Basel, Schweiz.
Oct. 22, 1922
Variwood Farm.
Dear Folks:-
In the letter I wrote yesterday, I told you about the old lady proposing to me. You remember she also asked me not to dance. Well, I fooled her. Pres. Ballif is not so terribly strict about that and he was present last night, so after one of the missionaries had danced several times, I got President Ballif's permission, and danced with Evelyn, his daugther. Say but you should have seen that woman stick her giraffe neck up in the air, and almost climbed on the tables and look. She sure didn't know what to think. During the whole evening I hadn't spoken to her at all, so it was not long after, she came down to where I was, and asked me for my answer. If I ever told anybody the truth, I did her. I told her I never came over here to find a wife, but to preach the gospel of Christ. I told her I felt very sorry, that she had taken me on instead of the gospel, but just the same she had heard enough of the gospel, that she is responsible now. I told her I would not come anymore to her place, but I would send other missionaries. I told her a few otehr things, which she never thought I would, but just the same I told the truth. She didn't seem to get sore (she is too simple) and promised to come right on to the meetings as usual.
Well I must study my S. S. lesson so will close for this time, and finish another time. Auf Wieder Sehen.
Oct. 26th 1922.
I got another letter from the biddie today, simpler than ever. I had a chance to talk in meeting last Sunday night, and I slammed pretty hard, even if she was there. It doesn't seem to make much difference with her, how many slams she gets. She also sent me 5 fr. or $1.00 in the letter, but I won't use it, I will give it as a fast offering or tithing or something. I certainly think it is the bunk. She tries her best to get me to come again, but I won't. I think to get away from her I will have to leave Switzerland, becaues it seems that she hasn't enough sense to take a hint. I am going to take the letter to Pres. Ballif again.
It snowed just a little here today. It certainly is cold. We had to give up and make a fire. it is too cold to study without. Good night for this time, and I will finish Saturday. I have eaten too much sauer kraut to write more tonight.
Oct. 28th 1922.
I received a letter from Mother Oct. 23rd, was glad to hear of the success you had in the fair. How much money did you get out of it? Did the county pay anything? What was the score to the football game? Where does Merrill play? I would like the chance to work some of my fat off. I hope when I get back I will be able to do a little more in such lines. I have been nothing but an old dummy in school, and never accomplished anything. I feel about the same way here, that I am about 100 years behind time, which almost equals me to a Swiss man.
There was one of the Saints died last Sunday morning, and the people here are so religious??? that they wouldn't take his body away on Sunday, and let him lay until Monday. The family was afraid to stay there alone so I sit up there all night - (to see that Bro. Yinkel wouldn't get up and run away). He was buried Tuesday, and I am almost sure that when they broke through the large stones on the coffin (the grave yard was very gravely) that they broke through right on his body. How would you like to be buried like that? Not for me.
I went up and saw Pres. Ballif this morning, and showed him the letter from the Biddie, and he sure did laugh. One of the boys in the Bureau is going to write her a letter, and tell her to mind her business, and if she says anything more to me I will answer her in three words, and the first two are go to____. If there is anymore said, I will have to leave Basel. I was just about to be sent either to Bern, or Zurich, but Pres. Ballif says he needs me here in Basel to much at present, to shop me away, but still I wouldn't be surprised, if I would leave before another month.
I supposed when you get this letter, you will be about done with the sugar beets. How did they turn out? How does the plowing go this fall? Who does it? Is the ground very wet?
I haven't more to write, only that I feel the bunk, and that the work that I have done in Basel is in vain, that frau Schnid has undone more than I have done. Nevertheless, I have warned a good many people. I hope in the future I will feel better. It sure feels tough to be out spending so much time and money and still have no progress.
May the Lord bless you all in your labors.
Sincerely,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell.
Klybeckstrasse 78.
Basel.
P.S. The money hasn't come, but maybe it will be here in a few days.
P.P.S. Please forward this letter to Leona. There are so many other letters lost, this is the surest way.
P.P.P.S. Ask Leona what she thinks of my address on the envelope.
Monday, January 13, 2014
October 14th, 1922
Oct. 14th 1922.
Miss Vinna Bunnell.
Dear Sis:- Well I suppose if this letter gets there by your birthday, I will have to be sending it. I really haven't time to write, but it is already a week since I wrote, so you will be expecting a letter.
I received a letter this week from Papa, Mama, and Merrill, all together. I was sure glad to hear from them. I have also received newspapers twice. They sure are fine.
I was in Bern last Sat. and Sunday, but it rained continually, and also we had so many meetings that all I saw in the whole two days, was just the street between the railroad station, and the meeting house.
I even didn't have a chance to eat for 24 hours. Bern is built up very peculiar. The sidewalks are all built under the buildings, something like Taylor's Bro's. only not soo wide (about 6 ft.) and not so high (7ft.). I also saw the old famous clock in Bern. The conference was certainly fine, only not very well attended. There were about 30 missionaries there.
I still make mistakes in the language. The other night, I was visiting a friend, and she was telling me some of her religious experiences, and I meant to tell her she was a little over religious, and instead I told her she was a little crazy. She sure looked at me cross eyed, but it was a day later before I realized my mistake.
The other day while tracting, I found a lady, that had had seventeen children, and ten of them are dead. Of course my topic there was Salvation for the dead, and as I explained it to her, she broke down and cried. I talked to her for over an hour. The next door I went to, the woman broke out all over , and oh! how she did tear into me because I was a Mormon. I gave her the verse from Math 16, about sign seekers, then told her right out, that those people who always find fault with the Mormons, are the same. I also told her that 99 chances out of 100, she herself was an adulterous woman. She didn't deny it at all, but just slammed the door in my face. Just the same, she had something to think about, and she don't need to think that she can be pure and clean, just by her words.
Well I just passed my 21st milestone yesterday. If I was there now I could vote. I will probably get a chance later. I hope the Republicans win.
I have a new companion now, Elder Wayne Stratford, from Pocatello. He has studied a little German in school, but he can't talk, but just a few words. He is about the same age as I am, and I am satisfied, if they don't bring some other local man in here, or somebody else that needs to be watched, everything will go fine.
Say tell Merrill not to worry too much about me and the German girls. They are nothing to worry about. One of my friends (an old widow) just came to the room not long ago (15 minutes) and brought me a bouquet of roses, but she is too old - ha -ha, The bomb Merrill sent was two days early. It reached me two days before my birthday. Say, why don't some of you study German in school, so I can talk to you when I come back.
No Father, I can't preach a sermon a rod long. We are not supposed to talk over 20 minutes, and I only get a chance once a month, so they can't expect too much. I would also like to see you drop in here sometime. The only trouble I could preach for an hour and you wouldn't understand me. Try and make it so you can meet me here- when I am released.
Say, before I forget. Would it be possible to send me one of those Indian arrow heads (a small one) in a registered letter. If so, please do it.
Last Tuesday night I sit up all night with an old saint here 78 years old. That is something new for me, but all went good. I think he will pass away in the next day or two.
Well Vinna, it is time to close so I will wish you many happy returns for your birthday, and hope that all goes good with you. Praying the Lord to bless you.
Lovingly,
LeRoy Bunnell.
P.S. I will send the mate to that post card next letter.
Miss Vinna Bunnell.
Dear Sis:- Well I suppose if this letter gets there by your birthday, I will have to be sending it. I really haven't time to write, but it is already a week since I wrote, so you will be expecting a letter.
I received a letter this week from Papa, Mama, and Merrill, all together. I was sure glad to hear from them. I have also received newspapers twice. They sure are fine.
I was in Bern last Sat. and Sunday, but it rained continually, and also we had so many meetings that all I saw in the whole two days, was just the street between the railroad station, and the meeting house.
I even didn't have a chance to eat for 24 hours. Bern is built up very peculiar. The sidewalks are all built under the buildings, something like Taylor's Bro's. only not soo wide (about 6 ft.) and not so high (7ft.). I also saw the old famous clock in Bern. The conference was certainly fine, only not very well attended. There were about 30 missionaries there.
I still make mistakes in the language. The other night, I was visiting a friend, and she was telling me some of her religious experiences, and I meant to tell her she was a little over religious, and instead I told her she was a little crazy. She sure looked at me cross eyed, but it was a day later before I realized my mistake.
The other day while tracting, I found a lady, that had had seventeen children, and ten of them are dead. Of course my topic there was Salvation for the dead, and as I explained it to her, she broke down and cried. I talked to her for over an hour. The next door I went to, the woman broke out all over , and oh! how she did tear into me because I was a Mormon. I gave her the verse from Math 16, about sign seekers, then told her right out, that those people who always find fault with the Mormons, are the same. I also told her that 99 chances out of 100, she herself was an adulterous woman. She didn't deny it at all, but just slammed the door in my face. Just the same, she had something to think about, and she don't need to think that she can be pure and clean, just by her words.
Well I just passed my 21st milestone yesterday. If I was there now I could vote. I will probably get a chance later. I hope the Republicans win.
I have a new companion now, Elder Wayne Stratford, from Pocatello. He has studied a little German in school, but he can't talk, but just a few words. He is about the same age as I am, and I am satisfied, if they don't bring some other local man in here, or somebody else that needs to be watched, everything will go fine.
Say tell Merrill not to worry too much about me and the German girls. They are nothing to worry about. One of my friends (an old widow) just came to the room not long ago (15 minutes) and brought me a bouquet of roses, but she is too old - ha -ha, The bomb Merrill sent was two days early. It reached me two days before my birthday. Say, why don't some of you study German in school, so I can talk to you when I come back.
No Father, I can't preach a sermon a rod long. We are not supposed to talk over 20 minutes, and I only get a chance once a month, so they can't expect too much. I would also like to see you drop in here sometime. The only trouble I could preach for an hour and you wouldn't understand me. Try and make it so you can meet me here- when I am released.
Say, before I forget. Would it be possible to send me one of those Indian arrow heads (a small one) in a registered letter. If so, please do it.
Last Tuesday night I sit up all night with an old saint here 78 years old. That is something new for me, but all went good. I think he will pass away in the next day or two.
Well Vinna, it is time to close so I will wish you many happy returns for your birthday, and hope that all goes good with you. Praying the Lord to bless you.
Lovingly,
LeRoy Bunnell.
P.S. I will send the mate to that post card next letter.
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
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