The first letter saved. Why not start from the beginning?
Gordon (Dad) had recently moved to Kendall, NY on the shores of Lake Ontario, from Genesee, PA where he and Frances (Mom) had become teenage friends over the course of the previous three years.
At the writing of this letter, Gordon is 15 and Mom, 14.
They were high school chemistry lab buddies and Dad expresses subtle concern (jealousy?) for what boy in the lab had taken his place.
He is clearly expressing a little “Puppy Love” in his closing.
A further description of how and where (Genesee, PA) they met and anecdotes of rural life in the early 30’s, will be posted this coming Sunday.
Kendall, N.Y.
October 16, 1932 (Sunday)
My Dear Frances:
We have just returned from a drive to the lake (I drove home). The day has been fine and the lake breezes were warm. It was hailing when we arrived Wednesday and was cold Thursday and Friday. Yesterday it warmed up and I played tennis with some friends. They have a swell court.
I am being interrupted at minute intervals by my brothers who are, as you know, pests.
We’re getting things straightened but it will take time as we have to do a lot of cleaning and planning, etc. We’ll be alright in a few days though.
I like school here very much. Everything is fine except French and that is harder. Our Chemistry books are the same but we are over on chapter XIV: The structure of an atom. I didn’t go to school Thursday as I planned, but did go Friday. There are a lot of boys but three times as many girls contrary to what I heard. There are none like you, though—take that either way you want.
I think I’ll be on the basket-ball team so we ought to be a crack team. I have written to Popular Science for a list of chemicals and apparatus and when it comes, I’ll send it to you. I wish I was still in the lab business with you. Have you found another partner or will you be independent? Junior (last name?) or Blair?
Don’t forget to send the pictures when they come, that is, if they’re good. While you are at it, send one of yourself, please.
Two people have died since we’ve come and both of them were good church supporters. One lived here and the other in Hulberton. Looks like we are to blame. [Dad Humor]
That’s all. Don’t forget to write.
Lots of (I almost said love but maybe that’s not proper)???
Good luck,
Gordon
PS. Please excuse writing, spelling, and grammar.
Beautiful. I find love to be simpler then as well. When did it all become so complicated? I wish I lived in this time. Dating apps are not cutting it. :)
Oh WOW...I didn't realize this all started at ages 14 and 15. It really is unbelievable. Old school love seemed so pure and simple compared to how complicated people make things nowadays.
What a lovely first letter.