[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Oct. 5, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
Mary has just come from the P.O. in great grief - our engine company did nto take a prize at Brockton: it is more than she wants to bear. She did not hear how far they threw the stream, but they told her there were eight or ten ahead of ours: now I think if they did as well as that, that we may be proud of them - there were 46 engines and that is a good record. The Gen. Taylor of Everett took 1st and that is all she heard. Our company are to have a supper given them tomorrow night, any way - Mary is going through her French aloud just now which is not good for my ideas. She has written Roger this afternoon: she told him "You great, long, green freshman, run": then said "You got off easy, didn't you?" Wont he wonder how she heard? She got a card last night from him, asking if she had forgotten us: no name signed. I think he is quite thoughtful about such things. Now she is practising - she has take two lessons and is doing finely, I think. Miss B- is going away next Tuesday to be gone three weeks, so she will not have any lessons after Mon. till she gets back. I want you to practise all you feel that you have time for.
The Inn was closed Oct. 1, and it looks very quiet round there. I have heard that 3000 people registered there during the summer. Lizzie and Carrie have gone to Gardner to Charlie's. They were invited for the day, but C- would nto go till afternoon. L- went from here at 9-30, and I expect them on the next car. They have made a week of it. Sun. they went to church and to the cemetery, Mon. to Gardner to call on Sarah, Tues. to Worcester for the day, Wed. forenoon to call at Mr. Lord's, and to Moses's in the afternoon, Thurs. L- called on Mrs. Work in the morning and C- ironed, and in the afternoon we all went up to the old homes, and to Goulding Village, and to day they have gone to G-[.] Just where my visit from Lizzie comes in, I don't quite see.
We are expecting Fred to spend Sunday with us. I wish you could be here. I suppose they will go back Mon. morning. I have not sewed much - some of the time I have not felt very well. I went over to the Dr. Wed. night and got a tonic, so expect to be very smart soon: he inquired for you. I think my cold 'run me down' a little.
Uncle Isaac went to Worcester Wed. I felt much easier when I saw him come home than when he went away - but he seemed to stand it very well. I don't think of much news. The Parkers went to Manchester on the electrics Tues. and came back Wed. Persis stayed with Mrs. Pratt. The Unions began Tues. night. Bessie Lord read an account of her trip to Mexico: I would like to have heard it. She called here before she went to the hall and that was the first we knew she was to read. I suppose Mary wrote you that Lucius called Sun. night. Isn't he persevering? It does seem as if he does not know any thing. The Scollays and Harry Stanleys moved today. I am sorry to change neighbors, and went over one night and told Mrs. S- so: she was just sick with a cold that night. I should think she would feel as if she had moved into a play-house after those nice large rooms.
Annie was home a little while yesterday afternoon - she and a young man drove up with a nice looking horse & carriage. I wonder who! Mrs. Pratt has been moving: I presume she is moved by this time. How are you now? And how is school? And Mr. Whipple? I am glad it is so pleasant at Mrs. Whipple's. She looked as if she would be nice. You better get as many of the shingles as you have any place for if you can have them: they will be a great help. I am glad you have your stove ready for cold weather. I don't think of any more news, so will stop, for it is most time for C. & L. Take good care of yourself, and be good.
Much love, Mama.
Sat. morn. Lizzie had word from Fred that he can't come. Carrie is much disappointed. Come home when you can. M-