Gelkote

Here is the second letter I mentioned yesterday.

Wed evening
February 25 1953

Hello Doc –
Long time, no see. Got your note at Christmas time. That, until then, that you were out of state. Last spring, you said you were going to move away after Primaries. I should have done likewise! I’ve been ill all fall. Just beginning to feel normal again. I lost 30#; but have it gained back again. I’ll live! I do the chores and have cut wood a few hours a day when I feel like it. Our daughter Margaret who was in Germany with her family for 3 years is now stationed at Fort Dix N.J. They all had the flu. Becky went down two weeks ago. Expects to be gone for another month or so. I’m alone – and I mean alone. Why don’t you come up some week end and cheer up an old guy? Bring your Becky – if you don’t want her, she can sleep with me!! At least, I would let her sleep – part of the night!!! How are the Fenns? I was very fond of them. Old Uncle Horace McClure surely gets what he goes after, doesn’t he? We have a “pip” for a governor – and for a U.S. Senator, too. Little wonder that government is in such a state of affairs. “Ike” is a wholesome change. We needed a change in Augusta just as badly. Summer Sewall was for “X” for gov! Funny. I spent between $5-$6000 before the Primaries. My summer escapade cost me $6799.83. My backers – who agreed to stand the financially burden – sneaked out on me when the party hierarchy put the pressure on them! Had $1651 contributed!! The rest put me in the red for the balance!!! By disposing of my herd, I come out of the first one even-steven. The second try is what busted me, financially and politically. Still, I have no regrets. “X” + Payne are dangerous and I know I was right. 36,000 (people) (voters) thought so too.

Be neighborly,
Neil

I wonder if 50 years from now someone will be reading my old emails. Time will tell.