Jaci Dawn

(Dale’s constant omission of the apostrophe in the contraction “dont” nearly pushes me over the edge!)

The envelope for this letter has a pale inscription in pencil written across the front of it: Dale and Case keep House. It is about much more than that and reflects the innocence of America before Doughboys were shipped off to fight in trenches and Mustard gas.

Eugene, Ore. Feb. 12, ’17

Dear Mother and Dad,

      Your two letters came today and in one was the draft ofor $100. I am very thankful, and it has not put me to any trouble at all. My only reason for telegraphing was to find out if I could make a raise, and if not I would not waste my money in registering.

     My subjects are: Educational Psychology, Technique of Poetry, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Philosophical Foundations of English Literature, Advanced German Literature, and and Dramatics. Besides these I will have a lecture course entirely in German on the German Culture and Civilization. In addition to this I am doing extra work in the English department and having a special conference hour with the head of the department. Today our first poems were due in the Technique class. The professor said that mine was very good and would be very good for publication in the college publications. He asked me to try for a prize that is offered by the Spectator, a paper published in Portland. I may try for it because $15 or $5 for a poem will come handy.

     Dont worry about the war. I think we are just as far from it as we were when it began. Even the Germans wanted to break diplomatic relations with the U.S. because of the trouble caused by the continental squabbles. If the U.S. did go in there would be no change excepting, perhaps, a new excuse for raising the price of provisions.

      The housekeeping is going fine. One week Case does the cooking and the next week, I do it. Ditto with the dishwashing only reversed. I would rather do the cooking all the time because I can do it better, and then Case is not very neat. If I ever get any one else in here, I will get some-one that I can boss. Case is too smart.

     I had no letter from Aunt Jane at all.

     I sent that telegram about 8:30 P.M. on Saturday.

     That must be disagreeable weather. The pussy willows have been out for over a week here! I guess our winter is over, except probably a late spring storm. I have told it all, I guess I will take this down and mail it now.

Your Son,

Dale.