4th Letter -- almost went camping and the crudeness of Texas politics ....
July 7, 1954
I had intended to write when I received a reply from you, but since I’ve only pulled shoe circulars out of the mail box for the third day in a row, I decided I must find out the cause. Being my optimistic self (that’s open to question) I finally decoded that nothing was wrong and that the Rosenblatt sudden interest in keeping the art of letter writing alive had quickly waned. Of course I hope this isn’t true; and the real cause is merely that you’ve had company for dinner every night. If nothing else, our sojourn in Texas should prove one thing to you, that is how circumstance (the lack of a telephone) makes one develop qualities they thought they never had (the art of writing letters) You see I really am an optimist.
I’m in a very chipper mood at this moment. I just completed typing my notes for my second book report for Mr. Fairbanks. After a few hours of research in the University of Texas Library, I shall begin my second project in Texas. Some how just fighting the inertia of the heat, and arid atmosphere gives me increasing energy.
We had an idyllic week end. We drove to a lake that was as beautiful as Lake George from far away; but as we drove closer some of the lushness of the green of its trees, and the blue of its water gave way to spindly shrubs and swampy waters. Nevertheless for Texas, it was somewhat like an oasis. We found ourselves a spot in the woods, close to the water, and planned to camp for the night. We were going to be truly “rustic” and sleep in the back of the station wagon. But as it grew darker, and the bugs began to crawl across my face, I lost my sporting spirit; and my disappointed husband sadly drove me home. To make up for this missed opportunity, we had a hot dog roast the next day which almost compensated until we were interrupted by a few of Marshall’s soldier friends who were bemoaning their fate. It is very sad to see these boys on weekends, just wandering around aimlessly with no destination nor particular interest in anything. They appear happier when they go through the every-day routine of the army.
We went to hear the two candidates running for governor of Texas on the Democratic ticket. Maybe its that I’m not that well enough acquainted with local politics but from the caliber of their speeches, I’d say Texas was still rather uncivilized. Each one accused the other of fraud, of immoral living, and of trying to cheat the poor Texas school children. I was truly shocked by the crudeness of their accusations. But Marshall insists Texas is still going through their period of “inner-directedness”. It’s his claim that all local politics are like this, even in the civilized state of Connecticut.
Marshall’s last lecture was on France and like his others it found a responsive audience. He has many satisfactions from his job, such as after the lecture when he finds some of the men standing about and discussing among themselves some of the questions he has brought up. His satisfactioncomes from the feeling that he has been able to break through the rather apathetic drowsy mass in front of him. Unfortunately in the past, most of the men looked upon these lectures as a period to fall asleep; and just the fact that Marsh has been able to suddenly awaken them, makes him very happy.
We hope you enjoyed the play. Please write, how you liked it. All our love to you.
Merle and Marshall
Comments
Post a Comment