Love Letters to Aunt Blanche

It appears Aunt Blanche had a serious boyfriend —named George. The 24, three-cent stamped, handwritten letters are dated from Aug 1, 1947, until Dec 16, 1949. Here’s the first.

 Amherst, Texas

 Dear Blanche,

I wonder if you really expected to hear from me. I hope so, otherwise the shock might be too severe. Ha. Frankly, I was determined to write but have been waiting to decide my next move, so I could give you a P.O. address.

I’m in my room and the bed isn’t a suitable writing table, I assure you. Speaking of beds, I was lucky to find one. These Texas people indulge in so many rodeos the cowboys move like bees and consequently the hotels in Littlefield were completely out of vacancies. I drove to this one-horse town as a last resort and it turned out to be a resort, sure enough. Thus, I’ve been driving 7 miles to work.

 I’ve been drinking numerous milk shakes and a lot of water. This part of Texas is as dry as Sarah’s Desert, but I’m glad. I was offered some cold beer from a wet county today and I refused! I’m going on the wagon so when I’m home again we’ll do our drinking in the drugstore. Right?

Been seeing several movies such as a Red Ryder Western,  “Rhapsody in Blue”, “Margie”, “The Devil Thumbs a Ride,” and “My Favorite Brunette.” I get pretty lonesome alone and I wanted the office to send Ralph to join me. Hope he does. If not, I’ll see you about the first of September.

I’ll be moving in the morning so drop me a line to Ralls, Texas, General Delivery.

As ever, George

 Evidently, George traveled a lot that year working at different spots, because the next few months’ letters are from Clovis, New Mexico; Leadville, Colorado; Salida, Colorado; Del Norte, Colorado; and Munday, Texas. The letters progress. Letter Number 5 states: “Hope I see you about the last of Sept—and it’s probable. When I do, well—I guess your lips are not sore now. They might be, later.”

 And Letter Number 6 states: “I supposed you do wonder about me at times, especially when I never seem to get serious about anything. But I try never to get on thin ice. I usually watch what I say or do (except for foolishness) I hope we have more and more pleasant times together and I’m sure you’ll find out whether or not I can be serious.” This time he ends with, “Love, George.”

After reading these letters, I wonder if their relationship had problems due to his drinking, traveling around the country, or something else? I mean – it  seems like they liked one another. What happened?