Oceanic Hotel
Isles of Shoals
Portsmouth, N.H.
June 29, 1941Dear Bessie,
Greetings from the Shoals, home of Celia Thaxter and other lesser or would-be poets (here, unfortunately is one [E.C.] who can't seem to find the needed inspiration for a great and soul inspiring poem). I know you don't want any jingles, doggerel, etc., so with your permission I shall wait until I have completed my masterpiece and then send it to you. A girl here says she has some of Tagore's poems that I might copy out and send, but I said that that wouldn't be fair. They all say I am too honest for my own interests.
Sunday morning and I am not in church, which opens up our compulsory chapel debate again. This morning was a hard one, however, and I finished my duties too late to attend the church services. It is wonderful to be by the sea again. They have painted the outside of the shack and my room-mate and I have fixed up the inside of our room: dotted swiss curtains, green india print bedspread, green bed lamp, green table cover, striped rug and yards of mosquito netting, for the bugs in The Shack are extremely annoying. We have a good conference this week of young people and last night we had fun taking part in some demonstration square dancing.
June 30, 1941
This seems to be coming in instalments [sic], B.B. As yet no inspiration, however. Last night we had a marshmallow roast. We sang and slapped mosquitoes until 10:45 and then went to candle light. We have to be in by 11:00, you know - just like like [sic] college. With special permission we can stay out until 11:30. Just a secluded life that we lead. The fog has been blowing in and receding all day. Five minutes ago we could see the next island, Appledore, but now all there is is fog, fog, fog. Does that remind you of Carl Sandburg, of whom, I remember, you do not approve? I have read no poetry since my American Poetry course. Did you get your grades? I was delighted with mine: "B" in American Poetry and Psychology; B+ in Romanticism, A- in Shakespeare, A in American History. I feel that on the strength of those I ought to get out of waiting on table, but I spoke to my Mother about it and I guess she doesn't agree with me.
July 1, 1941
I received your letter today. I'm glad you got that wisdom tooth trouble over with and I hope that you're all patched up now.
Yes,
weI had a wonderful time with "Slug." We had time for both house work and fun. Friday morning we went over to Mount Holyoke and sang for Princess Juliana. She wore long green earrings with her academic gown, and unbecoming square hat. She would have looked extremely dowdy if she hadn't had them.I have heard from Marge and Marion since college. Probably you have, too. Marge is taking dancing lessons with Arthur Murray and says she has the best looking instructor!! Trust it to Marge. I'll bet she's doing all right, too!!! We're having our regular foggy weather for this time of year. My stocking[s] were damp black rags when I put them on this morning. The stockings I bought from "Chisie" got a run the first time I wore them. I sewed it up and wore them again and got two more runs in them! So I'm going to write a card to "Chisie["] and tell her how long they lasted! (I'd really like to, tho. She told me she had worn them exactly four times. Do you think she was telling the truth? I certainly have my doubts about that.[)]
Those letters of the Shattucks - I wonder what ever became of them. Probably they misaddressed them to Smith - ha! ha! Ask Fred how his base-ball is; and I wonder if the Union has caught up with Dan yet.
I am rooming with a conservative this year so you needn't worry about my coming back a communist. Please write soon.
Love,
Stelle.