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Old Mission, Mich May 17th 1927

My Dear Miss Taft: - I have tried several times to write you a letter but we have had more bad luck. Ledger took sick with a sore throat about 3 weeks ago and has been very miserable every since. Early Sat. morning phneumonia developed & he passed away Sun. morning about 10 o'clock. They rushed him to the hosital & he had the very best of care but nothing could save him. The funeral was today. I don't know how we can manage without him as he was a good neighbor and a dear brother.

The sour cherries don't look as well as they did but think we will have a fair crop. The sweets looked fine but with all this rainy damp weather during blossoming time it is hard to tell. We will have to wait & find out is all I can say about things.

The oats are up and meadows look green as tho' we would have a lot of nice hay. Oh yes I must send Lang's bill in to you the hay was $20 per ton and there was 3165# of it.

Mr. Helfrick hasn't been here yet am afraid Joseph won't have the time to help him from now on he has a lot to do. Corn to plant spraying & all other necessary things at this time of year on a farm.

Am glad Mrs. Stutsman can come for a few days rest. But if there is any more than two there isn't room or enough bedding or beds and I don't want the furniture or bedding used last Summer taken up there as I don't want to run the risk. But am more than glad to furnish the sanitary couch quilt and other things. There is a table one nice rocker a sort of table & book shelves combined lots of cubbard room and 2 nice kitchen chairs. There is a nice little Summer kitchen to use your oil stove in & do your cooking. The up stairs floors are not quite finished I have to put another coat of varnish on them and can't afford it just now. It cost so much to repair garrage that I can't so the up stairs can't be used. But it wouldn't be necessary for just you & Alberta. I hope to see you made comfortable if I can. And please don't think wrong of me for saying this. But I never want any more of those nasty creatures to clean out. That is one reason we wouldn't let other people rent the house. It isn't a swell house but will be very cozy when all finished and know you will enjoy it there. We can't hang the paper now & there aren't shades for the windows but I don't think you will need them as the bed can be placed someway so no one can see you.

We are going to have another cloud burst it poured down nearly all the while the funeral services were held & while we were going to the church.

Could you let me know when you are coming & I will try & have your future home clean at least the floors.

Mrs. Lardie has been having quite a time with high blood pressure again was in the hospital a week but is much improved. She wanted to know if you was going to live in our house & I told her yes. There isn't any secret about it. I know they don't like it but don't care. We can sell cherries too. There are a few early trees there. I guess 2 or 3 not any more than that.

Well Miss Taft I can't write a good letter tonight my head swims from so much excitement. I must say good night now & go to bed. With love Essie