1920s Letters

Dearest, I had an oral exam in Operative surgery Monday morning and was busy writing up autopsies last night until I got writers cramp + had to quit, so my weekly letter will be a couple of days late this week – I believe I'm paid up in advance, though, now, am I not . Less than 4 weeks and school will be over and a few days more, + I'll be seeing you. I don't know when to tell you to leave – better find out at the ticket office. I understood you to say the exams were held the 29th + if thats the case, you will have to leave before the 28th – or 26th or maybe 27th. I guess we had better decide about the boat trip home after you get up here. As I remember Paul Klipps (I'm uncertain about the spelling too ) “Ichabod type” fits him, + it seems to me he has a nose somewhat resembling Eva Belle's, wears glasses with rather thick lenses + has a pretty big vocabulary . and was a Staunch friend of Frank Stansel's , and his mother was a Spanish teacher up at the high s...

Dear Helen : It is a changeable New England night. It has rained and now it snows. I am nearly alone. Every thing is quiet. Everyone has gone to a Beta dance. But for some reason , despite a special invitation , I am here. When I first came in I began smoking and reading 'Crusade' by Donn Byrne . Having finished it I could not help admitting that so many things called you to my mind and they brought the realization that you have for a long time controlled all the good there is in me, and still do. It also made me feel how unchivalrous I had been in the last letter. So won't you please write me, Ted.

Dearest, I had a pretty good ride over in the bus yesterday , and arrived without mishap , and without seeing anything of particular interest. Last night, one of my aunts + I went over to the Congressional library, + after looking over the place we went back to the Newspaper files + read the El Paso Times, from March 20 – Apr. 3. I couldn't find any scandal about you anywhere, though as you said, Dad's name was smeared all over. It's as bright and sunny today as it was yesterday , and that doesn't help my homesickness any. I'm afraid that's about all the news to date – so I'll have to hand you some old stuff – viz.– I love you. Henry.

Dearest, Your “special” was a very pleasant surprise, Sunday, and was so unexpected that it lay around all day before I saw it. The Baltimore educational system seems to enjoy putting up obstacles for us. Your trip up here in May would be a little bit expensive, but its foolish for you doubt your ability to pass them; although I know very well how any examination can cause worry. I have one in Neurology tomorrow, by the way, + I haven't any conception of the course. You said something our being married cause some sort of prejudice in the school. I don't believe that's involved at all. There are several of the boys in my class now who are married. Of course this step we're thinking of taking needs careful consideration. From my point of view , I can see no disadvantages. From yours, its up to you. If you think you love me enough , I think everything will work out O.K. You, of course, are taking a big chance on my ability as a provider. There is no way of letting whethe...

Dearest, Things progress as usual, except that among other things, I've been combatting a cold for the past 3 or four days. I had a quiz in Gynecological and Obstetrical pathology yesterday – Guess I hit it all right, but not any too well – and furthermore there's a possibility of a quiz in obstetrics tomorrow. I had an interesting case in the dispensary today; and my diagnosis was as good as any ones else, so that tickled me a little bit. Only a couple of months till the next siege of exams – and then a few weeks more, and I'll be seeing you. Somehow – I've got the blues a little bit tonight, + I sure wish you were with me, to shove them off or chase them away as the case might be. Tomorrow I take a half-hour ride out to Bay view. The nut factory is located out there + and we look them over about once a month. Bively + his girl have just come in – I asked her what to tell you and she said, “I love you.” So consider it said, dear. I only wish that I could think of ...

Dearest, Spring is beginning to look like it was on the way – and that means that summer is not so faroff. I got a letter from Mother today, saying that she had the pleasure of your company for dinner the other day – and that she loved you more every time she saw you. She also said that Dad had traded in the old Chrysler on a Willys-Knight. …................................................................................................................................................................. In the mean time, I've just been over to supper, and had a good piece of lemon pie for dessert. Can you make them – are you really getting some experience now, or are you + your dad keying the Modern going? I wish I had you up here now – just to cuddle up for a few minutes, before I start to grind, even, would help a lot I miss you an awful lot. I'm afraid I'm not much good at love-making by mail, dear. But I think you know my feeling, anyway, don't you? We had a le...

Dear Helen : I am glad for you Tony that your mind is decided, it is such a relief (for you) However like the villain in the story I hope it doesn't occur. A New England cold has gripped me for the past few days and I have been all but tubercular in symptom, so be content in El Paso. Yes! You may be my sister since it is only nominal. However I hope you continue broad-minded. (This is all because I resent having been totally incapacitated emotionally to show you that side of my nature which is the clincher.) N'est ce pas. I am not morally decrepit, but I am confirmed to this. Do let me know when when it comes off and in the meantime write when you feel like it. College is mellowing me fast (I don't mean drink). I really will be bald soon, but not for a moment do I succumb to your presentation of your self. Finances may stiffle my deeds, paper my words but I still continue in my belief, so often expressed, that my inner nature cannot go unanswered by yours (egotish?) s...