Relatively Speaking

I am continuing to work on the Austin/Leavenworth book. At this time it is 600 pages long.

The Austin’s loved poetry and copied numerous poems, usually poems others wrote, but Great Grandma Mary Eldred Austin, her daughter Emma, and son Lon wrote a few poems of their own. I couldn’t find any reference to Mrs. Prindle on the internet, and I think perhaps Emma Austin may have written it. I did find the author of “I Locked it in”. The last piece is a newspaper article from Great Grandma’s Scrapbook that I typed up. Thank you to cousin Melva for loaning me Great Grandma’s Scrapbook.

Mrs. Prindle’s Soliloquy
It kind-o-seems to me tonight
While darning these stockings by candlelight
That I ain’t quite the woman I used to be,
Since I let old Prindle marry me,
Because I was so much afraid
Of living, and dying an old maid.

I always used to dress so neat;
My hair was smooth, my temper sweet,
I have learned to be cold, seldom brush my hair,
And don’t care a pin about what I wear.
And wonder that ever I was afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

How loudly that Prindle to snore contrives
Was man ever before so great alive?
It really, sometimes appears to me
He means to be hateful as he can be.
But then, I no longer need be afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

He smokes and chews and has many a trick
Disgusting enough to make one sick.
And it used to me, and among the rest,
He dotes on onions, which Idelest.
But perhaps, that’s better than being afraid
Of living or dying an old, old maid.

And then the young one, such graceless imps,
Tom squints, Jack stutters, and Enoch limps.
On two club feet, they fight and swear
Throw dirt, tell lies, and their trousers tear.
Oh no! I shall never more be afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

Perhaps if I’d married some other man
My life in a different course had ran
But what could I do when my other beaux
All wailed and wailed and didn’t propose.
And I was getting so much afraid
Of living and dying and old, old maid.

Sister Sally is forty-five,
And just the happiest soul alive
With no stupid husband to annoy and perplex,
Or quarrelsome children to harass and vex
But Sally was never one bit afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

How she kids me! But it makes me mad,
For well I remember how grieved and sad
She was when she told me that all my life
I’d repent if I did become Prindle’s wife
And I told her I was more afraid
Of living like her, an old, old maid.
The End

I Locked It In
by George H. Westfield
I took my grief and I locked it in.
And bolted and barred the door,
And told myself it had never been,
And never should be no more.

“For life goes on and must go the same,
For Months,” I said, “and for years.”
A man and weak, it were scorn and shame,
“Let woman give way to tears.”

But lo! in the night I heard a sound.
I woke with a start and cry.
My grief stood there, with its withes unbound,
and looked with its awful eye.
It took my hand, with an icy chill,
And said, with a mock and jeer:
“Your bolts were strong, but I haunt you still.
You thrust me out: I am here.”

I seek the crowd; but it follows there—
I cannot drive it away.
The forest wild; it is in the air,
It gnaws at my heart all day.
And at midnight it comes—the ghost!
And it mocks beside my bed.
Oh! hopeless moan for the loved and lost.
Oh! hearts that break for your dead.

Street-Car Etiquette
A few hints, boiled down, the observance of which will tend to promote the comfort and welfare of that large class of fellow-sufferers who are obliged to spend from thirty minutes to two hours of each day in those necessary evils called street-cars.

Gentle hint No. 1 and of importance first:
Always chew tobacco when riding. If you have not acquired that most elegant habit, do so at once, or you will thereby lose one of the best opportunities of showing your independence and utter disregard of the decencies of life, and of your neighbors’ clothes.

No. 2 Never give up your seat to anyone, especially to ladies, thereby showing that you were brought up with a proper regard of your own importance and comfort. Should you have a weakness in that respect, however, and should you wish to give up your seat to a lady, be particular that she is young, good-looking and well dressed, and always select the time when some poor washer-woman or tired shop-girl has been hanging on the strap in front of you for half an hour or more. you will thus show that you have a proper regard for what is due to the different classes in society.

No. 3 When standing, always take the first seat vacated. Never mind the ladies; they can do the same. You know your rights; take them. Sit down like a man, and if you have a paper become immediately absorbed. Take no notice of any little mean remarks that may be made by those around you—you might get kicked out of the car if you did.

No. 4 Should a good-looking girl be seated anywhere near you, that is alone, (Be particular about that,) stare at her—they like it—and it may lead to—personals in the Herald, which object and end should be your highest ambition.

June AD 1860
envelope addressed to
Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon I. Clark
Half Way Brook Village
Sullivan Co., NY

Sullivan County
Town of Highland
I do hereby certify that on the tenth day June instant at the house of Wm. H. Austin in said town of Highland, Mahlon I. Clark of said town of Highland and Laura L Austin also of said town of Highland were, with their mutual consent, lawfully joined together in holy matrimony, which was solemnized by me in the presence of James H. Austin, Mrs. Hannah Eldred, Mary Ann Austin, Ralph Austin and Fanny Austin, All of said town of Highland attesting witness.

And I do further certify that the said Mahlon I. Clark and Laura L. Austin are known to me to be the persons described in this certificate; and that I ascertained previous to the solemnization of the said marriage that the parties were of sufficient age to contract the same, and that there appeared no lawful impediment to such marriage.
Given under my hand, this the fifteenth day of June AD 1860
George T B Stage
Justice of the Peace

after June 1860 but before June 1861
Laura,
I sent Irvin’s socks. I had no measure to go by. Mrs. Clarke brought yarn and said thre was enough for 2 pair. I should have made them longer, but I thought I would do as she said, but it lacks one knot of being enough and when I get that you shall have the other pair.

I thought I would send these for he mite want them. You must come when you can. I had a letter from James. He appears to be in good spirits. His horse is alright. He lives with the same family he did. His businefs is good and a prospect of its being bettern than ever it was.

Augustus’s folks all well. I creep along about as well as ever. Mrs. Dunlap washed for me yesterday. My neighbour calls often to see if I want healpe. I have got wormwood and a going to use it for I think it is dropsy that makes me weak for my appetite is poor. I have everything I wish for, but do not eat much. James told me to get whatever I want and I do.
My love to you both Adieu
Fanny Austin

[James, Laura, Ann Mary, and Henry (my great grandpa) are siblings and Fanny Austin is their mother.]
——–
Barryville Dec 23 (1863 is the latest this could be as Ann Mary died August 31, 1864)
Dear Sister,
I received yours of the 22 and now I am on my bed with the stand by it with a pillow for me to rest on while I write. Four weeks yesterday, I was taken sick with the bilious fever, very sick. the day before I was very smart so Perry went down the River and was gone a week. I was down all the time, but nights I kept getting worse. On Saturday they thought I would not live for a while.

I don’t think I ever was so sick before, but through the mercy of God, I am getting better. OH how thankfull we ought to be such a friend when we feel all other Sources failing us that we take a Saviour to look to knowing he never will leave nor forsake us, but will be our guide even unto death.

I feel to exclaim with the Psalmist, Blefs the Lord oh my Soul, and all that’s within me Blefs his holy name for all mercys to me.

I will not be able to come either Christmas or New Years. We intend to come when I get able…

I would like some of your pot cheese, first rate. I’ve been wanting it since I begat to eat. I do not have much appetite. I have a very good girl we pay her ten shillings a week. I expect I shall have to keep her sometime yet.

Perry saw James when he was in New York. He was boarded at Augustus’s, had a situation in the Bibb House. Henry was here this week. He had received a letter from New York that Spencer’s Lawyer had written for one hundred dollars mor for Pappy’s board. I would like to have you come and see me if you can without hindering Irv’s work. We can write to each other. Kifs tiger? for me. You did not say whether you had heard what has happened.

Martha Clark has got a babe a week old. She is home to Motts (mother?] It will be very hard for her Moth Clara hear well. I must close for I am very tired.
I remain yours,
A M Schoonover (Ann Mary Austin Schoonover)
[Martha Clark may be the sister of Laura Austin Clark's husband, Mahlon.]

New York, August, 1864
My Dear Friend,
Why Lonnie, how do you get along?

I am sorry I have not lived up to my promise. I told you I would write Thursday evening…excuse me Lonnie for my long delay in writing to you.

How do you do. Speak up, don’t be bashful. I am quite well thank you and hope when you read this, it will find you and your friends in the same state of good health.

How is Mother/Martha? coming on? I expect you have fine times with the boys. Have you had a swing since we left? Oh, Lonnie, did Frances send you the song of Wait for the Wagon? If not, when you write and I hope that will be very soon, let me know whether you have it or not and I will send it to you. I have no more to say at present. I close by sending a kiss and my love to al who may inquire after me.
I remain your affectionate friend,
Addie [one of the Eldred Austin cousins]

Monday June 26, 1865
Dear Emogene,
Your letter was received in due time and perused with much pleasure, as of course yours always are. You say you wish to see me awful bad, but you can not want to see me worse than I do you, for I want to see you awfully badder, but I guess we will have to take it out in wanting, for I shall not be able to get in the country this Summer as much as I want to see you, and you know how much that is, but what cannot be cured must be endured and so I am trying to be reconciled to my lot. Don’t you think I am getting rather sentimental?

Mother is busy trying to get away in the Country before the fourth and the Doctor says we must get Emma off as quickly as possible. She has been very sick with fits and had them so hard and so many of them that we began to fear she would never get over them, but she is getting better now, yet is still very weak. The Doctor said her mind was too active for her body, that she learned too fast and that we must not let her study or read and said that the country would do her more good than anything else. (I wish he would order that prescription for me.)

I was very much surprised to hear that you were teaching School, how I should love to be there to see your exercising your authority over the little ones. ARe you very severe with them? I suppose you do not teach them much, do not misunderstand me, I do not mean to say that I do not think you capable of teaching, for I know of no other Cousin of mine who is so well fitted for that position in life as you are.

Em, I guess you were just marked out to be a little School teacher for you have an uncommon amount of patience with children, one of the most requisite things which a School Teacher needs. (While I, poor me, what shall I say for myself) what I meant was, that I thought it must take a great amount of your time to make them mind, and keep them in order.

Do not get angry at me Em, for talking to you thus. I do not mean to dictate, but you had some experience yourself when you were here to School, you know you used to say you did not see how Mifs Marr could teach, when the Scholars were talking and there was so much confusion in the class, but I think you have pretty good government with children; I am going to try and persuade Mother to let me come up and be one of your pupils during the summer and take lessons of patience from you. Does this proposition meet with your approbation? Write and let me know and tell me more about your school.

Now I think I have written you quite a long letter, (such as it is) and as I think you are about as tired of reading such nonsense as this, as I am of writing, I will bring my letter to final hoping to hear from you soon I remain,
Ever your loving Cousin,
Tina
PS
Mother sends her love and hopes to see you all soon. Tell your Mother I never eat string beans, but what I think of her and that is pretty often
My love to all not forgetting your dear self
Long may you live
Happy may you be
Rest in content
And often think of me
You must excuse the blots on the paper as Rand got them for me.

January 9, 1866
Dear cousin,
Although it is but a little time since I received your last letter, yet I am going to answer it now as I have some time. I thought I would make the most of it by writing to you.

I commenced going to school Monday and you must know that it takes the greater part of my time in fulfilling my school duties and so if my letters are not as long as usual, I hope you will make all due allowance for me. I shall not call this a letter, for it is not deserving of the title, it is only an analogy for one, but I can not help it. I feel unusually out of humor tonight and my ideas are all dull and common place.

Oh Em, you do not know how bad I want to see you. I have got so much to tell you I cannot write it for it would take too much paper. Sometimes it seems as if I shall never see you again. It seems so long to look forward untill the next summer. I never make any calculations now, for we do not know what a day may bring forth. Sometimes when we think we shall be the happiest, we have our saddest most sorrowful hours. It is as the minister said at little Mortie’s funeral There is more bitterness in sweet in our cups and that we would have to drain it to the very deep.

Oh Emma, if I did not think I could do a little good in the world, and perhaps make others happy, I would not care how soon death came to me, how soon God saw fit to take me home. The sooner the better. Life has no charm for me now as it once had. It seems as if all happiness had been wrested from me all that I loved has been taken from me. Why should I care to live, to struggle on with no cheering voice to comfort, no loving hand to guide me.

But I did not mean to write this but my feelings overpowered me. But I do not wish to make you unhappy. Trouble will come to you soon enough, would dear Emma that I could shield you from all sorrow and suffering, but we must all have our dark days and the more trials and temptations we have to endure the better it is for us for it teaches us not to think too much of worldly things.

I must close for it is getting late. Mother sends her love to your Mother and Grandmother write very soon and believe me ever your loving Cousin,
TIna
Note: Mortie may be the son of Rev Alonzo Eugene Austin and Isabelle Johnson Camp who died at age 2, if my information is correct, he was scalded to death when he pulled a pail of hot water over himself.

Mount Kisco, Jan 1st 1868
My Dear Sister
You will doubtless be surprised at receiving a letter from me, but James has been talking so long of writing to you, that I came to the conclusion that I would write in his place. It seems as if I knew you for James talks so much about you he has been talking of writing you for a long time, but has not made it out yet. I will not wait for him much longer, would you? He thinks he can not spend the time. It does make it bad when a man has such a large family as he has to provide for, but we really do mean to come one of these days.

James has had his picture taken for you. I think it very good, but not quite as good looking as he is, he will send it on as soon as he can get a chance. I have had mine taken, but I guess I will keep it home. I think you will have a better opinion of my looks if I keep it home. I do not pride myself much on my beauty. I am good enough looking to suit my husband and he is all I care to please in that respect. He is a dear good husband I assure you whether he can say as much of me as a wife, I do not know. We have been married four years yesterday. It does not seem so long.

James has but one child, that is me. He does not come home but once a week. The time hangs very heavy on my hands sometimes. I go down to see him quite often though. We live about forty miles form the city on the Harlem road. We think it very pleasant here and want you to come out and see us. We would love to have you come dearly. How is Emogene? I would like to see her very much. Give my love to her. I would like very much to visit you.

It must be very pleasant where you live. To hear James talk you would think no other place worth living in, but I do not wonder at it for it was his home that one word tells the story for home is the dearest spot on earth and no matter how humble it may be, we would not exchange it for all the wealth the world could offer, but I must close for James want to add a line hoping to hear from you soon, I will close wishing you all
from your loving sister, Julia
Feb 18, 1868
PS
Dear Sister Laura,
Julia says I must write a line. I will by one month and a half old already, I think it time to finish this letter and send it a jogging. I did not intend this delay and I would say it is not Julia’s fault. I take all the responsibility, but as I only write once in twenty or thirty years, you will excuse me. I have thought and thought and thought of coming to see you and have not come already and now if we should have ten years and you should receive a letter as the end of the time

…aside from this jargon, I have not forgotten you although I do not come to see you or write, I often think of you and Irvine. I often pray for you. I hope you pray likewise and try to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope if spared to come and see you sometime. I send you my good looking face. I will praise it and try and make it out all right although anyone knows it’s homely enough for want of space I must close, my kind regards to Irving and all inquiring friends. I should be pleased to get a letter from you
Your affectionate brother
James H. Austin
I will send my photograph by Henry who is coming next Friday.
My addrefs:
James H. Austin
Mount Kisco
Westchester Co., NY

Sometime before January 1870 [This may be when Laura Austin Clark lost her daughter Eva.]
Dear Friend and Aunt
I was very sorry to hear that dear little Eva was dead. I had just been writing to Tina that Eva was very sick, but I little thought so soon to hear of her death.
Your niece, Emma

LIttle Eva
Tis true that death’s relentless hand,
Tis ne’er with mortal man at rest
He will often come and steal
Away the ones that we love best.

Twas when the grass was springing green
Along the hill side in the mead,
That he dear little Eva claimed
And laid her with the silent dead.

And she was beautiful divine
As pure as spotless as a saint
A form as lovely and sublime
As skillful lirnnes could so paint.

We miss that little one so fair
She’s gone no more on earth to be
She dwells in that blest country where
Her Lord and Saviour she can see.

Ellsworth, he will miss
That little one so mild
But never more on earth
Will he behold that little child.

She was so sweet on earth to stay
Too good for a world like this
So thought the angels as they called her away
To that world of heavenly bliss.

We would not wish her back again
On this cold earth of misery
From Jesu’s arms in that blest place;
Prepared for such as she.
EEA
Note: Edith Emogene (Emma) Austin wrote poetry. She died at the age of 28 in Solomon, Kansas. She was a daughter of William Henry and Mary Ann Eldred Austin, and sister to Grandma Mort, Uncle Ell, Uncle Lon and Aunt Aida.

Ellsworth was the son of Mahlon and Laura Austin Clark and therefore the brother of the baby that died.

from Middletown, June 9, 1845
to Mr. James Eldred
Lumberland, NY
Dear Parents,
Yours, dated June 13, came to hand June 15. I perused its contents with pleasure and was happy indeed to hear from you both. I attend school every day regular when I am well.

I have lost 8 days on account of my being sick with the hives. I caught a bad cold and then…sick to my stomach. I purchased me a box of McAlister all healing salve and think it has helped me. I am quite well at present and hope these few imperfect lines will find you enjoying the same blessings.

Last Sunday I attended a Meeting and heard a first rate sermon from the first John 1 chapter 9 years. I enjoyed myself very well. I find the promises of God are true whosoever calleth upon me in the name of the Father, him will I in no wise cast off.

There is a good library in this district. It consists mostly of religious books and books of science. I have two book on hand. One is a religious book and the other is the history of geology of New York. It is larger than your large, large Bible. It is a very instructive book indeed.

Sarah is quite well and all the rest of the family. Zophar has had to stop work a day or two for work got blockaded up so that most all the hands had to stop work or the hands that belonged where he did.

Mulford is doing first rate. He has a man of being, a very smart boy, he gets wages and goes to school three months free of any expence to him for one year— is to stay there.

Mother, if you have not made your dress you had better not make it untill…home if Sarah comes home when there’s vacation, I shall come home with her. I have got me a new bonnet. I sold Sarah my old one.

If I had me a school, I should like it much better, but however I will try and get along the best I can.

Give my love to all inquiring friends and especially to Mary Rumer [Bunce?] and Eliza. Tell ? I wish her much joy if you see Ann Eliza, tell her to write to me and I will answer it…

Dear Parents, remember me in all your prayers and I will try to pray for myself. Not forgetting to thank you, I got my grammar before I borrowed many of Lauras. I could not wait any longer. I was very glad to receive…
To James and Hannah Eldred
note: I think this is from my great grandmother Mary Ann Eldred to her parents. She must be staying with her half sister Sarah and her husband Zophar Carmichael.

Dec 8, 1845
Addressed to James Eldred and Daniel Judson
Lumberland, Sullivan co., NY
Copy of Notice, foreclose Mortgage

Letter: Dear Nephew,
I write a few lines to you for your Uncle, the subject is not a very desirable one for me to write, but your Uncle Henry said I must write to you for he could not get time as he had to go right back to his work but as there is no compulsion on your part, I will tell you as I can. He wants to know if you can hire $400 to pay Thomas off and get a deed for the place he don’t ???

Also on back is;
To James Eldred and Daniel Judson
Take notice that enclosed is a copy of notice of foreclosure of mortgages on the pieces mentioned in said notice.
Yours Daniel Hrefutz
Wm. B. Wyles attorney

news article:
Dec 8, 1845
Mortgage Sale
Whereas Abraham M. Eldred of the town of Lumberland, county of Sullivan and State of New York and Elizabeth his wife, did by indenture of mortage bearing date the 27th of May, in the year 1842, mortgage to Daniel Hilferty, of the town of Deerpark, in the county of Orange and State aforesaid…(being the purchase money of the lots and parcels of land herein after described) which mortgage was recorded in Sullivan county Record of mortgages in book No. 8 on p. 240, 241, 242, 243, and 244 at 5 o’clock pm on the 11th day of July AD 1842…the sum of eleven hundred and two dollars and forty six cents, principal and interest:

Notice is here by given that default having been made in the payment of the monies secured by said mortgage, the said lots, pieces and parcels of land and premises will be sold at public auction on the sixth day of March 1846 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon of that day at the hotel of Stephen hamilton, in the village of Monticello—said premises are described as follows, to wit…
Dated December 8, 1845
Daniel Hilferty, Mortgagee
Wm. B. Wright Attorney

note: Abraham Mulford Eldred, known in the info I have as Uncle Mulford, was the son of James and his first wife Polly Mulford. Mulford was an half brother to Mary Ann Eldred. He died at the age of 40 in September of 1847. Well, that is what I have, but the mortgage sale is in 1845, so looks like I have another question as to the correct date.

If anyone wants the whole news article telling about the land parcels, it is typed out and I would be happy to send it to you.

addressed to
Mifs Mary A. Eldred, S. Middletown
Lumberland July 13, 1846
Dear Sister,
I have delayed writing longer than I intended, but these lines will inform that we are well at present and i hope they will find you the same.

There’s been a freshet in the Halfway Brook. It has done much damage. There is not a bridge or dam left between here and Barryville. It has damages us more than fifty dollars.

The Mongaup was very high. There was a young man drowned in that stream. It was James White and old Mrs. Skinner was buried last Thursday.

Mifs Margette West has been married.

Since you left, Pery and Ann are thinking of going to Mount Hope and Middletown in four weeks.

I know nothing about the youngsters. I am told that Charles goes to school yet and the yankee? took a lesson last Sunday night.

Miranda has been ill sometime with the canker and is very troublesome. I can hardly get time to write this miserable scribble.

Ann sends all the love I can get in this letter, but I must draw to close. You must give love to Sarah, Almira and all the children. Tell Sarah she must come and see us without fail.

You must write again soon and let me know if she has done up some cherries for me.

Father, Mother and Charles are well. You must be a good girl and come home soon as you can. I want to see you very much. The children are all sleepy and make such a noise, I must say good night.
From your affectionate sister,
PM Austin

note: Phebe Maria Eldred married Aruna Augustus Austin in 1834 when Maria’s half sister, my great grandmother was seven years old and Aruna’s brother Henry, my great grandfather was ten. This is the only letter I have found that Maria wrote.
———-
Narrows Burgh. March 24th, 1878
addressed to Mifs Mary A. Eldred
Lumberland PO
Sullivan, NY
Mifs Mary A. Eldred
My dear Friend,
I thought I would spend a few moments this day noon in writing to my long cherished friend. The scholars are playing outdoors and I am left alone in the schoolhouse. So my thoughts naturally run on home to home friends. This is a beautiful day, and this is a very pleasant place. The school house is pleasantly situated a short distance from the river on a hill.

How I wish you and Hezekiah would come up here; it would just be a pleasant ride for you when it is good going; but the traveling is very bad at present. I should like to go home and make a visit, but am afraid if I go now, I shall mifs seeing the river break up. They say it is quite a curiosity to see the ice go through the eddy.

I like here very much so far, and like the people. I meet with some “once in a while” that inquire all about Mr. Eldred and his family and some that used to be acquainted with my father. There is not many young people here, but still there is enough for company. Amanda Smith lives about a mile from here. There is quite a large family of them. They send three to school. I have boarded there some. They appear to be very nice girls.

Bansom Lubar pays much attention to Amanda, but whether it will be a match or not, I cannot say. So I will drop the subject.

Sunday March 26
Dear Mary,
I have just returned from a walk, which would have been a very pleasant one, had the day been more agreeable, but it is another damp dark day. However we had an agreeable time, the lady that was with me gave an account of the Big Eddy bridge going off last spring and of a number of accidents that have happened near the bank of the river where we were walking is a large hill which they roll their lumber down and has caused many accidents.

It is called Peggy’s Runway. It derived its name from and old woman who lived at the foot of the hill many years ago, when it was thick swamp. To go upon this hill and take a view you can see a great distance off, which is delightful

How I wish you were here. But you must be tired of this.

I thought when I commenced this I had a great deal to tell you, but after I got at it, I found I could think of nothing interesting to write, I think of going home on a raft as far as Barryville, there will be a number of rafts going from here and I wish you would come up to go down with me. It would be so pleasant.

The lady with whom I am now boarding says if you come, I must certainly bring you here, for she would like to see you says she has nursed you when you were a babe. She used to be aquatinted with Maria. Her name then was Betsy Johnson. It is now Mr. Case.

I should like to hear from you and hope you will write me soon and tell me all the news you can think of’ and don’t you go to getting married before I see you, or without giving me an invitation to the wedding. If you do, I shall give you the slip when I get married and you don’t know how soon that may happen. I suppose you know there is great danger of it.

I have written to a certain place since I have been here, but have received no answer yet. Perhaps I delayed too long. It may be all for the best as I have grown so homely since we met that I may not be known.

You will laugh when you read this for you know that I never was handsome, but I do think I was not so very coarse…as now. However, “Perty is as perty does,” they say, and somehow, I can’t do pretty. And that you well know, so good by to this.

Do write me Mary as soon as you receive this, let me know how you are getting along, what your prospects are for the future and when you think of going to the City and what you are going to buy me there if it is a pretty nice little doll? I do not know as you will like so much nonsense…

Where is Felix Kyte now, I have not heard from him since I have been here. He did not know whether he should conintue at Beaver Brook or not when I saw him last. I told him he must take the school at the mouth of the Lackawax if he did not stay there. I believe I did not tell him he must, but said he had better.

I must stop this scribbling or you will not have patience to read it. So give …friends and remember me

PS Do not forget to write. Please direct your letter to Narrows Burgh Sullivan Co., NY. The post office is acrofs the river. We have to trave over a large new bridge to get there and people have to pay three cents fro walking over, but I can go free—good says I.

Tell Mother I wish she would send me 5 dollars if she can, I forgot to tell her when I wrote her by Mr. Wiggins. Give my special love to her and your Mother

May 3, 1848
addressed to :
Misfs Mary A. Eldred
Lumberland, PO
from Narrows Burgh, NY May 3, 1848
My Dear Friend,
According to promise I have seated myself to inform you, or my succefs in gaining a school for you. I saw Mr. John Dexter soon after I came up, and he asked me if I had found a teacher for them yet. I told him that I knew of two that were wishing to get a school; having heard of a district about a mile or two from here destitute of a teacher, I inquired of him if they did not wish to get one there.

Mr Dexter said he supposed they did and would speak to them about it and next time he sees me would let me know the conclusion and when they would come after you, so I might write you when to expect them.

Having heard that a family by the name of Gale were acquainted with your father, I told Mr. Dexter they could get you there, thinking it would be pleasanter for you to go among your father’s acquaintances even if they were strangers to you. Supposing of course, I could get the other school for Eliza, you can not imagine how tickled I felt with anticipation of having my two old companions so near me that I might see them once in a while.

The one I expected to get for Eliza is about two miles from here, and the other is between three and four miles. I did not see Mr. Dexter again until yesterday and he requested me to write Mifs Eldred to come as soon as you could conveniently for they were very busy at present and did not know how to spare time to go after you and said he would rather pay your fare in the stage or your expenses any other way as they were so busy with their lumbering. And he said that respecting the other school, he had seen some of the employees and they had concluded not to have a school there at present on account of some money matters. I do not understand what, so I am dished? in getting Eliza there.

I was very much disappointed for I was almost sure of that school for her. I spoke to her you know about the school first before you had said anything to me about it. But I think taking several things in consideration that it would be better for you to come. She is clever kind girl or has been so to me and I really wish she could get a school near me. She is such good company and schemer?

But Mary, you will begin to think from what i have written that I do not prize your comnpany at all. If I can get Eliza’s but you are mistaken if you think so, for you know I always liked your company and I only wished it was nearer.

Mr. Dexter desired me to tell you that you might come as far as Mr. Rofs’ the first night. He is one of the employers about half a mile up the river form Murry’s, the tavern. It is on this side where he lives but the tavern is on the other side. If you will write me as soon as you can conveniently and let me know what day you will come, I will meet you to Mr. Murry’s.

“Dear me!” Mary I have made so many mistakes I do not know as you will be able to make sense of what I have written whether there is any sense or not, but you will not wonder at it when I tell you Mrs.—has been talking to me nearly all the time I have been trying to write. However I am alone at present. The rest having retired.

Having done up my businefs, I must make some inquiries respecting my friend at home and around home. I hope they are all well. I must write to Mother soon. You will please to give my love to her and tell her that I am going to write her soon, that is if this gets there first. Remember me to all inquiring friends, your mother in particular.

And do not forget to give my love to Eliza and tell I mean to write her soon and she must not forget to answer it as in former times. I wish you would write soon. Believe me [name is cut out?]

There is to be a circus or show in Honesdale the 18th. of this month. The greatest I suppose that ever was known there. How I should like to go, but I don’t expect to. Do not let anyone see this. I must bid you good night. LAW
Note: I think this is Lydia Wheeler, but not sure if she is a relative or friend.

July 1, 1848
addressed to Miss Mary A Eldred
from Narrowsburgh
July 1, 1848
Ever Dear Mary Lumberland
It is with much pleasure I now seat myself to answer your letter which I received sometime since, but have neglected anything until now I should have done so before this, but iI was out of paper. I hope you will forgive me for my seeming coldnefs. I was so in hopes you would get some way to come down to day for I want to see you very much.

Your mother talks of coming to see you the fourth and she wants me to go along perhaps I will. I was down to Eliza’s a week today and staid all night. We went to the river to meeting on Sunday, but we went over to see Elmira on Saturday afternoon and it was quite dark when we crossed the river to go home, but Elmira and Mr. Fish went part of the way.

I suppose you have heard by this time that Eliza and Lewis were to have been married today. George has had an invitation ever since the first of April, but Eliza has backed out for ? want that to ? when the time was so near and he had given all his invitations and got all ready for her to use him so. She told me the whole particular from the beginning to the end. I hope she will never repent.

Oh, Mr. Gray arrived in town today. You wanted to know whether I had heard from Hez? or no. I had a letter from him and Eliz last Saturday. He is coming home the 20th or the 25th to stay four days on a week at the logest? The I am to go back with him and stay a spell. I want to see you very much before I go for I may never see you again and I want to have a long talk with you. You know of course by this time that I am not married yet. I can’t tell when I shall be. Hez sent his love to all inquiring friends.

I have nothing very interesting to write you and I will now close my letter wishing you better health than I now enjoy. I have felt I am sick for a week and my hand trembles so that I can’t write. I don’t know as you can make out one half of it. I am in a great hurry and have not time to read it over. It is supper time and I must bid you good by.
Write soon
from your affectionate friend
Mary E. Bunce
excuse all irregularities
My love to Lydia and all inquiring friends.

July 10, 1848
addressed to Mrs. Mary A. Austin
Lumberland
Sullivan County, West Point, NY, July 10, 1848
Ever Dear Mary,
It is with pleasure I once more seat myself to answer your letter, which I received on Saturday afternoon. I was pleased to hear form you. I began to grow impatient thinking perhaps you had forgotten your friend Mary. I am getting quite impatient to come home again it seems a year since I left.

Lewis tells me sometimes that he shant let me go home in three years. I told him today that I should start next week. He said that I could, but he cannot leave till this work is done.

…I never want to see another Railroad much less live on another. He has been quite unwell for a week, but feels better today. The weather is so warm it seems sometimes as thought I must die. It is very sickly here. I have got one sick man to take care of. He has been sick one week tomorrow. The doctor has been here today to see him. He boards with us. His name is Matthew More, cousin to Lewis. and yesterday, my girl was sick abed. I tell you, what you had better believe that I begun to feel as though I would like to see home. I was afraid that we were all going to be sick together.

O how I do want to see you Mary. I shall have to come about the time you know when that is.

I wonder how all the folks are in Lumberland. The next time you write to me, you will please write a longer letter and tell me all the news there is agoing.

If I could only see you and have one of our long sociable talks together, it would do me more good than a little. I don’t know what can be the matter. I can not write to save me. But no wonder, the flies bite so that I don’t know what I am about.

I have nothing to write about and I do not think it best to write a long letter for I don’t expect you will be able to read one half of this. How I do wish that Polly Maria would come and stay with us long as we stay here and now I will close as I have nothing more to write this time. Give my love to all inquiring friends and write soon.

Excuse bad writing and all irregularities and now good by
from your sincere and affectionate friend,
Mary E. Carmichael

August 1848
to: Lumberland, August 12; paid 5
from Narrows Burgh
To Mifs Mary A. Eldred
August 8, 1848
My dear friend,
I ought to have written you yesterday and put his letter in the office today, but I want to write to you so I cannot put it off, but will try to send this up someway before Saturday.

You was home so short a time, I did not have time to say boo to you. So I have been thinking of sending up a few words in black and white whether they come acceptable or not is not for me to say.

However, trusting to that, I will now begin with or about Eliza’s wedding which came off the Saturday following your exit from Lumberland or according to record, July 22, 1848.

It was getting late when I got there and she had not dressed yet. Eliza had been almost crying and said she was afraid I was not coming and believed she should not have been ready that night if I had not come.

Aunt Polly was in very good spirits, but Uncle Justice face was half a yard long.

Eliza was up a few minutes and I went home with her and stayed all night. Lewis came up that night. I knew he was coming and I wanted to see him and get an introduction to him beforehand.

I like him, good what acquaintance I have with him. But I must tell you, when we were getting ready to go, Aunt Polly says to Lewis, nobody asks you to go to bed, I should think somebody might ask you to go to bed. Nobody says anything to you about going to bed at all.

So much sport or laughter I have not enjoyed since as that made you know just how queer she will talk.

Eliza told me she Polly, could not get ahead of him much and then a spell after she come in the bedroom where I was and inquired so Lewis could hear for her night gown. Eliza was with me first. Eliza told her she had none then she told the last she seen fit. Pete Brofs had it on, but no more of this till I see you. It is better told than written.

There were not many to the wedding, but there were many wishes for you. Mary Bunce did not get there till after the knot was tied, but I suppose she has told you all about that. for probably she has written you. She told me she had received a letter from you the other day.

I have not seen either of them. Lewis and Eliza since the great event except when they went buzzing by in a carriage up to Mr. Bunce’s to set up with Hezekiah who was taken sick soon after his arrival which was the same Saturday of the wedding.

I long for to see her, but since I have engaged in the school, it is not so easy for me to go when I choose. Hezekiah was out to meeting last Sabbath. He looked as pale as a Broadway gentleman need to I did not have an opportunity of speaking with him.

He was to have gone back last Fryday, to see about some trunks that had been taken back in the cars to the City, but his sicknefs prevented him.

Mary was going with him, but as he was not able to go, he sent Mary on in the stage Friday and wrote to Foster to meet her. She is going to stay two or three weeks or till Luey goes back to New York. Then she is to return.

I have written such a complicated Mefs that I fear you will not be able to spell out half of ir. You can not imagine how I wnt to see you. I have so much to tell you. But I must add another story here, but I will first tell you. Mrs. Kyte had a niece by the name of Emily Osborn come up with ? and Lucy.

Felix gave me an invitation to take a boat ride with them on the Hagan Pond which I accepted and on our return, he gave me a paper to read which Wm. had sent him. It had a piece in it about a picnic party in New Hope, which Wm. had marked for him to read. There is one sentence in it that had the word auburn which he marked it being the color of his girl’s (Mifs Murrays) hair, Feliz said.

The sentence is this, “While pendant hung, the auburn curl from the lady’s brow.” But I must not forget to tell you about the newcomer to Mrs. Maria Austin’s that came to town one day last week Wednesday or Thursday.

You must send us a name of the feminine gender and a pretty one too, for it is the prettiest you ever saw. Little Josephine Eldred (Gardner is crossed out), is very sick, do not expect her to live. It is very sickly around Andrew Crofford is very sick.

How is Mrs. Johnson up to the Eddy? I heard she was taken very low again. I hope you call and see her often as you can. give my especial love to her and Mrs. Kellegg? I wish Mary, you would wear my cotton flannel skirt home with you when you come. Do not forget it. It is at Dexter’s.

Where thpretty heart was, “you know”.

How I want to see you. Do write to me as soon as you can and tell me all the news you can from that source, Eddy?

My respects to Louisa,
Remember me your ever affectionate friend
Lydia Wheeler

I am boarding to Nancy Austins. Old Mrs. Austin was there. She found out I was writing a leter in at the school house. She said if I was writing to Mary Ann, must tell her that Old Mrs. Austin said she must take good care of Henry for he has gone up there somewhere to work. She believes that will be a match yet.

note: There is an Ann Eliza Hickok, daughter of Justice and Mary Hickok who married Lewis Bolton.

Has anyone heard of a Nancy Austin? I’m assuming Old Mrs. Austin would be Fanny Austin, wife of Ralph and mother of Henry, although Fanny would only be 60, and that doesn’t sound so old anymore. .

April 3, 2009

Hello Austin and Leavenworth relatives and friends!
I am working on the book as often as I can, but I am not sure when this book will be finished. I recently got even more old letters and other information which is very pertinent to the story which I am busily transcribing.

In the next few posts, I will include some of the letters and information my mom sent me. They are the oldest ones yet, starting in 1845.

Thank you so much to all who have contributed letters and information.

Hope you enjoy these recent ‘old’ letters.

1918
Mountain Grove House
C M Austin Proprietor
Eldred, Sullivan County, NY
September 25, 1918

To: Mr. C M Austin
c/o Mrs. Fowler
Monticello, New York

Tuesday night
Dear Mort
Received your letter tonight and will write a few lines. You have been away two days and it seems about that many weeks. You got another nice letter from Raymond. I will send it with this. He has been moved to Balboa. I think that is on the Pacific coast. Wasn’t Balboa the one who discovered the Pacific Ocean? I only wish we could feel as easy over Mac as we do him. I paid Raymond’s Red Cross money over today. They was after it.

Elizabeth still gets along well in school. LIttle Anthony made me a short call after school today. He is a bright kid. We are feeling fine, but only wish you were here. Still it is a good rest for you and likely you will have to work hard all winter.

Willie is feeling alright again so don’t worry about him or us. I will certainly be good for I have no chance to be bad. Take good care of yourself with lots of love,
Jennie
———-
Mountain Grove House
C M Austin Proprietor
Eldred, Sullivan County, NY
October 2, 1918

To: Mr. C M Austin
c/o Mrs. Fowler
Monticello, New York

Wednesday noon
My dear Mortimer
Just received your letter and was glad to hear you were well. We all feel fine, but this damp weather I keep the children in the house. Verna told me she heard there were a lot of cases of diphtheria in Barryville, but I doubt it. Our phone don’t work right, so I can not find out, but I am careful here.

I got a letter from Ray. I will send it to you. Tonight I am going to get Mac’s letters and the pictures together and send to him.
If Willie don’t feel well any morning, I won’t let him go to work. Mr. Scheuneman is home sick today and beside, he got a sliver in his eye putting on the roof of his building.

I will be glad when you get thourgh “courting” for it is certainly lonesome without anyone to scold.

Well, Elizabeth is ready to go back to school so I must close with love from all, Jennie

X Arthur’s kiss, X Elizabeth’s kiss, X Robbie’s kiss, X mine, X Willie’s
—————–
Barre, Massachusetts
December 18, 1918
Dear brother Mort,
Your letter dated Dec 17 at hand. I was very sorry to hear that McKinley was killed and feel his untimely death with you all. There is a great comfort in knowing he died in action in a good cause. It is with pride I think of your boys, not only of those that got in the army, but of Will for the ? and grit in the willingness he showed when I was at your house to get in the fight.

I am sorry to hear Jennie and the children were sick and hope they are well now.

I received a letter form Lillie last week. She said they are all well.

John Parmenter’s youngest daughter died in Chicago a short time ago from influenza.

Is Tom and Emma Collins in Eldred this winter or did they go to the city.

I don’t know of anything here that would interest you so will close with love to all. Eldred [James Eldred Austin, Grandpa Mort's brother.]

—-
1935
Ossining, NY, June 9, 1935
Dear Brother Mort
I was very sorry to read in the paper your house was burned. I hope you was well insured. Even if you were insured, it is a terrible loss and especially to one as old as you and Jennie and you have spent so many years of hard labor to get a home and then lose it by fire is mighty tough to hear. When you get time and fell like it, I hope you will write and tell me about it and what you are going to do. How is Jennie and the boys coming on? I hope they are all well and the boys have got work.

Where is Raymond living? How much of a family has he? Is Will married?

I suppose Lon and Ida are on the old place.

It is so cold we have a fire tonight.

Just after FDR was elected, Lon wrote me he was glad we had a Roosevelt to lead us out of the wilderness. Well, I think FDR has led us out of the wilderness into the jungle or the mire into the quagmire. I believe we will go down in the slough of despair until the people repent and call to God for help. Love to all, Ell [James Eldred Austin, Grandpa Mort's brother.]

1942
Postcard to Mr. AA Austin
Eldred, NY
Feb 4, 1942
from: Camp Upton
Have been very lucky so far. Hope it continues. Expect to stay here about 2 more weeks.

Co G Art
1222 Reception Center
Camp Upton, NY
on front: A company street scene, camp Upton, LI

————–
from:
Mrs. W. J. Waidler
Cario, NY Box 5
to: Miss Aida Austin
Box 35
Eldred, NY

Sep 7, 1942
Cairo, NY
Sunday

Dear Cousin Aida
What a pleasure it was to get a letter form you. And the “Good morning” poem is lovely. I shall keep it and also pass it on. Why can not we have more of these beautiful sentiments. It does cheer us as we go down on the shady side. I did come almost breaking my neck, but my time has not come, yet.

The dear Lord was watching over me and I am glad to say I am getting better though I have to watch my step. I’m expecting to go to Brooklyn to spend the winter with Laura’s two girls. They are 55 and 52, so they are not girls any more, both grandmothers. But they want me to be with them and I’m glad to be with them. I am hoping I can get out to Eldred before it gets too cold. I could not go this summer because I could not travel among so many people. How quickly the year s roll around. I did not get the stone for my fathers grave last year, but hope to have it all done when I get up there. I will be real happy to know it is done.

Today is a perfect day. The mountains are lovely. I can sit in my window and look at them. It does not seem that the world is in such a commotion here. It is quiet and peaceful I am glad that you did go to France. Last night a friend and I went to see The PIed Piper. If you have not read the book it is grand. I hardly ever go to the movies, but it was well worth while to see that. We saw a lot of France last night. Thank you so much for writing me. With love to you and Lon and hoping to see you later,

Your cousin, Emily
[Does anyone know who this is, and how she is related?
—Louise Austin Smith]

1943
from: 1 New St. Port Jervis
March 8, 1943

Dear Miss Austin
Have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. I I hope? you have been able to keep warm. We have had a long cold winter with plenty of snow. We was glad to be here near Harold’s work so he would avoid all the icy hills.

I was home one day last week for about an? hour, but had to hurry back as Harold was working nights and he had to be at the factory at 4:30. Well, I think Hitler is on the run and believe me I do hope he gets all he asked for. Don’t you?

I hope Lon is well and that you are taking good care of Miss Austin and that you don’t go out when it rains and will be home some time in April and then we can talk more. Should you write do tell me where your boys are. I sent a Christmas card to Billy at some camp in the south. I got the address from Frank. Frank is still at Chicopee Fall, Mass. He has not been home since Christmas.
I like living here in the winter better than staying at home. As one can get out once in a while. Well dinner is ready, so bye and write if you have a chance. Marcia goes to school two hours a day.

All send love,
Sincerely your old school pupil
Mae

Taxes for 1942
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Feb 17, 1943

armory and court exp—1 cent
county—63 cents
town—99 cents
highway 1—55 cents
total tax—2. 18
collector’s fees—2 cents
total amount paid—2.20
collector is Mary Crandall

1943
Camp Shelby, Miss
Feb 7, 1943

Dear Brother,
I received your letter in which you sent Art’s letter. I also got a letter from Art, which I am enclosing. Have you heard from Bob? I had a letter from Aunt Anna in which she said that she had a letter from Bob written on 20th of December.

In your letter you said that you were sending a check to pay the taxes. Was the taxes just on the old place or was they on my place too? There should be three parcels of land to pay taxes on. One in Dad’s name, one in Mother’s and one in mine. Let me know the next time you write.

I am sending you a bond which I bought. I had it made out so you could cash it too. Let me know if you get it ok. Well I will close now as I can’t think of anymore to write.

Your brother, Bill

——-
1944
Shohola Penn Sept 11
Charles R. Austin
1051 Vandusen St. Stapleton, NY

Regret to inform you your brother private Robert C Austin was slightly wounded in action on seventeenth August in the North Africa area. You will be advised as reports of condition are received.
UL 10 the adjutant General
————–
VMail
from PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf A
April 6, 1944
to: Mr. Charles R. Austin
Dear Brother,
Since I wrote you last, I have had a boat ride and am now somewhere in Italy. A short time after I got here, I got in touch with Arthur through the Red Cross and talked to him over the telephone. He tole me that Bob was in a hospital near by a couple days later he stopped in to see me and I got the afternoon off and we went to visit Bob. I guess Bob’s combat days are over as his right arm is in pretty bad shape. I am very much afraid that it will always be more or less crippled. He also has a touch of the yellow jaundice. He expects to be sent back to the states before long.

The war has sure left its mark on the country. Every meal there is always a bunch of children waiting along the mess lines for what the men have got left in their mess kits. Every where you see buildings that have been destroyed. I bet that generation of Italians have had enough of war. Well, I will close now hoping that you and your family are well. Write when you get time. Your brother, Bill
—————–

War Department
The adjutant General’s Office
Washington
In reply refer to Austin, Robert C.
PC-N NAT 060

12 April 1944
Mr. Charles R. Austin
Eldred, New York

Dear Mr. Austin:
It is with deep regret that I must confirm my recent telegram in which you were informed that your brother was wounded. As reports on our wounded are prepared under the adverse conditions of battle, they are of necessity brief and do not give the nature of the wound.

It may be comforting to you to know that our soldiers are given the best possible medical care by some of this country’s finest doctors who are assigned to the many excellent hospitals maintained at our overseas bases.

Theater Commanders submit periodic reports of progress on all hospitalized wounded, injured or seriously ill patients. Based on these reports, the War Department will keep you informed of his progress.

In order that mail may reach him as soon as possible, you should use the following temporary address until he is released from the hospital or a change of address is furnished you:
Pvt. Robert C. Austin 10,600,184 (Hosp.)
2628 Hospital Section,
APO 698 c/o postmaster
New York, New York

Since the above information is furnished only to you as the emergency addressee, it is requested that you inform all interested relatives and friends. It is my earnest hope that news of his release from the hospital will soon be forthcoming.
Sincerely yours,
Robert H. Dunlop
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General

———-
Eldred, NY
April 12, 1944
Dear Gladys and Raymond
Have intended to write ever since we rec’d your card and invitation to visit you, but so many things to do in day and too tired at night, but now Aunt Charlotte is on her Easter vacation and Martin and I are pretty much alone, so now I’m going to get caught up on letters.

Orville stopped in yesterday to tell me about telegram that came about Bob. [he had been wounded] I hope you get word soon from him that it isn’t so bad—it’s almost too much to expect all three to come through safely, but we can hope. Arthur has been under the impression that Bob’s outfit was having a tough time and hoped he would be sent home on a well earned furlough.

For past few weeks I’ve intended writing all three boys—I write rather frequently to Bill and Art, but never have to Bob as he never has sent me any kind of correspondence, but I realize when he was growing up I was away and I really was a stranger to him and when Aunt C. left she took all three addresses as she too had planned to write. We were sure Bob would be glad to receive a couple of unexpected letters, but now I don’t know if I should write him or not—he probably will be moved far from his present or last address.

I never mention anything about illness etc. except Uncle El, to Bill and Arthur for I think Raymond knows best what they should know.

Bob Groteclass also has been seriously wounded. I believe he is being sent home.

Charlee was home for Easter Sunday. Tony and LIlly also Lily’s mother and sister came. They are all quite happy again. Tony had a bad habit for a couple of years—drink! But he has improved at least 75% and I guess he will be about cured in another few months. Now he wants to stop it and where there is a will etc.

I guess you know Clifford is helping me this year. He is a good worker and just like one of the family to have around. He hasn’t been able to get 6 days in in any week since he started. So much rain.

Isn’t it nice that you got moved farther into country before hot summer weather.

Will you have a little garden plot? It would be nice for the girls to work in to get a nice coat of tan. Your dad must like it where you are now. Gladys, for he didn’t usually make two trips in the winter, did he?

We were quite amused yesterday by a plane flying low and dipping. I suppose saluting. No one knew who it was then. but today we heard it was Jim Purcell of Barryville. I would call him “a pretty good pilot.” Clifford thought it might be Ed Toaspern at the time, for he swooped low over him. I guess you get most of Eldred news thru Emma and Barryville news through Orvill and his wife. 

Charles Myers is at Camp Shelby now and Aunt Minnie went to Binghamton on Monday to bring her Aunt Carrie Morre, a very old lady, home with her for the summer. She will spend the rest of the year with her two daughters in Binghamton and Oleau. She recently sold her home. Is very spry, but sight is poor. She (Aunt M.) was quite a sick person last winter and glad she is picking up so fast. I often feel like calling you up to have a little visit. but I’d have to call after ten in the evening as our line is very busy up to that time and there wouldn’t be much privacy. I wouldn’t mind anyone listening, but to have them ring in while talking about burns me up. I know who it was the last time you called us. Just a kid trying to get a number for someone else. I’ll tell him of it sometime.

It’s so cold and windy tonight. Hard to realize that it’s near middle of April. Our coal is gone and when it’s so windy, I’m afraid to open up drafts so the stoves aren’t throwing off much heat.

Do you expect to come up to Eldred this summer? If you do, would love to have you and family up to spend the day with me. If I got to town oftener, I’d know more news to write., but I haven’t even had a paper or mail for two days. If it’s clear tomorrow, Clifford will bring mail on way up.

Hope you are all well and that we hear encouraging news about Bob.
With love to all
Aunt Christine

————–
[not sure when this was written]
Hq & Hq Co., Fifth Army,
Antiaircraft Section,
APC #464 c/o Postmaster,
New York, NY
Dear Uncle,
Was pleased to receive your letter of 19 November and to learn that you and Aunt Aida have been well. Trust the winter has not dealt too severely with you since then. The last few mornings a light skim of ice has frozen but a good stove in the tent keeps us comfortable. Up in the mountains the snow adds to the difficulties of life, however guess it can not be much worst than the rain and mud.

Glad to hear the fruit crop was plentiful this season and that you stored a good amount for the winter. Should help a lot to vary the store diet.

Am enclosing a money order for $20.00 for the church. HOpe the attendance will be better this winter but with so many people away from town, guess that can hardly be expected. All the minister’s daughters being away must be felt pretty badly in the church work. Well perhaps before too long the war will be over and things will return to normal; or let us hope a great deal better than ever before. Still I can’t help but feel that it is along ways in the future. Would not be much surprised but what this old world is in for a good deal more of turmoil than most people expect.

As you are undoubtedly reading in the papers we are going forward slowly at the present Time. but we are all confident the pace will be speeded up in the future.

Trust that you and Aunt Aida are still in good health and to hear from you soon.

Your nephew, Arthur
——-

postage is free
From PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf
APO 85 Fort Dix, NY
To Mr. Charles Austin
1051 Van Duzer St.
Stapleton
Staten Island, New York

Got back in plenty of time last night your telegram was here. It got here Saturday night about 8 o’clock.
Your brother, Bill
————

1945
taxes for 1945
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Jan 31, 1945
county—63 cents
town—89 cents
highway 1—63 cents
Ress’d school taxes for 1944—1.27
omitted tax school 1943—1.27
total tax—4.69
collector’s fees
total amount paid—4.69
collector is Mary M Crandall
————-
postcard to
Pfc Robt C. Austin
England General Hospital
Atlantic City, NJ
March 14, 1945

Dear brother Bob
Just a card to let you know we are all ok and that we have heard from Bill and Art since you were here. Bill was out of the hospital and having some dental work done.

Art thinks he may be home on furlough early this summer. Hope we see you soon. It must be pretty near time for your furlough to commence. Hoping to see you soon and with best regards from all. Your brother, Ray

1948
Albert Alonzo Austin obituary
Albert Alonzo Austin died in Eldred at 11:15 am on sunday after a short illness. He became ill while on his way to attend the service in the Eldred Methodist Church and failed to rally.

Mr. Austin, who was one of the oldest and highly respected residents of the town of Highland, was born September 28, 1857, in Eldred, the son of William Henry Austin and Mary Ann Eldred Austin. The greater part of his life was spent in Eldred where he was engaged in farming. For many years he was a trustee and local preacher in the Eldred Methodist Church.

Surviving relatives are four nephews—Arthur and William Austin of Eldred; Robert and Charles Austin of Huguenot Park, SI, and one niece, Mrs. Lillie Calkins of Bethel.

The body was brought to the Porter and Harding Funeral Home, 6 North Broome Street and the funeral, with the Rev. John L. Beebout officiating, will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday in the Methodist church at Eldred. Interment will be in Eldred Cemetery.

1958
In Memory of Anna M. Leavenworth
born: October 5, 1875
Eldred, NY
Passed away: October 29, 1958
Indian Orchard, PA

Service held at Rasmussen’s Funeral HOme
Narrowsburg, New York
November 1, 1958 at 2 pm
Clergymen: The Rev. J. Rober Geyer
Final Resting Place: Eldred Cemetery, Eldred, NY

God hath not promised Skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways All our live through
God hath not promised sun without rain
Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.

But God hath promised Strength for the day
Rest for the labor, Light for the way
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy Undying love…

Envelope from Mt Grove house
to: Mr. Chas Raymond Austin
Apartado 234
Maracaibo, Venezuela
South America
Sunday evening Jan 9th, 1927

My dear Ray,
I am staying home from church on purpose to make a special effort to answer some of my correspondence.

We are having quite severe weather, but before we know it, summer times will be here once more with all its work and worries. It is hard to tell which is the more agreeable of the two, summer or winter. Still winter does not hold the hardships that it used to for most of us. Likely you are sweating just at present.

Gladys called us up form Port Jervis last night and said she had heard from you, she as well as ourselves were growing anxious for it had been three weeks since she had heard when last we saw her one week ago today.
We are all well but Bobby. He has a sore throat, a number have chickenpox here.

Do they have radios where you are? If so, do you get any US stations? They say KDKA from Pittsburgh is heard in Australia.

It looks as though Uncle Sam might have some little trouble with Mexico and the Central American Countries. Today’s paper stated that China had asked the other powers for help to protect their citizens from the rebels who ever they are. Do you get any NY papers? If not, we could send you some of course the news would be old, but still new to you and others so far away from home.

Howard Pellon is dead and Charley Lass. Howard died of typhoid fever and Charley of pneumonia.
The people who usually go south are down there again, lucky ones.

Eddie Crail’s mother died leaving him a few thousand, so he built a house or bungalow up at the Lake. He took Leon Parker up there as care taker and partly out of sympathy for they say Leon is nearly dead of consumption.

Last fall, old Bishoff took a monkey up to them (Leon and Eddie) to take care for a few days and told them he would come back and get it again, but never showed up, so it was on their hands about a week ago Eddie found it with a box of matches trying to strike them. He hi i tover the head with stove poker and killed it. Leon began to swear at Eddie. So poor Leon was chased out. He is over with Mrs. Kirk now, right after that, Eddie and Patsy Clark were celebrating and got in some kind of a dispute, then they had trouble, so the other night, Bill saw Eddie Crail and he told him that “the surroundings were so crude here in Eldred,” that if he could sell his house here, he would “move to where the society was more congenial.”

Fred Morgan decided he would buy Eddie’s house. He wrote out a check for $4500. He did not sign it, but said he would as soon as Eddie gav him the deed of the house. The best of all, I thought was when Fred told that his wife had received a check for $10,000 for some Lumberland. They asked him what bank the check was on, and he said the custom house. So they all told him the money must be safe. Eldred certainly has its share of foolish characters.

Dory does not come in very often. They only have the movies once a week and they are not well attended which make this ruling ones sore. When you are sending cards, send some to Rev. Robert Collins, Madison, NJ. He will be surprised to hear form you from SA. Be sure and take good care of yourself and remember that we think of you every day and are looking forward to the time when you will return. Love from all,
Mother.

———-
Tenafly, NJ March 18, 1927
Dear Friend
I thank you for being willing to take my cattle for a while. Now we hear that the roads are very bad. So I am afraid to risk sending a moving van full of furniture up until later for fear they should get stuck in that road in front of my place as they did once before and not be able to get up to the house.

The same man that brought the cows down is going to take them back and he expects to go by the Monticello wood as that will be clear? road all the way. He is very good. What day, will depend on the weather. I wish I could send some of the rye ? we have so much of for bedding…

It will be nice if you will feed them well and they will be pretty well shaken if after the long ride.

Now Lon, about the second week in April, I would like you to open up the house and have Herman Bosch fix the pump in the kitchen. I will settle all bills with you when I get there. I am feeling better, but am not real well yet. Have had heart trouble.

The weather here is too warm for comfort as we have to keep the furnace going. It is not at all likely that it will continue so warm.

Hope this finds you and Ida well.
With kind regards to give both from all.
Your friend, Emma K. Collins

PS be careful of the cows for a few days after their long auto ride.

—–
Envelope:
from Tenafly, NJ
Feb 14, 1928
To: Mr. A A Austin
Eldred, NY

Letter:
Tenafly, NJ Feb 14, 1928

Dear Friend
I enclose check for months from January 15th to Feb 15th.

Now, Lon, I wish you would send me your bill for what hay you have let me have up to this date and also for any other bill I may owe you. Did you take all the hay from my barns? If there is no hay at my barn, I wish you would see that there is a ton put in there before the road is too bad to get any taken over it.

I forgot to say that when you trim the fruit trees, be sure and trim those down at the old place.

I will need 5? new floors in all then the stalls of the barn now. Do you think you could get Willie Austin to help you and do the work and get the lumber? If so, let me know if Willie isn’t helping you ? Rob Clark would do so.

Hope you and Ida are well. The winter has not been severe, but cold enough and we long for the ? and spring time.

With kind regards from us and ever your friend.
Emma K Collins

Be sure and send feed bills.
————
July 18, 1930
from Rev. John R. Ralph
ME parsonage
Glen Spey
Dear Bro Austin

You no doubt have learned from the newspapers we are celebrating “Founder’s Day” at the Glen Spey Church on Sunday First. Celebrating the 146th anniversary of the church. We would be very pleased to have you favour us with an address, knowing you to be connected in an internal way with the Church History.

The Service begins 2:30 pm and you will be the first speaker. Hoping you can come. I thank you in anticipation of your kindness.

Very Sincerely yours,
John R. Ralph

——–
1933
envelope: Box 346 E. Islip, NY
Feb 14, 1933
Mr. and Mrs Chas R. Austin
64 Hendricks Ave
New Brighton State Is., NY
Sympathy card
May it comfort and sustain you to know that the sincere sympathy of friends is ever near you.

Dear Raymond and Gladys,
I am so sorry for you that I don’t know how to express my grief. When the weather gets a little settled, try to bring the children and come over to see me. With much sympathy, Aunt Anna

1934
from Eldred
Nov 27, 1934
To Mr. AA Austin, Eldred
thank you card for his sympathy from Chas and Harold Dunlap and family
——–

Edwin Mortimer Austin b. Dec 11, 1937
written 1938?

Letter head The Pines C M Austin Proprietor
Tuesday Evening

Dear Gladys,
I surely was glad to hear of Edwin Mortimer and that you are all well. I wonder if Jake brought Marjorie back yet? I understood she expected to last Sunday.

That Irishman’s name was something like Marr or Murr, so the boys think. Am glad the children liked their things. I didn’t know Arthur was going to Port to get them, so I went down and bought some here in Eldred, but we found use for everything. The doll wouldn’t open its eyes wide as it should, I think there was something loose inside of it.

When you was in the hospital, did Melva get a box of cookies and an apron I sent her if not it was insured and we might as well look after it.

Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Gill? They were people who rented here in summer and sometimes stayed during the winter. The last two winters they went south and one wee ago today, he dropped dead. He was brought back here form Florida and buried. His wife’s mother is buried here in Eldred.

Clara was married a week ago Sunday. Her husband seems very nice and he has some very nice people. They all came to pay their respects to Clara before the wedding. And they went to see his Father and Mother after they were married. his folks at least his parents live in Brooklyn.

I still have your Christmas present to get off to you. You will get it before next Christmas.

The boys are still working, but Bob has been home for a few days. I wonder if your father is still down with you?

I am doing some embroidery work and want to make a quilt or two. I can’t seem to find a pattern to make the dress I brought home by. I was to make it over for Melva, but all the patterns I run across have swing skirts and I am sure that is too narrow to make a full skirt. You remember it is a henna dress. I think you said Jake gave it to you. Likely I will run across a pattern later.

I would like to come down later if only for a day or two. Don’t think I can stand the round trip in one day. Aunt Charlotte and I was talking perhaps early in the spring we would go down to see a Shakespearean play. If we went on a Friday, I might get over for Sunday or Saturday. It’s just all talk so far.

Mrs. Garbarini sent you and Raymond a card. I will try and find it and write her address on it so you can send her one in return.

I should write a couple more letters, but am going to bed instead.

Love to you all, Mother
——-
The Pines heading envelope and letterhead
Mrs Chas R. Austin
64 Hendricks Ave
New Brighton State Is., NY
March or May 22, 1938
Monday evening

Dear Gladys,
I did manage to send the apples (I promised the children) this morning. It is like summer today.

Yesterday they took John Love to the hospital. Three weeks ago he was taken down with pneumonia and from all accounts he has to have an operation like you had.

Annie Maier died with pneumonia. Julius had it, but has recovered and did you know Mr. Hanlon was buried the third of March? and Uncle Johnny died about three weeks ago. Everyone dies or is married up here this year.
Charlie Ort married Anna Bragne. Lawrence Racine is married.

Joe Dassori was up a week ago. I am having my kitchen all cleared up and it has had two coats of paint. The paper I sent for was sold out so am delayed at having the job finished. The room where you slept I have had a light paper put on and it looks very good.

When you have time you better write Anna a letter. Somehow she didn’t receive a card.

I have been in about three weeks with a cold but last week ventured out. I don’t know what in the world I would do if I got sick now so have to be careful.

Nellie is going to help me again this summer. Perhaps after we get everything straightened out I can get away for a week or two. Anyway will live in hopes even if I die in despair. Nellie has been quite sick herself.

Dr. Gulfruend was in this PJ hospital over a week. Little Frankie Clouse was operated on for mastoid this afternoon.

Truman is under the weather again. This time jaundice. If it don’t clear up by Thursday, he is going up to the Callicoon hospital again.

I suppose you will be up at Easter time. I hear Melva is to come and I understood Joanie was to spend the week with Jake. Tell Raymond to be careful about catching cold this weather.

Love to all, Mother

—————-
1939

Hopewell Junction, NY
3/31/1939
Dear Brother Lon,
I was glad to receive your letter and learn you were well.

We are having real spring weather. the farmers are plowing and getting ready to sow oats and make gardens. One neighbor planted garden peas a week ago.

The old must die and I am getting old very fast. I will soon be 74, but at heart I do not feel older than when I was 40.

Early morning I kneel and thank God for health and strength as I have it.

Sometime in April I will go to Ossining to live. I wish it was so I could go to Kansas with you in June, but it will be impossible to get away from my work this summer

I paid for and got a certificate for the plot where Emma is buried. The plot is 25 ft and 12 1/2 E and west. My wife and her sister bought the other half of plot and buried Father Parmenter in.
[This must be from James Eldred Austin]

December 1939 Christmas Card to A A Austin from Mae Parker
note on envelope: Parkers bought and lived in the Old “Eldred” homestead (Temperance Tavern) Still lived there when I was 12 or 13.

Envelope: Mountain Grove house
C M Austin Pop. Eldred, Sullivan County, NY
Feb 9, 1925

Eldred NY
Feb 9, 1925
Dear Raymond,
The snow up here is melting fast. In the morning it is froze so we go sleigh riding. We both got sleighs for Christmas. We saw the total eclipse of the sun. We have our wood sawed. Mrs. Cox hurt her leg sleigh riding and she came to school with a cane.

I am sick and I can not go to school. I had to stay in bed all day Sunday. I felt dizzy when I stood up. I hope you are feeling well. I am feeling better. I hope you can come up on LIncoln’s birthday. The rest of the family are feeling well. Arthur is as fat as ever.
Your brother Bob

——
Mountain Grove house letterhead
C M Austin, Proprietor
situated 5 miles from Shohola station
overlooking the village
can accommodate 30 guests
two daily mails
telephone connection
Eldred Sullivan County, NY
March 13th, 1925

Dear Brother,
I received your letter today. I understood that you were sending a money order in it. But no money order arrived with it. I think that you must have forgot to put it in because the letter seemed to be sealed alright when I got it. I am in no hurry for the money. I am letting you know right away because it might possibly been taken out of the letter.

We are having fairly nice weather for this time of the year. We are all very well and I hope you are the same. There is nothing new to write about so I will have to close.
Your brother, Bill

———

not sure when this was written
6 o’clock Monday morning

My Dear Raymond,
I wonder if you realize that we have not heard from you since you were home in February, so it is time you should spare a few moments and write to us. The reason for writing so early in the morning is that I have just got Bill off to work. They are building another dam on the Mongaup stream and about 35 men from this side of Mongaup go over nearly every morning.

Harold Dunlap is married. The event happened on Easter Sunday. The girl is a Catholic and the first day he went back to work he was nearly killed by a large branch falling on him. Quite a few of the Eldred boys have met with accidents over there. None serious.

As yet, clinton cut his foot quite badly and they took him to Port Jervis to have it attended to, but then they are working nearer Port than home. Mrs. Tuzza, Nettie, Margaret, Anna and a friend were up for the Easter week. It really seemed good to have them for we could or had to get out of our winter rut of living.

It keeps very cool and we still have snow and ice in spots.

Now try and send us a letter within a day or so as we cannot help but feel anxious at times.
Love from all
Mother
———–
Envelope Box 111 Eldred NY
April 22, 1925
To Chas R. Austin
204 Richmond Terrace
St. George
Staten Island, NY

Wednesday morning
Dear Raymond,
We have not heard from you in quite some time.

Now I am writing by request of Mrs. Hattie Lieble in regards of the soldiers bonus. She wanted me to find out if you could get her a blank to fill out. I think you stated you had wrote to Washington DC to find out the details, but now I think it would be to Albany where your Bonus came from as this is a state and now a Federal bonus. Do what you can anyway.

We thought we would use Mac’s bonus to pay for the markers for his and Elizabeth’s graves which we expect soon, having been uneasy about ordering them, but likely some other way of paying will turn up.

We are having the house painted and will certainly look like a different place, so far the prospects for the summer appear good. Am up to my neck in house cleaning. The boys have a bicycle so have falls and fights galore.
Lovingly,
Mother
————-

from Mt Grove house
Sep 13, 1926
To Mr. Charles R. Austin
c/o Gulf Oil Company
Apartado 234
Maracibo, Venezuela
South America

Sunday evening
Dear Raymond,
At last I will try and write a few lines to you. the kids have both been under the weather. Arthur seems to have an ulcer or something like one in the upper part of his throat and a low fever. Dad is pretty well again. I see the “flu” is raging again so be very careful of yourself and don’t expose yourself more than necessary.

Marcella Flood was up for one week with us. Mrs. Tuzza wrote for your address. Likely Millie told her you were in the City.

We had quite a snow storm here last night and the beginning of last wee very cold weather. By Thursday night the thermometer fell to 24 degrees below zero. I imagine you must have felt it at Governor’s Island.

We received an announcement of Annie Eldred’s marriage last week. Yesterday we sent you the Gregg Magazine. Hope you get it alright and did you get the books we sent? The arithmetic and Grammar?

Bill is helping Harold in the “wood business”. I believe tomorrow Dad and he start to finish Mr. Sergeant’s logs.
Warrne Parker has been very sick. He had an operation for appendicitis.

Why don’t you write to Harold Fraley! I will send you his address if you will, likely he would go over to see you.
Pat Morgan called up to see us last sunday evening to get your address and during the evening he told us many interesting things. He said when he was in the army hospital with the “flu”, they came and tied a red tag on the foot of his bed.

Of course I was curious and asked what they did that for and he said “to show I was near death.” He said he would go back in the army in a moment only he thinks too much of his folks. Well will close and write a few more letters. Be very careful and not catch cold. With love from all. Mother

Bobbie is going to charge you one dollar the next time you make him mad.
—————-
From Mt Grove House
To Mr. C. R. Austin
204 Richmond Terrace
St. George
Staten Island, NY

Eldred, NY
Sept 20, 1926
Dear Raymond,
As I have nothing to do, I guess I might as well tell you a lot of junk.

I am taking Latin, Bioloby, Civics and algebra in High School. Next year I think I will take Spanish and German. Latin and Algebra are kind of hard, but Civics and biology are easy.

Friday in Biology, we had to pick a grasshopper apart. Some of the girls did not like it very much. Mr. PIerce teaches biology, and civics and Miss Hartmon teaches Latin and Algebra. I have to study pretty hard.

We are trying to make up a baseball team. Mr. Baque and Mr. Shubert are up here now.

We are having nice weather here. How do you like South America? Is it very hot? I wish I could come down and stay with you.

Mother, Dad, Bill and Bob are fielding? [feeling?] good. Mr. Shubert, Mr. Baque and i play cards every night. They are going away Wednesday.

That’s all the junk I can think as so I will close.
Arthur

————

not sure when written, after labor day maybe soon after Dad’s letter above
Sunday evening

My dear Raymond,
I wonder if you ever thought that we have not heard a word of you since Labor day which seems along time ago. so we are beginning to think about your welfare.

We are counting on your vacation being the first two weeks in November and hope you will not disappoint us at that time. I think you are registered up here, so you can vote if you are here at election time which I hope you will be. Let us know what your plans are as soon as possible.

We have had a few days of winter here, but tonight it begins to warm up again.

I suppose you see Gladys each weekend. I think Aunt Minnie and Charlotte are down there now. For some reason or other, my relatives keep far away. Have seen grandfather twice this fall.

Bobby has not been very well lately and from now on I must watch his diet very careful. He has had glasses for about three weeks as school began the boys got the rope off the old flag pole and were having hanging parties. Bobby was one of the chief horse thieves and certainly had a close call. From the scar on his neck sometimes, I think his trouble with his head might come from that western necktie party.

Last night we were settled for a quiet evening when one of our city boarders walked in us. I believe he goes back tomorrow night.

Mr. Shubert went back last week. He had a very bad cold when he started home and we feel rather anxious as we have not heard from him as he said he would send a card.

The electric line is going up quite fast. I believe they are putting up the wire through the village now. I suppose the Baileys have returned to St. George.

I hope he improved in health while he was away. I heard the boys say that Raymond Myers had moved to Port Jervis this last week so he must have a winter’s work down there.

Dad and Bill are busy getting out wood. They have quite a lot ordered ahead I suppose on account of the coal strike.

Arthur is still as robust as ever and seems to enjoy life very much.

We want to walk down to the village and mail this tonight so it will be sure to go tomorrow.

Let us know when you are coming home. The boys watch the mail to hear from you.
Love from all, Mother

———–
Mt Grove House paper
Sept 26, 1926

My dear son,
I have come home from church, the boys are all in bed. Your mother is reading a book. We are all very glad to get a letter from you.

We have had a good summer and made good. It is good to be alone. We have one woman here yet. I think she will go this coming Saturday. I am very busy trying to get my work done before winter.

Arthur is in High school and Bob is getting on good. I think they have sent you a letter. I suppose your mother and Gladys tell you all the news. I do so little writing that it is hard work for me to write a letter. So I do some of your mother’s work and get her to do the writing. She is very good at that.

I think about you everyday, and I pray that God will take care of you and keep you from all harm. I know when we are young, we do not see things as we do when we get older. I know it pays best to do right here and I am sure it will be better for us in the next world if we have done the best we can in this world.

I hope you will write home as often as you can. I am getting sleepy. So good night
With love,
Father
—————

Eldred, NY
Oct 22, 1926

Dear Raymond
I bought a donkey from May Parker. I can ride him. Last night I rode it up to Uncle Lon’s and tonight after school, Clifford Crandall came up and we rode him up to Uncle Lon’s. I’m going to get a harness and a pair of shafts for him to pull my wagon.

I am in the fifth grade and Arthur is in high school.

Last Saturday night, Gladys came up to our house.

Last week dad and Ed Myers went up to Collins and got all of her apples.

Mrs. Styles is my teacher.

Last Saturday I went nutting. I have the nuts drying by the stove. I’m going nutting tomorrow
Bob

ps: May Parker gave me the donkey. We got a radio. It’s name is Ned. I mean the donkey’s name.

——————-
The following may go with Bob’s letter:
no date
Mt Grove House letter heading
Sunday evening

My dear Raymond,
We have been a very wicked family today, not one of us have been to church and the reason, Dad, Arthur and Bobby are just recovering from the grippe. It has been the worst siege that we have had in a long time. They were all quite sick for a couple days, but will be alright if they do not catch more cold.

I suppose you heard of the death of Charley Lass and Harold Quick. Next it will be Nate Dailey. He has had one hemorrhage after another, the last week or two.

Mrs. Tuzza and Nellie have been here for two weeks. They returned to the city yesterday. Nellie had had pneumonia and the doctor told them to get out of the city a couple weeks. She seemed alright when she went back. My electric washer and radio have certainly taken some of the loneliness and hard work out of the winter months. I only wish I could remember one quarter of the things I hear over the radio. I certainly would be a wise one if my memory was good.

There has been a lot of sickness in Eldred. Part of the time Dr. Smith has been away. I think one of his brothers has been sick. We had Dr. Gofruend. He lives on the Becker place. He seems very good at his practice. He came to Eldred for his health and does not go out very much.

I am expecting quite a few of the NYC school teachers up for their Easter vacation. We gave our room downstairs to Nellie and her mother so it made it hared when Dad and the boys were sick to run up and downstairs.

I was expecting Gladys Tuesday. But her father told me she went to Binghamton instead.

Harold Dunlap has turned to be a hermit at least I have not seen him all winter. His wife and Mother stopped and had coffee with me the day of Geo LaBarrs funeral. From all accounts, Harold has settled down to be an old steady married man.

We hear some fine sermons over the radio, also lectures, music, etc. It seems that I must have heard almost everything worth hearing of course a lot of nonsense comes along with the other. Jacksonville is the farthest south and Kansas City West. We have heard California, but it was relayed. Also London has been relayed through a Canadian station. Davenport, Iowa, has a fine station, but it come on late at night.

Dory is as busy as ever and everybody keeps stringing him continually. Just now, it is over some girl. I know Harry Lang is the girl, but cannot make Dory believe it. Harry writes the letters and sends them to someone in the city and they mail them back to Dory and of course he answers them. They say the letters are very funny.

Dad had a nice letter from Robert Collins last week. When you or better still take time and send him some cards from South America. Send them to Rev. Robert Collins, Madison, NJ, care of Mrs. Louis Noe. Well, must close. Bob has a letter somewhere around to put in.

Love from all Mother.

27 Orchard St., Port Jervis, NY
May 14th, 1913
Mr. A A Austin
Eldred, NY

Dear Mr. Austin,
After thinking the matter over, I have decided to take the principal room of the Eldred school this coming year, providing I pass the coming examinations which I fully intend to do.

I presume Miss Mills will have the primary department again—I hope so, but in case she shouldn’t be intending to teach in that room, there is a Miss Mary Twichell in the Teacher’s Training Class at present, a daughter of Mr. John Z. Twichell, who will want a school next year and who in my judgment would be just the person for the position.
I expect to be home May 29th for a few days and will make the contract, if you wish, during that time.

Yours truly,
Charlotte Leavenworth

—————
June 30, 1914
Neew York State Education Department
County of Sullivan
This is to certify that William Austin, a pupil in district no. 4, town of Highland, has satisfactorily passed the examination fo the 2nd term of the fifth grade, based on the State elementary course of study for the public schools, and is qualified to pursue the course prescribed for the following term.
Charlotte Leavenworth, Teacher
Frederick J. Lewis, District Superintendent.

June 6, 1923, Aida goes to France
Dear Lon,
I did not stop for my check, but wrote to Mrs. Quick to send it to you. You see you can endorse my name on it and send it to the bank. We just called Dr. Austin’s folks on the phone and they are coming to the dock to see me off.

Mrs. Luzza and Nettie are going to the boat with me, too. It is after eight and we are going to start soon.
I will write as soon as I reach France.

Yours, Aida

June 12, 1923
Tuesday
Dear Lon,
We are near Plymouth England. They will send this from there. We reach Havre tonight and leave for Paris eleven o’clock tomorrow,
Yours, Aida
[post card with photo of 2nd class dining room.]

Paris, France
June 16, 1923
Dear Lon,
I was up to the American Bank yesterday and deposited what money I don’t need for the present. Then I went to the depot and hunted up my trunk. Of course, I took a cab because I didn’t know how to find the places, but today I took quite a little walk. I think I could soon find my way anywhere around Paris, but I am too tired to do much of anything. I will have to stay here a week anyway. I think before I start on.

I was terribly sick all the way over. I have certainly struck a good hotel. I shall hate to leave it although I feel anxious to get out to where I am going. But I don’t dare to start on until I feel like myself again. I will write to you when I leave here and just where I am going to stop. I don’t know just yet. I will have to find out all about it and I will write when I get more.

I haven’t been disappointed in my opinion of the French people, and have got along fine so far. I don’t think you would have regretted it if you had come.

I was so glad I was able to be on deck when we were at Plymouth. The English coast along there was beautiful. But I didn’t catch a glimpse of poor old Ireland. Tell Mr. Scott I was so sorry about that. And tell Mrs. Barth I am going to write to her soon.

I don’t know but that I left my key in my door. I wish you would see and if I did, I wish you would put the key where I told you I was going to put it. If you see Emma Stevens, tell her I forgot about my Post Office Box, but I don’t need it anyway. Will write soon again.
With love, Aida

Paris France
Sunday afternoon
June 24, 1923
Dear Lon,
I expect to leave Paris for Durr-Sur-Meuse tomorrow evening. I would have gone sooner, but had to go to the United States Lines Office to change my order for my return ticket, and another day I went to the American Passport Office, and yesterday I went down to the American consulate Genreral to report as an American Citizen.

So you see I have had quite a little to attend to since I got over feeling the effects of my voyage, and I didn’t want to hurry and get tired before starting on. I take the ten o’clock train tomorrow night and will reach Verdun early Tuesday morning and will have to wait there a little while for the train to Dun sur meuse. The man at the United States LInes who told me how to go, said I would be at Verdun long enough to get breakfast. Then I will go on to Dun-sur-meuse, and will have to look up a hotel there. I saw by the paper you were having such hot weather over there. It has been very cool here.

We haven’t had on ereal hot day since I came. But it has been a little warmer yesterday and today. I am so thankful that it has kept ool. I met a lady and gentleman from Boston at the Consulate yesterday and they said when it was warm over here, that Paris was a terrible hot place. I am feeling good and hope all are well at Eldred.

Remember me to Mrs. Barth and family. I have been so busy I haven’t written yet—but will try to write as soon as I get on to Dun-sur-meuse.

Give my kind regards to Mrs. Rothman and household.

With love,
Aida

15 20th Ave.
Paterson, NJ
November 19, 1901
Dear Friend,
Once more I take the pleasure in lifting the pen to write a few lines to let you know that I received your kind letter and pleased to learn that Eldred is the same as usual.

You said in the letter that you missed the fair flowers, well I guess you did, the fair flowers did not dare to steal any fruit this summer. My cousins had a bungalow down at Rockaway, Long Island so that is where I spent my vacation.

I went down there three times and certainly had a swell time, but did not get any fruit or coffee like we got at your house. I often think how bold I was to help myself the way I did. But they say in the country everything goes so it must have been that way with me…

Love to all
Bell

—————
Oct 23, 1902
envelope:
To: Lon Austin
Shohola Pike Co., PA

Letter:
First Ave & First St.
Lakewood, NJ

Dear Lon,
Will you send me as soon as possible one barrel of assorted vegetables, one of apples and one of potatoes to the above address and oblige.
Yours truly,
(Mrs.) Chas. E. Proctor

December 8, 1902
envelope:
To: Lon Austin
Shohola Pike Co.,
Lochada, PA

Letter:
First Ave & First St.
Lakewood, NJ
December 7, 1902

Dear Lon
Do not send butter oftener than once in two weeks. We can not use more. Also send another barrel of assorted vegetables and one of apples. I should prefer Baldwin or Greenings and only a few Ben Davies.
Very truly yours,
(Mrs) Chas. E. Proctor

——
824 Madison St.
Brooklyn, NY
July 7, 1907
Dear Miss Austin
Have your ears tingled today? If they have not, it shows something is wrong with you and you must see to it.
We have been talking much about you today.

Mother wants to come up to your home again, so I told her I would write. She would like to come about the 8th of August. Jessie Hill would come with her if the board could be arranged to suit our pocketbook.

Could they have the rooms we occupied the first summer we were at your home? What board would you charge them?

It seems so strange now when I cannot go to the country, that mother has taken such a notion to go. When I could afford to go and wanted her to do so, she could not be tempted to go. Such is life. People are so contrary. I should love dearly to come but can not do so again this year.

I heard through Miss Crumney that you had passed through much sorrow during the past year. I sympathize very much with you all. Death comes to old and young, but when the aged leave us, we have the feeling that the work has been completed and take comfort. [Maybe referring to the death of Mary Eldred Austin in October 1906.]

At this moment, I am in my mind sitting on your piazza and breathing in the pure fresh air this lovely Sunday afternoon.

Miss Crumney retired in February, but a friend has invited her to go to Saratoga for the summer so she expects to be away in great style.

Will you let me know as soon as possible what you can do for us in rooms and price? Jessie and mother join me in sending love and kind regards.

————–
December 1911
Albert A Austin being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a taxpayer in School District #4, Town of Highland County of Sullivan State of New York.

That on December 5, 1911, he obtained a certified copy of the school tax roll on file in the office of H. L. Eldred, School Tax Collector for Said District.

That certain amounts have been added to said roll, also that the name of George Sidwell has been placed on said roll. That the said Sidwell’s name is not on the assessment roll for the year 1911 and 1912. That the said H. L. Eldred committed the above named acts placing his own assessment on the property of the said Sidwell all without authority from anyone so far as I have been able to learn.

Also, that several other names were added and corrections made that the said H. L. Eldred acknowledged verbally in the presence of myself and George Carner that he made the above named additions and corrections. that the total amount raised by vote of the tax payers at the annual school meeting for the year 1911–1912 was $800. That the present roll by reason of said additions now calls for the sum of Ten Hundred sixty-six and 00/100 dollars 10066 00/100, by reason of the above your petitioner requests that you do not accept said roll without a thorough investigation.

Sworn to before me this 29 day of December 1911.
A A Austin
George Carner
Notary Public