From: Mai Baker, The Cottage, Ballincollig, Co Cork
To: Frank Gleasure, 56 Gardner Street, Allston, Mass. USA
My dear Frank,
What a pleasant surprise when I was just going to take my breakfast this morning at getting your letter, you bet I did not bother with breakfast until I read your letter over a couple of times so glad to hear yourself & family are well, its a relief to you they are all grown up now, you had a lot of worry while they were young but in married life there is always something or another. I have not heard from Listowel for past two months they are a bit slow sometimes in writing or I think they are busy making lots of money, they are doing very well down there they have got the house next door and are enlarging their business. There is not many in Listowel that you would know now the only ones belonging to your time would be girl & boys of Buckley's family. Mollie Lyons. Leane the Chemist & Dr. Dillons. You know Behan house next door got burned to the ground. George came near losing his home at that time also there are strangers there now all the Behans are left town & some of them are dead. I suppose you remember Nell Dowling who used bring us the milk she has a provision shop at end of the Square & has a grown up family she used often ask about you her sister Maggie went to New York & done very well. Paddy has the house at Woodford. All the old people of Tullig & Mt. Cole are dead James Connor Uncle Adam & Wife some of the Parkinsons etc. and all their family's are grown up and have children of their own grown up also I would not know half of them as I am over twenty years left Listowel and it's 19 years since I was down there they never invite me down for a few days and I would like to go John & Jim Connor are at Mt. Cole John is married but Jim is not. Sarah is married she was very bad during summer & had to be put in hospital suffering from cancer. as you know all the Dillons are out of the police now Tom is here in Cork he has five in family all doing splendid Paddy is living in Listowel his wife is dead and he drinks a good deal himself Bridge is living near Lixnaw & has a grown family also do you ever meet Mike he buried his wife last March and then the Carrolls there is only one of them left here Henry & Matt are dead Jerry is in New York also two others and are doing well by what themselves say. And now about myself I don't know if I told you I have seven boys eldest 21 and youngest 9. my eldest boy is motor Mechanic and is very good at his trade my second boy is trying at present to get to Belfast to do some war work if he can but the country is a bit upset and its hard to get anything [?]. I had a hard struggle to rear them as the father is very much given to drink and I've had a terrible life up to this he is over in England at present and I hope he stops there you said you did not hear from George after you wrote to him they told me they answered your letter & did not hear from you since so you got a wrong idea about it the world is so upset for past few years a person don't know if the letter goes right or not. I do not know how many times I've written to Annie but I'm sure it's about 20 letters anyway I never got an answer to any of them I even sent them to Mrs. Smyth. I am posting another along with this to her. I'll be delighted to get the parcel if you will be able to manage it I hope I did not give you too much trouble I never knew you should look for permission to send them. George was not very well for past twelve months I met them in Cork last May they were up to take their boy home from hospital as he was in with apendix George got very old looking his wife is very good to me as she sends me all my clothes as the same things fit us and she get finished with hers before they are worn I'd be lost for clothes only for her as I could not buy them myself I will send them your new address this evening and I'm sure they will write to you you will be tired reading all this I hope you will write to me very soon again I've often and often thought about you and wished you would write ask Annie to write me also Hope this finds you all in best & wishing you all a Very Happy Xmas
Your loving sister,
Mai
Showing posts with label James Connors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Connors. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
June 26, 1913
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 4 Bayard Street Allston, Mass. U.S.A.
My dearest Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was delighted at hearing from you. We are all quite well here at home. but we have some very bad weather all the time, we have had no summer as yet nothing but rain almost every day. I suppose ye have some very good weather over there before now. Katy Buckley did not call to see us since she came home but I see her out walking a few evenings ago but I had one of the opposite sex along with me I suppose she did not like to stand and speak to me, Nell Dowling was speaking to her and she told her all about you how that you had a splendid time and a lovely place. There are a lot of people at home here in the town from America within the last month. Its a wonder you never think of taking a trip home. I suppose you'll hardly ever again come back here and it's no wonder, Listowel is an awful dull old place I wished I could leave it in the morning. There was an awful highway robbery committed here on the 2nd June about 6 miles from Listowel it was a banker that used to carry money from this to Abbeyfeale and four masked men jumped out from behind the ditch and took L780 = 5/ from them I am sending you the paper about it. I am also sending you some more Photo's of myself the one on the post card is more like me than any of the others. I hope you'll take out yours and send them to us, it was an awful pity you did not take the baby's Photo, I would love to have seen it. Jim Connor is laid up sick since last January it was a cold he got and did not mind himself and then he got pains all over him and he is not over them since none of them got married yet although they want a housekeeper badly they have nobody with them only a servant girl James is getting old now its time he gave up the place to one of them. Do you get any music in the newspapers now if you do I hope you'll keep them for me. and don't forget to send us some papers to read as I am always in the shop now I like to have something to be reading so I hope you'll send me something I did not get the letter from your wife yet I hope she has not forgotten to write to me. and I hope you'll write yourself again soon I will now close for this time Hoping ye are well
I remain
Yours loving sister
Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 4 Bayard Street Allston, Mass. U.S.A.
My dearest Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was delighted at hearing from you. We are all quite well here at home. but we have some very bad weather all the time, we have had no summer as yet nothing but rain almost every day. I suppose ye have some very good weather over there before now. Katy Buckley did not call to see us since she came home but I see her out walking a few evenings ago but I had one of the opposite sex along with me I suppose she did not like to stand and speak to me, Nell Dowling was speaking to her and she told her all about you how that you had a splendid time and a lovely place. There are a lot of people at home here in the town from America within the last month. Its a wonder you never think of taking a trip home. I suppose you'll hardly ever again come back here and it's no wonder, Listowel is an awful dull old place I wished I could leave it in the morning. There was an awful highway robbery committed here on the 2nd June about 6 miles from Listowel it was a banker that used to carry money from this to Abbeyfeale and four masked men jumped out from behind the ditch and took L780 = 5/ from them I am sending you the paper about it. I am also sending you some more Photo's of myself the one on the post card is more like me than any of the others. I hope you'll take out yours and send them to us, it was an awful pity you did not take the baby's Photo, I would love to have seen it. Jim Connor is laid up sick since last January it was a cold he got and did not mind himself and then he got pains all over him and he is not over them since none of them got married yet although they want a housekeeper badly they have nobody with them only a servant girl James is getting old now its time he gave up the place to one of them. Do you get any music in the newspapers now if you do I hope you'll keep them for me. and don't forget to send us some papers to read as I am always in the shop now I like to have something to be reading so I hope you'll send me something I did not get the letter from your wife yet I hope she has not forgotten to write to me. and I hope you'll write yourself again soon I will now close for this time Hoping ye are well
I remain
Yours loving sister
Mai.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
September 27, 1912
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 4 Bayard St. Allston, Mass U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was delighted to hear from you we were so sorry to hear that you are going through a little trouble with the baby it must be very hard on you unaccount of working hard during the day and then having to stop up by night with her but I hope that ye are alright again by this. We had a most wretched summer here this year nothing but rain all the time it will give you a kind of an idea of it when you hear that the River Feale overflowed its banks in August there were some cattle destroyed by it. but we have very good weather here for the last three weeks Mrs Connor died on the 6th Aug we were all out at the funeral it was said that it was the largest funeral that went to Kilflynn within the last 10 years. James and the boys miss her very much now as they have nobody to look after anything for them only a servant girl. We are going to have the Listowel Races on the 15 & 16 Oct. we will also have a coursing match in November those things are no good to me as I have no enjoyment out of them only extra work we are never let to anything like that George & father goes to them. We have got electric light in the town now and in all the houses they won't light it until the first night of the races it will be a great improvement in the town. I am learning to play an accordian now I got a present of a most beautiful one from a boy that I am acquainted with. I hope you won't forget to send me that book of music and be sure and send the one I asked you for. I did not get the newspapers yet. By the way I must tell you that I was very disappointed when I heard that you did not call the baby what you were going too. I am going to send her a little present soon but I won't have any time until after the races for doing so as we have no apprentice now I am kept very busy. I hope you will never be so long in writing to me again and Hoping this will find ye all back in best health again as we all are at home I remain
Your loving sister Mai.
To: Frank Gleasure, 4 Bayard St. Allston, Mass U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was delighted to hear from you we were so sorry to hear that you are going through a little trouble with the baby it must be very hard on you unaccount of working hard during the day and then having to stop up by night with her but I hope that ye are alright again by this. We had a most wretched summer here this year nothing but rain all the time it will give you a kind of an idea of it when you hear that the River Feale overflowed its banks in August there were some cattle destroyed by it. but we have very good weather here for the last three weeks Mrs Connor died on the 6th Aug we were all out at the funeral it was said that it was the largest funeral that went to Kilflynn within the last 10 years. James and the boys miss her very much now as they have nobody to look after anything for them only a servant girl. We are going to have the Listowel Races on the 15 & 16 Oct. we will also have a coursing match in November those things are no good to me as I have no enjoyment out of them only extra work we are never let to anything like that George & father goes to them. We have got electric light in the town now and in all the houses they won't light it until the first night of the races it will be a great improvement in the town. I am learning to play an accordian now I got a present of a most beautiful one from a boy that I am acquainted with. I hope you won't forget to send me that book of music and be sure and send the one I asked you for. I did not get the newspapers yet. By the way I must tell you that I was very disappointed when I heard that you did not call the baby what you were going too. I am going to send her a little present soon but I won't have any time until after the races for doing so as we have no apprentice now I am kept very busy. I hope you will never be so long in writing to me again and Hoping this will find ye all back in best health again as we all are at home I remain
Your loving sister Mai.
Monday, October 1, 2012
March 11, 1912
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 11 Westford St. Allston, Mass U.S.A.
My Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear you were doing well as we all are here at home, we were commencing to think you had forgotten all about us you delayed so long in answering our last letter We have had very bad weather here for the last couple of months we had some very hard frost the river Feale was all frozen over it never froze now since the last time you were at home until this year you may be sure we had a gay time skating on it during the day and the nights we had full moon at the time and we held dances on it and you may be sure we had fun over the dancing. You must have had great bother with the waterpipes that burst our pipes got frozen too but we had no bother with them The fever is all cleared out of the town again it was a perfect destruction to business no country person would come into the town while it was going on. How are you getting on in married life, there was not many marriages around here this year. There is one of John Parkinsons sons going to come home again this year one of those that went out about two years ago. He was never contented out there, I think he is very foolish not to stop out there for a few more years The other boy is very contented he is in the same place since he went out there there is a son of Henry Gleasures working with him its farm work they are doing and they like it very well Did I tell you that Henry and all his family went out to Australia last October he was a very foolish man to go out there this our of his life all his friends wanted to put him off it but all to no good he was said by the wife and went. None of James Connor family married this year and indeed its nearly time for one of the boys to marry now both the boys are great cow jobbers they have a lot of cattle out on grazing and make a lot of money of them I was full sure that one of them would get a farm this year but they did not make any move and they would want a young woman to look after the house now for their mother is getting rather old. I don't think I have anymore to say at present only that those papers have not arrived yet and I hope you won't forget them or the music which I am looking forward to I sent two Post cards a few days ago hope ye will get them Tell the wife I was asking for her and I hope you will write to us very soon again I remain
Your loving
sister Mai
To: Frank Gleasure, 11 Westford St. Allston, Mass U.S.A.
My Dear Frank,
I received your most welcomed letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear you were doing well as we all are here at home, we were commencing to think you had forgotten all about us you delayed so long in answering our last letter We have had very bad weather here for the last couple of months we had some very hard frost the river Feale was all frozen over it never froze now since the last time you were at home until this year you may be sure we had a gay time skating on it during the day and the nights we had full moon at the time and we held dances on it and you may be sure we had fun over the dancing. You must have had great bother with the waterpipes that burst our pipes got frozen too but we had no bother with them The fever is all cleared out of the town again it was a perfect destruction to business no country person would come into the town while it was going on. How are you getting on in married life, there was not many marriages around here this year. There is one of John Parkinsons sons going to come home again this year one of those that went out about two years ago. He was never contented out there, I think he is very foolish not to stop out there for a few more years The other boy is very contented he is in the same place since he went out there there is a son of Henry Gleasures working with him its farm work they are doing and they like it very well Did I tell you that Henry and all his family went out to Australia last October he was a very foolish man to go out there this our of his life all his friends wanted to put him off it but all to no good he was said by the wife and went. None of James Connor family married this year and indeed its nearly time for one of the boys to marry now both the boys are great cow jobbers they have a lot of cattle out on grazing and make a lot of money of them I was full sure that one of them would get a farm this year but they did not make any move and they would want a young woman to look after the house now for their mother is getting rather old. I don't think I have anymore to say at present only that those papers have not arrived yet and I hope you won't forget them or the music which I am looking forward to I sent two Post cards a few days ago hope ye will get them Tell the wife I was asking for her and I hope you will write to us very soon again I remain
Your loving
sister Mai
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
August 29, 1907
From: Annie Gleasure, Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ire.
To: Frank Gleasure, 28 Herrick St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I'm afraid its no use making excuses for not writing to you long ago but I would rather do any sort of work than sit down and write a letter. But any way, as I wrote to Joe on Tuesday last, I said I wouldn't let the week go by without writing to you. So here goes.
First of all we are quite well here and we got your books that you sent May and I, the pater received the history and we got the photos yesterday morning. May's came out very nice, didn't it? but when you get this, stick mine in some corner out of sight.
George went back to school last Monday after the vacation. He spent three weeks out at James Conners, the house at Tullig is quite filled so he couldn't go there. The only day that May got away for her holidays was last Sunday when we went out to Pat Carrolls for the day: very nice place out there, our first time going there too. You will be surprised to hear that Henry Carroll came home about a month or so ago. He had a fearful cold for the last three months before he came, so I believe the doctor ordered him home. He was in hospital quite a time over there, but he is getting better now. He says that he wrote to you for over a year after he left Annie Dillons and never got a reply from you. Perhaps you would write to him when you get this, he was asking May for your address but I don't think she gave it.
There is no fun here, it's an awfully dull place and no one to make up with. The McCarthy girls are generally away visiting or some where: they were at school in Belgium up to last August. They are quite grand people now, they don't live in town now but out at Woodford House. They wouldn't go near their shop at all. They don't make up with anyone here either except us and the Patersons. Their brother Jack that went to So. Africa seven years ago returned last spring. I was out there when they got the letter saying he was coming and they nearly cheered the roof off the house.
Jenny Sweetman was at school in England for the last year or so and Eva has gone now. There brother Dick is a regular duffer after all the schooling he got he couldn't pass an exam for the bank: he's only loafing about town now. We are rather busy just now, the pater is doing up the top rooms papering and painting etc., so May has to stay in the shop mostly all the time. she doesn't care about it atall. We haven't got any boys yet. I suppose you must have some jolly times over their. I don't know Annie Buckley or Beatrice Grogan that you write about but I knew Eileen and I was introduced to Katie Buckley just the evening before she went away. How are they getting on now? I suppose they wouldn't live here by any chance now. It must have been a glorious time during Old Home Week. Have you been out to So.. Natick lately. If you have seen Miss Reardon Miss Bailey, Mrs. Burr lately tell us how they are getting on.
The old folks at Tullig are very well, they appear just about the same as when you knew them. They don't come to town very often. Old Mrs. Fitzell was buried on the fifteenth of this month. I suppose you know that Fanny Parkinson was married to John Fitzell? Marianne Parkinson is in a drapery shop in King's Co., and Frankie is married to a sister of Adam's wife. Richard Parkinson left the police force at the commencing of the month and he doesn't know what to do with himself. Tom is coming out later on.
Tom and Pat Dillon went away yesterday after their holidays. Ned couldn't come just yet on account of a strike in Belfast. Tom is in Queenstown now, he has to go out on the ferry when passengers are coming from America to see that every thing is all right. Ned is in Kildare and Pat is in Cork. Bridget was married to a man living about two miles from their place, so the old couple have to live and do for themselves now. Lizzie Carroll goes down when there is any heavy work to do. We are to have the races here in six weeks time, on the eigth and ninth of October, and I wonder if you could send May and I the price of dresses: we havn't a rag to put on. I havn't been out to the races for the last three years.
I am writing this in a hurry so that I shall get it done for if I leave of it will be an age before I'm in a mood for writing again. Hoping you will excuse the scribbling, I will remain
Yours affectionately with love to you and Joe Annie.
To: Frank Gleasure, 28 Herrick St. Brighton, Mass. U.S.A.
Dear Frank,
I'm afraid its no use making excuses for not writing to you long ago but I would rather do any sort of work than sit down and write a letter. But any way, as I wrote to Joe on Tuesday last, I said I wouldn't let the week go by without writing to you. So here goes.
First of all we are quite well here and we got your books that you sent May and I, the pater received the history and we got the photos yesterday morning. May's came out very nice, didn't it? but when you get this, stick mine in some corner out of sight.
George went back to school last Monday after the vacation. He spent three weeks out at James Conners, the house at Tullig is quite filled so he couldn't go there. The only day that May got away for her holidays was last Sunday when we went out to Pat Carrolls for the day: very nice place out there, our first time going there too. You will be surprised to hear that Henry Carroll came home about a month or so ago. He had a fearful cold for the last three months before he came, so I believe the doctor ordered him home. He was in hospital quite a time over there, but he is getting better now. He says that he wrote to you for over a year after he left Annie Dillons and never got a reply from you. Perhaps you would write to him when you get this, he was asking May for your address but I don't think she gave it.
There is no fun here, it's an awfully dull place and no one to make up with. The McCarthy girls are generally away visiting or some where: they were at school in Belgium up to last August. They are quite grand people now, they don't live in town now but out at Woodford House. They wouldn't go near their shop at all. They don't make up with anyone here either except us and the Patersons. Their brother Jack that went to So. Africa seven years ago returned last spring. I was out there when they got the letter saying he was coming and they nearly cheered the roof off the house.
Jenny Sweetman was at school in England for the last year or so and Eva has gone now. There brother Dick is a regular duffer after all the schooling he got he couldn't pass an exam for the bank: he's only loafing about town now. We are rather busy just now, the pater is doing up the top rooms papering and painting etc., so May has to stay in the shop mostly all the time. she doesn't care about it atall. We haven't got any boys yet. I suppose you must have some jolly times over their. I don't know Annie Buckley or Beatrice Grogan that you write about but I knew Eileen and I was introduced to Katie Buckley just the evening before she went away. How are they getting on now? I suppose they wouldn't live here by any chance now. It must have been a glorious time during Old Home Week. Have you been out to So.. Natick lately. If you have seen Miss Reardon Miss Bailey, Mrs. Burr lately tell us how they are getting on.
The old folks at Tullig are very well, they appear just about the same as when you knew them. They don't come to town very often. Old Mrs. Fitzell was buried on the fifteenth of this month. I suppose you know that Fanny Parkinson was married to John Fitzell? Marianne Parkinson is in a drapery shop in King's Co., and Frankie is married to a sister of Adam's wife. Richard Parkinson left the police force at the commencing of the month and he doesn't know what to do with himself. Tom is coming out later on.
Tom and Pat Dillon went away yesterday after their holidays. Ned couldn't come just yet on account of a strike in Belfast. Tom is in Queenstown now, he has to go out on the ferry when passengers are coming from America to see that every thing is all right. Ned is in Kildare and Pat is in Cork. Bridget was married to a man living about two miles from their place, so the old couple have to live and do for themselves now. Lizzie Carroll goes down when there is any heavy work to do. We are to have the races here in six weeks time, on the eigth and ninth of October, and I wonder if you could send May and I the price of dresses: we havn't a rag to put on. I havn't been out to the races for the last three years.
I am writing this in a hurry so that I shall get it done for if I leave of it will be an age before I'm in a mood for writing again. Hoping you will excuse the scribbling, I will remain
Yours affectionately with love to you and Joe Annie.
August 27, 1907
From: George F. Gleasure, Square, Listowel, Co Kerry
To: Joseph Gleasure, 28 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass U.S.A.
My Dear Joseph
I am writing you these few lines to let you know that we are all well at present. The weather is very fine for the last week, but it got a bit dark to day threatening for rain. Our school opened yesterday. I was outside at James Connors for the last three weeks, they have all the hay saved. I had fine times outside there. May could not go any place this year as there is no one in the shop only Father. There was a Feis in Listowel last Sunday week but it was not worth a fig. Rich Parkinson is out on pension and Tom will be coming out on Christmas. I am getting along with the fiddle very well now, the little one father made is a failure now, but he is going to buy a new one for me. We have got a little greyhound now, we got him from Tom Carroll in Lixnaw he is eleven weeks old everybody says he will be a good one. The races are fast approaching now, they are only six weeks and I wonder could you send me a pair of feild glasses in time for them as I would like a pair to be looking at the horses through them. Father is settling the upper rooms now as we are going to sleep in them and have the small room for the kitchen. As I have no more of interest to write about
I remain
Your Loving Brother
George F. Gleasure
To: Joseph Gleasure, 28 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass U.S.A.
My Dear Joseph
I am writing you these few lines to let you know that we are all well at present. The weather is very fine for the last week, but it got a bit dark to day threatening for rain. Our school opened yesterday. I was outside at James Connors for the last three weeks, they have all the hay saved. I had fine times outside there. May could not go any place this year as there is no one in the shop only Father. There was a Feis in Listowel last Sunday week but it was not worth a fig. Rich Parkinson is out on pension and Tom will be coming out on Christmas. I am getting along with the fiddle very well now, the little one father made is a failure now, but he is going to buy a new one for me. We have got a little greyhound now, we got him from Tom Carroll in Lixnaw he is eleven weeks old everybody says he will be a good one. The races are fast approaching now, they are only six weeks and I wonder could you send me a pair of feild glasses in time for them as I would like a pair to be looking at the horses through them. Father is settling the upper rooms now as we are going to sleep in them and have the small room for the kitchen. As I have no more of interest to write about
I remain
Your Loving Brother
George F. Gleasure
Sunday, June 3, 2012
August 8, 1907
From: May Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Co Kerry, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 28 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
My Dear Frank,
I suppose you will be tired looking out for a letter by the time that this reaches you. I was going to write before now but I was puting it off from day to day. We have got our holidays now for the last three weeks they will be up in two weeks more. George is out at James Connor's for the last 2 weeks I can't go out in the country this time as father is to busy. Rich Parkinson came home last Thursday he has left the police force now and is getting his pension. Pat and Tom Dillane is also at home they came last Saturday and Ned Dillane is coming home the middle of August.
Father got a letter last Sunday from his sister Mrs. Morris that is living over in Detroit she said that she is thinking of coming home this year she thought that the old man and woman out at Tullig were dead and buried long ago until she got a letter from them last month she said that she would like to come and see them.
Did you hear that Henry Carroll came home he got changed since he went to America he is very thin Tom Dillane said that he was near his death. I suppose Joe will be surprised when he hear's that Tom Buckley came home again he arrived last Saturday night we did not see him yet.
We are sending some papers along with this letter, and hope you will get them all right, send us some papers soon I will close now as I have no more to say Hoping you will write soon
I remain
Your loving sister
May Gleasure
To: Frank Gleasure, 28 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
My Dear Frank,
I suppose you will be tired looking out for a letter by the time that this reaches you. I was going to write before now but I was puting it off from day to day. We have got our holidays now for the last three weeks they will be up in two weeks more. George is out at James Connor's for the last 2 weeks I can't go out in the country this time as father is to busy. Rich Parkinson came home last Thursday he has left the police force now and is getting his pension. Pat and Tom Dillane is also at home they came last Saturday and Ned Dillane is coming home the middle of August.
Father got a letter last Sunday from his sister Mrs. Morris that is living over in Detroit she said that she is thinking of coming home this year she thought that the old man and woman out at Tullig were dead and buried long ago until she got a letter from them last month she said that she would like to come and see them.
Did you hear that Henry Carroll came home he got changed since he went to America he is very thin Tom Dillane said that he was near his death. I suppose Joe will be surprised when he hear's that Tom Buckley came home again he arrived last Saturday night we did not see him yet.
We are sending some papers along with this letter, and hope you will get them all right, send us some papers soon I will close now as I have no more to say Hoping you will write soon
I remain
Your loving sister
May Gleasure
Monday, March 12, 2012
January 6, 1906
From: Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel
To: Frank Gleasure, 33 Arden Street, Allston, Massachusetts
My Dear Brother,
We received all the presents which you sent. The unregistered ones got here the day after Christmas, and the registered ones arrived the 29th Dec. They were very nice and May and George were well pleased with theirs. I suppose you got our letters too alright. I suppose you remember all the pictures I sent you. There are not many pictures around here of interest to take. The old Castles are all knocked only the big ivy clad one. If the weather got clear I would take a good many pictures around here. You must have a nice clear sky to take pictures outside. I didn't finish our pictures yet. I am waiting to take Annie's before I send them. When I am going over I will take a good many as I go along. I could take places around Queenstown and on the ship and if I went to South Natick I could take a good many and send them back here.
We are going to get some cold weather here now. We always have fairly good weather up to Christmas, but then we get a good many hail storms for a month or so, then the weather gets mild again. I got the papers about the Civil Service and your pictures which were a good deal better than the last ones. The Railway mail service is a grand position and would answer me very well, but you must be 5 ft 6 in for it and I will never be that as I am a little over 5 ft 4 in at present but the Customs or Internal Revenue is just as good, but I would prefer the Railway mail service as you would have a chance to see the country. I suppose I will have to rough it for a while till I see the way of the country. I have no doubt but I will be alright after spending a year there. If I was to go this year, I would like to go about April. I couldn't stop in Listowel another year for anything.
None of the Connors are thinking of making a shift. They are all a drunken crowd, except Jim, who doesn't come to town at all. But James and John are always drunk in town. John was locked up for drunkness a week ago. Adam has four children now I think, and they are all well and strong out there. As I have no more of interest to write, I will close hoping this letter may find you in good health as we all are
I will remain
Your loving brother,
Joseph Gleasure
To: Frank Gleasure, 33 Arden Street, Allston, Massachusetts
My Dear Brother,
We received all the presents which you sent. The unregistered ones got here the day after Christmas, and the registered ones arrived the 29th Dec. They were very nice and May and George were well pleased with theirs. I suppose you got our letters too alright. I suppose you remember all the pictures I sent you. There are not many pictures around here of interest to take. The old Castles are all knocked only the big ivy clad one. If the weather got clear I would take a good many pictures around here. You must have a nice clear sky to take pictures outside. I didn't finish our pictures yet. I am waiting to take Annie's before I send them. When I am going over I will take a good many as I go along. I could take places around Queenstown and on the ship and if I went to South Natick I could take a good many and send them back here.
We are going to get some cold weather here now. We always have fairly good weather up to Christmas, but then we get a good many hail storms for a month or so, then the weather gets mild again. I got the papers about the Civil Service and your pictures which were a good deal better than the last ones. The Railway mail service is a grand position and would answer me very well, but you must be 5 ft 6 in for it and I will never be that as I am a little over 5 ft 4 in at present but the Customs or Internal Revenue is just as good, but I would prefer the Railway mail service as you would have a chance to see the country. I suppose I will have to rough it for a while till I see the way of the country. I have no doubt but I will be alright after spending a year there. If I was to go this year, I would like to go about April. I couldn't stop in Listowel another year for anything.
None of the Connors are thinking of making a shift. They are all a drunken crowd, except Jim, who doesn't come to town at all. But James and John are always drunk in town. John was locked up for drunkness a week ago. Adam has four children now I think, and they are all well and strong out there. As I have no more of interest to write, I will close hoping this letter may find you in good health as we all are
I will remain
Your loving brother,
Joseph Gleasure
Saturday, February 4, 2012
May 26, 1903
From: Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 82 West Canton Street, Boston, Massachusetts
My Dear Brother,
I hope the arrival of this letter will find you well as we all are at present. We got your last letter and the papers you sent all right.
I am going to the college now since the 1st of April. it is not much of a place to go to unless you were going to learn the languages. I want you to tell me whether I will learn any of the languages or not, because it is no good learning them unless I was going to be a doctor, and also I would be wasting my time and money.
I suppose you have something found out about the Customs by this time and if you could find out also the style of writing they have. I suppose it is straight writing like we were taught at school. If you could get a programe for the Customs I think I couldn't do better than stop at home and work myself. I would get on better than than at the College because they only teach them for the English Customs there.
There were over forty left this town last week for America. Among them were Patty Carrol, Henry's brother, Jack Carrol from the Square Dan Garon, two of the Hussy's four of the Mulvihills and a couple from Ballgarrett. The Connor's are not inclined to go anywhere yet either.
I suppose South Natick is changed a good deal since I saw it last. All the fellows that were going to school with me are left I suppose. We are beginning to fell the heat for the last week but ye have it for the last month.
I would be very thankful if you would send me a nice pin I could wear on my coat, one made of hard material, and a design like the "Maine" or some other thing. I will be sending you some "Boys Friends" soon. As I have no more to say I will close.
Your Dear Brother,
Joseph
To: Frank Gleasure, 82 West Canton Street, Boston, Massachusetts
My Dear Brother,
I hope the arrival of this letter will find you well as we all are at present. We got your last letter and the papers you sent all right.
I am going to the college now since the 1st of April. it is not much of a place to go to unless you were going to learn the languages. I want you to tell me whether I will learn any of the languages or not, because it is no good learning them unless I was going to be a doctor, and also I would be wasting my time and money.
I suppose you have something found out about the Customs by this time and if you could find out also the style of writing they have. I suppose it is straight writing like we were taught at school. If you could get a programe for the Customs I think I couldn't do better than stop at home and work myself. I would get on better than than at the College because they only teach them for the English Customs there.
There were over forty left this town last week for America. Among them were Patty Carrol, Henry's brother, Jack Carrol from the Square Dan Garon, two of the Hussy's four of the Mulvihills and a couple from Ballgarrett. The Connor's are not inclined to go anywhere yet either.
I suppose South Natick is changed a good deal since I saw it last. All the fellows that were going to school with me are left I suppose. We are beginning to fell the heat for the last week but ye have it for the last month.
I would be very thankful if you would send me a nice pin I could wear on my coat, one made of hard material, and a design like the "Maine" or some other thing. I will be sending you some "Boys Friends" soon. As I have no more to say I will close.
Your Dear Brother,
Joseph
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
July 18th, 1902
From: Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
To: Frank Gleasure, 82 West Canton Street, Boston, MA
Dear Brother,
I received the cheque all right, but I forgot to write to you about it. I am getting on pretty well at school, and the teacher is taking great interest in me. He hadn't to say a cross word to me yet. We have just got three weeks holidays. Peter Buckley is at home again but he is a little queer yet, but he has the same old notions. May is getting on all right now for she is out at Tullig about a month. George is out at James Connor's since yesterday so that the house is very quite. I am able to ride a bycicle grand. The first time I went on one I rode it about fifty yards. I do hire a one on Sunday for 1/9 pence and take a ride James Connors and from that to Tullig and back again.
We had very bad weather up to the 1st of July but we are getting the Summer now. I had only two bathes yet the weather was so bad I would give any to be over in South Natick again, but some day Please "God" I will be walking the streets of South Natick. I do be very lonesome when I think of times when I was there. The times have changed here greatly and I suppose they are changed over too. As I have no more to say I will close hoping you are well.
Your Sincere Brother,
Joseph Gleasure
To: Frank Gleasure, 82 West Canton Street, Boston, MA
Dear Brother,
I received the cheque all right, but I forgot to write to you about it. I am getting on pretty well at school, and the teacher is taking great interest in me. He hadn't to say a cross word to me yet. We have just got three weeks holidays. Peter Buckley is at home again but he is a little queer yet, but he has the same old notions. May is getting on all right now for she is out at Tullig about a month. George is out at James Connor's since yesterday so that the house is very quite. I am able to ride a bycicle grand. The first time I went on one I rode it about fifty yards. I do hire a one on Sunday for 1/9 pence and take a ride James Connors and from that to Tullig and back again.
We had very bad weather up to the 1st of July but we are getting the Summer now. I had only two bathes yet the weather was so bad I would give any to be over in South Natick again, but some day Please "God" I will be walking the streets of South Natick. I do be very lonesome when I think of times when I was there. The times have changed here greatly and I suppose they are changed over too. As I have no more to say I will close hoping you are well.
Your Sincere Brother,
Joseph Gleasure
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