Don’t try to imitate the Italians at the expense of colds and pneumonia

To Bertha from CC Ballou –

Spokane, Washington

November 17, 1926

Dear Specks,

A letter from you came a couple of weeks ago and Mamma had one since then. I don’t get much writing done these days. I anticipated to know you are feeling well and sleeping well, and hope you will keep warm. Don’t try to imitate the Italians at the expense of colds and pneumonia. It don’t pay. One _____ much of course in the way of making up for their small fires dressing warmly.

Sally is gone to a tea with Winona _____ this evening. Mamma is as usual. I saw her out with a hoe – digging up something she wanted to make grow in the house.

I am rather worthless – so much so I had to hire a man to do the outdoor work and mend the furnace. I pay him forty a month in winter and fifty in summer beside his quarters in the garage. Don’t know how it is coming out, but he claims know how to take care of…

(Rest of letter missing)

Please excuse this scrawl but the temperature has risen suddenly
The place looks very pretty now, with lots of tulips and hyacinths out, cherry and plum trees in full bloom

Published by

CC Ballou

Bertha's father was a major general who fought in the Spanish-American War as well as in the Philippines. He later commanded the 92d Division - a black unit - during World War I.