Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-02-25 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.85Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O Feb. 25, 1896
Miss Elizabeth (?)———,
Westerville, Ohio.
My Dear Sweetheart: Your inspiring message came to hand and gave its message at the usual time. I went to the office and of course expected your letter but my face seemed to lengthen considerably when I found that neither of the letters in the box were from you, however I happened to notice that they were just ready to distribute the mail, so I took courage and in a short time I was sitting by your side. I always look forward to Tuesday with much interest and it seems to me I could not get along at all without that weekly visit. Yes I was at the con. and doubtless while you were writing I was sitting with Ira in the choir looking out upon a sea of faces and listening to inspiring words and songs, but however busy I may have been in thought my mind was not so busy as to forget that there was at W. a charming little sweetheart who was thinking of me. I know you would enjoy such a gathering so much and I think it is now time to make a little change and let you enjoy some of these feasts. They do not cost so very much. My entire expense this time was $2.34, and I surely received great inspiration from it. I was much disappointed in not getting to talk with Ira. I believe I scarcely asked how the folks were. We were nicely entertained in a lawyer's home. He is quite wealthy and has a practice worth $20,000 per yr. Their home is royally furnished and we were made welcome.
I could not help wondering how it would seem to see you the queen of such a mansion, but could not think of it ever being brought about with a lawyer's money. I intended to send the con. reports to you by mail, but Ira said he was going to get the papers, so I sent to another address. I certainly would like to spend an evening yes two or three with you. I have thought of coming to you next wk., but I would like to see about that work at Col. on the same trip and it is a little early to tell much about that yet. I know you never complain and that is one reason I think sometimes perhaps I impose on my sweetheart if I could only read her heart, but I assure you that my mind lingers much about when not too busily engaged in work and I look forward yet with fond hope to the future. Next Sunday closes my Y.M.C.A. work here and as to the work and its effects upon me I leave to speak of it when we are closer together.
Ira of course will tell you all about the convention. A card from Howard states that he left Jerd's last Friday for the West. He did not know just where he would land, but I think he has Cal. in view. I would enjoy the trip and yet I don't care to travel much until I get better school training. He said he would keep me posted as to his whereabouts. Seth writes an encouraging letter from Berea and sends a catalogue. I was much surprised at the completeness of their work there. I think Mr. Barr must have forgotten about his Greek as he spent 20 weeks on his first term and then did not pass. Mr. Fisher has been telling me that I could room with Mr. Barr when I go to W. so I suppose my hopes are stranded. I may be like Barr myself when I go to another school. Wed Noon Feb. 21: Mr. Fisher has the measles, so I will have the opportunity to do some missionary work. They tell me this is a new kind of measles so perhaps I may have another dose myself. I want to find out as soon as possible where I shall spend my summer.
No doubt you could spend a very pleasant summer at Iberia again, but I hope you will not go far away. Everything is moving along here about as usual. As it is about mail time I will say no more this time. I trust this may find my Loved one enjoying herself well and singing a joyous song. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in all things.
Your devoted Lover,
J. H. Harris.
