Laygacy

Monday Afternoon [14 July 1914]

2011-07-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

My darling Husband,

How I would love to love you this very evening, and believe me, I could play that part fine. This time when you come, it will be the 2^nd act. Ha! Ha! With Bobby White and Marguerite Rand as best man and leading lady. I hope with a few rehearsals, they will play their parts better. Don’t you, dearest?

In fact, I am quite sure they will. But in all probability, it will take a few months to get it down pat. Ha! Ha! But when they do, Oh! There are going to be some good times sometime. So cheer up peaches and cream.

Honey bunch, be sure and come right home (here). You know where one of your homes is don’t you dearest? 311 N. Franklin St. I don’t want you to go to your uncle’s first, but you may call on them while you are in the city, but don’t stay there but one day. Come to me first. Mamma was saying last night that she didn’t want us to meet in the yard as if I happened to be in the swing and saw you. I would yell and attract attention then fly to you and we would both forget others were living in the neighborhood.—I suppose it is about 100 miles to Columbia, tho’ that is only a guess. I don’t know the population, but we will talk about and find out about every place we can when you come. I wish we could locate in Kansas City, Mo., but if you can’t now, perhaps you can later. That picture is a dandy thank you. But I don’t think you belong in any such place.

Ellen Sangster Griggs is here visiting, so I’ll not write very much. You and I can talk better anyway. The letters I rec’d today were great. I am sure the paper was alright—just so I hear from my darling boy. That is what I want.
Your loving wife,
Clara

Sunday [July 13, 1913]

2011-05-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear husband:--
I wish you were here today. I was out in the swing all morning. Did not go out on any expeditions as we didi last Sun. morning.

The Selby kids are practicing hymns. It would be a good idea if their mother would practice a few, but she knows how to inquire about Hims Ha! Ha!

Mamma and I went over to see Mrs. Uetz last night. She isn't any better, but she asked about Dr. Lay. She said she liked you so well. You must send some word to her in my letters. She said to tell you to come back, but she said, "I don't want him to take you away. I am afraid he will, won't he?" I told her no, you wouldn't; that when you came back it would be on a visit. We must go over a few minutes some eve. when you come. It will do her a world of good.

So many here were sick this past week, so I guess I wasn't the only one. Mamma was sick last night, but she is alright today.

I wonder what Pearl will say when she writes to you.

It seems terrible for your father not to know it, but there is so many children there, that I am afraid that they would write to everyone they knew here. Aren't you? If you come soon, we will announce it then we won't have to be careful. Have you decided sure that you can come? I do hope so, but you know best.

Mamma said all of the osteo's had a right to come to the convention as the "Old Dr." is not likely to be here if they should ever meet here again. They are coming from far and near. A great many are here now; came early to avoid the rush Ha! Ha! and, I suppose, take a few weeks vacation--when it stormed so here the other eve. I wished for you dearest. I felt as tho' the lightning couldn't strike me if I were in your arms. Really, isn't it wonderful the protection a husband is to his wife in so many ways. A woman is so much more dependant than a man. Don't you think so honey?

This is all of this part of my letter. Here are a dozen XXXXXXXXXXXX's

Your loving wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

Saturday [July 12, 1913]

2009-10-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

I received your sweet letters yesterday and today, and read them more than once. It would be impossible to get along without them, as it is almost impossible for me to get along without my darling husband.

I am hoping to have you with me for a couple of weeks before very long. I’ll be simply delighted to have you. Hope you get along well with the Kans. Dr.

Of course it was alright to confide in Pearl, as she was a friend of yours when you were a kid. I just imagine you’ll get this letter on your birthday, so accept all kinds of congratulations. To think, you are 21 now—old enough to vote. Ha! Ha!

I am feeling much better than I did earlier in the week. Think I’ll be feeling fine by tomorrow, then if you would only be here tomorrow night, wouldn’t it be great? I’d love to love you. Would you object, honey?

If you have forgotten what the message of the violet is, I’ll tell you. “I love you, I love you, and my heart’s true blue.”

I am so thankful that the fire didn’t reach your office dear, but it surely came closer than I want it to come any more. You know I have been having a presentment about you and fires, and it worried me so much, so really believe this is what was going to happen and that you would be in danger. Don’t you think that must have been the reason?

Papa likes you. In fact, I believe you are the only boy I went with that he likes, and mother like you also. Of course, Daddy is a little childish and no one must pay attention to things he says sometime. We may be worse if we live to be as old as he is. But you surely mad e a hit with him, as I think he likes your style, then your uncle said so many nice things about you, and amongst the rest that you had no bad habits and weren’t lazy. And that surely made Papa think you were the proper kind of boy for me. Of course, he would rather I had never married, but I knew I would not be happy later. And when you came into my life, I was absolutely certain I’d be happier with you and unhappy without you. So, as you thought the same (I suppose Ha! Ha!) that is how it all happened and I’m very glad that it did, as I think and hope it will prove to be better for both of us. It was so sweet of you speaking of Papa and Mamma needing our attention. It made me feel as tho’ I was not so much alone as I might have been, especially if I should live longer than they do, which, of course, no one knows, but if I did, and it wasn’t for you, I would be alone in the world. So, darling, can’t you see what you mean to me? You might say everything. But I mustn’t worship you, as we are told not to have other gods or idols; must worship but the one God, but I come as near as is possible worshiping you, honey.

This is all for the present.

Lovingly,
Clara Gibson Lay

Thursday [July 10, 1913]

2009-09-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

I didn’t receive any word from you to-day, but will pardon you, as I enjoyed the messages I rec’d yesterday, and I know once in a while it is alright for you to take a day off to write someone else, as you mustn’t neglect your writing to your father, and dropping a card occasionally to Lester, your grandmother, and your other uncles.

I hope your sisters get along alright when they are confined, anyway, it is always dangerous. Your sister is so young that was married last fall. Too bad they couldn’t have been careful for a few years. Don’t you think so honey? So you are too old to marry. Well, well, I didn’t know that you had joined the ranks of the Bachelor Boys, dear. Now isn’t it a shame that you can never be a bachelor, nor I an ancient peach, tho’ I feel like I was a blue dameon plum at present-- Ha! Ha!-- though I feel better today than I did yesterday. I went with Papa out for a drive for about an hour this morning. The weather was more pleasant than last night and this morning. And I got a good night’s rest last night. I just imagine you enjoy hearing all that, but you know I have to fight malaria every year from this time on for several weeks.

I ‘phoned your aunt and she said her father was some better and that Lester had rec’d a card from the Dr.

Do you like Harrison any better by this time?

I was so amused at Papa the other day. I don’t remember of writing to you about it. He said that maybe

After you had been away a while, had the experience, and had seen how things were in other places that you would reconsider and decide to come closer here. You know I had told him about you having to treat for a dollar a treatment. I think he is like I am. If you treat for you had better be nearer here for a good many reasons. The car-fare alone would am’t to considerable in a year. As the climate there is not what I would consider the best, if you get a chance to sell out, do so. Isn’t that what you think best? I’d love to have you nearer here, at least for a few years. Then if you heard of a good opening someplace west, try it. I asked if you know how many there were in Mobesby, didn’t I? And Columbia? You know I heard that would be a good place for another osteopath. Of course, oftentimes it is guesswork, but C. C. Howard, formerly the editor of the Daily Express here, lived in Columbia for some time, and that was his idea that another would do alright there.

Oh! Honey, I wish you were here. I’d love to love you this very minute, and for about 24 hrs, straight ahead. You know what that means, don’t you dear? That we would go to sleep in each other arms. Won’t that be glorious when we do have that golden opportunity?

Your loving wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

Honey, I wasn’t planning to do anything but love you when you came. Mamma thinks there would be no stopping place here for us just to send the announcements out of town—except your aunt and uncle and Ray.

We will have to leave the at-home cards out if you haven’t decided sure what you are going to do in the next two weeks. If we do, sending it out of town, each one will think it was an accident.

Wednesday Evening [July 9 1913]

2009-09-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

The first thing I shall do is ask you to pardon a letter written with a pencil, as I am writing out in the swing. I enjoyed your letters so much, and the card was great. So glad you have been so thoughtful as to secure a safe for the kisses. I sure want you to save them all, unless you give Pauline one occasionally.

I am so glad dear that you didn’t join those naughty boys who went to the Yancy-house. My own sweetheart has higher ideals than that. Remember I trust you and always have confidence in you wherever you may be.

Dearest, I have been sick yesterday and today, but I don’t worry, it is just my time to feel miserable, and I have felt worse than usual this time as I had a few other troubles. This is the first I have been up to stay today, and it is about six o’clock. You might know that I wished for you, but really, we would have a much better time if I was feeling good, which I hope to be soon.

Sure, that will be fine for us to have your office in our home, won’t it honey? We are going to have to make up for this time we are losing sometime in the future.

I know you will pardon this attempt at a letter, as I don’t feel like doing better. I haven’t been helping Mamma any to-day or yesterday, but I hope to to-morrow.

Lovingly,
Clara

Papa and Mamma send love to you

July 7th 1913

2009-08-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dr. T.H. Lay
Harrison, Ark.

Dear Husband:--
Doesn’t that look formal? Ha! Ha! There would be some informal loving going on if you were here. I wish you were this very minute.

I hope you get that Kans. Dr. In the notion of coming to Harrison so you can sell out to him, and not be out any for the trip and the time you have spent there. Be sure and count everything in your sale price. Ha! Ha! So you won’t be the loser. I am so anxious to see you. Hope you are here in a few weeks. I’ll be disappointed if you aren’t. I wonder how many osteopaths there are in Mobesby. I wish you could come someplace that close. Wouldn’t it be great? Sweetheart, all you can do is keep trying till you find a place that suits you best. No one can ever tell till they try, Can they dearest? But you will get along beautifully when you find the right location. And I hope it will be near here, as Papa is going to have a spell if I go very far away for all the time. He has been worrying a great deal the past few weeks, and Mamma said she believed he was getting worse instead of better as the weeks passed. Of course, he realizes his age and will miss me more than if he were in business or had other children. You could have for a good excuse to give the Kans. Dr. for leaving Ark. That you were married just when school closed, and your wife’s parents were getting along in years. And at the present time she didn’t want to go that far away from them. Wouldn’t that be O.K.? --Dear, I neglect all of my correspondence for you. But you know that I think of you best of all. I must write to Mrs. Howerton to-morrow. And, as I also have a pupil and we will have to iron in the morning, I’ll not write to you till Wednesday. But I am sure breaking the record writing so many letters to you. But then you know, honey, I don’t want you to forget you are married. Ha! Ha! As if you would. But you know I love to jolly you once in a while*I sure had a good laugh about the covered wagons. It must be laughable.

Dr. Collins from El Paso was here a few days last week. Mr. Griggs is here visiting and having some dental work done. I haven’t talked to her yet, only over the ‘phone. Some time she’ll be shocked. You remember they were the bride and groom we had so much fun with last fall. Oh, Honey, I am glad we had fun all by ourselves, didn’t we? That is the best way, isn’t it dearie? And we will have some more fun some time buy say; some of it wasn’t so funny for me. Understand? But the most of it was, and the rest will be sometime, but it takes time. Doesn’t it? I am sure I know enough to keep still and not tell other girls what some of my married friends told me. But I am really glad they did so we would know it was nothing out of the ordinary. Ha! Ha!

I am hoping to see you real soon, and the way we will love each other will not be slow. Will it snooky-odd-lums?

Is Pauline coming to her grandma’s with you, and are her sisters coing? *Papa and Mamma send love to their son.

Won’t your sister have 6 fits within the next few months, as well as about 100 others or more.

Lovingly,
Clara

Thanks for the kisses. I wish they were real.

Sunday Afternoon [July 6th 1913]

2009-08-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Dear husband:--

This is a glorious day, but it would be still better if you were here dear. It has been so pleasant today, and we enjoy it after so many hot days. But it is getting much warmer this afternoon.

This morning Anna and I started out for a drive and we passed Louie Burk and he was going to his brother’s for John Selby, his nephew, two years old so we took him in and went to Selby’s for the baby, just on purpose for Mrs. S to have some more gossip. Louie wanted to drive by Young’s so that they could see the baby, so we did, and Harve came out and Louie introduced him to me and forgot that Anna didn’t know him. So, when he went in the house, I introduced her. Harve said, "Is this Miss Clara Gibson?" Of course, I had to say yes. Then he said, "I have heard of you quite often. I have heard my sister speak of you and also Dr. Lay. By the way, we heard Dr. Lay was married." I acted very much surprised and asked to whom you were married. He said, "Anyone would naturally suppose he would marry the girl he was going with the most."

I told him that you often heard of a couple being together frequently and then one suddenly marrying someone else, and he admitted that was true. I told him that I sincerely hoped you weren’t married or going to marry, as I enjoyed having you call when you were in the city. Then we said good-bye to him and left Louie in the house, but he ran to the door and yelled for me so loud that I stopped about two blocks away to avoid excitement. They he came carrying the baby. I think he takes after his grand-mother. His is so heavy and he carried him so awkward, just like an old cat with a kitten. Louie sure thinks you are just right. Sounded your praises to best the band.

How I wish you were here today. I’d give peaches and a big mellow apple to see the ideal of my dreams, and we would love each other in the same old way. Wouldn’t we honey?

I’d never tire of loving you. Could you say the same? True Love, I believe you could, and that is what makes me so happy thinking of you and the love we have for each other and the billions of kisses you told me you had stored away for me. I am longing to have you near me all the time, but I am doing the best I can to make the moments pass quickly till we meet.

Ruth Selby (ten yrs. Old) was over at Anna’s the eve of the 4th. Opal was there. Ruth said, "Wonder where that fellow is that used to be over at Clara’s so much. He was just there morning noon and night. What was his name?" Opal said Smith. Ruth didn’t think that sounded like the name that Mrs. Fleak told mama. Opal said Jones. "No that’s not it, but I don’t believe he’s here yet.1 Opal said 1yes, he’s here" and Mamma told her that she didn’t know. Aren’t they frights?

Are you rested from your trip yet, dear? I hope so, and that you are feeling fine. I wish there weren’t so many miles between you and I this afternoon, but I’ll try not to think of it. Sundays are the hardest for me to get through with. But, honey, there is a good time coming and we must think of that and forget the desolate present while we are living apart. I have written several pages, so will close.

Your loving wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

Saturday, July 5th 1913

2009-08-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

My Darling Husband:--

I rec’d your letter this a.m., and I sure enjoyed every word of it. Sweetheart, you did not tell me if you passed the State Board exams and got your certificate, but I feel quite sure that you did, as you said the exams were reasonable. Thanks for the badge. I kissed it when I took it out of the envelope because I knew that you had touched it and perhaps had worn it over your heart that is not all yours any more, but part mine. Honey, do you realize that part of your heart belongs to someone else? I’d love so much to have you with me this evening. That happy week that sailed so quickly by… I wonder if there will be another something like it sometime soon. I hope so. While I miss you, still, I feel a contentment I had never felt before since I have been your wife. And dearest, I hope you feel the same. But I am quite sure you do, as I can judge by your dear letters. They mean so much to me, and if it were not for them, I could not stand the thought of the many miles that are between us. The thought of us being together sometime, for all the time, seems almost too good to be true.

Who were the classmates you met? --Lester ‘phoned this a.m. to ask about you, and your aunt this afternoon. The reason they aren’t writing is because your aunt’s father is very ill, they told me to tell you again, and that he had lost his mind.

How are your patients? Chas. Wm. is such a fatherly boy. He wants every colt [filly] he sees. Papa and I were out riding yesterday morning, and the way he would nicker for every [filly] he saw was a fright. You would have thought that he was the mother of them. I was holding him in front of the Palace Bakery, and Papa was in the bakery and a [filly] passed and he liked to had a fit over it, he wanted to play with her so badly. And the poor thing, just think, he never can have a [filly]. I wonder if Bobby can. Ha! Ha! I hope not for a few years. Ha! Ha!

Wilson came along, in front of the bakery and stopped to talk, the little pee wee, and said, "Did you say you were going to take me some place in the swing?" I told him I was waiting for my father. So then he jabbered a little more and moved on.

How did you get along in the parade? Fine, I hope. I haven’t seen Louie lately, but I imagine he will graduate about next Feb. Don’t you? Mamma and I have finished reading Maurine. It is real good; a sad, sweet love story.

Everything was quiet along the Patomic here yesterday, except the report of a few fire crackers and the commotion of the people who left on the various trains to celebrate someplace else. I think we would have gone someplace if it wasn’t so piping hot. But of course, 4th of July weather can’t often be depended upon to produce many shivers.

I hope I get a long letter from you Monday.

With Best Love
Your loving wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

If you were here, you may be sure my hand would be about you someplace. 1st around your neck, next, let me see… Well you might guess where it would be.

P.S. You might give Bobby his etiquette lesson so he can teach Marguerite, as she is so queer and backward and easily hurt, which is no joke. Ha! Ha!

Sure I notice the little v’s [L’s?]. Wonder if anyone else does.

Thursday [July 3 1913]

2008-10-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Dear husband:--

I rec'd your card this morning and I was glad to know you were o.k. Hope the State Board wasn't hard for you. You will want to take the Mo. State Board next year. Won't you, dear?

Hope I receive a long letter from you Sat. morn.

Be careful about getting overheated. This kind of weather you are bubblinng over with energy and you might boil over if you were to be in the sun too much or exert yourself too much these afternoons.

Eleanor McLeod said where she lived, in Montana, it was alway pleasant. They get the breeze fromthe snow on the mts. And she said there was so many pine trees there. I think her husband graduated about two or three years ago from the A.S.O.

We had a sweet letter from Mrs. Keiningham [sp?]. She is in a way discouraged, as the Dr. she was expecting to practice with has not kept his word in many ways, she was telling us. So he may feel as tho' he was hard hit as I don't imagine he had made arrangements for the wherewithall to start an office by himself, as he was depending on the Tampa Dr. [Doctor]. I am sorry for them but, dear, we have troubles of our own, havent we? without borrowing someone else's. Buit still you can see what a disappointment it ahs been to them, as of course, they will have to be separated just that much longer as she is in Virginia. She asked about Dr. Lay and hoped he had found a good location.

Honey, you and I should be the Doll Parade that I noticed on the Harrison 4th program. It will be a good program, I imagine. But don't you get overheated in the face where shoes are mixed. Ha! Ha! Remember you belong either in the Doll or the Flower Parade. Do you recall the time we were talking about the Banquet and I said your face looked so rosy when I was talking about you that you looked like a peony or a poppy. And you, little scamp, said, "I didn't know I looked like a poppy." Then I felt like going through the floor because when you daid that, I realized how it sounded dreadful, Yes? No. Well, after all, "all's well that ends well." If you were in the Flower Parade you might sing "I love, I love, I love you said the poppy to the pink. You are the sweetest flower that grows, I think." Also the message of the violet and the red, red rose.

Mamma had a letter from Aunt Bettie Lyon. She wanted to know how the Dr. was and said she injoyed here visit here. Think she thought you were just about right.

How soon will you know if you can come this summer? I wish you were her for tomorrow. We would sure celebrate by loving each other as much as the other could stand. Wouldn't we, honey? But we would wish for a cool breeze between love spasms, as we might smother in each others arms.--- I have written quite a letter, so I shall close and go find a cool breeze in a shady nook. If you were only here to be with me.

With best love,
Clara

Wednesday [July 2, 1913]

2008-10-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

I just called A.S.O Journal office and Blanche Jones said that the convention was from the fourth till the 8th of August, so if you can come, plan to leave the 30th of July. If Mr. H-- sends the children with you it would be such an acommodation for him so he wouldn't loose time from his business and his fare both ways that I should think he would consider it no more than right to settle for your fare one way. The reason I want you to start from there the 30th if you can come is because about the 8th of Aug. I am liable to be_____. So we could have a more pleasant time if you could come earlier. Maybe it would suit Mr H-- better if you care to come earlier, on account of getting someone to stay with the children there. Maybe you could arrange to come the 28th, that is, leave there at that time and get there the 30th.. you know I'd love so much to see you, but you must do as you think best.

Nothing sensational has happened here lately for me to write about. Honey, kid, I wished for you last evening when the band was playing. Remember when the band played "Home Sweet Home" and the "flower song?" Maybe they will play those same two pieces again sometime when we same two kids are together for all the time.

I hope your patients are improving.--I haven't ordered the announcements engraved yet, because sometimes you speak as tho' you would not be in Harrison longer than fall. Wnlighten me on this suject, honey, because if we weren't going to be there at least a while (few months), I wouldn't want it on the announcements.

I saw in the paper how Mrs. Selby had gone to Quincy by way of Macon. HA! HA! Rather a round about way to get to Quincy. I doubt that the Duchess (Mrs. S) sent the governor that way to see what he could find out.

We had another delightful rain. And it was so pleasant yesterday morning that I baked a chocolate cake. The first cake I have baked since I baked our wedding cake. Remember mamma said she thought the cake I baked June 2nd cought the spirit of the moment because it wanted to rise as it went into the pan. you know dearest, I was very happy when I was making it, but it almost seemed like a dream that was too good to be true. Papa was such a pleasant suprise. I was afraid he'd roar like a tempest, wasn't you? Surely you made the right kind of an impression with him as well as Mamma, but I was more afraid from the beginning to begin the subject with Papa, as it was easier to make Mamma understand.

I wished for you at dinner today. Mamma was busy upstairs and I made corn bread. We also had baked potatoes, sliced tomatoes with mayonaise, and raspberries and chocolate cake. We don't care for meat often, especially in warm weather. Do you Sugar Plum?---Tell Mr. H-- I haven't received his letter yet. Your aunt's father was worse again. She and Lester were passing here one eve. and she said she rec'd your letter and would write you later.

This is enough, I'm sure.

Lovingly your wife,
Clara Gibson Lay.

It was so pleasant last night that if you had been here we could have loved and loved and loved.

Monday [June 30, 1913]

2008-10-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

I just finished reading the letters I received from you and enjoyed them so much. Sweethear, you are doing beautifully. Remember you have only been there 3 weeks, well hardly that, and oftentimes Dr.'s in a new place don't get patients so quickly. But listen, you don't know the people there--how good their word is about promising to settle their treatments, so why don't you have cards made with a certain number of treatments on and punch it each time they take a treatment. Have each ticket made with the number on there. If some wanted less than that, punch out all the numbers till you have the few left that they care to take. I know a great many teachers, especially private teachers in the city do that way. Prof. Kimmel always did that with dancing tickets, because no one can judge how good a persons word is that they do not know. That way you will be treating everyone alike. Remember, dear, that you haven't any strength to waste.

Oh! you squeak bug, I never heard of one, but I know this much. I'd love to see you. You know best what you should do about coming this summer. I'll leave it to you. Of course, I'd love to have you, but if you think you should wait till later, I'll try to grin and bear it. Ha! Ha! Dear you can imagine how merry that Ha! Ha! sounds, cant you--Honey, I just won't get sick this summer so you have more to worry about, but it is sweet of you, thinking of holding something in reserve, in case I did. Of course, we never know what will happen, but we will hope for the best.

Dear, there was something about you in the Express. It was this: "Dr. T.H. Lay of the June [19]13 class of the ASO has located in Harrison Ark. to practice his profession." I couldn't find the paper or I should have sent you the clipping. I just supposed that you saw it. It also had about Mr. Henderson. I tried to keep the paper, but it has been misplaced.

Papa got a new tag for Charles William today, and it is so new and bright. He feels quite proud. He thinks his girl sent it to him. I whispered in his ear and told him that Francis Summers sent it to him, and he said "E! he! he! he!" That is the way he laughs. . Papa went to sleep a while ago, and I tied the old tag on him. Wouldn't you have enjoyed seeing him? Remember I put a noose on him once under a chrysantheum [sp?]

So there is another Dr. Lay in Ark. Well you know Noah aimed to have two of everything in the ark, so I wasn't suprised to hear of the other Dr. Lay. Ha! ha! Is he an M.D.? I hope he will do you some good.

Mamma has just found that paper, so will send the clipping. See! it headed the column of city news notes. You might know I am proud of you. I didn't get the words just right, but you see it is similar. Be careful and do not get overheated.

Clara Young in Colo. Springs I noticed in the paper. As you and I both have only told those we thought we should tell, I don't think the public in general, at the present time, are regarding Dr. Lay and Miss Gibson as suspicious characters. The people who have been so innocently introducing me as Miss Gibson and calling me that, will surely have a fit when they know the truth. Mamma and I thought it best to tell Anna, so we did so, and she is the best one yet to make inquiring people think it is not true. You know she and Lovie were going to do every imaginable way to find out sure, and I know what a team they are. And we thought to tell hwer, we would keep it more generally quiet that for her to be trying to find out all the time. So Lovie wanted to know one day if we were married. Anna says, "Well, I know this much, that I have found out. They are not married." Mrs. Borneman [?] heard it and asked Anna if she supposed it was true. Anna said, "No, of course not. I wonder how that ever got started. Clara can't imagine how it did." Anna will keep it still because she has told me secrets that she wouldn't want told. When her friend was here last fall, I was the only one she told the truth about it, and she said I was the only one she would have wanted to have asked if Mr. Tolles was at the hotel when he had an engagement with her. So, you see, people like that wouldn't be telling secrets to get you started.

Honey, I must not write any more now.

Lovingly your wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

Papa and Mamma send love.
Does P.S. stand for Pears soup?
P.S. you are the sweetest french boy doll I ever saw, and if you were here, I'd love and love, and LOVE you. Tell Bobby he wouldn't be left out either. hope your exams won't be too hard for you, dearest.

With love,
Clara

Visiting Kirksville

2008-10-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

I met my mom and dad in Missouri where they just bought a house when I was there two weeks ago. Their house is in Brashear. Dad drove me around the block and showed me where he remembered visiting his grandmother Downing.

They showed me the house they bought. It is still really rough, but it can be livable, but for $16K cash it was a pretty good deal. Brashear is a forgotten town, so there is not much hope for it as an investment property.

Dad took me to see the local cemeteries where a few of the Downing kin were buried. I also saw the grave of Clara Gibson who wrote the letters I have posted here and her dear Hubby, Henry Lay. I felt a sort of awe and thought "hi." I have come to know her so well. Hmh! I just thought: it's kind of like meeting someone you have been talking to online for a long time; like, 'okay, it's a real person, and I already know so much about them.

We drove down N Franklin Street where the letters were addressed from; where Clara lived with her parents Clarinda Ellen Kiggins and Thomas Henry Gibson. (Yes, same first and middle name as the man Clara married.) We knew the house they lived in would not be there, and we couldn't remember the exact address (I now know it was 311 N. Franklin), but as we were driving I saw an attorney's office (or some such) that was titled Selby House, and I knew that was the home of the infamous Mrs. Selby (see the post from June 26 1913) who had to water plants out on her porch to have an excuse to peep at the events at the Gibson house. The address there was 316. I must conclude then that the house was across the street. The Selby house was much larger than I imagined by about double. It was red brick. I didn't get pictures or pay too much attention to architectural details, but I will have the opportunity to visit again, I'm sure.

Sunday [29 June 1913]

2008-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

I wish you were here today. Any day is better than Sunday to do without you, as I was so accustomed to being with you on Sundays--both before and after. Ha! Ha! And every time I love you more, you darling boy.

It is so very warm today, so I'll not write a long letter. I didn't recieve a letter from you yesterday and I was so disappointed, as it was Sat. and I knew I couldn't ge a letter till Monday, but I am looking for a good, long letter then. Of course, as I told you in my other letter, I'll pardon you for not writing letters whil you are in Little Rock. Anna thought that was very funny about the pebble on the beach. It reminded me of the poetry about the beaches and the ancient peaches. Perhaps you have heard it.

They sat alone upon the beach
she was a somewhat ancient peach.
She shut her eyes this ancient miss,
Thinking he would steal a kiss.
But his was unheroic clay
And so he only stole away.

Now isn't that clever? I am almost as practical as Rev. Jones, Am I not?

I was with Ray and Lovey a while at Band Concert Friday evening, but it was so fierce for you not to be with us, that I believe I'll stay home next time. They never said anything about the pictures. I'd rather they would say something firs. I saw Maida Cole also on Fri. eve. She was with some of her relatives, but she side-tracked long enough to whisper to me that I looked lonesome. She surely knew what she was talking about. But I am doing the best I can to brace.

This is all I'll write this time.

Your loving wife,
Clara

Papa and Mamma send love. Mamma says to tell you to never get discouraged--that the world wasn't made in one day. Ha! Ha!

Friday, June 27th 1913

2008-09-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

My dear little hubby:--

I have just finished reading your letter. I am so glad that Uncle Sam sends our messages forth and back as speedy as he can, as I sure love to get your letters, and I want them as quickly as possible after they are written. Of course, I'll miss your letters while you are in Little Rock, but I will be alright if you just send cards while you are there, as I don't want you to use your eyes too much. then I want you to get out and get the fresh air after or between exams, but you will have to make up for lost time by writing very long letters when you return to Harrison.

The funniest thing. Papa said he was going to buy Annas rooster and give him to Jim and tell him that Anna sent it in return for the fish. You know we get so bloomin tired of that old rooster crowing. Their chickens have regular chorus rehersals every morning. I don't think people with neighbors so close should maintain a nuisance like that, but the trouble is, they are good friends of ours and we don't want to complain.

Mother's church ladies entertained yesterday at Mrs. Fuller's. They have a new bungalow on S. Davis, and they wanted me to read or send a pupil and, as I don't read anymore, I sent Anna Baqet [sp?] one of my pupils and they all said she did beautifully. Mamma went, but I did not. It was so very warm there. Besides, Papa ordered raspberries for pies early yesterday morning and they took them to the wrong house, so it was noon when we got them, so I made two pies after dinner [lunch] then helped Mamma get ready, so I was tired enough to stop for a few hours, as we had ironed in the morning a couple of hours.

Mrs. Frank Baird was here yesterday afternoon, and as usual when we have company she (Mrs Selby) began to rubber Mrs. Baird, and I was in the swing and she came out in the hot sun to fool with her plants and began squinting over. We were so tickled we could hardly keep from whooping. If we had had the whooping cough, we sure would have done so. I told her how she did. If it happened to be a boy in the swing, she said for me to do something that would get her so excited next time she was hanging over the blaustrade so she'd lose her balance and stand on her head or skin a cat. Mrs. S-- made a desperate effort to get in with Mrs. Baird when she first came here, but failed.

Carl and Hazel McKeehan's baby was born on Friday the 13th 1913. poor little boy, and with such a wild father. he seems to be alright now, I mean the baby, but Carl is not on the water wagon yet.

I though Allaback was engaged to Carmelita Quinn, and I noticed in the paper he was engaged to someone else. Zella told me they were engaged--I forgot to tell you about Mrs. S-- saying "shampoon" for shampoo, didn't I?

The Rebeccahs had a benefit at the Royal last night. Mother and I went. The show was good, but it was almost too warm to go in summer.--There was a fire at Shacklett's--Bondurant's store last night. I say Ray and Lovey and talkded a few minutes. Ray sure told you the truth. I do miss you so much, but try hard not to act too dissatisfied, as I promised Mamma if she would giver her consent for us to marry when we did, that I'd be better satisfied. So you see, I am compelled under the circumstances to be brave. But I'll admit it is a difficult task to act as if you were contented when there is some one that you are longing for, far away. I try to console myself with the fact that it will not always be that way dear, will it? And I hope you can come in August. When we get to-get6her for all the time we will just have to love the rader, fur the time we have lost, won't we, Honey?

I look at your picture every day and wish you were here. I am always thinking of you. I noticed wher Heart, of the Jan. class had Married Ella Johnson. Well, there is one June wedding that only a few K--people are wise about it ever happening. But I know of two that are. Bobby Wise and Margurite Wise. Don't you? They are wiser kids than they were before June 3rd. Ha!Ha!

Really, I have written a very long letter, so I'll close. Hope you get along fine in Little Rock and also with your Harrison Patients. you need to be congratulated.

Your loving wife,
Clara

Henry, if you are rooming where your office is, I am afraid that a fire might occur in the night and you would sleep too sound. Wish you would be very careful and write and tell me just how your room is located, so maybe I won't need to worry.
Clara

Thurdsay [June 26, 1913]

2008-07-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dear husband:--

The letter that you wrote Sunday was glorious. I enjoyed it so much, and it was so sweet of you to write me such a splendid long letter.

You know there are French boy dolls and French girl dolls, and some of them can say "mamma" and "papa" when you squeeze them. So I'll be your French girl doll if you will be my French boy doll. Ha! Ha!

I hope you like your office and are getting used to the primitive ways of the Ark. people. You must learn to sing "The Arkansas Traveler." Oh! How I would love to hear you sing "Love me and the world is mine" and "The Preacher and the Bear." Why couldn't you sing the last one as a solo part in the choir some rainiy night when the crowd isn't very lively. I'll wager you'd rouse them from their drowsy nap, especially if you were dressed as you were here once ages ago. It surely seems like ages to me since you were here. I am so glad that you are singing in the choir. That way you can keep your vocal chords in good action for the songs I'll want you to sing to me. Some sweet day, "when the mists have rolled away."

Come to the connvention if you can conveniently. We will be so glad to have you; and I imagine this will be the last time they will have a convention here, as the old Dr. is so feeble, and I don't believe they cease to come here after he passes away.

Minnie Rothschild, a girl I have known a long time, has been trimming in Victoria, Texas. She was here yesterday evening a little while and she was speaking of different ones who were married about our ages, (though she is afew years older than I Ha! Ha!) and she said, "Clara, you and I are all that's left, and I heard that you were going to be married to an ostiopath."

I said, "Well, I wonder who started that.--Then Mrs Kent, our laundress, was talking about her daughter going to get married, and that she was going to Kansas. I was in the other room and she screeched in to me, "Clara, when you marry, are you going west? I thought some of them there osteopath Drs. would take you."

I was so tickled I almost had a jiminy duck fit. I told her I didn't suppose I'd ever marry. The fellow her daughter thinks she is going to marry keeps putter her off from time to time, and I am afraid he may be fooling the poor girl.

I feel sorry for poor little Pauline, as I know how much I missed you, but she will get to see you after. That is more than I do.

I got the cutest card from Zella this morn.; a little fellow sitting on a log. The words were "Gals is queer, you be, but we must have 'em." What do you think of those sentiments? Do you think you could get along without them? There is no Dr in Woodward Okla. so send a wireless for either Dr. Ward or Dr. Lay to come at once. I wouldn't object to the latter, if the business was professional, but I imagined she'd rather have Dr. Ward.

I rec'd both of your cards, thank you.--Your aunt had sent that junk before I 'phoned her. She wasn't feeling very well but Lester was OK. 'Phones to me often to ask about the Dr.--That is all for the present.

Your Loving Wife,
Clara

Honey, I have been worrying, thinking you might have a room where your office is, and the building might get on fire at night.

Honey dear, if you were here, I'd love you hard, harder, Hardest.

Tuesday [21 June 1913]

2008-06-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:--

I thoroughly enjoyed the letters and the paper that I rec'd yesterday from you. I am so proud of you. The professional card in the paper looked good to me, also your cards. I suppose you have seen the DAILY distress by this time. I really think the editor, Mr. Swain, tries to do alright. It is when Pearl N. gets the news first. She does as she pleases about putting it in the paper. I'm glad Mr. H[arrison] sent the Herald here, as I was glad to see the write up about you both in it. I am glad he is getting along so nicely in Harrison, but it is terrible that he and the children have to be deprived of their wife and mother, as the little children will never find anyone that can fill a mother's place with them. Tho' I think their grand-parents would come the nearest.

Oh! I do hope you can come in August if Mr. H. sends the children with you. That would save him a trip here, besides the time he would lose away from his work, which I imagine must be heavy now.

Tell him that I said, as my little boy was a few years older than his little girls, that I thought it would be alright to send them all four alone, but to be sure and tag you with your name and destination. Also to put you in care of the conductor when you change at Neosho [?] Then for Mr. H to drop a line to Dr. C. E. Still, the mayor here, and ask him if it would be asking too much for him to meet you with his New Electric at the Wabash and see that you were all taken to the right place. Tell him if he will do this, that I will be very grateful.

I rec'd a letter from Margaret Linton Howerton yesterday. She doesn't think that she can come to the convention, as she has been suffering with acute neuritis, but said she wanted to come when it was cooler. I am so sorry she has been ill, but I know we would enjoy having her more in cool weather; and then if you come, we will have more time by ourselves, I hop. When will you know if you are sure coming?

I am glad you sent your list dear, but I couldn't make out the names of the towns in Nebraska. Was it Dorne or Dome? And the one in Wyo. was it Single? Honey, you always write plain, but the letters in those two were run together, and I am not familiar with the towns out there, so please write those 2 again, or print them for little baby, she hasn't learned how to read writing very good yet. of course we won't send out the announcements for quite a while, but I wanted to have the list ready.

Say, honey dear do you know one of your majestic friends, Dr. Heiny is just passing. I wish it was Dr. Lay.

I believe this is about all for the present. I'd assist you with your office if I was near you. I wish we would have two or three rooms where your office is for the year or so that you stay there. That way, one phone would do, and I would be there to answer if you were called when you were out of the office. Maybe we might mange this after Xmas.

With best love,
Clara

Sunday Afternoon [22 June 1913]

2008-06-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

My dear Husband:--

Everything is o.k. except I am so very lonesome without you. But, honey, you will have to turn a deaf ear to what I say in my letters about missing you. And don't let it worry you dear. You will have to do as Ulysses did in mythology when the sirens sang to him. Remember? Someone is singing "The Perfect Day." The days will all be perfect when we are together, won't they dearest? I hope your "walking advertisement" will help you a great deal.

Mamma's brother, Uncle Billie Beck in Wichita died Thurs. and I have been trying to keep Mamma in good spirits. There is only three of her family left: aunt Bess Gupton in Palmyra, uncle Frank Kiggins in Bozeman, Mont. and mother here. You know there was thirteen in her family counting Grandma and Grandpa; the same in yours and the same in papa's. Isn't that a coincidence? I know of one couple that the number in their family is not going to exceed the speed limit of TWO, in addition to the other two. Now, honey, don't ask who they are because you know I never did like to be personal. Ha! Ha!

Don't forget to answer what I asked you about the announcements. Mamma thinks if you come in August that we should announce our marriage then, and of course I will stay home then a few months longer, but she said if you came, then we wouldn't have to be on a nervous strain keeping people at sea, and could feel free to act as we cared to to have the best time.

Blanche Rogers was talking to me the other night. She said she had been hearing terrible things about me. That an osteopath had been camping down of our house. I said, "the idea of an osteopath. I thought they were all gone, aren't they?" And I don't think she knew what to say next. I think that she got her information from "Mother Magpie" (Mrs Selby) across the street from us. Blanche lives where Dr. J.W. Martin lived on Mc Pherson, and I can't see where else she obtained her news. Mrs Selby was over here last Sunday, and we were all in the swing. Mamma said Mrs. S. would think she was ruined to think she was so close to such a great secret and didn't know the truth about it.

This is a rainy Sunday. How I wish you were here so that we could love each other and none would disturb us.

Hope I get a long letter from you in the morning. If I do, I shall be delighted. Your letters are dear, dearest. And what you tell me in them, especially some things, make them sacred. I truly appreciate them, and they help me while away the time sometimes when I am lonesome for my darling boy.

Your loving wife,
Clara Gibson Lay

We will learn how to operate an oil stove some time won't we dear? Of course, I am used to gas, but I don't suppose there is a great deal of difference in the coal, oil and gas stove combinations, are there?

Has Mr. H decided to send the children here?

With love,
Clara

Saturday, June 21 1913

2008-04-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

My dear little hubby:--

I recieved a letter from you this morning, which I enjoyed very much, also the ones yesterday. Dear, you letters are getting long enough now and I am always tickled to death when I receive them. Pap has so much fun noticing how I watch the clock in the morning, thinking it must be about time for the carrier. We were seeding chrries this a.m. and Papa thought I would get dizzy looking up at the clock every second. You know we have a grad-father's large clock in the kitchen and it was bought the day that Papa was born. It is 70 years old. I thought surely I was going to be disappointed. the carrier was till 9:30 getting here, but I was mighty glat that I wasn't. It is so terrible to try and live without you, and the letters help so much.

If you see that you could get someplace closer in the course of a year or so, I should be glad. My parents are getting old and I wish I could be some place where we could come to see them more than it would be possible where you are now. Buy try it there a few months and maybe next spring, if you could have a good practice built up there, you might sell out to someone going out of the June 14 class. Then come up and take the Mo. State Board. But I hope we can be together from x-mas the rest of the time. don't you honey?

I am feeling good. I hope you are.

I wish you could come for the convention. Would I be glad to see you? Well, bet your boots. You'll pardon a little slang, won't you dear? You know best whether you can come or not. Of course you know I'm crazy over you and will be glad to see you any time. I wish you didn't have to go to Little Rock, but of course you do. I have a cousin in Little rock. His name is Henry Oldfather. He either has a position with a telephone or telegraph co. You may run across him. If you do, give him my love. He is the only one of mother's sister's children that is near my age. He is just two years my senior.

My cousin from Edina, Stanley Parsons and his mamma were here one day last week. And did I tell you about Columbus Carrol noticing and then noticing again. I think he though Stanley was some special friend of mine, as we were out and riding together. so he may spread the news that you and I aren't married, as he saw me with another fellow. Wouldn't that be great? Just as if I'd LOOK at another fellow. Ha! Ha! I have feen afraid that Lovie might put some fellows up to ask me to call, or go some place to find out what he's dying to know. If he or any one else should do duch a thing, I'll be equal to the occasion with an excellent excuse.--That clipping was fine. I told Wilburn that his brother was following shadders in Ark. and that I heard that the Dr. was engaged to a girl in Wyoming. Ha! Ha! I asked him if it was true. The post card I sent him was a BEAUTY (not)a little Dutch girl talking about kisses. OH! honey, I wish you were here. We would do more than talk, wouldn't we? I imagine we would hug and kiss 24 hrs. without ceasing.

Lovingly,
Clara

June 20, 1913

2008-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Hubby:--

Honey, your letters are very brief. Can't you make them a tiny bit longer while you have some leisure hours? Truly, I enjoy them, even if they are brief, but please make them longer at least once in a while. But you have been very sweet writing as often as you have. I am always anxious for the mail carrier to put in his appearance each morning so I can go to come cozy corner and have a few moments with you. I always try to imagine that you are talking to me when I read your letters. You know it helps a great deal to play upon the keyboard of your imagination once in a while. Don't you think so dear? Especially under circumstances of this kind.

Lovey and Ray were down here Tues. morning. They wanted me to go to the band concert with them, but I wasn't dressed suitable, so when they phoned, I told them to come down. So they did and we had a merry little time, but honey, something was lacking. I don't enjoy myself with them as well as I might because it always reminds me of the fun we had together when you were here. But I am getting along better than I thought possible when I would think about you leaving. Oh! dear, I never put through such a day and night as the first one you were away from me. But, dear, I am getting reconciled to my fate now, and am getting along beautifully, so don't worry about me. Mamma and I are sleeping outdoors all the time.

Anna wants to know if her relatives names are Atteberry. Tell me what you think of the fish Jim sent her.

I phoned to Lester. He wasn't home, so I talked to your aunt. She asked to be remembered to you and said to tell you that someone left some laboratory something there. I couldn't understand just what she said, but she said she would send them to you.

I am anxious to know what you thought of the Robuck-Robuck wedding when you read it in the daily. The idea of such a write up about her dress, the decorations, etc. when she was a widow. You know that isn't in very good taste according to the rules of etiquitte. Either a widow or a widower should just simply be married and in the simplest way possible. Say, honey, we might tell them a simple way. I wonder what they will say about us? If we think it best we will coach Lovey and Ray and let them do the fixing, as it isn't necessary for Miss Nick to have the blessed privilege. Papa let on as tho' Robuck belonged to the firm of Sears-Robuck of the wholesale house in Chicago. It was killing to hear him comment on the wedding.

Zella Higbee went to Okla. today. She phoned to me to say good-bye, and that she didn't want me to do anything sudden while she was gone, and of course, I assured her that I wouldn't, but I am afraid, honey, that she will fail to speak to me when she finds out the truth, so I'll tell her later on, just before everybody knows it. Don't you think that would be alright?

We got some eggs from Mr. Henderson's father this a.m. He said Mr. H-- was thinking of sending the children to Kirksville. I told Mamma if he did, I saw our finish, as the children would tell that you were married, and we know so many people on E. Harrison St. where one of their grandmothers live. I am glad they are improving. Tell the little girl she has my consent to love you for me once in a while.

Your loving wife,
Clara

June 17, 1913

2008-04-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Hubby:--

I just received a letter from you, also two yesterday. I am always glad to hear from you sweetheart. You did not mention the other letter I sent you, one with some roses that Auntie Ivie gave me. Be sure and tell me if you get it. I did not receive the one you wrote the 13th till Monday. As you know, we do not get our mail on Sunday, or perhaps I would have got it sooner.

I am so glad that your table [exam table for his practice] arrived and that you like it. I hope you will like you other furniture just as well. I know you are glad to have patients so quickly. I am glad also. Hope the good work will continue. Don't you dearest?

I insist upon having or waiting for the genuine hugs and kisses from you. Ha! Ha! You know there is a difference, so I'll not cash the check, but I will accept one of each from Mamma and Papa for consolation.-- I am glad you were pleased to tell the lady that I belonged to her church. Episcopal churches never thrive, tho' in small towns. I know by the on here. I wonder if they have a rector there. Lay, dear, we will have to take turn about going to church with each other, as we just can't be separated. Of course we are separated now, but it is business before pleasure this time, honey, and we will do our best to stand it.

I hope you feel good all the time. I am feeling good as I ever do in hot weather, and I was all over being sick last Sat. Remember the time you said those high heels made you sick? I just couldn't keep from giggling, then I was shamed to think I had done so.

I am sure glad that the waster is good and that mosquitoes make themselves scarce.

Maybe you and Mr Q can make arrangements about an auto by next summer. I expect you had better wait till then to decide what you want to do.-- Honey, you know that I ought to send for our wedding announcement in case it should be generally known in the next few months, and we want them by Xmas anyway. Don't we listen! Ha! Ha! Talking about Xmas before the 4th of July. Mamma was afraid that it might appear in the Macon paper before we had the announcements ready. She thought I ought to get them here, then addressed, ready to send in case such should happen. What do you think about it? The trouble just now is is knowing if you will stay in Harrison, and the at home date as it is uncertain. And you know it's customary to put that on the announcements. Write and tell me your opinion. Also, send me your list, as you know lists can't be made out in a hurry. So sent the names and addresses of your friends and relatives that you want them sent to. But dear, of course they won't be sent till winter, unless some busy body puts it in the paper.-- I am sending you a cluster of roses that grow by the porch where I slept last night and longed for you.

Your loving wife,
Clara

June 11, 1913

2008-03-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

My dear Husband;--

how I wish for you to be here and take a ride with me this beautiful morning. Papa and Mamma went out for a short time yesterday, and I was so lonesome while they thought I'd go down and pet Charles William, then I happened to think that he was out riding with Papa and Mamma. Ha! Ha! My Ha! Ha!s aren't very joyous right now since my love has gone away, but I am doing my best not to let people know that I am pining for you, but Anna guessed that I had been crying Monday. Said she didn't blame me.

I am sending you some roses that Auntie Ivie sent yesterday. Mother knows how she can keep a secret as they are old time friends, and Mamma thought if she heard the report Anna heard, it might cause her to have a spell of sickness as she is very delicate and nervous and has been interested in me since I was a tiny tot, so I told Mamma to tell her, and she will not tell anybody. She said the roses she sent me were the Linde's roses, so I'll send you a sample, as "what is good for the bride is good for the groom." What is the saying about the goose and the gander? I believe my memory is failing me. Really, I am "Dreaming" Remember the song "Let Me Call You Sweetheart?" Especially where the words are "Roses blooming everywhere. You alone my heart can cheer. You, just you." That strikes me exactly just now because almost everywhere you look you see roses or smell their perfume, but still there is a longing for something dearer and sweeter to me than roses. That something is you.

Dear, you asked me how I was feeling in the letter I rec'd yesterday. Did I tell you? I don't believe I did. I was ill yesterday morning, you can imagine what it was dear? You know it was so very warm last week and then turned so cold. I took cold that settled some place. I am quire sure as I had to lie down on the couch and have the hot water bottle for two hours, for I was cramping so. But honey, don't worry. I am getting along fine today and was alright yesterday afternoon, only I was very weak, but I am always weak the first two days, but I don't cramp hard unless I take cold.

I just know you have heard enough of gloom for the present haven't you? Poor Maruerite, her health is failing fast, as she has been having a hemorrage since yesterday morning, and I don't think it would be good for Bobbie to play with her if he was here, as it might be contagious. Ha! Ha! Tho' I never yet haver heard her cough. She is so much more quiet than Bobbie, but I suppose being a girl makes the difference. He is always hopping around and getting or trying to get into mischief.

I hope everything is going to suit you in Harrison. Please write full particulars to me. You said in your letter that you felt encouraged and hoped we would be together sooner than we had depended upon. I hope so also. I hope some time in the winter we can begin being together for a greater portion of the time. Maybe you could visit your home then come back by here and get me some time in late Dec. or January. Hope I hear from you this afternoon. X This stands for 100 kisses.

Lovingly, Clara

Papa and Mamma send love to you. Don't forget to send them some. Dearest, don't forget to put our street and number when you address me, as I don't want anyone else getting my letters.

Clara Gibson Lay

2008-03-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Years ago I transcribed a series of letters written by Clara Eydelle Gibson to Thomas Henry Lay while he was attending a school of osteopathy. Before he left, they had secretly been married. I do not know their reason for concealing the marriage, but I think it might have been a social matter.

June 10, 1913
My dear sweet boy;--

I hope you have arrived safely in Harrison [Arkansas] by this time. I haven't words to express how much I miss you, but dear, I shall make the best of it. Papa and mamma miss you too, and when Papa came home from the station he said, "Clara, I feel quite sure that you have done well as Henry surely is a good boy." You might know how glad I was to have him say it, as he had always been opposed even to the thought of ever having a son-in-law. So I kissed him and thanked him and told him I knew he had judged you right. I am sending some clippings from the Daily Distress, see yours is in sympathy for the little girl you left behind.

Mamma and I went shopping yesterday, got curtains with pink roses for my room, and I got some extra. Enough for your bedroom and mine when I am with you. I have it put away in my trunk, and mama got a tablecloth for us. You know I was trying to get my mind off your being away from me, so we decided to shop a little as it was nice and cool. Mamma got 2 union suits [underclothes]Oh! gee, she would have a duck fit if she knew that I had told you, but I thought maybe it would make you giggle. A man started to wait on her and she let on as tho' she had forgotten what else she wanted, so I reminded her to her sorrow, as she was trying to forget. So she started down the counter to get them, and mamma side-tracked and asked one of the ladies to wait on her. You know mother is as "modest as the violet." Ha! Ha!

Papa said for me to begin my letters, dear brother. I thanked him for the suggestion.

I saw a young man with a straw sailor [hat] yesterday. He was about your size and a block away from me. Of course it made me think of you, but I bit my lips to keep back the tears and looked in another direction.

I looked at the clock at five yesterday. It seemed as tho' you had been gone for a year, and I said something about your not being to K.C. [Kansaas City] yet. Papa said, "Well I guess not. He was given his orders not to arrive in K.C. ahead of time.

As I understand it, the Odd Fellows have completed arrangements for the will and [burial] lots. Mamma was talking to Mrs. Frye over the phone. She said she was tickled to death. Papa saied, "Tickled to death? The poor pitiful thing. Mamma, who was it?" Isn't he the limit?

The fire whistle blew while we were up town yesterday, and I immediately thought, what if it is our house and our marriage certificate? But it proved to be a small blaze in another part of the city.

I just received your letter and card, and I was so glad to hear from you; but when you write again, write a long letter. I am glad you had company to KC.

Dearest, you personal was in the paper last evening, but I imagine someone else has put it in. If she never came to you, she was trying to escape as you say. If she did try, I don't think anyone would try to catch her. Do you? Ha! Ha! Lay, honey, who says we don't know how to escape with a capital E. I wonder why Anna and Jim couldn't do that way. He saw her in the meat market and asked her if she had her yard mowed, said he would be game and come down and mow it for her. She told him that she would attend to the yard. Then he asked her where her brother was burned. Said that he meant to send some flowers with her Decoration Day, but he forgot it. It sounds to me as tho' Ann may move to (east) Illinois before I go to Arkansas.-- Your uncle saw Papa up town and asked if the boy got off allright. Papa told him yes, then your uncle sure sounded your praises to Dad, and I was so very glad. They think so much of you. But no one thinks as much of you as I do because "I've loved you from the start." Remember that song?

Hope to hear from you tomorrow.

Lovingly,
Clara Gibson Lay

Introduction

2008-03-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

I thought this would be a great way to share information and discoveries relating to our family history. Rather than sending an email or making a huge compilation, I can just post what I already have in small increments, as well as anything else that might come along. I hope that you will share you discoveries as well.