Author Archives: Alan

September 14, 1925 (Walter)

The Beach. Monday Nite.
9/14, 1925

My Dear Sweetheart,

Three letters today and each of them was a message of joy. I had begun to worry, fearing that you were ill. Two of them came this morning before I went to Jax and the other came on the same train that I returned on tonight. Gee! but they were great and I wish I could hug you real hard for them. I am returning Mr. Womack’s letter as you will probably want it. No doubt you have quite a collection of letters of such a nature by this time, for I know that there were a number previous to the two you have sent me. I can’t blame them for wanting such a dear little girl as yourself, and I often wonder how it happened that you had not fallen off the limb before I told you something. I certainly consider myself lucky, Dear, and I am going to do my best so that you will never regret your choice.

September 14, 1925 (Walter)

September 14, 1925 (Walter)

My sister writes that she certainly did not make a mistake in her hubby. He seems to be mighty good to her, and now even my mother thinks that he is alright. Mother would have felt the same way regardless of the man. I guess it is natural. I certainly appreciate the attitude of Mother Lewis and Daddy Lewis. They have certainly shown a good spirit toward us, and I hope that as the years go by they will never have an occasion to wish that your choice had been different.

I certainly do love you, Dear, and I am in hopes that I’ll get word from Mr. B to the effect that I can work here all winter. That would make it mighty fine for the honeymoon here.

After I had written you that our engagement was four months old I remembered that it was on the 10th. I intended to mention it in my next letter. It was the 5th when I left Dallas.

With a sweet goodnight, I am,

Yours always,
Walter

September 14, 1925 (Ina)

Monday Nite
Sept. 14, 1925.

Dearest Walter:

In the rush to get Claudelle to the train this morning I failed to take your last night’s letter, so will post the two tomorrow.

Your joyful letter celebrating Dr. White’s departure came this morning and it was an unusually good one. Also, the other letter which I am returning for your files. It was interesting too, and I know that you are glad that is closed after working on it so long. I wonder if Dr. White is satisfied.

September 14, 1925 (Ina)

September 14, 1925 (Ina)

Sweetheart, the “write-up” in your letter about “our” real estate was very interesting to me and I feel that you have exercised some mighty good judgement in making the purchases that you have made. Yes, indeed, that will come in mighty nice, won’t it? I am very enthusiastic about it.

I am anxious to know what Mr. Bishopp will have to say about our being in Florida this winter and I know you are anxious too. Also, I hope your plans for succeeding in getting the appropriation materialize, and will be effective. You have my best wishes for success.

That “long chat” of yours was fine, Dear, and I hope you’ll feel that way again. I have read and re-read it several times.

I love you, Sweetheart, the best in the world.

Lots and lots of love from

Your devoted
Ina.

September 13, 1925 (Walter)

The Beach, Sun PM 9/13.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I hope that you are not ill. Did not get a letter yesterday nor the day before, but I presume they will come in a bunch. Perhaps they detoured for Jax. I did not go up there yesterday but went out with the Hill boys across the street. We went north on the beach, then to Mayport where they caught a bucket of fiddler crabs for fish bait.

September 13, 1925 (Walter)

September 13, 1925 (Walter)

I am enclosing a letter from Mr. Blanchard Manager of the light Co. in Aberdeen. After the war I had the merchandise department of the company and he was my boss. A copy of the New Orleans report was mailed to him, as I knew he would be interested.

I am yet busy getting things in shape since Dr. White left me. Have had a number of letters to write today. Will go to Jax tomorrow & also to a place called Hilliard if I can conveniently make the run up there. Will come back the same day.

Am sending part of the Jax Sunday paper as there are some real estate ads which may interest you. The one “Jacksonville Heights Improvement Co” is one of our investments. There is also an article on state lands on another page.

I had a complimentary letter from Prof. Riley of the University of Minnesota, regarding the C.E. report at New Orleans. He is about the best medical entomologist in the U.S. I wanted Mr. Bishopp to read it so I sent it to him, hoping that he will send it to Dr. Hunter and Dr. Howard. He will tell them of it anyway and that will have the desired effect.

Sweetheart, I hope that I get a letter from you tonight for I need one.

With all my love, I am,

Your
Walter.

September 13, 1925 (Ina)

Sunday Nite
Sept. 13, 1925.

My dearest Sweetheart:

We have just returned from Church and it is rather late since the minister who preached this evening is not as prompt about closing the services on time as Bro. Campbell is. Our Union revival started this evening and there was quite a crowd in the large tent, many of the people having to stand. All the Protestant churches in town are taking part, and they have a Methodist evangelist and a Baptist singer. It was a splendid sermon with a few exceptions. Really, I am opposed to evangelists as a whole as they are too sensational and are sometimes rather rough I think. It may take that kind to stir some people, but, as a rule, I think such preaching has temporary results and there usually is a reaction. I don’t believe in scaring people into Heaven. As for me, give me the calm, sincere and true preaching of the Gospel.

September 13, 1925 (Ina)

September 13, 1925 (Ina)

Your letter of the 9th came this morning. Sweetheart, I didn’t intend for you to return Mr. Cavitt’s letter as I did not care about keeping it. I was mighty glad to know of your resolution to never die. I sincerely hope you’ll keep it. No, Dear, I haven’t any desire to be left a widow. My!! It gives me the “creeps” to even think of your ever getting sick even. I love you ‘most to death though. I’d give so much to be with you this very evening, and I get so happy when I “try” to realize that I am soon going to be with you for always.

Rest assured that you will always have the love of

Your
Ina.

September 12, 1925

Saturday Nite.
Sept. 12, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

Your Tuesday’s letter came today and, as usual, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Sweetheart, I didn’t intend for my former impression of homesteading to cause you to give up the idea entirely. I thought that perhaps you would find it very different down there from that in the West. Don’t hesitate on my account to investigate it, because I don’t know a thing about the conditions there, and it may be the very thing to do. I note with deep interest your new investment, and it sounds good to me. It is one of which you can feel sure of at least a reasonable profit no matter what happens, and, as you say, you stand a good chance to realize a big profit. Dr. White did go contrary to his disposition, didn’t he? The proposition must have been very attractive or he wouldn’t have departed from his conservative ways long enough to make a purchase.

September 12, 1925

September 12, 1925

Bob, Thelma and the children have just left after spending the evening with us. Thelma Lee is proudly exhibiting a loose tooth. She thinks she is getting to be a mighty big girl. I always hate to see them begin shedding their teeth. It gives them such a ragged appearance. It’s too bad that there isn’t a more graceful way of doing it.

Claudelle and I went for our last hike to the hilltop this evening. It gives me sort of a queer sad feeling when I realize that probably it was the last hike we will take together. She is leaving Monday morning and very likely will not return until about time for the wedding. I suppose it seems a little strange to you that I should take her leaving so seriously since she will really be so near home in San Antonio, but when you realize what great chums we have become you will understand. However, I am mighty glad that she can go.

I love you, Sweetheart, and although I love the members of my family very very much, I feel that I couldn’t be happy without you and I want to go with you even though it means leaving them. Dear, you don’t know how very much I do love you.

Always,
Your Ina.

September 11, 1925 (Walter)

The Beach, Friday Nite 9/11.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I have been busy today, due to my absence yesterday and also had a general house cleaning. I like to have my Lab in pretty good order, but it has been almost impossible before this time. Had a nice letter from both Sister and Mother tonight, and they are anxious for me to bring you to see them. Both want to know when the wedding will take place. I doubt if either of them could come for the wedding, but just the same they want to know you. As I have told you before, Dear, my people “are just folks” and they are the same 365 days in the year. You will be just as welcome as I am, and I know that they will love you too.

September 11, 1925 (Walter)

September 11, 1925 (Walter)

Mr. Bishopp’s letter came tonight and while he had made tentative plans that I should return to Dallas when the most active work was completed here, he is considering my suggestion for all winter work in Florida and has written to Dr. Hunter for his opinion.

I am going to Jax again tomorrow as I did not accomplish my mission yesterday. The late schedule of the trains, and our interest in acreage, caused me to lose out on the work. But I’ll have time to do it tomorrow and also some additional running about. It is difficult to get Lab supplies even at Jax and it means to run about quite a little.

I note what you said about your Dad and Mother, after they are at home alone. It will be lonesome for them and it would be well if you can get them to visit. We will have them to come down and be with us when we are located, and I know that we can show them a good time. I want them to feel just as much at home with us as they would feel in their own home, and to stay just as long as they want to.

With a sweet “goodnight,” I love you, and love you and love you.

Your
Walter

Enclosed in the same envelope:

This was not addressed to “The Madam” but as it is a Ladies Furnishings store, perhaps it was intended for you?

W. E. D.

A. Harris Charge Account

A. Harris Charge Account

September 11, 1925 (Ina)

Friday Nite
Sept. 11, 1925.

Dearest Sweetheart:

This evening we carried Claudelle to a banquet at the Sunshine Dining Room given by the Methodist sunday school in honor of the students of the church who are leaving for college. While she was there Mama and I visited. We have just returned and she reports a very delightful evening.

September 11, 1925 (Ina)

September 11, 1925 (Ina)

I suppose Dr. White left you yesterday. I can imagine you in deepest mourning today. Even though the latter part of his stay was more pleasant for you than the first, I’ll venture to say that you shed not a tear when you bade him goodbye and you feel a strange sweet sense of freedom today. You’ve had my sympathy all along, and I am so glad that you will not be burdened with him and his queer notions and habits any more. I imagine he was sorry to leave the work down there.

We had a letter today from Mama’s youngest sister, Mrs. L.W. Brister, who lives in Bogue Chitto, our old home town. She says that it has been a very prosperous year for most of the people in that part of the state. She says that most of the farmers made a wonderful cotton crop, and the way she expressed it “everyone is smiling and buying a Ford.” Her brother-in-law is in the Ford business there. We would be pleased to have a little bit of their rain and prosperity out here just now.

No doubt you will be leaving in a few days on your trip down the state. I am sure it will be interesting and you will enjoy it. I am looking forward to your reports on it from time to time.

I still love you, Sweetheart, just as much as ever, and, if possible, some more. I don’t think it would be possible for one person to love another more than I do you.

Always, your
Ina.

September 10, 1925 (Walter)

Thursday Night 9/10.

My Dear Little Girl,

At last I am down here alone, as Dr. White left tonight, and there is one dear little girl whom I wish for above everything else. I’d be mightily happy if you were here right now.

September 10, 1925 (Walter)

September 10, 1925 (Walter)

Dr. White’s train did not leave until 6PM which was after my train returned to the beach. He enjoyed it here and said that he would like to stay right here and keep on this problem. He really hated to leave. This was not due to my hospitality in particular, but the problem is so interesting and the climate and conditions for the work were so good that I believe that this accounts for his enjoyment. He invited me to use his lab in Washington at any time and assured me that there would always be room up there if I wanted to do some work there. Before leaving, we went back to the real estate office and he invested in three more tracts of land, making five in all. He is thoroughly sold, and will go back to Washington as a Florida booster. This gives him 50 acres and I really believe that within a year, one tract can be sold for enough to pay for the other four. $75 per acre is not much for acreage high and dry, so near a fast growing city. In Dallas, Mr. Munger of the Continental Gin Co. paid $163,000 for his 163 acres of land which at that time was miles from any development in the city. This was about 1912. The land was not adapted for any use as it was rough and cut into by small ravines. He developed this, with building restrictions for nice two story homes only, and in this one development he made a small fortune. The same thing has been accomplished in most every city showing growth, and I really believe that our acreage and also Dr. White’s will be suitable for use in such an addition here. It would not be unreasonable to suspect that this property may be wanted for a similar development and which would bring $1000 per acre or more. The Miami people here paid much more than this for some of their tracts. At $75 per acre, with the knowledge that this could not be bought after the 20th of this month for less than $100 per acre, it is a mighty safe and conservative investment. Here’s where Mr. & Mrs. Dove will cash in something, and Dear it will come in mighty handy for us.

I had a personal letter from Mr. Bishopp tonight. He will write another letter tomorrow. He did not mention the possibility of all winter work down here, but it is quite likely that he will favor it. He did not mention Mr. Brundrette, and it is his vacancy which makes me believe that we will have additional funds which would permit me to do field work here all winter. The economy program of the President makes it difficult to secure additional appropriations, and our request was turned down with others. This was not the Florida work request, but one which was requested from Texas. It so happens that the same problem affects this state seriously and I am going to make a few good contacts with the idea of having it added to the bill in Congress. We believe that it can be added and we hope that the requests will be strong enough to get it in over the Budget Committee. If we get that increase, there will be enough to do quite a bit of work in Florida, without an appropriation I had intended to work for. In other words, I am going to combine my efforts with those already given from Texas to show that their problem is not local but is important and affects the whole South. The problem has to be an urgent one in order to get more money. Don’t let this worry you, Dear, for whether we get it or not I’ll be on the pay roll from the regular appropriation just the same as I am now.

Had a note from my landlady tonight. I hadn’t seen her for a few days and suspected that she had gone. She is in West Palm Beach and will be here Sunday, but will not spend the winter here. She wants to rent me the cottage for the winter and says that the price will be as reasonable as any at the beach. I have very little doubt but what you would like it here until Spring (June). It looks better on the inside than it does from the street, and is modern except for gas to cook with. The bath is a shower like all of them down here, as everyone uses the surf and then rinses when they return. I can’t engage this or any other place until I know for sure where we will be.

This is getting to be a long chat and I must go to sleep, Dear. I love you and “you bet” I’d like to tell you in the most “impressive” way. You are just as sweet as you can be.

Your
Walter.

September 10, 1925 (Ina)

Thursday Nite.
Sept. 10, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

Your letter didn’t come today, but I don’t feel badly at all since I am sure that one of those I received yesterday was really my today’s letter which made such good time that it arrived a day early.

The enclosed is a note I received from Lionel today. The “brokenhearted” and the “affair” in the second paragraph have reference to his engagement of which I believe I told you.

September 10, 1925 (Ina)

September 10, 1925 (Ina)

Sweetheart, weren’t you a little mixed on the date of our engagement? Wasn’t it on the tenth of May instead of the fifth? That would make it four months ago tonight. You remember we were caught in the rain on the night of the May festival which was the second Friday in May (they had intended having it on May first but postponed it a week which made it the eighth), and we became engaged two nights later which was Sunday the tenth. Anyhow, be that as it may, we were both mighty happy then, weren’t we? We both thought then that we loved each other as much as we possibly could, but I think we will agree now that we have learned to love even a great deal more than we did at that time. At least, that is the case with me. I love you worlds and worlds right this minute, Dear.

Mr. and Mrs. Parman came out for a short rabbit hunt this evening. Mr. Parman doesn’t know yet whether he will have to go to Dallas to help the men there or whether they will have to come back to Regan Wells soon. He said it all depended upon the flies at both places. I suppose you understand all about that.

By the way,
COFFEE REPORT.

First attempt –
1/4 cup much better than full cup.
Cream very delicious
Coffee inclined to be bitter but not as bad as quinine. Would be good except for the somewhat “coffee” taste.
Buttered biscuit delicious.
I love you. LOTS.

Ina.

September 9, 1925 (Walter)

Wednesday Nite 9/9.

My Dear Sweetheart,

This was my Red Letter day, for there were two of your letters which I read. One of them was posted on the 3d and was delayed at Jax. The postal folks don’t always find the word Beach in the address and sometimes they try to deliver them in Jax. This one contained Mr. Cavitt’s letter, which I am returning herewith, as it is likely that you may want to keep it. It was mighty nice of him to write as he did and no doubt he cared for you too. But I am sure that he could not love you anymore than I do. You have a faculty of keeping your old beaus as good friends. Perhaps some of them think that there will even be a chance that you will be widow. If they do, they are mistaken, for I am not going to die so soon and I know that this is the only thing which could happen that would separate us. I hope that you will live always and that I’ll never die. We are going to be happy, Dear, and I am mighty happy now to know that I am so fortunate. There is no other in the whole world like you, and I love just you. Goodness only knows how much I do love you.

September 9, 1925 (Walter)

September 9, 1925 (Walter)

Dr. White leaves me tomorrow at 3PM. I will go to Jax with him and will probably post this letter up there. He is thoroughly sold on his acreage which adjoins ours, and he is of the opinion that he will buy some more tomorrow, another 20 acres. He is so conservative that I did not believe that he could be interested in real estate, but now he is thoroughly sold on it. Ours is only ten acres, but it is about as much as I want at the present time. I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. At the present time they are in three baskets, and I believe that all are good buys. The Dallas home will not increase as fast as the one down here, but it is a good buy anyway. I believe that we will realize a profit from the sale of any of them.

With a goodnight kiss,

Your
Walter.