Correspondence, Photographs, and Ephemera, of lumberman John C. Barline, of Spokane, Washington, with his wife Lucy Frances Dean Barline, and Family, 1914-1917

65 letters, 256 pp., (29 retained envelopes), dated 22 January 1914 to 6 September 1917; as follows:

31 letters by Lucy Frances Dean Barline at home in Spokane, Washington; writing to her husband John C. Barline who was then traveling for business; the letters are addressed to him at various places, including: Salt Lake City, Utah; Cleveland, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois; Fargo, North Dakota; Great Falls; Helena, and Butte, Montana, amongst others. 3 of the letters are not dated. Lucy keeps her husband informed on life at home, their children, school events, various social events, etc.

15 letters written by John C. Barline, at home in Spokane, to his wife Lucy Frances Dean Barline, while she was visiting Seattle, or Harper, Washington, he informs her of what is going on at home, their children, work, etc.

3 letters of John C. Barline, at home in Spokane, written to his children Deane and Frances.

10 letters written by "Dan," 6 of the letters are addressed to "Everybody"; 3 letters are addressed to his "Father" and 1 letter to "Dean." Dan is away studying at College, "Dan," is likely Jerome Conrad Barline.

2 letters written by Helen Gretchen Barline at home in Spokane, to her father, John C. Barline.

1 letter from George Beierlein, LeRoy, New York, to his son John C. Barline.

1 letter by Wilhelmina, of LeRoy, New York to Lucy Frances Dean Barline, Spokane.

Plus: 122 black and white photographs, measuring between 2" x 2" to 4" x 6 ½", a couple of tin types and a couple of cabinet cards, the rest are snap shots; of these 122 photos, approximately 78 either labeled, or dated between 1906-1940 (mostly 1920s-1930s); photos appear to be pictures of the Barline family and friends, homes, businesses, etc.

With: 76 pieces of related ephemeral material, mostly postcards and newspaper clippings, invitations, calling cards, used envelopes, etc.

John Casper Barline (1862-1930)

John Casper Barline was born circa 1862 in LeRoy, New York. He was the son of George Beierlein and Dorothea Hertzogg; the oldest of seven children born to his parents. His father was an immigrant from Lonnerstadt, Bayern, Germany, and came to America in 1860.

Barline went west to Minnesota at the age of 22. He traveled out of that state for several years for Smith, Weyman Lumber Company. He later moved to Fargo, North Dakota, then went to Helena, Montana, before moving to Spokane in 1890.

Barline became a widely known lumberman in Spokane, Washington and a civil leader. He was considered a pioneer at the "new" Spokane, arriving in 1890 after the great fire that destroyed the city's downtown commercial district in August 1889. Due to technical problems with a pump station, there was no water pressure in the city when the fire started and in a desperate bid to starve the fire, firefighters began razing buildings with dynamite. Eventually the winds and the fire died down; 32 blocks of Spokane's downtown core had been destroyed and one person killed. Despite this catastrophe, and in part because of it, Spokane experienced a building boom and attracted new businesses and entrepreneurs like Barline. The downtown was rebuilt, and the city was reincorporated under the present name of "Spokane" in 1891 soon after Barline's arrival.

Barline entered into the lumber business in Spokane. Together, with his brother George Barline (1872-1947), they formed the Washington Mill Company, where they eventually employed several hundred people. After this plant was burned down it was rebuilt and was later known as the Western Pine Manufacturing Company. Around 1920 he sold out his interest in the company. Back in 1914, the Western Pine Box Sales Company was formed and Barline assumed the post of manager and worked in this capacity until the time of his death in 1930.

Barline was formerly a director of the Spokane Savings and Loan Society and belonged to the Rotary Club and to the Spokane chapter of the Hoo Hoo Club, a fraternal organization. He was active in the Baptist church and was mostly responsible for helping to build Grace Baptist Church at Spokane. The Pioneer's Boy Club was named after him. He was also president of the Spokane W.M.C.A.for ten years and helped to build their facilities.

Barline died on 29 October 1930 at the age of 68 and was buried at the Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery at Spokane.

Barline was married first to Helen Ella Mullen Passmore (1861-1902) in Leroy County, New York in 1883. She was the daughter of English immigrants James Mullen (1830-1886) and his wife Eliza Ford (1843-1911) of Stafford, Genesee County, New York. Mr. Mullen was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 151st NY Infantry. Together Barline and Helen had at least two children: Jerome Conrad Barline (1894-1954) and Helen Gretchen Barline Koeller (1895-1989), who married Roy Henry Koeller (1895-1972). Jerome Conrad Barline became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Q.M. C. during World War One. After the war he is found as secretary for the Colville Valley Lumber Company, where his father was treasurer and his uncle George was president.

After his wife's death in 1902, Barline was married a second time to Lucy Frances Dean (1871-1942) on 21 July 1904 in Spokane, Washington. She was born at South Thomaston, Maine, the daughter of Ephraim Dean, Jr. and his wife Clementine J. Spaulding. The couple made their home in Spokane. Barline and Lucy had at least two children: John Dean Barline (1909–1962) and Frances Dean Barline (1912-1985), who married Barclay Outman Goodsell (1909-1961).

Sample Quotes:

"Jan 25 – 14

Dear Papa,

Your long Sunday letter am afraid will be a short one as Frances is rocking her dolly in the big chair waiting for me to go to bed and it is near ten. Dean boy has been asleep long ago but you know the story.

This has been the usual Sunday. Salt up, fires top build (how we miss Papa), babies to dress. Dean and Helen went to S.S. Helen staid to church. Harriet and Margaret were invited to Mary's to dinner and were coming up in the afternoon to let me go to the Wedding but it rained so hard that they decided to stay here. They staid at home again tonight. Margaret had a full day's work tomorrow and wanted to be there at eight.

The wedding was very pretty about eighty or so there. Mis P was married in traveling dress and carried coronations. Leona played the wedding march. She played so loud I could not hear the service.

So glad to get your letter hope you will have more days like the one in Walla Walla – goo business and good time.

Will try to go to Cheney Tuesday. Am sending your letter to Jerome and will enclose his rec'd yesterday. How about his money – does he have to come home to get it? The 3.50 means more to him now. You better write him what to do. He'd like to see him but –

Yesterday was fine, clear and hot very cold. Wheeled the baby over town. Dean walked all the way to Riverside and Howard. We took the car back. Intended to leave the buggy at Tull & Gibbs to have new tires pout on but they charged ten cents more per wheel than I could get it done on Monroe St for, or heard I could get it done for so brough it back.

Don't think Frances is still in the rocking chair. She wanted me to rock her, then to go on the couch, then to the bathroom finally in 'yours bed' and there I left her. This morning she got into the gum while I was building the kitchen fire and ate two pieces. I gave her some physic and she seems all right so think she will not have any trouble digesting. Dean burned his elbow on the gas stove and had to have it plastered up with 'new skin.'

Last night about 2 or 3 I felt someone touch and started up to find him standing by the bed. He climbed in and began whispering burglar stories. I finally got him to stop and go to sleep but it was not very quieting to my nerves. Have been nervous since you left. Think I will stop drinking coffee.

Helen nearly finished her dress yesterday. She finally decided to go to the Baccalaureate Sermon. Helen S. was over this evening and wanted her to go with her and her family to a Woodman's dance on Tuesday but next week will be very full for her with final exams Monday & Tuesday. Graduating Ex Thursday and Orpheum party Friday, so I told her she better not go. Don't you agree?

Has been addressing her invitations tonight.

Saw your name in conspicuous headlines in last evenings paper so will send you the clipping. Sent the razor strap and a letter to Boise yesterday. Didn't get word to Hazel about the change of address until next morning and she had sent your mail. Hope you got it.

Girls said the class play was fine. It's getting cold and near eleven, so must stop now and say good night…Lucy"

"January 27, 1914

Dear Father,

Will just drop you a line to let you know that I am still on the globe. Received your interesting letter this evening and am glad you are having such a nice trip and getting some good business. From the looks of things, we may get the mill back some day anyway. At any rate you are having a good rest…

Have had two of my exams already have two tomorrow and two Thursday. Have arranged them so that I can get home in time to see Helen graduate, that is, if the train doesn't get stalled. You see, I figure it that it won't cost me much to go. We have two days' vacation besides Fri and Sat and nothing to do down here, so would naturally spend some money keeping busy. Then I save considerable board too. In fact, I have got to go home in order to get he cash to start in school again with. So, Helen won't graduate quite alone, I hope.

Hope Helen goes to Whitman next fall and am glad she has the promise of some rides. YOU know, she doesn't care much about going, so little things like that will get her enthusiastic. Helen H. says that Cheney started about a month ago, so perhaps she can't get in.

Well, I hear English and History calling me, so I better get to studying. Am scared to look at my grades when they come out as the exams are pretty hard.

Dan"

"Jan 30 -14

Dear John,

As usual am beginning late. Can't blame the babies tonight for they went to sleep almost as soon as their heads struck the pillow after the excitement of getting Helen and 'Art' off to the Orpheum Theater party., the last of the series of high school events.

Margaret is here tonight and she and Jerome have been having their usual gay time are dancing the Tango just now, Jerome is the teacher.

Wish you could have been here to see Helen graduate. Tom Allen said she was the prettiest girl there and we all agreed with him. Her graduating dress is quite a success. I think very girlish and pretty. She felt that it was too plain and had quite a time wondering how she could change it but decided to let it alone and has received so many complements that I think is thoroughly satisfied now. She must write to you and tell you all about her pretty gifts. Your letter come on graduation day. She has a class ring, you know, that she got last year. I thought that it would be nice for you to have the little diamond of her mother's reset. I told her so and she burst out crying. Seems she heard you tell me the night you found it in your collar box that you would have it reset for her and she thought you were going to give it to her for a graduation gift. Don't let her know that I told you of her disappointment she is so sensitive. Helen Sampson's father gave her a ring with a small diamond in it this week.

So much has happened in the last few days it is hard to keep all in mind. This is Friday and I haven't written you since my perplexed letter of Tuesday. Perhaps it would be as well for Helen to stay at home for the next six months. She has been at it pretty steadily for the last four years. There doesn't seem to be anything gained by going to Cheney unless she continued for the second year.

I received your letter from Pocatello today. It is good to hear from you every day.

Had a nice letter from Minnie today which I will enclose.

Mrs. Starkey came over and staid with the children last night. Frances had her usual wakeful time. Think Mrs. Starkey had quite a new experience. Frances is awake now sitting on Jerome's lap waiting for me to go to bed. She just woke up.

She entertained her big sister in good style tonight. I was just putting the children to bed had gotten Dean, who had been having his usual run, into his night gown. Frances was undressed all but her shirt and was romping too. When the bell rang (we were in the music room). I took her in my arms and went into the dining room. Helen was flying around to make the car and called to me for a half. I put Frances down a minute to get one from the window sill. In that baby darted like a flash. Consternation and giggles reigned for a minute but Helen grabbed her and hustled her out. I thought M. & J. would have fits.

Am so sleep can hardly see. Know I am not very interesting. Baby is waiting patiently in Jerome's arms. Seems so good to have him home, is going Monday.

Good night with lots of love, Lucy"

"February 15, 1914

Dear Everybody,

Guess you are beginning to wonder just what has happened to me. Didn't write last week, as I knew that Gretchen would tell you all the news and more too! My we miss her, yes, we do. Received your nice letter the other day, but haven't gotten any from Pa yet…

Really, I have been too busy lately to even turn around. Lessons are going again and I had to take that Botany exam yesterday afternoon, so have been studying up for that That was the hardest exam I ever tried to take and I bet I flunked flat in it. We should worry.

H.H. is about all in since Helen left. She seems so tired out and almost sick Guess her mother is rather worried about her. Then too, she is getting initiated into the sorority so that keeps her pretty busy. They made her work all day Saturday, cleaning the house (sorority house).

Went to a basketball game last night between U.S.C. and Whitman and, of course, we beat. Also, went to the glee club entertainment and it was just fine…

I had my picture taken this morning for the 'Chinook.' Don't expect the pictures will be any good, but what can you expect? I joined a literary society the other night, so had to have it taken for that too. Don't think I'll have any finished up as I haven't any spare cash.

Will asked me up for dinner the other night and had a real nice time. Also went over to the Gamma Delta house for dinner last night. They asked me to join the other day, but I got them to give me 'time' so, won't have to decide right away. In some ways I want to join them and in other ways I don't. So, I'm going to watch them and then decide. Of course, Will doesn't want me to join, but I don' have to do what he says…

Say hello to the kids for me and mama must rest up and take things easy…Dan"

"Sat. 9 P.M. 8/11 – 17

Dear Mammy,

You don't mind this paper, do you? It's easier writing than the white. By the way please do get your pen fixed, or are you writing with a broom handle?...

Herbert Kippen says he will not be accepted. Seems he has a rupture from baby or boyhood days, which disqualifies him. It is amazing that so large a percentage of our young men are not fit physically to enter the gov't service these days with all our education systems – gymnasiums at school etc. Seems as thought the young men between 21 and 31 should stack up better…

Still have an awful time with my orders, but getting some boxes now – 4 cars this week and probably 4 to 5 a week right along now for a while and making good money on some too – so 'we should worry.'…

Lovingly Daddy"

"Spokane Thu. 9 P.M. 8/23 – 17

Dear Mammy,

Two letters from my best girl today and can read between the lines that she is thinking once in a while of home and Dad which suits 'he' alright.

And firstly, am enclosing your Milan Fannes Certificate. Think I told you about the proposition – how things are not moving and the Stock holders will have to put up money to meet expenses. Mr. A.L. White offered to deed us back the land – did the same with Mr. Owen next door and Thaddeus Lane and Mr. Cook and I decided we better do so too. Accordingly, if you agree to that, please sign cert. on back and have some one sign as witness and send it back and we will have a deed made out to Lucy F. B. for an undivided half interest, and the other half will be in Mrs. Cooks name and perhaps we can trade for something of value to us.

Answering your letters as subjects come, Jno. Riggs was out on a trip for the store -traveling in a Ford, was at Cleveland and Mary Ella was to meet him at spend a loving day or two with him and then he was to work back in the Ford. Jerome says he will probably quit his job because they send him away so much and I imagine Mary Ella rather have John home than the money. I doubt if she knows your Seattle address. Think she intended going out to see Jerome Sunday.

Tell Harriet I wish I could tell her what to do to make some money. She has it due her if good honest hard work and economy will do it. Perhaps conditions will improve over there by school time…

Rec'd nice letter from Jerome today. He says lucky he got away last week. No more passes now that they are beginning to get busy and will be very busy when the new army begins to arrive. If you should go over there he is in the General Office, I think that is quite near the station or entrance. You can get all the pointers by calling him up…

Well old girlies, good night. Its ten o'clock and I will go home, take a shower and to bed…Lots of love from Dad"