Letter written by Arthur Edwin Lidderdale to Frances and Edward Lidderdale [son of James, Jr., who was Arthur Edwin's youngest brother], a few months before he died, posted on Michael Broscat's web page (www.michaelbroschat.com/WebTopics/mildred/intro4.html):

3 August 1951

Dear Nephew and Niece

Your very nice letter of a recent date is at hand. I see by the post mark that I should have received it much sooner. This is so [because] you have had the wrong address. It is a long time since I have lived in Laurel St. You will note by the letterhead my correct address.

My daughter's [Mildred Elizabeth Lidderdale] husband is in the Navy, and she and the three [two, actually] kids left here two weeks ago and are now with him in Guam, South Pacific. Her two older children are living in her home while they are away. Leonard is a postal carrier, and Shirley is also working. Mildred has a fine home in Redwood City, Calif. This is about fifty miles north of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz is a real tourist city, and thousands are here from distant points every summer. So, the population here in the summer is over fifty thousand more than in the winter. Along the shore of the ocean, the boardwalk is the longest of any on the Pacific Coast. This is always crowded all the afternoons and until one o'clock in the morning. I very seldom go there in the afternoon, but like to go there in the evenings.

Last week, I was pleased to have a visit from Jean [Lidderdale Campbell] and family. They are on their way to New Zealand where her husband has a position with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. He is a chemist. They have three children. It will take them two weeks to get there. I suppose you know of Jean. She is the daughter of George Lidderdale, who lives in Michigan. I am going to send your letter to your Aunt Etha, who lives in Richmond, California. I know she will be interested.

My health is all that could be expected at my age. As you know, I am nearly 86 years.

Love and best wishes to you all.

Uncle Arthur