To Bertha from Beth Cary –
White Bear Lake
Oct. 3, ‘20
Dearest Bobby,
Ohio has been a _____ summer. Have been at home for three months now and it looks for a while as though we were to be fixtures. However, the boys bought _____ of a nice bank in St. Cloud last week and take possession the 10th of this month. We have a house half way rented, a dream of a place, too, if we can only get it but there is no thing sure. In spite of _____ _____ building, desirable houses are as scarce as _____. People laugh at me for claiming that even the washwoman demands an all modern home now and no one wants the old shacks. Here’s hoping I don’t have to live in a shack or, what is worse, with kids – a second or third stay flat.
I’m unusually pleased over this move as it ought to mean an end to them. St. Cloud is a hustling city of about 15,000 now. It has five or six bands. Ours, “The Merchant’s National” has about a million and a quarter deposits. Father says the boys have their nerve, it’s a big proposition for two boys under thirty, but they know the _____ and business and can do it. Of course, it ties up every cent we had and then some but a little care in living for several years will leave us in pretty good shape, so we should worry. It is a dandy town to live in, about 60 minutes north of Minneapolis. The public schools are good and the normal school is one of the best and oldest in the state. I went to Kindergarten there myself and if we are near enough, both Alice and Fred start this year. They are going to a small private Kindergarten now and doing remarkably well. Seems odd that they are old enough. Am glad though for expect a little sister for Alice in March and it makes it quieter to have them come for a few hours a day. _____ is another reason why I’ll be glad to be settled down soon.
Can’t remember whether your Elko is in Colorado or Nevada or what so will send through the father. Notice that he managed to get into a little _____ even in Denver this summer. Don’t think it would have hurt them to let people keep their war ranks myself. Seems small to shove them back. Don’t believe I’d be a success in Washington, too double to suit me.
Wonder how you will like earning your own living. Ought to be a change at least. $18.00 sounds good to me with the regular hours you have to work. _____’s girl is teaching French in a St. Paul high school this year. Expect they will be married this winter or early in the spring although at present, her salary is so much for nine months as his for a year. However, he has prospects and side earnings. You must try to get into St. Cloud next year, north normal and public schools use several teachers in your line. Is a nice live town, too. High and normal have some buildings.
Ohio is a family litter alright. Should think you would be bored to death, will quit and go riding. Write me all about your new life and don’t forget to mention the address.
Are you much on dogs? My twelve year old brother has a new bull terrier puppy four months old. We call her ‘Freckles’ and she is as much bother as a baby. My baby was scared stiff at first and we had to keep either the pup or the boy out of doors. Imagine a child of mine afraid of anything. Alice is afraid, too, but old enough to try and control it. She did object to his settling into bed with her. Fred _____ _____.
Must quit.
Lots of love,
Beth