Tag Archives: guilt

July 30, 1939

Sunday A.M.
July 30, 1939.

Dear Sweetheart:

I’m wondering how you are feeling this morning after the meetings of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I hope Mr. Gaddis has left town. Did you and the young lady have a good time at Mrs. Ruggles’ dinner Friday evening?

July 30, 1939

July 30, 1939

Last night Walter White asked me when you were going to take your 60 day vacation. I told him that I doubted if you would ever take it all, and explained that you were a very important man. He promptly said that he wished you were not so important so you could be with us more.

The long walks, the reduced weight, the coat of tan, and even the home-made meals sound good. No doubt you feel much better. I wonder if you are eating at home today.

The children and I are eating dinner at Thelma’s and Bob’s today. Reitha has gone horseback riding with one of her male admirers this morning. The joy of being at home has not worn off for her yet. She is so fond of her little baby brother; she bathes and dresses him several times a day, and takes him around to show him to everyone who hasn’t seen him yet; she even takes him along when her boyfriends come by for a ride in the daytime. She was eighteen yesterday. A few afternoons ago she went with us to Shut-in at Con Can for a swim. She was by far the most attractive girl on the beach; she wore the white bathing suit you and I gave her for graduation. Walter White, Ina Marie, and Lewis Dunbar went in too, but Thelma, little Dolph, and I stayed out and watched them. How much would I give if I didn’t go through such agony of fear when our children are in the water! Reitha is a good swimmer, but I doubt if she could rescue big, heavy Walter White if he were to step off in a hole. I realize, though, that he can’t learn to swim on dry land or even in very shallow water. Lewis Dunbar ventures in only far enough to wet his ankles.

The children are so pleased when they receive separate letters from you. Walter White didn’t know I was going to write today, so he has already gone to Ina Marie’s. Lewis Dunbar is here though.

Lots of love, from your
Ina.

Edited 2013.4.4 11:22 to fix spelling of Con Can.

March 20, 1936 (Ina)

Friday A.M.
March 20, 1936.

Dearest Sweetheart:

It would be nice if you would write your wife once in a while if nothing more than a card. The grocery store cares that much about us. Just this morning I received a nice card from Orsini’s. John telephoned me about the letter he received from you yesterday. He or Sara have been ‘phoning me twice a day since you left to know if I have heard anything. They are so anxious to know if they will be returning to Fort Pierce. Also, since receiving your letter John wants to know if he is supposed to let Mr. Strong know that he knows of the new screw worm arrangement when he comes.

March 20, 1936 (Ina)

March 20, 1936 (Ina)

John telephoned Ethel’s message to us this morning. He forwarded it to you. I’m so sorry their house burned. Can we do anything to help? I hope they had plenty of insurance. John said he imagined that, being in a bank, Marshall would pay special attention to properly insuring his home. Of course there are dozens of things that insurance never can replace. Think of the old letters that would be destroyed if our house should burn! I shall write Ethel today.

Don’t try to cross the Potomac. I notice in today’s paper that it is on a rampage and is threatening Washington’s Monument. You probably hadn’t noticed.

I was lucky last week. About 9:30 last Saturday night a man from Adler’s telephoned and said he was pleased to inform me that I had won their second prize of the week – $25 – in merchandise. I had been saving up coupons, you see. They give one for each 50ยข purchase. The drawings take place every Saturday night. Now I believe in Santa Claus. I haven’t decided what I shall buy with the $25.00. I was hoping you would come home some time and help me decide. After all it was your credit I used. I had thought of part of it for slip covers for the couch and your chair – pretty printed linen ones. However, if we are going to have to rent our house furnished I am not in favor of spending any more on furnishings. We can buy anything or any number of things we like – up to $25.00. Of course, now, if we could strike a sale there we might get our money’s worth. Mr. Dyer said he would rather we would make our selections within the next 30 days.

We all feel fine. Our colds are practically well. Walter White’s hearing is perfectly normal now. He has not missed any time from school. His report card shows that he passed in everything but his writing grade is nothing to crow about. He is improving though. In “Effort” he received a mark of “Excellent,” so I suppose we can’t tell him that he doesn’t try. I’m especially proud of the fact that he can assemble and fly his own kite without help from anyone and with the shedding of very few tears. He and I are doing very well selling magazines. He gets enough commission to buy guns and kites. He’s saving up coupons too. Lewis Dunbar is a very sweet child. He keeps us all busy.

We had a letter from Claudelle today. She has mumps and Mrs. Palmer has flu so they have not been to Galveston.

I love you just the same.

Always, your
Ina.