letters from the past..

A few years ago, while going through an old suitcase that had been my Great-Grandma Elsa's, we discovered a packet of letters. They were yellowed, but in surprisingly good condition with envelopes, stamps, and all. Just today, I got them out again, and decided to sit down and read a few.

Most of them are dated around 1915-1920, from various girlfriends of Elsa's in Kansas, McCloud, California, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania, etc. Elsa was newly married, and had just moved apart from all of her family and friends in Kansas to Oregon with her new husband, William. Here is what one of her dearest friends, Anna Larson, had to say...

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My Dearest Elsa Girl,

I'm just going to write a few lines, but might not be able to write much as not so very much has happened here since I wrote you last.

How are you now, darling? I surely hope you are as well as can be. I think of you often, dear, ands wish I knew how you were. Did you get the hot Tamales, and were they any good? Some said they'd spoil before they reached there and some said they wouldn't, but I thought I'd try and see--so now, were they spoiled?  

We had a very nice ride yesterday between tl. North and Oklahoma City--the country was all so green and pretty and the weather was so warm so we had the windows open all the time. There was a jolly bunch on, too--mostly young men but they were too flirty to suit me. There were three of them winking at me at the same time and that made me mad!

We got into Oklahoma City at 8 o'clock but we did not do as we usually do--that is--take a walk around the city. We were quite tired so as soon as we'd gotten supper we went to our rooms in the hotel.

We got up at 5:30 this morning so as to catch this train. We had trouble with out engine this forenoon, so had to wait two hours for a new one to come. We've been entertained a good part of the day by a four-year-old boy who was so lively--smart and cute. He had the whole car laughing at him at times. Once he said to his mother, "Don't you sport my word" for dispute! 

We are now again in my native state Kansas, and I think it looks real nice this time of year. We are supposed to be at Osage City at 6:30, but I think it will be about 8:30 before we get there. Will finish this letter when we arrive there and before I retire tonight. 

May 9th, morning

When we got to our room last night at 9:40--I was sick as could be, headache and indigestion and it went to my heart so that I could not breath. The land lady gave me hot soda water and later on I vomited fierce, so I feel better  this morning, but oh, so weak...the least thing I do will make everything turn black, but I think I'll be better when I get something to eat. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning about 3 o'clock.

I must close now, dearest.

Forever your Kansas pal,

Anna

xxx

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..Well! How did you like that? Poor Anna, I certainly hope she felt better once she had something to eat. ;) Aren't these fun? Let me know if you would like to hear more of Great-Grandma Elsa's letters. A good deal of them are from Anna, her "forever Kansas pal."