From: Annie Gleasure, 205 Beach 147 St. Rockaway Park, L.I. N.Y.
To: Frank Gleasure, 56 Gardner St. Allston, Mass. U.S.A.
My Dear Frank
It was a real surprise to hear from you after all these years. Mrs Smyth sent me your letter, addressed to her last month, and I had intended to write to you several times since, but as you know I was and still am very lax in my corrospondence. I have been in this locality for the past nine years, thought not at the same address. Well how are you and the family? I often wondered how you got on. I haven't even an idea what age your children would be now. Please write and tell me everything.
I was over at Floral Park a week ago last Sunday the 9th and Jean showed me another letter which you sent her. She has been real nice since I came over here. You know she is a sister-in-law of George's wife. We never hear from the other side anymore. I think its about two years since I heard from Mai.
Well good bye for the present hoping to hear from you soon
Affectionately Annie.
Showing posts with label Annie Gleasure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annie Gleasure. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
August 6, 1942
From: May Baker, The Cottage, Ballincolling, Co. Cork.
To: Frank Gleasure, 59 Gardner St. Allston, Mass.
My dear Frank,
Im sure you will be very surprised to hear from me its such years since I heard from you I often wondered why you never wrote to me I think it was in 1925 I heard from you last George's wife told me you wrote to them some-time ago & asked for my address they said they sent it to you but you never wrote to me. I suppose you have many changes in your family since I heard from you before, the same as myself. I have 7 boys in family the youngest is 9 years & the eldest 21 years he is a motor mechanic. I had a great struggle to bring them up as their father has not being very sensible. I'm sure all your family are working now for you I would like very much to hear from you all about them Annie is over in the States for a number of years now she did not write to me for last four years she is very slow at writing. I wonder Frank would you send me a few pounds of tea we get very little of it here as it is rationed out to us. I know several people who get tea from their friends in America. And if you could send me some dried fruit raisins currants and sultana's I would be very thankful to you if you could manage those for me, but don't say that is the reason I write you for if you never sent them I should like to hear from you I was going to write to Annie also but I've very little hope of getting an answer from her I wrote her several times for last few years & she never answered. I hope you will send me an answer to this. George has done very well for himself he has succeeded and made lots of money, but he has a small family. he has his own house bought out. Did you ever take a notion of taking a visit home to ireland of course its out of the question now owing to the war but if it were over you might take a trip. we'd be delighted to see you Besure & send an answer to this by return I will be looking out every day for it. Try to send me the few things I asked for I'd be very thankful Hope yourself & family are all well write a good long letter by return best wishes from sister
Mai Baker.
To: Frank Gleasure, 59 Gardner St. Allston, Mass.
My dear Frank,
Im sure you will be very surprised to hear from me its such years since I heard from you I often wondered why you never wrote to me I think it was in 1925 I heard from you last George's wife told me you wrote to them some-time ago & asked for my address they said they sent it to you but you never wrote to me. I suppose you have many changes in your family since I heard from you before, the same as myself. I have 7 boys in family the youngest is 9 years & the eldest 21 years he is a motor mechanic. I had a great struggle to bring them up as their father has not being very sensible. I'm sure all your family are working now for you I would like very much to hear from you all about them Annie is over in the States for a number of years now she did not write to me for last four years she is very slow at writing. I wonder Frank would you send me a few pounds of tea we get very little of it here as it is rationed out to us. I know several people who get tea from their friends in America. And if you could send me some dried fruit raisins currants and sultana's I would be very thankful to you if you could manage those for me, but don't say that is the reason I write you for if you never sent them I should like to hear from you I was going to write to Annie also but I've very little hope of getting an answer from her I wrote her several times for last few years & she never answered. I hope you will send me an answer to this. George has done very well for himself he has succeeded and made lots of money, but he has a small family. he has his own house bought out. Did you ever take a notion of taking a visit home to ireland of course its out of the question now owing to the war but if it were over you might take a trip. we'd be delighted to see you Besure & send an answer to this by return I will be looking out every day for it. Try to send me the few things I asked for I'd be very thankful Hope yourself & family are all well write a good long letter by return best wishes from sister
Mai Baker.
Friday, January 11, 2013
April 16, 1929
From: Annie Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Irish Free State
To: Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, 6 Roseclair Street, Dorchester, Boston, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Aunt Lizzie,
No doubt you will be surprised at receiving a letter from me, but I write to ask if you can give me any news of my brother Frank, whom I have not heard from for over three years. His last address is 89 surrey Street, Brighton. Both my sister and self have wrote to him a few times since then, but have received no reply to our letters. I wonder if you would look him up and kindly let me know what is the reason of his not answering.
Sometimes I wonder if anything has happened to him. You know the work in which he is employed is so dangerous. Then, he asked me to go out to him when his wife died, but I did not feel very strong at the time, perhaps he did not like my refusal, though I am very sorry I did not go. It was very hard on him to try to keep the home and children together. I hope he is allright and that you will give me some account of him. I hope you and Aunt Annie and Uncle Nick are all well. How I would love to see you all again. Aunt Bridge is fairly well though she suffers from one of her eyes very much, she was to go up to Cork to have it attended to.
Aunt Johanna Carroll is keeping strong, and comes to town sometimes, she would I'm sure wish to be remembered to you all, if she knew I was writing. She is the last of the old people now. Aunt Mary's daughter Hannie, is staying with her. I wonder you, or Aunt Annie never thought of taking a trip home, excursions are rather reasonable now. But I suppose when people have a home and family to attend to, its impossible to get away for any sort of long holiday.
My brother is married here for the past five years, they have one little boy, just two years, he is very cute. They are doing good buisness. I am the only unmarried one of the family.
Well I hope Dear Aunt you will write to me when you receive this and let me know all.
Your Affectionate Niece
Annie Gleasure.
With love and best wishes to all.
XXXX
To: Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, 6 Roseclair Street, Dorchester, Boston, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Aunt Lizzie,
No doubt you will be surprised at receiving a letter from me, but I write to ask if you can give me any news of my brother Frank, whom I have not heard from for over three years. His last address is 89 surrey Street, Brighton. Both my sister and self have wrote to him a few times since then, but have received no reply to our letters. I wonder if you would look him up and kindly let me know what is the reason of his not answering.
Sometimes I wonder if anything has happened to him. You know the work in which he is employed is so dangerous. Then, he asked me to go out to him when his wife died, but I did not feel very strong at the time, perhaps he did not like my refusal, though I am very sorry I did not go. It was very hard on him to try to keep the home and children together. I hope he is allright and that you will give me some account of him. I hope you and Aunt Annie and Uncle Nick are all well. How I would love to see you all again. Aunt Bridge is fairly well though she suffers from one of her eyes very much, she was to go up to Cork to have it attended to.
Aunt Johanna Carroll is keeping strong, and comes to town sometimes, she would I'm sure wish to be remembered to you all, if she knew I was writing. She is the last of the old people now. Aunt Mary's daughter Hannie, is staying with her. I wonder you, or Aunt Annie never thought of taking a trip home, excursions are rather reasonable now. But I suppose when people have a home and family to attend to, its impossible to get away for any sort of long holiday.
My brother is married here for the past five years, they have one little boy, just two years, he is very cute. They are doing good buisness. I am the only unmarried one of the family.
Well I hope Dear Aunt you will write to me when you receive this and let me know all.
Your Affectionate Niece
Annie Gleasure.
With love and best wishes to all.
XXXX
Thursday, January 10, 2013
December 16, 1926
From: Annie Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey Street, Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
The end of the year has almost come round again, and with it the time to exchange the Christmas greetings. Time flies so quickly and it seems so short since I last heard from you. I wrote you in answer to that but I suppose you had been so busy over one thing and another that you had no time to write. I'm really sorry I didn't go over to you long ago, and even, I always said I would when Father would have no need of me. But then my health was not good and I thought it just as well to stay here. People here said America was not a good country and that the work was very hard, is that so? I had been up to Mai last month I was looking for a house to start buisness but the rent of any decent place would be four or five pound a week and that would not suit as I'd have to board myself also, so I failed in my object. The city was lovely I like a busy place all bustle, etc. Round here is always dull and trade is very slack. Mai has two very nice children, the eldest boy is very smart and quick to learn, he has been going to school a few months, but he is down with the measles at present. The youngest is very like a photo of you that we have, when taken very young and he is very fond of music. How are you getting on now with your family I suppose the most of them are going to school. I know it is rather hard trying to look after your home and then going out to work, but all the same you won't feel them growing up. Are there any Listowel people round where you live, or do you ever come across any of the Dillons. All the people here are quite well, old James Connor of Mount Cole is alive still he is nearly ninety years of age, but never comes to town now. His son John's wife had a little boy two months ago they called it James and the old man is crazy about it. Well I must close now wishing you all a
Happy Xmas and a Bright New Year
from Your Affectionate sister Annie.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey Street, Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
The end of the year has almost come round again, and with it the time to exchange the Christmas greetings. Time flies so quickly and it seems so short since I last heard from you. I wrote you in answer to that but I suppose you had been so busy over one thing and another that you had no time to write. I'm really sorry I didn't go over to you long ago, and even, I always said I would when Father would have no need of me. But then my health was not good and I thought it just as well to stay here. People here said America was not a good country and that the work was very hard, is that so? I had been up to Mai last month I was looking for a house to start buisness but the rent of any decent place would be four or five pound a week and that would not suit as I'd have to board myself also, so I failed in my object. The city was lovely I like a busy place all bustle, etc. Round here is always dull and trade is very slack. Mai has two very nice children, the eldest boy is very smart and quick to learn, he has been going to school a few months, but he is down with the measles at present. The youngest is very like a photo of you that we have, when taken very young and he is very fond of music. How are you getting on now with your family I suppose the most of them are going to school. I know it is rather hard trying to look after your home and then going out to work, but all the same you won't feel them growing up. Are there any Listowel people round where you live, or do you ever come across any of the Dillons. All the people here are quite well, old James Connor of Mount Cole is alive still he is nearly ninety years of age, but never comes to town now. His son John's wife had a little boy two months ago they called it James and the old man is crazy about it. Well I must close now wishing you all a
Happy Xmas and a Bright New Year
from Your Affectionate sister Annie.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
December 12, 1926
From: May Baker, 12 Dunedin Connaught Ave. Cork.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank.
Once again I am sending you those few lines hoping they will find you and all the children in good health and doing well, for the last couple of months I was going to write to you but as usual kept putting it off but Xmas time always seems to stir a person up for writing everyone seems to remember to write to their own and think of them more at this season than at other times. How are you doing ever since also the children have you as much trouble in getting a person to mind them as you used. I forget about the ages of your children is there any of them old enough to house-keep yet for you, but I suppose they must attend school, your youngest is not such a care now as he was, but as the saying is they are always a care. My eldest boy Joe will be 6 years next March. he is just after a fit of the Measels, George the other boy who is 2 this Xmas did not get them as yet, nor myself as it seems I did not get them when I was young George got them at home last spring. I had Annie here on a visit for a couple of week late in November, she has got stronger than when I saw her last she would like to start business for herself here in the city but its hard to find a suitable place for her, she is very discontented as naurally at this time of her life she would like to be doing something for herself. George and wife are quite well but business in Listowel is very quiet now compared with a few years ago, in fact its quiet everywhere they have no family in Listowel as yet. I was asking Annie if she heard lately from you & she said you never answered a letter she wrote to you last January, she said she would write to you for Xmas. How is business & times over there I expect you are never out of work yourself I suppose you never meet any Listowel people there what bout the Buckley girls you used to know do you ever meet them now. I don't know that I've any more to say this time but I hope you'll write to me for Xmas, as I will be anxious to hear from you and the children Wishing you all a happy Xmas & Bright New Year
Your loving sister
May.
P.S. Adam out at Tullig & family are all well he has two of his daughters married now.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank.
Once again I am sending you those few lines hoping they will find you and all the children in good health and doing well, for the last couple of months I was going to write to you but as usual kept putting it off but Xmas time always seems to stir a person up for writing everyone seems to remember to write to their own and think of them more at this season than at other times. How are you doing ever since also the children have you as much trouble in getting a person to mind them as you used. I forget about the ages of your children is there any of them old enough to house-keep yet for you, but I suppose they must attend school, your youngest is not such a care now as he was, but as the saying is they are always a care. My eldest boy Joe will be 6 years next March. he is just after a fit of the Measels, George the other boy who is 2 this Xmas did not get them as yet, nor myself as it seems I did not get them when I was young George got them at home last spring. I had Annie here on a visit for a couple of week late in November, she has got stronger than when I saw her last she would like to start business for herself here in the city but its hard to find a suitable place for her, she is very discontented as naurally at this time of her life she would like to be doing something for herself. George and wife are quite well but business in Listowel is very quiet now compared with a few years ago, in fact its quiet everywhere they have no family in Listowel as yet. I was asking Annie if she heard lately from you & she said you never answered a letter she wrote to you last January, she said she would write to you for Xmas. How is business & times over there I expect you are never out of work yourself I suppose you never meet any Listowel people there what bout the Buckley girls you used to know do you ever meet them now. I don't know that I've any more to say this time but I hope you'll write to me for Xmas, as I will be anxious to hear from you and the children Wishing you all a happy Xmas & Bright New Year
Your loving sister
May.
P.S. Adam out at Tullig & family are all well he has two of his daughters married now.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
January 18, 1926
From: Annie Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey Street Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Well I received your letter about three weeks ago and if I put off writing any longer I'm afraid it would be some time before you would hear from me for I'm not much good for letter writing. Needless to say we were delighted to hear from you and that you are going along all right, of course it won't be altogether easy until the girls grow up and take charge of the housekeeping, but after another few years you won't feel them growing up. It was too bad you meeting so much dissapointment in your married life. I would have liked to have gone over after Father died but the way George was placed and then I wasn't very strong either, my health broke down altogether after-wards but I'm quite strong again now. I expect it would be like going to a new country if I went now it would be rather strange to me. Quite a lot of people go from here I don't know how they all get work. Aunt Bridge's daughter left where she was and went out to Chicago. I suppose you hardly ever see Uncle Mike or Aunt Annie? All the people in Tullig are going on well the eldest girl is married in Castlemaine seven miles outside Tralee, they keep a grocery shop and the second eldest boy is here with us in the shop for the past year. I don't think you would know any one round here now the people have changed so and its awfully quiet here. Well I must come to a close now wishing you every prosperity. With love from all
Your affectionate sister Annie.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey Street Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Well I received your letter about three weeks ago and if I put off writing any longer I'm afraid it would be some time before you would hear from me for I'm not much good for letter writing. Needless to say we were delighted to hear from you and that you are going along all right, of course it won't be altogether easy until the girls grow up and take charge of the housekeeping, but after another few years you won't feel them growing up. It was too bad you meeting so much dissapointment in your married life. I would have liked to have gone over after Father died but the way George was placed and then I wasn't very strong either, my health broke down altogether after-wards but I'm quite strong again now. I expect it would be like going to a new country if I went now it would be rather strange to me. Quite a lot of people go from here I don't know how they all get work. Aunt Bridge's daughter left where she was and went out to Chicago. I suppose you hardly ever see Uncle Mike or Aunt Annie? All the people in Tullig are going on well the eldest girl is married in Castlemaine seven miles outside Tralee, they keep a grocery shop and the second eldest boy is here with us in the shop for the past year. I don't think you would know any one round here now the people have changed so and its awfully quiet here. Well I must come to a close now wishing you every prosperity. With love from all
Your affectionate sister Annie.
Monday, January 7, 2013
April 20, 1925
From: May Baker, 12 Dunedin, Connaught Ave. Cork.
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter last week and was delighted at hearing from you once again. I was very sorry you had such bad news for me in it, you must feel very upset over it, death is a terrible thing in a family and your children all so young, your wife is an awful loss, for really there is no one like a mother to children its a pity some one of us is not out near you to be some help to you with them. I sent your letter home to Annie but I did not hear from her since perhaps she may change her mind and go over to you its very hard to say what she intends to do she says one thing now and then she changes her mind to another thing and you would not like & advise her as she may blame a person after for anything. she would like to start business here in Cork but its very hard to get a suitable place for her and rent is very high in the city which she don't seem to think so. Are there any of your wifes people over there near you. I wrote to you about the end of March and sent it to Parsons St I suppose you did not get it, I hope you will write to me regular in the future I often wondered during last two years how you were and why you were not writing. I'd often think if you had met with an accident so many things strike into a persons head. About things at home business is slack enough Annie told me in her last letter but George has gone into other things beside the liquor trade he has a van going through the country with stuff and buying eggs and shipping them he also goes in for the salmon fishing business he has ten boats and nets of his own and does very well that is if the season is good for the fish, he also does a little in the cattle dealing business. a person must do something to make ends meet and the drink business is not what it was years ago. As for myself I am still living here with my people-in law. trying to make both ends meet at times, there has being so much war in this country that it caused a lot of unemployment and loss of money, people were all idle. I have two little boys now Joe the eldest aged 4 years and George who was born last Xmas Eve. George come near losing his wife last year she had a premature birth, the baby having being dead for some time she was pretty bad for awhile. I suppose you don't meet any of the Dillons now or hear from Miss Reardon. I often wonder if we will ever see you again. I don't suppose we would know one another now if we met by the way have you any Photo of yourself and family. I would like to have one especially of yourself as they had none to spare of you at home will you send me one of yourself if you have it. I would be glad to have one. the Photo's I sent you while I was at home were the Photo's of us all when we were young its a pity they went astray. I don't think I have any more to write about this time but I hope I'll hear from you very soon again. I hope you'll be good to the kiddies I feel for you all especially the children. as they are all so young without a mother may God comfort and take care of you all with best wishes from
Yours loving sister
May
To: Frank Gleasure, 89 Surrey St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter last week and was delighted at hearing from you once again. I was very sorry you had such bad news for me in it, you must feel very upset over it, death is a terrible thing in a family and your children all so young, your wife is an awful loss, for really there is no one like a mother to children its a pity some one of us is not out near you to be some help to you with them. I sent your letter home to Annie but I did not hear from her since perhaps she may change her mind and go over to you its very hard to say what she intends to do she says one thing now and then she changes her mind to another thing and you would not like & advise her as she may blame a person after for anything. she would like to start business here in Cork but its very hard to get a suitable place for her and rent is very high in the city which she don't seem to think so. Are there any of your wifes people over there near you. I wrote to you about the end of March and sent it to Parsons St I suppose you did not get it, I hope you will write to me regular in the future I often wondered during last two years how you were and why you were not writing. I'd often think if you had met with an accident so many things strike into a persons head. About things at home business is slack enough Annie told me in her last letter but George has gone into other things beside the liquor trade he has a van going through the country with stuff and buying eggs and shipping them he also goes in for the salmon fishing business he has ten boats and nets of his own and does very well that is if the season is good for the fish, he also does a little in the cattle dealing business. a person must do something to make ends meet and the drink business is not what it was years ago. As for myself I am still living here with my people-in law. trying to make both ends meet at times, there has being so much war in this country that it caused a lot of unemployment and loss of money, people were all idle. I have two little boys now Joe the eldest aged 4 years and George who was born last Xmas Eve. George come near losing his wife last year she had a premature birth, the baby having being dead for some time she was pretty bad for awhile. I suppose you don't meet any of the Dillons now or hear from Miss Reardon. I often wonder if we will ever see you again. I don't suppose we would know one another now if we met by the way have you any Photo of yourself and family. I would like to have one especially of yourself as they had none to spare of you at home will you send me one of yourself if you have it. I would be glad to have one. the Photo's I sent you while I was at home were the Photo's of us all when we were young its a pity they went astray. I don't think I have any more to write about this time but I hope I'll hear from you very soon again. I hope you'll be good to the kiddies I feel for you all especially the children. as they are all so young without a mother may God comfort and take care of you all with best wishes from
Yours loving sister
May
Friday, December 21, 2012
March 15, 1925
From: May Baker, 12 Dunedin, Connaught Ave., Cork
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank
Just a line or two once again hoping that I'll get an answer this time as I wrote to you on a few different occasions and never got an answer from you they also tell me at home that they did not hear from you either I hope you'll drop me a few lines and let us know how you are doing. I often think of you and wonder if your wife is better yet and able to be at home with you. Annie is still at home with George & wife she would like to start some little business here in the city but its very hard to get a suitable place and rent is so high, and then again she thinks of going across to America I wish she were settled down at something as I needn't tell you she is getting on in years after spending all her time house-keeping for the lot of us its to bad she hasn't a home of her own.
How are all your little children I expect they are getting big now. I have two little boys Joseph aged 4 years and George who was born on Xmas Eve last. I sent you some Photo's over 12 months ago of all of you when ye were small did you get them alright you never wrote to me about them or answered any of my letters I hope you'll write a few lines to me and tell me how you are getting on as I often wonder and think about you and would like to write to you often for there is only just the four of us left now and we ought to keep in touch with one another and the old home has a new mistress how time does fly be sure and write a few lines as soon as you get this. with best wishes to all from
Your loving sister May.
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank
Just a line or two once again hoping that I'll get an answer this time as I wrote to you on a few different occasions and never got an answer from you they also tell me at home that they did not hear from you either I hope you'll drop me a few lines and let us know how you are doing. I often think of you and wonder if your wife is better yet and able to be at home with you. Annie is still at home with George & wife she would like to start some little business here in the city but its very hard to get a suitable place and rent is so high, and then again she thinks of going across to America I wish she were settled down at something as I needn't tell you she is getting on in years after spending all her time house-keeping for the lot of us its to bad she hasn't a home of her own.
How are all your little children I expect they are getting big now. I have two little boys Joseph aged 4 years and George who was born on Xmas Eve last. I sent you some Photo's over 12 months ago of all of you when ye were small did you get them alright you never wrote to me about them or answered any of my letters I hope you'll write a few lines to me and tell me how you are getting on as I often wonder and think about you and would like to write to you often for there is only just the four of us left now and we ought to keep in touch with one another and the old home has a new mistress how time does fly be sure and write a few lines as soon as you get this. with best wishes to all from
Your loving sister May.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
December 25, 1923
From: May Baker, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I am almost ashamed to write to you after my long absence I don't know how the time slips by since I got your letter and never to have answered it since, I suppose you'll be surprised to see my address. I am at home since the 3rd November. as George was getting married they asked me down so they asked me then to stay on until after Xmas. I was very sorry to see by your letter about you being so upset in your home. & that your wife was so ill, it upset me a lot I often think of you since & think what a pity that I am married as if I wasn't I would go out to you about Annie I sent your letter to her when I got so I was asking her about it after I coming down here & she said she did not think she would be able to go to America now as she has got too much into years now anyway Frank. Annie is not a bit too strong she has stuck inside this house for years without as much going outside the door and she gets knocked up very bad with her throat I think she will come to Cork to undergo an operation with it very soon I think the best thing for Annie to do is to settle down in some nice home if she could find a suitable match of course marriage is a very risky business its not all sunshine as you know yourself now you have met with a lot of trouble since you married. but I hope with the New Year now coming on that all your troubles will pass away and things brighten up for you again. Has not your wife any sisters or friends that would help you with the children until such time as your wife will be back again to you, its a pity you can't get a suitable woman to mind them at home for you of course its a terrible expense. George sent you a paper with his marriage in it also a Photograph of himself & wife. Annie gave me a few Photo's to send to you I'm sure you would like to have them they are ones of us all when we were all young. I will send them with this letter. The trouble in this country is about all over now & things are commencing to settle down again some people suffered very much here for past few years. I would very much like to go to America but my husband would never care to go over there. Paddy Dillane sold out the old place in Ballyhennesy. lately its in strange hands now, the grandmother in Tullig died the September after father dying. Adam very seldom goes out now all his children are able to work for him now. & old James Connor Mt Cole is not long for this world either I was out to see him one day since I came down & he is very feeble his son John has the place & is married in it you would find great changes here now if you were here, all young people grown up & all the old folks dead & gone. I hope you will write to me very soon again & tell me how you are getting on. I hope you will have better luck in the new Year now than you had in the past You ought to write to Annie also I'm sure she would like to hear from you With all best wishes from all
Iremain Yours loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I am almost ashamed to write to you after my long absence I don't know how the time slips by since I got your letter and never to have answered it since, I suppose you'll be surprised to see my address. I am at home since the 3rd November. as George was getting married they asked me down so they asked me then to stay on until after Xmas. I was very sorry to see by your letter about you being so upset in your home. & that your wife was so ill, it upset me a lot I often think of you since & think what a pity that I am married as if I wasn't I would go out to you about Annie I sent your letter to her when I got so I was asking her about it after I coming down here & she said she did not think she would be able to go to America now as she has got too much into years now anyway Frank. Annie is not a bit too strong she has stuck inside this house for years without as much going outside the door and she gets knocked up very bad with her throat I think she will come to Cork to undergo an operation with it very soon I think the best thing for Annie to do is to settle down in some nice home if she could find a suitable match of course marriage is a very risky business its not all sunshine as you know yourself now you have met with a lot of trouble since you married. but I hope with the New Year now coming on that all your troubles will pass away and things brighten up for you again. Has not your wife any sisters or friends that would help you with the children until such time as your wife will be back again to you, its a pity you can't get a suitable woman to mind them at home for you of course its a terrible expense. George sent you a paper with his marriage in it also a Photograph of himself & wife. Annie gave me a few Photo's to send to you I'm sure you would like to have them they are ones of us all when we were all young. I will send them with this letter. The trouble in this country is about all over now & things are commencing to settle down again some people suffered very much here for past few years. I would very much like to go to America but my husband would never care to go over there. Paddy Dillane sold out the old place in Ballyhennesy. lately its in strange hands now, the grandmother in Tullig died the September after father dying. Adam very seldom goes out now all his children are able to work for him now. & old James Connor Mt Cole is not long for this world either I was out to see him one day since I came down & he is very feeble his son John has the place & is married in it you would find great changes here now if you were here, all young people grown up & all the old folks dead & gone. I hope you will write to me very soon again & tell me how you are getting on. I hope you will have better luck in the new Year now than you had in the past You ought to write to Annie also I'm sure she would like to hear from you With all best wishes from all
Iremain Yours loving sister
Mai.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
February 4, 1923
From: May Baker, 12 Dunedin, Connaught Avenue, Cork
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank
I'm sure you'll be very much surprised when you get this letter after such a long absence of letters from me I thought to write you several times but always put it off. I hope that you and family are all well also your wife as I see by one of your letters to Annie where she was very ill I hope she is again again at home with you and quiet well. I'm sure you've often wondered how I was getting on. I'm married here in Cork very near three years now, my husband is in the Motor business we have one little boy and we called him Joseph. my husbands name is Joe also. Poor father did not last very long I regret very much not being able to go and see him before he died, Annie seems to be very unsettled what to do with herself + bird don't seem inclined to settle down and get a house-keeper for himself. I suggested to Annie to look for a suitable person and settle down in a home of her own I think it would be the best thing she could do and she is getting on a little in years and another thing she has never being out much and don't know the ways of the world and what she would have to face, but she always has a fancy for America I should like to go myself if you had wrote to me that time I asked you about going out I should be there now but however there's no good talking now about that time. I expect you see by the papers the way Ireland is so upset, but we have only to hope for peace. How many children have you now I'm sure some of them are getting very big now. I hope you will answer this letter by return and tell me how you are doing all this time back. Hoping this will find you in the best Iremain with best wishes to al Your loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My dear Frank
I'm sure you'll be very much surprised when you get this letter after such a long absence of letters from me I thought to write you several times but always put it off. I hope that you and family are all well also your wife as I see by one of your letters to Annie where she was very ill I hope she is again again at home with you and quiet well. I'm sure you've often wondered how I was getting on. I'm married here in Cork very near three years now, my husband is in the Motor business we have one little boy and we called him Joseph. my husbands name is Joe also. Poor father did not last very long I regret very much not being able to go and see him before he died, Annie seems to be very unsettled what to do with herself + bird don't seem inclined to settle down and get a house-keeper for himself. I suggested to Annie to look for a suitable person and settle down in a home of her own I think it would be the best thing she could do and she is getting on a little in years and another thing she has never being out much and don't know the ways of the world and what she would have to face, but she always has a fancy for America I should like to go myself if you had wrote to me that time I asked you about going out I should be there now but however there's no good talking now about that time. I expect you see by the papers the way Ireland is so upset, but we have only to hope for peace. How many children have you now I'm sure some of them are getting very big now. I hope you will answer this letter by return and tell me how you are doing all this time back. Hoping this will find you in the best Iremain with best wishes to al Your loving sister
Mai.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
April 18, 1921
From: Annie Gleasure, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
To: Frank Gleasure, 232 Parsons St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
My Dear Brother,
You no doubt will know when you see this letter that it contains sad news, and I should have wrote before but one thing and another kept me very busy. We buried Father on the 15th of March. He was ailing since Nov. in fact he was never well since he got that plueresy, then his feet got swollen, and was only from one chair to the other all winter, we had an armchair downstairs as he was quite unable to walk upstairs or even to the shop.
The heart was affected too and if he exerted himself in any way he'd loose his breath. The Doctor was attending him since last Oct. but it was all no good. Father knew, and used to say that he wouldn't recover Then he got a severe pain in the left side the morning of the twelfth he said he was done then, we sent out for Adam and he was with us when Father passed away about seven next morning. He knew, and was speaking to us up to the end. We buried him in Kilflyn along side the Grandfather's. May was not here as she is living in Belfast. It's very lonely here now, more especially I find it so, as I don't go out very much. I don't care for this town in fact I never did. George is working the shop all the time, I believe he intends keeping it on. I got your letter you sent at Xmas but put off answering it from time to time in fact I'm no good for answering letters. I hope your wife is better and stronger now, the Winter is so trying on a person that is not in good health. I suppose the children are well, I must close now, and I will surely write a longer letter when you answer this, with love to all I remain Your affectionate sister Annie.
You no doubt will know when you see this letter that it contains sad news, and I should have wrote before but one thing and another kept me very busy. We buried Father on the 15th of March. He was ailing since Nov. in fact he was never well since he got that plueresy, then his feet got swollen, and was only from one chair to the other all winter, we had an armchair downstairs as he was quite unable to walk upstairs or even to the shop.
The heart was affected too and if he exerted himself in any way he'd loose his breath. The Doctor was attending him since last Oct. but it was all no good. Father knew, and used to say that he wouldn't recover Then he got a severe pain in the left side the morning of the twelfth he said he was done then, we sent out for Adam and he was with us when Father passed away about seven next morning. He knew, and was speaking to us up to the end. We buried him in Kilflyn along side the Grandfather's. May was not here as she is living in Belfast. It's very lonely here now, more especially I find it so, as I don't go out very much. I don't care for this town in fact I never did. George is working the shop all the time, I believe he intends keeping it on. I got your letter you sent at Xmas but put off answering it from time to time in fact I'm no good for answering letters. I hope your wife is better and stronger now, the Winter is so trying on a person that is not in good health. I suppose the children are well, I must close now, and I will surely write a longer letter when you answer this, with love to all I remain Your affectionate sister Annie.
Monday, December 17, 2012
March 4, 1920
From: May Gleasure, Cork
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Just a line or two as we are wondering why you are not writing to us we were expecting to hear from you at Xmas and ever since but not a line. We are all about the same down here as usual and father got over that fit he had and is quiet strong again I had a letter from Annie yesterday morning she tells me she was after getting a letter from Miss Reardon and also a Photo of our house taking during a snow storm she said it was very nice. I am still working in the same place and same business and getting allong alright. Cork is only just the same as Listowel to me now. How is your wife and Kiddies its strange how you have not written to us. all this time back. Annie asked me to drop you a line this week. needless to say she is a very bad corrospondent herself. I hope you'll write by return to us. No more this time until I hear from you Iremain
Your loving Sister Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass., U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Just a line or two as we are wondering why you are not writing to us we were expecting to hear from you at Xmas and ever since but not a line. We are all about the same down here as usual and father got over that fit he had and is quiet strong again I had a letter from Annie yesterday morning she tells me she was after getting a letter from Miss Reardon and also a Photo of our house taking during a snow storm she said it was very nice. I am still working in the same place and same business and getting allong alright. Cork is only just the same as Listowel to me now. How is your wife and Kiddies its strange how you have not written to us. all this time back. Annie asked me to drop you a line this week. needless to say she is a very bad corrospondent herself. I hope you'll write by return to us. No more this time until I hear from you Iremain
Your loving Sister Mai.
Friday, December 7, 2012
October 27, 1919
From: May Gleasure, Cork
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I should have answer your letter long before this but from one thing to another I did not have a chance of course I've not as much of my own time now as I had at home. I was delighted at getting your letter Annie sent it on to me when she got it you can address the answer of this one to her also. I had a letter from her last Thursday, in which she told me that father had being very ill he had plursey, they had a doctor with him he had to be poulticed she told me at the time of writing that he was out of it but was very weak I have not heard from her this week yet. Did Annie ever write to you since she got your letter I forgot to ask her in my letters. As to myself I'm going on alright here in the city I know the place now as well as Listowel, and I like it alright. I would like to go to America altogether but I wonder would I have any difficulty in getting a pass-port there. I don't know where father would give me the cost of the road or not. I never inquired, I'm very sorry I did not try and get out there long ago I'd be better off today. You never told me whether you would approve of me going there or not in your letter let me know when you are writing again. I would like if Annie were able to get away with me I know she's longing for the day to go there I hope you'll write to her for Xmas whether she writes to you or not you know she's a very bad corrospondent. How is the wife and family your little girls must be getting very big now, did any of them go to school yet. Did I tell you in my last letter that Aunt Kate died in Dublin at Easter, Annie says the old woman at Tullig is very strong all the time she was in to see father when he was sick. I have nothing more to write about this time Hoping I shall hear from you for Xmas. No more this time Hoping this finds you all in the best I remain
Your loving sister
Mai
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I should have answer your letter long before this but from one thing to another I did not have a chance of course I've not as much of my own time now as I had at home. I was delighted at getting your letter Annie sent it on to me when she got it you can address the answer of this one to her also. I had a letter from her last Thursday, in which she told me that father had being very ill he had plursey, they had a doctor with him he had to be poulticed she told me at the time of writing that he was out of it but was very weak I have not heard from her this week yet. Did Annie ever write to you since she got your letter I forgot to ask her in my letters. As to myself I'm going on alright here in the city I know the place now as well as Listowel, and I like it alright. I would like to go to America altogether but I wonder would I have any difficulty in getting a pass-port there. I don't know where father would give me the cost of the road or not. I never inquired, I'm very sorry I did not try and get out there long ago I'd be better off today. You never told me whether you would approve of me going there or not in your letter let me know when you are writing again. I would like if Annie were able to get away with me I know she's longing for the day to go there I hope you'll write to her for Xmas whether she writes to you or not you know she's a very bad corrospondent. How is the wife and family your little girls must be getting very big now, did any of them go to school yet. Did I tell you in my last letter that Aunt Kate died in Dublin at Easter, Annie says the old woman at Tullig is very strong all the time she was in to see father when he was sick. I have nothing more to write about this time Hoping I shall hear from you for Xmas. No more this time Hoping this finds you all in the best I remain
Your loving sister
Mai
Thursday, December 6, 2012
June 8, 1919
From: May Gleasure
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
[Opened by Censor]
Dear Frank,
I'm sure you'll wonder why you have not heard from me with such a long time, in fact you'll be surprised to hear that I'm not at home now but in the city Cork, for the last few months. I got sick of being stuck at home all the time with neither pay or pleasure. in fact I'm sick of this country altogether. George is at home now in the shop. I've a place here in the city the same kind of work, of course I don't get much pay there's not pay in this country for a persons labour I like being out, the only thing I don't like being away from Annie, as they are all for themselves George would not allow father to send me any money or help me in any way now and he says I'm never again to face home as I did not stop there when I was there so after all my time I'm not to get anything from them. Annie writes to me every week and when you are writing to me you can enclose it to her as I may not be sure of my address here and she will send it on to me then. I'm not staying with any of the Dillons I don't care to stay with them I'm lodging with a girl I knew is Listowel who is now married in the city here. Would you advise me to stay in this country or not I would like to know your opinion about it. I hope you and all in your care are quite well, your little ones must be getting big now. I suppose you did not hear yet that Aunt Kate died in Dublin on East Sunday, she was suffering from her stomach, for a short time. I don't know what will happen to her family now and some of them are young yet I hope you'll answer this by return as I'll be on the look-out for it and I'll write a much longer letter next time. Hope this will find you all in the best Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
[Opened by Censor]
Dear Frank,
I'm sure you'll wonder why you have not heard from me with such a long time, in fact you'll be surprised to hear that I'm not at home now but in the city Cork, for the last few months. I got sick of being stuck at home all the time with neither pay or pleasure. in fact I'm sick of this country altogether. George is at home now in the shop. I've a place here in the city the same kind of work, of course I don't get much pay there's not pay in this country for a persons labour I like being out, the only thing I don't like being away from Annie, as they are all for themselves George would not allow father to send me any money or help me in any way now and he says I'm never again to face home as I did not stop there when I was there so after all my time I'm not to get anything from them. Annie writes to me every week and when you are writing to me you can enclose it to her as I may not be sure of my address here and she will send it on to me then. I'm not staying with any of the Dillons I don't care to stay with them I'm lodging with a girl I knew is Listowel who is now married in the city here. Would you advise me to stay in this country or not I would like to know your opinion about it. I hope you and all in your care are quite well, your little ones must be getting big now. I suppose you did not hear yet that Aunt Kate died in Dublin on East Sunday, she was suffering from her stomach, for a short time. I don't know what will happen to her family now and some of them are young yet I hope you'll answer this by return as I'll be on the look-out for it and I'll write a much longer letter next time. Hope this will find you all in the best Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
July 4, 1917
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield Street, Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I really don't know how time slipped by on me without answering your very welcomed letter received some time ago, well except I answer a letter right after I getting one I grow very careless about it. We are all in fairly good health here at present enjoying the summer weather after such a very hard winter as we had, by the way father got a severe attack of cold and cough last winter it shook him very much he did not lay up but he was no more than able to move around, at times he has the cough all the time it has stuck in him some way or other. Old Patsy Dillane died the 30th May he passed away without an hour's sickness the poor old man it was better for him as he had no one to care him there its funny after all the family he had not one of them with him when he dying except strangers the place belongs to Pat now but he has two more years to spend in the force. Mat Carroll has passed away also I wonder did you know him he only came home from America last November in delicate health he was in Boston last September and came across Mike he was going to call and see you he said but had no time to spare. there's a brother of his lives in Boston I don't know what part I except you hardly now him as he is one of the younger boys. Do you ever meet any of the Dillanes now you can tell them about old Patsy if you do. George is all the time working here but is trying for a change the pay he gets here is not up to much Tom Dillane is trying to get him a place up at Queenstown there is constant work of his kind going on there at the dockyards and the pay averages from 50/. shilling a week upwards. anyway I hope he'll get a change as he would be better off out of this town he makes up and down with too many cadgers he is very quick and intelligent and his boss gives him the top praise as regards his work but he is growing very careless lately I'm sure its over the little pay he gets, if he could get to Queenstown he would get on better I'm sure Tom & Pat would be near him there as they are in Cork City and he would have plenty to amuse him there and that would keep him from loafing. Just fancy writing so much and never asking how yourself and family were I do hope well you spoke in your letter about removing I hope this address will find you out. I was dreaming last night about you I thought you were coming home to see us how I wish you were. Annie did not start out yet of course it would be madness to think of going now when she had any notion of going at all she had aright to start years ago. Times are very bad here now in our line of business its pretty bad there are such restrictions put on liquor we can't get it for any money the rule is you only get a third of your last years supply that really means we have only enough stuff to keep us going one week out of four. its pretty hard to deprive a person of there living, the taxes they were putting on were bad enough but to cut us short of our supply was worse. and then a person has to turn around and pay enormous prices for everything the eat and use I don't see how it can be done when we have no way of making money a person would not mind the high prices for stuff if you were making money in proportion what a relief to everyone it would be if this war would end. I don't think I have any more to write about at present I hope this will find you all in the best as we are presently what kind of a summer are ye having there its fairly good here and everything points towards a good harvest so we won't starve this year I'm sure, you know the farmers were made till a lot of there land to raise food stuffs so we won't be short this year. Hoping I shall hear from you very soon again Iremain
Your loving sister Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield Street, Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I really don't know how time slipped by on me without answering your very welcomed letter received some time ago, well except I answer a letter right after I getting one I grow very careless about it. We are all in fairly good health here at present enjoying the summer weather after such a very hard winter as we had, by the way father got a severe attack of cold and cough last winter it shook him very much he did not lay up but he was no more than able to move around, at times he has the cough all the time it has stuck in him some way or other. Old Patsy Dillane died the 30th May he passed away without an hour's sickness the poor old man it was better for him as he had no one to care him there its funny after all the family he had not one of them with him when he dying except strangers the place belongs to Pat now but he has two more years to spend in the force. Mat Carroll has passed away also I wonder did you know him he only came home from America last November in delicate health he was in Boston last September and came across Mike he was going to call and see you he said but had no time to spare. there's a brother of his lives in Boston I don't know what part I except you hardly now him as he is one of the younger boys. Do you ever meet any of the Dillanes now you can tell them about old Patsy if you do. George is all the time working here but is trying for a change the pay he gets here is not up to much Tom Dillane is trying to get him a place up at Queenstown there is constant work of his kind going on there at the dockyards and the pay averages from 50/. shilling a week upwards. anyway I hope he'll get a change as he would be better off out of this town he makes up and down with too many cadgers he is very quick and intelligent and his boss gives him the top praise as regards his work but he is growing very careless lately I'm sure its over the little pay he gets, if he could get to Queenstown he would get on better I'm sure Tom & Pat would be near him there as they are in Cork City and he would have plenty to amuse him there and that would keep him from loafing. Just fancy writing so much and never asking how yourself and family were I do hope well you spoke in your letter about removing I hope this address will find you out. I was dreaming last night about you I thought you were coming home to see us how I wish you were. Annie did not start out yet of course it would be madness to think of going now when she had any notion of going at all she had aright to start years ago. Times are very bad here now in our line of business its pretty bad there are such restrictions put on liquor we can't get it for any money the rule is you only get a third of your last years supply that really means we have only enough stuff to keep us going one week out of four. its pretty hard to deprive a person of there living, the taxes they were putting on were bad enough but to cut us short of our supply was worse. and then a person has to turn around and pay enormous prices for everything the eat and use I don't see how it can be done when we have no way of making money a person would not mind the high prices for stuff if you were making money in proportion what a relief to everyone it would be if this war would end. I don't think I have any more to write about at present I hope this will find you all in the best as we are presently what kind of a summer are ye having there its fairly good here and everything points towards a good harvest so we won't starve this year I'm sure, you know the farmers were made till a lot of there land to raise food stuffs so we won't be short this year. Hoping I shall hear from you very soon again Iremain
Your loving sister Mai.
Friday, November 16, 2012
November 21, 1916
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3633]
My dear Frank
A few lines to let you know I got your card yesterday morning also your letter a short time ago, I expect you've had my answer to it before this I hope the arrival of this one will find all the family and yourself quite well, we are just the same as usual here, but are witnessing some very bad weather, since the first October we've had three great floods, the river Feale over-flowing its banks to an awful extent and drowning cattle and destroying crops especially potatoes, which has made them very scarce and dear, the present price of potatoes is 14 pence a stone thats about three times as dear they would be at this time of year. Always, in fact every-thing is carrying an awful price and some things very hard to be got at any price.
How are the Kiddies getting on I do hope well especially the baby I hope she is getting strong before the winter sets in of course the little chap will be better able to rough it now than her. I should like to send him something for Xmas but the way things are going present we'll put it off for a little time until things will look brighter which will not be long I hope. The war is going on as strong as ever and no knowing when its to be over Do you still hear from your wife's brother I do hope he will come out of it successfully, it's appalling the fine men and boys that are never to come home to their people again, it would be a blessing to everyone if it were over. Annie is still without writing to you I never see such a person as she is she just simply hates writing a letter, the last letter Miss Reardon sent her is still un-answered thats about nine months ago, however I expect she will write to you before long as they say "a long threatening comes at last." Things are quite here now but you never know what to expect from them day to day, I should not like to have a repetition of what happened in the summer time I shall never forget it and the way he went on to me, I often wish to myself I were over with you, but then again I imagine I would be an awful burden to you, in case I would not get on what would I do, as you know the business I'm at is not fit for me, or in fact any other girl. and I'm not very well up in housework never having any time to practice it. I often get thoroughly disgusted with myself the way we two girls are working away the best part of our lives and not having a pound note to our name as yet getting nothing only our support and what we wear and thats very little, the only thing is to hope for better times to come. I will be finishing up for this time now and I hope to hear from you soon again I should like very much to get a letter from your wife does she ever think of writing me a few lines. I expect you were afraid that your letter did not reach me or fell into other hands but if were a thing that a letter of mine was opened other than myself there would be music I can tell you so you need not be afraid of that happening. I will now Wish you and all family A Very Happy Xmas with a Bright and Prosperous New Year to you all Iremain with love to all
Your loving Sister
Mai.
PS Let me know if you got promoted in your work.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3633]
My dear Frank
A few lines to let you know I got your card yesterday morning also your letter a short time ago, I expect you've had my answer to it before this I hope the arrival of this one will find all the family and yourself quite well, we are just the same as usual here, but are witnessing some very bad weather, since the first October we've had three great floods, the river Feale over-flowing its banks to an awful extent and drowning cattle and destroying crops especially potatoes, which has made them very scarce and dear, the present price of potatoes is 14 pence a stone thats about three times as dear they would be at this time of year. Always, in fact every-thing is carrying an awful price and some things very hard to be got at any price.
How are the Kiddies getting on I do hope well especially the baby I hope she is getting strong before the winter sets in of course the little chap will be better able to rough it now than her. I should like to send him something for Xmas but the way things are going present we'll put it off for a little time until things will look brighter which will not be long I hope. The war is going on as strong as ever and no knowing when its to be over Do you still hear from your wife's brother I do hope he will come out of it successfully, it's appalling the fine men and boys that are never to come home to their people again, it would be a blessing to everyone if it were over. Annie is still without writing to you I never see such a person as she is she just simply hates writing a letter, the last letter Miss Reardon sent her is still un-answered thats about nine months ago, however I expect she will write to you before long as they say "a long threatening comes at last." Things are quite here now but you never know what to expect from them day to day, I should not like to have a repetition of what happened in the summer time I shall never forget it and the way he went on to me, I often wish to myself I were over with you, but then again I imagine I would be an awful burden to you, in case I would not get on what would I do, as you know the business I'm at is not fit for me, or in fact any other girl. and I'm not very well up in housework never having any time to practice it. I often get thoroughly disgusted with myself the way we two girls are working away the best part of our lives and not having a pound note to our name as yet getting nothing only our support and what we wear and thats very little, the only thing is to hope for better times to come. I will be finishing up for this time now and I hope to hear from you soon again I should like very much to get a letter from your wife does she ever think of writing me a few lines. I expect you were afraid that your letter did not reach me or fell into other hands but if were a thing that a letter of mine was opened other than myself there would be music I can tell you so you need not be afraid of that happening. I will now Wish you and all family A Very Happy Xmas with a Bright and Prosperous New Year to you all Iremain with love to all
Your loving Sister
Mai.
PS Let me know if you got promoted in your work.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
October 26, 1916
From: May Gleasure, Listowel, Square, Co Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3067]
Dear Frank,
Its about time I should think about answering your last letter which I received alright. I was going to write from time to time but kept putting it off. waiting for this thing and that, anyway I wanted to tell you about how George would be circumstanced after his time being up. He has his time served since 1st September, he has not being removed from Listowel as yet, but he may be after Xmas, he is paid according to what he does and he also gets so much an hour, putting it in all he earns about 25/shilling a week sometimes, at other times 20/shilling and so on, of course if he were sent away he should get about twice that much a week but you know unaccount of his boarding at home its not so bad, he could spare a little money now while he'd be in Listowel if he had sense but I'm sorry to say he has'ent. he goes with fellows that are no company for him, and don't come in home at night at no early hour, you need not say anything in your letter about it (if you want to say anything write it on a seperate page) as Annie and I don't want to interfer let them do as they like and find out for themselves. Annie expects to go to America in the Spring. its a pity as she wasn't going this year as there were several going from the town here, she says she'll write to you in a day or two herself and tell you all and indeed its about time she were doing for herself, working away here and nothing by her time even George now that hes earing never offered her as much as a copper yet and she doing everything for him. Anyway I hope Annie will be able to get away from this place before long whatever I may do afterwards about getting away, it would be a good job for her to be leaving this place behind she never goes outside the door here not even out for a walk I often wonder how she holds inside always. of course its different for me when I'm able to rough it around a lot, I have enough told you about the trouble of this country for this time. We have very bad weather here for the past month nothing but rain all the time. The Races were not much good this year as the weather being bad as usual we did not go to them at all only the two men (boss and George). I hope the two children are quite well and strong and especially the little baby. I hope she will be quite strong before the winter will come on I think its very hard to rear children over in that country some way or other, and yourself I hope you are well over that fit you got in the summer, it must be pretty hard for you working for so many hours, its really to long for any man to work for nineteen or twenty hours a day. You spoke about Annie Dillon being living near you now do you ever see Mike or Lizzie, the old man their father is very feeble now he never comes to town at all now. Anyway there is no one to care him only a woman coming to the house doing a few jobs for him, of course any of the men are not pensioned of yet, they come to see him as often as they can and get all they can done for him. Do ye still here from your bother-in-law that was in France I hope he'll be successful and come home alright there were a lot of Listowel chaps knocked over from time to time its very sad to think about I hope it will be over very soon. I hope you'll be able to get promoted in your job before very long would it mean an easier time for you than what you have now. The big November fair will be here on Monday. next we will be pretty busy that day, all classes of cattle are an awful price in this country presently, its the farmers that are coining from this war they get just three time the money that they used to get for there cattle and stuff. and yet there sons will not go out and help to win the war. I don't think I have anything else to tell you this time. Annie will be writing to you soon I expect, but she is so slow about writing a letter I hope you'll write to me very soon again and will you send me a photo of the children some time you have it promised a long time Remembe to write soon with best love to wife and children and self Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3067]
Dear Frank,
Its about time I should think about answering your last letter which I received alright. I was going to write from time to time but kept putting it off. waiting for this thing and that, anyway I wanted to tell you about how George would be circumstanced after his time being up. He has his time served since 1st September, he has not being removed from Listowel as yet, but he may be after Xmas, he is paid according to what he does and he also gets so much an hour, putting it in all he earns about 25/shilling a week sometimes, at other times 20/shilling and so on, of course if he were sent away he should get about twice that much a week but you know unaccount of his boarding at home its not so bad, he could spare a little money now while he'd be in Listowel if he had sense but I'm sorry to say he has'ent. he goes with fellows that are no company for him, and don't come in home at night at no early hour, you need not say anything in your letter about it (if you want to say anything write it on a seperate page) as Annie and I don't want to interfer let them do as they like and find out for themselves. Annie expects to go to America in the Spring. its a pity as she wasn't going this year as there were several going from the town here, she says she'll write to you in a day or two herself and tell you all and indeed its about time she were doing for herself, working away here and nothing by her time even George now that hes earing never offered her as much as a copper yet and she doing everything for him. Anyway I hope Annie will be able to get away from this place before long whatever I may do afterwards about getting away, it would be a good job for her to be leaving this place behind she never goes outside the door here not even out for a walk I often wonder how she holds inside always. of course its different for me when I'm able to rough it around a lot, I have enough told you about the trouble of this country for this time. We have very bad weather here for the past month nothing but rain all the time. The Races were not much good this year as the weather being bad as usual we did not go to them at all only the two men (boss and George). I hope the two children are quite well and strong and especially the little baby. I hope she will be quite strong before the winter will come on I think its very hard to rear children over in that country some way or other, and yourself I hope you are well over that fit you got in the summer, it must be pretty hard for you working for so many hours, its really to long for any man to work for nineteen or twenty hours a day. You spoke about Annie Dillon being living near you now do you ever see Mike or Lizzie, the old man their father is very feeble now he never comes to town at all now. Anyway there is no one to care him only a woman coming to the house doing a few jobs for him, of course any of the men are not pensioned of yet, they come to see him as often as they can and get all they can done for him. Do ye still here from your bother-in-law that was in France I hope he'll be successful and come home alright there were a lot of Listowel chaps knocked over from time to time its very sad to think about I hope it will be over very soon. I hope you'll be able to get promoted in your job before very long would it mean an easier time for you than what you have now. The big November fair will be here on Monday. next we will be pretty busy that day, all classes of cattle are an awful price in this country presently, its the farmers that are coining from this war they get just three time the money that they used to get for there cattle and stuff. and yet there sons will not go out and help to win the war. I don't think I have anything else to tell you this time. Annie will be writing to you soon I expect, but she is so slow about writing a letter I hope you'll write to me very soon again and will you send me a photo of the children some time you have it promised a long time Remembe to write soon with best love to wife and children and self Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
August 14, 1916
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3211]
Dear Frank,
A few lines to you as I have given up hope of getting an answer to my last letter I do hope that you and family are quite well, we are just about the same here all the time We've had very warm weather here for the past three weeks it was the warmest weather I ever remember but there has being a great change for the past few days I think we are back to the wet weather again. I suppose you read all about the Irish Rebellion the newspapers, there was a great loss of trade over it for about six week owing to not being able to get any goods. especially in our trade. Annie has been very anxious to hear from you as I said before she wants to go out to you in fact she thought that she would be there before the fall of this year. but when you didn't write she did not make up her mind and there's some girls from this place going out next month she'd like to have being with them George will be out of his time in two weeks I don't know if he will be kept on in Listowel or not I may tell you he is a foolish young fellow at the start of his days. I will close now Hoping I will have an answer by return of post and Hoping that ye are all quiet well
Iremain
Your Loving Sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
[Opened by censor 3211]
Dear Frank,
A few lines to you as I have given up hope of getting an answer to my last letter I do hope that you and family are quite well, we are just about the same here all the time We've had very warm weather here for the past three weeks it was the warmest weather I ever remember but there has being a great change for the past few days I think we are back to the wet weather again. I suppose you read all about the Irish Rebellion the newspapers, there was a great loss of trade over it for about six week owing to not being able to get any goods. especially in our trade. Annie has been very anxious to hear from you as I said before she wants to go out to you in fact she thought that she would be there before the fall of this year. but when you didn't write she did not make up her mind and there's some girls from this place going out next month she'd like to have being with them George will be out of his time in two weeks I don't know if he will be kept on in Listowel or not I may tell you he is a foolish young fellow at the start of his days. I will close now Hoping I will have an answer by return of post and Hoping that ye are all quiet well
Iremain
Your Loving Sister
Mai.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
April 17, 1916
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I received you ever welcomed letter the week before last and was very glad at hearing from you once again I hope your wife and the baby are quite well by this time, we are all about the same as usual here. The weather here at present is not very good it has being bitterly cold since the 1st April although we had not a very bad winter this year. I'm sure you'll be very much surprised when you hear about Mrs Morris, well Frank she was the most evil-minded good for nothing person that I ever came across to put it in one word for you we had to kick her out of the house, and we're in this house a long time now and its the first time we ever had to do it to anybody. It happened on a Sunday evening the boss was out walking and Annie and I were inside with her, when all of a sudden she turned round and commenced to insult us about father and his former days we stood up for him and then she turned round on Annie and said the most horrible and cruel things about her that I ever heard said to anyone before, we ordered her out of the house and she wouldn't go for us so when the boss came in we told him he'd have to order her out that it would be either us or her inside so he told her go and she had the cheek to ask George to carry her valise up town for her but indeed we would not let him be a servant to her she was just too months staying with us at the time she left she was a week then staying up town and then she went to Dublin to her sister and we did not see or hear from her since and indeed we'd be better of if we never saw her for she told us things that I would rather never have heard and I'm very glad that anyone around here don't know what she told us. The trouble did not end there while she was here she told the boss that I told her I was going to join the catholic church and to marry a catholic fellow I was going with well if he had asked me about it while she was here I would have being able to contradict her because I never told her any such thing but instead of that he keeps it in until last week and then charges me with it and told me I was a disgrace and that he'd kick me out with out a penny do you think that anyone would put up with that. It may be the case that I may marry a catholic boy, there's one thing certain that I'll marry whom I like I don't care whom it pleases or don't. It would be far better for Annie and I to be out earning our wages for we'd have something by our time and would be independent of everybody. I don't think there are any other two girls in the country would put up with what we have to not having even a sixpence or shilling that we can call our own only whatever I chance to get in the shop myself and that's very little. Annie wants to go to America and she says she won't stop here another winter if she can help it. I want you to advise us what is best to do and will you write it on a separate sheet of paper so he would not see it when he reads the letter and don't say anything about what I've told you here except on the separate sheet I may tell you our time is not a bed of roses and I don't want to stay here much longer. I hope that before many years will pass by that we shall all be together over there again a place where we had a right to be left the first day. and it was true for you that it changed the whole course of our lives. I hope you'll write to me soon again and Hoping your wife little baby and self are all quite well Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St., Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
My dear Frank,
I received you ever welcomed letter the week before last and was very glad at hearing from you once again I hope your wife and the baby are quite well by this time, we are all about the same as usual here. The weather here at present is not very good it has being bitterly cold since the 1st April although we had not a very bad winter this year. I'm sure you'll be very much surprised when you hear about Mrs Morris, well Frank she was the most evil-minded good for nothing person that I ever came across to put it in one word for you we had to kick her out of the house, and we're in this house a long time now and its the first time we ever had to do it to anybody. It happened on a Sunday evening the boss was out walking and Annie and I were inside with her, when all of a sudden she turned round and commenced to insult us about father and his former days we stood up for him and then she turned round on Annie and said the most horrible and cruel things about her that I ever heard said to anyone before, we ordered her out of the house and she wouldn't go for us so when the boss came in we told him he'd have to order her out that it would be either us or her inside so he told her go and she had the cheek to ask George to carry her valise up town for her but indeed we would not let him be a servant to her she was just too months staying with us at the time she left she was a week then staying up town and then she went to Dublin to her sister and we did not see or hear from her since and indeed we'd be better of if we never saw her for she told us things that I would rather never have heard and I'm very glad that anyone around here don't know what she told us. The trouble did not end there while she was here she told the boss that I told her I was going to join the catholic church and to marry a catholic fellow I was going with well if he had asked me about it while she was here I would have being able to contradict her because I never told her any such thing but instead of that he keeps it in until last week and then charges me with it and told me I was a disgrace and that he'd kick me out with out a penny do you think that anyone would put up with that. It may be the case that I may marry a catholic boy, there's one thing certain that I'll marry whom I like I don't care whom it pleases or don't. It would be far better for Annie and I to be out earning our wages for we'd have something by our time and would be independent of everybody. I don't think there are any other two girls in the country would put up with what we have to not having even a sixpence or shilling that we can call our own only whatever I chance to get in the shop myself and that's very little. Annie wants to go to America and she says she won't stop here another winter if she can help it. I want you to advise us what is best to do and will you write it on a separate sheet of paper so he would not see it when he reads the letter and don't say anything about what I've told you here except on the separate sheet I may tell you our time is not a bed of roses and I don't want to stay here much longer. I hope that before many years will pass by that we shall all be together over there again a place where we had a right to be left the first day. and it was true for you that it changed the whole course of our lives. I hope you'll write to me soon again and Hoping your wife little baby and self are all quite well Iremain
Your loving sister
Mai
Monday, November 12, 2012
January 16, 1916
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co Kerry
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St, Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Just a line let you know I received your ever welcomed letter and Xmas Cards. about a fortnight ago. I was very sorry to hear you were sick I hope you have fully recovered by this also the little chap I hope he's over his fit. he must be quite a little man now, I hope you won't fail to send me that long promised photograph before long of him, I should also like to get one of yourself and wife. I am sending you one of my own takings of George and I. I wonder will you recognize the place we are taken at its down at the old pump near the river. the bridge you see is the new iron bridge they have going across the island racecourse, you can only see a part of the old pump. I had a few more to send to you but Annie asked me for them as she wants to send them to Miss Reardon as she got a letter from her a few days before Xmas and is writing to her. She told us she was living in our old house minding young children that have no parents she also said she has not seen you for a long time do you ever go out that way now, she did not mention any of the Bailys and father would like to know whether they are living or not do you know anything about them, let me know the next time you are writing. The weather has being very good here all the winter with the exception of a few heavy storms, we had to close our shop one day the storm was so bad. Father's sister is staying with us since New Year's Day, she is not a bad class of a person, she only stayed at Tullig for about a fortnight and then came in here I believe she had a kick up with them out there as short as the time was I could not find out the right root of the thing as yet, her version of the story was it was there fault but anyway we are to have her here with us until the month of May she is going back again then her husband is to come over for her about a month before she leaves She is a person that would try and boss Annie and I, if she thought it would succeed with her. I think that George will be going back to that country with her she is trying to take him anyway and he is anxious to go she says that he would get on there well with his trade and get plenty of work at it up there where she is more especially when her husband is a builder she said he could get him at work there putting this electric light as he's building them. what do you think of the idea. when she came here first she asked Annie or I to go with her back so she asked father about it and he was not for it at all and by what we can make out about her talk that the boss is for making matches for us in this country she even suggested about Annie going into a farm of land, but when she told Annie that you may say Annie gave her a bit of her mind. Don't you think we'd look nice married to an old farmer to wind up our days with him. If George will be so lucky as to get away from this old country he's alright. I should like him to go away from this place as there is so many old bummers around this old town always thats its no place for him more especially when he comes in contact with them so often. You were asking me about the people out at Tullig they are all well out there presently old Patsy Dillane has got very feeble for the last few months you know he has no one in that house with him only his brother in-law there is no woman there only a neighboring woman that comes there during the day and does a few things for him the poor man is a pity in the later end of his days with no one to look after him. his daughter Bridge lives about three or four miles away from him but she has a lot of children of her own to look after. Do you ever see any of them over there let me know when you are writing next Do you see the Buckley girls or Threvor Chute at all I sent you a little parcel for the little chap at Xmas I hope you got it alright I must send you something more useful very soon for him I think I have about all for this time when I know if George is going or not I shall let you know I suppose you'd nearly go to New York to see him as its that way they would go back. in the meantime I hope I shall have a letter from you very soon again and Hoping ye are all well with best wishes to all I remain
Your loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 36 Litchfield St, Brighton, Mass, U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
Just a line let you know I received your ever welcomed letter and Xmas Cards. about a fortnight ago. I was very sorry to hear you were sick I hope you have fully recovered by this also the little chap I hope he's over his fit. he must be quite a little man now, I hope you won't fail to send me that long promised photograph before long of him, I should also like to get one of yourself and wife. I am sending you one of my own takings of George and I. I wonder will you recognize the place we are taken at its down at the old pump near the river. the bridge you see is the new iron bridge they have going across the island racecourse, you can only see a part of the old pump. I had a few more to send to you but Annie asked me for them as she wants to send them to Miss Reardon as she got a letter from her a few days before Xmas and is writing to her. She told us she was living in our old house minding young children that have no parents she also said she has not seen you for a long time do you ever go out that way now, she did not mention any of the Bailys and father would like to know whether they are living or not do you know anything about them, let me know the next time you are writing. The weather has being very good here all the winter with the exception of a few heavy storms, we had to close our shop one day the storm was so bad. Father's sister is staying with us since New Year's Day, she is not a bad class of a person, she only stayed at Tullig for about a fortnight and then came in here I believe she had a kick up with them out there as short as the time was I could not find out the right root of the thing as yet, her version of the story was it was there fault but anyway we are to have her here with us until the month of May she is going back again then her husband is to come over for her about a month before she leaves She is a person that would try and boss Annie and I, if she thought it would succeed with her. I think that George will be going back to that country with her she is trying to take him anyway and he is anxious to go she says that he would get on there well with his trade and get plenty of work at it up there where she is more especially when her husband is a builder she said he could get him at work there putting this electric light as he's building them. what do you think of the idea. when she came here first she asked Annie or I to go with her back so she asked father about it and he was not for it at all and by what we can make out about her talk that the boss is for making matches for us in this country she even suggested about Annie going into a farm of land, but when she told Annie that you may say Annie gave her a bit of her mind. Don't you think we'd look nice married to an old farmer to wind up our days with him. If George will be so lucky as to get away from this old country he's alright. I should like him to go away from this place as there is so many old bummers around this old town always thats its no place for him more especially when he comes in contact with them so often. You were asking me about the people out at Tullig they are all well out there presently old Patsy Dillane has got very feeble for the last few months you know he has no one in that house with him only his brother in-law there is no woman there only a neighboring woman that comes there during the day and does a few things for him the poor man is a pity in the later end of his days with no one to look after him. his daughter Bridge lives about three or four miles away from him but she has a lot of children of her own to look after. Do you ever see any of them over there let me know when you are writing next Do you see the Buckley girls or Threvor Chute at all I sent you a little parcel for the little chap at Xmas I hope you got it alright I must send you something more useful very soon for him I think I have about all for this time when I know if George is going or not I shall let you know I suppose you'd nearly go to New York to see him as its that way they would go back. in the meantime I hope I shall have a letter from you very soon again and Hoping ye are all well with best wishes to all I remain
Your loving sister
Mai.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)