Dear BrotherI know that I can never write so interesting a letter as yours which came to me Thanksgiving morning & was read that day by the Smith family. I must confess I was shocked to hear that our sire was taking to such gaities [sic] as a dance at this late day - & I would advise him to be careful or he will succeed no better than he did once upon a time with skates[.] What with secret societies strawberry Festivals & dances I know not where he will end - cards & stage acting will come next I fear.
I wrote Father about our thieves. The detective has been here today & it is the darkest thing that ever was done - one little thing I told Mr. Porter they are looking into but I do not know that they will make anything of it. About a week ago two strange men were seen in town and they stopped & asked a girl what our buildings were & they seemed to be looking around - I saw them -
Some in town think it is someone in our family, but I feel sure that no one would dare to take so much as they did - but they worked very quickly as they only had 1/2 hr. to do it in, & it was from quarter of six to quarter past. You have a picture at home of our building they entered, the Music Hall -
How is skating. Snow has come today & so I suppose the skates will have to be hung upon the nail for awhile & double runners gotten out. I guess I'll take a slide with you, if I dare - but I am getting pretty old - I have got a new game for you. I think we will enjoy it - it's very simple, but funny - Tiddledy-Winks is its name & everybody is playing it now -
I wish you had my nice warm room to sleep in these cold nights we are to have our buildings lighted by electricity very soon - or as soon as spring. The electrician has been here today -
I should like to write a longer letter but there seems to be no news - so I guess I had better close - T'will not be long to Xmas now.
With love to all
Florence -Dec. 3rd 1890
Mt. Hol. College -
South Hadley -