18 - 1.3.24 – Correspondence from “Hope” (“Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Letter

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

18 - 1.3.24 – Correspondence from “Hope” (“Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Entry/Object ID

RE-LE-COLLHE-0054

Description

A personal letter from a young woman signing as “Hope” (later “Doodle”), written from Haleyville, Alabama, describing her recent social activities, mild jealousy over Jesse’s interactions, and plans for a trip to Natural Bridge, Alabama

Subject

Courtship correspondence; social life; mild romantic rivalry; leisure and travel

Subject Place

State/Province

Alabama

Country

United States

Category

Love & Courtship

Letter Details

Letter Date

Jan 3, 1924

Time Period

20th Century

Postmark

Notes

Haleyville, Alabama January 3, 1924 12 M (noon)

Sender

Name

Appears as: J. L. Overton (or similar—handwriting slightly unclear) Haleyville, Alabama (Note: Name is faint; likely a household or boarding address rather than the writer herself.)

Addressee

Name

Mr. Jesse Redyard 619 N. 14th St. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Transcription

Transcription

[Page 1] Wednesday Night – Dearest Jesse, Guess I have been rather slow about answering but when I tell you what all I’ve been doing you will understand. This is the first night I have had at home in a week. One night we went to a Christian Endeavor social and of course enjoyed it lots. Monday night I heard a lecture given by a returned missionary from Africa. He was quite interesting. Last night I went to a play given by a class of Baptist S.S. [Page 2] Aren’t you the kindest one for taking Mary to the show? I’m glad – only you’d better not try too hard to make her love you as one of us would die of a “broken heart”!!? Please reconsider. But it is just like you to want to do that and you will surely accomplish your aim if you start out to do that. I just know you all were terribly excited over Nena’s narrow escape. That sounds like a close call – tell her to please be more careful in the future. [Page 3] “W.O.D.” seems to have taken a sudden interest in you. He asked so many questions about you Sunday night that I think he knows as much about you now as I know. Of course that is a lot. Nena said tell you that “howdy” is a mighty poor answer to a leap year proposal!! Don’t know exactly what I do think of this flirtation you two are carrying on but I guess it is all right this time. Nena is a pretty good sort. [Page 4] We are planning a picnic this week-end to Natural Bridge, Ala. The station is about 15 mi from here and they do say that the bridge itself is worth seeing – one of the interesting things in Ala. Don’t you know. We are going on the train of course and expect to have a very nice time. Wish you could be with us. Love, “Doodle”

Language

English

Ethnography

Notes

This letter provides a particularly vivid look at young Southern social life in the 1920s, especially among educated or church-affiliated communities: Religious-social structure: Activities revolve around Christian Endeavor societies, Baptist Sunday School events, and missionary lectures, which functioned as both spiritual and social spaces. Courtship dynamics: Playful jealousy (“don’t make her love you”) Group awareness of relationships (friends discussing Jesse) Indirect emotional expression through humor Female voice & agency: The writer shows confidence and wit, openly teasing and subtly asserting emotional stakes—indicative of evolving social norms for women in the 1920s. Travel culture: The planned train trip to Natural Bridge, Alabama reflects growing accessibility of regional tourism and leisure excursions.

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Christian Endeavor Movement: A widespread Protestant youth organization emphasizing moral development and social engagement—very influential in small-town America. Natural Bridge, Alabama: A known regional attraction; visiting such landmarks was a popular group outing. Communication Culture: The frequency and emotional openness of letters suggest an active, ongoing romantic relationship, not just casual acquaintance. Language & Tone Shift: Compared to the leap-year letter: More narrative More socially embedded Slight emergence of emotional possessiveness

Create Date

March 21, 2026