A Letter from "Scotty"

While the Westra's have had these classic photos of baby Scotty typing away ... until now, it was unknown what exactly he was writing up. That mystery has been solved as this letter was uncovered!

 

I *think* Daddy may have helped with the writing of this letter ... although in future years, we'd see some fun writing from Scott (check out Covid-Free world, Covid Limmericks, 2020 Father'sDay Invitation and Dad's Moles and his new verses to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"). While many things are recorded in journals and baby books (see "When Scott was Small" for tidbits from his baby book), a little letter like this includes some of the day-to-day things that could easily be forgotten. It's a fun peek at the past! 

Here's a transcription if the typed copy is too hard to read ...

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

This is your little grandson Scottie writing you a letter. I just learned how to type last week so you’ll have to pardon any of my mistakes. My daddy just took a picture of me typing this letter and he said to tell you he’ll be sending it as soon as he finishes the roll.

This has been quite a hectic week for me. My first tooth is still coming in and is bothering me quite a bit. I’m quite restless at night and this cuts into my sleepy time; my folks have been missing a little sleep too. I really enjoy our new air conditioner; it keeps me cool man, cool.

My daddy has a holiday today so he’s been home working in the garden. I’ve been out supervising and helping once in a while. I took my shirt off and have been getting a nice sun tan. Lots of my little friends came to see me while I was outside, and some of us went for a little walk together.

Tonight Vaunn and Laurie next door and I are going to have a barbeque. We’re letting our folks come too, of course.

I like my walker better now; and, boy, can I ever scoot around fast!

We got a jug of root beer yesterday, and it sure is yummy. I didn’t know what I was missing all this time!

We went water skiing today, but my mommy and I were too chicken to try it. My daddy went up twice and got dunked once. My daddy and I both got sunburns. We went with Jeff and Craig Downs, and they brought their folks to help put in the boat.

I got up at 4:00 this morning and made my daddy get up and play with me. He and I typed up some genealogy information for Uncle John and we are enclosing it with this letter. Since I got up so early this morning I’m pretty tired so I’ll hit the crib early tonight. Be sure and return my letter and tell me all the news from Salt Lake.

Love you all,

Scottie

Check out more of what was going on the year this was written

... pictures and recaps in the 1964 Summary.

1963 - Move to Richland and Welcome Baby Scottie

1963 is called "the year that changed the world" by some. There was the historic March on Washington, Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech, and the early involvement of the U.S. in the Vietnam War. Beatlemania had started up. Then, on Nov. 22, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. On a more "Westra" note ... 1963 was the year the young Westra couple left Utah for Washington, and added their first baby to the family! LaMar turned 26 on May 28, 1963. Margie turned 21 on Nov. 7, 1963. Scott was born on Monday, Dec. 16, 1963.

In the Spring, Dad/Lamar was interviewing for a new job. 

Here's memories from both Dad and Mom:

From Dad: I started interviewing different companies for a job. There were three main possibilities: IBM in SLC, 14 March. Shell Oil in San Francisco, and Marathon Oil in Denver. In the summer of 1963, I went on two interview trips. One was by myself, flying to Denver, Colorado to interview Marathon Oil, and then Margie and I drove to San Francisco to interview Shell Oil Company. Then we accepted a job offer from General Electric in Richland, Washington, one of the three cities making up the Tri Cities. We moved to Richland, Washington on our first anniversary: 29 June 1963. We moved into a little house in Richland Village, 2031 Rainier. The house was on the corner. It had two bedrooms and a basement and a detached garage. We paid $79 a month for rent. 

 From Mom: Around the time of our first wedding anniversary, we moved to Richland, Washington. LaMar had 3 job offers, one in California, one in Denver, and the one in Richland. He visited Denver to interview, we both made the trip to California to interview----then accepted the Richland job offer from General Electric without even visiting there. I was 3 months pregnant with Scott. It was difficult to find a place to rent. Apartment complexes didn’t want people with children or expecting one. We finally found an old house to rent on Rainier Street. LaMar had to start work, so I had to spend the days in the empty house, waiting for the moving truck to arrive. I had morning sickness and ate barbecue-flavor potato chips while waiting at the house----I haven’t been able to stand them for the next 50 years! We had some nice young couples as neighbors and enjoyed life there. LaMar was a stake missionary and took classes a couple times a week, so I got tired of being alone a lot. I joined a ladies bowling league as I needed to get out of the house. Bowling Tuesdays.

The house (taken a few years later/Chris in the window)

It's always interesting to see how the different write-ups compare *Ü* What details are written down. Here's a little more from Mom and Dad, and more about Scott's birth:

From Dad: 22 Nov 1963 – President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was working in the plant, and everyone was in shock. Scott Edward Westra was born: on Monday, Dec. 16, 1963, 12:50 AM. Scottie was born in Kadlec Memorial Hospital, which had been built years before by the government. Margie and Scottie came home from the hospital, Friday, 20 Dec. Christmas 1963 We bought a Christmas Tree, 11 Dec, $4.

From Mom: Scott was born on Monday, Dec. 16, 1963, just before midnight, at the Kadlec Methodist Hospital. It was an old military hospital, all on one floor, with many wings. 3 women in a room. You had to get out of bed and go to the bottom of the bed and use a crank to raise or lower the bed. They didn't do epidurals in Washington--they were behind the times. The husbands couldn't even be in the labor or delivery rooms! I hated being alone in labor and in pain. I remember when the doctor told me "It won't get any worse than this" at one point. He lied! It was a fast labor and delivery. They had to wake LaMar up in the waiting room to tell him he had a son! I remember the ride home from the hospital, feeling scared that this little helpless baby was up to me to care for. My parents came up for a visit after he was born. After they returned to Salt Lake, I developed a fever and weakness on my left side and was re-hospitalized. They did a spinal tap, etc. to check for meningitis, etc. Our pediatrician arranged for baby Scott to be admitted also, so I could nurse him, and so LaMar didn’t have to care for him. The doctor put the bump on Scott’s ear as the reason for the hospital admittance. I had a couple more episodes of the fever and weakness over the next few months and my doctor had me go to a neurologist in Seattle. I was never really diagnosed—just “an inflammation of the brain.” It hasn't reoccurred but has left me with a slight weakness on my left side.

Mom wrote that "Christmas was just a blur for me in 1963, having a baby and all and going back to the hospital." Years later, Jen would have a similar situation with a December baby (Colton) and rehospitalization a week later (but it was baby Colton being admitted ... no excuse needed to let Mom stay, and Dad/Gray was in charge of taking care of four little boys at home!)

Adding to this post with a few finds from the baby book ...

Mom/Margie had mentioned in her memory that Scott was born just before midnight, but in the baby book, 12:50 am is listed as the time. Weight was recorded as 7 pounds 1½ ounces, but noted that it dropped to 6 pounds 14 ounces while in the hospital, and was 7 pounds 3 ounces at discharge. Length was 19½ inches and head circumference was 13½ inches. Not much hair. The baby book kept a very good history of weight and height over the coming years. There will be more to come in another post showcasing Scott!

Mom/Margie ... Model or Scientist?

Scanning old documents, this newspaper article featuring Marjorie Westra was discovered. After high school, Mom/Margie received a full-tuition scholarship to Henager’s Business College. She was voted by her classmates at graduation as “The Secretary most likely to Succeed.”  She graduated, got married, and started working as a secretary for the doctors (about eight of them) at the Cancer Research Department at the University of Utah. This article would have been published in the last half of 1962 or first half of 1963. Mom remembers ...

Since the doctors were doing research with radioactive things, one of my duties was to go around and collect their film badges each week and give them new ones---to track if the doctors and workers got accidentally exposed to radiation. One of the doctors tested me in this whole-body counter, seen in the background of the photo. It was like going into an MRI testing tube, but without open ends. Locked in. Scary! That's when I realized I was claustrophobic! 

Christmas Letter ~ 1962

This will be backdated to 1962

In a previous post, a couple of Christmas newsletters from Grandma Lucille were showcased, along with some photos (see that post HERE). Another newsletter has surfaced  ... it's been retyped below for easier reading. 1962 was quite the year! Two weddings (one of those being Lamar&Margie), graduations and a horrible car accident.

On a technical note - this original newsletter has the purple print indicative of a mimeograph machine (lots of the school papers from this time frame have this look). Mimeographs were common for printing small quantities of a document, as in office work, classroom materials, and church bulletins, before photocopies and printers took over years later.

Again, Christmas Season rolls around, and the Westras wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. This has been a very eventful year for us.

February

• February 21, 1962: LaMar became engaged to Marjorie Norman, and presented her with a diamond at the Junior Prom. The wedding set for June 29.

May

• May 15: Lucille went to the hospital with bleeding ulcers. Was in the hospital five days and went home with a strict diet (Gelusil and cream).
• May 27: LaMar graduated from the Institute of Religion at the University of Utah.

June

• June 10 and 11: LaMar graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Chemistry) with honors.
• June 18: Marge graduated from Henager's Business College as a secretary.
• June 22: We bought a beautiful 1960 Pontiac Bonneville, red and white, with power windows, power steering, and power brakes.
• June 25: Marge and LaMar went to the Temple for her endowments.
• June 29: The wedding in the Salt Lake Temple, with President LeGrande Richards officiating. A wedding breakfast at Maxfield Lodge, and a lovely reception at the East Millcreek Stake Center.
• June 30: The newlyweds left for a honeymoon in Las Vegas
• June 30: Kent left for Santa Rosa, where he attended National Cash Register School for 5 weeks.

July

• July 1: The Westras left for the World's Fair in Seattle. Shannon Hopkins, Diane's friend was to share our well planned vacation. We got to Twin Falls, when Diane tried to pass a large truck, hit the soft shoulder, threw the car out of control and we rolled over 3 times, completely demolishing the car. We were all hospitalized. Shannon receiving the most serious injury, a broken back. Joe, a broken hand, wrenched shoulder, and abrasions. Lucille, a mashed face, bruises and abrasions. Steve, multiple cuts which required 18 stitches, and Diane wasn't injured, but was hospitalized for shock. Diane's fiancé, Jon Mauss, drove up to bring her and Steve home. My first airplane ride was flying home from Idaho. Shannon had to stay for 12 days, until her cast was put on, and then was allowed to come home. We were all lucky to be alive.
• Sharon flew down to meet Kent after he finished his schooling, and they vacationed in San Francisco and Disneyland.

August

• Bought a new 62 Ford Galaxie, which we like very much.
• Joe, Steve and Lucille vacationed at Campfire Lodge, West Yellowstone, Montana, and had a wonderful time. Caught lots of beautiful trout. Visited Virginia City, Lava Hot Springs, Logan and the Temple.

September

• Back to school for Steve, a Junior at Highland High.
• Plans for an October wedding for Diane and Jon.

October

• October 1: Back to school for LaMar, who is getting his Masters in Chemistry, and also teaching chemistry under a fellowship.
• October 17: Wedding day for Diane and Jon. A wedding luncheon at Harmons, and a reception at Crestwood Villa. President Lee Nelson of Wilford Stake performed the beautiful ceremony.
• October 21: Diane and Jon Mauss left for Phoenix Arizona, where they will make their home, and where Jon turns pro golfer. We have now lost two deductions.
• Shannon threw her brace away, and is well. This is really something to be thankful for.

November

• Thanksgiving at the Westras. The family was together - Westras, Bensons, Lewises, and Amanns - 17 in all. We missed our little girl and her new husband. Joe has had some heart flare-ups which have worried us. We are still on our ulcer diet (sort of). My face is still lumpy, but we have much to be thankful for.

December

• We love to think of our dear friends, far and near, and hope 1962 has been good to all of you. May 1963 bring you all success and much happiness.

THE WESTRAS

Joe - Lucille - Steve

The Wedding ~ Lamar & Marge

 

... the day it all began. June 29, 1962. Lamar and Margie with their parents, in one of the few color photos from the wedding. Below, is a larger group shot, those featuring the bridesmaids and a couple more shown a little later. You can see all the wedding photos in Dropbox (1962 folder) to enlarge or see individual pictures. 

Back in the day, the newspaper would write up weddings for free (as well as births and obituaries). The article includes quite a bit of information (including the addresses of the parents) and the fact that "the bride wore a gown of lace and tulle highlighted with pearl and sequin trim. Her veil cascaded from a pearl-studded headdress."

... the article mentions "prenuptial parties" (bridal showers) and there are a couple of pictures capturing the activities there. Putting bows in the brides hair and "creating" a dress are classic shower antics.

... more pictures from the wedding reception ...

... the little flower girls are Kathy and Kerry Howell. In addition to family (Nelva, Sharon and Diane for bridesmaids and Steven, Kent and Merrill for groomsmen) Mom/Margie's good friend Judy Shultz and Dad/Lamar's buds Frank Willardsen and Richard Van Wagonen flushed out the wedding party.

Both sets of grandparents on Margie's side were able to attend.

Let them eat cake!

The actual wedding invitation/announcement isn't saved in Dropbox (if it turns up somewhere, let me know!) but going through one of the family boxes, a personalized napkin from the reception was found and scanned in. You can see it below, along with a few other random wedding pictures.

... in addition to the napkin, this collage features the bouquet toss (nice catch! the flowers and the photo!), Mom's cousin Diana Brady there at the guest book, and of course ... the car!

Graduation 1962 x 2

Graduation day ... on the left, the year was 1961, and Miss Margie was graduating from high school. The photo on the right was college graduation a year later, 1962.  Different cap and gown ... same pose/foot placement!

Mom/Margie started her sophomore year at Murray High School, but then the family moved, and her junior and senior year were at Olympus.  Mom wrote in her history ...

Olympus was a very big school, with 720 in my graduating class in 1961, so I didn’t get well acquainted in my two years there. I went from being “a big fish in a little pond” to being “a little fish in a big pond.”

After high school, Margie went to Stevens Henager College ...

I received a full-tuition scholarship to Henager’s Business College, so I went there and graduated in 1962. I was voted by my classmates at graduation as “The Secretary most likely to Succeed.” 

Mom's memories after seeing these photos ...

I remember I graduated #20 academically out of the 720 graduates at Olympus. I only know because I asked one of my business teachers to write me a letter of recommendation, and she dictated the letter to me in shorthand and had me type it up! She found out my academic standing amongst the graduates, and wrote it in the letter.

The top 10% of graduates (I think it was) were invited to turn in a possible speech for graduation, but I don't think I bothered to do it. Then they chose the speakers from those submitted.

I'd had so many business classes at Olympus that I was able to graduate from Steven-Henager in one year. They said any of their students could come back free for a refresher course for the rest of their lives for employment help. I wondered if they would really honor that.

Just a note of interest ... Stevens–Henager College was a private college, was one of four educational institutions affiliated with the Salt Lake City-based Center for Excellence in Higher Education. Established in 1891, the college had campuses in Idaho and Utah. It closed abruptly in August 2021.

While there wasn't any memorabilia found from the high school graduation, 

there was an invitation and a program saved from the college graduation. 

Mom/Margie is there on the first page, second from the bottom on the right side. Marjorie Norman ... graduation was just shortly before the wedding, when she became a Westra. Marked with ** which meant "Graduated with high academic honors". 

Dad/Lamar graduated from South High School in 1955. While there are many memories written up (check out Dad's history, school memories and the post with his school yearbooks), no memorabilia or photo was found to showcase the high school graduation.  Dad went on to the U for a couple of years, then on his mission, then back to the U to meet Margie, and to graduate. 

There are pictures of this event.

While we weren't able to locate the actual diploma or commencement program - this outline of activities for graduation gives some insight into all the goings on. As stated, graduation was June 11th, on a Monday, with Mom/Margie's graduation June 16, that following Saturday. Busy week for young Mom and Dad!

College Complete ... Time to Work

This school ID ... looks a little like a mug shot!

Dad/Lamar finished up his mission and returned to school at the University of Utah. He graduated in 1962, then spent an additional year of postgraduate study, changing his emphasis from Chemistry to Math and Computers. He had an assistantship which paid a stipend for teaching lab and research classes in Chemistry. Newly married and done with school, it was time to embark upon a career. 

In the summer of 1963, LaMar went on two interview trips. He went to Denver by himself to check out Marathon Oil, and then both LaMar and Margie drove to San Francisco to interview with Shell Oil Company. Meanwhile, there was correspondence with a third possibility ... General Electric, in Richland Washington.

The quality of some of the scans/images isn't the best, but is hopefully readable ... Typed on an actual typewriter. Dad's responses on yellow make it easy to see which are to him and from him at a quick glance. The back and forth, in letters, snail mail, taking weeks at a time ~ very different contact than job recruitment today. 

In early February, a letter from GE to Mr. Westra, 

confirming receipt of his application.  

Later in February ... there was a job offer.

LaMar's response ... this is a big decision!

... a quick response from GE

... and LaMar accepts the job.

Now finalizing the details ... a bit of back and forth

Dad/Lamar was hired as a chemist, but never did any work in chemistry. He was assigned to work in computer programming, and spent the next 40 years as a computer programmer/systems analyst. The couple had only planned on staying in Richland for a couple years, but ended up staying for nine years before moving back to Utah.