Hamilton Chase letters 1910 - 1964

Here is a collection of letters written by Hamilton Chase in chronological order.
(For Hamilton Chase photos, see the two December 26, 2016 posts as well as the posts for Marianne Heald and Julia Neavolls)
(See also the Lawrenceville School and Camp Choconut posts from 2017)

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Letter from the Westminster Hotel, Winona Lake, Indiana

August 10, 1910

To Harold T. Chase,  Topeka Daily Captil,  Topeka, Kan.

Dear father,

Josephine is renting a boat and almost every day I go out rowing in it.

I hope it is not to hot at home.  

Just think, next month I will be 9 years old.   And then it will be only 1 year till I get a pony of my own.

Love from Hamilton Chase

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Post Card from Craigville, Mass

July 1911 ?

To Mrs. J. E. Thompson at 908 Topeka Ave., Topeka, Kansa

Dear Grandma,

I hope that you are feeling fine.  I have got the swimming at last.

I swam about 50 strokes today.

Love from Hamilton Chase

Hamilton Chase in Craigville, Cape Cod around 1911

Probably Hamilton Chase, Harold T. Chase and Annie Chase
Craigville, Cape Cod, around 1911

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Letter to Harold T. Chase at 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, his son (age 14)

July 13, 1916 from Friendsville, PA

Dear Family,

I am manager of the Camp team.  It is quite a responsible position.  We have a fine team this year, although I am not on it.  We had a game yesterday with our great rival Camp Red Cloud.  This score was seven to eight in favor of Red Cloud at the first of the seventh inning, when it began to rain, and such rain I never saw, it just poured.  That was sure hard luck for their pitcher was about ready to blow up.  It was a great game and our team played very well.  Camp Red Cloud is some Camp believe me.  They have two Packard twin-sixes, a Ford touring care,  and a Ford truck.  They have hard-wood floors, and tables with linen table cloths.  It is owned by a Mr. Russell, a millionaire.  

When I was pulling some boards out of the lake, Friday, I stepped on a rusty nail.  But the trained nurse put some iodine in it and some chlodium around it, and not it is well.

I got a postal-card from Aunt Fan saying that she had talked over the phone with Aunt Mary, while she was in Chicago.  She was in Saint-Paul at the time she sent the card.  I  did not get my regular letter today and we don’t have mail on Monday, I suppose that I will not get it until Tuesday.  I do hope that you are all well at home.

Your Loving Son,

Hamilton Chase

P.S.  The Manager of the team can’t play on it.  So you see why I am not a player.

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Letter to Harold T. Chase at 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, his son (age 14)

July 16, 1916 from Friendsville, PA (Camp Choconut)

Dear Family,

I was so glad to get those two letters this morning.  I went out in a canoe and read them.  That certainly is too bad about Bob Ward.  I did not know him at all.  I think that I can take rides on horses at 25 cents per ride after all.  But I don’t think that I will spend much.  For I want a Buick “6”.  I don’t need any money.  I am making a practice of reading one chapter in my bible each day.  I find it does me much good.  I am glad to hear that the hens are doing well.  Uncle Sam and Aunt Fan sure are going to have some fine trip.  

Glad to hear that Grandma is getting along well.  I hope that the farm will have a good year.  

I expect that I will have a brother-in-law, named J. R. Barton, by the time I reach home.

I took one ride on a horse Friday.  I was a swell horse.  We went to Camp Wyalusing.  It is a girls camp and we had a swell time with the Janes.  

I hope you are feeling well.

Love from Hamilton

P.S.  Please postpone the wedding till I get home, Sis.

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Letter to Mrs. Harold T. Chase (Annie Thompson Chase) at 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas (refers to the Border War with USA and Mexico (Pancho Villa).

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

July 26, 1916 from Friendsville, PA

Dear Family,

I hope you are all well.

I have not had a letter from you for a week.  It has been raining sheets and pillow cases all yesterday and today.  Everything is soaked.  George Jones was awfuly sick last night and is feeling very bad to-day.  

I am improving in my swimming.  Mr. Catlin told me that I had a good chance to get on the relay team in the watersports with Red Cloud.  The life of the soldiers on the border certainly is fierce.  There is a boy in Camp whose brother is in one of the Connecticut companies.  He wrote that on the day that they arrived at the border, that there was no shade at all, and that the thermometer read 136 degrees.  One man in his company went down frothing at the mouth and five other men suffered from sun stroke.  

I am to get a white pocket with a Camp Choconut baseball monogram on it, on my blue shirt.  I haven’t had any mail since last Friday.   Some of the boys have gone on a camping trip to Forrest Lake.  I sure do pity them as they have to sleep in tents in all this rain.

Give my love to Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Joe.  Write soon.

Love,  Hamilton Chase

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Letter to Mrs. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

July 30, 1916 from Binghamton, NY

Dear Family,

I received the money last Thursday;  that will help pay my way to Chicago.  I now have about $23.00.  My ticket from Chicago to Topeka I left with Aunt Fan.  Now that I have finished my financial statement, I will tell something of what we have been doing.  Last Friday evening we had a game of football, in which everybody was more or less bunged up.  After that we played a game of Indian hunt.  The swimming teacher, another boy and myself were the Indians.  We went out in the fastest boat on the lake.  The game is this:  First the Indians start out (on a very dark night) and they are given three minutes to hide.  After that the other canoes start out and try to catch them before they get back to the starting place.  It has to be played with much silence.  The first game we won.  And believe me I never went so fast in a canoe before.  In the second game, we were just leaving two other canoes in the dust, and paddling for all our might to reach the goal, when all of a sudden another canoe loomed out of the darkness and we hit it with an awful bang!  Of course, we were caught.  That is the best water game that I have ever played.  I do hope that you are all well, and that I am not too much of a drain on father’s pocket book.

Give my love to Auntie and Uncle Joe.

From your loving son,  

Hamilton

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Letter to Mrs. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

July 31, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Family,

The far famed riding horses have come.  I can not use them with out taking lessons.  I do wish that I could take lessons.  I am quite a financial success.  I sold that clarinette of mine for $1.50.  Pretty good, eh!  I also am going to sell my flashlight at the end of camp for $1.00.

I have $12.00 now.  And that is the price of lessons for the month.   Can I take them?

Well to change the subject, I am just back from a two days camping trip.  We had a fine time.  It was just like an army camp.  I was the commissary Sargeant and had to arrange for the meals.  We slept in regular army tents.  Six of us boys started a shack out in the woods yesterday.  It is going to be fine.  There is going to be room for four to sleep in, and we are going to have an observation tower near it, for the war games which are to come off soon.

The doctor just examined me.  And he said that I was in very good condition. That sounds pretty good.  I have about the straightest figure for anyone in camp.  I really believe that at last I am doing things that are useful.  I was quite surprised at the work I could do.  

I hope that you are all feeling well at home and I do wish that you could come to Camp.  But I suppose it is impossible.   Give my love to all the family.

Love from

Hamilton

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Letters from Hamilton July 1916 -August 1916

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Letter to Mr. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

August 3, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Family,

I am so sorry that you are having such hot weather.  I hope that the crops won’t be spoiled.  We are having wonderful weather at camp.  I hope that you will take that lake trip.  I think that would be a wonderful trip.  I would love to meet you in Buffalo, and hope that you can fix it that way.  Our Counsellors don’t tell us anything about the stars.  But they do nearly everything else.  We are having such good weather that I supposed Uncle Henry might come over, but he hasn’t yet.  The barber was here yesterday.  He is from Montrose and lived on Uncle Henry’s place for four years.  He said that Uncle Henry has been there for three weeks.  

I was sick Sunday with a fever of 101 degrees, but am all right now.  I certainly enjoy Auntie Lang’s cookies.  They were great.

We have nearly finished our shack.  About four kids will be able to sleep in it at once.  On the roof we are going to make a sort of roof garden.  It certainly will be fine.  We have just one more side to make the floor, and the bunks and it will be done.  

There is a case of Typhoid fever in Friendsville, and Mrs. Winlock won’t let us go there any more.  As a consequence my money is going up instead of down, as my allowances come in.  I now have $ 23.92.  

The West Point man will have to leave August 16; as he has been ordered by General Wood to go to Plumb Island.  

Hoping to see you soon

I remain your loving son

Hamilton Chase

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Letter to Mrs. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

August 6, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Family,

We will probably start on the canoe trip next Friday.  We walk 14 miles to a place called Appalachian, there we get in the canoes and paddle 185 miles down the Susquehanna river to Tunghanock.  We stay over night at the hotel in Tunghanock and early in the morning we take the train for Montrose.  From Montrose we ride in a wagon to Camp. I have learned to sew.  Last Thursday I sewed up a blanket bag.

Last Thursday afternoon we started on a hare and hound hunt.  We caught the hares after a ten mile hike.  We cooked our own meals and slept out on the ground.  I never had such a good time in my life.  I cooked pan-cakes and bacon.  That lake trip certainly does sound wonderful.  I’d love to meet you in Buffalo.  Sorry to hear that Sister has been sick.  I hope that you are all well.

I enjoyed Auntie Lang’s cookies very much.

Love from

Hampie

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Letter to Mr. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, his son (age 14)

August 11, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Family,

As I can find no ink I guess that I will have to write this letter with a pencil.  Please excuse me for not writing yesterday but I was so busy that I could not get one in.  Probably you will be glad to hear that we cannot go on the canoe trip.  Infantile paralysis is simply terrible.  There are about 300 cases in New York City.  The state of Pennsylvania has been quarantined, so Mrs. Winlock says, and nobody can go in or out of the state without a permit from some well known doctor.  And as we have to go into New York state on the canoe trip, we cannot go.  There also would be a great danger from the sewage which empties into the river.

Yesterday was the preliminary water-sports day.  Mariana came out with a friends of her’s.

She certainly does look well, she is taller than I am.  I will try to tell you something of what we did.   At eleven o’clock we had watersports.  I entered into the diving but only could do four dives, so of course had no chance to win.   I did one plain standing dive off of the low spring board, a running dive off the low spring board, a sailor’s diver off the low board, and a plain dive off the ten foot board.

I also entered into the other event which was the fifty yard dash.  Out of a bunch of five I managed by some kind of an accident to get second place.  After that we had a swell dinner.  After that some of the boys did some riding for a prize.  After that we had a dandy play.  It was called “The worries of an opera-writer”, or something on that order.  I appeared in the third act only and I was the keeper of the jail.  By that time it was about 5:30, and our visitors had to leave.  It was certainly a great day, and I tried my best to give Mariana a good time.  She said that her little sister, now two months old, weighed 13 lbs. and was very healthy.

We have planned a great event to replace the canoe trip.  We are going to walk to a place called Elk mountain about 30 or 40 miles from here.  We will certainly have a great time.

Tell Auntie Lang that I have written her a letter and a postal-card.

I hope that you will soon have some good weather.

With lots of love from Hamilton

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 Letter to Mrs. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

August 12, 1916 from Friendsville, PA

Dear Family,

As I am going on a week’s hike tomorrow I will write you another letter.   We are going to have a wonderful trip.  We are going to make a sort of circuit of the country.  We go through Montrose and get a good soda-water there.  I was a little sick yesterday but am feeling fine now.  We plan to walk about 10 miles a day.  At the end of each day we stop at a lake for a swim.

I hope that you are having better weather at home and that you will soon start on your trip East.

I am afraid that I can think of nothing else to write about, so I will close.

With Love from

Hamilton Chase

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Letter to Mrs. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

August 24, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Mother and Sister,

Why for the love of Pat did you send me more money.  I now have $ 34.00 (thirty four dollars).

I never can use that much money.  

Infantile Paralysis seems to be dying down a little.  But it still is bad.  There are about fifteen boys who will stay over.  I received a dandy letter from Abe to-day.  I also received a letter from “Louie” last week.  

I will certainly be glad to see you again.

The hiking trip did me a great damage.  During the hike, we could not dive, and when I got back, I found that try my best I could get two points on a plain dive.  But I have learned to do a back dive, since then.  The swimming teacher, who is a great bluffer, said that I could never make a good diver because I didn’t have enough nerve.   But the doctor, who was sitting on the right, said that I did have enough nerve, and so the swimming teacher said Let’s see you do a back dive and I wanted to prove that I had plenty of nerve;   I tried it.  The first try I hit flat on my back,  the second one I hit on the back of my neck, and the third time I went in head first.

I surely do hope that Uncle Sam and Aunt Fan will be in Wilkes-Barre when I get there.   For I have to stay there two days and I won’t know what to do with myself otherwise.

I am awfully glad to know that you passed in all your studies, Sister.

With Love from

Hampie

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Letter to Mrs. Harold Taylor Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase, her son (age 14)

August 27, 1916 from Saint Joseph, PA

Dear Mother and Sister,

I certainly am a happy boy.  I will try to give a brief description of what happened yesterday.

We got up about seven o’clock.  After that we had our picture taken.   Then we had our breakfast.  After breakfast we said good bye to Leiutenant Griffith, whose leave of absence ends next Thursday.  After that we fooled around until about Eleven o’clock.  Then we all piled into a hay-rack and started for Camp Red Cloud for the big baseball game of the season, for which we have practised two hours a day for the last week.  When we had gotten about half way it began to rain and then it haled and such hale I never saw.   The hale stones were this big around (drew a picture).  Mrs. Winlock said that she had never seen such large ones.

It soon stopped raining and we arrived in Red Cloud about half-past two o’clock.  The team began to practise and soon the game started.   And believe me it was some game.   For the first time in the history of Camp Choconut, the team beat Red Cloud.   And they beat it 13 - 24, some score.  Everybody played well and they simply outclassed Red Cloud.   After the game we examined the Camp.  The camp is situated back in the Woods and it is very swampy.   They sleep in iron beds with mattresses, and have regular tables with chairs.   Altogether it is very much like a Boarding school.  They have a wonderful lake, but a poor raft.  After that we piled into the hay-rack and drove back to Camp.  It certainly was a wonderful day.   Hoping to see you soon

I remain your loving son, Hamilton Chase

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Letters from Hamilton August 1916

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Post Card from Saint Joseph, PA, while at Camp Choconut, in Susquehanna County, PA

August 31, 1916

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase (his mother) at 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Dear Mother and Sister,

The naturalist came last Saturday; and he took us out in canoes this morning to look for birds.  We saw a Louisianna water thrush, a Pewee, a red-eyed Veriole, a King Fisher and several chimney swifts.  He teaches us about flowers, trees and birds.  We leave day after to-morrow.

Love from Hamilton

(almost 15 years old)

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How Hamilton Chase's signature evolved from July to August 1916

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Letter from Mrs. Nellie C. Terril, Corresponding Secretary of the National Military Sisterhood of America,  Headquarters,  Memorial Building, 1207 Tyler Street, Topeka, Kansas

February 12, 1919

To Hamilton Chase,  Stormont Hospital, City

Cher ami:

C’est assez tard, mais je pensais a’ vous a’ cet hospital, et malade.  Je suis tres’ fachee de vous savoir malade,  et j’espere que vous recouvriez votre sante’ tres vite.  Nous tenons une place pour vous a’ la classe et comptons que vous y soyez bientot.

Mes amite’s les plus sinceres et les plus cordiales.

Votre amie,

(Mme) Nelle C. Terril

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Friends who sent flowers to Hamilton after his operation for appendicitis in 1919:

Mrs. Charles Shivvers,  Mrs Shelvin,  Mrs. Nichols,  Mrs. Crosby,  Mrs. Moore,  Mrs. Cole,

Mrs.  Hammatt,  Mrs. C. Merriam,  Mrs. Morgan,  Mrs. Connell,  Mrs. LIndsay,  Mrs. Sharp called,  Mr. Fassler,   Margaret Stubbs,  Grace

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Letter from Topeka, Kansas

June 10, 1919

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase (visiting family at 186 South Franklin Street,  Wilkes-Barre, PA)

Dear Mother and Father; --

I expect that you are now on your way from Aurora to Wilkes-Barre in the new Hudson.

Well, how was the commencement?  It certainly must have been a great day for Sister.

I was up at the Meraiam’s last night for dinner.  They all talked quite profusely about your trip and Ethel’s graduation.  I am working harder than ever at school, believe me summer school is a whole lot more than it’s cracked up to be.

The Phi Delts had their all day picnic to-day.  However, I could not go as it started at 5:00 am.

Uncle went to Minneapolis yesterday and has not returned yet.  Aunt’s having a meeting of the regular “crap-shooters” to-night,  Mrs. Lord,  Mrs. Soper, etc.

Well, I’ll get something to eat out of it anyhow.

Ronald Phinney asked Jack and me to come down to (Zeosko or Leoslo) Falls a week from Thursday and camp with him over the week end.  I expect that it will make some extra work for me but I think that I will go.  We are to drive down in the Essex and surely ought to have a keen time.

Mrs. McKnight is coming in the morning to wash and put up cherries.

We have had two or three thunder showers since you left and the weather is fine and cool.

I am enclosing something that came for dad at the office.

Give my love to Unc. Sam and Aunt Fan

With love to you from Hamilton Chase  

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Letter to Mr. Hamilton Chase,  Mount Princeton Hotel,  Buena Vista, Colorado

From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas

August 14, 1919

My dear Boy,

Your letters sound as if you are having a good old time out in cool Colorado.  You are a lucky boy to have been out of this heat, though the last few days have been better, it is still hot.

You will be surprised to hear you are not going to Staunton.  Aunt Fan and Uncle Sam heard some stories they did not like about the treatment of the boys at Staunton, so telegraphed Dad they now entering you at Lawrenceville, New Jersey.  You know the school which the Stubbs boys went.   It is not fully settled as yet but more than likely that is where you will go -- that school opens Sept. 16th.  Will write you more about it as soon as we know (....).

Father and I think it is very expensive and the supplies they ask you to bring, bedding, towels etc. is enough to bankrupt us.

Ethel says your “hope box” will be full.  She went to a luncheon at the Morris’, a little party Cynthia Morse is going today.   Last evening we had Miss Connell (Edith is in Chicago) over for a game -- Ethel is quite interested in bridge -- there is so little doing for her.   It is so hot and everybody out of town.  Dick sent her the grandest big box of Los Angeles candy yesterday which we are all enjoying.  At last I have your watch repaired so will try to get the box off tomorrow.  Your grey suit looks quite well since it has been (...)

(...) did not use the vest to mend it.

All join in (...) love to you,  Aunty and Uncle Joe.   

Mother

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Lawrenceville School letters 1919 - 1920

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Letter from Hamilton Chase,  Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

October 9, 1919

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Wednesday night, 8:15

Dear Family : --

I was very pleased to receive mother’s “newsy” letter this afternoon.  Isn’t that just like my old man?  Won’t let me go up in an airplane but as soon as I am away he takes a trip.  Well, I’ll be darned !

Don’t let that Warren Parr slip through my fingers.  You know that I can get up to N.Y.  I have always wanted to see an Army-Navy game.  Each boy can have at least one week-end per term in N.Y. and I believe that I could get off without any difficulty.

I am getting quite crazy about old Lawrenceville.  The days aren’t so long, and I am having a good time.  Am out for house foot-ball, and enjoying it a great deal, although we haven’t done much as yet.  Am glad to hear that Frances is enjoying Colonial, but sorry about Mary R., she will like it better after a while, I guess.

Our room is not a matchless beauty, but is very comfortable and large.  I am in Hamill and George J. is in Davis, one-half a mile from the school.  Our house is one of the circle houses, and is very accessible to the recitation hall and chapel.  My roommate is a fine fellow.  Last year he won the high-school debating contest in Wisconsin.  He was once tennis champion of Wis. and also won his letter for foot-ball on his high-school team.  He does not brag about his accomplishments at all, and I have just dragged this information out of him.  We get along well and everything is O.K.  Am carrying 22 hours?  Have six classes on Monday, that means work.

We won a big foot-ball game Saturday.  It was played against Barringer H.S. of Newark, N.J.  Their team out-weighed L. about ten lbs. to the man, but we won 7 - 0.   It was a great game and a hard won victory.

Saturday night was the night of the Fifth form P-rade.  The Fifth-form is given one night is which they can do as they please.  They made the rounds of all the circle houses throwing Roman candles in all open windows and tearing things up quite generally.  I would have enjoyed being in it, but as I am now in the fourth form I was watching from the side-lines.

Jack, Ned Fleming,  “Jim” Perry and a fellow named Watkins from Emporia, drove up here in the Essex Sunday.  Marsh, Warren and I went into Trenton with them, and also to Princeton.  We had a fine time, and enjoyed their entertainment and visit greatly.  Dad, you were foolish when you said Trenton was a town of 40,000.  It is a real city of 120,000, and is quite a manufacturing center.

Jack asked me town to Philie some week-end, but I don’t know whether it can be done or not.

Well, I must look over some Greek, so will close now.  

With love from  “Hamp”

P.S.  I wouldn’t mind hearing from Sis, just once in a while.

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Letter from Hamilton Chase,  Hamill House,  Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

October 22, 1919,  Wednesday

To Mr. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Dearest Family: --

I have been intending to write to you for quite a while, but have been very busy lately.  The first of the week is the hardest for me.  I have six classes on Mon, four on Tues. and four on Wed.

I am out for foot-ball every afternoon and have to study at night, so my time is well occupied.  This school certainly has the right plan to keep fellows from becoming home-sick.   Everyone is too busy to get home-sick, it’s just one big rush everyday except Wed and Sunday.  We have Wednesday afternoon free (no foot-ball) and can do as we please.  As I failed to pass my entrance exams in Algebra,  and Geom., I am now taking them over.  I am carrying French (3 hrs.),  English (3 hrs.),  Algebra (4 hrs),  Geom. (5 hrs), Greek (5 hrs), Bible (1 hr.) and Elocution (1 hr).  Bible and Elocution are required.  The course is quite stiff, and the lessons are hard.

I have been playing foot-ball in a pair of khaki trousers and am afraid that I will soon have to get some foot-ball clothes, as I have had some pretty hard cracks.  A fellow needs some protection in a scrimmage.  I had a physical exam the other day and the Dr. advised me to see an oculist.  I have an appointment with an oculist in Trenton for next Sat., and expect that I shall have to get some reading specs.  I now have $ 23.50 in the bursars, and do not see how it can last until Christmas.  There is absolutely nothing in what the catalogue says about $ 50.00 lasting a year.  It is an impossibility and every fellow has at least $ 100.00 deposited when he comes to school.  I do not want to seem unreasonable, and am trying hard to make my money to as far as possible.  The school is going to the Hill - L. foot-ball games on Nov.1.

This is the biggest game of the season and I would like to go very much, as I have gotten the Lawrenceville spirit and want to be there to root for the team.  It will cost $ 8.00, and your permission is required.  There is no chance of getting to N.Y. on Thanks., as no permits are given for either students or masters.  I surely would like to see that Army- Navy game but think my chances are slim.

George Jone’s family were here Fri & Sat., and they had me over to the Lodge for dinner Sat. evening.  It was very kind of them, and I enjoyed it a great deal.  We lost our foot-ball game last Sat. to Peddie by 15 - 0 score.  It was a hard blow, but they have a great team and are doped for the winners of the Atlantic Coast Championship.

Marshall Warren has had a great deal of trouble with his ear, and they thought that he would have to have an operation, but he is now back in school and is taking treatment from a Trenton Dr.  His mother has been here with him for a week and I met her the other day.  She seemed very nice, and said that she new mother, which sounded very good to me.  Have been hearing from Aunt Fan & Uncle Sam quite regularly, and also from Mariana.  I guess that I told you of seeing the Bonnell family in W - B. and of our pleasant visit.  Uncle H. spoke of having me over to Philie, but I haven’t heard from his as yet.

I hope that you weren’t bothered by what the fellows said about my trousers cuffs being down.  All “Rhinies” are required to turn down the cuffs of their pants until Christmas.  It is an established rule and cannot be evaded.  

Well, I must close for this time.  I have certainly enjoyed all your letters, and especially the one which I received from Sis the other day.

With love from

Hamilton Chase

P.S.  Hope that you will soon send that permission for the Hill - L. game.

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Letter from Hamilton Chase, staying at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City.  Letter mailed from Grand Central Station, NY, NY (while attending the Lawrenceville School in N.J.)

November 15, 1919,  Wednesday

To Mr. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

My Dear Family,

Much obliged for the permission.  I am very sorry that I had to bother you with both of those telegrams.  The Trenton office of the Western Union made a blunder and I didn’t get your first telegram until yesterday afternoon.  I was afraid that you hadn’t received my first wire so sent another one.  It was very kind of you to let me come up here, and I am having the time of my life.  I didn’t miss a class, and don’t think my school work will be harmed a bit by the trip.  It certainly seems wonderful to get away from school for a short time.  It’s great to have a little freedom.

We are now waiting for dinner, and believe me I am hungry.  We just had a snack for lunch, as we were late getting away from school, and missed our train out of Trenton.

Doug Harding and I are the guests of Tom Craven’s aunt who lives in Rye.  Craven is a mighty fine fellow.  He was in West Point for two months this summer, but found that the work was a little too advanced for him, so he is at Lawrenceville getting some more preparation.  We are going to see “fifty - fifty” this evening.  I hear that it is very good and hope that it may be.  After the theater we are going out to Rye and will spend tomorrow there.  Expect to leave for school at  five, tomorrow afternoon.

I want to thank you again, dear family, for letting me accept this invitation, and I am certainly enjoying it a lot.

It is time for dinner now, so I expect that I had better close.  I surely have been enjoying your good letters, and it is mighty fine of Dad to write so often.  Hope he will keep up the good work.

Lovingly,  Hamp

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Letter from Hamilton Chase,  Hamill House,  Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

January 25, 1920,  Sunday

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

My Dear Family,

I was very glad to receive a letter from Mother the other day and one from Dad yesterday.  The enclosed dollar was greatly appreciated.  No Dad, I can’t say that I am in love with Lawrenceville, but I guess it is good for me to be here.

Last night we had the Inter-House boxing match over at the gymn.   I represented our house in the 125- 135 lbs. class.  I lost my match through ignorance of the art of boxing and the fact that I hit my opponent after the bell rang.  I saved my strength for the last of the three minute and a half rounds.  I was just going after him for all I was worth and didn’t hear the bell ring at all.  I hit him a couple of times and thought, when he walked to his corner, that he was done out, totally ignorant that the bell had rung.  It was a lot of fun, though I was scared stiff at the start.  The whole school sat upstairs in the balcony, and all the masters and a bunch of alumnae from Princeton had ringside seats.  “Red” Hammond, across the hall, was knocked out in the second round of his bout.

I passed everything on the bi-weekly report.

Write often -- Love,  Hamp

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Letter from Hamilton Chase,  Hamill House,  Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

May 2, 1920

To Mr. Harold T. Chase,  1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Dearest Family: --

Tis a wonderful night.  Have you noticed the eclipse of the moon,  We’ve all been looking at it out of one of the fellow’s window.  It shows all red.  We’ve had a lot of fun this week-end.

Paul Klotz, a Pennsylvania dutchman from Allentown, had his Cad down.  We went riding all over the country.  It surely seemed great to ride in a car once more.  We went over the the Four Seasons school this morning after chapel.  It’s a girls school down near Princeton.  It surely is a wonderful school;  there are only about twelve girls there.  They winter in Florida, spend the Spring and Fall down here, and go to Europe in the summer.  Was great also to see some of the opposite sex.  Well, Sis, has leap-year helped you any yet?  Want to keep your eyes open old dear !

Justin Smith, who rooms next to me, had his brother down to-day.  He is Psi U. at Cornell, Sis, name is Walker Smith.  He holds the world’s record in the 70 yd. hurdles and was beaten a yard’s length in the 120 yd. hurdles at the Penn Relays yesterday, by Thompson of Dartmouth.  He is going to represent the U.S. at the olympics,  Thompson is going as Canada’s representative.  He ran some hurdles down on our running track this afternoon.  Certainly could hop over them.  Says he knows Ronald Finney up at Cornell.

Well, dearest Family, I have decided to go to Dartmouth.  Sent a letter Friday night asking for a room.  Johnny Adams and I are going to room together.

I certainly am crazy to go to Dartmouth.  While I’d like to come back here next year and all that, I think I would never forgive myself if I didn’t go to college next year.  It surely has been mighty fine of Aunt Fan & Uncle Sam to send me here this year.  I really think that it has done me a lot of good, and I have enjoyed it a lot.  I hope Uncle Sam won’t be disappointed, it was simply great of him to offer me another year here.  It is a great school, the best in the country I think, but I’ve just got to get into college.

I’m enclosing a couple of clippings from Willie Howard’s (my French teacher) article about the prom.  He was there and never missed a dance.  Some snake old Willie.  

Well, must close.

Much love

From Hamp

P.S.  The Prom broke me flatter than a pancake.  My account at the Bursar’s reads $ 0.25 --

Lwrenceville School stationery 1920

The dances at the Lawrenceville School Second Ball 1920

May 2, 1920 letter from Hamilton Chase

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September 19, 1921

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

20 E. Gorham Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Family; --

I am mighty sorry that I haven’t been able to write you before, but I have never been quite so busy before.  We arrived in Chicago on time and I went out to La Grange immediately.   Had a good visit with Aunt Mary and Miss May Lundy, who was there too.   I rode out to La Grange and back with Ned Jobson.   He surely is a good boy.  Said he would write up to the Alpha Delts here, but we have seen nothing of them as yet.

This room is a dandy.   All the fellows who have seen it say that there is no better in town.   It is neat and clean with lots of light.  The house is on the right side of the street.  It costs us $ 16 a month for each of us, a little over $ 3.50 a week.   The only objection to it that I can see is that the landlady made us sign up for the school year.

We have been rushed a good deal since we arrived.   The Sigma Chis met us at the station and we have had three dates with them, one with the Theta Detla Chi, who seem good boys, three with the Phi Delts, who are very good here, and one with the Phi Psis, who we like very much too.

Dave was very nice to us in Chi (Chicago).   He took us to dinner at the La Salle and I took them to the Palace afterward, where we saw some very good vaudeville.  He gave us some excellent advice which we appreciated very much.  Phil was mighty crazy about him and he went even higher in my estimation.   Surely is a Prince !

We have registered and been assigned to our classes, so that our work is about over until Thursday, when the real labors start.

Everyone says that it is a fine course but mighty stiff.

It is really as beautiful a spot as Sis cracked it up to be.   The lakes are wonderful, and the campus is very attractive.

As yet we have received no bids from fraternities and I am all prepared to be a Barb although I really don’t think that it would be so bad.

Abe has pledged Sig Alph.   They seem to have a good bunch of boys ,and I hope they will do him some good.

My trunk arrived Saturday.  Write soon and often.  --- Loads of Love,  Hamp

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September 21, 1921

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

20 E. Gorham Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Family: --

Thanks so much for your good letters.   Well, I’ve gone and done it.  Pledged D.K.E. this afternoon.   Congratulations are in order !  Phil is one of the brethren also.  Which makes it very nice.  I surely owe a whole lot to Dave.  I had dates with the Alpha Delts and Sigma Phi thru his efforts.   I like the men in both these fraternities very much, but the Dekes impressed me as a much more companionable and cosmopolitan bunch.  They really are a fine crowd here, and I know that they and I are going to hit it off fine.  

Schools starts tomorrow morning and it is going to be me for hard labor.   My schedule is very stiff and with Military Drill (3 times a week) and two days track a week besides, I won’t have any time for foolishness.

I am very tired to-night so must cut this short and get to bed.  I’ll write more later.   Do write me soon and tell me all the news.  Do you suppose you could send me the Capital, Dad?  Wish you would !

Good- night ---

Lots of Love,   Hamp

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November 1, 1921

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

20 E. Gorham Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Family: --

I have received my grades from all but two of my examinations.  They are:  French 76,  English 84,  Engish History 83 and Algebra 99.  I haven’t heard from Geology yet, and I am still fearful of it.

This weekend was home-coming.   It was quite a gay town while all the alumni were around.  All the fraternity and sorority houses were decorated with autumn leaves, pine boughs, Wisconsin and Minnesota colors, and large Ws studded with red electric light bulbs.  It was a very pretty sight.  Needless to say, it was quite a bit of labor too.   Did you see what our football team did ?  It was surely a great game with our team at the long end of a 35 - 0 score.  If they can play that way against Chicago, we will have a darned good chance of winning the conference.

Thursday evening Mrs. Upton, formerly of La Grange, and Marjorie had me out to dinner.   Marjorie wanted to be remembered to Sis, and Mrs. Upton wanted to be remembered to Mother.  She said that she had always admired my Mother very much.  

My English History teacher is Curtis Nettles of Topeka.  I made myself known to him the other day, and he kept me about half an hour after class to tell me how much he admired my father.  I think that Dad’s reputation ought to help me along in English History.  He told me that if I was my father’s son I should have no trouble in passing my courses.

Well, folks, I’ve got to hie me to my downy couch.  Do write to me often.  Tell me all the town scandal.

With lots of love,    Hamilton

P.S.  Marjorie is in Y.W.C.A. work here in Madison and Mrs. Upton is living with them.  I don’t remember them very well, although I know I ought to.   Tell me something about them -- Will you please ?

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February 7, 1922

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

20 E. Gorham Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Family: --

I have certainly neglected my family during the last ten days -- haven’t I ?  I never was busier in my life, and if you could have seen me racing around, I know that you would forgive me for not writing.  I guess that you are more interested in how my exams came out than in any other matter - so I am enclosing the three post-cards which I received from three of my instructors.  Besides these grades, I got a Fair in Algebra and a Good in English History.  I guess that i was a little over-confident in Algebra, and didn’t study it quite enough for the exam.  I got a 70 in the examination, which pulled my grade down from a V. G. to a Fair.  I feel pretty well satisfied, however, as I got 26 grade points, and 16 is the required number.

I surely did have a wonderful time during this vacation.  I went to the matinee a week ago Saturday with Bill Ritchie and saw Francine Larrimore in “Nice People.”  It was a clever satire on modern young people, and very little exaggerated I thought. Sunday afternoon, Bill brought me over to Aunt Mary’s.  I took Auntie, Aunt Mary and Esther into the city on Monday.   We went to the new Chicago movie theater, which is a very beautiful place.  I had a lot of fun driving Uncle Ayres’ car thru the city, and got by without even having a cop ball me out.  Uncle Ayres rode back out to La Grange with us, and sat in the back seat -- pretty good, eh ?   Bill and I went into the city Tuesday afternoon and stayed all night with Johnnie Johnson, the Deke who sent me a Christmas card when I was home.  He is surely a prince, and we had a good time.  I met Bab Wednesday and came up here that afternoon with her.  Bab had room while she was here, so we stayed at the Deke house.  I went to the dance Thursday night as a stag and had a mighty good time.  Friday night was the big blow-out.   The Capitol was absolutely the most beautiful sight I ever saw.   There were different colored lights and spot-lights, and everything was decorated beautifully.  I quit my job as usher at about 11 o’clock, and went up to the Deke box.  The fellows were getting rather tired by then, and I danced with quite a few girls.  I surely did have a lot of fun, and stayed until the final whistle at 3 o’clock.  I took Bab to the dance at the house on Saturday night.  It was an awfully good party, and I had a mighty good time then too.  On Sunday, one of the boys at the house, Tom Wilson, and I had dates with a couple of Pi Phis.  So you see that I have been stepping around quite some.  I would have had time to write at that, except that they kept the Freshman busy working at the house, whenever there wasn’t anything else to do.  I have been asked to invite Abe over to dinner tonight.   I feel pretty sure, however, that he will never be a Deke.  

Well folks, please forgive me and write often.

With love,  Hamp

P.S.  I’m sorry that I didn’t get to see Dave, Sis.  I was going to call him when I got to Kenilworth, but I didn’t get there.

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March 6, 1922

To Mr. Harold T. Chase,  Editor,  Topeka Daily Capital

Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Folks: --

I’m a full fledged Deke, and it’s a “grand ‘n glorious feelin’ “.  Initiation was over Saturday evening, and was followed immediately by the initiation banquet.  When we sat down to the table, Phil looked at the menu and program, and said “Well, I hope you make a good speech.”  

I thought he was kidding me, and started to laugh.  He then showed me the program, and I saw that I had to make a speech on behalf of the freshman in response to the speech of welcome from the president of the chapter.  I almost fell over, but managed to recover myself enough to get up and talk about 30 seconds flat.  It was the first time I’ve ever been called upon to make a speech, and I was surely working my knees over-time.  I’m wearing Gus Tebell’s pin until mine comes.   He’s the fellow I told you about who is on the foot-ball,  basket-ball and base-ball teams, and is president of the Junior Class, besides working his way thru college.   I surely do feel honored.

Well, I guess that is will interest you to know that I am feeling fine, and that I went thru “hell-week” without weakening.

Congratulations are in order  --

With much love,    Hamp

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February 11, 1924

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

530 North Pinckney Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dearest Auntie: --

I owe you two letters, and thanks for two checks which it was very generous of you to send me.

Today was the first day of the new Semester, so once again I’m starting in with a clean slate and good resolutions to make high grades.  I hope they’ll be made good this time.  I’m not overly proud of my record of last semester except that I got a Fair in Money and Banking when one of the best students in the house got a Poor in it.  Outside of that, I got a Fair + in U.S. History, a Poor in Psychology, and a Fair in French Conversation.   I haven’t heard yet how my Insurance and French Literature came out, but I expect a Good in the latter.  We moved into our new house in the very middle of exams (had to get out of the old one to let another bunch in) and the effect of the great migration was pretty bad on my last exams.   It was largely responsible for the Poor in Psych, I think, as I had a grade of 80 in it before the examination.       This new house of ours is wonderful.   It is much larger and more suitable for a Fraternity House, being well situated on the Lake besides.   You must come up here sometime and see us.  Our furniture is woefully inadequate, but we hope to get more in time.   After paying all my bills, I have $ 43.00 left, and think that should last me until the first of next month anyhow.

I didn’t take in Prom except to usher at the Capitol for the big event last Friday night.   As usual, it was very beautiful and very crowded.   Everyone who went seemed to have a mighty good time.  I would like to have gone but didn’t know anyone besides Margaret upon whom I would care to spend $ 35.00 of your good money.

We are pretty hard hit just now.  Two of our boys left college during last Semester, and three Freshman and one Senior were kicked out for low grades at the end of the semester.   We have been looking around for new ones to replace them, and have pledged two boys who look like good material.  Also, we have a third one on the string.   One bunch in school, the Delta Tau Deltas, lost ten.   This is always the saddest time of year.  For it is hard to say good-bye to the boys who didn’t make the grade, and they pretty nearly always seem to be the best boys.

This semester I am taking Corporation Finance,  Greek Civilization,  Contemporary French Literature,  French Conversation,  US History and Man and Nature.  The latter is supposed to be the most interesting course in the Psychology department.  I hope I won’t have as bum luck with it as I had with Psychology.  If I pass everything and go to Summer School, the chances of my graduating at the end of the first Semester of next year are pretty good.  What do you think of that scheme?   Must close and get to bed.  

Write me when you have time.

Lovingly,   

Hamilton

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February 17,1924

To Mrs. Harold T. Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

530 North Pinckney,  Madison, Wisconsin

Dearest Mother and Dad: --

Congratulations Grandparents!  How does it seem to have two generations behind you?  I’m glad it doesn’t make you feel old, Dad, ‘cause I’d hate to ever think of you and Mother as old people.  Somehow, I don’t think you ever will be old.  I don’t believe that anyone who is so interested in everything in life as you all are can ever get old.  Thank you for your Valentine, Mother -- it was very kind of you.  I also enjoyed both of your good letters very much.

As yet I haven’t received my grade in Life Insurance, but the Contemporary French Literature grade was 90.  This semester’s work is just beginning to get underway, and it looks as though it might mean a lot of work before the year is over.  However, the Profs. Always try to scare you the first week and it doesn’t pay to let them pull the wool over your eyes.  I think I’m going to like all my courses -- Prof. Rostovtzeff is especially interesting.

I am enclosing the check which you sent me to endorse.   There was no January Standard Oil check.  I got on in December, but I deposited it against my loan at the bank.  My finances aren’t too rosy, so I wrote Sis a letter instead of sending her flowers.  I expect you are enjoying a visit from Aunt Mary, Uncle Ayres, and Betty at this time.  Give them my love.

Much love,

Hamilton

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March 19, 1924

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

530 North Pinckney Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Auntie: --

Thank you very much for your good letter and for the enclosed check of $ 150.00.  I’m glad to hear that Aunt Mary is out there near you again.   It must be a great pleasure for you to have her nearby.

I’m going to write to Dad soon to see what he thinks of my plan to go to Summer School.  He spoke of it when I was at home at Christmas time, and seemed to think it was a good idea.   He also let drop another remark at the same time which interested me a lot but which he has not followed up.   He suggested going out to the Northwest with him.   That’s what I’d rather do than anything.   I’ve heard so much for such a long time about that country and its possibilities that I’m very anxious to go out there.  I’d like to work out there next Summer.   Maybe I’d learn something about the orchards, and it would certainly do me a lot of good physically.  If that can’t be done I guess the best plan would be to go to Summer School and finish up as soon as possible.  It was certainly very kind of you to leave the question up to Father and me.  It is certainly an honor to have you place so much confidence in me, and I hope I won’t do anything to lose your confidence in me.

Spring vacation starts April 9th, and I’ll probably be low in funds by then.  Give my regards to Uncle Joe and also to Grace.

With much love

Hamilton

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Hamilton Chase (2nd from left) around 1923

Hamilton Chase (2nd from left) around 1923

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January 2, 1925

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas

Dearest Auntie: --

Happy New Year !

Thanks a lot, Auntie, for your generous Christmas check which will probably help out a great deal in the lean months ahead of me after February.   I had lunch today with Mr. C. B. Merriam who offered me what looks like a pretty good job with the Penn Mutual Co.   It hasn’t  a very active agency here, and he seems to think that it could be developed greatly.  That’s where I’m supposed to come in -- we’ll see later how well.

This has been a very gay vacation season in old Topeka.  Yesterday was unusually lively.   The MIllers gave a tea-dance in the afternoon,  Mrs. Gufler gave a surprise dinner for Bernard, and some of the younger boys gave a dance later.  I’m pretty tired to-day as a result.   Phil and I are leaving tomorrow night for Madison.   We expect to get there Monday morning in order to get a little work in before school starts on Tuesday.   I have a book that must be read for Logic, “The Mind in the Making.”  Father says it’s a fine book -- so I guess it must be.

Mother and Dad have both been very well since I’ve been home and seem to be in excellent spirits.  Needless to say, we all missed you greatly.  It still doesn’t seem like Christmas without dinner at your house.  You should see how pretty it looks with the pine and spruce trees covered with snow.  It has been unusually cold this vacation -- Monday was nine below zero.

I expect it will be necessary to ask for more money about the tenth of this month or a few days afterwards.  I’ll need more for the January house-bill -- which will be the last one if I pass my work.

We’re enjoying Uncle Joe’s oranges immensely.   Thank you again for the $ 50.00.

Lots of Love,

Hamilton

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January 13, 1925

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

Madison, Wisconsin

Deary Aunty:--

I certainly want to thank you for your fine letter.  I want to thank you especially, however, for all you have done for me here at Madison.   These years here have been the happiest of my life so far, and probably will prove to be the happiest of my whole life.  I feel sure that I have developed and broadened, and, I hope bettered myself in the last four years.  It has certainly been a wonderful experience, and I want you to know that I appreciate it.

There are only two weeks left before exams, and they will be very busy ones.  I have several topics to write, and a lot of reviewing to do so that it will mean being in the library every day from now on.  I am having a very hard time with Logic -- the most interesting course I’m taking.   Afraid it may be a close call one way or the other.

I believe that $ 50.00 more will be enough to get me home.  I’m going to stay for Prom, and will probably leave here about the tenth of February.   

Thank you again, Auntie

Lovingly,

Hamilton

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February 1, 1925

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Auntie:--

Exams have kept me from writing sooner to thank you for your generous gift.  I certainly do appreciate your generosity, Aunty, and hope that I haven’t been too extravagant.

I’ve had five exams this past week and have one more on Tuesday.  Have only heard from one course so far.   It was Logic, and I was scared to death of it.  It was certainly good news to find that I had passed it.  Yesterday I had two exams -- Political Science and Masterpieces of Romance Literature.   They were both much harder than I had expected, and I’m just a little afraid to hear how they came out.  I’ll let you know what my marks are as soon as they come in.  I certainly hate to see the day coming along when I’ll have to leave Madison.  

Thank you again, Auntie, very much.

Most lovingly,

Hamilton

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May 7, 1925

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Dear Auntie: --

It’s been so long since I’ve written that I’m afraid you may consider me a very unworthy nephew.

I was talking with Mrs. Lord -- she hailed me on Eighth Street -- the other day.   She wanted to know all about you, and when you were coming home etc.  I couldn’t tell her much about when you were coming home.  I had rather hoped that you could be here in time to go up to Madison, and see the graduation.  Especially since you were unable to attend Ethel’s graduation.  I am coming along pretty well with my Correspondence Course now -- had a lot of trouble at first getting the right books.   So, I expect to be through with it in a couple of weeks.  If our plans work out right Mrs. Gault and Bab and I will drive up to Madison -- starting about the first of June.   Of course, that depends somewhat upon whether I can make enough money to afford the trip.  The trouble with this Insurance Business is that a whole lot of the premiums are payable monthly, and it’s hard to raise any chunk of money.  Did you know that I sold the Mill Group Insurance ?  It was pretty nice of Uncle Arm, I thought.  But, if he could have seen how much the men appreciated it, I’m sure he would consider the money well spent.  That is also payable monthly -- my commission being about $ 7.50 a month.  It takes a whole lot of them to get you any place, as you can see.  I don’t know whether or not to stay with it after June.  I had a couple of offers of jobs in Chicago before I left school.  I think it might be well to investigate them more carefully when I’m up there next month.  One was in advertising and the other in a book publishing company (Lyons & Carnahan).

Sis and the Daves arrive Monday evening if all goes well with them.  Needless to say we are all on pins and needles awaiting their coming.  It’ll be so very crowded here that I may have to move out.   I wonder if you would object to my sleeping on your sleeping porch?  It may not be necessary, however.

Have I told you about Jane Burrall ?  She is a girl of whom I grew very fond while at Madison.  I gave her my fraternity pin before I left.   Didn’t tell anyone but Mother and Sis and Dad about it because I was afraid that it might blow over after I had been home a month or so.  However, it hasn’t -- so, I’m mighty anxious to get back to Madison even beyond reasons purely honorary (A.B.).

The family are out at the Country Club this evening.  The Croppers (my boss and wife) are giving a dinner-dance.

I hope you’ll answer this Auntie, and forgive me for being so slow in writing.  

Much love

Hamilton

P.S.  Give my best to Uncle Joe.

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June 1, 1925

To Mrs. Joseph C. Gafford

Hotel Tetley,  Riverside, California

From Hamilton Chase

1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Dear Auntie: --

I want to thank you a great deal for your thoughtfulness and consideration in regard to my financial condition.  It is unfortunately not of the best.

I had bad news since I last wrote you.  At that time I was under the impression that my course consisted of six assignments and a final exam.  I had everything planned so that I’d finish it up by the middle of May.   My plans were completely spoiled when I learned three weeks ago that there are not six but twenty four assignments to the course.  So, lately I have been studying all the time, and have had no time for the insurance business.  Grace fixed me up a place to work in her room down at your house, and it’s been a great place to study.   Absolutely nothing to bother me.   Laura was there Friday looking for moths and found plenty of them in Grace’s decoys.   But the house is in fine shape -- all spick and span.

When I signed up for this course, at Madison, I paid only the first installment of $ 5.00.  The whole fee is $ 20.00.   I figure the trip will cost me around $ 70.00.  I have only been able to save up $ 20.00.  I expect to see two policies in July which should make me about $ 15.00 a month.  If you would be willing to let me have $ 65.00 -- $ 15.00 for my course, I would like to take the $ 50.00 as a loan and pay you $ 15.00 a month until it is paid out.  Would that be satisfactory to you ?

I have now eight assignments left to finish me up.  I expect to take the final exam on the tenth, and leave for Madison the eleventh.  Bab is very anxious to get up there, and is impatient at the delay.  I believe she’s almost as crazy about the place as I am.  She’s certainly been a good friend to me since I’ve been home.  

We had a great visit from the Daves and Sis.  My nephew is without a doubt the finest baby alive.  He walks by himself now, and carries on quite a conversation -- mainly “oogly -- woogly” etc.  Sis has lost her color which seems a shame, but she hopes to get it back now that they have a house and she can be outside more.  She’s one fine Sister, Auntie.

You tell me what you think of my plan.  Be sure to let me know before the eleventh.   Thank you a great deal for remembering me.  I do appreciate it a great deal.

My best regards to Uncle Joe.

Lovingly,

Hamilton

P.S.  I’m afraid I left my card out of your graduation invitation.   So, it’s Hamilton Chase that’s asking you to Wisconsin’s 1925 graduation exercises.  Won’t you come ?

H.C.

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Hamilton Chase (on the far right in back) at University of Wisconsin around 1923

Hamilton Chase at the driver's wheel around 1923

Hamilton Chase on the left 1923

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Hamilton Chase's Winfield Bank book 1928 - 1934

detail from the Winfield Bank book of Hamilton Chase

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December 2, 1933

From Hamilton Chase in Winfield, Kansas

To Mrs. Anna L. Tonkinson

State Orphan’s Home

Atchinson, Kansas

Dear Mama T –

I surely must tell you that I’ve been thinking of you an awful lot lately.  You’ve had so many blows lately that it seems wonderful to me that you have been able to stand up under them and still keep place among thirty girls.  It’s all I can do to look after two of them.  I know it’s your 

grand Christian spirit that keeps you going on your way.  I want you to know how much 

I admire you, and I believe your inspiration has helped me to be more thoughtful.  My mother 

told me when we got back to Topeka from our visit with you that you have the real Christian

spirit.   

I’m sorry the bank is set on making more trouble for you, and am afraid I, as usual, can’t do

much to help you.  As long as I have a roof over my head though, you’re most welcome 

under it.  Don’t forget, Mama T., that you have lots of friends and admirers.  Keep up the 

good work.

Lots of Love,

Hamp

_________________________________

June 27, 1935

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

℅ Jay T. Smith, 1420 East 2nd Street,  Winfield, Kansas

(written on Annie T. Chase’s stationery)(just after the death of his father)

Honey:

You’d better take this check to Ross Wilkins, and explain to him that I came up here without any checkbook.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Ayres are leaving tonight, and Mother will get off either Monday or Tuesday.  Maybe when we see just when she’s going to be able to leave you could drive up here.  She can see her Frances, and you can take me home.

I saw Mr. Miller yesterday.  He said when I was through here I could spend two or three days in Chanute cleaning up my work and then go out to Colorado for a week.

All this is of course dependent on whether I have enough money to do that.  I can’t even remember how much money I have in the bank.  I’ve been plenty busy getting Father’s insurance straightened out, cleaning out his desk at the office, etc.  I found some very fine letters of praise written to him over the past few years.  He stuck them away in his desk, and said nothing about them.

Mother is still doing fine, but is very tired.

Tell your mother, also Paul and Elizabeth, how much I enjoyed their lovely letters.

Best Love, Hamp

________________________________

"Dodge City" movie premier January 1939 

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February 17, 1944

To Hamilton Chase

From Guilford Dudley

901 Tyler Street, Topeka, Kansas

Dear Hamilton,

First I want to say how much we all enjoyed seeing you and your Family when you were here last month and also to say that we enjoyed Loueen’s letter very much.

The other day I was over at the Historical Society doing a little looking up on the Chase Family for you and this is what I found so far.  If you could give me a little more information some time I would be very happy to look further.

In the Compendium of American Geneaolgy, vol. 4 page 481, I find that Aquilla Chase came from England to New England before 1640 and that he married Anne Wheeler.   In the Vital Records of Haverhill, Mass., Vol 2, Pg. 70, I find that Abigail Cogswell married Abraham Chase at Newbury, Mass I presume February 12, 1795. Then, a Betsy Cogswell married a Samuel Chase of Plymouth, N.H. on April 29, 1811.  I am just wondering if any of the above information is of any help to you.

Well the Kansas Day Celebration here was a great success and of course Mother was very busy with the various activities which were topped off  with a Banquet and an Address by Rep. Halleck of Indiana on the Kansas Roof and he certainly Lambasted the New Deal.

We’re looking for Lyal home on Furlough about the first of March and we can hardly wait until he gets here.   A week ago Sunday he called us up from California and we heard him just fine.

__________________________________________________________________

March 14, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Pickwick Hotel, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Girls,

This will be to report that I am still alive and homeless.  The boys have put a word in for me with the largest real estate dealers in Kansas City, Ks.  Their first report was that they had nothing listed for rent -- interesting ?

I’m considering giving you a fairly complete report of my activities since the iron horse came between us on the station platform at Dodge City, but I can see Lieuween yawning and glancing off in the distance as she does at home when I begin a recitation of my day’s activities.   Or am I exaggerating? Be that as it may, the train ride was uneventful. I slept on a sponge rubber mattress and did all right. We reached Kansas City just an hour late this time at about 8:30. I jammed myself into the Harvey Lunch Room and partook sparingly of breakfast. Then, I got a taxi and came here to the Pickwick to check in and send my bags up to my room.   So, it was about 9:20 when I reported at Mr. Eversull’s office and discovered he was still down with the flu and a sinus infection which kept him away from the office the last two days when I was here before.

There wasn’t much of anything for me to do so I took a street car over to Kansas City, Ks. and reported to Mr. Yeager, the district manager.  He went to lunch with me, and discussed the housing situation afterwards. He and I concocted a “wanted to rent” advertisement and went over to the Daily Kansan to have it run for three days.   Then, he drove me out to see a new war housing development in the west part of town. There are a large number of five room efficiency houses being built. They have showers -- no tubs -- coal furnaces and no garages.   They’re, however, built of bricks and are quite cute looking. Believe it or not they rent for $56.00 a month. He then drove me thru the Fairfax industrial district along the river. It is decidedly quite a sight. Tell Josephine we have one account in that district that runs better than $ 20,000 a month.   She should get a kick out of that as that is about our billing for the entire Dodge City exchange. He took me back to the Pickwick then, and as it wasn’t yet five o’clock I went to the Telephone Building and up to see Dingy Marshall. Dingy had a fellow from St. Louis in his office so I sat in the outer office for a while.  Who should come in but Capt. Hinty from Omaha. He was a bit surprised to see me there and I had to take some time to explain the situation. He was quite cordial. Pretty soon Dingy came out and insisted that I go out to his house to meet his family and have dinner in a nearby restaurant. His wife is a Kansas Citian and was quite hospitable.  They have three bouncing boys ranging in age from two to eleven. They were underfoot and all over the place until we went out to dinner. They have a very nice two story house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. They moved in last October, and believe it or not bought the house from Phil French who is John Adams’ cousin. I left out there at about 9:15 and took a bus downtown.   It was quite a nice evening.  

This morning a meeting of managers and district managers was held at nine o’clock on the 24th floor of the Telephone Building.   It was an interesting meeting and included a slide film showing the proper way to explain to an applicant how we’d like to but can’t give him a telephone.  The meeting ended at 10:30 and Mr. Yeager took me over to K.C. Ks. I spent the rest of the day - except for a Rotary luncheon Mr. Yeager too me to - meeting the employees and puttering around the office.

This evening I had no definite idea where to eat dinner, but in wandering around I passed Myron Green’s and stopped in there.   The meal was inexpensive and good. Walking back to the hotel I noticed the atmosphere is so heavy that the clouds obscured the top few floors of several high buildings.

I forgot one thing.   This morning I sat down at the counter here at the hotel restaurant to get my breakfast.   I’d just seated myself when someone came up behind me. It was Paul Hall and he came over from the table to ask me to eat breakfast with himself and another Topeka plant man by the name of Gill.  We had a pleasant visit and Gill paid the check.   

What do you think of the report ?

I love you girls.

Hamp

____________________________________________________

March 19, 1944

To Miss Frances L. Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Pickwick Hotel, Kansas City, Kansas

Dearest Frances,

What do you think, the letter you wrote me yesterday was in my box this morning.   That’s the kind of service you get when you write to your old Dad -- even being Sunday made no difference.

I’ll bet you and mother think I’m the writingest guy that ever lived.  Every time you turn around there by gosh is another letter from Dad. Well, one of these days I’m going to be getting pretty busy, so if after a while the letters don’t come quite as often you’ll know that I’m thinking of you, but am snowed under.

What do you think, even in these practically gasless days, I had two men offer to take me out this afternoon to look at houses offered for sale in the Sunday Kansas City Star.   That made me feel pretty swell. Since Mr. Yager, our district manager, has a C card and my friend Mr. Marshall has only a slim B, I told Mr. Yager I’d go with him. So, last night, I checked through the list of houses, called some owners this morning, and we’ll look at them this afternoon.

Your letter was very interesting, and sounds as though you’d been having a fine time.   Be sure to give my love to Mama T. Tell Mother thanks for letting me know about the checks.

Lots of love to the two of you.

Dad

(Transcriber’s note;   you can see the letter from Frances under the blogpost Frances L. Chase Courtsal letters)

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April 3, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Southwester Bell Telephone Company, Kansas City, Kansas

Dearest Lieuween,

We didn’t find a house, but your visit helped tremendously to bolster my morale.   Don’t waste any of your valuable worrying time on me because I’m much better off than before your came one here.  I had an extra swell time over the week-end, and the work this morning looked much simpler and more welcome to me.

Mr. Bailey told me today that he thought the Jewish lady’s house was a good one and was probably worth $8,500.   So, I called Mr. Brown but he was out so I’ll call him back a little later on.

Well, Lieuween, I’m sorta busy so I won’t go on at much length.   I just wanted you to know how very much good you were for me, and how much (very much) I appreciate the trouble you went to to arrange for Frances, pass up your job, pass up Palm Sunday and put up with an uncomfortable train ride in order to come on.

Your visit meant everything to me.   My best to Frances.

Lots of Love,

Hamp

______________________________________________________

April 11, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Hotel Continental

106 West 11th STreet, Kansas City 6, Missouri

Dear Lieuween,

I must be driving you crazy with all this house stuff, but it is the darndest proposition that ever has befallen me.  Judge Benton called me this evening and said he and his wife have decided not to sell their house after all as it would be too difficult for them to find another place.  I said, “Amen” to that. So, that’s the place I wrote you about last night.  

I told Chris today that I thought maybe we’d just better give it up as a hopeless job for the present, store part of our furniture and rent one of the war houses.   What do you think?

I’ve worked a month and hard at this house hunting job and am just exactly where I started.   The chance of falling in to something, which has kept my spirits up, now seems pretty remote.

Well, the managers meeting today went just fine.   Eversull had us meet with him -- Chris, Yager and I -- afterwards about employee problems, wages, etc.   We didn’t get through with that and back to work until 2:30. So, there wasn’t much accomplished today on the work volume report, and it doesn’t look as though I’d get to it tomorrow with that training proposition coming up.   I’m happy to be busy again.

I’m going to Topeka Friday evening.   Ethel is there busily dismantling the house.  She got a colored girl and an older white woman to look after the family so didn’t bring Jill.  

I’m disappointed.

Lots of Love to Both of you.

Hamp

________________________________

April 13, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Hotel Continental

106 West 11th Street, Kansas City 6, Missouri

Dear Lieuween,

The date above reminded me that father was born eighty years ago today.  I still have never met anyone who belonger in any way in his league.

Well, two days have gone by without a real house possibility showing up.   Ruth Eltzholtz called me yesterday afternoon, and asked if you and Frances had moved here yet.  She was here (K.C.K.) attending a musical convention of some kind. She said Mable Clair had told them of my transfer.  After work I bumped in to her on Minnesota Ave., and she wanted to bring me over here, but I had a date with our good friend Perry Brown.  He showed me a house you wouldn’t like in a poor neighborhood for sale at $6300. Well, today Mr. Yager combed me over and practically insisted that I buy the house in Washington Court which Mr. Brown wouldn’t show us that day.   I told him I’d look at it. It is in an excellent location. So, since we can’t find anything else, the pressure is on me, and I doubt if you’d want to live in a war house. Maybe I’ll buy it if it isn’t too bad. They say it needs refinishing inside, but that it can be bought for $6100.   I didn’t get out of the office until 6:45 this evening, so will have no opportunity to look at the house until next week.

I ate, as I do frequently, at Myron Green’s last night and shared the table with Capt. Roberts, a returned flier who went all thru the African, Sicilian and Italian campaigns and wore three decorations.   He is a P-38 pilot, and has been in 59 air battles. He has six German planes to his credit and has had four planes shot out from under him. I enjoyed visiting with him greatly.

I’ll write soon.

Lots of Love,

Hamp

_______________________________________________

April 19, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Southwester Bell Telephone Company, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

To say I am charmed and delighted with my picture of Frances is a decided understatement.  It is placed on my bureau when I’m in the room and otherwise is placed in a drawer out of harm’s way -- and the maid’s.

Things are proceeding a pace with the house, but our friend Mrs. Mowitz hasn’t as yet affixed her signature to the document.   She is ill at home today, but they (Day) hope to present it to her tomorrow. In the meantime I’m scratching around trying to make the best loan I can.   We can get an FHA loan, but they’re not so enticing as they sound at first. One has to pay the amount of taxes which have accrued since Jan. 1st, three years’ insurance in advance, appraisal fee, mortgage registration, tax etc.  The whole layout amounts to $218.41 before you get the loan. Then, furthermore the 4 ½ % FHA loan, which is all you ever hear about it, actually amounts to 5 ⅜ %. You pay ½ of 1% mortgage guarantee and there is a little other hocus pocus.  When I ran in to all this stuff, I called the real estate loan department of the Prudential Life Insurance Co. “over town”. I really went to town to sell the guy on what a swell loan I was offering to let him have. He finally agreed to look over the house and the neighborhood, and said he’d give me an answer tomorrow.  Their loans are made actually at 4 ½ % and the funny stuff is left out. At first he tried to sell me on the FHA idea, but I told him I knew all the answers on that and wanted a loan direct with his company. So, maybe I’ll know more tomorrow. All this is based on our paying $ 3100 down on the house, and I have written to Dave to see if he’d like to advance us $1100.  If not, I have have to ask you to go to the First National at Dodge, take 100 shares of Phillips with you and offer them a loan for 10 months at 5% ---- $1100 loan, of course. I believe if I have any luck with Prudential we may get the payment down to $ 55.00 per month. Then will remain the job of getting the Bradley’s out of the house so we can move in. The house is really a peach.

Well, maybe I’ll see you some time.

Lots of Love,

Hamp

________________________________________________

April 28, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

‘Ere now you have doubtless received my telegram telling of what I sincerely hope is our good fortune in obtaining a place to live in Kansas City.   Another sincere hope is that you and Frances will like the house as much or more than I. In case you didn’t quite understand what I meant about Mrs. Vandeveer, will you please  be kind enough to write her and tell her we shall be out of the house in thirty days. I have a lot to do and see about concerning the new house -- 21 East 51st Terrace -- and I thought you might be kind enough to handle Mrs. Vandeveer for us.

Tomorrow morning I go to see Mr. Frost of the Prudential Life Insurance Co. concerning a possibility that his company will grant us a loan on the house.  Hazel reminded me that he would remember me, and he did -- spoke very kindly of both mother and father. He is an uncle of Jack Frost of J. C. Nichol’s Co.

We purchased the house for $ 6700 -- which you will probably recall is $ 250.00 less than the Scandretts asked for it.   The present mortgage is at 5 ½ % and amounts to $ 3900. He pays $ 48.30 per month. We, however, don’t have the difference -- $2800 -- to put in cash so I hope will be able to increase the mortgage to $ 4500 at least.  We still may have to have you go to a Dodge City bank to see if you can borrow some nine months money at 5 or 5 ½ % in order to have the necessary cash to plunk down. The Scandretts think they may leave in a week or ten days for Washington D.C. where he has been transferred, and they want cash in hand.

Another idea I just had is that since Frances is really a super student Mr. Calloway might permit her to take her final tests early so we can move here before the end of May.  Will you please see him and tell him we don’t want our house to sit vacant and would like to move as soon as possible. He might do something for us.

I celebrated with two beers before dinner.

Love to Frances

Lovingly, Hamp

___________________________________________________

May 2, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,   Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

You really cut loose in your good letter and visited and asked a lot of questions.  Weeks ago George Hargrave told me it was a complicated job to find a van to move his furniture from Dodge.  They aren’t permitted to go out for a load of furniture unless they have arranged for a load on the return trip.  Consequently please ascertain as soon as possible if Frances can get out of school ahead of time, and let me know when you’d like to have the movers there to start packing.  We’ll have to let them know some time ahead of when we’d like to move. Another thing, of course, is that I don’t like to have our house stand idle any longer than necessary.   I presume the Scandretts have a trash burner, and anyway you wouldn’t want that filthy thing in the van with your furniture. Please consider with all the things we have and will have in Topeka just where those poles for the clothes line would fit in the truck but it would probably be wise to bring the wire.

You’ve done fine with the things you sold, but I just don’t have any idea what you should ask for the oak dresser and chest of drawers.   You may be able to inquire around and get some idea of their value. I think it’s fine that you bought the lamp, but before you buy anything else please consider that it has to be moved to Kansas City, and that we’ll probably need all our spare cash for curtains, etc.   Hang on carefully to the money you get from the things we sell.

You’d better have a new key made for the Ford -- don’t you have mine out there too ?   It shouldn’t be worn.

What do you mean squelch your domestic urge ?  Nothing would please me more than to have you take a real interest in our home and be happy in and with it.

Ethel’s mattress, I’m afraid, will be too large for my old bed, but maybe you can work things out.

George has gone to war and I’m very afraid that I’m the only “some kind of a man” you’re apt to find to help you.

Love to Frances

Lovingly, Hamp

P.S. Let me know about your checks for bills.

_____________________________________________________

May 5, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

Thanks for your grand and most welcome letters.  Today I woke up in the most beautiful mood and everything about me is rosy and gorgeous -- I am in the office -- it is eleven o’clock am and I am sober -- so don’t be worried.  The last time I wrote I was in the dumps, and said so, and was blue because I didn’t think you were sufficiently sorry for me. Such a husband to keep up with, but anyway let that be a lesson to you not to take me too seriously.

Before you leave Dodge give the bank account a breathing spell so that all checks have had time to clear and then get a cashier’s check for the balance in our account and Frances’ savings account.   There won’t be much as I shaw draw out most of it when I make the down payment on the house. In fact, the balance may be so small that you may just want to cash a check and put the money in your pocket.  

I want to make application for the use of our car on company business to get you gals up here, and in that connection will need the motor number and serial number.  You have all the stuff out there, so please send me the dope -- thank you. You mentioned bringing the silver and dresden in the car, and don’t forget our box in the trunk unless you think it all right to send that in the van, but I wouldn’t advise it.

Surely, keep two of our dining room chairs.

Concerning the money situation, we are buying an older house and can’t get as large a loan as I could have on a newer one.  It looks as though it would work out that we’ll need money as follows: (1) cost of obtaining loan and insurance and 6 months taxes $120.00 (2) cash payment $2200 or a total of $2320.00 -- that ain’t hay, Aunt Suzie.

I have been interrupted and interrupted since starting this letter and have had lunch so that it is now 2:15.

Mrs. Scandrett, the last time I talked with her, agreed to leave the curtain rods.  Don’t buy beans or anything else bulky as we’ll want to keep the load down as much as possible.

I think we’ll have the same telephone as Dingy Marshall has -- you remember it.  There is one in the house and we’ll have one only until some time after the war. Hope you had a good bridge game with the gals.  Sorry to hear about Mrs. Ash’s daughter -- that’s really tough.

Love to Frances

Lovingly,   Hamp

__________________________________________________

May 9, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

Kansas City 14, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

After receiving your letter I called Mr. Hook in the Mo. plant department about our furniture.   He told me the requisition which he sent out to Howard Miller in Wichita yesterday did not show a moving date.  So, I just wrote Miller to tell him that you want the movers out there on either May 25th or 26th.

Why don’t you go ahead and get Frances the pretty skirt you have in mind.  As to your yen for nice bright Spring clothes I don’t blame you a bit. But, as usual, there is the money question.   I haven’t got our loan through yet and don’t know how much they will put on the house and consequently how much cash I’ll have to dig up.  So, please wait until I know what it’s all about or perhaps until you get to Kansas City before purchasing them. Why not skip the party this year on account of moving, etc. ?

When we find out more about the movers you can write to the Broadview Hotel in Emporia for a room if you decide that’s where you want to stay.  Then you can buzz over to Topeka and meet me at the station or at Hazel’s. By the way, in case I haven’t told you previously she isn’t at all well -- very nervous.  I wish we could figure out some way we could help her. She has such a terrible job as poor Uncle Arm’s mind is slipping more and more, and Guilford is at her all the time.  It’s just an awful situation. Lyle, of course, used to take Guilford off her hands a good part of the time and Uncle Arm wasn’t such a nuisance formerly. I’m worried about her.   Well, when they load up at Hazel’s and Mrs. Lindsay’s we can come down here, and be ready for them. It was in the requisition that they would pack us in Dodge City, stop in Topeka to pick up things at 901 Tyler and come on to 21 East 51st Terrace in Kansas City Mo.

Well, I’d better get to work.

Love to both of you

Hamp

It is LInton Cofer -- thanks just the same.

_______________________________________________

May 11, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City 14, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

I too enjoy your letters and appreciate that they come frequently.

Chris is out of the office this afternoon so this epistle will be short.

I thought perhaps we could use my prize Morris chair in the southeast bed room, but if you think it best to dispose of it go right ahead.  You’d probably better get a rug pad out there, but it will be one more thing to drag along 350 miles or so. Give the golf clubs to any kindly person who is foolish enough to accept them.  Don’t be in too big a hurry to sell the furniture if the offers aren’t good. I’m glad you’re such a good bargainer for we’ll need all the money we can get our hands on.

In order to tell how much you win or lose in your bridge games count the money you have when you leave and compare that figure with what you had when you arrived.  Don’t be so sure you’re going to lose at least thirty five cents when you start playing that you count that as winnings if you don’t lose it. For, if you hadn’t played bridge you’d still have the thirty five cents -- so, how could you have won your money.  I hope this will help -- but doubt it.

It’s the very best of news that you’re getting some sleep -- why not try going to bed about 10:30 to see if that will work.

About the Ford.   You’ll be handy to the Plaza shopping district and to the street car line down town so why not leave the Ford in the garage most of the time.  Then if we want to go to Swope Park or some place on Sunday we’ll have some gasoline.

Lots of Love

Hamp

_________________________________________________

May 16, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City 14, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

This’ll be short as we’re kind of busy around here today.  Thanks very much for your interesting, newsy letter, and I’m glad to know that you and Frances have been having such a good time.  My, think of the good I’m getting from this dandy pen you gave me. It’s never given me any trouble and I like the way it writes swell.

Please be kind enough the first time you’re down town to drop in the office and pay $0.49 on #624 for the telegram you placed to me last month.  The telephone charges are taken care of, and I’ve already told the powers that be that the telegram is paid -- so please take care of it promptly.  The bill this month was $16.92, and when I asked Mr. Spalding to allow it I told him I thought there wouldn’t be any more calls. We seem to be getting things done all right by mail.  

When and if we get moving we’ll have to unload the furniture the day it gets here.  It will probably be Saturday and there isn’t a Chinaman’s chance to obtain a hotel room in Kansas City on Saturday.  I’ve seen them turned away from the Continental in droves, and have seen them refuse a Saturday reservation when a young naval cadet tried to make one a week ahead.

The only trouble with you and Kath’s boy friend was that you didn’t burn him down right at first.   What business did he have calling anyone at that hour.

Awfully glad that Rev. Rudolph spoke so kindly of you.  But, you’d better be sure we’re going to get the movers before you tell people just when you’re going to leave.  Be sure not to use any of the special gas coupons before leaving -- We’ll need all we can get. I almost never even get in a car -- so hold back a little for Pop.

Remember me to Hurd.

Love to Both of you

Hamp

________________________________________________

May 22, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City 14, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

For Pete’s sake I just thought that for six years we’ve gyped the Telephone Co. out of its newspaper subscription and probably you’d better ask Josephine if they want it sent to the company post-office box or to the office and then call the Globe and have them change the address.

The house looked very sad yesterday.  The Scandretts just moved out -- even left their breakfast food, but they did wash the dishes or at least they took them out of the house.  Also, the place looked much less interesting vacant than when it was furnished. There’s no use talking it is just an old fashioned house, but maybe we can get along in it.  The Harpers next door gave me brooms and a dust pan, and I swept from 1:30 until after 4 o’clock. Believe me, I just hit the high places, but it’s some better than when I went in.

Mrs. Harper has been trying all day to find someone who will clean it up better before Saturday, but when I talked with her about 2:30 she had had no success.   She seems to be quite a determined individual and I doubt if she’ll find anyone to do anything. It’s just Dodge City on a big scale.

Also, to cheer me up I find that the farm house’s foundation has been let go so long that it will have to be entirely replaced -- costing an estimated $ 300.00.

I wrote Hazel telling her we’d be there Saturday morning.

Good luck and watch the oil when you’re on the road -- don’t drive fast.

Lots of Love

Hamp

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May 22, 1944

To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

1609 6th Ave,  Dodge City, Kansas

From Hamilton Chase

723 Minnesota, Kansas City 14, Kansas

Dear Lieuween,

This is probably the last letter I’ll write to you for a long time.  Do you remember not so long ago when you said you’d hardly ever had a letter from me?  My, My, just think of all the letters I’ve written you and received from you in the last ten weeks.  It seems as though I’ve been here since the year one, and will be mighty happy to join you and Frances Friday evening.  The trains are so awfully loaded that if I can’t get on the first one to leave I’ll stay right there and take a later one.  So, in case I shouldn’t be at the Jayhawk when you arrive don’t fret. I’ll be there later. Just go to the desk and ask for the reservation in our name.  If the key isn’t there I’ll be asleep up in the room. You know me.

How did you like the pictures taken at the picnic at the Yager’s?  They came after I’d sealed my last letter to you so I unstuck the envelope and put them in.  I got Miss Smith and Miss Toplibar to pose with me by telling them I needed an incentive to get you to hurry up and come to Kansas City.

I don’t know whether you will want to put Ethel’s bed in the basement.  We’ll soon be having coal for next winter dumped in the bin, and I’m afraid it would dirty up the bed badly.  If not, you can have them leave it the way it is and put it in the garage attic.

Your letter written Monday is a humdinger and I’m enjoying it a lot -- it’s no wonder everyone you write to appreciates your letters.   You did a beautiful job with the Ration Board, and we’ll be buzzing over to Topeka and out to Wakarusa on Memorial Day. You handle negotiations of that kind a great deal better than I do.  I haven’t arrived at first base on my request for gasoline to go to the farm once a month.

So glad Mrs. Warshaw has appreciated you.  It’s fine when you know you’ve done well to have your employer show appreciation for your efforts. 

You’ve done just fine with all your work in getting ready to move, and it has been very wise to do something each day rather than have to break your back and ruin your disposition at the last moment.  I do hope that you’re not worn out, and that you’re getting your rest. It is very important to all three of us.

Thanks for telling me about the work out there.  It is their problem now, but you should tell Josephine I said for her just to take things as they come and not worry about the situation.

This office is grand, and I have only two worries -- that we may lose one or more of our excellent girls, and that I’ll have trouble in July when Chris is on vacation and I’ll have 25 employees to supervise all alone.  I get lots of rest and feel fine. That makes the work lots easier.

Thanks a lot for the hat.  It was beautifully packed and looks fine.

Lots of Love,

Hamp
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A Biography of Harold Taylor Chase, written by Hamilton Chase, perhaps in the 1960s

Born April 13, 1864 in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Educated at the Wyoming Seminary in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Harvard College - Class of 1886. He was the editor of the Crimson during his senior year.

The first year out of college, he was a reporter for the Wilkes-Barre Record.  He moved to Topeka in 1887 and became a reporter for the Capital.  In 1890, he became an editorial writer for the Capital.  In January 1890, he married Annie Thompson.  They had become acquainted when she was attending Dana Hall in Wellesley, Mass (and he was at Harvard).

He became Editor of the Capital in 1895 and he occupied that position until his death on June 22, 1935.

Father inherited his politics from his father, Edward H. Chase, who was a Wilkes-Barre attorney.  Edward served one term as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania Assembly.

Father, however, was always on the liberal side of the Republican party.  He opposed Bossism, the power of the railroads and was strong for the Teddy Roosevelt branch of the Repubican party.  He worked with all Kansas governors, with the exception of the Populists.

He was particularly close to Governor W. R. Stubbs during his two terms.  He was especially active with the legislature in 1925, I believe.

At any rate, the State Colleges at that time were under the direction of the Board of Administration appointed by the governor.  Gov. Jonathan Davis took a dislike to Chancellor Ernest K. Lindley of K.U. and set about having his Board of Administration get rid of Lindley.

Father through the Capital and through numerous interviews with members of the Legislature was successful in obtaining adoption of the law providing for the Board of Regents.  Chancellor Lindley later asked Father to help him with the first recommendation for appointment to the Board of Regents and C. B. Merriam was appointed -- this according to my best recollection.

He was appointed a member of the State Tax Code Commission by Gov. Clyde Reed in 1929.  He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Washburn College in 1931.

All his life to the very end Father was a great student and a true Christian.  His Harvard education tools with him, he read Greek and Latin works.  When I was fifteen years old and he had been out of college thirty years, I asked him for some help one evening with my Caesar.  He read the assignment to me almost as easily as if it had been written in English.  I suddenly realized that father was a scholar.  In my senior year in high school, he frequently read Virgil with me in the evenings.  When I had to have an emergency appendix operation, he reminded me that I’d be getting behind in my Latin assignments and asked me if I didn’t remember a phrase from Virgil, “Forsan et haec olin meminisse invalit” (spelling not guaranteed) -- someday you may look back on this with pleasure.  He then called my teacher and permitted her to think the phrase had been my idea.  My grade at the end of the semester was all I had earned.

Father for a good many years taught a young men’s (high school age) Sunday School class at the First Presbyterian Church.  Also, he was a Trustee of the church for a good many years.  He and Dr. S.S. Estey were great friends and Dr. Estey said father accomplished as much for the public good with his pen as he did from his pulpit.

It’s been written of father that he was distant and preferred the privacy of this library.  This is not entirely correct.  He liked people and possessed the most subtle sense of humor of anyone I’ve ever known -- always kindly and never cruel.  Along this line he was a charter member and helped organize both the Topeka Country Club and the Lakeview Club.

-- Hamilton Chase

P.S.  Harold Chase was no ordinary man.

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To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

5528 Tahoe Lane, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, 66205

From Ethel Nethercot, 3940 Rum Row, Naples, Florida, 33940 (Hamilton's sister)

October 15, 1969 (after Hamilton Chase's sudden death in September 1969)

Dear Lieuween:

I have wanted to write you ever since being in Kansas City for thank you for your thoughtfulness of us while we were there.  However, I was so busy gathering our possessions together and closing our little house in Michigan and then the Millikens kept us busy, including some babysitting the week we were in Evanston.  Our drive to N. Carolina through the mountains was scenic with quite a bit of Fall color, but it was slow going on the narrow curving roads.  The Lodge we stopped in the Mountains was in a gorgeous spot and accommodations and food superb.   The first morning we were there we went sightseeing and Dave, leaping around where I’d begged him not to go, slipped and fell about five feet, knocking himself out.  A strange woman tried to get a doctor for me but couldn’t so sent for an ambulance which took so long to come, Dave had pretty much come to, but I had him taken to a hospital so a doctor could examine him.  Aside from a slight concussion the doctor found only a sprained wrist which still hurts.  He did keep quiet the next three days and was able to drive without any trouble down here.  He certainly gave me a scare!

It’s pretty hot here but we keep comfortable with air-conditioning.  Not many of our friends are here yet.  

I know what a hard task it is for you to be going through Hamp’s clothes and papers and appreciate your sending me our family items.  Dave and I have gone through them and thrown out old business papers and some snapshots I couldn’t identify.

The president’s letters and letters to father with famous signatures should be kept in the family for Hamp’s grandsons, which you are probably doing. I would appreciate a list of donors to the Library Memorial.

Yours and Hamp’s friends were more than kind with their gifts of food and flowers.  He had made a real place for himself in Kansas City.  I still can hardly realize he is gone.  He seemed perfectly well when here the last of February.

I am thankful you have such a perfect small home to stay on in and your musical affiliations to keep you interested and busy.

When you are in touch with the Courtsals, tell them I more than appreciated their helpfully driving us to the motel and airport.  They were very sweet and kind.

Best wishes to you,

Affectionately,  Ethel

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To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

5582 Tahoe Lane, Fairway, Shawnee Mission, Kansas

From Jill Nethercot Mulliken, 200 17th street, Wilmette, Illinois (Ethel's daughter)

September 23, 1969

Dear Aunt Lieuween,

Bill and I are so sorry that Uncle Hamp is gone.  He was always so sweet to me.  He was my only uncle and I shall miss him.  Mother was very moved by all he did for his church and community.

It must be very difficult for you to accept, and our prayers are with you.  Mother feels just awful.  They will be here next week.

Sincerely,  Jill

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To Mrs. Hamilton Chase

5528 Tahoe Lane, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, 66205

From Stephen R. Davenport at Kidney Pond Lodge, Millinocket, Maine, 04462 (Mariana Bonnell’s husband)

September 17, 1969

(writing at the time of Hamilton Chase’s sudden death)

Dear Lieween, 

This is to express our sympathy to you on your loss of Hamilton so suddenly.  It must have been a great shock to you.  It was to Nana when she opened the telegram which reached  here last Thursday night.

He was still comparatively young as ages go these days and when it comes suddenly that makes it all the more of a shock.  But for the one who is taken, it is better than going through a long lingering illness.

Words do not fill up the blank and living through bereavement is one of the hardest things to bear.  But time softens that and one has to keep remembering that he is no more prone to pain or anxiety -- just rest and peace waiting for the time of the Resurrection.

 Affectionately,

Stephen

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