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FIFTY GLORIOUS YEARS

(from 1945-1954)

1945

Many historic events occurred in 1945: Hitler was defeated in Germany, the atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the war ended, the U.N. Charter was adopted as the basis for a world peace organization, F. D. Roosevelt died and Truman became President. All of these were world-shaking events.

However, in the Crockett family the most significant of all events was the arrival on March 24th of their darling daughter Margaret Ruth. She was a very special baby; one greatly wanted, as it had been nine years since their previous baby David had joined the family.

The day after Margaret's birth, Earl took a bushel of apples to school and placed in his office. Each visitor who entered, whether faculty or student, was given an apple. Earl would pretend, in each case, to fumble in his pockets looking for a cigar to give, as he announced the birth of his new baby. Then he would apologetically say, "Sorry, just ran out of cigars-take a delicious apple."

When she and the happy Mother came home from the hospital, for days, the other children happily took turns holding her. The cocker spaniel, Vic, soon adopted her for his watchful care and protection. Sometimes Margy slept in her baby buggy outside in the shade and always Vic lay by the buggy protecting her. This was even true when the neighbor lady, Miss Smith, across the street tended her.

Many of Della's friends constantly enquired about the new baby and promised to come see her. Finally, in order for all to look their best, she had an afternoon tea, honoring three months old Margy, and 32 of her women friends happily came.

September l1th, Earl wrote in his family round-robin letter-

I am enclosing some pictures recently taken of our darling baby. Wish you could all see her in person . . .

The boys are back in school and very busy. Bob is in Ninth grade and playing on the Junior Hi first team in football-he thinks of football waking and sleeping. David is in Fourth grade and leading his class. Marian goes back to the University next month as a sophomore.

With love, Earl

1946

Grandmother Crockett in Preston became very ill. Earl, Della and the children made a quick journey by auto, traveling there in 13 hours. Grandma was most pleased to see all, especially, the new beautiful baby. She got better after a few days and the Crocketts returned to Boulder.

It was this year that Marian first met her future husband, Donald. Both were attending C.U. and were on the stage crew for a number of plays. Don was in the Navy V12 program. The two began dating and fell in love.

Earl and Dean Jacob Van Ek had been in the habit for a number of years of going fishing together. They were nearly always fortunate in bringing back their limit in trout. During the summer of 1946, Earl took Bob and Dave, a time or two, to Monarch Lake and a great time was had by all three. They camped over night in a tent and each boy caught many fish.

Della still remembers after nearly 30 years, her coming home from a club meeting, or a shopping trip, and seeing Earl in the big green chair by the fireplace in the living room, with little Margy bouncing on his lap, Bob laughing on one side and Dave on the other, and Vic dancing joyously around the room, always looking at the baby.

1947

Earl's mother in her ninetieth year passed away, May 12th the day before his birthday. He attended the funeral in Preston, although Della and the children couldn't get away from home. It was a beautiful funeral and she was buried by the side of her husband Ozro in the Logan Cemetery. Upon returning home in Boulder, he found a birthday letter written by his mother three days before her passing. Quotes from it are the following:

My dear son Earl:

Your dear birthday will soon be here and first of all, I want to wish you a very happy birthday and many more to follow, and health and strength to enjoy them all. I feel like you have had a very happy and prosperous life filled with fine activities, a lovely wife and smart children. You have never caused your parents one moment's worry or care.

May the Lord bless you all as he has in the past.

Lovingly your mother

On May 23rd, eleven days later, Earl's sister Mary passed away in Downey, Idaho. She had been rather ill for a year or two.

Marian graduated from the University and took a summer job in the form of a combined government seminar and internship work experience at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The rest of the family planned the summer for work and leisure at Encinitas, California, where a beautiful Spanish home overlooking the ocean had been rented. Encinitas is a short distance north of San Diego and has a long sandy, beautiful beach, very suitable for bathing.

Marian traveled with the family to California, staying a few days, before flying to Washington; Earl worked on one of his tax studies for the University and state Legislature, but also took out time for fun. Many friends and relatives visited that summer, including Della's parents, her sisters Reata and Geneve and Geneve's son Ramon, all of them for most of the glorious summer. Great fun was had by Bob, Dave and Ramon, swimming and hiking and playing games. Even little two-year old Margaret very much enjoyed the beach-she had no fear of the water. Trips by all were taken down to San Diego, into Mexico and up to Los Angeles.

On the way home, at the end of the summer, the Crocketts drove north, up the coast to San Francisco, Berkeley, Crater Lake, Oregon, then east to Idaho to celebrate Della's parents’ Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Interesting letters were received from Marian, while she worked and studied in Washington. These are some examples:

June 27th-Last evening we went to the Watergate Symphony. It was great fun, we sang on the bus on the way.

Franklin Roosevelt, Jr. was dynamite! He spoke to us today. I was never so thrilled. He is a very handsome man-about 6 ft. 5 in. tall, impressive in appearance-and extremely effective as a speaker. He had perfect contact with his audience and won them over completely. Will let you know how his mother Eleanor strikes one when she speaks next week.

For Don's birthday I got him a very nice book on photography with colored plates.

Mother, were you serious in saying Daddy was growing a mustache? I can't believe or picture it.

September 4th-I've accepted a position with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations for the coming year! The job will be in New York City . . .

It's going to be hard to leave the seminar. Such grand kids, we have such marvelous times. It's the kind of experience that is just indescribably valuable. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

With love, Marian

Dave was selected to play in the all-city Boulder grade school orchestra and later he became first chair.

1948

An LDS Branch was organized in Boulder, affiliated with the Western States Mission. Earl was appointed First Counselor in the Branch Presidency.

The University began a radio weekly program called "History in the Making." It was a half-hour program of news analysis and interpretation, rather than straight news. Earl, along with Dean Van Ek and James Allen, did the program broadcast from Denver over KOA for a number of years. It was a great experience and the program got several awards -- one, the highest in the nation for that type program.

The big event of the year was the marriage of Marian and Don. They were married June 12, 1948. Extracts from several letters tell rather vividly the wonderful events associated with the marriage.

The following is part of a letter from Della's mother dated March 2:

Dear family:

Are you enjoying the spring weather? It has been very warm here the last week.

Della, the quilt came yesterday. It is very pretty. I think it will quilt up nicely. The white and blue go well together. I got a three pound bat (all wool) to go in it. We shall wait until your pattern comes to see what it looks like. Then if ours isn't as nice as yours, we shall use the one you sent. Della, I will furnish the bat and do the quilting. It will be our wedding present to Marian.

I would like to see Margaret in her new spring outfit. I'll bet she looks nice.

I received the pretty apron for my birthday and also the card. They are lovely. Many thanks.

With love to all, Mother

Della's father, mother, Reata and Geneve, came to Boulder for the marriage. Also, some of Don's family including his father and mother were there.

After the wedding a letter written by Reata describes the events very well:

June 26, 1948

Dearest Dell:

Just a week ago we were with you. Life at your house was so pleasant and very relaxing. I did enjoy the leisure immensely.

There were so many lovely things for us all. Frequently, I sit and recall the Higman's grand tea and unique apartment, your picnic at Flagstaff was fun and thrilling. I envy you the nearness of the mountains and magnificent view.

To be invited by Don's parents to the rehearsal dinner at Denver was another fine experience good dinner in company with some mighty lovely people. I loved the Park Lane Hotel.

The rehearsal for the wedding was a little preview for the big event. "The wedding" I shall always cherish-many, many happy memories of it: with dignity David lighting the candles, the beautiful bride and good looking bridegroom!, the attractive bridal party, maid of honor, brides maids and darling little flower girl Margaret!

Earl and Robert looked so proud and happy. Della, you, too, did justice to the occasion. I see you now walking regally down the aisle. For your coloring you couldn't have chosen a prettier dress.

But the loveliest thing of all -- to think that you could make such beautiful clothes. Marian will always remember with much happiness that her mother was truly an artist to create the most important gowns for the great event.

The wedding reception was a happy occasion, too.

I think everything went very smoothly. As I reminisce, I wouldn't change anything.

The Crocketts fed us so well, I still have that satisfied feeling that I am content to cook and prepare little . . .

With love, Reata

After the wedding, Marian and Don had a honeymoon at Colorado Springs and Yellowstone Park. They drove in a newly purchased sport car.

1949

This was an eventful year for the Crockett family. It will be necessary to merely summarize some of the events.

In March, Earl and Della were invited to go to the University of Wichita for an interview. The school was considering Earl for President of the University. They went, taking four-year-old Margy along, and had a most enjoyable time. They were "wined" and "dined," had many interviews and a chance to meet the entire faculty.

Della and Margy went on to Philadelphia to visit Marian and Don, and Earl returned to Boulder.

The big reason for going to Philadelphia, Marian was expecting a baby and Della wished to help her. The baby arrived March 16th - a beautiful girl. They named her Janet Lynn and she was very precious.

On March 22, 1949, father Comish wrote the following wonderful letter:

A family letter

Dear Earl: We are glad you have got to the top in your school work. It isn't just luck that put you where you are in the world of learning. It is your hard work and good management

. . .We wish you success in whatever you undertake.

Della: How glad it makes us feel to know what a good work you have been doing, wherever you live-always trying to help others who come near, never thinking of yourself, always making others happy-great shall be your reward.

Marian: You have made a great mark in the world, having the pleasure of traveling places, working with U.S. Senators, which is a great honor.

Robert: You are the king of a boy. I like to see you doing many things such as writing for papers, besides your school work. You are like the song, making the world bright today. Thanks for the nice box of candy. I hope you will like the book I am sending.

David: You have patience like the Bible described Job. You start on a piece of work and never give up until you finish, no matter how hard it is. We are glad you are doing so well in music. Thanks for the nice candy. You boys can make good candy.

Margaret: How we do miss you playing with the little cat in the box with your doll, pulling them around the room. Thanks for the candy; the kitty likes it too.

Della: The box of things came O.K. Mother is doing pretty well. We get her up three or four times a day. She sits on the bed to eat her meals. Hope you had a good trip to Kansas.

With love from Father and Grandpa

In May, Della's mother became quite ill and she, with Margaret, went to Franklin to care for her.

In part, the following is a letter Earl wrote at that time:

Dearest:

How is Mother? We hope much better. I have been informed that the candidates for president of Wichita have been narrowed down to three and I am one of the three. If you agree, I shall notify them to drop my name from further consideration. Don't you think Boulder is a better place to raise a family? [Note: They agreed and he notified the Board of Trustees at Wichita.] This afternoon I filed our passport applications for the summer trip to Europe.

This afternoon, Bob won his tennis match and is going to the state meet. He is as happy as a lark. All evening kids have been calling to congratulate him.

Dave is out mowing the lawn; it looks beautiful and green.

Margaret, Marcia Wells got a little white rabbit about the size of yours. When you come home you two can play with them together.

On Mothers Day, David gave the following talk in Sunday School. Don't you think it's beautiful?

With love, Earl

Mother's Day Talk-1949 by David Crockett (Age 13):

There is one name in the English language which means much to every one of us. This name takes various forms but represents the same dear person in each case. Whether we call her Mom, Mamma, Ma or Mother we are referring to the wonderful person who is always our pal.

If we are sick she is our nurse, if we are sad she cheers us up. She taught us to pray when we were old enough to talk.

She taught us to wash our neck and ears even though we didn't like it.

If we get into any trouble, if we feel that the world is against us we can always go to our mother. She will lend a sympathetic ear. She will understand and will keep loving us.

If we grow up and become good men and women that is all the reward which our Mother asks. If we succeed in life she feels repaid for her hours, months and years of teaching and training, of caring for and waiting on us, and of worrying or being anxious about us.

This year on Mother's Day I am lonesome for my Mother. She is away caring for her Mother who is ill. She has also been away this year caring for my sister who is a new mother.

I hope the Lord will bless all mothers, especially upon this Mother's Day.

Robert graduated from Senior High School with athletic letters for several sports including football, basketball and tennis. He is quite the athlete. Also, during his senior year, he was editor of the Owl, the school newspaper, and assistant editor of the Odaroloc, the school yearbook. He has become a great writer and news analyst for so young a person. In the fall he went to Provo and enrolled at BYU for the school year 1949-50.

The European summer tour lasted nearly three months. It was conducted by Canadian Treasure Tours and was really good. Being Della and Earl's first trip to the "Old Country" they were thrilled indeed.

They left the three children in Boulder, each in a family with a close childhood friend. They drove the new Buick to Philadelphia, visited Marian, Don and baby Lynn, and boarded the Queen Mary in New York. They were on their own for about ten days before joining the tour in London.

The following is part of a letter written on shipboard by Della:

June 26th [1949]

Hello Margaret dear:

I wish I could take you and Linda for a walk on the ship. First we would go to the nursery, where you, could have a ride on a big rocking horse, then to the swimming pool for a swim, and next on the deck for a walk to look at the ocean and the ship. Perhaps you would like to see our state room, the beds and furniture. Best of all we would save for the last dinner in the dining room. There are many waiters dressed in black formal suits. You can order anything, and as much as you want to eat and it's always delicious.

Tonight was a little girl's birthday. She had a cake with ten candles and we all sang "happy birthday." She gave us each a piece of the cake.

We frequently see movies.

Our love, Mother

Another letter from Earl and Della, after arrival in England, in part, had this to say-Della's first:

Dear Children:

The trip on the Queen Mary was a wonderful experience.

It is like a floating city of 3, 000 people. The voyage was smooth and I never got very sea sick.

Since our arrival at Southhampton, we have really made time count. We see much evidence of bombing, especially cathedrals. Then on to Winchester. It is a most charming English village about the size of Boulder. It is the old seat of government for the Romans, Saxons and Normans.

Next day to beautiful Salisbury and then to Bath. The drive by bus through this southern England is beautiful beyond description! Bath has famous old Roman baths. We found a nice hotel and asked for a room with a double bed. In Europe, almost without exception, rooms have twin rather than double beds. We thought a double bed might be cheaper. With hesitation, the clerk took us to a shabby room in the attic with a sagging double bed inside. After all the trouble, we decided not to say no, but learned afterward, that the poor attic room actually cost more than a good one with twin beds!

Tomorrow we go to London and will meet our tour.

Love, Mother

Dear Children:

Today we crossed the road to St. Ives, but didn't see a man with seven wives, cats or kits-where do you suppose they were?

The University of Oxford would be a wonderful place to go to school for graduate work-Bob and Dave. Try and win a Rhodes scholarship. Many of the buildings here are five or six hundred years old, but beautiful.

At Winchester, curfew rings each night at 8:00 p. m. and has done so, without exception for 800 years. All children must be off the streets at this time. We walked around about 9:00 and it appeared as though all the adults had also gone to bed-the streets were deserted.

European bicycles are ridden by everyone-men, women and children. They are much superior to American ones-lighter weight and have two gears.

Love to all, Daddy

 

The couple joined the tour in London, crossed the Channel in a ship and toured Europe. They went by bus through Belgium, Holland, France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. At the end of the tour they returned on the ship Ascania, going up the St. Lawrence River as far as Montreal.

While on shipboard for eight days, the couple were invited to eat all their meals at the Captain's table-a high honor and thoroughly enjoyable. The Captain was a great story teller with a sense of humor; also the food and service were extra special.

The trip to Europe, so soon after the Second World War, showed vividly the enormous destruction of cities and villages throughout Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy especially. The Crocketts were the first among their friends to go to Europe, following the war, and upon their return, they were requested many times to show slides and tell about their experiences, but this was fun for they relived many joyous occasions.

After Bob had been at BYU for a few weeks, this is part of a let ter he wrote, October 7th, to Dave:

Have fun, and don't go to too many parties etc. with those cute eighth grade girls. It was in eighth that I started dating, but don't follow my bad example.

Dave, it would be very wise for you to go to BYU if the folks can afford to send you for a year. It is wonderful here, and think I am going to have my regrets when I transfer. I have met many close friends and will undoubtedly meet many more. This year will be a priceless experience, and don't be surprised if I look forward to a call to serve a mission. Just going to church here in this beautiful auditorium with 1500 Mormon kids is enough to make one feel terribly religious. Good luck and best wishes for your school work and sports.

Love, Bob

In December another letter came from Bob:

Dear Folks:

Thank you so very much for the most beautiful cake I have ever seen, and the most appreciated. It is a great big one, about 16 inches in diameter, white with pink, yellow and orange flowers, green trim and letters saying, "Happy Birthday Bob." On the sides coconut trim looks luscious and little silver colored candies add to the beauty of it.

Tonight after a dance, the guys and I are having a dorm party, they chipped in to buy 2 gallons of ice cream and we shall have the cake. They are wonderful buddies even though they beat me rugged with frat paddles.

Tomorrow noon I am eating pheasant dinner with all the trimmings with Clyde and Edna. He is lending me one of his cars for a date, and I shall help him with some of his yard work.

I trust the snow will not keep you from driving out to Utah and Idaho for the Christmas vacation. . . . Looking forward to seeing you,

Love, Bob

That year Bob broke all precedent by becoming assistant editor of the Universe, the school newspaper, even though he was just a freshman.

1950

This year the "little white house" below the campus was purchased as an investment and family project. They remodeled and repainted the house, adding a large living room. The house was then resold with a reasonable profit.

January 24th, Della's Mother passed away. She had suffered a great deal and,was finally released from pain, but her family was greatly saddened by the loss of this wonderful woman.

Later father Comish came to live with the Crocketts for about six months time and while there he became ill. Upon his return to Franklin, he wrote the' following kind words:

Dear family:

Thanks for your many kindnesses, especially, while I was sick and in the hospital. I have never known a happier family, always greet each other every time the front door opens. Never any quarreling or cross words. I can't say how good it was to be with you-I can still see little Margy dancing always about the house and the two boys are choice souls. Dell and Earl you are fine parents and you have many friends in Boulder.

My love, Father

June 7, 1950, the second grandchild arrived. The next day Marian wrote the following:

How I wish you could all be here to join in our happiness ! Little Davey is such a dear. Don says he looks more like the Crockett side-not so much hair as Lynn had, but not bald. He weights 7 lbs. 6 oz. and is 19 inches tall. I had an easy time and am fine.

With love, Marian

David Crockett was nominated for Head Boy at University Hill Junior High. In order to be eligible for nomination, grades had to be high, and two of his close friends were also nominated. Thus there was real competition. However, Dave was very popular with the girls, as Della and Earl discovered, when they chaperoned a junior high dance. Of course he had many boy friends also and when the vote was counted, Dave had been elected Head Boy.

August 26th was the Silver Wedding Anniversary. During the forenoon, the family worked at the little white house, which was now being offered for sale.

Before noon, the family dressed in their Sunday best, Della wear ing an orchid corsage, and they drove to Denver for a movie and an anniversary dinner. The day was enjoyable. As the family walked along Denver's main business street, Bob stooped over to pick up a dime on the sidewalk and apparently his trousers were too tight, for the back seam ripped open. A moment later the Crocketts met the John Clarke family coming toward them. They visited a momen, or two and then each group resumed its destination. Of course, Bob was embarrassed, but believed he had covered his behind with a magazine he was carrying. Later when Della talked with Mrs. Clarke about Bob's ripped pants and his hope that the difficulty had been covered up, Mrs. Clarke said no-after passing, she had pointed it out to her two daughters! When it happened, Margy said, "This is so funny, can I tell it to my friends?"

While Earl and Della were in Europe, President Stearns had telephoned, asking Earl to serve as Acting Dean of the Graduate School, because of the illness of Dean Worchester. This he consented to do, feeling honored to be asked. He served during the school year 1949-50 and found the administrative work a great challenge and very enjoyable.

Before the year ended, the Crocketts acquired a building site on Columbine Street, had a builder draw plans for a home, and construc tion work began.

1951

The construction of the Columbine house continued until completion and the family moved in. Of course much work was required, both inside and out-appropriate furnishings, including curtains and drapes, carpeting, furniture, etc. and Della did her usual excellent job of making artistic and appropriate selections. Outside there was lawn, trees and flower planting to be done.

May 9, 1951, Earl gave the University of Colorado Annual Research Lecture. This was a great honor. There had been sixteen research lectures given (one each year) and all previous men honored had been much older with more years of experience.

President Robert Stearns conducted and in part, he stated:

Professor Crockett came to the University of Colorado in 1934.

He first became interested in Colorado taxation in 1936, when he began extensive research on this subject. His writings include five monographs on TAXATION IN COLORADO,

Also covering various specialized aspects of public finance. in recent years Professor Crockett has published a number of articles on financial topics in national and regional journals. In addition to these extensive publications, a large portion of his taxation research has appeared in unpublished form and has been used by State officials. He has served as a tax consultant for State Legislative Committees, the State Tax Commission, the Public Welfare Department, and the Civil Service Commission. Since 1946 he has served as tax consultant for two governors.

Professor Crockett has had the satisfaction of seeing a great portion of the recommendations growing out of his research become a part of the tax system of the State of Colorado.

The high quality of his research, plus his fine teaching and seasoned judgment in serving the University and the State in other capacities, have long been recognized.

David graduated from Uni-Hill as Head Boy and in the fall entered Boulder Senior High. He was still active in athletics. Little Margy entered first grade and it became lonesome, especially for Della, to be alone at home during the day. Her baby was fast growing up. Margy was well prepared and she succeeded as a leader in school right from the beginning.

An LDS stake was organized in Denver and the Boulder Branch became part of it. Earl was ordained a High Priest.

In late summer, Marian, Don and their two children came to Boulder for a visit. It was most enjoyable and a very nice surprise was brought along-a letter from Mission President George Q. Morris, authorizing the baptism of Don. He had become converted and wished to join the church. The entire family journeyed to the Denver baptismal font and he was baptized by his father-in-law Earl.

A year later, the Breretons returned to Colorado and Utah and Marian and Don were sealed in the temple and their children sealed to them. Don became a very diligent church worker and has held many important church positions.

During the fall quarter, Earl was excused from all campus duties and spent full-time traveling around the state speaking to alumni groups. Della and Margy often went with him and the work was most enjoyable. There was considerable driving through the beautiful mountains of western Colorado and they marveled at the indescribable scenery-colored maple leaves, snow peaked mountains, green pondorosa pine trees and shaggy cliffs-surely this beauty could not be accidental; there must be a God who created all!

For the entire family-parents and children-the year had been busy, but glorious indeed.

1952

Another splendid year was 1952-two outstanding events occurred: (1) Earl, Della, Dave and Margy were in Europe for nearly twelve months and (2) Bob and Janet got married.

Let's discuss the very happy and important marriage first. It occurred in the Salt Lake Temple, August 12th. At the time, Della and Margy were staying with her father in Franklin, Bob and Dave were working for Mrs. Curtis at CU in Boulder, and Earl was already in Europe, teaching for the University of Maryland.

For the wedding, the Comish family drove down from Franklin, Bob and Dave came by train from Boulder, Salt Lake relatives and friends were already there and Marian and her two babies came from Schenectady. Janet's family, the Romneys, were also there.

Bob and Janet received their endowments and then were married by Spencer Kimball Janet's parents gave a reception luncheon for relatives and friends. At the end of festivities, dramatically appeared the mailman with a wedding package, just before the couple departed on their honeymoon. After the honeymoon, Bob and Jan returned to the University of Colorado and managed Crosman Hall, a dorm for married students, earning sufficient to cover Bob's expenses the first year in the Law School.

Della, Dave and Margy left immediately for Europe to join Earl. However, before leaving, Dave received a letter from his Dad which in part said:

We are very proud of you, David, and of the fine work that you are doing. So far, we haven't ever had to worry about you nor have we had discipline problems. This is a great satisfaction to parents as you will sometime learn when you have children of your own. Of course you have had a big advantage in always being close to your fine brother Bob and in following his example. I know you will be a big help to Mother in driving the car across the country and in getting over here to Europe. Drive carefully. We'll see you in Rotterdam, Holland.

Love, Daddy

Earl had gone to Germany in time to begin teaching July lst, where he was to be stationed for two-eight-week-terms at Stuttgart. His teaching was in Economics and the students were members of the armed forces or their dependents.

The family met in Holland as planned. They drove to Meppel, the Boulder sister-city, and there stayed for two weeks, because of the illness of David. He had developed mononucleosus and was confined in the hospital. The people of Meppel were extremely friendly. Even the Mayor entertained the Crocketts.

In November, a fine letter came from Bob with the following con cluding paragraph:

Just to get a little sentimental, I sure want to thank you, on this Thanksgiving, for bringing me up so that I could win such a perfect wife. It will soon be four months since we have been married and will you believe it, we haven't had a single fight yet. Every time we feel our tempers rising we just kneel down together and ask for help-and it always comes!

Happy thanksgiving. to all of you and our fond love, Bob

The Christmas letter sent to friends and relatives and drafted largely by Della, tells something about the first six months in Europe.

Stuttgart, Germany-1952 A Merry, Merry Xmas!

We invite you to share our greetings through courtesy of Mr. Ditto Machine. As the holiday season steals upon us, our thoughts travel across the stormy Atlantic and into the homes of our various friends and loved ones. A price we pay for being so far away, in occupied Germany, is that this year we cannot see each of you at the various Boulder yuletide parties.

Christmas shopping in Europe is a real joy-that is if one disregards his pocketbook. Shops are bulging with fascinating luxury items. The window displays and technics for dramatizing merchandise are delightful. French perfumes, Bavarian china and leather goods, Swiss watches, German clocks, porcelains, cameras and fantastic toys-all make final selections a kind of game. Of course there are also our own PX department stores with many attractive items.

Since coming to Stuttgart we have joined the German-American Club. It is not an ordinary social organization solely for entertainment, but rather in order to promote better understanding between the two nations. Through the club we have enjoyed visits to ancient castles, inspection of the Mercedes automobile plant and an excursion to Bavaria to see how their famous wines are made.

At present the Crocketts are reading Eisenhower's Crusade in Europe and find that interest is being enhanced in seeing battlegrounds, bombed cities, the Normandy invasion area, the old Siegfried Line and the crossing points on the Rhine. Incidentally, the little Morris Minor car christened the "Black Beetle" by David, has already, taken us 9, 000 kilometers (6, 000 miles) to various nooks and crannies in Western Europe.

Recently we drove to the beautiful city of Luxembourg and also to the nearby American cemetery containing graves of 5000 of our boys killed at the "Battle of the Bulge." General Patton's grave- is also there. The cemetery is a real beauty spot because of the magnificent landscape and surrounding picturesque forest.

As the Maryland program permits a seventeen-day Xmas vacation, plans are taking shape for a circuit trip through Austria, Northern Italy, the French Riviera and back again through Switzerland to Germany. Perhaps the plans are too ambitious. Thus, if you hear of some Americans caught in a snow drift in the Italian Alps, please scurry over and dig us out.

The work Earl is doing is stimulating. He enjoys the classroom contacts with members of the armed forces while observation at first hand of the rebuilding of Western European economies is an economics laboratory of the first order. It appears to be an irony that Western Germany, although prostrate at war's end, is rebuilding at a faster pace than either France or England.

In two weeks we move on to our next teaching center which will be Munich.

They made a special effort to visit ancient cathedrals, beautiful castles, interesting museums, historic art galleries and colorful parks. At each place where they lived, they attended many operas. The Germans love good music and have lots of it. Also at each of the three places were LDS branches and the people were most friendly.

It was quite an experience to have military privileges. This made living costs, travel and entertainment very inexpensive and easily available. Earl had a Lieutenant-Colonel rating.

Both Dave and Margy did well in American military schools for dependents. Dave was honored by being invited to join a national honor society.

In March 1953, the family went to the LDS headquarters of the Western German Mission at Frankfurt and Earl baptized Margy on her eighth birthday.

In June, the family returned to Boulder so that Earl and Dave could report for work at CU.

1953

As already stated, part of 1953 was spent in Europe. On the way home, there was a good visit with Marian and her family. Lynn and Dave B. had grown a lot and were delightful children.

In 1953, the Boulder Branch became a ward with Garth Lee, a professor of Chemistry, the Bishop and Bob Crockett, an assistant ward clerk. That year, Bob and Jan lost their first baby, a little boy, born prematurely.

Perhaps as a result of the mononucleosus of the year before, Dave got hepatitis and was in bed rather ill for a week or ten days. This illness did not detract, however, from his very effective school work. Many times boy friends came to visit him during the year for the purpose of getting help with their math problems.

Della and Earl were appointed members of the Denver Stake Sunday School Board and enjoyed visits to other wards stretching from Laramie, Wyoming to Colorado Springs.

1954

This year of 1954, Dave graduated from senior high with many friends indeed. His copy of the year book, Odaroloc, was filled with autographs and good wishes from scores of fellow students. In the fall he enrolled as a freshman at BYU for the academic year. He drove in his own car, recently purchased, taking two other freshmen from Denver.

On June 17th, Marian's third child was born, a fine big boy whom they named Bruce George.

A few months later, November 29th, another grandchild was born, Bob and Jan's-a boy whom they named Robert Dale. He was born in Boulder and thus Della and Earl had the pleasure of seeing Robert Jr. grow remarkably fast-a very bright, active child.

The Boulder Ward much needed a chapel and Earl was appointed Chairman of a Building Committee. After searching throughout the city for a building site, the Ward finally purchased the chapel owned by the Seventh-Day-Adventists on Mapleton hill. It was in a good location and sufficiently large, but needed remodeling and painting. Earl continued as chairman for the remodeling work and an exciting project was reshingling the steep roof which was high from the ground. This was finally accomplished without a single accident.


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