May 29, 1907 letter to Nancy Brown from Louese Harris

May 29, 1907

To: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

From: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI

Got the material and Leone will help her with the dress. Update on some of the neighbors. Mrs. Meredith is getting better but looks real bad. Wishes she could go to the cemetery tomorrow but presumes Ethan and Hannah will be too busy.

Scan of 1907-05-29 Louese Harris to Nancy Brown

Shelbyville May 29/07

Dear Sister

The package came on noon train yesterday but I did not get it until evening or I would have sent you you a card on 6.36 train last night. It (the goods) is all right and we think it very pretty. Leone[1] will come home to night and I calculate she and I will get the dress pretty well along to morrow. I intended to have done some thing on it to day but have had Doris & Roy[2] all day to watch and could not commence any such job. I will make skirt & waist[3] as Lela[4] says. Am very glad she gave me some pointers. I’m very much obliged to you and Lela and when the gold mine begins to flourish I’ll remember you in a different way than just in my mind. We rec’d very encouraging letters from there yesterday. Ethan’s[5] was sent here so I had to forward it to him. D[6] did the business for him and never thought to tell them to address him at Galesburg.

Arthur Doxey and wife are going to live in Allies house. Mabel & Clifton came up yesterday and packed up. I went over in the afternoon, took dishes out of cupboard & helped pack two tubs full. Three weeks ago to day Allie went to Plainwell. Clifton is going to have this place & Mabel says will live here before many months. He has a girl in Denver. Yesterday morning I sent Cora K—a mince pie & bowl of garden salad. Last eve at 8.20 she came up here with two qts of dutch cheese. To day we’ve been living high. Then this noon Walter[7] brought us a custard pie. Don’t know whether I’ll get even with her or not. A letter from Lois[8] yesterday. She said she was going to Chicago. I should judge quite soon. Wish I could go down to the Burg[9] before she goes.

Mrs M[10] is so as to be up a while every day but she looks real bad. Weather report says rain to night probably another snow storm to morrow. Wish I could go to Oak Grove[11] to morrow. I’m afraid Ethan & Hannah[12] are too busy to go. It is supper time and I must close. Cora[13] & the children were here to dinner and may be to supper. I will write again next week. Hope your nerves are in better shape than when I last heard. Did my last letter make you and Lela sick.

Write soon

With love

Lou

Are they going to wear the long coats this summer. LaVerne[14] is talking long tan colored coat now but I think the jacket would please her if she had it just as well as the coat.

——-

[1] Her daughter, Leone Harris

[2] Her niece and nephew, Doris and Roy Hogeboom

[3] The bodice of a dress, or a blouse

[4] Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown

[5] Their brother, Ethan Keith

[6] Her husband, Daniel “D.D.” Harris

[7] Perhaps her nephew, Walter Keith

[8] Their half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[9] Galesburg, Michigan

[10] Malvina (Johnson) Meredith, the mother-in-law of Louese’s brother, James Keith

[11] The cemetery in Galesburg where many family members were buried

[12] Their sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[13] Believe she is referring to her sister-in-law, Cora (Harris) Hogeboom, Doris and Roy’s mother

[14] Her daughter, LaVerne Harris

May 23, 1907 letter to Nancy Brown from Louese Harris

May 23, 1907

To: Nancy Brown

From: Louese Harris

Wanted to alert Nancy regarding the money and dress sample she sent to Lela at the office in case Lela wouldn’t be in the office the next day. Also writes down some of Floyd’s poetry.

Scan of 1907-05-23 Louese Harris to Nancy Brown

Thursday 1:40 P.M.[1]

Dear Sister

I’ve just written letter to Lela[2] & enclosed money & sample for 2 yds more of mull. Then thinking that there was a possibility of her not being at the office to morrow (sent Letter to office) thought best to let you know and be sure of it. It is too bad I did not order enough in the first place, but I calculated on goods 1 yd wide and this is only 31 in. so that makes quite a difference. Yours in haste & with love.

Lou

Immortality divine,
True life is mine.
Worlds full of sorrow
Can not hinder thine.
Love and enjoy,
Let no trouble annoy.
And lifes milestones of pleasure,
Will ever be thine.

One of some Floyd’s[3] wrote last Sunday.[4]

——-

[1] While the letter was not dated, it would appear that the letter of May 29, 1907 (which was a Wednesday) was in answer to this one

[2] Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown

[3] Her son, Floyd Harris.

[4] See the February 28, 1907 letter where she writes about his poetry

May 19, 1907 letter to Lela Brown from Alinda Avery

May 19, 1907

To: Lela Brown, Chicago, IL

From: Alinda Avery, Burlington, IA

Hopes that Lela can give a friend a tour of the company.

Scan of 1907-05-19 Alinda Avery to Lela Brown

Burlington, IA

Sunday May ^th [1]

My Dear Miss Brown

I have a friend from here who is now over in Lake Forest visiting her sister who is Dean of Women at Lake F. College. She was very anxious to go thru BCCo[2] – especially anxious to see the studios and the art department as she is thinking of going over and taking up the work. She has had considerable training – not _____ commercial line but simply drawing & painting generally.

If you will be kind enough to see that she sees the “plant” I will greatly appreciate it. I don’t know if she wants to speak with Mrs. Buck or not but she seemed so anxious to see the art department that I thot the best way could be to tell you and she said she’d ask for you when she came.

I have just written a note to Miss McCoy. I hope you are keeping well and not allowing old Prof. Cox’s cold waves to freeze you out.

Hoping this will not inconvenience you any and assuring you I’ll appreciate the favor.

Im as ever
Yours Sincerely

Alinda G. Avery

Forgot her name
Miss Carrie Denise
Of Burlington, Ia.

——-

[1] While a date was not given, the postmark on the envelope appears to be May 20, 1907

[2] Barnes, Crosby & Company, where Lela worked with her Uncle Claude Brown

April 18, 1907 letter to Will Pendleton from Claude Brown

April 18, 1907

To: Will Pendleton

From: Claude Brown, Chicago, IL

His mother is concerned that taxes have not been paid on their Kalamazoo property and is asking Will for help as to what they should do.

Scan of 1907-04-18 Claude Brown to Will Pendleton

Chicago, April 18^th, 1907.

Dear Brother Will:-[1]

I have been trying for several days to write to you, but with my new work[2] it has kept me pretty busy, so have neglected it. Mother[3] has worried so about the place[4] that she wrote to the City Treasurer about the taxes and found that the taxes for 1906 have not been paid, I will send you a copy of the letter, Lela[5] has written to the County Treasurer to find out the amount of the State and County tax and will let you know as soon as we hear. Mother is afraid now that Mr. Gage does not intend to keep the place or he would have kept up the taxes at least. If you can find out anything let us know soon, and if you think it better to put him out tell us how to go about it, though we would like to get enough out of him to pay the taxes. If he does stay we think he ought to begin paying rent at once, and pay up what he now owes as fast as he can.

If he does get out what will Mother have to do to have the matter of grading taken up before the council. Let us know at your earliest convenience.

I find my new work very congenial, thought it is some harder than the other work, but soppose I will get used to that. Do you think I could help in getting this matter straightened up if I could come to Kalamazoo for a day or two? If so I will try and come whenever you say. We want to come Decoration Day[6] if not before. Give our love to all the folks.

Yours.[7]

——-

[1] Will was the husband of Claude’s sister-in-law, Caroline (Neumaier) Pendleton, and was in the insurance business in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[2] He was working in the Chicago office of Barnes-Crosby Company, an engraving and illustration company

[3] Nancy (Keith) Brown

[4] In February of 1899 they had moved from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois. Perhaps they still owned the property in Kalamazoo and were renting it out. See October 6, 1905 letter

[5] His sister, Lela Brown

[6] Memorial Day. It was originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags in remembrance of those who died in service to our country

[7] Even though the letter is not signed, it is clear from the contents that it was written by Claude Brown

March 25, 1907 letter to Hannah Towne & Ethan Keith from Mabel Buckley

March 25, 1907

To: Hannah Towne & Ethan Keith

From: Mabel Buckley, Kalamazoo, MI 

Announcement of the birth of her son, James Flanders Buckley.

Scan of 1907-03-25 Mabel Buckley to Hannah & Ethan

Mrs. Hannah Towne and Mr. E. B. Kieth

Dear friends:[1]

Our card to you enclosing one for Mrs. Brown[2] is so very tardy that it will be no news to you I know.

I succeeded in getting only part of the cards addressed before I had to give up and take to the bed again which explains the delay.

Was in the hospital two weeks got along nicely was anxious to get home & lessen expense – overestimated my strength as one day showed. My help in the kitchen proved very incompetent when I could not work with her & that made me so nervous that we had to call a nurse and tomorrow will make her a stay of two weeks with me.

I wanted to tell you about the name as long as I enclosed the note. The “James” is an old Buckley family name. I really wanted to call the boy Edwin Flanders but though Mr. Buckley[3] never said a word I could see he thought it was a good deal “Flanders.” The reason I mentioned it was because you might think he was named after Uncle James[4] instead of my father.[5]

The baby is “all right.” I worried for fear he wouldn’t be a boy & then for fear he would be defective in some way – but he is “all right” and we are very thankful. I have wished so many time that my father could see him.

I did not hear where Mrs Brown was & so ask you to address her card. Have not heard of or from any of you since my father died[6] that I can recall, but trust all has gone well with you in the past & will in the future.

Sincerely

Mabel E. Buckley

Kalamazoo, Mich., Mar 25, 1907

Card enclosed read:

James Flanders Buckley
February 25th 1907
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick James Buckley

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[1] Ethan & Hannah were the children of Charles “Luke” & Sarah (Crawford) Keith Jr. They had an older half-brother, Henry Keith, who was the son of Luke and his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith. When she died just nine days after Henry’s birth, Mabel’s grandparents, Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders, took Henry in and raised him even after Luke married Sarah. The Flanders wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders” (who I believe was actually Henry L. Keith) age 16, living with Joseph & Amanda

[2] Hannah and Ethan’s sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[3] Her husband, Frederick Buckley

[4] Her uncle, James Flanders

[5] Edwin Flanders

[6] April 8, 1904

March 13, 1907 letter to Nancy Brown from Hannah Towne

March 13, 1907                          

To: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

From: Hannah Towne

Writes of the sickness and many deaths of friends and neighbors.

Scan of 1907-03-13 Hannah Towne to Nancy Brown

Tuesday Evening

Dear Sister

Received your letter Saturday evening. Will[1] got it and brought it up to the house. Think your flat must be nice and pleasant. Well another sad death on Grove st. Maggie Burroughs died last night.[2] It is a shock to most every one. She was sick such a short time that hardly any one new of it. They could not get her bowels to move. Nothing had passed thru in over two weeks. They had counsol and the Dr’s decided they were paralysed. I went in to Miss Blakes[3] three week last Friday evening had been fixing a skirt for her. Maggie was in there. That was the last time I saw either of them. I have thought supposing I had known they would both be dead in less than three week, guess I would not felt very good. Lois[4] will miss her for she has went in there when ever she wanted to. Maggie will make the sixth funeral since a week last Sunday. Mrs Ben Wing,[5] Mrs Doen and Mrs Frank Bennett[6] cant live very long. There is lots of sickness around here. Carrie is sick. I was in there Saturday eve and yesterday so I know she is sick this time. She and I have had a little trouble so I dont know wheather she will sew for me any more or not. She is to let me know when she gets well. I cant begin to tell it, but it is because she left me and went to sew for Mrs Turner and then she says I owe her $5.00 more than I think and I know I dont owe it. Have paid her for I always set it down and the date. She wrote me a mean note I think but she and Ida dont think so. I have got them so you can see them and tell what you think. I think she will come back for they wont know what else to do.

I went to the Burg[7] yesterday afternoon, made some calls. Called on Mrs Smith, Ella Neumaier and Katie, Lena Ralph, Mrs Gates, Clara Caywood[?] (got my supper there), Mrs Geo Blake and Jen Sherwoods. Got there about eight oclock staid until ten. Guess Ethan[8] thought I was never agoing to come. Said Lois had talked him to sleep several times. Carrie Gilmore[9] is in quite a serious condition. Has a floating kidney. It is twisted so the Dr cant get it back in place and make it stay so they may have to have an operation. She is very weak. When Gilmore[10] was in New York they had to send for him, thought she could not live. Henry S has been quite sick and looks real bad. Mrs Southard,[11] Mrs Mckee’s[12] mother is dead is to be buried Thursday P.M. six grandson’s on the berms. I did not go to Mrs Albertsons funeral, did not feel well enough. Ethan was bearer. Also Albert Nock[?]and he did not speak to Ethan. I told him he was not sleeping with Stuart Ogden’s wife. Such fools as there are in this world a little money will set them up so high.

Ethan got the job and did it in January for Harry. He told him he would pay him the next week when he got the patterns and that was the 24^th. Well he has not come or heard from him since, so you see his word is good. I dont know what to think of Will Holmes[13] wheather it is uglyness or the disease. I hope he will live. Dont know what Lois would do if Ina and the girls[14] had to come here and live with her. She could not stand stand it very long. Is not well enough. Ina must have it pretty hard for I dont believe Will is very pleasant to her. One year to day Dell was burried.[15] Lois had the jim jams[16] Saturday night could not breath so sat up over two hours. It was her mind. She was coming home Friday and stay until to morrow, but after Miss A– died she thought she ought to stay at home. I told her I did not know wheather L– would do that much for her. She said she would do her duty. Am glad Julius[17] is so good to Bess[18] and the rest of you. Wish Dorothy[19] was here, am home sick to see her.

Wed– morn — did not finish this last eve. Am all ready to go to sewing. Guess it is agoing to be a nice day. Sun has come out bright, robins are singing, seems like spring

Good bye

H

Ethan wants to know if _____ folks in a seperate flat or just a wall between you. Has Gene moved from where they were when I was at your house last August. Ethan thinks they have for he did not send Minnies[20] letter to the street you have them _____ worked on but sent it where Minnie said.

H

——-

[1] Believe this to be Will Clark, their half-nephew, who lived close by

[2] Michigan death records show that Maggie Burroughs died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 12, 1907 and FindAGrave.com reveals that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery also in Galesburg

[3] Louise (Burdick) Blake. According to Michigan Death Records she died March 1, 1907 in Galesburg and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg

[4] Their half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner. The 1900 census shows Lois listed between the Blake and Burroughs households

[5] Louisa (Mason) Wing died August 20, 1908. According to her obituary she had been in failing health for several years and “her death was the granting of her strongest wish, for she longed for release from suffering …” She is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery

[6] Ida (Thomas) Bennett. According to her death certificate, she died December 12, 1909 from a diabetic coma and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

[8] Their brother, Ethan Keith

[9] Carrie (Sherwood) Gilmore. Apparently she had a successful operation as she lived until October 23, 1953. In 1913 after her husband James’ death, she married Dr. William E. Upjohn, the founder of Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company

[10] James Gilmore, who was the co-founder of the Gilmore Department Store

[11] Michigan death records show that Huldah (Jones) Southard died March 10, 1907 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[12] Ida (Southard) McKee

[13] Lois’ son-in-law

[14] Lois’ daughter, Ina (Skinner) Holmes, and granddaughters, Gertrude (age 9) and Frances (age 7) Holmes

[15] Lois’ husband, Adelbert Skinner. He died March 9, 1906

[16] A fit of depression or nervousness

[17] Nancy’s son-in-law, Julius Recoschewitz

[18] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[19] Bess & Julius’ daughter, Dorothy Recoschewitz

[20] Hard to tell if this is Minnie or Winnie

March 3, 1907 letter to Nancy Brown from Jim Keith

March 3, 1907

To: Nancy Brown

From: Jim Keith, Shelbyville, MI

Writes of how he will try to send her the money that he owes her. He is not going to raise potatoes any more as he failed at doing so, but has better luck with keeping cows and selling the cream.

Scan of 1907-03-03 Jim Keith to Nancy Brown

Shelbyvill. March-3-1907

Dear Sister

Guess you will think I am not agoing to ansure your letter. The reason I did not ansure it before was this. I thought I could get that money for you or a part of it any way. With out selling any of my cows as there was a fellow lives west of here that wanted to loan me a $100⁰⁰ last fall said any time I wanted any that he would be glad to let me have it. So I thought I would get it of him, but he is thinking of buying a farm this spring and may need all his money but if he dont I can get it for you. If not will try and sell one or two of my cows. I dont think I will raise potatoes any more. I have made a failure of that so now I was going to keep cows and ship the cream. I done that last summer and done well so I think I can keep ten cows any way and make a good thing out of it. I have five now will have another in July. Those that are keeping cows are making good money. A man over west from here about three miles made $210.80 from five cows in four months Oct. Nov. Dec. and Jan. but of course he had awful good cows and thay were all fresh in Sept. Now about Heiner[1] he may be here all summer and he may not be here a week. That is all I have to say about him now so we can not depend on any thing from him.

I will not write any thing abot about him. When I see you can tell you some things that would make your hair stand up. Now I am going to do the best I can and you will have every cent of what I owe you. I have been thinking for some time I would write you abot about it and this was what I was going to say. I was going to turn every thing I have off and buy cows then this next winter would pay you along five dollars or more a mounth as I could if that would be all right with you but as you need it will see what I can do. We are all well except colds. Winnie[2] and Mildred[3] spent last Sunday with there Uncle and Aunt[4] at Galesburg. What do you hear from Will B.[5] We heared he was comeing back the first of April. I owe him a letter as I do every one else that writes to me. I think I will write to him Monday night. Cora[6] has gone up home this eve. Winnie is out with some girls. Mr H.[7] Walter, Wilma[8] and myself are at home. The little Miss has woke up and is crying so I will have to stop and take her.

Good bye love to all

Your Bro Jim

——-

[1] John Z. Heiner had worked in Chicago for the railway with Jim, and boarded with his family at various times

[2] His daughter, Winifred Keith

[3] Their niece, Mildred Harris

[4] Their brother and sister, Ethan Keith and Hannah (Towne) Keith

[5] Believe this is referring to Nancy’s brother-in-law, Willis Brown, who had moved to Lawton, Oklahoma (see letter of December 26, 1905)

[6] His wife, Cora (Meredith) Keith

[7] John Heiner

[8] His son and daughter, Walter (age 9) and Wilma Keith (age 2)

February 28, 1907 letter to Hannah Towne from Louese Harris

February 28, 1907

To: Hannah Towne, Galesburg, MI

From: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI

Is sending some ointment for Hannah’s back. Mentions that LaVerne has been sick and writes about Floyd’s poems. Wishes he could spend more time writing his poetry and perhaps make enough money from that so that he would not have to work at the store so much. Also writes about the latest update on the New Mexico mine they have invested in.

Scan of 1907-02-28 Louese Harris to Hannah Towne

Shelbyville Feb 28/07

Dear Sister

I calculated to have sent you a box of ointment to rub on your back before this, but did’nt get to it for some reason. I’ve been under the weather all the week & LaVerne[1] has been sick. Her eyes are quite yellow. Guess Doc[2] thinks she will have or has got the jaundice. If Dr McKinney were alive I would go to Kal–[3] to morrow and find out what ails me. I dont know as it is any thing serious but it is most awfully awful [un]pleasant. I’ve thought of you ever since the girls came home, and would like to know to night how you are feeling. The ointment I’ve sent is some Cora K– sells. She says it is a wonderful remedy for lameness especially swollen joints etc. Then I believe if you take some _____ oil I am sure that would be good for you.

The girls had such a nice time and were sorry they could not have staid longer, for they said Auntie[4] & Uncle Ethan[5] wanted them to so badly. Mildred[6] said she pretty near cried when she came away but did not let you know it. I expect they will want to go & see you after now. Cora[7] was very much surprised because Winnie[8] did not get home sick & even wanted to stay longer. They went into the Star Bargain house & saw Etta.

When they got home they were all tired out. Winnie bought six gold fish and several things besides. Mildred bought a couple of little toys for Doris & Roy.[9] She said it took Winnie so long to buy what she did that there was no time left for her to look around. But its just as well I guess. Jim[10] has been out with the mail two days this week. One day for Jim & one for Fred. You see he is sub for both. They both have the mail carts, a little stove to warm them & Jim told me this morning he rode both days with just his house coat on. He says he dont see how Will stands it in a carriage riding so far these cold days. Mildred said you wanted to know if Floyd[11] was conscious when he writes. Yes just as much as I am now. He can write in the store — any where makes no difference. He wanted to write so bad all day yesterday — but had no chance to come over here and was busy at the store[12] so after he went to bed last night (Doc was at lodge) & it was after 9 he wrote two poems. Floyds hand is not influenced — the words come into his mind — & he writes them. He says so many times at the store when the men are arguing or perhaps scrapping a little, a verse will come to his mind in answer to what they are saying — that if he would just spit it right out at them it would settle things in a hurry. Floyd says it tickles him so he has to laugh out loud some times for it is always right to the point. I would give lots if he could give his time to it. If he could only get a start once so the money was coming in and D[13] would realize there was something in it then he would let Floyd off at the store. I will write off a couple of verses he wrote night before last — had a few minutes after supper. I want him to finish the piece. I think it is good so far. Leone[14] is having trouble with her eyes, can not study much evenings. I got a card from her just now says they’ve been real bad this week. I presumed she will have to wear glasses. They are rushed through school so it is a wonder the children dont all have to wear glasses. Is the butter good I sent down. Floyd was so sure it was. I hope he was’nt mistaken. The party start for New Mexico the 5^th of Mar. Mr Sutherland telephoned to day that he would be here to morrow morning. Several are going from Wayland & Bradley. Round trip $25.00. Arthur Gurley is going from here has’nt heard whether there are any others or not. I’m anxious to hear what they have to say on their return. Arthur & his father each own 200 shares in the mine. Earl Briggs has been up to the Rapids a day or two. Men told him there that if the Eagle Mine is what they say it is that it will be the greatest gold mine in the world. So Earl has no use for it. I dont care if he has’nt. He is not half baked any way. He’ll wish he had invested before many months roll around. I must close & write some to Nancy.[15] I hope she will get a little help from Jim. With what Heiner[16] pays them & their milk or cream money they get better than $30.00 a month in cash. Heiners check came Tuesday. Yesterday Cora went to Wayland. Jim was out on the route so she got Marion[17] to go with her. She has to spend that money just as soon as she gets it. And it ought to go on their debts.

Will close for this time. Good Bye. With love Lou

We had an extra copy of Hearts[?] so will send it to you.

Friday P.M. Mr Sutherland is here today. He rec’d a telephone message from the treasurer at Mishawaka who has just returned from N.M. saying that in tunneling through the mountain last week they struck a vein that produces $31.00 to the ton. How is that when we own stock in it too.

——-

[1] Her daughter, LaVerne Harris

[2] Samuel Boyer, who boarded with Louese & D. He was referred to as Doc and was engaged to Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown

[3] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[4] Auntie was Hannah’s nickname

[5] Their brother, Ethan Keith. Ethan and Hannah lived together in their family home

[6] Her daughter, Mildred Harris

[7] Cora (Meredith) Keith, their sister-in-law

[8] Cora’s daughter, Winifred Keith

[9] The children of Aaron & Cora (Harris) Hogeboom. Cora was the sister of Louese’s husband

[10] Their brother, James Keith

[11] Her son, Floyd Harris

[12] Their family-owned general store in Shelbyville

[13] Her husband, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., who was referred to as D or D.D.

[14] Her daughter, Leone Harris

[15] Their sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[16] John Z. Heiner had worked in Chicago for the railway with their brother, Jim, and had boarded with his family at various times

[17] Cora’s sister, Marion Meredith

October 7, 1906 letter to Nancy Brown from Claude Brown

October 7, 1906

To: Nancy Brown

From: Claude Brown

Is the first time he has written from their new house. Has been unusually busy but hopes to take 10 days’ vacation starting the last part of the week.

Scan of 1906-10-07 Claude Brown to Nancy Brown

Sunday Eve 9 P.M.

My dear Mother –

This is the first letter I have written from the new house[1] and I am ashamed that it is so late in getting started. Have intended to write everyday but have been unusually busy at office and that with the moving etc has kept me busy all the time and then my Art School two evenings a week come pretty near taking all that was left.

I am writing before the open grate with a fine fire with which feels pretty good tonight. Edie[2] is playing on the piano. Mr & Mrs Pattee have just left came about 5 and stayed to lunch. They think the house is fine. We like it better evey day. Its practically done now except grading and they promised to do that in the morning.

Will send the blue prints with Lela[3] that tells everything better that I can write it and she can tell about the trimings etc. The fire place is fine does not smoke at all. Cleveland the neighbor in the east cant use his at all.

I hope from what Lela tells me Lizzie[4] has sent you some money. If you need some let me know and I will send but if not will send later or with Lela as we are in bad for a few weeks so many little things and big ones too all at once. Over $60 for insurance $20 for moving $68 for fixtures[?] and all this month.

Hope Will can get you fixed up with the place. I should not let him have $500 under any circumstances. I am sure it will turn out all right but it will take the city some time to do anything probably.

Am going to try to take my vacation the last of this week and next about 10 days so Lela can go as she planned. Cant think of any more so will close.

With love from

Claude & Edie

——-

[1] 1025 Greenwood Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

[2] His wife, Edith (Neumaier) Brown

[3] His sister, Lela Brown

[4] His aunt, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

September 16, 1906 letter to Louese Harris from Dexa Harris

September 16, 1906

To: Louese Harris

From: Dexa Harris, Sacramento, CA

Writes about a vacation she took to various cities in California. Her brother and sister-in-law will be leaving for Vermont next week and will stop in to see Louese.

Scan of 1906-09-16 Dexa Harris to Louese Harris

Sacramento Sept. 16-1906

Dear Lou:-

I dont know who’s turn it is to write, but I have the inclination and a little time, and will try and improve the opportunity. We are all well and busy. O, so busy these days. Trade has been very good since the earth quake. We get our share from San Francisco. I took three weeks vacation went to San F., Oakland and Alameda, and staid a few days at Larkspur a pretty Summer resort, at my friends (Brother in laws cottage). The bay comes up in there like a river, and has low and high tide. We dug clams and went in swimming. Mr Laing and his Sister are regular fish in water. There are thirty (Arcs) or house boats anchored in this water, and people live in them the year around. A wealthy class from San Francisco go back and forth morning and night. It is about one hours ride from the city – by ferry and electric cars. We were three miles from San Quinten, could see the prison plainly. Then after I came home I went up to my mothers[1] for a couple of days and now I am back to hard graft[?] until February. Isabelle[2] had a nice position, works for the John Brunner furniture company in the office. Starr[3] is still with the S. P. Co. and Base Ball every Sunday, is at Grass Valley to-day. Ellsworth and Susie[4] and Susie’s daughter[5] start for Vermont one week from tomorrow. They are going to stop in Michigan for one day to see Belles[6] children and you. I envy her almost. Lou she is one year can be free with, talk and tell her any thing you want to. We think every thing of her. From Mich. they will go to Oneconta to our old home, and then Fairmont and then they will go to N.Y. city, Wash., Philadelphia and come the Southern route home.

Well Isabelle has come home from a bicycle ride in the country so I will rub her down and go to bed. It is the first time she has been on a wheel for three years, and she has been eighteen miles. Hoping you will enjoy the little visit with Ellsworth and Susie.

With love,

Your Sister[7]

Dexa

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[1] Maria (Davis) Strait

[2] Her daughter, Isabelle Harris

[3] Her son, Starr Harris

[4] Her brother and sister-in-law, Ellsworth & Susie (Fay) Herndon Strait

[5] Mabel Faye Herndon

[6] Her sister, Maggie Belle (Strait) Noble

[7] Dexa was actually Louese’s sister-in-law; their husbands were brothers