Robert L Johnson was set apart as Presiding Elder in Fountain Green in 1860 and bishop on May 11, 1862. He was bishop for twenty-one years. His wife Polly was Relief society for many years.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Rees R Llewellyn and Robert L Johnson historical notes...Great grandfathers of Victor
Rees R Llewellyn was the first president of the Town Board of Fountain Green, Utah. He was a Fountain Green Black Hawk War Veteran.
Robert L Johnson was set apart as Presiding Elder in Fountain Green in 1860 and bishop on May 11, 1862. He was bishop for twenty-one years. His wife Polly was Relief society for many years.
This program booklet was kept with the family history materials of Victor and Norma and passed on to Chester.
Robert L Johnson was set apart as Presiding Elder in Fountain Green in 1860 and bishop on May 11, 1862. He was bishop for twenty-one years. His wife Polly was Relief society for many years.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Vic as member and president of the Mojave School board
Vic's Occupations
News boy starting at age 9
The1930 census shows shows occupation as "Demonstrator" and industry as "Automobile".
Soda Jerk
Entrepeneur
Cafe owner
Camera Shop Owner
Newspaper Dealer...LA Times, LA Mirror, LA Examiner, Bakersfield Californian, Antelope Valley Greensheet
Apartment Owner
The1930 census shows shows occupation as "Demonstrator" and industry as "Automobile".
Soda Jerk
Entrepeneur
Cafe owner
Camera Shop Owner
Newspaper Dealer...LA Times, LA Mirror, LA Examiner, Bakersfield Californian, Antelope Valley Greensheet
Apartment Owner
The Kern County Board of Trade May, 1952-October, 1954
A photo taken by a photographer commissioned by the Board of Trade for publicity purposes. He would have been around 40 years of age.
Vic is standing, second from left...wife Norma, third from left.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Photos of Vic
How old was Vic in this photo on a horse? Where was it taken?
Was this bow tie photo taken in High School?
When and Where?
This picture was taken at our home at 427 K Street
in Mojave (now 15931 K Street) before we moved to
M street. Vic was in his early 40's.
The house was remodeled to have a camera shop
in the front. There was also a darkroom in a small
apartment in the back of the property.
Judging from the dodging on the photo, it was more than
likely processed, enlarged, and developed by him in that darkroom.
Vic had a soda fountain and cafe in Mojave. He started by working for Emmott Hughes and eventually started his own business. He moved from Los Angeles to Mojave in July of 1936, during the depression. He lived at the Kingston Hotel while wife, Norma and Son Herbert (Teddy) stayed in L A until November. Written on the side of the second second "Vic's Cafe" location was "Vic's Since 1939". Before moving to Mojave he had experience as a drug store "soda jerk" in Los Angeles. What is a soda jerk? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda_jerk Some things I remember about dad, by Chester
Taking me to the Dodgers-Yankees world series game in 1961.
Bringing the paper to me in the morning…the funnies when I was little…the sports when I was older.
Smiling and greeting people with “Hi, neighbor”.
Spanking me when I was about seven years old because I threw a tantrum and kicked and broke the mirror in a display case at the store.
Making sure I always had some work to do and getting paid for it.
Giving me paper routes...first on a bicycle, then with him in the car of truck, and then giving me the pick up to drive when I had a license.
Teaching me to pump gas check the oil and tires and wash the windshields (and clean the bathrooms) at the Union 76 Station.
Taking the family to the beach in Santa Monica from time to time.
Attending my swim meets and ball games.
Taking the family to a fancy restaurant or movie in L.A. from time to time. Places that come to mind are The Chinese Theater, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, China Town and Phillipes for a french dip sandwich and lemonade.
Taking me to the 1959 Major League All Star Game in the L A Coliseum.
Staying up for 24 hours so that he could take me to a Dodger’s game and still deliver papers all over the desert the next morning...several times.
Worrying about his post-smoking hacking cough even after he had quit smoking.
Driving the family to Glendale to see Aunt Gwen and Uncle Dick.
Cleaning the church on Saturday nights.
Being aware of his community activities like doing a deep pit BBQ for the Mojave Gold Rush days Parade…and tossing little milk cartons to the parade crowd from the Dairy Truck.
Being on the Mojave School Board and Kern County Board of Trade.
Being instrumental in getting a high school for Mojave.
Going to the L A Temple with Normagwen to be sealed to him and mom.
Taking me to the Temple for endowments.
Taking me to Lancaster to be baptized.
Having me start a savings account at the Bank of America.
Supporting me on my mission.
Getting me my first car…a 1951 Chevy Deluxe with a noisy throw out barring, and later a 1964 Ford Falcon and a very cool 1968 Dodge Dart 270.
Supporting me for BYU education and the first semester of dental school.
Breaking his heart a few times and giving him grief many, many times and still believing in me.
Watching him sing “Bye, Bye Bunting, Daddy’s Gone A Hunting” to Normagwen.
Hearing him recite nursery rhymes.
Sitting on his lap and steering the 1954 Lincoln Capri on Rogers Dry Lake. That was in about 1956. The first Space Shuttle Columbia landed on that dry lake bed in 1981.
Taking the family on a “real vacation” to Arizona, Utah, Yellowstone, and San Francisco when I was about 14. He loved reuniting with his Aunt Vilate and cousin Verona , my Aunt Jenny and Uncle Ed and others. Good times.
Encouraging me to enjoy photography.
Encouraging me to marry Liz.
Encouraging me to go to dental school.
Being terribly ill with shingles and missing work.
Arguing fiercely with mom.
Reading the newspaper daily and the National Geographic magazine monthly.
Stopping smoking and drinking when I was 10 or 11 years old and becoming active in church.
Taking me as a teenager to “The French Café” for breakfast on Sunday Morning after I helped him distribute and deliver papers from 1:00 a m to 7:00 a m.
Taking the family to Sunday Dinner at “The French Café”. His favorites were sweet breads and steaks. He loved to eat the fat.
Buying a nice suit once in a while.
Driving nice cars. Mom once said he liked a comfortable car after driving a pick up or panel truck for work. I remember Lincolns and Chryslers.
Enjoying talking to strangers and being friendly.
Wearing a paper cooks hat at the café.
Making the best hamburger and milkshake ever.
Teaching me to sell a newspaper subscription.
Loving his pet dogs, cats, and birds.
Making Christmases memorable with Santa, stockings with oranges and peanuts and fun toys.
Bringing home Easter lilies.
Nailing my shoes to the floor for April Fools Day.
Encouraging generosity.
Treating others with dignity, although he was, what would not be considered in today’s world, not exactly politically correct.
Being a republican and voting in every election.
Loving all his children and grandchildren.
Taking us to Bakersfield for Basque food.
Bringing the paper to me in the morning…the funnies when I was little…the sports when I was older.
Smiling and greeting people with “Hi, neighbor”.
Spanking me when I was about seven years old because I threw a tantrum and kicked and broke the mirror in a display case at the store.
Making sure I always had some work to do and getting paid for it.
Giving me paper routes...first on a bicycle, then with him in the car of truck, and then giving me the pick up to drive when I had a license.
Teaching me to pump gas check the oil and tires and wash the windshields (and clean the bathrooms) at the Union 76 Station.
Taking the family to the beach in Santa Monica from time to time.
Attending my swim meets and ball games.
Taking the family to a fancy restaurant or movie in L.A. from time to time. Places that come to mind are The Chinese Theater, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, China Town and Phillipes for a french dip sandwich and lemonade.
Taking me to the 1959 Major League All Star Game in the L A Coliseum.
Staying up for 24 hours so that he could take me to a Dodger’s game and still deliver papers all over the desert the next morning...several times.
Worrying about his post-smoking hacking cough even after he had quit smoking.
Driving the family to Glendale to see Aunt Gwen and Uncle Dick.
Cleaning the church on Saturday nights.
Being aware of his community activities like doing a deep pit BBQ for the Mojave Gold Rush days Parade…and tossing little milk cartons to the parade crowd from the Dairy Truck.
Being on the Mojave School Board and Kern County Board of Trade.
Being instrumental in getting a high school for Mojave.
Going to the L A Temple with Normagwen to be sealed to him and mom.
Taking me to the Temple for endowments.
Taking me to Lancaster to be baptized.
Having me start a savings account at the Bank of America.
Supporting me on my mission.
Getting me my first car…a 1951 Chevy Deluxe with a noisy throw out barring, and later a 1964 Ford Falcon and a very cool 1968 Dodge Dart 270.
Supporting me for BYU education and the first semester of dental school.
Breaking his heart a few times and giving him grief many, many times and still believing in me.
Watching him sing “Bye, Bye Bunting, Daddy’s Gone A Hunting” to Normagwen.
Hearing him recite nursery rhymes.
Sitting on his lap and steering the 1954 Lincoln Capri on Rogers Dry Lake. That was in about 1956. The first Space Shuttle Columbia landed on that dry lake bed in 1981.
Taking the family on a “real vacation” to Arizona, Utah, Yellowstone, and San Francisco when I was about 14. He loved reuniting with his Aunt Vilate and cousin Verona , my Aunt Jenny and Uncle Ed and others. Good times.
Encouraging me to enjoy photography.
Encouraging me to marry Liz.
Encouraging me to go to dental school.
Being terribly ill with shingles and missing work.
Arguing fiercely with mom.
Reading the newspaper daily and the National Geographic magazine monthly.
Stopping smoking and drinking when I was 10 or 11 years old and becoming active in church.
Taking me as a teenager to “The French Café” for breakfast on Sunday Morning after I helped him distribute and deliver papers from 1:00 a m to 7:00 a m.
Taking the family to Sunday Dinner at “The French Café”. His favorites were sweet breads and steaks. He loved to eat the fat.
Buying a nice suit once in a while.
Driving nice cars. Mom once said he liked a comfortable car after driving a pick up or panel truck for work. I remember Lincolns and Chryslers.
Enjoying talking to strangers and being friendly.
Wearing a paper cooks hat at the café.
Making the best hamburger and milkshake ever.
Teaching me to sell a newspaper subscription.
Loving his pet dogs, cats, and birds.
Making Christmases memorable with Santa, stockings with oranges and peanuts and fun toys.
Bringing home Easter lilies.
Nailing my shoes to the floor for April Fools Day.
Encouraging generosity.
Treating others with dignity, although he was, what would not be considered in today’s world, not exactly politically correct.
Being a republican and voting in every election.
Loving all his children and grandchildren.
Taking us to Bakersfield for Basque food.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Victor's father, Herbert E. Smyth and Grandfather, A. C. Smyth
This information is taken from a photocopy from a book. The page header reads "Utah Since Statehood" p. 832 and 835.
Herbert E. Smyth, whose success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line, is now enjoying an extensive practice in the departments of land, loan and irrigation law. A native son of Salt Lake, where he still makes his home, he was born September 4, 1876, his parents being Adam C. and Frances (Townsend) "Smyth. The father was a native of Manchester, England, while the mother was born in Dover, that country. The father was married twice and with his first wife, Mrs. Emily Smyth, came to America in 1866. He crossed the plains by wagon train, enduring many of the privations and dangers of early Mormon pioneers. He made his way direct to to Salt Lake City and after reaching his destination his first wife died. Later he married Frances Townsend, also from England. He was a musician of superior merit and after establishing his home in Utah figured prominently in music circles as a teacher and composer, writing many of the Mormon hymns and the music to which they were sung. A large number of these are still used in the Mormon churches and by families of that faith throughout the state. His death occurred in Manti, Utah in 1909. The mother of Herbert E. Smyth had come to America in 1870 and she crossed the country in comparative ease when one remembers the hardships and trials with which the journeys of the earlier residents of the state were fraught. She made the trip with one of the first trains after the railroad was completed to Salt Lake and here she became the wife of Professor Smyth. She survives her husband and now resides in Manti. In their family were seven children, Adam C., Mrs. Rhoda Nelson, Fred D., Mrs. Laura Chapman, William H and Mrs Maude Randall.
The other member of the family is Herbert E Smyth, who was the second in order of birth. He attended school at Fountain Green and Manti, Utah, and subsequently became a student at Brigham young Academy, where he remained through the scholastic year of 1893-4. He later took special work at the university on law subjects. After leaving the Brigham Young Academy he was employed by by timber and mercantile concerns and subsequently he went to the southern states on mission work for the church. Upon his return he taught school in Manti and then entered the office of the county assessor of Sanpete county acting four years as chief deputy and through the succeeding four years as county assessor. In 1908 he entered the state land office as chief law clerk, in connection with the departments having in charge lands, loans and irrigation projects and continued in that office until April, 1917. During that period he applied himself diligently to the study of law, particularly turning his attention to those branches of jurisprudence which applied to his position, so that when should retire form the place that he was filing he might specialize upon legal matters of that character. In April, 1917, he opened a law office in Salt Lake. In the year 1912 he had been admitted to the bar of the supreme court of Utah. His previous training had been of incalculable benefit to him is giving him knowledge of lands, loans and irrigation matters in the state and his preparation for the bar, specializing along that line, splendidly qualified him for ny questions that might come up in dispute. He was continuously been engaged in probate practice and has been extremely successful. His knowledge along with his special is particularly wide and thorough, and the ability which he has displayed has led to a constant increase in his client-age.
On the 24th [?] of September, 1901 Mr. Smyth was married to Miss Margaret Johnson, of Fountain Green, Utah, a daughter of Edwin T. and Julia (Llewellyn) Johnson. Their children are as follows: Edward H., who was born in Fountain Green, in 1902 and is now a junior in the Salt lake high school: Theodore Craik, born in Fountain Green, in 1904 and now attending the graded schools; Victor Llewellyn, born in Salt lake in 1912; and Donna, born in Salt lake in 1915. Mr. and Mrs Smyth have also reared another child Juliet F Johnson who was born in Fountain Green in 1909. and was left an orphan by the death of Mrs. Smyth's mother. The child has been reared and educated as their own.
Mr. and Mrs Smyth are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In politics he is a stalwart republican and is the present secretary of the republican state central committee--a position indicative of his high standing in the councils of the party. He is also the secretary of the Utah State Building & Loan Association and is a member of the Utah Bench and Bar Association. No particularly fortunate circumstances aided Mr. Smyth at the outset of his career, but actuated by a laudable ambition he has steadily advanced and today stands high in high professional circles of Salt Lake City and is one of the most respected residents of the community.
Herbert E. Smyth, whose success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line, is now enjoying an extensive practice in the departments of land, loan and irrigation law. A native son of Salt Lake, where he still makes his home, he was born September 4, 1876, his parents being Adam C. and Frances (Townsend) "Smyth. The father was a native of Manchester, England, while the mother was born in Dover, that country. The father was married twice and with his first wife, Mrs. Emily Smyth, came to America in 1866. He crossed the plains by wagon train, enduring many of the privations and dangers of early Mormon pioneers. He made his way direct to to Salt Lake City and after reaching his destination his first wife died. Later he married Frances Townsend, also from England. He was a musician of superior merit and after establishing his home in Utah figured prominently in music circles as a teacher and composer, writing many of the Mormon hymns and the music to which they were sung. A large number of these are still used in the Mormon churches and by families of that faith throughout the state. His death occurred in Manti, Utah in 1909. The mother of Herbert E. Smyth had come to America in 1870 and she crossed the country in comparative ease when one remembers the hardships and trials with which the journeys of the earlier residents of the state were fraught. She made the trip with one of the first trains after the railroad was completed to Salt Lake and here she became the wife of Professor Smyth. She survives her husband and now resides in Manti. In their family were seven children, Adam C., Mrs. Rhoda Nelson, Fred D., Mrs. Laura Chapman, William H and Mrs Maude Randall.
The other member of the family is Herbert E Smyth, who was the second in order of birth. He attended school at Fountain Green and Manti, Utah, and subsequently became a student at Brigham young Academy, where he remained through the scholastic year of 1893-4. He later took special work at the university on law subjects. After leaving the Brigham Young Academy he was employed by by timber and mercantile concerns and subsequently he went to the southern states on mission work for the church. Upon his return he taught school in Manti and then entered the office of the county assessor of Sanpete county acting four years as chief deputy and through the succeeding four years as county assessor. In 1908 he entered the state land office as chief law clerk, in connection with the departments having in charge lands, loans and irrigation projects and continued in that office until April, 1917. During that period he applied himself diligently to the study of law, particularly turning his attention to those branches of jurisprudence which applied to his position, so that when should retire form the place that he was filing he might specialize upon legal matters of that character. In April, 1917, he opened a law office in Salt Lake. In the year 1912 he had been admitted to the bar of the supreme court of Utah. His previous training had been of incalculable benefit to him is giving him knowledge of lands, loans and irrigation matters in the state and his preparation for the bar, specializing along that line, splendidly qualified him for ny questions that might come up in dispute. He was continuously been engaged in probate practice and has been extremely successful. His knowledge along with his special is particularly wide and thorough, and the ability which he has displayed has led to a constant increase in his client-age.
On the 24th [?] of September, 1901 Mr. Smyth was married to Miss Margaret Johnson, of Fountain Green, Utah, a daughter of Edwin T. and Julia (Llewellyn) Johnson. Their children are as follows: Edward H., who was born in Fountain Green, in 1902 and is now a junior in the Salt lake high school: Theodore Craik, born in Fountain Green, in 1904 and now attending the graded schools; Victor Llewellyn, born in Salt lake in 1912; and Donna, born in Salt lake in 1915. Mr. and Mrs Smyth have also reared another child Juliet F Johnson who was born in Fountain Green in 1909. and was left an orphan by the death of Mrs. Smyth's mother. The child has been reared and educated as their own.
Mr. and Mrs Smyth are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In politics he is a stalwart republican and is the present secretary of the republican state central committee--a position indicative of his high standing in the councils of the party. He is also the secretary of the Utah State Building & Loan Association and is a member of the Utah Bench and Bar Association. No particularly fortunate circumstances aided Mr. Smyth at the outset of his career, but actuated by a laudable ambition he has steadily advanced and today stands high in high professional circles of Salt Lake City and is one of the most respected residents of the community.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Letters from Vic to Norma November 6-9, 1936
V. L Smyth
Box 1985
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
November 6, 1936
Norma Darling,
Well honey the eagle just flew over me at Mojave (Friday 9:PM) so I will send you three dollars cash. Can’t get a money order this late at night and if I wait until tomorrow you probably won’t get a letter until Monday. I hope you and Teddy are feeling better my cold is about the same.
Talked to your mother last night and she said everything went on fine at the shower.
Kiss Teddy for me Sweetheart see you soon.
With all my love, yours
Victor
From Box 1985
Mojave, Calif.
{E. H. Hughes Mojave, Calif. Stationery}
Nov. 8, 1936
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2225 1/2 Gatewood Ave
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
Norma Darling,
When are you and Ted coming home. Gee Whiz I've been waiting for a phone call ever since Saturday. Did you forget or don't you time to call me. I still love both of you even if you don't have time to spend a few minutes on me.
I am sending you two dollars. That's all I can spare because I sent the rest to the bank.
Hope to hear a word from you soon, don't know what I will do if I don't.
Yours as ever
Victor
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2225 ½ Gatewood
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
November 9, 1936
Norma darling,
Honey this has been the most lonesome week I ever spent. How are you and Ted. How are Mother and Gwen getting along? I hope they are better.
Honey I put five dollars in your account and five in the postal for us then I bought myself a pair of shoes.
I thought you told me last week you saved some money on your shoes and things and would hove enough. Sorry I couldn’t send you more. Gee it seems good to think the two I love best are going to be with me tow days from now. Almost came down Sunday but you were short of money so I had to stay here. I don’t mind sending all the bells I have left and I will keep the change to eat on.
Kiss Teddy for me and give yourself a squeeze, (I love you dearest heart) (night, night, honey)
Yours for always
Victor
P. S. Excuse all the stamps
I only have ones
Box 1985
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
November 6, 1936
Norma Darling,
Well honey the eagle just flew over me at Mojave (Friday 9:PM) so I will send you three dollars cash. Can’t get a money order this late at night and if I wait until tomorrow you probably won’t get a letter until Monday. I hope you and Teddy are feeling better my cold is about the same.
Talked to your mother last night and she said everything went on fine at the shower.
Kiss Teddy for me Sweetheart see you soon.
With all my love, yours
Victor
From Box 1985
Mojave, Calif.
{E. H. Hughes Mojave, Calif. Stationery}
Nov. 8, 1936
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2225 1/2 Gatewood Ave
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
Norma Darling,
When are you and Ted coming home. Gee Whiz I've been waiting for a phone call ever since Saturday. Did you forget or don't you time to call me. I still love both of you even if you don't have time to spend a few minutes on me.
I am sending you two dollars. That's all I can spare because I sent the rest to the bank.
Hope to hear a word from you soon, don't know what I will do if I don't.
Yours as ever
Victor
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2225 ½ Gatewood
Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
November 9, 1936
Norma darling,
Honey this has been the most lonesome week I ever spent. How are you and Ted. How are Mother and Gwen getting along? I hope they are better.
Honey I put five dollars in your account and five in the postal for us then I bought myself a pair of shoes.
I thought you told me last week you saved some money on your shoes and things and would hove enough. Sorry I couldn’t send you more. Gee it seems good to think the two I love best are going to be with me tow days from now. Almost came down Sunday but you were short of money so I had to stay here. I don’t mind sending all the bells I have left and I will keep the change to eat on.
Kiss Teddy for me and give yourself a squeeze, (I love you dearest heart) (night, night, honey)
Yours for always
Victor
P. S. Excuse all the stamps
I only have ones
Letters from Vic to Norma July 31-August 31, 1936
{Postcard}
Postmarked
Mojave. California
July 30, 1936
Mrs. Frankie Phillips
Cor 7th Ave & 73 St
Los Angeles, Calif
Dear Norma & Ted
Had a nice trip. When I got off the train I thought I was in a fire. Sure hot up here. Would you call mother or Gwen and tell them where I am, also get their addresses.
Love Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
c/o Mrs. Louis Phillips
Cor 7th Ave and 73 rd
Los Angeles, California
August 2, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Gosh it’s hot! 105 and not a leaf moving. I am off for lunch so I will take half the time to let you know I am safe and sound.
Has Teddy taken any more steps yet. I was just looking at his picture and am sure thankful we have such a bright, sweet baby. I say a prayer for both of you each night.
The public is better to deal with up here and I know I am going to like it when we are all together again.
Em’s baby died Saturday at eleven P.M. He feels terrible. He had two doctors come up by plane Friday but they couldn’t do anything.
Honey if you can get me two polo shirts (white) please send them as soon as you can. It costs twenty cents to have a shirt done here and you have to wait four or five days to get them back.
Take good care of yourself and the baby and tell your mother hello also Bill and The big bad wolf.
I must get back to work now so I will write again tomorrow.
Your loving husband
Victor
Victor Llewellyn Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
August 3, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
It's cooler tonight (about 90 degrees 12:30 AM) Thins seem to be running smooth here so far. I worked until. Em came in and asked me to take a little ride with him. It was beautiful on the desert a full moon and a million stars, made me think of our trip to Las Vegas. We drove up to Tehachapi about 25 miles away sure which you and Ted could have been with us. I hope it gets cooler so we can all be together soon. I miss you so much.
Darling will you send me Daddy's and Ida's address. I would like to drop them a line.
Had a start saw Jack James on the street the other day he was going up to his uncles about thirty miles east of here.
I haven't had a word from anyone makes me feel like a fellow without a country.
They are having a service for Em's buddy tomorrow so I will have to be at work early in the morning.
Kiss the baby and your mother for me. And say hello to Bill and Mr. Phillips
Yours as ever
Victor
P.S.
The ink on the pen dries so fast you can't complete on word.
(Aint dat sumpin)
Victor Llewellyn Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles
California
August 4, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
How are you tonight. Honey I staid awake all night thinking of you. I suppose you think I am crazy with the heat, letters like I wrote last night, but I started and just couldn't stop.
Tonight is payday for the mines so I expect a busy day tomorrow. Em wanted me to take the night off but I would just as soon work. The only thing these people do is drink beer and talk, and I don't care much for either. Then Em said he would take me hunting tomorrow afternoon and I am sure I will enjoy myself that way.
Sweetheart I guess I had better get some sleep. Kiss Ted and take good care of yourself. Homey I have had one letter. Not forgetting me are you. Please write my I beg you. Well good night my sweet. Give everyone my love.
Yours for ever and ever.
Victor
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
August 4, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
I am just getting ready to go to bed. 12 AM. Have been helping Emmett count money to take to the bank tomorrow, there is no bank here so once or twice a week he drives up.
Em took me up to Rosemont and we had dinner., it was the only meal I have enjoyed since I came up here (seems like I have been away you six months, I love you and the baby with all my heart.)
John came back from Los Angeles about ten o'clock says he took off his tie on the way back, no one uses a tie up here.
Has the baby gained any weight and have you. I miss you both so.
Honey do you know we talked a dollar and twenty cents worth tonight To hear you talk was forth a thousand times that much. I have been thinking so much about how wonderful it is to have such a fine, sweet, honorable, lovable, beautiful and noble wife like you. It makes my heart ache to see Ted and you. Honey we must thank the Good lord we have such a bright healthy baby.
I received your letter this afternoon it was so glad to hear from you please write more often, even a letter is something for a lonely old man.
Dearest I love you a million times more than this letter will ever say. how I would like to hold you in my arms and say I love you sweetheart, kiss me goodnight. I hope we will be together ever so soon. I can't wait but I know I must. Honey I will work hand and make a path where the grass grows green, for you and Teddy.
Norma dear I can't keep up that or I'll be on veranda watching old man moon the rest of the night.
Our dreams will come true my sweet and we will be together soon, but I wish it could be sooner. Darling I must get some sleep so I'll wake up in the morning because I have no one to wake me and no clock.
Dear Father in heaven
Bless Teddy and Norma
May They have their health
May they have plenty to eat
a good place to sleep
We shall be good
And thank the for all you have done for us.
In the name of thy son.
Amen
good night sweetheart
(Sweet dreams)
Victor
V L Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 5, 1936
Dearest Norma and Ted,
In early tonight 11:15 P.M. feel a little tired, had a busy day, going to start on phone tomorrow, hope I catch on in a hurry.
How are you, the baby your Mother, Bill and Mr. Phillips.
Received your letter and package this morning. Thanks for the money. I will send some Friday morning Special Del. I hope you write again real soon it makes me feel so much better to know that someone cares. I love you sweetheart. It was sure hot today about a hundred and ten. I hope it calls off real soon so we can be together again. Honey I don't want to be away from you for even a day. How about you. I wish I had a picture of you to put beside the baby's.
The food is sure terrible. I can't eat it. O'boy for some good home cooking.
Homey I haven't Mothers or Daddy's address yet, will you please send them.
Next time I call you up get a clock beside the telephone (O'kay).
When I send the money will you send a pair of white pants 30 W 31 L.
I have written a letter a day have you received all of them.
Your devoted husband
Victor
12:10 AM Guess I'll go to bed goodnight sweetheart. People up hear have started to call me snowball because I am so warm. ha ha________
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Aug. 6, 1936
Dear Norma,
Just an hour since I talked to you. Seems like a year. Honey I am so lonesome without you. Darling if I would let myself go I could go on like this for hours.
Sure sorry to hear Bill is not well. Give him a slap on the back for me.
Sweetheart please keep the baby away from him because I couldn’t stand to have anything happen to him. Will you?
I have been working from twelve to fifteen hours a day and can’t stand to eat in a Café. Wish you were here to give me some good old meat loaf or sumpin.
John’s wife said if we can get a house with an extra bedroom they will take it.
Something is sure funny me receiving only two of your letters. Gee the first thing every morning I go to the desk and ask, then to the Post Office, then to the store, but no letter.
Honey save all the money you can and perhaps we shall be together again in a couple of weeks. Wouldn’t that be swell? (hurry I miss the baby so)
Dearest this is my song (Girl of My Dreams). Do you remember it?
I am going to drop a line to Daddy and Ida so will close. Answer soon.
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 9, 1936 12 A.M.
Dear Norma,
Gee it would be swell of you here when I came in. Seems so lonesome only four walls and a bed. Gosh honey I had a swell day being with you. Be sure and thank daddy and Ida again for me.
Sweetheart I hope you don't come down with the flu. Take good care of yourself won't you?
It is nice and cool tonight if it keeps this up we can be together in a few days.
I Bill feeling better? I hope so! Tell him to keep his chin up.
I will write again tomorrow night so kiss the baby for me and give everyone my love.
Yours for keeps
Victor
P. S.
Did I get a dollar from you? I can't find it any place.
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 11, 1936
Dear Norma,
Well it's only been about twenty minutes since I talked to you. Homey I just had to hear your sweet voice again. It is so lonesome to come to a room with nothing but silence. How I wish you were here.
John and I have been cooking our dinners they taste much better than the Cafe food. I had the afternoon off so John and I went up in the hills. I only saw one rabbit but got him. A fellow up here tells me if you touch them this time of year they give you some kind of skin trouble. Em went to L. A. this afternoon. Would have gone with him only I didn't have any money. He it going to stay two days. It would have been so nice to have been with you and Teddy, But the more I sit tight the sooner we can all be together again.
I don't know when I'll nail this but i had to write my nightly and tell you how much I love you. Now I shall go to bed and dream a sweet dream of you. Give my love to everyone.
Love
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 12, 1936
Dear Norma,
Excuse this paper but its a letter I started to write four or five days ago.
Em came back from Los Angeles tonight has been looking at a sandwich setup for the place, will cost about six hundred for the whole outfit. Boy I'll have to sell a lot of sandwiches to pay that back.
John and I went looking for houses this afternoon. The houses up here are sure rotten. We looked at one place. It was almost new. The rent is eighteen a month. There is a kitchen about 6' by6' with a very small sink a little bathroom the front room is small with a wall bed. It is just a small apt no linens or dishes and the gas and lights run about 5 dollars per mo. Its about three blocks from the store and fifty feet from the cemetery and wouldn't have it for a gift. That's a sample of what we are up against. Sounds cheerful, don't it.
I can get a room with a butcher and his wife and if its still vacant next week I'll take it for the company as well as a saving of two dollars a week.
I had to borrow twenty cents from John and we cooked up a pot of stew. Tested good too.
Honey, I am so lonesome for you and Ted. Hope I can find a decent place to live real soon. When I do will you come right up?
It's nice and cool here tonight and there are lots of stars. How is it down the I hope you had a good time at the opera, but I hate to think of Ted being left with someone else.
I am running out of paper so will have to close.
With all my love XX
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 13, 1936 3:05 a m
Dear Norma,
Gosh I am tired have been working since this morning early. Have been by myself most of the day. Sure a lot of work for one. Took in more than I used to at sixth and Hill. Besides the Telephone which is enough for one be itself. I was sure disappointed when I called and couldn’t get ahold of you. Oh! I miss you than two pens could ever say. Golly I hope we won’t be separated this long ever again. Honey I feel so miserable tonight I would like to leave here and come down even for a few minutes. I think I shall next week. Would you like me to. I don’t want to live away from you any longer. Funny how it will eat your heart out to be alone.
Well I guess I’d better cut the sob stuff.
How is Teddy, has his teeth come through yet? Are you alright Sweetheart I do hope so.
Honey I am only going to send you a small amount this week because I owe for my laundry room and I’ve been so hungry the last three days I thought my naval would hit my back bone.
Doll I guess I’d better lay dawn and rest because the next three days will be very busy I hope and I didn’t even go to sleep last night, just read all your letters and looked at the stars and thought of you. I love you Sweetheart.
Yours for all time
Love, Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W, 73 St.
Los Angeles, California
August 18, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Arrived here at 1:30 am. I have been sitting up thinking what a wonderful day this has been. It’s now four ten so I must get a couple of hours in the hay. I will write tomorrow. I love you_________
Yours forever
Victor
V. L. Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Special Delivery
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 19, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Well Honey, another day nearer to when we shall be together again. It has been nice today, just a nice autumn breeze and about seventy nine degrees. Honey I feel swell got up this morning about eight, had a glass of tomatoe juice, some corn flakes and a cup of coffee. Worked until twelve thirty. Then I ate a sandwich and malt with and an egg and a dish of ice cream. About five o'clock my stomach was empty again so I went to the Coffee Shop and ate a big dinner, didn't leave a bite. I just had two sandwiches and a Coca Cola. I guess it was a longing to see you that made everything taste so bad.
Tonight Em was talking to a friend and he bet him that I would take in at least five dollars than the three girls did yesterday. He checked the cash and I had eight dollars more. He got a great kick out of it.
I am going to find a house and you can come up next week, the week after at the latest.
I am more than sorry that I caused your mother so much trouble. I am going to write a letter and try to tell her. I don' blame her if she won't even open it.
I can hear a train coming down the hill. I wish you and Ted were on it.
Honey
Em says when you come up we can take anything we need from the drug store such as pans pillow slips, sheets etc And we don't have to pay for them until we get ready for them.
I'll bet the baby was all tired out, a big lug like me pestering him all day. Honey how do you feel? Keep well and don't work too hard Honey I sure had a swell day Tuesday being with you and Ted. Give him a big kiss for me won't you.
Just as soon as I get my check cashed I will send you all the money I can spare. You had better buy the dishes you were looking at so as to be more prepared when we get the house. Honey will you come up just as soon s I get one?
I don't think I shall be able to sleep much tonight for thinking haw perfect it will be when i see you coming.
Gee honey I didn't think you were going to see me when the train pulled out last night. I almost yelled out. You looked so small and pure and sweet.
Gosh darling it's one thirty so I must try and get a little sleep.
I love you with all my heart and soul sweetheart. Good night dearest. Sweet dreams and a big ling kiss for both you and Teddy.
My goodness, I thought you were right here.
Yours for always
Victor
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 20, 1936
Dearest Sweetheart,
The first thing I will say is that I love you (Oh! a million times more that this pen will ever say.) Is the baby alright? Take it easy honey and when you come up I will help you with everything you do. (honest) don’t laugh.
It’s twenty minutes to one. I was coming tight up and go to bed, but I got so lonesome that I went for a ling walk just like we used to do before the baby came. Honey I could just feel you beside me. Honey I don’t know any news. Tell Bill and Mother hello.
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Mojave, California
August 21, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Oh! honey how I miss you tonight. Darling when I heard your voice tonight I wished there had been a train going to L. A. tonight and I am sure I would have taken it. I am so terrible lonesome. Honey I love you a million times more that the last billion. (How I talk)
It has been nice and cool up here all day all day and tonight it’s just a bit chilly out.
I must find some place for us to live because it isn’t right that we should be separated this long.
Honey I do hope your mother will forgive me just a little, but I don’t blame her if she won’t even read my note.
Jack came through town tonight and we had dinner together. Tomorrow he is going to bring is little girl to town for me to see.
Honey do what you want with the little money I send you but try to save a little because when you get here we will probably need every dime we can get.
I forgot to get some writing paper so will have to make this do.
Have you heard how Mother and Gwen are.
Well girl of my dreams kiss Ted and give every one my love.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
P.S.
Honey I tipped the ink over and have the wash bowl full of washing so I can’t wash my hands right now. E
Excuse the finger prints
Victor L Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
{no date--postmark August (24?), 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Gosh but I'm tired and do my feet hurt. Today I beat any day so far by eight dollars. Besides the big girl was off and the other one wasn't feeling well so I sent her home too.
Honey I could sure sleep good if you were here, but you are not so I will stay awake and think of you. I think I will take Tuesday off and look for a house. it I don't find one I shall take the small one I mentioned before. I was told there is a washing machine to use and even if we don't have much space that will make your duties somewhat lighter. Don't you think so?
Honey I miss you and Ted so and I want us to be together real soon. I love you___.
I hope everyone is in good health.
Now I must close because it is twelve forty five.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave California
August 24, 1936
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W. 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Dearest Sweetheart,
Today was my day off so I got up this morning and went shopping. First I went to the drug store and bought some antiseptic and a jar of Mentholatum for my feet. Next I went to the grocery and got a bottle of Purex. Then to the dime store for a needle and thread.
I have been washing and mending all day long. Now I have everything in pretty fair shape.
John cooked dinner for Em and I. We had steak potatoes and corn. Al some hot rolls (Tasted good too.)
How are you and the baby? Golly honey I an just dying to see both of you. It's been a whole week since we were together (seems a year). One thing makes me feel more cheerful and that's to know we won't be apart much longer. The weather here is getting nicer every day. I love it honey. It's so different from down on the coast.
Darling I think of you every minute and i love you more that a few works will ever say.
I must go down and close up the store.
Yours as ever
Victor
P.S. Give Ted a big Hug and Kiss from his daddy
VL Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, Calif
Special Delivery
August 26, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Well darling I am so glad this day is over because it brings me that much closer to you and Ted.
Sweetheart I have such a heartache and feel so rotten I han hardly see this paper, (not enough sleep I guess.)It is sure swell here tonight , a big half moon and millions of stars with a gentle soft breeze. Honey I can't wait until we are together again. I love you Honey I must stop as I am going to lose what I had for supper.
All my love
Victor
P.S.
I will write you a big long letter tomorrow
Kingston Hotel
August 28, 1936
{No Envelope}
Dearest Norma and Teddy,\
Gee honey I feel so much better. Guess getting your sweet letters and hearing your beautiful voice makes the difference. Darling I hope and pray that we can get the little house from Judge Arber. When you asked me who I was getting it from over the phone I was sitting at the switch board and didn't want anyone to know for fear someone else would take it. I love you so and want us to be together again as soon as possible.
Honey when I talk to you over the phone I get a big bump in my throat and just cant talk. Won't it be swell if we can be together next week.
My laundry was over two dollars this week and I have about another seventy five cents worth coming Monday. I shall try to pat the rent then I can have the gas and lights turned on Thursday out of next week we will have twenty five left for getting you up here and eats. If there isn't a good ice box I will keep most of Ted's milk over at the store. What do you think of that? Honey, I will have to hurry to get this on the 2:45 A M so will close with all my love
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave. California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
August 29, 1936 (postmark)
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Well another day closer to when we shall be together. Honey I love you than all the paper and pencil can ever say. I do hope we can e together this week. I went over to the Judges office three times today to find out about the house but he was in Bakersfield so I went over and looked at the one next door. They have a nice yard with lawn and trees and a fence al around. Three rooms all furnished fairly decent. Plenty of room for Ted's bed. I hope and pray that the people move out on the first of the month. I will go completely nuts if I don't see both of you before long.
I had the biggest day at the store so far. Em says he don't see why business is holding up so good this year. I think I know. I hope I can keep it up.
Tonight I was going straight to bed but after laying there three hours I had to get up because I could not sleep. It is now two twenty. I haven't been to bed before four o'clock for the last three weeks and am generally up by six thirty or seven. Being nothing else to do I go right to work and work straight thru until about ten thirty or eleven o'clock at night. I am so tired but I just can't lay down and rest. Dearest (I love you) honest I do.
It is now two thirty and I want to get this on the two forty five so good night sweet dreams.
Yours an Ever Victor
__________________________________________________________________
Kingston Hotel
{No Date or Envelope}
{Four weeks after arriving in Mojave , around August 30, 1936}
Dearest Norma and Teddy,
Honey, how much my heart aches to be with both of you. sweetheart, I almost quit my job when you cried over the phone. I know God will find a way for us to be together real soon (Don't you). Honey I love you so.
Honey I would like to have told you to go ahead and buy the furniture, but I think it wiser if we don't go and pile up a lot of debts (Don't you). I will take the first place I can find even it is only partly furnished and we will get along as best we can for a couple of weeks. Then you can take twenty of twenty five dollars and buy a few little things to make the place more comfy.
I am sure that my work is satisfactory and I get along swell with everyone.
This morning I went over and had a sample of my blook taken for em's wife. Hers is number two and mine was number four but John also had his taken and his is alright to match with hers so he is going to give some to her.
I have been here four weeks and everyone of them shows an increase in volume of business we have done. After the first of the month we will check and see what my gross is.
Honey, thanks for not going out to the Opera last night (guess I am just a little bit jealous but I do love you so and just can't start to think of you with anyone else.
Honey I have been checking the paper every night and it is only four or five degrees hotter up here than it is in L.A.
Guess I had better pay another weeks rent here at the hotel because even if I do leave early the cost won't be anymore that a daily rate.
How is Ted? Every time I wee a little boy I could just go nuts I miss him so much the little rascal. Will you give him a big hug and kiss and try to get him to say daddy so he won't forget.
Now I've got myself more blue that ever. I would give the world to hold you tight and kiss your beautiful eyes good night.
Well I won't take up anymore of your time with all my blubbering, so with a big a hug and kiss.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
P. S. I started to write on this little table with a cover on it and the paper was put way under I didn't notice until I was through what an uneven margin on both sedes of the paper.
I love you
oxxxxo
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
1:05 A. M.
August 31, 1936
Dear Norma,
Just a few words to let you know that I weathered another blue weekend apart from the ones I love most dearly.
Had a busy weekend and am very tired, hope I can go right to sleep. Foolish to even imagine such a thing without you beside me. As soon as you get here I am goi9ng to open up in the morning as seven work until about one then come back for about an hour at night. Just think of all the happy hours we will have.
The weather is simply grand here now. It generally gets a little warm about one o’clock, but a nice gentle breeze soon comes along and no one could ask for nicer afternoons. The nights are not too warn and thee is generally a nice moon and lots of stars.
I haven’t any stamps tonight so you probably will not receive this before Tuesday. In the next letter I hope to tell you everything is all ready for you and Ted to come up. (I love you both so!)
Well I have the wash bowl full of clothes so I shall finish them
Hope everyone is in the best of health. Give everyone my love.
Yours forever
Victor
Postmarked
Mojave. California
July 30, 1936
Mrs. Frankie Phillips
Cor 7th Ave & 73 St
Los Angeles, Calif
Dear Norma & Ted
Had a nice trip. When I got off the train I thought I was in a fire. Sure hot up here. Would you call mother or Gwen and tell them where I am, also get their addresses.
Love Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
c/o Mrs. Louis Phillips
Cor 7th Ave and 73 rd
Los Angeles, California
August 2, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Gosh it’s hot! 105 and not a leaf moving. I am off for lunch so I will take half the time to let you know I am safe and sound.
Has Teddy taken any more steps yet. I was just looking at his picture and am sure thankful we have such a bright, sweet baby. I say a prayer for both of you each night.
The public is better to deal with up here and I know I am going to like it when we are all together again.
Em’s baby died Saturday at eleven P.M. He feels terrible. He had two doctors come up by plane Friday but they couldn’t do anything.
Honey if you can get me two polo shirts (white) please send them as soon as you can. It costs twenty cents to have a shirt done here and you have to wait four or five days to get them back.
Take good care of yourself and the baby and tell your mother hello also Bill and The big bad wolf.
I must get back to work now so I will write again tomorrow.
Your loving husband
Victor
Victor Llewellyn Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
August 3, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
It's cooler tonight (about 90 degrees 12:30 AM) Thins seem to be running smooth here so far. I worked until. Em came in and asked me to take a little ride with him. It was beautiful on the desert a full moon and a million stars, made me think of our trip to Las Vegas. We drove up to Tehachapi about 25 miles away sure which you and Ted could have been with us. I hope it gets cooler so we can all be together soon. I miss you so much.
Darling will you send me Daddy's and Ida's address. I would like to drop them a line.
Had a start saw Jack James on the street the other day he was going up to his uncles about thirty miles east of here.
I haven't had a word from anyone makes me feel like a fellow without a country.
They are having a service for Em's buddy tomorrow so I will have to be at work early in the morning.
Kiss the baby and your mother for me. And say hello to Bill and Mr. Phillips
Yours as ever
Victor
P.S.
The ink on the pen dries so fast you can't complete on word.
(Aint dat sumpin)
Victor Llewellyn Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles
California
August 4, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
How are you tonight. Honey I staid awake all night thinking of you. I suppose you think I am crazy with the heat, letters like I wrote last night, but I started and just couldn't stop.
Tonight is payday for the mines so I expect a busy day tomorrow. Em wanted me to take the night off but I would just as soon work. The only thing these people do is drink beer and talk, and I don't care much for either. Then Em said he would take me hunting tomorrow afternoon and I am sure I will enjoy myself that way.
Sweetheart I guess I had better get some sleep. Kiss Ted and take good care of yourself. Homey I have had one letter. Not forgetting me are you. Please write my I beg you. Well good night my sweet. Give everyone my love.
Yours for ever and ever.
Victor
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
August 4, 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
I am just getting ready to go to bed. 12 AM. Have been helping Emmett count money to take to the bank tomorrow, there is no bank here so once or twice a week he drives up.
Em took me up to Rosemont and we had dinner., it was the only meal I have enjoyed since I came up here (seems like I have been away you six months, I love you and the baby with all my heart.)
John came back from Los Angeles about ten o'clock says he took off his tie on the way back, no one uses a tie up here.
Has the baby gained any weight and have you. I miss you both so.
Honey do you know we talked a dollar and twenty cents worth tonight To hear you talk was forth a thousand times that much. I have been thinking so much about how wonderful it is to have such a fine, sweet, honorable, lovable, beautiful and noble wife like you. It makes my heart ache to see Ted and you. Honey we must thank the Good lord we have such a bright healthy baby.
I received your letter this afternoon it was so glad to hear from you please write more often, even a letter is something for a lonely old man.
Dearest I love you a million times more than this letter will ever say. how I would like to hold you in my arms and say I love you sweetheart, kiss me goodnight. I hope we will be together ever so soon. I can't wait but I know I must. Honey I will work hand and make a path where the grass grows green, for you and Teddy.
Norma dear I can't keep up that or I'll be on veranda watching old man moon the rest of the night.
Our dreams will come true my sweet and we will be together soon, but I wish it could be sooner. Darling I must get some sleep so I'll wake up in the morning because I have no one to wake me and no clock.
Dear Father in heaven
Bless Teddy and Norma
May They have their health
May they have plenty to eat
a good place to sleep
We shall be good
And thank the for all you have done for us.
In the name of thy son.
Amen
good night sweetheart
(Sweet dreams)
Victor
V L Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 5, 1936
Dearest Norma and Ted,
In early tonight 11:15 P.M. feel a little tired, had a busy day, going to start on phone tomorrow, hope I catch on in a hurry.
How are you, the baby your Mother, Bill and Mr. Phillips.
Received your letter and package this morning. Thanks for the money. I will send some Friday morning Special Del. I hope you write again real soon it makes me feel so much better to know that someone cares. I love you sweetheart. It was sure hot today about a hundred and ten. I hope it calls off real soon so we can be together again. Honey I don't want to be away from you for even a day. How about you. I wish I had a picture of you to put beside the baby's.
The food is sure terrible. I can't eat it. O'boy for some good home cooking.
Homey I haven't Mothers or Daddy's address yet, will you please send them.
Next time I call you up get a clock beside the telephone (O'kay).
When I send the money will you send a pair of white pants 30 W 31 L.
I have written a letter a day have you received all of them.
Your devoted husband
Victor
12:10 AM Guess I'll go to bed goodnight sweetheart. People up hear have started to call me snowball because I am so warm. ha ha________
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Aug. 6, 1936
Dear Norma,
Just an hour since I talked to you. Seems like a year. Honey I am so lonesome without you. Darling if I would let myself go I could go on like this for hours.
Sure sorry to hear Bill is not well. Give him a slap on the back for me.
Sweetheart please keep the baby away from him because I couldn’t stand to have anything happen to him. Will you?
I have been working from twelve to fifteen hours a day and can’t stand to eat in a Café. Wish you were here to give me some good old meat loaf or sumpin.
John’s wife said if we can get a house with an extra bedroom they will take it.
Something is sure funny me receiving only two of your letters. Gee the first thing every morning I go to the desk and ask, then to the Post Office, then to the store, but no letter.
Honey save all the money you can and perhaps we shall be together again in a couple of weeks. Wouldn’t that be swell? (hurry I miss the baby so)
Dearest this is my song (Girl of My Dreams). Do you remember it?
I am going to drop a line to Daddy and Ida so will close. Answer soon.
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 9, 1936 12 A.M.
Dear Norma,
Gee it would be swell of you here when I came in. Seems so lonesome only four walls and a bed. Gosh honey I had a swell day being with you. Be sure and thank daddy and Ida again for me.
Sweetheart I hope you don't come down with the flu. Take good care of yourself won't you?
It is nice and cool tonight if it keeps this up we can be together in a few days.
I Bill feeling better? I hope so! Tell him to keep his chin up.
I will write again tomorrow night so kiss the baby for me and give everyone my love.
Yours for keeps
Victor
P. S.
Did I get a dollar from you? I can't find it any place.
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 11, 1936
Dear Norma,
Well it's only been about twenty minutes since I talked to you. Homey I just had to hear your sweet voice again. It is so lonesome to come to a room with nothing but silence. How I wish you were here.
John and I have been cooking our dinners they taste much better than the Cafe food. I had the afternoon off so John and I went up in the hills. I only saw one rabbit but got him. A fellow up here tells me if you touch them this time of year they give you some kind of skin trouble. Em went to L. A. this afternoon. Would have gone with him only I didn't have any money. He it going to stay two days. It would have been so nice to have been with you and Teddy, But the more I sit tight the sooner we can all be together again.
I don't know when I'll nail this but i had to write my nightly and tell you how much I love you. Now I shall go to bed and dream a sweet dream of you. Give my love to everyone.
Love
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 12, 1936
Dear Norma,
Excuse this paper but its a letter I started to write four or five days ago.
Em came back from Los Angeles tonight has been looking at a sandwich setup for the place, will cost about six hundred for the whole outfit. Boy I'll have to sell a lot of sandwiches to pay that back.
John and I went looking for houses this afternoon. The houses up here are sure rotten. We looked at one place. It was almost new. The rent is eighteen a month. There is a kitchen about 6' by6' with a very small sink a little bathroom the front room is small with a wall bed. It is just a small apt no linens or dishes and the gas and lights run about 5 dollars per mo. Its about three blocks from the store and fifty feet from the cemetery and wouldn't have it for a gift. That's a sample of what we are up against. Sounds cheerful, don't it.
I can get a room with a butcher and his wife and if its still vacant next week I'll take it for the company as well as a saving of two dollars a week.
I had to borrow twenty cents from John and we cooked up a pot of stew. Tested good too.
Honey, I am so lonesome for you and Ted. Hope I can find a decent place to live real soon. When I do will you come right up?
It's nice and cool here tonight and there are lots of stars. How is it down the I hope you had a good time at the opera, but I hate to think of Ted being left with someone else.
I am running out of paper so will have to close.
With all my love XX
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 13, 1936 3:05 a m
Dear Norma,
Gosh I am tired have been working since this morning early. Have been by myself most of the day. Sure a lot of work for one. Took in more than I used to at sixth and Hill. Besides the Telephone which is enough for one be itself. I was sure disappointed when I called and couldn’t get ahold of you. Oh! I miss you than two pens could ever say. Golly I hope we won’t be separated this long ever again. Honey I feel so miserable tonight I would like to leave here and come down even for a few minutes. I think I shall next week. Would you like me to. I don’t want to live away from you any longer. Funny how it will eat your heart out to be alone.
Well I guess I’d better cut the sob stuff.
How is Teddy, has his teeth come through yet? Are you alright Sweetheart I do hope so.
Honey I am only going to send you a small amount this week because I owe for my laundry room and I’ve been so hungry the last three days I thought my naval would hit my back bone.
Doll I guess I’d better lay dawn and rest because the next three days will be very busy I hope and I didn’t even go to sleep last night, just read all your letters and looked at the stars and thought of you. I love you Sweetheart.
Yours for all time
Love, Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W, 73 St.
Los Angeles, California
August 18, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Arrived here at 1:30 am. I have been sitting up thinking what a wonderful day this has been. It’s now four ten so I must get a couple of hours in the hay. I will write tomorrow. I love you_________
Yours forever
Victor
V. L. Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Special Delivery
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 19, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Well Honey, another day nearer to when we shall be together again. It has been nice today, just a nice autumn breeze and about seventy nine degrees. Honey I feel swell got up this morning about eight, had a glass of tomatoe juice, some corn flakes and a cup of coffee. Worked until twelve thirty. Then I ate a sandwich and malt with and an egg and a dish of ice cream. About five o'clock my stomach was empty again so I went to the Coffee Shop and ate a big dinner, didn't leave a bite. I just had two sandwiches and a Coca Cola. I guess it was a longing to see you that made everything taste so bad.
Tonight Em was talking to a friend and he bet him that I would take in at least five dollars than the three girls did yesterday. He checked the cash and I had eight dollars more. He got a great kick out of it.
I am going to find a house and you can come up next week, the week after at the latest.
I am more than sorry that I caused your mother so much trouble. I am going to write a letter and try to tell her. I don' blame her if she won't even open it.
I can hear a train coming down the hill. I wish you and Ted were on it.
Honey
Em says when you come up we can take anything we need from the drug store such as pans pillow slips, sheets etc And we don't have to pay for them until we get ready for them.
I'll bet the baby was all tired out, a big lug like me pestering him all day. Honey how do you feel? Keep well and don't work too hard Honey I sure had a swell day Tuesday being with you and Ted. Give him a big kiss for me won't you.
Just as soon as I get my check cashed I will send you all the money I can spare. You had better buy the dishes you were looking at so as to be more prepared when we get the house. Honey will you come up just as soon s I get one?
I don't think I shall be able to sleep much tonight for thinking haw perfect it will be when i see you coming.
Gee honey I didn't think you were going to see me when the train pulled out last night. I almost yelled out. You looked so small and pure and sweet.
Gosh darling it's one thirty so I must try and get a little sleep.
I love you with all my heart and soul sweetheart. Good night dearest. Sweet dreams and a big ling kiss for both you and Teddy.
My goodness, I thought you were right here.
Yours for always
Victor
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
August 20, 1936
Dearest Sweetheart,
The first thing I will say is that I love you (Oh! a million times more that this pen will ever say.) Is the baby alright? Take it easy honey and when you come up I will help you with everything you do. (honest) don’t laugh.
It’s twenty minutes to one. I was coming tight up and go to bed, but I got so lonesome that I went for a ling walk just like we used to do before the baby came. Honey I could just feel you beside me. Honey I don’t know any news. Tell Bill and Mother hello.
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 West 73 Street
Mojave, California
August 21, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Oh! honey how I miss you tonight. Darling when I heard your voice tonight I wished there had been a train going to L. A. tonight and I am sure I would have taken it. I am so terrible lonesome. Honey I love you a million times more that the last billion. (How I talk)
It has been nice and cool up here all day all day and tonight it’s just a bit chilly out.
I must find some place for us to live because it isn’t right that we should be separated this long.
Honey I do hope your mother will forgive me just a little, but I don’t blame her if she won’t even read my note.
Jack came through town tonight and we had dinner together. Tomorrow he is going to bring is little girl to town for me to see.
Honey do what you want with the little money I send you but try to save a little because when you get here we will probably need every dime we can get.
I forgot to get some writing paper so will have to make this do.
Have you heard how Mother and Gwen are.
Well girl of my dreams kiss Ted and give every one my love.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
P.S.
Honey I tipped the ink over and have the wash bowl full of washing so I can’t wash my hands right now. E
Excuse the finger prints
Victor L Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
{no date--postmark August (24?), 1936
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Gosh but I'm tired and do my feet hurt. Today I beat any day so far by eight dollars. Besides the big girl was off and the other one wasn't feeling well so I sent her home too.
Honey I could sure sleep good if you were here, but you are not so I will stay awake and think of you. I think I will take Tuesday off and look for a house. it I don't find one I shall take the small one I mentioned before. I was told there is a washing machine to use and even if we don't have much space that will make your duties somewhat lighter. Don't you think so?
Honey I miss you and Ted so and I want us to be together real soon. I love you___.
I hope everyone is in good health.
Now I must close because it is twelve forty five.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave California
August 24, 1936
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W. 73 Street
Los Angeles, California
Dearest Sweetheart,
Today was my day off so I got up this morning and went shopping. First I went to the drug store and bought some antiseptic and a jar of Mentholatum for my feet. Next I went to the grocery and got a bottle of Purex. Then to the dime store for a needle and thread.
I have been washing and mending all day long. Now I have everything in pretty fair shape.
John cooked dinner for Em and I. We had steak potatoes and corn. Al some hot rolls (Tasted good too.)
How are you and the baby? Golly honey I an just dying to see both of you. It's been a whole week since we were together (seems a year). One thing makes me feel more cheerful and that's to know we won't be apart much longer. The weather here is getting nicer every day. I love it honey. It's so different from down on the coast.
Darling I think of you every minute and i love you more that a few works will ever say.
I must go down and close up the store.
Yours as ever
Victor
P.S. Give Ted a big Hug and Kiss from his daddy
VL Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
Mrs Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street
Los Angeles, Calif
Special Delivery
August 26, 1936
Dearest Norma,
Well darling I am so glad this day is over because it brings me that much closer to you and Ted.
Sweetheart I have such a heartache and feel so rotten I han hardly see this paper, (not enough sleep I guess.)It is sure swell here tonight , a big half moon and millions of stars with a gentle soft breeze. Honey I can't wait until we are together again. I love you Honey I must stop as I am going to lose what I had for supper.
All my love
Victor
P.S.
I will write you a big long letter tomorrow
Kingston Hotel
August 28, 1936
{No Envelope}
Dearest Norma and Teddy,\
Gee honey I feel so much better. Guess getting your sweet letters and hearing your beautiful voice makes the difference. Darling I hope and pray that we can get the little house from Judge Arber. When you asked me who I was getting it from over the phone I was sitting at the switch board and didn't want anyone to know for fear someone else would take it. I love you so and want us to be together again as soon as possible.
Honey when I talk to you over the phone I get a big bump in my throat and just cant talk. Won't it be swell if we can be together next week.
My laundry was over two dollars this week and I have about another seventy five cents worth coming Monday. I shall try to pat the rent then I can have the gas and lights turned on Thursday out of next week we will have twenty five left for getting you up here and eats. If there isn't a good ice box I will keep most of Ted's milk over at the store. What do you think of that? Honey, I will have to hurry to get this on the 2:45 A M so will close with all my love
Yours as ever
Victor
Smyth
Kingston Hotel
Mojave. California
Mrs. Norma Smyth
2900 W 73 Street Los Angeles, California
Special Delivery
August 29, 1936 (postmark)
Dear Norma and Teddy,
Well another day closer to when we shall be together. Honey I love you than all the paper and pencil can ever say. I do hope we can e together this week. I went over to the Judges office three times today to find out about the house but he was in Bakersfield so I went over and looked at the one next door. They have a nice yard with lawn and trees and a fence al around. Three rooms all furnished fairly decent. Plenty of room for Ted's bed. I hope and pray that the people move out on the first of the month. I will go completely nuts if I don't see both of you before long.
I had the biggest day at the store so far. Em says he don't see why business is holding up so good this year. I think I know. I hope I can keep it up.
Tonight I was going straight to bed but after laying there three hours I had to get up because I could not sleep. It is now two twenty. I haven't been to bed before four o'clock for the last three weeks and am generally up by six thirty or seven. Being nothing else to do I go right to work and work straight thru until about ten thirty or eleven o'clock at night. I am so tired but I just can't lay down and rest. Dearest (I love you) honest I do.
It is now two thirty and I want to get this on the two forty five so good night sweet dreams.
Yours an Ever Victor
__________________________________________________________________
Kingston Hotel
{No Date or Envelope}
{Four weeks after arriving in Mojave , around August 30, 1936}
Dearest Norma and Teddy,
Honey, how much my heart aches to be with both of you. sweetheart, I almost quit my job when you cried over the phone. I know God will find a way for us to be together real soon (Don't you). Honey I love you so.
Honey I would like to have told you to go ahead and buy the furniture, but I think it wiser if we don't go and pile up a lot of debts (Don't you). I will take the first place I can find even it is only partly furnished and we will get along as best we can for a couple of weeks. Then you can take twenty of twenty five dollars and buy a few little things to make the place more comfy.
I am sure that my work is satisfactory and I get along swell with everyone.
This morning I went over and had a sample of my blook taken for em's wife. Hers is number two and mine was number four but John also had his taken and his is alright to match with hers so he is going to give some to her.
I have been here four weeks and everyone of them shows an increase in volume of business we have done. After the first of the month we will check and see what my gross is.
Honey, thanks for not going out to the Opera last night (guess I am just a little bit jealous but I do love you so and just can't start to think of you with anyone else.
Honey I have been checking the paper every night and it is only four or five degrees hotter up here than it is in L.A.
Guess I had better pay another weeks rent here at the hotel because even if I do leave early the cost won't be anymore that a daily rate.
How is Ted? Every time I wee a little boy I could just go nuts I miss him so much the little rascal. Will you give him a big hug and kiss and try to get him to say daddy so he won't forget.
Now I've got myself more blue that ever. I would give the world to hold you tight and kiss your beautiful eyes good night.
Well I won't take up anymore of your time with all my blubbering, so with a big a hug and kiss.
Yours for ever and ever
Victor
P. S. I started to write on this little table with a cover on it and the paper was put way under I didn't notice until I was through what an uneven margin on both sedes of the paper.
I love you
oxxxxo
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Kingston Hotel
Mojave, California
1:05 A. M.
August 31, 1936
Dear Norma,
Just a few words to let you know that I weathered another blue weekend apart from the ones I love most dearly.
Had a busy weekend and am very tired, hope I can go right to sleep. Foolish to even imagine such a thing without you beside me. As soon as you get here I am goi9ng to open up in the morning as seven work until about one then come back for about an hour at night. Just think of all the happy hours we will have.
The weather is simply grand here now. It generally gets a little warm about one o’clock, but a nice gentle breeze soon comes along and no one could ask for nicer afternoons. The nights are not too warn and thee is generally a nice moon and lots of stars.
I haven’t any stamps tonight so you probably will not receive this before Tuesday. In the next letter I hope to tell you everything is all ready for you and Ted to come up. (I love you both so!)
Well I have the wash bowl full of clothes so I shall finish them
Hope everyone is in the best of health. Give everyone my love.
Yours forever
Victor
"Consider it done, shouted Vic" A WW II story
____________________________________________
( From the "Mojave Desert News" Thursday, November 9, 1967, p. 2.)
Mojave Fed the Troops on Christmas
The following letter was written to Joshua Barracks Commander Edward H. Fleming, by Mr. R. A. Holcomb who is the General Chairman, Dept. of California, Veterans of World War I, U.S.A. Attempts to verify the story were largely unsuccessful, since the incident apparently did not stand out in the many memories of feeding troops during the war years.
"It was Christmas Eve, 1943 or 1944, I'm not sure which. I was Divisional General Manager for Valleymaid Creameries, in L.A., at the time. And my instructions were that every one of our employees should be off duty that night to be with their families. Everybody except an engineer, one had to be on duty day and night.
"About eleven o'clock that night, the phone in my home rang. It proved to be the engineer on duty. He said that the Santa Fe had just phoned in an order for sliced brick ice cream for a troop train that would be in the L. A. yards about 11:45. There being nobody on duty to fill the order and deliver it, I decided to do so myself. So. I went down to the plant, packed the order and delivered it to the Santa Fe yards in L.A. A few minutes after I got there, the train pulled in. The young officer in charge of the troop movement wanted to know where the rest of his order was. He'd ordered everything a troop movement would need to keep eating. And not a purveyor had shown up except myself. And he didn't have a damned thing but ice cream approximately 350 men in his charge...I know the sales managers of the various organizations with whom the orders had been placed and tried to reach them by phone. But, not a one of them answered. So, something had to be done to keep those boys from going hungry on Christmas Day.
"We checked with the train conductor who told us they would be leaving as soon as possible. I asked what time he would be arriving in Mojave. He looked at his watch, did a bit of mental calculating and then said: 'Abut 2:30 A.M.'
"Okay, hold the train a few minutes while I phone a few friends. I believe I can help you," I said and he agreed.
"I put through a long distance call to a customer of mine by the name of Vic Smyth, who operated a fountain-lunch shop in Mojave in those days. I told Vic of the problem, then said: 'these kids are going to have a pretty barren Christmas with nothing aboard that train to eat. You can help if you will, Vic.'
"Tell me what to do and I'll do it,' Vic shouted. So, I suggested that he phone every food retailer in town and arrange for them to be at the depot when that train pulled in at 2:35 in the morning.
"Consider it done.' shouted Vic, then hung up.
"I found out later what happened...
"That troop train pulled into Mojave on time to the minute. And the depot platform was crowded with food merchants, everyone of them in town. About twenty of those young troopers were instructed to drag baggage trucks down the main business street of Mojave and to stop in front of every food store in town. And they did this and at each stop, the merchant supplied all that he could from his stock and the young officer paid them with warrants . Then, they'd go on to the next ando it all over. And when that troop train pulled our of town, there was enough foodstuffs aboard to assure a merry Christmas and plenty of food left over for the next day. But, I was told there wasn't much of any stock left in the retail food stores of Mojave until they were replenished the day after Christmas.
"So Mojave has a lot to be proud of , and so has its people---those who lived there at the time, and every citizen who has come there to live since that day should know what kind of a town and what kind of people that have for neighbors...."
( From the "Mojave Desert News" Thursday, November 9, 1967, p. 2.)
Mojave Fed the Troops on Christmas
The following letter was written to Joshua Barracks Commander Edward H. Fleming, by Mr. R. A. Holcomb who is the General Chairman, Dept. of California, Veterans of World War I, U.S.A. Attempts to verify the story were largely unsuccessful, since the incident apparently did not stand out in the many memories of feeding troops during the war years.
"It was Christmas Eve, 1943 or 1944, I'm not sure which. I was Divisional General Manager for Valleymaid Creameries, in L.A., at the time. And my instructions were that every one of our employees should be off duty that night to be with their families. Everybody except an engineer, one had to be on duty day and night.
"About eleven o'clock that night, the phone in my home rang. It proved to be the engineer on duty. He said that the Santa Fe had just phoned in an order for sliced brick ice cream for a troop train that would be in the L. A. yards about 11:45. There being nobody on duty to fill the order and deliver it, I decided to do so myself. So. I went down to the plant, packed the order and delivered it to the Santa Fe yards in L.A. A few minutes after I got there, the train pulled in. The young officer in charge of the troop movement wanted to know where the rest of his order was. He'd ordered everything a troop movement would need to keep eating. And not a purveyor had shown up except myself. And he didn't have a damned thing but ice cream approximately 350 men in his charge...I know the sales managers of the various organizations with whom the orders had been placed and tried to reach them by phone. But, not a one of them answered. So, something had to be done to keep those boys from going hungry on Christmas Day.
"We checked with the train conductor who told us they would be leaving as soon as possible. I asked what time he would be arriving in Mojave. He looked at his watch, did a bit of mental calculating and then said: 'Abut 2:30 A.M.'
"Okay, hold the train a few minutes while I phone a few friends. I believe I can help you," I said and he agreed.
"I put through a long distance call to a customer of mine by the name of Vic Smyth, who operated a fountain-lunch shop in Mojave in those days. I told Vic of the problem, then said: 'these kids are going to have a pretty barren Christmas with nothing aboard that train to eat. You can help if you will, Vic.'
"Tell me what to do and I'll do it,' Vic shouted. So, I suggested that he phone every food retailer in town and arrange for them to be at the depot when that train pulled in at 2:35 in the morning.
"Consider it done.' shouted Vic, then hung up.
"I found out later what happened...
"That troop train pulled into Mojave on time to the minute. And the depot platform was crowded with food merchants, everyone of them in town. About twenty of those young troopers were instructed to drag baggage trucks down the main business street of Mojave and to stop in front of every food store in town. And they did this and at each stop, the merchant supplied all that he could from his stock and the young officer paid them with warrants . Then, they'd go on to the next ando it all over. And when that troop train pulled our of town, there was enough foodstuffs aboard to assure a merry Christmas and plenty of food left over for the next day. But, I was told there wasn't much of any stock left in the retail food stores of Mojave until they were replenished the day after Christmas.
"So Mojave has a lot to be proud of , and so has its people---those who lived there at the time, and every citizen who has come there to live since that day should know what kind of a town and what kind of people that have for neighbors...."
Vic retires from the Times
(The following article appeared in "Circulation New, Published by the Los Angeles Times for Times Home Delivery and Street Sale Dealers", May, 1974)
Vic Smyth Retires After 37 Years as Mojave Dealer
When Vic Smythe (sic) started as the times dealer in Mojave in 1937, he had a daily of 130 papers and he didn't get them until 11 in the morning.
And that was if the train was running on schedule
When Vic retired in April after 37 wears as a dealer, his customers numbered about 1,500 every day and he got his papers considerably earlier than in 1937.
Vic and his wife Norma, are now retired in Encinitas-- a little cooler and closer to the ocean than the dry desert town where started his business. Over the years, Bic operated a camera shop and a cafe, in addition to his Times dealership.
Before moving to Mojave he worked as a carrier and dealers assistant for many years in and around Los Angeles.
Vic served on the Kern County Board of Trade, as president of the Mojave Lions Club and was a two term trustee of the local school district. He also has held many offices in the Mormon Church."
Vic Smyth Retires After 37 Years as Mojave Dealer
When Vic Smythe (sic) started as the times dealer in Mojave in 1937, he had a daily of 130 papers and he didn't get them until 11 in the morning.
And that was if the train was running on schedule
When Vic retired in April after 37 wears as a dealer, his customers numbered about 1,500 every day and he got his papers considerably earlier than in 1937.
Vic and his wife Norma, are now retired in Encinitas-- a little cooler and closer to the ocean than the dry desert town where started his business. Over the years, Bic operated a camera shop and a cafe, in addition to his Times dealership.
Before moving to Mojave he worked as a carrier and dealers assistant for many years in and around Los Angeles.
Vic served on the Kern County Board of Trade, as president of the Mojave Lions Club and was a two term trustee of the local school district. He also has held many offices in the Mormon Church."
Los Angeles Times Circulation Magazine
(The following is from "Circulation News" Published by the Los Angeles Times for the Times home Delivery and Street Sale Dealers. p. 3, about 1973.)
Mojave Dealer
Vic Smyth---50 years of Selling The Times
For a youngster in 1922, selling The Times on a downtown street corner was like being at the circus.
There were the big gray horse hauling wagon loads of newsprint to the Times Building at First and Broadway. Each morning city policemen , with the police band leading the way, paraded to their posts. And there was the intense, vocal, and sometimes physical, rivalry between newsboys for competing papers.
Vic Smyth, Times dealer in Mojave remembers it al well. He lived right next door to the Times Building and at age 9 began selling The Times at First and Broadway.
Kiddie Program
"I remember that back in those days The Times used to own KHJ, the radio station", Vic Said. "We used to go up to the third floor and see Uncle John, who had a kiddie program. sometimes we'd sing or whistle for him on his show."
"Vic continued to deliver The Times all through his school days at John Adams Junior High and Manual Arts High School and beyond. Then in 1936 he moved out to Mojave to start a business with a friend. He began his Times dealership, the first in the desert area, at the same time as a sideline.
The area grew, and so did his Times dealership, especially with the construction of Edwards Air Force Base during the war. By the 1960', among Vic's customers were U.S. astronauts attending the Air Force Research and Test Pilots' School at Edwards.
Bright Future
Today, Vic is anticipating even more growth in his territory, which includes Mojave, Rosamond and the air base. "There's a lot of research and development connected with the space shuttle project going on at Edwards, so the future looks good," he said. His routes now stretch 150 miles, and he as five carriers , three who are Air Force master sergeants.
Vic and his wife, Norma, who helps him with the bookwork of the dealership, are rarely idle. Both have been active in the Mormon church and countless community activities.
Active in Church
For example, Vic has been bishop in the church and currently is a high councilman of the Antelope Valley Stake. From 1952 to 1960 he was a member of the Mojave Unified School Board. When he have up his seat on the board, Norma ran for the position and won, serving for six years.
Vic has also been a director of the Kern County Board of Trade, past president of the Lions Club, and while his sons were growing up he was active in scouting.
Norma is a past president of the Parent Teacher Assn. and holds a PTA life membership. She also helped begin the area's first Cub Scouting program, and to top it off she paints lands landscapes and shows her paintings at many local shows.
Their five children are all grown now and living away from the home, but the Smyths try to see them whenever possible. Last September they traveled to Chicago where their son, Chester, is in his third year of dental school at Northwestern. They stopped in Utah on the way back home to visit their daughter, Norma, who attended Brigham Young University and is now married and living in Salt Lake City.
North to Alaska
This year they hope to vacation in Alaska, where their eldest son, Herb, has just taken a job as a high lineman for a power company. Their second son, Vic, Jr., lives a little closer--in San Diego--where he was just promoted to captain in the city fire department, and their other daughter, Frankie, lives in Torrance with her husband and four children.
Mojave Dealer
Vic Smyth---50 years of Selling The Times
For a youngster in 1922, selling The Times on a downtown street corner was like being at the circus.
There were the big gray horse hauling wagon loads of newsprint to the Times Building at First and Broadway. Each morning city policemen , with the police band leading the way, paraded to their posts. And there was the intense, vocal, and sometimes physical, rivalry between newsboys for competing papers.
Vic Smyth, Times dealer in Mojave remembers it al well. He lived right next door to the Times Building and at age 9 began selling The Times at First and Broadway.
Kiddie Program
"I remember that back in those days The Times used to own KHJ, the radio station", Vic Said. "We used to go up to the third floor and see Uncle John, who had a kiddie program. sometimes we'd sing or whistle for him on his show."
"Vic continued to deliver The Times all through his school days at John Adams Junior High and Manual Arts High School and beyond. Then in 1936 he moved out to Mojave to start a business with a friend. He began his Times dealership, the first in the desert area, at the same time as a sideline.
The area grew, and so did his Times dealership, especially with the construction of Edwards Air Force Base during the war. By the 1960', among Vic's customers were U.S. astronauts attending the Air Force Research and Test Pilots' School at Edwards.
Bright Future
Today, Vic is anticipating even more growth in his territory, which includes Mojave, Rosamond and the air base. "There's a lot of research and development connected with the space shuttle project going on at Edwards, so the future looks good," he said. His routes now stretch 150 miles, and he as five carriers , three who are Air Force master sergeants.
Vic and his wife, Norma, who helps him with the bookwork of the dealership, are rarely idle. Both have been active in the Mormon church and countless community activities.
Active in Church
For example, Vic has been bishop in the church and currently is a high councilman of the Antelope Valley Stake. From 1952 to 1960 he was a member of the Mojave Unified School Board. When he have up his seat on the board, Norma ran for the position and won, serving for six years.
Vic has also been a director of the Kern County Board of Trade, past president of the Lions Club, and while his sons were growing up he was active in scouting.
Norma is a past president of the Parent Teacher Assn. and holds a PTA life membership. She also helped begin the area's first Cub Scouting program, and to top it off she paints lands landscapes and shows her paintings at many local shows.
Their five children are all grown now and living away from the home, but the Smyths try to see them whenever possible. Last September they traveled to Chicago where their son, Chester, is in his third year of dental school at Northwestern. They stopped in Utah on the way back home to visit their daughter, Norma, who attended Brigham Young University and is now married and living in Salt Lake City.
North to Alaska
This year they hope to vacation in Alaska, where their eldest son, Herb, has just taken a job as a high lineman for a power company. Their second son, Vic, Jr., lives a little closer--in San Diego--where he was just promoted to captain in the city fire department, and their other daughter, Frankie, lives in Torrance with her husband and four children.
Victor's birth as told by Gwen Smyth Hyde
Victor was born on February 12, 1913. His mother and father, Margaret and Herbert, were 33 and 36 years old respectively. The names and ages of his siblings were, Edward Herbert, ten, Theodore Craik (called Clark) eight, and Gwen, four. His sister, Donna Vilate was born when Victor was almost two.
THE STORY OF THE FIRST BIRTHDAY OF VICTOR LLEWELLYN SMYTH, SR. AS RECALLED AND RECORDED IN THE DIARY OF HIS SISTER, GWEN SMYTH HYDE. [From Marjorie Nicholes, (Gwen's Daughter) to Chester Smyth.]
"February 12, 1913, was the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Consequentially it was a big holiday.
"(Seems to me that the people were more patriotic)
(in those days than they are today in this year of 1976.)
"Our hired girl. Pearl, took me down town to an entertainment with her girlfriend. My father took Ed and Craik (Clark)to see a wonderful new motion picture. It was entitled 'THE BIRTH OF A NATION'. I believe this was the first full length historical movie ever made.
"My mother was expecting a new baby in two of three weeks so she preferred to stay home. She felt fine until everyone had left the house and most of the neighbors had gone away. Then suddenly she went into heavy labor. She couldn't find anybody home in the neighborhood and was unable to contact the doctor. After some difficulty Mama finally located an elderly neighbor who called an emergency doctor. My little brother was already born when both doctors arrived at the house at the same time.
"When pearl and I came home that evening I was amazed to find a tiny 4 1/2 pound baby brother -- Victor Llewellyn Smyth. That, I believe was my first realization of birth.
"I remember how happy we were with our baby. It was amusing when he began to stand up and take a few faltering steps. Papa would stand a few paces in front of him and encouragingly hold out his hands while he talked softly to the baby. The rest of the family were watching, but were instructed to be quiet so as not to distract little Vic. When Vic finally reached papa we would all applaud and cheer while the baby gasped and laughed with relief and joy at his great new accomplishment.
"One night papa brought home a tiny little red chair. Again, we had a thrilling show for a few minutes while watching Vic learn (sic) to put his hands on his knees and push himself up out of the chair. then take a short walk. turn around and sit down again the little red chair. That is a harder accomplishment that most adults realise (sic). The greatest difficulty was turning around and judging just where to sit without missing the seat. He was so cute about it. We dearly loved him
"HISTORICAL NOTE: My mother gave birth to all her children at home. the first two children were delivered by a midwife who charged $7.50 The other children were delivered by a doctor who charged the fancy price of $15. Quite different as compared with today's fees."
______________________________________________________________________
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)