December 1, 1926

My Sweetheart,

My usual wonderful hours with you having ended again, I am experiencing a great let down, which usually follows my separation from you. I came back to learn that at least one neighbor would not have been surprised to see you accompany me. And if she knew how I care for you, she would be more surprised still that you did not come with me. I have purposely delayed a little in writing to try to analyze mmy feelings. But after all, I only know that I do love you and that the sooner I can cal you my wife, the better I'll feel.

I have hesitated a little to press you on an early marriage, because as I told you, I have nothing great to offer you. You were kind enough to endorse Bob's "starvation" motto, which seemed to indicate your own willingness to starve. Of course I'm sure that we'll not approach starvation, but we will not for a time be overburdened with wealth. You might know that you have picked a waster, or a careless manager with whom to cast your lot, and it will b e your burden to handle the new firm's finances. What I am trying to say to you, is this. I am leaving the matter entirely to you. If you, after thought, are still ready and willing to marry insignificant me, and I hope that your feelings are still the same, the time is entirely with you. If you desire the event to occur in the near future, yours be the voice to say so. If you feel that we should wait, I will conform to your wishes as to that. Entirely satisfied am I, with my choice. For me the only questions is, can I justifiably ask you to share the little I now have.

I suppose that if we do go ahead soon, the thing to do is to live with the folks. I've heard much of troubles between two families in the same house. I would not anticipate anything of the kind in oujr case, but know that we can always step out if your are dissatisfied. For you are the one to be pleased.

Ted Wilcox, my buddy in the office, yesterday suggested that the sure way to get a raise in salary, was to get married. For he said, "What else could a big-hearted, kind employer do?" We'll not base any great hopes on his suggestion, however, will we?

Dad is still at home with the grippe, but looked and felt much better this A.M.  Mother is well and both are satisfied with my "honey". Oh yes! I was joking with them this morning and told them that the next time I went to Lima, I'd not return alone.  Mother suggested that I ought go before Christmas then, so that you would be in time to go to her missionary meeting with her. That happens during holiday week, and the meeting is to be held at Elsie's house, where she knows you'd want to go . (????)

Do you still care as you did? I love you so much and want you so badly that I'm afraid of myself. You have been so good to me, and I'm still wondering why I can mean anything to you. I find myself hoping, yet hardly expecting that you'll say "soon". I don't want you to do anything against your own inclination. If you want to wait a month, a year, of (Heaven forbid) two years, you must say so, because your own happiness is at stake, and I must be content if you want to delay.Tell me how you feel about it. If you like, and perhaps you ought, talk to Mother Veach. (Though my guess would be that she'll tell you to do what will make you happiest.)

I love you, and Billy or no Billy, I want you. Will you tell Mother how much I enjoyed my visit, and thank her and Sue for their kindness to me?

Andy

The dog has behaved very nicely. Was not ill on the trip, but ate like a gourmand when he got home. He has not cried, but curls up in his box and goes to sleep when he is left alone. He was playful last night for the first time. We'll probably move next week, and I'm going to insist that "our" room be ready first.

A

November 23, 1926

Special Delivery

Dearest,

I will try to be in Lima late Saturday afternoon. I had about decided that when your "special" came.

Don't eat too much turkey Thurs. 'cause I'm coming to see a healthy, happy, cornfed.

I love you
Andy

November 22, 1926

All Mine,

Its a grand and glorious feelin' to have everybody else as tickled as I am about my good fortune in winning you. That letter of Claude's was right to the point, wasn't it? I'm hoping that I can satisfy you, though, more than I am about others. If I can keep my Dot happy, that'll be enough.

I want to tell you about a certain lecture I had from Mother last night. It came about this way. I took Irene, (the girl next door), who, incidentally, knows about our engagement, to Church, and afterwards to a show. When I returned, Mother was waiting to bawl me out. She insists that I am not to deceive any girl, meaning you; that if I care for you, I'll not have anything to do with other girls out of a crowd. I explained that Irene knew of our engagement; that I had done nothing of which I was ashamed, or of which I would not tell you. That I loved you, and felt nothing more than friendship for any other girl. But I told her that she would not again have occasion to call me down on that score. More than she realizes, I want to keep from doing anything which will make you care less for me, so that you need not fear that I will repeat the offense which to Mother was almost unpardonable. I love you, Dot, and YOU are the one I want. Under the circumstances, I did not think you would object, but as Mother suggests, it will be far better to avoid entanglements. May I say that no girl I have ever known has meant what you do to me; that an early alliance between us, and a long life together, are my greatest hopes for the future.

I have had a very pleasant surprise last Saturday. The new master of my Blue Lodge has asked me to become his Junior Steward, which means that if I perform my duties well, and the Lodge sees fit to continue me in office, that perhaps sometime, I will be honored by election to preside in the Master's chair. It will mean years of faithful work; I have accepted the appointment, and I'll hope that you'll agree that it is an opportunity of which I ought take advantage.

The moving date is now set for about Dec. 1. And my boss has informed me, without my request, that I'll not work at the office on moving day. I'm hoping I can make a sneak up to see my girl before that time, for its a long time between kisses now.

Dad came back with a report about getting kissed "in the store", but after a thorough search, I couldn't find his "store". I'll expect to be treated as well as he, at least. (And I reserve the right to point out to you my "store").

I'm praying for God's blessing on us both, and the He will help me to make myself worthy of you. I'm loving you more every day, and I want to live that you'll care more and more for me.

Always be my Sweetheart -
Andy

November 18, 1926

My sweetheart,

You have come and gone, leaving behind for me only the memory of your visit. No, that's not all.  For haven't I your assurances that you care? More than ever. I am certain that you are "the only girl". More will I try to deserve your respect and your love. I had you to myself for a time that was only too short, yet I am afraid that I did not entertain you as I might have. Perhaps I tried more to please myself, than you. I hope that you do not regret the days you spent here. Shall we say that next time will be a better time?

Fast workers tho we may be, I haven't the slightest desire to turn back. I am wanting to know you better, to get closer to you, to make you feel that only together can we be happy. But you deserve he best; may you never have occasion to think you have picked a "mutt". I am already planning on when we can again be together. I feel it must be sooner than the weeks which elapsed last time. Its not fair for Bob & K. to have a nightly siesta, and we see each other only once in six weeks. I'm scheming - shhh!

You will have received the Song Book by this time, I hope. You'll like it, I know. It is my suggestion that Russ learn the Ohio State songs, and be required to sing them from the steps of the City Hall or some equally conspicuous place. The big bum ought to be deported for treasonable talk. Next year -

I bought a new hat. It is roll brim, but a gray. Mother is not satisfied exactly, but I like it. You'll have to accompany me to get another, my next trip to Lima. The salesman insists this is my style hat, and advised against snap brim. But we'll let you decide one of these fine Saturdays. (Will you?)

The builders this A.M. said we can move by the end of the month. Won't that be great? I'm especially watching "our" room, which pleases me very much. I wish I could share it with you from the start, but we ought to be practical, oughtn't we? It wouldn't be fair to ask you to share in the first struggles of a baby lawyer. It helps to know that you're waiting. Are you undergoing more kidding about your stay here, and the pin? Proud I am, that you'll wear it for me, and eager I am to seal that bargain in another way. I may sometime, mayn't I?

My girl made her usual hot with my folks. Both Dad and Mother seem as much in love with you as I am, if that is possible. We'll claim you one of these days, and we'll expect a clear release from the Veaches.

We had another letter from Claude yesterday. I quote from it. "Andy, did Dot enjoy the game? I don't see how she could have helped but enjoy it. I presume she is staying over tonight and going back home tomorrow -Monday." (How well he guessed!) "She surely is a wonderful girl". (Right again, Claude.) "There are few who would have sacrificed themselves for their Mother's sake as she has done. And I am glad she is making out so well with the business venture." Brother-in-law is a friend to Dot, apparently. At least he's anxious to help us along, but as I feel, we don't need a whole lot of help, do we?

It's 9:00 P.M. and I'm tired, (tho I didn't work so hard today). I'm going to turn in to try to dream about you. You had better sleep better, or Russ will be confirmed in his opinion that you're in love. I hope he's right.

I love you,
Andy

November 17, 1926

Valley Railways
The United Electric Company
Lemoyne, Pa., Wednesday the 17th

Dear Andy and Dottie: - 

Hot Diggity Dam: Congratulations and all. By Gosh, you kids sure are fast workers. All I can think to say is "congratulations, congratulations ad. fin." I think we are as happy as you are. Every body well here. Will write more later. Give our love to Daddy and Mother White and best wishes to you all. (Whoa: Laura just said "well, I'll be damned.")

Love from all of us.
Claude [1]
________________________________________________________________________________
[1] Claude C. Fast worked with Andy's father on the Interurban railroad and was a close friend of the White family. His wife, Laura, was Dottie's oldest sister.

November 9, 1926

Nicest,

Here's a tentative program, subject, of course, to your approval.  None of the suggestions are imperative, so that you will not feel reluctant to make changes if you like.

Friday evening is set aside for the annual Homecoming celebration, which will, I suppose, take the form of a big dance (public in its nature). We can go to it or to a show, or just be together, as you like.

Saturday morning - you are to sleep as late as you like, and meet me for lunch. Sat. afternoon the game. [1] Sat. eve to the new Keith Palace [2], just opened, and later to my fraternity's dance at the Virginia Hotel. The afternoon and evening with my friends (almost brother and sister) Mr. & Mrs. Homer Tranthann.

My only fear is that I'll not see you enough, away from the public, and I do want to make the most of my opportunities to tell you how sweet you are.

Wire which way you are coming, and don't promise to go back anytime with anybody! I might want to keep you, you know.

I hope you'll care as much or more, on Monday, as you do today. [3]

Andy
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[1] The 1926 OSU Homecoming was notable for one of the most notorious pranks ever perpetrated - the election of  Maudine Ormsby as Homecoming Queen. Maudine was a Holstein cow. OSU lost to Michigan, 17-16.

[2] The Keith Palace is now the Palace Theatre.

[3] Evidently she did. At some point over the Homecoming weekend, Andy and Dottie became engaged.

November 3, 1926

Who's Sweet:

Twelve, eleven, ten, nine days until you are to be here. Nine nights to dream of what you'll do and say when I see you, and of what I'll do and say in reply. Never have I been more anxious for a day to come, and sorry I'll be when its past, unless I'm reassured by that time, that you are still most interested in me. You know, you've told me more than once that both Bob and K. are serious. I'll dare you to add that you're serious, too. Will it help for me to say that I am? [1]

You must not let anything stand in the way of you coming. I am expecting you on Friday the 12th, if not in the afternoon, then in the evening. I have thought that you could leave as soon as the store closes, and still get here in a reasonable time. Of course if you can come earlier, all the better. The point is, though you may dislike to ride alone at night, yet, I would advise your coming then, for the reason that the crowds will be coming in all morning on Saturday. Further, you will be able to rest for a hard day, in the morning.  For I intend to keep you busy while you're here, and still kep you for myself a part of the time, (unless you prefer not).

I have a little good news for you. Mr. Knepper advised me last Saturday that my work is satisfactory, and that I am to consider the connection here a little more permanent, than was our original agreement. At the same time, he raised the "ante" just a little, so that there is every inducement to hang on, at least for such an indefinite time as there seems to be no other opening. I am left in a rather doubtful state as to working up a clientele of my own, yet am willing to sacrifice that (such as it is) for the time being, until there is an opportunity for a permanent location. [2]

There has been a sell-out for the game. No more tickets are available, (unless standing room is put on sale on the 13th). Ohio's success so far has brought Columbus back to the frenzied days of '20 and '21. Business is at a standstill whenever the team plays. If they are away from home, thousands accompany them. Other thousands "listen in". It is amusing to walk the streets and see knots of people before the newspaper offices, or some store where a loud speaker is operating, each with is own idea of what is being done or what ought to be done.

I, too, am sorry I've missed the good times at M.P. with you. I've even become very envious of H. & H. and their proximity to Lima. It begins to look like your nephew-to-be (?) might yet decide to be a farmer rather than a school teacher, doesn't it. But I doubt if he would fight thru lean years and discouragements, as you and Mother and Bob have.

You ask about the S.S. class. I may have given you a false impression. To date, the class hasn't bothered me much, for there hasn't been any. You will remember, I told you that we are now in the remodeled Church. But the S.S. rooms are still incomplete, so that there has been no reorganization to date. When that happens, possibly in the next week or two, I will have a class, I suppose. I suggested a class of young ladies, 18-19 years of age, but rather think it is planned to give me boys of 9 or 10. What would you suggest?

Do you have a great deal of trouble reading my hand? If so, you can bring such of my letters along, as you have kept, and I will interpret them (with gestures). [3]

Tell me soon what plans you have for the trip as to when you'll leave, arrive here etc. (You leave your departure toward home to me, depend on it, I'll prolong your stay as much as I can.) Wisdom teeth, blood poisoning and the like are to be left in Lima.

Beat Michigan!
Andy
________________________________________________________________________________
[1] "Bob" is Dottie's brother. He and K. never married, but remained engaged from 1926 until Bob's death in 1983.

[2] Andy remained at the firm and eventually became a partner.

[3] Speaking for myself, I find Andy's handwriting very clear.

December 8, 1926

SPECIAL DELIVERY

My Sweetheart,

I have been keeping busy for the past week, with much on tap at the office, and with the little odd jobs, preparatory to moving, at home. The program now calls for us to move on Friday of this week. The walk to the porch in front of the house is not yet in, so you can imagine how muddy everything is. We are going to try the moving with boards etc over the mud. We think that we can stir the contractors into more activity by setting a date and going in.

The dog is called 'Jack', and is growing fast. He's a little rascal; behaves homself when left to himself, but chews anything if he can get someone to play with him.

Your letter was and was not surprising. I had hoped that you would say 'yes', but hardly expected you to go ahead at once. You have indeed, a fine brother, one who has without a doubt made many sacrifices. He is compensated by having an equally fine sister, one who has also sacrificed herself. I can only say that I believe it a wonderful thing for you to do, to help him get ready for K. That you are so attached to your family presages a wonderful attachment between us when I shall have become part of your family. I'm content to wait until Dot shall be ready. Remember, its all in her hands.

I'm in doubt as to how to approach a certain subject. I am planning a Christmas remembrance to my sweetheart, and I don't want her to know about it. I am not telling what it is, but if you'll take her to a jeweler and get the size of her third finger in the left hand - also please ascertain whether she prefers a diamond or another stone (birthstone?). The sooner I have this information, the better. Nuf ced.

You had better not plan on the folks being up for Christmas.  They had already invited Aunt Joe up from Cinty and would not like to withdraw the invitation. I had not thought it best to ask you to come here because I thought perhaps your family would have a reunion at that time. You are to be here for New Years day (start the year right), when my Commandary has a dinner dance scheduled. So plan accordingly. My Blue Lodge has a party on New Year's eve, too, so unless business is so good as to demand your presence there, you ought be free that night.

I am still anxious to call you my wife. I love you (little, etc.) I want you as soon as I can have you. When you can say "now", please don't hesitate long.

Andy

If this letter smells smoky, its because of a big fire that we're having just a square from here. We're choked up with the smoke. Traffic is shot to pieces. I do not know how much damage has been done. Two stores burning.

A.

October 27, 1926

My dear Dot:

Gee! it was good news to hear that you are planning the trip here for the big game. I was almost sure that you would come if you could, but I hardly dared let myself be confident of your coming. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, so that nothing will interfere now, to hold you back.

I was sorry to have to decline your invitation for last Sunday. I had hoped to be able to leave after the game on Saturday, but on Saturday morning received a call from my partner, with whom I am planning some accounting work, that indicated we were needed on Sunday for a statement, which could not be delayed. So, I was stuck here working, when I should have been making love to you. Some disappointment!

I hoped that the roses would please you. I did not know if nice ones would be sent, but your note indicates they were satisfactory. I should have liked to have been with you at M.P. on Sunday. But Bob and K. might have felt too many makes a crowd. (Who cares, if I could have seen you?)

You must not flatter me too much, young lady, or I'll be more conceited than I am. You have been telling me how much I deserve success, when its not true. I've been blessed with parents who have made life rather easy for me; and with friends who have helped a lot. So that my own efforts have been almost negligible.  It by no means follows that this bed of roses will continue indefinitely. I am willing to work for any success that may come. It is amazing, however, how little a young lawyer knows, when he is faced with actual cases, and proceedings in them. Its a new school of a practical kind that I'm now attending.

This temporary location, though pleasant, is one having some discouraging features. Not being settled, I cannot send out announcements of my location, inviting business. Those of my friends who know I am here, are beginning to identify me with this firm, which makes it imperative that I get the news to them when my attachment here is done. Anything which might come to me here, I feel would be the firm's, for the usual arrangement here is salary plus commission. I do not feel like handing out cards now with this firm's name on them, for anyone who might come in, failing to find me, might deal with anyone in the office. But I am getting a little new experience, and forming new acquaintances, which is something.

If you were wishing for me, I can no less say that I have been wanting you. Its been a strange experience, to have seen you so few times, and yet to have arrived at such a satisfying position in your eyes. I'm hoping that you will always think well of me, and that I can always merit your admiration and respect.

I am looking forward to seeing you and holding you, on about the 12th.

Andy

October 20, 1926

My dear,

I've been wondering for several days, what the trouble can be at Lima. I've had no letter for ten days, and I don't know why. Have I done something; have I failed to do something; is my Dot ill? Or did someone forget to mail a note?

We had a letter from Mrs. F. [1] yesterday, and she said that at last report, all of you were well. (I had hoped that the extraction of your tooth ended that trouble). If I do not get some word from Lima very soon, I'll be there to find out why. So if you don't want that to happen, you had better write.

I have been enjoying my work here very much, but I feel very "green" about a large share of it. I have been kept very busy, even to doing a great deal of chasing about during the evening hours. But at least, I am learning a few of the methods of the profession.  The men here in the office are very nice to me, and seem willing to help me as much as they can.

Columbus is again football mad. Ohio State has won three games by large scores, with a Conference game on the boards for next Saturday. In that connection, I am still hopeful that Dot will sit beside me at the Michigan game on the 13th. Is she hoping that, too?

Mother and Dad are in Cincinnati today, for the laying of the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple. Mother will return tomorrow, while dad goes to Lima. New house is progressing rapidly and on schedule. The candy business, I hope, still continues to go big. (I still insist that I like you for your money.)

Can I persuade you to believe that for a month now, sleeping or waking, I've been catching myself dreaming about you, wondering how I can hold you, how I can keep you interested? Shall it prove true that "absence makes the heart grow fonder", or am I presuming over much, when I dare to wish for you? Don't you dare tell me that I'm reaching for the moon.

I realize that you must have time to get better acquainted with me, to assure yourself that you can and do care. And I want time to prove myself to you. Meanwhile, if we can go on, in the delicious way in which we have started, I'll be more than delighted. You have been wonderful to me, and I am proud to call you "sweetheart".

Write me as you find time, dear. I'm only anxious that neither your own illness, nor that one of your family has prevented a letter this week. Pull every string, won't you, in order to make it to Columbus next week?

I'm waiting now for a reassuring word from you. You know who's sweet.

Andy
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[1] Mrs. Laura Veach Fast, Dottie's oldest sister.

October 13, 1926

Knepper & Wilcox
Attorneys at Law
Columbus, Ohio

October 13, 1926

My Dream Lady,

Just because I use a firm's stationery, is no reason for you to get excited. I can explain everything. Marshall E. Wilcox, a classmate and close friend of mine, is associated with this firm, of which his father is a member. Mr. Wilcox Sr. is very ill, and young Ted, as we call him, has taken him to Mayo Bros. He was good enough to remember me, and as a result, I am now taking his place for the duration of his stay in Minnesota. That may be for a week, or it may be longer.  My work is largely insurance claims investigation (auto insurance). I have found it interesting so far, and I hope it will continue so. [1]

I further have a letter from the Henderson Tire & Rubber Co., who advertised a week or more ago for a young attorney. I am to see them Thursday. What the nature of their proposition will be, I can only guess. If it is at all interesting, and I suit, I might like to try that, too. Of course, if one lines up with a corporation, it means that he works on a salary, his income is fixed and limited, whereas the possibilities of a straight law practice are more doubtful, but unlimited. Believe me, I will not make a decision on the spur of the moment, on any sort of chance that may come.

It seems that should be enough about me. I want to think about my little sweetheart in Lima. I wonder if you know what it means to me, to feel that someone can care. I have in a measure, always walled myself in from female contacts, and to learn that I can be attractive in any girl's eye, not to say in such a wonderful girl's eye, as yours, is almost an overcoming thrill.

I came to Lima because I was interested, but that I should come back leaving my own heart, and having the chance to gain a new one was too much to expect. Gee! but I'm proud of "my girl". When a letter comes, off I steal with it, hoping that herb feelings have not changed, and when I open it to find a breath of you in it, with a story that says "I still can care", "It's a grand and glorious feelin'." And its always a fight when a letter does come. Father likes to tease, so he offers to open it, or he pretends to steal it from me. (He hasn't succeeded yet!)

I am hoping that you will be able to see the Michigan game. Not only am I certain that you will enjoy it, but I know that I want to see you badly, and hold you close again. I am not sure that I'll get to Lima so soon, first because I'm not anxious to make myself a burden and a bore, and second because I've been persuaded to take a Sunday School class, as soon as we go back to our remodeled Church, which ought to be in a week or two. Can you imagine that.

I can understand you and Helen, a little, perhaps. You are nearly of an age, and I suppose all your lives, there has been a comparison drawn between you, by everyone who knew you both. Why should we worry about such comparisons?  I am satisfied, and hope to satisfy you.  I am not ashamed of any letter I wrote you, and anyone who sees them with or without your permission, is welcome if its any of their business. Right? [2]

The new house is coming nicely, and is apparently being kept on schedule. Roof is on, plumbers are roughing in the kitchen pipes, preparing the way for the plasterers. Each day sees more progress, and the contractor still states that we'll be in for Thanksgiving. I hope to see you before then.

Keep sweet for your
Andy
_______________________________________________________________________________
[1] Andy remained with the firm, and eventually became a partner.

[2] Dottie's niece, Helen Fast Howard, was very nearly the same age as Dottie and they had a sisterly relationship growing up.

October 5, 1926

My Dot,

Talk about walking on air or riding on snubbers! That's how I ain't felt no ways else but, since your sweet letter came. Its still unbelievable that you even consider me. How lucky I am and how tickled. I've been mooning now for more than a week, and pleasantly the time passed. My Dot - can that be true? I hope that it can be - and soon.

Well, the Fasts came and have gone only too soon for us. I suppose that by the time this letter reaches you, Mrs. F. and Betty will have come to Lima and M.P. You and I, or at least I, have been unjustly accused of being "fast workers".  I told Helen that I'd tell you that she felt that way about you, but she immediately limited her thrust to include only me. But I don't care. I'll take all the blame, especially if with it, fast or slow tho I may be, I can make myself closer to Dot. [1]

I'm glad that the prospector's gold claim is panning out so well. I'm wondering now about last Saturday's business, and how you were able to manage alone. I wouldn't be disloyal, would I, if I hoped that you had to fork over a little more rent last week?

And still it rains and I suppose Bob grows more disgusted as he almost counts the drops. Its tough to get water when you don't need it, and none when it means much. I hope he'll come thru OK. [2]

I came home this evening rather tired. I've been breaking in an agent for the old Traction line which formerly employed me. It's not a hard job, but I must scoot out of town early, put in rather long hours, and spend a draggy day in a very small station waiting for work to do. So really I tire of loafing rather than working. [3]

An arraignment day was held in Criminal Court today. Many prisoners are brought up and their pleas received (mostly not guilty). Then the court assigns attorneys to defend indigent prisoners who are without counsel. My name was handed in with the rest of the cub lawyers in town, but I have not yet heard whether or not I was assigned. There's little more than experience in it for a chap, but that is worth a good deal sometimes. Most of the poor fellows really have no defense, so that almost all that can be done is to plead for mercy for them.

Now don't, I beg of you, let that soap man or the vegetable man or the chap around the corner take "my Dot" away from me before I've finally earned her. Not that I'm afraid, but - I'm miles away and I'm afraid you'll forget me.

Oh yes - Helen also demanded that I show her your letter. She explained that she'd see mine when she got to Lima. I think she has three guesses.

Keep sweet -

All my best
Andy

 _______________________________________________________________________________
[1] "The Fasts" are Dottie's sister, Laura Veach Fast and her husband Claude. Helen and Betty were their daughters.

[2] "Bob" is Dottie's brother William Robert Veach, a farmer.

[3] Andy's father worked with Claude Fast for the Interurban railroad, which ran from Lima, OH to Ft. Wayne, IN.

September 28, 1926

1176 E. Mound St., [1]
Columbus, Ohio.
September 28, 1926

Dear Little Candy Queen: 

Even my own tires conspired to keep me from leaving Lima and you. I had the delightful job of changing one on Market St. before I had gotten to Metcalf. For all I know, (and I rather hope its true), you had driven a tack into it, hoping I'd stay. I suppose that would be asking too much, however. You will I think like me better if I never outstay a reasonable welcome.

I had a wet drive most of the way back, but it was a pleasant one, because it was blessed with some delightful memories, and the anticipation of your future favor. Twice I nearly forgot to take curves in the road, but I assure you I arrived here whole.

It was a wonderful weekend I spent with you, Dot. I had a most enjoyable time. You were good beyond my fondest expectations. I cannot yet convince myself that you could be at all interested in me. I want only to try to be worthy of that interest, so that at a future time, not so far distant, I can come to you with something to offer, and hope not to disappoint you. If you feel that you can wait for that time and your interest in me can continue that long, I will be more than happy.

It is unfortunate that we do not live closer to each other. Yet I am rather afraid that were you to see me more often, you might tire of me rapidly. I do not believe that I could see you too often. For are you not a member of the nicest family I know, and are not you the sweetest member of it? Believe me, I had long since fallen in love with the Veach family; I regret only that I had not known you sooner. Dare I hope that I may know you better from now on?

I am hoping that your little venture will continue to thrive as it gave evidence of doing on last Saturday. (I still insist that I like you for your money.) I really believe you have a wonderful opportunity there, and that you will not be disappointed with results. But I had hoped that you could honor us with a return visit, (a dozen of them) and your attitude has seemed to be that you will be tied down there. And to a great extent you will be, since the week end promises to be your best sales period. But let us suppose for instance that you begin to plan now to come to Cols for the Michigan game on Nov 13. Surely you will sooner or later make arrangements for necessary relief occasionally, and that you could reach such an arrangement by that time, seems to be reasonable. I wish that you could see your way clear to do it. I can almost guarantee you that you will enjoy yourself here with us, and I dare to hope that you will decide to come then. (Really that date is not important, so you come, except that during Homecoming at the University, entertainment is at its best in Columbus. For that reason I suggested that date. But whether then, or at another time, make plans to come, please.)

I have instructed Sue & Russ to see that the soap man does not cut me out. I'll try to be nice as I know how, and hope for the best. For I'd hate to lose something as nice as I have just found in you. [2]

May I count on a line from you as you find time? It is our only chance to keep a constant contact, a contact which I hope you are as eager to continue as I am.

My lurking fear of boring you to death causes me to close this letter while much might still be said. Will you tell your Mother and Bob how much I enjoyed seeing them again, and how I congratulate Bob especially on his conquest. The little lady seems very nice indeed. However, I am much better satisfied with a cornfed girl who said I might call her "sweetheart". [3]

"Always"
Andy

P.S. My sister did not write this for me. A. [4]
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[1] 1176 E. Mound St. is now a used car lot.

[2] Dottie worked, in some capacity, for the F. J. Banta Candy company in Lima, Ohio. (I can report that she always made her own peanut brittle ever after.) Also at Banta was Dottie's brother-in-law Russell L. "Russ" Hire (1894-1968), who would later be county auditor for Allen County, Ohio.  Russell's wife was Mary Susanna "Sue" Veach (1894-1991), Dottie's sister. While working in Lima, Dottie lived with Russ and Sue.

[3] William Robert "Bob" Veach's "conquest" was his fiancee, K______.  They never married, but remained engaged from 1926 until his death in 1983, only living together briefly (and covertly) for practical reasons, during his final illness. K______ came from a prominent family in town, and family gossip contends that she had a family secret that she was afraid would be exposed were they ever to proceed with the marriage.

[4] Andy was an only child and had no sisters.

September 5, 1926

Miss Dorothy Veach
Middlepoint, Ohio

Sept. 5, 1926

To the Belle of Middlepoint - Greetings:

I owe you at least one, if no more, apologies, for inexcusable delay in acknowledging your cards. I can't say that I was too busy, for I have been a loafer since my return from the East, except that I have worked a little for the Traction people, to help out. And it was not because I was not glad to hear from you each time, though I was surprised that you would take time to write me. So if you will accept my belated thanks, I'll try to do better next time. It was especially nice of you to remember my birthday, which I survived nicely. If you'll forgive me, I'll try to do better next time. (And what a weak promise that turns out to be).

Helen & H. paid us a fifteen minute call on their way home to Spgfld. Both were very much disappointed with Penn. apparently, and talk as though Mrs. F. would be a very unwilling Pennsylvanian. But yesterday came a letter from C.C., speaking of calls made by the "natives" which may help to cheer up Mrs. F. As for Betty, you know her ability to make friends. But even C.C. spoke of the day when he can be back in Ohio, so we'll all have to keep urging an early return. [1]

The lawyer has not yet found a location, where he can begin to practice (on such as want to be practiced on) (by the way, are you a candidate for practice?) Perhaps in five or six years, some one will recognize his doubtful ability, and deem him worthy of that $50.00 per month, we spoke of once.

I had a great trip, with many more experiences, but I still look forward to our horseback trip across the continent, providing our horse is a Ford or better. The less said about my ability to ride a horse, the better. Bob will remember my early attempts, (and I do not remember ever having ridden since then.)

Now hold your breath! I am about to accept your kind invitation to come to M.P. for a couple of reasons. First, I am curious to see the old place again. And I'd like to see Bob, your mother, and yourself again. Besides all that, I like you & your whole family. And it seems to me that's reason enough. But rather than say arbitrarily, I'll come on such a date, I'd rather have you say when you'd rather have me come, (if at all.) Wouldn't you rather do that at your convenience? (I believe its customary for the lady to name the day.) I'm leaving it at that, anyway.[2]

We have just decided to build a new home in Bexley, just east of Columbus. The contractors are to start work Tuesday a.m. and we are told, we can eat Thanksgiving there. Bexley is just a part of Columbus, really, having all conveniences, but maintaining a separate government as a village. All efforts in the past have failed to annex the town, but sometime I expect annexation will be accomplished. [3]

I suppose your weeks at Louisville were very enjoyable. I know Lulu hated to see you come away. (and who wouldn't.) I am going to investigate, and if you so much as looked at another lawyer down there, you'll hear from me, if I have to sue him for alienation of affections or what not. [4]

By the way, your mother is to play the piano for me if I am as fortunate as to be your guest. My mother has never forgotten Mrs. Veach's playing, and I have often heard her tell of her fine touch. Your mother's daughter once pleaded off on the ground that she did not have music, or that she did not play jazz, or something equally absurd. You'll not escape another time. [5]

Please excuse this writing, and the rambling nature of this note. Remember us all here to all the Veaches, and believe me that includes you.

Andy
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[1] "C.C." is Claude Charles Fast (1880-1946) who was married to Dorothy's sister, Laura Ellen Veach Fast ("Mrs.F") (1883-1955). Helen and Betty, mentioned in the same paragraph were their daughters. Claude worked with Andy's father for the Interurban Railroad (The "Traction people") which is how the two families became acquainted, although it was some time before Andy, Jr. and Dottie finally met.  Helen Fast suggested and encouraged their meeting, telling Dottie, "If you don't marry him, I will!"

[2] Dorothy's mother, Almanary Foster Veach (1857-1943) resided on the family farm in Middlepoint until her death in 1943. Her son William Robert Veach ("Bob") lived there until his own death in 1983.

[3] Bexley, Ohio was incorporated as a village in 1908, and became a city in 1932.

[4] Lulu Dayle Veach Schreiber (1891-1962) was Dorothy's sister.

[5] Mrs. Veach's piano, a 1901 Smith & Nixon, still exists and resides in the home of the blogger.

Mrs. Veach and her children.
l to r: Mary Susannah Hire,  Dollye Agnes Ladd, Ralph Raymond Veach, Almanary Foster Veach, Dorothy Mildred White, William Robert Veach, Laura Ellen Fast, Lulu Dayle Schreiber.