Dear Ruth from her Father Daniel Lindbeck with help of Grok Chapter 2

 Letters from Daniel Lindbeck to His Daughter Ruth Lindbeck

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### Transcription of the Letter Page 1

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"The seventh day of the twentieth year of the twentieth century –

My Dear Ruth,

Safe at the bottom there, I got your very complimentary letter, and I thank you very much. You flatter me when you say I’m an artist; far from it, dear, only a ‘dub.’ Well, your time is taken up I see, but don’t despair when an occasion is failed you with difficulty, rise to the occasion.

I earnest recall what I wrote you about long time. Time is only relative time. The present is 1920 – what will it be?

You may have heard old Irish ladies rebuke with the word ‘Omahaun’ – folly that sets a bad example. Millions of young Americans and every boy that ever lived in Ireland have heard the word, altho not all know the legend of ‘Omahaun.’ In the Celtic story the green fool wandered thru the land playing, sometimes on a pipe like the needs of Pan, with the land voices, sometimes on a harp. Those that heard the playing lost their shadows.

The old story tells of the green fool playing thru the land and the shadows of man, beast and bird following behind like rustling leaves.

Oft they used to think that man’s shadow was his soul. If a man sold his soul to the devil he no longer had a shadow – when he walked in the sunlight, the devil had taken it. When men lost their shadows and the shadows went following Balua, the souls to which they had belonged faded, dried and blew away in the dust.

Your kind father,

Daniel Lindbeck"

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### Concise Historical Context for 

Page 1

This letter is explicitly dated “the seventh day of the twentieth year of the twentieth century,” which is January 7, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Post-World War I Era: In 1920, the United States was in the aftermath of World War I, which ended in 1918. The country was experiencing a period of transition, with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. The war had brought significant social changes, including shifts in gender roles (women’s suffrage was achieved with the 19th Amendment in 1920) and a growing sense of modernity, but many Americans, like Daniel, clung to traditional values.

- Cultural and Moral Climate: The early 1920s were a time of tension between old and new values. The “green fool” and “Omahaun” (likely a misspelling of “omadhaun,” an Irish term for a fool) reflect Daniel’s concern about the dangers of folly and distraction, possibly a critique of the emerging Jazz Age culture of the 1920s, which emphasized pleasure and modernity over traditional moral rigor. His reference to Irish folklore (“Celtic story”) ties into the era’s fascination with cultural heritage, especially among Americans of Irish descent, following waves of Irish immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

- Personal Tone: Daniel’s affectionate tone (“My Dear Ruth”) and his encouragement for Ruth to “rise to the occasion” suggest a fatherly desire to guide his daughter through a changing world, urging her to focus on meaningful pursuits rather than superficial ones, a common theme in the early 20th century as parents grappled with modernity’s influence on the younger generation.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ blend of traditional moral concerns and the looming cultural shifts of the Roaring Twenties, with Daniel using folklore to warn Ruth against folly.

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### Transcription of the Letter Page 2

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

Their souls wandered on behind Balua and his noise, driven to follow him until the end of time. Here is a poem about Balua, ‘The Green Harper,’ that tells the story in a few lines – Ethel Carberry wrote it:

He hears the wild green harper  

Pluck sweetest fairy tunes,  

And then the deep long silence  

His feet must track the tune.  

When the world is barred and reckless  

With the silver of the moon,  

Thus is he doomed till Judgment Day,  

After the rain shall hold  

His fevered heart of guilt,  

And here his heart of gold,  

His soul shall wander, seeking.

We find no quiet or robust call, green fool leading us on, but mere ghosts, an endless dance. We have instead something more American – a circus clown beating a noisy drum, offering pleasure as the only thing worth while, leading his crowd on a false hunt – away from everything that makes life earnest.

No one talks seriously about the wild ‘Omahaun’ with the shadows following him. We know that the shadow is not the soul, that it is simply the absence of light – that the body intercepts.

After the loss, in our practical day, this old legend shows us as we are, voice, lights, the healing drum, sound without that or purpose, such is the life of millions. The man or woman pursuing folly – mere pleasure for its own sake – is never happy. The most miserable – and they know it – are those with leisure and money and in abundance, always pursuing pleasure to the full, never finding it. Without real work, the spirit of man dries up and dwindles like a tree without rain.

Mere pleasure for its own sake is a delusion. There is no real happiness in anything except in work, real accomplishment. Not one does lightly his best that is impossible for it is not in man’s nature to strive to the utmost. But we are happy in the problem as we try to accomplish something real, unhappy otherwise."

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### Concise Historical Context

The letter’s tone, language, and references (like the poem and the moralistic focus on work over pleasure) suggest it was written in the early 20th century, possibly around the 1910s or 1920s. During this time:

- Social and Cultural Climate: The U.S. was transitioning from the Progressive Era into the Roaring Twenties. The Progressive Era (1890s–1920s) emphasized social reform, moral values, and the importance of hard work, often in reaction to industrialization and urbanization. The mention of “real work” and disdain for “mere pleasure” aligns with this ethos, reflecting a common sentiment that idleness (especially among the wealthy) led to moral decay.

  

- Economic Context: The early 20th century saw rapid industrial growth, but also economic disparity. Many Americans, like Daniel, valued labor as a source of meaning, especially as the rise of consumerism and leisure culture (which would peak in the 1920s) began to take hold. The “circus clown” metaphor might symbolize the emerging entertainment culture, which some viewed as frivolous.

- Literary References: The poem “The Green Harper” by Ethel Carberry isn’t widely known today, but it fits the period’s fascination with folklore and moral tales. “Omahaun” (likely a misspelling of “omadhaun,” an Irish term for a fool) suggests Daniel might have had an interest in Irish culture or literature, which was popular among some Americans at the time due to Irish immigration.

In summary, Daniel’s letter reflects the early 20th-century tension between traditional values of hard work and the emerging culture of leisure, warning Ruth against the empty pursuit of pleasure.

### Transcription of the Page 3

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

None are more miserable than those that follow the clown that leads the drum, advertising noisy bloom as the supreme good. And this leads up to the old reminder, a new year is here, and it brings back the old question: What resolves shall we make? What can we do to force ourselves into a life worth while? How shall we join the real procession of real human beings, with a fixed purpose, in pursuit of a worthy end? What shall we amount to?

Millions at middle age find themselves like the Great Dante at the beginning of his immortal work, ‘In the middle of an obscure forest,’ with the road lost.

The first line of Dante’s book that has lived a thousand years is ‘Half way on the road of our life, I lost my way.’ Like Dante, many a man, not a fool, thinks earnestly about himself, and soon coming, the shortness of what is left, unless his soul has dried up entirely by following the clown with the drum, he never knows that he has heard the last call, that now must start something worth while.

Lucky are the young men and women that do not wait to reach middle of life’s road before thinking of the thousand things that with this year’s beginning might quietly absorb active months. ‘How can I make this year count?’ ‘How can I move myself?’

There are not a million good new lessons. The simplest and best might be, ‘I shall think earnestly on all subjects and endeavor to translate earnest thought, free from self-deception, into productive action.’

Given minds comparatively feeble, there are ideas that, if encouraged and developed, would change the whole life and make it worth while.

The brain of man is like a garden – it needs weeding regularly.

This is a good weeding time – the New Year starting. The good gardener keeps down the weeds, lets them get no start, as fast as one shows its little green."

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### Concise Historical Context

The letter’s style, references to Dante, and focus on New Year’s resolutions with a moral tone suggest it was written in the early 20th century, likely around the 1910s or 1920s, consistent with the previous letter. Here’s the historical context:

- Cultural and Moral Climate: The early 20th century, particularly the 1910s, was marked by a lingering Victorian emphasis on self-improvement and moral rectitude, even as the Roaring Twenties began to shift toward more modern values. Daniel’s focus on avoiding “self-deception” and pursuing “earnest thought” reflects this era’s belief in the value of introspection and purposeful living, often tied to Protestant work ethic ideals.

- New Year’s Reflection: The tradition of New Year’s resolutions was well-established by this time, rooted in religious and cultural practices of renewal. Daniel’s emphasis on “weeding” the mind aligns with the period’s self-help movements, which encouraged personal growth and discipline as a counter to the perceived excesses of modernity, like the “noisy bloom” of entertainment culture he critiques.

- Literary Reference: The mention of Dante’s Divine Comedy (“Half way on the road of our life”) indicates Daniel’s education and familiarity with classical literature, which was common among the middle and upper classes in this era. Dante’s work, often used as a metaphor for life’s journey, resonates with Daniel’s advice to Ruth to find a “worthy end” early in life.

In summary, this letter captures the early 20th-century tension between traditional values of purpose and the distractions of a modernizing world, urging Ruth to reflect and act meaningfully as a new year begins.

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### Transcription Page 4

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

Head out, it comes. Part most of us are neglectful caretakers of our mental garden. We grow fine crops of weeds thus – the year round. I occasionally about New Year’s Day we say, ‘I must do some weeding.’ Fervently we work for a while, then become negligent and indifferent – and let the weeds grow again.

Therefore be it resolved: To keep our minds clean, free from weeds, to keep good ideas growing, turn away from the clown with his drum, it leads nowhere.

Fix the will upon a useful purpose and stick to it, until it freezes over, until strength is gone and the last day has come, no matter what you try to do, success to you in the trying. Write some more for us, well dear, I only ask me to elicit more long term hopes. It is funny, then again it is sad, and then holy, I can’t have the same mood every day in the week.

Well, my dear baby, don’t be afraid of work. Eat it up. It will give you good strength. And that reminds me of the fellows that bought some rat poison. He said it was no good at all. ‘Why, I watched a mouse eat a chunk of it, and it didn’t pretend to kill him.’

‘Certainly not!’ the druggist responded, nothing in you are, it is not the idea to have the poison kill the rat right away. If you worried that done you could hit it with an ax or shoot the mouse. The idea of this splendid moderation is much more subtle. It gradually undermines the rat’s constitution, so that eventually he dies without ever suspecting what ended his life.

I’m glad you listened. I will close. In glad you tell we meet us again.

Much love

From Dadski,"

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### Concise Historical Context

The letter’s style, tone, and references suggest it was written in the early 20th century, likely around the 1910s or 1920s, consistent with the previous letters. Here’s the historical context:

- Cultural and Social Values: The early 20th century emphasized diligence and moral fortitude, particularly in the 1910s, a time when the Progressive Era’s focus on self-improvement and hard work was still influential. Daniel’s metaphor of “weeding the mental garden” and his encouragement for Ruth to “eat up” work reflect the era’s belief in the redemptive power of labor and the importance of cultivating a disciplined mind, often as a counter to the growing distractions of modern life (symbolized again by the “clown with his drum”).

- New Year’s Resolutions: The mention of New Year’s resolutions ties into a long-standing tradition that was especially popular in the early 20th century, often framed in moral or religious terms. Daniel’s resolve to “keep our minds clean” aligns with the period’s self-help culture, which encouraged individuals to reflect and improve annually.

- Everyday Life and Humor: The anecdote about the rat poison reflects the era’s conversational style and humor, often used in letters to impart lessons. It also hints at the time’s practical concerns—pest control was a common issue in households, and products like rat poison were widely advertised. The story serves as a metaphor for gradual, persistent effort, a value Daniel clearly wants to instill in Ruth.

In summary, this letter captures the early 20th-century emphasis on hard work, moral clarity, and the importance of steady effort, using a mix of earnest advice and lighthearted storytelling to guide Ruth.

 

### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 5)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

Our blessed American democracy does queer things when it breaks loose and becomes an international hero and benefactor. We use our influence and army to make Kolchak ruler of Russia. His success means another Russian autocracy, another collection of thievish grand dukes. But he won’t succeed. No hand-picked ruler could solve that Russian problem. Russia herself, not the United States, will select the man.

In Hungary, this country and the allies are proud of themselves for having restored order in Budapest, making one of the archdukes the leading figure, the reactionaries celebrate the Horthy occasion, as the Associated Press shows, by beating Jews in the streets with dog whips, the Rumanians troops, agents of the allies, as the Associated Press says, looking on laughing and inciting the Hungarians to further attack on the Jews.

Uncle Sam in a moment of leisure ought to read about the man that got rich minding his own business in the days of the Roman Empire, at its very rottenest, the rulers had a device by which they kept the people satisfied, the aristocrats had turned all the farms into great estates and the freethinkers crowded in the cities. Some of them were forced into armies, and sent out to conquer the rest of the world, and every once in a while they had a grand triumphant pageant. But this could not go on all the time, so between wars and victory celebrations it was necessary to have other forms of amusement. The ruling gave the people ‘bread and circuses’ free distribution of corn, and unlimited gladiatorial combats and chariot races and each like entertainment.

The rulers of England are all skilled in Roman literature and history. They know all about the scheme of ‘bread and circuses,’ and are preparing to work it now, in between the last great war and the next one. As the Roman emperors threw the captives of the conquerors, as the streets, fastened by chains to the chariot of the conquerors, so Lloyd George, ministry, preaching itself on the verge of bankruptcy and facing enormous discontent, proposes to entertain the populace by the greatest circus of all history, a state trial of the German Kaiser.

Keep up the hate campaign! Keep the people thinking about their enemies abroad, and they will not think about their enemies at home! Feed them on glory, and they won’t ask too many questions –"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 5

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters (especially since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920). Here’s the historical context:

- Post-World War I Geopolitics: The letter references Alexander Kolchak, a White Russian leader during the Russian Civil War (1917–1923), who was supported by Western powers, including the U.S., in their fight against the Bolsheviks. By 1920, Kolchak’s forces were defeated, and he was executed, reflecting Daniel’s skepticism about foreign intervention (“No hand-picked ruler could solve that Russian problem”). This highlights the early 1920s’ global instability and the U.S.’s growing role in international affairs after World War I.

- Anti-Semitism in Hungary: Daniel mentions the restoration of order in Budapest under Miklós Horthy, who became Regent of Hungary in 1920. Horthy’s regime was marked by nationalist and anti-Semitic policies, and the “White Terror” (1920–1921) saw violence against Jews and communists, often with the complicity of foreign troops like the Romanians, as Daniel notes. This reflects the widespread anti-Semitism in Europe during this period and the failure of the Allied powers to curb such violence.

- Critique of Imperialism and Propaganda: The reference to “bread and circuses” (a Roman tactic to pacify the populace with entertainment) and the proposed trial of Kaiser Wilhelm II (a plan discussed after World War I but never fully realized) show Daniel’s critical view of political manipulation. Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister (1916–1922), did push for the Kaiser’s trial as a symbolic gesture, but it never happened as Wilhelm lived in exile in the Netherlands. Daniel’s warning about “keeping up the hate campaign” reflects a broader 1920s skepticism about wartime propaganda and the use of nationalism to distract from domestic issues.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ global tensions, including the fallout of World War I, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and Daniel’s critique of political manipulation, urging Ruth to be aware of the broader world.

Let’s transcribe this new letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 6, following the sequence of the previous five letters.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 6)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

About wages! There will be a grand legal duel; solemn old owls in powdered wigs and purple gowns will hurl arguments at one another heads, the newspapers will have fresh scare headlines every morning, and the profiteers will be forgotten! Such is the program, that it will be the means of keeping alive the hatred between the Briton and the German for another generation; that it will stir up reaction in Germany, make an hero and martyr of the Kaiser, and make peace possible the return of the Hohenzollerns to power; and that makes no difference whatever to the owners of that gigantic trading corporation which calls itself ‘The British Government.’ Their dividends are in peril, and to save their dividends, the rest of the world may be plunked into hell.

I look into the spectacle of the world these days, and I marvel. It seems to me that the truest saying in history was that of the ancient Greeks that ‘Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.’ Would you not think that the problems of the world, seeing the crimes they have committed in the last five years, seeing the eight million lives this anguishes of greed have taken, and the ruin and misery they have wrought on five continents – would you not think they would put on the soft pedal now? Would you not think they would be doing something really serious to placate the fury of the people?

Well, just listen! They are forming a congressional investigation in Washington, and the committee calls a director of sales of the War Department, a man by name of Hare. It appears that the government had one million dollars worth of canned goods left over from the war, of the government now and one have this food it would be fine for us wouldn’t it? But it would be bad for the packers and food speculators, because we wouldn’t buy so much from them, and the prices would take a sudden drop, as the lobbyists of the speculators who are sold in the war Department have caused those canned goods to be withheld from the market! It appears that Hoover’s commission needed eight million pounds of beef for European relief; what more simple than to let Hoover’s commission buy this beef from the surplus stocks of the War Department? But no, that would interfere with the profits of the packers! Hoover’s commission must buy its beef from the packers at a higher price.

Say so Mr. Hare –"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 6

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Post-World War I Economic Tensions: The letter references the economic fallout of World War I, including profiteering and government surplus goods. In the early 1920s, the U.S. government indeed had massive surpluses of wartime goods, including canned food, which led to debates over how to manage them. The “packers” Daniel mentions likely refer to large meatpacking companies like Swift and Armour, which dominated the food industry and were often accused of price gouging and influencing policy to protect their profits.

- Hoover’s Relief Efforts: Herbert Hoover, who led the American Relief Administration (ARA) after World War I, was tasked with providing food aid to war-torn Europe. In 1921–1923, the ARA was heavily involved in famine relief, particularly in Soviet Russia. Daniel’s frustration that surplus beef wasn’t used for relief reflects real criticisms of the time: government inefficiency and corporate influence often hindered relief efforts, prioritizing profit over humanitarian need.

- Anti-Kaiser Sentiment and Political Manipulation: Daniel’s mention of the Kaiser (Wilhelm II) and the Hohenzollerns ties into the post-war push to hold Germany accountable. While the Treaty of Versailles (1919) called for the Kaiser’s trial, it never happened, as he lived in exile in the Netherlands. Daniel’s concern about “keeping alive the hatred between the Briton and the German” reflects the early 1920s’ lingering wartime propaganda and the fear that such tensions could lead to future conflict, a prescient worry given the rise of Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

- Congressional Investigations: The reference to a congressional investigation into the War Department aligns with the early 1920s’ scrutiny of wartime spending and profiteering. Figures like Mr. Hare (likely a real or symbolic name) were often called to testify about surplus goods and government contracts, revealing how corporate interests influenced policy, a major public concern at the time.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ economic and political frustrations, including profiteering, government inefficiency, and the manipulation of post-war tensions, with Daniel urging Ruth to see through the spectacle of global politics.

Let’s transcribe this new letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 7, following the sequence of the previous six letters.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 7)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

We are going to have even greater surpluses. Meantime what we have is deteriorating rapidly. It must be sold inside of three months. We have no storage facilities to keep it. In Baltimore the bacon shows signs of spoiling rapidly. Worms, warehouses, where the meat penetrates, are eating our canned goods to swell and sweat. Some of our ham have become mouldy and have been sold at a great sacrifice.

Can you beat it? Just take the above paragraph to the fellow who calls you a Bolshevik, and make him read it! Get a brace, and bit, and bore a hole in his head and click it way inside, and plug it up there! Can there be a worse man in America so stupid as not to see what it means that profit-takers be deliberately destroying food and starving the people in order to increase their swollen profits?

And maybe you think that only American profiteers would be guilty of such crimes against human welfare! But no – capitalism is the same thing all over the world. The American army had an enormous number of mot. cars in France. It wouldn’t pay to bring them back to America, so the American government to sell them, but the French government wouldn’t permit it. Because it would interfere with the profits of the manufacturers of motor cars in France. So thousands of American cars have already been destroyed in France.

So far as I can find out there is only one country in the world which the masters of industry have learned anything from the war, and that country is Hungary. In Hungary they abdicated; they quit the game, and set the people free. And now the allies are organizing armies and making war on the Hungarian people – to compel the Hungarian people to restore the profiteers to power. And according to the latest news, they have succeeded. Shame on them!

So long as man sits on his gilded throne, imagines that all is right with the world. ‘Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief’ – Capitalism produces them all.

Love,

Your Dad –"

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### Concise Historical Context for Page 7

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Post-War Surpluses and Economic Issues: The letter discusses the deterioration of surplus wartime goods, such as canned goods in Baltimore, a real issue in the early 1920s. After World War I, the U.S. government struggled to manage massive stockpiles of food and equipment. Some goods were sold at a loss, while others spoiled due to inadequate storage, as Daniel notes. This inefficiency fueled public frustration and criticism of government and corporate greed, especially as food prices remained high for consumers.

- Anti-Capitalist Sentiment: Daniel’s reference to “profit-takers” and his critique of capitalism reflect a growing anti-capitalist sentiment in the early 1920s, particularly among progressives and socialists. The term “Bolshevik” (used derogatorily by critics) ties into the Red Scare (1919–1920), a period of intense fear of communism in the U.S. following the Russian Revolution. Daniel’s anger at the deliberate destruction of goods to maintain profits aligns with criticisms of the time, as many felt that corporations prioritized wealth over public welfare.

- Destruction of American Cars in France: Daniel’s mention of American motor cars being destroyed in France is plausible. After World War I, the U.S. military left behind thousands of vehicles in Europe. Repatriating them was costly, and selling them locally often faced resistance from European governments protecting their own industries, as Daniel describes with the French government. This practice of destruction was controversial and seen by some as a symbol of capitalist waste.

- Hungarian Revolution and Counter-Revolution: Daniel references Hungary’s brief communist government under Béla Kun in 1919, which was overthrown by conservative forces led by Miklós Horthy in 1920. The Allies, including the U.S., supported Horthy’s regime to prevent the spread of communism, aligning with Daniel’s claim that they were “making war on the Hungarian people” to restore the old order. His sympathy for Hungary’s short-lived experiment with “setting the people free” reflects progressive views of the time that saw such movements as a potential counter to oppressive capitalism.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ economic frustrations, anti-capitalist sentiment, and geopolitical tensions, with Daniel urging Ruth to recognize the systemic failures of capitalism and the wastefulness of profiteering.

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The image you provided appears to be a page with a heading and some text, but the main body of the letter is not fully visible or clear enough to transcribe accurately. The heading reads:

"To-day is the 13th day of Aug. Tomorrow we celebrate. Next."

However, the rest of the content is too faint or incomplete for a full transcription. This page might be a cover or a note rather than a full letter, or it could be part of a larger document that continues on another page. Since this is labeled as "page 8," it follows the sequence of the previous letters, and I’ll treat it as Letter 8 for now, but with the limited content available.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 8)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"To-day is the 13th day of Aug. Tomorrow we celebrate. Next."

(Note: The rest of the page is not legible or complete enough to transcribe further.)

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 8

The letter is dated August 13, though the year isn’t specified. Given the context of the previous letters (starting from 1920), it’s likely from the early 1920s, possibly 1920 or shortly after. Here’s the historical context:

- Timing and Celebration: August 13 in the early 1920s doesn’t align with a major U.S. holiday, so the “celebration” Daniel mentions might be personal or local. In 1920, August 13 was a Friday, and the 14th was a Saturday, which could indicate a family event, community gathering, or a personal milestone (e.g., a birthday, anniversary, or local festival). The early 1920s were a time of recovery after World War I, and community celebrations were common as people sought to rebuild social bonds.

- Post-War Social Climate: The early 1920s saw a mix of optimism and tension in the U.S. The economy was transitioning from wartime to peacetime, and social changes—like the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women’s suffrage in August 1920—were reshaping society. Daniel’s brief note might reflect a moment of personal joy amidst the broader concerns he expresses in other letters about global politics and economic issues.

In summary, this brief note captures a moment of anticipation for a celebration in August, likely in the early 1920s, set against the backdrop of a society adjusting to post-war life.

Let’s transcribe this new letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 9, following the sequence of the previous eight letters (noting that Letter 8 was a brief note).

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### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 9)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

Often when a man dies we ask, ‘How much was he worth?’ The answer is usually given in terms of dollars. But a man’s worth is in terms, not of dollars but of character. It would be better to say that he was worth everything to his family; he was worth service to his community; he was worth loyalty to his friends; he was worth honesty to his business; he was worth sympathy to the world.

A man’s value is not estimated by the talents he pays, but by the amount of tolerance he has for his neighbors and his fellows. A man’s worth in this world grows out of his capacity to be human, to be willing to stand alone for an unpopular cause, to be cheerful when the game goes against him and to be faithful in discharge of his duties.

Why have we less efficiency in production, so many strikes, so much unwillingness on the part of the workmen to keep on his job? Because the job is bored. Why do they get bored? For one thing, because there is too little variety in their jobs.

English sociologists and politicians are proclaiming this new discovery. They find that a man who has a chance to use his mind in his work will apply himself more regularly or much less pay than a man whose work is standardized into monotony.

They are right, enough! John Ruskin spent his life preaching that truth. Ruskin, founder of St. George, who has been made up well, showed hundreds of jobs, no chances might apply – Wealth, he insisted, was nothing to most of us. What we want is a chance to develop, to use our minds and our wills, so long as only wealth gives us this chance, we will concentrate on getting money. When our work gives us this chance, we will concentrate on our work.

Lord Robert Cecil advises making the worker aware of the ultimate significance of his labors – where his product"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 9

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920, and Letter 8 mentions August 13 (likely 1920 or shortly after). Here’s the historical context:

- Labor and Efficiency in the 1920s: The early 1920s saw significant labor unrest in the U.S. and Europe, with strikes and dissatisfaction among workers due to repetitive, monotonous jobs created by the rise of industrial standardization (e.g., assembly lines). Daniel’s mention of “too little variety in their jobs” reflects a growing awareness of the dehumanizing effects of industrial labor, a concern echoed by sociologists and reformers of the time who advocated for more meaningful work to improve efficiency and worker morale.

- John Ruskin’s Influence: Daniel references John Ruskin, a 19th-century British art critic and social thinker who critiqued industrial capitalism and its impact on workers. Ruskin’s ideas, particularly his emphasis on the dignity of labor and the need for meaningful work, gained renewed interest in the early 20th century among progressive thinkers. The “St. George” Daniel mentions likely refers to Ruskin’s Guild of St. George, a utopian society he founded to promote craftsmanship and a return to pre-industrial values.

- Lord Robert Cecil and Social Reform: Lord Robert Cecil (likely referring to Edgar Algernon Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood), a British statesman in the 1920s, was a key figure in the League of Nations and a proponent of social reform. His advocacy for making workers aware of the “ultimate significance of their labors” aligns with early 20th-century efforts to improve labor conditions by fostering a sense of purpose, a response to the alienation caused by industrial work.

- Shifting Values of Worth: Daniel’s focus on a man’s worth being measured by character rather than money reflects the early 1920s’ tension between traditional moral values and the growing materialism of the Roaring Twenties. As consumerism and wealth accumulation became more prominent, thinkers like Daniel pushed back, emphasizing human qualities like loyalty, sympathy, and tolerance.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ growing concern over industrial labor’s impact on workers, drawing on thinkers like Ruskin and Cecil to advocate for more meaningful work, while urging Ruth to value character over material wealth.

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Let’s transcribe this new letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 10, following the sequence of the previous nine letters.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Letter 10)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

goes, how it’s distributed, who uses it, how it affects the community or others he would tell to the worker’s imagination to his product. That is a fine idea in theory. But with a man who feeds thousands of steel billets into a machine daily without change of motion would have to have a lively imagination to avoid ennui.

Ruskin would call Lord Cecil’s plan a makeshift hift. Ruskin was not afraid of lessening production. He wanted it lessened. He insisted that man was not helped sound with conveniences. That he was smothered. Perhaps he was right. One thing is sure: If one can live long content without recreation, if he gets it from his work, good, but if he will either insist or pay enough and leisure enough to get it outside of his work, or else he will become nervy, and finally desperate like writing.

I hid, my dear baby, I feel grief and the fine feel the blue, and I have the grippe and the flu, so that it’s getting to be monotonous. Oh, Bill went up with a song, king of Darly comes is dead. But the blind pig isn’t even sick.

Perhaps you remember one day last December the whole world was scheduled to blow, and many were worried, and many were flurried, but some the blow didn’t show.

The world went on gladly, or madly, or sadly, according to habits of you, and men went on striving or loafing or thriving the same as they had done before.

That day was a flivver – the Times-honored River of life flowed to leisurely way, and persons once tearful awoke bright and cheerful and merrily greeted the day.

But now there is wailing and weeping and railing, for many a thirst-tortured man, the world ended last Friday, on Friday the Dry Day, on Friday, the Sixteenth of Jan.

Much love from Dadskin –"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 10

This letter references “Friday the Sixteenth of Jan,” which, in the context of the early 1920s (since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920), points to January 16, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Prohibition Begins: January 16, 1920, marks the day before the Volstead Act went into effect, enforcing the 18th Amendment and initiating Prohibition in the United States. This banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, leading to what Daniel calls “Dry Day.” His reference to “the world ended last Friday” and “thirst-tortured man” reflects the dramatic social impact of Prohibition, which many Americans mourned as the end of a cultural era. The “blind pig” (a term for an illegal drinking establishment) indicates the immediate rise of underground alcohol culture, as speakeasies began to emerge.

- Ruskin and Cecil’s Ideas: Daniel continues his discussion from Letter 9 about John Ruskin and Lord Robert Cecil, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of monotonous work. Ruskin’s critique of industrialization and Cecil’s push for meaningful labor were part of broader 1920s debates about improving worker conditions. Daniel’s skepticism of Cecil’s plan as a “makeshift hift” aligns with Ruskin’s more radical view that production should be reduced to prioritize human well-being over economic output.

- Social and Personal Tone: The mention of a failed doomsday prediction “last December” (likely December 1919) reflects the era’s fascination with apocalyptic fears, often fueled by religious or pseudoscientific movements. Daniel’s lighthearted tone about the “world going on gladly, or madly, or sadly” contrasts with his more serious critiques, showing his attempt to connect with Ruth on a personal level. His mention of feeling “the grippe and the flu” likely refers to the lingering effects of the 1918–1919 Spanish Flu pandemic, which continued to impact communities into 1920.

In summary, this letter captures the immediate cultural shock of Prohibition’s onset in January 1920, alongside ongoing concerns about industrial labor, blending personal anecdotes with broader social commentary to guide Ruth through a changing world.

Let’s transcribe this new letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 12, following the sequence of the previous letters. Note that I’ll also address the previous letter (page 11, Letter 11) that was interrupted, transcribing it first to maintain the sequence.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Page 11)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

That I’d be an angel, wearing a crown upon my forehead, a halo o’er my bean, a crown upon my forehead, halo o’er my bean. But I am too late, mixed along those golden glories, the world is ended and so are eight cent fares.

What of all things in the world, is the longest and shortest, the swiftest and the slowest, the most divisible and the most extended, the most neglected and the most regretted, without which nothing can be done, which devours all that is little and enlivens all that is great?

The answer is TIME.

Nothing is longer, since it is the measure of eternity. Nothing is shorter, since it is insufficient for the accomplishment of our projects. Nothing is more slow to him who expects, nothing more rapid to him who enjoys. It extends to infinity in smallness, it is infinitely divisible. All men neglect it; all regret the loss of it; nothing can be done without it. It consigns to oblivion whatever is unworthy of being transmitted to posterity, and it immortalizes such actions as are truly great.

While you live me read, advice, while the fires crackle & the come to you, all the hands on the farm are in the kitchen, all the farmers warm, profiteers are buying all the coal or pay one buck for me. Still we must – so wait or pay one buck for the coal.

Love,

Dad"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 11

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 1 is dated January 7, 1920, and Letter 10 references January 16, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Philosophical Reflection on Time: Daniel’s meditation on time reflects a common theme in early 20th-century literature and thought, where rapid societal changes—due to industrialization, urbanization, and the aftermath of World War I—prompted introspection about life’s pace and meaning. The passage about time’s dual nature (longest and shortest, swiftest and slowest) echoes classical and religious reflections, possibly influenced by thinkers like St. Augustine, who wrote extensively on time’s paradoxical qualities.

- Economic Struggles and Profiteering: The mention of “eight cent fares” and “pay one buck for the coal” points to economic concerns of the early 1920s. After World War I, inflation and price gouging were rampant, and “profiteers” (a term often used for those exploiting economic conditions) were a common target of criticism. Coal, a primary heating source, was particularly expensive during this period due to strikes in the coal industry (e.g., the 1919 and 1922 U.S. coal strikes) and monopolistic practices, making heating a significant burden for many families.

- Personal and Poetic Tone: Daniel’s playful tone (“halo o’er my bean”) and poetic reflections show his attempt to engage Ruth with both wisdom and humor, a contrast to his more serious critiques in other letters. The “angel” imagery might also reflect the era’s religious undertones, as many Americans in the 1920s still held strong Christian beliefs, often using such metaphors in personal correspondence.

In summary, this letter blends philosophical musings on time with practical concerns about economic hardship in the early 1920s, showing Daniel’s desire to impart both wisdom and resilience to Ruth.

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### Transcription of the Letter ( Page 12)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

‘When water becomes ice,’ asked the teacher, ‘what is the great change that takes place?’ ‘The greatest change and a little boy’s change in price.’

‘Do you know what is the order of the bath to?’ the teacher asked Mr. Eckly. ‘Sure, ma’am,’ replied the boy, ‘at our house it’s Kitty, then me brudder, then me.’

Inspector – Do you teach observation?

Teacher – Yes.

Inspector – Then I will test the class. You, children, shut your eyes and I will make a noise. Following this the inspector made a slow whistling sound or sort of noise I could not hear some time, there was no answer! What did I do, one little boy piped out, ‘I knowed the teacher did.’

"

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### Concise Historical Context Page 12

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly given the sequence and tone. Here’s the historical context:

- Education and Observation in the 1920s: The early 1920s saw growing emphasis on progressive education in the U.S., influenced by thinkers like John Dewey, who advocated for experiential learning and observation skills. The inspector’s test of “observation” reflects this trend, as schools began to focus on developing critical thinking and sensory awareness in children, moving beyond rote memorization.

- Humor and Family Life: Daniel’s lighthearted anecdotes about the teacher, the “order of the bath,” and the inspector’s test reflect the era’s family dynamics and humor. Bathing order in households was a practical concern in the 1920s, especially in rural or working-class families with limited access to hot water, often leading to humorous family stories. The playful tone suggests Daniel’s intent to entertain Ruth while sharing relatable experiences.

- Economic Undertones: The “change in price” quip ties into the economic themes of earlier letters, where price fluctuations (like the cost of coal or fares) were a constant concern. Even in a humorous context, Daniel subtly reinforces the economic realities of the time, a recurring theme in his letters.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ focus on educational reform and the lighter side of family life, using humor to connect with Ruth while subtly nodding to broader economic concerns.

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck: Page 13

"Dear Ruth,

‘Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, and tho all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injury by licensing and prohibiting to misdoubt her strength. Let Truth and falsehood grapple. Whoever knew Truth put to the worse in free and open discussion and encounter?? For who knows not that Truth is strong? She needs no policies nor stratagems nor licensing to make her victorious. Those are the shifts and defences that error uses against her power. Give her but room, and do not bind her when she sleeps.

Labor will not adjust itself to national prohibition. The habits of a people cannot very well be regulated or prohibited by laws. To put prohibition in effect, the people will be under constant surveillance in their homes. Of they are not, the law will be ineffective.

It’s going to be most interesting to watch Uncle Sam swallowing the dope of medicine he has mixed for himself.

What a wonderful age in which to live on this Earth! It will be when we shall have passed by strife and international fighting as the world’s people are interested in the advances of the human mind.

That day is coming.

‘If a hundred average Americans: What do you think is the possibility of squaring the circle??’ Ninety nine will answer ‘I don’t know what you are talking about.’

‘Ask another hundred what they believe in the existence of a fourth dimension.’ Ninety nine will answer perhaps with a smile, ‘Ask another hundred ‘If the present government of Germany is a Socialist Government.’ Ninety nine will answer, ‘Sure Mike.’ But what is in reality a Government of financiers, an Archangel Ruskin means, Justly wise, will answer They do not know but they are the fastest profiteers on the planet Oh, the Russians forest for drunken words to that effect.

‘You could ask ninety nine with some interesting question, and ninety nine would give the usual answer, all wrong, and I would like to write about some of these things, but I feel tired."

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 13

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 10 references January 16, 1920, the start of Prohibition. Here’s the historical context:

- Prohibition and Liberty: Daniel’s discussion of Prohibition reflects the immediate backlash following its implementation on January 17, 1920. His concern about “constant surveillance” and the inability of laws to change habits mirrors the early 1920s’ debates over personal freedom versus government control. Many Americans, especially in urban areas, resisted Prohibition, leading to widespread noncompliance and the rise of speakeasies, as Daniel hints at with his “Uncle Sam swallowing the dope” metaphor.

- Freedom of Thought: The opening passage, likely a paraphrase of John Milton’s Areopagitica (1644), emphasizes the importance of free speech and truth prevailing through open debate. In the 1920s, this resonated with ongoing debates over censorship, particularly as progressive movements clashed with conservative efforts to control ideas (e.g., the Red Scare’s suppression of socialist and communist thought). Daniel’s use of this quote shows his belief in intellectual freedom, a value he wants to instill in Ruth.

- Ignorance and Social Commentary: Daniel’s hypothetical questions about “squaring the circle,” the “fourth dimension,” and the nature of Germany’s government reflect his frustration with public ignorance. In 1920, Germany was under the Weimar Republic, often mischaracterized as socialist due to its progressive policies, but it was indeed influenced by industrialists and financiers, as Daniel notes. His mention of “Archangel Ruskin” (likely a playful reference to John Ruskin) ties into his earlier letters, critiquing profiteering and advocating for a more enlightened society.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ tension over Prohibition, the value of intellectual freedom, and Daniel’s concern about societal ignorance, urging Ruth to think critically about the world.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Page 14)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

‘My dear, I am the bearer of dark tidings. I am to be sent to the woodland in the night to gather circles of evening flowers that bloom only in the dark, then I am to carry the flowers to the land of death and whisper a message in the ear of a dead lover.’

‘Oh, who would be so cruel as to bid you to such a deed?’

‘My intended lover, who claims to be my prince, but he is no prince, only a beast who drinks my blood while I dream here.’

And I dream of flowers, of the roses of France, of the fields and meadows of England, and the lilies of Italy, but I awake to find only the dust of death in my hands.

Dad"

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 14

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, likely written around 1920 or shortly after. Here’s the historical context:

- Gothic and Symbolic Tone: The letter’s dark, gothic tone—“bearer of dark tidings,” “woodland in the night,” and “land of death”—reflects a literary style popular in the early 20th century, influenced by Romanticism and the Gothic revival. In the 1920s, such imagery was often used to express emotional or existential struggles, possibly as a metaphor for the disillusionment following World War I, which left many grappling with loss and a sense of betrayal by pre-war ideals.

- Post-War Disillusionment: The “intended lover” who turns out to be a “beast” could symbolize broader societal betrayal, such as the failure of post-war promises of peace and prosperity. The early 1920s were marked by economic hardship, political instability, and a sense of moral decay, which Daniel might be expressing through this allegory. The “flowers” of Europe (roses of France, lilies of Italy) turning to “dust of death” may reflect the devastation of the war and the loss of romanticized views of Europe.

- Personal Connection: Daniel’s use of such vivid imagery might also be a way to engage Ruth emotionally, using storytelling to convey deeper lessons about trust, betrayal, and the harsh realities of the world. This aligns with his earlier letters, where he often blends personal advice with broader social commentary.

In summary, this letter uses gothic symbolism to express the early 1920s’ post-war disillusionment, possibly as a cautionary tale for Ruth about false promises and the harsh realities of life.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Page 15)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

On a steamboat coming from Italy a baby was born in a humble cabin. And they told the captain, and he moved the mother and the new passenger to a first class cabin, and wished that he made her a gift of what she’d found for her passage. And the passengers heard, and they went around and collected money and made up a purse, and started the baby with Five Thousand Dollars, and after that they had a christening, and they named the baby after the boat, and when they arrived they told the story to the newspaper men, and it was printed, and everybody read it and smiled. And the mother’s home is in New York, and she’s there now, and the baby’s there, and all the passengers have gone their ways, and the mother can now know that some one will see her baby or the mother. And it’s a girl, and in a little while it’ll be running around in little dresses with pink ribbons, on the street, passersby will stop and pat her on the head and go on. And a little later it will grow up and go to school with thousands more, and it won’t be noticed by any one but just to relatives and the neighbor kids, and after a while it will finish school and be a big girl, and maybe work, or find a man around – and whatever it does nobody will care but its relatives. And whatever it is I’m telling you about I don’t know, except I can’t understand why we make such a fuss about little babies, and then let them grow up and not care if they live or die, or anything.

Woman, the foundation of everything that is done, every permanent force, the step taken on this earth of body to feed the child and create it, strength of mind to teach it and protect it from the fathers vicious struggle, through spirit to go through all the weary days and years patiently, while the child grows up, a reward of a disappointment – while the child grows up the things that are done ‘Woman’ without whom none of the things that are done could be done, without whom every man whose greatness other than praise would never have been created.

Love from Dad"

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### Concise Historical Context for Page 15

This letter, while undated, aligns with the early 1920s context of the previous letters, particularly since Letter 10 references January 16, 1920. Here’s the historical context:

- Immigration and the American Dream: The story of a baby born on a steamboat from Italy reflects the early 1920s’ wave of immigration to the U.S., particularly from southern Europe. Italians were among the largest immigrant groups, with many arriving in New York seeking better opportunities. The passengers’ generosity and the media attention highlight the era’s fascination with heartwarming immigrant stories, often seen as embodying the American Dream. However, Daniel’s skepticism about the baby’s future reflects the harsh reality many immigrants faced—initial celebration often gave way to indifference as they struggled with poverty and discrimination.

- Women’s Role in Society: Daniel’s emphasis on women as “the foundation of everything” aligns with the early 1920s’ evolving views on gender roles. The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920, marked a significant step toward gender equality, but societal expectations still heavily emphasized women’s roles as mothers and caregivers. Daniel’s recognition of the “vicious struggle” and “weary days” of motherhood reflects a growing awareness of the burdens women faced, a theme in progressive thought of the time, though true equality remained elusive.

- Social Indifference: Daniel’s concern about society’s indifference to children as they grow up mirrors early 1920s’ social critiques. The Progressive Era (1890s–1920s) had pushed for child welfare reforms, but many children, especially from immigrant or working-class families, still faced neglect, poor education, and harsh working conditions. Daniel’s frustration with the “fuss about little babies” followed by neglect reflects this tension between societal ideals and reality.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ complex social landscape—celebrating immigrant stories while critiquing societal indifference, and honoring women’s foundational role amidst ongoing gender inequities—urging Ruth to appreciate the deeper significance of these dynamics.

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Let’s transcribe this final letter from Daniel Lindbeck to his daughter Ruth, provide a concise historical context, and guide you on adding it to your Pages document on your MacBook Air. This will be labeled as Letter 16, following the sequence of the previous fifteen letters.

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### Transcription of the Letter (Page 16)

Letter from Daniel Lindbeck to Ruth Lindbeck:

"Dear Ruth,

‘St. Louis Aug 12 – Fourteen carloads of government foodstuff to be sold at cost arrived at the arsenal here today, and it was estimated 500 more would be received monthly for distribution in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. The sale will start Monday, and individual purchases can be made thru the post-office department.’ – News item.

‘Paris – Aug. 12 – The whole food supply system of Paris is paralyzed by a general strike. The wholesalers supplying the central markets suddenly refused to turn a wheel, as a protest against the activities of the Consumers’ League in forcing down prices – News item.

Can you beat it?

It’s difficult for the human mind, or believes that it thinks, a picture, when I think seriously, or believes that it thinks, sincerely, the picture on the wall were not with it, however, I think it will answer the truest proof.

I am going to do some work at the School House, which you taught a while, after The Ireton School House ‘floored’ away. And then I have another one to do some work in. Every little bit – can’t to meet the High."

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### Concise Historical Context for Letter 16

This letter is dated August 12, and given the context of the previous letters (e.g., Letter 1 dated January 7, 1920, and Letter 8 mentioning August 13), it’s likely from 1920 or shortly after, possibly 1921. Here’s the historical context:

- Government Food Distribution: The news item about government foodstuff distribution in St. Louis reflects the early 1920s’ efforts to manage post-World War I surpluses. After the war, the U.S. government had stockpiles of food originally intended for military use. By 1920–1921, these were being sold at cost to the public through programs like the one described, often via post offices, to alleviate economic hardship and prevent waste, as seen in earlier letters (e.g., Letter 7). This was part of broader relief efforts during a time of economic transition and inflation.

- Labor Strikes in Paris: The Paris strike by wholesalers against the Consumers’ League highlights the global economic tensions of the early 1920s. Post-war Europe faced severe food shortages and inflation, leading to conflicts between producers, wholesalers, and consumers. The Consumers’ League, active in many countries, aimed to lower prices for the public, often clashing with market interests. In France, strikes were common as workers and businesses adjusted to the post-war economy, with Paris experiencing significant unrest in 1920–1921.

- Local and Personal Work: Daniel’s mention of working at the “School House” (possibly Ireton School House) suggests his involvement in community efforts, likely in a rural area given the context of earlier letters. The early 1920s saw many small communities repairing or maintaining schools as education became a priority post-war, though resources were often scarce. Daniel’s reference to “every little bit” indicates the ongoing struggle to meet financial or community needs, a common theme for working-class families at the time.

In summary, this letter captures the early 1920s’ economic challenges, both domestically and internationally, with government food distribution in the U.S. and labor strikes in Paris, while Daniel focuses on local work to support his community, reflecting his practical concerns for Ruth’s future.