ADDRESSED TO: Miss Helen Wood1, Odessa, Schuyler Co., NY (Care S.B.Owen2)
FROM: Her friend, Louie Thetge
Mansfield, Pa. Mar 2nd 1887
Dear Helen -
Thought I would write and tell you the news. I suppose you are anxious to make a longer visit if you can. Mr. Vanhart was down and said you would'nt have to go to work until a week from Monday. Your mother says you can stay a little longer but you had'nt better stay all next week. "Our friend", Ella left us this afternoon. I tell you we are feeling quite lonesome tonight. I took my music lesson today and went almost to sleep over it too. Oh! I am so sleepy. I got a letter from Ma today. She enquired about you. Emery3 was down and ate warm sugar with us last night and played euker, dont give it away. Ahem -, wish you had been here. What luck did you have getting through to Havannah? The "woman in black" is all the rage here now. I am anxious to see her, but I guess there isnt anything in it. We had two more boarders come tonight for a week or so, a lady and gentleman. We are having lots of trade this week. Thought we would get some rest but I guess we wont.
Bert4 is the same as ever.
Will close my letter as it is getting late.
Ever your friend
Louie
P.S. Your mother says tell you to ans. this just as soon as you get it for we all want to hear from you. Let us know when you are coming home.
Louie
Notes from the peanut gallery:
1) Helen Augusta (WOOD) Stage is my great grandmother, b. June 27, 1866 d. September 24, 1942.
2) S.B. Owen is Samuel B. Owen, husband of Sarah (Ganoung) Owen.
3) Emery could be Emory Stage. In a short while he'll be Helen's cousin by marriage. He would have been 13-14 at the time of this correspondence.
4) Bert is Albert Jackson Stage, my great grandfather b. March 24, 1858 d. Dec 1937.