November 29, 1925

Sunday PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Yours of Wed. night came today. It was a real good one too. I note with interest that Mother had written to you. I have just received a letter of hers which went to Dallas. She neglected to put Beach in the address and of course Box 61 Jacksonville was wrong. I am writing her today.

November 29, 1925

November 29, 1925

I am not surprised at Mrs. Parman’s brother’s success with real estate down here. Most everyone can tell of similar experiences. Some have lost money too, but one never hears of them. Well selected property, especially water-front or in good developments increase rapidly. Some Jew developments in swamps and where there is no reason for a town can’t possibly be of any value. One should see what he buys down here and then if he uses common sense, it will turn out OK. Fulford has not increased as rapidly as lots of the other developments, but it is building a beautiful city and we are going to come out OK on our lot down there.

I am not going wild over real estate, for with my limited means and desire to play a safe game, there is no reason to be over enthusiastic. The biggest money is made when the chances are greater, but I am a poor fellow in gambling. Many buy options and devote much time to them. I was a little high on the acreage and have not sold as yet. Have pulled in my horns a little. Will go out with a prospect tomorrow PM.

I love you Dear and I will be a happy human when the time comes.

Always your
Walter.

December 1, 1925

Tuesday Night.

My Dear Sweetheart,

No news, Dear, but I am writing that I love you just the same.

The storm played havoc with the piers and bulkheads along the water front. I don’t know what the damage was, but it is quite evident. The ocean was pretty angry.

December 1, 1925

December 1, 1925

I haven’t sold the acreage as yet. Perhaps you will have reasons to call me a bum realtor. Have reduced my price as I was probably too high. At least, I was told so by the people whom I purchased the tracts from. Hope to be able to tell you that I sold them, before long.

I love you, Dear, and always will.

Your,
Walter.

December 3, 1925

Box 61, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.,
Dec. 3, 1925.
Thursday PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I was mighty glad to get your letter this morning, the Sunday Nite letter. Am glad that you finished the church duties O.K. and that everything went off O.K.

December 3, 1925

December 3, 1925

I think your idea of the hour 3:30 is a very good one. That should give enough time to get through and make the 4:10 train. If agreeable to you, we might spend the first night at San Antonio, as there is no fun in making a hurried trip of it. From there we could go to New Orleans, then to my folks. Mother says that it will probably be after the 25th before Sister & Mr. Prince get there as he is pretty busy until the 24th. If we get there about the same time, it would be O.K. Perhaps you would have a different routing in mind, if so, let me know. The main thing with me is that you are going to be with me. (Mr Pettit) Alvis is on an organ installation in Little Rock just now and has to make a trip to Okmulgee. He is trying to be best man for us, and if possible I know that he will.

I love you, Dear, and I am happy, too, that the time will soon be at hand.

Always your
Walter

P.S. Dr. & Mrs. Roark sent a card this AM. Will see them in Jax tomorrow.

December 5, 1925

The Beach, Sat PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

I haven’t had mail yesterday nor today so there will probably be a letter from you tonight. Some times the mail train leaves Jax without the mail. It is a poor service. As yet I have not seen Dr. & Mrs. Roark as I missed them in town yesterday, but I’ll attempt to see them again Monday. They leave their rooming place early in the morning and cannot be reached during the day unless one knows where they are going.

December 5, 1925

December 5, 1925

I had lunch with Dr KS yesterday noon and in the afternoon he took me out to the new home. It is very beautiful and is arranged conveniently. Can’t say that I like the antique furniture, but lots of people appreciate it. When the house is completed and furnished it will not have the appearance of a new one, but will be home like etc. It is an English style. I have an idea that we can have a home which you and I would like better and which would cost considerably less. His lot was 18,500 and the house is costing about $50,000*.

Dear, I have not yet said anything to Rev. Campbell but will do so a few days before the 23d. The time is getting nearer all the time and before long the long looked for wedding will take place. Should I have anything to do about making arrangements for the church? If so, let me know. I expect to come a couple of days before the wedding. Will let you know when to expect me. I want to do this so that I can help with preparations etc.

With a sweet goodnight, I love you,

Your
Walter.

Sunday AM.

Dear, I did not get this in the mail last night. Dr. & Mrs. Roark drove down. They had purchased a used Willys Knight & came down in it. We drove up the beach & then had supper. I am going to St. Augustine with them today. They will be here soon.

I was called out of bed at 3AM. The lady next door died with a stroke. Could not do anything for her. She was dead when they came over. A physician came about one hour later but I have sent telegrams for the family by that time.

Lots of love,
Walter

* $644,777 in 2011 dollars.

December 8, 1925

The Beach. Dec 8th
Tuesday Nite.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Have had a letter from Mr. B and he wants me to stay in Fla as long as I can during this month. Expect to leave here about the 18th, and will not plan on going to Dallas before I come to Uvalde. I want to be with you a day or two before the wedding.

December 8, 1925

December 8, 1925

We could then go to Mississippi via Dallas, but stop there just long enough to leave some things. I want to leave some of my work, and also a trunk which I will check to San Antonio then to Dallas.

Sister says that Marshall cannot get away on account of book work, and she wants us to come to see her at their home. If not, she would come to my Mother’s but she does not want to leave him. It would probably be well to go to my Mother’s first and then go up to see her.

To eat Christmas dinner with my Mother would mean some travel, and I am of the opinion that we had better tell her to expect us on the 26th. We could make it the 25th for dinner if trains were running on time, but that is doubtful.

I was with the Roarks Sunday and at noon yesterday I had them to eat lunch with me in Jax. They like Jax very much, and both of them were delighted with the beach. Mrs. Roark thought it would be ideal for a honeymoon. After lunch Monday, she kept an appointment with a dentist. They expected to leave Jax this AM for points in the southern part of the state. They were also going on the West Coast & to Marco Island where I stopped on my last trip.

The time will soon be here, Dear, and I’ll be a mighty happy human. I love you lots & lots.

Your
Walter.

December 10, 1925

Beach. Thursday Nite.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter of Sunday Night came this noon and while it was a good one and I enjoyed it, I was sorry to know that you had a cold. I hope that you feel OK before now. It was a wise thing to stay away from church Sunday as the churches are often poorly heated.

December 10, 1925

December 10, 1925

I expect to go to Jax tomorrow if I can get my work in shape. Had a letter from Mr. Laake today to the effect that Mr. Bishopp will leave Columbus the 19th for Dallas. He is bringing the family home for Xmas. Mrs. Roark told me that Bitsie (Mr. Bishopp’s daughter) did not like the idea of having a negro in her class at school.

The time is drawing near, and I am mighty happy too Dear. I love you so much.

Your
Walter.

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

Sunday A.M.
Dec. 13, 1925.

My dearest Sis:

Just think! Only ten days from this afternoon at 3:30!! I’m so happy I can’t keep still.

I had a long letter from Mattie Lee a few days ago and it sounds very encouraging – that is, if you consider happiness so extreme that it borders on insanity as encouraging. I’m quite sure she has the only husband on earth at present, but ’twill not be so after the 23rd.

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

December 13, 1925 (Ina to Claudelle)

It is raining some this A.M., but I think it will stop sufficiently for me to go after the mail this afternoon and also go down to see Avis. She and her mother and son spent the afternoon with us a few days ago and she is very anxious to talk things over some more. She is going to sing “O, Promise Me.” Is that just right? The pipe organ will be ready for use by the 20th they say, and here’s hoping nobody steps to the tune of the wedding march until the 23rd. We want to initiate and dedicate it. Mrs. Hines is with Dr. Hines visiting in Miss., but will return Tuesday and I’ll ask her then. I’m sure she’ll do it. Grayden and John Monagin seemed glad to usher us in. Walter thinks Mr. Pettit will best man for us.

I feel queer going down town or anywhere, since the invitations are out. I don’t go any more than I can help. Mrs. Batchelor gave her S.S. class a party Thursday night and invited me, but I couldn’t quite make up my mind to go. I’m not going to Sunday School nor Church nor League any more “while I’m upon this (Uvalde) earth.” The invitation will be read at League this P.M. Mrs. Griffin wants me to take my Teachers Training exam before I leave, but I don’t think I’ll have time.

The gifts are beginning to come in some. At least I received a half dozen beautiful linen handkerchiefs from Mr. Goldbeck and a mighty pretty silver flower basket from Letitia, Ethel, and Mrs. Orrell. Oh, you have no idea how thrilled I’m getting. Confidentially, I’m getting almost silly. Of course I’m not sure I’ll have a wedding dress, but that is a small matter. I left it at Wolff & Marx to have it altered, and they haven’t sent it yet. They must be beautifying it considerably. They told me when we were there though that it would be several days before they mailed it. I think I can get my hat at Mrs. Idom’s after the dress comes.

I had such a sweet letter from Mother Dove a few days ago. She “broke down and admitted” that she would accept me as a daughter. Isn’t she sweet? Walter wrote that Marshall (ahem!) couldn’t leave his work to go to Mother Dove’s while we are there, and Ethel doesn’t want to leave him while she goes, so she insists that we visit them in their home after we visit Mother Dove. That will be fine I think. W. is going to leave the Beach the same day you leave San Antonio, but I’m afraid you will not arrive at the same time. He will arrive about Sunday or Monday I think. I can hardly wait (for both of you). W. and I are going to Miss. via Dallas but will stop there just long enough to leave some work and things, he said – we will not arrive at Mother D’s until about the 26th.

All this wedding excitement reminds me of – J.R. Thursday afternoon I saw him in Mr. Evans’ jewelry store and later in the afternoon Papa, Thelma and I saw him walking toward Dr. Hines, so we picked him up (he really isn’t so heavy, you know). We all like him very much. Now, if I were a single girl again, I would try to vamp that young man. But – we married folks don’t stand much show against you flappers! (deep sigh). How is Lucile’s strawberry blonde?

We assume that you have already purchased your slippers and hair cut, and we want to know how you are coming home. If you have to come on the train and haven’t enough money (of which we are sure), can you give a check on Papa at the Student’s Bank the last moment? If not, write us and we will send you some. We are so tickled that you will be home in five more days. Then we can talk everything over. We will try to get most everything done by then (except the “marryin'”), so that we can have plenty of time to talk.

We have our prospector (for the ranch, I mean) who made his third trip out here yesterday and brought his daughter. The first time he came was while we were in San Antonio. Mr. Shope carried him all over the place just the same though – one door was unlocked. Then a few days later he came out and took supper with us, expecting to spend the night, but finally decided to go back down town in order to go hunting early the next morning. Then, yesterday, he and daughter came just in time to eat dinner (lunch?) and spend part of the afternoon. It reminds me somewhat of little Goldenrod and the bear’s soup, bed etc. In this case, I hope we will be the Little Bear. He is crazy for the place, and says he will buy it for $16,000 cash as soon as he sells his ranch near Knippa. A company has an option on that ranch and expects to buy it as soon as work is begun on the dam – Pardon me! I should have said “construction” at the shut-in. He expects to know for sure soon. If something happens that the “construction” falls through, his trade, and consequently ours too, will fall through also. We are hopeful though. This is confidential, you understand.

I must stop though, or I will not have anything left for us to talk to you about when you return.

Lots of love to you and all the girls.

Love, Ina.

December 13, 1925

Sunday A.M.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter telling me that the invitations had been sent out and also one of the invitations has been received. It certainly sounds wonderful to me and I get quite a kick out of it. I feel very enthusiastic over it. It certainly seems wonderful and we are going to be happy.

December 13, 1925

December 13, 1925

I am going to try and be good to you, Dear, and while I am a poor man, I believe that with your help we will soon be on our feet. With a love such as ours, I feel that we will work together and in a reasonable time will have a nice little home of our own. I know that we are going to be happy.

I had suggested that we go via New Orleans and this seemed to meet with your approval. Since Mr. B is coming to Dallas and will not get there before about Xmas eve, I am thinking that it would be a good idea to go via of Dallas. I do not know how long he will be there, but I want to talk with him a few minutes. If you object, we will not go that way for I feel that you have a right to say what you would like to do. The situation, is that he will have to return to Columbus shortly after Xmas and I probably would not be able to see him. There are a number of things I want to talk to him about, but will take time to discuss only the prospects of an appropriation for work at Marco Island. It seems to be coming along fine & Dr. Howard is showing an active interest.

In the event we went by Dallas we would not try to see friends at that time, but would stop at a hotel. During the day I could go out to the cottage with you and meet Mrs. Goodman. After you have seen the place, and while we are in Mississippi we could decide whether or not we would want to live in the cottage with the Goodmans or whether elsewhere. I want you to have a “say so” and I am leaving it that way so that it will meet with your approval.

I have an idea of coming direct to San Antonio, and then go by Dallas. I hope that this suits you OK, Dear. I cannot leave here before the 18th, and if I go by Dallas I would not see Mr. B and would have very little time there too. By coming direct, I could probably see you Monday night. Then we could go to Dallas together.

I love you with all my heart, Dear,

Your
Walter.

December 14, 1925

Box 61 Jax Beach, Fla
Dec. 14th (Monday).

My Dear Sweetheart,

I have written to Bro. Campbell to the effect that both you and I would like to have him officiate and that we would like to use the church. In the event this cannot be done, I have asked him to wire me. I will see him the day before the wedding.

December 14, 1925

December 14, 1925

I expect to come direct to Uvalde from here and have written Alvis about it. Have asked him to wire in case he cannot serve. To wire me here. I am quite sure that he will be there.

The time is getting shorter, Dear, and before long I’ll see you and be with you always. I love you lots.

Your
Walter.

December 15, 1925

Jacksonville, Fla. Dec. 15 1925
Tues. A.M.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Since writing you yesterday I have planned to go direct to Dallas before coming to Uvalde. Will leave here Friday noon, arrive Dallas Sunday A.M. Will see Alvis & will probably come to Uvalde leaving Dallas Monday night.

I love you.

Walter

December 15, 1925

December 15, 1925