Between Friends

Leonard is thrilled with his daughter. Every night he rushes home from court in order to spend time with her. She’s already standing on her own and it looks as if she’ll be walking soon. I’m afraid Leonard must bore everyone at the courthouse with photographs of Jillian. In his eyes she’s the most brilliant precious child ever to appear in this world. She has deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a cheerful, happy disposition. She loves listening to the radio; her favorite show is Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Leonard claims it’s really my favorite show, and Jillian gives me the perfect excuse to listen. One show she doesn’t like—I think it scares her—is The Lone Ranger. Every time she hears the music she buries her head in my skirt.

Thank you for recommending Eleanor Roosevelt’s book This I Remember. I’ve ordered it from the library, but my reading has been severely curtailed since Jillian’s arrival. I’ve been making an effort to read during her afternoon nap, but the problem is, I usually fall asleep myself. With her teething, I haven’t slept an entire night in weeks. The poor child is having a difficult time of it, but the pediatrician assured us everything is normal.

Leonard and I are delighted that you’ve accepted our invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Jillian will surely be walking by then—and sleeping through the nights!

I’ll write again soon. Give our love to Uncle Frank and everyone.

Yours truly,

Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

1955

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

2330 Country Club Lane

Pine Ridge, Washington

January 4, 1955

Dear Sister John,

Enclosed please find the invitations to Jillian’s seventh birthday party. Would you kindly distribute them to all the children in both first-grade classes? My husband has hired puppeteers to perform at the party and there will be cake and ice cream for everyone. I would consider it a big help if you could let us know how many children we should expect.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

Pine Ridge Mills

Pine Ridge, Washington

Lay Off Notice

Effective January 7, 1955

Attn: Mike Adamski

January 10, 1955

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington

Dear Judge Lawton, Mrs. Lawton and Jillian,

Thank you very much for the invitation to Jillian’s birthday party. Unfortunately we already have plans for next Saturday, and Lesley will be unable to attend.

Lesley so enjoyed the afternoon she spent with Jillian following their tap dancing class. We’ll have Jillian over to visit soon.

I’ve had to withdraw Lesley from dance class, but we’re hoping she’ll be able to start back soon. Jillian’s been teaching her the new steps at recess so she won’t be too far behind. These two have certainly formed a fast friendship, haven’t they? I’m grateful Lesley has such a good friend.

I’m sure Jillian will have a wonderful birthday. I’ll get in touch with you about having Jillian visit for an afternoon.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Michael Adamski

KAKE RADIO dedicates “The Ballad of Davey Crockett” to birthday girl Jillian Lawton. Happy seventh birthday, Jillian, from all your friends here at KAKE RADIO.

Now everyone put on your coonskin cap and sing Happy Birthday for seven-year-old Jillian.

Pine Ridge Library

300 Main Street

Pine Ridge, Washington

October 1, 1955

Dear Mrs. Adamski,

At your request the library is holding Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk and Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis until the end of the week.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Joan McMahon

Head Librarian

September 28, 1955

Dear Grandma and Grandpa O’Leary,

Thank you for the Betsy McCall doll. I named her Jilly after my best friend in school. I can read now.

Love,

Lesley

November 14, 1955

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington