Blandford. Mass.
Oct. 12, 1892.Dear friends:-
I had three letters yesterday noon, one from Union, one from Middle Haddem [sic], and one from New Haven. They were given to me just as school began so I had to wait until recess to read them, but how I did want to open them. I am lonesome here, evenings especially. Well, two weeks and a half are over and I have earned just $18.20. Mr. Herrick has not visited school yet. I am quite anxious to have him. When he does I am going to ask him point-blank what he thinks of my teaching. The little urchin that I whipped so is just as good as can be. My big girls, however, trouble me a great deal by whispering and giggling. If I were to go to school any more I believe I would be pretty good. I know now how much trouble an idle pupil can make.
I am making preparations for celebrating Columbus Day. Several of the schools are going to meet here at the Center with mine on the 21st. I am going to have some recitations and some compositions on "America in 1492," "America in 1892," "The World's Fair," "The Story of Columbus," and "The Three Ships." We are going to sing America and "Flag of the Free." Then the other schools will have some other things.
What is Howard going to have? I presume they will have something worth hearing at Brimfield. I should think Addie would not like to leave school but I do not know but I should jump at a chance of visiting California.
Are there any walnuts and chestnuts this fall? How I would enjoy some boiled chestnuts!
One of the carpenters
who isworking on the library who boards here is an amateur photographer. His pictures are not so good as George's. He is taking pictures all around and I am going to get some to remember the place by. He is going to take my schoolhouse with the flock of children in front of it. It is pretty cold up here: we have frosts every night now.I have not much to write this week - so I will say good night. Tell me all about everything on the premises.
Lovingly.
Susie.Please send me the shoe strings that are in my shoe box.