20th Century

Dear Bessie: I read your letters and postals with much interest today, as I had not heard from you for so long. I was so sorry to hear you had been so sick, and I do hope this may find you much improved. I am better of my cold, but think the incessant rain is probably the cause of the “sneezes.” I am surprised Mrs. Newby is trying to put mischief in your head about me, and I would hardly think you would allow her to talk to you in that way. There is very little of the time that my thoughts are not of you and home. I think of you many, many times each day, and the time I spend away from you seems so long. I can not tell you how much I miss you and the dear little ones, and I hope there may be some good turn of the wheel that may again put me in position to spend more time with you. I have just read in yesterday’s Oregonian Review about the close of Sunday meetings and the great number converted, and the large collection, etc., and have sent the paper to Maria A. I hope his work may have lasting results. Tell Mr. Lawrence that any orders he may have for me, if he will give them to you, that you can forward to me and I can in turn send it at once to Rochester. I suppose I will be home again about the 18th to 20th for a few days, and then go the Coast again, in the upper section. I hope you may be fully recovered by the time I get back, and that the few days at home may be pleasant ones for all of us. I shall look forward to the time with much pleasure. I enjoyed every word of the letters and cards I got from you today, and hope to hear again very soon from you. With a sweet good night kiss for you and the little ones, together with my dearest love, Lovingly your husband, Geo. W.D.

📰 Accompanying Ephemera Title Newspaper Clipping – “Sunday Here for One Night Only” (Billy Sunday in Portland) Description A newspaper clipping announcing evangelist Billy Sunday’s appearance at the White Temple in Portland, including details of his anti-alcohol sermon and large revival meetings. Key Details from Clipping Speaker: Billy Sunday (famous evangelist) Location: White Temple, Portland Topic: Anti-alcohol sermon (“Booze Battler”) Large attendance and multiple meetings References to traveling revival circuit

Historical Note

🧠 Context: Billy Sunday One of the most famous evangelists of the early 1900s Known for: Energetic preaching Strong anti-alcohol stance Major figure in the temperance movement → Prohibition era