Transcriptions from the Correspondence of Will and Nellie (Bernitt) Kolm: 1912-1937

This page covers Will and Nellies's correspondence after their return to Oregon from Nebraska in 1912.

1912 • 1913 • 1914 • 1919 • 1937

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Transcribed by Rich Kolm, 11/30/1998

1912

Some time in 1912, Will and Nellie moved back to Marshfield, Ore. with baby Leland

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
12 May 1912 “Leland” Anna
(Will's niece)		 Cousin Anna. I was 5 mo, 1 week, and 3 days old when I had my picture taken. Leland Nellie, Leland, and Will
1 Nov 1912 "Leland" Miss Marie Kolm
318 West 8th St., Schuyler, Nebr		 “Dear cousin: I can now stand alone and look out of the window and talk to everyone that goes by. I wish to congratulate you to your birthday. Leland” [appears to be Nellie’s handwriting] Nell and Leland, apparently
13 Nov 1912 Will
North Bend		 Mrs Henry Staack,
Madison, Wisc.
(Lena, Will's sister)		 I am now agent for the Breakwater and Wells Fargo while the regular agent is off on a vacation. How’s everybody? Leland and Nell are both well and happy. Leland stands all alone and will soon walk. Will Portland and Coos Bay Steamship Line, S.S. Breakwater
(view photo)

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1913

Will and Nellie moved to Coquille, Ore. (17 miles south of Marshfield) probably in early 1913, where he worked for the Coos Bay, Roseburg and Eastern Railroad and Navigation Co.

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
8 Aug 1913 Leland
Coquille		 Miss Marie Kolm,
Schuyler, Nebr.		 >Will send Min. one later. A different view. Love to all.
Dear Cousin. This [is] me and my Aunt Martha. I have on light tan rompers, tan shoes and stockings, white lace cap with blue bows. Leland Kolm [appears to be Nellie’s handwriting]		 Leland and Martha
28 Nov 1913 Martha
Marshfield		 Mrs. W. L. Kolm,
Coquille, Ore.		 Wish you many happy returns of the day. Will send purse as soon as slippers come for Leland. Papa came home yesterday. With love, Martha Ten Mile Lake, Coos Co., Ore
28 Nov 1913 "Mamma"
Marshfield		 Mrs. W. L. Kolm,
Coquille, Ore.		 Dear Nell. Wishing you many happy returns of the day, and papa...the same. Had his...with us, was so surprised when he came, dressed my chicken just an...Martha went to Ch---. All are well up there sa---....Mamm Ten Mile Lake

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1914

Still with the CBR&E Railroad, Will and Nellie moved to Myrtle Point (26 miles south of Marshfield) in 1914.

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
18 Jul 1914 (name cut off)
Marshfield		 Mrs Wm. Kolm,
Myrtle Point, Ore.		 Dear Nellie. I will be over on the afternoon train on Monday, meet me if you can, sorry I can’t see you Saturday.... Arago Light House, Entrance to Coos Bay
(view photo

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1919

Will and Nellie’s second child, Roger, was born in Marshfield on April 20, 1915. Nell's mother, Elise (Hilmers) Bernitt died in June of 1916. In 1919, Will, Nellie, and their two boys were living in a house at 490 E. Pine Street in Portland. Her father would die in August of that year.
During WWI Nellie's brother, Jack, had served in France, supposedly as a mechanic for the elite "Lafayette Esquadrille" flying squadron.

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
27 May 1919 Martha
Marshfield		 Mrs. W. L. Kolm
490 E. Pine St., Portland, Ore		 May 27, 1919[?]. John arrived in N.Y. with 644, Sat 24. Watch for him on way to Camp Lewis in couple of weeks. Old Mrs. Gebhart died Sun. Saw the bride[?] yesterday. Dad and I are fine. Will write letter soon. Love, Martha Coos River Ore.

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1937

Will and Nellie’s third child, Lorine, was born in the house at 490 E. Pine St. on 22 May 1920.
In 1937, Will, Nellie, Roger, and Lorine were living in a house at 4322 Wallingford, Seattle, Wash. In February 1937, their son Leland and his wife Kathleen (Lewis) with their children Richard and Eileen moved from Eureka, Calif. to San Francisco. Their third child, David, was born in San Francisco in July that year.

Date Sent By Sent To Message Photo
27 Jun 1937 Nellie [her handwriting]
Roseburg, Ore.		 Mr. W. L. Kolm
4322 Wallingford, Seattle, Wash		 [cannot read note because card is cut off] Coos Bay Bridge
27 Aug 1937 Leland [his handwriting]
Bandon, Ore.		 Wm. L. Kolm
4322 Wallingford, Seattle, Wash		 We’re on our way home. Made Bandon in 6-1/2 hours---not bad. 5 hrs to North Bend. Did not see Gurneas tho. To Portland we drove straight thru in .... Oregon Coast Highway .

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