stefansson-wrangel-09-20-003

Mrs. Maurer

October 15, 1921

Dear Mrs. Maurer:

I just had a letter from Fred dated at Nome saying, among other things, that he feared neither you nor his mother were quite convinced of what a safe place they will be in when they once get to Wrangel Island. That is probably true. After a life-time of being misinformed it is difficult to get the idea that the polar regions are just as commonplace as Ohio. In the days of the pioneers Daniel Boone would have been in no danger in Kentucky except for the fact that he was not on good terms with the natives. In the North we always are on good terms with them the natives and in Wrangel Island there are none anyway. The uninhabited land areas of the world seem to be about equally dangerous except that the tropics have their snakes and germs and that various lands are subject to earthquakes and tornadoes. Nearly the worst tornado district in the world is Iowa and Ohio is by no means safe. Wrangel Island may have a high wind but never a "twister." Lightening may strike you next summer but from that Fred is safe. Then there are all the multiplied dangers of civilization - railroad accidents, panics, fires and falling downstairs. If you can once divest yourself of these beliefs about the North that are untrue you will see that the few dangers of the North are paralleld by the same sort of dangers down here and in addition we have many peculiar to our complex lives. None of this will you fully realize unless sometime you have a chance to go north and see for yourself.

I am sorry I cannot tell you yet exactly where I speak in Ohio or when. If I come near where you are you will see about it in the papers probably. It seems to me I have heard that my Cleveland date is January 16th or 26th. The best way for you to find out is to write to the Hoyt Lyceum Bureau, 2443 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, saying to them that you are anxious to hear my lectures if I come to Ohio, telling them where you live and asking them when and where will be the best time and place for you to come and hear me. You are more certain of getting an answer this way than by saying that you are a friend of mine for money talks and they will be figuring on getting your dollar.

You are right about Mrs. Clapp. She is the most loyal and kindest person you will ever meet. It was great luck for me that you were married in Missoula for Mrs. Clapp and Dr. Jennings are two out of half a dozen of my very best friends. After she knew you Mrs. Clapp was glad to do

Oct. 15

September 24, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:-

Under the impression that you are making the trip to England this autumn, I will write to you at this time, hoping to reach you before your departure.

I understand Mr. Stefansson that you will be through Ohio sometime this winter. If it does not inconvenience you in any way, I should indeed be very grateful to you if you would inform

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Mrs. Clapp has continued her kindness to me since I have returned from the West by writing quite frequently. I feel, Mr. Stefansson that you were influential in bringing about the ideal way in which our wedding took place. I am very grateful to you and also to Mrs. Clapp whom I shall remember not as an acquaintance, but as a [...][reflection] of true goodness [...]ve.

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me where I may get in touch with you. It is probably most impossible for you to tell me at this time, but when you start out for the winter's tourI should like very much to talk with you sometime while you are in Ohio.

As you know, I was in Seattle when the advance party of your expedition sailed. I was very glad to be there and to help send the four men away. A word of real encouragement means so

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much- even for strong men - sometimes. However the boys went away very much enthusedand I am sure you will find in them good helpers.

Mr. Maurer wired me from Nome and last Thursday I was very happy to receive a message from Wrangel Island, stating that they had made the trip in fine shape, that everything was well with them and that they were sending mail from the island. It seem[s] quite wonderful to have this communication.

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I understand and know that it is out of the question for me to join my husband very soon. I knew the circumstances before I came out to Montana. But if there is any possibility of me going in the Spring, or even later than that, would it be wise for me to go? You know the conditions and whatever your advice may be, I would feel that your instructions should be carried out. However

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whether I could go or notI should like to talk with you before you go up in the Springfor you will be able to tell Mr. Maurer then, that you had seen me.

Wishing you well on your voyage to England and your projects there.

Most Sincerely Mrs. Frederick W Maurer

Address 911 Robbins Avenue Niles Ohio.