Vintage Johnstown

Monday, August 3, 2026

July 23, 1863 - Wilmore Tornado Death - Michael Hughes

The Letters - May 14, 1915 - To Mrs. Anna Hay in Florida from Clara R. Austin in Johnstown

Johnstown, Pa

May 14 1915

Dear Mrs. Hay,

I received your welcome letter forwarded to me from home, and want to thank you for sending us your delicious grape fruit. I wrote home immediately, so I have no doubt they are now enjoying them. I am getting more than I deserve. I am afraid; for I am enjoying those you sent to George and Mary, and will continue to have them when I reach Oak Lane (Philly).

Mary has always told me how beautiful the apple blossoms are and wanted me to see them, so I decided to make a little visit at this time. They were very lovely, and the birds make merry in the trees, so it was a thing to be remembered in sight and in sound. This is the shortest visit I have made here, as I must leave on Monday morning.

Mrs. Roberts sold her house and returned to Oak Lane, so she and Mrs. Lees are both there, indefinitely. I wrote your message to Mrs. Roberts, so I am sure she will appreciate your desire to have her share your Florida fruit.

We had dinner at Mrs. Waters last Wednesday evening. George could not go, but Mrs. Wagoner who is visiting Mrs. Waters, Frieda, Mary and I had a pleasant visit with them. I was reminded of our visit there in February, when you were one of the member. I think Frieda looks quite thin, but otherwise seems pretty well.

Mrs. Lee called one afternoon to bring Mary and George a letter in reference to Lincoln's attitude towards the Dunkers. She was much surprised to see me here. I took your plan this time, made up my mind in somewhat short planning. Mrs. Lee was going away for a few days to visit relatives. I called on Mrs. Marion Suppes and saw her and her new baby, who is very pretty, dark haired baby, She showed me a picture they had of her, and said they had sent one to you. I believe this is all the news I know of in Johnstown.

I am very glad Miss Dora Bonnacker is convalescing, and hope she will soon be quite strong. Please give special remembrance from me to your "Aunt Lizzie". I have heard you speak of her so lovingly, I know what a pleasure to both of you it must be for you to be together.

Thank you both very much, for giving us the pleasure of enjoying Mrs. Bonnacker's delicious grape fruit. I think it is the "best ever", as the children say.

With much love from all, I am

Sincerely your friend,

Clara R. Austin