Sunday, July 18, 1954. At home.
Dearest Jeannette,
Just finished reading the Sunday papers, so right in the mood to have a chat with you. It is scorching hot outside, and with all the doors and windows opened in the house, we are very comfortable indeed. Believe it or not, I have been going into the pool everyday, and really enjoying it. It is so relaxing after a swim, and you do feel cool and grand afterwards. Bet you wished many times that you were home in the pool! Have not heard from you for several days and we wonder what is keeping you so busy??? The usual round of parties and invitations, I am sure, and I know you are more than well taken care of. What about some dates with my folks, as I do not want you to hurt them by not going to visit them, especially the older people!
Since Selma Wong is in town, there had been a round of parties in her honor. So far, the following had given luncheons: Olivia Chew, Lucy Ho, Bessie Loo, Grace Chow, myself, and each ended with bridge and canasta. And I won four prizes in bridge already and it is getting to be rather funny that I walked away with the prize each time. Yesterday noon, Selma gave a luncheon at the French Room of the Ambassador and rented a room for cards afterwards, so we had another round and I won again. Last night the McCullochs gave a dinner for their 34th anniversary at Man Jen’s, and the Harrells and Naumanns and our whole family were included, and we ended with our slides of Alaska at the McCullochs’. The kids went to a movie. Tuesday I am giving a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, so will have the usual group again. So you see, we have had some busy engagements also. By the way, Al helped me with my party and we had an elegant lunch and everyone thought my party was the best, because it was so carefully planned.
We have had some very exciting times discussing Alberta's affairs and she had been in tears many times. Somehow, Dad and I do not want to go ahead with too many plans when we have not yet met Benny, which Al just cannot understand. We know time is running fast and we must have some rough idea how to plan, but it is mighty hard to plan so definitely, when we have no idea what he even looks like! Right now plans are standing still, till we met him and discuss things openly. However, we are to proceed with our anniversary plans and get our guest lists worked out. Shall go with Al in the morning to order invitations and order what is needed.
Dad and I both feel that since the invitations are issued under you children's names, it is imperative that you should be present at this occasion. Besides, Dad feels that he does not want the party if you kids can not sacrifice your own pleasure and time to make it a happy occasion for us. So from his remarks, I think he wants you to be present for the party, in order to make it a complete family gathering. Since it is going to be Al's announcement also, you really should be here. Also we shall have to have our family Xmas card taken then too, as Al will leave shortly afterwards, so all in all, you can see that you are needed here. Yes, I grant that you are to miss all the fun coming home on the Lurline, but I know you will have other opportunities to go again, while this occasion is a once-in-a-lifetime affair. So I guess there is really no choice about this matter. I think you better drop the thought and go through with your original plans and fly home the night before. We are missing you a great deal already, as it is so seldom that we can have the whole family together. Remember, when Al is married, there would be very little chance to have these family gatherings then. Think it over and use your own judgement and let us know what you are to decide.
The pups are simply darling. We waste much time playing with them and they are so responsive too. We gave the pure white one [Ming Ming] to the Hos and they are thrilled with her. The kids just smothered her with love and even Uncle Guy is so excited. Al is to take the brown one back to N.Y., and I know she will have fun with her. The weather has been terrificly hot here, and we shall live in the pool, if this keeps up. What are the latest excitements with you? Any love affairs so far? Met anyone exciting???? We can have a double wedding, you know, if it is that serious! How about it?? Love!
Mom
Just finished reading the Sunday papers, so right in the mood to have a chat with you. It is scorching hot outside, and with all the doors and windows opened in the house, we are very comfortable indeed. Believe it or not, I have been going into the pool everyday, and really enjoying it. It is so relaxing after a swim, and you do feel cool and grand afterwards. Bet you wished many times that you were home in the pool! Have not heard from you for several days and we wonder what is keeping you so busy??? The usual round of parties and invitations, I am sure, and I know you are more than well taken care of. What about some dates with my folks, as I do not want you to hurt them by not going to visit them, especially the older people!
Since Selma Wong is in town, there had been a round of parties in her honor. So far, the following had given luncheons: Olivia Chew, Lucy Ho, Bessie Loo, Grace Chow, myself, and each ended with bridge and canasta. And I won four prizes in bridge already and it is getting to be rather funny that I walked away with the prize each time. Yesterday noon, Selma gave a luncheon at the French Room of the Ambassador and rented a room for cards afterwards, so we had another round and I won again. Last night the McCullochs gave a dinner for their 34th anniversary at Man Jen’s, and the Harrells and Naumanns and our whole family were included, and we ended with our slides of Alaska at the McCullochs’. The kids went to a movie. Tuesday I am giving a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, so will have the usual group again. So you see, we have had some busy engagements also. By the way, Al helped me with my party and we had an elegant lunch and everyone thought my party was the best, because it was so carefully planned.
We have had some very exciting times discussing Alberta's affairs and she had been in tears many times. Somehow, Dad and I do not want to go ahead with too many plans when we have not yet met Benny, which Al just cannot understand. We know time is running fast and we must have some rough idea how to plan, but it is mighty hard to plan so definitely, when we have no idea what he even looks like! Right now plans are standing still, till we met him and discuss things openly. However, we are to proceed with our anniversary plans and get our guest lists worked out. Shall go with Al in the morning to order invitations and order what is needed.
Dad and I both feel that since the invitations are issued under you children's names, it is imperative that you should be present at this occasion. Besides, Dad feels that he does not want the party if you kids can not sacrifice your own pleasure and time to make it a happy occasion for us. So from his remarks, I think he wants you to be present for the party, in order to make it a complete family gathering. Since it is going to be Al's announcement also, you really should be here. Also we shall have to have our family Xmas card taken then too, as Al will leave shortly afterwards, so all in all, you can see that you are needed here. Yes, I grant that you are to miss all the fun coming home on the Lurline, but I know you will have other opportunities to go again, while this occasion is a once-in-a-lifetime affair. So I guess there is really no choice about this matter. I think you better drop the thought and go through with your original plans and fly home the night before. We are missing you a great deal already, as it is so seldom that we can have the whole family together. Remember, when Al is married, there would be very little chance to have these family gatherings then. Think it over and use your own judgement and let us know what you are to decide.
The pups are simply darling. We waste much time playing with them and they are so responsive too. We gave the pure white one [Ming Ming] to the Hos and they are thrilled with her. The kids just smothered her with love and even Uncle Guy is so excited. Al is to take the brown one back to N.Y., and I know she will have fun with her. The weather has been terrificly hot here, and we shall live in the pool, if this keeps up. What are the latest excitements with you? Any love affairs so far? Met anyone exciting???? We can have a double wedding, you know, if it is that serious! How about it?? Love!
Mom
Sunday night --
Dearest Gigi,
The Fungs came to swim and stayed for dinner, after we all had a good swim. The boys were so thrilled to be in the pool and I too am really learning how to swim. It had been a lot of fun for us all. Dad is in bad mood lately and he gets very mad at all of us. Guess he is not reconciled to the fact that Al wants to marry the guy when we have not yet met him. He blows up and swears at me, whenever I bring up the subject. Hope this will all calm down when he meets Benny and likes him. Al is trembling with fear now, after seeing how temperamental Dad has been lately. Keep this to yourself indeed, but we just want you to know also.
Have you seen the Watumulls much? [...] find out what the Watumulls plan to do about coming. I do not really have room for them then I certainly love to have the Watumulls here with us, but do not know how to figure it out, especially with this slow maid and all the confusions. Hint to them that I shall be having lots of out-of-town guests then, so they can make plans to stay somewhere else for those few days and come to stay with us later.
Tell me, have you seen Linda or taken her any where yet? Would be nice to ask her to go to the beach or do something with her once. Her mother asked me several times about you and said Linda had not see you since, etc. [...]
The Harrells went to your classmate Sally's wedding Saturday and said she looked beautiful. Also many of your classmates were there also. Enclosed is a clipping on society news front page about Peggy. She is certainly in the news all the time. How about your gifts for people? Did you have enough to go around? We are just dying to hear what goes on with you and also hope you are not worn out with parties and not have time to study.
S.C. notified me that Lil did not graduate and they do not want her to return to finish. She has to go to a junior college to finish, if she can be accepted! Dad and I are simply heartbroken and wonder how on earth she is to go through life with this disgrace for herself. She is back in summer school as a last chance, but I doubt she can make up for her deficiency in such a short time. Where on earth can she go now with such a bad record. So please, please work hard and maintain a good record, as your college life is just beginning and you cannot afford to form bad habits and let the social life be your main interest. Let Lil be your lesson and you can see that the mistake is bringing her a most heartbreaking beginning for life. We are so disgusted that we feel like having nothing to do with her.
Please do not keep this letter as I do not want this to go beyond the family. If people ask you, just say she is through but do not use the word “graduate”. Never known anyone who could mess up her life so badly as she! Please let this be a big lesson to you. It's getting very late, but I have to tell you this, so you can put more attention to school and share with us our sorrow over the matter. You better plan to be home as planned, as Dad is in very bad mood over all these problems and he feels you should sacrifice, if you kids want to really do us the honor sincerely.
Write us, as we are all home and you need only write one letter for all now. Be good and remember we count on you to represent the family. Give my love to everyone you meet who knows me. No time to write so many. Shall go to look for wedding gown and churches, etc., tomorrow, so if Dad approves the wedding will be in Oct. Keep this to yourself also. How is your bank book holding out???
Oodles of love,
Mom
The Fungs came to swim and stayed for dinner, after we all had a good swim. The boys were so thrilled to be in the pool and I too am really learning how to swim. It had been a lot of fun for us all. Dad is in bad mood lately and he gets very mad at all of us. Guess he is not reconciled to the fact that Al wants to marry the guy when we have not yet met him. He blows up and swears at me, whenever I bring up the subject. Hope this will all calm down when he meets Benny and likes him. Al is trembling with fear now, after seeing how temperamental Dad has been lately. Keep this to yourself indeed, but we just want you to know also.
Have you seen the Watumulls much? [...] find out what the Watumulls plan to do about coming. I do not really have room for them then I certainly love to have the Watumulls here with us, but do not know how to figure it out, especially with this slow maid and all the confusions. Hint to them that I shall be having lots of out-of-town guests then, so they can make plans to stay somewhere else for those few days and come to stay with us later.
Tell me, have you seen Linda or taken her any where yet? Would be nice to ask her to go to the beach or do something with her once. Her mother asked me several times about you and said Linda had not see you since, etc. [...]
The Harrells went to your classmate Sally's wedding Saturday and said she looked beautiful. Also many of your classmates were there also. Enclosed is a clipping on society news front page about Peggy. She is certainly in the news all the time. How about your gifts for people? Did you have enough to go around? We are just dying to hear what goes on with you and also hope you are not worn out with parties and not have time to study.
S.C. notified me that Lil did not graduate and they do not want her to return to finish. She has to go to a junior college to finish, if she can be accepted! Dad and I are simply heartbroken and wonder how on earth she is to go through life with this disgrace for herself. She is back in summer school as a last chance, but I doubt she can make up for her deficiency in such a short time. Where on earth can she go now with such a bad record. So please, please work hard and maintain a good record, as your college life is just beginning and you cannot afford to form bad habits and let the social life be your main interest. Let Lil be your lesson and you can see that the mistake is bringing her a most heartbreaking beginning for life. We are so disgusted that we feel like having nothing to do with her.
Please do not keep this letter as I do not want this to go beyond the family. If people ask you, just say she is through but do not use the word “graduate”. Never known anyone who could mess up her life so badly as she! Please let this be a big lesson to you. It's getting very late, but I have to tell you this, so you can put more attention to school and share with us our sorrow over the matter. You better plan to be home as planned, as Dad is in very bad mood over all these problems and he feels you should sacrifice, if you kids want to really do us the honor sincerely.
Write us, as we are all home and you need only write one letter for all now. Be good and remember we count on you to represent the family. Give my love to everyone you meet who knows me. No time to write so many. Shall go to look for wedding gown and churches, etc., tomorrow, so if Dad approves the wedding will be in Oct. Keep this to yourself also. How is your bank book holding out???
Oodles of love,
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