Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letter - October 31, 1928

Old Mission, Mich. Oct. 31st 1928

My Dear Miss. Taft:

I have been down and out for nearly two weeks with a cold on my lungs and upset all around. But am better I guess house cleaning proved too much. But I do feel so nice & clean am so glad because winter month one is so closed in to look and stare at the dirt.

Mrs. John [Mush] Marshall died very suddenly Sat evening Dr. said it was hear failure. No warning at all. Went to town with Mrs.Eiman and was there only a short time when she complained of being cold so they took her to her sisters and she just passed out with hardly a moan. It is a nice way to go when we are called but every one is not so fortunate.

Some days Joseph looks real miserable but his side is better the last week or so. The Allen's were here for two days last week and he enjoyed them so much. They are going to live on their place this winter. So expect to see them now and then.

Just received your letter so will answer your questions. The corn is poor Jos has it hauled inside and will husk it during poor weather. Fall plowing is done too good hay is hard to find this Fall and is quite high Joseph is still looking and thinks he has some located $10 must be for loose hay as they want $18 and $19 a ton when hauled. Jos. will do the very best he can. We have had poor weather here to get much work done some hail and snow. There hasn't been any pasture for some time now. It is too bad there wasn't more corn in for feed. Well, maybe another year we won't have hail and winds to destroy our crops and fruit.

Jos. will haul gravel shortly he has a little plowing to do on our own place so as to have every thing ready for Spring I sort of dread this time and yet I don't love the long winters and deep snow. Just so we stay well is all I ask. Joseph worries me so much as he never feels real well any more.

The cherry trees haven't come yet but Jos. is ready for them and is anxious to get them set out.

Would love to see your rug you make things so much nicer than I can. perhasps I tire of my own work. Am always so glad to hear what you are doing. I haven't did much but cough and have head ache so can't do much sewing when I feel so punk.

Henry Kitchens have a new baby girl. He feels real puffed up as most men do.

We saved 4 bu of winter apples and the rest came to $4.13 haven't been in town for nearly 3 weeks so haven't been to Morgans for check will attend to it the first time I can go in. We may drive Queen in later on if we don't catch a ride in.

The shade trees are all bare. Fruit trees still look quite green and healthy. Wish you could see your farm in winter time. It looks so different

I was thinking this morning that it wouldn't be long until time to pay taxes. It keeps a fellow on the jump every minute and then some to make all ends meet. Joseph bought Mrs. Marshalls new disc. for $40 she paid 65 for it. It doe's cost so muuch for to start in on a farm. Next comes a spray rig I suppose that is a good $300 or more. We don't want a lot of old worn out tools to keep repairing.

Guy Killmury took their little girl to Ann Arbor to have her broken limb reset she had it broken during cherry picking time and it has gone all this time.

Well I can't think of any more to write.

As ever Essie.

P.S. Joseph may have to go to Traverse City for hay if he can't get any within a few days we have hauled all of ours over here waiting for farmers to bail their hay. It will be a long winter to feed aniimals and wish we could get the hay soon . Its hard to find at present.