Cleveland, Ohio
Jan. 28" 1909Dearest Auntie:
For the past two weeks you have been in my mind very many times and I wish I could run in and see you to-night instead of writing. Probably you have been in bed for more than an hour for it is now real late but I'm sure my writing wont disturb your rest, will it?
Auntie, I wish you were with us. We are just hoping you will see your way clear to come to us next fall, or whenever Abbie goes to college again for study, and stay until you have to heave us.
We are looking forward to it. Emma wants you as well as I and the girls think lots of Aunt Emma too. Now Auntie, wont you please come? We will try and make it real pleasant for you and I am sure you will enjoy the girls much more than when you were here three years ago. They have certainly improved. Eloise had her mid-year exam in Latin yesterday or rather to-day. She thinks she passed all right. I certainly hope she did The exam was easy she thought. I really think she likes her school. The teachers all seem fond of her even tho' she is not a brilliant scholar. She has such a sweet face that one cannot help being attracted to her. Mary too has improved very much. She is doing splendidly with her lessons at the Y.W.C.A. Has nearly completed her sewing lessons. She has to make a shirt waist suit, that is the last. They began it to-day. She had splendid luck with her shirt waist. She is now going to draft a pattern for each one of us for the experience.
We have had our annual meeting and I am still alive and in my old position, Really I thought there might be a change this year. They are certainly kind to keep me for in many ways a man would be so much better.
I went to hear the Boston Symphony last evening. There is no orchestra that equals them in my estimation. Max Feidler, their new conductor is very different from Karl Muck and in many ways I would prefer Dr. Muck but they are all such fine musicians that they couldn't help but play well I think. Elliott's sister Edith sat right between Mr. Vaugh, a gentleman who was born and brought up in Boston, and myself and after it was over she said she didn't dare criticise because we were both so sure that the Boston Symphony was best[.]
Friday, at the office:
I did get so sleepy last night that I just had to give up and get into bed. I did not read Dr. Grenfel's "A Man's Faith" but hope pretty soon to get caught up with my sewing so I can read some. Everything gave out at once and I have had a woman several days sewing, making shirt waists and other odd things for me. I worked 55 button holes evenings beside lots of other things so it took every spare minute. She is coming again in February to make some thin dresses for summer. I want very much to get caught up before hot weather comes. We have heard from Mina several times. They are in San Francisco. S.T.'s address is #24 California St. Marvin Bldg.= c/o Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Co.=
I am sorry for Mrs. Hodgden. She will miss Mr. Hogden very much. Will she live with one of the girls? I am glad Abbie's friends are so kind to you. They ought to be. There is one lady here I want you to meet when you come. She is Mabel Reed's aunt or rather great-aunt. She is eighty years old but doesn't look a day over seventy-two. She was from Connecticut and was a Cong. minister's wife. Has lived alone for years till this winter. She is such an intelligent lady and right up to date. I know you would like her. I told her the other night we were hoping to get you out here and she said she would love to come and see you. Grandma Richmond too is hoping you will come. She is rather feeble but so dear.
I did have a real pleasant visit with Caribel and her father, espeically with Caribel. Mr. S is with his sisters in Beloit. He is very smart for a man almost 76 years old. Holly is at Akron, O. with some company there. I dont know why he didn't go back with S.T. I will send them Lucy Frink's lawyer's address when I write which I hope to be able to do real soon now. Next Friday is his birthday. Next Tuesday is Uncle Cleaveland's isn't it?
Auntie dear, I'll just have to say good bye for this time. Please tell us you are coming. We are ready to receive you with open arms.=
Now with a heartful of love to you both - from your own
Jessee -
Emma would send love if she were here.