Tag Archives: family

August 3, 1925 (to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis)

Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Aug. 3, 1925.

My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lewis,

It is impossible to tell you how much I appreciate your attitude and consent to the marriage. I realize how difficult it is for you to be separated from Ina, and I want you to know that we are happy in knowing that you have given your blessing. We want you to feel that you are going to have another home with us and we want you to help us enjoy it.

August 3, 1925 (to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis)

August 3, 1925 (to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis)

We have not yet decided upon the date, but it will probably be after my work is completed for the summer. Ina will talk it over with you.

With kindest personal regards and looking forward to seeing you again this fall, I am,

With love,
Walter.

July 22, 1925

Jacksonville
Wednesday Night 22nd

My Dear Sweetheart,

Didn’t write to you last night as it was quite late when we came in and we were damp from the rain. I usually write to you from downstairs and when I had removed the damp clothes, there was a temptation to go to sleep, rather than to dress and come down again.

It has not rained very much since we arrived and from the standpoint of the clinic I am mighty glad that we started the 10th rather than the 20th. However, I did hate to leave Uvalde and it seems like ages since I have seen you Dear. It would have been equally as difficult to have left there at any other time, and as you said, the sooner I left the sooner I would get back.

July 22, 1925

July 22, 1925

The letter from Mr. & Mrs. Lewis came today and, Sweetheart, you don’t know how much I appreciate it. They were mighty nice and I sincerely hope that I will never give them or yourself an occasion to regret your marriage. I am going to try mighty hard to make you happy and I hope we can have your folks with us enough so that they will know how we get along. I am sure that we are going to get along fine. There isn’t anything to prevent it. I’ll be the happiest man in the world when I have you and a home of our own. I often think of how you would like it down here and I wonder if you will be homesick etc., and while I know it will be trying to be away from your folks yet I can’t help but believe that you will like it here. No doubt the work I will have will be of such a nature that we can go to Uvalde about once a year and I hope that on such visits some of your folks can come back with us and spend a while with us. I am especially anxious that your mother will do this, for it is most difficult for her to be separated from you and I know that she will miss you so much. Of course I want the others to come too, but I believe your Mother will miss you more than either Claudelle or your Daddy.

Tonight, Dr. White and I met the train for Mr. and Mrs. Garrison of Washington. They are a young couple, and he is in our Bureau in Wash. He had been in Quincy on some work and she was down here with him. They are on their way to Washington now, but stopped over to do some sight seeing. He had noticed in the papers that Dr. White and I were here on C.E. so he dropped me a letter. They were especially nice to me last winter and I ate Christmas dinner at their apartment. Mrs. Garrison went to Wash. from Waco and during the winter her sister was with them. I was invited to see them while the sister was there, but I didn’t become interested. I couldn’t help but think of you and wish that I could see you instead.

11:30 PM. They came downstairs for a walk and I have just returned with them. They are going to St. Augustine tomorrow and will probably leave for Wash tomorrow night. You will probably meet them in Wash when we go there and I believe you will like them.

Sweetheart, I did not keep copies of the Kodak pictures as I have others of yourself which I like so much better. I haven’t finished the roll of films in my camera and so have not had the ones of the house developed. As soon as they are finished I’ll send some.

I note what you said about Mrs. H. and E. I haven’t heard anything more from them. When I left Dallas I mailed a Masonic sabre which had belonged to Mr. H and which I sometimes used in lodge. I did not write anything. My mother forwarded a letter which E had written to her, telling how coldly I had treated them and that I did not even see them. She quoted my telegram advising them not to come to Uvalde. There was no other way to do it, and I believe I did the right thing. I know them well enough to know that I couldn’t be courteous. I do not correspond with any one in Aberdeen but I’ll drop some of my friends a line before long, and without mentioning them I am sure that I’ll find out what the story was when they returned.

I love you, Dear, and I often wish for you. Many times everyday. I’ll write Mother Lewis and Daddy in a few days, though I can’t begin to tell them how grateful I am for their consent, good wishes and blessing.

With all my love, Sweetheart, and then some,

Your,
Walter.

A note on the envelope in what appears to be an older Ina’s handwriting says: “Soon after our engagement. Repetition of Mrs. Hulett & Evalyn story.”

July 19, 1925 (Mr. & Mrs. Lewis)

Uvalde Tex.
7/19-25

Dear Mr. Dove:

Your letter was received several days ago. It did not come as a surprise to us as Ina had told us of the plans you both had made.

Of course Mr. Dove, you understand that it is very natural for parents to object to thinking of giving up their daughter. We are not going to consider it as giving Ina up but, instead, we will think of it as taking you in as a member of our family. We knew Ina would want to marry some time, and, as we have been with you a great deal and like and admire you very much and your friends have said so many complimentary things about you, we do not know of any young man we had rather receive into our family.

July 19, 1925 (Mr. & Mrs. Lewis)

July 19, 1925 (Mr. & Mrs. Lewis)

It is awfully hard to think of our daughter leaving home. However we know you will do your part in making her happy. We know, beyond any doubt, that she cares more deeply for you than she ever has for anyone. You both are congenial, and this, with your devotion for her makes us feel that you both will be happy.

You have our consent, our sincere wishes for your & Ina’s happiness, & our blessing.

Yours sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. J.N. Lewis

July 12, 1925 (Walter)

Jacksonville, Fla.,
July 12, 1925

My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lewis,

I hope that this letter will not be a shock to you, and that my request will be received favorably. I did not have the opportunity of asking for the hand of Miss. Ina, but I want to do so at this time.

July 12, 1925 (Walter)

July 12, 1925 (Walter)

There is no doubt in our minds but that we understand each other and I believe that our love is mutual. We believe that we realize the step we are taking, and I hope that I can give her the comforts of a home and make her happy. I’ll certainly try and do a man’s part in giving her happiness, and I sincerely hope that it meets with your approval.

With kindest regards, I am,

Sincerely,

Walter E. Dove
c/o Seneca Hotel
Jacksonville
Florida

July 5, 1925

Sunday Nite
July 5, 1925

My dearest Walter:

You don’t know what a queer feeling it gave me tonight to come home from church without you. This time last night we were having such a pleasant time. It hurt me like everything this afternoon to tell you “good-bye.” When you drove off I had such a lost, sinking feeling. A lump came in my throat, but I swallowed it because Mr. and Mrs. Parman were right there. They must have had an idea about it because Mrs. Parman made a few appropriate remarks about how lonesome I would be after you left etc.

July 5, 1925

July 5, 1925

By this time I am sure you have left San Antonio. Perhaps you are asleep as it is after eleven o’clock, and, knowing your never failing habit of retiring early, I am not a bit surprised. I hope you are having a pleasant trip. Altho I would have been so glad if the circumstances had been so that you coiuld have remained longer in Uvalde, I am glad you succeeded in making connections this afternoon.

No, the little Ford roadster didn’t come out this evening. I have just looked out of the door to see if I could see it but its chair is vacant. Merwin must have roped it and tied it securely, or would surely have been here by now.

I just had to write you a few words before going to sleep. I will write some more tomorrow.

I love you and love you and love you.

Good night and pleasant dreams.

Love,
Ina.

Monday Nite

Hello-o!

It is now eight o’clock – just about time for you to be coming in the gate saying that. I can almost hear you right now – wish I could.

Altho I have been busy at different things all day, the day has been uneventful, that is, as far as startling events are concerned. Time and again I have found myself looking at the clock to see how long it would be before time to dress for you to come. I think it will be some several days before I can get out of that habit.

Last night after church, when Claudelle, Lucile and I started to get in the car, we saw Mr. Owens and another young man parked near us. He came over, shook hands with us and talked a long time. The moon was bright, and finally he remarked pointing to my ring, “Please turn that thing around, it hurts my eyes.” I said “‘scuse me” and turned it on the inside of my hand. However, the other young man examined and admired it but said it was rather hard on Mr. Owens. Just about that time they discovered the baggage in the car. Altho they inquired the “why and wherefore” of it, I didn’t offer any explanation, so I suppose they thought it belonged to Lucile or someone else. By the way, I am still just as proud as can be of my birthday gifts from you. They are so pretty and useful and necessary too that I like to keep them out where I can see them every few minutes. I get most sweetly thrilled when I look at them and realize that before so terribly long I will be using them when you and I are making our trip. Yes, “the madam” (don’t you dare!!) still experiences lots of thrills even though her “beeswa_” ‘scuse me! I mean even though you are away and also, even though she has almost reached her twenty-sixth milepost. Ripe old age, don’t you think?

A short time after you left yesterday afternoon, I went over to see Thelma and Bob and stayed until League time. Thelma said that the other day she asked Thelma Lee if she had seen Ina’s ring. Whereupon she calmly, most seriously and simply answered “yes.” Thelma asked her if she thought it was pretty. Again the solitary word, “yes,” spoken in a sadder tone. Then she asked if she knew who gave it to me. “Yes, Mr. Dove.” Then Thelma very enthusiastically told her that it meant that Ina was going to marry Mr. Dove, they were going to be happy, and, incidentally, that they were going to move away from Uvalde. At that point Thelma Lee shocked her by breaking down and crying as though her heart would break. She kept it up continuously for at least twenty minutes, and nothing would quiet her. Thelma tried to make her laugh by telling her that your Mama and Papa lived a long way from you, that you were lonesome and needed someone to take care of you; that you needed someone to darn your socks and sew up your shirts, and since you thought I could do it better than anyone else you were going to marry me (you didn’t know that, did you?). That didn’t have the desired effect though, so she cried until she was about exhausted. Yesterday afternoon while I was there, she saw my ring, tears came into her eyes, she bit her lip, turned her head, and did everything she coiuld to keep from showing her feelings. It shocked me that a child her age would take anything like that so seriously and so much like a grown person. Of course it isn’t that she objects to you in the least, because you know what sentiments she has expressed about you many times before, but it is the idea of my leaving that concerns her so deeply.

Thelma Lee and Reitha are spending the night with us tonight while Thelma and Bob have gone to Eastern Star. They were by the desk where I am writing a moment ago and I told them I was writing to you. When I asked Thelma Lee what I should tell you for her she said “Tell him that we miss him and want him to come back soon. If he can come back day after tomorrow, tell him to come.” Reitha said “Tell ‘im dat I tank ‘em for divving me lots of shewin dum.” I hereby deliver the messages. Thelma Lee furthermore asked me if Mr. Dove knew how to read my letters. What she meant I don’t know, but I could have told her that you had taken a year’s correspondence course in it, and I believed you could almost pass an examination in that subject. However, if you think you will need any assistance I shall gladly render it personally in the Fall.

Walter, you don’t know how much I wish for you tonight. The moon is wonderful, and everything would be ideal if — Well, the moon will shine again, and you are coming back too, and then, won’t we be happy? I am happy now thinking of the past two wonderful months and of the many, many many happy months we have ahead of us, when we can be together always.

My, my, how I do love you!

Goodnight, bless your heart.

Lots of love,
Ina

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.

October 28, 1918

World War I was also a formative experience for Ina, who followed the news and worried about friends and relatives who were “over there.” Her cousin, Clyde Lewis, was one of them.

October 28 1918

Pvt. Clyde T. Lewis
Co. “P” 35th Regt.
Transportation Corps
American E.F.
A.P.O. 752
France

My dear Thelma & Ina,

Your letters dated August 31st was received several days ago and was so glad to hear from my cousins once more.

Glad to know that you sometimes think of me, even tho’ it has been several years since we saw each other. My thoughts so often travel back to the days of long ago, when I was quite young and you were only small girls. Time does sure pass by swiftly after we pass childhood days. I can hardly realize that you both are charming young ladies.

October 28, 1918

October 28, 1918

My day’s work is over and I can say that I am a little tired. We are doing our bit, tho’ we are far from the firing lines. We are working in the railroad shop and after ten hours of labor for six days a week, it makes one think that he is surely doing his bit. I sometimes wish that I was with the boys at the front, but I suppose that I am among the lucky to be in the sunny part of France. We have about the same climate here as we have at home.

We are to have moving pictures tonight, providing that the Y.M.C.A. man gets the moving picture machine. We have “movies” one or two nights a week and it is a very good pass time.

Well you would hardly believe me when I tell you that I have stayed in the barracks that Napoleon and his army built and stayed in. So you see that this is a little bit of history within itself. Don’t you think so? Everything is built of stone, so it is nothing to see buildings that have stood for centuries. We are in one of the largest cities in France and the latest building was erected in 1912. The Frenchmen claim that this country is not so far behind times – that the U.S. is only one hundred years ahead of times and I believe this to be true.

I received a letter from Mamma last week. The first one that I received from home for two or three weeks. I sure enjoy a letter from home and to know that they are all well. Sister had just been home on a few days’ visit. I will sure be glad when I can spend a few days at home again as it has been one year since I saw any of them.

Yes, I will be one of the many of the boys that return to the old U.S.A. a single man. Tho’ I have the greatest of confidence in the girls back home, I feel sure that I will live a bachelor’s life, for life must be started over. I can assure you that if I ever marry, it will be to some sweet American girl.

I am sorry that I have no pictures of myself. I have thought for the past month that I would have some made, but I have failed to do so. I will sure have some made sometime very soon and send you one. I will expect your pictures in your next letter.

Well, the moving picture machine failed to show up, so I guess that I had better close and go to bed.

Lots of love to Uncle Nick, Aunt Alma and Claudel and to yourselves.

Your cousin,
Clyde

Stamped “OK (signature) 1st Lieut. U.S.A.”