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, Aug 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] Salt Lake City. Aug. 3, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I received one letter from you Monday and one to day I was so pleas ed to get them I also received the collars they are very pretty thanks very much. I am glad you had a nice time on your trip with Bro. Freebairn. It is too bad he is coming home seeing that he is your favorite. I was sorry to hear that Sister Everard had been so ill but glad to hear that she was better again. [ltr. 1, p. 2] 2. So Bro. Grant is trying to be a match maker. Alvin Smith telephoned me the other day that the kodack was there - Tuesday I went to town so I called for it, but I do’nt think I can use it. there was $.35 charges on it so that was’nt much. Bro. McIntyre gets around a little on crutches but he looks terrible. Your whiskers are getting thicker and darker that must account for your hair getting thinner they must have chang- ed their course and come out on your face instead of the top of your head. You will be an expert shaver when you come home if you keep that up. What makes you [ltr. 1, p. 3] 3. so pale deary have you been sick? What do you think the letter I wrote you to the boat that you did’nt get was returned yesterday it was marked White Star Line not claimed. I do’nt see how it was you did’nt get it. When I was down town Tuesday I went to Bro. Nelson and got the check for U. S. and the $3.71 that was coming to you I put $4.00 in the bank for Ruth. I see U.S. is going up a little it is 40-41½ today. When I was in the Zions Bank I saw Alfred Peterson and he asked very kindly about You and wished to be remember- ed to you. A man by the name of Bull came with mammas telephone bill to-day and he [ltr. 1, p. 4] 4. had one for me for this quarter they did the same last quarter and I told him we did’nt have the phone any more so he took it back both times he was sorry to bother me and said it was a mistake. He said he knew you and asked about you and wished me to remember him to you he was on a mission in England two and a half years not long ago. He is Lillians cousin. Lillian’s sister was marrid last week she marrid a man by the name of Hill he is a widdower with three chil- dren. Aunt Julina Emly and Rachel went to the fair they got back last Friday. Aunt Mary invited me [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5. to the matinee last Saturday the play was “Weather Beaten Benson” it was real funny and I enjoyed it very much. Yesterday Ida, Lis, Maggie, and Annie Hevard and Zina and I went to the lake on the ten o’clock train. Your mother, Emma, Martha and Mary Hevard came out on the two o’clock also Hyrum and Andrew B. we had a real pleasant time. We came home on the eight o’clock train so you see we had a day of it the children and babies enjoyed it immensely I took Ruth on the merry go round she likes it and if you go past it with her when it is going she almost jumps out of your arms [ltr. 1, p. 6] 6. it was just a year yes- terday since you was at Salt Air the last time. And you wo’nt get a chance to go again very soon. No deary twins dont run in our family my cousins mother is mammas sister and her father is a twin so you see it is on the other side. So I do’nt know wether you will get your number or not. It must have been a grand sight to see all the grand things in Winsor Castle also to see the people on the river bank I bet that was a sight. So you are not getting very fat this hot weather neither am I. I have lost five pounds since it has been so hot If it do’nt let up soon I do’nt [ltr. 1, p. 7] 7. know what I will do. It cooled of a little Sunday but it is awfully hot again it goes over 90 every day. I aught not to grumble about the weather as long as we are well, but I ca’nt help it. I can stant cold better than heat. I guess you saw by the paper that the tomato blight is all over the country. Tomatoes are $.15 a pound. I think that is awfull for this time of the year. I hope you have a nice time at Sister Everard’s. Mrs. Pack did’nt say any thing but thanks when I paid her. Farrel has got the St Vitus dance. Mrs. Pack said he got frightened with a snake out to her sisters but I think they have worked [ltr. 1, p. 8] 8. him too hard. I think Wilken son’s hedge does go all round their place looks fine So you are going to send some things by Bro Winder a silk dress for Ruth. She is just fine it is her birth day to day. Bertha gave her a souvenir spoon and Papa gave her a little silver mug with the temple on. I did’nt get her any thing yet but I am going to get her another little pin. She tries so hard to talk she says “chich” “chich you would laugh if you could see and hear her try to mock the ducks I had her weighed yesterday and she still weighs 19 pounds. Geraldine has been sick but she is getting better now Idas girl Elizabet has quit [ltr. 1, p. 9] 9. she and her sister work at the knitting factory and Ida has Miss Cook that just came over. She told Ida that you looked awfully homesick when the saints came away. I hav’nt seen her yet. Minnie Mangum was marrid in the temple yesterday So you have had 21 letters from me well I have had 33 from you I like to get letters and I get yours reg- ularly and it seems pretty nice. Oh but I wish the time did’nt go so slow it seems an age since you left Well deary I ca’nt think of any news to tell you so I will say night [ltr. 1, p. 10] 10. night for this time. All the folks send love to you May the lord bless you continually and keep you from all harm and accident. With lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma I remain as ever your’s loveingly, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 2, p. 1] Salt Lake City, Utah. Aug. 3, 1905. Dear Alvin:- Hello old boy how are you any way and how do you like preaching by this time? I guess you are getting pretty well broken in by this time. Millie is writing to you tonight and I thought I would just enclose a line or two in with her letter and in looking up you letter, a glance at the date convinced me that it was about time I was answering it. I understand from Millie that they are giving you work enough to keep you pretty busy. Well I am glad of that It will give you less time in which to worry about home and get blue and homesick. [ltr. 2, p. 2] [reverse of page written upside down to previous page] Just think almost one sixth of your time gone. Why the first thing we know we will hear of Millie and little Ruth going to England to come home with Alvin. Well I guess that will seem good, but we will have to be patient for a little longer. [-]ow I am writing on both sides of the paper but hope you wont mind that. Joe used to tell me that I could send more of thin paper in an envelope for five cents than I could of heavy paper. Millie, no doubt, will tell you all the news and you wont care about reading it twice so I will leave that out. Well Alvin I guess you wont need to get a leave of absence to meet the boat when I come to England on my honeymoon, because that is a foregone conclusion that there will be no honeymoon in ours. It [ltr. 2, p. 3] 2 will cost too much to build the house. You ask when it is going to happen. I can only say, “When the house is built.” As to how near that is will say that the plans are being drawn up and I suppose we will get them in a few days and Joe expects to start to build right away so it may happen in - November or December. Can’t say which, but I’ll let you know in time to come over for the wedding and if you don’t get here I will be sure and send you a piece of the wedding cake. There is not much danger of Alvin F. Smith, the Mormon Missionary, bringing a wife home with him because they are so beautiful. Ha ha. I wonder what those poor creatures would think of you if they knew how you admired their looks. There might [ltr. 2, p. 4] [reverse of page written upside down to previous page] be a mobbing or a hair pulling and you cant aford to loose any of your hair. How do you like the street meetings by this time? Do you imagine that people think of you as we some- times think and speak of the Salvation Army people? We have had some good times at the Lake this summer and if the summer keeps up as hot as it has been for a few weeks we will no doubt have some more good times. Sorry you are not here to enjoy it with us. Ruth is getting cuter and sweeter every day, but she does not walk yet. Well Alvin I guess your patience have reached the limit so I will say good night, wishing you health and strength and every success in your labors. With love to you from all of us I am as ever your sister, Bertha [ltr. 3, p. 1] This is a funny envelope but it is all I had. #17 Salt Lake City, Aug. 7, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I have just been wheeling the baby on the sidewalk to get her to sleep. It is a beauti ful moon light night and while I was wheel- ing the baby I wondered what you were doing but of course you would be in bed. Moonlight nights always make me wish you were here you know how we used to sit on the steps and you used to miss your car I have been think [ltr. 3, p. 2] 2. ing all these things over to-night. Well deary this is your birthday and I wish you were here and Ruth and I would each give you a big hug and kiss. Yesterday I went to fast meeting at the temple and I took the second south car and went to the post office and sure enough I got a letter and Postal from you. Of course I was’nt pleased I never am I was so glad to know that you are well also that you are getting better treatment while tracting. It must have been rather nice to be invited in after being turned down so many times. I hope you had a nice time when you went back to dinner. [ltr. 3, p. 3] 3. Deary I dont understand how it is you go a week without a letter when I write twice nearly every week I only wrote once last week. I am glad you had a nice time at Earls Court. So you rode the ferris wheel it is a pretty big one from the looks of the picture I rode the ferris wheel once but it was a small affair when the Elks had their first big doeings down where the Uta[---] Park they had one there and Edith Reed and I rode it. So you went shopping with Elder Hoops You will be quite a shopper when you came home I too wish I could have been with you [ltr. 3, p. 4] 4. But it is as you say what is the good of seeing the bargains if you hav’nt any thing to buy them with. So you think you would like me to spend three or four months with you over there before you come home. I would allso like to but I do’nt know wether I can or not. Yes deary I want you to see all you can while you are there, be cause I’m not going to let you run off again, but I guess you will be like the rest of them You will want to go again. You are still having hot weather so are we it was 96 on this porch this after noon I am out on the porch writing because [ltr. 3, p. 5] 5. it is so hot. I always keep Ruth out of doors until we go to bed she is out here asleep in her buggy. She has another tooth at the bottom. that makes three at the bottom and four at the top my but they do look cute she is a cute kid any way she tries to say every thing she calls her dinner “nanna” She says it so cute. She wants to get on her feet now she just loves us to hold her while she walks but that is hard work. Yes deary I would rather get a short letter than no letter at all but I like nice long ones, like I got yester- day the best. Say deary I am so sleepy so I think I will go to bed [ltr. 3, p. 6] 6. and finish this to morrow. Well sweet heart I will try to finish this letter now without going to sleep. So sister Clark thinks you look better in your long tail coat than the rest of the boys I am very glad you do. I think you look just handsome I tell you I am mighty proud of my young man. You are the dearest sweetest man I know. I wish you could get more fresh fruit because I know you like. I do’nt think the jam you speak of would be very nice. The evening your mamma called and had a dish of sherbert it was Joe’s birthday and Bertha invited him to supper so I made some sherbert. I [ltr. 3, p. 7] 7. was glad I did as I know your mamma likes sher- bert we make it quite often I always think of you and wish you could have a dish with us. Why don’t you show the cook how to make sherbert and then maby you would get some once in a while You think you will have a lot more relative when you come home well I guess you will from the looks of things. I tell you if we had them as fast as Emly and David I would have you sent on another mission I think they better send David to Japan and give Emly a rest but then I do’nt think she cares it do’nt seem to [ltr. 3, p. 8] 8. worry her much So you think our darling baby looks like me most people think that but some think she looks like you I think she looks like you side view. George Wallace said the other night “Well your name aught to be Ruth Atkins insted of Ruth Smith for you do’nt look a bit like the Smiths.” And then again other people think she is a Smith baby. It do’nt matter to me who she looks like she is a pretty, sweet baby I do’nt know wether Mrs. Field is bothered with that cancer or not. She has gravel stones and dropsy. When I was up to her mothers she said that Annie was troubled with it again. She does’nt go to Los [ltr. 3, p. 9] 9. Angeles very often and when she does it is generally on business so I do’nt think she go to meet- ing and there ar’nt any people of our faith in Cucamonga I think Annie would be differ ent if she had a different husband. So the long looked for re- leas came at last. Well deary I hope you wont act like Groesbeck did when you have been there two years, but then I know you have too much sence for that. My but it seems a long time to look forward to, You ask if there is any fruit this year. There are quite a few apples not as many as last year and quite a lot of peaches that white cling had quite a few [ltr. 3, p. 10] 10. on and there were quite a lot of plumbs and pears So the flees still bother you – you have my sym path for I know what they are if they are that thick over there I would’nt want to live there. We are all well Ruth and I are just fine. I got the check for the divi- dends on our sugar stock the other day but I hav’nt cached them as yet for I hav’nt been to town since I got them I only go out in the sun when I have to. It seems to me town is such a hot place how people like to tramp main street I do’nt know. I only go when I have to. Today is Auerbocks day at Salt Air. They have been [ltr. 3, p. 11] 11. giving a ticket with every 1.00 purchase for a month and to day they have been giving them away for nothing some one gave papa 7 and we thought we would go out Mamma went this after noon with Alice and Bertha and I were going later, but we heard there was such a [-]am so we did’nt go and since that I heard that the [-]am is something is terrible. People fainting and children being crushed and crying. Mamma has’nt got home yet and it is eleven oclock. Papa was going out at 8:30 he went to the depot at 8:20 and waited until after 9 and there was’nt any train so he came home and he said there was over a thousand people waiting to go out then. And there [ltr. 3, p. 12] 12. was about 50 street cars waiting for the incomeing train. I guess it will be a record braker. I would rather be at home than in a crowd like that. All the folks wish to be re- membered to you. Deary I do hope you are well and that the hot weather will soon let up for you ca’nt stand to get much thinner. Lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mam- ma. I remain your loving and affectionate wife, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x P.S. Mamma has just come home and she says it was something terrible they could’nt get a table or seat and people were fainting and it was terrrible. [ltr. 4, p. 1] #18 Salt Lake City. Aug. 11, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I re- ceived your most welcome letter Wednesday and I was so pleased to hear from you and to hear that you was well. I am glad it is a little cooler over there it has been a little cooler here for the last three days although it was 90 to-day. I can tell you I will be glad when it gets a little cooler and I know Ruth will for she suffers with the heat something like I do, but I [ltr. 4, p. 2] 2. am glad she is well. How she does like to go driving Joe and Bertha went for a ride last night and they took her with them and tuds called tonight and Bertha was out in front with her so they took Bertha and the baby for a drive she does enjoy it. I believe she would go with most any one that would take her for a drive. You aught to see her when she see the horses. She puts her hands and laughs and almost jumps out of your arms. She says “chick” “chick” and “see” and she tries to say so many things she know what nearly every thing is. So you think you might put the air cushion in the seat [ltr. 4, p. 3] 3. of your trousers I think that would be a good idea You are so thin I do’nt think it would be noticed. Of course I do’nt know Bro. Groesbeck but if he is any thing like the rest of the family you are very sarcastic in your description of him. I have only had the one Mag- azine. I do’nt think is is very much I would lots rather have the Ladies Home Journal I am glad that Mrs. Brown treaded you so well and I hope she will be a good friend to you. I will go to see Brother Symons sometime when I am down town. I went down town yester- day and paid the intrest on the note which was $10:30 that left $6.65 so I made it [ltr. 4, p. 4] 4. up $10. and paid it on the note. They have issued the other treasury stock 4 shares for Ruth 41 for you and 4 for me making 49 in all Bro. Nelson said he would buy it up but he thought he would hold it for a while the stock is now $13.15 of course that would be quite a profit but he said he heard something on the inside and that he would write you about it. Say Alvin how much do you think that calf is worth there was a man here the other day and he wanted to know what I wanted for her. Say deary you know what I told you about Aurbochs day at Salt Air. There were [ltr. 4, p. 5] 5. twenty three thousand people there several got hurt the last train left the beach at 3 A.M. And the cars run nearly all night. I hav’nt heard Harry say wether his Uncle Joe’s folks got your letter or not, but I will ask him the first time I see him. I think they ex pect some of them to come out here this fall. I ran out of paper so had to finish on this. All the folks wish to be re- membered to you. How are you deary I do hope you are well we are all well and I am very thankfull for it. I ca’nt think of any thing more to tell you only that I love you with all my heart and pray for you continueally. Ruth has just woke up and she is sitting on my lap watching me pretty [ltr. 4, p. 6] 6. soon she will be big enough to write you a letter her- self. Well deary we will say night night with lots of love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mamma We remain your loveing wife and baby, Millie & Ruth. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x o o o o o o o o o o o o o o x x x x x x x x x x x x x o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 5, p. 1] #19. Salt Lake City, Aug. 17, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Monday was my letter day but I was dissapointed when I did’nt get it, but I was pleased yesterday when I got two. I do’nt know how it is that you do’nt get my letters regularly I gues that was one thing that hel- ped to make you home sick and then going to the station to bid those folks good bye. I know how you feel when you do’nt get [ltr. 5, p. 2] 2. a letter because Monday when I did’nt get my letter I thought of every thing, but you aught not to get homesick when you have an oldmaid near to talk to you and cheer you up, but I guess it was the thoughts of her coming home that made you blue. Never mind deary you must throw off homesickness. Just think four months to day since you left. It does seem a long time it seems at least a year. So you had three children to take care of for a few [ltr. 5, p. 3] 3. days - how did it seem? I knew Fred Smith was here and that he had been preaching at the Josephite meetings but I did’nt know that he had been helping F. J. Cannon in his dirty business. So you have found a man that thinks polyga- my is all right. He better have a think coming. You say you wonder if Ruth will know you two years hense I hope she will she has your picture to play with and I am ever telling her about you. She is not much of a kisser [ltr. 5, p. 4] 4. but once in a while I get her to kiss your picture and then she loves it so cute and she loves me so sweet I just wish you could have one of her hugs she loves her doll, and says “bye bye” To day all the Smiths went to the park and Sup- per down there. Bro. Worthington took us down in the big canyon wagon and I asked her where she was going and she said “tat” “ta”. how she did enjo[-] the ducks. We all had a real nice time I think all the family was [ltr. 5, p. 5] 5. there except Iny. Lis’s baby is a fatty but he is’nt near as large a Donnys - her baby is a big boy and he is so tall and just as solid as can be. Mamies baby is getting quite fat now he is a nice baby but his eyes seem to look kind of dull they are a light blue. Ally Sant’s baby do’nt get along very well he is sick so much he is only about half a big as Mellisas, but he is a bright little thing. Nelsons came in their mobile it is not a very large one. [ltr. 5, p. 6] 6. Bro. Nelson bought up the stock for you he bought the 49 shares that was due you and Ruth and I and he got 88 more at the same price makeing 137 shares so he made out a note for $1,370. and I went down to day and signed it and indorsed the stock so bro. Nelson will sell enough of the stock to clear the note pretty soon and I guess he will sell the other a little later on. I guess he will write and tell you all about it. He told me there would be another dividend on Uncle [ltr. 5, p. 7] 7. Sam this month. Your mother told me today that Fanny’s beaux sent her a letter asking her to send his ring backs and accuseing her of crimnal intercouse with George Cluff he said some one told him You know they have been quarreling all along Fanny told me the day we were at the lake that she was going to quit him and send his ring back. She feels terrible about it. I think your mother said that Fanny was going to write to George Cluff and get a letter from him [ltr. 5, p. 8] 8. denying it. If I was her I would make him prove it and then I would wash my hands of him. You tell Pres. Hoops that if you had another wife the secret would be out for I would’nt address envelope for another woman to write to you. I thought I did like the standing picture the best but the more I look at them the more I like the buss I think I told you so in a former letter if I did’nt I ment to. You look so sweet in that one. You do in both of them [ltr. 5, p. 9] 9. We are having lovely cool nights now it is pretty hot in the day but it is lovely at night. I feel like a different person when now it is a little cooler. I am real well and so is Ruth she is biting for another tooth I think it will be through before long. Helen Bourne had a birth day party Tuesday night Bertha and I went and we had a very nice time. Rulon and Eva were there I thought Eva looked kind of funny in the face. Rulons sister is going to be married next month. [ltr. 5, p. 10] 10. Yes Will Murdock is going to take his fathers place in the store and he has moved down in his fathers house next door to his mother and rented his for $14.00 a month. It is out by the pen and he only has 4 rooms and a pantry and it isnt modern in any way and they havnt a barn or fruit trees or any thing. I saw a man over attend- ing to Mr. Palmers elm trees the other day so I thought I would go over and get him to do mine. When I got over there I found that it was Tommy Gunn and his [ltr. 5, p. 11] 11. partner and I asked Preston what he would trim and spray the two trees for and he said a $1.00 a piece I thought it was more than plenty but I told him he could do them, but I wanted him to trim them up properly and cut the dead branches out and spray them. Then I telephoned Mrs. Farr and told her what they were to do. So the next day they went down there and they were going to spray them and Miss Farr asked them if they were’nt going to trim them and he said no that was’nt in the bargain [ltr. 5, p. 12] 12. and she said Mrs. Smith told me what you was to do and he said it is worth $5.00 to do what she wants done and she went in the house and called me up and told me and while she was talking to me he slashed away at the tree on the east lawn she says he has ruined it and he took particular care not to cut one dead branch off and they are the ones that have the most scale on so she went out and told him what I said he was to do and then he came to the phone and [ltr. 5, p. 13] 13. said it was worth $5.00 to do what I wanted done so I told him it was’nt worth one but if he did the job properly I would pay him what I agreed to and he said he could’nt do it the way I wanted it for that price so I told him to leave it alone and I would get some one else and then he said he had got them done so I said it did’nt take but ten minutes to earn $5.00 and I told him I did’nt believe him and that he could tell Miss Farr to come to the phone and I asked her and and all he [ltr. 5, p. 14] 14. done was cut that one tree and spoil it so I told her to tell him to leave them alone and I would’nt pay him one cent. And when she told him he went around with his knife and said it do’nt hurt the knife to cut and they were just as impudent as they could be and he told her, that he was a friend of mine when he first got there. When he left he said “I will make it cost her more than $5.00 I will send the inspecter down here. When Mr. Johnson got home that night he called me up [ltr. 5, p. 15] 15. and told me not to pay him one cent for he had just spoiled the tree. he has’nt been for his money and he wont get any if he does. When I made arraingements with him to go down there he wanted to collect there and I told him “no.” I suppose if I had told him he could collect there he would collect- ed without doeing the work. You know they are going to open the Uintah Reservation and people go to Provo and registar and then they draw for the land. Harry went down Saturday and reg- [ltr. 5, p. 16] 16. istered. In the afternoon He and Nell and the boys and Alice, Mamma, Joe Bertha and I went to the lake we had quite a nice time. All the folks send love to you. This is quite a pretty card you sent me. I think I must say “night’ “night” for this time. Lots of love and bugs and kisses from mamma and Ruth I remain your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x o o o o o o o o o o o o o o x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 6, p. 1] #20 Salt Lake City. Aug. 21, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I thought this morning that I was going to be dissapointed again to-day as I did’nt get a letter this morning but I got it this afternoon and I can tell you I was so pleased it was such a sweet letter well they all are, and I was so glad to know that you was well and I hope you will continue to have good health I am so glad that [ltr. 6, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2. you are looking better than you did and I do hope that your hair will soon stop falling out. So you had a rough house on your birthday deary do be carefull and do’nt hurt any one. I hope you went to Chuck- fords Forest and had a nice time. I too wish we had some of your English weather for it is still frightfully hot here and every thing is burn- ing up water is so scarce that we are only allowed to sprinkel Tuesday’s and Friday evenings from 7 until 10. so you can emagine how [ltr. 6, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3. dry every thing is. Saturday’s Trib had a big piece about your father being a law breaker once more sprink- ling the law at the Bee Hive at 1 A.M. so Saturday’s news had a piece which I will inclose. I am glad you are thought ful about wearing your over coat. Yes I was rather tired after going to the Park I think I would go out more but I am so lazy I get so tired when I walk much. Yes I remember how Moke used to act he is just as big a crank as ever over her the other day she was [ltr. 6, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 7] 4. in the front room asleep and Moke was on the front porch and she woke up and started to cry and moke came running around to the back door to where I was and whined to get in and I let him in and he ran right to the midde door and tried to the get in. You aught to see him when he thinks I am going to take the baby out in her carriage While I am getting her ready he noses around and the minute I start to take the buggy out he flies out and tares around the yard and whines just like he [ltr. 6, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 9] 5. is tickeled to death and then Ruth laughs and we ask her where she is going and she says “tat” ”ta” so cute and shake her little hand. Mamma gener- ally takes her with her when she take Reeds milk and she watches mamma when she is getting ready. To night I took her down with me while I fed the chickens I let her stand by me and put her hand in and get some wheat and she dropped it all around near her and the chickins are tame something like ours were last year and they were all around her and she [ltr. 6, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 11] 6. thought that was lots of fun. Mrs. Adams was telling me that she used ammon- ia and olive oil and it stopped her hair falling out. You put enough ammonia to cut the oil and shake it well‒rub a little on the seal and if it stings you have too much ammonia and you need to add a little more oil. If it does’nt stop falling out soon you might try that. Mamma has had such a time to catch her cow the other day she caught her and she could’nt get any one to take her‒I sent our cow a week ago today so [ltr. 6, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 13] 7. I do’nt know yet wether she is all right or not, but I hope she is as it is quite a job to get someone to take her. Yes Harry is always talking about going away some where if it is’nt a farm it is some thing else I do’nt think he has got the right kind of kids to go on a farm especially Harry. Barnums circus was here a while ago and they did’nt have a parade but people could go and see all the animals free so Nell took the boys and while they were walking around Harry fainted dead away and some [ltr. 6, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 15] 8. one called the company doctor and he soon got him too and then some one tooke them to the car and she got him home and pretty soon he fainted again and he has had several spells since. I do’nt know wether it is the heat or not He looks well. I got the August number of the National and there is’nt any thing in about you boys maby it will be in the next. There is a little more to this number than there was the last. I got a letter from Mrs. Field to day she is feeling much better and she [ltr. 6, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 17] 9. expects to come home this fall she says their crop looks fine and they ex- pect to buy more land next year. She and Jene wished to be remember- ed to you. I went down town today so I called to see Bro. Symons he was’nt in and Mrs. Fox said she did’nt think they had a picture of Bro. Binder so I waited until Bro. Symons came and he said he did’nt have one but he thought he could get one from Savages for me and he would see to it at once and mail it to me and [ltr. 6, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 19] 10. then I will send it to you. He was glad to hear from You also from Sister Everard but he was sorry Sister Everard did’nt have better health and he wished to be remembered to you also Sister Everard. I saw Theo Rises and he wished to be remembered to you. Dick and Mable Savill [--]ght have bought a home in Forest Dale it is on 7th East just blow Canons. Bertha and Joe have decided on the plan of their house and it is going to be real nice. They expect to start to build next [ltr. 6, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 21] 11. month they intended to start this month but his father has gone to Port land with the city council so he will start it when he comes back Mrs. Tud and Flory went with him. Rulons house is started in fact the foundation is in. All the folks wish to be remembered to you and are glad that you keep well we are well and Ruth is just fine I just wish you could hear her jabber and talk. Well deary Ruth and Mamma send you lots of love and hugs and kisses [ltr. 6, p. 22] May the Lord bless you always and help you in your labors I remain your loveing and affectionate wife, Millie. [ltr. 7, p. 1] #21 Salt Lake City, Aug. 28, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- It is a week to day since I last wrote you I received a letter from you last Wed-nesday and another to day and I was tickeled to get them and to know that you was well. The one I got to day was much nicer than the one I got Wednesday. I may be funny but when I opened that letter and saw that it was type written I [ltr. 7, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 3] 3. felt quite insulted, but I guess it would save you lots of time when you get used to the machine but for myself I would rather have one letter a week and have it written by you of course two would be better but maby that takes too much of your time. I am glad that you have company while tracting now I think I told you who went to Portland with Aunt J. – Emily and Rachel went with her. Your Mother and the girls and Hyrum and Ida are going pretty soon [ltr. 7, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 5] 3. but I do’nt know wether your father is going or not. Yes Deary I want you to stay until you are through while you are there because when you come home I want you to stay I dreamed the other night that you were home and we were living down to our place and it had been snowing and you was down the lot sawing wood and you came in the house and said you were going to bed and you seemed so cross I hope you do’nt look like that when you do come home but I know you wo’nt. Yes I remember your [ltr. 7, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 7] 4. fish story when we were up to Wasatch I wonder if you would do that now I bet you would’nt. I told you about the sugar stock in a previous letter I think I will keep you to your word that Ruth and I can have what we can make on it. Bro. Nelson hopes to make about 3 or 4 hund- red dollars on the whole amount of shares that he took up. Harry and Gates went up to Wasatch fishing – Gates got his watch back it seems he dropped it down at the bar[-] when they went to hitch up [ltr. 7, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 9] 5. it was dark and he did’nt notice it. Some people left early the next morning and they found it – it was pretty badly batter up and I think he had to pay ten dollars to get it, but it was worth it as he paid a hundred dollars for it. too bad Bro. Jones lost his watch Harry telephoned to day and his uncle Joe had a letter from his wife and she told him she got your letter and Harry said if you could tell them any thing where by it would lessen their ex- penses in any was it would be greatly appreciat[line cuts off] [ltr. 7, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 11] 6. ed at both ends of the line. Hen’s uncle Joe has’nt been able to do any thing since his accident. He ca’nt move his arm but very little as yet I think the doctor did’nt set his elbo properly. Do’nt say any thing to his folks about the accident as they know nothing about it. I had a letter from Mrs. Field last week she is feel- ing much better and she wished to be remembered to you. I got a letter from Ella to day she is in Los Angeles and has been there about a month she likes the place [ltr. 7, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 13] 7. very much and she says Zion wo’nt see her for a few years if she has her way. She has been crazy to get away and she has succeeded at last. So Miss Levy has quit the C. W. & M. Co. Is she going to get marrid? So you think you would like to get back to work. I guess Jennie will find somebody some day they say there is a Jack for every Jill. I was glad to hear that you went to the Theater and enjoyed it. I went to the theater last Thursday night it was May Irwin in “Mrs. [ltr. 7, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 15] 8. Black is back it was real funny and I enjoyed it very much. Your Father and Mother and Emma and Sarah Harris were there. I suppose you know that Artie has a daughter and Emily a son. David was the only one there he will soon be a midwife. Emily and and Lis aught to have babys for their neighbors. Lis baby has a tooth. So the man over to Greenwich Park took you for greenhorns but he found his mistake did’nt he? I should have thought he felt like a bogus quarter. The kodack must be worse [ltr. 7, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 17] 9. for it wont work any way No you did’nt say anything about Elizabeth going to leave nor that Miss Cook was going to work for them. What was the use of me send- ing that letter to you . I ca’nt very well keep it as I burned it. I do’nt know wich one of Lillian sister got marrid I do’nt know them but I think he name was Jennie. Say deary I met an old sweet heart of yours at Helen Bourns party Emma Wallace she is quite pretty but I think she is a little loud. Ruth and I went for a ride last Wed- nesday night we are still [ltr. 7, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 19] 10. haveing hot weather it is so sultry it tried to rain to night but did’nt succeed. We had two good storms last week but they did’nt cool the air very much the thundering and lighten ing was awfull. Last Tues day night they had the worst storm at Salt Air that they have ever had out there in the summer season. Yes I think it is just as hot if not hotter at the lake than it is at home. Deary you know Mrs. Lucas that married Uncle Phillipps had a boy and a girl when he marrid her [ltr. 7, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 21] 11. the boy was a real good quiet studious boy last Wednesday night he and his sister were going to the lake and he was’nt quite read so he told Ella go on and he would catch the train he went to jump on as the train turned the corner at South Temple and 4th West and he missed his hold and fell and was killed most of the train went over him no one seen him fall he was cut all to pieces He was 16 years old he was buried yesterday from Taylory undertaking parlors She wanted him buried from [ltr. 7, p. 22: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 23] 12. home but the sexton said he could’nt be moved but I think they did’nt want to take him to the house for fear she would find out how badly he was cut up as they hav’nt told her as yet. He had a lovely funer- al. Bishop Emery spoke I could nt see the speakers but I think Robert Taylor spoke and some on else they all spoke very highly of him. Robert Taylor dedicated the grave and the flowers were just grand. It is a big blow for his folks. Yes Emily does take it easy but I do’nt know but what [ltr. 7, p. 24: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 25] 13. she is just as well thought of and she get along just as well as other folks her babys have dirty faces sometimes but they are nice babies just the same. I try to keep Ruth clean. I think some times if she wasnt tended so much it would be better for her. She is a lazy kid she cant walk yet and almost 13 months old she can stand by a chair and can walk if you hold her but we cant leave go of her as she is so wobbely and she has’nt an idea of creaping she wiggels around on her sit me down. She [ltr. 7, p. 26: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 27] 14. seems so timid, but there is a baby across the street that is 18 months old and she cant walk alone yet she can walk around by the things but ca’nt go alone. So you think you will learn to dance if you keep putting it off I will be so old I wo’nt care wether you learn or not I hav’nt danced for so long I guess I could’nt if I tried, No I hav’nt been sick it is just the heat that melts me down I just wish you could see how I sweat and Ruth is almost as bad. Every body tells me how well I look [ltr. 7, p. 28: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 29] 15. and Emma Goddard told Bertha she thought I looked better since I was’nt quite so fleshy. Harry has lost dozens of tomato plants and they continue to die, but the plants that are good are yeilding fine mamma went down and got a basket full to day and they are just lovely. Nell picked about three bushels to day. Poor old Moke went to jump an iron fence this morning and one of the iron pickets run in him under his back [---] mamma was not far away and she hurrid and lifted him [ltr. 7, p. 30: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 31] 16. off it made quite a hole he can hardly walk he has only moved three or four times to day. I guess he will get over it all right. I hope so. I do’nt know who Minnie marrid. I told you what Aunt Sarah told me about Bud and Miss Horn I also heard that after he quit going down there that she telephoned a number of times, but nearly every time he was out and she was very anxious to speak to him so I do’nt know who did the quitting I thought they were going to make a [ltr. 7, p. 32: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 33] 17. match of it. Well it did’nt make me tired to read your 12 pages but I am afraid you will tire reading this, but if you get tired leave it for a while and then finish Mamma and Papa and Bertha and Joe and all the folks send love to you Ella asked about you and wished to be remembered to you. I kissed Ruth for you I often do that but she would’nt kiss me for you. Well deary may the Lord bless you continueally and keep you from all harm and sickness Lots of [ltr. 7, p. 34] 18. love and hugs and kisses from Ruth and mamma I am Your loveing wife, Millie [ltr. 7, ins. 1] [newspaper clipping enclosed] [ltr. 8, p. 1] #22 Salt Lake City, Aug. 31th, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- Your letter of Aug 18 came to hand yesterday and I was so pleased to hear from you and to learn that you was well. I am so glad to know that you keep well. So Bro. Groesbeck is com- ing home at last his sister says “when Hily comes home I will have some one to take me out” and I told her he would be after taking some other fellows sister out [ltr. 8, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 3] 2. and she said “no he would- nt his sister always comes first”. We will see. Yes deary two years from this fall is a long time to look forward to, but the way you count you must expect to put in three sum- mers over there I hope it wont be quite that bad. So you are having cold weather over there. It is awfully hot here as yet. It has been awful hot today but it is quite pleasant this evening. I went down to Nell’s today Mamma and Alice went also. They are all well and wish to be remembered to you [ltr. 8, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 5] 3. So you had an American dinner I am glad you en- joyed it. chickens are high are’nt they? I am glad you can have chicken once in a while for I know you do’nt like chicken. Nor lemon pie. Say deary you should- nt brag on my cooking like that because some day some of those boys might have a chance to sample my cooking and then they would’nt agree with you. I hav’nt made any lemon pie since you left. I am glad you have found a good restaurant. I too wish you could drop [ltr. 8, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 7] 4. in and have a meal with us. No you had’nt told me before about haveing such a hot time at your street meeting. I guess it is en- ough to make any one mad enough to fight, but you must not fight Joe came and took Bertha and Ruth and I for a ride so now I will try to finish answering your letter. We are all well and I hope You are. Have the fogs started yet? Deary you will be careful now that the cold weather is coming on wo’nt you? I too wish you could see [ltr. 8, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 9] 5. and hear Ruth do the cute things that she does. Mamma is trying to get her to sleep and she do’nt want to go and she is saying “tat” “ta” “tat” “ta” and throwing her doll around that is such a cute card you sent her the ones you sent me are very pretty. Say deary I wish you would send me two more like those “gleaners” I want to give them to Joe. He happened to say that he was going to get those and did’nt so I thought if you would send me two like those I would give them to him. [ltr. 8, p. 10: page is blank} [ltr. 8, p. 11] 6. Ida asked mamma and I to go to the lake to-morrow so I guess we will go. Joe and Bertha have decided on a plan for their house but is not very large well it will be when the get all the rooms finished but they are not going to finish the up stairs now. They are going to have a parlor, dining room, hall, bed room, kitchen, bath room, pantry down stairs and two rooms up stairs. I think it will be quite nice and then the will have a good cellar. On Berthas birthday Joe gave her such a nice little mahogany dressing [ltr. 8, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 13] 7. table I told her it looked suspicious. Sister Horn the head of the Releif Societies died and was buried Tuesday and Your Pappa and Mamma called, coming back from the funeral, for a minute and your mother was going to Mellisas later so the called and took Ruth and I for a ride and we went down to Emilys to see the baby they have got a lovely baby ‒ Emily looks fine and she said she felt fine. Moke is geting better the wound is starting to heal. Well my own sweetheart I [ltr. 8, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 15] 8. I can think of nothing else to tell you unless it is that I love you with all my heart and I pray continuelly that the time will hurry along so that you can be home with us again. I saw will Davis today and he wished to be remember- ed to you he said he got a card from you sometime ago. As I got off of the car coming from Nells I saw Robert Sant and Ed. Ashton they asked about you and wished to be remembered to you I only saw them for a minute as they got on the car that I got off. Ashton’s [ltr. 8, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 8, p. 17] 9. have got a picket fence in front now so they are fenced in all around. You aught to see their lawn it is nothing but a weed patch. Mamma and Pappa and Bertha and Joe send love to you allso Al, Alice and Mrs. Adams. Ruth and Mamma sends lots of love hugs and kisses May the Lord bless you continueally is the wish of your loveing wife and baby Millie and Ruth. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 8, p. 18: page is blank]