Dr. Carl D. Duncan (1895-1966), former SJSU professor and chairman of the Natural 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 & Arts. 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 in his death in 1966. Patricia Whiting died at age 69 on July 1, 2010 of cancer. She is survived by her husband Vincent Whiting. Included with this letter was a newspaper article from the “Daily Herald Telephone, Bloomington, Indiana” titled “Mr. Hord and His Kind Not Patriots, But Fakes.”
Sunday A.M. Aug. 23, 1964 Dearest Patricia: You were so sweet to see me off at San Francisco! As I told you, there is no one I would have preferred as a companion on the way up – I loved your singing – It all made me feel so warm & snug inside – and our little visit in the Cocktail room I’d have prolonged by the hour did fate permit such things to be. I can still see your face framed in your little shawl across the table. And though, as you requested, I’ll not embarrass you with prolonged tribute, you’ll surely permit me to say that, whether it’s justified in your mind or not, to me, you’re still “the sweetest thing I know this side of Heaven.” “There’s beauty in the love that freely gives and knows no sacrifice.” I hope by now, you are able to realize that this is the only spirit in which I offer love to you. I am sure that – if you can just be patient with me – and give me time – I’ll be able to prove this to you so that you’ll not need to feel any cause for embarrassment (I looked it up – the r is doubled), but do let me at time show my affection for you. You said that, as I freely wait for a child to come to me, I should wait for you and let you come to me. This I’ll be most happy to do, as the last thing on earth I’d want to do would be to press attention on you and so to repel you. If I were to blunder into such an error, I’d never forgive myself and I’d cry inside for the rest of my days over my stupidity. So I’ll try to take my cues from you and follow your guidance. I felt lifted to the skies when at your Aunt’s in Oxnard and at the Motel in Long Beach, you offered your affection to me – the little hug, the hand clasps, and the soft little caressing kiss on the cheek – are manna to my soul. And now I’ll change to another vein. I hope you’ll not feel I’ve overdone this, for I had to tell you once to make myself clear. I’ll not have to do this again. Hereafter I’ll just try to show you by word and action that you do not need to maintain any guard against me whatsoever, that you really can “trust me utterly.” My trip was smooth & uneventful all the way. The plane had hardly gotten to the San Joaquin Valley after its swing across the Bay when I fell asleep. I slept soundly and didn’t waken till I heard the stewardess say, “Please fasten your seat belts as we are beginning the descent to Chicago.” To my surprise it was raining. The streets over which we shot and the O’Hare Field were wet and shining. The rain has continued since I arrived in Bloomington, with some thunder [page 2] and lightning, and lots of rain in light showers and in heavy down pours. We all went to a party at the apartment of one of Sandra & Dave’s young friends in physics. The assorted wives and I were the only non-physicists present. Nevertheless it was a very lively party with much discussion & matching of wits over such subjects as music, plays, movies, Beatles, race relations, politics, population, etc. etc. etc. Sandra & Dave cultivate only live wires for their friends. It was the kind (or one kind) of party that you’d enjoy to the last minute, I’m sure. Countries represented included India, Germany, Italy & others beside the U.S. Not a dull person or a dull moment – and our ample assortment of cocktails or the makings(?), dips, etc to go with! Well it took just 24 hours to reestablish full diplomatic confidence with my tiny niece, Carrie (Sandra’s daughter) not quite 13 mo. Old, who saw me last January. She is quite pretty, as pictures I’ll bring home will show very happy and most animated. She doesn’t walk but runs almost everywhere and is quite surefooted. She is a most lovable little doll. Sandra says that recently she went through a shy period as babies often do and that she made up to me in nearly record time. I doubt if she remembered me though I might have seemed more familiar to her than some other adults. However, I have never yet been repelled for more than a short while by any child I’ve ever met. We always become good friends soon and I don’t believe any child has ever had cause to question his or her confidence in me, once it has been established. That’s all the news for the moment. If more develops, I’ll write again, but before long I’ll be able to get back before any more mail can. In the meanwhile – I’ll hold my vision of you in my heart (please let me say this) – for I love you truly . I’ve reached p.142 of “Wanderlust.” Sincerely Carl
