Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1926

Carolyn Gay Taft Farm Letters - Transcribed letters from 1926

Old Mission Peninsula (Mich.)
Agriculture
Farmers
Crops and climate

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.

Ralph Kitchen, Joseph Kitchen, Essie Kitchen, Max Gilmore, Hazel Gilmore

Collection donated to Peninsula Community Library by the surviving members of the Taft family.

Peninsula Community Library

1926

Mary T Morgan

This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.

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LHC 010

Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan

Old [?] Mich.
Jan. 18th 19-26

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I have wanted to write for several days but have had considerable company so couldn't find the spare time.

At the present time are having fine weather the snow is nearly all gone people are still driving their cars. The roads were plowed out again today so cars could keep going. I see where there will be a lot of poor farmers in the Spring unless some-thing happens.

Fay Dohm & family has gone to Detroit to spend the winter he is working there so many of our neighbors are gone this winter that we feel kind of alone.

Am so glad Mrs. Stutsman has sold out at last of course it was hard for her to part with the farm but it is all she could do under circumstances. Mr. Holmes & Pratt have been here at least 6 or 7 times & tried to sell us the remainder of the farm but we don't think we will take it. Of course they could sell it to Mr. Tompkins or rather give it to him as they won't pay much for any thing they buy. We removed your belongings over here last Friday the day after your letter arrived to us. The chairs table & beding was put in Roger's room we couldn't put it in the spare room on account of mice. [?]hey would [?] it up. The trunks & boxes are out in the wagon shed.

Joseph says if we don't have a long winter & the grass starts up in the Spring we will have enough hay. But we may need more. At present there is no sleighing. If we have a chance & go to Traverse will we get some more bran for cows & horses. You oughto see how nice the animals look after having pleanty bran. We are just out of it now. He took some oats & corn & had it ground which cost 1.50 It hardly pays to feed it whole the stock gets so much more good out of it this way. Also had to have new batteries for the phone. Central said the reason the batteries didn't last was because there was a leakage in the other phone. We had him change it after you wrote but you didn't say any-thing before so wouldn't let him do it. We can get more hay if you send the order in as soon as enough snow comes on.

Am very glad to hear Rebecca is better. Hazel is having her trials now. We may have to keep her out of school all together the vision is going down in her left eye & she is useing the right one to do her wook. We have to cover the good eye 3 hrs. a day with a dark pad & make her use the left eye but not do any close work. It is very hard on her & makes her dreadfully nervous. But with good care we hope she will improve before long. She has been under Atropine for 3 days at a time.

Am so glad you enjoyed the apples they were small but some that Joseph saved last fall just to send to you at Xmas time. Well it is time for me to get busy so must get at it. With love Essie K.

$4.10 on hand
$ .50 for grinding grain
$ .90 Batteries
_____
$1.70 left on hand.


Old Mission, Mich.
Feb. 2nd 19-26

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Thanks for Joseph's check was very glad to get it. You are always so prompt.

Joseph has tested the new seed corn a short time ago & it was very good he never saves any-thing but the best for seed.

Went to T.C. yesterday & got the Alfalfa & bran. The shore road has snow enough so you can get over it fairly good most all the way. The cars are still traveling the center road.

Mr. Holmes & Pratt was over to the place & took some of the furniture out last Sat. They asked for the house keys so I gave them to them. In regards to selling property it is only the bay frontage they want & if they could have bought that from Mrs. Stutsman without the farm they would have liked it better. They are trying their best to sell the remainder of the farm. but we don't want it so guess they won't trouble us any more from now on. They bought Murray Tompkings & also Willie Gills Miss. Walker sold hers too just bay frontage. They told us that they might not be able to get a resort started there after all on account of bay shores being so poor. And the water keeps on going down. They are just taking a gamblers chance at it. We have heard considerable gossip in regards to things there If you really intend to sell your farm we will keep our eyes open for a buyer & let you know if we hear of any. But at present nothing is being bought without bay front. Well this is the day after I went to the Ladies Aid today & heard a lot of neighborhood gossip. The Ridge-wood bay front has been sold for $18.000 cash. Mrs. John Tompkins told us about it. Also Mr. Gore says he think that some of the head men of the Chicago drainage is buying this property. Who ever it is is buying shore every where they can get it. Also along lake Mich. Mr. Gore gets out a lot and hears some of the inside things This may not be of any interest to you but thot' I would mention it just the same.

The ground is bare in some places in the meadows so it will be hard on seedings again this winter. The bay hasn't frozen over so far.

Had a letter from Mrs. Stutsman telling me what I could get from the house but it is too late now as they have taken over the keys now so we can't get in. I don't think we had better take the old spray tank as it might make trouble if we tried to do that. Of course we will try if you [say so] insist on it but don't care to unless you wish it done. You know how those things go.

The fruit trees look good so far don't know how they will come thru' the Spring weather.

[?] cow hasn't been taken yet has not been in heat. Wish she would hurry up pretty soon I wish there was room inside the house to take & store all of your trunks & boxes so mice couldn't get into things. BUt guess they will be all right the shed is new, clean and dry so they oughto be all right there.

Roger has a violin & intends to begin taking lessons in about a week. He is very anxious to start. It will cost quite a little .75 a lesson but guess we can make it some way.

Oh dear I dread to think of parting with the farm too it seems like home to me now we have been here so long. But will look out for a buyer and will be sure to let you hear if we find one.

With love, Essie Kitchen

$1.70 on hand Queens shoes $1.50
$5.00 received Jos. dinner .30
______ B. rent .25
$6.70 _____
2.05 $2.05
_____
$4.65 left to your credit. Feb. 3rd 19-26.


Old Mission, Mich.
Feb. 22nd 19-26

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

We have tried several parties about buying the farm but no one in view yet Maybe later on some one will turn up & buy.

We are going to sell part of our furniture in case you sell soon we wouldn't have so much to move. It would only get smashed to pieces in a short time & we wouldn't have either money or furniture as it is we have the chance to sell some of it for a good price so will let it go.

Of course we don't want to be out of a job so if we see something sure we might take it but would be fair with you & let you know in plenty of time. As I have said before I'm not anxious to leave this dear place. It seems like home to me. When we leave it I don't want to look back for it would surely make me cry. Joseph & I have worked hard together for nearly nine years here. So can't help it you may think I am plain soft hearted.

The stock is all well as ever. Jerry acts kind of old & slow but it is natural for him.

I don't like to mention about the well but am afraid it is going to do the same as before. Of late it pumps very slow takes 145 strokes for a pail of water. I didn't like to say any-thing about it until I had to. I think as the bay lowers that people's wells will keep on going dry. It is the case with a lot of people here now. Maybe it could be fixed up but will use it as long as we can get water. Joseph can't locate the real trouble so will wait until you return in the Spring.

Roger has taken his second violin lesson and likes it so much. You will be surprised to see how fast my little boy has grown to be a big one. But is the same dear boy to me as ever. I must be very careful as he is undergoing his change now.

Must hurry & wash dishes as my water will get too hot.

Hope you are well and keep well.

With love.
Essie Kitchen


Old Mission, Mich.
Feb. 26th 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I have written you a letter or two since Feb. 4th where are they? Yes that box marked baby clothes is safe in Roger's room we tried to take every thing we thot' you would care for.

A very sad thing happened today of late. Poor Ikey Haywood passed away with pneumonia Feb. 24th they brought him here for burial He was layed away to rest today in the cemetary where his 2 little daughters are. We feel very sad tonight and I can hardly write this letter Rosie is very poorly weighs about 90 lbs. To think she is left with 4 children & no means and very poor health. It is enough to make a hard heart turn soft.

she went back to Muskegon and intends to stay there with her little family. Doctor told her Ikey had T.B. and of course when pneumonia set in there was no help. I am going to send you her address in caase you would wish to send her a few words of comfort as no one know how much she needs them. It would help to cheer her some if you did as she & Ikey was both fond of you. 1410 Hugart Street, Muskegon, Mich. is their present address but they will move before long.

The weather is very cold one day & the next maybe it will rain. Thursday evening we had rain & turned into a sleet storm left considerable ice on the trees but today the sun took some of it off. altho the wind was very raw & cold. Hope the cold wind didn't do any damage last night. It is early in the season so hardly think it did any harm.

Mrs. Stutsman wrote about the phone & I tried to explain to her. I couldn't get any ans. from Mr. Holmes over the phone but saw him & talked plain English so he said we could have it. But if we do sell it Mr. Courtade might object to installing it again as he claims it cost so much to keep it in repair. I think in the first place it wasn't put in right & not grounded the proper way.

I nearly forgot to tell you that the bay is frozen over solid with good thick ice 5 or 6 inches maybe more. That will help some to keep fruit buds back.

Thanks for the funnies the children do enjoy them so much. Also for the news from Miss. Carter. I like to hear some of the out side things.

The children are well have escaped mumps so far so guess they are safe at least I hope so.

Had a letter from Aunt Alice Haywood & she is very well this winter & still piecing quilts.

Well it is past my bed time now & still have another letter to write & feel rather weary. Hope school affairs will come out all right. Am so glad you write things of interest to me.

Your's with love,
Essie K.


Old Mission, Mich.
Mar 1st 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Received your letter in today's mail we missunderstood you. We thot' we would have to sell the farm in order to receive the 3 months pay as it is we would be well protected of course if some one would have bought in the winter time we would have been let down. Jos. says he is willing to stay on those terms. Sorry we didn't understand it right in the first place.

When a fellow has a family to provide for it is a proposition of having a steady job or doing without proper food. If it was just Joe and I we could manage on very little but with two children it is different.

Please don't worry about our leaving you in a mess like that. We will always try & be fair and square. I know how you would feel about having strangers come onto the farm. They could destroy in a few months what it has taken you many years to earn and build up. That thing has happened around here.

The bay is frozen over solid & ice roars and rumbles like thunder on very cold mornings. Has snowed all day but not cold out. The ice has been gone for several days that froze on the trees last Thurs. morning so guess it didn't do much damage if any.

We will need about 5 cords of wood to last us from Spring until next fall. Jos. has cleaned the woods good and clean [of] all the down poles and dead stuff. How can we get enough to carry us thru'? We could have picked up a lot of small wood from Stutsman's if we had of known in time about their going to sell so soon. But wouldn't think of asking Pratt or Holmes about any.thing. Winter started so early and going to last for so long or we would have had plenty to carry us thru the Spring at least. Would you please mention in your next letter what to do about it. I should have said something before but forgot to do it.

Will be well pleased when the day arrives for a sight of you and your car. It seems ages since you went away.

I hope this Summer your health will be better so you can relax and have a perfect vacation. I will be only too glad to do my share towards it. Altho' I never have a real vacation am at least where I can get a breath of fresh air even if I do have to work like a nailer every minute at one thing or other. You being closed up in a tight school room most of the time is enough to break any ones heath. When it is from one year to the other.

Can't think of more to write so must go to bed. Now please don't worry about us leaving your place. Thanks for check & funnies. Your's with love Bessie



Old Mission, Mich.
Mar 15th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Received your letter and the check I thank you for both off them.

We are still having vey cold weather was a little warmer today but the wind has switched back to the north again and is snowing hard and oh so cold. We have been having zero weather for quite a while. It is a good thing for the fruit I guess. Bay is still frozen over solid as can be.

As to corn bores we heard a lot about them at the Farmer's Institute meeting held at O.M. last fall. In fact so many very good articles on care of fruit and how to prepare soil for various crops. Last fall when I went over to gather some sweet corn from J. Haywood's garden I found the ears of corn were full of black & white worms. It was a mess to look at. So I summoned up courage to get up and ask one of the speakers about those worms. I thot' maybe it was the corn bore but he said they worked in the stalk instead of the ear. But for people to keep close watch. None has been found in this locality so far. Your fodder is all gone or we would look for some there. I think our poor corn was due to poor weather and quack grass.

I think the Kauer cow is all right looks healthy & all but cold weather holds her back some. She appears to be uneasy the last few days so think she will be taken very soon now. Other animals are fine.

As to wood I have inquired all around to find some Mr. Wilbur could let us have 2 cords of buzz wood at $2.25 a cord & may have more later on. This weather is the cause of us getting out Jos. had to cut 3 very small trees in order to keep warm. I am sorry we were in hopes our fuel would hold out until you didn't need us any longer. Called Miss Walker's farm also Toulek's and they haven't any to sell at all. I hated to write to you about fuel and ask for anything for that matter. Jos. has saved every little stick of wood & none has been wasted so there is nothing more he can pick up. And with our salary we can't afford to buy our fuel.

You have extra expense but we are the same it takes most all we can scrape to get along and I try hard to manage on our salary It takes considerable for the 4 of us. By the time Dr. Dentist Drug Store and Grocery bills & a few cheap clothes are bought we have to dig to keep on top. And then that ever-lasting insurance. The only reason I would like employment is to help educate our children. Roger never recites a lesson and it worries me sick. There is one boy that likes you if no other. He thinks Miss. Taft such a fine example of clean womanhood. He has noticed a lot lately and always comes to me for which I am very thankful. Is doing well with his music.

There is an old leaning maple that looks as tho' it was ready to fall & is hollow for there is holes in the trunk some wind storm it is going down. It is in the corner near the well. If you would care to have it cut down. Joseph would have time now before time to trim trees. Use your own judgement but it may come down some time on top of a cow during a storm if it was mine I wouldn't leave it there.

I hope Mr. Moe waits until you return to look this well over. I feel as tho' you would be more satisfied with the job. Of course we will do the best we can if he doe's come.

Mrs. Stutsman has asked $5.00 for the phone that used to be here And Mrs. [?iman] would take it but Central puts in a howl about it not being any good. Would you advise me to let her have it and maybe not be satisfied with it? I don't like to do that with any one as it gives a person a bad name and I don't care for that. Have faults enough now.

Does it make any difference to you which we keep a pig or chickens? We have to keep the chickens closed in most of the time on account of crops and we could keep a little pig just as cheap & have no chickens at all. I feel as tho' there oughto be something to feed the potato parings & left overs to. It is such a waste to dump on the ground. If we can keep a pig instead we will manage to get our middlings before it breaks up this spring. What ever pleases you will be satisfactory with us.

Hope you are well by now & feel like yourself I felt dread. when I read your letter but when a person is sick they are not themselves so tried not to look at it the wrong side up. The children are home from school now and sends their love. Lovingly Essie.

P.S. Dear Miss. Taft on my way to T.C. I happened to think I hand't answered your question in regards to spray materials. Ther is over one half barrel lime & sulphur and quite a little arsenate You may need a little more but not very much. Wouldn't I be proud tho' if that was my farm instead of someone else's property. Oh 'how I love it. I got this paper from the T.C. post master. Jos. is waiting for me so must hurry.
Love. Essie.


Old Mission, Mich.
Mar. 30th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft: -

Letter was received and thanks for the same Also check.

We had a few thawing days & now it turned real cold again. Went down to zero Sat. night a little warmer tonight. There is lots and lots of snow here the cars run but it would frighten you to see the dreadful roads people tear their cars to pieces & risk their necks now days just to go, go and go.

The ice is good and solid out in the bay & promises to be for some time yet unless we have a dreadful storm of some kind. Here it is nearly April & still winter yet. There will have to be more feed bought for this kind of a Spring means no grass for nearly 2 months yet. I dread to mention hay Jos. thot' there would be enough but 3 cows & 2 horses eat quite a little. I know how bills creep up it is enough to drive one insane always something. I earned $5.00 sewing and there is 10 places for it. Sometimes I think the woman that takes life easy comes thru' just as well or better than the one that is always on the move every minute.

Hazel has had an ulcer on her left eye had to keep her home from school a whole week.

You said something about your clothes. I am going to wear the same old ones I have. And try not to have any-thing new at all. Maybe a penny Store hat and that will be all.

Rosie and her whole family has T.B. They may have to send them all to a sanatorium she isn't able to do the work for her whole family let alone earning her living. That is what ailed them for this long time but the poor sleepy Traverse City Doctor's couldn't see it. The children can't go to school am so glad in a way that they went down there for here they would have exposed all of us.

I hope we can at least have a good Summer this year so there will be feed for the stock & not have to buy so much. Have you any idea when Mr. Moe is to come down here. Jos. can't get enough water now for the stock. It may be there is a small stone or something under the check valve that keeps the water from coming up.

Hope your dear mother is better by now. Maybe as the weather gets warmer her health will improve Perhaps she is like Joseph's father. Since mother has gone he isn't contented any where has been away all winter. It is dreadful to be parted in the last few remaining years after your family is grown up and then all alone. We must all come to that time some day if we live to be old.

Joseph may get his block knocked off for he took a key and got the phone from the other place. The wasn't in any hurry to let us have it so if you haven't any man to work the farm you will know what happened.

There is seed oats here those that Jos. got of Kauer's were lovely so is saving them to plant. It will take about 1 1/4 bu. to the acre. Hope the snow goes soon so he can start Spring work.

Most go to bed as it is late. Try not to worry.

With love Essie


Old Mission, Mich.
April 10th 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Have intended to write before this but have been quite busy.

Roger has been home for the past week with the mumps. He is on the gain now and hope he continues to improve. Most men and boys are having them very hard so I have been more than careful with son. Expect Hazel will begin to get fat in a few days. This is a poor time to miss school. As they have only about five more weeks of school and then have to take state tests.

There is quite a boom here on shore property. Some of it was bought cheap but most of it has been going for a big price. Of course people are valueing their farms double but none are selling. A great deal of this property is being held up on an option so the Real Estate fellows sell their options on to another fellow. It is hard to get in on these things because these fellows arn't telling their business to every one We hear so many things that it is hard to tell what is correct. I think you wise to hold your farm for a while maybe the right fellow will come along so you could get all cash for it. It is a nice place and would make a good home. I wouldn't ask for anything nicer for myself to live. Am afraid it is way beyond our reach. At least for a few years.

We have decided not to buy a pig and keep a few chickens closed up. Maybe they will lay a few eggs for us during the Summer. We don't want to have any-thing that you don't approve of all together. Of course it is a great saving to have your own meat.

The ice is still solid in the bay and will stay all Summer if this weather continues. There is lots of snow in the woods and quite a little in the fiel[?] yet and the roads wo[?] be fairly good if it wasn't for the cars trying to travel on them. Joseph went up the next day after your letter came and hauled 29 bu of hay down but couldn't go after any more. As there are so many bare spots now. So will he have the remainder brought down by truck later on?

We have heard that Mr. Ashmore isn't going to be on the farm this summer he has two hired men to take care of the place. I wonder why he would trust so much to stranger's. It won't be but a few yrs. and all that poor Miss Morris and Kent worked so hard for will be ruined. It is such a pity to see that nice place go down the way it has.

That Kauer cow is still waiting I wonder why? That is the way when you have to buy stock you don't know of course she was a cheap cow but oughto have been all right I should think. Maybe she will come along all right yet but it is so late in the season hope she hurries up.

I just read your letter over to be sure not to leave any thing out. Mr. Carl Pratt and some fellow from Chicago came here in the Fall and bought some property along bay shore and then Marshall Pratt & Roy Holmes did a lot more buying don't know who all is in it.

Joseph bought the horses hay in town as long as you were buying it any way.

Cherries are budded very heavy. And fine weather for them so far. It has been thawing some today and wind is blowing tonight hope it leaves the north so we will have a little rain.

We will be lucky to plant oats the 1st of May here.

With love, Essie K.

Milling Co. was out of Alfalfa so had to get timothy.

[$].25 for horses hay.
[$].25 barn rent.
.30 Josephs dinner
.10 plow bolts
______
.90 expenses

$4.65 on hand
.90 expenses
_____
$3.75 to your credit Apr. 10th 1926


Old Mission, Mich.
Apr. 20th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

It has been real nice and warm today for a change but ice still remains solid in the bay. Isn't that the limit tho' for this time of year. Sun a few flakes of snow fell to remind us that it could still snow if it cared to.

Got good news the Kauer cow went calling on Kroupa's today and was very anxious so hope it will be all O.K.

The snow is nearly gone in the large field that you want seeded so will get busy at earliest date possible. Joe says he thinks you would get a catch of alfalfa on whole field now as there is still a little alfalfa appearing here and there.

Did you say you wanted corn 20 in apart and 2 seeds in a hill? The planter won't do it without missing a lot I didn't just understand so will have to ask in order to be sure about it.

Mrs. Ashmore is coming here this Summer but he is going to work. poor stick.

The Holmes and Pratt fellows are after the Breeden farm on account of bay front and can't get it unless they buy the whole thing. They were looking it all over Sun. If I hear any more will let you know. If this farm only had shore frontage you could sell much easier. Heard the Charlie Stanek place was sold Joe Stanek sold got $4,000 down he had a nice shore line Also good golf ground. We hear so many things & never feel quite safe to repeat as Mr. Pratt will say most any thing he can think of.

How about that part of old alfalfa field that was seeded and failed to come up Will Jos. reseed when he doe's the other.

The children received the papers and thanks so much they are both very busy looking them over and also quiet. They came in tonights mail so suppose I will have to show them the razor strap before I can get them to start for bed.

You mentioned something in one of your letters about selling those two chairs. I can't just remember the price but if I can afford them would like to buy them as I haven't any rocker that is comfortable to sit in. I don't have very much money of my own now days as Roger's music lessons take most of my own savings Now his violin needs repairs that will cost around $10.00 I paid $15 for it and it is a very old one around 100 yrs old so the glue has let loose in several places and needs other parts fixed up. It sound very nice and the older they are the more they are worth so most people thinks he has something rare and hard to find. I got it of a very elderly gentleman in Wis.

The neighbors had a suprise party on me Sat eve My birthday was Sun so they took me by surprise I had a headache & went to bed early but Jos. was up playing cards. So they caught me in bed. I felt ashamed to be in bed early but had been sick nearly all day. They had to walk from the road down here wouldn't get in with a car. A violinist came out from town with one car load & the ladies furnished a lovely lunch. About 25 in all besides ourselves. Got some very nice presents.

Hazel hasn't had mumps yet & it has been nearly 3 weeks since Roger came down with them. She is cross tonight so wouldn't be surpised if she was fat tomorrow.

There is a lot of flu around here hope we escape it.

Will see Ledger about hauling rest of hay but it will be some time before a car can get down in here.

If we go to town this week will try & see Mr. Moe as we need water badly. If Jos. turns the cows down to the woods to water they don't want to come back & we don't want to let them out yet. He has carried the water to them so far but won't have much time from now on. With love Essie

Wed morning - I forgot to mention several things in the letter I wrote last night. Jos. may catch a ride in town tomorrow and see Mr. Moe now with Spring hustle he can't be delayed with water carrying. He thinks it is only the check that has gone wrong & not more drilling will be necessary. If he has to stay over night could I use your bed? I will be careful with it and put it back in good condition. Would you care to sell one of those old screens I would get new material for them. And how much would you ask for one? At times when we have to have extra help and they sleep in Roger's room I like to have something to protect him from others. He doesn't care to dress in the presence of strangers and I am very glad that he has a little modesty.

Hazel has mumps this morning she got two spankings from the teacher yesterday so I thot' something must be very wrong for that seldom happens to her as she is always happy.

And thanks again for those papers they will help me to get thru the next few days as well as her for she is always very busy and keeps every one around her the same way.

Haven't had one Spring rain yet wish we would before long to help draw out the frost.

Cherry trees are full of buds and look grand. Joseph trimmed all dead wood out of trees and they look lots better. I was up there Mon.

Must hurry
Lovingly Essie.


Old Mission, Mich.
May. 4th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I intended to write to you a week ago but was feeling dreadful bad and it ended up in my having the measles. There wasn't a case any where around but Dohm's little girl had them in Detroit and she had a cough when they brought her over here. The Dr. said I took them from her. I didn't want to write to you until I felt safe in doing so didn't want to expose you. So will you please excuse my long silence? Hope the children don't take them from me because Roger is to write on his State exams the 14th which is his birthday also.

It was 86 Sat in the shade first hot day we had. A nice shower followed and Sun Afternoon it turned cold & nasty out Mon. is snowed & blowed all day the ground was frozen hard again this A.M.

Jos. keeps getting the ground ready to plant the grass & oats. But wants to wait until it stops freezing nights as oats freeze quite easy. No use to waste seed in the cold ground. It is snowing again now.

Every thing got a good coating of manure there was lots of it this Spring. The stock was inside for so many months there was much more than usual.

The grass seed and every thing is here ready & waiting to be used.

Sweet cherry buds are swollen a little but others are the same as in the winter will be lucky to be in blossom when you come this year.

Jos. thinks it would be a good idea to drill in some fodder the same as he did over to S. place last year in order to save buying so much feed during the winter months.

Did Mrs. Lardie write to you about the cherry meeting? She attended so I asked her if she would please write and tell you the details about it. I had no way to go at the time. As a rule she attends most every-thing going on. wish I had the chance to do it too. But she has no children to work for & her husband waits patiently.

The Breeden farm is sold & Ledger is expecting Mr. B. most any day to straighten things out. Mr. Holmes & Pratt bought the place & are going to sell the shore line and of course they will have to keep the remainder until they find sale for it. I would gladly have written Mrs. Stutsman about the boom if there had of been one at the time her place was bought. We didn't know until you wrote to us that it was sold right after that then these fellows quietly bought every-thing from the light house this way that they could get.

Joseph thinks we better not buy any more furniture until we know what we are going to do. I miss the dining room furniture but if you sell soon and we have to move away we are better off without it. It makes the room look bare We have our phonograph & some other things in there so we are comfortable. I never want any thing more that is nice until I have a home to put it in. That I can call my own if it is only a dug out some where in a side hill. We have enough saved now so we can buy before long if we have no misfortune of any kind. I won't be able to do any more sewing to help out for a while now on account of my eyes. Have had measles twice since grown up. Wish I would get over having kid diseases pretty soon & be a woman

Got 10 gal. of gas for spraying purposes are all ready now when the fruit is.
With love Essie.
$3.75 on hand
2.10 for Gas. 10 gal.
____
$1.65 left on hand.
Haven't seen Mr. Moe yet. Was so afraid he would come while I was sick abed.

Dear Miss. Taft;
Wed A.M.
still cold & cloudy looks like more rain again today. Feed will be going short so will have to turn cows out for 1/2 day at a time. The cow doesn't look much like freshening next month. She flows a little along and has for a little while. We must keep close watch of her. My eyes are quite bad this morning I shouldn't have used them yesterday I guess.
Love Essie.


Old Mission Mich.
May 10th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Just a little note to start out Mon. right. As I know you are feeling anxious to hear from the farm this time of year.

We have had some very warm weather since I wrote to you but is considerable colder today had a frost last night.

Cherry buds are coming fast now hope they are a little slower. There are ice bergs floating around in the bay. If it isn't too cold will have to start spraying in another weeks time.

Jos. was out in the field before 5 o'clock putting in grass seed & oats before the wind comes up. He is using the seeder instead of drill he thinks the seed will come better and is anxious to have good luck this year. Hope it turns out well. Will have all done before noon today. Then must get corn ground ready. Roger and I done all the chores I the milking & he cleaned the barn & waatered the horses. I am so tired I can hardly write. Milking is hard work for me as I am not used to it.

Had to go to Kroupa's again yesterday with the Kauer cow hope she will be satisfied now.

Joseph went in town yesterday Sun. and saw Mr. Moe about the well. Couldn't get any dirrect answer he said he would come as soon as the weather was all right. Jos. told him that he needed him now. Guess he is a lazy fellow. He wouldn't say when he would come. Jos. can't help him any now as there is far too much work for him to spare any time so he will have to do the work alone.

If I had room and conveniences I would love to keep you here this Summer. Have you found a place yet? Please excuse me for asking but am anxious to know if you have a comfortable place to stay. Must hurry your's with love Essie.


Old Mission, Mich
May 16th 1926

My Dear Miss Taft:-

Was glad to hear from you was afraid you was ill it had been quite a while since I heard from you. Hazel has measles this morning that is twice for her in about 18 months am so sorry she had to get them her eyes was doing so nicely. Roger is all OK. so far.

The calf that was bred is the most beautiful thing you ever saw. It is her mother I don't think she caught right because it has been coming away for about 2 months little at a time Jos. tried to dry her up but she gained so on her milk that I am going to keep on using it now. I can't understand and yesterday she came in heat. Will we take her next time.

All oats & seed is sowed & oats are starting to come up now. We need rain it is so beautiful out I can hardly stay inside but must & take care of my baby. Will have to spray sweet cherries tomorrow A.M. It has been freezeing up until last 2 or 3 nights hard white frosts.

As near as we can find out the B. farm is being sold for $25,000. The realestate fellows will sell bay front & woods for nearly that & have a cheap farm. There seems to be a No. of farms for sale we have held off for just one reason & you know that have had several good chances. But have given it up some one else richer will have it I suppose. I have learned to love it here & want a home some day. That is the reason we never bought a car couldn't see our way clear to save a cent with one.

Am better but eyes smart.
Your's with love Essie.
over

Mrs. Breeden's mother passed away some time ago. And Mr. B's mother wasn't expected to live but a few days last time Ledger heard from him. He expects to be here this month some-time to attend to things

Please excuse scribbling but have had to hurry as Hazel needs me so much.

The well is working pretty good again since the ice & snow has raised the bay a little so it shows that the vein of water must be on bay level.

Spray gas tank has holes in it so bad we will have to have it sodered gas leaks out dreadful

Must Hurry Roger wants to mail this. Mon. A.M.


Old Mission Mich
May 29th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Have intended to write for several days but have been busy planting garden & many other things to do every day.

First I must tell you that Roger passed his test in the 8th grade so now he can take the 9th next term he feels very happy about it.

Sun. there is going to be a celebration at the Golden Tower. Wish we could go in to Traverse City this P.M. It is Blossom day and they have a beautiful [parade] parade. I took the children in last year. Wish you could be here too.

Haven't heard from you for about two weeks so I wonder what is wrong.

Seeding & oats are doing fine if we can have a little warm weather this week. On the 20th while sweet cherries were in full bloom had 2 heavy frosts froze 1/4 inch ice in water tubs & oh so cold. But now sour cherries are nearly all in bloom & the weather is beautiful the leaves on maple trees are nearly half grown now so maybe we will have Summer after all.

Corn is planted & Jos. is puting carrots in today I had to pay $0.50 for 1/2 lb. of seed at P.K. this year so had them give me a slip so you could see for yourself.

Jos. plowed disced & drag the space where alfalfa was planted as it was growing up to June & quack grass & put corn in so as not to have vacant ground I mean the little square that was seeded & failed last Summer at the time he sprained his ankle. Also put corn in the orchard where you had it before. He did this in case you wouldn't sell it would save buying so much feed another winter.

Ledger hauled 1 1/2 tons hay a week ago. He can wait until you come for his pay if you wish to leave it that way. I don't know his charges

We hear that Mr. Pratt hasn't made any papers out on B Farm yet. He will buy if he can get the money to buy with. He told Ledger that he bought it and wanted Ernest's to vacate the house. Ledger said he took orders from Mr. B. and no one else so When Mr. B. wrote he said the place was still his own. I don't know of any more farms being sold yet.

Will let you know how cherries look when I can see for myself. You will be here before long yourself. the petals will start to fall about that time.

Can't think of any more to write about now.

With love Essie K.

P.S. Since I started this letter I found out B. has sold but will be here for about 2 months this summer

Had a nice rain last night (over Roger has measles this A.M. so is enjoying life fine so am I.

Can't you adopt me so I won't have to leave this beautiful place. It is grand out this morning after the rain.

We didn't get any mail yesterday on account of Labor day. I will have to mail this myself as chore boy is in bed.

It June 1st when I received your letter we were without mail 2 days.

I don't know if frost did any damage or not it is too early to see. But think not.

No none of places has been resold so far. B. are going to rent & live in their place[crossed out] house this Summer But the S. house is empty so far. Suppose they would want good big rent tho' as they are that kind. Every thing has been removed from the house so I don't think a person would find much to keep house with. They did that the 1st thing. Mrs. Stutsman said I might have some things but it was very little I got they deal very close & selfish.

We escaped frost last night it has been colder since yesterday after rain.

This letter is in instalments but have waited so long before mailing it. Essie

[Prokop Kyselka Cash Sale Slip for seed]


Old Mission, Mich
June 25th 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Thought I would write you a few lines this afternoon while I have a few minutes to spare. As I know you always feel anxious to hear how things are progressing.

Had quite a heavy frost one night last week think it was the 18th it froze corn some but not bad. Then Mon & part of the day Tues. had a heavy wind that nearly covered us with sand that did more damage than the frost covered our sweet corn so deep we had to uncover it after the storm had a very light shower since you left. Quite a heavy fall of cherries. But they could be much worse than what they are. It will be a long while before they are ready to pick. The early sweets will be much later than last year. Carrots are coming slowly not very good maybe they will be better looking later-on. Received pumpkin seed & have them planted in vacant place in garden.

Jos. cut the hay around they road & swamp for horses to help out until haying time. Corn has just began to grow now as the weather is more favorable.

The Breeden farm has been sold Ernest just told us and Mr. Pratt sent Mr. B a telegram to please come & take household furnishings. As his people will soon be here. They are painting over at the Stutsman place. Of course if a person wishes to sell some times a little paint will bring in a great deal more for a place. If it looks prosperous. They want their price and that is why they are going at things in such a large way. Mr. Pratt was over to look at the log cabin twice yesterday with several ladies hope they got an eye full. If I hear or see any more of intrest will let you know.

Every thing is going fine on the farm corn has been cultivated twice since you left also hoed out.

My leg has been giving me considerable trouble the last few days I can't stand on it very long at a time feels a little better this afternoon I guess I have been on my feet too much. It seems as tho' I never have my work all done. Have all my work delivered & am $20 richer than I was when I get paid for it. I find most every one is very short of funds this Spring as well as myself.

Jos. says he can divide one of those bunks & make you a table with out breaking the material much of any. So it won't be quite so large as it is now.

I can't think of any more to write about just now.

Hope Mrs. Stutsman is better and please give them my love.

Jos. got 3 files to have on hand to use when needed.

$1.70 on hand.
1.22 .60 files
_____ .12 W.ell leather
.48 left on hand June 25th .50 carrot seed
______
$1.22

with love Essie K.


Old Mission, Mich.
June 30th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Mr. Breeden was down a few minutes this morning so we had a little chat. He told us about seeing you at Mrs. Stutsman's. And also about his farm. In some ways he is glad that he sold & in others he isn't. They like to spend the Summers here as it is usually so cool & restful for the ones who doesn't work. They have to vacate the house in another week or two so think they will board at Mary Blacks & the Harbor. The 53 acres accross from us hasn't been sold yet. Pratt kept the tract with timber & best shore line for to sell separately. That includes log cabin They go over to the cabin quite often. They may fix it up & try to rent it to some one is what we heard of course it may be gossip one never can depend much on what they hear now days.

The cherries are growing fast but don't appear to be very thick on the trees. The small sweet cherries have begun to color a little but won't be ready for market for a week or longer yet. I think they will be nice & large.

Yesterday was dreadfully hot but today is cooler if weather turns hot it will hurry things up a little

Corn is growing better now. Jos. hoed it all out & he will have to start over again the quack grass is fierce down on the meadow & also on alfalfa field.

He had to cut a small strip of hay to feed horses can't turn them in the pasture as there is barely enough for the cows to eat. It is going fast now with these drying winds & hot sun. Had a light shower Fri night but need much more very soon or right now.

We are coming fine on the farm so just relax & rest don't even think about us here. For the busy time will soon be at hand & lots & lots of work to do.

Thanks for letter & check must hurry as Hazel is patiently waiting like a good little girl to mail this letter. Hazel thinks Rebecca owes her a letter & should answer it pretty soon. She sends her love to you all.

As ever

Essie K.


Old Mission, Mich.
Sept 3rd 1926

My Dear Miss Taft:-

We saw Mr. Eiman about blasting the Dutchess orchard & he said it would take around $40 in all but Jos. says it might run over that.

There were two resort Ladies here the day you left to look your farm over One was Dr. Cobb's wife I don't remember the other ladies name. They liked the farm & was all over it and said how well cared for it looked & I think by the question's they asked us they would like to hire us if they should buy. We told them how well it lo[???]ed and how much it produced. So I have an idea they were pleased.

Jos. Thinks it very foolish to cut the Dutchess orchard out if you intend to sell because it looks so nice & adds to the appearance of the farm. The cherry trees could be set where the alfalfa is now. And property in this locality has been so well advertised that I don't think it will be very hard for you to sell out.

posts are here & in fine shape. Oots are in barn was put in Tues. Have had rain yesterday & today The large box in barn is all nailed & stored.

Mr. Morgan will only give enough crates & bags for a load of apples at a time. So Jos. intends to get a load of Dutchess ready for Mon. Don't know if he will take any more or not.

Jos. bought the Hamilton farm I fought it for 2 years now & it has nearly made me sick abed worrying but the deed is done now & I must calm down or be with some others in T.C. We won't leave you while you arn't here so Dear Miss Taft please don't worry like I have. Mrs. Lardie has been doing a lot of blowing around it makes me feel like giving her a kick. Things that doesn't consern here in the least. But she is one of the trouble makers of the neighbor-hood any way. I suppose she wrote before this & told you we had bought.

Jos. said he wanted some place to turn in after you sold so that is the reason he took that place.

Well I must finish breakfast now, hope you are well & think of me once in a while

With love, Essie


Old Mission, Mich.
Sept. 15th 1926

My Dear Miss Taft:-

We are having rain here until we hardly know which way to turn. I certainly feel sorry for you all down there. I have thot' about you a great many times since you left. It is rather lonesome after you leave. I wish your vacation wasn't so short as it is you hardly have time to turn around before it is time to leave again. I know we need a home but I have shed a bu. of tears since Joseph bought that place but I must become reconciled to it. I love every inch of this dear farm & have spent nearly 10 years of the best part of my life here. I shouldn't feel this way but can't help it. And you have been very kind to me. Any thing I do for you is so little wish I could do more but with my family I nearly have my hands full. There is too much depending on me to think about so I guess that is one reason I like to have you to talk to.

I told the Ladies that was here where to write to you. One lady is a widow & wants to invest some money in a fruit farm for her little daughter. She seemed real interested you may hear from her later on. I am quite sure you will find sale next Summer as every thing will have a better chance by then. If I were you I would try & keep on good terms with Mr. Pratt maybe he could pick up some one as long as he is in the business. If any one should come along again I will let you know. As every thing stands I think the farm too much care for you and not many of your old friends are left here so it makes rather lonesome for you.

I know our little farm is going to be extra care & worry but I must make the best of it. Joseph said he would be glad to stay until you sold if we could manage some way to take care of our orchard. We can hire spraying done & it is small & wouldn't require much labor to keep in a good condition. As for crops we will either have to let them go

Jos. got a load of canners ready so Mr. Morgan took them but said not to send any more so the rest went for ciders $0.25 a 100# better that than nothing I will try & get to town tomorrow & get the check from Morgan's & deposit in State bank for you. I will send the weight to you so as you can settle with Ledger.

Mr. Moe expects to work on the well very soon now. Is he to look after your's or not?

If the weather is good for another week we will have corn. The sun seldom shines any more. Am afraid of an early winter.

Thursday morning Jos. just looked at the corn it is still in the milk it must have some good sunshine. Something we seldom have any more.

Thanks for pictures of Roger. He was very much pleased to get them.

Haven't heard about the wood yet.

Rainy again today so Jos. is working at the wood shed. Hope he finishes it soon.

Expect threshers this week or next Mr. La Batt is the only one around here this Fall. Jos. would rather have had the outside machine but they aren't coming out this far.

I am in a hurry if I can get to the bank will mail your apple receipt.

2,790# peelers @ $0.50 per 100#
3,765# cider apples @ $0.25 per 100#
2,250# " " # " " "

Wish I could see you for a couple hrs. & visit.

With Love

Essie K


Old Mission, Mich.
Sept. 29th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Received your letter tonight & thanks for same. I will answer right away so it can go in Tomorrow's mail.

I guess I will start out by saying we escaped frost but did a lot of shivering it rained & I saw a few tiny snow flakes the last day of the fair. The wind blew so hard that it keep things from freezing here but up around the Traverse region it froze every thing black. Had a letter from Aunt Alice H. & she said every thing around Detroit was frozen black.

The corn is not extra good & Jos. wants to leave it as long as he can so it will not be soft It seems to be rather loose on the cob due to so much rain & not enough Sun to properly ripen. He is very anxious to get it out now so he can get his fall plowing done. If we only have drying weather later on.

Jos & I went all around T.C. trying to sell your apples last week & no sale at all then Mr Perkett will pay $0.50 a bu. for As. No. 1 apples "wealthies" or $0.75 a 100# for No 1 & No. 2 apples. The hail we had here done a lot of damage to the wealthy & most winter apples so we think it best to sell for $0.75 a 100# other wise there would be mostly ciders. Hope it will be all right with you. Of course he furnishes the basket or crates to put them into.

Mr Morgan didn't pay over $0.06 to the people who signed for that price. A lot of them was pretty wild about it but of course the only thing they could do was cool off.

Frank Kroupa sold his bay Frontage a week or so ago Herbert Seel was here last night & he said that large Roberts house at the Mission is to be opened next Summer. Also some Orange Grower from Florida bought a cherry farm near the Mission I couldn't seem to find out much about it. But I do beleive things are going to boom before long if people keep a clean name & advertise the proper way. And not be crooked with their dealings. If you hear any thing please mention to me & I will do the same to you.

Joseph bought that little place to speculate on as well as live there if necessary. A while ago there was a man thru' here wanting to buy a small farm high up so as to get a view of both bays if we had of know in time might have resold again. Of course we must take care of the cherry orchard & the rest of the soil is pretty good. The money is in our cherries if any another year.

Joseph saw Mr. Holmes yesterday & he isn't going to let people go in there & cut the wood. They intend to cut it themselves & sell it. You can't seem to get much satisfaction talking to them. Joseph was willing to cut if he could get it reasonable but won't pay a fortune for it. They try to soak it on when you are anxious he said they would know more about it later on than now. The bunch held a meeting & decided if they let one cut wood there they would have to others. So decided to cut them-selves then sell it by the cord.

Jos. had to take the heiffer again the 25th of Sept. hope this will be the last time.

The threshing is all done The machine balked[crossed out] balked a little so it took them longer than it should have. Ledger wasn't here so Jos. had to get Guy & Charlie Cooper in place of Henning & Ledger And as usual I had them for supper. I had to milk a coww[crossed out] cow to have cream for their coffee & oh my how I had to hurry to do things all alone. There was only 5 stayed for supper. I paid the bills so all you have to do is pay me. There was 43 bu. of oats they look very nice. Mr La Batt's bill was

$7.50
1.00 Chas Cooper
1.00 Guy K.
1.00 Ernest K.
$10.50

$10.00 check
.45 left over
$10.45 in all

on hand 10.45
exp. 10.50
.05

There was $0.45 on hand so so you owe me $4.50 for suppers at $0.30 per person Harry Tang helped Mr. LaBatt this year.

Poor Mr. Ladd was left in a mess he let both men go to Grand Rapids on a vacation and both of them went a factory & got a job. And now with all his extra work no one to help him. Help is so scarce that the Farmer's are worrying about how to get their work done. I think that is a mean trick for one person to do to another. Don't you? Mr. Ladd is very kind to his hired help too. Most every one likes to work for him. A person can't trust a fellow now days.

Well my dear it is past bed time & I am very tired. so must retire

Thanks for the good letter. Am so sorry for you all down there.

Roger finds Algebra a little difficult.

I would like to write more but can't. If I find any thing of interest in the paper will mail it to you. And will keep my ears open.

Your's with love

Essie

P.S. 6 A.M. Thursday while Joseph & I were eating breakfast alone and all was quiet we were visiting & exchanging gossip. He said Roy Holmes & his partners are looking forward to a booming Summer as there will be a lot of Florida people come here to resort and buy. I hope some person among them gets interested in this farm & take good care of it. I like to have Joseph get out with those men & visit a little as he hears a lot of inside news of interest to you. And I will write all no matter if I get it all jumbled together you can puzzle it out.

It has looked like rain for 2 days now hope it clears up. It is so damp here that I have had three hard colds now in the last three weeks I feel miserable & my brain hardly works. My nose feels as tho' some one was pinching it.

I must call the children now so they can get ready for school. Am enjoying your Record Eagle. There was an article in in last week stating that Mich. resort property had been so well advertised that they were hoping for a great change to come here within a year or so.

Am glad of one thing That little house of ours is clean & free from bugs. That is hard to find around here as so many people has the pests all thru' things.

Mr. Hamilton has left a bad name here. There has been about a doz. after him for debts. He sold furniture that wasn't paid for and did lots of crooked dealing. They brought his car back this week. We had a new abstract made out and have a deed of the place so know we are safe in that Mr. LaFranier at the first Nation bank attended to things for us and he said that Mr. H. couldn't get away with that stuff with the bank.

Essie


Old Mission, Mich.
Oct. 12th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

As usual it is raining fine weather for ducks.

Well the hay came here yesterday. 3,000 and 50# there was part of it second cutting alfalfa and the rest pure quack grass. Joseph & I looked it over & when they bailed it they must have soaked it with water for it was very heavy & wet. A fellow is paying for water that way & not hay. You can do as you please about it but we don't think they[crossed out] the hay very good. Harry Tang hauled it with his truck He says that a little later on he can sell you pure alfalfa hay for 21$ or 22$ per ton. You can write to him if you care to o if you decide not to buy more hay from this fellow You may be able to buy better hay here from Tang. I know this quack grass isn't much good. And the Alfalfa is going to be dusty after the water dries out of it.

The welthy apples have been cared for. We had a dreadful wind storm & over half of the apples was on the ground the next morning & Morgan was buying down at the harbor during the last 8 or 10 days. So we let him have them. You got just as much that way as tho' they was hauled to Traverse City. I will deposit the money for you where I can get to Morgan's to collect for you.

The Howe or Ridgewood farm has changed hands again. This time it was bought by a company of people. I have been saving some clippings from your paper that still comes & I will keep close watch to send you every thing that will be of interest to you. I have dated them so you will have an idea what time this news was out.

Well I went to town yesterday & had the apple money deposited for you which came to $28.15 Hope we can get more for Winter apples as a rule they are a better price than the Fall apples

Joseph worked out a few days & took the money he earned & hired help to help him cut corn. I helped cut a day & 1/2 myself. It was a dreadful tumbled down mess from the wind & rain. Will start husking before many days now. As soon as it is dry enough if that time ever comes. I helped him pick & pick up apples & am going to try my luck at husking corn. I feel so much better when out of doors.

Your new dress is very pretty. You always look so neat in every thing you wear. I would love to see you wear it. perhaps I may some day. I wish I could afford to give you a nice present some time instead of so little.

Ledger wasn't satisfied with his Dodge so traded it in towards a Buick Sedan some class I say. Well it is All right but I don't think I would put my all in one article. In a way I am glad we own something it gives a person something to feel anxious about & interested in.

You know I got so nervous this Summer that it has affected my throat until I got so bad I had to see a Doctor have had bronchitis and don't feel very good. They gave me morphine tablets along with the rest. I won't take the dope if I die. Last night I took two & have slept nearly all day. I didn't know until this morning what those small white tablets was. So I will work out of doors with hubby & try to overcome this a little

How I wish I could visit with you It always made me feel rested to talk with you. You are very dear to me Miss. Taft. Altho' some times I have a mighty poor way of showing it. I hope to feel better some time & then I won't be such a bundle of nerves. The Doctor thinks it best to take serium treatments for my cold. Would you advise me to try it? You are sensible & think a lot so I will ask your advice. I can't seem to throw this off like usual.

The Wentz family has started a cottage down on the bay shore. Ernest & Ledger are hauling stone for it now. Her Brother was married about a week ago & he & his bride are spending their honey moon here on the farm. He is bald headed skinny and rather old looking for a groom. Oh yes & big feet too.

Mr. Moe doesn't intend to put the Wentz wells down until Spring. I don't know if this will hold out until then or not. I don't suppose there would be any use for Joseph to see Mr. Moe again. He couldn't get any satisfaction before.

I can't think of any more to write about now. I have written a letter to Mrs. Stutsman & will send it out tomorrow.

Well I beleive I will go to bed & try to rest
K.
Your's with love Essie

Oct 5th 2,650 Whole Load
1 100 ciders @ $0.25 per 100#
_____
1 550 canners @$0.50 per 100#

-------------------------------------

Oct 6th 2,420 whole load
750 ciders @ $0.25 per 100#
1 300 canners @ $0.50 per 100#
370 Bulk @ $0.8 per 100#
_______________________________________
Oct 7th 1450 Whole load
450 ciders @ $0.25 per 100#
200 Bulk @ $0.60 " " "
800 canners @ $0.50 " "
---------------------------------------
Oct. 5th Whole load came to. $10.50
Oct. 6th " " " " 11.33
" 7th " " " " 6.32
_____
$28.15

Chicken little was in the woods
a seed fell on his tail
chicken little said
the sky is falling
I will run

Hazel Kitchen

Hazel's eyes are a lot better & she is a much better little girl too. She sends a lot of love with this little letter.

[Three newspaper articles]

[Traverse City State Bank Deposit Receipt]


Old Mission, Mich.
Nov. 1st 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:

Thanks for the good letters I enjoy them so much. I hope I can always prove worthy of what you think of me.

Have you finished the new dress? & how did you make it? I don't beleive I ever saw the one you was working on this last[crossed out] Summer. It seems now as tho' I lived in a night mare for a month or more I was so tired out and always a lot of work pilled so high. I have a barrel churn now so that will help make my work some easier.

Hazel is just recovering from Chicken pox. That I hope will be the last for a while. She has had mumps measles & chicken pox since the 1st of April. Roger had them several years ago. He is doing fairly well with his school work. And so is Hazel. She is 50% better since she got her new glasses. This is the first time in two years or more that I have Enjoyed her. She is more quiet and not so plain mean. It nearly wore me out this Summer & every one Else. I know how to feel for poor Mrs. Stutsman trying to care for Rebecca and half sick herself. Am so glad she received the apples. Hazel is drawing some pictures for you. She loves you with her whole little heart. Roger feels bad to think I didn't get him up the morning you left to tell you both good bye.

Mr. & Mrs. Eiman left for sunny California this A.M. are going to drive thru' with their Ford coupe. Mr and Mrs. Ira Root of T.C. are going also. They intend to get back by the 1st of April.

Mr H Lardie at O. M. told hubby that the company of men that bought the Old Howe farm. Are wealthy fruit growers from California & are going to section the farm off. And each care for their own part. This is here say but Mr. Lardie is pretty wise to most deals.

I am saving every thing of any interest to you & am sending it. So hope the paper continues to come for a while yet. There isn't much in it but kind of keeps a fellow posted on what is going on.

Mr. Alfred Porter of O. M. is dead & buried. Mr. JOhn Mills is very poorly only 40% of blood. The Doctors can't help him any more.

Lillie expects again in a few months. poor girl I feel so sorry for her. It seems to me as tho' they have enough family now.

It has snow twice of late & today it is dreadful out. Almost like Jan. Joseph had enough corn inside to husk all day long it is after seven O'clock & he is out working to settle his supper. He is anxious to get it finished as he wants to get the corn off the ground so he can plow. It has rained so much that the fodder is all damp & wet all the time & he wanted the corn to cure so it wouldn't be so shriveled up on the ears.

You may feel like pulling my ears but I pulled up a few of your sweet clover plants from the orchard near the house to send to you so as you can see for yourself. All the cover crops did fairly well excepting in the cherry orchard & that was slow. The sweet clover you sowed never came unless it does in the Spring.

I don't know how to spell this name but will make a stab at it. Mr. Hazrock & Son bought the O.M. Dock Mr. Morgan wanted to buy it so as Mr H. couldn't buy & ship cherries from Penn. But Mr. Hazrock was too cute for him. I think next year the buyers will try to give each other a merry chase. I hope so & maybe it will help to keep price of cherries up.

It is safe to pay Mr. Willobee for the cows now. It is $2.00 a head. I haven't any money here at all & Jos. needs a new cutter point for the plow but I will send for it and you can pay me. It will all be the same any way.

The oat straw will be worth a lot to you for fertilizer as the stock needs bedding of some sort. The straw was so over ripe & dry that it isn't much more than chaff so we can't feed it. The cows have been in the barn most of the time for a week now the pasture is as bare as your hand & had a killing frost about 4 weeks ago.

There won't be enough oats for to last thru' so maybe it would be a good idea to buy some extra now while they are cheap Joseph will have to feed the horses a little grain while they are working hard. I am so glad now that Joseph planted the extra corn for fodder as long as the place wasn't sold.

I feel so Sorry for you with your sore arm. And it must be more than trying to teach deaf children every day for 9 months. It is trying for a mother with a small family. So I always feel sorry for a poor teacher. It would be nice when you sell the farm to try to do as Miss. Carter I think that is her name does. It would be more pleasent for you.

We are nearly all out of wood & we can't find out what Mr. Holmes will do they are a drunken set. We hear all sorts of wild tales about them. "Whiskey & Women is their chief business. We will simply have to do something. I will use oil next Summer to save fuel. It won't take so dreadful much for this winter. As the house is so much warmer with the storm windows on. Ledger tried to get wood from Pratt & Holmes & they refused him. We hear the Stutsman place has changed hands again. If I hear any thing certain I will mention in my next letter. There is a few old beech here that are partly hollow.

The winter apples are still here will bank the money for you the same as before.

There is about 80 bu. of corn husked. Will let you know how much there is when all husked.

I can't think of any more to write. So will quit. You need not feel afraid of Hazels little letter as she is all safe now. Your's with love Essie K.

Old Mission Mich
1 Nov 9

From Hazl to Miss Taft

[Hand drawn pictures]

Old Mission Mich.
Nov. 1, 1926

Dear Miss Taft

I am Sorry I haven't had time to write you before, but am pretty busy with my studies. I am now studying about Horalius and the Bridge. Mr. Fuller the teacher intends to teach the Tenth grade next year if he is hear to teach. I hope he does because then it mean that much less money than if I had to go to a town school.

How are you? We are all well here, But, Hazel is just getting over the chicken pox.

The Night before last it froze pretty hard so that There was about an inch of ice in the watering tub yesterday Morning. It has been snowing allday to day; and is quite windy out now.

Papa husked out about 35 bu of corn Today. It was stormy today that he had to husk some of the corn he had hauled in the barn.

Well I will close.

With Love.

Roger Kitchen.

Old Mission, Mich
Nov. 11th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I was very glad to hear from you and thanks for the good letter and also Joseph's check.

We sent over 50# of winter apples down to the Harbor by Ledger & was surprised to get so little from them But every one has had the same good luck this Fall A great many people are tearing their apple orchards out I wouldn't be surprised if they would be a better price in a few years. I was in a hurry the day I took the apple check in so didn't remember the exact amount of canners & ciders. But know the weight of all together. Ledger hasn't kept any account of weights but I have sent them to you. So he told us to tell you to figure it up & mail him the check. I kept a copy of weights so can send you another list if you wish me to.

I would appreciate some of the Kershaw squash seed as they are very good. I have a new kind of seed this Fall that is fine. There was about a doz pumpkins that got ripe.

The Fall plowing is nearly done now but still have corn to husk. I think it will take two days or more to finish plowing if we have the weather to do it. Have had a snow storm again & real cold weather hope it warms up again soon.

The cows are all safe now. I got a new piece for the plow which was $0.35 I will call Mr. Tang about the extra hay if you haven't written to him.

As I understand Mr. Holmes & Pratt can't go ahead on this property & cut wood as they haven't much money into it. Joseph talked to Roy Holmes & tried to get the wood & couldn't get any more satisfaction than you did. We don't like to cut wood here but will have to do something. Coal is $10 or $12 a ton and we simply can't afford to buy it and if we could make some kind of arrangements other wise we would have done it. Holmes & Pratt do a lot of talking but that is all it amounts to. They are Lady chasers & booze fighters that is their bigest game now days. They can't take what thay don't own.

The children wish to have me thank you for the rememberance they have enjoyed them very much in the past few Days.

I wish I knew what to tell you.

It is late & I must go to bed as I am tired & sleepy. Will try & do better next time. 1,950# of apples $8.25

As ever with love

Essie K.

Friday A.M. I called Mrs Holmes and talked to her myself this morning & she said later on Mr. Holmes intends to cut wood to sell but not any on shares so there we are in a nut shell. Joseph saw Roy & talked it over with him a while ago. And W. G. Tompkins said I guess he will have to give us all more money before he cuts any of our wood & sells it. Am so sorry to have to trouble you this way but it makes me so nervous not knowing what to do but keep on thinking.

I doubt if Ernests will stay here as Lillie isn't satisfied at all. They get good pay & lots of extras if she would only appreciate it. It is so hard now days to get a man you can depend on they are warning all the time. Farm help is scarce. Mr. Breeden wants Ernest to stay here for Ledger. As he wants the farm taken care of. Well I must say Bye Bye as the children wants to go now. Lovingly Essie

[newspaper article on Grand Traverse Auto Co. with following handwritten note in margin] I thought this would be of interest to you so am sending picture and all. Some improvement to our city same as the new peny store. You will see quite a change in the Spring.


Old Mission, Mich.
Nov. 22nd 1926.

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

Was glad to receive the nice newsy letter from you. I am always glad to let you know of any news I hear & watch the paper very closely to see what I can find to send along with my letters.

Suppose you have heard about Floyd Wilbur long before this. It was a very sad thing to happen in such a devoted home. Those boys always reminded me of Roger in their devotion to their mother. The Wilbur's & Addison take it very hard. The funeral was Sat. 1 P.M. The Body came from Texas in a sealed casket the body was so badly crushed & broken that no one even to the parents saw it. They brought Floyd home Friday P.M. so as to have him home for the last time. I can tell you it is pretty hard for them. They tried so hard to educate their sons & have so much bad luck. Addison isn't gaining at all. They worry so much about him.

Little we know what will befall our darling children when they leave our tender care & watching.

I forgot to mention that one of Floyds friends that was an officer came thru with the body & they had officers for pallbearers. He also attended the funeral & then went back again. He happened to see the accident so Floyds parents will hear the story straight.

We have tried to get oats here & no one seems to have any for sale. Joseph says 20 bu. will be plenty and we might as well get them from T. City & have them crushed the horses get much more good from them that way. The cows need a little bran eating fodder alone is pretty hard on them. There hasn't been any pasture for a long time now. We have had 2 snow storms of late & it rained for one whole week. We feel so damp here.

I called Mr. Tang when I received your other letter. Joseph saw Harry yesterday & he will Haul the hay soon now he has been waiting for it to be bailed. There won't be enough fodder to last the cows thru until Spring. Now we have the fodder on our own farm & there is a lot of it. Joseph said he would give you the first chance to buy the fodder of course you may not care to buy it not seeing it but we wouldn't do any thing but the right. Jos. said he will sell the whole bunch to you for $20 but not to any one Else. It is nice & will make good feed and go much farther for cows than bailed hay. If you care for it just let us know & he can bring it over here before too much snow comes on. There would be at least 4 large loads of it Maybe more. We don't like to keep it over as it may be a long time before we would have use for it. If I had any idea you would sell we would keep it as it would be worth more than that to us. You always give us the 1st chance so now we will do the same by you.

Homer Willobee is the person you owe the $4.00 to.

I don't hear a thing about wood but if I do will let you know & Joseph will try & cut some if he can get any chance. But I think some of the fine guys will have to pay out a little good cash first.

It is as you say we need some good honest men to get things a going here The papers haven't much news of late pretty dead around here. Will let you know of any changes that I hear aobut. I think in a nother year or two if a fellow coud hang on there would be a great change. The new cottage down on the lower flat is going to be a starter. Maybe will see a great change for the better another season.

I am very sorry for the Carter's people. Wish you were here I am not so busy now & would be glad to have you come & eat a drum stick with us. We won't have a great deal but you are more than welcome. So many times last summer I would feel like asking you but my time was so limited & my meals so poorly prepared I felt ashamed to ask you to help share them. The Carter's looked to me as tho' they put on quite a lot of airs for poor people. We are poor but happy and I hope I don't make a drudge out of my poor husband. She will think some day when it is too late. I think about all there is in this world is what little we can do to make others happy. From now on I am going to try still harder than ever.

You said you would like to tear your apple orchard out. We have one too. Roger & I picked up our winter apples there was a lot of them too and when hauling was paid had $3.00 left some profit for the poor farmer. I feel discouraged when I think about things but will have to do as you do try & look at the bright side of things & not worry.

Well I must go to bed now. I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving day & don't eat too much turkey.

Your's with love

Essie K.

P.S. was so pleased to hear you are feeling so well this Fall I think you had a much better rest than when you had so many around to wait on like last Summer. Hope you continue to improve. Harry Tang just came in & says will start hauling hay tomorrow. So that is settled now am so glad.

Hazel is determined to send you something so must send it along

[Arithmetic addition and multiplication tables and drawings]




Old Mission, Mich.
Nov. 28th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I have a few minutes to spare so I guess I will write a few lines & send in the weigh bills for the hay.

Mr. Tang wished I would so as to save him the trouble The hay was the nicest I have seen any where at $21.50 per ton you won't find any nicer hay any where for any price.

I received two lovely letters from Mrs. Eiman since they left here. They are enjoying they trip very much and it will do them a lot of good to have the vacation.

Suppose our letters will cross on the way as usual but will write just the same

Were you acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Seel. They own the large apple orchard near the [bay] East bay a very pretty place [& large] Well you must know who I mean. About 2 weeks ago they left for their Winter home at St. Joe. Thursday as they were crossing the street right near their home some one struck them with a car and both were fataly injured. Mrs. Seel died Thursday and He passed away Friday morning. I suppose there will be a double funeral. It is dreadful the things that are happening here to our dearest neighbors & friends. It is a terrible blow to the family. The car that struck them never stoped at all some one else came along called the officers & took them to a hospital. How can any one be so heart-less? There is a just God & he will surely hand us what we do to others so who ever it was will get his or her punishment some time or other.

There isn't much to write about. There was 20 1/2 bu. of carrots and 203 bu. of corn husked still a very little left to do. The Fall plowing is done & cherries reset. Well I can't think of any more hope you are well.

Lovingly Essie K.

There was 3 loads brought as you ordered and will send the [bills] weight of each load.

3,470 lbs 1st load
3,590 " 2nd "
3,500 " " " "
________
10,510 lbs in all I will let you figure the tons.

We will be as saving as can be but this is another cold early winter so very cold right now.

I spent the afternoon with Mrs. Doig & she says we will benefit from this boom the frontage on the old Franklin place down near the mission has been resold. For a good big price. Here is hoping we will have good luck


Old Mission, Mich.
Dec. 1st 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

I was very glad to hear about cherries it sounds good to me. I found out whose large trucks came in here from out side to buy cherries this Summer. It was the Wolverine canning company. Thankgs look very intereting now for next year I hope so any way. Of course we won't have many cherries like you but maybe a few. But it all counts up a little. I don't blame you about feeling as you do about your farm it does give you something to look forward to the 9 months you are gone. I know we have a little more to think about now but as things go along it looks brighter to me. As I know that now we have something to fall back on even if it isn't much. If we have good luck as some has had we may make a little money there. If not we can earn a living & have a shelter. I think it does one good to have to plan & figure a little for themselves. If I fall heir to money enough I would have this Farm yet for I love it. I hope next Summer you & I well all of us can be happy & enjoy ourselves.

It is only about 15 [degrees] tonight but two days ago rained. Nearly all our snow off. Did I understand you correctly was the extra $20 for the fodder you didn't say any thing much about it. Joseph said he thot' that was what you meant it to be for. It is well worth that much and more too.

If snow doesn't come so there is sleighing will Jos. wait until it does to get the bran & oil meal?

Mr. Tang is selling very much of the hay to neighbors the same as you got.

With extra fodder & hay we will have enough if it isn't winter all summeer

Will enclose the clipping that came in yesterday paper you can return it if you wish to.

Lovingly Essie.


Old Mission, Mich
Dec. 15th 1926

My Dear Miss Taft:-

There isn't much news to write about only cold weather. It was 2 below zero this morning & will be still colder tomorrow.

The stock is comfortable this cold weather that is some consolation.

Joseph went to Traverse last Friday & got the grain also brought Mrs. Stutsman's apples in. They have been packed all fall & waiting so at last they have gone. It saved paying some one else. He and Charlie Lannin went together. Chas. has to have his horse shod so Jos. had Queen's shoes put back on as the roads have been full of ice. Joseph held the horses & sent Charlie in to the office with the order so that is how it has his name signed to it. He never lets any one else drive your horses out side of the family.

There has been a lot of work done on the roads since you left. They are very much wider now & underbrush all cut down. You won't know them that is why our taxes are so high. They are several dollars higher than last year. We pay to the same place as before to Mrs. Bursau

Joseph just[crossed out] had[crossed out] had just the one key to that padlock.

Mr. George Lardie wrote to us wanting to know how many cherry trees we have on the farm. Did he write to you also? I wonder what the idea is. Most every one here has received the same kind of letter. With a stamped envelope for a reply.

Have lots of clippings for you this time. So my letter will be short or I will have to pay extra postage. Lovingly Essie

$5.00 on hand
.35 repair on plow
.30 Jos. dinner
.25 barn rent
1.00 Queen's shoes set & sharpened
_____
$1.90

$5.00
1.90
____
3.10 on hand


Old Mission, Mich.
Dec. 30th 1926

My Dear Miss. Taft:-

We all wish to thank you for our gift am sure we will enjoy it. The Children have been very busy reading those papers. I dearly love to read but have to steal the time and let other things go a little. Sometimes I think it pays not to keep too busy. We got a lot of nice presents & all useful ones too.

It is colder & snowing again. I hope we don't get snowed in again like we was a while back.

The Record Eagle has been discontinued so won't have the pleasure of saving the clippings for you. I rather enjoyed it.

Mrs. Lardie has a new Radio & invited us up Tues. Evening to hear it and also have supper with them. I wish I would talk like she does I would have a lot company then. We had a very nice time & a fine Supper. She isn't very well again. Am afraid if she isn't careful some day will be the last one. Her heart work so hard you can notice her whole neck throb every time the heart beats. I didn't hear any more about sales than I had already told you about.

Jos. Hasn't the remainder of corn husked but will let you know when he does. How much more there is.

The new magazine just arrived so had to take time to look it over so now will try & finish this letter to you. I know we all will enjoy the reading so much.

Am very glad to hear of your finding sale for the rugs. All I have left is a spread wish I could sell it and use the money towards an oil stove which I will need badly next Summer. As I will need something at the other place & to use here when not in use there in order to save fuel I must have one of some kind.

Roger says he would be glad to receive a set of those questions. He will answer your letter before long. He has covered 106 pages of Algebra it is a little easier for him. Some times he gets pretty tired of it. But I urge him to keep going. Sister Angeline would like to take him & help him thru' school but I won't let him go. It would be like prison here to me without my son. He is taking music lessons again is doing fine. When he has that to fill in spare time it helps to keep him satisfied at home. He hopes to be able to play in public affairs at the church within another year.

Gertrude Leighton is going to be married this Spring poor foolish little girl is all I have to say about it.

Haven't heard any wood cutters on the shore property yet and people says there won't be any either unless they fork over some money.

Was glad to know what Santa gave you. Will tell you what he gave me.

A lovely linen Buffet scarf from sis
2 cork table or hot dish protectors
a small white dish pan
Ladies Home Journal from you
A pieced quilt top from Aunt Alice
12 Handkerchiefs
A pickle dish
A nice crocket bag.
A pair of silk hose too

Don't you think he was pretty good? I bought very little for any one as I have so many places for the money to go. Had to go to the dentist a week ago & have a nerve taken out of a tooth & then filled so that was a nother slice to pay.

There is lots of diphtheria in T. City so I don't like to go there very much.

Can't think of another thing to write so will say good night to you. Wish you a very Happy New Year

With love Essie K

[Note card with picture of girl pulling wagon filled with dolls]
Old Mission Mich
Dear Aunt Angline
How are you?
mother and i are
feeling fine

i got a doll for Christmas and a box of stationary
Your loving friend Hazel

Paper