November 22, 1914 was a Sunday and in this household in Oysterville the H.A. Espy family was looking forward to Thanksgiving. Medora, the oldest (she was 15), would soon be back from Portland Academy for the holiday – her first visit home since leaving for school in September. She was bringing her ‘chum’ Rosetta Klocker whose nickname was “Bunch.”
Sunday, November 22, 1914
My dear Medora,
Will you please bring two heads of celery and two of lettuce sure. I must have these for Thanksgiving dinner.
Those bottoms came, and no wonder you sent only three! They look a little better than the lids of the kettles which we have been using for some time, so probably we should be thankful.
The wind howls! Which reminds me that the chimney of the fireplace burned out this morning. The roar was enough to scare anyone. Papa was at South Bend so the neighbors came to my assistance. I would like to know what ails our old chimneys. Other people’s chimneys are not forever catching fire.
Things are not in good shape here at home and I don’t know what Rosetta will think.
The days will drag until you get here
Devotedly, Mama
Enclosed find money order.
The discussion about “bottoms” had begun ten days previously when Mama wrote:
Papa wants you please to get immediately five of those brown chair bottoms to put in our dining room. Ours are disgraceful. Look at the “ten cent store” or furniture houses or department stores. Any place but please send immediately. Am rushing for the mail. Will enclose money for bottoms.
In a follow-up note on November 18th, Mama wrote with annoyance:
My dear Medora,
Papa is getting out of patience about the chair bottoms.
I sent money and wanted seats immediately. Please mail at once. Those chairs are a disgrace.
Much love in haste, Mama
Crossing in the mail was Medora’s letter to Mama, also written on Sunday, November 22nd:
Sunday, November 22, 1914
Dearest Mother
I am going out to Aunt Dora’s on the 1:55 electric. I shall go right from S.S. I am going to wear my suit. I have so much studying to do that I hate to go
I had a real good time Friday night. Carl came up for me about eight and we walked down to Helen Morgan’s. We played 500; no prizes were rewarded. Mrs. Morgan is a charming hostess. Lemonade and candy were served during the evening and about half past ten we had ice cream and delicious cake. Carl brought me home about eleven. He is a real nice boy but so bright in school that he scares me. Imagine he is trying for the Rhodes scholarship and only about three people out of the whole state ever get that…
I went to Ruth Connell’s informal tea. All the girls of the Black Cat Club were there. I saw a good deal of Pete, Marge’s youngest sister. Her real name is Anna May. Harry Clair goes with her all the time since he came back from the beach. She is perfectly dear and I don’t blame him.
I don’t know how we are ever going to accomplish all I want to do Thanksgiving vacation but I think we will finish it all for Bunch won’t need any entertaining. As long as she can eat cream and play with the babies she will be satisfied.
Miss C. is ready for church so I must hurry.
Lots of love, Medora