Women Writing to the Rogers Family,

1915-1919

Hanover students in His336 "The Search for Order, 1877-1945" (Fall 2017) and His229 "Women in America" (Winter 2018), both taught by Sarah McNair Vosmeier, transcribed the following, which is a sampling of letters written in the era of World War I by women connected to the Rogers family.  The Rogers family includes Hanover College alumni, and their home, "Bird Haven," is in Hanover, Indiana. The correspondents included below wrote from Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.

The original letters are available at the Duggan Library Archives, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Additional letters (concerning World War I) have also been transcribed.

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 14 Nov. 1915, folder 2, box 11, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by M.J.  Joyce, HC 2021.

2105 North St.
Logansport,
Nov. 14, 1915.
7:00 P.M.

Dear Carter:

I suppose you are at Christian Endeavor just now. I've been away from one so long. I'd like to go now.  I did go to S.S. and church this a.m. They are repairing the interior of the Presby. church so we went to the Methodist. Every seat was full and they have the grandest minister and I'm thinking of joining the Methodist church. (nix) If your mother reads these letters I'm afraid she gets shocked a good many times. When I write letters to Petersb. folks I "let off steam" because I just hate Logansport and I can't tell people here that or I'd get kicked out – not that I'd care, but it's just some place to stay.

The principal's daughter came around yesterday A.M. in their new car and took me riding. We got two other girls and drove out in the country and around town. Then I went down town in the afternoon with our neighbor girl Blanche McDowell and again at night with them in their car. Doris McD, her sister is as sweet as she can be and pretty too. She's 15 or 16 and you'd like her, Carter.  You'd better come up and see her if Celestia won't have anything to do with you. Does she still go with Lloyd? I nearly fell over when you told me that Claude and Elsie had quit. I'd think they'd feel silly now.

The Ministerial Assie [Association] are having the Redpath Winter Chautauqua here this winter and the first number was Wed. P.M. It was the Fidelio Opera Company and was good. The tenor was about eight feet tall and reminded me of the description of Ichabod Crane. He had a good voice but it spoiled it when you looked at him. Reno, the magician is here next Thurs. and since all the children are going I guess I'll have to, to take Richard you understand.

I can't even come down Xmas let alone Thanksgiving, unless I walk. I'm crazy to come down Xmas but I suppose we shall be at Cville [Centerville?].  We want Whitman's to come up in their car, but I suppose that is next to the impossible. I here it raining now.  Its been looking like rain all day but I supposed it would snow. I'll bet its cold here in the winter. A lot of people have storm doors, and the folks next door even have storm windows or double ones.

I wish Jane could come up. Tell her I'd ask her if she'd answer my letter. I don't know [strikeout: why] if she comes up to Dayton why she can't come up here and I'd love to see her. (Richard has been up here and I don't know what I've said, he's bothered me so. He gets worser every day.

I see by the "Press" that "Smiths United Shows" are in town. Judging from that article about Tom Whitney getting shocked, they must be corkers. I had seen that article about Arthur M. & Taylor in the News the first of the week. I wonder how much of that stuff that Ferd Vieck writes up is true. Somehow I can't think of a thing to say (strange isn't it) this evening so I guess I'll stop. I have about ‘steen hundred others to write and my Latin to get.

Try writing again soon for I like to get letters – but hate to write them sometimes. Not to you of course, Carter.

Sincerely yours,

Marjorie

P.S. Where do you and Byers get your swell stationery? How's Miller's new place? These envelopes [strikeout: of] are about 6 sizes too big for the paper. I guess I'll have to make a trip to the 10¢ store.

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 16 Apr. 1916, folder 2, box 11, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Rosemary Kent, HC  2021.

2105 North St.
Logansport,

Sun. Apr. 16th

Dear Carter:

I'm spending this grand afternoon writing letters. Don't you think I am unselfish? Last Sun. when I was over at Monticello a girl came here in her car to take me riding and two more girls came, but this after-noon no one has appeared. I think they knew I was gone when they came.

The church is having an every-member-canvass this afternoon so I suppose a couple of men  will be around for some money.

I actually had a date last night - don't be alarmed – it was with a fiddle, not the fellow. He plays in the orchestra and has been wanting me to play [strikeout: last night] his accompaniments for him, so I did last night. You ought to have heard it. Half the time he was playing in one key and I in another and he set his own time to a piece. It was a wild goose chase for me to follow him. He's real good looking – black hair and brown eyes ---- [hmm?] I think I'll play for him again soon.

That post-card you sent was real good. If I had any pictures I'd send you some, but I never think of taking any. I've had a film in my 2 by 4 camera for months. What's the use taking any – I break the camera every time I have any taken.

[Strikeout: We're] Our S.S. class had a contest with the boy's class and we got beaten and gave the boys a banquet last Monday night. There were 40 boys and 20 girls, so each girl had to take two fellows to supper.   I think one I had was married and the other one was the pilliest pill I ever saw. Nevertheless the eats were very good.

We are to have a triangular oratorical and track meet at Frankfort May 6th. I don't know much about the track team here, but they weren't much in basket or foot-ball. I saw by the "Press" that Boonville was to play P.H.S. yesterday. I sure would love to have seen that. Grace is coming up the last of May and I hope Mary will come. I am crazy to see them. I've got some more letters to write so I'd better sing off. Give my love to Jane.

As ever your friend,

Marjorie.

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 5 Sept. 1916, folder 9, box 9, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Sidney Powers, HC 2018.

Petersburg Ind.
Sept. 5, 1916
   
Dear Carter,

I received you letter and am glad to hear, you arrived O.K.

Your Father gave his resignation last Sunday morning and everybody was very sorry to hear it. The girls had been talking, "What are we going to do since John and Denver are leaving." They kept saying, "It will not be so bad for you, Dorothy as Carter will be here." Then of course I had to keep still until after church Sunday. They all sympathized with me then.

Jane was up yesterday and told us of your new home in Hanover. It will sure be a grand place.

You ask, what I had been doing. Friday seemed that it never would pass. I was so lonesome. It rained nearly all day which made it worse than ever. In the afternoon, we girls walked up to Sophia as Lucy was there and was leaving the next morning for Bloomfield. Sophia decided to give a party that evening for Lucy, while we were there. She had we five girls, Denver, John, Beecher, Edwin M. and Charles K. Now, Edwin M. was left for my partner, because you know someone was missing. I thought of you all evening and wished you had been there. I did not have such a good time as I generally do. But things always go wrong sometime.

We all went up and came home in Denver's ford. Have you learned to drive the ford in St. Louis?

Newell and I were up to Sophia for dinner Sunday. They came down in the evening and went to League and Church with me. There was a retired lady missionary, that talked of India and various places abroad. Her husband was a brother to Frank Thomas.

I got those pictures we girls took, the morning after my slumber party. They are real good. Better than the others anyway.

To-night is orchestra practice. We are to have a combined service of Sunday school and church. The orchestra will play for it.    

I will go to Winslow Friday and play for Institute. "Auntie" has been going all this week.

I have not seen Bell's car since you stopped driving. I believe Jane said, something was the matter with it.

Well Carter, I will close as dinner is about ready. Hoping you make a lot of new friends, I remain

Your affectionate Friend

Dorothy.

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 22 Sept. 1916, folder 9, box 9, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Liv Loran, HC 2021.

Petersburg, Ind.,
Sept., 22, ‘16

Dear Carter,

Your good letter came to me this morning. I got the paper for your mother and sent it this evening, you will probably receive it before this letter. Speaking of the mail at the Post Office. I had it forward to you, but you sent me to much money. I will wait a day or so and call again as perhaps there will be more mail. Then I will send you the change left.

Well, what do you suppose Miss Lyda Martin said to me when I went after the keys? (Read this next very slow). I was talking to her and she "spied" my diamond ring and said, "That is a pretty little ring, Henry did not give it to you, did he?" Now, how do you suppose I felt? But I just laughed and told her my father gave it to me, and that I was too young for anything that serious. She certainly is very much interested in us. Don't you think?

This is Friday and ends one week of school. Time certainly passes. I am rather glad because the first week is so mixed and so hard to settle down, sticking your head into text books. "Auntie" and Dora visited school this afternoon. During the last period Mr. Treanor ask Dora to watch the assembly. We had a good time, as we knew she would not tell on us. She told us after school we were good and it was nothing like two years ago. She said, "High School is taming down."

We have not cooked in Domestic Science this week.  We have been taken notes on cooking of foods etc. Miss Doty said we would cook Monday. I think it will be baked apples. I wish you were here to cook [we?] me. I am sure we would have good luck. Susie and I will cook together, I do not know what kind of experiences we will have.

Mrs. Henry Kinman died very suddenly yesterday afternoon. Mother will sit up to-night with the family. Mrs. Kinman will be buried to-morrow morning. A number of the Eastern Star acting as pall bearers (Mother being one.)

I will be the cook to-morrow for dinner. I shall have to bake a cake which my Father always thinks is fine. He likes to have a change of cooking, he says.

You will wonder at my using this color of ink. I left my blue ink at school and the fountain pen of mine is dry. But I like green, you know.
I was certainly glad for you to give me your preference as to the way to address your letters.

[Note: Sticker showing a gentleman and lady reads "Yours truly and take it so for I am"]

Your affectionate friend.

Dorothy.

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 30 Sept. 1916, folder 9, box 9, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Mishayla Johnson, HC 2021.

[Note: A tiny photo of a woman is glued to the letter.]

Petersburg Ind.
Sept. 30 ‘16

Dear Carter,

Your nice letter came to me yesterday. It certainly is good to hear you are a pledged member of the ΒΘΠ fraternity [Beta Theta Pi]. The seal on the envelope, seemed like real college life, they are real pretty.

I agree with you, it seems I will never get straightened out in school. I certainly will be glad when the time rolls around, that I will not have so much to do.

"Auntie" is going to give Sophia and I a lesson in geometry to-morrow. It seems Mr. Adams never explains things thoroughly. (that is what every body is saying, not only me). I know he thinks we are "dummies".

You certainly should be glad you are out of this school. The high school teachers have changed the system of examinations. They have divided the year into halves instead of fourths. There will be a final exam at the end of each semester and everybody is compelled to take it. In regard to absents, if a person misses five recitations on a certain subject, they are conditioned on that subject. If one is absent ten recitations, they have failed absolutely. They will send ones parents a mail report, if their is unsatisfactory work done by the student during the semester. I did not understand whether or not we [strikeout: would] will receive a report at the end of the semester, but I should think we should. Every-body is "kicking" against it, but we will make the best of it.

In our English class Thursday we had a spelling match. There were thirteen boys and twelve girls so we spelled against each other. At the end of the period, there were three boys and two girls, so we just counted it even. I went down on the word "inalienable" but I most certainly can spell it now.

So yesterday we finished it, Susie and Clive Harris were the only ones left. Mr. Harmeyer gave them the word "queue" and neither one could spell it, so we counted it even again.

The first practice of football was held yesterday. I think some of the alumni played against P.H.S. It was so cold, we girls did not go down, but high school won, so we would not have helped anymore.

Everything I have told you has been about school, but there is nothing else going on. Tell Sallie I will write her this afternoon.

Truly your friend.

Dorothy.

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, [before 7 Oct. 1916], folder 9, box 9, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Elizabeth Donaway, HC 2019.

Petersburg, Ind.
Wednesday.

Dear Carter,

I just came home from school which has seemed very long today. It seems to me writing is the only way of being nearer to you, so you see I make great practice in it. I received your good letter yesterday and see you are very busy too. It seems I am in a "whirl-wind" all the time.

I think we shall have some good games in foot-ball, (but I doubt whether we will win any). Next Sat. Huntingsburg will come.  Oct., 14. Our team will go to Bloomfield, after that to Bicknell and Princeton. Nov., 11, Evansville will come up. The Thanksgiving day game will be here, I think Booneville is coming. There being three games here and three away.

Mr. Harmeyer announced the other morning, the girls could play basket-ball, I think Miss Doty will have charge of it.  I am afraid I shall not get to play on account of my music in the "Musical Club," but I hope so.

Miss E. Bell visited school to-day. She came in our English class, I do not know what she thought about it, because we are rather bad in that class. We never get anywhere, we just argue all the time. It is terrible. I wish she was teaching this year, because we got along good last year. She leaves Petersburg next week and we certainly will miss her. It seems she always held up for our class, better than any other teacher except Mr. Treanor.

Marie Luke gave a piano recital last evening. She certainly plays good. It brought back "memories," as I was sitting there listening to the latter part of the program. I thought of you and when you came up to the front after my recital was over, it seemed you should have been there.

Tomorrow night the cabinet of the Epworth League is going to give a luncheon for Mr. and Mrs. Boldrey at our house, but I shall not get to be here until late (in time for the eats) as the "Musical Club" will me at Mrs. Elise Lamb. Friday night Alice Louise Shrode will be here again. You heard her last year, didn't you? I think she is grand. We are all going, I shall think of you and wish all the evening you were there.

Mother was just now talking to father over the phone and I have to take his supper. Will close.

Affectionately,

Dorothy    

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 7 Oct. 1916, folder 1, box 9, Rogers Family Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Taylor Winzenread, HC 2019.

Petersburg,
Oct, 7, 1916

Dear Carter,

I just came back from town. Mr. Whittman is having a cloak opening in the new store, so Mother and I went down. I did not find anything I cared for very much.

We are fixing to shingle our house, we have been dipping the shingles in green paint (Irish) all this week. I think we shall paint the house too, so when you come back Xmas, it may be things will look a little better. I am counting the days until I can see you. It seems almost a year since you left. One can hardly look at the parsonage, it looks so deserted.

Our new minister will be here Sunday.  I shall play Sunday evening for church. Mr. Boldrey left this morning. He has been telling us the new minister has a glass eye and a cork leg, but I think he was just teasing. I shall be glad when tomorrow comes to find out for myself what he looks like and what kind of a speaker he is.

Speaking of the trade last, I do not remember in particular which one it was, as I have heard so many in regard to your excellent character, good looks and ambition. I was out driving with Mrs. Whittman the other evening and she asked, "How you were getting along?" She said, "She was certainly sorry to see you go too, because there is not many such good boys as you." (I agree with her and always have). Thank you very much for the compliment you gave, but I think he[strikeout: was] is rather mistaken about that.

Don't you know, I had to drop my extra subject of Ancient History on account of my music. I have hardly touched the piano since school began, so Mother said, "I should not neglect my music for an extra credit, because I have gone this far in music and I shall keep it up." I was very sorry because it was interesting but maybe I can take it next year. I think I shall study on it when I have nothing else to do at home, as all the teachers say, "One should have Ancient before Medieval and Modern History."

We had a test in geometry yesterday. I do not have any idea of what I made. We had three problems, one was a proposition, second an exercise and the last a sort of an Algebra problem, I know I got it right and I think the proposition but the exercise I am not certain.

This afternoon is our game of foot ball with Huntingburg. Harmeyers are going to take Sophia and I down in the car.  I certainly do wish you were here to help us "yell." Owen Harris is the yell leader, I imagine he is a case at it. We have a drum corps which will liven things up a great deal. I think it will be a pretty good game.

It was certainly to bad the twenty dollar bill was not real money, you must have felt very jubilant when you first took it out of the pocket.

I suppose there is a great deal to do on the house but I do not think you should work so hard and study on your school lessons. It will make you sick, I am afraid. Am out of paper.
                   
Affectionately,

Dorothy

Dorothy O'Brien, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 17 Oct. 1916, Folder 9, box 9, Roger Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Aspen Parker, HC 2020.

Petersburg,
Oct. 17., '16

Dearest Carter,

I was certainly glad to hear of you having such good times. It must be great fun to belong to a fraternity especially the one you are a pledged member, I am glad for you.

Hanover certainly is an ideal place for me, the more you talk about it, the more anxious I get to be there. I just know you people will have things fixed better than any other home in Hanover after a time. The name of the house "Bird Haven" sounds very good too.

The men shingling our house are as slow as I don't know what. They are not done, after such a long time as this, a week and a half. They did not work Saturday at all. I suppose they took a holiday. I am glad I am not here all the time through the day. The pounding would worry me to death. Mother said, She is used to it now, but it worried her at first.

We had to give oral compositions to-day in English on "Incidents of a day in the country, country town, or city". He did not get around to me, but I shall get it to-morrow. I simply cannot get up before an audience and talk, but this is good practice and I certainly do need it. I wish I could get up and talk like you, because you always do it so good. I suppose I am too "bashful" Ha! Ha!

"By the way", I got 100% on Geometry. I feel much better toward it than I did at first. It is getting more and more enjoyable all the time.

Miss Doty is going to be director of the Girls' basket ball team. We shall have to play at the fair ground. I would lots rather play indoors but Mr. Harmeyer said, he had tried so many places and could not get any place so we can play down there until bad weather. He said, maybe he would ask for the old "Negro Church" but I doubt if he will succed. One other time last year, he ask for it and the person acted very much shocked of thinking to turn a church into athletics.

I shall certainly play for you on the piano when you come back Christmas as you seem to like music so very much.

I wish I might crawl in this envelope and come and see you just one minute. I am,

Yours as ever,

Dorothy

Agnes Westfall, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 4 Nov. 1916, Folder 5, box 9, Rogers Family papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Eve Galbreath, HC 2020.

Vincennes, Ind.
Nov. 4, 1916

Dear Carter,

Did I tell you that I would write again soon? Was it to you that I wrote a very short letter? I wrote someone a short letter and promised to write again soon but, for my soul, I have forgotten who it was.

I wrote Morris a letter, of eight pages, Thursday night. He answers so promptly that I have to write to him about twice a week.

What do you know concerning politics? I feel very much that I would like to have some one disagree with me. I don't know what your politics is but I am sure you are not a Democrat. We girls had a great deal of fun at school the other day. Helen, Eva Mae, Ruth Alexander are Republicans and Ruby, Dora and I are, of course, strictly Democrats. We tried to quarrel (just in fun) but we finally "gave up" and desided that politics is all around rather crazy. There's nothing to it.

Father said that if he went back to Legistature this year he positively would vote against woman suffrage. Sad isn't it! Do you still think a Women's place is at home performing her domestic duties? That is the first thing every man or boy will say in opposition to woman suffrage. That's a rather new question but I'll leave it for the time being.

Several of us girls here made a resulution the other day concerning those long dresses. We are not going to wear our dresses longer than to our shoe tips if every body in Vincennes has them longer. A few years ago I wanted to wear long dresses fix my hair up on my head and be a lady. Now I want short dresses have my hair down and wear large ribbons.

How do you like college life by this time? You know I am taking book-keeping this year. I just love it. One of my main delights is to mess around with a lot of papers and junk, consequently  I sometimes wish I could work all day on it. I wouldn't want to be a book-keeper but I like the work at school. Book-keepers are always tired looking. The work is very tedious.

A credit is given, this year for Bible work. It may be taken with or without a tutor. There are four examinations to be conducted the same as teacher's examinations, two on the old Testament and two on the new Testament, and a student who passes all examinations is given one credit. I think this something great. I don't think I will be able to take these examinations this term but I hope to do so sometime soon.

Did you know that Miss Cora is teaching in South Dakota this year? She says she just likes every thing fine. She boards five miles from school and rides back and forth on horse-back. Typical Western fashion! She sent Oscar a picture of herself. She was on horse back with her hair in two braids hanging over her shoulders and an old ugly hat almost like those the cow-boys wear. I think the picture is a "sight". She doesn't look like a dignified school teacher but rather like a course, uncultured western girl. She is sixty-five miles from the nearest railway station. She goes with one of the western boys. They have  grand dances out there. Said she was the most awkward dancer on the floor. That's one accomplishment.

I am just beginning to think about the high cost of living. I am, as I said, a Democrat but if the election of Hughes can reduce the cost of, at least clothes, I am for his election. I want some clothes. I got a few the other day, but everything is so high that I will soon be entering the county house if something doesn't change. I don't see what real poor people are going to do this winter in order to live.

I must close and study my Sunday school lesson.

Sinceraly Yours,

Agnes.

P.S. Here's hoping you'll answer sooner than I did.

[Agnes P.?]

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 5 Nov. 1916, folder 2, box 1, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Morgan Livinghouse, HC 2018.

"The Western"
Sun. P.M.
Nov. 5, 1916

Dear Carter:

Run for the smelling salts so that you won't faint. I hadn't heard about any of the Rogers family after they moved so I became curious to know how they were getting along. I am first writing to Grace and Mary at Petersburg and they don't mention your name - strange to say. Mother said that she heard that Jane was going to Hanover. I'm having a pretty good time but am also working. I am taking 15 hours and music. They know how to work you here all right but that's what I came for. I didn't get homesick at all -- am rooming with a Soph. - so that may account for it.

This is the most beautiful site for a college -- is set on a hill. There are hills all around for that matter and just beautiful woods. We take walks every morning and see quite a bit of the country. Well, do you miss Dorothy and Celesta etc. or did you find some more Dorothy's? Actually, I wouldn't know how to act if I did have a date - some do manage to have some Sat. afternoon and night but I never happen to be so fortunate or unfortunate as to meet any of them. Besides they'd run if they got a look at me. This is a regular nunnery here but I'm getting used to it. I'm sprouting wings - we have chapel every morning, have to go to church every Sun. morning, if we want to there are class prayer- meetings Sun. P.M. and Bible classes to go to besides Y.W.C.A. prayer meeting Wed. night. Don't you think I'll turn out to be an angel?

Mon. A.M. - I have so much to do this morning that I don't know what to first. Each girl has an hour of "dom." to do about every day- I mean the Freshies and Sophs. Mine is to stay in the General office- ans telephone- run errands etc. Just general "Bell-boy," you understand. I am in here this hour and everybody is talking so I don't know what I have said. I haven't said anything anyway. Give my love to Jane and the rest of the "Rogers" family. Write and tell me what you are doing.

Sincerely,

Marjorie  

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 26 Nov. 1916, folder 2, box 11, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Macey Franklin, HC 2021.

"The Western"
Cell No. 78
Sun. Nov. 26, ‘16

Dear Carter:

Here it is quarter after four and I have written only one letter.  Sunday around here goes faster than any other day it seems. To-day was such a grand day that I had to get out and take a walk and that took up half of the afternoon.

Imagine my surprise when you said that you were going to Hanover! If it had been anyone but Carter Rogers, he couldn't have done it. (Quarter please). You're quite a "swell" now aren't you since you are pledged Beta. I hope you survive the initiation. I'm also glad that Jane is going to Hanover.

There is a girl from Vincennes whom I have know for quite a while but didn't think about asking if she knew the Rogers.  I was down in her room this afternoon and found that your father had baptized her and that she went to the Indiana Church or the other one, I don't know which. I guess I'd better tell you her name.  Its Martha Simpson. She said that she had been at Petersburg when we had that S.S.[Sunday School] or C. E. [Christian Education] Convention. I guess it was the latter. My memory is failing. I can't think of the names of some of the P. people half the time. Mary writes that the old burg is as dead as can be. Nothing new of course.

"The Western" is no more for Oxford College and Western are to be united into one college (to be located here) called the Western Oxford College. The real union won't take place for  two years but they are under the same board of trustees. There was some hard feeling on the part of the Oxford girls at first because they will have to give up so much but they thought better of it after a while. Last night "Western" went down and serenaded Oxford. The faculty had heard that we were going to come so had prepared for us and invited us in for a cup of coffee. We surely had a warm welcome and are crazy about the Oxford girls. One of [strikeout: the] my class-mates at Logan. is at Oxford, so I've been up there several times. I feel like a regular little Country-jake, a mile out here in the country. It isn't really in the country but we never know any thing thats going on in the outside world unless we read the papers and we never have time to do that.

I am going down to Cinci Thanksgiving to hear Gadski in Tristan and Isolde.  Over a hundred from Western are going and we are going down in a special train.

I am counting the weeks until I go home – not many just now, – 3 from Wed. I haven't been homesick but I've had just about enough school for the present. I am taking English Comp. and Public Speaking and they are the worry of my life, only I don't worry.

We have to write two themes a week and my writer is played out already.

Well, I must ring off and write ‘steen hundred more letters. Write soon and tell me all that you're doing.

Sincerely,

Marjorie

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 18 Mar. 1917, folder 2, box 11, Roger Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Clare Justice, HC 2021.

[Note: This letter was written on stationery marked "Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio."]

March 18, 1917

Dear Carter:

I was quite glad to hear from you. You certainly must be a busy man these days. I suppose by this time that you have fully recovered from the effects of being initiated. We don't have sororities here, so I don't know the feeling. I'm getting to be (I mean I am and always will be ) a regular country jake --- I won't know how to address a gentleman, I'm getting so shy. I have asked John and Denver to spend Sunday with us either April 1st, or 8th. I haven't heard from them yet but Grace wrote as if they were coming. I guess that they aren't very enthusiastic over such a prospect.

That's quite a good picture of yourself that you sent me. Its too bad that you couldn't have graduated with your class, but I supposed you didn't care. It would be fine if Byers could go to Hanover, but you know his grandmother. If he didn't go to college, it would be better to have any High-school diploma, but if he goes to College I don't see what difference it makes.

I hear that Sally is quite popular, especially with the gents. Tell Sally I wouldn't have thought it of her. Grace is again having visions of a wedding ring, and honey moon. I won't believe it until it really happens.

I surely would like to see old Petersburg again. I've planned so many times to go back and each time my plans fall thru' that I'm not going to make any more. The Kings are talking of going West in the Fall. For the sake of the girls I hope that they can go. Well since I have no exciting or interesting news to tell, I'll close this fond epistle. The most thing I did to day was to go to church in the morning and class prayer meeting this evening and read "[Hearsts?]" in between times. I also read Van Dyke on rare occasions.

Sincerely,

Marjorie

When are you and Byers going to row up the Wabash to Logan?

Agnes Westfall, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 20 June 1917, Folder 5, box 9, Rogers Family Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Grace Harrison, HC 2021.

Vincennes, Ind.,

June 20, 1917

Dear Carter,

I have been so busy lately that I haven't written to anyone. You know I haven't even acknowledged your "Triangles." In spite of that, I enjoyed them very much.

I wish I could have heard your oration. I know it was just great.

You do certainly have an opportunity worth while. When do you go? I wish you would tell me more about it, (your trip), after you have gone, will you?

Morris is now in the U.S. Naval Academy. You know when he got the appointment he took a five months preparatory course for the examination. After he passed the mental exam, he came home and was here for about four months. He just went back to Annapolis the fifth of this month; passed the physical exam; was "sworn in" at the Academy and is now preparing to help Uncle Sam. I feel very proud of him. (I don't mean to be boastful.) It may not be so great after all if he is needed in the war. Of course even there he'll have an honorable place. Fancy, Morris as a naval officer! I can't imagine him in that position.

Isn't the war terrible! When I stop and think about it I don't know what to do. The only thing I can do is to pray. That's noble even if it doesn't seem great. We women may have a chance to show our ability if the war continues. (I still have ideas of suffrage!) 

Did you know? Miss Cora is engaged to a wealthy rancher from South Dakota. She has a beautiful ring. You know, she still talks a great deal, so she has told us  all about him. His name is Peter Lenard [Monseru?], I don't know how to spell his last name but we girls laughed when she told us because it sounded so much like mushroom. It is a common thing to hear her speak of "Pete". He is coming in July, then Miss Cora is going away with him.

What is going on in Hanover? Things here stay just the same of course. I went to a patriotic party at Bonnie's last Friday night. Had a fairly good time. Had more fun coming home. Ruby and I went together. Well, unfortunately or fortunately however it was two fellows wanted to take us home. We insisted that we couldn't go because we had to take Old Dobin and the Sha [shay?] home. They said they were sure they could lead our horse. We had never tried anything like that and were rather doubtful but at last we decided to try it. My friend and I were in front, then our bugy and following Ruby and Ray. All, went well until we got about half way home and some way, heavens knows how, the line by which we were leading our horse broke. That tried we went ahead and had a tremendous time getting through our gate. Finally we reached our old post, very happy indeed. Next morning Ruby and I were about half scared stiff that father would say, "How did you break the line?" Nobody noticed it all day. About three o'clock I sliped out and patched it up. It has never been noticed and no one ever imagines that we had such a dreadful time. We learned that such performances won't work. Wasn't that thrilling!

Really, I must close for this time. I'm sorry. I waited so long to answer that, as before, I was almost ashamed to write.

When you write again tell me about your girl friends. Have you had any further associations with Miss Carson? Miss Doup? Such details make your letter more realistic.

Very sincerely yours,

Agnes. 

Marjorie Orton, letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 24 July 1917, Folder 2, box 11, Rogers Family Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Katherine Heiss, HC 2021.

2105 North St.
Logansport, Ind.
July 24, 1917

Dear Carter : 

I surely am sorry that you couldn't come but see that it was impossible. Let us know the next time you hit this old town.  I appreciate the fact that you wrote three letters while at the Lake. Just think, what a waste of stationery!

I am again contemplating a visit to Petersburg. I've despaired of ever going back but I'm talking about it again. Mary wanted me to come down  the first of August but I can't go then. I have three music pupils with hopes of a few more. When I scrape up a few bucks, I'm going to leave my happy home. This town is deader than a door nail  ̶  even deader than Petersburg, which is going some.

It is so hot here, now, that I'm going to disappear in a grease spot in a very short time. We've had very little hot weather until the last few days, and they have been scorchers.

We were so surprised to hear that Byers  is in Oklahoma and that he is going to Hanover next year. That will certainly be fine for him. After we left, I wrote to Byers  but have lost track of him now. This Miss Terhune you mentioned was visiting at Western Tree Day. I didn't meet her but saw her several times. She's rather literary looking and I guess was well liked there. They have somewhat young ladies for the Dean of women there, don't they? I am undecided about going back to school in the fall. I made teacher's license and if I can get a school, I'll stay at home. I hope I can teach, for its too much for the folks to send me this year. I'm melting, so must stop. Remember me to the rest of the family.

As ever your friend,

Marjorie.

Dorothy Kitchen, Letter to Henry Carter Rogers, 11 Jan. 1918, folder 1, box 9, Rogers Family papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Indiana.).
Transcription by Tim Brogan, HC 2021.   

626 Pearl Street
Columbus, Ind.

Jan. 11, 1918.

Dear Carter:

I was so glad to hear from you and to know that you still remembered me.

I hardly saw Hazel while she was here Christmas vacation, so I missed a great deal of the Hanover news. However Martha tells me some of it and it was Betty Tech who told me about the watch party.  She said it certainly was early -- in the morning -- when the party broke up. You must have had a fine time.  I, also, had a good time New Years Eve.  Mother, James, and I went to the late picture show which lasted until after the New Year had come in.  Of course we had a wild time.

You are not alone in the misery of making low grades.  I made a [illegible: 0?] in algebra last six weeks and a very weak E in History.  I was disappointed but I don't worry so much as I used to.

During the holidays I led a most frivolous life and I even dared to keep it up during the first week of school.  I am dreadfully ashamed to say that I went to the picture show every night for a week – in war-times.  But so long as someone asks you to go, you might as well go.  Sergeant Duncan, a friend of mine and the local recruiting officer, took me part of time and the rest of the time I went with some of the girls.

Last Friday night the basket ball team here played the Franklin team. Everyone was excited for up to that time, neither of the teams had been defeated and Franklin had a very strong team.  C.H.S. won, of course, though.  We have some team.  Tonight is to be the game at Seymor and quite a bunch is going down there. I would like to go but I won't get to this time.

Do you wear a uniform? If you do I would like to see you  for I am sure you would look fine in one.  I belong to an auxiliary to the Red Cross and we girls have military training every two weeks.  I think it is very interesting and since Serg. Duncan drills us and he and I usually go to the show or some place else after drill, it makes it more interesting.

Last night the Sergeant  brought me home from a meeting and stayed till almost eleven o'clock.  That left very little time for me to get my lessons and this morning I had to rake up an excuse for not having my Latin lesson. 

I think I'll have to tell him about it. Sunday afternoon we are going to Mildred Davisons to spend the afternoon and hope to have a good time

Please tell Hazel that I will write to her soon.

I have such a nice new girl friend -- that is, I've seen her since school began. She is a dandy girl from Pennsylvania and  we are certainly close friends.

Later -- I am in the post office now trying to finish this letter, I wrote the rest in school.  Virginia, my friend, is with me.

How are you and Miss  O'Brien?  I suppose you are just as good friends as ever.

Well, I must go down town and get home before dark.  You know I'm afraid of the dark.

Sincerely yours,

Dorothy Kitchen