[Headlines from The New York Times (page 1, above the fold) to place the letters in context of the world around them.]
1,000,000 NOW IDLE IN GREAT BRITAIN
UNREST COMBATED
Extremist Talk of Country's Being Ripe for Revolution in March is Heard. TRADE PLANS HASTENED Government is Working With Banks to Supply Credits and Open Up Markets. MANY JOBS BEING CREATED
5-Cent Loaf Back for First Time Since War
Made of Standard Size and Returns a Profit
Hotel Covington
Mrs. Catherine Smith, Proprietor
Perry, New York
January 16, 1921
Sunday 9 a.m.
My Darling,
This is a beautiful morning, not cold, but just right. It has snowed quite a little a little during for past day or so but even at that there is not enough for sleighing. The people who went to Florida this winter haven’t gained much over what we are having. I have just finished breakfast, have had shave and a bath and am already for church, but may not go. Have some reading on business I ought to do. Write and tell me what you think of the farm and things in general. Regardless of how good or how bad business is I hate to think of travelling all my life. I hope Frank is doing good work in school and I feel sure he will make his work. On
account of being out last spring you can tell him that Dad will give him a ten dollar gold piece if he completes the year’s work. It must be a relief to the family to know that Mrs. Nebins is through suffering. Was surprised that they had Mr. monk. Where is the last week’s Standard? Will try to write Marion today and would write Elizabeth if she weren’t to be home soon. I may get home next Sunday. Hope I do! Do You? Tell Frank to watch out for water in the battery and don’t let radiator freeze. Don’t suppose you are having any colder weather than we are having out here. I have not any account of church meeting. Are you still Sup. Of Primary? Keep at Chandler till you get some coal. It’s mighty scarce out this way.
Will drop a word later today, unless I find this has to go soon to get out today.
Your love,
Jack.
P.S. I went to Baptist church this morning but can’t send you a bulletin. No mail goes out of this town today. It is quiet and lonesome here this afternoon. I expect to leave here for Silver Spring in morning at 6:30 and hope to get to Portage at night. Will be working toward home all the time but can’t tell you how far I’ll get this week. Hope you are well and full of joy today.
A heart full of love and lots of kisses
Jack.
Editor's notes
I’m surprised that the “snowbird” phenomena of people moving to Florida for the Winter as early as the 1920s was so widespread that John remarked on it.
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