Unsolved: The Mystery of Irene

Sometimes you wonder how to sift through the tangled maze of memories, divining what is real, what is family lore, what remains hidden.  I don't know what happened to Ruth's close friend, Irene Hertel, in 1925, but I've speculated on illness, depression or maybe being jilted by some unknown man.  Or perhaps Ruth and Irene had had a spat.

Irene was a year or two older than Ruth and a strong Catholic, quite a contrast to my mother's Baptist upbringing.  Yet religion never seemed to be an issue for them.  The picture shows Ruth Meredith (left) and Irene in 1926, probably in the Austin neighborhood.  Looks like a license plate is behind Irene's feet.

Most of the quotes from Ruth's 1925 diary were not in Pieces of a Life, nor was the picture.

Friday, July 3, 1925 - "Not until I started to go to bed did I notice a big envelope and recognize the handwriting.  It is a birthday card and a long letter from Irene.  I read it real slowly; and was very glad and happy about it.  I do love Irene, and I hope that we will renew our friendship with twice as much love and energy.  I pray that we may remain so, if not more, the rest of our lives."

Friday, July 10, 1925 - "Not a word from Irene yet.  I am still waiting, hopefully."  Ruth had written to Irene, mailing the long letter on July 5, her 19th birthday.

Wednesday, July 29, 1925 - "Mrs. Smith, Margarite and James came to lunch today.  (James, often called "Smitty" is brother Jimmie's close friend along with his mother and sister.)  Just as we sat down, the phone rang and I could hardly believe my ears, for it was Irene.   She didn't say anything very important.  We just exchanged words back and forth a few minutes, and then we said Good-bye till two weeks or more from now."