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Roma’s new job, teaching music in Fostoria, Ohio, appears to fill her with purpose and that makes her happy. She tells him that his love for her provides the foundation for her to take on the job with gusto. She has decided not to add to her income of $90 per month with additional church work―singing or otherwise being involved with Sunday church music. They are both clearly in love with each other but nothing at the moment moves them toward marriage. She talks about it and even refers to women proposing, but for the moment she’s happy with her professional life and one gathers that he will never leave Portsmouth. God knows what he does for a living. He mentions again his good friend Mr. McCrea of Pittsburgh whom he traveled with in England. Again, I wonder if they had a sexual relationship.
What small hand she has! Size 6 gloves. He’s such a prude, cautioning her about going to “pictures” and riding in “autos.” She says she is physically “not right” and does not provide any detail. Maybe she doesn’t know. She is very happy with her living situation, at Mrs. Near’s. I’m impressed with the enormous amount of work required to keep a house and keep up her clothing for work. This in a day without washing machines as we know them and everything having to be ironed. Roma recalls her love for Utah on chancing on a Salt Lake newspaper: “I love that dear country so.” Her earlier travels took her there, but these do not feature in these letters since they happened long before Roma met Fred, during her carefree days.
[Fostoria, Ohio, 5 PM, September 20, 1915.]
My dearest lover:
My, how differently I feel tonight from what I did one week ago. What a lot can happen in a week, can’t there dear? I am writing this letter as a “surprise,” for I know you cannot righteously expect one.
I received your “whole” paper today, also the gloves. I am glad you got the whites, they seem more symbolic of you, and I can get the others myself. They are lovely dear, and I shall enjoy them ten times more because they came from you.
Dear when will I see you again? I don’t expect it to be soon, but I like to think and talk about it. Will it be Thanksgiving or Xmas? You know we are going “home” Xmas. That is but a little way from Detroit so we will take in the city too. I know I wish I had a date with a certain someone for tonight. Who can that someone be?
I noticed your blue penciled markings in the paper. I noticed what y-o-u- it had to say, especially on dead horses and “a” cow. I suppose that makes you glad, so I am glad. No doubt “they” have caused you to be unusually busy, and maybe the dead “beasts” [?] have interfered with my letter. They better not.
Dear, I am real sure the Lord has use for you, married or unmarried, and I agree with the writer that he has more use for the clean, unmarried man than the ones married and unclean. However, I think he likes the clean married man “better.” “Catch Me.”
What do you think about women proposing? Next year is leap year—beware? Have you begun to feel shaky yet? Dear if it is a case of getting married, because it is convenient, proper, or any other excuse, I say, let the man do the work, it is a man’s job. But when it is a case of pure, sweet, holy, mutual love, I don’t give a ( ) who proposes just so they GET MARRIED. Can you follow that?
Today I began my first real work, and I like it fine. I went to the Union Building. I was very well received by both the pupils and the teachers.
I have an appointment at three-thirty to go for an automobile ride to look at a piano for the house. It is a grand afternoon for a ride, wish you were going along.
I had a fine letter from Lena May today. She is teaching in Jacksonville fourth grade, and Spink and Mills are in the same building. She said she has a card from you the other day and to thank you. Also that Mr. Rawson was still very attentive to Miss Spink. He met her in Chicago and is going to take Miss Mills and her to St. Louis. He is another “Fred Winter,” he knows how to treat the ladies, but I like “Fred” better.
Well dear my “automobile” hour is nigh, so I must close with “love as deep at the ocean,” (Isn’t that a simile?)
Lovingly – Roma.
[September 22, 1915.]
My dearie:
You are getting too many letters from me, but I take pleasure in writing, as it is the next thing to talking. I received your nice long letter written Monday night, also the paper on the afternoon delivery. Your special delivery was not received until Monday night about eight o’clock. It had been to Findley. Somehow I looked all day Sunday for a special, I felt sure I was going to get one, and was truly disappointed, but had no right to be. It is needless to say it was fully appreciated when it did come.
I believe I thanked you once for the gloves, but wish to do so again. I wore them last night to a reception in the Second Presbyterian Church. They were so white and beautiful, it seemed almost like sacrilege to wear them, and go with another man. I did not know I was able to attach so much sentiment to such an inanimate thing as “gloves.” I could have worn the six size fine, but these are all right. They will wear better for being a little large.
I note your admonition regarding “picture” shows and “auto” riding. Dear, I am glad you are interested enough to give this bit of advise, and it is truly appreciated. I agree thoroughly with all you had to say regarding them. I have been to each just once (auto & picture) since I have been here. There are two tonight we girls should like to go to. One is “The Dawn of A Tomorrow,” and “The Rosary.” I believe they will both be worth while.
I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying my new work. More almost than anyplace I have been. I indeed was amused at the clipping in the Portsmouth paper regarding my appointment. I hope Mrs. Hoobler saw it.
Dear, I started something today, and I don’t know whether it is foolish or not. I started taking chiropractic treatments. Physically, I am not right. I am not sick but have no endurance. I think it is just a case of “nerves,” no money could hire me to go thru again what I have been thru. I am more fond of osteopathy but their treatments are two dollars straight, and these I get six for five dollars, and so long as there is no organic trouble, chiropractic may do as well.
Was pleased to read about your niece Helen, and hope to meet her sometimes.
Most lovingly, Roma.
Monday afternoon.
[Col. & Norford, W.D., September 24, 1915.]
Portsmouth, Ohio
My sweetest girl and precious sweetheart:
I could extend that salutation “ad infinitum” were I to reduce to writing the many sweet and precious thots I have had of you this whole day. I believe it was Emerson who said “The essence of friendship is entireness”—dear Roma, if that be true, and I believe it is, then friendship, as here used, must be a synonym for love. I feel that it is not too much to say that I (and I mean myself) am the personification of that philosophy that Emerson (who is one of my favorites) here teaches, for dearest, I find my thot, my friendship, my affection and my love, seemingly excluding all others, are in, for and to you. Would you not call that “entireness?”
In a recent letter I recall I mentioned in rather an emphatic way my fondness for you; dear heart, fondness was a larger word than I should have used—the shorter word beginning with “l” was intended. Pet, I am gradually drawing away from the idea so often expressed “love is blind.” I believe it’s a false proverb. I am so glad, yes positively thankful, that you and I have found the universal confessional of love where we can unburden ourselves by disclosing our burdens, our griefs, our perplexities, our doubts and by this disclosing reduce and lighten them one half.
You said or rather wrote to me that no man would ever fall in love with you “for your pretty face or for your money”; as to the former I have a right to my opinion, which, of course, you will not deny—say do you know I could write a chapter on that “pretty face”—“it” always looked good to me, however, as to the latter part of your statement, I know absolutely nothing. But one thing I do know and that is I liked you from the very beginning of our acquaintance and this “liking” has grown and developed and rapidly too, into an ardent and passionate love. I do not see how any man could love a woman more than I love you. I realize what I am saying here is strong language, but I want it to be strong. I am expressing myself in plain, simple English that there may be no misunderstanding as to how and where I stand.
I received a letter from you today, the opening sentence of which said “you are getting too many letters from me, etc.” Please, dear Roma, let me be the judge of that, whenever they get too numerous, I’ll let you know in ample time, so for the present you need not worry about the letters to me being too numerous. By the way the letter received today (Friday) was marked along the margin “Monday afternoon”—why this delay?
Someone certainly blundered in not getting that special to you last Sunday—I am sorry you did not get it on time. Was the sugar still intact? I surely would have liked to be the man to help you initiate those white gloves at the reception. Those gloves were no longer inanimate when Roma had them on. I am glad you have received my suggestion as to “auto rides” and “picture shows” in the same kind of spirit in which it was sent. Dear Roma, you indeed are a jewel. I want you to stay where you belong, vis., in the unique class, the twenty percent class. You will understand what I mean.
I am delighted to know that you continue to enjoy your new work. I feel that you are in your element and in due time things will be normal with you. I do not remember having told you when I last saw you, however, I met Mrs. Hoobler the other day and told her of your success and she sends you her regards. I know but little about chiropractic treatment and am not in position to either advise or suggest. I feel very sure that as soon as you are adjusted to your new environment and properly acquainted with your work you will be the sweet and attractive girl I met last spring. You are blessed with a good mind and a sound body and when fully adjusted with your new and congenial surroundings you will be a veritable radiator of happiness and sunshine.
Dear Roma, I have reasons to believe that within the next forty-eight hours Mr. B. will see you. I hope you will enjoy his call. I saw Mr. B. today and told him I saw you in Fostoria the last time I was out of town—until today I did not let him know I was there. I was in Chillicothe Wednesday and mailed you a card from there.
I have sent for a book that I think will be helpful in your work. When it comes I’ll forward it to you.
I talked to Miss Marting today on the phone and she said she was glad to read in the paper an account of your Fostoria success. Miss Marting has charge of the musical part of our banquet program.
Sweetheart, as usual the hour is late and I must hurry over to the station box to post this letter as I want you to have it before Sunday. I feel that we are bound by the most precious ties and my heart goes out to you in tender greeting and with love unmeasured.
I remain, dear Roma,
Your loving Fred.
[Fostoria, Ohio, 4 PM, September 25, 1915. Special delivery.]
Precious sweetheart:
Dear, you make me so happy. This is Saturday afternoon and just as I started to read your letter I had callers so was forced to wait. What a dear, sweet, beautiful message it was. I have not the time at present to answer it, as I feel it should be, altho I have the disposition.
Mrs. Near is too dear for anything. She lets us girls do just as we please. This morning we washed and believe me it was “some” washing. That is something I have never done since I’ve been teaching. Most landladies do not want you “mussing” around. I did some shopping this morning, straightened my room, I mean by that, going over and thru everything, and that takes time. Then washed. That took up the forenoon. We had company for dinner so had to be nice and that took time. Then Harriett and I played and sang. Dear, I do want to do something with my music this winter. I am not going to try and do any church work. If I can’t live on $90 a month, I better quit. I feel what extra strength and times I have I should devote to develop the small talent I have. My work is going to be very strenuous and I am going to try and use my “head” and save my “heels.”
This morning some of the teachers called me up and want me to go to “Meadow Brook” a summer resort, this afternoon. We are to take supper there. That is why this note is hurried and squeezed in. But I know it will be appreciated and I want you to have some tangible evidence of my love for Sunday.
Dear, I told you in the beginning that you made me happy. I also want to tell you what an inspiration you are to me in my work. The hard places are literally made easy, for there is always the thot and comfort of being loved and cared for. Too, your high ideals are worth trying to reach. No man dear has ever seen, and known me as you have. You have seen me morning noon and night, all day and nearly? all night, and not only that but days, and likewise I have seen you. That is the companionship that tells, whether it is lasting or for a day. Dear, everything I do you influence in a silent, and unseen way. My ambition to be a success here is more to please you, than myself. There is nothing sentimental in my love for you. It is one of service and expression (when I have the chance). If I can only get strong and well again my work is going to be such a pleasure, for I love the work, my environment is more than pleasant and I have your love and interest to bless it, but dear, I am not well, my limbs knees, ankles, and feet ache from the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, but I hope it won’t last much longer.
With truest and deepest love, Roma
To my own true love,
Confession is good for the soul. I speak as one making a confession. Your special reached me this morning about 8:30 as the sun was warming and lighting the earth, and as the rays of God’s sunshine warmed and lighted the earth so did your sweet message come to warm and lighten my heart and soul, and dear Roma, coming as it did, unexpected and in the sweet quiet of this beautiful Sunday morning it was at once a blessing divine and a benediction from Heaven. Its coming unexpectedly made it thrice welcome, but you may believe me, the desire to receive it could not have been stronger.
Since receiving your letter this morning I have been to both Sunday School and Church service. Dearest, this was review Sunday and different members of Judge Kimble’s class had the various lessons of the quarter assigned to them to give three minute talks. Mr. B. had one of the lessons assigned to him, but he being absent, the teacher called on me to substitute for Mr. B. You can readily see that would be a hard matter, however, I talked to the class for about five minutes, but not about any particular lesson, and when I had concluded, the class applauded. I wish you could be here for “our” class banquet next Friday evening and sing for us. You saw the program as “blue marked” in the paper sent you. I am going to call on Miss Marting on the hill tonight. I think I shall ask her to play for me the “Old Sweetheart of Mind.” Do you think that would be suitable to add to our program at the class affair? Mr. B. put me on the Committee on Arrangements and my particular work is the publicity end. I was placed on this committee when I was not there to defend myself. I, at this time, hold no church membership.
Pet, we heard a beautiful sermon this morning on the theme you see on the enclosed bulletin. The basis for his theme was the famous twenty-third Psalm. The new minister has been well received. He is the same man you and I heard preach his trial sermons May 16th last. I cannot forget the date for it was in the very infancy of our love.—a “love that will not let me go.”
Sweetheart, I appreciate the promptness with which you answered my last letter—and your answer was so good and sweet. I am glad that you find Mrs. Near so accommodating. You are indeed fortunate in having such a place. That washing “stunt” won’t hurt you for I have known women to get both rich and fat doing it.
You speak of playing and singing with “Harriett”—did you get a piano? I think you are wise, for the present, at least, to cut out the church work. What you say about living on $90 a month, I endorse in toto and then some.
I certainly appreciate the kind and considerate sentences of my interest in you and your work. Oh, for the power to inspire you to loftier heights! Oh, for the power to strengthen your influence for the good and sweet! Oh, for the power to stir your ambition for deeds of expressive and efficient service.
Your love for your work, your congenial surroundings, your special fitness for your work and the satisfaction of appreciated service should all combine to make your new work in your new place a brilliant success. “So may it be.” If my love and interest unite to bless your work—then it must be a blessing indeed for my love and interest are more than strong.
Dearest, I am distressed that you continue to write that you are not well. Those aches and pains of which you complain should rapidly disappear and leave under the influence of these beautiful fall days. Don’t you think it would be a good idea to suspend the chiropractic treatments for a time and thus give nature a chance to do her healing in her quiet and mysterious way. Your good food, plenty of sleep, congenial occupation and proper elimination can have but one result, viz, a normal girl.
Say, the author of your “horoscope” was just about right. I note with much interest your underscoring.
I received word yesterday that my friend Mr. McCrea of Pittsburgh, was now touring Ohio and would be in P. sometime in October. It was his letter that I sent you to read. We toured England together in 1910. I wish you could meet him. He is a fine gentleman.
Sweetheart, the shadows of evening are beginning to steal across the sky and I was just thinking what a delightful evening this would be to spend with sweet Roma in her green, the very thot of it lifts and buoys me up. Maybe Mr. B. will be the lucky man. Your ears ought to be red hot about now for I have been thinking about you for several days, almost constantly—and those thots are sweet and precious.
Dearest love, I have read during the past week a booklet entitled “Right Living as a Fine Art” by Rev. Dr. Wendell Dwight Hillis, whom I have had the pleasure and privilege of hearing lecture and preach. He is Henry Ward Beecher’s successor in Brooklyn. The booklet is based on “Channing’s Symphony of Life.” It is really sublime and worthy of much study and reflection.
Again let me express my appreciation for the special—I cannot tell you how much it added in making this a happy day for me. Delight me with an early reply.
With love the truest and deepest, Fred.
[Fostoria, Ohio, 1 PM, September 29, 1915.]
My dearest lover:
It is now eight-thirty and one of the girls who is going to stay all night with me will be in soon, but I am so lonesome I will write until she comes. One of the girls received a Salt Lake paper today, and just to read the “ads” makes me so lonesome and down right homesick. Isn’t that silly, but I can’t help it, I love that dear country so.
Sweetheart, I received your “sweet” box of candy tonight. It surely was “cute.” I was so hungry for some candy tonight, and bought some when down town, then came home and found your “sweet” package. Your letter of yesterday was indeed a masterpiece as they all are. I am glad you enjoyed the unexpected. I knew you would even tho it was written so hurriedly.
I am so glad and proud of you dear, because you are such a grand good man. I hate a “goody goody” but I do appreciate one who can enjoy the best in life. I am sure your talk Sunday was worth listening to, and I am glad you had such an appreciative audience. If I ever have to give a toast I will “make” you write it for me. I am sure dear you could give “That Old Sweetheart of Mine,” with credit, and I/ coming from [inserted] a member of the class would make it still better.
I was truly amused when I came to May 16th in your letter. If you keep on, you will have me convinced that yours was a case of love at first sight. I had forgotten the date, but believe me I will never forget how swell you looked. Dear I’d like to see you in evening dress. I’ll bet you are “stunning.”
Mrs. Near said to tell you we missed you. She had to pay two cents to get your last letter for me. This post-office here is on the “bum.” They send mail out when they please and deliver it likewise. There have been two sarcastic articles in the paper about the postmaster and his doings.
I surely would enjoy meeting your friend Mr. McCrea, and am glad he will get to see you.
The book you spoke of sending me I am sure will be helpful and I shall look forward to it with pleasure, but dear heart, you must not do so much for me.
This has been a very hard day and I am so weary I can hardly sit up, in fact I am not as I am in bed. I get so lonely at night I don’t know what to do. I have something important to tell you, but will wait until morning. Goodnight dearest sweetheart, how I would love to go to sleep in your arm tonight.
Wednesday 7:30 A.M.
Well dear, I have had my breakfast and am ready to resume my pleasant task. I wish I did not feel as tho I should tell you this, because I should like to surprise you, but dear heart don’t you dare have a date Saturday Oct. 9th or 10th. cause I’m coming to see you. You see we have three other “little devils” here just like me and we’re going on a lark. Here is the proposition I put to Mr. B. and he is “game.” He told me he would see me soon, and I asked him if he could not make it Friday and during the “Korn Karnival” week and that four of us girls would drive from Fostoria to Portsmouth with him. We will stay all night in Columbus Friday night, and make the drive from Columbus to Portsmouth Sat. morning. Now does that sound good to you? The girls will be the ones you met here, Clara Mertz, Harriet Lea, and Ethel Alexander and Roma Belle. Which one do you want? Do you suppose you can capture two other males at that end of the line? Mr. Lemon and _____.
Now dear, this is a dead secret. I don’t want you to let Mr. B. know that you know. I will write to him and ask him to tell you. The one thing that worries him is “how is going to have me to himself with all of that bunch along?” The one thing that I am guarding. I hope you have a frost so the trees will be pretty.
Lots of love, Roma.
QBA 