[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Sept. 24, 1905.
Dear Lucy,
I will write a few lines tonight to piece out Mary's letter - she got late and did not have time to write a long one. Yesterday afternoon a little before two, the fruit man came and had peaches at .75 a basket - I had not got my pies made, or the dishes done, or the lamps filled or beds made, but I bought a basket and Mary spent most of her afternoon helping me get things done. We got most every thing done a few minutes past six, having put up nine cans of peaches, besides those we ate. Didn't we do well? There are not many things to write about, or if there are I do not know them - this postal came for you yesterday, so will send it with our letters. [no longer with the letters]
Edith's baby has been sick this last week, but is better - Andrew came in here tonight to ask Mary to get a bottle of some kind of food for it, at Gardner tomorrow. They all went up to her father's today so I think the baby is much better.
Mr. Wallace died yesterday morning and the funeral is Tuesday. Mary heard it was to be held at Arthur's, the house where he lived being so small. I have only heard once from Carrie - think I may hear Tuesday. I think it is a nice plan for you and Mr. C- to come and go at the same time - of course he will expect you to pay half the expenses, or I think he will. Have you got your stove and wood yet? You ought to have them so you can keep warm and dry yourself if we have such rainy times - this house was real musty before the sun came out. They are working on the addition to the Inn - it is going to be a big thing.
The old lady who boarded with Mrs. Miles last summer, has come back to stay with her through the winter - Mattie Goodrich Winch has been sick with neuralgia - she is better now or was the last I heard. Everybody is leaving town - think there will not be many of us left here this winter. I managed to cut my finger on some glass last week, so it has been quite a hindrance to me, but it is nearly well now. I hope I shall get more work done this week than I did last: I am awfully slow. I hope you have had a chance to be out of doors this pleasant weather.
Mary says Ruth Manning is getting rather wild - says Arthur Greenwood said she (Ruth) & Florence Taylor are two of the 'toughest' girls at Baldwinville. I suppose he meant at school. I am sorry - I thought she would be good. I must stop, for I don't seem to say anything. Only 36 weeks more of school. Don't let it worry you, and don't work too hard.
Your aunts Mattie & Ada made a very short call one day last week. They came up to a committee meeting.
Much love,
Mama.Frank Johnson is the new postmaster.