Sunday, October 6, 2013

Oct. 6th, 1922

Basel, Oct. 6th 1922.
Mr. L.L. Bunnell.
Dear Father:- It is nine months ago today, since I said goodbye to you all at home, and I celebrated by saying goodbye to my companion, who left this morning for home, sick. We have been living here together now over four months, and we sure loved each other. He left home May 6th. His boat doesn't sail until Nov. 15th, but has relatives he wants to visit in Ger. so hehas gone now. Look for him down to see you about Dec. 1st are maybe the 10th anyhow, sometime in December.
I am left again without a companion, but I think in a few days I will have another. Pres. Ballif told me he was going to bring another good one in here to help me. He told me right out that I had had one of the hardest rows to hoe in the whole mission field, and said I had earned a change, but he like my work and wanted to keep me here.
Anyhow, now I am not so anxious to leave Basel. I never knew there was so many good people here until Elder Plewe left today, and since i have seen what they done for him. If I would leave now, it would be just like leaving home, because lately, I certainly have learned to love the Saints. There is a possibility now, that I will fill my whole mission in Basel.
Before I forget, will you please get the song for me, "Out Where the West Begins." and send to me, as soon as you can. One of my Mothers here plays the piano fine, and I sure love that piece.
I got two letters from home this week and I was sure glad to hear from you again. I got one Oct. 2nd from Momma and Elvin, and one Oct. 5th from Papa, then the Variwood News from Din. I read the newspaper article that Momma sent me first, and saw how Papa was praised for Commissioner, and got all worked up then I read in the letterthat he lost, and I almost fell over backwards with discouragement. I enjoyed those newspapers very much. Keep them coming. Also the "White and Blue" when you can spare one. The kids here surelaugh at those funnies. This country hasn't woke up to that fact yet.
Mr. Skinny (Elvin) Bunnell: Well Old top did you at last get up courage to write your buddy a letter. I thank you a thousand times, and hope next time you won't wait so long to write. I sure hope you enjoy the school and your teacher. You know here the children go to school from 6 to 14 years old, and go the whole year round, that is a short vacation here and there. They have about 2 weeks off for Easter, 5 weeks for summer, I think 2 weeks for Christmas. Here they sure teach the children to write good. I am ashamed to let anyone here see my writing.
So Happy is dead. The poor old fellow. Who preached the funeral sermon? I'll bet you hated to see him die. I hope the other one lives alright. Did you pull the tail off the other one when you caught it? Well Elvin that you very much for your letter, and I hope you will write again soon.
I wish to thank you all for your best wishes for my birthday. As far as my buying a birthday present, I think I already have one, and that is the field glasses. I wouldn't lose them for anything. The other night I was looking at the moon through them, and I'll tell you there was some difference. On one of the stations here there is a large clock, a little larger than that one on the Schwab our Metropolitan building. I was at least a mile away from it, and I could tell what time it was to the minute. One fellow took a pair from here and they was going to charge tariff on them, but they couldn't or didn't. This pair that he had was no. 8x40 and they told him, they doubted if he could buy those there for $150.00. Mine are 16x40, so what do you think of them? I paid about $22.50 and I have priced them here in Basel and they are $65 or more. But I think as far as buying a present goes, that is enough, but I would hate to part with them now.
I think probably I will go to Bern in the morning to conference. It is a general conference for Schwiz, especially for missionaries. Pres. Ballif wants me to go up. It is about 50 miles from here I also want to see Elder Hirschi , my former companion. Another thing I am all alone now and I think I would feel better by going up. I don't think the trip will cost $5.
Don't worry about me getting enough to eat. I am just cutting the breakfast down some because I am eating too much. Then I can't eat all the Saints want me to. I will not endanger my health, because I have saw several Elders on their way home on account of sickness, and I don't want to go that way. As far as that goes, I never felt better in my life than in the last two months, since the hives left me. I want to be as economical as possible, but not to ruin my health - I will care for the eats.
Do you still get 90 cents for the cream? How much do you make now? How many cows are milking? How are Jersey and Blackie doing? Does Lady still kick your hat off?
Say Din don't you make fun of my German. They can understand me when they want to, and especially if I get a little mad. They all call me a liar when I tell them eight months ago I couldn't talk any German. Many here now take me as a German - because I don't talk Swiss dialect. You just wait till I come home, you won't be able to understand me talk English, let alone German. - But I will be to blame, because I can't talk English.
It has been raining like sixty again this afternoon. Here it is true that a wise man takes his coat when the sun shines. This morning and up until 2 bells it was as clear as a crystal, then at four it began pouring down, and has done ever since. It isn't very cold at present.
I am sending you one of the program's for the program we are going to have. They made a mistake andput Duet (do-quit) for Elder Holmes and myself, but you know how good I can sing, so more than likely we will go through with it ___(NIX). I hope you understand it all.
Last Wednesday evening the branch gave a farewell for Elder Plewe. The saints sure hated to see him go. They certainly gave a fine program. He has teased all the saints so much, on one hand, then again, he was sincere, but he sure got the love of the people, partly through teasing. Have the girls of the branch wanted him to take them back with him, but he has left one over there in S.L.C.
Well I have my room all to myself now for awhile, also companionship all to myself, so I suppose during that time, I will turn Basel upside down - tracting so much. That is my hobby- work-work-work-work, but I have been hindered the last few weeks on account of this missionary trouble, then also Elder Plewe going away too. But when I come back from Bern, here's one that will keep busy.
Say you remember that record you have "Traumerie", on the opposite side of "Hearts and Flowers,"is a German piece. The translation in English is "Dreaming, My Mother" Anna Stocklin, played it for me last night on the piano. She has several American pieces there, and I sure like to hear them. The German's also have "Asleep in the Deep," and many of those songs. There are also many stories in both languages. Believe me I am sure glad I had the chance to learn the German language. In many ways, you are helped out, just in leaving the world. I wish now I could learn French. I could learn French easy now because there is so many of their words, either like English or German.
I suppose bu the time you get this letter you will be in the beets hot and heavy. I sure hope they turn out good. At least better than what I have seen over here. They are all little bits of scrubs, and I don't believe would go 15 tons to the acre. Not that much if they hadn't transplanted so many and made almost perfect a stand. I think all of our crops at home are better than these here. They grow celery here and use just the root, and throw the stock away. You would probably think it was celerac, but they have both.
I wish I was there to drive the tractor, but I suppose that time will come later. Just the same what mission I have already had, has been worth more than a college education to me, let alone what I will get later on. I sure am glad that I can remain longer to preach repentance unto this people - which they need very bad.
Today there is 2,165 Marks for $1.00, and in Germany they are kicking hundreds of foreigners out, because they haven't enough for them. You see everything has been so cheap in Germany, thousands of foreigners, have went in, bought stuff, and went back out again, that Germany is overworked, to manufacture stuff, and to have food enough for all, that would like to go in. Prices there now are clean out of sight -- for certain things. Railroad fare is till cheap for Americans, but for Germans I don't see how they make it. It cost Elder Plewe 95 cents to ride six hours on a through train 2nd class, which is doubled since Oct. first. One pound of butter there is now 300 marks, shoes 10 to $5,000 marks, suit 25-30,000 etc. I myself look for trouble there before long, at least before spring, because I don't see how they can hold out.
It is time now, that I go over to Mother Stocklin's for supper so I will close for this time, thanking you for all, and praying the Lord to bless you.
Lovingly,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell.
Klybeckstrasse 78.
Basel. Switzerland.
p.s. The saints told me to send you all their best regards.



Oct. 7th Well I am just ready to hit for Bern, and it is raining like sixty. There is quite a number going in from Basel, and also the missionaries are coming together from all over Switzerland. Bern, you know is the capitol from the Schweiz (Switz.). They say it is very pretty. Well I must go, so, Good bye.

September 2, 1922

Basel, Switzerland
Sept. 2nd 1922
Variwood Farm.
Dear Folks:- I should address this letter to Mamma, to Irwin, and to Vinna, so I thought I would address to Variwood. I got a letter from Momma last Monday, August 28th, and one from Vinna Thursday Aug. 31st.
I also started to no. my letters, but I forgot to. I will start again, and see if I can remember this time. There are so many letters get lost between America and here. I think it would be the best to number them, so we can tell when one gets lost. I will tell you, Mother who I have written to, and haven't any answers, then probably you can tell me whether they have them or not. First Aunt Josephine, Beulah Hatton, Uncle August, Mart, Alfred, Will, Aunt Littie, Vera, Marley & June. I have two unanswered letter's one from Ruby, and one from Aunt Edith. When anyone wants to send money, please tell them not to send it through letters, unless they are registered, because many letters are searched. I know, several cases where money has been sent, but not received. It would be better, if they gave the money to you, then you can send it as you have done. Have you sent any money since about the 1st of June? I want to know when you send it so I can know if the letter goes lost, or is already lost. I haven't received any since June, and I don't know whether a letter with money is astray or what. I still have on my credit about 120 francs, or about $24.
The Saints and missionaries thank you for the regards you sent to them. I forgot, I also wrote Anna and Jack a letter, and have no answer.
Miss Din. Orthella ate cake- Orthella ate jelly, Orthella went to bed with a pain in her ____. But don't get excited, and don't be mislead, because Orthella had no pain in her head. Say Din you have about as much judgement in the mots as I used to have. Just go easy next time. I hope you enjoyed your whole trip.
Yesterday, Elder Plewe got three fruit cakes from home, all packed up tight in a tin can. When he got it he had to pay about 90 cents tariff on it and when he opened it the smell almost knocked him down. All of the cakes had rotted. He sure feels bad over it, but I tell him there is no use crying of rotten eggs. The main trouble was the cakes were packed in a tin can and could get no air. It was also handled, terribly rough.
Last Sunday one of the Saints came here to Basel, from Germany and President Weissenberger called him to talk. He talked 45 minutes on nothing but business affairs, and how the Lord had blessed him, so that he could purchase an automobile, etc. Also how he was blessed so that he could smuggle stuff over into Switz. from Ger. and not get caught. I had 4 personal friends in the meeting, that had to listen to such dope. Everybody was so mad, they could have eaten him alive.
Last Monday night as I was walking home from Richen (just a little ways from the border of Ger.) a Swiss officer came up behind me, and asked me who I was. I told him an American. He ask me where I had been; I told him in Richen, by family Schneidli. He says good night and went on. You see I had a package on my arm, of pears and a cake that Schmeidli's had given me. The officer had seen me carring this package, and he thought that probably I had come through the forest from Germany and was smuggling stuff over. He learned better. You know they are very strict on the line here now. They make many people, men and women, undress and show all their clothes to be sure they are not smuggling anything across. At present, there is about 150 marks to one dollar. Last week for just 1/2 hour, there was about 3,500 marks for $1.00 but now it is better again. It changes back and forth from 100 to 1000 marks nearly everyday.
Last Wednesday I went to visit a friend, and they were very busy sewing. They had so much work to put out at a certain time, and they were a little behind. I ask for a needle and thread, and I worked there for a couple of hours sewing buttons on for them. They certainly wondered that I could do it.
It has been raining here again most of the week, and again it is as cold as blazers. I never see the like, it rains nearly all the time. It is out of the ordinary to, for it to rain so much.
Well I must close now, and go get a bath and a hair cut. I usually write so much anyhow, I suppose you will be glad when I do stop. I am also sending a letter to Aunt Josephin, with this, so she will be more sure to get it. Please forward it, if you will. I will try and send others letters the same way, so they all won't go lost. May the Lord bless you.
Lovingly,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78.

P.S. Elde Plewe says to send you his regards.

August 26th, 1922

Aug. 26th 1922
I think today also makes the 53 milestone for Papa. I sure hope he has a good day and enjoys himself well, and can enjoy many a happy birthdays still.
We had two baptisms here last Sunday night, one child and one old man (August Dreier). I confirmed Dreier, being my first time to do so. That makes the total to seven baptisms here in Basel so far this year (but none are on account of me). Last year they had 28 baptisms here, and there are not more than 4 that come to church now, so you see somebody was in a terrible hurry to get the honor of baptising a lot of people to come into the church, but they don't stay long. I have a few personal friends that visit the meetings quite often, but it will be sometime before any are ready to be baptised. Probably none of them, we nenver can tell. It seems to me that the Spirit of the Lord has almost entirely left this people, and that they are getting blinder every day, because they certainly cannot see the bright light in front of their nose. You can talk a week to them and it goes in one ear and out of the other; they will cry to your face, and when you leave them, they will laugh and make all manner of fun of you.
Last week I visited another old war castle in Dornach. This on e was built about 1346. It is almost rebuilt over now though. There has certainly been some great work done there, building caves, etc. for hiding places.
Last Monday night, there was a chorus out on the street singing. There was one yoddler among them who certainly was good. They were all fine singers. There was to be a wedding the next day, and the chorus was in front of the brides home, singing to them. Last night one of the sisters here played "My Isle of Golden Dreams" and a part of "Barcarolli" from tales of Hofman, on the piano. Believe me it certainly was fine to hear those pieces again.
Tuesday Elder Gleich and myself went to Allschwiel, a small town not far from Basel, to visit a friend: This old fellow is a gardner. When we got here he took us out in the garden, and filled us up on prunes (what we lacked of being full already). Again, he asked me if I would take him to America with me when I went over. He certainly is a fine old fellow. On our way back to Basel, a cloud bursted and we came almost getting wet. We saw it coming a little ahead, and made for a farm house. We just got there as the sheets of water began coming. We just got a little damp.
Wednesday I found a man while tracting, a very stong catholic, but after talking to him a while on the Resurrection, and showed him a few things he said "that is just what I believe but my Minister tells me it isn't true, and also many others that I have asked." He said he had proved it to them and then they said that that part of the Bible was wrong. I lent the old chap a Book of Mormon.
Last Thursday night I visited a friend, with Elder Plewe, and she had the nerve to ask me if I would not peddle shoes for her, along with my missionary work. What do you think about that? She thought probably I could make good money for her. Of course, I told her yes, that would do it for her. Some of these people sure get a funny idea about a missionary.
Well I think I have written you about all the news there is only that during August we have had fall weather instead of summer. It has rained about half of the time, and then also gets so cold. It is cloudy this morning like we will have rain again, and it is also quite chilly. Many of the leaves from the tree's here have already fallen, especially from the Linden trees. The crops here look terribly rusty to me on account of being so wet all the time. Last year here, they never had no rain at all, but it is sure paying up for it now.
It is time now that I eat my breakfast, so I can go have a bath, hair cut, etc. Then this afternoon have a meeting with the Presidency of the branch.
Tomorrow I have to teach the theological class in Sunday school. I don't know what kind of success I will have. I hope it goes alright. Tell Irwin this letter is answering his letters to so he won't wait for one. I will probably write to him (that is address it to him) another time, but just the same the letters I write for all.
May God Bless you Merrill that the next year may be a happy one.
Sincerely,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell
Basel Switzerland
(French) - [illegible] Swisse
Klybeckstrasse 78

P.S. Don't get peeved at the first page, you know they used to talk abou how ugly you was as a baby then how pretty you turned out to be. 

August 25th, 1922

Basel Switzerland
August 25th 1922
Mr. M. John Bunnell.
Dear 23 year old scrub :- About 23 years ago, on the 19th of September if I remember right, there was one of the spirits of the spirit world had the chance to enter the body of one of the ugliest little rascals that ever came to earth and they named him Merrill John Bunnell. You see it is quite a long time back, and i can't remember him extra well, only how ugly, and how mean he was at first. But the funny part of it was, the spirit was pretty good, really a fine looking chap, and you know an ugly and a pretty person cannot get along together, and being that this particular spirit was so pretty, and so strong when he looked on the ugly body he had entered, he decided he had some real hard work, to make his mate (the body) a better looker. And you know, I remember it so well, the spirit worked so hard with the body that he had to line in, that at last he made a fine looking young mad out of him. And he still gets prettier from day to day and the spirit still works so hard with him, and made him such a pretty looker, that the President of the Alpine Stake of Zion's daughter admired the boy. At first, the (body) thought oh I am too ugly, and not far enough along in life, to step out with such classy gems. The spirit pushed him forward again, and said, don't be so little, get ahead with the others, and show them you are something, and don't always think you are just a little behind the other fellow. So it went on until the spirit made a date for him, because he did not dare to do it himself. He took the hint this time, and he began to show really waht he was, and before long, he was way, way, up in life, and was well thought of by everybody and he keeps getting prettier and better all the time. Well it went on so for a while, and the body got disgusted again, and thought he should not go to A. F. anymore. But you know the last I saw was that that little spirit gave M.J. another inspiration, and the last I saw was that little old ford of L.L. Bunnell's (with M.J. ) going north so fast, I thought the wheels would all come off. I noticed at the same time, that the gas feed was pulled down so far it was almost bent double. The fellow that sit in the Ford had a smile on his face a yard long. I would sure liket o have a picture of the pretty fellow now and compare it with someone else who had at first a pretty body and an ugly spirit and where the spirit had overcome the body and won it over.
Well Merrill, I hope you many happy returns for September 19th and hope that all is well with you at present, and will always remain so. I would like to be there to give you 23 spats but instead I will give you 23 oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo then we'll give you the spats when I get home.
Last monday August 21st I got three letters. One from Lamond, one from Irwin, and one from Momma and Papa. I was certainly glad to hear from you all again. TEll Irwin that he shouldn't get sick like that again; it isn't healthy for him. How did the hay come out? Was it spoiled bad or not? I heard that they have had a terrible storm in America, but I never see a newspaper, and never know, but very little about conditions there just what you write me in the letters. I haven't taken many pictures to send. I will have another bunch now soon. It costs so much to geth the work done here, and also there isn't much to take. I have tried several timesto take pictures of some old buildings and things, but everytime I try it the police get after me and won't let me, and I won't buy post cards, just to spite them. Say I would be very much pleased if you would take a picture of all the grain stacks and send me when you have them ready. Please send also one of the house, and when there is anything else of importance. Say, Irwin, take an old man's advice, and if it is possible get a little more schooling. Don't be such a dumb donkey as I am. I wish I had studied harder when I did go. Please give Aunt Litty, and the family my best regards.
Say, if it isn't too much bother for you, I wish once and a while you would nap up some of the Provo papers and send me. You can send them quite cheap. I would like to know some of the conditions there.
Another thing, I wish that you would inquire in some of the optical stores how much you must pay for the "Carl Zeiss" field glass No. 16x40. Lots of them will probably tell you they don't make such a large glass. They will probably say the best is 8x30, but tell them you know different the 16x40 is an extra large glass. Then please write and tell me how much they are - please. But don't tell them anything about this pair that I have, because they might get sore, and might make trouble for me to get them over.

Today, there is about 2000 marks forone dollar, compared with 1200 for a week ago, conditions don't look so extra good. The Austrian kronen is now worthless. 1,000,000 Rubels (Russia) for 50 cents. If you want to be a millionaire easy, buy 50 cents worth of Russian Rubels. By the way, when you send me money from now on, I wish you would send it in dollar's not francs. Probably you will have to tell them at the Church office, because they do it. The reason is, I believe the Swiss money will also go down some, and if it does, I don't like to have so much changed into franc's at once because then I lose so much money on it. At present there is about 5 francs 25 sonteens to one dollar. When I came over it was a little less than five francs. Well I am tired of writing at present so I will do something else for a while, and ship this off probably tomorrow. I must go have supper yet, and then afterwards go to visit a friend. There is never resting hours for a missionary, they are always busy. 

July 30th, 1922

July 30th, 1922.
I sent the letter off yesterday, but it came back for more postage, so I thought I would add a line.
Probably you won't get this letter on Monday, because it is a day late to start with now.
I just came back from Sunday school to the room. We haven't any meetings this afternoon so we are free. We will probably take a walk out somewhere, just to see some of the country.
Yesterday afternoon we visited family Breuan the parents to the girls who wrote Elvin the letter. They are bitter apostates now. They have certainly sinned somewhere. I sure do feel bad over it, but can do nothing. Before, I never saw better people.
Well, excuse the scratching, but I am so nervous today I don't know what to do. I fear I will have to preach tonight.
Be good,

LeRoy

July 29th, 1922

Klybechstrasse 78
July 29th 1922
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell
Dear Mother :- I received your very welcome letter of July 10th and 13th last Wednesday, July 26th, and was as usual glad to get a word from home.
I haven't been back to Liestal since that day, but I am going to start working there agian soon. Don't worry about anybody knocking me down the steps, because these people like to talk too much but when it comes to doing the act, it is different. And to as long as I am in the work of the Lord, and do my duty, nobody will harm me. These people must be warned, then if they don't take it on , they can throw it away, but they must have the chance.
I sure do take that attitude towards all of these bad women. I had also an experience in Germany while I was there in Munchen. A lady about 30 years old came up behind me, touched me on the arm, naturally I turned around, and she said "come and go to the hotel with me." I told her right out to go straight to hell. She then went on about her own business. This country is lousy with such people, but let them stay with themselves, and not bother the Americans.
Tell Dr. Hughes hello, and there is room for his son Russell over here in the mission field. Say how are those girls (Margarite Cluff and the Anderson girl) who were hurt in the automobile accident. Are they disfigured? Last Tuesday I was talking with two missionaries who just came over, and came with Bob Anderson of Provo. Bob is sent down into Vienna Austria. They have about 12 missionaries there now.
We have also been having cool weather hear lately, but lots of rain. Through the months of June and july, the weather has been always fairly cool, considering what it usually is. They tell me it will melt during August.
Tell Leona hello for me and that she must hurry up and get better. I should write her a letter, but I suppose she reads all of these any how, so she knows I am not dead. How are all of her kiddies, I mean children, not goats! Does Nora still remember me, or has she forgotten that I exist? How about Arlo? Does he talk yet at all? You know he never talked when I left. And of course Wayne talks, and runs all around like a little duck. I sure would like to see the kids now, but I suppose the time will come when I can see them.
Yesterday morning, I went out tracting rather tired, on account of going so long the day before. I felt just a little grouchy. Elder Gleich was with me. I tried to give a lady a tract and she turned it down. I then gave one to a young man just across the hall. This old hen kept chipping in, and throwing insults, then besides that a man yelled down from the story above to throw me out. That me sore and I sure tore loose and told that old Hen something. I also talked loud enough so the man over, could hear me. My main topic was that it was too bad that the people of the world were so ignorant, that when something good came to them they turn it away and slam and slur it, and wanted always to stay in their wickedness. I also told them right out, that when they slammed and slurred the message I had brought to them, they done the same to their Father in Heaven. Nobody then offered to put me out and then I had a very good talk with the young man, and he promised faithfully he would come and visit the meetings with us. he told me what I said was just right. While i was talking to him, Elder Gleich went back and had a talk with the lady, that wouldn't take a tract from me, and gave her two tracts, and had a very good talk with her. After we went out Elder Gleich said to me, "you sure did talk sharp to that lady, he said the cap must have fit or she would have put you out." I sure can't help but get out of patience, with the ignorance of some of these people.
At present in our missionary work, we are hunting up some old saints who haven't been to church for from 5 to 15 years. Most of them we can't find, some others have been baptized in other churches, others kick us out, and a few give weak promise that they will come back. We have about 50 such names to hunt out. We sure will have to excommunicate quite a number. I hate to do it, but when a person denies the gospel, what do you do?
Elder Plewe and I just got to joking and we changed writing tabs and wrote a little nonsense on each others letter. We like to play sometimes.
Well there isn't more to tell about so I will close for this time. Hoping you are all well and happy.
Sincerely,

LeRoy  

July 22nd, 1922

No. 8
Basel.
July 22nd
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell.
Dear Mother:- I was sure glad to hear once more from home after a two weeks lay off. I thought perhaps America had all blown up. I felt about like Lamond did in Australia when he wrote that song, When the boat didn't bring a letter for him, when i waited so long and heard nothing. Of course though i didn't write any peotry about it.
Don't worry about me being tarred and feathered or anything like that. It isn't that bad here. These people here like to talk, but that haven't any force behind it. I don't worry about such things at all. In fact, it tickles me when they start yelling "help, murder here is a mormon," and they want to throw me down the stairs. Still this doesn't happen very often. We are treated much better now than a while ago. The police never say anythign at all. All they have police for, is so they can get on the best side of the women. Last week I saw two men scraping on the street, and the police sticking their heads around the corner, watching them, but didn't say a word. The men were trying their best to hurt each other, but neither one could do it. I see now why they haven't any pugilists here. when the people once turn me out, I don't go back again. There is no use throwing pearls among the swine. I never try and quarrel with them, when they say they don't want it, I let them go.
Say for Pete's sake, tell Lake View to put their gloves away to the little kids. They might as well let me play, so they could beat you a little worse. Who plays? And who pitches? I think I will go out this afternoon and play football, whith the fellows of the branch. this isn't in a game, but just for fun.
Tell Leona she had better eat a little more, so she can grow. She certainly must be skinny now. I sure hope she soon gets better. I have also lost 11 lbs in the last couple of months, but I am feeling better now than for a long time.
So Merrill is stepping American Fork again. I thought he would, and I don't blame him. Just wait til I get the chance again, I won't be as dead, (and bashful) as before. Just go until old top.
Monday is the 24th of July. We missionaries are going to celebrate, by not working. Probably we will take a walk out to some of the neighboring towns, possibly to Dornach, and see some more of those old castles out there. The saints are not celebrating.
Nothing has happened since I wrote the last letter, only, I have been, very busy, just with the missionary work. We are working a little with the friends again now, and I enjoy it much better.
I think the saints are all feeling better now. In the meetings we have better spirit, and there isn't so much backbiting as there was. I know myself I feel much better. There are a few that we must disfellowship but that when done will make a better feeling here.
Last week it snowed down to 3,000 feet altitude on the Alps, so you can see we have had some cold weather here. It is much better now though. It is more like summer weather.
Well there is nothing more to write at present, so I will close for this time, hoping you are all well and happy, and that Leona will soon be better.
Sincerely,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78.
P.S. Say I sent to New York and got a boy scout handbook. We intend to start up scout work. Ask Irwin if he would send 40 cents to 200 fifth Ave. New York to the scout headquarters, and tell them it is for me. I would do it only i haven't any American cash.

P.P.S. How is Karl coming with the scout work. Is he first class scout yet? Tell all the scouts hello for me. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

July 16th and July 17th 1922

No. 7
July 16th 1922.
Mr. Irwin J. Bunnell.
Dear Bro.:- I thought I would get a letter from you today, but the darn thing didn't come. I haven't heard a word from home since Vinna wrote the "Variwood Weekly" on June 22nd, and that is a long time back. What's that matter, have you run out of writing paper, envelopes, stamps, or have you forgotten this little old scrub over here eight thousand miles from home, like most of the others have, that I have written letters to, and they don't think it would do me a nickel's worth of good just to hear from them, just once.
Much hasn't happened since I wrote you last, because I haven't been doing anything only passing the time away. Wednesday I worked fourteen hours, came to the room at eleven o'clock, and the light was on here, and the door was locked from the inside. I called Elder Plewe, but no one answered. I called, yelled, howled, hammered, kicked, squealed and everything, to try to get the door opened for me. Nothing doing, so I go in another fellow's room, take my pocket knife, use it for a screw driver, and took the lock off. After about half an hour's work I got in, and here was Elder Plewe sound asleep. He was waiting for me, but was tired and fell asleep, and with all my yelling I didn't wake him up.
Thursday morning, I got up, half dead, and after breakfast, I went back to bed again. I got up agian at noon, and went to dinner, but as soon as possible, I was back in bed. I got up again, and went to supper, to try to pass it off, but I was glad to get back to bed again. Friday I thought i felt better, so I went out tracting. I got pretty weak before i was through, and after dinner I went to bed again, and stayed until the morning. I feel fine now, couldn't ask to feel better, only the hives have come back on me double dose. I look like I had the small pox. It seems to me the Lord is trying me, like he did Job. If it wasn't for these hives, I would feel better tonight, than for a long time, but I can hope these will soon leave me. This sickness has been working on me for some time, but now it can go find somebody else, because I am through with it for this time. Don't worry that i will get out too soon or anything like that after you get this letter, because everything is fine.
Elder Plewe wants me to go to bed now, so I will finish another time.
July 17th 1922
Well I have been out tracting this morning again. It sure seems fine to get to work again. A person feels so much better when he can work than when he lays around. I feel much better today, except I couldn't sleep much last night, on account of the bees stinging me, in those hives of theirs. I should soon be sweet enough to eat, if those bees work much more, storing the honey in the hives on me.
Well it is time that I go again now. Please forward this envelope and letter I am sending to Grandpa and Grandma Johnson. Tell Grandpa and Grandma Bunnell hello. Hoping you are all well and happy.
Sincerely,
LeRoy Bunnell.
P.S. Say Irwin didn't get peeved over what I said in the last letter about you and Mai. I just said it as a joke, but after I had sent the letter I thought it might hurt your feelings. So let it go or just as if I hadn't said it. Sometimes I say lots of things that I don't mean, so when I write something in the letters that way just pass it off again.
P.P.S. The missionaries tell me to send you their best regard.
P.P.P.S. It has been so cold here the last two days, that a man almost needs his overcoat. I did wear it to Sunday school yesterday. There were a few snowflakes mixed with the rain. It isn't storming today but it certainly is cold. The Rhine has raised again higher than it has been since I have been here, on account of so much rain. I don't think there be frost because that is very unusual here.

P.P.P. P. S. I forgot to tell Leona and the kiddies hello, and that I hope Leona will soon be better again. 

Monday, June 17, 2013

June 17th, 1922

Basel
June 17th, 1922.
Dear Folks:-
I have about 20 minutes to finish this letter and send it off, so you won't get much more.
Trouble is coming up here all the time. You know I told you about Luscher family, where we had to go and settle so many quarrels, and now he is making Hell for us. He is to blame because Bro. Haltinner and Elder Gliech were driven out of Liestal. He is a pretty big man with the police, and he sure has been feeding them not only in Liestal, but here also. I have to register here with the police again, and I fear I will have trouble doing it. they are sure getting to know us "mormons" here now. I think the old man Luscher must of wrote an article in the paper, because everybody are sure against us now. Some of the friends have turned back on us, but it is them to suffer and not me. yesterday Elder Plewe took his watch to a jeweler to get a crystal put in his watch. He never told the jeweler who he was at all, but when he came back to get the watch, the jeweler had a tag on it "a mormon". How he knew is more than I can tell, because we've never been there before. They seem to know us everywhere we go.
I am afraid I will have to have my eyes tested. Every afternoon for the last week I have had a terrible headache, and my eyes also ache. I think I will buy a pair of dark glasses, and try them a while. I blame it on the sun shining on the cement street and glaring up in my eyes.
For the last couple of weeks we've been buying milk from the milk man, and drinking it cold. It hasn't been treating us very good, so we will have the Frau boil it for us. It must be terribly dirty in the barns. Milk costs 7 cents a quart here now.
I expect I will have to go to Germany now to see the Passion Play. I think Elder Snell has ordered my ticket. The trip will cost about 20 dollars but I can save that on a suit of clothes alone, that is if I can get it back again. I must also buy socks, shoes, and shirts. I would never consider going if I thought I couldn't make more money than it cost, by buying my clothes there.
It has been very cold here again for the last two weeks. We have had much more rain, and  I think it will rain more today.
Well I must close, so I can go to the meeting. Hoping you are all well.
Sincerely
LeRoy
P.S. How are the crops looking? Is the stand of beets good?

P.P.S. I am going to start to number the letters and you do the same, because other fellows are losing letters, and I want to see if we do. 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

May 18th and 19th, 1922


Basel.
May 18th 1922.
Dear Varwood.
It has been better than a week since I received a letter from home, and also since I wrote I sent "Der Stern" but that wasn't a letter.
I have just been out tracting a couple of hours, and have a little spare time before I go to dinner, so I thought I would tell you of some of the troubles.
we are sure having hard work here in Basel. A good many of the Saints have got the big head because they have a little office, and ever since I and Bro. Hirschi has been here they have been plotting against us. The local missionaries have also had a good hold on it to. Finally Sunday in Priesthood meeting it came to a head, and these "no nothings" took turns standing up and told even a bunch of lies about us, about how we wanted to take his friends away from him, and that we were trying to push him out. I was by that time so mad I was sweating. I ask Pres. Ballif if I could say something, and he said no, you hadn't better. I guess it was a good thing or I am afraid I would say something that wouldn't have pleased them. Then the President of the Branch (also a local man) got up and told more lies. Talk about a church, this is more of a lodge here.
You see they haven't had any American missionaries here since the war began, and they had to put local men in to win things. They can't get into their beans, that we should do anything only tract and that they should tell us how the church should be organized. Because we didn't follow their advice, that has caused the trouble. Won't I be a rich man, when I can get back and work with Americans again. You can't imagine difference in the class of people. Pres. Ballif has to be as wise as a cat, because if he isn't, the whole mission would turn upside down. He is changing the branch, and con. Pres to Americans as fast as he can, but he has to be very careful, or a good many of the Saints would turn against him. A good number here are not worthy to be called saints. There are a few that are good, but that isn't many. Some join the church here because they are poor, and they know that the church will help them. Such is life.
Say if you want some pretty shade trees, get some of those chestnut. They are sure pretty. Half of the trees in Basel are chestnut and if it isn't pretty now. They are all out in bloom now.
Last Monday I went to another funeral. It was the Father of a Saint. The services were Protestandish and if it was dry. The Pastor done everything, read prayer from a book and even read the sermon. He never mentioned resurrection. In the particular graveyard where this man was buried, it is the second time, for people to be buried , it is the second time, for people to be buried in the same place. The ground had all been stirred up, and talk about stink, it was worse than a dozen dead horses.
It is raining again today for a change. It never goes a week here without rain. Pres. Ballif just came back from Ger. last Saturday and he said there they have had so much rain and snow, and it has been so cold, that the farmers hadn't yet done anything on the farms.
May 19th 1922.
I didn't finish yesterday so I will just add a few lines now. Bro. Hirschi, my good old American companion goes to Liestal Schwiez today, with Bro. Haltinner. They are going to open up a new branch. I have got to stay here in Basel, and work with Bro. Brunner, a local bird, that kept saying, when tracting that I was extra from America, until I put him on the right path. He is a fine fellow (for local man). I am either going to have a little better order here or I will pick up a walk out.
There is a ten day forlough from July 1st-10th given to all missionaries who want to go and see the Passion play in Germany. I believe I explained it before to you. It is considered the best in the world, and only plays every 10 years. It has been played for hundreds of years. There is people coming from all over the world to see it. The only trouble is for us missionaries from Schweiz to go over it would cost us $10 for a visa to get into Germany. That would cost more than all other expenses there together. President Ballif was pricing field glasses in Germany last week. He can get a pair of the best for $12 or $13. they would probably cost $60 or $75 in America. Should i get a pair?
Well I just received three letters from home. One from Merrill, one from Vinna and one from Grandma. I am glad you are all well, and think that I am learning the language so fast. Maybe if you heard me talk you wouldn't think so. Forgive the way I have wrote but I haven't told it all. I am sure hoping we can make it better.
you are not the only ones that have the Spring fever. I would like to get out on the farm myself. How happy I would be when I can get there once more, and especially in good old U.S.A.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

April 5th, 1922


Kybeckstrasse 78
Basel, Schweiz
April 5th 1922.
Honorable Irwin Grant Bunnell.
Dear Brother:- I got your very welcome letter this morning. I don't understand why you have any reason to be discouraged there. I suppose that letter I wrote made you all discouraged and cross. But nevertheless I am not that way all the time. I know you haven't anyone there to chum with, but I didn't either. I have had to fight here like sixty three, to get to work and not always be discouraged. You will all have to do the same there and bear the hardships of this old world and smile it off. At home sometimes I used to feel like the whole world was against me and everything I done was upside down, but we all have faults and it never and it never helps one to think of the dark side of everything that happens. Forget that, and always do everything with a smile, pass everything that is said against you with a smile and soon you will all be smiles and have know feelings. Excuse what I have said, but a missionary gets so used to giving advice, it seems thats all we are. But listen, Satan's time is near its end and he is working very, very hard to caues the down fall of everybody. Cast him out, live the cleanest, sweetest, purest life a man can live. Make everything bright for yourself and others, and never miss your prayers, both secretly, and always have the family prayer.
Perhaps when you wrote that letter, you were having your first spring day. If it has been anything there like it is here, it was your last also. This morning at seven o'clock, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It is the first morning for about 17 days. But ---- at ten o'clock it was raining pitch forks and grindstones. It has had several turns at it during the day. Three weeks ago the leaves on the trees just started to come out. It has been so cold since that, they have stood still. Sniff-sniff-sniff. I have a slight cold.
I got a letter from Samy this morning. Tell him I got it and appreciated it very much tell him & Marley to, that as soon as I get time I will answer. It is very hard to find time to do such things as write letters any more. Now that Jim and Leona are in town I suppose they hear from you real often. I owe them a letter, but as I said before where comes the time. I hate to steal it from study period. It is nearly always after ten o'clock when I come in at night, and sometimes nearly midnight.
Yesterday I watched part of a marriage ceremony here. The Priest married them, then there was about twenty of these carriages, (like was out on Jim's farm,) to take the bride and groom, and they witnesses for a ride. Those carriages are all the style over here.
This morning while I was tracting I found a Frau from Brazil. We had a fine time talking three languages. I found another frau, that wanted to know about polygamy. I told her, and she said that is perfectly all right. She asked me if I had time to come some evening next week, and teach her and her husband the principles of the gospel. I told her sure, so next Monday night Bro. Hirschi and I are going to make the visit. We found a couple yesterday that seemed to be willing to study our gospel.
I think I will soon have some Deutch books now. I got after President Ballif yesterday, and he has wrote to Ger. and ordered a Bible sent to Lorrach Ger. just over the line from Schweiz. The mission has an office there. Evelyn, President Ballif's daughter is going to Lorrach tomorrow and she promised me she would bring a Doctrine and Covenants to me. She will have to write my name in it before she can bring it across the line then maybe she will not be able to do it. They won't let her bring two books at a time. They are very, very strict what they let one bring over the line from Germany, because things are so cheap there and so high here. It is certainly different than living in America.
The Rhine is better than five feet higher today than yesterday on account of so much rain, and a much warmer wind blowing.
Well I think I will stop for tonight and go to bed, before I lose my nose, because it is running so fast. May God bless you all.
With Love,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78
Basel.


I suppose just now you are all sleeping to beat the band. It is eight o'clock here, and I thought I would write another line or two before sending the letter...
I sure have got fat over here. You should see my double chin. People here can't find me on that picture you sent me because I am so much fatter now. President Ballif said he was going to take my picture and send it homoe for an example of a missionary. Every place I go, my how fat you are getting. My face is as round as a bowl. I haven't gained any pounds in the last three weeks. it doesn't seem to me like I am getting fatter but they tell me I am always.
Well it is snowing like sixty again this morning. It is always too dark to take a picture.
It is time now for me to go to other work so - Auf Wieder Sehen Frosch.
p.s. My cold is much better this morning.
P.P. S. Thank Bro. Sumsion for the dollar for me and tell all hello.
Well I could write lots more but I haven't time now. It is time that I am going to the Pastor, and see how he is feeling. May God bless you all.
LeRoy
Klybeckst. 78.
P.S. I just received word that the Pastor hasn't time this week to talk with us. 

March 20th, 1922


Mar. 20th 1922.
Dear Folks.
I suppose I was mistaken about those castles being so old. I was told yesterday they were from 1000 to 1500 years old. There is a Roman amphitheater about ten miles from here that was built before Christ. They say it is in good condition.
I am afraid I have got myself into trouble with one of the Saints here. Some time ago I ask him how many friends they had in meeting. He wouldn't tell us, because he said he had some friends, and we had nothing to do with them, that he was the missionary for them. Last night I was called on to speak again, and I took the subject the war in heaven. I explained that Satan wanted the honor for doing Gods work. I told them for that Lucifer was cast out. then for a example I told that when a friend was found that was interested in the church, not to hold to him for yourself, and hunt for the honor to baptize or bring that person into the church. I talked better than ten minutes. It was terribly broken but they said they understood me. I can't understand but very little or speak very little but every day it comes just a little better. I hope that inside of a year I can do all of my studying in Deutch.
Well, it would sure be easier if I could learn to preach in English. It is very, very hard to memorize or do anything in Deutch. I suppose when it is necessary I can talk a little better. It is time for me to study now so I will close for this time. May God bless you all.
Yours truly,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78

Monday, March 11, 2013

March 10th and 11th


March 10th 1922.
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell.
Dear Mother :- I aimed this letter at you so you would get it April 3rd 1922. I sure wish you many happy returns for the day. I hope you are perfectly well and will continue so for sometime yet. I was going to buy you a present and send, but I couldn't find what I wanted. You can look for it later. I am sending you a birthday card. I guess you don't understand the reading on it. "It is best wishes for your birthday." Well Mother, enjoy yourself and don't worry over me. Does 52 seem any older than 51. The years keep creeping along with all of us.
I hate to ask for it, but you will have to send me about $1,000. I have grown so fat over here, I have to buy all new clothes. I weigh just exactly---take a guess, 198 lbs. What do you think of that. You wouldn't know I was the same man. I pulled the scale a little that time but my true weight is 176 lbs. My clothes sure fit me snug. You remember how loose my new trousers were around my b-b-be-bel- stomach. Well now I have to wear my belt so tight I am misery to keep from bursting the buttons off. My vest and coat is the same way. With my old suit, my trousers come almost to the top of my socks, and oh how tight they fit. My face is as round as a pumpkin. I also have a double chin. And my calves have grown so fast they don't bellow for more milk. They will soon be ready for market. There is an inch of fat on my chest. I believe I weigh more than 176. Scales are very irregular over here. Everybody laughs at me because I am so sloppy.
Yesterday I received two letters and the dictionary from home. That dictionary is much better than I can buy here. I was sure glad to hear from Irwin, Karl, and Elvin. I will try to answer them now if I can. Don't worry over those homesick letters if you get them I change back and forth everyday (but not so bad.). Those two concerts is the only ones I have been too. I have saw one since. Nobody knows when the boats leave, just send the letters I do the same. I am sure glad they take those young fellows to preach. I hope they take Irwin every Sunday. I am glad to hear of the good luck to Spens, how are they now. Karl is next; well Karl continue that scout work, by fall I want you to be a first class scout. Remember that. Be sure and pass that signaling good, and do it quick. Don't expect the lake to break up with two feet of ice. Leave the ducks alone. Are all three pigs alive. Don't get too sassy with Mr. Lows there over in school. Why why do want to know what I thought when Charley Nelson fell out of the buggy. I thought that he ought to have better sense than die that way. Why don't you go tell him not to do that again. Ha ha. I won't talk Swiss I will talk Duetch. Say Karl, what do you mean by old pigs has a sore big, and old young sheep is getting sore and old Maude has lost a front leg. How did Maude loss that leg and where is it. How much do you weigh. Skinny comes next :-. I am as fat as a pig. I can talk a little bit but not much. Do you take the bottle instead of the land. How many did it take to kill Friday's calf. You had better hurry up and get some eggs. Don't you kick Torcks while I am around. What is coming winter or Messiah.
I am in Basel. Pet all the cats good and hard for me, and talk to them, play them, feed them and all. Sometime I'll help you.
March 11th 1922 1/4
It was so late last night I had to quit writing and go to bed. Brother Hirschi won't let me pray in English anymore. I don't know whether anyone can understand me or not. Bro. Hirschi said he could. I will now kuss Irwin a little.
Shut up and quit calling me homesick. I know it without you telling me. I think just after you wrote that letter to me you had about 18 inches of snow. How about it. Has the spring opened there when you get this letter. I bet you can't work the ground until the middle of April. I'll think with you that Lincoln hasn't got any team. I see they got scooped the last game. How did you come out in your opposite play. Say don't you quit school. I advise you to stay out of a couple of weeks and help, but don't quit and lose a years work. It won't hurt you to step out a few women just so you take the right kind. Don't be so dead headed as I was. Does Merrill step the same one all the time or a night Della-Oneda-Uleada. Tell him to begin thinking about that five pound box of chocolates. Your gab doesn't bother me. It is all interesting. If you do weigh 170 lbs, I have you beat now.
Well I have answered all four letters so now I will try and tell a little Schweiz news. There isn't much interesting but I can tell a little.
I understand why the Kaiser said, "Theund Goth." the talk of God like a child. They have a higher language for themselves.
Say take lots of pictures around home. Take one of the house, so I can show these people what a good house looks like. Also send me some of the Fordson working. They can't understand, a machine working the ground. I would sure like to have either old pet Friday or hind over here. You could sell them for a thousand dollars each in no time. The champion cow of Shweiz gave 53 lbs in one day. I'll bet it don't test 3%. All the milk is very skim.
That fast nack or masquarade isn't last over with. There sure was some hideous looking boobs. If that had been in America it all would have been over it two hours. Here they use two days. All it was, was parades of the masked bandits. They throwed out some poems and stuff, but it all was dialect. I am sending you one. They also had flowers, oranges, and all to throw at people just for fun. Many spent so much money for that, they are starving now. They certainly don't understand how to have a good time. They have no more order to a parade than a bunch of cattle. I also have a few flowers they threw out. I don't care to see more of those. There was sure thousands of thousands of people saw it. I never saw so many people in my life.
This afternoon I am going out and play football with some mormon boys. It isn't real football but girls football. They just kick it back and forth. I sure got terribly insulted last Monday. A women came up to me and began talking. She thought I was her brother in law. I should think that I was no Scwizer, i al most booted her.
Well we are going to have a Elders meeting now so I had better cut off for a while. Say, I was told Sunday that Olga Wunderley would leave Provo March 13th. I was going to write to her, but now it is of now use. If she doesn't go let me know.
Brother Hirschi is put in conference President of the Basler conference. He has two other missionaries to take care of . We hope to soon have more. We are going to do a little traveling in other towns and try to start another branch.
Well it is time for me to cut off. I wish Mother many happy returns for her birthday. May God bless you all, I remain.
With Love,
LeRoy
P.S. I can't get a Gillete blade sharpener here for $1.50. I can get the best of blade razors here for .75 cents shall send you some.
P.P.S. Say Irwin all of you add up those milk seconds for 1921 and send me the totals. Also tell me how the cows are doing.
P.P.P.P.S. (Otee) Is a Schwiz name.
P.P.P.S. Howis Roy Hodson.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Feb. 8th 1922


Feb 8th
Well Dad there isn't much more to write about this morning. I have told you about all the news before.
The worst time of the day for me is in the morning when I first get out of bed. I usually start yelling for Irwin or Merrill. When I don't find them, my heart comes clear out of my mouth. I am getting more used to it now, but can't help wish for the time to come that I may return home with you all. I try and keep going hard enough during the day to forget home for awhile.
Dear Dad it has to happen sometimes to everybody and I am no better than the rest. I have a snap to what most missionaries have who come out here. I can run up to the Bureau and talk English when I get too downhearted. It isn't near so hard for me now as it was the first day or so. I'll be good and sometime I will come back and be a better guy. Well I must close. Praying the blessing of the Lord upon you all.
L.B.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Feb. 7th 1922 Continued...


10:00 PM
Commissioner L. L. Bunnell
Dear Dad :- Do you think I wasn't going to address any mail in your name? I have been answering the letters to the name that have sent them, but I know you would okay them all.
I would give anything if you could or "would" land that county commissioners job. It would do you good, so you wouldn't have to use so much physical exercise and it would be good for the boys to take care of the Farm. It would also add a future or income to Variwood.
I am going to start numbering the letters I send from here. This is the 5th one from Basel. You keep track of them and see if they all come. If they do in a few months I will send some souvenirs or jewelry is less than half here, to what it is there.
Well I had my first missionary work today. I went tracting alone. I delivered 38 tracts. This morning Bro. Haltinner took one side of the street and I took the other. This afternoon I went all alone. Some of them had a hard time understanding me. When I would get through telling them who I was they would say "Verstchen sie nichts." meaning I don't understand you. I would tell them over until they knew what I meant. anyway they said they did. A good many wanted to give me money. Some made me take a little. I got 45 sontiems, which is just 9 cents. I found two places where they were so tickled they didn't know how to act.
I have learned the two quite well now. I have been from one end to the other today. While i was traveling I saw a bath house. It was a large laundry and also shower baths. I was quite dirty so I went in ad took a shower. People don't bathe much over here and it is hard to get a bath. This place was nice and clean. It cost me 70 sontiem, or 14 cents. It was well worth it to me.
I haven't been homesick at all today. I believe I am over the worst. I hope so. It is sure cold here tonight. I believe it will come down below 20 (above). Well I am going to bed now, I will probably send the letter tomorrow. I can't send one everyday.

Feb. 7th 1922

Feb. 7th I ate my first horse meat, it was very tough and juicy.


Feb. 7th, 1922
I thought I would drop you another line this morning. I am feeling fine and are rearing to get out tracting. I am going out and try it alone.
I had a good laugh on myself this morning. Last night I told the landlady to bring my bread and milk in at halbesibenuhr. Which I thought meant half past seven. She came in with it this morning at 6:30. She had to get up an hour earlier. I ask her why she brought is at 6:30. She then explained to me how to tell time. Halbesieben means half of seven. I should have said Halbeacht or half of eight.
It is very cold this morning I haven't any fire here so I have to get my overcoat on. It snowed about three inches the other night from what I understand U.S. has been having some fierce weather it never does get as cold here as it does there.
Ask Merrill to tell Prof. Martin at the B.Y.U. that I did not get to see Rulon Hinckley. He is laboring in the French part of Switzerland. Prof. Martin ask me to remember him to Rulon.
Well I have got to get ready to go out to work so I will close for this time and will try and write more tomorrow and send the letter. Tell Merrill to be sure and let me know of all the B.Y.U. games. Also, Irwin and Vinna of Lincoln. Well be good.