August 21, 1922 - EARL SNARR CLAIMS BRIDE

Edythe enclosed an article detailing the wedding of Earl Snarr to Miss Lola Foulk. It seems she and Rayson knew Earl, but I can't help but wonder if Edythe might have been dreaming of her own wedding and this was perhaps a subtle hint to Rayson.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago, Illinois.

Return address:

408 Marcy St.

city, state cut off

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug 21 - 1922.

Dearest Lover:

After the train had taken you away from me last night I hurried down town alone, thinking perhaps I could make the seven thirty car home but just missed it. And so nothing could be done but wait half an hour for the next car. Then when we were half way home the power came off and we were stranded a couple of times so that by the time I reached home it was almost nine oclock. You were nearly half way to Chicago by then.

Mother and I went to town early this morning to mail the deed to Father and the Mother bought a new silk dress that she has been talking of getting for so long. It is awfully pretty and becoming to her. I am going to bead it for her.

As we came passed the express office I saw the Auditor for the company, Mr. Clark standing by the front desk. I stopped in to see him and he nearly shook my arm out of joint. He and Mr. Bryan are still working on McCabe's case. It seems they recovered some of the stolen goods in McCabe's house. And so he was a real crook after all, along with everything else.

We had a nice little shower here, just a real Calif. rain, enough to lay the dust. It is awfully cool too, we have all the doors closed like winter time.

We received a long letter from Vera this morning. They are getting along fine, although she is lonesome, it is too bad she is alone all day long.

Just as you mentioned dear, they were all over to Aunt May's for dinner and then went to the beach after dinner. They are all having a good time.

I am enclosing a clipping from tonight's paper which will probably be of interest to you. I always thought Earl was such a nice boy.

Dearest, Mother and I were talking about going to Bell's Island next Sunday and she thinks it would be better to wait until Labor Day and then it would not hurry you so to get back and make your train. One can never depend on those electric cars, they never run on time or when you most want them they do not. What do you think to this plan? It doesn't make a bit of difference to me though, what ever you and Mother want.

Darling, do you realize that another day is gone and by the time this reaches you another will have been added to it. Soon it will be Saturday and then Sunday again. They are the only days that matter any more, Saturdays because they bring you back to me and Sundays because I have you with me all day long. Some day it will be different, Then it will be every day instead of only every weekend, but dearest I dare not look forward to such happiness.

Mother is writing to Aunt May, such a long letter. I often envy any one who can think of so many things to write about.

Right now I am going to close this letter for there is no news and say 'good night' for this time. My own dearest Lover, I remain as ever,

Yours and yours only,

Lovingly,

Edythe.

August 17, 1922 - The buyers want the house by September 15th!

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

Return address:

408 Marcy St.

Ottawa Ill.

Ottawa, Ill.

Aug 17 - 1922

Dearest Rayson:

Your dear letter came yesterday morning, we had just finished washing. Hasn't it been awfully warm since Sunday? Just almost too warm to work and yet things have to be done. It looks a little like rain this morning, a nice rain would help things considerably.

Last night we were over to Aunt Vic's for a while. She is thinking about going west with us for the winter if she can find a place for Ryburn to stay during the hollidays when he comes home. She might just as well go and enjoy herself for she cannot watch him even when she is here.

The real estate agent called this morning to inform us that the deed is ready to be signed and the Kirby's want the house about the fifteenth of September and so that means get busy right away.

Dear I wish you would not feel badly about the little gift. Mother would like to have you wear it and too you know there will be many more birth days to be looked forward to and we will all be together to celebrate.

Mother and Aunt Vic have gone down town shopping and I stayed home to finish the house work. I have no desire to go to town at all here any more, all my friends are either out of town or on a vacation.

Mrs. Armstrong just called up and we talked for nearly half an hour.

Well dearest boy I will close this note as there is no news. With all my love and Mother's too I remain as ever, you own,
Edythe.

August 14, 1922 - Clarence Crumrine flew a plane over the city

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago, 

Illinois.

Return address:

408 Marcy St.

(city and state cut off)

The discoloration on the stationery is from the clipping below.
It was folded and tucked inside the letter.

Lieut. Crumrine

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug 14 - 1922.

My Dear Rayson:

This has been a long day, also a very lonesome one. I managed to get through it by keeping busy, finished a little sewing and some mending. Really dear, it seems like the week cannot go fast enough, I am always looking forward to Sunday.

Last night after you had gone, having just missed a car, I started to walk down town and who should come along but Elizabeth and Fred. They were as good as their word alright.

Cora was still here when I reached home but she didn't stay long after. She wanted to see my dress and wouldn't believe that I made it myself.

It is a great event to have a plane fly over the city although they do not stop, consequently there  was a whole column devoted to the subject tonight. I have enclosed the picture. Grand Ridge is Clarence Crumine's home town and he just dropped in for a visit. Perhaps you remember hearing about him. He piloted one of the five planes which made the first trip from the United States through Canada, to Alaska.

I stamped the pattern on a sheet, today to match the pillow cases which I bought at the fifth street store.

Well dear there really isn't any news and so will close for this time. With all my love you dear, I remain as always

Yours as ever & forever

Edythe.

P.S. - Mother just came in and said, "Don't forget to tell Rayson I send my love to him." And so I put it in a little letter all by itself,

Love - Edythe.

#virtualoregontrail June 27 - July 3, 1845 - "when men get mulish, they sometimes make asses of themselves"

Continued from the diary of James Field:

Frid. 27. - Yesterday morning a horse was missing from our company, and three others from Capt. English's, who encamped near us that night. Two men were left behind to hunt ours, and they report that it is their belief she was taken off by Indians, as they found moccasin tracks near the place they lost the trail. We camped last evening near Martin's company, which detained us again this morning dividing out cattle. We however traveled about 14 miles, all three companies camping on a small creek, near each other again. In the afternoon, met a company of trappers, with mules and ponies packed with furs, going from Fort Bridger, near the Southwest Pass, to the States, and the wildest-looking crew they were of any we have met with yet, some of them having their squaws and children with them. We saw buffalo to-day, killing one. We have seen none before, since we were about 60 miles below Fort Larimie.

A trapper loaded with supplies and furs.
Image from http://www.unco.edu/hewit/doing-history/trappers-traders/trappers/trappers-work-tools.aspx.

Sat. 28. - The country, for the past few days, is not so full of timber as it was near Fort Larimie. It is broken with high hills, some of them rising into little mountains, the naked sides of which are the perfect image of desolation itself. The water-courses are sandy, and present the phenomenon of sinking and rising again from the sand, which makes the country appear scarcer of water than it really is, as in crossing one you may see nothing but a hot, dry bed of loose sand, whilst by following it up or down you may find a fine running stream of water, pure as crystal, rising, running a short distance, then sinking into it again. The water is of an excellent quality, as by this constant filtration through the sand it is cleansed of all impurities, if any originally exist. We lay in camp to-day, in order to get clear of the other companies, as our cattle were mixing every night, causing considerable work separating them every morning. Three fine deer were killed, also two beaver. The latter animals appear very thick along the creek, it being dammed by them at every short interval, and the banks strewn with trees cut ready for transportation to their dams. These trees were young cottonwoods, from two to six inches in diameter and eight to twelve feet long, being cut at both ends as well as an Indian would do it with his hatchet, leaving only the tooth-print to detect the laborer by. The two that were killed were shaped like a coon, excepting the hind foot and tail, the foot being webbed like a duck's, and the tail, which was covered with a hard skin looking like fine scales, was precisely the shape of a trowel. The color was brown, and in size it was double that of the coon. The tail is considered a great delicacy by the trapper and  hunter. I had an opportunity to-day of testing the comparative quality of deer and buffalo meat. Both were of excellent quality, but the deer has a decided preference, being of a finer grain and more juicy and tender.

American Beaver, Image from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver

Sun. 29. - On driving up our stock this morning three oxen were missing, and, although the owners could go along without them, they declared they would not move for ten days unless they were found; so, after yoking up and standing in line more than half the day, we turned out, and camped upon the same spot again. It had been the practice of the company, when a few cattle were missing, to send back a party to hunt them, and let the others move on, but when men get mulish, they sometimes make asses of themselves, and here are to-night, with Tethero's company of 30 wagons and 300 head of cattle jammed in upon us, thus losing two days' travel to get clear of Martin's comany, and then getting mixed with one twice its size, whilst Stewart's company passed noon with 22 wagons.

Mon. 30. - Saw trees along the creek this morning from 20 inches to two feet in diameter, which had been cut down by beavers. Divided our cattle and got under way about 9 o'clock. Traveled 18 miles, camping on a creek close to the river again. About eight miles from our last camp, at the crossing of a creek, found a paper nailed to a piece of board informing us that the three missing oxen are ahead in English's company. We struck the river bottom about five miles from here; a smooth, level road was quite a luxury after four or five days' travel among the Black Hills.

Tues., July 1. - Traveled about 17 miles, most of the way up the river bottom, camping again on the river. Much of the distance is lost in heading ravines, and we cannot be more than ten miles higher up the river than last evening. This has been the case all the way this side of Fort Larimie, and a map of our road would show many serpentine windings.

Wed., 2. - Went 12 miles further up the North Fork, crossed it, and camped, feeling as though one good job was done, now that all the main forks of the Platte were left behind. This fork at the crossing is about 80 yards wide, current rapid as a mill-race, and so deep as to render it necessary to block up some of the lowest wagon beds. The bottom is hard and pebbly, and in crossing it is necessary to turn first down stream, then up.

Thurs., 3. - One accident occurred yesterday, which I omitted mentioning. In crossing a ravine, a wagon was overturned, it being the first of the kind that has yet occurred. But one person was in the wagon, and he received no injury. We were moving again in 20 minutes. Traveled about 23 miles to-day, giving the Platte the good-bye, and camping upon a small stream running from springs among the sand-hills. On leaving the Platte we struck the dreariest country we have yet traveled, it being barren, sandy hills and plains, with not a tree or shrub in view except the eternal wild sage which abounds everywhere this side of Larimie. It is a species of wormwood resembling garden wormwood more than it does sage. In places from three to eight miles apart we come to little valleys of clay ground from two to five or six rods wide, having a little water and some short, fine grass in them, and there are the camping places. For fuel, buffalo chips again come into play, and where the wormwood is large enough, we use it, lighting the camp nicely at night. There is also a small bush resembling cedar, the leaves of which have an acid taste. The water in the deepest of these valleys is very brackish, the clay where it comes in contact with it turning black, and it tastes strongly of salt, sulphur, etc., and I think of iron rust. The higher springs are very good.

Image of Big Sagebrush from http://fwp.mt.gov/mtoutdoors/HTML/articles/portraits/bigsagebrush.htm#.WvYdY6Qvz3g

From “The Diary of James Field” Willamette Farmer (Portland, OR, Fridays: April 18 – August 1, 1879). 

 9 May 1879 (June 18-29) https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-05-09/ed-1/seq-5/  

 6 Jun 1879 (June 30-July 14)  https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-06-06/ed-1/seq-6/ 

August 11, 1922 - "Isn't it strange how...people worry about someone else's affairs?"

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

Return address:

408 Marcy St.,

Ottawa, Ill.

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug 11- 1922

Dearest Rayson:

Your dear letter came yesterday while Mother and I were finishing another quilt. We are making up for lost time. This morning we are going down town to buy material for another quilt to make next week. We are going to get another trunk and with the one we have, will be able to pack quite an amount in them. The balance will be packed in a large packing box and the dishes in a barrel. I suppose the Yosts' will be furious when the learn that we are not going to ship with them but that doesn't worry us for they would do the same thing if they took a notion.

Yesterday being Thursday all the stores closed for the afternoon and the old town was as quiet as a sane Fourth of July. Even worse than Sunday. We couldn't kick though, nearly all of the neighbor's called during the day. Isn't it strange how so many people worry about someone else's affairs? Thats what they all came for, to find out our affairs and what we knew about the Yost's. I don't know what they will do for excitement after we leave.

Yes dear I will see you Saturday night and we will plan then on what we will do Sunday. Either of the two suggestions suit me. It will be nice to have pictures to remember the old town by, if we can just "get them in focus"

I am going to bring this to a close dear, as there is no news as usual and we must hurry to town. There is so much to be done. We will see you soon, and until then I remain as ever,

Yours and yours only,

Edythe.

August 9, 1922 "My own Rayson"

Edythe has written her letter on some different stationery with a pretty pink border.

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson. Brown.
1468 East 67th St.,
Chicago,
Illinois.

Return address:
408 Marcy St.,
Ottawa Ill

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug. 9 - 1922.

My Own Rayson:

I didn't receive a letter this morning but will write a few lines anyway. Please excuse the writing as I have been standing all morning, tieing a quilt for Mother. We are finishing it before we go because we will not have the quilting frames out there. Naturally my hand is a little shaky.

I suppose everything is running along smoothly in the city again. How is everything at the store? Did the kittens get their bath?

Aunt Vic was here yesterday. She said to thank you for the pictures but she wanted to pay you for them.

Mrs Knode, Lulu and  baby Betty was here also. Lulu bought Mother's kitchen stool and Mrs Knode bought the linoleum in the kitchen and Father's arm chair. The kitchen table and two chairs, cousin Edythe wants. And so you see at this rate it will not take long to sell.

Irene Cole called this morning and had a little news for us. Ralph Sanders is looking for a house and has asked for a vacation of two weeks beginning the sixth of October. That looks pretty serious doesn't it?

I was talking to Alida Ashley yesterday for a little while. She is an Eastern Star member, one of the officers.

When you go to Schutte's again dear, give them our kindest regards. They are surely having bad luck.

You're letter will very likely come this afternoon and so will close these few lines and answer again when I receive it. With best regards from Mother and all of my love, I am

Lovingly yours.

Edythe.

August 7, 1922 "Yours and yours only, Edythe"

This note is in the tiniest little envelope, 5 1/2 inches x 2 3/8 inches.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago, Illinois

The return address is cut off except for Ottawa, Ill.

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug. 7 - 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

After you left last night I walked to the corner intending to get the car for home and as I stood waiting Elizabeth and Fred came along. They brought me home and came in and spent the evening with us. When they were going Fred said, "Well we will see you at the station next Sunday night and bring you home."

We were going to wash today but it has been dark like it might rain and so we decided to put off the job for another day.

Mother is busy writing a letter to the folks out west. We have about decided dear, to sell all the furniture and take nothing but a few pictures, the dishes and bedding. It was awfully good of you to offer to help pack. You are so thoughtful dear but there will not be much packing to be done and we will get along fine. Thank you just the same.

Let me know dear what you hear from Switzerland for I am so in hopes that you can go west with us. I dread thinking of going away again and leaving you here alone.

Well dearest there isn't any news and so will close, with all my love, I remain,

Yours and yours only,

Edythe.

August 2, 1922 Inquisitive Cousin Cora and Charles Sisson's Tools

I think that Cousin Cora is Cora Beguin, Edith Duffield Sisson's (Mother) cousin. Cora's parents were Elizabeth Duffield and August Charles Beguin. The family also lived in Ottawa, Illinois. It could, though, be Cora, the wife of George Beguin, another child of  August and Elizabeth Beguin. George and Cora lived in North Dakota. In this case, she would have been a cousin only by marriage, so I think it more likely to be Cora the first cousin of Edith.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

Return address:

408 Marcy St.,

Ottawa, Ill.

Ottawa, Ill.,

Aug. 2. 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

Your dear letter came today and I was surely glad to know that you are feeling so much better. You must not worry so dear, because if I hadn't caught cold the trip wouldn't have bothered me at all. I am feeling just fine again and dearest, our dear little Mother looks like herself again. We will never leave her again if I can help it, it surely has taught me a good lesson.

Mother worried about selling the house, she never had any dealings of that sort before and was afraid they might not do right by her. I do not know any more about it than she does but if you can bluff them into thinking so, why alright. And so I am seeing to things for her, everything is fine so far.

We are going right ahead and have disposed of a few pieces of furniture already. Today we were in the garage and sorted over Father's tools. There are ever so many that he doesn't want and so many packages of nails. Enough to build a house. We have everything sorted out ready for sale.

We had a letter from the folks out west, today. They are all well as usual, but Vera said she was awfully tired. They have all of my letters and want to know what to do with them. I am going to tell them to send them here dear, and then if you want you can have the one letter back without my reading it. Although I know I deserve a good scolding but will try to make it up to you later. 

I never could write an interesting letter and cannot write things like I could say them. You letters dear are always wonderful but mine I'm afraid are nothing.

Yesterday morning while we were washing Cousin Cora came and although she knew we were busy, she stayed for lunch. Cora is alright except for her inquisitiveness. She asks one question after another and nearly has poor Mother wild. After lunch I went over town to mail the letter to you and after I had gone her questioning became so personal that Mother was almost beside herself. She is just perfectly as insulting as she can be.

Last night we had a thunder shower, rain came down by the bucket fulls. It seemed nice to see it again, out there it only sprinkles during the summer. This morning everything was fresh and green again.

Well dear we are going downtown shopping early in the morning and as it is getting late I will close for this time.

Mother sends her love and best wishes dear, the same as I. We are looking forward to Sunday, it will not be long now. Good night for this time,

With all my love - Edythe.

P.S. - Dearest, do you want me to meet you Saturday night? I would like to, if you think it would be alright. Tell me when you write - Love - Edythe.

Charles Sisson's tools were saved by Edythe and Rayson and passed down to their son Warren. When Warren passed away, I was able to save the following tools for my husband, Charles' great grandson. He was thrilled to have these pieces that belonged to a great grandfather that he never knew.

August 1, 1922 ...Mother is a changed person since I have come home.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

Return address:

E. G. Sisson

408 Marcy St.,

Ottawa, Ill.

Ottawa, Ill.

Aug. 1 - 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

I will try and write a few lines this morning. My head is a little clearer, maybe I can think. Sunday dear I wasn't feeling like myself at all and hope you will excuse me.

How are you feeling you were not well at all when you left I know. Please tell me all about it when you write.

Our dear Mother is like a changed person since I have come home. I am so glad dear that you wrote me all about how things was going. I certainly didn't know I could help her so much by just being with her. She slept all night Sunday and looks so much better.

I suppose Mother told you that the place was sold. We made the sale only yesterday. We are starting to sell our right away.

This morning I wrote a letter to the folks out west telling them the news. They will be glad to hear it.

Well dear there isn't any news and so will close this little note. We are both feeling much better and hope dear that you are too.

We are both looking forward to next Sunday when you will be with us again. Must close now and help Mother. With all my love and Mother's too, I am yours and yours only,

Lovingly,

Edythe.

P.S. - Dear, Aunt Vic was over and she liked the pictures. She would like a print of she and mother, also one of herself alone. Love - Edythe.