It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, Dec 1902 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] [letterhead is noted as "Consolidated Implement letterhead” on following pages] [seal with horseshoe and letters C I Co with following text wrapped around] CONSOLIDATED IMPLEMENT CO. FARM MACHINERY AND VEHICLES [letterhead contains images of buildings labeled CONSOLIDATED IMPLEMENT CO. in the following cities: SALT LAKE CITY, OGDEN, UTAH, LOGAN, UTAH, MONTPELIER, IDAHO, IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, BLACKFOOT IDAHO] [letterhead also contains following text] GEO. A. SNOW. A. A. COOPER, JR. F. R. SNOW, PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY & TREASURER CONSOLIDATED IMPLEMENT COMPANY GEO. A. SNOW, GENERAL MANAGER 1 MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 12/1 1902 My Dear Millie I received two letters from You Saturday last, the first since the previous monday - four days that I didnt receive a word from Home with the exception of one letter from Geo T. Odell which was not very much appreciated. I have neglected answering these letters longer than I should have done and you will no doubt wonder what is the matter of me. I was not Invited out to dinner Thanksgiving Day however we had a very nice dinner here at the Hotel I was rather lonesome on that Day. Yesterday I was invited out to Dinner and also supper - first to Mr Kelleys - house next to Mayor Barretts I went to both places - and spent the [ltr. 1, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 3] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] 2 MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 190_ evening at the latter - they both served Turkey - with all the danties that usually go with it, and I ate heartily at both places - and to day have had to pay dearly for it. it has been almost all I could do to stay at work to day - I worked - yester - day fornoon - and I have been sorry all day that I didnt work all day becaus becaus I think I would have felt better had I done so. I promissed Miller that that I would work with him this evening but I finaly changed my mind and decided to retire early - but before doing so I thought I would - just partly answer your letters I telephoned to Mamma last night, and was pleased when she told me that you had been spending the afternoon with them how I wish I had been home, I was [ltr. 1, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 5] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] 3 MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 190_ sorry that Miller returned with out the Kodock - but He says he didnt have time to call for it, and since his return I have received a letter from the office at Salt Lake I will enclose it herewith for your inspection - It dos’nt pay at all times to try and rush matters as you will observe from this letter, send it back to me after you read it becaus I have’nt answered yet- but I am going to do so just as soon as I feel in the Humor I also received a letter from Mamma and the little Girls these came last Saturday also, I will probably answer them to morrow, I will also finish answering your letters, and hoping to receive a letter from you soon I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 1, p. 6 blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 1] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, Dec 2 1902 My Dear Millie I have just received your letter of Dec 1st refering Me to the fact that I had’nt written or at leas had’nt answered your previous letters - I partly did this last night, and Your will no doubt receive it to day - or tomorrow– - I didnt have quiet as good a time - on Thanksgiving Day as you seem to think I had - and as to the sleigh ride you refer to. I still have that coming. I may be having a snap, and all that, but if I am I have not yet awakened to a realization of it,, Yes J F Odell returned to Salt Lake but He also returned to Idaho Falls again Sunday night, He simply went down to see the Football game and I understand that He is not as near [ltr. 2, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 3] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 190_ through with his work as I am, but where I come home I hope it will be for keeps, I was pleased to learn that you enjoyed the Matinee - I wish I could have been home to have gone with you, We are having very stormy wea - ther up here but it only snows a little at a time, and about six times a day and the wind howls - from morning until might and again all night and of course it is’nt cold, or anything - so You have a new Mail Man do you, We have no Mail carriers up here. I wish we did then I would probably have some body to blame when
I dont receive a letter for four or five days, but of course it is so home like up here that I dont notice it, at least I have [ltr. 2, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 5] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 190_ to try and content Myself with this fact I was also pleased to learn that Melissa received such a nice letter from Me, this is more than I can say about Her but I guess Ill have to forgive Her under the circimstances, becaus she has Some one else to think about, I cant tell just how soon it will be befor I am home things have changed a little of late and I presume I will be detained at least one week longer than I first figured on however I will loose no more time than I cant help after I get through, I wish you would write Me a letter big enough to require an extra stamp, I can assure you that I would be very willing to furnish the deficiency - hoping that I may have this [ltr. 2, p. 6] pleasure - and that too at a very early date I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin don’t forget to remember me kindly to your folks - and also to Ella [ltr. 3, p. 1] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, Dec 3 1902 Dear Millie I have just finished writing to Mamma and thought that probably you would’nt mind one page even if it was an “Extra”- I am supposed to be working on the Inventory- but nobody will know the diference and I dont care if they do, I received a letter from Harry this morning and you can tell him for me that I have a good thumping for Him when I get home - was sorry to hear that His wife had been so sick - He also tells me that they [-]ave layed off several of the men in his depart - ment, - but we look forward for some- thing like that at this time a year I received a letter from Jack Bowman [ltr. 3, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 3] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 190_ this morning He told Me what a nice time He had Sunday, and He has began to brag on Melissa’s cooking allrea- dy - if He was living at a Hotel - He could well brag on home cooking - I manage to eat a little 3 time a day - but it is’nt becaus I always feel hungry - you asked me how much I had gained since I arrived up here, well I manage to balance the scales at obout 145 - when I have my boots and over coat on. that is pretty good for Me dont you think the people think I am crazy - becaus I sleep with my window up at night and becaus I have one or two other queer habits, but I look about as well as the balance of them - Well Millie - I think [ltr. 3, p. 4] I had better chop off befor I blow you for an extra stamp - remember Me to Bertha - and the balance of the folks and put on your Glasses and turn up the light and see if you can[-] read this this letter - hoping to hear from you soon I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin “It was below Zero last night” up here [ltr. 4, p. 1] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, Dec 4 1902 My Dear Millie I just received Your letter of Dec 3rd Oh my what a roasting. however I was very much pleased to receive it even if it was a little bit sassy. I didnt intend to be sarcastic; in fact didnt feel that way at all - and you will have to show Me that letter when I get home, the letter you wrote to Me on the 27th is dated the 28th so I guess we are about even - but I believe the “waits” at this seem longer than they do at home, at least they seem pretty long to me - It snowed all night last night and is still snowing and it is now one oclock - we have good sleighing at last, cant tell whether or not it will [ltr. 4, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 3] [Consolidated Implement letterhead] MONTPELIER, IDAHO, 1902 stay very long, but I dont care much, becaus I have gotten so I can stand most any old thing and under these circimstances I content My self with things as they come, there is nothing of importance going on in this town that I can tell you about I hav’nt gotten acquainted with half Doz people since I arrived so you will see that I am not very popular - well Millie dear I will try and write a litle oftener too - even as you say - “if I havnt any thing say” hoping to hear from you again soon I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 4, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 1] [preprinted letterhead text is in bold font and is noted as “Hotel Burgoyne letterhead” on following pages] Hotel Burgoyne J. N. DOWNING, Proprietor. HEADQUARTERS for STOCKMEN and COMMERCIAL MEN.________________ Telephone 10. Free Bus. . . . Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 7 1902 My Dear Millie Your most welcome letter of Dec 5th reached Me yesterday - “I have just come in the Hotel have been out playing snowball with about 500 Kids - I hope you will not be shocked but Sunday up here is’nt any diferent from any other day only that there is more doing I can hardly write becaus I am not usto such violent exercise Well Millie - It snowed all night last night and is still snowing - there is fine sleighing and the streets are crowded with cutters and Bob sleighs - Say Lyman got in town last night and He wanted Me to say Hello [ltr. 5, p. 2] to You for Him He says to tell you that He was going out for a bob sled ride this evening, and He would leave it to you to guess what kind of a time He was going to have He dont seem to worry very much about - — in fact He told Me He had quit worrying - and you can trust him for having a good time - He expects to be home in about 10 days and “so do I” - I have had one sleigh ride since I arrived in this town Mr Miller, Roston, Budge - Huff and Myself - along with the Famous Schubert Symphony Club chartered a Bob sleigh and drove over to Paris Ida last Thursday - we left here about 4 PM - Paris is about ten miles from Here we attended the concert and then drove back to Montpelier arriving [ltr. 5, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 about 1220 PM we had a very nice time - so the snow you have had so far has’nt lasted long the folks at home told me they were having plenty of mud - we havent had any mud here since I arrived - Well Millie - say Hello to Bertha for me and I hope she is better did she go to the party - also remember Me to your folks, I tried to call you up over the Phone to day but the central Girl told me they were unable to make connections I presume on account of the stormy weather - remember Me to Harry and his folks and write [ltr. 5, p. 4] soon - I remain as ever yours with lots and lots of love Alvin [ltr. 6, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 8 1902 My Dear Millie I received Your letter of Dec 7th this morning and was pleased indeed to get it - I ate supper this evening with Lyman - we are here at the same Hotel - He leaves in the morning for Wyoming -So he is going to spoil Me is He - tell Ella I am glad to hear it - also tell Her that Lyman has other friends in Salt Lake it is therefore unnecessary and out of My line of business to tell what little I know - I told Lyman that I had received a letter from you and that Ella had been spending the after - noon with you - He expected to receive a letter fron Her [ltr. 6, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 while here but none came Well Millie I manage to keep well - I didnt go sleigh – riding last night, went up to Mr Barretts and spent the evening instead - did you go to the Memorial services Sunday – Salt Lake is surely a tough place, at least it is gaining lots of notoriety - I read of the - Hold ups you speak about in Sundays Paper and also in Saturday evenings news - the Post Office was robbed - here at Montpelier since My arrival – but - they caught the fellows who did the job - Salt Lake ought to impart a few farmers for there Police force - things are getting to be in a terrible State down [ltr. 6, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 5] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 down there - So you really thought that I had come home unbeknown to you I will try and surprise you next Sunday - but You must not be surprised, if I dont surprise You becaus I cant tell exactly whether I will be home or not by that time. - I was glad to hear that Bertha was some better say Hello to her for Me and also to the other folks and unite as often as you can find time to do so. I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 6, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 9 1902 My Dear Millie Your very welcome letter dated Dec 9th reached Montpelier this morning and it was not long after until I had it in [-]My possession- I cant under- stand why You didnt get a letter from Me Monday becaus I spent Sunday afternoon answering Your letter of Saturday - and a few from home of older dates - and I will say that You have been a little more prompt than I have in answering letters of late and I will try and square My self for these delays when I get home - Lyman left here yesterday morning [ltr. 7, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 2 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 He had to go off without his breakfast becaus they didnt call him in time He said He would say Hello to you if He beat Me home - He didnt tell Me what kind of a time he had out sleighriding but I suppose - He enjoyed himself, - Yes Your letter was a little late becaus I run across Hudson be fore the letter got here So You think you would like to have been here to keep the Kids snowball Me - Well I wish You had been I would like to have been snowballed by you - but had you been here I think I would have found something better to occupy [ltr. 7, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 5] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 3 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 My time - So You enjoyed the show did you, I think I could enjoy a good play and wish I had been with you - tell Bertha that she is a dandy to go and get sick - but I am glad she is better - So You dont blame Ella for having a good time, but My sym pathy is on the other side Hud would have to travel at a pretty lively gate to beat Her - of course – I believe in everybody having a good time, but the defination of 'good time' is very widly interpreted – Yes I enjoyed the concert - but nothing strikes this town but about 5th class shows - there were 4 Ladies and one Gentlemen [ltr. 7, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 7] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 in the company - two old Wimen and two middle aged - and the Gentlemen who is a Kid of about 18- is the Son of one of the old Wimen - Say Millie I have finally received a letter from "the is to be" Mrs Bowman = I was very agreeably surprised to get it - She says I no longer hold the record for staying up late - I had another surprise to day Mr Snow who has been working with Me and the fellow I have told you about took Miller and Myself up to his place to dinner to day, we had a very nice meal - Well Millie Dear remember Me to all of the [ltr. 7, p. 8] folks. And I will try and surprise you about this time next week hoping to hear from you several times [-]n the mean time I remain as ever yours with lots of Love Alvin [ltr. 8, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 12 1902 My Dear Millie I have just been writing to Papa - He was just telling Me that He had occasion to go down to the C.W.M.Ca - so He asked Wells if He knew anything about when I would be through - Wells acted very innocent - with him - Papa told Me He supposed that if any body knew He supposed I would - by the Same Mail that brought Papa's letter to Me, brought a letter to Miller it was from none other but Wells and was asking the question, "How soon will Smith be through? He is wanted at Idaho Falls [ltr. 8, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 8, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 I will leave you to guess what I told Millie - and had I been a swearing Mann I probably would have said something that would'nt be well to repeat Papa dos'nt know Wells as well as I do He is a very smooth tongued fellow and must d —bly deceiving - we have just received the inventory from Afton, Wyo and it is so badly mixed that it will require at least two days to straighten it out Well Millie I expect a letter from you this morning I will be disapointed if I dont get it. becaus I have been usto receiving them every other day of late - I am [ltr. 8, p. 4] well only a letter out of sorts remember Me to all of the folks- and do Me a favor and burn this letter up - I guess I should'nt have written feeling as I do- hoping you are well I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 9, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 12 1902 My Dear Millie I received two letters from You to day - one this morning and another this afternoon Miss Mitchell one of the Lady stenographers thinks there is somebody pretty good to Me - and So do I think so - Say Millie I went over to the office this afternoon - I say over to the office becaus I have been working - all by My self here at the Hotel since last Tuesday - well I found the letter Will had written - it was a copy of a letter to Idaho Falls - asking them if they needed
Me - at that point becaus I was almost through [ltr. 9, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 2 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 but He is mistakened in this statement I have almost come to the conclusion not to hurry - and had I known what I know now I never would have left home - -and I dont intend to go up thare - I will wait untill after I hear from Papa and then decide what to do - and the next time I tell you when I expect to be home, I hope it will be correct - Well Millie I think I had better answer Your letters and not worry you with My troubles -You say it dos'nt take a minute to guess who Lymans Friends are - well I guess You are a better [ltr. 9, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 5] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 3 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 guesser than I am becaus I know nothing about it Hudson said nothing to Me - it is true that tatteling is a poor business but some people were born gossipers - and could- not live if they could'nt interfer with other peoples business –Say Millie tell that lady You were waiting for that it would be most agreeable with Me if she would make adate with you every day - So the folks told you about that half dollar - well I wouldnt mind giving You two quarters for a half - providing you were as easy a mark [ltr. 9, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 7] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 4 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 as that fellow was I didnt loose anything but made a half dollar that is so perfect that the best of them can't tell but what it is a good one - even Hudson prono- unced it good - Oh I will show it to you some day Yes that was the first letter Mrs Bowman has written me since I left home - and I answered it to day think of that for being prompt I have been taking a rest today and that is the reason I was so prompt - well Millie dear be good to your self and say Hello to the folks for Me and [ltr. 9, p. 6: blank page] say Hello to Harry and His family - tell him if He was up here he could have a fine sleigh ride bye bye Millie dear for this time - I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 10, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 15 1902 My Dear Millie It is just ten min utes befor train time and as I have some branch letters to posts thought I would just say Hello to you - it was 22 degrees below Zero Saturday night 20 - below last night - and I guess it will be as cold to night- Miller got a letter from Wright at Idaho Falls - telling Me to go to Blackfoot – but I havnt gone yet" and dont think I will - at least not until after I have been home hav'nt acomplished very much the last two or three days becaus havnt felt like working - well Millie dear I hope you are [ltr. 10, p. 2] You are well say Hello to your folks for Me I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 11, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 16 1902 My Dear Millie You can't imagin how good it sounded to Me to hear Your voice So You are Aunty to another little boy - when did it happen? - "I dont suppose you can touch All with 10 ft pole - Congratulate both He and Alice for Mr - it is two thirty PM and no letters from home there will be another train arrive about 4 PM and I hope to receive one or two when it does arrive - So Lyman got home - good for Him Say Hello to him for me when You see him again - poor Hart - He [ltr. 11, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 11, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 has to stay home does He when Hud - is in town or does He do like Ella and have a time with somebody else - Well Millie My Mind is a blank cant think of anything - only Home - maby I will be able to think of something interesting - after I receive that letter from You - which I hope will be on the next train - Mail from home should be regular and I cant understand why I havnt received Mail – all the trains leaving Montpelier - are from 12 to 18 hours late - remember Me to all the folks - and write after hoping to receive a letter this PM I remain as ever yours with lots of love - Alvin - [ltr. 11, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 12, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 17 1902 My Dear Millie I received two letters from you to day the first since last Friday and you rest assured that I was pleased to receive them - one is dated 14th the other 15th they have changed train and Mail from Salt Lake comes late in the afternoon instead of in the morning there is some talk of starting a stage tine between here and Salt Lake - expressly for carying mail – I hav'nt time to answer your letters - and past them to night so simply send this little note that you may know that I am still alive [ltr. 12, p. 2] will write again tomorrow I enclose - something I received to day - that may interest you - I have lost all interest in such things Myself - Well Millie dear it is train time and I must stop, your suggestions about making the job at this end last has been effect several days - with lots and lots of love I reman yours as ever Alvin [ltr. 13, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 19 1902 My Dear Millie I received another letter from You to day with the news paper clipping enclosed- I imagine All - is a very Happy Man Well Millie I wrote a letter to Mr Wells yesterday- and I expect to get sassed by return Mail - I also sent a copy of the letter to Mr Wright - I expect them both to telephone Me befor the day is over - I got a nice long letter from Mamma Wednesday - She told Me She had seen Wells she also told Me what He said - but when I come home I expect to stay - and you folk's must not believe or take in all the [ltr. 13, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 13, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 Hot air Mr Wells gives you He is usto making such flattering remarks - but I know him better than Mamma does - You ask what kind of a Place Blackfoot is - there is as much diference between Blackfoot and Montpelier as there is between - Salt Lake and Montpelier - of course Montpelir is much the nicest place, I suppose Mr Odell will be coming up here very soon after He gets home - So you think the new telephone system you speak of would’nt be a good thing - Maby not but I would like to telephone to you over such [ltr. 13, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 13, p. 5] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] 3 Montpelier, Idaho, 190 a line - I felt the same as you did - when I heard your voice - but you were also to far away - Say Millie if a package goes to your place - pay the expres charges - and send Me the bill or keep it until I get home - say Hello to all the folks for Me and tell Mellssa when You see Her agan that she must not stay up so late hoping this will find you well and rested I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 13, p. 6 blank page] [ltr. 14, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 22 1902 My Dear Millie I received your most welcome letter - Yesterday - we had no more train Saturday until about 9 P.M.- I also received a letter from Mr Wells - He said Mr Odell would be up to see us Yesterday - but I guess He failed to make connections becaus He didnt show up - but we expect him this afternoon - I will tell you what I am going to do after I see Him but I guess I am doomed - I think However I will not be obliged to go to Blackfoot – havn’t heard from Mr Wright for several days - I wont be home for [ltr. 14, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 14, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 Christmas but I will be home for New Years - Miller says that I oculd begin to figure on coming up here to work - He has offored Me a good job and He says He was going to fix it so I would have to come back – but He is liable to be disapointed I think when I get home it will be a pretty hard matter to get me away again - well Millie Dear I wish You a Merry Christmas - Say Hello - to all the folks for Me and wish them a Merry Christmas for Me - and hoping to hear from you soon I remain as ever yours with lots of love Alvin [ltr. 14, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 15, p. 1] [preprinted letterhead text is in bold font and is noted as “Hotel Department letterhead” on following pages] OREGON FORM 661 SHORT LINE HOTEL DEPARTMENT RAILROAD HOTEL Dec 27 1902 My Own Dear Millie Hear I am at Pocatello - we arrived at 8 A.M. - went up town had breakfast - and left the watches at the jewelery we will be obliged to remain hear until 5 PM becaus our train is late as usual = will arrive at “Home” about 830 PM - there is a cold north wind blowing and it feels good to stand by the fire - well Millie dear I will be very glad when this business is over Mr O – has kept me b[-]usy answering questions every since we left the train this morning [ltr. 15, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 15, p. 3] [Hotel Department letterhead] HOTEL 190__ I didnt sleep very well - although I had a good bunk My berth was #5 lower - and the name of the car was Verdi - Mr Odeel occupied the - section just opposite Me - I hope you will not work to hard and make your self sick and - you want to take good care of your mother and not let her get g[-]y and start working befor she should - just say Hollo to all the folks for Me and if you cant read this guess at it, becaus this is a beastly stick I have been writing with well Millie Dear take care [ltr. 15, p. 4] of your self and dont work so hard - hoping to hear from you soon I reman as ever yours with lots and lots of love Alvin [ltr. 16, p. 1] [preprinted letterhead text is in bold font and is noted as “E D Harrison letterhead” on following pages] Watch Inspector O. S. L. R. R. E.D. Harrison The Jeweler. Watches, Diamonds, Silverward. Pocatello, Idaho, Dec 27 1902 My Own Dear Millie It is now 845 PM and I am still here at Pocatello waiting for my train - it is reported at 1150 P.M. - twelve hours and fity minutes late - caused on account of a reck - there is no telling when we will arrive at Montpelier providing - the train does get here at 1150 we will arrive at Montpelier about 330 A.M. so I think I will sleep all day tomorrow Mr Odell and My self took in the town this morning and He is now over to the Hotel trying to sleep until train time - our train was first reported at 7 P.M. Odell went to bed this afternoon and left word with the clerk to awaken him at 630 and while He was in bed I found out that the time had been changed so I told the clerk not to bother about calling him - the clerk did as I told him but Mr Odell climbed out - only to learn the latest report and go back to bed - I have been spending the afternoon with Mr Harrison - He repaired both watches and I now have plenty of time - in fact [ltr. 16, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 16, p. 3] [E D Harrison letterhead] Pocatello, Idaho, 190__ more as plenty - it is no common thing for Me to have to wait for cars I had to do this last night so you will see I am getting usto it- well Millie Dear I will write to You from “Home” if I ever get thare hoping to hear form You soon I remain as ever Yours with lots of Love Alvin [ltr. 16, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 17, p. 1] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, Dec 29 1902 My Dear Millie I arrived here at Montpelier Sunday Morning at 305 A.M. and worked all day - instead of leaving Poc - atello at 1130 it was 1230 AM when the train pulled out - we were obliged to loaf around 16½ Hours in Pocatello - we had a hot time all day Sunday I will till you all about it when I come home Mr Odell left for home last night at 1030 and I presume He reached home to day When I got to the office Yesterday morning I found two letters from You and one from Papa - I also [ltr. 17, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 17, p. 3] [Hotel Burgoyne letterhead] Montpelier, Idaho, 190 received the nice box of candy and cake - why did'nt you tell me about that when I was home - Maby you wanted to play even and surprise Me Well Millie - I am glad I went home for Christmas but I have got all the work to do over - that was done while I was home - it is a fright - but it is just My luck - Miller put in one day and and did considerable and of course what he did I can depend upon How is your Mamma - just remember Me to all of them and write soon I remain as ever yours with lots and lots of love Alvin [ltr. 17, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 18, p. 1] [preprinted letterhead text is in bold font and is noted as “Co-operative Wagon letterhead” on following pages] CAPITAL $400,000 SURPLUS $100,000. ESTABLISHED 1884. Co-operative Wagon & Machine Co. BRANCH HOUSES: [image of paper with the following names] IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO. DIRECTORS: OGDEN, UTAH. HEBER J. GRANT, Prest: MONTPELIER, IDAHO. JOSEPH F. SMITH. V. Prest. LOGAN, UTAH. FRANCIS M. LYMAN, MELVIN D. WELLS, GENERAL OFFICES JOHN HENRY SMITH, SECY. & TREAS. SALT LAKE CITY GEORGE ROMNEY GRANT HAMPTON, LEADING IMPLEMENT DEALERS GEO. T. ODELL, ASST. SECY. & TREAS. P.T. FARNSWORTH, GEO. T. ODELL, GENERAL MANAGER, HEBER M. WELLS, J.R. MILLER, MONTPELIER, IDAHO, Dec 30 –02 G.G. WRIGHT. THEODORE NYSTROM, MANAGER. My Dear Millie Your most welcome letter of Dec 28 reached Me this afternoon, I had been anciously awaiting this and it had a tendency to cheer Me up - talk about being lonesome - well maby You think I hav'nt - been - I have been thinking about You continually ever since I left home I do hope you will be carefull and not over work - I hope also that your Mamma will soon be well again - Was sorry to hear that Lawrence has the hooping Cough again Have You heard anything from My folks when I left home – Mamma was not very well I have written to them three times [ltr. 18, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 18, p. 3] [Co-operative Wagon letterhead] but hav'nt received a line in reply as yet. I expected a letter to day but was disapointed and had it not been for the one you wrote Me I would now be worse home sick than I am - Mr Kelley says I am rather quiet - maby I am - but I have felt like the duce since I came back - Well Millie Dear just write Me as often as you can find time to do so - I wish I had been with You Sunday evening I was wondering what you were doing - Lyman and Ella must be getting good - well I hope they will continue - just say Hello to them for me - It snowed Saturday night and it was 5º- below zero Sunday night so you [ltr. 18, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 18, p. 5] [Co-operative Wagon letterhead] will see we are having some cold weather also, Well Millie Dear take care of your self and also of Your Mother and remember Me to all of them and wish them a Happy new Year for Me I also wish You a most Happy New Year - hoping to hear from you at Your convenience I remain as ever Yours with lots and lots love Alvin [ltr. 18, p. 6: blank page]