Calista Larned - April 29, 1877 - Unk.

[NOTE: Maggie Chapin appears to have used the top of this letter to practice her signature.]

Maggie Chapin

Maggie

April 29, 1877

My Dear Friends:

Last Friday a.m when I came from Mr Howses’ found Jared Pratt and he gave me your letter for which accept thanks. And now your house is not empty Ms Wicks’ Mother or sister was sick so she could not move in, but he fixed up the fence, and they moved in one day last week. Poor Ms Pratt was sorely discouraged when Jared made his report, and felt no way left but the poor house. When Mr Larned went to town I sent to Aunt Ett and borrowed $5. for her and she wanted to rent a room close by Geo. Hebbers’ so I drove over - and - she engaged the house at 4 per month. I feel so sorry for her, over 73 years and no home. She is now at Mr Titus’ till they can get a stove to go to housekeeping with. I am going to help her some. Mrs Howell is very poorly. has the [In Page?], and just keeps round. Was here last Mond. Myra has not been in school for some time.

Mother Burt is at Bens’. (Burts’.) for a few days. I sent the shawl you left, to Ms Little. How I would like a chat with you and Maggie + the boys. Estella had her birthday last week Sat. p.m. Elmer + Addie Dunlop Ida Hammond, Lu Gray - the cousins + Howses Mimi Maud + Grace. Mr Howse is not very well.

Ida Burke came a day or two since, + said her mother would like some garden seeds.

Which I gave her. I found my tomato seeds, and wish I could send you some.

I wish you had staid here longer - don’t you?

Mary is still hard at work in the I.I.U. with 5 studies, only 5 weeks more in the term We have a snow storm today + rain, +c. Our asparagus is doing well, and pie plant. Did you make maple sugar? We had a little nice maple syrup of Mr Adams yesterday.

Aunt [illegible] is at Minas’ now and better than she was when you left Mina too is as usual. [Still at?] Mr Miners at work. Does any one send you the papers? If not I will. Mr Larned is not very well. Has a cold and cough - and garden making is wet + cold. Do you have a garden spot? + what have you planted? We have a ful snow storm. now. Mary is playing + Estella writing.

I want to know if you are well and contented.

Ms Kane has not been here but once since you left.

I have seen no one to get any neighborhood gossip from the town. Ms Johnson (Swede) has moved into the Hays’ house, and washes for Ms Howell, who has sold her a cow Johnson is very ugly to her and the children. Have not seen any traces of Marcia yet.

Your letters are a comfort to me, and I hope you will be prospered in all things,

I would talk if I could see you, but this paper is not very attractive. I will call and see Ms Wicks this week, if it is possible, and then report to you all the particulars, of the place. We got the snow ball. Mr Larned took it up + planted it out, + I will lay down roses for you - in due time. Cecil Stanton has been very sick is better now - + will come to U. S. soon, Ms. Busy keeps about still. Hoping you will write often and not forget your old friends truly

C. E. Larned