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  • Walter E. Dandy Letter 05/26/1912

    Southport

    England

    May 26, 1912

    My Dear Boy,

    …I especially want to hear of the man you performed brain operation on that you say is doing well, but still crazy.

    You seem along time in finding out for next year but I feel everything is for the best and I am satisfied you will get Dr. Cushing's place at Hopkins. Pretty big expectation but I think you are equal to it.

    Well this is certainly a fine place. Absolutely clean all over the city and crowded in the business district like Lexington or Fayette on Saturday afternoon. The subberbs are exelent. Air fresh and clear. Finest and richest looking automobiles all over the city. Mama says if you marry that rich young lady you could have anything you like in the shape of luxury in automobiles, fine residences, etc. etc. And if you took a fancy you could give us one if you did not need it as she has always room for more.…

    Well we had a nice visit to Tarleton my birth place. And I got permishion from people living in old thatched house where I was born to look in it. It is not very enticing to live in it. Not as good as where you were born but all big things come from small beginnings.

    I saw the little old school I got all my education in but it is not in use. Been supplanted by a more modern one. I met lots of old play fellows both boys and girls. Had tea and lunch with some of them. We certainly enjoyed the trip and the talks about childhood days. But everything is much improved. But how disapointed I was in measuring distances. Everything seemed so close together to what it used to do.

    We went down to the canal where I used to try and swim and skate. And to the River Ribble, then along its banks to a little old shipyard where I used to go to play. Then to Hesketh lane by old Rope Walk where they used to spin twine by hand wheel but now abandoned. But all reminded me of my childhood days.

    They are now building many new residences and as a whole good and prosperous conditions. Was informed they intended to run railroad from Hesketh to Tarleton and have arranged to build cotton factory as well. This should help to find lots of work for the people and boom property to such an extent that my old birth place will have to give place to one more up to date. If I had a surplus of money I would buy it just to keep as a reminder of former days.

    I've noticed here yesterday that in some of the finest resedence districts old thatched houses keept in perfect condition I presume as keepsakes. You see I am selfish. I let the old 1323 E. 5th Street go where a better man than me or ever dreamed of by me was born. Well I think it better to look to the future and the present and I feel satisfied you are practical enough to attend to this and no doubt many things present themselves to you at the present time regarding your destiny especialy in the selection of your occupation. But I think your future path will be made plain as the time advances for the change.…

    I will close with best wishes for the greatest success of this greatest boy on earth in my estimation. God guide you my boy.

    Your affectionate Father

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