1948 Jean's Letter -Feb.19

Thursday –

Feb. 19, 1948

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

The days race by so quickly that – I never realize it's been a week since I've written.  I'm on the streetcar now on my way home from work.

I'm planning to write Rev. Smith and Rev. Shurkey about officiating at the wedding.  Perhaps Rev. Smith won't be able to make it but I'll ask anyway.

As to the date – Harold has only one week of vacation – April 3-12 and surely you wouldn't want us to wait until the end of the week and then have to come back to Cleveland.  If you want the breakfast or reception or whatever it is at the country club, would you please write to them.  I'd like to be married at either 11:30 or 3:30 – on the 3rd & the affair afterwards is up to you – if you just want to serve punch & cookies at home afterwards it's ok but I think that would be so much trouble.

I hope to write to George McCauslen too about decorations.  I'd like to have a candlelight ceremony if possible although it might not be so good in the daytime.  Weren't you married right in front of the mantle in the room where the radio is?  That's where I thought would be best unless the dining room might be a little better.

Higbee's Dept. Store in Cleveland was founded in 1860.  Was sold to  Dillard's in 1992. 
The building, according to Wikipedia, is now home to the Jack Cleveland Casino.

Ruth and I went down to Higbee's Bride Show and it was really gorgeous. They showed so many lovely dresses & trousseau clothes for a summer resort, winter resort and in the city.  The little flower girls in it were especially cute and made me want a long dress.

Tuesday morning after my dental appointment I went down to Higbee's and priced them $69-79 for dress alone so I gave up the idea as no dress you wear just once is worth that.

But when I got home and told Ruth and Ellen they told me how inexpensively they are if made.  Both are very expert sewers and have made their own clothes so they very anxiously consented to whip up one together.

Ruth is very good at choosing the right style & knows materials so we're going to look this afternoon to price materials and see if it would be worthwhile.

Then if we decide I can show Virginia for we hope to go next weekend if possible.  I've told Jeanne that I'd love to have her in the wedding but if I wear street clothes it would be so many attendants for such a small wedding.

If its more formal, Mary Ellen & Sara might wear pretty little long dresses in contrasting colors.

We have been looking in the want-ads everyday for apartments, furnished & unfurnished but any ones we have followed through are either gone or not too worthwhile.  You really have to keep on the people or know someone who is moving.  If we don't have anything definite soon, we plan to advertise.  Some law student who did this told Harold there are plenty of apts. if you're willing to pay $75 a month.  We don't consider that too bad but if we find something cheaper that is nice we'll accept.  I'm sure we'll find something by then.  We've put our name in at the apartment next door.  They are nearly all 1 room efficient apartments – furnished for about $45-50 a month.

Even if I wear a long dress, you & Mrs. Uible would be able to wear short dresses wouldn't you.  I wrote her that and felt sure I am right.

If only we could get together and make plans it would be so much easier.  When do you think you'll be coming back?  Do you plan to sell the car down there?  I'll try to get as many things arranged as possible but I know there will be so very many things on the few days before.

I really won't be so long in writing again for I should know a few more plans soon.

Hope to hear from you concerning everything too.

All my love,

Jean