Dad's Library


	Thomas C. Fenwick and his Library January 24, 1964 2 months after Dad died Jon and I were going through a box of letters. We came across this letter that he had written to Mom. It's an interesting look into dads selfless character. Mom and Dad had bought the house on Feather Hill Road in Montecito in March of 1963. It had 4 bedrooms. A master bedroom for them. The Twins were in one room, Chris was in the middle room and Tim was in the last bedroom down the hall. Michael and Kevin had not come to live with us yet. 10 months after moving in they had closed in the garage of the house, added a workshop and a large bedroom and added a carport. After moving the twins out to the newly created bedroom, Dad took the large bedroom over to create a library and frankly it was great for him but this letter reveals that he was possibly struggling with the perceived luxury of having a "Mike Brady style" den all to himself. When Michael and Kevin came to live with us Kevin moved in with the twins out in the new bedroom and Michael moved with Tim. In 1966 when Jon was born he and Chris shared a room. Eventually Jon and Chris moved into the library and dad lost his private office. I'm not sure what happened with the room that Chris had been in. Below is the text of this letter that dad has written. Notice again the flood stains on the pages. Click on them to see them larger. January 24, 1964 Terry Fenwick, I love you! Thomas C. Fenwick As I sit here at this desk for the first time in my library I am pleased and filled with hope that this may be the beginning of a growth in my life and that of my family which I love so much. To have my books here at my side and to have a place to read and pay my bills will be delightful. One hour a day here will pay great dividends in many ways. As I start a new job that requires a new knowledge and new skills the quickest way I can gain those is through reading. To read and meditate one hour each day would put me head and shoulders above any competition. I now know this is great insurance for my family and the success that I could gain would bolster my ego. My family would benefit from a fuller more [uncertain] full life I would lead. The example would be good for my boys and thereby increase their meaningful fulfillment in life. I sincerely hope my good wife can also enjoy this room and be happy working here and will join us in a program of learning and personal improvement. At least it will be a charming useful room to pay bills in. Mom says click on this swirly thing. © Chris Fenwick 2006