Saturday, July 10, 1954. At home.
Dearest Maida, Allan and Jeannette,
You folks had been on my mind ever since our return. But with the usual routine of summer house guests, we have been kept most busy every day and night. We had guests the very day we got back [...] So far, we had a distant cousin of Albert here from Formosa for three days, then guests from Hawaii, and now a man from Bangkok who runs 12 theaters and a bank, and also has business connections with us. He visited all the major studios in town and they rolled out the “red carpet” for him. Since Alberta had never been to any of them herself, we went along and were shown everything, even the “inner circle” of the movie business. It had been a very pleasant and nice experience and we enjoyed them very much also. Last night we took him to dinner, then “the King and I”, and he enjoyed it immensely.
Alberta came home as scheduled and looked like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine, from the way she looked. Of course, being in love, she has that “gleam and glow” which clearly indicated that she is very happy. We talked till the wee hours of the night, so I could “get all the dope” on Benny. Poor guy, he surely was hashed from all angles. Al rather resented some of the questions, but as a mother, I could not help but grill her on many questions, which we could not discuss by letters. Daddy still resents the idea that Al wants to marry him, when we have yet never met him. But I feel that Al has got her heart set on him, and it is just a matter of time and a chance to meet him, before the final decision would be made. From all accounts, I feel much satisfied with his qualifications and hope we could feel more so, when we get to meet and know him. We already talked about wedding plans, etc., but will get down to real business, after we are more sure about the whole matter.
Maida, my much belated welcome to you in U.S. Intended to write you as soon as you got east, but the usual excuse for not getting the letter out on time. [...] How nice that you met Benny, as Al wanted your opinion and knew you would write me your impression. Hope you told me the real truth about the matter and approve of her choice.
Thanks a billion for the gorgeous black lace dress. Al will help me put beads and sequins on, so will dress it up for a real formal occasion. I rather like the short dressy things, as we have so many occasions to wear them. Thanks for making the grey one also, it is perfectly beautiful and unusual, especially the way it was beaded. Very new and unique and out of ordinary and I shall treasure it indeed. Imagine the time and work you spent doing all these things for us. Just like you!!! Hope you settled the bills with Chien [T. C. Chien, who ran the Quon company office, Nan Kang, in Hong Kong]. If not I shall square things up with you. I certainly plan to wear that for the “big event” if not for the wedding.
We are much hurt and disappointed if you are not to arrive on time for the anniversary, as we definitely will announce Al's engagement then. It will be the most important occasion in our lives, so far, and we do need you to help us celebrate. Also, we want all our close friends to meet you, which will add importance to the occasion. I talked to Beulah [Quo, another Ginling classmate] and agreed that we rather see you have your check up here, so in case you need to go to any hospital, you would be here, where we can go to see you and cook you some food - not that I can cook - but at least we will do what we can for you. Please give it serious consideration. Allan can join Ron in the office and work part-time and we can give them Chinese lessons too. We want you to stay as long as you can, and know we shall have a wonderful time together. So do!
Have not written to my parents for weeks, but shall send them a copy of this letter. Sorry about [my brother] Ernest [Ho in Macau or China?], as I know what a burden he would be to them if he gets out of the hospital. Hope, I do hope, he will stay, and make it easier for everyone. Thought Ivy [Lily's sister] had moved to H.K. but guess Harry's plan had not worked out too well. Life is too complicated for everyone, and we just have to move along the best way we know.
Mom
You folks had been on my mind ever since our return. But with the usual routine of summer house guests, we have been kept most busy every day and night. We had guests the very day we got back [...] So far, we had a distant cousin of Albert here from Formosa for three days, then guests from Hawaii, and now a man from Bangkok who runs 12 theaters and a bank, and also has business connections with us. He visited all the major studios in town and they rolled out the “red carpet” for him. Since Alberta had never been to any of them herself, we went along and were shown everything, even the “inner circle” of the movie business. It had been a very pleasant and nice experience and we enjoyed them very much also. Last night we took him to dinner, then “the King and I”, and he enjoyed it immensely.
Alberta came home as scheduled and looked like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine, from the way she looked. Of course, being in love, she has that “gleam and glow” which clearly indicated that she is very happy. We talked till the wee hours of the night, so I could “get all the dope” on Benny. Poor guy, he surely was hashed from all angles. Al rather resented some of the questions, but as a mother, I could not help but grill her on many questions, which we could not discuss by letters. Daddy still resents the idea that Al wants to marry him, when we have yet never met him. But I feel that Al has got her heart set on him, and it is just a matter of time and a chance to meet him, before the final decision would be made. From all accounts, I feel much satisfied with his qualifications and hope we could feel more so, when we get to meet and know him. We already talked about wedding plans, etc., but will get down to real business, after we are more sure about the whole matter.
Maida, my much belated welcome to you in U.S. Intended to write you as soon as you got east, but the usual excuse for not getting the letter out on time. [...] How nice that you met Benny, as Al wanted your opinion and knew you would write me your impression. Hope you told me the real truth about the matter and approve of her choice.
Thanks a billion for the gorgeous black lace dress. Al will help me put beads and sequins on, so will dress it up for a real formal occasion. I rather like the short dressy things, as we have so many occasions to wear them. Thanks for making the grey one also, it is perfectly beautiful and unusual, especially the way it was beaded. Very new and unique and out of ordinary and I shall treasure it indeed. Imagine the time and work you spent doing all these things for us. Just like you!!! Hope you settled the bills with Chien [T. C. Chien, who ran the Quon company office, Nan Kang, in Hong Kong]. If not I shall square things up with you. I certainly plan to wear that for the “big event” if not for the wedding.
We are much hurt and disappointed if you are not to arrive on time for the anniversary, as we definitely will announce Al's engagement then. It will be the most important occasion in our lives, so far, and we do need you to help us celebrate. Also, we want all our close friends to meet you, which will add importance to the occasion. I talked to Beulah [Quo, another Ginling classmate] and agreed that we rather see you have your check up here, so in case you need to go to any hospital, you would be here, where we can go to see you and cook you some food - not that I can cook - but at least we will do what we can for you. Please give it serious consideration. Allan can join Ron in the office and work part-time and we can give them Chinese lessons too. We want you to stay as long as you can, and know we shall have a wonderful time together. So do!
Have not written to my parents for weeks, but shall send them a copy of this letter. Sorry about [my brother] Ernest [Ho in Macau or China?], as I know what a burden he would be to them if he gets out of the hospital. Hope, I do hope, he will stay, and make it easier for everyone. Thought Ivy [Lily's sister] had moved to H.K. but guess Harry's plan had not worked out too well. Life is too complicated for everyone, and we just have to move along the best way we know.
Mom
Summer of ‘54: The Scene | 1: Al: Have I been busy | 2: Jigi: Orchid leis | 3: Lil: Go crazy, kid 4: Wally: Don’t change | 5: Ron: Damn nice of you | 6: Mom: A grand success | 7: Mom: My fashion plate | 8: Lil: Who’d’ve understood? | 9: Jigi: The sexy bastard | 10: Mom: That gleam and glow | 11: Mom: So proud of you | 12: Al: Fast Casanova | 13: Lil: Free coaching | 14: Mom: Simply heartbroken | 15: Al: Most scandalous | 16: Lil: Men!! | 17: Jigi: Gush it up | 18: Mom: Keep it to yourselves | 19: Lil: Bitter today | 20: Lil: Your future brother-in-law | 21: To the convent | The Anniversary Party