In the winter of 1937–38 Joseph “Joe” Sharmer rode the train east to sell California canned fruit, and from almost every stop he wrote to Ruby E. Wilson, the postmaster of Planada, California.
He was courting her. The letters follow him from the Overland Limited across Nevada to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Christmas with his sister Dodie in Washington, and New Year’s at the Hotel Taft in New York, full of brokers and hotel rooms, family news, and how much he missed her. Six months after he came home, on 5 July 1938, they married in Kingman, Arizona.
A few later letters show the family they made, and a last group of papers came to Ruby after Joe’s death in 1954. Each letter is shown page by page beside a full transcription, with notes on the people and places it mentions.
Listed in the order they were written. Dates come from postmarks and datelines where they survive; otherwise they are best estimates from clues in the letters. Jump to: The eastern trip, 1937–38 · Later letters · In Memoriam, 1954
Eastern sales trip, winter 1937–38
Joe leaves Planada in early December 1937 to sell California canned fruit in the East: by train through Chicago, where he meets his Aunt Lizzie, to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Christmas with his sister Dodie in Washington, a trip to Baltimore, and then the Hotel Taft in New York over the New Year. Six months later, on July 5, 1938, he and Ruby were married in Kingman, Arizona.
-
A Card by Slow Freight
I want this to start back first & letter to follow so cant say what I want to on this as you know.
-
Every Click of the Wheels
To think every click of the wheels take me further & further away from every one I love but we will make up for it when I get back believe me.
-
Desert and Sage Brush
Sweetheart, it was hard to leave you. We are going thru Nevada now & it is the worst place yet just desert & sage brush and I am lonesome for you Dear.
-
My RUBY
She was very much interested in My RUBY because Larry had told her so many nice things about you.
-
A Dead Ringer for Mama
I saw Aunt Lizzie & her children for the first time … She is 72 and a dead ringer for Mama.
-
Five Degrees Above in Cincinnati
Wish you were here right now but my poor Baby gets cold in Planada — what would you do here Sweets, I would keep you warm.
-
From the Broad Street Station
You know what I said when we parted that I would think of you every minute of the day and night.
-
The M.L. Is “My Lover”
I wrote you a letter this a.m. but I want to keep the places hot.
-
Beautiful as the Morning
Wednesday morning at the Fort Pitt Hotel: a dream of Ruby, good news from J.S.B., and plans to go on to Dodie’s.
-
Snow, Sleet, Smoke and Coal Dust
We will have a nice time at Xmas all I need is my Baby who will be in Planada and here Ill be 3000 miles away.
-
To See the Pres Light the Xmas Tree
We are going down town to see the Pres light the Xmas tree. More later Dear.
-
You Are My Pal
They furnish two of these and I only need one so you are my pal and are entitled to the other even tho you are not here.
-
Still a Baby in Their Eyes
When I tell her the things you do for me she crys because you know I am still a baby in their eyes.
-
Here I Am in the Big City
Here I am in the big city. Left Dodes last night at 12:30 & here at 6:30.
-
Report on New Year Eve
I wish you a very, very Happy one Dear because I love you more today than I did yesterday.
-
Good Old Cal
Hear that yell — Good old Cal. I still have the 5 with the ribbon on it.
-
Burn Them Up
Today is Sunday & the 4th one away from you — God Honey how I would love to be with you right now.
-
Your Special, Mailed New Year’s Eve
You are so cute & sweet and I am so lonesome for you that I take a new lease on life when I hear from you.
-
Fighting Those Subways
I am centrally located but fighting those subways is sure a tough problem you have to change trains so much.
-
Convict Catcher
Dont fool around with those crooks — please dont take any chances like that because those fellows might come back and lay for you at night.
-
Ask Me
There is not a thing in the world that makes a man feel better than to know the person he loves loves him.
-
You Were Made for Me
It seems like you were made for me and am I happy about it all — You are sweet, beautiful & kind — and I admire your intelligence.
-
Top Hats and Orchids
I didn’t see one in all their finery that could compare with you in your sweater & skirt.
-
A Light in Your Mother’s Window
All I can think of is you — How we went to Merced, either to the show or for dinner and how we shopped together.
Later letters, 1941 and the early 1950s
- You Are Both Worth More Than All the Money in the World · probably early May 1941. From Planada, to Ruby in hospital with their newborn son, Joseph III.
- Madam ½ and Madam Whole · undated, while Joe was a county supervisor (1949–1952). From the Olympic Hotel, Seattle, to Ruby and the children.
In Memoriam, 1954
Documents sent to Mrs. Ruby Sharmer after Joseph’s death in early 1954.
-
Services Held for Joseph Sharmer
From the Santa Cruz Sentinel: Private services for Joseph Sharmer, who suffered a fatal heart attack while he was driving in downtown Santa Cruz Friday, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
-
The Court Adjourns in His Memory
The Court, on its own motion and in open Court this day, orders that when Court adjourns this date, it do so as a token of respect.
-
A Friend Whose Memory Will Always Dwell with Us
We of this community have lost a friend whose memory will always dwell with us.
-
House Resolution No. 22
The Members of this Assembly have learned with profound regret of the passing of Joseph Sharmer in Santa Cruz, at the youthful age of 56.
-
One of Your Prized Keepsakes
This resolution, conveying the sympathies of the members of the Assembly to you in the passing of Mr. Sharmer, will be, I am sure, one of your prized keepsakes.
Places
Planada · Merced · Cincinnati · Washington · Pittsburgh · Philadelphia · Baltimore · New York · San Francisco · Sacramento · Santa Cruz · Reedley · Carmel
Who were J.S.B., “The Head” and Cannery? See Who’s Who in the Letters. For Joe’s sisters, nieces and nephews, see People.
