Tag Archives: wedding

August 23, 1925

Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Sunday PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

When it rains it pours. I had two letters this morning and I am mighty happy over them too. It seems mighty good to plan our wedding, though Dear, you are too considerate of me. To be sure, it is perfectly all right to have it at the church. All the time I have expected you to suggest that it be there, for I realize that there will be more room and too your friends whom you would not care to invite to your home would not have any reason to feel offended if it were at the church. If it were at your home it would probably mean a reception afterwards. Will this be necessary if we have it at the church? I hope not, but just as you say. It would seem that four or five o’clock in the afternoon would be a good time, and I believe that it would be well to leave shortly afterwards. Do you plan to be married in a traveling suit or would you change clothes before leaving? This is all for you to decide, and whatever you say, suits me.

August 23, 1925 (Walter)

August 23, 1925

I wish that I knew at this time whether we would come direct to Florida or whether we would live in Dallas before coming. I’d rather come down here and perhaps we could spend a little while in Dallas before coming. If we stay in Dallas for a while perhaps it would be well to have the honeymoon before going there, as we would meet quite a few people while there and I’d rather see them after we have been together more.

After I have been down the state I expect to write Mr. Bishopp and suggest what I would like to do, and I believe he will agree with me. He has promised that I could be in Johns Hopkins for about three months this winter or spring, but if we cannot get an appropriation to work on creeping eruption I don’t feel that I want to put special effort on nematodes. I would rather work on C.E. as much as possible this fiscal year and then start the new fiscal year on a problem for which we can get an appropriation. The work at Hopkins would be good regardless of what I am working on, but it would be more helpful if I went there while I had a problem for which we were getting appropriations. I’d get more out of the course. If I spend the winter and spring on C.E. I’ll get more credit on this work, and believe me I want all I am entitled to.

Mr. Bishopp is taking his work for a PhD now and I am inclined to believe that it will push him along more at this time than if he had taken it several years ago. It seems to be a good idea to get as high as possible then get the doctor’s degree for an additional push. There are a few young men in the Bureau who came to us with a doctors degree and they are getting about the same that I am. I don’t believe they will climb any faster than I will, for they are on problems of less importance and will have to show some results in order to climb.

I am not writing Mr. Bishopp at this time about spending the whole time down here, for after I have been down the state I may find a more desirable place to live where I can work on C.E. and another problem. He is inclined to stay away from the other problems until we have money for them and in that event I think it would be mighty fine for us to live here at Jax Beach until the latter part of the next June and then go down there. By that time, perhaps, I’ll have the C.E. worked up in pretty good shape.

I don’t know whether I am making all of this clear to you, Dear, but I hope you understand. Regardless of whether I come here or go to Dallas, it need not interfere with our plans of the wedding. We are going to have a little home of our own here in Florida, that is a sure thing, and I am anxious for you to be down here with me. I can probably make a pretty definite plan after I have been down the state, and have seen what they will do toward getting an appropriation. Once it is started we can ask for our requirements every year, but we can’t ask for the original appropriation, or at least we are not supposed to do it.

I am getting to where I want to see you awfully bad, Sweetheart, and I want you to know that I love you more than I can tell you.

Always your,
Walter.

Box 61

August 20, 1925

Jacksonville Beach, Fla,

Thursday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

It came at noon today. A mighty good one too. It certainly seems longer than six weeks to me since I left Uvalde and I agree with you that it has seemed to be about six months. It was real sweet of you to say that the early portion of November would suit you, or either before or after the Dallas meeting. Don’t let me do the suggesting on the date, Dear, for you have a perfect right to set the time which suits you best. I mentioned it as a possibility only, and I want you to know that I feel that this is a matter for you to decide and you can have it when you want it. I’ll gladly tell you as far in advance as it is possible, what time would seem to fit in as convenient, and you can set the time you want. I consider that the question of the date should be the girl’s privilege. I certainly don’t want to be old maidish enough to want the say so on everything, for I have been experiencing some of this with my co-worker. I have made some pledges to myself that I am going to try and not be that way, especially with you.

August 20, 1925

August 20, 1925

One reason why I suggested about the trunk was on account of the possibility of coming direct to Florida and in which event there would be little use for one. I don’t intend to do an awful lot of traveling, but I do want you with me when I have some to do. Most of it will probably be in the state so that we really wouldn’t need one. It seems that I have an awful lot of luggage as it is, and I sometimes wonder where we will find attic and closet room for a lot of it. I agree with you in that trunks are not ornamental.

I am posting a letter to Texas for Dr. White tonight in which he tells them that he expects to leave about the latter part of the month. I can’t say that he has helped very much, but the fact that he was here and is an MD adds some prestige. I don’t expect to have him down here with me again, nor any other person showing symptoms of laziness and eagerness to get in on the credit end of the problem. We haven’t pushed the problem ahead any, and what we have done has been more of a confirmation of some of my results down here last spring and at Dallas just after that. The laboratory technique from Johns Hopkins was about the same as what I picked up in literature while in Washington. When he leaves, I’ll have the thing to work out. I expect to go down the state about the same time that he leaves, and after about a month down there I’ll probably pick up the problem here and push it. I think I can get Mr. Bishopp to consent to my staying with it all winter and spring. I believe this is the thing to do. We have some animals infected, or at least we hope they are infected but we have not been able to produce creeping eruption with the infection. Possibly, we haven’t tried the right stages and maybe we have not made the conditions just right. It looks as though we have the right thing, but it remains to be seen. It looks like the same thing I worked with during the spring.

It is getting late, Dear, and I am going down town so that this will get off on the early train tomorrow A.M.

I love you Sweetheart and I’d give most anything if I could hug you real hard right now.

Good night, Dear, and sweet dreams.

Always your,
Walter.

August 16, 1925 (Ina)

This letter was out of sequence in the file. Today is 12 October 2011, but I’m backdating this post so it will be in the right place in the chronology.

Sunday Nite.
After Church.

My dear Sweetheart:

Just six weeks ago this afternoon you left us and it seems just about that many months to me. I can’t realize that it has been such a short time.

August 16, 1925 (Ina)

August 16, 1925 (Ina)

I note with a great deal of interest what you say about the meeting to be held in Dallas Nov. 7th to 10th. If you should find that you should be there at that time, I am sure, for my part, that the wedding could be arranged some time near, before or after that time. It would really please me very much because it would mean that I would get to see you earlier than I expected. Of course I understand that you are unable as yet to know at what stage your work will be at that time, but I am sure that we can make arrangements accordingly. Sweetheart, I love you, and the nearer the time comes for us to be married the happier I feel. It is so vastly different from the way I felt about two years ago when Ray and I were engaged. At that time I couldn’t help but have a feeling of dread, as each day slipped by.

I am glad you said what you did about the wardrobe trunk. As it happened, I had already decided not to purchase a trunk of that kind. In housekeeping they are very much in the way since you usually want a trunk that will occupy the least space and can be tucked away in a corner or closet somewhere as they are not very ornamental as a piece of furniture. I am glad you expressed an opinion on it, and I will be so glad if you will always feel free to give your opinion on things. I was interested in what you said about the possibility of our going directly to Florida instead of Washington. Either way suits me, Dear, and I am always mighty glad to know of any developments that might determine when and where we shall go.

Worlds of love from
your devoted,
Ina.

August 14, 1925 (Walter)

Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Friday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Things are going just fine and we had a good and busy day. Tomorrow will also be a busy one and I guess we have about all we can do as long as we want to work with it. Dr. White was describing the girl whom he thought would be ideal, and when he finished I told him that there was no other like you. At least I have never found one who could take your place in my heart. I certainly do love you sweetheart.

The photos did not come today.

August 14, 1925 (Walter)

August 14, 1925 (Walter)

We went in the surf at about 5:45 this morning and the water was fine. We are going to try it again tomorrow morning. It gives me a real good appetite for breakfast. I am weighing 200 now which is a few pounds less than when I left Uvalde. I note what you said about your weight. I’ll bet that you gain 10 lbs when you come to Florida. Most of the girls look fat down here. But you could gain and still be real pretty, though I could not suggest any change in you, Dear. You are just right in every way and I wouldn’t change you one bit if it were possible.

You don’t know how happy I am that I have your love, Dear, for I love you better than I ever dreamed I could love anyone. Here’s hoping that we will always love equally as much, and I certainly hope that I’ll never do anything to cause you to love me less. I am going to do all I can to make you happy and I am going to be as good to you as I know how. I only wish I could give you more when we are starting out, but just the same we will have the fun of making a home and accumulating. At the same time I hope that we will both enjoy life.

You did not mention in your letter whether either of the men who were married in Uvalde, wore “scisssor tail” coats (evening dress). Personally I wouldn’t feel very comfortable in one, but just as you say. Have you thought of what kind of a wedding you want, Dear? This is for you to decide and you can do this so that it is just the way you want it. The important part to me is that I will participate in it. Your Mother can probably suggest the most suitable place and help you to decide. The idea of an afternoon or day time wedding and then leave as soon as it is over would strike me fine. But suit yourself, Dear.

With a real sweet goodnight and with all my love, I am,

Always your
Walter.

August 11, 1925 (Walter)

Tuesday Night 11PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

We have just returned from Jax with Dr. and Mrs. K.S. We enjoyed the dinner very much and the drive home was cool and pleasant. She served a roast lamb, baked potatoes, sliced tomatoes on lettuce with mayonnaise dressing, ice tea, peaches with whip cream, and chocolate layer cake. The home cooking was quite a change for us and the evening was pleasantly spent. She served Dr. White and I a Scotch highball before dinner which seemed to be a pretty good appetizer.

August 11, 1925 (Walter)

August 11, 1925 (Walter)

We had some shopping to do and also had an express package containing some glassware from Washington. There were so many bundles it looked like Santa Claus.

I note in the Southern Med Journal that the meeting will be held in Dallas Nov. 7 to 10th. It is possible that we may have an important announcement as a result of our work to make there and would like to know what you think about that time or a date somewhere near that one. Cannot say for sure yet, but this is just a possibility. Maybe it can be arranged for the wedding before that time or after then, giving a couple of weeks margin either way. There is yet plenty of time to set the date, and I am simply suggesting this at this time as a possibility.

It is bed time, Dear & Dr. White is asleep. I must take a bath yet and I guess I had better say “goodnight.”

I love you with all my heart and I wish for you, Sweetheart, real often.

Always,
Your
Walter

August 5, 1925 (Ina)

Wednesday Night.
Aug. 5, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

Again I say, “don’t you feel funny when you don’t get a letter!” I had that sensation again this afternoon when I opened the box and there was none. I suppose you are too busy to write. I am sure you still love me, but I will be mighty glad to get a letter. The last one I received was written a week ago tomorrow night. I like letters.

August 5, 1925 (Ina)

August 5, 1925 (Ina)

Well, I went to Jewel Tate’s wedding this afternoon at five. It took place at her home and there was quite a crowd there. Yes, the groom was there and I really like his looks. He looks human and hasn’t that hands-clasped-eyes-cast-heavenward look that I was afraid Jewel’s husband would have. It was a very simple wedding – no attendants – and, honestly, it is hard for me to believe that it is legal – the minister omitted so many of the “I do’s” and “I will’s.” Why, they hardly had time to get in the room before he pronounced them man and wife. It surely doesn’t take long to do it up for a life time. However, the brevity of the ceremony suits me. There was a short reception afterwards, and then they left in their car for their home in Plainview, Texas. Sweetheart, all during the ceremony I was thinking of how happy I will be when you and I stand at the altar and take those solemn vows. But there was something about it that I didn’t exactly like, and I don’t know exactly what it was. After the ceremony was over, there was an awkward pause, and throughout the reception that spirit seemed to prevail. The majority of the guests didn’t seem to be enjoying it much and finally I think they all left before the bride and groom did. There were only a few left when it dawned upon me that perhaps I had better leave too. Rice, old shoes etc. were not even hinted by anyone. Of course brides and grooms don’t like to be the victims of too much of this, but I think half the fun is in trying to escape it. It doesn’t seem like a real wedding if there are not some young people around who are trying to plan and carry out some mischief. I didn’t feel like doing it all by myself so I didn’t mention it.

No, I don’t know how to prepare shrimp. I am glad you are taking notes so that you can tell me how. I am sure you all enjoyed the fishing. It was good recreation after a day’s work.

Thursday Afternoon.

Dearest Walter:

Just to tell you that I still love you and I am sending this letter to the post office with the prayer that I may get a letter this afternoon. If I don’t –! I guess I’ll write you again tonight.

Love,
Ina.

July 16, 1925 (Ina)

Thursday Evening
July 16, 1925.

My dearest Walter:

Your Monday letter came this afternoon, and altho it was brief, I enjoyed it all. In fact, I get great pleasure out of reading every word you write. I am sure you enjoyed the dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Kirby-Smith. I think it’s mighty nice that you are associated with them in a social way as well as in a professional way. It makes it all so much more interesting and pleasant.

July 16, 1925 (Ina)

July 16, 1925 (Ina)

Claudelle, Thelma and I enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at a shower honoring Roxie Miller, Mr. Lee’s fiancee. There was quite a crowd and she received lots of beautiful and useful gifts. After the opening and inspecting of the gifts, several tables of bridge and forty-two were arranged. I played forty-two since I knew more about it than bridge. We all had a good time. I did especially, because I am very much interested in everything that concerns a bride or a wedding now. I felt so happy for Roxie and sincerely hoped that she was as happy as I am, and, more important still, will be when my wedding day is as near as hers. They are to be married next Tuesday morning and expect to leave at once for Galveston and Brownsville where some of his relatives live.

When we returned home we found Avis Fisher Bunton, her husband and her little six month old boy. Avis is my chum that you have heard me speak of often. She saw my ring and thought it was beautiful. Everyone who sees it thinks so too, and you don’t know how proud I am of it. Every time I look at it (and that is most of the time) I think of you. Your sister expressed the right sentiment when she said that it would be nice for me to have the ring to enjoy while you are gone. Oh, yes, I got off the subject didn’t I. Speaking of Avis, she said she was glad I was going to be married as she thought that was really the only life. She said she had been happier the past year and a half than she had ever been before even though it had been under adverse circumstances. Lucius, her husband, is a ranchman, and has suffered heavy losses in sheep and everything this year. Avis had never had to do much work before her marriage, but she certainly has done it cheerfully since then. Lucius and a cousin of Avis were in partnership in the ranching business about twenty miles from Del Rio, and it was a sure enough partnership too. The cousin and his wife lived in the house with Avis, Lucius and baby and they had everything together – even the cooking, so I suppose you know the rest. There was a “falling-out,” Lucius sold his part and they are now living in Del Rio. In spite of all this, they are happy as far as their relation to each other is concerned and are certainly a devoted husband and wife.

Reitha is spending the night with us and is constantly chattering away in the “unknown tongue.” She is as sweet as can be when she tries, but, as Thelma Lee says “she can be so naughty” with great emphasis on the “so.”

I know you were glad to see Mrs. Gallagher and the children. It was almost like going home again, wasn’t it? I am sure they are sorry you can’t be with them much while you are in Jacksonville this time. I am anxious to meet them, because I am sure I will like them.

I still love you as much as ever and then some more. I wish I could be with you right now.

Always, your devoted

Ina.