Letter from Grace McClurg to her papa (Joseph McClurg), October 23, 1911

Oct. 23, 1911

My dear Papa:
Your birthday letter will reach you a little late, but so much mail went home last week that there hasn't been time yet for an accumulation of news. Saw a dandy sketch and letter in the Tribune today by McCutcheon which I want to send along, if I do not forget. Another reason for the dearth of news is “nothing doing.” The folks were away to dinner yesterday. Her folks were here to lunch last night, but about all I had to do was wash the dishes. Mrs. B. had almost everything ready when I came downstairs, for I am not supposed to be on duty Sunday evenings. This morning Mr. B. stayed out of this city on account of his cold. They went over to her sisters and about 11:30 telephoned me that they would not be home to lunch. Welcome news for I was washing and baking bread. They came home at five, and just as I was coming downstairs to get dinner, the sister called up to have them come over there. She had everything ready and her husband had sent word that he couldn't come home. She didn't want to eat alone. I was glad, for I am tired this evening. The washing was easier than usual but I had to give more attention to the rooms then customary on Mon. We have not had a water heater until this week, but the new one surely is a Daisy. Saves a lot of lifting to turn almost boiling water right into the tubs. They have no washer, but even then I make good money by doing the laundry work at $2. You know she offered me $4 per and hire a laundress, if I preferred. Nix. I am after the cash, and the work is not too hard.

Went to the Pres. Church here yesterday morning, and liked it so much that will go my next chance. Could have spent the day in Evanston, but didn't care for the strain. Had a very peaceful, happy day alone here, after church dispelled a morning fit of lonesomeness. Read some and wrote some letters, one to Edith and one to an N.U. Girl who sails soon for Japan. A steamer letter. Ed remembers Myrtle Pider. Was in Evanston Fri. Got to Mrs. Hyde’s for lunch. Ed we had fish chowder. Remember it? Ha! Ha! Then for three hours I sewed like one possessed, most of the time on the sewing machine. Isn't it good to have a place where I can feel so free to go. She seems glad to have me. Now that the girls are gone not many people run in and out as there used to be. She was telling me some of those escapades, which I was just about to repeat when I remembered that she is going to get the letter from Flora for me to send home to Ed.

Went to Band Fri. night and heard Dr. Buck, 40 years in India. A grand old man. Do you know what I would do now if I could qualify as a nurse? Answer the Red Cross appeal for China. Would love to go. Had supper with Mrs. Dildine, then went to the First church reception to students. Had a good time while there, but had to come away without my ice cream. Boo! Hoo. I almost hate to go to evening gatherings therefore I have to tear away all at once and come down to the car (alone Fri.) And ride for 40 mins. and it makes me terribly lonely by contrast. We'll be glad to get back in school, but, oh, how glad I am that I am hire now.

Do you think it Providential that I didn't get to see the Wards? When I wrote on the outside of that envelope Wed. Night that I would get 9 hrs. sleep, I thought to myself, “yes, but I couldn't be sure until the time has passed for who knows what the night may bring forth.” I had scarcely put down the pencil then a long distance call came from Chicago. There were the Wards waiting for the 10:30 train. My letters had not been forwarded, and they got them the day before they started. She couldn't learn what time their train would get into Chi., so the postal said, but she would let me know when they got in and I should come in, for they couldn't come out. Their train was hours late so that they just had time to stir around before starting for Milwaukee. He had to be at Mayville the next morning. I wanted her to come out. Said she would phone later if she did. Haven't heard from her since. She was terribly disappointed, but it is hard for her to travel alone, and as late as it was, I imagine they thought it best for her to go on home with him. I was so disappointed that I could hardly do my work the next day, for I had hoped that their visit might settle some perplexities. Perhaps it would have increased them instead. She was for having me come right up there to them. I'm glad that I am tied until June. Had written Katie Owen Mon. for their address, and got my reply Fri. Said they were all glad to hear from me and her mother asked me to write again soon. I wish there were more coolness there.

Didn't know there was so much news. Just the same, I am going to keep this until I see whether Uncle Hayes comes out tomorrow and whether I hear from home. Papa, I had hoped to have that surprise ready by today, but haven't from conditions out of my control, as you shall see later. Will be just as good when it comes. Good night.
Lovingly, Grace.

Tues. Night. Might as well have sent this today for have had not a scratch from home. U. Hayes came about 5. Came out without letting me know and got lost, so that his time was cut short. Forgot that he had my phone number until he couldn't find me, then got here O.K. I admit the house is hard to find. I'm sorry his time was so short. Anyhow, the note is burned.

The unexpected often happens and you would be surprised if you saw me coming in Thurs. Instead of this letter. But I am not. Mrs. Moore Starts tomorrow for Cal. In her private car. The family decided in a jiffy yesterday to send Mr. Bullard along on account of his cold. His home is out there too. So off he goes and I hardly thought we would keep open house and that possibly I would go home. But we are going to stay right here and have some company. That is best. Have loads of sewing planned, which I will write about later.

Now many happy and healthy returns of the day.
Yours, Grace.