Charles E. H. Bates Family Correspondence, 1899-1930 - 2

912 Paru St Alameda California

Dear Edward -

Your letter made me laugh — a great deal — and as the French — would say— Vous êtes très amusant. I have been working like a war horse this week at the Palace — selling catalogues — at the French Art Exhibit. "at the Palace"[crossed out] — The pictures are nearly all war pictures — Did you see them at San Diego —?

They are wonderful — even if gruesome — Well Aunt Roberta is quite proud of her neice [niece] and Grandma Lion is also proud of her first grand child — of course. Papa Lion is terribly "chesty" these days — and nearly bursting with pride. They have named the baby Eleanor Josephine — the latter name for Mr. Knowland — as you would guess.

What do you think of the picture of the trio? As you can see — it was taken at Neptune but not on the beach — as it looks — but inside a tent, but a picture of the same — is in the back ground. None of us were ready — when it was snapped — consequently my clasped hands — but taken as a whole I do not think that it is so bad — do you?

We were certainly overjoyed to see — Bullie — and I suppose by this time he has arrived in Manila — and hope he and Nor — get together — as they did not see each other — on Bull's return trip.

Frank Wreden and Irving Culver both have commissions — as Ensign — in the U. S. N. R. F. and they are very much pleased I suppose Frank looks fine

in his uniform — Irving I have not seen yet.

Marguerite and Bill are in their house at last but are having their meals at the Durneys still — as the gas is not connected in their house.

Much to my surprise I saw Wilmuth Lewis at the station yesterday and hardly recognized him. He's really quite a man — is he not?

Mrs. McCarthey and Leta were at your house last night to see "Kink" — and that funky little mutt did all of his tricks — and made a great "deal"[crossed out] hit with the spectators. Well — I've exhausted all news — I do wish we could see you gorgeous you look — Try and send me a snap-shot — will you —

Lots of love from the Lions and from Eleanor — Jo —

Roberta

(alias side kicker)

June 22 — 1918.