OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy DECEMBER

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive Coolidge, Asst Nurse, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1941 December 1-30
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive)
Includes a Dec 3 letter from Olive Dame Campbell

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence Bob to Oggy 1941 December

Olive Coolidge Collection. Snowy scene with distant buildings and mountain. [coolidge_post-car_191602]

TAGS: Olive Coolidge, 1941 correspondence, Robert Butman, WWII, Pine Mountain, Washington D.C., Olive Dame Campbell, Russell Sage Foundation

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy DECEMBER 1-30 [Includes a December 1 letter from Olive Campbell.]

Postmark: Dec 1, 1941, New York, N.Y.

To Miss Olive Coolidge, Pine Mountain, Kentucky
From “ODC,” [Olive Dame Campbell]

[Note: “[?]” indicates an indecipherable word.]

[n.d.]
Russell Sage Foundation, N.Y. – [?]

Dearest O:

Am hoping all is well with you. Glad to see your card at Hastings Lane. – think your mother seems better – & your father [?] well. Reg[?] is a good help. We [?] [?] 600 in Coolidge – & 75 in Medford – [?] very nice affairs! Now we are [?] up the great N.Y. ex[?]. Neanar Sineads[?] is helpful. – Saw Evelyn Wells in Coolidge – also [?] of one of your [?], Greene?
Best love – [?]

B28 Postmark: December 2, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 1, 1941

Hello Sweetheart,

Woe is me! I fear the old nag that runs the pony express out of the hill billy country has given up and collapsed. Probably had a heart attack walking over the mountain – or put her foot in a rabbit hole and broke her laig (note laig) – not leg in that country. But I’ll be kindhearted and give you the benefit of the doubt by assuming you are finding enough to keep you busy for slightly more than 24 hours a day. If I were to be just [a] wee bit malicious I might suggest that perhaps the scarcity of letters from me last week had something to do with it. Shucks Dearie, you wouldn’t put me in the dog-house for forgetting to mail a letter would you? Or would you –well I don’t know that I would blame you if you did.

Speaking about being broke again. I went out to lunch yesterday with exactly 16 cents in my pocket, thinking that I would be able to cash my Coop dividend check – which I couldn’t, banks being very choosy about what kind of checks they cash. Finally borrowed two dollars this afternoon, after eating a hamburger and a glass of milk for lunch, reducing my cash assets to 1 cent. Yup Dearie, I’ll probably be out on the streets asking for “10 cents for a cuppa coffee please buddy.”

Pardon me while I shiver in my boots a bit before gathering courage to ask you whether or not I sent you some of the negatives that you got this summer. There seems to be something missing and I don’t know whether they are hiding here in a corner or whether you have them. If you don’t mind I’ll cross my fingers until you enlighten me.

That’s all Honey –

All my love,
Bob

B29 Postmark: December 2, 1941, Washington, D.C.

[n.d]
Take a letter Dearie – Having nothing to do I can accomplish two things at once. I can make people think I’m working as well as writing to you, reasonable system I think. Things are picking up a bit though – it seems good to be able to do a little on your own now and then, and not sitting around reading catalogues, or watching someone else work. MacD. is giving me more and more to do – getting me acquainted with more and more people and trying to get rid of the stuff as fast as possible.

I am still broke – almost – but one of the fellows who takes care of poor homeless people (not waifs) like me says that after all we owe you money – if your check doesn’t come through in a couple of days just scream and we will buy you a sandwich to keep you from getting hungry.

Just for amusement I think I’ll go over to the Congressional Library tonight and see what there is over there for books. I hear a rumor that they have a modest little collection there and that if you aren’t too choosy there is a possibility that you can find what you are looking for.

Or perhaps you don’t want to go to the library tonight. Would you rather dance somewhere or see a movie, or just sit home in front of the fire – and let the world go by with no assistance from us? Mmmm…Pop! Oops, back to earth again.

Say darling what am I going to get for Christmas presents for everyone? Lord I have trouble enough thinking of things that people really want when I have time to browse around the stores. Not having much of the same is going to make things very difficult to say the least. Probably you would have no trouble at all in visualizing me wandering around through the stores with a blank look on my face.

You know Dearie, I still like the fireplace idea. What do you suppose we would do if we have to live in a house with no fireplace – that would be practically catastrophic! But I’d love you just as much – and just as much means — very deeply.

Yours,
Bob

**********
Dec. 2, 1941
10:00 P.M.

Hello Darling, – a good night kiss – a letter if my ambition increases. Don’t mind the pencil, my pen seems to be among the missing.

Say Dearie, I stopped at a jeweler’s tonight to see if they knew anything about diamonds. I told him that I thought it would be sort of interesting to have a diamond with a couple of colored stones – one either side. Ah mais non, says he – it is not done, it is not conventional, that makes it a friendship ring not an engagement ring. So what, thinks I, we are good friends aren’t we?

Furthermore I don’t like the general style of the straight diamonds. They chip a little flake from a stone and set it way up in the air to make it look as though it were something it isn’t – like so. Then they put one diamond either side about so big. Very discouraging. Any ideas? Do you still like the idea about the colored stones?

Spent most of the rest of the evening at the Congressional Library reading magazines – they really have quite a collection there.

Also browsed in a dept store and amused myself no end by trailing around behind a salesman who was trying to sell a couple of women a radio. I suppose it really wasn’t funny – pathetic would be a better description of the system. Really a crime the way they hand out worthless junk, selling it by saying it has 2 more tubes than that one over there, or it has more knobs on the front, or this cabinet will match your furniture.

Say Dearie, to change the subject, I’m beginning to be a little curious about the great scarcity of letters here. According to your card you’re healthy – which is the main thing – are they working you all day and all night –or is it possible that I have said something to peeve you? Perhaps you’d better get another cold and take a rest! Anyway Dearie I’m pining away – waiting for you to write.

All my love,
Bob

B30 Postmark: December 4, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 3, 1941

Oggy Darling,

Ah – a letter – it seems wonderful to hear from you. Honest! And I don’t blame you for feeling a little disappointed. Seems as though you should have more than one though. I wrote Monday, and I think Tuesday. Then I wrote Wednesday and forgot to mail the letter until Friday morning -nope you’re right I didn’t write Tuesday because I worked that nigh.t Oh well – I’ll try and do better Dearie.

I don’t know just exactly what to do about your ring although some ideas may float by after I do some thorough scouring of the stores. It is sort of discouraging to have my pal in one store say that colored stones turn a diamond into a friendship ring. It makes me mad [at] the way continued propaganda makes people think that unless you don’t have a diamond when you are engaged you are practically living in sin. I suppose you will take that the wrong way and think that I don’t want to get you one – which isn’t true at all. But I dislike the thought of getting you one which is just like everyone else’s just because it is “conventional.” However you are the one that will be wearing it Dearie and I want to get something you will like – so how about an idea?

I had to laugh when you said you were going out to see the hog butchered! Darling the amusement you pick is certainly different to say the least. Just to make you a little doubtful I knew a fellow who used to work for Swifts – he never eats pork now.

Sounds as though you had quite a time possum hunting. I was surprised to hear you say they tasted so good as I had heard a rumor that they were very strong.

Thanks for the dope on the symphonies. I had to laugh getting back a list like that – as I knew I would! – when I have something less than 50 cents in negotiable stuff in my pocket. I’m going to ask for an advance tomorrow – which I can get with no trouble at all. I’d better get it – or go hungry!

Yours always,
Bob

B30-1 Postmark: December 7, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 6, 1941

Oggy Darling,

Having found a piece of paper in my pocket while waiting for something to eat it seems like a reasonable idea to write – especially since I haven’t written for a couple of days. Not writing being brought about by a streak of perverseness. I did write last night – after a fashion – but only about half a page – not worth mailing so it seemed.

Today being Saturday I spent the afternoon – and a very chilly afternoon it was – wandering around the city doing some shopping – window and otherwise – with what I think was a profitable result. Yup I really do. It was rather fortunate that I stumbled upon something when I did too as I was beginning to get disgusted with the high pressure techniques most of the stores around here use. Just as you turn around to leave, one of them sneaks up behind you and administers a gentle (?) tap with a mallet. Then they prop you up against the counter and start talking again. This goes on for hours on end so you can see the whole business is a rather slow process. Finally I staggered into a place where they didn’t pronounce their W’s as V’s and none of them wore false noses – after which the future looked a bit more rosy. No commitments have been made but if you trust my judgment there will be very soon.

Tomorrow is – I hope – mountain climbing day, provided it doesn’t rain or snow, and provided the general circumstances are favorable. I asked one of the secretaries in the office if they had any hills in Virginia –thinking that she would know Va. being her “home state.” They have and she did.

Says She – Why don’t you climb one if that’s what you want to do.

Says I – I would like to but not alone – rolling my eyes and looking at her with a
questioning stare.

Says She – Hmmm…’Tis an idea at that and furthermore my brother is in
Washington on leave – and may be going that way tomorrow.

Aha Says I – Sounds interesting – I’ll call you and clinch the deal later on – maybe.

Nevertheless – if it works out, the whole thing should be fun – as much fun as is possible without you of course. It would be much nicer to have you along – certainly would.

Later

Well after that long and complicated build-up the bubble bursts with the news that Connie’s brother has rolled his buggy into a ditch somewhere; said accident doing a very thorough job of making it unworkable. Oh well – such is life! Guess I’ll have to get drunk instead.

However on the credit side of the ledger is a good letter from you –something that helps matters no end. Somehow I felt that you were feeling pretty much impersonal in your last letter – Wednesday’s – and it bothered me somewhat. You can say what you want about letters being impersonal but just the same you can – I think – tell pretty closely what a person is thinking by the – well, the spirit of the writing. – If I make myself clear. Perhaps , as you say, it wasn’t all mental. My “sympathy” – late – but I suppose better late than never.

Sounds as though you have been having quite a time lately Dearie – what with people on the verge of having babies for days on end (slight exaggeration no doubt), [Grace] Rood being sick, and solderless dental instruments. Oh well – shucks Dearie they probably don’t expect much anyway – hmmmm – pardon me while I just step behind this door so as to dodge the rolling pin which is no doubt on the way. I thought it was a bit queer that you went to town (literally only, I hope) Tuesday night but decided there was some sort of complication I hadn’t thought of. Evidently there wasn’t.

You know that thought about New Years – one which I had thought of – isn’t such a stupid idea if Christmas should by some chance fall through. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping, because I think – I know I would rather be home Christmas. Of course we could announce our engagement New Years if I weren’t home Christmas – one way to start the new year right!

Say just out of curiosity – what dress were people impressed with at P.M.? – an evening dress? – your green one perhaps. That is another point for New Years – we could really celebrate in style – Yessir, top hat and all.

I’m glad to hear you have some classes – with a prospect – even though it is rather vague prospect of getting something else that is right in your alley. Keep a’ trying Darling – spread all the propaganda you can – perhaps if you ask for a dollar they’ll give you a dime and a pat on the head. No, come to think of it that wouldn’t do – let then give you the dime, that will be perfectly all right – but let me give you the pat on the head.

Speaking of “ frustration” – the situation isn’t as bad as it was although it still exists in a somewhat less active state. It’s too bad the mountain trip didn’t materialize, because it is just what I need – almost as much as I need you – but not quite Honey Chile – not quite.

Going back to the ring again – I dunno about the colored stones – my mind changes practically, although not quite, every day. The idea isn’t quite as good as it was I think, but it’s still worth thinking about – I’ll speak to the fellow I was talking with this afternoon and get some ideas from him – he would have some if anyone would.

The idea about changing names from Miss to Mrs. Is still a good idea though – says he in the usual forceful fashion. It really is though Dearie – my, my – Christmas is going to be time for celebration all right – and just think Darling – we’ll have a Fireplace. And Darling – about living together for the rest of our life – it’s a date.

Yours always,
Bob

B31 Postmark: December 8, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 8, 1941
1:30 P.M.

Hello Darling –

If you would like to see what happens when we go to war you should poke your head in the door here and watch people huddled around the half dozen radios on this floor – waiting for news and doing next to nothing in the way of work. We have listened to the President’s speech and all the attendant noise and confusion as well as all the other scraps of news that have come through.

MacDonald and I were discussing the situation in general earlier this morning and while he said that it might not be possible to defer me from any draft which might come along, he would see that the head of the Wash. Office of the Dept. of Munitions and Supply would use his influence to get me started on the right track. There is so much rumor and speculation floating about that it is pretty difficult to know just what will happen next – I suppose the best thing to do is to be philosophical about it all – and cross our fingers. Perhaps the Navy would have been a good idea after all!

It’s really interesting to be in Washington though what with everyone wandering around in a rather excited fashion – the Japanese building bonfires in their backyards, presumably to get rid of important papers, while a mob surges around out front. All the government buildings have armed guards and the railroad and highway bridges are being guarded. Of course a lot of it is nonsense and will probably disappear when things settle down a bit.

Latest is a rumor reporting the invasion of the U.S. through Mexico, and the presence of aircraft carriers (2) off the West Coast; rumors which have since been denied.

The War is certainly close to home now though Dearie – I sure hope it gets no closer – which it undoubtedly will. Anyway we can talk it over in a couple of weeks when we see each other. Better not count too much on my going home though as that may be a bit doubtful. If so, you might be able to stay in Wash a couple of days?

All my love and sympathy,
Bob

B32 Postmark: December 10, 1941, Washington, D.C.

[Reverse side of envelope: “For some unknown…Dot wants to know…what…the answer?”]

Dec. 9, 1941

Oggy Darling,

Well – another day – another rumor. Prize of the day was news of a phone call placed by our Ottawa office to the N.Y.C. branch. Ottawa wanted to know how much truth there was in the rumor that N.Y.C. was being shelled by German battleships! Lots of fun.

Say Dearie, I got a letter from Dot today which mentioned a letter you sent to Blanche. Apparently you said something about “getting along better this time in Washington.” Is it something she twisted around, sarcasm or what? If you just mentioned it out of a clear sky you should be spanked. That is not the kind of a thing to say to Blanche. She is probably –although it’s by rumor only that I’m saying this – not too much in love with “us” according to your own statement and you shouldn’t give her more stuff to talk about like that.

All of which made Dot wonder what is going on – and what the situation is – meaning do we get along or don’t we. Which in turn starts me off again wondering if we do. Meaning that our discussions pop up again and I worry that perhaps we’ll have trouble again – I wonder if you’ll be satisfied without glitter. Oh Hell!

This isn’t, as you know Dearie, a halfway measure that we are going into and if you have any doubts still it’s not the thing to do under a hat. I suppose I’m being cruel by talking this way but I can’t help it – I know you would tell me if anything were wrong – and this is probably just a throwback to the Sat. after Thanksgiving. That and the fact that your letters have been a little sketchy an seemingly hurriedly written lately – making me feel a little out of touch with you; although you probably have a good excuse for not writing. But somehow I haven’t felt – oh skip it. I should [not] worry you with my imagination – which is undoubtedly causing all the trouble.

You know I love you Darling – but I think this trouble which we talked about when you were here has bothered me some time and now that it has finally been brought to the surface it persists in staying there and bobbing around in the way. A little reassurance should push it out of sight – should in fact make it dissolve completely. I guess what I want is assurance about the fact – do you love me for what I am or what I might be? I suppose it’s silly to drag this up again but I’m still…worried and if you have any doubts I want to know.

But enough of that. Just listened to the president’s speech, and a very sensible speech it was I think. He said just what he should have.

Stopped in at the jewelers tonight and asked him about colored stones. Says he – yes it used to be done a lot – and we can do it for you now but – it would be rather expensive. He explained the whole thing very patiently – drew pictures of what they could do and all –finally convincing me that it would cost more than it would be worth. Perhaps you will have a chance to look at the ring I picked out on your way through. If you don’t like it we’ll look for some more. Simple, hmmm?

Guess that’s the whole story Dearie. I’m sorry if I’m being unduly mean – or what have you – but I won’t feel easy until I’m sure you feel sure. O.K. Darling?

Yours,
Bob

B33 Postmark: December 12, 1941, Washington D.C.

Dec. 10, 1941

Hello Dearie,

Well has the war news finally begun to filter into the woods? I had to laugh when I got your letter – written Monday morning which didn’t mention the war – so I assume you didn’t know then – makes a fellow realize how far away from things you really are. Doesn’t anyone there have a radio? You have my sympathy – being miles and miles away from civilization figuratively speaking as well as actually.

Whatever you want to do about staying here is up to you although I would naturally like to have you stay here for as long as you want to and can. Especially since I don’t know just what the situation will be here – who knows, Dearie, I may even be working here! I do know that this job does not exempt me from the draft so I rather suspect I will be looking for something else to do soon. Swapping jobs every few months is liable to become a habit if I’m not careful!

But getting back to what I wandered away from – do whatever you want about staying here. The chances are I won’t be able to get any time off unless I should happen to be changing jobs around Christmas time. Hmmm…that’s a thought. Of course, I may not change jobs – but it looks as though I would either do that, or join the army. “Join” being used in a rather odd sense perhaps!

So here we are back to a ring again – let’s drop the subject by saying that I’m working on it, – and let it go at that. As far as other presents go I haven’t done a thing – mostly because I don’t have any money. They still haven’t paid me here – it begins to look as though I’d be leaving before I’m paid. Fine situation that would be!

Say I forgot to comment about the Alaska-Cape Horn trip. Sounds like quite an idea but a bit too ambitious to count on too much – as you well realize. But it would be fun.

Yours truly,
Bob

B34 Postmark: December 12, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 11, 1941

Darling – I’m a heel – an absolute out and out heel of the lowest order. Don’t ask me what I was thinking about, that prompted me to write such a fool letter – but I did – unfortunately. If it isn’t asking too much I hope you’ll ignore it – toss it out the window, or follow some such equivalent course. I’m sorry if it made you feel badly – which it probably did. Beyond that I can’t say much – except that the mood has completely disappeared – with no indication of its reappearing again.

You know Dearie, being so damned selfish at heart I sometimes don’t see things from the other point of view – and that perhaps is what caused the outburst. When I see you I’ll try to apologize more fully.

Yes – when I see you. That Dearie is a very indefinite date – very. The heat is on, so to speak, and I have it on good authority that the draft begins very shortly – probably before Christmas. Also very definite is the fact that my job will not defer me. However I seem to have fallen into a very good spot for “connections,” of which MacD. has several. While we were working tonight – overtime council of war meeting – he called a Colonel that he knows rather well. Said Colonel seems to think the chances of getting a commission are pretty good. There is also another possibility in the Nat’l Research Council or the Naval Reserve –where we also have some pull. Lucky what!

Evidently – or rather perhaps – I’ll be able to land something interesting and worthwhile – I certainly hope so!

So that’s what is going on here. From the sound of your last letter I would say you were really getting discouraged – and I can’t say that I blame you. Sometimes I don’t appreciate how far away from civilization you are – and what a lot of routine you have to do. I suspect some of it is disagreeable routine too. Of course it’s good experience and all that – but there’s a limit to the amount of “experience” that a person can effectively soak up. I sure wish there were something here in Washington that you could do – no doubt there is if we could find it. Lord it certainly would be wonderful if you could be here – so we could see each other every day! And me!

Darling – about that Christmas present you are saving for me (you) – right now, but why qualify it with right now – why don’t I just say there’s nothing I’d like better – which is said with very deep feeling. Honest Dearie. Even though I am a heel – I love you – I love you very much – and the next time I say something “brutal” you have my permission to set me back on my heels with a good stiff reply.

Yours always,
Bob

B35 Postmark: December 13, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 13, 1941
2:45 P.M.

Oggy Darling,

Speaking of dreary Saturdays – this is a prize-winner. As a matter of fact it is so wet & cold that I’m staying around the office – not because I have any work to do but because there doesn’t seem to be much else that can be done on an afternoon like this – except perhaps go to a show, which I may do later on.

That idea of getting a few people together to announce our engagement seems like a good one – a very good one as it would also give us a chance to see a few people that we haven’t seen for a long time. Incidentally Dearie does the fact that I may be in the army make you feel any different about getting your ring at Christmas? If so speak now – because unless I become blind, maimed…or develop something fatal pretty soon I’m pretty sure to be working for the army or navy before long.

As far as a ring is concerned – I may snoop around a bit this afternoon just to make sure I haven’t missed anything. The one I have been thinking about is quite simple and plain – very neat looking. It isn’t expensive Dearie, but it’s about the best I can do —especially since I haven’t been paid yet. My salary is still coming in small chunks – small enough so that I haven’t been able to do any Christmas shopping yet. Very discouraging.

Say what do you mean by that crack – am I a woman chaser!? You forget yourself Miss Coolidge!

Just finished the job I’ve been working on practically ever since coming here – that of making a catalogue of the Canadian Radio Industry. Now all that remains is to chase around and deliver them – says he, hoping it means another trip to N.Y.C. – which it probably will.

Ah yes – and I’m still a heel for acting the way I did – and I hope you took it with a grain of salt – knowing that I would probably recover. I suppose it did upset you somewhat; at least I should imagine it would if you are built anything like myself. I wont do it again Dearie –honest! (You’d better not, says she, with a glint in her eye).

Just called G.W. Bailey, my pal in the Navy Dept. (remember?), thinking that he might have some sort of a reasonable job to offer but no one was there so I’ll have to try again Monday.

How’s your opinion about your job? Still the same? I wish it were more interesting – perhaps you could put a little dynamite under Roody – assuming it is her fault which may not be fair for me to do. Or perhaps [Glen] Morris would be the one to jar to his senses – no doubt that would have more definite results. Unfortunately I don’t know just exactly what sort of dynamite would bring the desired results – it’s all somewhat of a problem to say the least.

Well Darling – think I’ll take in a movie – just for amusement and for lack of anything else to do. How about it – would you like to come along? I sure would like to have you; says he, dragging out another one of his gross exaggerations. Heh, Heh.

Shucks darling, Christmas can’t come too soon for me.

All my love,
Bob

B36 Postmark: December 15, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 14, 1941
11:00 P.M.

Darling –

A case of mistaken identity – I thought the comment in your Thursday’s letter were a bit too mild to represent a reaction to my letter.

Well Dearie – I don’t know that there is much I can say – no I’ll take that back; there are lots of things I can say – but I don’t know just how to say them. It seems to me that the best thing to do is let the matter rest until Saturday when we can really talk – letter writing is so unsatisfactory sometimes. And speaking of next weekend I think it would be a swell idea if you could stay for at least part of the day Sunday.

As far as your letter to Dad and Blanche is concerned that’s a minor detail – she probably did misconstrue something you said – or couldn’t read it.

Incidentally both Dad and Blanche were very much impressed with Kitty – remember? – and evidently mentioned her quite frequently when they got home. Apparently it appeared that I had been casting coy looks in her direction – which is far from the truth. People surely do get queer notions about other people sometimes – very queer.

If you don’t object Dearie I’ll sleep on your letter – somehow my brain doesn’t seem to be functioning well enough to figure out the situation tonight. But no matter what Dearie – I love you.

Your
Bob

B37 Postmark: December 16, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Monday—15th Dec.
11:30 P.M.

Hello Darling –

Well – have we recovered – I hope? Somehow I feel better and I certainly hope you are somewhat calmer than you were on Friday – I certainly do. You know Dearie, you’ll have gray hair before you are supposed to if we aren’t careful.

Perhaps we do need a pat on the back – although it is just possible that a swift — well never mind, perhaps it wouldn’t do any good! However – I still think we’d better wait until you get here before making any rash statements. Not that I had planned to make any such rash statements – it’s just that letters are a bit unsatisfactory sometimes – as I’ve probably said before.

There really shouldn’t be any thing to “fight” – notice the quotes please – anyway – unless there is still some uncertainty to squelch. Lord if we could just be together for a couple of months instead of this weekend every two or three months, I’m sure things would be different. How about a Washington job for you Dearie?

I’m going over to see one Colonel McCoy of the air staff (army) tomorrow A.M. so cross your fingers for me Dearie – I may need ‘em. This fellow says they’re handing out commissions right and left – come on over and let’s talk. Thinks I, why not?

Best idea I can think of right now (besides sleeping & gosh I am sleepy) is moving Saturday ahead to tomorrow. Really Darling I’m rather anxious to see you!

Yours,
Bob

B38 Postmark: December 18, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Memo
Dec. 17, 1941

Hello – and don’t mind if I don’t say hello darling because someone would probably lean over my shoulder and start reading the whole letter if I did.

Well, I have some moderately encouraging news about Christmas – barring any unforeseen incidents I’ll be able to take the whole weekend. Not only that but I’ll be able to leave here at noon Wednesday! All of which makes me feel much happier because I didn’t relish the idea of dashing home Thursday night and back the next.

Not only that but they have actually committed themselves to say that my check will arrive on the 19th – for two months incidentally! Meaning all of my Christmas shopping has to be done between the 19th and the 25th. Probably I’ll have to stay in Washington the afternoon of the 24th to finish it!

Saw my pal in the Air Corps the other day but only for a short time as he shunted me over to the Signal Corps. They said sure, – we’ll give you a commission! Thinks I – that’s fine so we became very sociable and everything was progressing smoothly when he casually remarks, “You – ah – you wouldn’t mind going to England would you?” It seemed almost funny at the time, having been so close before! I told him I’d think it over and let him know – meanwhile I have a couple of other places to try here in the city. This morning I’m going out to see another fellow – just to see what he has to offer.

I hope you aren’t quite as upset now as you were when you wrote on Friday – I don’t know who was the more upset – you or I. I suspect we will have enough to talk about this weekend so that we won’t be sitting around saying nothing – what with both of our jobs (and us) in a state of collapse and with everything in such a muddle as it is.

Later

Just been downtown to see a fellow in the Nat’l Research Council who wants me to go out to see someone about a job – something connected with the Navy Dept’s experimental station out in Maryland. I’m not hopeful about it though – however we shall see. Gee Dearie, this business of finding exactly what I want may not be as simple as it sounds. I’m wondering if you’ll be changing jobs too – seems as though you might find something a little more interesting, and preferably a little closer to civilization. Or, even better, a little closer to each other. Score one against our English proposal in that connection.

Lord, I’ll be glad to see you and talk the whole thing over together – preferably by the fireplace, but lacking that, anywhere at all would do. Yes – definitely. Life gets more and more complicated every day –leaving me about 4 jumps behind as usual. You know if I had to do any work at this job, I’d really be busy. As it is, not having anything to do here but look important, life would be just a wee bit monotonous, if there weren’t so many other things to think about. Listen to Butman philosophizing.

Well, Dearie, Saturday will be here soon and it can’t come too soon to suit me. Or have I said that before?

Yours,
Bob

B39 Postmark: December 29, 1941

Dec. 29, 1941

Washington is a lonely spot Dearie – in spite of the fact that there are thousands of people dashing about. It seems as though every time I leave you I miss you so much more than the last time.

While I was eating tonight, the fellow and girl who play a piano and violin in the restaurant (Thanksgiving dinner) were playing the sort of sweet and low kind of music that made me feel even lonelier. Shucks Dearie, I just can’t express myself well enough to tell you how much I love you, how much I wish you were here, how – never mind – I’ll leave that out.

I’ve been thinking about your point about such things as my telling you how sweet you are (and you are) – how I think you’re a brick to stay out on the shadowy edges of civilization for so long (shadowy edges being dramatic for P.M.) – how cute you look tonight – how much I like your dress –how proud I am of you (and I am) – and on and on ad infinitum. It’s not that I don’t think those things that I don’t mention them often – it’s just that, as you well know, my expressiveness is not what it might be. I’m a dope, Dearie. But you know how I feel – at least you should – and if you don’t, remind me the next time I see you and I’ll tell you. I hope you don’t think me mushy, Darling, because I mean what I’m saying – really.

To get back to the menial details of life in Washington. Beginning with last night – the train was an hour and 15 minutes late, meaning we arrive in Washington at five of one – too late for me to get a bus out to 36 Hamilton. To make things more embarrassing, I found that I had exactly 39 cents in my pocket – taxi fare out here being 60 cents. However I crossed my fingers and took a taxi anyway – thinking I would wake up someone when I got home and borrow the extra 20 cents. But you ain’t heard nothin’ yet, Dearie. When I got here I reached nonchalantly into my pocket for the door key. “Hmm, that’s queer – must be in the other pocket – nope not there – oh me.” After much ringing of the doorbell I succeeded in getting Jim out of bed and added insult to injury by asking him for money after he let me in! Oh well, it’s all good fun.

Today was spent in wandering from one room to another, standing in line for hours on end, filling out little blanks, big blanks, pink ones, green ones, short ones, and long ones, being fingerprinted, getting a medical, swearing for an oath of office, as well as to the world at large, and ending up at 4:30 not quite finished with a figurative headache if not a literal one. Lord what a time – never in my life have I seen so much red tape in one day. However, the cheering report is that I’ll actually be able to do some work tomorrow. I hope so – if they keep me sitting around for too many days I’m liable to change my mind about wanting to work for ‘em!

And don’t think I have forgotten about the telegram. Believe me – it was a great consolation to come staggering in in the middle of the night, and find something from you. The only thing I would have liked better would have been to find you here (how’s that). Mmmm. Yes. Gee Dearie here it is only Monday, and already I wish we were together again! I can hear those wedding bells very plainly! Right?

Yours always,
Bob

B40 Postmark: December 30, 1941, Washington, D.C.

Dec. 30, 1941

Hello Darling –

Another day Dearie – and for some unknown reason I miss you just as much as I did yesterday – which is quite a bit in case you are at all interested. How does it seem to you to be officially engaged now that the excitement is over? – very pleasant sensation I think – very.

The biggest drawback to the Navy made itself painfully apparent this morning when I staggered out of bed at 6:40 – long before dawn – and tried to unglue my eyes enough to stumble into my clothes and out of the house. You know how I hate to get up – only too well! Oh well – can’t have everything.

I actually did get around to stick my nose into the files today and do a little reading so as to get some vague idea of what is going on. Seems as though it will be rather interesting – quite interesting in fact –and we are working on something that really is kind of important. It’s a deep, dark secret though – shhh!

How is Pine Mtn. coming Darling? Have you been out to Wellesley yet to see if they have any suggestions? Do you think you want to go back to P.M. or haven’t you made up your mind any more definitely than last time we talked it over? You know Dearie, if you decide none of the jobs you find suit you, there is one waiting for you here. It doesn’t pay very well – not even $25 a month – in fact you would be lucky to have half that left over. However the job is permanent and it should be no end of fun. If I remember correctly you filed an application blank for the position from PM a while ago. Please accept the offer before September. Huh?

All my love,
Bob

Postmark: January 1, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Dec 31, 1941

Hello Darling – and Happy New Year! This has been a most thrilling New Year’s Eve. Heh Heh! I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t done a thing all evening except a little studying – no celebration at all.

If it weren’t for the fact that we have to work tomorrow – all day – I’d go out with Jim, who is about to leave and snoop around town just to see what’s going on. However, I can’t see staying up until 3 o’clock in the morning just to listen to a lot of noise when I have to get up at 6:45. I’m a sissy! Now if you were here it would be a different story. Yes, it certainly would.

I wonder what will happen in the next 12 months and whether the outlook will be any less messy then than it is now – I hope. I certainly hope we are married then!

And speaking of being married brings up your conversations with family regarding same. I don’t know what to say about the job – I guess it pretty much depends on what you want to do yourself. If you think you would like secretarial work, it would certainly be a useful thing to know. If you do take a secretarial course I don’t think you should plan to go back to P.M. (Shucks, that would mean you wouldn’t be going thru Wash. right away! Oh well.)

It looks as though we definitely couldn’t get married until July – and if we wait until then perhaps we should wait another two months until September – July & August being particularly hellish months in Washington.

I’m sorry we don’t have Paul’s blessings in the matter, but I’m inclined to think that his reluctance to be enthusiastic is partly caused by a trace of sour grapes attitude that still lingers on. Which reminds me – if you see Paul again please remind him about Woods & Bailey – my book – which he has.

It is approximately 11:15 and I think I’ll give you a buzz on the telephone in a couple of minutes. I’d rather call you before 12 ‘cause there will be so many calls in then that it will be daylight before they get them cleared up.

**********

Bah – that was much much too short. Much. The temptation was to tell you no not you – the operator to go to blazes & keep on talking. Gee, it seemed swell to just hear (and please ignore my split infinitives) your voice. A much better system would be to hear it every night – but why limit it to every night – why not morning & night – or oftener. I feel so much better just talking to you – I’d be walking on air if we were together with a fireplace!

Your asking me about work reminds me to ask just how much I can say. I’m sorry to say that it will be very little as the whole thing is very hush hush – and rightly so. It promises to be fun though and it is really worthwhile because we are dreaming up things that will actually save the lives of a lot of people – and might save a few ships too. Actually, we aren’t dreaming up the equipment – rather our department directs the dreaming and tells the research people what to work on. Questions of policy – the kind of equipment to order & how much, are also in our hands.

***********

I still say it seemed swell to hear your voice. Say Dearie – remember last year’s New Year’s eve? And our resolutions, written on a paper napkin in the bluechip tearoom? Let’s see –

More studying
No holding hands in public
Less affection in Dodge
Less worrying!

There were 5 more but that’s all I can remember – what’s for this year? Know any good ones? My imagination is working well enough to think of only one –

Resolved: that we get married as soon as is practical. Period.

Goodnight Darling,

Your
Bob