Pap being Pap, however, he could not resist using this newfound
luxury of time to write scores of letters about numerous subjects
to various parties. It was probably his most productive literary
period. With tongue nestled securely in cheek, he wrote:
-- manufacturers, suggesting new inventions (such as a carving
knife made from razor blades);
-- corporations, complaining about directors who had less
confidence (or at least less stock) in their companies than Pap
did;
--family and old friends, offering investment advice (don't
speculate);
-- Congressmen, opposing pork-barrel spending and advocating a
balanced budget.
On at least one occasion, he even left a note attached to a
package of dry-iced beef being shipped to a daughter in New
England, beseeching the cooperation of railroad cargo handlers in
facilitating the endeavor.
Pap took some trips with Munny or his grown children, to check up
on his property in Kansas or to visit with old friends, and went
on one extended journey through Latin America.
And always, he wrote.
These were Pap's "Golden Years," and he felt entitled to let his
mind wander a bit, reflecting on his youth and past glories. He
was not shy about relating these memories, even to total
strangers, sometimes in an allegorical manner to make a point,
and sometimes just for fun.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213