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