Last in the set. Sad to say that this letter project has come to its end. But this letter is by far my most favorite out of the whole collection. It is touching.....especially how Madge born in Johnstown in 1839 misses her own childhood - 85 years old old - loving to relive her own past events (which we all do from time to time and I think that hits home for many of us) but on the other hand - she also enjoys all the new modern marvels like radio. At this point radio was only a few years old (think KDKA) and so new - that sets ran on crystals and batteries. Not electricity - that would come in 1925. And sets would have been very expensive. And as with some of the other letter writers - they miss having their health - which is a theme most of us of a certain age can understand completely. The letter writer is the much older sister-in-law of Mrs. Anna Hay. Sister Madge would die one year after this letter in 1925 at the age of 86. . Mrs. Anna Hay would live only three more years after this letter passing away in 1927 at the age of 76. I hope some of you have enjoyed this special glimpse into the past as much as I did.
Upper College Terrace, Frederick, Md
April 7, 1924
My dear Sister Anna:-
Do not think I had given up letter writing. I have had such a miserable time this last year with my back that it took all my time and attention and I could not do anything as I once did. Now since I am getting better I thought I would improve the time and get to work on my Almanack for next year.
March is generally given over to work upon it and now I am through the worst of it. I would try to write down some letters to surprise my friends who have not heard from me for some time. But we always have to contend with some trial to keep us from getting too smart.
My eyes have been giving me trouble this Winter so I will now have to have them examined, as I use them very carefully and not very long at one time. I miss the use of them particularly in these days when there is so much to read and see.
Mr Lough said to me the other day "Mother Fisher - I think you are living more in the Past than the Present for you speak so often of your girlhood, than of the late years," and it is true. There is not a day that I recall or live over again some event that happened in my childhood's home and I love to do it.
I certainly enjoy the radio. They have a fine one here and sitting in the library I have heard some fine music and good sermons & talks. It makes one regret that those who have gone before us never heard all that has been given to us and what is proposed for the future. I am glad that I have spared to see so many wonderful inventions of man and to learn of their surprising discoveries in the world all for the benefit of mankind.
It seems a long time Anna since we saw each other. I really cannot remember when we met last but think it was in Phila. - you were visiting at John's (Anna's son) home. I had intended on making a visit last summer in Johnstown but when I got the Lumbago I had to give it up and now I fear I will have to give it up as I have a perfect horror of going visiting unless I am perfectly well.
Madge (her daughter) has not been well this Winter. I was disappointed not to have her and Charlie with me on my Eighty-Fifth Birthday but the Dr would not let her come, and Charlie too, was prevented from coming by his business duties but they have promised to come soon as the weather gets settled.
We have had trice heavy snow storms in March and on the 1st of April a heavy snowstorm to welcome the Spring. I have not heard from the Kuhn (relatives) boys for sometime John Hay & Family (not Anna's son - but nephew) are living in California but Luther & Paul are still in Omaha, George told us of the beautiful house Paul had built there.
Did George ever hear he had sold it to some who came along and admired it so much that that he gave the price asked for it which Paul did not think would be given as he did not intend to sell it.
I hope all the folks are well In Johnstown. Remember me to one and all and will try to give them all a letter. Must not give you any more now — divide this around. Let me hear all about the flood troubles and yourself. Nellie (grand-daughter) sends love to all the friends and hopes to see you again.
Yours as ever,
Sister Madge
