Tag Archives: friends

October 31, 1931

Saturday A.M.
Oct. 31, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Walter White and I are sitting by the fire writing to you. He wrote on my letter some too. He enjoys having us take him on our laps and tell him how he is going to get on the “chu chu twain” and go see Daddy. He sits real still and smiles.

October 31, 1931

Your letter of Monday night enclosing one from Mrs. Bucklin came yesterday. I’m relieved that she is in a home where she will be cared for. I understand the Eastern Star home is a good one. I have thought of her so often and wondered what she was doing. She is pathetic. She has so much spirit and a love for the comforts and beauties of life. I am going to write her soon. It is queer that we failed to receive her last letter.

Honey, I’m sorry I alarmed you about Papa’s condition. You see, his back has been weak ever since he was a young man and every time he does any heavy lifting he suffers greatly with backache. He has had that trouble so much that when we ask him how he feels, we just naturally expect him to say “alright except my back hurts so bad.” It seems that “blues” or worry makes his back ache terribly. So, even though no one in either of the cars suffered even the slightest physical injury, his back became sympathetic when he found that he would have a repair bill. It amounted to about $26.00* and would have been more if Papa had not happened in the garage in time. The owner of the car had carried it to the garage to be overhauled. Of course it all would have been charged to Papa. He (Papa) told the garage men to use their judgement about the repairs that would be necessary as a result of the accident. He of course was willing to stand that expense, but no other.

It will be lovely if your sandfly treatments give a 95% kill. It should seem marvelous to people who have been annoyed by the pests so long. I’m anxious to know just what your plans are for extensive treatments. Congratulations! I’m so proud of the progress you have made on that problem as well as on others. You will have interesting material for the Christmas paper.

The cool weather we have been having yesterday and today makes me appreciate your saying that the heaters at home and the lab are in working order. Do you think the house we are now in will be a great deal more easily heated than the Elmwood one?

The pecan crop in the yard was light this year but Papa has about 200 lbs. from his trees. Some of them are real large ones too. There is only one tree among them that is an ungrafted native pecan.

It is good to know that it will be only a few weeks before we can be seeing you.

We surely do love you, Honey.

Always, your
Ina.

* $392.53 in today’s money.

October 27, 1931

Tuesday Night
Oct. 27, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Giles Rawles (Johnie’s brother) spent this evening with us. His wife and baby remained in Columbia, Mississippi while Giles and his wife’s brother are making a tour of Texas, “prospecting.” When he saw Walter White he immediately said he was just like you. Didn’t you meet him once when we were here or has he just seen your picture? I believe he and his wife were visiting here at that time. Yes, I know they were because we all went into Mexico together and took some pictures. She was the one with the babyish voice, you remember.

October 27, 1931

You would be amused to hear your son call Papa “Nickey” and “Humpkin” (Mama’s pet name for Papa). He has been in the yard almost all today. This afternoon Mr. Dougharty has been thrashing the pecans and W.W. has been helping him pick them up. Sometimes he decides to take them out of the bucket by the handful and scatter them. He fills his pockets and a little glass with them. He likes the taste of them but we do not give him many. He puts one under his little bare foot and says “onna cwack it,” or squeezes one in each fist and says the same thing.

It is lovely that you have so much enthusiastic cooperation in preparing the exhibits etc. for the meetings. I’m glad that you, Mr. Hall and Mr. Hull are going to present “The Sandfly Problem” in December. It should be of great interest to those attending the meetings because of its importance and the lack of previous work done on the problem. I’m glad you are planning to be present at the meetings although we are going to miss you. If Mr. Hall goes also perhaps Pauline and little David would stay with Walter White and me. We would enjoy having them and none of us would get so lonesome. Perhaps we could find a cot or something for David to sleep on.

I was so amused at your comments on Charleston that I read that part of your letter aloud to Mama. She said tell you that the more you disliked Charleston the better pleased she was. This speculation about Dallas is something to my wife’s ears and that about Jacksonville isn’t exactly bad. It would seem too good to be true if we could return to Dallas to live. If that cannot be, Jacksonville would be nice – certainly a great deal nicer than Charleston. Anyhow, those things are pleasant to think about. I can’t believe we are settled in Charleston for life, but I am beginning to feel that it would not be bad at all to live there for a while longer. It is a good experience. It makes us appreciate other places. By the way, yesterday a neighbor of ours remarked to Papa that they were trying to kill all the rats at Carrizo Springs because they were spreading typhus. Papa did not inquire into it but when he told Mama she was all keyed up over it, thinking that you might go down there to do some work. He will make further inquiries and I will let you know. Are you interested in getting material from there if possible, or do you think it would be worth the trip? I do not know a Carrizo Springs physician’s name to whom you could write for information. It would be lovely if you could come.

Yes, Honey, I love you too even though you live at Charleston. I’d love you if you lived at Kuippa [?].

Good-night and I hope you sleep good.

Always, your
Ina.

October 4, 1931

Sunday Night.

Oct. 4, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Mama and I went to church tonight while Papa kept Walter White. Walter White was almost asleep when we left him. Mr. Palmer brought us home. We had not been with him over a minute before he began asking about Claudelle.

October 4, 1931

I really did carry W.W. to Sunday School this morning. Mrs. Pilgreen has the cradle roll class and has three assistants. W.W. decided he didn’t want me to leave him with the crowd of strange little boys and girls so I stayed in the room with him. He was satisfied and immediately started playing with the little trains, automobiles, blocks, boxes etc. etc. that were provided. I gave him a dime to drop in the collection box but he would not do it until Mrs. Pilgreen showed him how. Then he dropped his in the slot, and, when a timid little boy would not drop his in, Walter White took it and did it for him. It was lots of fun to watch them. It really is a Sunday kindergarten where the teachers watch and study the pupils while they play together. They try to teach them to be unselfish etc. For those that are large enough and care to take part there are songs and nature studies. It is really fine and the children enjoy it. After a Sunday or two they are willing for their parents to leave them for their own classes. The Mothers’ class is just across the hall from the children’s. After it was all over Walter White was the last one to leave. He had just opened a closet door and found the closet full of playthings. He wanted to stay. He can say “choo-choo train,” “autobile” and anything else he wants to say. Ina Marie spent today with us. W.W. feels more kindly toward her now. Occasionally he suddenly leans toward her and says “kiss.” Of course she is always ready and it is real sweet. Sometimes he changes his mind before she reaches him so he pushes her away. He is not as unselfish with his toys as he used to be. He is going to have to learn how to play with other children. He holds his own almost too well now.

By the way, Honey, I forgot last night to ask you to thank Dr. Shelmire for his invitation to us to visit them.

I imagine you and Mr. Hall started on your trip to Florida today. The checks have had time to reach Charleston. I hope you will have a pleasant trip. Also, that you will continue to write often. I can hardly wait to receive your report on the Tampa situation.

We love you ever so much.

Always, your

Ina.

October 1, 1931

Thursday Night.

Oct. 1, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Your letter of Sunday night came today. I was very glad to have it. There was no letter from you yesterday.

It will be lovely if Mr. Hall’s light traps prove successful as a means of control of sandflies. I am sure you enjoyed your visit with Mr. & Mrs. Hall & David. I have been intending ever since we came to write them and others at the lab but I don’t seem to be able to think to purchase cards when I am down town.

October 1, 1931

Today when we would ask Walter White “whose boy are you?” he would answer “Daddy’s boy.” Mama taught him that. He is learning so fast. Each day I think he is as interesting as he can be, but the next day he is more so. For one thing, he doesn’t care much for little girls – especially affectionate little girls (how long will it last?) We made a mistake by asking Ina Marie to love him. She tried to and fondly called him “Baby.” He resented it and, in order to prevent its occurring again, he pushed her down every time she approached him. She is such a sweet affectionate little thing and is so crazy about him that it is a shame the way he treats her. He wouldn’t be very kind to a baby sister I’m afraid. When he looks at a magazine he calls the pictures “baby,” “man” or “boy” but seldom says “girl.” He likes the big girls, though. Every morning at 7:30 when he hears Susie coming down the back stairs he gets down from the table, rushes to the back door, opens it and has started down the steps by the time she reaches him. Then she places him between herself and her husband in the car and he goes with her to take her husband down town to work. It takes only about ten minutes, but W.W. expects it every day. Susie says she wishes he were hers. Bertie and Mr. & Mrs. Cain pay a great deal of attention to him too. If they are going down town and back quickly they sometimes carry him. He makes friends readily.

Last night I went to prayer meeting. Rev. Taylor had announced his subject as “The Menace of the Movies” and, since my husband was such a movie fan, I thought I should go. The talk was interesting and sensible.

We had a letter from Claudelle today. She is making $5.00 per month escorting a senior student who is blind to her classes from one building to another. She is trying to get other employment but says it is strange how people don’t want her to work for them. Honey, if her Bureau check comes to Charleston will you forward it to Uvalde please? In her letter today she was wondering if it had come.

It will be fine for Mr. Hall, Mr. Hull and Gilbert if they can do some school work this winter.

Last night was quite cool which reminded me that I failed to tell you where the quilts were. I do hope you thought to look in the closet in the hall because that is exactly where they are.

Please remember Walter White and me to the lab force and the Robinsons. I’ll write them all soon.

We love you, Honey, and I miss you too. I hope you sleep good.

Always, your
Ina.

September 29, 1931

Tuesday Night.
Sept. 29, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Your good letter of Friday night was greatly enjoyed. We were amused at your account of the wedding. I read that part of the letter to the family and they laughed. It was nice that you and the Halls could attend. I’m glad you let them have the furniture. I do not know how much it is worth. Don’t you think it would be advisable to find out from Mr. Firetag what we paid for the bed and mattress & table, then use your own judgement about the worth of them now? They have not had hard usage, but of course they are second hand.

September 29, 1931

I am sure our room looks much better since W.W.’s bed has been moved. Thank you. He should be more comfortable in his own room too. He is getting large enough to want a little privacy now.

Last night Mama, Walter White and I went out to see Mrs. Jackson & family (Lois, Edith etc.) We stayed until nine and he seemed to enjoy every minute of it except when the parrot screamed at him. Mrs. Jackson showed us her pictures and souvenirs from her Gold Star Mothers’ trip to France. They were interesting. I recognized some of the places as names you had mentioned.

Thelma had the last of her teeth extracted today. It was very painful this time as the anesthetic failed to affect the gums around two of the teeth. Mama spent the afternoon at Thelma’s and said she was suffering agonies for hours after she returned home. We are hoping she can rest tonight.

The depression is on. That is practically all people here talk about. I am wondering if it has just now reached this part of the country. Banks in different towns in this part of the state are failing. Yesterday one of the largest banks in San Antonio closed. I’m beginning to feel that money isn’t safe anywhere. Honey, the Citizens & Southern is a chain bank. Do you suppose there is any danger of its suddenly going broke? We are saving money for Owenwood in November and it would mean a lot to us if we were to lose our account in the bank. I would even hesitate to deposit a salary check. Of course I realize that a spirit of that kind is what causes banks to fail. At any rate, we are not going to invest a thousand or more dollars in a car any time soon, are we? It seems that automobiles have been reduced less than most things so far, so there must be a drop in them coming soon. We surely do not want to be paying on too many things right now, do we? So many people are having to let things go back as they are unable to complete the payments.

No doubt you and Mr. Hall will be starting on your Florida trip soon. I hope it will be a very pleasant and successful one. I can hardly wait to hear about the possibilities at Tampa.

Please remember me to the lab force, and to other friends.

I love you lots & lots, Honey – I’d love so much to be with you tonight.

The family sends love.

Always, your
Ina.

P.S. Today Claudelle wrote us to send her shorthand book. She wants to practice as there is a stenographer’s civil service exam to be given in October. That is lovely, isn’t it?

September 26, 1931

Saturday Night.
Sept. 26, 1931.

Dearest Sweetheart:

Your card of Wednesday A.M. and letter of Tuesday night came this morning. I appreciate your writing the card for fear you could not locate the letter. I judge you found it though.

September 26, 1931

After reading your letter I told Walter White that Daddy said “I love you too, Buddy.” He surprised me by answering immediately “O.K., Baby.” Sounds like flapper talk, doesn’t it? Bertie taught him that. Honey, he is the sweetest baby in the world. Of course it is because he is ours that I think so but I love him more every day. I didn’t know I could love him any more than I did, but I do. Honestly, I love him so much that it hurts. It brings tears to my eyes. I don’t know how to explain it. I suppose it is partly because he looks so much like you and I miss you.

Mama spent this afternoon at Thelma’s. At one o’clock Thelma went to Dr. Massie’s office to have seven more teeth extracted. She got along nicely this time. There are six more teeth, then she will be ready to let her gums “set” for a few months before getting her plates – is that what you call false teeth? Poor girl! I have not had Dr. Massie look at my teeth yet but I intend to do so soon.

Mrs. Monagin spent a while with Walter White, Papa and me this afternoon. She said Mervin was suffering with yellow jaundice and was told by his physician that it would be about two months before he could recover completely. He has been without a job for a long time.

Thank you for the compliment from A.K. It is nice to be told once in a while that one is not fading as fast as it sometimes seems.

I love you immensely, Honey, and I hope you sleep good.

The family sends love.

Always, your

Ina.

September 20, 1931 (Ina)

Sunday Night.

Sept. 20, 1931

Dearest Sweetheart:

Papa and I have returned from church. Mama kept Walter White for us. I was going to carry him tonight to see how he would behave but he missed his afternoon nap and I knew he would be sleepy early. I went to Sunday school and church this morning. I enjoyed Mr. Getzendaurer’s class immensely. His lectures are always very interesting. I enjoy them more than a sermon. He is really a splendid man.

September 20, 1931 (Ina)

This afternoon Ruthven Jordan (of the Uvalde Leader-News), his wife and little daughter carried Walter White and me for a three hour ride. Walter White made friends with him immediately and they had a good time together. Ruthven said he was the best natured child he ever saw. Dozens of people have said that. Mama said tell you that you have a mighty fine son. They have become so fond of him that it will be hard when we take him away. He sits in the swing and talks to Papa lots. The “moont” and “stars” being the most interesting topic of conversation. Excuse me – I started this paragraph on our afternoon ride but as usual I soon begin admiring Walter White. Anyhow, we drove to the “shut-in” and found that a summer camp of cedar log cabins had been built there. It would be a wonderful place to spend the hottest part of the summer. You remember the place on the Frio river near Cou Cou, do you not?

I am wondering if you have arrived in Charleston yet. I am anxious to hear about your trip.

I hope you are feeling fine. I just love you so – I miss you too.

Here’s hoping there will be at least a card from my husband tomorrow.

Lots of love from all of us.

Always, your devoted
Ina.

P.S. Observe the number of “Is” in this letter, will you? It was unintentional.

March 31, 1931

This is a letter to Ina from Anna Laake, wife of one of Walter’s colleagues in Texas. From the address on the envelope, we learn that Walter and Ina were living at 10 Elmwood Ave., Charleston, SC.

Dallas, Texas
3-31-’31

Dear Mrs. Dove and family:

I have thought of you dear people so often and wondered how you were and what you are doing and after seeing Dr. Dove’s name in the paper to-nite I could not resist writing and enclosing the item.

March 31, 1931

Ina I received your letter and also Claudelle’s card which I enjoyed. I know you two are happy to be together again. And so you have found the old town more interesting with Claudelle’s help. I know you must be busy with your house full and I am certain that Walter White is receiving his full share of attention from “all.”

The weather has been just beautiful until the last week and we have had two bad freezes that have ruined many flowers and fruit.

Ernest visited me, arriving Friday evening March 20 – and left Tuesday March 24. He was just out of the hospital, having had a pretty bad case of flu. He came by auto and made it in two days – fortunately the weather was good during the trip and while he was here. He went back by train. I received a letter yesterday saying he was O.K.

You remember Mrs. Parish of Menard? Well the baby arrived O.K. about a month ago. They are so pleased with “him.” Ernest had Mr. Parish to come here while he was in Dallas. Ernest was so busy I saw very little of him while he was here. I can hardly realize he was here.

With very best regards to every one and a big hug for Walter White. I am

Sincerely,

Anna.

December 25, 1930

Dec. 25 – 10:30 P.M.

My dear Sweetheart,

I am enclosing some Xmas cards. I had breakfast with Mrs. Laake. Took temperatures of pigs until 1 PM, then had dinner with the Shelmires. This afternoon we made some blood transfers to new pigs. Tonight I checked temperatures on the whole lot. Our mite bitten pigs are not running high temperatures but they do run fever. The fever is consistent so far. We are very anxious for results on the transfer pigs. In the latter we would like to see swellings & be able to get tissue for demonstration of the Rickettsia.

December 25, 1930

This evening was a dull one for me. Also last night. This evening I went by the movie on Grand Ave. I can’t tell you much about the show. I was thinking typhus and guinea pigs.

Last night the phone rang a number of times but I was determined that I was not going anywhere to see a Xmas tree and kiddies. Since the phone started to ringing before 8 PM I knew that you were not phoning. Today I found that it was Mrs. Bedford Shelmire. She wanted me to be sure and come out for dinner today. Mrs. Geary and Mrs. Shelmire had mentioned the trees, and I was determined that I would not see their trees last night.

I am getting all of the male guinea pigs I can find. Mr. Somier is going to help the cause by bringing one from his house tomorrow. We want to make the injections as soon as possible, and just as soon as we get swellings and can autopsy, I’ll get on my way to Uvalde. I am getting mighty anxious to see you and W W & the folks.

With all my love, Sweetheart, I am

Your
Walter.

P.S. Bish wants to read our paper on rat mites & typhus at Cleveland. If we get sufficient evidence on transmissions we may wire him to announce it for us. We would like to have an exhibit & paper for the Southern Clinic at Dallas on March 31 to April 2. We will see how it comes along.

W.E.D.

December 19, 1930

Friday PM.

My dear Sweetheart,

Yours of Wed. nite came this noon. The letter from Mother and the announcement of Evalyn’s marriage were enclosed. I do not know who her sparring partner is, but I’ll gamble that Mendelsohn’s Wedding March is the battle march. Mott is a very small place. She will be tired of it within two weeks. I hope that they will get along.

December 19, 1930

I sent a check for Mother and Revah. Also sent Mr. Laake a can of P.A. I’ll get something for Mrs. L. though I haven’t any idea of what to get. Thought a record or two might be OK for Claudelle, a box of candy for Thelma, a box of candy for Mother Lewis (the 5# boxes like those we got before). I’ll bring the clock for Reitha & Thelma Lee, a shirt for Daddy Lewis, handkerchiefs or tie or sox for Bob. Think we should give WW a deposit to his % [?].

C.G. Huff’s address is Dept. of Bacteriology and Hygiene, University of Chicago.

Mr. Parrish is going home tomorrow. He has to make a round of traps etc. He will be back during Jan. for about a month. He is just fine.

I haven’t any idea when I can get away. My pigs are not performing as well as one could hope. But it always happens this way during some stages of experimental work. “Facts are stubborn things.”

I certainly love you Honey and I am anxious to see you and W.W. & the folks at Uvalde. Will be glad when I can see you.

I hope you sleep good.

Your,
Walter.