1 October 1918
Dear Don,
Gee what in the world is the matter with you? I haven't heard from you for so long I'm beginning to worry but nevertheless I'll start writing again. For the last two or three days I've haven't written thinking each day I'd hear from you but I"m beginning to wonder where you are.
I am sitting here writing where I really should be in Red Cross sewing but I came up and worked two hrs. last night and I never feel much like sewing directly after school.
Sat. a bunch of us went out to Ely Lake on a picnic and had a good time. Rather cool however and we walked miles. When we got home we went over to the Pavillion to the dance. Every one has got to war, even the old dubs we blew around with occasionally last year so the dance was anything but exciting.
Edythe and I have taken our supper out occasionally and had bacon & eggs down at the Lake but that certainly ??? the bills up. We are paying 30.00 per month board, but its so full of hairs I"m nearly turned wrong side out.
The School Board are so pokey we haven't a boarding houseyet and I guess they don't are if we do starve.
October already. Gee this is the month that makes me blue. Fall days make me long for the good old years of 1911, 12 and 13 at Ames. Edythe is just out of school and her talks bring back so much of the dim past to me.
What's more I feel older and older and all the girls seem so far away, almost like a dream.
I'm just hungry to be with a real bunch of fellows and girls again. To hear old Mickey McBride whistle at "Frank's" stove and to take a run out into the North woods with Bid, Morry & Ray. Gosh this all came over me last Sunday night when Helen Harming [sic] came back from Ely last Sunday. She had seen & talked with Kelly Schreck, he had told her he knew me at times & I belonged to the best Sorority there, also I went with his pal. Ray is married and lives at Long Beach.
Rave on McBeth, rave on. Did you ever feel that way.
War is so much more to make one blue & Sunday night I cried for the first time to see Betty.
However in spire of it all I exist happily from day to day. I think of you constantly, pray that you will always be where I can hear from you, for you seem to be the only one that gives a darn about my existence. I grieve over teh fact that our home life has been such a heller, and that the future seems no more promising.
Ruth has written me once. Dad none and I seldom hear from any of the girls. If it weren't for your letters and my bills I'd have reason to complain but those help lots.
My work is fine. WE have started to cook and time seems to speed along. I hate Mr. Lunn more & more & I certainly hope next year brings something different but I'm resolved to enjoy everything to the fullest extent. I always think of the soldiers and then I feel my lot is above par.
Write me often.
Much love, Leone
Oct. 1, 1918
Biwabik, Minn.
