From: Annie Gleasure, Listowel
To: Joseph Gleasure
My dear Joe --
You must have given up hope of ever receiving a letter from us in answer to yours which I got on the 11th. We were glad to hear that you landed safely, we thought you would have a rough voyage for the week you sailed was frightful stormy and rainy. You must be delighted to be out of this hole anyway; I know I would.
We are having very bad weather here this summer, rain mosly every day, no summer in fact. The May fair passed of very quietly. We did more business that day than at any of the former May fairs. There was an awful crowd in town though not so very much cattle. Jane was helping in the shop, so they had no bother. We haven't got any boy for the shop yet. I don't think the pater will get one now until after the school holidays are over. They haven't got their holidays yet.
There was a feis held at Lixnaw on the 16th and May, George and the pater went out to it; George was entered for the violin playing and when he got out he found there was to be no junior players. Jimmey went for it too and was beat out by Fitsgerald and he is rageing ever since.
They met Paul Dillon at the station just as they were coming home; he had a Mrs. O'Brien, one of Big Ned's daughters coming over with him. They are to go over again at the end of the summer. I wish I could go over soon, I think if I stay here much longer I'll go mad. There are any amount of Americans in town here. Hugh Cuthbertson sailed for New York on the 30th of May. We heard after that Tom Buckley went on the same day, it seems he stole away from home. There were quite a number of people asking where you were on the big fair day, they could hardly believe you had gone. Have you met many Listowel people over there yet?
There isn't anything new in this town, except sports, or something or other on today and the annual sports are to be held on the 21st of July next, also a bazaar on the 30th and 31st of July. Tom Kirby was buried on the 30th last month. Are you at the same work yet? You didn't mention what pay you were getting. Why wouldn't you get some foot powder for your feet, if they ache so; I'm sure you could get it at any druggist shop, you know you shake it inside your boots and stockings: it makes walking much easier.
Have you been to see the Dillons or out to South Natick yet?
I am sending a post card for Frank in this letter. I couldn't send it by post for the tinsel would get all rubbed off.
I can't think of any more to say now so I will close wishing you every success and remaining
Yours Sincerely,
Annie
Friday, June 1, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
May 2, 1907
From: George Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Kerry, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
Dear Frank,
in refference to your letter to Joe of the 22nd April it arrived on the morning of the first May he was leaving Queenstown on that morning we had his letter by the same mail from Queenstown and also had post card in the evening of the same day of his departure so ihope you will have seen him before you get this letter there is astorm raging here all day and last night the hardest of the winter and ifear they will have arough time of it ifeel verry lonesom after Joe and verry awkward as he was able to transact every thing and icould tinker about but never the less iwould rather give him achance what ever way wee will get along
young kinnelly left the morning after Joe he knew him and can tell you about him
do not let those people over there know two much of your secret business as they will be verry apt to be writing home every thing they know and there is so manny old gossipers here running about hunting news they would bother one you were afraid paddy Connor would be out with Joe you need not because they would goe no where ondly hunting news iam afraid they will all go rong Joe can tell you all.
so now as ihave no more to say at present ihope you all will be well when you get this note
George Gleasure
The Square Listowel
Kerry Ireland
to Mr. Frank Gleasure
Brighton Mass USA
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
Dear Frank,
in refference to your letter to Joe of the 22nd April it arrived on the morning of the first May he was leaving Queenstown on that morning we had his letter by the same mail from Queenstown and also had post card in the evening of the same day of his departure so ihope you will have seen him before you get this letter there is astorm raging here all day and last night the hardest of the winter and ifear they will have arough time of it ifeel verry lonesom after Joe and verry awkward as he was able to transact every thing and icould tinker about but never the less iwould rather give him achance what ever way wee will get along
young kinnelly left the morning after Joe he knew him and can tell you about him
do not let those people over there know two much of your secret business as they will be verry apt to be writing home every thing they know and there is so manny old gossipers here running about hunting news they would bother one you were afraid paddy Connor would be out with Joe you need not because they would goe no where ondly hunting news iam afraid they will all go rong Joe can tell you all.
so now as ihave no more to say at present ihope you all will be well when you get this note
George Gleasure
The Square Listowel
Kerry Ireland
to Mr. Frank Gleasure
Brighton Mass USA
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
April 26, 1907
From: Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
Dear Frank,
You will be wondering why I am not writing to you again. I suppose you are quite well as I am and the rest of us at home.
I will be with you in a couple of weeks from to-day. I have booked for the 30th but it is the 1st of May I am leaving Queenstown. I am going by the Saxonia so don't forget the date and steamer. I will expect to meet you at the wharf.
The weather will be fine when I get over. We have pretty changeable weather here now; no appearance of Summer at all.
I will take those pictures you asked me for when I am going. I wouldn't have them finished to send now. I took Nell Dooling and Annie but they were failures, so I have to take them again. I expect to go out to South Natick and take some photos during the Summer, for I am sure Annie would like to have some. Photography is a very interesting hobby; but you meet with a lot of little difficulties in it.
I am sure there will be a lot going in the ship with me from Tarbert direction, but I am not acquainted with anybody going. My father will miss me very much for some time, for I always in the shop since I left school. Annie will be very lonesome too I am sure.
The first thing I will have to do when I get over is to put in some teeth. I will have to get a whole set of upper teeth for my own are all broken.
As I have no more of interest to write, I will ever remain,
Your loving brother,
Joe
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
Dear Frank,
You will be wondering why I am not writing to you again. I suppose you are quite well as I am and the rest of us at home.
I will be with you in a couple of weeks from to-day. I have booked for the 30th but it is the 1st of May I am leaving Queenstown. I am going by the Saxonia so don't forget the date and steamer. I will expect to meet you at the wharf.
The weather will be fine when I get over. We have pretty changeable weather here now; no appearance of Summer at all.
I will take those pictures you asked me for when I am going. I wouldn't have them finished to send now. I took Nell Dooling and Annie but they were failures, so I have to take them again. I expect to go out to South Natick and take some photos during the Summer, for I am sure Annie would like to have some. Photography is a very interesting hobby; but you meet with a lot of little difficulties in it.
I am sure there will be a lot going in the ship with me from Tarbert direction, but I am not acquainted with anybody going. My father will miss me very much for some time, for I always in the shop since I left school. Annie will be very lonesome too I am sure.
The first thing I will have to do when I get over is to put in some teeth. I will have to get a whole set of upper teeth for my own are all broken.
As I have no more of interest to write, I will ever remain,
Your loving brother,
Joe
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
April 22, 1907
From: Helen A. Reardon, South Natick, Mass
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
My dear Frank,
You can have little idea how pleased we were to get your letter. In many ways, it was a great pleasure. The last time I wrote to you I sent the letter to Allston and receiving no answer thought I would hunt up your uncle in Boston and none of us could remember his name.
Well, we are glad indeed that Joe is coming. I can hardly imagine how rejoiced you will be. One thing that pleased Miss Bailey and I so much was that you had not had many intimate friends. Some friends are priceless but as you are situated it is much better to keep by yourself rather than be too free. That very thing has been the downfall of many a young man. I think you will begin to really live when Joe comes. You have been a good brave boy to stick to it and make your way alone. The Express business is a good one and one where honesty and reliability are appreciated. I hear Mr. Bailey say how much in demand good square men are in those places.
When Joe comes as soon as he gets his "land legs" you must both come out. You will find old South Natick changed more than you can imagine. Your house has been bought by the Hunnewells and fixed up so you would never know it. Where the old mill was there is a park with a fine stone wall. The Unitarian Church has been made over beautifully. The Elliot House which has been a saloon for years has been sold to the Hunnewells and they are going to tear it down and put the land into a park.
Mrs. Burr has gone abroad for the summer.
I must write to Annie. I hope they will all come on the next that comes. No doubt you and Joe will accomplish it. We shall be glad to welcome you both on his arrival. Mr. Bailey is not all well. Has been sick on and off a year.
Very sincerely your friend,
Helen A. Reardon
Miss B and Mis Smith send best wishes
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
My dear Frank,
You can have little idea how pleased we were to get your letter. In many ways, it was a great pleasure. The last time I wrote to you I sent the letter to Allston and receiving no answer thought I would hunt up your uncle in Boston and none of us could remember his name.
Well, we are glad indeed that Joe is coming. I can hardly imagine how rejoiced you will be. One thing that pleased Miss Bailey and I so much was that you had not had many intimate friends. Some friends are priceless but as you are situated it is much better to keep by yourself rather than be too free. That very thing has been the downfall of many a young man. I think you will begin to really live when Joe comes. You have been a good brave boy to stick to it and make your way alone. The Express business is a good one and one where honesty and reliability are appreciated. I hear Mr. Bailey say how much in demand good square men are in those places.
When Joe comes as soon as he gets his "land legs" you must both come out. You will find old South Natick changed more than you can imagine. Your house has been bought by the Hunnewells and fixed up so you would never know it. Where the old mill was there is a park with a fine stone wall. The Unitarian Church has been made over beautifully. The Elliot House which has been a saloon for years has been sold to the Hunnewells and they are going to tear it down and put the land into a park.
Mrs. Burr has gone abroad for the summer.
I must write to Annie. I hope they will all come on the next that comes. No doubt you and Joe will accomplish it. We shall be glad to welcome you both on his arrival. Mr. Bailey is not all well. Has been sick on and off a year.
Very sincerely your friend,
Helen A. Reardon
Miss B and Mis Smith send best wishes
January 26, 1907
*Dated January 26, 1906, but postmark is January 26, 1907
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass.
My dear Frank,
I think it is about time I should write and thank you for the lovely present you sent me I was delighted when I got it on St. Stephen's morning. I was going to send you some books but we were very busy around Christmas and the time slipped by without me ever getting them I will send them on later on. We got our holidays a fortnight before Christmas and they are not over yet. The teacher lives down in Tipperary so she went home for christmas and did not return yet she got a bad cold she wrote to the person once and nobody heard of her since.
We had a good fall of snow around Christmas time.
I have a lot of post-card now George and Annie has twice more than me. I will send you some when I am sending you the books.
George was delighted at the books and watch you send him, he is very fond of reading.
I like reading fairy tales or school stories. Annie's watch was very nice she was delighted at it, every one in the house has a watch now alto me. We bought a Gramophone at an auction.
I will close now as I have no more to write about, be sure and write soon. Hoping you are well. I remain,
Your loving sister,
May
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass.
My dear Frank,
I think it is about time I should write and thank you for the lovely present you sent me I was delighted when I got it on St. Stephen's morning. I was going to send you some books but we were very busy around Christmas and the time slipped by without me ever getting them I will send them on later on. We got our holidays a fortnight before Christmas and they are not over yet. The teacher lives down in Tipperary so she went home for christmas and did not return yet she got a bad cold she wrote to the person once and nobody heard of her since.
We had a good fall of snow around Christmas time.
I have a lot of post-card now George and Annie has twice more than me. I will send you some when I am sending you the books.
George was delighted at the books and watch you send him, he is very fond of reading.
I like reading fairy tales or school stories. Annie's watch was very nice she was delighted at it, every one in the house has a watch now alto me. We bought a Gramophone at an auction.
I will close now as I have no more to write about, be sure and write soon. Hoping you are well. I remain,
Your loving sister,
May
Monday, May 28, 2012
January 21, 1907
From: George Gleasure Sr., The Square, Listowel, Kerry, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
My Dear Frank,
We are very glad you are in good health and got agood job ithink that job will suit you better than any thing you got yet if it holds and you mind it we are all verry well at present and all the people out at tullig also you went to alot of expence about them presents you sent they are all delighted over them and verry carefull of them and showing them to all the friends some people is surprised to see them we got all the papers and letters you sent all right afew days ago we got the last bundle of papers we are having verry fine weather here just now the streets are as dry as they would be in summer we had verry rough weather after the holidays lots of snow and some frost there was other parts worse than here railroads blocks well how what about Joe going out to you in the spring iam sure he is verry anxious to go out and ithink it would be better have him with you iwould rather have him go for yer own sake as ithink ye both would get along better what ever iwould do without him ithink we would be able to get along alright there about twice as much to do as when you were here if you send him apassage card you should have it here before the first of april iwouldnt like to have him to late write as soon as you can after you get this letter and let us know all the connors boys is all at home yet only tom he is in england yet he got married to jude daughtons daughter he is getting along verry well old jude says herself and [jameres?] people dont speak to one another over the matter. we got averry good town tennants bill part through parliment at last it gives the tennant the right to compensation for emprovements and also for unreasonable disturbances and entitles the tenant to sell his good will of the premises with the emprovements so you see it is agreat facility if aman wants to give up busines
bill Mcelligott the carpenter is going out california isuppose you new him he sold his house and furniture it was alicensed house as you go up to the raily and got 400 and 75 pounds for it but it was asplendid house bill could not have luck by all accounts going around listowel with girls getting them into trouble so you see things like that wont prosper Mrs. Gleasures daughter is one of them from banmore she was down at dick mccarthys couple of years ago iam glad to here you say that you thought of going to church as the man that dont realise where he is will never be any good you are not recognised by any but the rough element and then what you have is of no good to you if the hand of god is against you a man will never prosper
as i have no more at present i hope you will have a happy new year from
G. Gleasure
Listowel
Kerry Ireland
to F. Gleasure
Brighton
Mass
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
My Dear Frank,
We are very glad you are in good health and got agood job ithink that job will suit you better than any thing you got yet if it holds and you mind it we are all verry well at present and all the people out at tullig also you went to alot of expence about them presents you sent they are all delighted over them and verry carefull of them and showing them to all the friends some people is surprised to see them we got all the papers and letters you sent all right afew days ago we got the last bundle of papers we are having verry fine weather here just now the streets are as dry as they would be in summer we had verry rough weather after the holidays lots of snow and some frost there was other parts worse than here railroads blocks well how what about Joe going out to you in the spring iam sure he is verry anxious to go out and ithink it would be better have him with you iwould rather have him go for yer own sake as ithink ye both would get along better what ever iwould do without him ithink we would be able to get along alright there about twice as much to do as when you were here if you send him apassage card you should have it here before the first of april iwouldnt like to have him to late write as soon as you can after you get this letter and let us know all the connors boys is all at home yet only tom he is in england yet he got married to jude daughtons daughter he is getting along verry well old jude says herself and [jameres?] people dont speak to one another over the matter. we got averry good town tennants bill part through parliment at last it gives the tennant the right to compensation for emprovements and also for unreasonable disturbances and entitles the tenant to sell his good will of the premises with the emprovements so you see it is agreat facility if aman wants to give up busines
bill Mcelligott the carpenter is going out california isuppose you new him he sold his house and furniture it was alicensed house as you go up to the raily and got 400 and 75 pounds for it but it was asplendid house bill could not have luck by all accounts going around listowel with girls getting them into trouble so you see things like that wont prosper Mrs. Gleasures daughter is one of them from banmore she was down at dick mccarthys couple of years ago iam glad to here you say that you thought of going to church as the man that dont realise where he is will never be any good you are not recognised by any but the rough element and then what you have is of no good to you if the hand of god is against you a man will never prosper
as i have no more at present i hope you will have a happy new year from
G. Gleasure
Listowel
Kerry Ireland
to F. Gleasure
Brighton
Mass
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
In Honor of the 100th Anniversary of Titanic: May 14th, 1912
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 11 Westford Street Allston, Mass, U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you. we also got all the newspapers and music which you sent, the small book of music which you sent was very nice my father was very glad to get it as he can play them on the fiddle. There is another song book he said he would like to get it it's called "Heart Songs" he said it was a very good one there is over 400 pieces in it. it costs something about 2 dollars, if you are sending any more try and get that book and don't send anymore of those separate pieces because they are too dear. We had an awful day of business yesterday it was the Big May Fair it was a terrible crowded day we done any amount of business. I am selling all classes of China Ware now for myself in the shop my father started me up in it and also all kinds of stationary its up to the time too when I should be starting for myself I will be 20 years on the 27th of this month. I was out at Ballybunion last Saturday there was races there, we had a very enjoyable day it was by car we went there myself and a few more from the town. It was something terrible about that ship they had a frightful death. Did you take your photo lately at all its a wonder you would not take yourself and your wife and send one over to us I got my Sticky Back taken in Ballybunion I will send ye one if they come out any way fare. I think I will finish up now hoping this will find you and the wife quite well we are all AI here in Listowel George has grown up very big now. he has got a long pants and is a big toff with it. I hope you will send me some more newspapers very soon for they are no good to you after reading them and we are delighted to get any class of reading stuff we can get a hold of. I like those Boston Sunday Magazine's best there are some very good pieces in them. I will now close with best wishes from all hope to hear from you soon.
I remain,
Your loving Sister,
Mai
To: Frank Gleasure, 11 Westford Street Allston, Mass, U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you. we also got all the newspapers and music which you sent, the small book of music which you sent was very nice my father was very glad to get it as he can play them on the fiddle. There is another song book he said he would like to get it it's called "Heart Songs" he said it was a very good one there is over 400 pieces in it. it costs something about 2 dollars, if you are sending any more try and get that book and don't send anymore of those separate pieces because they are too dear. We had an awful day of business yesterday it was the Big May Fair it was a terrible crowded day we done any amount of business. I am selling all classes of China Ware now for myself in the shop my father started me up in it and also all kinds of stationary its up to the time too when I should be starting for myself I will be 20 years on the 27th of this month. I was out at Ballybunion last Saturday there was races there, we had a very enjoyable day it was by car we went there myself and a few more from the town. It was something terrible about that ship they had a frightful death. Did you take your photo lately at all its a wonder you would not take yourself and your wife and send one over to us I got my Sticky Back taken in Ballybunion I will send ye one if they come out any way fare. I think I will finish up now hoping this will find you and the wife quite well we are all AI here in Listowel George has grown up very big now. he has got a long pants and is a big toff with it. I hope you will send me some more newspapers very soon for they are no good to you after reading them and we are delighted to get any class of reading stuff we can get a hold of. I like those Boston Sunday Magazine's best there are some very good pieces in them. I will now close with best wishes from all hope to hear from you soon.
I remain,
Your loving Sister,
Mai
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