Mansfield, Mass.,
Dec. 3. 1899.
Dear family,
I have had a pleasant vacation, and I feel very much rested. Thanksgiving morning I went to the service which was in Mr. Grant's charge, and then took a long walk, four or five miles with May and Miss Kinne, then came the Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs. Packard had been trying to make us think we were not going to have turkey, but an immense bird, weighing twenty one pounds, came onto the table with fixing according. We had coffee jelly for je dessert. After dinner they let Miss Kinne and me have the horse and the best carriage and harness, for they have two sets, and we took a ten-mile drive through W. Mansfield. In the evening there was a minstrel show at the Town Hall, but I did not go, tho' the rest did, for I had something better in anticipation for the following evening. Friday morning I met Miss Winter at the station and we journeyed to Boston in company with Jennie Copeland and Helen Wood, a Mt. Holyoke Senior who spent the Thanksgiving recess with her. We first went to the Boston Theatre - the largest in the W.S.- and purchased our tickets for the evening performance of the Old Homestead. Then we made our way to the High School on Montgomery street where we arrived just in time to hear Booker T. Washington speak on "The Negro Teacher". He began with a few words about his youth, and then he talked about the schools in the south at present. After this lecture we went to dinner at Marston's restaurant, then I went to Jordan & Marsh's and bought you a French flannel waist and serge skirt, I sent them by express to Lula, telling her to cut them and have them ready to try on at the close of this week, when I would have you go over to try them on. You can make the skirt (I got lining and brush braid) and Lula will make the waist. I do not see that you need to go to Southbridge but once unless you wish to, about the dress.
Then we went back to Montgomery St. and heard a good male quartet render two selections, then two very interesting addresses by Dr. Butler of Colby Univ. and Dr. Grace Kimball. Then we went to the bookstore - the Archway - so-called, and stayed there so long that we did not have time to do anything else. I got Kipling's poems for Dedie, a pretty little edition of the Rubaiyát of Omar Khayyaim for Harvey, and the beautifully illustrated Riley Love-Lyrics for George. I am sure he will like it. You will have an opportunity to examine these books when you are here. That is all I bought. I could not settle on anything for Evangeline and George McLean. I do not want to give them just toys for the day, but something that is worthwhile and that will last. Then we had supper and at the proper time went to the Theatre and I enjoyed the play very much. I will give you a synopsis of it when I see you. We reached Mansfield about half past twelve, and I spent the night at Miss Winter's, where I had the luxury of a quiet room and a wide bed all to myself. Miss Winter is a real Scotch lady.
Saturday I tried to put a new lining in my jacket for the red silk one is all worn to pieces but I did not succeed very well and maybe it won't get finished till you come.
Today I have been to church as usual, and send you the calendar. In SS. they chose their Xmas committees, and it made me a little bit homesick. I wish there might be a tree at our church, I have hopes that Mr. Fogg will be energetic enough to get up a little enthusiasm. I wish there might be a society in the week I am to be there. Tell Mrs. Back to have her much-talked of one then. Isn't it warm! Just think how we were floundering in snow-banks a year ago.
Monday night.
Your letter mailed Sunday has just reached me. The "beef critter" must be put off till we return, or be done before you go.
I have purchased a mileage book tonight, and got a new time-table. Your trains are as follows all right
Lv. Southbridge 3.20 P.M.
Ar. E. Thompson 4.00
Lv. E. " " 4.06
Ar. Walpole 5.14
Lv. " " 5.54
Ar. Mansfield! 6.14 where you will find me waiting with open arms. Going back the twenty second we will leave here at 3.27 and reach Southbridge at 6.15.
I will send the mileage book by registered mail so that it will be at Union Friday, the day before you come.
Thank me for the Christmas music from the Century Co.
Don't get left at Walpole a little one horse sort of a train will come along and perhaps go some distance by the depot. It will be on the track at right angles to the one you come in on. Ask questions.
I'll write you one more letter before you come.
With much love -
Susie.