20th Century

Dear Bessie: I got your Saturday’s letter today, noon, and was so glad to hear from you so soon after my arrival. I was rather amused at your telling me you did not expect Roy to call—and in the next line how you tell me he had just “blown in.” I suppose you had a long talk over old times and “one stuff or another.” He is a great talker, and has lots to say about everything. I am glad he called and hope you had him eat with you, and that you and the children had a good visit all around. He surely did treat me royally at Portland, and he could not have made me more welcome. I hope he will succeed at Livingston, Mont., where he is now going. Yes, I was indeed surprised to hear Mr. James had gone to Rochester, and I like you, wonder what kind of a “hen” he is on. He probably has business along other lines back east, and at the same time will visit Rochester. He has extensive business with a firm in Dayton, O., which has most likely called him east. Tell Lawrence I said I was sorry this trip could not have been made by him, as I feel it would be of great benefit to him. I was informed at Portland that Mr. Mullin, who was formerly with [illegible] and lately of Chicago, where I saw him, is now in Seattle, in charge of the department Mr. Horne had charge of, with Lowman & Hanford, which I suppose means Horne is down and out with L.H. I do not know whether I am glad to hear that Mullin is there or not. I will await developments before I say much. I have just heard from home office that an agency deal I made at Baker City, the order for which was later cancelled, has just been taken up again, and shipment will now be made. Also of another firm at Aberdeen, Wash., who want to take an agency. This all looks and sounds well to me, from the viewpoint of the present. I am now in correspondence with the Aberdeen man, and the letter you sent me Saturday was from him. I think I can arrange the matter when I go to Aberdeen. I have just finished my Portland report, and find my sales were over $2400, about 12 times as much as I sold there last trip. Now if I was at home this minute I would “waltz around again Willie” with you, sure. Maybe I will anyway when I see you again. Since I was at Oregon City, a couple of weeks ago, at which time I devised a system for a big paper mill, my new agent there closed the deal and I went down Saturday evening from Portland to get the order for supplies. The deal was for about $200, and the new agent was just jumping over himself at his success in closing a big deal before his opening stock was yet shipped from the factory. Another feather in your husband’s cap, you see. What did you think of the bouquet of roses Mr. Benson sent from Aberdeen? They smelled awfully sweet to me, “as though the dew drops were ready to fall from them.” I sent the whole bunch to Rockwell to see and smell, and asked him to return all but one to me. Mr. Benson has the dearest little mite of a wife, and she is just a little bundle of sweetness, and they have not been married very long. You noticed, perhaps, that Mrs. Benson joined Mr. Benson in sending me regards. But there is another little bundle of sweetness that belongs to me, that I hope to reclaim in a few more days, and then Mr. Benson’s little bunch will be only a thought. I guess I will have to pull Miss Newby’s ear when I get home, for talking slightly of your husband. You know I am just a little too sensitive on such matters, to allow such remarks to go unnoticed. Tell her if she will be good “forever after,” I will only pull one ear this time, but the next offense both will suffer. I am glad Harmon enjoys the occasional pictures. Yesterday I sent him a real card for his Valentine, and am wondering how he liked it. It took me all day today to get my writing up, and tomorrow I will try to get $2500 worth(?) of business here, just to beat Portland. Will probably be here tomorrow and day after, and then on to The Dalles, by way of Portland—and then when through at The Dalles, if the wind blows homeward, I will probably “blow in” home about Sunday. I will after that—will be another story. Now with my dearest love to you and lots of kisses for you and the little ones, Lovingly Yours, Geo. W.D.

This letter provides a remarkably rich look at early 20th-century sales culture: The writer operates as a regional traveling salesman, managing: Agency agreements Territory expansion Client relationships across multiple states His language reflects a competitive, performance-driven mindset: Pride in sales totals (“12 times as much”) Use of phrases like “another feather in your husband’s cap” Social networks were essential to business: Personal hospitality (“treated me royally”) Gift-giving (bouquet of roses) Blending of business and domestic life

Historical Note

🌍 Business Geography (1909 America) This letter spans an impressive network: Pacific Northwest: Astoria, Portland, Aberdeen, Seattle, Oregon City Interior West: Livingston, Montana Midwest & East: Dayton, Ohio; Rochester, New York; Chicago This reflects: Expansion of national distribution networks Reliance on regional agents and territories Increasing integration of U.S. markets via rail 🏭 Industrial Context Reference to a paper mill system suggests involvement in: Industrial supply Process systems or equipment sales Cities mentioned: Aberdeen, WA: Major lumber hub Baker City, OR: Mining and trade center Oregon City: Early industrial center (paper mills, hydro power) ✉️ Social & Cultural Notes Use of phrases like: “blown in” (arrived suddenly) “hen he is on” (possibly slang for scheme or venture) Valentine card reference shows: Early commercialization of holidays Continued emotional connection with children during travel Gentle jealousy and humor reflect: Strong marital bond Social norms around propriety and reputation 👤 Letter-Specific Notes Same author: Geo. W.D. Wife: “Bessie” Mentions multiple associates: Roy Mr. James Mr. Mullin Mr. Horne Mr. Benson Miss Newby This network could potentially be traced for: Business identification Regional trade connections Family genealogy