DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Reuben Gaines' memoir, undated

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Page 32

PAGE 32. Buxton. 
while I was in the bed or fell asleep momentarily for when I got home and took an inventory I was two fifty dollars bills short. I almost wore that other 30 fifty dollar bills out counting them. I never mentioned it to Frances as long as I knew her but would have given her more if she had ask for it; however some people would rather take, rather than to ask because they then feel as if they are not obligated. We are now on our way to Hot Springs, Arkansas with my father and his wife; Bertha and their two children; Donald 4 1/2 and Helen 3 years old and both with a severe case of whooping cough. About a month later Helen was worse and we tried to unstrangle her without success and when she turned blue we knew we could not save her. Afterwards I always knew how terrible it is to watch some one die of strangulation. They kept the body there until spring when they were ready to return home and then she was burried before I arrived home because I had left and gone east to Chattanooga. Tennesse to visit my first world war army buddy. My friend, Paul Tatum was really an excellent Mess Sargent; at times I ate in the office before the Captain, and he would give me anything special in the way of fine foods. We correspond regularly until his sister in law by the name of Annie took over and everything from then on was from her to me and from me to her and after that, all Paul and I had to say was to inquire of each others health. Annie was 20 and her sister was 15 years old. I stayed there one week and while everybody was outside in other parts of the house Annie and I were laying across the bed trying to probe into each others back ground. This girl was destined to become my wife in five years and remember that since we were on the bed every day there was no "Hanky Panky". Judson was Paul Tatum's younger brother, He gave me a few side glances from time to time as though he was not over enjoyed about my presence; so my guess was that since they both lived in the same house together they must have something going. Paul Tatum's wife Mamie was an older sister and she ruled Annie with an iron hand, I thanked Annie's Mother who was living with Paul and Mamie and the rest of the family for such good care and wonderful Hospitality and I would hope to see them again in the future so the family broke rank and moved away so as to give Annie and I a chance to say goodbye and to this day I do not remember whether she kissed me or not; however I slipped her $75.00 dollars and stepped into the taxie and was on my way to the station. I finally got into Chicago that night or early next morning. I stayed there two weeks before starting home. On inventory it looked as if I might have to walk home. Cash was exhausted. I had on a fair size diamond ring on and that was more than good for transportation to Buxton, Iowa. I was treated like royalty while in Chattanooga but regardless of what I said about meeting sometime in the future I felt an immotional sense of sorrow because I was so sure that I would never see any of these people again.

Saving...

PAGE 32. Buxton. while I was in the bed or fell asleep momentarily for when I got home and took an inventory I was two fifty dollars bills short. I almost wore that other 30 fifty dollar bills out counting them. I never mentioned it to Frances as long as I knew her but would have given her more if she had ask for it; however some people would rather take, rather than to ask because they then feel as if they are not obligated. We are now on our way to Hot Springs, Arkansas with my father and his wife; Bertha and their two children; Donald 4 1/2 and Helen 3 years old and both with a severe case of whooping cough. About a month later Helen was worse and we tried to unstrangle her without success and when she turned blue we knew we could not save her. Afterwards I always knew how terrible it is to watch some one die of strangulation. They kept the body there until spring when they were ready to return home and then she was burried before I arrived home because I had left and gone east to Chattanooga. Tennesse to visit my first world war army buddy. My friend, Paul Tatum was really an excellent Mess Sargent; at times I ate in the office before the Captain, and he would give me anything special in the way of fine foods. We correspond regularly until his sister in law by the name of Annie took over and everything from then on was from her to me and from me to her and after that, all Paul and I had to say was to inquire of each others health. Annie was 20 and her sister was 15 years old. I stayed there one week and while everybody was outside in other parts of the house Annie and I were laying across the bed trying to probe into each others back ground. This girl was destined to become my wife in five years and remember that since we were on the bed every day there was no "Hanky Panky". Judson was Paul Tatum's younger brother, He gave me a few side glances from time to time as though he was not over enjoyed about my presence; so my guess was that since they both lived in the same house together they must have something going. Paul Tatum's wife Mamie was an older sister and she ruled Annie with an iron hand, I thanked Annie's Mother who was living with Paul and Mamie and the rest of the family for such good care and wonderful Hospitality and I would hope to see them again in the future so the family broke rank and moved away so as to give Annie and I a chance to say goodbye and to this day I do not remember whether she kissed me or not; however I slipped her $75.00 dollars and stepped into the taxie and was on my way to the station. I finally got into Chicago that night or early next morning. I stayed there two weeks before starting home. On inventory it looked as if I might have to walk home. Cash was exhausted. I had on a fair size diamond ring on and that was more than good for transportation to Buxton, Iowa. I was treated like royalty while in Chattanooga but regardless of what I said about meeting sometime in the future I felt an immotional sense of sorrow because I was so sure that I would never see any of these people again.