The Beach 9/22
Tuesday Nite.
My Dear Sweetheart,
Two real good letters from you today and an enclosure of Claudelle’s. I enjoyed hers too. I wonder how she happened to say “Mother” during the past few weeks. Is it because I say Mother Lewis and she wants to tease? I am sure that Mother Lewis does not care or she would have objected before now.
I went to Jax for a little while today. There is so much to be worked that it will keep me pretty busy. However, I am going to stay with it until I hear from Mr. B as to how long I am to be in Fla. I’d like to know before I go down the state. Had a letter from him yesterday and he did not mention the Dallas work. Evidently he had not heard from Dr. Hunter. He seemed to be pleased with Dr. Riley’s (University of Minnesota) letter of congratulations on the findings of last season, for he said “It is pleasing to note that he agrees with me and many others in considering the work you have done in Florida of a very distinct value.” Bish does not pin on any bouquets. Dr. Hunter’s comment was that it was “a good constructive piece of work.” Dr. Cort of Johns Hopkins said that it was the greatest contribution in human helminthology that had been made for a long time. He told Dr. White this. But all of this has not yet increased my check any, though Dr. White told me that he knew that Bish had made the recommendation. Sometimes they are slow in going through and are apt to be dated back when they are received. You and I can use the increase very nicely and here’s hoping that it is effective pretty soon. I have not asked for a raise, but if I don’t hear something I may remind Bish of it. He has always been very fine to me and I am sure that he will do what he can. Anyway, we are not going to starve or go hungry.
There are some good prospects of our acreage increasing in value. The remaining tracts, which are only a few, are selling at $100 per acre now. The same company are buying beyond our tracts and they are going to ask $200 for them when the “snow birds” come down. At that rate, ours should see $300 by Spring. This would make a nice little profit, considering the small amount invested. We can use the money, and when any dollars are rolling our way I hope we can stop them.
I love you, Dear, more than I can tell you. With a sweet goodnight,
Your
Walter.