Letter, Irene Conole to her parents
A letter from Irene Conole to her parents describing the injuries she sustained from falling out of the top bunk of her bed during her friend Rosie’s visit. She received two stitches in her chin and X-rays revealed that she had broken her jaw and that it had to be wired shut. Irene writes that she has to stay in the hospital for two weeks to a month and can only eat liquids. She mentions Easter cards and chocolates from home.
[page 1]
7 Apr. 1953
Dear Mother and Dad,
Received the pretty Easter card. I didn’t
send any out for there weren’t any to be
found that I like.
That week end that Rosie came down
almost made a wreck out of me. While I
had to work I kept wondering if the girls
were having a good time. They met some
nice fellows and after the dance I played
chauffeur. I took them and their dates out
to a place where everyone goes. Boy I was
tired and my feet were aching from the
dance. I finally got to bed at 3:45 am
and I had a dream where I was running
to get somewhere. I ran so fast that at
5:00 am I flew from my top bunk to
hit a table three feet away. I cut my ear,
on the inside, put a gash in my chin and
one in my neck, knocked my last tooth
on the lower right side loose and bruised
my left knee and right shoulder. I came
[page 2]
2. up to the hospital at 7:20 am. They had
to take two stitches in my chin and they
say the scar should go away in six months.
I couldn’t eat very well so I lived on
soup for a while until my tooth went
back. My tooth bothered my ear and
I couldn’t sleep good nights. So yesterday
I came to sick call at 8:00 am at the dentist
hoping they would pull the tooth. They
examined it and had 4 X rays taken.
After they saw the X rays they sent me
to the hospital for X rays of my jaw.
I didn’t know what was going on.
When I got back from there Dr. Suitor
talked to me. He is rated one of the top
dental surgeons in the country. He
proceeded to tell me that I have a
fractured jaw. So at 1:00pm I got a
shot that made me dopey and at 1:30pm
I received around twelve novocane
shots in my mouth. Then he wired my
teeth and pressed my jaws together and
wired my teeth together. All I can have
to eat is liquids. This morning I had
my jaws Xrayed and the doctor checked
my teeth. My face isn’t as sore as
it has been for the past week. I don’t
[page 3]
3. know how long I’ll be here but I
think it’s two weeks to a month. So
far I’ve had two penicilin shots. My
shoulder still hurts a little and I’m
going to have them check that too.
Personally I hope no more girlfriends
decide to visit me.
I got your package alright and
Rosie gave me a box of Fanny Farmers
Candy. But I can’t eat them.
Easter Sunday was beautiful here.
Four of us girls got dressed in our
summer suits and had carnation
corsages, which I got from the club,
and went out to eat and just walked
around.
I got an Easter card from Sam,
Ed, Henry and Irene (Ed’s girl).
Rosie dropped me a line to tell me
she made it back home all in one piece.
Well I guess this is all for now
for I think I’ll take a nap. The doctor
came in and checked my shoulder. Says
it’s O.K.
I have a lower bunk now. Seems
funny to be in a hospital.
Love and Kisses
Irene