The Letters - January 7, 1913 - To Mrs. Anna M. Hay from Sister Madge (unknown last name)

 

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1614 Wallace Street, Phila.

Jan. 7, 1913

My dear Sister Anna,

Many...Many thanks for your lovely Christmas gift to me.  The doylies are so fine and beautiful - my hands have lost their cunning in crochet work and indeed I fear in all kinds of fancy handiwork and I certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness of me. 

I hope you and George had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

We had Madge and Will with Miriam with us for Christmas which was a great pleasure, but they could not stay but a short time. They left the day before New Years Day. 

Miriam's school opened on the 2^nd and she had engagements for New Years Day. They are delightful with their home in Washington . They have apartments in "The Parker" 16^th St. & Park Road. 502 is their number. 

I want to go and see them in the near future. Nellie did not come home this year as she expects to come at Easter and Mr. Lough's people claimed them this Christmas . She has not been well all fall—has had malaria . The children are growing rapidly and are very bright and interesting.

I have not seen Alice or John but—once since Thanksgiving Day when they spent the day with us. The weather has been so bad at times that we could not be together as often as we wished. I had a heavy cold all during the holidays that kept me at home. Then Charlie had to get up a siege of toothache to begin the New Year with which kept us home for several days when the weather was fine. We did not have a very Happy New Year as that day the abscess was at its worst and he suffered agony all day long. 

His dentist was not in the office and he refused to let another touch it—so had to endure it until nature relieved him in the evening. Neither of us will forget the coming of 1913.

No Anna, I was not surprised at George's (Anna's son Dr George Hay 1880-1970) engagement offer—I met the lady . You ask what I think of Mary? Well she is just lovely—George was most fortunate in his selection and know he will never regret it. I know you will be pleased with her—I know I have just taken her into my heart of hearts as I have Alice and will love almost—as much as George. Charlie thinks John & George were lucky fellows—for he thinks Alice a perfect—model wife and Mary will be equal to her. You can congratulate yourself on having two fine daughters—daughters that you can be proud of .

Do you know I worry about George being thrown so much with those horrible contagious diseases out there in Johnstown. I fear he will not escape always. He must be careful now for Mary's sake. 

I was sorry to hear of Mrs. Bolsinger's illness after she has recovered by this time. She sent me a Christmas remembrance and I have not yet thanked her for it. You ask when am I coming to see you—My Dear I do not know when I am coming to see you but not until it is warm weather. The girls think I should spend more time with them but—home is the best place for old ladies and let the younger come to see them—that is my way of thinking. Therefore I will ask when you are coming to see me? 

I have a young girl in the place & the one who was with me four years and she does fairly well but I miss my old maid. I think you would enjoy being in the city now so come. Let me hear from you soon.

Love to George

Yours most sincerely 

Sister Madge