Basel, Schweiz.
Dec. 30th 1922.
Variwood Farm.
Dear Folks:- just after I had sent my letter again last Sat. I received one, from Mother, Father, and Elvin. It certainly pleased me to know that you all remembered that there is an ignorant chap over here where good people don't grow in abundance. But say, all of those good people who ask about me all of the time, just give them my address and a nickle to by a stamp, and say "yes go ahead."
How are the roses growing there this year. Do you haul lots of them out. I hope the fall remained open long enough to geth them all plowed under.
I received the $25 dollars ok. Exchange wasn't as high as last time, only 5.26 to the $. If you don't mind, sometimes when a dollar bill is flying around loose, just slip it over in a registered letter. Amercian money looks very good. Then maybe when time is up, I would have just a few of those good old American bills, to visit a little here in Europe.
I told you in the last letter what a fine dinner I had had at Christmas, it sure was good. That night when I ate a Swiss meal, on top of it, the American dinner got very peeved, and declared war on the Swiss meal, and on my way home, the American pushed the Swiss out on my way home, the American pushed the Swiss out of my mouth, and followed after him, and I left them out on the street quarreling.
Say, but that was a terrible thick for Papa to lose his gun and duck that way. That was once you couldn't come and throw your hat through the door.
Voici votre chapeau it celui de votre frere. Il a sa montre it celle de som pere. Est ce la votre bague ou celle de votre mere? Ceux qui sont contents, sont toryouts heureux. Ce qui est beau n'est pas toryours utile. Celu qui a vendu ce champ est riche. Cet homme a fait une visite a notre voisin.
Se voi avete il mio libro datemelo. Non passo darvelo adesso Ima velo dars presto. Ha Ella letto la lettera. Non lo posso leggere. Non ho i miei occkiali. Gliel a ho gia restituta portatemi il mio fazzaletto! gliel portero subito. Sons contentissimo di verderla inbuona salute.
Ich hoffe dass sie konnen alle diese vers chiedene sprache lesen und verstehen. WEnn Sie konnen, dann si tun mehr als ich ten kann. Jim konte es auch nicht ubersetzen, vielleicht dieses dass ich jetzt Schreibe, aber nicht alle. Ein mal sie werden all eins seine.
Mas antes de todas estas cosasos echaran mano, y perseguiran, entre gan doos a las sinogoges y a las carceles, siendo ilevados a los reyes y a los gobernadores por causa de mi nombre. Y os sera para testimonio. Pon pues en questros corazones no pensar antes como habus respondor.
If you can read all that is written above, you can do more than I can. Ask Jim to translate it. Each paragraph is a diffrent language. They are all spoken here in Basel. Which is which? No. 1 is french. 2. Italian, 3. German, 4. Spanish, 5. English. They are also all correct.
How will it be to give Elvin the job of translating that which is written above. Say Skinny, that was a fine letter you sent me. So, Merrill rides old Sorely now. Pass auf, she might send him a "traveling, traveling etc." You lay in the potato rows next year, Richt wahr Elvin?
I also received a lterr from Mother Christmas day, with the picture of the house. Sure does look fine. The letter was written Dec. 11th. It couldn't have come at a better time. I will try and write tothe Relief Society soon. Did they get my last letter?
How was Elder Plewe when he was there? Is his health good? He sure was a fine fellow. I never realized it so much until after he had gone, and begun work with others. If it happens sometime when you are at the city, call on him, 458 S. 12th West. Tell Doc. Hughes hello, and that he needn't worry about Russel. True, all that they get to eat- by the Saints is black bread and coffee without milk, but the stores are always open, and t doesn't cost an American so much to buy good nourishing food. The poor Germans are to be pitied. The prices for them are clear out of sight. Butter costs 2000 marks (1 lb.). Coal 7,000 for 100 lbs. 100 for an egg. 30, to 50,000 for a pair of shoes. 70to 100,000 for a suit. Their wage now is about 400 mark per hour. The poor people are pale and thin, and are trying every way possible to exist, but conditions don't favor them. As I understand, unless relief comes, many will starve during the winter. Many are freezing now.
So Papa is re-elected Pres. of the Farm Bureau of the County. Does he remain President of the ward? I hope they get a good enrollment this year. Please tell me how many beets you had this year.
It has been raining again all day today. The weather has moderated quite a bit. It has only been necessary for me to wear an overcoat a few times, so far this winter. Snow doesn't remain on the ground long here. The atmosphere here is always quite damp.
I have been hindered so I haven't got my letter finished, but it is still Sat, so I can still hold my word.
Where are the Elm trees from south of the house? I couldn't see them on the picture, and I wondered if you had taken those trees away. Was the scale very bad this year?
How long does it take my letters to come? I can't imagine them going in ten days, and I don't see why they should be 17.
Thursday night I was out to supper, and I noticed a new dish. It was some kind of meat. I ate some of it, but it wasn't extra good. I ask what it was. The answer was "kutteln" I looked the word up in the dictionary, and it said "stukings" , just then the woman told me it was the stomach of a cow. Please help yourself. Of course, I had to but ??? and ???. Imagine yourself a chewing that gummy stuff, with that rough inside. Yes, help yourself.
The other day I was preaching to a fellow, that he should love his enemies. He told me that he loved his worst enemy, best of all. I thought to myself, well, what kind of a man are you? I ask him how that was. The answer was - alcohol is my worst enemy. I suppose that hold true with cigarettes. --- Please tell me what stands in the middle of Provo. It isn't the fountain, but it is a riddle. Guess it.
The other day Elder Stratford and I were in Rheinfelden. When we got on the train to come home, it was so warm in the car, that immediatly Elder Stratford turned the heat off, so that turned the steam out of the heaters, and the outlet was right at the steps, and it blowed steam out on the people approaching the car, and they all pushed back, and began to scatter for fear of an explosion. I saw what was happening and turned the heat back on again. We didn't get kicked out.
It seems as though the people like to ship stuff back and forth over the ocean. There were many toys given here, made in Germany, patented in U.S.A., and sold here in Switzerland. It seems as though when anything is just patented in U.S., it is good for sale all over the world.
About the time that you receive this letter, I will be preaching the gospel in Germany. I was up to the Bureau today, and Pres. Ballif called me in and told me a little history, gave me a few bumps, as Ralph Parlette says, then told me that two weeks from today he is leaving for Franfurt, Ger. and he wants me to go with him. So I will get the chance to live on black bread and coffee. Franfurt is about twelve hours ride from here, but the train fare is a joke.
I am really glad to get a change for my own good. I am also glad for the opportunity to go into Ger. to work. I always did want to go there. The main reason I wanted to get away from Basel is, that i feel my incapability as presiding Elder, and I am willing to give the job over. I have told Pres. Ballif, many a time, but things have been so here in Basel, it has been impossible for me to go, because new missionaries were always coming in and not being acquainted it fell on to me, but I have felt weak at it all the way through. I have certainly had a hard fight here in Basel. About every other day there was some kind of a fight. I just got over one this week, but it didn't end right. If I hadn't been a missionary, I might have put on the gloves, but I counted ten and never said anything, which likely was the best. It was just with one of the Saints here who tried to show authority.
Well, I have written so much dumheit, that I suppose you are tired of it. so I will begin to anfang, und machen kirn mehr klatshen heute, sondern lassen sie ein wenig whe heben furein paar tage. Ich weiss nicht ob sie haben solche brufe gern oder nicht. Das macht nicht aus, wann sie wunschen kurger briefe nur sagen yo yo und ich werde nicht so viel schreiben nach her.
Just send my mail Klybeckstrasse 78, until I send you my new address. The missionaries here will forward them. I won't write to the Relief Society until I get into Germany, so I can give my right address.
We have one more hard thing to do here, before I go, and that is change the Branch Presidency, which if we are not careful, will cause some trouble. The present President is a local man, and I don't know how he will take it to be released. Nevertheless it is necessary to be done.
Halt!! One! Two! May the Lord bless you all, I remain.
Sincerely,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell.
Kylbeckstrasse 78.
Basel.
Monday, January 13, 2014
December 23rd 1922
Basel
Dec. 23rd, 1922
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell, Irwin, & Karl.
Dear Mother & Bro's:- I receieved a letter from Mother Dec. 19th, 18 days on the road, then Dec. 20th, I received one from Irwin and Karl 13 days, so now I guess I will be without mail for a while. What on earth was Papa trying to do with the Ford, jump ditches or something like Karl and I did. I hope there wasn't much damage done.
I suppose during the holidays the mail was quite irregular, on account of so much mail. I hope you receive all of the letters. I have written every week, so if you haven't received them, blame it on the Schweizer, because they are naturally slow.
Irwin, I sure hope you get the opportunity to go on a mission. It doesn't make so much difference where you go. Just so the world can be called to repentance. It would be fine to remain in the states, and it would also be fine to learn a foreign language, but a big disadvantage is losing our mother tongue. I dread to think of coming home, and trying to give a talk in English, because I have forgotten so much. Then also the foreign language isn't talked perfect. Listen Boo: while you are in school, take a benefit of it. Take the classes, don't be just exposed to them like I was. Study hard, and you will never regret it later on.
I hope you have good success in the basketball. Be sure and guard your man right good, so he don't run rings around you. And don't forget, don't! wait! so! long! to! tell! me! the! results!!!!! I haven't heard yet how the B.Y. came out on Thanksgiving day at Laramie. I am waiting patiently.
How deep could you plow this fall? Is it all done good?
Be careful with the butcher knife, it is sometimes sharp also fingers are not so cheap. You probably realize now that it hurts when you cut yourself. If you are hungry for the dog meat, maybe I can ship some over from here (don't get insulted).
Yes sir Karl you ought to have your concern kicked, and that isn't all of it. Just wait until this old Schweizer gets back there again. If you repent, and write oftener, then I will cancel what I said. So you killed a duck, and had to run to get her old Mary gives the most milk. Say, who named that duck Mary, and who on earth milked her. A Mallard duck costs $3 here in Basel. Ship a couple over. We can buy deer meat for 70 cents a lbs. Well, cow don't step the women around too much, and dig right into those books of yours, and devour all that is in them. Do you dance this year? How goes it?
Things aren't very newsy around just yet, and I have to keep scratching my head, to see what I will, or can write next.
The Sunday school is going to have a program on Xmas day. I was designated as a committee of two to buy a tree, and I got a good one for $1.20. They have hundreds of trees here in the city, that they have cut out of "Shwarzwald" or Black Forest, in Ger. I think it is a shame, to take so many young trees away.
I am invited up to the Bureau for Christmas, so I can have a real American dinner again, which doesn't make me mad at all. I don't know what I will do New Year's day.
I hope everything is well at home, and that it will remain so. May the Lord bless you.
Sincerely,
Frog=Frosch.
Klybeckstrasse 78.
p.s. the last week here, it has been raining most of the time. It isn't as cold as it was.
p.p.s. Is the seal broken on any of the letters you get?
p.p.p.s. Grandpa Johnson laying asleep by a tree, when a skwak was his visitor.
Dec. 23rd, 1922
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell, Irwin, & Karl.
Dear Mother & Bro's:- I receieved a letter from Mother Dec. 19th, 18 days on the road, then Dec. 20th, I received one from Irwin and Karl 13 days, so now I guess I will be without mail for a while. What on earth was Papa trying to do with the Ford, jump ditches or something like Karl and I did. I hope there wasn't much damage done.
I suppose during the holidays the mail was quite irregular, on account of so much mail. I hope you receive all of the letters. I have written every week, so if you haven't received them, blame it on the Schweizer, because they are naturally slow.
Irwin, I sure hope you get the opportunity to go on a mission. It doesn't make so much difference where you go. Just so the world can be called to repentance. It would be fine to remain in the states, and it would also be fine to learn a foreign language, but a big disadvantage is losing our mother tongue. I dread to think of coming home, and trying to give a talk in English, because I have forgotten so much. Then also the foreign language isn't talked perfect. Listen Boo: while you are in school, take a benefit of it. Take the classes, don't be just exposed to them like I was. Study hard, and you will never regret it later on.
I hope you have good success in the basketball. Be sure and guard your man right good, so he don't run rings around you. And don't forget, don't! wait! so! long! to! tell! me! the! results!!!!! I haven't heard yet how the B.Y. came out on Thanksgiving day at Laramie. I am waiting patiently.
How deep could you plow this fall? Is it all done good?
Be careful with the butcher knife, it is sometimes sharp also fingers are not so cheap. You probably realize now that it hurts when you cut yourself. If you are hungry for the dog meat, maybe I can ship some over from here (don't get insulted).
Yes sir Karl you ought to have your concern kicked, and that isn't all of it. Just wait until this old Schweizer gets back there again. If you repent, and write oftener, then I will cancel what I said. So you killed a duck, and had to run to get her old Mary gives the most milk. Say, who named that duck Mary, and who on earth milked her. A Mallard duck costs $3 here in Basel. Ship a couple over. We can buy deer meat for 70 cents a lbs. Well, cow don't step the women around too much, and dig right into those books of yours, and devour all that is in them. Do you dance this year? How goes it?
Things aren't very newsy around just yet, and I have to keep scratching my head, to see what I will, or can write next.
The Sunday school is going to have a program on Xmas day. I was designated as a committee of two to buy a tree, and I got a good one for $1.20. They have hundreds of trees here in the city, that they have cut out of "Shwarzwald" or Black Forest, in Ger. I think it is a shame, to take so many young trees away.
I am invited up to the Bureau for Christmas, so I can have a real American dinner again, which doesn't make me mad at all. I don't know what I will do New Year's day.
I hope everything is well at home, and that it will remain so. May the Lord bless you.
Sincerely,
Frog=Frosch.
Klybeckstrasse 78.
p.s. the last week here, it has been raining most of the time. It isn't as cold as it was.
p.p.s. Is the seal broken on any of the letters you get?
p.p.p.s. Grandpa Johnson laying asleep by a tree, when a skwak was his visitor.
December 16th 1922
Basel, Switz.
Dec. 16th 1922.
Mr. Merrill John Bunnell.
Dear Brother :- I received your very longed for letter Dec. 12th, and was glad to hear you were on the trip, but I was also sorry not to hear the results of the game. That night I went up to the office, and they had newspapers there telling of the results, which were still worse. There 2nd team must be a good one! If you played in Laramie, Wyo. you likely took the same route home as I came on. What do you think of it? I wish I knew just how that game came out.
It has busted out someway here in the branch about the old dame -B- not worth capitalizing -biddie, proposing to me. Just so it is rightly explained, that is the main thing. The Saints here all know me anyhow, and they don't believe the story, or others say they don't blame her. I think it will come out alright.
Tell Spencer there is absolutely no use of knocking a big railroad train off of the track with that tin can. Tell him to get a big army tank or something that all the bolts will have nuts on, and won't work loose. He is about like with that tin can, as we used to be with his son, trying all kinds tricks, but once it wouldn't serve the purpose. I suppose he went right to town and got the load, without the wheel they usually do that with tin cans.
How much celery did you get out, and how much froze? What do you get for a doz? Is it very good? Did you have any peaches this year? Apples? golden delicious? Almonds? How did the duck hunting end up? Did you get very many this winter? Did the geese come around at all? What kind of skating is there? What is the price you get for cream now? How much plowing did you get done? Don't stop until they are all answered. Karl can help.
I have only ask a few questions, and they are short, but I have one more, but I would certainly like to get your own idea, also the others there, over it. Last Sunday night, I was called on to talk in the meeting, and I chose for my subject "The Resurrection" I had studied it out before, until I had it clear in my mind, with the exception of one thing, which I did not make clear in my speech. The question is this: "Will the sons of Perdition Resurrect?" In II Nephi 9:8 it says that if our bodies didn't resurrect, we would be thrown under, and be angels of the devil. In Alma 40:18, it says the resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit and the body, (whole chapter). At the last judgement, the wicked will be the angels ofthe devil, are the sons of Perdition, and as we know, at the time of the war in Heaven, the devil was cast out with 1/3 of the host of heaven, and this third were denied the priviledge of receiving a body. Well, those people, who Satan win, are who are cast out, have their bodies, and still be the angels of Satan, or does the 2nd death mean that after the judgement, their bodies be taken away?
As Nephi speaks in II Nephi 9:8, none of the Angels of Satan, will have bodies 1 Cor. 15:22, says that all in Adam must die, and all in Christ will be made alive, or in other words, resurrect.
There was no exception given there. In D. of C. S. 76:31-39 it hints a little tot he fact, also considering other verses, that the partakers of Satan will not resurrect, but be his angels. This is a very deep question, but I would just like your opinions there over. I have about came to my conclusion, but there is never anything wrong in getting others. To make the question clearer, "Will the sons of Perdition, or those who are judged us the wicked, at the judgement day, resurrect with their bodies, and keep them, after the judgement, or is this priviledge denied from them, because they would rather follow Satan, than Christ. I will look for an answer soon. Get Papa Jim and Lamond in on it also. Other ref. Alma 11. Mos. 3. D. of C. 76 all, etc.
The house frau, or woman says she is going to fool me. I still rant around in bed like I used to at home, and often times I would have to go chasing across the room to get my cover. Then in the morning it would be all in a knot. While joking with the frau one morning I told her that I supposed I would have to tie myself in bed. The next morning, I noticed that she had tied each corner of the covers down to the foot. They stay fairly good now, and they don't get dirty by being drug on the floor. Wo be unto whoever I sleep with when I come home.
The house lady makes the beds, and cleans the room out every morning. Say but it is fine washing here now. These people don't know what it is to wash in warm water, and we have to wash the same way as they do. The water stands in a pitcher all day and night, then in the morning we pick the ice off of it, pour it out, and also have to use it to shave - ouch - then bury our old heads into it. One consolation is we get rosy cheeks from it. We have hot water once a week, and that is when we bath. I always have a shower bath, because there is too much disease around to trust going in a public bath tub. The shower is very good.
If you want to ask Frank Taylor to do me a favor, ask him if he will send me the names of some interesting towns he visited while he was in Germany, and if he had any friends there, please tell me who they are. It may be, before I come home I will have a chance to visit there, and by getting a name by some acquaintance in America, it gives a good opportunity to preach the gospel.
Switzerland held an election here the other week - election day being Sunday, on some new laws they wanted passed. The main thing was an income tax. That every man who had over 5,000 francs income should be a certain percent tax, and the higher the income be judged accordingly, to when a man had a million income, half of it would go for tax. The law was downed by a 7 to 1 vote. Women don't vote here. As I understand, the tax on property isn't so much, but the money comes from tariffs, and mostly from an income tax. The law is so here, that if any man or company of men get 10,000 votes on election, which costs them a terrible sum of money. Any citizen has the right to commerce the law, first by getting his voters.
They have two Christmas's here. December 6th and 25th. The presents are usually given on the 6th, and it is named "St. Nicholas day." It isn't nationally celebrated, but is mostly a Catholic day. Dec. 25th is the largest day, only the toys lack. Anyway they are great celebraters.
Here in this cold weather you see young boys and girls up to 14 years old, chasing around the street, with half socks, and their knees bare. That was also the style in England. I would just as soon have mine covered.
They certainly have fine horses over here, what few they do have. They say they most come from America, but the Schweizers are to be admired for the condition he keeps his horses in It is very seldom you see a poor horse. If the fact is known when the horse begins to get old, and worthless, he is killed, and dressed and taken to the butcher shop. The meat isn't wasted. They have a special butcher shop here, that just sells horse meat. It is cheaper than the other and against the law for all to handle horse meat so there is no danger of getting the meats mixed. A good horse, or just an average horse, costs at least $400 here, and so on up to $1,000. They are getting to discontinue the use of horses, and using trucks, because they are much cheaper, but much dearer, than at home.
All of the large churches here have their large bells. Most of them have large clocks , which strike every 15 min. at noon, there surely is a racket. Also every Sunday morning at nine o'clock, when their meeting commences. There sure is a clatter that can be heard all over. They don't play tuneson them like they do in Montreal Can. nevertheless, it is pretty some cold clear mornings whenthe sound echoes.
Their football here is different than at home. They play soccer football. They always have an English name for their team, because it is an English game. Some names are: "Old Boys Club," "Yound Boys Club," "Lion's Club" etc. That is about the only sport they have, except boat rowing contests and skiing. They have a great time in the winter, up in the Alps with their skis. As a whole, the people don't seek for pleasure as much here, except those birds who are always in a saloon. They haven't but a very few dances, except in saloon's but very few publiv. There also isn't but very few house parties given, and the pictures shows aren't as largely attended. It seems as though the young people want to be by themselves, in very small crowds. In a way it is very bad, because they get to be so vulgar and stale. They always want to be alone somewhere. If they were permitted to go out as much as we do at home, they would forget everything else, and soon I believe loose their mind, because they are really not strong enough in mind, to realize society in any other way, than in a vulgar standpoint. As it is, they are having more society than they can stand, and a good many, I believe I would be safe in saying 80% have been too weak, to overcome what temptation they have had in their standpoint of view. Society, but to a certain extent I claim it is the lack of society, or the knowledge thereof.
We are only three missionaries in Basel now, which is a handicap, by working two by two. We are hoping for a new missionary any day. I work with one Elder here in the morning, then the other in the afternoon, so I get a double dose, but then not doing so much work as before, but more studying, and trying to hit them on the head with a little more force. An Elder is coming in about Jan 1st. and I think I will be made Branch President. He has been conference Pres. in Konigsburg Ger. and this is also his second mission. I think it will be a good thing for the branch.
The printers of Switz have went back to work, but they didn't get what they wanted. They lost a 3 week wage and from now on musn't work more hours. Many of the leaders were also others fired.
These people here are gerat to eat. They chew at something all day. When they get out to work after dinner they take a few slices of dry black bread with them to knaw on about 4 o'clock. They usually eat about five times in a day. For dinner and supper, soup is their hobby. The funny thing about them that the best things they throw away and eat the waste. They wouldn't eat a raw tomato on a bet. Because we got a hold of a few, and swallowed them whole, we were so glad to get them, they thought we were crazy. They grow celery, and use the roon in soup and throw the stalk or the best part away other things seem to be me, are just done backwards.
I won't hold you from chores any longer, but I will close the "Basler Zeitung." for this time, and add more later. One more thing. During these cold days, the women carry their dirty clothes down to the bank of a river, and carry a little hand washer down there, then do their washing and rinse them out in the river, sure is comical. Tell the folks I only have about $13 and I would be much obliged for a little aid. May the Lord bless you always, with progress in your school work and labors through the coming year.
Sincerely,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell.
Klybeckstrasse 78. Basel.
Dec. 16th 1922.
Mr. Merrill John Bunnell.
Dear Brother :- I received your very longed for letter Dec. 12th, and was glad to hear you were on the trip, but I was also sorry not to hear the results of the game. That night I went up to the office, and they had newspapers there telling of the results, which were still worse. There 2nd team must be a good one! If you played in Laramie, Wyo. you likely took the same route home as I came on. What do you think of it? I wish I knew just how that game came out.
It has busted out someway here in the branch about the old dame -B- not worth capitalizing -biddie, proposing to me. Just so it is rightly explained, that is the main thing. The Saints here all know me anyhow, and they don't believe the story, or others say they don't blame her. I think it will come out alright.
Tell Spencer there is absolutely no use of knocking a big railroad train off of the track with that tin can. Tell him to get a big army tank or something that all the bolts will have nuts on, and won't work loose. He is about like with that tin can, as we used to be with his son, trying all kinds tricks, but once it wouldn't serve the purpose. I suppose he went right to town and got the load, without the wheel they usually do that with tin cans.
How much celery did you get out, and how much froze? What do you get for a doz? Is it very good? Did you have any peaches this year? Apples? golden delicious? Almonds? How did the duck hunting end up? Did you get very many this winter? Did the geese come around at all? What kind of skating is there? What is the price you get for cream now? How much plowing did you get done? Don't stop until they are all answered. Karl can help.
I have only ask a few questions, and they are short, but I have one more, but I would certainly like to get your own idea, also the others there, over it. Last Sunday night, I was called on to talk in the meeting, and I chose for my subject "The Resurrection" I had studied it out before, until I had it clear in my mind, with the exception of one thing, which I did not make clear in my speech. The question is this: "Will the sons of Perdition Resurrect?" In II Nephi 9:8 it says that if our bodies didn't resurrect, we would be thrown under, and be angels of the devil. In Alma 40:18, it says the resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit and the body, (whole chapter). At the last judgement, the wicked will be the angels ofthe devil, are the sons of Perdition, and as we know, at the time of the war in Heaven, the devil was cast out with 1/3 of the host of heaven, and this third were denied the priviledge of receiving a body. Well, those people, who Satan win, are who are cast out, have their bodies, and still be the angels of Satan, or does the 2nd death mean that after the judgement, their bodies be taken away?
As Nephi speaks in II Nephi 9:8, none of the Angels of Satan, will have bodies 1 Cor. 15:22, says that all in Adam must die, and all in Christ will be made alive, or in other words, resurrect.
There was no exception given there. In D. of C. S. 76:31-39 it hints a little tot he fact, also considering other verses, that the partakers of Satan will not resurrect, but be his angels. This is a very deep question, but I would just like your opinions there over. I have about came to my conclusion, but there is never anything wrong in getting others. To make the question clearer, "Will the sons of Perdition, or those who are judged us the wicked, at the judgement day, resurrect with their bodies, and keep them, after the judgement, or is this priviledge denied from them, because they would rather follow Satan, than Christ. I will look for an answer soon. Get Papa Jim and Lamond in on it also. Other ref. Alma 11. Mos. 3. D. of C. 76 all, etc.
The house frau, or woman says she is going to fool me. I still rant around in bed like I used to at home, and often times I would have to go chasing across the room to get my cover. Then in the morning it would be all in a knot. While joking with the frau one morning I told her that I supposed I would have to tie myself in bed. The next morning, I noticed that she had tied each corner of the covers down to the foot. They stay fairly good now, and they don't get dirty by being drug on the floor. Wo be unto whoever I sleep with when I come home.
The house lady makes the beds, and cleans the room out every morning. Say but it is fine washing here now. These people don't know what it is to wash in warm water, and we have to wash the same way as they do. The water stands in a pitcher all day and night, then in the morning we pick the ice off of it, pour it out, and also have to use it to shave - ouch - then bury our old heads into it. One consolation is we get rosy cheeks from it. We have hot water once a week, and that is when we bath. I always have a shower bath, because there is too much disease around to trust going in a public bath tub. The shower is very good.
If you want to ask Frank Taylor to do me a favor, ask him if he will send me the names of some interesting towns he visited while he was in Germany, and if he had any friends there, please tell me who they are. It may be, before I come home I will have a chance to visit there, and by getting a name by some acquaintance in America, it gives a good opportunity to preach the gospel.
Switzerland held an election here the other week - election day being Sunday, on some new laws they wanted passed. The main thing was an income tax. That every man who had over 5,000 francs income should be a certain percent tax, and the higher the income be judged accordingly, to when a man had a million income, half of it would go for tax. The law was downed by a 7 to 1 vote. Women don't vote here. As I understand, the tax on property isn't so much, but the money comes from tariffs, and mostly from an income tax. The law is so here, that if any man or company of men get 10,000 votes on election, which costs them a terrible sum of money. Any citizen has the right to commerce the law, first by getting his voters.
They have two Christmas's here. December 6th and 25th. The presents are usually given on the 6th, and it is named "St. Nicholas day." It isn't nationally celebrated, but is mostly a Catholic day. Dec. 25th is the largest day, only the toys lack. Anyway they are great celebraters.
Here in this cold weather you see young boys and girls up to 14 years old, chasing around the street, with half socks, and their knees bare. That was also the style in England. I would just as soon have mine covered.
They certainly have fine horses over here, what few they do have. They say they most come from America, but the Schweizers are to be admired for the condition he keeps his horses in It is very seldom you see a poor horse. If the fact is known when the horse begins to get old, and worthless, he is killed, and dressed and taken to the butcher shop. The meat isn't wasted. They have a special butcher shop here, that just sells horse meat. It is cheaper than the other and against the law for all to handle horse meat so there is no danger of getting the meats mixed. A good horse, or just an average horse, costs at least $400 here, and so on up to $1,000. They are getting to discontinue the use of horses, and using trucks, because they are much cheaper, but much dearer, than at home.
All of the large churches here have their large bells. Most of them have large clocks , which strike every 15 min. at noon, there surely is a racket. Also every Sunday morning at nine o'clock, when their meeting commences. There sure is a clatter that can be heard all over. They don't play tuneson them like they do in Montreal Can. nevertheless, it is pretty some cold clear mornings whenthe sound echoes.
Their football here is different than at home. They play soccer football. They always have an English name for their team, because it is an English game. Some names are: "Old Boys Club," "Yound Boys Club," "Lion's Club" etc. That is about the only sport they have, except boat rowing contests and skiing. They have a great time in the winter, up in the Alps with their skis. As a whole, the people don't seek for pleasure as much here, except those birds who are always in a saloon. They haven't but a very few dances, except in saloon's but very few publiv. There also isn't but very few house parties given, and the pictures shows aren't as largely attended. It seems as though the young people want to be by themselves, in very small crowds. In a way it is very bad, because they get to be so vulgar and stale. They always want to be alone somewhere. If they were permitted to go out as much as we do at home, they would forget everything else, and soon I believe loose their mind, because they are really not strong enough in mind, to realize society in any other way, than in a vulgar standpoint. As it is, they are having more society than they can stand, and a good many, I believe I would be safe in saying 80% have been too weak, to overcome what temptation they have had in their standpoint of view. Society, but to a certain extent I claim it is the lack of society, or the knowledge thereof.
We are only three missionaries in Basel now, which is a handicap, by working two by two. We are hoping for a new missionary any day. I work with one Elder here in the morning, then the other in the afternoon, so I get a double dose, but then not doing so much work as before, but more studying, and trying to hit them on the head with a little more force. An Elder is coming in about Jan 1st. and I think I will be made Branch President. He has been conference Pres. in Konigsburg Ger. and this is also his second mission. I think it will be a good thing for the branch.
The printers of Switz have went back to work, but they didn't get what they wanted. They lost a 3 week wage and from now on musn't work more hours. Many of the leaders were also others fired.
These people here are gerat to eat. They chew at something all day. When they get out to work after dinner they take a few slices of dry black bread with them to knaw on about 4 o'clock. They usually eat about five times in a day. For dinner and supper, soup is their hobby. The funny thing about them that the best things they throw away and eat the waste. They wouldn't eat a raw tomato on a bet. Because we got a hold of a few, and swallowed them whole, we were so glad to get them, they thought we were crazy. They grow celery, and use the roon in soup and throw the stalk or the best part away other things seem to be me, are just done backwards.
I won't hold you from chores any longer, but I will close the "Basler Zeitung." for this time, and add more later. One more thing. During these cold days, the women carry their dirty clothes down to the bank of a river, and carry a little hand washer down there, then do their washing and rinse them out in the river, sure is comical. Tell the folks I only have about $13 and I would be much obliged for a little aid. May the Lord bless you always, with progress in your school work and labors through the coming year.
Sincerely,
Elder LeRoy Bunnell.
Klybeckstrasse 78. Basel.
November 25th, 1922
Basel, Switzerland.
Nov. 25th 1922.
Prof. Erwin Bunnell Esp.
Dear Bro:- Say but I was some surprised duck to find a letter in the mail last Wed. from a fellow by the name of Erwin G. Bunnell. At the same time I received a letter from the Hon. Elvin Wayne Bunnell, and Mother. I sure was glad to hear from you all. You certainly are having fine weather to dig the beets. I hope you can get them out all right. It is warmer again here, and as yet, we have only had a few flakes of snow. Say if you make the basketball team I will send you Swiss present. Nothing larger than an automobile, and nothing smaller than a pocket knife. Don't wait too long about sending me the scores.
I have seen two wild ducks over here, on the fly. They have many of them in the bird ponds, but not many wild ones.
Say you are about as large as I am. I am only weighing 165 lbs. just wait and see when I get home, I will sit on you and Lamond altogether at one time, or doubled up or any other way.
Listen--.??? Ihave something to tell you. Guess what it is! Do you think you would know if I told you? I don't believe you would. But just the same it looks fine. I am a real man now. It is spelled in Basel dialect S-c-h-n-o-u-t-z, but beings that you don't know what that is, as Jim what schnurbart means. Wait a minute, I spelled it wrong, it has two R's. Schnurrbart. Do you know any more than you did before. I will tell you this much more about it, there isn't anything in the middle, but is thick on both sides, and it looks like horse----.
So Elvin had to write a letter for language in school, that is fine. You just tell your teacher that you are going to write letters everyday whether you are in school or not. And you can send them all to your Uncle Dudley, over here, in the near of no mans land.
There are not many mountains in the near from Basel. The highest mtn. I can see from here are about one third as high as those, are that one, straight across the lake. Further up in Switzerland, when you get to the Alps, then they get to be 12 to 14 thousand feet high, with snow on them the year round. Can Bobby throw yet? How much do you weigh?
The old biddie still comes to meeting, and seems to think she still has a chance. It always taked two to make a bargain. She is anyway on the road to feeble mindedness. She wants to be baptised now, so she can receive the Holy Ghost, then she can prophecy, give revelations etc. I don't pay any attention to her.
Tell Lafe Johson hello, and give him congratulations for me.
Thursday, we were tracting, and a police followed us in a house and was going to raise cane with us, but couldn't do anything. He wasn't satisfied with what I told him, so came to the lady where I am staying, and she told him if the whole world were as good and honest as we were, he would be out of a job. He hated to give up but had to. It seems that they are getting pretty strong on us, but let them go, they can't prove anything on us. It just makes the work more interesting.
While I was tracting, this week, that is at one time, a lady came to the door, and I ask for the man. I said I had a special message from America. She invited us in so quick, and went and called the man. I expected, that when I told him I was a missionary, I could be looking for a soft place to light, but he was very kind, and we had a good talk with him.
I must get this letter off, or it will be late, so I will close with lots of love, and praying the Lord to bless you all.
Sincerely,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78.
P.S. I suppose I will be in Basel until after Xmas.
P.P.S. Here is 50 marks or just exactly one mill .001 in our money - buy Provo out.
Nov. 25th 1922.
Prof. Erwin Bunnell Esp.
Dear Bro:- Say but I was some surprised duck to find a letter in the mail last Wed. from a fellow by the name of Erwin G. Bunnell. At the same time I received a letter from the Hon. Elvin Wayne Bunnell, and Mother. I sure was glad to hear from you all. You certainly are having fine weather to dig the beets. I hope you can get them out all right. It is warmer again here, and as yet, we have only had a few flakes of snow. Say if you make the basketball team I will send you Swiss present. Nothing larger than an automobile, and nothing smaller than a pocket knife. Don't wait too long about sending me the scores.
I have seen two wild ducks over here, on the fly. They have many of them in the bird ponds, but not many wild ones.
Say you are about as large as I am. I am only weighing 165 lbs. just wait and see when I get home, I will sit on you and Lamond altogether at one time, or doubled up or any other way.
Listen--.??? Ihave something to tell you. Guess what it is! Do you think you would know if I told you? I don't believe you would. But just the same it looks fine. I am a real man now. It is spelled in Basel dialect S-c-h-n-o-u-t-z, but beings that you don't know what that is, as Jim what schnurbart means. Wait a minute, I spelled it wrong, it has two R's. Schnurrbart. Do you know any more than you did before. I will tell you this much more about it, there isn't anything in the middle, but is thick on both sides, and it looks like horse----.
So Elvin had to write a letter for language in school, that is fine. You just tell your teacher that you are going to write letters everyday whether you are in school or not. And you can send them all to your Uncle Dudley, over here, in the near of no mans land.
There are not many mountains in the near from Basel. The highest mtn. I can see from here are about one third as high as those, are that one, straight across the lake. Further up in Switzerland, when you get to the Alps, then they get to be 12 to 14 thousand feet high, with snow on them the year round. Can Bobby throw yet? How much do you weigh?
The old biddie still comes to meeting, and seems to think she still has a chance. It always taked two to make a bargain. She is anyway on the road to feeble mindedness. She wants to be baptised now, so she can receive the Holy Ghost, then she can prophecy, give revelations etc. I don't pay any attention to her.
Tell Lafe Johson hello, and give him congratulations for me.
Thursday, we were tracting, and a police followed us in a house and was going to raise cane with us, but couldn't do anything. He wasn't satisfied with what I told him, so came to the lady where I am staying, and she told him if the whole world were as good and honest as we were, he would be out of a job. He hated to give up but had to. It seems that they are getting pretty strong on us, but let them go, they can't prove anything on us. It just makes the work more interesting.
While I was tracting, this week, that is at one time, a lady came to the door, and I ask for the man. I said I had a special message from America. She invited us in so quick, and went and called the man. I expected, that when I told him I was a missionary, I could be looking for a soft place to light, but he was very kind, and we had a good talk with him.
I must get this letter off, or it will be late, so I will close with lots of love, and praying the Lord to bless you all.
Sincerely,
LeRoy
Klybeckstrasse 78.
P.S. I suppose I will be in Basel until after Xmas.
P.P.S. Here is 50 marks or just exactly one mill .001 in our money - buy Provo out.
November 4, 1922
Basel, Switzerland
Nov. 4th 1922.
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell.
8 a.m.
Dear Mother:- I received your letter last Tuesday, Oct. 31st, and by this time you all know how I appreciate to get one. I received the money Wed. Nov. 1st on the afternoon, and if it been only one day later, I would have to borrowed some more money. It just saved my life; because I sure need some now. I am taking my trousers to a tailor this morning to get a new seat put in, and also to lengthen them out. They sure have been balling me out lately about my short trousers so I supposed I had better act. You remember how short they were (on my old suit) when I was home. Well I have grown taller now, and the pants have shrunk some so they come almost ? to the top of my socks. I also must register with the police, which will be about $1.75. They sure are hold ups here on a foreigner. I am not sure whether they can fix my trousers or not, if they can't I supposed it will mean a new suit.
2 p.m.
I have taken my trousers down and they are going to fix them for 10 frans or about $1.85. The rate of exchange now is 5.54 for $1.00. I think it will still go lower, so in order to save a little money, if you can't send "dollars" over please try and send it in smaller quantities, and then oftener, for example 20 to $25 a month. You see then if the rate of exchange changes much, I won't lose so much. The money I got was changed at 5 francs 38 cents, compared with a little less than five francs when I came over. Today ther is over 6,000 marks for $1.00, or it takes about 60 marks for one penny. Two missionaries came in from Hamburg last night, and they were on the train 18 hours, and rode first class, and had a sleeper. It cost each of them 10 cents for the trip. Still they claim that it costs a lot of money now for wearing apparel and food; almost as much as here. I don't see how a Revolution will hold off until spring. A friend (investigator) was over into Ger. last week, and went into a restaurant to get a meal, and they didn't have a thing to give her except black coffee -- without milk. If that is the case what will it be by spring. --Russell Hughes was working in Berlin. I would like the chance to work there myself, but it seems that I must stay in Switz.
I enjoy the Herald's very much. Of course the funnies are a little to laugh at, but probably it will be just as well to add a few others instead. Does it really take 5 cents to send them? Shouldn't they come cheaper?
How are the Boy Scouts now? Is Karl a first class scout? Tell Karl to tell all the Scouts hello for me, and be sure and not forget. Also give Spen my regards. I am sure glad that Merrill Olsen can go back to his work. He never would feel satisfied if he didn't go back. Tell Vern and Minnie I wish them good luck on their trip to Florida. Where is Ida?
Tell one of the boys to shoot a duck for me -(I mean at one)-or let Lamond shoot the Blue Cranes. Nothing like that over here, all talk-talk-talk, then nothing accomplished, only get hoarse.
Being that Lamond is there now, I will answer his letter of Oct. 2nd now because I suppose one letter for all.
I have been offered more than the price I paid for the field glasses, I suppose a dozen times. Nearly every missionary that sees them, either wants them or a pair like them. Lots of them sure kick themselves because they didn't get some too while they were in Ger., but now it is too late. I could sell them at any time now for more than the price I paid. But I wouldn't depart with them until absolutely necessary. See that fly on Mt. Timpanogas!!
Someday I will play horeshoe with you again. Ten mo. day after tomorrow since I left, eins (1), zwei (2), drei (3), vier (4), funf (5), unsu (etc). If Lavina is up in Twin Falls, tell her to tell Nell hello. I wrote her a letter once, and preached the gospel to her man and she never answered. Maybe he is (the husband) nonreligious, and got peeved. If he did tell him to scratch it where it itches, that is what I tell them. Tell Nell to swallow the Doc. of Cov. Tell first Lavina and the kiddies all hello.
The old biddie (the woman that proposed to me ) was here again this week, but I soon ditched her. Some people can't take a hint. I have ordered a bear trap to set at the door, and when she comes I will catch her. But by heck, that would be bad because then I would have her. I never thought of that. But the Rhine is only about 200 yards from my room, so I will feed her to the fish. How will that be? Still I don't believe a shark would eat her, she into poison.
The weather is quite damp again. It has rained almost the whole week. It isn't as cold as it was last week. Nevertheless it is quite miserable. I will be glad when I can have Utah weather again.
There is a large fair here in Basel (for Switz) and it lasts two weeks. It is a Catholic celebration. The only objection I have to it, it has taken many people away from home, and we can't do our regular missionary work. We do lots of walking but can't find anyone home. I haven't seen it all yet, but it isn't anything great. It lasts a week longer yet. It is all free, unless you want to buy something.
I must prepare my Sunday school lesson now, because I must teach again tomorrow, so I will close, wishing you all a good appetite for Thanksgiving, and that it will be a Thanksgiving for you all.
Sincerely,
Frog.
P.S. Last Sunday, Eccles, from Ogden were here in Basel. Say but you can't imagine how it seems to be in company of Americans: Oh! Boy! Just wait!!!
P.P.S. There are certainly lots of beggars on the streets here now. On every corner is somebody passing his own hand. Playing a grind organ, singing, crying, whistling, yelling, moaning or anthing else, coaxing people to give them five cents, whether they are cripples or not. A person would think the whole town is nothing but bums just something to take up the weight.
Nov. 4th 1922.
Mrs. L.L. Bunnell.
8 a.m.
Dear Mother:- I received your letter last Tuesday, Oct. 31st, and by this time you all know how I appreciate to get one. I received the money Wed. Nov. 1st on the afternoon, and if it been only one day later, I would have to borrowed some more money. It just saved my life; because I sure need some now. I am taking my trousers to a tailor this morning to get a new seat put in, and also to lengthen them out. They sure have been balling me out lately about my short trousers so I supposed I had better act. You remember how short they were (on my old suit) when I was home. Well I have grown taller now, and the pants have shrunk some so they come almost ? to the top of my socks. I also must register with the police, which will be about $1.75. They sure are hold ups here on a foreigner. I am not sure whether they can fix my trousers or not, if they can't I supposed it will mean a new suit.
2 p.m.
I have taken my trousers down and they are going to fix them for 10 frans or about $1.85. The rate of exchange now is 5.54 for $1.00. I think it will still go lower, so in order to save a little money, if you can't send "dollars" over please try and send it in smaller quantities, and then oftener, for example 20 to $25 a month. You see then if the rate of exchange changes much, I won't lose so much. The money I got was changed at 5 francs 38 cents, compared with a little less than five francs when I came over. Today ther is over 6,000 marks for $1.00, or it takes about 60 marks for one penny. Two missionaries came in from Hamburg last night, and they were on the train 18 hours, and rode first class, and had a sleeper. It cost each of them 10 cents for the trip. Still they claim that it costs a lot of money now for wearing apparel and food; almost as much as here. I don't see how a Revolution will hold off until spring. A friend (investigator) was over into Ger. last week, and went into a restaurant to get a meal, and they didn't have a thing to give her except black coffee -- without milk. If that is the case what will it be by spring. --Russell Hughes was working in Berlin. I would like the chance to work there myself, but it seems that I must stay in Switz.
I enjoy the Herald's very much. Of course the funnies are a little to laugh at, but probably it will be just as well to add a few others instead. Does it really take 5 cents to send them? Shouldn't they come cheaper?
How are the Boy Scouts now? Is Karl a first class scout? Tell Karl to tell all the Scouts hello for me, and be sure and not forget. Also give Spen my regards. I am sure glad that Merrill Olsen can go back to his work. He never would feel satisfied if he didn't go back. Tell Vern and Minnie I wish them good luck on their trip to Florida. Where is Ida?
Tell one of the boys to shoot a duck for me -(I mean at one)-or let Lamond shoot the Blue Cranes. Nothing like that over here, all talk-talk-talk, then nothing accomplished, only get hoarse.
Being that Lamond is there now, I will answer his letter of Oct. 2nd now because I suppose one letter for all.
I have been offered more than the price I paid for the field glasses, I suppose a dozen times. Nearly every missionary that sees them, either wants them or a pair like them. Lots of them sure kick themselves because they didn't get some too while they were in Ger., but now it is too late. I could sell them at any time now for more than the price I paid. But I wouldn't depart with them until absolutely necessary. See that fly on Mt. Timpanogas!!
Someday I will play horeshoe with you again. Ten mo. day after tomorrow since I left, eins (1), zwei (2), drei (3), vier (4), funf (5), unsu (etc). If Lavina is up in Twin Falls, tell her to tell Nell hello. I wrote her a letter once, and preached the gospel to her man and she never answered. Maybe he is (the husband) nonreligious, and got peeved. If he did tell him to scratch it where it itches, that is what I tell them. Tell Nell to swallow the Doc. of Cov. Tell first Lavina and the kiddies all hello.
The old biddie (the woman that proposed to me ) was here again this week, but I soon ditched her. Some people can't take a hint. I have ordered a bear trap to set at the door, and when she comes I will catch her. But by heck, that would be bad because then I would have her. I never thought of that. But the Rhine is only about 200 yards from my room, so I will feed her to the fish. How will that be? Still I don't believe a shark would eat her, she into poison.
The weather is quite damp again. It has rained almost the whole week. It isn't as cold as it was last week. Nevertheless it is quite miserable. I will be glad when I can have Utah weather again.
There is a large fair here in Basel (for Switz) and it lasts two weeks. It is a Catholic celebration. The only objection I have to it, it has taken many people away from home, and we can't do our regular missionary work. We do lots of walking but can't find anyone home. I haven't seen it all yet, but it isn't anything great. It lasts a week longer yet. It is all free, unless you want to buy something.
I must prepare my Sunday school lesson now, because I must teach again tomorrow, so I will close, wishing you all a good appetite for Thanksgiving, and that it will be a Thanksgiving for you all.
Sincerely,
Frog.
P.S. Last Sunday, Eccles, from Ogden were here in Basel. Say but you can't imagine how it seems to be in company of Americans: Oh! Boy! Just wait!!!
P.P.S. There are certainly lots of beggars on the streets here now. On every corner is somebody passing his own hand. Playing a grind organ, singing, crying, whistling, yelling, moaning or anthing else, coaxing people to give them five cents, whether they are cripples or not. A person would think the whole town is nothing but bums just something to take up the weight.
October 22, 1922
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.
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.
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.
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