October 29, 1940 Tuesday "- guess I'm safe for another edition"

                                                                    Tuesday

Hello, dear -
     Have been having lots of fun watching the newspapers today seeing if 1172 was drawn out of the bowl yet - guess I'm safe for another edition anyway - I got kind of worried yesterday about the whole deal on account of I found the physical exam isn't going to be as tough as I thought, and my eyes would probably get by -  Dr. Hockett of Salem, who is state medical director for the draft was up at the Medical School yesterday afternoon trying to get Mr. Couch to organize the doctors and the facilities of the Med School for the medical exams, and according to him they aren't going to be too strict.  Just another reason why I wish we were married right now - but if I can only be deferred until after next spring they'll never get me, I hope -
     How do you suppose people are finding out about our engagement so quick - or are they just making a very good guess -
     Tell Marilyn I appreciate the compliment very much - I liked Mr. Ashley too -  if I keep listening to you all the time I'll get to thinking I'm not such a bad fellow after all -
     I'm glad you think the first week in May is O.K. - sounds like the best time to me and the weather should start to be summery about then too -  Can really hardly wait to see you - come the 9th of Nov.-  and talk over a few of these little details -  Which reminds me, I already have 4 passengers for the trip - not bad -
     Speaking of skiing, I still haven't decided whether or not to do any this year, on account of it might be too expensive - and I still need some boots and pants - I have to build up that savings account someway and skipping skiing might help considerably -
     Listen, dear, I don't know any French to end my letters with, but I still love you - so there - 
                                                                                  Bill -

October 28, 1940 Monday "tomorrow the young men of the USA will know when they are going to be drafted "

                                                                             Monday

Hello - sweet - how have you been since last you wrote me - and it was an awfully sweet letter too - even though you seemed to be a little unhappy at times - guess more unlucky things happened to you than to me, and I wouldn't blame you a bit if you took down your hair and had a good cry - or did you - anyway, I wish I had been there so we could have cheered each other up -  Wish this was next year so we could be together and have fun all the time and never get lonesome -  It seems like such a long time till Nov. 9 and seeing you, but we will have three days then -  should be great what with you and an anniversary and a dance and a football game and especially you -  Oh yes and I think it might be possible for me to come down again the 16th also and go to the Gamma Alpha Chi dance if you are planning on it -
     What is the matter with DAMMIT now - dammit - guess we weren't so smart after all in buying it so fast, but I suppose all used cars are alike in that you don't know whatinhell you are getting - I have this car situation all figured out now though  - think mine is in pretty good shape now and should last for a while yet - so after I get it paid for about next September I am going to keep it till the next summer and then we will trade it in on a brand new 1943 Chevrolet - and from then on we will get nothing but new cars - every three or maybe two years - so there -
     The cost of a new clutch was $12 and the man also set up my brake pedal so it works better and doesn't squak - I mean squeak - Have just figured out that $48 of my Nov. 1 check goes for the car - sometimes I wonder whether it's worth it all -
     Guess what , dear - I have made arrangements to be put on the list at Marquam Manor, and have intimated that if an apartment should happen to be vacated about April or May of 1941 they need look no further, on account of we would move right in - I have an idea however that vacancies don't occur too often during the year, so what will probably happen is that we will get an apartment (doesn't that sound nice) somewhere else for a couple of months and move up on the Hill next summer -
     Well - tomorrow the young men of the USA will know when they are going to be drafted - my number is 1172, so when they start drawing the capsules out of the fishbowl, I hope they pass that one up - guess the papers tomorrow evening will tell the good news -
     You should see my office now - have a new beautiful light fixture and a 500 watt globe - really fixes up the place - also received today a coat rack - or is it a hat rack - anyway the place looks pretty smooth -
     Can't figure it out but I seem to be having a cold of some sort -  they can't do this to me - and I have been keeping in good shape lately too -
     Did I ever tell you that every once in a while in the midst of my day dreaming I sometimes think it is a good thing you are in Eugene and I am in Portland these few months - it just makes me realize how much you mean to me and how sweet and lovely you are - but I still wish we could get married right away -
                                                               Love,
                                                                       Bill

                                                                                     10/28/40

Hi - light of my life -
     Guess our married life should be a success cause we sure think of the same things at about the same time - I had made up my mind never to have anything to do with a used car again - and you did too - Then - I'd decided that the first week in May should be a pretty good date -  I would quit on the 31st of April - I can hardly wait till I kiss the office force goodbye -  News certainly travels fast - I got a letter from Tex today and she said she was very happy about my engagement and was I planning a spring wedding!! - And we haven't told anyone -
Haven't talked to Carl yet - He called last night but I'd gone to a show with some of the girls - I went up to the house and got better acquainted - (P.S. - I don't feel at all blue today) -
     Just filled my dime bank, so tomorrow will deposit $4.70 - the first lap of a fast growing savings after November - Hope my silly letter of the weekend didn't bore you too much - Saw Mr. Collins last night coming home from the show -  And said "hello" - The show was good - Deana Durbin in somepin -
     Just finished Lesson 9 - Got 7 more to go for old Morrisette - only the hardest is done -
     Is Hartley ever going to Portland again - cause when skiing starts  -  I'll just have to go up with him -  It won't be long now -  Think I'll take my boots down one of these days and have them gooed up - Then I ought to have my skis waxed good -
     If Carl doesn't call pretty soon I won't be here - am going to get out another book and mail this letter and buy a magazine (maybe) -
     Damit runs all right now - but then she should - Do you know that I'm getting so I swear an awful lot to myself or out loud when I'm alone - Some day I'm going to slip - and then I'll be embarrassed -  Woe is I -   Marilyn informed me that Mr. Ashley thinks you are a very nice young man - Good appearance and seemingly intelligent - should I tell them -
     And with that I'm on my way - bon voyage et je t'aime beaucoups - (or something)
                                                                              Dotty


                                 

    X X X

October 27, 1940 Sunday "Do you know I'd certainly hate to live alone all the time and not have very many friends - hope I never have to do it"

                                                                             Sunday

Hello, sweet -
     Did you miss me very much, I hope, over the weekend -  I was so darn mad at not being able to come down I almost shed a few tears into my beer last nite - but I suppose there wasn't anything else I could have done after the car went haywire - everything happens to me - now it's $12 more - don't know when I'm going to start saving money, darn it - and I wanted to see you so much this weekend too -
     Listen, dear, I have been thinking it over and it looks now as though I won't be down until Homecoming weekend - Would like to come down this next Saturday but the budget objects -  Golly, I don't know how I'm going to wait so long before I see you - that will be three weeks, which will be the longest period yet that we haven't seen each other -  Wish you were up here all the time -
     Have been doing some more planning and figuring and have a date all picked out - what do you think of the first week in May - and that my love, is absolutely the latest - so let me know what you think about it - That is just six months, which should leave lots of time for the things to do between now and then -
     Have been having a fairly interesting weekend, even though it's kind of a letdown after yesterday -  Played golf with Karl and Von yesterday - Eastmoreland - and this morning at Glendoveer - also I won - Last night Von and Karl - Glen Gething and Howard Eggleston wandered around a few night spots including the Multnomah Hotel Taproom, the Vancouver fishbowl, and the Coon Chicken - I had a total of two beers during the evening - was my least - so you can see my thought were somewhere else - could it be Eugene, no doubt -
     Karl has a '34 Chev and he has also been having a little trouble with it - but it is a nice little job at that -  I have decided that from now on I will get nothing but brand new cars so don't let me forget -
     Told Karl to call you up today and give you my love - he also said he had a picture of you and me which I would like very much to have you send up after you look at it - I don't have enough pictures of you anyway - put a camera on the list of things we are going to get -
     How is the weather down there - Today is just perfect - We were thinking of playing that tennis we mentioned last week, but decided it would be too much work - so later on Von and I are going to the local cinema and see "Northwest Mounted Police" -
     Had a lot of fun at the office yesterday morning - about 80 students from the OSC School of Pharmacy came up to go through the Medical School - Mr. Couch made a little speech to them in the auditorium and I ran the projector showing a bunch of slides of the Medical School campus etc - Then I had to arrange for the guides and tell everybody where to go, etc - Also saw Chancellor Hunter and shook hands with him and asked him how he was getting along in his work - lots of fun -
                                                      All my love,
                                                              Bill

                                                             Saturday

Was I ever disappointed when you said you weren't coming down - This seems to have been a calamity weekend and I was looking forward to having you cheer me up - It started off Thursday morning when Damit wouldn't start - even after being pushed 3 blocks - then I had to come home and go to bed all day - my couch came and I didn't and not sure yet whether I like the covering - my tooth hurts which means I'll have to go to the dentist and I'm afraid I might have to go to the doctor - It's going to cost me $25.00 to have "D" fixed up (no more second hand cars for me) - and to top it all off someone called up from the coop and was very high hat about their dear old typewriter - about that time I was ready to cry - but I do feel better now and see brighter days ahead. -  Aren't you sorry for me? -  Well don't be cause it isn't half as bad as it sounds - only I'm just kind of down in the dumps -
     I've decided definitely I don't give a hang about studying and it'll probably be years before I finish what I've started -  Think I'll withdraw from school Monday -
     Do you know that it's only two months till Christmas?  And - what would you like most for me to give you?  How did you like the football game today - Just think - Oregon made a touchdown - I sat here and didn't believe it - kept thinking it was Wash. State.
     Here comes Phil Harris and I'm about ready to go to bed - went to bed last night at 9:00 with a sweet little headache  - So I really should have enough sleep - Oh yes - and I'm unhappy cause I've got another "thing" on the end of my nose - right on the tip - I'm so mad - Guess it's just as well you're not here - cause I'd probably be crying on your shoulder -
     Been embroidering tonight and have just about finished those silly napkins and place mats - thank goodness -
     The weather was sure nice here today - was it in Portland?  -if so - you'll have lots of fun playing golf -  Have you found an apartment yet? -  Wish it were next year now - I'm gettin awful tired being cooped up here and never seein noone and never goin noplace - I'm going to go the Side every single night or soon I'll get to be an old mummie -
     I promise - when and if you come down Homecoming I'll be in a much better mood - you won't even know me I'll be so different -
     How does "Wobert" like the idea of being best man? - think I'll approach H.G. and see what she thinks of being bridesmaid if we have a big wedding -
     I'm sure getting lazy -  When I look at all my things thrown around  I feel ashamed, yet I just don't seem to get enough umph to pick them up and there they lie -
    And so dear - think I'll stop til tomorrow - maybe something exciting will happen between now and then -  Hope you think about me a little and miss me a little - but do have fun -

                                                                           Sunday

Hello again -
     Aren't you surprized at getting such a long letter - must be that I love you - Incidentally I'm lonesomer than Heck - and I can't figure it out - Do you know I'd certainly hate to live alone all the time and not have very many friends - hope I never have to do it - It's only about 1:30 now and seems like it ought to be 10:00 - Yep - and it doesn't look like there's going to be a lot of snow this winter -  That will occupy Sunday's for a while - the going skiing will -
     I had 75¢ to give you - but I put 20¢ of it in my dime bank this morning - which lacks only about 30¢ of being full - And then I won't know just what to do with it -
     Oh dam - think I'll go for a walk only I hate to get all dressed up without a purpose - Oh Happy Day -
     How was your golf game today? - I have decided that I am going to learn how to play someday - That'll be a lot better than staying in bed Sunday morning - and one can get lots of fresh air that way -
     Hope I get a letter from you tomorrow and hope you can wade thru this lengthy mess all right -  And now I have run out of things to say - So hope you still love me - and remember I love you -
                                                                 Dotty -

October 24, 1940 Thursday

                                                                          Thurs

Hello - again -
     This week is really whipping by fast - can hardly believe that tomorrow is Friday and then the next day I'll be in Eugene -
Have you any idea of what we are going to do Saturday nite - except talk - not that it matters much - remind me for sure to call up Mr. Collins and Dr. Byrne - have to check up with Charlie about the cottage at the coast too -
     So you don't care much about studying or graduating any more - guess it isn't too important, as you are not going to be a career woman anyway - that is, not for more than 6 months more, I hope - maybe if you only lack a few hours you can take them in Portland Extension sometime in the future - maybe - or maybe in about four years - when I go back to the University of Chicago, I hope, you might go to school too -
     Speaking of six months, are you aware that that is the end of April - it's not too long from now at that - or what do you think -
     Have one passenger coming down with me Saturday - a redhead named Phyllis Munson - she's a medical stenographer at Doernbecher - told her we'd probably go back about 7:30 or 8:00 Sunday nite -
     Gosh, I'll sure be glad when the 1st of the month comes around - I am practically broke - my budget however is really fixed up swell starting with November - how about you?  Haven't decided yet whether I should invest in some ski clothes or not - winter is practically here -
     See you Saturday about 3:30 or 4:00 -
                                                                  Love,
                                                                            Bill

October 23 1940 Wednesday "since I've decided that I don't care about graduating..."

                                                                       Wednesday


Dear Dotty -
     Have been having lots of fun staying inside and watching it rain all day - and it's really coming down - we have just lots and lots of mud on the Medical School campus and it'll be that way all winter -
     How are you and your cold getting along - if you're not over it by this weekend I promise to get rid of it for you - or at least part of it anyway - I may be getting one myself, on account of I've had a headache since yesterday and I don't feel too sharp but it's probably nothing serious as usual -
     Played handball again last night and got another blister, but had lots of fun and I'm beginning to get in shape again - wasn't tired last night and don't feel at all stiff today -
     Your letters lead me to believe you spend at least a little of your time at the office staring out the window and dreaming day dreams and making plans, etc - has Celorie or anybody noticed it yet or not - you ought to have a private little office like mine so you wouldn't be disturbed in the midst of serious (?) thoughts - if anyone comes in and catches me looking out the window I just tell them I'm surveying the parking situation -
     Speaking of the office, you had best inform Mr. Celorie that I won't permit you to work on Armistice Day and that he should make his plans accordingly - I trust it is OK by you not to work then -
     Guess what - dear - I am losing weight fast - last night after the handball game I weighed in at exactly 151 lbs dripping wet - hope it's coming off my waistline -
     Had quite a chat with the secretary today about the living facilities on Marquam Hill - she seemed to think it's pretty hard finding a good apartment in the middle of the school year but sometimes a vacancy occurs - after the first of January I'm really going to start seeking and searching in earnest - in fact, I already am having a little fun reading the classified ads and getting an idea of the situation -
     Every time Dick Hill and Henry Ash see me they ask me when I'm going to get married - wonder why - anyway I tell them next year - on a Sunday - also told Von today he can be best man, which should hold him for a while -
                                                                  Love and kisses,
                                                                             Bill

Hi, sugah -
  What to do - since I've decided that I don't care about graduating I can't even get up enough umph to make a pretense at studying - and I guess I should finish this silly old correspondence work - seein as to how I spent my good money on it -
   Damit - I sure get some funny ideas some time - only 2 1/2 days till you're here in Eugene - hooray - If I see Tony or Karl I'll see about the golf game - that is I'll fix it up for you - (How you like my fancy stationary?) -
   Gotta go to the library for a minute tonight to get a book - maybe the fresh air will do me good - I woke up with my eye shut this morning - some little pimple or something - on the bridge of my nose - was I ever beautiful - looked like a fugitive from a chain gang - Anyhoo it is better now - I hope -
   I'm sure not a very good letter writer - all i can think about is when I'll be seeing you again - We're not very busy at the office - but we are good -
   Our G.A.C. dance is going to be a ship idea - so now I have to figure out some decorations - for a cruise - Do the D.U.'s still have their fish net? - Did they get to keep it? - I can't concentrate on a thing - So goodbye my love til I write tomorrow and till I see you Sat. -
                                                              Lots of love & kisses
                                                                          Dotty

October 22 1940 Tuesday late postmarked letter from Dotty "I am going to finish a lesson tonight or know the reason why"

                                                                         Tuesday -

Cheerio - Hon-

     Another crazy day gone by - It sounds like our 11th anniversary is going to be fun - I hope we don't have to work Monday - Celorie is having trouble with the C.I.O. - and he sure hates them - They are trying to make the men join the union - or somepin - I still haven't done much work and my mind is never where it should be - I am going to finish a lesson tonight, or know the reason why - My cold still isn't very good - my nose is red all the time and I can't keep any lipstick on - I think I scare everyone that comes into the office -
     I made a list today and I was surprised at the length - We'll compare notes this week-end - nothing like planning things a long time ahead -  But I guess we wouldn't do it if it weren't a lot of fun - !!! -
My goodness, and what was my name in the paper for - such popularity? - (Darn my cold) - And just added some more names - Happy fun games -
     Dear, I will cook something for you soon - maybe Sat. before you come so you can take it home with you -  Anyway don't give up hope - One of these days I will get into the mood and whip something up -
     Now I know why Mr. Oren Brownson knew and spoke to everyone - He may run for city councilman at this election - Just politics - I still don't know who to vote for -
     Best I get busy - I certainly haven't done much these last few days - It wasn't too much fun getting up at a quarter to 4 - there was no one on the streets and it was sure funny -
     Already looking forwarding to seeing you this weekend, I send all my love & kisses
                                                                           Dotty

October 22, 1940 Tuesday

And so -
     Here I am again - got home without mishap about 7:45 - and incidentally I'm going to bed - My cold has gone to my head - which I don't like -
     Do you miss me? - I do you - I've been planning, planning all day long and having more fun - I don't think my mind was on my work for a minute - But today wasn't too busy - I'm already looking forward to seeing you next weekend if you decide to come up for sure - But I know now how you feel on Monday - I can hardly wait til I jump into bed -
     Nothing at all happened today - But I know one thing - come Wed. I'm going to have to go to class every single day -
     My mind's a blank, dear, will you forgive me? -  All I can think of is that I wish you were here - Tell everyone I might know that you might see "hello" for me and remember I love you -
 
                                                                        Dodo

                                                                              Tuesday

Hello dear -
     Was very happy to hear that you arrived in Eugene safely and soundly - hope you weren't tired and sleepy - but Monday is always a sad day anyway -
     You better start taking care of your cold right away quick -  don't want to have you feeling bad this weekend - or any time - for that matter.  You should be immune to colds, like I am, I hope -
     Have one passenger to Eugene Saturday - which will help.  Don't know yet where I am going to stay but it doesn't matter much -  By the way if you see Tony or Karl tell them I'll be down and maybe fix up a golf game for Sunday morning - although I'm agraid my golf game is slipping from lack of practice -
     So you spent all day Monday just planning and planning - which I think is a very good way to spend a Monday -  have you got any more things settled - and have you told anybody else besides your Aunt Edna - best we keep it a secret for awhile yet - I haven't told anybody but you -
     Don't know why, but can't seem to think of anything to say - am afraid this is really a poor letter but it's too late to stop now, and I promise to do better tomorrow - and I do love you very much -
                                                                    Bill

October 21, 1940 Monday "whatever became of all those cookies and cakes you were going to send me"

                                                         Monday

Hello sweet -
     Have been worrying just a little about you, but finally talked myself into believing there was nothing to worry about - I hope - Anyway I bet you had fun getting up at 3:30 and watching the cold gray dawn come up - or did you see the sun -  As for me, I slept very soundly except for a couple of bad dreams, and didn't mind getting up at all -  Also I don't have the slightest sign of a cold today - so guess there's nothing to worry about there -
     I can hardly wait to get down to Eugene this weekend and take up where we left off yesterday -  This is so much fun thinking about weddings and stuff - guess we settled a few things over the weekend anyway - but there are lots more -
     Was pretty busy today and spent practically all my time in the office - for a change - saw your name again in Saturday's Emerald - guess you're still a college student -
     Do you know that Saturday November 9th besides being Homecoming is the 11th anniversary - also that Monday the 11th is Armistice Day so we don't work and I can stay down an extra day - isn't it wonderful -  Also I have at least one passenger so far and should get a couple more -
     Listen sweetheart, whatever became of all those cookies and cakes you were going to send me - After all, I do have to check up on your cooking, even though I know it's good -
                                                                                      All my love,
                                                                                               Bill

October 17, 1940 Thursday "tomorrow I start handing out traffic tickets to parking violators"

Hello Sweeheart -
     I'm sorry but I slipped up again and didn't write, you don't mind too much do you?-
I am really looking forward to this weekend-  Marilyn and I are driving up in Jezabel - (The Green Goddess) - I am going to have the tires changed - and I'm sure it will be all right - Also I am going to stay at Aunt V's - and we are leaving Portland 4:00 A.M. Monday morning -
     Went to Helengray's last nite - and I guess Lloyd is at Randolph field by now.-  We decided maybe to announce our engagements together(?) -
     Have been working hard lately at the office - and not getting much studying done - am at the Side now, just finished writing 20 invitations to a silly old tea - will soon go home and read "Orlando" - I am sure having a dickens of a time - go to sleep over it, it's really rather dull - I will bring the books up with me - P.S. I did plan to pay you the $1.25 but had to spend it for an emergency.  I will pay you back with interest at the end of the month!!-  Do you know I haven't finished unpacking yet from last weekend - Yet I don't know where the time goes - maybe sometime I'll settle down (I hope) -
                    See you Saturday -
                    till then - "Au revoir"
                                        
                                     Dotty
XXXXX etc -

                                                                               Thursday

Hello dear -
     What - no letter - could it be that you were studying too hard last nite to write one - it ain't worth it, dear - don't I still come first?  Anyway I am at least a little unhappy - but I will get over it no doubt -
     Tonite seems like it ought to be Friday - but it isn't, darn it - guess I am thinking too much about Saturday - have started to count the hours - only 45 now till the noon train from Eugene gets here Saturday and I presume you will be on it, providing you don't tell me different in the interim and you better not as I have already made my plans to meet you at the station and also kiss you right there - do you mind?
     Had a lot of fun with Von and Hill last nite - Hill is working Sat nite but Von and I are fixing up a lot of fun for the evening -
     Mrs. Wetterborg has not yet called me about you staying there - but I probably was out when she called - I have averaged about 2 hours a day in the office all this week - not bad, huh -  Oh yes and tomorrow I start handing out traffic tickets to parking violators on the Medical School campus - every day this gets more interesting -
     Hope I get a letter from you tomorrow telling me first when you are going to be here -
                                   Love & kisses,
                                           Bill

October 16, 1940 Wednesday "I have been doing a lot of thinking myself about a spring wedding"

                                                                                Wednesday

Dear Dotty -
     Your letter was very very sweet - I have been doing a lot of thinking myself about a spring wedding - March or April - although I wish it could be sooner - However, I guess if we consider everything very sanely it would be better to wait until about April, but certainly no longer - anyway it's sure lots of fun planning things and stuff - just wait till I see you Saturday -
     Golly, this week is passing fast - almost wrote Tuesday at the top - the days at the office don't last very long when I'm running around like I am now - hope Thurs and Friday don't drag - and I know Saturday and Sunday will just whip by - darn it - but we are going to have fun -
     Am going down to the morgue tonite and play ping - pong with Hill and Von - think Hill might go out with us too on Sat. nite - although Von is taking the nurse -
     Got registered OK for the draft today - now if they don't call my number for a couple of years everything will be fine - and they better wait till after next spring -
     By the way, how are you dong with the library books - you better remember to bring them with you Saturday - also I wouldn't say a word if you handed me $1.25, as I am practically broke again - but I am not worrying about it -
     Are you thinking of me much, sweet?  Like I am of you - and always will -
                                                                        All my love,
                                                                               Bill

October 15, 1940 Tuesday "tomorrow we go down and register for the draft"

                                                                                  Tuesday -

Merry Xmas-
     It won't be long, I hope - I want the time to fly by miles a minute and I want to accomplish everything I have set out to. -
     I think I've got it figured out - We can compromise and be married in the Spring around April - would you like that?-  By then I won't owe any money and will have been able to save a little - Isn't it fun thinking about it? - Why don't you make a list of all the people whom you know to invite and who would come, etc., and I will do the same -  Then we can tell a little more about it too -  Do you know that's all I can think about - Oh happy day!! -
     Mr. "C" missed me but evidently didn't care cause he didn't say nothin and was perfectly happy and content Monday - I went to bed kind of early last night but am ready to start studying again -  But I'm sure getting tired of it all (as you've heard before)
     I'm definitely coming to Portland and anything you want to do will be perfect -  Our Gamma Alpha Chi dance is going to be Nov. 16 - the week after Homecoming. -
     To work, to work now dear - See you Sat. - and I still love you -
                                             With many, many kisses -
                                                                Dotty

                                                                        Tuesday

Hello, sweet -
     Your letter sounds as though you are doing as much day-dreaming as I am - only it's not exactly day-dreaming, I hope - And Saturday and you can't come too soon for me -
     Only spent about one hour in the office today - more fun -  the rest of the time I was out on the grounds plotting out parking areas with the architect, and directing the painters around -  Then this afternoon I went down and saw the manager of Meier and Frank's about a forged check -  Had to see three secretaries before I saw him - more fun -
     For a beautiful girl you are certainly smart - getting all those 'A's - I think you are much more ambitious than you say you are in your letters -
     Well, tomorrow we go down and register for the draft - so from now on I'll be a number -  Hope this doesn't get too serious -  Oh yes and they told me today my eyes are improving and from now on the improvement should be rapid - So maybe the eyes will be OK when my number is called - guess the solution is to get married - the secretary is really trying to talk me into it too - she thinks its great stuff - before the end of the week I'm going to get some information from her as to how much married life costs - she was married last Xmas - and I still think the finances are the big problem for awhile anyway - but I hope you can talk me out of the idea.
                                                                     Love,
                                                                         Bill

October 14 1940 Monday

                                                                                Monday

Hello Sweet -
     The 3 hours I spent in Portland yesterday went by too quicklike-  I wrote Aunt Vesta asking if I could stay with her and that she could let you know - so don't be surprized if she calls -
     Have you been planning things?  I just can't think of anything else - We got home about 12:00 last night - And I couldn't even go to sleep then - Right now I am very unambitious - guess I'll go to bed early - I should study - Got an "A" on my 3rd Math lesson and hope I can keep up the good work - Already I am counting the minutes till I come to Portland - Are you? And do you love me? -  I love you! -

                                                                            Dotty ---

                                                                                  Monday

Hello, dear -
     Hope you got to Eugene OK without being too tired and stuff -
Did Celorie miss you?
     Since you left last night I really have been doing a lot of staring into space thinking about all we were talking about last nite - isn't it wonderful - gosh, but there certainly are a lot of angles to consider as to whether this winter or next summer would be better - I can see we are going to have just lots and lots of fun figuring this out come next Saturday night - I can hardly wait to see you -
     I was really tired when I went to bed last nite - guess the tennis was a little strenuous but I am OK today.
     Didn't do much at the office today except read up on some of our property, but it was very interesting - think I'm going to have lots of fun when I really get into managing some of this -
     Am planning on having lots of fun when you come up this week-end - Von will probably go out with us - providing he can get a date with Betty - maybe we can hit a few of the high spots such as the Actor's Club, but we will take it easy on the mixing and drinking.  Oh yes - where do you want to go for dinner Saturday night - just the two of us -
     Mr. Couch says I can have the Emerald every day, so I guess from now on I can keep up on what's going on down there - providing you keep on writing me a letter every day.
                                                                                  All my love,
                                                                                          Bill

October 12 1940 Saturday Special Delivery from Pullman

Bill, Dear -
     Am really having lots of fun - just ran like the devil to get to the post office , it closes in 5 min - and I am here now -
     Mrs. Collins says we will be in Portland for sure by 5:00 and she hopes by 3:00 - I will call you at Be 8856 and then we can decide where & how to meet - I got your letter - and it was swell getting it.
     Have lots to tell you when I see you -
                                                             Lots of love
                                                                     Dotty

See you Sun. -

October 10, 1940 Thursday "My phone is BE 8856"

                                                                                    Thursday

Dear Dotty -
     Seems kinda funny writing to you at Pullman but I guess it's all right if you get the letter - How was your trip and what do you think of eastern Oregon and Washington?
     I missed a letter from you yesterday - and it was our anniversary - too - but I will forgive you  -
     Guess the fortune teller was correct when she said a long engagement - darn it - its ten months now, which is getting long enough for me -
     How are the little Gamma Alpha Chi girls coming along with their convention?  Do you have a dance or anything like that - or are you all business?
     The weather here is rather wet and the football game Saturday will probably also be - so I don't think I'll go - I'm really getting broke -
     I am looking forward very much to our dinner Sunday nite - You figure out where we want to go and we will - Hope you tell me in your letter when you will be here - by the way my phone is BE 8856, so you call me as soon as you get here -
     Am going down to the "Y" tonight and get a little workout - then I am supposed to go over to the morgue and play some ping-pong with Hill - so I should get my exercise for the day -
                                                                    Love and kisses,
                                                                          Bill

October 9, 1940 Wednesday "Had my palm read..."

                                                                             Wednesday

Bill, dear -
I love you and I'm awful sorry I didn't write you last night - But I went to a party for the pledges and didn't get home till late - Am I forgiven -
     We leave tomorrow at 8:00 or 8:30 - I'm practically all packed now - except for my toothbrush, etc, -
     Do you know I'm getting scared about this war business and I don't know what to do - Had my palm read - two minutes limit - and she told me I wouldn't be happy with a career and in the business world all my life - Guess I'm just a little homebody - She also saw a long engagement and then a marriage - More fun -
     If we go thru Portland I'll call, and I'll also write a couple of letters from Pullman - I took a lot of stationary - don't worry about the boys - (W.S.) - probably won't have a date at 'tall - And I'm looking forward to seeing you Sunday -
     They didn't have enough of that loud print to cover my couch, so now I don't know what to get - Have to go again Monday -
     Do you know I would like very much to get a letter from you Fri or Sat. - You could address it % the AX house -  I wouldn't be quite so lonesome then -
     I still seem to be up in the air and wish I'd come down to earth - Haven't concentrated on a thing for days - My mind is everywhere but on my owrk - Oh dear - Saw Anet last night but just got to wave at him across the Side - Am not studying tonight but think I'll write up a report later on.  Finally finished reading one of the books -
     If you're a good little boy I might bring you something from Pullman (besides a kiss) - would you like that?!-
Just think won't have to work for 2 1/2 days - Sounds like your job is getting more and more interesting -
                                                          See you Sunday
                                                                 Lots of love & kisses
                                                                        Dotty

October 8, 1940 Tuesday "...we are going to have a war pretty soon"

                                                         Tuesday

Dear Dotty -
     Your letter sounds as though you weren't doing much studying at the library - but I will forgive you being as how you were thinking about weddings - me too -
     By the way how are you coming along with those library books - maybe you better wait until next week if you haven't finished them yet -
     Also how about the trip - and when am I going to know when I will see you next Sunday on your way back - it would be very sweet if you could arrange to write me a couple of letters from Pullman or way points - also maybe you could call me up Thursday if you stop in Portland - and remember I want to know all about any Washington State boys you might happen to go out with while you are there -
     These last two days at the office have been lots of fun - the job is really getting interesting - am going to start handling a few of the property affairs now -
     Went down town today and purchased a pair of handball gloves and a pair of shorts - so now I am all set to start getting my exercise - had my physical exam last nite and I seem to be in pretty good shape -
     Mr. Couch was telling me today that we are going to have a war pretty soon - and I don't think he was fooling - Oh yes - and this is confidential - the army is going to start building a 750 bed hospital in Portland practically at once - the colonel was up looking at Marquam Hill as a possible site, but they probably won't select it - anyway the situation seems to be getting serious - wish I was married -
     Here we are again - Von just called me up and wanted me to take out the other nurse - but I refused - I told him I was all through, and I mean it - so there -
     I am really looking forward to dinner Sunday - anyplace you want to go - so please let me know what and where you are going to do and be or something -
                                              Love and kisses -
                                                          Bill

October 7, 1940 Monday "When love come don't delay"

                                                                       Monday

Hello, sweet -
     Here it is Monday again and I am tired - how are you?
Had quite a fast trip up last night, although there was a lot of traffic - and also ran into some cloud banks between Salem and Portland - stopped in Salem for a hamburger and a cup of coffee and it tasted good -  Certainly wished I had a radio in the car to keep me company - it was kinda lovely - except that I was thinking of you all the way ---
     I guess I told you - but the weekend was just perfect - not a dull moment - it just made me wish more and more that we could be together all the time - and you shouldn't take me to so many weddings either on account of it makes waiting just so much harder - or don't you think so - I still think Confucious was right when he said "When love come don't delay -"
     Tell Paul I'm sorry not to have seen him to say hello - also that it would be perfectly all right with me if he changes your wheels for you - I had good intentions anyway -
     Am going down to the "Y" after I mail this and have a physical exam - will probably go for a swim afterwards -
     By the way, I slept on the wedding cake but don't remember having even one little dream - guess I was sleeping too hard - is that good or bad?
     Dotty dear do you know that Wednesday is our 10th anniversary - does it seem possible - it won't be that long until next summer - oh happy day -
                                                    Love,
                                                             Bill

                   
Hello Sweet -
     Miss me yet? -  Like I miss you?  I am on my way to the Side now to have a coc so I can finish reading the "Constant Nymph" -
Do you know I couldn't concentrate a bit today - I was certainly all up in the clouds - and guess what I was thinking about? - Yep, weddings - Do you have lots of relatives?  I still don't know whether to have a big or quiet one or what - There are pros and cons to either - and when all my folks come it'll be big anyway - what to do -  Anyway I'm excited already -

Nothing happened today except I did go to my class, and it's certainly different.  "What's her name" the instructor, classified me as specail and I can go during my lunch hour - but what I'm taking and how many hours, I'm sure I don't know.  But perhaps it'll all come out in the wash - I hope.

The library was certainly crowded tonight - had a dickuns of a time trying to find a seat - am up in the map room now with about 4 others and my pen is scratching away.

Did you get home without mishap? - I am anxious to hear from you. -

I'm sure absent minded.  Notice how I addressed your letter.  But I'm not responsible I guess. -

I certainly had a lot of fun Sunday and wish you were here all the time -

Give my love to the boys and the morgue and don't take out too many nurses.

                                                         All my love

                                                                     Dotty

October 3, 1940 Thursday

                                                                                     Thursday -

Just think, dear,
     It won't be long till you're here - I am just  beginning to study now and am definitely going to finish this lesson tonite.  I kinda petered out last night - I don't especially know what to do Sat. night - go to the Park I guess - Saw Karl today - he might go to Portland Sun., but I told you him you would probably want to play golf - He and Tony are out of the tournament.  I see where I am going to drink a "coc" tonight - I am beginning to get a little sleepy already - fine thing.
     We didn't have to work so hard at the office today and finally quit at 5:30 - First time in ages - I got me a windshield swipe - to the tune of $3.25 - which really broke me up. - I don't know why, but I'll be awful glad when you're here, maybe it's love?!! -
In a week we have eaten a whole box of apples at the office.  Soon you can call us all Jonathon's -
     Oh dear, I have to buy more wedding presents one for Lila and one for D.J. - That's the way it goes -
     What time will you be here Sat.? - About 3:30 or 4 - I think I might have to buy a hat of some kind - and I will have to do that Sat. - But I will probably be here when you arrive.  (That is, at home) - oh yes, and if you can please bring the books - There are times when I don't feel like doing anything else and can read -

     Je t'aime -

                                                               Dotty -

                                                                        Thursday

Hello, sweet
     Here it is Thursday - so now I can say only day after tomorrow until I see you - happy day -
     The day really went fast - I only spent about 2 hours in the office all day - the rest of the time I wandered about the grounds measuring and figuring out the parking areas, also talking to the architect and the physical plant superintendent - Had lunch over at the TB hospital, which was a pleasant change - Oh, yes, I am also auditing a class too - Mr. Couch teaches a 1 hour class fall term 4 to 5 Thursday afternoon to 4th year students, and he said it was OK for me to sit in on it - He also mentioned, and don't laugh too much at this, that maybe in years to come I might be teaching the course myself, which sounds encouraging.  Oh yes the name of the course is Medical Economics.  Dick Hill and Ash and a bunch of the boys are in it of course - and it is surprising how many medical students I know up here - many more than I know nurses - darn it - it is very sweet of you to let me take one of them out occasionally, but I probably won't - maybe - and as for falling in love, it's too late - I'm already in - and I don't want to get out - (will tell you more and more Sat. if you don't mind).
     So you have discovered the cause of the shimmy - remind me not to forget to change the wheels this weekend - and this time I will do it - I promise you -
     Bob Anet called me up today to tell me goodbye - in case you don't know, he is back in school again - mainly to get out of the army for a while, and ostensibly working for a master's degree - college is such fun - you certainly seem to be doing OK what with all those "A"s; guess you are just naturally a smart girl - me think -
     The damn little gadget on my car that flicks the light from dim to bright is not functioning, so now it is always bright, which makes other people mad - I am going down tomorrow and get it fixed - I hope -
      Too bad that Bat doesn't have room in his bed for me - but it is a small matter - all I want to do is get down to Eugene and see you - the heck with anything else - although I suppose I will have to sleep for a little while, especially if I want to play golf Sunday -
     May have a couple of passengers coming with me - a couple of gals in the X-Ray dept - if they ever make up their minds -
     Well my love, guess this will be the last you'll hear from me until I drive up between 3:30 and 4 Sat PM - and I won't even phone first, so it would be nice if you were there about then -
                                                        Love and kisses,
                                                             Bill

October 2, 1940 Wednesday "I won't be a slave to any job"

                                                                                       Tuesday


Hello Sweet -
     Here it is only Tuesday but it seems like it ought to be Friday - Did go to the Side last night and it wasn't too bad - Saw Dick Clark - he is living in the house now and doesn't know for sure whether he will go in law school or not - likes Foreign trade a lot -
     I will cook something and send to you - In fact I would love to - only sometimes Mom doesn't like me to mess around in her kitchen - but I will broach the subject -
     An odd thing happened today - It was raining in the front of the office and the sun was shining in back - It lasted, too, for about 5 or 10 min. - I am getting tired of working late - darn it - But it seems that since we're on the hour basis noone cares how late they are - naturally - but I don't like it - I won't be a slave to any job -  I wonder if I'll ever get ahead - was paid yesterday and now after paying out on my budget, etc., I have about 40¢ till the 15th - One consolation - I am slowly and surely getting out of debt, I hope -
     I don't feel like studying tonight - and darn it's only Tuesday - How were the  ΕΔΝ (or?) boys? - Do you know I think it would be mighty interesting to talk with them -
     Nope - or Yes dear - I'm not in much of a letter writing mood tonight - only wish you were here - please hurry up Saturday - 
                                    Lots of love,
                                        Dotty


P.S. - I.L.Y.

                                                             Wednesday


Hello, sweet -
     Have just finished reading your last two letters again and they are really sweet - speaking of getting mail late - didn't get your letter of Monday until I came down to breakfast this morning; guess it didn't arrive until after dinner last nite - anyway please forgive me for mentioning yesterday that you didn't write - I'm sorry -
     Darn it - this week is going by much too slow - Saturday and you still seem such a long way off - and it seems as though I have so much to tell you, even though you've probably heard most of it before -
     I am disappointed to learn that you won't be up here for the Washington game but I am glad you have the chance to make the trip - you should have lots of fun - remind me to tell you about Pullman and Moscow this weekend - they are a couple of nice little towns -
     Guess what - I joined the Y.M.C.A. today - Cushing talked me into it, but it didn't require much effort on his part - so now I am really going to start getting in shape again - handball, basketball, etc - also swimming and maybe some horizontal bar work - it ought to be a lot of fun - now I will be able to dance for a whole evening without getting tired, like I did when I was in college - that is, if you want to dance the whole evening - personally I would rather sit out a few - "why dance"? -
     I am having a lot of fun at the office - am drawing a big chart showing all the details of the new parking areas - have to draw all the parking lines that will be painted in - tomorrow if it isn't raining will go out and do a lot of measuring -
     Have just finished paying my gas bills for the month - total for gas and oil was over $17 - which kind of beats my budget - don't know when I'm going to start saving any money - but I will -
     Will let you figure out where we should go Saturday nite - or what - anyway I can hardly wait to get down there.
                                                   All my love,
                                                                Bill

Hello sweet! -
Three guesses where I am - yep in the library and all ready to go home and type up lesson 11 in House Fur. Yippee only six more to go - Also got an "A-" in my first Math lesson - and an "A" in my English novel review that I copied word for word from M.J.'s - Now I'm not so worried -


You should have gotten a letter from me Tuesday cause I wrote one - maybe you've got it by now.  I hope - still it was kinda dumb -


    Bill, dear, if you do have a date now and then - I won't mind too much, just so you don't do it too often - and don't fall in love with someone else.  That would break my heart -

     Purchased a studio couch today and now I'm beginning to worry - Applegate's are going to make it up and suggested a real loud print - I hope it isn't too loud - oh happy day - At any rate it will be colorful -
Only two days and a half till Eugene is brightened by your presence - Talked to Bat and his brother is staying with him now but you are welcome to sleep on his couch - (sofa)-


     Finally got my p.j.'s from our 4th of July trip - every time I saw Marge she would tell me she had them and I would say I would come after them - finally went tonight - She is wearing Bill's pin - They have an awfully cute little dog - She and her sister are living in this cute apartment -


It's only 9:15 - and I am going to stay for a while yet - Have to get used to this library stuff -


The tires on my Jezabel will have to be changed - the boot in the right front causes the shimmy - can you feature it - or who'd a thunk it. - Burn's have moved into their new house and will be settled soon - Stopped by last night and got an ice-cream cone on my way home from mailing your letter - Sure missed you, too -

D.J. came by tonite and asked me to serve at her reception - couldn't say "no" so we'll be there - it shouldn't be too bad - Do you mind. -


P.S. There sure are a lot of cute freshmen running around. - Chucks - think I'll go -
                                                                 Love & kisses
                                                                           Dotty