Terrie McClay - Author

 

An Irish Catholic, Mary “Ethel” Rita Connor was born on Aug. 8, 1908 in Washington DC. Both of her parents were of Irish descent. In 1927, blue eyed Ethel captured the heart of Raymond “Guss” Augusterfer, a steam-fitter from Washington. This is their story - the story of Ethel Connor and Raymond Augusterfer, as told through their original letters from 1927 thru 1929.

 

Their letters are historical. They speak of a time when communication was difficult. Not every home had a telephone, and very few families had an automobile. One had to walk to the local post office to mail a letter or to send a telegram. Or as Ethel often did, wait at the train station with the hope that Guss had caught the train out of Hagerstown. There were no cell phones, no texting - “Hon, did you catch the train on time?” Rain or shine, Ethel walked to the train station and waited to see if Guss stepped off the train platform.

 

As I randomly read the letters between Ethel and Guss, their love for each other touched my heart in such a way that I became intrigued and wanted to know everything about them. Did they marry and have children? Did they grow old together? Did Guss ever buy a boat? How long did Guss work as a steam-fitter? There were so many unanswered questions.

 

UPDATE: After months of research, I am excited to announce that I have recently located their daughter and she has agreed to share several family stories.