10 October 1918 Waukon

Waukon Iowa
Oct 10 - 1918

Dear Donald,

Have you been away from Waukon so long that the happenings in this "rural community" no longer interest you. I am trusting not. We took Miss Lathrop riding with us yesterday and naturally got to talking about old times and she rather dared me to write you. So she is the responsible lady.

You would have enjoyed riding thru the country we did yesterday. These Oct. days are a temptation to any one and especially to "Grandpa Hale". He loves the country and like to explore all the new roads. We went south yesterday thru Forest Mills - up thru the Devils Elbow - on to Luana, Postville and home. Nathan Hale was our chaffeur [sic] and he is a good one.

I am taking an unusually long vacation this year partly on account of George's illness - and partly because it is always good to be a lady of leisure. Perhaps you didn't know that George was in the Marines - was at Quantico Virginia all winter. This spring was taken sick and has been in the Hospital ever since. It is "hard luck" as he expresses it, cause he was so eager and anxious to go to France.

I was in New York all last winter - had a splendid year studying and "seeing the sights." There is no place equal to New Your. You'll think the same when you arrive. Wonder if you'll sail from there. This summer I've been in Indianapolis doing some work in connection with the Sociology Dept of Indiana University. It is the nearest I've ever come to being a teacher - and the nearest I ever want to come. I like my own Hospital work much better.

Was going thru some old letters in teh attic the other day and ran across one that you had written to me in 1903 soon after you moved out to Mason City. [He would have been about 10 years old then.] It is a rare one, Donald, and you would smile to see it.

I wonder if you saw Henrietta when you were here last fall. She is a lively youngster. She can thing of more things to do than every we used to adn I don't thing that we were slow either.

Last week was "Fair Week" and you know exactly what that means. "It is the same old story in teh same old way." Clara Apfer Martin (Mrs Williard) and I presided in a War Work Booth in Floral Hall, so we had a good view of all the crowd. Doesn't it seem strange to think of Clara * Williard being married? They have a cozy new home up on East Main St. really in what used to be the Hay pasture.

We are fortunate in having Dorothy live so near - just about 50 miles up here in southern Minn. We auto up frequently just for the day. Marjorie is in Indianapolis - and I expect to be with her for the winter at least. Have accepted another position down there principally to be with her this year. Where are Ruth and Leone now? Was so glad to have seen Ruth last summer when she was here.

I understand that your father is to be one of our Hon. Representatives. Here's to him! However, I am as good a Democrat as ever. Our most heated arguments were on political subjects weren't they?

I probably haven't told you a thing of interest - but seriously Donald, I would like to hear from you if you feel so disposed. Hope you are enjoying "Service for Uncle Sam."

As always,

Sincerely, Bess H. Medary.