Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-01-02 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.76Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.;” Enclosure: Program of Meetings for Y.M. & Y.W.C.A., Winter Term, Ohio Normal University.]
Lock Box 28, Ada, O.
Jan. 2, 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, Ohio.
My Darling Bertha: Your letter at hand this morning found me driving away at my work. I did about half a day's patching Tuesday, wrote several letters, arranged Y.M.C.A. work etc. School commenced Tues. as usual and everything went on “New Year's Day” just as usual.
So far my work is Livy, Analytics, Literature & Parliamentary: expect to get Greek tomorrow.
I think you have a sympathizer so far as feeling lonely is concerned for the thought comes so often where is my “sweetheart.” If another visit affects me like this one it will be quite out of the question to think of being separated from you, so perhaps we had better stay apart some time. I wish we might study together, but you must not tell Prof. Miller about this or he will think he has me captured. I had quite a visit with Mr. Nelson of Chicago U. Their tuition is $120 per yr. or I would scarcely think of going elsewhere. Nelson had the same mathematics I have and they did not ask him to take more mathematics, but of course takes more philosophy etc. That certainly is a fine institution. Nelson boards for $2.20 and the rooms a very moderate, but that is so far from my Bertha, I fear I could not see her more than once a yr. I will keep on building castles and bluffing people until perhaps nothing will be done. I think sometimes it will be good work for me to get through here.
I went to bed about 11 Monday night and was called at 12 to get the Dr. for Mr. Heller. I then stayed with him until 2. The time seemed much longer than it did the night before.
Some of the boys are still at home with their sweet-heart. I believe if you will board me I will agree to stay longer next time, what do you say? I look at my present every day and some of the boys have seen it too; they all praise it and when I think of that being such a beautiful volume and realize that such a gift is no small sacrifice it makes me almost ashamed of the crude presents I have in a careless way bestowed. We have a nice club of twenty-six members, some pretty girls, but as Mattie thinks I am already spoken for she doesn't allow me to sit by any of them, so I enjoy myself better by thinking how happy I would be if you were in our club.
I hope you have decided about your studies. I know it is difficult to decide since I seem so indecisive about my work, but I think you need not hesitate to look forward to some kind of Christian work where you will play a very important part and as to it looking selfish to take music, I see no reason whatever why it would be since God has given you what is considered considerably more than ordinary ability in that direction and on the other hand has afflicted you in such a way as to make it more convenient to follow that in part at least, but “Dear” this is in your own hand to decide. I shall abide by any decision you may make and will be content to let it rest that way.
I started in the New Year with a few simple resolves that if carried out will make a change in our lives. I have also quit using any Greek characters in my diary, but simply speak out in plain terms on any thought that may come up, so if some one finds it they will find what they may think very funny things. Societies are quarreling quite lively and seem to enjoy it first-rate. As last yr was a blessed yr. to me so I trust that this may be even more so to both of us and that our lives may become perfectly blended in aims, thoughts and motives. May God bless you in your work and lead us gently through the little trials that must come.
Your devoted Lover,
J. H. Harris.
P.S. I received a circulating letter yesterday from the Presidents of fifteen of the college Y.M.C.A.'s of the State. They were written last April & May, but quite interesting. {J.H.H.}
