Letter from Ardie Bramley to Evelyn Bramley Carter (c. 1928 or 1929)

Letter from Ardie Bramley to Evelyn Bramley Carter (c. 1928 or 1929)

Envelope reads simply “Evelyn”

Dear Evelyn:

You have perhaps expected a letter before now. I will admit that I don’t know how to write you. You are a puzzle to me that I can’t understand. How you could do as you have done and never have any remorse of conscience is more than I can conceive.

We have always treated you as good as we could and you had the best of what we could provide for you. We have never deceived you in any way. Why you took the step knowing as you did I don’t know. He was never entertained in our home nor accepted as even a sweetheart, and you knew that we would not accept him as more. For we told you so. We didn’t deceive you.

I feel that you was influenced by those who were envious of your good opportunity to make a success in life. And you yielded and so wrecked your life, a life that could have been useful beautiful and sweet. One that your parents and friends would have been proud and thankful for.

I have had so many to say to me “I never would have believed it of Evelyn” you have disappointed more than us. Why did you want to sacrifice your life for nothing?

You said in your letter if we wanted you, you wanted us to know that you didn’t think the least bit hard of us. I didn’t think you did, I didn’t think you had any reason to. We were good to you as long as you would let us be.

Mary Blanks came out to see me one evening. She is so sweet and as pretty as a picture. She is making good grades but said she had to work for them. I would have given anything if things were as they once were and you were in school.

Do you ever think of James Adrian? I think of him so much. I wish he could have been spared to stay on and on with us. I miss him so. My thoughts of him are always sweet and pleasant. I treasure his memory. We have had his pictures framed. They are pretty but not pretty and sweet like he was. But his image is stamped on my heart and I can always see and know just how he looked. We know he is safe and has all the joy Heaven can give.

Mae Fred Annie Lucille and Joe have been to see us.

The Xmas things you sent were alright we didn’t expect anything. You knew from what you got we didn’t get anything for you. Carolyn wanted to send you something after she got the watch. I heard the bloomers too small. Send them back and will send you more or exchange them with someone.

I won’t try to write any news guess you get that any way.

Now, Evelyn, if for any cause you should become unhappy and want to come home we will take you back and do the best we can by you.

We have always done what we thought was best for our family. Hope you keep well try and not get hurt. Am sorry you are getting so large I would reduce.

(Ardie)