Letters from Grandpa 19 March 1916

The Brown Hotel
Daniel Morrison, Prop.
Eureka, Nevada

Miss Allene S. Kelley,
Modesto,
California

Just see what I've missed Dearest!- and to show you I'll enclose it.

If I hadn't gone back to Elko and met Dr. Whitesides my name would have been coupled with Carl's, that is Mr. C. G. Jepson, and I'd have been in the market for "Livestock in Carload Lots" and with all those other things he's got on the card. The complexion of his other stationery (letterheads and envelopes) is just as unusual and impressive as that of the card and it sure makes a hit with me. I call it C.L.A.S.S. The unusual always did appeal to me anyhow. By that I don't mean freakish nor ridiculous things.

Well dearest the dance is a thing of the past and I feel that I carried out my part in a dutiable manner. By midnight I had all the dancing I wanted but Thelma,-the little devil,-seemed to be just "beginning to commence" (Allene Kelley) to enjoy herself, so I just stood around and talked--with the fellows (you know how they always bunch up when they're not dancing), and danced occasionally till three o'clock and the bloomin' kid made no signs of getting tired so I had to tell her it was about time to go home. Gave her two more dances and then took them home. Their little brother, Peter Breen , Jr., was there and went home with us. 

I had a good time but had to "pay the fiddler" yesterday as I had a lot of work to do and had to get up at the usual time. The twelve and a half hours sleep I got last night has put me back to normal and I feel fine this morning. Anyhow the two letters I rec'd from you last night helped a whole lot, dear, toward making the world brighter. And to dim everything Pearlie Morrison, the landlord's daughter, just came in the parlor here and is favoring us with a few selections such as "Where the Silv'ry Colorado Wends It's [sic] Way" and others equally ancient. And after my telling her to get out, to go make the beds--that I was busy writing to the onliest girlie in the world~~and I meant every word of it too. Thank goodness!--She's gone - to make the beds I guess.

Is a person absent-minded when he's in love? I believe it does have it's effect alright and I know when you're always thinking of one thing or one person you haven't much time for other things and are therefore very apt to be accused of absent-mindedness.

So you wish Cressey [Cressey Maze -ed.] and Mariam would hurry up and get married. If it will relieve you of any suspense dear, I wish so too. I don't see what's the use of those prolonged engagements anyhow,~~unless financial or other equally important obstacles prevent. And Cressey's quiet is he dear, and his usual conversation is carried on in monosyllables such as yes and no in response to questions? I hope I'm not that way altho' I do get spells of silence among strangers. Wait and see-you be the judge dear as to my conversational abilities.

Old Bill Doyle, as I call him sometimes, got drunk as a Lord at the advent of Florence's arrival and she's proven worthy of the demonstration. She's the dearest, cutest little youngster I believe I ever saw.

I'm sorry you couldn't get the first ride in the little roadster Allene. You sure'd have had it had you been anywheres near, but I'll try and arrange so will have a ride in it before it's all worn out toting me around after these elusive eagles and double eagles. The pursuit of them is a pleasure notwithstanding the hardships it puts us to. There's a good time coming tho' for all of us, but let's make ourselves happy while we're waiting for it.

The tho'ts expressed in your missives, Allene dearest, and the others which I find between the lines add immensely to my happiness and I trust mine are likewise, equally, joy bearing. May they be the forerunners of something greater and better for us dearest, that's all now.

Ever yours only

Frank

Eureka, Nevada,

Sunday,

March 19th 1916.

Letters from Grandpa 20 December 1915

Note: I apologize that this is out of order...I found it unfinished in my drafts just today!


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 [a] lawyer draw up [a] contract 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 time 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 etc., been to picnics, parties and pink teas, huh? And weren't "auntie" Helene and uncle Will glad to see their "little" girl!!~~not any more so that 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 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 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 6 Nov. 1915

I was sent a box of mementos which belonged to my grandmother, Allene Kelley Russell. Much of what was in the box were letters she had received from my grandfather, Frank H. Russell, during their courtship. This is the text from the first letter.

Written on letter paper from Hotel Turpin, 17 Powell St., San Francisco, California

Dear Allene
It seems to me it has been a year since I "got" your last letter,--it's been almost a week--and I want another so I'm going to pen you a few lines and put you in debt to me.

Had made all arrangements for leaving Thursday, but received a letter from a cousin in Los Angeles which caused me to postpone my return to Elko indefinitely. It is a business proposition and if, after I've talked it over with him, I decide to take it up I will stay in California.

He wired me that he would come to San Francisco in a week or ten days. Maybe I'll not wait for him but will go down there. Anyhow there's a little girlie down near there whom I'd like to see. She's in such a prison and has so many guards watching over her tho' that I'm afraid I'd find all entrances-and exits too--barred. Let us be thankful for small favors and larger ones in proportion. I am thankful for the privelege [sic] of writing to her altho' I'm still wondering if these epistles must be passed by the board of censors before she gets 'em.

I wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Maze but as yet have not heard from them.--Possibly they answered and the letter is in Elko. I hope they are well and happy and able to write to you often enough to keep you from getting lonesome and homesick. Of course now that you have learned to talk french [sic] you can keep yourself company--huh? Ask yourself questions in one language and answer in the other, huh? again.

Any more exciting baloons [sic] or awful electric shocks-or-teacher's birthdays?

Now don't wait a week Allene to answer--cause I'm the boy who doesn't like to wait.

Sincerely yours
Frank

San Francisco, November 6th, 1915