December 7, 1919. From Dick to college girlfriend, Ruth. Letter 1 of 3 in series.

December 1919. Snow covers the houses, trees and streets, the moon is shining and Dick is counting the days until his college girlfriend, Ruth comes home.

In this first of three letters, everyday chatter about university life, dentists, professors, a new shiny Buick and the coming holidays gradually gives way to a tender moment as Dick admits “for the first time I got lonesome.”

It’s lovely to see how affection often appears in old letters. Not as grand declarations but tucked in between ordinary details and plans for the weekend.

While Dick was writing to his college girlfriend, America was entering a new era. 1919 was the year Congress passed the 19th Amendment, sending it to the states for ratification and paving the way for women across the US to gain the constitutional right to vote the following year.

December 7, 1919

My dear Ruth:

Must be the talks to freshman are somewhat dry. What seems to be the trouble with Prof Wenley, is he short winded or is it the other way? What did the Daily say about the Prof’s talk with the president?

The Lady or the Tiger sounds good., what did you get on it? Miracle man is coming and I will take it in if I have time. Treating Evans rather rough aren’t you? Bernice who?

Tonight is the night for the freshman spread, bet you are having some time about now (10:30pm Saturday).

What sort of dentists does “M” turn out. Seems to be bum service you are having. I hope they have fixed your teeth by this time.

Charles and Sarah are living in the Parsons flat on Michigan Avenue. Upper flat. They took a week and went on their honeymoon, returning last Tuesday. Today they started house keeping. Charles will be on the job next Monday.

S.E.O. has him a nice new Buick six showcase – electric lights and everything – some class to our little president, don’t you think so?

Everything is covered with snow – pure white… houses, trees, side walks and streets, the moon is shining and it all makes one lovely picture, wish you could see it. There is no wind and all is so quiet and really peaceful. For the first time I got lonesome tonight.

How did you like the St. Joe and So Haven score?

Two weeks from today you will be here, not very long is it, Ruth?

I will see you Saturday night about 5:15 or if I can get to town from the office any sooner after five o’clock, why I’ll see you before that or perhaps Saturday noon for a few minutes to say hello. You see we work only a half day Saturday afternoons, that makes it really nice – a very short day, in fact we quit five minutes to five on Saturdays.

Reply Letter #2 of December 3, 1919.

Must have had some gathering from what you say about length of time it took you to do the dishes.

I do not know Mae Kellogg so it will be quite impossible to give her the message. Sorry I can’t do it.

How is your jaw? I hope it is not paralyzed any more because you have so much to tell us on your arrival that it would be nothing short of a calamity if you could not talk.

How did you come out on your mid semester exams?

I don’t like to hear you say you will flunk and I don’t think that you will at all. You also said you “don’t care any more so no one else does.” You’re wrong there aren’t you?

I am glad my letter saved your life. I have never had any trouble reading your writing.

Decembers spells two words for the crew at the office — Inventory and work. The first of the year is on its way and that is our busy time. Probably have to work Xmas and New Years day and the Sunday in between with one or two nights a week for good measure. Believe me, I’m going to try and have my work right up to the minute all the time so I can get out of the overtime at the shop.

I am ashamed to answer your two letters with one and I ask of you to please forgive me this once.

Hoping to hear more soon from you. I am as ever Dick.