12 March 1974

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: Dear Children

Cordelia writes to her children, saying that the weather is rainy and storms are expected. There was snow earlier, but it has melted. She notes she is very excited for Christmas, when she will be able to see her family. She has recently gotten over a cold and still has a cough. Mrs. Neely and Myra are home after operations. Ruth Anderson, president of the "Helping Hand" Club at Cordelia's church had a contest for small children to help raise money, which ended up raising $4,580. She notes that the politicians are terrible because they do not care about the poor while utilities prices are…

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3 April 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: Dear Children

Cordelia writes to her children, telling them that Mrs. Avery was buried yesterday. Cordelia was very touched by her death, noting she had the same "sickening feeling I have when I lose my own." She tells a story about Don fixing her garage door. There have been bad electric storms lately. She says she feels sorry for Virginia and it is everyone's duty to pray for her. She says Booker will reap his reward and that Virginia cannot help herself. Cordelia does not know if it is love or fear or both. It is unclear what she is referencing. She sends love and blessings, signing off, "Mom."

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6 August 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children about the weather and that the new bedspread ordered for her is too big. She reminds them about Diane's birthday present and to tell her when they got it and how much it cost. She says that her garden is doing well and there might be watermelon soon. Sallye was sorry that she couldn't see the recipients of the letter when they visited, but George Coleman was still on the critical list. Thomas keeps asking when they recipients will visit again. She says that Thomas will come into the room and get in her way but she doesn't say anything, whereas Luther…

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13 August 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that it has been quite hot recently. She asks whether Virginia has found Dolores' glasses and speculates as to where they might be. Cordelia then shares the news of George Coleman. She writes that despite the electrical storm, she was able to can four quarts of peaches the previous afternoon. She shares the news of the Butcher-Crocker family reunion, how many people were there and what places they came from. She says that the politicians are trying to "make news" by "bringing Nixon to the public again also digging up the Kennedys, Johnson and…

GLC09587.319

20 August 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes that it has been nice and cool so she has been making dansom preserves. She tells both the "Twitties" and Virginia to bring "it" back when they come down and Diane to make sure that Virginia saves some for Dolores when she comes home. She tells them that Geroge Coleman's funeral was the other day and that it was very expensive but she sent a remembrance from "Virginia + Booker, Twitties, and Williams." She says she is mailing Dolores' birthday present and asks whether Diane has received a gift and if so, what did it cost. Diane has just called to say that she is…

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10 September 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams thanks her children for their thoughtful letter. She says that in the past month, five of her close friends have died. This somewhat put a damper on her birthday, except for the fact that her children all came, which was the greatest gift of all. She says that Angela will have to set an alarm to make sure she is on time as she will be "the last to leave in the marriage". She says it's supposed to rain the following day and then asks her children what they think the results of the demonstrations about integration and busing will be. She has tried her melons and they were…

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17 September 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes that she talked to Dan the previous day and it was a happy surprise. She describes a meeting of her missionary group where not many people came because so many in the group were sick or put off by the rain. She asks if Virginia was having trouble swallowing. She writes about the weather and how it is affecting her garden. Ren Taylor has been hospitalized but was sent home and told to rest. Cordelia ends by saying she hopes that the recipient watches "Geri" as the recipient has carried a heavy load a long time and should let "Geri" catch up.

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1 October 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that she can't believe that 1975 is almost over. Virginia sent her 24 skeins of very pretty yarn. She continues by discussing how beautiful the weather has been and how good it was for her tomatoes and flowers. Then she worries about the news of gas and oil shortages, inflation, and the government's urging recipients of Social Security to deposit their checks in the bank. She then informs them that there are plans to build a new shopping center on Jefferson Street and she thinks this is a bad idea. She wishes them well and asks if Dolores is in L.A.

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15 October 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that the weather has been very nice but everyone is talking a lot about robberies and petty crime. She writes of the death of "Mrs. Taliaferro" and says that "Mr Taliaferro" is very upset but only time and prayer will heal him. She says she is watching closely to keep worms away from the pine tree. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Craghead both brought her some food from their garden but she gave some of it to Sallye. She tells her children that it is getting darker earlier so they should remind Angela to be careful. She also reminds them that Virginia is dealing…

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22 October 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that the weather has been lovely and that "Rev. Jay" has been serving as Roanoke's first black mayor. She mentions the recent funeral of a local florist and her recent missionary group meeting. She says that Diane went on a trip to Maine and would send pictures and that Virginia had been in the hopsital. Cordelia says her garden is still pretty, but the soon frost will come and she'll have to content herself with making afghans. The Zetas are organizing an auxilliary and though she served for them 25 or 30 years ago "they are better known as friends."

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29 October 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that she is happy "that the children can go to school in daylight" and the weather has been warm. She thinks that world is a mess after listening to the news and that they should just ask God to take care of them. She congratulates Andrea on her good report and asks if Angela's has come in yet. She writes about the garden club show and says she will enclose some clippings (not enclosed). She ends by telling them that "Taylor was unanimously elected mayor by "Council."

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5 November 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that she is sorry about their research problems but that "these setbacks of every description go with living." She asks whether their President has "made a good move or a bad one?" She writes that she sees Nixon, Ford, and Kissinger as a trio at the head of government and that she hopes they do not wake up "in Russia's Power." She is grateful for the beautiful weather as it is keeping her heating bill low. She will be happy when the recipient gets her degree. She then describes the dresses she bought with Hazel and tells Don to not "over tax" and to…

GLC09587.327

12 November 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She hopes that they are having the best life it has to offer and that they are well. There is still "lovely weather" and she is using the yarn Virginia sent her. Something is wrong with her color T.V. and she needs to get it fixed. She has the option of buying a new one. She writes that the Nixon, Ford, and Kissinger administration is corrupt. Her friend, Mrs. Bessie Price is in a hospital in Charlottesville. She just planted the spring bulbs. Her utility taxes have been increased for electric and gas and soon on water. She says politicans only…

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20 November 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She says that the weather is good and in the eighties. She mentions that someone is now aware that they are a candidate for a degree, but does not say who specifically. She may be talking about either Geraldine or Hamilton, both received PhDs. Mayor Webber's wife had a stroke yesterday and died last night in a hospital. She heard President Carter's speech on T.V and liked it but did not like Reagan. Her children are welcome home anytime. She mentions that she heard the F.B.I. threatened Dr. King's life and told him to commit suicide. The reverse…

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26 November 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She starts the letter by relaying the prayer from Church that morning. Mrs. Price passed away Tuesday night. Tomorrow is thanksgiving day and Cordelia is grateful for what she has. Diane, Virginia's daughter, called her saying she would not be able to visit during the month but would soon with her mother. She worries that a fire in California is close to where her son, H. Hamilton Williams, is living. She mentions that Dolores got good ratings. She also writes about Angela and Andrea, who are Graldine's twin girls. Similar to Eugene Williams used…

GLC09587.330

3 December 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She asks how everything is going and says that the high for the day is forty degrees. There are three funerals she is attending close together who were members of her Sunday School. She has to get started preparing for Christmas. She has to include Sallie and Bill on her holiday list of gifts even though she hates to shop. It would be easier for her if she had someone to shop with. Her poinsettia are in full bloom. She is representing Hazel in the auxiallary of the Zetas and will meet once a month at a members home. She was selected to be a…

GLC09587.331

30 December 1975

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She remarks that this is the last letter of 1975 and also the last letter she can write for ten cents because the price of stamps keep increasing. She is happy they all had a good Christmas. She loves both of her dresses. She notes the Christmas presents she received, including a white sweater, powder, and a pen from Geraldine. Bernie Hackly, the mail carrier, died in D.C. yesterday and will be buried in Roanoke on New Years Day. She does not like having sleet on Christmas day. She hopes they are all blessed for the New Year. She says that she…

GLC09587.332

7 January 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. It is her first letter of the new year. She writes that Sally wrote thank you cards and that they were put in the mail. A young man is now living with Cordelia. He is a trainee from Memphis, Tenessee and is staying for nine weeks. She writes that George Lee is spending time with Hazel Rebecca who is growing up to be a "very admireable young lady." Hazel asked Cordelia to make her an afghan and brought her yarn. She says the weather is bad and to be careful and that schools are closed. The young man found a house closer to where he needed to be…

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January 13, 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She hopes that they are well and happpy. She writes that the delicious candy came yesterday. She wishes they were there to enjoy the candy with her. She is going out to pay her utility bills. Her gas bill is higher than it has ever been. She liked hearing Kennedy's brother in law on T.V., who is most likely Peter Lawford. She has two girls rooming with her from Floyd, Viginia. They are going to be teachers. They are supposed to stay for nine weeks and are in school at Virginia State. Mrs. Bertha Johnson gave her some butter and sausage from her…

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February 4, 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. There was snow yesterday and rain is predicted. She prepared for the bad weather. She feels like politicians are not doing enough for the people because taxes keep rising. She writes that there are two girls living with her. Shes likes one of the girls but does not care for the one from New Jersey. She has friends take care of her transportation to Sunday School. Dellas says she really appreciated their Christmas cards. She just receieved pink poinsettias but does not have any more room for house plants. She eats a couple pieces of the chocolate…

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February 11, 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She writes that it was cold on Sunday but the weather has been nice since. Geraldine called Sunday and said she would call Karen, James' daughter. She feels like Karen does not acknowledge that she exists still. Karen may visit her for Easter but it is not definite. Harry, James' son, has a very nice office "with 9 rooms and a white assistant." A group is celebrating "Black Heritage" over the course of three days. An exhbit of pictures came from the Smithsonian and groups of students went to see it to discuss achievements of black people. There…

GLC09587.336

18 February 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams to her children. She writes that she hopes all is well "on the home front." She is enjoying warmer temperatures but says everyone wants it to rain. She has some flowers in bloom. She hopes March does not bring heavy snow like it has before. The survival of a nearby hospital looks doubtful are she thinks some black doctors are reponsible for what happens, but does not specify what happened. Mrs. Chartton carried her to a missionary group meeting and they ate good food. Roanoke may cut down on its bus service. The girls are finally moving out. She is not sorry that…

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February 25, 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams. She remarks that the weather has been great and tells anecdotes about making afghans. She also reports that Mrs. Danderidge's husband is sick and tells a disturbing story that Mable Dupree's son was found in his sister's D.C. home, dead in a pool of blood. She reminds them that "God still rules this world." To her, politicians are only interested in themselves and money since the General Assembly has voted to raise their salaries. She mentions Nixon's trip to China, Medicare, and social security. She sends love and blessings and signs off, "Mom."

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3 March 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams. She remarks that the weather has been warm and they are in need of rain. Her girls left on March 2nd, and she says she misses them. She also notes that Virginia wrote her a letter yesterday praising them, particularly Dolores and Sandra. All of the news lately has been politics and Cordelia hopes the "best man gets elected." She talks about the greed of politicians raising their own salaries. She signs off with love and blessings after Sally interrupted her letter with a phone call.

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17 March 1976

Williams, Cordelia Shelton, 1889-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Letter from Cordelia Williams. She talks about the weather and says the sick are getting better. She says she wants her children to read an article and tell her what they think of it (article is not attached). Sallye was with her yesterday, who is on the Y.W.C.A. board. She talks about her spring plants that are in bloom. She sends love and blessings.

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