LA PLATA – OPENS OFFICE
Noted Writer Opens La Plata Headquarters – Lester Dent plans to spend the summer in La Plata writing adventure stories. He will work out of an office in the old Farmers and Merchants Bank Building. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, July 22, 1937
Judge and Mrs. George Newton Here From California – The Newtons, of Los Angeles, California were in town. A gathering was held in their honor at the old Newton homestead near La Plata. A large crowd was entertained by Lester Dent who performed slight of hand tricks. Source: La Plata Home Press, Thursday, July 22, 1937
La Plata To Celebrate Sante Fe’s 50th Year – The Community Commerce Club is sponsoring a one-day celebration to celebrate the railroad’s 50th anniversary. Lester Dent is chairman of the Program Committee. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, July 22, 1937
LESTER DENT IS IN LA PLATA – The article mostly repeats the same information about Dent staying in La Plata for the summer. Arletta Bragg will be working for Dent as his secretary. Source: Macon Chronicle Herald, Saturday, July 24, 1937
Circa August 1937 – John Nanovic writes Lester Dent. The only date on the letter is Monday. Nanovic notes he received the gadget short story. Nanovic refers to himself as a republican leaving the implication that Dent is a democrat. Nanovic mentions that some “efficiency men” have been surveilling the offices for the last month. No address for Dent is listed on the letter. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
August 11, 1937 – The Ediphone Company writes a reply to Dent about a broken part on his Ediphone receiver. The letter is addressed to Dent at R. F. D. #3, LaPlata, Missouri. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
August 16, 1937 – Harold Davis writes Lester Dent. He starts off with an inside joke about knowing Dent had political aspirations but expressing surprise at Dent being a “banker.” Davis is likely referring to Dent’s new offices in the Bankers Building in La Plata. Davis refers to a Doc story he is working on. Davis refers to sail on the Rex on September 25. Davis plans to visit Italy, France, and England and return to the United States on October 26. Davis mentions that Nanovic has asked him in confidence to do some Skipper stories. He mentions that Donovan is likely drinking heavily. Davis is working at The News located at 220 East 42nd Street in New York City. No address for Dent is listed on the letter. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
August 16, 1937 – E. J. Shakeshaft, Agent for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad writes Dent regarding a request for a miniature freight train. The model is for the Santa Fe – La Plata Celebration scheduled for September 15. Dent’s address is R. F. D. 3, La Plata, Missouri. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
August 23, 1937 – Thomas Ward of Ward Storage Warehouse answers Dent’s letter of August 3. The letter regards a extra rug that Dent has come across. No other details are listed. Dent’s address is R. F. D. 3, La Plata, Missouri. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
August 26, 1937 – John Nanovic writes Dent a two-page letter. Nanovic makes several joking remarks about vaults and safety deposit boxes. He is teasing Dent about his new office in the Banker’s Building in La Plata. Dent’s address is R. F. D. 3, La Plata, Missouri. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
C. B. C. Student to Secretarial Position – Evelyn Coulson will be working for Lester Dent as secretary. She will continue her employment and travel to New York with the Dents in the fall. Source: The Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, Saturday, August 28, 1937
August 28, 1937
Dent Financials list a $10 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
Circa September 1937 – The Dent Financials show payment of $20 to rent the Bank Building. Dent notes “moved back to LaPlata”. WHMC Folder C3701_f2130
La Plata to Celebrate Coming of Sante Fe – Several contests are mentioned. Applications should be submitted to Lester Dent, Program Committee Chairman. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, September 2, 1937; Macon Chronicle Herald, Thursday, September 2, 1937
September 3, 1937
Dent Financials list a $15 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
September 4, 1937
Dent Financials list a $10 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
September 4, 1937 – Harold Davis writes Dent with the final part of the Doc Savage story he is working on. Davis mentions payment and notes that since Dent is now operating out of a “bank” it should be an easy matter. No address is listed for Dent. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
SUE CITY – Two thousand people attended the homecoming celebration held here on Saturday. Lester Dent provided the sound equipment for the event. Source: Macon Chronicle Herald, Wednesday, September 15, 1937
September 17, 1937
Dent Financials list a $12 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
September17, 1937
Dent Financials list a $15 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
September 24, 1937
Dent Financials list a $18 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
La Plata Township’s Buffalo Herd – Gomer Evans bought five buffalo for his ranch. Lester Dent is mentioned in association with some photographs. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, October 7, 1937
CALLAO MAN IS FIRST IN CORN SHUCKING MEET YESTERDAY – The contest was held on the Star Valley Farm near Callao. Lester Dent provided the sound equipment used at the event. Source: Macon Chronicle Herald, Thursday, October 21, 1937
CALLAO MAN IS FIRST IN CORN SHUCKING MEET YESTERDAY – The contest was held on the Star Valley Farm near Callao. Lester Dent provided the sound equipment used at the event. Source: Macon Chronicle Herald, Thursday, October 21, 1937
October 28, 1937 – Joseph T. Shaw, Director Authors’ and Publishers’ Department writes Dent concerning prospective movie rights. Dent’s address is R. F. D 3, La Plata, Missouri. WHMC Folder C3701_f6
October 30, 1937
Dent Financials list a $12 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
Town Should Appreciate School Band – The article is in favor of a school tax. Lester Dent is mentioned as a community-spirited person who is always helping and has provided the sound equipment used at many public gatherings of late. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, November 4, 1937
November 13, 1937
Dent Financials list a $12 payment to Evelyn Coulson.
Source: WHMC C3701_f2130
Red Cross Roll Call – A membership drive is underway. Lester Dent’s office is one of the places donations may be made. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, November 18, 1937
La Plata’s Post Office Dedicated Monday – Dedication ceremonies were held Monday at the Green Theater. Lester Dent was Master of Ceremonies. Source: La Plata Home Press (La Plata, Missouri), Thursday, November 25, 1937
BACK TO NEW YORK
La Plata’s Citizen-Author Will Spend Next Few Months in East – Dent is headed back to New York where he will spend some time before headed to Europe in February. Dent’s secretary, Evelyn Coulson will travel to Europe with Mr. and Mrs. Dent. The article mentions that the Dents spent the last six months in La Plata. Source: Macon Chronicle Herald, Thursday, December 3, 1937