HOSTETTER, Hettie to dau Mary - 1919
thanks to Jeff B for these : ) And to his cousin, Laura Perone for the transcriptions
Note: Letters are from Hettie Hostetter, who wrote the letters to her daughter Mary when she was a college student at what is now Miami of Ohio. Mary obviously kept the letters from her mother her whole life and now we have them. As they were written in 1919, Eleanor, who was mentioned in one, was about 5 years old (Jeff’s gma’ and such a wonderful lady who did so much for the local DAR group in Crawfordsville as well as other historical groups – she was also a wow English teacher). My grandma was Mary's niece. Grandma’s father was Howard, who Hettie mentions a couple of times.
January 19, 1919
Dear Mary:
We were diappointed in not getting a letter yesterday but the card the day before says you are well. Had a letter from Henry. Then papa went to uncles to measure the corn he had sold and came back by C’ville and took lunch with Henry, he is doing all right. Said he was being careful. Gene said he was all right this morning at S. School. We went in the Ford (it is able for short trips) then went to the M.E. Church they are having their revival. A young man back from the trenches. First enlisted with Canada fifteen days after she declared war then transferred to U.S. when she got in. He is telling about the war. Was at the school auditorium last nite. We heard him a few minutes before church, will speak tonite from six to seven. He has lots of crosses, stripes, and honors is a sargent. Fine looking six ft. five but one stiff leg. He wants to study to be a civil engineer. A free will offering tonite. Charged 25 cents last nite. Been wounded seven times gased two times. Tells some of the horrors. Grandma came down as Grandpa went to town yesterday. Was at Daves the day before the weather is so fine she must has to get out.
Papa had a letter from John Gooch yesterday wanting him to hire him furnish a house or I guess Bob has written him about the new one. Bell Edwards funeral was yesterday had shermatis. Loraine was to S. School this morning and acted sec. Mrs. I says Irwin is not well of his cold yet. Papa talked to Ralph yesterday they are well, he ask us to come again today. Howard’s were well the last we heard. They were in Roachdale last Tuesday Papa saw Howard, they were in Madine
My swine are doing fine. They like this sunshine. Everything seems to be quiet at town now, have heard nothing of the runaways. I will send you the paper. I haven’t much to write today. I hope you are trading your pictures not giving them away. Let us hear about your dinner. I hope everybody will keep well and I can get some sewing done this week. I don’t know when the time is out for us to take the mumps. I waited on him If I don’t guess the others will not for we kept Curtis away. I saw Miss Browning at church today. She is fine looking. C. likes her Mis Dohen has been having flue. I must close write my love Mother
Jan 23, 1919
Dear Mary,
Its late and I should be in bed, but if I don’t write and send in morning you will not get it Sat. We went to start to church Sunday nite and had no litghts so had to stay at home. Curtis had gone with Jo and girls.
I cut the brown robe Monday. Jennie Davis walked down to see me in the afternoon. Grandpa’s went to Uncle Wills Mon. She was going there but could not ring her. I told her to come here.
We got a letter from Ralph Tuesday they are well he wants us to come up and at least to write. Wed we got your letter and one from Henry I will enclose it to you, today we got your other letter it was the one I wanted to get to here from your dinner. You must be making quite a hit. Am glad things are going so smooth. But hope you are not going to town alone. It looked 2 me that the teachers went in pairs in Nov.
We washed Wed. and ironed today and packed your case to send by Curtis in morning so you will have clean clothes whether you need them or not. Papa got a --- of apples last week. I put in what you wanted most.
There is more sickness in Roachdale than any time yet. If a few more get sick will close the school for good. Curtis has to give a story of the book “A girl of the Limberlost” and wanted me to tell him I looked at the chapters and read some tonite is has been so long since I read it I most forget.
I make a list of what I pack for you so if it goes wrong I will know what is in it.
Harry Philips is working for Daves now who next? Its been so warm here I had to dress lighter so I don’t blame you much but if it get cold you better dress warm this winter. I guess you did not get your Thursday letter back in time to send it sooner.
I have been to town and no one else has seen bout your pictues. Will have Curtis 2 do it tomorrow. Harold H is going to C’ville Friday nite and wants C to go with him. There is so much sickness I hardly know what to do about it.
There is a fine story of ten chapers in Forward now about a college girl. Curtis has to bring up the chapters between lessons in the pathfinders class. Mrs. Ashby is teacher. Margeret did it last Sunday. Someday I will take time to write you all I know. I will not write to the boys tonite. With my love, Mother
April 16, 1919
My Dear Mary:
Forty one more hours from now and you will be another year older. Its 8, just struck.
Stuart has the flu. Mrs. Irvin called yesterday evening about five said Florence had called her asking her to come over today and get the baby as the Dr. did not want him to have it on account of his enlarged toncils. Stuart was not feeling well yesterday morning and went to the Dr. who sent him home and 2 bed, said flu. His temperature was only 101. Mrs. I went today and brought Irwin. Said Stuart was doing fine, did not have very high fever. She asked me this morning if they got bad or Thelma got it too if I would go and take care of them. I said yes.
But I really think it would be better for her to take care of her own child and let me care for my grand child. She said this evening if he does take it, Florence would come down. I told her she might not be able . But we are hoping she and baby will not Irwins have all had it in Jan. as we have not it might be better for us to take the baby and she go over there. Some Drs. Say you can have a relapse for three months but only have flu once. Dr. Gorchoch of Columbus Ohio told papa it was something the Doctors do not know much about and can’t find out much. Said they were having the third wave in Columbus and it was taking the old folks.
Papa got back from Chicago Tuesday morning 3 a.m. Everything is all ready now for them to go to work. It will take six months to get everything ready.
Did you see the snow today? My little chick are not going any good now too cold. I don’t know what would become of my chicks and setting hens if I do have to go to Stuarts. How I would like to bring the baby out here and take care of him all by my self. I told Mrs. I they might have to get a nurse and if Stuart got bad we will have to go. He is so sensable and reasonable I think he will get along all right, especially with the right care.
Papa has a cold today. He got damp yesterday. A car of fertilizer came and he had to onload it or help. I washed today, some curtains and extras all alone but did not put them out, it was so bad. It looked so bad Mom and Tues. but cleared up about noon both days so I thot it would again , but it got worse today. Jo stayed all nite last nite. He did not come the two nites papa was gone. Sentis (?) said Celbrystel (?) got an eight page letter from you. I wanted 2 have yoour cake for your birthday. But have not been able to get it yet. I should have gone the day you left, but I did not want to go with Mrs. Sta--, but after my long ride 2 Ralph’s and all theother extras I know you want it for the 21.
We got your letter and Henry’s yesterday he wrote like he would not go, but wanted to but got busy. The “Back-elor gave him quite a write up as elected head of Y.M.C.A. Did you finish your dress like you said or did or like I did it. I got a pattern for Eleanors but I don’t like it. Got it at Sutherlin Jo and Cunts had to go 2 a boy Scouts meeting Mon. nite and I had to go or stay alone. I set in machine in front of the Library after store began to close. Got home at ten. I think Curtis must have forgotten to mail your letter I thout you would get it Friday evening, sure Sat.
The violets look like a carpet in the grove. I have only been up there once, but they are fine. They were in bloom when you was here, by the corner of the house, I did not seee them till after you left.
Eillens letter sounded like her, I think that is the best place for he. She might learn some things she should know.
We had a letter from Aunt Tine (?) today wish I could send it but better not they have bought $99.00 worth of floor covering Linoleum was fifteen and you know how small their kitchen is.
I want to write 2 Stuart tomorrow if I can it is to late tonite and seem my hand does not work right anyhow. We had a letter from Ralph’s this week (noon) all well, all business, If Stuart could he would have remembered your birthday I am sure.
We have not heard from Howard’s. I think I will try to call them tomorrow. He might be able to give Stuart some advice.
One side of the screen porch is pained white and you don’t know how it helps the looks. I will be so glad when it is done. We have not got the papers yet. Mr. Hyten of Raccoon is going to paint the new house as soon as he can. I can not think af anything more to write. I wish you many happy returns of the day. And this is your first birthday away from home. Let us hear from you. With my love, Mother