Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letter - November 19, 1928

Old Mission, Mich. Nov. 19th 1928

Well I must write you a letter and let you know how every thing is here.

There was 31 bu of carrots and 175 pumpkins. And Archie Helfrich is to bring your last load of hay tonight. The roads are dreadful here as it has rained so much lately. It has been a bad Fall to get out door work done. Jos. is trying to haul gravel when ever there is a good day he will soon have that finished. The little trees are here and all set out ready to grow. He has some corn husked but it isn't good like last year. And the fodder isn't nearly as nice either. Is it any wonder after it got hail 3 times before harvesting time came. Yes if a person can't raise their own feed it takes all the profit from a farm Archie is getting our hay too. We had two Summers hay in the barn but needed more to hold thru. I get discouraged always trying to figure a way out. My neighbor ladies can buy nice clothes but I have to make mine or do without and this miserable skimping all the while.

I want to go home next week or about the 1st of Dec. if I can scare up enough money. I simply must get away for a week or two. I have still got that dreadful cough Dr. Kyselka is trying to cure it. But I am so nervous all the time. I should have a coat as my old one was cheap and is very thread bare. And a few other little things the round trip will cost about $30 if I cross the straights. If crying would help me I would go down cellar and let it go but only makes my chest pain more. My work doesn't bother me much but I am alone too much of the time. I will try and write again before I go away. And will get that apple weigh bill into a check and deposit before I go. Both children are going to stay here and I will go alone would rather take them with me but the expenses would be much more. I haven't did any fancy work this Fall so didn't earn any extra money.

Levi is staying here as his mother is in the hospital she had two operations last Mon. One on her foot and her appendix removed. Don't know how soon she will be home. Perhaps you remember of her having her toe removed because of cancer of the bone well it followed up farther up into the foot. Am afraid her trouble has just started. Will let you know how she is later on.

Am sorry about your friend passing away as true friends are rare and hard to find. A lot of people will treat you nice and still be your worst enemy. I am getting so I don't care. I will do my best and give the best in me. And let the rest go at that. All the trees are bare now and look ready for winter. It has snowed a little all day and is still at it.

Was so glad to hear you are better. Hope all goe's well another Summer and we have [fruit] the trees look good at present. I feel so sorry for the poor trees that had no leaves since July. Doesn't look good for another Summer. Was very thankful for what we did get. It won't be many years until our little trees ought to help. Got 2 crates from them this season.

We expect our cow [?rish] any day now. I hope she has a living calf as that will prove she is all right.

Will send weigh bills of hay when Archie comes in tonight as he is in a hurry for his money. The hay is $19 a ton and is real good. But I know that bailed hay doesn't go as far as loose hay doe's. Jos. borrowed 9 bails of Fay Dohm so as not to buy in T. City.

As ever with Love Essie K.

32 95 first load
28 65 2nd  "
34 70 3rd  "
30 70 4th  "
31 15 5th  "
_____
15,815# of hay

P.S. Storming hard and ground covered with snow. Makes one think of winter. Hope you are well and comfy.