The writer of the letters was born July 1, 1894, in Underwood, Iowa, the seventh and last child of William E. and Mary (Klingensmith) Pitkin, and given the single name of Roy. Later in life, probably during military service, he took the initial S in lieu of a first name, and was occasionally known, formally if not officially, as S. R. Pitkin. However, all of this is not particularly relevant because everyone who knew him at all called him "Pit." His father ran a livery stable and so he grew up with an appreciation for horses, something he never lost. He attended school in Underwood, which at that time extended only to the tenth grade. However, in his last year there was some disciplinary action he felt was unfair, and he dropped out of school at age 16. His parents, who were not educated or especially cultured, raised no objection and may have even supported his decision, for it meant that he could get a job and contribute to the costs of running the household. He did get a job, at the local drugstore. This brought him under the influence of Frank Cash, an influence that turned out to be a defining one.

Baseball was an important part of small town life in the Midwest and it was baseball that exerted a major influence on Pit's career. In 1914 he followed his friend, Niels Nielsen, to Anthon where employment at the McNiff Brothers' Pharmacy had been arranged. However, the real motivation was the opportunity to play with the Anthon semi-professional baseball team. It was like the scene in the movie, "Field of Dreams," in which the young Archie Graham is hitchhiking to Iowa because he has heard that there the towns will "give you a job during the day and you can play baseball on the weekends."

Pit's drugstore experience led quite naturally to interest in pharmacy as a profession. The law at that time required only passing the state licensure examination, without any specific educational stipulation. In 1916, he enrolled in the Highland Park College of Pharmacy, which later either became or was incorporated into Drake University's School of Pharmacy, in Des Moines. He studied there for about 6 months, after which he took and passed the state pharmacy board examination.

After being certified as a registered pharmacist by the Commissioners of Pharmacy for the State of Iowa January 18, 1917, Pit presumably returned to Anthon for a short time. However, by mid-1917, America had entered World War I, and he enlisted in the Navy. He served at Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, where he attended storekeepers' school, and was scheduled for further education at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy when the war ended. Offered release from active duty, he chose instead to go to Philadelphia for the additional education. He completed the three month U.S. Naval Hospital Corps Training School on February 13, 1919, and was discharged shortly thereafter.

On returning to Anthon, he found an unusual opportunity at his former employer's. Frank McNiff had died in the war and his mother and brother Jim (who was not a registered pharmacist) wanted to sell the store. They offered Pit generous credit terms and he was able to arrange other loans from the local bank and from his mother. His personal resources were limited to a 20-dollar gold piece he had received at discharge from the Navy. This he promptly traded for change for the cash register, and Pitkin's Drug Store was open for business.

The recipient of the letters was born on January 15, 1900, in Madrid, Iowa, the second of four children of William and Cora (Carter) McBeath. She was given the name of Allie Pauline but she disliked her first name intensely and dropped it at the earliest opportunity. A precocious child, she started school at age 4 and graduated from high school at age 16. She wanted to be a kindergarten teacher and planned to attend Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. However, shortly before she was to leave for college, a visitor convinced her of the benefits of the Minnesota State Normal School in Mankato, Minnesota. On enrolling there, she found that a student body of 500 girls and two boys. She missed some school during her first year because of illness and underwent surgery (done by her uncle, Dana Carter, in Wyoming) that summer. Additionally, school closed for an extended period because of the influenza epidemic. As a result of these interruptions, she did not complete her 2-year curriculum until the middle of the third year, in early 1919. She was able to find a job teaching first grade in Morris, Minnesota, for the last 3 months of the school term and then she took a position in the Anthon school system for 1919-1920.

In early 1920, her father sold his dental practice to a returning serviceman, William O'Neill, and the McBeaths moved to Vermillion, South Dakota. They purchased a large home at 225 North University Avenue, directly across the street from the campus of the University of South Dakota, where they rented rooms to male students. After completing the year in Anthon, Pauline took a teaching position in Vermillion for the 1920-1921 school year.

Their relationship
Pit came to Anthon in 1914 and Pauline always recalled first seeing the handsome baseball player playing catch on main street. A newly-arrived, 20-year-old man was a major event in a small town like Anthon, especially for a 14-year-old girl, but probably not the other way around. Exactly when their relationship blossomed into a romance cannot be determined. There is a suggestion in one of the 1921 letters that something had existed 3 years earlier. In any case, romance surely came to flower during 1919-1920 when Pauline was teaching in Anthon. At this time Pit was 25 years old, the owner of a business, and had seen at least some of the world while in the Navy. He was therefore ready to settle down. Pauline, however, was not quite sure. She was attracted to Pit, but she worried that there was a great deal of life she had not experienced. She was, after all, only 19 years old, and her college experience had been severely limited with respect to its social aspects. Further, her younger sister was involved in an active social life as a student at the University of South Dakota, and hearing of it fueled Pauline's concerns.

Thus, Pauline's decision to leave Anthon after a year and go to Vermillion was not to simply follow her parents but rather to sample a different and presumably more exciting life. She did indeed find the social activities she sought and she dated several fraternity boys, one of them seriously enough that she later characterized their relationship as a "semi-engagement." Parenthetically, she visited this boy's home over Thanksgiving and while there learned about cranberry ice, which would become a Pitkin family tradition. Meantime, Pit was plugging away at the drugstore in Anthon, writing letters and occasionally seeing her.

The situation came to a head in March 1921, when she wrote him a letter. Exactly what the letter said is unknown, but it certainly provoked a response. The rest of the story is told in the "Letters to Pauline," of which the initial one is that response.

Written 3/16/21 (Monday); no postmark
Dear Pauline,
I have tho't a great deal since I received your last letter, tho't how I should answer it(,) and must admit I am at sea as to just where I stand. I have come to this conclusion(,) that there is no use arguing who was right and who was wrong, for that will never do any good in case the affair is never fixed up, and will only leave us both with a sour taste in our mouth and I don't like to feel that way toward you. In case it is fixed(,) we would perhaps both be sorry for what we had said. I am willing to forgive and forget in either case. Try to think only of our pleasant experiences and forget the unpleasant ones. Life is too short to go through feeling sore at someone over a difference of opinion.
I would like to have a good heart to heart talk with you and I would prefer S. C. to either Vermillion or here, sometime in the near future. You may think I want to meet you to "crab" you but such is not the case. I think it would serve to make us better friends, altho' we may be unable to come to anything definite. If you don't want to do this, then I say forgive and forget it all.
Sincerely,
Pit

This first letter in the series, brief but full of anguish, was written in response to a letter from Pauline. We don't know when the letter was received or exactly what she said in it but it seems clear she regarded the relationship as in jeopardy. Pit almost begs for a meeting, indicating a preference for Sioux City over either Anthon or Vermillion. (A note about geography here: Anthon and Vermillion are about 75 miles apart, with Sioux City in the middle.) He desperately wants to try to repair the relationship, although he does not seem overly optimistic about the prospects. There is no mention of it in any of his letters, but from other sources it is known that, on receiving Pauline's letter, Pit made a trip to Vermillion to consult with her father, William McBeath, and presumably enlist his aid. When this took place in relation to Pit's letter is uncertain.

Written Tuesday morning (3/29/21); postmarked 3/29/21
Dear Pauline,
I arrived home safely last evening by the C'ville route. First I want to state to you that I enjoyed myself immensely in S. C. I am certainly glad that we at last laid aside our unnatural airs and decided to get together and have the good understanding which we now have. Misses asked me how you were and I informed her that you were still "the best old cow in the lot." That is practically all the information I gave anyone. Blair circulated the report that I had gone away to get married but I don't think that excited anyone a great deal(,) for Bill used to pull that every time I went away. Agnes Vogel said she heard I had left town and no one knew where I had gone. She was correct in a measure(,) for Mayme was the only one who know where I would be "for a while at least." I went to the dance last evening after practice. I didn't enjoy myself a great deal. Big crowd but not a good bunch, poor music, and maybe something else entered into it so I couldn't enjoy it all. I saw Helen in Bronson. I think her man was on the train as she was talking to some tall fellow while the train stopped. Excuse brevity as there were four regular traveling men here this a.m.
Lots more love,
Pit

What difference 13 days made! The Sioux City meeting has taken place and in this brief letter Pit is clearly pleased with the "good understanding we now have." "Misses" undoubtedly refers to Mrs. Ellsworth whose rooming and boarding house was home to Pit and other young bachelors in Anthon. She clearly took a great deal of interest in her roomers, or at least in Pit, and he was being coy with her as well as with all the others he identifies as being interested in what he has been up to. "Bill," of course, is Bill O'Neill, his closest friend who will be prominent in other letters as well as in the life of the Pitkin family. "Helen" refers to Helen Rinker, a former girlfriend of Pit's, and "her man" is Wayne Loveland, a college sweetheart who she will shortly marry.

Written Wednesday noon (3/30/21); postmarked 3/30/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your nice long letter this morning and felt rather sneaky about writing that medium sized letter yesterday. So I'm going to write again today to makeup for the one yesterday.
I have felt like a different man since I came back home and there seems to be more to work for. Things all look rosy to me now where before at times my old morale went down. I saw Garry about the house yesterday and he had just written a carpenter at Manson who used to be here, offering him the house, but would hear from him the last of this week. In case he does want it(,) I think we can figure them quick. I will write to Edna and tell her I want to rent it with a privilege of buying it. I think she would rather have us in there than this fellow with children(,) so she can then write Garry that she had rented it previous to his transaction. Garry wants us in there badly so I don't think there is any doubt but what we can get it. I certainly want to get the place for that is about the best in town and very reasonable rent, only $30 per month. I expected they would ask at least $40 and maybe $50.
I will write a big letter later and answer your statements (beautiful ones, too). I want to send Mrs. McNiff a check for her interest due April 1st so she will feel satisfied financially.
Love,
Pit

Written Thursday afternoon (3/31/21); postmarked 4/1/21)
Dearest Pauline,
I am going to take time out this afternoon to answer your perfectly lovely letters. I am now fully convinced that you are enthused over the idea of coming back to Anthon to live and now that you are(,) I can't help but be. I have always wanted a home of my own and now that it is only 2 or 3 short months (away) I am getting all worked up over the idea. When I found out that (the) house only rented for $30 and I don't think there is any doubt but what we will get it (by some method)(,) I began to dream wonderful dreams.
I have tho't the whole proposition over in my own mind and I can't see any reason why we shouldn't be supremely happy in that place(,) with lovely new furniture and all the trimmings. I too think our break only caused us both to become more enthused over the idea of getting married. I know it has for me, for before I was too satisfied to go along in the same old channel to really enjoy a home such as the one I think ours shall be.
I presume that was a death blow to your mother(,) for I know you are very close to one another, but I think she realizes that you will get married sometime and if she knows that you are married happily(,) it is all for the best. Then again you won't be so far from home and(,) as I have always told you, you are to have your own head in regard to matters such as going home and matters which concern you. That may sound queer but I think it's a compliment(,) for if I hadn't tho't you competent of deciding wisely in such matters, a conference in S. C. would never have been arranged. I have almost forgotten the heart aches of the past 3 months and am thinking only of the good times that are to come.
I was talking to Walter McCluskey the other night and he told me that Anna broke down and cried when she heard we had broken up(,) but he is one of the few I have told that it is all fixed and(,) after talking to him(,) you think what a fool you have been for not getting married before.
I received a nice long letter from a niece of mine in Omaha yesterday. She has been married about four years and she doesn't seem to ever have regretted the deed. She married a fellow who works for the N. P. in Omaha, he has stuck at the job and they have bought a nice little new house to live in and she seems to think it the only life.
I am undecided about coming up this Sunday or next Sunday(,) but in case Sunday is a nice day I may kick the Ford in the ribs and beat it for S. C. and up Sunday night, coming back Monday and on home. If the weather is bad(,) I don't think I shall come until a week from Sunday. In case I do come Sunday, I'll call you Sunday noon.
The reason I answered Mrs. as I did is because she has been dying to find out what took place over in S. C. and I tho't it best to hold it from her for a while. I didn't want to tell her point blank and didn't want to lie to her(,) so (I) just answered her that way. I think you know me well enough not to take offense at anything I say in that matter.
When I got off the train in C'ville I am sure it was this Wayne got off and stood at the end of the platform as I walked down with Doris Gilman. She was there to see Raymond Plato off and she asked me to walk down with her. I will give you my impression of him when I see you(,) so don't draw any pictures until then.
Every time I think of the Martin(,) I can see that crooked neck individual. I laugh every time I think of it(,) but I hate it(,) too. I certainly wouldn't want the story to get out(,) either up there or here(,) for it would be great dope for the anvil chorus.
I really should have written a letter so you would have gotten it tomorrow(,) but (I) tho't I would try and write an extra long one this p.m. As you know I made my debut as an actor last night and make my final appearance this evening. I shall then leave the troupe and begin shifting the scenery for the big home-beginning play in June. I will write again tomorrow so you can have something to read in case I can't come Sunday.
Lots of Love,
Pit

The most interesting thing in this letter is the allusion to "the Martin" and "that crooked neck individual." Thereby hangs a tale that can only be pieced together from tidbits that came to light much later and even then incompletely. It seems that, in view of the seriousness, the Sioux City meeting was to take place at the Martin Hotel. They booked separate rooms and the bellhop who took Pit to his room inquired as to his desires for any female companionship, an offer he declined. Then they met in Pauline's room, leaving the door open. Shortly after they began their serious discussion, the house detective appeared and told Pauline she would have to leave the hotel. Pit left with her and they went to another hotel where they made similar arrangements, had their discussion, and the rest is history. But Pauline was mortified by the events at the Martin and, even 80 years later, she talked about it with the greatest difficulty.

Written Friday night (4/1/21); postmarked 4/2/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dearest Misses,
While I suppose you are enjoying yourself immensely at the card party(,) I am going to write you a letter. Chase Lister show is here tonite but I have had enough show for one week. The operetta went off in nice shape, cleared about $100 each nite for Ladies Aid and American Legion. Even Mrs. tho't it very good and you know she wouldn't give Mrs. Hawthorne and Mrs. Stillman anything. I had lots of fun out of it but am glad it is over.
I suppose I should have told you first thing that which I expect is first in your mind as well as mine. Well, Garry came down today and I was gone. I then went up and he told me that the house was mine. I told him I would take it as soon as they were ready to move, regardless of whether we were ready for it at the time or not. At $30 I don't want to see that place slip away. We couldn't afford to own it at that rent, which isn't any more than interest on the investment. I think I had better write Edna anyway.
Alice H's man is still in S. C. so I think this is a good chance for me to step down and out. They haven't anything on me, so I can't quit but I don't want to get them on me.
I have lost all desire to step out other than the one direction and if the weather and roads continue good I think you may expect me Sunday night. Anyway(,) I will call you if I come.
Someone pulled rather a crude joke on Waters Bros. this morning. They called them up at Hart's and told them their store was on fire. Ed W. and Bert hit it on the double and got down here and found Jim Conley sweeping the sidewalk off. It is laughable to hear the natives tell of seeing Bert coming down in carpet slippers and his shoes under his arm, one suspender over his shoulder and the other whipping the air(,) but that is not my idea of an April fool joke.
I don't think we shall want for quilts as my mother has a flock of them and I can talk her out of some of them. I think I shall go down home next month as I haven't been home since last fall. While there I think I shall gently break the news to my folks(,) for they might feel hurt if I didn't, and it pays to keep in good with my mother for she is always good for a loan if you are on the right side of her.
I don't know whether I will get a letter from you tomorrow or not as I didn't write you yesterday but I am hoping that you will overlook that fact, as I am sure you know there are times when you just can't get around to write, especially when you are the public servant. I am not going to close this for there may something you want to know in the letter I am going to get tomorrow.

Saturday morning
You proved true to expectations(,) as I received your very good letter this morning. I got up about seven o'clock this morning and feel like a running horse. I don't see how anyone could help but feel fine today.
I certainly don't want to see our enthusiasm wane in the least(,) for I am now decided on the one thing now and my better judgement tells me that to get married in the thing to do. I am going to send this special delivery so you will be sure and get it tomorrow, so you will expect me tomorrow if the weather is good.
Love,
Pit

Written Tuesday morning (4/5/21); postmarked 4/5/21
Dearest girl,
I arrived home safely yesterday afternoon about 4:30, after picking up a tack the other side of Moville(,) so I drove on it and had the tire changed in Moville. I intended writing last night but had to go to (a) council meeting. I have now been a member one year and I drew my pay last night. I have another year to serve and then they may check me out.
I certainly enjoyed my visit up there and (,) altho' the drive both ways was tough, it was well worth the effort. We had a couple of nice talks and I had a nice talk with your mother and I feel satisfied now that you prefer a home with everything that goes with a real home to the chasing around as you have in the last 3 months. That was the only question in my mind. I have always said that I never wanted to get married until I had my run out and I have had my run, (so) now I am ready to get married and I think you are(,) too. I think life will mean a great deal more to both of us when we are settled down in that house. I don't mean that we will just settle down and wait for death to come(,) as we should have upwards of 50 years of the best part of our lives yet to live. There may be some sorrows but I think the happy moments will far offset those sorrows.
I had a long talk last night with Mrs. E. and she said she thought it was the thing to do. She broke down and cried while I was there(,) and said she didn't know where she would get another boy to take my place.
Pauline, you certainly looked and acted awfully good to me yesterday and(,) you know(,) when anything gets that deeply embedded with there is practically no hope for recovery. I didn't get very sleepy until I was at the council meeting(,) and then I began to yawn.
In case your father comes home in 2 weeks(,) I shall wait and come up then but if he doesn't(,) you had better arrange to come down (here) either Friday or a week from Friday. You can let me know the last of this week. You can stay at the house or you have an invitation to stay at Kane's on your next visit to Anthon.
The report was here this morning that C. H. Rinker was about to breathe his last. I don't know how true it is(,) so would (not) pass it around too strongly.
The folks received a letter from Don yesterday and he told of the girl having the rock and that the Ellsworth grandchildren would be conspicuous by their presence shortly.
It is time to get this in the mail, so (I) will quit. You must write me a big long letters(,) for I think we both have the old thrill and it must never die.
Yours for ever,
Pit

Written Wednesday morning (probably 4/6/21); postmark illegible
My dearest Pauline,
I received your letter this morning(,) which I was very happy to get. Rinkers certainly have my heartfelt sympathy for I have heard that his business affairs haven't been fixed up and at this time it is an awful job(,) for if you can't get your money(,) you can't pay the other fellow.
In regard to the time for the entanglement(,) I would be perfectly willing to wait until around the first of July. I am in favor of as simple a wedding as possible but as you say we have plenty of time to talk that over and I would rather the date wouldn't be set until a short while before it comes off(,) for there are some things which will enter into our plans and may cause us to change them. Once I plan on anything it is hard for me to change(,) but we can talk that over later. Three months seems a long time ahead but I think we both have enough to do to keep us busy until that time. I mean in the way of getting our stuff together and in shape so that there will be nothing to mar our happiness once we are settled down!
I must have been born under a lucky star(,) for yesterday a fellow told me his candy house had gone blooie(,) one which I was tempted to take some stock in a year ago. He is 45 now, (has) two children(,) is broke, and lost $8000 in the venture. I know my drug business will pay me a good living and a little besides(,) so no wildcat ventures for me.
I wish you were here now.
Your pal,
Pit

Written Thursday noon (4/7/21); postmarked 4/7/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning and I must admit it sort of made me sad. I have heard it is so sad to be in love and I at least realize it is true.
Mrs. hates to see me leave but with her, she is a person who becomes very attached to anyone, and I really think she goes too far at times in that respect. She doesn't like to see one of the girls step out of her sight and I think that is wrong for I think there are people who never marry but wished they had in later years.
I know your folks are very attached to you. Your father certainly showed it when Barbara was married(,) but I will venture to say that he is better satisfied now than had it not happened at all and I trust that he will have cause to think the same in our case. I am certainly not in favor of long engagements for I think our case has proven that they aren't a success in one way. I think myself that it was a miracle that we ever got together after that long a time(,) but as Mrs. says often, "The good man intended" we should get together or it never would have been fixed up. Now that we have decided and I am in love with you and I have every reason to believe you are with me(,) I don't want to give our emotions time to wear off. I could write for a week but would rather talk to you. I would dearly love to see you Sunday but I don't feel as tho' I should be away and(,) as you are busy(,) will try and wait another week.
Remembering my love has come to stay,
Pit
I heard this a.m. that Mr. Rinker had died. I am very sorry.

Written Thursday night (4/7/21); postmarked 4/8/21
My dear girl,
I am going to start this letter tonight while I am marking time here. The council sits as a board of review tonight(,) looking over the assessor's books(,) so I must go as we get $4 for that work. There is also a dance in town but I won't go as I have worked hard this week and haven't been to bed before 12 o'clock any nite this week. Sunday night it was rather late, Monday night council meeting, Tuesday nite card party, last night was paying bills, tomorrow night show which I shall pass and also a baseball meeting down here.
We have a ring it seems up in front of the house. Last night a good rooster fight out in front and tonite one of the Hudgel kids hit Ansel in the ear with a big rock. Nellie Dear came out and caressed him a little and (I) guess he will pull through all right.
I told Bill in here last night that I might want him to be the second man in the ring on the big day. He said, "By ____, you are going to either force me to get married or leave town."
I haven't heard when Mr. Rinker is to be buried but (I) suppose about Sunday in S. C.
Mrs. E- was very surprised when you went over the hill but for reasons mentioned before didn't have much to say about it. When I told her it was to happen soon(,) she said "Well, if you both feel that way, it is all right," but I must remember that it was going to be a different life than I had been living. I told her I had weighed that over carefully in my own mind and that I was prepared to adjust myself to that life. If I wasn't prepared(,) then I would never be in favor of getting married, but since I am and I think you also are prepared to adjust yourself and I see nothing else to mar our happiness, then my better judgement tells me to go ahead. That judgement has never failed me yet and I have every reason to believe that it is still on the job.
I am still an optimist, altho' my optimistic spirit was rather low around the first of the year. I soon began to pep up and always said every day will be a holiday bye and bye. All things are for the best. Friday morning
Mayme was sick this morning so I had to get down about 7:30. She is still sick so will have to get someone to relieve me at noon.
I didn't go over to the dance last night but wheeled right on home as I was tired and it was late when I got through at (the) council meeting
I saw an announcement of Mr. Rinker's death in the paper this a.m., along with funeral arrangements. I suppose there will be several from here attend the funeral. I may go over myself but am not sure yet.
I wouldn't write Bessie Eisentraut too soon(,) for she is an awful gossip and she certainly would have one or two days to give you during the week. Mrs. Jack Fitz is very good along that line but I don't know whether you can or not, I don't think, for a while at least.
Mrs. Lester was in this morning and wanted to know if it would inconvenience us any if they didn't move until the first week in June. You know what time of the year this is. Well, you're the cause of it all.
Affectionately,
Pit

Written Saturday morning (4/9/21); postmarked 4/9/21
Dear Pauline,
I didn't receive a letter from you this morning but I think you answered one to me that you didn't receive, so (I) am going to believe that you were unable to write or else it got slowed up in the mail. I think that will prove to you that I love you(,) for if I didn't (I) would think you were just negligent. I certainly would have appreciated a nice big letter this morning as it is a long time until Monday.
I certainly would like to be with you tomorrow, but I guess I can stand it a few Sundays until the time when I will be with you all the time.
Bill O'Neill is the new manager of the ball team.
You will have to dress your youngsters in fur coats and mittens, if you want to give your pageant today.
You haven't told me whether you were coming to S. C. tomorrow to the Rinker funeral or not. I may be there myself if it is a nice day and a bunch from here goes over. I feel as thought I should go, but don't want to be too conspicuous either. I hope you will take that the way I mean it.
There was a mean party in progress up at Heidelberg's last night when I went by. Tom and Phyllis Maddison hoisting them right up and H. L. dealing black jack to Loren Lucas and Frank Beers while Flora Lucas (Faro Nell) presided at the roulette wheel.
Lots of love,
Pit

Written Monday morning (4/11/21); postmarked 4/11/21)
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning that set you back $1 to mail and altho' I didn't pay the buck(,) it was worth much more. I went over and got the first class stuff this morning and still no letter from you. If I hadn't seen you in S. C. yesterday and no letter Saturday or this morning, I would have been going some(,) but as long as I knew you had mailed it(,) (I) could blame the mails. It was mailed 4/8 on the train so (it) should have gotten here. Don't beat Carter up because he was OK in his job.
I would have liked awfully well to have gone home with you last night but I am sure you realized, as I did, that it was best to wait until next week when either your father comes home or you come down here. I think half of the town was in the city yesterday(,) as every time I turned around someone yelled at me. I certainly enjoyed my short visit with you, only wishing I could have been with you longer. I am sorry I didn't receive your letter before the funeral(,) as I would have arranged to have been with you earlier in the day.
Bill was out riding yesterday with Lucille, Fat, and Agnes when they drove by Lester's house. Fat asked Agnes if she saw that house, she said she did but it was rented(,) and Bill never said a word. Mayme just informed me that gossip street was all aglow this morning over my being near you in S. C. (She) said Alice and Mrs H- were in on the conference.
I think Mrs. Rinker, Dorothy, and Helen all held up well and your presence there would help to make it easier for all of them. When the folks all leave(,) then is when they will notice the emptiness of this world.
Pauline, you are coming to mean more to me all the time and I don't see how I ever allowed you to leave Anthon when you moved away. You could let me know in you next letter whether your father is coming home this weekend, (and) whether I shall come up or whether you are coming down. It is 12:30 and I will take this to the train and beat it for dinner.
I love you.
Affectionately,
Pit

Written Tuesday noon (4/12/21); postmarked 4/12/21
My dear Pauline,
I received your very good letter written last night.
I tho't Wayne was very nice but really a little different fellow than I had expected. He seemed very quiet. I can't exactly say I approve of his policy (of) hanging around just to be near the girl when finances are low. That will never buy the baby shoes. Yale Anderson was in here last night, said he saw us in S. C., and asked me how I liked Wayne. He said he didn't know him very well but he was well liked at school.
In regard to this man up there, you can perhaps tell better how to handle him than I can(,) but I would just inform him of the situation in a nice way. Then he would have no come-back on you. Friends are a great deal (and) we never can tell when friends may be of some help to us.
The 500 club meets tonight at the home of Lulu Ely. Her folks are moving to Smithland (and) the Lloyd Vogels are to live in that house.
I saw Joe McD. and Hansen in S. C. Sunday. They had the Livermore and Sullivan girls over, so I saw Leona in town with the Sullivan girl this morning. I expect they will be back together shortly.
You didn't say anything about your parade so I tho't perhaps it had been pulled off. In case you can't come down(,) then I will plan on coming up. Does that 1:30 train run on Sundays? If it does(,) I will try to make it. I feel more sure every day that the thing for us to do is to get married(,) for I would never be satisfied now that I have that end in view. No news but lots of love.
Pit

Written 4/13/21 (Wednesday); postmarked 4/13/21
Dear Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning and am glad to note that you are a success as a teacher, not that I want you to even think of keeping on teaching, but all the world loves a winner and I am one of the world. If you are determined enough and willing to strive hard enough to be a good teacher(,) then you would strive hard enough to be a good wife.
I think perhaps that some of the regular fellows around here imagine I am going over the hill in a short time, but they are too smart to say anything about it. The gossips have to have something to talk about(,) anyway. I never hear much of what they talk about since Jim has gone to the farm(,) as I am not close to anyone in the ring. (The) Rinker brothers were here yesterday and are back today. Link said Mrs. R- was at Oto but I didn't see Helen or Wayne.
The card party seems to have lost its attraction for me. Bill and I had some fun kidding this school marm who goes with Charlie Bennett. When Helen said something about coming over to visit us(,) I didn't answer her very strongly for (I) didn't know whether you had imparted the whole plan to her or not. It will be fine for them to come over when we get settled.
I will be up Sunday, for I want to be with you.
Lots of love,
Pit

Pauline has apparently received some recognition for her teaching, and Pit congratulates her while making it clear that her teaching days are numbered. There are more references to the "gossips" speculating as to Pit and Pauline's marriage plans and they continue to be secretive.

Written Wednesday nite (probably 4/13/21); no postmark
Dearest Pauline,
Things are rather quiet while the show is on(,) so (I) am going to start this letter tonight as I want to get one letter in occasionally without asking Umhoeffer to put it on for me. I am going upstairs after a while, as Ernie Hyde is taking his 3rd tonite. I have a part so (I) like to be there when I can. It has sprinkled here all day(,) so(it) is getting rather greasy about now.
Cauley was operated on in S. C. Monday but is getting along nicely. Link said Mrs. Cauley was up and tapped him for her allowance before he went(,) so (she) must have tho't he might kick off.
People here haven't heard a great deal from me as I don't fool around much lately. Bill and I have quit shooting pool, quit lunching at nights and don't go up to Cauley's much(,) so I don't put out much and likewise don't hear much gossip.
Jim Burke told Mayme tonight he heard I was going to get married but didn't know where he heard it. They will perhaps all know sooner or later but they won't get anything definite from me(,) altho' some of my intimate friends will know and people connected in a business way(,) as I will have to make some arrangements before I go for someone to take care of things while we are away on our honeymoon. I am going to try and get a relief registered man while I am gone.
Edna Lester is to be back here the middle of this month so I haven't written to her but want to see her when she comes and get as long a lease as I can. I won't ask her to fix things any as we can just have the walls fixed to suit ourselves(,) with her permission(,) for that money. Lloyd Vogel has rented the house that Weathers are in(,) so I have heard. I told Bill he should get that house and he said it was too far from H.L.'s coal shed over there to carry coal(;) (he) thought he would get H.L.'s barn so it wouldn't be so far to carry provisions from his cellar.
Ada Maddison tries to pump Mrs. but (she) doesn't have much luck. Do you think Ada would allow the County to bury her if she only had $200 left?
Speck is snowed under up in the cream station. (I) saw Peg looking around a while ago. I'm afraid Speck is due the route of his forefathers, for (I) don't think he can quit. Peg has my sympathy in a measure for (I) think she has paid the price. I don't see how she can be happy and that is the big part of life. Money doesn't mean a thing if you (aren't) satisfied. Some money is essential but if you are happy and it good health(,) it doesn't take long to get a little money together.
I am enclosing a card I received sometime ago(,) along with several others(,) and it fits my tho'ts exactly and expresses my opinion better than I did yesterday when I informed you that I was pleased that you had been commended for your school work.
Thursday morning
I received your very good but short letter this morning. There is a saying that good goods come in small packages but so does poison, so therefore I would prefer big long letters. I don't feel I can stay over Monday but will let you know in tomorrow's letter. It doesn't seem to inconvenience me to write every day and your letters well repay me(,) so I am in favor of keeping the old enthusiasm up by writing every day.
Lots of love
Pit

Written Friday morning (4/15/21); postmarked 4/15/21
Dearest Pauley,
I received your very good letter this morning on my way down to the business district. I rated a sleep-in this morning. This is a swell day to sleep and to sit around home and visit with a nice little wife(,) but as I have no wife and you aren't in town and I have plenty of sleep(,) (I) will have to put in the day arranging the drug stock so that I will have some time off when I do get that wife and on days like this (I) can stay around home and try to be of some use to you. I know I am going to like helping you arrange the house(,) so (I) am anxious for the next two months to fly. If you were here today(,) you would think me the most affectionate man in the whole world. Moonlight affects some people but a rainy day or night makes me want to love a real woman(,) and that woman is you. Don't you remember it was a rainy night that proved your downfall about 3 yrs ago, that started you down the road that has brought us both where we are now are. I certainly am not sorry that I did get you mother's new paper all stained with my wet hair.
In regard to the man up there(,) he must have heard that you had changed your mind since talking to me and didn't care to lay $10 on a poor bet. Of course(,) I don't blame him but after I had gone as far as he would go on through if it cost me $1000. That is my policy.
I will send you a special tomorrow letting you know about some funny things (that) happened in town last night.
I wish you were here today but am hoping for Sunday.
Pit

Written Wednesday morning (4/20/21); postmarked 4/20/21
Dear Pauly,
I really intended to write last night but there was a traveling man here with me and then too I was pretty busy as there was a dance in town. Fountain business was $15 yesterday, very good for this time of the year. I didn't go over to the dance. I have heard that it was very good and after the dance a wild time, they put on a cabaret down at Weathers' restaurant, a big bunch from Danbury.
Bill had nurse Lester give him a massage last night and she kept the machine on two spots too long(,) so he has two big black spots on his forehead. I told him he might have some explaining if they were a little lower.
Bert Hart was just in and told me that he believed it a good time to get out of small towns. He was over at S. C. yesterday and several fellows wanted him to come over there and start a store. I think he was just feeling me out.
I am glad that you will perhaps be down next Friday and (I) will tell Mrs. Kane that you are coming. (I) also will prepare to meet you in S. C. Friday evening. I haven't seen Edna Lester here but (I) think she will be here and if she isn't(,) you must come down anyway. I will write to Omaha Crockery and O & W for catalogues so that we may get some idea of what kind of stuff we are going to get.
As I think of my stay up there(,) it certainly brings back fond memories and I trust that in our married life the same companionable spirit will be shown at all times. I most certainly think it will always be in evidence and grow stronger as the years roll along. I felt that way and I think you do(,) to(o) or(,) as I have said before(,) I would never have even looked back after once I had turned my head the other way.
I think a black and white skirt would look very good on you and I would like to see you wearing it. I also like both of your suits(,) but prefer the old one to the new one. You certainly looked good in that new apron of yours and you would look much better to me in the Lester house in Anthon, not that I want you to put it on Saturday or Sunday when you go up to look at the house(,) but to have your feet cocked up on a chair reading or else washing dishes while I dried them(,) in that new apron. I can't say that I will go as far as Ben to wash them all alone while Mary sewed(,) because then I would want to help sew.
You will perhaps hear from Barbara soon and I trust that both she and Si can come. I found that small card and I am enclosing it with this letter. While it may seem queer to you now, I am sure that when you recall your school compliment(,) you will agree that it fits in very nicely. I am also enclosing another one which I think very good and applies to other lives as well as to business.
Your loving suitor,
Pit

Written Thursday morning (4/21/21); postmarked 4/21/21
Dear Pauline,
I didn't receive my daily letter from you this morning(,) for some unknown reason(,) but am going to write nevertheless. I don't know how it should have gotten slowed up(,) as you said you were going to send me the one you intended sending the day before. Then I should get two tomorrow instead of one.
I was talking to Garry yesterday and he said Edna came yesterday and would be here over Saturday and Sunday, so we will get a chance to talk to her. I may see her before then but (I) don't know as I have a great deal to talk over with here other than to confirm what Garry has told me and (to) try and get a lease on the place. Garry said he had a lady clerk coming and wanted to get a place for here to room later on; she was going to stay with them temporarily. I told him that was up to you. I am in favor of renting one room to a congenial party as that would cut a $30 house down to $20(,) the price they get for (a) just fair house. That is up to you and can be decided later
I was talking to Kane this a.m. and told him to inform his wife that you intended coming down tomorrow night. He said he would tell her and they certainly would be pleased to have you.
In case I don't meet you at the train(,) I will meet in at the Martin shortly after five o'clock (I think that is train time). In case it rains too hard here for me to go(,) I will call you at home and in case I should be delayed so that I will be there later than six o'clock(,) I will call you at the Martin or else (I) will call Rinkers so you can call them up if I don't show up by six o'clock.
I was talking to Walt McCluskey this morning and he just called me and told me he wanted us to come out to their place for Sunday dinner. I must close or I will never get this in the mail.
One lover in haste,
Pit

Written Monday morning (4/25/21); illegible postmark
Dearest Pauline,
I left S. C. shortly after I put you on the train and I guess I came about the right time for the wind got awfully strong shortly after I got home. It blew several buildings down last night but I slept through it all. (I) stuck around here a little while reading the paper and then went home to bed(,) the earliest for some time. I surely enjoyed your being here and last night after you were gone things seemed awfully empty, but it will only be two short months or a little over until you will be here all the time and life will be full all the time then.
I didn't expect a letter from you very strongly this morning as (I) realized that you were perhaps tired and would have some trouble getting it to the train. It would have been appreciated nevertheless.
I tho't we had a lot of fun riding around(,) even though it was just in an old Ford. After all is said and done(,) and I am sure that you will agree with me(,) the car doesn't make a great deal of difference. It is the company you have and not the car. I really intended to get a new car but times have changed since then and I would rather have $500 worth of furniture than that much Ford.
Lots of love,
Pit

Written Tuesday morning (4/26/21); postmarked 4/26/21
Dearest Girl,
I received your two letters this morning, the one having been delayed somewhere.
A bunch of the fellows went over to S. C. to the opening ball game(,) but I didn't go as I felt like I should stay home for I have been away every weekend lately and I prefer the weekend company to that I would have otherwise.
I haven't talked to Edna L. yet as I wanted a little more time to think it all over as to whether a lease would really be any advantage or not(,) but I am going to try to talk her into leaving those shades and smaller articles. Her attitude seems awfully greedy to me, but I think she is just running a whizzer on us. Everything will turn out OK though. These reverse conditions seem to put a crimp in a lot of our aspirations(,) but things always have righted themselves and I am confident history will repeat itself.
I am sure Barbara is long headed enough to do anything that is for the best and will sacrifice a great deal and never notice it if she is happy(,) and there seems to be no doubt of that.
Pyrl Murray and Fred McNear both asked me yesterday when the big day was to be(,) but I just answered them not for quite a while yet. They are both very good friends of mine but I tho't it queer for them to ask me point blank. I want you to think of your home and me all the time, as I do of you(,) for in my business transactions I keep that always in mind.
Your man,
Pit

Written Wednesday noon (4/27/21); postmarked 4/27/21
Dearest Pauly,
I received your very good letter this morning and was certainly sorry that I didn't receive your letter Monday morning after you had put forth a lot of effort that I might receive one Monday.
Old Becky isn't the best looking automobile in the world but I think it is the best Ford I have ever driven or ridden in. I was driving Jim Burke's last night and it doesn't handle like mine.
The females had their picnic last night; went south of town, had a good feed and got back early. Bill convoyed the Chalmers back as usual.
I have a new honor bestowed upon me(,) one which I didn't want, Vice Commander of the American Legion. Not much to it but it leads to Commander, and I have enough as it now stands.
I was talking to Edna yesterday and I believe she is going to leave the shades. I didn't sign a lease but told her I would(,) for one year. She went away today but Garry is going to fix it up. I will bring Butler's catalogue up when I come and you can look it all over. That may be next Sunday and may be not until a week from Sunday, depending on when the ball season starts(,) as I feel I should be here for the first game. I hope they develop some rookies so an old veteran can get away occasionally.
No news but lots of love,
Pit

Written Thursday morning (4/28/21); postmarked 4/28/21
Dearest Pauline,
I am going to take the liberty to write this letter with pencil on poor stationery as I am pushed very much as you will see later. I received your very good letter this morning, also one from my father asking me to come home at once as he is failing and has some business in Omaha that he wants me to help him attend to. He want me to be there tomorrow so I must leave this afternoon. I called my sister and she said I had better come at once. I will go down this afternoon and try and get back tomorrow night or Saturday morning unless something detains me.
I am very sorry but (I) hardly believe I will be up Sunday. I may be(,) but will send you a special Saturday from here or from U-- tomorrow if I am detained. I hope his condition isn't really as bad as it appears but I will talk to Wyland while there.
This is awfully short and (I) will be forced to miss a day writing but will see that you have a letter Saturday. I have a lot to do in order to leave here by 3 o'clock.
Yours in haste,
Pit

Written Saturday noon (4/30/21); postmarked 4/30/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dear Pauly,
I am going to be forced to write this letter with pencil again if I want to send it special so you will it get tonite. Niels and I went down home Thursday afternoon. I took my father over to Omaha yesterday and we came back home last night. That made some drive, about 165 miles yesterday for me.
I didn't receive a letter yesterday but received your letter this morning. I would like to be with you tomorrow but I will try and get along one Sunday (alone). This will be the first Sunday off for about five weeks and it will seem a long spell but only 2 short months and ever day will be a holiday.
My father doesn't look well and Wyland said I might expect a call any time that he had dropped off. He has kidney trouble (and) also has had a bad heart for years. He had some money coming in Omaha and he wants to get his business fixed up, as like Rinker he feels he is done for.
It is raining here today and looks like it is due for an all day session. A nice day to sleep. I think if this keeps up I will sleep tomorrow as I am tired.
This will be a dry haul in the business line but we can get in line for some business later on. There has been Catholic mission here this week but I haven't been up. Bill, Lucille, Agnes, and Jim Burke were up so we have had something talk about. I must quit and only wish I could be with you tomorrow(,) but I will try and think of the good times that are to be(,) and pass the day somehow.
Lots of love,
Pit

Written Sunday night (5/1/21); postmarked 5/2/21
Dearest Pauline,
Came down here tonite intending to go to the show but got to fooling around and the show is over and I am still here. There is an American Legion picture on and (I) really intended to go.
Vera, Dorothy, and Cleo were in here a short while yesterday. Vera said she would be back again but (I) haven't seen nor heard anything of her. I don't know whether she left town or not(,) as it has rained all day yesterday and today. Some female called the house and asked for me this morning before I got up. That may have been her.
We were fortunate in coming home Friday night rather than waiting until Saturday morning as we had intended. We drove home in about four hours' time.
I think Edna is just trying to scare us into buying that stuff and I think it a pretty good policy to just let her rave(,) as she said if we put up new ones (we) would have to make new holes and she didn't like that. It is as much in her interest as ours so just let her go out and hang herself with her own rope. She(,) like everyone else(,) could perhaps use some ready cash and tho't(,) even tho' ours may be tainted(,) she could use it nicely.
I haven't seen or heard a word of Edna Moen(,) so (I) don't believe she is here but if I see here(,) (I) will give her your message.
What I meant by the ball game was that I would want to come up the last Sunday before they open so I could be here on opening day and(,) as they open 2 weeks from today (I am sure) I will arrange to come up next Sunday, weather permitting.
Bill is out with the fair Lucille. She is very nice to me. I don't know what her object is unless it is that they may have a place to go when we get settled down here. She has always been very agreeable to me but much more so of late.
We had a lot of fun up at the house tonight arguing with the girls as to who should run and catch Ansel when he brought his May basket over to Mrs.(,) but he hadn't arrived when I left. Monday morning
I received your very good letter this morning. I tho't at first I was beaten but they put first class matter out last.
In regard to cooking, I think you have had some good coaching at home(,) as the meals I have eaten at your place have stayed down in nice shape on this wreck of a stomach of mine. I am not going to go too strong in my praise but am going to put you to the same Don gave Elsie. When she fried spring chicken(,) Don said the 160 was his. If you can make good strawberry shortcake(,) then you have a home with me.
I missed you terribly yesterday but am only hoping for next Sunday. You know what time of year this is.
Lovingly,
Pit

Written Tuesday noon (5/3/21); postmarked 5/3/21
Dearest Pauly,
I received your very good letter this morning and am just as eager as ever to receive your letters, even more so than I was the first one after our patching up.
A fellow like Moen has my sympathy for I don't ever remember his saying he liked his job very long. At first he is in love with his work and then (he) tires of it. No matter if you are a bank president(,) if you aren't satisfied(,) then nothing is right. I feel that the drug game is my line, I like it and am satisfied with it, and therefore I get quite a lot out of it. I don't know whether Moen will become that same way with his wife but I know we have both noticed that he treats Edna rather queer at times. Edna is a nice girl and goes heart and soul into anything and I only hope Moen doesn't destroy her old morale. That man up there must be a deep digger and a long stayer, with me if a woman doesn't show any inclination to come half way(,) then her company is a bore to me.
There is an American Legion banquet up in St. Joseph's hall tonight. Bill says he isn't going but I think I shall go up.
I wrote a letter last night to Orchard & Wilhelm asking them for their catalogue. (I) have a Butler Bros. Here so (I) will bring them up Sunday if the one is in.
There is a new fellow here in the State Bank. Lulu Ely is quitting the 15th of the month. I think Biz and she are suited to one another. Both like to read and a better fellow than Biz never breathed. I have been out with him and he is just like a kid.
I am figuring on coming up Sunday, (but I don't think I will come until evening and (then) come back (the) next day, as I should be here Sunday morning. I want to have a good long talk with you. I think more of you every day and am longing for the big day to come.
Lots of love,
Pit

Written Wednesday morning (probably 5/4/21); no postmark
Dearest girl,
A nice big morning, me with a lot of zip, and no letter from you this morning, but I am going to write anyway, trusting that the mails are at fault. The American Legion banquet and dance were quite a success. There was a speaker from S. C. who was very good, (and) a good dance afterwards, (with) over 100 present.
Walter McCluskey was telling me the other day that Joe Thayer was engaged to Marvel O'Connor(;) he said Scott said none of the young fellows nowadays amounted to anything so she may just as well marry him as anyone. That certainly is a nice way to feel about it.
I was talking to Hudgel Saturday nite (and) he said most everything was off in the furniture line and he expected it to take another drop about the 1st of July. I presume that is about the time we will be in the market for ours and perhaps will be some lower then.
Lou Barber told me that Edna was coming but as his wife was getting along so nicely(,) she wasn't coming now.
I wonder what Moen intends to do this summer. I don't suppose he knows(,) for he may get the China fever before fall.
Pauline, dear, I haven't much to write about as I have nothing to answer but the old spirit still remains.
Affectionately
Pit

Written Thursday noon (5/5/21); postmarked 5/5/21
Dearest Pauly,
I received your Tuesday letter on the afternoon train and another very good one this morning. I am going to write this letter on a tab(let) for the reason that this is church morning in town and we are rather busy. There is a dance in town tonite so this should be a good day.
Yesterday afternoon I took a couple of fellows to C'ville and while there got to talking to Ivan Eckhart. He and his father are in the furniture business up there and he told me that he would give me anything I wanted at cost. He buys from Hopper in S. C. so if Hudgel tries to hold us up(,) we can get an order from Eckhart and get the stuff. They had some nice stuff on the floor up there and he priced it to me at cost and said it was lower than that now. (I) will talk to you more about that when I see you.
I saw in this morning's paper where Hamilton married that girl from Alta before joining Cleveland.
I don't believe I should leave here Sunday morning but if the day looks cold I will shove off early. I will let you know later.
This is such a nice day and I feel like a running horse. Even though I don't tell you in every letter that I love you, I think that my enthusiasm over the idea of getting married to the sweetest girl in the world will convince you of that fact on the occasions when I neglect to tell you. Joe Dixon can get through by summer if there is a Shrine conclave somewhere before time for him to leave, confidentially. I am glad he is going in as he may regard Vera in a different light. If he takes to the work as he should, then he will be a better man than he was before. At least I think it has worked that way with me.
Much love,
Pit

Written Friday morning (5/6/21); postmarked 5/6/21
Dear Pauline,
I intended to write you a big long letter last night as there was a dance in town and I could work late(,) but (I) paid up the first of the month bills and when I get through it was after midnight(,) so (I) walked over by the dance and on home. There was quite a crowd and good music.
I wouldn't think O'Connors would be in favor of that marriage but they must be(,) after what they have stood for. Joe McDermott had some girl from Moville last night. I guess it is off between him and Leona.
I have told you how we will take care of Hudgel. If he tries to horn us(,) we will buy from Eckhart. I received a letter from O. & W. stating they didn't feel like giving me their catalogue but if I would give them an idea of what I wanted(,) (they) would price the stuff to me. I just won't answer them.
I am going to have to get a kid here in the store as I am going to be away considerably on Sundays and I want someone to get this transient money that drifts here on Sundays.
I am looking forward to Sunday as two weeks seems a long time to be away from you, and beyond that I see the time when we will be together all the time.
I will send you a special tomorrow telling when I will be up.
Oodles of love,
Pit

Written Friday morning (5/13/21); postmarked 5/14/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dearest Girl,
I received your Thursday nite letter this morning and hope you feel better now that you have received two letters in one day(,) to make up for the day you missed.
When I was talking to Don, he told me that he saw Cecil Mahoney in S. C. the day after I was there and (he) knew we had quit. Evidently he wanted to hear the particulars but I didn't care to talk about it so (I) just dropped it. It is all fixed up now and there is only one thing to do and that is forget it.
Harry Badgerow was over there and told Don that I had rented the Lester house. He said if he could get a house like that in Elk Point, he would marry the girl at once. (He) said there were no modern houses there for rent and he couldn't buy one. (I) just got this finished and in came Harry Badgerow, quite a singular circumstance. He told me he was up to see Don and Don asked all about me, in a business way. (He) said Don had some car but wished now he hadn't bought it as hard luck has hit him the same way as everyone else. I told Harry I was busy and he said he would come back tonight.
Hudgel was telling me the other day that Frank Connole and Jane F. were over picking out their furniture. I asked about what it set them back and he told me confidentially about $800 besides music box and drapes.
I know you are very dear to your folks but I think we will be dearer to one another once we get settled down here in Anthon. They certainly didn't try to discourage you when you were talking to them of meeting me in S. C. and (,) as you said(,) your father was praying that it would be fixed up.
Love to you
Pit

Written Saturday morning (same envelope)
Dearest Pauline,
I didn't receive my daily letter from you and it seems like a long time to wait until Monday for one. It may come in on the afternoon train. I don't think you would fail me if it could be avoided(,) so (I) am going to write you just the same and send it special(,) as usual. It will be a long wait until Monday but I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and write anyway. You were perhaps a busy woman yesterday putting on that pageant, and I also note there was a track meet up there yesterday. I shouldn't have tho't they would put on the pageant on the same day as the track meet.
We are opening the ball season here tomorrow with Hunt and Schentz team of S. C. We are also playing at Ida Grove at the Fireman's tournament June 2nd.
I wish I could find the fellow that got that $250 from the Martin Hotel. I would try and secure my rebate of $9.50. I think perhaps he stayed there a couple of weeks and was just getting his change back. You may think it was me or an accomplice, as I said I would get even with them, but I was on the road.
Trusting you always,
Pit

Written 5/16/21 (Monday); postmarked 5/16/21
Dearest Girl,
I received your two very, very good letters this morning and they made me feel awfully good as it has been along time without a letter, since last Friday.
I am rather pleased that you want to get away from the bunch(,) for I have come to feel that way myself. I noticed that when I was up there and didn't suppose you did(,) as you were used to have a bunch around.
Don told me that he was going up to that track meet. I think I am ahead of Don(,) as I put my earnings back into the store(,) something that will make me a living, while Don puts a good share is his in an automobile. A nice automobile is a pleasant thing to have but I think a home is something we would enjoy much more than a car. A great many people are beginning to realize that a car is an expensive luxury. I want a good car when I get fixed so I feel I can afford one(,) but a big car doesn't mean everything.
Hudgel told me that he tho't Jane bought very wisely but even at that got some nice stuff.
I don't know when I will get up to see you as the outfit is playing here again next Sunday(,) but if it is acceptable to you(,) (I) will come up either just before Sunday or the first of next week(,) as Richards won't be here next Sunday and they will still be short on players here. We beat H. & S. team yesterday easily, 14 to 6. I was at the head of the list and with those heavy hitters behind me(,) they almost ran me ragged. I intended to write last night but was so sore I stuck around here a while and then went to the show and then checked up and on home to bed.
I hope your mother is hitting all fours by this time(,) for I know I have turned an ankle and it bothered me for a long time. My face has gone down once more and I resemble a human being in some respects now.
I tho't your Friday letter very good from my standpoint(,) for (I) think you will appreciate your own home much more if you want to get away from the crowd. The Sunday letter was a nice long one and I surely appreciated it. I sent you a special(,) for I think you appreciate it and this is going to be my policy now and after we are married, to do the things that please you and I certainly want you to be the same way. As your mother has remarked(,) we are apt to have our differences but if we are each willing to come half way(,) they will be easily fixed. I love you more than any other woman and (I) know I always shall feel the same way.
Lovingly,
Pit

Written Tuesday morning (5/17/21); postmarked 5/17/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your short letter this morning but will pardon you as I realize you are a busy woman.
Eckhart was in yesterday and said he had to go to S. C. the last of the week and if I could get away he would call me up and I could go over with him(,) or else drive over myself. I would rather drive over and then go on up to Vermillion at night. We were just going to look at this stuff and see about what it is worth(,) to use as a lever on Hudgel.
Agnes Vogel left today for old "Virginny" to be gone two months. A nephew of Mrs. E- and wife came today. They are about 35 years old but have only been married a short time.
This business proposition is a good one. Yesterday was a slow day and this morning (I) maybe had 5 paint customers before I got down.
Irene was up to the house last night and gave Mrs. the information that she and Lou Foley were engaged.
I don't know whether you will approve of my suggestion that I could come up easier during the week but that is the case and as there are only a few weeks left before we shall be together all the time(,) I tho't you might concede me that privilege.
Frank McNiff's body is to arrive in N. Y. May 21.
Lots of love,
Pit

Written Thursday morning (5/19/21); postmarked 5/19/21
Dearest Girl,
I received you very good letter this morning(,) written while you were sort of depressed. You have my sympathy but (I) trust you are better by this time.
I heard yesterday that Lloyd and Agnes were going to live in that Christian parsonage house right beside the Lester house. I am pleased at that(,) for Agnes is a real good fellow(,) much better than to have someone in there with a family.
If the weather isn't too disagreeable I will be up tomorrow night and in case it is raining so I can't drive(,) (I) will call and tell you. I just intend to drive to S. C. and leave the car.
Things have begun to open up here and it looks as though summer has really come. I am a hot weather man and I enjoy summer much more than winter.
Eckhart hasn't called me yet so (I) tho't (I) would call him this afternoon and tell him I intended to go over tomorrow if he was fixed so he could get away.
I have been busy this morning(,) although (I) got up early, so (I) will have to give this to the mail man or it won't get out. Trusting this will tide you over until I see you, I am very anxious to be with you even though my visit will be rather short.
Heaps of love,
Pit

Written Wednesday morning (probably 5/25/21); no postmark
Dearest Pauly,
I received your letter this morning and even tho' I left there a short time ago, I was glad to get it. I enjoyed my visit very much and the time certainly flew while I was up there. As the time draws near I realize more and more what it is going to mean to me to be settled down in a house of or own with the best woman in the world in a town that compares favorably with the rest.
I found H. B. and we got home about 6 o'clock. I worked then and (the) fountain business was rushing. While I was gone Bill Lee went off his nut. They took him to S. C. Monday night. Jazz music and short skirts were the cause of his downfall. I heard that Speck was in a hospital in S. C. and folks were pretty badly worried over him. I saw Frank and Jane around town last night. Bill was talking to Joe and he is going to stay here instead of going to Newell. What little I saw of Dux and Alice(,) I liked them very much(;) although they seemed very devoted to one another(,) (they) were past the kid stage.
I could hardly keep my eyes open on the train yesterday and I sat with those two fellows you saw at the depot.
I haven't said anything to Bill but will tell him today to get his shoes shined for he is going to be called upon pretty soon to aid in starting us on our life's journey
This trip impressed me more and more that our dreams are soon to be a realization and I say(,) "The sooner the quicker."
A barrel of love
Pit

Written Thursday morning (5/26/21); postmarked 5/26/21
Dearest Buddy,
I received your very good letter this morning and it made me feel very good. I didn't know about those tablecloths but tho't the price was awfully low. I will order those items from Butler's tonite as I have a lot of correspondence piled up that must be done tonite.
The graduation exercises are to be pulled off tonight, (with) school closing tomorrow.
I took the Ford out in the rain last night and let it get a good washing off. (I) put the top up and am going to have it re-coated. I think it would be fine to drive up to the lakes for a few days. It would save some money and I would really prefer riding in a Ford to riding on the trains in this hot weather. I would like to take a trip such as the one you speak of, perhaps if we should wait as long as they have(,) (we) could take such a trip but I certainly am not in favor of waiting any longer. I want to take a trip in order to give the furniture a chance to be here and up in the house(,) but as I look around and see some of our acquaintances who haven't taken long trips but nevertheless seem perfectly happy-for instance, Edna and Moen, Jim and Hazel, and even Barbara and Si-I realize it doesn't matter a great deal just so one is satisfied and happy. In regards to the trunk(,) I was reasonably sure Bill had one that we could borrow. He said he had and it was up home but he would get it some day when we were up there. There are really so many essentials that I don't like to put out for something we can get away from. It will fit nicely in the back seat of a Ford.
I haven't talked to Edna but expect to see her some one of these days. I think as far as I stay away from her(,) the better it will be(,) for she perhaps has some new idea that she will try to put over if I act too anxious about sewing it up. Now she wants to sell the light meter(,) so I told Ike Livermore to let her take it and I will have a new one put in.
Pauline dear, I wish I could see you Sunday but (I) can live in hopes of seeing you a week from Sunday and we can have a nice long visit(,) for you won't have to hurry back to school. I want to be near you and only wish the big day was here.
I love you.
Pit

Written Friday morning (5/27/21); postmarked 5/27/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning. That quotation was from "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." Keitges slipped in down below the Hiller place on that river road. I spent about ten years of my younger life in Old Mosquito River so (I) should be able to swim.
I was in hopes that you were coming down but you may decide differently later on. I like to stay as far away from Edna Lester as possible for if we would get those rooms tinted before we really take possession, she is apt to want to take the furnace out and force us to buy it. I am really afraid of that individual. She swore to me that shades were never left in a house and when I wouldn't buy them(,) (she) decided to leave them. I think just let her along and when she gets ready to move and finds we won't stand for a "horning" (she) will talk very reasonable.
In the first place(,) I think the stores will be closed in S.C. on Decoration Day. Then(,) Mrs. Scahill phoned me this morning saying Frank's body was shipped from N. Y. yesterday (and) the funeral will perhaps be Monday. There is also (a) Decoration Day service here. I am a pall bearer so (I) have to keep in readiness. I don't believe I can be in S. C. for reasons stated above on Monday. There will perhaps be 3 weeks' time between the day your school is out and the big event so we will have time to look over Hopper's stuff meanwhile. I believe they have some good stuff as Ben and Mary have some nice stuff and Frank and Jane got theirs there. If it is good enough for them(,) with his money(,) it certainly should be for us.
It pleases me very much to hear you say you are going to try to make me happy and be an asset to me. If I didn't think you would do those things(,) the affair would have remained as it was. There is going to be a change in our lives but where love reigns supreme(,) all the petty affairs will take care of themselves. I don't like to cross bridges before I come to them, (for) everything will always come all right in the end.
I really like the secrecy of the affair as I have never told anyone here about when it will be. I want to jump out of here and come back married. We can keep a lot of things in mind and when we get back here put them over but as for a lot of gossips in on every thing, they never get a word out of me.
I love you and I want you to be happy above everything else but I like to be rather quiet about preparing and then "go hard when we go.' I am the same in business(:) weigh a proposition over carefully and when your better judgement tells you to shoot(,) go hard and fast. Then you're right.
Love is everything
Pit

Written Saturday morning (5/28/21); postmarked 5/28/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning, also the one from Barbara. That was a very good letter of Barbara's for the reason that she took Si for better or for worse, not that it is any fault of his that conditions have arisen which he has no control over(,) but Barbara is showing herself a real woman by accepting those conditions and making the best of them. I don't think she is suffering one bit, and perhaps never shall(,) but she may have to deny herself something which she would otherwise have had, had conditions gone on as they were. Her case is identical with some others of us. I tho't a year ago that by this time I would have new fixtures here (and) a new automobile. I have denied myself those things(,) but (I) am making the best of conditions, doing all the business I can(,) in a manner which I think will make some money out of that business.
I think Si (is) a mighty fine fellow and one of those who will always come out near the top of the heap. I will venture to say that they are both happy despite conditions (,) for they are both in there battling to win. I have never become disgusted and discouraged(,) for (I) am sure everything will come all right in the end.
I think that should be enough along that line(,) but I am so full of that stuff that it has to get out somewhere. I could write a big long letter but (I) want to send this special so (I) must get it in pretty quick.
Frank McNiff will be buried tomorrow in Danbury, then we go on to Denison.
I would like to be with you tomorrow more than you know but my time will be filled full until after the first of the month. Even tho' I am busy I think of you a great deal and love you more each day.
Affectionately,
Pit

Written Monday morning 5/30/21; postmarked 5/30/21
Dear Pauline,
I am forced to use a pencil and write in a hurry(,) as Jim McNiff and Cecil Mahoney are both here this morning and they have taken my time. They have always been awfully good friends of mine and I couldn't run away and leave them.
The funeral at Danbury was certainly a huge affair-big crowd(,) four Legion posts, band, lunch at the church after (and) one of the best talks I ever heard by Chaplain (Father) Smith from Onawa, a fellow about 28 or 30, big, good looking, in Army clothes, and a wonderful talker. (We) went on to Denison and played one of the hardest games in my career as a baseball player. (We) got away to a bad start and played poor ball(,) but we kept pecking their pitcher all over the lot. Everyone (was) tired and we made nine errors(,) but out hit them. They have an all-salaried team and had their star pitcher(,) (but) we had them worried all the time. (I) got home about 9:30 (and) was pretty tired (after) a 65 mile ride one way.
Maude Ely was at the funeral and she had my heartfelt sympathy.
I will answer the questions you asked me in my next letter(,) as I have to hurry. I will try and see you around the last of this week or the first of next. Decoration Day services here this p.m.
Lots of love
Pit

A photograph from Suzanne Folk; whose Great Grandfather was "Jim" McNiff and brother to Frank McNiff, read Roy's "Letter's To Pauline" and sent a photo appropriate to share right here in the middle of "Letter's To Pauline." I hope no one minds.(vsb) Suzaane also wrote: "Frank McNiff was the brother to my Great Grandfather, James McNiff. I believe he is the Jim McNiff mentioned in some of the Letters to Pauline. I was told that Maude Ely, also mentioned in the Letters, was Frank's fiancee.  I noticed that the scene in the picture was described in the letter dated 5/30/21. You can see the casket on the carriage and all the men in uniform.  I was very happy to read those letters. It gave me some more info on the McNiff's that I didn't have.  Thank you-Suzanne Folk. 1/6/06

Written Monday night (5/30/21); postmarked 5/31/21
Dearest Girl,
I am going to pull the unusual tonight and try to write now rather than wait until tomorrow noon for there is always someone to bother you then.
When I started up the hill to the cemetery today I realized that I had about reached the end of my endurance rope(,) for it has been a steady grind since Saturday morning. I wasn't so tired last night(,) even after riding 140 miles and hiking up to the Danbury cemetery and playing a hard game of ball(,) but it began to bear down today.
That funeral yesterday was certainly grand. There was an awful crowd, cars went three abreast, casket loaded on a temporary gun carriage(,) and about 200 men in uniform.
I would like to have you come down for a couple days and (I) don't think you would be imposing on Kanes(,) but you perhaps know better than I. I would like to meet you in S. C. but I suppose about the only place you would care to stay would be Rinker's(,) and Mrs. Rinker is quite a talker. If you don't care to do either one of these, I will come up to Vermillion the first of next week.
We play ball at Ida Grove Thursday and Sunday (we) play Ute here after Odd Fellows memorial services. I think it would be fine if you could come down to C'ville Saturday nite and I would meet you there(,) then you could go back the first of the week.
In regard to fixing the house, things can change so fast in this age that I don't like to plan too far ahead. I wouldn't want to go ahead and put out money and paint to have those rooms fixed and then have the bird get chesty and make some unreasonable demands. Then, too, I would like to wait until we get to the place where we are going to know about what our furniture and all the little items are going to set me back. I have enough money in sight by buying conservatively to pay for this stuff as we get it, but there is a limit. There is going to be a lot of smaller items such as a lawn mower, garden hose, and so many incidentals that we don't figure on but will have to have that are going to run into money(,) so I want to keep a little money ahead to take care of those. Tuesday morning
I just got to here when Bill came in and we sat back here and talked until supper time, as there was a dance in town last night. I said(,) "You haven't been up to see the girl for quite a spell(,) have you?" He said(,) No(,) not for about 15 minutes!" We had a long talk(,) and he is a level headed bird.
I received your letter this morning. Even though it was written on journal paper I enjoyed it just the same. I took the check over to Loren Lucas this morning and he said he would mail your father the two receipts as he had received the other remittance. Bill and I went up to Cauley's last night after supper and I went to sleep on the operating table, then got up and went over to the dance. I danced once with Mayme and then went home. I tho't this friend of Orville's was rushing Anna and not the real artist himself. Cecil Mahoney went home yesterday, telling me to come down to Omaha and he would show me around. I told him that(,) in view of the approaching event(,) I couldn't be there. He said he may go over the hill this fall(;) he goes with Bessie Braig formerly of Danbury. He was driving a Buick roadster and looked as prosperous as ever. Cecil is a real pal but he doesn't brace his feet in times of prosperity for reverses.
Barbara wanted us to come back and see her. Well! I would dearly love to go but the same is true in our case as hers. We are furnishing a home and I would rather have the home complete than short ourselves by taking the trip. Then, too, that is really a longer trip than I feel like taking at this time. In case they remain there(,) I certainly want to take that trip before a great many years. I have burned her letter so no one will see it. I don't see anything wrong with it as she is smart enough to face the situation squarely and isn't grumbling.
I do think you are going to be economical as you have had very good training under your mother. I don't want you to be stingy(,) for you know I never have been. I like to get my money's worth for every cent I spend. I like nice clothes and want you to have the same. I like to go and want you to be with me and have all the comforts of a home(,) but (I) also want you to take Barbara's attitude, that it is for your good as well as mine that we keep our eye on the bank roll.
I send you my love until such time as I can give it to you "in person."
Pit

Written Wednesday noon (6/1/21); postmarked 6/1/21
Dear Pauline,
It is so dark here I can hardly see to write(;) looks like it is going to rain everything from cigarette butts to threshing machines before long.
Edna and Moen came yesterday. I had a long talk with Moen yesterday afternoon(;) he told me they had stored their furniture in the garage of the place in which they lived. I asked him what he intended to do and he said he didn't know, (but) was going to Minneapolis in a few days. Moen looks about 25# heavier than he used to. I just talked to Edna over the phone. I never tho't Maud and Frank were that far along but it must have hit her pretty hard(,) as she left the community. It will perhaps take a long time for her to get over it all but new faces and new surroundings will be about as good a remedy as I can think of.
In regard to Vera, it would look rather queer for her to go out teaching after the folks had moved there mostly for her benefit, but Pauline dear, there are a lot of queer things taking place nowadays. I never saw such a period of unrest, but if it is hard to make both ends meet(,) then she should accept the situation gracefully and do whatever is necessary to keep the old ship rocking steadily. Things are rather unsteady now but everything will right itself in time.
It is raining now and you know how I feel on rainy days. Well(,) the old feeling is one with me today and I would like to be with you today. Today is the first of the month and I must go out collecting this afternoon. It is tough going now but I have to buckle down to it.
I realize you would like to have Barbara back but that is only a small sacrifice when you read the papers and notice the people in cities out of jobs and most of them with families which are bound to suffer.
Dear, I really love you and want to be with you all the time. I realize every day what you really mean to me(,) but (I) can tell you better when I see you.
We lost the ball game 7 to 5, but intend to retrieve ourselves tomorrow. I am hitting very good so far this year and that makes it hard for me to get away.
Isn't this an affectionate letter?
Pit

Written Thursday morning (probably 6/2/21); no postmark
Dearest Pauline,
I am going to take the liberty of writing this with pencil(,) as we are due to leave here pretty soon for Ida Grove for the Fireman's Tournament.
I don't want you to think I have cold feet as I am more convinced than ever that I should be married and that you are the girl. My idea was to impress upon you that these are strenuous times in all lives and I didn't want to overstep and be in a position where financial conditions would worry me and in any way detract from our happiness. I think you realize that under normal conditions I am not close but in these times I want to keep an eye ahead all the time. Pauline, dear, I realize that you haven't always lived in a house of luxury and that is one reason things are to the place where they now are. It certainly does me a lot of good to hear you say "You are with me all the time," for that is all I ask of you. If you retain that attitude throughout our lives(,) then there will never be anything to worry about. Hard luck may overtake us on some occasions but if we both feel that we are together on every proposition, we can't be beat and everything will come out all right. The old saying "They can't keep a good man down" is very good but should have this addition, "with the help of a good woman to counsel with him and be a guiding star."
In regard to having the walls tinted, it would cut down the cost to do the work ourselves but I wouldn't feel like tackling the last coat. I will talk this over with you when I come up and you don't need to worry one bit. I love you and want to marry you and everything will be OK. I know you have dreams(;) as in the permanent wave case I didn't try to argue with you but you came out of it of your own free will and accord in time. So if you enjoy your dreams, then go ahead and I will allow as usual.
Heaps of love
Pit

Written Friday morning (6/3/21); postmarked 6/3/21
Dearest Pauline,
I am so sorry if my letter caused you to feel blue(,) for it certainly wasn't my intention to do such a thing. I noticed a small poem in The Herald a week or so ago that fitted my position very well. I don't remember just how it went but each verse would up "If your saying something is going to make it tougher for someone(,) then forget it." I had intended to come up Monday evening and perhaps back Tuesday afternoon. I tho't you would understand that if you didn't come down I would come up then.
Edna Lester called me up yesterday and wants me to come up today so I am going to go up this afternoon. I don't know what she wants but I suppose she has some wonderful ideas. I am just going to tell her that I rented that house for $30 a month and I intend to take it, so that is practically all I have to say. She can take what she wants and leave what she wants. If she leaves the things in the house(,) which she should(,) then there is nothing to talk over. If she wants to take some stuff(,) which she should, you can't change her mind by talking to her.
I suppose it is with a feeling of loneliness that you pass out of the school building for the last time(,) but we have all gone through the same experience. After thinking it all over(,) I can't think of one place that I would care to turn back to. I am well satisfied with my lot in life and (I) think I always shall be. I am certainly very sorry that you can't turn your stock in and get what you put into it(,) but I would rather talk (about) that with you than write it.
Well(,) we lost the ball game in a hard fought game(,) 4 to 3(,) but it is gone so forget it.
Edna and Moen were over. I saw Moen but didn't see Edna until this morning. She looks thin and I believe a little older. Moen was in later and is going to stay until Monday. Edna is going to stay a couple of weeks.
I wish I could see you tonight but tho't it would be better to come up next week(,) as you will be through teaching. In case some letter doesn't sound exactly correct(,) just sort of forget it until you receive the next one and I am sure you will be reassured. It isn't my intention but letters are often misleading, especially in my case where someone is always drifting back to the desk to talk to you.
I will close with love.
Pit

Written Saturday morning (6/4/21); postmarked 6/4/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning and enjoyed it very much. You may rest assured that I am loving you all the time.
I went to see Edna last night and much to my surprise she was very reasonable. She only wanted to sell me the rods for the drapes and(,) as she asked $4.95(,) I told her to leave them and I would give her a check for both the table and rods(,) but she said she had decided to take the table we bargained for. (She) is going to leave the shades and laundry stove(;) she asked about the refrigeration and I told her you didn't want it. She said in case you didn't want the rods she would take them back. She expects to get out about the 10th.
Last night a bunch got in here and they played the ball game over and over. The wise ones told us how it was won and lost.
Moen was in this morning and I told him to go up and buy Bert's store and we would consolidate the two. He is about half in the notion of doing it.
I suppose that picture in "The Post" was Carter's position exactly when his girl graduated(,) for it means that she is going to get away from him sooner or later.
I started working for nothing two years ago but I now have more than I would have had had I worked 10 years for wages, and I trust the same will hold true in your case that you will have a home of your own and happiness and that is something money doesn't always buy.
I expect to come up Monday but (I) haven't heard a word from you whether you are expecting me then or not.
Love until I see you
Pit

Written 6/9/21 (Thursday); postmarked 6/9/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good but rather short letter this morning and note that you are evidently a busy woman. That is very well that you learn to can fruit before you leave home(,) for perhaps you are under the direct supervision of an experienced canner, one who has profited by her mistakes. I wouldn't care to go through the experience that your folks did when they canned their first fruit.
Unless I hear differently from you I will meet that 5:45 train in C'ville Saturday evening. I am not one bit sorry that there are only two weeks left to prepare myself for the last lap of our journey.
I could get away from playing ball Sunday but I think perhaps you will decide to stay over Sunday when you get here. There are perhaps a lot of things to get done but in case you don't get them done(,) (I) can get them done later.
I know we have a lot of shopping around to do before we really have a home but if we do it together(,) (we) will have them done before we know it and time will fly fast. This week is certainly flying fast and is going to be gone before I know it. I have had a lot of work to do and am not done yet. Herst Kane isn't coming home until a week from Monday so I think I shall put him right to work and keep him there until we get back from our honeymoon.
Goodbye, June bride
Pit

Written Tuesday morning (6/14/21); postmarked 6/14/21
Dear Pauline,
I arrived home last night about 8:30 and(,) altho' not as hot here as in S. C.(,) when I got away from the fan (I) almost roasted.
I supposed your mother would prefer that you be married at home(,) even tho' it would make the work a great deal light on her. I am not disappointed for (I) didn't want to plan too heavily until all details were arranged.
I don't know just what you meant by saying that you were loving me more every minute so don't be too disappointed? I don't think that(,) if you should go mad with love(,) it would be too much(,) for that is what I expect and the case is similar to writing letters(:) you can't receive if you don't put out an equal amount yourself. I suppose I can wait a week later(,) as that was merely a suggestion(,) but when everything is fixed I want to go then and fast for I don't believe in postponements.
Pauline, dear, I enjoyed your visit here very much and I have every reason to believe that our married life will be just as pleasant and continue to grow more pleasant all the time, as we get more used to being together all the time.
I will see Hudgel this week and get fixed up with him and then meet you in S. C. one day next week and we can buy the necessary furniture at least. I will get Shrunk to work on the ring proposition this afternoon.
Lots of love
Pit

Written Wednesday morning (6/15/21); postmarked 6/16/21
Dearest Misses,
How do you like that term? I received your very good letter this morning(,) so evidently Dux left before train time. I wouldn't blame him if he missed the train(,) for when they don't expect to see one another for 3 months(,) (they) have a lot to get done. I have told you yesterday that I wasn't awfully disappointed as I find I also have a lot of work that must be done before I can get out of here. In this day when money is tight(,) a fellow starts to looking over credits and so forth that he neglected to take when money was plentiful.
Mayme just brought the parcel post stuff in and I saw that package from Butler's there. I bro't it back here but didn't open it as I haven't (received) a bill yet.
I would like to have a picture taken(,) to look back upon in the later years and be able to remark as I don my street sweeping whites, "There was the old man when he was in his prime."
Misses Kane was over to the house this morning before I departed for the business district and said she had received a nice letter from someone nice. I guessed right off the bat that it was you.
I want to sort of give the store a general cleaning up before I leave(,) so (I) will have to hit 'em high and far in the next week as I want to have Cub Bair get at those rooms some time the last of this week or the first of next.
Don't work too hard(,) as I don't want to see you all in on the big day.
From the "lucky stiff" who is soon to get the best girl in the whole world.
Pit

Written Thursday morning (probably 6/16/21)
Dearest Pauline,
I was up to see Shrunk twice and he wasn't in either time but (he) came down last night and told me to come up today and he would fix me up. I would prefer to have P. McB. rather than P. M. I haven't seen Hudgel as he has been away most of the time and I was very busy when he was around. Frank Zimmerman was just in and seems to think he is going to marry Hazel Haley.
I must look up the address of my relatives the first thing(,) as I don't hear from many of them. I have none outside of our immediate family. I will make out a list of the few friends I would like to have announcements sent to. I only want a few of my immediate friends such as Niels, Walt, Bill and a few others to have them.
I certainly do want you to love and honor(,) but the word obey sounds to me like it is meant more to use in connection with the word dog. Even in the store(,) I always ask the help if they will do a thing and not just bluntly state to them to do it. If the Very Reverend man doesn't insert that word(,) there will be no objection from me (and) he will receive his money nevertheless.
Harry Barber was just in and said he was leaving town as he and his dad had a battle.
The tablecloth from Butler was back ordered and I haven't received the bill for the bath towels yet.
I wish it was one week from Sunday(,) but (I) have so much to do that the time will be upon me before I know it.
A barrel of love
Pit

Written Friday morning (6/17/21); postmarked 6/17/21
Dearest Pauline,
I received your very good letter this morning even tho' you were indisposed. It is awfully warm here this morning and has been (so) all this week, but I like to see it hot, that makes fountain business and I like to work when it is warm.
I was up to see Shrunk yesterday and he took the setting and is sending it in to Omaha to have it matched in a wedding ring.
I don't know what about the kitchen as I will be putting on about all I care to put on now(,) but may decide I can stand it when I get up there. The tablecloth was back ordered so I can't send it up to you (,) but it may come in the next few days in which case I will forward to you at once.
I don't know exactly when I can meet you in S. C. but perhaps about next Thursday. I don't think there is any particular hurry on the furniture as I don't want it to come here until after I am gone. I won't tell even the help here that I am leaving until the day before I go.
I am enclosing a letter from Goldman which I received yesterday. I will talk to Lee Shrunk and see what he has. I hope our lot in live will never come to the pictures we have painted(,) but in case it does(,) I will say they can't break bad all the time (and) have got to break good in time. I would make your bear hug look like a dirty deuce if you were here.
Love
Pit

Written Saturday noon (6/18/21); postmarked 6/18/21 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Dear Pauline,
I didn't receive the usual epistle this morning but will send this letter special(,) as usual(,) regardless. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt.
I was talking to Hudgel yesterday and he didn't say a thing about cutting the price, but I suppose we will have to buy some stuff of him(,) or in fact most of it(,) as he is a good customer of mine. I told him I didn't need to go over unless he wished(,) for we can then look around the City and perhaps can get as good a deal from some retailer as we could by buying wholesale.
We were down to the ball ground last night, had a good sweat and then went down to the river for a swim. I tho't I had better see if I could still swim, and I find the old ability hasn't left me(,) even after 3 or 4 years of idleness. Bill, Campbell, and I drove down to Oto last night but there was a small crowd at the dance. We didn't intend to stay and were back by twelve o'clock.
I trust it isn't a continuance of your illness that leaves me without a letter this morning(,) for lying in bed on days like this would be a crime.
I spoke to Cub this morning about tinting those rooms and he said he tho't he could get at it this week.
Excuse pencil and scribbling(,) as we are pushed these days. I send you my love(,) or as much as I can in this manner until such time as I can bestow it upon you.
Your buddy
Pit

Written Monday morning (6/20/21); postmarked 6/20/21
Dearest girl,
I received your Friday and Sunday letters this morning and I have a lot to say to you. First, I realize that one week from yesterday is the big day in our lives. Yesterday as I was coming home from Ute I began to think(,) one week from then I would be a married man, that hereafter when I played a game of ball(,) I must be more careful than formerly and I would have a woman depending on me and that I must not take the chances I have in the past. Last night I stayed here in the store and read the paper and (,) as I looked up(,) Bill came along and we went home together. We talked over the fact that hereafter in a lot of things he would have to seek the companionship of someone else. It is with a degree of sorrow that I think of it all, and again it is a degree of gladness(,) for through it all I think life will mean more to me. After a hard day's work(,) I will have a real home to go home to, and even though it means a lot to me now as I think of it, I think it will mean so much more when it is a realization. I suppose thousands of people have felt the same way about getting married before us, but after it is over the real people say it is the only life.
The reason I suggested we be married in S. C. was to avoid the condition you speak of(,) but your mother wouldn't listen to that and I don't condemn her in the least. She and your father want you married at home(,) even tho' perhaps it will be a sad time for them. Perhaps if our lives heretofore hadn't been so acceptable to both of us(,) we wouldn't feel sad when thinking of leaving it. The same was true of my leaving home but I have never been sorry that I left and I think getting married will work the same way. That is the reason I don't want to make too many plans beforehand(,) as it would make it easier for all concerned. I haven't cold feet(,) as I am ready to go next Sunday(,) and I don't think you have(,) either. In regard to your physical condition(,) I must allow for that and live and hope that in time it will improve.
It is time for me to begin laying my plans and here they are, with your approval. I will leave here in the car with Bill next Saturday afternoon and drive to Vermillion that nite. In case your father comes home by Saturday morning, he can get the license(,) if he cares to(,) and engage the minister. If he won't be home or doesn't care to do these(,) I will come up and get the license and engage the minister. If he could get the license and would rather I talk to the Reverend, I could write and engage him. You know this is my first attempt and in case those plans don't meet with your approval(,) let me know at once. If they do(,) kindly give me the Rev. Wilcox's address.
Listen, Pauline, don't worry about the affair(,) for a good many people have gone the same route and come through all right. Just get something to amuse yourself and keep your head up and keep going. I have worked hard lately and am feeling more every day that I should be married.
We won the ball game at Ute yesterday(,) 2 to 1. Herst Kane and Harold both helped us Saturday and Herst worked yesterday. We have a lot of work to get in shape so I can leave Saturday. I am enclosing Goldman's letter. You didn't say anything about meeting you in S. C. Thursday.
I started to clean up my room last night(;) threw away about 1000 letters.
I love you, am ready to get married and next Sunday is the day.
Pit

Written Tuesday noon (6/21/21); postmarked 6/21/21
Dearest Pauline,
I don't know whether you will receive this before you depart for S. C. or not. I will meet you in S. C. Thursday noon at the Martin if I don't hear otherwise from you, 12 o'clock noon. I received a package from Butler this morning and suppose it is the table cloth. In case it is(,) I will bring it to S. C. with me.
I have been awfully busy this morning so will have to mail this at the train.
In case you can't meet me for any reason, you had better call me and tell me when you can. The time is drawing near but things are working out nicely here for me and I will be in shape when I head the Ford for Vermillion.
A heap of love,
Pit

Written Friday morning (6/24/21); postmarked 6/24/21
Dear Pauly,
Received your very good letter this morning and feel sure that we are watched and that everything will be rosy.
Hudgel and I came home last night(,) got home about 9:30. We didn't talk furniture much until we got near home, then he said he had a late catalogue from Davenport and would see what he could find in it, and also see what that outfit in S. C. cost him and if he could make a price on it. I just said, "Well(,) that fellow was allowing you a percentage all the time, wasn't he(?)" to which he agreed. I will see Thayer and Whitmer this afternoon and see if they can order a Detroit vapor stove.
I called Don this morning and he said I would have to sign at the time I got the license, but he would call and make a date with the clerk for 9:30 Saturday nite for me. He knows the clerk personally and said he was sure that the fellow would do that much for him.
I think we shall leave here about 4 o'clock and with any luck should be up there by 8 o'clock.
I guess this is about all I know so will quit with love.
Pit

Each of these 51 letters from Pit to Pauline was undoubtedly matched by a letter from Pauline to Pit. Unfortunately, only three such letters, all written in the week before their wedding, survive. They are transcribed below.