623
LETTERS from NANY to JEAN HAUSERMANN,1930, extracts
For the record, 1 franc of 1930 is worth about 0.48 Euros or 3.2 Francs from 2003 - inflation is +1.2%
Paris9 January 1930
....I started with the sick, I went to St Cloud to see little Suzon, I came back with a heart that was sorry. She suffered a terrible loss and breathed short saccades that hurt; she still has all her grace smiling at her dear little girl and forgets none of her friends - the poor mother I saw here on Saturday is painful; she deflated her heart by sobbing near me and I had great trouble getting her back, I felt so well in mom, which my words could be powerless and useless. I hope my affection did her good....
....My cousin Pichorel broke a rib, it was very painful but she's getting better....
Paris around 20 January 1930, Thursday
....Simone m'écrit que la fille s'annonce comme très agitée. Her name will be Madeleine, if it is a boy we won't call her....
....The old uncle has had lunch with us and he's gone to Montmartre with the 2 boys, which allows me to take care of you. Martha is not very strong right now...
....Ms. Ygouf of Vierville told me about her son's engagement with Miss Jardin d'Isigny.
The old Mrs. de Rampau died in Ecrammeville in 4 days of pneumonia, I would have bought her health this summer..
Monday, 10 February 1930
...I saw old Tonton and Tantine, both remembering the sad birthday; Robert Collard is in a bad position, a new abscess forming on his massacred shoulder, most likely caused by qq piece of unrecovered d'obus, what a pity instead of making this brave boy suffer, that he is not on any of these gentlemen' languages, they might say less nonsense about the Ass. Sociales! Mr Delombre, despite his great age, writes very sensible articles about it in 1era Time page.
......The "Marquise of Falaise" (who knows who it is??An old postcard shows the "marquis de la cliffe, his wife and his castle", a wooden hut on the side of the Gambier house, which was not to be built at the time of the "Marquis", both seemed to live in complete self-serving of their local fishing) ended his days suddenly last week, another guy from Viervilla who disappears, and not a few if I dare say!
.....Have you seen, my John, the call of the Protestant Federation to all humanity against the anti-religious practices of the Soviets? ...
Paris20 February 1930Thursday
....I had lunch with the Gilberts, Barbet and the Seroux yesterday. Gilbert had called Jean Cordelle the day before and had had a pleasant thought of informing me about all the health things. I know that on Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock they were all well, and that was always the case. I had a long visit from Zoe de Seroux and her husband, who spread the most kindly on your elders.
.....But now that old Nany paid for a little liver attack without any severity, but which was caused by a fever. It was a long time ago that this friend(!)of bad days had not made her appearance and I am hardly complaining; I was left to take the usual precautions, and I am well again. I am absolutely surprised that "I have not felt the harm of this bad fever any longer and it proves that my health is responding successfully. But enough talk about me....
Paris12 March 1930
....Gilbert (Hersent) leaves on the 24th for Rosario and offers to take away packages...
.....for me the slightest bell blow brings to the door always hoping to receive the benevolent dispatch of our baby; (here is one who will only make it at his head, I warn you!)...
....In Vierville everything is in order, preparations for the summer on track. There are some repairs to be made to the roofs very shaken by the storms of this winter and at Easter I will straighten a part of the grilling of the tennis inclined very unfortunately by a blow of wind. I have planted lime trees and fusals to remake the hedges of cypress of the very damaged dryer by the frost of the previous winter. J-a made to elevate strongly the trees from the bottom of the wood and replaced the borders of turf ! from the beds to the French, behind the house by box. It'll be better than those poor, crazy grasses.
...seen since my return the Flondrois still upset that he had to put his Emilian at the door. She searched without discretion in her master's pockets and drawers, and attacked the big bills. It is very likely that the thing had lasted for a long time because I hardly assume that "tio me" stands close.
....Bousquet had been home from Morocco for almost four weeks. He saw Uncle Emile, he even drove 150 km to see his own (???), and that certainly for us. It's very bad but I have to admit that I almost regret this step, I was very well resigned ! to be quiet on this side....
....it's 6am, here's another day off and your little one isn't there.
Paris Saturday, March 15, 1930
I said again, my John, that Jean Cordelle was sent the power of attorney and signature about two weeks ago so that he could handle any business and open any correspondence in the absence of Ramburg.. which is never there. I do not suppose it was a great pleasure to him but I am glad that he was shown confidence in him.
Paris17 March 1930Monday morning
....I don't get Rosario's money on a monthly basis, I leave him there for a...
.... Sunday morning is fast, especially when you have a little sick, (Philippe with chickenpox) no cook, the mass to hear and that the mail must be put before 1 hour of the afternoon (He leaves on Sundays)
ParisTuesday, 25 March 1930
....It is very likely that John's situation will be changed, at least by name, because he had for more than a month the power of attorney and signature of the Hersent. The death of Rambourg four days ago brought an end to a very boring situation for the house. It would be too long to tell you here, Jean, I will tell you orally. I was informed of this death by the office which informed him of the address of Flondrois in case he could have given qq information about the family of Ramburg that we do not know where to take him. I would be surprised if Flondrois knew what was going on.I'm waiting for him on Friday, the old friend, he wrote, "He has different things to tell me."He also said to me, "Here is another adoptive nephew, I am very happy with him."
....Bousquet has seen your uncle Emile, and he is obviously looking to bring us closer. He has spoken to him at length about you, it seems. Your uncle is now at the head of a superb farm of 1800 hectares with a herd of at least 7 to 800,000 F, a model pigry and of unusual proportions, renowned everywhere; he makes wheat, flax, barley, breeding using recent machines and processes. He is thus very rich. Maurice leaving Agro this year will find him, André renounces the X to make Agro and Martha installs his sons... in cheese. I told this good friend Bousquet that I didn't think I had a sufficiently flexible lhein, insisting on saying "for your children" He must go back there in May and see him again. Emile has also expressed the desire to see us again this summer.
I really would have liked it if all this wasn't coming back. I was in peace, did you tell your grandfather about your baby's birth?
Vierville 10 April 1930
But what you probably don't know is that there has been a new director over Bénézeth and d'Hébert for eight years. He was the son-in-law of Mr. Maison (l'ami des Jean Hersent, cousin d'Ardre) and he was chief engineer of the Bridges. Mrs. Jean H. m. said that for the past year the house had gone from bad to worse, that these gentlemen were on the balls, that Bénézeth lacked energy, etc., etc. He had demonstrated a desire to withdraw Mr. Jean H. had thought about this Mr. Chalon, and he is now in your place as Director, (he is not yet a delegate administrator).
I saw Zézette. (Ms. Bénézeth) I thought it was just melancholy, but yesterday I went up to the Héberts (he had just left for Bordeaux) and she was very nervous. Hébert hoped that the place of Bénézeth would seem to be at the Verdons! (he no longer talks about going) and Bertard would go back there! What a mic mac! Hébert says a lot of good of Mr Chalon who is very courteous. The Hersent say that they took him to speak with the Port Autonome to equal. (from Bordeaux, about the Verdon construction site that is going wrong) . It's possible, in any case they were right if this boy is energetic to give (sic) The life at home that would die... it seems that he was 3 1⁄2 years prisoner of the Boches and that he speaks German to delight what has already made the two boaches squeak (those who are forced to join Hersent in Verdon, supplies for war repairs)
I calmed down as best as I could, Mrs. Hébert, but I wonder what the Benezeths say and if they will accept this situation. It I think it's a big one on my heart without realizing that her husband's lack of decision and will has been the cause of many misgivings. In the middle of all this, Mrs. Hébert has hardly spoken of you, she was upset the poor woman. I see nothing but good for everyone if the house is getting more lively.
ViervilleThursday, April 17, 1930
...Tomorrow we beat the butter on the farm, I have retained it for you who will immediately leave by post and will arrive well, I hope. If I dared to send you a rabbit...It is cold in our house..
.... We arrived in a superb weather, the car was waiting for us at the Molay, and at the quiet trot of our bourrin we re-routed so often. The old house was waiting for us all sunny, the little corner you know very cozy and very warm because the good Jeanne had been watching there. But the next day it was rain, the wind, the muddy even. The sea is disassembled and the chimneys whistle like rags. For me I don't like anything as much as walking around in all the rooms, looking for memories, as for the little ones, time doesn't matter, they're out all day, and at this job the cheeks have picked up good colors and appetites are fierce.
Our friends from Mons and Cauvigny came to see me, Denise has to send us a book made for Jean-Paul. I also saw our parish priest, and our assistant and many other people in the village who are kindly informing you and your little one.
I found everything in order, our people remain the same, the garden settles and the fruit trees bloom but with less generosity than last year.
The furniture of the old tonton, the trinkets, the paintings were spread out by the whole house, I already put it in order, I'll install the pink room. (which ??) for him with his affairs, the rest will be set up as well as evil, in the storeroom (I think it was the current train chamber, which was on the corridor before the skylight was destroyed on June 6, 44) And in the attic. There will be plenty of laundry for you, or something, and you will probably not get angry with it.
Saturday, April 26,1930.6h(Vierville)
...Good news...of Rosario where Simone gives me interesting details about the change of reign, since the death of Rambourg, John is immersed in a lot of papers to quickly get acquainted with the affairs, Rambourg was willing to keep him away. Fortunately these gentlemen had just sent him a general power of attorney...
I just closed our suitcases, my good children, we leave tomorrow morning by the Molay where the horse will lead us and where we will have lunch before taking the train to Paris....
....I have sent Mrs Maurel a small parcel of butter at the Verdon station; you will excuse her for not having been able to get me another basket, I have not managed to discover this here, but I hope that the butter is good and it is the main one....
....fortunately you have a dentist in Soulac; I remember a similar adventure that arrived in Sidi Abdallah, no dentist beforeTunis from where: 8km on horseback, to take the train; 4h of railway, and the rest to the next, ...from far away they are good memories...
....It's a great time today after a terrible week, rain, wind, everything was there, despite that the little ones have enjoyed their stay, I take them back in excellent condition. ...
Saturday, 3 May 1930 (Paris)
....I am in the middle of the races, naturally I have nothing to put on my back and Schiff has failed to speak, and then John the Stone communion is soon there and I have many more things to do.
Good news from everyone, engagement of Claude Collard with a charming 26-year-old boy, Adolphe Gervais very badly, Flondrois en route to Piraeus where Marcel Hersent will join him in a few days which hardly l ́enchants.
Mrs. Maurel's butter has arrived, it's a parcel at the station.
Monday, 13 May 1930
(announced birth of Yves in Rosario)
....I telegraphed you Friday to announce the arrival of our little Yves in Rosario, I had just received the blessed dispatch which naturally contained only few details "Yveys well arrived, quickly, all very well" Today another dispatch (I must receive so from time to time) confirms to me "very well" God be praised, hurrah for our little Yves, here is a comrade found for our little Jean-Paul....I suspect my dear daughter has purposely changed the approximate date of the baby's expected birth that according to her one expected for the end of May, it prevented me from I admit an anxious wait, and even if there is a little advance, the petiot will certainly not feel it. I guess Simon no longer thinks of his so much desired daughter and there are chances to bet that this 3nd Boy is a little more spoiled than the other two.
My boys are delighted with this avalanche of comrades "Chic! it's not a girl!" They are still at the age where weak sex does not have success. Veremos! later. And I wonder what poor Bison will become in the middle of this male horde.. she will have to show beaks and nails. I see myself very well in Vierville with my six boys, I have a little weak, perhaps, for them not that I love them more than my Bison, but in life I consider them less disabled....
.....Simon's last letter this morning told me that Jean is classed, tidyed and settled in the executive office that needed to be organized and stored.
....I had the visit of the old uncle this morning who was coming to me to tell me that his brother is very bad; I am not surprised, I was seeing him last week and came back very sadly impressed with his state of thinness. He has been divining since yesterday between moments of lucidity, he no longer feeds at all, it is a matter of days, rather of hours. He suffers the poor boy. I therefore plan a close breakdown with everything that will involve the change of situation for Robert. His old cousin made him hear that after the death of his brother he has to worry about Right away.he did not want to interfere with another facility and all the money and estates. He's got enough of the good man and I understand that, but I'm letting you think of the old uncle who left here quieter after I assured him I wouldn't give up, a real kid. All this is nice and good, and I see myself being deprived of this little trip. (at Verdon) I was really happy about it.
I have to tell you the good news of Claude Collard's engagement with her brother, a good and charming 26-year-old boy--she has 21 – They are very fond of her, and this happiness has taken away what she had reserved, she is delighted. She is interested in a big house of refrigeration equipment, her mother, widow, has a pretty fortune. The fiancé's family is Catholic, practicing, and it is asked to become Christian. The good little I accepted with great heart, I caused with her; she was already concerned about the emptiness of her soul. I have to take care of her and with her of her conversion, and I would be her godmother. Robert just thanked her with a letter full of affection.. why did he do so? ?? The good Tantine is radiant of her little girl's happiness, she was for her mother and grandmother.
I told you earlier that I had been in St Cloud. It's unfortunate to see this charming Suzannette go away, sniffed by sniff, I found Well I brought him all kinds of small photos, including yours and your darling's, and I left him less melancholy. Poor people! Care for my good children, spare nothing for that, health is the most precious....
Friday, 16 May 1930
...good news from Rosario by a few words that reassured. I had the luck of posting a letter plane on Saturday 11, she had to cross the Atlantic with Mermoz, the 14 she was in Buenos Aires! It's not to believe there. Brave boys that these airmen who risk everything to carry the letter of an old mother faster. May God give them the happiness they provide....
...good news from Rosario by a few words that reassured. I had the luck of posting a letter plane on Saturday 11, she had to cross the Atlantic with Mermoz, the 14 she was in Buenos Aires! It's not to believe there. Brave boys that these airmen who risk everything to carry the letter of an old mother faster. May God give them the happiness they provide....
....Adolphe Gervais, without being fired from the case, which is impossible, is however better, he has regained all his lucidity but the whole lower body is paralyzed. He comes to have an attack, he knows himself lost, and says it. These are sad days for the old uncle, his brother is at the mercy of the next attack....
Saturday, 31 May 1930
I had a letter from Simon yesterday, the little one weighed 7 pounds 1⁄2 as soon as he was born, like Francis. Everything went best in the world in 3h1/2, at the English clinic. The little one would also be on the side of JP with grey eyes, the small mouth and chin of our dear dad. A little disillusionment from Simon, who already thinks about it more naturally, the little one is wise, Simon is provided with too abundant milk, as usual and must undergo the Chinese torment of the pump. The Drs and midwife claim to have never seen this; This is what we were told in Tours and Paris where François and Michel were born. So there are chances that the nanny will continue her job without fatigue for several months. Mom and baby came home last Monday – I was notified by dispatch – and I guess it was the party. I'm very happy that all this is over, and I thanked God (and our dear Father) for keeping me two beautiful girls in us to love...
....I've longed to kiss you all three and get to know my little one....I've unfortunately caught a bronchitis, without any gravity, without any fever, but a bronchitis all the same and for which I have to take precautions. It's stupid I had been through all winter without a cold, I don't know where I pinched it....
....I saw Flondrois these days back from Athens.... Marcel (Hersent)is there, no more pleasant, it will never be...(Flondrois calls: the rabid little cat!)...
....The old uncle comes out of here, Adolphe died Tuesday night, without suffering, but after having had rough days the previous week. He is at peace the poor boy! His funeral took place yesterday in Orsay, without I could go there, it was raining! This was done in a very intimate way, the notary warned Robert that the Public Assistance was universal legatee of the fortune estimated at 2 million to pay: an annuity of 30,000F to Robert, an annuity of 18,000F to a cousin Thibaut, a sum of 50,000F to another cousin who also had the apartment of Adolphe in full ownership with all that it contained, furniture, linen and effects, a sum of 50,000f to the city of Algiers, idem to the little town of Orsay, 10,000F to the cousins Manca (where Robert lived). Old Tonton is sorry because he would have wanted to have some capital to leave him. I comforted him and reassured him. I am very happy to know that he was safe from need but it was better if he had been able to keep his little apartment in Cherbourg. Currently he has more than the family pension resource, he will be there, it is true, sheltered from any material concern. I am really surprised to see the importance of what the disappeared person leaves. Since I know it, I have often thought that he could have done a lot of good in his lifetime, he could have softened the last years of my poor great, without it being much bothered! What would she have said, if she had lived, to be at the head of these incomes, they could have lived pleasantly in Cherbourg with it! It seems that Adolphe was passing everywhere as a little annuitant, at the health home we are absolutely baffled, because he was in a hurry about everything, money is a beautiful thing when it's well used....
Paris7 June 1930
...I don't have any recent news from Rosario but I'm more quiet now that our petiot is here...
Paris 25 June 1930
.....Good letter from Simon resettled in the midst of his four men, and having regained all his strength. The little one feeds as a mushroom and as he had grown 230gr a week, it was necessary to ration him. It was baptized, the parish priest of Notre Dame who once made communion to your sisters had clothed his most beautiful attire; ML Stévenin replaced Suzannette and good François his Toubony. This went most simply, in Argentina we do not do any part, and the dredged ones are unknown. Soon, I will have fresh news from the Stevenin who boarded on 27th for Europe. Gilbert H. counted well there and did not seem willing to find them there. I really do not know why. Jean C. had another affair with the old Pannero, BA's counsel lawyer whom Father greatly appreciated and who was giving him back. He gave the best welcome to your brother-in-law, little by little things are getting better, but the old mother of Rambourg thanking Jean for what he had written to him after his son's death asks for the watch, wallet, personal items, and all this is in the hands of Mrs. de Bl. who never spoke of stowing and to whom it will be delicate to claim, ugly business...
Paris 30 June 1930
...the Gilbert H. leave today for Rosario quite unexpectedly....
Paris2 July 1930
...but I spent a bad week with a heart that was flickering and some bronchitis. Quick Vierville where I'll be so happy to wait for you...
Vierville Tuesday, July 15, 1930
Good news from Rosario where health is excellent, the Gilbert H. have arrived....
...I came here very tired, and my dear daughter put me to bed pretending that I could hardly do anything better, she was not quite wrong: I let myself be convinced and the good rest I just took did good to the weakened old heart, I slowly regained strength and I needed it. Good rest, this great calm in the old house are the best of medication and moreover it is good to hear happy screams in the garden! My Suzon is multiplying and everything has already taken on the aspect you know him, trinkets, cushion portraits are in their place, qq flowers are in front of your dear Father's photographs; and everything is ready to receive you....
... on the other hand, I am eagerly awaiting a letter from ML Stévenin which must be in Paris these days.
Flondrois wrote that he had to abandon his raid... and his car in Port Vendres after an accident at the rear deck that could have been fatal to him. ...
Vierville 16 July 1930
...It rains, and the garden laughs; Leon and Jeanne also, because everything was dry! The fruits are very rare alas! and the peaches that promised themselves by hundreds are barely 12! but the flowers are superb and Little Maine will be able to rejoice at his will....
Vierville28 July 1930
...long letter from Simon, and good news from Rosario by the Stévenin who arrived in Paris these days. They brought to our address works of my Simon, and there is a lovely pink coat for your darling....
My good children, I was going to start writing to you on Saturday, I was even sitting at my desk with a feather in hand when the sad dispatch came announcing the death of this good little Suzannette. We were all deeply afflicted. It was a beautiful and pretty nature that this little girl whose 28 years were moving, warned, towards death. She went there with an admirable resignation that could serve as an example, and found the courage to organize with taste the installation of her house so that she said, Gaby had nothing to do when I was no longer there...I was very anxious to send your affection to those who remained and were so much to complain about. She informed you with concern at Suzon's last visit, deploring your troubles and speaking of her old friend Totony with great affection.
The young husband is well to complain about but he will do his life again and none of those who have seen him near his sick could blame him; as for the poor mother I perceive all that her heart must feel, and also all that our absent ones so far will suffer from this loss. Although she had been planned, expected, she is no less cruel.
Suzon has just left for Paris, where she will be at 11am tonight. She will replace us all tomorrow with these poor friends. I wanted to leave, she never wanted to consent. She will return tomorrow night, at the train from 8:40pm leaving Paris at 4:10pm. The funeral is at 10:30am at the church of St Cloud, I do not know if the body will be transported to St-Denis. I tried in vain to phone Saturday, I only understood a few very vague words....
....Time remains very variable, but it is not a day that only had its sun hour, it is only to enjoy it.
.....Nothing else here, we went to St-Sever to have tea and we met the usual guests – pleasant hours – Since Jacques de Mons arrived with his wife and they came to see us the next day... The young household looks very happy about the rest.
A look at Pierres in the car, we're waiting for Guillemette.
All the Heudries are there including Françoise and her husband and their daughter...nd heir.
In the village you are told, and I am glad to say that I am waiting for you soon, your little one is already in the middle, it's funny how important these peasants think of a boy. ....The Bison is very busy with the idea of a baby in flesh and bone and you will have to make sure that she doesn't pamper him too much, she is maternal in hell.
Did I tell you that Gaby Dessus has been the chief engineer of CPDE for a few weeks now? He is after the deputy director, it's not bad and the poor boy will have his job to get away from his pain a little bit.
Flondroisa decidedly abandoned her Turzhumel in Port-Vendres, she will be replaced by another Neighbor for a small We'll see about it here, you'll probably be there.
Mr de Mons believes that the Council meeting will take place around 24 August, if you could take a few days off, my Jean, by citing your mandate as a city councillor and also the presence of Georges that you have not seen in a long time. That would not be a big problem for the construction site, I think. ...
Vierville Monday, August 4, 1930
...Simone métats that you do 300g a week, it's a lot – it's already a big pouf! Provided the puppy does harm to the nurse! (David of Suzannette).
Vierville 6 August 1930
...I saw Mr de Mons yesterday, he must see the collector on Saturday, this one will set the date of the Council, it will have to be 22 or 24- not a Sunday -
... Little Maine, in case your train is too late to take the 7h8 train going on Caen and Cherbourg, there's another one at 9am that must be in Bayeux around 10am, it's agreed that Suzon will wait for you. Take some cover, it's fresh here.
...Goodbye... let us know when you're leaving...
...it's today the anniversary of my poor big (Mara)
Vierville11 August 1930Monday
Good news of Rosario where nothing was known about the sad news of course. I'm sending you a picture of big father Yves who has everything from François. Don't you find the Mich well changed, the whole portrait of his father now. The Gilbert H. had arrived, good and affectionate as their parents the Jean H. – (very different from the Marcel H. for whom they have a very mediocre inclination that they hardly hide) – You will read the letters full of details, we speak again interesting works, the Chamber of Commerce desires them very much, it has appointed a commission of which Martin is president, that is what to facilitate things for Jean C. but will the house know how to benefit from it.
...I wonder if I'm gonna find your darling fat? I hope he'll be fine with his little mom in the 2 rooms on the end you know, they're convenient because they've always been close to the kitchen and they've been meant for their moms and their moms with a tacit deal. So Suzon moves tomorrow with her smala 2nd 1/2 floor, the two boys staying in your old room. That's what you think.
...I met Mons on Saturday and the collector, the Council is decidedly set for Wednesday 27. It is important for our little commune whose budget he will deal with and our mayor will like you to attend. Blessed budget! You must be officially notified by de Mons himself. We all hope that nothing will prevent us from coming here at this time. Besides the joy that... I would not be angry to see with you here, different things that would gain to be settled.
We have a very irregularly beautiful weather, it is not cold, but it is often drizzled, grass and flowers are beautiful, but potatoes rot and fruit grow difficult. We have a lot of plums and even apricots, but your friends, peaches, are very rare.
Flondrois had invited us to spend this week in Stang Ar Lin, with the Stevenin. We refused, without regret, too happy to wait for Maine and the petiot. Flondrois then awaits Pannero and his wife (the lawyer of BA) he will probably come here.
The old uncle has been in Cherbourg since yesterday, and he is staying at the hotel in the North. He says it's crowded, because there's a trade fair. He'll come to kiss you all and seems very eager to know the last one.
The good people of the village too, they say to me, "And then received, Mrs., it's a Hausermann."
The whole house of Mons is complete, there is also Guillemette de Pierres to whom you can present your tributes. The Heudrie are all family. Heudrie is sorry to see her younger Monique leave so quickly, she marries her brother-in-law, 22 years old, without situation yet and having not done his military service that he will do as a soldier!!
...when she came to Suzon, she was able to see you and you again and to help Jean-Paul. At the moment she treated Pépita and had to do this with the old slut that I would dare say she was going like a glove!!The boys are preparing to leave for the beach where the young Collières have to be found. The whole house went fishing on Saturday – even Georges – there was a great tide, so we are saturated with mussels, gogins and crabs. (There will be a great tide on August 24th). We brought snails to you, they fast, as it should before receiving the delectable stuffing.
Do you know that Tantine is with her two little girls in Ronce les Bains, across from your house? It's not a pretty thing. Meanwhile, the parents make a superb journey to Spain by car. ...
Vierville Tuesday, 19 August 1930
....I intend to leave for Cherbourg on Friday afternoon, I will spend it on Saturdays to go to the grave of my dears and to shake hands with the Sauze who marry their daughter that day. I do not forget that Mrs Sauze was at your dear Father's funeral.. I will return on Sundays at 2:00 am with the old uncle who seems eager to know your last born.
I have no more news of Flondrois, which must come this end of months. ...
You will bring a small bour rich from 100 to 125 oysters, and it will be the greatest pleasure for your brother-in-law who is always fond of "the fruits of the sea" as you say in your lunch.
Vierville Monday, September 15, 1930
...we saw all our neighbors, had tea yesterday in St-Sever and it will be in Louvières on Wednesday....
...and then it was necessary to bravely unpack my poor big's things. J-d sort of broke up like I had been beaten with sticks, to stir up so many things that were now being rubbed by dear missing hands; so many memories, so many debibels... it's sad. I'm sure the old ton that didn't take any note of what had been entrusted to the movers was robbed by them as to the laundry at least. We will have a lot more to see next year.
...the boys are at de Pierres' house who invited them to visit his underground, Jean-Pierre is at the angels; I expect thrilling stories during dinner.The Bison is more quietly with the old tonton looking for blackberries.
Vierville 23 Sept1930
…Simone wrote that she must ration the big father Yves, who only takes every 4 hours and still shrunks very enough, without the nanny suffering! It is a success that our two babies and the Nany is very proud of it.
…..I sent you your baby's laundry with a box of sandbread and Suzon joined a pack of cigarettes there by post. It also left a small package of pears at your address, they are not wonderful, you will find there only a small taste of terroir. Friday it will be the turn of 5 pounds of salted butter – my gift of 1era And I will not forget the snails ready to bake!...
And here we go next week...
Vierville Tuesday 307bre1930
At Rosario we're fine, very good even and political events (a revolution) The problem is that the dictatorship was obstructing the business of Rosario, but everyone applauded the overthrow of Irigoyen. Martin is accused of a disbursement of 800,000 pesos, most of which are lost! Re-do projects but without much hope....
L-ami Flondrois writes that his Breton corner was well tested, he shoots with about ten meters of wall on the ground and some trees uprooted; this is nothing beside the bereavement caused by this raging sea. The return of the boats disassembled, the half-masted pavilions was a terrible thing and he is still saddened. Let us thank God for not having been so beaten!
....We pick the last pears, alas the harvest is thin! I sent you a small 10 kilos package, about eight days ago, I think I can renew this shipment, I will add qq quinces to make some jelly....I sent you 5 pounds of butter yesterday, it is slightly salty. It would be good to simmer it in a pot of earth or porcelain and cover it with very salty water so that the air does not arrive. I also sent you qq snails by post, I hope they will have pleased you. ...
...more a Parisian! It's the great peace; I've seen our neighbours of Pierres and Mons, we'll be counting. I'll leave on Friday by 11h1/2 bus and we'll be in Paris at 4h1/2. It's really not long....
Paris13 October 1930
... also seen Mrs Cordelle and Dessus who brought some jewels from poor little Suzannette to the intention of Simone. Poor boy and poor mother are painful. Mrs Cordelle will come to lunch with us Thursday, to see old Reverend and his last daughter in France at this time and who will leave for Rosario on the 20th. They will carry the dear memories. Reverend has grown old, and for cause, I had not seen him again and had not seen him 25 years ago! Rambourg put in his pocket his letters of request for leave....We spoke of our Americans who are all in excellent health, the last one, a real ball.. that it was necessary to rationate and who had accepted it without recrimination.
....We do, however, have tea at Tantine's this afternoon. She returned to the Cavalaire where she was taking a bath every day, and she does not regret anything of Ronces Les Bains that she left horrified with pleasure.
The old friend Flondrois between 2 trips came to see us, he was in a mood of sad things that he has been close to in Brittany...
.... I'm glad that all my shipments were to you, and that they arrived at good port. The harvest of fruits is a disaster this year, those we received rot without ripening, it is the desolation of desolation.
Paris24 October 1930
Good news of Rosario, the big father Yves puts his first teeth and he had a big cough like our Jean-Paul. Jean puts a blow with plans for the port enlargements, I send, my Jean, a newspaper article that will interest you, it will also be an excellent lesson from Spanish. Gilbert is still there, he hopes that the new government will shake, and this could be, when it would only be to defeat that d'Irigoyen. The Gilberts came to Rosario; spoiled your nephews with beautiful toys, and received very kindly every day your elders. These are very good patterns that don't look much like their elders.
.....The old Flondrois took us to a great restaurant on Monday and made us finish the evening at La Michodière (the old Nany at La Michodière)!! We played "The Weak Sex" there. It is a painting – very exact claimed our companion – of the life of the great palaces. . It is not exemplary and I like our middle class better than that of these international rastaqouières. It seems that the managers of the Ritz and Claridge wanted to attack......
It's definitely the week of the agitations, we'll hear music at the Trocadéro on Saturday. ...
Thursday (c. 30 October 1930)
...I am not going to Vierville for All Saints. It is a great regret for me not to fill my sad and pious pilgrimage, but there it is a terrible time and moreover I am not yet very brilliant following one of those heart weaknesses on which I am qq times dependent. Thanks to energetic bites this old heart regains strength; it is even mad! ...
Paris8 November 1930
....I had this week the visit of Tantine, Mrs. Batifol with her niece Lambert, who arrives from South Am and brought excellent news of Rosario where she had seen my dear house. She choruses with all those who saw the last born to find him a big happy and smiling ottoman. How glad to be able to soon think of seeing our 2 petiots smack in Vierville on the lawns!....
....We went to the various cemeteries to carry our thought, our last visit was yesterday, we were with Mrs Cordelle near the dear little Suzannette. She lies in a very well-received and sunny corner of Father Lachaise where she had expressly asked for her to be led....
The old Flondrois had lunch with us and then took Suzon to the Salon d'Automne. She came back frozen....and almost fired plugs from seeing so many horrors. It seems that the naked are not flattering for the weak sex whose roundness collapses or whose angles are accentuating of purple or soft greens.
The oldton (ton Robert) Set up 2 steps away in a nice heated room – comfort – part of a nice appt.ndThe owner, an old lady, whom Tantine knows, rents this to help with a high rent. I am glad of this close installation which will allow me to look closer to the old tone well-sustained.
ParisMonday, November 24, 1930
... Good news from Rosario where one is beginning to seriously think about Riachuelo. Rambourg had organized this in a way much more comfortable than we, there is a guardian at home, a vegetable garden and a village with all the facilities of refuelling including that of milk. Our Argentineans will be there and I hope that Jean will be able to return there from time to time. Gilbert is still there, passing from the most founded hope to the most complete one. It is the Scottish shower!! Martin believes in the repair of the dock but not the "ampliaciones".
The Martins have taken their cabins for Europe, leaving on 8 April. I hope our Argentineans will soon follow them.
....The old uncle who is now our very close neighbour has come, moreover, often sat near me.
....I am still very little out and it has done all these times a terrible time, it rains throughout the days and it is hardly if yesterday the sky showed a little blue. A little sun, please!....Leon méon writes that the sea road is cut in several places and absolutely impassable to cars. The bus service goes through the top. That is convenient!
Tuesday evening, December 2, 1930
.... A good letter from Simon and another by plane, the latter reassures me on the health a little shaken by heat, poor Simon has had a good liver attack, fortunately finished, but the big father was indisposed for 2 days. We gave 2 bottles and l'on stands there, fortunately because large ottoman would end up swallowing his mother.
Nothing new for the work that is less secure after the visit of a certain engineer of the government, a named Canale, the same as in the time of your dear Father, a naughty man of the rest. We would only do the part of the dock 3. It's just what it would take to keep your elders still 3 years in Rosario. It's very enough.
Stevenin left without his wife, came to me and said that she would join him in December. Mrs. Jean Hersent just told me that Mrs. Stevenin will not return there, that she does not want to go back there (I don't think that's the excuse mentioned) Stevenin would come back and take the lead.The Gilberts are not talking about their return, they are still at BA where Mrs. Jean H. has phoned them these days. I envy! but it's a little expensive 750 F for my scholarship, and I regret it.
...whose situation is increasingly being affirmed at CPDE. He is now deputy to Malegaria...
Tuesday, 23 December 1930
Rosario, where poor Simon has just paid for a second liver attack, which is worth nothing to a nurse. Fortunately, Father Yves is on the line and he has made the best welcome to his first boil without it appearing. We were preparing the departure for the Riachuelo, and all the hopes were allowed for the work. There is even a signed decree and the other must not be delayed. It is first 15 million works and then the 100 million that are to be used to finish the port until Saladello. So the journey of your elders seems to me to be well compromised, but yours is much more likely...
……(after the words of Jean Hersent) "the business of Argentina seems to be well arranged, if it continues, I will immediately send John (Hausermann) To join Cordelle, but he will have to deal with rastas that he will have to smile at when he wants to bite them – your husband knew what was happening and yet he knew how to do it so well that he was still sorry there....
....I saw Mrs Cordelle yesterday, she had lunch with us, she's leaving tomorrow with Yvonne for Calais. (where Tété and Pierre Dupuis are located)…