December 4, 1919, From Mamma

Geneva, Ind. Dec. 4--‘19

Dear Esther--

This is Thurs. A.M. and no word from you yet. Tho' I surely think there will be this noon. Clark got a few words from Luella yesterday and I thought she would surely mention your name; but she did not. Saw Geraldine Baker a moment the night of the game at Linn grove (Tues. night) and she said they got word from Justine that you didn't reach Bloomington till Mon. 7 A.M. Hope you are well. That's all that ever really worries me.

Went to game Tues. night. Mr. & Mrs. Amos Shoemaker were there. Our boys beat Bluffton both first & second teams. But let me tell you they had to work to do it.

I am sending you the Jan. & Dec. Elites. Have just ordered a pattern from the Jan. for Ruth. It is 3102D. Don't know who will make it as Mrs. Lindsey has been sick again. But return either the picture cut out or the book soon, as who ever makes it will need it to look at, you know.

Papa has gone to Decatur today after our sugar.

Justice Kelly is married.

Well, I must quit as mail man will come soon. will send your other cover & pink waist to you soon, as they are ready.

All are well. If I don't hear from you today I'll be down there or something else.

from--
Mamma

Pretty cold here.

Lloyd addressed this.

December 3, 1919, From Richard

La Fayette, Indiana
December 3, 1919

Dear Esther,

I have been paying for my good time by working hard this week, which accounts for my delay in answering your letter from home. So you can successfully fool people; and consequently they think that you prefer to go back to school! Well, that is a strange way for everyone to have you placed. Why do we all think wrongly?

I have wondered if you got back to I.U. all right and have regained your lost sleep. No doubt ou are as busy as you ever were, readjusting yourself to the old routine. I surely did have a great time last week end but not what I could have had had I been home. See? Only two more weeks + and we'll beat the trail for home, walking perhaps if they take the trains off. Really the coal is in serious shortage everywhere. They even have partly closed the "movies" here. Ha. Now I can't spend "all" my time and money there.

We get our vacation from noon, Saturday, December 20 to January 6. I guess you get the same time off, do you not? I think we ought to get more time off than I.U. because we do so much more work. Then too we are confident that Purdue appreciates us if we do work. But they surely do soon kick a fellow out if he continually flunks. You don't worry about anything serious happening to you if you miss a train, do you? I know the officials can easily scare Freshman for awhile; but they can't do it longer than a year.

This cold weather seems to chill all social activities; meetings are postponed, dances not popular, and no place to take a date after nine o'clock. Of course we put the blame upon the coal miners and Reds.

I hope you are still in a good humor, and enthusiastic over school and the boys of I.U. Good luck and best wishes from

Yours Truly,
Richard.

December 2, 1919, From Mamma

Home, Dec. 2--‘19

Dear Esther--

For fear you will be disappointed when the mail-man comes & will not hand you an envelope with a stamp on it, I'll just send you one.

Do you know you didn't bring home the belt to gingham dress? Anyhow I've not seen it. As I was ironing one of your corset covers I broke the string (the baby ribbon) in one of them, so I kept it at home & am crocheting one that will not break so easily.

I washed yesterday & am finishing the drying process in the house. Papa went to Equity meeting last night and Clark to basket-ball practice. I mopped the floor after supper, washed dishes, croched some on that string for your corset-cover & looked at the new "Elite" that came yesterday. Believe I'll send it to you.

Mrs. Lindsey has been sick, so I do not know when she can make Ruth's dress.

Wilma Kelly has the measles. Will go down this A.M. and see how she is.

Hope you got to destination O.K. Were C. & L. at train to meet you? Will look strong for a letter from you to day. Tho' I don't suppose you are in any humor for writing. To sleepy, hey?

The men are in the beet field this A.M.

I forgot to wash your old pink crepe waist. You want it don't you?

Am going to sell our surplus chix tomorrow.

The basket-ball team play Bluffton tonight. Clark wants me to go, but O it is so cold.

Now I hope you are not sick from your trip.

I believe I have told all that has taken place since you were here. Do not worry about that remark that "some one" made in the letter. I have thought about it & believe no harm was intended.

All are well.

With love from
Mamma.

November 30, 1919, From Richard

Purdue University
November 30, 1919

Dear Esther,

I received both of your letters Friday, and was surely well pleased to hear that you went home. I was not disappointed you see. Of course if you did not have the sore throat by this time, you no doubt went to Sunday School today. Which is more than I cared to do on such a cold day. It will be more profitable for me to work today and go out tonight, if I can do it. Ha, ha.

I had a wonderful time here on Thanksgiving day and since too. I'll let Katheryn speak for herself as to the merits of our good time, Purdue, and of everything in general. Our statements might conflict, and I do not wish to bother you with any of our little differences, if there shoudl be any to arise.

I surely was sorry, however, that I did not get to go home. I don't understand why you went "just because you had such a good chance". Don't you care anything for your home, parents, or little brothers; more than any other equally as interesting subject. Please pardon my questioning tone; but you can love, can't you! Complete happiness is based upon some such foundation as that, and surely somewhere it is found to be absolutely necessary. I fear you will be thinking yet that I cannot interpret a letter like it is meant to be.

I got a letter from Clara yesterday. She said you and Clark were out riding in the Ford, and visited at our place Thursday. Say, now do you like the new "car"? Did Clark let you drive it? During your visit I suppose you have learned of all the new marriages, romantic careers and engagements of many of the young people around there. It must be an "affliction of the heart", common to a lot of young people. It interests me anyway. Ha!

I hope you are not too sleepy to read this; but you might be, after such a long journey. In three more weeks I am going to beat it out of here. Meanwhile it's going to be just the same old routine as usual. Work, play and eat with the (un)usual amount of sleep. Wishing you a pleasant trip back to I.U. I remain,

Yours truly,
Ricahrd

November 28, 1919, From Luella

Friday 2.00 P.M.

Dear Esther--

It was certainly thoughtful of you to write a letter--glad I reached Bluffton as soon as you did.

I suppose you know a number of students were put on or in the baggage car down here at the Monon station the day I left.

Yes--Dale went home. I am the only girl left here--and I am here only half the time. Ha! Have not been one bit lonesome so far. K[atheryn] is not coming back until to-morrow P.M. Got three letters and a card to day. Should I be lonesome? Have a date for 4 o'clock and still have my gingham dress on. Ha! as 4 to-night--may call it off & go to the social with one of the girls. have been having a fine time--but not much work done.

Having quite a scare here. This may be the last U will ever hear from me. Will not write it on a card.

Hope 2 C U again. I still _ _ _ _ you. Ha!

Hope U are having a good time--better yet than I--myself. We are observing no rules here--unless we wish. Stayed up here alone last night as I did not go out to stay last night. Carters wanted me to go down stairs to sleep but--I would have made the 6th one in 1 bed room. Ha! Robert is out of bed sitting up now.

Luella.

November 27, 1919, From Richard

Purdue University
Thanksgiving Day, 9:00

Dear Esther,

You ought to be very happy now, considering all the things you have to be thankful for; thanksgiving dinner at home, lots to eat, a good time before you, and a "very agreeable day", a prospect of returning to school soon again, etc. I wanted to get to go home myself, but the Purdue students petitioned, several years ago, to add the two days now, to the Christmas vacation. Consequently we young sports have to remain "satisfied".

I took a chance upon you going to leave I.U. so I sent you a little parcel of sweets to Geneva. Of course I'll guess that it did not arrive on time. You can recall what you did last year and what I did. Ha, ha! The weather conditions are the same, almost, today; but I wonder how about the rest. It's your turn to play rough, and I promise to submit meekly to anything that might concern me. See? Since it's so hard to make a letter understandable and not be too precisely acute, I'll not express myself in this one any more than usual.

I guess Katheryn got my word in sufficient time to relay my short dispatch, and to decide to come up here. Anyway she is here and we are sure of a fine time if we wish. Very few of the students left town, so things are quite natural in regard to entertainments and crowds. Say, Katheryn is greatly impressed by our city and college! It's a wonderful place full of good, live people. She especially noticed the good looking young men, and at that a remarkably large no. of fair dames.

We had a very interesting affair here yesterday when a Red labor speaker was billed to make a speech here last night. The American Legion took immediate steps to stop him, and did too. They arrested him as soon as he arrived and then gave him his papers of exit. The Purdue students were "up in the air" too and many went over to the meeting last evening. This is no town for unloyal citizens, or students either.

Well I hope you have enjoyed your visit so far. Of course you have. Best wishes.

Yours sincerely
Richard

November 24, 1919, From Richard

P.U.
November 24, 1919

Dear Esther,

This is not going to be much of a letter; nor much of an answer, I fear. Sure I like specials, and that is one reason I cannot find the time to write more tonight. Various things have interfered with my good intentions, thus nessitating a hasty answer or none at all. For if I waited until tomorrow you would not be at I.U. by the time my mail reached you.

Esther, I'm sure your friendship has benefited me also; but do friendships always continue to be beneficial. Supposing, since you mentioned it, that the things I said really did mean what it sounded like. Would you care? Since there is such a short time I shall not take up the discussion any farther at present. I would not know how to explain anyway so sas to please you, so I'm not relieving your uncertainty now. You will surely have a fine time when you go home, and I wish you one anyway. So far as I know now Purdue will have school. Hard luck, I say. I shall write more soon, perhaps. I can't depend upon my "spells". So if you are O.K. where you're at write to me.

Yours Truly,
Richard.

November 22, 1919, From Mamma

Geneva, Nov. 22--‘19

Dear Esther--

Your letter came yesterday and I simply can not tell you what to do about coming home. But if you do come with Justine you must ‘phone or let us know some way that you are there or if you come the other way (Portland) you will have to let us know. Clark said that Luella wrote like they hardly expected to go to Purdue. Will have the corn-shredders Mon. if weather is fit which means I must get dinner for about 14 men. alone. Ruth will be in school and Mrs. W. is afraid of Wilma taking the measles. Clark is teaching the Freshmen English class. Says he likes it and would think it fine if he only knew more. But you know he does not understand grammar. Ruth says they all like him though. I think Mr. & Mrs. Willis do their part about as well as some of those pupils. Only one boy has quit school & he was going to anyway to Xmas time. Well, be your own judges about coming home. We will go meet you where ever you are, if you only tell us where.

Mamma

Warren is doing fine.

Am afraid those pictures will get mislayed or lost.

November 19, 1919, From Mamma

Home. Nov. 19--‘19

Dear Esther--

It seems I never have time for a letter so here goes for a few words. It is now 20 min. of 11. so mail man will come soon enough to suit. I have hunted every where for those old black gloves of mine and can not find them. So I thought I'd go to town and just buy a pair & send you; but Warren has the measles (so I discovered this A.M.) so now I can not leave home for some time. Mrs. Dr. Price said not to let him out doors for two weeks. So papa said for you to go down town there and buy the gloves you want & he will send you the money in a day or two. They are working early & late with the beets. The beet tenders will be through this A.M. but they are doing a "bum" job, so much so papa wishes they had never come near.

Mrs. Whitesel had papa, Warren & I there for dinner yesterday, it being her 67th birthday. She had a very nice dinner. But now Wilma will surely have the measels.

Justice got her a very nice gray skirt to match the waist I gave her.

Clark & Ruth went to a party at Glendenning's last eve. It was a freshman & sophomore party. But Tressie was in bed sick with a cold.

Lloyd is writing you a letter at school. His report-card is fine. Nothing below 94 but writing (88). Arith 99. I believe he has a fine teacher Carol Striker.

I will send clothes to you as soon as I can; but must give Warren first class care anyhow, if I do send them to you late.

Should you take a sudden notion to come home Thanksgiving, come with Justine & we will go after you over there.

Must close, with love--
Mamma

I asked Warren what I should tell you & he said tell her I am sick--got the small pox. Suppose he'd forgotten what it is.

November 19, 1919, From Richard

Purdue University
Nov. 19, 1919, Wed. 4:30

Dear Esther,

Your big letter was the only one I received Monday; and perhaps you got my card. You seem to feel lonely or disappointed or something like that. You are not homesick, are you? Ha, at last! Speaking of friendships, I remember when I used to tell you of the value and worth of a friendship, and endeavor to convince you that my friendship was worth cultivating. Now that it has proceeded this far do you feel like it has benefited either one of us? If I have helped to place you in a rut, I shall surely be glad to help you out.

Have you ever achieved anything by hard effort, and then discovered or rather realized that it was not exactly what you want? So cheer up, if you are unhappy, and someday you may find someone or something to satisfy your ideals and longing. "I am adrift on a dark wintry sea", of indecision, or what ever you may choose to call a dissatisfied mind of thought. But you know the "path of love never runs smoothly".

Tell Miss Baker "Mr." Baker I wish to congratulate her him upon having such a nice little "wife" for a roommate. I suppose you are "married". How do you like your new man by this time? Ha, ha! Too bad he has to take drill; but from appearances he was a slacker anyway.

We do not have a vacation here at Thanksgiving, which means that most of us will have to stay here. You surely will not be alone there for Katheryn and Luella are not going home; at least I think now. It is not possible for more than one to come here for a visit or I should like to have them come up for a few days. I may invite one or the other anyway, I don't know.

This is a very hard week for me, lots of work and everything. Roomy and I both are the busiest persons you ever saw. (?) Last night (Tue.) I went to the Ag. society banquet, had a good time and lots to eat. I guess I never told you that I had a good time at the social Sat. evening also.

Now, if I choose to have another spell, I'll write again; sooner or later. Best wishes

Sincerely yours,
Richard.

November 16, 1919, From Lloyd and Mamma

Geneva Ind.
November 16, 1919.

Dear Esther,

I am going to write to you with my right hand. I don't know weather you can read it or not but I will try to make it plain enough for you to read it.

Last night Mr. Whitsel wint to town with a load of beets. After he got them unloaded he went and got 98¢ worth of coal, then he tied his horses to a telephone pole and went to get some bread and groceries. But when he came back the horses were not there then he walked down to [Reichelderfer'?] as fast as he could and seeing they were not there he went back to Harlow's and phoned up to us and told us that our team (Duck and Daizy) were not their. Then Clark got the Ford out and Papa got the lantern and got in the Ford too. Then they started for town, expecting the horses to be on their way home. But they could not find them (between here & town.) so they got Joe and started for home.

see other side.

When they got here Clark telephoned up to Joe Roth's they sayd they had seen no stray team. Pretty soon Harlow's telephoned out to us and said that there were a number of teams behind the school house. Then we got the Jeffery out and Clark and papa and Joe went to town and sure enough our team was there with the coal there and every thing else.

Your brother,
Lloyd.

Lawrence's were over in P.M. Mrs. L. had a headache so I do not think she had a very good time. She said Bernice was going to write to you, tho' I don't think they got your add. Clark said to tell you to look over that catalog & if there is any thing suitable for Luella in it return it & let him know. I will only mark the pages that strike me favorably, tho I think every little thing is so high. Tho' I'd like to have the Library-table scarf, I do not think you have time to make it.

November 15, 1919, From Ruth and Mamma

Geneva Indiana
Nov. [1]5, 1919.

Dear Sister:

I will first answer your question. The table runner is 67 ½ in. long not counting the fringe on the one edge. Mamma found out what you want to make her for her birthday present. When she was reading your letter she found that note and wondered why you addressed it to me so she read it.

In our Domestic Science we gave Helen Buntz and Joel Monce some weeks ago and invited all the teachers in the school and the janitor. They (D.S. girls) [earned] money by selling soup, popcorn balls and candy (&) icecream at the box social. We sold soup again (different kind). And only three boys bought soup. While all the girls bought. We are going to have a birthday dinner for Clare & I this coming Tuesday.

This evening there were things happening that were quite unusual. After Mr. Whitsel unloaded a load of sugar beets from the wagon he got 90¢ worth of coal and tied the team. When he came back from a store the team was gone and also the wagon. We just got word that there was a team tied up north of school building (in Geneva). Papa & Clark & Mr. Whitsel have just gone to town to see if it is ours. (I will tell you later the final facts). Yes, it is ours. Clark knows there were not tied up there very long. No telling what the team and wagon were used for but the coal was still there. (I rewrote this to-day (Sunday))

Ruth.

Mon. A.M.

I thought Ruth would tell more than she did. For she could have. Boys got beat badly at Bluffton Fri. night. 40 to 15. Clark did not play. it was a larger floor than they were used to & they had glass stops, which fooled the boys in throwing for basket.

I went to S.S. Minnie L. was there. She asked about you and for your address. Unless she forgets it I think you will hear from her. She has been home for six weeks. (over to Lloyd's)

Those verses are cute, don't you think? But I'm afraid the less expensive things might be so insignificant when one got them they might not like them after all.

November 14, 1919, From Richard

Purdue University
November 14, 1919
Friday 7:00 P.M.

Dear Esther,

I hope you are surprised, agreeably, by my impulsiveness. If life goes by jumps and bounds, and surprises, does it not please as often as it causes heartaches. I found a nice little Walt Mason "Cheerupodist".

"We are weary little pilgrims, straying in a world of gloom; just behind us is the cradle, just before us is the tomb; there is nothing much to guide us, or the proper path to march, as we toddle on our journey, little pilgrims in the dark. And we jostle, and we struggle, in our feeble, futile wrath always striving, always reaching to push others from the path; and the wrangling and the jangling of our peevish voices rise, the seraphim that watches us thru the starholes in the sky; and they say: ‘The foolish pilgrims! Watch them as they push and shove! They might have a pleasant ramble, if their hearts were full of love, if they'd help and cheer each other from the hour that they embark--but they're only blind and erring little pilgrims in the dark!"

Just one of the unique and refreshing little "poems".

Tonight, the next to the first dance of the year, the Cadet Hop, is to be pulled off. It is a swell affair;--but I, a backwoodsman, must not hope to mix in such stuff for a while. Ha, ha! Do you see any satisfaction in being just an average person? I read an article the other day emphasizing the "observances of decorum;" and the "ability to have a good time without spending money", by the use of imagination, etc.

Tell Katheryn I observed her card very intensely and have resolved to stand faithfully by her with all the love I can offer her. In case of necessity she can just wire me and I will be on duty. Please Esther, don't allow me to embarrass you with too much "work" however. I only ask this as a favor, due to the present trend of circumstances.

Wishing you a good time this week-end I am,

Sincerely,
Richard

November 13, 1919, From Richard

148 Sheety Street
November 13, 1919

Dear Esther,

I would not write today if it were not the thirteenth. Also I have some time to spare, as I only have a couple of examinations tomorrow and two or three other classes. Usually I have a test every day and sometimes several. You see here at Purdue they give us so many subjects and so much work that no one ever mentions a test or examination. It's such a common thing that we like to talk about something more interesting when we find time to talk or write. For myself I get tired of hearing just common ordinary things all the time.

It is remarkable that my letter did not get to you any sooner, as it was taken up by the postman at 5:30 P.M. Sunday Evening. I intended for them to give me better service than that. However if you did not worry nor "give a care" anyway, then why should I? No, you did not make any admission to me before this last letter's statement. But I found out didn't I? You would never tell me anything unless I asked in some manner. Now I am to infer that you do not worry about me. In other words, a test in Chemistry with a good, high grade is more important to you than any fellow could ever hope to be.--However, I could gain just the opposite from this, the optimistic view of your expressions. Do you think it wisest to take an optimistic or pessimistic view?

We had a wonderful celebration of Armistice day here at Sunset on Tuesday, also. All the cadet corps marched out upon the Purdue oval and stood retreat, after a series of speeches had been made. As the flag was hauled down a salute was fired by the field guns, and the "army" then marched off, passing in review before the commanding officer. Just one year ago, that day, I did detail work as a K.P., for Uncle Sam.

Monday evening I got to see the great Nazimova again, in "The Brat". She is a remarkably powerful and emotional player.

Saturday evening I take part in a playful adventure. I have, some weeks ago, been elected as a leader of a group of men in the M.E. Sunday School here. Our battalion, composed of several such groups meets for a social at the student pastor's home on State Street, near here. They counterbalance we fellows with a battalion of girls.

Best wishes,
Richard.

November 12, 1919, From Mamma

Geneva, Nov. 12--'19
Wed. A.M.

Dear Esther--

Here I am stealing more time to write to you. Well, yesterday was a nice day for a change and every one appreciated it I believe too. Today is nice so far, tho' the wind is beginning to raise. I speak about the weather, not to fill up space, but because it means a good deal to us now. With over $1000 wort of beets to be hauled to market, also many of them yet to be lifted and topped, the weather counts for a good deal. Right now, papa is "yanking" them out & I know it is hard work for him. Warren told me a while ago not to say "yank", he don't like the sound of that word & I think he is about right. He said "lifted" sounded better. But when I watched papa struggling with those great big beets, and so far it has been muddy work & I think "yank" is about right.

I suppose by now, you have received that scarf. I hope you like it. But in case you do not like the lining it would not be hard to change. I did it mostly by hand, for I knew if one ever stitched through that nap they never could rip it out. I stitched the outer lining then sewed it on by hand. I put an inter lining of black satteen. I don't know if you objected to that or not, but let me tell you it is warm. And I didn't know how to fix any fastioners, as the piece came cut & there was no scraps left. Now, if you are not pleased with the lining, I want to know. The pockets lose things out easily. But you can ack them at the corners I believe so it will help, but don't ever carry your pocket book in them, it will make the lining sag & not be safe either. It cost all told $7.25 + 1.69 + .30 + 10 = $9.34. But I think you will make lots of use of it now & in the spring. I think it will be fine to keep the hands warm.

Yes, I think it alright for you not to come home Thanksgiving. Papa said to tell you to come, we can afford it. But I told him it was not a case of money but it would not be worth your while is my candid opinion, and would lose a good deal of sleep. You would go back with $10. gone, sleepy and not much time spent at home after all.

I could not very well send you that molasses taffy that Ruth & I worked so hard to make. It (after it stood a while) turned so soft & has almost gone back to molasses. So I just grabbed up a few pieces that was in the house.

Clark's basket ball team have a "date" with Bluffton of which he is very proud. Bluffton has played three games this year & have not been beaten and our boys have played 5 games & have not been beaten.

A catalogue for "Just Christmas" presents came from Providence, R.I. yesterday. It has several cute things in it that I believe you might approve of. I'll look through it again tonight and will mark L. for Luella & R for Richard & you can then do as you please. I will merely mark them by way of suggestions.

Clark said he had forgotten all about the coat hanger rods.

The weather was so awful Mon. when I washed that I hung your clothes up in the house to dry. In the morning they were thoroughly dry but I wanted your gown to smell sweeter so I rinsed it again & put it out doors with the rest of my clothes Tues. A.M. when it, with Brazierre & cover-cover, dried nicely, so they will smell fresh.

Mrs. Whitsel had company all day yesterday. Warren said it was Jim Miller's wife.

At table we sit like this



We have not had any bad storms since you left, anyhow Ruth seems to sleep O.K. alone. We have the Sharples' separator. Ruth & Clark, with Josephine & Elizabeth went with Leymans' (Martine, Leona & Justine) to Berne last night to hear a great lecturer. I'm sorry but I can't recall his name. He has lectured for 60 ys. so quite old. Ruth will tell you all about it.

Papa will send you some more money soon. Am glad of your good grade in Chemistry. Will send what I can of Thanksgiving dinner. Let us hear if you rec'd scarf safely.

November 9, 1919, From Mamma

Home. Nov. 9--'19

Dear Esther--

It is a good thing just now that I am writing instead fo trying to talk. For my mouth is so full of taffy that I don't think I could talk very successfully.

Will send you some of it when I send your clothes to you. I hardly know how to pack it for I know it will be as sticky as the "fury". But I thought it would supply you with some sweetness. How did your pickles carry? Hope they did not spoil the doughnuts. I was going to send the pickles separately, but Clark thought they would carry O.K.

Well, our beet men worked all day today (Sun.) and I believe it is just as well that they did for the weather looks threatening again tonight. The weather has been very hard on the beet tenders, as well as the beet raisers.

Your cape (throw) came Sat. I went to town in P.M. to get the lining. Will work on it tomorrow P.M. if all goes well. Hope it suits. It was not just the color I wanted but they did not have much of a choice. I think the throw material is lovely. Don't you? Of course this letter will reach you before it does.

Is Luella getting along O.K. now. Now we are talking again of driving down there. Our generator came Sat. It would do no harm any how for you to write and tell me what you want me to bring along in case we should drive down.

How is Robert? How does Mrs. Carter manage to wait on him and do the work? I should think he'd get awful tired in bed. I did not go any where at all today and it has been so warm too. Every body went to S.S. but Mrs. Whitsel and myself.

The H.T.H.S. beat Bryant team last Friday night 40 to nothing 2nd team. 13 to 49 first team all in favor of H.T. Next Wed. night the Sophs play the Seniors & money goes to Class Treas. This is from Clark. Now once more about our coming down, if weather turn out bad or cold we will not be there or if we are too busy.

Hope you got good grades. Say are you planning on coming home Thanks-giving? The other evening Warren was having Ruth spell words. just any he could think of while she was wiping dishes. He said spell flour she said what kind? meaning of course the kind that bloom or wheat flour & he said Polar Bear. I thought she would herself laughing.

Bye bye from--
Mamma.

[The following was written on a small scrap of paper enclosed in the envelope.]

It makes no difference to my work when you send your clothes home. Mrs. Baker said the same of Justine's.

November 8, 1919, From Richard

148 Sheety Street
W. Lafayette, Ind.
November 8, 1919

Dear Esther,

I might possibly have written to you Friday evening; but I concluded that you would still be bothered with tests and such things and consequently not care for my letter at that time. I'm not usually a pessimist, but the situation looks too blue for me, and in addition I am unable to solve it. Anyway I'm glad that I do not cause you any additional worries. At least I hope I do not, and you ought not permit if I do. Please tell me how to not bother you with any troublesome perplexities. if you realize that I do you more harm than good, then it will be very interesting to relieve the situation.

I certainly have enjoyed "that box of paper", and since you have some real I.U. stationery you have complimented me by writing to me first. I believe you told me once that the paper was not so important to consider as was the contents of the writing. I agree with you there; for much more can be done by words.

So you had company going back to your house last Sunday. Katheryn mentioned something (in a small P.S.) about House and Glentyre going back House surely does amuse me; but the other fellow is rather selfcontrolled and well poised, in attitude and general bearing. It is something I like to see, and wish to learn for myself. You must not think wrong about my sisters. I saw them trying to spy me; but you were the only one who succeeded. I love them, and apparently they are interested in me to what they think a very important degree.

No wonder you and Katheryn broke two flasks in Chemistry. Ha, ha! I wish you better luck, from now on. Really you ought to have a champion like Mr. House (Chemist of note) to assist you in laboratory. But once you get well started everything will go better, I'm sure.

Purdue lost to Ohio State today, 20-0. Our lucky star must have been a comet, Ha. I went over to the city this evening to see a "movie" called "Beauty-Proof". Of course he wasn't. Ha. And at this time I'm feeling the sand man treading heavily upon me, so Goodnight. Wishing you the best success in life.

Sincerely,
Richard.