From: Helen A. Reardon, South Natick, Mass
To: Frank Gleasure, 22 Herrick Street, Brighton, Mass
My dear Frank,
You can have little idea how pleased we were to get your letter. In many ways, it was a great pleasure. The last time I wrote to you I sent the letter to Allston and receiving no answer thought I would hunt up your uncle in Boston and none of us could remember his name.
Well, we are glad indeed that Joe is coming. I can hardly imagine how rejoiced you will be. One thing that pleased Miss Bailey and I so much was that you had not had many intimate friends. Some friends are priceless but as you are situated it is much better to keep by yourself rather than be too free. That very thing has been the downfall of many a young man. I think you will begin to really live when Joe comes. You have been a good brave boy to stick to it and make your way alone. The Express business is a good one and one where honesty and reliability are appreciated. I hear Mr. Bailey say how much in demand good square men are in those places.
When Joe comes as soon as he gets his "land legs" you must both come out. You will find old South Natick changed more than you can imagine. Your house has been bought by the Hunnewells and fixed up so you would never know it. Where the old mill was there is a park with a fine stone wall. The Unitarian Church has been made over beautifully. The Elliot House which has been a saloon for years has been sold to the Hunnewells and they are going to tear it down and put the land into a park.
Mrs. Burr has gone abroad for the summer.
I must write to Annie. I hope they will all come on the next that comes. No doubt you and Joe will accomplish it. We shall be glad to welcome you both on his arrival. Mr. Bailey is not all well. Has been sick on and off a year.
Very sincerely your friend,
Helen A. Reardon
Miss B and Mis Smith send best wishes
Showing posts with label Miss Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss Smith. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
February 28, 1904
From: Helen A. Reardon, South Natick, Mass
To: Mr. Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland, County Kerry
My dear Joe,
We cannot express by writing how much pleased we were to hear from you especially as to your schoolwork. So many boys nowadays think if they can get rid of school they are happy. Then when they get too old to go to school, they spend the rest of their days bewailing their foolishness in not going to school longer.
I have written to Washington for particulars about the civil service exams but have not received an answer yet. As soon as I do, I will send work right away. It is certain that a good knowledge of geography and modern history would be included. Of course the better general education one has, the more sure he is to rise if he is suited to his position. I haven't the smallest doubt that you will be all right. There is a government examination and then the position is for life or during satisfactory behavior not subject to changes in administration.
How much we should like to see you all. We try to imagine how you look.
We had not heard of Frank's bad luck. I hope he is all right again before this. He has not written us for a long time. We should like to have him come out to see us, but I suppose he gets tired and rests on Sunday.
We tried to think who the boys were who were with you in school but do not know who they were.
It is dull enough here. Of course the two shoe-shops run about so, but there is no new business. There are fewer children in our building than when you were here. Rich people have bought up the land so that there is little chance for anything but a residential town. Business is good at Natick center, however.
You may hear from me any day, but I thought the time would seem so long that I would write ahead so you would not give up ever hearing from us.
Miss Bailey is very busy today and asked me to write for her.
I wish Annie would write to us and I am sure you will write again. When you write, will you tell us how old you are? We feel sure you will keep on with your studies and we will see what can be done. There are always positions for straight upright young men. Miss Smith, Miss Bailey and I send our love to all of you and hope to see you some day.
Sincerely your friend,
Helen A. Reardon
To: Mr. Joseph Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland, County Kerry
My dear Joe,
We cannot express by writing how much pleased we were to hear from you especially as to your schoolwork. So many boys nowadays think if they can get rid of school they are happy. Then when they get too old to go to school, they spend the rest of their days bewailing their foolishness in not going to school longer.
I have written to Washington for particulars about the civil service exams but have not received an answer yet. As soon as I do, I will send work right away. It is certain that a good knowledge of geography and modern history would be included. Of course the better general education one has, the more sure he is to rise if he is suited to his position. I haven't the smallest doubt that you will be all right. There is a government examination and then the position is for life or during satisfactory behavior not subject to changes in administration.
How much we should like to see you all. We try to imagine how you look.
We had not heard of Frank's bad luck. I hope he is all right again before this. He has not written us for a long time. We should like to have him come out to see us, but I suppose he gets tired and rests on Sunday.
We tried to think who the boys were who were with you in school but do not know who they were.
It is dull enough here. Of course the two shoe-shops run about so, but there is no new business. There are fewer children in our building than when you were here. Rich people have bought up the land so that there is little chance for anything but a residential town. Business is good at Natick center, however.
You may hear from me any day, but I thought the time would seem so long that I would write ahead so you would not give up ever hearing from us.
Miss Bailey is very busy today and asked me to write for her.
I wish Annie would write to us and I am sure you will write again. When you write, will you tell us how old you are? We feel sure you will keep on with your studies and we will see what can be done. There are always positions for straight upright young men. Miss Smith, Miss Bailey and I send our love to all of you and hope to see you some day.
Sincerely your friend,
Helen A. Reardon
Thursday, January 12, 2012
January 15th, 1900
From: Helen Reardon, South Natick, Mass
To: Frank Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, IReland
My dear Frank,
We have not by any means forgotten you even if it does seem so. And we wish very much to hear from you. I was wondering if you might not be thinking of South Africa, though I hope not. The last time I heard from you, nothing but a solider's life seemed to please you, but by this time, I hope you have thought of something different.
I will try and tell you the news that will interest you, but I scarcely know how to begin. Our family are all about the same. Mr. Bailey goes to Boston everyday. Fred is engaged to be married to a very nice girl in Natick, but he will not be married before next summer. Miss Smith is here and always sends her love to all of you, especially to Joe who was her favorite I guess.
George Faston (the son) went to the Phillipine Islands but came back again. His vravery would not hurt him I guess.
Howard Williams is very sick and is not expected to live. He is in the new hospital which has been built since you went away, about half way between here and Natick. Howard is a nice steady boy and every one feels bad. Oscar Hancock is very sick too but he is a miserable gambling drinking fellow and it would be better for him to die than not. His father an dmotehr are heartbroken, but nothing will turn him from his evil ways.
How much we would like to see you all. Florence Favour inquires for you when she writes. She is in Rochester, New York with her mother and brother. She graduated from Welleseley College last summer. She is a fine looking girl. There has been a new business block built between Bartlett's store and Mr. Hunting's. One of the Pfeiffer boys built it. He has a store and lives upstairs. Prices are coming up here, both provisions and dry goods. We are beginning to feel the revenue tax and I should think England would feel it too. I hear the people of Ireland sympathize with the Boors, but I think I should prefer to live in a British colony rather than with the Boors. I do not fancy them.
The Burrs are all well. You may remember that Mrs. Burr had a sister that married a Capt. Cuthbert and who lived in a fort in Canada. His family have come to live with the Burrs and he is on his way to South Africa. He has been promoted to Major. I should think his chances for coming back were very slim.
If there is any other news that you would like to know about, let us know and we would be glad to write. My mother had a shock last summer and she has not been well enough to do for herself since which makes it very hard for me.
I was thinking of you yesterday (Saturday) when I was sweeping and dusting and wondering if you remembered it.
How is Annie? I suppose she is a nice young lady now.
Tell us how you all are getting on, etc.
With love from us all
Your sincere friend,
Helen A. Reardon
To: Frank Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, IReland
My dear Frank,
We have not by any means forgotten you even if it does seem so. And we wish very much to hear from you. I was wondering if you might not be thinking of South Africa, though I hope not. The last time I heard from you, nothing but a solider's life seemed to please you, but by this time, I hope you have thought of something different.
I will try and tell you the news that will interest you, but I scarcely know how to begin. Our family are all about the same. Mr. Bailey goes to Boston everyday. Fred is engaged to be married to a very nice girl in Natick, but he will not be married before next summer. Miss Smith is here and always sends her love to all of you, especially to Joe who was her favorite I guess.
George Faston (the son) went to the Phillipine Islands but came back again. His vravery would not hurt him I guess.
Howard Williams is very sick and is not expected to live. He is in the new hospital which has been built since you went away, about half way between here and Natick. Howard is a nice steady boy and every one feels bad. Oscar Hancock is very sick too but he is a miserable gambling drinking fellow and it would be better for him to die than not. His father an dmotehr are heartbroken, but nothing will turn him from his evil ways.
How much we would like to see you all. Florence Favour inquires for you when she writes. She is in Rochester, New York with her mother and brother. She graduated from Welleseley College last summer. She is a fine looking girl. There has been a new business block built between Bartlett's store and Mr. Hunting's. One of the Pfeiffer boys built it. He has a store and lives upstairs. Prices are coming up here, both provisions and dry goods. We are beginning to feel the revenue tax and I should think England would feel it too. I hear the people of Ireland sympathize with the Boors, but I think I should prefer to live in a British colony rather than with the Boors. I do not fancy them.
The Burrs are all well. You may remember that Mrs. Burr had a sister that married a Capt. Cuthbert and who lived in a fort in Canada. His family have come to live with the Burrs and he is on his way to South Africa. He has been promoted to Major. I should think his chances for coming back were very slim.
If there is any other news that you would like to know about, let us know and we would be glad to write. My mother had a shock last summer and she has not been well enough to do for herself since which makes it very hard for me.
I was thinking of you yesterday (Saturday) when I was sweeping and dusting and wondering if you remembered it.
How is Annie? I suppose she is a nice young lady now.
Tell us how you all are getting on, etc.
With love from us all
Your sincere friend,
Helen A. Reardon
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
August 23rd, 1897
From: Helen A. Reardon, South Natick, Mass.
To: Frank Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
My dear Frank,
I do not wonder that we think we have forgotten you. The summer is usually supposed to be the time when we have plenty of leisure, but the truth is that we have been more occupied than usual this year. We spent nearly two weeks under "The Queen": They eighth of July, Mrs. Hinckley and Miss Bailey and I went to Montreal and Quebec. We had a most delightful time, especially in the latter place. It has a real old world appearance with its walls and forts. We arrived there on the day that the delegation of soliders returned from the queen's jubilee. We received your stamps and are very thankful for them. We have been waiting to hunt up some for you. I found three unused Columbias which are valuable. I wish I could send another 4 cent for your friend, but haven't one. You can give him one of the one cent ones which will be worth considerable after years. Be sure to keep your stamps every one and do not be tempted to sell them. We will divide with you when we can. I suppose you know how to clean the paper from the back of the used ones. You take a cup of warm water and float the stamp on it right side up for a few minutes and the old paper will peel off. Don't let them become soiled for anything. The stamped envelopes should be cut square as I have cut them. Don't cut them round. Whenever we get any new ones, we will try to send you two as often as possible. Have you any Cuba stamps? If not, I will send some.
John Griffin left here in May and about the first of July he went into the real estate business in Boston. There has been a good many changes in help lately, especially in the stable. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey started today for Baltimore on a trip by steamer all the way. They will be gone a week. Mr. Waite is still in N. Hampshire but I think he will board here this winter. You do not say anything about Annie. Of course she is well. I wish she would write just a little letter in yours. I should be so delighted to hear from her. I know you will be too sensible to ever touch beer or liquors of any kind. You have a chance to see in Ireland as well as hear just what ruin it works. The only safe plan is never to touch the first drop. There is no half way course with that stuff. Sam Doyle has spent the last year in the Concord prison. They found him several times dead drunk across the R.R. track and the wonder was that he was not run over.
We sent the papers you spoke of but Miss Smith directed the rappers. I will send you a little magazine called Stamps which I find interesting. It is a new thing and I like it very much. Keep your stamps as nice as you can and when you come back here you can get a large new album and we will help you to place them. I am at South Natick for a few days. Shall go back to Westboro for a week or so and then come back for school. I wish you were all here to start in with us. Isn't there some plan by which you or Annie could live at your grandfather's and go to school? I suppose there they do not think so much of education as we do in America. I wish you could have stayed here. They say business is coming up here. There is a great excitement about the mines at Klondike in Alaska. Many people have gone there but I don't know how they will survive the cold when winter comes. There is no doubt that there is an immense quantity of gold there. All the Irish people here are going to take a trip home next year. The fares will be very low I think.
You must keep up good courage and improve the opportunities you do have and the time will fly after all.
Miss Nye has been in Maryland all summer but is home now. Mrs. Burr has been away too. They are quite busy there. George has been all over the world and about a month ago came home with a wife which did not please them over much. He is out of work so they are still here. Hoping to hear from you all soon.
I remain with love from Miss Bailey and myself,
Helen A. Reardon
To: Frank Gleasure, The Square, Listowel, Ireland
My dear Frank,
I do not wonder that we think we have forgotten you. The summer is usually supposed to be the time when we have plenty of leisure, but the truth is that we have been more occupied than usual this year. We spent nearly two weeks under "The Queen": They eighth of July, Mrs. Hinckley and Miss Bailey and I went to Montreal and Quebec. We had a most delightful time, especially in the latter place. It has a real old world appearance with its walls and forts. We arrived there on the day that the delegation of soliders returned from the queen's jubilee. We received your stamps and are very thankful for them. We have been waiting to hunt up some for you. I found three unused Columbias which are valuable. I wish I could send another 4 cent for your friend, but haven't one. You can give him one of the one cent ones which will be worth considerable after years. Be sure to keep your stamps every one and do not be tempted to sell them. We will divide with you when we can. I suppose you know how to clean the paper from the back of the used ones. You take a cup of warm water and float the stamp on it right side up for a few minutes and the old paper will peel off. Don't let them become soiled for anything. The stamped envelopes should be cut square as I have cut them. Don't cut them round. Whenever we get any new ones, we will try to send you two as often as possible. Have you any Cuba stamps? If not, I will send some.
John Griffin left here in May and about the first of July he went into the real estate business in Boston. There has been a good many changes in help lately, especially in the stable. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey started today for Baltimore on a trip by steamer all the way. They will be gone a week. Mr. Waite is still in N. Hampshire but I think he will board here this winter. You do not say anything about Annie. Of course she is well. I wish she would write just a little letter in yours. I should be so delighted to hear from her. I know you will be too sensible to ever touch beer or liquors of any kind. You have a chance to see in Ireland as well as hear just what ruin it works. The only safe plan is never to touch the first drop. There is no half way course with that stuff. Sam Doyle has spent the last year in the Concord prison. They found him several times dead drunk across the R.R. track and the wonder was that he was not run over.
We sent the papers you spoke of but Miss Smith directed the rappers. I will send you a little magazine called Stamps which I find interesting. It is a new thing and I like it very much. Keep your stamps as nice as you can and when you come back here you can get a large new album and we will help you to place them. I am at South Natick for a few days. Shall go back to Westboro for a week or so and then come back for school. I wish you were all here to start in with us. Isn't there some plan by which you or Annie could live at your grandfather's and go to school? I suppose there they do not think so much of education as we do in America. I wish you could have stayed here. They say business is coming up here. There is a great excitement about the mines at Klondike in Alaska. Many people have gone there but I don't know how they will survive the cold when winter comes. There is no doubt that there is an immense quantity of gold there. All the Irish people here are going to take a trip home next year. The fares will be very low I think.
You must keep up good courage and improve the opportunities you do have and the time will fly after all.
Miss Nye has been in Maryland all summer but is home now. Mrs. Burr has been away too. They are quite busy there. George has been all over the world and about a month ago came home with a wife which did not please them over much. He is out of work so they are still here. Hoping to hear from you all soon.
I remain with love from Miss Bailey and myself,
Helen A. Reardon
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