Transcribed Letter from Frederick DeLano Avery - Geni
Transcribed Letter from Frederick DeLano Avery (1895-1980) to his mother Annie Haley Barstow1 (18581921) Postmarked Newport, Rhode Island, October 22, 1917 Mrs. N. Fred. Avery 40 Jefferson Ave., Grand Rapids Michigan October 22, 1917 Dear Mother, This morning when I returned from New York I found your letter. Friday night I took the Fall River boat to N. Y. and came back here on the mid-night. Saturday morning I did considerable shopping at Brooks and then at noon I met Dorothy Dickinson. We had lunch at the Biltmore and while we were there Mrs. Stickley, Flossie, Rose, Lillian and her husband came in and sat at the next table. After lunch Dot and I went to see “Jack o’ Lantern” which proved to be an excellent show. Then we came back to the Biltmore and had some tea and sat around until Dot had to go back to Vassar. After all this I got hold of Mary Mackin and we went to see Julia Sanderson in “Remember Rose” in the evening. The next day, Sunday, I went out to Bloomfield to see the Dodds. The boys were both at Cape May with the Naval Reserve but I sat around with the rest of the family and had a very pleasant time. In the evening they drove me to Newark and started back here. So far my orders have not come through. A good many of the boys have already gone, some to Norfolk, Va. & taken charge of 110 footers and some sent off to various ships in the Fleet. I expect mine should surely come this week. If I have any of the following articles home you had better send them as soon as possible to Miss Yardley’s because when I leave I will probably go in somewhat of a hurry. If I have them: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Cuff-links Soft white shirts with collars (4 or 5) Pajamas (2) Black socks (if I have any) Black shoes “ “ “ Hankerchiefs Grey Gloves
Also if I have any sheets, pillow cases and blankets there you might have them standing-by because if I go to the Fleet I will need them, but don’t send them until I let you know. I have not sent my laundry box home yet. Last week Blair was sent to Cambridge to the Radio School; Ned Palin and Harry Mann went to New York to the Merchant Marine. Two other boys in the house also were sent to New York and one of my fellow Ensigns had been ordered to the Massachusetts, and Goodspeed has gone into Aviation so there are not many left here at present. A new gang will probably come in here to take their places. I am the only one from G.R. left in Newport now.
I have most of my outfit now except a sword and a few small things. I have paid for about $125 worth of stuff and have also charged some at Brooks, so you see this freight comes high. There’s not much more news now but if you can find any things included in my list please send them along to 91 Rhode Island Ave. With lots of love Your affectionate son Frederick. P.S. Yes, I can use your sweater and would like it very much. I took both Blair and Miss Yardley to the La Forge about a week ago.
Cuff-links Soft white shirts with collars (4 or 5) Pajamas (2) Black socks (if I have any) Black shoes “ “ “ Hankerchiefs Grey Gloves
Also if I have any sheets, pillow cases and blankets there you might have them standing-by because if I go to the Fleet I will need them, but don’t send them until I let you know. I have not sent my laundry box home yet. Last week Blair was sent to Cambridge to the Radio School; Ned Palin and Harry Mann went to New York to the Merchant Marine. Two other boys in the house also were sent to New York and one of my fellow Ensigns had been ordered to the Massachusetts, and Goodspeed has gone into Aviation so there are not many left here at present. A new gang will probably come in here to take their places. I am the only one from G.R. left in Newport now.
I have most of my outfit now except a sword and a few small things. I have paid for about $125 worth of stuff and have also charged some at Brooks, so you see this freight comes high. There’s not much more news now but if you can find any things included in my list please send them along to 91 Rhode Island Ave. With lots of love Your affectionate son Frederick. P.S. Yes, I can use your sweater and would like it very much. I took both Blair and Miss Yardley to the La Forge about a week ago.
