A Letter Written on Feb 26, 1882

306 West Grand St.
Elizabeth, N.J.
Feb. 26 - 1882.

My dear Mother -

Received Jennie's letter yesterday morning. Was glad to hear that Henry was improving. Expect he wants to go out for a walk to-day, if you are enjoying as delightful a day as we. It seems almost like spring. Every thing is in a state of thaw. I am glad Jennie liked Mame, I thought she would. Was afraid she would have a stupid time at Mrs Baden's, and was glad to hear the contrary. I should like to have seen her in her fancy costumes. She did not write whether she wore a mask or not.

I told Mrs Muldaur about what Aunt Fannie wrote of the Jersey climate. She said whether it was healthy or not I was certainly getting fat. My face is considerably rounder than when I came. Did I tell you that I wrote to Aunt Fannie about the middle of the week just past. I guess she must have got my letter about the same time you received hers, strange that we should both have been siezed [sic] with an impulse to write. How is her music progressing, and how does the place suit her?

Last night we got to measuring heights and to our surprise we found that Ida is quite a little taller than Minnie, and very nearly if not quite as tall as your "big" daughter (me). She has certainly grown since she has been here. Both of the girls are thinner than they were last falls, their faces and necks show the loss of flesh. Ida had a tooth filled yesterday and is to have two or three more attended to.

Yesterday we had quite a lunch party, twelve of us at the table. Mrs Mather and her two little ones Carleton and Gracie, came over just before lunch time which caused a delay, and just before lunch was ready a gentleman friend of Miss Murphey's, (Mr Bradford) came in. He stayed till quite late last night, stayed in town over night, and is here now.

I went to church by my self, to Westminster, and sat with Dr Cissel. The children are well now, came down to breakfast this morning for the first time. How did you hear that there was scarlet fever in the family? I shall not go into the house for several weeks. Mary said she expected to come back to school in two or three weeks.

Ida & Minnie have been asked to join a club that is getting up "Patience." They went Friday night to practise, and will go every Saturday evening until the play is learned[.] It is too be given for the benefit of some charitabley object. It is not decided exactly what. George also goes, so I expect our Saturday evenings will be pretty quiet hereafter.

I commenced to mend my plum colored dress yesterday, but did not finish it. I bought me some long red b ribbons the other day - it seems very queer for me to be wearing any thing red.

Alice Girard expects her mother to come over this afternoon. She is a quiet little thing, and very sweet. I think we shall all like to have her about. How is Dudie? I am afraid she is any thing but well. Mrs Moore writes of getting Cod Liver Oil, and Phosphate of Iron for her. She must be terribly run down.

The plan for Jennie to go north with me will be very nice, but will it be the best arrangement. How I would like to see you and talk it all over. Can't you come on and make me a visit? You can have my bed, and we will wait on you all you want us to. The idea isn't as foolish as it seems. Perhaps it is practicable.

later

Have just come up from a very nice dinner. Roast beef & tomato, and orange for 2nd course.

You haven't said any thing about sending the things I wrote for. I sent the class letter Friday so I suppose you have received it. I scarcely know what to do about spring clothes. Can you suggest? I mean to write for a Dictionary I saw advertised in the Register you sent. It is only $1.00 and professes to be something worth having. I would like you to send me the little volume of "Telemaque" which you will find in my clothe's [sic] press. Tell Nell & Babes I often think of them and wish I could see them. Give them lots of love. I will try to write to them soon, but exactly how soon I can't say.

Did Henry's Co. have the fair you wrote about? And if so was it a success. I am feeling a good deal better to-day, have been taking a little Homeopathic medicine. I seemed to have a little trouble with my bladder and felt kind of miserable, without being in much pain.

Mrs Muldaur is very anxious to go out, but has not been yet. If it stays as warm as it is to-day, the ground will be dry enough for her to go. We are planning to all take a carriage ride when the roads get in better condition. At $1.00 an hour, by going shares it will not cost very much.

Did I write you that Charlie Moody had sent Mrs Muldaur a box of oranges from Florida. They are splendid and we enjoy them ever so much. I am going to try to attend some of the Lenten services, as it seems impossible to go to Prayer Meeting, as I should like to.

We are all talking about the closing exercises so much, that it seems as though June must be very near. I expect it will come very fast and be here before we realize it, it has a way of doing so generally.

Give my love to each and all. Remember me to Mattie and Mrs Cropley and to all inquiring friends. Write when you can, and be sure not to sit up too long to do it. Take lots of care of my dear mama.

As ever, with love
Your Aff. daughter
Alice.