Morganville, Kansas

September 17, 1948

Dear Mr. Todd,

I have been running late for about six weeks now. But here is the money, and a little plus, from Mr. Christensen that did not get to the post office with me the other day. We shall be innocently grateful to the Huyler company forever if they match the kindness of Homer�s gift. I am enclosing a card. It lists the first five grades of our school children.

The clothes committee packed a huge box today. We wanted to do a little sorting, but we did not dare. People brought more and better things on the whole than they ever have. For some of our church boxes, it has taken weeks of cajoling and pleading. With the boy scouts finally going from door to door. This time, people brought the same kind of clothes that we wear ourselves. They have been stopping by the city hall with unbelievable personal interest. I rather hope French Aid sends the whole thing. It seems to me that our old and, worn clothes may explain us better than anything we can say or do.

The milk committee was stunned to find how costly a proper diet may be. They will do their best.

When I looked at all the long narrow shoes in the box today, I shivered. They ought to go only to our enemies to scare them into caution. Cats could sleep in them.

I intend to write to Mr. Sonkin soon to comment on the broadcasts. Everyone was quite pleased, I thought. And getting our Republican governor to talk balanced any other influences which may have been noticed. Our Republican congressman was here chumming with us last night, with a new respect in his eye. He has been helped-along with Feves and Morganville.

This is the last gossip. The corresponding secretary, Mrs. Helen Young Hanson, (granddaughter of a Ruegg girl, Greek dancer, band membar, farmer's wife, and awfully nice person) is going to bring order out of chaos.

I intend to keep a mother-in law�s eye on everything, however, until communications are established. And I hope you do too. I do not want to dread next year�s questions.

This afternoon, I mailed a piece to the New York Times. I started it before the pageant and do not feel that it will conflict with any other magazine article any of us might write. In going over things tonight, clearing my desk, I found the article about Dunkirk (which I am now returning with appreciation) and realised that I had unconsciously repeated the same ideas. So I doubt if they will want it.

When I first read of this wonderful project, I did not connect you - which seems very stupid of me - with your own inspired conception. But I am rather simple and when a man says he is Chas. L, I do not presume that he is also Lafe. Anyhow, the possibilities touch my hope and imagination as little else ever has. An unusually unendowed man stopped in today to take one last look at his old suit before it started on this fascinating journey. He can hardly read. He will die right here. But he was elated with adventure. He wondered who would be the lucky Frenchman ...

And just in case your own imagination has begun to work, let me warn you that he will ask Ivan to look for it next summer. Our midshipman who sang the �Marseillaise� in our program says he is going to Feves next summer, if possible.

All of the clothes we have sent before, the money, the milk, the wheat, quilts, prayers and best wishes went into limbo, out into the dark (or maybe I should say light) where God is. But this time they are going to people.

But here am I telling you!

Am I forgetting anything?

Sincerely,

[Velma]