A love story
This story speaks to me of the universal feelings about love and longing, and long marriage.
If you’re a subscriber to the Buzz, thank you! If you’re new here, or you haven’t become a subscriber yet, hit that subscribe button to have History Buzz delivered directly to your inbox. If you can, please consider a paid subscription to support the research and writing that make History Buzz possible.
Daisy and Bill Henderson
Early in 2014, the History Center received a donation of family memorabilia kept by the William and Daisy Henderson family for over 100 years. The greater part of the collection centers on the years 1913-1920 and World War I when William Henderson of Ballardvale, Andover, served in the United States Army.
The Henderson’s story unfolds in letters written by William “Billie” Henderson to his wife-to-be Daisy Burton. Billie Henderson was a faithful correspondent all through his training and continued his courtship during his deployment to post-war Germany.
In 1918, Billie Henderson was a smitten young man who wanted to make sure his girl was still his:
Do you still think the same that I want’d to know down under the orange trees that night? That you said you would wait till I come back from the army. For I still think the same and hope you do.
Matrimony was at least hinted at under the orange trees in Florida:
Say. Daisy. I do so want to see you so much. And all that I can do is look at your pictures and think of you. I got them stuck in the looking glass and every night I say goodnight Daisy and first this when I get up in the morning is good morning or hello Mrs. Wm. H x I wish that it was true.
While away in Germany, Billie learned that his brother had some bad news waiting for him when returned home from the war.
Did I tell you he got the shut eye from his girl? Yep she married another fellow.
In the same letter, Billie reported that his sister “has said yes she’ll be his to Clinton.”
By April 1922, Daisy and Billie were preparing for their June wedding while Daisy was living in Brookline, Mass. After breaking the news that they didn’t get the house in Andover they wanted, Billie wrote:
Oh Gee Daisy I do hope we can get a place soon soon. For I want to get married and have a place of our own.
As always, he signed his letters, Daisy be good. I am for you. Write to me.
Daisy be good. I am for you. Write to me.
Mr. and Mrs. Henderson went on to be long time residents of Ballardvale.
William Henderson died in 1959, but Daisy continued to save and care for his World War I memorabilia and letters.
In later years, Daisy became a mother figure to her young neighbor Alberta Davis, who was busy raising a family of her own.
When Daisy passed away, Alberta Davis gathered up Daisy’s treasures and saved them. She, in turn, donated the collection to the History Center. It’s our honor and mission to preserve stories like these.
How about you? Do you have family treasures that you’ve saved? Or have you, like Alberta Davis, helped save another family’s story? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you.
As always, thanks for reading!
~Elaine
A touching Valentine story. My late wife's father - also a Henderson - sent many letters to his wife in New York during World War Ii from "somewhere in Italy." exact location to be kept secret. The letters were copies of the originals, reduced in size to conserve space.
Like many others, I suppose, your story reminds me on my own parents and theirs. Sweet, touching and a throwback to times now past.
Beautifully written, Elaine. Something to treasure, especially on Valentine's Day.
Tom