Haleyville, Alabama Oct. 27, 1923 Dearest Jess, There is so much I want to say that I hardly know where to begin. I want so badly to say what I think because I am perfectly helpless when it comes to writing. You could never have chosen a better week to make me supremely happy because I have been so busy that I haven’t had time for a good sized “sneeze”. This week of all times I needed someone to be nice to me only I feel that I don’t deserve it all. Your letter didn’t come until Thursday but I’ve been trying ever since to find time to write. Your selection of music is very good — I’m real proud of you. I like one piece “I’m Waiting for Ships That Never Come In” especially well and I’ve played it dozens of times. The others are pretty also and I appreciate it (the music) ever so much. Maybe I had better tell you what I’ve been doing — We are going to have a Halloween party over to school and each teacher is responsible for one thing. I’m responsible for the whole program and we are having to work like fury to get it up. Then too, I am in a play the Culture Club is giving and of course we practice that at night. I am Lizy Ann — a woman who borrows but never gossips! I’ll be glad when it is all over. We had a holiday Wednesday on account of the fair, however I didn’t go. Haven’t been out at all until a while this afternoon. We only stayed long enough to hear our fortunes told because there was nothing else interesting. Until I had my fortune told I didn’t care for your taking Ocie to the show but after what she said I am terribly jealous. Do you believe it??? Suppose I can stand the way you run around with Ocie and Clara Marie if Chas. and J.C. can. I’m glad you went to see the folks while you were in Hartford and hope you will go every time you are in town. Clara Marie told me that she took dinner with your folks and how she enjoyed the visit. One of the North West High teachers is spending the night with Miss McDuffie and me. She is such an attractive girl and just as sweet as she is attractive. We’ve been having a lot of fun. Right now they and the twins are playing Rook. They wanted to excuse me long enough to write to you and tell you how perfectly darling you are for sending the flowers. They are precious — and they kept beautifully. You see I am not the only ones to enjoy them tonight. Listen, next time I see you I’ll try to tell you just how happy the flowers made me. Wish you could meet some of my girl friends here. I believe they are true blue and I enjoy their friendship so much. Miss McDuffie and I are going to Birmingham next Friday at 3:30 and stay until Sunday evening. I’m going to take time to scribble you a scrawl before I go cause I love you. Always, “Dooley”

This is one of the most revealing letters in terms of personality and relationship dynamics: Emotional Transparency She openly admits: → Jealousy (“I am terribly jealous”) → Vulnerability (“I feel that I don’t deserve it”) Playful Self-Awareness She recognizes her own feelings and even teases them: → “Do you believe it???” Social Confidence Highly active: → Leading programs → Performing → Hosting friends Clear Romantic Declaration “I love you.” This is a major shift from earlier letters—moving from: affection → explicit emotional commitment

Historical Note

This letter highlights several key aspects of 1920s Southern small-town life and courtship: School as Social Hub: Teachers organized: → Halloween events → Plays → Community programs showing the school’s central cultural role Fortune Telling & Fairs: References to: → County fairs → Fortune telling booths reflect popular rural entertainment traditions Card Games: “Rook” again appears as a socially acceptable alternative to standard playing cards in Protestant communities Gift Culture in Courtship: Flowers were: → A significant romantic gesture → Socially visible (shared with friends present) Travel & Mobility: A weekend trip to Birmingham reflects: → Expanding regional mobility → Access to larger cultural centers