See different blog post for Family History of E. Lieuween Tonkinson (Chase)
(more photos of Eva under the posts for Marianne Heald, Julia Neavolls)
(more photos of Eva under the posts for Marianne Heald, Julia Neavolls)
Where she lived and when:
Birth until 1929: 708 North Millington Street, Winfield, Kansas
July 1929: 1312 Main Street (Campbell Apartments), Winfield, Kansas
October 1931; 1225 East Eleventh Street, Winfield, Kansas
1932: 1513 Hackney, Winfield, Kansas
December 1934: 432 College Street, Winfield, Kansas
April to December 1935: 504 South Evergreen, Chanute, Kansas
January to April 1937: 901 West Main Street, Chanute, Kansas
April 1937 to April 1938: 219 South Steuben, Chanute, Kansas
April 1938 to May 26, 1944: 1609 Sixth Ave, Dodge City, Kansas
May 26, 1944 to July 1952: 21 East 51 Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri
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| E. Lieuween Tonkinson's Winfield High School yearbook 1922 - 1927 |
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| another view of E. Lieuween Tonkinson's yearbook |
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| E. Lieuween Tonkinson, age 15, 1922 |
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| E. Lieuween Tonkinson, age 15 in 1922 |
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| E. Lieuween Tonkinson, 1924 |
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| E, Lieuween Tonkinson, age 17, 1924 |
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| E. Lieuween Tonkinson, age 18 in 1925 |
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Lieuween wrote these details of her courtship and marriage to Hamilton Chase in her scrapbook in 1929:
On a certain evening in the early spring of 1929, I was spending the evening with a friend. We had gone to a movie -- then were sitting in a confectionary talking -- mostly about what a queer thing “love” was. At that time it was a subject I didn’t quite understand and couldn’t explain now. However, my companion was engaged and thrilled with the thoughts of her marriage which was to take place in the near future. As for me, I had never met my prince charming and was teaching and accompanying and resigned myself to be an old maid.
A few weeks later, another acquaintance, Warren Swanson, said he had a friend whom he would like to have me meet. It was finally arranged and on May 14, 1929, I met Hamilton Chase. The three of us went to Arkansas City that evening to a movie. Hamilton and I was a great deal of each other from that time on, and it wasn’t long until I had developed a severe case of “heart trouble.” On June 17, 1929, Hamilton returned from Topeka and brought me my ring, a handsome ½ carat diamond in a charming platinum setting. The following week a very dear friend of mine, Catharine Snyder, gave a delightful Betoken shower for me. Everyone had a good time and I received many useful gifts, nearly all of which were green. The table decorations were also green and white. The place cards alternated with little brides and grooms. The guests each wrote a recipe for me during the afternoon. Then, I was presented with the utensils with which to try them.
One guest, Sally K. Smith had heard me say several times that if I ever got married, I would use paper dishes in order not to have to wash dishes. Sally gave me a paper table cloth, napkins, cups, plates, forks and spoons and the following poem --
“Since it is one of your wishes
To be not always washing dishes
Accept this bit of “paper ware”
When they are soiled, give them the air.”
Shortly after, Hamilton and I were the guests of his parents in Topeka -- “Will I ever forget it? Not much !”
(They were married in their apartment (Campbell Apartment #1 in Winfield, Kansas) on July 26, 1929.
(Her scrapbook goes on to describe her honeymoon and a list of wedding gifts.)
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Letter to Hamilton Chase
July 24, 1929
From Hortense Crawford, Jay Hawk Hotel, Topeka
Dear Hamilton,
In reading this morning of your approaching marriage, I felt that I wanted to tell you how deeply interested I am -- you see, when you watch each step in the lives of the children of your close friends, there creeps in an abiding interest in their happiness and well-being. Having heard through Margaret Mosby such beautiful things of your future wife, I am sure you are both most fortunate in having each other. No one wishes you greater success and lasting happiness and I send you both my love.
Most sincerely,
Hortense Crawford
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| To Hamilton from Senator Arthur Capper with wedding congratulations 1929 |
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| to Hamilton from Senator Arthur Capper 1929 |
To Hamilton Chase (from his fraternity brother and roommate, Robert Llewellyn Wright, son of
Frank Lloyd Wright)
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
Winfield, Kansas
From Robert Llewellyn Wright, Chicago, Illinois
November 12, 1929
Dear Ham,
Your letter finally reached me after some delay and I am very grateful for it. It made me think that there was perhaps some excuse for the letter to “Tim” after all but it usually takes years to life down one of those public outbursts.
I heard of your marriage some time ago and want to take this opportunity to congratulate you. Brother Snydacker who showed me an original clipping of that event, was detected by me at the Deke tea Saturday, after the Chicago game, with a young lady whom he rushed away for the purpose of feeding, although food was being served at the house. That will give you an idea of his present financial and spiritual condition.
The game was hardly encouraging, even though a victory, and I should think a bet on Kansas would be better than one on Wisconsin almost any Saturday this year. Personally, I am again using Cornell as my football alma mater, at least until the Dartmouth game.
I am now working for Mayer, Meyer, Austrian and Platt which, as you may have heard, is a law office. Still going to night school and will not finish my law course till June. Starvation wages but the most interesting job I ever had.
Being married ought not to keep you out of Chicago indefinitely and we ought to be able to stage some sort of a get together before long.
Sincerely,
B. Wright
619 Cornelia Street
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| To Hamilton Chase from Robert Llewellyn Wright 1929 |
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| Letter from Robert Llewellyn Wright 1929 |
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| To Hamilton Chase from fraternity brother and roommate, Robert L Wright with wedding congratulations 1929 |
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| To Hamilton Chase from his brother-in-law, David G Nethercot |
From Ayres D Lundy of Sargent & Lundy
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
1412 Edison Building, Chicago
To Hamilton Chase
Campbell Apartments
1312 Main Street
Winfield, Kansas
November 16, 1929
Dear Hamilton,
The enclosed check $ 250.00 is particularly intended to make certain that your wife and child shall receive the very best medical attention during and previous to the coming event.
It may also be considered as an additional wedding present, and Christmas present, should there be any surplus.
Your Aunt Mary and I hope to see you next summer when we plan to drive to Topeka, and to Winfield.
Yours Sincerely,
Uncle Ayres
A D Lundy
(There is a note next to this letter in Lieuween’s scrapbook from 1930 and it reads:
It is impossible to state how happy and thankful Hamilton and I were to receive the letter and check from our dear Uncle Ayres. His generosity made us feel that there really was a Santa Claus. )
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| To Hamilton Chase from Ayres Lundy, November 1929 |
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| Ayres D Lundy with his sister-in-law, Annie Thompson Chase in the 1920s |
Lieuween wrote these details of the birth of her only child, Frances Lieuween Chase in her scrapbook in 1930:
Frances Lieuween Chase was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Winfield, Kansas on May 15, 1930 at 10:07 am. The physician was Dr. H. L. Snyder, assisted by Dr. Howard Snyder. The nurse was Sister Valeria assisted by Sister Marcella. At birth, Frances Lieuween weighed 9 ¼ lbs.
Frances received many flowers while at St. Mary’s. First came an enormous bouquet from her Daddy consisting of a dozen red roses, a dozen red gladiolas and a dozen red and white carnations.
(Lieuween then documents the flower arrangements given from 21 other friends and relatives. She also recorded every present received with the name of the person who gave the present.)
Frances is a very observing child. Many of our friends have made the same remark, so it isn’t only her fond parents. She likes people very much and tries in her baby way to help mother entertain when guests call.
One noon when Frances was 3 months old, her Daddy and I were playing with her and I said “Boo.” She surprised us with a delightful little laugh -- her first. It certainly was sweet to hear her -- and since she has given us much pleasure by laughing when we talk and play with her.
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| Lieuween T Chase holding Frances L Chase, August 1930 |
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| Hamilton Chase holding Frances L Chase; August 1930; Winfield, Kansas |
When we was about 3 ½ months old, she would take hold of our fingers with her tiny little hands and pull herself to an upright position. By the time she was 4 months, she could sit alone -- it was really her Daddy that gave her confidence and made her understand she was able to sit without tumbling over.
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| Lieuween T Chase holding Frances Chase; August 1930 |
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| Hamilton Chase holding Frances Chase; August 1930; Winfield, Kansas |
When she was 5 months I started training -- we bought her a pretty little many colored chair -- and she was a very apt pupil. From that age on she seemed to grow so rapidly. Now when she laughs she wrinkles her little nose along with it. She now gets to have orange juice and cream of wheat as well as her bottle.
At 6 months, we took her on her first trip (November 14, 1930) -- we had previously taken her to Wichita, Arkansas City -- Ponca City, Cedardale and other places nearby. But this time we took her to Topeka for 5 days to see her Grandmother and Grandaddy Chase. They were delighted to have her and took her to see all of their friends. She also started to patta- cake about this time. Her Mamma T. did a great deal toward teaching her that.
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| Frances Lieuween Chase, November 1930 |
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| Charles Sheldon was the leader of the Social Gospel movement, who wrote In His Steps |
(The scrap book goes on with entries about Christmas, the New Year and Valentine’s Day etc)
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Lieuween T. Chase had her appendix removed in January 14, 1931 and was in the hospital for two weeks. Lieuween’s mother, Annie Lawson Tonkinson, and Lieuween’s sister, Polly, cared for Frances and Hamilton during that time.
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| Hamilton holding Frances Chase; March 1931; Winfield, Kansas |
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| Frances L Chase, March 1931, Winfield, Kansas |
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| Frances L Chase, March 1931, Winfield, Kansas |
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| Frances L Chase, March 1931, Winfield, Kansas |
May 15, 1931
Frances Lieuween Chase’s First Birthday
Happy Birthday to Frances
We are so very proud of our little daughter and she is dear and sweet. When she was only 11 months old, she could creep quite rapidly and walk with someone holding her little hands. Her Daddy asks her “Where is Daddy’s Sweetheart?” Mamma T asks “Where is Mama T’s Huntuckle ?” and I ask “Where is Mama’s Doll Baby?” to which the answer to each is a pat on her little head. When we greet her, we say “ Hello Francie” whereupon she extends her little chubby right hand and says “Hi.” On departing she waves her little fingers and says “Bye Bye”. Mama T. taught her to dance just toe- oodle - de - do or Turkey in the Straw and her little feet go up and down right away. Of course we support her but she is awfully cute. She just bubbles over with excitement when we dress her to go riding. Whenever anyone, chiefly her Daddy, clears their throat, Frances gets quite a coughing spell and clears hers too. When we took her to the duck pond, she thought the ducks were clearing their throats when they went “quack - quack” , so she helped.
Frances had a birthday cake but was small to enjoy it. Mama T gave her a tiny crystal candle stick so she had one little candle burning in the holder on the table and enjoyed it hugely.
Frances weighed 23 lb, 5 ½ oz on her first birthday and has teeth. A day or so ago, I was very busy and the telephone rang. It wasn’t possible for me to have my tack and it continued to ring. Frances enjoys talking over the telephone and recognized it. She started calling “Mama, Mama” and squealing to the to her husky lungs to make me answer.
Frances’ hair was quite dark until after she was 2 months old and now her hair is nearly as light as Hamilton’s was when he was 2 years old. She is her Daddy girl.
Frances was enrolled in the cradle roll at the christian church on May 24, 1931.
For her birthday, Mama T gave Frances a darling quilt to fit her bed, Bo Peep pattern, with the enclosed card: “ To Little Frances; stitches of love to the dearest little granddaughter in the whole world, from Mama T. “ Also, the tiny candlestick already mentioned, a red toy wrist watch, and two pairs of silk anklets (1 blue and 1 white).
Mother and Daddy Chase sent $ 5.00 with which we bought a playpen and some blocks.
Her eyes are still a deep blue and she is wearing blue almost entirely this summer. Her Daddy and I gave her a little blue silk coat (with a cape), blue hat and two little dresses to match (and a pair of little white shoes). She looks adorable.
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| Frances Lieuween Chase, July 1931, Winfield, Kansas |
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| Hamilton Chase helping Frances Chase, July 1931, Winfield, Kansas |
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| Hamilton Chase with Frances Chase at the home of Annie and Harold Chase 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas, Labor Day 1931 |
July 1931
Hamilton’s vacation came in July and we spent almost a week in Topeka with Mother and Daddy Chase. While we were up there (July 11th), Frances took her first steps alone. I really can’t say which was the most thrilled and excited; Frances or her parents altho I believe the latter. She looked so cute -- just like a little toy doll; rather stiff-legged and her little hands spread and held just so.
It is August 31, 1931 now and of course she leads me on a merry chase. Whenever she sees a very small baby, she greets him with “Hi Baby! “ It always brings a laugh. She’s quite fond of her little cousin Donald and delights in pushing him in his Taylor -tot. They carry on a conversation of quite a serious nature that is understood only by them.
Frances likes “bach” (zweibach) very much and after each meal, she reaches her little hand up and says “ bach ?” After her request has been granted, she says “hanks” (thanks).
She shows signs of being quite a jazz baby. Every chance she sees, she turns on the radio and selects a hot jazz orchestra playing the latest hits in a mean way, and her little feet start going up and down or else she goes up and down just bending her knees in perfect rhythm. She can reach the piano keyboard a little easier now and several times a day when passing the piano, she reaches up and plays a few scales.
We have never rocked Frances to sleep, due probably to the fact that we haven’t a rocker in the house, but in the evening if she’s tired before we return from our ride, either her Mama T. or I sing a lullaby to her consisting of “Bye lil’ Baby - Bye” on various tunes; and when we think she is sleeping and stop, she quite often opens one little eye and, in a faint wee voice, says “ Bye - ee”.
I’ve been working several months trying to train her. Everything was fine and dandy so long as I didn’t get too busy and forget to put her on her chair. Then it got so she would tell me, but too late. However, I’m much encouraged now. She is beginning to tell me in time now. When I hear a “ re - ree”, I know its time to get going. She is pretty good about waiting if we’re downtown or in the car until we get home. It sure is a help.
Aunt Fan (Frances Brooks Chase) was very sweet and wrote and lovely letter inviting us to come to visit her in August or September. It was such a disappointment to have to refuse, but I surely hope we will get to go sometime.
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| Annie and Harold Chase with their granddaughter, Frances Chase 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas, September 1931 |
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| Lieuween Tonkinson Chase with daughter Frances Chase Topeka, Kansas on Labor Day, 1931 |
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| Frances Chase on the steps of 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas September 1931 |
To Frances Brooks Chase, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
From Lieuween Tonkinson Chase, Winfield, Kansas
Wednesday evening, 1932
Dear Aunt Fan,
The little dress you sent Frances is just precious. It was very sweet and thoughtful of you to remember her, and thank you very much. The dress is the most adorable shade of blue and looks so cute on her. It fits nicely too. When I tried it on her she was so proud of it and walked around saying “awful feet dess.” I fear she is a rather vain little lassie already -- and loves clothes even at her tender age. Her hair is getting darker and curlier but her eyes are as blue as ever.
Mother and Daddy Chase and Ethel were down for a very short visit last week. It was the first time Ethel had seen Frances. We are thinking of going to Topeka over the weekend if the weather permits. It seems about in the notion to rain at present. We certainly need it -- we have had such dry hot weather already.
Frances is certainly getting full of monkey business. I have to keep an eye on her all of the time. One day this week, she went in the bathroom and turned on the water in the lavatory and flooded the bathroom. The day before yesterday, she got a Feen-a-Mint while I was in the tub and was enjoying the gum hugely when I found her. I made her spit it out, but it was too late. She was on the hop the rest of the day. Last night I was busy in the kitchen and I heard someone outdoors telling her to be careful, that it would (lute?). When I got out I saw a real old man walking along with a cane carrying a market basket of groceries and Frances was disturbing him by taking out his packages. He seemed quite relieved when I called off my child.
Hamilton is out playing golf. He is feeling much better and looks fine. I hate to see hot weather on his account -- so many weeks.
I hope you and Uncle Sam are well. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you again for the dear little dress.
Love, Lieuween
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Comments in a letter about Frances L. Chase from her grandfather, Harold T. Chase
To Samuel Cogswell Chase (brother of Harold T. Chase)
May 27, 1932, Friday Eve
Dear Sam:
First the Lundys “for a week” and then Ethel for a little over have been with us. We drove with Ethel to Winfield for a day - down one day and back the next -- in fine weather. The first time she has seen Frances. She will probably write you. She thought Frances a wonder, and she is. Hamp and Lieuween told us Frances was quite excited over our coming. She met us at the curb and said “Come in!” Then, when we were in she said: “Sit Down.” She talks a blue streak and says everything. She can pronounce any kind of word and hesitates at nothing...
Affectionately, Harold
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| Winfield, Kansas |
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| Notice Frances Chase as a Junior Attendant; Winfield, Kansas, 1933 |
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| May 1934, Winfield, Kansas |
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| 1934, Winfield Kansas |
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| From Frances Brooks Chase |
To Frances L Chase
423 College Street, Winfield, Kansas
From Frances Brooks Chase
“Wild Goose Chase”, R. F. D. No. 2, Dallas, PA, near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
August 16, 1934
Dear Frances: --
Today I looked out the window and there I saw eleven robins all trying to get into the bird bath under the apple tree all at once ! Three got in and how they do splash! Rather than wash themselves. I hope you can get here in September to help me keep it filled.
Ned Milligan has a tiny donkey and there he was in our yard, eating all yellow flowers. I hope you will be here the next time he runs away to eat our grass and help me send him home next door.
Your father’s letter came today and I am so glad your grandmother is better.
Love to your mother, father --
Much love Frances
From Aunt Frances
P.S. I can wait until you can surely find out if you can come in September.
(August the sixteenth)
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Between 1935 and 1937, Lieuween, Hamilton and Frances lived in Chanute, Kansas. This reflection was written by Frances Chase Courtsal, November 2000.
“My parents played bridge regularly with 3 other couples in Chanute. They were Jim and Marian Allen, Lael and Bill Grey, Leslie and Mable-Claire Cable. The group was coming to our house and of course, refreshments were in order. My mother made several fruit cakes, as she did every fall. She wrapped them, as usual, in old linen napkins soaked with brandy and them wrapped them up with foil so they would keep, with the brandy replenished periodically, until Christmas and probably longer.
“They played bridge for a while and then mother went into the kitchen to start serving. The fruit cake she had put out on a plate was not there. She was very sure she had put one out but, no problem, she went to get another. She also noticed that there was a lot of low talking in the living room, which she considered rude. But she went about getting things ready and she brought in the cake. Jim Allen wasn’t there but someone had an explanation.
“Everyone went about getting their serving of this and that and Jim Allen walked in the front door carrying a fruit cake in a bird cage. Was he surprised to see everyone with helpings of fruit cake ! He had gotten into the kitchen earlier and snitched the fruit cake, thinking that would upset my mother something awful and she’d have been apologizing and puzzled. But no, Lieuween had the last laugh.”
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| the final sentence -- "They won't let you say a word, will they?" Frances Chase quoted in the Chanute Tribune, February 21, 1936 |
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| Lieuween T Chase played the organ extensively throughout her life She played this service on April 12, 1936 |
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| Lieuween's notes for the Easter Service, 1936, Episcopal Sunday School Chanute, Kansas |
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Notes from Lieuween Chase about her daughter, Frances, with a lock of Frances' hair:
Dr. Cecil Snyder performed a tonsillectomy on Frances Chase on July 5, 1937 at St. Mary's Hospital in Kansas.
Dr. Brown prescribed Frances' first pair of glasses on October 1, 1937.
He recommended that she have her vision checked every year, 2 weeks after the start of school.
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Lieuween Chase served as organist at St. Cornelius Episcopal Church in Dodge City, Kansas from 1938 - 1944.
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Dr. Cecil Snyder performed a tonsillectomy on Frances Chase on July 5, 1937 at St. Mary's Hospital in Kansas.
Dr. Brown prescribed Frances' first pair of glasses on October 1, 1937.
He recommended that she have her vision checked every year, 2 weeks after the start of school.
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Lieuween Chase served as organist at St. Cornelius Episcopal Church in Dodge City, Kansas from 1938 - 1944.
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Lieuween’s first grand piano was a Smith- Barnes, which she bought in 1943 from Whitelaw Hubbard in Pueblo, Colorado. It was “one of his mother’s most treasured possessions.”
In October 1966, she bought a Steinway M (baby grand) piano from Mabel Talbot. Bill Glesner researched the piano and learned that it was made in 1933. In the fall of 1992, it was appraised at $ 12,000 retail, $ 5000 wholesale. She paid $ 1400 for the piano plus $ 60 for a new keyboard.
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A reflection from Frances Chase Courtsal, Lieuween’s daughter, written on April 9, 1997.
“ When my father’s job moved to Kansas City in 1944, Lieuween proposed that she and I move to Denver to live in a house “with a little picket fence.” I was 14 and knew that there was no such house; just her imagination at work. I remember clearly crying on the sofa while she was on the telephone to my father. I think it was because I cried and of course because she hadn’t the faintest idea how she could support the two of us that she decided to move to
K. C.”
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To Frances Chase Courtsal
From Lieuween Tonkinson Chase
July 30, 1975
Dear Frances,
No feeling of depression accompanies this “Living Will”. Several years ago, Dr. Nobes said people should make a decision and tell their family doctor, clergyman and anyone else. About 4 years ago, I spoke to Dr Kaul while in his office. He told me he couldn’t go along with my full intent but would promise not to prolong my life if anything happened but would do something to relieve pain or suffering if necessary. I saw this Anne Lander’s thing that said what I wanted and went to Mr. McCrary, my attorney. He suggested I talk with Dr Kaul again, which I did. He said a number of his patients were bringing this in. He said it didn’t have to be a legal document, just signatures. This will relieve you of any possible guilt in making a decision. Mr McCrary has one in my file. One will go to Dr Kaul and one to Carroll Proctor (who was later removed in the early 1980’s).
Please tell Charles that I admire the little mouse each time I see it.
Have been doing errands and must get practicing.
We are still so dry. It seems impossible but Prairie Village and Overland Park have been having heavy rains and they don’t reach here. Well, someday.
Hope your writing is going your way.
Love to all the family,
Mother
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