Dearest Ellen,
Your fine letter came this morning and I was very glad to get it. The more you write the better but I suppose that could go for me too.
Today has been a funny day - windy and rainy all day long. We wouldn't much more get started working and a rain would come up making us hike for cover. Then as soon as it would stop we'd go back to work. I've been hoeing with the men in the fields these past two days. I didn't have a plan to work on so Uncle Jim decided that fighting weeds was the most important. I'm a pretty expensive man to have on a hoe but work is work. I'm not used to such hard work and last night I was pretty tired.
Well tomorrow we are going to Indianapolis. We didn't get the job to keep me here so I suppose I will be home for a while. Dad needs me pretty badly at home and that is the place I should be. Uncle Jim needs someone, too, but right now I think my place is at home. We have to get ready to send the kids to school too and that means some cash in a hurry. Mother and Dad have had a spat with Grandma over some trivial things so I don't suppose she will be up there again this year. Mother doesn't think she wants the same arrangement as last year but maybe by the time school is ready to start things will be straightened out. Uncle Quincy said to keep the girls out of school because Laura May only got one year and that was enough. I'll bet that nearly made Mother boil. She asked Dad what he thought and he said if we could they will be back in school. If he was able to keep both Les and me in school alone the three of us together ought to be able to keep three of them going.
Well tonight I have another date. Jean thought that since I'm going away tomorrow we ought to go out tonight so she called up Flo and asked her to go with us or me. We are going to a show and then???
I'm sorry I don't have any time to write more now. Bill is ready to take us so I will close. The next you hear from me will be from Indianapolis.
All my love,
Larry
Sunday, December 26, 2010
August 7, 1939
Dearest Ellen,
I feel like a heel, honey because I didn't write you a letter to arrive Sat., but I just couldn't find time or get in the proper mood to write. I hope you will forgive me and I promise I will try to do better.
I'm still at Kankakee and probably will be here until Wednesday as I know now. Uncle Jim is trying to get a couple lawn to fix and if he does I may stay and work on them for more than a week. So far we haven't really closed the deal on any of the plans I have drawn but we have hopes. As yet we haven't really had a refusal which makes us feel better. We have present three of them and ought to hear from one before the next week is over. One has postponed theirs for two weeks and the third is just uncertain because of cost.
I haven't heard from home yet so I don't know how things are going down there. I got both your fine letters Wednesday. They both came in the same mail. One was postmarked 8 P.M. in Milwaukee. I'll bet you carried it and forgot to mail it until you got there. The other was marked 11:30 P.M. in Madison. It certain made me feel swell to get your letters. I'm sorry you strained your shoulder in carrying that heavy grip. Too bad you couldn't have checked it or something so you wouldn't have had to carry it. I hope it gets well quickly. I'll bet your mother was glad to see you when you arrived after being gone so long.
We've had a swell time this week and only, honey, I wished you were here. I had a date, surprised? There was another dance at the Country Club like when you were here. Jean wanted to show me a good time so she invited a friend who went to school at Grinnell with her. Her name was Jean Hill and I'll bet you will be surprised at this - she lives at Glen Ellyn, Ill. Jean called her up on the telephone Friday afternoon and she came Saturday aft. She was good looking or should I say beautiful. She had really black hair, not quite as tall as you, and had pretty eyes but I didn't notice what color. And could she dance!! I tried all my steps and she followed swell just like you - only your better. We had a swell time. They had a Monte Carlo night with roulette and everything. We bought play money and bet with it. We won for a while but finally lost it all. The crowd was nearly as large and the orchestra was the same. After the dance, they served a buffet supper of escalloped chicken and all the trimmings. We didn't get home till after
2. :)
This morning we all got up early and went to church with Jean. Afterwards, breakfast, and then we all went to play tennis. Jean Hill is a good player, she has played since she was small and plays nearly every afternoon -- but I could beat her. Bill and I teamed up against the two Jeans and had a real battle. We finally won the first set after a struggle and then won the second in a love set. Next Mike and Jean H. played against me and a friend of Mike's called Sterling. It was certainly a close set with Sterling and me winning 8-6. It was a close match all the way with luck on our side.
We had a swell dinner here, one of Aunt Grace's swell dinners, and then went boating. The canoe was being used so we took the motorboat and then got the canoe and rode home. Jean left for home at 6 o'clock. Her folks drove down to get her. All and all its been a swell time. Now Bill and Jean are on the porch reading Francis Bacon and his philosophy --. Aunt Grace and Uncle Jim have gone to town and I'm -- well, I'm thinking of the swellest person alive -- who lives so far away. Would you like to know her name? -- its Ellen Glenn. -- Ellen Glenn -- Glen Ellyn?? -- Well I prefer Ellen Glenn. How would you like to spell your name Ellyn?? Not near so nice, eh! I prefer just Ellen Glenn. A very pretty name and goes with the prettyest, nicest, swellest girl I know.
All my love,
Larry
I feel like a heel, honey because I didn't write you a letter to arrive Sat., but I just couldn't find time or get in the proper mood to write. I hope you will forgive me and I promise I will try to do better.
I'm still at Kankakee and probably will be here until Wednesday as I know now. Uncle Jim is trying to get a couple lawn to fix and if he does I may stay and work on them for more than a week. So far we haven't really closed the deal on any of the plans I have drawn but we have hopes. As yet we haven't really had a refusal which makes us feel better. We have present three of them and ought to hear from one before the next week is over. One has postponed theirs for two weeks and the third is just uncertain because of cost.
I haven't heard from home yet so I don't know how things are going down there. I got both your fine letters Wednesday. They both came in the same mail. One was postmarked 8 P.M. in Milwaukee. I'll bet you carried it and forgot to mail it until you got there. The other was marked 11:30 P.M. in Madison. It certain made me feel swell to get your letters. I'm sorry you strained your shoulder in carrying that heavy grip. Too bad you couldn't have checked it or something so you wouldn't have had to carry it. I hope it gets well quickly. I'll bet your mother was glad to see you when you arrived after being gone so long.
We've had a swell time this week and only, honey, I wished you were here. I had a date, surprised? There was another dance at the Country Club like when you were here. Jean wanted to show me a good time so she invited a friend who went to school at Grinnell with her. Her name was Jean Hill and I'll bet you will be surprised at this - she lives at Glen Ellyn, Ill. Jean called her up on the telephone Friday afternoon and she came Saturday aft. She was good looking or should I say beautiful. She had really black hair, not quite as tall as you, and had pretty eyes but I didn't notice what color. And could she dance!! I tried all my steps and she followed swell just like you - only your better. We had a swell time. They had a Monte Carlo night with roulette and everything. We bought play money and bet with it. We won for a while but finally lost it all. The crowd was nearly as large and the orchestra was the same. After the dance, they served a buffet supper of escalloped chicken and all the trimmings. We didn't get home till after
2. :)
This morning we all got up early and went to church with Jean. Afterwards, breakfast, and then we all went to play tennis. Jean Hill is a good player, she has played since she was small and plays nearly every afternoon -- but I could beat her. Bill and I teamed up against the two Jeans and had a real battle. We finally won the first set after a struggle and then won the second in a love set. Next Mike and Jean H. played against me and a friend of Mike's called Sterling. It was certainly a close set with Sterling and me winning 8-6. It was a close match all the way with luck on our side.
We had a swell dinner here, one of Aunt Grace's swell dinners, and then went boating. The canoe was being used so we took the motorboat and then got the canoe and rode home. Jean left for home at 6 o'clock. Her folks drove down to get her. All and all its been a swell time. Now Bill and Jean are on the porch reading Francis Bacon and his philosophy --. Aunt Grace and Uncle Jim have gone to town and I'm -- well, I'm thinking of the swellest person alive -- who lives so far away. Would you like to know her name? -- its Ellen Glenn. -- Ellen Glenn -- Glen Ellyn?? -- Well I prefer Ellen Glenn. How would you like to spell your name Ellyn?? Not near so nice, eh! I prefer just Ellen Glenn. A very pretty name and goes with the prettyest, nicest, swellest girl I know.
All my love,
Larry
August 6, 1939
Dearest Larry,
I'm sorry I couldn't answer your letter sooner, but I've been down with summer flu. Some fun! I guess I had it the second day I was home here but I didn't have a fever till the next day.
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, - after leaving you I proceeded to get five hours sleep Monday night and three hours Tuesday night, and after what I'd lost before, I guess that was too much. I'll learn!
I was so glad to get your letter, but I guess it made me both happy and sad, - made me realize how much I miss you. Your describing that "lost" feeling is just what I felt as I rode away from you on that train. I thought you would wave again but when I looked out my window I saw you headed back for the car. The reason I passed out of sight was because I had to go almost to the front of that coach before I found a seat that was empty. Didn't you get my letter telling you that that train you put me on wasn't so bad after all? It was an express and air-conditioned, so it was cool and clean.
No, Larry, I can't imagine a coke getting you down. Although I can imagine two cokes making it hard to go to sleep. (For some people, but not you.) Outside of that I hope you've been well. I hope you had a good time at the dance last night. I thought of you and wondered if it was a good dance and good orchestra. Of course I don't mind. Wouldn't I be a dog-in-the-manger if I did? You need recreation and so do I and I think it's nice of Jean to fix things so you'll get it. She really sees to it that people have a good time, doesn't she? She was very nice to me, too, and I appreciated it.
I turned your picture face-down thinking it would help to get my thoughts off you and down to business, but I didn't like that either, so I had to turn it back up again. I guess you are in my thoughts no matter what I do.
I saw Prof. Barr when I first came home and he assured me he will be here three weeks longer and I can take that exam any time, - so I guess I worried for nothing.
I find that even those with Master's degrees aren't getting teaching jobs as usual, - I'm getting discouraged but I haven't given up yet.
I hope your plan sells. I don't see how it can fail to, especially if you give them one of your best smiles and some of that personality. (No foolin')
Three gorgeous long, black Cadillacs just went by, full of people, one right after the other. Cheap stuff!
When are you going back to Indianapolis? Do you know any more about what you want to do? You know I'll be interested in hearing.
Even though I've been sick I look so much better and healthier than when I was with you because I've been getting a lot of sleep. Mother has been remarking about it and says "I told you so" because she has always tried to convince me that it's a good idea to get to bed early and get sleep, etc. and I've always liked to sit up. Twice I've gone to bed about nine and slept till seven the next morning. Pretty good, don't you think. I almost have to get sick to not mind going to bed early though.
Even though the job situation isn't too bright and some other things are not too good I find myself feeling so cheerful and happy that it's positively demoralizing. I can't imagine why, - can you? I think we have a lot to be thankful for, Larry, even though everything isn't smooth sailing. I wouldn't change places with anyone I know, and that's saying a lot, but I mean it.
You are right, we shouldn't feel sad about being separated, just realize that it won't be for long. Remember that.
All my love,
Ellen (cont'd - next page - volume II)
Later -
Dearest Larry, I've just finished one of the most difficult tasks, - writing a letter of sympathy to Ken Prather and his family on the loss of his younger brother Bob. Words seem so meaningless and futile at a time like that. It took me an hour to find the words to say in a short note. I feel so sorry for Ken anyway, - he's another round peg in a square hole. He doesn't enjoy teaching and that's what he prepared for - went to Milwaukee Teacher's College. He may come down here and finish work for his master's degree.
S.O.S. - something is happening to the fuschia (sp?) - it started to wilt and the leaves to die about a day before I came home. Mother had been watering it faithfully but it looked all dried up. What should I do? Also, the porch box (our garden) looks well with the exception of that plant that had lice or bugs or something. You mentioned something to put on it when you were here but I've forgotten. I'm awfully inexperienced with those things, Larry, but I'll learn.
The geraniums were all in bloom and still are. And the foliage plants keep right on blooming...growing I mean. I'm afraid they'll get too heavy for their stems, - should they be pruned at the top?
I'll be waiting to hear, your letters seem to get here in a day. Hope you receive mine all right. I'm all alone and have work to do - have to end this epic.
All my love,
Ellen
I'm sorry I couldn't answer your letter sooner, but I've been down with summer flu. Some fun! I guess I had it the second day I was home here but I didn't have a fever till the next day.
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, - after leaving you I proceeded to get five hours sleep Monday night and three hours Tuesday night, and after what I'd lost before, I guess that was too much. I'll learn!
I was so glad to get your letter, but I guess it made me both happy and sad, - made me realize how much I miss you. Your describing that "lost" feeling is just what I felt as I rode away from you on that train. I thought you would wave again but when I looked out my window I saw you headed back for the car. The reason I passed out of sight was because I had to go almost to the front of that coach before I found a seat that was empty. Didn't you get my letter telling you that that train you put me on wasn't so bad after all? It was an express and air-conditioned, so it was cool and clean.
No, Larry, I can't imagine a coke getting you down. Although I can imagine two cokes making it hard to go to sleep. (For some people, but not you.) Outside of that I hope you've been well. I hope you had a good time at the dance last night. I thought of you and wondered if it was a good dance and good orchestra. Of course I don't mind. Wouldn't I be a dog-in-the-manger if I did? You need recreation and so do I and I think it's nice of Jean to fix things so you'll get it. She really sees to it that people have a good time, doesn't she? She was very nice to me, too, and I appreciated it.
I turned your picture face-down thinking it would help to get my thoughts off you and down to business, but I didn't like that either, so I had to turn it back up again. I guess you are in my thoughts no matter what I do.
I saw Prof. Barr when I first came home and he assured me he will be here three weeks longer and I can take that exam any time, - so I guess I worried for nothing.
I find that even those with Master's degrees aren't getting teaching jobs as usual, - I'm getting discouraged but I haven't given up yet.
I hope your plan sells. I don't see how it can fail to, especially if you give them one of your best smiles and some of that personality. (No foolin')
Three gorgeous long, black Cadillacs just went by, full of people, one right after the other. Cheap stuff!
When are you going back to Indianapolis? Do you know any more about what you want to do? You know I'll be interested in hearing.
Even though I've been sick I look so much better and healthier than when I was with you because I've been getting a lot of sleep. Mother has been remarking about it and says "I told you so" because she has always tried to convince me that it's a good idea to get to bed early and get sleep, etc. and I've always liked to sit up. Twice I've gone to bed about nine and slept till seven the next morning. Pretty good, don't you think. I almost have to get sick to not mind going to bed early though.
Even though the job situation isn't too bright and some other things are not too good I find myself feeling so cheerful and happy that it's positively demoralizing. I can't imagine why, - can you? I think we have a lot to be thankful for, Larry, even though everything isn't smooth sailing. I wouldn't change places with anyone I know, and that's saying a lot, but I mean it.
You are right, we shouldn't feel sad about being separated, just realize that it won't be for long. Remember that.
All my love,
Ellen (cont'd - next page - volume II)
Later -
Dearest Larry, I've just finished one of the most difficult tasks, - writing a letter of sympathy to Ken Prather and his family on the loss of his younger brother Bob. Words seem so meaningless and futile at a time like that. It took me an hour to find the words to say in a short note. I feel so sorry for Ken anyway, - he's another round peg in a square hole. He doesn't enjoy teaching and that's what he prepared for - went to Milwaukee Teacher's College. He may come down here and finish work for his master's degree.
S.O.S. - something is happening to the fuschia (sp?) - it started to wilt and the leaves to die about a day before I came home. Mother had been watering it faithfully but it looked all dried up. What should I do? Also, the porch box (our garden) looks well with the exception of that plant that had lice or bugs or something. You mentioned something to put on it when you were here but I've forgotten. I'm awfully inexperienced with those things, Larry, but I'll learn.
The geraniums were all in bloom and still are. And the foliage plants keep right on blooming...growing I mean. I'm afraid they'll get too heavy for their stems, - should they be pruned at the top?
I'll be waiting to hear, your letters seem to get here in a day. Hope you receive mine all right. I'm all alone and have work to do - have to end this epic.
All my love,
Ellen
August 3, 1939
Dearest Ellen,
It's early in the morning and I just couldn't sleep, a friend of Jean's from Grinnell came to dinner tonight and he set us up to a couple cokes. They just haven't set right so I thought I'd write you a letter.
Since you've been gone I've thought about you a lot. After you got on the train I thought I would wave again but you passed out of sight so I turned and went back to the car. All the way back to the farm I kept thinking of things we had done these past two weeks. When I got home Jean asked if I felt sad but I don't think it was a particularly sad feeling. I seemed sort of in a daze and afterwards decided it was sort of a lost feeling. As if I had lost something very valuable. Then I got to thinking I hadn't lost it merely separated for a while and then I cheered up. Since then I have tried to think of only the good times we had and that I would see you again soon.
That night Jean and I went to see the Lane sisters in "Daughter's Courageous" and it was swell. Afterwards we picked up Bill and Mike for a coke. Yesterday Jean's Aunt and Uncle came from Peoria and are staying a couple days more. We went swimming in the evening and I stayed home while Bill and Jean went canoing.
Today it rained so I started to read a book "The Yearling." This morning I did go around looking for new houses with little success. Tonight we had a swell dinner and listened to Jean's friend tell of his experiences and old times at Grinnell. It reminded me some of ICC and Wisconsin but in many ways entirely different. We had an enjoyable evening and may go to a dance Saturday along with him. I don't know when I will go home as yet. Well I guess I will quit for now. Will try to write more in the morning.
Dear Sweetheart - I'll bet you think its strange that me of all people should let a coke get me down but you know it can happen to the best of us. After I went back to bed it took me the longest time to get to sleep.
Today looks bright and cheery after the rain we had. Birds are chirping everywhere and the sun is beginning to dry out the grass. Uncle Jim and I are going to try to find a job or two today. I have drawn three plans since I got here and we presented one yesterday for their consideration. If it's accepted it will amount to over $100. Of the other two, one is ready for Saturday and although the third plan is drawn the house won't be ready to work on till late this fall.
I haven't been working very hard since I've been here. I did work one morning hoeing at a place Uncle Jim is putting in a lawn. I think it was the hottest day we have had here.
The moon has still been shining brightly every evening and it reminds me of things we did. It doesn't seem possible that it was only three days since we said goodbye at the train. It seems more like a week or two. I've been doing things and time seems to pass much more rapidly than when you were here.
Did you have a good trip home? I'll bet that train was plenty smoky and dirty. Too bad it couldn't have been the Green Diamond. I wished I could have climbed on and gone with you but!!
If we go to the dance Saturday night, Jean is going to get me a date with Florence. I'd much rather go with you but since your not here I hope you don't mind too much. Jean trys so much to show me a good time and we do when I'm not working.
When are Wendall and Leah getting married? I know I won't be able to go to the wedding but I would like to know. We were such good friends. I hope some day we will be able to have him come and work with us. With all his training he should be able to do the work as well as anybody.
Well I guess I've about written all I can think of. If I do think of something else I'll put it in my next letter.
All my love,
Larry
It's early in the morning and I just couldn't sleep, a friend of Jean's from Grinnell came to dinner tonight and he set us up to a couple cokes. They just haven't set right so I thought I'd write you a letter.
Since you've been gone I've thought about you a lot. After you got on the train I thought I would wave again but you passed out of sight so I turned and went back to the car. All the way back to the farm I kept thinking of things we had done these past two weeks. When I got home Jean asked if I felt sad but I don't think it was a particularly sad feeling. I seemed sort of in a daze and afterwards decided it was sort of a lost feeling. As if I had lost something very valuable. Then I got to thinking I hadn't lost it merely separated for a while and then I cheered up. Since then I have tried to think of only the good times we had and that I would see you again soon.
That night Jean and I went to see the Lane sisters in "Daughter's Courageous" and it was swell. Afterwards we picked up Bill and Mike for a coke. Yesterday Jean's Aunt and Uncle came from Peoria and are staying a couple days more. We went swimming in the evening and I stayed home while Bill and Jean went canoing.
Today it rained so I started to read a book "The Yearling." This morning I did go around looking for new houses with little success. Tonight we had a swell dinner and listened to Jean's friend tell of his experiences and old times at Grinnell. It reminded me some of ICC and Wisconsin but in many ways entirely different. We had an enjoyable evening and may go to a dance Saturday along with him. I don't know when I will go home as yet. Well I guess I will quit for now. Will try to write more in the morning.
Dear Sweetheart - I'll bet you think its strange that me of all people should let a coke get me down but you know it can happen to the best of us. After I went back to bed it took me the longest time to get to sleep.
Today looks bright and cheery after the rain we had. Birds are chirping everywhere and the sun is beginning to dry out the grass. Uncle Jim and I are going to try to find a job or two today. I have drawn three plans since I got here and we presented one yesterday for their consideration. If it's accepted it will amount to over $100. Of the other two, one is ready for Saturday and although the third plan is drawn the house won't be ready to work on till late this fall.
I haven't been working very hard since I've been here. I did work one morning hoeing at a place Uncle Jim is putting in a lawn. I think it was the hottest day we have had here.
The moon has still been shining brightly every evening and it reminds me of things we did. It doesn't seem possible that it was only three days since we said goodbye at the train. It seems more like a week or two. I've been doing things and time seems to pass much more rapidly than when you were here.
Did you have a good trip home? I'll bet that train was plenty smoky and dirty. Too bad it couldn't have been the Green Diamond. I wished I could have climbed on and gone with you but!!
If we go to the dance Saturday night, Jean is going to get me a date with Florence. I'd much rather go with you but since your not here I hope you don't mind too much. Jean trys so much to show me a good time and we do when I'm not working.
When are Wendall and Leah getting married? I know I won't be able to go to the wedding but I would like to know. We were such good friends. I hope some day we will be able to have him come and work with us. With all his training he should be able to do the work as well as anybody.
Well I guess I've about written all I can think of. If I do think of something else I'll put it in my next letter.
All my love,
Larry
Saturday, November 13, 2010
August 1, 1939 (#2)
[This letter is written on small, skinny notebook paper, plus a sheet of sale or order paper. Also, Grandma had sketched a picture of a man sitting across from her who had fallen asleep, along with the note "The gentle man across the aisle who has gone sound asleep." Very good artistry!]
Dearest Larry,
I've just heard some news that's stunned me so that I've got to write now, -- I can't look out the window and I can't read. -- I took a train that went through Milwaukee and had a twenty minute wait there. I decided to call the Prather family to say hello and when I got Ken (you remember meeting him) he informed me that his younger brother Bob had died Sunday and was being buried tonight. He was in an accident and had a broken leg and pneumonia set in. He was such a big, vigorous fellow, too. Never sick a day in his life, as far as I know. I suppose it might have been in the Madison papers but I had no way of knowing.
I had a little bad luck today, -- strained a ligament in my shoulder or something, when I lifted my suitcase and started toward the I.C. It was so bad and so hard for me to manage my bag, the racket, my coat and handbag that I changed my plans and went right to the station and took a train that left an hour earlier and went right thru Milwaukee. It was air-conditioned and a lovely train -- beautiful wood panelling and new beautifully upholstered seats, etc. so I was fairly comfortable. I was able to get on it a half hour early, too.
I'd had no lunch and wouldn't get home till after supper so I investigated the cocktail lounge in the rear of the train for a sandwich and a coke.
There were no stops made between Chicago and Milwaukee -- took 80 minutes for 90 miles.
A streamliner just passed -- may have been the Hiawatha - it really was travelling. I'm coming to the end of my paper and will have to stop this scribbling - it helps to keep from dwelling too much on sad news, tho, and you probably don't mind a letter scribbled on a train. Wish you were with me now. I thought of you when I was in that good looking cocktail lounge -- it was like a modernized diner, -- and I haven't been on diners often enough but what I still get a kick out of it. The tables jiggle just enough to make it interesting.
We're going through Pewaukee now, where we once spent a summer in a cottage from May to October. The water looks high. There are so many crossings over the road that it seems like this train is constantly blowing its whistle. It's air-cooled too but not as new a train as from Chicago to Milwaukee. This train is making all the little stops. I'm wondering if it will stop at [can't read town -- Ionia maybe?] a little Podunk if there ever was one. I remember the first time we took Jane S. to Madison with us. We told her she had to remember all the little towns and she worked so hard at it.
We are now in Pashots [maybe Nashots? again, can't read very easily] Isn't that wonderful? Now it's O'Kauchee we're in. Don't you like the names of these Wisconsin towns? This next 85 miles will be in two hours and twenty minutes. Some difference . Arrived home safely --
Love,
Ellen
Dearest Larry,
I've just heard some news that's stunned me so that I've got to write now, -- I can't look out the window and I can't read. -- I took a train that went through Milwaukee and had a twenty minute wait there. I decided to call the Prather family to say hello and when I got Ken (you remember meeting him) he informed me that his younger brother Bob had died Sunday and was being buried tonight. He was in an accident and had a broken leg and pneumonia set in. He was such a big, vigorous fellow, too. Never sick a day in his life, as far as I know. I suppose it might have been in the Madison papers but I had no way of knowing.
I had a little bad luck today, -- strained a ligament in my shoulder or something, when I lifted my suitcase and started toward the I.C. It was so bad and so hard for me to manage my bag, the racket, my coat and handbag that I changed my plans and went right to the station and took a train that left an hour earlier and went right thru Milwaukee. It was air-conditioned and a lovely train -- beautiful wood panelling and new beautifully upholstered seats, etc. so I was fairly comfortable. I was able to get on it a half hour early, too.
I'd had no lunch and wouldn't get home till after supper so I investigated the cocktail lounge in the rear of the train for a sandwich and a coke.
There were no stops made between Chicago and Milwaukee -- took 80 minutes for 90 miles.
A streamliner just passed -- may have been the Hiawatha - it really was travelling. I'm coming to the end of my paper and will have to stop this scribbling - it helps to keep from dwelling too much on sad news, tho, and you probably don't mind a letter scribbled on a train. Wish you were with me now. I thought of you when I was in that good looking cocktail lounge -- it was like a modernized diner, -- and I haven't been on diners often enough but what I still get a kick out of it. The tables jiggle just enough to make it interesting.
We're going through Pewaukee now, where we once spent a summer in a cottage from May to October. The water looks high. There are so many crossings over the road that it seems like this train is constantly blowing its whistle. It's air-cooled too but not as new a train as from Chicago to Milwaukee. This train is making all the little stops. I'm wondering if it will stop at [can't read town -- Ionia maybe?] a little Podunk if there ever was one. I remember the first time we took Jane S. to Madison with us. We told her she had to remember all the little towns and she worked so hard at it.
We are now in Pashots [maybe Nashots? again, can't read very easily] Isn't that wonderful? Now it's O'Kauchee we're in. Don't you like the names of these Wisconsin towns? This next 85 miles will be in two hours and twenty minutes. Some difference . Arrived home safely --
Love,
Ellen
August 1, 1939
Tuesday, 8:30 A.M. (Chicago Time)
Dearest Larry,
I'm all alone, here in Doris' apartment, hoping I can find my way to the various places I'm going to go to before I leave on an afternoon train. I wish I had some vague idea of where places were in this city. I found Doris' without any difficulty, but now I'll have to do a little guesswork etc. If I could be that extravagant I'd take a cab,-- but I can't,-- so -- I'll just keep my fingers crossed. I'm going somewhere on Jackson St. (wherever that is) to see about registering with a teacher's agency (commercial). One of Doris' roommates told me a personal interview would be a good idea. Then before I go there I'll have to check my bag and Crosby's tennis racket (which I acquired last night) some place. I'll also have to eat lunch someplace. I've never been alone in this city before, and I've decided I don't like it.
That train you put me on was all right after all. -- it was an express and didn't make a stop until the 63rd St. station, -- the trip only took 45 minutes. With my usual luck I found most of the seats occupied by darkies, with a few nuns and other miscellaneous people. (No young people) I was wondering which one I'd pick out to sit with when I saw an apparently vacant seat far forward. When I reached it I found that some one else's bags were there first and was thinking I'd have to retrace my steps when a very nice appearing man came up and asked me if I would like to sit there and removed his bags. Then he went to the smoking car. I was very grateful. -- but of course I wasn't alone long. An old lady soon joined me and began to tell me all about herself and her trip etc. The train was air-conditioned, so Chicago seemed very hot when I got off.
When I arrived here I left a message for Doris as I couldn't reach her by phone and I called Crosby. He was on a case and had to cut me off and ask me to call back later.
I walked out to 63rd, wondering how I would kill time, and discovered a little local movie that was air-conditioned, so I went in. Doris got back before I did and called Crosby to find out if I'd gone there. He was very worried, thinking that he had cut me off abruptly, and finding out I was alone, which he hadn't realized. I called him, to reassure him, as soon as I got back.
Last evening, then, Doris and I walked over to Lying In and waited for Crosby until he was free (it took telepage an hour to locate him) and then we went up to his room and talked and had cokes until he had his next call about an hour later. He gave us explicit instructions as to how to get back here on the most brightly-lit streets, -- which seemed unnecessary to me. But even on them I discovered a few things. It was only about 10:30 but we met several lurching drunks (one just missed bumping smack into me) and several men who tried to get our attention. I learned to follow Doris' example and apparently not notice them, walking steadily along and not looking at them. But I don't think I like this town. The sight of all those dirty roof tops and the noise is depressing, too, especially after where I've just been with you.
I felt so lonely after the girls had left this morning, wondering how I'd get around and feeling lost etc., but I'm allright now, -- Doris called and gave me a list of el trains I could take and told me when to get off the I.C. etc. I guess this is a bad place to be alone when you don't know the city.
Crosby loaned me his tennis racket without an argument, -- said he didn't use it enough to play. Aren't you glad?
I must go now, -- I'll write after I get back to Madison to let you know that I arrived safely, but you can't expect me to write that close together ordinarily, can you?
Heaps of love,
Ellen
That racket has a larger grip than I like but it's a good racket. Has a zipper case with a handle, so it won't be hard to carry.
Dearest Larry,
I'm all alone, here in Doris' apartment, hoping I can find my way to the various places I'm going to go to before I leave on an afternoon train. I wish I had some vague idea of where places were in this city. I found Doris' without any difficulty, but now I'll have to do a little guesswork etc. If I could be that extravagant I'd take a cab,-- but I can't,-- so -- I'll just keep my fingers crossed. I'm going somewhere on Jackson St. (wherever that is) to see about registering with a teacher's agency (commercial). One of Doris' roommates told me a personal interview would be a good idea. Then before I go there I'll have to check my bag and Crosby's tennis racket (which I acquired last night) some place. I'll also have to eat lunch someplace. I've never been alone in this city before, and I've decided I don't like it.
That train you put me on was all right after all. -- it was an express and didn't make a stop until the 63rd St. station, -- the trip only took 45 minutes. With my usual luck I found most of the seats occupied by darkies, with a few nuns and other miscellaneous people. (No young people) I was wondering which one I'd pick out to sit with when I saw an apparently vacant seat far forward. When I reached it I found that some one else's bags were there first and was thinking I'd have to retrace my steps when a very nice appearing man came up and asked me if I would like to sit there and removed his bags. Then he went to the smoking car. I was very grateful. -- but of course I wasn't alone long. An old lady soon joined me and began to tell me all about herself and her trip etc. The train was air-conditioned, so Chicago seemed very hot when I got off.
When I arrived here I left a message for Doris as I couldn't reach her by phone and I called Crosby. He was on a case and had to cut me off and ask me to call back later.
I walked out to 63rd, wondering how I would kill time, and discovered a little local movie that was air-conditioned, so I went in. Doris got back before I did and called Crosby to find out if I'd gone there. He was very worried, thinking that he had cut me off abruptly, and finding out I was alone, which he hadn't realized. I called him, to reassure him, as soon as I got back.
Last evening, then, Doris and I walked over to Lying In and waited for Crosby until he was free (it took telepage an hour to locate him) and then we went up to his room and talked and had cokes until he had his next call about an hour later. He gave us explicit instructions as to how to get back here on the most brightly-lit streets, -- which seemed unnecessary to me. But even on them I discovered a few things. It was only about 10:30 but we met several lurching drunks (one just missed bumping smack into me) and several men who tried to get our attention. I learned to follow Doris' example and apparently not notice them, walking steadily along and not looking at them. But I don't think I like this town. The sight of all those dirty roof tops and the noise is depressing, too, especially after where I've just been with you.
I felt so lonely after the girls had left this morning, wondering how I'd get around and feeling lost etc., but I'm allright now, -- Doris called and gave me a list of el trains I could take and told me when to get off the I.C. etc. I guess this is a bad place to be alone when you don't know the city.
Crosby loaned me his tennis racket without an argument, -- said he didn't use it enough to play. Aren't you glad?
I must go now, -- I'll write after I get back to Madison to let you know that I arrived safely, but you can't expect me to write that close together ordinarily, can you?
Heaps of love,
Ellen
That racket has a larger grip than I like but it's a good racket. Has a zipper case with a handle, so it won't be hard to carry.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
July 13, 1939
Dearest Ellen,
How do you like my new letter paper? I just ran out of Dick's so I guess I will have to buy some for myself. I hunted all over the place for some other but couldn't find any except some of Doris's which is lavender and with a white border, cute eh? I decided it would be better to use some office stationary.
Well I expect to drive up Friday afternoon, July 14. I don't think I can get away from here until 4 or 5 o'clock and it will take 8 or 9 hours to make it so I don't suppose I will get there much before 1 or 2 in the morning. If that's the case I wouldn't want to barge in on you so early so I will crawl in at Grandma's and see you early Saturday morn say around 8:30 or 9:00. If I should perchance, be able to get away from here right after dinner at noon and arrive in Madison by 10 or 10:30, I might call you up and say, hello. Aunt Laura is going to ride with me as far as Kankakee and from there I will be alone. Doris and Miriam can't come at this time. Mother could spare both anyway and right now with Aunt Laura gone, they are needed to sell at the market.
You should see our roses in bloom now! We have about 80 varieties all grouped together just south of the market and they are all blooming profusely. We have to water them nearly every day because the hot sun dries them with the pot sticking up in the air. We have been selling a few every day but we still have over a thousand. We had over 10,000 to start with and we potted over 3,000. Today I planted a dozen along with $30 worth of evergreens. Les and two of the boys started work on a $100 job which they will finish tomorrow. Les finished the second pool yesterday and we will probably plant it tomorrow or Friday. We have been pretty busy considering this is our slack season. We have 5 men working besides 5 of us counting Lloyd, Jr. He does a lot of the watering and works on the golf course. He thinks he works awfully hard and I suppose he does for a boy his age but he likes to go swimming or playing golf with the neighbor boys. He takes them on for a nickle a hole and usually wins all their spending money. He lets them win enough to keep them interested. They get tired of it after a while.
Monday and Tuesday, Dick and I went around town trying to sell some roses and stuff. We took our sprayer along and got a couple jobs spraying for worms on the evergreens. Monday I got a lead for a job which will probably amount to $50 or better. Tuesday I booked the $30 job which we planted today. If we can do that good every week during the summer it will be real good. When fall business starts, though, along in September, we should do nearly 3 times that much a week.
Enough about my work. The golf course has been doing pretty good. We had a big crowd Sat and Sun night which makes us feel good. We have advertised it in a couple papers and hope to do better. When it is hot in town it is nearly always cool out here with a good breeze as soon as the sun goes down. The past couple days haven't been so hot which is certainly a relief. It certainly did get hot last week. It was 96 in the shade and you can guess what it was in the sun, and I was helping mix concrete!! But right now we are having a relief period. The paper says it is only supposed to go to 90 tomorrow.
You should see "Ching" now!! He is growing more and more and just as playful. He seems to get more independent every day. We have a lot of fun playing with him, too.
Today was 3 cent day at Riverside, our amusement park and Lloyd and some of the kids went. You can ride on any of the things for 3 cents. I just had to go get him and his bicycle because he lost the key to his lock. He had a lot of fun but couldn't ride home.
Well, I'll get there soon after this letter does so I guess I'll have to tell you the rest. I'm expecting to bring you back with me for a visit here so your excuses better be good. I know you're just dying to come and I'm dying to have you so??? You know there is no better place for a vacation than good old Indiana especially for a native Wisconsinite. We have thousands of beautiful places, ideal picnic spots, and a thousand and one different things to do and places to see. And then too, I'm here. When I'm here and your there, neither of us can have much fun, but when your here with me, boy what fun we can have!!!
I'll be seeing you soon.
Lots of love,
Larry
How do you like my new letter paper? I just ran out of Dick's so I guess I will have to buy some for myself. I hunted all over the place for some other but couldn't find any except some of Doris's which is lavender and with a white border, cute eh? I decided it would be better to use some office stationary.
Well I expect to drive up Friday afternoon, July 14. I don't think I can get away from here until 4 or 5 o'clock and it will take 8 or 9 hours to make it so I don't suppose I will get there much before 1 or 2 in the morning. If that's the case I wouldn't want to barge in on you so early so I will crawl in at Grandma's and see you early Saturday morn say around 8:30 or 9:00. If I should perchance, be able to get away from here right after dinner at noon and arrive in Madison by 10 or 10:30, I might call you up and say, hello. Aunt Laura is going to ride with me as far as Kankakee and from there I will be alone. Doris and Miriam can't come at this time. Mother could spare both anyway and right now with Aunt Laura gone, they are needed to sell at the market.
You should see our roses in bloom now! We have about 80 varieties all grouped together just south of the market and they are all blooming profusely. We have to water them nearly every day because the hot sun dries them with the pot sticking up in the air. We have been selling a few every day but we still have over a thousand. We had over 10,000 to start with and we potted over 3,000. Today I planted a dozen along with $30 worth of evergreens. Les and two of the boys started work on a $100 job which they will finish tomorrow. Les finished the second pool yesterday and we will probably plant it tomorrow or Friday. We have been pretty busy considering this is our slack season. We have 5 men working besides 5 of us counting Lloyd, Jr. He does a lot of the watering and works on the golf course. He thinks he works awfully hard and I suppose he does for a boy his age but he likes to go swimming or playing golf with the neighbor boys. He takes them on for a nickle a hole and usually wins all their spending money. He lets them win enough to keep them interested. They get tired of it after a while.
Monday and Tuesday, Dick and I went around town trying to sell some roses and stuff. We took our sprayer along and got a couple jobs spraying for worms on the evergreens. Monday I got a lead for a job which will probably amount to $50 or better. Tuesday I booked the $30 job which we planted today. If we can do that good every week during the summer it will be real good. When fall business starts, though, along in September, we should do nearly 3 times that much a week.
Enough about my work. The golf course has been doing pretty good. We had a big crowd Sat and Sun night which makes us feel good. We have advertised it in a couple papers and hope to do better. When it is hot in town it is nearly always cool out here with a good breeze as soon as the sun goes down. The past couple days haven't been so hot which is certainly a relief. It certainly did get hot last week. It was 96 in the shade and you can guess what it was in the sun, and I was helping mix concrete!! But right now we are having a relief period. The paper says it is only supposed to go to 90 tomorrow.
You should see "Ching" now!! He is growing more and more and just as playful. He seems to get more independent every day. We have a lot of fun playing with him, too.
Today was 3 cent day at Riverside, our amusement park and Lloyd and some of the kids went. You can ride on any of the things for 3 cents. I just had to go get him and his bicycle because he lost the key to his lock. He had a lot of fun but couldn't ride home.
Well, I'll get there soon after this letter does so I guess I'll have to tell you the rest. I'm expecting to bring you back with me for a visit here so your excuses better be good. I know you're just dying to come and I'm dying to have you so??? You know there is no better place for a vacation than good old Indiana especially for a native Wisconsinite. We have thousands of beautiful places, ideal picnic spots, and a thousand and one different things to do and places to see. And then too, I'm here. When I'm here and your there, neither of us can have much fun, but when your here with me, boy what fun we can have!!!
I'll be seeing you soon.
Lots of love,
Larry
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