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…?

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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?

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1/16/23 A Little Epistle

Rice Institute

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

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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

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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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1/8/23 The Mysterious Gypsy

They call me a fortune teller,

And my fortunes are always true

If you’ll listen to me a minute,

I’ll tell your fortune to you.
You must listen to me very closely,
And I’ll tell you the things that I know,
Things that only a fortune teller
Can tell you will come and will go.

You’re one of a very large family,

But a family that’s happy and gay.
You love them all greatly and that sister of yours?
You’ll be proud of your sister some day.
You’re very ambitious and you’re going to win out
In the business that you undertake.
But remember, señor, there’s a straight, narrow path
For the wonderful man that you’ll make.

There’ll be lots of temptations for you to put down

But remember this thing, you are strong.
And it’s only that strength that’ll win out for you.
And put you just where you belong.

There’s a girl who has recently come in your life

A girl who will stick to the end.
But remember, señor, she’s impulsive and young.
Keep her and make her your friend.
She’ll never be more to you, that I am sure
Let me warn you of that girl’s worst trait,
Value her friendship, be a true pal to her
But beware of her, lest you cause hate.

This girl I’ll describe so you’ll know who I mean,
And you won’t get her mixed with the rest.
She has brown hair, grey eyes, and a temper like fire,
Thank not make folk dare to molest.

You’re cool-headed and slow in  making your friends
But they’re ones that you’ll value some day
When you settle down and are out in the world
And you realize that life is not play.

You won’t marry young for you’ve more sense
But you’ll wait til you have a good start,
Then life will be happy and you will be glad,
For you’ll  marry the girl of your heart.

I don’t know who it is, I can’t tell by your palm,
But I’m sure that it’s no one you’ve met.
Just be patient, you’ll know when the time is at hand,
I can’t read on your palm of that, yet.

Finish your school then go out in the world,
And bring your name right before all.
Tho’ cruel to some folks, the world won’t be to you.
It’ll give you your dues when you call.

You’re a wonderful athlete and some day right soon
You’ll win in a game that you play.
If not win, I am sure that you’ll get some high marks,
Your friends will admire you that day.

That’s all of your fortune, I thank you, señor,
There’s a wonderful future for you.
And I’m wishing you luck and I know that you’ll win.
And you’ll make many friends who are true.

I must stop now and read, my head’s in a whirl.
Your interesting palm kept me here.
Don’t forget what I said of the straight narrow path.
The Gypsies will join me – “good cheer”

~The Mysterious Gypsy~

If you’ll keep this fortune that she’s told you,
And read it again some day,
You’ll find that she’s told you the honest truth.
And, now, what more can she say?

F.M.P.

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1/7/23 Deep in Some Deep Math

Houston, Texas

Jan 7, 1923

My Dearest Florence,

Just been deep in some deep math. It sure is deep too. About the most difficult yet. So you see I haven’t accomplished much with it. Sure does seem awful to get to work on studies after enjoying the Holiday’s. I was just thinking tonite of how many times that I had seen you during my vacation from school. Sure was a bunch. Kinda often you know. But gee, how I enjoyed them tho’ you cannot realize it. But I sure can. It sure would have been dreary out here. Just think of the good old times I would have missed if I had not have gone to the Halloween party and you make things so interesting for me when I come to see you. You fixing up those little parties for us, was sure great of you. You cannot realize how I appreciate your hospitality and sentiments toward me. They will never be forgotten. I can never thank you too often for you teaching me to make the feet shuffle. Altho’ I cannot do much now and am a pest, but maybe I will do better some day. Here’s hoping you’re with me, aren’t you old dear.
I sure think your poetry and rhymes throughout the letter and the others are cute. I like them. Really. That was sure a good one about the History students of great intellectual ability, which has never been surpassed in the age of the present generation.
The sword on the Molay pin is for protection. It keeps away all bad things and is used to a great advantage in the time of distress. Many knights have used a sword to extract a head from a serpent. Maybe you have never examined the funny big part that you speak of. Some day I will let you examine to see if you can understand or see what it is. A part of an armour. It’s just a march onto victory with one of those and the principles behind it. When the Rainbows, the sister organization gets in operation here I sure would be glad to see you a member. If it’s like our work you could not help but appreciate it.
Florence old Dear in your letters when about to end you said for me to not forget things that I wanted to say when I started to write you. Dear, words cannot express my sentiments toward you. If they are in the English language I am unable to locate them after an earnest search in my vocabulary. I really think you are one of the most interesting and accomplished girls that I have met. Your musical talent is something to be proud of. Not many have that. It is not only your musical talents that makes me care for you, it is your disposition and affectionate ways toward me. They are everlasting. I may be foolish for writing this but really the temptation is too strong. I must tell you that I care for you. Altho’ I may not express it just right but I think the world of you. I must stop this and get to studying.

With Love

Fred
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1/5/23 45 Lines of Virgil

316 West Hall

Jan 5, 1923

Dearest Old Pal,

I guess you’re wondering if I’m over that horrible case of the blues. I sure had ’em bad. Walking up the stairs that nite to the telephone I was crying so hard I could hardly talk – but I managed to pull myself together. I’m so glad you called. You can’t imagine how glad I was to hear the phone ring. When I finished talking to you —
I wrote that much this morning in school then when I got home I found that precious letter. I’m so glad you wrote to me. Last nite after I talked to you, I went to bed but I wake myself up a dozen times crying, so I decided I’d try to write something. I got as far as this.
There are times when the world gets so blue.
That our lives don’t seem worthwhile.
And our hearts are aching
And our brains whirl ’round
And we haven’t the power to smile.
FMP

Then it all started over again + I tried to write to you. Like I told you I do when you got awful blue (a rhyme) but I couldn’t see the paper, so I gave up. Today at school – everybody noticed my eyes (the ones you gazed into on the fatal Oct. 30 under a black net mask – remember?) and wanted to know what in the world was the matter with me. I didn’t tell them but just passed it off. But that’s enough sob stuff.

Wish you were here. I’m off to wash the car. It’s a big job but I guess I’ll live thru it. Send some of your slimes* out + be sure to include Skinney and Slime Feathers – ha ha – what a bird –
coo – coo

10:25 pm

I guess your deep in some math or physics problem now or perhaps even some Spanish. pitiful about that, isn’t it? I’m rejoicing that all my studying is done till tomorrow morning – I’ve been horribly industrious in my studies + horribly bored. I had to construct some senseless (graphic) and get 45 lines of Virgil. The geom wasn’t so worse but Latin – good gosh!
I began in earnest at 8 tonite + constantly for 2 1/4 solid hours did I translate – there are almost 10 more lines but I had to quit. It was where Lascoon was devoured by the serpents – remember – and it’s so horrible. I’m sure I’ll be fighting dragons all nite long but I’ll use the DeMolay sword + that’ll protect me, won’t it?
Oh – listen – tell me why the De Molay picked out that pin – the funny big part + then the little sword. Wasn’t there some object? I’ve often wondered but never thought to ask –
It was awful hard to get back into the harness again. I guess your finding it so, too. ‘Cause when one has fun + late hours, it’s pretty hard to get back to drudgery + early rising + late slumber. Anyway – it’s all started in earnest and in 2 more weeks my finals + then, Fred, starts the most wonderful time – my very last year of school in Houston unless I decide to attempt Rice – shall I?
I think I have finally decided on my course + unless I flunk out on History + I’m sure I won’t – I’ll go on with the straight course + next year I’ve got to get a scholarship. A tony gold pin so I can study – oh, some more of my resolutions to be broken.
I’m awful sorry for you – I know how it is to be a cripple. I was one for a whole month this summer.
There was a epitheliamal (say it with flowers) tumor in my foot + it had to come out or within (I believe) 3 months, there would be a funeral – so, of course I wasn’t anxious to leave this cruel world + so the thing was cut + burned out. Almost every day I went to the doctor’s. Thank fortune he (the doctor) was handsome and unmarried and proved to be very fond of me. SO except for the pain + worry + inconvenience, I enjoyed it. But he nearly burned my foot off with a sort of green fire salve – oh gorsh as Virgil says “horresco referens” I shudder to recall it. Tell friend foot that if it has any mercy or regard for other people’s feelings to hurry + get well.
From the way you talked in that letter, old dear, you believe in the Fates, do you? The ones that just fashion things to suit themselves + not you + who don’t care whether it hurts you or not? Were the Fates working on October night or was that Cupid? Oh – but excuse me – I forgot it’s been 2 years since you studied mythology.
I’m thrilled to death over Ike. He’s really quite precious. Remember how that first afternoon I was out at Rice + we waited for him + then rode around til he came out + then once he went to town with us + you told me I had gotten what I came for —
I want to come out there again some time but I’m not sure just when it will be – I’m a busy human these days – resting + getting back the strength and sleep I lost last year.
I’m glad Ike enjoyed his good times here – I know I did – but I was not wholly responsible for them. You know, a certain young man – I think he’s a sophomore at Rice Institute and I believe if I’m not horribly mistaken, his initials are F. J. S. furnished the most attractive part of those good times namely the boys and himself C? now will you be good.
Please – meus carus* don’t forget all you start to say when you write to me. If you can’t think of anything else to say – tell me what you think of me – ha ha – do you suppose words could do that??

How can your foot pain you from sitting up?

Ring – dumbbell – ring!
I didn’t intend to write a book when I started but really I got interested so the conclusion is obvious.
Oh – listen – one more thing – did all of my old friends come back? George + DuBois + Smith + Skinney + Jack (friend??!!) + Lokey –
Oh – I saw Lakey uesday + he smiled so sweetly – oh – goodness!!

Tell Ike hello for me + give him my best 73’s.

And I’ll pray for your foot tonite + hope that it will get well fast. And for the love of M-Ike don’t step on any other nails. Ha Ha
wasn’t that cute?

I’m going to have to ring off. It’s way after 11 + I’ve got a hard day before me tomorrow. Besides, my arm is horribly cramped.

I’m looking for another blue + gray envelope soon – pride of my fading years, so don’t disappoint me.
Just oodles of —- to you.
It’s the same old tale.

Florence

P.S.  Did Walter L come back?

P.S.2 Honestly, Fred, if I ever got a letter this long from you, I’d faint, but I don’t think there’s much chance of that, do you?
*Latin for “My dear”
This is some more of my senseless wit. They’ve asked me to put it into the high school paper but I don’t know whether I have the nerve.
Read it and laugh. neus carus , and think of my poor, poor head and forget your head.
Something about History and Heads.
There’s a nut that’s preaching history,
to a class of dumb, dumb bells,
he thinks that we can learn from it
And really learn it well.
But here is one dumb,  dumb bell,
Who can’t learn History.
Who can’t even listen to the poor old man
When he starts to preach to me.
Oh, goodness I think my head is empty.
Like a bottle without any water
That has only the outside label
To tell what it hadn’t oughter.
You’ll pardon the poor comparison
Of my head to a bottle without water,
You see, it’s really just this way
I’m only my father’s daughter.
F.M.P.
Does it hurt your foot to laugh or write?
F.M.P.
* During this era, students at Rice Institute (now University) referred to freshmen as “slimes“
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1/2/23 A Little Accident

Houston, Texas

Jan 2, 1923

My Dearest Florence,

Well how did school go today. I thought of you today. How you were hard at it. Just think tho’, tomorrow is when I start. It will some sensation too, I assure you.
I had a little accident this morning over in the M.E. Lab*. I stepped on a nail. It going through my shoe and entering my foot about 3/4 of an inch. I have been in bed ever since. I am not sure that I will go to classes tomorrow or not. It depends on how I feel in the morning. Sure did have hard luck but I suppose it was to be that way.
Ike came in tonite. He sure had a good time. He has been to Cuero, Eagle Lake and several other places. The first things (about) that he asked me was if I had seen his girls. Not girl but girls. So you see, he surely enjoyed his good times in the crowd, which you was responsible for C? Ike came ok with his grades, better then he expected. So you see he is satisfied.
I had just lots of things to say when I started but I have forgotten ’em. My foot is paining me from sitting up so I suppose I had better go to bed and rest it. Good night. I will try to do better the next time.
As ever –
Fred
* Mechanical Engineering Lab at Rice Institute
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12/30/22 Dearest Old Pal

Excuse me for sending this special but I couldn’t resist the temptation and I do want you to get this sometime before Tuesday. C? Am I forgiven?

12:00 noon

Dec 30, 1922

Dearest Old pal

let’s be that to each other all the time. it’s so much better then the other. Don’t you think so?

Listen, Fredibus, old thing, you speak of the blues so often. Aren’t you strong enough to resist them? I’m hardly capable to preach to you about the “blues” because I’ll admit that sometimes I have an acute case of “blue devils” + they tramp all over me. I’ve had ’em so bad sometimes, I’ve wanted to end everything. But usually I go somewhere + try to fight it off. I’ll tell you a wonderful cure for them. Go stand in front of a mirror + make funny faces at yourself and see how absurd you can look. If that don’t put the blues out, well – go out under the wonderful stars and think of Orion. Think of something someone you like has said that pleased you or amused you. I’m sure that won’t fail + if it does, well, go to bed + forget it. You’re dreadfully strong and you’re too strong to hand onto such a thing. Why should thinking of the days when I was out there make you blue? Did I ever permit myself to say or do anything to make you feel that way?

Please don’t connect me with the blues for I hate them so. So let’s forget ’em, Fred. You’re too fine a boy to go under like that. Don’t disappoint me but be real happy.

That was a cute simile you made about mud pies. Was that a compliment or a slam to you or me?

I’m sitting in the car in front of the P.O. and it’s raining!! but I’m going to finish this letter. Thanks for writing to me. It really was a surprise but a pleasant one. So keep it up. I won’t be angry. And listen – when you do get blue, sit down + tell me everything. That might help some. At least it won’t do any harm. Won’t you?

I’ve got to go. Mama said be home before Dad so I’ll have to rush.

There’s bushels more I could say if I had the time + the paper, but I haven’t so I’ll just say – Forget the blues, think of me + be happy. Won’t you?

Florence.

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