Elizabeth Golden

Elizabeth Golden ( August 27, 1897 )

Elizabeth Golden

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Four pages. Page 1: front only, Pages 2 thru 4: front and back

Paper: Lined paper 5-5/8” wide by 8-7/8” high

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Midland, Mich.

Aug 22, 1897

My dear Friend, --

Your ever welcome letter was received and contents noted with much pleasure. Surprised to hear from you so soon, nevertheless acceptable.

Mary and I are in our room alone. Have just been having a picnic. That is about all we indulge in of late. This has been a very dreary day. Mary said it looks like fair time. Regardless of all inclemency, we expect to take a ride over the parements this evening. Mary has a pretty nice lawyer up here so I think it is well for Dennison to be on the catch.

Father Malone went to Auburn last evening on his wheel, did not come back till this P.M. We had the mansion all to ourselves while he was gone. Jim is here yet, already, once.

Yes I go to Mass every morning and it is just fine.

Well, Will this is Monday morning. When I was writing yesterday Mary called me down stairs to see Father M. He was so cold that he came out of his room with his overcoat, cap and buffalo mittens on. He looked comical enough in August. So did have a chance to finish my letter. Of course we had to fill our engagements. It was very cold here last night but quite pleasant today, just comfortable. This is a lovely place anyhow.

I am quite impressed with the city, am having a lovely time. Oh! Will wish you were here last night we had vespers and it was grand. Father M. spoke very nicely and the altar looked so pretty.

I must tell you about the ride we took last Tuesday. I believe I told you about the man that died recently. Well, we went out to Auburn to sing the Requiem Mass for him. It is about 12 miles from here. Crowd consisted of Father M. Jim, Mary, Jennie H., Miss Reardon (the organist) and myself. After the ceremony we drove out to the coal mines which was 4 miles from Bay City. Fine roads all the way (stone road) and a fine rig to ride in. It made our ride about 28 miles but I didn’t mind it much it was so nice. We started from here at 6:30 A.M. Was quite refreshing.

Thursday eve we were invited out to tea by a lady named O’Neal. Friday eve we were honored with a Pedro party and refreshments at Mr. Ryan’s residence. I tell you we are up in H. now days.

Mary is quite down hearted since I told her the report and she says she knows of an impediment existing and is bound in conscience to report. I was quite shocked myself but think I can stand it better than she. I tell her there are more pebbles on the beach. I am going to let her read part of this letter pretty soon. She is trying to see it anyway.

Was Miss Utter up to see you Sunday? Sorry I couldn’t be at home to help entertain her.

Dr. Johnson just called to see Mary. I am trying to make her believe she is sick. This town is full of Drs. And lawyers. Don’t think Mary will come home with me. Will wait till later. Two weeks from today school will begin. Don’t see how I can reconcile myself after this trip. Have no notion of going home. They say I have to stay till next Saturday but think will start Thursday if nothing happens. Would stay longer only for school. Think this enough for once such as it is. Give my regards to the girls and all inquiring friends. Also keep a liberal share for your self.

I wrote home yesterday. Think they are lonesome without me. Don’t you? It seems longer than two weeks since I came here. There is so much going on.

Sade told me that Shep was dead. That is a shame but I never will be so cruel again. Some one was more cruel than I was to poison him. I guess I will stop for if I get started again I won’t know enough to stop. You said you liked a long letter. Here it is.

If you get this in time, write again before Thursday for I am quite sure I will start Thursday. Mary and I are going to take in the teachers’ institute this week. Mary sends her best with her compliments you will find enclosed. She is going downstairs to make pie for dinner. Don’t you wish you were here? You know you like pie.

Would like to hear from you more frequent and a longer letter. Suppose I will have to stand it. If you stand the effects of this letter you will do well, stand to read it I mean. That is all from you friend only,

Elizabeth A. Golden

Midland

Mich.

P.S.

Suppose you will think this is a pretty cold country by the run of this letter but it doesn’t beat yours. It must be down to 0. Good Bye

Lizzie

Will come by way of Saginaw and avoid the 4 hrs wait at Reed City and perhaps see Father Dalton

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“Mary”: Mary is Mary Malone, Father Malone’s sister. Mary is Lizzie’s cousin.

“Father Malone”: Father Malone is Mary’s brother. Father Malone is Lizzie’s cousin.

“Will”: Will is William Fitzpatrick

“Pedro party”: Pedro is a card game