Mukwonago June 23, 1903
Dear Brother,
That woman is living in the village with her child so we are alone. We expected Mr. and Mrs. Youmans out for Sunday, but got a letter today and Helen is very sick. A letter from Gevette yesterday tells us Aunt Mary is far from well, can get around the house. After a long time, I got a letter from Mr. Snover saying he could not get a pass. He said they would give it to him for a seat if he was getting four or five dollars a day. If he thinks I believe him, he has made a mistake. I think he gets two dollars a day, but that was just an excuse. I doubt if he ever tried for a pass. I did not answer the letter and don't know as I ever shall. They need not think they can govern my actions if I make up my mind to move. I will do so, also it will be where they will not be likely to see us very soon.
Did you get the picture's?
Four months since mother went away but it seems years since I saw her. I never look at her picture with the children. Each day seems a week, time drag so slowly.
I was working dishes one night and I was sure someone was standing on the farm just a short distance from me. I was in the house. I turned and am certain I saw someone but whoever had vanished. I turned to my work but felt the same was there again. When I looked again I saw the same as before and cried out "mother why don't you stay". I cried then, I cry now as I write this to think I cannot hear her speak. Don't tell anyone of this because once before Alura and hers told around I was insane and they would now if they knew this. One time while the girls were in school I was alone in the house and was sure I heard mother say "May" but no one was around and I would have thought nothing of it but Bryan came and whined and looked in the door. Mother said "I think even Brian wants me to get well", he wagged his tail.
I go over all this to you and cry, but no matter I cry often anyway about her. No one ever sees me cry.
I heard Lin said he was coming out here but I hope he will let us remain as we are.
We are sitting upstairs and it is after nine so must go to bed, with love to all, May.
Friday morning. Do you know if Lin ever got money from Dr. Stone or Rogers that was to mother? I wish I knew because I want to get cornerstones for the Cemetery and can get them at Burlington for 8 dollars for the four.
Mukwonago WI September 21, 1903
Dear Brother,
I think every day that I will surely write to you in the evening, but we go to bed early, so I don't get at it. Florence and Edith are in school two weeks now. Florence was sick Friday so she had to stay out. The days are so long and lonesome to me. I think some of the time I cannot go through the winter. Of course but for my doing this mother would be with us now. Dr. Youmans said it was all over and she did not need to know. But now she is gone and our home is no home.
September 26. You will notice by the date some days surpassed since I began this letter to you. I seldom write but what I get to crying and have to stop writing.
Don't know as it will interest you, but I will tell you of my summer. Boarded Mrs. Wilson's child five weeks and worked at the lake Sundays, then Helen Youmans came to board. I also had four friends of Y. to board for a week. Still I worked Sunday. Florence wanted to work at the lake so as to get a new cloak, but I soon began to worry about her so I went to work every day. We came home nights. She'd have the money from Helen's board for her cloak so the time has gone. Florence said one day she wished another year I would get horses and we work the land. I am tempted to.
I do not approve of giving tips as people do at hotels and such places but of course I have worked in hotels enough so I never refuse it when offered. The first tip I got this summer was $3.50 one Sunday. I waited tables just 21 days and a number of Sundays and in all I got $15.60 besides my wages. Not so bad is it? Miss Overman is to come out from Chicago to her home at the lake next Tuesday and they asked me to stay with her and do her work for two weeks I think I will go I will come home nights and they will bring me if it is bad weather. I need all the money I can get. I never knew a care before, now it is wood, coal and I don't know what. I had to have the roof on the house patched and will have a new chimney one kitchen and barn wall fix if I can get someone to cart outmaneuver. Charlie will not do it, he has gone to work for Porter.
Well I must close. I put up seven quarts of peaches today, peaches that grow on the tree father planted by the asparagus bed. I gave some besides to Shultz and Smith and have some to send to Alura. Lots of apples but so much mud there will be few to pick, a lot of grapes on that vine by Smith's fence, plenty of hickory nuts. Everything is all one could ask if mother was only here. If I can save money enough one of the girls will come to Colorado next summer. Florence says if she goes she will take all her books and trinkets because she intends to stay out there and then the next year she is sure I will come. Time alone can tell what any of us will do. I live too much in the present and passed especially the past.
Dr. Hochne got home from the East last week. She visited Uncle James for a while.
If Louise will send me a pattern, I will make Angela a dress. I have some "outing" left, but maybe I had better send it. She can make it better or rather she will make it prettier than I.
Is this the way I close? Love for you both at a longing to see Angela as well as the rest of you. May
Mukwonago, WI
May 19, 1904
Dear Brother
I fear I can’t get stopover tickets for St. L. without paying extra. Agent here has written to Milwaukee and done all he can. I send card from him and he will get tickets on any road at this rate, so I think the U. P. will be what they will come on.
I may write again that if not they will leave Chicago June. 1st at 10:15 on G&N W.
I don’t think it will be necessary for you to meet them at Denver. Do they change stations at Denver when they change cars?
I feel sure Florence will be a great help, she is such a worker. I have to look out she doesn’t over do.
She and E. are having exams in school this week special just so they can get away.
I can’t think, so will close. As ever, May
A postcard address to may be Collins, Mukwonago WI postmarked May 14, 1904 reads: there are no round-trip rates in effect for Colorado points till June 1st. After that date the rate to Denver and return daily until September 30 limited to October 31st is $31.50. From the Denver to Boulder to round-trip rate is $2.40 yours surely, J. F. Miller agent.
Mukwonago WI
June 28, 04
Dear Brother
Mother often said she "wondered what I would get into my head next" and no doubt you will say the same because I want your advice on a subject: what do you think of me going say to Idaho and takeout some land? I would have to live on it 30 days a year for five years at the end of the first year could sell it or buy it for a $1.25 per acre. Ticket there and return for about $30. I believe there is no land in Colorado to be got in the same way. Please answer and if I am to go, would like to start last of July. You’ll wonder why I don’t work at the lake but I will tell you my leg has troubled me all winter, but I hope it would be better, but find it worse after last Sunday on my feet all day. I promised man to help them out the fourth but was not sure after that. I know it is good money and I want to work. What will life be to me if not able to get around. Florence and Edith are the only ones that know of trouble with my leg, it seems to be in knee now more, and the calf of leg is numb or very hot. I some fear paralysis but don’t intend to give up yet.
Let me know at once what you think of taking up land. Or would you wait till next year? I am anxious to go as soon as I can if you think it best. As ever, May.
Thursday July 21, 1904
Dear Brother
Yours read- and nearly crashed me but like Mother I can rise above many things and make the world think I am happy.
You think I have not seen the girls faults but you are mistaken I have seen their faults and tried to guide them right and not let them do what they would have to lie about in order to clear themselves such as running the streets. Now I was very wild and as I look back I wish our folks had been more strict with me I can’t see as they are of any help to you now so they would better, home they must not think of seeing the fair now.
They are very dear to me and all I have on earth. I long to see Boulder but now only a deathbed pleading will ever take me there.
July 23
Just got letter from the girls, Edith says her nose bleeds. That is too bad I fear. Of course you know brother Fred had nosebleeds before bleeding of lungs, also Granddad went once to Colorado and could not stay just on account of nosebleed.
Don’t think I am blind to the girls faults but I tried to guide them and certainly pitied them with the father and mother they had and have. I have given nearly 17 years to them and now it is killing me to have them run the streets after all my trying. I hope they won’t get so I have to no control over them. I don’t think I will need to meet them at Chicago as their ticket will transfer there. See they get them stamped before starting. I simply can not go east, what can I say when asked about the girls. I never go to bed but I wonder if my dear girls are on the street. Let me know just when the girls are to start and when to get here so if they have to stay in Chicago I will write Bixby or I will meet them. If Edith still has nosebleed they had better, I don’t even expect to be able to pay you but will try as ever, May.
Mukwonago August 22, 1904
Dear Brother:
Your letter with the girls was received this AM. School begins here September 5 but as far as that is concerned I would be glad to have the girls see the Fair if we could afford it. Until the home our parents loved so well is paid for or rather free from debt it will be best to omit most enjoyment. As to their going with Harvey, I don't know the man. Mother asked me never to let the girls go to your place with him there, but I did as you see. Just that young lady from Missouri going to the Fair so the girls could go with her. We can not afford to have them stay a week. There is a hotel inside the grounds but I think it better if any of you go for me to write to Lou Hunter Barber and if you can't board with them, she may know of some place. She doesn't live in St. Louis, but it costs only 5¢ car fare to get there, if you go, you had better come home as it costs only $7.00 round trip from here.
Now I will tell you, the girls have had lots of seeing this summer and considering our circumstances we better give up St. Louis. As to their staying, are they anxious to get home and if not they can stay as long as there is work.
This has been an odd summer. I often wonder how I have kept up. I would like to know what the girls are to do, the Fair or not and with whom.
As ever, May
PS: don't think I condemn Harvey in any way, as I said before, I don't know him. If you think it best have the girls go with him, only don't plan on staying a week. Let me know soon so I can write Lou Hunter. M
——
Mukwonago September 26, 1904
Dear Brother:
The letter from James Jr. does not help me out any, as he says his money is where he can not get at it bit I will send it on to you so you can read hat he wrote. Now I am certain I can get it here for less interest. Will I try? I think from some of the Field's girls. Of course if we can't get less interest, it won't be any use to charge only. The Small family are not noted for either goodness or honesty. Now let me tell you what Mr. Crawford said - he came in here where I work and Mrs. Gravier, the woman who lives here, heard every word he said. He told me "Laurel got a card from Will the other day and he said he would fix him up in regard to interest in a few days but could not do any more, also would write to Crawford's son. Now I did not like him to tell me before these people but if you can only pay him off I will ??? he would feel so smart then. He has told me it would be far better to pay off Laurel first. We have not broken into the money you gave the girls yet and if you need it to help pay Mr. G. speak out.
Aunt Belle spent the day with us yesterday. She starts home Wednesday. I am sorry for her for all I know she cared very little for me. She has been in Wisconsin about 10 months and in all here about 4 weeks but it is all right. I offered her a home here but she don't accept.
Well, I have written only doleful things today, but honestly I don't feel one bit doleful for all we are so alone in the world.
The girls picked up the potatoes since they came home and I hope we will have enough this year to winter us. They wanted to write to you one evening but I told them to get their lessons done first and then they were too tired.
Well, love to each, May
October 7, 1904 Mukwonago, Wisc.
Dear Brother,
Edith wrote you a letter yesterday and wanted me to send it this morning but I came off in such a hurry the letter was left at home. The girls have had to work pretty hard since they came home -- here at home and catching up at school. Florence works late every night at her books. They went to Vick's store this morning before school to see Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Foab, who are at Mukwonago for a couple of days.
Here is it is Saturday and this letter not gone.
I went to a sociable last night at the school and Carrie Nation's mother was telling me of her husband's and Carrie's trip to Switzerland and one item of interest was the car travel, 40 days on RR for 6 dollars. That is what comes of the government controlling the RR. La Follet made a great hit in Muk. Carried all with him, but wait till Berger comes, he is to speak in German and his friend in English (so I heard over the phone). I had planned to go to Milwaukee the 22 to get my teeth but I would not miss seeing Mr. Berger. The advance agent for the Socialist party stayed at the Mukwonago Hotel and one of the ladies came in here and she told me he got to talking with a crowd of men one night and she said he shut them all up. I feel sure since I have been working at the telephone co. somebody ought to do away with corporations. I don't have work enough to keep me busy here so write a lot of letters. Wish I had some of Mr. Payne's math because he cant take it with him.
Florence & Edith worked hard this forenoon and hoped to study this afternoon but just as I came away, Mr. & Mrs. Titus came to pick apples so the girls will have to work.
That two year old heifer had a calf and her bag caked so I let the calf with he nights and milked her too. Last night the calf was with her and this morning I got half a gallon of milk and this noon I milked her and got nearly half a milk pail and tonight the calf has first lesson in drinking alone. It is a heifer but I will not raise it. First too much trouble in the winter, second it is from one of those mongrels of Schultz's. How much had I ought to get for it at the age of 5 or 6 weeks? Don't forget to tell me. I will have about 130 bu. of corn, had I better sell part?
Well, that is all, May
Mukwonago WI February 26, 1905
Dear brother,
Been intending to write you for a long time, been home for the past two months, but came back to work at the telephone office last Monday. It has been very cold through February and lots of snow, but now for the past week spring seems to be upon us and I would like your advice in regards to the farm, first the South end of the place of about eight acres. The grass was very light here the past summer on account of the dry weather and had I better plow it and corn planted or what you think? The strip north of that down to the woods is seeded, this will be the third year to cut it. Then the piece out by the orchard had corn there the past two seasons and would you seed that? That would seed down part of the garden next to the road as don't need so much space there.
Then just below the wood the pasture is poor and I thought maybe better have that put in corn and if it would not cost too much to fence. Now the lot across the road, the center the grass is pretty well killed out and would it do to sow some clover without blowing it? Hope I have made all this plain so you can tell me just what to do with each piece of land. Guess told you we bought Peter back pay $25 for him at about three weeks since one of the cows hooked him, so everyone that I would lose him but I bathed the wound twice a day with water as hot as could bear my hands in and he seems to be on the mend. Guess the cow will lose her home when it gets warm weather.
Did you get the red slippers for the girls at Christmas? And how much too large were they? We have lived a very quiet winter often wonder if anyone has told you of us as in the past. I try so hard to have the girls straight and proper, suppose I will fail entirely. My motto is this "not what the world thinks of you, but what you think of yourself". I have talked so much of the way they did in Boulder, don't know as can ever get them to write to you. Hope they feel some shame, would be glad if I could see the day ahead when felt as if they did not need my care, but have great fear for the future.
Did you know Genette had been in Mexico and Cuba the past month? Well I must close, please let me hear from you in regard to the land as soon as possible. Yours, May
Home March 5, 1906
Dear Brother,
Very glad to at last hear from you. These days are sad as you no doubt remember it was three years yesterday since we saw mother, but every day is sad and lonely if I allow myself to stop and think.
Edith has not cared for school for some time and mother used to say if the child did not care for school she would have them go to work. So when they asked me to work in telephone office, beginning sometime in March, I said Edith would work. The result is this: Edith is out of school and will help me clean house some and then to work she must go, but she seems very willing.
Now don't faint but Florence and myself will be in readiness to start for your place anytime after July 1, if you think we can do enough to pay. I had planned to have boarders but don't suppose will be able to get more than two or three and I know a little gray-haired woman who will come do the work, put up stuff for us for winter and look after things in general, and be glad of a home. You may not approve of my plans but at last I want to visit you if you cannot come here, so as to talk over what is best to do with athe home or part of it. I would rather sell part of it than to lose it all, Florence said she will be glad when she can earn so she can help to save it. Anytime you want me to I can sell some of the cows to help pay interest, will soon have two new milkers and another one in July.
Spoke to Sam Snow and he said he got your last letter just before he left Madison and he was satisfied with what you wrote, he intended to answer but was so busy did not get at it.
Must close for this time as the girls are both the asleep and I must get them and myself in bed. They never go to bed without me since mother has been gone. With love, May
Mukwonago June 11, 1906
Dear Brother,
Have looked for and made many plans for a trip to Colorado this season but owing to Clark's severe illness had decided cannot go so far from my only sister, if you can possibly get along.
No one will ever know how I dread to give up the trip, but the doctor is so uncertain of Clark living.
Am very proud of "Mukwonago Oil And Gas Company" and will try to send item of it to Chief soon. Wish you could have heard the class graduate, our girl got great honors, the church was full so some could not get in, but heard Florence was the only one who could be heard out in the hall and one old lady came to me after was all over and said "give your daughter my love and tell her how well she did and I could think of no one but her grandma Collins when she pronounced her words so well". Would like to tell you more but had a large wash and got up at 4 AM so I'm tired. So long, with love, May
Postcard from Mukwonago Wisconsin dated June 20, 1906 address to Mr. William P. Collins 1112 Pearl Street, Boulder CO
Dear Bro,
Yours received and saw Clark Saturday p.m. first time in two weeks and if you ever saw a skeleton you know how he looks. He cries like a young child a man can hardly hear word. I were a feel sure he will get well but the doctor was doubtful for some time and says it will take a long time. Florence I go to help when we can. Will write latter. May
Thursday Eve
Dear Brother,
When wrote to the other day I supposed you knew of Clark's illness. About four weeks since he went in the water and when he came out he sat on the bank to fish. The result is a very sick boy and today the doctors opened two places, one on his knee and one on his back to let out pus and one doctor told me it was next to blood poison. Hope he will live but must know the chances are poor. He is so wasted away and poor, you would not know him.
Florence is helping with the work there are now and I will go when she comes home, am sorry for a lore. I must write East, so goodnight, May
Sunday evening July 8, 1906
My dear brother,
Do not seem to get time to write any letters whenever I can get away I go to help but Alura's but am so behind with my work. Our boarder has been with us since March 8, has been away for two weeks but we had a house full of company over the fourth, so my time was all taken. I cannot think but what Clark will live but it is hard on them all. Florence and I went last Thursday and both doctors were there. Alura and the two girls met me at the door in tears. Clark was much worse. It was certainly a sad house that day, but I told them no matter how he was I could tell his voice seem stronger, he was out of his head all that day. Well we left there that night and I went again the next day and found him weaker if anything, but wanted to eat dinner with Alura and she can never eat with the rest, she stays with Clark till Alfred gets done, I mentioned a trip to Colorado but she said if he lived, Alfred was going to Cuba with the two boys and she was coming to Mukwonago with the girls. I told her that would be grand because they could live here and I could go with Florence and earn so she could take a course in business college. Try my best to cheer them up and that makes me think she told me what you wrote her in regard to Clark's palm. She said Alfred did not believe in it but I could see she did because she said "you know May any one will cling to the smallest straw".
One doctor told me yesterday there was very little chance. I have not been into see him for over three weeks but saw him as I passed by the door. You would never know him but you would be sure it was our brother Eddie. I do not doubt but I could help you and would love to come.
Saturday evening
Well you see it was a week since I began this letter, have been at a Alura's today and Florence was there today. Clark had a very bad night last night, but yesterday when I was there, they were very hopeful as he had a good night and was taking more food. Alfred wanted me to see him so I went and for not a minute, the doctor has one of his legs in a brace, the leg the bones came out of. As he improves he will be a great care because he is so very nervous. He has bothered taking his lips and nose, makes them bleed, they put a bag over his hands and one day they were out of the room and he got to make the them bleed as usual and asked why, he said a little devil came in the room while they were out and told him now was a chance to pick his lips.
Alura said yesterday she knew we would have gone West but for Clark and later she said she did not know how she could ever pay me for helping her. I do not tell them but I did want to go West but there will be another time. If you can only save the home, is all I asked.
Electric cars are soon to run. Don't go in the oil well to deep. Write when you can. Must close, one eye blurs and makes it hard to write, love to each, May
Mukwonago WI October 22, 1906
Dear Brother,
Wanted to write you for some time but do not seem to get time. Have made plans to live in Milwaukee this sweater and have Florence attend business college. But could not have Brian killed and shut off our dear home, so tried to get someone to stay here, at last found a woman of about 60 years who wants to live here and keep house for Edith. Then again am afraid Edith will be lonely here is so much alone and it may be best hamburger with us. She could get better money in telephone office thee, only then Bryan would have to go. Chicken sold and house closed. I have a notice in paper to sell the cows, I have three milkers 1 heifer and 2 6 -month-olds. I can get them taken care of for the use of them and may not sell till spring only need money and cows are cheap now and less unless milkers. Am sure to find twork in Milwaukee so my only regret is at leaving things here for l fear something will happen to them.
Now another subject, do you not think it best to sell the land over the road and possibly 10 acres at the south end of the farm's and that we do away with the gap. The Schultz family want across the road for houses course, it will bring more apt to the electric road is completed but I am worried over debt. Yours, May
Dear Brother,
First let me thank you for gift to the girls, but they have letters started to you, if they ever get them finished. Florence goes back to Milwaukee on Tuesday after week vacation. She seems more contended that at first and is doing well in school. Edith is going to begin work again at telephone office and have a woman past 50 years to stay with her there. Genette wrote me she thought it would be better to have E. in town with F. and close to the house. But I still live in hopes Alura is to see brighter days. We went to see Alura and family today regardless the storm and our suffering Clark is to be taken to the hospital in Milwaukee. His leg has been bad of late and a bone has to be removed. Alura said today if he was ever able to be sent to Cuba, she would not go for a time at least, so I hope it will not be long if Clark lives before she can come home. She will be?? tomorrow and I never saw her look so sad and worried as today. Clark is to be taken to Milwaukee in an ambulance.
Have you heard it that Aunt Rebecca had an operation last week for cancer, had left breast removed and is doing fine for a woman of 88 years.
As the time draws near I dread to be separated from the girls, but I am to see Mexico between the middle of January and February 1st. I don't suppose these people will want to go by the way of Denver, but when I come back I will come that way. Of course I can't say how long I will stay with them. If Alura was here to look after the place and I knew she did not need me, I would go very happy. However, I am going to trust are to luck and pray that all will be well with my girls.
I hope and somehow feel sure you will do well with the oil business. It's Iran is Louis Shu can find a nice solo close. With love to each, May
Alura read me your letter and am glad baby is gaining. Year ago last summer had lady boarder was Christian Science doctor and have that it would be well if Clark could have her, but you know Alfred is awfully opposed to them, May
Dear Brother,
Guess Edith has told you all there is to tell only in regards to Clark and he seems very bright. Dr. Y. Told me the other day there was no doubt that he would get well, only Dr. Y. said he thought it would be better for him at the hospital as it was the care that would count now. A small piece of bone came from his leg through the tube they have in it. (illegible words were cut off the bottom of the copied page) that day because it will be hard to see him go and then again I fear every day when she will break down and after he goes am sure it will all be for the best for her.
Am not ready yet for trip, but am anxious to know what way we are to go, of course I know what way will come back but would like to go that way also.
Have a backache so will close with love to each from May.
January 31, 1907
Dear Brother,
Guess am doomed to disappointment in regards to Mexico trip, because I am still in Mukwonago and not much show of going, such is life, only am sorry not to get your way
Clark is getting on fine, eats and sleeps well but I can't see how after all he has had to go through. Alura seems cheerful, I have not been able to help her as much as would like I like, got cold on one trip there, so I felt too sick although I intend to go tomorrow.
Have some hay to sell and everyone who wants hay tells me they can get plenty of hay at $10 per ton delivered. Well yesterday a man came by singing the same song to me about $10 per ton delivered and I said now I did not ask you to come here to buy hay and you better go where you can get it for $10 a ton because you cannot get any here less than $11.25 per ton. I sold him some hay.
Paid taxes and they were higher than last year, last year $20 and some over, this year $22.69. Must close with love, May
Mukwonago WI February 8, 1907
Dear Willie,
Mr. Crawford died Wednesday night and is to be buried today. I have not heard but do you owe him or his estate yet and if so will you let me get the money of someone else, could not get it of Snow, am sure I could get it elsewhere, at four or five percent.
At one time you asked me if Swan had given you credit for interest paid, don't know if I told you or not that he said at the time there was a dollar or so to come and he had been so busy he had not written but it was OK, he would send receipt for it all. Well let me know in regard to this of Mr. Crawford's, what shell I do and so on. With love, May
Mukwonago WI September 10, 1907
Dear Brother,
Had intended to write to you for some time, but thought you would not like what I have to tell you, now, in regards to that money from Armstrong, of course I was afraid something happen to it before ever heard from you. I paid it and left it with L. Swan and he said I could get it anytime I wanted it, but I told him would pay interest if you were willing, well, you know you said should be divided so Alura wanted hers to buy incubator for Esther and Lin answered first, he would do as the rest did and then he wrote he wanted it right away, will send you both of his letters, but it was well on in July and Laurel had endorsed it on the note, so now I must borrow $25 to send to him, as have not got it, am glad interest is paid anyway and if you can only come home later and help me select a stone for Cemetery, I saw a larger stone south of here flat on one side and am sure it could be got very reasonable, but understand me, I am willing and glad to let my share of that money go for interest, only want to send that to Lin at once and will Monday if can borrow it. Will let you know how I come out.
What a world of worry this is anyway. Wish I might go away and forget and then I probably would get over these severe headaches, but now I'm trying to be happy with that your may come home or here this fall, it is not home to me and I often wonder what am waiting for. We have two of the dearest children here boarding from Miller, their mother is poor, the father is gone. She pays me four dollars per week for the two. The youngest will be three years old Wednesday, am going to take them to see their mother mama. She has not have seen them since May 2nd and I have not had ride on over electric cars so Florience will go with me and will spend the day in city.
Did you ever write to Mrs. Armstrong's daughterr, the one who sent the money to me. She is Mrs. E. E. Moulton, Winnebago, Minnesota. I wish you would write to her.
Well am tired and will write more soon as I have a lot more in my brain for you. Love from each teach, as ever, may
Mukwonago WI September 27, 1907
Dear Brother
Intended to answer your card at once in regard to apples. Certainly they are scarce here, cannot get good ones for less than 50 cents per peck and of course they will be more later.
It has rained all day and since darkness came it has been dark indeed. Edith has gone to bed with the two little ones we have here and Florence is at her short handt. I hope to be able to have her back at business college soon.
Well, say, did I write you that I never sent that $25 to Lin and could not get it without paying 6 percent. Am sorry to have him wait for it.
Have you heard a $1.50 at day for help. I seldom go anyplace unless to ride on account of having to take one baby but very near everyone who comes to see us tells of what you are doing and for a long time I wondered how they found out, but discovered the cause in one of the papers I sent you.
Mary and Esther were here tonight after school, they drive in most every day. Have not seen Clark for nearly two weeks. Well must close, with love from May.
Mukwonago WI November 21, 1907
Dear Brother
Received your letter this a.m. and well answered this very night. Alura said you sent her the money and there was something set about mothers whale and I said wish there was another copy in case there might be a fire.
Suppose Alura wrote you what Dr. Youman said about someone wanting to buy this home and today I got a letter asked even if we wanted to sell. Now I do not want to and told Alura that but also said it was used to ask.
The Swan said you notice that interest was paid and I suppose he meant for me to, so will send it in that.
Louise wrote Alura she wanted Florence and the Edith but you know I told you about land's share of that $100. I have never paid. You know what was left that bank and Swan that I wanted it put on the interest. Florence is in school now and it takes all I can get. You may have heard of the baby have here and the parents baby $25 per month but as I said before it takes $10 for tuition and dollar each week for her to come home Friday and then I managed to find a place for dollar week to sleep and get her breakfast and supper. I send food for lunch. Well now I will forget the important part of this letter and that is; I dread to put a heavier mortgage on the place, but for many reasons I want Alura paid because fear it is made unpleasant for her about iteven her children of said "when Uncle Will pays me" and of course I feel as if it was eight dig at me also. I'm sorry for Alura of course. She told me they would go to Cuba if you could and Alfred no doubt frets about going, so I want it paid even if interest takes the home from us in the end allure has given Clark homeopathic medicine and ask me ask me to get medicine for her and knots sent by the girls, her girls, but for me to bring it to her and you bet I feel sorry for her. I will see Anow Saturday and write to the result. With love May
On looking at the receipt, I notice Swan wrote it Snover instead of Collins so I will take it back for him to change. Just read over the latter wrote you last night and it seems to be a mixed up mess but I had to attend the baby in between and now I will send it because it not time to write more.
Mukwonago WI December. 4, 1907
Dear Brother
Am kept extremely close with this baby but he is so dear, well asked L. Swan if he was willing to let me have the money. At first he mentioned mother's will not going through probate and I told him we were after a clear title and he said that would be alright but would I ask you to write him and explain. I will be so glad to get Alura paid. Expect it will go into that old farm while mother told me she wished Alura would put it aside to use in her older days in case she was ever hard up. Well, try to write again soon, with love, May
(The receipt below was attached to this letter.)
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Dear Brother,
Have waited and watched long for the letter that came from you tonight and will be so glad when all is settled. Esther and Mary were with us two weeks before Christmas and we were very glad to have been here, but one day one of them said "mom would get them warm ropes for wearing to school if she had got her money". I said "don't worry I get she will get it". I feared she has been threaded at about it and I'm sorry for her, also it will be pleasant to me not to hear it more. Though and getting wearer take things as they calm, the bitter with this week and call it "bittersweet".
Very glad Lindley is paid. Alura was worried about fire there, but I tried not to worry because there is real trouble enough without worrying before you are sure.
Edith has written you but I see she never set a word about university course, she has never cared for school.
Florence is finishing shorthand but I'm sorry now did not do as I talked, ask if you she could come there to finish begcaause she had a bad cold and seemed to fill up so. She has had very little trouble in that way since she was there till this winter, but was bothered all her life before. She seemed much pleased when got your letter but said she must work two years and then she could have enough for the course. I don't know how would get along with her way so far. Florence is a pleasant girl and good worker. She will not go out even in the day without me unless to Alura's. I simply cannot live alone and that is reason have gone into boarder business.
I plan now, if pick this baby, to visit you next summer. Guess we'll have to have something done to kitchen roof soon, but will come out okay. I hope will send in this a card of the darling children we had all summer and one of our baby here now, by the way, you did not say what you thought of him at $25 per month, I wish I had another at same price.
I was at a Alura's for supper Jan. 1 and Clark is looking fine, asked me if I ever went to Christian Science Church. We have a strong one here. He said he was going to join soon as he was able. Goodnight, May. Mrs. Boss was buried today.
Mukwonago WI February 12, 1908
Dear Brother,
Have never got papers so can get money for Alura. Have you sent them or what is the delay. They seem anxious about it. And of course we want it paid even if it does pay old Hollister's whiskey bills. Laurel Snow said he could let me have it at any time now, though at first he did not have it. Hope to hear from you soon, with love, May
Mukwonago WI April 3, 1908
Dear Brother's,
Am far from letter mood tonight, but must write and tell you that I did not receive mortgage papers you spoke of. All I got was the letter the other day. Hope I will make no mistake in that business and will be glad when it is all settled, one I showed L. Snow copy of mothers will, he said if there was any written statement that Lindley had received that account for us to look out for it. Am glad Snow is as good as he seems. He is considered such a good, straight man. You will hear from Florence soon. She is home now, the main reason being she was used up with homesickness. She was sure she would never get to Colorado without me again but told her to day if she would select good companion so her mind would be easy, am sure she would be contented. You see it is like this she never goes out here without me and must say does not know just how to act alone. She means all right am certain. The woman she was with last year in Milwaukee died leaving three small children and a couple of weeks or so past the woman where she has been all this winter died leaving six children, one almost nine years. Altogether has completely unnerved her. Still have our baby, also little girl who was with me last summer. Then a young lady boarding here from Milwaukee. Guess must close, with love, May
Mukwonago WI May 11, 1908
Dear Brother,
L. Snow asked me if we wanted that money but I have not the papers that is the mortgage papers. I told him to wait till heard from you. Have not felt well for some time past and to finish out had a severe carbuncle on my shoulder. Then the baby had measles, at last have got to write and hope to get answer by return or write to Snow.
Was awfully glad to get a card from Louise, made me want to see the place and you all more than ever. Well goodnight, as ever, May
Mukwonago WI November 3, 1908
Dear Brother,
Card came from the girls today. Glad indeed to hear from you. Well here is another night and this not done.
We are quite busy just now, the mother of one baby is here also the father and mother of our six year old boy are here.
How did election come out with you?
Florence is going to write you, while they are all here she does not get much time. You ask what she intended to do and when she read your card she said we are victims of circumstances, but I intend to breakaway one of these days. Had a chance to be matron of a children's home in Chicago, but could not make up my mind to leave the dear old home. Tell me why you ask about Florence and if she can she will write in a day or so. I send a picture of a little family had this summer. So long and write me, love from May