September 18, 1964 envelope
Letter transcription:
September 18, 1964, p. 1
Kentland, Sept. 18, 64
David, My Dear One
It seems too bad to start out with asking you to forgive me, but I must. First I want to thank you two darlings for the dear little spinning wheele. I just adore it, and please accept my belated thanks. I just love it.
At the time of my birthday, Aug. 4th, we had a heat wave to end all heat waves. Back in the old days in Mattoon we used to have much higher temperatures, but I guess this was the first time I have been 75 years old, and I did “suffer with the heat” this year. Then, I have had company, you know the woman I told you about who is a real democrat, my husband’s cousin. Then I had another, my own cousin, who is one of the few relatives I have left, and she became ill while here, and I had to employ a man and wife to take her home. She lives in Pekin, Ill. and is a friend of Everet Dirkson. I have been having a little more than I am able to cope with.
I want you to know how much I did appreciate your two letters David, more than I can say. You and Bonnie are very dear to me, and I hope you will forgive me for not writing to you.
David, you have always been a bright spot in my life, and I miss you this summer. I am so thankful you have your dear Bonnie.
I find it hard to sit in a straight chair to write letters. I had Harold take me to Dr. Curtis this afternoon to have my glasses adjusted.
I feel the same as you do David, about Goldwater, but it hurts me to have you cast your first vote for a dem., but I can’t blame you. This time I am thankful that I have lost my right to vote. Please forgive my poor typing, my hands are very crippled. I am so confused about the political situation; I don’t know what is right.
I would love to hear from you when you have time, and please I want you and Bonnie to know how much it means to me to hear from you.
God Bless You
Grandma
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/28/birthdays/
Genealogy Lady 
“First I want to thank you two darlings for the dear little spinning wheele.” Hmmm….I wonder what that was.
Even so many years later, it’s distressing to read about all the trouble she was going through. 😦
“I feel the same as you do David, about Goldwater, but it hurts me to have you cast your first vote for a dem., but I can’t blame you.” Evidence of my political transition. I remember that, in the fall of 1964 (during the presidential campaign), I wrote a letter to my parents arguing vigorously against Goldwater. Maybe that letter survives in the family archives. 🙂
“This time I am thankful that I have lost my right to vote.” I wonder what this could possibly mean!
Yes, I was curious about her statement about losing her right to vote. I also doubt your letter about Goldwater exists… 😫