OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy JANUARY

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive Coolidge, Asst Nurse, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1942 January 2-31
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive)

Olive Coolidge Collection. View of Draper Building and Model T Ford at PMSS. Pine Mountain negative developed 1/14/42. [Coolidge_MF_02_016-1-e1708202741959.jpg]

TAGS: Olive Coolidge correspondence, Olive Dame Coolidge, Robert Butman, Washington DC, YMCA, religion, U.S. Navy, civil service

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy JANUARY 2-31

TRANSCRIPTIONS

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

[NOTE: For the envelope postmarked January 1, 1942, (which contained the letter dated December 31, 1941), go to OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Bob to Oggy DECEMBER.]

002 Postmark: January 3, 1942, Washington, D.C.

January 2, 1942

Hello Darling,

Another day, another dollar. Gee Dearie, this getting up in the middle of the night makes me ready for bed sometime in the afternoon – it’s 10 P.M. now and I’m about ready for bed. I think I’ll get used to it after awhile though.

Work is getting rather interesting – I just wish I could tell you more about it. I certainly hope they find enough for me to do to keep me plenty busy. Sometimes I feel as though I weren’t doing my part – sitting around at a desk while everyone – well not everyone – perhaps – but quite a few other people are doing things that seem more – well, call it more important if you will. Perhaps “less settled” would be a more appropriate expression – although that isn’t what I want to say either. I guess you know what I mean without my attempting any elaborate explanation. I guess we’d better get married Dearie – perhaps it would calm me down a bit!

Got your letter today – & it sure was welcome. Sounds as though you weren’t feeling too chipper – Lord I’d like to take you up on that offer of cheering you up – and playing nurse so to speak. I hope you don’t need it now though – the cheering up I mean – or the nursing.

Say, if you should talk with Doris or Maxine please say hello for me and ask them to please be patient about letters on account of my having so little time and ambition, particularly ambition in the evening.

Have you had any more ideas about PM or what to do yet, Darling? – or is that still up in the air? That’s swell about the furniture – very convenient to have some stuff that we can use so we won’t have to get quite so much when we get married. “When we get married” will be soon I hope Dearie – it’s amazing how we agree about that isn’t it? Pardon me while I turn out the light – I have a date with a dream – you again!

Yours,
Bob

003 Postmark: January 4, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 3 1942
11:00 P.M.

Oggy Darling —

Good Lord – 11:00 P.M. and I’m still up. That’s practically scandalous for me – or at least has been this week. We actually do get tomorrow off and I sure am going to take advantage of it by sleeping late.

That list of resolutions is very commendable – or rather the resolutions are very commendable. We will be doing well if we live up to them 100%, but if we can we will have accomplished something worthwhile – to put it mildly. However we will certainly try – even an attempt will be fun if we do it together.

Say darling, how is the job situation – or did I ask you about that the last time I wrote? It certainly is a problem, and if you change your mind about what to do as much as I did we’ll both have gray hair before we should. I wish we could talk it over together – although it probably wouldn’t accomplish anything we haven’t already been over.

Shucks Dearie, there just isn’t any justice in this arrangement – I just hope that someday in the not too distant future we’ll be together so we won’t always have to comment, “I wish I could (see/talk with) you.” But then I suppose there is no percentage in being impatient. Impatience is a sign of love I guess – plenty of both are much in evidence.

Your[s]
Bob

**********
10:30 A.M.

Well well, it looks as though Winter is here – we have a whole half inch of snow, almost. I knew the weather department was crazy when they released a prediction “by authority of the U.S. Army” saying we were going to have 5” of snow.

It sure does seem swell to sleep late in the morning – which just shows that I’m naturally lazy I suppose. Probably I’ll be lazy enough to do not much of anything today. Gee if you were only here it would be so much easier to think up things to do. Much as I’d like to chase around and do something, there just doesn’t seem to be much to do. Oh well. My ingenuity – if I ever possessed any – is failing me.

You know I almost wish I had Brad’s bicycle – it’s only 5 miles to work and during warm weather that would be just a nice ride – good exercise – and as quick if not quicker than bus service. What’s Brad’s address anyway – I’d like to write him and perhaps quiz him about the bike. Probably couldn’t afford it! Nevertheless I’d like to drop him a line.

Well Dearie, have you made up our minds about when we are going to get married as yet? Not that it matters – since it probably won’t be for six months but I’m just curious that’s all – you know how a fellow sometimes does – become curious. Say does that sound sarcastic? It wasn’t intended to – really it wasn’t – so if it does, ignore it please.

Wonder what you are doing today – going to church perhaps? Let’s go to church together someday Dearie – don’t you think that would be fun? We – uh – we don’t do that very often! Let’s see I’ve been to church exactly once since coming to Washington – your fiance is a heathen, Darling. But he loves you just the same.

Yours always,
Bob

004 Postmark: January 5, 1942, Washington, D.C.

[Notation on reverse side of envelope: “Miss Eleanor Greenwood, Mass. Gen. Hospital”]

Jan 6. [no year]

And furthermore –
I love you

005 Postmark: January 5, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 5, 1941 [sic, 1942]

Oggy Darling,

Say – you really haven’t been feeling right have you? I knew you weren’t up to par but I didn’t realize until I got your last volume that you were down – but not out – quite. You know you have my sympathy Darling – and that’s not all!

Having mental troubles – no insult intended – along with the physical ones doesn’t help particularly either. Hmmm – the situation really is a bit messy, although I’m inclined to side with your mother somewhat, particularly regarding the business course – I think.

In spite of the fact that secretarial work isn’t the most thrilling thing in the world, it would be something to fall back on, and it might quite possibly qualify you for work which involved only small amounts of secretarial work. People often have interesting jobs which require only a small amount of that kind of work but that do require s[?]. I admit I can’t think of any offhand, but it makes good reading.

As a passing thought – even though, as you say, the idea probably isn’t workable – it’s too bad you can’t come to Washington to work. Jim is leaving on the 22nd of this month leaving one perfectly good room for rent (I imagine) in the Stuart household. That’d be a cozy arrangement – what? I suspect such an arrangement would draw no end of unfavorable comment, however, even if you had your panda[?} with you.

About the only advantage in going back to P.M. is that we would see each other here in Washington on your way there and on your way back. I hardly think it is worth it though – not that I don’t want to see you! On the other hand I don’t think you want to sit around home until July, or whenever, without anything to do. Perhaps if you don’t want to take a secretarial course you could get some sort of volunteer work – defense or otherwise, provided of course you could find something interesting & worthwhile. There’s my opinions Dearie – for whatever they are worth. I just hope that if you stay home you’ll be happy there – and I don’t think you will be unless you are working – .

Sounds as though we had quite a stack of furniture to start out with – all of it being very welcome. The only difficulty is that moving – from Medford to Wash. – is no simple problem. we might find it easier to get along without some of the heavier stuff for a while. Probably we wouldn’t have room for it all in our “2 room” apartment anyway! And of course you know you are being optimistic in assuming we will have 2 rooms. Shucks Dearie – we might even end up with nothing more than a hall closet. Of course that would be cozy but it might become a shade cramped after a while.

You sure surprised me when you called last night – not that it wasn’t a pleasant surprise. Lord, I’d like to talk with you every night! Oh well – seems as though we have been over that before. Incidentally you might send me a reminder when you find out about the telephone bill and I’ll split it with you since I coaxed you into spending another 3 minutes – they’re were worth it though, whatever “it” may turn out to be.

Changing the subject – guess who I had a letter from today. That’s right, Mrs. G.H. Smith of the California Smiths. She was much amazed, and very curious to know why I am in Washington!

Well, Darling, guess I’ll go out & pop this into the mail so it will go out tonight. And I hope everything works out all right about what to do – I’ll be thinking of you – which isn’t at all unusual – because I’m always thinking of you.

Yours always,
Bob

006 Postmark: January 7, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 6, 1941 [sic, 1942]

Hello Darling,

Seems as though I have just about enough ambition to say hello & goodnight. Believe it or not I’m going to school again – or did I mention that the last time I wrote. Starting tonight, twice a week until sometime in April – a course in Electrical Theory – partly stuff I have had but never did [?] completely. Can’t tell – I might learn something useful! Not only that, but I had somewhat of a surprise when a Tech fellow walked in – one of the boys in the class of ’41 – we had quite a time comparing notes.

Darling – risking what might be a touchy subject – and risking a little resentment on your part perhaps – don’t let anyone tell you that there is anything wrong with you – unless there really is. Which I don’t think there is. Nope Dearie – there ain’t a thing wrong with you. Along those lines lies my only fears about your staying at home, but probably I’m showing undue apprehension. Let it slide.

That’s all I have ambition to write Darling – much as I’d like to say more. If I don’t go to bed now I’ll oversleep – or fall asleep during the day tomorrow.

There is just one other little detail though – just a reminder. Remember I love you – if that isn’t too much to ask.

Yours always,
Bob
P.S. My address is not 9 Hastings. Something must be wrong Dearie – may I guess?

007 Postmark: January 9, 1942, Washington, D.C.

[no date]
10:30 P.M.

Darling – I can see that you are more skeptical than I thought – and that something ought to be done to convince you that I really do love you. And I do darling – you know that.

You have explained the whole thing to a certain extent yourself when you said that I’m not built that way. I’ve told you before that I am poor when it comes to expressing myself, and in spite of your statements to the contrary, the statement is still true.

That perhaps isn’t the only reason. After getting up early (for me) in the morning, jamming yourself into one bus after another on the way to and from work, standing in line for hours on end in cafeterias (well minutes then), and trying to absorb at least a little information about some stuff which is pretty complicated, I begin to get a bit weary. And about then I don’t feel like writing letters – and you aren’t the only one I have to write to as you well know – all I want to do is put my head in your lap and go to sleep.

I also spend considerable time wondering whether I’m doing as much as I should, or can about the war. I agree with you that the whole thing is foolish, senseless, and wasteful, but when someone sticks his heel in your face and tries to grind it into the mud you sort of have to fight back. And I sometimes – no not sometimes – often wonder if sitting at a desk is the way to do it. Harry, Kingston, Dick Marsh, Dick Sewall, and George Bacon all are or will be doing something useful pretty soon – even though I think Harry is crazy in his approach. It makes me wonder whether I’m doing my part.

But that’s just another sidelight. It all adds up to make something – what I don’t know and being devilishly tired right now I’m sure I couldn’t figure it out if I tried. Tonight I can say no more than I love you Darling. Tomorrow I’ll write a letter.

Yours always,
Bob

008 Postmark: January 10, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 9, 1942

Hello Darling –

Having much more ambition tonight I feel in a much cheerier frame of mind than yesterday. Last night for some reason I was too tired to care very much about anything – well practically anything.

I’m sorry Darling that I haven’t been more talkative. However you should know – and I know you do way down deep – that I love you – so very much. If my letters have sounded impersonal –which they may have – I think it’s partly because of a certain amount of stagnation on my part. I’ve just got to get out and do something before I turn into an old fossil. I called the “Y” tonight and found they have a lot of stuff going on there – which is a possibility – as you once suggested.

And Darling I was not sarcastic when I mentioned your “volume” – I was impressed and pleased, and any hint of sarcasm was entirely unintentional – honest!

As far as affection goes – I do like to know you love me – of course. But you know that I have never expressed terrific quantities of affection in letters – it’s just that I’m not built that way – Bill Coolidge the 2nd perhaps! Then there is the sweeping general statement that men are usually less affectionate (emotional would be better perhaps) than women. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings Darling – Lord no – but when you write a very affectionate letter I feel that anything I write back would sound like “I love you too.” Just a thought for whatever it may be worth.

Please though Darling, don’t have any misgivings – they have no grounds, really. And of course I still like the idea – heavens Dearie – you make me feel distrusted. Am I forgiven?

I think Dearie, that you made a very wise decision about jobs. By going back to P.M. for a month you will be giving them time to get organized and perhaps find someone else to take your place. If you tried to take another job you would have so little time that it would hardly be worthwhile – although I think you might feel better if you had a little something to do this Spring. But I haven’t the vaguest idea what. I don’t know though – probably if you go back to P.M. for a month you will have plenty to do in the next 2 or 3 months without looking for anything extra.

Say Darling, while I think of it – would you call Blanche & ask her to send me a pair or two of cotton slacks, my sneakers, some woolen socks, if I have any, and my cotton sweatshirt (if I have one and I think I do). She may not be able to find all the stuff but I’d like as much as she can find, and it would be greatly appreciated if it could be sent pretty quick. The idea of joining the Y seems to get better and better. I don’t want to bother to write another letter tonight – and I’d like to get the stuff soon so I thought you might be [the] go-between. Please Dearie? On bended knees – I humbly request cooperation. Hmmmm?

I don’t know whether or not I have made any reasonable comments about not being talkative or not. Really though, Darling, I think it would be an awfully nice idea to let the matter rest for a little while. If you think about it for a minute you can see that it sounds funny for you to ask don’t you love me? You never say you do. And then I say in a dutiful fashion – yes, I love you. Lord knows I do Darling – you should see me sit staring into space, winding the cat and putting out the clock, forgetting what is trumps, walking across the street against the red light while everyone honks their horns, and turning off the alarm clock and going back to sleep to dream some more. Please don’t be doubtful any more Darling. And if you have a chance say Bah! To Billie & Dodo for me.

All my love, sympathy, & affection,
Bob

009 Postmark: January 12, 1942, Washington, D.C.

January 11, 1942
Sunday aft.

Hello Darling –

You know, Sundays could be a lot of fun – but not under the present arrangement. I really think they would be worthwhile if you were here – says he, coining another of his masterpieces of understatement.

Except for going to church I haven’t accomplished a thing – although going to church is somewhat of an accomplishment for me. Went to a Methodist Church and heard a really good service – including the sermon. The minister is apparently a very intelligent sort – and not one of the Hallelujah (we-don’t–want-to-hear-your-arguments) type . They have a Young People’s group at 7.00 P.M., to which I was invited, and which I kinda think I’ll take in.

Note for the record: had dinner at Child’s.

By the way I stopped at the Y again today and found that they are starting a fencing class tomorrow night. Sounds interesting – I’m going to join up and see if I can get in on it. If not, they have squash, swimming, handball, and a whole lot of other things that should be fun. And speaking of squash, you might mention that I’d like my squash racket along with the other junk – if it isn’t too much trouble. Please Dearie?

Say darling, did it ever occur to you that we had a swell time Christmas weekend – in spite of the fact that I didn’t behave quite as I should? – in spite of the fact that the after affects were a bit drastic? I just happened to be thinking about it – (no it wasn’t the first time the thought has occurred to me!) I really think we’ll have a wonderful time when we are married Darling – in spite of the cynicism, which looks as if it were spelled cockeyed, that is floating about. Wait until Dodo falls in love – I’ll bet she changes her mind!

I had to laugh at your description of Billie, and her manner – pardon me while I shudder. And commenting on the news – I’m glad to hear you are getting along so well with the Butmans. It’s much nicer to have everyone on speaking terms – not that you weren’t of course – but you know what I mean.

And going back to Dodo’s ideas, – just for amusement. My idea is that marriage is what you make it – and you can make it practically anything you want. I hardly think it (ours) will be commonplace – far from it. In fact Darling, – words fail me.

**********

Later

Going to church twice in one day [is] something of a record for me – in fact it really was three times! This morning, the Young People’s meeting at 7, and a church service and fellowship at 8. Very congenial crowd there too – very. I believe I shall go again soon. Not only that, but it did me good to absorb a little religion for a change. Lord I haven’t been to church for years, and in spite of the fact that I don’t know exactly what position religion holds with me, I think it does anyone good to have a little spiritual education now and then. In fact some of the subjects came extremely close to home!

Well Dearie – it’s way past my bedtime so I guess I’ll roll over and go to sleep. Is this the proper place to say I wish you were here? Oh well, I’m sleepy but I love you Darling.

Yours always,
Bob

010 Postmark: January 13, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 12, 1941 [sic, 1942]
11:45 P.M.

Oggy Darling —

Your wandering male is extremely lonesome Darling – extremely. I just got home from the Y and it seems as though the only thing I’d like to do is see you. Honestly Dearie, I’m not saying that just to keep you happy either! Not that I don’t want you to be happy – … says he tripping himself up & getting into an awful muddle.

Had a swell time at the Y tonight learning a few fundamentals of fencing. Methinks t’will be a lot of fun. You should have seen me wandering up & downstairs & from one building to another – with a characteristic blank expression trying to find the darned class. It’s a good thing I started looking a half hour early!

Darling, I’m amazed at your description to [sic, of] the medieval halls of Tower Court being debased by such modernization. Horrors –

Dearie, I’m afraid I detected a note of discontent in your letter – as though you had been told you looked a wee bit gloomy – in fact you said that. Please don’t be worried about anything Oggy – about me, about us, about whether or not I love you, it isn’t necessary.

And don’t worry about your complexion – do what you can for it and forget it – please. Marriage is a sure cure – hmmm? Well anytime you want Doc. Butman to effect a complete & thorough cure, just shout.

I think it’s swell you’ve found a job you think you’ll like Darling. Today was your first day wasn’t it? Or wasn’t it? There’s only one difficulty with not going back to PM – a very obvious one. But it would not be worth it – much as I’d like to see you.

Goodnight Darling – and in case you have forgotten – I love you. I love you so very much.

Bob

011 Postmark: January 14, 1942, Washington, D.C.

At “Y”
Jan. 13, 1942

Hello Dearie – Time to spare, so why not use it constructively thinks I. And what could be more constructive? I dunno, – can’t think of anything just now, unless it would be calling you on the phone.

You know, the Y is going to be a swell place to drop in, before eating – or afterwards. I’m sure I don’t know why I didn’t take your suggestion before. You’re always right Dearie.

How is the job coming along – is it what you expected it to be – is it interesting and fun? In other words, do you like it? I hope. Lord, you certainly deserve a decent job after PM.

Speaking of jobs – mine is coasting along nicely, with everything under control. I still haven’t done too much that is actually important but I am finding a few more things to do to make myself useful. The other two fellows in my section – or maybe I ought to say – in the section I am in – are in N.Y.C. but will be back tmw. So I’ve had two days to do as I please – not that I don’t usually, anyway. Probably they’ll find something for me to do all of a sudden pretty soon and I’ll be swamped from then on. If the darned place keeps expanding at the present rate we’ll have to move in about a week. People are practically standing in line outside the door – waiting for desks etc. so they can find a place to sit down.

**********

Later

Daring, you don’t know how differently you sound! Such a transformation. I wondered whether your state was entirely mental or not – but the best thing seemed to be to wait and see – which, much to your dismay (?) – I did. And if you ever try to prove I don’t love you again because you won’t get any more cooperation than you did this time.

You know it makes me feel sort of sleepy & content (or something) to have you say you would like to rumple my hair & call me names (and incidentally the opposite is true – esp. the name calling!), but in the next breath she says she’d like to have me around the room. Zounds, and egad Dearie, stop taking those vitamin pills – you’ve had too many already! I am supposed to chase you? Aw – I’m only teasin’, honest.

I’m sorry I wasn’t more cooperative with you in your ”misery,” Darling, but being the dope that I am I just don’t know what to do in awkward situations like same. Perhaps I’ll learn if I have enough practice.

Jobs: Dearie, I refuse positively to make further comments about your work until you give me something definite to work on. Of course I don’t really mean that – but then there’s nothing like a little exaggeration for effect now and then.

It sounds as though it would be Hospital – 2 or 3 weeks + or – ? – then PM – then sec. course. Sounds reasonable to me. And you’re killing half a dozen birds with one stone that way.

You’ll be getting a lot of valuable experience, you’ll be keeping PM happy,
” ” seeing me ** and,
” ” learning something which might sometime be valuable.

You sound all right. If that’s what happens!

Glad to hear everyone is cheering for us – including the salesmen. Sounds as though you were quite swamped with literature. And I’m rather amazed to hear that Harry is turning into such a man about town. He’s really a swell egg though – nothing wrong with him at all.

Say – pardon my extreme ignorance but I’m afraid I don’t show any flash of recognition when you mention Cory. Am I right in guessing that she is the “sweater girl”?

There is one thing I wanted to mention to you. Those long letters of yours are quite a struggle. Perhaps you’d better cut them down a bit. Heh, Heh. You should see me pouring over then. Reminds me of the old miser sifting his gold thru his fingers for hours on end – cackling in glee all during the process. But I don’t cackle – I just grin – from ear to ear quite often.

And don’t worry – says he for the 5th time in as many letters – there’s nothing wrong. Except that I’m in love and I don’t know that there’s anything wrong with that. Only that it makes me lonely when I can’t see you. Which seems to be most of the time. But that’s all goin’ to be changed Darling. Sure is. And would I like to accept Hunter’s offer. Oh my – HEAVEN!

Yours,
Bob

012 Postmark: January 15, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 15, 1942

Supposedly I’m working hard, but having read everything in the files at least twice, reading is becoming just a wee bit monotonous. Perhaps if I pretend to look busy – by writing to you they won’t object (better not!). I just hope something happens around here pretty quick – I’ll go crazy otherwise – or am I already? Only about you Dearie.

**********

After lunch

Back again. Say it is a beautiful day Dearie. How about a canoe ride on the Potomac or a brisk walk. It’s so nice and warm and sunny that I hate to stay inside – that’s the main trouble with this job – you get up in the dark and get home in the dark. I feel like a night owl – and you know that isn’t so.

How’s the job – or have I asked you that before? Yes I have. And you’ll tell me anyway so perhaps I’d better just wait patiently. But I am interested. After all – we are practically (practically nothing!) partners and according to the law one partner is responsible for the actions of another and vice versa. All or nothing – and I certainly prefer all to nothing! Says he in no uncertain terms, – then stares at the ceiling and indulges in a little day dreaming.

**********

6:30 P.M.

Hello Darling,

Seems to me this is being written in snatches, but then that just goes to show how often I think about you (how’s that?). You know, I have a sneaking suspicion life wouldn’t be nearly so dull if you were here. Of course that’s pure speculation! Ha, Ha.

I’m wondering if there is going to be a letter waiting for me tonight when I get home – as I usually do. I just hope that rather gloomy letter – written last Friday (I think) didn’t put a wet blanket on your spirits. Seems as though we are always seesawing back and forth because it takes so long to get a letter back and forth. You feel blue, write to me, I write back, you’re already cheerful again – or vice versa (meaning I feel blue etc.) But remedy is not to get that way I suppose!

But I feel fine Darling, although of course there’s always a general blueness about because you aren’t here. But I suppose that’s just one of those things. (long sigh).

Oh by the way, have you seem anything of a half dozen hkfs. – which Doris gave me for Christmas. I can’t seem to find the darned things anywhere. Probably they are home somewhere – meaning 14 Newton. I am not absent minded! – they just sort of – uh – disappeared by themselves.

Dearie, you’re —- darn it all I don’t dare say “wonderful” anymore and lots of times I really mean it and it cramps my style! It’s discouraging to be asked for reassurance and to be told in the same breath that my best adjective is verbatim. Anyway – whether you like it or not – you’re still wonderful. When I started out I was thinking about your progress with Blanche. Congratulations Honey Chile! I don’t think she ever really disliked you anyway (how could she!), but I liked to see you chummy (to a certain extent anyway – you know – ). And I sure hope your prophesy – or rather your opinion – that it was a wise idea for them to be married holds good. [Notation in top margin] How do you like my assorted stationary?

I know of another marriage that’s no mistake too – should you ever ask me. Guess who. Well Dearie, gotta stare at my homework for a while and see if I can accomplish anything before class.

**********

Still later
10:30 P.M.

Whee! Need I say more. You’re actually going to be in Washington! Wonderful! I’m going to be sort of glad to see you Darling. Sort of. Course I suppose there is a possibility that you won’t be here Sat. but it sure sounds as though you were coming sometime. Yup – it’s really too bad the hospital job didn’t turn out to be anything worthwhile (heh, heh).

You’re wonderful l darling, and I love you.

Yours always,
Bob

013 Postmark: January 17, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 17, 1941 [sic, 1942, whoops dad’s mistake]

Hello Sweetheart,

Well says I – shall I be disappointed or not? I sort of had a feeling you wouldn’t be coming this week so I hadn’t been counting on it too much. But I’d be queer if I weren’t disappointed in a way.

But whee – 4 days – that will be wonderful! My, my! Pardon me while I swoon. Unfortunately you won’t be able to stay here because Jim left two weeks before he had planned and another fellow moved in yesterday. He’s a big tall lanky sort of guy who says he is from New Orleans –but every time I turn around I notice a scattering of hayseed on the floor. He’s a kind of remarkable egg though – just dropped into say hello and I find out he does office work for the Navy Dept. (Arlington Annex), does shorthand typing, writes poems, stories, etc – all of which amazed me no end.

However, getting back to the more important issue. I’m going to see if Mrs. Stuart can find anyone on the street with an extra room that they would like to rent for a few nights. If not I’ll put in a reservation at the Y for a room – unless, sudden inspiration, you could stay with Lois –which is rather doubtful I presume. Anyhow, I’ll see what I can do Dearie.

Remarks on Covy’s (I thought it was Cory – with an r) engagement: – Oh. [Ok?]

Joe asked me while he was in here, in all sincerity I think, if the picture on the desk was my sister. Knowing he would probably faint right here in the room if I told him the truth, I said – a friend. I wished I could have said Mrs. B – Mrs. R.C.B. – how does that sound Darling? I’m putty in your hands Dearie – and enjoying it.

Yours always,
Bob

014 Postmark: January 19, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 18, 1942

Hello Sweetheart,

Only a couple more days Darling! I wish you had been here today – we are having some grand spring weather – really warm. Probably by next week it will be 20 below more or less – fine thing.

I spoke to Mrs. S. today to see if perhaps she might be able to find a room for you here on the street – if she can’t I’ll make a reservation for you at the Y. Boy, am I going to be glad to see you Darling – and whisper sweet nothing to you – unless I’m my usual tongue-tied self, which will probably be the case.

Give George a dirty look and an expressive “Bah” with my compliments, will you please?

It’s rather mystifying to me why people think you’re “walking out” on June. On the contrary, I think you are being very accommodating. After all, you haven’t expressed any intentions of not helping June out – and you will be back from PM sooner than expected.

As for being high strung – I think that’s exaggerated too. Probably the best cure is to laugh at a person when they suggest that you are – and I don’t mean to be disrespectful. It isn’t fair though to nag about it. Darned if it is.

Say kid, sounds as though you were quite the babe with your new haircut. Perhaps you’d better pin a rose in your hair so I’ll recognize you! Gee Darling, I think I could see you a mile away in a heavy fog – haircut or not.

I just wish you were here tonight. I have a bit of a headache – from reading too much I guess – and there’s nothing I’d like better than to rest it in your lap a while. Probably it would disappear in no time at all. You’re wonderful darling, and that is so far from being sarcasm it isn’t even funny.

Please Thursday – don’t dawdle – come soon.

All my Love and Sympathy,
Bob

015 Postmark: January 20, 1942, Washington, D.C.

[On letterhead for “Young Men’s Christian Association, Central Branch,…Washington, D.C. Co-operating with United Service Organizations, District Civilian Defense Council. For use of Men in Military Service.”]

[n.d.]
Hi Kid –

Some Y stationary for you Dearie (it’s free!). I’m amusing myself here for awhile waiting for fencing class to start – which won’t be for an hour and a half yet.[

I spoke to Mrs. S. about a room somewhere in the neighborhood for you. She said that she would look around a bit and see if there was anyone who would be willing to take in a poor waif for 3 nights. If not I’ll call the Y tomorrow and make a reservation, which you can cancel if you have any better ideas. I called there this P.M., thinking it might be a good idea to get a reservation anyway, but it seems that they have some sort of a ruling about not making reservation more than 2 days in advance, and so wouldn’t listen to me.

Gee Darling – Thursday is only the day after tomorrow – better than Christmas. Please don’t miss the train – huh? Incidentally it is still very warm – though rainy. Very rainy in fact – so much so that I had to wear my water-wings to work (some joke).

Please forgive this letter (not me) for being so short but I just wasted a half hour on a magazine article and I want to get in a little exercise before fencing starts.

I’ll be waiting at the station for you Darling – 6:30 on the dot. Oh me – my stomach feels peculiar already!

Yours always,
Bob

016 Postmark: January 26, 1942, Washington, D.C.

[Heading:] BUREAU OF SHIPS

Jan. 26, 1942

MEMORANDUM FOR – You Dearie

Happy Birthday Darling! ‘Course I’m a day late, but after all that’s a minor detail – the sentiment is still there.

You’d laugh to see my head nodding today. Lord, I’ve never been so sleepy in my life – I just can’t keep my eyes open. If I’m not careful, I know I’ll fall out of the chair with a crash.

But shucks it was worth it – in fact next time I’ll probably want to stay up later. Yop, it was really fun even though there were some – uh – shall we say, drawbacks? But after all, they were minor details – the main thing being that we have a good time together. Notice the extremely expressive adjective. A “good” time!

It certainly was though Darling – if every weekend were like that, weekends would really be worthwhile. And Darling, don’t you wonder any more about the way I feel – will you? –

“You be good and I’ll be good.”

**********

Later – at P.O.

I can see that this is not going to turn out to be a letter – but I want to get it mailed in the hope you’ll get it tomorrow. Mail being the way it is I have my doubts.

Dearie, Washington became a very lonely place about 20 minutes ago. For some reason I didn’t feel that way particularly during the day – probably because I was too sleepy – but all of a sudden, after leaving work, I began to feel like a lost soul. In spite of my speeches I’m afraid I’m going to miss you plenty, Meaning I love you Darling.

Yours,
Bob
(definitely yours)

017 Postmark: January 28, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 27, 1942

Oggy Darling,

Say, do you mind my being just a little lonesome too? As usual, I miss you more than I did the last time we left each other. And every time that happens I make a mental note that we should get married a month earlier. Which means that by now I have chipped about 6 months from the idea that we should get married about 6 months from now. Right?

I guess you’re right that we were quite as carefree as usual but darn it all Darling when I look at you and my heart starts thumping like a doggone steam engine…. Then too we got off to a bad start and had to recover from that. Seems as though there’s only one solution …. the obvious one.

Somehow you expressed it so well in your letter – which by the way made me feel exceptionally good all over – even though it made me miss you even more.

My head is getting black and blue from hitting the desk every time I fall asleep which is at least 3 or 4 times a day. Quite a weekend Dearie!

Glad to hear you had such a good time going back – making connections & all. Mmmm.

Lord, darling I wish you were still here – if I’m not staying on one subject too much. It just seems as though I couldn’t think of a better idea. Why Dearie, I even spent a while reading advertisements for apartments tonight – not for the 1st time at that. Just getting domestic I guess.

Darling – you’re wonderful – honest.

Yours forever,
Bob

018 Postmark: January 29, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 28, 1942
11:30 P.M.

Well Dearie – I have found another proponent of the “Why Wait” school of thought. I called Kitty tonight and afterwards went for a ride with her while she did some errands. She heartily agrees with the why wait theory, mostly for lack of good reason for waiting (not quite true in our case), and the general state of the world. Just thought I’d mention it on general principles.

We had a rather interesting chat covering Florida rather thoroughly and a few other things, including the weather and you. I also got my phonograph back so that it can either be used with the radio or – if I find time & ambition I can build up a separate amplifier.

I was talking with Mr. Bly this afternoon about commissions, and although I may be unduly suspicious I rather think he may be opposed to my getting one. The idea is, he has been offered a commission and refused; he will have to register for the draft on Feb. 16th.

Says he to me, why don’t you wait and see if you are going to be drafted, because if you take a comm. you might be sent most anywhere. I sort of think he wants to see if he is going to get drafted, and if so he will take a Navy commission, leaving me out in the cold. For that reason he wants to scare me out of taking a comm. now. I can be wrong of course, but it looks queer to me.

[A sketch of an arrow points from the phrase “True because” back to “out in the cold”]

True because there is room for only one more officer in the section – although I might possibly get a commission in another part of the Navy.

Say, do you ever remember my mentioning Dr. Barrow of M.I.T., our thesis supervisor? I nearly fell over when he walked into the office this afternoon to see someone there. It seems that he has charge of the Navy training course at Tech.

I don’t suppose you would be interested to know that – no you wouldn’t – or would you? I was just going to say – I love you Darling. And that I can’t understand how I can miss you more every time we leave each other. It’s all your fault Darling – and I’m sure glad it is.

A hug & a goodnight kiss for you Dearie
Your
Bob

019 Postmark: January 31, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan. 30, 1942

Not a bad idea Dearie – not bad at all. The same thought occurred to me once – but somehow I didn’t think it would meet with unanimous approval. Right now I can’t see any objections – but I can see a lot of good reason why we should!

As far as the money goes – here’s the way it adds up. Assuming living expenses to be $80 a month for the next three months – which is reasonably high – I could save $240 in 3 mo. Then subtracting $50 for train fare to and from Wash. and $100 on general principles – for various “unforeseen” expenses, leaves $90. Adding that to the 200 at home and 180 here makes a grand total of $470 (plus 20 in my pocket!). So we would have almost $500 to start out with Dearie – which seems like a reasonable sum to me. Right?

Yup – I kinda like the idea Dearie. I really do. We ought to get a few reactions though – naturally. I expect you have already written your folks and I’ll do the same directly.

**********

Later 11:45 P.M.

Just got back from fencing, where we had a swell time punching each other full of holes. I can see I’ll have to get something heavier than a sweatshirt to wear – it just isn’t comfortable.

But speaking of getting married – I think June is right about July – and she should know. May –early in May would be sorta nice. It’s worth some serious thinking though Dearie – cause it’s really a doggone good idea. Says I while the radio sings –

“Sugar Pie I wait with anticipation
For the day you’ll be my consolation.”

I think it’s a bum song myself, but the idea is the important thing. Yessir Dearie – you are my inspiration. As a matter of fact – you are!

Goodnight Darling – I have a date with a dream.

Yours always,
Bob

020 Postmark: February 1, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Jan 31, 1942
10:45 P.M.

Hello Darling,

It seems as though every time I’ve started to say something in this letter for the past 15 minutes my mind starts to wander. Funny how it always wanders toward Pine Mountain. And for good reason. Not a new one – just the same as usual.

You know Dearie, I can’t seem to see anything wrong with April at all and, like you, the more I think about it the better I like it. An approach to Heaven Dearie! The only worry I have is based on the money angle and I sort of think we could get along – although it would be far from luxurious. But it’s still a good idea.

I’m disappointed that things in general at PM are still sort of discouraging. Roody ought to have – er – she ought to be spanked. It sounds as though the whole bunch were a bit uncooperative – but maybe it’s just imagination? Stick up for your rights though Dearie – not too violently – but I should think it would do no harm to remind Miss [Grace] Rood in a gentle fashion of her pre-Christmas promises.

By the way, I found out some rather discouraging news about commissions yesterday. It seems that Mr. Bly was right in his suspicions after all – and that I judged him a bit harshly. Cmdr. Finch remarked that he had been looking into the idea and that, while he could probably get me a commission with very little trouble, he couldn’t keep me in his section because of some very screwy civil service regulation. Civil service is screwy anyway. So if I accepted a commission I might be sent just about anywhere – just about anywhere meaning to any place occupied by the Navy. That of course makes the situation a little different. Quite different I should say.

You’re wonderful darling. –

Yours Always,
Bob

**********

10:15 A.M.
Sunday

Good Morning Dearest –

Just have time to say hello before going to church. Yup I’m actually going! If only you were here Darling it would be some fun. Shades of last Sunday! Gotta go Dearie – but I love you.

Bob