Thelers shop, dine, sightsee in Southern California

Mary and Sam drive to Los Angeles and visit friends. After spending several days, they head to Belfair. I remember when most communications were done through mail. When traveling, you could forward mail to a post office in the city you were headed to. That is rare these days. My sister has moved several times this past year and she would always fill out a new address form and she is lucky if she sees her mail within two weeks. This could be a problem when you are expecting medications coming through the mail.

Thursday, Jan. 20, 1949

Today we got up early, ate at Georgette’s for the last time and left Tucson at 10 a.m. It was sunny out but cold and very nice riding along. Near El Centro we saw huge fields of lettuce. They surely looked wonderful. As we came toward San Diego we had to go through a mountainous area. There we found rain all the way and snow near the top. At some places it had been quite deep but it was a lovely sight. We ate at the Saddle Rock Grill. A very good place. Then got a room at a motel called San Diego. A nice quiet place. Read my magazine and then went to bed early. We passed through a large area which was full of huge cacti. To bed early. Second time I’ve written this so I know I’m tired. See Los Angeles County Museum in Exposition Park.

Friday, Jan. 21, 1949

Today it was cloudy out but later it cleared up and by the time we arrived in L.A. the sun was out, but it was never warm. We ate at a little place along the way which was very good. Drove up to Glenore and saw Laurice’s dad who said she and Henry had gone on home. We heard all about their adventures here and then drove on. Stopped at the Art Museum at Exposition Park where we saw the original art works that the U.S. Army found in the salt mines in Germany during the close of the war. There was a huge crowd of people there so it was hard to get a close look but I enjoyed it all. From there we drove to the post office at Santa Monica and got three letters. One from Laurice who said they had gone north. We are paid up for a week at the William Tell Motel. A very nice place. We ate lobster thermidor at the Brown Derby and it was perfect! Then to see Bette Davis on “June Bride” which was very funny. Home late and to bed. Raining out!

Saturday, Jan. 22, 1949

We slept until late. Then to post office where we received two letters. Ate tiny pancakes at Tips and they were delicious as usual. Home and sat around for a while. We had gone through a couple of stores, but it was too wet to go around much. Sam thought it would be a good idea to go to the Farmers Market to eat lunch before going out to Kurth’s. So, we went but oh was it wet! We ate at one of the tables (under cover) in a pouring rain and there were many others doing the same. Of course, it was not as much fun as if it was sunny. Then out to Kurth’s and they were glad to see us. We sat there the rest of the day. Sam and Al exchanged hunting and fishing stories and Doris and I went to Eastern Star. We went home. After dinner, which was very nice, Doris had a grand lemon pie! We visited some more. About 10 we went home. It was clear out but had rained all afternoon. Their place is real nice and they have it fixed up very well.

Sunday, Jan. 23, 1949

It rained most of the night so although the sun is bright, it is really wet out. We ate at Tips again and then drove over to Kurth’s. Sat there and talked houses and lots till about 1:45, then out for a ride. Went over to see lots that Al saw listed in Sunday paper. We ended up by UCLA and oh was there a lovely sunset. Over to a Little Bit of Sweden where we ate our dinner. It was delicious and we sampled many wonderful dishes prepared there. Their table was a work of art. Home and visited until 9:30 when we drove home. It was dry all the afternoon but rained after we got to Kurth’s. Cool out again. There is a car from Alaska next door. Doris and I are going shopping tomorrow so if I’m not too tired afterward will go to Chapter in p.m. To bed at 11 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 24, 1949

We arose early and ate at Tips. Very good as usual and then to P.O. where we received a letter from Vera containing Vina’s address. Over to Kurth’s by 10:15 and then drove downtown. Doris and I left them at Bullocks and then found stores were closed till 12:30. So we wandered about in smaller shops and ate lunch until stores opened. We looked at three stores but none had dresses suitable for Chapter so we gave up. I never even tried one on. Home on the bus and ate dinner. Very nice. Talked Doris into going over to Hollywood Temple to official visit of Worthy Grand Matron, Oliheta Groh. Al and Sam went to a show next door (Bob Hope). It was a meeting in which five chapters had a part but no favors and no flowers and no addenda. Very complicated and they seem to pay more attention to square corners than to anything else. The Marshall was a dream and her work was perfection. We saw Onida and a friend there so we did not have to be examined. Doris enjoyed it so did I. W.G. Matron’s dress was gold and brown. They call themselves the “The Forty-Niners” celebrating 100 years of gold discovery in California.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1949

Slept until late and then wrote a few letters and cards. Very windy out last night. We ate at Tips. I bought a card to send to Georgia Nieman so walked to stationery store to get it then up to Tips. After breakfast we drove up to the May Co. on Wilshire and I tried on three dresses all too small so I bought two skirts and a blouse. Then out to see Aunt Vina and Uncle Henry. Were they surprised when they saw us! At once they wanted to know when we were going home so now we plan on all going together Friday morning. The Rowes are nice folks and we saw two houses parts of their family are building. Then we left to eat our dinner at Alvera Street. It was so very cold we did not linger too long although I bought three small baskets and candy. We ate a very nice dinner and then home to get warm in our motel room. Rec’d a card from Mary Ruth. She says the clothes we sent the boys fit fine so everyone is happy. Sent a card to Helen Anderson from Alvera Street.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1949

We awoke early so got up. Ate at Tips as usual. Then we drove over to Long Beach. Stopped on the way and bought a couple of baskets and Sam got two cartons to pack our extra clothes in. The day was very warm and it was a lovely ride. I called on Leona Duhn and she was so surprised. Told me that Elma Olsen was there Jan. 9 so Olympic Chapter has done very well visiting, it seems. We had a nice visit and although she is very homesick for her friends in Bremerton, she realizes it is better she live here where they do better. She told me all about visiting Chapter here and our two hours together

simply flew. She gave me coffee, cake and peaches. Very nice. Her little girl has grown so. I hardly knew her. We drove to Butcher’s Bar-B-Q on Santa Monica Blvd. where we had a grand dinner. Home and read awhile and packed our bags for home. Cool out but a nicer day than any. Rec’d a card from Alma N. Says White Shrine Institution is set for Feb. 26 so we need not have started home so early.

Thursday, Jan. 27, 1949

We ate at Tips as usual and then Sam packed three suitcases in cartons and also another box of stuff. I went down on the beach for an hour and then met Sam after he had the boxes ready to ship. (Office not open until noon.) We drove to Farmers Market where I got some cheese and also Vermont syrup for Blanche H. Ate lunch there and it was delicious. Ate blueberry pie and a cream puff. There was an enormous crowd there for it was warm and sunny. We drove out to Kurth’s and took them to dinner. Had a very nice evening and did not get home until nearly 11. Now we are about ready to leave. Not much to pack in the morning, thank goodness. No mail today so we shall leave our forward address at office tomorrow. The time went all too fast. Next time I shall stay and visit all the shops I want to.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now resides on a classic wooden boat on the Columbia River. She has been researching Mary Theler’s life for the past 17 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].