Letter from Grace McClurg to her Papa and Mamma (Joseph and Eliza McClurg), 1911

My dear papa and Mamma:
When I left home it grieved me terribly not to be able to have a pump and porcelain sink put in. Came near doing it anyhow but dared not with as big bills as I already have. Can now do it.

Had a notion to say Sunday in the letter that I thought that 200 would not be the end. Mrs. Moore Has made everyone around under stand that the whole 200 was for me and I am to get my $6 besides. You just guess I can make use of it all. I can't understand so much bounty to poor me. There is a Plan in it all, I am sure, which time will unfold. I do not care to have even Dwight know about all this for a while. Mrs. Moore Has just been at the house for a few minutes.

But to the pump. I will spend $15 a little later to have it put in. Perhaps that will cover it if Ed and Papa said it up and fix the drain. Now be sure to get the porcelain sink. If pipes and all make it come to $20 I will stand for that, though I should be glad to have you keep it in $15, provided only that you get something satisfactory for that amount.

The optician has written me how to bend my glasses and they seem O.K., so you may pay the bill.

Now see about the pump right away and it will be nice to have it in before Pearl comes. Would I could multiply the amount by 100. I know of nothing about the place by which you will all profit so much as by a pump and sink. So Ed, “get busy.” The work can be your share toward a good cause. Has aunt Jean moved yet. Will go into Evanston Fri. and see about that fancy work for Mrs. McPh. there.

Love from
Grace