OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy MARCH

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive Coolidge, Nurse Assistant, 1941-1942
Olive Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1942 March 6-31
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive)

OLIVE COOLIDGE Photograph Collection. [coolidge_post-car_1916047.jpg]

TAGS: Olive Coolidge, Robert Butman, Bob to Oggy 1942 correspondence, WWII, Washington DC, Medford MA, U.S. Navy

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy MARCH 6-31

TRANSCRIPTIONS

[Note: Transcriptions are in chronological order and not necessarily in the order of the file number.]

007 POSTMARK: MARCH 10, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C.

DOT TO BOB [Enclosed in Bob’s letter to Oggy]

42 Century Street
W. Medford, Mass
March 6, 1942

Dear Bob:
Just a line to let you know that by this same mail, I’m sending you a few cookies. Hope you like ‘em, the molasses ones have chocolate bar in them, sort of different I think – we like them.

I suppose you had a big week with Oggie. Was talking with Blanche on the phone today. She said she wouldn’t be surprised to hear any day that you were married. I told her I didn’t think you’d do a thing like that – don’t know as she agreed with me but I stood my ground anyhow. You know Mahlon and I almost got married one weekend that the folks were away – it was early in the summer before the wedding. We really talked quite seriously about it but finally we thought better of it and gave up the idea. I’ve thought over what you said about everyone telling you to wait until next fall and no one telling you why. There are so many reason but among them you’re so unsettled as far as a job is concerned. You haven’t bumped into much yet (you can laugh if you want, but its important). A steady job is so important and so is a bank account. I still have a fair slice of the bank account I built up before we were married. We have had over a thousand dollars in doctor’s bills since we were married that included the babies, of course. Believe me, they are an item you can’t ignore and so they disrupt all plans! Getting married is important and a person shouldn’t consider going through life without it – but if you did wait a while you still wouldn’t be an old man by any means.

Times aren’t getting any easier. I took a job this week – going to work two nights a week – three hours a night. It’s regular office work, bookkeeping, and typing! I worked last Tuesday night and it seemed awfully good. It is such a complete change from housework and I sure can use the money. We had to take money out of the bank last week to pay Mahlon’s insurance – something we never had to do before. Really, I don’t know just how we are going to manage unless I do work.

Mahlon says if you ever decide to sell your bike he’d like an option on it. I’ll ride in a basket on front – Barbara in a basket on the rear or vice versa and Wendell will ride in his cart hitched on behind. Can’t you just picture us? Well – I don’t care – everyone else is in the same boat.

When I read this over it sounded gloomy and preachy and not a bit gay so if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth eat a cookie and forget it. My April American just came today so I’ll read a story and go to bed.

Good night, darlin’
Dot

P.S. The Kleenex around the cookies has not been used. Idea I heard about — hope they’re not all smashed. If they are all broken will you please tell me, so I can pack them differently next time.

**********

March 10, 1942

Hello Dearie,

For some unknown reason, I feel unusually happy today, Darling. I suppose I should feel gloomy and depressed to have you leave but I’m very glad that I don’t. Feeling happy is, I think, a good sign. It shows that everything is harmonious and that all is well so to speak.

It sure seems queer to get home early in the evening though – and I don’t like it now that I’ve caught up on my sleep. Last night, being a wee bit weary I went to bed about 7:00 P.M. Tonight I feel like a new man – and wish you were here again so we could start the week over again.

It sure was a swell week, and as usual, we came closer to each other than ever – figuratively speaking of course. Who can tell, Dearie, perhaps we’ll find that the time will come when [what] we now think is fairly complete understanding is as incomplete as our understanding of each other a year ago. Right now though, it seems as though we have more than a good many people.

You’ll laugh at me, but with no trouble at all I can close my eyes and see a house-by-the-sea with rocks, waves, sunshine, a sailboat, wind, rain, and a FIREPLACE. Which gives you a faint idea of how my mind runs.

Dot sent me a letter – came yesterday – which is sort of pertinent to the situation at hand so I though I’d send it along and let you read it – just for amusement. She sort of hit a couple of nails on the head.

Got your letter tonight – and it hit the nail on the head, too. Yup, Dearie – more power to the Coolidge-Butman partnership; it ought to be one of the best yet, whether the incorporation papers are drawn up in May or September. Meaning I love you, Darling, — for always.

Yours,
Bob

008 POSTMARK: MARCH 12, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

Mar. 11, 1942

Hello Darling,

How’s everything back in the dear old Home Town – asks he, trying not to sound in the slightest bit sarcastic. Kinda nice to see the old place again – in a way – but then again —–

One minute it seems as though we hadn’t seen each other for years; the next it seems as though we had just left each other. Ah well – such is life under the System. Anyway, Dearie, I think about you no end.

Work plods along as usual with a very little bit more going on than usual. I’ve spent this week making myself more or less troublesome by constant nagging – trying to overcome at least a little of the inertia that keeps ‘em all sitting around doing practically nothing. I get madder and madder (and I mean mad, not angry) at the complacency of some people, and their smug political outlook. Grrr!

Australia seems to have definitely fallen through. Finch doesn’t want me to go, and according to him it wouldn’t be a very simple thing to do anyway. He changes his mind so often I dunno what to think. If the Japs do as well as they have been, Australia won’t be in Allied hands by the time the darned equipment gets there!

Dates: – No conclusion yet.

That’s all, darling – except that I’m thinking of you and wishing we were together with our fireplace.

Yours always,
Bob

009 POSTMARK: MARCH 13, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 12, 1942

Dearie – If we could only talk to each other every evening life would be much cheerier. You don’t know how much good it does me just to talk with you – even if it was only for six minutes. Or do you? Yessir, Dearie – you’re a cheerful little earful. Talking with you can do wonders, Darling – it really can. I am very definitely in a “You are my Sunshine” mood caused by your radiating over the telephone.

The job situation is, I think, getting a little better. Notice me being ultraconservative. Anyhow, I’ve had a couple of ideas in the past couple of days; ideas which may or may not amount to something. We took ‘em to the labs to talk with them and I had a long discussion with one of the men while Finch sat & looked on, Bly being absent. Finch didn’t know exactly what was going on but he listened and when we got back he remarked to Bly that I had “made my point,” which is a rather astounding statement for him. Perhaps if I open my mouth and let my tongue wobble a bit more freely he will notice I’m here. Of course, that may be risking a slight war with Bly, but it is worth the risk I think. That’s a remote possibility anyway because he is pretty firmly entrenched in Finch’s favor.

Incidentally, you well know that all names and/or complaints are not for publication. I’d be fired tomorrow! The fewer people you mention the situation to, the better it will be.

As for dates—hmmm. I’ll be interested to see how you react to Dot’s propaganda. Very interested, because I think Dot’s judgment is usually sound and worth thinking about for a while.

Australia, as I suspected it would, seems to be definitely out. Apparently, the men will come from somewhere else. You know there’s something we haven’t mentioned much lately, and that’s the draft. Just what happens there will have quite a bit – to say the least – of influence on any decisions we make. In all probability, I’ll be deferred but you never can tell.

As far as experience and “proving myself” goes, I’m afraid we don’t agree that the fact that I’ve thought of it, and that you know about it, means that the problem has been solved. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think it has been your doubts, or your family’s concerning my abilities that brought it on. Like religion, it came from within, so to speak, and I expect that it will have to be settled from the same place – with – I sincerely hope – your help.

That’s the situation in Washington Dearie. Guess I didn’t tell you I love you though, did I? An oversight, Darling, because I sure do, and it sort of looks permanent (surprise).

Yours for always,
Bob

010 POSTMARK: MARCH 15, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

Mar.14, 1942

Hello Darling,

After reading your letter, I would almost be so rash as to say that we feel somewhat the same about talking to each other over the phone. But I’d much rather talk with you in front of the fireplace than over the phone. Doggone it all, Dearie, we’ll have a fireplace of our own sometime.

I see that you and Doris had a heart-to-heart talk and apparently Dot hasn’t changed her mind any. I don’t know whether she’s right or not, Dearie, I don’t know. Perhaps – oh shucks, that isn’t what I want to say and I’m not sure what I do want to say so perhaps I’d best keep quiet. I change my mind 40 times a day, – sounds like Butman.

Had an interesting little chat with Bly today during which I found that Finch hasn’t been too pleased with my actions of late – for which I can’t blame him in a way. Main complaint is that I sit around and do nothing. It seems that that in itself is bad enough but when I complain about it, that’s the last straw. Says Finch to Bly, “I know you don’t have enough to do but don’t advertise, because in doing so you are hurting the whole section,” which is true in a way. Finch relayed the complaint through Bly so that it would be unofficial and so that, if I wanted to, I could correct the situation without any apparent word from him. Subtle that!

So that’s the situation at present and I can’t make up my mind what to think. I don’t blame Finch in the slightest because the complaint is justified – and I’ve become careless in that respect because I’ve felt very ‘don’t give a darnish’ after trying to look busy for nearly 3 months. Such situations, Dearie! Finch is no fool though – maybe I[‘ll] reform and see what happens – business may pick up soon. I’m quite sure it will in fact, judging from the looks of things.

Interesting about Harry and his correspondence. Certainly is. Say I hope you gave my regards to Fran when you were talking with her! The bit of news about Gene & Anne is most interesting. I hope they will be really happy – happier than they seemed to be last year.

Darling, if you need any sympathy I want you to know you have an unlimited amount to draw from at any time. Which sounds a bit stiff – but it isn’t meant to be, Dearie, because it’s certainly true. But it sure doesn’t stop at sympathy, Darling. In fact it doesn’t stop at anything.

Yours always,
Bob

**********

Good Morning Dearie –
Just getting ready to go to church and see if our Unitarian can keep up the good work by making it 3 Sundays in a row. And while I’m there, and all day long, I’ll be thinking about you Dearie.
Bob

011 POSTMARK: MARCH 16, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 15, 1942

Hello Darling,

Somehow this Sunday doesn’t seem quite the same as last for some unknown reason. In a way, it was because I went for a walk in Rock Creek Park – same as last Sunday. But it wasn’t the same, Dearie – far from it, in fact it was very lonesome.

Church was the same way. I had to be careful to keep from reaching out to hold your hand every few minutes. He wasn’t quite up to par today although he did make a couple of good points. Of course, it’s just possible that my mind was wandering a bit during the sermon – in fact, I’m quite sure it was. Dearie, you shouldn’t interfere with my religious life that way. But I’ll be mad if you don’t.

I went for a long walk today, all the way over to the western edge of the park and to the Maryland border. Believe it or not, someone over there actually has some cows! Right in the District. Amazing.

I stumbled on an idea today, literally. I was walking along 14th Street when I tripped over a magazine with pictures of some Youth Hostels on it. Thinks I, perhaps there are some around Washington – close enough for week-end jaunts. So I wrote a letter to their Northfield Headquarters to see whether or not they do have any here. Seems as though it would be kinda fun if they do.

Incidentally, Dearie, I’m a goof. It suddenly dawned on me tonight that I didn’t have my income tax notarized before sending it in. Such a dope I am. Sometimes I wonder.

Tomorrow, I suspect, will be a very busy day. At least it will appear to be a busy one if I know what’s good for me. Such a system! It seems as though none of the systems we run into are quite what they might be. I don’t like the system that keeps us from seeing each other oftener, either.

Shucks, Dearie, there ain’t no justice! Say, perhaps I’ll be able to get home for a day or two in a couple of weeks if it seems advisable to spend the money. I’ll have a day off (for working next Sunday) in two weeks and might be able to get home then. Think it would be a good idea? I do – because – because I love you of course.

Your Bob

012 POSTMARK: MARCH 17, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

Mar. 16, 1942

Dearie – you’re wonderful for no special reason – just on general principles. In other words, that’s the way I feel. And you didn’t need to apologize for your last letter – I liked it.

Thanks very much for digging up my draft number. I had visions of corresponding for weeks on end with the draft board, trying to find out just what was going on. Now, I’ll keep my fingers crossed when they drag out the fish bowl tomorrow. How about crossing yours, too, Dearie.

Work went along very smoothly today, me acting very industrious, and Finch being very pleased. Perhaps we’ll get along a little better if I go a little further than halfway.

Sniff, sniff – I smell cookies – some of that “fragrant aroma” must have been picked up by your letter. Sounds very domestic, Darling, as does the idea about your doing the cooking, for a consideration. I still think you’re wonderful – and I love you.

Say, what’s the story on the State Employment business? Sounds as though you were snooping around looking for a job – or are you? What sort of jobs do they hand out – anything of interest? Don’t do anything dreary Darling – after all, you know, life will be pretty horrible after we’re married, so you should have as much fun now as possible. Heh heh.

Just interrupted for refreshments. Ice cream and cookies – and very good too. I dunno – Mrs. Stuart occasionally loosens up, even though – oh well, don’t be a cat [sic, cad?], Robert.

Say, what do you think about my coming home a week from Sunday? I’ll be working this Sunday, so I could get a week from Sat. off – and possibly I could get an extra day’s leave – which would give me three days vacation. I sort of think it would be worthwhile, even though it would mean spending a little money. I sure would like to see you, Darling – I sure would.

You would like the weather here tonight, Dearie – a little windy and rather misty. Just a perfect night for an ocean. And even better for a fireplace. Pardon me, while I daydream, Darling.

Yours always,
Bob

013 POSTMARK: MARCH 18, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 17, 1942
7:00 P.M.

Hello Darling,

Just got home a little while ago and what should I find but a telegram from Dick & Priscilla saying they would be in Washington tonight and would try to find where I live. The telegram was from Red Bank, N.J., and dated this afternoon, so they should get here sometime in the evening. I hope they will be able to find the phone number here, or the address. Evidently, Dick is being sent somewhere else – they sure do keep him moving around!

Life is becoming much happier at the office – mostly because of the change of attitude I suspect. It seems that Mr. Bly when alone with Finch, brought the subject up himself – which is how the episode mentioned a couple of letters ago got started. Anyhow – according to Bly – says he to Finch, “Bob doesn’t like some of the things you do – and vice versa – we had better get them straightened out so as to avoid a local war of our own.” Finch has been much pleasanter now that I am at least pretending to work – all of which is most encouraging.

**********

Later 9:30

Hmmm. Begins to look as though Dick & Priscilla weren’t coming tonight. It’s just possible that they are driving down and didn’t leave until late this afternoon.

Dearie – just on general principle, build a good fire in the fireplace Saturday night, and curl up beside it for the evening. Of course, you don’t have to build a fire but I do think it would be a good idea not to wander too far from the fireplace just the same.

And say, Darling – in case you didn’t know, I love you very much – and I expect I always will. Hmmm – I expect is very weak – there’s no expectation about it – it’s very certain.

All my love,
Bob

016 POSTMARK: MARCH 20[?], 1942, SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – BOB TO OGGY

[On letterhead for “Members’ Correspondence, Young Men’s Christian Association, Schenectady, New York]

March 19, 1942

Hello Darling –

Fancy meeting me here! Yep – little Robert is getting around – and having fun doing it.

Not wishing Mr. Bly any hard luck – but it is only because he was sick that I happened to be here. He probably doesn’t mind, though, because I rather suspect he would much rather be home with pneumonia – to say nothing of a mere cold – than to travel. I didn’t expect to be here tonight as there is a sleeper coming up but after hearing stories about how the cars are jounced about in the Albany yards all night long I changed my mind. Besides – a very unusual occurrence – I didn’t have very much to do this afternoon what with Finch and Bly both out.

I’m meeting Finch here tomorrow morning – he’s flying up from N.Y.C.– the plutocrat. Tomorrow night we are going back to New York to see some people there on Saturday morning.

Then – aha – then Little Robert is catching the first train for Boston. With luck I should be there early in the evening. How’s that? ‘Course you may have been a bit suspicious after I mentioned the fireplace and Saturday night.

And, Dearie – may I suggest? How about putting your ear to the ground – maybe a telephone would work better, though – and finding out if Wellesley might by some wild chance be having some sort of a formal we could crash. ‘Course it doesn’t have to be Wellesley – you might hear of something at Tech – or ANYWHERE – don’t ask me how, because I haven’t the faintest idea.

Incidentally, if you don’t mind – I’d like to give myself a swift kick – then forget the last letter you wrote – even though it was just criticism. I’ll reform. Period. Incident closed. (?) I hope.

Meanwhile – my heart is not in Schenectady; neither is it in Washington – strangely enough.

Yours,
Bob

Fact is, my mind is about 48 hours ahead of my geography.

Say – remind me to recite a few adjectives about cookies and sweaters when I get home. I’d do it now but it’s late – I’m sleepy, and my ingenuity fails me.

014 POSTMARK: MARCH 23, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 23, 1942

Hello Darling -–

I want to get some sort of letter written before I go out to eat so that it will get home fairly soon. Not being very hungry when I left work I didn’t eat and when I got home, what should I find here but two books. Running true to form I got absorbed in “Kindling” and read more than half of it – which makes it 8:30 now – and me rather hungry. Gee, darling, it was perfectly swell of you to send the books. More than once – quite often in fact, I’ve wanted something to read and haven’t had it. If you were only here I could give you a hug and a kiss to show you how much they are appreciated.

There were three other letters waiting here also – hmmm! The funny (?) part of it is, you’re right about me in a way, much as I hate to admit it. Even though I’m very proud of you – and pleased immensely at your “femininity,” even though my heart does things at a terrific rate sometimes, my adjectives are, as a general rule, most inadequate. But I guess that is about the same thing I told you yesterday. Nevertheless, Darling, when I say I’m proud of you and that I love you (surprise!) I mean every word of it.

As for “suppressing your vitality,” you know Darling that would be the last thing on earth I’d want to do because your vitality is one of the most lovable things about you. O.K., Cute & Cuddly?

My stomach is complaining, Dearie – and this will have to be mailed soon to go tonight anyway – so guess I’ll send it along with —

All my love,
Bob
Who is missing you as usual.

015 POSTMARK: MARCH 24, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 24, 1942

Hello Darling –

Me thinks I had better write before I start to read “Moment in Peking” because if I get as absorbed in that as I did in “Kindling” (which I finished last night) it might be just a bit later in the evening before I come back to reality. Perhaps it wasn’t such a wise idea for you to send them after all!

The trip back was dull – and lonesome – as usual. I couldn’t for love or money wrangle an extra blanket from the porter “on account of there ain’t no more” says he. It wasn’t quite as cold as it sometimes is, though, so everything was very cozy – like fun[?]. I kept waking up during the night and feeling that something was missing – and something was Dearie.

No one seemed to mind that I was late – in fact. nothing at all was said about it. It seemed that they thought it was quite the logical thing to do.

We had such a lot of fun in such a short time, darling – even though there weren’t any waves on the ocean – that I feel more lonesome than ever. Seems as though each time we see each other, we understand each other a little better, and have just a little more fun. It doesn’t seem as though that could go on forever – but I believe in miracles – (my sp. is astounding).

Stopped at the P.O. and picked up Blanche’s applesauce cake. I haven’t eaten any yet, but it looks sort of good, quite good, in fact.

Oh, yeah – had a letter from Mary Helen Clarke – Coral Gables – waiting for me when I got back. She thought it was sweet of you to write and wanted me to tell you so. She also remarked that Coral Gables was a good place for a honeymoon! Just little too far away, though – for the amount of time we’ll probably have for a honeymoon. But then perhaps we can take a 2nd one sometime if the 1st isn’t long enough. Perhaps we’ll be on a perpetual honeymoon – hmmm?

Yours always,
Bob

017 POSTMARK: MARCH 25, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 25, 1942

Darling —

The way you express yourself makes me just melt away. We felt practically the same way Monday – but you described it better than I. Butman is tongue tied as usual.

I just wrote to dad tonight and asked him to send my bike if it seems practical. So Robert will be paddling about Washington – perhaps. It’s just possible that it might be a good idea to ride it to work – if it isn’t too much work.

Yes – a very swell letter from Katherine. And not because of any flatterY either! She’s really one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. I hope you have a chance to meet her sometime – I know you would like her. It’s wonderful how she can be so cheerful under the circumstances – her husband not alive, and she with three small children to bring up in not too settled surroundings. She always has a comment for any situation that will make everyone laugh.

The article about the Army-Navy set up is also interesting. Quite true too – Navy red tape is one of the most discouraging things about the Navy. Things move so slowly that you wonder if anything is moving at all. However, it begins to look as though our section might show signs of life soon – people are beginning to realize how important our work is – and it is important. When they realize that, they’ll put the heat on Finch and he’ll have to produce. All of which is encouraging.

And Darling you don’t know – well perhaps you do – how wonderful it makes me feel to know that you are thinking about me as I am thinking about you. To have you say, “Tut, Tut – don’t be silly“ when I’m a little doubtful about something (me, for instance), means a lot.

The kisses are accepted with pleasure – I’m enclosing a few of mine if you want them.

Always yours,
Bob

018 POSTMARK: MARCH 27, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 27, 1942
3:20 P.M.

Hello Darling,

Ho-Hum – such a life! There’s nothing like having a whole day to do absolutely nothing in. I’ll be working Sunday so I decided to take the day off and loaf. The only trouble is, you aren’t here and it’s such a swell day to go for a sail or a walk – or a canoe ride. Oh me.

I had to laugh yesterday when we were out to lunch. Says I, it’s a swell day for a sail. Says Harvey, What do you want to go to a sale for? – in a very bewildered tone. Oh well – some people just don’t understand. They don’t feel the urge to get out and stretch in the spring I guess.

Say, by the way, we are now the owners of Mozart’s Symphony no. 40. I was walking by the record place the other day and couldn’t get by without stopping and getting something. I spent a couple of hours today trying to get someone to do the necessary machine work for the phonograph – without success. It’s a very simple thing to do too – but no one seems to have the right tools. Guess I’ll just have to wait until I get home again.

I told you about the play that I was roped into didn’t I? Hmmm. Last night – the first night this week that I haven’t been home early – the fellow who is directing the play called to tell me that they were rehearsing. Robert, being at a movie, missed it. When I got home I called him, only to find that the next rehearsal is to be Sunday afternoon – I’ll miss that too. The poor bloke sounded very disgusted, which made me mad because it wasn’t my fault that he hadn’t spoken to me sooner! Oh well it’s all good fun.

How was the wedding? And how did the green dress look? Yessir Dearie I sure wish we could step out some night. I know how you feel along those lines – even if Doris Miller doesn’t.

And I still wish you were here today – but why stop at today? – I wish you were here. Period. You do so much for me Darling that it isn’t even funny. Staring out of the window at the rows and rows of houses – all alike – make me think by contrast of Nantucket. Especially since there is a very balmy breeze blowing on the window. Need I say more?

Aha! Mrs. Stuart just came upstairs with a letter from you and a very swell letter it is too. One of those that makes me feel that I would like to whisper sweet nothings into your ear, and tell you that I love you. And come to think of it why not? I love you.

It sounds as though you have stumbled upon a very satisfactory arrangement for everything in general. What with school and keeping – pardon me while I chuckle – the home fires burning you should be rather well occupied,

You almost sound as though you thought that September isn’t such a horrible month after all. In a way I think it would be best Dearie. You know, one thing I’ve been thinking about is the fact that if we have a little larger sock full of money, it’s just possible that sometime later on we’ll be able to do some of the things that we couldn’t do if we were married now. It might mean that we would be able to live just a little better later on – and have more fun than we could otherwise. Perhaps not, of course, but it’s a distinct possibility.

But regardless of whether we are married tomorrow or in September I’m thinking about you Dearie. And even though it may be 5 months before we are actually together – my heart is with you now – and always.

Yours always,
Bob

019 POSTMARK: MARCH 29, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 29, 1942
9:50 A.M.

Hello Darling,

My My – such weather we have! It was somewhat of a surprise to open one eye this morning and see everything buried under 6-8 inches of snow. Hmmm – maybe 6 would be nearer correct than 8, but it’s plenty deep. And it is very pretty, or was, as it is damp and clings to the trees.

It was still snowing a miniature blizzard when we left the house this morning. And of course, no one being prepared for snow, we would have to wait for a stalled car to get out of the way every few minutes. Good fun though, lots of broken trees in the road, wires down, street cars not running, plows not out – a taste of winter now that spring is here.

For the past hour or so I have been amusing myself by reading a newspaper and watching a girl build a snowman out by the reflecting pool, She has been working on it for an hour and a half, and in such a business-like manner you would think her life depended on it. Quite an artist though – she has two of them – one a man with a tall hat, the other a very diminutive woman.

Say Dearie, a passing thought – how would you like to have a good snow fight – or go skiing? Methinks ’twould be good fun – says he weakly. But then my adjectives are always weak when I try to describe how much I’d like to see you.

Spent a very enlightening evening last night, doing practically nothing. I did do a little reading –in fact I read “A Moment … [?]“ for a couple of hours. At present I’m almost half way through the book and I’m afraid Dearie, that that is about as far as I will be able to go. Somehow it just doesn’t seem to be my type of book. That doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate your sending it (them) though Dearie – far from it!

Just took time out for a cup of coffee. After all you know, a fellow has to have something to keep him going while he’s doing such strenuous work. Actually this coffee business is quite a racket. About 10 in the morning and three in the afternoon the cafeteria is nearly as crowded as it is at noon. I can’t understand it either because the coffee is nothing like the home made kind – hint, hint.

Shucks Dearie, I feel very much in a “how about a date tonight?” mood. Which is nothing unusual because I feel that way most of the time. And even more so after getting a letter from you. Yes Darling, it must be love – says he – seeing a fireplace in front of him.

Yours always,
Bob

020 POSTMARK: MARCH 30, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 30, 1942

Hello Darling,

How are you? That’s good – I’m fine too. Darling you are wonderful, – says he plunging into his uppermost thoughts. Questions: How can I love you more and more every day? Answer: Perhaps I can’t – but I do.

Thanks very much for sending the clippings – all very interesting.

But Darling, am I going to need an apron? My knees are shaking.
Femininity. I’ll allow myself a quiet chuckle on that one – and remind myself to tell you I love you next time I see you.
Washington Sabotage: Perhaps true in some government buildings, but hardly the case in our section.
Yep – I can spot my girl friends in the picture with Mrs. Roosevelt. Trouble is my best girl friend almost got pushed out of the picture.
Yes – how about a trip to N.H.? we’ll stay for about a week (or two) in a cabin with a fireplace. Spend the days skiing and walking. The only difficulty with that idea is that I can’t seem to think of anything we could do to keep ourselves occupied during the evenings. Any suggestions?

We have a bit of news for our section. It seems that Mr. Finch is leaving on a trip next month – and will be away for over a month. He hopes he won’t be gone any longer than that anyway. Just between you and I only he’ll be following in Dick’s footsteps. So ——- that leaves Mr. Bly and myself to run the place for awhile. At least it leaves us until our new officer comes in around May 1. The new fellow will be under Finch.

All of which brings work more or less up to day. Only trouble is, work isn’t picking up any and I’m finding that Mr. Bly’s inertia is as great – if not greater – than Finch’s. And I’m afraid I don’t always make myself too popular by trying to get things done occasionally. Hmmmm – well that’s a little strong because something is accomplished now and then, but I just think if they would put forth a little more energy we would accomplish a lot more. Oh well – I have to laugh at the way my spirits go up and down about the situation.

You’re right Dearie, about things to avoid in marriage. I was walking along the street last night and happened to look into an apartment window. There was a middle aged woman, sewing on a machine with an expression that made me feel as though she thought life was nothing but drudgery. That’s not for us Darling! Of course that’s only one thing that can happen I suppose.

But if we love each much as I feel that we do, I don’t think we need to worry Darling; Right now you’re wonderful is about all I can think of to say (repetition at that) —– beyond that, words fail me. Except perhaps – I love you – with all my heart – yes you Dear.

Yours,
Bob
Does “yes you dear” remind you of a valentine’s poem once written by none other than one O.D.C.?

001 POSTMARK: APRIL 1, 1942, WASHINGTON, D.C. – BOB TO OGGY

March 31, 1942

Hello Darling,

Sometimes, when I’m feeling very philosophical, I wonder what I ever did to deserve you. And no matter how much I flatter myself the answer always seem to come out the same. The answer being: “nothing you’re just lucky Robert.”

The books were here when I got home tonight – and very welcome they are. In other words, thanks very much Darling – more adequate thanks will be offered at a later date. I started to read H.M.P. but didn’t get very far because a.) I took a nap and b.) I had to study this bloody play.

Really Dearie can you imagine me playing the part of a tall raw-boned policeman who is inclined to be blustery in his speech? He is also described as “not too alert in manner.” That, of course, will be simple. We shall see tomorrow night at rehearsal.

Very glad to hear you had a reasonably good time at 14 Newton, and at 42 Century. I’m sure the visits are appreciated. It’s also enlightening to hear that Blanche is loosening up a bit – most encouraging. But then how could she help it darling – anyone that doesn’t melt when you smile at them is a block of granite.

Another very nice letter Dearie – one of those that make me wonder about waiting until Sept. At that rate my will power is likely to fail me! Don’t misunderstand me Darling – I don’t mean that as a rebuke. Lord, I’d think there was something wrong if you didn’t want to get married earlier! Love is a wonderful thing Dearie – though I don’t know much about it because you have all of mine.

Bob