Ruth L. Hubble to Earl S. Parish
Title
Ruth L. Hubble to Earl S. Parish
Creator
Hubble, Ruth L.
Identifier
WWP22788
Date
1918 October 29
Description
Ruth writes to Earl about news back home, including mentions of his decision to go and the spread of flu.
Source
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Subject
World War, 1914-1918
Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919
Language
English
Text
Jenison, Mich
Dearest Friend -
Your letter received to day; but I'm not impressed that you are leaving camp the first of this week so I'm going to use my chances and write once more, providing you don't object.
I'm glad you were so fortunate as to get where you are. You know good boys are in great demand in any sphere of life, so we won't lay it all to good luck.
No doubt you are crazy to go 'over' and I don't blame you either. Its action and work we all want.
I only wish I would be called back in service again, but I guess not this week.
Haven't you got my letters written last week yet? Or are you too busy to bother about opening them?
Mary and Frannie are at their work again this week. Mary just reached home when I called & a letter from Herb was awaiting her so we didn't talk very long.
She said that they thought Hellen & Margaret had the flu but I guess they are not sure yet.
Mabel & Norwood are still with us. Her daddy sent her a fifty dollar check to induce her to come home but she's going to stay with us until Thanksgiving at least. I hate to have them leave. I guess Harold would rather she would stay with us too. She's some sister I claim.
How did you like the gas mask. Quite an invention don't you think?
Earl wouldn't you like to have Maria and & I come out and see you? Of course calling we can't eh? I quietly came up stairs here to my desk thinking I would bother no one; just now there are four others besides me. Jackie never is far away. Don't be surprised if I write down some of our conversation.
Oh Earl if you ever get a chance I want you to read "The Hired Man" by Weir, its the funniest thing you ever read. He's Scotch Irish and he portrays the Dutch to perfection.
It's raining here now. Yesterday it rained until sun down. Well I'll have to attend to supper - see you later, Ruth.
Almost nine. Well dear I'm still up and thriving. I'm getting so used to my early hours that I no longer have that sleepy feeling you used to hear so much about. I'm sure if you should happen in some night I wouldn't complain in the least or mention sleep. I verily believe this war will teach us to appreciate a few things.
You I'm sure are entering the war clean & with good moral standards and I trust you will hold to your principals through thick and thin. Of course you cannot expect to accomplish & endure all this by your self, alone, but God will & should be your help.
Don't you worry about Ruthie not being true to a certain soldier lad, you know you hinted occasionally that you thought I'd perhaps forget you & etc. but never fear I will hold myself worthy of your trust. Just where you draw the line I don't know but I think I can judge for my self quite near to your standard of judgment.
Flu is getting thick again. I'll claim my self unusually fortunate if I don't get it. They claim the very old and very young are immune - do I come in that class?
What do you suppose I've got a horrible coldsore on my nose. It's no one's fault either. Perhaps it's from having too much sleep.
Hellen's in her usual place (in bed) waiting for Ruthie. I'm afraid the usual good Thanksgiving dinner won't taste as good as usual this year with so many of our boys away from home.
Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and Smile! Smile! Smile! Say we have more fun at school singing that. Your letter written Sunday arrived late today.
Well dear old boy all I can say is I hope you stay here longer than you think. Am I horrid to wish that when you all want to go so bad? If I were in your place I no doubt would be crazy to go.
Well I've written all I know tonight. Perhaps I'll dream a nice little dream to tell you in the morning. I'm afraid it won't be as sweet as the one you dreamed though.
Good night, "Dear One," Ruth.
P.S.
Wed. morning a beautiful morning. It certainly is worth the living just to see the wonderful morning. Don't fail to ask for anything I can send you Earl. I wish you the best of luck and God bless you.
from Ruth.
Dearest Friend -
Your letter received to day; but I'm not impressed that you are leaving camp the first of this week so I'm going to use my chances and write once more, providing you don't object.
I'm glad you were so fortunate as to get where you are. You know good boys are in great demand in any sphere of life, so we won't lay it all to good luck.
No doubt you are crazy to go 'over' and I don't blame you either. Its action and work we all want.
I only wish I would be called back in service again, but I guess not this week.
Haven't you got my letters written last week yet? Or are you too busy to bother about opening them?
Mary and Frannie are at their work again this week. Mary just reached home when I called & a letter from Herb was awaiting her so we didn't talk very long.
She said that they thought Hellen & Margaret had the flu but I guess they are not sure yet.
Mabel & Norwood are still with us. Her daddy sent her a fifty dollar check to induce her to come home but she's going to stay with us until Thanksgiving at least. I hate to have them leave. I guess Harold would rather she would stay with us too. She's some sister I claim.
How did you like the gas mask. Quite an invention don't you think?
Earl wouldn't you like to have Maria and & I come out and see you? Of course calling we can't eh? I quietly came up stairs here to my desk thinking I would bother no one; just now there are four others besides me. Jackie never is far away. Don't be surprised if I write down some of our conversation.
Oh Earl if you ever get a chance I want you to read "The Hired Man" by Weir, its the funniest thing you ever read. He's Scotch Irish and he portrays the Dutch to perfection.
It's raining here now. Yesterday it rained until sun down. Well I'll have to attend to supper - see you later, Ruth.
Almost nine. Well dear I'm still up and thriving. I'm getting so used to my early hours that I no longer have that sleepy feeling you used to hear so much about. I'm sure if you should happen in some night I wouldn't complain in the least or mention sleep. I verily believe this war will teach us to appreciate a few things.
You I'm sure are entering the war clean & with good moral standards and I trust you will hold to your principals through thick and thin. Of course you cannot expect to accomplish & endure all this by your self, alone, but God will & should be your help.
Don't you worry about Ruthie not being true to a certain soldier lad, you know you hinted occasionally that you thought I'd perhaps forget you & etc. but never fear I will hold myself worthy of your trust. Just where you draw the line I don't know but I think I can judge for my self quite near to your standard of judgment.
Flu is getting thick again. I'll claim my self unusually fortunate if I don't get it. They claim the very old and very young are immune - do I come in that class?
What do you suppose I've got a horrible coldsore on my nose. It's no one's fault either. Perhaps it's from having too much sleep.
Hellen's in her usual place (in bed) waiting for Ruthie. I'm afraid the usual good Thanksgiving dinner won't taste as good as usual this year with so many of our boys away from home.
Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and Smile! Smile! Smile! Say we have more fun at school singing that. Your letter written Sunday arrived late today.
Well dear old boy all I can say is I hope you stay here longer than you think. Am I horrid to wish that when you all want to go so bad? If I were in your place I no doubt would be crazy to go.
Well I've written all I know tonight. Perhaps I'll dream a nice little dream to tell you in the morning. I'm afraid it won't be as sweet as the one you dreamed though.
Good night, "Dear One," Ruth.
P.S.
Wed. morning a beautiful morning. It certainly is worth the living just to see the wonderful morning. Don't fail to ask for anything I can send you Earl. I wish you the best of luck and God bless you.
from Ruth.
Original Format
Letter
To
Parish, Earl S.
Files
Collection
Citation
Hubble, Ruth L., “Ruth L. Hubble to Earl S. Parish,” 1918 October 29, WWP22788, Earl S. Parish Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.