Tag Archives: school

September 18, 1940

Wednesday Afternoon
Sept. 18, 1940

Dearest Sweetheart:

We were glad to have your letter this morning. The car trouble you had on the way down was not in the form of an accident, was it?

September 18, 1940

September 18, 1940

We are greatly pleased that you think you can return sooner than you first thought. We have missed you a lot. We had gotten spoiled to having you around.

Our boys are enjoying school. So far neither has had to bring any books home. They have to be left at school by 8:30 A.M. and come home at 12. Lewis Dunbar does not have to go in the afternoons, but Walter White goes and stays until 3. They seem to like walking to and from school. While we were eating lunch the first day, Lewis Dunbar said, “By the way, Mother, I had a fight today.” He said he ran and didn’t get hurt.

I’ve spent a lot of time since you left inquiring about pianos and piano lessons. I find that the Philips Music House is the only music store here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Philips are musicians. Mr. Philips is manager of the radio station here and has other interests, while Mrs. Philips runs the music store and gives lessons. She is not the one I talked to about lessons before you left, but I am much more favorably impressed by her than I was by Mrs. Barnes. I believe she gives her pupils more personal attention than Mrs. Barnes does. In fact, Mrs. Simmons says that she understands Mrs. Philips is considered the best teacher in Panama City. Also, Mrs. P. charges $5.00 a month for her lessons (2 lessons a week) while Mrs. B. charges $6.00. Mrs. P., as well as several others, thinks that it would be fine if W.W. & L.D. could begin taking lessons at the same time. They say that the competition would be stimulating, and that Walter White, since he is older, would be able to keep far enough ahead of L.D. to keep him encouraged. Both boys are so enthusiastic about it that I have taken the liberty, during your absence, of starting both of them with Mrs. Philips tomorrow afternoon. I remember that you have mentioned that you thought it would be nice for Lewis to take too, but I had discouraged it. Now, about the piano; I didn’t realize that it would be such a problem. The only ones I have found for reasonable rent are those huge upright ones with fancy scroll decorations and shiny cheap finishes. We couldn’t possibly find room in our living room for one so large, and it would ruin the appearance of the rest of the furniture. Mrs. Philips has new pianos which she will rent for $7.00 or $8.00 per month. However, and this is what I have been driving at, in her store she had a lovely little bungalow size Haddorff “Demichord” which had been in the home of the Supt. of the high school for six weeks, but on account of a defect that developed in the finish of the pieces that connect the legs with the back of the piano, the supt. returned it. The piano has been on the floor of the music store for 10 months since then, but not another flaw has developed. Undoubtedly it would have by now if it were going to. I was so taken by its appearance and tone that I asked Mrs. Philips how much she would sell it for. She said the original price was $365.00 F.O.B. the factory. However, after talking it over with Mr. P., she sent me a lot of literature on the Haddorff pianos, and a note saying they would sell us this one for only $265.00. She knew you were out of town, but said she could send it to our house and let us use it until you return. Then we can decide whether or not we want to buy it. If we don’t, I am sure we can rent it. I certainly hadn’t planned for us to buy a piano now, but this one is such a temptation. Although it isn’t a toy size piano, it is small enough that it shouldn’t present much of a problem if and when we move. It is not as large as Joyce’s. I almost forgot to say that the $265.00 includes two tunings and a piano bench to match. I have inquired quite a bit into the “Haddorff” line. It seems that they are a Swedish family (in the U.S.) and quality piano manufacturing has been a tradition in the family for a long long time. It is one of the few companies that did not change hands during the depression. I have quite a bit of literature on them that you may read when you return. The piano has been delivered, and it looks like it belongs in our living room. However, if you don’t want it we can return it. We haven’t paid or promised anything. I am sure at least one of the boys will do something with his music, and I believe they both will – then there will be the little daughter.

Little Billy Simmons has had a severe siege of asthma all this week but it is better today. However, the doctor advises him not to go to school before next week. I have been over there twice.

Mrs. Barrow was here for a while this afternoon. She said we certainly had things looking nice. She doesn’t know how long she will be in Panama City, but she is planning to visit either her daughter in Washington or her sister in Mobile. She is getting a new cog or some new cogs for the lawn mower.

We hope you will have a pleasant and successful trip, and we hope you will be home soon. The boys were so glad when I told them you would not be gone as long as we first thought.

We all love you, Honey.

Always your
Ina.

May 2, 1940

Picture postcard showing the Chicago Campus of Northwestern University, addressed to Walter White.

Your report card from school is very good and we hope that the arithmetic will be on a par with the others for the last half term. Mind Mother and don’t let others tease Lewis D.

Daddy.

May 2, 1940

May 2, 1940

December 5, 1939

Tuesday Night.
Dec. 5, 1939.

Dearest Sweetheart:

We enjoyed your letter of Sunday night which came today. Walter White was so pleased when I handed him his. He thought your remark about Mrs. White’s being in charge of Mr. White and the boys was very funny. He remarked that Daddy can make some pretty good wisecracks when he isn’t too busy. I had him promise not to tell Lewis Dunbar about the letter, because Lewis is very jealous of the mail Walter White receives; he doesn’t know that most of it is in return for a label or a box top. Even your promise to write him next time would not have sufficed.

December 5, 1939

December 5, 1939

Between 7 and 8 o’clock tonight I went to the Douglas school to the annual “open house.” The rooms were decorated, each child’s work was on his desk and the teachers were on hand to welcome the parents, and to try to say something nice about their children. I was pleased with Walter White’s exhibit of the works he has done so far this year. Sometimes he talks like he isn’t doing anything, you know. However, this afternoon he told me that his teacher said his work was one of the best in the room, and there are 40 children. Lewis had a little toy puppy he had made on exhibition. With his teacher’s assistance he made a really cute one of black oilcloth, stuffed it with cotton, and sewed it with green wool thread. He told me that they must keep their Christmas presents a secret, so he wasn’t going to tell me that he was going to give me a little black puppy that he has been making in school.

Polly and I are going to have Kenneth, Helen, and Hallie Fulcher down town to dinner Friday evening. We plan to present each of them with a little inexpensive remembrance. As you know, Kenneth received his marching orders today, and Nellie is leaving Saturday afternoon. Polly doesn’t know when she is expected to leave.

So Mrs. B. gave a bridge party for you and Mr. Stage! Did you really play?

Lots of love to you and to Claudelle.

Always, your
Ina.

March 6, 1938 (Ina)

Sunday Afternoon.
March 6, 1938.

Dearest Sweetheart:

I’m wondering where you are and what you are doing this afternoon. We hope you reached College Station on time and hope your entire trip has been a pleasant one. We enjoyed your visit so very much.

Walter White and Tommie are skating and Lewis Dunbar is beside me on the couch talking a blue streak.

We had a light norther last night which made it cool enough for me to wear my fur coat to church this A.M.

March 6, 1938 (Ina)

March 6, 1938 (Ina)

Yesterday I went to Pincus’ 1/2 price sale again. I just couldn’t resist buying several things for the children – for Walter White a good looking brown suit (coat, vest & 2 prs. long trousers), 1 dark brown pigskin jacket, 1 slip over sweater, 5 long sleeved shirts and 1 pr. outing pajamas (all they had left), everything in 14 yr. size so he can wear them next winter. I realize the unlined leather jacket will be too light for midwinter but it will be good for Fall and Spring. For Lewis Dunbar I bought 2 all wool two piece suits, 1 slip-over sweater and one coat sweater. These are in size 6 and should fit him by Fall. He wears size 5 now. All this is good merchandise and I couldn’t resist it at 1/2 price. The things are stored in your big trunk in the toy room in plenty of dichloricide. You see I had to fill in some of the space left vacant when you took all your clothes away.

The important papers left by you have been placed in our safety deposit box, checks sent to the New England Mutual and the fire insurance agency in Dallas and a request sent to the Massachusetts Mutual for the amount of balance on our loan after dividends have been deducted. The latter probably will be mailed to your office address in Minneapolis as I thought it advisable to notify them of the change of address from 1010 Travis Bldg. Should I mail $29.15 to Investors Syndicate soon? Don’t you think Mr. Kehoe would like it better if you were the one to ask him to make his payments directly to us here? I can mail him the receipted notes as soon as the checks are received. The first one will be due the 17th of this month.

Yesterday afternoon Walter White, Lewis Dunbar, Russell and I spent 2 or 3 hours at Brackenridge Park. Madie was off, you know. This afternoon we plan to take a picnic supper to some place in the country. Yes, we shall return before dark.

Walter White wrote the letter without any help from me. I didn’t even know what he was writing until it was finished.

Polly has lost 6 lbs. since the rush started. She will need a rest when she reaches Minneapolis but no doubt she will find just as much work there as she is having here. She was not complaining at all. She just casually mentioned the loss of weight in connection with the rush. Perhaps the invigorating climate will be refreshing.

Wednesday we are to have our 6 weeks exam in history. I can’t get used to exams. They make me so weak and nervous that I can hardly write, much less think.

Please remember me to Doris. I’m sure she will be glad when Polly arrives.

We hope all goes well with you.

Lots of love,
Ina.

Around May 25, 1932 (from Claudelle)

Westmoreland
Wednesday afternoon

Dear both of you,

Your letter came just a little while ago, and I read it while I was down in the Book Store. I’d read a sentence, sell a college Algebra, read another sentence, open a bottle of pop, read another, sell some hot tamales, and finish the paragraph while I was selling candy with one hand and making change with the other. I enjoyed it immensely though – the letter.

Around May 25, 1932 (from Claudelle)

Around May 25, 1932 (from Claudelle)

Ina, do you really cook all the good things you say you do? I can’t believe you do – unless, as you say, Walter does over half of it. Your letters don’t sound at all as if you were living on “love and pickles” – at least you haven’t mentioned the pickles yet. I’m so hungry after finishing your letter that I “just can’t wait” for the hash we’re sure to have for dinner.

Yes, exams are over and I passed on everything. I surely thought for a day or two that I wasn’t coming through on Trig. By dint of “cramming” and Arthur’s coaching I got through all right, though.

Did you know I was home last Sunday? The Choral Club left early Sunday morning, gave a program in Hondo at the church hour, had lunch there, and went on home. We got there about four and left at eleven that night. The program lasted from seven to eight, and then the League gave us supper. I wasn’t at home hardly any time, and while I was I had two other girls with me. It was wonderful, though – I would have died of homesickness pretty soon if I hadn’t gotten away from here. Mama and Papa and Thelma and Bob and the children seemed to be fine, except that Papa had a cold. Thelma and the children have been a little sick, but are all right now. I didn’t get to see them until during the program, when I looked down and saw Reitha grinning at me for all she was worth. She pulled Thelma Lee over and then they both grinned. I had a terrible time keeping from laughing. They’re precious.

Bob has shaved his mustache! He made me kiss him under it when I was home Christmas, and you can’t imagine how relieved I was to see it gone this time. Walter, please don’t ever try raising one, will you?

Speaking of mustaches, you should have seen me one night last week. We had a manless wedding over at Smith House and I was best man. I vaselined my hair, wore a neighbor boy’s suit, and got my mustache out of the chimney. Oh, I looked quite heart-smashing! Quite the best-looking boy in the family – excepting the in-laws, of course.

Dinner time. Bye-bye!

Claudelle.

June 11, 1930

11 A.M.
June 11 – En route to Jax.

My dear Sweetheart,

Spent last night in New Orleans with Jimmie. He was feeling as fine as ever. I slept at his room and was with him until my train left this morning. Will meet B at Jax – 8:25 tomorrow morning. If I can get a Ford roadster delivered before July 1st I may drive to Biloxi and meet Jimmie there. In that event our survey will start from there. Have not learned anything of Jimmie’s Civil Service exams. He was the only Freshman at his fraternity house to pass all subjects this year. His roommate has to take bio-chemistry during the summer. A number of the students have to spend the summer in passing courses failed during the year. Tulane does not have a summer session and they go elsewhere for the work.

June 11, 1930

June 11, 1930

The trip was not hot. Some dust but as a whole OK. Everything is very dry.

Hope Walter White continues on good behavior and that you and Claudelle are getting along OK with just one Walter.

With love,

Your
Walter.

I love you lots. Walter White too.

June 19, 1925 (Ina)

Friday Afternoon
June 19, 1925.

Dearest Walter:

You see, I did succeed in borrowing a fountain pen.

Your letter came this morning at the breakfast table, and you don’t know how much better the cold toast and raw eggs tasted after reading it. But the way, I believe I enjoy my meals more than any other “service” we have. They are certainly nothing to boast of but I think the reason I enjoy them so thoroughly is because they are the only thing we don’t have to take notes on. Yes, Claudelle’s appetite has improved wonderfully too. She eats all they give her and sings for more. At the present moment she is enjoying “College Humor.” They are not working us so hard today, so I think I can find time to read some too.

June 19, 1925 (Ina)

June 19, 1925 (Ina)

You may rest assured that I sleep well. No amount of heat can keep me from that. I don’t get to sleep until about 11:30, but that is early, isn’t it?

I am heartily ashamed of myself for complaining about anything here, and I’ll take it all back. I think they do wonderfully well to have things arranged as well as they have. I think the real trouble with me is that my heart is in Uvalde. It is still there, but I am enjoying the services here much better now than at first. They really are wonderful, and I consider myself fortunate in having an opportunity to take part in them. Never-the-less, I shall be most happy when we are homeward bound. I would be so glad if you could be [now in pencil] (the borrowed pen and ink gave out) here to go back with us, but that would be a long way for you to come just for that. The girls here like you so much (A lady just came in, and, since my bed is almost under the shelf where the water is, she accidentally poured some in my lap. Hence the blots), that I am sure they would be delighted to have you go back with us. Anyhow, I surely am looking forward to seeing you Monday after we return. I can hardly wait.

I like your friend, Mr. Petit. I feel like I have known him before, but I suppose that is because I have heard you speak of him so much. I would enjoy having him come out this week. I enjoyed the drive Tuesday afternoon with you all so much. You are so thoughtful and nice that you know just what to do to make people comfortable and happy. I love you for that and everything else.

It is now 3:15 and we are supposed to be at the tabernacle in fifteen minutes to have our pictures taken and I haven’t dressed yet.

Wish I could see you now.

Claudelle appreciated the “sisterly” love, and sends her “brotherly” in return. And I send mine which is neither sisterly nor brotherly.

We appreciate your going out to see Mama. I know they enjoyed having you. Tell Thelma Lee and Reitha hello for us when you see them. I am sending them cards this afternoon.

I love you.

Ina.

June 17, 1925

This undated letter was misfiled with a later set, so I’m posting it now (8 September 2011) and backdating the post. Sorry for any confusion.

Wednesday Nite.

Dearest Walter:

I have been trying ever since you left to write to you, but I couldn’t very well do it and take notes on class work at the same time. I didn’t think I would ever write to you with a pencil, but my fountain pen, with several other things that I intended to bring, is peacefully at rest in Uvalde. Maybe I can borrow one at the post office to address the letter. Most of the crowd went on Mount Wesley this evening after the lecture for games and campfire, but I preferred writing.

June 17, 1925 (Ina)

June 17, 1925 (Ina)

We are taking only five courses, and these, in addition to committee meetings, special services, study periods etc. keep us more than busy. I should be studying right now since I haven’t read half my assignments for tomorrow, and I will not have a minute before classes, but, do we care? What I want most right now is to be with you. I had ten thousand times rather be with you than to listen to lectures, go to campfires or anything. It is certainly fortunate for me that there will be no exams here, because just as my instructor reaches the most eloquent point in his discourse my mind is back in Uvalde on Mr. Lewis’ front porch in the swing with my favorite Bird. If it were left with me, I would set sail at once. It seems like an age since I saw you, and I feel like I am losing so much time that I could spend with you. Now, of course these preachers, instructors etc. would thoroughly appreciate my attitude if they knew it.

I thought of you so much on your trip home. I surely do hope you found a better road going back than the one we had coming over. You don’t know how I appreciated the way you had the car fixed for me, and the candy ‘neverything. I divided candy with the Uvalde crowd, and they thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated it. You are just as sweet as you can be to me. I don’t deserve it, but I do love you so, and always will.

Thursday P.M.

I had so many interruptions last night when I was writing you that they ordered the lights out before I could finish.

I have already been to morning watch, and must go to classes now. Will try to write a better letter later.

I love you lots and lots and lots.

Love,
Ina.