Stationery from the Kenmore Hotel, Fort Myers, FL

Nov. 16, 1925

My Dear Sweetheart,

It is a shame that I have not written to you while I was on this trip, Dear, and I guess you are thinking daggers at me. I left the Beach on short notice, and had intended to wait until after the fair but found that I had things in pretty good shape and figured that I had time to make it. I worked every minute that I could while on Marco Island and I am well pleased at results. Not that I learned so much about the problem, but I made some helpful contacts which mean so much in the work. It is the most beautiful spot I have seen and were it not for the sand flies, it would be ideal.

November 16, 1925

They are very enthusiastic about the work on this problem and it certainly looks promising from a standpoint of work and living. At the present time Caxambas is a great deal like Regan Wells, no conveniences, but Marco is better and looks inviting. It is yet small, too, but capitalists have bought a large portion of this section and it will develop wonderfully. At the present time the railroad is under construction. The island has deep water. The people whom I came in contact with are very fine and I believe you would like them. They plan a special appropriation for the work and will go after the amount I request. Mr. Williams says he thought it well to try for fifty thousand with the idea that we stand a good chance for $25,000. This of course would be for work at other places too. It would mean to have some one else on the problem with me, possibly about three stations. One in South Carolina, one at Marco Island & possibly one at Jax. Definite plans will depend on the amount appropriated, but I am confident that there will be enough to work Marco Island in nice shape. It is a real problem too and results will show. That looks good to me.

I am to meet a representative of W.G. Collier here tonight to discuss the situation & needs. He is a multi-millionaire who has invested extensively in this section. He has not attempted any developments yet, but plans a gigantic resort of an exclusive nature. He is buying all the property he can before the development begins. This is the real time to get started on my work and I am greatly encouraged at the outlook.

I love you, Dear, with all my heart and I’ll be glad when I can talk everything with you instead of writing it.

With a sweet goodnight,

Your
Walter

P.S. I am leaving for Jax tomorrow.