7/5/1923 They had a glorious celebration here yesterday

Port Arthur, Texas

July 5, 1923

My Dearest Florence;

I really don’t know what to write. I haven’t gotten a letter in so long. I got a note this morning also one Tuesday. You said in this letter that you were not going to write ’till you got an answer to the letter that I got Tuesday. Well, I just don’t know how you want me to answer it. I did not expect to say anything much about it because I knew you were only joking just like I was when I wrote. I expected a long letter to follow this one but it did not. I could not realize it, but I would lots rather have a good one like you are sending then a sketch.

I don’t know why you haven’t written, because I think I have tried to keep up my end of it. Have I not. I surely would have been disappointed if I had not gotten a letter from you this morning. I got up at 6:00 and went back to sleep at 6:30. then rose again at 10:30 I knew at 11:00 I would get a letter from my Dear little girl. So I did. But Florence it was not as I expected.

Why don’t you write to me confidentially and tell me your troubles. Florence Dear I want to cheer you up, if I can. It will not hurt. Why don’t you do it. because 2 1/2 months is a long time yet. So tell them to me in a long long letter. I will do my best to realize things with you. Won’t you do it Dear. I don’t think they will look so foolish. Just try it. I think I can understand don’t you think so. Tell me what you have been so blue about. Why you have been crying. Maybe I can help you. Let’s try, Florence. What is it that is sinking. What caused all of your disappointment, your sadness. Really Florence I do want to know and I know you will trust me with them, won’t you?

They had a glorious celebration here yesterday. Sure were lots of people. So darn many Cajuns tho’. Sure is griping to see so many of them. Some can’t a word of English and there are not any that can speak good English. You can’t appreciate a good place you’re gone. I wish many many times that I were in Houston for the summer. But I ain’t.

My mind is not working right today for good letters for some reason. I have not felt very well the last few days. A dull headache and my stomach kinda not so so but I am feeling pretty good now. Maybe a good long letter would brighten things up.

Lots of Love,

Fred

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7/2/1923 separation does make a heart grow fonder

Port Arthur

July 2, 1923

My Darling Florence;

To begin with I must tell you a tragedy what has the climax and the conclusion at the Same point. This morning I was waiting, waiting, waiting for who The Postman at nine thirty I looked at my watch. It’s only 30 minutes more ’till he gets here. Then at 10 o’clock he was not here. 10:30, not here, and at eleven o’clock I saw him coming from across the street. I just knew I had some mail. I saw him count out four letters. Then I was almost positive. Smiles and cheer of my heart appeared on the scene. I went to get ’em. Two for Jesse, one for Ike and not any for me. The first time on Monday that it happened. Then the story ended just as I was beginning to see a long letter from you. But I didn’t get it. You have been so wonderful about writing that I almost knew you would write so I could start the week off right.

I could just shoot somebody. I don’t know. Ike or Jesse one. I just looked at your picture and there is an ink spot on it. Just wait till they get home. I am going to work them over. Sure made me mad. They didn’t mean to do it I am sure, but nevertheless they will be asleep when I get home tonite and look out.

There it goes again. Just 25 times already since 11:30, only 1:00 pm now. “You’ve got to see mama every nite.” Just struck here and a little bobbed haired kinkey head little girl across the street has played it at least 25 times since she came home at 11:30 with it. It’s taking the town. Today is the first time I heard it since I have been here. Ike was talking to a boy in New Orleans the other week and he says we have a new piece that just came to town and it sure is a good one. He asked him what it was and started off with “You’ve Got to See Mama Every Nite.” So you see this is some dump here. They are right up to date in everything, not far behind.

Yesterday we had nothing to do as usual so we went down to look at the Cajuns. Sure are a sight. They are a low class of French from LA. About 40% of the laborers at the refineries are composed of them. They are sure some dudes. You know some who think they are lady killers. One who works in one of the machine shops, for instance,  went to work the other day with some Valentine’s pants on. The pockets were like in overalls, extreme bell bottom. Real long and almost his his shoes which were patent leather dance pumps. He stacombed his hair and wire a silk shirt. Oh boy he was the shiek. They are a gripe to all the white people here. They sure hate ’em. One girl wrote to her sweetheart here and says Oh Dearie I would rather be lookin at ye then wroten at ye. Then they think they are really handsome.

There are lots of college men here. Most of them working on pipe lines. They sure treat ’em rough. Last nite I met a boy who I had previously met in Georgetown, who attends Southwestern. He joined our gang, made five. Then I met a boy who works in the machine shop, who had just won a box of chocolate candy at the pleasure pier. I introduced him around, we ate the candy. They he says says he that we might take a spin in his Ford. So we did. Well the nite ended with Ike writing to Jessamine.

What have you been doing with yourself my Dear? Still having a good time. I just wish I could be there. My Sunday’s are so long. I would like to do something interesting of course things are just a little more pleasant since I have met so many people. I have quite an acquaintance here now. I know just lots of the college boys but Florence Dear you know I would like to be out with some girls. I can have such a better time. Don’t you think so. Boys are good and you can have a good  time but one things gets old. It seems a year since I have seen you and it’s not quite a month. Doesn’t it seem so long. I will be so happy when I see Houston that I will rise up and yell. Darn this dump. I sure wish I hadn’t left. There is nothing here for young people. A Pleasure Pier but all the alley rats and Cajuns go there. But I must not worry just a you said my Dear, that separation does make a heart grow fonder. I have thought of you so much and wondered what you were doing. My thoughts of you almost continuously. When I look out and see the stars I can’t help but to think of you. It is time for me to go out to work now. Florence My Dear don’t forget that I love you lots and think the world of you.

Fred.

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6/30/1923 just talk & talk to our heart’s content

Port Arthur

June 30, 1923

As you have always been;

This I must tell you. I have kept it from you for about a week. I should have told you before, but please excuse me this time. I shan’t do it again. I will always tell you. It is a blue eyed – golden curley headed blonde. It has been only a week or more since she has come into my young life. She is surely pretty. Those beautiful eyes. They make you sit up and take notice. ‘Tis a thing that seldom happens. Her name is Helen. Last Sunday I went out riding with her for about four hours. Then came in and had supper with her. Strange, isn’t it. But listen ole Dear it’s not very serious, so don’t get worried, but really she is very pretty and just as cute as they make ’em. There is only one fault I have with her so far and that is, she is too young. She will be nine months old very soon and that’s just a little bit too young. Tee hee. You thought I was serious, didn’t you. But nothing like that.

Last nite when I got home I saw a letter on the dresser from my Dearest, a fat one too. Then again this morning one came. Gee that was thrilling you don’t know how they make me feel, Florence. Just as you explained in it in yur letter. If a letter in the morning the days go off fine. Isn’t the truth. Isn’t it the truth. I surely do enjoy them heaps, you can’t imagine how they do cheer me up when I have the blues. Why, Florence, those sweet letters you send are wonderful. I just can’t express in words my appreciation for them. I can just lie down and be dead from the rest of the world when I read you  letters. They are so interesting to me. They are just like you, too. That’s what makes them so wonderful.

Ike has a job at the Texas Co. working on the pipe line. When he asked them, told them that he was a chemical engineer He said “What are you looking for, something easy.” Ike told him that he wanted to make some money. They put him on the pipe line and believe me it sure is hard work. Poor Ike I sure feel sorry for him. He’s so little and not as strong as some husky’s and they are handling 12 inch pipe.

He and an A&M graduate started together. By the way this boy lived in El Campo 12 yrs ago. I remember him faintly, will see him tomorrow.

Ike sure did work those two days and on the third today. Last nite as I entered the door I smelled my rubbing solution that I used in track season. Ike had rubbed his sore tired muscles.

Now on my work I have run nine of the eleven machines in my section. I am on a machine now that doesn’t take much work. I am sitting down, watching it run about 2/3 of the time. and when I am working, changing the parts I take my time. So you see I am not overworked. I am getting more then some men that have been there for two years. I am getting 60¢ and some are only getting 45¢ and 50¢ so you see I was rather fortunate. But when I get all done that I want to it won’t be much. This next pay day I am going to make an attempt to join the Masons if I have enough to start it. Then I can go to de Molay + Masonic affairs, if accepted. But I am surely going to send in my application the first chance I get.

I got a letter the other day from Rice saying that they not only gave me a mess hall job but they gave me the concessions at Football ground. So anything that is sold on the athletic field during season, I will get the profits, C? Ain’t it good to do some athletic work. Sure pays to try doesn’t it Dearest. You see I not only get the money for this but I get the experience and learn the method of making money, which is the foundation of success.

Say won’t you tell me about the gossip that has been spreading about you. Won’t you please. Tell me all about your troubles. I want to know. I have asked you before but you didn’t say anything about it. But I really do want you to tell them to me and I am sure you will; and be specific and not general.  Why have you been worried the way you acted lately? Tell me all, won’t you? Is it that you have been give others the impression that you have forgotten. If so, you tell them to go jump in the lake and play with the waves. Cause you haven’t. Tell me all about this affair. I promise not to tell anyone, any time. It will relieve my suspense.

Tomorrow is Sunday and rest all day. all the Gang will again meet and have a big bull pen some where. It’s so good to get a bunch together that know each other so well and talk of olden times, build air castles and things. But when we have a reunion in Houston, the bunch that Florence and I know so well, won’t it be glorious. I think that I may quit down here a week before school starts and spend that week at home or work up till school starts then cut classes for a few days. But I think I will have P:A about Sept 15 and go to Houston, see my Dearest then onto El Campo.

But that’s 2 1/2 months but I am looking forward to it and it may be a short time. You know it’s always good to look forward to something good.

The Postman brought a letter for Ike this morning from Jessamine. Don’t you know he will be tickled to death. Florence my Dearest I sure hope you do get to some to P.A. this summer and most of all the 4th. That sure would be great. I and you could have the time of our lives together. We could just talk & talk to our heart’s content. It’s good to think about.

My only Dear little girl it’s time for me to go to work, but always you will be in my thoughts even tho’ I shall be compelled to end this.

I am yours till the fishes quit the seas. Lots of Love

Fred

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6/28/1923 you feel like you have the world by the tail

Port Arthur, Tex

June 28, 1923

My Dearest little Girl;

Here I sit, take my pen in hand and commence, to start, to begin, – is that the way it’s suppose to start. Ha Ha Another thrill just a few minutes ago, a long sweet letter from Houston. Gee I was sure glad to get it. I had just been thinking of you too and you know that made it all the sweeter. I half way expected a letter, then I didn’t. but when I did get it I knew I would have a long pleasant chat with Florence. Just so glad you came back to Earth the last few letters. They are so good. I just adore you for the way you write. You are such a master at it and you know they are the kind that we all like to get. Don’t it?

This morning I almost slept through breakfast you know I don’t get to bed until 11-45. I work till 11:00 and I slept till 7:50 and breakfast closes at 8:00 so I did hurry. I would not have gone, but I had to work and I knew I needed it altho’ I was sleepier then hungry. I think before long we will move from here to a place cooler. It is so uncomfortable when it is warm. I am sweating blue blazes right now. I am going out in pursuit of a good room, 2 room apartment or something where it is cooler, this is too hot. If I don’t find a good Room today, we will probably advertise that 3 Rice studes want Room and Board in private home. That’s what I want, something where a person can enjoy a little home life. This is only a warm place to sleep. Run across the street to eat. You sure don’t know what hope is, until you are away. If you knew the conditions you wouldn’t blame us.

I am learning lots, enjoy my work, like my foreman but I sure wish that I had made an extra effort to find some work I wanted in Houston. Get that grease on you, in skin and it won’t come out. Just sweat it out. Can’t wear any deasent clothes for fear of ruining the and most discontent of all is the water. Have to drink imported H2O or rain water.

So far in this letter, I have only found discontentment and wrote it, but I must get away from that. But I just wanted my Florence to know it. I just can’t feature all this bunk.

Say, I would like to meet blue eyed, bobbed hair curley cheeked little girl you have there. I know she is cute from your description. If I should meet her, maybe I would fall for her. Wish I could meet her, tho’

I surely do wish I could go with you to have all those good times, but I can’t so go little girl and have a good time for us both. It’s impossible for me to do it, at present.

Now about the road to Dever’s I do now know much about it, but as far as I know it hasn’t rained so terribly much here. Most of the roads here are paved, but the dirt roads are as dry as a boneyard. If it is the Roads, I am planning much on seeing you the 4th don’t let them bother you. Where do these people live? Do you think it is a good chance of you coming. I am sure hoping for it,  my Dear.

About school next fall.

Dearest Rice and C./A. are my choice. But before you consider State you ought to look over the conditions. I don’t think I would go there on a bet, I am very partial to C./A. because I think they teach a girl something about life that she should know. Some of the principles that they should all know. But above Rice there is none to my fancy. Let me tell you Florence, my dearest you call Mr. Samuel G McCann at Rice, the Registrar. Make an appointment, go out and talk to him. You tell him your situation and he will gladly give you some personal advice. He is a very nice man and you will like him fine. But don’t mention me. I don’t think it would aid much, but if you desire you may. But nevertheless when you come out of his office you feel like you have the world by the tail. He will give you some excellent advice. If wearing the clothes at C./A. keep you away why don’t let that hurt you, because you know, quality is below the skin, and if clothes made a person I would not have much chance. Please go out and talk to Mr. McCann.

I just look to my side and saw you smiling at me Florence. Your picture is at my side and you are always smiling. Gee, if it where only you. Oh Florence my dear how I would like for it to be you. But when we do see each other won’t it be great. And when you come to P.A. of  Florence and they are to have a big celebration here, the barbecue you mentioned. Let me tell you something, it’s a secret, don’t tell it. If you come down here I’ll get some fire-crackers. Don’t you want to shoot ’em? It would be great like boyhood days again. Are all of you coming down. It’s only about four or five hour ride in a car. Won’t we have fun. I’ll say we will. This is not much of a composed letter to my Dear little Florence who is expecting one so much, but my Dear I am so blooming hot that it’s awful to try to write.

With Loads of Love

Freddie.

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6/27/1923 just like a book of love

Port Arthur, Tex

June 27, 1923

Florence my Dearest;

Hurrah! Ike is here. Yesterday when I came back from dinner who was sitting on the porch but Ike. The know [?] that sap got here at 12 o’clock ad instead of coming on to the house, he ate dinner at a cafe downtown. Well we phones out to the Texas Co [now Texaco] and he told Ike to come out this morning and they could have plenty of time to give the matter a serious thought and talk it over. That is where Ike is now. I am sure he will get a job, but what kind I do not know. I wish he could get a job like mine (I don’t hurt myself working) He may get a job in the Lab, but the only way I know is to wait and get the results. There was n place where we could get Ike a room that we knew of and to be good, so Jesse and I have him in our room on a cot. I wish we could get a bog cool room for all three of us. There are a bunch of Rice boys here. They are about to complete some apartment houses here and I am going to see if I can get several rooms over there and get a whole bunch together. Won’t that be good if we can. but I am primarily interested in getting us three together or so Ike & I can be together. He was sure glad to see us and to come over here. Of course he was not more glad that I. He was so tired of being in that bunch. Kinda low class people. the conditions were very bad. I don’t blame him.

Just got your charming epistle. I was so glad to get it. I really did not expect it. But the one I got yesterday. OH. my. how can you write such a masterpiece. I was trying to go to sleep all morning but I just knew I had a letter coming and I knew if I went to sleep I might not wake up when the Postman came. I did not realling [?] know just how you were going to answer my letter. It surely was great. 7 folders just like a book of love. I enjoyed it so much that I took thirty minutes of intermission and read it again. I had a little head ache before I started but when I finished it was all gone. What do you suppose became of it. And your letter this morning saying that you would probably be here on the 4th. That’s great.  I am going to hope much that you will be here. I cannot imagine anything so good. Oh gee Florence won’t it be great. They are going to have a big celebration here the 4th. This is 25th anniversary or something like that and plenty of money in this town and from what I understand they will use it. The other morning I awoke in the midst of a dream. I had been dreaming about you. I looked out. A car just like yours passed with two girls in it. I jumped up and started to holler. Then when I really woke up I knew it was only a dream. I sure felt funny afterward. I have some more letters to write. It is so hot my shirt is all wet so I mist let this close. I will write real soon and sending oodles of love.

Fred.

Glad you and the other monkey like each other. Can you climb the string as good.

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6/25/1923 no mail for Freddie from Florence

Port Arthur, Tex

June 25, 1923

My onliest Florence;

Thrills to the height yesterday. Can you imagine what. Well it gave me one of the best feelings while I have been in this dump. About 4:30 yesterday, Jesse, McKean and I were walking up to the house from town. Along came Mr & Mrs Almeras (Rice ’21) and asked us to go for a ride. Of course no objections but we all piled in. Off we rode. We went for about 2 hours all around P.A. and we saw signs where it said 6 miles to Beaumont (The story still goes) well we got to Beaumont about 7 pm and he said do you want to drive down through the business district. Sure we all said. So we did. And as we passed by a couple of boys McKean looked out saw a Rice belt and said there is ____?

Can you imagine who it was? I never on my life expected to see this person. I wrote several (not but about 2) and no answer. then – well it was Ike. Can you imagine anything to be much better. (Just one thing better and that would be to see you.) I was tickled to death to see him. I got a letter from Skinny saying that he was going away on a ship. So he did and I could understand why I had not heard from him. But I got him to come over to P.A. and he will be here today. He was so glad to see us and to get to come over here. We would have brought him back if he could have gotten his wages last nite. But he had to get his money this morning. And he will be here today. Isn’t that great. I am pretty sure we can get a good job for him you know he is a Ch. E. [chemical engineer] and he will be able to get a laboratory job. I was tickled I didn’t know what to do. Just wait till you come down here. Won’t that be great Dear. Just think we will have a kinda reunion. and Luckily, too I have him a room engaged just across the street where we eat, with an old El Campo boy. I know him well and e will have things fine. Oh Boy. Then when my little Florence comes to P.A. ain’t nature grand. Yes, so it is.

But the mail carrier just came and no mail for Freddie from Florence. I saw him coming (through the window) and I just knew I had a letter from you, but I didn’t. I don’t see why not? It has been six whole days. What’s up ole Dear. Some hard feelings some where. I think just as much of you as I always did, maybe I said some things that didn’t strike you just right in my letter. If so I am sorry and didn’t intend to. It was a mistake if I did. So write me a long letter, tell me lots. You know there is no other that I care for like you. There couldn’t be. There is no other that can have the hold on my heart like you have. I have written my part. So step into it ole Dear. How about cheering your little Freddie up. That is a necessity. Somehow, when no letter comes for a long time I feel the blues creeping on. and the result.

I am not griping, I just wanted to call you attention.

I expect a long letter this afternoon. I want to see you in about a month in P.A. eh? and I am closing

Sending you lots of love and that I think the world of you Florence my Dear

Fred.

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6/21/1923 It’s like candy to a baby to have you on my mind

Port Arthur, Tex

June 21, 1923

My Dearest Florence;

Today I received your letter and it was just as expected. A Bawling out. Not exactly that, either, but just a little different from the previous ones. When your letter came yesterday and you said you had a good lecture for me coming I knew I would get it today. So I did. I was just thrilled when I saw that big fat letter there, then after I read it, I did not feel as good afterward as I had expected to. It just made me think lots, worry a little and think deeply of you Florence. I don’t feel in the letter writing mood tonite, that is I don’t believe I can make things sound good with the scant vocabulary that I have at hand. You know sometimes a person can sit down and write just the nicest things (this refers to you) and then a person can sit down and try to write but the words don’t flow to meet the needs of the thoughts. (this refers to me)

As yet I am a man in size but a child’s head is on my shoulders as some people see it. But Florence my Dear I see lots of things that I do not say anything about. I am dumb in some respects, I admit, but I think I can rate as much as the average. This is a petty thing and I don’t think we ought to say anything about such little affairs. But Florence my Dear I can tell by your letters each time when the words come from your heart. I can tell when you have to force yourself to write at times when you would like to do something better, but my Florence knows she must write because Fred is expecting it and thinking of her much. I can tell when you have frivolous ideas in your head and when you have been out enjoying yourself. But let me tell you these things have happened very very few times because your letters have been the dearest things and I simply adore you for the way you have written. Many times those sweet letters of yours have cheered me to the utmost and have driven the blues far far away. It is the kind things and the dear things that you say that makes me feel so happy when I read those most adorable letters. How can I help but like you for it.

But Florence this last letter has been much sarcasism [sarcasm] throughout. It’s not like you at all. There is something wrong somewhere. Let’s get it straight. Probably I wrote things that made you feel wrong. I did not mean to tho’ Florence. I think you must have been off at some place having the time of your life, you came home rushed madly and read the letters and I think saw things the wrong way from which I meant them. First if you don’t mind I will point out a few sarcastic remarks. But before I do, I do not mean to send back sarcasm, because I will not fuss at anyone.

“You poor little overgrown baby!!!”

Maybe I am, eh?

No I won’t talk back as I thought I would. I like you too well. I can’t do it, I must control myself. I can’t say things because you would misunderstand and it would make things worse. But Florence my dear I am Jealous. Maybe not Jealous either, but you speak of Lewis being over so much. You said he was over every nite last week except Monday nite. This is too much for me to stand. I realize you like it heaps, but Florence that is more then I can stand. I think the world of you and you have simply been dear to me. But I were in Houston I don’t think I would come every nite. Don’t you think that is rather often. Don’t you have any feeling for me at all. I suppose some of our friends can see things. I think we are very good friends and that is a little bit thick I think. Florence my dear I sure feel bad. I wish I could see you. I can’t explain things writing. “Monday nite of last week was the only night he didn’t come over.” Florence that’s a lot to take. He my be full of life, act like a monkey and be more attractive, but can’t you treat me right. When you are turned loose don’t go wild over your good times. You will soon get to the point where you cannot appreciate the anymore. I can’t realize what has happened. I know that you haven’t forgotten me, but I feel very bad. “Poor little overgrown baby!!” feels so bad.

No I don’t want you to sit and wonder as I do, I am glad that Lewis is your precious friend and that he can show you a good time. It’s very good of him, but I can’t feature the occasion so often and so quickly. Don’t you realize I am coming back some day, then you won’t disappoint me. I cannot spend as much time with my social affairs as I would like to. I have a desire to get an education and make a success and I am going to do it, regardless of what comes up. Some day Florence you will be proud to say that you know me so well. I hope you do at least, but someday I am going to be on top, even though I am at the bottom at present. There are somethings about social affairs that I do now know and lots of things about other affairs that I do not know, but I am learning.

I can’t understand the attitude you take toward going to Rice. Some people who have no chance to go to school are those that are desirous of an education. Others have chances but never realize the value until it is too late. I can’t understand a girl like you not wanting an education. It is more valuable then these frivolous good times. They come and are gone, but you can sure appreciate an education in the future. But the good thing about it is that you can have a better time going to school then not. It’s the class of people that you come in contact with. This is all foolishness to you and you will probably think I am foolish for saying it, but admit my dear, it is sense.

Florence Dearest I just can’t get you off my mind. I think of you so much. It’s like candy to a baby to have you on my mind. It make me feel good, it puts refreshing life into me. It just has an effect on me that words can’t explain. I think of all those good times and the good times we’ll have when I return to see you. Our friendship is one thing that will stand. My heart would be butchered if it should not. If there is anything is this letter that you don’t understand, don’t take it the wrong way because everything is to try to make you feel good and bind our correspondence. My heart just melts when I think how dear you have been to me. It’s been wonderful since that day. So many good times. Really you have had lots more to do with the good times then me. It has been you who has done so much. Just as I said to you before, you to my life has been a dream of paradise. Sometimes I don’t feel exactly right, and may have said things that I did not intend to, in letters and talking, but you will excuse me, won’t you. Florence my Dear, in fact, I think both of us have done the same. So Florence sit down and think of me real hard and write me a long letter. I am craving one from my Dear in Houston.

You can’t imagine how I would appreciate it. Of course you do.

Say when are you coming down here. I just can’t wait till then. You know one month from now I will be on 7 to 3 shift and everthing will be pretty. but two weeks from now I will work from 11 pm to 7 am and then I can be with you any time from 3 pm to 10:30 pm any day. All day Sundays. Come on down ole Dear we can have a good time. Who are you going to visit here? Maybe some of these boys know them.

Florence my Dear I must close this short epistle. I will meet you in Dreamland.

Lots and loads of Love

Fred.

The monkey is coming for you

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6/19/1923 A salt water town

Port Arthur, Tex

June 19, 1923

My own Dear Florence;

Since this is Juneteenth and a holiday I must celebrate, C? Fred Johnson just returned from about 2 1/2 mile walk. After supper we went to town then back to here and made a 22 block to a Rice man’s house. Graduated in ’20 but lucky we rode back. Sure did like it too. Because I was tired.

This is sure a hot berg. It’s really too hot to sleep well. The lake is only three blocks from here and a south wind is supposed to blow. We have a cool room but nevertheless it is hot. I like the town just a little better. I have met just lots of people. That’s probably the reason. But the drinking water is scarce. A salt water town. Water is hauled in a rain water is used. This is also a disadvantage. But wait will September when I come back to Houston. Oh Florence, I am sure looking forward to that time. I will sure be happy. Just think I can see you often, talk to you often. Oh I sure wish it could be now. They will be there happy days again. What have you been doing all this time, you surely have had a wonderful time since I left, haven’t you? Has Scatterbrains________

It just much past my early bedtime but I had to take off a few minutes to write to my darling Florence.

Lots of Love

Fred.

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6/17/23 my dear little Slimess

Port Arthur, Tex

June 17, 1923

Darling Florence;

This is the day of rest and we have sure been doing it. Just loafing, day-dreaming and passing the time away. We went to Sunday school this morning  met a bunch of Rice graduates and several have promised to take us around in their cars to see the sites some Sunday. I’ll assure you that will have to keep their promise. I didn’t know there were so many Rice students here. There is a total of 7 from El Campo here. But boys all boys. I sure and looking forward to the time when I will see my dear little Slimess*. Then will be great. Oh Florence, There is only one thing that worries me and that is this. Please excuse me, but I am serious. I am afraid you might learn to like scatterbrains and kinda forget. But Florence Dear don’t break my heart by doing it. I sure hope you won’t, in fact I know you won’t. I realize Florence that you may want some real sympathy at times but try to let me give it to you. Tell me your troubles and don’t let another boy treat you affectionately and give you sympathy as I have done. Do you understand what I mean? Please write more concerning this and tell me that you will not allow him to — you know. You see I can’t help [?] but just a little jealous. So help me in your next letter.

Yours,

Fred

*Slimess is his term of affection for his future Rice freshman (Florence) since freshmen were referred to as Slimes at the institute at that time.

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6/15/23 spent my time with you in my mind

Port Arthur, Tex

June 15, 1923

My Darling Florence;

The thrill of my life came today. Almost unexpectedly too. All day I felt as if there would be something at sometime during the day make me happy. I didn’t know whether it would be Thomas here, or a long long letter from my Florence or something I did now know. But when I got here there were too big fat letters from you. Oh so good. I just laid down on the bed, stretched out comfortably and spent my time with you in my mind. They were adorable masterpieces. I surely enjoy reading those kind too. You can’t imagine how good your letters make me feel and what they mean to me. I could spend hours reading what you write to me and how you stick your words together to reflect to my mind so many good things.

I have started my corns[?] on my hands. They are toughening. I am sweating lots, but most of all I am going strength, getting strong to heave those wts away next spring. Hot zigity. That’s the fundamental reason that I wanted to work in the machine shops this summer. I can feel it already where my muscles are getting hard. It was hard to tell you goodbye Florence ole Dear (as you know already) but as you said the duty called me.

It was surely hard to go off and leave you there with so many boys you knew so well, but Florence you know how I care for you and I know how you care for me. I knew I could trust you. You are worthy of my confidence. I put trust in you. I know you will treat me right. You always have. You have been so dear to me all through our acquaintance. It’s been a wonderful life since that day. So my dear it’s because I think so much of you and trust you that I did go away, only for a short while tho’. You are always in my thoughts. I don’t know why I think of you so consistently, but I just can’t keep from it. I don’t want to either. I don’ try to. I wish that I only were there to say good things to you when you are tired and worn out. You said after being tired and worn out all you would like would be to feel someone’s strong arms and go off to sleep and rest. Oh if it were possible. You say only once. Florence by this do you mean that you have done me wrong. Florence have you let someone else. You would break my heart. Tell me won’t you Dearest. You say “First, I couldn’t resist the temptation.” Can’t you be strong and resist things. Tell me all about it won’t you. or maybe my Dear I have taken it wrong. -?

Florence you just can’t change your mind about Rice. It’s impossible. You just can’t, I don’t want you to. I will be proud to say to others that we are such good friends. Altho I have received more honors at one time then anyone I know of at Rice at anytime. I want you to help me share them. Florence I want you to go to Rice and graduate. I will have two more years. You will have four. Won’t you please. After part of the summer has passed and you feel a little better I am sure you will want to do that. You will enjoy going out there so much. You can’t realize the difference between High School and College. It would be great to have you go.

Say tell me, little girl why you are sorry that you introduced Ike and Jessamine. I had a dream about them the other nite. I thought Edwin and Jessamine were married and Ike was at the wedding. Isn’t that funny. When I woke up I sure felt queer.

Florence I can’t imaging anything better then to see you down here. Wouldn’t that be great. You thrill me to death. I felt so happy when I read that. It makes me feel so good. I could not keep from crying with joy. It has been but two weeks since I have seen you, but Dear it seems ages. Sure does seem a long time and just to think I may see you here before long. Oh great. I will wish and hope at all times. It reminds me of a little girl who wished for her big sister who was lost in a show I saw last Sunday. “Lost & Found.

Glad you and Dorothy Ethel found such a good subject to talk about (me) If they do say hold on to me because next year will be a little bit good for me and my Florence. I don’t they need to tell you that. I think our friendship is plenty strong, even if I did not receive the honors. That’s not what makes us love each other. It’s our attitude toward each other. It’s just that clinging that we have for each other. That’s what I say. Florence, what care we for the opinion of others if they think you are hanging. Rot. They don’t know. Do you Dear. We have always liked each other since Oct. It started then. But my dearest Florence I am always going to do my part to retain our friendship and I am sure you are going to treat me right.

It’s hard to tear [?] as it is. Don’t you think so. But Florence do be careful and remember when you are out that there is someone who likes you awfully well, and when he says it, it comes from the heart. Jesse says I have written enough to turn out the light.
With Love

Fred

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