When romance was not 'wil u lv me?' text
Love letters today are shorthand on a Blackberry, “Wil u lv me wen we r in skul?” Jackie Miller of Davenport was going through a shoebox of old letters and found this affectionate business-like typed note from the man, Frank, she married in 1961 when both were students at the University of Iowa. Frank, a stockbroker, is deceased. As you see, he had everything planned.
Hi, Honey:
I have been thinking quite seriously today about this idea of getting married in the fall. I really can see no real reason why we can’t.
I sincerely hope that you will begin to think seriously about this, and I think between the two of us that we should be able to work something out.
I realize that I am being a little presumptuous in this letter but I think that you do truly love me, and that the reason you have been hesitant about this situation is because you have been afraid of my instability. I believe that I am no longer hindered by this.
NOW, FOR THE unpleasant part of finances. With any luck at all, I should have about $1,000 at the end of the summer. Out of this would have to come a ring which would not have to be all paid for at one time. I would put about $100 down on this. Rent for five months in Iowa City would be about $500. Tuition for the two of us would be $220. Food expense would be about $300. This would take care of the $1,000. Then if we would both work, we should be able to take care of insurance expenses and miscellaneous.
I have $15,000 insurance at the present, which I would not expand upon at the present. I could borrow about $500 on this if necessary. I have no health insurance, which I would have to get before we got married. I guess that we would have to rely on Betsy, the car, for the semester, and then when I get a job we could get a little better car.
AS FAR as pregnancy goes, I do not think that we should try to prevent it in any way. If you could work until I get settled after finishing school, I think that we could make it all right. If we got married Sept. 15, pregnancy could not be of a serious problem before school is over because the most you could be along, by this time, would be four months.
I know that we will have to be careful for awhile, but who cares? As far as I can see this situation, as far as money goes, will not be that tight.
Well, honey, this is just a little note to get started and thinking about. I am sure things will work out for us just fine, so don’t you worry too much, and just keep hammering along, and keep loving me.
I have to go fix the toilet now, so mother can rent the room to some man who wants it for the summer. Mother is also worried about a small leak in the roof.
I hope you are enjoying your vacation, sweetie. I love you very much, even more every day it seems.
Goodbye for now, my darling,
— Frank
Sign language
In Mary Chambers’ Razzleberries gift shop, LeClaire:
“Unattended children will be given
an espresso and a free puppy”
Bill Wundram can be contacted at (563) 383-2249 or bwundram@qctimes.com.