The Nicholson Family Saga

Letter 143: I thinks the folks have died

2011-03-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

Edmonton, March 12, 1913

Dear Brother,

I received your letter of February 26 and was glad to hear from you and to know that you and your family are well.

Sorry to hear that Mistress Watters is sick, but she seems to be ailing most of the time.

I am much obliged to you for looking after my business back home. I don't hear from them very often.

You wanted my advice in regard to coming out West. Well, I think the West is ahead of the east in some ways but it has its drawbacks. If you want to go farming the frost and hailstorms is after you. I think if you want to come out west you best buy an excursion ticket and have a look at the country.

I wouldn't advise any person who has a comfortable home in the east to pull up stakes and come without considering it.

There is lots who made money out here in real estate but prices have got too high.

I never bought any lots but Charles has. I filed for homestead the first year I came out to Edmonton, but caught pneumonia and could not go out to prove on it so abandoned it in order to get my rights back.

Gordon bought a lot in Fort George BC, will be going out there soon.

We had wagons moving all winter in the city, there wasn't more than six or eight inches of snow. They had a fair bit north and south.

Building hasn't started doing much yet that is the principal industry in the city.

They have their money in tight, but will have to loosen up some if they do the building. They did last year. Write soon and give me the news. I think the folks are died since I went out west.

Your loving brother,

Gilbert

Letter 150: News of the wedding

2011-03-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

A cheap wedding. These handmade place cards are likely fashioned by sister Flora. A wedding contract, executed on the same day, proves that Marion brought nothing to the marriage but her clothing and wedding gifts. Hugh would give her all household furnishings purchased from that date - and insurance benefits "by the simple fact of celebration of said marriage" - that is unless the couple separated for any reason, then "such donations will be deemed void."

J.W. Mclean,
Winthrop Avenue,
Chicago

October 23, 1913

Dear Sir,

I received the Richmond Guardian and was very much interested in reading the news about your daughter's wedding. Reverend McLeod is a son of Murdoch, but who is the J R McLeod from Scottstown? I do not know him. Not much of the old people left.

The only one from the Gore living here is J D McNaughton. I get most of the Gore news from him.

Kindly remind me to all my friends. I will write to Alex Watters. I saw his name in the Guardian.

J W McLean.

Letter 149: How generous she has been

2011-03-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Mansions,

June 9,

1913

Dear Mother,

Your welcome letter seemed a long time coming this week. Tuesday as you know was a holiday and coming at the first of the week seemed to make it longer than usual. I am amazed to think of you going to see a wedding.

I remember asking you many a time to go with me, but seeming there is to be one in the family, you are beginning to take notice. This morning Marion W and myself went to the Unitarian church to hear Grace Cross sing.

This afternoon Flora, May and myself went down to the Notre Dame Church to hear the organ. It is supposed to be the best in the city. Tonight we expect to hear Dr. Guthrie of St Andrew's Beaver Hall Hill.

Flora is very well.

I do wish Father would write Marion. Mr. Silver has offered her a first year class. You know how she worries. And Hugh of course is anxious to know what they are going to do as he has to look for a house. And Marion wants to get everything before she comes home so she will save a trip into here later.

On course, we will all be sorry to see her married in a way. But if it is to be, let her do it now. Flora and I are left to help. And perhaps we can in some part do as she has done.

I'm sure we should never forget how generous she has been to us all. And so ready to help.

I wish father would write her and give his full consent. Last night I saw there was a sale on a Morgan's. I was in at Wilder yesterday to look for rugs, but could not see anything. We will let you know as soon as possible. With heaps of love from your three dears,

Edith

Letter 148: I am almost ashamed to write

2011-03-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

Richmond

June 13, 1913

Dear Marion,

I am almost ashamed to write to you at this late date after promising to write you after you wrote back from being home for the 24. I have been waiting to see if they would send me to go back, but now I think they will not at this late date. And besides, I am dead broke and do not know just what answer to give you.

Should you want my advice in the step you are thinking of taking would like to have something to give you a decent wedding but I am at my wits end to know what to do and do not want to stand in your way. So I am just telling you just where I stand.

I have some of Herbert's paper in the bank that comes due first of July and he does not seem to bother himself about it so you see I am held for it and it must be fixed up in some way with the bank.

It makes me feel so sad to think of him being away now nearly three years and hasn't sent one cent to pay any of the debts he left, when he writes always leaves it to me to look after it.

And besides I haven't earned anything for six months.

I cannot see what Herb does with his wages, it would appear to me that he must spend it foolishly in some way. Hope he has not contracted any bad habits. Do you girls write him or do you hear from him at all?

Now I am going to leave the matter in our own hand as I cannot address you what is
best to do. I have told you just where things stand with me so it may be a guide for you in your decision.

Hope you are all well and will be glad to see you all home soon. Mr and Mrs. Matheson and Irene has been with us for the last two days left at 10 am today for Sherbrooke and then for Montreal and home to Vancouver. Likely you will see them when in Montreal.

I think mother is writing to some of you tonight and what I have forgotten she may think of.

With much love to you all

Your affectionate father N Nicholson

PS I wrote Hugh some time ago and got his reply. You likely have heard of it. Kindly keep this letter under lock or destroy it. N

.....
The letter was not destroyed. It was written with beautiful penmanship, not typical of his other letters, that were scrawled.

Letter 147: I wish to consult you

2011-03-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

May 29, 1913

Dear Sir,

I wish to consult you on a subject that deeply interests me while it indirectly concerns you and I hope that my presentation of the matter will meet with your approval.For sometime past your daughter Marion and I have been on intimate terms of friendship which has developed into affection on my part, and I have reason to believe my intentions are not indifferent to her, so I would therefore request your consent to our marriage.

Yours sincerely,

Hugh Christian Blair

Letter 146: Some people are foolish

2011-03-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

May 14, 1913

The Mansions

466 Guy Street

My dear People,

This is just to inform you that your second daughter saw a diamond ring coming her way and now has it on the third finger of her left hand. It certainly is a beauty, looks like this, rather too nice for me but some people are very foolish. I suppose there is no need to tell you where I got it.

And as yet I have not resigned and don't quite know although I sometimes think I will but when I do I will let you know, so you can just tell me what you think about it. Did Edith tell you that Mr. Rowland was going to Richmond to take part in the opening of the new Masonic Lodge so you will probably see him.

I have been having a rather bad time with my teeth. They have been aching like the mischief but I am now getting them fixed. I think that is the most important news at present. So good by for now. Lovingly, Marion.

Letter 145: She is not militant

2011-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Mansions
466 Guy Street
May 2, 1913

Dear Mother,

You have had Flora's letter by now so know that we arrived safely with our trunk and are now settled in our little flat. Marion W came up this morning - had a splendid trip and looking fine.

Henry (her brother Henry Watters) gave her a new suit and hat.

Ethel was in this afternoon so she can tell you all about our place of abode.

I only saw her for about two hours and then we were shopping. She is looking so well and had a pretty new grey suit and a becoming hat.

My throat is better, but I did suffer from it for a few days. Marion and Marion W went up to the Shaw's last night.

They were quite nice and took over the telephone so we have that off our hands.

Tell Mr. And Mrs. McMillan to call and see us. We are in most days after four.

Some of us anyway. Tell him I was sorry to miss those Methodist jokes. And if he hears any others to keep them stored for me.

What a house we left behind us. I suppose you are working all the time trying to get things staightened out. We are going to try and hear Mrs. Snowden, but she is not a militant for which I am sorry.

Sunday.

Saturday morning Marion and I went down to the St. Antoine market and I had my first real marketing experience. We got along nicely. Got strawberries, potatoes, roast of beef, grapefruit. Pineapples. Fruit is selling quite reasonable.

Mrs. Snowden was Mrs. Philip Snowden, suffragist and wife of a prominent UK politican. Reports reveal she was a stunning-looking woman and a superb speaker famous for her dazzling wit. Few speakers brought in from the UK admitted to being militant, for some people believed militant suffragettes were as good as criminals. One exception was a Miss Barbara Wiley, who came to Canada in 1912. Not a famous British suffragette, she had a brother who was a politician in the Canadian West. Edith likely heard Wiley speak as well, as she clipped out a newspaper report of her arrival at the Montreal where she had been invited to speak by the Montreal Council of Women. Apparently, reporters were surprised (and delighted) to see a handsome and well-dressed woman -and not some battle-axe- detrain. "Miss Wylie (it turns out) is a tall really beautiful looking woman with every appearance of refinement and intelligence above the ordinary."

Mrs. Snowden had given a speech in Montreal in 1909 and on this occasion in 1913 she was there as a guest of the Canadian Council of Women that was holding its annual general meeting in the city. Carrie Derrick, President of the Montreal Council of Women claimed at the same meeting that not all of the members of the Canadian Council had decided to support the the cause of woman suffrage. The very next year she would found the Montreal Suffrage Assocation, which was militant in its views.

Letter 144: No more good sleeps for me

2011-03-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Mansions
466 Guy Street
Ap 29, 13

Dear Mother,

You see I am keeping my promise and doing a little letter writing.

We arrived here safely only about five minutes late. I like the place fine, of course, it will be rather crowded but we don't mind for so short a time.

We have got our suitcases and trunk unpacked and everything put away so we haven't been idle. Isn't it rather hard to believe?

Edith and Marion are getting ready for bed and as usual the old maid will be the last. I have been having a fine time playing with the furniture turning it from one thing to another.

Now don't go and work too hard even if Mrs. M. does ask you when you are going to commence housecleaning.

Just think of tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. No more good sleeps for me. Edie says she is feeling all right. So don't worry about her.

Love to Father and yourself and dear old Floss

Lovingly Flora

Letter 142: And on the Sabbath, too

2011-03-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

2401 Hutchison,
Sunday evening March 3, 1913

Dear Father,

This is just to a line enclosing you my check. Am glad you had a nice time in Boston. We were used in fine style.

We have had a very busy day here. Dr and Mrs. Skinner and Lloyd were here for dinner and I had some job cooking it. Aunt Christie had sent us in a chicken with Christina and I cooked it. Was rather scared as I had never done one before then they managed to eat it so perhaps it wasn't too bad. I also treated them to one of my apple pies. Tell mother I made three and on the Sabbath too and there is not a crumb left now so I think they must have been good.

George Miller came up and went to church with Flora and May. He seems to be quite a nice chap but of course not like Hughie. But not the old Hughie you had in the cards last Xmas.

Tell mother we got her letter on Sat and that I will look after the two delicate ones. Have been dosing them and they are almost alright now.

I think this is now much more than I intended to write so au revoir for this time from one of your best girls.

Marion

Another cryptic message. What cards is she talking about? Tarot cards or Christmas cards.

Letter 141: Be ready to have him

2011-03-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

2401 Hutchison, Friday Evening

Feb 14, 1913

Dear Father,

How is Boston? Hope you had a pleasant trip down. I am going to send you the answer that Edith got to my letter and you can return it or keep it safe, in case. Be ready to have him come whenever he comes.

The reason Edith did not come right in was that she had a cold but thinks she will be OK. By Sunday and I am getting Flora into bed by 9 o'clock tonight to see if we can't fix hers a bit. I will probably send you another wee not on Sunday.

Lovingly Marion

Hard to know what's going on, save that it has something to do with marriage arrangments. There were, apparently, some bumps in the road to matrimony.And a road block that had to be negotiated: Hugh's parents did not want the marriage.

Letter 140: Delighted the lights are in

2011-03-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

2401 Hutchison,
January 28, 1913

Dear Norman and Edith,

I arrived at 8:30. I gave my suitcase to Mrs. Skinner as they took a cab. Baby was very good on the train.

I took St. Denis car, transferred at Craig, came up to Bernard.

When I rang the doorbell I heard quite a noise; found they were all dressed up for the evening and having a little card party. I was ushered into the parlour.

Pauline Sutherland and Frank and Ross Cleveland (arrived) right after I got here.

Hugh came so we made two tables. Aunt Christie was in the midst of them with a grey silk waist and black silk skirt with a train, looking fine. Then they served refreshments,party broke up about 11:30.

Aunt Christie was up first this morning and made porridge.

I found Flora looking better than she did when at home. She was a whole week out of school and the Dr. came to the house twice, but now she is feeling much better and cheerful. Has taken one bottle of medicine.

She had a fresh egg for breakfast. She wore her velvet dress and it looks fine on her. No fault with it. Marion wants me to make her one.

She and Flora are invited to Mrs. Wiley's where Hugh boards Wednesday night and Thursday. Flora is invited to Dr. Cleveland's, a swell party for Paul.

Marion and Flora are delighted that the lights are in. They say they can hardly wait. They are so anxious to see them.

They were glad for the eggs and other things. If Uncle Alex brings butter you can bring it when you come. They were writing for some.

Aunt Christie and Flora sleep in the front bedroom, the two M's in the other and I all alone in the guest room.

They are all invited to Mrs. Ellis's to dinner tonight. M and F are going right from school.

Marion W is coming so Aunt Christie is going. I am the invited guest, so I will get my suitcase then.

Aunt Christie is starting to wash so after I mail this will help. I will call at the McCoy's then now take good care of yourself.

The girls say be sure and come here on your way to Boston.

Yours with Love Margaret

I found this envelope addressed in the drawer. Watson was saying that Father ought to take a trip west. Said you could get work in time there. M.

Mrs. Wiley was the person who first introduced Marion and Hugh,in May 1911, so it is logical that she knew Marion before hand.

Tighsolas, which means House of Light in Gaelic, became an official house of light this month, as Norman had electricity put it. It took the electrician 52 hours and he charged 86 dollars!

Letter 139: Topsy Turvey

2011-03-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Father,

Just a line to wish you many happy returns of the eighth.

Sorry you will not get this on your birthday, but perhaps it will be better late than never.

How are you all in Rd? Nothing exciting going on, I suppose.

Hugh is here tonight as usual. I am really getting to like him quite well. I forget to ask you what you thought of him.

I have been quite busy since I got back with reports, etc but I am feeling better and am taking my medicine religiously.

Is Edith as funny as ever? We are having a fine time here with Aunt Christie to look after us. We certainly know to appreciate anyone after the time we had before Christmas. It was rather discouraging to come home at night and find everything topsy turvy.

Marion and I were in to see Isabel's piano tonight. It is fine.Three of the pupils I am teaching in the morning have been promoted so I feel quite elated.

Marion and Aunt Christie send their love to you all and wish you many happy returns.

Lovingly Flora
Jan 8, 1913

It was difficult for 4 'working girls' to find a place to live in 1910, in large part because people were suspicious of their activities. Marion likely found this apartment due to her connection with the McCoy Family. Once established in the house, the young women soon discovered that it was impossible to work and keep a house going. They needed someone their to keep the homefires burning.

Letter 138:Young Man's Country

2011-03-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

January 3 1913

Edmonton,

Dear Brother,

I am going to write you a few lines in reply to our letter of last year, if it is not too late. I have been nursing broken ribs since before new Year. I fell on the sidewalk.

It's mighty cold here for some time but it seems better now. We don't have enough for sleighing till last week.

I have been working at carpenter work since I came west. This is not a very good country for carpenters. The season is too short. They don't get started early enough in the spring on account of the hard frost. They have to blast it out with dynamite.

The minimum wage for carpenters is 50 cents an hour an eight hour day and is much more as you can get if you can produce the goods.

That may seem good pay to you but everything is expensive here: room, rent and board and every thing is about double the price it is in the east.

This city is growing some. Last year building amounted to fourteen million dollars for one season. There is a lot of people coming here every year. The city owns all her own utilities and operates them no corporations has anything to do with street, rail, telephones and electric lights.

They have the single tax here, all taxes are on the land.

This is a young man's country. I think anybody that is well fixed in the East is as well off as here.

I am afraid that this country will be subject to hail and frost but they say that this will disappear as soon as the land will be cultivated.

Robert McMorine or Bob, as we used to call him, is here. He is dealing in real estate. He made some money I think.

Neil Stalker (Norman and Gilbert's mom was a Stalker) from Duluth was up here last summer. He came up last March and went back just before New year. He told me that he thought he might come west again if he could sell out in Duluth.

Kenneth McIver from Lingwick and his Brother Malcolm of Barry Vt. were both up here on a visit last summer to see the west and their brother Norman.

Norman is building inspector for the city. He has a good job. Easy work and good pay.

Are you still in the employ of the Transcontinental? All those who had Federal posts in this city is pretty well culled out.

If you are at home when you get this I wish you would go and see if the taxes has been kept paid on the farm since I left. I also want you to go and see if there isn't money there to my credit.

Was sorry to hear that so many of the old friends have died since I came West, but we will soon follow. It is only a matter of going a little before the rest.

We are all pretty well. We are all here in Edmonton except John. He went to San Francisco last winter and he went from there to Japan. Gordon had a letter from him last September from Vancouver and we haven't heard from him since. I think he is quite a globetrotter.

Give my best regards to all. Your family and friends. And acquaintances.

Truly, Gilbert Nicholson

Address:48 Shand Avenue Edmonton Alta.

A letter from Sophia Nicholson in 1920 reveals that John went to war and suffered severe shell shock.

Letter 137: Worse all the time

2011-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

December 29, 1912

Dear Father,

Your letter to hand which I was glad to receive. Also Masonic and St. Andrew's lodge dues. Many chances to attend but do not for the reason that I do not think I am very well posted and of course am getting worse all the time.

I just yesterday got an invitation to attend a joint installation of officers of Craik and Lumsden Lodges at Lumsden tomorrow night. To have a big banquet after but I will not be able to attend as tomorrow I have to go to Bethune.

I am kind of sorry and also glad that the work has finished on the RY as you will be far more comfortable at home during the winter and it will be much nicer for Mother.

How are politics looking in the East? As near as I can make out by following the papers the East is coming back to Laurier.

His amendment to Borden's navy policy seems to taking very well.

The west is stronger than ever and with a fair representation after the redistribution but you would see any awful difference at Ottawa. I honestly believe that we will have an election next summer and that Laurier and the Liberals will again be in power.

Here in the West things are about the usual. Farmers have a lot of grain but the price is so low that in the end the farmer will only have the same amount of money and with the increased prices for everything else he is worse off than ordinarily.

The Eastern manufacturers, with Borden protecting them in the way of high tariffs, are getting pretty brave and charging just about anything; they like for what they have to sell and paying just what they like to the farmer for his produce.

Well, I am still a Grit as I think you will see and what is more I think without a doubt Laurier is the most farsighted politician in Canada and is at all times working in the interest of the country instead of working to satisfy individual greed.

In order for the whole country to prosper the West must develop and as soon as a depression strikes the West you will see factory after factory shut down in the east and employment will be scarce which is a sure sign of hard times.

What is more as soon as you fail to make this country attractive to the new settlers who comes in with a thousand or two you will see difference.

The cry over the whole country from the farmer is that there is not any money in raising grain at the present prices which I am sure is right. Farmers had to pay 3.00 and 3.50 for help this fall and there could not get it and for the reason that instead of the CPR having their farm labour excursion bringing men to Regina and Moss Jaw as they have always done before; they only sold tickets at the excursion rates to Winnipeg and just because Saskatchewan did not vote Tory.

We are having a lovely winter here over mild and not much snow. I suppose things in Richmond will be about the same.

I believe if you have a chance to sell that house for anything like what would seem a fair price I would do it and either come west or move to Montreal with the girls.

You will see by Mother's letter where I spent Christmas.

Tanguay says he knows you. He is a brother of NP Tanguay of Weedon. Has made a lot of money out here. Has 580 acres of nice land about a mile from the town of Craik that is worth 50 dollars an acre.

No more news so will close wishing you a Happy New Year

Herb.

Letter 136: Able to manage fine, all right

2011-03-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

2401 Hutchison Street
November 18, 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 2nd received. You will see that I am still in the city. I was glad you got your coat.

Well, since getting your last letter I was thinking you might come any time now.

I am going home the 27th at the very latest. I was telling Marion I ought to go Saturday as there is an initiation at the Eastern Star and I promised to be there for it. I have missed the practices and two regular meetings. So I will not be up in my work.

This Mr. Blair seems very nice. Comes up quite often. You will see him when you get to Montreal. I like him very well.

Marion and I went to Stanley Church Yesterday. We did not see many that I knew. You will remember a student that spent time with us that winter you were at home. Donald McLeod. I went to a concert with the McCoys last week; he was one of the singers so I knew him and asked a man to bring him down to my seat. He did not know me at first but when I told him he said OH YES. Mr. McMillan gave me your address and I am going to call, so he came on Saturday evening. Had a pleasant time. He is quite a singer and plays the piano.

Marion and I were at Dr. Cleveland's for tea, last week. I am going to try and make a few calls this week before going home. Now, this is rather an short letter. I will make the cake (Christmas fruitcake?) as soon as I get home. The bread and other things will not take long. If you only get here safe and sound. The girls are going home for Xmas.

I hear from Edith every two days. She goes out a good deal. She say she is able to manage fine all right,

Yours with much love,

Margaret.

PS St. Andrew's is to be celebrated in Danville this year. Hope you will be here for that.

There are a few joining the Eastern Star on the 28th. So I will be there for that. Edith is going to join then, she writes me. She goes out a good deal. She says and is able to manage fine all right. Aunt Christie is coming in to stay with the girls for a while after Xmas. So she says. If you (come) before I go home , I would look at coats. M.

Letter 135: We had a great talk

2011-03-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

November 18, 1912

Dear Mother,

The two letters received and the silk came Saturday night. I think it is a lovely shade and certainly a great bargain.

Christina telephoned yesterday that she would not be able to stay down. So I was in despair as I went to Miss Ramsey and she could not even cut it for me. I was telling Florence and she recommended Miss Julien (Joe's daughter). So Esther went down and asked her this morning and she came up. She is very good and we got along splendidly.

The pattern fitted me exactly. She will be able to finish it tomorrow night. Bessie, Hattie and Christina were down today. They thought it lovely. Bess and C are going to come to the dance.

I must tell you that I sang a part in the anthem last night. Two or three said it was very nice. Grace Mc told Mr McCreary and he was so glad. He said today that I had made great improvement. You know he is not much at compliments so I was very much encouraged. Of course I have practiced 3 and 4 hours sometimes more all last week so it ought to count for something.

Edith Peppler is still staying with me.

Mr. McMillan came up after church last night and we had a great talk. He was a classmate of Isabel McCoy's. Said to ask her if he remembered a picnic at Dixie and going carolling. He was greatly pleased to hear about her. Said what a nice girl, so pleasant. Did not know she was married.

You know he is anxious to talk about Miss C. So Wednesday night after prayer meeting I walked to the mail with him. I asked him about Miss C's father and he said he was in the customs. So you see we are getting things down to a very fine point. I asked him is Mrs. C was anxious to see Richmond and if she was coming out. He said he would love to have her but could not of course ask her to the manse. So then I said you had spoken of having her out. Oh he was delighted. Thought it was so kind of you. Said Miss C thought you were so nice and said she would not mind coming to R after meeting you.

Now I am to go into the Eastern Star on November 28th. Mrs. Barrie wants you to be home in time for a special practice. And to let her know so she can arrange Tuesday night. So be sure and let me know so I can tell her. They have had one practice already. Miss Feely took your part. The officers are to be in white but it is not necessary to wear the white shoes.

Miss Sparrow was up this afternoon to see my dress. She was so frightened I might not get it done in time. Thought patterns and cloth were lovely. If I look well thanks to you and Marion and Flora for the trouble you took to get the things.

So glad that father is coming soon. It can't be too soon. I must close as it is late. Edith P. is sleeping soundly.
Your loving Edith.

Letter 134: Send me some songs

2011-03-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Tighsolas

November 11, 1912

Dear Mother,

Your letter I got night. I am getting on splendidly well. The furnace: you should see me handle the big sticks. I just throw them in as if they were feather weights. In this weather, it takes very little fuel to keep the house comfortable. Thursday was your day. Did you remember about it? I made a cake which turned out very good and I sat in state. It was a dreadful afternoon and did not expect anyone. So telephoned Miss Sparrow and Gladys Wheel. They did come also Ethel and Mrs. Fraser paid me a long visit before the others so I felt quite repaid.

Friday night Ethel and I went to the Debate. Saturday. Christine and I were at the Crombie's for tea. Then I went to a meeting to see about a dance that is coming off in about two week.

Yesterday we had a very peaceful day. Went to Sunday school and Church. A McMathews of Quebec preached in the evening on the budget for 1913. Ethel came in and stayed for a good while after church. This morning she left for Montreal. I will miss her. They have been so good to me. And I have stayed a good many nights there. Edith Peppler says to call when I want anybody.

Mr. Montgomery was over this morning to call when Mrs. McCreary was giving Grace her lesson. I am going over to sing for them. I wish Marion or Flora would get me some nice songs. Contralto.

I gave my name in to the ballottee at the Eastern Star. Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Willie Ewing called this afternoon on behalf of the lodge. I will go in in about a month. Mrs. McKee is receiving on Wednesday and the Presbyterian workers meet tomorrow at Lizzy Rattray's so that takes two afternoons.

Miss Main was buried on Saturday afternoon.

Now will you get me something for a dress that I can wear to the dance? Not more than 50 cents a yard, either pale pink or deep cream. Christina is going to help me make it. Is coming down next week. Started to take her lessons from Mrs. Barrie. There is a lovely deep cream silk at Hudon, 40 inches wide at 1.00 yds. If I were rich I would have it. Mrs. Chapin saw 4 ½ yards of 40 inches good for a dress. So I think I would need five yards anyway. Send it out by mail. This is supposed to be quite an affair. And I would like to go to a dance just for a change after four years of quietness.

Now I hope you are not worrying about me. Mrs. M. said again today how much younger I looked. I was so tired and old looking when I came home. Ethel will call you try to have her up. Give my love to all at 239. Remember me to Hughie.

Love to Marion and Flora and the others.

I enjoy getting your letters because they keep in touch with the city life. Write soon.

Your loving Edith.

PS Tell Marion to help you find a pattern for the dress and send it along.

Aunt Flora address: House of Refuge Sarnia Ontario

Letter 133:Herb is so careless

2011-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Coats from Eaton's Catalogue, winter 1913-14, range 12.00 to 25.00. Mid range. The catalogue opens with glamour coats, fur coats worth 80 dollars or more, muskrat, seal and the most expensive, persian lamb.. There are also some coats for 10.00 and 5.00. In the 16.oo range, cheviot, vicuna, or, a bit more expensive, wool.

2401 Hutchison

November 11, 1912

Dear Norman,

You see by the heading that I am still in the city.

Marion and Flora won't hear to me going home and E writes for me to stay as she is getting on all right - has one of the Pepplers when she stays in the house. I will not stay more than another week. I do wish Edith was here and that we could be together for the winter as they ought to have someone here. Your letter did not reach me until Friday pm, as Edith sent it--so I felt a little worried as I always got them Thursday.

I am so sorry about your coat. I gave the right add to Lann McMorine. You better make some enquiries there about it. Might be at Cochrane.

Edith writes that Mr. Dyson said he bought thirty cords of wood and would supply our winter's wood and would bring a cord any time and to let him know so don't worry any more about wood. She also sent me notice that taxes were due.

Now I am very sorry that Herb seems to be so careless, debt seems to be no worry to him. I hope you have just let him know how hard it is for you to be away from your family and that he might try and do better. He has not written me for several weeks . I really cannot understand how he can do it.

Well, the weeks are going by and Xmas will soon be here I don't know what the girls can do with the flat; or if they will be able to get someone to keep fires if they want to go home. They will have two weeks holidays. They were talking it over but said they would decide when you came. The weather has been quite nice since I came in here.

I have not bought a coat. Takes more than I had. Marion got a long navy blue one that will be very comfortable this winter. Paid 16.50 and Flora got a brown the same price. They really needed them.

I have not gone anywhere not been up to Cleveland's yet. I have been having trouble with my teeth and as Marion was having work done at Cleveland's Friday, I had him look at mine. He said he would do an hours work for me Monday so I am to go at three o'clock, Too bad yours are giving you trouble. I think it is caused from cold, my front teeth at least one of them felt loose, but he said he did not think it was but found cavities in others. M. had five filled.

Marion said she was going to write you and tell you about Mr. Hugh Blair. He seems very nice. Went home Saturday to Three Rivers. There are a good many things that he can do such as fixing window blinds, but Marion won't let me ask him much. We are trying to put the double windows on here. I want to see them on before I go, although so far they are not needed.

I don't think there is any danger of them getting behind: the four girls pay 25 dollars each. They would rather do it than board. They say it amounted to about that at Mrs. Ellis's.

Now don't worry about Herb. We cannot help it now. If the work stops there you must just take a trip out west. See why he does not at least keep himself. He must know that Marion paid Aunt Han's note. He never wrote her or mentioned it to me. Write when you get this and add to Richmond.

They say I will be here two weeks more but I don't like to leave Edith alone . She said she would go to Kingsbury for a visit but she thought it was too cold and just stayed at home.

Your loving Wife

Margaret

Flora is always saying she is going to write but there is so much going on they don't have time and when I write often they think I tell all.

Letter 132: The Understanding

2011-03-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Tighsolas

November 3, 1912

Sunday Afternoon

Dear Mother,

Your letter arrived Saturday morning. I am sure you must have enjoyed the concert. Take in everything you can. I am not in the least lonesome.

In fact I have had no time. I keep things comfortable and am getting along nicely. Had tea at Florence's so you see I am being royally entertained.

Yesterday morning Emma McLeod came up to invite you, Aunt Han and myself to a tea. I went, Hattie and Bella McLeod were there. Had a very nice time. Then I stayed all night with Ethel. Came over and put on a fire before going to Sunday School. Was out for dinner. Ethel and I have been singing and playing ever since. But I shall stay here tonight. As I don't want to be a bother to them. Ethel has not yet decided whether she will go to Montreal or not.

I intended going out tomorrow, but if it is as cold as today, I would be afraid to leave the home. And then I suppose I should freeze to death anyway.

I saw Mrs. Barrie last night. They are initiating three new members a week from Wed. and wanted to know if you would be home. They are going to have a practice this Wed. 8. If you will not be there they will have someone else take your part that time. You must let me know so I can tell her before Wednesday night. So you had better drop me a card.

If the girls are very anxious you should stay, why not do so. Someone can take your place now better than later on. Mrs. B told me to tell you. Mrs. David Watson was buried on Saturday. Also Mrs. Wright of Kingsbury.

Malcolm brought Henry down Friday night. Ethel and I went to the station to see him off. It was terribly windy and so dark Malcolm stayed the night. I telephoned Mrs. Stevens (seamstress). She could not promise to fill the orders for some time, she has so many orders. I paid Fleury 80 cents for the express on Father's coat. So if he has not got it we will have to trace it. It was sent from her all right.

I got the bill for the taxes, will enclose.

Mrs. MacMillan came home last night at service. The young lady's name is Courtney. Mrs. C says he must have had quite a look first. I suppose they are going on at 2401 also. I think I shall have a short conference with him. I'll ask him if he knows what kind of girl he is getting. (Hugh and Marion aren't formally engaged but appear to have 'an understanding.') I am sending express parcel tomorrow.

Love to Flora and Marion and heaps for yourself.

Your own loving Edith

------------------ Although the Skinners were wonderful helpful neighbours, and great fellow Liberals, their children were tweenage. Ethel Crombie is the daughter of Jane and Marcus, and they've all just moved into the Skinner's home, after doing a number of renovations.

Ethel is 21, closer to Flora's age than Edith's. She is listed as having no profession on the 1911 census. Mr. Crombie is a lumber merchant. Norman pays the hefty mortgage on Tighsolas to Williamson and Crombie, Kingsbury.

In 1912, Edith is drifting professionally speaking. She is thinking of taking a stenography course in the city. In 1905 she completed a typing and shorthand course at St. Francis College. I asw no 'typists' mentioned in the 1911 census. Stenographer appears to be the catch all phrase for female office worker, although it may be that typing alone didn't qualify you for a position. There were no 'typing pools' at that time, apparently.

In the US, it may have been different. According to one 1912 article in New York Post, there were 100,000 thousand woman working as stenographers (which meant office workers?) in New York City alone. (Doesn't seem right.) 80-85 percent of all commercial typewriting in the US (up to 250,000 typists) was being performed by women.

Letter 131: Enjoying their Housekeeping

2011-03-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Flora's route today, 32 minutes by bus (without waiting times) and 102 minutes walking, which would be the same as in 1910. And boots were made for walking back then. There would be a slew of new Eastern European Jewish immigrants living in the William Lunn catchment area. Flora's students. Many spoke no English, according to the Montreal Gazette, but the parents were very keen on getting their kids an education.

2401 Hutchison Montreal

Nov 1, 1912

Dear Norman, Your letter recd Thursday morning.

Edith went home on her Thanksgiving ticket, left here at 8 o'clock Wednesday night. They, M and Flora, asked me to stay a few weeks with them; they really need some one all the time to keep things going right, everything is very nice but it takes time to get the meals. They have a warm dinner at 6 o'clock.

They have a young girl with them, a Miss Bullock from South Roxton. Her Father is Liberal provincial member for Shefford County, her only brother a young man of 20 years put the telephone in for them. Made them a present so they have their coal in for the winter. Mr. Smith got that for them.

I am having quite a time cooking with gas. I don't touch the furnace. Marion tries to run that and when Mr. Blair comes - which is very often -he looks at it. He is anxious to do anything to help, but Marion wants to do everything herself - and I might just say here that this young man is anxious to see you. But if he writes you he will have to wait till you come home as you would like to see him. Marion thinks he is all right so you will have to give your consent.

I told you that Henry was going to take Flossie to Kingsbury. Well, he did. He got Fred Boast to drive him and Flossie rode out. They kept her at night but when she got out in the morning she started for Richmond. Henry telephoned Ethel Crombie, she said she was at the door when she got up. Then she wrote to Edith here to tell us she would look after her as we had given her the key to look after plants and she have her sleep in the kitchen at night. It was very kind.

Edith wanted to stay till the late train as she wrote and told Ethel that she would arrive at 11.15. and would stay with her.

I had a letter from Edith this morning said she arrived safely and Ethel was waiting for her. She says she does hope we will stay in Richmond this winter. Aunt Han had come down to make us a visit. She was at Florence's till Edith got home. She was going to stay until Saturday. Then Edith thought she would go out and stay a week at Aunt Christie's as I told her she must not stay alone as she has had enough for a month I think.

We got our double windows on and I think I told you and Edith would have stayed longer but they each the four girls pay equal share and then there was the dog bothering other people. Edith wants to take up the stenography after Xmas. She could stay with the girls here.

Well, about you coming. I supposed that it would be better not to come until Xmas. You could come two weeks before New Years and that won't seem so very long. I will go home and have the house in order by that time.

Mr. McCoy asked Edith and me to go to the Caledonian concert with them. I accepted, but Edith could not stay as it was Thursday and she would loose her ticket. It was fine. I enjoyed it very much, only wish you could have been there. You see, everyone takes pity on me when my man is away. When I told them in Lingwick that I had not see you for 7 months they said "No wonder I would take a trip." They were all so pleased to see me.

Henry was only up from Boston for two weeks. Was not much of his time at home.He thinks he will be up at Xmas. He and Christine came in here Monday night with May. Went up to see their cousin Dr. Manson. Henry went to Windsor hotel. Went home next day. Saturday Night, Nov 2 I was interrupted, so did not get this finished.

This afternoon Marion and Flora went out shopping. They both bought long coats. The will be comfortable for the winter. They have such long rides on the cars. We got home at 6 o'clock. May had our dinner ready.

They really are enjoying their housekeeping so far.

I think I told you our Minister was engaged. He was in paying us a visit so brought her up to call on us. And told us his engagement was announced just the night before. I don't know why you think I like him better than the previous one. I like him very much and he does preach good sermons. You see he is Scotch, that accounts for it!

I have not gone out to see any of my friends yet. Will later. We see the McCoys every day. Uncle Alex sent in a barrel of potatoes,. Henry bought grapes, tomatoes and a fern for their table. And Miss Bullock brought Maple Syrup and sugar. They had to pay freight.

I will write again when I hear from Edith. I have not heard from Herb. I do wish he was near some of us when you leave there you must take a trip and I wrote him since I came in here.

Your loving wife,

Margaret.

The girls travel from Mile End to Little Burgundy and Griffintown on the trolley, or street car.

Letter 130: Hugh Dear

2011-03-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

October 31, 1912

Dear Mother

I got along nicely coming out. Came up with my friend, Fred. M. Ethel stayed home as she was entertaining the workers. She was up for me.

Seemed pleased to have me and we talked until one anyway.

She was so interested in Mr. MacMillan's engagement. She thinks it is our place to write her earlier.. Mrs. Crombie said they would do all they could to give her a good time. I wonder how Billy would like that.

Aunt Han came down Tuesday has been staying at Florence's. Did not think of us being away. She called me up just a few minutes after I came over. Came up for dinner will stay until Saturday with me. She has rented her house to a nice family. The chief boiler- maker at the station. We are going over to the cemetery this afternoon.

I made a good fire in the furnace and Han had the water running. The house did not seem damp. Louley Stephens is sewing at Mrs. Montees; I wonder if she will rent. I will get the mail when downtown and send yours on. Floss heard my voice and commenced to cry last night. Mrs. C says she is a very well behaved animal. They seem rather taken with her.

Was "Hugh dear" up last evening? Give my love to all the girls and have a good time.

Your loving daughter,
Edith

Letter 129: Rambling Letter, rambling trip

2011-03-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

2401 Hutchison Street
Montreal Oct 27, 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 21st received you will have my letter by this time telling you that I was invited to go to Lingwick with Henry and left Tuesday am at 11. Had dinner at the Magog hotel then went for a walk. Called on Mrs. McLeod and Arthur Lockhard, principal of the highschool. Then left by CPR to Scottstown at 4 pm. Henry telephoned Lennie McIver from Sherbrooke Mary Ann met us at the train had tea with her then Rennie arrived with a pair of horses, took us home got there at 10 oclock.

It was a beautiful warm day and the night was fine. Next morning Kenneth told Henry to take his horse and go anywhere we wanted to, so we started. Had dinner with Uncle Donald's wife tea with Mrs. George Nicholson. Called at every house down as far as Mr. Nicholson. He told me to ask you if you had turned Conservative. Got back to Rennie's at 7 o'clock. Then he gave us a fresh horse and his wife went with us to see Mary Anne McLeod and her Mother in Galson. Spent the evening. Next morning we called on Mrs Morison across the way. Then Rennie drove Henry to Scottstown when we got to Rennie's. Uncle Murdoch was driving to Scottstown alone so rode with him and Henry and Rennie stayed at the Church to attend a funeral (Mary Anne Nicholson and Husband) from Fisher Hill, stayed with Mary Anne until 3.--Friday morning got to Sherbrooke at 5 o clock and down home at 10 30 then Edith had things ready and we both came in home. Leaving at 4 o clock same day.

So if this letter is rambling don't wonder I enjoyed it so much. And they were all glad to see me and asking for you. Want you to go up if you come home to stay any time.

Well, I found Marion and Flo very happy in their flat and both looking well. Marion W went home and the other girl that stays with them so we find it pretty nice to have the house to ourselves.

They seem to manage very well. They have rented it for 40 dollar per month then they divide expenses which is a good way. They take turns with the work and they have every thing to work with and they have their coal for the winter.

Mr. Smith and Mrs. McCoy are very kind and take an interest in them.

They want me to stay but they have only room for 5 so Edith thinks she will go home and we will take turns in staying .

We got the double windows on we still have a little wood on hand. I was not able to get any more cord wood as they don't want to bring it until sleighing. I heard that Henry Fleck of Melbourne Ridge had good wood. I telephoned him. Said it was 5 dollars a cord but that he could not bring it till sleighing so think we will manage as we have some large pieces left. So don't worry.

Henry saw us to the station and was going to take a team from ___and drive home and was going to take Flossie with him. So Malcolm said he would keep her for us.

Christina Peppler was keeping the cat and we left the key with Ethel Crombie and she was going to water the plants.

Edith will go out Wednesday night as that is the length her ticket lasts. I am glad the girls have the flat that each one pays an equal share. I did not know until I came in.

I was afraid it was Marion running it.

They are comfortable. Flora did not like Mrs. Ellis's.

I paid up a few bills, every thing except McRae's. Then I got a pair of boots for myself at McMorines. Did not pay for them as I wanted to keep some money for this trip and after paying our tickets I have 10 dollars left.

I was looking at my coats for the winter. Thought I would like one. I may wait til you come I want Flora and Marion to get one each as they will be warm and it takes half an hour on the car to reach their schools.

I hope you need the fur coat all right.

I have not heard from Herb since writing you last. I hope he will be able to deal with Dr. Moffatt's note.

I have not heard anything more about Sophia's marriage. I don't think she has written any one. She will some day. A R McRae is in the hospital I am going to see him this afternoon. Went in on Monday. That is Mary Anne McIver's husband.

I am sorry to tell you John Nicholson is sick at Lake Saranac. They think it is granite consumption. Then I met Nick Morrison who is in very poor health. Nice man, he came to Lingwick in hopes that the climate might help him.

With love your loving wife
Margaret.

Letter 128: Wonderful what money can do.

2011-03-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

October 20th, 1912

Residency 22,

Dear Margaret,

I am writing you a short note today on my usual day to say I am well. That's about all the news I have as I answered yours of the tenth last Thursday after receiving yours.

I haven't heard from any of the girls since, nor from Herb. I think I told you in my last letter that I had another letter from Dr. Moffatt.

Well, we are still here working at the Round House, which was supposed to be done long ago and there is lots to do on it still.

And about going home. It's still in the dark to me as I haven't heard from any of them yet about letting me off. I am beginning to think they do not want me to go until its finished.

We have had a fine weather here for the last week which I enjoy after the snow and rain we had. I only hope it will continue for a month or say Xmas.

When you leave for Montreal let me know so I will write you there. Hope you are not having a hard a time with the storm windows and getting some wood.

Did Henry Watters come home for his holiday?. You spoke of it in your letter some time ago. I saw by one of the papers you sent me last that there was a cheap excursion from Sherbrooke to Boston and wondered if Uncle Alex did not avail himself of it as he likes to travel.

I supposed Mr. Crombie has fixed up everything about his place so nice that all the rest on the hill are now in the shade. I also see by my paper that they are going to give FN McCrae of Sherbrooke a banquet and that Sir Wilfrid is to be there. Wonderful what money will do. I wonder if William, his brother, will be there.

I am sending Mrs. Crombie my cheque for interest (on mortgage) and likely will mail receipt to my add Richmond. If so see that its put away in safe keeping.

And when you hear about Sophia Nicholson marriage give me the news. It's likely she has sent some one her epistle about it.

It's strange that Gilbert hasn't written to some of us about it.

Now as I cannot think of any more at the present I will have to close trusting you and Edith are well, with love to Edith, and much to your dear self

Your affectionate Husband
N. Nicholson

Letter 127: Water tax and telephone

2011-03-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Richmond Oct 10, 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 6th of Oct. received.

Thought I would write you at once as Marion has written that they are getting on so well and that we at least are not needed to come until Thanksgiving.

My idea was to go when we could close the house while it was warm weather and look things over, but they are getting on so well that we will just leave them for a while. They tell me that Mrs. McCoy thinks things are all right so we will content ourselves until then or until you come there we may arrange to go for the winter.

I asked Mrs. Ross to look at the barn. He did this morning , said he thought there was no immediate danger till next spring. Asked me if I was looking for you then. I said I am looking all the time. He just laughed. So don't worry and start coming only come when you can.

Very soon you will need your fur coat the weather is so cold. Although we have had a few fine days.

Uncle Alex came down today he brought me another bag of potatoes. They are fine, so dry. One day he was here staying for dinner said he would dig the potatoes for me. He said my potatoes were a complete failure and he has been bringing me some since that day. I was saying good thing I let him dig them.

Later Friday Night: I did not get this finished we had company. There was a Sunday School convention in town they asked us to take two delegates so we had to young ladies from Danville. One of them was at McDonald College with Flora so we felt as if we knew her. Then Nicholson from Sherbrooke was down so we invited him and our Minister Mr. McMillian for tea and we all went down to the Convention. It was in the Episcopal church.

I've had the announcement of Sophia Nicholson's marriage to David T. Bell of Edmonton. That is all we have about him but I will write her soon. I was wondering if she had sent you one.

Well, If I have to pay the water tax and telephone and you don't come soon I will need some more funds to pay the city as I am pay it out pretty fast and soon I will have to put the double windows on. Montgomery put his on today.

We are having an anniversary on the 28th Rev Dr. Fraser of Montreal College is to preach usual tea meeting in the day following.

You would see in the papers that missing yacht. Two of the young men were from Richmond, one a young English man that came out to learn farming at Cole's decided he did not like it and went into the bank, the other Tom Bonner's son. It is very sad indeed. They were both in Bank of Commerce.

I wrote Herb and told him of Dr Moffatt's writing you. I also said that I think you would write but now that he has mentioned trying to pay you can tell him that it will be a great weight off your mind that he might know and likely does how debt always worried you. As you thought it did most of people. Did Han write you? She said she intended to but she said it was all right. I will send you a letter or card in a few days.

Yours with much love
Margaret Nicholson

Letter 126: Goodbye

2011-03-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

October 8 1912

To N Nicholson Esq
Dear Sir,

Yours just rec'd also one returned to me that I had written to Herb August 25th asking him to kindly return note signed by him self and you so as I could cash it in Richmond. I have written him again today and enclosed letter that was returned from Elbow Sask.

I addressed today's to Regina as you advised. Hope he will attend to it as Sam is going down to Centralia n a farm and I have to cash some agreements for him that he bought last fall in order that he may pay the cash demanded on this farm he is buying. I expect he will leave here in two weeks. I had him in the hospital here as he had a fistula in ass and wanted to have him fixed up before he went down to the farm. It has about all healed now. Centralia is a town of 8,000 about a night's ride from here 48 miles south of Tacoma.

Let me hear if you hear from herb and what he says. I will get the old note from Same before he goes down all well and we like it here very much. Goodbye.

From WA Moffatt
W.A Moffatt MDCM

739 24th Avenue, Oct 8, 1912

Dear Herb,

No reply on hand from you. The enclosed letter I wrote you August 24th. Just returned today. Also one from your father as I wrote to your mother and enclosed a letter to your father which she forwarded to you

He is, I see, still up West of Cochrane.

Sam is leaving Westminister and is going to Australia, Washington on a farm. He had bought some agreements last fall and have to cash them for him and must have the note money.

Thought the delay was in writing your father and getting a reply but he claims he has not heard from you in a couple of months.

Kindly get a new note and have it signed and return as want to cash it for same. Kindly do not delay but make it out at four months from date. Send it up to your father and get him to send it to me.

All are well here. Your father states that he is going home soon. Goodbye.

Yours,
W.A. Moffatt

$250 " 6% January 1909. Cash $68 September 4. Due August 4, 1912, $233.86

.................

Ironically, Norman Nicholson has helped collect overdue accounts for Dr. Moffatt, who is related to the Nicholsons through the Clevelands. It is clear from the account book Norman kept that many many of this doctors patients could not pay their bills. Some even paid with forged notes. In 1904, the account book reveals that some people were 8 years behind in their payments! Amounts owed ranged from $1.50 to $30.00 or a little over. Dr. Moffatt has written DEMAND 10%, 15% and even $25% after some amounts.

And then the Good Doctor loses almost all his savings in a stock market swindle in 1910. No wonder he is in such a bad bad mood that he signs off his letters with a terse, Goodbye. Very bad form.

Letter 125: Four Girls in the Scheme

2011-03-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Royal Arthur School
80 Canning Street

September 30, 1912

Dear Father,

I am writing this in school to tell at last taken that long talked of flat and while I think will tell you the address; it is 2401 Hutchison St. and is almost next door to the McCoys which makes it fine for us. We moved in on Sat last (Sept 28) and they have been in cooking and doing all sorts of things for us. Mr. McCoy gave us a basket of peaches to start on.

The flat is completely furnished and is lighted by electricity and we do all our cooking by gas. There are four girls in the scheme, Flora, May, Lena Bullock who is a school teacher and yours truly. We are planning to pay 20 dollars each per month and hope to be able to make ends meet but if we cannot then we will get another girl to come in with us.

The flat itself costs us $40.00 then we will have the rest for running expenses. When you come home take an Amherst car up Bleury and get off at St. Viateur. And we will let you see what sort of housekeepers we are.

Yesterday Chester Coy and Ross called on us for a while in the afternoon and also the McCoy's and Smiths and last but not least Mr Blair - or Romeo for short.

Now I must stop and get my lunch but will write later and if there are any details I have not mentioned I will in the next.
Lovingly
Marion

Letter 124: Pay my debts

2011-03-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Rumely Company

La Porte Ind

Regina Sask Sept 29 1912

Dear Father,

Your two letters received Thursday last. The first one having been all over the country and a last sent to General Delivery. I also received three from Mother and one from Edith and Marion.

It was over a month since I have heard from any person from home and you can understand that I was at a loss to know what was the reason.
You will see by the paper I am using who I am working for and the line of business. I am on the collection end and think I have a fairly good position at last and expect that I will be able to pay my debts after a while.

Things here are looking very good. The crop was good all around and was mostly all cut before the frost came. The weather has been very wet since cutting until a few days ago but it looks rather settled now and if it does keep dry for about a month things with form. The next trouble will be the car shortage. The railways are trying to make people believe that this is not going to happen this year but you will see a worse tie up than last year by long odds.

I see by the papers that Sir Wilfrid was at Cochran but suppose you would all be frightened to recognise him or join in any demonstration. See that he spoke in the round house. I suppose this is the one you are building. Sorry you can not get home more often. Edith being home will make it much nicer for Mother. Now I will not write any more for this time.

Hope you are keeping well.

Your son,
Herb

Letter 123: A Few Lines...

2011-03-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

WA Moffatt
MD CM
739 24th avenue
Vancouver BC

September 17, 1912

Dear Mr. Nicholson,

Am enclosing this in a few lines. I wrote to Mrs. Nicholson so as she could forward it to you. As I was afraid you might have changed your address as I think you told me it was Cochrane Ont.

Well, How is everything with you? I wrote Herb a couple months ago and enclosed a note as I asked him if I would make it up to date if he could sign and send it on to you so as I could get it cashed in Richmond Bank. And he said that would be all right. I have never heard anything more from him altho I forwarded it to him a couple of months ago. Have you heard from him and what does he say. As I told you this was my brother's money and he is about to buy a farm I told him I would have it for him., At Present he is down in Washington looking at a place and he asked me if I had ever got it and of course I told him I had not but that I would see to it at once.

We are all well, With love from all

I am W A Moffatt.

Letter 122: Not much money in it!

2011-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Richmond
Sept 16 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 8th received. You will see by the heading that we are still in Rd. Flora wrote last week that they were about discouraged looking for a flat to suit them. Marion will not take one unless she gets one to suit her, so they are both at Mrs. Ellis's now - also May Watters. I am not sure whether they have given up the idea or not but think they have for the present. Mrs.and Mr. McCoy left Saturday the 7th. They did enjoy their stay here.

Edith felt disappointed as she thought she could look for something to do and would have somewhere to stay (if Marion got an apartment).

It will be too bad if both E and I have nothing to do to earn our living this winter. I am always busy but not much money in it.

I told you in my last letter that I paid Han and she said it was all right; seemed pleased. I met her at McRaes's store yesterday; she was down with her brother. We both went in and got weighed. She weighed 141 and me 158. Just fancy, I am not failing ; don't think I need a tonic.

Flora had a cold when she left but she writes that it had disappeared and that she is feeling well. Says she has 50 kids. Her school is down near the hay market - not a nice part of the city, she says. The principal is nice; always something to be thankful for.

I see Mr. Crombie has taken out the post and rolled up the wire. They will soon have the new one up . Don't think the post for the new one has come yet.

I spoke to Earl Hall about wood; he said he did not have any good wood; there was soft mixed in it; however I may get a load to last till you come.

We had one good day for the fair. It was very good indeed - quite a number asking for you. I always tell them you are coming in the fall to get things fixed for the winter. I was speaking to Mrs. Rothney; she is going to Winnipeg for two months while Mr. B will be inspecting schools.

We are having wet weather. Farmers are discouraged that they cannot get their grain in. We never seem to have more than two days without rain.

I just got a notice today that the grand officer is coming on the 18th Wednesday to initiate the members of the Eastern Star. We are all to dress in white so I will be busy for the three days . Will tell you about it in next letter, are we supposed to tell.. Then after that if we don't hear any more of the flat, E and I are going out to Kingsbury and to Jannett's on the ridge for a week as there is nothing to keep us here.

Our corn is ripe, potatoes are not very good. Uncle Alex brought us some fine ones; no ripe tomatoes yet. Cabbage and onions are fine.

Andrew McKenzie was asking if you were going to be there this winter. Most of them think you are pretty fortunate to be kept on so long. If they would connect the road east it would be easier to get home. However, as long as we are all well don't worry, the time will pass quickly. I know not having any of your own makes it more lonely for you.
with much love
Your loving wife
Margaret

Letter 121: They Make me Sick!

2011-03-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

3 Tower Ave
Sept 9 1912

Dear Father,

It is high time you heard from me isn't it, but here it is at last.

You will see by the heading where we are. May, Flora and I have two rooms between us. I hunted for a flat until I was nearly sick and so came to Mrs. Ellis's again. Perhaps later it will be easy to get a flat. But at present it is next to impossible.

I suppose mother told you of the nice time we had with the McCoys. They certainly have been very good to us. Isabel and Mrs. McCoy brought me a dandy blouse from Paris, no less, fancy me with anything Parisienne.

Flora and I were up there last night for tea and until today I have been with the Clevelands. They were nice enough but a little of them goes a long way. Ross has not returned from the other side yet, but is expected this week.

I think Flora is right in harness now and has a nice class. I think, and better still, her Principal is not a blooming Englishman.

There her hours are very short so she will get into the hard work gradually.

Edith and I had a fine time in Boston, everyone was so very kind to us and entertained us royally.

Chester Coy is coming up to Montreal in about a week for part of his holidays so we will have to show him Montreal to advantage if possible--for he is a great Yankee.

My work at school is just the same as last year. I was half promised a promotion to Seventh Year which is next to the Principal but in the end the Board gave it to an inexperienced boy just out of MacDonald and are giving him $800 when the rest of his class get only $500. They make me sick. When they first spoke of the Seventh Year for me they said I could have it if they were not able to find a man for it. However, the men were forthcoming so I am still in the Fifth Year.

I can't think of any more news just now so will stop but will try and write oftener than I did this summer. Flora says to tell you that she will write soon.
Lovingly
Marion

Letter 120: A thankless job

2011-03-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning
11 am Sept 9, 1912

Dear Mother,

I suppose you will be thinking it is about time you were hearing from me.

Well, we arrived here safe and sound and have been hunting for a place to lay our heads, so far we have not been successful, it certainly is a thankless job.

Marion W and I are out at Mrs. Ellis just now and Marion is up at Lorne Ave. I think she can keep us if we did want to stay, but perhaps we will not want too.

Are Mr. And Mrs McCoy still with you? Did they go to Quebec?

Is Mr McCoy still telling jokes?

Now don't worry about my cold as it has disappeared altogether. I haven't coughed since Mrs. McCoy's medicine was pretty good.

My school is not too bad when you get there but it is in a pretty poor part of the city, a way down by Haymarket Square. I have an afternoon class so I don't have to go until 10.30 am but have to stay until 4.20 PM. Of course, I would rather go in the morning and get out early but it can't be helped. Our principal seems to be very nice.

Friday night Hugh came over and he and Marion went to the theatre. He was all spif and span and looked fine.

Mrs. Cleveland told me to tell Edith she had better come into town for the last two week in Sept as Chester is coming up there.

Marion just telephoned and said Isabel wants us both to go up there this afternoon. We are going to start right after lunch.

Thursday I was out at Grace Whitings for the evening. It seemed good to see and Old Mac Girl. Now good bye dear mother with love for Edith and yourself.

Lovingly,
Flora

I hope you will be able to read this but it certainly is a rotten pen. Address my letters to 3 Tower Avenue for a while anyway. How is Father and Herb I suppose you have heard from them.

Letter 119: The Spirit of Travelling

2011-03-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

Richmond Sept 2, 1912

Dear Norman

Your letter of the 26th received. I think I have met one of the men in the snapshot. Looks very well.

I have just got Flora and Marion started this morning. They were going to look at some flats this week and see what they can do. Also May Watters went with them; they have talked all summer of flats and keeping house so if they get anything suitable I will go in.

Mr. and Mrs McCoy came last Tuesday. They are here and intending to go to Quebec very soon and go up by boat to Montreal. I am afraid they will find it quiet without Marion.

Mr. Crombie was speaking about putting in a new fence between us. Said the wire was all broken and that he thought it needed new cedar posts. Said that he had the men working. Wanted to fix it all up. I said you would be home before long; he said it needed to be done and did not think you would object to it. I suppose you will have to pay half.

So when you come you can be ready for him; he said he did not think it would be much.

Last Thursday Mr and Mrs. McCoy wanted to see Sherbrooke so they took us all up for the day; left home by 10:40 train; had dinner at the Sherbrooke House then went out sightseeing; came home on the 4 pm train; had a fine day; he paid all bills and fare.

We all thought it was too much but he would not leave anyone at home.

Edith came Wednesday afternoon. He would have gone the day before but he wanted her in the party.

He was only home ten days from his trip across the Ocean when he came out here. He got the spirit of traveling.

Well, I hope will see their way clear and let you come home soon, for there are things to see to for the winter.

They have no wood for sale at the Last Factory but I'm not out just yet.

Aunt Han came down but I was out and she could not wait. Edith said it was after banking hours anyway; she is coming tomorrow. So she said I would be all right. Then I am anxious to get it off my hands.

I think I told you I had a letter from Herb. He seems to think this job is all right.

Well, we will be delighted to see you when you ever can come. So many people ask "Are you going to Montreal?" a case of people wanting to know your business before you know it yourself. So if you were here we could decide.

Now I am busy or this letter is not a long I would like it. Mr and Mrs. McC are wishing you were here. Mr. Montgomery met them with the auto at the station.

Yours with much love
Margaret Nicholson

Letter 118: Same Old Herb

2011-03-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Richmond

August 26, 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 18th received on Thursday and one with cheque and note recd Monday. I will attend to them. I’m writing Han to come down.

Marion arrived home Saturday the 24th in the morning. She intended going to Montreal today (Tuesday) to look for a flat or some place where she, Flora and May Watters would be together. But Mrs. McCoy telephoned us that she and Mr. McCoy were going to Quebec and would stay over to make us a visit so Marion will not go until they leave.

Edith stayed in Laconia with Lena for a few days.

Marion looks fine and healthy to start to work. She says when she gets settled she will write and give you an account of their trip.

Flora is getting ready to start. She has a cold but we are trying to doctor her up and think she will be all right.

We have had such damp wet weather here.

I had a letter from Herb. He has changed his work, at least the company, only doing same with collecting. Did I tell you he had been up to see the Skinners? Mrs. Skinner wrote me that he was looking so well. Said it was the same old Herb. And looked more like his mother than ever.
The Crombies are making great changes, putting in granite walks all around the front to the kitchen door. The barn is as large as any farm would build. Mr. Montgomery is going down in the auto to meet the McCoys with Marion so I am pretty busy. After they go I will write you a letter.

My cheque came in good time for I was just out. Thanks for the same. I have had new potatoes out of my garden, not too bad yesterday. Uncle Alex brought me some fine ones so I have not had to buy anythe whole year.

With much love, from your Loving Wife,
Margaret

Letter 117: My brother's money

2011-03-28T18:09:00.001-07:00

WA Moffatt
MD CM
739 24th avenue
Vancouver BC

August 25, 1912

Dear Herb,
Dropped you a letter with note enclosed to cover old note balance which money was my brother's. He is asking me for it and would be pleased if you would forward this new note duly signed so I can fix it up for him.

Kindly do not delay and oblige,

Yours WA Moffatt.

Letter 116: Ball Game This Afternoon

2011-03-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

661 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton Center
August 14, 1912

Dear Mother,

Your letter received yesterday. I don't understand why you have not heard from us. Because I wrote a day after coming to Mrs. Coy's. But perhaps you have them now.

We are having a lovely time. Came down to Henry's yesterday morning by trolley ; got along all right. Christine and Henry were in town when we arrived but they soon came. In the afternoon Henry took Marion and I over to the Hospital to play tennis. My with all the Dr's and Flora's nurse friends. Mrs. Slarkey. Miss Harvey and Miss Allen. They wanted to be remembered to her and said they did wish she would come down again. I liked Mrs. Slarky and Miss Harvey better than Miss Allen. Then in the evening Henry took us by auto to Norumbega Park to the theatre. Shirley May is at home. She is 14 and quite small for her age but a very nice girl. She came with us. We got home a little after tea.

We have breakfast here at 7 30 am. So we are getting up good and early.We are going into Boston this morning to meet Annie.

Alex answered my letter, said any time we could come would be convenient for him.

Christine is going home Friday night. So you can see her and if I have forgotten any news She can fill me. Henry is planning to take us around. It is grand going by car on these beautiful roads.

This is our place for today: Boston this morning; ball game this afternoon; and for the evening to the Brig Lains? Quite a busy day, will write again tomorrow. Or not.

Try and keep you posted a little better than we have been We have written a good many postals to our many friends.

Your own loving
Edith

Letter 115: With a bunch of flowers

2011-03-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Richmond Quebec August 13th,1912

Dear Edith.

Received your letter this morning so here I am sitting behind the vines replying to the same. It is really terrible the way you girls write so many letters; take my advice and don't write so many especially to the two lone individuals you left behind in the old homestead.

Aunt Han is leaving this afternoon for Corris P Q via GTR. Do you know that place? If you have not you have missed one of the greatest pleasures of your life. The scenery is superb, they have everything from a duck pond to jersey cows grazing on the beautiful green grass. No doubt the Honeywell Gardens you were speaking of in your letter were very much the same as those at Corris.

So you have taken a fancy to the Hut? It is really very nice but it is not the only place on the face of the earth. As they would like you to believe. You seem to be having a fine time. Aren't the buildings at Wellesly fine something like Macdonald, don't you think?

I am glad to hear Mrs. Boose and Norman are well. How is Bill?

Evelyn must be quite a nice ; what does she look like, anything like her cousin Flo, if so she must be quite a stunner. Of course that sounds rather boastful but I am only tell you what others' say. Last night we invited Mrs. Cross Mrs. Skinner and May over for tea and I am very glad to say that no one asked for any menu.

Dr. C called us up from Lorne last night. So we are expecting them on any train now. I hope they won't stay very long as you know what kind of a 'feller' he is.

Here comes the lad with a bunch of flowers. I wonder what's wanted now. I expect the flowers are some kind of a peace offering. I am right about the flowers; he wants his tea right off so he can keep one of those famous engagements of his. I was speaking to Dr. C over the phone. He wants Thorburne to go out on the eight o'clock train to Lorne as his Grandmother wants to see him. Herb Boutelle is to take him as far as Danville and he will meet him there and take him in. They are coming out here at four tomorrow will stay all night going on to Sherbrooke the next morning.

I have been sending all our mail lately to Henry's, but seeing you are still in the same place I will address this to Hollis St.

Now I must stop as I simply must write another letter before mail time (to my lover but don't tell anyone)write soon dear old Edith.

Lovingly
Florrie Anderseed

Mother will write you in a few days. Have you seen Annie Yet? Have you been in any of the stores in Boston and had a ride on the moving stairs? Remember me to Mrs. Royston and Ms. Coy.

Letter115: Mistakes Young Men Make

2011-03-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Montreal, Quebec
August 11, 1912
My Dear Marion,

Your very kind letter of the 6th came duly to hand a few days ago and intended to answer it at once but have not been able. Bill went away to see about a cut of lumber which was offered our firm and I had to see to the business here. I phoned home on Friday evening telling them that I thought that I would go down for over Sunday by the 1.30 train, but when the hour came around for me to go I was closing a purchase which I made so therefore I could not leave. Then I decided to go down at 5 o'clock, but at 2.50 I was called up by one of my customers at Mile End and had to go out and fix him up, by the time I was through with him, I had the pleasure of seeing the 5 o'clock train going by at the crossing at Park Avenue. So instead of writing you from home in Three Rivers, I am as you will no doubt notice, writing you from Montreal.

I am pleased to learn through your letter that you are having a nice time and sincerely trust that it will continue so right through. I do not doubt your word in the least Re: Edith being a good guide. Leave it to her, as the saying goes.We have had very disagreeable weather since Wednesday. It has rained every day. This morning it seemed to be nice and clear but it started to cloud up and about one o'clock and at present looks as if we were going to have a thunder storm. I hope you are not getting this kind of weather your way or it will certainly spoil your trip.

I do not think that there is very much danger of having the White of my eye frozen right now, but I had an awful time with it from the blow I got a few weeks ago.

Some way or other a piece of paper got into it at the time I was struck and turned out to be very painful as it caused the eye to swell up again, a couple of days after I had written you, I went to the Doctor about it and he took a little piece of green paper out from under the lid. He said that it was the poison from the dye that was causing all he pain, so just gave me a solution to wash it with and it is again better and hope that I shall not get anymore green or white paper in it as it is not at all pleasant to my personal feelings, I would much rather someone else try it for a change as the sample I got was quite sufficient for my liking. The worst of it was that I was not at all satisfied with what he did take out, as I imagined that he would take out something about the size of (he draws a huge blob here) it felt all of that size) but to my great disappointment he only took out a piece about this size (he draws a dot).

That's what really made me so made after was to think that such a mite should make me suffer so much. The doctor laughed when I first went in to see him at the question or rather the answer I gave him when he asked me what brought me there. I said that I had come to see him about my eye as I thought that I must have something in it. He said, what do you think it is? I said, I don't think anything, all I can say that it feels very sore and about the size of an elephant. Well, he said if it is an elephant that you have in your eye, I won't have much trouble in seeing it. I said, you shouldn't. After examining the eye he took this speck out and said (showing the spec) there is your elephant.

You should be here tonight to hear the Mr. Gordon give a sermon to the young men. The subject tonight will be "Mistakes Young Men Make" so being so young I intend to take it in.

I notice by the advertisements that there will be quite a few nice plays out this fall in Montreal. So if I am here - and of course you also - and care to them in, I will enjoy taking you along. Of course, I would not like to neglect our Old Standby at the Orpheum. But I suppose there is no use planning too far ahead as many changes can take place between now and then.

I saw Purves last Monday and he was telling me that Mr. And Mrs. MacLeod were down at the seashore. He told me where , but I forget. And that Mrs. MacLeod was partially paralyzed since she has had fever. I am very sorry for her and the family as it will go hard with them.

I notice how very neatly you throw sarcasm at me in your letter. Re: You find that you have to send something in the shape of a letter in order to get one yourself. Very good for you, old gal, as I never thought it was in you. But of course 'Smartness" here will have to comment by saying rather hard to write to Marion Nicholson Boston Mass. When and where do you think that the letter would find you. Then to find out that you are at 148 Hollis St, Framingham Mass. Is another proposition. So go easy. I suppose you have full intentions of trying your hand at the smuggling game upon your return home into Canada. Be careful as you might have to send for help to bail you out. I can see where you would not have anymore rest from the "Kiddy" if you do get caught.

As I have not anything very startling to tell you I will bring this chapter to an end by wishing you all kind of good wishes for a very pleasant and good trip.

Yours sincerely
Hughie

Letter 114: Heathens

2011-03-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday eve August 11

Dear Marion,

I thought I must write a little -not in Mother's letter- so here goes. First of all please don't write so many letters, we really haven't time to read them and of course it must take so much of your time.

There really isn't any news to tell you except that we arrived home safely a la gypsy style with parcels, bundles, umbrellas - and a dog following behind but mighty glad to get here.

Aunt Han came down from Windsor Saturday and is staying over a few days with us so we have had to hop around a little. We did not go to church to day (heathens) as I have another nice cold and Mother and Aunt Han felt tired. This afternoon I sat out on the verandah and gazed over across the road to the little lawyer in the squeaky swing of course made a pretense at reading but as Mrs. Wallace says I did "process' very well with it.

About six this evening it began to thunder and lightning and we had a very bad storm. Their were a couple of terrible cracks in fact it is still grumbling and groaning but I hope it is over for the night or there will be no beauty sleep for me and that would be a calamity indeed. Of course, for you or dear old Edie, it is not of so much account.

We got card from Mrs. Cleveland saying that they expect to arrive in Quebec on Monday so that means some work for us. I would just as soon have the King come as Dr. C of course "he ain't a going to be any trouble" but from now on you can think of us scraping out all the corners, carrying newspapers to the attic, making lemon pies, etc besides "a talking to him in between times." Mrs. Cross from Mt and Mrs. Skinner are coming over for tea tomorrow night. Be sure and send Mrs. Dr. Skinner a card. Mrs. Cross as saying today she has been very sick in fact, they all have now I must gang awa is ma wee hed so good night.

Your Pard,
Florrie Anderseend

Tell Edith, is she a good girl and I will write to her anon. Have you been out to Henry's yet? Where are you going to Alex's. Had a letter from father he is well says he hopes you will have a nice visit in Beantown. Now be good girls and be as nice as you possibly know how is the advice of your young sister

Letter114: Lost your Address

2011-03-28T17:59:00.001-07:00

Richmond Quebec
August 3, 1912

Mr. Nicholson
Dear Sir,

I want to write you long ago to say that Mrs. Nicholson settled for Herb's note. Now if it would be more convenient for you to let yours run the full time it will make no difference to me. I must to write you over a month ago but lost your address. Please excuse my writing as I forgot my glasses and I can barely see the lines hope you are keeping well. I remain as ever
Yours truly,
Hann

Letter 113: The West is going to have a say

2011-03-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Elbow Sask. July 22, 1912

Dear Father,

Received your letter of the June 30th only a few days ago. You can write George Alexander that I will be glad to sign off and get rid of this thing. I have been pretty busy lately doing company work and attending political meetings and arguing the balance of the time.

The Liberals won the greatest election that was ever fought in Canada and against the biggest odds and not only did they win but made almost a clean sweep. Now I believe the same thing will happen in Alberta this fall on whenever the election comes. The west has made up its mind that they are going to have a say in what is going on.

You will see by the papers of course the way things are and there is not any use in trying to tell you anything.

I suppose you have to keep pretty quiet where you are. Glad to hear that Flora got through all right and that she and the rest of the girls will be at home with mother. It will be much nicer for them to have some one living in Skinnner's house also. I wrote a letter to Dr. Skinner on May 12th and also I had forgot the address of McDonalds and Newells. I sent it to General Delivery and where I got here last night I find it has been returned not called for.

Herb

Letter112: Good Men are Scarce

2011-03-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Richmond
July 8th 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 30th was received a few days since I delayed writing as I was waiting to hear from Herb after the terrible cyclone in Regina. I thought had he been there that he would have written.

My last letter was in Montreal so I trust he is well. I also thought your coat would be here, but not yet, I hope you do not need it this weather it has been very hot for a week. Still the nights have not been too bad at least we manage to sleep. I got up at 4 30 this morning to get a little cool breeze. It was nice but we are going to have another hot day.

Marion I told you arrived with Thorburn (Cleveland.Both the Thorborns and the Clevelands are old Richmond families) and we are all well just trying to keep cool and cook enough to keep us going I got a bag of flour from McKee last week to make the bread and it is very good., They all enjoying it. Thorburn picked enough berries for our tea twice.

I had a letter from Cousin Norman he said he thought I needed two husbands one to stay at home! I also had one from Mr. McKay yesterday wrote after hearing of mother's dath he thought a great deal of her. She was the last of the generation.

Mr. JR McLeod referred to that spoke very nicely of the new life instead of the death. I heard our new minister yesterday he is very nice and he would call this week. The Presbyterians workers are cleaning the manse and doing some papering before he brings his bride the 1 st of September. We are having services with the congregationals for the two months. Mr. Craik gives this week.

Mr. Pope bought the Rowatt house just the house, but I did not hear the price. Mrs. Ginn is having her sale on the 18th. Mr. Stillen has sold his farm for ten thousand, he's looking at the Ginn house with a view to buy.If she does not sell she is going to rent to Bob Hall so that leaves Rothney to us if you thought of making a change. You would need to come home.

I will tell Mr. Duboyce that our house is for sale.

Mr. Montgomery has had a letter from Dr. Moffatt said he liked the change said he had one patient. Quite a change for him.

I have not much faith in the Drs here. I only hope we won't need to call them.

Sorry you have to work so hard this hot weather. It must be rather tiresome standing so long. 9:30: pretty long day.

McMorine's pipes have stopped running and he has just been up at the fence have found a leak, glad it was there. The man that has cut the lawn his name is Blanchet. French. He does all right but a week ago he and a party went to W Brompton Lake so for then days it not been cut and said he would be back in time to cut it. It has been so dry that is all right.

Mr. Crombie is expected home any day his brother George is here now on a visit. I will mail your papers this week.

I called Bella up one day to see if she had been out to Flodden to see the grave. Shee said no but did not ask me to come up or say anything about the will and I have not heard a word yet. I guess they intend to keep everything.

I will write as soon as I hear from Herb.

I will enclose statement I got last week from the bank with much love and take care of yourself.

You know good men are scarce.

We are all very well. Just trying to keep cool and sewing when it is not too hot.

Your loving wife
Margaret

Letter111: Near the Grand Trunk Railway

2011-03-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Richmond Quebec
June 23rd, 1912
Dear Father,

I received your letter last night and am trying to be good and answer it right off. Thanks ever so much for the money; you will be spoiling me if not already with money.

I am quite wealthy, you see I got back my caution money deposit. It does seem rather queer to think that I am through school. I managed to scrape through this time and get my diploma. I didn't do brilliantly by any means but I wasn't among the last ones which consoles me.

I have been accepted in the city and I got my engagement, that I had to sign yesterday. I am to have a first year class in the William Lunn school at regular salary $500. Per year. I don't know just exactly where it is but I have an idea that it is down somewhere near the GTR station. So if that is really where it is will be quite central.

All the city schools open on Tuesday the third of September, Aunt Hann came down yesterday and is staying with us. Mrs. Ginn took mother and her up to the cemetery this afternoon. It will be a nice drive as it is a beautiful day and not raining for a wonder.

You are not safe to go very far these days without your umbrella. Are you having rainy weather where you are? Now I must stop as perhaps mother would like to put a note in this.

Lovingly, Flora,

Letter 110: Only weighed 194

2011-03-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

June 1912

Residency 22, 1912

Dear Margaret

I received your letter written from McDonald and was pleased to hear that Flora had passed.

I had letters from Marion and Edith telling me of Flora's success so it seems we are all pleased that she got through. I hope you had a good visit in Montreal. I think the change will do you good. I wish I could have been with you.

Marion said in her letter that you and she were going to keep house for Mrs. Cleveland over Sunday as they were going away.

We have it pretty warm here for a few days lately; it feels as if summer had come at last; there has been a lot of cold weather here since the snow went away but not the wet weather you speak of at home.

Edith said in her letter that the Crombies were moving in the day she wrote. Said in her letter that you had a big frost but everything was looking fine.

When you write, let me know how you got on with Hann's note, and what you did with my cheque as I keep a record of my cheques issued.

By the time you get this possibly Marion will be at home to keep you lively. Now, when the girls are there take a trip to Aunt Watters' and if I were you I would go out to the country at Flodden; take the train.

Think you would like it and come back when you are ready Take Mrs. Neilson with you if you can I think it would be nice for you.

We are pretty busy at present so if you do not get as many letters do not worry. I weighed myself the other day and I only weighed 194 lbs so you can see how much I have failed. This weight is with my summer clothes.

When you write let me know how you like the new minister . Tell Edith I will write her later. Now my dear, as I have no news to write you from here I will close with love to the girls and much for your dear self.

Your Affectionate husband
N Nicholson

Letter 109: Full-fledged School Marm

2011-03-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

2393 Hutchison
June 13, 1912
Dear Father,

Rec'd yours the other day and am sending you this to tell you that Flora is now a full fledged school marm. They are having their graduation exercises today and she will be going home Friday or Saturday.

Mother came into town on Monday and is staying with Mrs. Cleveland. Both Mrs. C and mother went to St Anne's today for the shine so as they are not back. I have not heard the full particulars.

Flora has not yet been accepted on the City School Board but we are hoping that she will be soon.

I have not seen so very much of Mother as I have been so very busy with exams but she and I are going to keep house at Cleveland's over Sunday while the Dr. and Mrs. go to Sherbrooke so will have a nice visit then.
I am still with Mrs. McCoy. I did not have any row with Mrs. Ellis but the McCoys so kindly invited me up here and as mother says they are foolish enough to like to have me and you may be sure I was very glad indeed to come.

Isabel and MR. McCoy sail Sunday morning. I am thinking of taking a French course at Macdonald College this summer but have not yet decided and I have only two days more to make up my mind. Last night I went to the theatre with Mr. Blair. I think perhaps you have heard of him before. The play was fine. Now I don't think there is any more news so I will close for this time.
Lovingly Marion

PS Mother has just returned from Macdonald and says that Flora has been accepted on the School Board of Montreal.

Letter 108: Don't Let them take you to Dominion Park

2011-03-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Tighsolas

June 13, 1912

Dear Mother,

I was delighted to near that Flora had passed. It was such a relief. And so good to hear her voice. You are always so thoughtful a leave behind. I am getting along splendidly.

Find plenty of time to commune with myself. Your letter came just after the message. Glad you are to stay in. Now don't you worry about things, take a good rest for it is a long time since you have had one. I will meet the train Sat Morning and Sunday also. I am sure you and Marion will have a fine time together . Have you been to the circus yet? You know you are from the country and that will liven you up a bit to see the wild animals.

Well Jimmy T came on Monday afternoon and of course I was anything but ready to receive him. Tan stockings, (not white piquet) and black shoes and my hair every way. I told him I was busy house cleaning. He said no apology was necessary. Evidently I must have looked very beautiful to him. But I felt mighty uncomfortable. He has been off for a month. Has not been very well. Just the same usual easy way you would have thought he had been in yesterday. Bert was down May and Mrs. Skinner were over. I met Aunt Bella today on the street she evidently knew you were away and she asked if you were back. They were in Sherbrooke on Sunday. Came back Monday morning so Florence said. The Crombies are moving in today. Ethel has been .. page missing….garden I planted you seeds in Tuesday. Send my child home so I can see her and have my talk all over after you come.

Did she look nice in her fine dress? Just think A model school marm. Now be careful about the street cars. Don't let M and Romeo take you to Dominion Park. I know them, the villains. Have you see his Lordship the Blair. Write soon and give me a glimpse of city life as seen by a country person.

Your Loving Edit

Letter108: Made a Great Deal of Money Out West

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Tighsolas,
June 13, 1912

Dear Father,

You will be pleased to hear that Flora passed; came in 64 out of 92. I think she did very well considering how nervous she always is during exams.. Mother went on Monday morning to Dr. Cleveland's. She went out to Macdonald Wednesday evening, so Flora telephoned me last night to say she had got through.

I am staying alone and don't mind it at all; it is a good rest. After my busy winter. Stella sleeps with me. The Crombies are moving in today. It has rained every day since I came home, I think and so cold and damp. I wonder if you are having the same kind of weather. One week before I came Mrs. Matheson of Vancouver called me up. She her husband and little girl were staying in Montreal for a week. They got my address from Lizzie Duncan. So Marion and May and I myself were down to see them. I liked her very much. She reminded me of you a good deal. She has white hair like yours and rosy cheeks. A very fine looking woman. They are going over to Scotland this fall. They rented their house in Vancouver for a year. So will have a nice trip. Evidently they have made a good deal of money in the west.

I resigned from the Institute. In fact, the four lady teachers all did, but Miss Vipond was persuaded by Dr. Villard to withdraw her resignation. And being a Methodist, it was not hard for her to change her mind. I hope that will be my last of the Methodists. If there was any doubt as to my being a weak Presbyterian before going there, there is none now.

Mrs. Skinner wants M and I to go out there for two months this summer and see how we would like the country. You can get a return ticket for $41.25. We are talking it over have not decided anything yet.

Tomorrow, our minister is to be inducted. I made some jellies today. They turned out very well. They asked me to help in the choir. So our family will be represented by one member. Will tell you about the affair later on . Mr. Montgomery got his new auto last week; a great improvement on the cost(?). But this has been such dreadful weather that he has had little use.

I hope Mother makes a good visit in town as I am getting along splendidly Rather enjoy running things myself. The lawn and everything looks fine. We have a very good garden this year. We had a very hard frost on Sunday night our beans and potatoes were frozen. They say it won't hurt the potatoes but I shall have to plant the beans over I am afraid.

Charlie Sloane died in Springfield today. Mrs. Louks was buried yesterday. A young English man working for Mrs. Gibson committed suicide by jumping into Salmon Creek. It seems to be nothing but funerals.

George Delisle died Sunday and was buried on Tuesday afternoon. A very large funeral. The McMorine store was closed for two days. They say he had failed greatly. Poor fellow, he did not last very long. I did not know he was sick until I came home.

I hope you will have no difficulty in reading this letter.

Hope you are keeping well.

When are you coming home.

Your loving daughter
Edith.

Letter 107: Consider the matter closed

2011-03-28T17:32:00.001-07:00

Residency 22 June 11, 1912

Dear Geo J. Alexander,

Richmond Quebec

Dear Sir,

After a long delay I have heard from Herb saying that he considered his insurance of and did not want to open it. Therefore we will have to consider the matter closed. Thanking you for interest taken in this matter, Trusting you and family are well.
Yours respectfully,
N. Nicholson.

Letter 106: You should see the squaws!

2011-03-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Residency 22 June 2nd 1912

Dear Margaret,

I am writing my usual Sunday letter to you and hope it may find you well. You will have Edith with you by this time as I had letter from Marion dated the 27 saying that Edith was going home that night and on it she said she had sent your cheque for 100.00 to pay H. note. Isn't she a brick, good as gold.

I wrote her last night saying that I had send you my cheque for 50.00 all that I had in the bank there and thanked her for her great generosity.

Now I think you had best send her back what you do not need in Herb's case or keep it until she is home.

She wrote me such a nice letter and at the end said for me not to send any money as I had plenty calls for mine. And as she was not going to get married this year, she did not need any money for her trousseau. She has always something funny to say. Said she was staying at the McCoy's. What did she leave Miss Ellis's for she did not say.

I wrote Herb today and just said that Hann had written me that all notes must be paid and likely she had written him to that effect and that I had sent you some money and had advised you what to do and if he could spare a little to sent it to you. Will await his reply.

I wrote Flora today and enclosed in it 1.00 saying she might buy peanuts with it if she had no use for it.

How are the new neighbours getting on with their house repairing by the time they get it all repaired it will make it quite a dear house are they putting in a new heating system.

You will have so much money now that you will be doing something desperate with it. What does Edith say about going to see Flora closing day at Macdonald? In my last letter I think I told you about getting letter from Dr. Skinner.Will you let me know about Flora exams as soon as you hear as our papers are so long in getting here that we never can trust on getting them.

I suppose J R McLeod stayed with you when in Rd The man Scott that's been elected to Parliament is from Scotstown.

I wonder if he is one of his people. One of Rv McDonald's daughters was married to a Mr. Scott, I wonder if he is one of he same Scotts. Clayton must be a fool to be so nifly as not to speak. Is Bella as bad. I think old people are so strange. Its not long ago Clayton wouldn't eat anything that Grandma had anything to do with . The best way is to pay no attention to him as life is too short to pay any attention or waste time on them.

We have a band of Indians located or camped across the River from Residency. There are some squaws all decked up in great shape bright red skirts with white blouses and fur boots with the small shawl over their head. You should see these squaws rowing a canoe or handling an ax. Two of them have small babies and they have them strapped to a board and carry them on their back with a strap across their forehead. Now as I have no news to write about from her that would interest you, I will close. With very much love to you

your affectionate Husband

N. Nicholson.

The New King's Hotel
Elbow Saskatchewan
June 2, 1912

Dear Mother,

I am only writing to let you know I am well and hope that you and the others are the same. Edith will be at home now which will make it nicer for you. And Marion and Flora will soon be home also so that you will have plenty around to keep you from being lonesome.

You must have found it very quiet after the Skinners left and the house was empty. I suppose the Crombies have moved into town by this time.

Now I have not any news and do not know what to write. We are having an awful lot of rain out here lately which is making things very backwards. It is very nasty and disagreeable today, raining and blowing hard. I had a letter from Dr. Skinner when he first came out but have not heard from him since although I answered his letter. Had a letter from Father and wrote him the other day. Think you had better send my mail to this place in future; it is a station for farther west.

Now Mother I am going to stop for this time hoping that you and the others are enjoying yourselves and also the best of health.

Your loving son,
herb

Letter 105:This Old Fountain Pen

2011-03-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

2393 Hutchison Street,
Montreal, June 1,
1912

Dear Father,

Just received your letter today and for once am going to be prompt and answer it at once.

About Flora, I think every thing is paid up and I hope that soon she will be a full fledged teacher and then I suppose Edith and I will have to look or she will be leaving us in the shade. I am trying to make a graduation dress for her with Mrs. Cleveland's help. If we can manage it, I am sure she will look fine.

Had a letter from mother today saying that Grandma had died Friday. I thought I might go out to the funeral but have decided not to. Edith is at home now and will keep mother from doing too much. I am having a bad time with this old fountain pen, it has gone back on me and will not write.

There is not very much more news. Am staying with the McCoys until the end of school. Not very long now. Christina Watters is in town with May for a few days.
Isabel and Mr. McCoy sail for the old country on the 18th. Now I must go for I am ruining my lovely temper with this beastly pen.

Lovingly
Marion.

Letter 104: Mother died!

2011-03-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Richmond May 31, 1912

Dear Norman,

You will be sorry to hear that my mother passed away this morning at 4 o'clock. The funeral is Monday. They are having the Rev. J R McLeod.

I am so glad he is to take charge. It is a happy release for her but we will miss the care of her she has been on my mind so much.

I sat up Sunday also Monday night as the nurse was called away for a few days but was back Tuesday night.

And as Edith came out that night I did not go up for the two nights. They are having Cross undertakers. They do ask my advice but I am quite willing with anything they suggest. She did not speak all day before she died.

I received your letter with cheque enclosed, thanks very much. I will have to get a black suit now. Edith thinks.

Well you will have my letter in regard to Hann's nice letter. I wrote Marion about it, thought she could help. She sent me a cheque the next day for the whole amount.

I wrote Han if she would kindly call the next day or at her earliest convenience, I would settle Herb's note. I, of course, said that I had had a letter from you saying that she wanted it settled--that was the 27th. I wrote her she has not called yet. Marion said Herb would pay her all right. I wrote him before I got the cheque from M asking if he could send me something.

I expect Annie Nielson down, she will stay with us nights.

It has been raining here for three days the river getting very high. And the grass growing in the lawn and it is too wet to cut it. Our minister is coming the 14th of June.

Mr. Nicholson and J. R McLeod had tea with us; they were enquiring for you. I will write you again after Monday.

Sorry you cannot be here with us. Now don't worry any more about Herb or anyone only try and keep well. We had to have a fire in the furnace today.

How are you getting on sleeping in the tent?.

I am not writing to Han because I told her mother wanted to see her and she would not go so she would not go to the funeral.

With much love

Your loving Wife

Margaret Nicholson

Edith is looking well. I don't think she ever came home looking better. She is going to write you in a few days.
M

Letter 103: Do not vex her

2011-03-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Residency 22 May 31, 1912

Dear Margaret,

Your letter of the 24 inst to hand last evening and was pleased to hear from you and to hear that you were well. I am well but for the last week I have been bothered with toothache, one my back teeth in the upper jaw. Its hard to eat with it as I cannot chew any thing that's hard or tough but hope it will soon get better.

I had a letter this week from Dr. Skinner. He was telling me he expected his wife soon and he had built two houses, ready for the plaster and the foundation for the third, which was to a double tenement and had sown 800 acres of Flax this spring. He must be getting up earlier than he did in Richmond to accomplish so much in the short time he went west.

I haven't written Herb yet but will on Sunday and will just say to him what you advised me to do. I will not write him any harsh letter like the one I got from Han. I am enclosing you my cheque for 50.00; all that's in the Bank at present if I have kept correct track of it. I asked Mr. Rainsbach when at home to let me know when they sent in my cheque but I suppose there isn't any money for him in my account at present, but about the last of June I will ask him for a statement of my account.

Then as my May cheque should be there which should be 100 at least.

If Han had kept quiet until then I could pay the note myself without bothering anyone. I am sorry to have to ask the girls for anything and hope that I am able to pay them later.

I cannot tell you anything about your post office book as I haven't seen it. But you can tell my looking at it.

About your dress, I think you best get one if possible and about going to the closing at Macdonald I will leave that to your good judgment, although I would much like to have you go and see the place.

In paying the note just figure it at Six percent and if my memory serves me right, I think you told me Herb sent you ten dollars last summer to apply on interest, if so this year you only have to pay four should it run the full year.

Do not say anything to vex her at the present time. Just tell her if she says anything about mine not to worry, if I cannot pay it all when due in September that I will give her a new note so she will be protected until it's paid. I received the paper you sent with Peter election news in it.

I would think the conservatives would feel cheap about the large majority Peter got. If they worked and got beaten like that McIver is a back number in politics. Did Clayton get nails in his auto? Do him good this time as he was the one that put up the job last September. Chickens come back to roost often on their own roost.

When you get the note run your pen through Herb's. Name and mark it paid across the face and put it away until I am home.

So Peter is going to get married. About time if he intends to. Is it Miss Penfold?

J R McLeod will be down about your minister, I suppose. Hope Edith will be with you by this time. And that you will keep well I will be happy.

We are having quite cool weather here especially nights.

Dr. Skinner said in his letter than he hoped to see me in Saskatoon soon and invited us to come and stay at their place should any of us go very kind of him. Now as it's getting about bed time I will close for this time.

Trusting to hear from you soon again

with very much love your affectionate husband

N. Nicholson.

Letter 102: Not getting married this year

2011-03-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

3 Tower Avenue,

May 27, 1912

Dear Father,

I have just had a letter from mother telling of Aunt Han's plans concerning Herb so I have sent mother a check for $100.00 and if there is any interest, Edith is to pay that.

So you need not mind anything about it.I think Aunt Han may have waited but never mind, we will be all right in the end.

Don't worry about Herb for I am sure he will get along and as mother says it is best for him not to get discouraged. Edith is going home tonight so mother will not be alone and Edith will keep her from worrying.

I am glad you have had a change for the better; I as sorry though that it took you farther away from home. As far as I can see, I am to be still in my old place at Royal Arthur. There does not seem to be much chance of promotion in our schools this year.

Am going to stay with Mrs. McCoy and the Smiths until the end of term and am very glad to leave No. 3.

Now I must close and if you were going to send mother a check for the note you need not do so for you have more demands on your purse than I have and as I do not intend to get married this year I will not need money for a trousseau. You know that is what they say the girls save for.

Lovingly Marion.

Letter 101: The winters here are too cold

2011-03-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Howarden, Sask. May 26th 1912
Dear Father,

Your letter of the14th received as well as the one which I should have answered long ago but did not and I must admit I have no any excuse to offer for not doing so.

I have a lot of writing to do and when I get through I usually put off writing letters from day to day. I have to report on every man I can which always means from four to a dozen reports each day and these I usually make out in the evening.

Only received your last letter on Wednesday as I had not been to Brownlee for about two weeks. I have over 100 miles of territory to cover up here along the railway which takes in 16 towns and at each town I have to make drives back as far as 15 and 20 miles in both sides of the railway so you see I cannot always be just where I figure on being at the end of a week.

When you write me again address me to Elbow as I get to that point more often than any other.

My territory starts just northwest of Moosejaw and takes in a line running from Moosejaw to Outlook and is called the Outlook Branch of the CPR.

The country is new in one sense, but the land is all taken up within a great many miles of the railway.There is a lot of it not broken up yet but it is all held by some party either a company or an individual and is selling in the raw prairie state at from 20 to 30 dollars an acre. The more expensive being that closest to a town or railway siding. The Towns are in population from about 150 to 200 up to 400 and 500 with the exception of Outlook which they claim is about 2000.

The town which I always compare with a village like Kingsbury look larger from the railway as they are all surveyed out square and consist of a stretch built on both sides for a few hundred feet quite thickly and the other buildings scattered about in saw two blocks with a house on each corner. The owner thinking because he has a corner lot he may sell it sometimes and make his fortune. Every man expects his town no matter how small it is now to be a city or at least a large town some time. They all tell about new railroads that are headed their way and probably every town for 50 miles is building on the same line coming to their town. Of course, you cannot compare the amount of business done in these these towns with what a village in the east like Kingsbury as here there is as much business done in a month as Kingsbury will do in six or possibly the whole year.

I mean not considering a business like Crombies but the stores.

Glad to hear that you got your old work back and while it is not very nice for mother or yourself. Being away it will not be quite as lonesome for mother when Edith and Flora come home and Marion will not be away much longer.

I do not know how the Quebec school teacher's certificates work here but will try and find out. I would not advice you to come west and would not stay here myself if I had had a good position in the East. I am trying to keep my eyes open though and will let you know if I find or see anything that looks good.

It was good judgement to keep but of the Quebec elections when things looked like they did but it is too bad now. Why don't you write Tobin and have him get Peter McKenzie to try and get you something with the provincial government.

I see Gouin is going to build good roads in Quebec and a position as inspector would be pretty good. Suppose perhaps it would be as well to see Peter as he might not like you working it around through Tobin. That was certainly a wonderful victory in Quebec for the Liberals after what happened last fall. I believe it there was a general election today that Laurier would be elected.

They are having a big time here. Reciprocity is the main issue and the Scott government will be elected sure unless they buy the country.

The Quebec results is a bad slap to the conservatives they say that Gouin win on his record and reciprocity was not the issue and are quoting him as saying that he wanted to be elected or judged on his record rather than stand; he took in favor of Reciprocity.

And while Gouin did not say, they forget that they tried to beat him on the reciprocity issue and would not allow him to drop it. Out here they do not want reciprocity mentioned, but in the east they will not listen to anything else. I will send you the two opposition papers and you will see how bitter the fight is.
Now I think I have written about enough for this time however close for now hoping that this will find you well.

I had a letter from Mother and Edith and they are well. Marion and Flora are well. Now about that insurance, I would rather not transfer that to Marion . Now I do not want to do anything that would be displeasing to you but since you ask me I am going to tell you. This policy was misrepresented to me in the first place or it would never be in the shape it is now. George told me there was a clause with that carried it until the whole insurance was taken up by non payment of premiums. Now he says it is different. So he may have the whole thing.

I would rather Marion would insure herself and tell her not to take insurances in the Manufacturers or through Alexander. Now I do not want to give Geo the satisfaction of knowing that I am sore about it but just want to let you know. I am taking out insurance myself.

I don't know how to compare the machinery business to the banking, I would rather sell machinery in the east than work in a bank but the drives are a little too long in this country.

I do not think it will make any difference to the Eastern Townships, the fact of their amalgamating with the commerce as they are a good lot of bright young men and can hold their place with any of them. The only trouble will be that the Commerce have a lot of Scotsman who work for too small pay. I may go out to the coast this fall to see what it looks like. Think if you were coming west or making any change that would be the place to go.

The winters here are too cold.

Sorry I had to write this with a pencil but all the ink in the hotel is being used. I do not expect to work for these people much longer if things turn out as I expect. Think I can get a position collecting for a threshing machine company.

Your son

Herb

Letter 100: Do not pay any attention to it

2011-03-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Residency 22, May 26th,

1912

Dear Margaret,

Your very welcome letter of the17 inst. Received Thursday evening and was pleased to hear from you and to hear that you were well and was also pleased to hear that you had heard from Herb.

The question I asked him was if he thought it was wise for me to go out West and leave what I was doing.

I had a long letter from Marion the same mail as yours telling me about Flora being in the city with them. Said they took her to the theatre.

So you got your back up at Clayton. Who does he tell these things? If he had any sense he should be the last one to talk about other people as he is so lazy himself any man in good health that will make his wife get up in the morning and make fires should be the last one to talk about others. He is one of these that will make a big show for a day or two then will set around and blow about it.

Does he speak to you at all now?

Just do not pay any attention to him. That will hurt him more then saying anything to him.

I see by the Herald that McIver got an awful trimming by Peter. What will they say now? Iis the majority as large as the paper gives it, 1400 hundred.

There cannot be a conservative in Richmond County if these figures are true. It was a great victory after the defeat of September last.

The general opinion is that Sir Wilfrid will be Premier again before long should he live.

Sell the wagon to Montgomery if he wants a wagon or anyone else. It cost me $75 but if you get half of that let it go. Ask 40.00 that will allow you to come down should they offer you $30.00 and then at $35.00.

So Mrs Skinner is leaving for the west this week. Is she taking a girl with her?

I suppose the Crombies are making great changes on their house. Did they put in hot water heating in the house? I think they must have found it in pretty bad repair.

I was somewhat surprised to hear that you had your garden in except the corn. Don't work too hard on it.

Edith will be with you by this time so you will have some company and help to do your house cleaning. It won't be long now until both Marion and Flora will be with you for the summer for which I will be very pleased as you have had your share of being alone.

When the Crombies get moved it will be nice for the girls to have Ethel for a companion and so near.

Do you know what side of politics does the new notary take.

So Gilbert is building in Edmonton. They must be getting on all right; if they all work together they may get on all right out there.

I am enclosing you a cheque for $15.00 to buy your dress as I suppose you have used the one I sent you paying bill about the garden and house.

We are having fine weather here for the last week yesterday it was so warm that I had to take off my coat when walking home from work. We live about one mile from Round House.

Send me the times with the returns of Peter election in.

Now as I have nothing new to write from here. I will close for this time, when you write give me the news about town.

I supposed the leaves are all out around home. Here they haven't started yet.

Now, with very much love to you I will close trusting to hear fromm you soon,

Your affectionate husband

N. Nicholson

Letter 99: A Picture of the Mind

2011-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Richmond
May 24 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 16th also of the 19th received glad to hear you are well but I really think the nights are too cold to sleep in a tent.

It has been raining here most of the day, had thunder and lightning early this morning and again about 7 this evening. Ass I did not go down for the mail thought I would write you. Just now the fire alarm has blown but I cannot see any fire; may be another false alarm.

The minister that we had given a call to is McMillan. He comes from Dalhousie Mills. I did not hear him but I signed the call as they asked me to.

Lennie McRae had it on the store and was anxious to get as many names as possible on it. I said I did not want to as I had not heard him. Yes, I heard the Kingsbury man, he is very good. They are very well pleased.

Mrs. McNaughton will remain in Rd and keep house for Stewart. Aunt Christie has not come down yet. Edith did not come out yet. The Cleveland's wanted her to stay over Sunday so I wrote her that there was nothing to hurry her home only that I wanted her here Tuesday as I had a notice from J R McLeod that the Presbytery meet here then and he will likely stay with me.

Flora's school closes on the 13th she said she would like me to come in then.

Well, I am getting through with the money. I had the lawn cut once - I think I told you about the garden. The lawn mower they say is all out of repair so I had Mr. Montgomery look at it. He thought I aught to get new cog wheels so I sent to Sherbrooke for them by Jack Pepler and when they came Mr. M. said he would fix it up for me said he got some for his.

He sent his horse into Montreal for sale yesterday and he went in this morning. He brought the wagon back put it in the barn said it was a good one and he would keep it in mind that it was for sale. You will have my letter by this time and all the election news.

They say McIver lost his deposit. They better keep quiet, Peter feels so elated he is to be married soon. And you would hear that I had a letter from Herb. Well, it is just as well that you had written before you got my letter. I hope he will write you. I have not written him yet. E. will be here Tuesday or Monday night so we will see about my things.

I have not gone to church, only when I could wear my heavy coat.

Grandma was quite sick Monday but since she has been better.

Bella has a servant, a high priced one and a nurse but they told me she was not well so I went up to stay all night, not very pleasant. Clayton does not come into the room when I am there, but Grandma asks for Clayton to help her up, quite a change. She was telling me that he made her a cup of tea one morning. Oh it is not worth writing about.

I was over to see Mrs. Skinner yesterday. They all had colds but she goes to Montreal tomorrow and Mr. W Skinner.

Miss Skinner, his sister, goes Tuesday. Mr. Robert Skinner went out a month ago so there will just Mrs. S and May. Mr. S will come back in two months.

Mrs. Montgomery heard from Dr. Moffatt that he had passed his exams in BC. 25th.

I went down to see Mrs. Skinner off.

On my way home I got your letter with Hann's letter and she does write such a nasty letter. Just showed what she is. She might know very well that she will get her pay. Letters are only a picture of the mind and hers is a pretty mean one. Don't let it worry you, but I tell you try and pay her; send me a cheque all you can spare and I will get the rest from the girls. Marion spoke of paying that note. Now just send it to me I would not say much to Herb. He told me in his letter. He hoped to pay all he owed and there is a danger of discouraging him so don't say much and don't sent him that letter on any account he would feel bad for you to see it.

I suppose the one she wrote was as hard.

I am just sick of her but we cannot afford to quarrel just yet. Now is there not some money in the Post Office saving bank in my book and Flora's. Between us we will make it yet or have you any in the bank here. I say we will pay it and what money I was to buy a suit with will go towards it and I will wear my blue suit for now I don't need to mourn for the poor fellow that left, his life was not very happy.

Also I will also get what I would spend going to Macdonald- for Marion will be there and there is really no need for me to go and a penny saved is a penny gained. Now, don't worry Herb. Will be all right yet. Just send what you can and I will get the rest. Herb said he was in line for position at 100 per month said it was hard for him to get a start so just have patience write at once

with love

Your loving Wife
Margaret Nicholson

Just say to Herb that Han has written you about all the notes can he help a little with him at once.

PS. When I gave Han that letter you left I told her Herb's note would be all right and yours--only just give me time. You see how much confidence she has in us. So I would just like to pay her and she told you she did not want Dan to give the money and that I __- well I did and Dan did not hesitate to give it.

I really think she wants her money then have nothing more to do with us. I only wish we could pay her but I don't she she will hurry for she sees the house.

Margaret.

Letter 98: Covering of Ninon

2011-03-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

May 21, 1912

7 Lorne Avenue

Am sending you my old silk dress and if you can make a slip princess with short sleeves to fit Flora I will make the covering of ninon.

I can make it on the form that Mrs. Cleveland has and then take it out and try it on her.

If you don't think you can do it, let me know and I will try and sew what can be done. Father wrote for us to get something for you and he to give Mrs. Skinner so Edith and I got the little pin in the parcel. I think it is rather pretty and I think she will like it.
It is getting late and I have a lot to do before I crawl into my little cot so will stop now.

Lovingly Marion. PS.

Was up at Mrs. McCoys today and she wished to be remembered to you. Let me know if you can not get the slip done. I think I can manage the rest.

If you do not think the pin suitable for Mrs. Skinner, do not give it to her.

Marion

Letter 97: What a name he will have!

2011-03-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Residency 22,

May 21, 1912

Dear Margaret,

I am writing you this letter and enclosing you one that I received from Han last evening which will speak for itself.

Since receiving it last evening it has bothered me a lot as I cannot help thinking of Herbert being so beside himself as not to answer Han's letter at least.

Just think of him being in the West two years nearly and hasn't made money enough to pay this note.

And besides, what a name he will have in not paying his debts.

I did not sleep one hour last night after receiving this letter. I wrote Han today telling her not to take judgment without letting me know as I would write Herb and I would see that she was secured until it was paid.

Now I do not know what is best to say to Herb. Can you advise me in this would it be best to send him her letter or write him telling him what she is going to do if this is not paid.

Return me the letter in your first letter.

I had letter from Flora today saying she was well and said they would be leaving school in about a month. Said she hadn't heard from you for a week and was afraid you might be sick. Said Edith was coming out to see her on the 24th if she didn't go home direct from school when it closed.

Write me on receipt of this I want to write Herb.

Now as I have no news to write and cannot think much today, I will close trusting you are well. And that you will soon have company with you at home,

with much love your affectionate husband N. Nicholson

PS will write Sunday.

Letter 96: Regarding you Note

2011-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Residency 22

May 21, 1912

Mrs. D. McLeod Richmond Quebec

Dear Han,

Your favour of the 13th came to hand last evening and am sorry to hear that Herb hasn't answered your letter of the 21 March. I might say for the present that I will write him regarding your note and see what he has to say about it and on hearing from him will write you.

In the meantime do not take any action without letting me know as I think the affair can be arranged without adding any cost to it.

I am very sorry that he is so dilitary in looking after his affairs. Do not worry in this matter as I will see that you are secured until it is paid.

Trusting that you are well, with kind regards to Mr. McDonald and the rest of the family.

Yours Respectfully

Norm Nicholson

Copy of letter to Mrs. D McLeod

Letter 95: Such mean little things

2011-03-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

A drawing from Flora Nicholson's Nature diary.

MacDonald Ste-Anne de Bellevue

May 20, 1912

Dear Mother,

Received your letter Saturday morning. I was beginning to think you were sick or something was wrong it was so long since I heard from you. Do you realize it over two weeks since I heard last, so you see we are square , the letter writing. Our exams are in full swing; tomorrow we have composition and writing, Wednesday theory and practice of education, and Thursday geometry and manual training. So you see we are pretty busy.

The exams so far have been quite hard, algebra especially, but when you think what a crazy piece set the exam you don't wonder. I think I could teach five times as well as Miss Robbins and that's not saying much.

I haven't heard anything from my application to the city. I hope I will be accepted because that is where I want to teach but perhaps they are waiting to see if I manage to get my diploma.

Edith, Marion W and Stella Soles , a friend of Marion's were out to see me a week ago Saturday. We had a fine time. Marion W and I went in the tank and we had a grand old time, she can swim fine. I only wish I could.

Wasn't it great about the elections? MacKenzie went in with a flourish. I hope the conservatives will keep quiet for a while now. Our poor old wagon certainly did get good work. Poor Nathan, he must have worked hard.

Have the Crombies moved into Dr. Skinner's yet. Have you got a minister yet?. They might get an unmarried man so that he could have some of the girls that are waiting for just a chance.

Has JR McLeod been to see you lately. Last night I went down to the English church with Connie Cowling to hear Canon Troupe from Montreal preach. Everybody was in raptures over him but he did not appear special to me but perhaps I am prejudiced. I like a good sensible sermon without all those frills that they have. I am quite satisfied at being a Presbyterian and I think I can truly say. "Surely my lines have fallen in pleasant places."

Now, be sure and come for the 13th of June. You had better leave home the Monday or Tuesday before and come out here Wednesday morning as I want you to see the place and there won't be any time on Thursday. Now, don't back out or I will be disappointed. Edith mentioned something about coming out here for the 24th. I hope she will. I must write her today and I ask her if she is coming.

Had a letter from father last week. He seems well only doesn't he seem a long way off. Now don't bother about the work, wait until we all get home for you know a change of work is as good as a rest, surely about four weeks today or less that until we will all be at home.

It is perfectly beautiful here now. The tulips are in bloom and it is perfectly great.

Marion hasn't been or W to see me for ages. She is having such a great time with Romeo, going to the theatre, etc, that she can't spare the time. If Edith can come out for the 24th

I am going to try and get a few girls, Marion K, Aurora Roy and go for a little picnic. Don't you think it would be nice.

A week ago, Mabel, Helen Buzzell and Gladys Lefevre went for a picnic, they did not invite me. Perhaps I shouldn't feel bad but when people do such mean things as that it hurts.

So if Edith comes out and we have a picnic I shall return the compliment by not asking them. Mabel would he allright if she was away from Gladys Lefevre but she thinks there is no one quite like her and Gladys can turn her around her finger. She is one of these dolly faced creatures and is so terribly nervous as she says but I am beginning to take a grain of salt with that as well as other things. If this was the first thing they had done I wouldn't mind so much, but I can't conceive of people doing such mean little things to you, perhaps they will get their reward.

When do you expect Edith home? So they have really got a nurse for Grandma. At Last. It is about time.

I wonder what the Hills would think about Aunt Han staying with you. Don't worry next week if you don't hear from me as I will be so busy I am afraid I won't have the time to write but write to me just the same if you have time. I suppose Mrs. M is asking you her usual question about housecleaning. Have you had your Masonic affair yet.

Let me know how it came off. Is Mrs. Skinner still in Melbourne. Did she stay with you at all. Now I must stop and get to work on those exams so good bye dear mother for now.

Lovingly Flora

From a document in Flora's Macdonald Portfolio: Manual Training may be defined as a special training of the senses, sight, touch and muscular perception by means of various occupations, not so much for themselves, or the material product of the work, as for the training of the mind. The aim of the Manual Training is to instil a taste and love of labour; to develope independence and self-reliance, to train in habits of order, neatness, cleanliness and methodical work; to train the eye to a sense of beauty; to develop industyr, patience and perseverance....(If schools were to address the pressing social issues of the day, the children of the poor had to be trained to be good little industrial age workers..

Miss Robbins was a senior master teacher and daughter of the former Principal of McGill Normal school. She must have had ambivalent feelings for her father as in 1906 he claimed that too many woman teachers in the profession was having a dangerous feminizing effect on the Canadian male.

Letter 94: Is he a star preacher?

2011-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Residency 22, May 19, 1912

Dear Margaret,

Your letter of the 12 received Friday evening and was pleased to get same and to hear that you are well.

I was sorry to hear of the death of Miss Wilson and John McNaughton. It seems sad to see such young people taken away. In the ordinary way of looking at life they should live much longer; but it's sure to come to us all sooner or later and the great question is: Are we ready?

Did you hear the Kingsbury Minister? If so, is he as good a preacher as Mr. Sutherland.

I received the papers you sent and in one of them I see that Rd has given a call to a Mr. McWilliam and in another place he is called McMillan. Have you heard him? Is he a star preacher and is he an old man? It was nice of Kingsbury to turn out so well to Mr. Mc Naughton's funeral. Will Mrs. MacNaughton leave Richmond? So you have Dr. Kellock to fill in at present. I am glad I am not there to hear him, as really I would have to stay away from church if he preached. I hope they have selected a good smart man this time.

I haven't heard yet how the elections went. Hope I will tomorrow.

You spoke of Flora exams beginning the day after you wrote, let me know the day her school closes in your next letter. I trust Edith will soon be with you by the time you get this letter.

We are having fine weather here lately, only cold nights. Yesterday it snowed nearly all day but melted away very quickly. We haven't had a big rain storm this spring so far and I am glad as this is a terrible place for mud when it rains. There is snow in the bush here in places yet. They built us a place for ourselves and covered it with a tent, it's 20 feet square. We moved into it last night for the first.

We found it pretty cold this morning but it will be all right when the weather is warmer. So when you are going to bed, just think of your old man sleeping in a tent 800 miles from you. I will be all right, in it, so do not worry about it. I have forgetten whether I have answered your question regarding how far the Steel is laid West of Cochran. It is laid 200 miles West and 150 east at present. They expect to make the connection with the steel by Christmas west at Superior Junction. But I am doubtful if they can. I haven't heard from any of the children since writing you last. The trains that carry the mail from here go through to Cochran in the night. Now, so they won't interfere with the work trains through the day.

So you may get my letters quicker then before. Your letter took four days to reach me and I am enclosing Herb's letter you sent me. Now my dear I will close as I cannot think of anything from here that would interest you. Trusting this will find you well and that I may hear from your shortly again,

yours with much love your affectionate husband

N. Nicholson ------------

Letter 93: Dentistry must be a very paying business

2011-03-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Royal Arthur School

May 17, 1912

Dear Father,

I am sure you think it about time you heard from me. I have intended writing every day for the last two weeks but somehow did not find the time,

We had Flora in for the weekend about two weeks ago and I think she enjoyed it. We took her to the theatre. It was an opera and she had never seen anything like it before and so thought it was great! She is looking fine although not as fat as she was a Xmas. They are very busy new preparing for their examinations. I think Flora will get through all right.

I stayed with Mrs. Cleveland from Friday last week until Tuesday.Dr. C was in Boston so I was there for company. We went to the Horse Show and it was nice but the horses going round and round made me sick and dizzy so that I had to come out before it was over. Now they all make fun of me and wonder what I would be like if I were to cross the ocean.

Ross Cleveland is sailing for England the first of June for the summer. I think dentistry must be a very paying business.

Mr. McCoy is taking Isabel across this ; that is he is paying all her expenses if she will go which of course she will. They sail the 15th and are going all over England, Scotland and Ireland and then through part of Europe. They wanted me to go also and said they would wait and sail whenever it would suit me, but I will have to wait until they raise the teacher's salaries I think.

I think you said in one of your letters that you had noticed that a Dr. Manson had been called to Taylor Church. May Watters and I went down and heard him preach on Sunday and he invited us to a church reception they were having for him. He is very much like his cousin, the Earl of Caithness, in that he thinks he is quite a man. I don't think he is very much taken with Taylor Church. I fancy the people are too common for him. However, he was very nice to us. I am anxious for school to close now. The Skinners want Edith and I to go to Saskatoon for the summer. It would be a great trip, don't you think.

Wednesday a cousin of yours, Mrs. Matthews from Vancouver telephoned Edith. She got her from Lizzie Duncan and so we all, that is Edith, May and I went down to see her. They, her husband and daughter, were on their way to Lingwick and then to Scotland. She is fine but her husband is a stupid little man.

Now I must close for the time and I think this letter is long enough to make up for it being due such a long time.

I don't think I acknowledged your last check and it came all right.

Lovingly

Marion

The check in question is the 20 dollars Norman pays for Flora's board at Macdonald Teaching School. Marion pays the other 20 dollars. Tuition is free for country girls like Flora, lucky for the Nicholsons.

The horse show is a yearly Spring event in Montreal in the era. In the 1910 Montreal Star there is an entire special section about the show, and the first article opens with the line "The automobile will never replace the horse in man's affections." As the Nicholson letters of 1911-1912 reveal, there was plenty of evidence to the contrary.

Despite the sinking of the Titanic, people who could afford it were still going abroad by ocean liners. Their was a PR campaign in the newspapers to assure folks that such liners were safe.
On June 15: Large ships are still in demand. Olympic sails today with full list. 676 first class passengers." (This might have been the ship the McCoy's sailed on.)

"The popularity of the large steamer with the travelling public does not seem to be on the wane, as was feared might be the case in consequence of the accident to the Titanic. White Star Olympic is due to sail from New York today for Cherbourge and Southampton.

It sailed every three weeks or more, from what I can see. July 6, July 27, August 17, Sept 18. "All steamers equipped with wireless and submarine signals."

Marion Nicholson could not afford to go to Europe, but she did make it in 1946, as a representive of the Canadian Teachers' Federation at a UNESCO conference in Sevres near Paris. She died of a heart attack a few months later.

Letter 92: He had better keep his mouth shut

2011-03-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Richmond, May 17, 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 12th just received. It was such a wet eve I did not go down last night so Stella brought it up at noon also one from Herb. They both came to the office the 16th.

Herb is very well, says he knew he was owing one letter but thought it not too long since he had written. Thinks I should not worry. I had written two letters that he received. He also had one from Edith. In regard to your letter he said he didn't feel like giving any advice to your questions as he felt that as he the had not made much of a success of his business. Still he said "Don't think that I am discouraged," said he felt very hopeful, he did not say what it was you asked. But I supposed it was the insurance. So do as you think best about it: he does not want to advise.

I met George one day:he asked me if I had heard anything more from you in regard to it. Herb had my letter telling him you were reinstalled in salary. Said he felt so pleased and felt a load lifted off his shoulders. He hoped you would be very careful around the works.. I hope he will write you.

In regard to Gilbert,(Gilbert Nicholson, Norman's brother who moved to Saskatchewan) I heard through the Stevens that they were all well and were building a house, so they must be doing well.

Aunt Christie has not come down yet I cannot go to stay while Mother is so ill they have at last got a nurse. Clayton has been still talking and saying I have as good a right to take care of her as Bella. I told Bella the other day that he better keep his mouth shut or he would have to take things back and she answered, "What did he have to take back?" I said things that he cannot prove. Still I go up to see Mother.

McKenzie got 111 majority in Lower Melbourne. You will have all the news. 14 hundred majority for Peter (Mackenzie, MNA for Richmond Wolfe and Finance Minister).

McMorine was asking some time ago. if you were coming. He said to tell you it would not be wise as some of 'the gang' were asking if you were. Very good of him to tell me, although I knew you were not. The afternoon of the election, Mr. Montgomery came over to see if he could take the wagon so I went out it took some time to get things moved that we could get it out but we managed it and he took McKenzie up to the poll in Upper Melbourne so I was glad to do that much to help things out. When he came back he put it into his barn as his auto has not arrived yet.

I told him to try and sell it for me.

Earnest Hall is talking of buying his horse, they are going to move up very soon now. Mrs. Skinner came to Melbourne Wednesday. She goes west the 28th I was speaking over the phone; she is going to bring the baby over. I've have had it quite cold here once the last few days raining. Still Wednesday was bright, real Liberal weather.

Today is cold and dreary. I got my double windows off and my garden all planted with the exception of the corn.

Montgomery had a man working but on Monday and Tuesday he went electioning to Durham so I got only work nicely done before the rain. I want to get the lawn cut. Tomorrow or it will be too high for a good job. I am not doing much of the house cleaning, will brush up before Edith comes. Now don't worry any about Herb. I will write him in a day or two. He might write you but you know just how he feels. Says until he can pay back what he owes.

Thinks his advice should not be considered. When you write him, don't say that I mentioned it. I wrote you Sunday. You will have this before. Will write when Edith comes.

Your loving wife,

Margaret Nicholson

Sent papers last week

Letter 91: I have been having nice dreams

2011-03-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

1095 Greene Avenue
Westmount Que

May 13, 1912

Dear Mother,

No doubt you are wondering why I have not written long ere this, but I know that Marion and Flora had both written you last week.

We enjoyed having Flora in for the week end. She looks very well.

I went out to St Anne's on Saturday on the 1.30 and came back on the 8.30. Marion Watters and friends of hers was out . We had a nice time.Flora is working very hard as they were having some of their exams. This week Marion is staying at Dr. C's. I was up there on Thursday for tea. He was doing a little work for me, filling one . And then is going to clean them up. Said he was going to put in a good word for M and I in Boston.

My examinations are on and I am very very busy every minute of my spare time. Flora wants you to come in one day or so before the end and stay at the college with her. She says I will be all right and then she will have time to show you all the sights.

You had better try and get Lena so that you can get something made as soon as I go home. Marion was saying that you were willing to change for a black silk and I think it would be very nice. But don't get a "chanling?" They are not fashionable enough. If you are going to do so write her and I will bring out any thing you need.

Then there is Flora's graduation dress. I am taking Mrs. Skinner to the theatre tonight. I hope this play will be good. The Stock Company you saw last year. But Beatrice Nicols is not with them.

I had a letter from Father. How are the elections going? Saw a piece in the paper, Record, about the meeting at Danville. You will miss Dr. Skinner and the election news. Mrs. K expects to go out Wednesday morning. I will try and write you again this week.

Will look for our letter,

Love to all

Your loving Edith

PS. Don't worry about Herb. I have been having fine dreams and am sure he is well

Mother Margaret often mentioned her dreams, in a way that suggested she understood they contained messages. Obviously Edith feels this way, too. Or she is saying this merely to comfort her Mom. No question, brother Herb was OK, he just made everyone else's life miserable.

Letter 90: So much sickness this spring

2011-03-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

May 13, 1912

Mr. N. Nicholson

Dear Sir

I wrote Herbert the 21st of March saying I wanted him to settle with in thirty days so as to save trouble. He has not given any attention to my letter yet.

To say what he intends doing I will be obliged to take other steps in order to make him pay and that means to sue and take judgment.

I see no other way as I must secure myself in time as I have only until July and then it will be outlawed. I do not like to make trouble for him and hope he will settle without me giving this his extra trouble but as people deal with you now a days you have to be on the alert - I trust no one.

I am finding that out of late. I thought I would write you first I was down in RD and stayed with Maggie she is quite well I suppose you heard of John McNaughton's death also Miss Wilson.

There seems to be a lot of sickness this spring. I hope you are keeping well.

I remain

Yours truly

Hann McLeod

Letter 89: Stiffing everyone he meets

2011-03-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Kingsbury May 12, 1912

Dear Maggie

You will wonder at this but after I arrived down at McNaughton's; they told me what Anabella said she did not believe one word I said; that she believed C. Hill just as soon as Mrs. Dan so they must have denied getting any money from the will.

I was so angry I did not say very much but told them enough.

I was telling William when I came home and he said if he had anything to do with it he would publish Dan's will in the paper.

If it was only 50 dollars to let the public see what a fraud he is, he likely has stiffed everyone he meets; that is the only way that Dan's wife can be cleared.

Tell Mr. King to do it; we do not want our name in it but settle him anyway when you call us up on the phone any time, call Valle he is near and others are not likely to hear anything

Yours Sincerely

A Nielson.

Letter 88:Not a Success at Business

2011-03-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

The New King's Hotel,

Elbow Saskatchewan

May 12, 1912

Dear Mother

Your letter received Friday and very glad to get it. Now, while I owe you a letter it is not a month since I wrote and am sure not more than two weeks.

That Mr. Edwards who called you up is a man that at one time lived in or near Danville. Is a big farmer out here, also a Justice of the Peace and in the Real Estate Business. Was down east being one of a delegation to see Premier Borden about getting more money from the government for horses that were shot with Glanders so you will see that he is quite an influential citizen.

Very sorry to hear of the trouble since Uncle Dan's death.

I would let them have their way and not have anything to do with any of them except Grandmother and Aunt Han.

You know, poor Grandma is not a bit to blame as she is getting old and cannot understand things as she used to. She has certainly had her troubles.

Now Mother don't ask me not to forget you as it only makes me feel bad. I can tell you that I know when I should write and when I cannot arrange to do it.

There is no person who it can worry more than me.

You know I should have written Father but I do not know what to tell him about some questions he asked me. You know when a person cannot make a success of their own business they are not likely very able to give you advice.

Need you know that is the way I feel about advising Father who has had much more experience than I have had and you know I am getting old myself and am commencing to feel that I have not made very much of a success with my life. Although I am very hopeful I cannot seem to be able to get a start and until I can at least pay back what I owe.

I do not consider that my advice should be considered.

Do not want you to think that I feel discouraged for I do not feel good and have lines on a $100. dollar per month position and expenses out of which I can make more and should.

If I am able to land the job I will then be able to hand out a few suggestions.

Have felt that a load has been lifted off my own shoulders when I read that Father has been reinstated in salary. Hope he will keep well and be careful around the works.

Now, I have not any news so will close for this time. Glad to get a letter from Edith the same day I got yours and find that she and you as well as the others are all well.

Your loving son Herb

Letter 87: Haven't Heard from Herb

2011-03-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Richmond

May 12 1912

Dear Norman

Your letter of the 5th also of the 8th received. They seem to have got here without much delay; makes me think that you are not so very far away.

Thanks very much for the enclosed bill. It comes in all right at this time as there is more to pay out. I had the lawn rolled, cost me 80 cts, had the garden spaded, cost 1.00. Then the same man is to take off my double windows tomorrow. He has been working for Montgomery. I will get him to help with the potatoes. He is quite smart.

I think I told you poor Miss Wilson was very low, she passed away Thursday afternoon, buried Saturday afternoon, Dr. Kellock took the service assisted by Mr. Craik and Hepburn at the house thence to the congregational cemetery.

Also John McNaughton is at rest. He died Friday morning at 7 o'clock, was buried today funeral leaving the house at 11 o clock, service in the Flodden Church. They had their own minister come down here and go out to Flodden. The bearers were all from Kingsbury. William Marquis Crombie came down. Rindle Jewison, Alex Watters.

Annie Neilson (Margaret's cousin) has been down since Wednesday. Has stayed with me at nights and is coming tonight. Aunt Han came down Friday morning called me up by phone form McRae's. Said if I was going to be at home she would come and stay all night. I said "Yes, I will be quite delighted to have you." She came for tea stay until Saturday at five o'clock.

Her mother came down for her, is not feeling well said she would be down again soon and that she wanted me to go up to the grave with her. She did not go near Bella's and won't.

Mother does not gain. Some days she seems stronger, then again she will seem to go back. I told Bella to get some one to take care of her. I had a letter from Marion. She said she had your letter. Aunt Christie told me she had a letter from you and that she was coming down but Christina was sick

They are just getting signatures for the call to the Rev McMillan. Dr. Kelloch preached this Am and tonight the church is closed and I think I will go to the Methodist. It has been raining more or less all day and quite windy.

I don't hear much election news but see the Con's talking in groups on the street. Montgomery is going to Durham to help (campaigning for MacKenzie) for two days.

I have not heard anything more about the Eastern Star; it seems to take time. I have not any letter from Herb. I had often written him twice before but he going to a new place makes me more anxious.

Flora says her exams are to commence tomorrow. Now I was glad to hear so often but why are you worry about me. I will write often only take good care of yourself and let me hear often. I'm fine, I have no reason to complain.

With much love

Margaret

Letter 86: Days at Home and Banquets

2011-03-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

May 11, 1912.

Dear Mother,

Received yours and Edith's letters and think you are pretty sporty with your days at home and banquets. Tucker is coming out with me. Will be on the 7:15 train. Tell Edith to invite some of the numerous young men as I want her to have a good time. Hasn't this week been lovely. I suppose everyone has their cars out. Oh, for a ride!

Marion and Hugh went to Three Rivers Saturday, coming back today. Tell Edith to send me a sample of her suit if she wants a decent petticoat and right off quick as I want time to look around. Saturday afternoon Marion, Tuck and I, went to the Orpheum. They played Our Wives. It was very funny. Lillian Kemble and Chas. Mackay are as nice as ever.

This week, Tuck's brother is taking me to see Kindling. I think it will be good.

I hear you have a very swell hat and dress. How about Miss Edith. I bet she is going to swell out too. Write soon, Love to All,

Flora

So Father is coming home for the Masonic Affair. That will be fine. Lovingly Flora

Lillian Kemble was an actress who eventually went on to movies and had parts in Gone With the Wind and My Fair Lady, as Lillian Kemble Cooper I found an ad in the May 11 Montreal Gazette that claims she and Mr. Mackay will be performing in another play at the Orpheum starting on the Friday.

The Witching Hour by Augustus Thomas. That play is The Greatest Play of the Century, according to the advert. A little hyperbolic which is in turn a little oxymoronic. I've never heard of Augustus Thomas, so I went to Wikipedia where it is suggested he was a mediocre playwright who catered to the taste of the masses. And made money doing it, no doubt. Well, whatever. The Witching Hour is supposedly his best play but he also wrote the Earl of Pawtucket, another play Flora sees in Montreal.

The Tucker Flora mentions is a girl (I recently uncovered her marriage invitation but forget her first name. ) Oh, I found it:Gwendolyn. Lovely. Tuck's brother is Herbert Tucker...and that is significant. I have blogged about Herbert, posting his letters from the Front in 1918. He is injured in the fighting, but suffers only a hurt finger. His older brother Percy is killed. There is a huge mix up with his death. First he is declared dead, then alive, then dead. The Nicholson girls write home about it and the story also makes the pages of the Montreal Gazette. So these two had a romance of sorts.. Hard to tell.

Oh, the same May 11th newspaper has an advert for Dominion Park. The big feature, a camp of 25 Sioux Indians. Terrific horseback riding lariat throwing.

Letter 85: Grandma does not improve

2011-03-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Richmond May 9 1912

Dear Norman

Yours of the 2nd received last evening the 8th. It was quite a long time on the way could not tell on the envelope where the delay was. But it looks like May 5th at Cochran must be a miserable post office. I received the express parcel all in good condition and prepaid and will look after them. Flora was in the city with the girls last Sunday; they are all well. I will send them your address.

Grandma does not improve very much, is not really suffering but thinks she is so very bad. Wonderfully strong at times. Florence is able to be up and feeling well.

Last Tuesday I went up to Kingsbury for the induction of their minister and stayed all might at Williams' then Uncle Alex drove me down in the morning, so I was only away from Richmond twenty hours. Did not tell mother I was going as I would be back so soon, but Bella found it out and told her so.

Clayton is telling people how little I do and that I have just as much right to take care of her as Bella. Well, they have the money but they are trying to hurt me in every way they can.

The elections seems quiet. RC Larch spoke here yesterday. I did not go as I did not have any one to go with. Mr. Montgomery says he thinks there is no danger, that McKenzie will get in.

I met Dyson yesterday. I told him if he knew any one looking for a house that ours would be for sale this fall. He said the new notary was thinking of buying and was renting the Sutherland house with the option of buying.

The plaster is all falling in the Skinner house upstairs and down all over. Just crumbles. Ross said it was poor plaster, nothing but sand. I said not any in our house yet. Keenan did not look at the wagon yet. I was telling Mr. Montgomery about it and he looked at it and was going to take it out one day as he has no wagon and wanted to exercise his horse. He said it was a grand one and would sell all right.

Mr. John Bedard was buried Tuesday morning. Died Friday of pneumonia. Was only about four days ill. A very large funeral, the flag at half mast in the post office and town Hall. Miss Barbara Wilson is very low today.

I have not heard from Herb. I am looking for a letter every day. George (Alexander, insurance salesman)has not said any thing to me lately. I am getting Montgomery's man to spade my garden in the evening and take off my windows. John McNaughton is no better, is in bed all the time. Annie Wilson is down helping to take care of him.

Now I hope you will keep well and take good care of yourself and try and keep out of the dangerous places. It will be nice if he gives you the extra so you could afford to come home oftener. They are all asking if you are coming home for the elections. I said no, not this time, he is too far away. My cold is quite better. Aunt Christie said to tell you she was glad to get your letter and will write when I give her your add. Christina was sick or she would have been down to stay before this. Now as I want to mail this on the 4 pm train will stop. I will start another letter soon if I do not hear as they seem to travel slow.

Now with much love

Your wife

Margaret

Letter 84: Chester is the fine feller, now.

2011-03-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Marion, likely in 1912 as Marion is very thin from the stress of living with domineering Mrs. Ellis, and the letters reveal she lost a lot of weight that year.

3 Tower Ave

May 9 1912

Dear Mother.

Here is a scratch at last from Mary. Suppose Edith has told you most of the news. Flo was in for the last week end and we had a fine time. Went to the theatre in the afternoon and in the evening we all went up to Dr. Cleveland's. Flora is looking well but not quite so fat as she was. We got her a hat which I think was very becoming; then we also got her a pair of tan boots. She has been wanting a pair for so long. …

Friday... I started this in school and am only now finding time to finish it. Last Sunday May (cousin May Watters, a new teacher in the city) and I went down to Taylor Church and saw the new minister. He is quite nice but, as the old lady said, no nicer than he thinks he is. He made us promise to go down to a reception the church people were having for him last night so we went and he introduced us to his wife and one of his daughters, the only one here yet and we are again to be entertained by him on Monday. So you see we are in good hands. I have seen Mrs. Skinner quite often since she has been in.

Tonight I am going up to Dr. C's to stay with Mrs. C until the Dr gets home from Boston. It is quite funny to hear him, he says that neither Edith nor I should promise ourselves to anyone until we have seen Chester. Of course, we are both in such great demand that we have to be spoken for ahead. I asked him if Chester had nothing to say about it himself. Chester is the fine feller now.

Mrs. E (Mrs. Ellis, rooming house matron) is down on me again and for what I don't know so you may be sure I will be glad to leave; indeed June can not get here too soon. Romeo (beau Hugh Blair) is still to the front and takes me out of number 3 or I should look for another boarding house.

My very bad school children have gone home early and I am glad you may be sure. I had a letter from Father yesterday telling me he had been moved West and they were giving him his old salary and perhaps more. I am so glad for he will feel more contented. How are grandmother and Florence?

I hear Christina is also ill and that you were going out there. Don't you go doing too much or you will be ill yourself.

Now I think I will end this and go home and pack my satchel for 7 Lorne Avenue. I don't think you need expect me home the 24th. But you will have Edith, so will not need this black sheep.
Lovingly Marion

Chester was Chester Coy, "a great Yankee" and son of Marion and Nathan Coy of Framingham Massachusetts. Marion is somehow related to Dr. Cleveland. Marion and Edith are soon to visit the Boston area, where some of the Watters clan lives. They will stay at the home of first cousin Henry Watters, Norman's nephew. Mrs. Coy frets in a 1910 letter than Chester doesn't want to marry. And as she has no daughter, herself, only one who died young, she could use some help around the house. She envies Margaret and her three grown daughters.

Like Chester, Henry Watters is unmarried. His sister keeps house for him and he never marries, either, despite being very successful.

Well, neither Edith nor Marion is interested Chester and that appears a good thing to0. He goes mad in 1920. His illness is mentioned in many letters, and in a 1923 letter Nathan writes Margaret to advise her of Mrs. Coy's death and he remarks that all he has left is an insane son (and he underlines 'insane') who does not even understand what he has lost. I suspect Chester lost his sanity at the Front in WWI, although I have no proof.

Letter 83: No Gentleman, He.

2011-03-28T05:24:00.001-07:00

The Hills and their car and likely their home.

Residency 22,
May 8th, 1912
Dear Margaret,

It gave me great pleasure to read your letters and, as its said you have to read letter three times to get the substance of it. Iwas worried you were sick.

You mentioned in your letter about Clayton saying you never worked!

Well, I think he better say that about himself as I've never seen him work. Not even wash himself. And besides if he was a Gentleman he wouldn't say such a thing about any lady.

But what can you expect from such trash.

Do not let that bother you. I am satisfied with your work and am sorry you have to work as hard as you do.

You will always have me upholding what you do as I am satisfied that you always do for the best.

About the garden, put in anything you like but see you do not work in it yourself, try and get someone to do it for you.

I am only sorry that you have the care of it. Try and get someone to roll the lawn and cut if for you.

So Mr. Montgomery is getting a new auto? What has he done with his old one?

W. J. Ewing must be making money to sport with his mother. He will be bigger than ever now, what auto has WJ?

I think I forgot to tell you in my last letter that I wrote Aunt Christina Watters to ask you to make a months visit. I am glad you are going out there, if you will only go.

And if anything should happen to your mother they can phone you. They do not stay with her all the time, why should they ask you?

If you are not getting your dress now, use the money I sent you and when you want some for a dress I will send you some more.

And you will want some to help pay help in the garden and for house cleaning.

Yesterday morning we had about 3 inches of snow here in the morning, but it's all gone today and things are fine and warm today. I supposed you are having fine weather at home now.

Referring to the amount of track laid from Cochran there is 150 miles East and 200 west so you can see that I am 75 miles from the end west there is about 200 miles still to lay to make the connection west - but the grading is mostly done.

Now as I have nothing more to say, I will close. Will enclose you 1.00 in this letter. It will do for X.

This leaves me well. Trusting to hear from you shortly again, with very much love from your affectionate husband

N. Nicholson

....Well, this is all pretty low and I'm sure Norman and Margaret would have burned this letter had she thought about it. In those days, if you wrote something bad in a letter you wrote BURN THIS LETTER at the bottom. I know, because I have two such letters. One where Norman is criticizing Herb and one where Hugh Blair, Marion's husband, is criticizing Edith and Flo for being poor housekeepers!

Accusing a woman of being a poor housekeeper was as low as you could go I guess. Margaret won many prizes for her breadmaking and crafts, so she was, by all accounts, a gifted housekeeper. She raised four children and had only minimal help. In the last two decades of the 1800's she hired girls, usually relatives to help, as it is noted in the account books. That was very typical. Cooking was a major task in those days and you could not cook and watch babies. In 1901, the census showed the Nicholson's had a live in maid, as did many families.

Margaret Nicholson had one laced boot in the Victorian and one in the modern age. In and around 1900, the home became a center of consumption rather than a center of production. A woman's job from 1900 was about being a savvy consumer, not a producer of goods.

Margaret's problem, I suspect, was that she was so good at what she did, no on respected her for it. At the time of these letters, she is sewing dresses for Edith and making breads for her day at home. Everyone loved her breads, and she knew it.

Poor Margaret, she was living a life of terrible stress, yet many of her neighbours saw her as a lazy woman with no man at home to care for and three daughters to help. Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't.

Letter 82: Quite a Place!

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Hearst May 2, 1912
Dear Margaret,
I am writing to say I arrived here last evening at 6 pm. Left Cochran at 8 am so you see we do not travel very swift in this line up here. It's 132 miles west of Cochrane. I just came in from visiting the town. It's a new place just started up last fall but there are quite a lot of houses built in the short time of its existence; our Residency is about one mile from the town at where they are going to build the roundhouse. It's not so convenient as Cochrane but it seems to be quite a place for its age and it's to be a divisional point with quite a lot of RY buildings in erection.

Roundhouse station freight shed, bunk house for the men, section houses and a large ice house to supply the trains with ice. So you can see that at some time later they expect it to be quite important. The Algoma Central RY is building a road in here from the Soo.

I will write more particulars later when I have sized the place up more thoroughly. There is snow here still in the bush but the grade is quite clear of snow; there won't be much doing here for a couple of weeks as the frost is not out of the ground yet so they cannot excavate for foundations. But I am not worrying as the pay is going on. I saw Mr. Balcan this morning and asked him for 125. a month, as I had learned some inspectors were getting that. He said at present it would be impossible for him to pay more than 100 dollars but a little later he would try and get it for me. I think I will get it later as I find him a man of his word. I like him as he is a home spun man that hasn't got a swelled head like some of the upstarts we have on the road.

I trust that you are quite better with your cold and that Grandma and Florence are better. It will take longer for letters to come to me that at Cochrane but I hope to hear from you often as possible, should you want me at anytime by wire me a Cochrane in care of H M Balkam. As it will have to come over phone from there as there are no telegraph here, it's private line from Cochrane here. My address here is Residency 22, Div 7, District D. NTR Cochrane out.

Let me know if Keenan looked at the buggy and also if you got your black dress. Did you have money enough to get it? How is the weather at home? Now do you try to do too much work about the yard and garden get some one to do it for you. And you do the bossing. I will send you another check next letter after hearing from you from here. It's fine and warm here today and looks as we would have summer soon. I expressed my fur coat and overshoes home from Cochrane as I had no way of carrying them here hope you got them all right. Let me know when you write. I paid charges on them.

Haven't heard from Herb yet, have you. The missing letter hasn't turned up yet. Will close for this time. With much love from your affectionate husband, N. Nicholson.

Letter 81: Your Appetite has to be Pretty Good

2011-03-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Richmond Tighsolas May 1, 1912

Dear Norman, Your letter of the twenty seventh received. Now I am sorry that you worried any about my cold for it did not amount to anything only I stayed in for two days and that was a rest from sitting up with sick people.

I have been three days and most of the nights at Bella's, but today they were going out for Mrs. Stevens and I won't go near.

They say Maggie has nothing to do; she might sit up. I am not going to do much more of it, for I don't think they will pay me and they can get some one with all her money. They have it all. You know your appetite has to be pretty good to be able to eat there. Now I am sorry you are leaving Cochrane as you get mail so regular but it may be all right - up there and distance of a hundred miles does not matter better than ahead of the steel anyway. (Ahead of steel is usually called 'end of steel' by Norman. It means he's posted in an area preparing the ground for the railroad ties and rails.)

So just take good care of yourself and I will be all right. And happy. I have lots of good friends here. Aunt Christie was down Monday, is coming to stay after next Tuesday.

They are inducting the new Minister. On that day Christina is coming down for me unless Grandma is much worse than she is now. Grandman is very hard to take care of: is not sitting in her chair half of the time and has to be helped out although she is wonderfully strong, can walk with help.

I had a letter from Flora last night; she is well. I will write you again in my usual day tomorrow to Cochrane until I hear from you. With lots of love Your Margaret. Thanks very much for cheque will wait until Edith comes to see about suit.

Letter 80: Double-dealing

2011-03-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Westmount Quebec
April 30th 1912

Dear Mother,

I hope your cold is better. And take the fresh air these fine days.

I have not had a chance to see Mrs. Skinner since I heard she was in town. Have been busy every afternoon and evening.

The party came off. I wore my blue dress and got a good many nice things said about it. Everybody seems to think it is very becoming.

Romeo and Mr. Swan, the two Marion invited did not come. Needless to say she was delighted.

Mrs. Ellis is very disagreeable to Marion in every way. Just lords it over her. And you know how unsettled she gets and how it worries her. Like when she was at the Wyatt's. I really think that is what is making her so thin.

I think it would be very nice to join the Club. And will send you the money when I get my pay someday this week.

I wonder if Aunt Han is staying well you know. How I hope you are not all alone.

Wednesday Evening

Was in to see Mrs. Skinner this afternoon. Miss Ernest was there. Wished to be remembered to you. What a lovely baby and so good looking and good natured. Mrs. S is leaving on the 28th. So will be out before I am done no doubt. She was wondering if you were staying alone.

Had a letter from Flora she is going to spend the weekend with me. There we shall get her hat. Her exams begin on the 13th of May so this is her only chance.

Would you rather come in now or at Flora's graduation? It is for you to decide. I am quite sure you could stay with me for a few days. I don't think they would refuse me.

I am just wishing for the days to pass. Things are not the most pleasant. And the Dr by flattery has persuaded that Methodist, Mrs. Vipond, to come back, so now he is so glad that we are leaving that he can smile all the time. You always said they were never to be trusted and it is quite true. I am getting so I don't believe a word anybody says. Really, I never knew anything like the double-dealing.

I have written to the department of education at Calgary and Regina. I shall hear what they have to say. As to the City Board.

Mrs. Seward applied. She has only an advanced elementary and she said they only took model. But perhaps in a month he would be able to do something for her.

So M and I thought we would wait a while. Hope you have heard from Herb. Had a long letter from Father. Have some school work to do so must say good night. Your loving daughter

Edith Ps Am enclosing copy of testimonial. What do you think of it?

....
Marion's boyfriend, Hugh, does not show up for her party? Why? He's been so attentive. Well, the answer is in the letter. Marion invited another man.

Marion has a strong personality, so she resents the way her landlady treats her. Landladies of the era felt it was their job to watch over every action of their roomers, whatever the woman's age.

Edith did not come home at Easter from her school, so either she was forced to work, or she stayed to discuss the issues at hand with other teachers. The testimonial is her letter of recommendation, which is short and to the point, but positive. Whatever Villard thought of Edith, one student was so impressed he wrote it all down in a diary which has lately been transcribed in a blog. Edith, the young man says, converted him to Protestantism from Catholicism with her calm and reasoned arguments. French Methodist School was a missionary school.

Edith didn't like the school but she liked its location, Westmount. She lived in Westmount all of her working life, sometimes with her sister Flora and Flora's husband, Wesley. For many of these years she worked at McGill, a 20 minute bus ride away along Sherbrooke Street West.

Letter 79: Maybe the weather will thaw them

2011-03-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Mother,

Received your letter Friday morning with pocket enclosed, was glad to get it – will sew it in right off. It will make my waist look ever so much better.

I will enclose the button you asked for in the letter.

I had a dandy time at the dance Friday night. I was sorry Marion W. could not came but nevertheless I had a fine time.

Ross (Cleveland)couldn’t come was very busy studying for his exams which he will be doing very soon.

I met one of Ross’s friends out here Friday night at the dance. He was Alice O’Brien’s guest. He said he knew the girls had often met them at Dr. Cleveland’s and would know me anywhere by them.

Just think of the compliment. I felt quite honored. I only wish it were really so and I wouldn’t call the King my Uncle, as you say.

Our play on Saturday came off fine and it was a great success. Miss Sinclair invited all the actors over to her apartment after the play and we had a fine time, singing songs etc and of course we all enjoyed the nice refreshments. This noon we all dressed up in our costumes and had our pictures taken in the gym. I only hope they will turn out good.

I saw by the Record in Marion Kerr’s room that Florence Peppler has typhoid. Is it really so? I hope not.

So the Hills at Hillcrest on College Hill are as cold as ever. Well, never mind, we haven’t lost much. Perhaps the warm weather will thaw them out.

Had a letter from Father Friday. He is well, says it has been quite cold at Cochrane.

How is your cold? Take good care of yourself and take things easy.

The Hills can afford to get a nurse to take care of Grandma so don’t tire yourself all out. Working for them. I hope you will take the good advice Aunt Han gave you.

We are having a hygiene exam well so must go now and study so good night dear Mother,

Lovingly
Flora

Letter 78: The Girls Must Come With Us

2011-03-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Second Edition

April 28, 1912,

Dear M.

I received our letter of the 24 and was glad to hear from you. Somewhat alarmed to hear you had a cold and not able to go out.

I am afraid you are worse than you say. After reading your letter I felt as if I should start right home, but after having a good cry I felt somewhat relieved and am trusting that you will be better by the time this reaches you.

I received the papers you sent with the letter. I note the death of Mrs. Allard and Irwin Armstrong in them. Poor Mr. Stinson has gone before his wife,although she has been sick for some time.

I am ready to go West at any time if I could sell the house. Just keep your eyes open and if you hear of any one that wants to buy let me know and I will write them.

Should I get a chance to sell the house and we go West, the girls must go with us.

I have been worrying a lot about Herb; he is a mystery to me. You cannot get a letter from him. I have been waiting to hear about his insurance since I came back from home.

Now I know that he is not so busy that he couldn’t write a short note once in a while. I trust that he hasn’t got into any bad habits which makes him forget about home.

I wonder if the girls are writing him.

I am enclosing you my cheque for 15.00 to buy your black suit. I do not know how much it costs but if this is not enough let me know in your next letter. ( A suit was purchased in Montreal for 12.00 at that time.)

I leave here on Wednesday, so you may not get my letters as regular as when here. But I will write you often, if you are writing the girls you can say I will write them when I get settled.

So Han has got her back up at the Hills. From what you write me I am not surprised. I think she has been treated pretty shabby.

So poor Mr. Mc Naughton is not any better? When we were home he looked to me as if he was not long for this world. But he may live longer then some of the so-called well people.

Now as I think I have written you enough I will close trusting that you are well when this reaches you. Now, my sweet pet, take good care of yourself and I will be happy for without you I would be lost.

With lots of love your affectionate husband
N. Nicholson

Letter 77: Party TIme!

2011-03-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

1095 Green Ave
Westmount, Quebec
April 26, 1912

Dear Mother.

I am so sorry to hear of you again taking care of the sick. Never mind just four weeks from tomorrow and I shall be home.

I resigned on Monday. We all did. I am wondering what Dr. Villard is thinking of. His Board should ask the reason for our resignation. They will have a hard time to get people just to step in and run everything.

Tuesday, Marion and I were out at Annie Telfer's. Romeo has been away for a few days but returned yesterday. He and Marion were out last night.

Have I written you to say I was at MacDonald on Saturday. Had a nice visit with Flora. Tomorrow night is her last dance of the season. She has invited Ross but I don't think he will be able to go. It is so near exams.

Mrs Ellis is giving a party for Miss Gluire tomorrow night as she is leaving for Ottawa. I am asked will have a chance to wear my little blue silk.

I have been so busy this week that I can't seem to remember anything at all. Have the Skinners come into town?

It is so cold these last few days I am wondering if I shall need one of my print dresses. I intended ironing them when I could be home at Easter.

I am writing Miss Maslie to tell her I have resigned. How I wish I could have a good talk with her over some things.

How is Florence getting along, also Grandma? So Evan McIver is going to run against Peter? I am wondering if it will be a hot election. Give me the news.

Wrote father after seeing Flora. I must say I don't care much for Mabel Shaw. I don't think Flora likes her very well either but the time will soon pass now.

Will look for your letters

Your Loving
Edith

Letter 76: Transferred to Hearst

2011-03-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Cochran Ont. April 27 1912

Dear Margaret,

I am writing this to let you know that I got orders yesterday that I was to go to Hearst, that is 130 miles west of here where they are going to build another roundhouse this summer.

That will be the next divisional west of here. I am to be reinstated in my old work as cement inspector. Will leave here either Monday or Wednesday of the next week which will be 28th.

I am kind of sorry to leave here as I have been here so long that it becomes second home to me in a way. But I am pleased to get my old salary back again. The only thing I regret that is that I cannot get home oftener to see you and see how you are getting along alone.

I had letter this week from Edith and Flora saying they were well. It won't be long now until Edith will be home with you for which I will be pleased.

Both Edith and Flora were giving me a spiel about what the Hills did in Grandma case. I had to laugh at Flora sayings. She said that money was the root of all evil quoting Mrs. Guinn saying then she said what a conglomeration of relations we have. Said we couldn't get along without our friends but she thought it would be better to be further away from our relations. And I do not know but she is right.

I haven't got the strayed letter yet. Hope it will turn up somewhere so I will get it this morning its cold and stormy here. Snowing with north wind.

Yesterday it was fine and warm with ground all thawed on the surface, rained in the afternoon and last night about nine o'clock over had lightening this morning cold and everything froze up.

I do not know how much of a place Hearst is. They seem to think its going to be quite a place. It's going to be a function where the algoma central crosses the NTR cannot tell you much about it so far will give you more particulars about it later. This algoma central starts at the Soo and goes north west to the Lakes. I think Lake Superior.

Edith said in her letter she was out to see Flora last Saturday which I was pleased to hear as Flora said in her letter that she expected both of them.

Edith thinks its fine out there said the grounds and walks were nice and dry.

She was giving the news of the service held in the American Presbyterian Church eulogizing Hays loss to the Church and City. I have seen so much about the accident in the papers that I got sick reading it - there are so many conflicting statements that it's hard to believe any of them.

Now I do not want you to answer this letter until I send you my new address which I will as soon as I get - then I will also give you my address to wire to should anything happen that you should want me home.

I trust you are keeping well and hope Florence and grandma are better by this time.

Haven't heard from Herb since writing last.

With much love from your affectionate husband

N. Nicholson

Letter 75: Heart-Rending Titanic Stories

2011-03-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Richmond April 24, 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter of the 14th received the usual time. Glad to hear you are well.

You are having cold weather there we are having it cold and damp here. I have had to make fires every day since you left so there is not many dry sticks left in the cellar, only a few that are so heavy I cannot drag or lift.

Dr. Moffat left this afternoon with his family. He came up to say good bye this morning at 8 o'clock. He was asking for you. He thinks we ought to get somewhere where we could be together! I said, "Do let us know if there are good chances out there." He said he would, that he promised you to. Said he would write when they got settled.

Mrs. Moffat came up last night. I intended going to the train to see them off. But I had a little cold and if I went out at all it was to go up to sit up with Mother. She is very nervous. She thinks every night is her last and that I should be there all the time.

Florence is getting better. I have not seen her for two days. Jack still in the city. He says he is getting rather tired of it. They will finish very soon now.

Han has neither rented nor sold yet. She is up at her brother's. She said she would be down this week and would come up.

Grandma asked me to ask Han to come and see her. I told Han. She said she will have to change her boarding place before. She will not go into that house when they ask again! I will tell them just what she said.

Mrs. Skinner is in Montreal. I don't know just how soon she thinks of going.

Well Nicholson is rather slow; he would wear well but I don't think they were taken with him. They liked a Mr. McMillan who was here the Sunday before. I don't really hear much about it.

The man who took Rowatt's place is a Methodist - not French.

Yes, the elections are on! I hear it is McIver who is to oppose McKenzie. They had a big L

iberal meeting here Monday, just organizing. I think Clayton does not have anything to say to me so we won't fight over politics. He better keep away from Kingsbury.

Mrs. Montgomery invited me to dinner Sunday so I went. Had a nice visit. Nathan and I talked politics. She comes in occasionally. Mrs. Montgomery has been papering, lots of house keeping going on.

The men are busy at the Crombie house said he did not expect to get in for quite a while as there was so much to do.

I told him 'you should have bought our house' it is better repair; he said he did not know it was for sale. I said I thought we would sell as I did not care to live alone another winter. Have you written Keenan in regard to the wagon?

I wish he would buy and give me the cash. I would get a black suit. I have not worn my blue. I don't care to as the others are all wearing black.

Charlie Stinson died quite suddenly last Friday, he took a strike of paralysis and only lived a few hours.

Strange your eye does not clear. It will in time. I was in to see John McNaughton, he is not any better, in fact worse. They gave him morphine every night.

Edith will be home about he 24th. I have not heard anything different about her going west. I think she and another teacher talked of going.

I think we better all pick up and go.

Flora has applied for work in the city. Her roommate got a school in Valleyfield.

Really, the Titanic accident is terrible, seems heart rending to read. I hope you will get the missing letter although there is nothing really important .

I have the address it is Brownlee Sask. In a branch coming out from Moose Jaw to Outlook.

Dr. Skinner's land is near Outlook. Skinner said he would write Herb when he got out west. I do think Herb should be near some of us. I feel quite anxious about him and that is one reason Edith thinks she should go.

He will likely write me soon now. Had a letter from Flora and Edith last week. I am writing Flora tonight.

With much love
Yours Margaret

Ps The Charter for the Easter Star has not been received yet. I will let you know when it does. M. Mailed your papers this week.

Letter 74: Is he a Frenchman?

2011-03-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Cochran April 21, 1912

Dear Margaret,

Your letter of the18 received last evening and was pleased to get same and to hear that you were well.

The letter that you sent me with Herb's enclosed, I haven't received so far. I went last night to the town office and made inquiry but failed to find any trace of it. There are two men on the line by the name of Nicholson and likely it been sent to them. One is west of here and one east. Twice I have got their letters.

I hope I may get your letter with Herb's in as I would like to hear what he is doing.

So Mrs. King was as stiff as that with it, seems too bad that they take it so hard at you as you are not to blame for it.

Han does not feel like that to you, does she?

Have they sold the house or is it rented?

Now I wish you would be careful not to be around Florence's too much. If it's typhoid fever she has you know what a dreadful thing it is and catching. I think as catching as any disease altho some of the Drs. claim it is not.

See you get sleep and rest enough and that you take plenty of nourishment to keep well. Keep out as much as you can in the fresh air. Do not try to do too much work running between the both places. You know what it would mean to us all should anything like that take you.

I trust Grandma is as well as usual by this time.

When does Mrs. Skinner intend leaving for the west? Is Dr. Moffatt in Montreal still? He must be thinking of leaving soon.

Let me know what you think of Nicholson as a preacher when your write again.

I note what you said about the terrible boat accident. It is one of the worst I ever heard. With such a lot of important men to go down with it, that the country cannot afford to loose in a way but, I suppose, their places will be filled and in a short time they will not be missed.

I read of one pathetic case. Of man and wife from Montreal. She would not leave her husband: would rather perish with him than leave him on the boat.

I had letter from Marion this week said she was well and was telling me that Edith was talking about going West to teach for the summer months.

Have you heard anything about it - is there any one going that she knows?

Let me know about it if you know when you write.

What about your trip to Kingsbury, still off I suppose.

I see by the papers that the Quebec elections are on the 15 of May. Who are they opposing McKenzie with, this time.

Send me the Times if there is anything in it about the elections. I do not think they will let me go home to vote this time altho I would like to go and have a hand in it. If the Liberals were in power I certainly would be there but as I am situated holding down a government job it would not be wise for me to interfere in it.

Give me the news about it when you write again. I suppose Clayton will get water put in this gasoline again and likely his tires punctured by some of these terrible Liberals!

I had letter from Geo Alexander this week about Herb's insurance. I answered it saying that when I heard from Herb, I would write him.
I haven't heard from Herb since writing you last; wish he would write me oftener. I feel that I have almost lost him.

I suppose the snow is all gone in Richmond with nice clean streets. We have mud here to our knees; snow mostly gone but ice on the lake not enough to carry trains. Yet last night it snowed so this morning the ground is all covered with snow and nights are cold.

Is the man that took Rowatt's place a Frenchman? The name (Duboyce)sounds like one and what's his religion?

Mrs. Montgomery will not come near you at all now if she hears that they have typhoid fever at Pepplers. Has she been back since she brought back the nutmeg when I was home after Dan's death?

Now as I have asked you so many questions that you will hardly remember to answer them all so I will close.

By saying I am well eye is still a little more red than the other but feels all right. I am bothered lately with toothache, the one that I had filled and something has gone wrong with it.

Will close by trusting to get my usual Saturday letter from my best girl. Your loving and affectionate husband N. Nicholson

Letter 73: For the Sake of A Little Money

2011-03-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

1095 Greene Ave
Westmount Quebec
April 19, 1912

Dear Father,

I suppose you heard that I was unable to go home for the holidays.

I got through the time very well, considering Marion and Flora both had a very nice little holiday and it did them good.

I just got a letter from Mother this morning. What a time she is having between Florance and Grandma. If there is any work to be done they, of course ,will have to have Mother. I think they are perfectly dreadful, the things they have said and done. And all for the sake of a little money. I hope we shall never have to be so mean.

Only 5 weeks until we close. This year has gone by very quickly after all.

What a dreadful accident to the Titanic and such a great loss of life. It seems to have cast a gloom over every one. People can talk of nothing else. Mr. Hays will be a great loss to the Grand Trunk. There are to be memorial services in all the church on Sunday morning. A special one for Mrs. Hays in the American Presbyterian.

I think I shall go out to Macdonald tomorrow and see Flora.
Later Sunday Afternoon.

I went out to Macdonald on the 1.30 train and spent a pleasant afternoon. She is looking splendid and is to beautifully dug out there. It is an ideal spot. The ice has moved out of the Ottawa a little but not yet from the St. Lawrence.

I went to the memorial service in the American Presbyterian this morning. The front was draped with black. The pulpit with the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes. The service was very impressive . He is certainly well spoken of.

Today is anniversary service in St. Andrew's. Dr. Barclay is preaching.

It has been a beautiful Sunday, the warmest yet and getting so nice and dry.

How are things up North? What do you think of the coming elections in the province? Do you think Peter will have a hard run. Saw by the Record that Charlie Campbell started on a business trip to Winnipeg. M. Got your letter the other day.

Your loving Edith

Letter 72: Was it not dreadful, the sinking of the Titanic

2011-03-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Richmond April 18, 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 14th rec'd on Tuesday night. I get your letters always on that day.

You mentioned that one week you did not get letter from me. I wrote you that week. I certainly never missed a week in writing. It being Easter, mail it may have miscarried. You enquire at the post office.

In that letter I was telling you that Mother had a sick spell and while the girls were at home I would leave them alone and come up and sit up nights with her. Then she got a little better and Florence Peppler was taken sick, so I was sent for, so I stayed there five days, coming home occasionally to look after the house. Then they got Sarah Ewing last Monday As the Dr. said it was typhoid fever. She is getting on well and not hardly any temperature. Still I did not like to stay and was thankful that they got some one.

My special case was the Baby. Jack (Peppler) is still in Montreal but came home Friday and stayed until Wednesday. Then after he left. They asked me to come and sleep in the house which I did till this morning.

Bella sent for me that Grandma was worse. We had the DR. He says she is better but Grandma says the doctor is lying and says 'don't leave me alone' ; of course at that age its hard to say, so now I am at Bella's and will likely have to stay.

Today she wants us to send for Han. I don't know whether she will come or not. Han came up to stay with me the night after the sale but I was at Florences so she and SIS stayed at Miss Ramsey's.

She came to Florence's to see me. I went over the morning of the sale. Mrs. King was there she would not look at me and Sis was there. Would not speak so I went home as I did not think here was much that I wanted. She said things did not go very well. Clayton bought the coal.

Jack Peppler bought the spare room bedroom set.

Mrs. Skinner is visiting in Sherbrooke. She is coming back to Melbourne and starting from here to the West.

Rowatt (Notary) went the 5th of April. He is leaving his wife and family home for the summer.

The Crombies won't move (into Skinner house next door to Tighsolas) before June as they are doing so much repairing.

We are to have the Rev Nicholson next Sunday.

I have had a letter from the three girls last week. They were all well. Flora was looking well even better than Marion. I have not heard from Herb.Glad to hear your cold is better.

Yesterday the water came over the sidewalk downtown for a few hours but it went down and now it is turning cold so they think the flooding is over for this year

Oh was that not dreadful the sinking of the Titantic I saw Mr. Hays once this summer at the train at Richmond. Edith told me who he was. Now with much love,
Your Loving Wife
Margaret Nicholson

Tighsolas The Nicholson Family Saga Canada 1910 Historical Terms 1908 Letters 1909 Letters 1910 Letters 1911 Letters 1912 Letters 1913 Letters

Letter 71: Summer School out West?

2011-03-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tower Avenue,
April 13, 1912

Dear Father,

You will see by the heading that I am again in Montreal and mother will have told you that I was at home Easter.

Mother is busy but well. She had been with Grandma quite a lot and now I hear Florence Peppler is not well and she has been there.

Everything is much the same only the Skinners have left their house.

Flora came back the day after I did. She is well but not quite as fat as she was at Xmas.

Edith has, I suppose, told you that she was thinking of taking a summer school out West somewhere, that is if she can get one and there is a slight possibility that I might do the same if I can find a place for the two months.

Was in at Dr. Cleveland’s yesterday having a tooth filled. He was enquiring for you.

There was nothing doing at home except the talk of Uncle Dan’s will but mother has told you all about that I suppose.

Aunt Han gave them a great old calling down and does not want to have anything more to do with them.

I saw Aunt Sarah and Florence. They left the day after I got home.

There is not any more news so I will stop now and write later.

Rec’d your check all right and Flora is all right for this month. What about Herb’s insurance? I was going to speak to Geo Alexander when at home but thought perhaps I had better not as I had not heard back from you. Let me know: I can take it over all right without burdening myself. Now, I think this is all for now,

Lovingly
Marion

PS Am enclosing the take on the Liberals but think it should apply to the Cons don’t you.

Marion.

Letter 70: The Very Idea!

2011-03-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Richmond
Thursday April 11, 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 8th received Tuesday night - I look for them on that day.

Marion returned to the city Tuesday afternoon, Flora returned Wednesday afternoon. They both had a nice long holiday which I enjoyed very much. E. did not come.

We wrote to her every day and she wrote that Marion's young man had been very kind took her, taking her to the theatre so she was not too lonesome.

Grandma is feeling better. I was up this afternoon. Stayed three hours and had a talk of the will business.

Bella said Mother made her will the other day but she does not know what is in it. Tom Bushell and M. Cleveland are the witness and her money is in the bank.

While we were talking Clayton came in. He said they did keep Mother for nothing and that it was not a lie, though I told him mother paid her board. I said I always understood she did.

Well, I suppose you think you will get your pay now, I said.

They have it in for me. How I wish I did not have to go near them.

Han is having her sale the 16th, then she is going up to the farm. Sis is with her and looks black when I go over. Still I go and Han comes up here.

Marion wondered why you did not say anything about Herb's insurance. George Alexander called me up to ask. Said you told him there was a letter from Herb for you. I said I did not think it was an answer to the one you had written.

Marion thought of going to see George but did not like to tell you.

Am glad your cold is better. The ice is moving a little today. Still there is a cold wind. I have to make a fire in the furnace every day.

Crombie is busy with his chimney for the fire place. Mrs. Gawn has bought Fran Shaw's house in upper Melbourne.

The new notary is moving into the Sutherland's house. Mr. Rothney is staying in the Kelly house. Mrs. Skinner has gone to Melbourne. I do not miss them so much.

I sat up with grandma two nights last week. Now she does not need any one after Han's sale and if she keeps better I am really going out to Kingsbury for a few days.

As I now see things, Bella and Clayton have made most of the trouble for us among the friends just because they are jealous of us.

I have not heard anything about our lodge yet. (Order of the Eatern Star.) It may take some time.

What do you think of my office? Do you think I can manage it?

I paid water tax telephone and PO box rent and got a gallon of maple syrup from Fowler when the girls were here. It is very nice I wish you could have some now when it is new however there will be some when you come.

Now with much love Your wife Margaret
Write me what to say about the insurance
PS Write to W Keenan about your wagon. The very idea of McLennan writing you about a position. I wish you was a good as most people think.

Tighsolas The Nicholson Family Saga Canada 1910 Historical Terms 1908 Letters 1909 Letters 1910 Letters 1911 Letters 1912 Letters 1913 Letters

Letter 69: Entertaining Your Girls

2011-03-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Cochran Ont April 8th, 1912

Dear Margaret,

I am writing you my usual weekly letter. Did not receive yours that I usually get Saturday?

I suppose your are busy entertaining your girls. But I expect to get a long one from you when the girls leave.

Well, I have nothing new to write about from here. Last Friday and Saturday we had a big thaw here. It took away half of our snow and in lots of places the ground is bare and where it is the mud is terrible would prefer snow to it.

It turned cold last night and this morning everything is frozen solid with snow falling and a north wind blowing not a very good day for Easter Bonnets here.

Did not go to Church this morning, it was too cold.

I had letter yesterday from DB McLennan of Scotstown wanting to know if I could get him a job here.

I haven’t heard from Herb since writing your last, nor any of the girls.

How is Han and the Hills getting on now?

As I haven’t any news to write about I will close awaiting your letter. My eye is all right but not quite as clear of the red yet as the other. Cold is quite well now.

Hoping you are enjoying the Easter Holidays. I will come later if spared. Now, My sweet pet, I will say love to your own self.

Trusting to hear from you soon, Your affectionate husband N. Nicholson

Letter 68: A Nice Change

2011-03-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Richmond April 4, 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 31st with cheque enclosed received, will attend to the bills very soon. I was going to go out today but it was my day at home.

I had 10 callers. I had Marion and Flora to help me.

Marion came out Monday night on the late train. It was so stormy that I did not go to meet her. She came up in the bus. And last night Marion and I met Flora. She also came on the late train.

Flora is not quite so fat as she was at Xmas. Still she looks well.

They have until the 8th , will be a nice little change. They think Edith won't be out.

I had a letter from Herb this week. He has been transferred to new territory. Wrote from Moose Jaw. I will enclose the letter and you can send it back.

Marion seems quite willing to take the insurance policy.
Sarah (Currie, sister of Margaret) and Florence (the daughter) left yesterday at four PM. I went out to the train with them.

They did not stay here any nights last week so I went back to the Skinners again until Marion came but that is all over as they are leaving the house Saturday going to Melbourne for a while.

Crombie is going to make great changes.

He is putting in a fireplace in the sitting room.

Building outside and he had Wilson down last week. He is putting the hot water heating in and a cement cellar.

He said Dr. Skinner might be leaving his furniture in one room but since he left told Mr. Skinner that he wanted the things taken at once and that he would pay for storage. They are not pleased with him at all.

So they put some in the farm and with some to Melbourne. I've had a meeting to arrange the Eastern Star. Mr. John Watson is the patron, Mrs. Barrie the head of the Ladies. Mrs. Brant next then. I was elected Conductress. Mrs. McIver Treasurer, Mrs. Hall Secretary.

We had our meeting in the Oddfellows Hall. Strange the masons would not give their rooms. I heard it was McIver and Hill because they did not invite Hill.

This morning Bella called me up to say Mother was sick and that they had the Dr. So I went up. She seemed better. But I am going up again tonight. Dr. said it was her heart.

Yours with love Margaret Nicholson

PS The new notary is moving into the Sutherland house . Mr Rothney is staying in the Kellie house. Mr. Rowatt has gone to Montreal. We had Dr. Kellock preaching for the last Sunday. I will mail you papers tomorrow write soon.

Grandma is feeling better tonight, with love M.

Letter 67: Any work?

2011-03-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Scotstown Quebec
April 2, 1912

N. Nicholson Esq

Dear Cousin

I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me at the present time. Hope you are well as we are the same.

Now the object of my writing is to enquire if you know of a position there I could get as I am not doing anything rnow and there is no work in my line. My line is booking or clerking in any way where a man can earn an honest living. If you could have the time to drop me a line in this respect I would appreciate it very much.

Yours,

Truly,
D B McLenna

Letter 66: If I was near you know what I would do

2011-03-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Cochrane Mar. 31, 1912

Dear Margaret,

Your letter of the 28th received last night and was pleased to get same and to hear that you are well. You did not say any different, so I take it for granted you are.

My cold is all right again, I’m as well as ever, my eye is getting on fine so you need not worry about it.

I had card last night at the same time that I got yours from Dr. Skinner dated the 29 at North Bay 10 40 AM saying he left home at 4 PM the day before. Saying he hoped to see me in Saskatoon some time this summer.

It was kind of him to write me the post card on his way to the west.

I note what you say about the Crombies; they will likely make lots of improvements before moving in.

How soon does Mrs. Skinner intend leaving the house and where is she going to until she leaves for the west. When does she leave? Is the Dr. coming for her.

I also note what you said about Clayton taking Grandma’s things. I think they were very mean to take Dan’s picture from his wife if she wanted to keep it. Also the bedroom set if Grandma had given it to Han.

And about him paying his note so promptly, likely the money that Han gave him the day before. It’s nice to be so forehanded don’t you think?

I wonder if he thinks now of the time when he wouldn’t eat anything Grandma cooked in the ten years that she speaks of, that he boarded her. Likely he now wants his pay.

So he doesn’t speak to you. You will now be as bad with him as Rattray is and K. McRea but do not worry about that as he has to have his spleen with most people that differ from him.

You know how he used to hug Mr. Carmichael when he first came and how he turned against him at the last. He is one of those self conceited fools.

Now as to going to see Grandma you do your duty towards her and never mind what the rest does. She is your mother and not so responsible as when younger. So you will have to make allowance for that as you will not have any regrets after she is gone.

It will not be your fault if they do not use you right.

Did Sarah get anything out of the spoils except the watch? I think she was looking for something.

I haven’t heard from any of the children since I came back. You will likely have them with you soon now.

Is Flora going home at Easter? I haven’t heard from her since I came back.

It will break up the time for you as well as for them.

Hope you may make it pleasant for both of you supposing I am not there.

Is Edith getting a vacation at Easter?

Haven’t heard from Herb since writing you last. I wrote him after coming back about the insurance but it always takes him so long to answer letters that I sometimes get discouraged at him not being more prompt about answering his letters, but he may be out in the country and not getting his mail regularly.

I want you to keep good friends with Han if possible and use her as well as you can. Never mind what the others say.

We are having it kind of rough and cold here this week. Thursday night it snowed about 6 inches of soft snow then it turned cold and has been cold since with some snow at times through the day but at times the sun comes out and you would think it was coming spring right away.

How is your furnace wood holding out? I hope you will have enough to put you through.

I am enclosing you my cheque for $20.00 and want you to pay the Bell phone and the water bill which will be $5.00 and 3.00 and the balance will be yours truly.

You see it takes money to keep square with things and what makes it worse is that your bills come along all the time with my pay smaller than it used to be ... And have to make the most of it.

Now I have written a long rambling letter and I hope I haven’t said too many harsh things in it.

I must thank you very much for the nice name you called me in your letter - and if I was near, you know what I would do.

I will be pleased to hear from you soon again with the news of the town or anything else you hear. Now, my sweet pet, I will close with lots of love from our affectionate husband,

N. Nicholson

(Margaret's grandchildren, who often visited Richmond, remember Clayton Hill as a nice man who took them along on drives to local cemeteries, for he was a stone mason. The family genealogy says of Isabella Hill (who died in 1913 of cancer) that her house was always full of friends. Letters from the late teens and twenties reveal that the Nicholsons got over their fiery feud with Clayton. But it only gets hotter, this year.)

Letter 65: Illness, wills and much Ill will.

2011-03-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

The business card of the good Frank Skinner, until this month, neighbour to Margaret, who dug her out after giant snowstorms and took the girls on car trips. The back of the card has an address written in pencil, JE Skinner, 546 5th avenue North, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Richmond
March 28th 1912

Dear Norman,

Your letter received Tuesday night I am glad you arrived safely and that your eye is still improving.

Sorry your throat bothers you, do be careful and not take more cold.

I am looking for letters from the girls to say just when the are coming.

I think Marion will be Monday and will have ten days.

Aunt Christie and Uncle Alex (Watters of Kingsbury) were down this afternoon. She is no worse, only came to see the Dr. as her medicine was here. Sarah (Currie, sister from Ontario) is still here for the last three days, she has been at Bella's and has had a bad cold. She stayed most of last week with me. She talks of going next Monday. I think things would have been different had she not been here.

Han was up one evening and said she would come anytime but does not want to meet any of the others. I went down the other night. Sis looked black and walked out of the room. For that I am as well pleased.

(Sis is Han's sister, I imagine, who caused a scandal in the Nicholson's eyes by flirting with a married man border.)

Clayton sent a team down for Grandma's things and took the bedroom set. The one she had before she got Aunt Maggie's. She said if he wants it, take it. Then he took that enlarged picture of Dan's. Said Mother wanted it. Han says they are cruel and that she will keep away from them.

Well it is hard for one to keep away as Mother makes such a fuss so last Sunday after church in the eve I walked up with Sarah but Clayton was not speaking.

I must have said something to offend him. I don't care much. He said that they kept Grandma for ten years for nothing and that they would keep her if there was no money.

I don't know anything about what they did with the money.

I will keep away all I can. Dr. Skinner is starting to build his fire place.

Has Mr. Ross there and trains bringing bricks or stone so they will soon move out and give him the house.

(It appears Crombie has purchased Dr. Skinner's house, but wants a fireplace. Ironically, the Nicholsons pay the interest on their mortgage to Williamson and Crombie.)

Aunt Han said the notes would be all right. She wrote Herb. I also wrote and told how you were away and that I hoped he would write.

No, they did not refuse your note.

Grandma said she would rather have the money, so they were not offered any notes. Clayton said he could pay it in cash the next day which he did.

His was 300.00 but don't worry or think anything about it. It may be evil overruled with good. Just like Herb said, had he sold more of his business would have been better for him.

Do just what you think about taking the policy. The girls could manage it, a hundred dollars should not be dropped like that.

Use our own judgment about it.

I only went to church once. It was not a candidate who preached. I met Dan McDonald on the street. He seemed friendly. (Han was Johanna McEwen, but Norman refers to her as a MacDonald.)

I am invited to Mrs. W. Ewing's tomorrow afternoon. She is giving a tea for Mrs. Skinner. I was down at Mrs. Moffatt's yesterday; she was showing all the fine things she bought in the city: an extension suitcase cost 18 dollars wholesale. I also called to see Mrs. Rothney's baby boy.

I will write when I hear from the girls.

With much love to you your dear wife

Margaret Nicholson

Letter 64: Awfully Sorry

2011-03-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Massey Harris Co Ltd

Moosejaw Sask March 27, 1912

Dear Mother,

Just a few lines to let you know that until further notice my address will be Brownlee Sask as I have been transferred to new territory in what they call the Outlook branch of the CPR.

It is a branch running from Moose Jaw North and west to a town called Outlook after which it is named.

Awfully sorry to hear of poor uncle Dan dying and also more than glad Father was home.

Will write more when I get located.

The weather is lovely here in the city. Hardly any signs of winter, warm and dust flying on the streets. Going to Brownlee this afternoon at 3 pm or as they call it here 15 oclock. Hope you are well.

Your loving son
Herb

Letter 62: Clean and Comfortable

2011-03-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ticket on Grand Trunk, March 1912. Norman's very likely, when he travelled back for Dan's funeral.

Richmond,

Thursday PM March 21, 1912

Dear Norman,

I received a letter from Edith last night saying they both had a nice visit with you at Mrs. Ellis's and said your eye was no worse. Seems a long time since you left.

And I have not even had a post card from you , but hope to get one tonight.

Well on Tuesday Sarah and Bella well down to Han's to ask why the business was not settled. Han thought they might wait till Mr. King came though they need not be in a hurry.

Well, Sarah or Bella said Mother feels that she is without a home.

Han got angry and gave them a terrible going over.

I might have been dragged into it but I had company come in and could not go. They thought if I did not go I was in league with Han and King so just before they went I told them that Han had written you asking us to take Grandma and that they would hear your answer from Han or King as I had given your letter to her.

The next morning Bella went to Rowatt's office and paid a dollar for a copy for the will when I told Bella about the offer she said has she power to say where she will go.

I said evidently or she would not ask. An hour after she got her copy Mr. King arrived came up to see me, telephoned to ask Rowatt if he would go up to Hills at 2 PM then telephoned Clayton to tell him to show you how much confidence they all have in us.

When I went into the sitting room to speak privately to them, King and Sarah were with me. She went up stairs, dressed herself and went up to Clayton's and I never heard her going out.

After King left I called upstairs, Sarah come down, you are to hear the will at last, but she was nowhere to be found. She had gone to say that some plan was being hatched.

Now does not that show them up. I told her straight of it, that there was no underhand work. Well, there was nothing in the will that Han could say where she would go and she said Mother said she would take money.

She did not want any 'notes' also they made out a cheque for her and Han signed it. Bella handed it to her said, "here is your money," she said.

I did not get the money.

She did not know what a cheque meant. Still they say she is so bright so Now Bella and Clayton have the money.

Bella said I made proposition to her and you can make yours.

I said if you made yours she very likely accepted to them in no need of mine. And now we made the offer we did not turn her down.

Now Clayton said such a piece of imposition Han to dictate where she would go, said she might send her to Pollie if she had the say.

These are the friends. So it is all right, let them have it all. The poor woman would have been clean and comfortable with us.

Han still has your notes and Herb's.

She will write Herb. She will write Herb. She said and will wait for yours. Said it would be all right."So endeth the first chapter" write soon but don't bother anything about I won't after this, we will pay our debts some time!

Had a letter from Flora,Yours with love Margaret

Letter 61: Sour Notes

2011-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Nicholson,

As you were the first to call on me to settle your notes I have come to the conclusion that I am going to carry out the will of my late husband as I understand it. His will reads that I am to pay in cash out of the estate the sum of five hundred dollars to my late husband's mother, Marion McLeod. This amount of money is to be paid over to herself or to who ever keeps her and as I have the first preference and I feel unable to the task, after all my late husband has gone through, I now offer you and Mrs. Nicholson the next privilege of taking her mother, as your notes come to one hundred and some interest.

I will we down in a few days and I will leave the two notes with Mr. Rowatt. Yours and your son's debts, which will cover the amount and a little over, and as my late husband wanted to sell the property I have concluded to do so at the earliest opportunity and turn everything into cash a once and of course, should you conclude not to take Mr. McLeod, I will expect you to pay the amount of five hundred to which the other one of the girls keep their Mother. Hoping this will prove satisfactory to all parties concerned, I am yours Sincerely,

Joanna Mcleod

(Han)

Letter 60: It Gives me A Sad Feeling

2011-03-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

148 Hollis street,
Framingham, Massachusetts

March 12, 1912

My Dear Maggie,

I only heard last Sunday of your brother's death. Mrs. Booth called me in , she was passing, and told me.

This will be a sad blow to you all, especially to your poor mother. I fear it will go hard with her being old and feeble and devoted to your brother as she was.

I sympathize deeply with you all.

I never met your brother but I know he was a nice man from all accounts as Mrs. Booth said he had been such a sufferer that it probably was a blessed relief for him to die but that does not prevent those he has left behind from being sorrowful and lonely.

His wife has been very devoted to him I believe and it is well to have that to think of that he was well cared for and all done for him that could be done.

Coming so soon after your sister's death makes it doubly hard.

You spoke of Mr. Skinner's moving and Dr. Moffatt and your Minister also going and the Sutherlands gone.

Richmond will soon have few of your old friends and neighbours left. It gives me a very sad feeling.

I think it is a good thing you did not come down this way in February on account of your brother's illness and also because it was an extremely cold month but I will be very happen to see you later on if you can come.

Our snow is gone but it is rain and cold trying hard to snow this morning.

I had a letter from my cousin Violet and she said Robbie Riddle and his family starting last week for the Northwest and Mary Brown was going with them.

On account of holding her land, taking the youngest girl with her. Willie Jack's father and wife were still staying with Violet but were going soon.

I heard Carl Brown too was to start about the middle of this month for his place at Maclin in the Northwest.

I will not write more. Now please give my love and sympathy to your mother and sister Mrs. Hill.

I know too well that it is to have a sad and aching heart for those who have left us.

And I never forget all your kindness and Mr. Nicholson's when my dear sister died.

God bless you all.

Yours lovingly Marion R. Coy.

PS Will your mother remain with Mrs. Hill? What will your sister in law do? Remain where she is?

I want you dear to write me soon as you can. I well know what a sad loss this is to you and know you will miss him so much. I don't think you should try to stay alone nights, it is too lonely for you.

We have had mean damp weather and Nate has been troubled very much with his asthma. He was at home 2 days last week with it. It is a great drain on his strength. We don't want him to work but he will of course, his work is not like physical labor, else he could not do it.

Much much love and believe me I feel deeply for you in your affliction. Marion....
......................
Mrs. Coy, a relation in Massachusetts, will die in 1923, a year after Norman Nicholson. Her husband, the invalid Nathan, will outlive her and write a letter to Margaret, announcing his wife's death and complaining how hard he has it compared to Margaret who, widowed like himself, has 4 nice children. He has only one INSANE son, he writes, who is only getting worse. The son is not able to understand his mother's death, apparently.

In August of 1912, Edith and Marion will visit Massachusetts and be set up with Chester, who will in turn visit them in Montreal in September. Marion will call him "A great Yankee." Chester, Mrs. Coy writes, in not inclined to marry. I have to wonder if he loses his mind in WWI. It seems likely. Letters from 1920 mention Chester and his illness.

This letter describes the exodus from Richmond to Montreal and to parts West in 1912.

Letter 59: We Shall All Miss Him

2011-03-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

New Scotland, New York
March 11, 1912

Dear Cousin Maggie,

Your note of the 8th bearing sad intelligence of Dan's death I received this afternoon.

I can hardly tell you how sad I feel. I car scarcely think of anything else. The last I heard he was some better and I had no idea of his being taken away so soon and suddenly.

It seems so strange. I was thinking of him on Thursday. Several times while I was busy with my books and preparing my sermon my thoughts would return to him. Also on Friday morning as soon as I began my work my mind returned to him and I began reproving myself for not writing. Well, I was busy and I resolved to write you Sunday evening after my day's work would be over and inquire how he was and also how your mother was standing the winter.

Well, when Sunday evening came I was too tired to do any writing and I said I could do it better in the morning when fresh. But I had a tired headache and did not go to the office till noon and then I receive your letter. I have been out since visiting some sick and did not get in until 10 o'clock but I was determined to write this tonight, lest I may not in the morning.

Well, his pilgrimage is over and he is laid to rest. We shall all miss him but of course those who stood nearer to him and saw him most frequently will miss him most. I hope his wife may be comforted in her lonelines and that she may be given strength to bear her sorrow and loss. I shall try to write her but less I should fail kindly convey to her my sympathy. I met her only once but thought her an admirable companion and wife.

Of course, your mother will miss Dan very mcuh and I am rejoiced ot har that God dealt so graciously with her and her health has been so long sustained. I have cherished the hope of getting among you all to see all once more before I or they cross to the other shore.

I frequently officiate at the funerals of those who have departed life around me and death has quite a different meaning when a relation or boyhood acquaintance near my own age is taken.

Just last week, a man by the name of Flint was instantly killed as his auto skidded over, pinning him down. With him was a gentleman, a very good friend of mine,who was thrown but escaped with only a shaking up, and the terrible shock at seeing his friend who was giving him a ride home instantly killed.

I would dearly love to see all you and would have tried had I suspected dan was so soon to be taken. I have been real well all winter despite the long cold spell from January 4. At present, March is quite agreeable. We have had only about six inches of snow and the best of sleighing. No rain and freezing. I have been qutie busy and everything going nicely.

I hear from David and Alex or some of the families but seldom and not for a long time for the Gore or Kingsbury or Richmond.

I wish I could talk instead of writing to you. I just want to ask so many questions about Dan but they will not be of any comfort or need by him now.

Hope Norman and all the family are well, as yourself.

Kind Regards to all,
N.M McLeod

...
The Isle of Lewis Scots of Quebec often emigrated to the US, and many of them were ministers of the cloth. This letter hints at the kind of sermon this man might have given.

Letter 58: Dan Died

2011-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday the 7th of March 1912

Dear Norman,

You will have my letter I also sent a telegram on the 5th. Poor Dan died this morning at 5 oclock the funeral is Saturday at two o'clock in the afternoon In the St. Andrew's Cemetery Melbourne.

Jennie Wood came and stayed three days and Mrs. Neilson we are all well trusting to hear from you. I f we do not see you I am writing to the girls with much love Your loving wife Margaret.

I read your letter.

Letter 53: This is a Dose for You

2011-03-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Tighsolas, Thursday AM

Feb 29, 1912

Dear Norman,

Yours of the 24th and 25th received.

I wrote hurriedly about the Eastern Star. I am glad you are in favour of it. They have to get 35 names to become members before they can get a charter They intend holding their meetings in your lodge room.

Mrs. Len Barrie is a member of the Eastern Star in Boston, so only a member could get lodge here.

I will give her my name and ask about you. Dr. and Mrs. Skinner have given their names but it will take some time to get the charter.

They will join if they get it before they go. I will enquire about yearly fees. I did not ask Bella anything about it, likely she will.She was away in Coaticooke last night at the Rebecca's.

Had some meeting there. I did not mention any thing to the girls yet. I am sure Edith would like to join.

Well, Dan is not better. The Dr was in again. Said at first he thought it would be a slow run but found it was developing fast.

He told Han and she now has commenced to be extremely careful, boils every dish that comes out of his room.

But they did not tell Dan, so he does not know.

Clayton told MacDonald that Dan was pretty sick. He said has he got his business settled? That was the most important thing with them so the next day King came down got Rowatt. (Rowatt is a notary.)

Had Willie Ewing in. Had the will made. They never mentioned it to any of us and we would never have known, only Clayton happened to go in and heard some one talking up stairs.

Asked Han who was up there so she said Rowatt and W. Ewing and King so he went right out.

Don't you think they might have mentioned it to Clayton or some of us?

Bella spoke to Mr. Carmichael about him taking communion so last night he asked me to go over at 7 o'clock. So he gave him the communion.

Han did, also Mr. Miller and Mr. Farquharson, Mr. King Sarah and myself all took it with him.

He was quite excited and regretted that he put off so long and of course has hope that he will be spared to go about again.

Han seemed to think I might tell him that his case was hopeless.

But the Lord will prepare him and he will never know it from me.

Of course, he wants her around him. She said if she was only strong but "I have a weak side having had pneumonia".

She still sleeps with him but makes a fuss. Said she would sit up or sleep anywhere.

I suggested that she put a linen on the floor as we had when you had typhoid fever. (Norman had typhoid in 1896, the year he built Tighsolas.)In talking I made the remark that people were not so frightened about it in olden times, then when I came home she said to Sarah that I hurt her feelings and that I had no sympathy for her.

The next time I went over I just told her I just merely made that remark and that she was certainly looking for something to find fault with. I also told her I could not tell him and asked if I had not suggested that she sleep some where else.

She said "Yes, you did, but it was the way you said it." That was before the will was made: she seems all right now.

Dan told me about Sis, one day. Han was out. It was quite different from Han's story. Dan may have had his faults, but he was truthful. So we don't know anything about how things were written in the will.

Don't you think King might have mentioned to Clayton? He went up there for tea. Poor Dan was not happy for some time really.

Sarah has been at Dan's at night since so I went back to the Skinnner's but when she goes I supposed I will be expected to go there.

I will be all right. No one can do anything for him but Han if she only keeps well. We will all try and do all we can for him he only sits up in bed for a little while.

Dr. said he would come in ten days for his last call. Dr. Moffat goes to Montreal to study for a month. His sale was a great success. He laughs at how the things went. Presby meeting here on the 5th, then we will learn just when Mr. Carmichael goes; we are going to have a farewell social for him and Dr. Moffatt together, no date fixed yet.

I had a card from John McLeod. Mrs. McLeod is feeling better. He will be in on the 5th.

I had a long letter from Flora last week, one from Edith Saturday, they are all well. I have nothing from Herb since I wrote.

We had the greatest storm of the season Tuesday. Last night Mr. Montgomery came and shoveled both my walks. Said he never saw it so bad. Then the plough came and filled it in again.

Dr. Skinner came and shoveled it so I am all right with such good neighbors! and I hope you will keep well.

Is there any word of you getting promoted?

If they did perhaps you could come home at Easter.

Marion is pretty busy, she always says. Edith does most of the writing to me.

I think I will have enough of wood. The days will be getting warmer soon. I saw the Hon Graham's election, good majority too.

I think I told you the Crombie deal was off. They have settled down to work again. This land deal that you saw is Colonel Bernard's farm. Seems Willie Ewing put that sale through. I don't know what is going to amount to.

Dr. Skinner has advertised in the paper that his house is for sale.

Mr. Messier is talking of buying it for his mother and sisters.

The Church union voting is slow; we have not heard anything yet of how it goes.

Dr. Kellock has been over twice to see Dan . I met him there. He seemed all right but is quite deaf and asks the same questions two or three times. But he always did that since we knew him.

Well, this is a dose for you. You will be tired reading it. I have to write Edith so must stop hope to hear soon.With much love Margaret

Letter 57: My Sweet Pet

2011-03-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

March 3, 1912

Cochrane, Ontario

Dear Margaret,

Yours of the 29th received yesterday. It always brings me near you, when I hear from you.

With such a nice long letter like the one I received yesterday. Do not think you can give me too much of a dose of that kind?

I am like Archie McNaughton in that respect, when he said "sugar" he likes it.

Was sorry to hear that Dan was not improving.

So they got him to make his will. Seems strange they did not call in Clayton as witness to it, but I suppose they ware afraid that he would repeat some of it - you know he cannot keep anything to himself.

But it shouldn't make any difference in their case as I do not think anyone was looking for anything out of it.

But had Dan died without a will - not having any children - his relations could claim his share of what there was. But now I suppose they have it fixed all right.

I hope they have provided for Grandma should she live longer then him. I think Dan would see that was done if he has as much sense as he used to have.

Should he be taken away? Where will she have him buried? Can't one of you try and pump him in a mild way, he might tell you where he would like to be buried.

She may take him to where her people are buried up on the side of the river, half way to Windsor. I would think likely he might like to be buried where his Father, Brother and Sister are, not where they have no family.

How is it that King is called in? . He must have been called by her. I am sure if I had been in Richmond, I would have been consulted in the matter, however it doesn't matter much if Grandma is provided for.

These MacDonalds are a peculiar sort, self conceited lot of Highlanders. Hard to make much of them.

You seem to be the one they all have so much to say about, but I wouldn't mind it. Just let them whistle it. They will all have to come to you in the end. I am with you, so you don't need to care.

Do not let these things bother you if you can, they are second considerations.

Bella says far more harsh things to her than you do.

So you have Sarah Currie (Margaret's sister from Sudbury, Ontario) in Richmond? See that you have her with you as much as you can; also Florence, I suppose, she is a big girl by this time.

I would like to see them both but fate seems to rule otherwise as they were in Richmond twice since I saw them.

How long are they going to stay? Remember me kindly to Sarah and the little girl, also tell her I wish to be remembered to Mr. Currie and the rest of the family at home.

When does Dr. Moffatt expect to leave. When he comes back from college? Did they sell their piano?

So you are going to give M and Mr. Carmichael a send off? Let me know the particulars when you write. Has Mr. Messier left Richmond yet?

I hope some English person will buy Dr. Skinner's house when does he leave for the west. Is Mrs. Skinner going with him?

I had letter from the three girls since writing you; they are all well. Flora was coming into the city to teach last week so Marion said. Haven't heard from Herb since writing you last.

After I got your photo I was writing to Marion and said I had got a photo of the best looking woman in Canada and when answering my letter she said 'didn't I think the offspring of that good looking lady were an improvement on the old stock?"

Marion has always something to say, when poked up.

I wish when you send my papers again that you would send me two cards of darning yarn, one grey for my underwear and one black for my stockings. And also a neck tie - just a cheap one that will wear well.

My whiskers wear through so quickly. They are very expensive here.

Do not send me a dear one as they do not last long. We are having fine weather here for the last week lots of sun.

Now my sweet pet, I am exhausted for news and will close, trusting to hear from you soon again this leaves me well. With very much love to you, our affectionate husband, N. Nicholson.

Letter 56: Questioning Myself

2011-03-24T14:14:00.001-07:00

Silver Plate Hotel
Govan Sask
March 3rd, 1912

Dear Father,

Your letter of some time ago received and was very pleased to hear from you. The weather has moderated considerably which makes my work more pleasant.

It was pretty cold for about a month and more than once I was questioning myself if the bank was not a better job.

I think I did pretty well on the collection and our business and now they put me on the sales department which in not my snap and I will have to work hard to make good.

You know, my experience with machinery and especially farm implements is rather limited.

Have not made any big sales yet but have been working hard.

When you don't know what you are talking about and yet up against experienced opposition with a deal for sale a 10 furrow equipage gang plow which costs about $1000.00 you can be sure it makes you do some thinking.

I may leave these people and go out for the Dehaval cream separation people. Think I can get more money and more expenses and if I can I will certainly go.

I hope the cement work will commence soon with you so that your position will be better again.

No, I do not want you to think of paying that insurance of mine but want to thank you just the same for offering or considering same and what is more I am going to write Geo Alexander and tell him that any business he and I have are to be kept between ourselves.

Now don't you think that because I feel that way towards George that I do not appreciate your feelings, you know I wrote him and told him that I did not want the insurance and expected that would be sufficient..

I hope you are keeping well. I was more than pleased to get a photograph of mother the other day and see that she is looking so well and younger than ever. I was showing it to some of the boys and at first they did not hardly believe it.

I wrote Mother and told her about this so she will probably be telling you. Now as I have not any more news I will have to close for this time.

Your son Herb,

Letter 55: I do not know much about farming

2011-03-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Silver Plate
Govan, Saskatchewan
March 2, 1912

Dear Mother,

I am at least again going to answer your letters. Have been very busy lately and not home ever on Sundays.

Things are about as usual here except that the weather is much milder and also more pleasant. I am making up for time lost while the weather was cold.

I do not know what news I can give you.

I am glad to know that you are all well.

I am working for the company in sales now instead of collections. This quite a proposition for me as I do not know very much about farming or farm machinery but will have to try and hold down the job as long as I can and then look for something else.

I am writing Father today. They are keeping him on pretty well but it is too bad they have reduced his salary so much.

I expect to get some new territory to work likely to be farther west, probably in the main line of the CPR west of Moose Jaw as far as Maple Creek but will let you know as soon as I make the change. I may leave the Massey Harris people and go on with the DeHavel cream separation people. I think I can make a lot more money with them.

If I make the change, it will be the mid of this month.

Now, Mother, I will not write any more this time but will drop you some cards in a day or so.

Do you know I almost forgot for a minute about your photograph which was very very fine. I showed it to two or three of my new friends and they would not believe at first that it was my mother but later did as they said I looked like you a little no you can imagine how I felt complimented.

One of the party said it was too bad I did not look more like you. I have one of all the family and think very soon I will have to add my own to the collection. I have them all together showing them to another party who was visiting me in my room and he said that we went in very strong for good looks and this being the case I think I had better leave mine out and do as the conservative party says. Leave well enough alone. Hope uncle Dan and Grandmother and all the rest of our friends keep well. Now write again

Your loving Son
Herb

Letter 54: Immense amounts of nerve strain

2011-03-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

1095 Greene Ave
Westmount Quebec
March 3, 1912

Dear Mother,

I was very much surprised to see Jack last night, but had a feeling that something must be wrong. I had no idea Uncle Dan was so poorly.

I telephoned Marion as Jack did not get out here until about a quarter to nine. He said you had telegraphed father. Do you think he will come? There is so little one can do now.

How is poor Grandma and Aunt Han? Flora came in Friday night. I met her and we had supper in town. Then we went to Marion's as M was joining St. Andrew's, We went to the service.

Flora and M went to the rink. Saturday morning the three of us went out. F came back to dinner with me and stayed until rink time. I could not go as I was on duty. She stayed the night with Marion.

Sunday morning I met Hugh on my way to church so we went together and they showed us into a seat with Marion Flora and Mrs. Ellis.

That was a coincidence, don't you think so? Hugh came to the fair with us. He is very attentive to the family. M and he spent the evening (Monday) with me.

Yesterday we were in town and called to see Mr. C. (Cleveland.)

We are first beginning to prepare for a concert . Miss Leith and I have charge of the drills and dialogues so that means an immense amount and nerve strain.

As to Easter, I don't know anything as yet. Flora is looking forward, expects to have a week. I fancy she is a little lonesome at times.

One good thing about Macdonald is that they have to work so hard that there is little time for that.

Had a long letter from Father. Wants us to get something for Mrs. Skinner. What would you suggest?

Now be careful about yourself and don't do too much. You always seem to be the one that is looked upon to do everything.

I wish Father could come home for your sake. Just for a few days. With kind remembrances to all, and heaps of love,

From your loving Edith.