January 1, 2021
I realized that I have letters and documents from almost every date of the year, although from many different years. My plan in 2021 is to post something from or inspired by my family papers every day in 2021.
My grandmother was a lifelong letter writer. At a time before the internet and cell phones, she managed to keep up with relatives and friends around the world. In stories she wrote about Viennese café society, it sounds like she spent every moment of spare time at the Café Central meeting friends, people watching, reading her favorite newspapers and magazines, and writing, writing, writing.
In addition to letters written from my grandmother to her children and nephew, I also have a handful of letters written to her. That is where we find ourselves today. On January 1, 1949 a relative wrote to her from Europe thanking her for the Christmas gifts she’d sent. From this and other letters people wrote to her, it is clear that she spent what little money she had buying things for people left behind. Life in Europe in the late 1940s and 1950s was one of deprivation. Helene wanted to share the bounty of America with those left behind. It’s not that she had a lot of bounty to share - she worked as a housekeeper and companion to pay the bills. The writer said: “I’m certain you spoil us much too much and I definitely wish you would stop doing so, or I’ll get cross.”
Helene in San Francisco walking downtown. In the background is the Golden Pheasant Restaurant at Powell and Geary. Date unknown.