April 8, 1927 "Easter or Before"

April 3, 1927

Mine,

This darned gang expects to read my letter to you, but of course they won’t/. And the rule is established that no one reads the other’s note. I wonder what sort of silly chatter they’ll write to you.

I’m not a bit nervous – ad if I don’t hear from you to the contrary, I’ll be in Lima Weds night at about 7:30 your time. If you decide not to come over until Thurs a.m. let me know and I’ll come thru to M.P. (That is if you’re still willing to marry me.)

Whitie has succeeded in spreading the news all over the church, and this morning, I was the object of a great many smiles etc, not to say, a good deal of kidding. Ann and Homer refuse to participate in any kidding match, but I expect a lot from other sources.

Dad has decided that you and I will come back to Cincinnati on Friday night, there to stay until Sun afternoon, and then return with them.  I have said that we’d do that, to keep him quiet, but I intend that we’ll do what we have planned. When we leave Louisville, it will be with the understanding that we’ll meet Dad and Mother in Cinty, but Mother understands that we’ll come.

I have decided that the 11:05 a.m. train our of Lima will be best, unless you’d rather take a night train.

I told Mr. Knepper that I’d do the deed this week unless he objected, but he seemed reluctant to offer any objections, so there’s apparently no excuse open to me.

I am not looking for excuses though – I’m too tickled to think that I’m to have you as my wife. I love you my sweetheart, and I want to prove that to you. I feel as proud as a peacock. I still smile when questioned and say “Easter or before” but that gag don’t work very much since Dad has told the story.

Hobo and 3 girls (and one of the girls’ mother) were here last night for supper. It was the old social committee of the Young People’s Society. By the way, I have been asked to run for the presidency of the Baptist Young People of Columbus. I said I’d run, but wouldn’t devote much time to them. And the Sunday School class is about to materialize, apparently. So it looks like the busy season.

But you can be assured I’m devoting a full share of my time to my wife – that’s you – YOU. If it’s all the same to you, I’ll take a kiss before each meal, and some extras, too.  Be sweet until I see you, Weds night. I love you.

Andy

Dear Dot

The Lord pity you! Married life is heck!

Sister, Dot, life is what you make it. Start out like you intend to end it.  Don’t start anything you can’t finish!

Here’s to you. Call me next Sunday night if you want any corn meal mush!

Love “Ann”

Dear Dot:

Don’t tell Andy I’m writing you because he might be jealous. He is so busy flirting with my wife that he does not know I’m writing.

We are at the White’s tonight to see the old kid for the last time before your claims on him become prior.

Congratulations and best wishes for your happiness. Will see you at our house next Sunday night

Your brother-in-law

 Homer

This is station D.A.D. broadcasting. The next song on the program will be The Wedding March by Mendelssohn.  Here comes the Bride – can’t wait. See you [unreadable] Friday morning.

Dad White

My dear girl,

The children came in this evening and we are all waiting for you. Have been talking of you quite a bit and wish you were with us. Have all plans made and will see you Friday morning. Hope we have real nice weather from now on. Love to all and a lot for yourself.

Mother

March 30, 1927

My dear Sweetheart:

I never want to stop calling you that, but before long, if I’m called on to write you letters, I want to say, “my dear wife”. The time is growing short, but not speedily enough for me, does April 8 come round. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were out last night, and Chubby illustrated how each day meant one more day of freedom cut off – but even that does not discourage me. I know that I’ll enjoy you as “boss”.

I have been told that it will not be surprising to find myself in the “lake” next door, one of these fine nights, after a “belling”.  If that comes, too, I’ll have to endure it (unless you are able to protect me). Mrs. Young said last night that she has your job picked out – that you are to help her wait table at the dance. Of course you would marry me, so you have let yourself in for that.

I don’t envy you the experience of having a dozen girls come in to surprise you, though it is nice to realize that you have such good friends. Mother Veach was so pleased that the girls were coming that she fairly bubbled over with pleasure. (Really I began to fear that she’d tell you inadvertently).

We have hung your dresses in the cedar closet, and when guests run in, we eagerly drag them to the second floor to show that we expect a girl in the house. Everybody likes your rug, and the more times I unroll it to show it, the better looking I think it is.

Dot, I know we’re going to make a go of it. I have vowed myself that I’ll never by word or act do anything to make you regret having married me. I want you to always be happy in our home, and I am willing to go more than half way to see that you are content. There is no assurance that we’ll ever be anything but ordinary working folk, but there is every reason to believe that we can content ourselves with what we have. Once again I want to assure you that your happiness is the most important thing in life for me.

I’m coming to claim you next week, and then you’ll know that I mean it when I say, “you must be happy”.

I hope K was able to enjoy the surprise on Monday eve. I wish there wered some way of settling things for her and Bob.[1] Give them and mother my love, but save a big share of it for yourself.

Andy

[1] Dottie's brother Bob and his intended, Kathleen, were engaged for sixty-plus years, but never married, because "she wouldn't move to the farm and he wouldn't move to town."

March 20, 1927

My dear Sweetheart,

Mother's note explains itself. I was very much disappointed that things would not be ready when you came. But mother felt that you were acquiescing in the suite at Charlie's place, mainly because you wanted to be agreeable. I hope that you haven't done that. I'll go along next time, and judge for myself whether or not you are really pleased. Mother was dissatisfied because Charlie could offer no choice; and she thinks a lot of the Dustproof feature. She also thought that you'd enjoy another shopping trip - so tho things won't be ready, I hope you'll not feel too badly.

It was great to have you with us again - a grand and glorious feelin' to have you greet me on my return from the office - a wonderful taste of the good things in store for me when you're mine. Everybody seems to be as much in love with you as I am. Some have warned me that I'll have my hands full, and that I'll have to toe the mark pretty well, to wed the good looking girl I've succeeded in fooling so badly. It wasn't right that you had to go so soon. By every right I should have you in my arms at this very minute.

Yesterday, last night and today we had several hard rains. The lake next door is way up. The creek is within a few feet of the top of its banks. Dada predicts floods.  These week end rains are becoming a little monotonous - but I don't let them worry me too much.  One really can enjoy wet weather, I've found.

Another death pretty close to the office on Saturday a.m. Miss Macklin, wife of one of the firm's best clients died in Cinti. When I left you Friday I went to the funeral, then back to the office for a few minutes. Wheile there I received an accident report which said that the little son of a very good friend had been run down by an auto. I went to the home and found that the boy is not badly hurt. He has a gash in his chin which will probably become a scar, however. I can tell you that the parents are glad that they still have their boy.

It's wonderful how little kiddies tie a family together. The satisfaction a father and mother must have in guiding the little fellows along the way must be a recompense for the mother's suffering.

Mother and Dad are now writing to Claude and Laura. I wondered if you saw Helen, and got back O.K. And if the store is now off your hands for good.

I expect to see you Saturday, if nothing happens between now and then. But the folks insist that I start back Sunday evening. So plan things that way. I do not want to take Monday from the office - because in just a couple of weeks I'll want Thurs, Fri and Sat at least, won't I.

Tonight I'd like to be with you - to tuck you in and whisper, "I love you, sweet." But you know I love you, and want you, and that April 8 cannot come too soon for

Andy

March 10, 1927

"Baby-Face",

Monday I received an announcement of York Council & Dinner Dance which is to be held March 17, next Thursday. I have reserved two places one of which is yours. Can you sell out and get here for that affair? Can Bob & K, or Russ & Sue or both come, too? If they can, I can make reservations for them up to March 14. You said once, you'd never turn down a chance to come to Cols. - so I'm expecting you.

Have you written to Ross about April 8?  We'd better get arrangements made or we'll have to go to Louisville yet. I don't care, but I'd like Mother V. to be pleased.

I'm still loving you so much that I wonder always how long it will be. The time does not move rapidly enough to suit me. Please try to come down if you can. I want you so badly, and I'm happiest when I hold you in my arms. Are you still in love with me? If so, why? Put cross in circle and - no wait, this is not a questionnaire.

Dad went to the doctor on Tuesday. He tells me he is close to a nervous breakdown. He has given him medicine and it seems to help him. He'll go back on Saturday Mother is O.K. She's attending a women's meeting at the church today.

Yesterday I investigated an accident in Zanesville. I had to go out to a coal mine on the Adamsville Road. Believe me  when I thought of Adamsville, I thought of Dottie - 'cause that's where you were the first time I came to see you. Remember?

Tonight I'm to attend a chapter meeting where Homer receives his final degree in the chapter work.

I have not had a chance yet to tell Mother of our honeymoon plans, but a complication has arisen. The folks would like Aunt Jo to be present at the wedding (for that matter as would I). She would of course visit with the folks for a few days, and I suppose they'd want to come right back. We'll work something out though, won't we?

Be a good girl and sell that store right away, won't you?  Then you'll be free to come down next week. You must realize, too, that time is short, if you want to get here for a few weeks. Please, pretty please, sell!

If I loved you any more than I do, I'd break your ribs squeezing you. You are the most beautiful, the most precious girl in the world. I would not trade you for a thousand. I must have you, and soon.

Always my sweetheart, Dot, is what I want you to be. I need your help, your counsel, and your confidence to make good. I'm going to be so proud to say, "I'd like you to meet my wife".

I love you
Andy

March 2, 1927

My dear girl,

April 8 or any earlier date you choose will suit me perfectly. When I think about the foolish choice you have made though, I wonder if April 1 would not be better (Joke). I do not regret the loss of my "freedom", for there is a compensation in some form or other for that. If I lose my freedom, I gain you, and that's far more than an even trade.

Have you heard from Ira Spenney? It has been more than a week since I wrote him, and I have had no acknowledgement or indication that he sent the rings to you. Perhaps you, too, had better write. I'd rather hate to have the same thing occur that did at Christmas.

Convince Mother V. that no big affair is necessary or desired. Keep up your courage and dpon't back out at the last minute - cause I'll spank you if you do. It's very nice of Ross to make the trip - and we must of course see that he is not inconvenienced too much. You said nothing about the trunks etc. Do you want me to bring any of Homer's or my equipment?

And will you love me when I'm fat? And gray? You may have to, unless you desire to put me on a diet. Not that I've put on any weight, but dad and grandad have been a little heavy - so you can never tell.

Are you coming for the basketball tournament and for the dance on the 9th? I hope so, you bet. My sweetheart, it has been long between glimpses of you - and it's still a long time until April when I can call you mine - really mine. But you are worth waiting for. When a girl like my Dot falls for me - m-m-m- but I'm proud. I love you, dear, and I'm so happy to have won you.

Andy

February 27, 1927

My own,

How long - how long? Another Sunday evening service with all the young couples arrayed - and I alone - and you alone!  I think I'll ask Congress to pass a a\law making Easter come on the first Sunday of March. Something will have to be done.

Yesterday, a young chap from Cinti - now a student at Miami came in and we had him until this afternoon. He's a boy who lived in the same house with us 15 or 16 years ago. He's 22 now and a dandy young fellow. (And he has a Dotty, too, but as I remember her, not nearly so nice as mine.) I took him to a picture show last night - and it was the same thing over again - couples everywhere. Don't it make one lonesome?

Homer took ill yesterday A.M. and was suffering terribly - acute gastritis - in the afternoon; I went up at about 2:30 and stayed until 5:30 when he was resting pretty easily; today he was up and pretty well over his attack.

He has two small trunks and one of the overseas trunks. He also has two large suitcases, really sample cases, which will hold together more than a small trunk.  Any or all of these we can have for the asking. So if you'd like me to bring some of them - I'll get them.

I find it hard to write how I feel about my sweetheart. Just to say "I love you" is a repetition which though trite, covers the subject. There's so much I feel I'd like to say, and yet when I'm with you, it's enough, it seems, just to hold you in my arms, to realize that my good fortune is real. I wonder why we never actually met sooner, and then I wonder how we both were willing to work so fast. I'm not sorry, Sweetheart, I'm too glad to get you to spend much time thinking about whys and wherefores. You have been in my eyes everything that is beautiful and good and desirable. When you said you'd trust your life to me, you gave me something to live for, work for, do for. I didn't know how much a girl could mean in a chap's life until you said "yes". When you could show your confidence in me that much, it meant to me that I must always deserve that confidence. I'm always thinking, "She must never regret her choice." God willing, I'll be a good husband to my Dot.

My dearest one, the time is growing short. If you plan on being home for a week or two, soon you must give up the store. I'd like for the last week before our marriage to be one of rest for you as much as is possible. You deserve and need a few days. As sure as you don't take the opportunity to rest then,  I'll put you to bed and keep you there when I get you.

Has the lumbago completely left, and are you feeling O.K.? We're all rather worried about your continuing in the drafts at the store. I want you to take care of yourself. God bless you and keep you and send you to me soon, my little wife.

Andy

We're not forgetting the 11 & 12 of March. Are you planning a visit still?  Can you come on the 9th? Capital City Lodge has a dance to which we have been invited. I'm sure Russ and Sue would be welcomed, too - can't you all come a little early for the tournament? I love you - A

February 25, 1927

Dearest -

One step further from starvation. I had a rather pleasant shock today. Mr. Knepper called me in and asked me how long I had been there. I told him since October 12, something over 4 months. He then told me that my work the past week justified an increase and added 5.00 to the weekly tally. So you see, though we'll not have munificent riches on which to try to get along, we will be faring comparitively well for a young lawyer and his equally young - no younger - bride.

But what makes me a little more vain and conceited is what he said later. "If you keep on, you'll make a good lawyer." Probably what earned the increase was a lucky settlement. On a bluff, on my part, I secured a payment of $155.95 from an insurance co. conferring a direct benefit on the Co. I represented, and an indirect benefit on a third Co., (incidentally earning two if not three fees for the firm). I'll tell you the circumstances one of these days. I had only one statement in my file, and although it was good, I doubt if it was enough to justify the other company in paying. Its my guess that they know something that I didn't, but that they thought I knew.

Mother has pressed my head a little to keep it from swelling, but I'd like to be in Lima now where you could do as much for me. I wish really I could see you oftener. The only solace I find is in thinking from day to day that you'll soon be with me. I know it's going to be a wonderful feeling to have you. I like to shut my eyes and think of coming home to have you meet me at the door; and then sitting here with you of an evening; or of going somewhere with you. I sometimes regret that I've started to be a "regular" at the Lodge because I remember that I'll be away from you. But on nights when I go out on investigations, I've decided that you'll go along, and what might be an arduous duty will become a pleasant task.

I can't picture anything nicer than to be married to you. To call you my sweetheart for all our lives is my first ambition. I'm thanking God for a lot tonight. Everything in my life has been almost a bed of roses; everything has come my way that was at all good for me to have. I've been fortunate in friendship, in work, and especially in love. I've won a beautiful and precious mate, and I'm trusting to Him to give us a long and useful life together.

I'd like sometime to be as good, for instance, to some boy, as Mr. Young was to me. I'd like to be of as much help to some other lad as any number of teachers and friends have been to me. I'd like sometime to make someone as anxious to do something for me as I am now to work for Knepper & Wilcox. And I'd like to be as good a husband to you as your dad was to your mother, or my dad is to my mother. (And I'd like for us someday to be as good parents to some little kiddies as our parents have been to us.)

I love you, Dot, more than I can tell you. Hurry and sell that store!

Andy

February 24, 1927

Dearest of Girls:

Your letter indicates your big dilemma. It seems to me we ought by all means please your mother - but she cannot expect to overdo. She of course thinks that she can have a big afair for her baby, but it's a physical impossibility for her to make "heap big fuss", as you know. I can see why she would want you to be married at home, and think myself it would be very nice. But still, I want my girl to "feel married", and she says she wouldn't if the home preacher officiates.

Ross, when he was in Ohio, probably obtained a license from the probate court of his county authorizing him ton perform ceremonies. That being the case, he must merely present his license to the probate court of Van Wert County, for registration there. Or if he has never taken out an Ohio license, he is eligible under the statutes as I read them to procure such a license.  The only difficulty in securing Ross, as I see it will be in getting a date on which he can be with us. The Ky. statute will let us get a license there. It doesn't matter where - just so I get you. That's the way I feel. (And I'd take you even in gold.) I wrote to Ira S., and you should hear from him in a few days. When the rings come, you will be able to make your choice. If you insist on me seeing them too, I'll be willing but not enthusiastic, because I want you to be pleased, regardless of my opinion.

Have you sold that darned store yet? You had better get a good offer and let it go, or I'll think you don't mean Easter of before. My sweetheart, I sometimes doubt if I can wait until Easter, but I will of course. When we have to wait for things we want, we ought appreciate them more.  I'm sure that I'm going to love you more and more as we go along together. You have been so wonderful to me that I know I'm the luckiest of men. And after the first 100 years, you will have become used to me, and will not mind so much having me around.

I'm sorry, I do not have a trunk. If Russ will lend his, we'll use it, and someday when we make a trip (if - when - as) - we'll have to get one. I thought we were plentifully supplied with luggage - but it begins to look as though I've overlooked one bit.  I think that Homer has a small overseas trunk or two around somewhere, and if you like, I'll borrow it. Turnabout is fair play. He borrowed my suitcase and travelling bag when he married.

I had a big day yesterday - but am loafing a little today. So your letter leaves a little earlier than it would have done.

Keep sweet for me - and try to love me a little more.

Andy

February 21, 1927

My darling,

It was a lonesome Sunday without you, after that week end with you. I have felt somewhat ashamed since last week, for keeping you up so late when you were so uncomfortable because of the pain. If I didn't know that I would have had a hard time getting you to bed, I would feel worse. We were all of us glad to hear that the lumbago was leaving you. I hope that the good report still continues. You must take care of yourself, dear, for me. You will, won't you?

One of the men at the Interurban station was killed Thurs. night and we went to the funeral this afternoon. Then to church this evening with Allen's (our old neighbors). I saw lots of girls at church on both occasions, but none can compare with you. You should hear us around here now.  When something is mentioned, our first question is, "Do you think Dottie will like it?" And we mean it. I know that I want you to be satisfied, contented, and happier if possible, with me here, than you ever have been before. And it seems that my folks are just as anxious that our life, and our surroundings here shall be as you want them.

Did you enjoy my report of the reception I got Mon. afternoon at the office? I stood a bit of ragging, I can tell you.  But that's the sort of thing that pleases a fellow's vanity.. To know that everyone else knows he cares, and that someone cares for him. I have not been busy this week; the firm has plenty of business, but a great deal of it cannot be handled by a "cub". I go along and get acquainted with such cases as I can, so that I can at best listen intelligently when the men talk about them.

The weatherman seems to pick Sundays for his snowstorms. We have had snow since last night. There has not been much of it, but there have been high winds which cause a lot of drifting, and of course the drifts are in the most inconvenient places (that is, where shovelling must be done.)

I shall write Ira Spenney early this week in line with your suggestion. If he sends the rings soon, or early in the week, it might be an inspiration to hold them until I see them.  So if you are able to choose, I'd suggest sending the other right back, and my check can go to him then right away. I know that you want me to see them, dear, but after all it is to be your choice.

I have looked at Ky. law, and I rather think that we'll have to claim residence there to get a license. Perhaps Ross can set us right as to that if we ask him. I should really go to the statutes themselves to make sense, and I'll do it the first time I get over to the Supreme Court library.

Mother talked to Homer and Ann on the phone yesterday. Homer asked about you again.  Is there something you're keeping from me?

I don't care. I love you too much to worry. And I believe you care for me like that. Sweetheart, it's a long time til April, but you're worth waiting for longer than that. It's bedtime and again I climb to my room to spend the night alone. Not many more times will I have to do that. One day, and every day after that, I'll mount the stairs with my arm about your waist,  or quietly sneak up to find you tucked between the covers waiting for me.

And though I hate to get up in the morning now, I know I'll hate it more when I have you. Still I'll always remember that just as surely as day follows night, so does night follow day, and I'll be with my sweetheart again after a few hours.

I can't tell you how I love you; I'll just have to show you for 50 years, and then ask you if I've proved it.

Andy

February 9, 1927

Sweetest:

Present plans are for mother to leave here on Friday A.M. to go to Middlepoint for a little visit with Mother Veach.

I am telling her to stop at Lima to see you before going on over, when you can arrange for Bob to meet her. On second thought, why not let her call from M.P station when she gets there?

Unless you hear differently, mother will arrive at Lima at 11:15 Friday A.M. (Lima time)

I will come up on Saturday evening, when I'll do my best to squeeze you to pieces.

You are the nicest, dearest little sweetheart anyone ever had - I'm so darned tickled about getting you, I don't know what to do.

I hope all the gang are still satisfied with me - but in case they are not - if you are, that's enough.

May I tell you on Saturday how much I care?

Andy

February 7, 1927

My own:

I've a very bad fever working on me now- so you'll pardon me if I rave a little in this note. My fever did not come on me suddenly, but it is getting worse each minute. It's the fever to see you again. And since the urge will not leave me, I know, I'm planning on making another week end trip. I have almost persuaded mother to postpone her visit until late this week, with my plea that then I'll come up to get her. I must see you. I wander around here and wherever I go I see couples - oh gosh! how lonesome it makes me feel.

And your very good friend Elsie is still speaking of wonders of the world. She tells everyone she sees of our engagement, and how you have a niece older than yourself, and how I have had the ring for a very long time trying to put it on somebody (and at last have succeeded). More fun than a Sennett Comedy, I guess from what I hear.

By the way, do you remember the book she gave me when I graduated? And the sweet writing in it? Grrr-rrr-grrrrr. She's due for a swift kick - I hope she gets it.

Do you care if I dream about you? If I long to have you hear with me? If I pray that you'll dispose of the store in time? If I wish that April preceded March?

Bexley's waiting for you, young lady - but hang Bexley - so am I. There! No more trying to tell you how I love you.  I'll try to show you when I see you - I hope next Saturday.

Andy