[Headlines from The New York Times (page 1, above the fold) to place the letters in context of the world around them.]
SIXTEEN GIRLS HELD IN FALLEN ELEVATOR
Steel Roof Chopped Through to Free Them and Six Taken Out Fainting for Lack of Air.
" No more on this trip. I'll come back for you in a minute," shouted Eustace Reece, a negro elevator operator in the Mills Gibb Building, 462 Broadway, as sixteen girls crowded into his car on the fifth floor of the building at 6 o'clock last night.
BELMONT HORSES AS A GIFT TO ARMY
Henry of Navarre, Octagon, and Four Other Famous Sires Offered for National Stable.
About 125 sportsmen from all parts of the country met at a dinner in the Myrtle Room at the Waldorf last night to glorify the thoroughbred. It was the first dinner of its kind, and will probably result in a permanent organization as suggested by Harry W. Smith of Worcester, who organized the dinner.
Carr’s Hotel-Electric Lights Steam Heat
John W. Brown, Proprietor
Cooperstown, New York
February 16th, 1911
My darling.
This has been a now tedious day. Have spent entire day here and can't get into Oneonta until 10 in the AM. Have taken two small orders, one for $2.30 and one for $75. Wish I could hear from you—am lonesome. It will be late in the week when I strike Scranton. And wouldn't go there, I guess if it weren't for Avery’s deal. Hope it will not be necessary to go to New York for Sunday.
I have sold an order here to Kirby and Skinner for $75, and there may be something come out of my trip here which will please you. They have a fine coal and feed business. Mr. Skinner said he
did not propose to stay in the business longer than two years more. When I left, he followed me out of the building and said if I was interested he would consider selling out now. Finally, I decided to stay over and we had an evening's chat at the hotel over the proposition. He had figures to show and told me just what he would do. I told him I was ready to buy or put up a forfeit in the business at once pending Mr. Kirby is agreeable. He gave me his positive agreement to sell out his half interest to me, August first, providing Mr. Kirby is willing and he thinks he would not object. He says his word is good and he will sell. It's a fine opportunity!
Of course I suppose it will not go through, but I hope it will. I would have willingly signed agreement and put up forfeiture of $200 or $500. It will require about $10,000 cash. They do a fine business and are making good money. Mr. Skinner is about 40 and has no family except a wife and has enough money so he doesn't need to be tied down to a business. Mr. Kirby is a young man I have known for five years. He has organized and been cashier of two banks, was assistant cashier of the National Bank of Norwich and is a splendid fellow and good businessman. He has a wife and 4 month old baby. He is a fellow whom I like.
The town is ideal in many ways, elegant high school building, library, YMCA etc. Beautiful town to live in. Now don't get your heart set on a change--but as I feel tonight I would give $500 to absolutely know I can get into the business in August or end of year. Burn this letter and don't breathe a word to anyone. It's too uncertain. When we talk go, it must be a sure thing this time. Must get to bed as I am tired.
Your loving Jack
Editor's notes
This is the first of three letters John will send home today discussing a possible change of career. The family is living in Earlville, NY. This opportunity, in Cooperstown, is about 35 miles away.
So she didn’t burn the letter. I hope that wasn’t the reason he didn’t buy the coal and feed business.