Family Information [Elizabeth White & Isaac Mitton Stewart]

Isaac Mitton Stewart

Mary Ann Syer - Mother of Elizabeth White

Isaac Mitton Stewart - Husband of Elizabeth White

Elizabeth White

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Mary Ann Syer & William White > Elizabeth White & Isaac Mitton Stewart > Elizabeth Stewart & William Wilson Fife> Isaac Davis Fife & Margaret Miller > Clyde Miller Fife

Some family information [William Wilson & Elizabeth Stewart]

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1944? [Fairfield, CA]

Dear folks,

My first ride in the 1941 Chevrolet took me almost to Bakersfield. There I waited for 2 minutes when a 1942 Buick took me all the way to Stockton. He cruised at about 65 mph. Two young contractors were in the car. I had the whole backseat to myself. They were grand fellows and treated me like a brother. They treated me to a delicious dinner at the best restaurant we could find. A 41 Nash then took me 5 blocks to my destination in Oakland. This trip took 10 hours and was much more pleasant than any streamliner.

I visited Elaine Peterson that night. She is quite a girl. I also called up Lincoln Sheranian and invited him to the dances at Berkeley and Oakland. Perhaps I can double date with him when I return.

Last night I went to MIA at Sacramento. We had a marvelous lesson Lucille and Keith treated me grand. I am leaving this morning. I should be back in about 14 days.

Love, Clyde

September 14, 1945

Dear folks,

I received your letter. Thanks for the information. I have everything I need now. However, I will still remain in the service for about 6 to 9 months. I only have 48 prints now.

Last Sunday I went to Berkeley Ward again and enjoyed myself immensely. I was with Lida Johnson for several hours. I can say she is a good Mormon girl and also a health farmers daughter and she wants to get married. Tuesday evening I went to MIA at San Fransisco ward. Mark Anderson, Beth & Martina's brother was there. Also Bill Hunter. We had a rather pleasant evening. Thursday night Mark and I visited the LDS service mens home and a few of my girlfriends.

Saturday morning I am scheduled to leave on a trip and will probably be back in a bout 10 or 20 days. I will try to come home after this trip.

My health is fine and I have truly been having a marvelous time the past few weeks.

Trusting you are all well and happy.

Love, Clyde

January 27, 1944

Dear folks,

I had a most pleasant 4 days up here in the bay area, however there is still no place like home.

Last Monday morning January 22nd I arrived here at Hamilton. After straightening out my affairs I left for Burlingame in the evening. I had a pleasant visit with Aunt Lizzie & Ruth & a beautiful bedroom all by myself for the night. Ruth & Aunt Lizzie have colds and Uncle Lelands work seems to be quite a strain on him. However he is still pretty good health. The next morning Aunt Lizzie prepared me a most delicious breakfast. Paul is coming home as room as transportation is provided for him. He seems to have a case of malaria. They will probably place him at Ledermans Hospital in San Fransisco.

Tuesday noon I had a pleasant hitch hiking trip to Sacramento. There I met Lucille and Keith and attended MIA with them. They have a most beautiful ward & a fine group of young people.

Keith offered to let me take his car and go out with some of the young ladies. They both treated me grand and gave up their best bed to me. The next day I went to Oakland and took a young lady to a dance at the Claremount Hotel. It was all most enjoyable except having to wait for transportation. The following day I enjoyed an interesting visit with Aunt Agnes and family. Ruth had a bad cold but the rest of the family were in good health. That evening I had pleasant visit with Pat Jones. They certainly work her hard. I still think she is still quite a charming personality and I enjoy her company. That evening I stayed with Stanton Smith who is Norma Fife's brother. I related to him my visit with his brothers Keith and Paul. They also treated me fine.

The next afternoon I visited with Bob McDonald at Sant Roza Army Air Base. He is flying P38s. They keep him so busy that he has very little time for recreation. He certainly misses Wilshire Ward and a young lady named Dawna Cushing.

June 2, 1945 [Hamilton Field, California]

Dear folks,

I had a most pleasant trip to Sacramento. The first car you saw me go into took me almost to Bakersfield. From there, I rode to Bakersfield with a lady whose son had married a Mormon girl. I told her how fortunate her son was.

The manager of the Victoria theater in LA drove me from there to Modesto. Two more quick rides & there I was at Sacramento by 5:30 pm. Donald and Betty were at Lucilles, but I didn't hae an opportunity of seeing them. However, I did enjoy the play which was put on my the young ladies of Sutter Ward. After the play I had some refreshments at the home of Dorothy Holbrook. However I am not overly in love with Dorothy. Perhaps I am slightly intrigued by Ruby Fillerup. Wednesday morning I thumbed to Oakland and visited with Aunt Agnes & family. Margaret was also there. They treated me grand. That afternoon I visited with the Hiltons & had supper with them. Then I called up Mark Lauper, the young fellow I met at champaign Illinios and was with me at Fort Sumner New Mexico. He was just married. That evening he and the rest of his family were going to the Claremont Hotel. Therefore he asked me to find a young lady & join them. We had a rather enjoyable time, however it was quite crowded. Dennis Lauper, Lowell's missionary companion was also there.

Thursday evening I was free again so I went to Petaluma 20 miles north of the Field. The MIA there was holding a social that night at the home of Dr. Lewis, a wealthy mormon doctor. They have a small mansion. There were 2 charming young ladies there plus several other young people. We had an exciting time playing croquet in the back yard. Then we sang songs & ate refreshments. Last night, I went to a dance at Homestead Ward Sacramento & had a marvelous time. I was the only soldier there as usual.

Today I am leaving on a trip & should be back within 2 weeks. I am in perfect health and trust you are also.

Love,

Clyde

July 3, 1945 [7:00 pm]

Dear folks,

I received my little black book that you sent me. Thanks. Last Thursday eventing I went to MIA at Petaluma with Joe Van Siters and old missionary companion of mine. He is a P38 pilot about to go overseas. We had an interesting time.

Friday morning after I called you, I took Pat Jones to dinner, then for a walk thru the park. She is is most pleasant company, then I saw Eleanore Waldron who had just arrived at her cadet nurse quarters. I talked with her for a while.

That evening I went to the Pioneer stake dance at San francisco ward. They had a marvelous orchestra and I met a rather interesting young lady. Saturday I hitch hiked to Gridley arriving there at 4:30 pm. Aunt Mabel and her daughter Mabel were there. At night I went to a dance. Sunday morning I went to Sunday School, after which to the home of Bob and marvis for Dinner. They had a marvelous meal. Both of them seem very happy and they have a beautiful farm. I ate all the peaches my heart desired from their trees. That evening I attended services at Marysville. Apostle Harold B. Lee was there. He also gave an excellent talk at fireside.

That evening I slept at their new Service Mens Home at Marysvale. It is very home like and quite large and beautiful.

The next morning I hitch hiked to Oakland, stopping off with Keith Thomas at Sacrament for a couple of hours. He is certainly a fine fellow. Late at night I arrived at Hamilton field. This evening I expect to leave on a trip. I should probably be back in 2 weeks or less.

Love, Clyde.

July 17, 1944

Dear folks,

I had a most pleasant train ride to San Fransisco. We arrived in the station promptly at 6:00 pm. I called up Pat Jones but she was out for the evening.

Therefore, I decided to attend the Claremont Ward over in Berkeley. They had an unusually fine service. Everyone was so sociable and they had such a fine group of young ladies. Incidentally that beautiful brunette that I went out with was also there. We attended a very fine fireside group. For refreshments a large piece of delicious watermelon was served. It was very encouraging to hear of the numerous parties and dances that they have planned. Perhaps I might take Pat Jones to some. After the fireside one of the couples drove me to Jack and Margaret's where I stayed for the night. Margaret prepared breakfast for me this morning at 7:00 am I left her house and arrived at the field at 8:45 am. She and Jack might spend a few days of their August vacation in LA. I will let you know more when they have definite plans. For the next 2 weeks I will remain here at the field for my on the job training.

Love, Clyde

1 - Clyde Testimony [no date]

I think that this is a talk that Clyde gave during a sacrament meeting:

Our 13th article of faith states in part: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent & in doing good to all men. -

This is perhaps the most self explanatory article of all - & it includes the personal virtues we try so hard to live by. We believe in being honest & true because a liar in no wise can enter into the kingdom of heaven - An honest man is a friend of the Lord.

We are honest and true because we love our fellowmen and we want to take no unfair or dishonest position against them. - In all our dealings we truly believe that 2nd great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. . - Last, we are honest & true because we want the peace and harmony that comes from honesty and truthfulness - to thine own self be true! It is the way of peace. - there is no greater sermon on truth telling than these 15 words - To lie to a child is to plant a weed in a garden of flowers. -

A short time ago a friend of ours was telling us about a family he knew. - the parents had been called to school. - because their young son always seemed to be taking pencils and other things home from school that didn't belong to him. - the father said to him " son, I really don't see why you took those pencils - haven't I been bringing enough pencils home from my work for you." - I wonder where he got the idea to take these things home from school. Parents must set the proper example.

Dishonesty comes in many forms, in robbing money tills, or stealing commodities from employers, - in falsifying accounts, in taking advantage of other taxpaying people by misuse of food stamps and false claims. - in taking unreal exemptions, in taking out government or private loans without intent to repay. in declaring unjust improper bankruptcies to avoid repayment of loans - in robbing on the street or in the home of money and other precious possessions. In stealing time by giving less than a full day of honest labor for a full days compensation.

Elder Gordon B Hinckley tells of receiving an unsigned letter containing a $20 bill and a brief note which stated that the writer had come to his home many years ago. - when there was no response to the bell. - he had tried the door and finding it unlocked, had entered and walked about. on the dresser he saw a $20 bill - took it and left - through the years his conscience had bothered him and he was now returning the money.

Elder hinckley also told of a similar story that came out in a Salt Lake City Newspaper. 59

I pray that our heavenly father will help us as latter day saints to comprehend the full implications and meaning of honesty and set the right example in our daily lives. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

August 8, 1944

Dear Folks,

I was happy to receive your last letter. Father, thanks for the article. It contained clearer information regarding our work than I have yet seen. I have kept myself very busy dancing and sleeping. Saturday evening I double dated with a sailor who was Dick Petit's missionary companion. We had a very interesting time at a dance held at the Scotch Rite Hall in Oakland. Bill Nelson & his wife were also there.
Yes finally I am going on a trip in a C54. By the time you receive this letter I will be in Hawaii or some place in that vicinity. I will tell you about everything when I return.
Sunday morning this sailor & I attended Sunday School at Ian Rafael 8 miles from the field. It was just like a Branch in the mission field & the testimonies were very impressive.

Love, Clyde

Sunday, November 25, 1945

Dear Folks,
I had a most pleasant trip back. The weather was perfect & the scenery was intoxicating. Also I enjoyed my two passengers. The car ran like a charm. Friday night I went to a party & dance at the L.D.S. Service mens home. Last night I had the time of my life at the dance in Oakland. I fell in love with several girls that I have known for some time.
The point system is still unpredictable. It will probably be around 2 weeks or so before they let me out.
It rained hard yesterday. You can hardly realize what added pleasure & comfort it was to have a car & keep dry. If it is possible I will gladly give you $15 to rent Geves car for a couple of weeks. A car here is worth its weight in gold.
If you can't see your way clear I will try to get 2 days off & drive the car home or have one of my reliable friends do it. However, I would give anything if you could spare it.
I am leaving on a trip to Hawaii today at noon. I should return this Tuesday evening. Answer me immediately then I will call you up by phone & act accordingly.

Love, Clyde.

War Letter: 9.15.1944

Saturday, September 15, 1944

Letter from Clyde Fife to his parents

Left Fairfield on a LB30 for Honolulu. Weather at Fairfield cold and windy. Arrived at 4 pm. 11 hr flight. Took a shower – went to L.D.S. tabernacle – scheduled dance cancelled. Chaplain Boud & Chaplin Watkins obtained Motion Picture Valley of Decision with Greer Garson – She is the type of wife I am looking for. Sat in comfortable lounge chairs at LDS rest home while viewing the movie. Chaplain Boud drove me back to my quarters at Hickam Field in his Station Wagon. Sunday at 9 AM Chaplain Boud picked me up in his Station Wagon and drove me to church. Met Howard Riri there, also Steve Tanner, Calvin Cottam, Ernie Keller and numerous others. Had amusing flirtation with young 18 year old girl before Sunday School.

After Sunday School, Ernie Keller took me to the Pleasanton Hotel for dinner. Had delicious Island Roast Duck. Dorve up in the hills with Ernie and his friend Dick Andalin in their convertible. Went to Ice Cream shop across the street from L.D.S. Tabernacle. It was overrun with my LDS friends. Walked to evening service at Japanese Mission. The Japanese girls were most beautiful and extremely friendly. Almost all the LDS boys have decided that many of these Japanese girls are more genuinely friendly, more beautiful and better all around sports than the majority of American girls. We then went to Waikiki Ward evening service. It was fair, However, the American girls there are cold, conceited and brass happy. They assume that they are doing you a big favor by accompanying you on a date. Fireside was held at the beautiful home of Brother and Sister Knapp. About 90 were present. Refreshments of root beer floats, avocado sandwiches, etc.. were delicious. Doug Dana and I went with Chaplain Boud and to his party to a beautiful Hawaiian home (Cris Anna) where the wife and daughter had refreshments for us which included hot chocolate, fresh milk, butter jam, hot rolls and whole made ice cream. Von Call played the piano and chaplain Boud did some juggling. He is quite the skilled comedian. He also permits the young girls to kiss him on the top of his bald head. Chap. Boud then drove me to my quarters. at 2 pm Monday Von Call flew Doug Dana and me to Hilo in the island of Hawaii the scenery was breathtaking. We visited at the L.D.S. mission home and conversed with two Chinese Lady missionaries. They were most hospitable and friendly. We then called up Ailiene Chong who is an LDS Chinese girl. She is beautiful, well educated, talented and had an automobile. Richard Kerr used to visit with her often and escort her to his officers dances. She asked all about him and the girl he married. At her house Doug Dana played the piano while she sang and danced for us. I truly wish that I had learned to play the piano. We then had refreshment of fresh milk and cake. The mother and father of Aileen were typical of the old fashioned traditional chinese. With Aileen we c ould be ourselves. However, in the presence of her mother and father, we sometimes wondered how we should act. However, they treated us grand and her mother said if we couldn't find a place to sleep that we could sleep in their dog house. Their home was plain and simple but quite homelike. Aileene drove us out to the airfield. ON the way out there she mentioned that the Hilo moon had strange powers and was different than any other moon. She also expressed a strong desire that we return to Hilo next month for their big LDS dance. It will be difficult for Aileene to find an LDS Chinese boy of her equal. The technique of the chinese boys is lacking something in contrast to the Americans.

Doug and I left at 7:30 am Tuesday morning with Von Call in his C47. The 400 mile trip took 2 hours. For the remainder of the day I decided to rest. Therefore I took in the baseball game across the street from my quarters. Johnny Beesely of World Series fame pitched an interesting baseball game. (2400 miles) at 10 PM I left for Kwajelun in the Marshalls arriving there at noon the next day which was Thursday. Crossing the International date line going west you lose a day.

On arriving at Kwajelun I took a 6 mile boat trip to Ebeye which is the naval stall headquarters of the Gilberts and the Marshalls. There I visited Keith Smith, Norma Fife's brother and Leo Clayburn who was in the mission field. I told them about my intriguing stateside love life. Unfortunately it is probably bad on their morale to hear of my stateside escapades when they are stranded on this coral rock. After supper we went to their refreshment canteen where I consumed 3 cupfulls of free Navy ice cream. Then I played ping pong after which we all took in the moonlight movie which happened to be kiss and tell with Shirley Temple. When a passing cloud dropped a rainstorm on us I had a Navy raincoat called a poncho to protect me. It takes more than a cloud burst to discourage boys in the service from viewing movies.

Upon sleeping in Smiths tent that night a large rat kept scratching about. This was a trifle annoying to say the least. After breakfast that morning I read the book Invitation to Live - which was most fascinating. Then I returned to my quarters at Kwajelun. There I took a sun bath then a swim in the warm waters of the South Pacific coral islands. I visited Kenneth Dietz a LDS boy from Iowa who is engaged to Margaret Berrett of Berkeley, Calif. It is my privilege to commute back and forth for them they would make an ideal couple. Both are faithful to one another beyond words. That evening we saw a USO show entitled Five Pips and a Drip. It was better than the average USO show.

At midnight I left for Guam arriving there early in the morning. I visited with Lamar Bluth an LDS boy who is the senior Douglas Tech Representative for ATC C54s. He was the first civilian in Tokyo. He has also saved $100,000. I hitchhiked to the Island command Headquarters where I visited with Chaplain Jackson from Oakland who was activng as Island Command Chaplain. His assistant drove me to the Fleet Records Office, 15 miles away, where I visited Bob Kline, Woodrow Mousely and Kay Anderson, Martinas brother. We had a most pleasant reuinion together. The different LDS branches there have a basketball league. Before the game that afternoon we made a wholemade freezer of ice cream, I licked the dasher. During the game, bob Kline broke his ankle. I titch Hiked back thru the dusty roads of Guam to Air Depot Field. There I took a cold refreshing shower and went to bed. Two hours later I was alerted for a trip to Okinawa.

Link to additional photos of Clyde

My cousin Kelly took the time to scan additional pictures of clyde - awesome!

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