2 July 45
Camp Howze
Texas
10:00 p.m.

Dearest Honey Love:
Today ended up a really happy one your letter with the pictures and a portion of 4 week’s letters.
Your generosity in words and thoughts are to be commended. If I had you here I’d catch up on kisses until next January even maybe February or March.
Here’s the way I see it Lovie. If they send me overseas again I’ll at least go west and that mean’s toward your part of the country. They would at least give me 10 days leave during which time we could get married and have about 2 days left over for a honeymoon. We would scram for California and from there you could visit all of your many relatives on the coast. Who knows you might even get to Hawaii before you know it. Does all this make sense to you or am I dreaming beyond the possibilities again. My life is one dream after another. I still think I was dreaming when we first met. That funny little glint in your eyes that we met will never leave my memory. I wonder what went thru your cute little head that evening?
To tell you the truth sweetheart we are really waiting time by not being married already. Aof course my conservative idea was to take things slow and easy and to be married with deliberate planning. Making the arrangements so that the whole thing would be a milestone in our lives to remember. A beautiful schedule of events that we’ll never forget. The added dinner and side trimmings might cost more than is practical but later on we can worry about being frugal and thrifty.
You keep praying that the good Lord won’t send me overseas and Ill sure your heart’s desires will be fulfilled.
This letter won’t be too long as I spent about a half hour wrapping up some pillow cases which I got at the sales store here at camp. The insignias are in the package too. I’m sending you another kind in my next package a note is in the package too so it’ll be page three of this letter.
Hannah’s letter is cute. From the sound of it. I’m almost an angel. However, I’m sure you’ll have to make allowances for what she said because she loves both of us and of course would say only the best.
After you get to know me better you can write Hannah your findings and I’m sure you will have by that time formed a much different opinion.
The pictures were swell. Tomorrow I’m showing them to the gang at the office. The girls are dying to see who I hooked in Zion. They have the case history already and boy can I spin yarns about you since yo are not here to defend yourself. I let you know later about what they have to say. I’m glad Eric got a job. Does he like it or is it just temporary until a better one comes along. Is Dad going to get a job too?
Goodnight my lovebird. Happy dreams to you and remember me in your good mornings and good evenings. Smile for me everyday.
Loving you always
Eddie

Camp Howze
Texas
3rd July 45

Dearest Darling:
The days are clipping past at a pretty fast rate of speed. I suppose the volume of work here has something to do with it seeing as how I’m kept busy from morning until night. The rest of this month we have to work from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 6 days a week with most of the Sundays reserved for work.
Your sweet letter came on time today and it was so nice to sit in a quiet secluded corrner and read at my heart’s content. You write the nicest comforting letters. So far I’ve read it over three times each reading I get a more vivid feeling of the things you so picturesquely paint for me. Sometimes I can close my eyes and almost imagine hearing your lilting voice and funny expressions.
I’m glad you have promised to write me every day. It makes me happy to know that each day I know the mail carrier is bringing your love to me. And also that you think enough of me to write me a lot all the things you are doing.
I’m not better than you in many things my Sweet---for instance ---your playing ability on almost everything one can mention. I mean like the piano and violin and etc. And how about cards. So Sweet these are only one of the many I can mention. Who knows you might have many hidden talents--time will reveal these soon enough.
It was nice of Eric to take you to the show. It would have indeed been Heavenly to accompany you both to the cinema. Possibly next December we can resume our happy pastime of show going in a somewhat different capacity.
It was about time that Eric took this marriage situation in hand. It is true he is hard to suit. I guess it runs in the family at least among the brothers. I hope he finds a girl to his liking soon. It will mean so much to him to find his ideal. Perhaps you could be instrumental in whatever prospects there are in town. Anyway when I write to him again I’ll ask him who is on the top of the list in the femininity angle.
Yup! we keep the pictures to ourselves but I’m not forgetting about the portrait you are getting made for me. You remember don’t you Sweetheart?
I am looking forward to the other sets. I think I shall start a new album. Nothing but pictures of you and me. Kind of a private album. It will contain the case history of the Lind bloom’s, E.O. and Mrs. including all the little ones from 1 to 12.
Yup! If we have to settle back in Texas after our marriage. I think everything will work out O.K. We’ll have an apartment in town and I can came home every night and Sundays with the exception of special duty tours. I hope by then the war department closes this camp and we’ll be in a more desirable place. It’ll be nice no matter where as long as we are together.
Six months is a long time especially when we think so much of each other but then It will do us good to think things over and plan a happy reunion. I dream each night at bedtime of what fun we’ll have planning a home and buying the things necessary to home confronts. I even dream of our trip thru the Temple and the glorious promises and blessings that will be given us there providing we are true and faithful during this life. It is so wonderful to know that we belong to such a wonderful church and that we have so much to live for.
Nothing more has been said about overseas. I’ll let you know first hand by telegram if such a thing happens.
Thanks heaps for calling on the folks and making them feel at home and happy. Thanks too for keeping me posted on home events.
Hannah wrote today about us and what news you gave her. She seems quite pleased and wants the honor for our arrangement. She has been wonderful to me.
Lovie, its at the close again and I’m almost out of love and kisses. That is the letter kind but if you were here I’d really have plenty of supply on hand.
Lovingly your forever Sweetheart
Eddie

Camp Howze Texas
4 July 45
1630
Dearest Sweetheart:
Normal quitting time today is supposed to be at 4:30 p.m. but as I told you in my last letter the rush of business has made it imperative that we work until 6:30 p.m. for the rest of the month and that means only 27 more days to go.
Two letters came today which were written on the 30th of June and the 1st of July--I wish they would come in one at a time everyday instead of in bunches because tomorrow I suppose I won’t get any mail at all. And not getting any mail at all makes me very unhappy. Of course I could be twice as happy today and make it last unti tomorrow but it is rather the hard way of doing it.
From all the work that you are doing at home--you are a perfect Mother’s little helper and also Sister’s little helper--I’ve never heard of anyone cutting the lawn and making a dress in one day--Your are certainly going to come in handy when you become Mrs Edwin O. Lindbloom. Gee! I can think of lots of things right now that’ll keep your home hours busy. I mean that to be above and beyond the normal quota of our family getting. Have you ever sewed a man’s shirt by yourself? You see I never can get a shirt from the store that really fits me.
One of the civillians that works for me just stopped and wondered what I was doing so I told him that I was writing a letter to the sweetest Sweetheart in the whole world and one whom would be my better half in time to come ----Guess what he said?----He said, “I thought that you were already married MR. Lindbloom” So I said to him, “What ever made you think that?” Do I have that docile domestic look already?” so you can plainly see how thinking in the right channels, be they marital or otherwise, can take a man out of the careless, carefree class and put in the class more commonly known as ”the man about the house”.
Tell me Sweet--What all do you have to do before Christmas? Do you think I should have some kind of a plan on what I should have done by Christmas too? That is besides saving all the money I can for the big event: Will you find out for me if the Temple closes during Christmas time and what the dates are ----I might have to get there before the Temple closes in order to do any good. This is kind of long range planning but then its lots of un to plan anyway.
Yes Dearie--I noticed all the gifts that your many boy-friends have given you in times past---You are certainly a popular individual all of which makes me very proud of you. I can answer your letter’s question very easily and quickly on whether or not I’ve given as many gifts to girls as compared to the amount that you have received from your former boyfriends-----answer -- none to anyone.

Summer is over so I can resume sharing the Love Letters from EO Lindbloom to sweetheart Mardean Saunders:

Editorial note: These letters start after Edwin visited Mardean for the first time and apparently declaration of marriage was proposed.

Camp Howze Texas

28 June 1945

Thursday 7:45 AM to 9:45 PM

Dearest Sweet:

I have a few minutes before the beginning of the working day so I thought I would get this started and maybe I’ll get it finished before the end of the day. It looks like we are going to have another beautiful hot day--the wind is blowing a little bit so perhaps we’ll survive the heat.

My movie camera film came back today from the Kansas City laboratories--all I have to do now is find an 8 MM projector. When I maybe a sneak preview I’ll write and let you know what kind of an Hollywood aspirant you turned out to be…Who know you might be another Greta Garbo. From the looks of the film I think you might be photogenic and that’s good.

My letter from you today did not arrive but guess what happened….The first letter that you wrote on June 19th just arrived but thru some one else’s mistake it has been floating around the camp. Anyway I read it with much glee and excitement---in fact so far I have read it over three times with a possible fourth coming up. And with each reading I find greater interest.

The Presto cooker sounds like a good idea….I guess a cupboard full of utensils is necessary when two people get the same ideas as you and I have.

Now that you mention the incident of my meeting Vern Seamons at the Mission Home in Salt lake I am reminded that I did visit there and talked with a bunch of the Elders just going out into the field. I am surprised that he remembered after all these years. It just goes to show how people can remember things when they want to. I hope people don’t remember all the bad things that I have done in the past 10 years---at least to broadcast them to the world.

I called Orson just before my train left Ogden and explained that it would be wiser for me to leave on the train leaving at noon rather than leave at 7:00 p.m. as I had originally planned. He excused me from my promise of helping him. I certainly would like to have helped him since that was the least I could have done for him after all the wonderful consideration that he had shown me during my visit to Zion. I’ll make it up to him in some other way if I am able. I consider Orson as one of my bet friends and hope that I can keep our friendship up to standard. And the things that he or I mean we talked about should make your ears tingle--of course they were all good things---

I guess I really or I mean We really took my folks by storm….They just couldn’t figure me establishing a beachhead in such a short time however whether they showed it or not they have given us the family blessing and I’m sure they have a nice wedding gift in mind at which they slightly hinted toward. So I gather from all observation that they are happy about the outcome---they said toward the end of the family council that the real reason for their coming to Zion was to get Eric and I married to the right people.

Brother Eric is quite pleased with our arrangement. He has always been a real pal to me and I take his advice on important matters. He has exhibited plenty of common sense and logic in all his doings. He says you are tops. Of course Hannah will be pleased without any stretch of our imaginations.

Now my sweet you must tell me what your relatives had to say about me. I mean those that I met including your sisters and brother. You’ve got more relatives than King Solomon’s Grandson.

My love - time and place bids me conclude this bantering for now ee tomorrow I’ll white again.

Love, Love and more Love my Darling

Your Eddie







In reply refer to: Headquarters Camp Howze
Your love of Camp Howze Office of the Quartermaster
Camp Howze, Texas

29 June 1945

Subject: Love and Miss Mardean Saunders

To: Miss Mardean Saunders


Dearest Sweet:

Today has come and gone and no mail---my morale has hit a new low. You gotta send me them sugar reports on time sweet or you’ll be having me in the jug for not keeping my mind on my work.
One of the girls at the office said that there would be days like this and also said it was too much for any man to expect his Lady to write every day. I told her a few things about the difference between Mormon girls and gentiles. So Sweet--it will have to be two letters tomorrow or else I’ll lose my faith in womankind.
The weather is getting hotter and hotter---by July and August I’ll be wasted away to almost a shadow. The wind blows here most of the time but it feels like a blast furnace. The nights have been fairly cool so far but I dread the nights when the full summer heat will be turned on.
Tomorrow is pay-day so I’m going to pay up my late bills (those accrued while on leave) and some tithing accounts. After that I will try the budget system.
So much for this and so much for that. They tell me that it will take about 6 months to make the budget idea work. I never did practice the budget way before but I suppose every married couple do sooner or later.
Do you think that we’ll ever get rich or shall we be like the Indian Yogi’s --practice poverty like a religion in order to exalt our souls after death?
Well Sweet--Did I ever tell you that I love ya lots and lots and lots. And now I just thought of an excellent idea---for every day I don’t get a letter I’m subtracting one kiss from your allotment - What think you of the idea?
It’s time to go now so here is hoping that tomorrow’s mail will be more fruitful than today’s
Lovingly
Eddie





I wish I could scan this letter to do it justice. It is typed on a Property Issue Slip.

To: Miss Mardean Saunders, Hyde Park, Utah TYPE OF ISSUE: INITIAL LOVE
For: The Sweetest girl in the United States INITIAL: Yes REPLACEMENT; none needed

ITEM NO. 1 STOCK NO : Forty-Love: NOMENCLATURE: Bundle of Loveliness UNIT ea AUTHORIZED ALLOWANCE: daily ON HAND: none DUE IN: Plenty ACTION: soon

Dearest Sweet:
Yours of the 26th arrived at noon for which I am thankful but who says that I write shorter letters than you do? My little love- just you count the words in my letters per page and I’ll bet my last nickel that over a period of a week I’ll write more than 100 more words than you do---Now what do you say about that?/???
Sweetie I go on the theory that rare things are small and small things are rare which in turn makes them expensive and hard to get so---that’s why my letters are so priceless. I don’t suppose that you agree with me on ideas like these so I’ll let it go at that.
Every morning when I wake up I keep telling myself that I have had another dream when I think of the wonderful time I had with you and your folks. Now it doesn’t seem true because I’ve been tossed into dreary drudging camp routine to the point that things don’t seem the same anymore It seems like I’ve stumbled on to a Pearl of Great Price and I cannot get myself to believe that such a wonderful arrangement could happen to me.
There could be many tings happen that would change bother of our minds on things marital but if we both loved each other enough to withstand any outside influence or surmount thte troubles that would normally arise along life’s rocky road to happiness, I am sure we could win out in the end.
If I got sent over-seas---you would probably do like all the rest of the good women of the land---just wait and wait. At least that is what you are doing now and what does it matter whether I’m in Texas or Timbuktu as long as the element of waiting can’t change. Just think how long I’ve waited for you----did you ever think that over….And it is and was much harder for a man to withstand temptations than it is for a women----or would you rather present an argument on the subject.
Will you send me the words to our song---”I’ll be loving you always” I
will try and learn the tune along with the words.
Have you heard from Hannah lately, that is since my leaving Utah?
Have you heard from George and Jean since their wedding?
Well Little Miss Eve - I miss you tonight and certainly could use some of your sweet kisses.
I miss you
I need you
I love you
Eddie

2 April 45
6:30 p.m.
At Camp

Dearest Sandie:

Today your 29th of March letter made its appearance. Your letter writing ability is tops. Everyone sounds better and better. Yup! I promise to show up in June. So if I’m to have any fun you had better not scum out on me. My brother Eric who is in California has heard all about you from Hannah and he says he will beat me to your part of Zion. I thought I would tell you so you wouldn’t be too surprised when he shows up ahead of me.
Your request for a new shot of me sounds like an old story I heard once. I’ll tell it sometime. Anyway the Indians here in Texas didn’t take my scalp yet… So I still have some hair left????!!! And listen Honey Child don’t you think I should have one of you before I send another of me? I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Give me the size of your camera and I’ll try our post exchange for some film. Will that be satisfactory?
Thanks for keeping me posted on home events. I don’t know what I would do without your information department. You have even scooped the home folks on certain items of news. Remind me to pay you handsomely for your service.
April is here and Easter gone. How times fly. I would love to see your new Easter Bonnet and outfit. This year I wore the same suit I had for the past 3 years. Life gets so terribly boring sometimes. Nothing new ever happens.
An idea just struck me. How would you like a long distance telephone call? Let me know what your telephone number is and when the best time to call and I’ll do the rest.
I would love to say hello to your mother and dad too, anything for an interesting change in routine.
For the past 4 days I’ve been going to school in Dallas. We have a regional repair section there. The trip was very interesting and I learned a lot. On Sunday which was Easter I attended our church. After that I had dinner with friends and headed for camp. The weather was terrible, rain the entire time. Two people drowned when the rive went over the banks.
Well Sandie this is one more on the way. Will you write soon?
Love Eddie


April 3 1945
-Camp-

Dearest Sandie:
This will be short note but nevertheless will indicate that I’m thinking about you tonight.
Thanks a million Hugs and Kisses for the sneak preview of the new Lindbloom home. It was sweet of you to be so considerate.
Your letters are good. Moody or otherwise. Just keep writing them.
What was Rosine’s new plan. Did they say they were going to move or not? They never tell me a thing until about two months afterwards.
Again I want to remind you about sending me the size of your camera and I’ll send you some film. Of course I would love to have a snap of you where would I get one to show to the boys around here??
Anyway be good angel. And I’m waiting for another sweet letter from you real soon.
Love Eddie

11 April 1945
Dearest Sandi:
I haven’t received a letter from you in the longest time and I am wondering what my little precious Rosebud has been doing to keep so busy doing other things and leaving me out in the cold. However I am sure whatever you are doing—you must be doing a good job of it because that is your nature.
Tonight I am on duty at the office and you can see by the stationery that I’ve borrowed some just to show you that this company that I am working for really is up to date along the lines of stationary equipment. I could catch holy smoke for using this stuff but then I’ve been good for such a long time that a good lesson in meeting the Colonel on the proverbial carpet would wake me up.
I got a letter from Hannah a couple of days ago and sure enough they told me the whole story about the folks going to Logan on or about June 1st….Hannah said they are moving into the folks’ home at that time. And that the Rosines would go west sometime the following year. But don’t worry they will come out sooner or later and me too. This typewriter isn’t doing so well—look at all the strike-overs---Oh Well! I’ll do better next time.
Be good Sandie and write me a long sweet letter right away.
Love Eddie

Camp Howze, Texas
21 April 1945

Dearest Sandie:
Your letters have finally caught up with me and I’m going to write and write and write until I get everyone of them answered. Tonight I am heading for Big “D”—in Texas terminology that means Dallas. If I am successful I’ll place a call with Long Distance and see if I can contact you. Of course by the time you get this letter you’ll know whether I’ll have to try again next Saturday evening. We have to line up for two hours or more before we can even get a call in. The lines out of the state are almost always tied up with priority business. Anyway we will see how we come out by tonight.
Bad weather has hit us again----it has been fairly good all week and now it is raining cats and dogsn outside. I like rain as well as most people do but it certainly picks odd hours to do its coming down. A rowboat is the fashion this season.
Your report of unusual incidents during a given period is a very thing that makes life rough going at times. One might wonder why things happen and why they happen to certain people.
Two days later and no call Sunday---Well sweet I’ll get that call in even if it kills me.
I went to church in Dallas and really enjoyed it immensely. I paid my tithing up to date and came home well pleased with my self. Today the weather feels as if winter has come for a few days visit and here I was practically dressed of hot Texas summer.
Your gentle reprimand about me not writing to Hannah bears a little re-consideration. I’ve written more letters to Hannah than I’ve received replies.
Another real letter later sweet and bye for new. Love, Edwin

9:30 pm
28 April 45
Camp Howze, Texas

Dear Sandie:
It was certainly nice talking to you. Your voice sounded real clear just like you were in the next room and such a sweet voice too.
Tell me, how does my voice differ from my letters? Worse?
Anyway, as I said, I’ve been swamped with work and boy it is no fun preparing a 4 hour lecture for two afternoons a week. I’m almost scared to death. It will take a lot of praying to get me out of this one. Maybe you can help me.
I’m going to try and catch up on correspondence after Tuesday. That’s my first lecture. After then I’ll promise to stay caught up.
Today I got a small-pox vaccination. It wasn’t too bad. Beautiful nurse gave it to me.
Tonight we got the rumor from San Francisco about the war being over in Europe and then it was denied by the President at 8:45 p.m.
I am enclosing a camp paper which I think is interesting in part. At least it gives you some idea of camp routine for some of us. It makes good reading material but I call it propaganda or a close relative to it.
My writing is getting terrific and I ought to go back to school or use a typewriter.
I mentioned once before, my brother and I are both planning on visiting Zion in June. It will be very handy for you. You may take your pick…His money or my brains. Which would you take/
Well Sandie my dear – again I must say your voice is that of an angel. Even if you say you can’t cook.
Love and lots and lots
Eddie

Camp Howze, Texas
9:00 p.m.
29 April 45

Hi Sweet:
Today is still Sunday and its been a long grind. Had to stay in camp and prepare that lecture I told you about. I have to give an examination along with it. 50 questions and the subjective type at that. How would you like to come and help me?
I’m getting very-very tired of Texas and the surrounding people and things. For 3 cents I’d hop out of here like an Oklahoma jackrabbit. After your call – I got to thinking what I said. Really were you a little disappointed? Truly your voice did sound so sweet. It is ringing in my ears right now like a pleasant memory.
I’m looking forward to June. We’ll have to plan something big. How would you like to visit Hannah about that time and then we could both meet Eric in Salt Lake a few days later. It would be fun traveling and at the same time do some visiting. This is one of my screwy ideas and if it sounds too crazy we’ll call it a dud. You know me by now, always something new popping up.
I mentioned you in my last letter to Brother Eric. He seems to know you better than I do. Has Hannah been at it again? Anyway he likes the idea about visiting Zion in June.
Do you suppose it will be alright to call again sometime?
Write real soon Sandie. I love to get your sweet letter.
Love Eddie

Dearest Sandi:
I have a parade to attend or rather participate in at 1:00 p.m. It’s our usual week-end ceremony. So while waiting for things to happen I’ll pen an answer to your most interesting letter of last Saturday.
Earl’s visit came as a surprise you know more about my family than I do, Oh Well?
As long as you keep me informed up to date on everything you have my approval.
Your average of 5’ 2” surprises me. I stay at 5’ 7.3” all the time, Is your diet different than mine other than that your height is ideal.
The description of the house Earl is considering sounds ducky. Did you help him pick the place and how much down payment did he have to pay. Is this place in Logan or Hyde Park?
I fully imagine Earl’s case of home sickness. It’s about his first time in many a year. I’ve outgrown sick tendencies. Maybe he loves his kids more than average.
It was really nice of you to remember me on my birthday. The card was cute. Did the cake taste good? What card games did you play? Rummy or Bridge? How many sisters do you have and are they as cute as you?
For ordination and pre destination are subjects of vast controversial fields of thought. We should really not concern ourselves with the subject of predestination when there is no one living who is predestined. I think many are fore ordained especially all the prophets and apostles. More than that I imagine is pure speculation.
Parade time is nigh so I’ll close this bit of verbal barrage and give you a chance to finish what you were doing when the mail carrier delivered this.
Lots of Love
Edwin.

8:00 pm
qm section
Camp Howze, Texas
19 Mar 1945


Dearest Sandi:
Your sweetest of sweet came today and I’ll hasten to reply herewith.
The news of Earl being out in Zion was a scoop on the Lindbloom Tribe Communication system. Thanks a million for letting me know.
I hope Earl finds what he wants and that he is favorably impressed with your part of Utah. If they get moved, who knows I might be next. At least I’m going to try and visit Zion in June. That is if you are still there.
Did you ever find a picture of yourself yet? Gotta have some inspiration to write with.
The weather is windy and rain. Yesterday we had a cloud burst. We were almost rained out. Our camp looks like a young lake.
Went to Dallas last Sunday, paid my tithing and fast offering. I’m square again on everything for the first two months of this year.
Did you know Baukling are in S.L.C. at the moment and Bro C.W. reigns supreme in the Provo Street area? Boy! What a man.
Have you attended the Gold and Green Ball yet? Ours in Dallas is on the 24th I won’t be able to attend. How about you having a good time for me. You didn’t say, but should I send your Book back that you sent me to read?
Be good again Mardean and write soon and tell Earl hello for me.
Love, Eddie

12 March 1945
Near 9 Bells

Dearest Sandi;
Yup, you can send me a snap of your lovely person anytime now. I’m glad you aren’t too choosey on what I sent you. Cameras just can’t do everything. Your dad must be on my side…remind me to thank him when we meet.
My badge sewing turned out fine. Even got a compliment from those who sew for a living. My dad is a pretty good tailor.
The Oklahoma trip was swell. The wife of this Mick friend stayed home to take care of junior. He’s only 6 months old. So see smarty, women do have homework.
This world can be beautiful even wishing can make it so. Keep wishing Dearie, Spring has come to Texas and this evening is lovely.
Sandi – I’m 5 feet 7 3/10 inches tall. Just about 2 inches taller than you. How’s that for guessing close? Am I right? I don’t think Hannah would like you for saying I looked like her. Nor would Connie. I’m really the black sheep of the flock. Connie is the cutest of the bunch.
Did you know my mother had a major operation and is in the hospital at home? They wrote me about it after the operation. The last reports I heard was that she is recovering O.K.
Hannah wrote me the other day. It was the 10th It was my birthday and a lovely card came from her. She always remembers me. My other sisters usually do but this year they forgot. My older brother always sends a card. I forgot to send one to him on the 25th of February so I composed a 4 verse birthday greeting and sent it to him a few days after his birthday.
I hope you will overlook this paint brush writing. I dropped my pen and ruined the point. Now I’ll have to put up with this until I get enough time to send it to the factory for repairs.
Last Sunday I visited Dallas again. I attended Sunday School and Priesthood meetings. In class we studied the Book of Morman. It was very interesting. I’m simply crazy about the different points of interest in the B of M. Have you read it clear thru yet? I think the B of M is probably the most interesting standard works that we have.
Thanks a million for the swell letter and I’ll be looking forward to receiving a lot more of them. Oodles and oodles of love.
Edwin

United States Army
Quartermaster
GIGS AND GAGS
26th February 1945
“2130 hours past”



Greetings Again Sandie………
With the wind howling and sleet coming down thicker than Utah grasshoppers, I’ve built the fire for the night and want to increase my lead over you by way of pen and thought before retiring.
Haven’t heard from you lately…neither from Hanna nor the other close relations. Could it be that I’ve been deserted? It is bad enough to be here in Texas let alone the desertion angle.
I’ve just finished sewing my service command patches on all my uniforms. I was thinking of you and gave a hasty thought. If I only had a person to do my sewing for me. Wives do come in handy sometimes. Anyway I sewed 6 shoulder patches on and stuck myself only 3 times with the needle. I didn’t have a thimble. I did a good job on the sewing…if I do say it myself.
I went up to Norman, Oklahoma, a couple of weeks again and visited the university with an old missionary companion of mine. I think I told you about that. Anyway we took some snaps which didn’t turn out too good but I’ve sending one just the same. It will be good for scaring mice if you have any. The day was damp and cloudy so we didn’t expect too much.
This is noon two days later so don’t go checking the dates. Inclement weather has bogged everything…even me. And on top of that you haven’t written in two weeks.. Anything wrong?
No electric power and telephone wires up for miles around. Storm took everything. Just like Hawaii everything blacked out. Some fun, want to come up.
Be good---and how about a sweet letter.
Best regards and aloha mi
Edwin

Army Service Forces
8th Service Command
Q.M. Section
Camp
Howze
Texas

8th February 1945
Dear Sandi:--- Your sweetest of all sweet letters arrived this afternoon at about 2:00 P.M. and what fun it was to stop everything and dance over the pages of smooth flowing thoughts which you so picturesquely depicted before my very eyes. It is true I was two ahead of you on the letters but just one of your long ones is worth six of mine. I hope it doesn’t take you as long to write one of your as it does for me to write one of mine. I just simply can cnot do one up in a hurry. It takes me forever and a dya to even think more more than write.

My grandmother lived to be 82 years of age so I guess we both hail from long-living people. How long do you want to live? When I was younger I used to have an ambition for wanting to live 100 yrs. But since then I’ve fully decided that 60 or 70 years is long enough and as for me if I get to live that long it will even surprise me. A person has to be mighty careful even to pass the 50 mark the way people are speeding around the country-side.

Hannah’s description of me is like something that comes out of the book----it just isn’t so but just the same it is flattering isn’t it? And for some reason or other people just love to be flattered (including me). Principally she had the right idea about marrying in the Temple to some-one with a few grains of common sense. Outside of that I suppose I’m just about normal except for not having had much experience with womankind. It has been said that no-one actually gets to know all there is to know even after having been married a life-time. So with that thought in mind my little knowledge is probably excusable. If you are referring to these terrible letters as talent I’m afraid I’ve fooled some-one either Hannah or you or both of you. I think she meant that I loved to get swell letters which you are able to write.

I went up to Oklahoma City over the week-end to visit that friend of mine who used to be my District President. We attended Sunday School and then went to his home in Norman, Okla., for dinner. He didn’t have chicken but had some very tasty roast beef. His wife who is originally from Salt Lake City, cooked a marvelous dinner. I certainly admire a housewife who is able to cook a real dinner. They have a baby almost 6 months old and he is certainly cute. He, that is the baby, takes after his mother. Curly red hair and dark brown eyes. They almost made me feel envious. Do you blame me?

Suppose everyone thought the same way about “Hope Chests” as you do? And suppose I stopped putting my two dollars in the bak every now and then---would I ever get rich—shy certainly not? So you had better get busy and don’t rely on those showers that people have to collect enough towels and the lie for the day thereof.

How on earth did you ever manage to get an electric iron? Do they still manufacture them in Utah. Around here the local population would commit arson and even mayhem for such an article (even a second hand one). Anway you have a good start---why don’t you try to get an electric toaster or a Mix-Master next—or even a wash-machine----who said I wasn’t practical?

I note by the letter that you wrote the insides on the 3rd and it was stamped the 5th at Logan—You are not guilty of what you got me for sometime ago are you? Shame for shame—or is the Post Office at fault? Well Sandi---I too am at the end of my rope for this evening so will bid thee adieu until next time. I’ll be waiting to write when you send me inspiration and in the meantime be real good.
Love,
Eddie

Sunday afternoon
Camp Howze,
Texas
QM Section
1122 Hrs.

Dear Sandi:-
Your letter about “health and Wealth” came and your contributory thoughts were interesting. Like you san our mood depends on conditions. I dread the moment of death because it’s a definite one-way trip and a solo at that. Maybe if a brunette were holding my hand, the ordeal wouldn’t be so bad. Did you ever read in the Bible about how Jacob completed his earthly cycle? It is very interesting.
Your reference to cooking didn’t seem impressive. Don’t you know that the shortest route to the heart of man is thru his stomach? Better get busy and learn the great art of cuisine.
How are you ever going to be a successful house wife if you keep giving away electric irons? One is supposed to accumulate!!! Comprehend??
Why are you altering your formal? Are you losing weight? Most girls are on diets these days are you among them?
The man you mentioned about, as coming to Camp Howze, would be a hard individual to find. Too many people are here and this is a large camp. But if I run across him I’ll give him your best wishes.
Thanks for answering any letter before the others. I deem it an extreme courtesy beyond the normal call of duty. I shall add 6 points in your crown when I meet Saint Peter at the gate. Now isn’t that nice?
Be good sweet and remember me soon,
With all my love
Edwin
P.S. My writing is terrible

1922 hors swt
Camp Howze, Texas

Dearest Sandie:-
It’s raining up a little moisture without______
And the wind is howling like a pack of wolves. With that for a background I attempt an answer to your masterpiece of the 7th as well as thinking you for the Valentine Care and cute book___Looks like I’m on the receiving end of all good things. I think it is about time to reverse the situation. Don’t you think so? Before you get true with me I’ll be so indebted to you that I’ll almost have to marry you to even the books. Wouldn’t that be something? Anyway I want you to know I appreciate your minute consideration in every respect and I do intend to pay back in some way or other every kindness you have extended me.
I should have written two days ago but much business has come our way. Even I’m so busy sometimes that eating gets to be non-essential. Did you ever get that way?
You know what ____two more letters came in today and both from you____but I’m not going to answer them all in one letter____No madam __individually for you. You see I write too little for one letter the way it is so it would be gypping you right if I did that.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could sit right down and have a real heart to heart talk? Don’t you know any one in Texas or Oklahoma you could pay a visit to? I mean in the realm of relatives, about June is the earliest I could apply for a “leave” and to reasonably expect any action. I hope Hannah and Earle are out to Zion by then.
My duty called I’ve been out meeting trains, lots of them and it took me since 6:20 to now which is 24 minutes after midnite___I’m now writing on the Sabbath____is that bad?
I’m plenty tired but since you write most of your letters about this late __I’m not to be out done by any women!! I am going to finish this one if it kills me.
I’ve got lots of stuff in my treasure chest____when the folks move it will take about half a voxcar to handle my stuff along. A person would think I’ve been house keeping__But the truth is that I’ve traveled a lot and junk will collect____
I’m glad Ill do as a substitute. I hope this won’t be necessary. Hannah really wants to move to Utah and Earle is so practical.
Your treatise on marrying in the church sounded very interesting and I hope that both of us won’t be disillusioned in our personal philosophies regarding the ever-present problems of marriage. Such an institution can be so beautiful.
The book, Heart of the Rose, is beautifully written. Did you mean for me to keep it or send it back. I read it thru in 20 minutes after receipt of the book. Much food for thought and very sound logic and reasoning contained within its leaves. I’m very glad you sent it to me. I felt a little spiritual significance in your sending it and my reading it. I’ll take heed and appreciate its admonitions.
I’m fully convinced that you can preach a sermon.___I love every word you write. Be good and write real soon.
Love and best wishes
Edwin

30 Jan 1945
Dearest Sandi: -
Boy! Am I getting service now? Almost a letter every other day ….you’re a record for me, because this is the first time in my life that anyone has ever sent me that many letters in such a short period of time. Shall I award you the Legion of Merit decoration? You certainly deserve it.
Thanks a million hugs and kisses for the recreation present. Shall I call it my next year’s Christmas present or month after next birthday present….I’ll call it both.
This morning was colder than blue blazes and another day like this and I’ll be just another hunk of ice. I’m suffering now for all the good years I spent in the lovely tropics.
Your routine for the next two weeks makes me very envious and if you dare forget me and my cute letters from you I’ll haunt you in your dreams.
I’m the best hands-getter-warmer in the whole state of Texas…Would you care to try me out? I have warm hands but a cold heart. Didn’t Hannah tell you about that?
This coming Sunday I’m attending church at Oklahoma city … It’s a place about 130 miles North of this camp. A former missionary friend of mine is in the Navy there and its been since 1936 that I’ve seen him. He owes me a chicken dinner for getting married first. I’ll tell you more about that later.
I did put a couple of dollars in the bank the other day and so now I’m a plutocrat…my bank book is my equivalent to your hope chest….I wonder which one of us gets to the top first.
Heaps and Heaps of Love,
Edwin

Envelope from “The Roosevelt” Pride of the South, New Orleans 9, Louisiana, USA
123 Baronne Street (Postage stamps with 3 purple and white 3 cent stamps with American Eagle with WIN THE WAR written on banner across breast of bird)

Camp Howse
QM Section
Texas
2 February 1945

Dearest Sandi:
Your sweet letter of January 14th was written in the and from the standpoint of mood – so you said ---- well tonight I’m in about the same level of spirit. Had a tough day and last evening I was q.m. duty officer which meant being restricted some what. Now I’ve just finished bathing. I love a real hot shower followed by all the cold water in the pipes. I’m rather fatigued but would like to have you owe me a letter than me owing you. Cause you will write me – even in the middle of the night.
Your “hope chest” should be rather filled by now from all the stuff and things you’ve been getting. Don’t tell anyone but I have a treasure chest myself a collection of useful articles from all over creation. I’ve always wanted a den and when I get one someday I have the stuff with which to decorate it. Are you interested in interior decorating?
Well anyway Sandi….if Hannah doesn’t move it won’t be any fault…..And if she doesn’t I will move myself as next best substitute. Or won’t I do? And when I go east to visit you may use the rumble seat in the new car I’m going to have purchased by then. How does this sound? Pipe dreams?
Mardean ---would you ever marry outside of the church if the opportunity presented itself? Just like you say… lots of girls are doing it.
I guess that’s why my brothers and I are still unmarried. We don’t have the opportunity to meet and go with L>D>S> girls. All my sisters with the exception of 2 actually converted their husbands; the other two didn’t do such a good job. You can plainly see our trouble can’t you?
Clarissa was a disappointment to me too but then I can’t say anything since my sisters are and were in the same shoes, I hope she is happy.
I have not heard nor read the book you mention “the Rose”. If you send it, will you let me pay for it? I love reading and good books too.
If you find time I would love to hear from you. Even a card would help.
Hannah owes me a communiqué and is behind in writing. I usually excuse her since she has her troubles with all her kids. You do love kids don’t you?
Be good and don’t forget me.
Lots of Love
Edwin

P.S. Here it is…the next day and what a jumbled up mess I’ve written. Hope you don’t mind?

18 January 1945
2000

Dearest Mardean:---
I suddenly realized that if I am to expect any mail I had better get some of my own on the way… So here is for a try before calling this day a finished job…..
I woke up about 3:00 a.m. for just a moment and the rain with lots of cold wind was having a great time outside…Little did I realize then that before the day would be over that Little Lindbloom would be wading thru it almost ankle deep and you can well imagine the oozy mud of Texas and the consequences one takes who is brace enough to venture forth into it or thru it…This is probably the bleakest and most dreary day of my lifetime and I hope that tomorrow brings a ray of light—be it from the sun or just a spiritual ray of hope and enjoyment.
I am planning on going to Dallas again next Saturday night and spent Sunday in attending Church there. It is a long distance haul but then I need lots of spiritual enlightenment right now. I used to never get lonesome but of late I’ve had more than my share. I hope I get to like this camp but for some reason or other I’m just like a stranger in the night with no hope in sight for improving the situation. Did you ever feel that way?
I think I answered all your questions in my last le5tter. Do you have any more by chance? I think I would love to hear a sermon written by you—Do you suppose that could be arranged? Since you attend so many church functions you should be shock full of gospel and relative subjects. I want you to keep me abreast with the latest new bits from Salt Lake City and any changes in General Authorities. I sent my Year end tithing settlement into Salt Lake the other day. All I have lift is my income tax for 1942, 43, and 1944. This will amount to about $80.00. After this is paid I’ll be ready to put two more dollars in the bank for safe keeping.
Have you heard from Hannah lately? And do they say anything more about moving to Cache Valley? I hope they do for I want to move out West too and learn more about how our good Mormons live. All this includes you so you are listed among the good—Hannah says you are among the Angels and I always believe her….
Be good and write real soon---This makes number two that I am ahead of you in writing….
Love and best wishes, Edwin

Sunday morn 9:00 a.m
In Dallas since midnite
27 Jan 1945

Dearest Sandi:
Who can that be? I mean the gremlin who has been carrying my mail around for weeks and weeks before using Uncle Sam’s organization-------
Anyway if I’m a boy you’re a child so from this point I’ll thank you heaps for another of your interesting creations of thought and mind.
Did you give me to understand that little me was included in your New Year’s resolutions? How nice and considerate!! What was the gist of the resolution….Once every week? Every day? Or just answer my puny ones?
Did I tell you that I’m in Dallas again for Sunday School – had a terrible time getting here –arrived at almost midnight. What a trip just o get a two-hour session in church.
Your treatise on Hannah’s ability to compose letters was interesting – Yours are just as interesting and composed with as much intelligence thrown in as any that I’ve had the pleasure to read.
Your actions are displayed in your handwriting as well as your presented thoughts, bet it would be lovely to have your proof someday anyway.
I was surprised at your dad knowing or remembering what goes on in Galesburg especially about things that happened after his departure. It is nice to know that we are being thought of constantly. However it probably is his business what concerns the welfare of his lovely daughter. So I’ll tell you the story and you can present it to him in your own version with whatever gloss you are able to give it.
Dawn---that’s her name – came down from Chicago as a weekend guest. She and I attended college together in Missouri. We were rather close friends and I think she loved me just a little bit. During our acquaintanceship I introduced her to “Mormonism” and our custom of marriage - Temple and etc. All this didn’t take so while she was at our home I told her why we could only be friends unless she considered joining the church some day. Anyway about a month later, while I was in Hawaii, she wrote and said the church was out as far as she was concerned. Months later she married a boy from Chicago. A medical discharger. I guess I didn’t really love her since I ate and slept and carried on as normal as could be.
Your idea on “nurse’s aid” sounds O.K. and the plan has a practical viewpoint to it. Nursing in some form or other is something all would should be acquainted with. I wouldn’t recommend any of the services other than “nursing”.
We’ll meet someday this year if everything goes by plan. About June I expect to get leave of absence and I want to spend some days in Zion. Hannah and Earle might be out there by then. I believe in the idea that if a person’s desire is strong enough any wish can be realized…Don’t you think so?
I’m looking around for a snap of me in my latest. Hannah should have some. I’ll write her and see if she’ll oblige. Did you say you had some of yourself handy?
I’m reading the “Gospel Kingdom” by Taylor in the evenings. Have you read it yet? Thanks again for your sweet letter and I’ll be waiting for more to come.
Lots of Love
Edwin.