My Darling Little Rabbit

Marion with her father, Clifford Lutter.

My aunt Marion received the letter below from her father, Clifford Lutter (1915-1980). It is dated January 16, 1962. For context, Clifford was residing in the family home in Newark, New Jersey. His wife, Beulah Cook (1921-2003), and children were staying in Florida with Beulah's sister. This was not a vacation. The family eventually reunited in Newark. "Grandma" was Clifford's mother, Ethel Laurel Winterton (1891-1962). She died two weeks after this letter was written.

Howard is Marion's brother. He either did not go with his mother to Florida or had made his own way back to New Jersey.

Letter written from Clifford Lutter to his daughter, Marion

January 16, 1962

My Darling little Rabbitt

I was very thrilled to get your nice letter. I am feeling quite well. I have a slight cold, which makes me cough a little bit, but other than that it doesn’t bother me. I am glad to hear that you are having a lot of fun.

I am sure that you are making some nice new friends, and that they all like you.

Grandma is not feeling well. She is very sick. I told her that you had gone on a vacation trip, so she said that she hopes you are enjoying yourself.

Howard and I miss you and Mommy and the boys very much. It is very quiet here now. We do things to keep busy. We cook our supper, and do the dishes. Howard washes his clothes and irons them.

He is also working in the Twin Store, up on Broadway. He gets ten dollars a week. Isn’t that a lot of money?

There was a little bird sitting on the window sill this morning. I asked him what he wanted, and he said that he was looking for you. I told him that you had taken a vacation trip, so he said he would see you when you came back. He said to tell you that Albert was asking about you. I gave him some bird-seed and he flew away with them.

Oceans of love

Daddy

Picture of Ethel Laurel "Laura" Winterton and her son, Clifford Lutter.
Ivy Haven Nursing Home, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.