Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1897-08-15 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.151Context
[Box 219, Athens, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Box 219, Athens, Ohio.
2:30 P.M. Aug. 15, 1897.
Darling Bertha: Your message found a warm place in my bosom as somehow there was a deep undercurrent of sympathy and love in it. Your letters always bring so much cheer and gladness, because I know that you mean just what you say.
I have often thought of how much sweetness and light that same chord in your life would give to a home of our own.
I knew nearly ten yrs ago that a little girl like you could keep house and I have had no uneasiness about that part since. I am perfectly willing to try you for life the first trial, and somehow I feel that you will not have to be an old maid more than one yr. You are not very old only “sweet 24” and you look to be only eighteen.
Sat. evenings and Sun. afternoons are my most lonesome times. I did not leave my room last night at all.
I worked six days last wk. at $3 per day. I would like to work one yr at that rate.
Some might think it foolish in me telling you such things but the first thought that comes about anything that comes up like that is to tell “Bertha” about it, so if you will listen (and I know you are delighted to do so) I will tell you all the way long both fortunes and reverses, as it seems so natural to do so. I think we will finish the “hall work” by Thurs. and then it seems rather indefinite about other work. Unless I decide fully to enter school at Otterbein I shall visit you the first lay off in our work. I want to visit you; first because I love you, second because I want a whole day and night's talk with you about everything. I will let you know if possible before coming.
I hope you are feeling well now and putting in the time profitably.
I certainly admire your courage and patience, but I never expect to have so long a separation again while we are so near and so little to hinder as there has been this time.
I feel sure of one thing however, and that is I have been made to think more truly of what you are to me and that I was not so thankful last yr. as I should have been for such a blessing. Down deep in my soul I truly love you even more dearly than ever before.
I attended M.E.S.S. this A.M. and as I passed the Pres. church they just commenced singing “Take my life” etc. It brought last yr. back to me vividly and made me forget bricklaying. I heard a sermon, Jno. 4:19.
Just after dinner Carlos, Leonard and I took a walk up to the new public school building and then to the college. If I were a plasterer Carlos would give me work up till Christmas. I don't like our boarding place very well as there are some very bad characters in connection with it, but that part does not hurt me any. If we pay attention to our own business there will not be much trouble. I think that song will strike a chord in my life also, and of course you will sing it to me when I come.
You did not say how your eyes were. I always miss that item when you fail to mention it. If you cannot take college work this yr. what do you think of music of some kind?
I find that a course in medicine does not cost so much as we thought.
I become more and more infatuated with the idea of school work so I expect if we get any finance I will want to be spending it in school work.
How do you think it would suit you to keep house for one student and you also turn student part of the time at least? but we can build that castle later. Mon. morning. I am feeling well and will commence work at noon as we have to wait for joists. Leonard and I took a walk last evening and I could not help thinking of those silent walks we used to take when it seemed that feeling was too deep for utterance.
For some time our walk seemed that way last night, but finally things turned about in such a way that I did what I never before did.
I disclosed to Leonard our plans. I knew it would be sacred to him and will go no farther. I have a nice “trade last” for you now.
I feel prouder of my “sweetheart” now than ever.
I hope this may be a pleasant wk to you in every respect.
Take good care of my Bertha until I come.
Blessings upon thee “Love”
Your Lover, not so sad as ten yrs ago this A.M.,
J. H. Harris.
