Letter to Vernon and Ruth DouglasMay 31 — 1946 Friday-
Dear Stinks:
I'm lying on the beach at Hermosa 0allf. What do you think of that?
Jeanie Morrison and I were sent out here to the home of the Black's
to rest for a few days. Boy , it's wonderful! Just to sleep, write
letters, and have time to think is heaven. These last two weeks have
been exciting and fun but tiring too. I've been working on a radio
script for a possible national hookup with a couple of the kids and
it kept my nose to the grindstone. It's not yet done and there are
many other things calling, so I didn't expect this, but here we are.
Jean has been going like a house-afire and this is Just what she's
needed.
Yesterday we got some exciting news- all team in this area
leave here in car cavalcade on the 20th of June. Our route will
take us to Salt Lake City, Reno? Tahoe, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and
on to Billings, whwre the Canadians will break off to go the rest of
the way thru Canada. Those who stay in the U.S. will Follow the
usual route that we know so well-only by car,which is very exciting
after all these years. As for McCJee and I, .we may come toweOregon
early and meet the others at Billings or we might split offat Billings
and come over to Ore. for a short' time. I prefer the latter,but I
haven't talked to Roger or anyone since the facts were announced so
I don't know. I'll let you know as soon as there's something definite.
In the meantime, Babs might think about whether she should come with
us and maybe bring her friend. You see, we're hoping to take 50 orso
kids from this area along with us to ensure that they go and we're
prepared to pick up any others who should come. My guidance says that
Babs should come and spend the summer, and if she brought a frie nd
think of what could happen to Grant Hi next year!
Anyone whom we have guidance to bring will pay only what they feel
is right. Kids with real leadership quality are worth the expenser
Local team here- people like Harry Dameral-who can afford it, are
financing the trips of the right kids. The Oregon team could do the
same. For instance if one of Babsy's friends should come but can't
afford it, the whole team might help out. And It's a good way to
enlist people who stand on the outskirts . Many people will give money
when they're not yet Jeady to do more. It's a subject for real team g
guidance.
Could you get in touch with Barb Crawford and let her know I'm
coming? Kind of feel out the situation too..think of her at Mackinac!
I hope we can bring a couple of the kids with us, but I really don't
know. I'll see how things stand with the older gang too.
And I wish you'd invite Marg. Janney over for tea soo n. You know she sej
sent me a birth announcement that I haven't replied to. And Charles
Voorhies!
Isn't it wonderful I'm learning to type? It takes me ages to
finish a letter but it's the only way to learn.
Since the gang went to England I've gotten letters from Ellie B.,
Elie P., and Hope. Boy,their letters are like precious stones.
This is a big fight we're in and it's getting bigger.
I've been writing more these days. 1^ords seem to come more easily
and boy there's lots to write about. The thing I wrote about the
•Grip n&s gone places I never expected when I wrote it*
They've read it in the East and in England to explain the kind of trip
we've had ,, and I've read it? here to gatherings time and again.
It drives home how surely everything we write with conviction has a
definite purpos e. I wrote something for Roger on his birthday
which meant a lot to him. I'll send you a copy.
\ j We're fighting these days for everyone to express in the language
of the ordinary guy and the statesman the things that mean most to
him.Somehow we have to hit the leadership fast or we may miss the bulls-
eye. Writing is one way and changing lives thru the quality of our
own and ability to live in the other guy's world is another.
I've been the kind of gal who would rather write or paint than
help create new lives- and it becbmes more and more evident as
we realize the need for changing hu ndeds of kids fast. It's been
unresolved places in my own life that have made it hard and even distasteful for me to hit bedrock in another person's life. When I see
you I can te&l you more easily, but I guess you know what I mean.
I know we're all going to be called upon to bring people to Christ
thru whatever means he has given us. That's what I want for myself and
the whole family.
Has the Oregon team been together ? I miss you all so and have so
darned much hope for the years ahead. Gosh, the Oregon bunch could
shape the destiny of the Northwest. And surely it is local teams from
here on in who will take the load. Mackinac will depend on them.
How's chances of the whole family being there?
I Just went wading with Morrison and this Calif, water is not Cold!
Believe it or not- it's not like the Oregon kind at all. Life is
soft down here.
I think we'll go to Long Beach tomorrow, It's Just a few miles
away. Mrs. Black is taking us shopping. She's already bought us some,
but her guidance is to see that we're ready for Mackinac.We're so gratefi
we don't know what to say. While I'm there I'll look up; Aunt Sue*
Ruthie's swell letter iz still unanswered so thank her for me.
and babsie, you darling,„I know Just how it goes. But don't think
you're different from 100's of other school-kids across the country
who want to live this way. One faing we've found is that kids respect
a gal who knows what she believes and fights for it. and that's what
kids are hungry for. We've met them. You have a priceless and so far
rare key to happy, free living. Don't let it go. dive it away.
Love, Love,Love-
Steller
P. S.- Jeanie says hello.
and I'd Just like to say I love you all very much and if you
love each other as much as I love you, well what can stop us?