I find the history card particularly interesting.
Love Letters of Fred and Florence
A Collection
1/23/23 Hurrah and Cheers forever
Houston, Texas
Jan 23, 1923
My Dearest Florence,
Hurrah and cheers for ever. Your exams are over, old Dear. I sure know how you feel. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling that you have. My heart and soul is with you. I just know you will come out on top. You cannot help but to.
I thought I would write you today so I will have have to make speed as it will not be long before tomorrow. Not many minutes. I received your most wonderful letter this afternoon. A boy was over here in my room and we were translating Spanish. I was half through and a boy brought in your letter. I immediately stopped and let my mind feast on your most extraordinary and very muchly appreciated manuscript. You cannot realize how glad I am to get those and how I look forward to the next one and when I will get to see you again. I cannot help it Dear. It’s just your ways, I suppose. It makes the world so much better to live in when you have such a Dear Friend. Things are so much happier and since I have known you, I have had such a wonderful time. I have known many girls but none like you Dear. I have done with others but Florence my Dearest I have never cared for another like you. I must not try to say more my vocabulary is limited tonite and words will not flow as fluently as I would like them to. So wishing you all the luck in the world. I will have to close & go to depths of slumber. 11:30 pm
Yours affectionately,
Fred
P.S. How about not getting hard boiled on the phone, Florence. I was merely joking with you. You did not understand me, I am sure. But if I said anything to offend you, I did not mean to. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Ha Ha
1/22/23 The Star Dull Pupil
Fred – Fred, send me some knowlege of Latin – I’ve got my paper up here right in front of my and it looks like my head feels – absolutely empty. I’ve exhausted my store of knowlege on one test today and my brain refuses to function on another. I’ve been gazing out the window at the tall skyscrapers and wondering why in the d– people ever had to have as little sense as to give us as crazy a test as I’ve got. It’s down right pitiful. The things they ask us to translate I am sure is not found in Virgil. And here I sit, the star dull pupil – surrounded by a dumb class of Latin students. Good Gorsh – have the Fates any mercy on us poor suffering mortals. And now I’m thanking my lucky stars that I’ll never have to take another Latin test. this is where [note arrow pointing to equation on letter] I figured how near I’d come to getting a passing grade. 6 questions – each count 16 2/3. One question left out entirely leaves 83 1/3. Perhaps a few mistakes on all the rest would leave me a passing grade. Don’t tell me I’m wasting time figuring all that out for I’m not. I have another whole half hour for the knowlege to fly thru the air from you to me. Will I wait in vain – I can’t send a slime* out there ’cause the slimes here aren’t as good as the slimes there – but I’ll think it so hard that you’ll just have to cast the intelligence of that bright mind of yours over here.
As I gaze on the tall works of mankind – namely the city hall tower, Waddell’s, the Lutheran Church, the courthouse and several other buildings, I wonder which one you’ll have your office in. If the city jail could be seen I’d predict that to be your future office. There’s a large t shaped aerial up in the air. I wonder what station miles away is being heard. there are several flagpoles where Old Glory waves to the breeze. There are lots of other things but the clock says quarter of 12 and the bell rings at 12. Then I’m free til tomorrow morning except of course the studying of geometry. Then Fredibus, I’ll be thru and Friday I’ll know the best or the worst. I’m sure that I’ll pass. Save for the lack of knowlege, I’d be brilliant, wouldn’t I?
Fredibus, I was so thrilled last nite when Dr. Mc called me. Of course, I know he thinks I’m only a kid – somebody for him to have fun with – but it’s really quite flattering for him to call me.
Gosh – are you thinking of me right now at 11:50? Please tell me, my eye is jumping like Fury. That’s a sign somebody is thinking about you. 8 more minutes, then freedom from this stuffy room. And freedom til tomorrow. Then Fredibus, fun + more study then I’ve done this term but oodles of fun – then in June I’ll be thru forever. At least for a long time ’cause colleges won’t take girls till they’re 18 – and I’ll be free – and I can really have a good time and I won’t have to get up at dawn – or go to bed with the chickens like they do in El Campo.
2 more minutes. I just handed in my blank paper. It was awful – nearly broke my heart – what I haven’t. Will you pardon the foolishness. The town clock is striking 12 and all the whistles are blowing but the bell won’t ring – Oh heavens! Fred – please pray for me tomorrow – math test – good gorsh.
Oh, pardon my slang – won’t you? I’m writing to keep up my happy (?)(?) temper.
That bell —-hurry —
At last!!
* “Slimes” were what freshman were referred to at Rice University, as in primordial ooze.
The Letters Project – One month in.
This weekend marked the completion of the first month of the project being up for the world to see. I am excited that this site has had nearly 1000 views so far!
As I work to queue up more of the letters and other goodies that make up this unique collection, I have begun to learn more about Fred and Florence as young people. It is somehow comforting to know that they went through the same age appropriate drama that we went through – though their was played out via conversation and handwritten letters then through texts and emails.
I have also learned and researched a number of idioms, phrases, organizations, etc. The first one that made me laugh was Florence’s reference to “slimes” in “45 Lines of Virgil.” While most likely not recognized now as an acceptable nickname for the freshmen at Rice University, it was the norm at the time.
I am also getting more of a sense of what my grandfather was like and his unwavering dedication to his goal to be a success in his track and field events and in his future career. He was a very focused young man, as you will see examples of soon (teaser!)
Thank you for reading and following along, there is much more to come. Please spread the word if you are so inclined.
Don’t forget, you can also find out when the latest posts go up via Twitter, FaceBook and through RSS feeds.
I also want to give special recognition for the theme that I use on this site. It is absolutely perfect and I can’t tell you how many comments I have received complimenting it… so a huge thanks to InfoCreek web design.
1/21/23 Finished my History Exam
Just finished my history exams and I’ve got to go to my Latin exam as soon as the bell rings which will be in about 5 minutes. The exam wasn’t so hard – rather long – I wrote 6 pages of big theme paper but I write that much to you so why not write that much history. I’ll tell the world I’d rather write 10 pages to you rather then one page of history – somebody said one more minute so I’ll commence to start to begin to attempt to free myself from the charming task of framing on paper and in my mind an interesting rather boring letter of foolish rather…?
1/18/23 Hurting Like Old Harry
Jan 18, 1923
Dearest beloved,
There are times when you just can’t get your mind on lessons. I’m like that now. The facts of the case are that I’ve got a bad ankle and it’s hurting so much I can’t hardly think straight. Yesterday, I was hopping around as I always do for you know I’m never still and in some way I must have turned it. It was weak anyway and getting a strain yesterday made me feel the effects of it today. Anyway, it’s hurting like the old Harry and I don’t feel so desperately well, either. Tonite’s the nite I’ll have to go to Camp Logan the time I really want to be good but how can I when I feel like I do. I can just hear you say – Oh, it’ll be all right. You’ll be as good as ever – but I fear I don’t — oh darn this ink. You should feel highly honored. I’m writing with the teacher’s fountain pen. She’s doing a rash thing. It sure writes rotten or maybe it’s me. I can’t tell. Gorsh – she passed by + I thought she might stop to see what I was writing with her pen. Luckily, she seems to trust me [eal] for altho I’ve never given her cause to, she’s called me down a hundred times + screamed bloody murder at me. I’m glad somebody does trust me.
Just finished writing in an adorable graduation book. When I get mine, will you write in it and wish me the best of luck? Or wish me anything you want to. Most of your wishes are nice anyway so I’d be content with any.
I wish you’d tell me why I write so much to you – Reckon it’s because I get so wound up that I have to run down.
There’s a poem I just remembered that Dad told me long ago.
It’s a good old world that we live in
To give or to buy or to lend in
But to beg or to borrow or get a man’s own
It’s the darnedest old world I ever have known.
Ain’t that cute!
I’m going to quit writing to you forever, ’cause you’ll get tired of reading all this trash and you know, it never pays to make a thing common. Maybe that’s the reason I adore your letters so, ’cause I get one once in a blue moon – Ain’t that the truth?
1/16/23 A Little Epistle
Houston, Texas
Jan 16, 1923
My Dearest Florence,
How’s this old world serving you this ambitious day? I just stopped a math prob for a while and thought I might write you a little epistle. Tried for one hour on a prob and couldn’t get it so I knew it would be more interesting to think of you for a period, eh? I am going to the De Molay meeting tonite, so I will not call you, but I am sure you would just as soon get this. I asked Ike about going out to Lula Francis the Wed nite we talked of and he does not know yet if he can go or not. You see the Victor Artists will be here about that time and a Rice student has the ushering in charge. All the ushering is done by the students and he has planned to go down there. Now if this is not Wed nite, we will be there. I am almost sure that I can be there. Now Florence old dear you tell e who you want the third boy to be and I will see to the rest of it. You know, ask him about it and get it all fixed up.
Several of the boys that have seen you and met you have passed compliments on you. Good ones, too. For instance Shine Lacey said he kinda fell for my girl and of course he told me why and everything. You know he just couldn’t help it. Just like I did when I began to know you. It’s some sort of Fate of mythology, I suppose, that makes me like you. It’s nothing specific you understand, but everything in general.
This reason, of course, will have to be given by, just because words cannot explain. Although this is a way poor synonym for my thought that lies in that elevated vacuum, I will have to keep you in suspense, until I can combine my past memories in a clear concise phrase in which I might be able to explain it to you.But nevertheless, dear, I just can’t help it.
Track season will soon be in full swing out here. They have already said a little about it in the papers and you would be surprised, but they did mention my name as the weight man in field events. Here’s hoping things come my way. Rice worked the [unidentifiable symbol] over last night in the basketball game. Don’t you think so 24-11. Some team we have. Just keep your eyes on that squad. They will be worth of praise in the near future time. You know the [same symbol] have a reputation of having very good teams. I almost phoned you last night at 9:45 to tell you about it. If I had have know that you would be awake I would have but then I thought you would be in the depths of slumber land and sweet dreams so I thought you would not care much anyway. Now if it had been El Campo winning over Goose Creek or Cedar Bayou I would have phoned you regardless of the time. Because I know you would bet your heart on the favor of old ECHS. [El Campo High School]
I am sorry that I will have to close this “carta” but it is time for supper and I will have to go. Don’t forget what I said about coming out Sat nite. Don’t let studies stop, but bear down on them for a few days. You will appreciate it in the future. Some philosophy that I have, eh?
Closing this letter but still thinking of you.
Yours affectionately
Fred
1/16/23 yours til my pencil points
January 16, 1923
Dearest old Fredibus,
Didn’t I swear up an down to you that I absolutely would NOT (underscored heavily) write you again until I heard from you. I’m just wondering whether you’ve forgotten I’m living thru the day – except when I – like the absolute (pardon the word!) fool that I am – remind you of the fact. And that’s the reason that I didn’t call you or let you know that I was out there this afternoon. I felt that I had been out there Thursday – Sunday, then today.
You’ve told me lots of time, Fredibus, that you enjoy them. Of course you would say that. You’ve always been sweet to me. (more or less, mostly more) and I’ve believed you – but you know, old pal, there’s a strange, very strange, voice that keeps saying to me “You’re running things into the ground + there’s a limit to all things and faster then you realize you’re reaching yours.” I don’t know whether that strange voice is meant just that way – and while I write this, I think. The limits almost here with the letter writing, too. And I promised myself I wouldn’t write. I’ve lived up to it for 5 days and here’s the resolution I made.
They were a lot of empty words anyway. I didn’t mean them as such but, well, it’s funny how bitter one can get at times and I’m awful bitter tonite.
I don’t forget for a moment how wonderfully kind + attentive and sweet you’ve been to me and I adore you for it. The other nite when I was rather out of patience with you, I went upstairs + looked at myself and wondered how it happened that you were the boy to whom I gave my name that nite + why it happened that way. Then I thought of several of the things that you have taught me – mostly how valuable and wonderful a real pal + brother can be to a girl. Then, more of less (I guess you’ll laugh at this) what a little study can do for a blockhead. Then I think of the wonderful times I’ve had with you – That’s when I get sentimental. When I’m really rather blue and bitter, sort of like tonite, well, the eyes in that picture seem to bore holes into my mind + I wonder if you’re thinking of me or perhaps boring holes into some interesting physics book or some engineering stuff. Then I thank my lucky stars you haven’t a picture of me that will bore holed thru you. Oh, but that’s rather taking things for granted. Of course, a boy of your disposition wouldn’t let the mere memory of a few things – said or done – affect you like that.
I don’t know what I started out to say to you or why I wrote this trash. I guess next you’ll be taking back what you said about my letters for I hardly think you’ll find this sort of junk interesting.
Now (pardon the impertinence of this next) I’m wondering how many girls ever told you the things I have said to you in this letter. And how many things you’ve said to me that perhaps they hard, too. Will you ever forgive me for saying that?
Really, I’ll tell you something I’ve never told a boy. and the really way I feel. There’s not another Fred in the world like you. There’s not another boy I’ve ever liked as I like you and perhaps that’s the biggest reason that I’ve done the few things I have for you. And the reason I like you so is because you’re so sweet and absolutely free from that jelly bean mush and the other reasons I’ll tell you some other time.
There has lots of nice things been said about you to me and I’ve realized then that the Fredibus I knew was the kind of boy I’ve always wanted to know. That any girl would be glad to know and I just adore you for what you said to Jack R. + how wonderfully you guarded me – And to me that’s the meaning of a De Molay – a boy a girl can trust. One that you are safe with. Altho my knowlege of De Molay is somewhat limited, that’s what I think it means. And that’s why a De Molay pin should be so valued by a boy. It’s my standby and I’m glad as everything that you are one.
Oh – Fredibus – why am I saying all this to you. One minute I’ll be horribly bitter then I’ll say something real nice. But I’ll tell you sometime when I see you. just why I really like you and all that sort of boredom.
Forgive this letter. I’ve gotten all this out of my system, and I truly feel better. I wonder if you do.
Do you suppose that you will ever read this letter? If you can read, then forget you may, but I wonder if you can.
I’ll have to stop + start in on the studying.
Yours till my pencil points, dearest of the De Molay boys –
I like you heaps!
Florence.
* DeMolay International and more about it can be found here
1/10/23 The Girls Musical Club
Jan 10, 1923
Howdy, old dear!!
This is the first time I haven’t had to break my neck getting lessons in this study period, and it sure seems strange, too. I got real industrious last nite after that inspiring and complimentary talk. Then – oh wonder of wonders – I studied, wrote a poem and was asleep before 11 o’clock.
And listen. I’m so wonderfully thrilled. One of the members of the Girl’s Musical Club called me + asked me to play a violin solo. Oh, Fred, old boy, it’s so wonderful to be recognized by the most prominent club of the city. And this lady has never heard me play, but she says that everyone says I’m so wonderful + that they all complimented me so highly when I played there once.
Then after the 2 violin numbers I’m going to pep up the boys with the jazz. I forgot to tell you it was to be at Camp Logan next Thurs. nite, the 18th. Oh – and I’m so happy – Just think such high compliments from those who really count.
Really, I do think of something else beside music altho it doesn’t seem like it. Poetry, for instance. I wrote Skinney that poem and sent it to you – will you please see that he gets it + if he don’t want you to read it, why make him do it. Really, it’s rich and I know you’ll appreciate it for you’ve been thru it.
Honest to grasshopper, Fred, I’m not going to write you another letter except to answer yours. I know you’re lots busier then I but oh-well – I’ll answer yours either in person or in writing.
I’m getting to be a professional lier lately. Everyone here at school doubts everything I say. I hope some day they’ll believe me but if I continue all the time as I am going they’ll — oh, gorsh, the bell.
Well, CULOM*
– Me –
I have not been able to decipher “CULOM”.. anyone with any ideas, let me know.
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