Letter from Edsel Ford to Clara and Henry Ford, November 8, 1916

After their wedding on November 1, 1916, Edsel and Eleanor Ford traveled to the West Coast before sailing to Hawaii. Along the way, the couple stopped and visited the Grand Canyon. Edsel penned this brief letter to his parents in which he recounts some of the events during the newlyweds' stay: a blinding snowstorm, Presidential election returns, and "real cow boy life."

November eighth.

Dear Mother and Father:
A week ago today we were all getting ready for the big event and now it is all over and it only seems yesterday that we were saying "Good Bye" and on the other hand it seems as though we have been married years.
We are surely having a great time. Walking and breathing this great air. It is a lot colder than at home, but not too cold. Yesterday we motored over to Grand View Point and on the way back were caught in a blinding snow storm.
The ride out here was quite clean and by sleeping late the time passed quickly.
Of course every one had us spotted on the train and in the hotel at Toledo but not in Chicago or out here. We are getting great service here. The hotel has very few people in it and everything is run very well.
We felt quite as important as you and father when we arrived. There was a big "Pierce" touring car down to meet us and about six ports and bell hops.
We are waiting patiently for election returns. Last night all the early reports favored Hughes but the later ones showed Wilson gaining.
We should have the complete returns very soon.
We are leaving for Pasadena tonight and will write you from there.
We have seen no one we know except Mr. Tannahill[?] in Chicago and Ralph Mulford here yesterday.
I saw some real cow boy life here yesterday. They were all over here for election [sic] and a few drinks. They got into a fight in the barber shop and one was nocked [sic] cold but soon "came too". [sic]
Eleanor and I send loads of love and will be glad to hear from you at Pasadena.

Yours
Edsel.