306 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, N.J.
Feb. 19 - 1882My dear Mother -
Jennie's letter received yesterday morning> I was sorry she was so disappointed about the Dictionary. But I hadn't the faintest idea that she expected me to get the book, as she did not write to that effect. She writes that you are not well. I know you take good care of yourself, so there is little use in telling you do so, consequently I will have to tell you not to care and worry about the thousand and one things, which it is your custom to worry over.
It is a dark, cold, disagreeable day. There is something falling, but whether it is rain, hail or snow is uncertain. Miss M. George and Ida have gone to church. Minx has had a slight cold since Friday and as it is so damp Mrs Muldaur thought it best for her not to go out. I discovered a "visitor" this morning, though I am not suffering much pain yet I thought it wisest to remain at home. So we are here in the parlor, sitting near the register writing to our mamas.
The other day I bought some large hooks and eyes for my dolman, it was so hard to pin it up, every time I wore it. I worked eyelets into the goods and only used the hooks. I also bought a few pasmentric ornaments for the front, as it looked so bare. I discovered on fixing it yesterday that a new fringe would improve it very much indeed. I took over all the pieces of chenille in the fringe as it was very much worn. If you want to send me some new, I shall be thankful, and will take pleasure in putting it on. I like to wear the dolman, as it looks so much better than my ulster. If you do not send new fringe please send that which was saved from my dolman as the fringe on the sleeves is dreadfully shabby. I am wearing that heavy red felt skirt and when I wear the dolman I borrow a "hug me tight" from Mrs M.
We are to have holiday Wednesday in honor of Washington's birthday. Mrs M. is anxious to have a small entertainment in the evening, the principal thing being a short dialogue called the contest of Nations. Minerva offers a crown of Liberty to the nation most deserving. Each nation speaks for herself, and the crown is awarded to America.
Minnie has Minerva's part and Ida that of America. Of course I am to be one of the audience. Mrs M. is trying to get some thing up for the closing of school, and is going to have this so as to see what she will have to work with. I think she might find some thing for the little ones in that book Jennie used at Miss L's called "Echo" I believe so if she will send it I will be much obliged. Also if she will look in my scrap book in my clothes press and send that copy of the Opretta [sic] "The Twin Sisters" which she will find there. Do you remember my asking you for that Memorandum Catalogue? I didn't find it. I think it must be in the top of Papa's leather trunk. If you will look in that book, you will find a piece of pink satin with a "bleu flag" painted on one side. Please send that in the song book, as I want Minx to finish it, and Ida to paint a companion for it. The ground is gradually getting covered.
Tomorrow Ida & Minnie & George are invited to a sociable - and the next night we four expect to attend some tableaux for the benefit of one of the Episcopal churches.
How did Jennie like Mame Clarke? she did not say in her letter whether she was pleased with her or not.
I will send the class letter about the middle of the week. What do you think about my going to reunion? I want to go ever so much, and if I go north, of course would like to stay at least six weeks, and then if I am coming back here next year, could spend the last month of the vacation with you, and if Papa takes you to Montreal as I hope he will, it will be just splendid. Don't say it is too soon to think about next summer, because there is lots of things to be done and planned.
Tell the children they ought to answer the valentines. I have quite a lot of pretty tinfoil that I mean to send them some day soon.
Give my love to all, and keep lots for your dear self.
As ever
Your Aff. daughter
Alice