T2020.102.201

Triadelphia, W. Va. June 25, 1941

Dear Grandy folks:

I am trying to get a few notes off, but it is a rather difficult job, [double underlines], as there is so much talking to do. I came upstairs to write while everyone was quiet, Mama lying down on davenport, sister asleep sitting up in her invalid chair, Opal the "hired girl" lying down, (sister told her to lie down & rest while her cooker, full of raspberries, were cooking and the baby asleep). I had finished one letter and addressed yours when Mama came creeping up the stairs to talk with me for an hour. She has gone down again. She has

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the way across the country and up to the present time. They say it rained hard for three days after Ray started to St. Louis, but it has certainly been fine every day since.

By the way brothers, lovely cherries have been duly sampled by me and also, the black raspberries. Yum, yum. How good! Also, the delicious homegrown peas are so sweet & tender.

I stayed two days & nights in St. L. and they gave me a great time.

We arrived at Mama's the 18th at midnight & rested next day, (Thurs.). On Friday, Ray took us to Pittsburgh and we spent about three hrs. at the Shadyside Hospital, (formerly, Homes), and, [double underlined: how], I enjoyed seeing it and new nurses' home, clinic, etc., [double underlined: Grand].

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If I could turn back the wheels of time, how I'd like to have a course in that wonderful place.

We visited Stephen Collins Fosters Memorial. I love his old songs. See enclosed literature.

I fully intended to get a note off to you earlier telling you that John & Ella Orndorff are celebrating their 50th anniversay, June 29th and, maybe, you'd like to drop in for the cup of tea that I would have poured for you, had I been there.

They keep open house from 3-7. I hope Margaret O. would remember to send you an invite, but I know you'd be welcome. We've wished we could charter a plane from here, but will have to be content to send greetings. (No presents, by request). So much to say.

Love to Alice, Joe & your two dear sisters. Will try to send cards later. Joe.

Is Maude with you? Will send her a message too.

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failed greatly in the past five years and is pretty frail. (Soon to be 86 yrs. old).

Brother's wife broke her hip, Feb. 8th, and still has much pain. Has to be helped by someone and also, with aid of crutches, to get from bed to chair & vice versa. In a few weeks, hopes she may be able to begin stepping on foot. Has to go to hospital early in July for an X-ray via ambulance.

I came here last Sat. and expect to return to Washington tomorrow eve. for a few days. Mama is here with me & I hope may be able to go to my sister's a little later.

This is my Gold Medal Farmer brother. I wish you could see his beautiful stock!

I had such good weather all