File:1930 - Winfred Hinderer letter to Clara Hinderer.jpg

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April 19th, 1930

Dear Clara and Ralph:

You old dear! You would remember me so kindly and generously on my birthday. Please accept my sincerest thanks Clara. The only way I can give you the least idea how happy you made me is to tell you what I did.

You can already guess by that remark that Gertrude came to see me. She stayed here two days and just like Xmas time, your present to me provided much happiness for us both. I enjoyed what I used the check for doubly because Gertrude shared my happiness with me - “divided joy is double joy,”

Gertrude remarked what a wonderful sister I have and she sends you her best regards, wishes and thanks. We saw a musical comedy, this afternoon matinee, and then we went to an Italian-American Cafe and had a feed of Ravioli.

The play was wonderful. The setting was in this country, New Orleans, when it was French territory and the conflict with the rebels and the nationals. The cast was very large - 150 people made up of Russians, Frenchmen and Americans. It was given in New York for 1 ½ years steady before they came here. That will give you an idea how popular it is.

I think the money was well spent - we were able to get excellent seats - 2nd center row in the 1st balcony for $1.50. That is the only thing which I appreciate about the East - one can see good inspiring and educational things. No cheap stuff like sex appeal and all the rest of the Tommy rot. Of course one can see that too, but the idea is there is always something good to go to, and prices are very reasonable.

Last night I treated Gertrude to an entertainment at the Harvard club. It was a formal affair and we enjoyed it immensely. From 8 to 10 o’clock the Boston Symphony played for us. Then they served us a good lunch and from 11 0’clock until 1 we danced.

That was an experience. It is very seldom that I attend formal affairs. I evade them because I have the idea that I lack polish, but each time after I attended I feel good over it. In the first place the crowd is composed of only Harvard men, Alumni and students, and I have the opportunity to meet some fine people.

Gertrude looked as sweet as an angel. She brought her evening dress with her - a beautiful rose colored chiffon gown with full skirt and full color draped around the shoulders. The length was exactly as I like it, about four or five inches above her ankles.

She told me she will have a snapshot taken of herself in it because I liked it so much and she will send an extra one for you. Our plans for the summer are still undecided. Gertrude already has three teaching positions offered here close by. It is a little too early to decide already which she wants - and all three positions are for teaching English. She is more interested in teaching German and will wait a while longer.

It we do get married, it is rather doubtful now if we will go west. Her father is coming to N.Y. for a visit in two weeks, and he may go to Germany for a few months. It is possible that Gertrude and I will go along, but nothing is certain yet. A trip to Europe would not cost as nearly as much as trip to the west. We can go on student rates and of course for educational purposes that would be ideal.

On the other I may stay here and work. You see there are three possibilities - West, Germany, or here.

My scholarship exam results were disappointing and yet very encouraging. I missed the scholarship by ½ point. That made me feel a little disgusted. On the other hand I think I did quite well in getting hold of the subject matter. I have another chance to earn a scholarship this June. Maybe I can make it then.

I’m getting along very well with my studies, but I can tell the world I have to work darn hard to do it. The work is still commanding my utmost interest though and I don’t mind having to work hard.

I think you were wise in going to St. Paul to have Ralph fitted with good shoes. Things like that that may seem unnecessary to many people, but I think it is most important that every member of a person's body is well taken care of. Each physical handicap, no matter how small, has a negative influence on one's mental condition. Psychologists are finding this more and more to be true. I agree with the theory fully.

How is your general health? Don’t neglect it it whatever you do. Money spent to keep your health good is month well spent. I hope you are not spending any time worrying about the future either. Worry has a terribly bad effect on a person - runs one down and makes one nervous.

As long as I am alive and able to work you may always feel free to wrap on my door when you need help financially or otherwise. My school days will be over two years from now and then I hope to get my machine set in motion. I’m looking forward to that time with keen anticipations.

With good health and encouraging words from Gertrude and all others who are dear to me I will be able to move mountains. I’m determined to do something worthwhile during my life and I’m already figuring to see my way clear.

Now I must close. Will be very happy to hear from you again when you have time to write.

Much love, Winfred

P.S. Please excuse my ignorance, but I want to know when your and Ralph’s birthdays are. Tell me in your next letter. I wanted to ask long before this but always forgot.

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