Hinman Bigelow Letters: Consider it Seriously (11 Feb 1919)

This letter was written on 11 February 1919. Dear Hinman Bigelow's mother, Why aren't you sending your son all your money?! "Gee, it seems to be just one expense after another."

Feb 11th, 1919

Dear Mother,

I received your letter and the check for nine dollars. Thanks for sending me that investment sheet, I read it, but what do you want me to do with it?

On one condition will I stay here Easter vacation and only one, that is that you write me a check for $55 payable to me. My reasons are, first, I would like to tutor some conditions off if I get any which I am sure to do. Also it is like a prison here if you never get back to civilization and all the fellows except a few foreigners go home and I would be lonesome, but for $55 I will do it! That will be saving about $25 and also I will be getting my conditions off. But unless you send me the $55 why I will be home the first chance I get. So consider it seriously!

I have a condition in English this term which must be removed before March 5th. Therefore about February 17th, please send me $10 to tutor it off.

Gee, it seems to be just one expense after another, but I don't see how I can help it.

I think if I come back next year I will work my way through as that is about $400 cheaper and I would have that much more to spend upon necessary things.

Can't you please let me have a little extra before the debate about Feb 20th. because that debate comes off the night of the 22nd and I want to get my suit pressed and cleaned also I might be asked downtown for supper and would want to have some money on hand and also for society stunts.

I am going to work this summer either at Wanamakers or as I hope to get a chauffeur's job with Miss Parsons.

Don't you think I could get a cheap car say my Ford racer costing $400, insured and everything, you know you would like it and if I work my board money alone would easily pay the expense of the car.

So think it over. Well write soon.

Your loving son
Ted Bigelow

Click HERE for more Hinman Bigelow letters.

Thom Yorke

Thom Yorke
Stippling
January 2010

Hinman Bigelow Letters: Sarcasm (5 Feb 1919)

This letter was written on 5 February 1919. Hinman Bigelow writes to his mother for, you guessed it, more money! I've included a photograph of Hinman with his track team.

Feb 5th.

Dear Mother,

I received your letter, the check for school, and my own $3 check but not the one for the indoor shoes. Now mother I must have those shoes for track and must have them immediately, so by return mail you send me a check for the shoes.

Now you might as well leave out your sarcasm about my age and etc. because the shoes fitts both of us. Especially what you said about the Armstrong's and I am keeping that letter for future use if necessary.

I have cut the smoking as I said so don't you think you help me toward that car I want?

Well I am practising hard for both track and swimming.

What will you give me to stay here during Easter vacation? My railroad fare would mount to $20. My board $18 and my other expenses $25. Send me a check for $55 and I will stay here in Mercersburg for over vacation. Pretty little sacrifice but I will do it you send me the $55. Consider the matter! It would save both time and money.

Is Miss Parsons going to be in Atlantic City in March about the 15th? Ask her for me will you please.

There is going to be a dance here soon and the debate the 22nd so couldn't you add a little for these occassions because I need my suits pressed and also the debate night for stunts. So please send me a little extra.

Well don't forget the $6 for the track shoes and the rest.

Give my best to Miss Parsons and Marguerite Armstrong, the Milburns, Mrs. Ivyville and the rest.

Sincerely,
Ted Bigelow

Click HERE for more Hinman Bigelow letters.

Michel Gondry

Photo by Aurélie Cenno

Watermelons

You're probably wondering why I've gathered you all here today.

Hinman Bigelow Letters: Miss Parsons (29 Jan 1919)

This letter was written on 29 January 1919. Hinman Bigelow writes to family friend, Miss Parsons, asking for help to purchase his little Ford Racer. Unfortunately for Hinman, instead of helping him, she forwarded his letter to his mother.

Jan 29th
Morning

Dear Miss Parsons,

I received the box of caramels and liked them very much, thanks to you! I am now enjoying them with several of the fellows.

Am enclosing several of my drawings of the Ford racer I wish to get. I will get it too if I have to sell everything I ever owned. It only costs $400 but I am finding it hard to get that much together but I will do so. Won't you help me some? It means everything to me and think of the good times I will have during the summer.

I am 19 years old this April 29th and you can get a license in Penn. at the age of 16 so I can easily procure that little article.

I know where I can get $100 of the $400 but unless Sister [Jane Ashley Bigelow] and Aunt Hattie [Colson] help me some and you help me to an extent I don't know how I will get it but hope for the best. The old saying is, "where there is a will there's a way." Well tell Mother I said this and will get the car. I have a watch that will bring $20, a rug = $20, and some penants worth $10 also several other little items worth about $25, so you see I have prospects of succeeding if only you will help me. Won't you please Miss Parsons? You don't realize what it would mean to me.

Thanking you again for the candy and hoping to hear from you soon!

Your friend,
Ted Bigelow

Click HERE for more Hinman Bigelow letters.

Toki Nantucket

Photos by CatAtelier