25 - 3.15.25 – Correspondence from “Jewell” (“Hope” / “Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Hartford, Arkansas)

Letter

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

25 - 3.15.25 – Correspondence from “Jewell” (“Hope” / “Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Hartford, Arkansas)

Entry/Object ID

RE-LE-COLLHE-0054

Description

A lively and expressive letter from Jewell, written from Magazine, Arkansas, describing her busy social life, local fair activities, mild flirtation, and reflections on relationships, ending with a humorous and slightly ironic closing.

Subject

Courtship correspondence; social life; flirtation; independence and self-reflection

Subject Place

State/Province

Arkansas

Continent

North America

Category

Love & Courtship

Letter Details

Letter Date

Mar 15, 1925

Time Period

20th Century

Postmark

Notes

Magazine, Arkansas (sender); Hartford, Arkansas (recipient)

Transcription

Magazine Ark Tues. Night Dear Jess, What kind of a somebody do you think I am anyway? Now this isn’t a question for you to answer but just to give you something to think about. For the past week I have been the busiest woman you ever knew. Besides my work you see there was the Fair and I couldn’t afford to miss all of that although I didn’t go many times. One night Mr. Kessler made me ride on the Ferris Wheel with him and Kenneth. Business wasn’t rushing and they certainly gave us our money’s worth. It was so cold I nearly froze and I’ve had a very bad cold ever since – however I think I’ll survive. [Page 2] The best part of last week was the football game when we beat Booneville. We are proud of ourselves. Why on earth didn’t you Jack come down last week? You don’t know what you missed!!! But I know it is so busy that it makes “going” unpleasant. Jess I rec’d the “chewing gum watch” today and am well pleased. I must say that you are kindness “personified” and I do appreciate it. Please let me know soon how much it cost. I have been lost all week without the watch but I didn’t expect it back so soon. [Page 3] I had such a “lame life” visiting at Danville & Belleville this week end. Went down Sat. night and came back this A.M. Both the women with whom I boarded and all my former pupils were so darling to me that it made me wish I were back down there again. Then when I got back here they gave me such a welcome that I guess I’m just glad I’m living—anywhere. [Page 4] Really I wish I could find only those people as nice as they are. If there were any reason I wouldn’t feel it. Don’t flirt with the teachers too much and be a good child and go to Sunday School and church. A Bol— J. L. N.

Ethnography

Notes

This letter is especially rich in personality and social nuance, showing a young woman who is: 1. Socially Active & Mobile Attends fairs, football games, and travels between towns (Danville, Belleville) Suggests a teacher or educated woman moving between communities 2. Emotionally Confident Opens with a rhetorical challenge: “What kind of a somebody do you think I am anyway?” Indicates growing self-awareness and independence 3. Navigating Courtship Norms Accepts gifts (watch) but insists on knowing the cost → financial propriety Teases Jesse about: Not visiting Flirting with others 4. Balancing Independence & Attachment Expresses joy in social life Yet still maintains emotional connection and expectations

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Local Fairs: Important social hubs in rural America—rides like Ferris wheels were major attractions Women & Teaching: References to “former pupils” strongly suggest she is a schoolteacher, likely moving between postings Gift Culture: The “chewing gum watch” is fascinating—possibly: A novelty item Or a watch sent in gum packaging (common promotional tactic) Regional Mobility: Travel between small Arkansas towns reflects expanding transportation access and professional movement

Create Date

March 21, 2026