1
10
404
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/56ac0d1d6298a97fdcf99a55238f2af9.pdf
c523d64ce9fa6a75ffe44218c4b22439
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1939
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[January 17, 1939]
to Miss Taft
We enjoyed your letter and the paper come in handy. [is] I was all out. we only go to town twice a Month one get out.
We have a little skif of snow again. Max is cutting up some wood. Max went to town hall to one of there cherry meeting. and only got a good cold out of it
the Hall was so cold. There going to take 1/8 cent out of grower's for advertising. was the main. talk. of course Mr. Ball
ing held floor most of time. which make
one bail.
The electric [man] was around seeing how much juice you were going to use. I told might use quite a lot if we got a chance
to use it. They have fired the engineer so might get some place [know] He wanted to wire a lot of counrty that wouldn't
be a paying game.
Ronald had a letter from Alberta. He has been home sick with a cold. All the animals are well. Ronald got this lone
ranger pen from Gertrude Crampton for xmas and it writes pretty good.
There isn't much new's around.
I. understand Essie Kitchen fell twice and hurt her self quite Much. I suppose she so round she roll's. ha ha.
There a new home being build on [pensulin] street again. by bay side. that will soon be full in there. So you will only see the bay inbetween the houses.
the bay inbetween the houses.
I am making the other set of arm [?] back decorating for my chair. like set on my davenport
I guess that all I can think of
Sincerely,
Max and Hazel
[February 14, 1939]
To Miss Taft
We had a bad storm we havent been out with car for four days. So terribe icey,
a cold wind. There haveing a time in T.C. about advertising cherrys. Mr. Roger's was elected president for it in Grand Rapids on Lansing. Ever one was mad that he was. So no-body signed up to spend 1/8 of cent for advertising
Mr. Roger was wondering why. So Mr. Spruit told them No-body like Roger's for one thing. sending a clipping from Grand Rapids press that might be of interest
you. Mr Hooper said Mr Roger seem to know what was going on at the town Hall
meeting the farmers have been haveing. Everone thinks Mr. Frank. Phelps has keep Mr Rogers informed of meetings. Max say he can't see why you won't have a good drive way. Since put clay on last fall. with a packing down. We havent
been any where this winter either. I havent been to a show since LuBelle was here. Thay keep wanting use to come to card partys. all time So we at last give in a went. We have went to two and you'llsee by paper where I intertained once.
We had three table's of five hundred. Were buy four prized one don't want have
[?]only once. Thay. have a big skating rink at Ogdensburg school. Max and Ronald are skating quite a lot. Ronald is just learning, and Max is just getting back in practice again. that just. picked up some old clamp skates. I guess must go and tend my sunday dinner. of making dumplings.
Max & Hazel
02251939
To Miss Taft
Are weather has been plenty cold and stormy., Max started after Ronald at school and could not get out. with the car, and is still blowing hard and snowing.
I am invited to a stork shower for Mrs Robert Helfrich (Edith Berry) and was to one for Mrs Henry Kitchen last week. There coming to thick, ever week. I feel like what I heard will Marshall said to his wife. I can't cloth all the babys in the country. Max say he wouldn't be surprised we had a new milch cow in morning- Daisy isn't doing very good she only milk about 4 quarts a day. she has a touchy appicate, she won't eat [oil] of meal at all. Max has been trying get her to eat clear bran. and she won't touch that. I suppose she think there oil of meal in it.
Mrs. Lardie is still among living. that say it kind looks if Mrs Mills will
be first to go. she looks bad. I suppose its a terrible care.
Thay live on front street. But I havent visited (over) yet. Thay say it a terrible sight to see Mrs Lardie. so helpless. Mrs Sanford went to see her and she said she was just on her mind for day's.
There some talk that the packing co won't run this year. Thay had a big meeting for different people. that had big orchards Mr Spruit, & Mr Hooper attended.
It look rather doughtful if they will get electricity. Still working on it.
I am making a lace scarf for My buffet I don't know if I'll get it done this year or not.
Max is working on some of tools geting them ready for spring. There isn't much
new ever one pretty quiet it so cold and stormy. So I must close and here Major Bowles
Sincerely
Max & Hazel & Sonny.
03131939
Friday morning
Miss Taft.
We are haveing nice sunny days again. We had quite a snow fall this month.
Max is pruneing the little orchard Max says the sweet clover was up about 1 inch last fall.
I always thought Oakley was half asleep.
There lots of farmhouses that not satified with. report they got. with [cover]
crops & so forth. your stationary was very pretty. Never seen blue before. Its a cherrieful as the giver.
There is lots of sickness. Ronald only went to school one day last week.
My sister Mrs Tony Dahm is ordered to bed for a month. She has a poisoning of the blood. that very hard on heart. caused from streps throat.
one sister boy has pneumonia.
Surprise cow has a new heifer calf. Ronald has Christened it Lou Bell[e?].
Thay thought it was a boy for day, and he named it Pat [Puttra???], but
changes yes Mr. & Mrs Elmer Crampton have bought or bargained for her home place.
the 20 acres & building. I understand $4,500 No tools, thay are living up there. the house on the 17 acres is for rent. Thay had started to put in a bath room.
Had the stool in. waiting for the tub. to come. Mr Stevens. will be farmer
what ever he says goes, with the Crampton's Mr [???} Chase. is working the
20 acres on shares. and the 36 and 17 acres Mr Jhon Langworthy is working by the day. Mr Zang is working Meadow on crop share of corn. Thay sure have a big debt on there hand's th[is] time. But I guess that the only way a poor man get any where. were sorry we di[dn't] take the Russell place. But know use crying over spilt milk. I guess.
There an other new house going up on pensulia Street by bay. a big one. you won't be able see the bay only between house any more. Sincerely
[March 25, 1939]
Well I guess spring is here. At least the birds are. and the snow going. and it looks like rain to-day Saturday . March 25. The radio said it was raining in Chicago. Max is pruneing still. We though for a while we were going to have a lake again. The cellar been flooded all week. I guess thay. dident get very
far with there meeting at packing co. this week. just argued back and forth at
one and other.
Ronald is sick with a bad cold. The Cherrys is sure budded heavy if nothing
happens to them. There isn't much new's around even one been waiting for spring
to come. there lots of sickness in the neighbor-hood. flu.
We found out Daisy Cow had big lice. on her. Max got some powder the last time
he was to town. Bell has a swelling on her leg. Max has been Doctoring. she isent lame on it yet. Max was over to your cottage the other day. he said that it looked as if nothing had been touched he dident go in side at all.
We have one baby in hollow already th ] other one coming in April. Mrs Kitchen.
We are going to town to-day we haven been to town on Saturday for a long time
I am going to get some green vegtables so to whet my family appitate up. little
Ronald has a spell of not eating again. if he don't pick up I'll have to take
him to the Dr. He eat scarcely. anything. I guess that all the new's I can think of
Sincerely.
Max & Family
P.S. Max has got tract of seed corn. But has[?] went to look at it yet
[April 13, 1939]
April 13,1939
To Miss Taft
Are weather is very changeable. it is snowing to-day a very wet snow. Max has been picking up brush the warm day. I think you jumped a conculisions on the daisey cow. she had cattle lice. thay are as big a the end of your little finger. several in vicinity said that there cattle had lice this winter and did know where they. came from There all gone know. Max got some lice powder. she only had 1/2 dozen. Nothing get excited about. Do you mean you don't want
any chicken's on the place this year. your Friend Mr Oakley Lardie was down here. to see about the cover crops & so on.
The cherry grower's are still fighting back and forth. There a meeting for stock holder's this week. ever one says Mr Roger will go back in. Max got 1 bushel of shelled seed corn well I can finish my letter after being sick with the flu for a week and am not well yet My ear's are giving me lots of trouble. seemed to of settled there.
Mr Will G. Tompkins is courting wife no 2. a woman he met in Florida. Mrs Cora Stevens is keeping house there and she real mad to think he would bring an other there. The packing co is have it hot & [????] thay want ever one to take the loss of there stock. The two Tompkins have 4,000 in stock and said weren't going to lose with a fight for it. We have the Easter [baley?] at our house Daisey cow gave birth to a boy calf. Easter the ground is covered with snow. and its very cold. Max has all the brush nearly burn't Ronald recieved the funny papers
thank a kot he enjoyed them he sick again I guess that all the new's
Sincerely. Max
042719239
To Miss Taft
Well I believe spring is here with ever thing to do at once. Its came out so
warm everthing is just popping I am getting up from have the flu again, I have been sick for over a week. Its a good thing I have to write because I am so hoarse I can hardly talk above a whisper. Max is thru spraying. and disc.
Sept 1 Check of $5.00
Gas. 5 gal 1.00
telegram Mr. Hortsman .30
Welding disc .40
paint Kitchen 1.79
Labor hay hauling 1.50 Mr/ Curt Gilmore
_____
4.99
I guess this letter have to be kind of short. Mrs Henry Kitchen has a
baby. I am sorry to hear Miss Berkley isent going to be with you. Mrs Nills[?]
has Mrs Lardie boarding out at Mrs Hannah at Bates. I guess she all played out with winter work takeing care of her. Are school out May 19.
I guess that all I can think of. With my head acheing. and coughting all the time.
Hope you are well.
Sincerly
Max, & Family
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/5dca7cf970dfd2e3542f74b2372e31c2.pdf
a93b98407cd9c86281d3b190bdb84d53
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1938
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1938
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letter - January 31, 1938
To Miss Taft
We had such a terrible snow storm I don't think we be out of the hollow till July 4. Ronald hasent been to school for a week, and don't look as tho he will go this week.
We were to Detroit a week called there by cerious illness & death of are Neice
Rosemary Senequest. She died of cancer of blood stream. A Dr cut into a black mole that had infection in it.
All animals are well. Daisy need to be rebreed but no chance of getting her out.
Miss susie Walker is up in wheel chair know. But Dr is still in bed.
Max got the straw at last hauled it by sleigh from Russell Gore.
Mr Roger Kitchen just had a cold & Grippe like all rest of people. thay are expecting and other arrival in spring. Oh yes Max brother Curt done chores while we were gone.
excuse the paper as I am all out and havent been to-town in two weeks. The people in neighborhood had a big shock. Well Mr Milton Gore stepped out with his lady friend three after his wife died, and when to Florida. We hear know that he was seeing her long before Mrs Gore passed away. Mrs Frank Phelps is working up town nursing.
I guess that all news. Oh yes we have new school bus. All school but Mapleton elemated there eight grade. So by that the Traverse City high purchased a bus. The other high school children ride to.
Will close with wind just a howling.
Sincerely Max & Hazel.
Hopeing this reach you in good health.
2-21-1938
To Miss Taft
Ever thing is covered with sleet & very cold.
Bell Horse had a little sick spell Saturday but was all right in four hours a little colick.
Max say you will have to have hay right away. The contractor was here Friday and Max let him into the house, & he also called this morning Monday to get again.
Max has go to town to get a tooth pulled. been up two nites with it to get nerve enough to get it pulled.
Ronald is well, and all rest. So must close so Ronald can take it to school with him. Richard have moved back and have Scarlet fever.
Sincerely Max & Family
[March 3, 1938]
Odgensburg.
To Miss Taft
Are snow is starting to go a little we had two big rain that lowered it considerable.
Fay Dohm made two trips for hay for Taft farm,at $2.00 per trip.
The old Kitchen truck was hauling ice for Mrs Jennison.
I guess the Richard dident find living so fat out there, and also has 1/8 of place over there. And as Leona Kitchen Levi wife say there a good living for all if its worked right. It never has been since we came hee it seems.
Inclose is weight bill on hay.
Max is pruning & fixing up tools for spring.The cellar basment has beeen flooded three time so far.
I am suffering from a sprained back slipping on ice.
There changeing Men on farm around here to beat band. Jack Griffin is working for Mr. Frank Stevens. Max was just laughting. Jack Griffin was a man that always like good horses. Max he look fine behind old Duey, of Stevens, as gray as a bager.
Last nite was coldest Nite we had everthing froze in kitchen, and pump froze for first time. Max set the lantern down by pipe and it was long before it was thawed.
The hay was good. Most alfalfa. Most place were $19.00 per ton.
Ronald is enjoyed his heavy knit sweater of Gray. I have been thinking of starting and other sweater for next year. Making it bigger. Max has been kidding me to make one for him, but that look to be to big of a job. Dn Walker is still in hospital don't know when she will be out. She was burned so much deeper then her sister Susie, and she also has sugar in blood, and you know you don't heal so fast with that in blood. Miss susie Walker is out, around.
Mrs Phelps has been very busy on confinement case.
Harry Zarig lost a three year old colt this winter.
Mabel Burton is home for the General Hospital where she been ever since after cherry time. But you tell on her, she act funny. she sure lost her mind.
Sincerly Max & Hazel
[March 16, 1938]
To Miss Taft
The weather is rather rainy, and cloudy, by taking the snow off.
Are road in here are terrible. there so ruff. Nearly jars your teeth out. Mr Stramburg this worse road he even seen. Mr. Stramburg started work on the cottage Tueday, March 16, Max and I went over and took all bedding out of tin-closet and put down stairs in front room. Mr. Stramburg also put the dresser & chest of drawers & trunk in front room to he said it was impossible to work around them.
They want you to send the key to well so they can have water when want it, as he is going to have the electricity turned on as his tools are most all electric and need water for cement work.
I am going to a stork shower for one of Kroupa women to-day Mrs Fred Kroupa.
This is a brief note a Max waiting to take to mail on way to cottage to do your bidding on pictures & locks.
Sincerely
Hazel & Max
[April 9, 1938]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is so what cold, but no snow like the rest of states.
Max has all brush picked & burnt where it was warm enough for team.
Suprise is fresh after a two month rest, after a male calf.
As far as holding open house at your house or your cottage for Colericks or any body else. We havent been there only when the carpenter was there the first day he started to do as you said in tin closet & cover thing up. So we can not tell you a thing about the looks of your cottage.
Tony Dohm has spray rig the next day after your letter come and is waiting for parts on it to come from factory.
Mr & Mrs Roger Kitchen are parent of baby girl born April 7, at
Grandmother Kitchen.
Lots of sickness around with flu & colds.
We are going to have a new central. Mr Lardie doesen't want it any longer, since Mrs Lardie is gone.
In close is card stating the needed spray material.
Will close to get this in to-day mail.
Sincerely
Hazel & Max.
[April 25, 1938]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is so foggy you hardly see and we have been having some very cold weather last Tuesday nite hurt the cherry. Max say they dont look so good. the sweeet cherries are not hurt as bad as sour's.
Have not got fertlizer yet and sending back check,as packing Co. is sending for there own and land where it will be in. Max went ahead a disc the orchards anyway.trees came and are all in.
The dormant spray on. there a mistake in spray dope. 2 barrell of lime & sulpher should of been ordered.
We were over to cottage yesterday it look like a young hotel. You
will have a big job washing windows. We weren't in inside the cement for is laid for the garage.
Ronald fell into wounch disc last week and cut his arm quite bad. if he diden't have had the sweater on I knit him, he would of cut his arm off. Thanks for funnies.
suprise cow is doing real well this time when she freshened. Daisy has to be breed again.
Mrs Lardie had a fall and hurt her self quite bad she was out of her head for days. she cant move a arm know, wets bed and
ever thing. Mrs Will has to have an other lady to help her.
Mrs Will G. Tompkins has had an operation and found she has
cancer of throat.
Must ring off and get into Mail.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[May 6, 1938]
To Miss Taft:
We have been having funny weather. Monday & Tuesday Nite we had two of terrible electric storm I ever seen. it lightened, thundered all nite no let up and tuesday nite the same. Monday nite dident rain much but tueday nite just poured. and so to-nite Max is building a fire in heating stove to keep warm Thurday nite.
The cherry are nearly in full bloom. The fertilizer came Monday. Max got all on
Tuesday and finished Wednesday.
Oats & seeder are in.
Max say you will have to have some more hay. Max this hay wasn't as good as it should of been. about 1 1/2 ton.
The posts are all in at cottage and wire up.
Mrs Jennison has not come to her farm and has had nothing done as I know of.
school will be out May 20. Ronald is home sick with swollen glands.
I guess that all news.
Sincerely
Max & Hazel
[May 21, 1938]
To Miss Taft
We have had only one day of sunshine week and that was Monday. it has rained the last two days
The sweet cherry are a good crop. The sour cherries look better then they did. The sour cherry are blossoming for second time again. some tree are loaded and again there not hardly any they are spotted. its hard to say what percent of crop there is.
Max want to know if you want to put some corn the south part of little orchard as there no cherry on trees.
Max say the hay crop look good. Ronald out of school this week. passing in 3rd grade.
I haven't my garden in yet its been so cold it was no use.
Henry Kitchen hauled the fertlizer & hay. $4.00.
We are haveing a new central at Mapleton. Mr & Mrs Arnold White. She is Mr. Lardie sister. Dorothy Lardie is going back and finish her nurse training and she the only one to take care of board.
Mr & Mrs Isdore Lardie was good operators. We will miss them. Of course Mrs Lardie is dead.
Mrs Will G.Tompkins has cancer of throat. Thay say she was operated on for goiter. and found the other.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerely
Max & Hazel & sonny
[September 16, 1938]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is rain & more rain and has been quite cold. A stove has felt might good and some added blankets.
Max has corn cut in between showers. Even one who hasenit electricity is all excided. There a new [company?] here. for Rural district. I am sending you the paper that were given to us to send to you. The Wounch's & Zangs and all cottages are wiring up. Even one that on Michigan public that case is going hook on with the new comany as soon as is in. Its coming down west shore. The Monthly charge is $2.50 that for 40 killwatt hour. the Michigan public charges $3.00 for 30 hours. That what board thought off hand $2.50 a month. If more goes on it will be less. thay don't quite know till line in. Thay want get ever one signed up so to start the Oct 1 to build line.
Max hasen't had a chance to buy any oats yet. Max say 1 ton straw will run them with what there is.
I guess that all news.
Sincerly,
The Gilmore's
[September 29, 1938]
To Miss Taft
We are haveing good weather again with some sunshine. After so much rain it seems mighty good to see the sun.
I suppose there might be war by time you get this letter.
We expected we would have to pay some on electricity, but it seem a lot to pay $1.75 per month. Not know whether your useing that much or not, as I don't think we will with few electrical appliances we will have, which will only be a iron & washer & light. But I guess we will have to take bitter with sweet if want it.
Max has order 75 bushel of oats at 35 per bushel.
There was no answer on straw. Max has a chance to get a ton at $9.00 per ton delivered. There only one ton need.
Max has nearly all plowing done. Max say the old plow will take $10.00 repairs. Want to know if you want to put that much into it. The plow is sprung and mole board dont fit were it should that why they keep breaking all the time.
I have my canning done with just half my can fill.
Max is going to start over to your house next week digging away.
I guess that all the news I can think of. excuse my writing paper.
Sincerly
Max & Hazel
[October 18, 1938]
To Miss Taft
I am just getting on scene again. I have to be in bed with grippe. I managed to get something to eat and that all. My head ache like everthing to-day.
Are weather is simply beautiful, thinking ever day will be last good day.
Max & Curt have been working over at your house. Thay have found it very hard work. The clay was so hard it all had to be picked.
No one is wireing yet, as they dident know if it would go threw on pensulia. Mr Fouch has been working very hard on it, getting right way & signers for electricity. his last lap is to figure out were the line is going to come, and send it into Lansing. when thay had meeting in July at Court House, no one from pensulia was there to meeting, saying that they wanted electricity out here. So this is and side line business now.
The job over at your house is done with Curt Gilmore with 35 hours of labor at 20 cents per hr.
I have nearly 50 quarts of tomatoes up. But my cans are not a full as thay were last year. I have a couple of bushel baskets of empty can's left. I dident get any berries up at all.
The Delicious apples started dropping so after you left and I don't believe there be two bushel of apples left to eat. I suppose it weather conditions. I guess have to buy some spies & wagners for cooking purpose.
My water is hot to peal tomatoes So means get busy.
Sincerely,
Max & Hazel
[November 17, 1938]
To Miss Taft
I guess winter has came. it is snowing hard to-day. Bur we sure had some nice weather this fall.
We have the kitchen painted the walls. We didnt get the woodwork done yet. The walls sure make the Kitchen brighter. We painted walls a ivory.
There going to start stakeing out on electricity most any day. Your five dollar went in.
Max has hay home & everything in for winter. the straw came the other day.
Mrs Tom Richards is very ill she just lost another baby.
Most all men around country have gone deer hunting. wished more could go one year. The apples are not keeping this year there starting to rot already.
Max just killed an other muskrat in cellar. We are trying to decide wether to cook it. Mr Phelps say is very good. I am not much on wild stuff.
There isn't much news floating around.
Sincerely, Max & Hazel. Over
Mr Reay never came to putty the windows it was getting so late. We ask Mr. Lewis Franklin Sr: to come so he did last week & puttyed them up it took 3 can of putty. and also put in some window board in that were rotted out. the labor was $1.75. his address is just Old Mission, as thay get there mail at post office there.
Max is boarding in back porch. So we wont need to step out into a snowbank when we open the kitchen door, or carry half snow bank into house. and a place to put in supply of wood & coal for nite use.
I guess that all I forgot to tell you.
[November 30, 1938]
To Miss Taft
We have about 6 in of snow, which fell thanksgiving night.
Ever one is well except slight cold. Your animals have 10 bushel of carrots of three colors, orange, light orange & white & 20 bushel of corn. 4 bushel of beets top and all. They were so small Max did tops there. Feed tops and all, and your tools are all under shelter too.
There were only 1 good load of cornstalks Tom Richard 160 shocks of corn he want to sell. He wants $15 for whole bunch agreeing to help haul them. Do you want them. Max say it will help out on hay.
Max is getting up a pole pile for to buzz. Are electricity is coming slow with Michigan public bucking it at ever turn. they don't want to wire the people up but still thay don't want an other comany to come in either. I think you will be here to see your own house wired next year. you dident specfie a light for cellar. it a might dark place down there.
The lawing in wireing there got to be three opening in a room. but wall switch can count as one. Clifford Fouch had to make an other map of pensulia.I have your glad bulbs all stored. It will be soon time to think of Xmas. We wont have an apple by Xmas there all rottening ever body is. there not keeping.
Ronald just at age were he want so many thing for Xmas. I don't what to do. He want one of little type writers. He still believes in Santa yet. I told him santa pretty hard up this year.
A good many from this vicinity have returned with there deer. Mr Perry Christopher & Mr. Harry Christopher & Fay Dohm & Fred Dohm, Jhon Langworthy, Archie Helfrich each bagged a deeer. There were eight in the party.
Well I must close and get my hungry familly something to eat.
Hopeing this receach in best of health.
Sincerely,
Max & Hazel
[December 7, 1938]
To Miss Taft
We have a light fall of snow last nite. But has been raining the past week.
I recieved a letter from Alberta saying the new baby girl was names Carolyn Gay. You should be greatly honored having her named after you.
We recieved notice on seeding so went to town Monday and had the blank sent to you, and Max brought some feed home.
Yes there quite a lot of stealing going on around here too. Max pulled a lot of pipe over at your cottage. So he had bring it home because it was starting to go. I guess that know who it is Carl Brimmer.
Max went to orchard to see about mice. But dident see any where. The animals are all fine.
Well I am very excited. I am between two women that are expecting. Mrs Henry Kitchen & Mrs. Richard Zaug.
Over
When you have it on both sides you wonder if the old stork will visit you next. There be only one in family that would be glad and that Ronald.
I guess that all news. Yes, most of Deer hunters make gloves & mittens out of hides. It's very expencive to make a jacket, my nephew has one.
Hopeing this reach you feeling fine.
Sincerely, Hazel & Max
[December 31, 1938]
To Miss Taft
We had a steady week of snow fall and wind. its not been so cold but one day.
Are front room isen't so comfortable know that winter has come. you need the stove in room your setting in. We had a fair Xmas. So many in family sick with grippe.
Ronald sure liked your package. He making good use of stocking ever nite & morning, going up stairs and down. Thanks a lot. Alberta send him a package of pure milk chocolate, which is favorite candy.
The new house that being build is right next to Frank James house. So guess the west bay resort starts at forks of road. There a new house just to right of forks of road that went up this fall, in corner of wood's it was and aladin house went up in sections.
This house beside Frank James is a beautiful big house mostly brick, its on bank. Mr. Altenburg say there going to build over across road this next year.
The animal are all well. Tom Richard Children had scarlet fever again. There on welfare relief, $30.00 and do nothing. I am glad to earn my bill of fare.
Mrs Richards lost an other baby. Levi Kitchen & wife is out cutting pulp wood some where in woods. There letting out bids to finish the pensulia road starting at Roy Lardies going thru to light house.
The light house ground are full of Red fox the men around here have got four & five all ready. But say foxes are very thin.
Hopeing this reaches you in best of health.
Sincerely, Max & Hazel
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/a0d892d94460339bd4a41f69b9ab70c8.pdf
0d0d04d3aee364325ed2653741eeaae7
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1937
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1937
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[Jan 11, 1937]
To Miss Taft
we had nearly a green xmas as near green as we will ever expect to. see
But to-day the weather is some what changed. it rained all day yesterday + froze over nite. and it terrible slippery max lost the milk coming to house.
max said he dident know how to get water to animals.-to - day
we have all been sick with flu. I had very bad nose bleed's. But are all feeling bettere since the weather has been colder.
we had a nice Xmas. Ronald was overjoyed with his watch.
Here his saying. Miss Taft know's just what I needed. He also recieved a package from alberta which he enjoy playing with to candy pigs + two colts made clear crystal candy.
we killed are pigs thay weighted about 175 a piece.
well I guess the little Daisy heifer is breed. after two trip.
The news is that Mr + Mrs Tom Richards is moveing to Buckley. soon.
mr Clawernce Kroupa was here the other nite wanting to know if you are in market for manure. He said would be $4.00 per ton dilivered right on your farm mostly cow manure.
max got feed you order. the cow have came up a little on there milk.
I guess that all the news.
I made a mistake on Daisy cow max just told me she was not breed. I woul'd have to go again next month. She has been twice to Lou zoulek's. Do you want her to go this time to Tompkins.
Sincerly
Max + Family
[Feb 10, 1937]
To Miss Taft
Everthing is covered with sleet again.
We surely do use all the ashes. that we get. with so many slopes. or we would get any where.
I heard over the radio Feb 4 at 9 oloak. a song by Lullebell + Scoty over W.L.S. Dectated to a little deaf + dum. girl in Jacksonville Ill. The song was whip or will
Max want know if you like to have the two cows with horn's Dehorned - before thay have to be sew up. or he has eye put out. thay are wicked with there horn's. and make live miserable for old cow.
Ray Hooper has Dehorning shear's. Suprise will be fresh. The last of March. Suprise has one tit that gone bad. the milk is pink with blood. some clots of blood. Max milks it on floor. we were wishing we had Dr Book for cow's Max say's its not garge
over
We are all pretty well. Ronald has not lost very many day's on account of sickness He is out slideing ever day. Cold don't seem to bother him any.
Tom Richard + Family have moved away to Buckley.
Levi Kitchen has truck.
There isent much new's around lasts of sickness
Sincerly
max + Family
P.S. I could not make out you abb. in your lettere.
inclose is little writing it happened to max But only luck it was the thumb of his glove instead. Never left a scratch on thumb
[Mar 15, 1937]
To Miss Taft
Are weather caught cold the water was running like mad. yesterday But its white with snow this morning.
about Levi. he's not shaved for three month. you can hardly tell him from andy Brimmer, and he's gone to trapping. No license for truck. Tom went away and left a Debt on both truck + tractor. if he don't watch out he will loose them both.
We recieved the booklets from Lansing mostly about bang's disease.
We dried Suprise cow up after that. So hopeing she be all right when she freshen's.
We hauled the last two bags of Bran this week. Thay have been up set up to milking Co. after fire so Max only took two bags of bran at a time.
Max seen Mr Yon the other day. he will sell twelve ton at $2.00 per ton. the next thing is to get it hauled.
Max is afraid Daisy cow is not breed again. Will know if a day or two.
Mrs Wilber is home. of much talk she wasent coming back. Mr Wilber has bought the old Peterson place near light house. for son Bud + wife to start a chicken ranch.
No the Gilmore are not in clubs around. but we play 5.00 and bridge both. if you go you have to intertains.
We had a stork shower for Mrs Elmer Crampton. Wednesday.
Mrs Earl Trowbridge Hazel + Mrs Roger Kitchen were there. with out Essie. and I had a real nice visit with them both, especially Hazel. She invited up for a visit to her home.
We have all been sick with flu. Ronald fell and cut his eye brow. any place else he would have to had stitches take. But the Dr was able draw shut with tape.
Just had bandages removed last week Friday.
yes soon will be garden time. I hope we have less weed this yeare.
Well I must get busy.
Sincerly
Max + Family
20731 Dec 25 1936
Peninsula Telephone Company
Mr. Gilmore
Bill 1.05
paid Dec 25-1936
I. A. S.
273-1 Aug 1936
Mr. Taft
July 0.75
0.10
0.85
July 6 Miss Taft Trav Cit 119 0.10
26 Mrs. Stutman Detroit/Dearborn 0708P 0.65
July 26 Dr Kyselka. T.C. 0.10
Kindly answer and return so I may make plans and send out orders -
1. What garden seeds are there on hand, if any:
1 pd carrots seed, summer squash. beans enough plant one row. of yellow + green.
2. Was there any arsenate of bad left?
6 package at 3 pd per package.
3. Can Levi be depended on to do our hauling?
no license yet no money to get any.
4. I find record of some lime application but was there lime put on the 1936 corn field in 1934 - or 1935?
5. Are the oats in the bin good enough to use for seed for green feed not for ripened grain?
yes there is oats good enough
6. Account of money spent -
On hand Sept- 1936 $5.00 Spent
5 gal Gas 98
5 gal Gas 98
Bernie Kitchen for Driving heifer 0.50
telephone Bill 0.85
Salt 100 pd 1.05
Bernie Kitchen Driving heifer 0.50
4.86
1/4
[Apr 8, 1937]
To Miss Taft
It looks like to-day we are haveing a little spring weather.
Make's you feel urge of spring cleaning. I am sorry to tell you but house has settled more this spring.
Max has the manure hauled by. Bill Dohm truck at $1.25 per ton. inclose weight for same. To Mr Francis Yon. City #4. Max say to send Mr Yon back the weight bill.
Ronald is very well again with and other scar added to the other three on his forehead.
I am just up from and attack of quinsy. which I have not had for four year's since the last water lakes we had. I am pretty shakey yet. had very hard attack.
My legs ache so that Max think it from house settling more.
Suprise isent fresh yet. but most any time. Daisy is at least breed. to Mr Douglas Tompkins animal.
My letter is short this time.
Sincerly
Max + Family
P.S. Max say to tell you wages are much higher there offering $35.00 40.00 for single men this year. and can not get men to work.
[Apr 14, 1937]
To Miss Taft
We recieved your seed order by mail am sending a slip to. that came with seed. the order is ok.
Max is burning brush - and is going to spread manure this week.
I guess we can travel the old road this week. the water is nearly gone except on the side.
Yes the Dohm truck will do the other trucking. the lime + gates.
Max want to know if your plan's are to put oats + seeeded in the north end of corn field.
Max has not seen A.M. willobee yet about post.
Mrs Lardie don't seem to be very good this spring. a rumor is the place goes up for up sale.
I am haveing a trying time to feel good again from my quinsy. I may have to go to a Dre. yet.
Suprise gave birth to a little boy calf. it books so small. besides the old cow calf. thay are so big. we haven't decide what to do. with it yet. we have not any pig's and dont like to throw out the milk. it just hurts me to have. throw on ground. may keep calf for some veal.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max + Family
[Apr 20, 1937]
To miss Taft
We had a very heavy white frost last nite. The Frogs began to sing but are frozen under. know
Essie + Joe have a New Dodge pick up truck.
As I hear Tom Richard would not of haul Kitchen cherries this year. any way. he pulled a dirty trick on them last year. max is waiting for Russell Gove to get manure spreader fixed.
I must tell you Mrs Lardie has gone blind. and very ill at her siser at Northport and crying ever day to come to her home.
So May Mills has came home and are bringing her home poor soul.
Max say he don't think it is the sill's that are gone. under house.
Henry Kitchen drove a new dodge truck home from Detroit for wounch farm.
The weight bill was stamped in you had kind turn side way to see the noumber.
Max say he think suprise is one too keep this year she has emproved a lot and the old cow is going back. Daisy will not be fresh till next wintere. would like to put Daisy out side to pasture. ever one around here take from 2 to 4 head out side pasture. the pasture rent is $4.00 to $5.00 a season.
Max order lime and gets this week.
and has seed bought and home.
We are going to Mrs Chase funeral this after noon.
Will close hopeing this will reach in best of health.
Sincerly.
Max + Hazel.
[May 3, 1937]
To Miss Taft:
yes we been have just such weather + cold. we had snow last Friday great big flakes. + wet.
Mrs Colerick say you have purchased the upton place. and is turning the keys over to me. will I keep them till you come or send them. Max was over there the other nite and nothing seemed to be broken into
max has orchards [??ise] both ways. and waiting for lime drill. ever one is in use. and Archie Helfrich is so greatly in demand. But max expect it get one this week. The Tompkins spreadere is broken. and the Ray Hooper lime spreader is fixed for a tractor.
we recieved the notice of gates and said would be here Apr 27. But have not come. yet.
Max say he got a bargain on the lime. Kyselka order so much of it planning the high school was going to use so much. but dident so he let Max have it for price of cheaper lime
I understand Mrs Jennison is not going keep a cow. no one to milk it.
Know one around here seem to want a cow. as yet.
Charlie cooper took a cow up to sale and done real well he said. all people that want to buy any this goes to the sale's at. Fair ground's know.
one man said she ought be worth $50.00 up there.
Max had dray teeth turned V
we have had one mess on roads down in here. Max spoke to Fox and told him we had children to take to school. so the trucks brought 7 loads of gravel down by water hole.
I have been rakeing yard till wore a blister on my hand.
Ronald say to tell not to sell the old cow. he likes to milk her. He feel pretty when any animal have to be sold. of place.
Ronald has a bad cold. so croupy. Been such changeable weathere.
The lime + spray material are both here.
Mrs Lardie is selling her place. she was asking $3,000 but know she come down $2,500 she had a spell sunday nite and though she wasen't going pull threw.
Mrs Sanford. (Nora Eiman) say she has run ever one in Detroit ragged going to those faith healers. and spent a lots of money.
Are school will out the last of May.
I suppose Alberta is enjoying her new car. its must be a great thrill to drive a new one.
We are thinking of moving bedroom up stairs if old stair step will stand racket this summer. Ronald need a room of his own.
I must close and get sonny ready for school. He not up yet. he cough so much at nite. He tired in morning
Must close. a get Busy.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel
[May 11, 1937]
To Miss Taft:
Are weather stay cold. it froze ice in water tubs sunday nite may 9.
and very high winds. Needing a good rain to.
Max had a bad time drilling in the lime the wind was so high. But had to take the drill when his turn came. He inhaled so much lime it made him sick. he went to Dr Saturday.
Yes the spray is on.
Bill Dohm truck hauled the 2 ton of lime. at 1 load.
But we hauled the gates as the truck was unable to go that day. we charged you $1.00.
Mrs Colerick said she was going to turn keys over to me. But has not yet.
Max is planning to take the old cow to sale. tuesday - afternoon.
we are going to put in garden's this week.
I have not house clean done yet, as it been so cold.
I guess that all the new's.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel
Grand Traverse Milling Co., Inc. Invoice
April 17, 1937
Mrs. Carolyn B. Taft
302 Woodland Place
Jacksonville, Ill.
20 # Tim Seed $ 2.00
30 # Grim alf 11.50
13.50
Bottle Inculate .30
13.80
Received by Max Gilmore
[May 18, 1937]
To Miss Taft
Are weathere stay cold-very cold wind's one hardly feels like going out side to work. But are putting in gardens to-day.
Well the old cow was sold at auction sale last Tuesday May 11. for $54.00 and Max put $50.00 in bank Saturday. There were $4.00 expence. $1.80 for putting her thru the sale + Fire insurance.
Mrs Colerick gave me the Keys the othere day. So I put them away for you. till you come.
Ronald is enjoying the papers very much. Thanking you kindly, Ronald will be 7 year old May 22.
The corn field is ready to plant. max planted corn last year May 22.
max says the hay is nearly gone. he says you will have to have 2 ton of hay right away.
We seen a nice Deer down in your woods last Saturday. I ran out there to see her go into ashmore woods and lay down.
I guess that all the news. this week.
So will close at get busy.
Sincerly.
Max + Hazel.
[May 25, 1937]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is warming up some. but still cold at nite.
The trucker charged $3.00 for trip not by ton.
Cherrys sweet don't seem to be hurt but dident blossom very heavy like ever body else.
Sour cherry. good heavy blossom. in low spot are hit pretty bad with frost.
The seeding is coming very good so far. with a good rain Friday. but turned So cold aftere the rain.
The Gardens are in. Thank a lot for phlox. I haveing been for getting to thank you.
And we sure appricate you remembering Ronald on his Birthday.
Hazel Kitchen Trowbridge is home with a broken heart. Her Husband got to stepping high wide with othere girls. They are not married a year yet.
excuse the envelope I forgot to get some the last time I was to town.
Max is planting corn to - day.
Max has been waiting for your answer on hay because it was getting very low.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max + Hazel
[Sep 23, 1937]
To Miss Taft
Are weathere is beautiful aftere so much rain.
Max picked 72 bushel of wealthys and Levi took them in. The packing Co started sorting them out of five bushel there was 1 peck they dident take anything a little blemish on it. So max told him to stop as he would like enough out of them to pay truck driver. So he took them to packing Co. for cider, and has an other load ready. to go.
In close is slip's on pears + crab apple. and also the slip were deposited the money. But we are not guilty of Mrs.
Max is waiting to take in other load of apple and he will get money for both loads of ciders.
Max is husking corn.
Mrs Ida Lardie has moved over to her sister May Mills. thay also keep Mrs Lois Barrett as a nurse for mrs Lardie. Mrs Barrett gets along with Mrs Lardie so well.
Max bought a Level from small auction
over
Sale of Mrs Lardie for .50
We kept weight bill on pear to alberta in case she haden't recieved them.
I will be so glad to get thru canning
I have grape jell + beet + Sandwith spread yet. I canned 3 1/2 bushel of peaches.
Harry Zang notified max he expected to go after some oats as soon a he heard from this man.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny
Growers Delivery Tickets
Max Gilmore
Sept 14
4 crates A Pears 0.85 3.40
2 1/2 " B " 0.40 1.00
4.40
pd 9/14/37
Max Gilmore
Sept 23
10 bu crabs 0.50 5.00
1 bu sm " 0.30 .30
5.30
Traverse City State Bank
Mrs C G Taft
5.30
4.40
9.70
[Oct 26, 1937]
To Miss Taft
We are hopeing to get some good weathere this week. We sure have had snow + rain enough.
Are neighborhood have been quite upset with death of mr Helfrich + Mr Colerick.
Ronald ricieved letter from Alberta saying she recieved the apple.
Ronald has started a lettere to her But get tired after one line.
Suprise had an othere set back. Saturday Nite she only gave about a cup of milk and Sunday morning about 2 cups. So we called Dr Scott and told him the simptons. He said has she been out and filled up on apples. She was out one day. she is a very hard cow to keep in especially this time of year.
So the Dr said 1 1/2 of Salt So Neomia Salts came in play. But went to Store and got an other pound.
all the apple are picked all has gone but Levi took Baldwins to-day. Levi bill is $6.00 returning all crates. and all. he made 6 trips in all.
So the next time max goes to town he will straight out apple. money.
I havent stared sonny sweater yet I have been waiting for my sister to come home from Detroit.
I guess that all news.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny
[Nov 8, 1937}
To Miss Taft
we have had a beautiful day to-day. sunday.
Suprise is coming back to good health again slowly. Max don't let her out only for excercise know she has got be such fence breakere.
yes the murder + sucide had ever one worked up to high pitch. the love afair had been going on for two year and more. So there had to be a climax sometime.
Ronald letter is in mail to alberta.
max is starting the work on cottage this week men have been very scarce.
So many apples to pick. Max brother Curt. has been working steady for $2.50 per day. all fall for Zoulek's. But he is thru know.
Levi took stark up town. and they made him take them back home again. So here thay set. So max went in Saturday again. and made them say when thay. would take them. In middle of week.
We have all weight slips here holding
over
them up to get them all to-gethere. to straighten all up at once. They sure are funny up to packing Co
and slow.
Levi isen't going away know. this winter
Harry zaug has some oats on buy. $0.40 per bushel dilivered. But Harry wants Max to go out and buy them himself. Max say to tell you $0.35 bushel and $0.05 bushel for hauling.
My sister Millie is home so she is setting up the sweatere for me at last. If I get gray headed I'll know it from kniting
There trucker are in here with straw know and there at $9.00 or $9.50 per Ton
Ronald + I are kind miserable with cold's.
We have some new telephone pole on line from wounch's.
yes your rug has been here since september but would alway for get to tell you.
I guess that all new's. hopeing this reaches you best of health.
Sincerly,
Max + Hazel
[Nov 30, 1937]
To Miss Taft
We have lost all are snow. which I dident expect to see. When it snowed so hard for a week.
and the Gilmore are feeling better of cold + Grippe.
I sure was suprised to hear of Rebecca marriage. She seems so small. I hope thay are happy. I am going to get her a little gift soon.
oh yes I am coming swell with the knitting I am working up were you narrow of for shoulder front. It sure looked like a big job before I started it. I run out of yarn. So sent in to Montgomery + Ward Co. again and have a very good match on it.
max has the garage all dug out. With Curtiss Gilmore a day man. at
36 1/2 hours at $0.20 per hour. after thay dug a while thay struck a hard pan that took consiberable time.
Jhon Kroupa was over to visit one day max said. he thought the horses were good horses he say thay never stop never stop. and never step on one an other. Max said. kidding
over
him. oh you know Jhonnie its lots with man on end of lines. He couldn't
get over bragging them up.
oh yes we expect Leslie Gone to-marrow Saturday Nov 27. Max has called him four time's So max got mad to-day and told if could not spare time to say so. He so busy getting Andy Brimmer Started on Hopkins place Leslie bought.
I have a long letter from Mr + Mrs Frank Pheleps at Britton Mich. thay are staying with Rev + Mrs Priest. thay run a resturant. Mr Pheleps say he runs as much water thru dish washer as Hall Flack does thru his spray rig
Daisy cow sure is makeing bag lately.
Suprise cow seems quite thin. she not her self yet.
If I have good luck with this sweater I would like knit him a blue one.
I guess that all news.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel
Inclose is tickets on apples all but last load. which cant catch up with Levi to get.
No more money on trucking that was encluded in your check to Levi
WEIGHED ON FAIRBANKS TYPE-REGISTERING BEAM
Cider Apples 9-27-37
C.G. Taft
R#1
3215
JE
WEIGHED ON FAIRBANKS TYPE-REGISTERING BEAM
Cider Apples 10-6-37
C.G. Taft
4610
JE
[Dec 17, 1937]
To miss Taft
We were snowed in for week last week it stormed all week.
yes I have forgot to tell you all the time Max went for oats the day before your check came for oats.
But no straw yet Mr Gore expect a load in soon. and max is going to haul it from Leslie Gore with the sleighs. + horses.
oh yes Daisy cow had a heifer calf Dec 1. the week before she freshened a large soft bunch came by the navel. so max did know about so when to Dr Scott. he said it was natural with young heifer. but said he could give some-thing to clear it up, which is bill inclose at $1.50 So Daisy freshened in two day later. and then thay must clean in 24 hour's and which she diden't So max had to have Dr Scott out. to do job.
Inclose is your slip for apples.
Ronald recieved a large package from Mrs Jennison again this year
we dident expect anything and was quite suprised.
We expect a cut in wages. but not such a big one as we got. It would be alright if living was going down but coming up all the time. The other men around country are getting same wages straight thru.
I am send a package to you next week. I have to finish one sleeve yet and neck on sweater and I will be done. I done more raveling then kniting for a while. but sure is going make a nice heavy sweater.
I sure am enjoying water in house. this wintere.
The walker women are still in hospital yet.
I hear Mrs Ida Lardie has had an other stroke crippling her hands.
I guess that all the news.
Hopeing this find you good health.
Max + Family
Michigan Cherry Growers
11-12-37
C. G. Taft
13
700
104
596
Stark A's JE
Michigan Cherry Growers
11-12-37
C. G. Taft
4
202
32
170
Stark B's JE
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/04fec067ea4efd8153bd19acbd849ae7.pdf
eb5a6543b70dc4d319b49ef2bbb3830e
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1936
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1936
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[Jan 3, 1936]
To Miss Taft
Ronald was very glad to get a package in mail. to untie and thanking you very much for us both.
Are weather is a very heavy snow coming so steady you can hardly see barn.
The sleighing is pretty good. So max goes after Ronald, when weather isnt blowing 90 miles an hour with horses + sleigh. The neighbor had to have. a horse Dr. and Dr said lack of exercise. Suprise cow has her daily exercise. when she come up to water. she will not go in for awhile. We are going down and make a little noise for Mr + Mrs Frank Phelep's to - nite. Mrs Pheleps has been nurseing even there marriage So she just came down in hollow. Sunday to live. you are right Miss Taft of all the dirty talk that Ronald don't come home with is terrible. especially about how he was born.
Thay are haveing hot lunch at noon know. Mrs Blanche Colerick is hired as cook.
Ronald had a nice Xmas. But of course he wanted a new bike. But Santa was to hard up, So he is saveing his penny's in a bank, know.
I am sorry you could not make your trip. (gossip) Mrs Tom Richard is expecting again) I just made Ronald an other blouse out of one alberta blouse.
I have the suit all made for him out of dress of Rebecca and have had several compliment on it.
The boys have got enough lumber out of the county to repair there snow plow. which was $13.00. Mr. Henry Fox say he is going to try and get the road fixed next year if he is in . Ditch and all. and then he says if thare guy's don't stay out of road with there farm machinery. Thay will be something doing.
oh yes we bought the oatmeal by .25 pd at a and p store. because there never seemed to be room where the Family goes. to get more. and we only go twice a month.
I guess that all the new's.
Sincerely
Max & Family
To Miss Taft:
Are weather has keep us very close to home on two good reason. we are snow bound. and very stormy + cold
Ronald + Kitchen children have not been to school. this week.
Mrs. Phelp's called and wondered when we could get out. Thay were out of Buttere + Bread + coffee.
we are all right except when I got grocery's last time I ordered a yeast cake, and when I got home I did not have these. So was kind of shy on bread. But got along. I waited foure day's for sour cream. So it would not sour. So made sweet cream. butter.
The animals are all fine. Ever one else are haveing sick horses around us.
Max say's Daisy the new little cow. look to be a better look. calf then suprise was.
Suprise is a tall as her mother. but not nearly so wide.
Ronald is have hot lunch at school know at noon.
I have two of my wool batts quilted one for Ronald single bed. and one for are double bed. with cover and tied with yarn. and have an other double bed one to make, yet. I said I going to make them up this winter or bust.
over.
Ronald and I have a letter to write to alberta. we sent them a small picture of Ronald for Xmas.
I thought I could not get along an other wintere with my old wintere coat But am still going along with it.
There isent much new's flowing around. Ever thing is warm & full stomach. So I guess all [?]
Sincerly
Max & Family
Back of envelop:
Sangamo chapter, U.S.D.-of 1812- has issued its invitation for this Reciprocity meeting - on Jan,26, 1936 - at the Leland Hotel Sun Room - 12:30 P.M. The luncheon will be $0.60 each. We are anxious to have as large a representation as possible so you may take a friend as your guest if you care to. They would like to know the number to prepare for by Thursday. You may send your acceptance to Mrs Henry Thoma- 1501 S. Douglas Ave.
Springfield - Ill.
[Jan 17, 1936]
To Miss Taft
we are just getting out after being snowed in for two day.
Thanking you very much for Ronald Xmas presents. He recieved so many things for Xmas he hasent read them yet. We had a card + short letter from Miss wood's
yes it was a Kerosene heater that walker woman had. So I knew you had one and did like to say anything.
The Miss + Dr walker are still in hospital with private room with two beds in it and private nurse Mrs May Tompkins Cowan. there not out yet and don't know when thay will be. I heard the other that the Dr walker would be in hospital three month. and figured miss susie wasent burnt so bad she be out of the hospital before this but isent yet.
No the Pheleps have been home since two weeks before Xmas.
oh yes thank for beautiful hanky. it sure was pretty.
and hurrah, the sweater is done. and only a little small ball of yarn left. that pattern wasent such a good pattern to go by when got to sleeves. my sister and I both had time with them I made them by directions and were away to small & short. So raveled them out and my sister started kniting them the way she would. and thay were all right. I done more raveling then kniting for a while But sure is a nice heavy sweater.
I am sorry you think cows are a bill of expence to you but that happens to even old cows. and even human people at birth
Max say he only suggestion would be in next to pear tree's.
I hope we can have some sweet corn next year. I have had to buy three year for canning purpose.
This is suprise bad year she looseing her teeth she only milking 4 quarts a day. for Daisy came in we diden't make any buttere.
we are finding it very expensive to git are son a little education the car expensive
Mrs. [I?dora] Lardie died on expectedly Friday nite.
Sincerly
Max. Hazel
Cash $5.00
Gasaline .50
Rivets & Burs 26
tubular Rivets .15
window Glass .65
telephone Bill Dr Scott .10
Epson Salt for cows .30
Bringing cows feed home. 1.00
the window glass bill were window that were cracked when we came here. and lasted till this year.
[Feb 13, 1936]
To Miss Taft
Lots of wintere and lots more snow then we know what to do with.
We had some very cold weather. The children down in here have no chance to go to school the rest of wintere by look's of things. I suppose we could be worse off.
Essie Kitchen?? & Mrs Harry Christopher are giving Mrs Tom Richard a stork shower. Friday of this week at Richard home.
yes, the new Mrs Phelp's is finding kind of. longs day being showed in.
I have been busy. I have made. two wool batts for double beds and one wool batt for single bed. I quilted them all, and have one with top tied.
all the animal are comfortable at barn. Max carried water to them on real stormy day. (Gossip). Miss Dorothy Griffin is home from Flint and gave birth to a baby girl Saturday. Mrs Bill Dohm was called. and found them with out stitch of cloths for the baby.
Mrs Dudly Griffin has been at County hospital for a month. with sugar Diebitis. and was dying before there was any thing done for her. a neighbor put in a complaint to [C???] Lardie
There doesn't seem to be much news around.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[Feb 24, 1936]
To Miss Taft
yes are weathere has been very bad. But not so bad as other place's, where there as been a lot more suffering.
we did not have such a thing as a road. like a good many other people. This is the hardest winter we have put in since we came here. The celler froze this yeare. all are potatoes and some fruit which never happened before.
I was unable to have extension club, but most likely can have it some other time.
Max has the feed. Tom was going in after some bunk's for his sleigh. It was drought as far as Tom and then max took the team and got it from there. we have a sleigh to carry the other provisions in on. by hand
The animals are all well. Suprise is just growing ever day. She as tall as her mothere. But not nearly so wide yet.
Miss Walker lost two horses, 1 was with foal. and has a new team know. a big paire of black. She is in Florida.
Are weathere has taken a very sudden change to thaw. I don't know how long it will last. I hope. till spring we had enough of wire
Thankeing you very much for Remebering Ronald. He is overe joyed to get a package in mail.
He was very sick all last week. The only way I could keep him quiet was read funny paper to him. Marion Richard gave him three old one's. He love's funny paper I read them so many time that I have them by heart. your Geographic book have been a great past time to us all especially Ronald. I would alway warn him to be carefull of them as miss Taft would not let us take any more if we tore them. So he as been real care full, as he enjoys the pictures.
Some day it a big job for Max to get to barn and back with mild. When weathere was the worse. you stepped right off porch in snow we had no use for step's, as snow was so high.
Have you enjoyed [?????burg] news this wintere that has been my job, this wintere.
I guess that all news.
Sincerly
Max + Family
[Mar 3, 1936]
To Miss Taft
Are snow has melted very fast the last couple days. It sure was a relief to get rid of some it.
Max brough care home to day. the first time in two months.
Ronald was over joyed to get a package in mail. and to get such a nice book. He thinks its pretty nice because its all about farm. He say's he's going color real nice so you'll think it good.
Thanking very
kindly
Sincerly
Hazel + Ronald
[Mar 10, 1936]
To Miss Taft:
are weather is getting to be beautiful sunny days and even nite's are beautiful moon light you can hardly sleep.
Ronald say he will so be able to milk suprise
her tits are getting so big. She is rather bosses to her mother around. She takes first drinks and mother waits till suprise get ready to let her come. Max say she getting pretty reckless with her horn's. Ronald has enjoyed the color book very much. He likes pasteing too.
Mr Spruit is fired from high school. He was caught have and affare with and teachere by the name miss Grey by one pupil in school building. Mr Spruit tryed to buy him off. The kid though he would first. by he said was to good to keep, as there was a lot of pupil that disliked him. So the news traveled fast. He was ask to resign But he said no he had a year contract. So they had special meeting of board and fired him. Monday. March 9.
They say Mrs Spruit is nearly crazy.
Max is digging out some cherry tree's. out snow.
Mrs Frank Pheleps seem to be a very agreeable neighbor and pleasent.
I hope spring is just around corner. I hear crow's honking away the other day. I am hopeing we will not have are private Lakes this year. But I suppose we will.
Max + I are trying to figure a way to wash the kitchen. I am afraid to get up so high on the slippery floor. I don't know if new laid floor made us any warmer, or not But they sure are pleasure to clean. + look at. I think Ronald health this year had some to do with new floor. we sure was breathing a lot of dust from old floor.
I guess Mrs Ida Lardie stays one week at Mrs. Minton willobee and one week up town.
There isent much new's
Mrs Tom Richards has new hired girl. she is expecting this month.
Max has a chance to go back to Clawson, Mich to work again on Birning home.
I guess that all new's
Sincerly
Max + Family
[Mar 18, 1936]
To Miss Taft:
Are snow is going real slowly. and sun is real bright.
Max is pruneing apple tree's and getting some tools in shape. for summer.
Max bought 10 ton manure at $2.50 per ton. Francis [?] you, the one you bought team From. your slip is inclosed in letter. on seed
Did I ever tell you. that my squash seed I planted up in little tree's, turned out to be pumpkins. So the cow had a treat.
Mrs. Tom Richard + her four pound son arrived home to-day.
If you ever seen a tickled kid it was Ronald when he seen the package of funny paper's. and says to thank you very much. for them.
I guess Mrs Lardie spent one week in Traverse and one week a willobee.
quite a few neighbor are getting new tractor's this spring. Mr Tom Richard for one. tradeing his colt in.
Max + I are married eight year St patrick day Mar. 17. They had dance at Hill hall for us. and I got gift 1/2 dozen cup + saucer's to match my set dishes I am getting.
Max say to tell you he tickled to piece you are going continue to use Lime + sulphur
Ronald is going to school ever day.
all the animal are fine, and daily excerise in yard.
My few chicken are keeping us busy eating egg. I am makeing about 6 pd butter. Beside we are haveing quite a lot of ice cream. we get are fill of ice cream in winter time any way.
I guess that all new's. Hopeing this finds you in best of Health.
yes thay say it Hazel Kitchen boy Friend.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny.
Seeds saved in 1935 for 1936 -
Sweet corn yes
String beans yes
Lima beans yes
Radishes - yes
Cucumber - yes
[Mar 31, 1936]
To Miss Taft
I have neglected to write we have all been sick with grippe. and I nearly had my old trouble of [qui???] Ronald diden't go to school for a week.
The man max was going to get manure from. changed his mind and is [?] it as he is going to rent his place. on # 4. Max has been looking But has not found any more yet.
went to Mrs [Ere????] Kitchen funeral Saturday.
Sincerly.
Max + Family
[Apr 9, 1936]
To Miss Taft
I guess we are never going to get spring It has snowed nearly ever day this week. Max finally has big tree's stump up in the cherry orchard burn. He had to turn them so often to keep them burning. He did come home at nite till 9 oloak.
what next I think Ronald has chicken pox. I alway tried to get a big barrel for my tin can [l???] seem there were so many use for them other ways So I never stood a chance. yeh. your garden seed came ok. and was here about three day before your letter. and all seed you order.
Tony has spray pump apart know.
I went down yesterday and took peep at Mary Kitchen use to be. children. she has two boy's. you can see she does not sew for them.
Gossip. Dorothy Griffin had baby this winter and is not married. and they thrw Jane Griffin out of High school. she is expecting in a couple of months mrs Dudley Griffin has been in county Hospital three month's and she not coming back. she ordered her cloths. and wen't to her sister
Max went to Tom Shane for manure, But he sell his by year to Ralph McClusky. and doesn't seem to be able to locate any. yet.
There seem to be quite a lot moveing this spring Mr Will Marshall. has a new team.
I guess that all new's this time
Sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny.
[Apr 29, 1936]
To miss Taft
I hope spring as come. we sure have been haveing some snow storm's.
Max has manure nearly all out will finish to-day has Gone manure spread. and ever one else want it to.
Corn ground disc. and orchard's. too
no I have no quilting frame's. But I borrowed Mrs Fay Dohm. I think she would gladly loan them to you.
Mrs Nona Eiman was married Saturday nite. we went to dance to Old Mission. and then after the dance we came back and made some noise for her. Her name know is Mrs Sanford. He is 12 years younger then her.
we were very glad to get raise in wage's which help a lot.
Harry Christophere dilivered the trees, last week and max has them all in.
My hands are so blistered from rakeing leaves I can hardly close my hand to write.
School is out May 22. on Ronald Birthday. He is 6 year's old.
He sure was tickled to get funny paper. in the mail. He was still look at other's. Some (over) kids were here and wanted take them home to read. He say you can if you will bring right back. Thanking very much.
Mrs Frank Phelep's is a very pleasent woman. She know noone in 2 hour's there he does all week.
The man that bargined for precott place did work for [wil???]. His Wife is a Dana girl. I believe Ted Dana Daughtere.
Max was not able to locate any more manure.
Roger Kitchen had a milk Route I guess some of her relatives work there. to the dairy But he said thay dident like the climate there. I have never seen the baby yet. only what I here Essie tell about it.
Suprise cow is showing up pretty good. Max he is very much take'n up with Daisy Cow. she seems to have best quality in her he thinks Suprise is all to-gethere to reckless with those horn's. to be safe.
I guess that all the new's.
yes I have had the same experince on my eye. as you are haveing on your foot.
Sincerly
Max + Family
[May 12, 1936]
To Miss Taft
well I guess spring is here. we have been very hot the last couple day's, and leaves are coming out. fast.
The sweet cherry are in full bloom. The peach trees stood severe winter but the mice gridled one of them.
Max is working on corn ground know. I think you have forgot last year plan on corn. Max transplant once him self. you remember the cut worms were very bad last year. and you told those men to take some corn in case any was out it would make corn feed anyway. excuse the paper as I ran out and forgot to get any in Traverse.
I cleaned the strawberry bed out and it kind looks though we might have a couple of quarts this year.
going to put in garden's to-marrow.
Mr Guy [Kil???ry] + Mr Will Marshall both have new team. Guy has all team he can possible handle. Max told him give work to them that what thay need.
[?nd] Griffin plulled out most of trees on lowere half of his orcard and plowed it.
The were some road men in here looking over the road in here so might stand a chance in getting a better road. Hope so. it sure is ruff this spring.
Suprise cow is maturing into real cow. she has quite a bag know. She is due May 22, on Ronald Birthday. Thay has the School picnic May 22. and also Gerry Burtons Birthday a man teacher Mr natewane So they will have quite a celebration. I will close as it time to help Ronald with his lesson
Sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny
[May 27, 1936]
To Miss Taft.
was Ronald tickled to get paper's again. Thanking you very much. He has all paper you have send him. and some day he will go at it look them all over.
He had a very nice lettere from alberta. this week. He tell ever one he had letter from his girl friend.
Max say he a great help in driving team to spray. Bell when she start like to pull to right.
Max is putting on second spray know. Corn all in. sweet corn to. garden up. hopeing cut worms dont take it all. thay are thick.
Suprise cow is not fresh yet But expect her any time.
(News) Miss Hazel Kitchen is to be married in June. I am invited to shower for her this week at Mrs Ray [Hoop?re]. The Bridegroom home. is Trowbridge of Northport
I ask one woman what Essie though of that she says I dont what she thinks. But she going a lot of crying. over
Rodjer Kitchen is working for Henry Kitchen. is spring.
Mrs Dudley Griffin is home after staying four month at County Hospital. she is smaller then Mrs [Nan??y] Griffin.
Max is going to drill in carrots + beets this week
Max has been thrw orchard four times. and Mr Henry Kitchen has not been thrw once yet.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerly.
Max + Hazel + Sonny
[Sep 26, 1936]
o miss Taft:
Are weather as been very changeable. lots rain and then very hot. know it is pretty snappy. I was afraid of things in garden the few I have.
I neglected to write I had a very sore thumb I cut in canning, and I am no good with my left hand.
The old cow- was breed Sept 6.
Lou zoulek met max one day. and said I wished you bring a cow for breeding purpose because I feel she has something coming. Max say your right she has.
The seeding is coming fine max say's a good catch.
Mrs Ida Lardie has hardly leaf on her trees and all yellow. So is Mr Dud Griffin + Mr Stevens But yours are green and nice yet.
Mrs Lardie Sold an acre of ground down by road. to Tony Dohm. and he is building a garage. by Tompkins
Ronald went to school the first week three day's and sick the rest. The first attack of asthma for nearly a year. But such changeable weathere its no wonder. But is likeing school very well. The teacher told me he was ahead of ever one in his class.
The cows are going down on there milk But to be expected. I guess.
Mrs Jennison was here the following Saturday and was very sorry to not be there. especially to see Mrs Stutsman as she had so many questions to ask her about farm.
She sold here cow.
Max has corn cut. between shower's.
we are sure enjoying the radio.
Max said Mean to give your grease gun. He said he hoped you could get more. grease thru then he did.
I am sending a book to you that came in mail to -day. I dident get magzine this month you said I might have. But might come next month.
Must close and go to p.t.a. meeting.
Sincerly
Mac + Hazel + Sonny.
[Oct 21, 1936]
To miss Taft
Are weather sure have been rainy. we had one rain that left us without a road nearly.
So Mrs Phelep's had Ladies aid. So Mr Phelep keep after mr Fox till he fixed it up. The day she had aid. Thay made it much wider from. Dudley Griffin house up to the road. two car's can pass. easy. and a couple table-spoon. of gravel.
Max had to have the old cow breed again. back to Tompkins. it was ok.
Max is husking corn. he say's lots of soft. corn.
Max where hunting 1/2 day the first day of hunting season. and shoot 3 rabbits.
I have had a very sore thumb. some infection in it I have been unable to hold a pencil. and I am the only one that write in Gilmore family.
I made. 21 glasses Grape gilly. 1/2 bushel. in all. 2 kinds 1 dark blue. 1 Light blue.
Max mothere spent 2 week with us.
I am cold packing some beets hopeing that the last of canning
Tom Richard as notice from Levy to move. Levy has his girl friend there know. I wouldn't be suprised if that were married know. The girl is one of Mrs Richard hired girl. last spring.
I am glad Alberta + Family are enjoying the apples. Max faced them and did look nice.
we don't ever go out the dance any more on Saturday nite we stay home and listen to the old time dance. we set up Saturday nite till one oclock. had light lunch at midnight. a very enjoyable evening. a radio sure is lots of company.
I guess that all the new's.
sincerly
Max + Hazel + Sonny
[Nov 9, 1936]
To miss Taft
Are ground is white with snow, and Ronald is very happy. He has been wishing it would snow.
Max is getting ever thing ready for winter barn + house.
no thay only widened the road from. Dud Griffin old house up to main road.
we had are first expence on radio this month. we had to buy 2 new dry batteries But it would be terrible to be with out it. Saturday nite we sat up till 2 oclock. it is especially good on Saturday nite. old time music.
Mrs Jennison was here about two week ago. when she came she wanted 1 gallons of milk. So I said all right. thinking that all she would wan't because we need all for aniimals. When she went back Sunday she wanted to know if she could get an other gallon to take back to Bay City. I dident want to let any more go. but she wouldn't take no for an answer. So I hated to be to rude to her. So let her have it. oh she say what wonderful milk: Mr Jennison + I. Just had have a gallon to take home. with us. Mrs Jennison sold her cow this fall.
Tom Richard don't what he's going to do. Levy is married. three week ago. to Leona Moon. of Buckley.
Max say the rains did harm the seeding except where it settled. down in hollow. It hasent washed the orchard much.
my sore thumb was caused by so much pareing. It got cut in so deep.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly,
Max + Hazel + Ronald.
[Nov 30, 1936]
To Miss
Are weather is very cold with a light fall of snow.
Last Friday was a beautiful day it was so warm + bright sunshine.
Max took little Daisy cow to Lou Zou-lek. He had one terrible time trying to get her anywhere. at last He went over for Max Kitchen. max was not there. So thought Bernie would answer the purpose.
So thay shuved + pulled. till thay got her to Law. He wanted to loud her into truck and bring home for the boy's. But max refused too. The rest of cow was tested again for T.B. I am sending slip inclosed.
We have scarlet fever in hallow. alice Kitchen has it. Ronald is not any more exposed then rest of school. she came down with it Sunday nite.
I feel kind of frightened tho.
Mrs Ida Lardie is going to spend wintere in Detroit with Margeret + Husband. leaving for Northport wednesday then on to Detroit
young Seth Tompkins has bough the Guy Tompkins old place.
There was a scant bushel of carrots off. your row + half in your garden.
Max pulled top and all in other and feed out that way. they not very good quality the sand burrs were so thick you could hardly work.
Well Xmas will so be here again.
I am trying to save a few nickles toward a new coat but thay come very slow.
I guess that all the new's.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel.
[Dec 22, 1936]
To Taft
Are weather is very stormy. we stayed home all day. because we though we might get snowed out you couldn't see the barn some time's. we were invited out for Dinner.
we recieved the package you sent to sonny. for Xma's He is real anxious to see what inside. we are sending you a package monday.
Did you get my last letter. after I had it sent I remember that I did not put the noumber on address The slip was in it for the TB. test on cows by Dr Scott
Max had too take the little daisy Heifer back to Lou Zoulek again this month
Max told him I don't believe your breeding stock any good
By right the heifer was not to go down there on account of Bangs test
So max made a special trip to Douglas Tompkins and told the facts. He said I don't blame you as long got it coming. I won't squeal.
Ronald took smallpox + diptheria shot. This is the third time he's took it. It worked this time He has felt pretty sick. not any to good yet. and such a looking arm.
All the animal are all fine
I was in a negreo play for benfit of adgensburg Lady's aid. I was never so black in my life.
Mrs Jhon Kroupa was Mandy.
Gertrude Kitchen and her two sons are still here yet. Living in little shanty over by Tom Richards garage. Her husband claime he can not find a house to live in.
No we did not have one smell of vension. My sister had some give to her and she was going give me some. But some one stole who business one nite. she had it out side up high in a box.
There two weeks vacation at school. thay are going to repaint in side. and bring toilet up out of basement.
I guess that all the new's.
Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Sincerly
max + Hazel
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/c9f5de56fc1a3bc41a57b0f2ccf699ae.pdf
8cdb192f94b490f8d418a1c7122b2838
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1935
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1935
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
January 2, 1935
To Miss Taft
I am sorry But Max lost your letter of last week some way in getting’s mailed. So was not able to write an other till know.
Ronald has been very sick there was no Xmas for him and we had not had any sleep to speak of for three Nite. I had him to Dr twice the week of Xmas and is takeing 2 kind of medicine a day. And on a strick diet. He go so weak it was a big job for him to walk. The Dr says he is just very much run down. And could not resist catching cold every time he went out which weakened him very much. He feeling some what better. But I have to watch him very careful and it a job getting him to eat what good for him which one thing is livere (?)
His teeth has to be brushed three time a day on account of medicine he’s taking iron I imagine is in it that dicolore the teeth.
Yes the door has been on for a month and storm window to. Yes we had a very cold snap after Xmas But only lasted 2 days We have quite a little snow. But no bad.
In the other letter Max took the cow to Mr. Lou Zoulek and he had killed his animal. So Max says refund the money. So Mr. Lou Zoulek say he must have half .75 for his trouble. He say you can bring and other cow there for service as his animal will be ready in spring for service. So Max say I’ll tell Miss Taft. So on he travels clear to Archie Helfrich..
Ronald is enjoying his desk. I could not get it here in town so sent to the factory for it and came the Monday before Xmas and thanking very much
I fully intended a package to go to Jacksonville this year. But Dr. and Drugs store got it all.
The cow + calf + Horses are fine.
Yes,I received the card saying it coming The Ladies Home journal. Thank you very much. We received thru mail a very nice pitcure of Alberta and just like her. Ronald to possion of it right away saying that was his Alberta. And anyone that come in house he goes and get and show them saying that is his Alberta.
I guess that all the news
Sincerely
Max + Hazel + Ronald
January 12, 1935
To Miss Taft
Are snow was nearly gone and nearly as warm as spring.
But last nite we had some snow fall and the air is quite a lot colder.
Ronald was so pleased with his book and getting a package in mail. He jump up and down a say Miss Taft is nice to me and Miss Taft don’t forget me does she and the story just please him. He has to have book read thru ever nite before he goes to bed. My job. He is feeling quite good again if I can keep that way. So he can gain.
The brushed wool gloves you gave last year came in play this week a Ronald was needing some ankles for snow suit.
I will have to write you about check you sent us for July 1, 1933. As bad as we need and could use it for things we need so much. That we had cashed the at Henry Lardie and lost the money which $18.00 something as I remember I had board money for a week. So though I better write before it was cashed.
Max is cutting some. The weather has been in his favor.
Ronald say to tell you he hope you are well.
The horses are feeling fine. The cow and calf are enjoying yard the fine day. Max was at a cherry meeting at the town hall. They are trying hard to get a set price of 3 per pound. I don’t know far they will get. Mr. Heaten (?) gave a talk that he went into a store on his trip home to see his mother and ask for some apple. There were 4 apples for 25 cents. Were they from ask Mr. Heatere(?) from the west. Give me a .25 worth of Michigan apple The store man say we have none.
I guess that all news.
Sincerely,
Max Family
January 19, 1935
To Miss Taft
We recieved your letter clearing things up.
We have had a high wind and lots of snow blowing around. We are on able to reach Main road right know with car. But hopeing to be out in a day or so. Went to town yesterday and got Grocerys and medicine so will be all right.
Ronald is on gain and full of life and eating pretty good.
Yes we children at home was always taught to be honest. Max said when first seen the check you had most likely sent on the Jacksonville bank and forgot. Yes it dead loss to us. We were reminded of it other day as Max had buy a new driver license a little over a year on account of loseing the other which does not expire for three. Could not get a dupericote (?) of it as it lost. Mr. Vincil Kaues died to-nite at Munson Hospital.
Max say to ask you if you are going to buy manure if he can find some.
Mr. Henry Fox bought a carload of lime. He paid $3.00 ton. Some men are talking going into gether ordering a carload together.
Max is cutting wood. They are going to put a dray saw on big stuff Monday. I am seeing quite lot of logging I never seen before.
Mr. and Mrs. Eleware Crampton is about ready move into there new house. Have a drove well and he is going put light himself.
Richard Zang is married and home. I am invited to a shower for him + wife. I guess that all the news.
Sincerely
Max + Family
February 8, 1935
To Miss Taft
Are weather very stormy with lots of snow heavy and wet.
Yes Ronald is quite well. But I have to watch his diet close.
He still have to have the book you sent him read thru ever nite before he goes to bed. He like the storys so well.
Mrs. Lardie was in traverse staying two week with Mother Gilmore. She has room up there and so Mr. and Mrs. Milton Gore took them down to aid at Hooper’s.
The weather man say 14 below this morning. Just what ice men want and waiting for. The animals all very comfortable and warm. Healthy.
There don’t seem to be any news to write. Max will have his wood job done next week. Rodger Kitchen has moved into parsonage last week.
There lots of sickness around. Measles. Scarlet Fever.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerely
Max + Family
February 25, 1935
To Miss Taft
We are having a touch of winter last week and this quite a bit colder.
The whole country around has settled down to living again. Since they found the body of Harry Morris Christpher. Max went two days to help drag and break ice. It as very sad. There was not and an nicer boy in country. Very big funeral too.
Max wood job is nearly to and end. Some buzzing to do yet and hauling.
Ronald had a sick spell again a week ago. But was not so hard as last one.
In the telephone bill you received there was one on it for me and I got one of yours So we are even. And also the Telephone Batteries I only charged you for one. It should have been .41 (forty one cents) two batteries. Max gave me prise one and I thought was prise.
All the animals are fine. Surprise is growing fast. Max could not get her in one nite. So he thought he would watere the cow there. Ronald was to barn and came running up well saying Dad Daddy I got her. Max say How did you. Oh he say’s she stuck her head in the door and I pushed her in. He says I said naught word to.
I could not find Alberta picture one nite. I couldn’t image where it went. So was putting more covers on Ronald and he had it in bed with him. He think a lot of picture.
Tom Richard is cutting ice for Mrs. Jennison. Mr. Wilber 25 men on ice job too.
Are apple are all gone and I don’t know what the family will do for after supper lunch.
The prise on lime they not got there prise yet for this year. Around $18.00 per ton he thought at Kyselka.
Max could locate any manure. The one he was thinking of was out of town.
I head Rodger Kitchen is expecting to be a new daddy in spring.
I guess that all the news.
`
` Best Wishes to you
Max + Hazel. Sonny
April 23, 1935
To Miss Taft
A week ago to-day we had a very bad snow storm. the wind blowed hard then it had all winter.
You could not see the barn at times and there a very cold wind blow ever afternoon since.
I guess I did not ans you in regard to pop corn dutch cheese. You take 1 quart of whole milk and let set till
it is sour and thick and at nite put it into 1 gallow skim milk which be thick in morning. set in a pan
of hot water keep the temperature at 120 degrees. take a sharp knife cutting cheese like this ##. Wash
twice and fix the way you like best. It is not so hard and so sour.
Yes we had a suprise to on the check. We expect it be there on Monday so Max load the car with corn + oats
for cattle and we went as far mail box and come back. Max say this nice the fires didn't even go out
while we were gone.
Max has the dorment spray on Saturday and started discing orchards. Max say is getting very dry. The
grass is hardly green.
Max had to hire a man for this spray till horses get wore down a little. Tony Dohm had come and get
engine on sprayer started. Max say the spray barrels don't leak this year.
This booklet inclose is what the farmers are using around here instead of black leaf 40. There a meeting
at town hall on it by men that has used it. .95 cents per gallon.
Ronald fell on stone a cut big cut on his eye brow. I thought first we would have to have some stitches
take in it. His eye is nearly swollen shut.
Max say the fence is nearly done. Manure is all spread. Had Russell Gore spreadin at .10 Cnts per load.
$150.
Max payed weigh bill on manure but Tom payed him back so that all right.
Mrs. Richard lost her baby a 4 1/2 months. She lookss terrible. She say she to old to raise a family.
I guess that all news. Oh yes the man name Max got manure from was Mr. Benson
Sincerely
Max + Hazel
May 2, 1935
To Miss Taft
Are spring is coming slow we had snow nite before last and turn real cold even afternoon Max has to put on his gloves to keep his hands warm driving team.
I forgot to tell you the trees came about three week ago. 37. And are in and there was not enough to fill out vacant. The ones that thought might lived diden't
The sweet clover in little new or chard is coming on fine.
Working on corn ground discing. Lime is got and all on places mentioned and field's disced. $1.00 pd for use of drill to Archie Helfrich. And on lime bill is .50 for bone meal for cow. She is eating sticks and trying to chew stone. and butter was coming hard and slow. So Max did have any money alone so but on bill. Dr. Scott say that what to get Max was talking about it to him. Max say she seem to feel better. Suprise is enjoying the yard.
Mrs. Jannison house caught afire tueday in fire place. Chimney and was burning so of lath where stove pipe went in. Just three women where there. Mrs Jennison. Daughter Florance. Mrs. Couroy Which frightened them terrible. So but an alarm. Max + I + Ronald went down there. There was lots of help but nothing anyone could do.
Mr. and Mrs. Conroy is leaving Mr. Conroy is gone two week ago. Mrs. is going Sunday. and unmarried daughter of Mrs. Jennison going to run buisness. Henry Kitchen is givng milk lesson know. Henry say quite laughable.
Max want to know is you want to sell the light wagon down in barn and how much. Max brother want to get a one horse wagon.
The spray material is all here. So the new dope will have to wait.
Max went to a meeting at town hall of New spray material by a man that had used it.
I guess that all news.
Yes I wished we could find calf. But no one is killing. There raiscing them all making a little amt veal.
Sincerely
Man + Hazel.Sonny
May 25, 1935
To Miss Taft
I guess we have spring at least we have not had a heavy white frost for two nites. It has been very cold all spring. The leaves have came out half in two day's.
Max has his corn ground ready at last and is going to plant this week. The sweet cherry's are in bloom.
You had four rows of pea's. We put all the bean up in your garden. Mine to and am putting rest of your garden down with mine. We thouaght it would be all right with you as things burn up so terrible in your's and beans does all right.
Very heavy frost last nite again May 22. Ronald was five years old May 22
The blessing of blossom's is to be held this Sunday May 26. at Wilson farm where Arthur Kilmury work's.
Cub Spruits lost there son Saturday nite still birth and lost a cow the week before. There are quite a few looseing there cow's 3 in neighborhood.
We have a calf from Mr. Ben Ghering. I have 26 chicken out. its so cold there not doing good.
The gardens are in but are not up yet
Yes, we will get eves trought when we go to town again. I was wishing we could have a new one.
We need rain very bad and warm weather. Max just got thru draging all orchard thru. Ever thing budded heavy.
I guess that all the news.
I am invited to a shower for Mrs. Roger Kitchen. stork.
Sincerely
Max + Hazel. Ronald
June 5, 1935
To Miss Taft
No rain no rain had a dust storm to-day. Ever thing terrrible dry. Garden standing still.
Pea's are up. The rest is not. Max looked into a hill bean's and they were not even sprouted yet just laying there. Over two week in.
I had two meals of aspargus. there be no more if it doesen't rain. Cut worms are terrible
Max is replanting the corn and is nearly planting as much he did first time. Cut worms's he said were thick.
Suprise sure is growing she nearly as high as old cow only not near so wide. Max say sweet cherry look very good. A lot bigger crop than last year. The sour look good but it early to tell how many will drop. The grapes have had a very big supply of ashes. All along.
Did you get any of chain letters. We got one and I burnt it. Ever one seemed quite excited about them especially dollar ones that you sold.
There is a new house going up over in your neighborhood. Clawernce Kroupa
Ronald say to tell alberta to come.
Isen't living going sky high. poor people can not think of meat LIke Ronald I went to A&P store and he wanted some bananas and I see they were 3 pd for 17 cents so I told him they were to high. So he goes to front of store and comes running back say No Mama there not there away down low. I can reach them even.
The skies look cloudy but no rain come's it only get colder.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerely
Max + Hazel
June 14, 1935
To Miss Taft
We had a few sprinkles last nite. Not enough to do any good.
The garden are not up yet. They look pretty sickly I tell you. The peas are up but hit miss. Max say seed are there but no moisture to sprout them.
Max is spraying to-day ever thing is working the best it ever did. The pump engine is running good. The spray engine to. I take care of engine at house keeping oil and gas and looking after water tank and ever thing ready when Max comes back from the orchard. He has put on five tanks to-day and he said he could never do that before. We are pumping all the water this year as Wunch has not a very big supply on account of dry year.
Ronald is makeing a very good teamster. Max say help him a lot holding lines. Max does the talking to team. Max though he would have to hire a man this morning. At they didn't seem to want to work down and go slow.
I am sending a clipping from Grand Rapids press about cherries talk.
I guess that all new's.
Sour cherries crop is just fair. Max say some tree's are loaded and then again there not. But sweet are loaded.
Sincerely
Max + Hazel
September 18, 1935
To Miss Taft
We received your card to-day and this afternoon load straw to ha(??) to take the load. He said he had to take it as he would not be back with Mon Sept 14. Boss cow gave birth to a big heifer calf. Sorry to say on are part and animals. The truth is truth.
Ronald is back in school likeing very much but keeps me on road a bit. He had a nice letter from Alberta feeling very proud of it.
Lot of rain and cold weather. But sun is shining to-day. I canned 7 quart of swiss chard and picked 2 more pail black berries over by your place. I made 4 pt of sandwitch spread to-day. 4 bushel o peaches coming last of week.
Max is starting to cut corn he say it a job since last big rain it down so bad.
Max said to tell you the man thru off $2.03 on straw because he said it got a little wet coming thru last nite. But Max opened up a bail and it was all right. Max say he pretty sure he can sell the extra amount you don't want so bill inside letter.
I guess that all the news.
Thanks for what as in paper sack.
Sincerely
Max + Hazel. Sonny
excue paper I forgot to get Saturday
October 14, 1935
To Miss Taft
I am sorry to be so late with my letter. But some how I have not been able to set down a write. Funerals and Ronald sick again and trying to dodge the measles that in neighborhood.
And weathere is steady rain + more rain. We have had very funny weather lots of high winds. The winter apple are nearly all on ground.
Fay Dohm took straw and just hauled it home this week. Max has check but have not been to town yet to put into bank $18.00
1 load of wealthy the largest were picked. Tom hauled them. they went in about four oclock and dident get home till eleven oclock at nite. The load came to $9.46 which is waiting also to go into bank. The wind just put the rest on gound. The late apple are picked and in garage. Don't know what you will get No. 1 apples are selling .15 and .20 per bushel. No sale for pear's even to grocery store. Max took them. There were 5 bushel of No. 1 crab apple's at .30 cents per bushel. total $1.50 which goes to bank yet. Ever one had lo?? crab apple let. Tom Richard 15 bushel setting his shed and could not sell.
Do you want any crates made ...7 cents apiece and you furnish logs and you have to nail them yourself.
The new calf is coming fine and with out a name. Suprise cow likes get out very well if she can see away.
I guess that all new's
Mac + Hazel
October 19, 1935
To Miss Taft
We recieved your card to-day Friday.
We have had a couple day of beautiful weather warm and sunshine. We are enjoying it very much.
Max say he took biggest of Wealthys apple up there and figured he got fleesed on them and late apples run small ever one is. Mr. Lester Jhonson took a load up to packing co. and they culled him so he will not take any more. But have the winter apples picked and is going send them up there. Morgan is not taking any cider apple for ten day.
Yes nearly ever child is out school with measles. Ronald happened to be home sick from school a day before the kid came down with them so he was not exposed and have kept him out ever since. The County Nurse was down to see me. She say I don't blame you a buy (?) She said I would keep him home an other week and ever thing will clear up by then.
Max went hunting half a day and shot a rabbit + squirrel. The old fox squirrels are quite plentiul on in the wood in pasture.
I guess that all new's.. Oh yes I guess Mrs. Lardie is staying home this winter a May Emery a sister-in-law of Mr. Emery at Harbor. Mrs. Bartlett is fixing furnace for Mrs. Lardie
Sincerely
Max + Hazel
October 31, 1935
To Miss Taft
We recieved your letter and package too. Ronald was tickled and said that was nice of Miss Taft and thanking you very much. Ronald is back in school again and excaped measles I guess.
He likes school so well it was a hard job to keep him home then. I guess its to lonesome for him. Mrs. Noteware is a very good teacher. Ever Mothere say her child is doing so much better. She is strick but not mean.
Max say has not got topped carrots yet but except to soon The corn fodder got frosted bu not enough to hurt it any Max say. Th corn is not a good as it looked lots soft corn and loose on ear. Max say it will not run a bushel to shock.
(Daisy) the new calf is growing fine. The old cow was breed Oct 22 at Douglas Thompkins. I am supposed to tell you the fee's are wanted as bull belongs to boy and in cash. $1.25 each and could return the old cow if necessy.
The packing co. was closed last week and so will try get in this week. late apples.
Yes I told Max to send checks in but he though was best the other way. waiting till all sold. I did not say any more and let him have his way about it. like so man like to have. ha ha
Mrs. Lardie is here yet. I ask her plan for winter. My goodnes she say I don't need make any ever body else make them for me. I said that will save you trouble. But she say that don't suit me. A woman by of May Emery is saying with her know.
Oh yes we have a new milk man Ronald can milk the cow and enough at time so would last him all day to drink about 3 glass full. He goes around singing I can milk there Mamma cow. ha ha. He is right on job ever nite with him pail. The old cow is so gentle. Suprise sure like to get out and she sure can find away if there any
I guess that all news. I have not beets canned yet.
Sincerely
Max + Hazel. Sonny
November 15, 1935
To Miss Taft
Are weather is very good for this time of year. quite nippy but bright much of time.
Mr. Zang called up for bag's the nite before we got your card and dilivered them Monday of this week. 50 bushel at .35 cents per bushel.
Leslie Gore pulled trees Friday Bill $12.00
Ronald is just recovering from an attache of asthma with a nose bleeding out both nostrils. He is getting along fine in school. He is learning to read. He came home and repeated his lessson to me. See Mother see Father see Jane see Dick see baby. I would write them down a mix them up and he could point the one I told him to. Mrs. Noteware is a very good teacher. Ever one says there children is learning this year all ready then the last two year. Leslie Gore said he had quite a time convinceing them to hire a married woman.
I am wearing a glasses know. I thought I would go crazy last week with them. My eye's were in very bad shape. I was not seeing very much out of my left eye and far sighted. No reading for month. No takeing off glasses less I go and lay them down and shut my eyes. I have to go ever 2 week for four month. I went to Dr. Tinkere He seem to be real good. Ever one on the pensulia goes to him nearly.
Did I tell you Mrs. Lardie is going to spend the winter in Traverse City going this Thursday. Mr. Murry Tompkins though Mr. Mill the carpenter was very slow. said he would be a year building what he want to build with him.
Max has nearly all sod plowed and piece by pig pen plowed to.
An other tree blew over in wood. Mr. Cupp's + Jhon was over to see us. Was going coon hunting Sunday nite. they left so early in morning I don't know if they got any thing or not. I ask Max if lost there B.O. He said no. ha ha
Well I guess that all news.
Sincerly
Max + Hazel
P.S. Max has weigh bill on the packing Co. thay were closed when we went there two week ago on Saturday after noon. So will try and get them in soon.
I had to open letter so here is rest of new's. Max went to packing co. and they only pay on thursday so he told them to sent out check. The load of cider apple come to $4.00 and Morgan pay on Wednesday.
Tom Richard is still truck driver 3 loads apples $7.00 to Tom Richard
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/162b540c764552d4a880758ee381a381.pdf
7dc3471c6e15c31f9e4b056b9ba9c2d4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1934
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1934
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[Jan 12, 1934]
To Miss Taft
We are glad you could be with your folks for Xmas. But is very luck you did not come further. We have been snow bound for a week and still storming more snow by far then last winter. It is even with back porch. The water pail & wash dish alway frozen solid even morning.
Ronald & I had heavy cold and busted all rule's use grease & pill getting well. But are still coughing quite hard yet. Ronald had a very nice Xmas. He said santa Claus was good to me. He got in bed one nite before Xmas and way saying what wanted for Xmas a drum & blackboard green house that his color for even thing green and green. That all I guess.
We understand there were a pair of mules dilivery to Joe Kitchen last week. Max say he welcome to them. Essy will starve for sure this winter because there no cooking job To bad with nearly 500 qts fruit in cellar.
Joe has been working on road.
Oh there lots of crocked work going on in goverment work. There man up town were my brother-in-law work putting that brake water in. This man was an insurance man well know around town paying him .75 per hour checking loads of dirt. never hardly lifting hand. But laboring class get only .50 per hour work stead. That the buisness were there a pull for good pay.
The women around here a getting rich[underlined] boarding road boss at $7.00 per week. Of course there not eating beans twice a day for that price.
I had card from Mrs Lardie for Xmas. The horse's and cows are fine.
Max has the corn stalks stack over half cut up. The cutting box broke. Max as to get fixed when he goes to town. Something wheel broke.
I alway forgot to tell you Max saved 5.00 on the cider apple which you spoke of saveing out. So am puiting the other five back into bank again.
Are car is broke since Xmas.
Lots & lots sickness in neighbor hood. The road are so bad that thay have split mail route again Mr. Roy Gering Tony Zoulek son-in-law has this end of route and new mail the other end. Mr Roy Gering is substute for the new mail man any way.
The road work is stopped on account of so much snow to move. The contracton going behind. Moving so much snow.
I guess that all new's.
Max & Family
[Additional Letter in file below]
To Taft
Dropping you a line in haste. In regards to horses.
Max had two call's one from a man near Elk Rapids Vern White. one at acme. Mr Miller But found out there into gether. So went to Mr White.
He had eleven head. 1 pr of dapple gray's wighting 2600 and 6 and 8 years old. a blochy pair very gentle & quiet. Took Max eye pretty except color. Max say if thay were only Black. That only team Max say that is matched up. The rest he dident like. price $300.
The man said he wold hold them till we heard from you in regard's to the color.
Max was out to Zimmerman But did have any matched team and some that wasen't broke. Mr Zimmerman getting some more in but are out side horses. Max want to know what to do with the old team sell both or one
Ronald has swollen gland in his neck but is not sick with them. But I guess thay are dangerous if they dont go down.
There is lots of sickness in neighborhood.
Max killed muskrat in our cellar. we thought it was rats. chewing up things. So Max went to the cellar for some apple one night and seen him So set a trap and run it into it. He sure was chewing up things.
The road work started again this morning after a two week rest to let the snow go down
Three school on pensulia got benfit of C.W.A. work in repairing there school. odgensburg did get it. The director's don't take paper I guess. There was a pretty good argument up there. When they need a furnace so bad. There were some of them pretty mad.
I guess that all news
Sincerly
Max & Family
[Jan 29, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is very changeable first we have rain and then a blizzard. Saturday nite at midnight I awoke and it was raining and when we awoke Sunday morning it was blowing a terrible blizzard.
No we will not do any joy rideing when are car has been broke since Xmas. And when we go have to barrow a car or cacth a ride. So there no change.
The horses are slow picking. Max when and seen the horses at Front St. and there and old pair of gray's.
There was a man here from bear lake that was selling out. But haven't been out there yet. And Murry Tompkins though there might be some a Manton and was writing to see. I am glad to here the news of the house going to be fixed if even thing come all right
Did I even tell you Dr Mibert texted the cow for T.B and she ok.
Ronald is just starting enjoy your book's especially the one Mother goose Jingles. He can say a sentence in each verse.
Mrs Eiman is quite sick with gall stones
Are road work is slow thay have only got a far as Eiman road from the church
There isent much news. I am making four pd butter from cow.
I am canning meat for later use. My string bean I can in cherry time are very good.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerely
Max & Family
[Feb 7, 1934]
To Miss Taft
We are haveing quite a winter know. you look out and it sunshine and the next minute or so its a blizzard.
We were snow bound all last week.
Max has put the snow out as far as he can. It has gotten so high, That he has got to get Archie Helfrich in here with big snow plow to push it back a way's yes we had a terrible storm last sunday, and this Sunday to
Mrs Harry Zang play piano. Max say she use to play at th church
Did I ever tell you that Zang got the fence posts for you. I was thinking I did. I am sorry if I forgot.
The horse deal is slow. All there seems to be is plug's and old. Max has went to see quite a few here in town. But thay weren't worth looking at.
The paper I sent you seem to be quite the rage around here There was a woman here last week. I was to be sure and mention the fact to you. $1.00 year and come even week.
The road work is done till spring I guess.
We are enjong lots reading this winter Mrs Ida Lardie left me some of her monthly magazines thru Mrs Eiman. And I pass threm on to five or six more. Mrs Lardie said she wanted them to be a traveling library and they sure are. I am very greatful to her for it.
Max has done some pruning But snow has been so deep.
Zimmerman has a lot of new horses. Max say there a pair of bays he kind likes looks of but are a little older than he would like them. But wouldn't take them yet to see if they did get to coughing They traveled in last blizzard and wanted $325.00 and Max told him he wouldn't pay that much. But cash he would take $300.00. But is going look further.
I am canning pork to-day.
Ronald is at last seeming better. I have changed to pill form of cod liver oil. He even ask to take them know.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max & Family
Traverse City Mich.
Feb. 19th 1934,
Dear Miss Taft,
I was talking to Max today and he said he had bought a new team and I want to buy Queen to go with my old horse for we can not put him to work to hard and I think she would do for this summer, but I have no mony to buy with now and I wondered if I could pay for her halling cherries this Summer.
Please let me know Soon as you can.
Yours Truly
Thomas Richard
Traverse City Mich
R.I.
[Feb 20, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Yes we have had some terrible cold weather Some nights we did not like to go to bed to let the fire go down. It took us nearly half a day thawing out things
Max is pruneing light.
I guess nothing suffered very greatly only horses & cow. Max hung the tent up by the cow to make it warmer. Max say he hoped he can board that in by the cow for winter time some time.
I am sorry if I never Mention the amount of carrots & Beets & pumkins as to pumkin there wasen't any only a few green one's 7 bushel of very small caarrots. Max feed top and and all 10 bushel of beets small 2 bushel of corn small & soft all to gether
The county nurse was here listing pre school age children. And she thinks Ronald need his tonsils out But advised me to take him to clintic
No I am not undertaking to can a whole pig only shoulder's Yes I figured it would be very handy for summer time I have 24 of beef to.
Max has all the hornet nests down this fall late
yes quite of few around here are waiting to get some more money on cherries
yes February is a month even one is glad to see gone altho March can be very stormy.
Max made the follwing trip looking at horses. 2 trip Elk Rapid 1 Mayfield 3 Traverse City 1 Sutton Bay
(Explaining the Cod telegram Saturday)
Max & Family went over to my sister Mrs Tony Dahm. picked up a Record eagle and was lookin at it and seen the ad at 9th St. see these before you buy. So Max knew Tom Shane was expecting some horse's in. So drove to town saturday on purpose, to see. So went to 9th St. and a Man by the name of Yon brought out of a stable in back of his house a fine pair of black Mares. 7 to 8 year and an other mare weighting 1600 the most beautiful beast you even laid eyes on to Back to Black Mares Max sized them all up with a gleam in his eye. hateing to ask the price and at last broke the ice by asking and Man answered $275.00 today But $300.00 Monday But I want them sold to-day. and $20.00 to bind the deal. what to do. was a problem. The man say to go down town and see what you can do. So went back front St. a set a was think to are up most. So decided to telegram you c.o.d as are money was short after coal & wood way bought on our part and your change was home at the house. And Man wanted reply before six oclock at nite.
So Max is inbetween time went to Tom shane's a pair of blacks there that way a nice team but wanting $425.00. and Max says Tom shane never come down on his horse's if he has to keep them.
Back on 9th telling the man about the telegram yes he say your a stranger to me. But you look honest. So will take your word. And if you don't take them I will shoot you. There was a man standing there I'll take them if he doesn't. There were men streaming in to look at the horses all day. So he put them back in barn and say sold to this man. pointing to Max.
They are Michigan born & breed from Mt pleasant Thay sure are a nice pair quiet and gentle. full sisters.
Have had several offer's on Nell. Lou Zoulek and Bill Marshall would like her and has the cash. You will please state your plan for queen.
I hope even thing is plan enough
yes that Max half brother on spr[?]it farm.
Sincerly
Max & Family
P.S. we were to call Mr Yon if we got word from you. So done so. And he said he just refused $300 for the team. And he said he sure was relieved to have me call. I suppose he was anxious.
Thay are in good rig. Max is driving them home from town on the sleigh. It to cold to truck them. 20 below last nite.
Max is all smiles. he was getting pretty discouraged on the horse deal of getting any. We are going to take there picture as soon as we can and send you one.
[Mar 6, 1934]
To Miss Taft
At last we have a break in are cold weather with a rain all day Friday and all nite and next day to. Are both big pond's have started. I was wishing we would get by with out our lake's But I guess hardly to be expected with as much snow as we have got. The cellar was full of water and barn basement to. Ever things was so full of frost and such a sudden change in weather. Max could not even throw down hay had bring it down by fork full.
Tom Richard took queen at $30.00 no money. Max tried to get $60.00 out of Nell. but coudn't zoulek diden't want her. and Bill Marshall wouldn't pay that much for so old a horse. So took her at $55.00 cash with recipt in envelope.
5 gas $0.95 1 qt oil at .25 per qt. to Elk Rapids
5 " $0.95 1 qt oil " " " " to Mayfield
5 " $0.95 1 qt oil " " " " to Traverse City 2 trip
5 " $0.95 1 qt oil " " " " to Elk Rapids
5 " $0.95 1 qt oil " " " " to Sutton Bay.
The last two trip's to traverse when went to look at team and had to take Max up to drive them home. I had to take $1.20 out of the farm use $5.00
There all waiting for some cherry money which was said thay might get in March.
Max say there one horse that he don't know if he going to keep in the new team.
Max say her wind is a little off. sometime can see it and again you can not notice it. He said there wind was perfect. Max is after him so is he looking for a mate for Ness. But are an ideal team other way's Max has tried them on different pulls.
Max is cutting up the fallen tree's 3 of them 1/2 barrel of lime a sulphur. No arnate of lead yes I told Max I had earned a new dress writing horse news. If I can only make him belive it ha ha.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerely
Max & Family
[Mar 19, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is very changeable first a thaw and then a blizzard.
When it thaws it keeps Max busy dipping water out of basements. this is third time all ready this year and we got a blizzard again Saturday nite. I don't what can be done when a vent hole is put a foot below the level of the ground.
The callar fits all right it was when Max started to feed her hay she started to cough I suppose thay only feed her oats Max is after him He says he is trying to find a mate for Bess. It is quite a fine you know to misrepersent a horse. Max is going to give him an other week on to give the money back.
Yes we were sorry queen could not of gone further away.
Ronald cryed when Nell went He said that was his horse.
Max don't let him around the new team yet. He say he's going up to Bill Marshall and get Nell.
There a lots of sweet corn seed the best we have had since we came here and lots of it. I sure miss the corn canned this year, 3/4 pd green and and about 3/4 pd of yellow beans
yes your catlogue came here and I alway forget to forward it. Do you want it sent.
I am sending a picture of the team that I found in a Record Eagle that look some like these Max sure like them in even way except Bell wind is a little touched. There even on a pull. No Max will not let them on Meadow. Mr Phelps though he could come that last year and Max put a stop to it. He did like it very well. Max say if you can't stay in road you have to take the big hill. Well he say I don't want to get stuck. Max say I am not going have Meadow cut up either The road is dry right know.
I don't think spring is even coming My this sure has been a long cold winter
I guess that all the news
Sincerly
Max & Family
[Apr 10, 1934]
To Miss Taft
I guess spring has came. Are snow is nearly gone. and are lake's are bigger than last year that was to be expected because there were lost more snow. We thought for a while the one by the house was going to run over bank by barn and into the barn. it stopped thawing in time. the fields sure has taken in lost of water.
yes that very true about horses. one can't stop for money if thay want mates. The man offers to give Max back his money. He has a bay team know older than your black. wanting $4.25 for them Max say he would trade them for Bess & Belle as thay stand. But the man say he has his eye on a horse if he can get it Max is stuck on black's all right. seem to be so honest. and such good puller's to.
Archie Helfrich has bought a large quanity of manure from Zimmermans and is selling some for $5.00 per ton and Max say not much straw that price is dilivered. Not selling other wise as he say he make a little diliviring.
Max is picking up brush. there isnt much. Max has all the manure hauled out. He has not been able to finish the corn stalks up on account of wet floor in basement. But expect to soon.
Tom Richard has his new colt. queen is not any fatter. But get enough to eat I guess. Mr Lardie is handling spray material. and would be glad of your order.
Ronald say to tell you he want queen and Tom Richards colt.
Ralph McClusky beat Morgan on his trial $8,700.64 Max went to hear it all the pensulia was there. I went to. Thay called Mr Balling for one witness. Thay ask him his name. George Balling were he lived R.F.D #1 Box 86 and auditon of the pruning knife. Even one just laughted Even judge Even one was pleased. Ralph had good attorney from Detroit other wise I don't think he wold of won.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerely
Max & Family
[Apr 19, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Yes I guess spring has came unless we get an other snow storm
The geese went over to-day and so low you could see them real plain thay were not over six feet above the maple tree by barn. I have been real sorry all day Max did not have a gun to get one. I never seen them so low.
The grass seed was not in yet went Max went to see Saturday.
Mr Lardie say he has spray material ready. and to call and he will have it over in fifteen minutes. and he don't like to come in the way we travel on account of getting with big truck
My hands are swollen up and cracked open. I was out rakeing yard and I guess wind was to strong or my skin is to dry. So it no plesure to write but will do the best I can.
Yes Max can hire gene Russell roller. only half field can be seeded for some time as you know the water came clean thru wood over to well on this side and she not going down very fast.
Max has not found any split trees he has been all over the orchard.
Max say he was all over orchard to day April 18 and could not find any black centers in them The young orchard & sweet cherries and most of south orchard has been covered.
Yes we will have ever thing in ready your spray. including gas & oil and engine working We just found out he had it for sale when I wrote you. as he asked Max to ask you
Yes I understand Morgan & McClusky settled Yes I would like to have just half of it would do a lot of good.
Yes there plenty of salt on hand for animal Max open the last sack a while back.
Yes you have some money left from before. on $5.00 there $3.17 left.
Max say the man says its a hard job to find a mate for Bess. But will give your money back. The only think Max see is a perfect team is one Tom shane has for $4.25. Black mares 5 [?] 6 year's. Do you think she should be kept. Max is worried about her.
The Brush is hauled and burnt.
I guess that all the farm progress.
Best of Wish
Max & Hazel & sonny
[Apr 25, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Are weather sure is cold snowed to-day ground was white April 24. It sure stay cold. Max was plowing to-day around little tree's by pears and he said he nearly was frozen and had on all cloth he could get on.
Even thing is ready for dorment spray gas & oil & grease and Max is tinkering spray rig up.
No she don't need to be favored like queen. But no dought she will be worse in warm weather she will be all right for summer and longer you can't tell.
Max say there is such a chance as keeping your eye open for a mate for Bess. which would be the cheapest for you in long run a pair like Bess know would cost you $500 know.
Both gang are on road working Hog back is closed
Max say it was freezing ice in water tub after supper to-nite about 7 oclock.
Are pond are not going away very fast.
Andy Breman is looking at the log house. I hope he doesen't get it Because he will kept us well perfumed up with skunk.
Max say there no sweet cherries to speak of thay don't look good. even one he opened was black.
We don't just know when we are going to have a fresh cow. Because she had to be took away so many time last year.
I hear Hazel Kitchen reacted on T.B test and havae sent a sample away to be tested
All the machinery and terick are all up in front of Essey. I suppose she don't like that
Mrs Will Marshall had a new baby last Friday and lost it a boy.
I guess that all the news.
Best Regard,
Max & Hazel & Ronald
P.S. No she is not much worse. some day it's worse than others Some day its real Noticeable and then again you can hardly see it
Traverse City, Mich.
Aug. 4th 1934
Dear Miss Taft:
Max and Hazel was here last night and Max wanted to know about the pitch fork deal. Art Gillmore his own brother told it to us in the presence of our own family. I'm sorry I told you about it and never would have mentioned it to you if I had of thot you would go back to Max and make trouble for me. I never slept last night after they were here. Miss Taft I have to live in this community all the year around not six weeks during the Summer Joe & I have heard lots of things. Max Also thinks we are after a job from you they never need to worry we have our own home and have never given a thought about leaving it. And as for Roger he has a good position and among very nice people.
Neighbors told us a lot of things that has been said about us where they get their informaiton I don't know.
I always considered I was a friend of yours both Joseph & I tried to give you good honest & faithful service when we say that we couldn't do justice to both your farm & ours we were honest enough to quit. I think if you inquire you will find the Kitchen name is as clean as any Gillmore.
And from now on no matter what takes place on your farm or to your animals, I will never have any thing more to say. There are some things we know to be facts but from now on Essie has no interest in other peoples welfare.
I'm sure we have never even hinted for a job. Max says you told him that you heard we wanted to come back. Who ever says those things is certainly very wrong.
Joseph I have been here a good many years and outside of Ralph this is the first time we have ever had any trouble and wouldn't have had this time If I hadn't of thought I was right in telling you this.
Ask Lardies Canning Co. how I tried to help you out. And I guess this is my reward.
All I can say is that I'm sorry for what happend and please tell Max for us that we don't want his job or never have. I wouldn't leave my dear little home for their place or any other like it we are very happy here & have good neighbors ane clean associates for Hazel.
I can't yet understand why you would turn against us as you have and get me into this mess. I certainly have never did this to you Miss Taft. It hurts me terriably to think Max & Hazel will tell this all over.
Essie
[Aug 6, 1934]
My dear Essie
Your letter surprises me as I took your report on the pitch fork horses episode for the same friendly interest that you have always shown. Having spent more for horses than it was comforable to raise I natuarally proceeded to investigate. I think you would have done the same. The man who invented such a report is the one to be called to account. He has no call to maliciously try to make trouble [for me]. He has been paid well for all he has done for me [and fed besides].
No one has ever heard me say anything but praise and appreciation for Joseph, [and] his work and efforts to make my orchard a success. If they report otherwise they are plain fasifying - and as for your returning to work for me, that is too boldly a fabrication when anyone considers how much more you have and your attractive home.
It is true that a report came two years ago to me, that you [two year] would like the job for Roger but I paid no attention as you had told me how well he was doing in a much better place than I could offer. I have always been interested in Roger and shall always be as I am sure that he is a credit to his family and will in time be a[n] strong influence [for good] in the community. I rejoice with you that he is marrying such an attractive young woman and wish them every success and happiness. I am very sorry that you became upset over what you meant for and I took as an effort to be helpful. I am leaving for a while but when I come back I am comming to see you in the same friendly spirit as for the last seventeen years (that's a long time)
As I told you, I want to give Roger and his sweet little girl something for their home. It won't be much but some thing useful to show them that I wish them well.
Yours for our continued friendship
CT
August-1934
[Sep 29, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Here my first letter of the season. we have been have lots & lots of rain and regular down pour wednesday.
It sure seemed lonesome after you left
Yes we recieved the paper a week ago Tuesday and have the gloss coat of paint on dining room and will have rest on living room or bedroom before Saturday nite. We had to prime coat if twice.
Yes we are enjoying your swiss chard very much. I picked and 6 quarts pail of cucumber to-day. and am going to put in with my dill pickles.
Max has the piece south barn plowed and nearly 1/2 of sod
We have been to Willlibee once but he was no there it is hard to catch him.
Yes Ronald had a very fine letter there from Alberta and pictures. He sure thinks a lot of Alberta He alway wondering if she not coming back.
Out of man pants you gave me I got two pairs of pants for Ronald by pieceing them a little inside of leg.
Max will get your 3 or 4 chores done soon.
Yes I guess Max enjoyed the legion very much. Thay had wonderful parade it lasted one hour and a half. The nicest parade I ever seen in Traverse there uniform where beautiful in color.
I guess that all the new's.
I got a 1/2 bushel of grapes from Mrs Lardie and have 19 glasses of jell made and 10 quarts of beat's and an other batch to do yet. I will use your there along with mine.
Sincerely
Max & Hazel
[Oct 18, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Yes are weather is beutiful. If it would only last. But one can not expect it to.
Ronald has been very sick I took him to the Dr twice last week. He say he has Bronical asthema I don't know if that spelled right or not. The first I took him he said that he could get hardly any air into his lungs. This was the hardest spell he ever had. I am going to have his tonsils as soon as he quit coughting
My paper is not on yet. But expect to this week.
The dilecious apple were falling so we picked them 4 bushel
I got the money from Willobie $4.00 for all. Max say he understood you to $1.00 per hundred for wealthys. But he said he has only paid $0.80 per hundred this year. So am holding the money to see what you say. He say he will pay the balance if that what he said to you
Max started to fix plaster here in dining room and got .50 worth and went to take off plaster that was loose and he just touch it and it loosened up nearly half way across room by chimney hole. Max its wonder we did get tunk on head with some other time. so bought 35 pd more.
Ronald is to have his tonsil out Thursday of this week. He is going to Hospital. I am terrible worried till its over.
I guess that all the new's.
Sincerly
Max & Hazel
Oct. 26, 1934
To Miss Taft
Rain and more Rain is all I can say as to weather. But Max is getting things cornered. plowing is nearly done. and post hole are being dug. some of corn stalks cut.
yes Ronald got along fine with his operation. Hopeing that he will get to feeling better. He is very thin right know. loosing so much blood but it to be expected. I am going to give him cod liver oil, and Dr say feed him all norirshing feed he'll take.
Are papering is all done and we look very pretty. It sure makes one feel a lot better to have clean paper & light wood work. I got so discouraged this summer trying make things look clean. But it never looked it after your did clean.
I have tried to get a rug several time for dining room. But have not made it so far But hope I can for winter set in as I will not put old one down because I think it get to dusty were there isnt electric to clean them. With Ronald trouble altho I will put it underneath the congloa[???] rug when I get it. So as not to try to spoil the other rugs
The papering Bill 2 day is $4.00 Edna Dohm she said took her less time this time than last. She said she had lots better help. Max helped her. As I could not on account of Ronald being so poorly.
I am making about 7 pd of butter a week. The papering 16 hour's at $0.25 per hour. The well water has not been very clean of late.
Yes I hope we will have enough of apples If I can keep Max out of stack Declicious He like them right know.
I guess that all the news
Sincerely
Max & Hazel
[Nov 9, 1934]
To Miss Taft
Are weather man has been busy too we had a fall of snow that covered the the ground and then it came off warm and has just been raining ever since
The swiss card is standing all kind of weather. its still nice and green.
are well has cleared up again. The water is nice a clear
yes I think the paper is on very good considering ever thing. I know now that its a job to put it on.
There were 7 bushel of carrats and 10 beets there were none in north half of field.
Suprise is growing very good. Max say she can not chew whole corn yet. But could eat ground corn & oats.
Her oatmeal is just gone. Max brought the sack to the house this week.
Max seen Harry Christopher the first day of hunting season and said he had ordered tres then and thay ought to be there most any day. But have not came as yet and he is leaving deer hunting around Oct 15.
Mrs Lardie took butter from me this week as she enteraning the preacher this week with help of Mrs Mills.
Mrs Neill closed her house up and was staying over with Mrs Lardie and had just been closed a few day when she went over for something and some one had broken in a drank grape juice and what they did drink thay opened and left. You know Hooper had to move back on account of some one was breaking into there house all time takeing things.
Yes the Brimmer are still here it look like all winter. But don't know how thay can possible stay.
Ronald as been feling quite good. I have been quite miserable of late. Cold. a few other things.
The horses are fine. Max has been giving them a little excercise of late.
I have two more suits for Ronald nearly done. When I get done he will have 3 good suits for good and 4 for ever day. Hopeing that will keep him clean.
I guess that all new's
Best Wishes to you
Hazel & Max
P.S The four dollars that was here from Willobee I give to Edna Dohm as she would like to had it Is that all right.
Expenses - Oct. 1934.
Patching plaster --- .52
More plastir --- .52
Mrs. Dohm --- $4.00
Gas------- 5 gal .98
glass starch 2 boxes .50
?Batteries for telephone .26
_____
? 6.78
6.00
2.78
____
3.22
[Dec 4, 1934]
To Miss Taft
I have at last got a minute to write But don't know how good a job I can do with no sleep for two nites. Ronald has had an other attack of asthama. This one was 2 month from the last one. Its been longer this time He has been haveing them about every 6 week. This attack was not quite so hard.
We got some gravel on the road from woods beyond Dud Griffin's house. And then again on top of hill to mail box. After election Max called Harry Christphor and he said the order was to come in spring.
We had abundance of rain. Nearly steady last week. I couldn't even get my washings done. But had are first snow storm to day. Heavy and wet. And the eves are dripping to-night as I write.
Max had to go on a walking spree with the cow again. So went to Mr. Zoulik. But he had killed him animal So went to Archie Helfrich. I am kind worried we will not have a new milch cow next year.
[No] Mrs. Lardie is with here Sisters at Northport. I guess Detroit was to confineing for her.
Max has the door made but has not hung it yet as it has been so warm. The haven't hued it yet.
We have the storm door on but not the window yet. But I am going wash them and put them on soon any way So to be ready if we do get a blizzard.
No I guess Mrs Crompton is no socialist. I don't know if that the both Grandfather home to-gether on not on just a name.
The Stevens go to Old Mission Church. I never heard that they found any trace as yet. I don't think so. on Hooper & Mills case Brimmer are still in neighborhood yet. He went hunting and got a deer.
Hazel Kitchen is driver for her folk's know. She cannot see to go to school but can see to drive a car.
In regard to pups yet they all had a home in six week but one and the owner of spot took him home. We have one pup & the old dog spot. She sure bring up muskrat from swamp for the pup paddy.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerely
Max & Hazel
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/498daaddf96c98467ccafea13b4e293a.pdf
9e4bf1744dd346dfe5249e4acb606902
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1933
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[Jan 23, 1933]
Wednesday nite
to Miss Taft
I was thinking it was about time for me to get to answering letters. there is no snow to speak of. But a very cold wind. But look some what like a storm coming.
We have all been sick with cold's Ronald had the flu. I did to but had to keep a going where you have a sick child. Ronald coughs hard yet.
The apple trees were cut high so that thay could be pulled.
About the corn. It was just finish last week. Max coulcn't get at it at once because he had to feed some off barn floor first. to get at it there were 18 bushel in all. Max say it was not very good so but in second corn in bin and feeding it out as need.
Are pig's have been killed about a month I would alway forget to tell you. I am buying milk from Dohnu[?]. 2 quarts ever other day. It just seem that it don't go no way's at all. Nearly ever one has been sick with fluew. around here. Its been quite excitig around T.C. about the Kaleva Bank robber's. But are in prison know.
There not much doing in neighborhood only Ladies aid meet ever two week. trying to do there bit in helping the poor. folk's and there plenty of them to I guess. The strong wind had last week broke a good size tree over in wood it broke about 20 feet up.
I guess that all the I can think off this time
Sincerly
Max & Family
Old Mission Mich
Feb. 10th 1933
My dear Miss Taft:
You will think we have all passed out because I've waited so long to write. But its the same as always. Ihave been too busy with my ourn work and trying to do extra. With times as they are a person has to turn their hand to what ever comes along.
I'm so sorry about the bank there. Isn't there any chance of your money being safe? Our small savings is in the First Peoples Bank and can't possibly touch it. So have to try and get on the best we can. I'm not going to complain but it sure is hard with no price for cherries or what ever else we raise. Its a pity the shape most of the farmers are in. With no prices and expenses going on. Most every one is letting their help go as they simply can''t pay. There has been a little talk of a fresh fruit market but nothing deffinate so fare. We must try & get away from the canning factory. Mr. Lardies office girl doesn't know the farmers when on the street and clayton [?] is the same. They just sneak about. The canner knows that the farmer is at their mercy. We haven't heard any more from Lardies hope they don't bother you from now on.
We have had one of the worst blizzards during the week that we have had for years. Wouldn't be surprised if cherry trees are frozen we have a furnace heated home & had a warm fire in the range & the house wasn't comfortable all day it was about 10 or 12 below zero with a heavy wind. No school since Tuesday.
How are you coming at school this winter is it the same as usual? I wonder what our new president will hold forth for all of us. I certainly hope better times. How is the Stutsman family? Hope they are all well.
Mes. Ruff and Ida Lardie are living up on the hill this winter I guess Mr. Bartlett is helping them or they would starve. Mrs. Mills Ruff has tried several places to keep house for some widower or bachelor but has meet with no success so far. She is a good cook & house keeper but guess they all feel too poor to take on any one else to feed.
Have you did any sewing I've made Hazel a new school dress 3 suits of undies 2 pairs of pajamas and several other articles. Besides 3 house dresses for myself and every week mend hose & undergarments for the whole family. Right now a large washing is waiting for me but can't its is until the weather settles a little I don't like to dry my clothes in the basement.
You raised lots of corn fodder last year Joe was wondering if you had any to sell we would like to get some if you have any to spare and what would be the price. Alfalfa hay is $10 a ton delivered but don't know what fodder is worth. You may not have any to spare but if you have would be glad to get some. Of course it will be cash. Money is scares but try to pay as we go.
Hazel has likely written all the local news to you but if I hear any more about cherries or other fruit will try & let you know about it.
Please forgive me for neglecting you so long every day I would think I'd try & write but you know just how hard it is for me. Every thing waits for me until I get so tired.
Hope you are well and have a job. Those see to be the two most coveted things these days.
As ever with love
Essie
P.S. Sat. A.M. The snow is still blowing and about the same only not quite so cold. Wonder if you are having this blizzard down there too. This may not go out until next week as roads are full unless plow comes out ahead of mail. No one likes the new carrier he is so important.
Now gossip. Will Gill Tompkins has taken over Oliver for debts. Isn't that a Tompkins for you tho'? Several farmers are going to loose out this Spring D.B. Eiman [?] is still holding on I feel so sorry for his wife. Ralph Helfrich place is up for sale Fred Westerjohn Stanley wood. Kroupa wants to forclose on Chas Lammin [?] and his debt isn't very large. If we had the money now is the time to buy up these mortages cheap. Property is down farther than I've ever known it to be. Eiman [?] place is for sale too. I don't know how many more. Its a downright shame most of these people have had or have got families to support.
Must get busy now my kitchen looks like a storm had struck it dirty dishes all over.
[February 14, 1933]
Tuesday evening
To Miss Taft
We are haveing one of worst storm of winter. It has been storming & blowing for two day I don't know how much longer it will last I hope not long.
Max carried water to animal so not to take them out in storm. and but not water in beside so it wouldn't be so cold to drink. Max says the stable cold to-day to.
I know all we are doing is putting fuel into fire most of time and then were are non to warm. The weather has been so nice a person notice a cold spell so much.
Max hauled out manure last week and got all little tree's in orchard above house fertilized and got to last now and broke the reach in the wagon. and had to unhitch and go into wood and cut down a tree and make one.
The cos isen't fresh yet. Max say is a steer calf because she later.
Max has been pruneing in apple orchard. Max say he think cow could be put in there all right.
I expect you see by the paper of Rebecca Burkhart death in Grand Rapids. I went to grade school with her so went to the funeral which was at there home on the pensulia it was very sad for parents.
We have measles down in are road hopeing Ronald won't get them. Mr Ernest Kitchen three children have them. I havent been around so don't see how he could.
Elemore Crampton, Gertrude Stevens husband has bought Mrs May place across from Tom Richar's place on mortage fore closed from will I Tompkins. Mr Tompkins is pretty sore because he wanted the place. himself I guess that all the news I can think off. this time
Sincerly
Max & Family
[February 27, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Are weather has settled down to sunshine day's again. which we are glad to have.
We cashed your check at Henry's Lardie the day before the banks closed. So am send it back as thay would not cash it. So thay said to date it after the bank holiday.
We all have cold's. But are feeling better know. Queen had a stomach last week one nite but came out all right after two dose's of colic medicine.
The road are terrible ruff. There isent much new's thing's pretty quite and pretty hard up.
Max is waiting to take this to mail so will close.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[March 8, 1933]
To Miss Taft
It has been a beautiful day. its make one feel like spring is coming. Thay layed Dave Eiman to rest this after noon. He had a very large funeral & beautiful flower's Ms. Eiman took it very hard. He passed away so quickly
Ronald is enjoying being out door every day. the neighbor are starting to make maple syrup. There is not much talk on cherry game. They are only saying 1/2 cent. per pound. Farmer say thay can't spray for that. and are so discouraged to even talk. about it. and Henery Lardie spray material is all on cash know. Which strikes some farmer pretty hard.
Max went to meeting for farmer's at town hall. and are planning strong on the fresh fruit market.
The cow is not fresh yet. But is starting to make bag.
I am sending you a little clipping from the Michigan Farmer.
Ronald get a pencil and say going write to Taft There isn't much new to tell you. Max is finishing pruneing cherry's
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max & Family
[March 21, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Are spring days have turned into a heavy fall of snow. The snow is falling steady with big flakes.
The banks at traverse city has not opend yet. I can't understand little town such a Ceder & Boyne fall there bank are open. The cow is not fresh yet. she sure has fooled us this year. and sure do miss her. I am getting so hungry for some good butter & milk. Cow milk no good after having cow milk. buy just enough milk for Ronald to drink. I use lots of milk to cook with. about the seed. There sweet corn & beans pumpkins seed. about 1 1/2 beck of timothy seed. The supposed soy bean's Max say's is pea's little less than 1/2 bushel
Dad Eiman was sick less then four day's ever one was suprised to learn of his death ever one say Dade died as he lived. alway up and going. Mrs Eiman has rented her farm to her son Roy Hooper. and Guy Case is doing the chores. living in big house. The Hawkins have come back to work for Hall Flack. Mr Jim Jerrett was taken to Hospital sunday. I understand he has cancer. we were hopeing we wouldn't have to buy any more coal. But with are winter come again its kind looks a tho we would have to.
I am going start pretty so to make Ronald a summer coat & cap.
Ronald has to go out door ever day. He get pretty mad if can not ride nell to the barn from well.
I canned 66 quarts of tomatoes and used the last can to-day I told Max don't know how we used so many. we all like them so well.
I guess that all the new's
Sincery, Max & Family
[March 24, 1933]
Miss Taft
I am sorrow to have to tell you we can't cash the check.
But have spent .30[$] call to see if thay will cash a check and is always no. only trust fund.
But have waited a long a we can. as are supply is very low. are coal is gone.
If the cow would only come in one can make so many thing out of milk. she has been dry 3 month.
The new's is know .2[$] per pound for cherries seeing the wisconsin cherries are damaged. McColl. is going pay. 1/2 to 1 cent more on last year crop. as soon as possible. he say. Mr Bill Dohue & Mr Hall Flack. are two which get benfit out of selling to him.
The day is beauriful with sunshine. But have plenty of snow. Have bene enjoying sleigh rie's this week. up to mail box & my sister Mrs Tony Dohue. Ronald sure like to ride behind horses.
Sincerly Max & Family
[April 12, 1933]
To Miss Taft
We were sorry to have taken the bread out of your mouth. But where you have a youngester you have to see that he is warm & not Hungry.
We feel real rich know the cow has been in about two weeks with a very large bull calf. we are vealing [?] the calf for are selve's to-eat.
I did not get to ans your letter last week. as I have had an other attach of guincy I was in bed five day's. So am pretty shakey yet. It broke on both side again. We have to very big pond both side of us. The pond in the swamp down here came clear up to were I had my chickens park.[?] up about the fence post and all. and the one down by the other road came cleare up to the wood. and are going down very slow. Mr Kitchen say the most water that ever been in here.
I will ans your question on a seperate sheet so as not to get them mixed up with new's
yes the bank has cashed the check at last.
yes O.M. has there post office yet thay are trying it a while to see if it pay. If not thay will take it our. The marigold man is Mr Jhon Osloud son in-law.
I hope this letter can be read with any trouble. my hand is none to steady yet.
oh yes are pond by house give up quite a lot of amusement. there 2 muskrat that swims around in it.
Max churned 5 pd of butter last Friday the first churning. beside the calf get some new milk.
I guess that all the news.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[May 8, 1933]
Thursday evening
To Miss Taft
We have been so busy and I have been so tired at nite. that I have neglected to write.
I was just out rakeing yard and my arm got tired so that I would come in write you a letter.
Max has barrowed to fertilzer drill and just took it home and brought back the seed drill.
I was planning to go after strawberry plant to-nite by will be to late after Max get his chores done. on account of taking the drill home.
There about 1/4 of garden back of house in water yet. I am hopeing ever day it will go down so we can get the garden finished plowe'd. There lots of water in other pond on road. we can't travel the road yet. and look to be fore some time yet. It got so mud down by well. So thay are traveling the big hill by Marshall. know.
Your seed order was ok. no carrot seed. and the spray material from Lardie came the two day after your order got to them. and things were also got from the milling co.
Max say the field near the pasture by wood he don't know where he will get into oats on account of water.
We are enjoy a new car to us a Dodge Coupe. The old dodge was going to piecies. and I was catching cold ever time that I wen't in it. The next thing to pay the difference between the. But sure enjoy closed care. I can drive with pleasure I have 50 eggs in Fouch's incubator to hatch white rock chicken
oh yes I put in your tomatoes plants april 17. two cherry crate full.
we have decided to keep the calf for some beef next winter. He so nice an big. It still stay cold and windy.
I guess that all the new's
Sincerly
Max & Family
[May 20, 1933]
Thursday Morning
To Miss Taft
We have had three nice showers in last week. which helped very much. Your garden has been in three week and radish are up quite high.
and tomatoes are up and coming good to as I look out the kitchen door the sweet cherry's are in full bloom this morning. and leaves on the maple are coming out to
There wasent any place mention for the pumpkins to be put.
We got a strawberry bed in two rows across the garden by the currents. The raspberrys look good this spring. I got to find a few to fill in. that are dead.
There are a family living in Dad [?] griffin old house down here in thirty acres.
Max has breed the cow back. we have decided to keep the other calf. for some beef. next winter the cow is doing pretty good in making butter but very thin. Max put her out on grass know hopeing will pick up a little
There meeting up to town hall Max say did amount to any more then the rest of them a lot of talk back and forth. There full account in paper.
Max say the there propspeck of a good cherrys crop Max had to have Tony Dohm come a fix the spray rig some about he couldn't get the right amount of pressure. His trip was .50[$] and new path are a fisted cap for base spray rig
.65
" " " ' " 65
Hose clamp .15
gas for engine .32
" " " " .32
" " " " .32
1 quart oil .15
Harness snap .10
" " " clip .10
gas for oil spray .43
gas for late spray .15 gal. $2.39
I finished pay on a part in spray rig because Max had have then which you will see in the account yes the banking is terrible to traverse even one is discouraged. Murry Tompkins went up the day before it closed. and say How ever thing coming know and danger of her closeing again. Thay say oh no even tho is coming fine So he just drew out $50.00 for to put in a sulply of gas. The next day it closed. He say. Here I am I could of drew enough on .65 per cent to keep a going all summer on expence's we seem be only bothered with water. just three field's. The old Lady that stays with Mrs Richard a Mrs Haywood. was by the door say she never saw so much water down here before. as long as she been here.
I guess that all the new's I can think this time.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[May 27, 1933]
Tuesday Morning
to Miss Taft
Things are beautiful this morning the air is ladent with a sweet smell. of cherry blossom's. The cherry's are in full bloom.
We had a very cold nite saturday nite about ten there were a breeze starting I guess that what saved the cherry's. Max is planting corn this morning. and finish plowing the garden & the oat field Nell went to her stomach in muck. we are not traveling the road yet.
I have had one cutting of asparagus. I could eat it twice a day if I had it. I am just crazy about it. and so good for you.
Your garden is up fine. something was taking radish so I looked and found cut worms. The carrot seed was .60[$] for 1/2 pd.
Max say's the manpal [?] seed was very dirty and mixed with all kind of seed. he had fan it all out.
Ronald had a birthday Monday 22. He was 3 year old. There isent much new's. we don't get the Record eagle any more and it seem as tho we have lost all the new's There wasen't much in it but miss what was in it.
I but 50 egg in Fouch incubator and got only 23 chicken. I am very disapointed. on the hatch.
Ever thing has gone sky high hand good's & clothing & Grocery's. You ask them why ever thing going up. Thay say that the only thing to bring back good times.
Mr. Halberg say's in the a&p. that sugar will be $7.50 a Hundred before the summer is over.
I guess that all the news for this time
Sincerly
Max & Family
[July 2, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Glad to know that you arrived ok. Yes we had quite a down pour Thursday afternoon sprinkled and poured Thursday nite. Could of stood more. But it helped. Max of course was in middle of hay cutting and had to shake out a lot of hay next morning. Have all cut & put in barn but last half of meadow by barn and cherry picking start Monday. Thay starting take light sweet. Tom Richard hasen't the liscense for his truck as yet.
Your postal card came to-day and Ronald say ok look at the pretty chicken house. Thay had a big cherry meeting at the T.C. high school. Max dident go but ever one else almost went. and are still handing for more money for the grower's Max would of went but had to haul in hay. after supper.
I guess that all the new's. The sour cherries are redding up a little
Sincerly
Max & Family
[July 9, 1933]
To Miss Taft Saturday noon.
We are having quite hot weather and need of a rain very bad. look very much like rain but doesen't rain.
We picked two half day on the light sweet finiahed Friday noon and started Thursday afternoon with a totall .51 crates and a test of 9690
Are starting dark sweet Monday thay want them a light mahogany color. this year.
Max hired 3 men pickers to-nite. and have 4 of Michans pickers are scare this year. ever one is comlaining not enough pickers. Max is thru haying both mows are bull. to the brim & a load on drive floor. Old Queen took haying pretty hard this year. I though she was done for one nite Max bathered her over with water.
My brother Walter Widdis helped Max with the hay 6 1/2 day and 7 meal's
Your beans are coming on I had a small mess and Rebecca got a 5 quarts pail full. I picked 1/2 quart of raspberrys.
I guess that all the new's I can think know.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[July 24, 1933]
Miss Taft
We have at last had some rain but was a long time coming. To late for some thing such a beans and such. It has been terrible hot.
We have started picking sour cherry's with 19 pickers including myself. and could of hired 1,00 more lots of pickers Max though he would have put up a sign for pickers but in a few day he said he would have but up a sign no pickers wanted. We seem to have a nice bunch of pickers no children small except my own. Thursday 1.78 crates had quit till Monday again on accout of begin to green and pulling pits. has skip some tree in the rows to. Ever one is getting better weight since it rained and give cherry some weight There cutting on cherry for every thing thay can think of.
Even has went fine in the orchard with tickets for tallying.
Rebecca card came in are box she had gone. and cherry were sent to Alberta. and Max had bad luck to loose all his pay check after it had been cashed. we are both felling pretty blue about it and might inconvenient to.
Max has the oats cut and in the barn. floor is full. 3 load's Max said was cluster [?] then thrashing
Well I guess that all the new's except we are very busy.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[September 20, 1933]
Dear Miss Taft
I am late with my letter. But Max wanted me to wait till he cleaned up on apples. we have been haveing some rain and fair weather to-day. rain one minute and clear an other.
About last year pear's I can remember of giving you the tally Because Max made two trips to town with 9 bushel and brought back 4 bushel. If I remember right it was $2.50 or 3.00 I dont know which money was used for farm expense. We enjoyed Alberta visit very much. she sure is a jolly & freindly girl.
Mrs Lardie called on Monday saying she wasen't home on sunday when Alberta was there and sure was sorry not to see her. as she liked her so much.
About apples, Max picked 48 bushel of welthy's had Tom take them to town. and Joe perkett sorted out 6.0. and 5 1/2. B. and rest went to Morgan. Max was so mad at him. So when he got home he jumped in his own car and went out and found a trucker. He found one at Homes paying .25 per bushel nearly tue [?] run [?] except little one. Max say thay were terrible small when he got to picking them
Thay came right to the door and got them loose. Thay loaded them into big screened truck. Joe perkett got pear's & crab apples. we got your letter just one day to late to take them to willbee Sent them by Tom the day before.
We are going to town to-day and get money collected up and send you a money order. Tony has engine done. and am sending the bill
I guess that all news
Sincerly
Max & Family
P.S. I am sending the pear's & apples tally on a sepertate sheet.
[September 26, 1933]
To Miss Taft
I forgot quite few things in my last letter So will drop a line again.
We are getting quite a lot of rain. Ronald and I have been sick with cold. and I am seeing end of canning. I have bushel of grapes yet 1/2 bushel quince.
Mr Zang came with the oats 50. bushel. Mr Iadone [?] Lardie would like to know if you are getting his letters.
Max was going pick up cider apples but Morgan is only paying 10. per houndred. So thought wanted pick them a keep them awhile.
Max is going with Tom Richards to-day to look at a team. Tom has bought a new pair. There been a man here twice to look at Queen. he want to buy her to raise colt's He will give $25.00 for her.
Max say's the oats are .55[$] per bushel and clean and good oats for this year.
We last one of our neighbor Mr & Mrs Ernest Kitchen he moved to Ashmore house. by Burton's. Henry Kitchen has moved to warner [?] place.
Mr Micham is moving to the log house.
I guess that all the new's I forgot.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[September 28, 1933]
Miss Taft
Max is look at horses out were Tom Richard got his teams. Max has his eye on a pair black. 4 year old in March. half sister weighing 2600 hundred price 1.7500 and old team Nell at $50.00 and Queen at $25.00 Max say she will have a good home.
Max would like an answer by return mail as this man is holding the team.
Sincerly,
Max
[October 6, 1933]
Wednesday Nite
To Miss Taft
Your letter arrived Monday. I am sorry you have not got full detail of the farm. But i have felt so miserable for 3 week with a cold and trying to ward of quincy. and Ronald had an other convulsion. So have had my hand more than full. The piece by pig pen is plowed & draged. and Max has piece by little orchard nearly ready to drag.
Seeing some place are good and some place are very thin. Max say hard to say till spring But look as tho there have to be more seed. The cherries trees are all neady to pull and apple tree in a short time.
High wind have put lots late apple on the ground. Max thought twice before he spent your money. and decide not to take the teams so your check will be back were it came from. Max went and look at them again to make sure.
The rains have done quite a lot of good to meadows and trees if was late. you can see a difference in the greens.
If there a new team in neighborhood ever one is curious to know how much thay cost. Regardless if there has to be a story told Max says Harry Zang says he will bring the past soon.
About your key's there has been no change made in men at Ashmore. You have most likely forgotten Mrs Ashmore has two house's. and the one by Burton's that Foster lived in is the one that Kitchens moved into.
You do't need to worry about the hole in corn crib. Max say the hole was fixed iwth in a hour after you's seen the mouse go in there
I guess that all the news I can think to write
Sincerely
Max & Family
[October 23, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Will set down and write you a few lines this rainy day. It is nice one day and rain the next.
I guess Ronald and I are on mend but have quite a ways to go yet to be fully recovered. Leslie Gove [?] was here thursday morning and pulled one tree and got rained out so went back home. and with return I expect Friday if the weather premits.
Max has the apples cleaned up and waiting for the trucker. 50 bushel. and cider picked up But have to have premit to take any in. and not any before last of month.
The tree's have not come yet. Max is all ready for them.
Alberta received her apples this week Tuesday. Max has carrots & beets to get out yet. I have been useing some carrots and when you start peeling them thay crack from end to end.
The Michans [?] has moved to town. two week ago. all the umployed men are waiting for road work.
Max where hunting a couple times and got 2 rabbits.
You should be here to get your other meal of beets. There look to be quite few. I have peppers the lenght of little fingers. Mother Gilmore was up to Mrs Ida Lardie staying last week. I had them down to dinner and supper. last Friday. Mrs Lardie seemed to enjoy it very much. she sure doesen't look as though she capable of stay alone. she seems so feeble. she is going to Detoit to board for winter months.
Mrs Richard has her hand full. she is looking for a hired girl for about 1.00 to $1.50 a week. I buess there will be plenty at that price. we are buying wood from perry Kroupa. slabwood at $1.50 per cord.
I guess that all the news I can think of. this time
Sincerly
Max & Family
[November 7, 1933]
To Miss Taft
We received your letter on Tuesday. After haveing winter are weather just know is beautiful. Nite & day such beautiful moon light nights. I expect its to good to last long.
Your trees came the 25 of October. Max is working at them.
The man that tryied to buy queen was back with an other man to buy both horses. The man seemed quite anxious to buy them. Max said no thay weren't for sale know. I am starting to give Ronald cod liver oil It is very expence's. I course I am not thinking of the price if it will only do some good.
The meet at packing Co. consisted of Mr. Roger said they had sold enough of cherry to pay there debts. and could barrow enough to pay growers an other 1/2 cent bush didn't figure it was good business to barrow. The market was good and steady. and by spring could pay the farmers 3 cents and still make a profit. But would promise them that. and that thay didn't want to come up there next spring and say he did Thay are wondering wether to pay the farmer 2 3/4 cents. and pay government and be thro with them or pay farmer 3 cents and still be in debt.
The Truckes dident come back. Max waited a week. So Max had Tom take them to town to L. F. Perkett. We haven't the money yet. He waits till he get's a carload. and the saturday you can have your check. by coming I think your will be ready. He pay .60$ hundred and .50$ hundred. and takes almost anything.
The paper has come off of the outside stair way. on the house.
No Max has not heard of any one haveing manure for sale yet.
The trees are all pulled at 1 1/2 day at $20.00 and big tree by the fence. He broke chain in about twelve piecies. Thay had to work quite a while to get it out. it had roots bigger then a stove pipe. It sure is slick way of pulling them
Mr Henry Ficthen is buying a farm near Tompsonville. 80 acre's
I guess that all the new's
Sincerely
Max & Hazel & Ronald.
[November 24, 1933]
To Miss Taft
I guess are winter has come to stay. are first storm was a great suprise to all. we was not ready. are double windows were not on or cracks stuffed up.
Max has the tree all in between storm's There is light cherry trees over. Max wants to know if you remeber how many you blazed He can't find any more.
Max bought paper for stairway $1.75 and has it on. The window at bottom of stair was broken both pane's so Max just tacked some paper over that to it make it so much warmer! yes we will be glad to put the ash on grape vine's
Yes I guess I will have to hide our Delicious apple a Max will have them all eaten before winter come's he like them crisp and I like them mealy.
There isnt much new's as we don't take either papers.
It takes all the money for fuel. Coal 7.50 ton and wood $2.00 a cord.
I don't know we are going to do for cloth pretty soon. go to barn and get some gunny sacks I guess. Stocking I paid .10$ pd for Ronald is .19$ know. Max is going to try and get the rest of money for apple round of as soon he can. Have some. of it but waiting to get all to-gether to take all in at once.
Max also bough a battery $1.80 and plow paint that had be paid for $1.10 The cow & horses are all fine and feeling good. Mr & Mrs Floyd Wilber is leaving Monday Morn. for Jacksonville Ill. and then on to Colorado. to be with son & Daughter-in-law when the stork comes. I went to school with the Son wife Alice Kelly.
I guess that all the news this time.
Sincerly
Max & Family
Traverse City, Mich. R.I.
Dec. 6th 1933.
My dear Miss. Taft:-
I was surprised to hear from you at last. I certainly did think I must have offended you in some way altho' I couldn't for the life of myself recall how when or where.
Well today was the big day for the penn people I guess most all of them registered for a job for C.W.A. Employment altho' there will be many of them dissapointed I'm afraid because some of them have large incomes while others have a good job already if they only knew enough to hang onto it or some of their money.
Max Gillmore was up and put in his application I don't see how he could with a good job like he has got. Of course the way they keep their car on the road night & day it doe's take a lot to keep going. They both sure have a high old time. I took my family to one of their parties just once and that was enough for me. Both men & women get drunk and Miss. Taft if you could hear the things they talk about & the things they do you wouldn't care to go either. I go to quite a lot of the neighboarhood parties but not their nasty dances. There are some things I would like to have told you but feel as tho' you would rather I wouldn't as I don't care to have you feel as tho' I'm carrying tales. Earl Callahan wanted to see you so bad before you went away but guess he gave it up. He saw quite a little I know you trust Max and I want you to. But I can't help but still have a little intrest in the place where I spent 14 yeears of the best part of my life. I hope you don't take me wrong. But I trusted Max but don't think I could as seeing is believing. I started one letter to you once before but destroyed it as I didn't have the courage to mail it. You may tell me to attend my own affairs if so its all O.K. with me.
I was so surprised about Mrs. Vaught they used to buy butter of me when they lived at their Summer home. Mr. & Mrs. Wilbure intend to visit Addison as they expect a little arrival before very long & of course they are more than anxious as most grand parents are.
Was so dissapointed that Alberta couldn't have stayed for dinner I was having one of the kind like you & Albesa [?] helped us to eat when we celebrated our tenth anniversary. Do you remember it? I miss you a lot and can't tell you how dissapointed I was when you failed to make me a call.
Why not come up Christmas time it would do you good I'll cook you a fine drum stick and we have coal to keep your little toes warm too. I just dare you to venture it. Now I'll see if you will try it. One fir would keep us all warm. you know & the highways are all kept clean now. perhaps we both could make quilts also have quilting frames. Have all kinds of nice fruit & vegetables canned also chicken and nearly a whole hog and another one soon ready. Now how is that for an invitation. Then you could call on Mr. Lardie. No he hasn't forgiven us but says he intends to take it out later on. I inquired about a bit before answering your letter and if he doe's take it out of us all there is going to be trouble I'm afraid. I feel as you do why doesn't he start something when you are here. You know its awfully hard to find out much from the neighbors as they are close mouthed as can be. But I am quite sure there are some that has not paid up. Altho' he says he can't let us by on it. We had a letter too. I don't know what he intends to do about it I'm sure. If I hear more will tell you.
I have been sewing on a black silk dress for Hazel have it nearly finished now & its going to look quite well. But has it been work I find it so difficult to sew on black material unless I use lights as the days are so dark & gloomy. Have most of my sewing done now excepting some curtains and 2 or 3 house dresss for myself.
Joseph wanted to go hunting but I discouraged him I don't want my men folks used for cannon bait. You know my step father was shot 24 years ago this Fall in hunting season & left 6 children for mother to try & raise alone. So I have such horrors of deer season. Its all most as bad as war to go out on those trips. Roger was working any way & that is quite important to him. When ever the men have time they chase rabbits & go fishing.
We certainly enjoy our radio & wish you had one they certainly do bring all out side news much better than a news paper. Altho' I find we look forward to our paper every day almost as tho' it was company coming.
Well I want to write to mother yet tonight & by then president Roosevelt is going to give a speech & I want to hear it. perhaps we will all starve yet but I do think he is trying to help us. Mr. Hoover certainly didn't do much.
Hope you find time to write again some time even though you are busy.
As ever, Essie.
[December 9, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is fine right know no snow in sight. and not very cold. But one does not know how long it will last. The road are good what I mean no ice but lots of pump's.
All the men around here registered at the town hall. yeasterday for work on the road. There were lots and lots of them even Joe Kroupa registered thay say.
Ronald had an other set back. Sunday last. he had a touch pneumonia. He just fought for breath. It never broake till 2 oclock sunday nite and started Saturday nite. We worked with hot & cold cloths on his throat and window clean up to sock. and was very foggy. We all have cold's.
The trees are in as you said in last letter Max want to know if wanted the plum's & peaches tree's in line with pear. by that way you could get in other row of cherries. The peaches & plum tree's are in.
Both garden are plowed. Next day. The blizzard is on. Cold & blowing your recipt for money is inclose.
Max has not seen any manure for sale yet. Plonia [?] is were Miss May Tompkins. Married a man. and is living there know. Yes Mr. Wilber [?] I think bought new teams a while back as he lost a horse this fall late. He has a man & wife. Lester Dana. staying there. While he is gone. I don't think there gone yet. As Mrs. Wilber is been very poorly.
The Delicious colored up a good as could be expected for this year. The wagnen's were not colored as highly as usal. There was only 2 bushel of Cul's and all so we kept them.
Ronald eats from 3 to 4 apple a day. I guess that all new's as Max waiting to take this to mail box.
Sincerly
Max & Family
[December 20, 1933]
To Miss Taft
Are weather is some what colder and road are very slippery.
The road work is started. Thay sure a wideing a lot. by christophen. No man is getting work only one that need it There a government man in here straighting out these men in town. Thay were running things the way thay wanted to. Not fair way.
I am sorry to say there be no present from Old Mission this year. It the poorish Xmas I have ever knowen in my life. our's went for Dr bill.
Ronald want to thank you for his on opened package. He was very excited when it came and Max said was for him. Max is cutting corn stalks up.
No Joe & Essy doesn't want Nell. Max ask them in town one day. Essy say what the matter with her. Max say not a think just good as the day Joe bought her.
There is no teams in sight know. Horses seem to be scarce. know.
The meeting at packing consisted of mostly talk about money matters. on some kind of a loan you would be able to get on your crop's.
and coddling moth. This man recommended. scrapeing all the old bark of apple trees and putting a canvas under trunks to catch all bark. and destroy the bark. That the most sure way. There a big meeting at town hall wed. nite. on reply from Washington D.C. on cherry juice on account of Hosrock [?] cutting price. Mr. Balling Mr. Stickney are main speaker's.
I guess that all the new's I can think of. Wishing a Merry Christmas. Is all I can do.
Sincerely
Max & Hazel & Ronald
Traverse City, Mich
Dec. 26th 1933
My dear Miss Taft:
Received your letter last week and was so sure you were coming that I didn't mail your Christmas cards so must say that I'm very sorry about it. I hurried with my work and did a good house cleaning with hopes that you would drive in. I'm still wondering if you started out and got stuck in the snow some where along the way. As it started snowing last Friday and has continued every since so have piles of it every where. But that doesn't stop me wanting to have you here for your vaction. You could see a real winter and believe you couldn't help but love it just the same.
Yesterday the Christopher's had their whole family with them for Christmas dinner and supper and of course Joseph Kitchen and family were invited and they seem to take it for granted that we should be there too. Had a wonderful time altho' we missed Mrs. Christopher as we all loved her dearly and I guess every one else did that knew her. I think she had more friends than most of us ever have. We girls went ahead with all the preparations and had lots of fun doing things. But today we all feel tired and our tummies feel like the day after.
Now as for the Lady that is so nice at school. Never let her worry you one bit of course she may have a big pull there but don't see how any one could take much of a liking to her. I might say that I more than disliked her because she was so important all the time she made me feel as tho' I was some-thing that should be walked over or trodden on even Joe and I are poor and may fall short in lots of things I'm just as good as she is and maybe try to be kind at least. So just keep a stiff upper lip and you will come over on top. You know this must be a Happy New Year for all of us. At least I hope so after all that has happened during these last two years.
Thanks so many times for the offer on Nellie. You know Joseph thought that perhaps you were still planning on keeping the old team as we heard no more. So he had a deal on for a pair of mules for $300 of course mules are higher priced than horses but its hard to get a quiet team for these hills Joe hired Jesses mules this Summer and liked them so well that he decided to get some of his own after he couldn't get nellie at the time. He got these from out near Mesick. Last year we had such a hard time to hire our team work done altho' it didn't cost as much as to keep a team you couldn't get things done when you needed is wont. Mules eat just half what horses do and never eat or drink when warm. Some people hate them because they look odd and queer beside of horses but if they do the work well that is all we ask of any thing.
I haven't heard any thing more about the Lardies just recently and Willobies and some of the rest close by never peep so you see unless the office girl tells things I can't find out much. We got 0 / 1/2 4 [?] for our cherries so far and thats all so don't know what will happen next very likely we get no more and if so am afraid he will kate the 50$ out. Joseph attended a meeting at the town hall last week suppose you read all the details in the paper but the growers have asked bid from the government to help save them from the failure they forsee if the canners doesn't have mercy on us and try to stabalize a price so as to market them for a fair price. Every thing else is up but cherries and what will we do if we can't get more than a cent of two a pound if costs too much to raise and harvest them for that .02/ [?] would be fair but not much less than that. The canners make their profit and let us go hang. If I have any thing good I'll surely let you know at once. And I'll be glad any time to give you what ever information I get if there is ever any more. Things are so quiet.
Joseph works one shift on the road but we need it there is no other income from the farm and we have to live the same as other people. Altho' some folks think Joe Kitchen ought be rich because his little home was paid for. It isn't their fault if it is. We did with out and still do. We never had a care or any pleasure for a good many years. While other had new cars and trips up north and every where. We have both tried so hard to get a home of our own because in another ten years Joseph won't be able to work so hard. I guess you know how Joesph tried to keep things up and was always willing to do anything he could the way you wished it done. I feel those 14 years on your farm was well spent as he gained a lot of knowledge that is worth more than gold to him now. Even tho' it was from a woman. Don't you know most men resent a woman trying to teach them things but he admits you were a good farmer.
When I see you again perhaps we can have time for a good visit. As lest I hope so.
Roger wishes me to thank you for the greeting and we thank you too for ours.
I wish you a very Happy New Year.
Lots of love Essie [?]. P.S. Santa was very good to us. Hope he was to you Miss Taft I'm always only too glad to help out any time I can so don't hesitate will you? You have always held a big place in my heart and still do. Am sorry you couldn't come. But perhaps it is just as well because the pavements were all ice last week.
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/a080383b8c459c87dfa26306a2cba7f0.pdf
f943d6f9eca93f683cdd9e58d081efa3
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1932
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1932
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
[Jan 09, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
I want to thank you very much for the Christmas present of the Ladies home journal. we enjoy it very much.
Are weather is very mild. we have a little snow but it raining to-day. Mrs Ida Lardie isent very much improved yet. Mr Charlie Lardie was to see her last week and said there wasent any chance in her for the better he could see. Dr Swartz said it was up to her to get better if she worried she wouldn't get better. It sure must be hard not to. Mrs Richards is expecting her baby in January some time. That I know is not the neighbor gossip. But she told me herself.
we don't know or havent heard what there' plan on the new cottages is
Max got on 1 bag of bran and the cow is coming up on her milk.
Max kicked up the horses new year day on the sleigh for first time this winter Max has the barn full to the brim with hay. and a little yet to haul. Fay Dohm helped him he was here
Old Mission, Mich
Feb. 2nd 1932
My dear Miss Taft -
I’m sorry I have been so slow in answering your letter but wanted to get in to see Mr. Lardie before writing.
There is little hope held out for more money from our last years cherry crop. Prices have droped out so we will not need to expect any thing from them. Mr. Burkhart never paid us the other [$].02 on our sweets. Has he paid you? Most of the farmers feel pretty blue as they are broke and can't drive their cars let alone pay for their telephones. It sure was a blow. The canners havent tried to hold the price of cherries either just so they make their profit.
Mrs. Lardie is some better but will never be able to use her hand much if at all. I haven't seen her for some time and all I know is what I hear from the neighbors. She is still with her sister.
The gentleman I was thinking of has some money but hardly think he would pay all cash. But as long as you don't care about selling I have said nothing more about it.
I think of you real often and wish I could see you but feel as tho' you have other intrests now so I try not to bother you too much. I hope Max will be on the square with you. We were with you so long I can't help but feel interested. But will not poke my nose in your affairs.
Will you please send me Mrs. Stutsma's address as I would like to mail the girls a taste of pop corn. Ours was very nice last year sold 6 bushel and still have a little left.
I'm so busy there is very little time for me write letters.
I nearly forgot to mention that it has been so warm here that the tulips were up nearly 2 inches out of the ground & cherry buds are fat. Doubt if we have many this year. Have a little snow and raining again this A.M.
Must hurry this off as I must start my dinner going. Please do write some times as I miss you so much.
With love as ever
Essie
Feb. 4, 1932.
Dear Miss Taft
We recieved your check on Monday and am sending the other one back.
Yes we have had a touch of winter all right which all the farmer's seem glad for the fruit and making ice. Ever one claim's that the fruit isent hurt so far.
Max has the little orchard were we had garden trimmed. And two rows of apple tree's trimmed
Max say's he fully understand about feed only the 2 horses/cow.
There was some of corn + corn stalk that was taken out of the hollow by road that moulded Max put corn stalk out and plowed them under. And corn we feed to pig about 6 bushel. which we though you would be glad of fertlizer one way as the other. and we bought midling in fall.
Tony Dohm get one pig for buying the feed. and buy's one. which the though was a good idea. for to have 2 pigs because thay do so much better then one. We just bought two more again from Rory Holmes.
Because I hate to throw out the milk my sister gave me 7 chicken which was hatched in late september and have started to lay all ready
Mr Henry Lardie has not any booklet on oil spray. But said he would send for one and I will sen't it to you as soon as it come's
Max want's to know if you want what manure that hauled out put on the little cherries trees or the sweet one's
Tony Dohm + Max has the spray rig apart. and it sure it in terrible shape. from engine to pump, was the pump ever over hauled before. Do you know?
Ronald had the chicken pox. and was quite sick. He has some pits on his face that he is going to carry for awhile.
Thay say Mrs Lardie is quite a lot better. I dident write last week because there diden't seem to be anything to write about.
I guess that all the new's a happening of the farm.
Best wishes to you
Max. and Family
Old Mission Mich
March 4, 1932.
Dear Miss Taft
Yes we had quite a snow storm and then a thaw. But no snow know weather very changeable.
I dident write last week because there dident seem to be any new to write about
It kind of a stand still month. Max has all the pruning done and is going pick up brush.
The horses are enjoy the yard ever day and cow also. Thay are feeling tip top for spring work.
These nice sunshiney day show up the dirt for house cleaning time.
Tony + Max are waiting for new part for the sprayer. at Henry's Lardie store. Before it can be finished.
Max and Mr Henry Lardie about the book on oil spray. He say he don't handle the oil spray. But would try to get some from the Standard oil Co. Also understand Howard Whiting has book on oil spray
Max say's he ask been looking for a drag. But ever one is keeping these for there own team's this summer
Mr Wounch has one nearly new. and all steel quack grass gray. Thay are going find out if he want to sell it and how much. He has a new tractor comingn from Detroit.
Miss Susie Walker now is suieing her to-day about some misunderstanding about wages.
The new cottages are nearly completed The people around here sure had to get busy to get ice last week. It was thawing so fast.
The crows are back again. some say thay heard robins.
Did you see by the paper were Mr + Mrs Richards has there baby boy I haven't been over to see it yet.
Well Miss Taft I guess that all the news for this time things are pretty quite around here.
Will close for this time
Sincerely yours
Max & Family
[Mar 23, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
Received your short letter to-day Saturday.
Howard whiting co. handles the large book.
There an agent handling Barks. What are buying are buying Barks. Will find out the agent name.
The standered Oil Co. handles an oil spray also.
Mr Lardie does seem to handle the oil spray this year. There is no order's.
Max say there 1 barrel of lime + sulpur.
The spray rig will be complete next week.
We had kind of bad luck with summer squash seed the mice had a meal on them.
I have the muskmelon seed you send over
Max has got the trees that fell. cut up. and also over to your cottage to and hauled home.
We had pretty good sleighing but it all gone know nearly.
Here some neighborhood gossip Mrs May Ruff. came home from Florida and left her husband behined. He went fishing and she takes the car and starts for home.
She is going to live with Mrs Lardie I understand. thay are planning to move soon. Mrs. Lardie fell and cracked her rib awhile ago. Her eye sight is very poor.
I was over to see Mrs Richard's baby he sure is a big boy. she is and old fashioned mother feed him ever time he cries + has a pacifier for him.
The Kitchen are going to Detroit this week after a new tractor Mr Wunch bought down there
We are going dry up the cow the last of the month. We expect her to freshen in fore part of May.
Oh yes my husband had a peach of black eye for caucus. and I dident give it to him either. His son did. He was laying on bed one Sunday and Ronald astride him and he fell forward and struck him on end of cheek bone. evere one made fun of him.
oh yes Ralph McClusky is sell spray material. all farmer's nearly are getting from him because it on time. Henry Lardie say he has to have cash this year. or he would go broke. I guess some haven't payed him for last year.
The cistern is dry. I miss the soft water. The other is so hard. and take's lots of soap.
I guess that all the news
So will close
From.
Max + Family
[Apr 04, 1932]
Miss Taft
Are spring weather came in to-nite with a very good snow storm. The most we have had this year.
1.(question) we have melon seed you send over there isent enough enough I don't think, and also sweet corn seed - and Bean dident get ripe enough for seed. Thte squash seed the mice got. Cow pumpkin seed too
2.(question) we got all the bran that was ordered but have a full hundred left. Are car has been broke so much this winter. So we got the rest where it was in running order.
3. question $5.00. one dollar and half 8/.50 plow handles. 6 gallons of gas. at 16 per gal total. [$].96 for cutting stalks for cow. $1.50 for a hot shot for engine. 1 quart of oil for engine. [$].25 with tolal left [$].79 and there was out $2.00 $1.25 for lantern + [$].40 basket. which left the sum of [$].35. There a total left of $1.14
3. Thay haven't give us any an's to price of drag. But Max say Howard Whiting handles a drag that look very good to him a quack grass drag. he say's there can be a middle section put in any time you want to. will learn the price of it around $24.00
4. question yes it will be gotten as soon as we go to the city.
Max would like to know if you are sending the order for fertlizer to Tom Richerds or him?
Max say don't know how he is going get along with the team spraying alone. He said he would try it, to see
But thay feel so good thay can't be trusted.
Max say he has your plan laid out in pretty good order
Max says he afraid if the plan were put up in the shop you have to make new one's. The first good rain and thay would be gone
I hope the questions are satifactory.
The spray rig has got to have some welding done and will be done.
Max say he wished he had a set of brace & bit. He got some ash from his bro to make new evener's + thing that are [med?]. for spring work.
From
Max + Family
[Apr 06, 1932]
To Miss Taft
We had a bad storm we havent been out with car for four days. So terribe icey,
a cold wind. There haveing a time in T.C. about advertising cherrys. Mr. Roger's was elected president for it in Grand Rapids on Lansing. Ever one was mad that he was. So no-body signed up to spend 1/8 of cent for advertising
Mr. Roger was wondering why. So Mr. Spruit told them No-body like Roger's for one thing. sending a clipping from Grand Rapids press that might be of interest
you. Mr Hooper said Mr Roger seem to know what was going on at the town Hall
meeting the farmers have been haveing. Everone thinks Mr. Frank. Phelps has keep Mr Rogers informed of meetings. Max say he can't see why you won't have a good drive way. Since put clay on last fall. with a packing down. We havent
been any where this winter either. I havent been to a show since LuBelle was here. Thay keep wanting use to come to card partys. all time So we at last give in a went. We have went to two and you'llsee by paper where I intertained once.
We had three table's of five hundred. Were buy four prized one don't want have
[?]only once. Thay. have a big skating rink at Ogdensburg school. Max and Ronald are skating quite a lot. Ronald is just learning, and Max is just getting back in practice again. that just. picked up some old clamp skates. I guess must go and tend my sunday dinner. of making dumplings.
Max & Hazel
Old Mission
April 11, 1932
Dear Miss Taft
We recieved your letter and check Friday ok.
And also seed. Friday
Max went to town Friday to get the fertlizer and see about dray.
And they have not got that kind of fertlizer in yet but would drop Max a card when it comes.
Then Max went over to see about the dray. and told George Whitney what offer he had made you.
So he said that was last fall price. But as long as he had offered it to you for (over) That price you could have it for that. So the dray is on the farm waiting to be used.
But Mr Richard said that he would not bring out both dray and fertlizer together as it would be to much of a load for his old tires and don't want to buy any new. Max has all the tomithy in and all sowed but a little in the south bed. Max say for (oil) spray come in 15 gal + 30 gal drum's.
Max has been talking to several farms around and was tell what he was going to use.
And they all said it was a waste of money to but that less amount on.
So though we would tell you what ever one else was using
Max has got his work a far advanced as most farm if not further in line of plowing and brush picked up and manure halled out.
The cow is dry. I had to hunt up a new milk man. I am getting milk from Mr. Richard
Archie Helfrich got road comissioner again only 5 vote over Bernard Holman He has been down and draged up over road twice and kept it plowed when a snow storm came. the rest got there same office except Bill Hoffman got treasure over Morrris Lardie. I guess that all the new's for this time.
except the gas man to get ready for spray when it come's
Will close.
Sincerely
Max + Family
Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 17th 1932
Dear Miss Taft
I should have answered your letter some time ago but have been very busy. Cooked for the school children for 4 months had some sewing to do besides. And about two weeks ago a resort lady to whom I had sold a bed spread four or five years ago wished me to make another one for her mother. I realy didn't care for the job but couldn't turn her down so with house cleaning and garden soon to plant I've been one busy lady.
Was so glad to hear of what you have been doing during thte winter and to know you are able to still keep going. Please take good care of yourself. I think of you every day and it seems as tho' I shold get letters a 14 yr. habit can;t be broken in a day or two.
Altho we ain't working for you any thankful you still think of me. I sometimes envy Mrs. Gillmore to know she is taking my place. We seldom see them unless its on the street when we go in town. I still feel sick to think of the dear old home where I spent so many happy years. Please don't think I just say that. But I realy did dread leaving there. Altho' I had a home of my own.
We have attended many parties this winter and had a very nice time but always missed out on the prizes have learned to play quite well so rather enjoy it now. H. M. Lardie said I was doing fine.
I must entertain the Ladies Aid this Spri[ng?] have had some parties here but should have did more. I don't know why I seem to keep so busy all the while.
Mrs. Mills is back returned some 3 weeks ago. Mr. Ruff went fishing and she skipped out I guess they didn't get on very well together. Mrs. Milk claims he was cruel and stingy so she and Mrs. Lardie are living here at the Golden Tower don't know what their plans are. Mrs. Lardie is quite poorly and can get about a little by holding onto things doubt if she lives very long altho' warm weather may do wonders for her. The sunshine is so healing.
Now for cherries we haven't received another cent from either place. [$].02 was all Geo Lardie paid or Burkhart. It seems a crime but suppose people will have to get on some way. Farmers are getting labor for as low as $25 per month as there are lots of men and no money They can't afford to pay more under present conditions. We have heard that the canner plans on paying the farmer [$].01 down so if thats the case its all we will get. So far the fruit looks good its what happens from now on. The weather has been nice but cold winds. We always hear about the out side fruit being frozen but they usually have a good crop just the same. The factories have sold nearly all the cherries they had on hand.
The sample you sent me from the last dress or suit was very pretty. Please try and write some times will be glad to receive your letters and will try and answer sooner. Will be glad to see you in June please don't leave me till the last.
Love Essie
[Apr 23, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
The weather is fine But have very cold winds in the afternoon.
The oil spray is all on. Max hired a man He was Oril Haywood. Mr Kitchen nephew. He was close by and Max says a very good worker.
Max paid him $1.63 for 13 1/2 work. out of ten dollars you sent.
Max want to know if you know any thing about the cut way. There suppose to be a set of truck for front of it Max took it out the other day and the front end dug in and behind was jumping in air. He see he couldn't do any good. with it
He has a the fields that are going to be croped draged. twice
Max gave to old buggy away to a man out back of town. A Mr Frank's
we recieved the brace & bits. last Friday. Max has made use of them ever day since.
Max say the cherries look good so far. We haven't recived no card about the fertilizer yet.
I guess that all the new's. for this time
Sincerely Max & Family
May 3, 1932
Dear Miss Taft
Recieved check ok.
The weather stay cold. It was very dry. But have got a little rain and trying to rain to-nite.
I got some raspberries plant. and expecting to get some more as soon as thay grow a little
My uncle Will Wilson is selling straw berries plant for [$].25 per hundred. If you would like to go in we will go fifty & fifty on them.
The fertlizer came last Friday and is all on. and oats in
Corn ground all disc & draged waiting for warm weather and is plowing the little orchard part of cherry orchard is disc
The piece that was seedid last fall there nothingn coming up but quack grass and Max say that sure is thick
Max took two big wagon load of quack grass root off the garden. and that much if not more to take off. It sure is alive with it I don't know if we can get in shape to put garden in or not. But are trying to do are best at it.
The cow freshened April 31. We dident keep the calf. Max knocked in head. though we would buy some bigger and put it out to pasture. No sure yet.
Thay are going to pay [$].12 per crate for picking cherries this year. Haven't heard as to the price except packing co. is going to pay [$].1 and dident care of thay got any. the goverment men are right and are running it.
Do you know how much time & sulphur it take to do the season sprawing Clyaton Lardie say there going to be a shortage on lime & sulphur. So the-ough if you need more had better order soon. and it $7.00 per barrel
Tom Richerd bill is $3.00 for hauling
There has been very heavy white frost at nite
I guess that all the new of farm
Sincerely
Max & Family
[May 16, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
We recieved your letter yesterday yes the barrellfull of lime & sulphur is here under shelter and dry lime & sulphur is here to in good shape. Max though he would tell you he diden't know how much was used last year as he wasent here the full season.
The spray oil is in under shelter and there about one quarter of a barrel left. Barrel will have to hold oil yet.
The things was put in a directed and was drilled with the Tompkins drill. Max was the first one season to barrow it. Oat was put in with the seeder and are up and all coming
Max say that the best to but it into corn as it need to be culivate often
It is very plain to see the quack grass. Mrs Joe Kitchen say she wasen't able raise anything for quack grass. But are going to do the best we can with it.
The raspberries are in one row and the currant row filled out. The strawberry plant will be gone after Sunday.
Max has cut quite few bud's dident find many frozen. less thay show up later on. and sweet cherries look good. The price quoted for picking is [$].12 per crate.
The weather a been pretty damp it has rained ever nite & thru day for a week or more and terrible fog's The sun hasen't shine. 12 hour all week.
Ever thing has been disc over. I guess that all the news for this time
Sincerely
Max & Family
[May 23, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
The weather stay very cold warm up a little thru day time but cold at nite. Last nite Sunday nite we had a quite a heavy white frost. I was about to set out my tomatoes plant I am glad I did not have them out. The garden's have been in over a week.
Ever thing is in blossom know. Max is going to plant both piecies of corn this week.
Havent heard what thay are going to pay for cherries thay don't seem to know. Picking is [$].10 - [$].12 per crate.
I was to late for my strawberries plants. raspberries are doing fine. Ever thing growing a well as can be expected under the cold weather. Max got the pear's trees out of sod. So we might be able to get a few more pear's this year.
Max Dad was buried Tuesday.
Ronald was 2 years old Sunday. and he got hurt very bad out around building Friday He fell on something and took a chunk out of his fore head. We had to take him to the Dr. But he couldn't put a stitch on account of the hole.
And also had the new we had get him built up or he would go into sugar diebetes or anemia. I cannot get him to eat. I don't know if I am going to be able to raise him or not. I hope so.
I guess that all the news I can think off. Will close.
Sincerely,
Max & Family
Sept. 14, 1933
To Miss Taft
We recieved your card and letter Glad to hear that you made the trip save. and have enjoyed an other
The weather is real fall weather Its cowdy & look like rain and quite hot.
Yes your corn was finished last Sat. Max & Curt Brother There faces was so sore and cut with stalk's and dead tired every nite. The corn was so big and heavy. Max cut the string a foot longer then last year and had splice them all nearly to get the around shock's.
Max picked pears Saturday before the fair He got $1.90 out of them. He went to town to see about them on friday. Lardie diden't seem know was he was going to do. Can or not. So the only place was Joe Perkett's So he took them on Saturday and they were fillid up with pears. People that were hauling in got out of there trucks and started sorting So Max had wait till Monday to get his crate's. That he barrowed from Fay Dohm.
Yes Ronald enjoyed the fair very much mainly the horses, and sure had a lot of them. He had two rides on little shetlands that are in a ring for kids to ride. Max took a hold of him so he wouldn't fall off. He said no daddy, and pushed his hand away, and said giddap pony. He had two rides on merry go round. He did not care for anything else that there weren't a horse in it.
I am still canning have 66 quarts of tomatoes 20 bottles catsup. Going to make chill sauce. & Indian relish. besides 4 bushel peaches coming.
Max hasen't had time to finish kitchen yet.
Max has roof on shed and lack 1 strip to finish.
I am glad alberta enjoyed the tomatoes Ronald sure thing ever thing of his ball. He has to have it under bed ever nite. He was pretty lonesome Rebecca. Becky away away he say.
Hazel Kitchen is going to school I hear.
I can not think I are other news. except Mrs May Ruff. came down here two day after you left to see about getting a ride to Detroit for her daughter But told you had back seat full.
I guess that all for this time
Sincerely
Max & Family
Oct. 4, 1933
Dear Miss Taft
As it is raining and no day to wash will try and tell you the new's.
Max is husking corn know. was sick with grippe & heavy cold. was in bed four day's.
Max got ninty-five cents worth of lumber. But dident you's it all on shed made a corn horse to husk corn with.
The weather has been nice right up till this week. had a couple heavy frost.
Are address know is Traverse City Mich R.#1. We get are mail about. 4 ocloak. Ever one is kind feel's edge was about it. And he snapping them up all ready. about names on boxes. The Shaws family are leaving Mr Stevens and are moving on Finley Hammond farm. R#4.
Max brought out some sack to pick up cider apple. Don't know how many there going to be. from Morgan Co.
Jhon Kroupa diden't go aftere oats. But. Harry Zang. was going but havent seen him home. yet.
I guess that all the news I can think of this time.
Sincerely,
Max & Family
Old Mission, Mich.
Oct. 11th 1932
My dear Miss Taft:
Your letter came today so will hasten to reply as I know how very anxious you must feel.
I'm not at all surprised at Clayton Lardie because he isn't fair with any of us. Last Tuesday Jos. was called to Traverse City as a witness for Jim Griffin as you know Jim got $200 from Lardies on his cherries last Summer and this year after Clayton told him he would take it out of the 1932 crop Jim sold to M.C.G. So Clayton sued him and had Jim figured up for $218 as they had charged him interest on the $200. Finally the jury decided on the case & Jim has to pay just $100 instead of $218 Mr. Foot one of the Jurymen stuck for Lardie or Jim would have had clear sailing. Clayton has lost lots of friends and also some of his best customers this last year. We got $50 from him at the time we drew our [$].02 because we felt sure we had it coming as he paid us [$].03 cash for the few red Jackets we sold to them. But just got the [$].02 on our lovely sweets and sour cherries. I certainly would write them a good stiff letter and not be in any hgurry to give your money away. And tell him how about Homer Willobee and Harry Christopher that got [$].03 or more. I'm sure your cherries were as nice as theirs. Just be thankful you have a job that pays well. I feel sorry for these poor farmers who have had hail & wind storms some years a freeze and now this mess. With nothing to help them selves you can't sell any.thing to help out. During the trial Jims lawyer asked Clayton how about the others that had advanced money and Claton said he had settled with them so you can see by that what kind of a fellow he is. I nearly forgot about this but Jos. is sitting here and wanted me to be sure and mention this part of it. Why didn't they talk to you while you was here?
Miss Taft I have watched and waited for a few words from. you every since you left am glad the weather is cooler as you can work in comfort.
I canned 60 cans of corn and 12 qts. of sweet pickles for one resorter and along with the many extra things of my own I've been very busy. I'm so glad I had extra work this summer as it has helped us so much to keep all ends up. have did some sewing but have lots more to do yet. I baked 250 biscuits for the Old Mission Supper and 310 for the Supper at our own church since you left. I'm all feed up on that for a while the next time they ask I'll suggest some one else try the fine job.
Jos. had 165 bu. of corn this Fall from our field so feel most thankful for that most everyone has nice crops and got 8 cuttings of Alfalfa and still have green meadows. Even tho' some things look bad. The Lord has blessed us with lots of good food for winter.
I'll be anxious to hear from you to know what you are going to do but please don't be too hasty they will be more afraid of you than Jim because they knew he was having a hard battle to get on.
Hope you keep well and if I hear any thing deffinate will write you at once.
With love Essie
{Please write some times won't you.}
[Below was on the envelope, which had been decorated with beautiful crayon designs...]
To Ed
From Hazel, or you know me better by the name of Billy.
Well solong
It was raining like well, well the other night.
But it quit.
[Oct 24, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft
I am sorry to be so late in writing. But have been helping Max with the corn. He has 200 of good corn and 35 bushel soft & nubins. and more to haul. and more to husk. He hasen't got the big piece done yet. wondering where to put it all. Crib is nearly full. He wont be able to get all the good corn in crib.
There a few cider apple thay are only .15 per hundred. Max figure there worth more than that for feed what do you think.
The new mail man come early then old one. know. come's about twelve ocloak.
The weather has been pretty good for fall weather. When it rain's it just takes 2 days and rain' steady nite & day.
The shaw have moved. away. Mr shaw doesen't like fruit farming he likes more general farming.
There were 100 pumpkins. The carrots have growed a little, Max say he is going pull them this week.
The leaves are droping off. trees except cherries leaves are just turning.
Max has been busy shoot red squirrel there just thick in woods by corn. Ronald is pretty good know. he has quite a busy time traveling from corn field to the house.
You will see by paper where a man got killed out by acme crossing saturday He was my uncle. Mother brother. leaves a wife and 9 children. Youngest 10 year's
no body left for Florida from here this year.
We bought a home comfort for .15. hoping to get home soon. we have a fire in heater most all the time know.
The cow is making 4 pd of butter a week.
the pasture is getting shor't.
I have blue dress all ripped up to make Ronald suit out off. hoping two or more.
Did hear any more about oats. Don't think Mr Zang wen't.
I guess that about all the new's I can think of. I am sending some pictures of Ronald. Please send Rebecca one.
Sincerely,
Max & Family
[Oct 31, 1932]
Dear Miss Taft:-
In reply to your letter of yesterday in regards to Lardie: He sent us a statement too so went in to see him I told him he did you a dirty rotten trick after you was so loyal to him & his Co. He felt pretty cheap & said he would talk things over with you in the Spring. He told us we would have to pay him later on so let him get it. If I were you I wouldn't hurry us I know he won't do you any harm. Will write now as Roger is in a hurry he has to see the dentist for the past 5 days his mouth has been bleeding where he had a tooth out and for 48 hours has been very bad so must hurry in with him.
In haste with love
Essie
P.S. Will write more tomorrow but must get a line or two out to you as no mail will leave until Mon. if this doesn't get out now.
Old Mission, Mich.
Oct. 31st 1932
My dear Miss Taft:-
I waited for a letter from you for quite a while and I should have written just the same. Its so hard to know what to do these days it seems as tho' Mr. Lardie would like to have a few friends & customers left. If he doesn't treat the Christopher's on the square he is simply done there and that means about 7 or 8 thousand crates or more right there also Homer Willobee. I tried to tell Clayton that our contract called for 50% down on our cherries & he never keept his part of it because we got .02[?] down and just $50 over and we didn't borrow that as we never got an advance as they call it. Got that when we settled up with them. Clayton claims that was an old contract but I soon showed him it was not as I've keppt all of our old ones. He felt pretty cheap about the letters he wrote to you when I got through with him. I said in good plain english that it was nothing but a dirty rotten shame the way you have been treated when you worked so hard for their interests I told him that you didn't get your advance because you expected to go to the poor house the next day but supposed you was only getting what was coming to you. And also by selling to Morgan you saved [$].02 per lug on hauling thats more than we did. He is just running a big bluff. I know the way he spoke he intends to wait until you get back & talk things over that is what he told me. He spoke first about Jim Griffin and then mentioned about writing you and thats what made me try to explain your side of the deal as much as I could. I told him also of how loyal you had been to him and his company by not selling your cherries to every one else even tho' you might have gotten a few cents more. We could have sold about 200 more crates for [$].60 per crate too and didn't as we still had a little faith left in the canning factory. You may feel like giving me a good booting but you are too far away just now and by next Summer you will forget. That is the way children usually feel if they get by for a few days without their punishment. We don't know what he will do about us we simply won't take our little savings and hand it over. Joe told me he would serve out time in jail first let Lardie feed him we told him so too. But don't think they will try to do a thing because they can't I believe if the contractors got together and stick they could get more. But so many people don't care about the other fellow. Jim paid just half so why should we pay. That still stings Clayton Some one besides the farmer is making the money.
I felt like sending you a telegram Sat. but was afraid I'd scare you to death a fellow hardly knows what to do. I often wish we could drive down to the little cottage for a chat. But suppose it would be pretty cold & unwelcome there right now.
Roger has been back for about 4 weeks and has been working for Mrs. Ashmore but has finished there now.
Roger intended to send you a greeting from Berrien Springs but couldn't remember your street number. So brought it home I'll give it to you some time. He has always been very fond of you since he was a tiny boy. As for a steady job he could have worked there all winter for a small salary but Joe needs him here too as he still works at the school house.
Lillie was up a while this afternoon and told me about their large party & barn dance they gave about a week ago. We were invited but didn't go Joseph doesn't dance so of couse I never do. Hazel Gillmore took cold and has had a very bad sore throat. Suppose she got warm from dancing and took cold as they danced in the barns and it must have been quite cold out there when standing around.
Mrs. Lardie & Mrs Mills are living together at Ida Lardies home suppose they will stay there for the winter. Mrs. M. has been picking up potatoes or do what ever work she can find to do.
Its much colder today & has snowed or misted all day so a fire feels pretty good. Ive sewed today have made a new house dress Still have another to make yet and lots of sewing for Hazel.
We simply don't like our new mail system at all. Sat. my letter was left so had to take it to O.M. Roger's mouth is much better had to have the doctor clean the wound and pack cotton where the teeth came out. They had been filled & cared for but couldn't save them. Its too bad for one so young to loose teeth
This letter is a crazy mixed up mess about the time I try to write some one keeps talking to me.
I hope all goes' well with you this winter. We all think of you real often and mention your name but will have to be content with an occasional letter now & then until next Summer.
As ever wtih love.
Essie
[Nov 28, 1932]
To Miss Taft
We are enjoying a mild snow storm to-nite But has been beautiful all day. I had kitchen door open quite a lot of day.
Max has a corn stock made nearly a high as the barn. Bert Haywood a man that staying over to Mr Richards helped him make it Max got him to come over and help. he worked 8 hours Max payed him [$].50 Max diden't understand how to make it.
I hope you would think we would have more common sense then to have a barn dance in full barn of hay. Just because are neighbor have one that no reason we have to have one. The partys are over any way.
Max hasen't been hunting much he has been pretty busy with corn a stalk. and fixing for winter.
Max say he had to buy 3 dry cell for engine to cut stalk with The other would run engine. at .25 a piece.
Ever thing is fine among the animals The cow is slacking up in milk but can be expected. I am about 3 pd Butter we are enjoyed a good fresh chicken dinner know and then. It seem good know that thay are fresh killed.
I am on my fourth suit for Ronald. Boy's suit are no small job to make.
I had a card from Rebecca. Telling how cute she though Ronald picture was. Ever time any one came he would go and get the card and say Beky Beky.
Ronald has to ride nell to water ever day. There nothing at will take place of animal yet.
I guess that all the news I can think of this time.
Sincerely,
Max & Family
[Dec 08, 1932]
To Miss Taft
We are very sorry to here of your lost. One hear so much of bank swindling now a day's. It sure is a crime. to loose money after one work to earn it. money don't seem be any to save in bank know.
we have indian summer again for three day don't know if it will continue or not. we are prepared for cold weather any way.
Max got a ton of coal the other day. The horses & cow are enjoying the yard ever day. we milk the cow this month. and give her a month rest. So will soon have to hunt up a milk man. Ronald is real fond milk know. He is quite excited about Santa Claus. He see him when he goes to town in the store's
Mrs Joe Kitchen does to cooking for school lunch Monday Dec. 5. The parents had quite a time this year trying to spend there money to the best advantage. Whether to have mothers take turn's in cooking or hire a cook.
There isent much to write about this time thing are pretty quiet
There were some men around the other day. with a paper wanting you to sign it to put Leelanau County & Traverse County into gether to cut down expences.
Dec 6. Max is plowing to-day. in corn field & has your garden plowed. no snow. what so over.
I guess that is all. the new's for this time
Sincerely,
Max & Family
Friday nite Dec 30
To Miss Taft
We are glad you liked your Xmas present which I though would be useful. Ronald is enjoying his very much. Want me to read to him ever nite. Thanking you very much for both present's I got my first copy to-day.
Yes one dont know what to think of the weather. we had and all day rain last Saturday Dec 23. and is raining to-day and a storm of some kind coming.
Max got thru buzzing wood to-day he cleaned up all the apple trees that were to be cut. So got some wood ahead. need a ton of coal and will be ready if it does storm. Max is milking the cow once a day know.
Rebecca send Ronald the cute's card she drawed of herself pulling Ronald in his red wagon out by the barn. and say's Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with lots of wagon rides.
That is all the new that I know this time
Ever thing is ok on farm.
Sincerely,
Max & Family
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/904391dd4ee715f13fb3543bde3ef2f7.pdf
10ec1035436a2c0030f07f3cd1cf3ca3
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1931
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1931
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
Old Mission, Mich.
Jan. 18th 1930[1]
Dear Miss. Taft:-
Received the check and your short note am so sorry for your sister as I've had to pass thru the same suffering only I had my baby spared. I know how dissapointed you all must feel. I hope she will soon be well again.
We have been having very nice weather with very little snow. But am afraid it will mean a loss to us if it continues to be like this.
I was talking with Christopher's the other day and they are looking for another 1/2 cent from Lardie very soon now. It may be less but expect that much any way. I suppose if we have fruit this year it will be less on account of the hard times.
Most of our local ladies are buying new winter coats at marked down prices. I can see myself in the new styled coats. My old one must do for at least two years more. I have better places to put what little I have.
Roger has a bug to join the U.S. Navy and it makes my heart nearly turn over to have him think of going away. He will likely change his mind after talking to some of our neighbor boys who have served four years. He had a letter yesterday from Grand Rapids with a list of questions to answer. I have burned it up. Maybe I'm wrong as it may be to his advantage. But Miss. Taft when you raise a boy to be 20 years old its hard to think of him going in all kinds of tough company.
I'm so glad Alberta is coming along so nicely with her work. Hazel is doing better this year and is in much better health.
I hope your eyes are better by now. I paid Tom for hauliing the grain home from town and will make out your bills in my next letter.
I was calling on Mary Christopher the early part of last week when a man stoped and was inquiring for a farm that a widow woman had for sale he couldn't find the place I told him about your farm and told him we would be glad to have him come and look it over. He hasn't been here so far.
Quite a few of our Traverse people have gone to Florida to spend the winter. Wish we could go just once. Altho' Mr. Hughes that owns the beautiful farm near T. City will never return to enjoy our beautiful Michigan again. Henry and Dora Gore left over a week ago.
How is Mrs. English? I had a dreadful spell about 12 days ago but there isn't much I can do only keep off from my feet and not lift.
There isn't any news to ammount to much only card parties I seldom go as it usually storms so I have to stay at home. I go to the Ladies Aid thats about all
Hope you are well as the leaves us all well and all is fine on the farm so far.
With love,
Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Feb 4th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
We are having wonderful weather for this time of year not much snow but enought to protect trees and seeding. I guess this is what is called an open winter perhaps we will have colder weather later on. I do hope the buds don't start early on the fruit trees and freeze as people are quite worried about our last years drought. Hope all comes out well.
Mrs. Lardie says very little about Mrs. Mills. You know she invested John's insurace money foolishly last summer and lost it. Willard K. was telling me about it. I'm glad she has a man with money it seems as tho' that is all that counts in some peoples lives. Well we are poor and I don't see as it does much good to worry about it. Just keep going altho' it isn't always nice to be laughed at. Makes a person feel like giving up some times and not try to make the best of what little you have.
The main roads have been keept open very well this winter but we usually have a hard time getting our car out it's lots of fun to wade in the snow, and push. Of course its almost impossible to keep cross roads clean.
We hear Mr. Garland and several others would like Archie's job wonder how they will come out. Maybe ours to.
Wish we had the Traverse City paper so as to get more local news. Daisy Cooper was telling me there was something about condition of cherry buds in it last week wish I could have read it.
I wanted to go the the Ladies Aid at Old Mission today but Roger didn't have time to take me and I'm afraid to try and drive on these icy roads.
Well this is Sunday so I'll try and finsh what I started earlier in the week altho' I don't feel very well. Last night we drove in to Traverse City + called on Clarence Lardies and didn't get home until late so that dosen't improve matters any. But we had a lovely time.
No ice in the Bays so far and warmer today but threatens rain but we live in daily dread of a sleet storm. Fields are still covered with snow.
I certainly hope your school doesn't close down so as to leave you out of employment. I know what it means to have to dig up every cent a fellow can and then not keep up with the rest.
Horses are dreadful high right now Joseph is keeping watch for one as we will need one early to get things going if we have an early brak up. There will have to be something done in regards to harnese as yours are worn out beyond repair. Joseph trys to mend them the best he can but can't do any more with them now but tie them up. We have been here 1 4 years so think they have held together pretty well as they were not new then. It makes me shiver to think of all we have to buy out of our small resources and how it does cost to keep a family going.
Hope you keep well this winter. I am your's as ever Essie K.
6.67 to your credit
1.20 for Tom's trucking
1.00 grind of grist
________________________
4.47 To your credit Feb. 8th 1931
$4.47
Old Mission, Michigan
Feb. 10th 1931
My dear Miss Taft: -
No one is here today so I'm all alone My thoughts have been mostly of you so thought I would try and write you a few more lines. The wind is dreadfully cold today I can hardly keep warm in the house. Feb and March always bring these raw cold days. I suppose you have quite warm weather down there off an on. I saw by the Grand Rapids Press that they are nearly out of water there I hope by now you have had a good down pour. The ground won't be in any shape for Spring if you don't have rain there We had rain here last Fall and plenty of snow and I'm so thankful for that.
If school should close then would it open later on? Or how would they do it. There are over three months of school left yet in fact nearly four. I wish our house was in shape for winter you could come and stay here but as it is now you couldn't stand it as we have no way to heat the other rooms until we have a furnace installed and we don't like to do that until we expect to move there as you said it would only rust out. Jos. want to put a basement under the house as soon as he can as the walls are all open now for the wind to blow thru. I will be glad when it warms up again so I can take my Spring ironing up there.
The cherry buds look good so far later on I will mail some to you so you can see what we look like. Do you hear any thing from Mr. Lardie in regards to the extra money we haven't heard any thing of late.
Henry and Dora Gore expect to come back from Fla. within the next few wweeks. It seems as tho' if I went there I would like to stay until the winter weather is over. Its easy to contract phneumonia when coming from a warm place to where it is so cold. Mrs. Gore was quite sick last year from doing that. Did I ever mention about Russel being married he is the one that stayed at home in fact Mr Gore sold him the place some time ago. So Milton Gore + wife bought a home in Traverse City. They say no house is large enough for two families.
Roger is very busy these days trapping skunks he says its a pretty smelly job but its a good way to earn a few cents. Of late he hasn't had much luck. It helps to keep boys at home when they are real busy. Hazel is just as busy as ever sewing and drawing.
I have most of my Spring sewing to do yet. Have you got yours done? I'm not going to do as much as I did a year ago. I wish I had some carpet rags to sew My old rugs are worn out and I need more for this room. All I have are 8 old aprons and not much left of those. Hazel's clothes are always too good to tear up so hand them over to other little girs.
Well I can't think of any thing more just now so will say good bye for now.
Yours as ever
Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Feb. 16th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft:-
I read your letter to Joseph and he says there isn't much use in trying to repair the old harness. He has mended it the best he could and will try to make it last until you get back in the Spring. Altho' he will need a new bridle for another horse. Archie Helfrich has those two horses for sale of course they will come pretty high. One of them is the little horse that H. Christopher used to drive past our place with before he died it is 14 years old but nothing extra the other is a colt. Jos. will look after them as soon as he can. Archie holds the colt high.
There is no need of your buying manure as Jos. has the Hooper orchard all manured and all but 5 rows in the large orchard. He says there will be enough for all of them.
I would be very glad of the carpet rags and there is lots of water in Miss Tafts well so I'll be glad to wash them. I will pay the postage too. When we get thru with our clothes there isn't enough left for rug rags. I need several small rugs so would be glad to get them. It's kind of you to offer them to me.
I'm in a play the Ladies Aid is going to put on at the church in about two weeks so suppose it will take lots of my time as we practice three times a week.
I still have my black crepe to make am sorry your blue dress isn't done yet. I must go to bed as I did a two weeks washing I simply couldn't do it last week as my old trouble returned much worse than ever.
Must retire for tonight hope you keep well.
With love Essie K.
[Feb 18, 1931]
Dear Miss. Taft:
I failed to thank you for the clippings you sent me from the Record Eagle. It was kindness on your part so thanks many times.
Its very warm here is A.M. hope you get rain down there.
Your's Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Feb, 26th, 1931.
Dear Miss Taft:
I inquired of several people to find out who knew of the people you would like to know about. So called post Office and George Lardie told me their name was Lineman. H. M. Lardie isn't here is spending the winter South. Perhaps those people would be interested in your farm. We would like it for Roger but cherry out look isn't good the prices are going to pieces fast from now. The canners have lots on hand and very little sale as we have inquired to find out. Poor people can get on with out cherries and the rich can't eat them all. So I suppose farm land will be hard to dispose of so if you have half a chance you had better try + unload. Some times Jos. wishes we hadn't bought our place as we have quite a little money tied up in it now. This weather is a month too early am very much afraid we will freze out before real Spring comes on.
Tom Richard was telling Jos. he would like to buy this place if he had the money as Levi owns most of the home farm when he comes of age. Part of their trees have died back from the dry weather. And it is hard for farmers to borrow at the banks. Times never was like this. Your last check was turned down at the peoples saving Bank. Had to take it to the State Bank. Ernest had to pay a quarter to get a check cashed last Sat. I never had that happen to me before. I hope it has rained down there before this. Altho you need not worry about your salary as a teacher draws their pay after being hired if they close the school if you stay there. That is the way it is here any way.
Jos. will keep looking for a horse as it won't be long until one is needed.
Must hurry this off as Hazel is waiting.
I'm afraid I caused you extra work to get those things ready for me. Next time I won't be so thoughtless as to mention such things
Love Essie K.
Old Mission
March 2nd 1931
My dear Miss. Taft:
Received the package and thanks many times as that will be lots of help to me. Joseph scolds and says I always find something to keep myself busy.
It is considerable colder and snowing tonight first buds are fina so far. Will soon mail you some. Then you can have Michigan cherry blossoms on your table. Thanks for cherry news you sent me.
The Christopher's have talked with Geo. Lardie and they feel quite certain he will pay another 1/2 cent. For myself I can't say much about it.
We have a 1929 Chev. coach and like it real well it gives a a way to get about without throubling the neighbors so much. We got it in Grand Rapids very reeasonable all used cars are very high in Traverse.
Well I have another job. The Mrs. Christopher that cooked hot lunches for our school scalded her foot. So the school board hired me to cook for a month. It means lots of extra work for me but the money looked too good to turn down. Roger takes me back + forth so it won't be so bad as the roads are nearly all bare.
I'm going to sew carpet rags in between times as well as do my other work. I hung my washing out just as it was getting dark. had about children to feed.
Love, Essie K.
P.S. Hazel forgot to mail this so will tell you it is still snowing looks + feels like real winter outside. Thanks for razor blades they will help alot.
Old Mission, Mich.
Mar. 11th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
This is the first day we have had any mail since Sat. and are still trying to dig ourselves out of snow drifts. I'm so glad it has turned colder and snowed more as it will make Spring much later and soak up the ground
. I wish to thank you for the T.C. news I've just finished reading them to Joseph. There are very few of those signs in our orchards. Jos. found 3 on outer limbs [or] or twigs on the trees where spray may have missed but he thinks with proper spraying with liquid lime + sulpher we can easily control it. If our neighbors would only keep clean we would be more free from pests. Some people have lots of it while others have very little. Don't let it worry you as all
We haven't found any thing for horse yet. They all hold them so high. I think the best way would be to give your phone no. and try that. Of course we can't get our car out [not] now and wouldn't like to drive it over these terriable roads. YOu can't imagine what they are like down in here. Your no. is Mapleton exchange 2-7-3-1
As to the seedings they looked quite well last Fall but can't tell how it [??] has stood the winter. I think from the way it looked it had a fairly good chance. When the the snow came on last Fall by our garage where the sod looked perfectly dead it was beautiful green. I'm so tired I can't think I find I've got some of this written backwards.
The harness came today so late that Jos. hasn't had time to look it over. He needs tugs and lines the worst of anything. But Maybe you better wait until you get back then you can see what is needed worse.
How are the Stutsmans this winter? I'm going to bed as I'm dreadfully tired cleaned house all afternoon. My house is clean but I'm tired to death.
With love Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Mar. 25th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
Received your letter today and will answer right now. Jos. thinks he can spare seed oats out of last years store if you run shy it would pay to by more as these are nice and clean. One set of tugs clamps on and the other bolts onto harness.
Geo. Lardie should have paid long before this but we are still waiting too Money has been scarce with us too as every thing has been out go since Fall. We don't drive our car a place that we can get out of as it takes too much to keep it up and run the risk of tearing it to pieces over the terriable roads.
We have had four calls about horses. One was from Frank Garland he has a horse with a slight tough of heaves for $75 Roy Holmes has another fox bait for $25. Bill Dohm has one for $75 - but Jos. says is too slow for queen and a little small but looks good. Dave Youker out the other side of Traverse has a nine year old in good shape for $100 he called last night I promised him we would try and see him next week after our check comes as we must have new oil and brakes before we try to drive much it is quite a ways from T.C. out in the country. But we will have to wait until we have money to go with. We may be able to hire a truck for $5 to get the horse home if we do get it.
No one knows how Lardies house caught on fire some think an electric wire did it. They are living in Eiman's house. I think so the way it burned and the other side of house where sparks couldn't do it. I'm so glad we had the best did on ours altho' we paid a big price I would rather do that and feel safe They are going to get Frank Stevens and Maryhew to do their house building. I do hope Mr. Maryhew doesn't make the mess for them he did for us. Of course Mr. Stevens does good work. But that other fellow couldn't put a button on my barn door. Mr. Hunter tore the work out and done it over for us.
Our weather is wonterful for this time of year. Will put the Dor. spray on as you suggest. Both Jos. and I think that if people sprayed right they wouldn't have all these troubles. I hope our neighbor trys to keep his orchard clean this year.
Thanks for contents of letter also sweet pea seeds. They all came two days ago.
I'm very tired and sleepy so must hurry to bed. Have a boil on by wrist and a burned finger. Oh boy but I'm tired so must hurry to bed.
Jos. wants me to mention that he likes the Dohm horse but is it fast like queen how about it?
HOpe you keep well and have lots of water to drink since the snow.
With love Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 2nd 1931
My dear Miss. Taft:-
We have been in to see Geo. Lardie + got our 1/4 cent and he says unless some of the outside fruit freezes we won't get over .5[cents] maybe not that. It doesn't sound very good he had a big story to put up. They have to get their their price whether we do or not These people that are setting 5 and six thousand cherry trees are going to be sorry.
Joseph has looked all over for a horse at last found one thru Tony Toulek. This man bought a tractor from Tony so Jos. got the horse for you. She is as sound as a dollar and short + blocky built but strong as a larger horse. has nice shoulders + neck is shorter than queen and not nearly so tall but Mr. T. says he knows you will like her about the size + heft you wanted and couldn't get. We simply can't match Queen. This one weighs between 11 and 12 hundred. When you see her if you don't want her we will take her off your hands. These long legged horses can eat their heads off and never be fat. Is a bay about the size of Fay Dohm's horses and got her for $100. Its the best we could do for the money have looked at lots of horses and couldn't find any as good as this. Must go to be as I'm tired. Cherry buds look fine. Mr. Lardie didn't advise us to spray with oil if not very careful people are going to burn their trees. Will write soon again.
With love.
Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 6th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft: -
The weather is beautiful its hard for me to stay in the house when its so nice out. We went up to vote and saw all of my neighbors. Mr. Spruit certainly is educated for his post. Some of the smarty bunch got things explained to them so perhaps now they will understand.
The fruit looks wonderful so far and the next time I go in to T.C. will mail you some buds from your own orchard.
The Other parts of the harness is here now. Jos likes the new horse and the offer is still good if you don't want it he will buy her of you to go with nellie.
We still have patches of snow here and lots in the woods so haven't planted oats yet.
Miss. Taft Joseph would like me to tell you that he finds it impossible to stay longer than this Spring. He can't do the work on both places alone and Roger isn't willing to stay home and be out of work all year. So we feel after you come to let him get a steady position. Jos. is willing to stay up until then and take the same good care of your farm as always. please don't feel as tho' we are doing this to be mean. Its that we can't work both places and do justice to either of them when Roger is gone. Last Summer Jos had $15 a month left after he paid son and that doesn't pay. I regret leaving the place that has been home to us for 14 years. But find we must do it. Will you come in June the same as before?
Edd Allen is still here and would like to take Joseph's place when we leave of course he isn't married but you will find he is very reliable and everyone likes him. He has worked on a fruit farm for several years here in Mich. and understands most any kind of work. He would be willing to let you live in part of the house or all of it if he had some place to eat and sleep. You need not feel afraid of him as he is a man that minds his own business more than lots of the so called nice married men. Of course he wouldn't want to work this summer + then be turned off in the winter time. He can work on the road until you come if you can hire him. I will leave your house all nice + ready for you and anything I have + can spare will be willing for you to use so as to save you from buying. I will have table + chairs that you would be welcome to use.
Please let me know if you would care to have Edd work for you.
Your's with love, Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 13th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft: -
Recieved your letter today and will hasten to reply. We are having very nice weather in fact nicer than I like to see it this time of the year. The snow is gone in fields but no rain so far. The ground is very much in need of it as we have had such high winds that dries every thing up.
Our cow freshened about Christmas time and your's last week so that is over for once more when should we take her away again? It isn't wise to take them too soon as they need strength the same as any thing else does.
Miss Taft please don't let this worry you as Joseph will stay until you come and get some one else And he will spray and take the same care of your farm as always. If he could posibly do the work alone we would stay with you. It isn't that I'm tired of living here and would like my own place best. Roger will soon be 20 years old and feels like having his own money so Jos. can't afford to pay him and work like he has to. You know Jos. has never been well since he over worked that one Summer. I would certanly rather be sure of a steady salary than to leave a good job. I would still like to be friends and if there is anything we can do to help would only be too glad to do it. It won't be so hard on you changing help if you are here to see to things your self. Spraying is the most important part of your farm work. If the places were closer together it would be much easier.
We expect spray material every day now + the treess will soon be ready for dousing Jos. don't like to put it on while freezing nights. The trees that have had oil spray look odd. All the dust and dirt cling on them. I'm afraid of that stuff altho' lots of the farmers are using it.
I'm sorry I mentioned Edd to you he didn't intend for you to cook his meals he could have did that himself. But he has hired out for the Summer now. As to the neighbors talking there are some that I would like to tie their tongues up. Most of the people here have been very nice to me and I love it here. It wouldn't be so bad if people could tell things as they hear it.
Joseph wants me to tell you that the garden lot you had seeded last year came thru fine and says its a pity to plow it up and seed over. We will plant your garden here as you wished. Jos. and Roger are busy every minute now as the time is at hand to hurry every thing along.
I've been under the weather all day so must go to bed now. I have so much to do that I can't lie down and rest during the day.
Hope you keep well.
As ever Essie K.
P.S. Please don't think hard of us as we will be on the square with you. And not leave while you are away. You will receive your buds in a few days now.
Apr. 14th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft: -
Am mailing you a few sour buds this morning. Joseph picked so few that there arn't many to see. But he doesn't like to pick cherries now that can't be put into a crate later on But they are enough for you to see how nice they are. But we are all living in fear as it is so warm no rain and no snow to hold our tender buds back. Sweet cherries are same as these.
I'm feeling misirable have a dreadful cough + cold my lungs pain quite a little. Hope you are well.
Jos. likes the new horse very much she is much smaller than queen but works just as fast. Wish you could drop in this morning and see your farm every thing looks so well. Jos. has all work under way very nicely. The air is full of Spring.
Lovingly Essie. (over)
Jos. is waiting for well man to look over the well we think the screen is coated is why the water flow is so small. That will cost very little. IF I see Mr. Lardie will speak to him about your 1/4 [cents] or not. I can if you wish me to do so.
Old Mission, Michigan
Apr. 18th 1931
My Dear Miss Taft:
Your letter came today so will answer as Roger can mail it in town this evening. Joseph wishes me to tell you that he will be glad to stay until July 1st then you can select your man while here.
We need rain so badly am glad Joseph set your new orchard last Fall as the ground has settled about them and are all ready to start growing this Spring. The fruit buds are coming much faster than we like to see them. Most people have their orchards all worked but not us Jos. will wait until the usual time. It doesn't pay to work too early.
I am 37 years old today It seems now as I look back I was only a girl when I came here have grown up on your farm.
If it doesn't rain soon am afraid the new seeding will suffer. Must hurry and finish supper now. We'll let you hear from more often as to fruit + etc.
Lovingly Essie
P.S. Please come to O.M. and we will wash our feet in the bay as mine are terriably sore. lots of water there. Thanks for Item from paper
Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 26th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft: -
We have had that much wanted rain the first good one this Spring. Also more cold weather and snow. But don't think any harm has been done so far. The sweet cherries need only a few warm days and they will be ready for pink spray. All of your orders have been delivered. Mr. Lardie just got ferilizer in last week so Jos. had Tom bring it all out. As soon as it warms up a little he will sow oats and seeding but they only turn yellow when planted too early. Has ground all ready for it.
When I mailed the buds to you they were just ready to burst open but being closed up and kept warm helped them to hasten them on. The sour cherries are in their most dangerous stage now. So we hope they don't freeze.
Now for a few words of cherry gossip. The farmers here found out the cannning factory[ies] factories were hiring these so called state inspectors just in order to cheat us all they can. They were not state men at all So have held a meeting which we failed to attend. Now we have a car we would like to take in the cherry meetings and know what is going on about us. Mr. Willober and the other Geo Lardie men want .06 [cents] for their cherries from last season and expect to get it. But I doubt it. We'll let you know what I hear about it. Am mailing you a little scrap I clipped from the press so you can see for yourself. There likely was more in the Traverse City paper.
The Lardies have their house nearly done but it is very small isn't nearly so nice looking as the other one was not at all in keeping with the tower. Are making it as cheap as they can of course now days a person can have a small house and be very comfortable if you haven't a family.
I received your check some time ago will get accounts ready and mail to you. Jos. bought a small can of Gas for first spray as the oil trucks seldom come in here early.
Tom charged $8.50 for the load he brought. There was a ton of ferilizer from Lardie besides the other items. I didn't pay T.R. did you wish me to?
Hope you keep well as so many are sick. I'm not all over my sick spell yet. My washings are the hardest for me with such a lame back.
Lovingly, Essie K.
P.S. It must have been some of Ernest's family who suggested Ralph to you again. He certainly wasn't honest with us. We are poor but have never taken any thing that didn't belong to us. And try to pay our debts. I hope you can get some one that you can trust. I sure hate to leave here as this seems more like my home than up there. Its so pretty here in the Summer green every where. Hope the next people will be good to the stock.
Old Mission, Michigan.
April 29th 1931
My dear Miss Taft:-
I'm not surprised to hear that light sweet cherries are in demand as they are my favorite for sauce or salads. They also make fine pie. At least I think so.
Joseph and I both think you are wise in selling the farm as it only adds to extra care and worry for you altho' I know you enjoy it too as you have a very pretty place here. If any one comes we will do our best to sell it. It is a paying farm and more coming on all the while. Roger would have liked it but don't see how we could pay for it. Please try not to worry it makes me feel bad to think of you feeling miserable and then all these trying days in a school room. Jos. wants me to tell you that he will try harder than ever to keep things up Roger will stay will us as long as we are here.
The bay has gone down low again and the swamp nearly dry so suppose that is the reason for our well going so near dry that Jos couldn't get spray water so have the well man here he is having a time can't get the screen and point out will dynamite it tomorrow A.M. he may have to go a little deeper the cylinder is ruined so a new one will be needed but will use the same pipes. I told him not to make a cent more expense than he had to. Oh how I have wished I could talk to you today. Its so hard to know what to do when you arn't here. But know we must have water in order to spray. The buds are being held back some on accound of cold weather but a few days of sun means spray again and we must be prepared for it. Our own well needs fixing before many months but Jos. hasn't time to bother with it now. I have about a [barell] barrel of cistern water as a supply and no more only down to the woods. We are thankful for that. I sure if you were here you would have this work done the same as we are. Jos kept thinking perhaps spring rains would come and help us out a little but not much of that so far.
We heard that Mrs Mills Ruff and her husband had a car accident on their way home how bad it was I couldn't say will mention next time if I hear.
Must go to bed as I tired tonight with all the extra work.
Your's as ever. Essie K.
P.S. Thursday A.M. we had a hard frost froze 1/2 inch on water tubs on the back porch the ground is white. I'm glad your orchard is high as low land cherries are sure to be hurt if we have much of this. the sun is bright today and suppose it will be warm. A year ago we put pink spray on cherries the 1st day of May I have kept an account of freezes + etc. Must hurry as R wants to mail
Old Mission, Michigan
May 2nd 1931
My dear Miss Taft:
Its raining again this A.M. one of those cold spring rains. this will help hold the fruit back for a while I'm very thankful.
I'm so sick and have been for 3 days I can scarcely hold my head up but have to plod on. I've got a terrible cold and it has settled in my eyes I can't read even to the daily paper. Mr. Allen has been here for meals three days so I have had to keep on the job some how.
We don't know what to do about the well he put in three days work broke the cylinder and dynamited the old screen after he had put in hours trying to get it out. Jos. told him we would write to you before we let him go deeper he went about 5 feet and the water isn't there so we can't get enough to pump for spraying. Will you be willing to have him go deeper. you will need very little more material it will be mostly labor. Its so hard to find any man to work on a well Mr. Allen is good but is getting old. I don't know of any one better people here think he does good work. I told him to make out his bill so far as I was afraid you wouldn't want any more expense. Jos. has tried to get on with the pump as it was but it refufsed to go on and we need it so bad right now. There is some water but not much. I was going to send you a telegram last night and then thot perhaps I could more fully explain in a letter without so much expense.
We used gas for first or dormant spray from our car tank so just bought this the other day. We got a larger can of grease as the smaller ones was nearly as much so got this size.
Please ans as soon as you can so we will know what to do.
All is coming fine on the farm so far.
Much love Essie.
.25 harness rivits 4.47 to your credit
2.25 gas 5.00 check
1.45 grease ____________
____________ 9.47
3.95 expense 3.95
____________
$5.52 to your credit
May 2nd 1931
Old Mission Mich.
May 4th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft:
Just read your telegram we had all ready called Mr. Allen back and he is at work. With this beautiful sun-shine we will soon need to put pink spray on. We were nearly beside ourselves not knowing what to do. Jos + I didn't want to add this expense to you as I can plainly see the lady now who is always making over what others throw away. It always hurts us to see things like this come up but many other wells are the same. With so little rain fall. Please don't think us foolish for asking you what to do. But as long as you are trying to sell its too bad to pay out all this hard earned money. YOu are working the same as we are and money is hard to get. Will let you know how we are coming in a day or two.
I'm some better but not feeling good. It seems such an effort for me to do my work. Every thing is dirty and my back in too sore to bend over a wash tub for hours.
Mrs. Russel is very low has liver trouble + phneumonia they never expect to see her live from one day to another.
Hope you keep well so many are sick here.
Lovingly Essie.
Thanks so many times for letting us hear from you we will feel more at ease knowing [over] you are willing for us to go on.
Old Mission, Mich.
May. 10th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft:
YOur last letter was missent to Suttons bay so I just received it yesterday.
We have had barrels of rain here since last Wed morning so haven't been able to get much work done still have no material to set the screen so haven't water so far. But Jos. can get plenty from swamp for this Spray. Sweets need pink tomorrow and Mont's will be ready in a few days. Jos. can't spare Roger to help Mr. Allen many more days as he needs him on the farm. The fruit is all right so far of course we never know from one day to the next what will happen. Every one is hurrying about to get every thing in shape its just one big rush from now on.
I'm feeling some better have an electric washer out to try and get the dirty clothes cleaned up. Wish I had your winter blankets could have them all cleaned in nice rain water. Its so easy to wash that way I don't feel tired at all Hazel will help me tomorrow.
Jos. likes the new horse very well. Do you still want Jos. to fence the pasture off. There is very little this Spring for cows don't see how they can get along with out it. Will fence it off if you wish. The seeding was in just before these nice rains so ought to do well. No garden has been planted so far. I want to try and get at it soon now.
Must go to bed as I'm tired. Will write again in a few days.
With love Essie.
The telegram came Collect.
May 15th 1931
Dear Miss Taft:
Just a line to let you know all is well so far. Cherries are very beautiful sprayed sours pink on them yesterday.
The well man is still working on your well no water yet and the drilling is nearly like stone can't make any head way. Jos. + Roger simply can't help him any longer as the farm needs both men from now on everything comes in a heap. Your seeding is coming up very nice.
Must hurry as they are waiting I'm so sorry you couldn't be here for the well job to see for your self. I'm only charging 25 [cents] - meal to be as easy on you as I can. Its hard for me to have extra to cook with for all my work.
With love Essie.
Old Mission, Mich.
May 19th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
The weather has been beautiful so far. Had our first thunder storm last night has rained for 24 hours straight nice + easy. We were in need of it again. The swamp hasn't enough water for our little frogs to sing as they usually do. The oats and seeding are coming very nice Your new meadow has some light spots in it but the older one is looking good. prospects for hay looks well so far.
The sweets cherry petals are falling while sours are in full bloom but had several nice days before the rain so they oughts set well. How I wish you could see your orchard it looks like a large field of snow from a distance its so full of bloom. Apples are just coming out now.
I too feel as you do about help its hard to find a man you can trust while away. All I can say is that I'm sorry Joseph has to leave you if there was some way he could manage he would have stuck by another year or two. Its a big responsibility caring for other peoples interests and Jos. has more than tried altho' some times its pretty hard for both of us. For instance this well we don't know what to do. Mr. Allen says he feels like giving it up he is in some kind of soil that fills the pipe faster than he can pump it out. before it was hard pan + rock. He is over 75 feet and been working two weeks this last stretch. He charges $1.00 an hour for most well work, I don't know what to do. He thinks by putting a 3 inch pipe + a thin 2 in inside it would be quicker work but the expense is so much mor. Jos. said no to keep on trying. Either one or the other of the men has helped him every day up until the past 3 days now the farm work must be caught up again. As the corn must be planted soon and your garden in also cherry orchards need the most tender care of all if we expect them to do for us. You have to plan on your income the same as we do. The [spray] water tank is here and Jos. is trying to fill it rain water as that will nearly do the next Spraying. What will we do let him go on regardless of expense or stop until you come? We are getting most awful tired of the way that well is going if Joe understood it he would do it him self.
I'm trying to write to you but instead my eyes wander out of the front yard that is green like velvet. It seems so good after the bare trees.
There isn't enough wire to fence the pasture as you wished so will need more. Your grain seed came today.
I called central about the telegram + it was charged from T.C. to O.M. haven't received this bill so far.
Asa Curtiss the man who has wored for Dave Murray for a no of years was crushed beneath a large stone he was trying to sink. Died this A.M. Mr. Murray thought so much of him it seems a pity while so many worthless bums live on.
Well I must go to bed as I'm nearly tired out tonight.
Hope to see you in a few weeks.
With love Essie K
May 26th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft: -
Just a few lines this morning to let you know how every thing is coming along here. Miss. Taft I have always felt as tho' you were a big sister or mother to me as I have never had any of my own people to depnd upon like some have. And remember you are always welcome to come and even stay at our home any time you care to. I'm so glad you are going to live down there this Summer. Would you like to have us stay with you until you return from Canada. I want to try and make our plans its hard for me to get every thing done as I'm not feeling at all well. My old trouble returns as soon as I'm on my feet a lot. I wish I could sleep late just one morning without a bushel of work waiting Its 10 minutes of six now and breakfast is over.
Those Wheats that wrote you are some of Ernests friends and beware of them they are trying hard to get some one here like that Many truck loads leave our neighbors farm in the Fall and they don't like us to see it. I'll be so glad to get Hazel away from those girls they are not nice to have about. Mrs. Wheat runs to dances + is very rough and coarse. There is a family of Fosters too that would like to get in but please don't try such as you would only be sorry would be all right while you was about. We will be glad to do all we can to help you just ask as we know quite a little about the working class about here.
Have had lots of rain and several frosts it has hurt some low cherries Hope yours are all right they look pretty good so far. Hay fields look quite well. Especially the old meadow.
JOs. had Mr. Allen leave the well and send for a 5 ft. screen + see if we couldn't draw pipe up farther + set the screen because as it is no telling what it would cost to go on We bought 2# dynamite from Helfrich so far and now he got onto a large rock so will have to wait as he has to have this screen come from Chicago or G. Rapids. This has been a big worry to us as its hard to know what the other fellow wants when you are so far apart.
The Kauer cow is sick this morning It may be a cold Roger will drive down to Old Mission + get salts + linseed [old?] so we can doctor her up if she isn't better by night we may have to get a doctor. Lardies have had a sick cow too.
I wish I could like Mrs. Lardie but I can't much as I try she says such nastly little things all the time always trying to pick us and sneaking so many of the neighbors are turning her cold. Well I must hurry so Roger can mail this and get cow medicine
Tom Richard paid $2.20 freight on the tank and charged $1.00 for hauling so you owe him $3.20 I didn't pay this bill. Thought perhaps you would rather pay by check.
Much love Essie K
Jos. won't leave your things down there yet we brought them here some one stole onions + pie plant + was about our building so moved things up stairs here so all is safe.
May 27th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
The cow is better but nearly lost her. I called Mr. Tompkins early in the morning to find out what to do. We gave her 1# salts 2 table spoons ginger and two of soda. I watched her very closely at at noon she changed + got much worse so tried to talk to Dr. Scott + he was out of town so called Mr. Tompkins again and had him come over. The minute he saw the cow he said she had milk fever and was very sick. I never saw a cow so sick before atho' I was raised on a farm and always loved cows and horses. He took a car pump and a quill from the roosters tail + pumped her udder full of air in Two hours she was on her feet. But isn't quite all right yet. The pasture is so poor we will have to put one cow up at our place + stake this one out. I sat on my little rocking chair part of the afternoon and held the chain so she could mow the front lawn for me and not get tangled up in the trees. She is such a pet. Mr. T. said she took cold and that helped to bring this on he says it happens quite often to cows. But this is my first experience + hope it is the last one. Mr. T. charged $3.00 for the afternoon and another trip + I feel he did just as well as Dr. Scott + not nearly so expensive. I have always call the T. people for advice in order to save Dr. bills but this was once the worst nearly happened. If it had of been an hour later she couldn't have been saved. I didn't pay him.
Jos. has the corn planted and only about 6 old stumps are left on your new corn field I think it looks very well. I hope you think so too. Cherries look fairly well. Have had a beautiful day the first real Summer day so far. petals are falling now so will soon have an idea of what we will have altho' they say we won't get a price this year.
Mr. Spruet was her inquiring if we had any new tools I said no he visited quite a little while and drove on.
Mr. Allen hasn't returned to finish his job yet. Mr. Spruet says he knows a lot about wells and is good.
You will think I'm silly writing so often but know you are wondering how every thing is coming. All is going well again but water. I tried to pack some things today but haven't the heart to do it but must. I hate to think of leaving its so beautiful here now with green grass + leaves and thousands of pretty blossoms.
Will mail accounts in this letter so you can see where you stand. Your letter just came Mr. Allen isn't here now we feel very much disgusted with the way things have gone on the well. He ate 28 meals here @ .25 per meal. I won't charge any more than that
Much love Essie K.
.70 for bits for horses @ .35 cents each
.15 axel grease
7.00 for 28 meals @ .25 each
________
7.85 expenses
5.52 no more credit on hand
________
$2.33 you owe me
You can do as you wish about Mr. A board he says he gets his board where ever he works so doesn't have to pay it. I don't like to pay him for labor until he gets thru but suppose will have to pay as long as you sent it. Please excuse pencil can't find pen
June 1st 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
Well here it is the first day of June I wrote most of this letter May 27th Joseph forgot to mail it Thurs + Fri. when I discovered it there was no opportunity as there was no mail left here Sat. + Sun. so here I am yet. Will try again this morning.
There was another light frost down in the swamp but not a freeze. Jos. first planted the garden yesterday Sun as it would only freeze as it did a year ago. The ground is full of cut worms so doubt if we get much garden I always have to plant at least twice. It would pay to plant later than now only it makes every thing so late. I'm having some radishes planted for you some of the long white kind they require very little care perhaps I will have some to spare if yours don't come on. I want to buy some tomato plants if I can find some will remember you.
Mr. Allen has been off from this job for nearly two weeks and hasn't showed up yet to try and finish up of course the screen he ordered may not have come yet. But even so he knows we need water the worst kind of a way. So if he hangs off another week Jos. will tell him to finish up when you come here yourself. It put Joe + Roger way behind with their work and why should he care. We want to keep things up nice so you won't think we have been on vacation. The sweet cherries are to be sprayed this morning they are very good. Sours are not out far enough to tell yet but look all right as far as I can see now. Sours + apples will need spraying the last of this week or first of next. The hay fields are growing only where there were patches burned out of last years seeding. Joseph thought he could get on with out any more hay but since we had a sick cow + have had to feed her he will need a few more bales to Spring out on. If Mr. Willobees dust had of been better hay we would have had enough. The sweet clover is growing nice out north of the house. Its time for corn to come up hope it doesn't freeze off.
Will look about fence wire if I go in town today the men haven't time to take me and I can't drive so will go in with my neighbors. We can bring it in our cars if it isn't too large a bundle if so will have Tom haul it. I suppose it will be quite heavy too.
I must hurry + send this out to mail.
With love Essie K.
P.S. Please don't judge me by hand writing as I seldom have time to do any thing but scribble.
Old Mission
Sept. 1931
Dear Miss Taft
We were glad to hear that you arrived ok.
But a very long journey alone.
The last load of apple are just going and will send you the return soon. $.20 per hundred. and that all there going to pay for later fall apple to.
Max has all the corn cut and is digging out around the barn.
We have had two terrible storm one Sunday and other Wednesday. and the road is nearly impassable it is washed so.
Max said he guessed he have to tell Archie Helfrich there was a cross road down here.
Ronald is begging me to take him. Walk two + three steps alone.
They are having school fair to-nite at ogdensburg school. I had to donate for the fish pond.
You went away just a day too early
The next morning Max came in with a whole arm full of those big white puff balls. Got them out in the old pasture.
My cucumber vines are still bearing good yet.
I just done up 14 quarts of dill pickles
And I got 8 more pints of beans. Will close for this time
Sincerely
Max + Family
P.S. As I have your letter finished and went outside Max said the grader was on the road fixing it So will have a good road again.
The lantern cost $1.25 and the buckets $.20 a piece [?} and will get tickets on apples as soon as we go to town (over) and send them to you. We are having terrible electric storm.
You will have to excuse this letter as I run out of writing paper and it is some what mixed up.
Gene Russell has seven ton of hay. 7' to sell at $15.00 per ton which he want to sell very bad before he goes to Florida the first of october. And he says you can leave it in barn and get it went ever you want it.
Old Mission, Michigan
Sept. 30th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft: -
You will begin to think I've forgotten you but I certainly have not. Thanks many times for the stockings hope to find time some day to start a rug. But have been very busy every day with a lot of good things in the garden that needed attention right away. have most of my cans full. and nearly two bushels of beans all threshed. It was lots of hard work because I did it by hand. Its nice to be prepared for winter.
We have had some dreadful electric storms since you left the roads have been in the worst condition I've ever seen them. the road crews are still trying to clean the sand out where it was carried into the road bed. other places was washed out so badly that we have lots more land in our apple orchards now. They say the Wunsch farm was left in bad shape. some places they can't get thru' with a tractor.
JOseph has been very busy trying to get things in shape for winter got our corn all cut now and ready to husk.
The Peoples Saving Bank + First National bank are going to combine in order to keep going a person can't get their money out to use so its going to make every thing much worse than it has been. We were called to a Bank meeting they had on Monday evening in Traverse City. Maybe every thing will come out all right. If we don't lose our savings.
Some time in the near future we intend to see Mr. Lardie and find out what they are going to do for Mi. Cherry Grower. But suppose they will be dumb as usual. Roy Hooper is selling cherries for M.C. Growers and they hope to be able to get four cents for the grower. If we get .03 cents we will be lucky this year.
I hardly know how to write you a letter now since we aren't working for you as I usually had farm news. Its hard for me to get used to this place.
Mrs. Lardie had Ladies aid at her house today so I went. We had a very nice time. The lunch was very good but some how she got kerosine in the sugar so our first cup of coffee was spoiled.
My thumb is so sore I can hardly hold the pen to write so please excuse the hen tracks.
I am very sorry Alberta didn't get over to see me before she left. I waited all day and hoped to be up before you left.
Am very tired so must go to bed now so as to be ready for [xxxxx] tomorrow as there is lots more to do.
Thanks again for the package
With love Essie
P.S. Its been so hot here we nearly perished couldn't sleep nights am grateful for cooler weather. Have thought of you every day I miss your letters so much it was a habbit of 14 years so its hard to get over it.
Old Mission, Michigan
Sept. 30th 1931
My dear Miss. Taft: -
You will begin to think I've forgotten you but I certainly have not. Thanks many times for the stockings hope to find time some day to start a rug. But have been very busy every day with a lot of good things in the garden that needed attention right away. have most of my cans full. and nearly two bushels of beans all threshed. It was lots of hard work because I did it by hand. Its nice to be prepared for winter.
We have had some dreadful electric storms since you left the roads have been in the worst condition I've ever seen them. the road crews are still trying to clean the sand out where it was carried into the road bed. other places was washed out so badly that we have lots more land in our apple orchards now. They say the Wunsch farm was left in bad shape. some places they can't get thru' with a tractor.
JOseph has been very busy trying to get things in shape for winter got our corn all cut now and ready to husk.
The Peoples Saving Bank + First National bank are going to combine in order to keep going a person can't get their money out to use so its going to make every thing much worse than it has been. We were called to a Bank meeting they had on Monday evening in Traverse City. Maybe every thing will come out all right. If we don't lose our savings.
Some time in the near future we intend to see Mr. Lardie and find out what they are going to do for Mi. Cherry Grower. But suppose they will be dumb as usual. Roy Hooper is selling cherries for M.C. Growers and they hope to be able to get four cents for the grower. If we get .03 cents we will be lucky this year.
I hardly know how to write you a letter now since we aren't working for you as I usually had farm news. Its hard for me to get used to this place.
Mrs. Lardie had Ladies aid at her house today so I went. We had a very nice time. The lunch was very good but some how she got kerosine in the sugar so our first cup of coffee was spoiled.
My thumb is so sore I can hardly hold the pen to write so please excuse the hen tracks.
I am very sorry Alberta didn't get over to see me before she left. I waited all day and hoped to be up before you left.
Am very tired so must go to bed now so as to be ready for [xxxxx] tomorrow as there is lots more to do.
Thanks again for the package
With love Essie
P.S. Its been so hot here we nearly perished couldn't sleep nights am grateful for cooler weather. Have thought of you every day I miss your letters so much it was a habbit of 14 years so its hard to get over it.
Old Mission Mich
Oct 1931
Dear Miss Taft
The weather is beautiful again. After so much rain.
The cisstern is nearly full. And the orchard was not washed any to amount to anything or the plowable ground either
But about ten shock's of corn stood in water at foot of hill
The road was completely washed out. We had to go up thru Mr Griffin's orchard But is fixed up know a lot wider and ditched on both sides.
But brush isent cut yet. Max hasent dug the beets or carrots yet.
He has been husking corn. has 97 bushel in crib so far and the piece up in the little orchard only half done. and other peice about 1/2 The little orchard has 45 bushel and feild by the woods 52.
Mr Roy Holmes is buying apples and is paying .25 cents per bushed just taking out the cinders. But don't know if he is going to take the later one or not.
Max say there isen't much [seeders?] up there at all.
Max took all the hay. Mr Richards diden't have any straw + none in sight. He said would have to have Mr Willibe find some.
May say its very good hay. And would it be all right with you to sell two ton to get some straw if he got the chance.
Max say he don't know of any one to help haul the hay except his brother which would help him for his board.
Max say he going to haul the hay just as soon as the corn is husk Beet + carrots dug
We havent had any frost yet.
Mr + Mrs Francis Lardie + Mr + Mrs Ruft + Mr Gene Russell is leave for Florida Oct 15
Am sending the check for the apples
Max got the check the day before your letter came. But the weight is right on check. The Reliegh man came and we got a bottle of that Colic + Bloat medicene which was a $1.25. Max owed Fay Dohm 2 dose
I guess that all the new's except the cow is coming up on the milk since all the rain. I suppose the grass has more juice.
Sincerly
Max + Family
Old Mission, Mich
Oct 20th 1931
Dear Miss. Taft:
I wrote you a letter a long time ago thanking you for the package you left me. Also so sorry you didn't get here too so I could tell you good bye. I watched and waited all day Wed. but didn't see you.
I sent my letter to Traverse City by a friend and haven't had a reply to either of them so feel as tho' they were not mailed.
Told you what I could find out in regards to cherries + etc.
Hope you are well. I keep wondering why you don't write
As ever your's,
Essie K.
P.S. I know you must be very busy so don't try to tax yourself with a big long letter. I miss both you and your letters please don't think I have failed you. If you haven't heard from me I will then ask if my letter was mailed
Old Mission
Oct. 1931
Dear Miss Taft
We nearly forgot to write It has been such beautiful weather one's enjoy's ever hour. I dont suppose there will be many more nice day's
We have all kinds of music since hunting season is on Max went twice but diden't get anything.
The brush on the road side is cut at last. and Max got the wood nearly a cord. It sure makes it a lot nicer with it cut.
The pumpkins is harvested (over) and there was 140 ripe ones 15 Greenones + not fully matured 7 bushel of Carrots quite small 20 bushel Beet. and there was 70 bushel of corn off the piece in little orchard and the corn run pretty good. in quality
The other piece by wood 60 bushel. and that had not very good corn.
Did I tell you that Mr Richards want .10 cents hundred for hauling.
Morgan is paying .15 cents hundred know. and isen't taking any right know.
Max say he is going sell the good Balwin's to Kay Holmes and don't how much yet but he is paying more then any one else.
Ronald is at last walking and sure is a lot better natured. to.
The cow sure enjoy the pumpkins
I saved some of those summer squash seed. for next year. and feed rest of squash to the pigs and there was about 12 squash and there still string bean coming yet. I got about 8 ripe tomatoes off your vines
The Maple tree's in front of house is just a green as they ever was. till this week and they are turning a little. But tree's in wood are colored up beautiful.
I am still canning. But am near my end - have an other batch of quince jelly to make and will be done.
Max is going to buzz wood this coming week.
Max say there two beach trees on the south side of pasture that are dead. Max has the pasture all plowed.
I guess that all the news for this time.
Sincerly
Max + Family
Old Mission Mich
Oct 26, 1931
Dear Miss Taft
Please excuse us for not answering your letter right away. As I forgot writing material when I went to town.
The weather is still very nice yet
Max buzzed wood to-day. His half brother came with his tractor and buzzed it.
The piece of corn in the little orchard had 70 bushel of corn and very good quality. and piece by wood had 60 bushel and quatity was poor. There was 7 bushel carrots and quite small. 20 bushel of beet. (over) 140 ripe pumkins + 15 green - not fully matured
Mr Lardie came to collect for for telephone call.
We will pay the bill if you would like to have us.
The beans are not going to get ripe enough for seed they are still bearing good yet. I could go out pick about 15 or 20 quarts know. But have ever can full.
We are glad you like the way the letters are wrote.
The brush on road side is cut and Max got the wood which was about a cord.
The fly's are terrible up here. Ronald is at last walking
Max is going to sell rest of apple to Roy Holmes at .70 per hundred for good one's. Cider apples has took a drop to .15 per hundred
Mr Richard wanted .10 per hundred to truck the other ciders
I guess that all the news for this time
Sincerly
Max + Family
Nov 9. 1931
Dear Miss Taft
The weather look very much like a storm.
Max got all the corn fodder in barn He changed work with Fay Dohm. Max started to plow the garden and just nicely got started when plow handly broke. He got a new pair but they weren't the right kind. So he has to exchange them
The leaves are all on cherries trees yet and are just begining to turn gold.
Max got apples picked there wasent enough good one to bother with to sell
I expect you know Francis Lardie died in Florida Oct 30. Thay all came back the next day after thay got here at supper time Mrs. Lardie had a stroke in her left side leg + arm + face and is still in bed. But will recover and is going to Northport to spend the winter with her sister. It has been very sad.
The other's are returning to Florida as soon as Mrs Lardie up + around again
A Mr's Jenning we understand has bought which use to be your siser place (over) and is building two cottages. Mr. Willes is building them.
The cow sure enjoys here pumpkins she is still on grass but it is getting pretty scarce.
Mr. Allen was here to see how well was coming. It still pumps a little sand but he think it will clear up after while He has been very sick with heart trouble. He look bad.
Tony Dohm my brother-in-law is going up north deer hunting and is all excited about it There are several others going to and there lot that would like to go but feel that thay can't afford it.
No there is nothing slow about Ronald know. he sure is gaining speed.
I guess this is all the news about there is.
Sincerly
Max + Family
[Dec 01, 1931]
Dear Miss Taft
I am sorry to be so late in in answering your last letter
My bro past away in ann arbor and so much to do ever since. In getting the place shored up. and last of trouble.
We have had lots of rain + wind it blew down a big tree again. We had a light fall of snow last week but is nearly all gone know.
Max traded a ton and half 1 1/2 of hay for a ton + half 1 1/2 straw to Fay Dohm and he hauled it eight miles out on route four
Max has the garden plowed + corn fields by the wood's and stumps nearly burnt but it has been so wet thay dident burn good.
I want to tell you about the plow handles Max had to return the other ones thay weren't the right fit, so he took them back and the next one where $1.50 and thay were just in the ruff and he make them himself Max has been fixing the horse stable So thay wouldn't throw out there hay. Max fixed up the yard to turn out the horses and cow. in nice weather
The horse sure feel good.
The swamp is a regular lake know.
The leaves have all diappeared off Cherry trees at last. Thay stayed on so long.
OUr brother-inlaw is home but no deer. Thay say thay are very scarce.thing this year.
Max but on the double windows + painted storm door and but them on. He had a hard time to get them to fit.
I guess that all the news for this time
Sincerly
Max + Family
Old Mission, Michigan
Dec. 13th 1931
My dear Miss Taft: -
I wrote you a letter fully six weeks ago and found it in the buffet with my table cloths still unmailed so will try it once more and have Jos. mail it this time.
I'm just as busy as ever it seems I can find so many things to do am cooking for school children again as it helps quite a little a year like this. It seems as tho' every thing has gone bad but could be worse. Jos. started the 1st of Sept. to do Janitor work and got quite a litle day work so feel so thankful for that. Roger is still home with us and hope he doesn't go away.
Suppose you know all about Mr. Lardie. We were out to see Ida two weeks ago today she is some better but doubt is she ever gets entirely over it. She had a stroke the day or so before the funeral
What did you do for Thanksgiving I worked all day and had Supper out in the evening had a lovely time.
It seems every week something goes on to take my extra time so I hardly know where the time flies to.
I miss your letters this Fall but can't expect you to write or even think of me when I don't answer your letters. We drove past the place once + it made me feel sick so stay away. Your corn was still out there and looked like lonely old spookes standing alone + the leaves all off of the trees. There are some things I would like to mention but perhaps is none of my affair.
Jos. + I had 84 bu. of corn that wasn't much but enough to feed our stock. Also lots of nice fodder. Our garden was the nicest it ever has been.
How are the Stutsmans? I never hear from any of them Hope they are well. And Mr Stutsman has a job. I suppose this is Alberta's last year in college
Hazel is doing well in school this year and her health is much better Jos. is feeling quite well for him.
We have had a light snow storm and a cold snap but is warm again. The Fall was very damp + little sunshine wonder what kind of a winter we will have. Mr. Lardie brought us a radio several weeks ago so we get the Ill. weather forcast every day I hardly think you will have a water shortage there this year. Our soft water cistern is large and it has run over several times
How is the well at your place? Did it come out all right? I hope so after all the worry + expense. I thot' I would turn gray last Spring it seemed every thing went wrong. Maybe Mrs. Gillmore won't worry as I did. At least it is best to take things cool. I would like to see dear old queen and pet her nose just once. She was so gentle and I always loved animals
Well I expect company so must hurry and finish this. Please don't wait as long as I did to answer Will do better next time.
Yours with love
love Essie.
[Dec 15, 1931]
Dear Miss Taft
In reply to your letter we recieved to-day.
We have had just a little touch of winter but was all gone in a few day. But it is snowing quite steady to-nite It is coming down real easy.
Max has been helping Bill Dohm buzzy wood in return for the use of his engine to buzz up some he has got piled up again.
He has the box stall nearly full of screaded corn fodder.
The carrots + beet are not keep thay seem to rot so bad. ever one is having the same trouble. and ever one is lossing lots of apple to.
The cow is going down on her milk a little at a time. But still am getting enough to make end meet.
Ronald is very cross with a cold + cutting teeth.
They say Mrs. Ida Lardie is able to see across the the room know. and set up for first time last week for 15 minutes
There isn't much much new's this time. We haven't killed the pigs yet waiting for cold weather.
Mr Wilber is still very busy building his two cottages. It seem thay have hauled enough lumber by here to build five cottages.
Mr Richards is doing all the plowing down there. Which is very luck for him. to get the extry work.
Will close for this time
Max + Family
-
https://localhistory.tadl.org/files/original/a3706eb6dd621c3d1351a3f414f93a4e.pdf
8feda7575af27ebe127f62568a20aa97
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1911-1915, 1917, 1920-1921, 1924-1939
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact
the Peninsula Community Library for permission to
reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Physical Location
Physical location of item itself.
Peninsula Community Library
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1930
Subject
The topic of the resource
Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate
Description
An account of the resource
Carolyn Gay Taft (1873-1952), was the owner of a
small cherry farm on Old Mission Peninsula in the
early 1900’s. While she spent her summers on the
Peninsula, her primary job as a teacher at the Illinois
State School for the Deaf required hired hands to run
the farm in her absence. These farmers, and their
families, lived on the farm and sent frequent written
reports to Ms. Taft. Most letters are written by the
farmer’s wives, and provide a record of both
agricultural and social history.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Peninsula Community Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1930
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mary T Morgan
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.
Relation
A related resource
None
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LHC 010
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
PDF Text
Text capture metadata for PDF documents
Text
Old Mission, Mich
Jan. 7th 19-30
My dear Miss Taft:
The Ladies Journal came to us again this month and I think they kind fairy must be you. I wish to thank you for it and am sorry I didn't know before so I could have said thank you earlier in the season.
We are having very bad weather warm and rains most every one feels it. I'm so sick this minute I can hardly hold my head up. Hazel brought the flu home a week ago and guess I'm coming down with it.
How I would love to see you and have a chat about cherries. what do you think about it. Of course you will get all the details from the papers. So many of the farmers here are all for it while others are afraid to take the big step. I myself think leave good enough alone. The next time we go in town Jos. is going to try & see Geo. Lardie we have lots of confidence in him.
The animals are fine. Jos. would like to have corn ground but it is hardly dry enough to keep without moulding in the sacks.
Will try & write again soon as I must lie down.
Lovingly, Essie
Old Mission, Mich
Jan. 23rd 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
I've intended to write to you every day for a week now & this the nearest I have gotten to it.
The Gore family went to Florida for just a trip & vacation. I'm sure they won't pay any big price to live while there. Joe & I plan such a trip in a few years. I think we deserve a vacation if ever any one did. If we could manage to get away after cherry season we would like to take a trip around by Chicago cross the lake & go north for about 2 weeks but suppose its only a dream as ususal.
We have more snow & real cold weather for over a week now. The bay would freeze over if we had some still weather.
I started this yesterday so will try to finish up today. There isn't any news as yet since I wrote last time. Animals are all well.
I'm feeling better but Roger is having his turn now I suppose Jos. will be next on the list. Hope you stay well.
We are having ideal cherry weather lets hope it continues until after danger of freezing cherries is past. We all need a good year after what we all have had for past 3 seasons.
Harold Lardie said the Mag on engine is worn out and can't be repaired and a new one costs 14 or 15 dollars so he has changed it to run with coil and [batterings??????] Jos. has ordered a hot shot that is the cheaper in the end and starts better. WE can get the Battery from H. M. Lardie at O. M. Harold's Bill is enclosed in your letter.
We have a new telephone operator now Mr. [Costade????] lost out he got too smart with people and tried to run the whole list.
Isadore Larldie is doing the work at the present time & left your bill here for us to send in to you. He would like to have you mail the check to him.
Joseph wants to mail this so I must hurry so as not to keep him waiting on me that is one thing a man hates is to wait on a woman.
I saved last year's State Bnk calendar with the pretty bird for you as you liked it so much.
Must hurry now
Lovingly Essie Kitchen
Old Mission, Mich
Feb. 9th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
This is a beautiful day so nice and warm out. Altho' we have plenty of snow and nights about zero the past few days have been beautiful.
You was wondering what Roy Hooper would do with his sweet cherries I suppose those people will can them the same as Mr. Lardie has. Hooper is very much in favor of this new method also D. Eiman. They always are for any thing new that comes out. But I hope we can all be careful at least.
The bays are frozen over solid and prospects are fine for this Summer so far. Of course lots of things could happen the last minute.
Hazel is sewing as busy as a bee even tho' it is Sunday. I never saw any one that was so fond of a needle & cared so little for books as she does.
How are the rugs coming. I haven't made much this winter I have so little time for myself. And now Spring and Summer sewing is here. It won't seem long now until the robins are back. Are you going to have any thing new? I'm not.
Do you plan on going to Summer school? I plan on picking lots of cherries this summer hope I'm not disapointed. How many can you pick? Hazel never looks forward to that time of the year. Roger is no different. Suppose we can't all be made alike tho.
I can't think of any more to write about.
Oh yes the [Kauer????] cow had her baby last Friday morning and is doing fine John Kroupa is charging $2.00 fees now & Homer Willobee $2.50. [?????] said you sent two dollars to him some time ago and expected more from Joseph. [????] told him his fees at that time was $1.00 per head. I don't see how he could expect more.
Will send an account this time.
Much love. Essie
$2.66 to your credit Dec. 8th 19-29
3.67 expenses
1.01 you owe us
2.25 hot shot battery
.80 for telephone batteries
.42 for 2 gal Gasoline
.20 for 1/2 # salt peter for team
3.67 expenses up until Feb. 9th
Old Mission, Mich
Feb. 23 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
We have had a big change in the weather since I last wrote to you. A week ag tonight it was 6 below zero and tonight our snow is nearly gone the fields & roads are bare. A week ago tomorrow they plowed our road out so we could get out I can hardly beleive there could be such a difference.
We haven't attended many parties this winter as a lot of the time we couldn't get out of here unless we took the team and I dread going out nights with horses. The neighbors understand but we were invited to all the parties until the last two I guess they knew there wasn't any use They don't get home until two and 3 o'clock in the morning. Its pretty hard to climb out in the cold at that hour of the morning.
Thanks for the opportunity of having a vacation. But we have felt that if there was any spare time we should try to keep the place partly up our orchards must have care at least proper spraying. Last of all we did quite a little work on our house after The Allen's and Roger helped Jos. to do all of your work up nicely. We were so afraid you would sell & we wouldn't have the house in shape. The carpenter destroyed some of my flowers. I can hardly wait until they come up to see what is left. I felt pretty blue when going over there to see hills of dirt on them & deep trenches dug but suppose I will have to get toughening into that some time. They put one window in so crooked that we will have to have the work done over. I felt pretty disgusted paying $1.00 an hour. Its so hard to depend on men like that money is what they are after.
Mr. Lardie told Jesse Christopher to not sell his cherries to any one yet that he would do as well as any one by him. We were well satisfied with Geo L. so why change. So many are always so glad to throw aside a good fellow in order to try a new one. Not me [I????] will try to stick.
Will attend to pressure guage the next time we go to T City.
Its past my bed time & I'm tired so must say good night & retire.
Your's with love
Essie K.
P.S. Mr. Lardie doesn't handle seeds.
Old Mission, Mich
March 11th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
How time flies. Mar. will soon be half gone but it seems like Jan. out instead. A terriable blizzard is sweeping down on us tonight. But am thankful for is as the weather was too warm some time back. Altho' it did us no harm so far. The buds look fine in fact couldn't look better. The ice is still in the bay and blanket of snow covers all at present.
We have some pumpkin seeds but perhaps not enouugh as we had no crop last year. The roots are good for the stock and saves a lot it certainly takes lots of feed when every thing [??????] up all summer and winter starts early There won't be enough hay again Altho Jos. is as saving as can be. I find it costs us enough for one small horse it would be cheaper if a person could get on without them as there are so few months a year a person works them But with our hills a crawler tractor is the thing we could use & it costs a fortune to buy one. I get tired of trying to figure out a way to keep going.
Pratt & Cross are having trouble of some kind guess its from being dishonest with some of their buyers.
I find honesty the best policy. And stick to what you know has proven true. Fay Dohm tried to tell Joe what a fool he was not to join the new canning concern as he did. Jos. flew to pieces & told him what he [tought???] about things and said they neighbors didn't run his business. The bunch kind of rub in in because we stay here but why leave you as long as we get on together. Miss. Taft you mean lots to me moe than just a common friend.
I know some times I get [nervous] and perhaps you feel like spanking me but I can't help it. There is so much depends on me. I hope this summer we can have a nice time sitting in the shade.
Mr. Bryte wanted to rent our house for the summer but we wouldn't consider renting to any family as it takes too much for up keep. Children can destroy a lot in fact some young ups don't care what they do. I love to have a place to go & visit some times. You know the pleasure you get out of coming here in the Summer time.
If Mother Nature favors us this Spring I think we will have a good price for our fruit. Perhaps in some way it will help our apple market.
Jos. ordered a new pressure gauge & as the other one wouldn't last. The spray eats them in time until it hardly pays to repair much as they can't last.
Well I'm tired & sleepy so much go to bed.
With love
Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich
Mar. 28th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
I have wanted to write you a few lines for several days but have been so busy that I kept waiting until it is Sunday again.
The fruit buds haven't started yet as the winds have been so cold and the ground is frozen quite hard. Today it is snowing so have an idea we will have another taste of winter. We don't need warm weather yet. Jos. is busy every day trying to get all the small things done before the rush starts in for good.
I think your new dress must be very nice wish I had one as good my clothes all need new ones too. You always make everything so well. I try hard enough but can't do it. Roger & Hazel went to T. C. last night to see the movies & they are jabbering until I can't think straight.
There is so little to write about this time of year but know you are anxious to hear every thing is all right. Ice still in the bay & hope it will be for some time.
We are afraid Mr. Spruet will loose out at election this year. There is considerble feeling against him at O. M. Mr. Gray is trying hard to take his old place back. We were well pleased Will our new man. But it seems as tho' he has been too friendly with the Pratts and let them get by with things and people have gotten wise to it. So many dislike Pratts for being so dishonest.
[A??] late haven't heard much about cherries. will tell you when anything new comes up.
When did you wish to have the [Kanic???] cow bred? She has did well coming fresh in the winter that doe's away with swollen udder like they have on grass. Of course we will do as you wish about that.
I'll be glad when Spring doe's come as we have had such a long winter
I'm sorry to hear Alberta hasn't been well what seems to be the trouble? She has always beenso healthy. Of course she has studied hard for some time and I think it has been too much for her. I often wonder if it pays to ruin our health in order to gain so much.
Roger was sick two weeks from flu but is better altho' he complains of being tired.
They want me to play a game of cards so will have to give up or leave the house. Hope you are well am glad Mrs. English is better. Enjoyed your letter very much. With love
Essie Kitchen
$6.01 you sent us
1.01
.42 gas
4.58 to your credit
Old Mission, Mich
Apr. 6th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
The last time I wrote to you it was snowing and today the sky looks so over cast and heavy that it may start all over again. We have had two days of real spring weather and the out doors is full of song from little birds. The swamp choir has started also so suppose we will have all kinds of concerts for a while. There is very little snow left in the fields but considerable in the woods and lots of ice in the bays so far. I hope it turns a little cooler soon as we have lots of time for warm weather later in the season. The buds on fruit trees have had little chance so far to grow but a few warm days makes a quick change in all growing things.
You mentioned the little garden plot back of our house all I have planted there is two rows of fox gloves Mrs. Mills gave me last fall. I doubt if any thing would grow well there on account of shade but you are welcome to try it if you wish to. We would like to raise a few potatoes here as its too hard to care for such big gardens up there. Will there be room in the cherry orchard? If not perhaps we can manage some way. While I think of it Mrs. Mills wanted Jos & I to ask you about buying some old straps & harness & of no account but she wanted $5.00 for them it wouldn't be a wise buy so never mentioned it in fact I forgot about it until now. We find it dosen't pay to buy trash it dosen't last & money wasted.
I found on cleaning up the other day that those pieces of sheets or strips I gave 1 or 2 the carpenters some way or other tramped them full of dirt. Joseph layed them on a chair but men never see womens belongings all else is all O.K. its what you had up to the kitchen windows. I thought I had better mention it so you wouldn't think I would destroy any thing you have. One thing mice aren't chewing things up like they did before.
The horses should have shoes on this Spring as Jos. didn't have it did last Fall thought by being [saving????] they would need it most now. Their hoofs need to be taken care of and Jos. has neither tools or things to work with. He couldn't do any thing with Bird she is so wild.
Mrs. Franklin gave me a bird & Hazel is nearly wild with joy she hardly knows where to put her cat now as birds and cats don't & can't get on together. He must stay out side. We bought 3 gold fish last of all & Roger watches them by the hour.
I can't write any longer as I must start dinner. Please come & share it with us. Have a nice chocolate pie. Roger is bringing company home to dinner. He & Hazel are at church just now.
Received the garden seeds and thanks many times will see that Miss Taft enjoys them if the cut worms don't first.
Lovingly, Essie
P.S. Monday Morning. Having a blizzard today and quite cold. Suppose they may have to dig us out of snow banks again.
Old Mission, Mich
Apr. 18th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Today is my birthday and will celebrate by writing a few lines to you.
It has rained now for nearly two days & is some what colder tonight the frogs are singing so loud you can hardly hear yourself think.
The fruit buds are swelling quite fact so hope it gets cooler.
Jos. had to buy plow repairs as it was nearly beyond using you couldn't plow with it and do a good job.
We got gasoline & cup grease also for [$].80 worth of oil at Hank Lardies. We got 15 gal. of gas. We will pay for half of it then there will be plenty to pump both water & sprayer to spray with.
Our Ladies Aid is having a contest to see which side can earn the most our side feed 85 school teachers Tues evening. I'm still tired from the long hours of work. Thank goodness thats over for once more.
I've been working dreadfully hard of late trying to get the house in shape for you as I won't have time later on to do it. And still have most of the house cleaning to do here. Its pretty hard to keep two houses up. If I could earn an extra $5 I would paper the two rooms for you but can't seem to make the raise it takes all I can scrape to buy other things. It looks nice and clean up there any way even tho' the walls aren't papered. The next job I'll have is to try & put a rope or some thing along the road to keep people from driving on the sod it will be all cut up. I see they make a nice road all over the grass it soon cuts ruts. May be some time I can have a row of stones along there. You have always been careful but others are not.
Mr. Lardie delivered your order and all work is under way. Both Jos. & Roger are very busy every day.
Jos has the chance to buy two ton of loose hay from [penny????] Christopher but has to haul it himself. It will save truckage. You didn't mention horse shoeing. Do you wish it to be done. Please mention.
I will send the bill in so you will know how things stand and where your money has been paid out. We have [fim?????] for oats left from last years as I got a full pint so have plenty left so need not buy more.
1.00 plow point and two springs for Sprayer
1.00 can cup grease
.25 for bolts
1.75 for plow wheel
.80 oil at H. M. Lardie
.25 asbestor for gasgets
.40 for large file
2.37 gasoline
7.82
4.58 on hand
10.00
14.58
7.82
$6.76 To your credit Apr. 18th
With love Essie Kitchen
Old Mission, Mich
Apr. 28th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
All day I have tried to find a few spare minutes to write you a few lines. Here it is supper time so will take a minute off and try again.
We have had snow and cold weather since I last wrote you but no rain and we do need it so badly.
Joseph has the ground all ready for seeding and waiting for rain and warmer weather.
Had a beautiful still day when he put the D. spring on so did a very good job. Hope we see results. I hope the Wunsch people do their spraying this year as it helps to keep our trees clean and healthy.
The new seeding you put in a year ago is coming on very well excepting in one little spot Jos. will do something with that.
Jos. got a chance to buy some hay from [Perry?????] Christopher for $12 a ton its very nice hay and not bailed. It is mostly alfalfa of course Jos. will have to haul it for that price. As long as he could get it so reasonable he took it all as it comes much higher if you buy in T. City or else where. And bailed hay is poor at the best and you don't get your weight.
We got some from Gillmore for our horse before we found out about Perry having their as we didn't have enough feed altho' our mow was full besides our corn fodder.
The hay we bought of Perry comes to $36 and you can send the money to him if you wish.
As ever Essie K.
P. S. The buds are swelling on the sweets will soon burst forth now if it stays warm. Please excuse poor writing as I'm in a hurry.
Old Mission, Mich
Apr. 28th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Just a line this morning to let you know all is well so far. Having wonderful weather. Jos. put pink spray on Mont. cherries yesterday also apples. I never saw things pop out so fast.
Miss Taft if you roast alive don't complain I'm not going to. For if it turns cold we will all suffer. The cherries are full of good blossoms so far. Will drop a line real often. When will you come to O. M? Or don't you know.
The meadows & pastures look good grass is growing very fast. Seeding is all in now & ready to do its part.
Jos. got new clock for Sprayers from H. M. L. and works good.
Please excuse short note but better than none. Will write more next week am dreadfully busy at present.
Lovingly, Essie K.
Old Mission, Mich
May 21st 19-30
My dear Miss Taft:
Will hurry and write a few lines to you as I know you are anxious to hear how every thing is coming on.
We have had some very cold weather since you last heard from me. But can't see where your cherries are hurt. The petals are falling now so we can soon tell what we will have if nothing more happens later on.
Your oats are up. And corn planted every thing is growing nicely but need rain very much it has turned warm today so perhpas we may get some before long.
The horses have been shod and seed drills paid for.
Jos. Is going to plant [mangle ????] & carrot seeds today and that will end the planting now spraying comes on soon again Sweets were sprayed Sat.
Winter apples look like a light crop and Dutchess & [Meathies ?????] fair. We will wait & see what comes.
I'm sorry Miss Taft but I couldn't wash your spread as I had my heavy laundry did this Spring as I can't stand to lift any more. I have that old trouble worse than ever. Am selling cream also to save so much hard work. All the joy of my 13 Summers in Mich has been spoiled by too much hard work when I should have had rest. I still stay fat but those laceration from 12 years ago pain me considerable am afraid the time is coming when I will have to go to the hospital again.
I love the farm but there is so much hard work for a woman. It seems I'm busy all the while and then can't catch up.
Hope you are well and not too tired these days. Hazel can hardly wait until school is out.
Must hurry as Jos. is in for dinner. Lovingly, Essie
$6.76 left to your credit
.30 pump leathers
1.00 seed drill
1.00 line drill
.50 carrot seed
3.50 horse shoeing
.46 to your credit May 21st 1930
P.S. Roger and I are going in to T. C. tomorrow & I'm going in to Chamber of Commerce & report Altenberg's orchard as its full of worms nests. and they come over to yours. Was in the orchard tonight & cherries look good so far.
Old Mission, Mich
May 26th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Today is Hazel's birthday & it has been a big day for her she is 12 years old now. It seems but just yesterday she was a baby and now nearly a young lady.
To begin with we had a real white frost last night but no ice. Jos. is afraid the cherries in the lower corner are hurt some. The trees are fairly good so far if too many don't fall off. Some trees area better than others. He is Spraying again today and had a time with the small engine as usual. He had Lardies man come down Sat. and they found the battery we got last winter was dead so Jos. got 4 small dry cells they are cheaper and answer the purpose. We can't get water from the swamp any more because it is low on water altho' Jos. would rather have the warmer water to put on trees our cistern has been dry for some time we have had so little rain that I have used hard water since last Fall unless I melted snow to use.
Jos. ordered 30 bu. of oats you told him last Fall to get them when needed so he did. Your horses won't need grain after the heavy work is done.
I hope it warms up and rains we need it.
Wed Morning:
Well I will try and finish my letter today so as to mail it. I started this Monday and the same evening we had another killing frost prospects look bad at present even to alfalfa was nipped some. We can't tell how badly the cherries are hurt until they fall altho' some peoples orchards are frozen until the cherries are black. Dud Griffin had a full crop & he has complete loss. We all got hurt but can't tell how badly for a few days or perhaps a week. You had a wonderful stand of cherries in fact we all did but it looks pretty blue to all of us today
I looked your orchard over yesterday morning most of the sour cherries have a small brown spot they may not fall will let you know as soon as I can. I dreaded writing this but Miss Taft we are all in the same shoes. The sweet cherries are not so bad they were further advanced. I was looking forward to how many surprises I would have for you and the nice time we might have this Summer. But guess it will be the same as always.
We will hope for the best and try to [feel????] as we do a lot of people find their orchards & lost too. It is for some one higher than us to let us have things they say he knows best. Well Roger is in a hurry to mail this.
Lovingly Essie
Old Mission, Mich
May 29th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Jos. thinks we may not be hurt as much as we first thot. I'm glad you are not here now you would nearly freeze to death it was 28 down here last night or this morning at 3 a.m. There isn't a chimney on our house so we can't put a stove up for you.
Jos. signed up for electric lights they plan on bringing the line down the center road before long. They need just a few more signers. We will have our house wired as soon as we can if possible so as not to trouble you. The lights you burn won't cost you much. This thing of stumbling about in the dark is horrible expecially at night.
They may not come out but we have $118 put in it now of course if [thi?????] drop out our money is refunded.
Jos. had trouble with the spray rig two cogs broke off from the timing gear. Edd took us in town & we had them [brazed?????] on. We paid for the other repairs ourself. Jos. was just finishing your cherry orchard when that happened. He had Harold come & time it this morning. All is going well again only its so cold we all shiver all the while.
Will write again soon Will look the orchard over often.
Lovingly Essie
.46 to your credit
1.00 for repair of gear
.25 Harness oil
1.25
.76
.79 you owe us.
Harold hasn't [beep?????]
Harold hasn't been paid my hands are so cold I can hardly write they feel stiff like sticks.
June 3rd 1930
Dear Miss Taft:
Just a line this morning before I go in town. YOur cherries are looking better every day. Just a few trees down in lower corner look bad [?ou??????] fall isn't too heavy prepare to work hard later on.
I found this morning they are going to start the electric line out here tomorrow or day after. We will try and find an electrician as soon as we can to wire the house so please don't come too soon because they work early & late and you would be in a torn up mess. Harold Lardie is going to find out what he can for us within a day or two. We will have to wait our turn and I would like to have every thing cleaned up for you for a a mess it will be. I'm going to be on the job too not stay down here and let them lay around and charge $1.00 an hour or more.
Please let me hear from you. The hay fields are frozen some but will start to grow if we have any rain. We are drying up here and the sun is blistering hot now.
You will hear me in a day or two again.
All is coming again if [weather????] stays by us.
Lovingly Essie
[June 5, 1930]
My dear Miss Taft:
The cherries are coming wonderful after all our frosts. We are all looking forward to a very busy Summer. And hope we can be prepared to make you comfortable.
Please let me hear from you so I can make my plans.
Your's sincerely
Essie
June 10th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Read your card yesterday and today a letter. Was very glad to hear from you.
That gentleman you mentioned used to work with Bob & Edd. Bob is the one told him about your farm. He is a nice little fellow but hasn't money or perhaps a few hundred dollars. But Edd says he isn't a farmer and spends money as fast as he gets a little ahead for new cars. Just trys to keep up with the times is all. He is like hundreds other fellows thinks he can make a big stake on a farm. He may do well but unless you can get a good down payment be careful for one year of poor managing and your trees would be ruined. Then when a fruit growers orchard is gone there isn't much left. It would be nice if you could sell to some good man and not have these worries all the while. Of course I think we are all better off to have something to care for.
Your cherries are coming along nicely some trees are not so full. But a much better crop than a year ago. I hope you will be pleased with them.
The hay is coming slow after the frosts and dry weather. Oats look good.
I would feel bad to lose my garden here as I didn't plant much over home this year. Perhaps we had better plant some more up there. If you don't sell I'll be glad to share with you what I have.
Its quite expensive to have the lights put in. They are going to change the center road up by our place in order to cut off that corner. It will be nicer for us as it takes the road farther away from the house. They won't work on that until later on. We have to put $118.75 to join the co. and if we hook up within 60 days after the line is completed we get $100 back. and have to pay $10 a pole if we are 150 ft from line so it isn't so cheap. But would cost much more if left until later on.
In time I think they will come down this way altho it would be a lot extra as you would have to pay for poles to run down in here.
The men destroyed some of my Iris last fall but have some left I felt so badly to see every thing destroyed but salvaged some of them. One of them has a bud. It was so nice of you to bring them to me.
Miss Taft it always gives me a flip flop feeling inside to think of ever leaving here of course if you sell I'll have to go. I love my little home but this was my home first and has a tender spot in my heart.
Will try & be ready for you. The men start work up there tomorrow and hope some time in July you can enjoy good lights. They will only cost you what you use.
Lovingly Essie
Old mission, Mich
Sept. 19th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
I'm sorry I wasn't here the last night you came over here. I had been in town and had my eyes tested and as usual a terriable head ache all day long. So I put my coat & hat on and went down to the bay for a little walk & to be alone. Jos. supposed I had gone to Ernest's place. But am so sorry I missed you.
Well we have had two showers but no real rain to do much good this will help a little.
Jos. is husking out a little of the corn and finds it didn't fill out well at all it won't make very good seed but could be worse.
Mr. Lardie mailed us our other [cent??] on the cherries some people expect another cent at least but it is hard to tell what we will get yet. Haven't heard about our docked cherries. It would be like a Christmas present to receive any thing from them. Will let you know what we hear.
Mr. [Magygrew????] finished your work in a half day & I have the windows all cleaned again.
It has been dreadfully warm here but a little cooler here today wish you could have stayed two weeks longer at least.
Jos.sold one bushel of pears to Mrs. Chase for 75 [cents] but couldn't find sale for the rest of them so had to leave what was left they wasn't very good up in the top of tree perhaps a [bu????] is all there was left any way.
The horse isn't much better yet as we can see.
Mr. Willobee brought some of your hay and still has more to get. We got $66.90 worth and with what we have hope it will be nearly enough.
I have a dreadfu cold and can hardly get a good breath & a mean head ache so will close now hope you are well and not too warm.
With love Essie
There are no changes on the plums.
$10.00 $1.75 paint and puty
2.10 on hand 1.28 Laundry
.75 pears 2.50 [Manyhue]
$12.85 $5.53 expenses
5.53
7.32 left on hand
Old Mission, Mich
Sept. 23rd 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Todays mail brought me one of the very nicest gifts I ever had. I can never tell you how much I appreciate it. And the beautiful part is to think your [owns????] hands helped to make it. How can I every repay you both for your doing all that for me. Miss Taft a gift that you make and give to me means lots more than anything you could just buy it always seems so much more personal to receive a gift that has patience time and thoughts from the given put into it. So thanks again to you both.
Mailel you a letter Sun so hope you have it by now. The weather is very warm in fact what you would call hot. This morning we could scarcely breathe for smoke as there is a forest fire at Buckley and the wind blew the smoke in our dirrection.
The poor fruit trees are coaxing for rain altho they are nice & green there leaves are curled heavenward.
Hazel is getting supper & I can smell it burning so must come to her rescue if I want the fmaily to eat.
The day after you left Hazel started to be a lady & I had quite a time with her as she was dreadfully nervous and had to go to school too. Hope her exzema leaves now.
Must hurry now so as to mail this at O. M. tonight.
Lovingly, Essie
Old Mission, Mich
Oct. 17 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
Our Summer weather has turned cold so we are nearly frozen stiff today. Has snowed some.
Your seeding is coming along good and buds on cherry trees look very much better. Altho' the pasture is pretty slow in coming on.
Joseph is finishing cleaning the apple stumps out & will plow very soon there is lots to do this Fall in order to be ready for Spring.
He wanted me to ask you about buying a roll of roofing of some kind for the pig house the roof leaks so badly we can't put our chickens in there.
There must be something did about the well before winter sets in as the water flow is so small we fear there won't be any in a short time. It may be the check valve but more likely the screen is coated over.
Homer W. hasn't brough all your hay yet but expect him to very soon.
By the way Mrs. Mills has a new husband. They are away on a two weeks honey moon and then going to Florida for the winter. The neighbors say she is a happy blushing bride worse than a sixteen year old. Well its rather nice she has a companion.
Mrs Will Ayers is to be buried tomorrow afternoon and Mrs. John Holmes is very low.
We have electric lights did my ironing up there Tuesday and they worked fine. I may as well get some good out of them as we have to pay $1.00 a month anyway. Of course it will soon be too cold to even iron there in a few weeks from now.
Roger wants to mail this at Old Mission so must hurry as he is waiting on me will write sooner next time.
Lovingly Essie
Old Mission, Mich
Oct. 24th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
We have had a nice little winter since I last wrote to you. I had to get two rolls of roofing at $1.50 a roll. This is not the best but good enough to last a few years perhaps by then some one else will have the farm.
Jos. & Roger finished plowing the D. apple orchard this a.m. it looks very nice now have started down at the woods.
The meadow came on very well after the rain altho' I can hardly see how it would after being so dry.
I went to T. C. over a week ago and ordered brick to have a new chimney Clarence Lardie put it up at $10 a day of course Jos. didn't have to help him with that as he has his own tender. But I can keep warm. Thanks a lot for the offer of the oil stove but won't need to use it as I have a cook stove there now. The chim is the kind they build for a furnace from basement up. That is all we have had done there and all we will until some other year.
We got another 1/2 cent out of our cherries with the promise of more. How about you?
I hardly think the Lardies are going away guess I will ask her now. No they are not going. Mrs. Mills is now Mrs. Ruff and they are going to Florida I must hurry as I have button holes to make in & night shirts for my husband Jos. has a dreadful cold & can hardly keep going.
Must close now as ever with Love Essie
Old Mission, Mich
Nov. 5th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
I have hurried with my work all morning in order find a little time to sew. But find I must write you a few lines first
Your trees came & they are very nice Jos. has them nearly all set now. They are working hard as it is snowing & real chilly out but nor freezing yet.
Jos. started plowing pasture up and had to buy a new part for the plow it is pretty slow & hard going but looks good.
He wanted me to ask you if you saw the cow chains any place he has searched every where & says he can't find them he left them in the shed. It just came to him that you might have put them out of sight. With so many strangers about a person never can tell what they will take. His new pliers are gone and my straw hat has never come to light I can't help but feel those [carmoneys???] took them. Jos. could stake the cows about here and there on nice days and save a mouthful of feed there is some nice green grass out on the front lawn I know it would make the cows smile to have a bit of it.
Mr. Willobee brought the rest of your hay yesterday so will mail you the slips & bill I can't figure it out but perhaps you can on an adding machine if any mistakes just tell him about it. He charged us for 10# of hay we didn't get. I wish some times we had of sold Nellie to the fox farm as it will cost $1.00 to winter her this year. Bird isn't much better do you want to keep her after Fall work is all done? Jos. has the corn under cover but not all husked yet will tell you how many bu later on. It is poor but a wonder there was any. There was 4 1/2 bu carrots and 4 bu. of mangles. That reminds me I haven't my table carrots in from up home yet.
Well must hurry as I want to take a stitch before noon if I can please excuse this mess guess you can make it out.
How I wish I could carry the lights down here for the winter as we have to pay just the same. They are going thru on the shore road now with them. Mr. W. talks of putting them to his farm but let me tell you it costs a lot of good hard money we will be paying $140 besides no fixtures at all what will it take if barns & garage were all wired. They are nice but a big expense.
Much love, Essie K.
2.10 left Aug 12th 1930
10.00 check
$12.10
10.43
$1.67 on hand Nov. 5th 1930
2.50 May hay
1.75 paint & putty
3.00 for 2 rolls roofing at $1.50 per roll
1.90 plow repairs
$10.43
Old Mission, Mich
Nov. 30th 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
We are having a grand cold winter and lots of snow. Come on up we can play snow ball now instead of picking cherries. Our weather chaged very suddenly and looks as tho' winter is here in earnest.
Joseph got all the Fall work done up very nicely before the change came but didn't get the storm windows and doors up so we nearly froze.
We still have Bird yet Jos. doesn't like to dispose of her and run chances of picking up another horse in the Spring. She isn't any better. Horses are so hard to buy here unless you pay a big price for them and then they may die with in a years time. He has kept them busy up until last week.
You need not worry about your orchard it has gone into the winter looking fine the leaves froze up on the trees and no cherry blossoms showed up here. We will have to wait and see what the Spring brings forth for us. But all is well so far. Every one says we will take less for our cherries another year if there is a crop at all.
The Alfalfa hay Homer W. brought is not good hay and Jos. is going to tell him so he opened up a bale & it is very dusty. But the [$22?????] hay is very good but isn't alfalfa. We are going to try and buy our hay else where another year if we can It was so scarce this Fall and hard to buy or most farmers were trying to hold for better prices. I suppose we would do the same thing our selves.
Yes lots of the neighbors went on the deer chase but Jos. never leaves the place unless it is to go up to work on his own farm. Roger has looked every where for a job but can't find one he feels kind of blue about it. We paid him while he helped us. But that is only for a few months and then its too late to get a steady job.
I'm glad Alberta is getting on so well and am sure her vacation means more to her than the money she can earn down there.
It certainly will be nice if you do have the elctric lights put down here but it will cost a lot as you would need a transformer all yourself. Marian and Fay Dohmns had to do that way. It certainly is nice to step inside a door and turn on a switch. You would be surprised how much oil it takes to turn lamps and lanterns here for a winter. I would much rather pay for electricity.
I know your rug will be pretty when finished. I have mine all done & it looks nice.
The wind is howling and more snow falling so suppose it will be a [?rand????] day tomorrow.
Must get supper now so will try to write again later on.
With love, Essie K.
Old Mission Mich
Dec. 21st 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
As usual I have intended to write you a letter a week ago but am so busy every day I keep waiting until another day so here I am at last.
We have been having wonderful weather for the past week. There are a few inches of snow left on the ground yet enough to protect the seeding.
Joseph had Tom R. haul the feed as he charges [$].15 per hundred do you wish me to pay the bill or would you rather I would. I got a sack of stock salt when in town.
The horse had another poor spell and we tried to dispose of her at the Fox farm and they would pay one cent a pound for fat horses but wouldn't take them unless they were so Jos. put her out of her misery before she ate a lot more expensive feed. He said he was sure that is what you would wish him to do if you could see for yourself.
We have tried to get some one to look after the well but haven't so far. But manage to get on quite nicely.
I know how mean it is to have your salary [shoped????] into for some one else who is too lazy to help them selves. Miss Taft while the rest of us have been sweating and doing without some or most of the city people have been living high and grand. Now a few months of hard times come along they are down flat. Jos. and I had to do without all pleasures out side our own family in order to get a little home such as it is. While other neighbors have put on a big showing its pretty hard to put ones pride in their pocket all the time. But hope the sky will look brighter from now on.
Made my mince meat Friday and oh boy but it is good I'll let you sample it next Summer. It isn't all meat like some people like it. But lots of fruit and a little ___ in it. Your's looks fine wish you had your canned fruit for winter use.
Am so glad Alberta is getting along so well with her drawiang. I don't suppose Hazel will ever have half a chance. She is having a hard time at school. Her change is giving her trouble so she isn't well at all and then with her school work and a poor eye is out of luck. I worry until I nearly go mad some times altho' it don't help a bit. No one knows the trials of a mother until they raise a family of their own. I'll never foget poor Mrs. Stutsman its a wonder she didn't have a nervous break down.
Well Christmas is nearly here and I hardly know what to give this year. I remembered my mother but none of the rest as I can't buy expensive gifts and don't have the time to make them.
Your new dress is very pretty and it is the shade you look so well in. How did the one wear you purchased at the Globe store? That was so very nice looking. I'm still wearing my old one. I must try and do some sewing after Christmas.
I haven't been able to catch any one who knows about coming down here with elecricity as they won't do more until Spring. Most all of the farmers are well pleased. It cost us $15 for our share of poles It cost us $138.75 for wiring and all expense of poles and all. It isn't much but enough I think. I settled with the bank yesterday.
Well I must get dinner as I expect Roger & Hazel will come from church any minute.
With love, Essie K.
Wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Old Mission Mich
Dec. 23rd 1930
My dear Miss Taft:
We received a package from you and we couldn't wait until Christmas to open it.
We all wish to thank you for the contents it is just what we have all been wishing for as our old cards are nearlay worn out.
No one here plays bridge but I would like to learn they play what you call 500 and have lots of fun. It's a nice way to pass the long evenings and keeps our children at home.
Roger feels [????] quite bad to think he hasn't more money to make the Christmas rounds this year but none of us have.
Again we all wish to thank you for the lovely gift we will all think of you these long snowy evenings.
Lovingly your's
Essie K.