The Oskaloosa herald., 1910-03-31
BETTER STICK TO iowa
George Lafferty Gives Some Point
ers on California.

Los Angeles. Cal. March 10, 1870
Editor Herald:--We received and
read with much pleasure the "Oppor-
tunity Edition OF the Herald. II was
a great paper and represented vast
amount of research and labor. but il
is an honor to the Herald and should
be productive OF great good to the
city and county. Claude and wife
have cut out pictures of homes and
business places to preserve them in
scrap book. ! was interested in the
Williams hospital because 1t occupies
the site Of our old home and the birth
place of Claude. Whether | ever re-
turn to Oskaloosa or not 1t will al.
ways be Home sweet home" to me.
| recently received a letter from
one of my old friends mildly abus.
ing me for not writing more to my
old associates, so | am doing 1t through
the Herald where greater number
will be able TO read my letter.
! will not try to describe the Iowa
picnic held here ON Washington's
birthday, but 1t was wonderful gath
erisg of from twenty to thirty thous-
and people. | am sure shook hands
and talked to hundreds of former low
ans, great many of whom | did not
recall until they greeted me. Some
came here as children and are now
grown up, having childrn OF their
own. The old timers Of Oskaloosa
will remember Reuben Whitaker and
wife, DR.. Daily, who formerly lived Is
our old home, now a hearty old gentle
man SO years old, living in Pasadena
his daughter, Maude, also living In
Pasadena, married to prosperous
man. Also a daughter of z. T. Fish
err, who moved to Red Oak many
years ago. There are living in Cali
fornia $1,000 Iowa people. Fully 800
Oskaloosans are living in this city
| do not need to look them up, for
run across them every day in my go,
ing about town.
This country Is certainly blessed
with a fine climate, especially for old
people and those who are wealthy. TIC
the young man or woman who is fav'
ored with good health and a home in
Iowa / would suggest that you stick
to Iowa unless you have plenty OF
money and nothing to do. ! believe
there are more good positions in Os'
kalOosa, open to the young person
who Is willing to work than in this
state. California Is crowded with
eastern men and women looking Tor
nice jobs, big pay and easy work.
fear many meet with disappointment,
and wish themselves back home. Do
not misunderstood me, there are many
places here at fair pay for skilled Ia
Dor and the lucky ones with luck,
push or influence can secure employ
ment and have the energy to advance
but the ordinary employments are ov-
er crowded and, as consequence,
wages are lowered This is a beauti-
full country to live in. to enjoy, and to
have a pleasant time, coupled with
the possession of more or less money.
Again, do not misunderstood me, 1t is
delightful country and | enjoy it,
and do not think ii costs any more
to live comfortably here than in Oska-
loosa. have not been an extensive
traveller, but in my observation this
city has more and better restaurants
that are not expensive than any place
have been in.
The Christian Scientists are num-
erous and a fine class OF people and
many are OF large means. They
maintain several churches and yalu-
able buildings, recently purchasing a
$3.50, 900 auditorium.
The Grand Army is splendidly rep
resented by three large hourishing
posts, the Bartlett Lynn with :nem-
bership of 800 20 700, the Stanton,
whose membership is several hundred
and one other. whose name do not
know, is also of good size. ! have
attended them and enjoyed them 10
the full measure. The Soldiers Home
about thirty miles southwest OF here
is truly almost paradise Sr the con-
fort OF the old veterans. 1t compris-
es over 600 acres and is equipped with
fine buildings, hospitals, theatre, or
ange, lemon and walnut groves. The
grounds are beautiful, being planted
with almost every plant Imaginable.
The home is owned and controlled by
the general government. and ] think
il Is accessible TO all old soldiers who
wish to enter. ! suggest TO my old
comrades OF Phil Kearney Post that
IL they wish TO visit California 10
come right along. and II disease or
misfortune oyertakes them, Uncle
Sam" will open his doors and care
for them.
Now close by extending TO all ny
old friends greetings, Sincerely, Geo.
w. Lafferty.