20th Century

Dear Bessie: It is now 1 a.m., Sunday morning, and I have just returned from hearing E. H. Southern in “Hamlet” at Portland’s “Orack’s” Theater. It was a great production, and played to a full house. I wrote you a day or so ago. I was going to see Roy and his wife. I spent an evening with them, and had quite a pleasant visit. The young man who has just returned from a world tour was also there, and altogether we had a great visit. Mrs. H. is quite a lady, and made the evening quite pleasant for me, and Roy was just as hospitable as one could wish. During the time Mrs. H. served chocolate and sandwiches with an ending of fruit. She is quite an artistic basket maker, and makes all kinds of fancy shaped baskets, similar to the Indian baskets you have so much admired. She has quite a collection of her own make. Roy has just completed a portrait of her in blacks and white and it is a perfect likeness. She is quite a staid matron, and while not a good looking one in the “pretty” sense, yet is quite above the usual in intelligence and makes a good impression. She is tall, dark hair and eyes, and a pleasant talker. I will tell you the details of the visit when I can discuss it in person. Roy called on me today and gave me a pressing invite to have Sunday dinner with them at 12 o’clock tomorrow—today now. If nothing prevents I shall go. I will be here for a few days more, and will let you know when I am to leave. So to Astoria from here. I am quite well, and hope you are again well, and that the little ones are both well. With my dearest love to you each one, I am, lovingly your husband, Geo. W.D.

🧺 Material Culture – Basket Making Mrs. H.: Creates “fancy shaped baskets” Compared to Indigenous basketry 👉 Important detail: Shows influence and admiration of Native craft traditions Reflects: Domestic artistry Gendered creative roles 🎨 Art & Portraiture Roy paints portrait: “perfect likeness” 👉 Suggests: Amateur or semi-professional artistic culture Social circles valuing creative skill 🍫 Hospitality & Food Menu described: Chocolate Sandwiches Fruit 👉 A classic early 20th-century middle-class social spread

Historical Note

🎭 Portland Theater Culture (c. 1909) Touring productions were major events Shakespeare performances were especially prestigious Full houses indicate strong urban demand