Telegram from Grandpa 11 June 1916

Letters from Grandpa 18 May 1916

Letters from Grandpa 14 May 1916

Letters from Grandpa 12 May 1916

Letters from Grandpa 8 May 1916

Letters from Grandpa 4 May 1916

Letters from Grandpa 2 May 1916

Editor note: "Berundo" is Berendo, California, which was located in Fresno County.

Letters from Grandpa 21 April 1916

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

My dearest Allene:-
Too late for a letter when I sent telegram yesterday so put off writing till today. A little account of my doings in explanation of my silence is in order, ---after the correspondence card of this morning's mail. 

Left Wells with the best of intentions of carrying out plans as I told you. By phone we learned "our man" was in Elko so we came straight thru' Friday and arranged to "take him on" Saturday morning. Mr. Man didn't feel right when morning came so after talking the thing over we agreed to go out to the ranch Monday and do the work there. Saturday afternoon I was "button-holed" by two men from Wells who insisted on me going back up there to do some surveying. Took train from here early Sunday morning and arrived in Wells about 9:30. Got in their big Packard and went out 50 miles to work. Finished and got back to Wells about 7:30. Was in Elko just a few minutes before midnight. Monday morning packed up and drove the Dodge to the ranch and put in two full day's work -- for which we were well paid -- and we sure need the money, but we are getting out of debt pretty fast.

Haven't had one single chance to write even a postal dear and couldn't have mailed it if I had.

We will leave here for Eureka either Sunday P.M. or Monday morning but think we will stop at a ranch or two on the way. Have received two letters besides this morning's card from you dear since my silence began and in-as-much as they were divided by a couple of day's space I'm not at all surprised at your inquiry. I think I'll be able to keep you posted - better - in the future, ~~~for the very near future at least.

That part of your letter wherein you say you're getting thin again "reads good" to me. I don't like 'em too fat -- nor you that way either. Just stay like you were when I saw you dear.

Always yours
Frank

April 21st 1916

Letters from Grandpa 13 Apr 1916

After ten days return to
D. Quilici Bros.
Wholesale and Retail

Dealers in

General Merchandise

Wells, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,

Modesto, 

California

My Dearest:- This morning, what do you think? - I've got to go and do some surveying! One of the old settlers here and for whom I've done lots of work in the past came to me and asked that I run out some lines as a personal favor. So I'm back at the old job again -- for a few hours. 

And it's cold. It froze ice last night. Well it snowed day before yesterday -- what do you think of such a blinkety blank country?

We're going to leave Wells tomorrow, - going to stop at a ranch 'tween here and Elko. Will arrive in the metropolis, said Elko, Saturday P.M., then?? for a day or two. I might add, or say, rather,that we are headed for Eureka again but will put in a day or two at Lamoille, 20 miles south-east of Elko, first.

Allene dearest, you're nothing short of a wonder, - you should know I mean it by now. I've had occasion several times before now to notice how very clever and with such simple ease you voice your feelings. I certainly admire you, dear, for it, and grieve because of my inability to be like you in that respect. I'm so darned stupid and slow - I can't talk at all. Really I have to make signs, - and it's very apparent I need some lessons even in that mode of expression.

Now that you mentioned it dear I must say your suggestion is a very sensible one; that it will be lots better if we do write less often; when there is something of mutual interest, - and not try to force ourselves into writing daily. But lissten, dear, don't let's get so negligent that we get out of the notion entirely -- of course I know I won't, - I'm only in doubt about you on that point.

That's very nice of you dear, to say the picture does not flatter. I honestly think it pretty good, - but I'll not insist on convincing you that I'm right -- other than to present my own self for comparison as soon as possible. That's fair "enuff" isn't it?

With love dearest

Yours always

Frank

April 13th, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 10 April 1916

The Allen Hotel
Geo. Allen, Prop.
Wells --- Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

No joke this time, Allene Dearest, a note's all tonight 'cause I didn't get a letter today and I'm tired as --- well I am. Left Elko too early for mail this morning and besides I told 'em to forward it, so if there was a letter I'll get it tomorrow and I hope it has company.

Soon as we got here today our patients (two of 'em) pounced in on us and we were busy till a few minutes ago. I pounded my thumbnail in all the excitement and it's all blue, the nail and the air too.

No more paper available so this is what you get. Doc didn't get a very big supply at the office this time, -- but it's "enuff" for me tonight.

Ever yours,
Frank

April 10th 1916

P.S. We will be here three or four days -- or more.

Letters from Grandpa 9 April 1916

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest:- It's only eight thirty and Sunday morning yet I've been up for two hours and a half! What do you think of that? This early rising is growing on me;- getting to be an awful habit. If I didn't have to use both physical and mental forces in my strife for that fortune, perhaps when daylight awakened me I could roll over on the other side and render a bass-viol accompaniment to the birds' spring songs; as it is that early worm is the one I'm after and the lazy late bird goes hungry.

Dr. W. seems to think I'm a funny fellow. I think he's it. Anyway my opinion is that lack of work worries him not; that he'd be perfectly willing to sit calmly down even tho' no patients came. With me ---- well if I know of a prospective patient, say, I go right out after him and, if he's got any notion at all of having the work done, I'll come pretty near landing him. It may not be a strictly ethical method, but as I've told Doc., it's the money we're after, -- not the glory. The first question that's always asked about a man is "what does he do for a living," and if the man in question has the money the conversation's closed --- and I'd like to have those conversations about me very brief.

I hope you'll like the picture I sent you yesterday, Allene dear, -- of course I know it doesn't do me justice (I say that with a "straight" face) but I never carried away the prize from any beauty show, which shows my face is my fortune and I have to work for a living.

'Twas very nice of you dear to send a letter so I'd get it here this morning and I did and I'm going to answer all the questions in it and in the others I've neglected lately.

I remember the color of your hair, and a lot of other nice things I noticed about you dear. If red hair is an excuse for your "spit fire" explosions, it may be necessary for a peroxide or other chemical treatment -- ---unless you can calm (pronounced "cam") yourself down when you feel an outburst approaching;-- can you?

Weather's fine - no snow 'ceptin' in the country and on the mountains. There's plenty there.

Wowie! I'm glad you told me - you're some "card sharper." I'll choose you for a partner when we play bridge.

Tell Hazel I wish she wouldn't come pesterin' around when you're writing to me. It's none of her business anyhow and she got no right to let you use her as an excuse for cutting me short - and she son't need to be standing around waiting for you to "hurry up and finish."

Tomorrow, dear, we go back to Wells for another few days. We're just like a bee in a flower garden.

With love dearest, -
Always yours,
Frank

April 9th

Letters from Grandpa 8 April 1916

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

Miss Allene S Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest:-
Under separate cover I am mailing today (as they say in business correspondence) the pictures - They are self explanatory, I "reckon".

Had a nice little ride down here today. Got your letter just before we left. Glad you saw the Clansman. 'Tis a great picture.

Aw dear there's a whole bunch here in the lobby all talking at once and I can't think let alone write; so accept another excuse from your fortune hunter

Frank

April 8th, 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 5 April 1916

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest, that Manhattan I spoke about yesterday as a failure.-- It didn't come even close to putting vim into me,-- in fact it almost knocked me senseless. And if I hadn't wadded it down tight with a big dinner I think I'd have gone clear "out". Never did like 'em anyhow and after I take one ---- or two - I always think I'll never take another, but my memory is short.

Your second installment dear came this morning, - a day behind the first -- and I like it, because you've taken the liberty of asking me a personal question and it give me an opportunity to tell you that I don't want you to feel that you haven't a perfect right to ask me any question you want - at any time. And what's more, dear, I want you to know me, so of course you'll have to ask questions, and I'll delight in answering 'em ------- if I don't overlook or forget.

I'm not a Catholic dear, in fact I don't profess any particular faith. My mother belonged to the Episcopal Church and two of my sisters were Episcopalians also; the other two were Presbyterians.

I'm glad you liked the suit, tho' sorry about the hat, and if you call that cruel when you tell me your likes, dislikes, etc - well dearest your cruelty is very delightful. There's no need of forgivness where there's been no sin.

Always with love
yours
Frank
April 5th, 1916

P.S. I almost forgot-
We go back to Elko Saturday and will stay over Sunday. Monday we go up to a ranch about 20 miles from Elko - expect to stay one day only then back to Elko then to----well that's counting a little to far ahead dear - We've got to go back to Eureka for a short time soon. What's that swearing I hear? Guess you were just joining my chorus. Well we've got most all the summer to put in and the road looks best, financially, to us.

Frank

Letters from Grandpa 3 April 1916

D. Quilici Brothers
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
General Merchandise
Wells, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

At the top of the first page of this letter was an ink blot and this note: "What do you say when you've finished a letter and then throw a drop of ink like [arrow to the blot] this on the first page? Well that's what I said."-ed.

Thank God, Dearest, I was miles away when you wrote the letter I received this morning. Distance may lend enchantment but it often acts as shelter from explosions, etc. and now I'm safe and unharmed after the "show" you put on when the boys and I disappointed you.

Say dear, if you can growl and show your teeth as plainly in reality as you did in this letter you must be a terror. If you think I didn't laugh when I read that letter this morning Allene, you're "sure" fooled. And I smile (and want to laugh out loud) every time I think about it. I don't blame you a bit (d--n the grease or whatever it is on this paper!) for exploding in a case of this kind.

When a fellow's got all plans made for a good time and something turns up to shoot said plans all to pieces it's sufficient grounds for most any kind of an outburst. ~~~But the letter I didn't write wasn't because I was peeved at your lengthy silence. "Twas the day we left Elko and came up here and I was busy at that end getting packed up etc. and at this end unloading and so forth, so come out of it dear and calm down and let's be nice and not scold nor anything anymore. What do you say, huh?

Always yours,
Frank
April 3d, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 22 Oct 1915

Editor's comment:
This letter is missing it's envelope, and Grandpa didn't  include the year in his date, so I have had to do some deducing from the letter itself and from a perpetual calendar to decide which Friday the 22nd was the proper one. I believe I have the correct date, and that this letter belonged at the beginning of this series. However, I include it here rather than waiting any longer to transcribe it.

Dear Allene:--
If I could write such dandy--perfectly grand--readable letters as you 'twould give me almost as much pleasure as it does to receive 'em. I'd tell you all the news in the same delightfully interesting way and if I ran short of actual events I'd fill in with probable ones 'till I'd have to use ten cents postage--at least--on each letter. But I'm built on a different plan and am not bestowed with talent that talent. About all I can do is to relate facts and answer questions--and in a brief way so here goes.

Had a very pleasant time in San Luis Obispo visiting old friends. Was there a half a day. Arrived in the city [i.e. San Francisco-ed] Saturday night.

Saw Mr. and Mrs. Maze Monday evening for a few minutes only. I was to have phoned them Tuesday noon but failed and when I called at the hotel about four thirty that afternoon they had gone home--or elsewhere?

I've been on the jump every second but expect to take the long one to Elko Sunday, so you'd better address your next letter there.

I suppose by now you are almost accustomed to prison life and find it isn't so bad after all. How about it? There are lots of things that are terrible to take but alright when you get used to 'em.

Did I notice??!!! You called me by my first name.-- I should say I did, dear, and it gave me a very agreeable thrill. Of course I wanted you to call me by the name I used. Think I want you to be painfully formal with me?--Huh?

Oh say I'm enclosing the pictures for you inspection--and collection---I'm offering no comments as you know I want to remain neutral.

Do you know the first place I'm going when I get back to Elko?--Well I won't keep you in suspense--"Twill be the post office, so don't you dare disappoint me.

Buenos noches, dear.
Frank

Berkeley
Friday the 22nd

P.S.- "M.H.D." stands for Mae Hutcheson Dalton,- my cousin. [This letter was written on monogrammed stationery-ed.]

P.P.S. Hope this letter passes the board of censors down there.
Him

Letters from Grandpa 1 April 1916

After ten days return to
Quilici Brothers, Wholesale and Retail
Dealers in General Merchandise
Wells, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest, Your letter just received a little while ago and it was about time too. I was certainly getting weary. What wouldn't I give to see you all togged out in your new rags! But really dear a look at you in any kind of old-(or new)-rags would be quite a pleasing sight to me. I think I know just how you feel with all those new clothes dear. There's such a satisfied feeling when you're all dolled up in nice new things,--Isn't there? I've got a lot of old suits- in fact all I've got are old- well I'm going to try and wear 'em all out this summer,- not get anything new till I do--and then this fall, or late summer, I'll stock up again. But I won't get two suits exactly alike again.

That grey norfolk I had my picture taken in is one of twins. Had the suit made with an extra pair of trousers. About the second time I wore the suit I went into the barber shop to get shaved;-took off the coat, (I seldom wear one in summer) and walked out and forgot it. A few days afterwards I looked into my wardrobe and noticed an extra coat hanger. Then I remembered. Well when I enquired of the barbers, porter and others and no one seemed to know anything about it I gave up the search and had another one made. After I'd been in California a couple of weeks I received a letter from Mrs. Doyle saying the coat had been found and when I returned to Elko I found it had, so I've got two of 'em.

The little Dodge carried us and all our baggage up here yesterday. It's certainly a darling little car,-- to my way of thinking,- and I've had quite a lot of experience with 'em---all kinds.

Had a swell dinner today dear. My very particular friends here in Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Quilici gave me the treat. Don't judge by the name because he's one of the most popular young men in this part of the country.--He was born and raised in Italy but a true blue American. Mrs. Quilici is decidedly American, born and raised to the name of Smith--a trained nurse by profession and a very nice girl. Was with Damenick when he met her. Well you'll like them dear when you see them.

With all my love dear I'll close this April Fools Day missive.

Ever yours only,
Frank

Letters from Grandpa 30 March 1916

Hotel Mayer
Elko, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Dearest; Where are you? Another day has gone and I've failed to hear from you and I'm getting anxious, even tho' you did tell me that you'd not give me the G.B. Am going to the photographers this afternoon, so if you want that picture you'd better come to life. And tomorrow we are going to Wells. If you'd have given me your Berkeley address dear, I'd have sent my baby (?) brother to call on you, but maybe I'd have regretted it as you know he's one of the eligibles.

Well I just wish you'd hurry home if you can't find the time to write me even a postal while you're away. Your silence is just what Sherman said about war, so "come to" dear.

Ever yours
Frank

March 30th, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 29 March 1916

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

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

The old cold has gone, dear, and everything's fine again and tomorrow I'm going to try and have that picture taken for you.

Two days have gone by and I've not received even so much as a postal from my girlie and I'm beginning to wonder if she's met with some accident. If I fail to hear from her tomorrow I'm going to gather up the late papers and see if I can find what hospital, or morgue, the victims were taken to.

Day after tomorrow, dear, we are going to Wells, so that will be the next address.

I'm not at all inspired today, so accept this excuse for a letter Allene dear, and I'll promise to do better--when I can.

Always yours
Framk

March 29th, 1916

Letters from Grandpa 28 March 1916

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

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Good morning, Allene dear. Went straight to bed last night and got up at six thirty. If my head didn't feel as big as a box car and as full as a tight shoe I'd be O.K. When a fellow feels like that tho' and also when he's been forsaken, as you have me, it's not possible to look cheerful so I guess I'll have to postpone that engagement with the photographer till I know you are home again--and safe--and the tight car full of shoe boxes,--I mean---oh you know what I mean dear--well till that feeling leaves me. I do know that I'll not leave here till this cold is broken up and I am better.

Now can't you have some Kodaks taken when you get all dolled up in the new rags dear and let me see yow you look again? I'll be expecting them.

With all my love dear I'll stop for now.

Ever yours
Frank

March 28th 1916

Letters from Grandpa 27 March 1916

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

Miss Allene S Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Now darn it, Dearest, you're going away only for a day perhaps but it just seems as tho' I was writing this to mail to no one, and therefore I'm not at all inspired.

I hope you are having a delightful time tho' dear while this is waiting for you. Indeed I'm having one only while I'm writing; I caught a peach of a cold Saturday-coming down from Eureka and yesterday I took a little more and today I took--well it doesn't matter dear what--but I'll feel better tomorrow---can't feel worse.

Wish I could see you Allene dear when you get all togged out in the glad rags. Bet you'll come home all dressed up like a broken arm--but please be careful and don't do anything to make you feel like one.

I'm going to bed in about two seconds and it's only 8:30--so forgive yours only

Frank
Monday, March 27th 1916