1938 The following written by Bill Moran, gift of diary
A gift of a diary—given by Bill Moran—February 24, 1938:
“Dear Pal Bessie: I couldn’t give this to you last Christmas because I didn’t know you then, and I can’t wait until your birthday because I think you ought to be filling it now. Though I claim no prophetic sight, I think this is going to be an eventful year, both inwardly and outwardly, for little Bessie. She’s going to have lots of thoughts and make lots of observations about herself and others that will be worth remembering. With your deepest thoughts and strongest impressions as honestly as you know how, in a style that is all your own, for nobody’s but your own eyes to see, and in 10 years from now you will treasure every page. You’ll have a picture of the Bessie that once was, with a view not only of her world-seen struggles and triumphs, but of her mental and spiritual ones.
With sincerest wishes,
From Bill M.”
Bill Moran
During my junior year, Dr. and Mrs. Lowell Bennion invited a close friend of theirs from Salt Lake City to spend the winter at the Institute with them. His name was Bill Moran. He had been crippled during his younger life by osteomelitis and one leg was practically useless. His life had been one of struggle and hardship and when I met him at the Institute he was in his 30’s, I imagine. He was kindly, loving, full of fun—no trace of self-pity—years of month of hospital life had taught him to be patient and long-suffering. I met Bill at an Institute party and it seemed we had such a lot of interests in common. As the weeks and months rolled on during the Spring of 1938—we became very close friends. I could unburden my soul to him and he understood. Always, I was afraid to let myself fall in love with him because of his physical handicap, but he completely loved me. He used to write me beautiful letters and leave them at my dorm. It was a beautiful experience and I “grew-up” through it. The fact that he was on crutches soon didn’t seem to bother me in the least.
Bill Moran—from my diary
Monday February 21, 1938: “We had a wonderful dinner-dance at the institute for the initiating of our new pledges to Lamda Delta Sigma. We had a nice crowd. Kids are friendly. I am so thankful for the Institute. After the dance Bill and I walked home together. I’ve never been so near to him (spiritually). I told him I never wanted to hurt him or disappoint him—that I’d always think of him as a big brother (I’ll never forget the look on his face). He has so much sympathy. Why is it a person like him couldn’t have had good legs?”
February 22, 1938—Holiday at School
“We didn’t have school today, so I went over to see Bill. We went for a walk. It seemed so good to talk to someone who understands me—I don’t have to be gay if I don’t feel like it—I can just be myself. On our walk—he found some bees and we sat on someone’s wall and studied the little creatures. Bill is even kind and understanding to the bees. They like him. Almost a perfect day!
February 24, 1938
“Bill has been teaching me honesty—honesty to myself and others—it’s such a great principle.” I learned so much from him.
February 25, 1938—Program to Preventorium
What a thrilling day. I was in charge of a program at the Preventorium. It was a thrill to see those little children’s’ faces. Wish those children could have Primary and the gospel. Went to see and hear Jessica Dragonette sing. Beautiful voice—interruption super. Mother came to Tucson to see me.
February 26, 1938
I have enjoyed mother so much. We patched, washed, ironed, etc… and talked. Mother gives me so much encouragement and comfort. She is so stable and firm and a big heart. Hope I’ll always live worthy of her. Went for a ride with Stanley Cardon—he’s a nice kid. Clean and good.
February 27, 1938
Mother and I had dinner with the Bennions. Then the Bennions took mother to the bus. Bill said “she’s a dream.” Bennions thought she was a sweet woman. I had to sing in church. Went to church with Bill. I must not see him so much.
March 2, 1938
Always so much about Bill---he has everything but good legs.
Helen Johnson
My roommate is Helen Johnson this year. I lived in Yuma Hall. Helen was a lovely girl from Phoenix. When I lived with her she wasn’t a member of the church, but she was going with a boy who was and eventually he converted her. She wrote lovely poetry. Here is one I saved “The Rain”.
The Rain
Has washed the dust
From the orange tree
Outside my window
Making it fresh
And strong again
Why should not rain do the same for human hearts?
March 4, 1938
Bill and I and Helen and Gordon Beckstead cooked our dinner over to the Institute—had flowers, candles, etc. Then all went to see Tom Sawyer. Bill is so sweet—bringing the beat out of everyone.
March 6, 1938
“I’m miserable. Bill told me how much he loved me—would wait two years—ten years—a lifetime for me. Asked me if I couldn’t love him, etc. Gee, it was awful to tell him “no”. It is so hard. He is such a fine boy. About 5pm, Dr. Bennion asked me to sing out at Palmerene.
March 7, 1938
Bill called after my last class and walked to work with me. He thinks I’m still in love with Felix Barra—that is why I can’t love him. Honestly I never think of Felix but it’s as good an excuse as any to use.
March 8, 1938
While playing tennis today I wrenched my knee. It’s real sore.
March 11, 1938
Mr. Pease, my music teacher, is so encouraging. Thinks I have possibilities with my music. Went on a fraternity picnic with “Bud” (Bernard Heywood). We danced afterward at the house. There was too much smoking and drinking for me.
Sat. March 12, 1938
Coed formal. I asked Stanley Cardon to go with me.
March 13, 1938
Dr. Bennion, Julia, Walter, Helen Webb, Virginia Birtcher, and I went to Nogales to give a program. I sang two numbers.
March 15, 1938
MIA party out in hills. It makes me sad to see Bill want to play games and can’t. He is writing a paper on bees. He told me if he ever married, it would be to me or to someone just like me. Oh dear what shall I do. I can’t love him because of sympathy.
March 17, 1938
St. Patrick’s Day. Aggies v. Engineers throw rotten eggs at each other. Spent some good hours practicing. Next day Bill took me to dinner then we went to the Institute. There were some of the people dancing there. Bill grabbed his crutches and threw them across the floor and started to dance with me. Oh how sad! Poor boy how my heart aches for him—if only he had legs and a good strong body.
Stanley is called on a mission
During all these months while I’m having this emotional conflict with Bill Moran, I had been dating Stanley Cardon fairly regularly. He was, at the time, working on his Masters degree in English. We had lots of fun together—he was a fine dancer and had a great sense of humor which I enjoyed. He was quite a few years older than I but that flattered me. He had a great family—especially his wonderful mother. I went down to the Cardon’s regularly and was always greatly welcomed. I loved the family. On March 19, 1938, Stanley told me he had been called on a mission to Switzerland—the French-speaking mission.
October 29, 1938—Grandpa Smith comes to live with us
Grandpa Smith (Joseph W.) is ill and leaves his Mesa home to come live with mother.
January 31, 1938—Milk truck wreck
Rube Rogers wrecked the milk truck three miles this side of Holbrook. Caused by slick-icy roads. Truck turned over twice. Dad’s shoulder was hurt. He was taken to a doctor but the doctor was ill so he got a driver to chauffer him to Winslow. He bought milk there and had the man deliver it for him. Such an example of stamina and self-discipline. His shoulder bothered him the rest of his life.
More from my diary—
March 25, 1938
Put on a program at the Preventorium. Then Bill and I went to see Snow White “a Walt Disney Production”. It was grand. Bill is leaving—this was the last time I would see him. We kissed goodly—the only time I ever let him kiss me. I wish I knew myself better. He gave me a lovely book “The Modern Reader’s Bible”. The following was inscribed in the book in beautiful even printing: “ Tucson, March 1938. To Bessie: This book won’t make you good; you are already good. Nor will it make you faithful. You already have the faith of Mary of Bethany. But if you enrich your mind with it’s literary beauty and nourish your spirit from time to time with its profound religious truths, you will find yourself better able, as its message becomes your message, its wisdom you wisdom, to pass some of that goodness and faithfulness on to others. From Bill Moran” (The book has always been a treasure to me.)
From my diary: “Gee it is so nice—I have so many nice things to remember him by—he just isn’t going to let me forget him. How I’ll miss him. Before he parted with me he stood and said a prayer for us both—asking God to help us know what was right. I came home thinking that if he was right I would know—if not I could easily forget.”
From My Diary
April 2, 1938: The President of the University is being inaugurated today.
Easter Vacation— Stanley gave me an Easter basket—asked me to kiss him but I refused saying I was saving them until they meant something. That impressed Stanley. (He sent a 5 pound box of chocolate for Easter.)
Easter Vacation at Home—Stopped at Mesa for M. Men Gleaner Convention. Oscar A. Kirkham the speaker. Mother and I sewed. Returned by train 9:30 pm in Holbrook to 11 am in Tucson. Lorenzo (Chick) and I came back together. He will soon be going on a mission.
May 3, 1938: Stanley has been seeing me regularly. He told me tonight the University had turned down his thesis. It is too bad. He is preparing for his oral and comprehensive examinations.
Worked at Lehans Ice Cream Store—May 5, 1938
“I’m getting so tired of Lehans I could die. I hate to hear them ‘wrough’ and fight. (I worked there to pay for my board.)
My lessons suffered greatly during this spring with all the boyfriends, etc. Stanley “moved right in” as soon as Bill left. He showered me with flowers, candy, and attention and I “lapped” it up. Bill M. continued to write to me regularly with beautiful loving letters. One I copied. (It was a card) “A maid my true heart loves—would not my true love be; she seeks another man; another maid loves he. And me another maid her own love would see. Oh fie on her and him and love and her and me! Author unknown, experience well known.”
May 14: Stanley had his Masters comprehensive tests today.
May 29, 1938: Sand down at the Tucson branch. “Where Blooms the Rose.” Stanley’s father gave the talk on marriage. Stanley is always with me.
June 1, 1938: Told Stanley goodbye. He told me he loved me. What romance. Finishing up my tests. I felt so bad to leave Stan.
June 2, 1938: Mother and Dad came to get me and take me to New Orleans.
New Orleans Trip
I chatted all the way to the South telling them all about everything. Mother and Dad were taking some Navajo rugs down to Mayola and as we got further down into the south the humidity made them stink—made us all stink, in fact. Whenever we would stop the dogs would gather around us like flies. We stopped at El Paso to visit President O. C. Williams the mission president, who was a good friend of mother’s and dad’s.
We visited Carlsbad caverns. It was impressive and a never to be forgotten experience. At one place the lights were turned off and in the intense darkness (800 feet below the surface of the earth) the song “Rock of Ages” is sung.
Down through southern Texas the trees become greener and the gray moss hangs from them. It is beautiful. Hot and humid.
When we left Houston and crossed into Louisiana there were miles of swamps and bayous etc. It was all very beautiful. We arrived at the Henry P. Long bridge going into New Orleans about 5 pm. Mayola and Red were out there to meet us and show us how to get to their place. Dad rode with Red and Mayola took us.
Met Red’s Family
That night after we cleaned up we met Red’s family, Mary Louise, Dolly, Henry, and all the Negro servants. It’s such a different life!
Mayola took us shopping. We spent a day at Pantchatrain Beach—the sky ride—had crab sandwiches, took us through a Swedish boat that was docked near the city—the river boats, the sights to see in the city. All were so exciting to me—we all felt like real country folks.
We visited “The Old Coffee House,” the “French market,” the “Court of Two Sisters.”
We met the parents of the Miltenburgers. They are lovely gracious people. “Aunt Lucia” is a great woman. Never married. A true aristocrate.
June 8, 1938: Mayola receives M.A. Degree. We all dressed in our best and attended the exercises for Tulane University. Sat down in front where we could see Mayola march up to receive her diploma. There were 450 graduates.
Abeta Springs
Red’s father and mother were staying out at Abeta Springs their summer home. They went swimming in a bayou nearby. Gus entertained us all. Mrs. Miltenberger and her servants prepared a huge crab dinner for us. It was a great experience. I’ve never seen such a platter of crab.
June 10, 1938 -- Biloxi Miss.
The next day, we went to Biloxi Miss—about 80 miles away. We drove along the gulf coast. The drive was very beautiful—seeing the waves splash against the wall and recede. The homes along the coast are very beautiful. We spent some time swimming and looking for shells along the beaches—then came home late that night in the moonlight.
Red’s family were so gracious and lovely to us. Dolly and Mary Louise had us to lunch downtown. We visited the French Quarter, Lafayette Square, museum, St. Loius Cathedral, Jackson Square, the kitchen garden, the royal café and many, many other places of interest. Later, the Walter Fife family invited us out to dinner and a show.
On Sunday, we all went to the little branch Louise and I sang and I sang a solo and mother and dad talked. We packed. Had ice cream and cake and visited.
Monday June 13, 1938
We left N.O. about 8:30 a.m. Mayola took us out of the city—across the bridge. She was crying. It was so hard to leave her. Mother and dad could hardly stand it.
In Baton Rouge we stopped to see the state capitol. It was 30 stories high—looked out over the great Mississippi River. Cost about $5 million dollars to build. It was a Henry P. Long project.
All through Texas we rode through oil fields—rolling hills, beautiful country. Fort Worth is a great city.
June 15, 1938
Arrived home from N.O. about 6:00pm. Van and Lorenzo came by to say goodbye before leaving for their missions.
July 3 rd, 1938
Pearl Fish is very ill. Carrie Flake was electrocuted at her home. A storm caused some high tension wires to fall. She went out to warn her son and was killed by one.
Senior Year 1939-1940
Stanley Leaves For Mission
During that summer, Stanley worked at Lake Tahoe as a private tutor for a family. We corresponded all summer.
September 1938
In the fall when I returned to school-he was there making his final preparations to leave for Switzerland and his mission. On September 27 th he left for his mission. I was very lonely and though the end of the world had come for me. I spent quite a bit of time down with his family. His mother was wonderful to me. She is a great woman. The Cardon family invited me over to Thanksgiving dinner that year. I didn’t go home, but stayed home to catch up on my studying.
This year I’m living in Yuma Hall rooming with a girl from North Carolina, Mary Dees. (September 13, 1938 Louise goes to New Orleans to live with Mayola.) .
Nutrition Rat Experiment
My Home Economics classes are very interesting. During this year I conducted a rat-feeding experiment. One diet, with control animals, a well-balanced diet. The other with beer, pretzels, etc. The latter rats became very mean and vicious and eventually died. My major professor was Dr. Margaret Smith, the discoverer of “fluorine” in water supplies and what it does to protect against tooth decay. Too much causes the tooth mottling—seen in the students that came from the Safford area. Mrs. Smith was a great person. She invited all her nutrition majors out to her home for supper.
Bean Diet
Bean diet was especially interesting. We girls were the guinea pigs ( more about this later).
Jobs at the University
It seemed that I always had plenty to do while at school. I usually carried 18 units each semester—which was really too much because so many were labs and heavy course. However, I was able to make it each year—even though some subjects were a real struggle for me.
Besides my heavy school schedule I carried a heavy work schedule. Mother and dad sent me between $25-40 each month. In order to have the necessities it was necessary for me to work to earn the rest.
Worked for board
I served meals and did the dishes for my board at Professor (blank) home, his wife was a wonderful cook and kept boarders—A woman and her child from New York City.
Worked in Bookstore
Several hours each day I would walk over to Speedway and work in a little book shop there. The owners were a little couple from Denmark. They spoke with an accent. They became very fond of me—gave me many beautiful books. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Robin Hunter and for many years following my graduation they wrote to me. At one time I sang the soprano part for “In a Persian Garden” which was taken from Ruvaiyat of Omar-Khayya’n—at the end of the performance Mrs. Hunter came up bringing a beautiful copy of the Ruvaiyat of Omar-Khayya’n. I shall always remember her.
recording of the songs from 1910 (www.webrarian.co.uk)
September 1938
Dad and mother remodeled the Old Bank Building for a maternity hospital. It is mother’s dream to help the women of Snowflake stake.
From Mother’s Journal: This entry November 17, 1939 “In a Persian Garden”
Mom’s and Dad’s day at the university. Mother attended. Bessie sang the soprano part for a song cycle “In a Persian Garden.” She did her part beautifully.
Sang in Presbyterian Church 1938-39-40
Later we took the numbers “ Persian Garden” and sang in the veteran’s hospital. Lee Garrett was the master of ceremonies. Mr. Pease, my vocal teacher arranged for me to sing in his choir at the Presbyterian church. Each Sunday he had us meet at the minister’s home for a practice before donning our robes and marching into the choir seats. He paid me $5 each time I sang so it was a great help to me financially. It didn’t interfere with my church duties too much and I always attend our own sacrament service.
March 17, 1940 From my diary. I sang at a Vesper Service at the Institute at 5:00 pm. Then I sang the soprano part for the “Seven Last Words of Christ”—A short Easter Cantata at the Trinity Presbyterian Church. It was a wonderful experience.
June 16, 1939
Aunt Louise Smith died in Phoenix. What a shock to the family. Van on a mission. And only a baby of three years.
Christmas 1939 Ard Hoyt and LaPriel Rogers Wedding
I went home and at that time Ard and LaPriel (Rogers) Hoyt were getting married. I sang “Because” and “Oh Promise Me” at their wedding in the chapel.
July24th Celebration
I sang two numbers in the morning meeting “To a Hilltop” and “When a Man Come Home.” Received lots of compliments.
February 1940 “Milk Steal”
Mother and dad had a serious thing happen to them. They had gone on a vacation to New Orleans and while they were away-members of the Milk Company-who were furnishing them milk tried to “steal” their route and customers from them. Aunt Pauline Smith went to Winslow several days with the driver (Grant Rogers) and learned the route. She and her husband plus Rube Rogers and other circulated hand bills stating that the milk was under new management and that from that date hence the customers would pay to them.
Uncle Chase immediately called dad and mother and they came home immediately—going right to Winslow. Dad beat the truck and went to each of his customers and told them what was happening.
The people of Winslow were loyal to him. That morning when the truck arrived with Aunt Pauline-the milk was left untouched—many letters accompanied it telling the “new owners” what they thought of such an under-handed practice.
It was a terrible blow to Aunt Pauline and her family. Dad began buying his milk form the Joseph city dairy. It looked like the Snowflake farmers would be ruined. Andrew, Aunt Pauline’s son, came to dad and asked for forgiveness and begged them to give them another chance.
Dad immediately let by-gones be by-gones and returned his business to the Snowflake people. It was a hard “pill to take.”
Romantic and Close Friends 1939-1940
During that last year I lived with Winifred Miller from Nogales in Maricopa Hall. Our room was small but we slept on a sleeping porch which helped some.
Other close friends were Betty Bissinger from Glendale and Harriet also from the Phoenix area
I had many boyfriends during this year of college. Probably too many for my lessons’ sake. Among those listed in one of my diaries are: Rex McRay, Dean Griner, George Hansen (formerly from Joseph City—a real city slicker—came up from Phoenix several times to see me), Bud Smith—probably the most persistent and serious. He was a fine LDS boy. He took me to many lovely things. I was never too interested in him, however. He was quiet and very good looking. (Later he married a fine girl, Della Crosby, who was a good L.D.S. “Bud” or Gerald served as a Bishop, a High Councilman, and finally as a Stake President). Other boyfriends were Paul Christensen, Gordon Smith, John Hall, Dean Williams, and others. Max Layton, Ed Harrison.
October 8, 1940—From my diary
Received birthday book, telegram and huge bouquet of flowers from Stan for my birthday.
Singing Engagements
During my senior year, especially, did I have many opportunities to sing. Mr. Pease opened the door for many lovely experiences.
March 7, 1940
Sang in the University Assembly program “Gypsy Sweetheart.” We had a hall skit.
March 8, 1940
Had the thrill of my life. I sang over the radio on Uni. Hour. I sang a solo, duet, and trio. The manager of the station wanted to sign me up right then.
March 10, 1940—Sang at Interdenominational Religious Student Council
I spent the day at the Institute—breakfast for new members, Sunday school. Afternoon I went riding with Paul Christensen and Ed Harrison. At 8pm I sang at the Interdenominational Religious Student Council. It was fun. I had many compliments.
March 11, 1940
Had dinner at Institute for Mrs. Leah D. Widstoe. She talked to the girls about preparation for marriage.
March 13, 1940
Heard the blind pianist, Alec Templeton. He is a genius.
March 17, 1940
Had to sing in the Vesper Service at the Institute. And then sang in the Presbyterian Church “Seven Last Words”. I was with Paul Christensen.
March 21, 1940
Went home for Easter Vacation. Traveled all night by truck (Smith-Heywood lines)—cost me $1.50. A tough trip.
March 22, 1940
Talked to mother all day. We planted the garden. Little Ann Smith is living here—she was glad to see me.
March 28, 1940—Recital at home
Brother Crandell had written to me and asked if I would prepare a recital for during the Easter Vacation. I sang, with Julia Smith Rogers accompanying me, 8 numbers. Dad and mother were very proud and pleased. Some of the numbers were: “Skylark”, “Jewel Song”, “Last Word”, “On Wings of Song”, “Absence”, “I Dream of Jeannie”, “Serenade”, and others. It was a great experience.
From Mother’s Journal
“Bessie sang 8 numbers. Julia Smith accompanied her. “To a Skylark” thrilled me. Marion was touched with “Shubert’s Serenade”. Brother Crandell played the flute. They went over to sing for dear Lois (Lois Rogers who was dying of cancer).
From my diary:
March 30, 1940
Went out to Al and Louise Levine’s ranch to supper. Looked through albums.
April 9, 1940
My big night. I sang the cantata “Rose Maiden” with Ferald Capps, Betty Bolten, and Leonard Lauson. It was an exciting experience. Later went out with Bud Smith.
April 14, 1940
Sang in the Beauch. Clara Kimball accompanied me. I sang in many programs and parties that I neglected to put down.
Last Year’s Subjects
During my last year I had many fine experiences in my classes. We had our practice teaching and I particularly loved this. I taught the third graders nutrition. I received such praise from my professors—especially Doctor Ethel Thompson. One experiment which was particularly interesting was the Bean Diet. There were three girls who acted as human guinea pigs. We were testing the difference in the utilization of calcium in milk and the Mexican beans. We had to eat lots of beans to get as much calcium out of the beans in comparison to milk.
Dr. Thompson Retires
In 1965 Dr. Ethel Thompson retired from teaching. I wrote her a note reminding her of the experiment. The following letter was written back to me:
May 23, 1965
Mrs. Bessie R. Ericksen, Snowflake
Dear Bessie:
How good to hear from you even though you reminded me of that bean diet! You were one of the faithfuls and I have never forgot your dedication as a student. I hadn’t realized the incidents had occurred which you related. But now you can enjoy them in retrospect. I have wondered sometimes why you hadn’t visited us here in the new building while you were so close in Snowflake. When you do you will be surprised with the changes—big enrollments, buildings going up instead of out and big faculties. But I think the days we had on top of the Aggie, even in the heat, were those to be cherished, and I believe you do to. My plans are not yet shaped up definitely as yet, but I assure you if I am ever near Snowflake, I will look you up. Many thanks for writing me.
Sincerely,
Ethel M. Thompson, Professor and Chairman, Division of Foods and Nutrition.
While on the bean diet we had to take the residue (feces) from the bean diet over to the “Ag” building to be tested. One day one of my boyfriends walked over with me and tried to get me to tell him what I had in the package. It was funny, but it wasn’t to be explained.
LDS Hospital Accepts Me
During this year I applied at several hospitals around the country to get into their Schools of Dietetics. I applied at Washington State, Oregon, and the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. I was accepted in the March class at Salt Lake City. Merle Ballantyne, my dear close friend was accepted in the September class.