Pasadena, California. September 19, 1932. Mrs. Ethel Bielenberg Deer Lodge, Montana. Dear Mrs. Bielenberg: It was a joy to see you and talk with you again. I hope the windy ride we had to Butte has been forgotten in the pleasure of our visit. I did so enjoy going to the little lady’s home in Butte and seeing her work. She certainly enlightened me and I shall remember what a sweet person she is and how much interested she is in her work. It is so fine to see people sure of what they want to do. My dear, you will be surprised when I tell you that after telephoning to Plains, we discovered we could not reach that town before that train left so I called Plains again and made an appointment in Helena for 10:30 o’clock the next morning. We turned around and went straight back to Helena after having some dinner. We had a good rest there and were fresh as could be in the morning for our conference. I feel the conversation was worth the miles of driving through the wind. It was my first per- sonal contact and to talk is always more satisfactory than letter writing. I came away very hopeful for the outcome. In Lewistown, your ideas were accepted as being good and the contacts you can make will be of the greatest as- sistance in our undertaking of raising funds. I am anxious to know what success you had at Salmon Lake. I do hope the contact there was everything you expected. It gives me such a warm feeling inside to know that you understand this situation and are giving it your support. You can be of unlimited assistance to the State of Mon- tana and Charlie Russell. I am so glad you are helping. Sincerely yours, cc John B. Ritch Encl.
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-26]