File:Erica (Thorp) de Berry to Thorp family, 10 February 1917 (968f2cf7-b915-41c4-95bf-e6096f91710b).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1006/004.006.002-005#005

[printed letterhead: Pine Mountain Settlement School]
Feb. 10th
Dearest Family,
Back in civilization again to get at first hand the German news, and try to take it in! Shut off as we were, it was simply impossible to believe tho’ I suppose that you in the centre of things can think or realize nothing else. I am wondering what it will be like to visit in a pro-German household, as I imagine Dr Brandeis’ is – It doesn’t seem as if anyone in the country however, pro-G’s included, could deny the rightness of what the President has done. And how wonderfully he did it – so quietly and quickly at last
[written cross on L margin and top]
I’m nearly burning up with steam heat – I left Pole House at 0˚ this A.M – the walk over the mt. in the snow was gorgeous!
(p.2) when the time had come – It seems to make up for all the backing & filling[?] before –
Well – I’m waiting for the night train to Louisville, and am still gaping at civilization and shining from a hot bath – the first in a real tub for five whole months! You can have no idea of the aesthetic thrill of it – til you’ve gone without as long – To have water to waste (crossed out: and) to offer[?] a pint kettlefull! I gloated in it and washed & re-washed (crossed out: every] for an hour and a half. (Excuse these vulgar details, but it really was a momentous occasion!)
You’ve no idea how exciting it is to see stiff collars and use linen napkins and go fast in trains. The engine almost terrified me – and I wondered for a second why all the travelling men
[printed letterhead: Pine Mountain Settlement School]
(p.3) were so dressed up! Now I’m dressed up myself and it feels so nice As for a 5-course supper, beginning with steak and ending with pineapple sherbet – well, I won’t dwell on it for fear you’ll think I’ve been starving – which you know I haven’t.
But, oh Mamma, nothing could have gone to the spot more utterly than that mayonnaise and sandwich stuff – and the fruit cake! The evening before it came, I’d decided that I’d have to get some in Louisville, and then like an answer to prayer it came – and we ate it at our bedtime feast before the fire Yum!
(p.4) Bill arrived on Wednesday & it is such fun to have her. I can’t believe that either – that it has all happened just as Ede & I planned of a sudden – You have an idea, write a letter –& suddenly from (crossed out: th] “behind the beyond” someone or something comes in to you – over the mountain It’s like magic!
The thrill of hearing home news from Miss de Long & Bill! Mamma, how dreadful about your ankle, though. I hope its not serious – Is it the same one you sprained before? I’m so sorry! – And to think that the kids gave their Christmas checks for our road, and Mamma & Papa so much – That touched me more than I can ever tell you –
It’s been a time of much readjustment and
[printed letterhead: Pine Mountain Settlement School]
(p.5) breaking in. Bill is to have my work while I’m gone and then perhaps do house-mothering in full & later gardening – we don’t know quite what – all –
I have been having a lovely time with Beatrice Murray in the Pole House. She’s a really wonderful person, and we have got to know each other as only a Pole House can make one. Then, since Bill came, we’ve been having high jinks there – such funny times of crowdedness – washing between fruit-cake & a lamp, dressing between trunks and laundry baskets! And now I’m off on my vacation to Louisville, and (p.6) it’s so exciting that I can scarcely contain myself!
I’m to stay at Dr Brandeis’ with Ede for ten days! Jean’s family asked me there – wasn’t it adorable of them! – but I’d already planned this other arrangement. However, I’ll surely see them, and Jean’s wonderful home – only isn’t it to maddening that she’s not there.
Mamma, my yellow dress arrived just in time & its so blessed to have it!
Thanks so much –
My address will be
c/o Dr Florence Brandeis
1122 South 4th St
Louisville
Till the 20 th
I’ll write from there, & not be so lapsing as this last week – A heartful of love
From your excited Bun .

• Keywords: long archives; henry w. longfellow family papers (long 27930); erica (thorp) de berry; document; correspondence; education; henry wadsworth longfellow family papers (1006); travel; subject; places; united states; ky; Erica Thorp deBerry Papers (1006/004.006); (LONG-SeriesName); Outgoing (1006/004.006.002); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1917 (1006/004.006.002-005); (LONG-FileUnitName)