Indian Summer Weather

South Hadley, MA
Nov 8, 1925

From: Ruthy Gray, Mount Holyoke College
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Mama,

I just finished writing to Aunt Lena, to ask her if it would be all right for Alice and I to visit her a little while on Saturday morning. Do you realize that it is ten years since I’ve seen her or the two youngest boys? Our plans are still rather indefinite for the Yale – Princeton game, but its something to look forward to anyway — and only a few days off. …

Your letter and check came Friday. I mailed the laundry case Saturday. I hate to
burden you with this extra nuisance but the laundry here is expensive. You certainly must have your hands full with the added role of chauffeur. I hope next year you’ll get a much deserved rest.
….
Were Papa and Edward driving today? I might make a pun and say the wind and
the rain were driving also. It certainly is stormy up here — but very warm. We’ve been having Indian summer weather.

I suppose Kay is very busy setting up housekeeping but I do wish she’d take
enough time from the business of being in love to write once in a while to her poor
lonesome maid of honor. Have you heard from Edith since she was married? 

 

Dreamed of the Wedding Friday Night

Katherine and Allan

College Station. TX
October 22, 1925

From: Ethel (Gray) Irving, College Station, TX
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dearest Mama:

I’m not going to let another day go by without a word to you and I know you must be
wondering, not that you have a little breathing spell, what’s the matter with everyone in College Station. We are all pretty well now but I have been pretty busy with my two Donnies. Shortly after Donald recovered from his sick spell Donnie came down with quite a bad cold and Sunday he had a temperature of 102.6 degrees, which had us quite worried.

The old standby — Castor oil fixed him up pretty well though, for by Monday morning the fever was gone and since then a very runny nose and a little cough is all that disturbs him. He had been very cross and demands most of my time. I’ve been trying to keep him outdoors practically all day long, which Dr Black says is the best treatment for babie’s colds — so I’ve been getting little else done. Donald and I both have little touches of the cold but dosed up well with some of the pills Papa left us and we found them very effective. Two or three nights Donnie slept in little cat naps of ten to fifteen minutes so we were up practically all night with him.

We have had lots of rain and a “Northern” since I wrote last, and it has been
comfortably cool, about like it was last February, ever since. I wish you could have seen it rain as it did here last week. It literally came down in buckets full. It rained about eight inches in two days and filled our lake to overflowing so we look quite respectable again. The tree and foliage are greener than it has been all year. It seems good to be able to look out and see everything a pretty fresh green for a change.

I haven’t quite gotten over the shock of Katherines & Alan’s wonderful wedding
present — $10,000 is a powerful lot of money to have in your hand at once. Its lucky no fond Uncle stepped forth with anything like that for me. The shock would have been too much. I never would have lived to enjoy it. How I wished I could have been with you all Saturday. I thought enough about you and even dreamed of the wedding Friday night. I can hardly wait to hear all about it. 

 

Only An Unusually Inspiring Sermon

South Hadley, MA
March 8, 1925

From: Ruthy Gray, Mount Holyoke College
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Mama,

I thought of you and Papa a lot on last Friday which was such a beautiful day. I
imagine that with such an additional welcome you thought that New Jersey wasn’t a very bad place after all.

I did mean to write to both you and Papa while you were in Texas but I let work put
it off till I thought it was too late to reach you. It really wasn’t as I learned later from Kay that you were postponing your homecoming. I hope Papa is feeling more like his old self now and that you are all well. There has been quite a bit of measles around here but I trust I won’t get them before vacation (or after, for that matter). I have been combating bilious spells for a week or so but have been able to keep working. Some people think it is due to eyestrain, but I don’t think it is anything serious. 

 

Papa Is in a Very Delicate Condition

College Station, TX
Feb 20, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

I am hoping to have a letter from home when Donald comes in this evening. A week
from now we shall be on our way home at least as far as Houston. I believe our boat
leaves Galveston Saturday the 28th at 5 o’clock. That will be 4 o’clock with you, so you can think of us at that time. It will be good to be going home for it is a long time to be away from you all, especially from my little boy Joe. That surely was a nice present he sent to little Donald and I am sure in a little while he will be shaking it and looking at those funny faces. Little Donald has been having quite a bit of colic and that has kept his Ma and I busy, but he has been pretty good nights, all but once when his Pa didn’t get much sleep. He has two cute little hot water bottles and they help chase the colic away when we put one against his tummy and the other near his feet. He likes to drink water too and that helps.

Your pretty Valentine came, mine on Saturday and Papas on Monday. I was sorry I
hadn’t thought to send the boys some until it was too late. The days are so much alike
here it is hard to keep track of the time. We couldn’t get state room D but have E which is the same, only on the opposite side of the boat.

You will have to hold out money enough from that last February check to do you
until I get home. You will have to let even the light bill wait unless you can plan a way to pay them with out cramping the cash needs for daily expenses.

Yesterday Papa went to the hospital in Bryan for an x-ray picture of his heart. Dr
Black brought them down today. Papa is in a very delicate condition and has got to be very careful of himself, but if he is very careful he may live quite a long time yet. The Dr thought it would not hurt for him to go to Dallas early next week if he takes it very easy. So he will probably go on Monday and stay two nights and all day Tuesday to see his friends there and the business he wants to attend to. It is a six hour or more trip. He will leave here about 12 o’clock noon and arrive at Dallas about 6:35 P M and will leave Dallas for College Station coming back about 9 A M, arriving about 3 P M Wednesday. Ethel is playing cribbage with her Papa now. 

 

Captain of the Ship

College Station, TX
Feb 15, 1925

From: William A Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dear Katherine:

I have been in bed most of the time since arrival here so there isn’t much to tell you
in the line of adventure, etc. Am not feeling very fit and shall be glad to be back
with you all at 249.

Your letters telling how fine you are all getting along is very encouraging and as
Mama has probably told you we are going to delay our leaving time a week until the
28th, arriving in New York March 6th.

Tell Joe I appreciate all his good work in dressing and undressing and in fighting off
a couple of big muts, and in helping his big sister in many ways. So I am going to see if I can’t find a small watch to bring him. 

 

Papa is Getting Stronger Each Day

College Station, TX
Feb 15, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

It must be about nine o’clock now and all the Irving family are still asleep and
Grandpa Gray also. So I took advantage of the quiet and washed my hair and while it dries I will write you a short letter.

The Dr was in yesterday and he thinks every one is doing well. Ethel and baby are
gaining in strength every day. Papa is getting stronger each day too but I think the extra week here, if you can manage all right at home without me, will put him in much better shape for the journey. He wants to take a day or two to go up to Dallas, probably the end of this week so the Dr will look in about the middle of the week and look him over and decide on his fitness for the trip. I think he will be all right if he takes it easy. Every day is so much alike here, there is nothing to tell about. I told in Joe’s letter of our ride on Friday afternoon. Last night we played some five hundred “North against South,” as Pa put it. North was ahead when we stopped. 

 

My First Little Great Grandson

Ruth, Ethel, Mer (Ruth’s mother), and the first grandson.

Glen Ridge, NJ
Feb 14, 1925

From: Elizabeth (Wisner) “Mer” Barrell, % Dorothy (Barrell) Hunt, 36 Hawthorne Ave
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX

Dear Ruthy,

Your letter was received, and I was very glad to hear from you. I have been waiting
before writing again, to hear from the Holberts, and yesterday I received a letter from Grace, and I will copy what she says about Frank’s business.

“I have been going to write you for same time, to tell you of Frank’s troubles, for I
knew you would be interested, and also sorry, to hear he had to give up, after all his hard years of work. He said there was no use of trying to keep the business any longer for it hadn’t paid since the war, and he just kept putting money back in it, until he was sick and tired of it, so it had to go. He could have sold the business, but the owner of the building wanted to raise the rent 50 %, and no one would touch it. We are trying to sell our house, and then will probably live on the Pelton farm, although no definite plans have been made. Frank feels lost, and undone, but thinks he can be happy, and contented, on the Pelton farm.” 

 

Papa is Most Important

Will, 1925

College Station, TX
Feb 12, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

Your nice long letter of the 6th came today and Ethel had one from Ruthy with a
copy of the puzzle enclosed. Papa is working the puzzle now.

He has been getting up for two days now, and walked out a few minutes today. He
is feeling a little stronger each day and looks about as usual now. We still have our
reservations on the Mallory for February 21st but I think Papa is thinking of canceling them and sailing on the San Jacinto from Galveston a week later the 28th. Will write you again when all is decided. I really do not like being away from you all so long, but of course Papa is most important. We must take care of him.

What a dreadful thing that was that happened to Joe. People with dogs like that
ought to live out in the country where the beasts can do no harm. It was enough to frighten the child to death. I think Charley would have had a greater nervous shock than Joe. Let him stay home whenever it is more convenient for you. He is growing up fast enough anyway. 

 

I Wish You Could See Wee Sonny

College Station, TX
Feb 12, 1925

From: Ethel (Gray) Irving,
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

First I suppose you are very anxious to hear about Papa. Since he has been here
he has been doing nothing but resting — and now he is up and dressed, sitting here beside me reading. He is feeling very much better but not very strong yet and really the longer we can keep him here away from business and its worries the better for him.

I am feeling pretty well again, too. Yesterday I got up for a while in the afternoon
and we all had supper together for the first time after which Papa and I had a couple of games of cribbage at which he trimmed me very badly.

I wish you could see “wee sonny.” He really is adorable. I suppose you have heard
from Mama that he weighed 8 pounds and promises to be a big husky like the rest of the family, for which I am very glad since he’s a boy. Donald is quite swelled up with pride and tells everyone “the boy” is just the image of his dad. He doesn’t give me credit for a feature except the end of his nose which he says is squashed in at the end like mine. Now the end of his nose is sweet as can be so I don’t mind if it is squashed in. He has quite a bit of dark hair, enough so that I can part it on the side and he looks too dear for anything. His eyes are rather indefinite yet but I believe will be a blue, gray like Donald. Today Mama dressed him in one of the little flannel wrappers I made him, trimmed with pink featherstitching and your little booties trimmed with pink. They fit him the best of any of his boots and look perfectly adorable on him. Before Mama and Papa go home we will get him all dolled up and have him pose for his portrait so you can see just how wonderful he is. 

 

We Had a Little Excitement

Summit, NJ
Feb 6, 1925

From: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX

Dearest Mama,

I feel so lazy this afternoon that I haven’t the ambition to do anything, so I shall start
this letter. It is so warm to-day, 64 degrees by your thermometer in the bright sun. The snow is melting by gallons. I guess it must be spring fever that I have. I do hope that spring comes early this year. I saw two blue birds yesterday. I never remember seeing them before March in former years, so I’m hoping it’s a sure sign of spring.

We were so glad to hear from you yesterday, and your newsy letter has been read
and reread by all the members of the family over the reading age. It must be really
wonderful to sail the south seas o’er, especially in January. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy the latter part of your journey in comfort, as that is probably the nicest and most new to you. And now I suppose you are enjoying June weather in College Station. How I wish we could have a little of it too, but if it stays like to-day till the snow is melted, I won’t mind. I am just dying to hear all about Ethel and the new grandson and who he looks like, etc. I bet he’s a wonderful baby any way.

All are fine at home, and I manage to keep up with the routine all right. I’ve tried
various schemes in the evening and have found it almost impossible to get the youngsters in bed before our dinner, especially since the afternoons are longer and they like to play out till 5:30. Then it is about all I can do to give them their supper and prepare and serve the dinner, and then go for Billy. Now I send them up to undress by themselves while I go to the station and they play in bathrobe and slipper till I can come up after dinner and finish them. They seem to like doing it and it gives me more time. 

 

Now “Grandma Gray”

College Station, TX
Feb 4, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Kent Pl Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

Here am I sitting in Ethel’s pretty living room writing on the old walnut table. We
went to the hospital right after breakfast this morning to pay our respects to your young nephew. He is a husky young Texan, and behaved beautifully during our visit. Ethel looked well and seemed her usual jolly self. Dr Black says she is doing fine and she had a fine boy. He weighed eight lbs. Donald met us at the station with the good news when we arrived at 12.15 last night. Donald looks fine too. His extra weight has only improved his appearance. I think Ethel will be able to come home in a few days and then my hands will be full indeed and I may not write so often, but will have lots to tell in detail when I get home again.

I had Papa go to Dr Black with Donald this morning for a thorough examination, as
he had not been feeling so well the last two days of our sail and had not slept much for three nights, seeming to get all choked up as soon as he would lie down. Dr gave him some medicine and advised him to stay in bed for two days for a complete rest. So I put him to bed about noon and in the complete quiet of this house and the lovely balmy summer air he has been resting and napping most of the afternoon. I hope the two weeks here will do much for him. The Dr thinks it is his heart which has caused the trouble in his stomach too. He will need to be very careful for a long time. The strain of the past two years has nearly worn him out. 

 

I Wish I Had Ozma’s Glass

On steamship
Feb 3, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, enroute to Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Kent Pl Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

I suppose you have received my letter mailed at Key West telling of the first part of
our trip. Since then we have had several varieties of weather. Sunday was a perfect day, so mild, I sat on deck, even in the evening in my summer silk with comfort. Yesterday evening or rather in the afternoon we ran into a shower or two and had heavy wind all the evening. This morning we have not seen the sun yet but the sea is calm. I understand we will not get to Galveston until three o’clock P M. We had booked up trains and find we can leave Galveston for Houston at 6 o’clock P M and then from Houston about 9:30 P M for College Station where we are to arrive at 12:12 midnight. Failing that we would have to stop overnight at Houston and arrive at College Station about noon the next day.

It is strange to be long away from you all and not be able to hear from you. We
heard this morning that you had a 15 inch fall of snow on last Thursday. You must be
about buried by this time, but I suppose the shovels and plows have cut the main roads out again long before this. 

 

You Are a Wonderful Girl to Undertake So Much

Charlie and Joe in 1925

On steamship
Jan 31, 1925

From: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, enroute to Donald Irving, College Station, TX
To: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Katherine:

We have been enjoying a perfect June day. It is now nearly 8:30 P M and it is nearly gone as all good things go. I have been dressed just as I would for midsummer sitting out on deck in a steamer chair.

It seems ages since we left N Y in a zero temperature. Soon after leaving N Y bay following along the Jersey coast but not in sight of it, we began to feel the breakers and the motion soon disturbed me to the extent of relieving me of my lunch. I attempted a light supper, but no use. So I retired to my berth and as we advanced we came into a storm and the boar surely did rock and toss — and all day Thursday it grew worse and worse, so I staid in my berth and lived on nibbles of fruit from a luscious basketful presented us by Mr Fuller. We had another large basket from the office of Gray Envelope Company, which we are hoping to preserve for Ethel. Papa with his delicate stomach was a good seaman through it all and ate at every meal. 

 

All Is OK at Headquarters

Katherine in 1925

(Will and Ruth are visiting daughter Ethel and her husband Don in Texas, for the arrival of their first grandchild. I will post several letters between them and the kids, as they describe a lot of what is going on for Will and Ruth during this time period.)

Summit, NJ
Jan 30, 1925

From: Katherine Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % Donald Irving, College Station, TX

Dearest Mama,

Just a few lines to let you know that all is OK at headquarters. I have just left Joe at
school for the first time this week. He is such a slow-poke that I hadn’t been able to get him ready in time before today. The five brothers are all on perfect behavior (for them). Ed seems to feel more responsible and more grown up, and Jack of course the usual willing plodder, while the two small ones have been very good. Last night Billy and Eds did all the dishes together for me as a surprise. I’ve succeeded so far in getting the children to bed early, and when Billy doesn’t some home (which is every other night) we all have dinner together at six, and I’m all through my work at 7:30.

You and Papa missed another young blizzard yesterday. It was dark and cloudy in
the morning and started snowing a little before noon. The snow lasted until night, when it turned to rain and sleet, freezing as it landed. So this morning we woke up to find ourselves ice-bound. It is a beautiful silver world as I look out now. The sky is a clear blue with an occasional fluffy white cloud and the whole landscape sparkles as though it was covered with diamond mesh. I suppose you are looking out on a scene just as beautiful but very different.

I just had a call from Wilberta who is in Summit. She is also anxious to hear the
news from College Station. She asked me to send my love to you and all the Irvings at
College Station. 

 

Snatching a Few Moments

Potsdam, NY
Oct 28, 1924

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dearest Ruthy:

We arrived safely half an hour ago. I say we, because I picked up three other
fellows on the train for the same party. Mr Glassey, J E Linde Paper Co (Env Dept), Ed
Austin, paper dealer, N Y, and a Mr Weaver of Philadelphia.

The day is fine and warm, and walking up the trail will be arduous with too much
clothes.

Am snatching a few moments to pen this note and the crowd is waiting, so will
have to stop. Much love to all and an extra amount to your own dear self.

As always

Your
Will

P S Your note hasn’t arrived as yet. May come in before we go to camp after
lunch. Will look for it.
W A G

 

I Wish It Were a Family Camping Party

Cass, WV
Sept 20, 1924

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dear Ruthy:

Taking it easy over the 7 Alleghenian from Stanton, we arrived here last evening.
The trip over the mountains is a succession of magnificent views.

Jasper Mathew’s wife is ill and as we came here to be his guests, find he is in no
position to entertain us. We are rooming over his office and taking meals in the town
restaurant.

It looks now as if we won’t get back to Summit until about Thursday or Friday of next week, much as I feel that I should get home sooner. We will probably leave here Monday morning and may spend one night on Cheat Mountain and then 3 days to get home which means arriving Thursday or Friday. 

 

A Fine Trip So Far

Fort Defiance, VA
Sept 18, 1924

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dear Ruthy:

Just a few lines to say we are at the Augusta Military Academy, 9 miles north of
Stanton and near this village, Fort Defiance. Put up here last night after running down to Stanton and looking over points of interest among them being birthplace of Woodrow Wilson. Slept in the barracks last night as guests and partook of the regular mess for supper and breakfast. Mr M expects his brother here this afternoon and we will journey back to Cass with him over the mountains.

It has been a fine trip so far, not much driving for me as I have been making Mr M
drive and I have been looking on most of the time. Then we have had plenty of sleep which helps a lot. 

 

Gettysburg

Will relaxing

Middletown, VA
Sept 16, 1924

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Here we are settled for the night at this place a few miles south of Winchester, enroute to Stanton. Didn’t make so much mileage today as yesterday, having driven 21 miles around the battlefield at Gettysburg and not getting away from there until nearly noon today. Gettysburg is a most interesting place and we must familiarize ourselves with the history of the battle preparatory to spending a full day going over the ground. I noticed a particularly fine camping site just off the road to Chambersburg and right at the battlefield. There was a fine grove of trees and a babbling brook — nothing more to be desired — Gettysburg can be made in one day from Summit because the roads are fine all the way, not a bad stretch any where.

One day at the field and 1 day to return. Perhaps we can get it in this fall.

All the country covered during the two days ride has been most interesting and varied. You wouldn’t want for anything finer. This afternoon we struck the Blue Mountains of Maryland, or is it South Pennsylvania. Then a long flat valley from Hagerstown to Winchester. Now, I believe we are in the Shenandoah Valley.

I drove a good part of the way yesterday and none today, which accounts for the difference in mileage. Of course Mr M is doing pretty well for a beginner, but it is pretty monotonous for an old timer to sit beside a novice all day. Then the car — after the 100 and odd miles covered today I find my back about ready to break in two. The Dodge is a lemon for touring, no power on hills and overheats at slightest provocation. I have no use for any gas car touring after my experience with Stanley. The gas cars all tire me out, but the Dodge is the worst I was ever in. 

 

Camping at Lake Champlain, 1924

Ed, Katherine, Joe, Charlie, Billy, Will

Will, Joe, Ed, Charlie

Joe

Ed, Billy, Charlie, Katherine, Jack, Ruthy, Ruth, Joe

Mer, Katherine, Charlie, Will

Joe, Willl, and Ruth

 

If It Went Up Instead of Down

Buffalo, NY
June 23, 1923

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

My dearest Ruthy:

Where I start for I usually arrive — sometimes early, sometimes late, but this time
arrove on time. Met Fred Smith and his son Edgar on the train and we had breakfast
together at Buffalo. Arrived here about 9:15 A M D L savings time.

It is the same old Niagara — the falls still pouring down in mighty volume. I hear that
a certain farmer seeing the falls for the first time remarked that there was nothing
wonderful in all that water coming over a precipice but that it would strike him as
extraordinary if it went up instead of down.

In the middle of the morning for want of something better to do, we took the belt line trolley ride — down the rapids on the Canadian side to Lewiston and then back on themAmerican side. This trip takes about 2 to 3 hours, according to the number of side shows you take in.

Returning to the Hotel found another member, Howard Jones of Baltimore and he
wanted to take the “Maid of the West” boat ride so we walked over to the United States and made the trip. This is an interesting feature of a visit here. You go abroad the boat, leave your hat in the cabin and put on a long rubber coat and hat. Then you sail close up to the falls and for a short time become immersed in a gentle rain.

Coming back from Niagara Falls, USA, we had our pictures took, one of which I
enclose herewith.

Wish I could have you all along, then it would be real fun, but alone, not especially
interesting. 

 

Someday We’ll Do It

Rochester, NY
June 20, 1923

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

The Niagara leg of our trip is completed and the second begun. Was disappointed
not to hear from you this morning before leaving the Clifton — which was about noon.

Didn’t write you yesterday, but it was perfect in weather and entertainment. Spent the day at Lewiston — Niagara Country Club about 10 miles from the falls on the New York side, returning to the hotel about midnight. About noon we checked out and went again to the country club for lunch, coming direct from it.

Bert Oles and his son drove from Battunore in one day — over 400 miles in a Lincoln
— 5 passenger touring and I drove with them from the Niagara club over 80 miles in 2 ½ hours over fine roads. We are here ahead of the crowd coming by train. Mr Oles’ 17 year old son drives the car and at one time he had it moving at 75 miles per hour, but for most of the trip ran along at 45 to 50.

Oles is taking his car on the boat tonight and intends to drive all the way to
Groveton, NH, then back to Battunore. I may ride with him, if it doesn’t consume too much time.

I am trying to scribble this note under difficulties and cannot make it very long. 

 

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada
June 18, 1923

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My dearest Ruthy:

It is 11:45 P. M. and just a line to tell you I have survived another day and hope you
are the same.

The festivities of the evening lasted until now, consisting of the usual family dinner
at 7 o’clock, then on invitation of the International Paper Co., a visit to their mill at Niagara Falls, U. S. A., after which they served a collation at a hotel and here I am, the day spent, my stomach full. 

 

Typical Country Town

Will and son Billy, taken at the time of this trip.

Potsdam, NY
Oct 21, 1922

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Visited the Raquette River Mill this morning and Billy saw for the first time the
coarse paper making process.

We returned to this place, a 2nd rate hotel, for lunch, and then attended a football
game between the local college and a team from Niagara. The home team won.

This is a typical country town on the order of Summit in its business centre and
without, of course, Summit’s residential sections. The main street is broad and well lighted and most of the streets I’ve seen are lined with large elms.

We are waiting for dinner and after that we are to go to the club and indulge in pool
or billiards or sit around as we elect. 

 

A Letter from Ruthy Junior

Worcester, MA
August 19, 1922

From: Ruthy Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

Dear Mama:

Just got out of bed and thought I would like to write to you. Mercy! the clock on the
city hall which I can see from the window says only 25 minutes past seven and I thought it was about nine o’clock. Aunt Martha just sat up and asked what time it was. When I told her she almost had a fit — said I woke her up by creaking the chair — she thought it was a mouse — she is so scared of bugs and mice that she has to pull her bed away from the wall every night. However I told her I was going to take a bath and that she could sleep longer so she flopped back again. Her idea was breakfast in bed at about lunch time. Papa and Uncle Bob have to leave early for appointments. I just heard Papa whistling Kalooha (I don’t know how to spell it) in the next room which makes it seem homelike. We have lovely front rooms on the fifth floor, with adjoining baths. The hotel is right in the center of Worcester facing the park or square with the city hall to our left. I love the New England towns and cities. They’re so clean and comfortable and picturesque. We had a lovely ride with especially pretty scenery from Hartford to this place. 

 

A Moment Upon Arrival

Worcester, MA
Aug 18, 1922

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

My Dearest Ruth:

I must take a moment upon arrival to tell you we are here at 7:30 PM. The trip was
comfortable while we were moving but hot and sultry when we stopped.

Bob and Martha rode in front and Ruthy and I in rear.

We are located in 2 lovely rooms in this hotel and I hope to have a comfortable
night.

Much love and many hugs and kisses to the best of all sweethearts, and also the
usual for all the others.

As Always,

Your
Will

 

Sometime Some Day

Joe and Charlie

Kansas City, MO
Oct 11, 1921

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Arrived here Saturday A M on time and there has been so much doing that I have
not had an opportunity to write you.

Lawrence Smith was at the hotel awaiting us and after breakfast took us all to the
Hillcrest Club 9 miles from the center. Played golf all day and did not get back here until well into the night and had no more than enough energy left than to roll into bed. Sunday morning saw us on our way to the club again at 8:30 and we had another big day. The weather both days has been ideal, and the rolling country here is very beautiful. The meadow larks on the course kept up an incessant song.

Last night was worse than Saturday. Several parties and no chance to get away
until midnight. So this morning I am feeling first rate but a few rations behind on sleep. It is 10:30 now and time for our first business meeting, so I will have to curtail my letter, altho I’d like to write you a nice long one, in reply to the nice note I received from you yesterday. 

 

Hurrah for Ruthy Junior

Ruthy Junior

New York, NY
July 11, 1921

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % R W Barrell, 4164 Botanical Ave, St Louis, MO

My Dearest Ruthy:

I have been writing you a little note at this time mornings, since you deserted me,
but as I mailed a letter written last evening containing most of the worth while news to the end of yesterday, there is not much to record this morning but having gotten the habit, I am going to go through with it.

The night was comfortable, am sleeping fine, especially when the clock struck 6:45
and I knew I had to jump and hustle for my train. Joe did not wake much earlier and
Katherine got up about the same time I did so Joe had a 7:15 bottle.

Breakfast, prepared by sleepy but efficient Ethel, put away. Billy tumbled down
stairs at 7:45 and took me to the station. I stopped at the Post Office and P M Baldwin
handed me your letter written the evening of your arrival. Was glad to have this little note to start the day with and will be still gladder when Joe and I on Saturday next point the nose of the old Lincoln toward the station where you will arrive.

“This is Ruthy, jrs 17th birthday. Hurrah for Ruthy. May she live long — happily and
prosper.”

I didn’t hear anything suggested, but I presume there will be some sort of a birthday
party this evening, and maybe cake and ice cream. 

 

One of the Finest Rides in My Recollection

 

Mama Chu Chu

The Good Maxwell, 1921

New York, NY
July 8, 1921

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % R W Barrell, 4164 Botanical Ave, St Louis, MO

My Dearest Ruthy:

Meeting me at station last evening, Ethel told me of your wire announcing safe
arrival on time. Yesterday was one of the hottest. I hope you find it no worse in St Louis.

After a “shower” and a light meal topped with home made “peach ice cream,” I felt tolerably cool. Stayed in all evening retiring about 10. Joe is in good health. He slept well last night and didn’t disturb any one. This morning Billy did not turn out in time, so I drove the Maxwell to Summit with Edward, leaving him in the car until Billy walked after it. Edward had his breakfast with me. I had a grouch on this morning, it being most awfully hot. I prepared to put on my Palm Beach suit only to find that some well meaning individual had sent the new trousers and the coat of the old suit to the tailors to be cleaned. So I had to don a wool suit. Outside of that, everything is OK.

Edward returned from his camping trip yesterday morning. Said they got up at 5 AM and made their own breakfast consisting of puffed rice, cocoa, bread & butter. 

 

An Account of the Doings

Ed, Charlie, Ruth, Joe, and Jack in 1921.

New York, NY
July 7, 1921

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, % R. W. Barrell, 4164 Botanical Ave, St Louis, MO

My dearest Ruthy:

It is 11 o’clock here, but only 9 where you are, rolling across somewhere in Indiana
or Illinois. I hope the night went well with you — that it was not too hot for comfortable sleeping, and that you are feeling fit. Charlie no doubt, with all the attention lavished on him, that you have had to divide with nine when you are at home, is having the time of his life.

The first night of your absence passed very smoothly. Of course we all missed you
a lot but everybody tried their best to fill the gap. I motored home from Newark arriving about 6:30 and found dinner ready. Joe was having milk-toast in the kitchen. After dinner, and a very good dinner it was, topped off with lemon pie, we all loaded into the Lincoln and drove over favorite roads until near nine. Joe fell asleep before we returned and arriving home settled down like a kitten and woke up this morning at twenty minutes to seven. 

 

Far Away Washington

Washington, DC
May 8, 1921 (Mother’s Day)

From: William A Gray
To: Ruth (Barrell) Gray, 249 Boulevard, Summit, NJ

My Dearest Ruthy:

Arrived here long enough ago (now 11:30 Eastern time) to unpack and get into
pajamas and fill a pipe. Didn’t expect to stop at this hotel, but was turned down at Army & Navy Club, on account of no vacant rooms and this place is only a block away. Have a very nice room on top floor with “twin beds,” bureau, cheffonier, etc, etc.

Will probably be here long enough to get your letter by return mail.

Alone in this room in what seems “far away Washington” is quite a contrast to my
surroundings at dinner today. I might stand this for a little while, but not long.