1965-01-xxb.pdf
islandora:54_153
Letter from Carl D. Duncan to Patricia Whiting, January, 1965
Duncan, Carl D. (Carl Dudley), 1895-1966
1965-01
English
Duncan uses this letter to express his appreciation for Whiting and their father-daughter relationship. He also briefly mentions observations of some kittens and reading a book on Western Civilization that he hoped to study with Whiting.
pdf
11 X 8.5 in.
Correspondence
Cats
Cats Correspondence
Whiting, Patricia, 1940-2010
San Jose -- California
Dr. Carl Duncan and Patricia Whiting Collection
San Jose State University Library Special Collections & Archives
Series I, Box 1, Folder 35
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Dr. Carl. D. Duncan (1895-1966), former SJSU professor and chairman of the National Science Department, began his career at San Jose State College in 1922. During his tenure he mentored many students, and between the years 1964-1966, he mentored Patricia Carpio (Whiting), a student in the Humanities & Art. Whiting worked for Dr. Duncan, who served as the secretary of the Field Studies program at that time. Whiting went on to become the first Filipino woman elected to the Oregon State Legislature, serving three terms from 1972-1978, and a community activist and beloved leader. Duncan and Whiting maintained a long-term friendship that lasted until his death in 1966. Patricia Whiting died at age 69 on July 1, 2010 of cancer. She is survived by her husband Vincent Whiting.
11:15 PM Sunday evening My dear, dear Patricia: It’s been an hour, more or less now, since your phone calls brought a fittingly happy culmination to my day. The members of the Williams family are all abed for the night and I’m in “my” bedroom (really Lindy’s) for whatever study, outlining, etc. I do to complete “my day.” And, since I tend to go a bit stale after many hours of outlining, I am taking time out to write you a joyously appreciative note. For you have brought me much joy of late and are entitled to hear about it! Dinner and conversation with you last week made me especially happy. To have you say – spontaneously – “Some one of these days, you and I are going to have to break out & go to a movie again” – and for you to propose that sometime soon we have a breakfast together at the Pancake House made me feel more strongly than anything else that has happened that I really have a place in your life & thoughts! I could have shouted for joy then and there but I’m afraid I would have startled you. Also, to have you tell me that I needn’t say anything about not taking more of your time when I come to close (or we do) a phone call, is almost equally joyous. People don’t say such things to one about whom they do not care. So you see, you have moved our relationship of father-daughter out of a still somewhat formal state into a state of sheer friendly companionship. I know, of course, that you consistently have acted as a companion to me as much as anything, but now a new measure of warmth has been added – and that strips away any last feeling I have had of a need for formal reserve. Not that I shall not lose my bearings – far from it, but I shall feel easier and happier than ever before in your companionship. Incidentally – you should see the kittens now, Swischen(?) and the yellow one. They have completely lost their languidness & attitude of mistrust and are as playful as kittens ever get to be. When I was out to visit Doris & the “kids” last week – and the yellow kitten was lying down up in a high chair, Swischen (?) leaped clean up & landed plump on top – in sheer playfulness. Also they have their appetite back in full force. Also, incidentally, I took the time a couple of nights ago to read a couple of chapters in the book Western Civilization, beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire. It’s fascinating and I found myself wishing that I might study it with you. You know, I’ve never had any history course in this area except my now ancient H.S. “Ancient & Medieval History” and what I’ve read in snatches & essays, etc. since then. Well, darling – I could write another sheet or two – there never seems to be any shortage of ideas to share with you, but this will have to do for now. It’s given me my excuse & my chance to be appreciative. See you in class – Love – Carl.
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Dr. Carl Duncan and Patricia Whiting Papers MSS-2012-01-19, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.
