March 4, 1930. From Florence to Clarence. Letter 1 of 2 in collection.

In March 1930, as the Great Depression tightened its grip on America, a self-proclaimed “cranky old maid” named Florence sat down exhausted to write to Clarence and apologize for her meanness.

March 4, 1930

325 N. Carolina.

Dearest Clarence,

Guess you’ll have to be satisfied with just a little note tonight, ’cause I’m dead tired, sick, and have a headache. This has been a hard day, and I think I’ve been a pretty cranky old maid today. Guess I’ll be suffering a few days for my meanness?

How do you like your new hangout? Working hard?

What time did you leave Mangum? I heard nothing, ’cause I tried to make these few hours count. I’m sure going to make them count tonight. I’m all dressed, ready to hop in now. I’m just taking time off to write you a note.

Are you still dead? Guess everybody could tell you had been up to some meanness Eh? Well all I’ve got to say is Don’t “Blame Me”.

Mrs. Tucker said nothing about my coming in, so I didn’t have to stay to her.

Well, dearie, all I can say is I miss you, wish you were here so I could torment you and all the others I don’t know what to call it so I’ll name it “bunk.”

As for me my eyelids weigh two ton apiece – my head is in a whirl – and I’m lonesome and blue – Don’t know what do so I’ll think of you – C?

Well – I’m signing my name – calling it good until I have more pep and less sand in my eyes.

With Loving You Always,

Florence

Please forgive me for the short note, but if you can hardly imagine how I feel, so bye till tomorrow.

Love, Flo

I know this letter is Crazy – but so am I so what can you expect for a nickel?

The Fiesty Pants

Happiness, happiness, all the day long. Everythings rosy and my heart keeps singing a song. Never more, trouble or never more care (etc)

Bye Happy