are they going to live? Moving around is too much work & expensive, then I want to know when to send them some money. I will start & send some soon if they look around & find a good bargain they could have it delivered when they get ready for it. Now if they want to make a down payment on a place or land they would have to decide that. If they get married in March it might be that she wouldn’t feel like a trip. Its taking a chance. I have their aprons nearly finished. Only I can’t work on them now. this rain & dull weather I need good sunshine to finish them up.
You will think I am splurging using this nice paper, notice the little holes around the edge. Will Sandi usede a pile of it to send picture in & postage was 36 cents she sent the letter air mail 8 cents & no air mail from Escondido, California 1028 Gamble Lane its not a big city just small.
I’ll send it next time & write on the side she didn’t its heavy paper, she wrote on one side. Melba husband died about 2 years ago. Verna has a baby boy one month & week old I should of said 5 weeks Verna is very different from Sandi she was not the gower? but more steady she started in real soon & did typing for pay after school. Vern send for Sandi, Sandi does modeling in some of the big department store in LasAngles they pose in the window advertising some things one lady was looking at her & said she didn’t like the material & Sandi said, I do, the Lady was so surprised she said “Why she can talk.” Last Saturday she entered a beauty personality contest for a scholarship to any of the colleges of her choice quote, I was told I came in the top ten, but I won’t find out if I got it or not, I sure hope so, as I do want to continue my education, by by for now
I must write Larry now.
I am so thankful Ira has a normal amount of work & not such long hard hours.
I have played the Doctrine & Covenants through twice, I am no Pearl of Great Price again. Did you ever find out if this point on the player is the kind to use on the Book of Mormon. I know it plays the black records but the others are different material. Vinal or something like that. The reason I am getting 4 aprons thats for their mate. I know Wendell folks won’t be making them, and Joyce can’t work on temple clothes until after she has gone threw. So I understand. If I can get 3 aprins here same price I will & that will save you time. But I can finish them in a week. Then he can complete his out fit & will always have it handy. I made these last summer when we had good lignt as soon as these are finished I want 4 more for Joyce & Larry while I am in practice. Do you get any discount on them at ZCMI If so I’ll send you the money or will it eat up all the saving on Postage? Yes I want some vitamines but no stronger than the Elders take. As those missionaries use up a lot of energy. I have the Hudson Vitimine book & have not made it a study & don’t know which ones to get. The reason I thought about the kind the Elders take some real good Dr. have made it a study & in this Hudson Vitamin Catalogue. I don’t know which to get if it isn’t too much work for you, I would like two or three packages then I would have one for Vetris & if they have the Temple aprons all in a package I know I will need for Larry and Joyce & I want to do them this summer. I’ll send you the money next time you find out if you can get them. If you can’t I’ll get them here in Los Angles. The aprons, & let me know about Lee. He will need furniture for all to start out. & suit case for temple. I recieved a letter from Sandi. I sould enclose it but it might be too heavy she sent her picture. Verne was here a week ago. He said he had never got over the last break down. So was going to Dr. to get some pills for the after effects of it. To build him up. Say but I am so proud of Joyce. I would love to see all of you & her knittingI have a lot of wool to make up, but I’ll wait & do these aprons first, then I’ll come up & get Joyce to teach me a little more about styles & knitting. Say but its still pouring down rain I don’t know when I’ll get this mailed. Treat your family to Liver not the calf but baby beef like Lee Stokes has. I don’t over cook it either I put in my heavy Aluminum low heat. Don’t let juice run out & turn until its just set & no more. I’ll close will Love to you all, Mother
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Letter writhen by Louisa B Howard nee Park to Joyce Coulson October 3, 1962
My dar Granddaughter Joy
I have just sealed up a letter for Larry two big pages sure hope he got my last letter with the package of eye glass wipers in. & Dr Fish is here has been for several days to see his brother so Sister Ruth is some improved so he could leave he has Billy pretty well trained how to give her pills & help her. I am quite tired, but thought I better tell you that I sent the shirt to Wendell R. Larsen yesterday sure cost to send a package I didn’t realize Denmark was so far away I put a card inside. A gift for you, & I wrote inside the card. They tell us there that we can do that, put anything you want we don’t care, so when you write to him tell him to watch out for it. Did he get the ties you sent to him? I am sure grateful to you for talking as you did to Carl did he get the letter I sent to him? He wrote to his mother he is sure loaded down with lessons to get. But she says he is spending too much money. Guess the boy’s are a little wasteful. & then where Carl eats his main meal at the school cafeteria, that shouldn’t be counted in. Well you already know all the rest. Only how is Lee & Charmain? They didn’t answer my letter. Maybe I told them too much of how I felt. As I wanted Lee to complete his college. I would of helped them & the same goes for you. Why are you not in school? staying & or rooming with some girl. I don’t blame you for not taking those long rides thats too hard on you, but you must have your college degree & graduate before you can teach music so I’ll help you. & thats for sure, now Murland Dr Fish is here so its hard to write & tell you all I had in mind. & so make good use of your time every minute is so important. Murland will soon be on his way back to where he lives. Tomorrow I think, excuse haste. & eat plenty of good liver. don’t over cook it, just so it is set no more, Dr. eats meat 3 times a day & I sure use liver but it must be good. & fruit. Love to all my dear loved ones I have written to Larry see It must be on its way. Tell Lee & Charmain that I love them. & I love you all & I am thankful you are looking after Carl. Write when you can. Mother & Gram.
Thanks Virginia for sending those letters to me of Larry.
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Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park to the coulson family March 5 1965
My Dear Loved ones.
I recieved your letter today. I am sure improved in every way. You know its sure something in around 1906 I received a patriarchal blessing from Presideing Patriarch of the church in Salt Lake it started out like this at an early day a decree had gone forth & for this thy life has been preserved & when President Lynn Durham gave me a blessing he said same words that were given to me in the first Patriarchal blessing. So I don’t need to worry about dying because when I do that will be my time. I didn’t get my letter finished & now this is March 15. Its a cloudy day so hope you can make out my mistakes I decided I better write, because Tuesday 16th I go to get my eyes examined agian & after the tests he gives my eyes will be real sore for awhile, so I will write all thats new & then write just a line after & tell you if I can the results Le, hasn’t got her car yet. So still uses mine but I sure did some thinking how I would get to his office & then this thought came to my mine, Le will take Lorna’s car, & Lorna ask & has it all planned a girl she knows will take Lorna, then after work she will drop Lorna off at the office & then I will be all threw. & she can drive me home, I can drive down my eye troubel is close up like reading, but when I am out I can see a distance just fine, I am sure hopping he can make new glasses for me, so I can read. He is physician & surgeon, M.D. I will be there at 2:15 so that will give me plenty of time Lorna should be there by 5:00 PM.
Yes Vern was here on his crutches he goes to market. He sure has the go. He backed his car in the garage a little so he could somehow leave a box of Oranges, tangerines, some mushrooms, you wash them in salt water, and then I just simmered them, they are nourshing. He left apples, squash, grape fruit. I divided them with Le. Then he came in layed down on Joy’s bed. I put the elevator rest under his leg. Took off bandage it was sure swollen. I rubbed it with campho-phenique. Dr said for that to be done. O yes he has his new teeth, so Dr. said to touch up sore gums with campho-phen, I put the Elastic bandage back on he said it felt much better. Vern is sure fine & was real happy to get your letter he left the real fresh, pretty carrots, so I make carrot juice, drind around a pint a day. When I take time to make it. I have been going threw my old time storage. Le says Randy thats Shirley’s son would just love to have Melvins cap. & I will have to reduce a lot of things, so I just as well let him have it. Jim don’t go home last I heard. Any more & Shirley say’s she would rather work, than fuss with him. So her older boys take care of baby.
The cap is sure beautiful its the one that he has his picture in. Has the wings on & little gold buttons each side its real new. Good leather I’ll keep it, until you come on your way to Hawaii, It has the plastic cap inside so no oil will get on the top. I am having a struggle with letters. So when you have read this better destroy it. So you will not have to go threw the same thing. I didn’t sell my lots, they have them to sell. Not buy they did give me the name of a broker, Vern suggested maybe Le would use one, I would want some one by me, if I ever get a chance to ask her. Vern has quite a few lots more than they will need says’s they told him they would go up in price, but says they haven’t not a cent. Vern & family are working hard getting there home he bought read to move in. Then they will fix his up like new ready to sell the tax on this house will be $300.00 the tax on his house are $1000,50. he has sold two of his lots. Sure made money on them. Well I better let him tell you all this. Yes about the horse, remember Gary picture in paper, he was picked up by the sheriff car & taken to his quarters untill Reva came for him, remember they showed differen’t pictures of him. Quote see the young Vandal trying to get in chief private desk & so on.
We have had some real good rains Saturday Le & family went to see picture King of Kings. I should of left my work & gone with them Le said it was wonderful. I haven’t been to one since Dear Ira took us when I got a letter from you I read it to Vetris & fill in where I can, a little more of your love, she seams to love it. I haven’t done much letter writing only to you. I did write to Lee & Charmain but I am afraid I hurt her feelings as, no answer one thing they may need is a Liquidator for baby. I’ll try & write to them Lee is so sweet he would not, but she could. What ever Larry decides to do I could draw from my savings & give him a little lift. I sure did love Joys letter. I think I pretty will have them both memorized. So I’ll destroy them, will take care of your selves, I know you have a lot to do. Thanks for all you have done for me, & all your prayers you are a comfort. Mother
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Note: N2998 Letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park to the Coulson’s July 27, 1962
My Dear loved ones
I sure did miss you, but it was sure a surprise when you came, & I know your family will be as glad to have you home, as I was to have you here. Seems we have to go on living the way we are, so I won’t say any more how I missed you, & the many things I have thought about after you left. We didn’t have time to talk about but I’ll just think what a blessing it was to have you, & I am so grateful, seems the Lord was so good to me that I got to see you, only you did too much hard work while here, & I was thinking after you left, you didn’t even get to see the ocean, & have a relaxing sun bath. Well I am fine & if you need a lazative get your liquidifer & make a raid on Ira garden. The lettuce last I made I put 2 bananas in. Sure good. I sent some of the lettuce over to Leona. As I can’t use that much. Had to slow down on it.
Richard got moved. Their youngest 3 1/2 years old got real sick high fever, & then Ramona called me day or so after said he was all broke out with measles. Said my stove was in the garage with some of there measles things & Richard has the key to garage. So will come soon as he can, & if he can, he will take the stove to Escondido to Verna. But his other two older boys may come down with measles, & Ramona is very nervous its Richard that helps or manage the boys. I say boys it would still be the same if some were girls. I am going to the Dr. this morning & get my papers sent to Vern. So he can get them to the insurance company. I like to get all my business off my hands, so I can be free, I will stop & pay my bills I have, the telephone co. want to change & just have all numbers. I won’t like that, so many others don’t either, so I am not alone. It would be hard to remember allthose numbers, & then they will have a charge for help on calls.
Now the important question is this, Sister Christenson says she measures 2 yards & a half on these quilts she has made for me, I measured the last one & it measures 2 yards & 14” inches long. She thinks 3 yards long would be plenty. When she quilts them they draw up a little & then a little more at the ends folds under to finish. So it wouldn’t be quite 3 yards long how will that fit his bed? If he gets a double bed which he will seams that would be fight will I better close or I will be too late for the clerk to fill out my papers & get them in the mail so for me to tell you thanks for coming down let alone all the hard work you did. Words would be very feeble so I will just say I love you all.
(sunday I went to church) Mother
I hope you get this Saturday. I sent a big long letter to Larry. That should hold him for awhile.
P.S. I sure hopeyou get lots of furit put up. & the grape juice is good, tomatoes, I put up a case of juice last year & used it all. I put up a case of whole tomatoes, used quite a few of them. I used all my apricots except one quart they are sure good with custard, cottage cheese & yogurt is best with prunes. They are sweet, but I don’t use many or any prunes in summer when all the fresh fruit is on. I like the fresh fruit & those yellow peaches Vern gave us, you didn’t get to eat one. Say but they have the flavor. You know I was sorry We didn’t put you a box of avocados as Leona helped you or could of helped you on the buss & Ira was there to meet you so you could of managed them. Just a good string around the box, & a handle put on. Would been easy.
Take it easy & don’t try to write to me when you should be sleeping much as I love your letters. I want you to get some rest also. I know you will have to write to Larry real often but me. I am like Melvin said I am tough.
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letter written by Louisa B Howard nee Park to her daughter Virginia Coulson nee Howard
hope you can read this January 1, 1969
My dear daughter
Your letter was sure full of good things I sure wish I could read it but I couldn’t Lee read it to me over the phone I am doing fine but I sure do hafto not over due. But by taking it easy I get along fine. I went threw a lot of papers, letters, & I sure put so many in the trash even, from you & Iona written when she was in good health. but can not read any of them so I don’t see any use in keeping so many your last letter was sure a temptation so plain & yet I haven’t that much sight. I had to wait for Le to read it to me, Karl was doing a lot of worrying about Terry, who would keep her when Le was gone, but he don’t need to worry, you know Kennedy the old man they have a girl like that, & there is a home they put her in. My lemon tree was sure full of lemons I went out & picked up what was fallen off, & some low ones on the tree. I sure wish I could of sent some. I got Terry to come over & pick a lot. I took a long yard stick & pointed t them so I am quite tired today & I rest a lot in bed. This was after Karl and Lori left, I went over to Leona for the evening surprised them all. Karl brought me home Hemery came there. I get real lonesome here so I sure enjoyed the change & visit a short slow walk is good for me. Le is embraying on a temple apron I gave to Lori & then Le is working on it today. The save on drug store had sleepies on sale so Karl was going to Long Beach I had him get some for me. I took the dose but it didn’t agree with me It sent me into a dizzey whirl best I could describe its action I got up & was sure thankful when the effects wore out, so since them I take I have forgotten the name right now. Murland & Billy thake them they are large & bitter, sure something Dr Shadd & Firsh both like the same kind. I sleep good after taking one. L & M, are real interesting families, it thrills me to hear about them seams they booth know just how to teach their children. I may try & rite to Lee R. I just sent a letter to L & M it came back I didn’t know & I couldn’t make out their address. So I got terry to help me, well Lee came in so she addressed envelop to Waterloo Iowa I slipped it all in another envelp & sent it back. I have rec. Cherrest expiences of David O McKay they are from Utah when I rec. records from their they are always good, all threw the records Was Howard B Stone name he was one of the party, guess I should return it but those faith promoting experience are good & I wanted Verns young folks to hear them. Richard was here & Kenney Ramona was home real sick in bed with flu. & Kenney was sure coughing they have never failed to visit me at Christmas as a family, but Richard & Kennedy didn’t stay long it was raining & this morn. I rec. the records you forwarded to me, no it may have been yesterday. I have listened to both magizines will I think I will close & get Terry to mail this I expect to see you next April, the place sure soon gets in a bad shape when I leave it I will be happy to recieve letter from Joyce she just wouldn’t stay spoilt like twins did. The twins, will Le still plan sews their cloes where Joyce makes her own cloes Mother
howard 1595
letters from Louisa B Park Howard to Ira and Virginia Coulson
Mr & Mrs Coulson
Will I sure do miss you & if your ears get to burning you will know its me thinking about you my eyes I notice are not so good. so you may have a job trying to read it. I notice that my eyes are not so good I can hardly see what I am writing so you will have a job trying to read this I notice that I am not so well all over. I have been going to church but I sure had a struggle to set threw the meeting last sunday so I will not try to do that again much as I love to go to our sacrament meeting & we do have such good instructive meetings am testimony days every one that wants to talk go up & sit on the bishops bench. I wish they would put Ira in as Bishop then their would be some real changes made in your ward Ira is pliable & terachable he would soon make some real improvemtnts I have been real interested in how Craig & Joyce are managing just five them time & they will have a family yet. I sure do like the way they are managing now about this picture I have of you if you don’t want it I am sure one of your grandchildren will want it. That is Ira & you & your these children I am sure Lee Ann will want it. Oceans of love from Mother & grandmother
This is monday morning so I better get this letter on its way. We have sure had our share of cold windy weather. I listen to a lot of records. The last one you forwarded on was real good told about Nauvoo& how that there are 70 white shirted missionaries on the ground all the time. one little girl goes there for a few hours every day to read the Book of Mormon her folks don’t believe itso she can not read it at home but she says she knows its the truth & she sure loves to read it that is really something that the ground is so ... am old well has were wire stret had over it with a warening do not fall in these records are so interesting & this last record says if you receive these records you may keep them please do not return records to our office so now you will know that if you receive records about my passing away. you may keep them please do not return records to our office, I am sure that you can make good use of them with all your family say but Joyce is sure doing fine with her little girl. & just think of it the good training she is getting Joyce has sure provin herself to be a good mother. Now there is one thing I sure want to ask you. This picture I have of you Ira Virginia & your family I don’t want this picture taken out of the frame I have it in its so good of all of you I also have one of my son John & lucy its in a frame & Lucy wants that one for Fucy or I mean Erma at the same time I had Leona at my place when her first one was born. I hope you can make this out we I hope you can read this I haven’t seen Vern for a while a few weeks but I may have him take this picture of your folks & he may see Ron or some of his or my folks going to Utah. I often think of when I was there & I wish I had stayed a little longer but the high high altitude, well when I got down here I could go all over but I have to take it more slow now. I have Larry & his family I sure did like Larrey I knew him quite well he was so sensible & now he is living out of the United States is that right I guess I better tell you
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letter from Louisa B Park Howard to Ira and Virginia Coulson
Virginia Coulson
My dear neglected loved ones I haven’t written know hardly how to write I haven’t written for so long & my eyes are not so good so I just havto make a guess at where to write so be sure & tell me if you can make it or some of it out. I don’t do much writting I am sure your can know that when you try to read this or make some of it out. We have had a cold winter but of course not to whear it freezes. but it sure feels cold. I always try & go to church on Sunday evening I sure did enjoy going to the Provo Temple that was something. Never to be forgotten well I can not find my place & remember where I left of at well I intended to just keep going when ever they hold regular sacrament meeting writting letters is not interesting as a personal visit there are quite a few things I should of talked about with you one is this wrist watch I wear its a good one so let me know if you can who if any you can would like it & then how can I get it to you I am not well enough to take a trip up there I am to slow I slow thinking I should of thought about a few more important things like that when you were up here now take my advise do things while you can or profit from my mistakes well I will try & just do the best I cn I sure do enjoy that trip & if I didn’t get my Bishop before I was up there I do the best I can now I go to sacrament meeting
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letter from Louisa B Park Howard to Ira and Virginia Coulson
My dear loved ones the Coulsons
Its a cloudy day & Leona has been on a trip vacation day & hasn’t the time yet to get her light fixed so I am writing in the dark. First of all I did have checks I would of sent but Government checks should be cashed & Lee R didn’t answer my letter so I would know that he was till there & that he received by letter. It about broke my heart to give them to Leona but that is what I was forced to do, but now if more checks ever come I would like to send them to you & a letter from you can tell me that you received them. I will inclose a term greem from you W... the sun is just started to chine I am all mixed up in what I started to tell you. If you receive this I will try & get more sent to you. I do appreciate my name sake. am one of my records I listen to it tells of another Mary Louise. Will I am about given out I can hardly write I sure hope you receive this & don’t worry no one will get to read your letter unless it is my next door neighbor they are not of the church but they are good honest folks, just he and his wife. Say if I can I want to fix up a box of some things you may would like one is the coat that Ira bought from ZCMI & the other is a picture of you, long before you were married. It has a frame it to me real nice but needs new paper on the back. all my love to you & if you don’t want Leona to read it I will get my neighbor to read it to me. I will enclose to the term greem back if you write I will know you receive this time all my love Mother
I sure did think strongly of coming up but I am afraid I couldn’t stand the trip.
Leona lights are off she thought Elmo would fix them but Elmo seems he isn’t interested. Altho Elmo is painting a room Vernal has for rent. When its ready of course Vernal will pay Elmo. Now if you write I will know you recieved this if you don’t feel like writting just a card will tell me all is OK
I sure like the envelope & its address to a good honest person.
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Certificate of Death
State of California
Louisa B. Howard date of death November 6, 1979 hour 0945
Sex female race white Ethnicity American Date of Birth June 21, 1883 age 96
Birth Place Provo, Utah Name and birth place of father John Smith Park, Utah birth name and birth place of Mother Martha Melissa Parker, Utah
citizen of what country U.S.A. Social Security Number 529-64-7807 Widowed Primary Occupation Nurse number of years 56 self employed Nursing
Usual residence 265 Ellis Street Long Beach Los Angeles California Name and address of informant Leona Andrus - daughter 265 Ellis Street, Long Beach, California 90805
Place of death Empress Convalescent Hospital 1020 Termino Ave Long Beach Los Angeles
cause of death
Acute Mycardial Infarction
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Physician’s Certification 3/29/71 10/19/79 William C. Buss M.D. 127 E. Market St. Long Beach
Burial November 12, 1979 Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd Westminster, California Jay Sponberg
Sponberg Mortuary ... Nov 8 1979
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Memorial Services for Louisa B Howard born June 21, 1883 Provo, Utah Passed away November 6, 1979 Long Beach, California Services Long Beach 2nd Ward Chapel November 12, 1979 1:30 P.M....Interment Westminster Memorial Park...
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Last Will and Testament of Louisa B. Howard January 18, 1965
I, Louisa B Howard, being of sound and disposing mind and memory and not acting under duress, menace, fraud or undue influence of any parson whomsoever, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking any and all former Wills and Codicils to Wills of any kind heretofore by me made.
First: I declare that I am a widow, and that I have four children, namely, Vernal Park Howard, Leona Andrus, Virginia Coulson and Berda Watkins. I declare further that I have two deceased children, namely, Melvin J. Howard, who left no issue, and John Hugh Howard, who left issue as follows: Erna Howard Payton, a daughrer, and Reed Howard, a son.
Second I direct that my Executor, hereinafter named, pay all my just debrs, funeral expenses, expenses of last illness, costs of administration and inheritance taxes as soon after my demise as can lawfully and conveniently be done.
Third: All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of every kind or nature and wheresoever situate, including any property over which I may at the time of my death have any power of appointment. I hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my children, Vernal Park Howard, Leona Andrus, Virginia Coulson and Verda Watkins, equally, share and share alike. In the event any of my said children should predecease me or not survive distribution of my estate, said deceased child’s distributive share to be distributed to the heirs of his or her body, if any, otherwise to the surviving children herein in equal shares.
Fourth: It is my intention and desire that the aforementioned persons be the only persons to participate or share in any estate that I may have at the time of my death, and I have purposely made no provision herein for any other person, whether a beneficiary under this Will or not mentioned herein, shall contest this Will or object to any provision herein, I give to such person so contesting or objecting the sum of one dollar ($1.00) only and no more, in lieu of the provision I have made or might have made for such person so contesting or objecting
Fifth: There will be found with my Will a memorandum of certain personal items of property of my estate with the names of the persons I wish to receive the same, and my Executor, hereinafter named, is directed to carry out my wishes in that respect.
Sixth: I hereby nominate and appoint my son, Vernal Park Howard as Executor of this my Last Will and Testament, and request that he so act without the necessity of giving bond. In the event for any reason he is unable to so act, I then nominate and appoint my daughter, Leona Andrus, to so act without bond.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of January, 1965.
Louisa B Howard Testarix.
The foregoing instrument, consisting of three (3) pages, including the page signed by the Testarix, Louisa B Howard, was subscribed on the date which it bears by said Testarix, Louisa B. Howard, and at the time of subscribing was declared by her to be her Last Will and Testament. The subscription and declaration were made in our presence, we being present at the same time; and we, at her request, and in her presence, and in the presence of each other, have affixed our signatures hereto as witnesses...
howard 1586
My mother Martha Melissa Parker Park was married just after her 18 birthday. They lived for a while near her Father, her step mother was a midwife so took care of Mother with her first child a son, Johnie. I remember my Mother telling me how her Step Mother put out the light the first night, leaving her to care for the new baby in the dark.
Soon after this child was born, they moved to Randolph Rich Co. Utah whear another son Hugh was born.
Mother often told me how she croched hundred of yards of lace, made lace coverings, she sold for exchanged for food & clothing & many necessities for their home.
After this they moved to Provo, whear they lived sever years Nora & Albert were born. My Father run a freight Wagon, so was away much of the time before Albert was born. Mother was alone with her little children the oldest son Johnie had died when he was 7 years old, with Scarlet Fever.
So mother went alone at night for her Midwife a mile & half away. She told me how she had to stop & hold on to the fence post with her pains but felt very grateful to the Lord that she was able to make the trip thear & back in safety was blessed with a perfect child.
She was a faithful worker in Relief Society, was in the presidency for sever years, then moved out on Provo Bench whear they homesteaded, thear her fifth child was born Louisa B resign from the Relief Society work after she had more home work said she felt that her duty was at home with the little children.
My father took the family in his carriage to his Brother place. Whear we all spent the day at Uncle Dave’s home. It was a great treat a good for us all.
When my Brother William was 4 weeks old father took mother out for her first ride to Uncle Dave. They had to ford a large canal of water. My Mother & a dear friend were riding in the back seat of the buggy. Mother held the baby. In leaving the water the horses gave a quick lunge forward up the steep bank. The sudden Jerk sent the back seat into the water Mother was on the bottom the friend & seat of Vehickel on top her the baby went floating down stream just as he was going under a wire fence Lizzie Gibbons the friend caught him by his long cloes. the baby had gone under fence so he was treated but got along after a few hous, alright Mother received a severe back injury, seamed her back was broken she was very sick after. Daddie Patterson blessed her. Said that the Adversary had tried to destroy her since she was born. He rebuked the power & said she should live & finish her mission on earth.
My Father owned a race horse Terp. One day he took Mother for a ride she expected a baby in about four week. this would be her 8th child.
They were enjoying the ride, when a vehickle tried to pass them, this horse gave one lunge & was run off it threw my Mother from the seat into the bottom of the buggy. She suffered lots of pain afterwards & in two week from that time, the baby was born breach. It was dead about half hour before it was born or during the birth Dr. said if he had been their half hour sooner he could of saved it.
Some time after this she had another very narrow escape. Was thrown from the carriage in which she was riding to the ground between the horses, but escaped serious injury.
After this she raised 3 lovely girls. May, Uella, & Vetris these girls were very talented in music had a very natural gift in singing. Mother often told me how she had prayed to Heavenly Father that he would bless her with a child with a natural talent in Music & he sent three to her. Mother was a lover of Home & her children she raied 10 living children they grew in faith & obedience to their parents & to their faith in God. Probably Vetris was the most gifted singer & natural in composing music. The other 2 didn’t have a chance.
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temple recommend expired November 30 1975
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Note: N23241 Memories of My Grandmother Louisa B Park
by Joyce L C Otterstrom
Louisa “B” Park was born the Twenty first day of June, 1883. She believed this was the best day to be born because it was the longest day of the year. This gave her the longest birthday possible. To my knowledge my grandmother didn’t leave a history of herself. This history will consist of the stories she told me as I remember them.
My grandmother’s maternal grandfather was Wyman Miner Parker. She always spoke of her grandfather with pride. Wyman Parker lived in Parker Idaho which was named after him. My grandmother told me that he was the first bishop there. I later learned that he had previously been called to be the first Bishop in Morgan, Utah. He and three other men were the first to open Morgan up to settlement. They named the location Mount Joy. In 1877 when Brigham Young organized the wards so they all had bishops with two counselors, Brother Parker received the calling to be the bishop in Morgan Utah. When he moved to Parker Idaho he was again called to the office of bishop. In his later years he was released from being bishop and called to be the patriarch in Parker, Idaho.
When my grandmother was young she was pretty pleased with her ability to play the game of checkers. Once when she had traveled with her parents to her grandfather’s home in Parker Idaho she had played several checker games with her grandfather and couldn’t understand why she was unable to win even one game against him. On the way home she discussed with her parents her dilemma. Her father started laughing and said, “He was cheating the whole time.” My grandmother often related this story to me with the comment. “And to think that he was cheating the whole time. I never thought he would do such a thing.”
My great grandmother Martha Melissa did beautiful handwork. Her favorite thing to do was filet crochet. I have a very old piece that had been in the possession of my great Aunt Vetrus. When she died, Elmo gave it to me. My grandmother believed my great grandmother made it because it is a pattern like the ones she enjoyed making. My great grandmother had her own ideas and enough determination to do as she thought. She did not dress her babies in long dresses like everyone else did. She felt they didn’t give enough freedom for the baby to crawl and explore. So she dressed her babies in short dresses.
Grandmother often told me that her father was the first white child born in Provo. After I realized he was a twin I asked, “Well what about his twin, who was born first?” She immediately said “William didn’t amount to anything.” I guess getting first status happens when in the opinion of others you do something else with your life.
My Grandmother’s name was Louisa “B” Park Howard. She was born and grew up in Provo Bench, Utah. She prided herself with being a hard worker. Her parents were fruit farmers. She told me that her father only came in to wake her up once in the morning. She was so ashamed that he caught her in bed that she was always careful after that to be sure she woke up first. Since she was one of the oldest children she worked hard helping her mother with the other children and keeping up with the house and garden. She had a curvature of the spine that she felt was caused by holding a baby on one hip while she worked. As a child she was only able to attend school through the fourth grade because she was needed in the home.
My grandmother loved music. Her sister Vetrus had a lovely voice and was a fine pianist. Her Sister May also sang and played. May belonged to some choirs I remember seeing some pictures of her in performing groups. Sometimes they spiced up their performances with outrageous hats or costumes. My grandmother expressed regret that she didn’t have the opportunity to learn the piano. I think she realized that singing in choirs wasn’t for her since she was tone deaf. It didn’t stop her from singing out with the congregation in church though. By the time she could have taken matters into her own hands and learned the piano she had sustained damage to the largest fingers on each hand. The nerves were severed in one finger I think when she was a young adult. She could bend the finger with another finger and then release it and watch it spring back straight. She could not bend it using the muscles in her finger. Her other finger as I remembered was stiff but I don’t remember why.
After Melvin was born she had a tubal pregnancy. She showed me the scar left from the emergency surgery that was performed. She told me that the doctor didn’t think she would survive so he didn’t bother to sew her up carefully. I cannot imagine though how he managed to do such a terrible job. Seems like it would have taken less work to do it a little better. One would think he would take a little more pride in his work and would want to do every part of the surgery as well as he could to give his patient every possible chance of recovery.
A black widow spider bit my grandmother on the arm one day when she was cleaning. There probably were no ill effects from that accident.
All of my grandmother’s daughters played instruments. Leona and Virginia played the piano and organ. Verda played the violin, trumpet and other brass instruments. Vern, & Melvin studied some piano. John played cornet in the band. Verda told me that she had two violins. One day when she was practicing she was getting a little frustrated because it didn’t sound as good as she wanted it to. Her brother Vern started teasing her. She took the violin she was using and broke it on him. She didn’t dare tell her mother. After that she just practiced the other violin. Grandmother always encouraged me to keep playing my violin and cello. When I stayed with her she always wanted me to practice while she took her afternoon nap. In fact, any other time I wanted to practice was also fine with her. Even when I was young and probably didn’t sound particularly good, she never criticized, but just encouraged.
My Grandmother loved to go to parties and dances. She told me about her parents and grandparents and how they enjoyed dances and other parties. She told me that her father sometimes waved a handkerchief as he danced. She thought this was quite wonderful.
As a young teenager she was quite taken with a guy, I believe his name was Silas Fillerup. He played on the Brigham Young Football team. When he left to serve a mission she determined she would wait for him. Her parents however had a different agenda. They felt she should marry George Tilbury. She was obedient to them and married him when she was seventeen. They moved to Whisky Gulch, a place near Cardston, Canada. The place got its name because in the early days of settlement, spirits to be sold or traded to the Indians went through there. To this union John Tilbury was born. She told me the winter was so cold that when she washed clothes and dried them in their little cabin, she would hang them as near the stove as possible but they still froze. After being married only a short time she returned to Provo. George came to her parents home to visit her and plead for her to return to him. She felt good about going back to him and was going to, when one of her parents asked for her to stay and help them. It was a difficult choice but she chose to go back to her parents. They were concerned because she had cried quite a bit after she got married. They thought maybe he was being mean to her, but she was simply homesick. She had her marriage annulled after that.
Louisa now had a child with no husband. She left her young child with her brother and sister in law Albert and Ruth, then went to Salt Lake to train in a profession so she could support her family. She chose to take the medical courses that would qualify her to become a nurse. Then she decided to specialize in obstetrics and she became a Doctor of Obstetrics graduating around the turn of the century. The record of this is at the University of Utah. One of her favorite memories was when Apostle Penrose spoke to the classes. She was always very proud of her degree. When people made the mistake of referring to her as a midwife, she wasn’t at all pleased because she had far more education and experience than a midwife had. She also emphasized the importance of her specialty in obstetrics. At that time medical doctors had very little training in delivering babies. She told me that they would bring a woman off the street, who was about to be delivered, the doctors who were not specializing would simply observe the birth. That was all the training they had. Under the guidance of a professional she delivered many babies before she graduated.
I remember seeing some cards and letters that had been mailed to her while she lived in Cary Idaho and noticed they were all addressed to Mr and Dr. Howard. She described to me how she delivered babies. First, she administered chloroform to numb the pain as it was needed. When her daughter Virginia helped her, her daughter administered the pain killer as her mother directed her. She explained to me the technique she used so that the woman would not tear as the baby was born. There was a way to lift the baby as it came out. She delivered so many babies, I have no idea how many, I really don’t think she kept track. She delivered babies all around Cary, Idaho where she lived after she married the second time, as well as coming to Provo to deliver the babies of her relatives who lived there.
Before my mother, Virginia was married she was told by a doctor that she shouldn’t have children because she would never live to see them. I don’t know what reason the doctor gave her. Another doctor however told her that it would be hard but that she would be able to deliver. My mother felt her best chance to live to see the baby was if her mother delivered her children, so when she became pregnant with her first child she arranged with her mother to deliver him. Since California State law prohibited Grandmother from delivering the baby because of their close relationship, they decided to tell the state if there was a need to, that she was coming so fast there wasn’t time to do anything else. My mother was in labor for 48 hours. The baby lodged because he had his arm up behind his head. The labor pains stopped. My grandmother immediately sent for her Stake President, President Durham to come and administer to my mother. After he gave her a priesthood blessing the pains started again. Two hours later my grandmother did deliver Lee with no other problems. Lee’s safe birth was certainly due to my Grandmother’s skill and a miracle.
One memory my grandmother told me was painful. When she graduated as a Doctor of Obstetrics her name was put in the paper. She reported to me that when her father saw her name in the paper he said, “Hmm, If I had of thought that thing could have amounted to something I would have helped her. “ At the time I thought this was an incredibly cruel statement, now I wonder if this is a reflection of the times, when people often did not realize the potential of a woman. Or, perhaps it was a reflection of her early lack of an education. Whatever it was, it hurt her deeply that her father didn’t believe in her.
My grandmother did beautiful handwork. She made hairpin lace shawls. She also knit. She had a favorite pattern she liked to make for children’s sweaters. It had buttons down the front and cables next to the buttons. I still have one made of red wool. It is such a classic style that my daughter wore it sometimes. I think I may have two red sweaters in two sizes. She also did beautiful crochet work. She started making a table cloth in what she called the Queen Ann pattern. After she lost her sight she gave me the thread and I finished it. My mother also has a tablecloth that she made. She made all of her grandchildren temple aprons. The aprons she made early on, like the one she made for my mother had all the stitches the same length. Later she liked to make the buttonhole stitch in three lengths. One time when she was staying with us in Utah I remember her working on the temple aprons for hours on end. At the time she was having difficulty seeing so she sat in the sun that came in the sliding door in our dining room. She said that women used to sometimes sit in the street so they could get plenty of light for their projects. She also gave me a quilt that was made from the wool she had raised while she lived in Cary Idaho. She carded the wool for the quilt but I think someone else made the quilt. She taught me how to card wool and even let me practice on her wool. She also taught me how to crochet. It was a little bit of a puzzle for her to figure out how to teach me since I am left handed and she is right handed but she did it. I have since learned to crochet right handed. It is easier for following difficult patterns. I was taught how to knit first by a scottish lady that lived across the street from where I lived in Bellflower. Then grandmother showed me more about knitting when my family lived with her when I was twelve. I don’t know which style I learned from which person, but I knit both the American and the European method. Making it unnecessary to turn my needles. I just reverse the pattern every other row. Grandmother did not learn how to crochet from her mother. Her mother wanted her to spend her time doing more useful things. Grandmother however thought crocheting was beautiful and wanted to learn, so a neighbor taught her.
Grandmother was a young girl when she attended a conference where a speaker spoke on the importance of the Word of Wisdom. She felt the spirit of the meeting so strong she committed to always live the Word of Wisdom.
When Josiah came courting she prayed fervently to know if he was the person she should marry. She always felt a very dark feeling that puzzled her. Her father and her brother Albert, who was a neighbor of Josiah’s in Cary thought he was a fine person. So she was persuaded to marry Josiah. She felt that her judgment could not be as good as theirs. Josiah was a returned missionary. He seemed to have the same values as she had. Her father mentioned to her that before they married, when he offered Josiah coffee he always turned it down. Her father liked to drink a half cup of coffee in the evening. However, after he married my grandmother he accepted the coffee and didn’t just drink a half cup, but had a full cup. When Josiah and Lula, as Louisa was often called left Provo Bench to live in Cary Josiah persuaded his wife that she needed to take some alcohol along for medical purposes to treat the sick. She didn’t use strong drink in her practice but he prevailed and she did get some. She told me how disappointed she was because he had drank all of it before they even arrived in Cary. This for her was very difficult after she had committed so strong to live this commandment. She told me that he tried to get her to drink with him which she would not do. She did however try pouring his drink down the drain. At first he thought she was drinking too which pleased him. She quit doing it when she discovered that he would just buy more and that it didn’t curb his drinking at all. When she realized she could do nothing about his right to choose to drink she tried very hard to teach her children to never drink. So far as I know none of them did.
She pled and pled with her oldest son John not to smoke. Smoking was such a popular thing to do when he was a young man. She tried to convince him that it would be hard to quit. He figured though that he could quit any time he wanted to and started smoking anyway. After a period of years his doctor told him that if he didn’t quit, it would kill him. It killed him. He found that when he was well he didn’t think he needed to quit. Once he got sick he was too sick to quit.
My grandmother served several stake missions in California. Once she thought it would be nice to take a few weeks off between missions so she could spend some time visiting with her grandchildren. When the stake president asked her to serve another mission she said she would be glad too but wondered if she could have a little time off before she started another mission. The stake president said “Why Sister Howard, the devil never takes a vacation.” She decided she had best not take a vacation either. I remember going with her sometimes when her companion couldn’t go. The people she taught really loved her. Many faithful members were added to the church because of her dedication.
My cousin Lori reminded of the following story. While grandmother was serving a mission, the announcement was made that the mission had developed new discussions. They wanted all the missionaries to learn them. Her companion, who was younger than her, said that she and her companion Sister Howard were too old to learn them. My grandmother was really offended and indignantly informed their leaders that her companion might be too old to learn them, but she certainly wasn’t.
After her son Melvin died she used the old Pontiac that had been his. It was in beautiful condition, It must have been built in the thirty’s or forty’s. It was a deep maroon color. She had the usual two horns that came standard with the car. In addition she also had some musical horns that she loved to play tunes on when she was picking someone up and wanted them to know she had arrived, or just for fun. We always knew when she had arrived because she played a little tune as she drove up to the house. There were four horns with four different pitches. She got some rather interesting looks from people who were servicing her car and saw all the horn’s under the hood. I guess most little old lady’s didn’t have so many horns. She really enjoyed the attention she got from those horns.
She had a home on the corner of Locust and Louise. She surrounded her home with beautiful flowers. She loved to grow flowers and her flowers were always among the most beautiful anywhere. She had a huge Bird of Paradise bush in the front yard. She had two magnolia trees. At least I think that is what they were in the front yard. In the back yard by the garage door she had a Mire lemon tree that always bore all the lemons the whole extended family could use. She made the most wonderful lemon meringue pies from those lemons. She also was in the habit of drinking a glass of lemon juice and water every morning. It wasn’t sour or bitter because the mire lemon compared to other lemons are quite mild and sweet. Both of her bedrooms had doors that opened to the outside on a small patio that had flowering vines. I wish I knew the names of all the plants she had, because her yard although very small was beautiful. She had plants that grew so tall you didn’t see the triplex that was so close in back. Not that you couldn’t see it, it was just more fun to look at the plants. I believe the name of the plants between her and the triplex was a Roman Candle. They stood probably six or seven feet high and had large red flowers at the top with big green leaves going up. I remember seeing them in other places and wondering why they weren’t so tall as my grandmothers. One day she asked me to take out a plant in her yard. At that time I really gained an appreciation of how large and healthy her plants were as it took me all day.
She had a two car garage. One side was for her and one side was for her renter. Above, the garage in a sort of second story, where she kept her food storage. She bottled fruit and had can after can of good hard wheat that was excellent for making bread. On grandmother’s side of the garage she had plenty of room for her ringer washer, wash tubs and an old ice box. I helped her do her washing sometimes. I thought it was great fun to use the ringer when we moved the clothes from one tub to the other in the final rinses. My mother had a automatic washer which I didn’t think was nearly as much fun. Maybe she didn’t either since it was not as reliable as my grandmother’s old Maytag. My grandmother taught me to put a little soap in the final rinse when washing quilts. She had quilts she had made that had wool bats and she felt it made the bats a little more fluffy. I’m certain being able to put a quilt in a dryer makes quite a difference now. But her dryer was a clothes line in her yard.
Her house was a duplex. She rented the other side. She had some delightful people from time to time that she rented to. One couple she rented to had a young son who loved grandmother a great deal. She enjoyed them and the son and became good friends. Always a missionary she tried to interest them in the church. I think they were Catholic and the priest, when he learned what was going on exerted his influence on them. Much to her disappointment they didn’t join the church.
In Grandmothers house she had a large kitchen with a built in nook to eat in. Hanging above the table was a very bright ceramic parrot. It was in a bay window. She had a hanging basket of bleeding hearts and a rubber tree on the porch by the door. I remember her kitchen as painted white. It had knick knack shelves that she put pretty glass decorations on. My mother always called them dust collectors. There was a pretty etched mirror where she had her sink for washing dishes. She had a gas stove that even had a cover that could be put over it when it was not in use. I can’t think that I ever saw the cover down though. After we had moved to Utah, I was probably about twenty at the time, I decided to take a month off work (teaching music lessons) and visit my grandmother. We didn’t tell her I was coming. I took the train from Salt Lake to Los Angeles where I took a bus on into Long Beach. Then I called my Aunt Vetrus to find out which bus to take to my grandmothers house. She told me. I remember while waiting for the bus a very pale man started a conversation with me. He told me that he had copied the entire Bible by hand while serving a prison sentence. I was glad when the bus came. I felt even better when he didn’t get on it. Anyway from the bus stop I walked on to my grandmother’s house with my suitcase and violin. When I got to grandmother’s I walked into her kitchen just like I always did. She was just coming into the kitchen at the same time. She looked very surprised but she said nothing she just turned around and left. I waited and soon she came back in. She looked at me and smiled and hugged me. I asked her why she had left. She said “I just had to make sure it was true that you were really here.”
From the kitchen there was a door that went into the hall and one that went into the formal dining room. She generally kept the dining room closed off. In it she had a beautiful Chippendale table and chairs she also had a china cupboard in the same style. On the walls she had pictures of her youngest son Melvin. She had his picture framed beautifully. Before Melvin was killed in World War II he had received many awards for outstanding service to his country. These awards she had framed and displayed next to his picture.
I used to enjoy looking at the lovely china and other things she kept in the cupboard. Melvin had sent grandmother some glasses that she prized simply because they were from him. They had hula dancers on them. She never used them, just put them away. One day my brother Larry was looking at them. He happened to look inside one and discovered the dancers viewed that way were naked. He showed grandmother and was she ever surprised. She had no idea Melvin had played such a trick on her. She gave me her beautiful china which I cherish. She also gave me a little pitcher with a pink flower painted on it. She never liked it because of the way it poured. I examined it and discovered it had a spout perfectly suited for a left handed person. I loved it instantly and we both understood why it didn’t work well for her since I am left handed and she is right handed.
She had a heavy drape that separated the dining room from the living room. In the living room she had a beautiful Chippendale secretary that she wrote letters at. The top part had glass doors where she kept her cherished church books. She loved to read books about the gospel. She told me that one day as she sat at the secretary Melvin was standing next to her. She was thinking about what a wonderful son he was and how pleased she was with him, when a spirit said to her “He will be sacrificed” she said; “No, not him.” She said later maybe she could have had the spirit rebuked. She always regretted not going to the priesthood and asking them if they could rebuke the spirit and spare her son. Not long after that he was called to active service.
He was flying a mission over Japan when he was shot down. One person was able to get off the airplane. He was captured by the Japanese and interned at a prison of war camp until the war was over. He felt if Melvin had of been the one to parachute off the plane he might not have been captured since Melvin was good at “keeping his head.” After the war he visited grandmother and told her about the incident. The plane was hit by enemy fire. Because Melvin was a commanding officer it was his duty to get as many of his men off the plane as he could. That is what he did.
One night while grandmother was sleeping she woke and saw that Melvin was in the room with her. She felt if she had of written down the day and time she would have known when Melvin died. He had come as a last farewell to her before he moved on to the world of spirits. She always mourned his death.
I have never doubted any of the great spiritual experiences my grandmother had. She had many because she lived as perfect a life as she could. She loved the Savior and his servants. She believed that each generation should be better than the one before it. She said we should learn from those who came before us and thus be empowered to be better than they. That is a tall order to be a better person than she was.
My Grandmother had a large overstuffed deep green sofa in her living room. We lived at her home for about six months before we moved to Utah. I remember sleeping on that green sofa although most of the time I slept with her. She also had some unusually beautiful lamp shades. These were made by her daughter Verda. She also had a really beautiful picture of some flamingos with mirrors in the frame. It was done in soft colors like pastels. Her living room had a bay window that faced Louise street. In the window she had a tier table, on that table was the largest most amazing Boston Fern I have ever seen. Sometimes she had me help her care for it. She taught me how to take the shoots off that would have grown into more ferns. Forcing the fern to grow even bigger.
She had a mail box like the one we had when we lived in Bellflower. There was a slot on the outside of the house that the mail was put in. The letters then fell down into a box with an ornate grill that covered it. The ornate metal made it possible to see when letters were in it. We just lifted the little door that was flush with the wall and got the letters out.
My Grandmother was always a little concerned about doing hand work on Sunday. I enjoyed doing it so much that I just went ahead without much thought and did it. One day several members of the family had come to see Grandmother. Grandmother wasn’t feeling very good so we just went into the bedroom and visited while she laid down. While everyone visited, I as usual was working on some handwork. After we were done visiting she looked around at the various members of the extended family and said, “Well at least Joy got something done.”
The entire length of Grandmother’s hall had drawers and closets in it. She had stored yarn left over from projects and yarn waiting to be made up. She had fabric she had bought on sale that she had plans to make into things. She had letters and pictures in these drawers. She had her cleaning things for the house. She also had a generous supply of rags. Sometimes when she was going to take a nap she would say she was going to rip and tear. Well one day when she got tired and said she was going to rip and tear, my brother Larry who was staying with her, went into her hall where she had her rags and started to rip and tear them. It kept her awake but she did think the whole thing was pretty funny and loved to tell about her grandson taking her at her word and literally ripping and tearing all the rags.
Grandmother Howard was very frugal. She would walk rather than spend the nickel for bus fare. If she had more fruit from her trees than she and her family could use she always put up the excess. She then used that fruit during the winter. She was not cheap though, and would pay what it cost to get good quality furniture and clothes. She felt this saved her money in the long run. She took very good care of everything she owned. One thing she joked about as she got older was that people should quit getting her clothes because she couldn’t possibly live long enough to get all the ones she had worn out.
I was very proud of my grandmother. She had some beautiful suits and hats that she wore for church and other special occasions. At these times she also wore makeup. Her makeup was very well done and she looked great. When she put on her hats she always used a large hat pin to help hold it on. I remember as a small child watching her put that large pin into her hat. It always came out the other side just fine. I didn’t see how she kept from missing her head.
My grandmother had a sense of humor. Once sent me to the neighbor for a round square I figured if that was what she wanted I would get it for her. Other than that She never led me astray. She had some really cute poems she liked to say. I wish I remembered them. One thing I do remember is sometimes when she said thank you she liked to embellish it. She would say Thank you, Lorlank you, lorlongfellow, losikinaper. The “I’s” in the last word have the short “I” sound.
Her two bedrooms weren’t skimpy little rooms but nice generous sized rooms. They both had built in closets with drawers under them. They had plenty of room for a dresser and two twin beds with some chairs to sit on. I think they must have been close to the same size. To bring in some extra money she took in elderly people (one at a time) who needed nursing care. Although they may not have been much older than her, her health was very good. She would have the person in the bedroom to the south that was closest to the bathroom and she was in the other bedroom.
Grandmother always looked considerably younger than she was. She was really glad about that. Often if she thought she would have a hard time getting something because of her age she just told them she was younger. Then when they saw her capabilities she told them her real age. I don’t think she was ever turned down.
One of the hardest things for her was the blindness that came upon her as she got older. At the time she thought it was because of her high blood pressure. Now we feel it was most likely Macular degeneration. She was so looking forward to being able to study the gospel just as deeply as she wanted when she quit being a stake missionary. That however was when she started to loose her sight. She did get a lot of gospel books through the Library For the Blind and Physically Handicapped, but it just wasn’t the same. Soon it also made it impossible for her to drive. She so enjoyed her independence this was very hard for her. She liked to come and visit my mothers family. After awhile it became too hard on her to take the train so, she, having no problems with the modern, decided to fly. Once while she was in Salt Lake her children who lived in California decided she should not live alone anymore. They proceeded to move her things out of her home and to divide them among her children and grandchildren who lived in California. She was broken hearted about this. She wasn’t ready to give up her own home. She quickly flew to California to try to prevent it but that was to no avail. She lived with Leona after that. While she was with my mother, my mother would take her to the temple and to see her sister May and her other relatives. She was so tired after she got back she would have to rest up for a few days but she loved it.
When Mary, David and Paul were really small Mom, Dad and I with the three children went to see Grandmother. I remember so well when she first saw us she had difficulty remembering us. After a few minutes though Mary just climbed in bed with her and talked and talked to her until she had grandmother so happy and her memory was so much better. They really enjoyed each other. Mary was born on her great grandmothers ninetieth birthday. I think, since I wasn’t yet pregnant with Stephen this would have been when Grandmother was 93 and Mary was three. This was the trip that David learned how to say Wow. I don’t think he had started speech therapy yet. Paul was less than a year old and had to be isolated because his body didn’t have any immunity to disease. Leona took care of him when we went places. It was kind of funny he didn’t take to Leona very much but he sure liked Vern.
After my grandmother left her husband Josiah she was concerned if she should get a temple divorce in addition to the civil divorce. She had occasion to meet and speak with the Apostle LeGrand Richards. She told him about her concern. He replied to her that she didn’t need to worry that he wouldn’t be in the same place as she was going, but then with a twinkle in her eye he told her that if she found someone she was interested in just to let him know and he would fix everything up for her. At the time she was quite elderly.
She told me that one night she was praying about her eternal fate and a vision was opened up to her. She saw the person she was to be eternal partners with. She said she didn’t know who he was but that she so loved him. After that she no longer worried about the matter.
We lived with grandmother for about six months before we moved to Utah. During that time I generally slept with her. Maybe I was a little wiggly in bed. I remember she taught me to use my breathing to help me go to sleep. Every time I breathed out she told me to think to myself. I’m going to sleep, I’m sinking further and further into the mattress. It generally worked which was a good thing because grandmother snored, and I really needed to get to sleep first or I might not be able to sleep until I got really tired.
Grandmother lived just a few blocks from Jane Adams elementary school. When I attended that school, which I did in second grade, half of fifth grade and sixth grade I went to her home for lunch. My grandmother was always concerned that we eat well. There wasn’t any junk food in her home. She always gave me several kinds of vegetables for lunch and some fruit.
She loved to go to different places so she could get the freshest and best produce. I remember going to Knotts Berry farm to get Berries. After awhile they started putting in some old buildings, but at first it was, a berry farm. In addition she liked to go to about three different close by stores. One had better milk products, another better produce, I don’t remember what the third had. Grandmother always had good whole grain breads and Rye Crisp, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course liver. Liver had so many good vitamins in it and at that time people didn’t realize what else it had. Probably since pollution wasn’t so bad it was probably pretty healthy. I think it may be liver that convinced my brothers and I that vitamin “L” existed. (The vitamin that tasted like “L”). Grandmother fixed her liver plain. I’m glad she generally kept that to herself. She often fixed me a drink in her blender of carrot juice that I could sort of get down. What I really did not like was the parsley juice. I have always preferred eating vegetables the way they come not as juice. Grandmother had difficulty with sores in her mouth caused by her dentures. I think if it weren’t for that problem she probably would have preferred not to drink her food too. I only remember her doing it a lot after she started having problems with the sores.
After Leona could no longer care for grandmother in her home she found a rest home for grandmother. While there she got up in the night to use the bathroom. Since she had very little sight she didn’t realize she didn’t have matching shoes on. She fell and broke her hip.
Grandmother died on the Fifth of November 1979. She was ninety-six years old. I was pregnant with Joseph at the time and not well enough to go to the funeral. Mary, however went with Carl and Linda’s family and my parents. She sang “I am a child of God” at the funeral.
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