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 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