New Salem, Mass.
Oct. 28, '07.Dear Miss Baker;
Your letter was received some time ago, in fact, I am very much surprised, on reading the date, to find it was written the first of Oct. I trust you will pardon my long delay in answering.
How do things go at New Salem? Well my dear, I had only one session today[.] You see I have a severe cold can hardly speak aloud, and as on account of the rain, very few of my pupils were present, Mr. Putnam allowed us to omit the afternoon session. Wasn't that very kind of him?
In the High School things go about as usual I think. Mrs. Haskell teacher Alg. and Ruth Ballard sewing and something else I've forgotten what.
Mr. Betts is not a very good disciplinarian I believe. Miss Dunham seems to be the main spoke in that wheel. I think she is very good in that altho she seems to have very little dignity. I am glad you are coming back Miss Baker, and hope you may enjoy it here after you do return.
Mr. Betts is more than slow and needs making up rather often.
Do you intend to come back Thanksgiving time? You wrote that there was a possibility of it you know. I have not said one word about it however.
Miss Baker, I don't care one little bit about the happenings of last spring term. I am, and always shall be, your firm friend. I believe in you, and I love you my dear. Don't you believe me?
Yes, it is true that there is no special teacher for music and drawing in New Salem. A perfect shame it is too. I am trying to keep up the music in my room, but have done nothing about drawing.
Mr. Frank Cogswell's people have decided to remain in town for the rest of this year any way. I am glad for I do not wish to lose Florence and Gertrude.
Tomorrow night the Grange have a fair, and chicken-pie supper, and Thurs. (I believe) we celebrate Hallowe'en. I do not know the details of it but no doubt it will go off nicely, as the committees are very competent. Ahem!
Frank Root has not come back this week[.]
I am glad you are feeling so much better.
How does Mary enjoy college? I don't see how she can help but enjoy it I'm sure.
Do you know where Miss Traver [?] is this year?
Say Miss Baker, did Mr. Putnam send you the bill for your wood last year? This year we are buying it of a Mr. Sibley[.]
I am thinking of going home with Frank Root for over Sun. sometime before long, as Mrs. Root has so cordially invited me.
Last Fri. P.M. Miss Dunham and I drove to Hardwick and back again Sun. P.M. That is probably where I got my cold altho I was not conscious of taking any at the time.
This letter is somewhat mixed up but you ought to make some allowance for my ill feelings[.]
Now Miss Baker, I hope you will answer this letter soon. As my brother says, "As soon as you can and not hurry."
He is doing well in school this year, is president of his class, and seems much interested in his work.
The study bell has just rung. Goodnight. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely your friend
Olive B.