Transcriptions from the Correspondence of Will and Nellie (Bernitt) Kolm: 1907-1909

This page includes Will and Nellie's correspondence from Will's arrival in Oregon through their courtship.

1907 • 1908 • 1909

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Transcribed by Rich Kolm, 11/30/1998

1907

Will Kolm moved from Schuyler, Nebraska to Eugene, Oregon in 1907, living with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Sid Tivey. At that time, Nellie Bernitt was living with her parents in Marshfield.

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
? Emma Klahn
[no postmark]		 Nellie Dear Nellie. I wish you a happy birthday from your Aunt. Front Street, Marshfield
(view photo)
Aug 1907 Will Kolm
[no postmark]		 - On the wrecked British ship, Peter Iredale, which went ashore on Clatsop Beach on the Oregon Coast just south of the Columbia River Bar. Wreck remained as an attraction to tourists for many years. It was possible to wade to it when the tide was out. W.L. Kolm of Eugene, Ore. Flint Baker of Junction City, Ore Ship Peter Iredale

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1908

Will Kolm moved to Marshfield in about June of 1908, where he met Nellie. During this time Nellie’s brother Bill Bernitt and his wife Willa lived in Portland, Oregon. tr>
Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
3 Jun 1908 (name cut off)
Marshfield?		 Miss Nellie Bernitt
411 E. Couch St. Portland, Ore.		 Dear Nellie. Was glad to hear of your good behavior in Grand Lodge you can go again...at home... (cut off) South Coos River
4 Jun 1908 (name cut off-handwriting is Nellie's mother)
Marshfield		 Miss Nellie Bernitt
411 East Couch St. Portland, Ore		 Dear Nellie -- Got your long letter and postal will write in couple of days; no news; get you always the papers? This is Barker(?) ranch on N.C.R. Best regards to all. Ruby is fein, congratulations...her, must send... Clara...(card cut off)
[N.C.R. may be North Coos River]		 shoreline with people in boat
27 Jun 1908 (name cut off - from the handwriting the card may have been from Will)
Gardiner, Ore/
[Gardiner is one mile north of Reedsport]		 Miss Nell Bernitt, Marshfield, Ore. Hello. Home again? Was not sure you were until the boys told us.
Having a delightful time. Going to Scottsburg this a.m. with a Miss Eva Cornwell.
The boys had fire drill this morning, very interesting.		 caption: In distance is the one [boat] I traveled on. Her name is Eva. Named after the young lady visiting here.
Ta Ta.

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1909

Will became station agent at Myrtle Point for the CBR&E Railroad in September 1909.
Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
1909 (name cut off)
Marshfield		 Miss Nellie Bernitt - Life Saving Crew - Coos Bay
8 Jan 1909 Nellie
Empire [Ore.]		 Mr. W. Kolm, Marshfield, Ore ...is the best I...do in the line...postal cards. ...tried to get you...phone yesterday...the
lines were...Will see [you] Sunday. Nellie		 Arago Light House and ocean beach
__ A__ 1909 Will
Marshfield		 Miss Nellie Bernitt
Marshfield, Ore.		 [no note, just signed Will] Cape Arago Light, Coos Bay
(view photo)
29 Jun 190 (name cut off)
Oakland, Cal.		 Miss Nellie Bernitt,
Marshfield		 We are leaving this morning for Mfld. Spent Sunday in the City. Had a fine time... [appears to be small coastal freighter in a shipyard]
16 Jul 1909 Will
Marshfield		 Miss Nellie Bernitt
Marshfield, Ore.		 Nell. Don’t this remind you of blackberries. All but the stickers. [probably Coos Bay with long curving railroad trestle leading to ship-loading structure]
17 ___ 1909 [Will’s handwriting]
Myrtle Point		 Miss Nellie Bernitt,
Marshfield, Ore.		 Nell. When I was up town at noon I asked Spires, who was to be captain of the fooball team, about the game and he said there would be none. So after noon I called up Miller and told him that if there was no train Sunday I would be down. They found the body of the fellow who was drowned today. His mother stands it quite well, but his bride to be, Miss Buell, takes it very hard. Was not down to Plougers last night or Monday night, that is the longest I have been away from there. I caught a little cold and it settled in my eyes as usual. It made me “cry.” H--- Temple was in town today. He lives up past Remote and only comes to town once every 3 months. He says he feels fine. Mr. Terry has been up here 2 days. He eats t our table. He said Merritt had joined the Army. It has been cold and the rain tonight... Jake’s Cove, near Coos Bay
__ Sep 1909 Will
Myrtle Point		 Miss Nellie Bernitt,
Marshfield, Ore.		 Nell. Weather is lovely and everything looks good. Missed something about 8 a.m. you know. Have started into work at once. George says to say hello for him. Will write a letter tonight. Will Marshfield, Ore. from Chandler Hotel
(view photo)
23 Sep 1909 Nellie
Marshfield		 Mr. Will Kolm, Myrtle Point, Ore. Will. I received your postal this morning and your letter at noon. Will write tomorrow. Doesn’t this remind you of some of the good times that we had on the beach. It’s very warm here today, something like a day we had about two weeks ago. Nellie Coos Bay Bar [ocean shore scene]
__ Sep 1909 Will
Myrtle Poin		 Miss Nellie Bernitt,
Marshfield, Ore.		 Nell. Your picture postal of the beach reminds me of the place we spent the Sunday when we were with Mitchell’s & Walter’s. Myrtle Point is quiet and the pretty moon dont seem to be enjoyed . I am all alone now as Dunning is act-agent at Coquille. Am coming along _____. Will North Lake, Ten Mile
__ Oct 1909 Nellie
Marshfield		 Mr. W. Kolm,
Myrtle Point, Ore		 ...I am sending
...the sporting news
...suppose you feel better
...a good night’s
...What did Miller
...you yesterday
...was in and told
...what he told you
....Write and tell
...latter what he
....It may not be
...With love, Nellie		 So. Coos River, Or.
15 Oct 1909 Nellie
Marshfield		 Mr. Will Kolm,
Myrtle Point, Ore.		 ...Received your...and will answer...The Breakwater...I am going...dance tonight.... Martha and Min....you all about...now, wish you...to go. just left. She is...will tell you why later...don’t tell. With love, Nellie Wreck of the Alert
(view photo)

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