January 27, 1941 Monday "...I mean until the middle of April - after which life will be one continual weekend - or something -"

                                                                               Monday

Hello, dear -
     And so it is Monday again - now only 4 more days until I see you once more - it's sure great that I went down to Eugene over the weekend - don't you think so too, I hope - and I know also that we won't miss seeing each other for more than two weeks from now on - I mean until the middle of April - after which life will be one continual weekend - or something -
     Got back to Portland without difficulty - as usual - the car really ran swell.  Stopped in Salem and had some more tomato juice - tsk tsk, but it was the only thing I was hungry - or thirsty for -  And so I was in bed by 11:15 and I feel great today - not even the slightest sign of a headache -
     And how have you been?
     Have you been able to ask Lindstrom about quitting around 3:30 next Friday pm, so you can catch the train to Portland, where I shall be waiting for you with open arms - and I ain't fooling - maybe I'll even kiss you at the station - do you mind?
     The secretary, Vada [can't read last name], told me that she dreamed last night that she met you and that you were a beautiful girl and also cute, and I said that answered the description perfectly - so there - we have things all arranged for Saturday nite - we'll go over to their apartment at Marquam Manor about 6:00 pm and then go down to dinner together -
     Mr. Couch will not be in the office much tomorrow, if at all - but I've sure got lots of work to do.  I won't have a bit of trouble keeping busy from now on period
     Well, g'bye for now, sweet - and remember you can't make your letters too long -
                                                                                   Love and kisses,
                                                                                           Bill

January 24, 1941 Friday "...3 weeks is much to long for someone who is as much in love as I am-"

                                                                                    Friday

Hi, dear -
     Well, here it is Friday again - just one more week until the city of Portland is brightened by your presence, and am I getting tired of waiting - it's simply awful - so best you talk to Lindstrom about taking Saturday off -
     This has been really quite a busy week at the office for me although I kind of took it easy today - was in Mr. Couch's office all morning - then we had lunch at the TB hospital - and spent most of the afternoon sitting up in the auditorium watching colored and talking movies of operations, etc - very interesting -
     You sound as though you are having lots of fun working at the Bus. Off. and I am glad - by the way, in case you don't know it, Lindstrom knows all about us getting married too, on account of Mr. Couch has been talking to him - Anyway, it doesn't matter much, but it might be a pretty good idea to get the event announced about Feb 4 or thereabouts so we can surprise one or two people - maybe -
     I too have been doing some wondering about the kind of wedding we should have and I can't make up my mind definitely either - so what say we put that on the list of things to settle when you come up to Portland - By the way, no one at the dinner Feb. 1 knows about our plans except Mr. Couch and the 2 secretaries, which is all right too -
     Celorie's conscience must have been bothering him if he sent you the 10 bucks - but I wouldn't send it back if I were you - put it in the bank and charge it up to overtime - and we can always use it to very good advantage -
     Have been catching up on my reading the last couple of nites - read a couple of Hospital magazines and also the January Reader's Digest and the new Esquire - so I am now a little better informed - and if you get a chance you might read the article in Esquire about skiing - its about a new method of instruction that eliminates all that stuff about the snow-plow and stem turns, etc - and it only takes about 1/4 as long to learn -
     I have been doing a little checking up on the apartment situation on Marquam Hill and I think we have about a 50-50 chance of finding one along about April - some of them are rather expensive - $50 and $60 - but there are several of the $30, $35, and $40 variety - the worst part is finding one vacant at the right time - anyway I'm not worrying much about that yet -   In fact, I'm not worrying about anything right now, except how long it is until April 13 -
     Gosh darn it, I wish I were going down to Eugene tomorrow - I hope there aren't any more of these 3 week intervals between now and April - 3 weeks is much to long for someone who is as much in love as I am-
     Anyway, I'll probably get to play a little golf tomorrow and Sunday which is some consolation - I am slowly getting the feel of the new clubs and they are really swell - and have also received several compliments on the clubs and the good taste of the sweet little girl who gave them to me -
     Tomorrow nite am going to the Medical School skating party - from 10:30 until 12:15 tomorrow at the Coliseum -
     Well, sweet, take it easy over the weekend - and think of me every once in a while, won't you -
                                                                                     Love and kisses,
                                                                                               Bill

January 23, 1941 Thursday

Hello, Pet -

     Am waiting for Helen now to go to the Gleemen - Did quite a bit of work today - Lindstrom gave me quite a bit of dictation, which I liked - then I worked on the income tax report etc. - which kept me busy - Sure got the low down on all the salaries and got surprized in a lot of instances -

     Do you know what?- last night after dinner felt a little bit sleepy so just thot I'd lie down and relax a bit - Was going over to D.J.'s for a little while later - Went sound asleep - and wok up at 10:00 - took a bath, etc. - and then went right back to bed and to sleep till 7:30 this morning.  Yep - sure caught up on my sleep and felt swell today -

     Celorie's conscience must have bothered him a little bit cause today when I got my check for what was due me - There was an extra check for $10.00 - I called Melba and she didn't know either except that Celorie said in a record to send it to me - sort of a bonus - Now I don't know whether to keep it or not - If I weren't cutting off my nose to spite my face - I'd send it back and tell him to keep his old money - but then that would be kind of a nasty thing to do on my part - so I don't know - Maybe I ought to frame it - I really don't feel like spending it - I'll bring it to Portland with me and if I feel like it then I can buy something for our "hope chest" -
    
     Just discovered I got ready an whole hour ahead of time - Can't get used to this idea of having more time in the evening after working - Hurried like the devil as usual, tonight and what did it get me - just a lot of time to do nothing in - and to try to write you a nice long letter -

     I'm sure I should be able to get Sat. morning off O.K.  And dear, I'll leave the flowers up to you - Something for my hair - don't you think?  Or how would it look to have the neck outlined in flowers - something small - or maybe wear something at the waist - but then it doesn't matter a lot -
 
     Did you notice last time I put the stamps on upside down which means "I love you" -

     My rug is relaxing - ran out of the Rose - only need a little bit more - so maybe I can pick something up in Portland to kind of match it - I still am hoping it will look all right when it's finished - Also got to get some blue thread before I can finish your apron - but soon it will be finished -

     Saw Mr. Byrne in the office yesterday - he seemed quite surprized to see me - guess it is rather funny my working up there - but I don't mind -

     Feel like I'm gaining weight again doggone it - so best I cut down on the eats again - Would you mind awfully wearing a tux at our wedding?  I think I'm just about to change my mind again - You know - it's kind of a bad thing having lots of time to make up your mind and not being sure - But then it is fun - And I will decide for sure, presently - I'll have to - Jimminy - it's sure exciting - being in love and planning for the future -

                             P.S.  I love you -

                                                Dotty

January 22, 1941 Wednesday "Spent most of the afternoon watching a demonstration of various calculating machines"

                                                                                       Wednesday


Hello, sweet -
     Am very glad to hear that you are all taken care of at the Business Office - think it will be more fun for you, what with being up on the campus and having some very pleasant people to work with -  which ought to help matters considerably -
I never did think you were too happy out at the M. L. Co anyway - and that's nice about Lindstrom paying 40¢ - it's usually 35 - 
     By the way, are you still coming up the 31st - I think if you ask Lindstrom for Saturday morning off a few days ahead of time, he will say OK - and I do want you to come up Friday nite instead of Saturday - so see what you can do about it and in the meanwhile I'll count on you coming up on Friday -
     So you are all set to make an important announcement on Feb. 4 - I can't wait - so let me know the details of how you are going to do it - although, as you say, it probably won't be much of a surprise to most people -
     Didn't work too hard today for a change - finally got everything ready for Mr. Couch and he spent the afternoon at Salem with the Ways and Means Committee - am going to call him up later on and see how they came out -
     Didn't feel too sharp yesterday and had somewhat of a headache last nite - so I felt pretty unhappy, what with not getting a letter from you either - anyway, went to bed early and feel a little better today.
     Spent most of the afternoon watching a demonstration of various calculating machines, on account of the Medical School is going to buy one, and it's worth taking a little time to buy the right one -
     Am enclosing an invitation for the banquet, so you can see it's going to be quite an affair - they are planning on between 150 and 200 being present - so you should be able to get a general idea of who's working at the Medical Center -
     Guess the Oregon basketball team isn't going to win a championship this year, after losing 3 straight to WSC - Bill Borcher really seems to be doing all right -  I always thought he would if Hobson gave him a chance -
     Well, sweet - I won't mind too much if you don't write every day, but I don't feel quite in the mood for writing you unless I get one on the same day - but it doesn't matter too much - and I do love you -
                                                                             Bill

January 21, 1941 Tuesday

                                                                                    Tuesday

And so my dear -
     I did go to work at the B.O. Today - and I like it fine - Only it was rather sudden - I saw Lindstrom at 9:00 and he asked me if I could start working then.  So I said O.K. - Haven't heard from Mrs. Collins yet - so guess she hasn't had a chance yet to talk to Celorie - Am getting 40¢ an hour - said he couldn't pay more - but then really - the work I do isn't worth more - but I'm satisfied - It's going to be fun working with all those kids - It's makes me very happy to know that you don't think I'm a silly little goose - I thot of the Portland idea, too, but guess I'll stay here now -
     Went up to Isabell's last evening.  Billings was there so I had to tell them about April 13th - They were real excited about it and we're planning a cute announcement idea of Isabell's during the Alum meeting Feb. 4 - If everyone doesn't know about it by then -  Lindstrom told everyone today that I'd be working there for two or three months - Oh Happy Day -
     I'm working on your apron - and if I do say so it's going to be "cute" - mine's trimmed in white and yours in blue - so we can tell them apart but otherwise they are the same - a small blue and white check -
     Guess what - Helen and I are going to church Sunday - She doesn't like to go alone and it's no fun for me to go with Mom - Soo - oh yes - we're also going to the Gleemen's concert this Thursday - Guess things are getting a little more exciting - or at least there are more things to do -
     Dear will you mind awfully if I write only every other day? - They'll be twice as long, tho - cause I'll have more to say - but then I might want to write more often and probably will -
     Did you give Karl a nice send off?  I think Ruthie kind of misses him - And I miss you too, Doggone it - But then I just think of April and feel better - Really, it's going to be wonderful - I love you very much -
                                                                        Dotty

January 20, 1941 Monday "Guess what?! - we're going to have three children"

                                                                                  Sunday -

Hello, my love -
     Guess what?! - we're going to have three children - one a red head!-  But then you're supposed to be sort of red-headed - Went to the house last night for the big blow-out- "burning of the mortgage" and it really was nice 92 or more people present - Dr. Erb and Mrs Schwering gave talks plus a few others - About 9 or 10 charter members were present - plus a lot of other alums - I stayed all night and so during the lull - Virginia Kerns told some of our fortunes with cards - I'm to be married soon - within a year or two anyway - If she only knew! - I certainly had to do a lot of hedging last night - to keep from spilling the beans - You see - I really have discovered what a "RAT" Celorie is - Now - be prepared for a shock - I quit - am all thru with the M.L.Co. - and feel like I had a big weight taken off my shoulders - But I guess I never should have done what I did - Live and learn tho that's me - I just asked Celorie if he thot I could or would be working full time between now and April cause I was going to be married in April - and if not I had a half way chance of working some other place but not definitely.  He assured me that everything was all right - that I needn't worry and that he was glad I told him about leaving in April cause that would give him two months to find someone else - Naturally I felt all right about that and halfway convinced myself that I could stand two more months of him - Then I called Mrs. Collins and told her guess I would stay - Then Celorie started a closed-door whispering campaign - Oh yes - I told him that no one was supposed to know yet about our getting married - but I was telling him cause it might make a difference in his laying Bob off - Well - in about an hour he called me into his office and said that as long as I had another job I might as well quit the first of Feb.  I was awful mad - and just said O.K.-  cause I knew then I didn't want to talk to him anymore - Then he started more closing of doors - so when that was over I walked in and told him I was quitting that night - and I did - later Bob & Melba told me that he had told them I was going to get married soon and would probably quit real soon - Gosh how I hate him - but I'm glad it's all over with - So you see when I told the kids I had quit - a couple wanted to know had I given notice and Norcross wanted us to get an apartment together and we'd both look for good jobs - some said I could get a good job in the oil business, etc. I just had to say I guess I could and I'd probably find something to do etc. - Anyway I talked to Mrs. Collins again and there is still a possibility I can work for her - The lesson I learned is to quiet and not talk too much - to just go about my own business and to heck with the other fellow - that is, in the business world especially -

Saw Bat on the street Sat. and it's a secret when they're going to get married - but he said they weren't already married - soooo -

The Alpha Chi house dance is this Saturday - and I should like very much to have you come up for it if you can - but then it's not too important - cause we'd probably feel like patrons anyhoo - altho it might be fun -

Guess Borcher's quite the basketball hero - you should see all the write ups about him - He's real O.K. -

Just washed my hair and really got it clean - Got me a new brush, too, sooo maybe I'll get my hair back to it's normal shape soon -

I didn't think I could miss seeing you anymore than I did - but I think it gets worse all the time - I just want you here all the time - And I miss you horribly - Besides loving you an awful, awful lot -

                                                                          Dotty

P.S. I got an awful nice compliment from one of the girls which made me feel good - That she was talking to a couple of fellows who said they thought I was one of the nicest girls ever in the AX house - wow - But it was sweet of her to tell me cause after working for Celorie it made me feel a little more self-confident -

                                                                              Monday

Hello, dear -
     Have just completed the third reading of your beautiful little letter and it appears that you have been having yourself quite a time lately -  I am very glad personally that you quit the Monroe Lumber Co and I only hope you told Celorie off in the manner he deserved - Gosh darn it, I wish I could have been down in Eugene to tell him a few things myself -  I guess the only thing to do now is forget the whole business and concentrate on the future which looks a little brighter.
     Karl just called me up and mentioned that you might be working at the U of O Business Office - which is all right too - only please tell Mr. Lindstrom that I think a young lady of your talent and ability should be paid at least 40¢ per hour -  The Bus Off isn't a bad place to work, but it seemed to me Lindstrom didn't pay many of the part-time girls more than 35¢ a hour -

Anyway, sweet, I hope your budget problem doesn't get too complicated - And besides, I have another suggestion if you care to lend an ear, although - well, listen - If you can't find a job in Eugene at all maybe you should come up to Portland and see what the situation is up here - Then if you found a job we could get married practically at once (I like that part) and work for maybe 6 months - no longer - and that would solve the problem nicely only we couldn't have a big wedding but what the heck - anyway it might be something to think about -
     I would just love to come down to Eugene this weekend but think it best to stick to the original schedule of you coming up here the 31st and me coming down there the following weekend - my gas and oil bill for this month is already over $15 and I really can't afford to make the trip this weekend - but you know my heart will be there anyway - and I do love you very very much -
     It was no surprise to me, I assure you, to hear that people were paying you very wonderful compliments  - now maybe you'll believe some of the things I've been telling you for months and months - you are just too sweet -
     Karl and Von and Glenn and I are getting together tonite to kind of give Karl a sendoff into the high country - I'll find out more about this job of yours at the Business Off - and please write and tell me the details -
                                                                                       Love and kisses,
                                                                                                 Bill

January 19, 1941 Sunday "...and we'll be together for keeps -"

                                                                                     Sunday PM

Hello, sweet -

     Well, here it is Sunday the 19th and still 12 more days until I see you - it's too long - it just doesn't seem natural to be away from you for so long and it makes me very unhappy, but just wait - there will come a day - and we'll be together for keeps -

     This has really been quite a busy week at the office - and I even worked yesterday afternoon and this morning - Mr. Couch and the Dean are going down to Salem Wednesday for the hearing with the Ways and Means Committee regarding our budget, and we are having lots of fun getting together a bunch of necessary graphs and statistics to impress them -

     It finally quit raining up here - for a while I was beginning to wonder about it - and this afternoon the sun was even shining - so I went out and played 9 holes of golf - doing not badly - think I am finally getting the feel of the new woods - hit one drive today about 265 yards - really surprised me -

     Hope I get a couple of letters from you tomorrow - and I am still curious as to how you came out in your conference with Mr. Celorie -

     How are you coming along with your apron-making and rug-braiding?  I am wondering how my old brown suit is going to look in the rug, but if you say it's OK that's good enough for me -

     Oh yes, dear, I have 16 pennies saved up already - by the time you come up maybe I'll have about that many more, and then we can really go shopping -

                                                                      All my love,

                                                                                      Bill

January 17, 1941 Friday "have my name in print again - thrill! thrill!"

                                                                               Friday

Hi, sweet -
     So you and the Monroe Lbr. Co have at last decided to get along without each other - I am kinda interested to get your next letter to see if anything definite has come of it - but from what you told me about your work, I think it is a good idea for you to quit, on account of it's not much fun working if you don't enjoy it, or something -  It would be swell if you could work for Mrs. Collins for a couple of months, and this should be a busy season for them -  Anyway, sweet, you know anything you do is OK with me -
     This week has really gone fast - hope the next two are the same way - it seems so long until January 31 but I suppose there's nothing to do but wait, darn it - and every day passed is just one closer to Jan 31 - and April 13 - which helps -
     It has been raining up here for days and days and I am commencing to wonder whether it will ever stop - and I wanted to play some golf tomorrow too - maybe I will anyway -
     Stayed out at Mr. Couch's until after 11 o'clock last night, and we got quite a bit of work done, besides having a good talk - And he told me that my work to date was swell, which made me feel the same way - So I guess if I keep it up there's no reason why I shouldn't be there permanently - so don't have a thing to worry about now - except how am I going to stand waiting until April 13 -
     Oh, yes, dear - have my name in print again - thrill! thrill!  anyway there was quite a story in "Northwest Medicine" about our physical exams for the selective service and I drew a little mention as Mr. Couch's assistant.
                                                                           All my love,
                                                                                 Bill

January 16, 1941 Thursday " really got mad this morning and told 'em I was going to look for another job"

                                                                               Thursday

Hello, dear -
     Have been working fast and furious and am not through yet - as soon as I finish this letter, which will probably be short, I am going over to Mr. Couch's house and we are going to settle a few things in peace and quiet - Have been trying to see him for 2 days but he has been too busy -
     They have decided to hold the dinner Feb. 1st in the Arabian room of the Multnomah Hotel - at 6:30 - the Medical School dance is also at the Multnomah although it won't start until 9:00 or 9:30 or thereabouts - anyway it is OK for you to wear your formal to dinner in addition to the dance if you want to do so - then we won't have to go back up the hill for you to change clothes between affairs - but we'll figure it out later - and your pink formal will be swell, in case you were wondering -
     Finally went to the movie last nite and saw the Thief of Bagdad - all in color - and wished you were there -
     Am glad to hear you are about ready to start on my apron - Do you want that I should have a fitting before you cut it out -
     Just thought of something else - sweet - if you get some more spare time one of these evenings, I wouldn't mind a bit if you happened to go out in the kitchen and mix up some more brownies for me - I sometimes get hungry along about 10 o'clock PM and they would really taste good -
                                                                               Love and kisses,
                                                                                         Bill

                                                                      Thursday

Hello, dear -
     I've got lots to tell you and know I won't say it all and what I do say'll probably be all jumbled up - Anyway - I don't think I can stand working out there (M.L.Co.) anymore - Celorie laid Bob off today for a while and then I'll probably be next - and then he was kind of persnickety yesterday cause we were 10 min. late - So - I really got mad this morning and told 'em I was going to look for another job and that I haven't liked working there since I started - So I called Mrs. Collins and I might be working there (for her) till April 1 if things work out right - I had a nice long talk with her and explained just how things were - So I hope it works out right cause I'd a lot rather work there than for Celorie - I was sure mad this morning - Celorie's coming to work tomorrow so I'll talk to him about it - I'm kind of excited about the whole works - In fact, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight - thinking about that - on top of thinking about you and the 13th of April - and the 1st - of Feb. - Other than the above nothing much happened today -
     Sorry, dear, I can't think straight, but I just hope and pray everything goes right -
     Let you know more tomorrow.
                                                                           All my love
                                                                                     Dotty

January 15, 1941 Wednesday

                                                                               Wednesday -

Hello sweet -
     It was swell getting your letter and finding that you have the wedding all figured out - the way you explained it I think it's really the best plan and it should be a large wedding even if it won't be formal - now if April will only hurry and get here everything will be great -
     I really have a bunch of work piled up at the office and I should go back up tonite and get caught up a little but I think I will skip it and work Thurs. and Friday nites - Have kind of a headache tonite and don't want it to get worse -
     Thank you for paying B and K for me - that's another bill I don't have to worry about anymore - I think by the 1st of April the financial situation should be pretty good - and it would be much better if I didn't have that darn income tax to take care of -
     I am trying not to think about how long it is until the 31st of January, but it's not much use - and it's really a long wait 16 more days - do you know dear, right now it is less than 3 months until Easter - are you thrilled - like I am -
     I guess if we count names, there are a lot of people who know we are going to get married, but I don't care - and they aren't very sure about the date like we are - Have you made any further plans about announcing the afair?
                                                                     Love and kisses,
                                                                             Bill

                                                                              Wednesday

Gosh, dear, the time is going by slow - Went to bed last night at 10:00 and still didn't want to get up this morning -  Work today was as usual - nothing to do and I hated the whole works -
     Accumulated six more pennies today and am anxious to get the stuff for the aprons - The rug is coming along beautifully and am beginning to think we might have something when it's finished - I hope -
     Today was pay day - and the money sure went as usual - I only owe $18.00 on the typewriter which isn't at all bad - Fred Allen is sure crazy - (he's on now) -
     I really can hardly wait till the 1st - Is the dance formal - And will my pink be O.K.?-  but guess we decided that didn't we - Anyway I know it'll be fun -
     Now I guess I'll have to go out into the open air and mail this - Hope it won't be too much for me - Wish you were here to walk up with me -
                                                                     All my love,
                                                                          Dotty -

January 14, 1941 Tuesday

                                                                                      Tuesday -

Hello, my dear -
     I really am awful sorry cause I didn't write last night - and I hope you'll forgive me -  Went to see Helengray last night for a little and when I got home had a pretty bad headache - Helen & I talked all about the wedding so you see I was thinking about you all the time - She likes the idea - and I think everything is going to work out fine -  Even tho we only wear suits it is proper to invite everyone to the wedding and then have a small reception for the family and close friends -  That way it should work out better - I am getting more and more excited about it all the time -  and, gosh, guess it won't be long --
     Got a real nice letter from Aunt Edna today - She wants to know the date and all about it - She is going to be in Wheeler again for a month - So guess I'll write and tell her instead of waiting until Feb. 1 - She said she has sheets for us and table linen and blankets - so - I know we can get along all right -
     Will go down one of these days and look at dishes and then some other time and look at the silverware -  For everyday dishes we can get pottery like we got for Marge - Do you like them? -
     We are not busy at the office and I still don't like it - The time sure goes slow -  There's a pretty rainbow toward the East - The sun has been shining a lot today with an occasional shower - just like spring - Am glad you got home O.K. - cause I do worry about you a little - Also it's keen about the pennies - will start on the aprons reall quick like one of these days -
     Will call Carl about the tie - just now did but he's gone to the bank - however left a call for him -
     I sure hope the next 3 weeks go by awful, awful fast -
                                                                   All my love,
                                                                            Dotty

                                                                         Tuesday

Hello, sweet -
     Guess the mails are slow, I hope - on account of I didn't get a letter from you today - but then maybe I'll get 2 tomorrow -
     Am going ice-skating tonite to keep up on my exercise, but tonite looks like the last free nite this week, and I think I'll be working late the rest of the evenings for a week or so - I am preparing a mass of charts, graphs, statistics etc. to support our budgetary requests to the legislature and we need them as soon as possible - I think by the time Easter Sunday comes around, I'll have earned at least a week's vacation in overtime - but I don't mind -
     I have figured out definitely that we should live on Marquam Hill if we can find a nice little apartment up there - so I'll kind of look around between now and the 1st and when you come up we will see what we can find - There are lots of apartments on the hill but it's pretty hard to find one vacant when you need it - maybe if we put in our reservation a couple of months in advance it should help -
     Have had a slight headache all day yesterday and today and my eyes don't feel too sharp - although they told me today that they were improving - but I doubt it - anyway outside of that I am really in pretty good shape -
     I am anxious to know whether you have decided on a big or little wedding or what yet - guess we never did settle that, did we - but you figure it out and it will be OK with me - that's one of the things I promised to let you take care of - remember -
     Mr. Couch has been telling people I am getting married along about April - do you mind - so maybe by the time you come up lots more people will know about it -
                                                                     Love,
                                                                        Bill

January 13, 1941 Monday "... reserving the church for 4'o'clock Easter Sunday"

                                                                                         Monday

Hello, dear -
     Well, here we go again - writing letters and waiting for the next weekend when I see you again -  and it's sure going to be a long time until the 31st of Jan -
     Feel a little tired today, but I guess that can be expected - Didn't go too fast coming back last nite on account of it was foggy most of the way - we stopped in Salem and bought a hot dog too - finally got to Portland about 10:45 -
     Keep thinking about you all the time and what a good time we had Sat. and Sunday - the time just went too fast - guess we settled quite a few of the things we meant to anyway - By the way I just remembered today that it might be a good idea if you found out pretty soon about reserving the church for 4'o'clock Easter Sunday - Maybe you could take care of it over the telephone -
     Just unpacked my suitcase and found that I inadvertently carried off one of Karl's neckties with me - it was hanging under my towel and I guess I picked both of them up - so I think it would be real sweet of you to call him up and tell him I have it - maybe I can give it to him when he comes through Portland next week -
     We are really busy at the office - have an idea I'm going to be working nights occasionally for the next week or two anyway - but it's lots of fun being busy when the work is interesting -
     Guess what - sweet - I already have 10 more pennies - part of my collections for fares to Eugene - maybe you can get enough for 2 sets of aprons -
                                                                                    Love and kisses -
                                                                                                     Bill

January 9, 1941 Thursday "I'll bring along all my pennies and old clothes --"

                                                                                    Thursday

Hello--Puddin'--

          One day from when you get this you will be in Eugene--Hooray!!  We still aren't busy here at the office-- it sure feels funny just sitting around.  In fact I don't like it.  The sun is shining and it is nice weather outside and everything.  Damit has been running fine, but then she should be.

          Paul says that if you can't wear his skates maybe you can trade them in on a new pair or something.  Have you gone skating very much this week?  I will be glad when we both can go skiing every weekend--cause really I don't feel like going when your'e not around. 

          I haven't got my bill from Associated for the gas yet.  Maybe they won't send it till next month--it was near the end of the month when I got them.  Anyway maybe you can pay it anyway or something.

          And now, my dear, I have got some work to do--at last!  --  so remember I love you and am looking forward, very much, to seeing you this Saturday.

                                                                                 Love and kisses,

                                                                                          Dotty

                                                                                  Thursday

Hello, sweet ----
     Today went by in great shape - Now if tomorrow will be the same, it will be swell -  Am looking forward to lots of fun this weekend - By the way, wonder if you could call Karl and find out if there is any room at Kneeland's for me to stay this weekend - although I doubt if there will be -
     Have 3 passengers so far, I think, so it will probably be around 1 o'clock before I get them all rounded up and ready to go - So I'll see you Sat. afternoon about 3:30 or 4:00 pm --- and I'll bring along all my pennies and old clothes --
                                                                     Love and kisses,
                                                                               Bill

January 8, 1941 Wednesday "I never did like having so many curls sticking up in the air anyway"

                                                                                  Wednesday -

Hello, my love -
     Here 'tis only Wednesday - Three more days - I don't have to work this Saturday - So maybe will go down town and look around - and then come home to greet you at the door -
     I can have Feb. 1 off - In fact I've already told them I want it - So will leave Portland sometime Friday afternoon - And can hardly wait -
     April 13 is perfect - That's Easter Sunday and will be nice Spring weather and everything - Also my budget will stretch a teeny weeny bit further - And, oh dear, it's going to be fun - will tell Celorie around the first of Feb. - He's trying to scare us now by saying he's going to have to lay someone off cause we're not very busy - I only want to be able to tell him I'm quitting first - if he decides he doesn't need me -
     I've sure got a lot of things to talk to you about - My rug's coming along but not too fast - P.S. don't forget to bring the Brown Herringbone and your pennies - I think I've found a cute apron pattern - and some cute material-
     Shucks, there's some crazy program on the air and I can't concentrate - The alum meeting was not so bad last night - took some knitting so just sat and listened - Sat. the 18th they're going to have a big doings at the house - "burning of the mortgage"-  Guess I'll go and stay all night - should be able to sleep with old Bucky-
     Wow - you're Income tax is going to be plenty big - Hope I won't have to pay much cause it'll kind of knock my budget haywire -  Glad Mr. Couch approves of your getting married - I think I've figured out how we can announce the date - cause people have probably gathered that we are engaged -
     Don't forget to hurry up here Saturday - It'll be fun going to the game etc -
                                                                           All my love,
                                                                                   Dotty

                                                                           Wednesday

Hello, my love -
     Well, here it is Wednesday and the week is going by too too slow - just can't wait to get to Eugene again -
     Didn't know until I got your letter that the 13th of April was Easter, but that makes it all the better, as long as we have to wait until then anyhow - that's exactly 3 months from Sunday - guess I better start looking for apartments right away, although maybe it would be better if I waited until you come up on the 31st -  we are going to be rather busy that weekend what with going shopping, and eating dinner and dancing, and doing lots and lots of planning -
     Had my hair cut short today for a change, so now I won't mind if you muss it up this weekend - I never did like having so many curls sticking up in the air anyway, and now it's really comfortable, even if it isn't as warm -
     I told Mr. Couch you were coming up the 1st and that we would be at the dinner, so he and Mrs. Couch are expecting the pleasure of making your acquaintance that evening - and you will undoubtedly meet a few of the others at that time - and a good time should be had by all -
     I am sure having a tough time thinking of stuff to write about - except that I think of you all the time - and love you all the time -
                                                                               Bill

January 7, 1941 Tuesday "Great - more power to you"

                                                                                   Tuesday

Hello, My Sweet---
          Missed your letter this noon, but hope the mails were just slow.  I need it to pep me up--I'm in one of my down in the mood dumps and don't want to be.  Will be glad to have you here to cheer me up this weekend.

          Am going to the Alum meeting tonight--don't know what it will be like, but it will be better than staying home.  Helengray has a real nice room--I went down there for a while last night, and we talked and talked.  We didn't go to the show afterall, but maybe I can talk Billings or someone into going later.  It is on till Friday at the Mac--and it is a good show isn't it?

          Have you found out anything yet about what date we can set?  Easter comes on April 13 and that might be a good time.  The church would already have lots of flowers in it, and it would be the beginning of spring, etc.  I've got a long list of things to do in Portland--and if you have any money saved up that you don't and won't need, why we could maybe buy something nice with it too--anyway see what you can do.

          Gosh it's only Wednesday and it seems like a whole year has gone by since the first.  Honestly, the time sure does go by slow.  Wish it would hurry up.

          And, again, my dear, I have nothing more to say.  Do you still love me?

                                                                            Ally my love,
                                                                                Dotty

                                                                           Tuesday

Hello, dear -
     Well, have it all figured out as far as a date is concerned - saw Mr. Couch today and we had quite a chat -  I started out by telling him I was going to get married this spring and he said "Great - more power to you"  --  Anyway, it doesn't look as though I can get any time off until April - so it looks as though the date is either April 12 or April 13 - Does that meet with your approval - I hope - I only wish it could be sooner -
     However, there's no doubt that March is going to be a pretty busy month at the office, and I couldn't very well ask for any time off then - It's going to take quite a while to get the Medical School budget whipped into shape and Mr. Couch wants me to take charge of it, so he thought I ought to stick around until after the first week in April -
      Didn't ask for any specific number of days vacation, but am sure I can take at least a week off -- maybe more --
      Can't wait to see you this weekend - by gosh, I'm really getting so I think about you and us practically all the time, even when I am working - or when I'm supposed to be working - but it's great fun -
     Think April might be a better month than March anyway, on account of I'll have more money then - just got my income tax blanks and a rough estimate shows that I've got about $43 of tax to pay in March, although I might decide to pay it in installments -
     Have you figured out yet when and how you are going to tell Celorie you are going to quit - from what I gather, you are just going to have lots of fun telling him - guess you better wait a month or so though - April 1 is almost 3 months away yet, darn it -
     Went up to your Aunt Vesta's this noon and got Paul's ice-skates - they seem to be a little small but I might try them once anyway - guess my feet are just too big -  Was going to go skating tonite - but feel a little too lazy so I'll just stay here and do a little reading -
     Think we are going to have a lot of fun in Eugene this weekend, what with seeing you and the basketball game both - although it would still be fun without the game -  I think I have a couple of passengers already too which will help - now we can go to the dance after the game too -
     Hope the change in date won't affect any of your plans too much - anyway figure it out and we'll get it settled Saturday -
                                                                                Love and kisses,
                                                                                        Bill
    

January 6, 1941 Monday "I think we can buy some material to make aprons out of. Wouldn't that be fun?"

Hi Ho and Cheerio, Sweet--
          I am writing this now, cause Helen and I might go to the show tonight and see "the letter"-- and in that case I wouldn't get to write you at the usual time.

          Gosh I sure look forward to your coming down this weekend so we can get everything settled.  In my imagination I have told Celorie I was quitting in about thirty different ways.  Really, I think that is going to be one of the best things about getting married.
 
          I figured out a tentative budget, if we get married March 16, and things just break even.  Course I allowed a good price for everything and can cut down lots of places.  It's a lot of fun figuring though.  With your 31 pennies, or more, and the few I have, I think we can buy some material to make aprons out of.  Wouldn't that be fun?  Anyway we will see.

          My rug is really getting along beautifully--and I can use your brown herringbone suit very, very nicely, and might even be able to use the gray, too.  Anyway if you don't like them, why don't you just bring them along and we will see how the colors work in.

          And so, my dear, this I have is all I have to say, except "I LOVE YOU".

                                                                                     Lots of love and kisses,

                                                                                          Dotty

                                                                                         Monday

Hi, sweet -
     Well, here it is the first of the week again, and for a change I am not a bit sleepy tonite - guess I finally got caught up on my sleep this weekend -
     Your letter sounds as though you have been a pretty busy girl what with the window shopping and buying towels and sheets, etc - also preparing lists of things to do - we should have a lot of fun this weekend figuring out a schedule and a lot of other things too -
     Just happened to think - if I come down this weekend and you don't come up here until the 31st - it's 3 weeks between times - that's going to be awful - Have you found out for sure whether you can come up here the 1st instead of the 25th - plans are going ahead for the dinner and also the dance and I really want you to be up here then -  without you I'm afraid I wouldn't enjoy the dinner too much --
     Do you know that I have been down to Eugene 14 times since I bought my car - counted up my gas slips yesterday and added the no. of gallons for income tax purposes - my slips show that I have purchased 357.5 gal. of gas since I bought the car, costing $72.53, which doesn't included a lot of gas I bought before getting a credit card -
      Have been getting the Emerald again - see that they are going to have a dance after the game Saturday -  do you want to go or should we do something else -
     Didn't get a chance to see Mr. Couch for very long today - I intend to have a good long heart-to-heart talk with him this week, and tell him about our getting married in March or April and could I have a week or two off and also does he want to tell me now whether I am going to be here permanently - I hope - how does that sound, dear -
                                                                               All my love -
                                                                                    Bill

January 5, 1941 Sunday "It's been raining, raining, and raining"

                                                                                      Sunday

Hello, dear -
     Am spending rather a quiet day for a change - actually slept this morning until 9:30, which practically sets a new record for me - 1941 is really moving right along - New Year's Day seems like it was a whole week ago instead of in the middle of the week - and do you know, sweet, I have been thinking about you and us just about every minute since I left Eugene - Saturday can't come too soon again -
     See where the Oregon basketball team really trounced Utah and Willamette this week - guess you better plan on seeing the game Saturday nite, as I know I don't want to miss it -
     Von and I went down to the Paramount last nite and saw "Hudson's Bay" - pretty good entertainment - afterwards had a couple of beers and met Bob Shultz and went out to the Coon Chicken and finished up with a sandwich and some French fries -
     I have really been giving the calendar a working-over since your last letter, and I still am not sure about a definite date - but I think by this weekend we ought to have it all figured out - I hope -
     Guess what, dear, I just counted my pennies and I have 31 - maybe by Saturday I might have more - anyway I'll bring them down this week and let you hoard them until we decide to spend them -
     Also, I checked through my wardrobe and I might have something else for your rug, although I doubt it - have an old pair of wool jabardine slacks, gray, which are pretty thin - also I have a light brown herringbone double-breasted suit which I don't like even though it is in pretty good shape - so are you interested?
     By the way, if you have received your statement from Associated why don't you send it up in your next letter, and I'll pay your bill the same time I pay mine - Pomeroy's didn't send in the gas slip for my Xmas day purchase, so I guess I won't pay that till February -
     I am going to spend the rest of the day catching up on my back reading about Hospitals and Hospital Management, etc - there is certainly a lot to know about this business -
     I was wondering whether you might have gone skiing today - the snow up at Mt. Hood is the best for skiing they've had in the last 4 years - wish I could go up sometime, but guess it will be better to skip it this year - but next year we ought to go up pretty regularly -
     Well dear, let me know how you are getting along with your planning and thinking of me -
                                                             Love and kisses -
                                                                      Bill

                                                                             Sunday -
Howareya, Sweet -
     Yep, today's Sunday - and another dreary day - Don't feel as ambitious as I did last week - But my rug is progressing a little - got one more row on it and by later tonight hope to have more -
     Went shopping yesterday and sure had fun - Got four great big towels - Hope that you'll know for sure when you come up on the 11th - what we can do - And it sounds like a lot of fun on the 1st of Feb - And I'm quite sure I can switch with someone - Also I'll have more money to spend then and will know more about what I'll want to get - Honestly but it's lots of fun - Wait till you see my list of things to do - I really think about it all the time -
     Billings and I went together Saturday on our window shopping -  She ended up by buying a new coat - But we did have fun - And guess what - Romy and Alice didn't get married - Instead she married a Howard Davis - one of the managers at Lipman Wolfe's and supposed to be a very nice fellow - 'Tis a funny old world-
     It's been raining, raining, and raining - Maybe if I go for a walk it'll freshen me up a little bit - Might even go clear down to the postoffice to mail this -
     Again my mind's a blank - Wish I did a lot of interesting things so I could tell you about them? - Have you gone ice-skating much lately?- (Got my question marks mixed up) -
Still love me? -
                                                                 I love you -
                                                                    Dotty

January 3, 1941 Friday "we'll have a small wedding with the family and special friends attending"

                                                                                Thursday

Hello- dumplin' -
     I'm so happy we've decided on March- I couldn't go to sleep last night for thinking about it - And I've go everything figured out - we'll have a small wedding with the family and special friends attending - Helengray & Marge bridesmaids - Bob best man, etc. -  Then we'll have a nice reception for everyone - and here's the best part -  March 16 is spring vacation - so - I am going to see if we can't use the house - it would certainly be nice cause lots of room and lots of dishes -  don't you think?-  Mom likes the idea - we'll move from here into a small apartment for Mom - and - oh gee - everything is going to work out just swell -
     I am going to tell Celorie the 15th - and I can hardly wait - two months notice is enough - then I'll quit the 8th of March -  Whee - And I know Bob or Melba will take over "Damit"   They'll almost have to in fact - The license plates came today -  so guess I won't have to go to jail -
     Darlin' -  will you make a list -  with addresses -  correct spelling, etc. - of everyone you want to invite to the Wedd Reception -  Those that come to the wedding we'll just ask - cause they should be mailed two weeks in advance -  Then it'll take about two weeks to have them made -  and it'll take about a week or so to get them all addressed -  So - no time like the present to begin -  Isn't it thrilling!-
     I've also got my wardrobe all figured out - it won't be large - but sufficient for any occasion -
     And, too, can you bring or send me any and all invitations you have to wedding receptions -  I've saved most of mine - and from them I can kind of get some ideas - and can tell better just what I want when I go to order them -
     The sales on sheets are commencing -  so will probably make a couple of purchases soon -  Have about 60 pennies so am going to take 50¢ and buy 5 more dish towels - Then the rest and what more are accumulated - combined with yours - will be enough to buy material for aprons -  More fun -  So - don't spend any pennies at all -
      When I come to Portland we'll pick out our silverware dishes etc., so if anyone wants to give us those as gifts we can tell them what patterns -
     P.S. -  I'm thrilled to death -  Have you found out yet if you can get that week off? -
     Told Helen today - and she was thrilled, too -  Is the 16th all right with you cause I think that'll work out best -
     Guess who I love? - Yep -  you're right - you -
                                                                   Lots of love & kisses
                                                                              Dotty

     Hope you got home O.K - and that it wasn't foggy -  Is Paul going to stay in Portland or did he say-

                                                                            Friday

Hello, sweet -
     Have just finished reading your letter for the second time and it really sounds as though you've been doing a lot of thinking and planning since I left Sunday nite -  so have I - and it's lots of fun, although I'm glad you're going to handle most of the details -
     Have been consulting the calendar to see how March looks - and I would like it swell -  but can't tell you definitely about the 16th of March until after I see Mr. Couch -  I'm kind of halfway afraid that we might have to wait until maybe the first of April or thereabouts - was talking to Mr. Couch yesterday and it seems he is attending the convention of the American College of Hospital Administrators about the 10th of March or thereabouts and he will be gone for over a week or 10 days or something - and it would be impossible for me to be gone while he is gone too -  so I don't know - another thing I thought about  is that I will be fixing up the Medical School budget practically by myself and the greater part of the work must be done in the last part of March, as we won't know definitely how to proceed until after the Board meeting on March 11.  So why don't you just wait a few days before you start planning on a definite date - gosh darn it - I want it to be as soon as possible, but if March is going to be a busy month at the office, we might have to wait until the first week in April -  Anyway, I'll know for sure when I come down the 11th -  so we'll figure the whole thing out then -
     Listen, dear, wonder if you would come up to Portland the first of F Feb. 1 instead of Jan 25th - there are lots of things going on that weekend that would be fun if you were here -  First of all the Medical School is having a big dinner at one of the Portland Hotels celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Outpatient Clinic - and the wives, husbands, etc. of the employees are going to be present - Mr. Couch is going to be toastmaster and it should be fun - besides a good dinner at $1.50 per plate -  anyway, I'll have to go and I don't want to go alone, so could you come - would also give you a good chance to start getting acquainted with some of the employees of the Medical Center -
     Also that night the students are holding the all - school winter dance, which may be a formal affair and a brawl besides - so it would be rather a full evening - so would appreciate it if you could change your Saturday off from the 25th to the 1st -
     Paul didn't say whether he was going to stay in Portland -  I told him that I would probably be going down to Eugene the 11th and for him to call me up if he was still here and wanted to go down - so that's all I know -
                                                                     Love and kisses,
                                                                                Bill

P.S.  I am getting more thrilled all the time - tsk, tsk - and I will see Mr. Couch as soon as possible to see about the situation in March.

                                                                              Friday

And how's my sweetheart today -
I'm awful glad you got home O.K. -  and that you're coming down again on the 11th -  We'll have a lot to talk about - It looks like the Oregon boys kind of went to town against Utah last night -
     Bought some more dish towels today and some sheets - Tomorrow will buy some bath towels - And I've already made a list of things I want to do in Portland -
     Has it snowed up there yet?-  It's cold here, but not freezing -  Guess all the kids are back in school - but haven't seen any yet-
     Do you know?  My car is all paid for and I don't owe any repair bills - and it's running fine - knock, knock, on wood -
     Haven't much to say - you know how inactive my days are -  But I sure keep thinking about you all the time -
                                                                              All my love -
                                                                                         Dotty