The Reader (Chapter 31)

The early Depression years saw many changes in the world. In the Stewart family, Martha turned thirteen years of age in 1932 and seemed to be less cranky, as she was apparently outgrowing her allergies. She found a new friend, a long-legged girl like herself, who also wore huge hair bows. Her name was Mary Jane Hoppe, and the two of them had secrets, and did not include me. I felt hurt and left out..father, sensing my pain, made me his "secretary". So, it was my job to read him his mail - the headlines, articles, and market reports in the Tribune every evening, and to proof read back to him all his typewritten correspondence. Also, to stamp and mail his letters in the mailbox on the corner. I was twelve and in the 7th grade and these tasks, and making his tea every afternoon after school, made me feel very important and needed. He always invited Florence to stop her work and have a "cuppa" with us.

This was the year that we received the phone call from Auntie Nan with the news that Aunt Helen's husband, uncle Harry Fagan, had died. Father had tears in his eyes as he typed out a beautiful letter to Helen and signed it "Cambie". He asked me to write out a little note at the bottom of the page. All I could say was, "Dear Aunt Helen. I loved him too - and I am so sorry. Love, Nanny". That was a very sad year as the Lindberg baby was kidnapped and murdered - a crime that left a deep impression on me at age 12, as I had just finished reading "WE" - the story of Lindy's famous flight to father and Irv. I read two other books that year - All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Remarque, and Mother India, by Katherine Mayo. My teacher, Mrs. Ford, saw the books in my school bag to bring to the Community House lending library and promptly wrote a note to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. The note said, "I believe that Nancy is reading books that are too mature for her. Please give this your attention," signed Mrs. Ford. Campbell wrote back on his typewriter, "Dear Mrs. Ford, Please be advised - Nancy is allowed to read whatever she wishes," signed in his "old world" script - Campbell Stewart.