[Headlines from The New York Times (page 1, above the fold) to place the letters in context of the world around them.]
SIXTEEN GIRLS HELD IN FALLEN ELEVATOR
Steel Roof Chopped Through to Free Them and Six Taken Out Fainting for Lack of Air.
" No more on this trip. I'll come back for you in a minute," shouted Eustace Reece, a negro elevator operator in the Mills Gibb Building, 462 Broadway, as sixteen girls crowded into his car on the fifth floor of the building at 6 o'clock last night.
BELMONT HORSES AS A GIFT TO ARMY
Henry of Navarre, Octagon, and Four Other Famous Sires Offered for National Stable.
About 125 sportsmen from all parts of the country met at a dinner in the Myrtle Room at the Waldorf last night to glorify the thoroughbred. It was the first dinner of its kind, and will probably result in a permanent organization as suggested by Harry W. Smith of Worcester, who organized the dinner.
Windsor Hotel
B.E. Swart, Prop.
Oneonta N.Y.
February 16, 1911
My Darling Wife:
Your dear letter was waiting for me here when I arrived at 6:30 and you may be sure it was welcome. You certainly had a fine Valentine's party and I only wish I could have joined in with you. Marion [John’s eldest daughter and my grandmother, who was 13 at the time] is surely a success in planning social parties. Suppose Mrs. Flanigan appeared in fine attire and at her best as guest of honor.
Wonder how you have taken my letter about the new venture. I have been enjoying the anticipation of a successful culmination of the project today and it has really made me happy. Wish someone would positively assure me that the thing will materialize in exchange for $500. I tell you it's a fine opportunity but suppose it will not be a go. Mr Skinner positively assured me that as far as he is concerned it will stand as he says. It's a hard business and lots of work but the place is locked up at 6:00 o'clock every night so we would have our evenings at home. Oh Joy! Mr. Skinner gets to the place every morning at 7:00 o'clock and is there until 6, except an hour for dinner, and is there every day except attend a vacation in Aug. I want the business and it looks just right. They do an $80,000 business a year.
Have had a good day's business; a bank order in Worchester for $412, a bank order in xxxx for $416.60 and “The Munse Music Co” here for $183. The business has come very easy today. If it were not for finding out as to whether Mr. Avery wants to see me Sunday I would not go to Scranton. I told him I would be there this week and I suppose my mail has been going there. It's now 9:30 and if I can keep awake I’m going to take a train 2:20 for Binghamton and get out of there at 5:50 for Scranton. You see it makes an alright trip. It won't hurt me at all.
Would like to be home for Sunday but all depends on what arrangements Mr. Avery wants to make.
No special news except a heart full of love from your affectionate
John
Editor's notes
This letter is dated Feb. 16, but since it's written on a different hotel stationary and John is referencing sales in Worchester, Pa. I believe he has the date wrong and it was written the next evening, the 17th.
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