Western Union – Received at W.U. Bldg., Cor. Main & Pearl Sts., Dallas, Texas – 1929 May 21 PM 7 51
MRS W E DOVE
PHONE 80426 DALLAS TEX
PASSED EXAMINATION CORT SAID COMMITTEE WELL PLEASED LOVE
W E DOVE.
May 21, 1929
May 21, 1929
Tag Archives: Johns Hopkins
May 19, 1929
Sunday PM. 11:00.
My dear Sweetheart,
I have just returned from the Corts. Place card enclosed herewith. The Scotts and the Springlers, Sarles and I were present. The lunch was very nice and informal. I wore my black suit and so did the other men except Scott. He wore a light grey. Chicken a la King on toast, hot biscuits, asparagus, mashed potatoes, some kind of a fritter, olives etc. Fresh strawberries with pineapple etc. for dessert. It was OK. Scott talks as much as ever. Cort said that Scott did not have the Egypt job closed but that it would come OK. They do not feel sure yet.
May 19, 1929
They have a Chevrolet sedan, mileage 10M. Everyone wished that you could have been there. Mrs. Springler was anxious to meet you. She has a position somewhat similar to the one you had. She did not find one until after Xmas. Springler gets his degree this spring and may take a job on swine parasites with Hall, location in Alabama. He is on Cushing’s type. She is quiet, refined and rather good looking.
I have not talked to anyone about the Alaska job. Think it better to keep quiet about it.
Tonight Cort told me that he was “very pleased” with my written examination. That I had a better grasp of helminthology than he had supposed. He also assured me that I would get the degree OK. The oral is a form and it is up to the candidate to make a good impression on the thesis and minors. This sounds good. I feel more certain of it now.
I took a box (2#) of candy to Mrs. Cort and the girls. They were very appreciative. Mrs. Scott’s Xmas cards were returned to her both times.
Am studying bacteriology, protozoology and ento for the oral. Root said in a joking way that he might quiz me on entomology too. I hope he does. I think I’d impress the committee more favorably.
With all my love, your
Walter.
I have not mailed the Owenwood check. If you need some money draw on the account.
Monday AM.
Sweetheart,
Just received your letters of Tuesday, Wed & Friday, and I enjoyed them more than you think. I am glad that everything is going OK.
I am going downtown sometime today to look up the sailings for Alaska. Sounds funny, doesn’t it? I’d like to tell Cort but I am afraid that the news would reach persons whom we would not care to know of it. The thesis news seems to be rather general among the Sch. Hyg. folks.
I am sorry that Jimmie has trouble with his car & that he had 25 expense [?]. However it had the earmarks of such a car. Think he will get a lot of good out of it, anyway.
I want to talk to Bishopp about taking Jimmie to Alaska. It is advisable to see how he comes on the exam. It may be better to not interfere with his course work at SMU. Maybe next summer he can go with us.
With all my love, Dear,
Your
Walter.
May 18, 1929
Baltimore Md.
Saturday Night 11:30 PM
My dear Sweetheart,
I spent today in Washington and attended the meeting tonight (Helm. Soc.) I reported on the thermotropic experiments and the report went over in good shape. Stiles made a few remarks in the form of contratulations to Dr. White and I in our establishing a precedent of breaking away from the time honored rules of an entomologist for insects. All others hands off! Said he wanted to work a problem which dealt with an insect and he was not permitted to do so. That we had broken the old established rule which should have not been a rule and that he was glad of it. Dr. White and I decided that it was better to keep “mum,” so it was not discussed in the meeting. I rather wish that I had not reported, but Dr. White said it was OK anyhow since Stiles needed a chance to get it off his chest and that he probably felt better. I started to skip the meeting, but Dr. White insisted that we go down. I did not report on the incidental infections of A. braziliense and A. caninum in the boy. I am glad that I did not.
May 18, 1929
Hall is in the hospital. He is improving but may be confined for two months more. Only one man besides myself was present from Hopkins. He made a report. Other reports were of passing interest.
The Alaska work is practically forced on me. I indicated to Bishopp that I would be interested and that I’d consider it if my wife could make the trip with me. That I felt that I should have sufficient expenses to take care of both of us. He does not know how much will be allowed but the Bureau pays the salary and the Territory of Alaska pays expenses. Told him that I was not in position to finance the trip. He is attempting to get an advance from the Dept. & to get other advances from the Governor of Alaska. I am enclosing the telegram. Bish thinks that it is a wonderful opportunity for his division to get in and establish itself on the parasites. He thinks that about 20% can be added to my salary to take care of increased expense. The trip would begin from Seattle about June 7-10th and we would be up there until about the middle of October. The same for next year. We would be in Dallas when we returned from up there.
The problem is of vital importance and it is an opportunity to accomplish something of lasting value to the reindeer industry. I believe I can do something which they have not been able to do in the cattle grub problem. I have confidence enough in my ability and curiosity enough in Alaska to want to go up there. Bish is figuring that I am going. If you have a serious objection to it, wire me at Bureau Tuesday.
I asked Bish if he considered Mr. Laake for the place. That I did not want to get any hard feelings with him. Bish said that Laake’s physical condition was not good and that he could not possibly be considered on that account.
If possible I’ll leave Washington Thursday night for Dallas. It may be Friday night. We would have only a limited time to get things in shape to leave, but I think we would have sufficient time after I get to Dallas. I wish we could take Claudelle with us, but I cannot see how we could do it this summer. We’ll see what they offer for expenses etc. We will probably go this summer and next. I’d like to take Jimmie too, but it does not look favorable. Bish wants him to go to Southern California in Aug. Too, he needs a summer course at SMU. We do not know about his exam yet. They are grading mighty close. In another lot 10 passed & 8 failed. I hope we can get Jimmie over the dead line. Bish will do what he can but there are three others to grade the papers too and two of them are firm in their convictions of the values of answers.
The written exam yesterday lasted for about six hours. 10 long questions out of 12 in the forenoon and about 200 short, rather catch questions, in the PM. Think I passed but I did not make a wonderful grade. The exam was fair but directed for the younger ones who are leaving this year.
I’ll have lunch with the Corts tomorrow (Sun) evening. Will see how the exam took with him.
With all my love, Dear, and with hopes of seeing you about this time next week,
Your
Walter.
May 17, 1929
Friday Noon.
We had part of the exam this morning and after lunch we will get the rest of it. I imagine it will take part of tonight too.
Mrs. Scott & Mrs. Cort are here this noon. They send love.
Always
your
Walter
May 17, 1929
The letter and photo enclosed with this are from a Dorothy Cort. The back of the photo is dated April 8, 1929, and says “Helen, 13 yrs. old today; Peggy, 11-1/2; and Dorothy, almost 9.”
Dear Mrs. Dove,
We all thank you for the many pretty things you have given us. I have had so many things to do since Christmas I haven’t had time to write to you. We still play with our dishes that you sent us. We haven’t broken one of them yet. Every one is envious of them. I hope that you are coming up to Baltimore when Mr. Dove comes. We got tennis racquets this year and are anxious to learn how to play. Mother had a dinner of eleven of Daddy’s dept. men last night and gave them Chinese food to eat.
With love to you
From Dorothy Cort
May 15, 1929
Wednesday Night
My dear Sweetheart,
The time for the written is getting close and I’ll be glad when it is over. I am anxious to get through and leave here. The review conferences add to the length of the day and it makes a long one. This PM the other candidates drove out to the bay to go in swimming. I excused myself and made the call to the Gas Co. office. Did not shake hands with all of them, but made my little spiel to Miss McCann and left a 3# box of chocolates (Martha Wash.) She was pleased etc. and when you come up with me she wants us to come to her home. They will write you of my call etc.
May 15, 1929
Had supper downtown and to break the Baltimore monotony I went to a movie-talkie (Mother’s Boy). It was very good. Did some window shopping and then came to my room.
This morning it really looked as though the sun would shine. It came out like a real sun. Wore the heavy black suit. We had a good shower of rain.
On account of the exam Friday, I’ll probably wait until Friday night before writing again. You should get it Monday. I expect to leave here next Tuesday night just after the oral exam. Can’t tell how long it will take in Wash. but you can bet that I’ll get through as quickly as possible. I’ll try and get through over there on the following Friday or Saturday. I have an idea that I won’t care to make any stops on the return trip. I am getting anxious to see my Sweetheart. It seems like ages since I left you.
With all my love,
Your
Walter.
Thurs. noon.
Bish phoned this AM. Says the Territory of Alaska has ten thousand for the study of bots in reindeer. He says that I am the best man in sight & he wants me to think it over. Headquarters would be in Nome. The work would consist of this summer & next, should start in June. Will see him at Helm. Soc. Sat. night. Will go over Sat. AM & talk about it. Don’t mention it to anyone except Claudelle. Write me in Wash. and tell me what you think. Hadwen the Canadian parasitologist was up there for about two summers, but evidently he did not give them what they wanted. Would you like to go up there for about three months this summer and next? Don’t know whether we would sail from Frisco or from a point in Oregon. The reindeer are tame and the bots affect them like our cattle grubs do in the U.S. I have an idea the same control methods would be OK. It should be an interesting and profitable trip. They should pay more money than I am now getting, and be liberal for expenses etc. It should help for an increase in the Bureau. It appeals to me.
Walter.
May 14, 1929
Sch. Hyg. Tuesday PM
My dear Sweetheart,
Was mighty glad to get your letter yesterday AM and another this AM. Hope everything continues to go well with you. Am cramming for the written. It comes Friday. The oral comes next Tuesday, one week from today at 4 PM (3 PM Dallas time). We came to the Sch. of Hyg. last night and held a session. Several questions were discussed but I am not so sure that it is the right method of study. I hope the discussions will be few and far apart. Have been at the School every since I returned [sic]. Everyone is very cordial etc. Am learning all that I can and am collecting some reprints to bring home.
May 14, 1929
It was nice of Jimmie to come over and offer to do something. Let him, if you need ice or if you need any errands run. Have not seen the Cort family yet. Cort says that he doesn’t want a radio yet. Dorothy wants jazz and he doesn’t. They are buying a Desoto car this summer.
With love,
Walter.
May 12, 1929
Baltimore Sunday Night 7:15 PM
My dear Sweetheart,
I am now at 1617 N Broadway but do not send any letters here. It would be better to receive them at 615 N. Wolfe.
Had a nice time and a lovely dinner with the Bishopps and this PM they brought me to Baltimore. Pork roast, creamed potatoes, asparagus, spinach dressed with boiled eggs shredded, biscuits, caramel layer cake and ice cream with strong coffee. We ate about 3 PM, so I am not hungry tonight. Mrs. Spencer seems to enjoy her visit with them. All were disappointed in that you did not come with me. Mrs. Bishopp says that she is greatly indebted to you for recommending College Park. She finds the people very congenial. She intended to give a party for you so you could meet some of the people.
May 12, 1929
It is a lovely home located in a V, having a front of about 400 ft. on the Balto. highway. At the tip of the V an iron fence is covered with Rambler roses. The house is a 2-1/2 story brick, surrounded by natural trees. The woods were cleared for the house and lots of trees were left for shade. The children behave very well. Bitsie is much better looking, more grown up and more dignified. She will be a Junior next year. I met the young man who goes with her. He is interested in entomology. I imagine he will be in our division when he completes his work. Probably about the time that we go to S.C. He seems to be thick with the Bishopps. I notice that he kissed Mrs. Spencer when he came in.
Bish wants Jimmie to go to Southern California in August and spend the whole winter and spring out there. He says that it is too hot during the summer. Do not mention it to Jimmie yet. I want to tell him more. Also, I want to be sure that they pass him. Bish felt that his paper (exam) would pass but he does not grade it. I think it is about an average. About one-half of that group will fail. The theses are not considered unless the exam is OK. Jimmie’s thesis would help if he makes a 65 on the exam.
Have some sad news. Mrs. Robb passed away on July 3d. She died in the hospital. About three days before she was paralyzed and could barely speak. Mr. Dick carried her to the hospital. She left her business in poor shape. So the lady at 1014 tells me. Mrs. Robb had purchased another house and had moved furniture over there. It seems that both places were in debt at the time of her death. 1014 will be sold to the highest bidder on May 21st. I shall make it a point to see Mr. Dick and talk with him. He will probably be at the sale. When you and I were here Mr. Dick was named as the executor of her will. If you remember I witnessed it for her.
I did not go to the School tonight, since it was too late. I’ll get two meals each day, two doors above here. Think I’ll be here until the 21st. May go to Wash. that night. I’ll wire you that night just after the oral exam. I have no doubt but that I’ll get through OK. It is a question of making a creditable showing before the Advisory Committee. Dr. White says I’ll have a nice visit with them and that I’ll enjoy it. Have visited with Dr. White practically all of the time since I went to Wash.
Dr. White did not read my thesis but I showed him the photos and the evidence. He seems to think it is OK. It represents more real work than any Hopkins thesis he knows of, and he thinks that I’ll get the degree all right.
With all my love, your,
Walter.
May 11, 1929
Saturday Nite 9:15 PM.
My dear Sweetheart,
Another day and evening with Dr. White. Have spent most of my time with him. Have found it very interesting and I have gained some useful information for the goat problem. The dinner for Cobb which was scheduled for tonight did not materialize. Dr. Hall was seriously ill and it was cancelled on that account.
May 11, 1929
This noon Dr. White and I had dinner with Bish, Webb and Peters. Tonight Dr. White and I ate at the Allies Inn again. Tomorrow noon I’ll go home with Bishopp for dinner and they will take me to Balto. in the PM.
Talked to Dr. Roark on the phone this PM. He called Bish’s office and inquired if I had arrived. I will phone him when I return from Baltimore, about a week from next Wednesday. He and Mrs. Roark were disappointed when they learned that you did not come with me.
I had the privilege of reading Jimmie’s exam paper this afternoon. Bish has to read all of them and pass on them, but does not enter the grades. I think Jimmie will need some help and possibly Bish can help some. There are eight papers in the section on Physiology and Insecticides. One of them, a man now working here, is up for an appointment as soon as the papers are graded. I compared his paper with Jimmie’s, although Jimmie’s is not presented well, his facts are given. It is difficult to find them. In fact I had to point out to Bish just what he was driving at in some of his discussions. Bish has about 50 exam papers for Junior to be read & reported. Naturally the ones with the facts in brief form will be given most consideration. When I return from Baltimore I’ll learn what the others have to report. If Jimmie’s passes I’ll be pleased. Dr. White agrees with me re: Jimmie’s going to Baylor for work, in preference to another year with Dr. Geiser.
When I talked of Mr. Abbott Dr. White suggested that the boy was probably affected with defective internal secretion glands. The pineal gland at the base of the brain, an internal secretion gland, probably does not function properly. Dr. White suggests that A may be a burden to his folks as long as he lives. Also that the boy is to be pitied for this abnormality. The trouble probably started during embryonic development.
With all my love, I am,
Your
Walter.
May 10, 1929
Walter is now at Johns Hopkins University to defend his doctoral thesis, in which he worked out the etiology of creeping eruption (aka cutaneous larva migrans).
Wash DC – Friday Nite.
My dear Sweetheart,
Yesterday PM I posted a letter from Baltimore. It was written en route and a few notes were made on the envelope after I had visited with the Hopkins folks. I presume you received it Sunday AM by Special Delivery.
May 10, 1929
At the School of Hygiene I found everyone very cordial and with a glad hand. The thesis paved the way in a fine manner. Had lunch with the Med Zoo folks in the cafeteria at Dr. Cort’s expense. Learned that Dr. Root is to quiz me on protozoology in the oral. Dr. Ford (head of the Dept of Bacteriology) will give me the oral in the other minor. Dr. Ford is on my thesis committee, and I think Root is also. I did not learn the names of other members of the Committee. According to recent rules the candidate is not supposed to know who serves on his thesis committee. This gives the Comm. a chance to refuse a thesis without the candidate’s knowing who was responsible.
Had a talk with Miss Durham since I did not care to deposit $50. It will not be necessary to make the deposit. She said that my thesis was a “beautiful piece of work” that Dr. Ford gave a very good report on. He read it about three times, turned it in for binding, then the next day he asked to see it again. A copy was in his possession when I saw Miss Durham. She said he remarked of the beautiful work and etc. The praise gives me more confidence, but I am not allowing it to go to my head or to cause me to throw out my chest. Cort seems to be very proud of the showing of his Dept. He has all of the candidates this time, Root & Hegner have none this year. Hegner is en route to the Philippines. He will be there for a year.
Everyone asks of Mrs. Dove. Cort surmised that we would drive up and everyone seems disappointed that you did not come.
You will recall that Dr. Barlow worked out the life cycle of an intestinal fluke, and that he swallowed the flukes en route from China. He was at JHU about nine years ago. This year he returned in order to complete the work for his DSc degree. He expects to go to Egypt to work on a bladder fluke of man. It is likely that Mr. & Mrs. Scott will go with him. Scottee is the same as ever. Says the right thing at the right time. Next week I expect to become better acquainted with Barlow. I am to obtain a room at the same place, about 1600 block on Broadway. Will take two meals there, also. Will write more of JHU next week.
(Mr.) Dr. Radcliffe and Miss Capp were married about a year ago.
Dr. & Mrs. Huff have a boy baby. Dr. & Mrs. Anderwort have a girl. Both couples and both babies are in Boston. Dr. Simon died more than a year ago.
Saw Dr. White last night, today and tonight. Will see him again tomorrow. I did not arrive at the Bureau until after 5 PM but I made connections with him at Wallis Cafe. Tonight we ate at Allies Inn until they closed up. Then we drove about in his Buick roadster. He has a special horn on his car. It sounds like a bull calf. We had lunch this noon at the Chinese restaurant.
Mrs. Bishopp (steno) was disappointed that you did not come. It is such a beautiful time of the year, and you would have enjoyed it so.
The Bishopps invited me to eat dinner with them Sunday at noon. They are going to take me to Baltimore that PM. He is OK to me, very nice etc. Otherwise, he is running true to form. Dr. White and Mrs. B know more of him now.
Think I’ll stay in Baltimore all of next week and until after the final oral on Tuesday of week after next. It will be better for me and also less expensive. I am now rooming 1 block north of the office, just opposite the old Smithsonian Bldg. Don’t know their names. I pay $2 per night for three nights here.
The new Animal Parasitology by Hegner, Root and Augustine is out. It has C.E. in it and all other recent developments.
Dr. Howell was very cordial when I met him in Baltimore.
With all my love, Dear, I am
Your
Walter.
P.S. I have a new point in my pen. It cost $1.50.