"Dear Mom" (Letters from College)

[JonoBN41]

OFFICE OF THE DEAN
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
(COPY TO PARENTS)

October 16, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

Getting a good start in your Freshman year at college is
very important. In order to check up on any scholastic
difficulties you may have, and to talk them over with
you, I have asked all instructors to report Freshman
deficiencies at the end of the first month.

According to these reports your work is unsatisfactory
to date as follows:

Mathematics 3-3-F*
French A-3-D
English A-3-F
Chemistry 1-3-D

Your difficulty is no doubt temporary. You should,
however, try to determine immediately just what the
trouble is and to lay definite plans to improve your
work. Do you use efficient methods of study? Are you
working hard and still not making progress? Whatever
your difficulty, put forth every effort to remedy it now.
Confer with your instructors or with the heads of the
departments in which the courses are given, or both. It
is by no means too late to regain the ground lost so far
and to make a complete success of your semester’s work.

I will be glad to talk your case over with you. I may be
able to make some helpful suggestions. Please call to
see me at your earliest convenience.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg
Dean

*Re-examination taken last evening passed with the
grade of “D”.

[JonoBN41]

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 12, 1939

Dear Folks, How’s that?

Let’s talk about lessons first. I received a “D” in my
Math Mid-Sem Test. But I think I can bring it up before
the semester ends. We had our Chemistry Mid. Sem
Friday and I’m lucky if I passed. I haven’t got my tutor
yet. I’ll see the Dean tomorrow about that. I received a
B in my last English Test. We’re going to have a test in
French Tues.
Tutors don’t cost anything, They are students who are
majoring in those subjects and usually are planning to
teach them.
I can’t finish your letter now for I’m going to church. I
have 15 minutes to get ready.
Here we go again.
Last Sunday evening we had girls over at the house and
ate your cake [with] ice cream and drank tea. We put
two tables together in the dining room and had candles
on the tables for lights. We had a good time singing and
things and stuff. Mrs. Worlsey announced that the cake
was sent by “Mrs. M” (who’s that).
Bill Everhart and I bummed to Lancaster to see the
football game between F&M and G-Burg. It was really
an exciting game. The score was 21-21. We visited the
Lambda Chi Alpha house there which was very nice. It
is an old English style and has an open fireplace in the
living room.
Flowers, the F&M backfield star, is a Lambda Chi. Our
“dinks” got Bill and I rides to Lancaster and back. Full
rides both ways.

Love,
Gordon

[note paper from mom on which he answers her questions]

Did you get your rubbers? Not yet.

Is Tilberg a kindly sort of a chap or is he hard to
approach? Not bad, He’s alright.

What is the Tiber? Anyway I’m glad they didn’t throw
you in, ha. It sounds wet. It’s that little stream where
you saw the swan.

Was the cake still okay by Sunday? I that it might be
dried out a little by that time? No difference I just
wondered. The cake was fine.

Have you had your suit pressed? Not yet.

How’s the stamp supply? I have about twenty-two.

That glass I sent before I received your letter – just
throw it away if you don’t want it. It’s just a dried beef
glass.

[JonoBN41]

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
(COPY TO PARENTS)

November 15, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

The mid-semester reports show that you are deficient or
have unsatisfactory grades in the following subjects:

Chemistry 1-3-F
Mathematics 3-3-D

You will, of course, realize that this record does not
represent your best effort, nor the quality of work that
Gettysburg College expects of her students. Just what is
your difficulty? Are you devoting sufficient time to
your subjects? Have you worked out a satisfactory
study schedule? Are you making every effort to develop
a deep seated interest in the subject matter itself? It is
by no means too late to regain your lost ground and to
bring your work up to a higher plane but it will require
careful planning and real work.

I would suggest that you confer with your instructors as
soon as possible. They will be able to make valuable
suggestions as to the nature of your difficulty and the
best way to overcome it. I will be glad if you will also
come and talk the matter over with me.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg
Dean.

[JonoBN41]

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 19, 1939

Dear Folks,

We won another football game yesterday by the score
of about 40-7. Ursinus (from where Jeffers graduated)
was the victim. We’ve won five, lost two, tied one, and
have one yet to play on Thanksgiving. If we win it our
customs are off for good. Here’s hoping.
Last Friday night we freshmen tore up the town. We all
dressed in p-js and danced up town where we built a big
bonfire on the square. The police chased us away. We
also crashed the theater. We came back to the college
later and built a fire by the W.D. More fun, more people
killed. The fire whistle blew and the fire trucks came
and put out the fire.
Last night five friends and I went down to Hood and
danced at the “Hour Glass”. We had a good time.
Doesn’t Rev. Smith live in Frederick?
We have our Christmas dance the eighth and ninth.
I went over to see the Dean last week but he wasn’t in.
You wanted to know something about Bill Everhart.
He’s about five’ ten” and rather goodlooking and wears
glasses. His mother is our cook and his father works at
the college. He has several brothers and sisters some of
whom who are away at school. He wants to be a
journalist. He played football, basket, and track in H.S.
He has run the 100 in 10” flat. I run around a lot with
him. He lives in an apartment which is very nice. I was
up there last night.
I have some studying to do yet this afternoon, so I must
be off.

Love,
Gordon

[Ottor 246]

Maybe it's just because I'm a dad, but it appears to me that there's a lot more dancing going on than studying.

But then again, I remember my freshman year...

[JonoBN41]

Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Office of the Dean
Wilbur E. Tilberg

November 24, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

Your letter of November 20th in regard to your son’s
deficiency has just been received.

Beginning Monday, November 27th, I am establishing a
compulsory study hall for Freshmen who are down in
their work. I am also planning to have some of our
upperclassmen available in case any of these students
need special attention. I feel sure that your son will be
greatly benefited by this arrangement.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg

[Tom Earp]

Wow, isnt like today!

Ah, the good olden days!

[JonoBN41]

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 26, 1939

Dear Folks,

It’s a beautiful day in G-burg; too nice to study, but I
have some English and Math to do after I write this
letter.
This is the “Pan-Hell Week End”. There was a formal
dance Friday night and a semi-formal one last night (Sat.).
I did not attend either.
Thanksgiving, Al Zimmerman (he’s the one who sat
at the head of the table when you were here), Earle
Brown, , Ed Hanks and I went to the G-burg-Dickenson
football game at Hershey. Hanks and I rode in
the rumble seat. That was one ride I won’t forget for quite
a while. It was really cold. We won by a score of about
47-7. Before the game we drove around Hershey and
saw the sights and smelled the chocolate.
When we got home we had a real thanksgiving meal
around a candlelit table. All in all, I enjoyed the holiday
very much.
Thursday night some students took the chairs out of all
the rooms in Glatfelter and piled them up against the
doors and on the stairs. We didn’t have any 7:45 the
next morning.
Triday [?] night they put a dead skunk on each floor in
Glatfelter and smeared limburger cheese on the railings.
They also locked some of the office doors and put sodder
in the key holes. All this because they wanted a holiday
Friday. You should have heard them hollar for one in
Chapel Friday morning, but to no avail.
Last night I saw the movie “Elizibeth and Essex” which
is very good. It is in Technicolor and shows all the
splendid finery of Elizibeth’s age. If it comes to
Evans City, don’t miss it.
I must be off.

Love,
Gordon

PS. You got gyped on the socks.

[another note from mom with answers to her questions]

questionaire
Do you have a Chem tutor yet? Yes, Lucille Hartzell, a Senior.
A Math tutor? No.
What in the world happened to your black socks? You never
wore them out like that! Those black socks weren’t any good.
You bought them and sent them to me about a month ago.
We were robbed!! I only wore them one day and they
looked like that. Same way with other new pair.
When did you get the thermometers? I got those
thermometers in lab. I broke them while doing an
experiment. They didn’t break in the mail.
How do you feel? O.K.!
Are you gaining in weight? I got weighed last night and
I weighed 156 with my suit coat on.
Do you still like G-burg? Yes, everything except
chemistry and math!!!!!
Did Wally give you back any money – you know for
taking us to Hood? Yes, He insisted on giving me back
a dollar. I think it cost .80 for expenses and he and
Margie had a sundae each, leaving a dollar.
Have you had “Hell Week” yet? When is it? No. We
don’t have much of a hell week because we are working
in the bedrooms. I don’t know when it is.
Do you like these “Football Results” or do you have
them in your own papers?
Acknowledging Tilberg’s letter, will send you a
copy next time.

[JonoBN41]

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 3, 1939

Dear Folks,

Boy, my letters really came in this week. I received two
Tuesday, one Wednesday, two Thursday, one Friday,
and a box of candy from Jeanette Saturday. They all
come at once.
A fellow up the hall, Jim Peck, is going home next
weekend. If he gets to bring back his car, which he
doesn’t think he’ll be aloud to do, he will take me part
way home. His home is in Ford City.
We don’t have any school next Saturday because of the
Christmas dance weekend.
The next week is quite important as far as marks go.
We’re having a test in Orientation on all our work so
far. One in English, also, on spelling, pronunciation,
and meaning of about 250 words. Were liable to have a
surprise one in Math too. And to top that off I have to
have “Richard Carvel” read by Friday for English
which contains about 550 pages.
So I better get busy. This weekend I stayed around the
College and rested and didn’t go on any exploring
parties to Hood, Wilson, and etc.
I must be off.

Love,
Gordon

PS. I just noticed I have the address on upside down. It
will get to you just the same, I guess.

[mom’s questionnaire]

Tell me about Chem & Math & your chem tutor. There
isn’t much to say about my Chem tutor. I go over to the
W.D. every Thursday Evening and we go over the
weeks work in preparation for the Friday Quiz.
How’s Tiberg co-operating? Quite well. I think the
study hall is a good idea. What I need is help and there
I get it.
I found out to-day that the fare by train from Pittsburg
to G-burg is 10.95 return & that is excursion rates
between Dec 21st and New Years I believe so I guess
we’re not interested. I’ll let you know soon about the
bus fare special rate for students if there is such a thing.
[no answer]
Do you yourself have any plans or idea for making the
trip home? When do you leave there? I’d like to bum
home just for the experience and look at the money
I’d save. Or maybe I’ll get a ride home with a fellow here.
We’ll deposit $10.00 in the bank to your account to
take care of expenses for your trip home. You don’t
have to do that. I’ll get home somehow. If I get stuck
I’ll get a bus. Thanks anyhow.

[mom’s additional questionnaire]

How’s your supply of scratch paper? I have plenty of it.
What’s your Chemistry Prof’s name? Dr. Zinn –
lectures most. Dr. Sloat – weekly quiz.
English prof’s name? Prof. Wolfe
French “ “? Dr. Hartshorne
Math “ “? Dr. Arms
If you need anything, write it here > Underwear pants. No hurry.
How’s R.O.T.C.? Do you like it? Yes. We started target
practice last week. My first two rounds weren’t very
good but my last group was an “A” one. All about this
close together [draws chain of interlocking circles]. The
gun wasn’t zeroed.

[JonoBN41]

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 10, 1939

Dear folks,

We had our Christmas Dances over the weekend. I
didn’t go Friday night which was formal because the
girl I had a date with was in the Senior play at the high
school. We went Saturday and had a lot of fun going
around to the other fraternities. We went to
Tom Bullett’s (> a pledge) home and had some
refreshments at intermission.
The house was really decorated. There were pine
branches all over the ceiling in the living room and
everywhere in general. We bought ten cent gifts,
one for a brother and one for the girl friend, which
were distributed by Santa Claus at intermission. More fun,
more people killed.
(over)
I got a letter the other day from the girl I had a couple
of dates with at Hood. While she was at home (Duquesne)
over Thanksgiving she found out that her best girl friend
goes to school with “my cousin” Mary Alice Wahl. It just
shows to go you what a small world this is.
About four fellows just came in to listen to a football
game and I was just going to grind away at Math. Tch, tch.
We have short periods next Saturday so kids can get an
earlier start home.
I’ll either be home Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I’m
very definite. Am I not?
I think I’ll bum. I’ll send my laundry home in a suit box
as you had suggested. I’ll be se’in you.

Love,
Gordon


Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 10, 1939
11.15 PM

Dear folks,

I was talking to Jim Peck a few minutes ago. He
brought the car back to school and so will be able to
take me back with him. He lives in Ford City. It won’t
take much bumming to get home from there. Abyssinia.

Love,
Gordon

[Ottor 246]

What's with this "more people killed" business? Is that just one of those wacky 1930s things, like calling your friends "fellows"? I don't get it.

[JonoBN41]

I kinda wondered about that too. It must have been a saying at the time. I googled it and found reference to a 1943 novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs titled "More Fun! More People Killed! But that's all I know.

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

January 2, 1939 [1940]

Dear mother,

I arrived hear about eight o’clock. While in Pittsburg I
met a fellow who spent some time in Evans City. He is
a cousin of Louis Burgos and goes to school at Ohio
University. His name was Graham.
While our bus was going through Johnstown I saw
Hamilton Witter. However he didn’t see me.
I was on the same bus as Swope (from Chicago) from
Pittsburg to G-burg.
I had a couple of Hamburgers at the “Brass Rail” in
Pittsburg.
I put a clean linen towel on the dresser and your picture
in one corner of it and a little toy dog in the other one.
I didn’t take the sheets off, they’re still here.
Fibber McGee is now on the radio.
I found a Christmas Card from Dorothy Derban at the
Fraternity.
I saw Miss McKnight down at Zelienople and also Paul
Louten who was moving the street light in front of the
Kaufman Hotel
I am using Red’s pen because mine is in the box.

Love,
Gordon

*[according to the Internet, that was the episode of Fibber McGee that aired January 2, 1939 - I mean 1940. Damn! I keep writing 1939 on my checks!]

[JonoBN41]

Gordon A. M.
Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
[has his own stationery now]

January 7, 1940

Dear Mother,

I’m not sure whether the Dean told you about me
dropping Chemistry I or not. He probably wrote you
about it. I saw him about it last Wednesday and he
seemed to think it would be a good idea.
I’m rather worried about my Math though. I had a talk
with Wally about it after dinner today. I’m going to get
a Math tutor and pay him something and get service
every day if I can. I’m going to see my math professor
tomorrow and tell him what’s up and ask him for some
suggestions for a tutor. I’ve got to get that stuff! I don’t
have the math final until the 23rd,
Here’s my final exam schedule
Tues. Jan. 16, 9-12 FrenchA
Wed. Jan. 17, 2-5 R.O.T.C.
Thurs. Jan 18, 2-5 English A
Sat. Jan. 20, 2-5 Orientation
Tues. Jan. 23, 9-12 Mathematics
Please send me my box of tests, quick, for study
purposes.

I saw the movie “Judge Hardy and Son” Friday
afternoon.
Last night I went to a wrestling match and saw a
basketball game between Lehigh and G-burg. We lost
the wrestling but won the basketball game by a score of
31 to 29. What a game! We were behind 16 to 7 at the
half and were never ahead in the game until the last
minute. It was a thriller.
I did some shopping yesterday. I bought some new
black shoes, a green hat with a red feather, and a light
blue-grayish stripe light black shirt. The shirt is very
pretty, I think. Wait till you see it. You’ll want it for dad.
It was a $1.65 shirt for $.50. I looked at some
“Manhatten” shirts that were marked down but there
were no stylish ones in my size.

I haven’t any plans for getting to Hood yet.

I paid my fraternity bill today which amounted
to $20.85. That leaves me a total of $3.80 in the bank
(beside $75) and I have $4.30 in my pocket. In other
words I have $8.10 to spend before I have to touch the
$75.
Shopping Expenses
Hat - $2.95
Shoes – 3.95
Shirt – 1.50
Total - $8.40

Love,
Gordon

PS. I’m going to read “Tono Bungay” this afternoon
and evening.

[JonoBN41]

Gordon A.M.
Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Jan 21, 1940

Dear Mother,

I’m in a hurry now. I’ve got to go up and get tutored
pretty quick.
I’m coming home by bus if it’s cold like the present but
may try bumming if it warms up. Tuesday morning is
my last test which is Math. If I get done in time I may
catch 12:00 bus for Pittsburg, if not I’ll have to take
5:00 one. That is if I don’t bum.
Hoping to see you Tuesday evening or Wednesday,
I remain,
Your loving son,
Gordon

PS. I’m going to register Monday. Will take Greek
History in Chem place.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gordon A. M.
Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

January 28, 1940
11:00 P.M.

Dear Mother,

I got that ticket refunded and received 65 cents. A ticket
from Chambersburg to G-burg cost 75 cents.
I had lots of company on the bus after I got to
Pittsburgh.
I’ve been over to the fraternity. Most of the fellows
were back.
Swope came to my room about nine and we went up to
the Delecto and had something to eat.
Schartz, the fellow at whose home I stayed hasn’t come
yet. He’ll be absent for a while. He has developed a
group of boils around his infected elbow, I heard.
Red hasn’t showed up yet and it’s eleven-fifteen now.
I don’t know where he is.
(over)
I left my pair of brown pants at home. They need a
button sewed on them anyhow. Please send them with
next laundry.
I’m pretty sleepy, I must be off ---

Love,
Gordon

[JonoBN41]

Gordon A. M.
Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

February 4, 1940

Dear Mother,

I’m getting in the groove again. As soon as I get back to
school it seems as though I’d never been home. It’s an
entirely different world.
This is a dance week-end here at the College. Friday
night there was the Junior Prom and last night the Soph-
Frosh Hop. I didn’t attend either. There were a lot of
girl guests over at the fraternity as is the custom on
such an occasion. Last night a few fellows and I went
over to the gym and listened to the orchestra, which
was Les Brown’s, and later went up street to Butt’s
Restaurant and danced. They had a small dance band
up there composed of college students. Dancing cost
one dime.
I got my fraternity picture several days ago and will
send it home in the next laundry.
I got a new unbreakable crystal for my watch yesterday.
It cost 35 cents.
I saw “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
(over)
last Friday afternoon. “Gone With the Wind” is coming
the 22nd of this month.
Have you got my grades yet. I haven’t got a formal
notice yet. But I know I got “C’s” in French, English,
and Orientation. I probably got a “D” in Math. He
hasn’t given us our grades.
It’s now 2:45 and this has to be in the mail by 2:55 if
you are to get it Monday.
I can’t think of anything else so so long.

Love,
Gordon

PS. Enclosed is my Personality Test results and some paid bills.

The Personality Inventory (By Robert G. Bernreuter, published by Stanford University Press) consists of six criteria, all on a scale of 0-100. Gordon scored as follows:
Neurotic Tendency – 76% “Persons scoring high on this scale tend to be emotionally unstable.”
Self-sufficiency – 18% “Those scoring low dislike solitude and often seek advice and encouragement.”
Introversion-Extroversion – 67% “Persons scoring high tend to be introverted”
Dominance-Submission – 23% “Those scoring low tend to be submissive.”
Confidence in Oneself – 84% “Persons scoring high on this scale tend to be hamperingly self-conscious and to have feelings of inferiority.”
Sociability – 50% “Average.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[One bill is from the College. Tuition for the semester was $175, Light $5, Room Rent and Heat $38.50, Locker Fee $1, Athletic Fee $10, Student Chest Fund $5, and Health Service $5. Total= $239.50]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[The other bill is from the fraternity, dated Feb. 1, 1940. Theta Pi (Greek letters) Chapter of Theta Kappa Nu Fraternity (which is crossed out with a line through it, and LCA Greek letters penned in after it).
Balance Forward (blank)
Initiation Fee (blank)
Chapter Dues (6.50 crossed out) 3.00
National Dues (5.00 crossed out)
Room Rent (6.00 crossed out)
Board 25.60
Assessments (blank)
Miscellaneous (crossed out) Disc Chg 1.45
Total: $30.50-$1.45 = $28.60
Marked PAID, signed by Robert Rhoads]