November 29, 1940 Friday

                                                                                Friday

Dear Dotty -
     Made me very happy to get your sweet letter today and learn that you were practically recovered - and I hope you keep of the good work - it's only one week from tonight till the 6th and I don't want you to be feeling bad then - but I know you'll be ok by then - so there -
     By the way, I would like to see you tomorrow even though you don't exactly feel I should - but it looks as though I only get to Corvallis - so I guess we better plan on next weekend -
     Also, regarding the dance, I find now that it's informal instead of formal - although long dinner dresses are in order along with short dresses - so you figure it out  - if you want to go - personally I think it would be good fun-
     Hope the weather is good for the game tomorrow although I doubt it - we are leaving Portland about 9:00 - Have a little business in Corvallis before luncheon - should be a lot of fun tomorrow - only wish I could get down to Eugene -
     Now that you have had lots of time to figure things out, I am kinda anxious to find out what you have decided about the wedding and stuff - but I guess we better wait till we see each other -
     Tomorrow I hope there will be another letter waiting for me when I get back to Portland - but even if there isn't, I won't be worrying about you - but I will be thinking about you -
                                                                        Love and kisses,
                                                                                    Bill

November 28, 1940 Thursday

                                                                                       Thursday
Hello again -
     Hoped I'd get a letter from you today telling me you were improving fast and feeling great and all that - but no letter yet - and so I am still worried - but I guess you have more to feel unhappy about than me - I have made a memorandum never to take you near poison oak in the future, so I guess we had best be careful when we go on picnics from now on -
     Anyway, you know I am thinking about you all the time and hoping you will be completely recovered practically at once - By the way, what have you been doing in your spare time this week - that is - not including scratching - and I hope you haven't been doing any worrying about the Monroe Lumber Co. even though they are probably having a tough time getting along without you -
     Guess you will have to let this weekend pass without seeing my bright and shining face - have been unable as yet to find anyone going down to Eugene - so it appears as though I will only get as far as Corvallis - and I'm not sure even about that, on account of Mr. Couch's tickets haven't arrived yet -  from here it looks as though its going to be a muddy game as its been raining all week and it's really coming down right now --
But to get back to the first sentence, you better start recovering fast so you'll be able to be in tip-top shape when you come up to Portland the 6th - let's see - that's exactly 8 days from now - so you better get busy - also in case you haven't  been told, I am missing you more every day and you can't get here too soon to suit me - gosh darn it, I get so darned mad sometimes at only being able to see you every 2 or three weekends - but could be I'm in love - don't you think -
     By the way, if you want to go to the Nu Sigma Nu dance, you better make plans to bring along your beautiful pink formal, on account of it's that kind of dance, even though us men (?) wear dark suits - Dick Hill asked me if he could ride with me if we go, so that should be fun - I think he is going to take Betty - remember -
     Dick Collins kinda surprised me by walking into my office this afternoon without warning - but we had quite a pleasant chat - he also showed me a copy of Dr. Byrne's thesis which has just been published by the Stanford University press (at $2.75 per copy) and my name appears in print - isn't it wonderful - it is in the introduction where Mr. Byrne is acknowledging the help he received in preparing the manuscript - I asked Collins to tell Byrne I would like a personally autographed copy - so I will show it to you when you come up-
     Just noticed in the Register-Guard that Alice Lyle and Romey de Pitland are getting married this month - are you surprised like I am - I have given up figuring out romances - except ours -
     If I don't hear from you tomorrow, I will probably call you up again tomorrow nite - would you like that, I hope - anyway I do want to know how you are coming along with the P.O.
                                                            Love and kisses,
                                                                   Bill

                                                                              Thursday

Hi Sweet -
     Am I ever getting to be a lady of leisure! - Hope I don't get too used to it - But I could be working now if I didn't look so awful - and I'm sure I'll be all right and can come to Portland - If not I'll be one mighty disappointed girl - I've certainly had time to do a lot of thinking -  and I've decided to never worry again - as far as my job goes I don't care - and I really don't - I would have quit Friday if Celorie hadn't been decent in the afternoon - anyhow I feel a lot better about it -
     Really I'm the most beautiful person ever - especially when my eyes were swollen shut - my face is almost back to normal now - but it still is kinda scary - I have heard all the radio programs and the last two days have done a little reading - read a good mystery novel this afternoon and now am ready to start on a love story -
     It would be nice if you could get over here Sat. & Sun. and Mr. Couch is certainly a swell fellow taking you to the game and what not - Only - I won't be too entertaining - In other words I would love to see you but not to have you see me -
     You are so sweet - writing every day - I have read each one about ten times - I'm glad you liked the Brownies and have decided you can marry now. - I have also done a lot of thinking about that, too, and have just about decided for sure what to do - We'll talk about it and see what you think -
     I'm sorry I didn't write sooner but honestly every time I would sit up or move around I would start to itch,  and it wasn't much fun - In fact I still do - but it's at the stage where I can just scratch away -
     I hope the game Sat. is good & wouldn't it be fun if we won?  - Have lots of fun - but think about me a little and remember I love you -
                                                                   Dotty

November 27, 1940 Wednesday "I like springs and summers so much better"

                                                                                  Wednesday

Hello, dear -
     How are you and the poison oak getting along - Hope you are getting better fast - I am still worrying about you too and I hope I get a letter from you tomorrow - can't you possibly arrange to go out and mail it late at night or something, or have Paul mail it for you - I do want to hear from you very much - it just doesn't seem right not to get a letter for two days in a row and I am unhappy -
     Listen, dear, do you suppose you would be well enough to have me visit you this weekend - not that it matters, because I am coming down to Eugene if I get half a chance - although nothing has come up yet - Guess I told you over the phone last night that Mr. Couch wants me to go down to Corvallis with him Saturday and see the game - am beginning to rate -  Anyway, if I can find somebody now who is going down to Eugene after the game and who is driving back to Portland Sunday night, it will be fine - and I am working on it - but you better not start expecting me until I walk in the door, as chances are very much in favor of me only getting as far as Corvallis -
     Are you having lots of fun staying around the house all day long - I betcha -- wish I were there to help keep you occupied -
     Just as I expected, this week is not going as fast as the last one and next week will probably be even slower - I am still pretty busy at the office too - and time hasn't been dragging in the evenings either - did some reading last night - tonight I am going skating again with Von - we are improving fast - when you come up the 6th, we shall try to go maybe sometime during the week if you would care to -
     By the way, if you are looking for a ride up, you might call up Karl and see if he is coming up that weekend -  I know he is coming up sometime in December and it might be then - anyway there's no harm in trying -  in any event, I don't want you to drive up this time - so if you can't get a ride, best you plan on taking the train, or what do you think -
     This weather is sure getting me down - nothing but rain and fog and I am not in favor of it at all - I like springs and summers so much better, especially the ones coming up - in just a couple of days it will be December -  then only 5 months till the happy day --
     And please write tomorrow - will you, dear - for me -
                                                                                  All my love -
                                                                                        Bill

November 25, 1940 Monday "P.S. Remember - don't scratch too much -"

                                                                               Monday

Hello, sweet -
     Now you have me all worried too -  Gosh darn it, I guess you are right when you say that everything happens to you -  who would have thought you would get poison oak at this time of the year - Wish I were down there to help cheer you up or something, also to see what you look like, although you know I would love you no matter what -  Anyway, I wouldn't blame you a bit if you took your hair down and had a good cry - I sure hope you get well in a hurry - so please try for the both of us - and don't scratch too hard -
     Your brownies are simply delicious - any little teentsie-weentsie doubt I had about your cooking has disappeared entirely, so now I can marry you because you are a good cook besides being beautiful, sweet, etc, etc - so there - anyway, they are just about gone - once I get started eating them, I don't want to stop so you can put them on the list you are making of "Things Zim likes to eat" -  By the way, it was very sweet of you to send them special delivery and all that - I went skating yesterday morning and they were here when I got back -
     My skating is coming along OK - haven't fallen down yet after three times, but I probably will pretty soon on account of I get to going faster than I should, but it's fun - don't think it's as dangerous as skiing - read in the paper that 25 were injured at Mt. Hood yesterday, which isn't such a bad score at that -
     Went to the movie at the Broadway last night with Von - we saw James Stewart and Rosalind Russell in something or other I don't remember the title but it was a pretty fair show - afterwards had a hamburger with many onions and then back here to eating your brownies - And then to bed early - all in all it was a pretty tame weekend - it always is whenever I'm not with you - can hardly wait for the 6th and 7th of December - and you better see that you are well by then or I'll come right down there and find out why not -
     Hope you are improving rapidly enough to write me a little longer letter tomorrow - and remember I am thinking of you all the time and loving you all the time -

                                                                        Bill
P.S.  Remember - don't scratch too much -

November 24, 1940 Sunday "Both eyes are swollen shut..."

                                                                                  Saturday

Look!! 4 pages

Hello, dear,
     Just think - here it is Saturday nite and I am spending it very quietly, listening to the radio and writing to you - and it's good fun besides being inexpensive - I have just two dollars and fifteen cents to last me until the 1st of Dec. - think I'll make it?  However that's the day my budget really begins to look optimistic for a change -
     So you have told your Aunt Hettie we are going to be married - I think that is swell and I hope she approves - you know when you start counting them up, there are quite a few people who know, but I guess it doesn't matter much - we've been going together quite a while and everybody should be able to guess we're going to make it permanent - do you know it's only a little over two months until Feb. 1, when you can start making plans to announce our engagement - and I've said this so many times, but I still can hardly wait -
     We have been having the screwiest weather lately - last night it was freezing, this morning it was warm, then a cold wind came up and blew and froze all afternoon, and now it has started to rain - I give up -
     At Mr. Couch's suggestion - and who am I to object - I locked up my office at 10:30 this morning and went out and played golf with Mr. Couch and Dr. Baird - and it was really cold out there besides having a freezing east wind blowing us around - but we bundled up with a lot of long underwear, sweat shirts, sweaters, etc and it wasn't half bad - even played 18 holes and that was plenty -
     Tomorrow morning I am going to forego the usual Sunday golf game and go ice-skating instead - it is getting to the point where it is lots of fun now and I'm not worried about falling down and running into people and stuff -
     I have been thinking about the fun we are going to have the weekend of the 6th and 7th - wish it would hurry and get here - but golly it's still just two weeks anyway - one thing I am going to do is take you out to dinner Saturday nite wherever you want to go - Lobbe's, Nendel, or what do you suggest - also Saturday afternoon we are going to look at a lot of merchandise and window displays and you can figure out what to get me for Xmas also - Ash and Hill have almost succeeded in selling me a ticket to the Nu Sig dance the nite of the 7th, so if nothing else turns up we will probably end up there and it ought to be fun, even if they usually dance between each drink instead of vice-versa - and just to top it all off its our first anniversary and that deserves a celebration in itself - will never forget this last year either -
     Oh yes in case I haven't told you, you are forgiven for not mailing your letter till Friday - the sweetness makes up for the delay -
     Went to the Paramount with Bob Thursday nite and saw Kay Kyser's latest and it was really a pretty fair show - you ought to see it if you can take time off from braiding your rug, knitting the baby clothes, taking care of plants, day dreaming, sleeping, copying your lessons, and writing to me - gosh, you really are a busy girl, aren't you -
     This has all the appearances of being a rather longish letter - do you mind - I hope the quality hasn't suffered -
     Resurrected a cute little picture-frame I had and now have mounted that snapshot of us in it, so now I have two pictures of you on my dresser - wish I had some more -
     Now that you have promised me the cake or cookies, I can't wait, so I hope I get them along with a nice long letter about Monday or Tuesday or thereabouts -
                                                                                            All my love -
                                                                                                  Bill

                                                                                       Sunday

Hello, puddin' - -
          Am I ever a mess, look like Frankestein or somepin' - The jist of it is that everything happens to me and am I disgusted.  In other words I have a damn good case of Poison Oak.  Both eyes are swollen shut and I can just see through a little slit in one.  My face is all swollen, too, and I itch sometimes till I want to scream. Went to the doctor Saturday and he gave me a light treatment and a shot.  When I got downstairs I practically fainted in the alley by the minor bldg.  Everything went black and I grabbed onto a pipe and leaned against the wall.  What fun!  Anyway I'm so made I could cry.  If I ever come within a mile of P.O. again I hope someone shoots me.  I have to stay clear of it summer, winter, spring or fall.
          Guess you are going to get to be an expert ice-skater one of these days.  If this damn p.o. clears up by the 7th we will have to go maybe.  This isn't going to be much of a letter, but I do keep thinking about you all the time in between the scratchings and itchings- - in fact I'm about to go crazy.  Did you get the brownies all right.  I made those just as soon as I got home from work yesterday before things started spreading.
          Sorry dear but I can't stand it any longer, I am going to have to lie down and relax.

                                                                                    Lots of love,
                                                                                          Dotty

November 22, 1940 Friday "How are you coming along with the cookies..."

                                                                                  Friday

Dear Dotty -
     Can't seem to get used to this being Friday - seems like Monday - but I'm glad it is today - This week is really disappearing fast -
     What! no letter from you today - Could it be you ate too much and couldn't get out to the mailbox, or what - or is it too cold for Dammit - if the weather is freezing there like it is here I bet you are having lots of fun draining the radiator each nite - I have to spend about 5 minutes every morning rubbing the ice off my windshield so I can see -
     Have finally figured out definitely what I am going to get for you for xmas, and if I do say so myself, it is pretty sweet, besides being practical and beautiful too - just like you - Oh yes and speaking of Xmas, I think I can get off about noon the day before, so can get down to Eugene on the afternoon of the 24th - are you in favor of that, I hope-
     I have come to the conclusion also that if you really wanted to make me happy for X mas, and as long as I don't get you till next May, you ought to get me either (1) a heater for my car or (2) a new set of woods or irons so I could start playing a little better golf - remember the above is only a hit, just in case you can't think of anything better, and I don't want you to be spending too much money on me either -
     The stores downtown are really getting into the Xmas swing already - all decorated up and everything - wish I had lots more money than I have -
     Think I am going ice - skating again Sunday morning - it is getting to be more fun each time - and besides it is usually too cold to play golf in the mornings and still be comfortable -
     How are you coming along with the cookies or what are they - I am waiting impatiently, on account of I get hungry quite often - and besides it would be kinda romantic too or do you think so -
     By the way, pardon the change in paper, but I seem to be out of the better quality -
     Am going to walk down town now and mail this - and it is freezing outside - is that true love or isn't it, I ask you -
                                                                 Love,
                                                                      Bill

November 21, 1940 Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) "Was supposed to eat dinner today at my great-aunts' but that didn't seem like too much fun"

                                                                                  Thursday

Hello-sweet -
     Just happened to think that today is a holiday and therefore the post office may be closed before I get down there on account of it is now 6:40 and the post office closes at 7:00 so I may not make it and if I don't please forgive mo on account of I meant well anyway and I do still love you -
     Have had quite a bit of fun yesterday and today - Was supposed to eat dinner today at my great-aunts' but that didn't seem like too much fun, especially since Mr. Couch asked me to eat with them out on the Tualitan - I figure I must be getting in all right with Mr. Couch if he wants me to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them - anyway, at the last moment they decided to stay in town because his young son was kind of sick with the flu or something - we started off with a couple of good stiff scotch-and-sodas, which is a good way to start.  I think - After dinner I took Mr. Couch for a ride out to the Tualitan anyway, and it lasted longer than I thought -
     I kinda missed not getting a little package of goodies from you yesterday, but I will forgive you if you promise to take care of that little matter soon - I know you are a good cook so you can't use that for an excuse -
     Have had my exercise lately - went ice-skating last night and really showed some improvement - got to whipping around pretty fast too - then this morning went out with Von and played 9 holes on the toughest nine at Glendoveer, and I had 7 pars out of 9 holes which is not bad considering I don't play too often -
     Hope the next two weeks go by as fast as this one is going - have a lot of fun planned for us when you come up -
     Am looking forward to a nice long letter tomorrow -
                                                                             Lots of love,
                                                                                       Bill

                                                                        Thursday    [Ed. Note: not mailed until Friday]

Hello Sweetness
     Well, today was a very quiet one - we went out to Aunt Hetty's for dinner and stayed all day - Paul and I went hunting - we tramped around in the woods for miles and miles and got hungrier than bears - only saw a couple of jack-rabbits & a squirrel - but we did get some exercise - after dinner we all went to sleep in front of the fireplace - we are going to have to have one - and now I've got a beastly headache and it's freezing outside - Would you mind awfully if I didn't mail this till tomorrow - You know I still love you and want you here.  I told Aunt Hetty we were planning to be married and she was very glad - I think she had a darn good idea before cause she started talking about my home first and then said we were going to get married weren't we?-  The more I think about it, the more fun I think we are going to have - and the time seems to be going by fairly fast - (darn I wish my head didn't ache) -
     I started on my baby sweater last night and it is going to be cute - I'll try to finish it 'fore I come to Portland - It sounds like Dec. is going to be a good month for us - We can celebrate our first anniversary when I'm in Portland the 7th - had you though of that?!-
     And now I have decided to make a braided rug instead of a hooked one - Everyone has convinced me that they are much easier to do and don't take so long - Remember, don't throw anything away -
     Hell, just thot - have to go to work tomorrow - Oh well, won't be long now and I can bid them all goodbye - I promise to make you some cookies or candy or cakes this weekend for sure = I will have time to look over some recipes, etc.-
     Have you gone ice skating anymore.  I think I'll try to go bowling some time next week - I do have to keep up on my athletics - And now dear, guess I'll go transplant a plant - a little something I'm nursing along for our hope chest - maybe if it grows and looks all right - It seems to me tho that I'm doing more talking than actual work - but, just wait -
     I have got to go to the dentist again one of these days - hope he doesn't find too many cavities - keep your fingers crossed -
     Now, dear, are you still mad at me for not mailing this tonight? -  Remember, I love you and I'll see you the 6th.
                                            Love & kisses
                                                  Dotty

November 19, 1940 Tuesday

                                                                              Tuesday

Hello, dear -
     Your letter was too too sweet - have just read it for about the 5th time -  say what is this about a surprise for Thanksgiving - do you actually mean to tell me you might prepare some cake, candy, or cookies with your own sweet itsy bitsy lily white hands - I can hardly wait -
     I too have been day dreaming since Sunday - also missing you already - gosh darn it, December 7th is so far away too -
     Speaking of Xmas and New Year's, think it would be a wonderful idea for you to come up here New Year's Eve - I would also hate to spend that evening without you -  1941 is going to be a great year - so we may as well start it off in the approved fashion - together -  So our schedule now is as follows, I hope:  Dec 7 and 31 you will come up here and Dec 14 and 25 I will go down there - sounds like a pretty good month -
     I was busy all day again today - the time just whipped by - it's lots of fun that way too -  Had turkey for lunch today too starting a bit early - but it certainly tasted good -
     The weather up here is really getting cold - there was ice all over my windshield this morning - guess it's a good thing I have anti-freeze in  - and my hands sure got cold driving - guess I will have to invest in some nice warm gloves -
     Gosh darn it, I just can't seem to think of anything more to say except - I love you - and always will - so there -
                                                                                           Bill

                                                                                Tuesday -

Hello Sweetheart -
     In the Side again - I'm not really here all the time but we did have another meeting - In round figures We made $150.00 on our dance -
     I can't seem to think very good -  Got another A - in one of my Math lessons - and I still don't understand what it's all about -
     Guess I'll go home and knit a bit tonight - am going to make another baby sweater - and not for my hope chest either - Hon- will you do me a favor - call Marge Mac - and tell her I got Dotty's invitation today - was muchly surprized but happy for her - and I would like to get her a little something and thought Marge could tell me what she would need or would like - could you do that for me - Also you might mention that I'm coming down the weekend of the 7th and would like a lot to see her - It has been a long time since July -
     It will be wonderful if you come down the 14th and then Christmas too - you know, the time is going by fairly fast - and now I'm thoughtless again - guess I best go home, or they'll think I'm (Just got a kiss from Don - whoops both Peggy & I - By the way, I don't think I want you to go around kissing too many nurses - once in a while is all right - but remember you belong to me! -
     Anyway I love you and think of you a lot - Please have a nice Thanksgiving and don't eat too much Turkey -
P.S.  There was nothing in the kitchen but I will send you something real soon -
                                                               Love & kisses
                                                                        Dotty

November 18, 1940 Monday "...it'll be fun to shoot a little bit "

                                                                                 Monday

Hello again dear
     How are you today and also how were you Monday -
I got up to Portland OK about midnight but I was sure sleepy all the way up - stopped for some coffee at Salem but it didn't help much - my eyes were pretty tired when I went to bed but they didn't bother me today -
     Otherwise I feel great considering it is Monday - was so busy today didn't get a chance to feel tired but I like it that way - think that it will be that way most of the time from now on - I hope -
     Hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as I did -  everything was perfect except that it went too fast again - anyway the next time I see you it will only be 5 months till May - that helps -
     Took the walnuts up to your Aunt Vesta's this noon - also told her you would be up the 7th - that's right isn't it - which reminds me - I told somebody I'd take them down to Eugene the 14th so guess I'll be down that weekend - then Xmas also - so it looks as though we have a schedule -
     Von just called me up and wants me to go out to Beaverton tonite with somebody and play some ping-pong or something - we'll probably end up drinking beer, only I won't buy any - I'm practically broke -
     Have to rush to get this finished before Von comes - am anticipating a sweet letter from you tomorrow -
                                                                       All my love,
                                                                                  Bill

Hello Puddin----
     I miss you already!-  And all I've been able to do is to sit around and dream, but guess I'll knit a little bit -  Thanksgiving day is going to be kinda dreary without you - we'll probably go out to Aunt Hettie's - Paul said he'd get some shells, tho, and it'll be fun to shoot a little bit - If you come down here for Christmas why can't I come to Portland for New Year's - I would hate to sit here and watch 1941 come in without you, after all it's going to be a big year for us -
     Am listening to Geo. Burns & Gracie Allen.  And do you know what - I'm not stiff from Bowling - guess I like it - and will try to go again soon -  I have an appetite like a horse - and best I stop eating -
     And now dear I have run out of things to say except "I love you."  They're playing "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar."  So now I've heard it - I still don't feel like studying - what to do --- And I'm still sittin' - Best I get some fresh air - just threw away a lot of old paid bills and it sure makes you wonder why you buy such silly things - but no more for me -  no just throwing my money away -
     Would you like a little surprise for Thanksgiving - I'll go see what I can find in the kitchen - which is more, I hope than I think is there -
'Scuse me deah for this nonsensical letter - but anyway I keep thinking about you and wish you were here.
  
                                                                          Lots & lots of love
                                                                          and oodles of kisses

                                                                                   Dotty

November 14, 1940 Thursday "I am going to see the next major operation at the TB hospital"

                                                                            Thursday
Dear Dotty -
     Can hardly believe this is Thursday already - just Friday and then I see you again - by the way, I think I can arrange to leave about an hour early on Sat - so I hope to be in Eugene around 2:30 or thereabouts - so why don't you wait for me if you have any shopping or stuff to do downtown -
     My car is at present down in the garage, so I am walking -  I told the man to get rid of that noise the best way he could and also that I needed the car Saturday morning so I hope he can take care of it OK -  It would be awful if something else were wrong - guess I better cross my fingers -
     Had a lot of fun ice-skating last nite - Von and I are going to go every Wednesday from now on - I didn't even fall down once and I was going fairly fast too - there were several of the boys and girls from school there too - some of the girls were wearing cute costumes also -
     This weather is really great - I like it much better than the fog and rain - I wouldn't be surprised if this turned out to be a hard cold winter or something - it ought to be after last year-
     The idea for your rug sounds okay to me, but who am I to know anyway - I think I shall leave all those things to you dear-
     Guess you won't have much trouble selling 50 tickets to the dance - if it's anything like previous Gamma Alpha Chi dances - see by the Emerald that you are going to have models from every house - that should help to sell the tickets also - by the way dear, are you and Frances going to take me and Bob out to dinner beforehand, or is that just for Mortar Board, not that it matters - just so I eat with you somewhere -  we will probably end up at Bat's before the dance anyway -  have you succeeded in getting Wester to the dance yet, or is he still all tied up in his love life-
     I am going to see the next major operation at the TB hospital, Mr. Couch tells me, providing it's one that he hasn't seen before - will probably be next week sometime -
     Listen, sweetheart, I don't like for you to get so mad at the Monroe Lumber Co. even if I think you should - just smile sweetly as only you can do and stick it out for a few months yet and then I'll take you away from it all - wish you liked your work as much as I do mine - anyway think of the budget -
                                                          See you Saturday, sweet -
                                                                 Love and kisses,
                                                                       Bill

Letter added to November 7 post.

(Ed. note:  Sorry for the mix up.  There was a letter from Dotty without a clear postmark date.  It was in the box in order as if it was Thursday November 14, but as I started typing I realized it was from the previous week, so I edited the November 7 post and added it.  You can go back to Nov. 7 to read it.)
                                                                     

November 13, 1940 Wednesday "...we will have enough to buy some material to make you an apron to wear when you use the dish towels we just bought!!"

                                                                                        Wednesday

Darlin'
    I'm sorry about that dumb letter yesterday, but I just wasn't in the mood -  Thanks loads for paying a
Ass'd for me - I have a penny, too -
    Maybe in a month we will have enough to buy some material to make you an apron to wear when you use the dish towels we just bought!!-
     I don't think I said two words at the office today - I hate it so - but then a lot of it is in my mind and I am going to get it right out -  I am not going to say one more thing about it - and if I do you just remind me that the subject is taboo -
    I am really going to start to make a rug so don't throw away any woolens -  Will start ripping tonight, I think - do you like this design - to have the outside solid brown with the inside variagated?  and brighter colors - What do you think?  I'm not too sure -
    I have decided to study again - That is to finish copying M.J.'s work -
    I'm so glad that tomorrow is Thursday then Friday, then you - Wish it were that way all the time till May - Then!!==
    Talk about cold weather - It's plenty cold here too - only I haven't money to get anti freeze - but my radiator leaks again anyway - so perhaps it won't freeze - maybe after pay day I'll have a couple of Sheckles -
    Will call Francis about the dance tomorrow - The tickets are out - and I hope they sell more than 50 - cause if we don't - we'll certainly owe a lot of money - Now there's some pretty good music on the radio - sounds like it might be Kay Kyser - (It was)
    You will have to tell me all about the operation - Hope it isn't too gruesome.  Maybe some day you'll want to be a doctor - Anyway it'll be interesting - Perhaps I might see one, too, some time?- maybe - I think it's going to work out O.K. for me to come to Portland the 30th - that is if we decided to have Thanksgiving the 21st. - We'll see - maybe I can find a ride up - I think it should be fun being there all day Sat. -
    Goodbye now sweet and remember I love you -
                           Lots of kisses, too -
                                         Dotty

                                                                                    Wednesday

Hello, my love -
    Don't know why, but I have been sleepy and lazy all day - maybe the weekend is beginning to catch up, or maybe I'm feeling like you do when I'm not around, or something -  Sometimes I wonder whether it's worth while waiting till next May - I am becoming more impatient all the time -
    Mr. Couch was down in Salem all day, which also might have been responsible for my not doing much -
    Tonite I am going ice-skating with Von and Glenn - hope I don't fall down too often as the ice is fairly hard - I should play basketball, but I'm going to kiss that off as being too strenuous -
    My damn car makes me mad - the clutch still grinds when the motor is cold and it sounds as though the whole transmission was falling out -
    This is going to be good fun coming down two weekends in a row - it's been quite a while since that happened, although I wish it could be all the time -
    Listen dear - do you still want the ball of yarn - if so, I'll bring it - if I can still find the wrapper - guess you will be needing the mittens if the weather down there is like it is here - it's practically freezing -
    Have the cute little snapshot of us right on my desk in front of me - thnk I'll frame it - you are very beautiful in it as I've told you before besides looking about 18 years old -  you don't mind my telling you these things again dear do you but I cannot tell a lie -
                                                                     Love and kisses -
                                                                                   Bill

November 12, 1940 Tuesday "...wish you were here all the time"

                                                                             Tuesday

Hello, dear -
     This is fun having it be Tuesday already - I am in favor of more holidays like yesterday - especially when they come on a weekend -  come to think of it, we did do quite a few things and saw quite a few places besides having a good time - and it did go by pretty fast didn't it ---
     Had an uneventful trip last night - I drove to Albany and Glenn took it the rest of the way - stopped for a hamburger in Salem - reached Portland about 9:30 - and it was really cold up here - in fact it is getting colder all the time -  I had some anti-freeze put in today and it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to do it too unless you would rather drain the radiator every night -
     Enclosed you have found a receipt and a flag - guess I took care of that matter in a hurry, didn't I - and now I have another penny for us too -
     Already I am waiting for next weekend to hurry up and come around - gosh darn it - I wish you were up here all the time - guess I am too much in love with you, but I think it is wonderful -
     Dick Hill got back today and he succeeded in getting the job so he was quite happy - it's really quite an achievement - as only one out of 30 applicants are selected -
     How are you coming along with the dance - Have you sold any tickets yet to Frances, etc. -
     Have really been busy at the office today and no fooling - and what's more I am going back tonight - Mr. Couch is going down to Salem tomorrow morning for a couple of meetings and I have to get a bunch of stuff ready for him -
     Finally talked Mr. Couch into letting me watch an operation this week - had lunch today at the TB hospital and all the doctors talked about was operations - so I said I had never seen one yet and would like to - so now I am - will tell you about it later -
     Well, dear, guess I better whip back up to the Medical Center - hope I get a nice long letter from you tomorrow -
                                                                         Love,
                                                                                Bill

Bill my darling -

  Here I am at the Side - but not for long - I've sure had a time today - missed you like the devil - felt like quitting my job any minute - In fact I still feel like it and wouldn't feel a bit guilty - it's a good thing I asked and got my raise when I did or I'd only be making about $60 a month - So - if you've got any bright ideas - The dance is coming along fine - I hope - only I sure wish I weren't on the decorations end -

  Did you get to Portland O.K.?-

  I still wish you were here all the time - You should see the bruise on my ankle where I hit it bowling - Big as a house - There certainly isn't very much happening these days - This pin ball machine is certainly popular - About 20 fellows hanging around it - And I don't know one of them tsk-tsk -  

My mind's a blank - It has been all day -  Read Esquire last night - figured I must have sinus trouble - cause one article listed my symptons to a "T" - guess maybe I'll get over it tho -

Well dear - I have company -so - as long as I tweren't sayin' nothin' guess I'll quit -  

With all my love and sincerely yours etc

  Dorothy Decima Barclay -

P.S.  Love & kisses

                         Dotty

November 7, 1940 Thursday

                                                                                 Thursday

Dear Dotty -
     Well, it finally got around to being a Thursday, so this is probably my last letter this week - and it's only about 43 or 44 hours till I see you - oh happy day -  just checked up with all my passengers today and we should be on our way out of Portland by 12:15 Saturday - so I should be kissing you hello about 3:00, I hope - it will help if there is no rain too -
     Mr. Couch mentioned today that I could leave early if I wanted to see the game - very nice of him, don't you think -  but I told him we had planned on noon -
     To tell you the truth I haven't been thinking about the game or anything else in Eugene, except that I'll see you -  nothing else matters much -  will probably stay at the fraternity if there is a bed - although I suppose they will still follow the same policy of kicking the freshmen out for a couple of nights -
     Think it should be fun eating Sunday dinner at our respective houses if you want to do that - should see a few familiar faces in the crowd -
     Listen, sweet.  I think you sealed the envelope too fast - on account of I have searched every nook and cranny and still am unable to find the piece of yarn you referred to, so how can I get you another ball - guess we'll have to wait till next week - can you wait?
     Am glad you are getting the matter of decorations settled - don't want you to do too much work -
     We had a couple of men from the traffic division of the Police Dept come up today and survey the Medical School parking set-up - Mr. Couch stayed in his office and let me show them around -  Also had to talk them out of some parking signs and they finally agreed -  They seemed to like our arrangement all right -
     Just thought of something else - was talking to Henry Ash today and he thought he would also go down to Eugene this weekend - and he wondered if I knew any other beautiful girlsdown there besides you - as he would like to go to the dance - so I wonder if maybe you could just kinda keep your eyes open and maybe see a few possibilities - although we couldn't make anything definite until after we got down Saturday - Oh yes Henry is about 6 feet tall, dark hair, and very smooth, besides being a D.U. and a gentleman, in case anyone wants to know -
     Have 14 pennies for you now - but where does that help you after you give me 75 - but it should be lots of fun spending them - guess we will have time for a little shopping Saturday afternoon - if not, we can wait till the 30th in Portland -
     I have a lot of reading to do tonite - am really starting to learn a bunch of this stuff and there's practically no finishing it - which is all right, I guess -
     So, until Saturday, dear - au revoir - and I love you too -
                                                                       Bill -

Thursday
Hello sweetness -
     I've sure got the jitters tonight - Can't seem to settle down to do anything yet feel like doing a lot - what does one do in that case?-
     Guess I'll go for a walk - There's some good music on the radio now - Bob Crosby and the Camel Caravan  -
     I forgot to put in the band of the yarn I want so I'm putting it in tonight - if you haven't time to get it that is O.K., you can bring it down on the 16th - 
     Saw Carl last night and he will see about getting or fixing the date up for Bob with Bea - Anyway I said you'd see him Sat. about it -
     This music sure is good - feel like dancing only have no one to dance with - fine thing -
     Christmas is creeping up and I haven't done any shopping yet and I was going to try to get it done early this year - oh well -
     Gee only a day and a half - or about two days from now - till you are in town - and I am with you - Do you still love me?  Where will you stay - do you know? -
     Seems like I haven't a lot to say - just keep thinkin -  Did I tell you I don't have to work Monday at all - so maybe we can do something - don't know what - but maybe somepin-
     I think you must be in awful good shape what with your basketball - ping pong - golf and all your exercising - maybe I'll start riding again in January - maybe -
     Gee - I can't get over how wonderful this music is - Now they're going to play "cow cow blues"!? - (Not too good)
     Think I best finish a lesson for Morrisette tonight cause I think it's in Feb. that my year will be up - Soooo -
     Just think this weekend will be our 11th anniversary - almost a year - I wonder how many more there will be - do you ever stop to think about it sometimes? - Anyway it's sure fun thinking and planning - 
     Maybe we shouldn't do too much of it - just let things happen as they will -
     Now my good music is signing off  - maybe the next program will be good -
     And - when you get this it'll only be a day - I can hardly wait -
                                            Lots & lots of love
                                                          Dotty

November 6 1940 Wednesday

                                                                                   Wednesday

Hello dear -

          Have just finished catching up on my reading of the Emeralds and the Register-Guards - very interesting - I note by the Emerald that they are having a tough time deciding whether or not the dance Saturday should be formal - same old stuff, I guess -
     So you are having lots of fun getting decorations for the GAC dance - why don't you resign and let someone else do it - after all you aren't in school anymore, or does that matter -
     Saw Tony's name in the draft list in the Guard - I guess he's pretty close to the top - I always told him he should have been married and settled down by now, like I wish I was -
     Have had my suit for a day now and finally decided I like it all right - it's kinda pretty especially in the dark -
     I am glad you have informed the Monroe Lumber Co that you aren't going to work Monday PM - I have an idea this weekend is going to go by too fast again and I want to spend as much time with you as possible - don't think I'll even play any golf, unless you work Monday morning - so you know it's true love - I'll tell you all Saturday -
     Am going to practice basketball again tonite with the "Y" team - it's lots of fun, but I'm really not in the best of condition as yet - but there's nothing like basketball to fix that up -
     Am going to a DU luncheon tomorrow - guess the boys are starting their winter meetings again -
                                                                                  Love,
                                                                                        Bill

                                                                                           Wednesday

Hi -
     Here I am again in the Side - just got rid of all the construction work for the dance - and now I can breathe - Ralph Woodall is going to do the whole works - Bless his little heart -
     Dear, I would love to knit you some mittens but they are no good to drive in - They slip all over the wheel - and just to make sure I tried it this morning - Best you get some fleece-lined gloves - leather - of some sort - I am enclosing a band of the yarn - I need they should have it at M&F's 5th floor - one ball - is plenty and I will pay you when you come down - (I can hardly wait)-
     The dance Sat. is now not formal - They are having the same trouble they had last year - So we won't go formal -
     Do you think I can waste an hour - (not exactly waste - but I mean write to you for an hour -)  I hope too many people don't wonder what in the Dickens I am trying to do - This week is going by terribly slow - In fact, I mean it is just dragging - I don't - have to work Monday if I don't want to - I will call Karl and ask him about Bea tomorrow morning -
     Oh dear, I'm kinda put out at the office.  It's getting to be a habit, but best I grin and bear it for six more months -
     This 40 hour week is cutting down our wages, too, cause our rate per hour is not raised - and this month we will have no overtime - Maybe I can save lots of money and maybe I can't - but I've made up my mind not to worry about it - So there-
     I'm saving all your letters to - maybe some day they will be fun to sit and read over in front of the fireplace with - the cold rain - and wind blowing & raining outside -
     (Broke another fingernail today and now I have two short ones on my right hand but don't think I'll cut the others off - I'm so proud of you I could burst - what with your sitting at the head of table and Mr. Couch taking such an interest in you, etc. - Just think, my own Sweet William -
     With your pennies and my pennies I think we'll have enough to buy some dishtowels 5 or 6 anyway - which are quite a few - Maybe we will have a minute or two for some window shopping here -
     Will you be having dinner at the house Sunday-?  Let's - I think I will, too- and it will be fun seeing some of the old gang again - only 45 min. - to go - It's kinda fun being a student yet not worrying about studying -
P.S- Just saw someone I can talk to - so remember I love you and hurry down Sat-
                                                                              Dotty

November 5, 1940 Tuesday "- looks like Roosevelt is a cinch - I kinda wanted Wilkie -"

                                                                            Tuesday

Hello, sweet -
     Just Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to go - and am I impatient - Do you know this is the longest period of time that I have not seen you since - hope it doesn't happen again before next May - which by the way is less than 6 months away now - isn't it great -
     Election returns are really coming in fast now - looks like Roosevelt is a cinch - I kinda wanted Wilkie - mostly because Mr. Couch and all the doctors did too -
     What do you mean by telling me you are always so unambitious - you're never that way when I see you - or could be that's it - we'll see this weekend - say, what's this about the dance being formal or semi-formal - not that it matters, as I suppose my dark suit is okay- and you will be lovely no matter what you wear - can hardly wait again to tell you again just how lovely and sweet - and how much I do love you -
     Will be very happy to get you some yarn for your mittens, (also for mine if you want me to), so let me know -
     Wonder if you could do me a favor, dear - when Karl was up here, he mentioned that Bea Evans didn't have a date to the Homecoming Dance - and Bob Moser, who is coming down with me, doesn't have one either - so I wondered if you could call Karl and ask him if Bea would want to go out with him - providing she doesn't have a date yet - tell him I will get in touch with him after the game or something -
     Guess what - I really have been working quite hard so far this week - I also have a bunch of reading to do - Mr. Couch and I are going to spend one night a month from now on discussing subjects having to do with our reading and hospital administration - which should be lots of fun and also very helpful to me - sounds encouraging, too, as he is too busy to waste his time doing that if he didn't think I was going to be around for a while -
     From what I can gather concerning my draft number it will be at least a year and maybe two before they invite me to spend a year with the army - by then, maybe I will be in a deferred class - I hope -
     Have saved up 11 pennies for you so far - will bring them down -
                                                                                  Al my love,
                                                                                            Bill

                                                                                 Tuesday

Hello Puddin -
     Decorations, decorations, and I am going crazy - But now I have a committee to help me so things should work out a little bit better - Yep - I'm in the Side now but no one is around - The music is playing and there is the regular atmosphere - Haven't studied a wink but my conscious doesn't hurt a bit - I will have your 75¢ for you this weekend - Are you glad - I'm anxious to see you and your new suit - (My pen isn't running dry - but it's sure working funny) - Dick just came by and said he guessed who I was writing to - guess he guessed right -  He says "hello" - I certainly am not doing a good job of concentrating -
     Now we have a cow outside our office window - Bob and I fed it some apples today -  But it is rather disconcerting to look up and see this silly old cow licking his chops - 
     This old place isn't the same without you - Time and time again I wish you were here - I don't know for sure yet whether we have Monday off - but I informed them today I wouldn't work in the afternoon anyway.  I also said that I would take my Saturday morning off on the 30th - It would be fun to go "shopping" with you in Portland -
     Thank gosh - after tonight no more bla bla bla of political speeches - Maybe can, oh no - we'll be dancing then - or just when is the "Hit Parade"?-
     And so, dear, I am running out of thoughts - but I do keep thinking of you -
                                                                         love & kisses
                                                                                Dotty

November 4, 1940 Monday "...have to get a trunk to keep your letters in"

                                                                                              Monday

Hi, light of my life ----
     Just finished reading your beautiful little letter a couple of times and I guess you agree with me that it isn't much fun sitting around of a weekend and thinking of your loved one and still being 120 miles apart - Anyway the next two weekends we'l make up for it -
     Would like to come down Friday nite but the passengers all agreed on Saturday noon, so guess it will be then - we should be there by 3:00 PM, I hope -
     It really got cold last nite - and drove to work this morning in a heavy fog, but it was clear as a bell at the top of Marquam Hill, and the view was the most gorgeous I have seen yet - I went up to the top of the Medical Science Bldg and surveyed the surrounding scenery -  Could see all the mountains such as St Helens, Rainier, etc - and Mt. Hood really big - and all covered with snow - skiing is good now, according to the papers, what with about 20 or 24 inches so far -- of snow -
     Just noticed in your letter that you were knitting some mittens - you shouldn't have told me, on account of I am now going to respectfully request you to knit me a pair, providing you have the yarn and the time - my hands got awful cold this morning driving to work - it would be very sweet of you to take care of this matter and I will only be too happy to give you my measurements this weekend -
     Am going down to the "Y" tonight and see if I am good enough to play on their basketball team - Wish I were in better condition -
     That idea of yours about coming up here some Friday nite when you don't work Saturday sounds plenty OK to me - wait till I look at my calendar - how about Nov. 30 - then we can wander around Portland Sat. afternoon and see what the stores are selling that we might want to buy - ought to be good fun -
     Today went by fast - much faster than most Mondays - now if the rest of the week could go the same, I would be happy -
     Guess what - bought a month's supply of stamps today - guess I write as many letters as you and I just counted up to find that you wrote me 17 letters in October - by next May I'll have to get a trunk to keep your letters in, cause I'm certainly not going to throw them away -
                                                                      Love and kisses,
                                                                               Bill

                                                                                 Monday

Hi, sweet, sweeter, & sweetest -
     I really can hardly wait till this weekend - And I'm just sittin around till then - your new suit sounds very lovely and I'm sure you look very lovely - No matter what you say - Will I see it this weekend?  - My drate big hansome man - But I mean it - And I love you -
     Are you voting tomorrow - Finally and at last the political speeches will be over - wonder who will win?  - Guess the word'll go on just the same -
     Zim why am I so lazy - just sit around and don't do a thing - I've said this before - but I wish I'd snap out of it - maybe I could if I just set out to do it -  I need you here for encouragement.
     Evidentally the dance Sat. is long dresses, etc - Just think you'll be an alum and I'm practically one and considered as one in the house -
     Did you have to make your little speech at the banquet - sounds like it was fun -
     Wish this GAC dance was over with I have no idea in the world on how to decorate - They want a ship and I don't know what a ship looks like -  Joy oh Gladness -
     Almost finished a mitten but I'm running out of yarn - If I sent you the wrapper - do you think you could get another ball for me? - I know it's a lot to ask - but maybe you could get someone to get it for you? -  Or you could say your mother wanted it, or something - anyhoo let me know & I'll send it -
     Oregon sure went to town against Montana - I'm not even looking at what I'm writing so hope you can read it - (More political speeches)
     Hurry up here Sat - but be careful - & remember I love you -