Baptisms. . .and "Lady Gwendolyn"

From Jim's letter, July 25, 1938, London, W.C.I.:

"My Only Sweetheart,

My word can you really and truly believe that it has been better than eighteen months since we said 'Good-bye' in the rail way station, and that it will only be seven more until we say 'Hello' in the same station. Truly Gwen the months are slipping away very rapidly, and it will be over so soon we will hardly know how to react to every thing. And now as the time grows shorter and shorter, I only tell you the truth when I say, I will be glad to be home again. Once I had in my mind an idea that I would like to stay over for awhile, but I think now I shall be quite ready to come home, on one condition of course. That is: You and I and our future. Lately I have been able to realize all over again, my darling, how much I really do care, and how much you mean to me. Purely and simply Gwen, I love you ever so much and I do anticipate and look forward to our being married.

". . .Today is a real beautiful English summer day, and from my window I can look out to and over the lovely green fields to where new mown hay lies in mounds ready to be taken and stored for future use. The farmers are really making hay while the sun shines over here, . . .

". . .Today, according to my calendar, is a real holiday out there in Zion. There will be a parade, a rodeo and a pageant of splendour that will be pleasing to the eye in a big way. But we over here will see none of that. Rather our work goes on in some manner of visits and a meeting and some form of study. You are having a holiday, and while we won't see it together from the window of Smots office, I am quite sure you will see it. Ninety-one years Salt Lake City has stood. Tell me something of what took place and how you spent the twenty-fourth.

"Last Wednesday evening we held our second baptismal service since I came into the district. There were only two candidates this time, a young man and woman from Shields and London. And at their request, I had the privilege and opportunity of taking them down into the waters of baptism. Elder Kearl and Elder Howard confirmed them. The young man was certainly thrilled and happy and so was the young lady. I certainly have been fortunate on my mission to have this, and they're fine opportunities. And if I can only have the privilege of performing a marriage ceremony, I'll certainly be satisfied, I should.

". . .darling, I want you to know that I appreciate your going in to see Mother and Dad. They certainly enjoy your visits and Gwen, they love you as their own. So you see that my own people look for our marriage as much as I do.

"Sir James" in quite the regal sweater

"You know Gwen, over here in England they have some rare and quaint ideas. Probably some of the quaintest in the world. And one of those is their manner of bestowing a title upon some man of renown. In a manner of speaking, I feel very much at home here, for somewhere in my life I gained a 'Sir James' that has hung on. Even over here they fasten it on some times. But each one of these 'Sirs' have to have a lady, and so from now on, 'Thou shalt be known as Lady Gwendolyn.' A royal title for a royal miss. But perhaps I should ask you, 'Will you be my lady?'

"After meeting last night we called on a fine lady out in Harton, and her son and [his] wife. So in the course of the evenings conversation, we drifted to marriage. The young lady is very happy in her married life, and even said she would do it again, if it were to the same man. (I hope you can say as much about me.) And she said it would be wonderful if they could go to the church every five years to have the service performed again. I could not help but think of your suggestion. For they do not have the privilege the same as we do. That of working for someone less fortunate than we, in the temples. In this work we can have what this girl would like to have. the service performed again.

". . .Now I must close and write to the folks. They still have to hear from me too. . .So here is my love to and for you.

All of it.

Sincerely, Your Sweetheart,

Jim"

Anniversaries and Holidays without Jim

From Gwen's letter, June 19, 1938:

"Dearest Jim,
. . .Kid, you're so darn thoughtful. I could just cry I'm so happy to think that even as busy as I know you are you'd think to send those roses for June 19th. Your father brought them down to me before Sunday School and he gave me a very impressive and extravagant presentation address and then turned around and asked me what June 19th was besides Father's Day. Darling, you're grand to think of such things and I don't believe there are many men like you who remember anniversaries so well. You make anniversaries very nice occasions even when we can't be to-gether to celebrate them, but Sweetheart, next year, if luck is with us, we'll make up for two years of being apart won't we. Thanks so much for those grand roses. They're just beautiful."

From Gwen's letter, 4:30 A.M., July 4, 1938:

Gwen with friends "up the canyon."

"Sweetheart,

This is the first time I've written you a letter while dawn was just stealing in and while the birds were just waking up to start a noisy chatter all about their early household duties, and do you know it's wonderful at 4:00 in the morning- -I mean after you once drag yourself out and get props in your eyes. This morning I'm waiting for Berdine, May and Lee and their folks. We're going up the canyon for breakfast.

Gwen's mother (Vere) with Cec as a child

". . .Mother has been sick in bed for quite a while with the flu and Dad has been getting liver shots in his arm everyday. The doctor said he was dangerously anemic so between all of us this is a good hospital. Every night we doctor mother all up with hot foot baths and drinks and alcohol rubs and etc. I'm really learning a few things about cooking anyway. Dad and I have a riot with things which must be thickened because I invariably get too much thickening so he stands by with the milk to thin it so first I thicken then he thins then I thicken some more and so on and so on and on into the night. Usually we end up by having three times as much as we need but we have fun just the same.

". . .Jim, dear, let's do set June 19, 1939 as 'the' day providing neither of us changes and then let's just make it all work out right so our dreams will be realized.

". . .Do you know we have word from the great fashion center, Paris, that skirts are shorter this year, but I noticed your skirt in your most recent picture to me was considerably shorter than the average. You surely look like a healthy, happy Scot and what tartan does your family go by? I might suggest that your most modern hat was a bit extreme in the eyes of a conservative Westerner and your socks were rolled a little too far below the knees, but your smile was a charming beam which held your admirer spell bound. [see picture in 3/30/12 post]

". . .Yesterday, July 4th, Berdine and I had a good time talking and reminiscing in the canyon. Last night we went to-gether to see Marco Polo with Gary Cooper. . .These tall fellows who take the leads always remind me so much of you that I really live the picture.

". . . Cec and Kay said to tell you thanks so much for that lovely card. That was so nice of you to remember them. I'm sure they'll have smooth sailing because they're so much alike and they seem to have the same ideals and desires. Your mother told me once she thought you and I were a lot alike so I think we'll get along beautifully, don't you? I believe too that we're similar because we really do like the same things don't we.

". . .Well, darling, I've got to climb in now because I'm minus about ten hours sleep.
Days are going fast and they can't go too fast for me because my love for you is growing until it's becoming unmanageable.

"Your sweetheart sincerely,

Gwen"

A Letter from Home--with thoughts on Gwen

From a letter to Jim from his dad (Robert Telford), June 12, 1938:


"My Dear Son,

Robert Telford with Jim as a baby

 It's Sunday morning and I thought I had better write you before I get too tired. . . Two weeks ago I got quite a cold and while I have worked my five days a week I have had to go to bed as soon as I got home.

". . . I notice you are expecting a transfer soon. While you may not welcome it at the moment, I think it would be a fine thing for you. You have made many friends where you are and of course you have come to rely on all your friends and feel a sense of security among them. I think now that a change to conditions and places, where you will have to exercise initiative and assert yourself to make new friends and new plans, will greatly aid in your powers of self reliance and in complete development. So if you are transferred to another locality, be assured that it is for your ultimate good.

"Gwen has just come in. I think she has been to Sunday School. Mom and her are sitting chatting while I am writing these lines. For appearance and personality I see none who can beat her. Whatever she wears she looks like a million dollars. Her conduct and her personality suggest at once a real lady.

"Did you get to St. Bees[?] If you did how are all the folks there[?] I hope that you had time to visit all of them. They all want to see you. Tell me all about them when you write.

Robert Telford with Jim's brothers (Jack & Lenny)

"Working conditions keep getting worse. Three thousand men will be laid off at the Utah Copper in Bingham on the 16th. That is next Thursday. Mines and Smelters all around this western country are closing or are already closed down. Owners claim they have closed for thirty days. I think it will be longer. It seems to be a battle between capital and the government. . .

"I doubt whether you are going to keep out of war over there. It looks to me like it's only a matter of a few months or less until it breaks. I hope British statesmanship can find a way to avoid it. It seems doubtful.

"Well I must close. We are all fine and plugging along. Gwen and Berdine Jones have just left. Berdine played the piano and we all got around and sang. I do enjoy them coming in.

"Give my regards to all the folks over there and accept kindest thoughts for yourself. From yours affectionately,

Dad"

Memorial Day Bouquets and Souvenirs

From Gwen’s letter, May 30, 1938:

“Sweetheart,                                                                                                                     This is Memorial Day and the biggest memory I have is of you, so I’m going to write you a letter & in it I send a beautiful bouquet of roses. In the middle is a dark red one to tell you my love for you is as sincere and as deep as it always has been and always will be. Then there is a pure white rose to tell you my love for you is as pure and fresh as a white flower, a yellow rose in the blossoms means you are the sunshine I’m waiting for. There are also some forget-me-nots and orange blossoms. Put them altogether and you have a bouquet which says, Darling¸ I love you with all my heart and I need you here with me before I’ll be truly happy. . .

“.  .  . Your last letter was perfect, kid. I’ve read it over and over again and those handkerchiefs from Scotland were grand. Thanks so much. . . Now that I have so many handkerchiefs from England, Ireland, & Scotland, I believe I’ll start a collection of them. Don’t you think that would be fun?

One of the handkerchiefs Jim sent Gwen from Scotland

“. . . In answer to your question I say with all my heart, Jim dearest, I will marry you and now since your mission is almost complete the first of our dreams is fulfilled and the second one we planned was our marriage in the temple. Honey, that’s what I’ve been dreaming of ever since the first time you asked me.  . . Sweetheart, I never have gotten tired of hearing you propose. I love it and I’m only sorry you won’t keep on doing it after we’re married. . .

“. . . Kid, if I ever saw a giant in my life it was you standing by your aunt in Scotland. My goodness you looked like Goliath himself. My goodness, have you grown or is she just a small woman? Maybe I’ll retract that offer to beat you in a wrestling match when you come home. I’ll race you instead, huh?

“. . . I love you with all my heart and I hope I can be worthy of your sincere love.

Your  Sweetheart,

Gwen

May I send lots of XXXXOOOO.”

A Trip and a Visit to Scotland and Aunt Letty

From Jim's Letter, May 14, 1938:

"My Only Sweetheart--
     You're so darn good, thoughtful, and true, that even if I wanted to lose you, my sense of value would make me cling to the love which I have for you through anything of what we have had to face and conquer thus far through our individual lives.

" . . .Last week I wished you could have been with me where I was for it would certainly have made a glorious honeymoon. Pennock and I went up to Glasgow [Scotland] to attend the district conference, and we had a lovely time as well as a fine trip. England and Scotland are so beautiful at this time of the year that all a person wants to do is travel and look at the green rolling hills on one side, and the blue-green sea on the other. We had a boat trip down the river Clyde while we were in Glasgow and you would have marveled at how smooth the water was and how green the hills were. The sky blue reflecting in harmony with the green hills to make an incomparable sight that I shall never forget, as long as I live. . .

Jim in a Scottish Kilt

". . .While I was in Glasgow I stayed with another of my many aunts and uncles for two days. She was very interested in my coming here to England . . .She was very surprised when I let her see your picture, the one who I am engaged to be married to, and will return to marry. Aunt Letty, as she is called, is Mother's sister and boy did she treat me really and truly nice. So on my release she insists that I go and stay with her for a while before I go on home. Which, darling, leads us up to the tour on the continent. I have had very poor word from home, and rather than burden them too much, I hardly think I should even consider such a trip. True it would be very lovely and nice, but there is so much more to think about. And even after a release, a month with all of my people and then home will be pretty near April then. . .

". .  .Say, has it ever crossed your mind darling, that this time next year we will be together in all that we attempt to do. I only have 1/3 of my mission to complete and then I'll be on my way home again. And when I come, let's you and I, borrow a car and if I can still drive one, go up to Lamb's Canyon and there have a real chat of all we have done and want to do. I have so much to tell you Gwen, and show you, that we will need many days up there to make it complete. . .

". . . Sending you every particle of my love and wishing to ever be your sweetheart.

Loving you always,

I am

Your Sweetheart,

Jim

"May I leave you kisses? XXXXX Remember me, I'm the guy you gave your goodnight kisses to.  Love."
 

From Gwen’s letter, May 21, 1938:

“P.S. This girl who is interested in a trip on the continent will gladly loan you the money if you’ll write and tell her how much it will take and if you’ll promise not to let the loan influence your feelings or obligate you in the least.

“You say you’ll never understand me because I want you to have a trip on the continent instead of staying an extra year as a missionary . . . I’m thinking of the lesser of two lengths of time  . . . it is probably the only time you’ll ever have a chance  to see a large part of this old world and since you’re that near it would be a shame for you to miss the chance of a lifetime . . .Please write and tell me approximately how much you’ll need . . . and I believe it can be arranged if you’ll make the promise I asked you to make.”

 

Changes? and Hopes for our Future

From Gwen's letter, May 21, 1938:

"Darling,

"I must have thought of you just then. Love, Gwen"

To-day marks the sixteenth month since I last saw you that terribly cold night at the train. Since that night so many things have happened one after another that like you, I often wonder how different we both will seem when we do meet. Will we even know each other? Wouldn't it be something if we passed each other up without recognizing? But for some reason or other I believe I would recognize you if I got within a block of you. Maybe I'm wrong but as long as you walk the same and are tall and dark, I'll bet on my ability to know you. Why don't you write and describe yourself to me--your personality, your walk, your hair, eyes, and all about you in comparison to 16 months ago to-day then I'll be sure to recognize you. As for me, I'm even more of a dishwater blonde than I was before, I'm gaining weight rapidly. By the time you get home I'll look like a tub. I still have a complexion like a volcano. My fingernails are broken off. I still forget to sew buttons on my coat. I'm still awfully particular about the seams in my hose being straight, remember? My eyebrows are terribly neglected since you left and I'm half as pleasant to be around since you left &you know how awful I was before. I get down in the dumps & refuse to get Wahoo's glass of water at supper. In fact, I'm generally deteriorated. I don't have time to read up on current events or anything to improve my intellect, so I'm in a mental rut. In fact, kid, when you get home you'll probably never want to hear of Gwen Wagstaff again. One thing though which is still the same is my love for a guy named Jim. I hope he won't be too awfully disappointed in me when he arrives home. . .

"My birthday, Feb. 13, 1938. . .Note the conservative hat!!"

"As for my idea of you, I know you'll be a little broader in more than one way and I think I'll like you that way very very much, but neither of us really knows do we? Maybe, and probably, we'll be so different to what we expect that most likely we'll start getting acquainted all over again. I hope we still both like dancing, hiking, canyons, moons, apple trees, theme songs, roses and all the things we've always liked before. . .

 "Ah, look at me how fat I'm getting--I weigh 121."
 (in picture: Gwen on left; her parents are on the far right)

" . . .Honestly we'll feel so lost around here with both Cec and Don gone & then, if you still want me when you get home, what will happen to Mom and Dad? They'll be right back where they started about 31 years ago. What shall we do when we're in the same boat as they are, darling? Well when we do get married--I hope--let's build always for that time so that we'll enjoy ourselves to-gether those years just as we should alone together at first. Can't you just see us playing golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, reading, riding & dancing when we're almost 60 years old.  
It's a nice picture don't you think so.                                                                                             
                                                                                                         
". . .Goodnight Sweetheart & with a tender kiss and hug I send oodles of love--
Gwen"

Beachwear, Steamboat Rides, and a visit to St. Bees

From Gwen's Letter, May 7, 1938:

"Dearest Sweetheart,

The Newcastle District Elders. . .at the beach? (Jim 2nd from left)

I was so thrilled to finally receive some pictures of you that I've almost worn them out already I've looked at them so much. Darling, those pictures mean so much. Honestly I had almost forgotten how tall and dark and good looking you were and I think you are looking much happier, much more satisfied than I have seen you look for a long time and your 194 pounds hasn't made you too fat at all . . . You asked if I ever got that picture of your 'little bathing suit' and I did. And when you said 'little' you meant it. . . I still love to receive pictures of Jim in them . . ."


From Jim's Journal, Tues. May 10, 1938, Glasgow:

RMS Queen Elizabeth

 " . . . I shaved in cold water, Brrrr. Pennock and I with Sis Malmberg took a trip down the Clyde to Dunoon on a river steamer and saw all the boats they are building and the new Queen Elizabeth.  It was a lovely trip and we all enjoyed it very much. And so back to Glasgow on a train from Gaurock [sp?] . . . After lunch we started for home and ended up on the road to Edinburgh when we had started on the way to Carlisle. Three rides were needed to put us into Edinburgh . . . Another day."


From Jim's Letter to Gwen, Mon. May 23, 1938, London, W.C.I.:

"My Dearest Gwen,

. . . Yesterday was such a lovely Sunday here in Carlisle with the sun out and all, that we had to take a walk out in the fields, through the lanes and it was all so fine and lovely that I wanted you to be here with me. But you were so far away that all my wanting availed nothing and only made me want you more. It was all very much like Lambs Canyon and our rendezvous, and if I could only have reached out and taken you in my arms to kiss you and say again that I love you so much, I would have felt much better than I really did. Just one of those times when I love you so much it really hurts.

". . .We had two lady missionaries here last night and so had a lovely discussion from both sides of the water. From their side of the question they say a girl will wait, but an Elders ideas are altered so much he fails in his desires and ideals. . . A lady missionary wants in a husband, (1) spirituality, (2) personality, (3) ambition, (4) ideals. How do those qualities compare to you who have not been on missions? We had a lovely discussion, and finally they asked me how I felt about girls coming on missions. So I told them and now they are trying to convert me to the idea that they can do all an Elder can, except perform temporal and spiritual ordinances. But I'm still not convinced.

" . . . I am going to make this letter rather short this time as we are traveling again and we are ready to leave. Remember darling that all my love belongs to only one in this world and can never be rightly shared with anyone, and my one purpose and desire is to see that love culminate in a union of you and I.

"Love me always as I love you.
Sincerely, devotedly,
Your Sweetheart,
Jim"

From Jim's Journal, Tues. May 24, 1938, Egremont: 

"Looking toward the front of church [in St. Bees] where Mother & Dad were married"

"St. Bees Head fron the north side" (written on back)

"Lower Main St, St. Bees. Uncle Bill [Telford] in foreground"

"After dressing and eating we borrowed the bikes and rode over to St. Bees to see Aunt Rebecca and the Telfords. There we spent the day with them, before we returned to have a walk to Cleator to see Harry and Ida. Back in Castle Craft, we had supper and Margaret and I played shuttle cock before we hit the hay."