8/12/1923 I am surely glad you will be with us next fall in heart, sole, mind and presence

Port Arthur, Tex

Aug 12, 1923

My Dearest Florence;

This is the first letter this week, is it not? I ought to be ashamed and I really am, but you see it was this way. I have been working 12 hrs a day this week and I go to work at 11 am and work till 11 pm and two boys are down here from home, to find work, I am helping them all I can, so I did not have much time. I surely did think of you lots and wondered how you were and if you were having a good time, what you were doing and everything. I will work 12 hours a day every day next week if nothing happens. Just think, my Dear, about this time, 11 AM, five weeks from today, I will be pulling into Houston. To stay, not temporarily but permanently for 9 mo, anyway. Won’t that be a glorious day. and most of all to think there will be some one who will be awfully glad to see me. Ain’t nature grand. I just feel so good when I think of coming back. Just five weeks. Oh Glory. It surely will be great to be back and see the people you care for. I will serve my time out in five weeks. That’s the way I feel about it.

Have you had any great thrills yet since back in Houston. I haven’t had on is about 2 1/2 months. Them were the days. Gee, how blue I get when I think of you and the time we used to have. isn’t it a fine comparison with this, nothing to do, nobody to go see, nobody to come up and talk to. I’ll get out of practise and won’t know how it’s done if I don’t watch out.  So many darn Caguns that it takes all the joy out life. You know, Florence, a person cannot appreciate anything until it’s too late – ? You can’t imagine how I have missed since I have been down here. Especially on Sat nite and Sun. It sure makes me blue when I think of it.

We have just had another of those electric-Rainy storms and I think another oil tank is on fire, as the way things look and enormous block of smoke is coming from the Texas Co so there is something on fire.

Ericsson, a boy from El Campo is working in the office at Texas Co and a very good looking girl is working there, too. About 6 week ago I was in the office and due to the circumstances she found out I was from Rice and also my name. Sher used to go with Roy Chambers when they were in High school. So she asked him about me, and of course passed a few complimentary remarks saying she would like to meet me. Ahem. He told me. It was mutual. Then yesterday I was in office and she talked to Ericsson about me. Said I was that athlete from Rice and all that stuff like they all do when they want to meet someone. She said she wanted to meet me. So maybe I will meet her. Then there may be some way to break the monotony. She seems to be very nice and Roy recommends her as one of the nicest girls in P.A. Of course, I would like to meet some body, besides just boys.

A Boy is coming over tonite and we are going to have a bridge party. I do like it very much. I think you do too, eh?

I am surely glad you will be with us next fall in heart, sole, mind and presence. I am sure will like it. If you are indifferent about it now, you will not be a short while after you start.

Yesterday I picked up a hot shaving from a lathe and cut two of my fingers a little but not as much as they could be. It makes it a little uncomfortable at time, but nevertheless it will be all right soon. I sure got rich while I was off the two weeks. 14.25. That is better than nothing, tho’.

My little Darling Florence, I will have cease this so don’t forget your little Freddie. You know I love you heaps. I think the world of you which I have told you so many times.

Lots of Love

Fred.

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Florence events July 2 – Aug 15, 1923

July 2 – “The Exciters” with myself

July 3 – Sis bobbed her hair. Mac, C.B., Jessamine, Ruth came over. Went swimming to S.E. Jr pool. Mac and Doc came home with us and we had a 10 o’clock lunch. Grand time.

July 4 – Planned on going canoeing to San Jacinto Battlegrounds, home lunch, back, Dad refused. Disappointment – Sis + I went to cousin Gladys’ then Bennett’s.

July 5 – “Doc” and I went to Dorothy Ethel’s – made candy. danced, played tag, etc. Met Wolcott Lay. He was awfully interesting. From Providence College an R. (?) I got home about 2 o’clock. Wonderful time.

July 6 – Date with John Will

July 7 – Took Sis to Aunt Florence’s to spend the night. The Welch’s came over and Zelda stayed all night. Date with Lewis.

July 8 – S.S. in morning with Lewis. Date with “Jimmy Elbert” Lee. Sis, Fred Cook, “Jimmy” and I drove out to the Canoe Club, saw the canoe then came back to the Isis to “Bell Boy 13” Boysens (?) – Grand time.

July 9 – Berniece came over then we went with Homer Smith to a dance in the Heights. Met Edwin MacAllister – a real cute boy.

July 10 – “Fog Bound” while the folks went swimming. Played violin, piano and sang for radio. Lewis and I sang “Beale Street Mama, “For 11” as duet. Wonderful time.

July 11 – To Sylvan – Glorious time. Roy, Sis, Fred Cook, Monty, Berniece, Lewis, me, Mama and Mrs. Mam. Drove down there and back. But ah! coming back!!! Got home about 1

July 12 – Fred + “Jimmy Elbert” came over. Saw a fire and a wreck.

July 15 – Awfully exciting experience with car. To S.S. Fun. Nathalie Pepperman came over in afternoon. Date with Lewis. Grand time.

July 18 – Swimming at Y.W. Date with Lewis to E. B. Park for movies.

July 19 – Swimming at Y. Date with Earnest Lee. To E.B. Park for band concert then swang in rings. Had watermelon at somewhere on Harrisburg Blvd.

July 20- Galveston with Auntie + Uncle Brown. Mama, Mac Fowler – Grand time! Had lunch, wrote cards, swam from 3:30 to 6:30 – Had supper, took in midway, I drove home. Most wonderful time I’ve had since house party.

July 21 – Swimming with Nathalie, Tennis with Mary Northrup. Sis, Lewis – Dog bit me on my leg – hurt like fury. scared me to death. Date with “Doc”

July 22 – S.S. with “Doc” – Laid up rest of day.

July 23 – Laid up

July 24 – Sis gave me a surprise swimming party at S.E.Jr. H for my birthday. Luncheon with girls – C.B., Mac, Martha, Celeste. Swimming again at Y with Nathalie. Supper with Bessie + Zelda. Date with Lewis. Drove out to Heights to see Berniece, stopped and had watermelon. Home. Fred sent me a box of candy, Lewis gold watch band, Dad $17 check. Aunt Anna, Japanese sunshade. Glorious day – 4 parties.

July 25 – To town. opened checking account. “Children of Jazz” with myself – to bed at 3.

July 26 – Dorothy Ethel’s birthday. Spend the day party – played bridge, danced, marked her cloths for school. bobbed a girl’s hair – nearly bobbed mine. Had grand eats – home at 6 – swimming at 7:30 at S.C. Jr. H. riding with 8 girls. Grand time, home at 12 worn out. Tired and sick.

July 28 – Aug 10 – Devers, Tex, rice farm. rest and peace!

Aug 12 – Date with Lewis

Aug 14 – Date with “Doc”

Aug 15 – “Enemies of Women” with Earnest Lee.

_____

And now that the most glorious days of all my life are over, this book is through! There are a few pages – very few – which have not been filled. There are a few thrills which I have had which are not recorded in this book but all the parties, dances, dates – everything – I’ve put down. The happiest time of all was on the house party – the next best were the trips to Sylvan and Graduation Day. During this eventful year – almost everything possible has happened and I can truly say that no human ever had as grand a time and as full a time as I did. It was marvelous! I hate to see the end of this book come. I hate to know that I’ll never, never again be with these pals of mine whom I have learned to love. But all thru this wonderful book, there has been joy. and in years to come, when I look back on my 16th year – all the events, thrills, etc I’ll know that they were happy days.

And thus closes the graduation days – college starts in a few days – Sept 12, 1923.

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Florence events June 12 – July 1, 1923

EVENTS – Con’t

June 12 – Bridge luncheon at Dorothy Ethel Seaman’s for Carriebelle Heavin. Had glorious time and good eats. Date with “Doc” He dropped in to see how the patient’s sunburn was

June 14 – A day of part rest – town with Mama, Jessamine, Ruth, Lewis, Dot at nite

June 15 – Bridge party – luncheon at Martha Robinson’s for graduates. “The Woman Who Came” at Rialto with Betty Lay, Dot Ethel. Bennett’s afterward. Date with “Doc” – marvelous time. More fun than ever.

June 16 – Miss Florence Sterling’s garden bridge party. Glorious time. Flat tire, Date with “Doc” for “Hearts Aflame” at Majestic. Glorious time.

June 17 – Galveston with Seamans. Had a wonderful time. Learned everything about Gal. Ate more than I  ever had. Got home about 8:30. Stayed at Dot’s til 10:30

June 18 – Miss Sterling’s bridge at Country Club for graduates – “Doc” dropped in.

June 20 – Date with Lewis – We went to church then argued over several very important things.

June 21 – Margaret Bonner’s Monte Carlo luncheon. Bridge at Fannie Bess Emery. Out to Heights to see Berniece. Took Dr. Mac home.

June 22 – Date with Doc. The Seaman’s came over to listen over the radio.

June 23 – Got up at 5 o’clock and went crabbing with Dot E, Nell, Harris, Betty Lay, Mr. and Mrs. Seaman. A crab borrowed a piece of Nell’s finger at Seabrooks. A Mr. Leyman took us for a ride on the “Dauntless” crabbed a little more – then went to the battlegrounds. Had lunch then slept. Left then drove home by the Clear Lake drive. Got home a little after 6. Dressed and left for Sylvan at 8 with Roy, Sis, Mrs. Marne, Edwin Shields from La Grange. Had a wonderful time. He was awfully nice to me. Got home at 2:30 nearly gone.

June 24 – Practiced for minstrel at Mac’s. “Doc” came home with me and told me just lots of things.

June 25 – Practiced for minstrel

June 26 – Minstrel at auditorium. at 4:30 Harvey called. talked to him half an hour. Went to Heights for Berniece. To auditorium with to practice once more. The minstrel was great. Had a glorious time. Afterwards we piled 11 in the car. “Doc” drove. the Burnside – Berniece and I were in the front. In back was the other Burnside, Mama, Sister, Wm Morgan, Mr. McGuffy (?) Dorothy Ethel Seaman, Marie Elizabeth Mills. We had lots of fun.

June 27 – Berniece and I took in “Souls for Sale” Perfectly glorious time.

June 28 – To Sylvan with the Seaman’s, Foot’s and “Doc.” A perfect time. It rained brickbats* and frogs, etc. but we had lots of fun. Met Lean. He’s a marvelous dancer. The ride home was just glorious. “Doc” was precious. He sang to me all the way home and it was just perfect – raining and lightening – but so wonderful.

June 29 – Picture show “Within the Law” by myself. To the Brown to see Auntie Nan at nite.

June 30 – A gumbo supper for Auntie Nan. Lewis came over at 7:45. Had some music and a jolly good time.

July 1 – Lewis went to SS with us. Had an adorable time. John Wild followed me in afternoon and finally caught me asked for my phone number (he has an adorable Buick Roadster) with Jessamine nearly all the rest of the time.

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Florence Events 1922-1923 May-June

Events – Con’t

May 11 – Went to play for the Crockett School May Fete with the orchestra. Played nearly two hours without stopping. Rushed home and got Lula Frances, Joe Miller, Sherrill Sullivan and the McManus’ and rushed to Sylvan Beach – Carriebelle gave a picnic and I never had a more wonderful time in my life. There was about 28 including the chaperones. Wore my new green sport costume and had such a marvelous time – But – when I got home at one o’clock I was nearly gone.

May 12 – After I waited in vain for a word of result in the track meet at Stillwater, Okla. I revolted (?) in a little high life. Apy came over and we played some music for a long time.

May 13 – Sunday School – decided to break the record so went to see “Glimpses of the Moon” with Lula Frances. Rode around for a long time – stopped at Bennett’s. Dot Ethel came by and I went around the “block” with her – stopped at Bennett’s again, then I went home with her. Had a glorious time and some fried chicken + cake, etc + cucumber. We talked til way after 10, and I got home after 11. Sure had a good time – But no report of the track meet other then 2nd in shot – nothing in discus.

May 14 – Central Hi played Rice slimes baseball + won 11-2. Hot dog!! Saw Fred out there and got his T.I.A.A. discus medal. After the game C.B., Mac, Sis + I had a wild time with hot tamales, Rice boys, and the Buick – Don’t know when I’ve had a better time – sort of hen party, u kno.

May 16 – Went for a ride with Dorothy Ethel and stopped at Bennett’s. Had lots of fun.

May 19 – Central-Heights game – 6-0. Had good time with the Rice boys. Date with Fred.

May 21 – Played Hites, beat 7-4. Had glorious time.

May 25 – Baseball Banquet. Had such a perfectly priceless time.

June 4. Took Fred and Jesse to the depot. They left for Port Arthur – Dressed for class nite and when we got in the car we had a flat. Read the prophecy, giftarian jingles, then Elsie Townes said she wanted to present a pin to a girl who in her 10 years of school had never been absent or tardy – So I had to walk up on the stage and get it. The pin is precious + I had more fun.

June 5. Graduation day. The presents poured in – Had to go get seated at 3 o’clock – Had 7th seat on the front row. I was so thrilled – by Dick + Lefty. Mr. Black told of my record and they just clapped. Had a wonderful time + got my sheep skin. Thrills. Lewis met me afterwards and gave me a beautiful silver doreen(?) He came home with us and stayed till nearly 12. Had a wonderful time.

June 6. Was interviewed by the Chronicle reporter – Thrills! He wanted to know all about my record, etc. The reporter was Elmer Summers, a Rice boy. Played for the Dawson recital and made a grand success. Wasn’t scared at all. Had a good time + lots of compliments.

June 7 – Jessamine’s dance at Glenbrook Country Club. Wonderful time with Lewis. In car with Fred Cooke + Sis. Never more fun.

June 8 – Left for Bay Ridge at 4 o’clock. Bobbed Mac’s hair, had supper, went for swim, took in Sylvan and all the amusements in. Had truth party til 1 o’clock.

June 9. Up at 6 o’clock swimming with C.B. Breakfast. Drove to LaPorte. Dinner. Lewis came on 2 o’clock train. Went crabbing. Mr. Sterling + Walter came in on yacht “Virginia” then Mac, Oppie, Lewis + I rode on the yacht to Morgan’s Point. Steered it thru channel. Got sopping wet when the waves splashed up. Nearly fell down but had a great time. Ross met us at the wharf + we went home. Made candy, wandered around, went in swimming, had supper, went to Bayshore to dance. Then to Sylvan to see the crowd. (Ford Day) Home. talked, danced, cut up generally til nearly 1:30. A perfect day – and something else, too.

June 10 – Up 6 o’clock. All the girls refused to go in swimming so I went out + watched the boys till 7:00. Mr. Sterling showed me the place – cut oodles of flowers for me. fed me mulberries. Showed me how he was going to fix over the place + the rock gully. About 10 Lewis + I explored the place + fed each other mulberries (and got them on the outside as well as the inside) Walked about 2 blocks on the rocks – climbed the hills + returned by the road. Then Rose, Mac, Lewis + I went canoeing. The water was sort of rough + the sun hot. Was out about 45 minutes + got badly burned. The waves filled the boat up and down we sank.. Thanks to Doc I came up safe. Hung onto the canoe til we got to shallow water (it was about 7 feet deep.) Went out again but no mishap. Had dinner. Rode in Mr. Newton’s car to Sylvan, Seabrook, Kemah + back (Mac, Mr. Newton, Martha, Lewis + I.) Glorious time but awfully burned and it hurt, my arms, neck + face were blistered and my legs were like fire. Made more candy. Lewis + I sought the pier house and he went to sleep. Grandpa woke him up. While the rest were in swimming Doc + I sought the summer house. Spent one of the most wonderful hours of my life = chasing a lizard, etc. Dressed, had supper, was rushed to death by one of Mildred’s friends. Left about 7 – wonderful ride home – and the end of an absolutely perfect house party.

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Florence Events 1922-1923 Oct-May

This is from Florence’s high school yearbook, a list of events throughout her senior year in high school.

Oct 30 [1922] – Went to Methodist Halloween party – met Fred Stancliff

Nov. 8 – Played solo for Current Literature Club

Nov. 1-10 – Tested cars and had a Buick delivered on the 10th. Played for Women’s Confederate Clubs on 10th.

Nov 29 – Had 4 Rice boys and 4 girls out for a dance. had a glorious time.

Dec. 2 – Party at Carriebelle’s for the Rice gang

Dec. 4 – Played for Kathryn Waugh to dance before Mr. Kirby of the Majestic. He said we were surely wonderful – but didn’t offer us a job.

Dec. 22 – Went to the De Molay dance with Fred

Dec. 25 Christmas. Had a glorious time.

Dec. – Played duet with Cousin Newman at Girl’s Musical Club.

Dec. – Played piano solo for Junior Music Study Club

Jan 19 – Served a tea at Aunt Florence’s with the society girls of Houston

Feb 13. Played for radio at W. E. U. [?]

Feb. 17 – Houston Radio Club Banquet. Met A. Gray Eargle, operator of 5XB

Feb 18. Played at Autry House

Feb 19. Went to Heifetz concert

Feb 28. Went to Texas-Rice basket ball game with Fred. Rice won

March 3 Had a dance – Surprise party to Fred for his birthday. He was 21

March 16-17 – Central Tennis Tournament. Won first + last second.

March 24. Crowd went to Ruth Sterling’s home not far from Sylvan – had lunch then danced at Sylvan. Had a glorious time.

March 31. Rice – Baylor track meet. Fred was great and won everything he went in for. Was high point man.

April 3-4. Central of Potpourri – played violin for it.

April 2 – Beatrice Lee’s costume dance at Kensington. Had a marvelous time – went with Lloyd Quimby.

April 7 – Lula Frances Snead’s Majestic Party

April 11 – Played for repetition of Central Y. Play for current literature club.

April 14 – Had a new brunch out to the house. Met Moore Williams, Jan Miller, had a wonderful time.

April 16 – Went to Sylvan for ball game. Stopped and danced, rained didn’t (?)

April 10 – Went to Camp Logan to repeat Potpouri for boys.

April 17 – Had bunch of Rice boys out. Danced + had a good time.

April 18 – Eriki Marini’s concert

April 19 – Musical Festival of Public Schools – Had to play orchestra

April 21 – Went to Galveston with baseball team + (?)

April 26 – Mother had the neighborhood club over. Got teased oodles and gobs about – well as usual – at 6 o’clock Mac Fowler + I went to the High Y meeting at the YMCA + gave some jazz music. Got a storm of applause and had such a marvelous time. What is sweeter than public applause? Oh Boy!

April 28 – Thrills! Had a dance for the El Campo Hi athletes. Some of Fred’s friends. The center of the table had a little girl in black and gold – a kewpie. A doll dressed as a Rice track man – and a boy dressed as an E.C.H.S. athlete. Flowers and ferns were around them and little favors on black and gold ribbons were just under the centerpiece. went to the track meet – Fred only won second in the events against “Tiny” Keen but he’s coming out first in the discus + shot at the conference.

May 1 – Gracious! Played for the radio tonite but the whole program fell thru. The rain and lightening was fierce and after a half hour of the program we ceased. Got drenched coming hom but I’m still here and going strong. Hope I have better luck next time.

May 4 – Senior Picnic! Went down about 2 o’clock in the car. In our crowd was Lula Frences, Joe Miller, Sister, Harry Sander, Moms, Aaron Cox, Sherrill Sullivan and me. We took in the ferris wheel, hobby horse and weight junk (?) that you hit. Somebody stole a box of our sandwiches but fortunately they left something else for us to eat. Had supper, then danced till nearly eleven. I had such a grand time and Van was so precious to me – our own Senior Day as perfect as a day could be.

May 5 – Left at 4:30 for the boat ride. Had such a wonderful time – ate lunch down there. Then walked around till the boat left. Fred told me of his U.S.A.A. success. Got home rather early but I’m so glad I went for I had such a glorious time and I do love boat rides.

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8/10/1923 I wanted you to know why no letters came

8/10/23

My Dearest Florence;

First I will tell you why I haven’t written for the last few days. I have been working 12 hrs per day and Comstock and another boy (Huffer) are here from home and I am trying to get them a job. You see I don’t get home till 12 o’clock P.M. and I sleept ’till 8:30 or 9:00 A.M. and go to work at 11:00 A.M. So you see I didn’t have much time. But Florence my Dear I have thought of you much, nevertheless. I haven’t gotten a letter from you in a few days either.

I am counting the days before I get back. Days makes it sound shorter than weeks. I think I will quit the 15th and be in Houston the morning of the 16th. I may go on to El Campo. I think I will stay in Houston all that week. For what? Well, I don’t know. -?

You see I can go home and spend a few days at the weekend of some week. But I am going to get in Houston as soon as possible. You see I am just crazy to get back. I am so tired of this town. That’s why I am working 12 hrs. Nothing to do and I will make up for the time I have lost.

This is a might poor epistle but I wanted you to know why no letters came. I will write you a real one soon. Bushels and Oceans of Love

Fred

The chewing gum was fine. Ha Ha

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8/6/1923 Run, jump, swim, steal watermelons, get your face dirty

Monday 8 am

8-6-23

My Darling Florence;

How goes it this most beautiful morning? I am sure you think I am the ____ of a boy for not letting you get a letter this morning. I know you expected one. Your last letter was so indifferent, but let’s not fuss about such a small thing. I know letter writing reflects the mood of a person, at the time they are writing. (That pen is no good, so I’ll use my own)

Ike went to Houston Sunday. He left here Sat nite at 6:00 pm. I’ll bet he is having a wonderful time. He said he would be back Tuesday – maybe. If I could onlt have gone with him. If you were there. wouldn’t it have been great if I could have come down to see you in a car while you were in Devers[?]. I don’t know a soul here that has a car that I could have possibly had a chance to get.

Florence do you know that is only 40 days more before I get back to Houston. Every day makes one day less. Just think its just 40. It used to be over a hundred. I have served over 60 days in seclusion. Not seeing my most darling little girl. You know that’s quite a sacrifice too. Some times I think I can’t stand it till 9-16-23. I get so tired of this place. This shift work is not what I want. I’ll never work this way again. If I had known that it was this way before I came I never would have been in P.A. Won’t we have a great time when the day does come. You a Slimess and I a Junior. You’ll have to be good and mind or I’ll have to use the broom or my belt. Just as you prefer. Isn’t it awful to be a Freshman. It’s all in a Freshman’s life. Say my Dear are any one else going to Rice from the Gang that used to be out there. I hope there is. Did Mary get her proposition at that art school. So many of those girls are going to C.I.A. are they not. I am so glad that you have definitely decided on Rice. I was so glad when I read that. I suppose your father has given up the Cal plan. So you remember when you told me about it, one day on Rice field when Central had a Base Ball game. Oh! How I did feel. I thought then, when I left for P.A. that would be the last time I would see you for a long time. But now I know it will not, unless something very serious happens.

Starting today I am going to work 12 hrs per day for the next two weeks. It is an easy job the extra 4 hrs so I just as well be drawing pay as to be hanging around here. You see I can make up for a little lost time. It’s going to be very easy or I would not have taken it.

I’ll bet you look good in those knickers, eh? Now you can be what you have always wanted to be. A Boy. Run, jump, swim, steal watermelons, get your face dirty, Go barefooted and all those things that a boy does. You have all the chance in the world now. Be a big tom boy. “Ain’t nature Grand.” How do you like the country. Have you gone out watermelon stealing yet. That’s when they taste good to boys.

I have been so lonesome for you lately that I do not know what to do. Just for a few hours alone with you would make things so wonderful. This letter writing makes things seem different, a person cannot understand as well and really Florence I think we have misunderstood just a little, Don’t you? That is only on the surface, tho’. Down deep I still have the same feeling. I know that I care, and you know you care, but we just let some little insignificant foolish idea make us a little indifferent. I am sure you care, because when I was in Houston you would not have shown such affections if you did not. Them where the days Florence. I will never forget those good things you did for me. Of course you got as much pleasure out of those little gatherings as I did, but nevertheless my Dear you cannot imagine how I did enjoy them.

It is almost time for me to go to work and I have another letter to write before I go. So my Dearest little girl I will write again soon. So be patient and please don’t get furious if you do not get a daily letter.

Lots and bushels of love

Fred

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8/3/1923 they pay little attention to table affairs

Houston, Tex

Aug 3, 1923

My Dearest Little Girl,

I had quite a surprise this morning. Something that I did not expect so soon. I had just gotten back from town and Emily told me that I had a letter. I did not expect to hear so soon from you. But Dear it made me so happy to get that masterpiece from you. It gives a person a reason for living to get such a wonderful letter like that one. Gee Florence I felt so good after reading that letter.

Thanks for the lectures that oration you delivered. I think a few things like that do a person good sometimes. But I think one thing you hit on the head. That is, before I started writing to you, I did look at answering letters, more as a friendly duty than an enjoyable pass time. I really enjoy getting letters more than a person can imagine, but it takes effort for me to sit down and start a letter. It takes more effort to start one, than it does to write after I have started. That statement is also true in Science it takes more “Powar”* to start a thing than it does to keep it going after it is running. I always look forward to the mail, but it seems that I seldom look forward to writing. After I have finished a worthy letter, I feel as it I have accomplished something + look back over my efforts in admiration. I knew that I was neither original with phrases nor accomplished in letter writing. Therefore a good reason why I have not satisfied my little Girl in her long looked for letters.

I am sorry that I impress you as talking as if I had just come to town and was admiring the big buildings. I am sorry this bores you. I think I could talk correctly with a little effort. I have done this more and a means of attracting your attention of what I was talking about than to give you the (?) to give you the idea that I was a country boy, seedy boy. Maybe I do not always talk to others as I talk to you. Maybe you do not know it, or have not observed your actions but while we are upon the subject I might say that I do honestly believe that you are more gifted in writing than in talking. I think you write more convincingly than you talk. You do not seem to express yourself as well verbally as you do by the aid of a pen. This fact of which you have just spoken has no doubt caused you to look down on me with pity and feel sorry for me. I hope I don’t make you feel bad, but while we are at it, let’s talk from heart to heart and not let it affect our feeling in this slightest way. I will try and not talk to simple around you. I could explain my ideas to you or attempt to explain them to you in Scientific terms that you could probably not understand. Thus I go along and try to do my best. I do not attempt to use my vocabulary on you, in fear you may not understand. But I think I will commence to start to begin some day and let you change your mind the slightest bit. I have said things around you that pertained to a few scientific terms and you yelled Physics. I did not know whether you meant that is was a (____?) to you or the Physics you have studied. Thus I tried to portray my ideas in the most common way so that you could grasp the idea. I am not saying this with the attitude of causing bad feelings, but as a means of bringing out facts. Your vocabulary is in different terms than myne so that may have something to do with it. But nevertheless my Dear we will both try to satisfy each other more.

Now as far as the Table etiquette I cannot hand myself much. I may not be as prompt as some people and again I may not know a few of the finer points. I appreciate all that you tell me, so don’t be afraid to tell me. As I have said before Florence, I have not had a chance to learn about this as other people you know in small towns, they pay little attention to table affairs.

Since I have been in Rice I have been where they rise none at all. It is impossible to learn with practically no personal contact. I have been out for meals a few times, but as a matter of fact I observed a few things. You know all people do not use the same systems, or you ought to know it.

I am very sorry that I make my sentences drag and my thoughts absurd. This is partly due to interruptions, partly due to non-concentration. My ideas are crude I know. I can see the great necessity of getting with people that know this stuff. I am going to do this some day.

I may move over with Thomas in a few days. If Aunt Jennie feels like doing a little extra cooking I will. I will know in the morning.

Now Florence my Dear I have dealt with things other than a real letter to you. After I have thought of these things I cannot change quickly and write of love as I should do now. I still have those blues. I thought my heart would melt for you when I kissed you Good-bye in the presence of others. That’s what I call a love kiss. When you looked u pat me with those eyes I could have loved you so much right there. I did my best to keep back sobs and be cheerful. I think I succeeded pretty well too.

Thanks very much Dear for the Special.

I love you heaps and bundles

Your still the devil loses his horns.

Fred

P.S. I am going over to learn some things Mon and Tues and take my exam Wed.

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7/1923 Peace, a poem

This is a poor effort, big boy but it was written under great pressure – especially the last. The rhyme might be wrong, but the exact idea is here, C?

Anyway, take it as it is meant.

Peace

It is midnite – the lights are all turned out.

And the world is quiet and still,

Same for the crickets in the grass,

And the turning of the mill.

The grinding of the wooden wheels

Brings music to the ear,

And the world is wrapped in slumper.

And the night is calm and clear.

The soft low rustle of the leaves

As the wind is passing by,

Whispering soft “The glad time is here,

Be gay and do not sigh.”

The wind goes on – the leaves are still

And the stars are hanging low,

They seem to touch the mountain tops

And hang there in a row.

The crescent moon is dim and pale,

As it slowly sinks from sight.

As the starts keep watch o’er the heaven and Earth

Look down from their dizzy height.

I asked myself why when the hard day was done

The night was so still and so calm,

“That is always the way,” the nite seemed to say,

“It’s the strength of God’s encircling arm.”

I felt quite at rest, for he guards up in sleep.

And he governs the night calm and still.

I closed my tired eyes from the world’s hate and lies

And the moon sank beneath the low hill.

F.M.P.

July 1923

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7/30/1923 Go roll down the straw-stack

Port Arthur, Tex

July 30, 1923

My Dearest Florence;

Just received that newsy letter today. I believe you left Sat, did you not. It is now 8:00 p.m. and I know you are in bed fast asleep. The country is so apetizing too. Don’t eat lots out in the country. So cool. The roosters awaken you a daybreak by their shouts(?) you will have a wonderful time out there., I like the country for a quiet vacation. Go barefooted, squirrel hunting. Go roll down the straw-stack. Go horseback riding. You should learn to chop cotton while you are out there. I’ll bet I can chop more acres per day then you can.

but you forgot one thing i.e. when you are coming to P.A. when shall I expect you. If you haven’t received my Sun letter yet, I said, I live in apt #3 with Chas A Daley. Tel #2669 and when you come, if you & your crowd do not seriously object I wish you would come on up to the rooms & rest yourselves. I don’t see any harm as Mrs. Daley will be here, C? So please tell me about when I can expect you.

Your letter was so dear today. I could have just loved you to death! I enjoyed it so much. You were so natural and made me feel so good. I surely do hope your leg is much better. I am almost well now.

How long will you stay here? How long will I get to see you? I wish you could come Sat or before, any way so you can be here Sunday. You see that would be wonderful. All day Sunday I won’t have a thing to do. I am so thrilled over this I hardly know what to do. I can’t say much in letter as I do not know what to say, better to tell you how glad I am that you are coming and you know how glad I am.

Did you know GoLokey [?] was in Los Angeles and expects to go to U of Cal next fall.

I hope to see you soon my Dear one.

Lots of Love

Fred

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