|
Ruth
Anxious About War's End
Plans to Return to Will's Point Letter 37
ARMY SERVICE FORCES
Chicago Signal Depot
1903 West Pershing Road
Chicago 9, Illinois
September 11, 1945
My dear Bruce,
Many thanks for your wonderful letter. I thoroughly enjoyed it
but must say I am somewhat disappointed in your reactions regarding Dillard. As
I remember, it had always been your desire to be connected with Dillard and now
that you are, more or less so, I, like Dr. Quarles, think you are making a
mistake. Are you quite sure you cannot find another plan other than the one you
have chosen without breaking away from Dillard? In doing so you may lose all
possible opportunity to achieve something at the University.
No, I don't think it wise but Bruce you know best and I am
sure if you're bent on such a measure your reasons must be sound.
I was glad to hear about Quarles, and sorry to hear about Dean
Moses. Somehow . . . when I think of Dillard I naturally think of Quarles and
Moses, and you of course, after that, there isn't much more.
As for Willie, I might say your summation was very clear and
concise. I am quite satisfied with what you have said. I don't care that much
about gossip to pursue the matter any further.
Many thanks for the book. Received it the same day I received
your letter. It was kind of Bontemps to remember us together. I shall read it
and return it as soon as possible.
Yes, the war is over. And the next war will probably be the
end of all wars and the end of civilization as well. I think this could well be
called the Atomic age, what with the atom fighting our wars, driving our trains,
etc. It doesn't seem as though Science can go any further. I have been reading
about the Atomic bomb and last week there was a program entitled "Mr.
X" featuring Herbert Marshall. The story was about the rock from which the
atom was obtained . . . the Uranium, a piece of stalactite. The deposit of which
is found in Africa. Last week there was also an article in the DEFENDER to that
effect. Also on the front page of the Herald was the story of a Chicago Negro's
part in the developing of the Atomic bomb. This was the first instant of my
seeing a Negro make the front page.
I finally made 'Carmen Jones'. A Magnificent stage play.
However, I did not see Muriel Smith in the Lead. There is a double cast. It just
so happened the night I attended, Inez Matthews played Carmen. At any rate the
whole performance was Superb.
There are two more functions I must attend before returning
home. I simply must see ANNA LUCASTA and THE BALLET RUSSE DE MONTE CARLO. I have
chosen Sept. 28 when CHOPIN CONCERTO and SCHEHERAZADE will be presented. If I am
able I shall also try to make RIGOLETTO which is now playing at the Ashland
Boulevard Auditorium.
I am going to try to stay in Chicago until I have seen these.
My reason for saying this is because . . . my job is only a war job and may soon
be panning out. Almost half the Depot has been notified. I haven't as yet. It's
only a matter of weeks. They are transferring some folks to other jobs . . . I
don't think I'll be here too long. By October if things are right I may return
home to Will's Point, La. I have managed to buy myself a
swell Life time Schaeffer fountain pen. It's super.
When you obtain my folder from Dr. Dailey please keep it for
me. I will call for it sometime in the future. I don't need it right now.
Bruce, I had heard so much about
Oscar
Micheaux's WIND FROM NOWHERE that I decided to read it. It was
the most badly written piece of work I have ever put my hands
on. His story is good but I am afraid he doesn't know how to put
it down. Would you believe it, he ends it, "They lived
happily ever afterward." I am enclosing a circular of it
and also a program from the Grant Park Concert. The latter you
will of course return.
I am sorry for reprimanding you for your short note. I should
have realized you're a very busy man. Only I didn't know how busy. Forgive me
this time, won't you.
Give love to all.
Ruth
<<---Previous
|
