13 July 2012

Alice Enters 1909 With a LONG Letter...


Oh boy –I think she upset poor Pansy the last time! To have been able to read his letters to her! A quick apology for that and right into the “what kind of marriage material” are you questions she goes.  I am thinking Alice would have been fun, but a drama queen to know.



From Chula Vista, Cal
January 15, 1909
 
My dearest boy:
Your dear letter reached me tonight, and after reading it (perhaps you will consider me a baby) but I simply cried.

I must have been some what harsh, dear, to you in the letter which made you sorry and feel blue. I answered the letter you wrote, me first and hope to make things plainer in this one since I had your second letter. Oh! How I love it: because it is so very long; then again how I hate it, because you were feeling do down hearted.

Dear do cheer up, for I love you and you only. I know you can’t love me more than I do you. Yet you may think so.

Perhaps it is (?) for me to ask you to come so far to see me but I am so crazy to see you I cannot consider any thing. Your letter I considered very sensible and wise.

Now dear, once you asked me to be very frank in my expressions: I wish to ask you much, since I was always afraid to in the previous letters. Once fear and my only fear is this: Please under no circumstances show or repeat the contents of this letter or other letters to any one. And if on any certain occasion kindly ask my permission. Won’t you dear?

I have much to guard against, and many to fear; even my people back east. Of whom I am referring – concerning there letters. “Mums” the word. Not that I think you do, but just to remind you, dear.

Our Pansy worked in the building to the far left on Main St., Woburn
You want me, dear, to be your wife, and I love you enough to feel as though you are to be “him”. You are a good Catholic man, and of course you must realize I am a good Catholic girl – I cannot think for a moment, dear, that you ever or would do a wrong to any body. No one could tell me differently.

Dear, I consider how wise you were after all; to stay with the firm you are working for perhaps if you care. I would not be prepared to be “yours” etc – I realize, Dear, that you are not rich and the expense of travel is great across the continent.

Now what I wish to ask, dear, if you will not consider it rude or curious etc. – but since we have gone so far as promising each other many other simple things. I would like just how much you are making each month, and the amount you have already saved. So I can get a good idea how you are standing. Do you remember, dear, the last time I saw you-the “good-by” question? Ha! Ha! – I know you love me dearest, and will always as I will be true to you, no matter where I am.

Don’t be down hearted, sweet heart, for it will make me very sad. You must cheer up, and forget the past. (if it has been cruel to you). Think that some day I will be with you and console in all you troubles.

Your little gifts were so very thoughtful. I appreciated the flowers at school, etc. Dear, I want you to send me a large photo of yourself, and I am going to have my picture taken in a few months and will send you one. I am going to Los Angeles and have some “sepia” finished ones. I always considered it artistic.

Darling, you mustn’t say that you are thinking you will loose me in the long run. For you won’t.

Dear, please tell me some of your back life and of your people. Yet don’t do this if you think I shouldn’t know. But someday you are going to, anyway. You can always write me and I will remember you always.

Won’t you please write me your full name. Honey, I only know just Mr. McDonough.

I think, I will go abroad, so if my plans are wiser, I will tell you to come. First I must understand your situation in life, your position, etc.

Cheer up! Now and be happy for I want you to be.
Do you ever see my cousins at Woburn etc?
It is raining tonight and I feel just in the mood of writing letters.
Must close now.
-with all my love to the dearest boy.

Affectionately,
Alice

P.S. Kindly give my regards to Mr. MacDonald

.

12 July 2012

Alice types a letter...


Two weeks or so after Alice wrote pleading for a response of some sort – a disappointing letter arrives from Pansy.   Our Alice put her new business skills to use and typed a response - I think Alice is a little miffed he isn't doing what she wants. What do you think?

From Chula Vista, Cal
December 2, 1908


My dear friend,

Your very welcome letter reached me a short time ago, and I was much disappointed to read of your delay in coming west, for I had planned so much, and do want to see you very much, but I think (from the way your letter read) that you will never see me here, if ever, elsewhere, for I am going east very soon, to boarding school and after a year of that I will travel.

I intend visiting Boston, but only for a very short time, for my friends will mostly be in New York and Philadelphia. That is why I would like to see you before it is to late.

I trust you to be so kind as to keep all I have said to you quiet, not that I would believe for a moment that you day what I write to others but merely wish to remind you.

Did you care for my picture?

Wishing you a very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Years dear,

Very lovingly,
Your sincere friend
Alice B. Wood



~I'll have another letter up tomorrow ~ Alice gets down to the nitty gritty this time (for 1909). See you all then.
xoxo
Girlie



05 July 2012

Alice gets impatient


 
Alice – “don’t chase the bus”!   I picked up that expression from Mary Delux  and her very funny and true Secrets of a Bus Stop Goddess. It has served me well and I  truly think Alice would have benefited at this point from reading Mary’s blog. 'Course if she did - my tin of letters may not exist!

We have two letters this week as they were short (and whiny, I think).
Xoxo ~Girlie

From Chula Vista, Cal

October 30, 1908

My dear Mr. McDonough,

It wasn’t a great while ago, since I wrote to you, but after I re-read your last very nice letter I concluded to get a snap shot of my self, and give you on; only I prefer to give you a lovely big finished picture. Anyway I will later on. Dear, did you get my letter? Why don’t you answer – or perhaps I haven’t given you time to answer yet. Only don’t delay to come. –you will wont you honey?

Write soon, and please pardon the awful pencil writing and also paper.

Affectionately
A.B. Wood


From Chula Vista, Cal
December 2, 1908

My dearest Friend;

I cannot see why you do not write to me. What is the matter, dear? Are you ill, dead, or what.

Perhaps you did not get my letter and a small snap-shot of myself  I sent you quite a few weeks ago. You’re not angry at me are you dear? If you are, I am lost to what caused it. But you’re not of course. Only why don’t you write and come West, as you said you would as soon as possible.

Possibly lay about the latter part of October or the first of November. Now, dear it is the last day of November and no word, regarding your coming has reached me yet.

Really I am very much disappointed about it, and could cry; But I dont dare, for fear you excuse will prove to be something serious, and I might keep my fears for something worth while. Ha! Ha!

Mr. MacDonald has never written me a word. I thought kind enough to drop me a postal. Honey, do drop me a few cards for a change. And tell me when you are coming West and all about everything. Boy you know, I love you, and I will always be such a friend to you. And dear you mustn’t forget my birthday present which you promised, as I am so anxious to see you.

Write soon, honey, and receive love from your little girl,
Alice

03 July 2012

Everyday Vintage - Vintage (most) Everyday

I love vintage clothing - but rarely find vintage pieces that that fit me (I am 5'11" and not of small bone). So, instead I tend to search for great vintage accessories for myself. They can be easily mixed in with current everyday wear and really put the finish on an outfit.

This morning was a perfect example - I was getting ready for the day job this morning - I just needed a pop of something for my summer outfit of jeans, navy tank and J. Crew seersucker jacket(♥). This chunky nautical theme necklace from the 1960's was just the thing to complete the unintentional red, white and blue theme  - Happy 4th of July!!