1902, Jan. 24 6 PM Postmark
Mr. J. Walter Basset
My dear,
Will you please be definite and tell me what you have decided and what I am to do about resigning? I am no better off than before I read your letter and I supposed it would be final. I am almost frantic, not knowing what to do. I do not want to wait until the eleventh of June [the wedding is ultimately the 18th of June!] for it is sure to be blazing hot, and would prefer the fourth if it can possibly be arranged. If you have decided to go, at fifty dollars until Sept. why do you not tell him so and have it settled? You did not say anything any more definite than in the previous letter. Please write a line when you receive this if you possibly can and tell me what you are going to do. If it [“is” is inserted] postmarked “eleven A.M.” I will get it at night. Let me hear from you if possible or I shall have nervous prostration. [my emphasis] I love you dear. Your Evangeline
Friday, P.M.
1902, Jan. 27
(Evangeline)
(Evangeline)
Postmark
J. Walter Bassett
My darling little boy.
I do love you with all my heart and am very happy. I am happy because I love you so much, and I am just as much more happy because you love me. And I am very happy indeed because our plans seem to be materializing. I am sorry if I made you unhappy but really did not know what to do. Our plans have been uncertain for so long. And I did not know what to do and I got all worked up and anxious over it and then the disappointment finished me, nearly, I guess. I am getting run down as I have a habit of doing every winter when I get anemia, for a few mornings ago I fainted away while I was dressing and mama says I look so cold and white. So if you will forgive me for being a foolish little girl and love me just the same, I will not be so unreasonable again. Yesterday I wrote to Miss Poland
Your letter Friday night disappointed me for I had thought you would say that you had looked over the work with Mr. Woodruff and told him you would come, and that everything was settled and I expected you would be jubilant but you were not so at all, consequently my reply, for I did not know what to do. Mama knew the state of mind I was in when I wrote and wanted me to wait until morning for she said you would think the Old Harry [?] was in me, as big as a woodchuck. But I got your letter at the usual time 1.05, and a very dear letter it was too, and it soothed the wrinkles all out of my disposition and I wrote to Miss Poland
I am sure I shall be contented in Mount Carmel and we will be near enough to the city to enjoy its advantages. If we can only get a desirable rent, the rest will take care of itself and we will be very happy in our little house together. You will probably come up in February, and I will come down in March and see the dressmaker and in April I must order the announcements. Then in May will be getting settled and here we are at the first of June.
I can not quite give up the brass bed and bird’s eye maple, even in consideration of the mahogany one, so as we are agreed about it, I guess we will have to have it. I hope you will answer Dr. Swett’s letter soon, and not get out of touch with everyone in the South. There will be no moon the first of June, so a sea trip would be robbed of one of its charms. We might spend a few days in the Berkshires instead or at Norfolk Nova Scotia
I must write to Alice
Evangeline
January, the twenty-sixth.
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| 1900, White House's 100th Anniversary |
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| Assassination of President Mckinley, September 6, 1901 |
1902, Jan. 30
(Charlie)
(Charlie)
Postmarked
Jan 30
10 AM
1902
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
(ans.2 /2/02) written on envelope
10l8 12th St. N.W.
Jan. 29, 1902
My dear Walter : ----
I enjoyed your Christmas letter greatly and thought I would answer it right –away [sic], but all this time has gone by before I knew it. I am busy all the time and yet don’t accomplish half what I want to. I suppose it is so with almost every one. I was glad indeed of your health being so good, only hope it will continue so. Think it must be owing to the young lady assistant. It is my opinion that Miss C better look out. What a delightful Christmas you must have had. I spent a pleasant one too at my counsin’s [sic].
Do not know what I should do without them.
Before saying anything more, I want to thank you for the lovely care you sent me(“me” crossed out) which expressed just as much to me as a thing more [?] expressive.
I still have the dear “Wizpah” [?] card hanging where I can see it daily, and your picture in a lovely little gilt-frame on my dresser, as you see I couldn’t forget you if I would.
Am still holding my position but with fear and trembling, as they are now dismissing clerks right and left, one and two hundred a week. Am more anxious than ever to stay just now, as you may have read of a bill now pending to make the “Census Office” a permanent bureau.
How it will end, and if permanent (side “5” on 2nd page) how many will be retained ? is the great question many of us are anxious to have settled. It would be too good to be true to find myself permanently fixed. I hardly dare hope for such a thing. I am glad two of your sisters have such nice positions at home; hope your sister Ella is now better.
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| Tabulating machine, Census Bureau, early 1900's |
How it will end, and if permanent (side “5” on 2nd page) how many will be retained ? is the great question many of us are anxious to have settled. It would be too good to be true to find myself permanently fixed. I hardly dare hope for such a thing. I am glad two of your sisters have such nice positions at home; hope your sister Ella is now better.
I went to a brilliant reception at the “White House” last week and enjoyed it very much with one exception, and that was, I lost the dear handkerchief you gave me one birthday, which I have always prized so much, and only carried it on state occasions. I can’t get over it. Was foolish enough to weep after I got home. You see I am not growing a bit more sensible in my old age.
Have recently seen “John and Hat.” They stopped over on their way to Southern Pines and Pinehurst. They looked and appeared just the same. They have gone down there to stay until spring. I hear from Mrs. Grover [?] quite often, as she sends for me to do some of her shopping. She seems to be better this winter. Believe I wrote you that she has rented her house and is now living in two or three rooms. She never says much about Lawrence Washington
He is a favorite of mine.
I saw your cousin tonight, shovel – [page turn] ling off his sidewalk, as we had quite a snowstorm to-day. He said he and his wife were well, and he inquired for you, if I had heard lately, etc. My cousins are also well and would wish to be remembered if they knew I was writing. I still live quite near them directly opposite where I was last winter. The table is only fair but otherwise is a very pleasant boarding place. I enjoy the people in the house very much.
How about your prospects? Do write me a good long letter when you can, all about yourself and plans. I sent you just a remembrance at Christmas. Did you receive it?
It is getting late, so must say good night, with kind regards to all.
Very sincerely,
“Charlie”
Calling card attached
Mrs. Florence O. Quimby
Handwritten on the back: With every good wish.
Note:
McKinley assassinated 1901. Theodore Roosevelt becomes president.
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1902, April 21
(Charlie)
(Charlie)
April 21, 1902 Postmark
Handwritten on envelope “Ans. 5/-7-‘02”
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
April 20, 1902
My dear Walter,
My letter writing is all behind, so shall not be able to talk with you very long, just want to let you know you are not forgotten. The fact is, I don’t know where the time goes to. Lately I have hardly had a moment to myself outside of the office, as Mrs. White, (whom you met at Southern Pines with her little boy Warren) has been here with her daughter, eighteen years old, and I have been trying to entertain them. They left for Boston Washington
It is strange do not hear from Mrs. Powell. I hope it doesn’t mean that things are not flourishing with him. The next time I write to Mrs. Seaver [Grover ?] I will try and think to ask her about him. Although I doubt if I will get an answer , as she takes no notice of half of my questions. She hasn’t spoken of Mrs. Clark for a long time.
I am anxious to hear how you like your new position. I do hope it will prove to be easier and more remunerative than the other, and that you will be able to marry before long, for I know you will be much happier to have a home of your own, and you have certainly waited long enough.
I hope your sister Ella’s health is better by this time, and that yours continues good. I am feeling a little tired just now but otherwise I am quite well. Have been to the theatre considerable. The other night cast Henry Walden in “D’Arcy of the Gerardo,” a very pretty play, and I think he is a fine actor.
Possibly one reason you do not hear oftener from the Gregorys is because he has been having trouble with his eyes. They were afraid at one time it might prove to be serious, but he went to a specialist in Philadelphia
My talks with you are always prone to be pretty long ones after all. Please let me hear from you soon. With kind regards to all, I am
Your friend always,
Charlie
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| Wooden Trestle at Mammoth, Arizona. |
This is from the Oracle Historical Society. If you google it there's a lot of info and pics.
History of the Acadia Ranch
The Acadia Ranch is one of the region’s oldest and most historically significant structures. Built in 1882 by Edwin S. and Lillian Dodge, it began as a sheep ranch. Before long, it was transformed into a pioneer guest health resort cum sanetorium for sufferers of ‘consumption’ as tuberculosis and other lung ailments were then known. These guests, called ‘lungers,’ were encouraged to seek out Oracle’s clean, fresh air and pleasant climate by the American Medical Association. Today the Acadia Ranch serves as a museum devoted to the Oracle area’s rich history, as well as the headquarters of the Oracle Historical Society.
Courtesy of Ron Richo.
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1902 May 5 Postmark Oracle, AZ
(Fred)
Oracle, AZ
May 4th, 1902
Dear Walter,
Reckon it must be quite a spell since I heard from you. I haven’t been doing much correspondence the past four months. When I am at work am usually too busy to think of anything else. I had a fever a spell ago and didn’t seem to get along very well after I got out so came up here in the mountains. It is 4500 feet high and forty miles from the railroad. [Heic ?] ---about as lively as it would be over in West Woods, but I don’t mind it as I came here just to rest. We play whist and shoot target and that’s [sic] about all except to play the gramophone. Went to church this morning by gum. Yesterday four of us bummers took a team and went over to Mammoth about twelve miles from here the worst [oreide?] looking town you ever saw, just like pictures you see of [Gireadam?] Gulch. It is two thousand feet drop down there in twelve miles. The other bummers have been here two months and wanted to get a hair cut. You [inserted ought to] see the hair cuts, the barber was justice of the piece [sic] and assessor.
I heard a spell ago that George Andrews had left Woodruff’s and you were there is it so? We have been very busy in the bank the past Winter. They put on another man and I don’t have quite as much to do as I did. Haven’t been out evenings but a very little this Winter and it is too hot now for anything to be going on in that line. [my emphasis]
The engagement I wrote you about last Fall was broken off several months ago. Hope you have not told anybody about it as I asked you to do then. I should never have written anyone home about it if I had had the least idea it would turn out that way.
Think I shall go back to work very soon now. I intended to go tomorrow but it is such a luxury to get up in the morning and feel that you have absolutely nothing to do that I want to take a few days longer.
Hope you will write to me I am not very good about replying but am always pleased to hear from any of the boys at home.
Your friend,
Fred
[List on back of final page and on enclosed tear-out from Woodruff’s]
Courtesy of researcher ron Richo:
The "heic" looks like a misspelling of heck when put in the context of the rest of the sentence.
"Oreide" is an alloy consisting of lead and tin and other metals
A 1903 article in the Elmira Morning Telegraph refers to trouble out in Giveadam Gulch, Arizona which sounds like a wild place at the time.
Courtesy of researcher ron Richo:
The "heic" looks like a misspelling of heck when put in the context of the rest of the sentence.
"Oreide" is an alloy consisting of lead and tin and other metals
A 1903 article in the Elmira Morning Telegraph refers to trouble out in Giveadam Gulch, Arizona which sounds like a wild place at the time.
1902, May 5
(Evangeline)
(Evangeline)
Postmark May 5, 1902 [ A month before the wedding]
My dearest,
There are so many things to write that I hardly know where to begin and will know still less where to stop. I do not see what has gotten into the mails for it has been oftener than not that I have sent your letters at eleven o’clock and you have received them at four. Yesterday we went in the city in the morning and went to the new dressmaker whom the other one recommended. She took the measure and we planned the gown, and mama is to go in on Wednesday to have the linings fitted. So we are just where we were six weeks ago, and before this dress comes home we must do lots of odd things, for when the dress does come all other things must be done as there will be no time after it. I shall be very busy this week, so you must not think I am neglecting my little boy if I do not write three times. I must sew in the daytime, and in the evenings I have lots of letters to write and receipts to copy and music to sort over, and a million things to do. I shall be so glad when I do not have to make every minute count. I seem to have gotten off the track. When we left the dressmaker’s we went to Baris, there to look at dinner sets in the remaining [?] store. We found one in violets for forty-two. Which was the prettiest we have seen anywhere for that price and another for fifty-nine something, which was tiny pink roses and lovely7, and which was also the prettiest by far of anything near the price anywhere, and I shall probably have one of them. Then we went to Meekin’s and selected the brass bed. It is plain and very handsome and I am tickled to pieces, and what do you think? After ordering the bed, mama also ordered a hair mattress of the finest grade which also cost a pretty penny. How is that? I will tell you about the spring bed later, as it is too long for this letter. Now I will give you the list of things which I selected, subject to correction. The dining table is round and fifty-two (or four) inch, claw and ball feet and thirty-five dollars. The chairs I did not select until you come. One set you saw, and another set equally pretty but three dollars less for the six, is the other choice. The sideboard you have seen. The bookcase is wax finish, double doors of leaded glass for twenty-one dollars. One similar, but smaller, and with one door, is fifteen, but I think the books we would have would fill it and as it is the only one we will ever have, I want some room left for future use. The parlor table is the round spider legged one for sixteen, if it is firm enough. The little table for a window is very pretty and mahogany for four and a half. The bureau in maple is thirty one fifty and a beauty and two maple chairs one a rocker for three and a quarter and four and a quarter. That completes the list, and I left out music [?] chair and cabinet for we can get along without them and can select them later if we wish. My selections came to one hundred fifteen and fifty cents without dining chairs which will be at least fifty more. Then there are two floor coverings, and we cannot get a nice parlor carpet such as you want for less than fifty dollars. I think you must be mistaken about your present parlor carpet for this tapestry one cost thirty-two. Our parlor draperies will cost at least five dollars a pair and the set at least eighty. So there you have two hundred to add to one hundred fifteen. Then there will be a spring for the brass bed, a mattress for the guest room, a covering for the dining room floor, a chair for the the den ( for we have only two) a stove and a refrigerator. So it seems we had better omit the music cabinet and chair until we see what money we have given us. Now about having the new furniture. What you say is true, but I do not like the idea of moving that nice furniture after it has been unpacked and by someone not accustomed to doing it. If things are scratched we can’t help ourselves, and if they are unpacked and set up they will be fixed up if marred in any way, and it seems so much better to have them set up where they will stay. Then they will have to be paid for if delivered now, and you will be able to leave half the amount in the bank if they are not. Of course it would be nice to have them but I think we would enjoy them more to have them new when we go to the other house which I hope will be before cold weather, for we never could keep warm there on account of the stairs if for no other reason. Has anything more been said about rent/ I should not be willing to pay twelve dollars in cold weather, for the house would be too inconvenient with a detached kitchen and well and all that space overhead in the old kitchen. Get your ides in order so you could speak of it if the opportunity is given. My suit has come and looks very nice, but the skirt binding is about three inches too large and cannot be made small enough without spoiling the back of the skirt. How in the world is all that “truck” to grow in thta small space? Did you cover the sweet peas again? I wonder if anything has been done in our garden. If the wedding ring is all right I would like it engraved where I had mine measured and where I got your chain and locket. I am quite sure the mover included his team, at least I understand it. Do tell me if the architect came and the result. I don’t [sic] know what to say about the boxes for my gowns. I dislike to have them folded so small. She will only just get them done so why not you write her how you will get them on Friday the sixteenth?
I have not looked at refrigerators at all. This letter is mostly business, but I love you as much as if I had told you lots of nice things. It is so long I cannot read it, but hope I have made myself plain. I love you and two weeks more and you will be here. With al my love
Your Evangeline.
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1902, May 15 (Postmark)
(Tiffany & Co.)
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1902, May 15 (Postmark)
(Tiffany & Co.)
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1902, May 24
(Charlie)
(Charlie)
Postmark June 3, 1902
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
Conn.
Dear Walter,
This will be just a note to congratulate you on the coming event, which I hope with all my heart will bring you nothing but happiness the rest of your life. I am glad you succeeded in getting such comfortable quarters so near your work. I have just lost my position and unless I succeed in getting into something else by the first of July, I shall probably go north about that time, so you needn’t trouble to send me the watch, you can give it to me than, that is, if I go by the way of New Haven. I will let you hear from me again before then, provided your wife won’t object to an old aunt writing you occasionally. I can imagine just how busy you must be, but when one has as much to look forward to they don’t mind being rushed.
I asked Mrs. Grover about John Powell, and have just heard from her saying she knew nothing about him excepting that he seemed to be well . Lawrence’s [Lavinia’s] address you may already know is Barre , Vt. Baltimore Mount Carmel , I will do so. Please let me know the day you intend taking that important step, and I wish you would give me some idea what you would rather have. Do you expect much in the way of silver?
Good-by for to-day,
Your friend,
Charlie
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Mount Carmel , Connecticut
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1902 The Wedding Cake (made three weeks early !) and a Comeuppance
1902 May 28 Postmark North Wilbraham
(Evangeline)
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
Dearest Sweetheart,
Such a dear letter as yours was, and it deserves a lovely reply, but I am afraid it won’t get it and I don’t know why. I think I need you to keep me straight, and three weeks from tonight you will come for your wife and you must not think I am not happy if I should disappoint you by not being as jubilant as you would wish. You were right, it was not a happy engaged girl who wrote to you Sunday, but an unhappy one. I was so tired, and the first hot days had had their usual effect on me, and I was troubled about little things which I will tell you about sometime. Yesterday Emma and I went in the city on the ten o’clock train. I left my ring to be engraved “E.E.C. – J.W. B.” and we walked down to Court Square and saw all there was to see, listened to the band concert for awhile, then went to her friends[sic] office and rested and then went to lunch. Then we went and did some errands, returned to the office, and stayed there until half after five. The parade passed four times and we wanted to come out after the second time and come home at four but we went down to the street and couldn’t get through the crowd.
Last night we got the fruit and other things ready to make “The” wedding cake, and this morning we made it [ three weeks early? ] There is enough for all the anniversaries to the golden wedding. This afternoon I sewed and this evening you [?] are occupied as you see. When I finish this I am going to write to Stewart, for I received a half dozen berry [?] forks last night and they are darling. The handles are French gray with a strawberry with leaves to the end. I, too, am pleased with the table silver, and you may tell Mrs. Quimby that we would like silver better than anything else. We will consider the trip settled unless you think we had better take a less expensive one, in which case we can find something in the Berkshires. If we can afford it it will be the best water trip available, but a good deal to spend for three days pleasure, but it’s our honeymoon, so we must make the most of it and I do love the water better than anything else, except you. I will see Mr. Green about the carriage, and engage the carpenter for Monday and the mover for Tuesday, and see Mr. Davis about the carpet, but I am not willing to talk with Mr. Howes [Homes?] again about the springs for I have done so, many times. I thought you told me to order them, and I did so, and if we can afford them, we will have them, and if not we will have something cheaper. And right here, my dearest, I am going to say something which will not be pleasant reading. I should have said it before if your feelings were not so easily injured, but as it troubles me I may better get it off my mind and let you know how I feel about it. I wish, sweetheart, than [sic] when you have decided a thing you would let it alone. [my emphasis]. It is a habit that you all have, making plans and then doing otherwise, and it frets and troubles me to feel unsettled. When I was down the last time, your mother talked as much as though she did not expect to have the new house as though she did, and it made me feel troubled and unhappy.
Our own plans have been so many and different that I have felt mixed up until lately, and now we do not know how long we will have to stay in the old house. It makes me ache to think of our nice things with that awful paper and woodwork, but I do not want to be without them indefinitely. When we have settled a thing and are satisfied, let’s let it alone, and not keep talking it over until we don’t know what we want. I am not scolding or blaming anyone, but I do want you to know how uncomfortable this makes me feel and I want you to get out of the habit. About the carpet. I will see Mr. Davis when I go in. I do wish a carpet with a border and as this pleases us I see no reason why we should not take it. I will speak about the points you mention. If they do not send a man to unpack the goods and leave them in order, we won’t take them. Also, I think they would send a man to lay the carpet, and if we got [get] the covering for the dining room floor so much the better, and the same man might put up the draperies, but I don’t know. I think, considering the size of the order, that they would send a man each time. Of course I shall see, but I do not want to have the carpet to watch this summer. I asked Mr. Spencer about the ticket toLeominster Leominster Alice
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| The new house "your mother" thought wouldn't get built in 1902, was built in 1905. |
Our own plans have been so many and different that I have felt mixed up until lately, and now we do not know how long we will have to stay in the old house. It makes me ache to think of our nice things with that awful paper and woodwork, but I do not want to be without them indefinitely. When we have settled a thing and are satisfied, let’s let it alone, and not keep talking it over until we don’t know what we want. I am not scolding or blaming anyone, but I do want you to know how uncomfortable this makes me feel and I want you to get out of the habit. About the carpet. I will see Mr. Davis when I go in. I do wish a carpet with a border and as this pleases us I see no reason why we should not take it. I will speak about the points you mention. If they do not send a man to unpack the goods and leave them in order, we won’t take them. Also, I think they would send a man to lay the carpet, and if we got [get] the covering for the dining room floor so much the better, and the same man might put up the draperies, but I don’t know. I think, considering the size of the order, that they would send a man each time. Of course I shall see, but I do not want to have the carpet to watch this summer. I asked Mr. Spencer about the ticket to
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May 30, 1902 Postmark North Wilbraham
(Evangeline)
My dearest sweetheart,
This time I am not going to threaten for I do not carry out my threats, but I fear that you will not get a letter longer than the one I received this noon. It is just eight o’clock, and I have two letters to write after this. We have just finished mama’s dress, and it is a relief. We have worked on it so long, and yesterday everything bothered and had to be done over. Last evening I went to the Dumonds [?] and when I came home I had to go to bed to get warm. I took the hot water bag and it was so hot that I couldn’t touch it, and it leaked and the room was so cold that I couldn’t get up to see about it, so I poked it to the side of the bed and let it leak. This forenoon I packed a barrel of fruit cans both empty and full, and from the length of time which it took, I see very plainly that one day will not be long enough for us to get ready for the mover, for we want everything done when they come. If you feel that you can take Wednesday, we can do it comfortably in two days and then have the movers come Wednesday morning, then we ought to be able to go in the city if we have any more selections to make. If we move Tuesday we will have to work awfully hard and I doubt if we could get ready. I have seen the man about putting on our screen door and when he gets here I shall engage him for Monday. We have engaged a man to come the previous Friday and take up and clean the carpets and he will come without fail, unless as he said, he gets a “steady job”—I have not had time this week to write any invitations, but must begin them tomorrow, and Saturday I shall try to go to Springfield and see about the carpet and the hats. Do you have a holiday tomorrow? I think they are too stingy with holidays -- This morning Mrs. Gates was in and spoke about the house being painted. They were to begin about now, but the rain prevented. We asked how long it would take them and she said not less than two weeks as it has to have three coats. So we told her we didn’t want it done for they wouldn’t be through and the blinds would be off and the house full of flies. So she said she would tell Mr. Gates, and I am pretty disgusted. Only twenty –one days and we will be on our honeymoon trip, and it will be light enough to take pictures. Do not be troubled about me, dearie, I am neither ill or disappointed in you. I am only tired and have been fretted by so many things, and when I think of the things to be done in the sixteen more days[my emphasis], it makes me feel like flying. I do love you, dearest, very dearly, but you know I cannot talk about the things which lie deep, and so I suppose that is what makes me so queer as the time draws near. Please see about the ticket as soon as you can, as he [?] may come early to see his Springfield Preston Cousin Illegible?] should he come, or she care to do so. If you wish it, send here name and address next time. The running time of the trolleys has been changed and now they leave Springfield
Your own
Evangeline
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1902, June 4
(Charlie)
(Charlie)
Postmark June 4, 1902 Washington, D.C.
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
June 3, ‘02
My dear Walter,
Yours just received. You may send announcements to the above address, as I expect to be here until July 1st, and any time after that anything would reach me directed here, as my mail will be forwarded.
Hastily,
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Could this ribbon be the "it" mentioned in the following letter (what Evangeline worried she might not have "room" to enclose) ? |
(Evangeline)
Postmark, June 1902 (no day on postmark)
North Wilbraham, Mass
Mr. J. Walter Bassett
Mount Carmel
Connecticut
Dearest,
After dinner I went over to spend a little while with Miss Phillips and select something from among Eunice's trinkets. When I came home Emma was here and has just gone, so it is getting near time to go to church, and I must go tonight, for I have been very bad lately. I guess I wrote last Thursday night, so I will begin there. Friday morning was the usual housework and in the afternoon I wrote the invitations to the wedding, and it took all the afternoon. In the evening I did my mending, and yesterday I spent in he city [Springfield?] and had a hard day. I make my bank book squeal, for I got a check for Mrs. Welden, and money for other things which are big. I got a hat for traveling and for general wear, which I thought stylish and serviceable, but mama does not like it, as it does not look nice enough, she thinks. Then I got two pair of shoes, one a high black pair, and the other a low yellow pair. The latter are lighter than I like, but will will grow dark. I got an appointment Thursday to have my broken tooth built up, and hope to buy my nice hat then. My announcements and cards came yesterday and now we can't back out. The card plates were each three dollars so he gave me the extras and letter and the one hundred cards were one dollar. When I have answered all your questions I fear there will not be room left to enclose something else to amuse you, and please do not show it, because you know I am funny. I saw Mr. Davis about the carpet and he said he would put a plain color outside the border to make the three inches. He also said they would lay the carpet, but there might be some trouble, as I was getting the carpet at almost wholesale price. So for that reason I would like if possible to get our dining room carpet there, and they would send a man more willingly. I got my ring, and it was engraved nicely, the six initials, and I paid the enormous and exorbitant sum of twelve cents for it.
Last evening I read, for the first time. Tomorrow they are going to begin to paint the house, in spite of all we can say, and Mrs. Gates tried to help us, but the painter has finally got to it, so Mr. Gates feels he must have him. So he agreed to go over one coat, and then estimate how long it will take to finish, and I am about as uncomfortable as is possible to be. Tomorrow I must write the invitations to the reception, and Tuesday I will go to the city, and Wednesday I must begin to address my announcements. So my dearest even though I love you so much, I cannot write three times, for the hours are so precious, and so many little things still left to do. I want to get my announcements done before Steve comes, for she will want to do them, and I am afraid she will not get the inside envelope right, for I understand, and she doesn't. I shall miss the third letter too, but it's only seventeen more days, so we can be patient. Now put this where you won't lose it. Dr. Squire told me to get one (Z) of bromide of soda and put it into four (Z) of water and take one teaspoonful after each meal and before going to bed for a week before going on the water and we wouldn't be sea-sick. So you want to try it, too. Emma has a lovely big cape and she offered to loan it to me, when she heard me say I hoped my money would hold out to buy one. So I shall accept the loan,and be comfortable. When you have the leisure, would it not be well to measure the dining room floor and make a diagram, and then put it in your new pocket and we will have it, if we want it. It would be better to have it and not want it, than to want it and not have it. I will send the tickets to Mr.Herrick, as I shall wish to write again. I shall try to engage the mover next Tuesday for early Wednesday morning. Since we have two tables for the parlor, it seems a little unwise to have another , unless we know just the place for it. A chair for my desk would be very acceptable, as we need one, or [& ?] so would silver. Mr. and Mrs. Terry have given me a pair of silver spoons, solid of course. I hope the architects [sic] visit was satisfactory. I think I would like my wedding gift from you the night that you come. What is it? Mama is coughing badly, and had to come out of church this morning, but does not appear sick. The Buffalo Bill's Wild West was the effort of the Jones boy, and I found it in my desk the other day. I suppose when we give our ages, we had better tell the truth [ my emphasis]and shame the Devil. There is a new barber here, but as I have heard nothing about him, I cannot recommend him. There is more trouble at Mr. Bell's for two weeks ago Mrs. Bell had a nervous collapse and has been in a state of melancholia ever since and yesterday they took her to a sanitarium. She has been through enough mental strain and done enough hard work to drive the woman insane. Miss Phillips leave us tomorrow and Mrs. Thomson in a few days.
With my best love to my heart's dearest,
Your own,
Evangeline.
___________________________________________
1902, June
(Evangeline)
The Final Letter)
No date, postmark unclear)
Dearest,Dearest,
After dinner I went over to spend a little while with Miss Phillips and select something from among Eunice's trinkets. When I came home Emma was here and has just gone, so it is getting near time to go to church, and I must go tonight, for I have been very bad lately. I guess I wrote last Thursday night, so I will begin there. Friday morning was the usual housework and in the afternoon I wrote the invitations to the wedding, and it took all the afternoon. In the evening I did my mending, and yesterday I spent in he city [Springfield?] and had a hard day. I make my bank book squeal, for I got a check for Mrs. Welden, and money for other things which are big. I got a hat for traveling and for general wear, which I thought stylish and serviceable, but mama does not like it, as it does not look nice enough, she thinks. Then I got two pair of shoes, one a high black pair, and the other a low yellow pair. The latter are lighter than I like, but will will grow dark. I got an appointment Thursday to have my broken tooth built up, and hope to buy my nice hat then. My announcements and cards came yesterday and now we can't back out. The card plates were each three dollars so he gave me the extras and letter and the one hundred cards were one dollar. When I have answered all your questions I fear there will not be room left to enclose something else to amuse you, and please do not show it, because you know I am funny. I saw Mr. Davis about the carpet and he said he would put a plain color outside the border to make the three inches. He also said they would lay the carpet, but there might be some trouble, as I was getting the carpet at almost wholesale price. So for that reason I would like if possible to get our dining room carpet there, and they would send a man more willingly. I got my ring, and it was engraved nicely, the six initials, and I paid the enormous and exorbitant sum of twelve cents for it.
Last evening I read, for the first time. Tomorrow they are going to begin to paint the house, in spite of all we can say, and Mrs. Gates tried to help us, but the painter has finally got to it, so Mr. Gates feels he must have him. So he agreed to go over one coat, and then estimate how long it will take to finish, and I am about as uncomfortable as is possible to be. Tomorrow I must write the invitations to the reception, and Tuesday I will go to the city, and Wednesday I must begin to address my announcements. So my dearest even though I love you so much, I cannot write three times, for the hours are so precious, and so many little things still left to do. I want to get my announcements done before Steve comes, for she will want to do them, and I am afraid she will not get the inside envelope right, for I understand, and she doesn't. I shall miss the third letter too, but it's only seventeen more days, so we can be patient. Now put this where you won't lose it. Dr. Squire told me to get one (Z) of bromide of soda and put it into four (Z) of water and take one teaspoonful after each meal and before going to bed for a week before going on the water and we wouldn't be sea-sick. So you want to try it, too. Emma has a lovely big cape and she offered to loan it to me, when she heard me say I hoped my money would hold out to buy one. So I shall accept the loan,and be comfortable. When you have the leisure, would it not be well to measure the dining room floor and make a diagram, and then put it in your new pocket and we will have it, if we want it. It would be better to have it and not want it, than to want it and not have it. I will send the tickets to Mr.Herrick, as I shall wish to write again. I shall try to engage the mover next Tuesday for early Wednesday morning. Since we have two tables for the parlor, it seems a little unwise to have another , unless we know just the place for it. A chair for my desk would be very acceptable, as we need one, or [& ?] so would silver. Mr. and Mrs. Terry have given me a pair of silver spoons, solid of course. I hope the architects [sic] visit was satisfactory. I think I would like my wedding gift from you the night that you come. What is it? Mama is coughing badly, and had to come out of church this morning, but does not appear sick. The Buffalo Bill's Wild West was the effort of the Jones boy, and I found it in my desk the other day. I suppose when we give our ages, we had better tell the truth [ my emphasis]and shame the Devil. There is a new barber here, but as I have heard nothing about him, I cannot recommend him. There is more trouble at Mr. Bell's for two weeks ago Mrs. Bell had a nervous collapse and has been in a state of melancholia ever since and yesterday they took her to a sanitarium. She has been through enough mental strain and done enough hard work to drive the woman insane. Miss Phillips leave us tomorrow and Mrs. Thomson in a few days.
With my best love to my heart's dearest,
Your own,
Evangeline.
___________________________________________
1902, June
(Evangeline)
The Final Letter)
No date, postmark unclear)
Just a line to reply to your note. You are correct in your price of the chairs , 3.25 and 4.25. Since they have put the bed and mattress in the bill, it seems to me the simpliest [sic] and least confusing way would be for you to pay half the bill as it is, and mama will settle with you. Tell me just how much the bill is, how much you sent them, and how much more you have left. Also how much you think you will have when the wedding expenses are paid. [It sounds like there is no 'papa' to underwrite the wedding] Annie has been down all the afternoon, and asked me if I preferred a present which they purchase or ten dollars. I said I preferred the money, then I could buy what I needed. Do you not think that a generous gift? We are going up there to supper and it is after six, so must stop. One week from tomorrow and I will have you again.
With my dearest love,
Evangeline
 |
| Could this be the tie JWB wore at his wedding? |
_____________________________________________________________
1902 June 5 Postmark Southern Pines, N.C.
(H.T. Gregory)
My dear Mr. Bassett,
My ! What
A long time it is since I heard from you ! How the time goes! Here we are in the middle of summer.
We were glad to get your letter and to learn of your whereabouts. Glad to know that you had attained a position right at home and I trust more lucrative than the old one, but certainly with no harder work.
I sent you some papers recently. We have changes here. Mr. Edwards [sic] death was a great blow to his friends. . He will be greatly missed. Mrs. Edwards is near Chicago
Most of the people who are going away for the summer have gone. Mrs. Chas Merritt [?] went yesterday. Mrs. M. has been quite sick.
The Roots [illegible names ] are in Mass. Mr. James Patch has gone to Texas to remain I believe. Mr. Bricker [?] has sold out to Henry and will probably leave town in the fall.
Mr. Riggs [?] has bought out Miss Stein who goes to Durham Germany
We have five new houses on the Ave. which the Roman Ch. is [sic]and one on Ashe St. Hartford Ct.
Mrs. + Mr. Patch came to church regularly will have their children baptized soon. Mr. Hayes had his children Bob + Ray baptized a few Sundays ago. They are considered as regular members of your Congregation now. [Is JWB a pastor at Southern Pines? I thought he was an undertaker too.]
Mr. McQueen has gone out of the Livery business + with Capt. Clarke and a Mr. Kapitsky is going into the Caining[?] business.
James Swett, who is now in Bkln [?] Itrozing [?] is expected home soon. I hope he will help with the Sunday School.
The Dr. has done a good business here, although there have been a number of other doctors here. We have two sanitariums and a new doctor K.M. Lenguson [?] who has built a house on R.R. St.
Do you get to Mr. Coby’s [?] Church often? If the trolley line runs to Cheshire
How is Miss C? I hope well. Will she change her name soon?
Sincerely yours,
H.T. Gregory
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