THE NORWEGIANS AND THE STATION FATE OF THE OLD SCRIPPS
Revelles leaving Director Vaughan leaving
Sept. 1, 1936
Dear Ellen:
It's like jumping off into a new kind of time - with you away; for things have usually been dated by what the Revelle-Flemings have just done; or what they are about to do … We left the station feeling very weak; and with each inch homeward felt more and more let down. It seems to me we bought some beer which we consumed upon reaching here-and then D. became genteely unconscious for several hours. Awakened to answer the phone - On the end was an enthusiast with a list of questions who started his conversation with “I've got a 70 pound octopus”. He wanted to know how to preserve it for exhibition purposes.
Alice
Mrs. Sverdrup is horrified
Sept. 22, 1936
Dear Travelers,
I take my pen in hand to say that I am more “pixilated” than usual and hope you are the same. It's all a result of D. and I having flung discretion to the winds and E. into Nitche's keeping and made a weekend of it. We drove up to Santa Monica to stay Saturday night with Myna and Lewis Browne. When we tried to phone to learn how to get to their house we discovered that they were not in the directory and “Information” didn't have their number. We wandered over the town knowing they were expecting us for dinner and wondering what kind fate would rescue us from our dilemma. At last we found a book store from which books had been delivered to Lewis Browne and discovered the address and phoned-so we did arrive bewildered and elated at their fascinating house. … [Author Lewis Browne wrote a murdery mystery about the Scripps aquarium, with much local color.]
The following is strictly confidential “Please burn” or words to that effect. Mrs. Sverdrup is shocked at the station living conditions. She says “There is only one house on the place-the director's. The rest are huts. How can the men do good scientific work when they live so sordidly; Dirty children, washing, untidy yards, unpleasant houses. Why little Norway's peasants live better than these people. They have no self respect.” She said my house was “palatial” (That's the very word). She also said she was going to do what she could “to change living conditions here”-but she longs for the end of his 3 years here. As yet the University has not provided furniture nor curtains for her, and “sheets” are
Hope Scotland is a perfect sojourn and you all come back with soft “burrs” among your other acqusitions.
Ever with love,
Alice
“Station” visit to Sumners desert ranch
Sept. 23, 1936
The Sumners are involved in an “at home” in the country with an invitation to all and a map tacked up on the bulletin board. We are to take our own sandwiches. Mrs. S. will provide spaghetti, coffee and fruit. Much fuss and chatter and the usual chorus “What are you going to wear?”
Sunday evening
Well here we are safely home, tubbed and eating grapes as D. prepares his lecture and I write to you. We had an exceptionally pleasant day in the country-driving up to the Sumner's in the Sverdrup's car for he was home. We arrived in the San Felipe Valley shortly before noon and disembarked into the dust and sunshine and the Sumner's welcome. Mrs. Sumner in a speckled house dress with her crowning glory bristling with hair pins which did no known good, and Dr. Sumner looking like an entomologist about to start off on an expedition. We were led under a great tree where we and our kind settled into the leaves and twigs and unpacked sandwiches and paper plates while the men got plates of spaghetti from the “kitchen” and people loaded their plates and then put them down with the admonition for no one to step on them while they unpacked another mystery parcel or went to collect a child.
The Andersons, Rosses, several pounds of bananas, a chocolate cake and peanut butter sandwiches sat in one mass. The three McEwens on a blanket sat ill at ease while Mrs. peeled tomatoes and dished out “helpings” and arranged piles of sandwiches. She in a green house dress with her hair waved and bobbie pinned under a hair net. The Zobells sat wide eyed and full mouthed on another blanket. And so on—the Foxes, Johnsons, Mobergs, Sverdrups and Flemings jumped over and crawled around each other passing cake, cookies, cold tongue, sandwiches, etc. in a community attempt at wholesale stoking. Dr. Sverdrup stalking calmly among the debris with canned beer oozing into various paper cups.
When we were all completely helpless with food we were herded into a group while Dr. Sumner climbed to the roof of the house to take a picture of us. You shall receive one—if and when they come out.
Dr. Sverdrup, D. and I hunted for Indian relics, and found them. I made the prize find—an amulet. About three the party started dwindling, and when all but the Youngs and ourselves had gone Dr. Y got his car stuck so D. and Dr. Sverdrup and Sumner had to haul and yell and gesticulate at each other through sheets of perspiration and dirt and when he finally was freed Dr. Young went driving off trailing the tow rope between the front wheels—
It was a grand party. No children crying—no complications, great comradery and 45 stationites in high fettle. Needless to say we wish you had been here.
Yesterday we received a card from Dr. V saying he had arrived in Edinburg and was expecting you “tomorrow”.
The new Mrs. Gordon arrived today. I have not seen her, though she is to dine here tomorrow and I left flowers for her
Nitche thinks the Sverdrups have a real love for each other. As she says “Something great none of this garden variety”. I quickly come to the defense of “the garden variety” by saying “Well—it makes the world go ‘round - but some love makes the world go forward—The Sverdrups may have that…”
Dr. Sverdrup on Bob Scripps Yacht
Oct. 4, 1936
…D. has just returned from a junket on Bob Scripps yacht with Dr. Sverdrup and Mo. They had a pleasant holiday, and so did their wives. Mrs. S. and I went to the playground Saturday morning to take tennis lessons and then spend a large part of the afternoon coaching each other and chasing the elusive ball.
Thursday we are to dine at the McKays with the Klaubers, Sverdrups and Cherrils—and Friday D. and I are going to celebrate in a BIG WAY. We are going to hear the Don Cossacks … I feel quite breathless—
Nitche thinks she will leave Wednesday. D. has persuaded her to stay this long and she is much rested.
There is a light fog outside and through it the surf and La Jolla lights gleam indistinctly. It feels as if it should be raining. I feel thrust-into-maturity with you away. As if the three years here shared with you were a period of growing up
Tillie Genter, Ruth Ragan and the woman who lives across the street from one of them, are taking a motor trip to the Grand Canyon!!
Alice Fleming
Oct. 13, 1936
Your letter of arriving in Bergen came today and we are so pleased to hear that you really are about to settle down in your Norwegian home … It's just like in a book!!
Mrs. Sverdrup was so impressed with Lois' dinner party that when she met her Mary in the employment agency she hired her outright. Lois is all adither because she made most of the meal on the strength of which Mrs. S. hired Mary!
Am reading a very dull book about a fascinating subject—the relics of Norway which have been unearthed. Ships 100 ft. long; carriages, weapons, clothing, jewels. Please make the trip to Oslo to see them in the museum there…
Oct. 18, 1936
Damned Domestic Well, my dears, another Sunday evening at home, with my beloved husband over the card table covered with charts and numbers; my dog industriously hunting mice in his sleep, the Ford Music hour dripping out a harp piece by Debussy. Outside the rain murmurs discreetly, and the surf occasionally rises above.
The rain came Thursday evening when the Sverdrups were
But this morning burst upon us in all the dazzling blue and white of an Easter Egg. The horizon so distinct you could see it curve and the La Jolla cliffs white and tall with the L.A. mountains in the background. We went walking along the beach, Dick sauntering along with his pipe, telling how much the erosion had done, E. and I running along to various magic spots where we would stop to dig … the kind of wind that touches you with its power and cleanness…
Stanley Chambers is the President of the High School Student Body. Paul McEwen has a job in Fresno. Ruth Anderson returns tomorrow. Mo is up and down. Miss Ragan is home from her vacation, 10 years younger. The La Jolla stores are playing musical chairs. Mel Stuart next to the new Piggly Wiggly. Quon Mane in Mel's old place. Watanabe next to the theatre. A new hat shop next to the bakery shop, etc. Today La Jolla celebrated Miss Ellen Scripps 100th birthday by planting a tree in her honor at the park near the cove…
Mrs. Sverdrup is just bubbling with news from home—all about Bergen and the round of entertaining that is going on: and how nice you are, and how much she wishes she were there now.
Tomorrow we are going to meet at Margaret ZoBell's
It looks as if Mo and Dosha were going on the trip. I am reconciled to D's staying home. I feel, that Dr. S. must be right. He is consolingly like God—always right—so I just relax and let things go. D. under S.'s stimulation is popping with ideas. There is such feeling of ease in the colony now.
Alice Fleming
Oct. 27, 1936
Halloween Party
Dear Ellen:
Stupidly I forgot to say how much we enjoyed the Edinburg Rock and Taffy from Scotland. Its arrival brought vows to take a tiny bit each evening; but it went quickly and gorgeously, leaving a wake of sticky fingers and lingering sweetness…
The station is in a whirl of preparations for a Halloween party at the Community house next Saturday. The gals are all on committees. The only complaint I've had was from Mrs. Mac E. who declared it could be done for 18¢ a person instead of 21 - but I managed to side track that up an alley marked “How is Dora Ellen finding school?” More later—
The dinner party at Mrs. Sverdrups was one of the pleasantest I've attended. Mobergs, Sumners, Guy Flemings and ourselves. Delicious food, and a long conversational evening in which books were brought out; ivories shown, and the discussion was flexible and gay. Mrs. S. is thorough in housekeeping and hostessing—everything goes smoothly and the guests are their better selves…
The Norwegian post cards are “man size” and the pictures
Nov. 2, 1936
Dearest Ellen and Nice Old Roger:
Here we are, nestling in our little home in the west, ears wagging at the radio returns and hearts sympathizing with poor Dickie who was de-toothed by Quintin Stephen-Hassard this afternoon! These election returns amaze me; the idea that each vote is a person appalls me!
The Halloween party? Oh yes: 10 gals of cider hard, sweet and mulled. Donuts and popcorn, eat your fill. The entire week spent in teaing, cutting out black paper witches, cats and bats (Bats by Helene Chambers) Crepe paper curtains for the windows; carving pumpkins, gathering corn stalks from a farm in Mission Valley; making huge dummy scarecrows. At 8:30 D. and I went over and lighted Jackolanterns, started the fireplace crackling. The guests shuddered past the ghost in slacks and sport frocks; all except Lilian who was regal in a black gown with pearl buttons and dignity. We danced and ate and were entertained by a political debate Sumner vs. Young … Lilian had agreed to do Lady MacBeth … Anne Sverdrup and Martin Johnson played harmonicas … Barny Barnhart did acrobatic stunts—splits and head standing and contortions … Dr. Sverdrup and I did a little dancing a la Russe. I didn't know I had it in me … Mrs. McEwen came in a yama yama costume and drew on false eyelashes, and finished the landscape off with black spots all over—to make it more historic she couldn't get the stuff off her face afterwards … All in all it was a grand party that will go down in the station's history.
Meet Dickie, the instructor in public speaking for young
Alice
Nov. 9, 1936
“THE SLUMS”
Dearest Ellen:
Here am I nodding over the table while the fire in our plump stove roars at me. This evening we dined, very much in state, on a pheasant Mrs. Fleming sent down from Vernon. Leila and Martin were our guests eating the bird with great vigor and telling pheasant stories and tooth stories. Tooth stories because Betsy Stephen-Hassard's boy, Quintin has been playing with my Dick again this afternoon and when they get together D. always comes away minus a tooth!!
Oh yes—tomorrow Mrs. Sverdrup and I are to be Lois MacKay's guest at a morning musical and luncheon; and at 3:30 are going to a tea Mrs. Sumner is giving so that Mrs. Sverdrup can meet some La Jolla people…
Did I tell you that I am typing and editing a biography which Mrs. Sumner is writing about her father. She will present the first two chapters to her brother for Christmas. I am receiving so much per page. So far I realize that father is spelt with capitals as one should write GOD and it impresses me that in just hearing her mention him I see the little girl attitude. It is sweet; and pathetic—or maybe just sweet. He grew up in the town where P.T. Barnum was born and was, as a matter of fact a cousin of his; and his background and boyhood have many similarities to those of my beloved
Can you see these Flemings taking turns at reading Roger's letter and eating their sandwiches? We were shocked and delighted to receive it and hope for more like it.
There is talk (Sverdrup and Ross) I don't know how generally known it is, of changing the policy about the station houses. D. says they will have to be canny to manage it. Mrs. S. thinks the lower houses are “slums” and is horrified at the general disrepair about the place. They consider tearing down those houses. Renting those on the hill unfurnished and making them modern in their condition. Up on this hill they have put in sidewalks and a lawn at the ZoBell—Johnson yards so it is neater. We also have sidewalks of a variety and a general air of expectant ship-shapeness. They have cleared out the underbrush in front of the director's house to make a lawn or garden and cut down some of the sacred Torrey Pines in the rear to make a “more sunny” back yard. And all the changes occur so casually with no fuss what-so-ever.
Alice
La Jolla Nov. 13, 1936
(morning)
Dear Roger:
COME HOME, ALL IS FORGIVEN.
Bring out the fatted calf and let there be rejoicing in the land. As you have no doubt gathered by this time, I had practically given you up as a hopeless correspondent. In future I shall delete the word correspondent.
I had begun to worry a bit. But the impression that I have gathered from Sverdrup (which we really had before you left) is that our work was quite up to standard even if we had not pushed it quite as far as we might have. He wants to have
Dick
FATE OF THE OLD SCRIPPS
Friday evening 10 P.M. (Nov. 13)
Well my dears, I've been waiting since 7 o'clock for news from D. (Dick Fleming). He, Jim (Ross) and Mo (Dr. Moberg) went down to the yacht club to find out about the Scripps. A newspaper man had called Mo saying it had exploded. Just now Big Jim came to say D. was staying by the boat until the insurance men arrive. The boat exploded at her moorings. Blew the bottom clear out. Merty (Murdock) G. Ross, captain) and the cook (Henry Ball, W.P.A.) staggered out and fell overboard. Were picked up by the crew of Bob Scripps boat and rushed to the hospital. According to Jim the doctor says there was not a hair left on either man. They think Merty's eyes are out. Both are under morphine. Jim says he asked when they would come out from under the dose and the doctor said “I hope they don't.” Jim is driving to Escondido for Merty's wife. They don't know what caused the trouble. It is a wonder it did not occur at sea or when there were more aboard. Everything must now be done to make it easier for these men and their wives. Such a shocking accident. So quick to happen and so devastating. That is the second ship's explosion Mo has missed being in!
D. home, weary and full of stories about what he saw and hard. The men got off before the final blow. It shook the houses for blocks around. It is a wonder the surface of the water with all the oil did not catch on other boats. D. got 6 of the Nansen bottles by interesting the youngsters who collected on the scene. Mo says $1,500 of uninsured stuff! Dr. Sverdrup will return from a trip north tomorrow. The captain of the Scripps yacht and the engineer said everything seemed in good condition.
Alice
Dick to Roger, Nov. 17 Tuesday
Little did I know when writing you Friday the 13th that it was going to turn into a day of disaster. As I remember, Alice finished off her letter Friday night. They are raising the boat today, after a day of fruitless effort yesterday. Murdy and Henry are still alive but that is about all can be said for them, and little hope that they can pull through. The story pieced together is about as follows: Captain Kruse and the engineer on the Novia del Mar were on board about noon and looked over the engine room. Murdy started up the engines and everything was in good shape. About four-thirty, Murdy went into San Diego to the Rockgas Co. and picked up a new tank of Protane and said that he was in a hurry and wanted to get it to cook supper. After that we don't know anything until about five fifteen this terrible explosion which shook all the houses on Point Loma.
The men from the Novia del Mar rushed over and found Murdy and Henry climbing out of the after hatch with hair and clothes ablaze and terribly burned around the face and arms. They helped them ashore, they were taken to the Naval
Meanwhile at the boat the flames had burst out almost everywhere. The explosion apparently blew right up through the lab and was enough to lift the deck away from the hull. I cannot imagine how the men survived at all. Apparently she had started to founder immediately and she went to the bottom soon after the fire brigade arrived…
Now for the story from the other end. Soon after six Mo called me, the Union had called him about the explosion. Shortly after, Bob Scripps called him that he had heard from Captain Kruse about it. I rounded up Jim (Ross) and Mo. We went down to the yacht club and all that could be seen of her was the tops of her masts. It still seemed unreal, even now I cannot really believe the old Scripps is gone.
Jim went off to the hospital, Mo went to talk to the various witnesses and left me to watch what was left of the boat. My chief concern was for the Nansen Bottles and thermometers. However after I talked to some people around I decided that the bottles must have been burned up. About an hour or so later some kids came along, and said there was a box floating around in the bay. I imagined it was a box of citrate bottles and couldn't work up much enthusiasm. They came back a few minutes later and said they had pulled it in to the fish dock. There, believe it or not, they had the Nansen Bottles laid out in a row and apparently in as good a shape as ever they were. The whole instrument box apparently drifted off when she sank and although the outside of the box was burnt the weight of the instruments acted as ballast and kept it upright. It was certainly a lucky break … We took the kids names with the recommendation that they receive a reward.
Yesterday they sent a barge and tug over to raise her but their equipment was either too ancient or too light and they ended by breaking up most of their gear, with the wreck in worse shape than when they started. Today they brought another barge over and Nak just came in and told me they had her forward deck out of water, but once again were in difficulty. We may never know exactly what happened, but when they finally get the boat up we may be able to tell more definitely. Most of the people around here feel pretty much upset and up in the air. Mo particularly of course. As you probably know, Mo was assigned the job of making the Honolulu trip with his new assistant. Of course the Scripps accident has complicated his plans. Mo has been backing and filling about going all along but Dr. Sverdrup has decided that if it is at all possible Mo is to make the trip.
Dick
Friday, Nov. 20, 1936
Here it is a week since I started this letter to you. It doesn't seem possible so much could have happened in such a short time. Today's report is that Murdy and Ball are progressing as well as can be expected. They are still not out of danger. The boat was raised Tuesday night, towed over to the Marine Construction and put on the ways directly. Just at present the University and the Insurance Company are dickering over the disposal of the boat … In any event, the hydrographic winch belongs to us and has been taken off and will be looked after by Marine Construction. The rest of the mess is still sitting on the Marine ways. I will try to send you some pictures. I have crawled, waded, climbed and wallowed through the ruins from stem to stern. I think that the engine, auxilliary, anchor and winches can be salvaged but that the hull is a total loss…
Saturday, Nov. 21, 1936
The University and the Insurance Co. are still unable to reach a decision. Sverdrup, I agree with him entirely, is opposed to taking over the hull at all as the equipment that we will or could salvage would always be a liability to us. Alice and I had supper en famille with the Sverdrups last night and Sv and I had a long pow wow about our new boat. He is firmly convinced, and again I am in complete accord, that we should try and build our own boat.
Thursday, Nov. 26, 1936
Today being Thanksgiving day I have sneaked down so I can get this finished off. The University and the Insurance Co. finally reached agreement, they gave us the full value of the policy (ten thousand) and the winch and other equipment directly connected with our work, such as accumulators, sheaves, meter wheel, etc. The rest of the stuff was sold to the Marine Construction by the Insurance Co. I went into the hospital Monday to see the men. Ball was unconscious and all I could see was the tip of his nose sticking out of a mask and helmet of bandages. Murdy was kind of half conscious and didn't know I was there. All I could see of him was part of his face but that was enough to make me feel sick for the rest of the day.
Sverdrup gave a swell lecture on Monday night about his experiences with the natives in northern Siberia. Tuesday at 6:30 I left with him for a trip to L.A. We went first to San Pedro and saw a marine architect and discussed the boat situation, and then looked at various boats that were on the market. I was on board two yachts about 90 feet long. Sverdrup was on a sailing schooner the same length. Now there is a committee of three, Sv., Martin Johnson and
I received the bundle of reprints from you for which many thanks. We are going to Thanksgiving dinner with the Sverdrups tonight. I certainly wish we could get together in a bowl of giblet gravy. Today has been beautifully warm and clear, part of a Santa Anna condition. It is dry as a bone, and a bad fire today over on Muirlands. We drove up to the Lookout on Soledad and could look right down on the fire, it looked pretty fierce and was getting close to some of the fancy houses up there. The smoke has died down now, and I imagine the firefighters have it under control.
As ever,
R.F.
Dear Ellen,
Nov. 23, 1936
Time draws on, doesn't it? Because of the generally good business year and the shipping strike which may tie up the usual Christmas importations the stores are already Yule Tidish and so is the public. The weather here is that gloriously bright kind when people are contagiously happy and poinsettias are flaunting their color hither and yon—and the bay is full of cavorting seals and diving birds and the fat little fishing boats are busy jaunting out beyond the kelp beds…
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1936
The (Francis) Smiths and Flemings dined on pheasant and then went forth to hear Dr. Sverdrup lecture about life in the Arctic. We arrived to find all but 2 seats taken; the library filled to the limit with chairs and men standing in back. Super collosal. I've never seen the like at Scripps…
Mo is “off” (on the Louisville). His last week here was hectic to say the least. He attended to the Scripps disaster splendidly; but got into a terrible fight with Mrs. McEwen and the Palmers who have to answer the station phone after hours. There were letters written to the powers-that-be and Mo seems to have been completely in the wrong. Then he stayed away from work most of the last week…
The other day D. had to go in to see the men at Mercy Hospital. He came out a sadder and a wiser man. They are a sight to behold. Still unconscious and babbling. Murdy has been rational once or twice but Ball is completely out.
…For Thanksgiving we are combining with the Sverdrups. Anne is to make pies, I the cranberry jelly, and the duck from Frank (Gilloon's). We are going to invite the (Eaton) MacKay's. Mrs. S. is dying for fun and laughter, she is very lively and entertaining. I wish I could find a companion for her who had more leisure than I have. Then she would be settled for a safe if not sane 3 years in the U.S.A. …
Since his “operation” (tooth out to you). D. has been very very well. He is busy as a frog in a cranberry bog and it agrees with him. He is very happy in the relationship to Dr. S.
Alice to Ellen
Dec. 1, 1936
Well children, your Christmas box is on its way and I sit
Saturday noon in great glee Anne, Mrs. Sverdrup, E., D., and I loaded into our chariot and sped away to Frank Gilloon's ranch and luncheon. The Norwegian delegation were aglow with enthusiasm. Frank was especially happy and animated because of Mary. Oh yes there is a girl at last and he is completely spell bound. Just now I don't know how she feels, but I approve and since he blatantly said “Please help me get her, Alice” I am deep in the game of getting Mary. If he wins, he gets the prize but I'll feel very happy and get a duck for Christmas. He is serious about both Mary and the duck!
After luncheon we drove about Rancho Santa Fe and visited some beautiful estates. One was a Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark combined—beautiful flowers and all sorts of beauties and birds. We all went “ohing” from place to place like orphans in the zoo…
Have read Douglas Lloyd's new book “White Banners”. I was interested in the theme. That if you have a quiet courage all your own, and faith, you will find that things work out for you. What is the case I suppose is that you stop struggling and when relaxed get a new perspective of the situation and so act in accordance with that … I often wonder about national mind or period mind or whatever one would call it. People of our period and place seem to have certain thought patterns—either the cause or effect of the depression; and now advancing out of that the “mind” seems to have renewed vigor. Would you say the Norwegians had a “quality of mind” that was typical. I frequently feel as if Mrs. Sverdrup were a man from Mars because her opinions are so direct. She sees the situation without its accessories—often in the most amusing way.
AFTERMATH-SCRIPPS EXPLOSION
Dick to Roger
Dec. 4, 1936
Dear Roger:
Another letter off to you today should reach you for Christmas. Alice received your letter and has been so abashed by your glorious compliments concerning her abilities as a letter writer she has not yet sufficient courage to write you herself.
First, the developments about the accident on the SCRIPPS. Henry Ball died last Friday as the result of his injuries, after lingering on for two weeks. Murdy is recovering slowly, but is still not out of danger. I went to see him yesterday and he was very pleased to hear about your travels. He is still a terrible sight, but there is hope he will pull through. The worst feature at present is his mental condition, as he has more or less lost interest in life, and is quite convinced he is not going to recover. The Institution made up a purse for Mrs. Ball, and I contributed $10.00 for you and got a check from Sibley. As I understand the Insurance company sold the hull and its contents to the Marine Construction Company who plan to rebuild her as a fishing boat or a tug boat.
Dr. Sverdrup and I have been working on plans for our new boat, although we have no idea where the money is going to come from. We have been planning on a boat 100 feet long with a 23 ft. beam and about 11 ft. draft, a modification of the type of boat used for trawling in the North Atlantic. It is lots of fun and I only wish you were here to join in…
One of the things I have to do right away is work on a paper I plan to present at the W.S.N. (Western Society of
The plan for the instructional program which I outlined to you has been approved and will go into effect next summer … Beginning about June 25, a four unit course on General Introductory Oceanography will be given in six weeks … Arrangements have been made so that the various biologists, as well as others who may not desire to take their degree in oceanography, may take joint degrees in which the Institution and one or more of the departments at U.C.L.A. or Berkeley will participate. Within the next year or so we will undoubtedly be transferred to the Southern Senate and all administrative work will be handled at U.C.L.A. …
Dec. 8, 1936
Somehow I didn't finish off your letter … I am enclosing the pictures of the SCRIPPS. They show how she looked at low tide and during the salvage operations, and the final series when they had her up on the marine ways. You can see the mess the fire made of the deckhouse, but except for the view of the galley stove it was impossible to get any shots below-decks. But as I told you the whole forepart of the galley and forecastle were completely gutted. We have all our gear off and Carl (Johnson) and Teter are working on the winch and other equipment and reconditioning it.
I received the three budget allotments this morning and they are all approved as submitted. For the Sediments Lab $150 has been alloted for the coming half of the year, this will
The Inspectors for the Steamboat Inspection Service were down yesterday concerning the accident on the SCRIPPS. They intended to see Moe but we were able to turn over all the various and sundry reports and the pictures and blueprints and they were completely satisfied. There may have to be another investigation later on when Mo gets back as the fact that Henry died places the investigation in the hands of another board. The men here yesterday were completely charming fellows and we all got very pally. Their interest was primarily in determining the cause of the fire with an eye to future legislation. They told me the whole legal set-up of the Service and all their rules and regulations are to be brought up to date in the near future.
I hope you will have the merriest of Christmases and so forth. I am sorry we cannot be together this year, but we will drink lots of toasts to our wandering Revelles.
As ever,
R.F.
Dear Ellen,
Dec. 8, 1936
…I am very busy these days—running Roger's Department and Mo's Department as well as trying to do some of my own work—but all in all seem to be accomplishing
With Dr. Sverdrup at the helm the tempo of our life seems to have speeded up somewhat—with him as an example we should all be on the jump. He is a phenomenal individual and the amount of work he can accomplish is simply astounding.
We have had wonderful weather this fall but it is beginning to cool off now … everything is now dry again … maybe you could send some of your wetness over this way for awhile.
So may all your stockings be fat ones this Christmas.
R.F.
ALICE
Dec. 11, 1936
My dears:
We do hope this reaches you on or near Christmas day … We sent two parcels on December first, but have just received word they are only in New York and waiting for more stamps—or something, so I fear they will not reach you 'till July 4th…
Tomorrow, after the evening public speaking class the members and their wives come here for cocoa and cookies. Goody, goody. They are all very pleasant young people, but aside from Sidney, no zip. The Shears are completely self
…I find myself an ardent tree stealer. I size up a neat little myoporum growing gently and unsuspectingly where nature set it. I saunter forth with the shovel and return with a smug expression and a tree. I'm collecting geraniums (I should say gerania) also. As many kinds as possible. Right now, Dr. Sumner is trying to convert me to succulents. I'll listen hour on end to his campaign speeches just to see the flash in his eyes when he says “succulents”. Its just not decent; brings out the satyr in him and what can “one say to a saytr”. That's my first transoceanic pun. The other day D. said Norway's chief exports were fish and oceanographers.
Love,
Alice
Dec. 15, 1936
Dear Roger:
If these pages are sticky, it is with the remnants of a days activity with Christmas candy and cookies—morsels which you would be able to snitch on your way through the kitchen. Joan Gordon and I teamed up—taffy, green and red lollipops, candied orange peel, peanut brittle and gingersnaps…
Outside there is the complete darkness; and tender noises of calmly raining night; occasionally the thud of an extra large breaker. In my gardner's mind I can see the plants perking up at the touch of a continuous patter from the right source. I frequently wonder if everyone has this feeling of wanting to share with “nature” the changes of weather; to
I don't have the inclination to tell you what has happened; and so many amusing, tragic and interesting events have been crowded into these few months. Rather, I wonder what you would think of this; or how you would see that—We go through periods of sharpened sensibilities, I believe; and this seems to be one for me. It may be a renaissance. It may be the weather—Knowing of all the new worlds to conquer you are discovering I've looked upon my own microcosm and watched it show new features; and so I too, am wandering in different places and enjoying the familiar.
…Your parcels are down at the lab. Do you think I can have them lugged up here? I should say not. They are guarded religiously … I retaliate by saying “Well you promised not to have Dr. S. read what the Norwegian declarations on them say” … I want them up here where I can shake and poke. What is Christmas without a shake and poke?
I am so pleased with the effect Dr. S. has on the station in general and Dick in particular. Drastic changes are made so calmly. No fanfare about them. The man uses his brains more than his charm and he has both. Except when being detoothed D. acts as if he had been injected with the bacillus “hard-work ii” early and late and so naturally and enthusiastically.
Alice
(also in Dec. 11 letter?)
or Dec. 1??
Dr. S. wants D. to move over to the two upstairs corner rooms in his building—I hope it can be done without upsetting Mo, and expect D. shall wait his return before so doing. I hope the trip will give Mo a new lease on Oceanography and life and that the wind won't be taken out of his sails upon his return—that he can retain his feeling of power—if he acquires it. It is repetition to say we judge ourselves by our aspirations—others by their acts.
(A week before Xmas, 1936)
Dearest Ellen:
There is a brand new moon and a solitary star casting silver across the bay, and the La Jolla lights twinkle gayly. Complete quiet. That lovely feeling that time doesn't exist and that for an exquisite period everything stands still.
I was delighted to receive a note from your mother in answer to mine. She seems very comfortable and interested in her weaving—and what pleased me, happy in your trip.
Sunday we went up to the [Revelle] house. We had thought it was rented but found it wasn't occupied. We went over it thoroughly … and everything was fresh and clean. The patio looked very well, indeed. The tree at the left was in bloom—great balls of pink flowers clustered together—larger than tennis balls—Remember, we once made hats for Anne from the leaves of that tree…
We had a note inviting us to dine with Leo Bachman on the Bushnell … Had a grand time. Two other officers were pleasant and Leo his apt self. How I enjoy his conversation and his quiet voice … They are to dine with us and meet the Sverdrups the first week in January. He worked near the Nautilus just before she sailed for Europe: so will have double interest in Dr. S.
Alice Fleming
(After Xmas 1936 Dec. 29,-P.)
Dear Ellen and Roger:
This yellow scratchpad paper is not a quaint California custom. It is due to our having been weather bound by rain and wind; and Dick being away in the great city … talking.
Our Christmas season was dramatic in its downpour and wind; so that it almost seemed as if we were wintering in a lurching houseboat. But that only heightened our comfort when we were warm. We sat smugly in our shuddering home and glowed at our little Christmas tree proud in its red balls and new lights and the mountains of gifts on the table beneath its boughs; and the parcels hidden away from each other and Betsy. On the day before Christmas I received a delightful shock; the stove from cottage 7 (?) was installed in my kitchen. Imagine me with a 4 burner, broiler, top oven, white stove flaunting its cream and white beauty at my white ice box and newly painted sink. Just to complicate matters I had added the perfume of fresh paint to that of cookie cooking in a moment of housewifely virtue. So … As Ed Wynn might say—we dined leisurely on broiled steak and banbury tarts. We had decided to be very wise and economical and give each other “Life” for a family present. Nothing else. So we spent a large part of the evening with our backs to each other tying up various gifts we had bought each other. How it happened I don't know. Then we sipped port while Dick read the Pickwick Christmas descriptions and made us feel very “God rest you merry gentlemen ish”.
We were wakened by a terrific wind and rain storm and my first words were … “I can't wait another minute for the
Betsy is very proud of her little doll. She loves its braids “Just like mommies”; and speaks to it in a little high voice finding that suitable to its size, I suppose … Our Bergen book makes us more eager than ever to go there. It certainly is inviting…
On the evening of the 26th we dined at the Sverdrups. His brother and sister in law and their son are their holiday guests. The (Francis) Smiths, MacKays and Lois' mother, and ourselves attended the party. Everyone was in holiday spirits; the ladies looking very glamorous and the gentlemen handsome and appreciative of the food and wine. The table very festive with red and white decorations; a bit of red and white homespun in the center; and at each place irresistible gnomes in red suits and caps, cherry cheeked and white bearded like the fascinating creatures on your Christmas parcels.
At the completion of the dinner Dr. S. arose and recited (E. is working the shift key) a little poem, the gist was that their nicest Cal. friends were gathered at their board; and thus really were in Norway; so he proposed a health to all and Skol. It was very gracious.
He is working terribly hard; and doing socially whatever he can to aid the station; luncheon club, lectures etc. He joined the golf club and goes up for a game whenever he can; but has not as yet found any especially interesting men. Has not yet found a rip roaring calculation bridge player and seems to be losing hopes. She says that in Bergen the academic staff “know people other than those with whom they work”; and that they have a grand “lively” crowd. I don't think she finds the station dinner parties and womens teas especially stimulating. Comes and whispers “when can we leave”. They enjoy the MacKays very much; and I think Lois is her pleasantest friend; and he enjoys Mac; and appreciates Lois' intelligence, charm and spontaneity. You can just see him relax as at the 26th party. At other places he has a good time, too; but you sometimes feel an effort. Except in his own family he is always calm; swift and easy thinking and to the point; every one adores him. They like her but don't know her so well. She does pretty much as she jolly well pleases; is very loveable and amusing. Doesn't see any reason for giving a tea without a maid and just now has had none; so there has been no station tea. Has given two dinner parties for the station; One included the ZoBells (who couldn't go) the Foxes, Johnsons, MacEwens and Allans. The other we attended with the Sumners and other Flemings; and Mobergs. Dick and I have gone in for various Norwegian specials and put Elizabeth upstairs to sleep; and they have come up here too. We like them so very much; and would do anything to make them happy or more comfortable.
Dick has gone to the conference in Los Angeles!! And I was to “think about him” at 4 o'clock Tuesday…
Ever with love,
Alice
Murdy is alternately on the brink of death and then recovering.
The Zobells have 2 railroads in their living room and a new fish pond in their front yard.
The Sverdrups have removed the stepping stone walk to their house and put in plain cement which makes one's stride more graceful. Also a front lawn, a back lawn, and a floored basement.
Byron (Johnson) has a bike.
We are counting the months till your return.
At tea at Sverdrup's, Dr. S. kept telling me that D. had bought something for me in L.A. and teased me about what it might be.
He came home with 5 volumes of Dampier's Voyages printed in 1711. Fascinatingly illustrated and in good condition.