This letter centers around the progression of Jim and Ruth's courtship. Based on the contents, it seems like they are still testing the waters a bit. Jim, at the very least, is pretty sure and vocal about his feelings, and there's no reason to indicate that Ruth wasn't invested either. All the same, this letter brings up conversations about past beaus, future plans, and negotiating the "next stage" of the relationship.
As one of the grandkids of these two, it's a bit strange to witness a time when things weren't completely set in stone. I find myself urging them on as I read: "Yes, get married! I want to exist!" But I'll let them speak for themselves.
Gettysburg, S. Dak. Thursday, April 23, 1942
Dearest Ruthie;
My Gosh! The mail Train service from here to Faith must be practically at a stand-still –This is the third letter I have written this week and according to the one I got from you tonight – you haven’t heard from me – I’ll see Bushfield about it right away.
It is now 7:10 p.m. – 6:10 at Faith and it is 15 minutes past my time. I have been in bed before seven the past three nights – Haven’t been feeling too well, and then I’ve had to get up at 3: a.m. every morning to go to work. (That’s 2 a.m. out there)[.] I told Travie the other day – that’s when most good people I know, think about going to bed, instead of getting up.
We have to drive 20 miles to work – down near Onida, - we get off at 12:30 come in and have dinner and then post tickets until about 4: p.m. then we have the rest of the day off – 4 to 7, in my case.
The wind has been terrible here, blows all the time – my face is so burned and chapped that you’ll be ashamed to be seen with me.
I saw a good show the other night (Sun.) “Louisiana Purchase” – I don’t remember whether I told you about it in my last letter or not. If you ever have a chance to see it – don’t fail – it’s a wow! Bob Hope and Victor Moore are the main characters, - I thought Ken would split a rib, laughing.
So Jack treated you O.K. eh? -Well good for him! I’m glad you told him about you & I, it really makes me feel like it’s a sure thin when you tell me things like that. Of course, I don’t believe I ever did know how serious things were between you & Jack, and I didn’t believe I should be sticking my neck out – trying to find out.
I love you Ruthie, and I hope any little spark of love you may have for someone else, will eventually mold into the big “Bon Fire” of love that I have for you.
That’s rather a curde way of putting it, but if you can interpret it like I mean it, everything will be O.K.
I got a letter from Mom, awhile back and – just like I told you Ruthie, she thinks you are O.K. Of course she said I believe I really should see more of her to know her better (How do you like that?). She must know I’m pretty serious cuz she went on and on and out of the Blue sky – she said – “Oh! I’l like to me a gran-ma![“] Gee! I don’t know if I should be telling you all this or not Ruthie – it sounds kinda funny when I read it over.
She also said “of course you don’t intend to get married while this war is raging, or do you? I don’t think I would, but that is entirely up to you, my dear Boy.” My mom is swell that way – anything I do is OK with her – cuz she knows I have very good taste – so there too!
I won’t be able to get to Faith until Sat. afternoon, as I have to work from 3 am until non Sat. But I’ll be there Honey – in fact I’d like to see you keep me away. I hope you get this tomorrow evening – Tell Bezz that I’ll make out my application, Sunday or some time. I haven’t had time to get any cloths or anything for the Prom[,] would it be permissible for me to wear my suit? if not I’ll have to stay home, I guess?
I love you, Ruthie.
Jimmie
Travie got my mail tonight – and after I read the card & letter from you, he said “Did she ask about me?” and I replied in the negative – and he said, “well she better start asking about me or I’ll send those letters back when I get them.” – He sounds tough don’t he?
