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Old Times Remembered (1950-1954)

Mary Alice Hearn Heard

 

The letters of Florence and Aubrey Hearn during the years of 1950 through 1954 reflect their preoccupation with work, family, and making ends meet. Although Aubrey's work at the Baptist Sunday School Board did not require him to travel so much as in previous years, he still was on the road often. During his trips he helped to conduct Training Union enlargement campaigns at churches throughout the Convention. He was expected during these campaigns to help start new unions, enlist workers, and drum up enthusiasm for the churches' programs. An avid reader, Aubrey often wrote home to tell what books he was reading. He also took along articles and books to edit in his spare time as well as resource material for the many articles he himself wrote (for extra cash). During these years Aubrey spent many a Sunday speaking on behalf of the United Tennessee League against Beverage Alcohol and lining up speaking engagements for other UTL workers. Aubrey's outside activities included ushering at the Community Concerts and selling tickets at Vanderbilt football games. These activities earned him concert and football tickets, which he shared with the family. Additionally, he continued the occasional tours to Europe and South America, for which he enlisted fellow travelers.

By the year 1950 boarders no longer lived in the Hearn household, freeing Florence from some of the responsibilities of past years. However, she helped with the family income by writing lesson materials for preschool teachers in the Sunday School. Florence's mother, Lena Allen Conner, lived with the family for part of these years. The purchase of a family car gave Florence more mobility and the opportunity to become the family chauffeur. Now the children were growing into the teenage years, and meeting the demands of their outside activities was a constant challenge. Charles left the household for part of one year to serve as a page in the United States House of Representatives. He would graduate from high school in 1953 and begin attending Vanderbilt, still living at home.

FLORENCE
Nashville
Undated
It has been raining nearly all day. Last time you went away it rained a great deal too. It is very hard to get this bunch to church when it is raining real hard as it was just before 5 o'clock when we left tonight. . . . I was planning to take Mary Alice's record player for the Primaries to use. . . . We went on on the bus. You should have seen us bundled to the gills, carrying the record player (in case), the baby, the grass bag full of Bibles and library books. Our raincoats really got soaked because it was raining hard. But we did not have to wait very long for the bus. Kate brought us home.
Mother has stayed in bed all day today. She felt dizzy all day. I do hope she will feel better in the morning.
FLORENCE
Nashville
February 12, 1950
Mr. Abston came out Friday afternoon but the water was still coming in so much he could not install the pump permanently. I let it run all Friday night. Saturday I turned it off to give it a rest. The water leveled off a few inches from the top of the sink hole. I firmly believe the pump was pumping the same water out over and over. It would run back down into the hole and get pumped out again. Mr. Abston could not connect it to the pipe because it wouldn't take it off fast enough. Anyway, that pipe has a hole in it just outside of the house, and he will have to put a new pipe in (about four or five feet, I think).
I called Mr. Myatt not to come. Mr. Abston said the motor of the stoker would have burned out already if it was going to. I oiled it good several times and kept feeling of it to see if it was getting hot.
FLORENCE
Nashville
February 13, 1950
I hope you will get this on Valentines Day. I will have to give you my valentine when you get home. It will be a great big hug and a great big kiss. Also some cookies. . .Maybe. . .If the children don't eat them all up. I love you more than you know and more than I can tell in mere words. I am happy beyond anything I ever thought possible. . .Even if I am too too busy right at this point.
AUBREY
Clarendon, AR
March 14, 1950
I haven't had anybody sign up for my trip in about a month. It's getting time for somebody else to send in a reservation. There are several I'm expecting to hear from soon.
The people here are so hospitable that it is hard to get much work done. Nevertheless, I'm getting a few programs edited.
FLORENCE
Nashville
March 27, 1950
When you send Charles' check this week you should include $28.00 for his room rent and also money for April for his church. I told him to put it all in at once on Sunday so he would not lose or spend it. I think that is the best plan. . . I cautioned him not to cash his check again, and I think he is satisfied if he can just pay his rent himself. He just wants to handle his money like the other boys do.
FLORENCE
Nashville
March 29, 1950
Mrs. Trimble called me this morning to say that Mildred has the German measles. When she got home I could barely see any breaking out. I don't know how they discovered it.
I am ready to begin copying on my stories now. After that I will have to write a sort of outline for the five Sundays and that will be all of this unit. I am going to try to do the next one in a hurry. But before I start it I want to do some house cleaning and help you with the painting. Also I want to write an article for Thelma, a story, a song, and an article for Miss Trent. All that before May 1.
FLORENCE
Nashville
Sept. 19, 1950
Mr. Lea called me yesterday. He can get Thelma one or two days for our study course but can't get anybody else for any longer. I will have to help out the other nights. We will have to take all our children because I can't leave them here.
Yesterday I had Lula Mae to come cook supper for the children. I think she left soon after supper. The children were noisy. Mother had to fuss at Marcia, and I think it upset her. She (Mother) did not go to sleep on time. I can't trust Nancy and M.A. to keep them quiet so I suppose I will have to stay at home at night unless I can get them to bed first.
AUBREY
Atlanta
October 24, 1950
I was delighted to learn that you have sold the stoker for $40. I hope the man will not forget to come for it and will pay in cash. Be sure to hold on to the money, as I don't have a cent in the bank.
AUBREY
New Orleans
January 13, 1951
Well, here I am still in New Orleans. I went to catch my train last night and the Sunset Limited, on which I have ridden many times, refused to accept my clergy ticket. It's a new rule, effective recently, about which neither the ticket office in Nashville nor I had been informed. To step the ticket up to first class would cost about $45. To fly would cost about the same. So I am going on the slower train this morning. This upsets my plans, as I wanted to be in Tucson Sunday, but still puts me there Monday morning in time for my meeting.
This is a new experience for me. But I made the best of it, spent the night at the hotel, and am now ready to go to the station.
AUBREY
En route Arizona
Jan. 14, 1951
I have invited the following by letter or phone, to be with us January 22 at 7:30 p.m.: Miss Wade, Miss Maureen Williams and friend, Mrs. Norman Dryden and friend, Mr. And Mrs. Jack Herring, Dr. And Mrs. McGlothlen, Kate Washburn, Mr. And Mrs. Sid Hooper, Miss Osta Underwood, Mr. And Mrs. H.E. Smith. That makes 15, but some of them will probably not be able to come. . . I don't think we should have over 20 because our living room won't accommodate more.
This trip is longer than the one I had planned, but I am getting in a lot of reading and some writing. I am preparing the first draft of an article for Journal of Living. I hope to have it ready for you to look over when I get back.
AUBREY
Little Rock, AR
January 31, 1951
A young doctor at the Veterans Hospital here has invited me to attend a clinic for alcoholics at the hospital in the morning, and I plan to go. He has worked out some new theories about alcoholics, and they are interesting.
AUBREY
Greenville, SC
May 7, 1951
We had a full day yesterday. I taught a Sunday School class, spoke at both services, spoke briefly six or eight times, ate dinner at another church having dinner-on-the-ground upon opening its new building, and attended the central meeting at 3 o'clock. Our other two workers have not arrived yet, so I had to carry the full load yesterday.
FLORENCE
Nashville
May 7, 1951
Suzanne certainly misses you. For a whole day after you left she would pound her little fist down and declare, "I want my Daddy!" Now she just questions, "Where Daddy?" I miss you too, dearest, and will be glad when you come home again. I must do many things while you are away, though. Tonight Mildred's class will give their puppet show for the parents. Tomorrow afternoon I have the devotional at Cavert for the last time this year.
FLORENCE
Nashville
May 8, 1951
I need a secretary and more time to work on Ridgecrest plans and my writing. I'll go crazy soon if I keep thinking about all I need to do to our house, children's clothes, in addition to this extra work. One day I am going to quit one or the other of these jobs.
I talked to the PTA today in a short devotional on "Living One Day at a Time." I needed the thoughts myself, but I feel pressed down and pushed when I think how the days are flying.
AUBREY
Savannah, GA
October 24, 1951
Will you please phone Ed West and tell him that I will be there to sell [Vanderbilt football] tickets Saturday?. . . Call him and tell him that I will be back Saturday morning and will be there to sell tickets by 12 o'clock.
FLORENCE
Nashville
February 17, 1952
Ann asked me to write an extra unit by April 1 for November '52. I accepted and want to begin on it as soon as my music club meeting is over. I want to finish all three units before June but will have to work hard to do it. . . . It was wonderful to have you at home even for a few hours. I love you dearly and miss you when you are away.
FLORENCE
Nashville
February 18, 1952
The Hearn Union was almost 100% again last night. Although you were not there, a visitor took your place.
I have read this book you asked me to review--programs for S.S, etc. I don't approve of the "pieces" for Beginners and Primaries but the stuff for older children and adults is all right. I want to talk to Ann about it before I put my O.K. on the book. Will try to do that this week.
FLORENCE
Nashville
March 10, 1952
A busy, busy day! Since I decided to accept the Vacation Bible School responsibility I had to attend a clinic today. I stayed from 9:30-12:30 but it lasted until 2:30. Pouring rain all day. So had to get all the children after school. Now, tonight I have to go to First church to lead a conference for Beginner leaders. Will take the three small children--or perhaps just Marcia and Suzanne.
AUBREY
Baptist Hospital
New Orleans
March 10, 1952
[In the hospital for routine tests] I was awakened at 5:30 this morning by an orderly who brought me your letter and started me on a long series of tests. . . . They are giving me a careful going over. I'm supposed to stay here until 1 a.m. Wednesday but am hoping to get away earlier. Last night was my first night as a patient in a hospital since I was six years old. The routine has been tame so far.
AUBREY
Baptist Hospital
New Orleans
March 11, 1952
I won't be released here until tomorrow afternoon but will get away three hours in the morning to meet classes at the Seminary. . . . I've written two articles since I got here, and now I am concentrating on some editing. I'm feeling fine. Haven't heard yet from any of the tests.
AUBREY
Washington, D.C.
March 24, 1952
I spent all morning on Capitol Hill. I visited Fishbait Miller and Percy Priest, listened to the Supreme Court give opinions, and sat for two hours on a House Ways and Means Committee hearing. At the latter I heard a liquor dealer testify that he made 20 million dollars in 2-1/2 years on which he paid no income tax. Furthermore, he was indignant when the government presented him with a tax bill.
AUBREY
Napa, California
April 26, 1952
The last two days I have traveled so fast and seen so many people that it all seems like a dream . . . . I heard Joe [Joe Ed Hearn, Aubrey's brother] teach a class in ancient civilizations. He did a good job . . . Then we drove to Redlands to see Mrs. Fred Hill, who is thinking of going to South America with us (though she is 79). She owns numerous orange groves. The whole area was saturated with the aroma of orange blossoms. We got back to Long Beach at 7:00 in time for my first engagement.
I spoke in 15 churches in L.A. in six days. Yesterday I spoke to the small Southern Baptist College in El Monte.
AUBREY
Miami
May 15, 1952
We had a busy day yesterday. I took in a good bit of the Convention, stayed in our booth three hours, and ran a number of errands. Our Cuba trip is about sold out. We may have two places left. We must complete our plans today.
FLORENCE
Nashville
May 15, 1952
We got through yesterday somehow. At 6:15 I was still sewing badges on Nancy's badge sash. Mildred became a Maiden in GA's. Nancy got her curved bar at the Girl Scout Court of awards. That is the highest honor an Intermediate Girl Scout can get. There were ten in her troop to receive it. Mildred received her Second Class badge.
AUBREY
Buenos Aires
August 26, 1952
Tonight they had a memorial service for Eva Peron (who died a month ago today). We stood in front of the giant platform on 9th of July Avenue. There must have been 1/2 million people there. At 8:35, the hour of her death, they all lighted torches and had a parade. It was indeed an awe-inspiring spectacle. We were swept away with the crowd, and people thrust torches into our hands too.
FLORENCE
Nashville
Nov. 19, 1952
I am in your office and have just come from the Blood Bank, where I gave (or sold) a pint of blood. They said my type O negative is rare and they need it very much. . . I decided to go and and give the blood now because I am going to run out of money before the 25th. It seems that the children needed everything at school this week, and with everything I haven't had enough. I had to pay Sadie some because she was desperate. I still owe her about $8 or $10 but I told her she wasn't supposed to ask me to pay her!
With Suzie sick over the week-end, Mrs. Lambdin's tea Monday, Charles in a skit Tuesday, my talk at my music club Wednesday, I haven't had time to breathe. Then Mother got up this morning thinking today was Thanksgiving. It got me all worried for fear South Carolina might be counting today Thanksgiving and Thomas [Mother's brother, expected for a short visit] might be coming. I must find out some way.
I had to spend some time helping Charles get a costume together for the skit. It is over now. Tonight is the Intermediate banquet. Don't know what I'll do about the three small girls.
AUBREY
Eureka, CA
Nov. 21, 1952
Yesterday I rode a truck log train to a logging camp in a redwood forest. I watched the loggers load the truck with two pieces of a huge tree nearly seven feet in diameter. The two pieces weighed 44,000 lbs. Then I rode the "train" to the mill and saw the pieces unloaded. The driver of the truck is the Training Union director. He makes about $1000 a month driving this truck. But he can have his job.
Our school closes tonight. On Sunday I am to speak four times in four of the churches near here.
FLORENCE
Nashville
Nov. 25, 1952
Charles is doing a magic trick in a talent audition at West today. He was Sherlock Holmes in a skit last week. He is to be in a television skit on Dec. 16th about Silent Night. The speech teacher at West told him he has a wonderful voice for radio. She thinks he does good work. His algebra teacher cornered me last week and said Charles was a wonderful, sweet, fine boy. He is-even if he is an adolescent.
Nancy is doing fine work. Mrs. Johnson said yesterday she wished she could have Nancy every day--said Nancy is a teacher's dream.
I feel so blue sometimes because I can't do everything I should and don't do them the way they should be done. I know I'm a poor manager in many ways. But when I hear nice things like that about our children I realize that my mistakes aren't fatal. Must be God who takes a hand where I fail!!
FLORENCE
Nashville
January 26, 1953
[writing from Aubrey's office] I hope to get lots of writing done this week but can't find a time or place yet. The children are wanting me to come home now-they just get lonesome, I guess, with only six people in the house!
AUBREY
Washington, D.C.
February 16, 1953
I got two more engagements for UTL [United Tennessee League] at Bristol, making 23 in all for the best single day's work I've done.
This week I have a busy schedule. I'm spending most of today on Capitol Hill attending a House hearing, visiting Congressmen, etc. I may also attend the Supreme Court.
There seems to be a lot of interest in our two schools. I hope to have a large class.
AUBREY
Washington, D.C.
February 17, 1953
I had a good time on Capitol Hill yesterday. I saw a lot of friends. Also I met Adlai Stevenson, Averill Harriman, and other bigwigs. O.K. Armstrong tried to get me a pass to Ike's press conference this morning, but it didn't work. It was the first such conference and they could grant no passes.
FLORENCE
Nashville
March 12, 1953
If I live through Friday night I'll be amazed. Marcia has invited 8 or 10 girls to her slumber party. There may be more by tomorrow night. I'm just going to let them have what they call a good time--if I can endure it!
FLORENCE
Nashville
February 16, 1954
Suzanne is about well. I had to take her to Training Union Sunday night and it didn't seem to hurt her. Today she is playing with her doll buggy--and guess who is her baby! June Bug [pet kitten?]
I really am glad there is no banquet on this week. I do have my music club Wednesday, Executive Committee Wednesday night, and my music lesson Thursday. But at least no writer's conference.
AUBREY
N. Charleston, SC
March 1, 1954
I learned soon after arrival here that I have developed another case of asthma. It came suddenly and has given me fits for two days. I found one pyrobenzamine tablet last night and finally went to sleep. . . .
This week I am having a little time for writing and am trying to put the finishing touches on my booklet, Alcohol Quiz Book, a 32-page book taking up the leading questions asked about alcohol. I want to get it off the press by summer. . . . I believe it will have a good sale.
AUBREY
Montgomery, AL
March 30, 1954
The bus is due at the Trailways Station at 4:30 p.m. Please meet me. I plan to usher that night at the ice show, and somebody can go with me.
AUBREY
Texarkana, TX
Sept. 29, 1954
I finished one article yesterday and got up early this morning and wrote another one. I wanted to finish it before the World Series game begins so I can watch it on TV.
Our school now has over 1000 enrolled, and nearly 100 of them are in my class. Last night I had 80. It is one of the best classes I've had in several years.
FLORENCE
Nashville
Sept. 29, 1959
I have worked on the Prayertime suggestions. Am about half through with the Primary. I'm anxious to finish those. I want to do some work on clothes for fall and clean out closets and boxes before I do the Beginner unit. . . I have sewing to do--and oh so much--wallpaper, etc.
AUBREY
Atlanta, GA
March 16, 1954
Next week I don't plan to be out any nights except Wednesday. This is the 6th consecutive week when I've been out every night. I don't want ever to do that again.
FLORENCE
Nashville
Sept. 26, 1954
The luncheon [for wives of S.S. Board employees, Education Divison] was a success. The three honorees had orchids and looked lovely. The food was good--though not worth the $1.50. . . I did very well with my piano solo. Most of the ladies there had never heard me play and they seemed amazed that I had kept up my music through the years and with so many children. . . . We decided to have a luncheon like this three times a year. . . . Mrs. J.O. Williams was invited and she invited us to have lunch with her in December. There were 32 women there out of 42, I think.
AUBREY
Oklahoma City
October 27, 1954
I wrote an article last night at the railroad station while waiting for the train, and am mailing it to Betty to be typed.