Author: OGD
1903 09 26 Edward
Thursday Evening 9/26/1903
My Precious:
Letter from Bayview reached me today. I was about to write to Cross Village again, making sure the mama would add several days to her visit. I am glad you had a happy time. I believe it would be an ideal place for us.
Oh, Dearie, Dearie Love! How are want you. It seems that you will surely come in just a few days. Everything is so like last year at this time. When I got back from my trip, 10:30 Friday evening, it was very foggy about the station, And I thought of that time we stood on the bridge and watch the station lights till the Alpha Phi’s surprised us. And it seems that it must be only yesterday it all happened. I lived all over. One evening recently I tried to telephone Voorhees at the Delta Gamma house, and it brought back my first interview over the phone last fall, when I have come to see you. It was September 24, I think over one year go tonight! Everything reminds me of that happy, happy time. The other day I took a walk in the country and pick up some apples. Every breath of air had last fall in it. And you!
You asked about the lantern showing current at the bottom. I don’t know what the trouble is, should head to see just what you mean. But try raising and lowering the light by means of the set = on the back.
I was told by the man at Partridge and Blackwell’s that Brown’s living room was by all means the best, but they didn’t keep it. I thought best pretty nearly expert testimony, on the circumstances. Newcomb or Endicott have it. There will be sale in January. The man at the N and E’s, who seems to have “size up this situation”, Told me that it would be better for a young lady who thought of getting married to buy a tablecloth and napkins too much. The beautiful Scroce’s designs to predominate, and where highly conventional I think them beautiful. The circles in the squares are old fashioned. The more I think of the first ones we saw, the better like the pattern.
I think your letters are so fine and cheerful. Dearie, you are growing up. We grow most when we think Lisa Ross else, I’m believe. I’m best when loving you and forgetting all about myself. I have made some excellent fudge on Mr. Druereaux’s chafing dish.
Goodbye, my well = loved.
Your own worshipful lover Edward
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1903 09 18 Rose
Friday Morning Sept. 18th 1903
“Sunny” Dear,
How glad I was, after I thought you were gone when the car window was all glazed over, to see you again waving a last goodbye till the other engine hid my dear boy from view.
I walked down the street with seven-eighth of me going further and further away on the train. But your girl altogether unhappy, for shooting thought of all the things to plan for the future and hummed a little tone.
I went to fellows and got fathers I’m and passed by the anniversary clock which registered just 12 noon. Then I hasten on to the Oriental store, and looked for the circles of lace. The girl could find two other ones. There were some about twice as large with very pretty centers, which she offered at $.10 cents apiece. Others have been a quarter. While we were looking at days, I found three of the little ones fastened to the larger ones. So, I brought home the six beauties and like them more and more. Brown’s mama will go with me to see the others.
When I reach home, I found that the folks have gone out on the front porch and made a great demonstration for you, all in vain. It was pop’s idea, and they waved big handkerchiefs. You were on the other side of the car, and did not see. It was too bad, wasn’t it? Father said, “He thinks only of her. He doesn’t care for us.”
Mama said when I kissed her, “Now I’ve got you my one girl!” and she missed it sweetly. Then it night we were sitting by the front room fire and I was talking about things I wanted to do, she said: “Oh, Bessie, I thought I was going to have review, When College Closed!”
I think there that you can understand her point of view. We may never know what it means to both of our mothers unless we have to give up a child of our own. She loves you, and says you have bank a “lovely and sweet spirit.” 10 years from now as you say, we shall be able to prove to her how much we are to one another. Now in the present I must be the most possible to my very own.
Yesterday afternoon, but mama and I ironed and between us finished all but a few pieces. I felt the need of a walk in the air, so I went to the post office in the rain and cured my headache. Wasn’t that good, dear? But I was scared all over him by a bent over man. It was very dark and I walk rapidly past him, that I could have face an Indian. I will try to walk in the daytime, hereafter.
Last night it was very cold, after an April d of rain. The milkman said that it load. We found about two handfuls of snow in a water pipe that flows into the rain barrel. It is bright at present. We’re going to Weque this p.m. & then mama and I will whirl back to Petoskey.
We leave for Cross Village tomorrow at 1 PM. If you write at one, Address Kaye James M. Leaf, Cross Village, Michigan.
Mama says,” Wind it up. Hasten this. Tell him you Love him and that’s enough.” But we know, don’t we, dearest?
Last night I had such a vivid dream of us. We were climbing a high hill and evidently reached both a cottage for the happy time. I climbed up way ahead of you, and can see the base stretch out before me with sunshine on the waters. You were climbing up, and I called to say that a clump of cedars nearby would be just the thing for us. It was sweet too, but you came and put your arms around me.
I think too about the little dead Leanora Vail.[1] She came to see me and was so glad I’m happy and spoke sweetly about us.
There is much to do and so goodbye beloved! I woke up whispering, “Oh Boy, Boy, Boy!” and realizing that now no precious boy was sleeping near my head.
I must go and take my “Baffins”, Sunny.
Hope you didn’t freeze on the trip and that you are well and as sure and happy as
Your own
Rose.
Mama is suffering from an attack of rheumatism there between her shoulders. It Is badly swollen, today. What shall we do, Dr. Charles?
[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Astonished_Heart_(film)
(c) 2017 Sulatoollc
1903 08 08 Edward
August 8, 1903
My dear Miss Richardson:
I thank you for your promptness in answering my questions about the mother. I had some thought of going to Colorado on the excursion. August 1; but since I preferred Northern Michigan, I abandoned the project when I heard that your mother was so delightful.
I was surprised and delighted to receive the picture. I had not hoped you would have it and to send so soon. It was very good indeed, it not only looks like you, but it seems to have something of your personality about it. I am very glad indeed to have it. Unfortunately, I haven’t one equally good to send you. The one I shall offer in exchange was taken about two weeks before I visited Bay View in 1900. I will not mail this to you, but will bring it to you, as I hope to be in Bay View Monday or Tuesday, to stay for several days. Should I change my plans, I will send the photo soon.
I met Mr. Freeman yesterday, and he told me he had eight places “on the hill”. He was going down state about on the half-run, so I didn’t get particulars. State Street, by the way, is all torn up, and when you see it again, it will have a beautiful smooth asphalt pavement, like that of Huron Street.
You should not be so sensitive about your style. Your last letter was a grin, if I may say so – admirably clear and clear cut.
Yours sincerely
Edward B. Charles
August 8
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1903 07 26 Ed to Rose
July 26 1903
My Dear Miss Richardson:
[1]I was very glad to get your letter a week ago today. It did me good. I was much interested, too, in the Bay View announcement – Minor, I think it was. I see there are no courses in rhetoric or composition. I wonder why? Those courses are very popular in the summer school here. I think I will talk to Mr. Ball about it. Do you think it would take? Ask your mother what she thinks about it.
I have had all sorts of petty misfortunes since I wrote last. Not the least was a carbuncle. I believe that is the name for it. I had a great time with that, and had my first experience of ether. It is really horrible; I shudder whenever I think of it. I hope death is not like that. But for the past week, all has gone well, and I have felt uncommonly like work, and have done a pretty good week’s stint of it.
I only complain of the rain. It rains every day, with the regularity of the tropical rain belt. Please let me know whether it rains all the time up north. I shall start out on my vacation in about a week, and if the weather is good I hope to in some sort of camping place up there. Should like the Superior shore. Mr. Freeman will perhaps go with me. If it is not too much trouble, please let me know what sort of weather you have
.Mr. Freedom did not get the place in Arkansas, and has not found anything to his liking up to the present. I hope he will; though I think he would do better to stay here another year, and try for his degree.
I have not seen your “lonely Carolyn”, but hope I may. I have no “principles” to keep me away, though I should no doubt feel somewhat embarrassed to call on anyone who would be surprised to see me. I hoped I might fall in with her somewhere; but haven’t seen her since I wrote you. As to Miss St John, I fear I do not know her when I see her.
Mr. Thomas is offering cigars to his friends today, and looking pleased and rather foolish. I believe that occasion is the announcement in a formal way of his engagement; which has been no secret to some of us for a long time. The fortunate lady, and I think she is fortunate, is a Miss March of Manister. You may remember seeing her with him at the May Festival.
Mr. Conyers was at my room one day last week; but unfortunately, I was not at home. I haven’t seen him for some time.
The wet weather has compelled us to abandon our camping scheme.I was much interested in your description of the birds and the flowers, and your walks. Often, I think of the morning I met you at the door of your cottage. I remember so well how it all was. By the way, there is a picture of the Howard House in the paper you sent, and I could recognize the very corner where I first saw Prof. Henry and the walk leading off toward Shier Avenue. The orchids you sent were very pretty. I can’t remember the Page wood.
Please don’t say anything about scrawls. I am sensitive.
Yours sincerely
Edward B. Charles Saturday, July 26
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbuncle
1903 07 26 Edward
July 26 1903
My Dear Miss Richardson:
I was very glad to get your letter a week ago today. It did me good. I was much interested, too, in the Bay View announcement – Minor, I think it was. I see there are no courses in rhetoric or composition. I wonder why? Those courses are very popular in the summer school here. I think I will talk to Mr. Ball about it. Do you think it would take? Ask your mother what she thinks about it.
I have had all sorts of petty misfortunes since I wrote last. Not the least was a carbuncle. I believe that is the name for it. I had a great time with that, and had my first experience of either. It is really horrible; I shudder whenever I think of it. I hope death is not like that. But for the past week, all has gone well, and I have felt uncommonly like work, and have done a pretty good week’s stint of it.
I only complain of the rain. It rains every day, with the regularity of the tropical rain belt. Please let me know whether it rains all the time up north. I shall start out on my vacation in about a week, and if the weather is good I hope to in some sort of camping place up there. Should like the Superior shore. Mr. Freeman will perhaps go with me. If it is not too much trouble, please let me know what sort of weather you have.
Mr. Freedom did not get the place in Arkansas, and has not found anything to his liking up to the present. I hope he will; though I think he would do better to stay here another year, and try for his degree.
I have not seen your “lonely Carolyn”, but hope I may. I have no “principles” to keep me away, though I should no doubt feel somewhat embarrassed to call on anyone who would be surprised to see me. I hoped I might fall in with her somewhere; but haven’t seen her since I wrote you. As to Miss St John, I fear I do not know her when I see her.
Mr. Thomas is offering cigars to his friends today, and looking pleased and rather foolish. I believe that occasion is the announcement in a formal way of his engagement; which has been no secret to some of us for a long time. The fortunate lady, and I think she is fortunate, is a Miss March of Manister. You may remember seeing her with him at the May Festival.
Mr. Conyers was at my room one day last week; but unfortunately, I was not at home. I haven’t seen him for some time.
The wet weather has compelled us to abandon our camping scheme.
I was much interested in your description of the birds and the flowers, and your walks. Often I think of the morning I met you at the door of your cottage. I remember so well how it all was. By the way, there is a picture of the Howard House in the paper you sent, and I could recognize the very corner where I first saw Prof. Henry and the walk leading off toward Shier Avenue. The orchids you sent were very pretty. I can’t remember the Page wood.
Please don’t say anything about scrawls. I am sensitive.
Yours sincerely
Edward B. Charles Saturday, July 26
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