LETTER ENCLOSED with Ida Stage's letter of December 19, 1891

FROM: Estella Stage

        Dec 20, 1891

Dear Brother and Sister

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you are the same.  I would like to see you all.  I wish you would come back.  Helen I saved up money enough to get me an album.  I will write and tell you who all give me money for it.  when Aunt Helen and Uncle Charley was out we had a good time.

(Transcriber's note: I added the borders to make it more viewer friendly.)

Pa went to Circleville yesterday.  he got my album there.  it is red plush.  it holds 28 photographs and 16 small ones.  it is awful nice.  Ida got me a new calico dress.  I will send you a piece of it.  pa got me a speaking book.  I am agoing to get waid when I go down to Darbyville.  the last time i was waid I waid 95 lbs. and that was in the summer.  I think i will way more now.  Helen dont mine and pas's pictures look like to N-----s?  i want your pictures to go in my album.  i would druther see you than your picture.  I will be 14 the 11 of Febuary.  I have got 315 buttons.  Tessie we have got old Ginger yet.  She dont look like she did when she got in the ditch.  Tessie whos girl are you?  I think you are mine.  You and Nellie.  Well i must close.  write soon.  From your Sister Estella to Helen and Albert Stage.

Notes from the peanut gallery:

1) Helen L. (COLEGROVE) STAGE, wife of Charles E. STAGE.

2) sister, Ida Mae Stage.

3) From later letters we know for certain that Elmer is Elmer Stage and that Aunt Thank(ful?) is his mother.  Given the context, Ed is his father.  Unfortunately, I haven't come across any online records for Ed and Thank Stage yet.

4) Clara Angeline (STAGE) WILLOUGHBY.

5) Katherine (STAGE) ?.

6) John A. STAGE.