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From A Maine Woman Goes South, letters transcribed by Jean F. Hankins in 2003. This installment contains 5 letters. Historical dates appear with each letter; the article retains the original collection’s publication date.
Nellie Pottle to Estelle Pottle, February 3, 1927
Source: PDF page 165; printed page 159.
Heading: Spelman College, Atlanta, February 3, 1927
Dear Baalam,
You certainly are having hard luck! Don't you call it adding insult to injury to have the measles twice? You were sick enough with them the first time so that you don't deserve another dose.
We got the letter from Agatha somebody today. Thank you ever so much for writing to us. Hope that by now you are up and all right.
The buds are coming out on the trees these warm days. Our peach tree is blossomed. Spring has come in spite of the fact that the ground hog saw his shadow.
Mother went to see Ben Hur this afternoon and liked it. It is a wonderful picture. See it when you get a chance.
Marjorie has been out traveling for the school this week. She went down to Athens and saw the Phi Mu chapter house there.
Be sure to get someone to write for you often even if you can't write yourself. We aren't worried but are anxious to know how you're getting along.
Heaps of love, Nellie Sam.
Nellie Pottle to Estelle Pottle, February 9, 1927
Source: PDF page 165; printed page 159.
Postmark: Atlanta, Feb. 9, 1927 Heading: Spelman College, Wednesday
How is my sweet little speckled sister? Does the dear thing itch? Or are the measley things gone now?
Last Friday evening I spent with Jeff down at the Zimmermans and Sunday afternoon we walked so long that neither of us got home for supper. I guess that I won't go out with him but once this weekend. I don't want to get tired of him because he's probably the only chance of male companionship I'll get until June.
We have Friday off and a bunch of us are going to Kennesaw Mountain for a picnic. I told you didn't I that I saw "Ben Hur." See it when you get a chance. It's a wonderful picture.
When is our fraternity banquet coming? Wish that I might go with you to it.
Wouldn't I love to throw snowballs this afternoon. Everything is beginning to get green here-the jonquils are blossomed.
Well, sweetheart, take good care of yourself so that we can have some good robust fights next summer.
Love, Sambo
When you have time and want a good yarn read Edna Ferber's "Fanny Herself."
Nellie Pottle to Estelle Pottle, February 14, 1927
Source: PDF page 166; printed page 160.
Postmark: Atlanta, Feb. 14,1927 Heading: Spelman, Sunday.
Dear Baalam,
Be my Valentine won't you?
I haven't been back on the campus for so long that it seems good to be here. We had Friday off, and three of us went on a picnic to Kennesaw Mountain. Then Mrs. Zimmermann was going to a party so we went right down there. In the night Sunny was taken sick and I've been helping take care of him ever since. Just got back.
We had a wonderful time on our picnic-except that it was scotching hot on top of the mountain.
How are you a feeling now-a-days? We are anxious to hear from you. It's been ages and ages since we got any direct word from you.
Moult wrote an awfully nice letter telling me how much he wants me to come to Lee next year. I don't know yet whether I'm coming or not, but anyway old horse, we'll be up near you somewhere. Won't that be the cat's pajamas?
Mamma has to have a hall prayer meeting tonight. She is trying to get me to lead, but I'm refusing with regrets.
How do they like the man who has come to take Dutchie's place? I expect that German won't be as popular a course as it was.
Pat wrote me a nice letter last week. How is she? Just the same as ever? Be sure to write again soon sweet one and tell us how you're coming.
Lots of Love to Jumbo, Sambo
Nellie Pottle to Betsy Kemp, February 21, 1927
Source: PDF page 167; printed page 161.
Postmark: Atlanta, Feb. 21,1927 Heading: Spelman, Sunday
Dear Auntie,
This has been quite a "gervanting" week for mother and me-especially me. I stayed with mother's girls Tuesday evening so that she could go to hear Billy Sunday. Wednesday evening I heard Schuman-Heink sing. I like to hear her sing about as well as anyone whom I have ever heard. She doesn't put in a whole lot of "tra-la-las" and try to see how high or how low she can go. She sings simple things and sings them as if she meant them. She has been singing for 50 years and is getting pretty old now, but her voice is still as sweet and clear as it can be.
Thursday evening I went to a church supper, and Friday evening I was sent as a delegate to a Sunday School Convention here in the city.
"Baalam" seems to have recovered from her measles, it was too bad that she missed her exams and that she had to spend out the money. Otherwise I guess that she didn't mind it very much.
It is only four months now before we'll be home. Love to you all, Nellie Sam
Nellie Pottle to Estelle Pottle, February 23, 1927
Source: PDF page 167; printed page 161.
Heading: Spelman College, Atlanta, February 23,1927
Dear Baalam,
Did I wrote to you Sunday? Well, never mind.
[Nellie here has drawn a one-inch high cartoon figure standing in the rain.] It is raining most terribly and the lightning and thunder are dreadful. When it rains our campus is a beautiful lake.
[Cartoon of a face with speckled dots on it.] Are you all over the measles yet? Or are you still speckled.
[Cartoon of head singing, with notes.] Last Wednesday night I heard Schuman Heink sing. She is gud!
[Cartoon of two stick figures walking.] Thursday I went for an automobile ride. We saw the federal prison and picked peach blossoms.
[Cartoon of two figures, male and female, standing holding hands.] Friday I went out with Jeff. Saturday evening I went down to the Zim's. Jeff came over in the evening but I was sleepy, so I slept while he amused himself with the candy. [Cartoon of stick figure sleeping on cot.]
Sunday I went to church.
Now see if you can give as good an account of your doings for the past week.
Love to Jumbo, Sambo
Source and transcription
Original complete PDF, transcribed by Jean F. Hankins, 2003. Original spelling, bracketed notes, and omissions marked with dots are retained. This web edition was extracted from the scanned transcription; consult the PDF when an exact reading is important.