6-29-1939 Adrian to Miss Evelyn Carter

6-29-1939 Adrian to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn Carter,

Box #386,

Marietta, Georgia.

Postmark: 6-29-1939 Huntington, TENN.

Letterhead:

Ruth H. Sloan, Secretary to County Judge and Highway Commission

J. Wesley Williams, Clerk

M.J. McLemore, Sheriff

J. ADRIAN BRAMLEY

COUNTY JUDGE: CARROLL COUNTY

Huntingdon, Tenn.

6-28-39.

Dear Evelyn.

I received the father’s day present have been slow to write and thank you for it. I sure did appreciate it sure was nice & very thoughtful of you. Mother wrote you about my trip fishing in Ozarks. We had a wonderfult trip camped on the river five nights & floated down four days a distance of about sixty miles had some real spark catching small mouth bass. They give you a thrill whenyou hook one about one hundred feet down stream from boat. Marshall, Gordon, Geo, Tom Green & Mr. Ludden from Nashville. A real nice party. I read your letter to your mother in which you said you had decided to postpone the other affair. I am sure proud you did & knew you would not diappoint me. I enjoyed your visit so much wish you could be with us more. It’s real lonesome at home some of the time. I will close as everybody is coming in.

Your dad

Adrian

6-19-1939 Mrs J A Bramley to Mr Orville Pace

6-19-1939 Mrs J A Bramley to Mr Orville Pace

Envelope:

Mr Orville Pace

203 Highland Ave.

Cedartown, Georgia

Postmark: 6-20-1939 Milan, TENN.

McLemoresville Tennessee

June 19, 1939,

Dear Mr Pace,

I don’t believe you would make a good lawyer. You haven’t put up any argument that I can’t meet.

One point was “convenience” now anybody would know that it is more convenient not to marry and a lot less expensive.

Another reason “a vacant house” I would solve this by renting. Don’t you believe it would be more profitable than to occupy it yourself.

Third you have been “in love for a few months.” Now we have loved Evelyn all her life.

Fourth “three long months of engagement.” Wake up Jacob and ask him how he managed to wait 14 years for Rachel.

Fifth, “your salary” of course this is something to really think about, but if you should marry Evelyn, I fear you would soon be thinking more about your debts.

Now I don’t mean this as throwing stones or anything like that. For I do have every respect for you.

It won’t be as embarrassing for you to tell your friends that you have decided to wait until later to get married as it would be for them to be telling you like they did me (that you were going to get married) when I went down there.

I don’t know why Evelyn didn’t tell me about this when I met her at Nashville in March. She did mention you and said she liked you very well, which I interpreted as a slight admiration. Edna said you told her to put in a good word. Then when I went to Ga in April found you ready to marry. I mean I was shocked. (ask Evelyn)

Unfortunately for Evelyn and us she is all we have to depend on. If she should fail us, then we have no other on which to build our hopes.

I feel like we ask such a little, when we ask her to wait. However she is going to decide this. She may fail us but somehow I just can’t believe it. A short time will tell and if she should let us fall, we sure will fall hard.

I don’t think I am doing wrong by asking her to wait. If anything should happen that you didn’t marry you might be the one who would have more to be thankful for.

I will be glad for you and Evelyn to come anytime but please don’t come to discuss this marrying problem. Let’s forget it for a while.

I’m no lawyer either but I do belong to “The Judge Family” so my sentence to you would be “wait.”

I am,

Sincerely –

Mrs. J.A. Bramley

A little reflection... 1-27-2010

A little reflection... 1-27-2010

It is fascinating to read these letters in the midst of my own wedding planning. There are so many differences, yet the pure emotion is so very similar. They were so in love, as I am so in love. That love is not yet stretched with daily worries and exasperations. I know they will come, both for Evelyn and Orville and for me and Jim. But for now, bliss.

A note about cast of characters – Evelyn had one sibling who survived childhood (and two who did not), Carolyn. Carolyn never really matured past a second or third-grade developmental level, despite being taken to every specialist possible. Carolyn lived far longer than most developmentally-challenged people – she survived both parents and her sister. As a reader, you will see references to Carolyn, whose full name was Jimmie Carolyn Bramley. When I was a child, Carolyn was a playmate and a sort of older sister to me. When I was a teenager, Carolyn could drive me crazy, asking me repeatedly “what would you be doing if you were at home?” As an adult, I came to appreciate the simple joys she took from life – wondering what her family was doing, recounting all the places she had been, saying daily prayers, and watching her stories”on television. Most of all, she expressed an unfailing and unconditional love for her family.

Without a doubt, the best thing that ever happened to Carolyn came in the form of two angels sent to earth: Iva Mae and Lucy. Iva and Lucy were sisters, who came to be Carolyn’s caregivers late in her life. They treated her with dignity, respect, compassion, and equality, embracing her as a part of their lives beyond what any of her biological family were able to do. They took her to movies, restaurants, church, to visit friends – she became their family and they hers. There is, perhaps, a little bit of shame in me that we, Carolyn’s biological family, were not quite capable of being her caregivers in the same way Iva and Lucy were. All I know for sure is that there is no doubt in my mind that God sent Iva and Lucy to our family and made them part of our family. Any history of my family should include these ladies.

6-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville Pace

6-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville Pace

Envelope:

Return to

Georgia Power Company

324 Broad Street

Rome, Georgia

After five days

Mr. Orville Pace

Ga. Power Co.

Cedartown, Ga.

Wed. a.m.

Dear Punky,

Margaret is waiting in the car for me so will rush you a few lines –

The enclosed note is all the news I have had from Mama. I have just this minute rec’d it. So you know just as much as I do about it. When I first read it I thought she meant “the news” we wrote made them sick – But the fact Carolyn was also sick makes me know otherwise. After I thought about it I remembered the reason they didn’t write Sunday was that it was “Homecoming Day” up there. Perhaps they ate something there which upset them.

We went to Atlanta to dinner & a show last night.

The tires are very much appreciated but you shouldn’t have done it now –

Must be on the way to Canton so will just say

I love you

Evelyn.

Enclosed:

Tuesday –

Dear Evelyn.

This is just to say we are all sick. I don’t aim to write before the last of week or it may be next week.

Adrian is going to Mo. this afternoon on fishing trip if he can get to feeling a little better.

I began to cover my glider yesterday I am going to try to finish it and my ironing if I can and that will be all. It makes me sick to think of anything. If we get any worse will write or get some one. Carolyn was sick at her stomach all night. We are both so weak can’t hardly be up. but guess we will be better in a few days. So you need not worry. Hope you are well and feeling more rested.

Love –

Mother.

6-1-1939 James Orville to Miss Evelyn Bramley

6-1-1939 James Orville to Miss Evelyn Bramley

Envelope:

OJP

Return to

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown Georgia

After five days

Miss Evelyn Bramley

McLemoresville, Tenn.

Postmark: 6-1-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Cedartown

May 31, 1939

Dearest Evelyn,

It has been raining again all day which does not help my gloomy feeling one bit. If I were the sort of person that enjoyed being lonesome, depressed, and blue this would be heaven. If I get by until you come back without seeing Grover [?] it will be a proven fact that I can take it. This is a heck of a way to start a letter by feeling sorry for myself, well it isn’t that bad but I do miss you.

When are you coming home? How are the folks and what is their attitude? What kind of job did the T.V.A. offer. Were you tired after the trip? Have you seen the cousins? Do you still love me? Have you not missed me at all. Was the party a success? How do you think the wedding will be. Have you met any interesting people? (I hope not) Is the range and refrigerator working properly. Why can’t I get an answer to these questions?

It is 6:35 and Tommie Dorsey is playing, nothing, except that it reminds me of what I was doing last week and the week before.

Frank Aldridge was down today, he wants to rent the apartment that Sam is going to move out of. I told him nothing doing that some big plans were being made for that place.

The boss got his new car today. He’s as happy as a kid on Christmas day, so is Blanche (dammit). In case you are worried about your car, it hasn’t been out of the garage. I know I’m welcome to use it but there hasn’t been an occasion to need it.

Before I close there is something else that should be told, I love you and want you so very very much. For the millionth time, won’t you make it July 10^th or earlier. and again,

I Love You

James Orville

6-3-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

6-3-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

Envelope:

Return to

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown Georgia

After five days

Miss Evelyn Bramley,

McLemoresville, Tenn.

Postmark: 6-3-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Cedartown, Ga.

June 2, 1939

Dearest Evelyn,

There isn’t much to write about, just the Georgia Power Co. We certainly have been having trouble the last two days, had a regular storm last night, lost three transformersand had all sorts of trouble. Warren was sick again today and I had to read meters which was a pain. The iron campaign is starting and without a bang, no interest has been shown by anyone so far. Mrs. Matthews was down with Lillian today. I didn’t get to meet her, being out reading meters. Jack Buffington is leaving tomorrow, going to Gainsville with his father. He asked me what you said about his quitting. He was so concerned about what you thought about it that I made up some stuff and told him. Edna and Thomas are all wrapped up in the play they are putting on. I made a deal to paint some scenery for them for two passes, so we’ll go. Mr. Gilmore has been out of town for the past three days, in Rome and Atlanta, everyone is predicting another shake up. Lester is getting in good spirits again, he has had some nice sales lately. He was offered a nice job in South Ga. and is seriously considering taking it. Ridley Reynolds is still coming down trying to make us understand the rate reduction. So much for the Georgia Power Co.

I know you must be having a swell time, renewing old acquaintances, making a lot of new ones, and being with your family. There is no need for you to hurry back, of course I miss you, I’d almost give my left arm just to be with you tonight, but they love you too. Observe the wedding very close and then you can tell me what to do.

Our water heater came in today, an LG-40G2 Westinghouse, square with two heating units. You’ll like it I know. Remember you told me I could pick out the water heater. Hurry back so you can pick out a kitchen sink and I also saw some already made small cabinets that you should decide on.

I suppose this will be the last letter that could reach you before you leave so it will be the last, and, honestly, don’t you think four letters was darn good for me. I’m sure of one thing, you be firmly convinced that I’m the world’s worst writer. Please don’t ever grade one of them.

Last night (our Thursday night) sure was lonely. If we hadn’t been having so much trouble I believe I would have gone to Marietta so I could have enjoyed it more. I know I shouldn’t say this just now but next time you’ll find it more difficult in getting away from me for so long a time. I just won’t let you go. Not for ten days.

I love you

Punkie

5-31-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

5-31-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

Envelope:

Pace

Return to

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown Georgia

After five days

Miss Evelyn Bramley,

McLemoresville, Tenn.

Postmark: 5-31-1939 Cedartown GA.

Letterhead:

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown, Ga.

May 30, 1939

Dearest Evelyn,

It was nice of you to call, I was so thrilled and excited that I hardly knew what I was saying. You were right I would have been a very disappointed person int he morning without a letter from you. I still will be, a little, even after the call. This loneliness is terrible, I know that I don’t get to see you often but knowing that you are so far away makes quite a difference. I love you more than anything in the world.

I was in the show when your call came. Bette Davis in “Dark Victory” was showing. It was a grand picture, think you said you saw it in Marietta.

We are going to get an engineer, Frank Aldridge from Rome, he is a good one and will be a valuable addition to our district. It means that I can drop some of my engineering duties but as I told you Sam is going to Carrollton and I’ll take up some service work. They say variety is the spice of life, well mine should be well spiced. It is convenient for us though, not having to tell Sam to move and will give us more time to make the place look like a home.

James H. Griffin of the Carrollton district was in the office today and he pinned me down about this marriage business. I told him that I couldn’t tell him anything definite until I heard from you, however I admitted to him that I was for it. He wished me luck.

I heard Roy Admas was getting married tonight, looks like the hat is definitely lost, but I’m still willing to marry you hat or no hat.

It’s still raining here and the grass is getting taller and thicker, sure hope the climatic conditions are different in West Tennessee.

Listen Lady, if I don’t get a letter from you by Thursday I’ll be awfully dissapointed in you for the first time, but regardless of letters I’ll still

Love You

Punkie

5-31-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville Pace

5-31-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville Pace

Envelope:

Mr. Orville Pace

Cedartown, Ga.

Postmark: 5-31-1939 Jackson, TENN.

Wednesday

Dear Punky –

Please forgive me! but when I relate only briefly what I have been doing then you’ll know why – Auntie & Mary Joe were to spend the day here today (and I thought I would have time to write you a long letter today) Mary Joe is sick so they called & said they couldn’t come. Then Mama called me to rush home to go to Jackson. I have dressed already so I am writing while I am waiting on her so don’t be surprised at my abrupt close – & more will follow at the first opportunity.

First I would like to say I am mentioning our plans at every opportunity. But as I said last night I have hardly seen Papa. All Mama has said has been favorable except the time – She thinks we have rushed too much and seems to think it is I that is more anxious than you. But rest assured I’ll do all possible –

The trip was uneventful to Nashville – There two girls The schedule has been changed and I had to wait 1 ½ hrs which was very tiresome – Two girls on their way to Memphis furnished the entertainment to Bruceton. They were quite a distance behind me but were easily heard all over the coach. I might mention that they were very drunk – singing, laughing - & being rowdy in general. They bought something every time the man came through. Shortly after we left Nashville they dropped the bottle & broke it & one of them spilled it all over her. She ask the boy next time he came around “what would you do if you had wet your dress?” I thought after 3 hrs without a drink they would quieten down but they were still going strong when I got off in Bruceton. Papa had been waiting an hours because I ddin’t know of the change in schedule but would have been late had it run on the old schedule.

I left him in Huntingdon – after noon I took a short nap & then entertained Mama with our plans. That is when Carolyn feared I wasn’t having a good time – we were sitting on the porch and no one had been in for an hour – Mama assured her I was for I was talking about you. Papa came in about that time & changed to work clothes & went out to kill a rabbit in the garden. Mama says he rushes around all week then on Sunday he has the “back to nature urge” & wears work clothes. He saw a rabbit in the garden & killed it and attempted to kill another. He shot at it 3 times & missed so he decided it must be the gun. (of course it couldn’t have been his aim or sight.) So Monday he bought a new gun. He sat out by the garden & wouldn’t let us speak for fear of frightening it away – finally he killed it – (we had it for breakfast Tue a.m.) Then he went to the farm & stayed until night. We had various guests until bedtime I was so tired by that time I didn’t think it the psychological time to mention the subject –

Jackson.

I am determined to finish this – We have shopped all afternoon & I am finishing this in the P.O.

To finish from where I left off. Tues a.m. when I got up Papa had already gone – I left for Paris immediately & returned this a.m. after he had gone. I am going to start making my dress in the a.m.

I can hardly wait to hear the news you didn’t tell me about last ngiht. If only the folks agree to July the Sun [?] situation will work out beautifully – I enjoyed your letter so much this morn –

I love you heaps & heaps – and miss you so much – I will be lonesome this Wednesday night for you –

Love

Evelyn

5-29-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

5-29-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Bramley

Envelope:

P.P.

Return to

Georgia Power Comany

Cedartown Georgia

After five days

Miss Evelyn Bramley,

McLemoresville, Tenn.

Postmark: 5-29-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Cedartown, Ga.

Noon, Monday

My dearest Evelyn,

To keep my promise I want to let you know that I got back to Cedartown allright, didn’t get sleepy or even have any punctures. I’m not sleepy today either. Gilmore and I have been making iron displays and talking over the coming campaign. Everytime he leaves the office I go back and talk to Edna about you. Edna and I have a lot in common to discuss about you. We agree on everything, how lovely and pretty you are, how completely unselfish you are and your friendliness, and such a remarkable person in every way. It’s a good thing Edna isn’t a boy or I would be jealous.

I believe you were at your sweetest last night, simply perfect. I had a wonderful time.

I can’t complain about not having assistance on my job today, Van, Jack, and Smitty are helping me – I mean they are doing it all. It’s fun telling men what to do next and not having someone tell you. I feel right important from Gilmore’s attitude and most of all from the things you said last night.

And now finally getting around to you, how do you feel after an all night ride in a day coach. Hope your dad was there on time to meet you, if he wasn’t let me know and I’ll speak to him.

I don’t know how to say it but “hang in there and pitch” don’t let anyone change your mind, change some minds yourself. Remember “it’s great to be a Georgian,” and that

I love you

Punkie

P.S. You’ll never know the thrill I got out of addressing the envelope.

5-1939 Orville to Evelyn (undated – estimate 5-1939)

5-1939 Orville to Evelyn (undated – estimate 5-1939)

[given subject matter I place this in May of 1939]

Cedartown, Ga.

Monday night.

My dear Evelyn,

I hope that you are all rested and feel better than you did last night or rather yesterday afternoon, you seemed to feel better last night.

It was glorious having you so near for so long a time. Your impression at home was a complete triumph, I’m even jealous of Mamma she talks about you so much now. After her telling me what a sweet, lovely, fine, and beautiful girl she thought you were made it easy for me to tell her that we were going to be married. She wasn’t surprised either, said she had expected it and was glad that I’d found someone that I really loved and wanted to settle down with. The first thing I told her was that she was going to lose one of her children, she said that she was going to gain one instead. You can add her to your long list of friends and take it from me she’s a darn good one.

Honey take care of yourself I’d die if anything happened to you now. Don’t work too hard or worry about regrets. Don’t stop, most of all, being in love with me fro I know now that I’ll love you always.

Yours

Orville

4-5-1939 Orville to Miss Evelyn B Carter

4-5-1939 Orville to Miss Evelyn B Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn B. Carter

Box 326

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 4-5-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Cedartown, Ga.

Tuesday night.

My dearest Evelyn,

It was sweet of you to call last night and I was terribly sorry to hear that your mother has been seriously ill. I’m hoping with all my might that she has greatly improved and will be able to come down the latter part of the week. However, I doubt her taking so long a trip so soon after her illness.

Evelyn please don’t keep reminding me that I may change my mind about everything. I know that. You seem to think that I’m considering such a thing. Well, I’m not. You have the same privilege too, you know, but please don’t change your mind about me, keep loving me, continue to trust and have faith and confidence in me and I’ll swear to do my best to be the person that you would have me be. I couldn’t stop loving you because of something you once did when you are a thousand times better than I or anyone else that I have ever known. Don’t regret it, I’m not, for if it had not happened we would have never met. You owe no one apologies, you have nothing to be ashamed of, you made a mistake, admitted it and did something about it. You kept right on, holding your chin up, and accomplished something. You have what we called in football as guts. (Please forgive my using that word)

Yes I really did hobo part of the way home Sunday night, Willie had a puncture in Rockmart and the spare was also flat, heard a train coming and ran about a mile and caught it just as it was leaving town. It was fun riding like a king on top of a car loaded with sand through a beautiful night thinking of what a lucky person I am.

We had a first aid meeting tonight, thank goodness that’s over for this week. Things are quiet at the office.

Won’t Thursday ever get here, I’m so lonesome – I love you, really I do and I’m serious, not cereal.

Love

Orville

3-28-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

3-28-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn Carter,

Box 326

Marietta, Georgia

P. Return to P.

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown Georgia

After five days

Postmark: 3-28-1939 Cedartown GA.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Cedartown, Ga.

Monday night

My Dearest Evelyn,

It was a great relief to find out from Edna that you were feeling allright to-day. That made the trip perfect in every way, being afraid of it hurting you was my only worry. Honest, honey, that was the grandest week end that I’ve ever spent. I wish that someone else from here had gone with us so we could discuss the trip because it is all that I have thought about all day. Forest City, Lake Lane [?], Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg, Ashville, Maryville, mountains, cottages, swinging bridges, Tennessee, North Carolina, and ten thousand other things mean so much more to me now that I’ve been there. That trip is going near the top of the list of the things that I owe to you.

I hope that you didn’t mind driving back to Marietta alone last night. I could have followed you through there but I just didn’t think and you wouldn’t have let me anyway.

Thank goodness this G.C. campaign is over for us even if you do have to keep on selling them. My total was 105 which was enought to win top prize, the next highest being 99. When the comission check comes for those we will take a trip or do something. I shall always remember our glare chaser campaigns, the first one I met you and the next one I fell in love with you, wonder what the next one will bring.

Maybe it was before the campaign that I fell in love with you, I don’t know when it happened but the point is I certainly did fall and didn’t do a half way job of it either. Don’t ever doubt that. Lady, you have something on your hands that is going to be hard to dispose of.

I don’t know why but I’m sleepy and must go home to bed, just always remember that;

I love you

Punkie

3-27-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

3-27-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. O.J. Pace

Cedartown Ga

Return to

Georgia Power Company

324 Broad Street

Marietta, Georgia

After five days

Postmark: 3-22-1939 Marietta, GA.

Letterhead:

Georgia Power Company

Rome, GA.

J.J. McDonough

Division Manager

Late Mon. aft.

My dear Punky –

I just wanted you to know that I have felt no ill effects from the trip. I really haven’t felt any more tired than usual – and was up before 7 a.m. – I think I must be living on the excitement – I have worked all day getting things together for the demonstration tomorrow – I have to wash & iron the uniform tonight – even if I did get a little wild on my figures – by saying I could wrap it around me four times – I actually did take it up about 3 in – and shortened it about that much – Any way I have been busy – but not too much that I find my mind drifting back to the past week end – I’ll never forget – and I’ll never stop loving you – I’m afraid –

No news here of course –

Love

Evelyn –

P.S. The left back tire was flat this a.m. They said it was oyster shells that caused it at the station – probably from the Fla. trip – Momee has been sick with flu for several days.

3-22-1939 E Carter to Mr O J Pace

3-22-1939 E Carter to Mr O J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. O.J. Pace

Cedartown Ga

E. Carter

Return to

Georgia Power Company

Marietta, Georgia

After five days

Postmark: 3-22-1939 Marietta, GA.

Letterhead:

Georgia Power Company

Rome, GA.

J.J. McDonough

Division Manager

Wednesday noon –

Dear Punky –

Just a note to let you know that I am really trying hard to get well to go Friday – I went back to see the doctor this morning – he thinks I will make it – I am alright now except I simply can’t breathe – I am taking everything – It is just as well that you didn’t come last night as I went to bed early & then didn’t sleep until after 2 a.m. – most of that time I thought of you any way (the reason I didn’t sleep was due to not being able to breathe however.)

I have to help with a cooking school tomorrow and Friday –

Will see you Fri. night you will probably be able to recognize me – if not a good way wil be – that I probably won’t be wearing a nose –

I love you

Evelyn –

P.S. Tell Edna rec’d her note – but haven’t time to write now – will do so at my earliest opportunity – E –

3-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

3-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. O.J. Pace

Cedartown, Ga.

Postmark: 3-14-1939 Marietta, GA

Monday night –

My dear Punky –

Now I just wonder why I am writing you again tonight. Though since I am thinking of you anyway – and taking up my thoughts & time – I had just as well – Too I might be writing to “brag” over the fact I sold six glarechasers today – Canton now ahs 115% of quota – What has happened to Cedartown? Seriously – I’ve thought very little about glarechasers – or any thing else except you – since this campaign started –

Jerry was real nice and fixed up my income tax statement last night. It looked for a while like I was going to have to pay them the price of my “pink” dress but we finally got it down to the price of a hat – just couldn’t get around paying that – with all our figuring – I hope I won’t have to visit you in Atlanta for not filing yours.

In planning the weekend I give you a free hand with these two exceptions – Frankly, I have nothing planned except Thursday night – I had not thought you would be free any night during the weekend – however I am very pleased that I will have something to look forward to. I had thought that I would not plan anything for Saturday night but really do not imagine Dick will ask me again – (will give you details if you are ever interested) But since we have things planned for several weekends – next for instance then Macon & home etc. thought I would sacrifice this one just in case – However if you have something special or some special reason for Saturday night I will arrange it. I hope you understand my attitude in regard to this matter – I will not plan anything for Friday night or Sunday & Sunday night and you can come either time or both – so liberal of me - ? Also you can come any morning you choose. But if things don’t work out for you – feel free to do as I suggested in the letter you received from me today.

I have an appointment to broil steaks for a customer at 5 p.m. tomorrow – not anything to look forward to as at Kennedys. By the way have you all mentioned the weekend that we were talking about at their house?

I miss you - & I love you heaps

Evelyn -

3-13-1939 Evelyn Carter to Mr O J Pace

3-13-1939 Evelyn Carter to Mr O J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. O.J. Pace

Cedartown, Ga

Evelyn Carter

Box 326

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 3-13-1939

Sunday aft

My dear Punky

Well, I got the “pink” dress yesterday. Nell came by for me at 9 a.m. and we didn’t get back until 5:30 p.m. With the exception of the time we ate lunch – we stood all day. She had quite a bit to do just as I did and it simply took all day – Paul arrived about noon. They went back to Cartersville last night. Both were quite apologetic about how things turned out Friday night. (No regrets on my part however).

It would have been so nice just to have fallen in bed as soon as I returned yesterday aft – Dick came however before dinner. It was quite a “battle of wits” to know just waht to say – especially since I was feeling so tired – I am not sure just how good or bad I got the idea across – but I did.

Punky make your plans to suit your convenience this week – I will understand. Not that I am not selfish enough to want to see you all your free time but this is one time I will be as considerate as you were to me about last night. I know you will not want to leave town too much and that you are obligated this weekend. And with all sincerity I want you to do the right thing about it and most of all satisfy your own self in regard to what you do or do not do – or say.

I followed your advice about resting today. I slept quite late and have only been out of my room long enough to go eat dinner – slept through breakfast.

Again – don’t inconvenience yourself to come over this week – that sounds so blunt but surely you understand that I’m really trying to say is that I love you and will love you just as much whether you can find time to come or not. And you can find time to write me can’t you? That is is enjoyed next next [best] to seeing or talking with you –

I have thought of you all day and regardless of the complications we spoke of – the fact remains that

I love you heaps –

Evelyn

3-13-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

3-13-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn Carter,

Box 326,

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 3-13-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Cedartown, Ga.

Sunday night.

Dearest Evelyn,

Charles and Clara finally woke up but not until I ate and had a tire repaired in Marietta and drove all way past Dallas. Charles asked what had happened to you and seeing that it was getting daylight asked where he was. Clara, after regaining consciousness found that she had left her coat and purse at George’s, the key to her house and shop were in the purse. The fog was still bad in both my passengers and the air but we managed to get to Cedartown about 6:00. Clara was afraid to go home. Charles said it must be love for me to go see you on a night like that and I told him he was right and thought also what a little thing it was to do for the pleasure I get being with you. Evelyn you are the nearest thing to being a perfect woman that has ever been. Sometime, if I can find the words to express myself I’m going to tell you what it is about you that I like so much. I’ve rambled completely the subject of how we got home but we did and in fair condition, also got plenty of sleep and did lots of work Saturday afternoon.

Hope that you enjoyed last night but not too much. I’m jealous of Dick but if he can make you have a good time I’m for him. I don’t envy him though for I believe that I have something that he does not have.

I’ve been a good boy this week-end, stayed close around just hoping that I’d get a call, but in rain, they never call me whetn I’m in town. We played tennis this afternoon, which I know is not interesting to you.

I would like very much to see you either Thursday or Saturday night, if neither might suit you how about Friday or Sunday, if that isn’t allright how about my coming over some moring for a few minutes. The point is I want to see you and bad. Don’t forget the date we made with George and Hazel. You may change your mind about being with them but not with me. Let me know.

Love

Punkie

3-2-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

3-2-1939 Evelyn to Mr O J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. O.J. Pace

Cedartown, Georgia.

Postmark: 3-2-1939 Marietta, GA.

Monday Night

My dear Punky,

The Dunn establishment looks like a hospital again. Annie Mae, Ann and I have spent the day in bed. I knew this would happen – even as early as yesterday noon – Last night’s activities had nothing to do with my being in bed however. I simply knew that I would have to start early and work very hard or I would be sick all week if I attempted to stay up –

To begin the day – I left Cedartown at 7 a.m. – so I arrived here in plenty of time for work – I went to the office – I decided to get a prescription filled or rather prescribed by a doctor to avoid guesswork or the trial-error method of getting this cold stopped. By the way I hop you didn’t take it yesterday – At the doctors office I found I had a temperature of 101. After getting 4 kinds of medicine I followed his advice and came home to bed. I hope to work tomorrow.

Marietta had quite a fire yesterday also. 800 bales of cotton which were stored in Mr. Dunn’s warehouse. The cotton belonged to the government. The street was still blocked this morning.

I have thought of you so much today – and how stupid you must think me at times – The way I get all “tongue tied” and can’t carry on an intelligent conversation for musing things out in my own mind then lacking the nerve to say them – though I do think I am doing better “speaking up” don’t you think? At least there should be no doubt in your mind that I am sincere in my love for you – I have wanted to see you just as much today as if I hadn’t seen you for a week and the hours spent together yesterday were so very short.

In case you manage to come over tomorrow night this will be rather stale Wed. a.m. so will close – I hope you will get over but will understand if you can’t manage – and will be looking forward to seeing you Friday night – I know we will have lots of fun!

Love

Evelyn.

3-1-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

3-1-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Return to P.P.

Georgia Power Company

Cedartown, Georgia

After 5 days

Miss Evelyn Carter

Marrietta, Ga

Box 326

Postmark: 3-1-1939 Cedartown GA.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Cedartown, Ga.

Wed 10:30 A.M.

Dearest Evelyn

I am supposed to be workign but having just received your letter can’t seem to get my mind on meters, street lights, etc. It was sweet, your letter. The boss is in Rome today which is another reason for my using the company’s valuable time. I’m to sleepy to work anyway. W, Abot [?], Peg, Edna & Thos, rode around gabbing until about 2:30 A.M. We weren’t drinking either. We all thought how nice it would be if you were along. I’m going to bed early tonight, have to feel good tomorrow for I have a date with the best girl in the world.

I enjoyed talking with you yesterday even if someone did ring in on the line, and I was too rattled to think of somthing to say.

I certainly do hope that your throat is better. Take good care of yourself.

Edna keeps bringing orders back here and Bill has called for me to bring him some material. Everyone seems to want something done, this isn’t going to be such a soft day after all. Houston is addressing the envelope for me and I’m going to the Post office and to work. Excuse everything for I’m in a hurry. See you tomorrow.

Love

Punkie

2-28-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

2-28-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

Envelope:

Return to

Georgia Power Company

324 Broad Street

Rome, Georgia

After 5 days

Mr. Orville J. Pace

Cedartown, Georgia

Postmark: 2-28-1939 Marietta, Ga.

Letterhead:

Inter-office Communication

Monday Night

My dear Punky,

After such a perfect weekend I have had plenty to occupy my throughts tonight. The “big moment” was when I saw the flowers. Surely my family would have said that even I put on quite a demonstration – and you have heard my apologies for lack of such – even though I always appreciate gifts and the thoughts behind them. Somehow though my thoughts and actions toward you are an exception to every rule. For example, I did exactly what I wanted to do to express my appreciation – such an easy and natural thing in this case where it is usually quite difficult. While on the other hand another exception is just opposite – under ordinary circumstances I usually manage a steady flow of conversation but some how in your presence I fall into a state of contentment more easily described as “blankful bliss.” It is so easy to let you make decisions.

I had a letter from Momee this morning wanting to know how many guests to expect and when we would arrive in order to make reservations – wish Uncle George could manage without you anytime I needed a chauffeur. Anyway we will make our demands on him about the last of April or first of May. I find myself getting anxious to see the family as the time grows nearer. I shall miss seeing you however – but will see you Thursday - which is something I am looking forward to –

Love

Evelyn

P.S. I had to borrow some of Uncle George’s stationery or wait until tomorrow to write – also I offer apologies for poor writing. I am in bed due to a sore throat developed in late afternoon due to being out in rain quite a bit today –

E -

2-23-1938 Dick to Evelyn Carter

2-23-1938 Dick to Evelyn Carter

Western Union Telegram

MISS EVELYN CARTER= CARE GA POWER CO

WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU SOON. PREFERABLY SATURDAY AS USUAL=

DICK.

2-22-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

2-22-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn Carter,

Box 326,

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 2-22-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Cedartown, Ga.

Tuesday nite

Dear Evelyn,

I am just home from the office where I gave Uncle George [The Georgia Power Company] several hours of my valuable time. This business of cutting in and cutting out is becoming very complex. They should make the requirements for the job to be an electrical engineer, C.P.A., and a draftsman, not even mentioning having a strong back; being a lighting engineer wouldn’t hurt either. Looks like I’ll have to become a service man to get my work done in forty hours a week.

We must take a hitch-hiking trip sometime, with you my luck would be very good. Just think of all the nice little back seats we could ride in together. It was good of Ray to carry you home, wasn’t it, and him knowing you wouldn’t be a prospect for Sinclair Gas anymore, that is in Cedartown.

I went down to see little Willie today, he said to tell you how sorry he was for the way he acted Sunday and that he would try not to let it happen again. He is not in such bad shape, new rings and a dozen other things will put him to rattling again.

Charles is still thrilled to the gills about Charlotte, he is in Calhoun tonight.

Lester, after talking with Lita [?] today, said he had decided to wait until he got to Atlanta to dress and for you to expect him. He also said to tell you how sorry he was about not being able to go to Atlanta Thursday.

Evelyn honey, please forgive my saying it so often but I do miss you so much, and as I have also said before I’ll never get over you and never intend to try even if I do become a pest. It isn’t often that I feel this way about a person, in fact this is the first time in about twenty-eight years that I’ve felt this way about anyone.

I still insist that I’m a lousy letter-writer and you must be tired of trying to figure this thing out, so will close. I’m still looking for that letter.

Love

Punkie

I suppose Sanders called you about the check being deposited, am enclosing proof if you save them.

2-21-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

2-21-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. Orville J. Pace

Cedartown Georgia

Box 326

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 2-21-1939 Marietta, GA.

Outside note:

Inside!

Inside fold:

This extra page is for Tom Brumby’s benefit since I noticed I could see through the envelope

E.C.

Mon. aft Late -

My dear Punky –

At the moment I should be thinking of what I am going to say in about an hour to a group of National Guardsmen on the subject of glarechasers. But just as it was last week – thinking of any thing except you – is sometimes difficult. Now I have a perfect weekend to reminisce about; and a very promising one to look forward to.

In looking back over the weekend – I enjoyed the Biltmore and Peacock Alley as well as the food – the conversation, weather, scenery, transportation facilities, window shopping and meeting old friends in Cedartown; but most of all you – you –

In telling you some of my letter writing faults last night I neglected to explain that the dot and dash system I use has little to do with punctuation as studied in English grammar but merely represents the motion of my thoughts.

Again thanks for a very enjoyable weekend and as a pleasant Monday night thought – in comparison with last week – Friday is one day earlier than Saturday –

Sincerely

Evelyn.

2-14-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

2-14-1939 Punkie to Miss Evelyn Carter

Envelope:

Miss Evelyn Carter,

839 Church St.,

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 2-15-1939 Cedartown, GA.

Cedartown, Ga.

Feb. 14, 1939

Dear Evelyn,

Many thanks for the Oates tip, sold them six glare-chasers, they would have slipped through my fingers had it not been for you. I’ll bet Pressley would appreciate your telling a Cedartown employee where to sell six units.

Evelyn I don’t believe you could ever realize how much I’ve missed you. The place will never be the same to me without you and I thought all the time it was the work that made me enjoy being in and around the Power Co. so much. The place has lost it’s charm and the best home economist working for Mr. Arkwright. For everyone else this is the same ole merry-go-round, Warren and his songs, Brumby and his wise cracks, Gilmore and his worries. Nothing has changed except that George has grown older, Jack has an extra dark coat of tan, and a strange blonde comes in sometimes and sits at your desk.

Sunday afternoon was about the most enjoyable one that I’ve ever spent. It wasn’t the weather or scenery that made it so perfect either. How any one person can be so agreeable, so lovely, and as sweet as you are is beyond me. Lady, you are the best company that I’ve ever kept.

I’m looking forward to Saturday night and hope to make you have no regrets for giving me the date and the things it caused.

With love

Punkie

2-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

2-14-1939 Evelyn to Mr Orville J Pace

Envelope:

Mr. Orville J. Pace

Cedartown Georgia

Box 326

Marietta, Ga.

Postmark: 2-14-1939 Marietta, GA.

Tuesday noon

My dear Punky –

You have that certain way of doing things just at the right time – For instance the call came last Thursday night just when I needed it most; then today the candy was here when I came home at lunch. I do so appreciate it – First because I like candy and second because it gives me such a nice reason to write to you. I spent the day yesterday trying to decide whether to write you or not – last night I did but decided against mailing it – everything I write sounds so very flat – or else too much on the opposite trend – My thoughts of your are not to be written I supposed – but at least I can have the pleasure of thinking them – at least that won’t hurt anyone (except the Power Co. who it seems is paying me to think about you.)

I like my room and everything at the office seems to be running smoothly – but I still think it will be a long time until Saturday night – And again thanks heaps for the candy –

Sincerely

Evelyn