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Old Mission Mich Feb. 10th 1933

My dear Miss Taft:

You will think we have all passed out because I've waited so long to write. But its the same as always. Ihave been too busy with my ourn work and trying to do extra. With times as they are a person has to turn their hand to what ever comes along.

I'm so sorry about the bank there. Isn't there any chance of your money being safe? Our small savings is in the First Peoples Bank and can't possibly touch it. So have to try and get on the best we can. I'm not going to complain but it sure is hard with no price for cherries or what ever else we raise. Its a pity the shape most of the farmers are in. With no prices and expenses going on. Most every one is letting their help go as they simply cant pay. There has been a little talk of a fresh fruit market but nothing deffinate so fare. We must try & get away from the canning factory. Mr. Lardies office girl doesn't know the farmers when on the street and clayton [?] is the same. They just sneak about. The canner knows that the farmer is at their mercy. We haven't heard any more from Lardies hope they don't bother you from now on.

We have had one of the worst blizzards during the week that we have had for years. Wouldn't be surprised if cherry trees are frozen we have a furnace heated home & had a warm fire in the range & the house wasn't comfortable all day it was about 10 or 12 below zero with a heavy wind. No school since Tuesday.

How are you coming at school this winter is it the same as usual? I wonder what our new president will hold forth for all of us. I certainly hope better times. How is the Stutsman family? Hope they are all well.

Mes. Ruff and Ida Lardie are living up on the hill this winter I guess Mr. Bartlett is helping them or they would starve. Mrs. Mills Ruff has tried several places to keep house for some widower or bachelor but has meet with no success so far. She is a good cook & house keeper but guess they all feel too poor to take on any one else to feed.

Have you did any sewing I've made Hazel a new school dress 3 suits of undies 2 pairs of pajamas and several other articles. Besides 3 house dresses for myself and every week mend hose & undergarments for the whole family. Right now a large washing is waiting for me but can't its is until the weather settles a little I don't like to dry my clothes in the basement.

You raised lots of corn fodder last year Joe was wondering if you had any to sell we would like to get some if you have any to spare and what would be the price. Alfalfa hay is $10 a ton delivered but don't know what fodder is worth. You may not have any to spare but if you have would be glad to get some. Of course it will be cash. Money is scares but try to pay as we go.

Hazel has likely written all the local news to you but if I hear any more about cherries or other fruit will try & let you know about it.

Please forgive me for neglecting you so long every day I would think I'd try & write but you know just how hard it is for me. Every thing waits for me until I get so tired.

Hope you are well and have a job. Those see to be the two most coveted things these days.

As ever with love Essie

P.S. Sat. A.M. The snow is still blowing and about the same only not quite so cold. Wonder if you are having this blizzard down there too. This may not go out until next week as roads are full unless plow comes out ahead of mail. No one likes the new carrier he is so important.

Now gossip. Will Gill Tompkins has taken over Oliver for debts. Isn't that a Tompkins for you tho'? Several farmers are going to loose out this Spring D.B. Eiman [?] is still holding on I feel so sorry for his wife. Ralph Helfrich place is up for sale Fred Westerjohn Stanley wood. Kroupa wants to forclose on Chas Lammin [?] and his debt isn't very large. If we had the money now is the time to buy up these mortages cheap. Property is down farther than I've ever known it to be. Eiman [?] place is for sale too. I don't know how many more. Its a downright shame most of these people have had or have got families to support.

Must get busy now my kitchen looks like a storm had struck it dirty dishes all over.