Monthly Archives: January 2013

January 31, 1937

Sunday AM Jan. 31

Dear Sweetheart,

Mr. Yeomans came down yesterday PM and left a few minutes ago by car with his clothing etc. He and I called on Dr. Montgomery and visited last night until about 11 PM. So far as I know he is through at Gainesville and his connection with our office is now complete. His feelings are very high concerning Bruce and he says that Newell won’t stand for Bruce being canned. He does not know what Bruce’s status is to be, but is assuming that Bruce is to be let out. He does not know that the plan is for RA to come here, but says that he is going to protest if RA comes down.

January 31, 1937

January 31, 1937

Strong and Dutton have been in the state service since last Tuesday noon when they arrived here and have contacted some of the field workers. Last night Yeomans phoned to Miami and located the chief but was told that Strong was checking out and would be in Washington Wednesday. This probably means that Strong and Dutton will return here Monday and that Strong will leave Tuesday PM. Bruce has been in bed with malaria the past week but was sitting up when Yeomans and I called on him yesterday. Several days ago I told him what he could expect and that Strong was determined that he should not head one of our units. He does not want to go back to Bishopp’s division and said he would resign. They asked me to eat dinner with them today and I will do so. Will talk the thing over with him and advise him not to resign but go back to research and work.

Had two meetings last week at night and the movie helps a great deal in difficult areas. There are some tough customers in “them thar” swamps.

The two offices are combined and some changes in assignments of duties. McG is given a job on reports, personnel efficiency & accomplishments and special field work. A lot of the trouble is due to his slowness and lack of cooperation with Bruce. Both are at fault.

My salary check for Jan. 15th was sent here for endorsement & was carried to San Antonio by Mr. Townsend for deposit. In Washington I drew $50 and since I’ve been here I have given two checks for $50 each. One check of $5 was given to the Entomological Society for dues. No other checks have been written.

I had no idea I’d be away this long but may be here longer. In fact I am sure that it would be better for the work, if R.A. were left in S.A. & I stayed here. With love to all of you and hoping to see you before long.

Your
Walter.

January 24, 1937

Stationery from the White House Hotel, Gainesville, FL.

Margin note: Cashed a check for $50 at Gainesville. Townsend is sending last salary check here for endorsement & will return it to bank with deposit slip. W.E.D.

Jan. 24. Sun. A.M.

My dear Sweetheart,

My stay here has been of uncertain duration and it has not been possible for me to determine just when I could return home. Strong and Gaddis were here last Tues. PM & Wednesday. Strong was not in a good humor but had no criticism on the program itself. He questioned some purchases of stores by Bruce & McGehee and purchasing of materials for the screened hospital without bids, and told me that he was not through with it when he left. I had already decided that it was best to combine the offices and place Bruce in charge, and had told McG of this plan to which he agreed.

January 24, 1937

January 24, 1937

Since then, I called in the district men and with Yeomans we quizzed on every man here, obtained lists in order of efficiency in each district, got facts on the weak ones and requested two resignations from county men. When Mr. Strong was informed of this he wired that he would return Tuesday noon and wished Townsend to be present for the discussion. Will meet Townsend Lake City Monday P.M. at 4 o’clock.

Yeomans returned to Georgia Sat. AM & expects to have his appointment confirmed at Atlanta on Monday. It has been announced by the Governor. It seems pretty certain that he is now out of the Bureau though his resignation has not been received.

Strong is definitely set against a program for next year and I think this is the basis for his actions. He has no criticism of the one this year except he is taking exception to any purchases and he is looking for what he can find. Needless to say I have been looking for what I could find and I am in the middle of the road. I am not trying to shield anyone but will let the evidence be the deciding factor. As you know I have been bearing down on McG & through Bruce. This has not been brought out yet, but probably will on Tuesday. McG feels badly and says he did the best he could. Expect to see you the latter part of next week, and will wire. Bruce’s are having me to dinner today. I can’t refuse but I am in the middle of the road.

With lots & lots of love,
Walter.

January 12, 1937

Postcard showing the Montgomery, AL post office, postmarked in the same place.

Tuesday 1PM.

Will reach Gainesville tomorrow morning. Strong at Key West on 13th & may stop with us Gainesville. Meetings and pictures went over in great shape and while no program promised for next year he admits possibility. My speech for Strong lasted 1 hr + 15 min. with 15 min. for discussion and discussion on it very favorable. Strong praised our work to surprise of all.

Walter.

January 12, 1937

January 12, 1937