A Letter from Mama

Harriet Shuler Redmond

I've been lax at posting - been two months now! But since I've discovered that I can write posts in advance and schedule them to be published, hopefully from now on it will at least look like I am writing regularly.

Following is a letter written to my maternal great-great-grandmother, Edna Brown, by her mother, Harriet Redmond. It's just one of many letters Edna kept; I think it gives a really wonderful peek at turn-of-the-century life in rural Michigan (they lived in Byron). I've done my best to transcribe it, but some of the words are a little difficult to interpret and in some cases I've just made the best guess.

At the time of this letter, Harriet was age 57. Edna was 25 and had been married to J. Hubert Brown for three years. Their first daughter, Queenie, was born in the summer of 1901 but only survived three days; their second daughter and my great-grandmother, Florence, was due in seven months, though I have no idea if they knew that at the time this letter was written.

Others family members mentioned in this letter that I recognize are Katie, Rose, and Mabel, three of Edna's four older sisters; Harris, her younger brother, who would have been about 14; and Henry, her father, William Henry Redmond.

February 18, 1902

Dear lambie,

For some reason I have been thinking of you so much. I stepped out on the north porch last night finally, walked to the pear tree, then walked around the corner of the house to the big tree, then to the front porch, and it seemed almost as if you were right there. I think I spoke your name when I stood near the pear tree. It was beautiful out and is tonight. I went to bed early last night, was very tired. I thought of you 'till I went to sleep.

I have been so busy today, am now very tired but am anxious to write you a few lines. I owe Katie a letter. She wrote me such a good letter today. Sent me a cute little basket by Harris.

I baked bread and pies*, washed all the dishes. Morning and noon Rose had to iron, and for dinner I made a steamed bread pudding, filled it with apples. Had eggs for supper, so many frozen. Intend to churn tomorrow. Henry has done the churning lately. Harris is writing his notes for the journal. I guess Rose is getting ready to write. 

I went to Mabel's Saturday in the afternoon, came home about eight in the eve. Harris came for me. Henry did not go. Mabel's face was badly swollen. She was sick in the night and thought she took cold getting up. I enjoyed being there. Stella left here Sunday afternoon. She and Rose went to town. Stella went back to her school from there don't know as she went to church or not. Someone took her back.

Someone sent Henry a paper containing the news of Mary Halstead's death. She died a week ago last Tuesday night, just two weeks ago tonight. I think Mr. Halstead sent the paper. Cause of her death, hemorrhage of the stomach. I always counted her my friend. We were near neighbors, went to school together. Were neighbors after we were married and spent many pleasant hours together. Henry and Jim were always friends. It's a loss to many* when one loses a friend. A true friend is a priceless gem.

The Redmond Family.
Front: Harriet, Harris, Henry. Back: Elsie, Edna, Rose, Katie, Mabel.

I have so little to write, lambie. My letter is not worth reading. I asked pa if he had a word to send you. Says tell her I am alive and trimming my corn field. Has a light on a chair and is cutting his corns. John is out somewhere. We had a good siyed* wash Monday. Rose did it. We like the prosperity powder, it softens the water. They had a fine time at the school social. Harris would like to see you.

8 to 8 1/2. I ought to write to Katie. Poor child, she sends one word and writes and sends things and wants to see me. I can't get to see any of you as I wish I could.

I am at my old trade again, drilling Harris in speaking now. Sherman wants him to read Sparticus [sic] and the gladiators and he is having a piece to recite. I must close now. Good bye dearie, I do wish so for you. I wish I could hear you sing Moonlight on Killarney. Harris tries to sing it but don't know it.

Mama

* unsure on these words