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December 14, 1925

Box 61 Jax Beach, Fla
Dec. 14th (Monday).

My Dear Sweetheart,

I have written to Bro. Campbell to the effect that both you and I would like to have him officiate and that we would like to use the church. In the event this cannot be done, I have asked him to wire me. I will see him the day before the wedding.

December 14, 1925

December 14, 1925

I expect to come direct to Uvalde from here and have written Alvis about it. Have asked him to wire in case he cannot serve. To wire me here. I am quite sure that he will be there.

The time is getting shorter, Dear, and before long I’ll see you and be with you always. I love you lots.

Your
Walter.

December 13, 1925

Sunday A.M.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter telling me that the invitations had been sent out and also one of the invitations has been received. It certainly sounds wonderful to me and I get quite a kick out of it. I feel very enthusiastic over it. It certainly seems wonderful and we are going to be happy.

December 13, 1925

December 13, 1925

I am going to try and be good to you, Dear, and while I am a poor man, I believe that with your help we will soon be on our feet. With a love such as ours, I feel that we will work together and in a reasonable time will have a nice little home of our own. I know that we are going to be happy.

I had suggested that we go via New Orleans and this seemed to meet with your approval. Since Mr. B is coming to Dallas and will not get there before about Xmas eve, I am thinking that it would be a good idea to go via of Dallas. I do not know how long he will be there, but I want to talk with him a few minutes. If you object, we will not go that way for I feel that you have a right to say what you would like to do. The situation, is that he will have to return to Columbus shortly after Xmas and I probably would not be able to see him. There are a number of things I want to talk to him about, but will take time to discuss only the prospects of an appropriation for work at Marco Island. It seems to be coming along fine & Dr. Howard is showing an active interest.

In the event we went by Dallas we would not try to see friends at that time, but would stop at a hotel. During the day I could go out to the cottage with you and meet Mrs. Goodman. After you have seen the place, and while we are in Mississippi we could decide whether or not we would want to live in the cottage with the Goodmans or whether elsewhere. I want you to have a “say so” and I am leaving it that way so that it will meet with your approval.

I have an idea of coming direct to San Antonio, and then go by Dallas. I hope that this suits you OK, Dear. I cannot leave here before the 18th, and if I go by Dallas I would not see Mr. B and would have very little time there too. By coming direct, I could probably see you Monday night. Then we could go to Dallas together.

I love you with all my heart, Dear,

Your
Walter.

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

Sunday A.M.
Dec. 13, 1925.

My dearest Sis:

Just think! Only ten days from this afternoon at 3:30!! I’m so happy I can’t keep still.

I had a long letter from Mattie Lee a few days ago and it sounds very encouraging – that is, if you consider happiness so extreme that it borders on insanity as encouraging. I’m quite sure she has the only husband on earth at present, but ’twill not be so after the 23rd.

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

It is raining some this A.M., but I think it will stop sufficiently for me to go after the mail this afternoon and also go down to see Avis. She and her mother and son spent the afternoon with us a few days ago and she is very anxious to talk things over some more. She is going to sing “O, Promise Me.” Is that just right? The pipe organ will be ready for use by the 20th they say, and here’s hoping nobody steps to the tune of the wedding march until the 23rd. We want to initiate and dedicate it. Mrs. Hines is with Dr. Hines visiting in Miss., but will return Tuesday and I’ll ask her then. I’m sure she’ll do it. Grayden and John Monagin seemed glad to usher us in. Walter thinks Mr. Pettit will best man for us.

I feel queer going down town or anywhere, since the invitations are out. I don’t go any more than I can help. Mrs. Batchelor gave her S.S. class a party Thursday night and invited me, but I couldn’t quite make up my mind to go. I’m not going to Sunday School nor Church nor League any more “while I’m upon this (Uvalde) earth.” The invitation will be read at League this P.M. Mrs. Griffin wants me to take my Teachers Training exam before I leave, but I don’t think I’ll have time.

The gifts are beginning to come in some. At least I received a half dozen beautiful linen handkerchiefs from Mr. Goldbeck and a mighty pretty silver flower basket from Letitia, Ethel, and Mrs. Orrell. Oh, you have no idea how thrilled I’m getting. Confidentially, I’m getting almost silly. Of course I’m not sure I’ll have a wedding dress, but that is a small matter. I left it at Wolff & Marx to have it altered, and they haven’t sent it yet. They must be beautifying it considerably. They told me when we were there though that it would be several days before they mailed it. I think I can get my hat at Mrs. Idom’s after the dress comes.

I had such a sweet letter from Mother Dove a few days ago. She “broke down and admitted” that she would accept me as a daughter. Isn’t she sweet? Walter wrote that Marshall (ahem!) couldn’t leave his work to go to Mother Dove’s while we are there, and Ethel doesn’t want to leave him while she goes, so she insists that we visit them in their home after we visit Mother Dove. That will be fine I think. W. is going to leave the Beach the same day you leave San Antonio, but I’m afraid you will not arrive at the same time. He will arrive about Sunday or Monday I think. I can hardly wait (for both of you). W. and I are going to Miss. via Dallas but will stop there just long enough to leave some work and things, he said – we will not arrive at Mother D’s until about the 26th.

All this wedding excitement reminds me of – J.R. Thursday afternoon I saw him in Mr. Evans’ jewelry store and later in the afternoon Papa, Thelma and I saw him walking toward Dr. Hines, so we picked him up (he really isn’t so heavy, you know). We all like him very much. Now, if I were a single girl again, I would try to vamp that young man. But – we married folks don’t stand much show against you flappers! (deep sigh). How is Lucile’s strawberry blonde?

We assume that you have already purchased your slippers and hair cut, and we want to know how you are coming home. If you have to come on the train and haven’t enough money (of which we are sure), can you give a check on Papa at the Student’s Bank the last moment? If not, write us and we will send you some. We are so tickled that you will be home in five more days. Then we can talk everything over. We will try to get most everything done by then (except the “marryin'”), so that we can have plenty of time to talk.

We have our prospector (for the ranch, I mean) who made his third trip out here yesterday and brought his daughter. The first time he came was while we were in San Antonio. Mr. Shope carried him all over the place just the same though – one door was unlocked. Then a few days later he came out and took supper with us, expecting to spend the night, but finally decided to go back down town in order to go hunting early the next morning. Then, yesterday, he and daughter came just in time to eat dinner (lunch?) and spend part of the afternoon. It reminds me somewhat of little Goldenrod and the bear’s soup, bed etc. In this case, I hope we will be the Little Bear. He is crazy for the place, and says he will buy it for $16,000 cash as soon as he sells his ranch near Knippa. A company has an option on that ranch and expects to buy it as soon as work is begun on the dam – Pardon me! I should have said “construction” at the shut-in. He expects to know for sure soon. If something happens that the “construction” falls through, his trade, and consequently ours too, will fall through also. We are hopeful though. This is confidential, you understand.

I must stop though, or I will not have anything left for us to talk to you about when you return.

Lots of love to you and all the girls.

Love, Ina.

December 8, 1925

The Beach. Dec 8th
Tuesday Nite.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Have had a letter from Mr. B and he wants me to stay in Fla as long as I can during this month. Expect to leave here about the 18th, and will not plan on going to Dallas before I come to Uvalde. I want to be with you a day or two before the wedding.

December 8, 1925

December 8, 1925

We could then go to Mississippi via Dallas, but stop there just long enough to leave some things. I want to leave some of my work, and also a trunk which I will check to San Antonio then to Dallas.

Sister says that Marshall cannot get away on account of book work, and she wants us to come to see her at their home. If not, she would come to my Mother’s but she does not want to leave him. It would probably be well to go to my Mother’s first and then go up to see her.

To eat Christmas dinner with my Mother would mean some travel, and I am of the opinion that we had better tell her to expect us on the 26th. We could make it the 25th for dinner if trains were running on time, but that is doubtful.

I was with the Roarks Sunday and at noon yesterday I had them to eat lunch with me in Jax. They like Jax very much, and both of them were delighted with the beach. Mrs. Roark thought it would be ideal for a honeymoon. After lunch Monday, she kept an appointment with a dentist. They expected to leave Jax this AM for points in the southern part of the state. They were also going on the West Coast & to Marco Island where I stopped on my last trip.

The time will soon be here, Dear, and I’ll be a mighty happy human. I love you lots & lots.

Your
Walter.

December 3, 1925

Box 61, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Dec. 3, 1925.
Thursday PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I was mighty glad to get your letter this morning, the Sunday Nite letter. Am glad that you finished the church duties O.K. and that everything went off O.K.

December 3, 1925

December 3, 1925

I think your idea of the hour 3:30 is a very good one. That should give enough time to get through and make the 4:10 train. If agreeable to you, we might spend the first night at San Antonio, as there is no fun in making a hurried trip of it. From there we could go to New Orleans, then to my folks. Mother says that it will probably be after the 25th before Sister & Mr. Prince get there as he is pretty busy until the 24th. If we get there about the same time, it would be O.K. Perhaps you would have a different routing in mind, if so, let me know. The main thing with me is that you are going to be with me. (Mr Pettit) Alvis is on an organ installation in Little Rock just now and has to make a trip to Okmulgee. He is trying to be best man for us, and if possible I know that he will.

I love you, Dear, and I am happy, too, that the time will soon be at hand.

Always your
Walter

P.S. Dr. & Mrs. Roark sent a card this AM. Will see them in Jax tomorrow.

November 16, 1925

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

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.

November 11, 1925

En Route to Fort Myers.
Armistice Night

My Dear Sweetheart,

Yesterday I found that I had things in pretty fair shape to make the trip to Caxambas so I packed last night and left early this AM. Had breakfast at 6:30 left the beach at 7 AM and should have left Jax at 9, but did not get away until 10:45. The train has lost more time since then so we are now running about 4 hrs late. I should have arrived at Fort Myers at 7:30 P.M. and it will now take until about midnight. The stage leaves Fort Myers about 8 tomorrow morning and then should get to Caxambas about noon. I do not expect to be there very long, only a few days, and if you write me to the Beach I will be mighty glad to get them when I get back. This writing is awful but it is about the best I can do on a moving train. The writing looks as though I might be drunk, but such is not the case.

November 11, 1925

November 11, 1925

All one can hear is real estate. Everyone talks it and the only way to keep from talking it is to keep from visiting with anyone. The mens’ smoking room has a bunch now, and while no particular section is being discussed, the state as a whole is talked about. Some of this part is very pretty and I am looking forward to seeing Fort Myers tomorrow A.M. It is said to be very picturesque etc. It is hardly fair to judge by what one sees from a train.

I’ll write you from Caxambas tomorrow night, Dear, and I hope that it will reach you in less time than was required for my letter from West Palm Beach.

I love you, lots and lots and lots. With a sweet goodnight.

Your own
Walter

October 22, 1925 (Ina)

Thursday Night.
Oct. 22, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

I was surprised that you had changed your plan and decided not to go to the west coast. However, I don’t blame you a bit for not having a desire to travel over such rough roads. I imagine you will be glad to get back to the Beach so that you can resume your work there.

October 22, 1925 (Ina)

October 22, 1925 (Ina)

I spent today with Thelma and enjoyed it lots as I always do. I spent quite a bit of the day in helping her with some sewing.

We had a card from Mrs. Parman today and she seems to be enjoying her visit in Tennessee with her people. Mr. Parman, I suppose, is in Dallas since she wrote us that she expected to return to Uvalde as soon as he completed his work. I hope that this trip will benefit Mrs. Parman as she was in pretty bad condition when she left here. It doesn’t seem to be her physical condition especially, but her main trouble is in worrying so terribly much about every little thing. She becomes almost frantic when Mr. Parman gets out of her sight, just worried to death for fear something will happen to him. She seems to be a great deal worse than she used to be, and everyone who knows her is beginning to get very uneasy about her. It is extreme nervousness I am sure, but it is getting very serious. I feel so sorry for Mr. Parman. I don’t see what keeps him from having a nervous breakdown, because it is so trying for him. I have never seen anyone with as much patience as he possesses. Unless you knew the conditions as we do, you couldn’t understand how serious it is. I don’t mean this letter in a spirit of criticism of Mrs. Parman, but I am deeply concerned about her condition. She is a mighty good friend of ours, and I love her.

I hope you had a pleasant trip back to the Beach, and that you had no car trouble.

Sweetheart, I love you.

Devotedly,
Ina.

October 17, 1925

Oct 17th
Saturday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

My note last night was rather short and as there might be a misunderstanding I want you to know that I would not intentionally hurt your feelings for anything in the world. It is a little different in writing to you when I am on the road for I usually have quite a bit on my mind but I think of you often just the same.

October 17, 1925

October 17, 1925

I expect to leave here Monday AM and if I have good luck I’ll drive through in one day. It is about 325 miles and a few detours where they are working on the road. The last 25 miles will be rough too as I take a near cut to the Beach from St. Augustine. This saves about 25 miles but is a little rough. There is a real estate activity at Jupiter where I have been working some, and also a lot here but it does not look as good as Fulford to me. The prices are high enough too. Kelsey City north of here is a mighty good development, but I can’t invest on any more and have not even talked to real estate folks.

I love you, Dear, and I certainly wish that I could be with you now.

Always your
Walter.

October 16, 1925

Oct 16, 1925
Friday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I haven’t much news tonight Dear, but I want to let you know that I am getting along OK. I have changed my plan about going to the West Coast on this trip. It would mean to drive about a hundred miles north and then to the other side and it is too much of a trip for me at this time. The roads across the state are not good and with a car rented from a friend I don’t believe it is worth the effort. I haven’t had any car trouble yet, and I don’t want any. I expect to leave here Monday A.M. but I may not get to the Beach until Tuesday.

October 16, 1925

October 16, 1925

With worlds of love,

Your
Walter.