Postcards from Lakeside
August 1957
From Mother to Philip
Does Tip-dog miss us? Take good care of your cats, too.
The weather has been cool, man, cool.
Save all the papers for us to read, especially about the Brackneys. Bill called Ashland last night, but none of them are allowed company yet, so will not drive over today.
The backstory: while we were on our way driving up to Lakeside, the Brackney family were in a terrible car accident. We learned of the accident soon after we arrived at the rental cottage. The Brackney’s youngest child, Dottie, had been killed instantly in the crash. Dottie had frequently been my playmate, as Mother and Dorothy Brackney were good friends. Dad and Mother had intended to drive the hour and a half from Lakeside to visit the Brackney family in the hospital in Ashland, but as her note says, the Brackneys could not have visitors.
From Mother to Philip
Does Tip-dog miss us? Take good care of your cats, too.
The weather has been cool, man, cool.
Save all the papers for us to read, especially about the Brackneys. Bill called Ashland last night, but none of them are allowed company yet, so will not drive over today.
The backstory: while we were on our way driving up to Lakeside, the Brackney family were in a terrible car accident. We learned of the accident soon after we arrived at the rental cottage. The Brackney’s youngest child, Dottie, had been killed instantly in the crash. Dottie had frequently been my playmate, as Mother and Dorothy Brackney were good friends. Dad and Mother had intended to drive the hour and a half from Lakeside to visit the Brackney family in the hospital in Ashland, but as her note says, the Brackneys could not have visitors.
August 1958
From Mother to her mother, Emma
Dear Mother,
Got here around 2 PM. Fine cottage.
The pill worked fine except it made me sleepy till noon.
Dropped David’s Sucaryl and M’s peanut butter while unpacking--whamo!
Bill has a fire going in the fireplace.
Love, Bertha
The backstory: Mother consistently got car sick on long drives. She is referring to a pill she took for motion sickness. The “fine cottage” was newer construction. This was the cottage on Walnut. I don’t think the summer rental cottages had heat. We took the Army/Navy Surplus blankets with us to Lakeside.
From Mother to Philip
Dear Philip,
David and Johnny are taking a nap—sleeping through supper if they only knew it!
Called on E & M Ellis at the hotel.
Awfully nice cottage—fireplace, etc.
Chilly & damp but we hope for better weather.
Love, Mother
From Mother, to her mother, Emma
Dear Mother,
Beautiful day. Everyone shedding their woolen underwear.
Am I glad Bill said to wrap up the electric blanket! Johnny said last night “No wonder you weren’t talking about the cold nites.”
Hope you are all OK.
Love, Bertha
From Mother to Philip
Dear Philly,
Johnny & Daddy rented a boat yesterday & today. Got 29 perch yesterday—fish fry tonight.
David and Margaret gone to East Harbor. He found a skating rink last nite but it was closed.
Wish you were here.
Love, “Usn’s”
The backstory: the outcome of the big fishing adventure is documented in the picture below of John and Aunt Marie (Eveland) proudly holding the string of 29 fish. They are standing out in the side yard of the “fine cottage” on Walnut.