1919 - 1929: The First Decade of Married Life Together
Tom and Ruth write to each other only when apart. Just back from Europe, Tom travels to Los Angeles for family business while Ruth is with her family in British Columbia. Later, in December 1922, Ruth returns to British Columbia to visit her ailing mother; her mother dies shortly after Ruth returns to Haverhill, in February 1923. There are other items, such as a business pamphlet from 1924 and a letter from Tom's younger sister Eva written in 1926.
September 1919
Tom travels to Los Angeles on family business.
- TPW-1919-09-02
- Tom is on the train to San Francisco.
- There's a fellow on this car -- the observation car -- that imitates a dog exactly, and he has a youngster about thirteen believing that there is one in the car. The kid goes from chair to chair looking for it and every once in a while the fellow snarls and grabs him by the seat of the pants, till the kid nearly jumps out of his skin. The car is in an uproar continuously.
- And can Tom just sit by and watch?
- I just called the kid down for tormenting the poor animal like he does, said it is my dog -- a pet of my wife's, and offered him a quarter to find it. He doesn't know what to do.
- TPW-1919-09-03
- TPW-1919-09-04
- TPW-1919-09-05
- Telegrams-1919-09
- Tom's division is scheduled to march in NYC next week.
Ruth's Last Visit with her Mother
Ruth's mother was sick and Ruth traveled out west, first to British Columbia Canada and then to Portland Oregon to be with her in December. Her mother died February 3, 1922 in Portland, after Ruth had returned to Haverhill. (A newspaper clip of her death is here.) These are letters from Tom to Ruth keeping her updated on daily life at home.
- TPW-1922-11-30
- TPW-1922-12-01
- TPW-1922-12-02
- TPW-1922-12-03
- TPW-1922-12-04
- TPW-1922-12-06
- TPW-1922-12-07
- TPW-1922-12-08
- TPW-1922-12-09
- TPW-1922-12-11
- TPW-1922-12-12
- TPW-1922-12-14
- TPW-1922-12-15
- TPW-1922-12-18
- TPW-1922-12-21
- TPW-1922-12-22
- TPW-1922-12-25
- TPW-1922-12-27
- TPW-1923-01-11
- WS Pyle 1923-02-19
- Ruth's father writes shortly after the death of his wife.
- Two weeks ago today I will never forget. I am much better now than I was then but somehow I think of Dear Mother all the time. I try at times to forget those two unhappy months and remember only the many happy years we had together but it is impossible. I loved her so much and miss her so much. Your letters cheer me and having you and your family to love and live for makes it worth while for me to life and sometimes we will be happy together. Kiss those dear little ones for me and write as often as you can. Affectionately, Dad.
Other Letters
- 1919 Christmas Card from Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Pyle
- TPW-1920-06-28
- TPW-1921-11-14
- Hedley Lemmow 1921-12-23
- A playful letter to Tom.
- ...This greeting goes to your home address so your wife may see you are still a wild heartbreaker. Be good but not too good...
- Doris Vittinghoff 1922-02-03
- Congratulations about the birth of Ann.
- So there is another debutante in the Walker family!
- TPW-1923-05-02
- TPW-1923-05-05
- Letter with 1925 salary
- Uncle George And Evie 1926-09-13
- Tom's sister Eva writes the girls and sends photos. Fifty years later Ruth and Evie exchange the letters again.
Various Items
- Spending Journal from December 1919
- Monthly Brochure from Baton Rouge Electric
Newspaper Stories
- Newspaper Clippings
- Marcellus Pyle at the 1922 Memorial Day parade. Story in Nevada State Journal about passing of Ruth's mother.
- The family was well known in Reno, especially Mrs. Walker, who was formerly Miss Ruth Pyle.
- Wedding Announcement of Edwina O'Brien and Frank Bannigan
- Mrs. Tom Walker attended the bride. She [Edwina] is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.