You see, some other folks in my library program are running an archives podcast, and wondered if they could use some of these letters for their "Valentine's" episode, on account of Grandpa Flahaven's endearing sentimentality ; ). As a result, I've been sifting through letters looking for some piquant examples of love-lorn cuteness, and I think I found some that will be worth sharing. I'll post up information about how to listen to the podcast as soon as it happens. They've wrangled someone into reading 5 of Grandpa's letters out loud, and I'll even be reading one of written by his sweetheart. Stay tuned for that!
The letter for today contains a cute, labeled comic from a magazine that Jim sent alongside his note. I will try my best to figure out the scanner tonight, so that that's in context.
This week, I'm commiserating with Jim's blizzard complaints. We got snow dumped on us earlier in the week, but now it's turned into the infamous "too cold to snow." I'm thinking of investing in a full-body sweater.
Eagle Butte, S. DakSun. March 29, 19428:30 P.M.Dearest Ruthie;I don’t imagine you have received my other letter as yet, but it really won’t hurt to get two at a time will it?I am sending you a cartoon I clipped out of the last Esquire, I think it is kinda cute, don’t you? It reminds me of the first few times I saw you, and wanted to be introduced to you.Well I believe our blizzard is over, it really messed things up. didn’t it? I sure wanted to get to Faith this week-end but you couldn’t hardly get out of the city limits – until this P.M.Hanson was over after dinner, he said he came through Faith and the roads weren’t bad at all. – He said he saw you in Dupree St. Patricks nite – The girl that was with him said “oh! was that her? – she sure seemed to be enjoying herself.” and I said “So what!” It kinda burned me up – the way she said it.I sure wish the West Hotel, with some of its modern convenienves had been moved over here during the storm – you know its sure the berries to have to go to an outside “biffy” when the wind and snow is coming in about 60 per. – of course you wouldn’t know – would you?I went to church at 8, this morning and slept from 2:30 until 6 P.M – outside of that there really hasn’t been anything very exciting.Ken and Gene didn’t get home this week either, they are both down to the restaurant now – kidding the Hasher, I guess.The radio in Gene’s room is on – they are playing “Two in Love” – you know, I’m really and truly in love with you – do you mind?Do you figure on going to Aberdeen next week-end? My Gosh! what am I going to do? – We do have a date for Easter Monday, do we not?How is Phyl and Bev? say hello to them for me, ah yes, and Mrs Tinker too!Sat. morning we couldn’t get the office door open, so we didn’t work – went up to the school house and played basketball instead.Well, my Dear, it is almost - (my bed-time you know) so better I had close,Write real soon Ruthie,I love you –JimI hear the stealthy stalk of two wolves: Gene and Ken just came in, and said they would do a little dictating if I would write it – so here goes –Gene said he would put a stamp on upside down – if we had a stamp – (we haven’t got paid yet)Ken said: Send our love to Beverly, Ruth and Phyliss – So, love to you all from Gene & Ken.Gene said to tell you, he wished you were here so you could beat up on him a little, -but he bet you wouldn’t do dat again – Boy!He also said we would send this – if we ever got a train.Gene also says to tell you we (he says) have our eye on another blonde – a near blonde this time. – I have different ideas tho’
