Author: Frank Buckler

To Bertha from Frank Buckler – Approx. date

Wednesday

My dear,

Well, you are in a situation.

Tom was in and asked if I needed to draw some money. I said, “later in the week.” Business is OK. Need the capital and wished to draw a substantial check when I drew hence the S.O.S to you. Sorry about that. Didn’t dream you were short. You said you had a 90¢ laundry bill and I didn’t know about anything else. Store or what not pressing for payment. Groceries not due until the first. Well, I’m sorry about it. The rent I paid long ago in advance and I thought you were OK for funds. I only left one week ago and left you $15.00 cash. Oh, well it does take money to live. I know full well and besides it’s too petty to worry about now and too trivial.

I too am a little worn with the battle-living like a spartan and working. I say that _____ 14 hours a day. Will have made a very good profit this week but it is not luck nor a gamble.) I have earned every nickel of it. Will write you funds – Friday night or Saturday morning. AM going to finish the week out now and drive to Clem Elum [Note: In Washington State] with Tom then stage it from there. That is about 1/3 way and will save a few dollars. Write all the bill collectors – for Monday AM with my compliments.

The _____ letters from Portland must have been disconcerting – Probably the result of no letters from Spokane. My fault of course. Do not be alarmed. You know how much attention I pay to “backseat” driving. You are too mature for me to give advice to so do as you wish about them.

As to religion training, Methodism is in many ways stupid and common place but at least we understand the simple ways and plain old fashion dogma. Catholicism perhaps is fine and worthy but what one does not understand he distrusts just another one of the seemingly mounting obstacles to harmony. If I knew how to worship, I would prefer a huge pine tree as a shrine. But let’s not get serious over the question. There is good in everyone. If you care to instruct the children in the way of the Golden Rule and how to avoid the sinful valleys of this Earth that will be all the Sunday School I care about. Thanks for the $2.00. Look for a check Saturday and myself when I get there.

Best wishes,

Frank

A solid foundation is what I’m seeing. It is not as an ill paid employer. I cannot do it. I am and (have to) seeking the cue to money making. Have done well this past few days. Made more in one day than I would have at White’s in one month. But I wish that I could better – I have to do better and am sorry to have left you cold, broke and starving.

I was going to ask you to come over for a “lark” and get Mr. Patterson to stay. But of course that is insane so never mind.

To Bertha from Frank Buckler – December 6, 1935

[Note: This is the last letter from Bertha’s husband. They would separate within a year.]

Dear Bertha,

In reference to a certain agreement between us of about November 8th, 1935, I wish to acknowledge terms of same to _____: You did advance me the sum of $300.00 and received same as the loan. The terms and usage of the funds were and are as follows: With your consent, I used about $100.00 as follows: Paid all expenses in connection to closing the home at 29 E. 27th St., transportation of children to Portland and purchase of a new overcoat for myself.

The balance of the loan, I agreed and am using in a commercial way or working capital. Part of it is now invested in an automobile that has a value of about $140.00.

I consider this a demand loan and upon 30 days’ notice from you, will litigate (repay) that part of it or all if possible.

In the event that I do not succeeed in making enough money to hold the capital together and decide to quit this line and take a salaried position, then repayment will be made on the following basis. I agree to liquidate what part of it as it is possible, (sell car and goods and receive credit for same) and the balance is a prior claim upon my wages and I agree to make monthly payments before any other creditors are considered until the $300.00 is repaid in full with interest. Believing this is to be a true statement of the agreement and you have my promise that I will do all I can to respect the terms of it.

I am respectfully yours.

Frank Buckler

This letter is to be returned upon full payment.