Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
OLIVE DAME COOLIDGE, Nurse’s Asst, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1941 OCT-NOV
Oggy to Family
Also, Olive Dame Coolidge to Oggy 1941 DEC
and a Telegram from Mother 1941 SEPT

---

TAGS: Olive Coolidge, 1941 correspondence, nursing aide, Pine Mountain Settlement Infirmary,  Grace M. Rood, Richard Butman, Richard B. Coolidge, John C. Campbell Folk School, WWII, Marcia Butman donation, Lynch coal camp

---

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Oggy to Family OCT-NOV

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

This collection primarily consists of and is focused on the papers related to the employment of Olive Dame Coolidge at Pine Mountain Settlement School and her courtship with Robert Butman, soon to become her husband.

Olive Dame Coolidge [Butman] was on the staff of Pine Mountain Settlement School in 1941-1942 as an assistant to Grace M. Rood, the resident nurse for the medical program at Pine Mountain Settlement School during the year leading up to the opening of America’s entry into WWII. The letters of Olive Coolidge with her family and especially with her friend, her fiance, and soon to be her husband, captures the climate of the country as it waits out the tensions of a world war and the emotional roller coaster of youth, trying to find their place in the growing world turbulence.

Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008), the daughter of Richard Bradford Coolidge and Ruth Dame Coolidge, was born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts. Her letters define her as an independent spirit with a determination to address her future on her terms and to prepare herself for a career.

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

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

Pine Mountain is very grateful to Marcia Butman, the grandniece of Olive Coolidge and Robert Butman for the story of Olive at Pine Mountain. By sharing this interesting and uplifting body of material with the Pine Mountain Settlement School archive, the one year Olive spent at Pine Mountain expands both her story and that of the School.

While the letters are focused on Olive’s brief time at Pine Mountain Settlement School, the large collection of letters builds an intimate picture of youth during a difficult period of history and an in-depth record of the state of rural and urban America as Olive, her boyfriend Bob, and their families examine their lives in the rapidly changing world. The letters capture the conflicts of class, of wealth and status, against the rural poverty of under-served and isolated communities in the 1940s of Eastern Kentucky. As Olive grapples with her new job and her new boyfriend, her correspondence graphically captures the often familiar and poignant personal relationship against the uncertainty of a world going to war.

Olive, (“Oggy”) and her future husband, “Bob,” question their future with each other, their commitment to one another, their career searches, and their expectations. The dialog sometimes illuminates their privileged lives and sometimes of their growing awareness of poverty and privilege. They question their security and insecurity, and what is of value and what is not valuable in the shifting landscape of a world on the edge of war. The instability of emotions, the growing political divide, and their career uncertainties challenge both young adults.

Nothing seems certain except their love for one another and even that love is questioned at times. The escalating political uncertainty of their world, their new friends and old family, and how old and new experiences position them in a world stream headed into conflict, runs as a background in their love letters and family letters. It is a world they struggle to define for themselves, for their careers, and their relationship to political conflicts at local and world levels.

The donated letters begin in mid-August of 1941 and continue until Olive Coolidge leaves Pine Mountain in late August of 1942 to prepare for her marriage to Robert Butman. Her correspondence during the months she served as staff at Pine Mountain Settlement School opens a very personal window on the life of Pine Mountain School and on the surrounding community.

See Also:
OLIVE COOLIDGE Staff – Biography

---

 CONTENTS: OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941 Oggy to Family OCT-NOV

Postmark: October 8, 1941. Oggy to Family. “Dear Peoples, Never fear, sometimes I’ll get around to a real letter…”

Postmark: October 24, 1941. Oggy to Family. “Dear Folks, I was in Harlan last night for a concert…”

Postmark: October 26, 1941. Oggy to Family “Dearest people, The most exciting thing – got a telegram from Bob….” 

Postmark: November 8, 1941. Oggy to Family. “Dear People, Everything is fine here. Had day off….

Postmark: November 13, 1941. Oggy to Richard Coolidge, 1941. “Dear Pop, I just remembered today that the 14^th is your birthday….”

Postmark: November 15, 1941. Oggy to Family. “Dear Peoples, I’m getting along “jest fine.” I’m not quite up yet….” MISSING IMAGES – unable to download from Dropbox

Unknown Date. Oggy to Moppie. Dear Moppie, Got a nice letter today – from home saying the arrival of another package

**********

ALSO:
Postmark: December 1, 1941. Postcard from Olive Dame Campbell (Russell Sage Foundation, NY) to Oggy. “Dearest O: Am hoping all is well with you. Glad to see….”

Date Stamp: 1941 SEPT 4. Telegram from “Mother” in Medford, Mass., to Miss Olive Coolidge in Staunton, Vir.: “MRS YATES TELEPHONES POSITION OPEN TO YOU FOR ASSISTANT DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY WELLESLEY…. COULD TELEPHONE MORRIS AND ASK RELEASE IF YOU WISH CHANGE….”

---

TRANSCRIPTIONS

OGGY TO FAMILY Postmark: October 8, 1941, Pine Mountain, KY

[N.D.] Wed. Morn

Dear Peoples,
Never fear, sometime I’ll get around to a real letter – Right now I’m slightly behind time. Had a super time at Berea, saw Aunt Og, Smiths, Aunt Nat, [Helen] Dingman, and all it really was swell to get out of here – only it makes it harder to come back. Right now I’m with life – but I guess that phase will pass as everything does. Long talk with Dr. last night, that is why I’m behind schedule -12:15 -. We discussed all the ins and outs – some not too pleasant. Dying to hear about Brad – I’ll be he loves it. Honestly, I have so many letters to write – school and all – !

Love, Oggy

GALLERY

---

OGGY TO FAMILY Postmark: October 24, 1941, Harlan, KY

Oct 24, 1941, Fri Morn

Dear Folks,
I was in Harlan last night for a concert, a series which I paid $3 for. It turned out to be a ballet which was pretty good. Came in with Nutters [Dr. Wynham Nutter and wife], had a steak dinner then came back sleepy as ever. Today Malcolm [Malcolm Arney, PMSS Guidance Counselor] and I are in town again – his day off – I asked if I could have mine – so we’re in completing the fender job that was to be done last week. After it gets done we’re going up to the country, buy some steaks and fry them over a fire. Not bad! A boy staying at school we brought back over the Mt., and he turns out to be getting a field work study, gotten his MA at Harvard worked under Kluck, in fact is now doing research with Kluck. Amazing, even knew Fenner [John B. Fenn ? – Analytical Chemistry. Was a nephew of Helen Dingman, who worked in Harlan County] at Berea, etc., etc. Awful week this week – 2 miscarriages 1 ending in a still birth. And have I worked!

All my love, Oggy

GALLERY

---

OGGY TO FAMILY Postmark: October 26, 1941. Pine Mountain, KY

[N.D.] Wed Morn

 Dearest Peoples, –
The most exciting thing – got a telegram from Bob yesterday “Ignoring Navy – taking civilian defense job in Wash. – leaving here Sun[day].” I suppose he will drive back with his family. I know nothing but that yet – but I sure am pleased! Just imagine Washington – no drafting or anything. I can’t imagine how or where he got it – but at least he has it! Can’t go to Btown [Brasstown, NC] as we hoped. Mrs. Nutter had to have a tooth pulled and felt too miserable. Maybe another time. I now have 1½ hrs in [Pine Mtn.] office. Boy am I glad!

Love, me

GALLERY

---

OGGY TO FAMILY Postmark: November 8, 1941, Pine Mountain, KY

[N.D.] Sat Morn

Dear People,
Everything is fine here. Had day off yesterday – so did a nice job of loafing and relaxing. I ordered NY Sunday Times now and spend whole time reading it. I love Time and Reader’s Digest, too, thanks no end. Makes me feel almost civilized. It is trying to snow here – and has really turned toward winter. Which reminds me – one thing I do want is that reddish blue scarf Covy gave me – useful for head covering in winter. Also, my sneakers for what little folk dancing I do. Bob and I hope to contact in the next 2 weeks. I sure hope so. Boy, how I get jealous at [the] thought of Thanksgiving at home. How I’d like a nice turkey. Why not ask Charma? She’ll love it! Me too.

Love, O

GALLERY

---

OGGY TO FAMILY (Oggy to Richard Coolidge, Father) Postmark: November 13, 1941

[On PMSS letterhead for “THE HOSPITAL, Wynham Nutter, Grace M. Rood, R.N.”]

[N.D.] Sunday Night

Dear Pop, –
I just remembered today that the 14^th is your birthday – and I had forgotten all about it. Not even a chance to wish you a happy birthday – well, at least the sentiment is there on the birthday.

Well, someone else was born on your birthday tonight – right here, just about 20 minutes ago. A little baby girl named Turner. I wasn’t at the delivery but I will be soon no doubt. This is the 3rd baby…in 2 days. Fast work!

Well, life is going on better now – I’m getting to enjoy it more. The job has lots of routine and housework in it but it is interesting and very educational. They say the nurse I will work under is a perfect peach and this Dr. would make life happy for anyone. He is a perfect brick – lots of fun and an excellent Doctor. The substitute nurse is nice, too, and I’m getting to know more people – though I must say most of the teachers are pretty ossified. Maude (?) is a nice person – very lively and peppy. He is a Presbyterian minister and gave an excellent talk in chapel today.

To me life isn’t as intriguing as Brasstown life. It’s more routine – more like a boarding school for high school people – as it is. They work 2 hrs. every day then classes. Student nurses do most of the dirty work here. When the regular nurse gets back I’ll have more definite duties –bookkeeping, etc. – now I fill in wherever necessary. Feeding and changing babies mostly. I have learned plenty, though, and I don’t think I’ll ever be afraid of sickness again.

Thanks for letters and check and trunk key. Trunk got in on Friday but I can’t get it till Thursday when bus people go after it. I’m furious – ‘cause I need it. Putney is correct – is the best place. I sent the check to Bob for I owed him it, and I found I had plenty of money, after all. I do hope you sent a check to Hudsons however, if she hasn’t collapsed yet I don’t know why.

I’m glad you approve of Bob [Robert Butman]. I don’t think I’m making any mistake and I think when you get to know him better you’ll like him more and more. I’d like to know your impressions of Mr. Butman. I think he’s swell – I only pray that he doesn’t marry that dope. Please don’t broadcast the news too publicly. Good night, use some discretion. I plan to be home all next summer and get 2 weeks at Christmas. If you all don’t come to Brasstown I hope Bob and I can go home. It all depends on how you want to announce the thing.

Get some rest and let me know how things are progressing. How is the La Prite imbroglio? I’m interested. Well, a happy birthday to you. I cant send you anything, from here – but I intend to send some money later – (from my first check) for you to spend on golf. Hang on.

Love, Olive

GALLERY: Oggy to Richard Coolidge

---

OGGY TO FAMILY Postmark: November 15, 1941, Pine Mountain, KY

[N.D.] Sat Morn

Dear Peoples,
I’m getting along “jest fine.” I’m not quite up yet but I’m half up – and should be up tomorrow. Joy, joy – I am going to Washington for Thanksgiving to see Bob & some bright lights. I hope the cousins there will have a family party because I sure would like to attend one. I hated to ask for the time having been sick and all – but the Dr. says – heavens you’ll be worth much more when you come back & Miss Rood said – go ahead – so every thing is set – If I get out of this here bed quick enough. If I only didn’t have to be sick in this place! Hope you like the bundle, [?], and good luck on sales!

Love, me

GALLERY

---

OGGY TO FAMILY: Unknown Date. Oggy to Moppie

[On letterhead for “Miss Olive D. Coolidge, Camp Teedy-USK-UNG, Hawley, Pennsylvania”.]

[N.D.] Wednesday Aft

Dear Moppie, –
Got a nice letter today – from home saying the arrival of another package – boy that will be welcome. Also got swell letter from 2 school pals – Nealy & Kay – which made me quite nostalgic for the old place. Both were very newsy & made me wish I could see some of those kids.

My thoughts have turned homeward quite a bit lately. I see glimpses of the dining room table and all of us enjoying ourselves – it really is amazing what scenes come to mind. How I wish I could come home Thanksgiving. I guess it’d best to come home Christmas – for I doubt you’d ever plan to get to Btown & no doubt Bob will be able to get home a couple days.

The weather has at last really turned cold here – and I keep a fire going all the time in the cabin. It’s not so lonely, really, and I like it exceptionally well – it’s a real retreat to which the younger staff members come quite often. No one to bother me – if I only didn’t have to struggle over fire I’d be happy. I’m not afraid, though, Laddie would be nice company, Malcolm likes him too well to part much with him.

June’s news is very exciting –

**********

Now Thurs. morning – my pen had run out of ink and I didn’t get it filled immediately. Anyway I am sure I’ll be in excellent training for this summer. You and June can take the whole summer off while I manage the babies single-handed! Hah!

I’m sending you along something you may enjoy for a birthday present – it isn’t much but it is something to show I’m at least thinking of you and I know you’ll like it! Aren’t I conceited? Anyway a happy birthday goes with it. I’d better put that in while I remember it. The next letter I might forget.

I have succumbed for the minute to a cold – everybody else working here has had [?] – now me. Nothing to worry about – no fever – just a sore throat & general tiredness. I guess a bit of grip [sic, grippe]. As I can’t stay very well in the cabin I’m here at the infirmary taking my own medicine. And boy do we have a full house. I’m anxious to be up and around to help and I feel better already.

Janet just lent me her radio for 3 weeks when she will send it back home. I doubt my radio could work here anyway – it’s AC and this is DC. Don’t worry about my taking [?] on Malcolm – he’s a very independent sort and believes in managing the beautiful but dumb type.

Bob does love his job – office & secretary. Next week he really starts in, handling orders – he’s just been getting accustomed to it now. He’s living with a family which live out away & he seems to like it very well.

I hope maybe to go to Wash. for Thanksgiving but if I’m in bed 2 or 3 days I don’t feel it fair to take more time off next week. We shall see – we shall see!

Had a swell time Sunday  – the man who runs the Turkey Farm settlement where we go out to Sunday School – took back the speaker of tent Sunday to Wallins Creek. I went along for company. Jim (his name) works in one of the US Steel capture coal mines – Lynch. I certainly got a new picture from him – my ideas are beginning to change. He showed me Lynch and it really is a beautiful Camp – so clean & all. He says the union is crazy at times – esp. John L. Lewis. So! Maybe I’ll get more conservative!

Well, I’d better stop if this is to catch the mail. —
My love to you both,
Oggy

GALLERY: Unknown Date. Oggy to Moppie

---

OLIVE DAME CAMPBELL TO OGGY Postmark: December 1, 1941, New York, NY

[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 – and your father [?] well. Reg[?] is a good help. We made about 600 in Cambridge and 75 in Medford – both very nice affairs. Now we are [filling?] up the great N.Y. [?].  [?] Sinards is helpful. – Saw Evelyn Wells in Cambridge – Also mother of one of yr cl[?], Greene? Best Love – [?]

GALLERY: Olive Dame Campbell to Oggy

 

---

Next:
OLIVE COOLIDGE 1942 Oggy to Family FEB

See Also:
OLIVE COOLIDGE 1941 Oggy to Richard Coolidge father
OLIVE COOLIDGE Photographs 1941-1942
OLIVE COOLIDGE Staff – Biography

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941-1942 Bob and Oggy GUIDE
OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941-1942 PMSS Letters GUIDE

Return To:
OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1941-1942 Oggy to Family GUIDE