William Morris Maier (1909-1982): correspondence: Anna S. and Paul D.I. Maier, 1927 January-April

Letters to W.M.M. recount daily activities and news within the family. Letters from A.S.M. provide a good sense of the domestic activities of the Maier family, both within the nuclear family and more generally, while also showing the close relationship between W.M.M. and his parents while at boarding school. Letters from P.D.I.M. show a distinct concern about the family health, fiscal matters and W.M.M.’s education and general well being. P.D.I.M. often offers suggestions, but is not overbearing, ultimately leaving W.M.M. to make decisions. Letters also show some of W.M.M.’s interests and activities including soccer, theater, and dance lessons.

Some highlights include:

Westtown, PA. 1927 2/17 from P.D.I.M. [“I called at Frank’s, the tailor’s, this morning as I wondered whether it would be wiser for thee to look at some cheaper material. Thee picked out very nice material, and he is willing to let thee have it for $60.00, and as this is Commencement suit Mother and I are willing that thee should have it. In the future, it would be well for me to with thee so that thee knows what to pay. He had a very nice $60.00 serge reduced to $53.00, but I decided to let thee have the one thee selected.”]

Westtown, PA. 1927 2/26. from A.S.M. [“James went over to Uncle Fred’s for the night and came back this morning in time to take us to Meeting, which we appreciated as it was cold and windy for the open car. We have just heard this evening of the sudden death of Eliz. Kirk – one of the sisters I met at tea on 7th day a week ago.”]

Westtown, PA. 1927 4/8. from A.S.M. [“We are sorry not to have thee with us tomorrow night but I think thee is very wise to stay and get thy work done!”]

Westtown, PA. 1927 4/27 from P.D.I.M. [“The Conards (Wilfred and Mary) will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary on the Seventh Day 7th. Mother was one of their wedding company so of course we will go to the reception and supper. This will prevent our attendance at the [Back Log] Camp Reunion which we very deeply regret, as we were looking forward to going there with thee and James.”]