Memphis, Tennessee Archives - Page 7 of 7

January 1909

Jessie was a busy girl! She is busy with school and various activities there (like playing center on the girl’s basketball team). She also takes music/piano lessons twice a week, is active at church, and is a member of several clubs. One of her clubs is The Merry Maids, for which Jessie is Vice-President.

Friday, March 1, 1918: Sweet letter from Temp to-day. He is so afraid he won’t get to come. Rach and I went to town this afternoon in the Hup. Went to the picture show. Saw Gladys Brockwell in The Moral Law. Had a date with Vernon S. to-night. We went to the picture show. Saw Theda Bara in Camille. Went to the Peabody afterwards. Came very near having the whole cafe to ourselves. A very pleasant evening.

Saturday, March 2, 1918: Wonderful news to-day. Dad got a wire from Congressman Fisler [?], Washington, saying bud had been made a 1st Lieut. according to a cablegram just received from Pershing. Sweet old bud a Lieut.! I do wish I could see him. He is still in Foggia, Italy. Temp’s letter to-day told of his hurting his other leg in a motorcycle accident. A horse kicked his other knee and fractured it, the poor dear. I wish I was with him, but I had to stay in hiding myself to-day on account of an awfully bad eye. ‘Twas closed entirely this morning.

Sunday, March 3, 1918: I had to get up before the whole Sun. School this morning and tell the Missionary story with this terrible eye. We had lots of aviators out for church this morning. Two sat with us, but they had promised to have dinner with the Rudesill’s. Stopped by to see cousin Lucy Ware. She was at Mrs. Lane’s and likes them ever [so much]. Trey was over this afternoon; brought cadets Cook and Whitmore with him. I liked them both. Later he got Eleanor R. and we took a ride out to Riverside, then came by here for tea. Such a time about making connections. No doubt about Trey’s feeling when he left.

Monday, March 4, 1918: A sweet letter from Temp this morning; both legs still hurt. Also a letter from George McG. (Chicago) asking if he could come down next month, wants to see me before he leaves; a letter from Douglas Gardner, he is in Louisiana. Nita, Rach and I went to town this morning. Nita is just back from Florida where she had a wonderful winter, looks fine. Got another letter from Temp this afternoon. My eye hurt so I went to bed just as soon as I had dinner. I either have a cold in it or some of the makeup from the Moonflower in it.

Tuesday, March 5, 1918: My eye looked worse this morning so mother and I decided to go to an oculist. Rach and Nita came by in their car and took us to town. We went to Dr. Simpson. He said something had gotten in my eye and infected it. Mother and I then had lunch at Gerber’s. I had such good raviola [sic]. Then we went to the picture show; saw William Hart and Anne Murdock in The Imposter. Mother read to me to-night.

Wednesday, March 6, 1918: Mother and I had to laugh to-day over my seemingly serious condition. I seem perfectly alright yet I’m under the care of four specialists – pedal, dental, eye and combination one. My ailments are due to dancing, hard candy, show acting and hard going. First thing this afternoon we went to the oculist Dr. Simpson. From there to Dr. Lobb; hurrah! my foot is cured. From there to Dr. Grouillard, and from there to the picture show. Saw Harold Lockwood in The Square Deceives; a real good picture and I didn’t use my eyes much.

Thursday, March 7, 1918: A day plum full of pleasant surprises. Mighty sweet letter from Temp this morning, also one from D.G., then a message came with a telegram from Temp. It was quite funny, the mistake they made in it, but he hopes to come soon. Wonderful! Then another messenger and ’twas a huge box of candy from New Orleans from Douglas Gardner. Then Mrs. Denny called and invited me over for tea this afternoon. She was having some aviator wives. I was the only one there who didn’t have a cadet husband. They were all Eastern girls and seemingly very rich. I had quite an amusing time. Had an engagement with Douglas Johnson to-night. We went to the Lyric to hear Mme. Schumann-Heink. She was perfectly splendid, and I enjoyed every number. She made a very touching little talk after singing When the Boys Come Home. She has four sons in the U.S. Army and Navy. We had stage seats so didn’t miss a word. Went to the Peabody for supper afterwards.

Friday, March 8, 1918: All of Schumann-Heink’s songs of last night were running through my head this morning and I kept trying to sing myself, but failed miserably. She sang for all the soldiers at Park Field to-day. Mother and I went to town this afternoon. I had to go to Dr. Simpson about my eye again. It’s so much better. Later I met Rach and Nita and we went for a ride. I was angelic to-night and went to a teacher’s meeting at Mr. Parkam’s. Really enjoyed it. Mr. R. brought us home in his car.

Saturday, March 9, 1918: Had lunch at the Gayoso to-day. He is just back from New Orleans. After lunch we went to see Elise Ferguson in Rose of the World. Then wandered around quite a bit. Paid a visit to Nunnally’s, bought various magazines and finally came home. He had hardly gone when it was time for another date with him. Went to the Orpheum to-night with Mr. Gardner. Such a good show. Nan Halperin is always entertaining. So is Bob Matthews, Willie Weston, Sam Mann in The Question. Quite an enjoyable day.

Sunday, March 10, 1918: Went to Sunday School and church this morning. Rev. Trigg Thomas of Fort Sill, Okla. is holding services at our church. Went riding this afternoon with Trey. Fred Graves and Gertie Russell were with us. We had a wonderful ride. Stopped by to see Mrs. Walker and she gave us such pretty flowers. Trey and Henry came home with me for tea. I like Henry so much – did the first night I met him. We had quite a good time to-night. Greg called later and I didn’t know what to say about Saturday.

Monday, March 11, 1918: Got such a dear little service and signal caps pin combined from Temp this morning. Just as I was opening the package, a wire came from Temp from Chattanooga. He was that far on his way but had missed a train. Rach, Nita and I went to town this afternoon, riding most of the time. Temp phoned to-night over long distance. How good it did sound to hear his voice. He had just reached Jackson, gets here tomorrow. I can hardly wait. Had a date with Douglas Gardner to-night. We went to the Orpheum. Wick Richardson took us down in his car. The show was unusually good, especially The Night Boat, and Lucille Cavanaugh. Afterwards we went to the Peabody for supper. My one thought was for tomorrow to hurry.

Tuesday, March 12, 1918: He is here! Temp came this afternoon. Impossible to say how glad I was to see him. We spent the afternoon down town, several things he had to do. Almost dark when we got home. It’s so wonderful to be with him again. After dinner we sat out on the porch awhile. Time flew for it was soon time to go to the theatre. Rach and the Dr. came by in the car for us. Temp and I went to the Lyric to see The Bird of Paradise. Cellete Seudder as Luana was very good. Sarah and Mr. G. brought us home in their car afterwards. Then Temp and I took our trip to Paradise. If possible, Temp is even sweeter than ever and there is no doubt about my being in love with him.

Wednesday, March 13, 1918: Temp and I were both up and down stairs by nine this morning. Didn’t want to lose any time. Temp is always so bright in the morning. We had a very happy hour to-gether, then he went to town to try to do a little recruiting. I met him at 12.30 and we had lunch at the Peabody. Right after lunch we went to the picture show. Saw Clara Kimball Young in The Marionettes. Then I left Temp for an hour or two longer which seemed like ages. Then we met again and came on out home for dinner. This was a very wonderful night and one I’ll never forget. Temp the poor dear was tired as could be but sweeter than ever. He seems to be doubtful as to my happiness when I’m with him for he said he would be the happiest man in the world if he thought he could make me happy. Says he’ll never stop trying. How well I remember everything he said to-night, but I’ll not write them.

Thursday, March 14, 1918: Temp went to Jackson this morning to see his mother and try and get some recruits there. Surely have missed him. Seems as though he is way away. Went to town this afternoon; busy getting poetry for Ethel for the Service Flag dedication to-morrow night. Had a date with Douglas Gardner to-night. We went to the Lyric to see Have a Heart, the best musical comedy I have seen here in a long, long time. I liked “You said something when you said you loved me.” We went out to Nunnally’s afterwards with Grace and Mr. Coate. D gave me a box of candy to-night that surely was good.

Friday, March 15, 1918: I fairly held my breath this morning until Temp called and I knew he was really back in town again. Went to town this afternoon to meet him. Forrest G. met me first and went to Nunnally’s with me so stayed and had a drink with Temp and me. Then he had sense enough to leave. I said some-thing this afternoon that hurt Temp terribly and I didn’t even mean it. Would give any-thing if I hadn’t said it. But he acted so sweet and wonderful that it made me love him even more. That hour in the balcony at Nunnally’s, then we came home. Auntie was here for dinner to meet Temp. She couldn’t help but like him. Every-body does. A very wonderful night for Temp and me. How precious every minute was and how quickly the time slipped by. There are so many things I can never forget. How I do love him, every-thing about him. It’s so wonderful to have some body like Temp in love with you.

Saturday, March 16, 1918: A day long to be remembered. I met Temp this morning and we had lunch at the Peabody. Happy while with him but hating for him to have to go back to work. He got several men to-day. He went back to the recruiting station and I phoned Lucy to come to town. In the meanwhile I met Douglas Gardner and we went to Nunnally’s, then he took Lucy and me to the picture show, The Girl with the Champagne Eyes, then I went back to Nunnally’s to meet Temp. He had quite a reception – Lucy, Elizabeth A., Sarah, Mr. G., A. Davant, and myself. Finally Temp and I left the others and went to the Peabody for dinner. Perhaps our last meal to-gether, but an altogether happy one. He wanted to know if I could really be happy with him every day. With all the ups and downs of life, he says he is sure of himself but afraid about me. And I’m not altogether sure myself. The most wonderful night of all. And after we got home Temp wanted me to tell him which I had honestly rather have him do – go on across in a month or so with the Signal Corps or transfer to the cavalry, marry me and then we would go to California and perhaps be there for a year before he would be sent across. That looked like happiness itself to me, but I don’t really know what’s best. Then that last wonderful hour to-gether, then his saying “I love you, I worship you” and he was gone.

Sunday, March 17, 1918: I did so much thinking last night that I couldn’t go to sleep. I was awake this morning at five and I knew Temp was hurrying to the station. Then 5:45 and I knew the train had gone and he was on his way to Jackson. It was daylight then and the birds were singing. I was thinking of California and the cavalry and went back to sleep. Went to Sunday School this morning then stayed for church. We still have Rev. Thomas with us. Douglas J. came home from church with me. Then Rach and Nita stopped by. Had a date with Trey this afternoon. We went riding. Then later went over to Mrs. Denny’s for tea. She was having several cadets over this afternoon. Quite a lot of fun about the mysterious Mr. Jans. Temp called over long distance to-night and I was mighty glad to hear his voice.

Monday, March 18, 1918: A day spent wondering whether I was going to get to see Temp again before he went back to Greenville. He leaves to-morrow. Is with his mother to-day and trying to get some recruits in Jackson. Such interesting mail from bud and some kodak pictures taken in his aeroplane which we are thoroughly enjoying. He sent me such an attractive gold eagle, called a Pisca, which the Italians decorate the aviators with after they finish their second Brevi, similar to the R.M.A. here, only harder to get. Temp called over long distance again to-night, and he is going to get to come to-morrow he thinks. I was overjoyed but didn’t sound the least bit enthusiastic. Did a most unusual thing to-night – went to church with mother and dad.

Tuesday, March 19, 1918: Temp phoned this morning over long distance from Jackson saying he would be here this afternoon. Then it seemed ages before he got here this afternoon. Rach, Nita and I drove down to meet the train at 3.25 and it was an hour late, at 4.25 another hour late, finally arriving at 5.25. I came home in the meantime and Leroy drove me down. Fate was against us to take away those two hours when we had such a few. Stopped by Nunnally’s. Temp gave me a big box of candy; sent a little one to Dorothy Jane cause Leroy was so sweet. At last we got home. We had dinner all to ourselves in the dining room; mother and dad in the breakfast room. Then a dark half hour, but all ended well and the last half hour together was a very happy one. I couldn’t tell Temp what I really wanted him to do. I don’t know whether I want to marry him and go to California, let him transfer to the cavalry, or stay where he is in the Signal Corps and go across, or try for the aviation that’s so dangerous and he might have to give up his commission as captain. He says “all I want is you”, then “you and the government are my boss”. Then the taxi was waiting and “I love you” “I love you” over and over again and he was gone (to Greenville S.C.).

Wednesday, March 20, 1918: Surely do miss Temp. I’m dreadfully lonely without him. Had an engagement with Lucy this afternoon. We went to the picture show. Saw The Wooing of Princess Pat. We had so much to talk about that we didn’t see much of the picture. Had an engagement with Douglas Gardner to-night. Went to the picture show. Saw Douglas Fairbanks in A Modern Musketeer. He was some D’Artagnan. Mr. G. seems quite uneasy about how long I’ll be here. He certainly has been a wonderful friend and is quite an admirer of Temp. D. insists I don’t appreciate — — — [illegible].

Thursday, March 21, 1918: Got a wire from Temp to-day from Greenville, S.C. “Arrived this morning worn completely out letter tonight love you”. Cousin Lucy Ware and Cousin Annie Marable were out this afternoon. We walked all through the park, the zoo, the art gallery etc. They took dinner with us. Cousin Lucy is as peppy as ever. Got a wire from Dot Sanford to meet M.E. Evans who would pass through to-night from Atlanta on her way to Sherman, Texas at 7.30. I was about to rush madly down to the station when I found the train was several hours late, so I was able to keep my engagement with Mr. Gardner. We went to the Orpheum which was unusually good. Saw Sarah Bernhardt in Camille. She was positively wonderful although I couldn’t understand her French. Soon as we saw her die we left and rushed to the station. M.E.’s train arrived at 10:30. She had missed her train to Sherman so she came home with me to spend the night. She is very pretty and attractive. We stopped by Nunnally’s on our way home and she felt very much at home. M.E. and I had a long talk after we went to bed.

Friday, March 22, 1918: Some busy day! I was awakened early this morning by Mrs. Denny phoning to ask me to go out to Park Field with her. I said we would if we could. Then M.E. and I had breakfast in bed and at 10.30 Rach and Nita came by in the Hup to take us to town. We rode and rode. We left them at noon as I had promised to help serve lunch at the Red Cross. Mrs. M. sent me out to buy a lot of pencils and I was quite fortunate for Robinson’s wanted to donate them. I was a busy waitress to-day. When I finished serving, M.E. and I went for a little ride with Winnie. Then we went to the picture show. Saw Constance Talmadge in The Studio Girl. Afterwards we went to the Peabody for tea. Rach and Doc Norwood (who was all dressed up in his naval uniform) joined us there. Then we left them and walked down the street and met several different boys. Finally we got home. Leroy took us for a little ride right after dinner, then Wiley came and we went for another ride all through the park and all around the country. Then came home in time for M.E. to get her suit case ready. Winnie came by in her car to take us to the station. We got M.E. there on time. Her train left at 10.35. She had a whole car load of soldiers on behind. Surely have enjoyed having her.

Saturday, March 23, 1918: Terrible German drive. Thrift Day! One long to be remembered. Hundreds of booths up and down Main St. to sell thrift stamps. Aeroplanes flying above throwing down patriotic messages. Parades up and down the street. Panorama of Patriotism in Court Square. Music everywhere and patriotic addresses. Nita and I sold stamps in front of the Peabody for the Carrie McGraw booth. We had lunch at the Peabody. I sold a world of stamps. Licked stamps and licked stamps until I can taste the glue now. The $5 ones tasted real good. Nita and I worked real hard except once in a while when we would leave to get a drink. Once with Graham and Sam Adams, another time with Jan Logan. $50,000 worth of stamps were sold the first two hours. Think we sold $200. At 4 when our time was up Nita and I went riding with Malcolm Driver and Sam Adams in Malcolm’s car. We went over the new bridge into Ark. Some rough roads. We stopped at Mound City and got some chewing gum. We were almost at Marion, Ark. when a fearful storm came up. How we did tear back. I was scared silly. Looked like a young cyclone, and the dust was fearful. Finally we reached the bridge and Memphis, then a fire on Union, several accidents from skidding adding to the excitement of the day. We stopped here and danced and waited until the storm was over. Went to the Cadets dance to-night. I went with Cadet Stevenson better known as Steve. Such a nice crowd in our car. Had a most wonderful time. I knew most of the boys. Met several attractive new ones to-night. Sat out with Arlo. Had supper with him.

Sunday, March 24, 1918: Some how I managed to get to Sunday School this morning. Stayed for church as usual. Mr. Trigg Thomas is still holding special services at the church. This is his last day. Pokey and Oguerita brought me home from church. Mr. Collier was out this afternoon. Extras all afternoon about this terrible German drive. It’s too terrible to think about. Went to church again to-night. Douglas Johnson and Mr. (oh! I’ve forgotten his name) came home with me and stayed and stayed.

March 25, 1918: The sweetest letter from Temp to-day. He’s still very tired and blue and lonesome, but more loving than ever. The British are holding the Germans but hundreds of thousands of men are being killed. It’s so dreadful. It’s given me the blues terribly. Had an engagement this afternoon with Cadet Edwin Davis. He is just out of the hospital and staying with the Alexanders while on a five day leave to recuperate. We went to the picture show this afternoon. Saw Norma Talmadge in The Secret of the Storm Country. Mr. Davis had given me a box of Nunnally’s candy, so we spent most of our time in the show eating it. Had quite a busy time when we got home.

Tuesday, March 26, 1918: Mother and I spent the day down town. Had lunch at the Peabody, then went to see Edna Goodrich in Who Loved Him Best. I got home a very tired girl and found such a sweet letter from Temp waiting for me. It was a genuine love letter and I read it and re-read it, especially the part about the Calif. Cavalry. Then I sat down and wrote him that I thought it was best not to try to get a transfer. He thinks the battalion will leave in a month, and perhaps it’s best for him to go on with them, though I hate to give up a short time with him in California. I do love him. Had five calls to-night, even Jim Buck who has gotten back for a day or so. Had a date with Douglas Gardner to-night. We went to the picture show. Saw Mabel Norman in Dodging a Million. Mr. G. gave me a box of candy to-night.

Wednesday, March 27, 1918: Sweetest letter ever from Temp this morning. I just read it and re-read it, it’s so sweet. He is so worried and over-worked and tired from loss of sleep that I do hope he can soon get a little rest, for he is really afraid he’s going crazy, just cause his brain needs a little rest too. His curiosity has gotten the best of him so I had to tell him what was in the package. Had to go over to Mrs. Curada’s this afternoon to see about another play. I have tried every way for them not to make me be in it. Mrs. Hyde took me to town. Then I met Mildred Alexander [illegible], Miss Pearl, Mrs. W. and Edwin Davis. We rode in the sedan awhile; watched the show on the street all afternoon. Then Edwin came home with me. He has to go back to Park Field tomorrow.

Thursday, March 28, 1918: Got a wire from Greenville, S.C. this morning, “Have not written you since Sunday – don’t be peeved for there is a reason – only four officers in battalion and it keeps all busy day and night – camp life is not very pleasant after being there with you – wish for you every minute – letter to-night – I love you – Hartwell”. I was quite busy to-day begging “smokes for the Sammies.” Ada Carrington and I had charge of one barrel and we surely got a load, about $25 too. I felt like an angel because Arthur Webster invited us both to take lunch with him at the Gayoso, but I refused and insisted on Ada’s going and I stayed and watched the cigarettes. Felt fully repaid for I got lots of money. Soon as our time was up everyone wanted to buy me a drink. Took a ride with Rach, got a drink. Then left her and met Napoleon Hill. He insisted that I go back to Nunnally’s with him. Then met Tom Carter, he still wears his uniform. Then I met Oscar Cleveland and we went back to Nunnally’s again. Had a real long talk.