Bert Stiles Papers, Ms 0095 Box 1 Folder 1
Transcribed by Julie Downing, 2026.

July 10 1935
Dear May, Mother, Dad and Elizabeth,
Arrived safely stop went to bed stop went a fishing for trout stop Love Bert
There’s my telegram and now starteth my letter. I’m writing this on the dawn of a great day. We are celebrating the thirteenth anniversary of the birth of one of the world’s most famous citizens, Miss May Stiles Bravo! Whoopie! I am sorry that the trout could not be sent but there are two very good reasons as you shall see. First they all said that the fish would spoil if I tried to send them and second I haven’t caught enough to send Sunday morning I went out and caught two measly little fish, but they certainly looked good then. Later in the eventful day I walked up two the Lake and went fishing again in the brief seconds that the sun shone I caught another funny denizen of the deep and then it began to pour so I pulled my stakes and hit the high road. Monday I went up again and walked all around the place and then I got up to the inlet and climbed out on a rock by a big pool and right there was a trout that was twenty inches if he was an inch and bunch of other minnows about twelve inches long. That afternoon I met the famous guy who takes care if the boats at the lake and we went out but I only got one six incher so no net result for me. Walking home I met three fellows that had been clear up to Crater Lake and they in about two hours had nailed about twenty five fish not one under eleven inches. Tuesday I went up to the lake again and Jim and I rowed across the lake and hiked way up creek where we were going to fish. We hiked all the morning and when we were just about to start angling Jim remembered he had to go down and get the mail so we had to start back then and didn’t get to angle. About three thirty we went out in the boat and we had great sport. In about forty five minutes we got about twenty of whom about twelve were big enough. I brought home six beauts. Jim got one that fought about five minute before he could land it. Yesterday I woke up, looked out and thought it was about five o clock so I turned over and went to sleep again and when the smoke cleared away I had slept about fifteen hours or to about 12:30 o clock. Dad you better come up early Saturday start by ten o clock anyway and then we can go fishing where ever we want to in spots it’s been up here. Happy birthday May and don’t feel to hard about the fish because when your distinguished father gets up here he will catch them for you Mother, I bet it’s quiet around there but don’t let it worry you I’ll be back soon and tell my distinguished sister Elizabeth when she gets home hello as she isn’t home now I can’t address her directly. This is happy go lucky pete signing off now. Goodbye all.

Receipt
I hereby certify that the five trout to which this certificate is attached were lawfully taken by me in Grand County, Colorado on the 19 day of August, 1935 Signed Bert Stiles

Receipt
Boy Scouts of America Nation Office 2 Park Avenue New York, New York
Scout Bert Stiles in Troop 24 of Denver Colorado is hereby certified as a star scout. He has achieved the requirements set forth in the Official Handbook, and has made effort and progress in Scout service and in living in the scout and oath.

Hotel Lincoln 44th to 45th streets and eighth avenue New York May 23rd 1936
Dear Bert,
Being good miles away when your letter reached me, I’m not close enough to do much good. I suggest you go to the Federal Building, ask to see Mr. C. F Stahl in the U.S.F.S. and he could tell you whether or not the proposal you have can be worked out. They might have a summer time guard younger fellow at some front who’d be glad to have company at least you can take your proposition and see what happens. You can show this note to Mr. Stahl as an introduction of your words and write the Denver unreadable.
Sincerely,
Arthur H. Carhart [?]

Slate Creek a long ways from anywhere July 25 1936
Dear Mother, That gal is finally going home altho she is only in seventh grade she looks like she is in 10th grade and acts like she is in 1st. On Thursday I went up to Slate Creek and caught eighty unreadable please quote that to Grandmother a good many were rather small sixteen came home with me3 I am going to send some home but here aren’t as big as at unreadable. Yesterday Mrs. Stavely and this city dude tried to rake unreadable a bridge picnic well I was creek but Mr. Stavely found unreadable to be done and I got away. My shoes are out and I am not going to be able to wear until I finish my elk hide mockissans how’s that spelling. Oh! Oh! Here is the state so long, Bert

Slate Creek Range Sta 14 miles from Dillon Kremmling, Colo. July 27, 1936
Dear Mother,
Boy! Oh Boy! The rainy season has set in. Rain, rain and more rain. Mushrooms are ripe now. Today I went with Mr. Stavely over to Black Creek, a thoroughly useless trip for me, ( it rained buckets at a time) and walked home, twelve miles. On the way I surmise that I passed over five tons of mushrooms; Big! BIg! BIG! Some of them were built like washtubs. I guess I best be a getting back to civilization again The Stavelys are going to have a crew of clubfooted E.R.A. men bashing in their barn and I think a couple of them need my bed So Dad had better bring a trailer and come haul my junk home. Is Bob Reeves hard at work? I wonder if he could go on the Mt. Evans to Longs Peak expedition. Or do you think Howard could go for a week or so someplace? The other day Mr. Stavely and I were talking about cabins He said that a slab cabin is very poor and more over slabs, good ones, cost 5 cents a piece; and you can get a good set of house logs for five dollars, less than slabs. Well I guess I’ll be seeing you as soon as Dad comes and hauls me home. But I hope I can go again as soon as I get there.

This is from Slate Creek
Way up in the hills
Near Kremmling, Colorado
On July 28, 1936
Dear Mrs. Stiles,
Recieved [sic] one pair of overall pants. Although I really don’t need them now I can use them. For I found an old out-grown pair here.
At last my moccasins are complete. Ki Yi Yi my totem is a cockeyed range steer.
My letter writing from here has included: the Lost Creek Ranger station, Arthur Hawethorne [sic] Carhart, Courtney Ryley Cooper, and Desmond Holdridge an adventurer in the Virgin Islands. I have written a poem and am going to write two wild yarns.
Could Dad wait until a week from August 2 to come and haul me home but come this weekend and go fishing. If he wants to go on the Williams Fork I’ll hike over ute pass and meet him. He can phone and tell me if he is coming.
Tell May her letter was side splitting, especially her encounter with the skagaroot [sic] smoking wild amazon.
We went surveying the other day and I chopped around forty trees down.
Whereas I hereby remain yours, nevertheless whereby the wilds call I hereby answer in great gusto.
With pleasure,
Bert (Rod)
Hi Dad (come on up)
Hi May (my pesky sis you remain)
Hi Elizabeth (You old battleaxe)

This is Slate Creek
Running into Blue River
14 miles down from
Dillon
August 3, 1936
My Dear Mrs. Stiles,
Your correspondence the past week was conspicuous in it’s absence if my sweet sister and honorable father had not written I would have been le in this god forsaken place without a ray of light from the sophisticated outside.
Dad said that he thought I ought to stay here until school starts. Well that is all very nice but practically impossible to since : one Mrs. Stavely is expecting on Mr. and Mrs. Stiles who were the Slate Creek school teachers and have transfered [sic] to fort lupton, Mrs. Curstis [sic] and son who are also very very swell folks, Mr. Curtis is an expert fisherman and is also the head of the A.A.A. which bodes well for future literature, mayhaps these persons will all be here at the same time thus all beds will be full. I must go August 16, but please not before. Tell Dad to come both weeks Also I must warm up on my basketball. Also Mr. Stavely already has to spend half of his time on the trailcrew and in a few days they’re starting a three and one half mile forest boundry [sic] fence which will take the other half of his time. Also I’d like t see Dude and incidentally my home whar ah wuz raised. [sic] Over
Now for the news: Definetely Mr. Stavely is not a social lion and his wife who longs for that distinction has a hard time dragging hime out. Mr. Brown the wheeler and Dillon ranger has a beautiful wife and is she keen. I think I could cinch a dish washing job there too. Did you know that transit compass’s are backwards, I’ve found out why now. I now number surveying as one of my arts. Our stacia {sic} constant is 2,375 chains haw. A week ago yesterday we drove into the colossal town of Breckinridge and partook of my first picture show in months Vive La el Capitan Blood. Captain Blood was super-perfectly thrilling it was the best show I ever saw even if it was the second time. Mrs. Stavely didn’t like it but boy did we men, pardon we men-boy. I’ve been catching fish by the bucket. The rain rains rain and rains water continuously this place is drowning.
Yesterday I saw another deer a doe sure was a beauty. There is another little girl here now but not big enough to make trouble only nine years old. Yesterday we hauled eight cases of dynamite to Slate Creek. Today Smokey the packer was hauling it up to trail camp when the pack horse began to buck, boy was he scared, his eyes popped his tongue stuck out, and his toes curled. Finally I got to ride horses some. Today I took old Don home from the trail camp. Fourteen miles. I was kind of rusty but the last three miles we kept at a very fast trot and just tore into the station. Well goodbye.
Solong [sic]
Bert
P. S. May, thanks for your epistle you nut.

Lawn Lake Ranger Sta.
June 22, 1937
Dear Mother and Dad-
This is the toughest place to find time to write letters and tougher to get them mailed.
The fishing up here is superb. The three of us (Viney Stiles and Ranger Jack Moomaw) caught twenty six and some of them were honeys. Viney caught the biggest trout.
This cabin is fine but the Lake is sure a dirty mess.
Dad you better hurry up the fishing is perfect.
How do you like my partner ship with the great Ben East.
The deer are thick around here. (Bear Lake the thickest).
Sunday Howard and I put out a small forest fire- very very small; but started by a cigarette.
I ate eight trout this morning. I’ll send some down Sunday with Vineys – it is almost impossible to send them other times as we aren’t near a post office any time.
Hurry up here-
Solong [sic]-
Bert Stiles

Bear Lake Station
July 10, 1937
Relatives-
We leave at the break of day for a three day trip into those inaccessible Gorge Lakes. We have to pack everything.
Howard is not normal in intelligence- this morning he got up at six o’clock and had to stall an hour before we got going.
The deer are as thick as flies around here.
I haven’t a cent to my name.
My mood is depressed tonite. [sic]
Magazines would be gratefully received here.
I almost broke my neck sliding down some pine needles in those darn moccasins today.
My boots have to have another half sole [sic} job. Mr. Rincker is a definitely a superior shoer. [sic]
My lake score is an even fifty now.
Hi! Ho! Lackaday!
Solong [sic]
Bert Stiles

Wet and Rainy Stn.
July 30, 1937
Folks –
We are again at Bear Lake. Monday should see us en route to Grand Lake and the East Inlet.
We drowned getting up here that is our duffle did.
I had to get both pairs of shoes fixed again.
Here inside is a letter to send to Aunt Addie I forgot her address.
We got six nice ones today in Dream and Emerald.
Again I remind you to get me a Tyrolean hat with feather. Ask the guy in the store he’ll know.
I am not getting any mail from anyone- go kick Bob Herrmann and tell him to answer me.
I hauled in six inches yesterday.
Ho hum ho
Bert Stiles

Bear Lake Station
August 13, 1937
Fellow Folks –
We just wisped in from Gorge Lakes. Ah! those phantom far places. There were ten guys in there today – nuts!?
Again my attempt to send my best trout (plural) home was thwarted.
Wednesday I got four of the biggest fattest trout I ever caught. They were all between fifteen and sixteen inches. I laid them in a pod and Thursday morning they were gone – I guess some mink or marten got them. So an hour or two later I went
Those five discarded trout went to Mrs. Blanche - out ex – teacher.
Last night the Grand Lake theatre saw me in its seats.
We didn’t get up until 11:30 today. Those Nebraska Coeds sent us 7 pounds of pancake flour.
Fishing is very superior over here.
Dad – how about us going for three days over labor day.
Some magazines would be duly appreciated.
I am water-boy for the Antlers Hotel (basketball) this winter via Jim Riley.
Adieu,
Bert Stiles

Note: Read other letter first
Continue at Grand Lake
Grand Lake Ranger Stn.
Grand Lake, Colorado
August 22, 1937
Hello my long lost friends,
I hope those last trout really got there without perishing. I got those babies in Paradise park – wow! What fishing. I must have caught twenty-five or so; but I only kept twelve. I added three brookies the next day. Then – when trying to mail them I had to discard five to get under neath the five pound mailing limit. Twice we wrapped those things to again unwrap them. No more trout. Next week we are going up to the Shelter Cabin on the North Inlet.
Johny Freeman, who went with us, decided we should go up to Lake Verna a day ahead of the tent and horse. It poured, drooled, and goobered all over us all night. Then the tent came with only three corner ropes and no side ropes – plus the fact that it leaked like a sieve. But! the fishing was fine.
We haven’t had any mail for two weeks ; but when we got back on the other side there should be a stack.
Jack and Clyde came up and were hunting all over for us – finally we coincided.

Still Aug.22 (late)
Hello again –
I was going to send this this afternoon; but I couldn’t get a money order.
Say- when I get home I’m going to buy a Roget’s Thesaurus. Sam Hair up here has one and I have been looking it over. It has every word in the world plus some more.
If I don’t get away from here I’m going to drink up all my money.
Adios,
Bert Stiles

Back at Bear Lake Stn.
August 28th 1937
Dear Mother and Dad,
I just got down from the top. Your mail was here. Over labor day- I don’t know which would be best. If we go up from Grand Lake we will have to carry beds and food and a tent (tent especially) for it is almost too far for a day. I’d say Murray Camp would work best right now unless you are yearning to haul that stuff.
At Nokoni on Thursday dusk I could hardly keep the fish away from the fly – I got elven in an awful hurry.
Mother – your letter certainly brought no glad tidings.
My objections are as follows: First I had a letter from Miss Aronson – She said that the P.E.G. was really going to bear down in English on English next term. Despite my difference with Mr. Arnold I am staying in the class. Therefore don’t tell the office anything about changing for I’m not changing. If I get going – which I shall – I’ll fit in that class. That Math you were speaking of is much better in college – according to the Rangers here. Also that Little plan of me working a year first is very bad – I’d forget any thing I know now and the Park Service is not going to have so much room if I fool around too long. Remember I;m not quitting the P.E.G. – what do you want me to be a quitter.
I sure am delighted to hear our house is fixed so we won’t live in it any more. ( I hope that woman stays firm ) Is the house that any good? Two Little sparks like these in one letter are almost too much. I fear if any more things happen like this I’ll be afraid to come home.
Fare thee well as me –
Bert Stiles

Park Lane Hotel Piccadilly
London, W. 1
October 4, 1937
Dear Sir,
I thank you for your enthusiastic letter and regret that there seems little prospect of my ever again making a voyage such as that in the “Joseph Conrad.”
Sincerely yours,
Alan Villiers

Bills –

Dad
Flies & spoon $1.75
Dry flies & leaders 1.25
Loan 3.25
Total 6.25
PAID

Mother
Ski Boots 4.00
Total $4.00
PAID

Initial Cost of Summer
Parents out lay $13.70
On account (I pay) 2.70
Interest (I pay) .05
Balance Due $11.00

Bert Stiles Papers, Ms 0095 Box 1 Folder 2
Transcribed by Julie Downing, 2026.

Popular Publications, Inc, 205 East 42nd Street, New York, N.Y.
Plowden Bay Howe Sound B C Canada
Ap 27 (1938?)
Dear Mr Stiles
Your letter was very interesting but I can do nothing to find you such a job. You seem to have been very successful in your own land and why not continue the good work?
We have acute unemployment here and the only jobs are naturally kept for our own pensioneers.
As regards Mounties or Ramigers needing a man, if such were the case it would be sent from headquarters, and retired Indian officers such as you speak of, they are mostly in books.
I fully appreciate your desire and ambition, wish you all luck but cannot help
Sincerely yours
C Plowden

On Board Yacht Alice
Norfolk, Virginia
May 10, 1938
Mr. Bert Stiles
1245 South York Street
Denver, Colo.
Dear Bert Stiles:
I am sorry that I do not know of any such person as you are looking for, although I have no doubt they are to be found. Most all the Islands in the West Indies have very strict immigration laws, wages are exceedingly low, there is much unemployment and you will find it very difficult to make a living in any of them. They, of course, welcome tourist with money, but do not welcome anyone who is likely to compete with their own overstocked labor market.
Yours Truly,
Henry Howard

Long Branch Ranger Station
Sargents, Colorado
June 20, 1938
Greetings and Salutations,
I’m glad that the fish arrived in good shape and if I could catch any big ones I’d send some more. But all I catch around this place is little wee ones.
I think I could detect a note of glee in your note when you mentioned my being worked. I worked two days and made seven berries and three blisters and a sunburned neck. The second day was a snap compared to gumping out that sage brush. All we did was build a bridge, haul about six tons of rock, and cover a rock slide with dirt we had to haul a couple of hundred yards. I had a pretty good time the second day.
We are going on a pack trip tomorrow for three day and really ought to have a big time. We went on a ride yesterday while Mr. Stavely was breaking in Happy to trail work. He sure is a good looking horse and I’m going to swipe him.
Friday is a good day to come up here. That’s just the time I want to go home – after that week-end. You can stay at Stavely’s easily. They have plenty or room and I think you would hurt Mrs. Stavely’s feelings very much if you didn’t stay here. It sure is a slick place – and I’ll bet that you can catch fish as well as anybody.
Saturday I caught fourteen big enough to keep. And yesterday when we went on the ride I caught four nice fat ones in a few minutes up in the high beaver ponds. We really ought to hit some fishing on this trip. There are thousands of fish right in the front yard—but most of them are pretty small.
I am learning to shoot from the hip with the rifle. Pretty soon I’ll be a plenty dangerous customer.
I told Mrs. Stavely you would be nuts about the place and would like to go tearing around just as well as I do. She doesn’t believe you are the mountaineer type and you’ll have to show her.
There is a creek called Canyon Creek on the northern end of the district and I want to go fishing over there pretty bad. So when you come up we might go over there. At an old busted down town of White Pine over there, there is an luscious Grand Piano that was the wonder of its time. I haven’t seen it; but Mr. Stavely has and says it used to a whiz and is really a monster. It wont play now – and there are rat’s nests in it. But I thought that probably wouldn’t hurt the sounding board any—and it hasn’t got wet at all. So maybe it would really be something.
We had a party last night and all went on a Toot: Some young folks from Sargents who are just moving out came up and we played Monopoly and had a bust on grape juice. We got in bed at the unearthly hour of eleven fifteen.
I guess you saw the slick Chev that we have here. We, because I get to dive it all the time. What a slick bus!!!!!
I’ll be seeing you, Friday, sometime, and I’ll get the fish all prepared.
Fare Thee Well ----
Rod the Ripper

Bear Lake Ranger Stn.
Estes Park. Colorado
July 3, 1938
Greetings-
I’m still in the dark as to whether I get a pardner yet. This guy Herschler (?) is not the chief ranger that Walter Finn was. He doesn’t know whether his head was moulded or carved.
One thing is certain- I won’t make any money if  I don’t find a guy to help buy food. You just can’t get that stuff in one man portions. And then it isn’t a heck of a lot fun with just one.
I’ve started pulling strings to land a regular job. If you can find someone who knows Representative Taylor he’s the man.
The park has almost no organization this summer. Until the chief ranger learns the score nothing will go smoothly.
I’m getting the same pay as last year. And if I hadn’t been for Harold I would have taken a 37 ½ % cut- again due to the chief Ranger.
I’m either going to Fern Lake or ? next- but I don’t know when.
Berry is sure a swell guy to live with. Then there has been a ranger called Lee Sneden here, too. He went to Fern Lake and will go stay sometime this week.
I’m going to try and work six days a week instead of five and a half. No one has told me anything yet so I will work when I please, meaning that I’ll try and collect for six days.
Yesterday I got the limit in Sky Pond and gave most of the fish to some Kansas people.
Tomorrow is the glorious fourth; but I’m going to work. I think I’ll probably go with Sneden from Fern down to the Brinwood.
Be sure and save the Saturday Evening Posts.
So hurry and come up with a big dinner and I’ll be seeing you.
I’ll let you know when to get a guy to come up.
Farewell and Aloha,
Bert Stiles

Bear Lake Ranger Station
Estes Park, Colorado
July 13 1938
How do you do-
If your week has been uneventful mine has not. I wasn’t in on the man-hunt which is a good thing.
I hope you do shimmy up the way Sunday. I’m still at Bear Lake and probably will be when you come.
Some folks from Chicago are here and they are swell. We have been tearing around all over. The whole mob just got back from Fern Lake. I have been swimming on purpose and no on purpose all the time lately. I really “pond-ified” myself today in Spruce Lake.
I guess Dad had a big time fishing over the holidays. I have been watching fish fairly regularly. The other day at lake of Glass I whipped my line in and hung two great big babies at once. Berry had to land then while I hung onto the rod. One fish weighed about a pound and a quarter and the other just under a pound.
So I’ll be seeing you Sunday.
Goodbye,
Bert Stiles

Bear Lake Ranger Station
Estes Park, Colorado
July 20, 1938
Dear Folks,
That deal over at Mr. Stavely’s fell through. It wasn’t any too strong in the first place and it just went to plunk!
This is Doc Barrows typewriter; but it won’t be here long so I still want the other one sent up please.
It really has been raining up towards this direction these last few days. We were going to Black Lake today and it rained us out. There isn’t much doing; but I sure am have a lot of fun.
We have a house mother here in the person of Ranger Barrows. Since he moved in we haven’t had a moment of sobriety at all. I’m losing weight just laughing.
Be sure and call up Mrs. Viney and tell her to be sure and come up this week. Because after that chicken last Sunday I find myself with strange longings in the stomach. That bread sure was good and so were the tomatoes.
I saw Gordon Mace the president of the Phi Gamms today in town and he says that he and some of the boys are coming up here some night soon. And I’m supposed to play basketball with some C.U. Boys tomorrow night. So I won’t be having too dull a time.
So long,
Rod

Wild Basin Ranger Station
C/O Rocky Mountain Natl. P.
July 25, 1938
Dear Folks,
I got moved from the rumble and grumble of Bear Lake to the peace and quiet of the Wild Basin today. I don’t know when I’ll be leaving or anything about it.
It was fun at Bear Lake with Doc and Jim and I hope I go back again. But over here I’m with Ernie Fields and his wife and a kid named Flanagan. They sure are swell people. Ernie’s wife is the slickest gal I ever saw. I hope I marry someone like her.
We went to Gorge Lakes last Saturday and I caught not the slightest suggestion of a fish. Merle caught four. On the way home we found a little tiny fawn that hadn’t been born more than an hour or two.
I have done very little fishing lately but I guess I’ll get some done here.
Here’s what I’d like to have you do for me. Would you go down to the Vim sporting Goods and buy me a pair of size 8 ½ soled moccasins. And be sure and get the best kind. They’ll cost around $3.00. And mail them up in a hurry.
Hurry up and come up again.
Solong,
Bert Stiles

Wild Basin Ranger Station
Estes Park, Colorado
August 4, 1938
Dear Folks,
The moccasins arrived in due hastes yesterday and got their first official workout today. Thankyou a lot and I guess my cash on hand will go even lower when I have to pay out for them.
I sure hope that you can come up Sunday. And don’t forget to brig the Reder’s Digest and all the Saturday Evening Posts you can lay hands on. Tell everybody to read this weeks so you can bring it too.
I am sure getting spilled on this salary deal. I worked every Saturday last month; but I don’t get paid for it. I only get to work 44 hours a week. So I get reaped out of that dough. Then to make up for it double. This year I am paying about nine bucks a month rent. That exorbitant rate is double what the boys in the bunk house pay and almost triple. And quite a bit more than anyone else I can think of except the permanent rangers. I also worked the first Sunday and the Fourth of July which is another three bucks I will not get. So I figure that my check will come to about 28 bucks ad I’ll pay out about twenty-five for odds and ends and it’ll be the same next month. So I will probably come home at the end of the summer abut six dollars to the good. I spent nine bucks for the sleeping bag and seven for the boots; which need fixing badly. That will make me about ten dollars in the hole for the summer.
There are a couple of bright notes around though.
The Curtis Brown Ltd. Literary agents of New York City have agreed to take over my stuff and see what they can do with it. I wrote to the Saturday Evening Post and they gave me those boys as the real thing. So maybe I might make some money that way some day.
Ernie Fiels may get an appointment out in California. We are all sitting around here waiting for the letter which is on the way and waiting to see what it will contain.
I sure am having a heck of a swell time down here in the Wild Basin; but that’s about all.
So long,
Bert Stiles

North Fork Ranger Station
Glen Haven, Colorado
August 17, 1938
Dear Folks,
Well I’m still up in the woods. And having a pretty good time I am, too. I’ll bet you thought I wasn’t going to have a sentence there didn’t you.
I think that I’ll be coming down either Thursday or Friday. I haven’t had any mail since a week ago Friday. If anything has happened since I have been out here I sure don’t know anything about it.
I’ve only been fishing once since I’ve been up here and I caught nine that time. It should be pretty good fishing; but I just haven’t go to go any.
Last week I saw another big hunk of the park that I have never seen before. There certainly is a lot of the part that very few people ever see. We went up over the Stormy Peaks down on to the Pouire to what is called Pingaree Park. It is a big park that you can get to from Fort Collins. It should be swell fishing there; but again I didn’t get to fish.
The guy I am staying with is Bill McCracken who was voted the most valuable player on Aggies ball team last fall. On that pack trip we were tacking up boundary signs. That boundary was only surveyed last year and the Land Office men really did a lousy job. In two rough places they just pulled stats and didn’t survey any boundary. So we had to come home and without finishing the job.
Lately we have been clearing trail to Lost Lake and it really is a job. We progress about a mile a day so far.
Howard is supposed to be coming up tomorrow; but I haven’t heard whether he is going to make it. He is staying over at Stead’s ranch.
Gil is working over at Grand Lake now; and maybe I’ll get to see him. I haven’t heard anything ese; so I’ll be seeing you.
So long,
Bert Stiles

Wild Basin Ranger Station
Allenspark, Colorado
August 24th 1938

Dear Folks,
Yesterday I got out of the big woods and it really is good to be down again. I was up in that superb glorious wilderness full of fighting fish for two weeks and went fishing once on the first day and it rained and then it was too dry. But I did have a lot of fun and I saw a lot of new country.
I have five days off here in a row. I worked Saturdays and Sundays up there and accumulated some time off. But I almost didn’t get it. That is the way to do it. Maybe. I’ll tell you when my check comes in.
The financial picture I have of myself a while ago was a trifle stretched I think. I had it all figured out that I wasn’t going to make a cent this summer. But perhaps I will. I worked for my board over here the last time and I think that the entirity of my next pay check will be straight into my jacket without taking any out. If that is so I’ll clean up even more than I made last summer. I hope so; but I’ve got my fingers crossed.
It sure is swell to be back with Annie and Ernie again. Up on the North Fork we didn’t dine so well as I do here. We had too much meat and not enough fruit. Bill McCracken is strong on meat. You ought to have seen our meat bill. It was a shocker. Once the cook down at Glen Haven gave us a whole bucket of creamed chicken free. It was enough for two big meals and you know how I eat and Bill is just as good. When we get together we are the eatinest crew that ever was.
I’ll be hearing from you – and seeing you maybe.
So long,
Rod

Wild Basin Ranger Station
Estes Park, Colorado
August, no, Sept. 2 1938
Dear Folks,
I think my departing date will be about Thursday of next week or to be precise September the eighth. The typewriter slipped out of gear then and didn’t take enough room.
If you don’t think that you can come up and gt me, then I haven an alternative. Jack Burkhardt is home and why don’t you call him up and tell him I’d like to see him and his new bus and if he’ll come up and get me I’ll pay the gas it takes to feed his wagon.
We are packing fish and having a big time. Carl Flannagan is leaving Labor Day and so Ernie will need a little help I think. So I’ll pack fish until next Thursday and then light out for the plains. Those two days following will really be one heck of a hustle. I have a million things to do in Denver. Then Monday I guess its back to school only to a different one.
Ernie Field has a birthday on the 31st and we really had a toot around here. I didn’t tell anyone until afterwards that mine was on the 30th. Annie was so mad that we all went to town and went to a show. It was the first show I’ve seen this summer. And on the 30th Merlie Potts and Chuck Terrel and their respective wives came over and cleaned us in poker after a birthday dinner. It sure was fun.
Saturday we pack fish to bluebird with the big shots going along. I’ll see you, and hear from you, maybe, someday.
So long,
Bert

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
September 21, 1938
Dear Mother and Dad,
Well the works is being shot. And this place is really going around in circles for me. I don’t see how I am going to be able to get all the things that I am supposed to do done. And the money is steadily decreasing. The N.Y.A. job hasn’t started yet and neither has the board job. And last night at the first pledge meeting Bob Beach presented me with a very nice little bill of $9.80 for room rent, parlor free, and laundry and I haven’t got it.
Books cost horrible sums here and seem to be getting horribler. And in November I have to get a dissecting set which will probably run into the dough. But that’s November and that’s a heck of a long time away.
But the toughest thing at this place is the sleeping. There just isn’t enough of it. George is on house duty this week and he has to get up at a quarter after six. When it comes to my turn I’ll probably waft away with a breeze.
I hope that I can hook a ride up again on this weekend. If that happens I can probably get some more stuff and see about the money.
But is sure is fun. And it will at least be a merry life if I is a short one.
So long,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
October 2, 1938
Dear Folks,
I’ve been going around in circles the last week and I just haven’t had time to whittle off this letter before now. But I was expecting some stuff from you. How about those sweat sox and the climbing boots and the cut-off cords. I really need them. I guess Mr. Scott will haul my dirty clothes in before this gets there; but anyway they are dirty and I need them back.
And I haven’t got a job yet. I don’t know what to do. Don Autrey was just blowing when he said all that stuff. He didn’t have the slightest intention of getting me a job and I do have to pay for my board. So what am I going to do? I have seen at least a million places and I went down and saw Aunt Frankie. I guess something will turn up sometime; but that doesn’t help now.
We sure had a wild week this week. On Thursday nights the Fraternities are supposed to load Palmer hall with junk in honor of the next days ball game. So Chris and I decided that we ought to do in on Wednesday night and get ahead of the boys. So we went out and got some unmentionable articles and draped them all over the place. Then you should have been with us when we went out and captured a goat and tied him up over there. We really had fun. Then we had a belt line on Thursday. We had the freshman-sophomore brawl on Saturday morning. And our great-great freshman class with 187-odd swell heads in it really got their plows cleaned. It just took a handful of them to keep us from climbing that greased pole. I really don’t think we would have gotten up the pole if there hadn’t been any Sophs there at all. Because we didn’t have the slightest bit of organization and half the time we were fighting other Freshman. George really laid one. He slung him about fifteen feet and didn’t even know it. First we thew rotten eggs at them which was a tactical error of the first magnitude.
And then Saturday the game was plenty good. You should have seen Bob Scudder, who is house mother at the table I eat at, really clean up those boys. And we sure had a swell time.
And Friday the Freshman tried to picked Palmer Hall and did a heck of a job. The Phi Gam pledges weren’t in on it. But when we got over there a bunch joined in and some of the guys got caught. George and I hung around for a few minutes and I went to sleep on the steps – a heck of a picketer- and then we left and pretty soon we came back and went to class. All the fraternities are made each other and that’s one of the reasons why we lost the fight.
So today, I went up on the Peak again and had a good time. But I sure am sleepy and I think I’ll be getting some pretty soon now. So so long, and I hope I hear from you pretty soon or else.
Goodbye and good luck,
Bert Stiles

Date unknown
1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Spring
Colorado
Dear Folks,
I got your letter and the money. It sure came in handy. That first five bucks I took it right in to Bob Beach. And the next ten bucks I took right in and gave it to Bob Beach. So the last fifteen dollars have gone straight into the ooffers of the fraternity.
A lot of the guys are moving out of the house. There used to be a scramble for bed every night; but now there are a couple that aren’t used.
Dad, you were asking for the dimensions of the room and all that stuff. But if you are wanting to put in a lamp. We already have one. Steve Lowell rounded one up and we can use the swell. So you don’t need to put any in.
I have gotten a couple of letters from the Park Service. But they don’t promise anything. I cant make it up there this weekend And I did want those boots and pants for this weekend; but I guess they just aren’t forthcoming.
You just don’t have time for anything down here. But I guess someday I’ll be able to get around to some of the things I want to do.
Solong,
Bert Stiles

October 7, 1938
Mr. Bert W. Stiles
1245 South York St.
Denver, Colorado
Dear Mr. Stiles:
Dean Rawles turned your letter of September 26 over to me to answer. The statement which we mailed you was on which we only mail in the special instances occasioned by the student specifically asking we do so.
Since your son Bert has an N.Y.A. job which has the possibility of paying him $15.00 on approximately the 20th of each month r a total estimate if $60.00 by January 20, you may wish to pay the difference of $79.00 at this time. Of if your prefer, you may send your check for the whole amount now and as the N.Y.A. checks come in from the government they can be handed to Bert to pay as he sees fit, either on his outside expenses or applied to his next semester account.
I might suggest that our financial policy is to have  payment of not less than $75.00 at registration and the balance in payments or a short deferment of the whole amount as in this case here the payment is expected to come from the parent.
Trusting the above information will allow you to plan a convenient arrangement, I am
Yours Truly,
C. E. Hathaway
Cashier

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
October 12, 1938
Dear Folks,
Why don’t you  hop down here this Saturday and see the ball game. The way D.U. is playing ball out there I guess you don’t even care whether you see them or not. But down here, that’s a different color of horse (if you can overlook that last shellacing ) (that must be spelled wrong).
This Friday I have three consecutive quizzes coming up. That will be fun. Last weekend they were skiing up on the peak. I went up as usual but didn’t get anything done. I don’t know whether I got any credit or not. Today I got a notice from the treasurer saying that $139 is due in his office. I don’t know a thing about that. Is it or is it not?
That stuff got down here about fifteen minutes after I mailed the last letter- so I haad the proper clothes for mountain wearing. The other night I tore a triangular hole in my grey pants so I guess I’ll have to ship them up to you and get the works done to them.
I am beginning to need a few minor incidentals. Could you get me another tube of Kolynos, a tube of Mennen’s brush shaving cream, a bunch of envelopes, and all my ski stuff; parka, poles, boots, wax that is in the boots, gators, pants, skis, and anything else you can think of.
I didn’t send anything back with the Hermann’s because I don’t think much of the Hermanns. They sent a letter to Bob telling him that if he didn’t stop going with Bettijo Evens they would jerk him out of school. If that isn’t the height of something I never heard of it. And folks like that can just do their favors for someone else.
And you might bring me down some typing paper too, I forgot that in the last paragraph.
I saw some ski pictures last night that almost drove me nuts.
There certainly isn’t time for anything down here. I haven’t had a minute to think things out yet. And the way they cram this history own your throat is lousy. But I guess you get used to it after a while. But I know that I don’t get a lot of the things I really want out of this place simply because I haven’t got time to get them.
That board job hasn’t turned up yet. But it will – or it had better. Anyway I’ll be seeing you. And I sure hope that you can come down this weekend. And if you have any spare Reader’s Digests around and Saturday Evening Posts just ship them down.
And take it or leave it. For once in my life I’d really like to get home and take it easy for a few days. I’ll bet that just about bowls you over doesn’t it. And it isn’t because I am not having any fun here, either. I’d really like to be there just for the sake of being there. And I sure am having fun down here. This is the screwiest place I’ve ever seen.
So solong, and take it easy.
Fare thee well
Bert

Dear. Mr. Styles
So sorry given no time for a full answer- But just let me send back thanks for your letter
VR
Stephen L. Cannon
(Unreadable) 38
The Colorado College
Administration Building
Colorado Springs, Colorado
October 15, 1938
Bert Stiles
The next installment of your tuition is due Oct 15 1938, amounting to $139-. Please make payment on or before that date at the Treasurer’s office, and oblige.
Yours Very Truly,
W.W. Postlethwaite, Treasurer
 

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
October 25, 1938
Dear Folks,
Well the big job finally turned up. But it wasn’t through any plans or plot of mine. It was a pure bolt from a blue sky. Last night Bob Beach told me he wanted to talke to me ad when he collared me he told me that he had a house job for me. He said the fraternity wanted to help me out and that they had a job doing various odd jobs around the kitchen and I won’t have to pay for board for me, anymore. I mean you won’t have to pay any more. And the money you’ve already sunk in this stuff I’ll pay you back next summer.
They are breaking pledges right and left around here. Four guys got their pledges broken in the last two days. Last night in pledge meeting they gave two of us the chance to talk it out. But both of them turned in their pins.
Last night George, Chris, and Jack Laws, and I went down and serenaded the dorms at elven chimes. We woke up plenty of them and we really roared. Then the watchman chased us and we ran over toward the Beta house. Then we came back and played like we were painting the tiger in the front yard and the whole house came pouring out. Be sure and don’t mention that when you come down here next time or I might have trouble walking for a couple of months.
Solong, and I’ll be seeing you this weekend, I think.
Adieu, Bert

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
November 2, 1938
Dear Folks,
I got the check yesterday and it is practically gone already. And I guess you have been getting royally gyped again. For the money you have sent hasn’t been simply a nice Sunday trip. I didn’t get a cent for the four times I went up last month and I guess I wont get any. That old Rawles didn’t hand in my hours.  And it is impossible to make up work for the N.R.A. rather the N.Y.A. and so my check amounted to the royal sun of $3.00 for those glorious Sundays. That sure makes me sick. First he goes off without even ficin me an idea of how I’m going to get there each week. And then he rooks me out of my pay. If I had another job I’d sure take it and quick.
The grades will be wending your way along toward the end of this week. I guess you won’t throw any parties over mine. But if you had to cram some of this junk down your gullet you might take a while to get used to it. No fooling, the Ec History has me stymied. It is the most completely uninteresting stuff and I know it isn’t doing me any good.
Bill Henderson says that he can get Dad a pass for the ball game. You said that just he was coming down so I told Bill.
I’ll see you this weekend and take it easy.
Fare well,
Bert Stiles
P.S. I’m running out of envelopes again, and I need some razor blades, Probaks.

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
November 21, 1938
Dear Folks,
I’ll be home Wednesday evening sometime I think. But it might be that I won’t get there until Thursday morning. Hey Dad! did you get any tickets to the ball game. That’s one I want to see. I have seen precisely one football game this whole season. No I saw two. And I didn’t think much of either of them. So I am banking on going to a real ball game Thursday.
When I got down here a week ago Saturday I sure had a surprise. The hitch-hiking wasn’t so hot. I had a heck of a time getting a ride to Littleton, and a good long interval transpired on the out skirts of that metropolis before a couple of slick people picked me up. But when I got here there was a letter from Mr. Stavely. At long last he wrote me. But too, there was a big package from the same guy and in it was a great big chunk of venison and a heck of a big loaf of german raisen and almond bread of somekind. Phil Bissel and I ate a full dinner that night on it (there wasn’t any thing else.) The next morning I stowed my hold full before I went skiing and it had to suffice for lunch as well. And when I got home Steve and I ate dinner on it. There was still quite a chunk left that I was saving for George and some!!!!!!!!!!#####****!! Swiped it. But anyway there was venison.
You will be somewhat pleased I hope, to note that I got a 95 on a Biology test last Friday. That was something and no bull.
And Friday night we really had a dance. It was the Shipwreck Dance of Phi Gamma Delta and we really had a time.
Yesterday I went skiing. And in the morning we skied on this new trail that I helped to build. It was really smooth skiing. And I was in the finest fettle of my career. There are so many lousy skiers down here that I am regarded as one of the better. And no fooling, I was really going to town in the morning. But on the way down to the Cove this gal in the car wanted to run the run that the tow (not operating) goes up. All my visions of a big shot skier vanished. There was hard packed, wind blown crust two inches thick and the points of the skis were always digging in and I was always digging out a second later. Was I lousy; but so would have been any one else I think. But I think I really am getting to be a heck of a lot better skier. I’m going to invest in some Kandahar bindings and some new metal poles and someday soon and then I’ll really go to town. I’m bringing up my skis this weekend and I’m going up to Berthoud on Saturday.
The Sunday I spend is, except for the swell skiing (yesterday only), a fast day. I never eat any breakfast and never any lunch; for the simple reason I can’t get any. And it costs me 30 cents to ride up each time so I usually don’t have a cent to dine at night.
I notice that I haven’t gotten a letter from Denver in some time so how about shipping one down in a hustle. Solong and I’ll see you.
Adieu,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
December 5, 1938
Dear Dad,
I heard that Mother has gone to Mississippi. So now you guys are the lone wolves holding down the den until she gest back. Mr. Lake brought down my stuff with him; but how come you didn’t send down my skis. I need those things. If there is any way you can get them down here for the next weekend all well and good. But if you don’t get the down here for next week – keep them up there; because I’m going to start shipping stuff home for Christmas so I won’t have to take it all at once when the time comes.
Basketball started last Monday. So far I’m playing first team. But there are a lot of plenty smooth boys out and I don’t know how long I’ll be up there. This Done Glidden who is the coach sort of likes me and I don’t think I’ll get cut. Thursday and Friday we scrimmaged the varsity. They really warped our tails. But they will have plenty smooth varsity down here this year. I don’t know howgood the freshmen team will be. It should be plenty good. On the first team last Friday where was four Phi Gam pledges. But there aren’t any Phi Gams on the varsity squad.
I think I know a kid in Denver I can get some good cable bindings from – so you may have a job putting them on when I get home. He’s going to stick me five bucks – I don’t know where I’ll get that – but I think he’s in no rush.
I’ll see you and have a good time.
Solong,
Bert Stiles

2228 Landis St.
San Diego, Calif.
Dec.5, 1938
Dear Mr. Stiles:
Your letter is one of the 112 that I have received so far from people all over the country and some foreign parts as a result of my article on the South Seas. Practically all of them ask for further information on going down to the islands. Of course, most of these people will never actually go, but a few may, and I’m trying to answer all letters.
I can fully appreciate your yearning to go to that part of the world for a while, as it was almost an obsession with me from the time I was a youngster and first read Stevenson, Melville, London and then Frederick O’Brien. I think it was O’Brien’s “White Shadows” book that put many others. In 1929 I was fortunate enough to meet O’Brien here in San Diego and go on a trip with him to Ensenada, Mexico. At that time he told me that if only he were a bit younger he would certainly go back to the South Seas, particularly Tahiti, for good. That did it, and I knew I had to go.
However, I was fortunate enough to have a small income of which I could be sure. This, I must insist to you, is essential. It is virtually impossible for the white man to get by in the South Seas without any cash. It is true that you can live for very little, but you must have that little. You ask me for the names of some people down there who might have some use for a husky youngster who would do anything to get along there. I’m afraid I must disappoint you, for you just couldn’t do it. You see, most of the people down there have very little themselves – they are doing their best to get by as cheaply as possible, and are not in a position to take on any youth, however desirable he might be, without funds.
Another thing, even if you had right now the small means necessary to get by, I should advise against it as present for this reason. Naturally sooner or later you want to pick out some work for yourself – some trade profession, something that you know you can make a living at. If you went down there now, before you’ve even started to try to make a living, before you’ve finished school, and you liked it as I do, for instance, you might hate to leave there, and on coming back you might find it tougher than ever to fit in up here and find your particular bent. The islands sort of get in the blood of the people thar love them, for and if they live there or a while they are not contented to go back home and settle down. There is sometimes, as in my own case, a nostalgia for the island life which becomes almost unbearable at times.
This nostalgia has become so great with me, particularly since answering all these letters, thinking so much about the place and getting letters from friends in Tahiti, that is has got me, and within the last headquarters down there. In my case this is all right, because I have a small income – just enough to get by – and I’m trying to be a writer, and I can do that just as well there as anywhere else.
So. I should say to you, keep the desire in the back of your head, but wait a while until you know what you want to make of yourself, get a job and do the best you can with it and make a little money – and then go. The islands will always be there, and the life doesn’t change much. I’ll be glad to hear from you any time and know how you are making out, but you’d better postpone the South Seas for a while.
Sincerely yours,
Philip Aquila Kempster

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
December 14, 1938
Dear family, (May especially, & Dad especially, and Elizabeth, too.)
I’ll be getting home on Saturday. Chi Sigma of Phi Gamma Delta is throwing a big Christmas Dance that night and it should be the realy thing.
I guess it’s bad luck to talk about basketball. Last time I told you I was doing alright. Scratch that out. I’m doing lousy. I’ll be lucky if I don’t get cut before Christmas. I guess I’ll be second string all my life.
The other night we had an alumni smoker. I met a guy named Stewart who was an old pal of yours. About ten of the pledges had to box. I had to fight a guy named Blakely. He had a left like a mule kicking. But every time we got in close I’d whang him some good ones. I just about busted my thumb. I don’t know when it will be fixed again. And I sure can play ball with a thumb like this. I can’t even hold the ball. I’ll sure be lucky if I don’t get cut.
We’ve had a whole string of tests lately and they were horrors. This is the unluckiest week I’ve ever had. If any more bad luck comes along I’ll probably get killed by a mad dog or something.
That ten bucks covered my dues and rent. I won’t need any more until I get home. I may need some then.
Only two more days. Boy! I sure wish they were over.
Solong, Bert Stiles

Bert Stiles Papers, Ms 0095 Box 1 Folder 3
Transcribed by Julie Downing, 2026.

The Denver Post
January 4 1939

Mr. Bert Stiles
1245 So. York St.
Denver, Colo.
Dear Mr. Stiles:
We will be unable to avail ourselves of the skiing column you suggested in your letter of December 29th. I thank you however for offering the idea to us.
Very truly yours,
The Denver Post
Lawrence Martin
Managing Editor

Esquire Magazine
919 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago
January 9, 1939
Mr. Bert Stiles
1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dear Mr. Stiles:
We are running your letter in the Sound and Fury for March in the hope that someone will offer you that college education you’re looking for.
Cordially,
Arnold Gingrich, Editor
1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
January 16, 1939
My dear parents,
A grave circumstance has come to pass. Saturday night I was hailed by a gigantic bundle carrying all my ski clothes. But my dear parents you forgot to send the skis and the poles. I have assailed the express office at least five times and nothing has been seen or heard of the errant skis. Now either you didn’t send the things or they have been waylaid. And either way I think it would be a very good idea to get in their trail at once. Naturally every penny of that postage which was excessive was wasted sending the clothes; because I couldn’t ski. So would you please let me know in a hustle if you sent them or if you didn’t. And if you didn’t do send them, and if you did start collecting on a lost pair of Groswald  skis with metal edges and cable bindings and a pair of very fine metal poles.
I worked that job yesterday. And Dean Rawles isn’t such a bad guy after all. But the rest of those club members are a collection of the biggest chickens I have ever seen. I have never spent six hours being considered such a menial dog. The minute those mugs found I was working for the club I was relegated to the gutter. They didn’t trust me at all. And they had a regular member of the club down there seeing that I didn’t get to collect money from anyone and doing just exactly what I was supposed to be doing. And what a phipe he was! Once I did collect four bits and e member ran over grabbed the money, and two others asked the guy I collected from just how much he gave me. Every time I wen in the motor shack to see how the thing was parking at least two of the members barreled in to see how I was doing and what. If I had had a pair of skis I would have left their job right then and had some fun. But I stayed around all day just checking to see that none rode on their rickety tow. Rawles offered to let me ride his seven foot skis but I didn’t take the offer. He is a pretty good guy. But he certainly is the exception in that club. Of course there are other exceptions too. So, my friends, I think that the ski club and I are parting ways. I can and may go on working for a couple of weeks. But if I ever get to thinking I’m a pretty good guy I can just go up there some Sunday and comeback in a truly meek frame of mind. There isn’t any work for the N.Y.A.ers to do on the field now so all the guys go up to Joe Irish’s and are building him a new house. Its four blocks up there and I haven’t worked up there and don’t think I shall. In the spring after basketball I’ll start again down on the field.
Now to some good tidings. Guess what? Next month Bert Stiles will be a contributor to Esquire the magazine for men. It’s another one of those all honor and no remuneration deals but I’m in the Sound and Fury in the March Issue. I wrote them a letter I promptly forgot about and the other day an answer stormed in here and told me I’m in. So if you want to get on the inside of my ski school read it. I guess it must be even better than I thought; because those editors are pretty astute boys and they don’t usually get taken in by any baloney. I also wrote to President Hutchins of Chicago U. and then forgot to sign my name. He wrote back sending the letter to a freshman at this address. Prof Weimer was going around trying to find out who it was to- but we never made connections. Last night I heard he had it- so he’s bringing it over at lunch. It should be good.
Curtis Brown Ltd. Repeated their request for some stories. So I think I’m going to hit that deal. Starting this week I’m going to try and get in some time on that stuff.
I got a letter from Mr. Stavely today. He seems to be living in their house in Salida. I got another letter from the Forest Service and I’m on file for one of those recreation patrol jobs.
That letter in Esquire may bring me quite a lot of mail from some pretty far-away people. I certainly hope I get some action there.
After finals I think I’m going to try and come on a lot of Friday afternoons and go skiing on Saturdays with Jack.
Well solong, and get a line on this sis in a hustle will you? I sure hope I can have those by next weekend, hint hint.
I’ll see you someday.
Good day friends,
Bert
P.S. I’m getting low on typing paper and envelops- hint hint, B. S.

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
January 28, 1939
Dear Folks,
I don’t know whether this is the 28th or not; but anyway it is Friday and I have just come out of a medieval torture chamber. We just had our Economic History final. And my friends in the far away city was really a final. But I think I got through it. Though what kind of a grade I got I don’t know. Anyway that’s over with. Yesterday I spent nine hours in the library with my old brain focused on a history book. I think the nine hours was well spent – at least it was if I get through that test. I don’t mind telling you that nine hours is much too much to spend and such stuff. But I guess I was a bit hasty at the beginning when I said Economic History was so lousy. I still don’t like it very much; but  I guess it is good for me to try and stuff it through my thick skull. Tomorrow I have M & M History and on Monday Biology and hygiene, and on Tuesday I finish up with English.
Tuesday afternoon I will be on my way to Denver. That makes me happy. Another thing I have been invited by the Fields to come up for a series of ski meets and I think that if I get a chance to ride up I’ll go up to the Park Wednesday night. Then I won’t spend so much money going skiing everyday in Denver.
I don’t know whether to go to a ski tournament at Berthoud or not Sunday. The Pikes Peak Club invited Peck and I to go. I really should do some studying – and again maybe I shouldn’t. So you may hear from me sometime Sunday.
I’ve been putting in some time lately on the old books. But that isn’t any fun.
I worked up on the peak last Sunday again. And I sure did for those guys. Every time I’d see one of those chickens I’d grab hold of the tow rope and go tearing up to the top of the hill. I skied all day long and did what little work there is to be done on the tow. Most of the guys in the club are pretty good eggs – there are about six chickens and I dodged them. I’m not going to turn in any hours for a couple of weeks because I got some money when I wasn’t up there two weekends – those two when I was all set and nobody ever came. But so far I have gotten to ride the tow free and I’ve been having a slick time skiing. I’m getting my weight out over them now, knees together, and zoom. I’m going nuts on this skiing business. And brother if you want to see a kid who can really ski- it’s me. I really am getting onto this game.
You ought to see me know. I haven’t shaved since before I saw you that night and I’m a trampish looking guy if there ever was one.
This typewriter is getting sort of out of whack and doesn’t shift right between the lines. I’ll probably have to get it fixed sometime soon.
So I’ll be seeing you. I don’t need any typing paper until I get back. That dollar will probably go for eating on Sunday instead of a show after finals. Thankyou, anyway and I’ll be there someday.
Good day,
Bert

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 6, 1939
Dear Folks,
I just got back from taking  a trip to see all the big boys and getting officially entered for the next year. They are shipping that bill home to you. And you had better close your eyes before you read it. If you don’t plan on putting out the whole works on the 15th you’ll have to write to Dean Gadd and tell him when the money will be forthcoming.
I sure hope that you can fix that ski for me, Dad. It doesn’t seem to be broken much worse that it is in back. But I also have another idea. Will you find out how much Mr. Groswold would charge for one metal-edged ski. I think that if I can rake up some money I’ll buy one ski and then get that other one from Jack and have a plenty slick pair. I’ll have to match it in color- and his ski has brass edges not steel. So check that will you, please? And you might even be able to do better at Gart Brothers Sporting Goods. That ski of Jack’s is six eight- but it is a different model.
My grades so far seem to be these- Biology- 3; Medieval and Modern History-2; and Whoopeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!! English- 1. I was the only person in the class to drag down a one. That sure was a bolt from the blue. But that Biology was a rooking I think. I haven’t found out about the other history. That English grade makes me definitely sure that English is going to be my stuff from now on and biology is going by the wayside pretty soon. In biology final (a the belongs between in and biology) there were two persons who dragged down threes and about three fours, and all the rest were 5’s, 6’s, and 7’s. If that isn’t a lousy exam I never heard of one.
But that English sure makes me happy. I didn’t raise the grades to all twos’; but I got a one. I don’t care about the rest. Hot dog!!!!! A one.
I had a keen time up in the park. I rode up in this great big liner. The guy who drove it sure was swell to me. He gave me part of his lunch and when we got to Estes park he took me up to Ernie’s and Annie’s in his own car. It didn’t cost me a cent.
The next day I couldn’t rate anyway to go skiing. But I made up for it on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Saturday night I went to three plays, locally written, and very-locally produced, plus an amateur hour. It was pretty good.
Sunday we were riding this dive- just a curving shooting ride. On the very last ride of the day I batted down out of there hitting about forty or fifty and tride (tryed) to swing around the curve at the bottom and go on down instead of just stopping. I slipped into it all right; but there wasn’t enough room to pull out of it and I smashed into a stump at the edge and cracked that ski. Anyway, it was a swell trip and I had a lot of fun. By the way the edge is bent up on the bottom so flatten that down too, please. Solong, and thanks, for anything you want.
Solong,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 7, 1939
Dear Folks,
I’m really keeping the mail man busy this time. But there were several little incidentals that I left out in the yester letter.
Number one: That works of Edgar Allen Poe and sundry stories is lying prone around the house somewhere. I wouldn’t kick if you would ship that baby down. I certainly do need it.
Number two: I found out about my Economic History grade today. I came through in a blaze of glory at the finish line and carded a good grade in the final and rated a 2 in the course.  That puts my average at an even 2.00 which is what you demanded. If Gilmore had ruled everyone in that biology rooking- I would have had a 1.75 average. Oh well! I was so lucky to get the 1 in English and the 2 n Economic History that it isn’t even funny.
Number three: An acute money shortage will soon be at hand. In a few minutes I will plunk down a buck and a quarter for another English book. That makes $1.25 for that book.  $1.50 for the trop down. $.80 for four modified Shakespeare books. Someday very soon when the books get in I’ll have to put out from 3 to 4 dollars plus six bits for a new Ec History book and an outline to go with it. Quite a tidy sum isn’t it?
I think that I will have an agent call for the skis on Friday- so have them ready to go at a moments notice. Good day, Bert

1122 North Cascade Avernue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 10, 1939
Dear Folks,
Get ready to sit down and talk this over- IT IS IMPORTANT! I think that this is the last week I’ll be in Colorado College this year. Remember mother, you used to be worried about whether that board job was just a gift. I thought you were worrying about something that was pretty phoney. But it turned out you were right. I really don’t know the reason back of it; but I do know that I do not have a board job and haven’t had one since the 17th of January. One day out of a clear sky after an active meeting when they had a hot financial row- Beach came in and told me that the job had only been temporary until I could hang onto another one. That sort of got me between the eyes. He never said anything like that at the start- several times after that I mentioned things and even turned down one job when he was in the room. So it may be that the fraternity couldn’t stand the expense and this is the way they broke the new to me. Anyway I don’t have a job. George Teller had an opening that he said he would probably go through if I worked like a dog and did the things they wanted at Shadburns. Sixteen fellows have had this job this year so far. It was getting down there at five and working until eight. That meant giving up basketball; but anyways I filled in for Teller to try it out. Well I got in a fight with one of the help and I had to do the slimiest stuff that I couldn’t eat after I had earned it. I was supposed to be through at eight and had a date- I got through at a quarter after nine and then had to tell the chef point blank that I couldn’t stay any longer. Herrmann had that job at the first of the year and he couldn’t eat at all because of the horrible odor and the taste in his mouth from all the filthy pans and stuff he had to wash. That was the job. Well maybe I would have gotten it and maybe I wouldn’t have anyway. But I told Teller that it wasn’t worth that much to me and I have been sitting around waiting for something to break. Maybe I should have taken the job; but it meant going clear down town at morning and at noon- giving up basketball- and leading a dogs life. It was Sundays and Saturdays too – no skiing no going anywhere- no possibility of getting out of this burg at all until Spring. It is just as I say- going to this college just doesn’t mean that much to me.
Maybe I should have told you then – but I let it ride for a while thinking something would come up. It hasn’t and now I owe a month’s board bill. I know you can’t take that- and I don’t think that you can take even the tuition since I haven’t been helping much with the N.Y.A.
If I had let you down on the grades- I really would have let you down. But I don’t think I did. Did I? And now that I have shown that I can do some work on those books will you listen to what I have to say?
Even if it weren’t for that money I wouldn’t think you were getting your money’s worth out of me. Because I really don’t think that this is doing me much good. I admire my Ec History prof a lot and I am glad that I did get over slamming his course because it did do me some good just to have to take some stuff that is rather dull and needs to be assimilated with effort not just soaked up. But I think I’ve gotten that. The other history is okay too. But that biology is a kickback. If it wasn’t for the fact that Gilmore is an interesting prof I think I’d gag every time I go to class. And even he has changed since someone hooked this test and sold it. And these labs just about drive me nuts. You know how I feel about English. There is a real course.
So here’s my plan. I’ll drop out after Hell Week- starts today. Curtis Brown repeated their letter that they wanted me to write ten stories for them. I won’t have a chance to do them here.
And if I can cash in on that stuff I’ll be set. I can go over to Aspen and stay with a ranger there and start my own ski school like you’ll read about in Esquire that comes  out Monday the 14th.
And I may hear from a lot of guys through that article. That pretty clearly tell my ideas,  I think. If I had stopped before Hell Week all the guys here would have said I didn’t have any guts.
In any case I’ll be back here someday. But when I come I’ll know just what it is that I’m after. If I do have a chance at that writing- I’ll be back here for some more of that guy Powell. I just can’t get enough of him. He’s the swellest guy I’ve ever listened to. Anyway he had said that he will outline a bunch of stuff that I ought to read while I’m out and I’ll read it and write to him about it. He said he would answer all my questions etc. I’m all tied up in this helping the fish work- and I can’t very well extract myself. When I come back I’ll hit that English and leave the biology.
I don’t know what you plan to do about initiation. The $60 is due next Saturday if I’m going to get initiated. And all the bills have to be paid up. I guess initiation is out. I’d like to be if I get through this hell week- but that board bill sort of knocks everything on the head.
The only regrets I have about leaving are leaving some of the guys and leaving Powell- and leaving basketball. I think I’ll be having more fun at less money and learning more if I do get to do some “Ski-Schooling”. Anyway I’ll learn whether I’m learning more or not. I’m really in pretty much of a rut. I haven’t been to a dance or even out with a girl since Christmas simply because  I haven’t had the money. And I know that the drain on you has been plenty anyway.
So I’m taking the gamble on leaving and trying to cash in on those stories. If I had a board job I might stay out the last semester; but Phil still hasn’t got a board job and they are pretty tough to corner. And if I rung one like that Shadburn job I wouldn’t do that anyway. So there you have it. I hope you can see that I’ve got to do it- or something anyway.
George is leaving too I think. He just isn’t going to take any more money from his folks. There is a pretty good chance that he will get a scholarship and finish out the semester. But he has a cinch scholarship to Stetson, down in Florida where his siter goes and he’ll take it if they don’t give him one here.
I think I have a fair chance to get a scholarship to the U. of Chicago; but I don’t know.
So talk it over pretty well- and let me know how you react.
Solong, I guess I’m pretty much of mug.
Feeling pretty mixed up,
Bert

Hell Week
Phi Gam House
Tuesday 14th
Dear Folks,
If perchance you open this first – stop and read the other. This hell week business is just what is cracked up to be. It started last Friday & finishes next Sunday. Boy! Oh Boy! Never did a week go so slow. Each day is a full 24 hours and we are in action in about 21 out of every 24.
Now to get down to problems. I have been absolutely flat broke since last Thursday. Everyday I thought some money would be rolling in, but now I’m not sure if you are even alive.
I’m in a sort of detached state now and I can’t remember whether I even mentioned initiation in the fat letter. I wrote that before Hell Week and I haven’t had money for a stamp- I just borrowed it. I don’t guess you’ll put any more money out on this kid who is leaving next week. But right now I’d like rather be a Phi Gam active than anything in the world. If you can see it – I hope you’ll let me be initiated. One thing is certain- I will be back in college-and by all odds it will be here- because I still think that Powell is the greatest man I’ve ever talked to. But I’ve got to give this writing a chance and the ski school a chance. There’s one semester to lose and everything to gain. If you wish- I’ll make that initiation fee a straight loan. I’ll pay interest too, because I sure want to be initiated.
Please write me right away when you get these letters! And I’ll tell Bill Henderson and some of the guys. Naturally, I haven’t told anyone yet- and if it got out- I’d be dished by Scudder and perhaps another active. (Scudder is absolutely the most primitive, beastial guy I have ever seen- hated by every pledge- and almost every active- and he is dumb!) So please don’t break it to anyone. And please hurry and write.
(Over)
Saturday night we had a walka then for hours & hours just walking- running racing around. Then some Fire drills. Fire drills- bust out of bed at the gong- mouth full of water- down the stairs on hands & knees- getting beaten all the time- crawl into dining room fire place- shoot the water on the fire- up stairs for another mouthful until it is out. We got in bed about 3.
Sunday we worked all day, Had five drills all night & other forms of pleasure! In bed at 4- up at 7:15. Last night- we worked all night- finally they let us snatch a few winks about 4:30 or 5:00 o’clock. I feel sort of woozy, but not as bad you’d think. I don’t care about anyone or anything. Well-we have Five more nights of it.
Ski meet last Saturday- I placed finally-Cross Country 4th. I had the best C.C. time in the slalom. On the last flag my bindings jammed together when I fell- and it took at least 10 secs. to get going again, I would have been in the money. I did fair in the downhill. I was really fagged- only guy in 3 racing events. Right from ski meet to Basketball game- to Hell Week. I didn’t have a bite to eat between Friday night & late Saturday night. George loaned me a dime to eat Sunday- & Joe Husted bought me something again at night.
Solong, I hope I see you.
Hurry and Answer,
Bert

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 20,1939
Dear Folks,
Thanks again Dad for coming down yesterday. And don’t forget to call up Paul Miller.
I’m running very low on typing paper and tooth paste. You could ship some down and I wouldn’t kick. I’m going down this afternoon and get this typewriter fixed.
Don’t get all on edge about having to fight a big argument about that letter in Esquire. Since you think it is parasitic I guess you’ll keep thinking so. I won’t say another thing abut it. You sure do change your tune though. When I go to Mr.Stavely’s you never kick- you never mentioned parasitic then. Well there is a little or no difference. And anyway the editors didn’t seem to think that way. So forget it you won’t hear me defending myself. I wrote it- I’m glad it got in and I don’t take back any of the things I said. If you don’t like it you don’t like it. The subject is closed.
Dad, you said that Gilmore told you that I got a two in his course. Well here are the grades to prove it to you. I dragged down a lusty three.
I’ll be seeing you maybe someday.
Fare-thee-well,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 21, 1939
Dear Folks,
And still another mess has dawned over the horizon. This morning I went over to collect my ticket books for the basketball games and Koshare productions and I ran head into trouble. It seems you have informed Dean Gadd that this tow job costs too much each Sunday and that you asked him to take me off it and to put me on some other place. And that you are holding the college responsible for the fact that I do not get enough hours. Now once and for all. It isn’t the Sunday hours that I miss it is the weekday hours. I will go skiing every Sunday anyway and it will cost just as much. So therefore if I can keep the ski tow job I only have to do four hours during the week instead of twelve. If I don’t convince them this afternoon that the ski tow job is okay. One thing is very very certain- that I will not be able to get in twelve hours a week. So next time I would like you to ask me about what you are writing to Dean Gadd.
That’s about all I’ve got to say. We had our first active meeting last night. It was pretty good.
We have a holiday tomorrow. Hot dog!!!!
Take it easy,
Bert Stiles

Colorado College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 21, 1939
Mrs. Bert. W. Stiles,
1245 South York Street,
Denver, Colorado
Dear Mrs. Stiles,
I regret the delay in answering your letter of the eleventh, and now enclose receipt for your remittance of $50. The balance of $33.18 on first semester is largely due to his not working full time on the N.Y.A. assignment, and I enclose statement showing his N.Y.A. checks, including February 15. It will be quite satisfactory for you to pay the balance which, presumably, is estimated at $57.18 in two installments, on March 15 and April 15, as you suggest.
I regret very much that I cannot answer your questions regarding the matter of your son’s work on the ski course. This apparently was an arrangement made by Dean Rawles, who is out of the city and will not return for several weeks. When he does return I will ask him to write you.
Sincerely yours,
W.W. Postlethwaite

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 27, 1939
Dear Folks,
You ought to see those new skis. Or have you? They are really the stuff. But I’m having my troubles. I’ll send up the old ones pretty quick. I think I’ll wait until I get the 1st of the month check.
I didn’t bargain on having to learn how to ski all over again. This model ski is a heck of a lot harder to maneuver.  Yesterday I went swishing up the peak to the tournament with the new skis all set. I went out on the hill to warm-up a bit before the meet started and I really had a time. It takes a lot more swing to turn these babies and I had them waxed so fast(?) they were wobbly. Add to that I couldn’t keep the bindings on because I had worn the grooves out of my boots. Boy! I was disgusted. I went back to the lodge and got set for the race. I moved the binding up so they had less downpull and figured they wouldn’t come off. Then we had to climb clear up to where the race started- and it was a climb. It snowed hard all day and the wind whipped the snow around like knives- and it was really cold.
I dived out and on the first turn I knocked myself silly. I just couldn’t handle the skis. On the third turn I lost a ski-the groove didn’t hold the cable. It was snowing so hard that you couldn’t see. You could tell the ground was white; but it was impossible to tell what kind of snow you were on. I lost the ski seven times and got sicker than a dog. At the top of a rock chute both my eyes froze shut. The snow driving into them made my eyes watery and they froze. I don’t want to go through that again. I couldn’t keep the ski on at all after that so I took it off and walked. I sure did feel lousy.
It may be some time before I catch on to riding those new skis. I hope it doesn’t take too long. They really are beauties. But I sure was a sap to start right out trying to race on them.
Thanks a lot for the fudge and keep it up. The malted milk was good too. I am sending the loud pajama top and the swimming trunks back again because I never use them down here. Keep them up there. I’ll be seeing you, and thank you again, Dad, for the skis and bindings.
Adieu,
Bert

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
March 8, 1939
Dear Folks,
I have been a trifle long in writing; but there for a time I was whipping these off two at a time and this is the period of relapse. Now to get at those financial obligations. Active dues are $8.90 a month. Board bill is approximately $25. House bill is $6.80. I’ve got an idea how you can save four bucks to put on the additional dues. I think I can save some on the board bill. Jobs are still so scarce it’s pitiful. Instead of eating three meals a day at the house I’ll only eat one. The breakfasts here are awful anyway. That would be about 45/a day for 26 or so days in a month would make about $12. I can very easily eat on 35 cents for the other meals and possibly for less. For breakfast here at the house we get some soggy-with-mixed-butter-and-lard toast, a bowl (very small) of fruit, and cereal. Once in a blue moon this is varied with an egg or French toast. Instead I’d get a bottle of milk, a roll, and a couple of banannas. And for lunch I can get a pretty good meal for 20 cents down at the Pig Parlor. It would mean you would have to send board money about every week and then pay the $12 house bill at the end or some time. The total month’s bill would be around $21 instead of $25. Let me know.
The N.Y.A. worked out a lost better than I expected. I talked long and fluently and retained the ski-tow job. I now do my added hours under Prof Mathis at Lennox House which is pretty nice. I’m actually getting in the hours for once.
The cove has been snowed in this weekend. All the snow-plows are down in the southern end of the state cleaning up. On Saturday we bucked a little Chev to within a hundred years of the cove; but it snowed again that night and no one went up that way yesterday. We went skiin up towards Divide and found a slick little hill. I began to get the feel of the new skis and another workout and I’ll have them down. Those bindings are really the berries. Collegiate races are at Berthoud weekend after next so I’ll probably be seeing you then and not before. Those skies are boards from paradise. One thing I really do have is a complete ski outfit. I’ve got the best boots to be gotten- the best skis, a smooth jacket, and I engineered a judicial trade and hooked a new pair of gabardine ski pants. Wow!
Don Autrey has quit school and gone to work out on the coast- he’ll be back next year. The Bowery Dance is next week. Elections are this week-tonight in fact. I’ve really gone intellectual. I had a big bull-session with Powell the other night. He really knows the complete history of every obscure composer from the beginning of time. Then right after I went over to Ted Little’s house and looked at his pictures, borrowed a couple of books, ate cheese and avocado at three in the morning, and had a wonderful time. I’m sure getting used to being a night owl. Five of us here have a bet that we will get something published and remunerated before the others. I hope I win. Except for biology I’m having a swell time.
Take it easy,
Bert

4328 Montrose Avenue,
Westmount, Quebec, CANADA.
March 13th 1939
Mr. Bert Stiles,
Just a line to let you know that I carefully read your Sound and Fury letter in March Esquire- why not come up and try the mountains of Northern Quebec. If you want to idolize, idealize and what have you, I promise that you will not find a more beautiful spot this side of Heaven, than lying on your back, with the canoe gliding across mirror like surface of a Laurentian Mountain lake- surrounded by the tall and silent pines and the moon rising over the distant mountain top- and the quiet, why you’ll never believe it…
I’m single, fancy free- no women for me- over 21 and a little more and just love the countryside, the lakes and the mountains- so come on up and I’ll show you a little Canadian habitant (a la Francaise) life. It’s a grand life if you have the right kind of companion. A couple of years ago I went through Europe with a young American from Ohio and I’ve never stopped thinking of that trip- only I’ve lost touch with him now. If you’re like him-come on up to Canada. Maybe this letter will never reach its destination, but if it does, here’s hoping for a reply.
Cordially, L.A. Collins

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
March 15, 1939
Dear Folks,
I’ll be banging into Denver on Friday afternoon sometime. But it is still doubtful as to how long I’ll stay. The Colorado College ski team goes tripping this weekend to Berthoud Pass for a two-day Inter-collegiate meet. We are supposed to go up Friday afternoon and do a little warming up and Saturday and Sunday we strut our stuff. The team is staying at Glen Arbor or Conroy’s or someplace. But Talmadge has a chance to go to the Nationals too and we may work it out that we will hit(?) for the high hills right after the games. I hope so.
My shoes need fixing- so when I get there remind me to take them off and let you get them fixed. I have to have them or I’ll be walking with my toes in the breeze pretty soon.
Here is some really astounding news. The other day we had a test in Economic History of America and Bert Stiles, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stiles of Denver, raked down the top grade in the whole class. The grades ranged from 70 points down and Bert Stiles came up with the 70. But don’t get worried- it won’t happen again. Two other test grades showed up at the same time- an 82% in a biology mid-term, and an 85% in an M & M History test. I’ve had an awful cold ever since Hell Week but I guess I’ll get over it.
So solong, and I’ll be seeing you.
Asta Man Yana,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
March 20, 1939
Dear Folks,
I sure ran off half cocked yesterday. All that stuff about eating one meal a day at the house cannot be worked without some cash to eat on. So I’ll be eating here again for a couple of days until you whip it down. It will be thirty-five cents a day for six day a week. That makes $2.10 a week. Therefore I’ll need that to start off on. We leave Robert Browning and his sometimes somewhat vague poems today and switch to the masterpiece of Keats and Shelley. That means it is time for another dollar and another quarter of another dollar to spin down this way so I can purchase the book containing the works of these two estimable costs.
My ankle seems to be almost in shape already. I’ll be skiing next Saturday., I mean next Sunday. I’ll have to work all day Saturday to make up for not working last Sunday.
I got a letter from a young kid in Yorkshire, England in response to the Esquire horrendosity, and I got my second letter from a guy in Wampum, Pennsylvania, who answered the letter some days ago. One thing I can say for it- I would never have met two pretty slick guys if I had never written it. So there. Well take it easy. Next Thursday after this Thursday we are free again for a brief respite and I will skip home for a brief sojourn. Good day.
Farewell,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
April 16, 1939
Dear Folks,
Well you certainly have me on a pan sizzling over the coals. I haven’t got any clothes whatsoever. If you don’t send those down with an instant’s delay- I vaguely recall your promise that you would send them down right away last week- I’m leaving this joint to a nudist’s camp. And besides sending down the clothes-think this over-I am wearing a horrible old pair of black shoes around- and I haven’t any pair of pants to my name. That gray-checked pair gave way in the nether region two days ago- so I’m ruining my blue pants to my suit now. So do you think that there might be a way that I might purchase a pair of slacks and some four buck shoes in a hurry. I’m warning you if that stuff isn’t here by Tuesday I’m not going to school again until I do get some clothes—and don’t forget to send that dirty-clothes bag down.
I just figured out a rather obvious idea- why don’t I just send you the fraternity bill instead of trying to pay it in chunks myself-every month practically I run short on one end or another and fork out for something unlooked for. That bill is what it is except the Arrears Unpaid are only one eighty now.
We are playing baseball now almost every weekend I think- so I really haven’t any idea when I’ll get home again- maybe not even until summer -I sure hope that summer hurries up.
Down to my holey shorts,
Bert Stiles

Receipt
April 1939
Bill no. 172
Bet Stiles
Current Items:
Chapter Dues 5.00
Parlor Fee 3.00
Room Rent 6.00
Laundry .80
Board, Meals, etc .80
Library fees .15
Total Current Account 15.75
Arrears Unpaid 6.80
Balance Now Due 22.55

Esquire
919 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago
March 27, 1939
Mer. Bert Stiles
1122 North Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dear Mr. Stiles,
Here’s a fan letter for you.
Cordially,
Genevieve Pfleeger
Secretary to Mr. Gingrich
GP:lk
Enc.
Letter from Mr. W. Corwin Chase
Route 2, Box 419 A
Kirkland, Washington

Kirkland-Wash
Mar. 18 39
Esquire- Coronet
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Friends:-
While out wire-tapping  I overheard this interesting dialogue concerning the letter of one, Bert Stiles; as published in March, Sound and Fury:-
Hello; Bert Stiles?
Yes, this is Bert Stiles:
Are you the young man in Colorado Springs, who wrote that letter to Esquire?
Yes sir, that’s me:
Well this is J. William Godd, speaking; ever hear of me?
Oh yes!, yes!
Very well; young fellow I would like to know just what you mean raising  your “voice in the wilderness” like that: Can it be you are not satisfied with the magnificent system of mass-instruction, with the superb architecture of these schools and colleges of your State? Can it be you find some fault with the quality of wisdom to be found there?
Well, J.W., I am not exactly satisfied, on account of the high rate of speed; we have to gallop over the ground so fast; and we only get diz-
Ah, I see Mr Stiles; too fast, eh; that’s too bad; trouble with you is you’re just lazy: I see you want lots of leisure, and lots of fun, - skiing, sailing, swimming, cycling, surfing, etc and etc: Not too much company at first; but lots of leisure and laziness, time to think; time to unlearn a lot of traditional rot-
I can sympathize with you, Bert: I too am lazy, very lazy: SO lazy, that with all the interesting things going on in the World, - Great War, Depressions, Dictatorships, and all, - still I have kept silent, and not opened my mouth, for more thousand years than you ever heard of:
You should know that it is my regular policy to keep quiet, out of sight and hearing and not to meddle in the affairs of men; enjoying their endless monkeyshines, tragedies, comic predicaments, etc; and in course of time, maybe, they will develop the native unit to solve their own problems:
And so the pot boils; quite mainly these days: But what’s the matter with you, now, that you must write letters: to busy editor, to be published in Esquire, for me to read. –
So you would like a bit of leisure? Time to educate yourself, following your instinctive urges? Time to build, to integrate the structure of the mind? And not have a bunch of burly boobs batting you about from duty to duty, with us profit later to accrue?
Leisure; is that it? Laziness, correct!
Would to heaven there were more lazy people, like that Chinese; it would solve many, many problems for them; it would prevent other millions of problems from ever arising; and it might eventually lead to a sense of humor:
Let there be laziness; much laziness, say I:
And the problem, - How to be lazy in a world of haste? And the answer, - Put on the brakes!!
Now, Bert, let me tell you something; a something lots of people know, but won’t admit:
The American continent is a land of plenty; Nature made it so: But, unfortunately, came a day when it was: discovered by Europe, and the people of Europe flocked over in great masses: first on the Mayflower, then on other ships; bringing along their good: their European ways, and their European ideas; amongst these bring their
Point is, the Scarcity System simply does not fit in the America scene; and that’s what causes the friction: You see on the Mayflower and other ships the newcomers brot along their cream-skimmers; and they at once got busy skimming  off the cream; first o the Atlantic Coast, then in the Northwest Territories, the Great Plains; then on the Pacific Slope:
Now that the cream is about all skimmed, the cream-skimming gentry are thru: And they hate to admit it; and especially they hate to shut up shop: And in so far as the schools and colleges teach the gentle art of cream-skimming, they also might as well shut down-
So you see, there is considerable readjusting going on; lots of milling around to very little purpose: But eventually they will accustom their eyes to the American scene:
And because you have raised your voice to get a little leisure, I think you should have it: It fits!
Now, Stiles, there is a fellow citizen of your: I think you should know: He lives over in the State of Washington; somewhat older than you, he’s been around a bit, and the life he lives is just about right:
You never saw a lazier fellow in your life, - but at the same time he gets things done: He paints pictures and makes block prints, when the spirit moves, which it does about once in five years.
But that’s the way he lives, by selling an occasional print or painting: And to get his landscapes, he climbs mountains, visits the ocean beaches, camps in the desert:
He does much traveling by bicycle: All around Puget Sound and Heed Channel, getting in frequent swims; over into the Cascades; round about Mt.Rainier; and into the desert: And I understand he is talking about a trip into the Rockies, or perhaps into Mexico: The real purpose being to have fun and adventures:
And his main trouble is, he can find no one who wants to share his extensive leisure with him; everyone is so jittery; so anxious to be making big money; so set on finding where the big lake of cream is; and so on edge to be first and ready with his skimmer, -That lush leisure, simple laziness, and how to enjoy life, are fast becoming lost arts:
And the biggest and lushest batch of cream is right under everybody’s feet, and they don’t know it, and will not learn it:
Now this block-print maker I mentioned, one day decided to build a studio-house; he didn’t have much cash just then, and Winter coming on: He was the owner of a bit of wasteland, not far out of town that was going back to jungle: So he hopped in, he did, and built a small dwelling, of a size 22 X 20 feet, for the modest sum of 35 dollars: He’s finishing it and moving in, just about Thanksgiving:
Now this house wasn’t exactly an eyesore; he received complimentary notice from critical persons; and was persuaded to tell about it on the air:
It had a reef of hand split shakes, - a luxurious feature: It also had an ample studio window, 14ft long by 7 high; another decided luxury: Also it had a fireplace, with an air-circulating feature; and the fireplace did draw perfectly, even in a highwind:
So you don’t have to sell your soul to any Industrial Sotrap, just to get an education, and a little leisure, and some fun: You can have the leisure, and the far as you go along; and believe me they are important:
Maybe you know of someone who has built himself a neater, more comfortable and compact dwelling; and one costing less with that, in money and labor, than this printmaker’s: Me, I don’t; and remember, this house of his does not contain one stick of well-sawed lumber!
Now if you like that sort of a life, and don’t care to “drive or be driven”, and would know more of the construction of this rustic house, you should get in touch with this man: It maybe you will fancy each other, - can’t say, - Anyway, he is not the kind to want a mortgage or your future: Or, better, you could get yourself a bike; grab off your blanket roll, - Spring is coming, you know, - and make rendezvous with the artist somewhere between the Colorado Rockies and the Puget Sound Country: The full distance is only about a thousand miles, and what’s that to a good cyclist?
Not too much:
So, I will take the liberty of signing this artists name at the end; but as for me, just skip it:
Yours for much leisure and laziness,
W. Corwin Chase
R2- Bx 419A-
Kirkland, Wash.

St. Elizabeths Hospital
Washington D.C. 4/4/39
Male Nurses Home
Esquire-Sound & the Fury.
Chicago, Ill RE: Bert Stiles-March Call to Far off Places
Bert Stiles of Colorado Springs, Colo interests myself. Bert seems to be seeking a congenial spirit who inhabits some mysterious, far off place which reeks with pleasantness and happiness. I personally have had the same thoughts and welcome even the daily newspaper not for its news reports alone, but for the travelogue therein. So Bert, if you find the companion you are so assiduously seeking – please drop me a line, I’d love to hear how you make out & if you want a third hand at shining a beach-combing wire me collect.
And if you don’t find him remember that in our own every day experiences, if one has any sort of an imagination- we can find true happiness if we but just give ourselves a chance-perhaps!
Clutch the future!
David A. Levine

Envelope with beach picture
Spring Greetings
To Bert Stiles- And may he succeed in his chosen field
W. Corwin Chase

Dinosaur’s Cave
Kirkland, Wa.
Apr.17 39
My Dear Bert:-
On a day I climb down from my porch roof, where I am waiting shakes, to greet the postman, who has a letter from you: For this letter I have been waiting in slight impatience:
In the first place it would be interesting to know how many replies you got from your letter in Esquire; and to get their variety of tone, - This because, to me, people are the supremely interesting study:
Doctors and surgeons are concerned with the mechanics of the human being; psychologists and a train of quacks, pry and peer into the dim intellectual regions, - But who, of what name, understands human creation, the motive power and exciter of all action and that?
On reading your letter in Esquire-
Ah, said I, there is a young man who know how to turn a neat phrase, and  write a good letter; the greatest literary gift: And fasting quite benevolent. I will make answer in siren song of unbelievable words:
Of course there are lots of miner’s “park  knacker’s” hermit and self- ostracized, - countless isolated atoms of humanity: Such can be found in all wild places of the earth, living not in assured stability of contentment, but, as it was, slipping-, and struggling-: But they would it be getting Esquire until after a year, at least:
Or, on the other hand, if some Industrial Sotrap, or some well garnished man of leisure took you up; and you entered on a life aboard a private yacht, with much leisure and luxury, every imaginable enjoyment, and some unimaginable ones, - With what result?
No stimulus to further education, or to development of your native abilities and versatilities: Am I right? And not a while more contented than the outcast?
So, say I I will invite the young man to my fraternity,- The fraternity of poverty and hard knocks:
For there is no royal road to joy: nor any royal road to adventure either, Dick Halliburton notwithstanding:
But yet there is a trail-
I will invite you, Bert, to fly on your own wings, out into the big, broad, beautiful world; that is full of hard knocks, - and also full of the finest and best that the soul of man can desire: And if there are hard knocks, it is chalked up on the account of experience,- like cracked shins, and skinned knuckles; not to be remembered everlong:
About me: I am 42; (look more like 32:) And for the last twenty years I have been of the ragged individualist persuasion,- preferring my own private and personal cause, on stiff (or knotty leg) to riding the waves on my institutional ship, with charted course and time schedule and set routine:
And because I was not at all agreed that the destinations of any of these “big ships” would please me, it was needful that I “learn to swim”; that is, have a craft, or art, or profession on which to depend at odd times, especially in rough weather:
Thus, I have found my little portfolio, of prints in bright colors, under my arm, to be one of the magic ingredients in the formula of adventure:
Seeing you have mentioned a certain female,- I hope she is of an adventurous turn of mind, and favors for you, a scant regard for stuffy providence:
For, an excess of prudence will insure that you will never have anything to write about:
I am not now married, but was minded once to take on a wife, gran one off, as it were:
At the time I had only a modest rattler, and a tepee to live in; tho the tepee was an eighteen-footer, and furnished for simple luxury:
Nothing else but my winning personality!
Came a day when I abducted her, - and when we compared notes we had less than four dollars, max. Anyhow we continued to sell a print for 7.50, and tied the knot in an elopement the next day:
And, by the way, be sure to elope; even if there is no one to elope from; it is so much better, quicker, officiant,- and superior in every way!
Our first honeymoon was at Mt.Rainier: And later we went to Honolulu, and stayed two years: Our little bark was launched in 1930, and weathered five years, Five sweet and eventful years,-
And when our modest song was sung,- fortunately, and wisely, we signed off:
There is no reason why you should not make writing your greatest pleasure,- it should be a pleasant outlet if you are to recur to it, and pursue it frequently: It is a question of tempo,- if you are like me: Sorting with out can be irksome, if there is too much pressure:
As for what to write about, age has the advantage, and an adventurous man the super-advantage: And to get this letter, it is almost necessary to be a rebel,-
A rebel, not so much politically, or culturally, - an underminer of the sacred and impregnable institutions,- Industrial Salvapy, Political Chickenry, Legalistic Skullduggery, etc and etc:
That is the lush adventure for the writers and artists of today; to simultaneously build and destroy:
Incidentally, I belong to a skiing & alpine club; and have never been on skis!! But life will have to be longer if I am to be expert at everything:
But the skiing, fishing, hunting, swimming, etc, can be had have very easily: And this is one of the foremost skiing regions:
I can think of nothing just now, but of your invitation to come to call on you at Rocky Mountain: It is even possible that I will accept,- the first matter being to earn the needed cash:
From here to Colorado Springs is 1600 miles (more than 1000); and that should take me 32 days by bike; passing thru Pendleton, Boise, Salt Lake, etc: Maybe longer if there are vicissitudes; I have a friend or two in Salt Lake City; would like to make other contacts on the way:
The bike can stand it, as it has already gone 4000, under me: And last summer I essayed the Chinook Pass, (5450): starting from sea level; ending up at Pasco, or got too sunburned, or drank too much irrigation water, or swam too much, or climbed too many mountains, or something,- and got a bit sickish,- and came home by train:
Anyway she wasn’t home when I called
Please excuse the long letter, and write when you feel like it-
Best of luck,
W. Corwin Chase

Postcard April 28 1939
Mr. Bert Stiles
1122 No. Cascade Ave.
Colorado, Springs
Colorado
Dear Bert Stiles.
Excuse my long delay in answering your letter. About the time if came I was heading to Hawaii and have been involved in parties and plans for Lei Day and have neglected my correspondence. I’m glad you have liked Vagabond’s house. I enjoyed writing it. Here’s advice (good) regarding Hawaii. Don’t come unless you have pennies in reserve to carry yourself for a good while. The place is swamped with adventrurous young and not-so-young men who are on their uppers looking for a way to get on. I’m the complete lone wolf. Don’t count on anyone when adventuring.. it’s more fun to win your own vagabond. Hawaii is even lovelier than I ever knew it before. Hope you make it some day… on your own. Aloha, feller.
Don Slauding
Ted Narramore, Hilo, Hawaii T.H.

1122  North Cascade Avenue ( Apr 29, 1939)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Several Days Late
Dear Folks,
So much has been happening to me these days that I just haven’t been doing any letter writing. Now get ready to start hopping for I’ve got a lot of chores for you. You see since I’ve gotten back I’ve gone for two really slick-looking queens. Last Week we had our Barn Dance and once more in my life I had the best time I ever had—I had a date with a gal by the name of Jean Randolph. I’m importing her to Denver for the Collee Night at Lakeside—that’s the twelfth and we’ll be through on the big hop..We have to go back that night.
Then this Friday I’m invited to the Theta Spring Formal by a real pretty little gal that I never met before I got the date. She asked me via Floyd Bucklin, he was the inbetweener. So will you haul out my white coat, just the coat, have it cleaned, and sent down with my tux shirt—see if that needs cleaning, too, and that black bow tie, tux tie of mine. I’m going to have to have some white shoes pretty soon now, and if I can I’d like to get them down here--$5—because I’m pretty sure I’d have to make a flying trip to Denver to get them before the 12th—and I absolutely have to have them then.
Now here is a list of further expenses I’m going to incur in the immediate future—and will need money for quickly. The English Class is now reading Havelock Ellis’ Dance of Life, and I haven’t a copy yet—that is very immediately needed—I’m going to need a haircut for this Theta formal- and my budget 50 cents doesn’t allow for those things. I’m going to have to get Phil tux pants cleaned and 25 cents or 35 cents or ? and that’s something else. The white coat will probably have to be cleaned after the Dance. And the Dance itself won’t be free. I’m afraid this next month is going to be rather expensive. But it sure is going to be fun. Be sure and have that cost fully protected by some kind of cover or other. Be sure and send studs etc. with that shirt and be sure and get that stuff down here a comfortable interval before Friday.
That’s about it this time I think-there will be more later. And I’m due in there the night of the 12th for a flying visit.
Baseball is swell- I’m part of half regular and half not. I’m the utility infielder. The other night I got three hits against the varsity- one was a triple and I should have made the plate. Last Sunday we went down and played the Convicts at Canon City- they beat us- we went through that hopeless place- this morning we beat a C.C.C. Campe 9 to 8-I scored a run and handled five chances. Tomorrow we go to Canon City again to play some other team. I’m getting in on some of this Fine Arts Conference. That Founder’s Day banquet is on the night of the Formal- Thankyou, Dad, sorry I can’t go.
I’m sure having a swell time this last month or two. So be sure and hustle that stuff down here-and I’ll see you.
Solong, Bert

Envelope
1122 North Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Stiles
1245 South York Street
Denver Colorado
There’s a corsage too- I forgot.

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
May 9, 1939
Dear Folks,
Well I’ll be breezing through on the 12th. You say that you won’t be there probably when we get in—and I very much doubt whether we will stop on the way back.  But I will have to pick up some cash. That ten bucks didn’t last long. I bought the shoes for five and a half. The English book cost a buck. A corsage cost another buck. Cleaning Phils ants and pressing cost another four bits. So I’m flat again.
Say if you do come down Saturday will you bring the following things: typewriting paper, Probak razor blades, and if you can’t find any—some shirts and pants. I haven’t had anything washed for so long- that I’m down to my three sweaters and that’s all. These gray pants will soon give say in the nether regions I fear and I will be completely without covering for my shafts.
Thankyou, Dad, for the rush news. We’ll get on those guys.
I’ll try and see the gals some time down here. But I have a test every day starting Wednesday and Friday we are heading for Denver- but that will be at night.
The Theta formal was a success and a half. This little gal Peggy Keyes or Keys is really all right. She sure is good looking- and so is the one I’m importing.
I went skiing Sunday and it was just about the best skiing I’ve ever had. It was as smooth as a pool table and fast. Another buck went that way. It took the usual thirty cents transport- another two bits for a show that night-and fortyfive cents for three meals on Sunday. That old money vanishes like nothing at all.
We have our formal out at the Broadmor the 26th- and it is going to be something.
I got a letter from Jack this morning- and a letter from Don Blanding, that Hawaiian poct that wrote that little book of poems Mr. s Atkinson had the other day.
I haven’t been home for an age- but I’m getting used to it down here- and with these two gals and baseball and etc. I’m sure having a time.
We played East Saturday and they eked out 18 to 14. How’s that for a horrible score. I made five errors and seven assists. Schwarts made fiver errors and about two were a pretty weak infield. Well, take it easy and I’ll see you. Leave the money on the table-or anywhere.
Adieu,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
May 22, 1939
Dear Dad,
By now you are how-ever-old-you-are plus four days and I haven’t officially bidden you Happy Birthday!!!! Well I hope you have thousands more and all of them good ones.
On the 18th I suddenly remembered that  I had better be shipping your present off to you. In my stats of limited financial resources that quest for a fitting gift was hard and perilous. Finally I struck upon the idea of a turtle. The turtle symbolizes a trip we once took where we caught five fish, three cottontails, and one turtle. That turtle ran away. This one probably will. But in the turtle I vision many trips on blue waters where wary trout lurk-the turtle also lives in water. Anyway I went over to get the turtle and found I couldn’t get one until the 20th. Such a son- anyway I hope he got there.
I don’t know about that weekend fishing trip- I don’t think I’ll be able to hack it. We have our formal on the 26th, and then we have to start be ring down- for Wednesday finals start with a vengeance. That definitely rules out any trip to the Park on Tuesday for I’ll be hard at Economic History that day- and naturally on Monday I’ll be in school.
I’ll be seeing you and here’s hoping we get to go fishing soon-maybe not tomorrow-but soon.
Adieu,
Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
May 22, 1939
Dear Mother,
It doesn’t look like I’ll get to Denver before they 4th of June after all. I couldn’t make it this weekend. We went to the art Center Ball Friday, and bowling Saturday, and I just didn’t get there. Besides that there was the Conference Track Meet on Saturday.
I can’t make that Tuesday Park excursion and will be booming around here with a big weekend with the queens so that’s out.
For the formal I must have the shirt and tie back- and this time don’t forget the studs- you did that last time. DON’T FORGET THE STUDS AND LINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also need some Mennen’s brush shaving cream-last time you sent brushless-it is okay; but it runs out too quick.
I don’t see how the siters of mine can crack this formal- for it really costs a lot of dough-and only a few of the guys are going- and they have all had their dates for quite some time. I hope that the turtle was all right- it was a good turtle.
I raked in a 95 on a biology test today. That’s the high for this season.
I guess I’ll have to let the pants go until I get to Denver- I hope these last that long. I can get a swell sport coat here from John Clark for four bucks-and when I have to get one soon up there- if I happen to have the dough-it will cost ten and better. So perhaps you could institute a little loan. Anyway, solong, and send the stuff.
Adios, Bert Stiles

1122 North Cascade
Room of Bedlam
Monday
Dear Folks,
I got your letter this morning, Dad. Here is something you perhaps would like to know- Canby’s name is not Ted- it is Joel-or joe as he is called.
Say, would you put this proposition up to the girls. I have after due contemplation of my almost empty treasury decided that I will part with my radio-for the princely sum of six bucks. Two dollars payable just as soon as they can get it down here. The kitchen closes up either Wednesday or Thursday and we don’t eat tomorrow- so practically every sou I have left after buying that coat, a ride up the park Sunday, two meals Sunday, and one today, and borrowing to eat tomorrow is gone. (not a good sentence) So please try to swingthe radio deal with alacrity-will you. That is good. Also I have to take a final on Monday after all- we got one switched and I won’t be coming home until next week. Everything happens to me- so I’ll see you.
Be sure to sell that radio in one awful hurry-I need that Kale.
Solong, take it easy, the weather is nice-I got a letter from the park today- no news- no appointments whatsoever have been made yet- up in the air…..COFF!
Adieu, Bert Stiles

(A hand drawn map on the letter that includes directions to Seattle and where the author lives)
R2-419A-Kirkland. Wn.
June 7-39
Dear Bert,
Yes, I think you will do well to suspicion any long succession of good luck:
Pardon the delaying in my answer; and I should have realized there is always about the getting of any job: And you would have it, about if_____:
That is particularly encouraging news from Curtis Brown Ltd., and a thing to follow up, most certainly: Paint is, a guy needs a quiet place, and good food, and not too much company, while he is doing it: On the other hand, any job will serve to get the emergency rations, and there isn’t great danger of being: ordered into anything too profitable nowadays:
Anyway my previous offer to you still holds: I have a small house, which I built, standing in a grove on a quarter-ace tract; across the road is a 5-acre tract which I own: Nearby is about 30 more acres, mostly in second-growth, owned by my folks: It is growing up rapidly, around here, into residences, small farms and etc: Three miles down the tracks is Kirkland, and across: Lake Washington is Seattle:
If you could continue to get here, you could live with me: Here is a good roof, a private garden, beds, - and our food we will have to fight for, just the way everybody does:
My first big (lost) project is Printmaking: At that I have worked for some fifteen years, - I can’t say it has paid well, or even moderately; but it is a combined art and craft, and something to have, and show, and talk about, and satisfies a need:
Next (lest) project is writing: (Don’t be too shocked) but I have been doing it, off & on, for eleven years; and no sales yet; mostly because I was writing for my own enjoyment, not for any specific market,- recording my adventures, etc: My trouble seems to be that I have a most vicious tongue; too vitriolic; but I have hope this first froth will boil off in time:
Next possible project is designing or building small houses like mine: And it’s a cinch I would build to sell, not to rent, in view of the unreliability of incomes:
About my cabin: It is approx.. 20’ X 22’ one room, with ‘L’, and small screened porch: Very rustic: it sets on cedar sill and stout base log: The siding poles(peeled) stand upright on the base log: Its eaves are brot down very low, to give a snug effect, and the 14’ stud is windows placed in the gable end (14’long x 7’ high):
On the whole there are so many unusual and radical innovations in it, and in the fireplace, that most people are frankly afraid of it: Just the same everybody keeps an eye on what I’m up to:
And it’s always possible to install all the high priced plumbing and whatever the customer will pay for:
Anyhow theres a possibility: People around here do about everything under the sun,- flower culture, berries, chickens, pigs, truck, dairies- building trades, shaker splitters, teachers, clerks, WPAers, hummers, and etc-
On the whole, the score seems to be, -it is almost necessary to create one’s own permanent niche: because the “job era” is about over: And looking back, I sure did kick over a string of good jobs, and not sorry either: Main thing is to have enough to eat: it-food keeps a man alive-eh, what!
Very Hastily
W. Corwin Chase
Enjoyed your letters very much

Previous letter typed word for word dated June 7 39

R2 419A Kirkland
June 17
Dear Bert,
Once upon a time there was a guy whose name was The Lord of Chesterfield: And if so happened that this Lord Chesterfield’s house burned down; so it, and everything in it, was lost:
My comment on that was, “And if the cake is not all frosting, neither is life all cake: and a house burning can happen even to the Lord of Chesterfield”: And the Lod had to take the grief, even tho he hadn’t committed any crime:
This thing of your folks being doubtful about me and my projects rather throws a monkey wrench into things: I am perhaps the last to decry deceit, if it is in a good cause: but I have found it wise to use deceit only against actual enemies: And your folks, no matter how straitlaced are not actual enemies: They know you have a mind of your own, not to be quelled; and if you go about showing your intellectual & emotional independence in ways that require courage, rather than deceit, they will later come around.
But what’s all the rush? Didn’t you sleep last night; or eat food this morning?
Christ, If I had you up here, I’d probably make tougher demands on you by far, than your folks do: And if this nefarious program is so that you can escape from the frying pan into the fire,-
No, my young and giddy friend, it is not skiing, nor fishing, nor winning championships, or making money, or climbing mountains, or hunting, or such educational courses, that spells joy, happiness, pleasure,-
The joy, the happiness is something else; so slight and rare a thing as to be very easily lost: It is not at all vulnerable to any mass program of “cake gulping” or did of pure frosting, duly:
In your present, hasty frame of mind, you and I would not get along; not for five minutes: Most valuable versatility I have is an ability to take, and disregard, considerable grief; such as, the total loss of my first house, built entirely by myself, requiring two full years: labor: (this by court action):
Another thing,- You will have to learn the psychology and mechanics of conscience; something not taught in school;
Anyhow, amongst my other accomplishments, I have a certain expertness in practical psychology, - And its like this; we start out and together, very easily, manage to pull a fast job of deceit; next act, when the circs put on a little pressure, I put over an even better job on you, or vice versa: Tan you would be mad, and with good cause; also vice versa:
Another thing, by forgiving my name to the typewriter letter you showed your mother, you are down one: Believe me, boy she wanted to see the postmarked envelope too; and if you gobbed that, by erasing any pencil marks,- going down!
Having lived with you much longer than I, they can hardly help but be aware of your vocal & verbal versatilities, only they are hoping it wont get serious:
Everybody has to learn how to take a little grief,- and its always forgotten later: Thing to do now is to sketch that fishing club tale, and sketch it right; even if you do lost some face by it:
I am not mad now, but if you don’t, I will be! That’s another most valuable psychological note,- the face has to stand the punishment, and it can:
Hop to it
W. Corwin Chase

The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Office of the President
June 22, 1939
Dear Mr. Stiles:
Thank you many times for your letter of June 7.
You would be a better student in my school than I would in yours.
Dean Works informs me that he has not yet received from you applications for admission and for a scholarship. In case the applications were lost in the mails, I am enclosing blanks on which you may make application. These blanks should be returned just as quickly as possible, so that they may be considered by the Office of Admissions and the Scholarship Committee.
Sincerely Yours,
N (?)
Mr. Bert Stiles
1245 South York St.
Denver, Colo.

Picture enclosed of W. Corwin Chase 1938 that reads              
Taking the liberty of sending you my mug

1939
Kirkland, June 26-
Dear Bert,
Said I to myself that now is the last I will be hearing from young Mr. Stiles; and it seemed too bad you should get yourself into such a dither of haste,- etc-etc:
You surprise me; or is it true that you actually have erased that “fishing club” picture, taking a tick in your self-esteem?
If you have, you have acquired a valuable faculty that will be useful right along:
I make no secret of the fact that I have diverged, stepped aside from the main current of “progress”, and the “machine age”: The result is I am a constant source of laughter and amusement to practically everyone,- because I ride a bike,- paint pictures, - I build outlandish houses,- go about in shorts,- have a funny face,- and generally do what I feel like doing, regardless:
But that is very swell stuff: and only the usual hazing anyone will get who does not conform: But you will be surprised how few there are who can take it:
If you still wish to come up to these parts and learn the gentle art of starving to death; and other fine and practical arts,- such as Blockprinting,- Houseplanning & building,- Landscaping,- etc & etc, Why you are most welcome:
It seems a shame tho, that you do not have a bike; because there is so much fun to be had that way: and it is also possible to get there on it!
Until the 10th of July I shall be vacationing on Hood Cave with some Olympia friends: My first act being to bake some bread and than bike the 70 mi to Olympia on Wednesday:
Hope your folks realize that I am not trying to “exploit” you, or make a dangerous radical out of you.
Keep in touch-
Truly, W. Corwin Chase