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Hazel Dell, Beulah Lake, Wis. 8-13-93
My dearly loved Mother, This is Sabbath morn. the clock has just struck six. I have been awake more than an hour, so decided to get up and improve the time by writing to you. I'll pick up my thread where I dropped it Friday morn. I went down town, got to the store about 12 o'clk, Geo. said you are just in time, to go out to lunch with me; so I went, though I'd taken lunch before leaving home. I wanted to see the place where he had been refreshed for five years. He told the elevator con. "25th floor" but when we reached the 9th the con. called "25th" and we disembarked
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'Tis a lovely place, beautiful service and fine lake view extending to Exp'n grounds when clear, but then 'twas cloudy, had quite a shower that morn. Was introduced to Mrs. Griffin whom Lily also met, and chatted gaily for an hour. Then went to Walker's store where the crowd was kept back by policemen, stood on the jam 15 min. so did not have much time to "look around", but bought some h'd'k'fs ribbon and a blk. serge dress, good quality, 45 in. @ 75 ct. Don't know whether it was a bargain or not as I hadn't time to examine much; was to report at store at 1:45. Found Geo. in a rush signing letters written by stenographers and giving orders here and there. Presently in came Mrs. Miller Sister's sewing woman who had been invited out here for a week's rest. Caught the tram just in time, and
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were soon flying north. Reached the station about 5 o'clk and boarded a hack. Blanche Dickinson had come down to meet her father. A delightful ride over hill and dale with tranquil lakes shimmering through the trees. About a mile from "home" stopped at the "Farm" and Mrs. Dickinson came out with a girl about Estelle's size, who turned out to be Fay, though I didn't know her there and without her curls, a little farther on another eager little face was lifted to us, and that was Hazel. Began to think I was rapidly nearing headquarters, and presently here we were. A loving greeting from Sister and then the rest of the children had their share. Now I know they will interest you more than anything else. Sister is as thoughtful of others and as energetic as ever; whatever she does is well done. Don't think she
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has changed as much as I in the 9 years of separation. May is quiet and ladylike, her mother's girl; Fay impulsive and vigorous, her Father's girl. Have seen less of Gracie indeed she seems to be rather an odd one as Hazel and Marjorie are devoted to each other. They are lovely children so bright and sweet. Frank is quite a young gentleman and quite proud of his coat of tan, though I am too far behind the times to admire it. This is certainly a beautiful place. I am sitting in the double swing east of the house (on the left of picture) On my right is the lake with winding shore and wooded heights, with bay of water lilies near, some still in bloom; on my left through a grove
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is Maj. Smith's cottage, all around are a part of his 700 chickens and a beautiful lawn and statuary, with boat house on the lake, rustic seats and hammock among the trees complete the picture. Many questions are asked about you which it is my pleasure to answer. As soon as we had supper Geo. and Frank went fishing in one boat, while Sister took Mrs. Miller and myself rowing in another. The sun had just set and presently Venus glowed in the clear west. The changing tints of sky and water and more than all the deep quiet made it hard to realize that it was a part of the same world where I had spent the previous week. When bed time came was