ALEXANDER CHASE JULY 1927 PERSONAL LETTERS
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Mailed From Atlanta, Georgia to Whispers Estate, Chalone-sur_Saone, France
12 July 1927
Dearest Alex,
We have made it home safe and sound. The children loved the trip across, but then they always have liked sea travel.
I am so glad to be home, the place feels wonderfully familiar. Mimi welcomed us in, in her usual brassy manner. Sarah of course, climbed all over her, and of course Mimi didn’t mind in the least. She was that happy to see all of us.
I think Sean feels far more comfortable at home. He has been less troublesome lately. Not crying as much as he use to. It could be that he has out-grown his tantrums. I suspect he will be a very quiet and introverted child . . . his eyes are so serious when he watches me across a room.
Do you remember when I mentioned redecorating some? Well, the county is going to tear down an old house about a hundred miles west of us. No one has been in it for a while, but the article says it use to be quite fancy at one time. I don’t think there’ll be any furnishings or paintings but it can’t hurt to go and see. I’ll send the article back with this letter. If there’s anything specific you’d like to have, let me know. Also the highest dollar amount you’d want me to bid.
I have had a lot of time to think about us during the trip home. None of what has happened has made me love you less, Alex, nor changed my mind. But . . . I find myself uncomfortable living nearby the house where she is. I know, perhaps it is unworthy of me. But I want my life, our life, to be separate from the one you share with her. I know too, that it is impossible for you to make a choice. I saw that in your eyes the night you told me of her . . . . and I will not ask you to make such a choice. I love you too much to risk ever being without you.
Yet at the same time I can not be unaware of the changes that have happened to you since that night. Our bond of love is as strong as it ever has been. But I know by that very same bond, that you are not the same man you were before you met her at Whispers Estate.
I love you now, even stronger than the day we were married. I will never, never leave you, unless you wish to set me aside. But I can not be near where she is. My mind conjures up pictures of you and she together.
I’m sorry. I know this may do nothing but distress you. I want to make you happy; not hurt you. Yet you must know how I feel inside. Please excuse my lack of generosity; I know it is very unbecoming. But I do not wish to know any more of her than what I do now. It will give me greater peace of mind.
Always remember that I love you Alex. Nothing in the world will ever change that, beloved. You are the father of our children, my friend and my lover. My existence without you would be empty and wasted. And no matter what you do, or say, or decide about us . . . . I will always love you.
I hope you will write to me soon, Alex, even though I am home, I miss you terribly. Our room seems very lonely without you. A letter with words from you would make me very happy.
All my love; Violette
Clipped Newspaper Article Included With Letter - Atlanta Journal, July 8, 1927
Merele County has condemned what was once on of the finest show places in the south. Hawthorne Estate, built prior to the Civil War, is scheduled to fall beneath the wrecker’s ball on July 28th.
This fine old home, though deserted for nearly sixty years, still retains the southern charm that made it unique in the area.
Built in 1859 for his child-bride by Jefferson Fontaine, the family fell on hard times after the war, and the property went into county receivership in 1865.
Though all of its valuable furnishings were removed many fine examples of classic southern architecture remain. Mantle pieces, stained glass, old wines discovered in the cellar will all be put up for public auction on July 25th. Many other similar pieces will be offered prior to the destruction of the house.
Through the years, the county has tried unsuccessfully to sell the property. The house and grounds include 45 acres of land, the house and various out buildings. Originally the estate comprised some 300 acres, but local land records show that after the war much of the land was sold to pay Fontaine family debts and to provide a living for the widowed Mrs. Fontaine and her small son.
The house has proved to be the greatest difficulty for the county in attempting to find a buyer. County officials have called it a “white elephant”, without modern conveniences or central heating. The huge house has rendered the sale of the grounds impossible.
“It’s too expensive for anyone to even tear down on their own”, one official stated.
The property is wildly overgrown from inattention. The county hopes that this will not deter prospective buyers. “This area is good farming land. It’s doubtful that anyone else would find a use for it. It’s too far out from any city for a developer to interested in.” City Clerk Farley said. “It’s a shame to see the old place go . . . but what can you do? The estate eats us up in taxes every year.”
The public is invited to view the estate prior to the auction. The sale will be conducted by Lauber Brothers auctioneers, and will begin promptly at 1 p.m. on July 25th.
