#ruby darrow

We recently received an exciting donation to our Clarence Darrow collection from a relative of Darrow's wife, Ruby. The donation includes letters to and from Ruby and an assortment of items related to the couple's travel in 1929 and 1930. Here are a few close-ups of their joint passport that was issued in 1929, which notes that Clarence is accompanied by Ruby and includes a photo of them together.

Happy Valentine’s!!! Here’s a ‘love’ letter out of our Clarence Darrow Collection. It was written by Darrow to his second wife Ruby. The date of the letter is unknown, but is assumed to have been penned some time in 1903.

(transcription)

Dearest Ruben

           The main purpose of this letter is to say that I want you here on Decoration day & you must come. I will take all day besides two nights & youu must come. It is necessary to talk over various plans – so of course you see you must come. I also want you to see Mrs. Gregg whose husband I happened to run into at luncheon today. Now I know you can fix it to come if you simply try, & you must try. I will send you transportation I might as well get used to it first as last. Let me know about the time & etc & etc and I really love you bully. All the time.

Clarence Darrow to Ruby Hammerstrom (the future Mrs. Darrow), undated.

Tuesday Evening

 My Dearest Darling Ruby

Tomorrow I am going away for two weeks. I would give the whole world to have my darling sweet heart with me. You have no idea how I long for you & how I want you and how determined I am to have you my own precious girl.

Why don't you write? Please send me a letter at once to Quebec, Canada. You had better write your name & address on it for fear of accident but do please do write.

Every day I think of you & every night I want you & fall asleep wanting you & longing for you. I wonder when I will really have you in my arms again.

Ever & Ever Yours.

Clarence met Ruby Hammerstrom in 1899 through mutual friend John R. Gregg. Despite a 16-year difference in age, they married in 1903.