OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy OCTOBER

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive (“Oggy”) Coolidge, Nurse Asst, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1941 October 1-31
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive Coolidge)

Possibly taken at John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. Negative developed 1/14/42. Photo courtesy of Marcia Butman, Olive Coolidge’s grandniece, Feb 9, 2024. [Coolidge_MF_02_011.jpg]

TAGS: Olive Dame Coolidge, Robert Butman, Marcia Butman donation, Olive “Oggy” Coolidge correspondence 1941, WWII, employment, marriage, Pine Mountain medical services, Richard Bradford Coolidge

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy OCTOBER 1-31

From the Marcia Butman Collection of the Coolidge-Butman family papers, 1833-1973

This collection primarily consists of and is focused on the papers related to the employment of Olive Dame Coolidge at Pine Mountain Settlement School and her courtship with Robert Butman, soon to become her husband. Olive Dame Coolidge was on the staff of Pine Mountain Settlement School in 1941-1942 as an assistant to Grace M. Rood, the resident nurse for the medical program at Pine Mountain Settlement School during the year leading up to the opening of America’s entry into WWII. The letters of Olive Coolidge with her family and especially with Bob who was her friend, her fiance, and soon to be her husband captures the climate of the country as it waits out the tensions of a country about to go to war and the emotional roller coaster of youth as they try to find their place in the growing turbulence of pre-war and world war.

Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008), the daughter of Richard Bradford Coolidge and Ruth Dame Coolidge who lived in Medford, Massachusetts, is defined by her determination to address her future on her terms and to prepare herself as a nurse.

Richard, her father and 4th cousin of President Calvin Coolidge, served on the Board of Directors at John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and was a bank president and also a Mayor of the city of Medford. Richard Bradford Coolidge’s father was Merrit B. Coolidge and Ruth’s father was Lorin Low Dame, hence the Dame-Coolidge references. The sisters of Olive’s mother Ruth were Daisy Gertrude Dame and Olive Dame Coolidge Campbell, a familiar name to those familiar with the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. Both the Coolidge and the Dame families were motivated by their deep commitment to promoting the welfare of others and their deep involvement in their communities and families.

Olive Dame Coolidge Butman is the central author and subject of this collection of letters. The papers include correspondence with Pine Mountain Settlement School regarding her brief appointment with the School nursing staff; her correspondence with Robert Butman, her fiance and soon, husband; her letters to family; photographs; some memorabilia; and various printed material.

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Pine Mountain is very grateful to Marcia Butman, the grandniece of Olive Coolidge and Robert Butman for the story of Olive Coolidge at Pine Mountain by sharing this interesting and uplifting body of material for the Pine Mountain Settlement School archive. While focused on her mother’s time at Pine Mountain Settlement School, the collection helps to paint a first-hand picture and in-depth record of the state of rural and urban America as youth examine their lives and their wealth and status against the rural poverty of under-served Eastern Kentucky.

As they correspond, the conversation is often familiar and poignant. Olive, “Oggy” and her future husband, “Bob,” question their future with each other, their commitment to one another, their privilege and the growing awareness of surrounding poverty. They question security and insecurity, and what is of value and what is not in the shifting landscape of a world on the edge of war. The instability of emotions, the growing political divide, and career uncertainties challenged both Olive and her future husband. Nothing seems certain except their love for one another and even that love is questioned at times.

The escalating political uncertainty of their world, their new friends and old family, and how old and new experiences position them in a world stream headed into conflict, runs as a background in their love letters. It is a world they struggle to define for themselves, their work, and their relationships. — HW

See Also:
OLIVE COOLIDGE Staff – Biography

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy October 1-31

INDEX to the Following Letters

15. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 1 1941
16. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 2 1941
17. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 3 1941
18. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 5 1941
19. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 6 1941
20. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 8 1941
21. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 11 1941
22. Bob to Oggy – October 11-12 1941 [image of envelope is missing]
23. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 14 1941
24. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 15 1941
25. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 16 1941
26. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 18 1941

B1. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 19 1941
B2. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 20 1941
B3. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 22 1941
B4. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 23 1941
B5. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 27 1941
B6. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 27 1941 [2]
B7. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 28 1941
B8. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 29 1941
B9. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 31 1941

TRANSCRIPTIONS: OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy OCTOBER

15. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 1, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Sept. 30, 1941
10:15 P.M.

Oggy Darling,

Well kid – there goes September – leaving only 3 months until Christmas. Practically no time at all. Why don’t we write to F.D.R. and ask him to change Christmas to the 25th of October – just on general principles.

Spent the evening – or 2 ½ hrs of it at least – working again. If I’m not careful I’ll find myself working far far into the night towards the end of the week – getting these receivers out. Somehow I don’t feel very ambitious after getting them either. Probably if I had to get up as early as you – and work all evening – I’d have even less. Must be the weather – it has been raining for a week – I spend most of the time dodging showers.

My brainstorms are still floating about – although with somewhat diminished intensity. Right now I haven’t the ambition to worry about them. But I still think it would be fun to fly.

Say Dearie – Christmas comes in the middle of the week,- which makes me very doubtful about getting enough time off to go anywhere. Just out of curiosity – how do you feel about coming down here. You wouldn’t have to come down here for Christmas Day – you could go to S.C. for that and come down here the day after – more or less. Perhaps we can work out some system.

If you don’t mind I’m going to bed – and do a little day dreaming – you would be surprised how much I think about you – or wouldn’t you? Anyway ,- you seem to be around most of the time. That is probably because I love you so much.

Yours,
Bob
Say those jams ‘n stuff were just a sudden idea. I thought if you kept some crackers or anything to eat in your cabin it might go well with ’em. If you don’t like it – it won’t hurt my feelings if you toss it out.

16. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 2, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct 1, 1941
11:45 PM

Oggy Darling,

After deciding that I was much too tired to write – I got into bed – and thought – oh well. Just like a woman to keep a fellow up all night! I really am a bit bleary eyed though – worked until after 11 tonight trying to keep from getting snowed under. Imagine being snowed under in this climate! They don’t have enough fellows in the lab to do all the work that has to be done – and it will get worse before it gets better.

I’m afraid I don’t have the ambition to think very coherently but I did want to tell you not to worry about anything. Really, I don’t think there’s any need to. Of course I suppose I shouldn’t say anything – I sometimes wonder a bit myself. Mostly about our being a bit young – and whether everything will work out all right. But my doubts always disappear – and I want you more than ever.

Say – my room has improved in looks somewhat. I came home the other day to find curtains up – and a wall bookcase to put my books in. Now all I have to do is get a few pictures and it’ll look like home – if I’m here long enough to see it.

I had to laugh when you suggested no more airmail. The idea had occurred to me too – but I wouldn’t have mentioned it if it mean[t] going without eating! Yup, I’m stubborn sometimes.

Goodnight Darling – a dozen kisses & a hug for you.

Yours always,
Bob

17. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 3, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 2, 1941
10:30 P.M.

Oggy Dearest,

I suppose it really doesn’t do any good to sit here wishing I could see you – because wishing wont bring you here. If it could, you would have been here long ago. Christmas seems so far away Darling – and it will be such a short time…..

As you say, our married life may not be perfect – but I think it will be very close to perfection. We can do it Honey – and don’t worry about your doubts and fears – they’ll disappear just as all your others have. Oh Hell Dearie – I’ve spent a half hour trying to tell you how much I love you – and how wonderful it will be – but my mind keeps wandering off, wishing you were here. Perhaps I’d better forget the subject for a while.

Worked for a while this evening – not as long as last night but long enough to ruin the evening for anything else. It is getting just a bit tiring working evenings. It leaves so little time for anything else – such as writing letters. I owe more than a dozen letters I don’t know when I’ll get around to write them.

By the way, Dot sent the long sought after negatives to me – they came yesterday. I’ll take ‘em to the square and see if he will enlarge them for me – at a reasonable rate. The price better be reasonable because I’m going to be broke. I took my blue coat to the tailors today and its going to cost me $8 to get it rebuilt to fit me. Ugh!

I’m sleepy Darling – remember – “Gosh I’m sleepy”? I’ll write some more tomorrow.

I love you Darling,
Bob

**********

Friday – 6 P.M.

I suppose I should warn you before I start that I’m just a bit on the grumpy side – just so you will be prepared for any eventuality. Perhaps it’s too much night work – (tonight too) – I dunno really.

First about your worrying – I don’t mind your worrying about – well about anything that should be worried about, but almost every letter you have written since we saw each other has had a worried note at some point. What is the matter Darling? Are you still afraid – or shall we say uncertain – way down deep that you love me? Down deep enough that it isn’t recognizable?

When you say “When I think of Wash. I don’t worry, because you didn’t bother me at all then,” it jolts me rather rudely – somehow it doesn’t sound quite like the thing to say to one’s future husband. I know I have faults Darling – plenty of them – but to look at them in such an objective manner rather annoys me. It makes me feel that you are weighing my good points against my faults, and wondering if the answer is worthwhile.

I don’t mind you doing that – it’s quite a reasonable process. But darling I hate to quibble. If you had rather not make up your mind definitely – let’s not until you are sure. Marriage has to be an all or nothing proposition – with no reservations.

Oh hell Dearie – I’m being unnecessarily violent – and I know it. Somehow I just can’t help it though. Don’t worry I’ll recover.

Christmas is still an unknown quantity although I’m rather afraid I won’t be able to go anywhere. The 25^th comes on a Friday. If I left here Thursday morning I’d be in Btown Christmas morning early. I’d have to leave sometime late Saturday – probably – in order to get home in time to be at work Monday a.m. That, of course, depends on whether or not I could get a day & a half off. I’ll have to do a little thinking – and do a little discreet inquiry. As far as home is concerned, it seems rather dubious. Naturally I would like to go home and see everyone – there are a lot of people scattered about Medford and vicinity that I would like to say “hello” to. Incidentally that remark about Xmas being settled was supposedly on the sarcastic side – evidently it didn’t sound quite that way.

Glad to hear your hours have changed so that you can get a little extra sleep in the morning. I’m just a wee bit jealous to say the least! And too bad about the bugs – shall I send you my flint gun? You can have it if you want it because I don’t use it to spray (?) with – I use it as a club.

Oh yuh – the ring. Perhaps June would be better – though it seems rather far away. It seems too bad that you can’t have it to flash around for a little longer time. The situation depends considerably upon what happens Christmas and upon my bankroll. All of which is very vague –which is not as requested. To put it more definitely I should like to give you the ring Christmas but I can’t come North and give you the ring too. Since I don’t as yet know whether I can get enough time off to make it worthwhile to go North, it follows that I don’t know about the ring. All of which is very complicated and vague. I’ll be able to do better after I find out about time off. O.K.?

Well darling, I think Ill see if I can find something to eat – then work for a couple of hours. Please don’t worry about my outbursts – it doesn’t mean I don’t love you – because I do – very much Darling.

Yours,
Bob

18. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 5, 1941, 7 P.M., Miami, Fla.

Oct. 6?, 1941
1:15 A.M.
Hello Darling,

This is that heel of a future husband of yours talking. I hope I didn’t make you feel badly by blowing up somewhat in my last letter. As I expected – I feel sorry now – especially after getting such a swell letter from you today re: wandering about. Apologies accepted?

Just got home from the Country Club where I had a rather mediocre time due to the fact that most of the fellows – including myself – were stag, so the party wasn’t very lively. More than once I thought about you and wished you were there – I certainly did!!

Before going over to the C.C. I had a long talk with Dick about what to do. In spite of the fact that I haven’t said much in my last two letters, I’m still thinking – and wondering – whether I want to stay here. Dick rather squelched my radio op. ideas by saying that they were underpaid stooges who rated about as high as a mechanic – and who had very dull jobs. Ouch!

I want to sleep on it all – I’m too tired to write more now anyway. In the morning – after Sunday School – I’ll go into detail.

So Goodnight Darling – don’t mind my explosion of yesterday – because regardless of what I said – I love you – and always will.

Yours,
Bob

**********

Sunday 11:15 A.M.

Hello – How are you? Nice day isn’t it? Of course there’s a little matter of a hurricane which is supposedly coming our way – but that’s a minor detail. Maybe.

Well Darling, to get back to the problem at hand. Perhaps I’m making mountains out of molehills – I don’t think so though, because it seems as though I can’t see anything ahead. Until lately I haven’t thought much about the future. You know – new job, new surroundings and all – and I just haven’t had a place to stand to look things over. Now that I’ve more or less caught my breath the whole problem appears at once.

My feet seem unduly restless still. I feel as though I would like to look around just a little before settling down – or at least find a job with a little more thrill to it. The type of job doesn’t matter –radio op. just happened to be the first thing I thought of. Dick’s saying that they were social outcasts as far as the pilots were concerned – and that the job was rather dull has discouraged me somewhat on that score. I’m still going to look into it though and I’m going to have a heart to heart talk with The Man’s assistant tomorrow. He’s a good egg and I think he will give me a clear idea of how things stand here at Pamsco – you know, chances for advancement etc.

I suppose you are somewhat amazed at my willingness to drop this job on a moment’s notice. Or at least if something better appears. So am I. Although I’ve had occasional attacks of restlessness since I’ve been here it has been only in the last couple of weeks that I have been kept awake nights thinking about it.

There is always the possibility that whatever I decide to do now will make no end of difference later. If I stay here I’ll probably always have a job – and it might turn out to be a darned good one. Pan Am. – and Pamsco – will be sure to boom more than I would care to predict after this scrap is over. Competition for world trade is going to force them to expand tremendously.

On the other hand there is just no telling what other businesses will do – and what I will end up in if I don’t stay here. For that reason I’m inclined to give the matter serious thought because I can’t very well ask you to marry someone who isn’t financially sound – or at least modestly so. The whole situation makes a neat little problem, and I’m going to follow your advice of thinking it all over – then acting. Incidentally I haven’t written Dad telling him how I feel and I don’t think I will for awhile, so until something happens, or until I do write him, it would probably be just as well not to say anything in letters home. I’d hate to have him find out through your folks that I’m not settled for life. He might feel left out.

I think you’re wonderful to feel the way you do about The Situation – even though it might mean postponing marriage for a while. And I am not being sarcastic! You seem to understand perfectly how I feel. And that just because I want to do something a little less prosaic doesn’t mean that I love you less. I love you more for understanding.

Incidentally Dad probably hasn’t written because he hasn’t your address – although he has asked for it. Running true to form, I haven’t remembered to send it to him – I will today.

All my Love,
Bob

19. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 6, 1941, 11:30 P.M., Miami, Fla.

Oct. 6, 1941

Hello Darling,

Well here we are waiting for the blow to swoop down & engulf us with its balmy zephyrs. Really, they put on quite a show here when a hurricane is reported.

The town is boarded up within an inch of its life. All the stores have boards just made for the purpose – to cover the windows during these heavy breezes. Some of ‘em are neat well fitting –and long used jobs – others somewhat makeshift – and somewhat ratty looking. It certainly does look funny to ride down the main street and see all the store windows boarded up – most of them completely so. The town looks as though it had been deserted – or would be for years to come.

And the house here is somewhat of a wreck too. All of the awnings are made of wood and arranged so they can be dropped down to cover the whole window – that has been done today. Some people board up their windows – just like the stores. There is a sofa in front of the glass doors to the porch to keep ‘em from blowing in. All the rugs have been rolled up and put on a table so that the water won’t ruin them if any windows should break. Really Darling it’s swell fun! I’m sleeping in the house to lend moral support (imagine me doing that?) and because I can see better from in here. The garage is pretty well hemmed in by trees so that I wouldn’t get a very good view from there.

It is now about 10:30 – everyone has gone to bed except me – I’m listening to the radio and writing. Guess I might as well turn in too. They don’t expect the storm until midnight or after so there’s no point sitting up that long waiting for it.

You know there’s one thing that makes me laugh. After every weather bulletin – which come every hour at least – there will be two or three lumber yards and a hardware store or two putting on a commercial about their having lots of lumber – open all day etc. Also all the grocery stores are open today. People sure have a healthy respect for these things.

Well I’ll write some more tomorrow Dearie. Remember I love you, now – always.

Yours, Bob

**********

[October 7, 1941]

Well good morning Darling. Not that there is anything good about it – Well our long awaited hurricane turned out the way most of ‘em do – it didn’t. A colossal flop. Of course we had lots of wind, a few trees uprooted or broken, and some rain. But nothing worth writing home about.

I went over to the lab to see if anyone was there and found the place deserted. Since we don’t have any electricity we couldn’t do much anyway. Probably I’ll go over again a little later just to see if anything is happening – a doubtful possibility.

You probably would have laughed at me sleeping while everyone else was up wandering around the house. Of course they made a lot of noise – especially the kids – but it was good fun. I had a sleepy notion about getting up and taking a walk at one time, but it seemed like quite a job at the time so I rolled over and went back to sleep. Too bad you weren’t here – we could have gone exploring – it’s much more fun with someone – especially you – than it is alone.

I’m glad you liked the preserves – I didn’t know whether they would be any good or not although Floyds is supposedly famous for their preserves.

***********

2:30 P.M.

Well I’ve been down to Miami after Kitty – she had been there overnight in her official capacity as a nurse – and visited the lab a couple of time since the last writing. Nothing is going on yet because of the lack of power so it looks as though we get a day off. All the stores in town are dark and all you can get to eat is cold sandwiches, ice cream, hot coffee at some – some fun!

Best fun was Miami Beach where the worst wind had washed sand all over the grass park that runs along the beach, and all over the roads. They had a plow scraping up the sand from the streets. Had the sand been snow it would have looked just like the north – people shoveling sidewalks etc. Of course, it wasn’t very deep and it was scattered in drifts a few inches high.

How was the weekend – fun? Bet it was! Wish you had been down here instead. Yes.

All my love,
Bob

20. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 8, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 9, 1941
Wednesday 8:00 P.M.

Oggy Darling,

It’s quite a let down to go back to work after all the excitement of the weekend. Makes me realize how much fun it is to have a little something out of the ordinary happen – and how dull things are ordinarily.

Went to a movie last night to break the monotony – saw D. [Dorothy] Lamour with her sarong in a picture that was sexy to a monotonous extent. Everything considered it was a modestly good picture though. Didn’t do anything particularly constructive at work today – I’m getting darned sick of doing stuff that any half brain moron could do. Very discouraging.

I don’t know just what to do about it either. I’m finding out that most of P.A.’s radio operators are queer and not too intelligent goons. That may be a rather harsh judgment of course-but an indication of what they are like anyway. Just out of curiosity of writing the National Research Council in Washington to see what they ar doing –and whether it is anything interesting The council is run by the Navy-and being accepted by te council means you are in the navy –with a Naval Officers commission. You cant tell – it might be fun. And incidentally –in their letter to me they said that they were looking for men –married or unmarried.

So that brings you up to date on the job situation. I don’t know that I know anymore about what I want to do now then 2 weeks ago – I’m rather certain I want to do something. You know I think that’s the whole trouble – I don’t really know exactly what I do want to do ! Indecisive as usual! Only it’s a little different this time because I don’t know what the alternatives are. Oh well.

Glad you had a good time over the weekend – at least you seem to infer that you did although I guess you didn’t say definitely that you did. I’m interested to her Aunt Og’s opinions even though I don’t know what they’re about. I suppose about us and the future in general.

I’ll find out about Atlanta but if the city itself bears any resemblance to the station it’s a drab place. No – wait a minute – l take that back –Savannah is the station that looks so old, archaic in fact and creaky. In a way it would be sort of nice to have you come down here – just to see the place. And if what is mine is yours – which it is, then it would cost no more for you to come down here than it would for me to meet you in Georgia Say –how much time do you have at Christmas You haven’t mentioned that. Would you have time to come down here?

Gee darling, Id give anything to see you and talk to you about everything I’ve been in such a muddle lately that I haven’t been able to see straight. I miss you more when I’m in a befoozled state .Oh well, no doubt I’ll cook up (with your help) an answer to the situation if I work on it long enough. I’d write some more but I want this to go out to tonight so – finis! I love you darling.

Bob

21. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 11, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 10, 1941

Oggy Darling,

Now that I’ve read your letter several times I feel much better about the whole situation. In fact Dearie – Ill even shave a dozen times a day if it will make you feel happier!

At first I was still a little peeved – partly because I was still a wee bit upset and partly because the truth sometimes hurts – but after a while I began to realize that what you were saying was the truth. And I’m afraid I’ve been thinking about myself so much lately that “us” drifted into the background somewhat. But “us” is back in full force again – as I knew it would be. I hope you don’t think me selfish for feeling that way. I don’t know that I can say much abut your letter except that it made feel right again – and well it – oh Hell darling I love you! I can’t say it so nicely as you can but that doesn’t mean that I feel it any less.

The job situation is still as far from being unsettled as before. If I chuck this job I will probably be trading a big chunk of security for – I hope – something more interesting and stimulating. I think it would be a fair trade. How do you feel about that Dearie? From what you have said I think you agree with me – even though it may mean that we will have to do some scraping to keep going after. You know better than I – being a student who is well versed in such things (ahem!) – that the country will be in a horrible mess after all the shouting dies down, and jobs may be scarcer than we can imagine.

In spite of that prospect – I’m still interested in finding something else. I feel certain that there are jobs where I can learn faster than I am here. What does it amount to to spend a whole afternoon – or perhaps a whole day – plugging coils into a transmitter to see if they work? Or chipping coils – hundreds of them – on an instrument and twiddling a dial to see if a meter reads within certain limits. Any lame brain moron can do that without stretching his imagination!

So that makes us both dissatisfied! I wondered how long your job would keep you interested –not that I blame you in the slightest for being bored. I’d be very much surprised if you weren’t bored. There is so little chance to use your initiative (my trouble too) and the place is so darned isolated. Stick it out though Darling – I know that is easier for me to say than for you to do – much. But you are doing something worthwhile – even though it probably doesn’t seem very apparent at times – and someone has to do it you know. That sounds trite and I don’t mean it to. What I mean is that you are doing something helpful – something that few people have the courage to do – something that you will, later on, be glad to have done. Right?

I suppose I have to admit (don’t mind my jumping back and forth here) that your worrying made me wonder a little too. You probably sensed that from the scolding letter I sent you. If it did make you wonder if I was wondering you can rest assured that everything is better than all right now! Perhaps it would be repetition for me to say so but I think you’re wonderful to feel as you do about my feelings. And don’t worry Darling there won’t be any postponements unless absolutely necessary. I don’t want to do any postponing any more than you do. But I do feel as though id like to break loose and do something different – and even though it might mean an extra six months I think it would be worth it because it would make me feel more sure of myself – not you but myself – and more confident in my own ability to get along . At least it will – or else—.

I wanted to mail this tonight but it’s now after 9:30 – which is the last evening collection so I guess it’ll have to be tomorrow. Say – by the way – the 3-cent letter that you mailed with your airmail came the same day! The airmail was in the box in the morning and the other one was there when I left work at 5:30. Looks as though we have been wasting money! Guess I’ll send this airmail but hereafter it’ll be three cents for me too.

I’m rather glad you want to help pick out your ring. Although I’d be willing to get it myself I’d rather be sure that it is exactly what you want.

And Christmas. Oh the devil with Xmas. Ill see you somewhere – Georgia, Btown, here –somewhere. Preferably Btown or here.

I love you Darling – you’re wonderful, honest! We’ll have so much fun together – doing things –taking chances – I hope – loving each other – living together – yes I like the prospect – definitely! And don’t be discouraged – just think about us and the future when you feel glum. And think about me thinking about you.

Yours always, Bob

P.S. Then we miss each other.
2^nd P.S. Consider yourself kissed – properly (poor substitute)
3^rd P.S. I will come up and see you sometime. Thanks for the invitation. I wish it would be now!

22. Bob to Oggy – October 11-12, 1941 [2]

[Image of envelope not available.]

Oct. 11, 1941, 12:00 [?] M.

Oggy Darling,

Sometimes I feel as though I couldn’t possibly collect enough words to tell you how much I love you – and now is one of those sometimes. How can I tell you how I wish you were here, – how much I would like to hold you and give you a big kiss? I just can’t tell you how I feel Darling – but I know you know, and understand that I want to be with you always. – and always is a long time. If I could hold my head up another minute – or get the sand out of my eyes, I would – but I can’t; so goodnight Darling – I love you; I love you with all my heart.

Bob

**********

11:30 AM Sunday
[October 12, 1941]

Hello Sweetheart,

Damn this Florida weather! Rain, rain, rain – and more rain! Every time you turn around you get caught in it. And I had a beautiful crease in my pants too. Very discouraging.

Went to the movies last night with Kitty – anything for amusement. Say Darling does it bother you to have me go out with her? I hope not – but if it does I won’t. It’s just that we keep each other amused in a mild sort of way so that it is a little less boring here. We were going to drive out into the Everglades a ways today and do some shooting with her pistol but it’s too doggone rainy so unless it clears up we’ll have to call it off. I hope you aren’t annoyed though – after all the gal is 30 yrs. old (well perhaps not quite that) and married. Damn, if you were only here!

About Dad. He & Blanche are going to be married this Saturday, the 18^th, and leave Medford the next day. They expect to get down here Thursday or Friday and stay for about 10 days. I’ve found a place for them to stay only a couple blocks from here – a hotel, and one that is quiet so he can loaf all he wants to. I suspect he is rather tired and will want to do a good deal of that.

The job situation is still up in the air. I know that I definitely want to change though – but then why go into that, it would only be repetition. That’s a good idea about writing to Tech. I’ll be darned if I know why it didn’t occur to me. Guess that just shows how much brighter you are than I am. Which is a funny sounding sentence. Ill write to the placement officer of our course and see what he has to say about the situation. Perhaps he will be able to offer some suggestions. We shall see what develops.

At long last I have Aunt Og’s picture for her – the one of you and I taken in Maine. She has probably given it up by now! Better late than never I suppose.

Say what do you mean by having all sorts of queer things wrong with you? You shouldn’t do it Honey! I don’t like to have you feeling below par – mentally or physically. Speaking of the mental side of it I would think perhaps you are a bit below par there too! I wish I could see you Darling and at least attempt to cheer you up – perhaps I could help a little. But don’t let it get you down – think about us – and being together all the time later on.

And don’t worry about losing your – ah – technique Dearie – you will remember when we see each other again. But until you see me again – until we see each other – I hope you do get out of practice! I’m selfish – and always will be.

Yours always,

Bob

P.S. Say Dearie – how does one introduce his stepmother? I’ve been wondering just what to do about that.

23. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 14, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct 13, 1941
Box 113
Coral Gables, Fla.

Oggy Darling,

Dam! Of all the full-fledged, first class, undiluted morons, I take the first prize. I was reading your letter tonight – came to that part about the Nat’l Re. Coun., nodded to myself, and thought, yuh I thought it was a good idea too – wearing a self-satisfied smile all the time. All of sudden I was jarred from stem to stern by a very distressing thought – no, it couldn’t be! – but it was. My address wasn’t on it! They evidently have my home address – since they sent me a letter there –but it makes me feel like such a bloody nitwit. Your future husband is just a wee bit absent-minded, Dearie.

Ah yes – the bankroll. Darling you distress me – because the bankroll is not progressing at all well. Washington, my new chair, and the country club have succeeded in keeping it in a rather stationary condition. However, it should recover enough by Christmas so that you can have your ring then. I want you to have it as soon as possible – just as much as you do. We’ll get it. Christmas anyway – I’ll set aside the $200! Of course, that isn’t enough to get the kind of ring I’d like to get for you, but it will have to do.

Doggone it – I feel badly about all your various aches and pains. How would you like a male nurse in the person of yours truly to nurse you back to health? I’ll gladly accept the job – for life. Come to think of it, it isn’t a job, it’s a position – subtle distinction there. “I will “ is just a little incorrect also “I have” would be better, and the more I think about the idea, the better I like it.

Say I’m going to write Tech tonight and see what is going on up there. There’s one Prof. I know fairly well, – he’s also the placement officer of our course – who should know what the chances are. You should have seen the job I had today Dearie. Spent the whole day turning the crank on a little hand generator that is used to check little pieces of filter insulation used in the receivers. Any half-awake moron could do that job as well as I. Bah! Dad is going to be surprised when I tell him I’m dissatisfied – which I’m going to do when I see him – because I haven’t said anything to him about it yet.

Ah – Dear Fran. You know Dear, if I ever lose you – God forbid – I think Fran and I will have to talk things over! Yup, Fran’s a cute kid, – almost as cute as my fiancé. (Had to put that in to keep you from getting jealous.) How in the Devil did Paul get shifted down to N.C.? Boy I feel sorry for him – no fooling. Sure, tell him about us if you want to; although it – no I guess not – sure, tell him. I have mentioned the subject to exactly two people: 1. Dick Spear 2. Kitty.

Say, I’m glad to hear we are collecting some presents. Our furnishings now stand at one table runner, one picture, and one easy chair. Why shucks, we could start housekeeping tomorrow! Of course, we don’t have anything to sleep on – which brings up that problem. By all means Dearie – twin beds! Lord, you don’t think I want you pushing me off the edge of the bed – and kicking me in the shins every time I roll over, do you? Or do you? Mmmm. Mmmm-hmmm. Agreed. Have it our way then.

Oh Hell Darling – I love you – I love you – I love you –

Bob

P.S. Say, would you like to see how I write Tech?

Tech.

Simple isn’t it?

24. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 15, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct 14, 1941

Hello Darling,

How’s the world today? I hope things are a little brighter than they have been. It is not very bright here for the simple reason that my eyes are not open very far.

Spent a fair sized chunk of the evening finishing a letter to school – complete with return address. The fellow I wrote to will laugh when he gets the letter – he told me dozens of times last year to stay out of radio. Of course I wouldn’t listen to him then. Probably he’ll say, “I told you so – serves you right.” Oh well.

It begins to look as though this would be a very short letter – a “good night kiss.” How I wish it were one! If I could stay awake I’d continue – but I can’t seem to. I do have enough energy to know that I want us to be together always – and that I love you –

Yours forever, or longer if you want.

Bob

25. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 16, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Coral Gables, Florida
Oct. 15, 1951
9:00 P.M.

Oggy Darling,

I had to laugh tonight – coming home from Miami with a phonograph moor under my arm – and finding a letter from you saying that music was important to you. It’s important to me too – I’ve wanted a phonograph for a long time. I bought the thing with the money I got for a birthday present. Although it isn’t the best one of the market it is pretty good, and I think it will work rather well. I’ll have to knock a cabinet together for it – what color paint will you have on the outside? One reason for buying the thing now is that it is quite probably that it will be impossible to get them in a few months. If that does happen nobody knows when we could get one. I’ll have to be careful now not to buy too many records!

My opinion of your pal Ralph dropped about 10 points after reading your letter. A lot of people feel that way, but I still think he’s crazy – completely. Anyone who feels that way doesn’t know what love is – they couldn’t. And it is people like Ralph that makes the divorce rate high. There’s no point in going to a lot of bother tearing his argument down – it isn’t worth the trouble. And as for seeing other men – I don’t think he wants a wife he can trust. Lord, if I couldn’t trust you or you me, to talk with other men – and go out with them – I would think you didn’t love me. That works both ways of course.

I feel kind of muddled tonight – about everything in general. Got a letter from Maxine tonight, and as usual she had to weep a bit about Mrs. S. She and Dot both do it, and I think it’s pretty much justified. Which is all the more reason why it makes me feel badly. I just hope Dad isn’t making a mistake – I’d hate to see him unhappy because of her. Then too, Mac seems to think that “everyone” is talking about the affair the way the old wags do. Darn gossip anyway – some people have tongues that would cut a drug store steak like a hat knife slices butter! —- I just can’t express my opinion of them without becoming unnecessarily vivid – I’ll let you fill in your own adjectives.

The job is still up in the air – I guess I say that every time I write! Next time I get a chance to corner “The Man” for a while I’m going to tell him just how I feel – and see what the reaction is. Unless he breaks out of his shell there won’t be any reaction at all. But there’s no harm in trying – I’ll never get anywhere sitting around waiting for something better to come to me. Right?

Say, Dearie, do you think your Mother really heartily approves of our getting married next September? I hope she doesn’t disagree too violently because I think Sept. is a swell month (or Oct.). As for waiting another year – well! Me too. The sooner the better, unless of course some insurmountable object comes up in the way of work. The only thing that would come up would be an opportunity – a good one – to work somewhere outside the country – somewhere you wouldn’t want to go. And that is a very remote possibility. Let’s hope it won’t be Florida! Another objection to waiting longer is the world in general. Nobody knows what will happen in the next few years. I say let’s get married as soon as we can afford it. If we don’t, Lord knows what might happen – and how long we would have to wait. Pleasant prospect!

You can suit yourself about announcing our engagement – whenever you want to.

In spite of the fact that everything seems somewhat topsy-turvy, there is one Gibraltar in the midst of it all. You, you guessed it – that’s you, and I mean it seriously. It’s a wonderful feeling to love you, and to know you love me. If you were only here so I could tell you without having to write it – writing is so bloody impersonal! Probably if you were here I’d be tongue-tied! Oh well – I do love you. I do. Does “I do” sound like anything?

Love and a good night kiss –
Bob

26. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 18, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Coral Gables, Florida
Oct. 17? , 1941 Friday

Dearest Oggy,

The last piece of paper in the house – to you. Sentimental thought isn’t it. Oh yuh? says she – wondering about the scarcity of letters lately. I’ve been working on the phonograph tonight – got it so it will work by running it through the radio. As soon as I get an amplifier built it’ll work by itself. I’m anxious to get the thing working.

Sure – I’ve been over to the country club a couple of times. And the fellows at Pamsco are congenial. However, they all live about 5 miles from me so I don’t see them too much. Besides they work a lot nights. And I do too, some – although probably not as much as some of the fellows who are doing rush work. One of the fellows – the one I’m working with now –suggested that perhaps I’d like to join with him and a couple of other fellows, if we could find them, and get an apartment. Good idea says I, so perhaps we will.

I’m doing some new work now that is considerably more interesting – working on receivers. I don’t know what to say about your not liking this type of work. Technical work appeals to me –work that you probably will never be particularly interested in. Even if I change jobs it will quite probably – although not necessarily – be somewhat the same as this – only much better I hope. You also have to realize that there are a lot of people who are far from ignorant in this world – a good many of them who have had lots of experience – and who make for stiff competition. Not that the thought of competition scares me at all – on the contrary!

You’re welcome to all the sympathy you want Honey Chile – no matter how much you want there’ll be some to spare. That’s because I love you Darling – something you should be well aware of by now. But I like to remind you – and be reminded now and then just the same.

Yours always,
Bob

B1. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 19, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 18, 1941
10:30 PM

Hello Darling,

I just wanted to say hello before going over to the C. C. for awhile in case I’m too sleepy to write anything when I get back. Don’t know whether there will be anything going on over there or not, but I’m going over and be sociable for awhile anyway.

Today was a big day at home I suppose – it’s too late to complain now. Lord, Dad hasn’t written for so long that I don’t know just what is going on at home. Probably he’s busy cleaning up a lot of last minute stuff and hasn’t had a chance to write. Just the same I’d like to know when they are coming so I could reserve a room for them. I’ve got a place picked out for them to stay that’s only a couple of blocks away.

Well Honey Chile I’m going over to the C.C. (sounds like a railroad) & see what’s going on -want to come along? I sure wish you could.

All my love & sympathy,
Bob

**********

[n.d.]
Hello –

Back again. There seemed to be a great scarcity of people from Pamsco at the C.C. tonight –which of course meant a scarcity of people I know – so I didn’t stay very long. What I need is a date Dearie – a date by the name of Olive Coolidge. Perhaps you’re acquainted with her. She’s a very sweet girl – and I’d like to see her right now.

I’m still a little worried about your remarks concerning work. You make me feel that technical work isn’t as worthwhile as teaching or doctoring simply because it isn’t easily understood – or because it doesn’t have the human interest in it that other types of work have. It’s just as important though, and as interesting if you like it.

Right now I don’t know just what I do want to do – which no doubt sounds like something I’ve said before. Nevertheless it’s still true. It seems as though there must be something going on somewhere that I’d really like to get into with both feet, but right now I don’t know what or where it is. Perhaps it will dawn on me all of a sudden some day.

With that – and a flock of kissing for you – plus no end of sympathy, I’m falling into bed.

‘Nite Darling
Bob

**********

Good Morning Sweetheart –

It’s a beeyoutiful day in Miami! Or at least it would be if it were a little cooler. It’s 10:15 A.M. already and I haven’t as yet eaten. Which is natural because I haven’t been up very long. I have been trying to straighten my room out a little – the place is a wreck. Junk all over the place – letters, tools, phonograph parts, papers – all kinds of stuff.

Guess I’ll scout around and see if I can find some breakfast – want to come along? You probably won’t like breakfast with me though – I always read the paper – and I’m usually very grouchy in the morning. But then you know that anyway.

Yours always,
Me again

B2. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 20, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oggy Darling,

Now that you have finished reading The Letter, and presumably properly impressed, what do you think of it? I nearly fell over when I read it this morning. There have been butterflies in my stomach all day and my head has been buzzing so much that it aches. You notice that I haven’t said that I want to go – simply because I may feel differently tomorrow – or a week from now. Right now though I have ants in my pants.

Do you remember our talking about Dick – and how you said that that was not for me? How do you feel now Darling – do you still feel the same – ? Would you dislike the idea violently, should I want to look into it further? After all it is as much your decision as it is mine – whatever you say means a lot. I’m talking as though I had already got a commission – which is far from the truth. I want to calm down for a while – think it over – and hear your opinions. And besides I might not be qualified anyway.

Please don’t mind if I’m a little incoherent – it’s just the way I feel perhaps I’ll be sour on the subject tomorrow – I don’t know. I might not have the nerve or the guts to go through with it even with your approval. One thing about accepting a commission is that if we do go to war I wouldn’t be drafted with the army – I’d probably be in Washington – teaching or something.

I wonder whether I’d be capable of doing the job – what I would do under stress – whether I’d make a fool of myself in an emergency. I’d hate like the devil to do that.

But shucks Darling, I don’t need to go into all the opportunities, the experience, the difficulties, the dangers, the good points or the bad points that are involved. You can see them as easily as I. You can see that it would be one of the best chances in the world to prove to myself and to you whether I’m worth anything or not.

After all that – what is your honest opinion? Or rather what would your opinion be if I was interested? Would I be a heel to want to do something like that?

Do you think it would be stupid? Lord, I wish I could talk with you instead of having to be so damned impersonal about it. A word of warning – or what have you – don’t be too excited yet. I may change my mind even if you don’t want me to. That request is so that I will have a loophole to back out through should I feel differently by tomorrow. And don’t mind my talking as though I were already in London – it’s just the excitement of the thing that makes me feel that way. Gosh Darling I can’t see straight! But enough – I’m listening for you now.

Got a letter from Tucker of Tech today suggesting a lab job in N.Y.C. with International telephone and a job at a New Bedford, Mass, radio station – neither of which are particularly thrilling – compared with some of the jobs that are floating about.

Your letter today sounded even a bit more discouraged than usual. Gee- I wish you were having a better time Darling. Is there anyway you can convince [Grace M.] Rood that you should have more responsibility? I wish you were in Miami too – very commendable idea – although not new.

Oh Hell Darling, I wish I could see you and talk with you – I’m in a terrific dither – and I don’t know why either, because the chances are that I won’t be going to England or anywhere else.

Yes – if you are really good – and behave nicely you can have a picture – one of you and me together. You can have a hundred if you want (but wouldn’t one do). I’ll send it off directly.

I’ve got to go back to the lab now and work for a while – we have two receivers that should be finished tonight. I’m going to send this so you will get it as soon as possible. Please send the letter back right away so that I’ll have it to show Dad next week – just to get one more opinion.

I love you Darling – Lord, I wish you were here – or vice versa. There’s nothing I’d like better right now than to see you.

Yours regardless,
Bob
P.S. I am not conceited!

Also P.S. I hope you can make some sense out of this letter – I’d rewrite it (again) but I know it wouldn’t be any less jumbled!

B3. Bob to Oggy Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 22, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct 21, 1941

Oggy Dearest,

No doubt you were pretty much flabbergasted by the letter you received yesterday. I’m wondering what you think about it – and I wonder if I was somewhat of a heel to be so brutal about it. I suppose it sounded as though I were all packed and waiting for the word go. Not so – not so. Even if you think it a good idea I’m not sure that I want to go. And – going still further – there is the possibility that I might not be mentally or physically qualified – a probability that is definitely not remote.

Doggone it though Dearie, there are lots of things to be said in favor of going. If we go to war – which looks kinda certain – we will certainly have another draft. And if so I doubt that “Sully” could get me exempted. That would mean I would have to wallow around in the mud with the army for God knows how long. And I sure would prefer the Navy to the Army.

The pay is reasonably decent – more than I’m getting now and I would have a commission-something I might not get in the army. There’s a world of difference between being an officer and an enlisted man too! Not only in the matter of pay, but in social standing, treatment (work you have to do) while in the navy – etc.

Oh gosh, I dunno Darling, I guess I’ll quit speculating until I hear your opinions – there’s no rush. Your letter today made me feel sort of guilty by saying that you wished I could get a job in Kentucky. Say, can you imagine what Dad would say if and when I mentioned the matter to him? Which I undoubtedly will. Wow! Well, think it over Dearie – I’m listening.

Darn it all darling, I thought perhaps I could talk about something else for the rest of this letter but it looks a bit impossible right now. No matter how much or how hard I try to think about your work, or my work, or the weather – I come right back to the same questions –should I or shouldn’t I? What do you suppose Oggy thinks? Am I crazy to even think about it? Will we get into the war? Would I have the nerve to do it? All this even though I haven’t the remotest idea about your opinions, or whether or not I’m qualified! Honestly Darling I don’t think I can stand it much longer – it’s probably the first big decision – outside of one concerning you – and that was no trouble at all – that I’ve ever had to make and it certainly putting me into a muddle.

11:00 P.M.

Time to go to bed – I’m sleepy – but I just want to write a little more. I’ve sent – or rather filled out a blank for the Council – nothing which obligates me in any way – it’s just something to let them know what I’ve studied etc. And I asked him – as per suggestions (his) to get me an interview with the Miami Commandant. All this junk is just so I can find out the whole story before thinking too much about what to do.

I just hope that the way my thoughts have been running don’t make you think that I love you any less. Lord, no! This whole mess – or something similar – was bound to happen sometime. It was sure to come when I realized what was going on – that there really is a war. I never thought much about it before in anything but an impersonal sort of way – now it comes home with a jolt! I never realized what a mess the world is in – really realized it. But then, it doesn’t help to worry about it – might as well be fatalistic & philosophical. Right?

I love you Darling – I’m yours for keeps.
Bob

B4. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 23, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 22, 1931
11:00 P.M.

Well, the address is still Box 113, Coral Gables, and I suspect it will be for sometime so don’t expect me to be leaving for the ends of the earth tomorrow. Besides, I’d much rather leave for Kentucky than the ends of the earth! Much.

Spent the evening working on my phonograph – trying to get a cabinet built for it. Seems to be a rather slow process but I guess I’ll get it finished sometime. Something is wrong with the pickup though – it sure is sour on the high notes. Sounds worse than some of the old crank up jobs. Fortunately it is guaranteed so I can get a new one for the asking. Yup, well have some good music Dearie. Wont it be fun – just sitting together listening to some good music.

Got a card from Dad today – mailed in Washington. Remember Washington? He expects to be here either Friday or Sat. and guess he will be here for about a week. Also got a letter from Maxine – telling me about the wedding. Evidently it went off very well and was a big success. She didn’t sound nearly as blue about it as usual either so perhaps things will be more cheerful from now on.

Say, did I tell you that I had written to Aunt Og? If so it was a mistake. I wrote tonight – about time! I also am sending you and Aunt Og one of the pictures. Yes, they have been lying around for at least two weeks – and I haven’t any excuses either. Just laziness or forgetfulness I guess.

It sure seems queer to have you mention the autumn leaves! It’s still summer here – I’ll be sleeping without even a sheet over me tonight. Gee I’d like to see some cool weather too. Autumn is the best time of year there is – cool nights warm days – colors – Mmmm-hmmmm. Big clear moons…….

I didn’t know you wore uniforms Dearie! I’ll bet you look swell in one too – but shucks you look good in anything. You’re right about appearances after marriage though – a lot of people think it isn’t important but it ain’t so! People who look sloppy all the time just can’t compare with those who take a little time to be neat. Say, speaking of uniforms – how do you think I’d look in one?

Having stayed away from the Subject for so long I just cant help mentioning it. I heard a rumor that the Naval Commandant for this area is in Charlestown so if I should want to find out more about commissions I might have to take a trip. Just out of curiosity, how far is Charlestown from Pine Mountain? I hope the subject hasn’t upset you any – or rather too much. You know, for some reason I can’t figure out what your reactions will be. I don’t have the vaguest idea what you will say. I suppose there isn’t any use in speculating too much until I find out how you feel – and more details about the job itself.

It’s 12 o’clock and I’m beginning to feel just a little sleepy so guess I’ll collapse. I love you sweetheart – more everyday – no fooling! And I like your description(s) of married life – sounds wonderful!

All my Love,
Bob

B5. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 27, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 26, 1941

Oggy Darling,

Well, Honey Chile, unless something slips up you can stop worrying about England. In a way I’m a little disappointed because England looked like a lot of excitement. But it looks as though I’ve snagged something just as good if not better! Well heck –I’ll copy the letter over and send you a copy so you can see as much about what is going on as I know. The letter is from Prof. Tucker of M.I.T. – you may remember my writing him.

Lord, I’m all up in the air again, Dearie – if it happens many weekends in a row I’ll be a nervous wreck – and you probably will be too! Anyway, I’m going to talk with The Man tomorrow, find out when he can conveniently let me go, then call Wash [Washington] and talk with MacDonald. Butterflies in my stomach again today!

I haven’t the faintest idea of what the work will be but it sounds good. And think of it, Dearie, $225 a month! I can live up there and have my present salary left over! Of course, money isn’t the only consideration in a job but it sure is something! Even though it will fold up when the war does I don’t see how I can go wrong!

I’m sorry to have stirred you all up about England – but then how was I to know? My pal Bailey sent me a letter yesterday saying he had sent my name to the navy who would send me full details concerning their job. I’ll still find out about it – just in case.

Gosh Darling, I’m to[o] excited to write and I don’t want to say too much just in case this should slip from between my fingers. If I land the job tomorrow morning I’ll send a telegram so you will have an inkling of what is going on before you get this.

Just think Honey – we’ll practically be living next door to each other. My, my, what a time – what a turmoil – what a salary! Wow! I’m glad Dad was here when the news came – he’s having fun, too. All my love to you, Darling – and keep your fingers crossed for me.

Your[s]
Bob

B6. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 27, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 24? ,1941
12:00 [P]M

Oggy Darling,

Well I’ve got the Butmans settled for their stay. We’ve been sitting around all evening talking anything and everything – from England to the weather. Dad – and Blanche too – seem very happy and I don’t know but what it may work out all right after all. The trip down was without accident of any size type or description – just a nice ride. Dad looks kinda tired, but I’m not surprised because he has been working hard, and it was a long trip too.

While we were eating supper Dad asked me if I liked my job too well – I haven’t said much to him about being dissatisfied – I felt that I’d rather wait until I saw him. I told him only fair and we dropped the subject. Later – after we got back to their room we started in again. I informed him of the Navy situation and said it sounded sort of interesting. He grinned and called me a devil – just as calm as could be. Said it was all right with him if I wanted to, and agreed with me that it was as good a place as any if we were going to war! I was amazed to have him take it that way – even though the project is still in the speculation stage – and will be until I hear from you and Washington. I sure hope I hear from you tomorrow – I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear what you have to say.

I wish I would stop talking about this spree as though it were an accomplished fact – I don’t mean to. I guess I’ll just have to admit that I want to go, – there’s no use trying to disguise the fact. Ha! She says. That’s a darn fool statement after writing me two or three letters that any moron (no insult to you intended Dearie) could see that I was bubbling over. Well, darn it all, it did get me excited!

Say you sure are doing enough work Darling – and I’m not being sarcastic. Sounds as though you have enough to do to keep you hopping most of the time. You have my sympathy though – as if you haven’t always had it!

While we were talking tonight Dad remarked that he hoped I wouldn’t travel around (imagine me!) so much that I couldn’t find time to get married! I assured him that there was no danger of that. There sure isn’t Dearie – no sir! Because I love you very much – and just wish you were here – I could tell you so much better. No I couldn’t either – if you were here I’d be tongue-tied.

Yours always,
Bob

B7. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 28, 1941, Coral Gables, Fla.
[Western Union telegram]

October 27, 1941

Am ignoring navy. Leaving Sunday for Washington civilian defense job details follow.
Bob

B8. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 29, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct. 28, 1941

Hello Sweetheart,

If you are still as bewildered as I am at the sudden turn of events you probably don’t know what to expect next. Especially since I haven’t had much time to write much of an explanation. And Dad and Blanche mailed the last letter – and since I forgot to tell them to send it airmail, it probably took a while to get here. What a time!

The letter from Prof. Tucker came Sunday – that’s the one you have a copy of. Monday morning I talked with The Man and told him I had been offered a job that I hated to pass up – told how much more money it was. He was very agreeable and said he didn’t hold it against anyone for wanting a better job. I was glad that he wasn’t disturbed – I feel better leaving with everyone happy. He wanted me to stay only for the rest of the week which was all right with me.

After talking with him, I dashed out and telephoned Washington. It took less than three minutes to clinch the deal. MacDonald sounded like a good egg and I think he’ll be an agreeable sort to work for. His job is to buy American equipment for the Canadian government and to sell Canadian equipment to the U.S. Army and Navy. My work will presumably be connected with the radio equipment that is bought and sold. He said that one of the biggest troubles was not buying the equipment – that is heckling about prices etc –but finding it to buy – because of the shortages.

Everything considered, it sounds like a lot of fun. There should be plenty of chances to use a little imagination there too. And the money connected with it is something to make a person raise an eyebrow – it will be a long time before I’ll be able to double my pay again.

It disappointed me somewhat to have this Navy idea still unsettled, but I felt that I couldn’t wait when there was an offer like this on tap that had to be accepted or refused right away.

At first I thought I would be able to leave here with Dad & Blanche and drive back. However MacD. said he would like to have me Monday so I decided I’d better grab a train instead. Dad wanted to stop for a couple of days in Wash anyway, so I will see him again there.

It certainly will seem swell to see some cold weather again – I’m lying here with the perspiration rolling off in little rivers. Dad hasn’t had any pep since he came – the combination of being tired and such hot wx [weather] is just too much.

Well, Dearie – I’m falling asleep right here – so I guess I’d better quit. Please tell me what you think about the job. Come to think of it though you won’t be able to write back after you get this – it wouldn’t get here in time. I’ll give you my Wash. Address as soon as I get one.

Say just think! I’ll be near enough to Kentucky so I can drop over for a weekend – maybe. I certainly would like to. Lord – I’d like to see you, Darling. But then, I guess everyone that’s in love feels that way. You did know that I am in love, didn’t you? Yup – I certainly am Darling –head over heels.

Yours always,
Bob

B9. Bob to Oggy – Postmark: October 31, 1941, Miami, Fla.

Oct 31, 1941

Well, Sweetheart – it begins to look as though I’m really going to move. A whole suitcase full of clothes plus various and sundry other junk now being missing makes things look a little bare. I packed up the stuff – all that I won’t need for awhile – and put it in the car tonight because Dad & Blanche are leaving tomorrow. They want to laze along going back, so they thought they would leave a couple of days early. You know I asked them to bring a whole truckload of radio junk down – which they did. Now it will just have to go all the way back home again because I won’t have any place for it in Washington! What a time.

We all went to the annual school carnival for a while tonight and had a good time watching thousands – well, hundred – of people milling around, and incidentally having a good time ourselves. Really was a lot of fun shooting darts – pitching baseballs and such childish stuff.

Got a letter from Aunt Og today thanking me for the pictures, etc. Say, did you ever get the picture that I sent you?

Gee, Darling, I’m getting more and more excited about going North. It will seem swell to sink my teeth into a real job – at least I hope it will be a real job. The indications are that it will be. In a way I feel as though I were backing out of the Navy proposition, but I think it would be foolish not to accept this job nevertheless.

You are probably ready to shoot me for writing so little lately – and I don’t blame you. I really haven’t had much time though – and when I do find a few minutes to write after I get home at night I’m so darned sleepy I can’t think straight.

But not too sleepy to know that I want to see you – and that I love you – very much.

Yours always,
Bob