Setp. 22d 1921

My dear son Willie

We had a terrific storm last night and all day yesterday.

Today is beautiful. I was quite disappointed this morning
not finding any thing for me in the letter box.

I expected at least a few lines from you. Tell me frankly
if there is anything wrong with any of you; never be afraid to
talk to me; as bad as I may look I am not a weakling I can
stand a great deal yet. I will ask you to get next your brother
as much as you can. I know he is not happy and it is very help-
ful when we find fellow feeling.

The time is nearing for me to return home. I think Sunday
after next the Beynons will leave, then I will close up every-
thing and go home by train. If it should take me more than a
day to see to everything I can sleep to Hungerford if I want.

I have not gain flesh but I have strengthen mentally. I
will speak toEdgar about a plan I have visualized if I can pro-
cured a little money.

Do steal a few minutes to write me a couple of lines.

Much love from your affectionate

Mother

I heard that very likely they will have work for Willie A. all
the winter at the Elms Inn.

Wayne, Pa.

Sept. 16, 1932.

Dear Aunt Ellen,

Here I am at home and next Monday I settle down to work at
school. I certainly don't care much for the idea after having such
a nice summer but I guess I will like it after I get started.

Everyone is fine around here and I hope you are feeling better
and sleep better at nights. It must be awfully cold at the shore at
nights for it is rather chilly here.

I want to thank you again for asking me up and for the good
time I had.

I have been spending a lot of time trying to get my clothes
into shape again. Something needs fixing about everything.

I hope the Luceys like it up at the shore. It is nice that
they could go up for awhile. I guess though it is a little cool
for much swimming this time of the year.

When you see the Doctor give him my love. I hope you are an-
joying yourself and that the weather isn't too cold.

September 20th

Dear Son Willie

What is your impression of Rosita's letter?

The taxes for West Shore fire district is $14. I will send a
check now.

Billie A. is not able to find any job and hadn't a cent to pay his name. Taxes for his auto came and I see him walking or in his friend's auto so I conclude it is retained until he pay something. However, this is my impression.

I suppose you have seen Edgar already about my going home the
24th which is Saturday next, and if the men of the "Gas Light Co."
work on Saturdays he may bring someone to take away our meters.

Nothing new for the present.

Love to all,

Affectionately

Mother.

My cane needs a rubber - it is slippery without it - easy for me to fall.

July 9 - 1933

147 Smith St.
Port Chester
N.Y.

Dear Aunt Ellen:-

Received your nice letter and your very kind offer and I certain-
ly do appreciate it. Irving has his vacation the first two weeks in
August and we would enjoy it up there so much. I have been working
hard all winter and a change will be very welcome.

I wrote you some time ago but I found the letter the other day.
It had never been mailed.

We bought a car last week and as it is our first one we are get-
ting a big thrill out of it. I hope I can learn to drive it. It
looks rather hopeless right now.

We are moving again to a house with a garage. It's a very nice
little six room house and it is the same rent as this one. It seems
like we're always moving.

It is now 2 o'clock in the morning and I am waiting for my pa-
tient to go to sleep so I can get forty winks myself. The nursing
business has been picking up.

11:30 p.m. Sunday night.

I think by now you've seen the family and heard all the news.

Did you like our car? and how do you think the boys look?

I do hope you are feeling much better. Please give my best re-
gards to Rosita.

August 19 - 1934

Dear son Willie:

Here is the check that remained behind yesterday. I had put
the stamps on the letter and did not want to open it again.

I hope everything is alright with you, Florence improving
and in good spirits.

The weather is very changeable here at the shore.

With love,

Mother

Remember to get me a check book.

Does it bother you that I write you all the time when you are so
busy?

Tuesday

Dear son: I had this morning two and a half auto ride. Mr. Hun-
gerford thought the old lads never get much attention and I
guess he wanted to give us a chance; You know I hated to be, to
look, and to have to be old, but this morning it struck me as
being very funny, and keeping the laugh to myself, it did seemed
as if Mr. H. had gone to the old ladies home and picked three
speciment of the species, wrinkled and more or less hard of hear-
ing, it was funny and pathetic; any how we had a lovely ride and
I enjoyed it greatly, it was very kind of Mr. H. to give me that
pleasure. The party was: Mr. H., Mrs. Bush senior, Mrs. Brown
and myself.

Paul just started for home 2 p.m. he had a good time, one
day he spent with the Grimel's and slept there, he was quite
jolly.

I had a letter from Katherine this morning, she saw Florence
in the Hospital, she looks good even a little pink color in her
cheeks. Katherine thinks Florence has coalesced remarkably,
that is a satisfaction to her and to you.

When Albert and Katherine go home from the shore they always
have left something nice to remember them, now Katherine has put
two japanese little rugs in the dining room. They have flowers
painted and makes the room cheerful.

The weather is not very good, I wish some warmer days may
come in September.

Sonny is as nice as ever - he has not yet finished entirely
his job, he has no help doing the work. Au revoir.

Love from

Mother

It seem to me that Albert has started in making operations, he is
too ambitious.

On the 17th of September

1934

Dear Son Willie

Is with the deep sincere love of my heart I am wishing you
many happy returns of the day.

I remembered pop's birthday on the 10th and mentioned it to
those around me.

I will be glad to see Sonny again before he enters College.

Billy A. has a job in a big fashionable club but does not
know how long it will last, there are a few ifs to wait for.

The weather is so very changeble and tricky.

Glad to hear Florence is improving all the time.

Your loving

Mother.

Sept. 21 - 1934

Willie dear son:

A phrase in your last letter speaking about the boys called
my attention, you say: "They go about as they please and return
when they please leaving us in a state of uneasiness very often."

I may offend you but I think it is part your falt _unconsciously_ of course. Those things are taught with tact and begining early.

When the occasion is propicious sitting togather bring the
conversacion to what interests the young folks, ask questions,
not for curiosity but to bring unity of thoughts, say intimacy
in the family, freedom of speach.

I was sensitiv to hear some times question and answer -

Q. Where are you going?

A. Out.

as you would say: Non of your business.

Pardon me for speaking of things that I should say nothing
but it is with good intention and no malice.

Sept. 23 - I was diffident to send this letter so I stopped short.

Mother.

21rst of September

1934

My dear Sonny

I miss you around but really we have had so much rain that
you would not have much fun, but now a spell of hot days has
come.

This morning looking at the horizon I perceived twenty two
boats in their endeavor to get some blue fish I was told, they
are plentiful now and bit quite large. It was too bad it was
not so when you were here, however Elliott has put away for the
winter already his nice boat. I guess he did not expect this
 unusual fine weather in September. I hope I don't speak too
soon.

I hope you will have a very successful year in College, in
every respect.

Paul has gone to his preparatory school and I hope sincerely
that he will be contented.

With love

Nana

P.S. Oh, if you have my penknife keep it. I have been looking
for it at the other house.

This note is old now.

Thursday 1934

Dear son Willie

I was just now sitting on the porch breathing the pure air
for a few minutes and thinking of you. What a pitty you can not
be here for a few days to enjoy this wonderful last week of this
September so exceptional, the soft wind coming from the south
today, every thing is so quiet around; the flowers never looket
so nice; however, I think it is better for me to go home the
first of October.

I paid lately gas bill for the two Cottages and I guess
they will send me two more before I go home.

Make your arrangement as you think best, remember the gas
meters have to be removed and the water stoped.

It would be less trouble, (agreeing first with Billy)
if you stop to the gas company and bring the man to remove the
meters.

I should have begun my letter by telling that yours with
the five dollars bill and the little poem "to a poor old woman"
came in due time. The poem is much better since you construed
it.

I am reading now "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë it is
interesting, but as I read very slow it makes it so long!
though well written and keeping your interest very keenly.

It is so placid over here now that even Florence would like
it I think.

July 18 - 1935

Very dear son Willie

It took me by surprise and gave me much pleasure to get the
postal from Paul and I am glad he is enjoying his cruise, he will
have something, much to tell us.

I am glad also to hear that Sonny is so cheerful in Cape Cod,
he looked to me so reluctant before he went that I thought he was not
feeling quite well.

Dear son I always enjoy your letters and what you say and
think; your idea about old age is very indulgent and sweet, of
course are pros and con I will speak of that another day.

I am sorry not to have Charlote to visit me, after all she
does not care perhaps to come, and would not like to sleep alone
in the big cottage.

I have been busy covering the pillows clean and so the cover-
ings and today the curtin will go to the lundry. I was so morti-
fied when Madeleine left and I went to see the room to find every
thing so dirty, I felt ashame that she had slept there. You see
these three years I being impossible to do much and beside Kath-
erine (Dr. Rader) bringing the servant and she herself would ar-
range every thing nice and clean and even add some necessity.

Yes, if Mrs.Robinson want to come it will be alright every
thing in the sleeping room will be clean.

My pain and swelling in the leg have been quite bad. Billy
A. massaged the ankle, I wanted more guaze to do it well, only
this morning we tryed it.

So Edna Ford is gone? Her life must have been a constant
fear. I wonder what is the feeling when death comes so sudden,
no body has come back to say.

Paulina and Maria will soon go home to their husband now
the mother is better.

Tell me when to pay the new taxes here in Conn. I don't
want any more extras.

Love,

Mother

July 31 - 1935

Dear Son Willie

Your letter came this morning, I did not complain that you
did not write to me I know you always do when you have the time
I merly would ask when they went to the mail box if they had some
for me. I feel sorry for you as well as for the two patients
sufferers, the child's mother is surely a faker.

You know son I think, a doctor who should bear that title
would have to be a person with an innate passion with deep feel-
ing of altruism and great lover of science mixed with the pleas-
ure of relieving the unfortunate sufferers; I don't understand
it any other way.

Yesterday I paid my gas bill $8 and 54 cents, high enough.
Now I have written to the tax collector asking to send me a dupli-
catefor my current instalment in August, giving my reason for so
doing. I wonder what those intransigeant people will do.

The Robinson are thoroughly enjoying their stay at the shore
it is a pleasure to see it.

Eleonor is very well and lively. Billy A. is working steadily
and happy, me? my leg does not improve otherwise I am well

I was sorry Charlotte could not come and Mrs. Herman however
the house was not very presentable then.

Much love Mother
I told Sonny he was descendant of the Vikings too.
I want the drops for the eyes the little bottle I brought finished
long ago. Send it with Mr. Robinson.

17th of September, 1935.

Very dear son Willie

I wish you many happy returns of the day.

I wish you great success with your writing and I wish you
libretto for the expected opera both will materialise with
bright colours and will please the public

Much love from
Mother

1935

30th of August

Dear son Willie

I am glad you had a quiet rest at Cape Cod. Your letter with the five dollars came safe yesterday. The letter box with the bibelots came half an hour ago, those flimsy things should be packed in a wooden box and not in a thin cardboard one.

I expect to see Sonny this afternoon as you have announced
to me in your letter, I will be glad to see him. I am sorry it is
such a miserable day, very foggy and damp with no joy inspiring;
I see it is raining hard now.

What a sad accident the young king of the Belgians had yesterday!! Life hangs in a thread on the human beings. And so peculiar at times!! Young people in full vigor suddenly dieing of heart trouble and there you have a woman 84 years, Anna's patient four months and a half in a coma and her heart beating regularly and they trying to keep her alive, she does not function naturally every thing is forced; is that kindness? But, it means eight dollar a night for the nurse.

I think you better send me ten dollars instead of five, there
are so many things crops up. I will send you a check for the five
dollars extra.

I will wait now to see if Sonny comes.

Saturday 31st.

He and his friend arrived last night at 10 p.m. they look like
two fugitives - went to the Y.M.C.A. to sleep where they will have a
better rest and sleep longer in the morning. He will explain to you.

They are coming for lunch with me 11 a.m. Your letter and the five
dollars at hand. It comes very well.

The sun is bright this morning. I am glad to say for it was
cold last night.

Eleanor is well and hopeful, as soon as I see the necessity
to have someone else with me I shall let you know. She went to see
the doctor Thursday, and told her to rest, and gave her something
for the pains she gets in the night at times.

Sonny will tell me his plans when he comes to lunch later.

Irving has his face full with empatigo? is that the name?

Much love,

Mother

September 4, 1935.

Dear son Willie:

As it often occurs in the month of September about the second weak or so comes a spell of hot weather. I am hoping and waiting for the transformation. Sonny would not enjoy the shore at present, the pleasure to see him would be mixed too much with regret.

Irving and the children went home Sunday, I was so glad, today I have sent to the laundry all the bed clothing he used, afraid of the empatigo for other peoples, he has it bad. He can't go to look for a job with that face of his.

The folks here have not yet found an appartement; don't you worry to find a person to stay with me because when they go away, I will go at the same time; not in a hury, I want you or Edgar to come for a day and help me to pack.

I wish I was Chopin to write in music this melancholy storm by the sea, or a poet in his fine language.

In the courrier DEU is a very interesting article about what Montmarter was in Paris and the Bohemian crowd who were des habitues there, writers, poets, painters revolutionnais etc.

Thursday 5th.

Just received your letter. I hope we have enough watter now; still raining but the temperature is milder today and no wind. I am feeling fairly well not mentioning my pains at night as usual.

Wednesday 11 a.m.

Dear Son Willie

I have just received the letters you forwarded to me. I am glad to hear from Sonny. Luisa is sending me by express two mameyes, please give one to Florence to peal the fruit, cut the two ends and slash the skin as you do to an orange. Then get rid of the white skin from the flesh (with a knif) and then cut the yellow flesh either for eating, or jam; send me the other, they are very heavy those mameyes.

The wind is cold, and the temperature changes often. I am the same in every way, the Luceys are enjoying the change.

Love to boths

Your affectionate

Mother

Don't be surprise if I will not write often nor long letters.
My eye is acting like when I had the shingles red and painful
at the tuch catching also.

I am not asking for medicine, only I tell you as information.

Monday the 9th

Dear Son Willie

Your postal came this morning and I am glad you are enjoying
that delightful claimate of Goldbrook I wish you could stay longer,
here it is a constant change.

Rosita came yesterday for a half an hour call, brought me a
box of nuts, it was a fine afternoon, Irving and Bobbie were here
so it was like a family reunion. I took lunch, or dinner with
Bill and Eleanor. Rosita is visiting her friend Ruth now married
and living in East Haven. She Rosita did not mention of coming
to me and if she don't feel the inclination to do so I will not
ask her. I am enjoying my experience of being alone, of course
it is not easy work but I take my time, and, I can not read much.

What is the matter with Mrs. Lucey I am surprised that she
has not taken the trouble to write even a postal card, that's
the world!

I am making an effort to write, please excuse every thing.

I need another bottle of, the drops for the eyes

Much love

Mother

February 9 - 1937

Mr. Dophner

Could you get me a pair of shoes (black) 3½ - D - with arch supporter and very short vamp?

There is no hurry. I will wait until I get what I want.

Mrs. W. G. Williams

9 Ridge Road
Rutherford, N. J.

Tuesday, July 28th

Dear Son Willie

Billie A. gave me last night $10. so, I don't want now the
fifteen dollars I was asking you to bring me.

The mornings here have been cold, and the days very comfort-
able up to now.

Just this minute the carpenter has come with the paper for
the roof and will begin to work this afternoon.

Not to finish this note without _asking_ for something, bring
me some calbisma if you have.

What time will you get here Friday, it is alright for the
Luceys to go home Saturday, you can sleep in the big cottage.
Eleanor said so.

love

Mother

Monday July 27

Dear Son Willie

I have not yet heard from Rosita, I would like to stay two
weeks alone and see how I will manage, the worst with me is when
I can not hear the people who come for tell me all about the things
to buy, grocers, butcher and the rest.

When you come bring me $1X., I have $10 left for this week;
I want to recuperate some of the money when I will be alone.

The weather have been too cold for July however this after
noon is warm, a beautiful day.

This as you see is not a letter; it has been very monotonous
and there is nothing interesting to tellyou.

Love plenty of it

Mother

5th of July

Dear Son Willie:

Good, cool morning 60°, yesterday in my room in the afternoon
was 90°.

Mr. Hungerford came a few minutes ago he has become younger,
looks fine was up this morning at 4 a.m. making jams, he does not
like the hot days.

I introduced him to Mr. Miller.

Edgar in a rush for a few minutes came yesterday afternoon to
see me; Hulda, Pal, and Christine were with him he had to make 30
miles more to get Ingrid and Edith that had gone some place with
one of the teachrs, in all 60 miles more before he got home.

The Millers are fine, we get along very well.

I will be pleased to have Paul and Sonny come next week, they
can sleep in the big cottage and take their meals here with me it
will be fine alright.

I think you and Florence will have a good rest in Monroe. Tel
Florence she forgot to put in the box of groceries the 1/2 doz. eggs
she told me would give me.

Sonny with Mr. and Mrs. Miller are digging clams now at 12.10
p.m. to make chouder so you can imagine when they will have dinner
ready.

Rosita went last night with the Clocks to see the big bonfire
at the Point she came home at 1.15 a.m.

The Smiths had a fine display of fireworks, little Diana had
not seen that, it was the first in her life.

Thanks for the whisky, is good to have some handy.

Love to all from

Mother

September 1st

Dear Son Willie

The boys did not come yesterday. I presume they were anxious
to get home, as it is natural.

The day you came was unique as if it had been ordered for
your benefit principally, the night.

Oh! but it was cold last night, very very cold at four o'clock
in the morning. Today the afternoon has been fine it is a quarter
of five p.m. and the sun still shine what we have not had the two
days previous, it is difficult to predict what September will
bring, we just have to wait and see.

May be, if Edith is free she may be able to come for two
weeks before she goes to College but I think she has lots to do
in different ways; none of the girls has help beside what they
can do.

The farm, Hulda has done every thing with no servant nor
ouside help. Put up in jars all the fruit and vegetables for the
winter etc. etc.

Give every one its due is Christian.

I didn't want to write all this, it just came. So please
excuse me.

With love

Mother

How is the situation in Spain?

August 23

Dear Son Willie

Your letter with the five inclosed came safely. I was sure
Sunny would remember the change.

The shore is like the little girl with the curl in the middle
of the forhead; this weather is terrible - the Barrs went home
Monday. (I offered to give back, refund half of the money) he said
that he could not stay in the house all day and play cards but he
better go home and do something, he was sorry and I expressed my
regrets. If the weather continis so rainy it would be wise to
tell Mrs. Herman to keep the boys a couple of days more. They
can do nothing here but stay in the house. The waves in the sound
are like in the sea.

(Is to them to decide, they will always be welcome.)

In my little shanty I am safe now, if it is too damp I light
the heater and the house gets even too hot for this time of the
year, that is during the day, but it has not been necessary to
do it. - I only want you to know it.

We have not been able to find the keys of the big cottage.
I sent a postal to Irvingtoday asking if he took them with him to
send them back, the house is open and there are petty thieves
around.

I am glad you feel that you are taking a vacation.

Love to you and please extend it to Florence the boys and to
Mrs. Herman.

I wish the weather would mend so that Mrs. H. could come with
you all.

Mother.

Billy Wellcome is going to bring me Sonny's pants today, so he
will soon get them.

Little Mick is alright.

This letter is à la hate.

August 15

Dear Son Willie

I saw Rosita this morning she was here for a half an hour
with me. She is supposed to be visiting Eleanor but most of the
time she goes to Clock's and comes for her meals and to sleep
here. What I gather is that she is visiting her friends while
waiting to be called for a steady job, so do not think of her
to stay with me; I feel happy alone and do as I please, after
all Bill A. and Eleonor are near and it is not as if strangers
were living in the Cottage. And I have not got the worry to
think what to give to eat to the visitors, really I am enjoying
my loneliness and do as I please, of course I can not do some
things, Bobbie is still here and he burns my papers also postes
my letters very often.

Of course my thoughts are not of rose colour, a person with
no illusions can have it.

Please do not forget to send me another bottle of the drops
medicine for the eyes and some Salycilate to help my (muscular in
Spanish) pains. I did not bring but a few pills with me. Don't
forget this -

Oh, I want to tell you about my grand daughters: to begin
with the farmer Hulda has two assistants Palamona and Christine,
Edith has another job. She is the chauffeur for 2 old ladies,
and Ingrid helps her father in the office.

Irving told me last Sunday that he had sold 2 monuments.

Billie A. had a carbuncle in the leg that had to be lanced,
it is getting well now.

Those are the beautiful interesting news I have to tell you.

Much love

Mother

Excuse mistakes.

Send me $10 I paid the water bill.

July 20

Dear Son Willie

Your nice letter came this morning I was waiting to hear from
you, now I feel happy. Your arrangement about coming to take the
Luceys home and the rest you say is alright.

About Margarita I rather speak to you than write there are so
many things pro and con about her.

You may ask Katherine what I toled her about the two nurses,
I don't remember the name, their mother attended toFlorence when
Sonny was borne, they could have the room (no pay) and do their
own house keeping, having the kitchen and the toilet at their dis-
posal.

Of course I can stay alone and do the best I can as long as
I don't have to cook for several peoples and wash the dishes, how-
ever I can not go and burn the rubish, go for the letters and so
on.

I would like to see what Sonny have to say about his adventure
with his professor.

There are a few things that I can not do, and I have become
so def since I am here that it is hard to hear what people have
to say, we have to try to find something to put in the ear not the
sonotone.

When I see you and talk to you I will explain what I have to
say.

Excuse all my falts.

Much love, Mother

Dear Son:

Risking your anger I am trying to find out why your books
of poems have not much acceptance. I think perhaps some times
you use a sort of parable or alegory that is hiding behind a
curtain like, and the people have not the tallent to understand;
if only they could lift that curtain they would percive the
fine thoughts of a fine poet behind it all, if you would use
more of the current speech they would grasp the essence of
your ideas. It is not enough to have a pretty drawing of a
person but it must have the sparkle of the soul. The people
want something to stir their heart, pathos, love, sorrows, re-
ligion, or otherwise mirth, joviality etc. etc. to get away
from the humdrum life and lift them if for a moment from the
letargy of their half dead soul.

A true story comes to my mind just now, about a Spaniard
who spoke Spanish though he was a Catalan that had a dry good
store, once he was speaking somewhere and when he finished "I
don't understand some one said "Yo no comprendo no entiendo lo
que usted dice Bigai, (his name) and the answer was: "Mas yo
me entiendo."

I remember also when once Pop read Pound poem and was
provoked and told him why didn't you say books instead of green
emeralds?

Excuse my ignorance. No, I don't mean that, I know.

Friday 17 -

Dear son Willie

Just a couple of lines to tell you we are getting along very
well. Mrs. Lucey is a wonderful help to me.

I have not heard from you since you came back from Virginia
did you and Florence enjoy the little trip?

Don't forget to send me the drops for my eyes. Dr. Zehnder is very kind to say"your eyes are holding very well". I wish it was so. And my hearing worse every day. What joys!

We have a beautiful day today, hot in the afternoon and last
night we had extra covers in bed it was very cool, in the city
they are toasting.

I will pay $5. for the cesspool in the back of the big cot-
tage. Billie A. did the digging for it.

Love - Mother

No better in any way yet.

Thursday 25th

Dear son Willie

I had a very good letter from Sonny telling me all about his work now. (The course of Zoology in which his boss the instructor will begin the 1rst of August)

I gather that the assistants of the professors - like doctors and nurses, are doing the tedious work while the bosses do the scientific part. His work is crowded for time but however he has a good time with the young people boy and girls, has added a little to his coat of tan and expects or hope to resemble his creole ancestors. Your article or annotation must have impressed him, I have not read it yet.

Only Kings, emperors, great leaders, geniuses and notorious rascals and morderous are recorded in history, the other humble peoples are peacefully put away under the ground and left. My own father recommendation was "bury me deep very deep under the ground so that I will not be molested, and as I think I knew my brother he was glad to be buried in the ocean without any fuss. I have some of that feeling also of being ignored."

Mrs. Robinson and children are enjoying their short vacation here, if you are not coming they might stay until Irving's time to arrive.

They have taken Mrs. Hungerford to the Hospital for observation. She certainly looks bad.

The weather is not nice today neither was yesterday but Mrs.
Robinson is a sport she is wonderful that way, cheerful.

As Mr. Robinson will come Friday please send me fifteen dollars, inclose goes the check. I have called the plumber for

to see what is to be done to the toilet w.c.

Sonny sais he rather be an M.D. than a Ph. D.

I hope you and Florence are enjoying at least your quiet
time at home.

Much love

Mother

Thursday, July 11

Dear son Willie

Your note from the 9th is of a great comfort to me spiritually.
The worldly enjoyments, ambitions and pleasures have flown and gone
from me for ever.

I sent to you the little box for Ingrin because I have forgot-
ten if she is to stay in town to take the summer course at Colum-
bia College or if she is at the farm and Ed. may be away; do you
mind it?

The heat is strong here too but the breeze helps and the
wather is just there, nights are always much better; I hope you
and Floss will be able to take a vacation in August.

I hope the Luceys got my letter, I think the address I put
(the number of the house is wrong). Unintentionally my address
book was left home.

Send my french paper with the glassess when you remember the
glassess.

Love and more love

Mother

Saturday, August 17

Dear son Willie

This morning I received a letter from Mrs. Lucey telling me of the death of Mr. Goss and Mrs. Keep. The death of Mrs. Keep has been really a shock to me, a young woman in the prime of life having every thing to live for, died in her sleep.

In Sonny's postal card he had told me to write you a cheerful letter. This is not one - in the sense of cheefulness. But I must add: there is great hope for the opera your friend is writing and the libretto on your part in progress may culminate in a great success full of joy and glory.

You have also a nice wife companion and two fine loving sons - and, you have not lost your position the popular slang of today.

I expect Irving and family tomorrow Sunday.

I hope the last baby of the crop you were expecting will soon arrive so as to relieve your mind and set you free of that burden. You must not let things to weigh too much on your mind it makes one old to soon.

Mrs. Lucy says her hustan is becoming really old, you know what means, poor man.

We have a splendid day today rather hot.

Tomorrow all the men will be playing tennis in the yard here.

The little rose plant you put has revived again is about
ten or fifteen inches high and has a beautiful tea rose opened
yesterday and very fragrant.

My love to Florence and a great share for you.

Mother

Wednesday August 7

Dear son Willie

Myself I had to smile about Paul resollution against disorder,
those little experiences in life are beneficial I know, when he will
be even eighty years old he will still remember his first cruise
and all its details.

If you let me know the exact time you will get here on your
way to Cape Cod. I will prepare a lunch for you all.

Last Sunday Irving and the children, Lorence and Meinos, came
they brought a big basket of provision, a small chicken cut in
pieces already 2 quarts of milk, jar of mayonnaise for the salad,
butter, fruits, cake, and we had prepared a big veal roast, pota-
toes, big dish of cumumber with sauce, beans, coffee, tea, tomatoes
but we only had some of the veal left and a little of the beans
and of the cucumber. Irving was very quiet and sedately, I was
told that he had lost his job just the week before. Ann doest not
want to abandon her present job $50 a week. the old lady who is
in a coma.

Eleanot went to be examined last week in the Hospital by the
doctor who will take her case, was examined from head to foot,
inside, outside, north south east and west. She is alright and
quite large but very agile.

I have paid the taxes and the gas until next time.

I still have here a few few dollars left but I will take the
opportunity to ask you to bring me fifteen dollars (check inclosed).

Mr. Hungerford is staying now in his old house for the summer.
I see him very little however.

Oh, I was forgetting my present from Irving, a bottle of
sherry, which I have not oppened yet. Keeping it for the winter.

If there is such a thing as alcohol with wintergreen in it
bring me a little I would like to try it.

Sunday, Sept. 15

Dear son Willie

You have been told already, at 4 a.m. Billie A. had to take
in a hurry Eleanor to the Hospital ant she has a boy.

I nearly expected what has happened.

Is to bad that I have to leave when the weather get warm.
I don't want you to get somebody to come to stay now with me, it
is not convenient and I rather go home. I am sorry neither you
nor Ed can come for me. Irving came at midday, I am gathering
all my belongings and be ready to go.

Irving want to take me to his home tomorrow, Monday, he says
I should stay there until the end of the week. I don't want to
I rather go before, I think Edgar could try to arrange it it is
not like waiting to bring a baby to the world. Speak to Ed about
it.

Nothing more to say until I see you.

I am glad Eleanor is well and had no bad trouble. She wanted
that baby she spoke so much about her child.

A bientot

Mother

Sept. 16

Dear Son Willie

In the New York Times Sunday last was the picture of the
Opera house of Paris, they had a big sum of money subsidy from
the government to repeat it, the electricity for the stage, they
worked all the summer and when it was finished every thing went
up in flames and smoke to the sky, it is too bad I say.

You don't seem to feel pity for any thing of that sort.
do you?

Sept. 17th

Dear Son Willie

What do you say to come Friday to take me home when you have
no office hours or some other day that will suit you better, let
me know in advance, to make it easier for you.

I asked Billy A this morning when he expected to move? his
reply was: by the end of the month, but they have nothing in
view nor the twenty five dollar, the Indian summer come generally
in October so perhaps they will have two or three weeks more of
hot days this year.

(The mother in law - Bill's - is here since little Keneth
birthday.)

Irving is anxious, waiting for the end of the month to see
if he is going to be paid and if they are going to keep him or
what -

I hadan idea that perhaps you would sent a couple of dollars
the 15th for Keneth birthday, it was only an idea.

My very strange dream about a month ago.

It was a dead man tall and very stiff stroked on something
the corpo had black pants I looked at it and wanted to know who
the man was but he had like a band or sash that covered from (eye
to eye wide) the head forhead, the nose the mouth and the chin so
I could not see all the face but the figure and all look exactly
like Edgar.

Extra

It is not absolutely necessary or urgent that you shoud come
next Friday, Saturday, Sunday or even the following week will be
alright, let it be just at your _convenience_. I only want to be
in the open air as long as I can. Although my pains have been
more than ever this summer.

July 13

Very dear Son Willie:

I hope your lecture in Virginia was a success and you and
Florence enjoyed your little short trip.

Yesterday Billie A. gave me twenty dollars toward the rent
of the cottage. I am glad because I had only $12 left from the
big money I brought. I paid $4.50 for the door in the big cottage.
B could not pay one to fit the Luceys room yet it will come. The
carpenter has not come neither.

Mrs. Peck has written to Mrs. Lucey asking if she wants the
same job she had as her assistan for the government work. Mrs.
Lucey has accepted of ourse, it may be in two weeks or in two
months, is not yet organized. It will be alright for me.

The mamey you had was over ripe, it should be hard as to
be able to cut it in slices as you do to a boiled sweet potato,
the taste nor the smell was of the mamey.

I cooked mine and made jam with the one you sent me and it
tasted just like peaches not a bit like mamey. I wrote to my
friend not to spend her money and to spare the trouble she takes
to send me any more fruit.

Is there any place where you send letters to Sonny I could
send him a postal in answer to his.

The weather here is so peculiar, cool or fresh at 6, 7 a.m. hot from 12 - 1, until 7 p.m. sometimes very hot other time cold winds.

Ann, Irving and Bobbie came Sunday before last to see the family, we all.

Irving is selling monuments. I wonder how he is making out?

Lovingly

Mother

Saturday five p.m.

My dear Son Will

As I was at the gate starting for Woodmont this morning, I found
a letter from Edgar in the letter box saying he could not come
this Saturday (today) nor next Saturday.

Mr. Hungerford made me take note that my land extends beyond what
I thought the boundary of my property was, (as you come from the
street at your left in the woods over the little path).

Some one wants to lease I think about 50 feet of land but I don't
want to do any thing before I see you and Ed. and Mr. Hungerford
also want to speak to you. I have to survey the land, I mean to
have the land surveyed, although pop must have the papers somewhere.
The other business Edgar can tell you about, I feel reluctant now.
Writing is not satisfactory, I want to speak to you about this
place.

Leasing that corner by the street would not interfere with the
rest of the land and would give to pay the taxes, but Ed. knows
more about those things, and all the details about number of years
and price & & &

I can not infringe on some other peoples land even one foot, the
law is there.

Sunday, October 2nd

A thing I have never spoken about because it may seem perhaps triv-
ial, small, and ridiculus to others although it be quasi vital to
me is the deprivation of my piano. When ever I feel unhappy or sad
I can sit at the piano and absorb my mind, forgetting my troubles for
a little while. I enjoy fumbling with the playing. I don't want
to disturb any one and so, I only amuse myself when every body is
out.

I remember a little story Philena's mother told me. When she and her sister Alice were young women after losing their mother in Paris they went to live for a time with their brother (the eldest) in Caracal; the two sisters were very well mentally equipted, in fact Louise had her diploma as a teacher; they were both very fond of reading, but they found out that their sister in law said they were two big lazy things. Now comes my idea.

Suppose you and Florence buy a small unexpensive piano with a devise to muffle the sound like there is in the piano you have now in your parlour, you would let me have it and I would give you my baby grand. Anyway if I die tomorrow my piano is yours.

I am thinking all sorts of thing of late feasibles or not. So much for that.

If you can come this week let me know, so that I may decide when to go home.

A bientos

With love

Mother

Saturday October 1st

My dear son Will

The season is over, the Beynons will leave tomorrow, the fam-
ily have had a good vacation.

I am going to stay perhaps a week more.

Do you think you and Edgar could come for a day before next
Sunday, October 7th? He will tell you what I am after.

If you happen to I am sure it will be dreadful, if a good
day, it will be beautiful, so it goes at this time of the year.

Yesterday it was stormy, strong wind, rain, dark and quite
cool, today is a beauty, the sun shining on the water, giving an
invigorating feeling to walk.

I am going to Woodmont.

Well, soon I expect to go back and meet what may come.

Love to all

Mother

Monday the 8th

My dear son Willie,

It is really too bad that death is inexorable to our desires
our ambitions and our wishes.

How grandma enjoyed this place, the monarch; liberty, liberty.
And how papa wanted to come here with so many plans in his mind.
Do you wonder that Willie A. has taken root here and do not wish
to leave the place?

Although I wanted to do something else beside this+, I am
fully enjoying this freedom.

Sometimes I have had many peoples around enjoying themselves
and at other times I am entirely alone principally at night when
every one goes out to have a good time. Did I tell you Mrs. Bey-
non, her sisters and family organized a party on our part of the
shore made a big fire. I was the guest. We roasted marshmallows,
ate candy and opocorn, Willie A. played the guitar and sang al-
ternating with the vitrola.

Last night we had a storm today the sun shines and we have
a beautiful day. Mr. Beynon is gone and will come back next
Thursday, they like this place so much that she is speaking of
coming back next year.

I am drinking a quart of milk a day beside my food and tak-
ing it easy.

+ during the summer

Edgar expected to pass through here the 19th but I don't know if he will stay more than a day, if he is lucky to meet good weather it will be grate, if bad weather - horrible.

Last night Mr. Beynon wanted to go out in his auto, it sunk in the mud at our entrance and had the greatest trouble to get it out and back out for home again.

By by until another day I am going for my bath.

Much love from
Mother

Florence bathing cap got there safely?

Saturday, July 13

Dear son Willie

Just received your letter, tomorrow the tax collector will
get his $9.18 extra.

If I didn't have this place I would have to spend as much as
I pay for taxes and perhaps more to go for the summer anywhere,
and here I live in a primitive stile, no toilette nor even a good
dress.
Although I get allong so nicely with Elionor she buy
her things and I mine with some exceptions, andWillie A. is so
very handy too, Elionor practically does the cooking. I do very
little of it, and Elionor washes all the dishes; I can not enter-
tain, it would be awkward for me to have visiters in the big cottage.
I would love to have Charlotte if Mrs. Herman would come with her
and the two keep house. Katherine can not come and so the house
is vacant until Irving comes by the middle of August.

I wish Mrs. Herman could come with Charlotte, it would be nice
but I can not do for them as I do for you Floss and Sonny and Paul.
I can supply sheets, pillow cassess and covers. Did you get the
little box for Ingrid, I did not write, it is only an artificial
flower for Ingrid birthday, is not even pretty only a remembrance.

I have not seen the Hungerfords again I am suspishious that
she has donne herself harm by that stupid idea of the reducing fad.
The day she came with the flowers was in a hurry so it disant had
something on the fire, I guess she does not want to say anything
about her looks nor be asked! but she do look very bad, she may
recuperate during the summer.

Saturday, September 1st

Dear dear Son

Your little poem of the old lady and the bag of plumes is
alright, very descriptive.

Rosita is going, she will spend a week with her very dear
friends the Clocks before going home. Elonor and Billy A. will
sleep in the back room here begining tonight perhaps - Irving
and Lorence may come for Labour day.

I wonder if you can find what I want? In the second drawer
of the bureau as you enter my room at the left side you will find
two pairs of woolen unions they are short and shrunked but they
give warmth to my body. They are low neck and no sleeve, the
cotton ones I have give me the shivering when cold days come.

On Tuesday next week I will start with my last $5 bill.
Send me my twenty dollars. As Rosita will not be here I will
have in hand the $2. I give her Saturdays but I will have to pay
thelaundry any how.

Today the Luceys must be exited with the arriver of Jack and
family.

Sonny tells me now that you want him to return home next Fri-
day. Will Florence be home then? I am glad she is doing so well.

As I said before, next week I will need money but this time
it will last me much longer.

Your much affectionate

Mother.

P.S. Have you seen Mrs. E. T. Luce about Pop's cane. I hope she acts decently.

Saturday

My beloved Son Will

You don't know how pleased I was when I read your little
note, it meant a great deal to me. I had a lovely time in a
quiet way during the two weeks I spent in your home.

Florence was very sweet to me and I sincerely appreciate
it; and I enjoyed the children, they are really very good charm-
ing children. Sonny was even courteous offering me, as he thought,
the best chair and the best pillow; that is unusual and a good
trait of character.

I reiterate my thanks for all the good that you have done
to me with Florence cooperation.

Mother

I read in the *Debate* an article which called my attention.

The nudists may not regard nudism as having any concern what so
ever with morality, denying so, the rightfulness of applying an ethi-
cal or moral standard. Yes, but what about nature? the true force
of the universe.

Nobody can deny that the sight of a beautiful woman naked moves
or affects the strong sex - man; even if he is not thinking of it or
does not want to think.

A woman does not need to be a prude to have sense; even the
savages have a sense of desency and cover their sexual parts, and
they get all the sun and air a human is possible to absorb.

Of course, the idealistic and romantic age has vanished - we
have realism in full now.

Before the young man marries he is well acquainted with his fu-
ture wife's body if not with her character and that is a mistake.

The nude is not inmoral but sometimes we find an innate deli-
cate sensitiveness in a girl, or girls.

Monday,
July 3rd

Dear son Willie:

Today is so cold and damp that everybody is using their over-
coats.

I suppose you saw Madeline on her return home, her visit was
too short.

Hoheb Rader came yesterday, as usual very pleasant; thanks for
the whisky and other things, the irradol is nice to take and the
sanaka has good effect.

Rosita is a good help to me and is of good will, I give every
Saturday her pocket money.

Billie and wife except for sleeping they are here every day
aroundboating with Eliot or on the beach.

The little bed is not ready yet it will come soon says Bill.

Albert told me about a bad storm in Rutherford, we had one
here but not very bad nor long.

Well it is funny to think of a cold fourth of July tomorrow;
we may get hot summer in September perhaps.

I am not a person any more but I will be very useful as a ba-
rometer and a thermometer - principally a barometer.

Mother

Thursday.

Dear Son Willie

I am delighted to think I will see you Sunday.

I will be glad to have Mrs. Herman come and stay all she wants.
She is a Queen in her home. If I was in the same circumstances as
she is I would do the same as she is doing.

Our suffering is not written on our forehead. To say that I am
better is not true, if anything a little worse, but I am so sick of
telling you my ailments - - - - - - - ?

I have always said that Edgar is a phenomenal worker, he is, I
wish he had a son and that son would follow his example, may be one
of his daughters will be the one.

Now me again. Three weeks ago I finished the drops for the eyes,
please have the prescription renewed, bring a bottle of rubbing al-
cohol also.

A normal person enjoys here the heat in the afternoon and very
cool in the mornings, the water is inviting, beautiful, you and Flo-
rence may have a plunge when you come.

Rosita has gained six pounds and is well tanned.

Billy has gone again to New York after a job, will he get it as
a banjo player???

If our wrinkles could, would turn into letters, what many things
they would say -

With love,

Mother

Tuesday night

Dear Florence

Have you per chance the keys of the big cottage? I could not
finden anywhere to close the doors this evening. Perhaps Willie
put them in his poket.

The ice was one dollar and a half, so I have here fifty cents
to give you back.

Love to all

Mother E.H.W.

September 11

Dear Son,

I remembered Pop's birthday on the 10th. I am sure you did too.

The afternoons are still warm so that Mr. and Mrs. Lucey have
had their dip; but the mornings are very cold, my poor pet leg suf-
fered.

I don't know if Sonny forgot the clams he dog, they came
nicely for our supper, give him my thanks, he is such a nice boy.

Love to all, we found the keys where you said they were.

Son:

I wanted to read your book again to find out my real feeling or
opinion. 3/4 part of the book is fine but the beginning, the first
quarter, is all sex, sensual, no <u>love</u> the sublime - in human nature -
you would have had more success with another story than the one chosen.

I am sure if you had daughters at the imprecionable age you would
not give them books of that sort to read -

Too much damn's and hells, I am sure you were not brought up
in that coarse language. I hate it; beside, the nature of a poet
is more refine - or it should be.

Before I die I would like you to write a book following your
noble character and intellect, a book to pick up once in a while as
a solace and enjoy the fine elevating spirit of the author.

I must say: you have excelled in your description of the dif-
ferent places in Europe you visited - Viena's University and the
Professors.

Here is what I think now barring circumstances: writeto Mrs.
Robinson offering the cottage to her and family for the month of
August (free). Anne could come to my little cottage for a month
with her kids, I want to be kind to them.

Billy can put up the tent in the woods - he is handy with his
auto.

If some one wishes to rent the cottage they can have it for
$25. it will to pay taxes; the Barrs $15. a week (September) of
if you think, less.

My thoughts and mind are troubled, not rose color:

In case of necessity Bill or Irving are thoroughly acquainted
with every thing in that country. To call a Dr., telephone you or
Ed, or Mr. Hungerford, etc. in fact many things. I am in doubt to
offer the Collars the cottage for $25. a week they like the place
so much! - many things can happen from now to June.

Also I could give the three first weeks of August to the Robinsons and the last week of August to the Lucys, they always take for their vacation the last week in August and the first week in Sept.

July 23rd

Dear dear son Will

I inclose Sonny's letter which I wread with great pleasure, it
is a nice letter full of fine sentiment, that boy has noble instincts
I think.

There is nothing new about me - I mean about my health - always
the same.

I wrote to Alberto asking if he wanted the cottage for the two
first weeks of August; no answer yet, I wish they would come be-
cause Mrs. Montaine has asked again to get the cottage and I don't
care much for her.

Week end Irving and Ann friends are coming. Ann's mother also
you can imagine.

I will be glad if you send me a prescription for a half pint of
wisky, my left neighbor has a drug store I can order anything I want,
the woman is very kind even if she is Jewish.

I am so glad that you are having a little time for writing and
that you and Florence enjoyed the week end at Cranberry Lake with
the Spenses.

Love to all, will write again.

11th of July evening

Dear son Willie

I need money and I am going to send you a check in your name
and you will send me the money, I only have five dollars to last
the next week.

Last Sunday Irving came in his car with his family, not Ann,
Mrs. Beans a friend and the two children, I was struck with Bobby's
looks. It seems that he is very bright at school. He looks to
me as a child undernourished so thin as if he had come out from a
sickness.

Of course Irving is very delighted to come with his family
the two first weeks in August. I told him that Willie Eric will
sleep in the big cottage there is plenty of room, he likes the
idea very much.

Of course only sleep. When Irving was ready to return home
he stands looking at the beach like a fool. Oh, how bad he feels
to leave it.

Mrs. Hungerford paid me a long call this afternoon. I have
not seen him yet.

Oh, I must say how glad I am that Willie Eric is going to
study for a doctor. I think he is very wise and I have the idea
that he will make a good one, and it is a noble profession.

Good night, love from

Mother

Dear son,

You say that I don't like the things you write, and it is a
great mistake; however, I want to speak with sincerity if I can
make myself understood.

Your book of poems is like a garden of flowers to pick and
choose and the mind to enjoy, it is in the earthly plain. I am
more incline on the other poetic feeling, and soar to the lofty strain
of the heart and soul. A poet to me is transfigured to the ideal
when the soul is touched and bring to us the beautiful emotion
to our sensitive inner soul that craves for a brother feeling.

So I say for other arts, a musician may have knowledge, habil-
ity, cleverness and can leave you as cold as ice if there is not
the soul in him. That's the way I feel.

Now don't misunderstand me, for I do enjoy what you write.

Raquel can tell you. Everybody would play Tavares contri-
danses (a pupil of Paris conservatory) but, when my brother
Carlos sat at the piano and play them a whole crowd would gather in
the street in front of the house and applaud, he was inspired
you see.

I lost much when he died - no body could accompany any one
to sing as he did, the artists knew it to.

Wednesday, August 24

Dear Son Willie:

This morning Mrs. Robinson told me that Mr. R. her husband would like to know if I wanted him to stop the leaks in the roof of my little cottage? Delighted, I said thinking he would patch here and there. After lunchon I saw a big truck coming with big rools of some kind of prepared paper. I feel bad about it, he must not spend his money. I tole him I would appreciate his work a lot, but let me pay for the material, he won't let me. You see that he accepts as it is only right.

I was so glad to see the boys on Sunday they look so well, especially Paul. I saw the beautiful medal he got on the swimming contest; they left me all the blankest for the time you all will be here.

The weather continue nice during the day but cool at night. I hope it won't change for the worst. When will Mrs. Herman come? and after she leaves, if the weather continues good, the Luceys can come.

What an idea of Edgar to get so many yards of rope for the heating stove? I may use it if it gets cold by the end of September.

Mr. Robinson has blacken the little heating stove and it looks like new. They will soon be going back home and looking splendid principlly little Mary, she managed to get a little tan.

Rosita picks up such a big appetite at the shore that she gained 16 pounds, she is so frighten now, her dresses are so tight, she is reducing before going home - No more so much cocoa, milk, butter, bread -

I am not well yet, about two hours after meals I get such pains.

I didn't intend to write all this foolish thing but there they are.

A bientot

Mother

Mr. Robinson is going it strong on the roof.

Tuesday

Dear Son:

The thing I have to know now as soon as possible is:

If I have enough in the Bank to pay:

The plumber $52.96
and
The painter $50.10
---
$103.06

Take the Liberty Bons I have, change them in money, put it in the Bank and with the little that is there see if it will make the $103.06 I need to pay my two bills. The little check I left you too.

Will you please see to that and advise me, so I can send the checks to those peoples this week?

I will feel much better because I had toled them I would pay right away.

This is only a business letter. The family Hoheb and Rader will return home to Rutherford, Saturday 17th - they can tell you how I am.

Mother.

July 21

Dear son Willie:

I wish you both were here to enjoy the swimming every day as I
see everybody doing.

At last I had a long letter from Charlot but is written in
Spanish so I won't send it to you; he had a fall, and then, sicknesses
followed; I will be brief not to tirer you, you have enough of that
sort of thing: Erisypelas three times, phlebitis, antrax behind the
ear, (paludismo) - feverstreated with injections ofquinine and plamo-
quina, then digitabina for the state of his heart, arterial presure,
swelling of feet, etc. etc. A strict diat now, no meat no smoke.

The book, he received it by the end of January, enjoyed it
principally the traveling mentally with the protagonista through
Europe and thinking of his father who had such a great love for
France.

The family have had a painful experience with a relative of ours
(second cousin of mine); two brothers of his wife stood surety for
Felix Henriques who defrauded the municipal treasuries and they had
to mortgage their houses and estates not to lose them - See the clip-
ping inclosed.

That's enough to tell you.

I send Irving's letter, read it and tear it.

I have no ill feeling against Irving he has many good points
but my nerves were in such a terrible state last summer I felt as
if my mind was in danger. I am quiet now. Rosita goes very near
all day to the girls, evenings too and I enjoy the quiet and I am

so glad that she is so happy, she helps me also.

I enjoy visitors when they come. And I am glad that you and
Florence are having a nice time by yourselves.

Mr. Hungerford looks fine he enjoys his visiters, young folks
and elder ones, ten of them, when they arrived they found in the
ice box two roasted chickens, one ham, some fresh vegetables from
his garden, and milk.

Mrs. Robinson told me so.

Now I will leave you sending much love, for Florence also.

Friday, July 8th.

Dear Son:

I am so glad you and Florence are taking a quiet rest to your
satisfaction.

The mornings are cold here but the days are find from ten a.m.
to six thirty p.m. then it gets a little chilly.

I have the plumber bill - $52 and 96 cents - ! quite a bill!

As I have $80 in the Bank yet I will give a check to the plumber
and when the painter's bill comes I shall send it to you to pay it
and later on I will return it to you.

I would make a lot of economy in the house keeping if I was
alone as I always did but it is impossible now.

Katherine has been a wonder to me, she has even bought a bed,
and cleaned everything, put curtains, improve things here and there,
plant flowers in the yard etc. etc. and she does my chopping, I could
not ask any more.

Rosita sprained her ankle by running but nothing serious she is
getting quite tanned; my fleet has been very swollen.

I guess the Robinsons will come the 17th as I told them, anyway
the family H and R will go home Saturday the 16th.

Please send me a bottle of rubbing alcohol and the pair of pollen
pants I put in the wash when I left. Florence knows.

Your loving

What has become of the Luceys?

Mother

Thursday, Sept. 6

Dear Son:

Your letter with the $5. received a few minutes ago, just in
time.

As long as the weather permits it, I will stay here. Elionor
is fine, and a very competent girl. Bill has won a big prize in
geting her. I hope you may be able to come a little later, only re-
member I want to stay here as long as the weather keeps good. I am
just as the weather, some days passable well and some others toler-
able bad, I guess that will be so for the rest of my life, amen. How-
ever, I have gained several pounds I am sure.

(The only regret Mr. Hungerford has is: that he did not take
the picture of the three old ladies.)

I am so glad Florence is gaining strength so very rapidly. I
predict a fine winter for her. Sonny enjoys this rough life we
lead at the shore sans facon et sans ceremonie à la grace de Dieu.

They are waiting for my letter.

Love

Mother

Saturday - August

Dear Son:

After inquiring about Florence, how is she? this letter will be more of a business one - I am a little put out to see the money go so fast, and in what? mostly in the food, and the $2. to Rosita weekly otherwise I even deprive myself.

I am sending a check to you for the Bank to get me twenty dollars in $5. bills. Ed sent as much in a letter. They were in-closed in a flat little envelope to deposit money.

If I am alive next summer I will rent the cottage I think, to help expenses (may be).

I have not heard from Edgar's family at all. I guess he is busy preparing work for the Post Office. Have they broke ground already?

I have a very old dress, little black and white check, it is hanging by the side of the wardrobe, just make a bundle of it sans compliment and let Sonny bring it, it is very old but still warm.

Con mil amores

Mother

P.S. My check book is complete please get me another one to be able to give checks. The inclose one is the last but one.

August 9

Thanks, dear son, for all you do for me.

Alber went yesterday to pay my taxes. Those peoples are some-
what unjust to make me pay the exstra eighteen dollars.

Everything is going O.K.over here. Sonny sleeps very comfort-
ably in the kitchen he makeshis bedat night and puts it away in the
morning; he is cleaing the little forest in front of the property.
Albert is giving a hand at it. Yesterday Rositaand Billy would
carry the big branches to the shore, Albert likes to help, he bought
a fine spade the best made, all in one piece the iron, a splendid
pair of pruning scissors; he had the plumber come to fix the toilet.
They could not use it for two days.

Billy A. has no news yet about the job he wants to get. He
and Eleanor practically live here they get a room to sleep some
where in N. H. but come here in the morning to cook their meals
at the shore like the gipsys.

Mr. Hungerford came yesterday afternoon and paid me an hour
call, is no wonder you could not reach him by phone, he is staying
in his old house opposit to us while his wife is away to her
mother's.

Asking me if I was going to stay here the month of September
I said: depends, is I find somebody to stay to sleep in the back
room; gues his answer p and wasn't I surprised hearing say - "I
can come to sleep there if you want."

I am going to write to Edgar is really the girls are coming the
two last weeks of August and when you speak to him too for I have to
know it.

I can not tell you anything definite for September, I am sorry
to say.

Your affectionate

Mother

Love to Florence

Where is the eyes lotion?

September 9th Sunday

Dear Son:

!What a storm last night! Sonny missed that sight, the waves
were so high that the water came near my front porch leaving the
seaweed Billy A. reaked this morning; we were fortunate to have a
pile of stones thrown by the water to our stone hedge, other people
had the contrary happened to them. Rowboats are all smashed to
pieces but Elliot's boat as a miracle is alright. Today it is a
beautiful bright hot sun shining. It is as if it was a dream I had
relating it to you. However it was - such a dark night impenetrable
to the vision and the wind was raging. ! What a climate!!!

I am getting along very nicely with Elianor. I say: She de-
serves a better husband (not that he is bad, understand me) she is not
a fool and is begining to see the flaws - Entre nousof course.

Another leak on the roof of the big Cottage.

Paul handed me the $15. thanks. When Rosita is here $8 comes
out on my expenses every month.

I am glad Florence is gaining strength every day. Paul said:
"She is alright now.

I sent you Mrs.E. T. Luce's letter. I wonder if he gave the
cane to some friend of his. I would be extremely sorry. Tell her
to search well.

Post data

Dears

I forgot to tell about one of the most indispensable thing I need,
and Florence must bring when she comes with Mrs. Spence: blankets or
something warm for the beds. I am very short of that sort of things.
This weather is so treacherous, last night was so cold in bed, about three
in the afternoon is quite hot. We have to be prepared for the changes.

Edgar and family did not come. I wonder why?

The southeners girls wanted so much to meet them, they left this
morning at six a.m. I was told that Mr. Hungerford provided for their
lunch on the trip later: a roast well packed, three dozen eggs (boiled)
bons, I don't remember all the details, many things and well prepared,
generously.

Painted the automobile of Miss Wilson and so on. Mrs. Robinson
gives me the news.

This note is only to advise you of the bed covers for they are very
necessary.

Affectionate

Mother.

Saturday

Irving came Wednesday with the two boys. I think they are
going home this afternoon or evening.

Tuesday July

Dear Son Willie:

I am thinking of what to do when I return home in September.

I want Anna, and also I need Mrs. Jacobson; I will explain to you: This one is like a nurse to me; according to the wants, she bathes me or wash only my back which I don't succeed very well to do. Rub my legs or wash my feet and cut the nails.

Does errands also when I want to buy something in the store.
Turn the mattress twice a week and make the room neat.

Anne could clean the room thoroughly once a week I would be glad,
and continue to bring the food tray to me.

I will give her $2. or two and a half a week; I give $2. to
Mrs. Jacobson.

Now, if you think it is too little to give to Ann be frank and
say so, I like you to say the truth, and I will give her more, she is
such a nice girl.

The month of September often is very warm, if it is so this year
Mrs. Lucy could come for a couple of weeks even if Mr. Lucy does not
come, he can decide any way.

Please send me the prescription for the eyes, or have it filled
in Rutherford and send the little bottle my mail.

As you see this is only a business letter.

Today was warm. I hope it will continue to be so.

Love from

Mother.

I give you all those little details because they are necessary things to be done to me and it must be a special person to do it separate from the housework, both can not be done in one hour.

August 10

Dear son Willie

I had to laugh with your expression: "Mothers are funny people"
There are so many different mothers -

The vain mother who is annoied to be seen with his son who had
become somewhat old looking. The selfish mother who wants to be
always the first in her son's love and heart. The mother with a big
heart who would sacrifice herself for his benefit. The mother who
after committing an indiscretion kills her child without remorse.
The mother so proud of her son and keeps her happiness in her heart
rejoycin in hearing the world praises of him, etc. etc.

Mrs. Washington was devoided of enthousiam (perhaps she had
malaria.)

Answering my question how I could help Florence during the win-
ter? Your answer covers partly what I have felt since a long time
ago.

Sometimes my presence in your home has not been convinient to
you both andI have felt embarrassed, for my sensitif nature is very
quick to feel all the nuances in psychical situations.

We will see what we can do. You don't know my struggle to try
to walk. I can't. If I could, I would go away for a trip. Where
may be the place I go, I need a room with a W.C. and bath too. All
this things, we will talk about later.

Yes, I went to Mr. Hungerford's party, thanks to the friends
urging me to do so, really there are many kind people in the world
who always want to help others.

Irving was here Sunday until Tuesday night; he asked me or told
me that next Sunday he will bring the children and Ann I think he
said. When the friends brought me back from Mr. H. party Billy A.
took me out from the auto in his arms like a baby.

I am sorry for the Barr's - Mrs. Lucey (the Luceys) may be will
come after everybody have had its turn, I doubt it.

Mrs. Hungerford has given a little souvenir to each one of the
youngpeople; a ring, a pin, necklace etc. even something to the boys,
isn't that fine. They are all of the age of my grandchildren.

I only have ten dollars left, please get me $25. with the check
inclosed.

I will expect Edgar and family tomorrow and hope they will bring
me some of their vegetables.

It will be a pleasure to me to see Florence, Madeleine and Mrs.
Herman.

From the $10. I have $5. will be for Rosita on Saturday, pay day.

September, Monday 9th.

Dear Son Willie

There is nothing very special to tell you, so I will speak about the expected baby - everything in the way of clothing is ready for him, little bundles come from all directions, so the baby will be well supplied, crib, bassinet, even the neighbor Mr. Sahlin gave a check for five dollars to Elionor for the baby, everything waiting for the little tirent to arrive. I hope in shape and not much trouble.

If they - B. and E. - don't find any apartement, a lady friend here has a big house and acommodation for them if they want.

I forgot to ask Mr. Hungerford if the funeral of his wife was going to take place here or at her mother's house where she lives?
I did ask what he was going to do, - very philosophically he replyed "I have always done for myself. I will get someone to help." He is now as you know in his old house, Mrs. Moor is there. She is a good old friend was there all summer and I guess will prolongue her stay until everything will be arranged. They will take the daughters to school every day.

Myself, I am like the old little woman would say: "always the same", when asked about her health. There is nothing to do but to grin and bear all our afflictions.

The sun is shy yet to come out, but there is still hope to see it shining, perhaps?

Love for all, a good share for you,

Mother.

Saturday

Yes, son, the money is finished and I need some; of course this morning
I provided for the week, several things.

Irving and family will start for home tomorrow morning after
breakfast.

We, Sonny, Rosita and I are invited to supper with them.
Eleanor brought six lobsters. Ann says there is so much food we have
to help eat it. I had excuse myself going.

Au revoir then until Friday.

Love to you and Florence.

Mother

We are going now in a few minutes.

September 13

Dear Son Willie,

Your letters come this morning. You are so very thoughtful
and I can tell you that my appreciation - equals it; I thank you
for all your kindnes.

The ten dollars came just as I was going to tell you to send
that same amount. It came like the Spanish people say: "<u>como pedra</u>
<u>da en ojo de boticario</u>!

The gas pipe is fixed and it works but I cannot open the key
at the top and come quick to light the stove, it will come I hope.
It gives a strong heat.

If anything happens or any change in the program I will let
you know.

Tell Paul many happy returns of the day for me; the dollar
inclose is at least for some candy, with my best wishes.

Sonny will have to sharpen his memory for little every day
details in life. He left out the one fish he caught and the cats
had a supper with it.

I will give you all the details when we meet again.

Your affectionate

Mother.

Sept. 17th

West Haven, Conn.

Very dear Son Willie:

Many happy returns of the day with many blessings to fill your heart with content.

I meant and wanted you to receive this salutation the morning of your birthday but did not write it in time and was sorry.

I have not seen any of the Clocks to aske them if they will be still here the 24th and I could leave them the keys of the Cottages if Edgar does not succeed in bringing a man from New Haven to disconnect the gas meters on a Saturday.

Always the same: very cold in the mornings - very hot sun in the afternoon; walk with great difficulty and the usual pains.

Sonny will very soon leave us. Give him a couple of tight strong hugs for me with my best wishes for his success.

With much love to all

Your affectionate

Mother

Dear Florence

There is a mystery, to me I am puzzled - what has happened?
Your attitude towards me is as if I had done some greavance to you.
For God Sakes speak don't keep anything in your heart against me.
I only want to do right and the proper way to understand each other
is to speak the truth in sincerity. What is it anyway? I am anxious-
ly waiting to clear that wrong.

Willie offered me hospitality in his and your house. I accepted
it in good faith, but, it pains me that with all my endeavour to keep
out of the way I have not succeeded to please; unfortunately (my ac-
cident) I am so dependent on the goodwill of the charitable ones to
help me. This will have an end some day, for the present I beg to
pardon my existence.

With love

Mother

Saturday, July 6th.

Dear Son Willie

Thanks for all, the $2.00 will do for the present. Ed. will
always put something too in the Bank.

I see a little complication for disposing the days and weeks of
the month of August. Yourself suggested to invite Irving and his
family to come for the two first weeks in August.

(Interruption)

Katherine came in just now ready to go to West Haven and I was
not ready with my list nor my letter, so I sent you only the Carl-
stadt check to cash it.)

I love to have Sonny come, and, in one way or another I will
find a place where he can sleep.

And I like the Barrs very well and would like to please them.

I will think later about the Luceys. Rosita has to go home
for the 18th of September when the school begins.

About my room at home I must say that it is so much easier to
give it a thorough cleaning when is unoccupied and all the windows
can be opened. I am very willing to give Anna an extra pay for
her service to me, you must tell me how much you think, but I will
not oust Mrs. Jacops. She has been very good to me in many ways like
a friend and I can not go back on her it would hurt me. I would
rather she go back on me. I am very glad Anna gave such a good
cleaning to the room. She is a hard worker and a nice girl.

Irving have to understand that somebody else will occupy the cot-
tage the 14th of August.

Albert and Katherine yesterday beat that heavy carpet of their
cottage so well that you may be sure it is well cleane, I must say,
they keep the house in such a good condition. I say it would be
fine if they were the last in the season to occupy it, then it would
keep clean for all winter.

I am delighted that Sonny likes to come for I enjoy having him.

Love

Mother

My foot is so swollen that I can not button the shose.

Tuesday

Dear Son Willie

Irving and Ann are enjoying their visit here they are so full
of attention to me I don't know what more they could do; Irving
has done several jobs, he insisted in putting new glass in the porch,
two were broken, I could not stop him doing it; Ann is giving me
thing all the time.

You said before, the Barrs were coming the 14th, I see they
have change, so Irving family will have to hurry Sunday after din-
ner to leave things in order and clean if the Barrs get here at
five in the afternoon.

And - by the way, Sonny could stay and sleep in the front porch
(Mrs. Beans sleeps there) until you come back with Paul from Ver-
mont. It would not disturb the Barrs I am sure.

The little dog is a joy for everybody. I like him a lot but
after Rosita goes I could not keep him. I can not go after him - he
is a poppy a baby yet; I am trying to teach him not to sprinkle
in the house and he is learning too. I gave him some cover for a
bed and he sleep in the box in Rosita's room. She likes him.

I fancy September is going to be better than July and August
and would like to stay here if possible.

I am writing all this in a hurry but will come to it again.

My foot is quite swollen yet - -

I don't know what's going to happen, rain or what, it's very,
very dark. rain rain -

Au revoir - Love from

Mother

Monday, 1st of October

Dear Son Willie

The weather has change, in the day is alright but the night, is
impossible for me it is so cold. I can't get warm in the bed.

I was expecting to see you today to take me home. Then Billy
A. and Elionor will go to the house they have found just here very
near. I will tell you all about it when I see you.

As soon as I go home they will move on too.

That's all I wanted to tell you.

With love

Mother

I am very glad for the good news you told me. Your writing to be pub-
lised in a magazine and the opera doing well.

The gas in my room is terrible, dull, bad light.

July 10

Dear Son:

Thanks for your nice letter. I am glad you got home safe.
I got up to say goodby again but you had vanished.

Yesterday was terrible hot, but in the evening it changed
rapidly to cool and very lovely. Madelaine will leave here Friday
at about one p.m. Palamona will go with them. I hope it will be
fair weather.

My mouth seem to be a little better but if should continue
bothering me later on I shall let you know so as to go to Dr. Tylor.
Also I say about my back.

Thank you dear son for all your kindnes it helps me to live,
you are very good.

With love

Mother

I paid my taxes with a check $155.26/100. That is only half.

If I send a dress to be washed will Lucy do it for me and you can
give her 15 or 20 cents to send it back by parcel post?

Give a hug for me toFlorence, one to Sonny and one to Paul.

I want to see them so much but I guess it is better not to attemp
to go to New York to the steamer.

Madelaine sends her love - she will not see you all until perhaps
October.

July 12

Dear son Willie

Your letter today tells me how you have disposed of the two
hundred dollars, that's very well done.

Today you had my letter telling you about Irving and family
coming the two first weeks of August. I thought that was what you
had suggested to do. Any way being that they are our family Billie
Eric can sleep there alright.

I wanted to spare you and not say anything about my tedious
ailments but I better say something; my foot today, I call it a
little elephantiasis, never has been swollen - the foot - so much
even the leg is swollen. Albert gave me some digitalis yesterday
and today I took three times one, after meals but as I don't see
any improvement I will stop.

July 15 - Saturday

This morning came the money, in time, and a little note from
Florence which I was glad to receive.

Albert and Kathering are in Rutherford today.

My foot is the same, so I am going to follow my own prescrip-
tion and see what happen. Epsom salt every one or two days apart
and a tablet of salicylate with a glass of water every day. It has
been very cold but we have a hot sun this afternoon. I hope it
will continue hot every day.

I am glad that your practice is dull this summer - it gives you a little time to read and write in a quiet mood and peaceful mind which gives better result.

As my lameness and my little housekeeping compels me to be slow I don't take much time for reading now.

Katherine did my groceries shopping before she went and Rosita went this morning to Woodmont for meat so I am provided until next week.

This is only a chatty letter.

Remember me kindly to Florence and Sonny.

Love from

Mother

This letter is as stupid as I feel, excuse so many mistakes - I can't think.

July 5th

Dear son Willie

I have just received your letter dated the 2nd. Yes indeed this
is a peculiar month of July, so cold; of course I feel it but it will
change.

I think you have my Carlstadt book - if so, how is to be fixed
for you to get money for me? Draw $400. for me and that will help
for a while. If the $87. taxes have to be paid immediately, you
pay it and I will give it to you - back with the Carlstadt money.
Do the same for the water bill.

Before I came I wrote to Irving about Ann and children coming
to the shore for a couple of weeks but did not specify when. I
thought you and your family would like to come; I will not be in
a hurry to write to Ann yet.

Albert and Katherine do improve everything in the house when
they are there, and the flowers are again planted and looking lovely.

Please attend to the Carlstadt money as soon as possible.

Yesterday the 4th was so cold and it rain late in the afternoon.
Only Albert, the Clocks and the Smiths had a few fireworks, every
place was quiet around here.

The irridol you sent me I am taken it with my food.

Last night I took a little whiskey with water before I went to
bed. I put my extra pains to the weather.

Your friendthe musician don't seem to be very serious about
writing an opera but perhaps someone else may do it and profit of
your libretto. I fancy it must be very hard to adapt the music to
the words. Do not discourage "piano piano va lontano."

With love

Mother

July 6th.

Dear son Willie

My bed is all ready for me to try my new mattress and the spring
which came this afternoon, they look and feel at the touch very com-
fortable.

I wrote a few lines to Anne about coming the <u>two first</u> weeks in
August to stay in the big cottage, so she will have time to decide if
she wants to come or not at that time.

July 7th

The mattress is much more warmer than the other.

I had to call the plumber to fix the W.C., it made such terri-
ble noise all the time; he told me to tell him if it did not stop.

I hope you will be able to get the $400 from the Carlstadt Bank.
I will have enough then to supply me a little while for my needs.

We have a good sun today and I hope it will continue to be
warm and warmer every day to see if it will help my poor leg pains
and distress, the foot is quite swollen.

I want to ask you if you could give a prescription to Eleanor.
It seems that since a couple of years she has been underweight al-
though having a good appetite and what you think?

It is evident that she has worms, they are about four or five
inches long, white and round she sais, and she is not feeling well
now. Perhaps you can help her much better than with what the drug-
gist gave her; I have not told her my intention to ask you for a
prescription.

That's all for today. Of course, I want to know about the
money.

Love from
Mother.

Did you tell the paper man to bring me the Herald Tn. and did
you pay him for how many weeks?

August 4

Very dear Son Willie

I am glad you enjoyed the so short time I had you here. I
hope you will come again.

Your letter made me feel better. I had a sort of intuition that
your love for me was waning, perhaps an incident, perhaps only an idea.

No, I am not really uncomfortable. Of course the double bed
I have takes too much space in the room and I prefer a single bed.

If the lamp can be connected it will be of great help in cold
days.

We had some rain what did much good to the geraniums, the petunias and the little border that was seeded has come up - or come out.

Mrs. Robinson likes to help in the trimming of the little plants
but says she does not know to prune roses like does Florence so she
lives them.

We have had several cold nights, hot afternoons and cool evenings.

Yesterday August 3rd Mrs. Hungerford gave bridge party for the southerner ladies. Mrs. Robinson was included, the report was flattering for Mrs. H. everything was just so - only two tables - she knows how to spend the old man's money with distinction; she had a chartreuse colour dress, a la mode.

Now very soon the friends will go home. It is there where generally goes for the winter, the Willis have a big house and a big farm.

I wish during the winter I could do something that would be
agreeable to Florence, could you think of something?

Thanks for your hospitality - both

With love

Mother

7 p.m.

My heaven! There she came with some hokleberry cakes very light and good - wants me to go with the party to have dinner in a Hotel in a few days. I say no, no, I can not go, she insists, I will breake the party. I insist no, what figure will I make among that bunch?

I am going to insist and excuse miself - - - Now Mr. Hungerford came, and just gone - - - well I will tell you next week what did happen.

I can't see any more - is late - 8 p.m.

Monday - 18

Dear dear Son Willie

Thanks to have fixed everything and for the twenty five dollars
you have sent with the Robinsons.

On Friday Mr. Hungerford escorted six of his ladies friends
from the south to see me. I was on the porch, five minutes had
passed when one wanted to rub my foot, nothing would do but to put
my leg on her lap. Took my shos off and rubed for quite a while.
Then the other lady wanted to have her turn. It was too comical.
Mr. Hungerford had to perform also, so he had to show how to massage
the toes.

Katherine has distinguished herself by all the cares to me.
She left the cottage in fine condition, made pretty curtins for the
windows.

Rosita is very happy and helps me, she is gone today to New Haven to
the dentist with her friend one of the Cloks girls, Ruth - they are
always togather; you don't know Rosita. She likes sport. It would
be too dull for her if she was here with me alone.

Mrs. Robinson has been surprised to find her friend and a crowd
of other ladies southerners. She is delighted to be here. They
went to bed last night at 8 p.m. and slept until 7 a.m. this morning.
Mr. R. is gone to his job this morning and will come back Wednesday.
The first one that will come here from Rutherford send me a bottle
of rubbing alcohol.

Well, au revoir - love to Florence and lots for you from

Mother

Tuesday

Very dear Son Willie

Just now have received the little package from Davenport,
many thanks.

I am going like the crabs, sorry to say, and sorry to trouble
you.

Yesterday was 3 days I took the anasarsin 3 times a day. The
swelling is less but far from gone, pains creeping some other parts
of the body . . . No more of that.

I saw in the South Bergen Review, Katherine gave me, the hit
you made in the Anthology with the little poem "The red wheelbarrow".
Yes, it is short but it means a lot and so very well presented! I
was very glad of your success and much amazed.

Such a peculiar weather we are having!

Yesterday was a beautiful summer day hot and clear. Today,
rainy, damp, even cold in a way, Katherine friends have taken a
nice cottage the other side of the Clock's paying $25. a week, this
person is the nurse Florence had when Willie Eric was born.

I am glad you have a little time for reading, it is impossible
to grasp thoroughly what is in a book of merit just by going throgh it
in a hurry. I am such a nervous wreck that I have to be alone and
quiet to be able to enjoy and understand what I am reading.

I think Mrs. Herman did the right thing now to take someone
as a help if that person is respectable and not a great nonsence talker.