Letters from Grandpa 23 February 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel

Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,

Modesto,

California

Allene Dearest, will you please enlighten me? If is was anything about the real letter, as you so considerately called it, that gave you the giggles tell me what it was so I can join in. I need a few pounds, as per your suggestion and, you know--"Laugh and grow fat." If it wasn't anything in the letter I'm disappointed, but none-the-less interested, and if it was thunder and lightening, what in thunder was it?

Yes, business is good dear, but slacking up and Sunday eve we leave. I just wired to Austin to find out if there is a dentist there now. If there is we will go to Eureka instead. "Nox nix house."

You said something about the weather being so nice down there--Say, dear, He must have had an over supply cause we're getting quite a bit of it our own selves and I don't think it agrees with me. It makes me nervous and fidgety and I want to get out and do a lot of crazy things, like climbing mountains and other things that will make me all sweaty. While you may think we've had a lot of liberty,-on the go all the time, still we're always cooped up in a little old box of a room like a hot house plant--which I hasten to assure you I'm not--and when the sun comes out and makes it nice and warm out doors my feet just get itchy, that's all.

Your billet doux was rather brief, but tomorrow I'll know if you kept your promise of today. 

Now I pay you back in your own coin.

As ever dear, yours

Frank

February 23rd 1916

Letters from Grandpa 22 February 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel

Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S Kelley, 

Modesto, 

California

Little bread is better than no bread at all Dearest, and it will be the little that my girlie'll be getting today. Haven't had a moment's time all day till now and the train will be here in about five minutes, or less, so if there's an abrupt ending you'll understand. Trains only come to about a standstill and then start right up again at this place,-and I don't blame 'em.

Tho't you'd appreciate those pictures of me. Honestly I didn't know I did look that way. Hardly see how pictures can lie tho'.

That's a real luxury,--living so close to the City [San Francisco-ed.] that you can go almost whenever you wish without losing a lot of time. Selfishness makes me glad that the Berk'y [Berkeley-ed.] and Oak'd [Oakland-ed.] boys have dates ahead till the 24th of March and causes me to wish they'd continue to have dates ahead--way ahead. Of course I want you to have a dandy time--all the time dear--but the City is no place for a nice respectable girl to be running around loose with college boys (or any others) than Carlin is for a boy.

Train's coming--

I love you dear.

Frank.

Washington's Birthday

Letters from Grandpa 21 February 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel

Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,

Modesto,

California

Dearest, kindly tell Mrs Maze I thank her for the perfectly frank manner in which she expresses her opinion of my intelligence,~~or rather the lack of it. You might add that I'm a very hard worker, -when I get started,-and don't need a coat when I'm at the small end of a "Number 2" shoveling snow.  Also I'm going to answer her letter,-that great big dandy "thriller" that make me feel so good.

Yes, that nice chubby round face man is Dr. Whitesides. He's 6 feet 2 and weighs a little over 200. And he's been married and has a married daughter and he's engaged (so I was told) to a nice lady in San Francisco and he's a pretty fine fellow and I hope he does well in matrimony, for his sake, and business, for ours. And I'm a dude and wear white collars in cold weather because I catch cold when I wear flannel shirts unless I leave them unbuttoned at the throat and by golly, it's too cold in this country in winter to do the likes of that.

Oh say dear, I'm sorry you had to go clear up (or down, or over, or across) to the express office after that package. Next time I express anything, other than myself, I'll try and remember to put the street number on the outside. 

Let's see,-about tomorrow I'll get a letter with a comment on that picture of me in the gateway at Midas. Would like to see you try to make a face like that. The snow was about four feet deep on the level when that was taken. A trench or path was dug from the level of the packed snow in the street to the ground at the gateway. The picture hardly shows the picturesqueness, but it was very pretty in reality.

We're going to leave for Battle M't'n next Sunday afternoon and will go up to Austin Monday morning on the motor.~~~~~Providing, of course, no new work comes in to hold us. I hope we're held cause we're a good many hundreds of dollars short.

Yours with love, dear.

Frank

Monday, February 21st, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 20 February 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S Kelley
Modesto,
California

Allene Dearest, have you consumed the contents of that case of complexion compound and did it add to your avoirdupois? I've been told that sweets would do that and I know you hadn't reached the desired limit, so tell me it was sweet of me to remember you in that way,--or something equally nice, dear. I know you cried quits on the candy stuff but I don't think you meant that to last forever and there's a very slim assortment of things to select remembrances etc. from out here. I'll try not [to] be monotonous tho' and will only "sandwich" candy occasionally.

Almost wish I hadn't gone to Elko cause I've contracted a peach of a cold to pay for it. Put on a light summer suit and wore it back. It fixed me alright. It's a mighty good thing I've got plenty of clothes, also that I bro't another heavy suit with me, and if this weather continues the light suit will last a long time.

You ask the trouble between Dr. Moore and me. It's a long story dear, covering over four years. It is just a case of misplaced confidence and of my being too lenient with him after I saw that he was abusing the trust I placed in him. The inevitable split up was the result and in the settlement, I forced an acknowledgement of our business relations and an agreement to settle the accounts and amounts in full within a specified time. This document was drawn up by my lawyer, (where I out-witted Moore), signed by Moore and his wife doesn't love me at all. All I can say is that I "have it on him" and will make it very uncomfortable if he doesn't pay up.

I've gotten all your letters now dear. The Jan. 17th  one was the first sent to Midas,- the first time we didn't go, and it was held there till the day we left. The other one went up there and came right back so if it has a good beginning, "all's well that ends well" So you got two,--you spelled it "to-," valentines dear,- Well I got a couple too and darned if I know who did send 'em. Came from Calif. One from Oakland and the other from San Francisco. Are you guilty, dear, or am I on the wrong track? If you didn't send one I must agree with you that they are silly things but if you did,--I agree with you anyhow.

If the Ne'er-do-Well was as good in pictures as the book you had a real treat. Don't blame your grandmother for being romantic this kind of weather and with these moonlight nights but that light suit of clothes took all the romance out of me.

If boarding school has all those effects you say it has on one I'm mighty glad you didn't stay and furthermore I'm glad you're immune if that doesn't cover too much territory and include Nevada.

All my love dear.

Ever yours,
Frank

Sunday, February 20th,
1916

A Railroad Map from Grandpa 18 February 1916

In his previous letter, Frank H. Russell told Allene S. Kelley that he was sending her a little railroad map which he had marked up a bit. These are scans of the marked up portions of the pages he sent her and the note he included. Please click on the images to enlarge them.

Letters from Grandpa 19 February 1916

Box 162, Elko
Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Allene Dearest:-

Aboard the train for Elko Wednesday I wrote you and when I arrived I gave a small boy a whole nickel to take the letter over to the P.O. We stayed overnight there,-just long enough to get ourselves groomed a little and attend to some business matters relative to our offices, automobiles, and "Moore." The last mentioned is on the fire, cooking and I am awaiting developments.

Expressed you a box of candy which I hope didn't get all mashed in transit. Returning on the train Thursday afternoon I penned some more and told you I'd try and write again that night, but dear it was out of the question. And the next morning, yesterday, before we could get our things unpacked there were three patients waiting. Well we peeled off our coats and went to it. Worked without a stop, excepting for a hurried lunch, until after five o'clock and then started in after supper and put in about two hours. Promised to finish the one patient by ten o'clock this A.M. Missed it one hour only.

That's the reason my girlie didn't get a letter yesterday and I'll bet she's getting awful tired writing when she don't get any replies. I don't blame you, dear, when I fail to hear from you for a few days, when conditions are like they have been, but I'm disappointed every time I go to the P.O. and don't get your letter.

Think we will be here another week and then we'll go to Battle Mountain and Austin. Don't expect to stop in B.M. Change trains there and take narrow guage [sic] up to Austin. Am sending you a little R.R. map which I've marked up "a bit."

Oh, did you like "The Clausman," dear? I saw the pictures of it and it was fine. I never read "Michael O'Hallorhan," but if it is like "Corporal Cameron" or any other of Ralph Connor's works it's certainly going to get me. Here I have your letter of Thursday the 10th,-the morning after the "Five Hundred" set-to,-and when you were all excited about the case you had on a married man: It's not only disgraceful but provoking  and besides dear I'd rather you'd not have room for "cases" on any other than me. Your confidence in me dear shows me that you were not sincere with the case at hand, so I'm not too jealous.

You say you had a good time at the Winter Garden that night? Did you like the new (?) styles of dancing you saw? I'll bet it was some kind of tough ragging that was demonstrated. Isn't it ridiculous the way some of 'em dance? And after all I think the old fashioned waltz has 'em all beat.

In another of your letters you said something about eating worms cause nobody loved you--you'll have to recall that remark dear--right away quick. And now you weigh 126 1/2, golly!! I'll bet I've lost about that many since we went to Midas. Am glad you've got 'em, dear, since it pleases you so much, but I haven't any to spare so when you get thru with them send 'em back--P.D.Q.

I didn't get any letter from you yesterday or today dear so just for that-take this-It's more'n four pages anyhow.

Always yours
Frank

Feb. 19, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 17 February 1916

Box 162, Elko
Nevada.

Miss Allene Kelley,
Modesto
California

Just an excuse of a letter to my girlie to let her know I've not forgotten her today.

Will be in "Goldamya" in a few minutes.

From Elko I expressed a package of sweets, dear, You should get 'em about the time this letter reaches you. Enclosed a couple of pictures but saved the best one for this. It's a lovely likeness, don't you think?

Will try and pen you a few more lines tonight dear but I'm pretty near all in.

Always yours
Frank

Enroute. Feby 17, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 16 February 1916

Box 162, Elko,
Nevada


Miss Allene S. Kelley
Modesto,
California


Dearest:- The section foreman's note to the roadmaster "Off again, on again, gone again, Finnegan," would almost fit our visit at Midas.


We have found, dear, that our initial visits are not howling successes, financially, but it is gratifying to learn that the return ones are more profitable. We were in Midas just a week and while we made a little better than expenses our main accomplishment was the acquaintance of the majority of the population. And a couple of confidential and reliable tips that we would get three big jobs of crown and bridgework the next time we went in to the camp; these were given us yesterday morning as we were getting into the stage.


You know, dear, it makes a fellow feel "kinda" good when he learns that patients are pleased with his work and that they boost for him.


Last night when we got into Golconda found several days work waiting for us. Three big jobs and two others which we haven't examined and estimated. So taking it "all in all" I think the sun is going to shine very brightly for us. I think we will "make" Austin, Eureka and Wells before we return (for any length of time) to Elko.


I can account for all your letters,-got the last two, Sunday's and Monday's, this morning at Golconda. And the one that went astray, Allene, Jan. 17-to Midas, I got in Midas yesterday morning.


Golly dear, it's sure nice of you to just keep right on writing every day when my replies have been going so irregularly-and sometimes not at all. I'll pay you back tho' dear, someway, sometime.


We had a tough trip down yesterday. The first relay,--or stretch of about 16 miles,--was in sled, then we changed to wagon and it was a terribly heavy drag. Snow, ice and mud all mixed. The outcome of it was we didn't get any thing to eat from 7 a.m. till we arrived at our destination at ten P.M.~~and it was some cold after the sun got out of sight. Say but we didn't do a thing dear when we finally did get into that Hot Springs Hotel. We each (5 of us counting the driver) took two big jolts of whiskey and then made tracks for the dining room. Don't think there was a one in the bunch who tho't about washing his face and hands first. Well when we had satisfied our ravenous appetites, and it took some bulk to appease them, I "kinda" separated myself from the others and got the key to the "No 1" plunge and--well I did it. When I got out and went to the room there was old Doc in bed. He was all in.


This morning we got up and found the six o'clock train accomodatingly [sic] late. Our general appearance being rather shabby and that business I have to attend to in Elko, we decided to "hie ourselves hither." Now we are on the train. Don't know where Dr. W. is but I'm back here in the Pullman with you dear. Oh, if it were only a reality!! But maybe_______! I'm one who lives in hopes.


I'm not attempting to answer your letters herein dear. This is just a tale of woe. When I get more time (alone) I'll be with you, deeper in tho'ts-if that is possible.


Anyway dear I'm always
Yours
Frank


Feb'y 16th 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 11 February 1916

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020-15th St.,
Modesto,
California


Allene Dearest:- I'd a whole lot rather be where I could talk to you tonight than be writing cause I'm pretty much sore at my old partner, Dr. Moore of Elko. But then I should worry about such a thing;-we dissolved partnership last June and I've only seen him one or twice since. I have his signature, properly witnessed, to a little piece of paper which he isn't very proud of and he's foolish enough to try and buck in soft sand. My lawyer says he's trying to welch [not keep his end of the contract-ed.] and while he has not a chinaman's chance still it peeves me. Maybe I'll have to go back to Elko before I really want to.


Well dearest I got two dandy letters from you tonight to pay for the one I didn't write yesterday. I want to confess right now dear, the facilities for writing here are not. I don't think there's a writing desk in the camp, at least there isn't any that I've seen, and right now I'm up here in my room at the only hotel (?) using the wash stand as a desk and very nearly freezing. The only fire in the "joint" I guess is in the down stairs, rear, and I'm in the up stairs, front,--but I'd rather stand a little cold now than the burning I'd expect,--and probably get,--from you dear, if I missed a mail.


I'm a little afraid the movies have given you a sort of an exaggerated idea of a mining camp. Some of the very prosperous, booming camps have all those things, dance halls, etc. but this is not a prosperous camp dear--not now anyhow and besides I don't like beer at four bits [25 cents-ed.] a drink and you never can drink alone in a dance hall. I'm not a millionare [sic]--why I already have told you I was a fortune hunter. So dear you may go to bed and have a good sound sleep when I've finished talking to you.


You want to know what I do for recreation when on these trips. Well dear I work, and eat, and sleep from ten to twelve hours every night and that's all I do.


Hope you enjoyed yourself at the card party Wednesday night and did "Kitty" prove to be a nice little "girl." Sometimes a fellow gets fooled with those nice little "girls." I suppose you'd feel terrible if you did slip and call him Kitty to his face.


Do you know what I'm going to do now, dear, well I'll say good night and let you guess.


Always yours
Frank


Midas, February 11th, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 8 February 1916

Box 162, Elko,
Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest Girlie

It's 7:30 A.M. and my fingers are almost frozen but the stage leaves in a few minutes and I don't want to disappoint you nor cause you to look like "the last rose of summer," as your aunt said.

We had a dandy sled ride from Red House up yesterday altho' it was a heavy pull for the team. The last twelve miles we had to use four horses.And at that they didn't get out of a walk, except at one or two little down hill places. 'Twas a little after seven when we got in and then after we ate and got our things put away we rolled in. Couldn't find any stationery or would have written then.

The day was as near perfection as could have been expected out here at this time and not once were we cold or the least bit uncomfortable. The snow here is several feet deep and even on the tip top of the summit was about four,--and they say it must have settled eighteen inches yesterday.

I may be able to get some snow scenes before we get out of here. It looks favorable for such.

With love dear,
Yours,
Frank

Midas, Nevada
Feb 8, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 6 February 1916

Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
Modesto
California

Allene, Dearest, I've been the busiest man today--busier'n a cranberry merchant.-Worked like a trooper to finish up our "Midas." This afternoon about four I turned him loose. Since then we've been packing, getting laundry ready, and cleaning up. The supper bell interrupted and now dear I'm devoting these few moments to you so this won't reach you a day late. The mail train is due here in about ten or fifteen minutes and if I fail to make connections this won't go till tomorrow.

Our Midas sure scintilates [sic] like the tower of jewels. And he likes it.

Received two dandy letters from Modesto this morning dear, which I can't answer now. Will do that little thing when I reach Midas. One of them was yours Allene and the other was your aunt Helene's. She sure did write me a nice letter, and she has such a clear, comprehensive way of telling things and explaining them. Isn't it funny that I should remind her of Mr. Maze? Do you think I'm like him in any way? I wouldn't mind being at that because I think he's a pretty fine man.

Here's the train dear so good-bye for a few days.

Always yours,
Frank

February 6th 1916.

P.S. Will send a letter by first mail out.

Letter from Eunice D. Kooy 5 December 1994

Eunice Dale Broadwell Kooy was my paternal grandmother. She wrote this letter to my daughter; I believe there had been a school assignment related to the Great Depression. "Mom," as I called her, was first married to Robert B. Sauls. He is the "Bob" she refers to. They were divorced in 1933, and in 1938 she married Gerrit Kooy. Her parents were Nathaniel Dale and Elva Helen (Clark) Broadwell.
The letter is undated, but the postmark in the envelope is 5 December 1994.
I have edited out the names of living people.

My Dear [Great-granddaughter]

I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you. However, I'll send this information that may help in the future.

In 1929 [my third child] was born in Oakdale.
His Father Robert Boyer Sauls was trying to sell Watkins Products in Oakdale District. He couldn't sell enough products to maintain our home so we moved back to Modesto in 1930. He found employment at the Ford Dealership as a mechanic. That job lasted a short time and he was layed [sic] off.

I went to work at The Modesto Fruit Exchange packing fruit. After packing untill [sic] in November the fruit season finished. I couldn't find work and we were being evicted from our home due to nonpayment of our rent. At [sic] time Lloyd, Helen, and Aunt Maude Johnson invited us to live with them for a while. Lloyd was in cement contracting business at the time. He insisted Bob work for him and I cooked for his cement crew until Glen was born March 9, 1931.

In April 1931 Bob received $600.00 from the Government, with that and what other money we could get together Bob and Lloyd built a small house in Yoris Grove. Bob still didn't have work. So my Dad let us milk young Jersey cows so we would have milk and butter for the children.

W. D. Sauls-your Great-[great]-grand father, was a minister. Enid [Enice] Sauls Great-[great]-grandmother.

The boys went to Ceres by bus, In the mean time I raised a few chickens and rabbits for food and had a garden. I baked bread in a wood stove and sold it for 10 cents a loaf. Also, made mayonnaise and sold it for 25 cents per qt. [quart]

I made underwear for all out of flour sacks. I didn't have a washing machine so I heated the water over a fire outside fire [sic] and washed by hand with a rub board.

When Apricots were ripe we didn't have gas for the Ford car so I walked 3 miles each way to cut apricots for 25 cents for a 50# [pound] lug. 10 boxes was the most I could cut for drying in an 8 hour day.

Aunt Maude, Helen and my mother took care of the Boys.

May 1933 I moved to my mother & Dad's home in Ceres. Most all the banks closed. Farmers couldn't get their money out to buy hay for their cows and many sent their herds to slaughter. The economy down until Pres. Roosevelt started releaf [sic] Program (WPA) I got a job with the Government doing payroll for 100 men for $60 a month.
May 6, 1936 I got a job doing general office work.
Jan 2, 1938 I went to work for Stanislas [sic] Co. Dept of Agriculture where I worked for 33 yrs as Secretary & Agricultural Insp. [Inspector]

Letters from Grandpa 4 February 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Again, Allene Dearest, your letter is early. It came on this evenings [sic] train and of course I won't get any tomorrow morning to pay for it,~ but maybe I'll be rewarded again tomorrow evening. Here's hoping.

I guess you've guessed it dear when you guess fate is "agin" us. It's alright with me tho' so long as we are kept busy and out of mischief.

Our "Midas" has all those gold crowns in his upper jaw and electric headlights on a dark clear night are not to be compared with his illumination. Our Midas has the old King Midas backed clear off the board.

Of course, dear, we can, and do do porcelain work. Can't make porcelain inlays on these trips, account of that work requiring an electric furnace, but crowns and teeth we can supply. For crowns and bridge-work gold is stronger and more durable and we always advise our patients to take it for that reason. Of course if they want porcelain we give it to 'em, in fact we give 'em anything they want, ~ if it's within reason, or possible.

That's too bad about your gold crowns showing when you laugh dear. Maybe some of these days I'll be able to show you what I can do in the way of changing them to porcelain. I should say I don't advise gold in the anterior teeth, altho' I, myself, have "a plenty."

You bet that one is a good picture of you and I'm going to keep it right in my pocket where I can take a look at it whenever I want to, and I want to now, so wait a second. You're unchanged dear; you're just as sweet looking as before.


Tell me what the S in your name stands for and don't tell me it's Samanthy or even Sophia.

With love dear I'm
Always yours,

Frank

Fish Day~~~~
February 4th 1916

[Editor's note: The "S" in my grandmother's name stands for "Simmonds."]

Letters from Grandpa 3 February 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Allene Dearest,
Already I've won my wager of this afternoon, but there's no sport in betting where you have a "cinch." And if ever there was one it was that the Vagabond would prove the stronger magnet that that Russian Musical. The wager was decided by your letter which arrived this evening. I guess this letter was intended for tomorrow and to pay for getting it tonight I'll about have to go without one in the morning. I'm a cheerful winner, dear, and it's alright, fine when they come on time, or a little early, but I get pretty peeved when they're late, so if you want to keep me in good humor you want to get 'em away on the first train.

So my letter was thrilly,~gee, I'd like to know what particular part of it is responsible for that comment? And as for your being in doubt as to my address,~ always send 'em to the same old place till I tell you for sure to send 'em someplace else. Anyhow all mail for Midas is sorted over at this P.O. and even if the letters are addressed to Golconda and we are up there we will get then without any delay.

Yeh, that's alright~very nice~ also fine, and I'm glad Helen Hinkle likes cookies and nuts~~and that she get's 'em in her jail, Huntington Hall. But I know another party, that is I have a speaking acquaintance with him, in fact I talk to him quite often. (You know this kind of weather is enough to make a fellow talk to anybody,~even himself.) Well anyway, he's worse than in jail,~he's snowbound on a big desert~and he likes cookies and nuts too,~~and he doesn't get 'em. That doesn't take away his likes for them tho' nor his love for her who makes them.

Always yours dear,
Frank

Thursday Eve.
February 3rd 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 3 February 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
Modesto
California

My Dearest Little Girlie has got me tongue-tied, or has given me "writer's cramp," or else the receipt of this mornings letter with the pictures has acted as an anaesthetic and as far as external appearances go I'm in an absolute comma [sic]. My mind and tho'ts tho' dear, are working overtime. When I read your letter there are about a million things I want to say and then when I look at your pictures I'm speechless. I don't know whether it's fright (like "buck-ague" or "stage fright") or admiration.

Anyhow dear the pictures are great,~especially the one of you in the sweater. I love that characteristic carelessness it portrays. You do look "kind-a" natural in the other one of you standing but I don't like it nearly as well as the first. And the one of you sitting~~well I don't know,~ Might have tho't it fine if I hadn't seen the others. The one of aunt Helene, gee!! It's a funny one alright. She stood too close to the camera and it's distorted~made her too big in the middle.

Most wonderfullest, dear that you should have baked and "maked" and all those other things about cookies and almonds~ and all by yourself, too! I am so surprise-ed!! <--Exclamation points. And I'll take your word for their quality.

Now I suppose I'm to guess which was the stronger attraction, "The Beloved Vagabond" or the "Russian Composers." Oh, I'll take the single tramp.~ The movies are bound to be the winners.

Gee dear, but I like that picture of you in the sweater, and love the original.

Frank
Feby. 3,-1916.

Letters from Grandpa 1 February 1916

Box 162
Elko
Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
Modesto
California
Box 686

Old Pluvius,~or whatever they call him,~Dearest, is bound to hold us here. This is the day I told you we were to start for "Red House" and this is the day we had a continual snow storm.

Anyhow it's an ill wind that blows nobody good. We landed a patient today for a full mouth of gold. Put gold crowns on every tooth in his head. 'Twill take us about three days to finish his work and maybe by that time we will,~~but the next time you hear about it will be a telegram saying we've started. I'm not going to count on our getting started again.


Am glad you liked the "snow" pictures dear but the one at Golconda is not snow. That's frost on the trees. It forms during extremely cold nights and drops off as soon as the sun strikes it~almost.

So you only weigh a hundred and twenty two~~and a half? How tall are you dear?

And I was just going to ask you to send me  another picture of yourself~one that I could carry in my pocket. Hurry 'em along Allene, cause I can't wait,~that is, I'm very impatient.

With love dear, I'm
Just yours
Frank
~~~~~
Tuesday, Feb. 1st,
1916

Letters from Grandpa 30 January 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest Girl o' Mine,

I'm still on the job,~ the teeth didn't cook too much and the patient is "tickled to death" with the work. A pleased patient is our best ad.

But what I'd like to know dear, is who is to blame for my failure to get a letter from you dated the 27th? Yours of the 26th came yesterday, accompanied by one from your aunt, dated the 27th, and the one this morning was written Friday. Now dear, you have forbidden my scolding and to prove my lovely nature I acquiesce in your favor~~this once; but you surely can't object if I tell you I'm disappointed when there's a day missed. I want one for every day even if they are not received for three or four days, if (again) then they come three or four in a bunch. I'm selfish dear, but can't help it, nor do I want to, where you are concerned.

Gosh! Sell that beautiful home! Do you really believe he will,~or wants to? Seems like a shame to even think of it,~but if he gets his price~~! And you haven't any idea where you might go? Well dear, should the deal go thru' and you leave Modesto all you've got to do is to tell me the new address and when the time comes I'll get there.

All the weather prophets around here say this last storm is the last big one we'll have for a while and if that's the case we will be at our destination in a few days. Was talking to the stage driver last night, the fellow who had that terrible experience (he's alright now) and he says "they'll be able to get us thru' in a few days, about Wednesday." They are driving stock etc. over the road now to break it. When we get there, dear, the triweekly mail service and the uncertainty of stage lines out here will put a damper on our daily missives but we can write a few lines daily anyhow. Now that the time is drawing near and we have been away from Elko so long I hate to go up there to that old mining camp, but what can a poor man do?

With love dear, I'm always yours                                    
Frank

Sunday Afternoon,
Jan. 30th, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 29 January 1916

Box 162
Elko
Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California
Box 686

This last storm, Dearest, has put things "on the h[illegible]mer" again and the letter I wrote Thursday night or Friday (yesterday) morning is still here in the P.O. My letters are usually mailed on the train but when no trains come along~~well I've just got to get rid of them. I don't know what the outcome will be; whether you'll get them singly or in bunches, but I'll see that I have one ready for either "No. 19" or "No. 9," the west bound mail trains, each day.

Yesterday dear, of course, I didn't get even the scratch of a pen from you~ and today, altho' the east bound trains have gone thru', just the one tardy missive. Yours and Mrs. Maze's came. I don't seem to be missing any,~the dates check up,~but there's no regularity.

It's surely awful out here and no mistake. The mail carrier, who was going to take us to Midas, left here in the stage two weeks ago day after tomorrow. He hasn't been able to get back,~~nor did he get in. They had to go out and meet him. The other day he started out with the intentions, as I understand, of coming back here. Snow was so deep he was unable to get thru. Got caught in a big drift, had to stay there all night. The next morning he left the team and started to walk. During the day a relief party was sent out for him.(by telephoning they found that he'd not reached his destination) and they found him floundering in the snow entirely exhausted. Had they arrived a little later they'd have found a corpse. When the wagon roads are so bad you can't get thru with [a] big team it's pretty bad.

I'll bet you are happy, dear. There's such a  big feeling when [you] cross the line,~ from exercises to real music. It's very much the same feeling as when a boy gets his first pair of long pants. I took piano lessons some years ago. I drilled away on the old monotonous finger exercises as faithfully as could be,~~while they were watching me,~and oh, how proud I was when I got that first piece. I seemed to have gained the summit.~~Anyhow I "camped" right there. I quit while I was filled with pride.But you mustn't follow my example dear.

And have I been scolding too terribly much? I 'pologize dear, but if you should quit writing I'll "take it back" and scold worse'n ever. So there!

I've been shaving, dear, almost regularly, but by no means for the cause you mention. I do it selfishly~Do you know how that can be? Well before you have time to answer I'll tell you. I do it for my own personal comfort and no one else is taken into consideration~that is no one out here.


Thru' your experience with the "borrowed" baby you've concluded you and Hazel would make wonderful mothers, huh? Blood's thicker than water," [sic] and you can't judge from another's how you'd be with your own.

I'm glad you feel that way about it, Allene dear, ~"if you went to bed without writing your day would not be complete." My days seem to be your days dear.

Frank
January 29th, 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 28 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada
Box 162, Elko

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California
Box 686

So long as it doesn't make any difference in the date of delivery Dear, does it make any difference to you whether this was written Thursday night or Friday morning?

Well  Friday was (is) the day we were to have started for Midas but a continual snowstorm all day Thursday forestalled the trip again. The old weather man doesn't take us into consideration at all. Maybe he's playing "freeze-out" with us. If so I'm still betting on myself.

Wednesday night dear, I tho't I was going to pen you a short letter, but when I got started,~whew! From now on I'll not give you warning; if you find an abrupt ending, please don't complain. You'll know dear, I wasn't in the mood for writing at the time. Strange as it may seem to you, Allene, there are times when I worry. When things don't go right, I worry in my own "peculiar" way and I don't seem to be able to concentrate my mind on anything else. You'll be able to tell it because the preoccupation of my mind takes me, the real self, away and my letters will lack the vim and life that I try to give them. But we haven't come to that bridge yet dear, and I hope we never do.

Say dear, you are sensible, sure enough, because if you had had me pictured with that halo etc. we'd have both been disappointed,~ that is I'd have been disappointed and you mistaken 'cause,~ well I'm not one of those things. And don't think for a minute dear, that I noticed any signs of peevishness nor took your letter so seriously as to lose sleep, or worry, over what you'd said.

Listen, Allene, you mustn't hurry me back to Elko, too quickly. We've got to make a "haul" before we go back there, and may have to take in several other towns first.

Well that's too bad dear that the looks should be spoiled thru' a mere pencil mark on the envelope. I'll be very very careful in the future. Will that be alright, dear?

With an abundance of love
Frank.
~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday P.M. or Friday A.M.?
~~~~~~~~1916~~~~~~~

P.S. If I've been sputtering away and talking in parables ~(I often do)~ "call me" for it dear. I'm always anxious to make myself understood.

Yours.

Happy Birthday

Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 88 years old. Happy birthday, Dad! I love you and miss you!

Letters from Grandpa 26 January 1916

Box 162,
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020~15th St.,
Modesto
California

Yesterday, Dearest, I didn't write nor did I receive, but the one I wrote Monday P.M. didn't go till yesterday so I'm none behind. Today I got the tardy one and another, and they both "had a tendency" to make the world look brighter in this gloomy old place. Anyhow I noticed a difference, if no one else did and I feel lots better since I consumed their contents, cause it does make me feel a little downhearted and neglected when I go to the postoffice [sic] and they tell me "nothing doing."

You're not going to get much of a letter today dear.~Am "awful" busy and the train will be here before I finish work. Will write what I can while I'm "cooking" some incisors.

I'm very glad to hear you are industrious too, and that you are faithful to your music, even tho' you do "meet up" with a good many obstacles to hinder and to make it disagreeably fascinating;~ such as snow storms, mud theatres, etc. And talking about theatres, I saw Letty in San Francisco~not "Frisco." I should say she is an awkward looking thing on the stage. And where she made that exit on all fours and then peered around the corner at the audience,~~well "could you beat it" dear?

By golly! dearest, those teeth are done to a frazzle and I'll have to leave you or "lose my job." Will answer this last one tonight.

Always with love,
Your,
Frank.

Jan 26~1916

Letters from Grandpa 26 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada
Box 162, Elko

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California
Box 686

This afternoon Dearest, during all the rush and the excitement (?) of making those teeth I penned you a few hurried lines to make connections with your mail train, hardly knowing what I was saying. Have a dim recollection of promising another tonight in answer to "this last" one of yours. Now I realize the uselessness of such a promise 'cause~~well dear I don't believe I'd sleep right with this sweet letter unanswered.

Allene, dear, you may derive pleasure from my missives,~you say you do, so my efforts are not futile,~but you certainly can't enjoy them any more than I do yours. It's not a long one nor will this be. You cautioned me "proprietor will be charging extra for stationery." Maybe so, but that's not my excuse for limited conversation tonight. Somehow I don't seem to be "wound up" just right to be talkative. I seem satisfied to just be silent and meditative and the meditations are all of you. Was reading a while ago and several times I looked up from the pages and saw you dear, right here with me, just as vividly;~ your hair, your eyes, all your features;~could even hear your voice. Goodness, it was so real I just had to restrain myself from reaching right out for you, dear!

Gosh! I know now if I ever get close, near enough so I can grab you, you're going to get some mighty rough treatment,~~and I don't think there's any twelve men in the world who would convict me of brutality.

Perhaps you are like every other girl,~~in some respects, but you have a personality, and individuality that's all your own and they are the things that facinate (sic) me. You know dear that in choosing even our friends, it isn't merely the person;~it's something about him, within him,~that magnetizes us.

We, all of us, are only human beings and as such have our faults and virtues, and sometimes they are not divided equally. I'm afraid mine ~~ but this is not a confession dear so I'll not finish that sentence. Will say this much, when I get started I don't seem to know when to stop talking. Think I've exhausted my resourses (sic) tho' for tonight so Buenos Noches Allene.

Always yours
Frank

Jan. 26-1916

Thursday Morning


Know you are anxious to see the pictures dear, so am enclosing them. They just came this morning~with the letter in which you told me not to put street number on envelopes.

Frank

Letters from Grandpa Tuesday Eve

Note: I do not know the date of this letter, as Grandpa didn't write it on the letter and the postmark is incomplete.--Dimple

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene Kelley
1020~15th St.,
Modesto
California

Dearest:
"Circumstances alter cases" and the circumstance int his case came this P.M. in the form of a bit of information to the effect that another dentist has himself "billed" for Midas the latter part of this month. In this case it is "first come, first served" so we are going to stay right here where it is comfortable for a few days, or a week, or until we can get into the camp, or find out that it is impossible to get in for a longer period. We are going to beat him to it if we have to camp for the winter.

So send the mail direct to Golconda.

Mr. Dutertre (pronounced Dutree) has accomodated [sic] us with the hotel parlor, gratis, for our operating room. Very nice of him, I think.

That concludes the evenings [sic] performance, dear, as my stock of news is exhausted and one of your inspiring letters is necessary.

Always your
Frank


Tuesday Eve.

Letters from Grandpa 24 January 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020~15th St.,
Modesto
California

And it's quite a relief to me, Allene Dear, to know you are getting my epistles. This evening's mail bro't your letter~the second today~ which causes me to apologize for my complaint of this morning,~if you considered it a complaint.

You've not missed it a bit dear when you think Golconda a poor,~unfascinating, gloomy place to sit around in in winter. I'd rather be in jail,~I think. They claim three or four hundred population. I don't know where they are. About all I've seen besides a few, very few people, is the post office, two hotels, two stores, a lot of saloons, a livery barn, a garage, a few vacant buildings of various sorts and a few residences.

So you've noticed something strange, wierd [sic], about that picture? Well that is strange, dear. Do you suppose it is a freak picture or a picture of a freak? Maybe that ring the photographer put under my right eye has something to do with it. Next time I have a sitting I'm going to get a negative that suits me or "there'll be no" prints, and I'm going to be particular too.

I'm glad dear, my letter made your "auntie" quite happy. What in the world was it I said that bro't forth all those nice remarks you made about it? I know I was very particular, also guarded, as to what I did say in that letter 'cause she's such a nice lady I wanted to please her and leave a good impression.

Don't get too impatient dear. The pictures haven't shown up yet, altho' it's time they did. Soon's they are rec'd I'll send 'em on to you.

Why the idea of you wondering if I've shaved since we started and the nerve of you to express that wonderment! Sometime I'll show you a picture of myself,~the way I look when I don't shave,~ but not now.


Nighty night, dearest.

Always yours
Frank
~~~~~
Jan. 24~9 P.M.

Letters from Grandpa 24 January 1916

Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020 15th St.,
Modesto
California

That's right, Dearest, pounce right onto me the first thing when you don't get your letter. Maybe you have me all "dolled up" with a halo, wings, etc. and think there is no limit to my powers, but, dear, you're wrong,~~very wrong. I'm only human and as such can only write and mail the letters after which I have to trust in Uncle Samuel and the Almighty to see that they reach you. No doubt the mist has cleared up and the missed have been located and my dear has "taken back" all the mean things she tho't and said about me.

I haven't neglected you a single day dear, even tho' there were days and days~ages~when I didn't hear from you. And only yesterday I was greeted with a negative reply at my request for mail,~and today the letter came~and please notice that it's third person, neuter gender and singular~very singular, after getting two Friday and two more Saturday.

I'm glad you saw "Long Letty" dear and that you liked her~~it, 'cause I tho't it the best musical comedy I ever saw. And come to think about it, the letter you've missed is the one in which I told you something about it being a great show and that Charlotte Greenwood was surely the one who put the "Long" in the name.

Listen dear, while I think about it, ~oh yes I do forget things sometimes,~we will leave for Midas Friday morning if no more storms between now and then. Just keep sending mail here tho' till I tell you differently. In case we leave they'll (the letters) be sent right on without any delay.

Is this P.D. Quick "enuff"? And that P.D. doesn't stand for Pi Delta, but Phast Delivery.

With love dearest
Always yours
Frank

Jan. 24, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 23 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada
Box 162, Elko

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020-15th St.,
Modesto
California

Dearest, this is Sunday morning and no letter! And the postoffice [sic] is closed for the day~ These country post offices are the limit.

Don't know whether a complaint is in order or out. Perhaps I should content myself with yesterday's harvest as the letter I left unread till after I'd written, so I'd have material for today's, wasn't intended for me till today. 'Twas the one you wrote "Thursday 9:30 P.M." It's postmarked Jan.21-11:30 A.M. and I rec'd it at 8:00 A.M. yesterday, the 22nd. I guess the road is open. But anyhow I wanted another this morning dear, 'cause I "kinda" like your letters~and you,~and I hope it's contagious. 'Sides I told you I wasn't a woman hater, but I was particular and I am, that's why I like you dear.

Of course I want you to get my letters~when they're fresh~hot, right off the griddle dear, and every one of 'em too; but I'm not so anxious that the be the cause, or excuse, for night strolls. But then I guess there are no spooks or kidnappers in Modesto.

I don't blame your aunt for asking that question,~(why did you omit a word?) if you looked as morose as I felt when I didn't get a letter from my girlie this morning. Of course dearest, I'll have another picture taken. Tried to arrange for a sitting for a decent picture when I had the other taken. Photographer was busy~holidays~and,~well I was on the jump every second getting our business started. Have it all arranged for a sitting soon as I get back.

Am not at all surprised at remarks of your friends regarding hat, but that picture wasn't taken for them, and you understand. As to your comments, dear, I think I'd have been really disappointed had you not been out-spoken. There's another thing I'm going to like you for. I just love to have you criticize whether your ideas coincide with mine or not. I like that hat because it's different. Had it made to order and don't think there's another like it anywhere. The thing that makes it look sporty is the old band. We had a wild west show in Elko just before I left and all the town boys had to tog up in cowboy style. Well I slipped the hat band on my "lid" and neglected taking it off. There you are, dear, and do you think you've hurt my feelings? A week does go fast, doesn't it?

So you think I'm a nice flatterer? There is another asset you possess dear. I admire self esteem but not conceit. If I've said "nice things" about you dear, they've been nothing more than your due and if you underestimate yourself, then you're not conceited.~~And I did mean all I said.

There's no possible chance of that other dentist, who was my old partner, beating us to Midas. We are "camped on the trail" and there's no place to turn out so if he gets in he'll have to push us ahead.

Should say I have read of the floods down there. Wrote to my cousin in L.A. the other day and asked him what he was doing besides "paddling his canoe" and I meant it literally.

Am exchanging love with you, dear.

Always your
Frank

Jan. 23rd, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 22 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Golconda, Nevada
The Whitesides Co

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020 15th St.
Modesto,
California

Dearest Allene:~
After I'd written I received two letters from you yesterday. The one written on the 18th, addressed to Elko and the other on the 20th to this place, "Goldaruya." The latter one sort of puzzled me until this morning when I was again agreeably, double agreeably, welcomed at the P.O. by the one of the 19th, forwarded from Elko and the other of the 21st, sent direct.

Now I am short just the one written on the 17th and it must be in Midas. The stage left here last Monday and hasn't returned altho'  it is scheduled to go on one day and return the next. There is some snow out here.

Don't think for a minute dear that I'm going to condense an answer to all four of 'em in one letter~~and leave myself short of material for the one tomorrow. Truth of the matter is I haven't read the last one yet and I can hardly wait to finish this. Had to read the one in between to clear up the mystery. Gee it was a long wait, those four days dear, without a line from you and I can tell you I was kind of uneasy, but everything is all lovely again and if old Dame Nature will only quit interfering there'll be no more of 'em."

Didn't you like "So Long Letty?" I tho't it simply great. And Charlotte Greenwood is surely the one who put the "Long" in the name. And "Grace" was good too~~but Grace is fat!~like Hazel(?)

I see you are cultivating an extravigant [sic] pastime, dear, besides degenerating, and I'm both shocked and surprised. It's terrible dear,~to gamble,~~(longer pause)~and lose, but it isn't half bad when you win. Is it? Anyhow this life is nothing but a gamble after all and so long as one doesn't cheat it's alright to get the other fellow's money. Self preservation at all times.

I don't know anything about my brother's affairs, dear,~that is, their "affairs d'amour." I have often noticed that they are very particular about their appearance and if that is the sign of a woman hater then we are. I don't know whether they are unlike myself, but whenever there are young ladies present they cut up like two-year-olds and act just as foolish; and I don't think any of us are woman haters. That's all I know about it except that I'm hard to please.~~There's more that I might add, dear, but there's a time and a place for everything~and a girl too. I will say that this is not the date nor do I think the location correct.

So my french [sic] phrase didn't call forth the dictionary? Too smart,~little girl, but you missed when you tho't I gained my wonderful knowledge from some associate. Several years ago I visited Canada,~up around Montreal,~and I noticed at all Rail-road Crossing signs were the usual warnings in english [sic] and also the french [sic] words "Traverse de Chemin de Fer"~~well "Traverse," I guessed, must be "crossing." So it was not association but observation, dear.

I've just got to get into that other letter dear~can't wait another minute so you'll get an answer to these last two in my tomorrow's.

With love always, dear,
Yours
Frank
~~~~~~~
January 22nd

Letters from Grandpa 20 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Eugene L. Dutertre Proprietor
Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020 15th St.,
Modesto,
California

Dearest Little Girl:~
Your inference was correct as your letter did mean pleasure to me. they [sic] always do; can't you tell that dear from the way I act and answer them? Yes and by the way I keep writing even when they don't come? Hadn't received one from you for several days until today. This one was written on the 16th and was accompanied by the one from your aunt. I surely like your aunt dear,~and doesn't she write the most interesting letters? They are just like herself,~just the way she talks.

I can't help laughing at her at times, about her science; but she is brim full of good common (horse) sense and that's what counts. You're certainly a lucky girlie to have such lovely relations as she and Mr. Maze.

No wonder I didn't recognize you in that picture~Such a sight!! You aught to be ashamed!

I don't know anyone in Battle M't'n by the name of Hammond. How in the world do you get all these names, dear,~Hendersons Russells Hammonds etc.?

The Dodge has long since been discarded. We left it at Carlin.That's just 100 miles from here. We've been traveling by rail since. And Midas is 50-1/8 miles of a stage ride from here. Surprising as it may seem to you,-and it was to us-we are going to be quite busy here for several days. Have that much work ahead of us already with favorable prospects of more coming in. I believe we'll~well it doesn't look as tho' we'd have to make any excuses at all..

In the conclusion of your letter dear you bid me good-bye to go and polish your nose, or something like that, for George Milton. You knew you'd make no impression, so you said. Well I'm way out here in pretty deep snow~~and a little "hot water," but I hope George is really and truly very very much in love with Lucile.

With love dearest,
Yours,
Frank

January 20th 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 19 January 1916

Commercial Hotel
W. M. Doyle, Prop.
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020~15th St.,
Modesto,
California

Dearest:~
I have about five minutes to devote to you while I'm waiting for the train to come and take me back to Golconda. Had some business to attend to here and came up this A.M. Arrived about  1:45 P.M. and am ready to go back now (3:30)

It's about a hundred and twenty one or two miles~ just about four hours ride.

Was rather disappointed when I called at the P.O. immediately after my arrival to find there was nothing there from you dear.  Maybe you've neglected to write thinking I'm buried in snow and unable to work myself out? I'm trying to work myself in, dear,~in to Midas.


Always with love
Yours hastily
Frank

January 19th

Letters from Grandpa 18 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Eugene L. Dutertre, Proprietor
Golconda, Nev.

Miss Allene S. Kelley
1020-15th St.,
Modesto,
California

Allene Dearest,
You just aught to see this country now. More snow that I ever saw before! Almost impossible to get anywhere off the main line. No Western Pacific trains at all and S.P. are late and irregular even tho' that Company is well supplied with snow plows etc.

Wrote you a letter last night and told you we had,~after all,~engaged a fellow who guaranteed to take us and our baggage into Midas today. Put the letter in the "Out Going" mail box here at the hotel. This morning when I got up 'twas snowing "like sixty" and our man said he would have to back out. Your letter hadn't gone so I got it.

We're going to Battle Mountain tonight and if the narrow guage [sic] from there to Austin (90 miles south) is running we will leave for that place in the morning.

Address all mail to Elko unless I wire you differently. I'll bet we don't get to Midas for a month, but we're going to keep trying. Every time we talk to anyone about the place the distance increases~ Now it is 50 1/8 miles.

You may think we are wading around in snow and subjecting ourselves to all sorts of exposures, dear, but let me assure you that we are very comfortable at all times. Steam heat, electric lights, and all those accomodations [sic],~or luxuries,~ are ours. There's only one thing that bothers me much dear,~~it's lonesomeness.

First thing I think of in the morning is mail~ and you dear,~and you're the last at night~ and often during the day. When I don't get your letter the day seems an eternity, unless work occupies my mind, as well as my hands and body.


For a few days I won't be able to get your letters~haven't known where to have them sent. Will keep up my end of the corresponding and hope you will do likewise.

With all my love, dearest mine, I'll say adieu for now.

Yours
Frank

Golconda, January 18, 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 16 January 1916. A Postcard

Letters from Grandpa 16 January 1916

Golconda Hot Springs Hotel
Eugene L. Dutertre, Proprietor
Golconda, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020-15th St.,
Modesto
~~~~~~~~~
California
~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Girl:~
"We go from here" as the saying is. Tomorrow morning we leave the railroad and take the auto-touch stage which will take us and our baggage to within ten l o n g miles of Midas. Those ten in a sled~ wowie!! I'll bet we don't spoil on the trip~~frozen things keep, don't they?

So the picture arrived at last,~and it pleased you! Guess it's alright only I know it was the photographer this time who is to blame for a black eye. In the picture I have an unnatural black ring under the right optic. Now that's no fault of mine.


I was pretty lucky today~~got two letters from you dear. Was out of luck yesterday tho.' nothing [sic] doing. Trains were blockaded and this morning's train bro't delayed mail. Got this evening's letter a few minutes before we left Battle Mountain.

Gosh I've,~we've~, been busy! Just finished with the last patient today in time to pack up and catch train. Guess I'd better send you a "Nite Letter" to make up for one of the two I got today then this'n will be an answer to the other. No need to apologize for using uncle's office stationery, dear. If you accept, without complaint, the stuff I grab and send you can bet I'll not kick. Anyhow, dear, it's not the stationery, it's what you write that counts~ and what I notice.

So your friend Hazel is going to try her d_____est to cut you out? I've never seen her dear, but she "hasn't a chinaman's chance." Tell her I have a pair of nice brothers~ at least I think they are~ and they're better looking and unincumbered [sic] (free as the air) and if she's in the market she must put in her application stating age, height, weight, pecuniary possessions,etc. etc.

In answer to your question, there are three George Russells in Elko. I have no known relation by the name of Russell other than Morris, my older brother, and Earle, my "baby" brother (he's 28).

That's the system, dear,~"practice makes perfect"~so keep it up and you'll reap the harvest~~But steer clear of "sharks" and don't practice gambling. Two dollars is two too many.

Oh before I forget it,~there's only a triweekly mail service to Midas. Monday's, Wed's & Fri's-returning Tuesday's, Thurs' and Saturdays so you should get your letters Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Think it's about time I was calling a halt, dear, with more oodles of love~twice as many as you sent, if possible.

Always yours
Frank


Golconda, Sunday night,
January 16th 1916

Letters from Grandpa 14 January 1916

Capitol Hotel
W. C. Hancock, Prop.
Battle Mountain, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020~15th St.,
Modesto
California

Allene Dearest:~
Too bad you should be kept in such terrible suspense and over such an insignificant thing as a photograph, but you've surely received it by this time and are all calmed down.

Your letter telling me about it is over the other side of the Sierras,~behind a big pile of snow. Trains are blockaded both ways lately and mail is rather uncertain. We're going to Midas tho'~~will leave for Golconda Sunday P.M. and take stage from that place Monday morning. It's a little further up there than I tho't. Instead of being about 25 miles it's 45 and the stage can only get within about ten miles of the camp. We have to transfer to a sled for that last part of the trip. Of course it's like the usual mining camp way up in the mountains~~and snow!

We've been awfully busy here and have all our time taken up till Sunday eve. If anything else, (new work) comes in we will either have to put it off or postpone trip.

I'm glad you find a little time to practice, dear, even tho' you do have innumerable interruptions. And say that sounds good to hear you complain of the way maids clean house and that you've decided to do that part of the work yourself.

And another thing, don't flatter me, dear,~~~that is not too much. Let "Daddy Long Legs" or anybody else resemble me all they want to, providing their faults and shortcomings and my virtues are the only conspicuous parts~~to you.

I don't know when this letter will reach you but I'm going to bid you good night dear, and start it on its' [sic] way.~The postoffice [sic] is downstairs.

Always yours,
Frank
~~~~~~~
January 14th, 1916
~~~~~~~
P.S. Better address the next to Midas, Nevada, via Golconda

Letters from Grandpa 13 January 1916

Capitol Hotel
W. C. Hancock, Prop.
Battle Mountain, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020~15th St.,
Modesto,
California

Allene Dearest:~
The letter and pictures came this morning and I've been busy every blessed minute till now,~9:30~, or I would have had this letter written and gone.


It's real live snow alright but what we call "wet" The sleighing must have been about the same as boat riding--in the mud.

Where are you, dear, in the group? I had no trouble locating "uncle and auntie" but none of the other faces seem familiar.

Well what do you think of that Miss Housel? She must have a "terrible" mean disposition to want to keep your clothes when it's so cold and snowy where you are. That's just like an old maid school teacher.

Yesterday dear I told you business was good, today you ask if the trip is going to be worth while. Will answer that by telling you it has to be cause we're going to stay until we make enough to furnish a swell office~~and we've got a good start and haven't arrived at Midas, where we expect to "make the haul," yet.

We've certainly got some boosters. I know most everybody around here and a great many knew Dr. Whitesides when he was over around Mina and Hawthorne.

Say, dearest, that was certainly a sweet little card you sent. It came in this morning's mail but was put in with hotel's mail and I didn't get it till later. Wish I could show you my appreciation. Will have to eliminate that enchanting distance tho' first.

We took some snow pictures last Sunday~There's three more films on the roll. When those are exposed I'll have 'em all developed and will show you what snow is.

It's "pertinear" my bed-time so 'll say good night dear.

Love from yours
Frank
~~~
January 13th, 1916
~~~~~~~~~

Letters from Grandpa 12 January 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
1020-15th St.,
Modesto,
California

Dearest Mine:~
Today has been a tough one, or a good one,~whichever way you choose to look at it. Dr. Whitesides and I have been as busy as cranberry merchants since early morn and even now~6:30 P.M.~ I have about two hours' more work ahead of me before I go to bed~but after I've had my little talk with you dear.

Gee but it's really lots of fun to be real busy, when you know you are profiting by it. Looks like we would [sic] be here several days longer. Expected to stay three and have put in that much time already. ~"Business is Good"~

Did the one day make you feel the whole year older, dear? Gosh, I wish I could have been there that day, and Monday, Tuesday, and today besides. It "sure" makes me lonesome to hear all those things, but I'll have to stand it for awhile.

Yes, they were horrid for giving you that little tin Elk and especially so by putting that sign on him. Still it was good, wasn't it? Somebody must have been telling tales out of school, huh? Well the picture will be there tonight or tomorrow and you can show 'em what one Elk from Elko Nevada looks like.

Am going to leave you now, dear, and start on that two hours' job. Maybe a start will be all there is to it.

Love dearest from your Elk from Elko,

Frank
~~~~
Wednesday, January 12th, 1916
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Battle Mountain, Nevada
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Letters from Grandpa 9 January 1916

Capitol Hotel
W. C. Hancock, Prop
Battle Mountain, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California
Box 686

Dearest Girlie:~
This is your birthday-twenty three!! It finds me a little nearer you dear, as you must have already guessed, but not near "enuff."

We were unable to get thru' with the auto so left it in the garage at Carlin and came down on the train last night. The snow was piled up so deep near the summit,~well, it was between two and three feet.

P.O. was closed when we arrived~ 1:20 A. M.~ but the first thing when I got up I called and there was your letter,~ the one you wrote Friday and sent to Elko. Whoa! You started it Thursday and was [sic] interrupted. Well anyhow, dear, you may tell your aunt and grandmother it pleases me to accept their love and that I'm going to do the best I can to make a fair exchange by sending them mine,~with your permission, of course.

And why in the name of goodness must you tantalize me by telling me all those things,~your beautiful places, lovely climate, parties, dinners, dances, etc.-when you know it's not out of choice that I'm so many miles away? You know if I had my way dear, I'd be in Modesto right this very minute, even if I have on an old pair of rusty looking corduroys and a pair of old tan shoes all cut into shreds to relieve pressure on corns. Haven't had a shave either for two days and altogether I look quite like Weary Willie. If I had a tin can on my head I'd have the original Happy Hooligan backed clear off the board. Out here it doesn't make so very much difference how one dresses and all days are alike~this is Sunday~see how careless I am. If I was home (in California) I'd be all dressed up like a broken arm. Somebody down stairs is playing the piano-a rag-and my feet are itchy~come on dear let's dance ~Whoa!~this is Sunday. They do recognize the Sabbath to a certain extent out here.

Always with love dear I will close for now~~not that I want to dance.

Just yours
Frank
~~~~~~
January 9th
1916

Letters from Grandpa 4 January 1916

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
1020~15th St.
Modesto, California

Dearest Miss:~
Of all the exciting things!!! Snow ~ wow! ~~Snow in Modesto surely was exciting but here dear it's very unusual to find anything else. Just a few nights ago we saw the thermometer register 20[degrees] below zero and only last night we had a fresh coating of several inches of the "beautiful." Every day now they are harvesting the crop that nature grows,~ice. Sleighing and skating are grand~~and should you get "spilled" you'd not be bothered with mud. The ground is frozen for perhaps a foot and a half~~Oh this is a lovely country dear~~at times, but this doesn't happen to be one of them. 

In a day or two,~about Thursday or Friday,~we expect to "pull up stakes" and try again to get to Midas. We will stop at Battle Mountain at least long "enuff" to see what's doing in our line~if we can get there. As I told you once before you'll know when we land. Should there be the least doubt dear send the letter to Elko, and maybe you'd better answer this one there. That address will always reach me and 'twill not take much over a day longer.

In your letter dear you asked me a question I've already answered. And by now you have that letter so know what I did~besides think of you~New Year's Eve.

Please deliver the following to Mrs. C.W. M., dear~~"Regards received for which many thanks and a sincere wish for a very Happy 1916 New Year~~and a' hundred more."

The picture hasn't materialized yet~When I get it I'll send you one but must exact a promise that you'll return it, if I don't consider it a good likeness in exchange for one I do. Is that a bargain?

Awaiting a hasty reply, I am
     Always yours,
          Frank
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carlin, Nevada,
January 4th,
~1916~

Letters from Grandpa 1 January 1916

Capitol Hotel
W. C. Hancock, Prop.
Battle Mountain, Nevada
F.H.R.


Miss Allene S. Kelley
1020 15th St.
Modesto, California

Dearest:~
Let me join in and help you shout hurrah. That was a "start" and a very agreeable one you gave me. I'm so glad you're not going back to Huntington Hall~~awfully glad~~painfully so, dear, because somehow with all your apparent cheerfulness I seemed to be able to see a sadness in your manners. Maybe not exactly a sadness but something akin to it. It seemed to me that you were putting on a cheerful appearance for the sake of your aunt and uncle's feelings when something told you dear you were going to be unhappy at Huntington Hall. Dearest, you mustn't suffer that way in silence. Confide in the ones directly concerned and you will avoid a lot of unnecessary sorrow.

My telegram this morning showed you that I wasn't far from Elko last night. Drove up from here in the little car yesterday afternoon and after eating a whopping big dinner I proceeded to get into evening clothes for the Fifth Annual Firemen and Enginemen's Ball given in Elko.
There were about six of us, only, in full dress in the crowded hall but in spite of the unusual formality I felt very ordinary and had a grand time. If tho'ts could be bro't out in reality you'd have been there dear 'cause I had time and did think of you quite often.
And to think of all my useless worrying~~so afraid I'd have to spend the one evening of the year in a little old frozen up mining camp! Well I'm grateful, dear.

When I sent the telegram this morning~just as I was starting back to this place it was snowing and I had the pleasure (?) of driving the twenty one miles in a small sized blizzard. The little car worked nobly tho' and I came thru' without a stop, in an hour and five minutes~~and these roads are not boulevards, either.

I'm so glad you're going to take up music. Practice, dear, like everything~won't you? I'm asking you to. And you ask me to keep you posted as to my whereabouts. An unnecessary request dear. You'll know all the time as soon as I do myself.

With love dear,
Yours
Frank

Address~~
Carlin, Nevada

January 1st, 1916~
~~~~~~~~~
P. S. I'll be here for a few days more.
~~~~~~~~~
P. P. S. Don't you dare "make fun" of this stationery. It's Carlin's best.

Letters from Grandpa 1 January 1916

Letters from Grandpa 27 December 1915

My Dearest:~
If that little card in the frame conveys your tho'ts,~and I believe you selected it and sent it because it did,~I'm happier than when I received your picture. Every little message or remembrance from you dear just adds to my happiness, so you mustn't think the picture is any the less appreciated.

And I'm so glad you were pleased with the contents of the package I sent. Needless to say your wish that I could have been in Modesto was my wish but I suppose~yes know~if I had been there I'd have been just as scared and shy as I was at H. H. [Huntington Hall-ed.] Maybe I'll overcome that trait of my nature some time.

Tomorrow we,~Dr. Whitesides my partner,~ and I expect to start to Midas, (via Golconda) Nevada. It's a little mining town about 150 miles from here. We will take our instruments etc. and remain in the camp as long as we are busy,~maybe a week and maybe six.

I hate to leave Elko even for a little while but duty calls and necessity demands. You bet Elko is a nice little town dear~at least I think so. Wide streets? Why the main business street is so wide you almost need a telescope to see across.

It isn't a mining town altho' there is considerable mining going on around here. It is the county seat of Elko County and it's [sic] principal resourses [sic] are ranching and stock raising.

We are on the main line of two transcontinental railroads, the U. P. and S. P. so are supplied with two express companies. We also have the Postal telegraph service besides the Western Union. Telephones, electric lights, in fact almost all modern conveniences.

Will write or wire you, dear soon as I reach Midas, but in the meantime don't you wait~address me there~I'll get the letter.

Just think, in Midas New Year's Eve! Well it serves me right but that doesn't relieve the agony of going to bed with those tho'ts. Will have to do it tho' cause it's past midnight

Always yours
Frank
~~~~~
December 27th, 1915~

Letters from Grandpa 20 December 1915

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
1020 15th St.
Modesto, California

Allene Dearest:~
Had I known~really known~how happy I was going to be I never could have waited for this morning's mail. You got my telegram so know I received the picture O.K. but you don't know what I did the first thing.~~I went to the jewelry stores~all three of them and bought, what I tho't, was the neatest little sterling frame. And now your picture, dear, is right on my dresser where I can look at it and into those great big beautiful eyes of yours whenever I go into my room. And, oh but it is a perfect picture!~Such a characteristic pose and your own natural expression, excepting perhaps the usual trace of a smile. I am pleased Allene, almost beyond comparison. Even the card that accompanied it has been taken care of.~It's in the frame~behind the picture.

Now for a little exciting news about myself~~~ My Los Angeles proposition is all off. I've gone into partnership with a dentist!! We had lawyer draw up contract [sic] yesterday and will sign it today.

You may and may not have known it dear, but I followed this line, in partnership with another fellow for four years in this state and we made plenty of money, so I almost know what I'm doing. We will open up offices here in Elko just as soon as we can get our furniture shipped in~probably about the middle of January. We will, in the meantime,~make a professional trip into one or two of these neighboring little towns (villages or mining camps). We're going to start right after Christmas.

I was pleased, dear, when I read that part of your letter in which you said "the L.A. proposition didn't sound encouraging" to you, pleased to note that you took interest, at least enough to make intelligent comment. Do you know, about half the time, (putting it mildly) a girl has got more business sense in a minute than a man has in a month? Lots of times tho' she won't impart her knowledge till too late.

By this time your homecoming is ancient history~ you've see everybody in the village,shaken hands, been to parties and pink teas, huh? And weren't "auntie" Helene and uncle Will glad to see their "little" girl!!~~Not any more so than I'd be. Tell them I haven't forgotten them,~ that I said "hello."

Will close dear, thanking you for the dearest Christmas present I ever got.

Yours
   Frank
~~~~
Elko, December 20th,
~~~~1915~~~~

Letters from Grama Sunday 4 June 1916

My darling Frank:

I am so happy! So perfectly happy that I almost burst with joy and expect to wake at any moment and find that I'm still dreaming. I never knew such a state of bliss existed or that such love was in store for me. I'm afraid to breathe for fear something will happen and spoil it all. Really, dearest, you don't know how hard it is to keep my secret and I'll simply have to let it out pretty soon or just explode. I want to talk about it all the time and it is all I think of. Poor Hazel just pesters me to death asking questions and I think she pretty well guesses the real state of affairs altho' I deny everything. When Mariam talks about her plans I simply nearly die wanting to tell mine & it's just awful not to.

I feel so dreadfully important now and almost like I had done something wonderful for the whole family is so lovely to me. I told both the grandmothers yesterday & they are so interested & happy too. They both think you are splendid and feel I've made a wise choice. I feel so too & I love you so much more than you know.

Yours forever Allene

Letters from Grandpa 12 December 1915

Box 162
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene Kelley
Huntington Hall
South Pasadena
California

Allene Dear, of course I really and truly want a picture of you--and that's only half of it, --I've wanted one ever since I first saw you, altho' I tried not to show it then, so don't keep me waiting unnecessarily. I'll be watching every mail.

The advent of "your" burglar was exciting. He was a very rude fellow,~maybe he wasn't taught any of the common rules of etiquette.~ In fact, I don't think he was else he wouldn't have forced himself into ladies' apartments~and then to have helped himself to the ladies' valuables,~a terrible breach!! I'm sorry for Mrs. Coolidge and the others who were so unfortunate as to possess burglar enticing wealth. You must tell Mrs. C. that in case the Pasadena and Los Angeles police are unable to capture the culprit she should call on "K.C.B." of the San Francisco Examiner. He can do anything.

And talking of surprises,~would you be surprised if, after all the planning I've done, I didn't go to Los Angeles and into that business? Well I don't know for sure yet, but I've had four business propositions here put to me lately and one of them looks like a winner.

It's very apparent that some of my friends don't want me to leave Elko~~and some others do. Just think too I had all arrangements made for leaving today. I'll know whether I'm going to stay or not about the end of the week,~as soon as I can see a party who is leaving San Francisco, not "Frisco," today. He stops in Reno a day or two before coming here. And when I know you'll know.

I won't be able to see you before you go home for the holidays dear but I can think of you and that'll help some.

I hope you have the bestest time ever at your dance etc. the 16th and, if it wasn't asking too much, I'd request you to devote one number to me.

Yours,
Frank

Elko, Nevada
December 12th, 1915

Letters from Grandpa 6 December 1915

Return address on envelope:
F. H. Russell, C. E.
Surveyor and Draftsman
Wells, Nevada

Written on stationery from:
Commercial Hotel
W. M. Doyle, Prop.
Elko, Nevada

Say Little Girl, if I get lazy spells, as you call 'em, and forget to write, it won't be to you, 'cause, if necessary, I'll take a couple of days off to answer your letters. I "kind-a" like to have my compositions (first, or second grade) readable, but sometimes it's pretty hard to make 'em so. And if neglecting to write to you dear, might cause you to never speak to me again,~ and if that is the only thing that will cause it~well I'm resting very easy.

It looks as tho' I'll not be able to make Los Angeles in time for your dance, dear, and I'd give almost anything to be there. I think I can drive from here down in five or six days,~weather conditions being favorable,~so if we can start before the 10th or 12th I'll wire you. Of course it will be just bad luck if I miss you, that's all.

When you go home for the holidays how long will you stay? You'll be back the first week in January, won't you?

Well, that won't be such an awful long time tho' it may seem an eternity to me.

And if "Bon soir" means something nice, please say it in english (sic) dear~

Always sincerely

Frank
December 6th,~1915~

Letters from Grandpa 30 November 1915

Return address on envelope:
F. H. Russell, C. E.
Surveyor and Draftsman
Wells, Elko, Nevada

Written on stationery from:
Commercial Hotel
W. M. Doyle, Prop.
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley
Huntington Hall
South Pasadena, California

Allene Dear:-

Every day since Thanksgiving I've tried to write to you and it seems as tho' I must have used up about all the stationery in town, but thanks for the fact there is still a fair sized stock of it still on hand here in the hotel. Do you know, dear, I'm the "funniest" fellow. There are times--days, weeks, even months--when I can't write to save my soul. I can't tell what causes it myself and it makes me so mad I just swear like sixty at myself. Well I guess I've just passed thru' one of those spells,--I'm in hopes it's passed away anyhow.

Your letter from Huntington Hall saying you were going to San Diego to be away five days wasn't received, dear, till Thanksgiving morning, and 'twas written on Monday so I didn't have time to reach you by letter there, even if I could have written. The postal was received yesterday. Day before yesterday I got a dandy letter from Mrs. Maze and of course I'll answer it as soon as I can. Gee, she's a dandy lady,~I "sure" like her.

Did you have your fill of Thanksgiving goodies? I certainly did and it took me about two days to "overcome my error"-(apologies to Mrs. M.)

You want to know if it really is so cold here. Well you bet it is,~there's snow and ice everywhere!! I'll be away from it tho' pretty soon. I'm going to leave Elko for good~and I hope it's for better, or rather, best.

Took my old Huiton [sp?-ed.] back a short time ago and as soon as I get my business straightened out here I'll drive it to Los Angeles. Expect to get started in a week or so.

Did you enjoy the San Diego fair? Beautiful buildings and grounds, but more like a park than a fair, I tho't.

I'm expecting a letter from you in the morning, dear, telling me you received the candy I expressed to H. Hall to so's to reach there and you Thanksgiving Day. Of course you didn't know it was coming so didn't stay "home" to receive it when it arrived.

Guess I'd better stop writing or I won't have anything to tell you when I answer that letter so, good night dear.

Sincerely yours
Frank


Elko-
November 30th ~1915~