July 10, 1940

                                                                               Wednesday

Dear Dotty -

        I kind of dashed back from the office this noon to get your letter and since then it has been read about six times - it's really not bad reading, no matter what you think -  Anyway, I'm glad to know that you saw the doctor and that he explained the mystery of the swollen eyes - I will be expecting them to be back to normal when I gaze into them this weekend - or do you mind?

        This week is really going slow and it seems like a long time since I left Eugene - and I am missing you even more than I was afraid I was going to, or somethin -

       My job gives promise of being more interesting than I had hoped - All I have been doing the last couple of days consists of getting acquainted with the staff and wandering through the place.  Although they call this institution the Medical School, it is nothing more or less than a hospital, and the atmosphere and all the procedures is different than anything I've ever been familiar with.

        Time really whips by on the job, and there isn't any of this tearing out of there when the 5 o'clock whistle blows.  From what I've seen so far, every person has about 2 person's work to do but nobody is complaining.  Mr. Couch is really an amazing man and has a wonderful organization - and no one works any harder than he does.  It seems as though in this game one's life seems to center about his work and no one cares too much about working 10 or 12 hours a day if the work is taken care of.

        Yesterday I went through the embalming room and saw a number of corpses which were hanging up to dry - it was kind of gruesome to me, but no one else thought it so bad and I'll probably get used to such sights in a little while.  Today I accompanied Mr. Couch on his regular weekly inspection tour of the hospitals and clinics - and it was quite a revelation.

        I have decided to take the little apartment I was telling you about and I will move in Sunday nite after I get back from Eugene - It is a nice spot and is located close to town and the Medical School - the address is 1722 SW 14th, Apt 7 - and it seems to be a very quiet and restful neighborhood.  I shall probably cook my breakfasts and possibly an occasional steak at dinner - I can eat my lunches at the Med School so will probably stay there at noon and save on gas.  It may be that I'll get a roommate too which would cut down the expense a bit - have had a couple of offers already but haven't decided what to do.

        This YMCA isn't such a bad place to spend a few days - have gone in swimming a couple of times and everything.

        Also I met a fellow named Bob Moody from Eugene who is working for General Motors up here and who wants to go back to Eugene every weekend - He has offered to buy half the gas and all the oil, which sounds okay to me - so maybe I'll be able to come down more often than I had planned.

        The car is running in great shape - how are you and the Ford?

        Mr. Couch said today that my pay will start from the 1st of the month so I am going out and buy a beer or so tonite to celebrate -

        In case I didn't tell you before, Von has a 35 Pontiac coupe now and he still isn't getting along too well with Jane - personally I have a hunch he's in love with Dotty Lou Hana but don't tell anybody I said so -

        Saw Gendron and Noce this noon -  Gendron is going back East and Noce is working with Pacific something or other at $15 per week -

        Regarding the pancake flour I shall be most happy to be invited over for breakfast Sunday AM and participate of the hot-cakes flipped by your own lily white hands - also I wouldn't mind if you asked me over for a couple of more meals over the weekend (not much of a hint, huh).  As to the golf, I think I'll kiss it off and keep you occupied - greater love hath no man than that, or sumpin -

        I haven't made up my mind yet whether to call Marge - if I bring the stuff down then you won't come up in a couple of weeks and that is bad - However I will make it a point to call her tomorrow, just for you -

        Will be awful unhappy if you don't reply to this right away so see if you can fix me up.

                                                                      Love,

                                                                           Bill

        XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXetc

 July 9, 1940

Hi Ho, Bill, Dear:--

       Happy 9th of July to you, and it does seem funny not being with you!!

       Your new job sounds very interesting to say the least and I bet you will have a lot to learn.  Oh well that is good for the brain cells--keeps them awake?  I think my eyes are better--I went to the Doctor Monday and he scolded me for not coming back sooner.  It is still a cold that has gone to my sinus.  He says it can be fixed up in no time if we just keep after it.  Soooo, I am going back Tomorrow.  Happy fun games.

       Your little apartment sounds kinda cute.  Hope you won't get too lonesome by yourself--never thought of it before, but it will probably be a little different from the Alder Street Active Club.  Now you can learn to be an expert cook--with your own little stove and everything.

      Guess what, I've got a lot to tell you but I can't seem to get it down on paper.  Hope this week goes a lot faster than it has been going so far.  Sunday night I was just lost--Mom and I went to the show but got home at 8:30--so guess I went to bed about 10:30.  Probably was good for me.

      Marge Bates and those kids certainly have a darling apartment.  I went up there last night and we finally got the stuff straightened out.  I annexed the pancake flour--so if you would like maybe you can come over for Sunday breakfast if we can set a time so it won't mix with your golf, or somepin.

      Tell Von "hellow" for me, if you haven't already done so, and it sounds like he has a pretty good job.  Maybe I can trade with someone cause I'm sure getting tired of mine.  Guess I'll be glad when school starts and I can go to a class now and then and get my mind off the office.  Since Bob has been on his vacation we have actually been getting through on time.  This e isn't sarcasm, just coincidence.  I guess he had a pretty good time.  Went to Seaside for a couple of days and thought it was quite wonderful.  I can hardly wait not 'til Helen and I go.  In fact I think about it most of the time: when I'm not thinking of you.

      Darn, I wish I weren't so lazy.  I keep thinking of all the things I have to do, and then decide-well I could do them better tomorrow; but one of these days I will have a showdown and get something done.  (I hope)

      Will you do me someping?  If you think about it call Marge and tell her that you are coming down and if she thinks that it would be better to have the dress made here that you can bring the material down if she has it.  Anyway see what she thinks would be best cause Boris might be awful busy. 

      Wow! it's almost 8:30 now--so think I'll dash to be sure to get this is in the mail.  Maybe the next letter I write will have a little more spirit--anyway my heart's in the right place and I think of you a lot.

                                                                           Love and kisses,

                                                                                 dotty

PSILY

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

July 8, 1940

                                                                 Monday nite -

Dear Dotty -

     Happy 9th of July to you - all I can say is this is a fine thing celebrating our seventh anniversary 125 miles apart - here I have only been up in Portland a day now and I am missing you sumpin' awful already - and I don't mean perhaps -

     Well anyway, how are you coming along with your work and your cold and your eyes.  I hope you have seen the doc like you promised you would, and also it would help if you got well in a hurry -

     Had a very uneventful drive up Sunday afternoon - took things easy and conservative as usual and made the trip in about 2 hrs and 45 min -  Called up Von after I got in and he insisted that I stay with him Sun night which I did - Since then I have been looking all over Marquam Hill and SW Portland for a room or a small apartment and the going has been tough, or maybe I'm too particular - Anyway - I didn't find anything suitable until about 1/2 hour ago -  This deal is a little apartment at 14th and Harrison SW, furnished very nicely, with gas, refrigerator, etc - but no shower damit - however if I take this I can't move in till Monday - so in the meanwhile I dunno -

     By the way, are you missing me and my phone calls and my cheery (?) voice just a little - I don't know how you feel, but Saturday (next) sure seems like a long way off - and I'm not going to waste much time getting on the highway to Eugene Saturday afternoon after work -

     Oh yes speaking of work I did some today - or are you surprised.  Anyway it was lots of fun and I met several interesting people and had a nice long conference with Mr. Couch and from all appearances I am going to be busy from now on.

     All I did today was memorize the administrative diagram showing the set-up of the various administrave and executive heads up there, and also learned the names of all the department heads and big-shots, to say nothing of learning the meaning of such terms as otolarangology, roentgenology, orthopoedic surgery, pediatrics, rhinology, otology, biochemistry, etc.  And it isn't as easy as it sounds.  Mr. Couch said that most of my work for a while yet would consist of hammering out miscellaneous reports and the like and fixing up the TB hospital budget for the governor's office.

     Almost forgot - my hours are 8:30 to 5 on weekdays - with 1 hour for lunch - and 8:30 to 12:30 on Saturdays - which is a little improvement.

     Also - please pardon the stationery - mine is still in the car and I am writing this in Von's office at the Linde Air Products - some place - this is company stationery - also co. ink -  By the way, Robert says hello -

     Since starting this letter, I have decided to stay at the YMCA for a couple of nights starting tomorrow - it costs practically nothing and is right in town - so please write me a letter there right away - will you my love, or should I say my sweet little Dotty - the address is 831 S.W. 6th - I will await your letter expectantly in the meanwhile -

                                                                      Love,

                                                                 Bill or Zim

                                                                (which do you like best)

PS (you know what)

June 11, 1940

                                                             Monday evening

Happy Tuesday, Bill Dear -

     Damit has a flat tire, damn it - I strutted out this morning got into the little beauty and then couldn't shut the door - for some reason it won't shut - then I found out the tire was flat so gave up - and just then Bob drove up - thank goodness - He is supposed to come over tonight to help me change it  - but hasn't showed up yet - then tomorrow at a quarter to eight I will take it to the O.K. -  If I get the tire fixed - other than that the day has been very quiet, but hotter than hot -  We are certainly going to roast this summer in our beautiful little office bldg. - How is Portland treating you?  -  And do you still love me?-

     Tomorrow I'm going to get my insurance I guess - I miss you already and here it's only the first day - 

P.S. - The tire's fixed - and no nail - maybe some kid let the air out - you didn't did you?!-

I feel so silly, can't concentrate a bit - It feels kinda good not having something definite that has to be done.  Still I've got a lot of things to do -

     Now, do you know what, My vacation is going to be next week, from the 16 to the 23 -  I traded with Mildred cause she and Don won't have their car - I guess it really doesn't make a lot of difference.  Have you found a car yet?-

     Well, hon don't get lost in the big city, and don't spend too much money -

     I hope this letter makes a little sense, but I just can't concentrate - See you Wednesday-

                                    Love and kisses 

                                           Dotty -

                                                                      

April 23, 1940

                                                                                          Monday Evening

HidY Hi and Hidy Ho,

          Here I am trying to get up enough enthusiasm to start typing my lesson, and do I--no, instead I start writing to you.  Now I ask you, what does that mean?   (These numbers on the keys don't tell the truth)

          I would like to know what they put in that food we ate yesterday, or just what I did eat that wasn't the right thing, but wow! !  last night all of a sudden I didn't feel so good, and I then proceeded to not have anything left in my tummy.  What a life--I haven't done anything like that for years.  But I do feel better today.  Except that I could feel more ambitious.

          And guess what:  My dressmaker used to take care of me when I was a little tiny baby.  In fact she was a very good friend of my mother's.  She said that she made me a cute little velvet coat and stuff and that my bed was over at her house most of the time.  She said she was very surprised to find out that I was "Peanuts" little girl.  I guess they called my mom Peanuts for short.  However it was all very interesting to me.

          And what did you do today?  I suppose the board meeting went ofF O.K. and everybody's happy only there will still be some more tomorrow.  And how are you and Mr. Clark or whatever his name is getting along?  (How do you like my one finger typing on one hand.  I don't seem to be as accurate as I might, doI?)  Tomorrow I go riding again and H.G. has decided to go on Tuesday nights.  She and Bill went to the beach Sunday, and evidently it was swell down there, cause her face had quite a pinkish glow to it.

Hmmmm, this is developing into quite an epistle--or is it.

I certainly hope no one else reads them but you, cause they might not be able to understand all this jibberish--maybe you don't either, but anytt way you can understand that my heart 's in the right place and I mean well.  Dran I wish I could get in the mood to study, but for some reason, my heart's not in it.  Do you know what I'm practising printing now?  WILLY NILLY ZIMMY  How you like that?!!  It really looks awfully cute and those are the letters that we have now, so it works out swell.  Whoops I'm using both hands to type now and I can do it swell, and can go about three times as fast and don't seem to make so many errors.  Guess my old finger will heal up pretty fast after all cause it doesn't bother me at all--only when I hit the "a", and then it stretches it a little.  I bet you never thought that you would get such a long letter.  Well I never thought that I would be writing one either, but right now I am getting practise using this old finger of mine.  Did you call Marge up?  I would like to know how she is getting along and what not.  Why don't you tell me to get to work and quit all this Tomfoolery.  I sure wish I could.  But I just ain't in the mood.  Celorie leaves tomorrow for the East.  Oh happy day and happy fun games.  I hope things aren't too busy, cause it would be nice to sort of take things easy for a while, and then I might get lots of riding in.  Gallop, gallop, etc. ---

Examine the upholstery materials, the drapery fabrics, the pottery, and the wall treatments seen in houses, public buildings, and furniture stores.  Note whether the weave of the textiles is suitable in scale and feeling for the job; whether the pottery and wall finishes are of consistent coarseness or fineness.  Did you do that, well I didn't and I don't think that I am going to either.  Oh -ell, why don't I get to work.  I don't know.  Guess I will take a vacation, only I can't cause then I never will get anything done.  I am beginning to wonder if I ever will graduate from this silly old institution of higher learning.  Tra la, tis spring, good old spring, tra la some more.  Olny our Barometer fell a goot foot and a half today.  Perhaps it will rain tomorrow.  Don't buy too many golf clubs in Portland--or were you even thinking about it?  Anyway I wish I were there instead of here, trying to talk myself into studying, when I DON'T WANT TO, as you can plainly see.  Well, if you follwed me this far and kept reading, it is true that you really love me.  Cause you never would have otherwise.  And I guess I must really love you to keep wanting to write to you, when there are more and other things that I should be doing.  So at last I am going to tear myself away and get to work, I hope.

                                                                        

                                                                        Love and kisses,

                                                                             Dotty

WILLY NILLY ZIMY 

                                                           no room for the other 'm" 

XXXXXXXXXX

PSILY - - DYLM? --

April 22, 1940

                                            Sunday PM

Dear Dotty -

     Hello and happy Monday -  How are you getting along in your work -

We have just arrived in the City again and I am commencing to relax for a while.  I hope -  Had some good fun coming up the valley this afternoon, although it was a little on the hot side most of the way -  Had 3 passengers - on account of Mary -  Elizabeth decided she would waste her time up here rather than in Eugene.  I am trying to figure out what to say to Mr. Byrne when he sees her hanging around the hotel and asks me whatinhell she's doing here.

We stopped at Wimpy's in Salem and had a large coke each and it tasted kiinda good - other than that - no stops, so here we are -  and by the way, I have only been here about 1/2 hour and here I am writing a letter - I wouldn't be at all surprised if I am in love no doubt - and how are you too -  by now, you should be missing me a little anyway I hope.  From the looks of the landscape without, it is going to be a not bad evening tonite - and I kinda wish you were here, or I was there, so that we could watch the moon and hold hands or somethin' - but I guess that will have to wait -

     I would not be confounded if this developed into a rather busy meeting for me - starting with a committee meeting at 8 tonite, the same all day Monday, Board meeting Tuesday morning, and the visit to the Medical School Tuesday afternoon.  The budgets for next year all all going to be approved I hope and they better not find too many errors or I will feel unhappy -

     You better spend a little time studying Monday and Tuesday evenings on account of I am going to make it very difficult for you to do same on Wednesday and probably Thurs, Fri and Sat also-

However, it will be perfectly all right if you take time out and write me a

L - O - N - G letter tonite (Mon.).

By the way, I do not know whether you will get this in the AM or the PM - but it makes no difference now -

In the meanwhile I will watch for the little man with the mail and your letters -

                                               With love,

                                                       Bill

   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx etc.

April 21, 1940

Hu-wo - my pet-

     I think I must have sleeping sickness - Laid down at about 3:30 and just got up - 7:30 - I really went sound to sleep, too.  Happy fun games.

     Gee it seems funny writing to you when I saw you only a little time ago.  Did you have a nice ride up?  And was Portland glad to see you?  I am trying to talk myself into studying but I am not succeeding at all.  About 11:00 or 12:00 I'll probably feel like it -  Oh well -

     That sure was a good dinner today - I'm still not hungry - My tan has started - Sat out in the sun for about half an hour and got a little pink.  Ta-Da -  Maybe you'll have to buy me another dinner soon!!? -  Wish I were in Portland - darn it - I'm getting tired of just sitting around here. - Give my love to everyone - you know who -

                                                   Love & kisses

                                                         Dotty

P.S.I.L.Y.

psilya -

XXXXX etc, -

March 11, 1940 [two letters from Dotty added 12/13/2010]

                                                                   Sunday evening -
Hi ho and cheerio, Bill dear -
     Have I ever been the sleepy head today - slept till 11:30 and then dosed off again this afternoon.  Another droopy Sunday gone by.  I have read about half of my book and its still boring.  How was Corvallis today?  Were all the little buildings glad to see you?  At least you were able to do something.  I think I will take a nice long walk before or after I mail this epistle.
     It does seem funny that yesterday you were here and now you're not.  In fact I half expect the phone to ring any minute with your cheery "hello."
     Zim, would you call Marge up and tell her "hello" for me and give her my love.  Tell her I'll write her soon - but that not a lot has been happening, etc?
     Darn, guess I'm just not in a literary mood - Can't think of nawthin except that I do miss you and will be glad when you're back.  I'm looking forward to your letter tomorrow - and have lots of fun in Portland for me, too. - Don't let the board meeting get you down-
                                                         Lots of love, 
                                                                 Dotty
xxxxxxx etc. -

                                                                               Monday AM

Dear Dotty -

    

      Hu-wo!  How are you this Monday morning, or is it Tuesday - 

Anyway, I'm glad I'm not at the office today, even though I don't feel half as tired as I have the last few Mondays - darn it -

      Had lots of fun yesterday, and also considerable work.  We wandered through a bunch of buildings in Corvallis and had a couple of meetings and stuff -  Also dinner, which we ate at Waldo Hall, the girl's dorm - each of us was escorted in by a beautiful little co-ed - I was the guest of a gal named Ann Wilson, a sophomore from Portland, who was also a queenie by the way -

Anyway, I think she was kind of expecting to take care of some old gray-bearded member of the Board, and she was rather surprised to see me in the group, but it was fun  - and also a good dinner -

      Haven't yet been approached regarding this job I mentioned to you last night over the phone, and still don't know what to say in case it is offered to me.  According to Mr. Byrne, the salary would be very satisfactory, and also the opportunity would be practically unlimited -

The job would be in the nature of hospital management, which is rather a coming field - tell you more later -

     I almost called you up Sunday morning about 8 AM to tell you good-bye and give you my love, but I guess I was too tender-hearted to get you out of bed at such an hour.

      I am still a little unhappy about not being able to play golf or go skiing yesterday - and what a beautiful day - they do it every time -

     Saw a hat just like your little blue number last night, except that it was wed instead of boo -

      Worked until about 11:45 last night - then I remembered that I hadn't read the funny-papers yet, so I went out and bought Sunday's and Monday's Oregonian and proceeded to read until about one - and so to bed -

      This morning whipped out bright and early and contracted to purchase a couple of golf clubs, which I no doubt will put to good use about next weekend, I hope - by the way, I would like you to walk around with me sometime soon again - or do you want to?

      I am really wt dashing this epistle off in a hurry - have only had about 5 interruptions so far and at present am expecting to be called into a committee meeting any minute now - boy, oh, boy - today I'm all business - Also tonight, when I shall be up late again -

      We should be pulling out of this city tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) I hope, so don't go too far away from home Tuesday evening - will give you a buzz just as soon as I get back to Eugene -  or did you know that already -  Just got the word that I'll be needed in about ten minutes - so g'bye now - see you Tuesday.

                                                     With all my love, 

                                                             Bill

                                                            Monday -
 Hu-wo, Zoomer, Old Dear -
     Another day gone by and nothing accomplished.  And - do you know that the snow was perfect yesterday at Hand Lake - 5" of new powder snow.  Darn - I wish I'd had enough umph to go.  Schimmel sure raved about it.  However, I did finish reading that silly old book just a few minutes ago - and am I glad!!!! -
     How are all the little board members getting along.  Did you find out anything more about your job?  I am very anxious to hear about it.  Today was not very busy at the office.  Same old routine.  Celorie got home from Portland O.K. and joked about how he spent $85.00 in one night - wow- and Mr. Burdick - one of my ex-bosses- consumed a great deal of it.  Must have been quite a time for all.
     I'm so proud.  Figured out a budget for myself and now can hardly wait till pay day so I can put it to use.  Course after Friday I'll only have 55¢ left till the 30th.  But that won't be anything new.  And, too I'm going to get my jodpur boots, about which I'm kind of excited - to think that I'll actually be on horse in a week or two - Watch me break my neck or leg - I hope not - But just the same it will be a lot of fun - specially this spring - amongst the birds and bees - The new owners are supposed to be very nice and have good horses. -
     I still can't find a two hour course, but I'll worry about that in two weeks - Can't think about it now. -
     And now, hon, be a good little boy, won't you - But have fun -  Wish I could be there too-  Hope to see you real soon -  Tomorrow perhaps -  Oh yes - do you still want to come Thursday for sauer(?) kraut and weinies? -  
                                            Lots of love (as usual)
                                                  Dotty
xxxx ditto - etc. xx 

January 30, 1940 Tuesday

                                                                                       Tuesday--after work

Hello, Bill, dear,

               Just a note to welcome you back to our fair city.
I thought that it would be nice to write something to you, then
you would have a letter awaiting you when you got back.  If this
is rather incoherent, don't mind it, cause I am trying to do this
in a big hurry.

               I do hope that you had fun in Corvallis, but of course
I will find that out tonight if and when you call.

               My cousin breezd down from Portland today, only they
are going out to my aunt's for dinner, and I am going to be home
all alone for dinner.  Woe is I.  Maybe that means though that I
won't eat too much, and I will be more able to win that ORCHID
which I might get Friday night.  I will have to get out my dress
tonight and put it on to see what it still looks like--if I can
still wear it, etc.

               Well, dear, see you soon, and looking forward to hearing
from you tonight.

                                                               Love,
                                                                  Dotty

From Bill January 22 1940

                                                                  Sunday nite

Dear Dotty,

     Hello, my love, how are ya -  Do you miss me, I hope - like I miss you -

     Portland looks kinda quiet.  We boomed in about 4:30 and since then I have been eating and resting, which is all good fun.  Had a lot of fun riding up with Mr. Byrne, who is as entertaing and interesting a conversationalist as you will find anywhere -  We talked about basketball, football, tennis, golf, skiing, the Chancellor, the President (of the U.S.), and finally Mr. Byrne gave me a brief autobiography of himself, starting with his college days at Wisconsin, where it seems he made the highest grades in the history of the University -

     Have a beautiful room with a view up here, and it's fixed up in very fine shape - Your picture on the dresser really looks wonderful - bet you didn't think I'd bring it along - or did you - anyway - have I ever told you I was in love, or have you guessed -

     Just met George Schriver down on Broadway and we talked skiing for about 45 minutes - more fun.  He is one of the better skiers in Portland and really goes in for the equipment - he was telling me that he is just having a pair of ski boots made for him that cost $22.50, which according to him, is just in the medium price range.  And his ski pants cost $15 which ain't bad.  Learned quite a few interesting items - for instance, he said it didn't take any skill or any brains to come straight down a hill miles an hour - but the thrill comes when you are doing the same thing under perfect control and can stop or turn whenever you want to - which is no doubt the case - He mentioned that last weekend up at Mt. Hood he practically came down the mountain in ten minutes, after it had taken him four hours to climb up - but the ten minutes were worth it -  By the way, he has a cabin up near Timberline Lodge, and if we ever go up to Mt. Hood, we have a standing invitation, which sounds pretty good to me.  George said that the season lasts until May, so you never can tell - between now and then we might take a trip up that way -

     Bob Anet came over just before I left Eugene this afternoon - wanted to play some golf - which I would very much have liked to have done - Bob still had Max Rubenstein's new Mercury which he had driven on their basketball trip - and it really burns up the road - it seems Bob drove down from Salem Saturday nite in 57 minutes, and the day before had driven to Astoria, 220 miles, in 210 minutes, which ain't slow -

     Have you been spending any of your precious time in knitting - you are a very talented knitter, by the way, in addition to being a good cook and a good washer and ironer of sport shirts and a good dancer - and sweet - anyway it would be nice to come back and find my socks in stitches or something -

     From all appearances this is going to be a rather busy Board meeting for me - have a brief case that is not so brief, and also have about an hour's work tonite to get some of my material in shape - and tomorrow will be committee meetings all day -  Don't tell a soul, but I'm "all business."

     However, it is entirely possible that I shall also catch up on my sleep, which is no doubt all right too - they tell me I was actually talking in my sleep last nite, which is most unusual - in fact, I don't ever remember doing it before - However, I am not worried, for I will blame it on love, or what do you think -  If you have read this far, you are marvelous - you are anyway, so what's the difference -

Will now stop and wait for a Tuesday -

                                                                                 Love,

                                         

                                                                                      Bill

P.S.I.L.Y.

(Editor's note:  Be sure to look at the scanned letter using the link at the top right - there is a little heart made with x's.)

January 21, 1940 Sunday

                                                                          Sunday evening -

Hi-ho and cheerio!!
  Good morning!
     Do I ever feel dopey - Just been sitting around all afternoon and it isn't good for the constitution, or somepin.  Will be glad to get out in the air to mail this (lengthy) epistle.
     Are you having fun in Portland, I hope --- Wish I could be there too.  Don't forget to call Marge and give her my love - and ask if Paul has gone to Seattle, etc.
     Woe is I, I had a wonderful beginning on your sock - and then had to rip it out - guess I'll finish it someday tho - 
     I keep wondering how Bob and Alice came out in their skiing.  Hope they had fun cause it was a wonderful day.  I can hardly wait until next Sunday - Yippee!!
     I have been wearing my housecoat again today and I sure feel swell in it.  Lady of Leisure - that's me!? ----
     Understand it's cold in Portland so don't forget to "Button up your overcoat  You belong to me" ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬
Scuse please - but I feel a silly streak coming on -  Don't hold anything I write against me.  Guess I'll swing out tonight and also have a glass of dope (coc) at the Side.  It's only about 7:30 now.  And considering I had quite a rest - it's early.
     Just tore out the social calender, and there are only 5 important events - so it's not too bad.  That leaves every Sunday (?) for skiing - Don't you think so too.
     It's a great life if you don't weaken - but who in the ---- wants to be strong.  However I am weaking - not much ambition left to write and I don't like it.  I miss your cheery self and your power to draw me out into the cold, cold air - for a wee jaunt over the country side.  Wait till spring - and then I guess it'll be a wee jaunt over the golf course.
     Zimmy - do you still love me?  - Oh - I just wondered.  I thought maybe these beautiful big city girls would steal you away - But behave yourself and don't do anything I wouldn't do.--?!  - P.S.  Give Mr. Byrne my love - bet he would like that - Oh you can keep some of it for yourself -
     I am looking forward to your letter tomorrow and to hear what you have been doing, etc. - Don't forget to come home Tuesday -
                                     With lots of love & kisses -
                                                        Dotty

Dec 26 1939

                                                                                Monday evening -

Zim dear,

     I'm not getting this written in time so you'll get it tomorrow, but I've wanted to all day.

     We had dinner at my other aunt's today and consequently spent the whole afternoon and evening there.  At present I am in bed - with my little cousin beside me.  If you hear a loud thud that's me being kicked out of bed.  At heart she is a little wiggle worm.

     I'm so proud.  Tomorrow I venture into the "Big City" and gaze at the tall buildings.  Wow - won't I have fun - Then dinner at the Multnomah Tap Room with a bunch of the gals - Don't know for sure whether I will go or not.

Hello Bill -  I've got my babby

doll Beside me now  Do-Do

is in bed with me too.  love -

Wava

Did you get to Portland Eugene o.k.?  It seems funny my being down here - It's all more or less like a dream.  But it is nice seeing everyone again.

     Please keep Eugene in one piece for me till I get back.  I'm going to see Marge tomorrow.  Paul is going to Seattle the first of the year - So I imagine she'll be up there quite a lot.

     Well hon, see you soon -

                                                                     Dotty

P.S.I.L.Y.

August 13, 1939

                                                                                                      Eugene, Oregon

                                                                                                      August 13, 1939

Mr. William Zimmerman

968 Alder Street

Eugene, Oregon

My Dear Mr. Zimmerman,

              As per your request of last night I am writing you this little note to tell you of my whereabouts sometime during this day, Sunday, August 13, the year of our Lord 1939.

              So far we have not been able to find a car or a chauffeur, but still haven't given up hope.  If you get this note at 12:30 I am probably sound asleep in the house, or I am across the way at Ruth May's telephoning or I am down at Beverly's trying to get her to get a car so we can go wagon hunting, or no telling where I am, or what I am doing.  However, I believe that I will be home sometime this evening, for sure, and we can go see a cinema around 7:30 or 8:00.

                                                                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                                                                                                     Dotty     

                                                                                                     (Miss) Dorothy Barclay

DB:DDB

P.S.  Please take a gander at the beautiful washing on the line.

July 18, 1939

Misses Dorothy D. Barclay

Dorothea Witt

Helen Harkins

request your presence at dinner

Friday evening, July twenty-first

seven-thirty o'clock

R.S.V.P.

June 1939? Bill's Graduation

Congratulations

    on your

        graduation,

               Bill -

       Lots of love,

              Dotty

1939

There are 2 letters in 1939, and a couple little notes.  Does anyone know what time of year Daddy graduated? I know he graduated in 1939, but was it June or December?  I'm going to assume June for the purposes of having things in order...

December 29, 1938

Hello -----
     Aha!  I fooled you and did write.  Can you stand up under the shock -

     This vacation is wearing me out, or I must be getting old.  Anyway I sleep all the time.  More fun ----

     Well, it won't be long now and we'll be back in the old grind, and I'll be glad.  Everyone else seems to feel about the same way.  Evidentally, this has been a very dull vacation.

     Wava says "hello" -

     Well, "dear", Happy New Year - and Merry Fourth of July - I'll be seeing you soon -
   Remember? -

                                             Love
                                                Dotty

P.S.  Why is a pin?