xt7bcc0ts56f_3 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/2009ms132.0121.dao.xml Fite, Sue 0.35 Cubic Feet 1 box archival material 2009ms132_0121 English University of Kentucky Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Sue Fite correspondence Bisexuality -- United States World War, 1914-1918. Domestic Life -- United States -- 20th century Nurses Lesbians -- Correspondence Young women -- United States -- Correspondence -- 20th century Nurses -- Correspondence. FFF, Florence correspondence text FFF, Florence correspondence 2016 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/2009ms132.0121/Box_200/Folder_3/33213.pdf 1918 February-1918 May 1918 1918 February-1918 May section xt7bcc0ts56f_3 xt7bcc0ts56f 48 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/2009ms132.0121/Box_200/Folder_3/33213.jpg 3364 2237 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/2009ms132.0121/Box_200/Folder_3/33213_tb.jpg https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bcc0ts56f/data/2009ms132.0121/Box_200/Folder_3/33213_ftb.jpg [left side of page] completely out. Oh do be careful my own remember what you mean to me. - if anything should happen to the only B - in this world. There would remain nothing at all for me. Tomorrow A. M. we meet.Miss Fuller - and she is to assign us our work for Feb. I tremble whenever I think of going out among entire strangers to work a whole month. Will write you again tomorrow night and tell you where I'll be - and B. - write often! I shall be so lonely. The last few days we have been doing civilian Relief work for the Red Cross and it has been lovely work. Wish [right side of page] Friday Eve. 9:00 My own Dearest B.- We're even! Two nights I didn't write and two days I haven't heard from you - I'll give you my reasons and see if you have as good ones. Wednesday Eve. I was sewing madly - trying to fix over an ill-fitting uniform. I had such a time [shorthand symbol for "with"] it and sewed so hard - it was 10 - before I knew it- and too late to write. Since the days of "Student govt" here there's no keeping the light on - a minute after 10:30 or the House Committee will get you! Last night we had a meeting WAUWATOSA, WIS. FEB 4 10 - AM 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite. 509 Honors St. Chicago. Illinois Thurs. A. M. My Dearest B- Am just writing a note to tell you not to worry. And will write a letter tonight if I have to sit up all nite to do it. This job here is one big on and I've worked harder than I ever have. I believe. But dear one- thru it all I have missed you and longed for you and love you more that ever and I tho't that impossible. Do not worry about anyone ever taking your place. This traveling around only strengthens my love for you. Everyone I meet sum very ordinary compared to my own dear Southern B.- Miss Van [Kary?] is waiting so I must leave you - go and eat breakfast & then inspect a new bunch of school kiddies will sure write favorite my dear. We leave Sunday a. m. for Portage Wis. - Remember I love you only. "and live more & more each day for our happy future together all my love and kisses to you my own B& H- your true W- F.F. F. BEAVER DAM, WIS. FEB 14 10 - AM 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite 509 Honore St. Chicago, Illinois [right side of page] school children her B. N. We did I whole school and half of another. Miss V. leaves for Juneau Monday and then it will be up to me to finish up in B. N. There are 4 grade schools - 2 parochial and 2 Lutheran so you see I'll have to go some. You should have seen the [since ?] write up in the local paper tonight - our names mentioned all - I believe you would have been quite proud of poor little me. A [mark?] from tomorrow (Sat.) [right hand side of the page] Beaver Dam, Wis., Friday Eve. Dearest of all- Beaver Dam is alright - everyone has been more than friendly and cordial to me - but I can't see you any where - and I hate places where my B- has never been. Some how at nite- back there in the Home of M. C. H. - I could snuggle up in my little bed - and imagine you were there near me- because you have. been there some time in the past. It seems to make such a difference. How are you tonite I wonder. it has been years since I heard from you- but I am not worrying because I am sure it was because - you didn't know where to address a letter. But dear- I wrote you just as soon as I knew for sure where a letter would reach me. And I am in hopes there will be a letter for me [somehow?]. there must or - that's all there is about it - or I'm a thinking I'll be hiking for [illegible]. We have rooms [illegilbe] a private family now. and it is much better as the Hotel is not very good. Last night Miss [Stryk?] wen to Fox Lake to work until tomorrow P.M. and Mrs. [Junsen?] to Horicon. Yesterday we all gave little health talks to the various grades. in the schools and [at ganizard Health Leagues. Today Miss Van [Kody?] and I commenced the inspection of [right side of page] To - Sue Fite Feb 9, 1918 [left side of page] We pul stakes and go on to Columbia Co. - making Portage our head quarters. This work is sure in- teresting and i love it. but it's not he work for me- unless you'll come every where [shorthand symbol for with] me. My dear- I am getting worried what kind of work are we going to do- so what we can be together all the time for- together we must [illegible]! What wouldn't I give to see you and have a long talk [shorthand symbol for with] you Oh and I have the lovliest comfiest bed here - ad we could snuggle up close -and listen to the wind outside. It is real stormy again tonite And then you could hold me tight in your dear arms and tell me all about our Tennessee where we're going to be so happy some day and then when the sand man comes we'll go to Sleepy House together. Oh My dear beautiful Southern B- I love you and want you so. If you were only with me I'd be so happy because I love this work- but I love you more than all else and want you [most?]. Please write me often- I have missed your dear letters so this week. All my love and kisses will always be yours - as they are now- Your own true W F. F. F. POSTAGE CENTS3 [left side of page] on child welfare and of course we had to go and hear her, and she was fine. Then the next nite the H. S. teachers entertained for us at cards. And that meant another late hour. Last night I was dead tired when I came to my room, undressed and lay down on my bed to read the newspaper intending when to write you I was so dead tired I dropped the paper [right side of page] Thurs. Eve. 10:30 Dearest B- I wrote you a note this A. M. -before breakfast as I knew you'd be worrying again. It is 10:30 and Miss Van Koay and I just came home. We were invited to a [juiveler's?] home for supper and to spend the evening and really I don't know when I've had such a nice "homey" time. There is a father and mother - a girl at H. S. and a boy of 12 years. and everyone of them is just as dear and sweet as they can be. of the Student Body to elect a new Vice President to take the place of the present one who takes my place during Feb. That meeting was rather exciting and lasted until nearly 10:30 We had some rather heated arguments too I can tell you Now then dear. give me your reasons for neglected me. My B- do you think there is any possible chance of either of us. kind of growing out of this wonderful love we have for each other? I try to feel sue that all will be OK and I try so hard not to doubt, but oh my dear - some days I am so blue and lonely and then that same old haunting fear - says "How long can it last." I am sick with lonesomeness tonite dear- and I just want you so badly. And I am worried because you are not well - I think it is dreadful that you are kept on that miserable ward so long - why don't you report to [name] Wheeler just how your feel about it and how you're wearing yourself after supper we all stood around the piano and sang all the old sons - and I sure did thoroly [thoroughly?] enjoy it all. Tomorrow we finish up the inspection and Saturday we'll spend making a few home calls. Then Sunday A. M. we move on to Portage to work Columbia County. We are going to change here and one of the the 2 girls will stay right in Portage as I have in Beaver Dam while I will have to go from one small town to another getting in to Portage only on Saturday to spend Sunday. I'll be glad to get back home again so I can get your letters regularly. I sure have enjoyed this trip so far and Miss Van K [Van Koay] is a wonder- but oh! it has been hard hard work Dr. Mendenhall of Madison was here 2 nites [nights] and lectured. and fell asleep- and slept soundly until I awoke [shorthand symbol for "with"] a start at 1130. What wouldn't I have given then - to have had my B.- here [shorthand symbol for "with"] me. to hold me in his arms and croon me to Sleepy House. Please come tonite my [own?]. it is stormy out- and blowing a gate- just the kind of a nite to snuggle up close and be comfy- and be glad to be inside instead of out in the storm. Hasn't it been ages since we saw one another and had a real good chat- I can hardly wait until we can get together again- if only for a few hours. Can it be soon My dear? Oh my! but I am terid [tired] tonite [tonight]. I'm going to say nite - nite and go to bed and dream and dream of my beautiful Southern B.- and the happy days to come when we'll be together- living for each other alone- Oh B- won't it be glorious!!! Come and hold me close in your arms until the Sand Man comes. I love you only dear- always remember that- My kisses and love will always be for you only- Your own tru W - F.F.F DANIEL; 8 Chapter and 23 verse And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the trans gressors are come to the fall, a king of fierce countenance, and understan- ding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, 'but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully. and shall prosper, and prac- tise. and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart. and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. Read 2nd Thes.. 2nd, Chap. VISITING NURSES ARE IN THE CITY The Wisconsin Anti-Tuberculosis as- sociation, previous to the annual Christmas and New Years campaign for the sale of the little one cent seals. announced that to the three counties within the state selling the most per capita seals last year, a visiting nurse would be sent to those counties for one month without cost. The three counties showing the largest per capita sale of seals were Dodge county, Columbia county and Oneida county. Instead of sending one nurse to each of these counties for one month the association is send- ing four nurses to each county for a period of ten days, which more than fulfills the promise. Dodge county is being viewed by the nurses this week. Misses Van Koay, Herrick Stryk and Mrs. Jensen ar- riving on Wednesday. The first two nurses will spend their time within this city while the other two will visit neighboring localities. Miss Van Koay was in this city two years ago doing some demonstration work. Within this city the nurses will make an individual inspection of the health of each school child, and will visit the schools and give general health talks. Other meetings may be arranged for the first of next week, which will bring together the parents of the children for a lecture and ad- vice along this line. The services of a visiting nurse in any community is an excellent precau- tion against disease in its many forms, and the teaching imparted furnish a source of information which will save many lives as the years roll along, and have a tendency to stimulate better living and health conditions within any city, village or individual home. BEAVER DAM, WIS. FEB 15 7 - PM 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite. 509 Honore St. Chicago. Illinois [left side of page] I feel as if Iwere [I were] in quite another land. This must be an old old town. The houses are all ancient frame ones set away back in large yards and the streets are so deep in mud that automobiles dare not try them. And Oh so still and quiet - Icould [I could] not sleep the first two nights - the stillness was soloud [so loud]. Tuesday was the most glorious day - as warm as a May day and I saw many robin's and heard meadow larks- Now don't you wish you were an old maid trying to weave and darn ins tead [instead] of a [right side of page] Dear Scarlet Fever: Or is it measles by this time? No doubt you leave all the little "gurms" ["germs"?] trained so that they do your bidding. The top of the morning to you whatever you are doing! Iwish [I wish] you might come over here and take your daily walk with me. The woods are calling awfully loud for us to come. I live near one end of this quaint old town and just a little way off is the most inviting looking country. Love going ex- ploring the first chance Ihave [I have] Miss Fite R. N.? ' You know there is an old maid ere who owns the shop I work in The building by the way is about seventy-five years old. There are twenty looms in the shop and it is the most in teresting [interesting] place and oh so sereene [serene] and peaceful and guiet [quiet]. Ido [I do] believe any one cold ask more of life than to let in such an atmosphere wed create and make beautiful fabrics. have almost given up my farm idea. Iknow [I know] you would like it better than a sand hole. I am very anxious toknow if [to know] you have had to call for help from the big hospital in getting rid of some dull evenings. Have you? Tis time for me to go to work. Iwove [I wove] a beautiful? table runner the first day and Oh the crookedness of it! Tis some work of art. Now Iam doing on all over design and it is great fun. Imust [I must] away- Igo [I go] back to the city tomorrow night and well be at the hospital Saturday morning so you cannot lose me for even a week. Your dotin' Hay seed Jeff- Thursday morning.. LOCKPORT Mar 7 5 PM ILL. 1918 Miss s.g. Fite 509 Honore St. Chicago ILL. [Upper left corner] "The Linen Room."- Thurs. A.M. 700 My Dearest B.- Just "sneaked" in here to scribble a line - so it will go on this A.M.'s mail. It just seems as sho' I [underlined twice "cannot"] get time for writing [symbol for "and"] my eve-classes. Your letters all week have been great - and it was certainly very kind of your two friends to write me when you were unable to. Please thank them for me - How is the finger, dear? Do hope it is much better, and causing you little pain by now. Now listen dear - I [underlined twice "had"] [Left half of page blank, handwriting on right half] I might continue with that during Feb. instead of going out in the state somewhere. It has been desperately cold that last 3 days sho' - and tonite my feet are puffed right up [symbol for "and"] chilblains - oh! they do hurt so. And I am tired and my head aches - and I want my B. -I want him to hold me close in his arms - and love and kiss me - and then take me [symbol for "and"] him to Sleepy House along's our friend the same Man. Wish I had the price I'd call you up tonite - hearing to take my P.M. - on Tuesday as we have a new class (Phys. Culture) on Tues. P.M. 4-5. So Mrs. N. - called Miss R - and told her to give me my half day on Tuesday - so I can attend. Kind of small I call it - but must make the best of it. So you see it is out of she? - my going down there - so please come up - that's a dear! and besides - don't you want to arrange about your rooms? Gee I must leave you or my head nurse will be on my trail. Don't worry - I'm feeling O.K. again - Be careful and don't work too hard. My love + kisses to you my B. Yours F.F.F. [Upper right corner "Friday Eve."] Dearest B. - Must get a letter off to you for Sunday [underlined twice "sure"]. Your letters this week have all been so sweet and they have helped so much. Are you feeling better dear - and can you sleep days now. You must not worry or do anything that will keep you from getting your sleep. [Noe.?] duty at best is dread ful - but when one doesn't sleep good days it is almost unbearable. Do be good - and sleep - See? How is that poor finger - and dear - that old appendix frightens me - If you ever do have to go out to the table let me know [underlined twice "sure"] - and [Underlined "I'll be there"]. But here's hoping it will be unnecessary. I am feeling pretty good again but was in bed two days - [symbol for "and"] my throat - tonsillar abcess. Went down to the Co. and they (Dr. K. and Mrs. N.) made me go to bed in the nurse's sick room - [symbol for "and"] lot saline irrigation (throat) q.2.h. - Feel bum - but the irrigations did the work - and guess I'll have no more trouble [symbol for "and"] that old mail. I looked up Dr. Sherwood's address but have forgotten it - so if you'll excuse me a minute I'll go down stairs and look it up again. Dr. M. W. Sherwood. 605 Jackson St. - That's it! Listen dear - You know Roy Comp - the boy who draws - [underlined "loves"] to do heads - or faces - and I told him that I had a peach of a picture of you - I'd likes done. and he said "Bring it over." so - here's the ? - how soon am I to have it - [underlined "please"] hurry it up. I need it right on my dresses - to talk to - and say "nite my B." to - ets. will you hurry that photograph up a little - tell him to get [underlined "one"] ready quick. Will you? This has been a real Spring Day - about the first one this year - and it seemed so good. Do hope it warms up a little now. Yes dear - the stars and [winds?] have all been so good in coming and telling me of your messages - Surely it will not be long soon - before we can [underlined "tell"] each other these love shots and messages. Won't it be glorious - my B. - I am tired and sleepy - come, tuck me in and kiss me nite-nite like a dear - and let me go to our Sleepy House - All my love as always - Yours FFF WAUWATOSA, WIS APR 18 5 - 30P 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite 509 Honore St. Chicago, Illinois [Upper right corner "Thurs. Eve -"] Dearest Sue - Do you want me to call you that always? I inferred as much by the way you signed your name - Don't know what to say. in fact I can scarcely collect my thoughts - I have come to the conclusion that nothing will ever seem quite right again and I guess I may as well bow to the inevitable and take things as they come. I can see by your letter and perhaps you are justified - that you think I should have told you about having gone out a few times. - I really - could see no good in telling [crossed out word] you of it as nothing. Will I ever come of it and I was not sure that it would not be hard to explain it to you - But as long as you got the information from Miss K. - I may as well finish it - I met a young man - not so very long ago - whose wife has been dead a very short time - died of Tb. and left him almost heartbroken - He has been at Appleton and knows people I do - Besides - being a nurse - he felt that he could speak freely of his wife's illness and death - So he really seemed to enjoy being in my company - He was a [car?] - and I really have spent some rather enjoyable evenings riding and listening to the charms and accomplishments of "wifie". Have I done wrong? If so - I beg you forgiveness and if you wish shall not go out [unknown symbol] him again. But as for my sleeping on my hours - and - staying every nite - so that I couldn't write you - well if you choose to believe that I cannot help it - Perhaps too - you do not believe that until this week I have had class the 1st 4 days of the week - [unknown symbol] one hour only off duty. But whatever you believe or do not believe [underlined twice "please"] rest assured that your coming on Mon. instead of Sun. did not work in fere of any plans of mine - as I had none- May I make one last appeal to you - for goodness sake (I know it would do no good to say for my sake) - don't do anything that you may regret later. Remember your dear [Noober?] - the one big thing I envy you - and don't forget [crossed out word] how she expects the best from you - And my B. - remember if I haven't fallen too low in your esteem I want to remain as always Yours - Florence. your dear voice would help so - but alas! my pocket book is [underlined "flat"] as usual. It will soon be your birthday B.- don't I wish I could be [symbol for "with"] you on that day - but a year from now - we'll celebrate it together - won't we? But then every day will be as good as a celebration then - won't it - my beautiful southern B.- I'm going to say Goodnite my B.- now - and go to sleep (if I can) and dream of our great big happy future. Stripe just said to tell you she [underlined "likes"] you so well as ever. And dear - [underlined "I love"] you more if [underlined "anything"] than ever - altho that seems impossible. Nite-nite - all my love and kisses are for you - now and always - Your own true [underlined "FFF".] [Dried flowers, loose] WAUW A, WIS. APR26 10-30A 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite. 509 Honore, St. Chicago, Illinois Tues. P.M. My Dear B- Your letter came last eve- but as I had a P.M. and no one put [themselves?] out enough to bring it over I didn't get it until this morning. My Dear I am so worried about you. and I am anxiously awaiting another letter- and hoping and praying that i will bring the good news that an operation is un necessary. I know that your kind friends there will keep me [posted?] as they did before. but I hope you will soon be up and yourself once more. You may depend on my writing our [mother?] if it would help her or you any. - So she feeling better? Please believe mother dear- it makes no difference how much we have argued and quarreled lately. You mean all the world to me and I can't think what would happen if anything should happen to you - I was in bed all day Sat. [illegible] an acute attack of indigestion - but am OK. again- Must leave you now B.- and go down to the M.C.H. to gym class- Just this note to let you know I love you - and will write a regular letter later. That's right! don't think about anything but the happy times we've had together and those to come. My b.- let me kiss you- and tell you - how much you mean to me- Your FFF Will be here until next Monday. Fred tings Minn. Box 678. WAUWATOSA, WIS MAY 1 8-AM 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite 509 Honore St. Chicago, Illinois [left side of page] a nice chatty visit [shorthand symbol for "with"] you. Not too long - or it would tire you- but just for a few minutes. Then we'd sit and dream - Can you still dream B.? Yours - FFF [right side of page] On Duty- Wed- My Dear B.- Your two letters received this morning and dear. I just feel so helpless to do or say anything that might do you some good. The [???] friends of yours have all been to see you and do the little things that one appreciates so - when sick - even Miss Freeman's letter reached you before mine did. Altogether- I feel that as a real helpful friend I am a dismal failure. But B.- I do care and I am so worried about you I don't know what to do- I only do hope and pray that things will clear up [shorthand symbol for "with"] out an [opr?]. This is May 1st and such a [header printed text] Form No. 59 Muirdale Sanatorium For the Treatment of Tuberculosis CLINICAL NOTES Name _____ Case No. ____ Date [handwritten text] beautiful day- wish we might take a long walk together thru the woods. But Someday surely we may be able to do those things we want to do. You still do want to do some of them don't you dear? Are you at the Home - or full [on?] contagious? Some how- I can't realize That you are really so ill- Oh don't I wish I could be there and by doing a few little things for you-show you what you do mean to me B- after all? Today I feel as tho I am absolutely no use to anyone on this earth- Please forgive all my shortcomings of the past and remember I am [shorthand symbol for "with"] you dear in spirit and am anxiously hoping for your recover - My B. - I send you love and kisses - and wish that I might hold you close and have WIS. M 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite 509 Honore St. Chicago, Illinois WAUWATOSA, WIS FEB 2 10-AM 1918 Miss Sue Gardner Fite. 509 Honore St. Chicago, Illinois [left side of page] It will be until March 1st. Then we must come back to the dear old M. C. H. and settle down for 6 months more - Then - - - oh my B! [Stryk?] and I have this A. M. off and we are busy trying to pack. I am feeling fine again so don't worry, dear. But how are these dear nerves- please don't let anything bother you- and especially that miserable old ward. I hate it - B - you must be careful and don't get sick. while I'm away - I'd go frantic - away up North so far from My B- when he sick. I'll be just awfully lonely up there (wherever I go) [right side of page] Sunday A.M. Dearest of all B._ I can't understand why you got no letter yesterday P. M. - I mailed one in the A.M. - and mailed it out here too - so you'd be sure to get it. The train must have been late or something. and I am so sorry you got no Saturday latere. Do I care dear? - oh- My B.- you know I do - and just how much I long and wait for the time when we can be together for all time - I tell you - some days I feel desperate. and it seems as the time only drags along. Even our year seems unkind to us - as it is making us wait until nearly it's end - but B. - let's not tire of waiting - for think what happiness will be ours when you know I love you only. and what never will I cease caring and wanting you. Don't you? Please, please never forget or doubt that. Yes. We have promise one another to be frank to each other if we ever "change" - but until then - We must know all will be well. And surely a love as strong as ours cannot change. That by this time I'd be out "somewhere in Wis" - but we leave tomorrow. Stryk - a Mrs Jensen [(Kensha)?] and myself are being sent to do a month's work in the 3 counties who sold the most Red Cross Seals at Christmas [times?]. As the returns were not all in yesterday we'll not know where we are going until tomorrow when we go in bag & baggages. Miss Fuller spoke yesterday as tho' [illegible] were good that I'd go to Chippewa County - but wherever I do - go- I'll drop you a line as soon as I get there. anyway- because some home - you seem so near me here in our little room as the M. C. H. Home. But dear write me - often - and so will I. Nearly time for duty so will bid you good bye from our M. C. H. - and will write you as soon as I arrive at my destination. In the mean time remember you are the only one in the whole world - and I love you every minute of the day and nite. Some day. I shall try to prove to you that my love is sincere and will not change. Until then- try and believe me - when I say it. Will you B.? I send love to our [washer?]. and all the rest is [yours?] always as are all my kisses- Your own true W - FFF You forgot to underline the F. in your address- on my last letter. Please don't let that happen again! You've probably heard this- My Tuesdays are meat less My Wednesdays are Wheat less I'm getting more eatless each day. My room it is heat less, My bed it is sheet less, There are sending them all to the Y. M. C. A. The bar rooms are treat less My coffee is sweet less, Each day I grow poorer & wiser, My stocking are feet less, My trousers are seat less, By Gosh - but I do hate the Kaiser!