OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy NOVEMBER

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive Coolidge, Asst Nurse, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1941 November 2-30
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive Coolidge)

Second Schoolhouse at PMSS. Pine Mountain, KY. Negatives developed 1/14/42. [Coolidge_MF_02_004-1.jpg]

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

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy NOVEMBER 2-30

[Note: The following letters were sent from Washington, D.C. The letters and images are in chronological order (per the postmark on the envelope) and not necessarily in the order of the image numbers.]

B9 NOVEMBER 3, 1941 [Date on letter: November 2, 1941]
B10 NOVEMBER 3, 1941 [Date on letter: November 3?, 1941]
B11 NOVEMBER 5, 1941
B12 NOVEMBER 6, 1941
B13 NOVEMBER 7, 1941 [Date on letter: November 6?, 1941]
B14 NOVEMBER 9, 1941
B15 NOVEMBER 11, 1941
B16 NOVEMBER 13, 1941
B17 NOVEMBER 13, 1941 [2]
11A [No envelope] BACK DRAFT BOB TO OGGY]
[10. NOVEMBER 14, 1941 Telegram]
B18 NOVEMBER 15, 1941
B19 NOVEMBER 16, 1941
[12. NOVEMBER 16, 1941 [Date Stamp: 1941 NOV 17 Telegram]
B20 NOVEMBER 17, 1941
B21 NOVEMBER 25, 1941 [Date on letter: November 24, 1941]
B22 NOVEMBER 28, 1941 [Date on letter: November 25, 1941]
B24 NOVEMBER 28, 1941 [Date on letter: November 27, 1941]
B23 NOVEMBER 29, 1941 [11 AM] [Date on letter: November 28?, 1941]
B25 NOVEMBER 30, 1941 [1 AM]
B26 DECEMBER 1, 1941 [No envelope – Date on letter: November 30, 1941]

TRANSCRIPTION

B9 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 3, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 2 1941
6:45 P.M.

Well Dearie – here we go! We are cruising along somewhere in Southern Georgia – or perhaps should say poking – a good time to write. I started to write once before but we were going so bloody fast – as we are starting to do right now – that it was pretty illegible.

I’m beginning to get just a wee bit curious about what happens next – although for some reason I’m not apprehensive at all. I think it will be fun – I hope.

Had a good time yesterday tying up all the loose ends – going for a swim in the afternoon, and the Country Club at night. Had dinner last night with the family – all very sociable. I don’t think I told you about the football game Friday night. Katherine (Mrs. Skogstad), Kitty and myself all went. Katherine had gotten the tickets for me during the week. Along about Friday evening when I began to look for them they were missing and evidently yours truly had thrown them out with some other stuff. Can’t you just see me groan at having to buy three more tickets! Funny part of it was that it didn’t bother me at all – doesn’t sound like me.

I’m going to miss the family there – they’ve all been swell to me and I like them a lot. My chances of finding such a good place in Wash. are pretty slim. It’s a good think I left though because I was beginning to get used to Coral Gables – the heat and all – even though the job was rather horrible. Another year and I would have been slower than I am now.

And besides – Wash. is much nearer Kentucky. Why shucks Dearie I could drop over some weekend and go feudin’ with you! Yup – it looks like a very reasonable proposition from here.

I’m a little sleepy and not really in the mood for writing – I’d rather just relax and think – about lots of things – you shouldn’t need to be prompted to know where my thoughts are most of the time though. They certainly are! Say, how about seeing each other either Thanksgiving or probably sooner. Do you suppose we could dream up something? I sure would like to Darling – the sooner the better.

All my sympathy,
Bob

B10 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 3, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[On letterhead for The Burlington Hotel, Washington, D.C.]
8:00 P.M.
Nov. 3[?] 1941

Hello Darling –
So this is Washington – I thought it looked familiar. Seems as though it looks somewhat familiar – and the fact that it does look familiar makes me miss you even more than usual. And even if it didn’t seem familiar I’d still miss you like the devil. In other words – I’m lonesome.

Had a miserable trip up –t he heating in the cars wasn’t working well and as a result I didn’t sleep more than an hour or so – and I caught a lovely cold. Furthermore it’s cold here and I haven’t [a] doggone thing that is warm with me. And just in passing – the room situation really is going to be a headache. But enough griping.

The job, in violent contrast to everything else, is swell. My first piece of equipment is going to be a large bottle of aspirin because there are going to be plenty of headaches and a lot of responsibility. As yet I can’t explain exactly what I’ll be doing because I don’t know for sure myself. In general, I’ll be a clearing house between the British Purchasing Commission and about a dozen Canadian radio companies – said companies being represented by a Mr. Lornier who is at present stationed here. Mr. Lornier and I will share an office and secretary between us – how’s that? One of the fellows called an agency today and put in a request for something blonde, beautiful and moderately efficient to park outside our door!

I’m going to N.Y.C. Wednesday with Lornier to talk with some Russians who want to buy Canadian equipment. Sounds like fun – what? It’s hectic though, and even those who have been there for some time have trouble keeping up with the red tape and changing systems.

The one big – or should I say gigantic – drawback is that they can’t keep me out of the draft. Darn! If we go to war they probably could keep me – if not they couldn’t keep me out of the army any more than we could keep Canadians out of the Can. Army. It’s a risk that will just have to be taken – with crossed fingers. I think it will be worth it though because the job will be fun –and the fellows are all a congenial bunch – no secrets either.

The main thing that is missing is you. I’m tired – my head feels bum – and I’d give anything to have your (another wouldn’t do!) lap to put it in. I love you Darling –

Your [sic]
Bob

B11 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 5, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[On letterhead for The Burlington Hotel, Washington, D.C.]
[n.d.] 7:45 A.M.
Wednesday

Hello (sniff) Darling,
Yes, I still have a cold – *@*@ cold. Such a life – I’m abused Dearie! Of course the fact that you had all kinds of queer things wrong with you and hardly mentioned them doesn’t count. Hmmm.

Regardless of the cold I’m having a good time sitting on my rear end and listening to all kinds of talk about J.A.C., B.M.S., B.P.C., B.A.C., etc etc ad infinitum. Then too there are a few catalogues and magazines which I have amused myself by reading, The funny part of the whole situation is that no one knows any more – well at least not much more – about what is going on than I do. Of course that’s a slight exaggeration but the place really is pretty hectic.

The trip to N.Y.C. has been cancelled as far as I am concerned partly because of my efforts and partly because MacDonald didn’t care whether or not I went anyway. Dad and Blanche are here – they came last night – and plan to stay today and perhaps tomorrow. Dad is getting anxious to get home so I don’t believe he’ll stay very long. They had a swell trip up – St. Petersburg, Natural Bridge, Va., Skyline Drive and points between.

Say Darling, if you get a chance before I do, how about finding out about buses trains & planes between here and Harlan. No doubt there are no planes so just let that slide. The sooner we see each other the better – I think. I miss you like the devil up here Dearie – even more than in Coral Gables – which was a lot.

It’s getting late so guess I’d better dash along – time enough to say – I love you Darling.
Bob

B12 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 6, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[On letterhead for The Burlington Hotel, Washington, D.C.]
Nov. 6, 1941
8:00 A.M.

Hello Darling,
How goes the battle? I haven’t heard how things are in Ky. since leaving Fla., presumably because I haven’t had a chance to go the P.O. yet. Very discouraging because I know there is something there for me. You know how Dad is about traveling around a strange city at night – or don’t you. Well, he is.

I think my address from now on will be 36 Hamilton St. N.W. but until I see the place I’m not sure. I called there (phone) last night after seeing an ad in the paper and found that a Capt. Stuart lived there – and wants to rent a room for the paltry sum of $20 a month. We are going out tonight and look it over.

Before calling the place I talked with a fellow who lives way out beyond Georgetown in Glover Park. He sounded like a reasonable sort, so we went out to look the room over. It was neat but small so I decided I’d think it over awhile. We drove straight back to the hotel, and by that time I decided to take it only to find when I called that he had already rented it. Things do sure move fast in this town.

At least some things moves fast. On the other hand there are such great stacks of red tape floating around that some people find it difficult to move at all. It’s really a lot of fun to see people deciding frantically about – calling the War Dept. – the Navy – people in Canada, etc. Yessir – it sure is an improvement over Pan Am – and I do mean an improvement.

The first job here is to get the Radio Files in order – since there happens to be no file for all the back correspondence. So I have to dream up a filing system, and with the aid of my stenographer (koff, koff!) – how does that sound Dearie? – get the stuff filed. It really is fun to read the old correspondence because it is so full of fireworks.

The only trouble with the job is that you aren’t here. It would be so much more fun if you were so that we could look up a place to stay together – and get acquainted with the place together. Oh well – you are at least closer. Say, what are you going to do Thanksgiving? Do they have a big spread there – or would Washington be a better place to be? I think it is a good idea myself; because the sooner I see you the better I will like it. Right? – or don’t we agree.

Yours always,
Bob

B13 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 7, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 6?, 1941
11:00 PM

Hello Sweetheart,
It’s 11 pm and I’m definitely not wide awake. But I did want to at least tell you that my new address will be 36 Hamilton St. N.W., Wash. D.C. We went out there tonight and although it is way out in the country, it is a very neat place, and the people seem very sociable and agreeable. Their name is Stuart – Mr. S being an army capt. There is one other fellow there at present – a navy man – who expects to leave for active service shortly. Everything considered it is quite all right – even though it is nearly in Maryland.

Spent another day doing practically nothing except for dreaming up a filing system, and trying to look important & busy. Tomorrow I’ll be moving into the other office. Since Lornier isn’t here – and won’t be a good deal of the time – I’ll have it pretty much to myself! How’s that. Say, how would you like to come up and be my secretary? I think that would be a very good idea.

As a substitute for that, the next best think is having me drop around and see you some weekend. Dad picked up 2 letters from you today at the P.O. – both of which were appreciated no end and which echoed my sentiments exactly. It sure would be swell to see you. I’m not so sure though – it looks as though your true gold digging self is beginning to show through. It won’t do you any good to look through my pants pockets though – I’m going to hide my money!

Even though you are a gold digger – I love you just the same Darling – I just wish I could tell you that instead of writing you.

Yours always,
Bob

B14 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 9, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[n.d.]
36 Hamilton St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Hello Sweetheart,
My, my – what a place to be! Mrs. Stuart just came up with a big piece of super chocolate cake and a glass of milk for both Jim – the other roomer here – and I. It sure was good too – it’s a favorite combination of mine. The trouble is, she will spoil me for living anywhere else here –should I have to move. I certainly hope I don’t have to because this is going to be a swell place to live. Even the bus ride to town isn’t bad as there is an express bus and it only takes about 20 minutes. Pardon me while I act enthusiastic for awhile!

Got another letter from you today in Gen’l Delivery. I had to go way down to the P.O. next door to Union Station for it – but shucks Dearie I’d go farther than that for a letter from you! While I was near the station I dropped in to inquire about trains for Harlan or Bristol. The dumb bloke at the info desk was going to have me spend about a week getting there via Norton, Va. – and incidentally making about a thousand changes. Finally I heckled him into finding out about trains to Bristol. Evidently the only reasonable one gets in at 2:15 A.M. – that’s the one you were on isn’t it? That is extremely messy and would take more time than I’ll ever have I imagine. However I find that you can fly to a field about 15 miles from Bristol – whether it is east south north or west of Bristol is still a mystery – and back for the paltry sum of $37.60 (plus tax.) There are 2 planes a day, 8 A.M. and 1 P.M. which would be pretty good. Would there be any possibility of meting me in Bristol? Just curious of course – and looking for a way to save time and stretch the time we will be together.

The only other possibility is for you to come here – assuming that you could get more time off than I could. I would hate to ask for time for a while yet but if you could get enough to come to Wash. we could cancel my trip and then yours would pay for (literally) itself. I think we could find a place for you to stay here somewhere without trouble.

We can speculate a little anyhow – no doubt something will turn up. I’d like to fly down – and I’d like to see you where you are, etcetera.

The job is still fun – and the people are still congenial. The steno who is to belong jointly to Lorimer and myself has arrived – and we have moved into our office. Since Lorimer is in Montreal for a week or so I’ll have the office and the steno to myself for that time. He’ll be away quite a lot all the time so there will be a rare time having a private office and a private steno! I suppose I really should tell that she is about 20 yrs. old, blond and beautiful but unfortunately she is about 40 and married. Very discouraging I calls it. Very.

We are beginning to get things in order – and next week the deluge of orders will no doubt commence. That is really going to take some engineering – taking care of all the stuff which MacDonald now handles.

Honestly though – coming back to the Stuarts – this is really a wonderful place to live that I’ve stumbled onto. It’s as good as the Clarke’s. it makes me laugh too because Mrs. Stuart has been asking if various things bother me – their getting up early – telephone ringing at night (which I didn’t hear) – etc. Finally I told her that there were 3 children in the house I was staying at in Fla., and that this place was as quiet as a church. Which is the truth.

Mr. Stuart is a retired army capt and civil engineer who likes to talk at great length – a fault that is only mildly annoying. His hobby is locomotives and railroads and he likes to talk about them no end. He’s a congenial fellow though and I like him a lot. So you can see the outlook is very rosy from here!

All of which makes me think of you and the Dr. and his dissatisfaction. I don’t think it’s quite fair for him to unload all this troubles on you – and make you somewhat discontented too. It seems from what you say that he is justified though. I suppose it’s just one of those things. I just hope he doesn’t make you too dissatisfied too. I know it must get boring at times but it’s a pretty good job Dearie and it really is worthwhile. Probably most of the monotony is caused by being way out in the styx so to speak – at least I suppose it is isn’t it?

I sure wish I could be out there with you Darling – or vice versa. I shore would like to see you –you smiling at me from the top of the desk there. Say you sure are cute. Yep, right purty. And I love you very much Darling. Did you know that – or hadn’t you heard it before?

All my love,
Bob

**********

9:15 A.M.

Good Morning Darling,
Imagine – I don’t have to work today. And there was no one howling at 7 A.M. to wake me up either. Very nice. Dunno just what I will do today – perhaps I’ll go sightseeing a bit, or write a few letters. Including yours. I wrote 4 letters last night which is unusual for me to say the least.

I hope that we will be able to arrange somehow for getting to Ky or Wash., depending on who does the traveling. If Thanksgiving only came on a Friday I would probably get Sat. morning off and come down. What is Thanksgiving like there? or don’t you know. On second thought – how about Brasstown? Oh well we’ll figure out something – I do think it would be fun to get together on Thanksgiving – if it is the same time there as here. I suppose it is whenever the pres. says here! I hope so because that might mean I could see you sooner! Which is agreeable – definitely.

Yours always,
Bob

B15 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 11, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[n.d.]
36 Hamilton St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Hello Sweetheart,
Ho Hum, says he as he staggers out of bed at 9:30 in the morning. Pretty soft, what? But then of course we have to observe Armistice Day you know. Yup we sure do, but I’d much rather be observing Pine Mountain right now.

Saw a play last night called “Papa is All,” a rather mediocre comedy about the Pennsylvania Dutch. At least I think I saw it – from the last row in the 2nd balcony one can’t always be sure.

Oh yuh – about this trip to Key. Thanksgiving is next Thursday here – that is the 20th. I doubt that I could get Fri. and Sat. off which means I couldn’t get there then. Perhaps the 22nd – Sat. However I’m still thinking some about your coming up here – even if you don’t want to. That sounds like an order – which it isn’t – I simply meant that it might be a better idea.

If you could get a train or plane out of Bristol either Wed. evening or Thursday morning you would be here for dinner Thursday. Preferably you should get a plane if there is one – and I think there is. If you want to do that, and can easily, we would have all day Thursday, Fri. night. most of Sat and Sun. together. Of course, if I could get Fri and Sat off it would be as easy for me to come over there but where everyone is so darned busy there I hate to ask for a day and a half after being there for such a short time. That would mean flying to Bristol Sat afternoon and flying back from Bristol sometime Sunday. And that would literally be a flying trip.

If you do decide to come, send me a telegram and I’ll send you a couple of Travelers Cheques which are lying around rotting away. No I wont either – but I think I can find something just as good. Shucks Dearie – I think you ought to see a few bright lights. And we could do some window shopping here that we couldn’t do in Harlan.

If you think the suggestion is a good one, and if you plan to fly, if you can get time off, for heavens sake make your reservation early because things are bound to be crowded (I think). As for a place to stay here, I don’t think there will be any trouble. You might even be able to stay here since Mr. Stuart will be away. And if you should fly one way only it would be less expensive than my flying both ways.

That’s the argument for your coming here. There may be a better one for my going to Ky?? If Thanksgiving is something that you don’t want to miss at Pine Mtn – just forget the whole thing and we’ll arrange it for another time. As for my ”dropping” off on my travels to see you – I doubt that I’ll be traveling that way at all.

But enough of that.

Whee! Mrs. Stuart just popped in with a toaster, some bread and milk. Not much but very welcome, and just shows you how she looks after people.

Well Honey Chile, I think I’ll go downtown and see what is going on. Perhaps do a little sightseeing and possibly stop at the office to see who is there. I have a weekly pass for the st. cars and buses now and it is handy little gadget. It’s good fun to hop a car going your way, ride a few blocks and jump one going somewhere else. All for nothing it seems – although it’s actually $1.25 a week.

Let me know what you think Sweetheart so if you don’t want to come up here we can cook up something else. It doesn’t matter to me how we work it as long as we see each other for a reasonable length of time. I sure do want to see you darling – absence makes the heart grow fonder, and no mistake. Meaning I love you more and more everyday – which is not meaningless mush.

Yours always,
Bob

B16 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 13, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[n.d.]
36 Hamilton St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Oggy Darling,
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of Nov. 8 and to thank you for same. (Also 3 others written previously)

Don’t be impatient Dearie, all the details are on the way – I’ve written them as fast as I find them out – I’m doing my best – honest! You see, the trouble is this: There are so many girls in Washington that it takes quite a lot of time to go out with them all. One of the P.A. boys said that he had about 2000 girl friends in Wash, and he would consider it a special favor if I would take care of them in his absence. And of course, I couldn’t very well refuse. But I did.

Much as I’d like to see Pine Mtn., I still don’t think I should ask for time off, having been here such a short time. You know there’s nothing I’d like to do better than fly down there. I sure would!!! Oh well. My sentiments are still the same as they were in the last letter I wrote so if you want to come up here just scream. There’s another thing about my going down to see you. Dad might feel slighted because I know he would like to have me come home, – and I’d like to go home and see everyone. But I’d rather see you (amazing isn’t it?)

Christmas is, I can readily see, going to be another mess. Dad and Blanche are going to N.H. to be with Ida May and Newton. So you can see there are a lot of possibilities there to give a fellow gray hair then as well as for Thanksgiving.

As for something warm to wear – Dot & Mac sent me two suits & a topcoat; Dad just sent a hat and is sending another suit so don’t worry. I’m so hot I’m uncomfortable. I’m not used to wearing so many suits.

I just called Union station to inquire about trains from Bristol and found out there is one leaving there at 7 something in the evening and get into Wash. next morning sometime. That being the case I might be able to leave here on a Fri. night, spend Sat aft and Sun with you and get back to Wash. Mon. morning. That would miss Thanksgiving though, and we couldn’t have nearly as long together. I still think you’d better come up here for Thanksgiving. Right or wrong?Whichever you would rather do – says he after practically screaming that he won’t be able to come to Pine Mtn. Really though Darling, I can come down there but we just wouldn’t have so much time together. And after all I’d probably spend so much time looking at you that I wouldn’t know what the place looks like anyway! How’s that? Incidentally Thanksgiving is the 20th (next week) here in case you didn’t know or I haven’t mentioned it – which I think I have.

And believe it or not Dearie – I do appreciate your letters – even if I haven’t said so. Otherwise I wouldn’t travel many long & weary miles all the way up to Union station to see if I have any mail from you. But that’s love darling – I have quite a bit for you. “Quite a bit” being a gross exaggeration of course. Heh heh.

Your [sic]
Bob
**********
Acknowledging your letter reminds me of one I saw at the office the other day.

Dear so and so,
This will acknowledge the receipt of your letter confirming our telephone conversation of Aug 27. Yours truly, Al.

(Nothing like being sure)

**********
[On back of envelope]

If you decide to come up here & if you decide to come by train instead of plane, be sure to get a berth. Meaning don’t sit up. Not that you would – but I just didn’t want any loose ends floating about. Love, Bob

B17 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 13, 1941, [11:30 PM], WASHINGTON, D.C. [2]

[n.d.]
Memo.
To: Miss Coolidge
From: R.C. Butman

Having spent practically all day doing nothing it seems that I might as well do something useful; such as sending you a memo.

I was talking with MacDonald today and gave him a perfectly good chance to offer me Fri. and Sat. off – which he didn’t. Lorimer and I are going to N.Y.C. on Monday to see some people up there about buying stuff. We will be back Wednesday night I presume.

So it still looks as though the best system is for you to come up here – if you can, and if you want to. If you do come I think you had better come by train because I was informed today that I won’t be paid for another month! I was told that I could get an advance but I don’t want to ask for any more than is necessary. What say Dearie – do you want to come?

Lord, I haven’t done a blasted thing all day long except read catalogues – which develops into a rather monotonous job after a few hours. No doubt someone will pop into my office – how does that sound “my office” ? – and ask me what I’m writing any minute. It would be just my luck to have “Pappy” walk in and say hello. “Pappy “ as you may guess is the head man here – otherwise known as goat–face.

Getting back to “The Subject,” which I somehow wandered away from. If you want to come up let me know and I’ll telegraph you some of that necessary negotiable stuff for getting a ticket. I really don’t think you should Honey-Chile!

Guess I’d better get back to my pretense of working – by reading some more catalogues. I sure do hope something happens soon here. I’ll fall asleep permanently – for sure. Probably when “it” does come “it” will come with a bang and I probably won’t ever have a chance to relax. From one extreme to another. Oh well – it’s all good fun.

Yours
Bob

11A [NO ENVELOPE; NO DATE] BACK DRAFT BOB TO OGGY

~~Think you need longer vacation. Better come – leave Wednesday to be here Thanksgiving.~~

Since you can get time off all right, think you had better come for Thanksgiving. Will be in New York tomorrow night and Wednesday at Hotel New Yorker. If possible, confirm by straight telegram. ~~Incidentally~~, my gray hair has just turned white.

~~My gray hair has just turned white~~. Since you can get time off, think you had better come Thursday morning after all. Will be at Hotel New Yorker tomorrow night and Wednesday. ~~Please confirm there by straight telegram if possible~~. If possible telegraph arrival time there. WWDC Ah Oh Hell!!!

10. NOVEMBER 14, 1941, TELEGRAM, WASHINGTON, D.C. [typewritten carbon copy]

#2 46 night telegram
Washington D C 11-14-41
Miss Liva (sic, Olive) Coolidge
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Putney Ky.

Will be in New York Monday through Wednesday if possible please wire your plans collect repeat collect before Monday want you here if possible will send fare if you can come I may go home for one day only since I will be in New York on Wednesday
Bob 9 23 AM

B18 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 15, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[n.d.]
36 Hamilton St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Oggy Darling,
Well we’ve been to the train to see Mr. Stuart off to the wild and woolly west, had cider and doughnuts, and I’ve sent a night letter to you. That being the activities for the evening. Mr. S. is going out to Nebraska to see his father. He’s really a swell fellow – I like him a lot. And it is fun to see he and Mrs. S – they’re still sweethearts even though they have been married 25 years. After coming back from the station – their daughter and her husband were with us – we had some cider and doughnuts.

That’s too bad you had to catch a cold. Very discouraging but then any sympathy I might send along would probably be too late to be of any use – I hope. Suffice to say I am sympathizing with you now. I hope it’s better by next week particularly.

I sent you a night letter just a few minutes ago but whether it will get there any sooner than a regular letter is very doubtful. You live so bloody far out in the mountains Dearie. I almost asked the W.U. operator if she could forward it by pony express from Harlan.

In case the telegram gets lost, and in case you haven’t already written me about what you are going to do, which you probably have, it went like this: I am going to be in New York – probably until Wednesday night (leave Monday I presume). If you want to, and if you can, come up here. It would be swell (how expressive!) Send me a wire collect here and I’ll send you whatever you need if you can’t find it there. If you aren’t coming and if I am in N.Y. on Wed. as planned I may go home for Thursday only, as I’ll be pretty close there.

You may have written me already – if so you can ignore all of this stuff. No harm done anyway. I’m going to mail this now as Marion (Mrs. S. daughter) is going out and has others to mail. Want to send this tonight.

All my love
Bob

B19 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 16, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 16, 1941

Oggy Darling,
Oh me. Someone is confused and I’m afraid it may be me. A sinking feeling which I had last night sunk tonight.

I know that you were celebrating Thanksgiving while we have Thanksgiving here but I did think that we were working this coming week for you to come up or me to see you. Oh me. Ooooh me. As for my coming to see you that is definitely out because of lack of time. I went to the movies with one of the fellows tonight who has been here 21 months. During that time he has had 4 days off. So I couldn’t very well start as soon as soon as this. Besides they dock your pay for things like that. Oh me.

It would be much better if you could come up this week since I’ll have Thursday off. If you can’t get time off – or don’t want to ask for it we’ll just have to let the whole mess slide until you get a chance to break away. Oh me. At least that’s the way it looks now. Oh me.

Incidentally, if you were up here this coming weekend (24th) you would be able to see Aunt Og. Says he, waving temptation under her nose.

No doubt you have been wondering why I sent you a night letter – which you will probably get with this unless W.U. has improved. Now you know.

Do what you can Dearie and write as soon as you can. And make it not sentimental because if I am in N.Y. before I hear from you I may call here to find out what you have written. O.K. Darling? Oh me what a mess. I apologize.

It’s 11:30 Darling and I’m half asleep. Not only that but I want to chase around and find a mailbox that has a collection tonight, – if I can collect the energy to stagger for a couple of blocks.

I’m sorry things are so messy Sweetheart but I guess it was just a natural misunderstanding. I love you Darling (but I’m sleepy)

I’ll write again first thing tomorrow.

Bob
P.S. If you can come this week and can scrape together enough money for train fare one way I’ll consider your buying it as a loan to me.

12. DATE STAMP: 1941 NOV 17, WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM, WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON DC NOV 16
MISS OLIVE D COOLIDGE
PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL PINE MOUNTAIN KY

DEARIE YOU WOULDNT RECOGNIZE ME I HAVE DEVELOPED SO MANY GRAY HAIRS TODAY WONDERING WHAT TO DO. FINALLY DECIDED TO GO HOME FOR THURSDAY ONLY UNLESS PLANS AT OFFICE CHANGE. HERES HOPING THEY DONT AS IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO CHANGE THINGS THEN. SEE YOU FRIDAY NIGHT REGARDLESS. LOVE= BOB.

B20 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 17, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[N.D.]
36 Hamilton St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
6:00 P.M.

Oggy Darling,
At last – a decision – whether write [sic] or wrong. Things have been so frantic lately that I’m afraid my letters have been a bit impersonal. At last we are somewhere nearer normal.

I hope you don’t mind my going home – if you don’t you’re wonderful. No – I’ll take that back; you’re wonderful anyway, with no qualifications. The reason I decided to go home is that since Dad and Blanche are going to Lancaster for Xmas I probably won’t see them then. Besides I want to be with you Christmas – obviously. Of course there’s no need of pinning it down to Xmas – just I want to see you would be sufficient.

Being home Thursday, I won’t feel badly about not being there Christmas. All of this depends on our being in N.Y. on Wednesday night. The way things get shifted around in that office it’s hard to tell whether we really will be or not. I have my fingers crossed because I doubt it we would be able to change arrangements at the last minute. Regardless of whether something happens to keep me from being home Thurs. – I’ll be here Friday anyway.

I hope you won’t have any trouble getting the time off – another argument for your not coming until Friday. And, as I mentioned before, you’ll be able -or rather we’ll be able – to see Aunt Og. Which should be fun.

I’m afraid I haven’t expressed much sympathy about your being sick. That doesn’t mean I haven’t felt sympathetic. Shucks Dearie I’d like to have been there to blow your nose for you. I refuse to ever gargle for you though – you’re much to good at that yourself.

Also about the $13 – very discouraging. Did you mean somebody just walked off with it while you weren’t looking – or did you lost it in a dice game? I don’t blame you for being disgusted. $12 isn’t very much for a months pay. Might as well be philosophical, though Dearie.

I didn’t tell you the story about the football tickets in Miami did I? It didn’t involve anything like $13 though. We went to a football game – Catherine, Kitty and I. The day of the game I started looking around for the tickets Catherine had gotten a couple of days before. After much hair tearing and nosing around they were still missing. After getting up here I found them – I had put them in the suitcase that Dad & Blanche left with the day before the game. Guess I’m a pretty clever fellow – what?

Lemme see – what, if anything, has been going on here lately. Nothing particularly spectacular. Had to work all yesterday afternoon for “Pappy”- or did I tell you that last night? After I got thru one of the other fellows who was working late – an Englishman by the way – asked me if I were too virtuous to have a drink with him and go eat, and see a movie. Which we did. All of which was good fun although we picked a rather bum picture. Bob Hope is all right but – One consolation is that his pictures don’t tax your emotions particularly.

I actually went to church this morning Dearie – believe it or not. Mrs. S asked me if I would like to go with her – and Maureen and Bill (daughter & son-in-law). It seemed like a reasonable idea – so I did. It has been years (practically) since I’ve been to church! They’re all Episcopalians here – and although the service is just a wee bit formal it’s a nice old church (17 something) and the people there seem very congenial. Much more so than any Methodists I ever saw!

Gee I sure am looking forward to Friday. It will be wonderful to see you Darling. It sure will! I hope you don’t mind my going home. It ought to work our all right though. We’ll be together Friday night, Sat., and Sunday, which isn’t too bad. There I go again, “not too bad!” I love you Darling – not too bad is a slight understatement.

Yours always – and longer,
Bob

B21 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 25, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 24, 1941
8:45 P.M.

Hello Sweetheart,
Gosh I’m sleepy. The funny part of it is, I really am – I guess the point has been conclusively proved that I can’t take it.

Your telegram was here when I got home and it made me feel good all over to read it. You know Dearie, I feel as though we had reached a deeper understanding than we have had before. Perhaps I’m wrong – perhaps you don’t feel that way – although I think you do. I wish you were here right now (the old refrain) – I’d just like to say hello. Oh well, Christmas is coming.

The future looks rather bright though Darling – it looks better to me than it has for some time. We can have such a good time together and even though we may not be able to realize all our dreams, we can certainly be happier than the average together. In fact the possibilities are so smashing that it makes me wonder if it is all possible -if perhaps there isn’t a snake in the grass somewhere. I guess there aren’t though Dearie – I refuse to think about any such snakes anyway.

What kind of trip did you have Dearie – did Ralph meet you – and how many soldiers did you meet on the way? And were the Nutters surprised to find you aren’t yet married?

Say, I picked up a list of symphonies today. Those on the front are current releases – on the back are last years which you can get in a couple of weeks time. If there are any you want particular, list them will you?

Well Darling I’m going to roll over and go to sleep – I have a date with a dream. She’s a cute little dream too! And I love her very much.

Yours always,
Bob

B22 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 28, 1941, [1:30 PM], WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 25, 1941

Dear Little Waif,
Well how does it seem to be back at that flag stop for the Pony Express? Back to the wilds with a vengance [sic].

That’s very crumby about the train being late – disgusting I call it. In a way it isn’t anything to be discouraged about though because if you hadn’t been late you wouldn’t have missed the bus, and I wouldn’t have a letter from you today. SO perhaps it was a good idea after all.

It seems just a wee bit dull to go back to work after the week-end – as you probably will agree. In fact it seems quite dull. But I suppose Christmas is coming.

Got a letter from Dad today wondering about Christmas, and saying that he would like to see me if I’m home. They may go to Ida May’s just the same, and come home on the 26th.

What did you have in mind when you commented on rings – especially about their not being inexpensive. I take it someone quoted a figure to you? You know Dearie I can’t spend more than 600 or 700 dollars for one. I hope that will be good enough.

I’m glad that you feel reassured after being here – I do too, so that makes us even! And I’m glad to see that you are beginning to realize what – in my opinion at least – is worthwhile and what isn’t. The educational process is making great strides forward, thank you! Times certainly do change – or should I say people? They certainly do. However, the indications are that as far as my loving you is concerned the status quo will be preserved for an indefinite length of time.

Your [sic]
Bob

B24 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 28, 1941, [4 PM] WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 27, 1941
Thursday

Darling – You have probably been calling me seven kinds of a heel for not writing – and you have good reason to. Your absent minded fiancé is running true to form.

Monday night I staggered home, and I do mean staggered and managed to put together enough of the pieces that were left of me to write a letter. I believe I wrote another one on Tuesday. Tonight after getting home I find one for you is in my pocket – whether it is Mon. or Tue’s I dunno – but I’m sending it along anyway.

Had to work for “pappy” last night and didn’t get home until late. Tonight I went to a movie – just for amusement – and to keep from boring myself too much.

All of which brings the week up to date and shows you approximately how exciting it has been. I suppose you have been enjoying yourself too! Shucks Dearie I like it much better here when you are around. Queer isn’t it?

And furthermore I’m the sort of mood which, when you get into it, you feel like knocking the first person you come to into the middle of next week. It’s nothing to worry about – just a passing fancy brought on by so much sitting around doing nothing. It’s all your fault Darling – if you were here I would probably be feeling very serene. Incidentally – you might be interested to know that it is very warm here today. Poor timing I call it.

Still I suppose Christmas is coming – and I’ll be glad to see it, provided of course I can get some time off. I sure would like to be able to go home then. Yup – I really would.

Yours for life Darling –
Bob

B23 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 29, 1941 [11 AM], WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 28 ? 1941
Fri.

Oggy Darling,
Three cheers for a bath towel – now we can take a bath! Perhaps we will be able to set up housekeeping – yes it would be a very good idea. In fact _____oh well.

You have my sympathy about not being able to move – or rather about not being able to change your room. I presume you are able to move. There isn’t any reason why you should be made the goat in the situation. Perhaps you should have stayed in Washington – you could have moved into the warm spot in my heart that is reserved for you. (How’s that?)

Say Dearie do you have any ideas about keeping amused? I’ve got to find something to do evenings besides writing letters – preferably something active. Guess I’ll have to take up weight lifting. Seriously though I’d feel much better if I could be doing something constructive with the evenings – I feel – shall we say, frustrated; or don’t you know what that means. Come to think of it, I guess anyone in Pine Mtn. knows about frustration. Mmmmmm.

So you think it would be a good idea to have your ring Christmas? Well – I’ll have to cogitate on that for a while – if it seems like a reasonable idea. It might be possible to take some action on the matter but of course you shouldn’t plan on it too much.

Spoke with MacDonald today about going home for Christmas – he was not too hopeful although he seemed to think I could make if for a little while. The trouble being that everyone else is going somewhere – those who have been here longer than I – leaving no one to hold down the fort. All of which is very messy. But we shall see – something may turn up. I hope so because I sure do want to be with you at Christmas –. You can leave off the Christmas if you want. I want to be with you, period.

Yours always –
Bob

B25 POSTMARK: NOVEMBER 30, 1941 [1 AM], WASHINGTON, D.C.

[n.d] Sat. night

Oggy Darling – It’s on the Saturday nights – when there is nothing going on that I think about the “good old days” – dancing and whatnot. Dearie you’d be surprised at me, getting almost sentimental at times! Yup – I’d like to see Cambridge, or Wellesley – a sailboat –or a walk around the lake.

Spent a very enlightening day doing practically nothing. I did have a very educational talk with an old souse who sat down beside me while I was reading a magazine on a park bench. Most of the talking was on his side aided by a little prodding now and then. Quite a character. Claimed to be a whiz at “figgerin.” Said he could out figger just about anybody. Says he – I can prove figgers lie. OK says I – shoot. OK, says he, suppose you have $50 in a bank. OK says I – I wish I did. After telling me to draw it out in little bits –says he – add up the pieces – what do you get? $50 says I without looking. A blank expression shows up with the comment –That’s funny nobody else ever got it right. The session ended by his offering to drop around if I ever got in any trouble and lay anyone low that was getting tough. Very generous I thought!

Also browsed through Museum of Natural History – the bright point in that expedition being when I ran across a meteorite from the Zuni Mtns in N. Mex. Shades of Kluck!

The weather continues very warm.

Had something of a windfall yesterday in the form of $4.84 Coop dividend check – something that was rather welcome as I now have exactly two dollars cash in my pocket. Looks as though I’d have to go to the relief board before long!

It would all be so much more fun if you were here though darling. We’d go out somewhere tomorrow for a nice long walk. Yup it sure would be fun!

By the way, thank you for that lengthy epistle of yours – very much appreciated! No sarcasm intended – honest, although I might make a comment about the condition of your sense of humor. That’s all right Dearie I love you just the same.

– always Bob

B26 POSTMARK: DECEMBER 1, 1941, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[Image of envelope cannot be downloaded.]

Nov. 30, 1941

Hello Darling –
Say look! The day before December – 24 days until Christmas and a chance to go home ———-maybe.

Incidentally, don’t pay any attention to that creaking noise – that’s just me moving around. All of which is caused by walking. You know what that is? Spent 4½ solid hours wandering around in Rock Creek Park – Washington’s counterpart of the Fells. It was good fun though – even if I didn’t meet any drunks. As usual, company would have been appreciated. It isn’t fair Dearie –there should be a law against our not being together. Perhaps I should do a little lobbying with Congress in my spare time.

By the way Dearie – speaking of rings. Do you think you would like a diamond with a colored stone on either side, or vice versa. I know you mentioned that and I wonder if you still think that something on that idea would be reasonable. Perhaps an emerald for a colored stone? I dunno anything about them – or whether it would be prohibitively expensive to get something of that sort or not, but it might be interesting to investigate a bit just to see what the situation is.

Have you heard any more about teaching classes yet – or are they still beating about the bush? I should think it might make it a lot more fun if you have something like that for diversion. And have you had any nice gory cases since getting back or have they just been the usual stuff?

Shucks Dearie – Christmas still seems a long way off even though it is almost December. Yup Dearie – it’s a hopeless case. You know – I think we ought to get married!

All my love – and sympathy,
Bob