I Shall Choose You Fresh Every Day Like a Flower

Will gave up his position as Mayor of New Providence when The Grays moved into this nearby Summit home in 1920.

Ocala, FL
March 2, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruth:

This morning I received your letter of 27th ultimo and this afternoon, three redirects
from Crystal River. They were dated Feb 23rd, (must have gone astray), Feb 25 & 26, the latter having a half sheet written on the morning of the 27th. Irrespective of the proper sequence, they were all very acceptable and gave me quite a feast of sweet communion with you. I have been going over all your letters and you make no mention of one I wrote you on Washington’s birthday, or was that the first letter I wrote from Crystal River? However, it makes no difference, anyway. I have your letters all open before me, running from Feb 15th to Feb 27th, not a day missing.

This was another cool day here. We went out to play golf this morning and found ice
¼ inch thick in the boxes at the tees, something most unusual for Florida in March. The day was beautifully clear and warmed up so that the sport was most invigorating. After lunch we returned to the game and didn’t stop until 5:45 P M. A month of this would make a new man of me.

I saw and picked a couple of dandelions for Charlie, there were other wild flowers,
the names of which I do not know. One has a very sweet smelling little pink flower which I am enclosing. Also, a nasturtium, and a feather I picked up on the course. In our play we came upon a flock of quail and there were many birds of different kinds, and squirrels skipping from tree-to-tree. The big oaks on the link are beautiful, draped with moss as they are. 

 

Back to Earth Once More

Ocala, FL
Feb 29, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

I am feeling lonesome tonight and wish I could drop in on you and see some folks
that I really know. The hardest part of a situation like this is being away, alone, without an occupation. My thoughts keep turning to you and home and by comparison, Florida loses all its attractiveness. Of course, if you were with me, it would be different. Then again, the day has been cold and dreary, raining most of the time. Just like a March day in New Jersey.

Arrived here from Crystal River about 2 P M, then came to this room #322, and after
unpacking some things from my grip, laid down with the intention of taking a little rest. It was 7:20 when I got up and I had hard work shaking the sleep out of my eyes.

After eating a light supper (all my meals are light these days), Mr Massey dropped
in and we spent the evening chatting and he has just gone.

Mr M is talking about what we are going to do all this week, but I don’t see how I can
remain over next Sunday.

I haven’t taken care of the company’s income tax report or my own and both have to
be filed before March 15th, so I ought to be in New York Monday week. 

 

Your Silly Willie

Crystal River, FL
Feb 29, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My very dearest Ruthy:

Don’t know as I ever wrote a note on Sunday morning before or on the 29th of
February.

We are all packed up here waiting to leave on the only train to Ocala today, the
11:10. So as I didn’t write you last night, I want to send you this morning message.
The week was no good for fishing. Think I could have done better in the Passaic
River. But the weather, tho cold, was fine and I enjoyed, and I think was improved by the outing. My face, neck and hands are burned to a crisp by sun and wind.

Was raining heavily this morning on arising and continues to rain, so it is a good
day to get out. I will make plans for the return trip and write you from Ocala. I hope to see you by the end of the week.

Until then, Sweet heart of mine, can only send you love and kisses. When I return
the message will be more to our liking. 

 

In Trouble from the Start

Crystal River, FL
Feb 26, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

This is the hotel’s best pen and I see I am in trouble from the start.

I received your Washington Birthday letter this P M, and it cheered me greatly to get
such a sweet happy message and to know that in the midst of your ceaseless toil you can be happy and have a good time in knowing that others are having one. This is a spirit found only in certain mothers — of this I am convinced.

Mr Isgrigg just loaned me his fountain pen, so I can now slide along again in good
shape.

Too much cold and wind today for good fishing. No luck to amount to anything.
Tomorrow we go to the Withlacoochie River, about 13 miles from here, and expect
to have a real fishing story for you. We go in a Ford auto over very rough roads. I
understand the scenery is very tropical and you are apt to run across any number of
alligators. Of course, in the weather as cold as today, they will hide in the warm places. 

 

I Wish I Had You Here

Crystal River, FL
Feb 25, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

Will write you a short note tonight as I must get to bed early and get the benefit of
the outing. At Ocala I could sit in my room and write until midnight, as the rising hour was a matter of convenience. Here you have to be at breakfast at 7:30 or lose it.

Today was chilly and there was a cool breeze coming in from the Gulf and in
consequence there was no fishing worth talking about. It is quite a gamble coming to a fishing place like this for a week only. It might be an off week when for some reason or other the beggars are not biting and this seems to be what we have struck. They tell wonderful stories here of great fishing but I have seen no evidence of it. 

 

You Know Mama and I Have Always Been Very Much in Love

Katherine and Joe

Crystal River, FL
Feb 23, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest:

My first day’s fishing was not a great success from a fishing standpoint. The day
was cloudy and it rained part of the time. I enjoyed the outing but did not land any fish. This is not strange however, because I fished for Tarpon only, the tackle and bait being too heavy for any of the smaller varieties. Imagine for a bait, a piece of a fish called mullet, large enough for a portion for any human being if broiled or fried. Tarpon run anywhere from 75 to 200 lbs in weight. There is a picture of one on the envelope. Tomorrow we will try for Tarpon again, and if no luck, will try for some of the smaller fish with which the river abounds.

I received your letter of 19th and one from Katherine of the same date this evening
at dinner time. Katherine enclosed some pictures which I was glad to get. Mr Massey has retired, worn out from the day’s exertions, and I expect to follow him shortly.

This is a typical fishing joint without much of the romantic about it unless a fellow
has his wife with him and was on a honeymoon, first, second or third. There are several old sports here, some having their wives along. The latter are now busy playing “bridge” in an adjoining room. A Mr Norton who is here with his wife, sits opposite me at a small table (kitchen size) writing a letter. He resides at South Orange when at home. I showed him the family pictures and after saying what a fine family it was, allowed he had one son, married and 3 grand children. I guess this is the reason he can be here.

Tell Katherine I am grateful for her letter and will try to write her, but the conditions
here for writing are not conducive to easy flowing thought. 

 

The Greatest Living American Woman

Will and Ruth, 1920

Crystal River, FL
Feb 22, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest:

I do not want good old George Washington’s birthday commemorative of our
greatest American to pass, without writing a word to my wife, the greatest living American woman.

This has been an odd Sunday in my career. It started with me in Ocala, a breakfast
at nine and then a trip to the Post Office where I found 2 letters, yours and Edwards.

We had planned to come here by train, but Bernie Conlon, Overland agent, said he
would take us down by auto and spend a couple of days fishing himself if he could get matters straightened out. He finally decided to go and he borrowed a Premier car which a widow has for sale and we finally got off about 6 P M, landing here about 8 PM, a trip of over 40 miles over some very rough roads. We passed through a phosphate mining town named Dunellen and phoned from there that we were on our way and to have something for us to eat and they did, the finest roast turkey I ever ate.

The reason we were so late starting is that just as we were about to leave Ocala, a
chap came along and wanted to look at an Overland touring car. Conlon had one left,
which he was going to take on this trip. The prospect had a Buick 4 which he wanted to trade in, and after a few minutes dickering the deal was made. That’s why we came here in a borrowed car. While Conlon was busy at something else, I had to teach the man how to run the new Overland.

The trip was very pleasant and I arrived here with a fine appetite. 

 

Another Day Gone

Ocala, FL
Feb 21, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

Another day gone, the last in this berg, for tomorrow afternoon we go to Crystal
River and try for the sportive fish. They say fish are plentiful there and we should have some fish.

Today was as warm and pleasant as yesterday and in midday a vest was a burden.
There is no question about the climate being a great relief from the severe Northern winter. As I size up Florida it would be a fine place to spend 6 to 9 months of the year. Outside of meat, living is cheaper here. Fresh eggs 55 cents a dozen and chickens plentiful. Oranges 2 cents a piece and grape fruit about the same.

Am glad you received my impromptu Valentine. It suddenly occurred to me in
Jacksonville that it was Valentines Day and then I thought it would be nice to send my sweetheart a Valentine. So I went in search of one. I never dreamed that I would find anything so appropriate. Your letter, as an answering valentine, fully repays me and makes me glad of the unusual thoughtfulness.

I picked up some pretty postals which will show you something of Ocala and Florida
in general. The choo-choo train is for Charlie and with it a few kisses and one of his bear hugs. 

 

No, I Haven’t Found Our Bungalow Yet

Ocala, FL
Feb 20, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray

My dearest Ruthy:

Only a week since I said good bye to you and it seems most a month. Things are so
different down here that it makes it seem far away.

This has been a beautiful day. A perfect blue sky and temperature this afternoon of
76 degrees.

Staid in town this morning, had an early lunch and had a 70 mile auto ride from
noon until 7 P M, winding up at Mr Condon’s home where we had a very fine Southern dinner.

Bernie Condon is the Overland agent, and thought he had a prospect for a 2nd
hand car at “Fruitland Park,” a village about 35 miles south of here. So he decided to look this prospect up and in order to make delivery, in case he sold the car, I and Massey trailed along in a new Overland (I driving), so Mr Condon would have means of returning.

With the fine weather and all we had a most delightful ride. Imagine stopping at an orange and grapefruit grove, picking and eating the ripe luscious fruit. I picked and ate a large grape fruit and it certainly tasted good. 

 

Mountains of Love and Oceans of Kisses

Ocala, FL
Feb 19, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray

My Dearest Ruthy:

This morning dawned without rain, but it was very cloudy and a heavy fog hung
about. We had planned an auto ride to Lake Weir, but on account of the stormy aspect and wet roads, put it off. So we hung around town until afternoon. The fog passed off and the sun broke through and by noon the weather was well nigh perfect.

I received your Sunday letter this morning and was glad to see your familiar hand
and phrase. It brought to my features the nearest thing to a “loud smile” that I have had since arriving. That was a most original saying of Charles and he ought to have it
copyrighted.

From your letter and newspaper reports should judge you have had some variety of
weather since I left. As Hickson is fond of ocean trips you ought to invite him out when the cellar is full and ask him to get a scuttle of coal.

After lunch we went to the opera house (movie theatre) and heard Colonel Bryan
talk in the interest of the Anti Saloon League. The latter is going on with necessary work notwithstanding the Federal Amendment and needs money and Uncle Bill was helping them raise it. I did not subscribe, not being 100% in sympathy with the cause so I am enclosing the card thinking you might wish to dispose of some of your surplus change in this way.

W J B [William Jennings Bryan] had lunch here and sat at the next table from me.
Naturally I watched his table manners. I can’t criticize him very much except that he ate hurriedly, mostly because his time was short. He seemed fond of celery and ate it with a stalk in each hand. He drank only water. 

 

Like the Hollow Tree People

Ocala, FL
Feb 18, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

This was an off day, so I haven’t much to tell you. I could write you as nice an old
fashioned love letter as I ever wrote, but I’m not going to do it, not tonight, because it is late. I’ve been to the movies, my first evening out and it is after eleven o’clock.

We had an auto hunting trip planned for today but it rained heavily and it had to be
put off. Just sat around and like the hollow tree people, smoked, listened to and told
stories, and attended a murder trial at the court house. After supper, which I couldn’t chew in sheer desperation, went to a movie show and saw “Lost Money,” and one episode in “The Great Gamble” which I witnessed some months ago in Summit. As I passed into the hotel at 11 o’clock the thermometer registered 52 degrees and the rain had stopped. 

 

The Price of a Cannibal Sandwich

Ocala, FL
Feb 16, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray

My dearest Ruthy:

My first full day in Ocala is over. It is 9:15 and I am ready to retire.

This was a cold day for Florida, temperature about 50 degrees. Got up about 8 A M
and around ten Mr Massey came around and we started out on our days adventures.
Nothing very exciting.

We first walked around the town calling on bankers and storekeepers that Mr M
knew. We killed time until lunch hour this way and after eating hired a Maxwell car and drove to Silver Springs. This is one of the sights of Florida. There, you hire a guide who takes you out in a glass bottomed boat, the water being so clear you can see the bottom at all points you pass over. There are different holes in the springs, one being 80 to 85 feet deep and you can see bottom just as clearly as the bottom of your own bath tub. These holes have different names, such as “Drawing Room,” “Bridal Chamber,” Devil’s Kitchen,” etc. The more shallow places have a carpet of reeds, or a delicate moss, but the deeper places have a covering of flaked lime stone which glistens and shows every color of the rainbow as it is affected by the sun overhead. You could see several varieties of fish sporting about, one whose name the guide mentioned but which I’ve forgotten, was easily 3 feet long. At the bottom of some of the holes you could see great catfish 3 or 4 feet long, and bass a plenty.

It was truly a wonderful sight and probably you or the children have read about the
springs in the “Book of Wonders,” or elsewhere.

The springs are about 5 miles from here and I started to drive the car back and had
proceeded about 1/8 of a mile, when Mr Maxwell sputtered and died. A hasty inspection revealed a decided lack of gasoline. Mr Massey’s friend had given him a car with about 2 quarts of gas to start with.

Mr M started to walk back to the spring to see if he could get some of the stuff that
made John D famous(ly rich) and then I sat down to enjoy my pipe and the delightful crisp air. Soon a Ford came into view and I gave the driver the grand hailing sign of distress. He stopped and seeing Massey down the road said there was no gas at the springs, only water a plenty; so I called Mr M back. Our good Samaritan then produced an old grease can, crawled under his car and drained off about a gallon of gas. This fixed us up and we drove back to town, in style. 

 

Henry Ford Would Have Wept Copious Tears

Ocala, FL
Feb 15, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My own dearest Ruthy:

This is just an extra letter all for yourself.

Mr Massey and I tramped about town until 6:30. Then we went home to sup with his
mother and spend the evening. I had my evening meal alone at this Hostelry and then stepped across the street to a 7:30 Methodist service from whence I have just returned.

The church was a great deal better filled than a Summit evening affair, but the
minister was inferior to any ever heard in New Providence, not excepting Eddie Atwood.

The text murdered was: “There is one thing thou lackest.” He couldn’t have meant
me, because there are so many things I lack, that I couldn’t begin to count them all.

The singing was good and all-in-all, I came away refreshed.

Well Dear, the one essential thing I lackest is “You.” I wish you, Jack, Edward,
Charlie and Joe were here. Then the trip would be worth while.

There are many auto tourists here. One crowd of 3 woman and one bare man
arrived in a Ford from North Carolina just when we returned from our walk. The gent (chauffeur) looked like a typical southern colonel and then there were his wife, at least so I sized her up, and two other’s, none under 50. 

 

If Any Refuse, Let Me Know!

Ocala, FL
Feb 15, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

The enclosed cards are a few views of this town.

Left Jacksonville at 10:20 this morning and arrived at 4 o’clock this afternoon. Mr
Massey went to his mother’s home and I have been to my room, washed up and take this opportunity to write you. Mr M will return later, so I don’t know what the evening program will be.

Had a good night’s sleep in Jacksonville, getting up at 8 o’clock — a good breakfast
and left at 10:20.

The morning dawned bright and clear, the air crisp enough for a light overcoat. I
heard a native remark that this was the coldest day of the winter — temperature about 50 degrees.

I think the distance from Jacksonville is about 125 miles to cover, which the train
consumed 5 ½ hours — some speed!

The country passed thru was mostly barren and uninteresting, with an occasional
cultivated patch. There were several fields of good sized lettuce and cabbages, the latter ready for use. 

 

It Ran Like a Bird

Jacksonville, FL
Feb 14, 1920

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

Arrived here on time at 8:30 A M and have disposed of our luggage in a not too
portentous room, but it happened to be the only one left. We remain here overnight and leave at 10:20 Sunday morning for Ocala, arriving at 3:35 P M. I wrote you a card from Washington yesterday evening and told you my address would be care of W W Condon, Ocala, which I am repeating in case the postal went astray. Will stay there one week, then go to Crystal River, c/o Crystal River Inn. Will advise you of future plans from there.

The trip so far has been pleasant, but uneventful. This morning dawned bright and
clear, no snow in sight, and getting off from time to time, as the train stopped, the air and sunshine were most pleasant, temperature above 70 degrees.

Here tonight it is very comfortable outdoors without an overcoat. 

 

Some Day

Ruth, Ed, Charlie, and Katherine holding Joe (the youngest of the Gray kids).

Cincinnati, OH
Dec 1, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Being a member of the Executive Committee and the Labor Committee of the
Association, I haven’t had a minute to write but have thought of you many times.

Arrived Sinday 11 A M an hour late and spent the entire day discussing certain
possibilities and general sales with Mr Conklin, who came from Chicago to see me.
Haven’t been out of this hotel except for a short walk last night.

Haven’t time to write you a nice long love letter now but will say that these meetings
will never have any real enjoyment for me until the time comes when you can come along. Maybe this chance will come “some day.” 

 

The Purest Air and Sunshine

Cheat Bridge, WV
Sept 15, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Have been thinking a great deal of you and home but this in the first opportunity I’ve had to write.

Arrived at Cass at noon Saturday after a rather tiresome trip. Mr Mathews brother
Jasper met us at the depot with his auto and he and his wife have certainly treated us very nicely indeed. J R & I wandered around Cass Saturday P M, looking over the lumber mill, railroad shop, etc. Yesterday we took another walk with the kids in the morning and had a 58 mile auto ride in the afternoon. We went to the “Allegheny Club” on the top of the Allegheny mountains. They had a flock of elk running around the place! We had dinner there and returned home about 10:15 P M. The mountain scenery is something beyond description. Great mountain peaks in every direction and beautiful farms in the lowlands. Turkey and sheep raising are their specialty down here. The days have been hot and the nights cold, getting down to the frost point.

The company owns their railroad to the lumber camps, so this morning at 7:30,
thru the courtesy of the Superintendent, we were sent over the line on the company’s inspection car, a gasoline operated affair. Leaving Cass the railroad ascends 1400 feet in 6 miles, and before long we could see the most wonderful view of the valley. There were low lying clouds as we started and before long we had risen above them into the purest air and sunshine and could see the clouds below, looking like great lakes as they lay against the hills. The road is 47 miles long and we traversed 45 miles of it. There were stops where we visited lumber camps and saw the whole wonderful operation of getting the great spruce & hemlocks ready for the saw and paper mill. The mountain climbing wearied me but after a meal of boiled beef, cabbage, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, etc, the tired feeling passed and we returned to this camp where we will put in the night and return to Cass tomorrow afternoon. The whole experience has been new and wonderful and I have
enjoyed every minute of it, altho it does seem selfish not to have you with me to enjoy it too. 

 

I Tried My Best to Help Him Entertain Me

Ruth’s brother Bob, with son Robin. Ruth’s sister Bessie helped raise Robin after his mother (Ruth’s friend Florence) died.

 

Prepare the Fatted Calf!

 

Just a Figurehead

Chicago, IL
June 14, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

It is 11:05 P M and I am on this train waiting for it to get on its dusty way to St Louis.
I am tired and sleepy but it is too awfully hot to retire before the train starts. After it gets going it may stir up a breeze and make life bearable.

The weather in Chicago has been hot, mucky and showery. Have done nothing here
but sweat, sweat, sweat. Talk about using up laundry. I sent you a package today showing what I got away with since leaving Minneapolis last Wednesday. Had everything laundered there, less than I am sending home 2 silk shirts; 2 suits underclothes; 2 pair socks, a few collars and 2 handkerchiefs — cost $1.58, so I thought I had better send the neat lot to G cheaper laundry in New Jersey. Besides I can spare the stuff and its lightens my carrying load.

Asked the porter if it was likely to be as hot as this in St Louis. He replied “Guess
so, boss, just a shot; mebbe hotter,” so you see what I am in for. I’m fine, cold baths today afforded some relief.

Had two guests from Moser Paper Co to lunch today, then took them to a baseball
game where they had the pleasure of seeing the New York Giants lick their home team, the Chicago Cubs. Wish you could have been along. Returned alone to the hotel, had my bath, packed up and checked my baggage. Then looked up a new restaurant and had a modest feed of cold stuff — too hot to eat much. Then I went to a “movie” Raineys Travels in Africa, and melted some more there. Then a taxi to the train and here I am. 

 

Would Be Glad To Have Her Company

Chicago, IL
June 14, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

Dearest Ruthy:

Received yours of 12th this morning and was very glad indeed to hear from you. We
are both in the same boat as regards writing. Days full of work and the nights too urgent in their demand for rest.

I wrote I was going to St Louis tonight. Have bought tickets and will arrive at 7:30
tomorrow morning. Will probably see the folks sometime during Sunday. Will leave there either Monday or Tuesday evening and sail straight for New York.

If Mer hasn’t already started East, perhaps she can arrange to come with me.
Would be glad to have her company back and I could help her in many ways.

Expect to have lunch with a paper dealer today and take in a base-ball game. 

 

Hotel Sherman

 

Have Not Collected My Wits Yet for Serious Business

Chicago, IL
June 12, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Arrived back in Chicago at noon completing the Minneapolis jaunt without having
written you a line while in the gopher city! The reason is, Dearie, not because I didn’t want to or didn’t think of it, but that they kept us busy — moon, noon, and night. Now that the convention is over and I am alone once more on serious business, I can do better as you see by this start made only one and a half hours after arrival here. I came to this hotel immediately upon arrival, registered but could not get a room so had to check my baggage. Have had a light lunch and will take a few minutes to be with you before starting out on a still hunt for an envelope order.

Had a very nice time in Minneapolis. Must have driven at least 100 miles around it
and St Paul, seeing all points of interest, including “Minnehaha Falls.”

The Association sessions wound up Tuesday P M and at 5:40 nine of us took a train
to Armondale to spend Wednesday fishing. This place is some 60 miles by railroad
northwest of Minneapolis, and then a 5 mile auto ride to “Clearwater Lake,” a beautiful pond about 8 miles long. The nine of us bunked in a cottage near the shore and after a 6:30 breakfast, fished until 2 P M, returning to Armondale in time to get a 3:16 train back to Minneapolis. Upon arrival at the Radisson, I found 2 letters from you, both dated June 8. Maybe you wrote on Saturday, if so, I didn’t receive it nor was there any letter at this hotel when I arrived today. 

 

Charlie Velocipede

Chicago, IL
June 7, 1919

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, New Providence, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Lillie has been home and told how I met her at steamer and she in turn saw me off.

No doubt you had some of the rain we passed through in New Jersey yesterday
morning. Arrived at this windy town at 9 A M in company with Mr Fishburn, of Whiting Paterson Co, Philadelphia, and Mr Oles, Oles Envelope Co, Baltimore. We spent most of the morning going thru the envelope plant of Sewell – Clap Co, and I am now waiting at this hotel for Ed Abbott, who is to meet me here for lunch at one o’clock. The weather is cloudy and somewhat cooler than what I left in New York.

I hope everything is going well with you, and that the small boys are behaving.
Do not know yet what my movement will be after leaving Minneapolis or just when I
shall leave. Will write as soon as I can determine.

I forgot to tell you that I called up Charlie Grant of Marcus Ward Co Thursday and
asked him to parcel-post 125 each sheets and envelopes to Lena, which he said he would do that day. I also wrote Lena telling her what I had done — 250 sheets ought to be enough for all the mourning notes necessary for a conventional period.

Neither my hand or pen is working well today. Didn’t sleep very much last night and
seem to be somewhat shaky altho I feel quite well.

Well, Dearie, I wish you were along for company! Our recent trip to New Haven
gave us a little glimpse of the good times we might have if we could get away for a couple of weeks without any encumbrances. We shall have to look forward to having such a trip or several of them sometime in the future. 

 

Photos from 1918

Will and Ruth’s son Billy (bottom row, 1st on left). Company B Summit Military Reserve

Gray kids: Jack, Ed, and Charlie

Jack, Mer (Ruth’s mom), Ruth, Charlie, Ed, and Katherine at the beach.

Katherine, Charlie, and Ruth

 

1917

Ruth and her mother in 1917.

Daughters Ruth and Katherine.

 

This Was Luck

Springfield, MA
Nov 1, 1916

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 412 Beverly Road, Brooklyn, New York

My dearest Ruthy:

I changed my plans and am here tonight instead of going on to New Hampshire.
Spent the afternoon in Holyoke and was delivered to this hotel by Mr Wright of Am Writing Paper Co in his auto.

The reason I am not going to Lincoln is because I met Mr Friske, the man I was
going to see, in the Grand Central Station before leaving for Boston last night and spent an hour with him at the Belmont. This was luck.

Shall spend tomorrow going to Bellows Falls and will probably be back in New York
Friday morning and with you again Friday evening.

I hope everything is well with you and the kiddies and with much love and many kisses I am as ever

Your
Will

 

Bull Frog Boy

Worcester, MA
Feb 29, 1916

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 570 East 23 rd St, Brooklyn, NY

Dearest Ruthy:

Just a little note full of love and kisses before I go to bed. It is now Eleven o’clock
and have just written a long letter to G. P. G. Co [General Paper Goods Company] to
straighten out some troubles they wrote to me about, here.

Your sweet letter awaited me and I will read it again before shutting my eyes to
bring you close to me for the night.

Have changed my plans and will see you late tomorrow night. There are too many
matters demanding attention in New York to stay longer.

Love and many kisses for all, especially your own dear self.

From your
Will

Newport, RI
Feb 29, 1916

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 570 East 23 rd St, Brooklyn, NY

My dearest Ruthy:

You will see from this that I am on my way. Got over to Hoboken, found my “friend in need,” mailed my letters and boarded the steamer at 4:50.

Had supper at 6:45 of oyster stew, marmalade, bread, butter and tea. Marmalade
from the “Montclair Farm Kitchens” and from finishing this modest meal, have been
chatting with a Mr Schneider, an old shoe maker now in the gov’t employ inspecting shoes being made for the Army. He told me he had a son 16 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 290 pounds. this puts Billy in the “order of shrimp” at least so far as width is concerned. Mr Schneider’s son wears trousers with 50 inch waist. 

 

Guess I’ll Keep Till Morning

Boston, MA
Feb 28, 1916

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 570 East 23 rd St, Brooklyn, NY

My dearest Ruthy:

Have a few minutes to squeeze in a little note to you. Arrived in Boston 3/4’s of an
hour late, transacted my business here, had lunch at The City Club with Mr Andrew and am ready to move on to Portsmouth, NH at 5 P. M.

Had a fair nights sleep, getting up at 6, breakfast at 6:30 and train out of Fall River
at 7.

Mr Andrew tells me temperature was 6 degree above this morning and the cold was
bitter when I arrived. Am wondering how cold it was in Brooklyn.

The paper situation is panicky. Mills are running short of coal, pulp, rags, etc, and
the New Haven Railroad puts an indefinite embargo on shipments effective at midnight today.

Have nothing more to say, except to send lots of love and kisses for you and all the
bunch.

I suppose Jack & Edward are pestering you with question about my movements and
as to when I will get home. 

 

1915

Katherine and Florence. Little Florence died on October 4, 1915.

Boston, MA
Aug 18, 1915

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 570 East 23 rd St, Brooklyn, NY

My dearest Ruthy:

Arrived in Boston safely this morning at 8:30. The trip was fine and cool — too cool
for comfort without an overcoat. Met a man I know, Mr Lockwood, who lives in Wyoming (NJ) and had dinner and breakfast with him, breaking the monotony of the trip somewhat.

Did some business this morning and have knocked off for the day. Am going to the
dedication of the new baseball park with Mr Andrew this afternoon. Take a train at 8:30 P.M. for Portsmouth, NH, stay there all night. Take 8:00 A. M. train to Lincoln, leave at 2:50 P. M. and arrive back in Boston 8:30 P. M. Go to Worcester Friday morning and have no fixed plan beyond that.

I hope Florence is gaining and that all the rest are well. 

 

Remembering 1914

There were no letters in 1914, but here are a few photos from that time….