September 21, 1886
My Dearest Theresa,
Today is my 22nd birthday, I have just started my internship with old Dr. Wade here in Dufur, and I should be on the top of the world, but that I miss you. I am pleased to have this start in life and long for the day you can join me here.
So far the work has been mundane. I follow Doc as he makes house calls and I have begun to get to know the people that live here. My room in Baldwin’s Boarding House has a view of Mt. Hood, the food here is excellent, and the residents are a friendly bunch. No worries for you, my love, as none of the ladies here hold a candle to you. But speaking of ladies, there are two women here that are of interest to me, from a medical standpoint, of course. Zerilda was, by all accounts, the most beautiful girl when Alvis Quinn snatched her up and married her so many years ago. He’s the preacher here, and you’ve never heard fire and brimstone preached better than what he belts out each Sunday. They have a charming girl, Charlotta, all of 9 years old that sings like an angel. Their son, Edward, was just past 2 years old when he died a year ago. Zerilda, just last month, gave birth to a baby girl, Bertha. Doc says there is something “not quite right” with the babe, but knows nothing more.
Clara Underhill is newly pregnant. She is 36 years old and is expecting her first baby in the spring. She took me aside and told me her husband is hoping for a girl but that she wants a boy to carry on the name, as she expects this will also be her last baby, considering that her husband, James, is 77 years old. I wanted to ask about such a relationship, but it is not a topic for this simple country doctor to bring up. I assured her that it was more important to have a healthy baby regardless of its sex and for her to get lots of rest. She gave me a weary smile and handed me my coat.
Work is keeping me busy, but not busy enough for me to ever stop thinking of you.
Yours,
William Alan Russell, MD
April 15, 1887
Theresa, my love,
I received your letter and can hardly believe that you will be here in less than a month! I have already spoken to Rev. Quinn about him marrying us soon after you arrive. What a blessed day that will be.
Remember a few months ago, I mentioned Rev. Quinn’s wife and their new baby? It is amazing that she has lasted as long as she has. Doc Wade shakes his head in wonder whenever their names come up, before he nods off to sleep in his chair. I have taken over all the house calls and most of the surgeries, but there are still a few patients that refuse to see anyone but him.
I know that after you arrive you will come to know and love the people of this town. Till then, I have sad news. Clara Underhill, who was expecting her baby just last month, delivered him too early. There was nothing I could do to stop him from coming. The baby was so small I could hold him in one hand and I was shocked to discover he could breathe on his own. Clara and I did everything we could and I thought he just might make it, but the poor thing caught a cold and died on Tuesday. The funeral is this Saturday on the 16th, the town is in mourning over what we thought was a miracle baby. They named him John.
One of the Moore children fell and broke his wrist which I have put it in plaster, Mrs. Thomas has a touch of gout, and poor old Mr. Baumchen is still out walking the hills when he should be home sitting in front of his fireplace. Life has become a routine that will only get better with your arrival.
All my love,
William
December 12, 1900
My lovely wife,
Oh Theresa, I know you were hesitant to go visit your family for the Holidays with so much going on here at home. I know how close you and Zerilda have become over the years. The woman has gone through so much, from the death of dear little Edward when he was only 2 years old, and Bertha, who didn’t even make it to her second birthday, and more recently, Will. She has had much happiness over the years with her Charlotta and her two boys which you have also shared with her. You were with her during the 3 months little Will lived and assisted so lovingly during that time. I know it was hard for you to leave so soon after John Wesley’s death, who could imagine such a tragedy befalling such a strapping lad of 11 years? But you know she was doing well with her pregnancy despite being 41 years old, and there was no reason for you to stay. But, my love, I have to tell you, that both Zerilda and her baby girl died just 2 weeks ago. The Reverend is beside himself dealing with her death and the death of the stillborn babe so soon after John Wesley.
Charlotta is taking care of everything, she seems much older and wiser than her 23 years suggests, but I can see how the stress of it all is taking its toll on her. We miss you greatly, sweets.
Mr. France has not been able to dig all the graves due to the ground being so hard, and the snow and frozen earth but Mr. Brewer the stonecutter, has been creating lovely headstones for the Quinn family members once the bodies can be buried. The Reverend could not bring himself to name his daughter and it will only say “Stillborn infant, daughter of Alvis W. and Zerilda E.”
The black locust trees surrounding the graveyard are bare and look dreary against the backdrop of fog and snow. I know as a doctor I should not let death affect me so greatly, but I feel that my world is a cold and empty place without you at my side right now.
With all my love,
William
Before or after finding the cache, feel free to wander in the cemetery and look up both the Quinn’s and Underhill’s plots, and post pictures. Cache is a matchstick container at eyelevel or so in one of the black locust trees. Enjoy the views from this fantastic place.
Congratulations to Bikerfun and Ceredwyn on getting FTF!