Manitou, Col, July 24th
Dear little Mamma,
We arrived safely yesterday evening and found Mr. Parker at the train waiting for us. He took us up to the rooming house where George and Louise and the Moores were last year, where he had managed to save us a comfortable room (the last one in the house) and we are taking our meals at the Sunnyside Hotel just across the street. We are really pleasantly fixed and in this way the rates are less than in most cases--it costs us, board and room, eight dollars and a quarter a week each. The fashionable are four dollars a day. Our room although very plain has two windows with mountain views from each, has a closet, is lighted with electricity and is near the bathroom, and I am well satisfied. The views from the porches are very fine with old Pikes Peak towering over the ranges. Walter and Mr. Parker took a long walk after supper yesterday, but Mrs. Parker and I sat on the porch and rested.
This morning Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson (a Kansas City bride and groom) and Walter and I took a three seated surrey and drove out eight miles to south Cheyenne Canyon where the scenery is wild and grand in the extreme with a rushing mountain stream which tears down the rocks in seven successive falls.
We walked up about two hundred and fifty steps to the top of the falls and the men folks did some more climbing over the bare rocks, but I thought I wouldn’t try to do too much at first.
I feel my old enthusiasm for the mountains and only wish that I could do the tramping I did in Switzerland. The air is magnificent. I am wearing my heavy dress waist and last night we slept with two blankets. I have unpacked my trunk, put my clean papers in the bureau drawers, and gotten pretty comfortably fixed for our two weeks stay.
Manitou is certainly an enchanting place--it is in a narrow valley surrounded on three sides by the mountains, and summer homes with finely kept lawns and beautiful flowers. An electric line runs from here to Colorado Springs which is a much larger place, and for that reason less attractive to me as a resort. Manitou is full of fine mineral springs and Walter has begun drinking already--he got up at six this morning and went down to the soda spring and drank a quart of the water.
There are no end to the fine excursions to be taken from here, but we won’t be able to go to nearly all the places, as carriages are expensive and I can walk so little, but we can see enough from the porch to pay us for coming.
When you go in a party the rates are much less. I only wish we could stay longer, but perhaps we may be fortunate enough to come again sometime.
I have some of the dear home pictures standing on the dresser and I can see Dearest sitting in the little rocker on the porch.
Now I must stop to write Jo a line before train time.
With very much love, Anna--
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Monday Morning
Kansas City Nov 11 1901
Mrs. Helen M. Caine
1021 Gratz Avenue
Knoxville Tennessee
Monday Morning
Dear little Mamma,
After two fine cool days it is warm again this morning a feels like more rain.
It is so long since last Wednesday that I have forgotten what I did except my letter to you, but I remember we didn't go to church, for I was lame from my mornings weed pulling and Walter didn't feel well, and afterward when we heard Mr. Dew led the meeting we weren't particularly sorry that we didn't go.
Thursday morning after my usual routine, I decided to make a visit or two and then spend the rest of the day with Mother Neff; So I started out about ten-o'clock and rode down to_____ thinking I would spend a few minutes with Mrs. Householder, but found she had just_____ out on Troust Avenue with the people with whom they had been boarding. Then I stopped at Mrs. Hughes as I wasn't sure she had left town, but found she had taken the children and gone to join Dr. Hughes Monday morning. This gave me a little extra time which I spent at Mrs. Fowler's. Miss Miles is in Boston with Mrs. Chase, as perhaps you know , and Mrs. chase and the baby are to return with her in September for a visit. Mrs. Fowler's health seems better this summer, but Mrs. Walter Fowlers is miserable and I do feel sorry for her.
Well, I arrived at Mother Neff's just in time for a early lunch, and found that she had made arrangements to take a Mrs. Lloyd (Cora's Aunt) out driving in the afternoon, so we visited for an hour or so and then she brought me home. I had been wanting to go down to the office and as I was all dressed I decided that was just as good a time as any, so I got in the car and the "baby" surely surprised to see me. Jay was there and I talked to him a minute and had a little visit with Paul-the child is handsomer everyday-and at quarter to four we left the rest to do the work and ran off up town where we dissipated on ice cream soda(and Walter had a cherry cobbler, too) and bought two fine new pairs of suspenders for a dollar at Browning and Kings-to every appearance just as good as ones of Bullines for twice the money, so you see "you can't most always tell".
Friday I cleaned the Linen closet, though, of course, Bridges wiped the walls and shelves. When the things were all spread out in your room and the sewing room I wandered how the closet could ever hold so much and not seem crowded. I found the disagreeable odor was from the fur jacket and cape, so I put them in the sewing room closet as it is nearer a window and more easily aired. The jacket never smelled before, so it must be something Mrs. Rudd did to it. I dusted your room, tended the plants, and put away the clean clothes, so you see it was a busy day. I the evening we went out to Troust Park to hear Mr. Chaffee sing-he and Mrs. Vorhees sang there every evening of last week and with so much success that they are engaged for this week. On the car we saw Jay and Sarah had Miss Marry Green-they were just out to cool off. Sarah was wrapped up though, and didn't look very well. While we were listening to the music Mr. Hallenback came up to talk to us and said he had just gotten back from Chicago where he and Mrs. Hallenback had secured fine church positions to begin the first of September. It must have seemed queer to him when neither of us expressed any regret at this news, but he tells such whoppers that it is impossible to know what to believe. Yet if it is true, Walter won't know what to do for a soprano, for there is no one who can approach Mrs. Hallenback for church work. Dora informed me Friday morning that she had an opportunity to go home for nothing and would start that evening after dinner and would return Saturday night. I wasn't at all pleased at such short notice, as you can imagine, but there was nothing to do but put up with it, I had her make the bread and got Bridges to scrub the kitchen and pantry, so that my stay in the culinary department might be as agreeable as possible. Walter wouldn't let her set the table so we ate breakfast on the slab in the pantry-we had fruit and scrambled eggs with fresh bread and butter, and Walter made the coffee which looked perfection, and he said it was. Of course he wanted me to go right off to spend the day with his mother, but there were too many things to be attended to, so I decided to stay by myself in spite of it's being a dark rainy day. We had quite a discussion about dinner, Walter insisted on our going down town, but finally he gave in after getting me to promise to have a cold lunch instead of dinner. Well, I spent another busy day, as you can imagine and splashed around in the sink till nearly noon, but you just ought to have seen how clean I made the refridgedar and filter! I dusted the white room and our room and did lots of odd jobs, and about 4 o'clock Walter came home with a basket of plums, some cantaloupes, cheese, and sardines. He positively refused to let me have lunch in the dining room, so I fixed it on the slab again. The only hot things we had were fried potatoes and tea, but with the sardines, salad, bread and jam, cantaloupes, tarts and cake, we "made out" very well and both thought things tasted much better than usual. I washed the silver and piled up the dishes for Dora, and we spent the evening reading. Sunday morning we went to Dr. Neal’s church of tenth and forest and he gave us a beautiful sermon from the 21st chapter of revelations. I enjoyed him more than Dr. George and I know he is a dear good man--and he called us "beloved". We read after dinner and each took a nap, and then went over to Jay's but found no one at home. We went on up to George's and waited on the porch for nearly an hour till father and mother Neff got home from the Good Way Mission. We had a pleasant visit and a good lunch-of course-and then concluded to go down to hear Dr. Wilcox. When we got to Woodland Avenue the cable stopped and so after sitting there till half past eight we hunted up a red car and finally got home about nine.
So we have still to hear a sermon from Dr. Wilcox. Mrs. Gilbert says they think him a very strong speaker, and I think myself he is quite homely enough to be smart.
No, we have had no more news from Dr. Quayle, but I think it was his stepmother who was ill instead of his father.
Tell Ned I have reread "The Bandman" and although it harrows my feelings beyond expression, I think it is a great book, and Red Jason are of the mighty spirits of the world. I have been reading a number of serial magazine stories, too--"The Castle Inn", "Carleane", and "The Garden of Swords"--all finely written but anything but pleasant reading. I wonder if Ned has read them.
You musn’t expect me to tell you if I am taking good care of Walter--you must ask him.
I haven't said anything about the wall yet because nothing has been done yet. They have been so slow about the foundation of the houses and we can not begin till their stone work is about finished. You would see the reason if you were here, but it would take too long to try to explain it. We shall surely begin work next week, I think.
I will enclose a letter from Louise which you can send to Auntie if you like.
I still borrow matches from your room just as if you were here, and I wonder what I will do when the box is empty.
Mother Neff said to give you her love. I have lots of letters to write, but I just don't get at them. With much love to all,
Affectionately,
Anna
Mrs. Helen M. Caine
1021 Gratz Avenue
Knoxville Tennessee
Monday Morning
Dear little Mamma,
After two fine cool days it is warm again this morning a feels like more rain.
It is so long since last Wednesday that I have forgotten what I did except my letter to you, but I remember we didn't go to church, for I was lame from my mornings weed pulling and Walter didn't feel well, and afterward when we heard Mr. Dew led the meeting we weren't particularly sorry that we didn't go.
Thursday morning after my usual routine, I decided to make a visit or two and then spend the rest of the day with Mother Neff; So I started out about ten-o'clock and rode down to_____ thinking I would spend a few minutes with Mrs. Householder, but found she had just_____ out on Troust Avenue with the people with whom they had been boarding. Then I stopped at Mrs. Hughes as I wasn't sure she had left town, but found she had taken the children and gone to join Dr. Hughes Monday morning. This gave me a little extra time which I spent at Mrs. Fowler's. Miss Miles is in Boston with Mrs. Chase, as perhaps you know , and Mrs. chase and the baby are to return with her in September for a visit. Mrs. Fowler's health seems better this summer, but Mrs. Walter Fowlers is miserable and I do feel sorry for her.
Well, I arrived at Mother Neff's just in time for a early lunch, and found that she had made arrangements to take a Mrs. Lloyd (Cora's Aunt) out driving in the afternoon, so we visited for an hour or so and then she brought me home. I had been wanting to go down to the office and as I was all dressed I decided that was just as good a time as any, so I got in the car and the "baby" surely surprised to see me. Jay was there and I talked to him a minute and had a little visit with Paul-the child is handsomer everyday-and at quarter to four we left the rest to do the work and ran off up town where we dissipated on ice cream soda(and Walter had a cherry cobbler, too) and bought two fine new pairs of suspenders for a dollar at Browning and Kings-to every appearance just as good as ones of Bullines for twice the money, so you see "you can't most always tell".
Friday I cleaned the Linen closet, though, of course, Bridges wiped the walls and shelves. When the things were all spread out in your room and the sewing room I wandered how the closet could ever hold so much and not seem crowded. I found the disagreeable odor was from the fur jacket and cape, so I put them in the sewing room closet as it is nearer a window and more easily aired. The jacket never smelled before, so it must be something Mrs. Rudd did to it. I dusted your room, tended the plants, and put away the clean clothes, so you see it was a busy day. I the evening we went out to Troust Park to hear Mr. Chaffee sing-he and Mrs. Vorhees sang there every evening of last week and with so much success that they are engaged for this week. On the car we saw Jay and Sarah had Miss Marry Green-they were just out to cool off. Sarah was wrapped up though, and didn't look very well. While we were listening to the music Mr. Hallenback came up to talk to us and said he had just gotten back from Chicago where he and Mrs. Hallenback had secured fine church positions to begin the first of September. It must have seemed queer to him when neither of us expressed any regret at this news, but he tells such whoppers that it is impossible to know what to believe. Yet if it is true, Walter won't know what to do for a soprano, for there is no one who can approach Mrs. Hallenback for church work. Dora informed me Friday morning that she had an opportunity to go home for nothing and would start that evening after dinner and would return Saturday night. I wasn't at all pleased at such short notice, as you can imagine, but there was nothing to do but put up with it, I had her make the bread and got Bridges to scrub the kitchen and pantry, so that my stay in the culinary department might be as agreeable as possible. Walter wouldn't let her set the table so we ate breakfast on the slab in the pantry-we had fruit and scrambled eggs with fresh bread and butter, and Walter made the coffee which looked perfection, and he said it was. Of course he wanted me to go right off to spend the day with his mother, but there were too many things to be attended to, so I decided to stay by myself in spite of it's being a dark rainy day. We had quite a discussion about dinner, Walter insisted on our going down town, but finally he gave in after getting me to promise to have a cold lunch instead of dinner. Well, I spent another busy day, as you can imagine and splashed around in the sink till nearly noon, but you just ought to have seen how clean I made the refridgedar and filter! I dusted the white room and our room and did lots of odd jobs, and about 4 o'clock Walter came home with a basket of plums, some cantaloupes, cheese, and sardines. He positively refused to let me have lunch in the dining room, so I fixed it on the slab again. The only hot things we had were fried potatoes and tea, but with the sardines, salad, bread and jam, cantaloupes, tarts and cake, we "made out" very well and both thought things tasted much better than usual. I washed the silver and piled up the dishes for Dora, and we spent the evening reading. Sunday morning we went to Dr. Neal’s church of tenth and forest and he gave us a beautiful sermon from the 21st chapter of revelations. I enjoyed him more than Dr. George and I know he is a dear good man--and he called us "beloved". We read after dinner and each took a nap, and then went over to Jay's but found no one at home. We went on up to George's and waited on the porch for nearly an hour till father and mother Neff got home from the Good Way Mission. We had a pleasant visit and a good lunch-of course-and then concluded to go down to hear Dr. Wilcox. When we got to Woodland Avenue the cable stopped and so after sitting there till half past eight we hunted up a red car and finally got home about nine.
So we have still to hear a sermon from Dr. Wilcox. Mrs. Gilbert says they think him a very strong speaker, and I think myself he is quite homely enough to be smart.
No, we have had no more news from Dr. Quayle, but I think it was his stepmother who was ill instead of his father.
Tell Ned I have reread "The Bandman" and although it harrows my feelings beyond expression, I think it is a great book, and Red Jason are of the mighty spirits of the world. I have been reading a number of serial magazine stories, too--"The Castle Inn", "Carleane", and "The Garden of Swords"--all finely written but anything but pleasant reading. I wonder if Ned has read them.
You musn’t expect me to tell you if I am taking good care of Walter--you must ask him.
I haven't said anything about the wall yet because nothing has been done yet. They have been so slow about the foundation of the houses and we can not begin till their stone work is about finished. You would see the reason if you were here, but it would take too long to try to explain it. We shall surely begin work next week, I think.
I will enclose a letter from Louise which you can send to Auntie if you like.
I still borrow matches from your room just as if you were here, and I wonder what I will do when the box is empty.
Mother Neff said to give you her love. I have lots of letters to write, but I just don't get at them. With much love to all,
Affectionately,
Anna
Nantucket, Mass, Aug 23rd
Nantucket, Mass, Aug 23rd
Dear little Mamma,
We have been so constantly “on the go” ever since we left home that it has been almost impossible to write anything like a letter, and we are only now getting a little breathing spell and not a very big one even now, for it takes all the morning mearly for the bathing, and there are a number of little trips which we want to take around the Island before we leave for Boston on Saturday. So much going about keeps us both very tired and yet we feel we just must make the most of our time and see as much as possible, for we shall probably not come east again for a long time. I won’t try to tell you about our two days in New York till I get home, but the time was well filled, you may be sure. I was so glad we were there to see the welcoming of the battle ships-it was a great sight, and we saw everything to good advantage from the steamer. We left New York Saturday night and reached Providence the next morning, there we changed cars for New Bedford and there took the steamer for Nantucket- it was a thirty mile voyage- from half past eight till one, and the day couldn't have been finer or the journey more delightful. It was simply delicious. We were not able to get to get in at the Sea Cliff Inn (the Sea Cliff Inn on Cliff Road was shut down and actually dismantled and remade into some of the cliff mansions you can see today.) where Louise was, as they were turning people away by the dozen, and it is just as well for our pocket book. We had intended going to the Nantucket House, which is right on the beach, but it is closed this summer, so we are at the Veranda House, a queer old fashioned place which seems quite suited to the town. Our room is comfortable with sea views from both windows, and the table is good, though not luxurious. The fish of course is fine, and everything else is well cooked. The price is ten dollars a week for each, and Louise paid more than twice that much at the Sea Cliff last year and said the fare was poor. We both got bathing suits at Wanamaker’s while we were in New York and we go in every morning- Walter has been twice today, but I must confess that I don’t care much for sea bathing and take it as rather a bitter dose- it is too sticky and sandy and the bath houses aren’t clean enough. I try not to think about dirt, for I really ought to have a rest from it once a year, but I see it and hate it just as much as ever. Nantucket is an old town, was founded about 1635 I believe, and the houses are as quaint and old-timey as possible. The streets are narrow and all mixed up, and of course I enjoy the picturesqueness greatly, but all the hotels are a good ways from the beach and it’s a job to go and come, we ride down in the bus and walk back so as not to catch cold. Walter has a good time swimming and floating, and tries to teach me, but I feel sure I shall drown the minute my feet leave the bottom, then I scream and of course get my mouth full of water. I think I shall be contented to go to the mountains for the next ten years. We stopped at Cottage City a few minutes on our way here, but didn’t see Eloise, as we did not decide upon coming here in time to let her know. We had a letter from her Friday and she said she was coming over here on an excursion Thursday, so we shall have a chance to visit and talk over our plans soon. She is tempted to take the Boston trip with us, but hasn’t decided yet, we are so pressed for time that we shan’t be able to give more than two days to Boston, I am afraid. Of course we shall take time to call on Mrs. Fowler and her daughter Mrs. Chase. Give Miss Miles and Mrs. Walter Fowler my love if you see them Sunday and tell them I wish they were to be in Boston, too. And you must give the Dear Quayles a great deal of love and tell them we are tempted to move to Indianapolis, too. We haven’t heard a word from Mrs. Landers and I am so anxious to. I am wandering if hateful old Marry left Mother Neff as she threatened to. Give her a whole lot of love from us both and tell her Walter has intended writing to her even since we left home, but I’m afraid he hasn’t done as yet. Our plan for the rest of the time is this though it may possibly have to be changed a little-------
Leave Nantucket Saturday noon.
Reach Boston Saturday night.
Sunday Boston
Monday
Tuesday) Newp
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri. New York
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Leave New York Monday night.
Tues. Washington
Wed.
Leave Washington Thurs morning.
Reach Kansas City Friday Night.
I have misplaced your letter, so if you asked any questions you must forgive me for not answering them. We shall soon be home now and then we can have plenty of time to talk over everything.
Don’t forget that you can have that Mr. Kiplinger from the office anytime you want him, and now please don’t wait dearest, till you are all nervous and are half killed with Neuralgia.
Walter is in bed and asleep and I suppose I ought to be.
Tell Dora they have lots of huckleberries here and we have them in pies and puddings, but no huckleberry bread. What a pity I didn’t bring the recipe for the benefit of the hotel!
With much love,
Yours affectionately-
Anna
Dear little Mamma,
We have been so constantly “on the go” ever since we left home that it has been almost impossible to write anything like a letter, and we are only now getting a little breathing spell and not a very big one even now, for it takes all the morning mearly for the bathing, and there are a number of little trips which we want to take around the Island before we leave for Boston on Saturday. So much going about keeps us both very tired and yet we feel we just must make the most of our time and see as much as possible, for we shall probably not come east again for a long time. I won’t try to tell you about our two days in New York till I get home, but the time was well filled, you may be sure. I was so glad we were there to see the welcoming of the battle ships-it was a great sight, and we saw everything to good advantage from the steamer. We left New York Saturday night and reached Providence the next morning, there we changed cars for New Bedford and there took the steamer for Nantucket- it was a thirty mile voyage- from half past eight till one, and the day couldn't have been finer or the journey more delightful. It was simply delicious. We were not able to get to get in at the Sea Cliff Inn (the Sea Cliff Inn on Cliff Road was shut down and actually dismantled and remade into some of the cliff mansions you can see today.) where Louise was, as they were turning people away by the dozen, and it is just as well for our pocket book. We had intended going to the Nantucket House, which is right on the beach, but it is closed this summer, so we are at the Veranda House, a queer old fashioned place which seems quite suited to the town. Our room is comfortable with sea views from both windows, and the table is good, though not luxurious. The fish of course is fine, and everything else is well cooked. The price is ten dollars a week for each, and Louise paid more than twice that much at the Sea Cliff last year and said the fare was poor. We both got bathing suits at Wanamaker’s while we were in New York and we go in every morning- Walter has been twice today, but I must confess that I don’t care much for sea bathing and take it as rather a bitter dose- it is too sticky and sandy and the bath houses aren’t clean enough. I try not to think about dirt, for I really ought to have a rest from it once a year, but I see it and hate it just as much as ever. Nantucket is an old town, was founded about 1635 I believe, and the houses are as quaint and old-timey as possible. The streets are narrow and all mixed up, and of course I enjoy the picturesqueness greatly, but all the hotels are a good ways from the beach and it’s a job to go and come, we ride down in the bus and walk back so as not to catch cold. Walter has a good time swimming and floating, and tries to teach me, but I feel sure I shall drown the minute my feet leave the bottom, then I scream and of course get my mouth full of water. I think I shall be contented to go to the mountains for the next ten years. We stopped at Cottage City a few minutes on our way here, but didn’t see Eloise, as we did not decide upon coming here in time to let her know. We had a letter from her Friday and she said she was coming over here on an excursion Thursday, so we shall have a chance to visit and talk over our plans soon. She is tempted to take the Boston trip with us, but hasn’t decided yet, we are so pressed for time that we shan’t be able to give more than two days to Boston, I am afraid. Of course we shall take time to call on Mrs. Fowler and her daughter Mrs. Chase. Give Miss Miles and Mrs. Walter Fowler my love if you see them Sunday and tell them I wish they were to be in Boston, too. And you must give the Dear Quayles a great deal of love and tell them we are tempted to move to Indianapolis, too. We haven’t heard a word from Mrs. Landers and I am so anxious to. I am wandering if hateful old Marry left Mother Neff as she threatened to. Give her a whole lot of love from us both and tell her Walter has intended writing to her even since we left home, but I’m afraid he hasn’t done as yet. Our plan for the rest of the time is this though it may possibly have to be changed a little-------
Leave Nantucket Saturday noon.
Reach Boston Saturday night.
Sunday Boston
Monday
Tuesday) Newp
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri. New York
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Leave New York Monday night.
Tues. Washington
Wed.
Leave Washington Thurs morning.
Reach Kansas City Friday Night.
I have misplaced your letter, so if you asked any questions you must forgive me for not answering them. We shall soon be home now and then we can have plenty of time to talk over everything.
Don’t forget that you can have that Mr. Kiplinger from the office anytime you want him, and now please don’t wait dearest, till you are all nervous and are half killed with Neuralgia.
Walter is in bed and asleep and I suppose I ought to be.
Tell Dora they have lots of huckleberries here and we have them in pies and puddings, but no huckleberry bread. What a pity I didn’t bring the recipe for the benefit of the hotel!
With much love,
Yours affectionately-
Anna
Atlanta, Apr. 27, 1890
Atlanta, Apr. 27, 1890
My darling Mamma,
This is Sunday, you see, and I have just finished my afternoon nap, which I trust will put me in “good voice” for tonight.
This morning I sang a very pretty solo and the people seemed to enjoy it.
Dr. Hobbs came to church last Sunday and expressed his pleasure in hearing me sing. And this morning I saw him again in the congregation With Mrs. Hobbs. Cousin Lane was there, too.
When I went to my place in the chair I found a bunch of most beautiful roses and maiden hair fern which Mr. Hinman, the bass, had left there for me. Wasn’t it a nice little attention?
Tonight we are going to sing the prayer from the Russian’s ‘Moses in Egypt’, in which the tenor, bass, and soprano all have short solos.
I received the heliotrope velvet and a letter from Emma on this morning’s mail. Emma says she will surely come, that is, ‘if I will have her’. She will buy an excursion ticket on the 20th and will come anytime that week that I say. I will be home on the 19th so I think she had better start on the 20th, don’t you?
She says whenever she tries to persuade Julia to come she responds with an ‘Oh!’ which Emma says she doesn’t quite understand, unless it means that she doesn’t intend to ‘pester’ us with a visit.
I am sorry; for I would love to have her come and thought she would surely know I was sincere in asking her. I shall try to write to both the girls again tomorrow.
And then we can select a bonnet together? Just think! Only three weeks from tonight and I will be with you. Oh ‘I’m glad’. Much love,
Anna
My darling Mamma,
This is Sunday, you see, and I have just finished my afternoon nap, which I trust will put me in “good voice” for tonight.
This morning I sang a very pretty solo and the people seemed to enjoy it.
Dr. Hobbs came to church last Sunday and expressed his pleasure in hearing me sing. And this morning I saw him again in the congregation With Mrs. Hobbs. Cousin Lane was there, too.
When I went to my place in the chair I found a bunch of most beautiful roses and maiden hair fern which Mr. Hinman, the bass, had left there for me. Wasn’t it a nice little attention?
Tonight we are going to sing the prayer from the Russian’s ‘Moses in Egypt’, in which the tenor, bass, and soprano all have short solos.
I received the heliotrope velvet and a letter from Emma on this morning’s mail. Emma says she will surely come, that is, ‘if I will have her’. She will buy an excursion ticket on the 20th and will come anytime that week that I say. I will be home on the 19th so I think she had better start on the 20th, don’t you?
She says whenever she tries to persuade Julia to come she responds with an ‘Oh!’ which Emma says she doesn’t quite understand, unless it means that she doesn’t intend to ‘pester’ us with a visit.
I am sorry; for I would love to have her come and thought she would surely know I was sincere in asking her. I shall try to write to both the girls again tomorrow.
And then we can select a bonnet together? Just think! Only three weeks from tonight and I will be with you. Oh ‘I’m glad’. Much love,
Anna
Atlanta, Georgia, Jan 14/90
Mrs. H. M. Caine
#2-3 Knoxville Tenn
#29 Capital Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia, Jan 14/90
Mrs. Angier says my voice will be a dramatic soprano!
My Dearest Mamma,
Today finds me more truly happy than I have ever been before in my life. It is because I have found that someday I may make something grand out of my voice. I never knew what ambition meant before, but I do understand it now. I feel I must do something with this voice of mine. Yesterday Mrs. Angier had me sing for her again, that is, this time she took each tone by itself and showed me how to place it just right, and the result was not only astonishment and delight on my own part, but rapture on the part of Mrs. Angier, Anne and the rest. Every minute Mrs. Angier would say--; beautiful! Magnificent! Glorious! All I can say is that I am so glad and happy. And now I want to study, study!
I have found my "spere" at last, as Betsy Babbet would say.
And now to change the "sublime to the ridiculous", I would like very much to have you send me my hot water bag which I shall need for "various purposes" I have had my first touch of neuralgia since coming here and had to comfort myself last night with a porcelain thing which didn't fit very kindly to my face. I hardly feel it at all today, but I think I had better have the bag with me. I shall begin looking for a letter from home soon. Tell Jo so not to forget me. (Ahem!) Anne is going to mail this for me, so as Harry says "it must be only a note" with much, much love, Anna.
“No Envelope” “incomplete”
Resides in envelope:
Atlanta, GA Oct,
23 11:30 AM '90
Mrs. H. M. Caine
Your influence has awakened me to a fact that I did not see before. I never thought there was any harm in a game of cards, but I have come to the conviction that it is a sin, because, first it is a waste of time, and, second, because our influence on young boys is not good. They have not will power enough to keep away from evil associates. The game is very fascinating and when once a young boy learns to like it, he will go where he should not to play. You may have all the credit to my awakening.......'Unfinished portion'
#2-3 Knoxville Tenn
#29 Capital Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia, Jan 14/90
Mrs. Angier says my voice will be a dramatic soprano!
My Dearest Mamma,
Today finds me more truly happy than I have ever been before in my life. It is because I have found that someday I may make something grand out of my voice. I never knew what ambition meant before, but I do understand it now. I feel I must do something with this voice of mine. Yesterday Mrs. Angier had me sing for her again, that is, this time she took each tone by itself and showed me how to place it just right, and the result was not only astonishment and delight on my own part, but rapture on the part of Mrs. Angier, Anne and the rest. Every minute Mrs. Angier would say--; beautiful! Magnificent! Glorious! All I can say is that I am so glad and happy. And now I want to study, study!
I have found my "spere" at last, as Betsy Babbet would say.
And now to change the "sublime to the ridiculous", I would like very much to have you send me my hot water bag which I shall need for "various purposes" I have had my first touch of neuralgia since coming here and had to comfort myself last night with a porcelain thing which didn't fit very kindly to my face. I hardly feel it at all today, but I think I had better have the bag with me. I shall begin looking for a letter from home soon. Tell Jo so not to forget me. (Ahem!) Anne is going to mail this for me, so as Harry says "it must be only a note" with much, much love, Anna.
“No Envelope” “incomplete”
Resides in envelope:
Atlanta, GA Oct,
23 11:30 AM '90
Mrs. H. M. Caine
Your influence has awakened me to a fact that I did not see before. I never thought there was any harm in a game of cards, but I have come to the conviction that it is a sin, because, first it is a waste of time, and, second, because our influence on young boys is not good. They have not will power enough to keep away from evil associates. The game is very fascinating and when once a young boy learns to like it, he will go where he should not to play. You may have all the credit to my awakening.......'Unfinished portion'
Atlanta GA Mar 24/91
Atlanta GA Mar 25 10:30 AM 1891
Mrs. H.M. Caine
25-3 Gratz ST
Knoxville Tenn
Atlanta GA Mar 24/91
My Darling Mamma-
Your dear letter came this morning and did me so much good. This afternoon the bundles of letters from the five girls came and are all lovely and sweet, and you shall read them all before long.
The weather is perfectly beautiful and I am feeling splendidly.
Mrs. Angier says the rest has really improved my voice and she said yesterday that my tones were "perfectly exquisite". I realize myself I am singing unusually well, and can only lay it to the inspiration of this universal atmosphere--it would simply be impossible not to have all ones best efforts called to the front whenever Mrs. Angier is.
I had a sweet talk with Mr. Angier Sunday night about his voice--they are really going abroad in September and Mr. Angier is going in to grand opera again. Wouldn't it be nice if you and Walter and Jo and the rest of us were rich enough to go over and hear him make his début in Paris?
All of Mrs. Angier's pupils are making splendid progress and it is a perfect pleasure to listen to the lessons.
Last Night Mr. Wayer was here and we all stayed down stairs listening to Mr. Angier and singing ourselves till early eleven o'clock. How I do wish you could be here some of these musical evenings.
Nell is singing gloriously. Mrs. O'brien was here for her lesson Friday and was very lovely to me, but nothing was said about Cousin Lane, and it all continues to remain a mystery.
Yesterday afternoon I went to every available store in the city hunting for capes, there wasn't a very large selection, for you know the season begins earlier here and an immense number had already been sold. They all seemed so high priced, too, and I almost regretted having left the little tan cape to Jo. Finally I found an extremely handsome cape, heavily embroidered down the back and front, prettily shaped and the "swellest" one I had seen and a beautiful shade of tan, but the price was only $17.50. The man was very anxious to sell it because the season is so nearly over, and at last when I had looked through the entire stock and couldn't find a thing and was about to leave the store, he said rather than run the risk of carrying the caper over he would let me have it for nine dollars, and I took it. I hated to pay so much, but I just could not find anything more inexpensive that would do at all, and as it is, I have an extremely handsome wrap and shall take a great comfort in it. It is very rich looking and all the girls think it is beautiful.
How many yards will it take for my gingham dress and shall I get it here if I find anything pretty?
What makes you think I had better have my "la' gown" made so soon? (I suppose you mean the blue Cashmere wrapper.) Is Miss Waskell going to make my two china silk waists? I should surely think she could make the black one at least.
How do you mean to "fix" the little poem for Edna's birthday?
I am going out for a little walk now and wish I could take you with me, dearest. With much love to all, affectionately yours, Anna
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Kansas City, MO Nov 26/94
Mrs. Helen. M. Caine
1021 Gratz Ave.
Knoxville Tenn.
Kansas City, MO Nov 26/94
My dear little Mamma,
I was sorry to write you in such a great hurry Saturday, but I found it must be that way or not at all. After I had finished I went over to Louise's and she seemed delighted to see me. She says she has gotten to depend on me so much that she doesn't feel she can do anything without me. There are still a good many things to be bought and attended to and I presume it will take about all the time I can spare from my own doings.
We went to church a good deal last week and enjoyed Dr. Quayle so much better than when Mr. Harrison conducted them. We went Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and I attended one afternoon meeting. Dr. Quayle's talks are fine.
Thursday evening he asked me to sing "almost persuaded", and afterward he told me he saw a great many people wiping their eyes. Ever so many came up and said nice things about it, and yesterday I sang in Sunday school. So you see I am trying to do my "duty" a little, dearest.
Nelly drove us over to George's after Sunday school and we found the Balens and Bridgefords there and we heard they had had several more callers, and I presume they will have it that way every Sunday afternoon for sometime. Louise is keeping up better than we expected, but I think she is inclined to worry over things a good deal as we are dearest. We went back to the home folks for lunch and then went back to church and stayed to the after meeting. Col. and Mrs. Neff and Ward start for Chicago tonight. We had an invitation to go home for dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Babcock as yesterday was their anniversary also, but our own dinner was prepared and it isn't necessary to tell you that we preferred being in our own nest by ourselves. We had raw apples, quails, washed potatoes, escalloped oysters, celery, salted almonds, marmalade, apple snow cake, and pears. Of course we used our anniversary gifts and were both delighted with them. Walter said to tell you they are the prettiest oyster forks in town, that the salt and pepper shakers are beautiful, and that if you get in the poor house we will come and get you out (provided. of course, we aren't already there ourselves.)
We spoke of you often during dinner and wished that you and Jo and Uncle Warren and Auntie were with us. Walter said to tell you that you must be here by the 12th of December sure, and I say so, too. Don't for anything wait for Anne for she may not come for months for all I know--there are so many things at home to interfere with her plans and wishes--and so unless you consider it your absolute duty to stay, I think you ought to get your trunk out of the store room and begin to pack. I think I can get your wardrobe and closet cleaned out in a week--if not you can help me do it. I have done little Christmas shopping, but by far the larger part of my list is yet to be filled, and it takes more time when one has to plan how to get the most for the money. And I find it not nearly so easy as when you are here to help me plan. I only wish you could bring Mrs. Wizzy home with you. Walter says he has heard there are to be special rates on a good many of the roads, and I hope you may be able to take advantage of them.
Give all the dear home people lots of love and tell them Walter and I would simply be overjoyed to have them here.
Lovingly, Anna
1021 Gratz Ave.
Knoxville Tenn.
Kansas City, MO Nov 26/94
My dear little Mamma,
I was sorry to write you in such a great hurry Saturday, but I found it must be that way or not at all. After I had finished I went over to Louise's and she seemed delighted to see me. She says she has gotten to depend on me so much that she doesn't feel she can do anything without me. There are still a good many things to be bought and attended to and I presume it will take about all the time I can spare from my own doings.
We went to church a good deal last week and enjoyed Dr. Quayle so much better than when Mr. Harrison conducted them. We went Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and I attended one afternoon meeting. Dr. Quayle's talks are fine.
Thursday evening he asked me to sing "almost persuaded", and afterward he told me he saw a great many people wiping their eyes. Ever so many came up and said nice things about it, and yesterday I sang in Sunday school. So you see I am trying to do my "duty" a little, dearest.
Nelly drove us over to George's after Sunday school and we found the Balens and Bridgefords there and we heard they had had several more callers, and I presume they will have it that way every Sunday afternoon for sometime. Louise is keeping up better than we expected, but I think she is inclined to worry over things a good deal as we are dearest. We went back to the home folks for lunch and then went back to church and stayed to the after meeting. Col. and Mrs. Neff and Ward start for Chicago tonight. We had an invitation to go home for dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Babcock as yesterday was their anniversary also, but our own dinner was prepared and it isn't necessary to tell you that we preferred being in our own nest by ourselves. We had raw apples, quails, washed potatoes, escalloped oysters, celery, salted almonds, marmalade, apple snow cake, and pears. Of course we used our anniversary gifts and were both delighted with them. Walter said to tell you they are the prettiest oyster forks in town, that the salt and pepper shakers are beautiful, and that if you get in the poor house we will come and get you out (provided. of course, we aren't already there ourselves.)
We spoke of you often during dinner and wished that you and Jo and Uncle Warren and Auntie were with us. Walter said to tell you that you must be here by the 12th of December sure, and I say so, too. Don't for anything wait for Anne for she may not come for months for all I know--there are so many things at home to interfere with her plans and wishes--and so unless you consider it your absolute duty to stay, I think you ought to get your trunk out of the store room and begin to pack. I think I can get your wardrobe and closet cleaned out in a week--if not you can help me do it. I have done little Christmas shopping, but by far the larger part of my list is yet to be filled, and it takes more time when one has to plan how to get the most for the money. And I find it not nearly so easy as when you are here to help me plan. I only wish you could bring Mrs. Wizzy home with you. Walter says he has heard there are to be special rates on a good many of the roads, and I hope you may be able to take advantage of them.
Give all the dear home people lots of love and tell them Walter and I would simply be overjoyed to have them here.
Lovingly, Anna
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