Tag Archives: real estate

August 7, 1925 (Walter)

Friday Nite 8/8 – 1925*

My Dear Sweetheart,

This was a wonderful day for me. I had two real good letters from the dearest little girl in the world and you can bet I enjoyed them. I have read them several times already and I’ll probably read them again before I go to sleep. Dr. White is already in bed. He goes to sleep early and usually wakes pretty early. We have just finished using vinegar for our sun burned backs. They are pretty tender tonight and I guess his is equally as sore as mine. I have never used vinegar before but he says it works fine and that it prevents the skin from peeling. I have an idea that he knows, as it is difficult to get a positive statement out of him.

August 7, 1925 (Walter)

August 7, 1925 (Walter)

I was amused at what you said about your battery. They usually last from 18 to 24 months, but as yours has been used so little it hardly seems possible that you would need a new one at this time. Am glad that they found it OK. I usually figure that the bad luck in breaking a mirror consists in the purchase of another. The number 13 is unlucky if some one happens to count that way for a dozen. But I believe in horse-shoes. We have had luck with them, haven’t we? The Fulford lot is Lot No. 13 (block 9) and I can’t help but believe that it is a lucky number. I am enclosing a circular which was enclosed with my receipt this month. It looks as though they may have a real university at Fulford. The tract is evidently in a new addition they are opening, but it is bound to affect the value of our lot. I only wish we had more lots down there and located as well as this one for we can use the money very nicely and we want a good one for our own home, whether we live there at first or not.

Fulford University Story

Fulford University Story

Honey Bunch, it was mighty sweet of you to say what you did about dates when Mother Lewis asked you, and I appreciate it. However, Sweetheart, I feel that I have unlimited confidence in you and if you want to go with others it will be perfectly all right. You are real sweet about it.

Dear, I never had an idea that you were of such a lovable nature and you don’t know how happy I am over it. I was a bit afraid that you were naturally cold and I have thought of this some, but not since I left Uvalde. I feel that I know you pretty well by now and the idea that we can live happily together is well fixed in both of our minds. We can’t help but be happy, or at least I can’t be otherwise. You were mighty sweet to want ot know my troubles, and that is what it takes for a good understanding and happiness.

I certainly do wish for you, Sweetheart, and the past month has been the longest I have ever spent. But as you say, the time is a month nearer and that is mighty encouraging. I hope that before a great while we can set a date, for I want you, Honey, and I love you with all my heart.

Yours always,
Walter.

The 8th was a Saturday – I’m assuming Walter got the day right and the date wrong.

August 4, 1925

Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Tuesday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

You don’t know how much I have wished for you this evening. Dr. White and I went in the surf for about an hour and the water was just right. Last night we went in after dinner but tonight we went in before eating. I think both of us enjoyed about every minute of it. He seems to be thriving on the Florida weather and gains steadily. I am holding my own with about 200. The work is getting started, and this month will probably be a very interesting one. If you were here with me, it would be ideal.

August 4, 1925

August 4, 1925

I have watched the same moon during the past few evenings and thought of you, and wondered if you were looking at it too.

The cottage we have looks a great deal like the one Mr. Brundrette had at Regan Wells and is a little bit larger. Has two front rooms, and one rear room as a kitchen & dining room. We use the porch and garage as a laboratory and sleep in the front rooms. The lady has a bed in the dining room. As she works at a cafeteria, there is no cooking here. We are now using the ice box for drinking water, as the beach water tastes of sulphur.

I don’t know how this cottage would strike you as it isn’t much for looks, but it is convenient to the surf and has running water and electric lights. It is much better than Reagan Wells. It would be a dandy place for a honeymoon, but maybe you like a little more excitement. I didn’t have in mind spending our honeymoon here, but I always think of our whole married life as a honey-moon and can’t help but wonder how different things will appeal to you.

Your letter was received when I was in Jax this morning. I took the 7 o’clock train and returned at 3. It is 17 miles from here.

I have your photos on the dresser in front of me. I am beginning to like the standing one, enlarged from a Kodak one, real well. It looks like you when you met me on the porch last month. I have some mighty good mental pictures of you at that time and I use them often. You are a wonderful little girl and I love you with all my heart. When I can be with you always I’ll be the happiest man in the world. More and more I do realize that you do love me, and Dear, you can bet that I am true to you. Not a single date of any kind except the evening I called on Mrs. Gallagher & then I talked of you most of the time.

With a real big hug and a goodnight kiss, I am,

Always,
Your devoted,
Walter.

P.S. I love you lots and lots and lots and then some.

August 2, 1925 (Walter)

Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Sunday Aug. 2, 1925

My Dear Sweetheart,

It seems like a long time since I have written to you, Dear, for it was impossible to write last night or the night before. Friday PM we came to the beach and spent all the afternoon in locating a place. We, finally, decided on one and late last night we arrived here with a pretty good truck load of stuff. It wouldn’t seem possible that two men would accumulate so much to be moved. It was so late when we arrived and we were so tired that we did not do anything but eat, unpack what we needed and then went to bed. I didn’t hear anything until 8 this morning. We have been getting up early but I didn’t wake up this morning.

August 21, 1925 (Walter)

August 21, 1925 (Walter)

We have a cottage with a long screened in front porch and two bed rooms adjoining. The lady lives in the rear and will do the housekeeping. Will use her garage for the experimental animals and our cultures, and lab. work. We can do very nicely on the screened porch. The arrangement is good, and even better than I had thought it possible to obtain. She is a lady about 40 or more (with bobbed hair which looks like a mop) but she is a good housekeeper and everything is just as neat as can be. I could go away for a few days and feel that everything was safe, and this is worth a lot. Her name is MacDonald, and the cottage has a name plate Mac’s Place over the door. The neighbor says that Mr. McDonald is working at Miami. They live in the cottage the year round but rent it during the beach season. She works at a cafeteria on the board walk and the only time we see her is when we go down there for meals. She is pleasant and we are very comfortable here. We have running water, bath plumbing, water shower after we come from the surf, electric lights, and a mighty good breeze (not too strong) day and night.

We have been rushed so much that Dr. White did not have time to purchase a bathing suit at Jax, and we haven’t been in the surf yet. We will probably go in this evening.

As usual I wonder how this place would strike you. I can’t help but believe that you would like it if you were here, but I hope we will have our own home and not camp to the extent that I am camping now. I believe that we would enjoy coming to the beach for a couple of weeks at a time, after we have our own home, unless we are living close by. The lot at Fulford is near enough to drive down in five minutes.

There is no news of interest. I haven’t been able to get the manuscript away from Dr. White yet. He still nurses it and looks for something to change. It should have been mailed yesterday, but he had some reason for holding it over. It is true that it reads OK and everything has been checked and re-checked, but I did this on the original. I hope that we will work up the next one separately as it is most aggravating. Guess he is naturally that way and maybe it is well that he does not have a wife. I would feel sorry for her.

I love you, Sweetheart, with all my heart, and you can bet that I am true to you. Will be mighty happy when I can have you with me.

Always your,
Walter.

Jacksonville Beach, Fla,
General Delivery.

July 29, 1925 (Ina)

Wednesday Nite
July 29, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

It is now rather late as it seems almost everything has been conspiring against my getting an early start on my letter to you.

Mrs. Ball is spending a week with her son in San Antonio so I came to Thelma’s this morning and am going to stay until tomorrow afternoon. We have been having such a good time today. It seemed like old times before she was married for us to be together as long as we are. She and Bob are happily married and perfectly devoted and I am so glad. I know you and I are going to be equally so. It seems like Thelma and I are so much more companionable now since I am in love than we have been since she married. There has been sort of a barrier between us that I couldn’t exactly define and now, since it has apparently been removed, I think I know what it was – she was in love and I wasn’t.

July 29, 1925 (Ina)

July 29, 1925 (Ina)

Thelma Lee and I went down and visited with Miss Zoe Bunting (Ray’s Aunt) for about an hour this evening. I had been intending for a long time to go, but just hadn’t done it. She found out I was at Thelma’s and ‘phoned me to come. On our way back Mrs. Parman saw us and came home with us and stayed for quite a while. Mr. Parman is about well and is able to work. Mrs. Parman said that if you will send us some cool weather she will answer your letter. The thermometer has been between 106º and 107º today.

This evening when Bob came home from work he kissed Thelma and then told me that if I wanted a letter I’d have to kiss him too. I don’t do it often, but I didn’t hesitate a moment this time and I got my letter too. I think it surprised him that I did it so readily. The letter was the nice, long interesting one you wrote last Sunday. I am glad you had a pleasant fishing trip and am glad you returned in time to write. All you said about Florida, “our” prospects etc. was very interesting to me. I love for you to write that way so I will know what to expect. It almost makes me feel like I have already made a trip to Florida. Yes, I feel sure that I will like it. The real estate interests me very much and I am trusting you not to be “too reckless.” I am mighty glad that you or, as you want to say, “we,” have the lot in Fulford. I am interested to know further developments and details as you find out on your trips around thru the state.

Sweetheart, I still love you and I love you and love you some more. It seems so good for you to be writing about the places you think we would like to live etc. It makes it all seem so real. You see I haven’t entirely recovered from that “too good to be true” feeling.

Thelma and the children send regards.

Yours forever,
Ina

July 26, 1925

Sunday Night 7/26

My Dear Sweetheart,

We had a real good time and returned at 6PM so I have time to write my “daily dozen” lines to you. It was a mighty good feeling to find a letter here from you, and it was an especially good one. When I read it, I had a bath and shaved. I felt like a different person. The fishing was enjoyable, and the drive a good one, but there was a tired feeling when we returned. I did not expect to get back until 2 AM (Monday) and was mighty glad that Dr. K.S. came in early.

July 26, 1925

July 26, 1925

Dr. Sandusky, an eye ear & nose specialist, went with us. He and I fished from one boat, while Dr. KS and Dr. White went in the other. We were on the lakes near Dr. Pridgeon’s and stopped at his home for a while this morning. He had an extensive case of creeping eruption last summer and I was anxious to have Dr. White see the location of its origin. We did not catch any real fish as they were not biting, but had fun catching brim (which are a perch). The outing was the principal thing and we enjoyed it. Had breakfast at 5 o’clock this morning. Dinner at 9 o’clock last night. Meals came close together and were big ones too, but they were thoroughly enjoyed. Dr. KS is a prince of a host for a fishing party.

Had my first letter from Mr. Bishopp yesterday which was an answer to one I had written to him. He told of a request from Florida which had been made to Dr. Howard that we locate a man in his locality for some work. According to Bishopp his tract is five hundred thousand acres. It seems too large to believe, but it sounds encouraging and especially since the study comes in our line. He is located in the South-Western part of the state, where the problem is probably that which I have had in mind, and which I intended looking up this summer. If his holdings are this extensive he should be interested sufficiently to offer an inducement for me to do the work in that section, which incidentally is probably less than 100 miles from Miami but nearer the West Coast. If it looks as good as the east coast for living conditions it might be better to locate our station there. I am not going to take you to an out of the way place, Dear, but will locate where I believe you will like it. I’ll tell you all about it before deciding, as I will have quite a bit to say as to where the station will be. I am assuming that there will be one, for that’s what I am going after.

You are going to like Florida, not simply because I am here, but I really believe that it will strike you about right. The amount of work to be done in our line has no limit as far as I can see, and I have no doubt but that we can count on Florida as our permanent home. The southern portion of the state, especially the East coast, is the coming portion and I don’t believe there is a place anywhere which offers the possibilities that this section does. I mean in growth and development. A business lot in Miami sold for twenty-two thousand dollars per front foot a few weeks ago. The highest price ever paid for business property at any place was on 5th Ave. N.Y. and it sold for 25,000 per front foot. Real estate values are higher than in the eastern cities.

The farm land and every other piece of property has increased since last year. The proportions are hardly believable as much of it is selling for several times what it could have been bought for last year. The farmer I told you about who asked $5000 last fall, refuses $10000 now and if he holds it he will get more. His location is off the highways, or it would be worth much more.

I wonder if the boom is one which will have a reaction, but I hardly think so, for the Northern tourists will always come during the winters. This summer the travel on railroads is just as heavy as last winter, and autos can be counted several per hour – all on their way to South Florida before the winter season. Don’t think I am crazy, Dear, as I don’t want it to be too much of a shock when you come down with me. You would then wonder why I hadn’t told you. Our lot at Fulford was bought at the right time and at the right price. I don’t know what it would sell for now, but I sincerely believe that it will be worth at least three times what we bought it at, within two years from now. I intend to familiarize myself with the values when I am down there this summer and may see where I can handle an option or two to good advantage. Your caution would be “don’t be reckless” and Dear, I won’t.

This is getting to be a lengthy letter, so I’ll bring it to a close.

I love you, Dear, with all my heart and I wish for you real often. No one else interests me, and Sweetheart, I feel that I couldn’t get along very well without you. I have never had such a feeling before. I am real glad that we are young enough to feel some of the romance of it, for if we were older we would probably miss much of it.

With a sweet goodnight and all my love,

Your
Walter.

July 20, 1925 (Ina)

Monday Nite
July 20, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

It is almost eleven o’clock but I want to say a few words to you before going to dreamland. In fact, I would give – oh, I don’t know how much if I could say lots and lots of words to you in person to-night. It is in the evening that I miss you most because that is when I have been with you most.

We (Mama, Papa, Claudelle and I) have just returned from a visit with Thelma and Bob and the children. We enjoyed the evening very much. They told us that Mr. and Mrs. Parman had just bought the place where Thelma and Bob are living. However, they expect to continue renting it I think. It surprised me a great deal when I heard of the purchase as I thought Mr. Parman was anxious to sell the home he and Mrs. Parman are in and that perhaps he was thinking of leaving Uvalde. He must feel settled here though.

July 20, 1925 (Ina)

July 20, 1925 (Ina)

Well, I suppose the clinic closed to-day and perhaps you are glad. I imagine you feel that you have enough material now on which to work for quite a while.

Your Thursday and Friday night letters came and I enjoyed every word of them. (I didn’t stop at reading them only once either). I know you are mighty busy and you are certainly doing well to write me as often as you do. That makes me appreciate the letters all the more.

Two weeks ago yesterday you left Uvalde and it seems ages and ages. I think of you and wish for you so very, very much and will be so happy when I can see you again and can be with you always.

Walter, I know you do think I go to church an awful lot. Mama thinks so too. She has threatened to send my trunk there so that it will be more convenient to attend all the services. But, seriously, the church here is the center of Claudelle’s and my social life as well as religious. In Uvalde if a girl doesn’t dance, there is no place for her to go except to the picture show, to church and church socials. Don’t misunderstand me by thinking I am placing the church as a last resort, because I’m not, but I am just explaining why I go so often. Of course, when we attend these services regularly, they give us responsibilities which make it almost necessary for us to attend regularly in order not to be a “shirker.” I enjoy the work and everything but would be equally happy without so much of it. I would not have the slightest intention of keeping up such a strenuous routine after I married, no matter whom I married (unless it were a minister, and I have never intended to do that), so you need not worry about my expecting to camp at the church. I think you understand the situation and I am sure we will not have any “falling out” on that score (or any other, are we?) I’ll prove it to you some time if you want me to.

Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

I love you lots and lots.

Always, your
Ina.

June 12, 1925

Jacksonville, Florida,
June 12, 1925.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I have re-read your two letters a number of times and I’ll probably read them lots more. You don’t know how much I appreciate them. They sound just like you, Dear, and they make me feel that the one whom I love so much is one who honestly loves me. At exactly this time last week we were in your car under the big tree south of town. I hated to leave you and could not help but think of coming away without you, and that was the reason why I couldn’t talk any. You remarked that it was like the first night this summer when I saw you, when there was very little conversation. The first night was one that was quite different, but I knew that I loved you and hadn’t figured out how I could get the idea across. I was not sure that you would let me tell you.

June 12, 1925

June 12, 1925

But that has been fixed up and I am mighty happy in the thought that another year you will be down here with me. You are going to like Florida, Honey Bunch, and I hope to know exactly where we are coming to live etc.

I took Dr. White to the beach last night and he thinks it is just right. However, we are going to live here at this hotel for a couple of weeks before we go down there. It is more convenient to the clinic and we will want a few days here before we go to the beach, in order to follow up the clinic cases. Last night we had been here just two days. Dr. White says that we seemed to get into the work enough to cause him to feel that we had been on the job for some time. We have been on the go most of the time, and until the wee hours we have discussed the problem. He and I have two beds in a large corner room and the problem is discussed pretty fully. I am very fortunate to have him here with me as there seems to be no limit to his knowledge, when I can get the information out of him.

Dr. White had a course at Johns Hopkins just before he came to Texas and he has posted himself pretty well on points having a bearing on our problem. He is a mighty fine man and, Dear, when we are permanently located down here I hope it will be possible to have him down here for some work with me. He won’t leave Washington for a period of time, but I hope he can be with us for a few weeks each year. He would not come as a guest, but to help in the work.

This morning the Catholic clock struck six as usual, which is five o’clock at your time, but we did not get up until about 10 o’clock. We talked creeping eruption until we dressed and shaved and this required an hour and one-half.

Dr. White was very complimentary to your photos and from my talking of you, he thinks that you are just right everyway.

This morning after breakfast Dr. K.S. and Elizabeth (11 yrs. old) came down and took us for a drive. We saw his new home under construction and then met Mrs. K.S. They certainly have a beautiful location for the new home and it is a most beautiful structure. He paid $18,500 for the lot, and a similar lot on which there is no building under construction had an offer of $30,000 a few days ago. There is a real estate boom on here too, but not as much as in the southern part of the state.

I haven’t seen Mrs. Gallagher or her children as yet as we have been too busy, but while Dr. White is reading the paper I am going over and calling on them. I am anxious to see them.

We are invited to dinner with Dr. & Mrs. K.S. tomorrow evening.

For this week and next you might address me at Seneca Hotel, as I would get it a little quicker and I want your letters as soon as I can get them. The quickest way is slow enough.

We had 38 cases of skin affections, 18 of which were C.E. during this first day and half. Before the clinic is over we will probably have two hundred cases.

Remember that I think of you many many times each day Dear, and that I love you with all my heart. I want to hear from you as often as you care to write and I am going to write as often as I can.

With a real sweet goodbye,

Your
Walter

July 7, 1925 (Walter)

July 8, Tues. Night.*

My Dear Sweetheart,

All set, and everything is packed. Leaving at 11 PM and connections are good. Should reach Jax Thursday night 8:45. Couldn’t possibly get away sooner, and had it not been for Mr. Gingell who helped me pack I probably would not have had a breathing spell. He helped as though it were his own stuff and I certainly appreciate it. He was the one who got the bunch together to help me at our house last spring. He is a drug inspector and makes headquarters here. Is a mighty nice chap.

July 7, 1925

July 7, 1925

I have packed just about everything that I claim at the lab, for I have learned that everything here becomes common property. Everyone feels pretty free to use anything here. I’ll store most of the stuff in Florida and we won’t have to move it from here when we go down there. I could do a better job moving it now, than I could when I go with you. Besides, it might be that we would not care to come back via Dallas before going to Fla.

Have a surprise. Had dinner in our house tonight. I went by to leave a plumbing fitting and was invited to eat with them. Met Mr. Goodman. Both are lovely people and the kind I believe you would like. The dinner was not a special one, but it was served in our breakfast room. You don’t know how I enjoyed it, though I had hoped that my first meal there would be with you. You can bet that I thought of you, Dear. Mrs. Goodman says that it is very cool there, despite the fact that it has been hot here. She says that they can open the windows only about two inches at night as the breeze is so strong.

I’ll write from Jax as soon as I arrive. You are apt to hear from me real often. You mean everything to me and I can’t help but love you lots and lots and lots.

Always

Your
Walter.

* The 8th was a Wednesday, so I’m assuming this letter was actually written on the 7th.

July 6, 1925

Monday Night

My Dear Little Girl,

Happy birthday and I hope you will live always; also hope that I’ll never die. Nothing of unusual interest occurred on the trip to Dallas. Made close connections at San Antonio, and arrived as per schedule. I packed nearly all day, but quit in time to see the house and to call on Mrs. Laake.

The house looks fine and Mrs. Goodman says she only hopes that they can stay there. She is afraid that I’ll want it for my wife. She has kept everything in excellent condition and the addition of pot plants and a couple of swinging baskets of vines add quite a little to the appearance of the porch. The lawn looks good, though she has had a fight with Johnson grass. I made a couple of Kodak pictures of it. Said she made some recently and hadn’t gotten the prints as yet. Had an invitation to eat dinner with them, but I had already phoned Mrs. Laake and she had asked me to eat with her.

July 6, 1925

July 6, 1925

Mrs. Laake wished that she had been with us on the 4th, and was pleased when I told her that you wished to be remembered to her. She served me a couple of bottles of Mr. Laake’s beer, some deviled eggs, fish and head lettuce, Swiss cheese sandwiches etc. I visited with her for about an hour and met her brother-in-law’s adopted daughter. Mrs. L. thinks that you are just about right. Nice, pretty, and everything. She was pleased when I told her. I believe you will like her.

This has been a mighty long day and night, due to the fact that I could not look forward to seeing you tonight. You don’t know how much I miss you, Dear, nor how much I would like to be with you. I’ll be mighty happy when I can have you with me always, and I only hope that I can make you happy. I love you lots more than you know.

Under separate cover I am mailing you the SS teacher book of which I told you, and also the laundry book I promised to locate.

It is 11 o’clock and I am going down town to post this, so I had better go.

Lots and lots of love.

Your
Walter.

March 24, 1925

Dallas, Texas,
March 24, 1925

Dear Ina,

I am mighty glad to get back and everything looks good to me. Had a wonderful time at Jax and the work was very interesting but short. I hated to leave there so soon, as a week passed before I realized it. I have plenty to keep me busy and out of mischief while here and I am expected to help the other fellows some. As this includes a trip to Uvalde, I will welcome it with open arms. I have wanted to see you for some time, and before many weeks I hope to come down.

March 24, 1925

March 24, 1925

I had used a sheet of this stationery to write a little 6 yr. old girl at Jax, daughter of my landlady there. She admired the stationery and had kept it as a treasure. Had a letter from my French boy not long ago, and he has made a wonderful improvement in school.

I went out to see the cottage this afternoon and everything is fine. It has not been rented, as I am particular as to whom I get to live there. The Japanese (Yon-o-mus) (I can’t spell it) shrubs were winter killed but all are coming out again. One of the Arba vitas (I can’t spell this either) will have to be replaced. I was surprised to find that the fixtures and even the water hose were not stolen, as I rather expected that I would have to replace them. The floors are pretty dusty as it seems to have been inspected during my absence. The neighbors have probably looked it over.

Had to stop writing when “Bobbie” brought his youngster over. He is a friend of mine and the boy is about a year old. A real pretty baby. A little time makes a great many changes. I am waiting for another boy friend to come by. He has been married and divorced since we three ran together. He made a mistake and they became divorced.

This is Wednesday night as Alvis and I visited until 1:30 this morning and I have just gotten back to finish this letter. He is the best boy friend I have ever had, and I always look forward to seeing him.

Have gotten started on my work here and I am anxious to get further developments for the Amer. Med. report in May. If I get it worked up like I want to, there will be little left to interest another Bureau. However, we will have to invite one to join us next summer, but most of the joy will be taken out of the problem before then.

Just before I left Wash. I had Sheetz to mail you some Martha Washington candy. I thought I had better tell you, or you might think that the other fellow sent them. The one who went squirrel hunting with you.

I am anxious to see you and I’ll be glad when the time comes to come down there. I hope I can see you more than I did last year. It sounds good to me that you are going to take a vacation.

With very best wishes,

Always
Walter