November 7, 1919, From Ruth and Mamma

Geneva Indiana
Nov. 7, 1919.

Dear Sister:

I received the birthday present yesterday. I was so tickled to get it. I just thank you over & over again. (I am writing this during school time). (What is the name of that twig you sent us?) And I will try to follow your advice. Warren visited school yesterday. I do not know if he liked it or not. Any how he just about cryed to go again today. I am invited to go to a Freshman & Sophomore party at Glendening's next Thursday evening (English class).

Saturday night. Well I must finish this letter. There were two men from Mexico to work in the beets. They appear to be decent & respectable men. They work about all night and about half of the day. Papa thinks they are part Indian, Spainish, & Negro. They asked Clark (one of htem) to write & read a letter for him.

I am just starting to learn how to play tennis. Clark & Edna Glendening can play good I think. Last night our first & second team played Bryant's first & second team. The second & first were 4.0 to 0 & 49 to 13 in our favor. Wasn't that going some?

Well I want to read a continued story in the S.S. paper called "The Light on Lone Island.

Good-night
Ruth.

P.S. Wilma weighed 33lb., Warren 44, Lloyd 52 3/4, Mamma 110, me 126, Clark 141 ½ Papa 142 ½, & Mrs. Whitsel 189 ½ lb. (Sunday)

P.S. Mon A.M.

I will write some more while papa runs washing machine. It has started out bad again. I can not find any perfume that belongs to you. There is some up stairs; but R. says it is hers and she don't know any thing about yours.

Clark got Lloyd some shoes Sat. and they cost $4.25 Isn't that awful? eggs are 60.¢ per doz. but we have none to sell. young chix 17¢. and I have some to sell, but think price very low.

Have you time to think of Xmas presents? Well this is all.

With love--from
Mamma.

November 7, 1919, From Mamma

Home. Nov. 7--'19

Dear Esther--

I have just finished reading Clark's letter to you, guess I spoil him by telling him I will write too. It is just 10-10 A.M. Have just finished washing dishes, and separator and filling reservoir and made two pies. But that is only a prelude to what should be done. I can't find a decent pen or ink or pencil. But may be you can read it.

Ruth was highly pleased and surprised with both letter and beads. I had just made the remark the day of her birthday that I had an idea you would forget all about it. I sent, by Clark, for a white comb & brush like yours. But he said the brushes were $3.50 so didn't get any.

While I think of it I want to tell you to get one of those bags (canvas I believe you said) to send your clothes home in. I believe you had better do it.

Clark got a letter from Wm. Reffe. He said he gets to attend school a part of the time. Takes Eng. & Arith. His writing is much better than Clark's also his spelling.

Is there danger of either your school buildings or Mrs. Carter's getting short on coal?

I think you are improving a great deal on your letter writing. They do not sound so much like "news items" as they used to.

Think I'll get a dress (green) for Ruth, if I can ever get it made. She needs one badly.

Warren went to school yesterday, stayed all day. This morning he cried to go back with them.

Two beet tenders have come. They are Mexicans. But the weather is not fit for them to work in.

I am so glad you keep so well. How is Luella?

Are you coming home Thanksgiving? I would arrange my work a little different if I knew. Do just as you think best. Of course we would be glad to see you; but I didn't know if you would have much time to spend at home. Am writing this in too much of a rush. Have not gone to Ft. Wayne yet. Your letters sound as tho' you were enjoying every min. tho' you are so busy.

Must go to work. Made Lloyd a waist this week.

Much love from
Mamma.

November 6, 1919, From Clark

Geneva Ind
Nov. 6 1919

Dear Sister:--

Today is Thursday evening 8 30 in the evening and I am pretty even tho it is only 8 30.

School--you said you wanted to hear about school. Well everybody played tennis today no regular game but about 8 or 9 people played with one net it was sure some mix up. I have a racket & ball now, just got the ball tonite.

We have been practicing our senior play all week it is one that you had a copy of last year. It is "As a Woman Thinketh". We intend to give it about Thanksgiving if possible.

We are having quite a time at school everybody despises Willis even Tressie does. He is all right in some respets but where it should count he is all off.

Have you met either his son or daughter they both go to I.U. and know Justine Baker.

We are well started in our Caesar but it is awful hard. I have 15 lines to translate for tomorrow. Commercial Arith is all easy just a review of the elementary arith. Physics is easy. Chemistry is all bog house English is all talking about the play or else Willis. Music is a circus with Willis leading drawing is lifeless, physical training is a fake. Mrs. Willis gets the Edison down in the [...] room and we skip to (ma'loo) or else march or drill for half of the period then we have a little exercise.

I wish I could visit you and I wish you could visit home.

How is everybody there Is Luella better, tell her that package came from me if she does not know it already I did not put my name on it but supposed that my writing would e reckognized. Well G. N.
E. Clark M.

G. N. means good night

Mamma will write a 'little' in the morn.