A Letter Written on Jan 1, 1906

100 Crosby St.
Jamestown, N.Y.

Dear Lucy:

I want to thank you ever and ever so much for the little bag you sent. It is just as sweet as it can be and is just what I wanted. It was lovely of you to make it for me for I am sure it must be your work.

Don't you think I am horrid to beg so hard for that nice long letter and then be so long in answering it? But Christmas rush is over and if you will promise to forgive me I will be better next time.

I have been working steadily all the fall in the same place, but may change if I can find something better. I am getting rather tired and think I need a change. I have had no vacations since summer except Thanksgiving day and all but an hour Xmas. So it is pretty steady.

A while ago I took part in a dramatic presentation of Evangeline, under the direction of a Boston lady. She read the poem and we acted it out. I was one of many Acadian peasant maidens, and wore a short pink skirt white waist and cap and black girdle. Several songs and dances were interspersed throughout the performance. There was a children's chorus of 125 voices, Haymaker's and flower dances, minuet and Virginia Reel. It was a very beautiful and successful entertainment. Then the rehearsals were great fun.

One of my clubs is a Sketch Club where about thirty people meet to draw from a model weekly. It is something like the life class at college. I find that I can do much more than I expected in drawing for I had never thought I could do it at all before. It is really very instructive.

Another club is my (Shakespeare) Avon Club. That you have heard me tell of. I have to read a paper, "Comparison of Touchstone with Lear's Fool," next Saturday and then my part on the program will be over for the year. Besides these two I belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Church Guild and St. Faith's chapter of the church. I have given up my Sunday School class as I need more time Sundays to rest.

I have tried to study French, German, and art, too, but don't get along very fast. So you see my time is pretty well taken up.

I fared very well for Xmas. I had been wanting a gold cross so mamma got me a beautiful one. Besides I got a signet hatpin, linen for waist, book gloves candy and so forth. I certainly faired [sic] royally.

I enjoyed the description of your school and life. I can almost see the little white school house on the hill. It must be an odd place. My only caution is don't work too hard for I know you are inclined to. I am sure you will make a good teacher you are so thorough.

Yes, Ruth's death was very, very sad, and I have felt terribly about it. I am sending you one of the clippings I received so you can read all about it. [The clippings are no longer with the letter.] Annie's was very sad too.

I had a letter from Bess Brooks, to day. I think she must be pretty bad off for she is sick all the time nearly. I can't find out what the trouble is either.

I have never heard from Minnie Sparrow and don't know anything about her as she didn't even write for the class letter last year.

I intend to go to college next June if I can. I don't intend to miss it if I can help it.

I must close now for my fingers are very tired. I wish you a happy new year.

Love from
Mary.

Jan. 1- 1906