Open Hearth
Lake AvenueMonday eve -
My dear Aunt Emma - and dear Cousin Abbie -
It was so sweet of you both to remember me this Xmas. The little calender is just what I wanted - and needed - The picture I intend to have framed and put carefully away in my dowry chest. It is waiting for future use. I have had a beautiful Christmas - so much more than I deserved -
I have a nice little start for my linen - table cloth napkins - towels, doiles, etc - Santa was not only good to me but to all at "Open-Hearth" -
We are all so happy having Uncle Elliott at the helm - He is fine with the boys - I trust that both you and Cousin Abbie will have the opportunity given you to know Uncle Elliott - Aunt Bertha did the right thing when she married him -
Last evening we all went over in the Limosine - (or Jumbo (as we call our auto)[)] - and called on Uncle Sam and Aunt Mina - They leave for Cal. the 4th - of Jan - 09
My dears, I suppose a year - or possibly a little more than that - I expect to be married - I am engaged to Clarence White Daniels, of Worcester Mass - He is a fine sterling Christian boy - He graduated from Columbia University this June - Metalurgy [sic] is his specialty - We will not be married until he is established - I am a very happy girl - He is just my age - six feet tall - brown eyes, and brown curly hair -
Aunt Bertha and Uncle Elliott are so happy over it - The entire family have grown to love him - He was here for ten days this summer[.] We are all well, except Mrs Adams - she has a severe attack of grip with complications been ill for two weeks with a trained nurse - In hopes she will be better soon -
My love and best wishes for a Happy Near Year - Thanking you both for your sweet thougths of me,
I am sincerely Janet -[A card printed with the name "Mrs. Elliott Howland Whitlock / Open Hearth Lake Avenue" was enclosed, and there was a note on it:]
My dear Aunt Emma and cousin Abbie. Thank you so much for your loving thought of us at this Christmas time. How warm our hearts grow when just such remembrances are received. We are all very happy and [...] these days. God bless you both -
Aff. Bertha.