Stroud Papers, Ms 429, Boxes 2-3
Newsletters January - May 1958 transcribed by Sarah Ichinose, 2024

January 30, 1958

To The Strouds:

Here it is the 30th. So far I have received two letters, one from Mabel, which I received today. The one from Rosa May was written as of December the 31, 1957. It is intensely interesting, so I know it is time for you to read it:

Dear Ben and Strouds:

I am at work being part of a skeleton staff while the rest of the office is off for New Year’s Eve. Our job is to handle emergencies that might arise. I manage always to work in an office that has to be open in order to handle possible emergencies. These same emergencies are handled by the police on weekends when the office is closed. Around the holiday season the mental patients become much more disturbed and we have had to send several back to the hospital. Friday I had to make an emergency call to a voluntary patient. A voluntary patient is one who goes to the hospital without being legally committed. If they become very disturbed again when they are out on leave, it is more difficult because the hospital does not have the authority to order them back into the hospital. If they are committed by the court, the hospital sends a wire to the sheriff who then goes out to the home and picks up the patient and returns him to the hospital. This particular patient was a woman whose husband works all day. She refused to return to the hospital voluntarily and so her husband was supposed to go to the District Attorney’s office for commitment. I didn’t get any place with her. She plead like a little child to get to stay at home and not to have to go back to the hospital, [crossed out] I stopped by there yesterday to see whether she had gone back into the hospital, but the screen door was locked and I received no response to my knocks. I presume she is still at home and wasn’t about to let me in or answer the door. I just now received a call from the mother of one of my teenagers. The child is seventeen and has been on leave from the hospital for about four months now. She has an appointment with me for the ninth of January but must come in this week because the child is very disturbed again. The girl is schizophrenic, and from talking with the mother one can see verry well why the child is psychotic. She has a three year old asthmatic brother. The mother brought him in for the last appointment because she is very proud of her baby. The child is what we would call pre schizophrenic. One can just look at him and note his responses and see that his child has a 90% chance of being in a mental institution before he is twenty. Because of religious reason, this woman has six children and will have more. She sound have never had one because she hates them so. She is completely unaware of her hatred of her children, but as she talks all of this hatred comes out. These women who are wonderful, self sacrificing, burdened, self righteous, mothers who have had more children than they ever wanted and who sometimes consciously have an unborn child, feel so guilty about this hatred that they have, that they repress it into more socially acceptable ways. Sometimes they turn the hate inward and let the world know how they are sacrificing in order to punish themselves for this unacceptable hatred they feel toward their children. At the same time they actually do make tremendous sacrifices in order to punish themselves for this unacceptable hatred they feel toward their children. The children are also made to suffer. They are made to feel guilty because they are the cause of this sacrifice the mother must make. Little accidents sometimes happen to the babies. They are sometimes dropped, don’t get fed on time, or are nursed when the mother knows full well that her milk is insufficient and that she is in reality starving the child to death. This woman in my particular case has heaped so many coals of guilt onto her child’s shoulders that the child has had to retreat into insanity to avoid suicide or to make living bearable. I can tell now that the child is going to have to return to the hospital and there are two more of the six children that will eventually end up there. My responsibility with this case is to attempt to get the mother to gain some insight into what she is doing to her children. If I can succeed here I may be able to prevent an overt psychotic break in the other two border line children. I am not the least bit hopeful however. This woman is too defensive. She is completely unable to see herself in any light other than a self sacrificing, religious woman who stays at home, takes care of her family, and is a good mother to her children. Her husband is the less guilty of the two, but she refuses to discuss at all her part is the psychosis of her daughter.

More and more children are showing these psychotic symptoms and more and more of them are actually having breaks which means they must be hospitalized. I have five teenagers in my case load now. One mother is such a rejecting mother that she did this to her son: She took him out of the hospital, works her fingers to the bone in order to seek expensive medical care for him; refused to let him go back into the hospital where there was a chance that he might be helped; shopped around until she finally located a doctor in Los Angeles who would perform a lobotomy on the child. She then took him to Los Angeles and had this expensive brain surgery performed. In this way she punished herself by incurring a very heavy bill and making her child’s chances of recovery very remote and at the same time did the utmost in expressing her hatred of this boy by having him deprived of his mental capacities. She is a very intelligent, well educated woman who knows that they are discovering new medications every year and that they might be able to help her son recover sufficiently to get along all right in this world. However, she saw to it that by surgery he would not ever have this opportunity. Now she can go through life blaming him for the sacrifice she must make for the rest of her days. Of course she could never express this even to herself, and she could not help doing these things.

Speaking of surgery, I fail to understand why Ben and Dolphus speak of surgery and contraceptives as though they were the same thing. I fail to see what surgery has to do with the use of contraceptive devices and what a fetus has to do with it? If the ___? devices were used no fetus would be conceived. I am quite aware also that there might not have been a form letter or a number of younger Strouds had our parents not had so many children. I do not believe the world or the parents would have lost much had there been neither. I also believe that had there been two or four children as Mama wanted, these four might have been emotionally mature people, whereas we had eleven extremely immature individuals who cannot possibly adjust on anything like their chronological or mental levels. Many of us cannot even enter into a marital relationship upon any basis. Ben mentioned some time ago the high divorce rate of the Strouds. Every girl in the family except Kimball has been divorced and the only two boys who could manage to get married had from eight to ten children apiece and gloried in this very different kind of family. From self examination and from observation I would say we are largely emotional wrecks, and when we deprive ourselves of the everyday comforts of living and our families of these same comforts we are meeting our own neurotic needs.

I would suggest that anyone who might be interested in family genealogy might write to one of the research firms. They trace family names, you know, and you could very well get leads there. Mabel has also given leads on Mama’s side. One is free to write to this bureau of vital statistics in any county for certified copies of birth certificates provided the records are on file which might be true in Illinois. These records usually mention the race of the child and of both parents. I have those notes of Kimbal’s also which might give some clues. Since it is time for me to leave the office, I’ll have to copy these notes in long hand. I had a very nice Christmas and I hope everyone else did too. I do not intend by the above remarks to imply that our particular family is worse or different from other families. Biblically speaking, the sins of the parents shall be visited upon their children even unto the fourth generation. An emotionally deprived child develops into an adult who has very little to give his own child. This child in turn has even less to give. The children of the succeeding generations have progressively less to offer as parents. It has been said that it takes four generations to produce a murderer. I personally think all of the pathology we see now is symptomatic of a dying civilization.

These are Kimbal’s notes written in 1938. I believe some of you read them at the time of Mama’s funeral.

“I am the oldest of 11 children, 5 boys and 6 girls. I will have to tell you something about my father and mother before going into the immediate family. Father was the second son in a family of 11 children. His father was Louis, the son of one Mandrith Stroud who owned a large farm or plantation near Corsicans, Texas. We do not know who his (father’s) grandmother was. He was born a slave. Mandrith Stroud, a cotton planter. Father’s mother was the daughter of two slaves – who were brought to this country from Africa. They were named Kimbal – Kymbahl – They were also slaves on the Stroud plantation. Mother was a field hand and her family lived in a hut on the plantation. Father was a house servant and because he had no mother was reared up in the house. When Emancipation Proclamation was made – Louis Stroud had nothing. Mandrith gives him start. Not a good manager – lost – returned to Mandrith – always got along grand until Mandrith dies. Louis to Okla, - in Logan County – close to Guthrie – Mother dies there.

Mother’s family – the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. John McGee – McGee old family of Illinois – always freedom – McGee originally Irish – Father, John, youngest of his family – spoiled – black sheep of family –

Mother, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bouldose – Mrs. Boulduce full blooded Greek Indian – father a Negro – little known of history – Johnny McGee and Carrie Boulduse were married. My mother was born in Jersey County, Illinois, the youngest of family of three. Father and mother parted before she was born. One sister and one brother. At three mother taken into Missouri. Later moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas. Mother died when she was six. Was reared by her grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. Boulduse. At ten moved to Oklahoma. Grandparents wanted children to marry natives. Grandmother wanted them to know Indians. Hard time in open country. Grandfather died when fifteen. Grandmother died 9 months late at 16. Worked for Crosby. Left in Okmulgee. Caught train back to Alton, Illinois. At 18 sent to Topeka Instituite (boarding school) by sister.

I now have my mother up to 1898. About the year 1898 my Father’s family were in Oklahoma my mother in school in Topeka, Kansas. My father as a boy received very little education. He was forced to pick cotton to keep the girls in school. He did study, however, and liked school. His sister, Susie, whom he called Dutch, married a Mr. Perkins who was a school teacher. My Father was taught a little by him and his sisters. He finally saved enough to enter Langston University. History, Civil Government, and Arithmetic became his favorite subjects. He was able to finish his course and came out of school with very high grades. Oklahoma was only a territory and as the election of 1896 came on the Stroud family were all interested in the Okla. politics and were dyed in the wool Republicans. Negroes then controlled and especially that which is now Logan County. My father and his brother, Young, who was then deputy sheriff of the county plunged into politics. He was then 24 years of age; his brother 6 years his senior. The Territorial Convention met in Guthrie. My father was a delegate. He knew McKinley would be elected president and was behind McKinley’s man. The rest of the delegation was behind the opposing candidate. The votes were called and the chairman reported all against McKinley’s man. Father was very angry but did not have the nerve to stand up as one against the solid vote. The entire delegation went solidly wrong and McKinley was elected. Although the family remained politicians for a number of years after that convention, my father was too disgusted to remain an active politician. For a few more months he studied law with R. E. Stewart, a leading Negro lawyer now in Oklahoma, but he was too poor to finish his law course. He was offered a job in Lincoln County as a school teacher and accepted it. He stood high as a school teacher in the County and was always called upon in political campaigns to tour the county.

In 1899 my mother who had been in school since September returned to Chicago. So did the boys from Cuba to the tune of “There’ll be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonite.”

There was nothing unusual in my Mother’s history – just a maid in a private family. In 1900 she returned to Sweet Home, Oklahoma to visit her sister. During this visit, she met the young school teacher at Sweet Home. She returned to Chicago. A correspondence was begun and kept up until March 1904, when she returned to Chandler, Okla., my father being moved to this location that year. She arrived at 6 PM, and at 8:30 my mother and father were married by Rev. Westbrook who is now a leading Baptist minister of the Baptist (I can’t make out the next word)

Father was receiving a salary of $50.00 at that time a very good salary. I was born Dec. 23, 1904. Father was always called upon to tour in interest of the Republican party during campaigns. In 1900 the question of statehood had come up in Okla. My father was bitterly opposed to Statehood. Okla. was below the Mason Dixon line. It automatically meant segregation. He had lived in Texas. His father and mother had been slaves but most of the Negroes who had settled Okla. had been freedmen. Okla. had been an open country. Indians and Negroes had mingled and lived together and the few whites in the country had found their place among them. Father argued that the whites would accept the Indians but never the Negro. From 1900 until 1904 it was bitterly fought, the opposing side always coming out the winners. In 1904 Statehood won the election. In June, 1906 Statehood was approved. Oklahoma became a segregated state. In 1907 schools were segregated. Street cars, trains, eating places, everything excluded the Negroes. Indians and Negroes were not allowed to marry any more; former relatives became enemies. My father decided to move. Negro schools had become second rate. My mother’s sister had moved to Colorado in 1904. Our family increased to 6 in number and Father said he would not rear a family in Okla. Politics had lost their interest completely. He began a correspondence with my Mother’s sister who was at the time considered to be a full blooded Indian and married to a white army officer. They had an apartment above what is now the Colorado Springs Sporting Goods store. She was a clairvoyant and was scooping the money from the Colorado gold fields. Many a man had followed her advice and struck a good investment.

She mailed the money, and the family then consisting of two girls and two boys boarded a train for Colorado Springs. She did not meet us. She had not known what her sister’s family looked like and could not afford to lose her position in the town. She had rented a house at 414 S. Wahsatch and sent a coach (at that time coaches were used) to meet us at the depot. I can’t remember what time we arrived, but it was in the morning on May 10, 1910. We were in a new country and new surroundings and I was 5 years old to be 6 in December. That afternoon I was taken by my mother in a coach which had been sent by my aunt to our house, to my aunt’s apartment. The conversation between my mother and her sister was almost completely in Indian – so I do not know what was said. A few days later I overheard the conversation repeated to my father at home. My mother was to be only a half sister to my aunt. Her husband was to meet the family. My aunt would supply all funds until my father was employed. My father would have a lot of trouble in Colorado. Negroes were mostly servants or did hard labor. My father had done neither. The only thing possible in a profession was preaching. My father might get a chance in politics, but her experience with Negroes of the city had been disappointing. They were not politicians of the caliber they were in Oklahoma. He might try. She would set him up in some sort of business if he wanted her to advance the money – she would do it, but her husband did not need to know about it. Those things were discussed. The appointed evening arrived and we went to her office and apartment. We were introduced to her husband. He was very nice and his racial difference did not seem to interfere in his attitude toward us. Father was then and always has been independent. Her assistance in establishing him in business was refused. It might some day cause her a family discord. He would find something. He had always been a man and he would be one now. She kept the rest up for us, furnished the food, in fact everything from May to September. My father had found nothing to do. He went to Denver. He landed something but I have never known to this day. We would not depend on my aunt any longer. $16.00 per month was too much rent for us. We must get a smaller house. We found one on Fountain Street stayed one night and didn’t like it. The next day we moved to 701 N. Spruce St. at a rent of $6.00 per month. The house contained 3 rooms. I entered Bristol School a few days later. The then Etta Martin who is now Mrs. Etta Colbert, wife of Jessie Colbert accompanied me to the school and enrolled me into the first grade by telling the principal, who at that time was Miss Leech, that I was six years old when I was really only five.

My aunt began to be restless. She didn’t stay in town all the time anymore. She’d be in Cripple Creek this week, Leadville next week, Central City the next week etc. only returning to her apartment one or two days out of the week. In the late fall or early winter she decided to give up the office, and we accompanied her as far as Denver enroute to Salt Lake City. She never lived in Colorado after that.

Father’s employment was out in Denver. He was offered a job shoveling coal in the coal shute in Roswell. He accepted it. The job was hard. The hours were long but it was either accept it or starve. He took it. In M, 1911 Tandy was born. Father never had a day at home. He worked from Sunday to Saturday from 7 in the morning until 5 in the evening every day. In order to get to Roswell he’d get up at five, build the fires and eat breakfast and be ready to leave at six. We’d never see him until 6 P.M. As a rule he’d come down with the engineer on the train which arrived at the station at 6 P.M. He made enough to keep the bills paid and buy the necessities of life, and we got along quite nicely. After Tandy came it was apparent the little 3 room house was too small. That was the beginning of grief. We found the landlords in Colorado Springs were not interested in children. We looked at a lot of houses but that was as far as we could go. We were told always we don’t rent to persons with children. Finally we found a house at 825 N. Walnut Street vacant. It was owned by a Negro woman who was working in Denver, and was handled by a white real estate man. Mother liked the house and wanted to rent it. She contacted the man. He said, “I am sorry, but the lady who owns the house told me she did not want any children.” Again my mother returned very disappointed. A few days later the woman who owned the 3 room house (and by the way, she was also a Negro) came to collect the rent. She was very much surprised to hear we had no hopes of moving when we had notified her a month before that we would move. Mother told her the whole of her difficulties. After listening our landlord told my mother that she personally knew the woman who owned the house at 825 N. Walnut and she would write to her in Denver. A few days later we received a letter from Denver. A day or two after that the real estate man who had charge of renting the house at 825, appeared at the door and told my mother she could have the house at $10.00 per month. We accepted and in 1912 we moved to 825. Ten dollars per month was quite a raise and we met a little difficulty in meeting the bill sometimes. However, we did not get behind. One day a lady appeared at the door. She was the owner of the place. My mother and she talked for some time. Mother told her of her experiences with the real estate man and in the course of the conversation the lady told mother that she would pay the rent to her from then on as she was going to be employed in the city. She told her she expected $8.00. That was a very unexpected break and one that was to be greatly appreciated. That summer father made such a little at the coal shute that it was all we could do to pay rent. Sometimes he made only $25.00 per month. Things went worse and worse all the time. We barely could pay the rent. To top it all off the landlady told Mother one day that her mother and father were coming to Colorado Springs to live and they might want the house. Five children and we knew it was next to impossible to find a landlord who would rent to children. However, we began to look. We looked and looked. One day about the 1st of April, 1913, the people across the street at 810 N. Walnut moved. They had children and had lived there a year. Mother called the real estate agent and rented the house April 15 for $8.00 per month. Only a few weeks after renting our new house, the crash came. Father’s check dwindled to less and less and he was finally discharged on the grounds the company could only pay one laborer. Jack was born May 3, 1913. Six children, no job, and no money. He had made application for a job with the City Street Department. He applied again for work. Sometime that summer he was put to work with the Street Department at $2.50 per day. Things began to brighten but we had incurred some bills and he could not make enough to pay on back bills and keep up routine expense. We owed grocery bills, doctor bills, drug store bills. The only thing we had kept going was rent. In Nov. the city began to lay men off. Father was one of that unlucky number. Dec. came and the post office rush came on. O.W. Ward was postmaster. My father had passed the examination for clerk some months previously and stood no 1 on the register with a grade of 98 but was not called for duty; so he went down to the post office. He was given a temporary appointment for a few days. He soon went to work for a Mr. O’Brien. O’Brien operated a tourist hack business and hauled ashes and trash along with it. He employed father to haul ashes on a 50-50 basis. In other words he furnished the horses, wagons, and work and father did the work. During the winter months we survived very nicely. War had been declared in Europe and things were going higher and higher. The summer of 1915 came on and the ashes began to get scarce. The less ashes there were the less money Father could make, but everything had to be divided. Father began to reason and think. Mr. O’Brien was hauling baggage, moving people, and driving tourists through the mountains, but he had other men for that work. Money could be made hauling ashes only during the winter. Could he have been transferred to one of the other phases of that business things could have gone along all right. But no – he studied and deeply at night. On Saturdays he used to figure and talk about trying to save money enough to buy a horse. James was born July 15, 1915. It wasn’t very much later that Mr. O’Brien sold his business to another man. Father was out again. However, he applied for a job from the new owner of the business and was employed. This man never made a success during the 3 or 4 months Father worked for him. Some of Mr. O’Brien’s customers turned to other men engaged in such a business. In the early part of 1916 Father ran across a man – Mr. Jones who wanted to sell his horse, wagon, and what work he had. This man I have thought many times since was our hero of the hour. We had gotten to the place where we couldn’t pay anything we owed. Even house rent was not being paid. We had a total of 7 children and nothing. Had anyone been interested in the place we were living in we would have been put into the streets. The house seemed to be owned by no one so there just wasn’t anyone interested enough to kick us out. Mr. Jones worked with Father for one day and made the following agreement. Father would have the horse and wagon without any down payment – pay $10.00 one month from the day he drew up the agreement and $10.00 every month after until a total of $105.00 was paid. He must keep the horse and wagon in Mr. Jones’ barn at night until paid for. The bargain was made and work began for the 1st time since arriving in Colorado. It didn’t take us long to pay for the horse whose name, by the way, was George. We began to do things. Father hauled anything anyone would hire him to haul and when ashes dwindled he could always supplement. In March, 1917, Lula was born. It was also in 1917 that we bargained to buy the house instead of rent. Someone had foreclosed on someone else and this new owner became interested in the place. We either had to pay rent or find another house. Past experience when new had 4 children had taught us we couldn’t move with 8 children so the easiest way out was to buy the place at the lowest possible figure. The owner came over and they reached an agreement. $600.00 was the total price - $50.00 down and $10.00 per month. That was sometime in 1917. War was declared also in 1917. Prices began to soar and Father’s work began to increase. He had so much work he bought another wagon and horse and put another man to work. Six dollars was the daily average coming in. In 18 months the house was paid for and we were beginning to catch up with old bills. Some of the grocery bills were being paid by working them out. By 1919 we began to see daylight. I was then 15 years of age in high school. A girl whom we named Number Nine was born August 28, 1919. I was employed during the summer months. Albert & Dolphus were always on one of the wagons in the summer. If not on the wagon, they were caddying on the Broadmoor golf course and Effie worked always in the summer time. Since Nina, as we call her now, was born, we have had two more additions both girls which brought the total number of children to 11. All eleven graduated from Bristol School. Three attended the old Lincoln Annex. Six have finished N. Jr. High School, one being there now, and 10 have attended Colorado Springs High School. Eight have graduated from Colo. Spgs. High School. One is still in North Junior High School. One is attending High School and one boy, James, just wouldn’t finish high school. Two are graduates of Colorado College – two others have attended Colorado College. Another went to Prairie View College – a Negro College in Texas, and one is still in College at Colo. U. in Boulder. We have had only one death. My father died last February on the 17th – 1938.

Father moved to Langston, Okla. at 19 yrs. in 1891 – helped build Langston U. Entered politics in 1896 at 24. Father’s brothers and sisters – Dutch, Young, Irena, Edna, Lena, Dolphus Cora, Tandy, Kelly, Section, Hutto.

That’s all of the notes. Before I sign off I’d like to say Dolphus’ idea of a Stroud investment sounds good – at $10.00 per share. Perhaps other members might have further ideas. I believe Jack might be in a position to investigate and make profitable investments. What do the rest of you think. The Negro Bank in Denver started with contributions of $2,000.00 per director. Some paid $200.00 down and $25.00 per month. I’ll make my contribution shorter next time. Regards to all -------- Rosa.

As I said at first that Rosa’s contribution was intensely interesting. Maybe I should say, Kimbal’s contribution. I had never seen the notes before. Since they are notes we could not expect them to detail some of the very deep pathos, friendships, and emotional aspects of this record.

Once Jack mentioned in a letter about whether or not animals go to heaven. If there is a heaven for animals I would certainly nominate some of those that are connected with our family. I’m thinking of our little dog, Red and our horse, Leften; but most of all of old George, the greatest horse I’ve ever known – he really saved our lives – and Oh! How much he suffered. Of course notes could not go into detail of friendships like Sister’s, nor the Hagerman’s, nor the changing aspects of human relations – for instance the racial questions and attitudes that so affected and moulded our lives.

Rosa raises the question of the valuation of a human life to civilization, society, or his own family. I’m afraid that most all people fall far short, and our family is no exception. Kimbal’s notes show that we were only the second generation from illegitimacy on Father’s side. But also a great many of the outstanding characters of the Bible came from incestuous and illegitimate unions. In Noah’s time God said, that it repented him that he had created man. Mankind seems to be a loss – our pleasure is in disobedience and corruptness. Yet Christ died for us – when Rosa hints that our contribution is very little, I think of the words of Jesus in speaking of a certain person: “It were better for that man if he had never been born.”

I have another very welcome letter from Mabel. Some of you have told me of how much you enjoy hearing from her and what she has to say – Its just a note this time, but here it is:

My Dear Fine Ben:

Please pardon my delay. I am like Lulu, your Mother. My eyes have become so “stickey” and thick I can hardly see. I don’t feel like writing so neat, I’d rather write with a pencil than a pen. I was so glad you visited your Bro’s and Sisters. I do hope you’ve seen all of them. I know they were happy to see you. I hope all had a very nice profitable Xmas. I was very glad and surprised to hear from your Bro. in Oregon. I answered his Xmas card. Of course Effie and I always exchange cards. I appreciate hearing from you often. All my family join me in the best of wishes for good health – Wealth – Happiness – and Contentment. Bye for now. And may God Bless and keep all from harm or danger. Your Cousin Mabel.

P.S. I hear from Omar regularly – He and his wife are O.K.

I know you all join me in wishing the same for Mabel and Omar and their families.

I had the finest Christmas in many years this time. It would take another newsletter as large as this one to tell about it. I was treated as royalty by the pollards in their very nice and cozy home. They have a wonderful philosophy of life and I hope them all continued success and happiness. I’d like to spend a lot of pages telling about them but I’ll just have to say a little about them from time to time – I’d like to say a lot about that nice home with the comfortable modern furnishings, the modern kitchen where Lu does such good work with food, the way the basement has been improved and the thermostatic controlled gas heat. The large yard with the special tree that bears so much each year till it breaks its branches, the new automobile. I could say something of Leonard’s hobbies and of his studies in electricity especially in the home appliance field. They have fishing tackle and guns for hunting but this Christmas they have a motion picture camera for home movies. And we certainly enjoyed the pictures of Bobbies family.

And I guess I could spend another letter telling about Bobby and her wonderful fine looking family. And naturally I’d like to say something of the great party we had over at her house with the children – I guess I need not say anything to you about how Bobby can cook: I have to take my hat off to Bobby for the great job she is doing – You just have to go crazy about that talented bunch of little Nephews and Nieces that all of you have – By the way Bobby has over 40 piano students – She has improved her house – Its paid for – Well, anyway Leonard and I got some fine pictures – and Percy Pellerin was in the Pictures – and that brings up perhaps the most talented music teacher in the grade schools of Colorado Springs – Nine Pellerin.

Nina’s room was just about full of gifts and cares from her pupils, all of whom are white. We had another big party over at Nina’s large fine home. Everything was so delicious till we ate ourselves sick. Nina’s programs for Christmas were so outstanding till she was on T.V. and in the papers – For the first time some of the residents of Colorado Springs found out that the teacher whom their children was bragging about so much was colored. She teaches children from North Cascade, Wood Avenue, and Tejon – and at another school the children with hill billy parents – I will have to mention from time to time the many new aspects of racial relations and the other tremendous changes taking place in Colorado Springs – There just isn’t room to tell all. Percy is growing fast and has recovered from his operation – Nina works too hard – She always did drive herself to the limit – but from what I saw there – There are no lazy Colo. Spgs. Strouds – It made me feel very much ashamed. Nina took me for a drive to see the growth of the city – It is astounding – Its disorganized – and to my way of thinking, water may be the crucial problem, I could go on and on –

It was certainly enlightening to visit Boulder and the Bureau of Standards – To see the high scientific layout – to see the equipment and to understand just a little of the technical scientific data that Jack has to deal with and the problems he has to solve – A person needs a B.S. degree just to understand a little of what is going on there and the problems and projects that Jack and his young friend, a young colored physicist, Bunche, have to solve.

In Denver, I enjoyed another great feast at the fine home of Maude Goffman with Billy. The graciousness and generosity of Maude Goffman is beyond compare. She really has done a remarkable job in business and in contacts in Denver and nationally. Not only that, but Billy has suddenly become mature. I have little doubt that when Billy completely makes up his mind to work for important things that he will make a lot of us very proud.

I’d better close – I just can’t find words to thank all these fine people and I will never forget this Christmas.

Perhaps some of you will remember T.Y. Watson. His house in is where we had the dinner and Mama’s picture was taken with some of us and the Hathaways and Mrs. Doboins niece. He died last week – He was 87 years old. He had our pictures prominently displayed in his room.

There is a lot more to be said – But I am closing –

Best wishes to all

Ben

November 30, 1958

To the Strouds:

Our first letter is from Jack dated Nov. 12, 1958 I might say before I start that I enjoyed a visit from Jack very much before he went back. I understand that he was here several times before he caught me in. Juanita Mae was also here: but at the time she came I had a very bad cold, and I know I did not do justice to the visit of such a lovely young couple. Connie and her gentleman friend accompanied them out here to Maywood that night – I’m sorry I was so far below par when they came. Jack’s letter is as follows:

Dear Family:

Albo’s pictures and work is very interesting and fruitful.

The last News, although long awaited for, was rather skimpy. That is, it was skimpy as regards the number of contributors. Since August I have visited Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Chicago, and New York.

Mrs. Marilyn Turner and Mrs. Constance Glover and daughter, Jacqueline, accompanied me on my trip from Chicago to New York. They promised to describe the trip in the News letter- so I suppose all will look ahead to hearing from them.

I can say only at this time, that I was very disappointed not to be able to spend a longer period of time with those relatives whom I visited. I also am dejected that I did not see James in L.A. – nor could I get to Portland to see Dolphus.

By way of the Newsletter, I wish to thank my two nieces, as well as my grand niece for showing me a wonderful time during my very short stay in Chicago. I also wish to thank them for assisting me in driving to New York. Actually, I suppose we enjoyed the drive’ more than everything else. This time we saw little of New York because of the very short stay there, and because I had to return to work so soon.

Now – to leave this in the hands of Chic and Connie for better treatment, I must add to Dolphus’ comments that I also look forward to the News. I think – however – that we often demonstrate a ‘blind spot’ in our attempts toward worthwhile communication. For example, if one, rather hurriedly remarks: “Now, we older Strouds have, in Welven, a nephew whom we can all be proud of!” It should not be the least bit disturbing if another one of the younger relatives remarks: “That means, I suppose, the rest of us ain’t worth a damn!”

In fact – we might, as we grow older – become concerned over whether or not the nephews – or nieces, consider their aunts and uncles to be worth much.

Colorado still grows: Denver is estimated, now at 850,000 persons. But – the modern trend is for cities to spread out – rather than go up.

Sometime ago, I mentioned that the impact of population increases would be felt more so in the next decade than they had been felt in the 100 years previously. Immediately I was pounced upon for making a rash statement. Well – this should now be obvious. In fact – It is quite simple to understand when one realizes that the earth has a relatively constant area when though of in terms of population which is a variable increasing quality.

At present, there is no ‘Black Death’ around to kill off about 1/4 of the World’s persons. There is also some doubt that the weapons of warfare – including the nuclear fission bombs, can do the job effectively. Perhaps these devices can do it – but there seems to be some reluctance on the part of nations to employ them.

With the evident increase of world population, the demands for water and edibles will increase. So – more persons will be demanded in areas of scientific research. Within the next 5 years ocean water will be processed cheaply enough to be sold or transported as drinking water. More and more efforts will be made to solve the riddles of inner planetary exploration. And – of course to keep up with these changes. The Bible, which is revised only about once every 100 years, will have to be revised every decade.

There are a few of us – but I am certain the group is becoming increasingly large – who feel that the rocket – propelled methods will never be satisfactory in opening up our Solar System to human travel. Some physicists hold that modern scientific advances have been from steam to electricity to atomic power. For effective space communication the problems associated with magnetism and gravitation will need be better understood.

So – about 10 years from now – when these things are beginning to be activated by slow moving congressional allotments – let me point out – that, at this stage of the game, electronics’ is on a high scale of development, while magneto-nics’ has been ignored. By understanding ‘wave theory’ and the performance of ‘electric fields’ man has devised instruments such as telephones, radio and television. These devices take care of communication, directivity, and facsimile. But – it does not take care of ‘displacement.’ In brief, we transfer a voice, a pulse,  a picture, within a fraction of a second over long distances. But – these methods came about by investigating the electric vector – or the ‘electric field.’ It is my opinion that – understanding of the performance of the ‘magnetic field’ will result in the directed ‘displacement’ of objects – or bodies, that man now attempts to do, and very awkwardly so, by pulleys, steam power, rocket power, and atomic fission. All these developments are costly, and destructive of the needed forces of nature.

There is no reason to believe that the magnetic field’ cannot be utilized as well as the ‘electric field.’ The two apparently have a functional relationship – which is demonstrated by Maxwell’s equations in vector analysis. The electric vector is shown to be perpendicular to the magnetic vector. We have further research methods to demonstrate that ‘electromagnetic waves’ are independent of gravity. That is to say – that, unless a radio wave is forced back by some atmospheric phenomenon such as a cloud layer – or temperature inversion layer – it will go on out into space – independent of gravity.

Making a long story short – then – I see a time when we will have magnetic devices to tease out unwanted gravitational pulls – just as we now have radio sets to tease out unwanted stations that is, other frequencies.

So – if we wish to go to the moon – we will simply climb into our inner-space-capsule, tease out the gravitational pull of the Earth and – of course – go to the next strongest gravitational pull. Of course – this is a very over-simplified explanation. Actually – the dials, instruments etc. will be attuned in such a fashion as to release the gravitational pull of Earth as slowly – or as rapidly as possible. One might get out of the Earth’s atmosphere at a very slow speed – then, after he is up about 20 miles, he might decide to set a dial which would release him from all the Earths pull until he got within 200 miles of the moon. Here – it can be seen that he could travel as rapidly as ‘gravitational pull,’ then, slow down within a given range of a prescribed planet, and float down, slowly, like a big soap – bubble.

This, of course, is food for thought. My present work involves gathering reports from as many sources, as possible, throughout the world, and figuring field strength’ values for all these different transmission paths – or Radio links. In other words, I determine the ration of power for a given transmitted source to a given received source. This is expressed in terms of ‘power loss’ – or ‘transmission loss’ between any two given points. Actually – considering all the different variables such as terrain effects, distance, atmospheric conditions etc. – I feel as though I have accomplished something when I can sit down with pencil and paper – read a report on the transmission of radio waves between Nova Scotia and Thule Greenland – then, come up with the right answer for amount of signal strength one may expect at Thule, for a given power transmitted at Greenland at a given frequency: This is much of my present work.

I hope that these comments of mine will give some of my younger kinsmen things to think over – and that they will organize their education in order to learn something worthwhile in relationship to ever-changing trends in the World’s History.

Good Luck – Everybody

Jack

I think Jack’s letter was very interesting and will doubtless open up new areas of thought and imagination. It seems however, that he is approaching the conclusion that I threw out some months ago. Waves of radio, electricity, magnetism, or light moves at approximately 186,000 miles per second which, according to Einstein, is the limit of speed. Therefore since speed and time are the same the limit of speed would also be the limit of time. Therefore the time barrier would be broken and space would probably cease to exist at all as we think of it now. A body travelling at 186,000 miles per second would become two – dimensional and a person travelling on such a ship would perhaps become of an entity of a different wave length from material matter. We then perhaps would enter into the realm of the spiritual where distance, time, and space would certainly not mean the same in the material sense. Perhaps some would call this the fourth dimension. Having once crossed the barrier from the material to the spiritual, it would be impossible to get back to the material. Actual space travel may have to cross such a barrier. I heard a preacher say last Sunday: “The fourth dimension is God.”

Has science now advanced to that point: Has science come to the verge of the great barrier where all waves of energy become static – where molecular and atomic motion ceases, and where further movement or progress is impossible except through God. To go further science must seek the intangible invisible forces and powers that are released in the exercise and utilization of love and faith. These powers are accessible and available to humanity thru Christ and can give man power to fly beyond the material limitations – beyond the stars.

We have next a very interesting and informative letter from Nina:

Dear Strouds:

It has been some time since I wrote a letter, and I think I should contribute now. First of all I think Ben should be highly commended for having kept the newsletter going for so long a time. Is it five or six years that we have been writing? Of course there must be contributions or it will cease to exist, and I, too, should like to hear from some of the second generation.

Juanita Mae Stroud Cousins came through Colorado Springs just a few days ago on her way to Washington, D.C. She was driving her own car alone: My what courage! She had breakfast with me and we visited for awhile. She is still in the Waves and has married a sailor. Isn’t that nice? I wish I had had that much sense when I was twenty-two. She is a very lovely young lady, and I’m very very proud to know her and know she’s my niece. This past summer I had a chance to visit with Welvin Stroud for a short time in Chicago. I was almost overawed by him – he has such tremendous personality and he is so intelligent. Again I am very very proud that I know him. So you see, I for one, should like to hear a lot more about and from my various nieces and nephews. I think all of us would like to actually hear from boys and girls like Dolphus’ Ernie and Joel and Tandy’s Joseph and Bobby’s Adrienne. I am glad, too, for the suggestion that the list of names, addresses, dates of birth, etc. be kept up – to date. I have nothing new to contribute. I am still Nina Pellerin at 618 N. Corona in Colorado Springs. My only child, Percy Pellerin Jr, is now 8 years old and was born July 20, 1950. I was born August 28, sometimes I wish we had some sort of treasury, than I’d love to be courtesy chairman and send cards or gifts to everyone at Christmas time and on their birthdays. Most organizations have an arrangement like this, and it really is nice to be remembered. I know when I was in the hospital 2 years ago both my schools sent flowers and also my bridge club. It was really nice.

I notice from the last letter that some of you are still interested in forming some sort of organization for investment purposes and having some sort of reunion. I can see your ideas clearly and I know that in union there is strength and that $1,000 invested brings much more of a return than $100. I also know that there can be much good fellowship in spending a few days with one’s own kinpeople. I think your ideas are very good and a reunion could be a very nice thing but I still have very grave doubts about the Strouds. Cooperation individuals, and when I see men over 40 who still criticize one’s religion or politics I have very grave doubts. And when I find men over 40 who have absolutely no respect for another person’s feelings or opinions I have graver doubts. The thing that depresses me most is that so many of my brothers and sisters – and that includes me – don’t seem to care how much or in what way they hurt each other, and some seem to go out of their way to try to belittle someone else or make him feel badly.

But anyway if you still think in terms of reunion you’d better start planning now. I have a very sarcastic suggestion to make: Supposing Jack and Dolphus and Albert and Tandy and James get together, then the reunion can succeed (smiles). I had  thought by now that Rosa would have written, but she hasn’t . She told me, however, that I could publicize this ‘news,’ so for those of you who don’t know already Rosa was married to Alger Gillespie of Detroit, Michigan on September 19th, I believe. They live in Sacramento, but I don’t have the address. I’m sure a letter sent to her last address would be forwarded.

Percy is growing very very tall and is rather slim. He does fairly well in school and could do much better. He draws very well and does quite good work with clay – the kind you fire for pottery. He has just completed a bust of George Washington that is really good. I should take more time with him to develop his talents and that is my New Year’s resolution. He also takes piano lessons from Bobby, but his heart isn’t in it. On our last trip to the Doctor, who is a white man, he told us that Percy’s eyes were working together’ now for the first time since he was 2 years old. We hope that in six months time, Percy will no longer have to wear eye glasses! Great Day! I believe in giving credit where it is due. This white man was not fighting a disease not an accidental condition. For the past two years she has been fighting a hereditary condition that is a result of generations of in-breeding on the part of Percy’s father’s people. The Pellerins have a long history of crosseyedness.

There are two or three other white people in this town for whom I have the utmost respect. One is Father Jepson of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. For one solid year he gave me the finest psychiatric treatment without charging me one cent. This is why I am a Catholic. I am quite certain that I would have been dead or in an asylum now had it not been for Father Jepson. As it is, however, I haven’t even missed a day at school although I have gone through the worst emotional crisis of my life. In fact life looks pretty good to me now, and I can look to the future with reeal pleasure and even hope that some day, not too far wary, I’ll meet some one right for me to spend the rest of my life with. But even if I don’t, I can see where I can live a very full and rewarding life. I sing in St. Mary’s Choir every Sunday morning at high Mass. The music is extremely difficult and of course all in Latin. It is very stimulating. On Saturday nights I play at a local restaurant and lounge. I bowl every other Tursday with Lincoln School bowling team. I keep up with Percy’s activities – Cub Scouts, Art lessons, Music, and Dancing lessons, his neighborhood pals, occasional parties, school work (I should do better here) P.T.A. etc. I teach school, do my housework and take care of my rentals. Believe me – I don’t have much time for brooding. A year ago I was in the depths of despair – so don’t be too rough on the Catholic Church or any church for that matter. They exist because they fill a human need. And they will continue to exist as long as lide is like it is.

The Air Academy here is really shaping up. I went to Denver about 3 weeks ago and went through it a little. A tremendous amount of money has been poured into it. The buildings and grounds are truly awe – inspiring. It must be important. I had a lovely visit with Maud and Bill. They are both such grand people. How on earth can Maud do all she does? She can put out more work than any 3 men I know. I really enjoyed being with them.

I guess I’d better stop now, the letter is too long and I want to go to the Air Academy football game this P.M. Kind of debating whether or not I ought to spend the money, but it’s a lovely lovely day and there’s no use in wasting it.

Love to everyone ------ Nina.

I know you all enjoyed this letter – so I think I should close here – Today is the 2nd of December – I was trying to get this out in November – but a few things came up – The people with whom I have been living for some years, The Edwards, sold the house and moved to Los Angeles. So, therefore, I moved out, and I haven’t exactly got adjusted yet. Business picked up a little and although I seldom go on a truck now – it still demands attention – quite a lot of it. Beside this the Sunday School asked me to help out on a Christmas exercise the Saturday before Christmas. This called for a great deal of typing – More than this News Letter is taking.

I am glad that Nina has become much better adjusted. When I was there last Christmas I thought she was under terrific pressure and I was afraid she might not make it – or would perhaps become an alcoholic or a derelict. I was wondering if she would be able to hold her position as a teacher – In fact I prayed for her myself – This summer she seemed much better – There is a song they sometimes sing at our Church – “It is no secret what God can do. What he’s done for others, he can do for you.”

You have had this list before but since you think we need a roll call – We’ll start with this over again:

Kimbal Dolphus Stroud was born Dec. 28, 1872 Vasco County, Texas Lulu Rosanna Lucinda Magee Stroud was born Jan. 13, 1882 in Jersey County Illinois

Kimbal Stroud was born Dec. 23, 1904 in Lincoln County Oklahoma at 8 A:M Friday

Albert Lord Benney Stroud was born March 28, 1906 at 7:30 P:M in Chandler Lincoln County Oklahoma on Thursday.

Helly Dolphus Stroud was born Sept. 17, 1907 – 8:30 A:M Tuesday at Chandler Oklahoma Lincoln County.

Effie Florence Edner Evelyn Stroud – born July 26, 1909 at 4 A:M Monday in Lincoln County Oklahoma

Tandy Louis Welvin Stroud born May 14, 1911 Sunday 3 A:M in Colorado Springs El Paso County.

Charles Clay Jack Hogan Stroud born May 3, 1913 Saturday 6 A:M Colorado Springs Colorado El Paso County.

James Hagerman Stroud born July 15, 1915 6 P:M Thursday Colorado Springs, El Paso County.

Elinor Ann Lillian Elsa Sarah Lulu Stroud born Sunday 6 A:M March 18, 1917 Colorado Springs El Paso County

Number Nine Stroud (Nina) Stroud born August 28, 1919 Friday 3 A:M Colorado Springs, Colorado El Paso County.

Rosa May Stroud Born Sept. 19, 1921 in Colorado Springs Colorado El Paso County on Thursday

Bobby Rosana Nell Stroud born Sept. 23, 1924 in Colorado Springs Colorado, El Paso Counnty.

Latest addresses of these that I have who are living follows: K. Dolphus Stroud 2436 N.E. 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon Rosa May Stroud 1326 Street, Sacramento, California Effie Stroud Marcellus 1113 Warburton, Yonkers, New York. Tandy Stroud 3045 Kelly Hayward, California. Billy Goffman 2516 Franklin Street, Denver Colorado
Nina Pellerin 518 N. Corona Colorado Springs, Colorado
Lulu Pollard 315 Center Street Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jack C. Stroud 713 13th Street Boulder, Colorado
Bobby Bourgeois 814 S. El Paso, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Maud Goffman 2516 Franklin Street, Denver, Colorado
Mabel Fields 3964 W. Belle Place, St. Louis Missouri
Constance Glover 4655 Lake Park Belvidere Apts. #410 Chicago Ill

I have talked to my Metropolitan Insurance agent Mr. Bill Ahern about the feasibility of Insurance on the Tribe basis.

He advises a straight life policy preferable to endowment plans because for one thing the premiums are cheaper. Also the purpose of the policy is to invest back into the foundation rather than to take the proceeds at the time of death of the policy holder. For instance a ten thousand dollar policy written on each of ten older persons would yield $100,000 at the time of death of these older originals. This money could go into the foundation. At the time of death of one of the original policy holders $10,000 would go to the foundation. The deceased’s son or next in line would take his place as a $10,000 dollar policy holder by paying premiums and thus keep 10 persons continuing the $100,000 dollar potential of insurance in force. With the $10,000 paid on the life of the deceased given to the foundation used either as a reserve fund for educational purposes for the younger members of the tribe or parts or all of it could be used to pay premiums for the increased amounts on one or all of the ten who hold $10,000 policies. The percentages favoring a sizable profit of course are great because undoubtedly one of the ten will probably not be around too along – this is not to encourage murder you understand – of course disability and other benefits could be included – Mr. Ahern thinks that this is about the best set up if our primary interest is in the future generations.

If there is no objections I should say that
Nina is the Courtesy Chairman. Now of course I know that saying it like that would not be considered democratic. But just how long would it take to elect people to chairmanship positions thru the mail. Why not just assume that someone who is willing to act can have the position unless there are objections from the others.

Well, this letter is getting long so I think I’d better sign off

So Adios to all

And best wishes

Ben

May 26, 1958

To The Strouds:

Its been quite a lapse since the series of very interesting letters that some of you have written. I think some of us have become overloaded with other responsibilities – Also I think there has been a little reluctance in expressing personal feelings for fear of hurting someone else – In my opinion this attitude does not add to the interest of the letters – I like those biting criticisms and snide remarks that some of you Strouds are such past masters in using. These news letters certainly can quash over rated egos and prick inflated ballons of pride.

Dolphus first letter of April 25, 1958 explains why he has been slow in writing.

Dear Albert,

Am enclosing five dollars for family letters. I’ve enjoyed them all more than any other reading matter I ever receive. And I believe I find them most informative. I will write when I a fully relaxed from the strain of the income tax season. I do hundreds of returns every year – many of them complicated business returns and I have to conserve my eyes, mind, and writing muscles for that work exclusively between Jan. 15th and April 15th each year. When the season is over I’m always glad to get away from all that approaches figures and words for a while.

Thanks for the letters and best wishes.

Bunk

As of April 14, 1958 we have this fine letter from Jack:

Dear Strouds:

I just finished reading the last newsletter. I thank Albo for it.

I mentioned to ‘withdraw’., in a letter to Albo. Concerning my suggested status. Remember, Rosa first suggested me.

Now I hold this ‘withdrawal’ is a matter for the Strouds to accept or reject.

Personally – in answer to Nina directly – and Tandy indirectly, I am not concerned with salvaging the Strouds emotions – or to make amends before any supreme tribunal – in the so – called person of God – in my relations with Father and Mom – nor do I see where any of the rest of the siblings should carry an ‘albatross’ around their necks because Father stated: “My children don’t love me!”

As far as I know – children are never allowed the privilege of deciding whether or not they want to be born. Also – the accident of birth is not a necessary reason to believe that love is the necessary consequence of it.

But – if sentimental concern must remain – it is always a remarkable fact that guilty feelings iin a person may have some reason – or basis in fact. You see, family, - if Nina is so concerned about her relative emotional status she might examine the fact that she might often be responsible for herself creating the ‘emotional area of dissent’ among the Strouds.

By the same token – it is not necessarily of any consequence to us to say that Elder Morgan and Stroud finally recognized a ‘common ground’ – as Tandy would have us believe. But the ‘psychological position’ to concern my brothers and sisters – is why cannot Tandy – at this age – see his error in creating a situation wherein K.D. Stroud was forced to meet Morgan on a plane of so-called ‘mutual agreement.’ Cannot Tandy understand that Father was in a relative state of helplessness – had to rely on Tandy for some degree of physical support and, for this reason – had to compromise much of his beliefs by belittling himself in the presence of a small-time religious hustler like Morgan.

Actually the thing Tandy is pointing out is that Father – in his situation had to recognize defeat from Morgan, as well as defeat from Tandy! Of course, Tandy in his half-matured state – then – could not see Father’s point of view. But – if he was so interested in Father’s love – he might have better committed it by tolling Morgan to keep his religion – his weak minded disciples, and worry about his own sons and daughters.

Nina – seemingly – has been most concerned about the overall emotions. In short – one who is not concerned with others emotions might, very likely, be the one who is certain everyone is as emotionally distressed as the one who offers the accusation.

I have – in the past – questioned religion in the Newsletter. I still do it. I am not trying to modify my position in this matter.

Personally – I feel that the old Baptist thing around St. John Church a much saner thing for our family than the Holy – Roller outlet or the Catholic Church. I do not think Nina or Bobbie have ‘gained’ anything by sending their children to St. Mary’s School. As a practical matter, Garfield school is about one block from Nina’s house – Helen Hunt School is about 3 blocks from Bobbies house. Also, the Strouds have made a scholastic reputation in the C.S. public schools, and the little ones would be able to profit from the previous records made by previous Strouds. In the long run – they would probably get homme-run grades, in the public schools of C.S. – Where no the so-called ‘Sisters’ are giving the little ones C’s and B’s and D’s – with an occasional A. Actually if there is anything on the face of the earth that is a complete fake it is the bastard son of the blue eyed – called the Catholic Church.

The weather continues very great here. We have had a March and April of life-giving moisture – the streams and reservoirs are full.

I ran into old Dillard Collins in Denver – He asked about Dolphus. He says that Ulie Andrews is now San Antonio Texas. We discussed the modern type of touch-foul basketball – with its high scores – and with the fact that if breathe on your opponent he is awarded a free throw. If he makes the first one – they seem to think he has accomplished something wonderful – so, he is given a reward. That is, he gets another shot. How silly can you get?

Well – this thing multiplied a billion – fold – is the reason that Russia would whip Uncle Sam’s ass if the two ever get mixed up in a war.

Well – goodbye

Let’s have more comments – also – some token of appreciation to Albo for keeping the News going for six years. Perhaps we can chip in and by a ‘Stroud Typewriter’

Oh: I love every damn one of you!!

Jack.

I censored the word Jesus in Jacks mention of the Catholic Church above – the divinity names are due all reverence – In the original he used the capital “J” for Jesus – This of course makes reference to the divine Jesus.

I do not think that Jack will find true Bible scholars that would insist that Jesus had blue eyes – of course no one knows for sure. If Jack will read the best seller by Jim Bishop – “The Day Christ Died”  – he will find that Jim Bishop speaks of Jesus as having brown eyes and being of dark complexion. I imagine most races identify with the Divinity with themselves.

Marilyn Turner writes interestingly as follows:

Dear Albert:

It was pleasant visiting with you again and I must say that you appear to have lost quite a bit of weight.

Your civic program interested me and I do wish that we might have stayed longer and discussed the urban renewal more thoroughly.

Thanks for the January Newsletter. Connie and I both enjoyed reading very much. Rosa May writes very well and draws vivid pictures of her work with well chosen concise words, making a dull sounding social job live and breathe excitement. Frankly, I almost envy her.

Since last writing to you, I’ve had a change of jobs as the old position played out, – the result of new army district changes. The new job is much more interesting in one way and exceedingly boring another. My work consists of typing reports on the known communists in the U.S. and sending and receiving FBI rpts. on same. All strictly hush, hush, confidential. I work in a locked cage where none but [CIA?] employees are permitted. Not even the janitor is allowed until we open “the cage” each morning. Then for fifteen minutes we stand around while he sweeps.

I have the reputation of being the first and only Negro to have held this position. My fellow workers consist of older women, a foreign interpreter, and five CI’s who are professional (lawyers, psychologists, and doctors) in civilian life.

The boring aspect is the “dyed hair.” “grand-children.” Dr. Scholls’ shoes’ conversations that are held.

My first week here was shocking as I found myself unwanted and accepted as inferior, qualified only for the subservient type work. Impulsively, my first instinct was to quit. but good old Stroud – superiority took over and I knew that success would be mine along with respect for my person. The end result was a verbal discourse during which I related my feelings as to “my place,” maintaining that each of us had a “place” at our respective desks from 8: oclock A.M. until 4:30 P.M. for which pay was received and aside from that. “my place” alien to me. Also I informed the “enemy” that I was qualified and had the ability to do the job for which I was hired and anything less than that would have to be completed by someone only capable of physical labor. The whole picture is different now and I have been invited to their homes and to lunch with them.

The children are fine and Connie’s daughter has received a double promotion in school. Chucky (my son) is taking Spanish in school and can write and understand it well.

It’s getting late and I must get back to the “Communists.”

Best Regards, Marilyn

P.S.

It would be nice if others of the third generation would contribute an item or two as we older ones will have to continue the tradition of the Strouds. Someday, and in the meantime, I would like to know about my cousins.

This one from Marilyn was very interesting and I’m sorry that I became so involved in the Civic Crisis of Maywood – Urban Renewal until this letter is so late – Marilyn’s letter was dated way back April 17, 1958.

Right after I mailed the March letters on April 8th I got a letter from Jack in protest against a revolution of his unique letter to James and other interesting items as follows:
“After exposure of my last letter, I beg to withdraw from my financial position:

The ‘exposure’ was not intended my me. However, it was facts but no one wants facts. So  - I withdraw. I thought, perhaps, Albo would inform Strouds of James’ address and predicament – then forward letter to Rosa as requested.

I do not think investments to be of any consequence unless a person has enough to invest. It seems $5000.00 would be a sufficient savings account before anyone thought of taking chances. $5000.00 is needed just for the simple day-to-day emergencies and expenses.

The sensible investor can find the ‘stable stocks’ simply by reference to any newspaper. For sound advice one can go to any representative of Boettcher & Company. The most stable bonds – or stocks are:

1. Municipal Bonds – the guarantee here is about 5%
2. A.T.&T.: The guarantee here is from 5% to 6%
3. General Motors: about as stable as A.T.&T.
4. U.S. Steel: Also dependable
5. Standard Oil: Good, but slightly flexible.
6. Coca Cola
7. Bank Stocks

I do not own any shares of any stock. However – I am always being contacted by these investment salesmen with their guarantees of 9% to 10%. Completely ridiculous.

I believe the last quotation of American Telephone and Telegraph was about $195.00 per share. Actually – the above mentioned stocks are world wide – so if any particular country collapses the investor still holds his shares. Also – these companies finance our Government. Alert stock holders believe it better to have money in the above named corporations rather than in government securities, or in banks.

I mentioned the need of $5000.00 back log. If one does not have this amount to fall back on – he is too much in need of everyday ‘on-hand’ cash to worry about stocks etc..

Before- I said a restaurant. For the reason that this furnishes income as well as jobs. But – we need to talk some big monied person into financing and stocking it for us. If it goes down – we could, at least divide the food.

The Air Academy looks very, very elegant. It is of the modern box shaped architecture but, its pale blue and gray mixture with a bit of auburn certainly looks beautiful against the background of the blue mountains.

Colorado Springs and Denver are getting bigger all the time.

Boulder was 19,000 when I came here in 1954. It is now estimated at 40,000.

People like me here in Boulder. I get along quite nicely. My credit is good. Last summer I got $300.00 from the First National Bank. They charged me $5.00 for it over 6 months. I was just testing to see what they would do.

Well Adios------

Jack

P.S. Master was nice in C.S. The children all looked swell. They are growing very very rapidly.

Jack wrote a follow up letter, as follows: -- However, Jack asked me to censor some things that he had written in this letter so I shall leave those things out, in spite of the fact that I thought they were interesting and informative.

“I have been writing quite frequently to the ‘News’ since Rosa’s suggestion was made. After this letter – I am going to wait for about two months before I write again.

It was good to read the most recent practical letter by Tandy. His reference to Father should be thought over. Between the lines – he evaluates both older and younger Strouds. So – instead of us deciding which side is best to be on – we might decide not to take much stock in either.

The ‘breakdown’ of Father hit Tandy and I and James much harder than anyone can suppose. It caught Tandy right at a time when he had to make complex adult decisions. As he pointed out: ‘The older kids were just not around: It is a very very, harsh effort to be required to ‘hold Father’ while some poorly qualified doctor like Brobeck is torturing his eyes. The answers were not to be for a boy of about 17 or 18 or so – to know anything about.

I have often felt as though I should have murdered Brobeck – because, after a while, I became of an inmate consciousness that Brobeck did not know what he was doing. He seemed to puncture Father’s eyes with no reason whatsoever. But – as always – poor folk have little to depend on for making decisions.

I think – the final result has been that Tandy and James sought certain different avenues of release because of this ‘hopeless’ torture Father was subjected to. In other words – Tandy having the major good of family responsibility took on a life of ‘accepted martyrdom’ or physical mortification.

James sought other avenues to blot out this memory. Nina – not remembering the era when Father used to write plays for St. John and preach in his stiff-starched white collars at Trinity, developed an almost degenerate frustration and ati-male complex which she does not yet understand. She grew up when Father was going down hill.

Of course the protestations of Albo, Effie, and Dolphus – as to their ministering to the young-uns seems almost to be a pitiable comparison. When I see Effie, Bunk, and Albo – I see three very hard-working well-mannered healthy person who have relatively wholesome lives because their ‘inner-strength’ has not been distorted.

So – for me – and Tandy – and, perhaps James – the slowly burning up and going blind is as vivid to me right now as it was 25 years ago.

And, before Nina damns the so-called emotions of her brethren she should remember that Father, to appease her (-----------------Censored at Jack’s request -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------)

My – what woe-begone soul has ever offered so much – and received so little from his children!

And as he most prophetically said, through the lines little Effie used to quite:

This on my memory – fresh and bright
It seems it happened just tonight
Both day and night – it haunts me yet
I regret – I can’t forget!”

Whether people think so – or not – I cannot forget – and never will.

So – with these words – Albo – I trust your religious outlook will grow to a stature above the Bible. I confess that my religion is such that I do not want to be forgiven of my sins. I want to live with them. Otherwise I would never have had any inner desire to want to ‘return home’ when Mom had a stroke. In fact – I doubt if I would have desired to push myself to a position at the Burau of Standards if I know a God was going to forgive me for my past mistakes!

As a final note – I think that Nina – or whatever son or daughter it is – should appreciate the attempt to participate in any Family venture

Sincerely, Jack

P.S. I am in my plush offices and should be working instead of writing. But the weather is so wonderful. All week – clear bright skies – 60 to 70 degrees.

This letter from Jack brings back deep recriminations and self conviction – I think it is one of his most sincere – I won’t attempt to comment.

As of Tuesday April 2, 1958 – Mabel wrote as follows:

Bear Ben:

I received your lovely intelligent letters. Dear, I hate to write with a pen, most especially since this cataract is growing underneath my right eye. My vision is gloomy. I remember Lulu telling me what a terrible expensive thing this was twice. I believe she had several operations with expensive glasses. Well, the Doctors tell me there isn’t much that can be done. Mine would be very dangerous to operate, as it is growing underneath. Our cousin Maud Washington had two, one on each eye. The doctors do not know the cause. So you pray for it to disappear. I’d rather die than to go blind. Of course I know God’s will must be done. So much for me.

Now for you. I am very proud of you. In fact, all the brainy Strouds. But the best of all you are devoted Christian. That is a great work. Sorry you didn’t have Omar’s address, you were there once. I asked you when you were in Chicago to go see Via, Omar’s wife who was convalescing from a serious operation. Human beings are like vegetables, when a defected spot occurs, it must be cut off and thrown away. Love you all,

Your cousin

Mabel

P.S. Omar is doing nicely – has been to church 2 or 3 times. He looked fine the day I went to see him at the hospital – He has every sense – I have never seen anything like it a 74 year past – 1883 – October 13 – You see the years are shorter now than when I was a child – I was 66 last month – April 14, 1958 – from April 14, 1892.

The weather is lovely real Spring. I think it best for all Strouds to be together on your special reunion perhaps next year – would be better. The country, I hope will be in harmony, better in all respects. Many people are out of work. 4 man roomers here in this one house are $60.00 behind with me and etc. I am a Christian – I can’t put people out for this – I put a drunkard out – she stayed in arrears – too much wine.

We should make a note of Mabel’s birthday – I am sure you all join me in best wishes and many more happy returns. Also, I do not think a cataract is too serious now – with modern methods and research – We all hope for the best.

Our next letter, rather a note, is from Dolphus explaining why we haven’t heard from him for some time: This is as of April 28, 1958

“Dear Albert:

Am enclosing five dollars for family letters. I’ve enjoyed them all more than any other reading matter I ever receive. And I believe I find them most informative. I will write when I am fully relaxed from the strain of the income tax season. I do hundreds of returns every year – many of them complicated business returns – and I have to conserve my eyes, mind, and writing muscles for that work exclusively between Jan. 15th and April 15th each year. When the season is over I’m always glad to get away from all that approaches figures and words for awhile.

Thanks for the letters and best wishes

Bunk

At last we hear from Maude Goffman – I know you will all be interested. This was written May 17th:

To the Strouds:

I must say I am hurt over some of the news letters. They don’t refer to me by name but please remember Maude is nobody’s fool. Jack says Bill has no family. Now Jack don’t you feel that is a raw expression to make? Bill has more of a family than you have and one who loves him dearly. He knows I will go my death limit for him. I think all of you will truly say that I come first in his life. True Kimball birthed him in this world, but she wasn’t anymore a mother to him than I am and always be. Bill will tell any of you he feels as close to me as he did to her. Bill started to write this letter but he decided he may say too much. Jack, I bet one thing. Bill will never make the nasty remarks about me after I am dead that you have made in the news letters about the darling Mother you had. I don’t see how you could. I have always tried to treat each one of you as a brother and sister, making you welcome in my home night or day, not realizing until Jack’s letter how some of you felt about me. There have been several slight remarks referred to me. I wouldn’t say anything, but this one riled Bill and I up a plenty, so we just had to let you know how we feel about it.

I guess you all are unaware of how the Stroud’s family history came into Rosa’s hands – ask her – if I wasn’t the one who gave it to her? Bill had all those pictures and lost more stuff piled to burn. I checked over and found that which Kimbal had collected about the family history. I called Rosa and gave it to her. The Stroud family seems to be so proud of it now. Jack says Bill gave Bobbie the Buick. Rosa and Bobbie know it was I who gave the car to Bobbie. Bill was going to trade it in. Ben, you know I had got Bill to agree to sign his interest of the Stroud Estate over to Bobbie. But some one influenced him not to. But I feel now with the car and some other nice things I’ve done for her, it comes out about the same. Well when you Strouds started talking about a family reunion I told Bill we were the Strouds and if they didn’t stay but 2 weeks it wouldn’t cost one of the one dime. If they had cars and could commute to C.S. Bill told me No, he wouldn’t allow me to – So I didn’t tell Ben.

Lots of slight remarks are made to Bill about me – well he comes and tells me and laughs about it – “Say Mama, don’t get mad – you know a person can take just so much. Well, if I didn’t love Bill as dearly as if I had birthed him in this world don’t think for one minute I would keep his future first in my life in every way. I have even taken care of him after my death – Not by a will but by deeds to all my property – so he won’t have to give half of it away in court. Bill and I are very happy over our family. He seems quite proud to always call me, Mama – and I am to call him my son. He refers to all my people as Aunt or Uncle. How many of you all does he call Aunt or Uncle? Stop and think which one he feels the closest to. I am so glad Lulu had sense enough to keep her happiness. Jack, we are big enough to take it ha! ha! Now don’t misunderstand – I love each one of you and you are always welcome – Bye Bye

Maude Goffman

Well! I think we all got a good spanking from Maude this time but I’m sure she understands the Strouds well enough to know that they aren’t going to pay no attention to no spanking from Maude and that we will continue to love her all the more – We all know that Maude is one of the very finest! Maude knows she shouldn’t pay no attention to what the Strouds say about people whom they think a lot of deep down in their hearts. And if Jack has said or done anything to Maude that might in anyway jeopardize that fine hospitality and wonderful eating that is so graciously extended to all of us anytime we are in Denver – Well – We should be kicked off the News Letter or scandal sheet – what ever it is! Well, That’s That!

Our next letter written May 5, is from Nina, and is interesting:

Dear Ben:

Ever since the last issue of the newsletter I have been trying to find time to write you, but have been busier than I’ve ever been before, and so tired that when I do get a little chance to rest I simply go to sleep. You see, its been directing the Elementary Schools musical festival this year which is participated in by all 21 schools. It is a very very large program. This year 400 Children participated so you can see what a job is involved. We started working on it last year before Christmas, but finally we have finished – It was presented last night, and I think everything turned out all right.

Now this is why I am writing: Since it is so late in the year to try to do anything about a reunion why don’t the Stroud siblings do this: Any one who wants to and can afford it should come to Colo. Springs in August, say or July or whatever dates can be set. Then let those people discuss the pros and cons of all the questions that have been brought up currently in the newsletter. Let them make up a report of their conclusions and recommendations and send them out to every member of the clan. Each “Clan” member can then accept or reject membership in an organization stemming from the group metting this summer. I still don’t think a Stroud reunion should be attempted at this time, but I have been wrong before and can be again.

Very Very sincerely,

Our next letter is another communication from Dolphus:

Dear Albert:

It’s evident now that a re-union will not be held this year nor in foreseeable future years for us older Strouds. Moreover, no cooperative economic venture is likely to materialize. But I do have a venture in mind that those of us who have children certainly should support. I can’t predict the attitude’s of my childless brothers and sister.

The plan is that we contribute to a summer vacation fund through the year that will be used to send a deserving second generation or third generation descendant of Kimbal D. and Lulu Stroud on a summer trip to the domiciles of distant family members. Upon completion of this trip, the young traveler would be required to write a frank article for the News Letter disclosing his honest impressions of the relatives he visited and his interesting experience during the trip. I believe the childless Strouds should act as the selecting board to choose a trip winner each year and to decide the manner of making application and submitting material by the applicant.

Since Jack believes I am seriously planning to scrap the Arabic system of notation tomorrow, I suppose I’d better preface the following with the statement that this is speculative mathematics. The arithmetic we use now is not exact; but it has been of use to us so long as we are earthbound and accept such mis-statements as: “All that goes up must come down.” The true fact is that all that goes up continues going up unless compelled by a greater force or forces to come down. But there is a concept utilized to explain an observed phenomenon just as “ether” used to be the medium that supported every inexplainable movement of energy through space.

Time is the basic ingredient of all our math. One thing is bigger than another because it takes longer to travel around it with the eye- the hand- or the foot step. One thing is heavier than another because it takes longer time for a given force to move it. Two is greater than one because it takes us longer to handle two things of a given kind than one.

All our mathematical equalities are basically equalities of time and our inequalities are differences of time. In our mathematics we do not have an exact time measure. The Solar year (the time it takes the earth to go around the sun) is less exact than the sideral year. For travel and activity beyond the earth and moon the sideral year, the time it takes our solar system to swing around the North Star, will have to be employed. That, of course would scrap our minutes and seconds and hours and days and weeks and months, and year. All velocities would have to be re-calculated. This suggests that an erroneous methods of calculation of time can serve us so long as we believe that it is correct. “Witches are real if everyone believes in witches.” And if an error is too deeply embedded those who recognize that it is an error find the task of correcting it so awesome that it is better to live with the error until a stone wall is encountered. The flat earth encountered such a wall Columbus sailed to America. And our zero concept, our 2 time 2 and 2 plus 2 equal 4 and our time will meet such a wall when we leave the confines of our over tolerant earth and noon.

If civilization upon the Earth endures another hundred years, present day mathematics text-books will be collector’s items and children will marvel that their great grand parents were so stupid as to employ a cumbersome system of notation (known variously as the decimal or Arabic system) to make calculations. And they will question the integrity of a government that permits the value of its dollar to fluctuate by more than 150% within a space of thirty years.

Levitation defies our present day science, although scientists are beginning to tinker around now with its possibilities. Within fifty years one will probably be able to sit in his living room and call for what he wants from the refrigerator by name (say a glass of milk) and have it open the refrigerator door, and come to him of its own volition. Within our own bodies and minds and upon the Earth there is everything required for us to walk on the water or to fly through the clouds without aid of water skis or wings. But the simple and direct way to do such things has escaped most of us.

I’d like to read an account Melvin’s experience in Africa last summer. I’d also like to know how he came out this year in the NCAA Boxing Finals. I read where he won the Pacific Coast Crown.

Thanks for the newsy news letters, and best of health to you.

Love from Bunk for Family ------- Bunk

We all know that Dolphus never did conform to other peoples ideas on many things – His letters are interesting and intriguing – I suppose people with superior mental gifts would not accept many things that the average person takes for granted. But I imagine if we prove or disprove anything we will find millions and millions of unsolved mysteries still awaiting us.

Our next letter is another from Jack dated June 4, 1958

“We had a hot May for Colorado and it is beginning a hot June.

On Monday – June 2, I again participated in the qualifying round for the National Open. The district qualifying rounds were held at Cherry Hills C.C. in Denver. The Denver district includes the states of Colo, Utah, Wyoming, and, I believe, parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Bill Johnston won the qualifying test with two rounds of 71 – or 142. He is the present Texas Open Champion, and, also, went to the semi finals of the P.G.A. a year or so ago.

Next score was 144 posted by a Pueblo pro. He was tied by 3 top amateurs. Then, there was a score of 145 posted by a Denver Pro.. There were a few scores of 146. I was next – at 147. There were no ties at 147. I felt pretty good about this. I might say that I had an out of bounds penalty which cost me 2 – strokes in the morning round. Beside this, I accumulated a total of 4 double bogies – or, 4 holes in which 1 was 2 strokes above par for each hole. I offset this by a total of 8 birdies out of the 36 holes.

Cherry Hills played very difficult. From the ‘championship tees’ it measured about 7000 yards.

Tub Morris was chairman of the tournament committee and seemed much better adjusted to me this time then he was when I showed up at Denver C.C. in 1956. Last year the S.S.G.A. sent back my entry fee, and said that they had not received it in time. This year, I mailed it in a registered letter with a receipt. The two whom I was supposed to qualify with evidently did not care to be paired with me. In other words – I read between the lines when Tub Morris informed me that he had selected two other persons for me to go out with. I won’t push the matter – since the entry blank specifically states that any selected club for the National Open try outs can accept, or reject, an applicant at the Club’s discretion. But one of the guys (Dr. Valuck) turned in a qualifying score of 144. Since he was originally paired with me, it seems that his score is legally contestable. However, I am certain that Valuck is one of the big members of Cherry Mills. Besides – there were only 5 places allotted to the Denver district, and there were about ten persons ahead of me.

I am explaining all of this so as to give you some idea of the ‘sneaky’ things that still go on. Personally – I doubt that the boy shot a 144. I am sure that if he had been playing with me he might have blown-up. So – I stand in good shape. I noticed that there were only three Colorado pros with better scores than I had. With this as a support, I shall now apply for membership in the Colorado P.G.A. I don’t think they will be able to refuse me. Most of the Colo. pros are in favor of it anyway.

Incidentally Rip Arnold, who is the pro at Cherry Hills had a score of 152.. My pro – here at Boulder – did not even finish. The pro – from Colorado Springs, Art Seferson, had 151.

Since I only chase myself as a part-time golfer, I think I have a vocation to look forward to when I retire from HHS.

After the qualifying rounds – I was accorded pleasant service in the lunch room and bar at Cherry Hills.

Next year – I think I will qualify for the National Open.

I did not intend to write so soon – but I was certain that this might be of some interest to the family.

Cheerio ---- Jack

So this brings this news letter to a close – It is interesting and makes us proud to hear of outstanding achievement by any of the Clan. I am sending the newspaper clipping of Jack’s achievement to Effie first with the thought that she can send it along to one of the others after she has read it.

It has taken a long time to get this letter out for the reason that I got overloaded with some civic work. This was in connection with the Urban Renewal program set up for the Central District (Negro section) of Maywood. There have been meetings on top of meetings. For instance the Village president Mr. Trumball has been in my office for two hours somewhat on the spot. The white real estate brokers have had our executive board down to get our cooperation in inspecting and appraising the homes of Negroes who live in this district. Of course they did not get any promise of any such cooperation. We have had meetings with trustees of the village. All the Negro ministers have called the village president to a meeting and have really laid it on him – There has been quite a little tension and bitterness – and – I imagine that there is a 50-50 chance of violence if these people do not see much better than they can see at present that Urban Renewal is not being used as a weapon against the Negro population of various cities. We think the bunk will stop here in Maywood. We hope Urban Renewal will be stopped here before anyone gets hurt. Since I am the president of the Central Civic League, naturally much of this tension, bitterness and threatened action is forced upon me – Naturally I do not feel capable or strong enough for so great a task or such leadership – I believe God will resolve these things and carry us through. We solicit your prayeers and advice. It would take a letter as long as this letter to explain all the meetings, speeches, etc – implications and ramifications here about this evil program – so-called Urban Renewal – but, you can see why this letter is so late

Best wishes to all

Ben