(Postcard)
(to Howard Novelty Co.,
Will finish here tomorrow A.M. and then go to
The house I was rooming in last night burned at 4AM and I had to get out in the street and put on my shoes and stockings.
Max
Notes: The
Monday
November 13, 1902
December 12, 1902
Am (page torn)
It has been raining here for 3 days and I have the shaking ague. Will stay in the house a couple of days.
Jacquin will have to hustle to take care of the Xmas delivery. Did you send the order I took at
Yours,
Max
Is Chas. doing the development (?) for Hendricks?
Notes: Charles is Max’s older brother – born in 1865
Shaking Ague – bad fever with shaking – often malaria
December 21, 1902
Enclosed find 15.00 to apply on my account. Max is sick but is improving. He had typhoid fever. Thought last night he would have to go to Hospital but his temperature went down it was over 102 last night. But doctor says the danger is passed now as the fever has left him. He says to write to him same as usual.
Please correct cards returned and mail to the people ordering.
Yours,
John
Merry Xmas
December 25, 1902
Enclosed find money order for 20 dollars to apply on my acct. Max is about the same to-day. They say he is very sick but not in any danger as yet.
Have seen nothing of the orders you said you mailed to me. They must be lost some place. I expect our mutual friend Jacquin here in a day or so and will send you some more money then. Don’t send cases enough for the next shipment as I have about 25 here so you can send 25 less then order calls for and I will make out here.
Yours truly,
John
Well Florence, I suppose you rec’d a stocking full for Xmas. Hope so anyway. (page torn) doings at the M.E.Church to-day. I bet they made you sing. Ha! Ha! Great City here Florence. But old Syracuse is away ahead of it when it comes to being up to snuff. I took a little trip over into Kentucky yesterday and took some money away from the natives “their easy” Well! I must close and open up under the head of Turkey in the “Straw” or rather on the platter.
Yours truly
And wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year
John
John is possibly John Forrester whom Max worked with
Florence is possibly Florence Tohnen
December 26, 1902
Dear Sirs,
Enclosed find two money orders to credit to Max. He says you need not write him very often for awhile as he can’t write and answer. I called to see him at Hospital to-day and was more than pleased at his being a great deal better. Of course they are very strict and keep them there as long as possible and he may have to stay a while after he is almost well. He sends regards. Also says that the cards you are sending are to large for the cases and to remedy it some way as the customers kick on delivery.
Yours,
John
November 22, 1903
Your long and interesting letter received and read with pleasure.
This has been kind of a rainy day.
Mr. Forrester is in room reading and sends his regards to you. He says that Mrs. Churms inquired about Miss Garvey and you. Mr. Forrester will be here for 2 weeks and will then go to Oil City for a week. Then a week in Oleans and then home. Rest of us will follow.
My business at home has diminished so much that I will dispense with my bookkeeper after this week, as she has been offered a position for the holidays.
You say that I don’t say enough about myself. I don’t know what to say about myself. Yesterday I spent all day in the house except going out after my meals. Was straightening out my work, etc. This always takes nearly all Sunday as I have to fix my father’s list out for him etc. Last week I was in
Am sorry that your hair is coming out. Brush your head well and let all that comes out come as it is dead hair anyway. Did you use Salt Water?
Yours about Bible Reading etc. read and considered. As I can’t say that I disagree with your points will not say anything this time.
I expected before this to hear that you were starting for the Phillipines, but perhaps they don’t need any more teachers there at present.
We have not decided fully where we will go after the holidays. I do not believe that
I guess I can trust you to tell me anything that you think I should know, and not to tell me things that I should not know.
I hope you will have a pleasant time at the Festival. I suppose it will be a grand affair.
I hear that my brother Chas. is going rather steady (for him) with a young lady and perhaps will surprise us some day.
This section is worked by 3 or 4 other crews with Gum. I met one of the other men in
He gets as cheap a gum as possible and palms off a 4¢ premium whenever he can. But we have been handling good gum and have been pretty fair on premiums, and leave towns better for next agent.
Write soon.
Yours truly,
Max
Gen
December 15, 1903
Was expecting you would address me at Allegheny and I have been thinking that you had forgotten me. But this morning I took the trolley from
As far as I can see now I think I can arrange to spend Sunday December 27 and possibly Saturday or part of it in
You can write me and let me know. Address me at
I hope to reach home before Xmas or by Xmas but may possibly be delayed. I have to go to
This is rather cold weather that we are getting.
Are you the only teacher in your school.
I suppose that if you go to
Have not yet posted myself very much on literature you sent me.
Had a couple magazines which I had finished. Sent them to you to-day.
Yours truly,
Max
December 31, 1903
Yours received. I did not do my duty very well in helping you make your train. First I tore your ticket. Second, I kept your baggage check. Third, I kept the time table which I got for you. You will want some who won’t forget so much next time.
I had no difficulty in getting off the train and you generally find me very careful of my personal safety.
Am sending 1 box of Gum to Fred. But I fear that you will be sorry that you ever mentioned it. I don’t promise too much on our premiums.
We are now on the eve of another
Met a Schoolma’am last evening. She formerly lived in
I hope that baggage check reached you safely. I had forgotten all about it and I was downtown Tuesday evening, and happening to put my hand in vest pocket, I felt a baggage check and looking at it, I saw where it belonged. I felt quite cheap and hastened to send to you at once. Am glad that you were not inconvenienced by my carelessness.
Next Wednesday evening if I am in town, I may possibly go to a Leap Year Party and will probably pose as a Wall Flower.
I think that perhaps I shall go back on the train again until I have given that mail scheme I told you about a trail, as when I am working on the train, I have, time enough at home to attend to business.
I suppose that New Years day will find you eating flesh food owing to Special dispensation.
Received a letter from Mr. Forrester. He is enjoying himself and intends to stay where he is over Sunday. My regards to your mother and the rest.
Yours,
Max
January 13, 1904
Dear friend Rose:
Yours received some time ago and I have had it in my mind to answer every day. But I will explain why I have been unable to do so. Have been working on the train running to
But I now intend to go to
Am sending under separate cover a watch which I procured for $2.10, but you can let this go in your birthday present.
Mr. Forrester went to
I can’t say that I made any important resolutions to take effect the 1st of the year.
Last week, I went to the Leap Year Party I spoke about. There were 16 dances – 3 of them Gents choice, the other 13 Ladies choice. The 13 dances on my program were filled out quite early in the evening but this was owing to the majority present being ladies. Was proposed to once but the girl said that I was the 3rd one who had refused her.
I froze the tip of my nose during the cold spell and it is just peeling I did not know that it had been frozen until I noticed it peeling yesterday.
Am waiting to learn result of my letter scheme. Have sent out about 120 letters and ought to get answers soon if any are to come. Received the first answer to-day, but that contained no money, only an inquiry. But I was pleased even to get that.
We are getting a very disagreeable snow storm this evening – very wet – will make it hard on the railroad.
Am doing very well, on the train.
Write soon.
Yours truly,
Max
February, 1904
First page of letter missing – I believe it was written in Feb 04
…in a position like that. It is a desirable position, but will postpone trial for it until later and see what turns up.I was shaved on the train the other day. The train I go east on comes through from
Speaking about mail clerks. Coming west Saturday afternoon we were going about 50 miles an hour, when one of the mail clerks fell out of the side door. When the train stopped we were a mile or two away, so sent the rear brakerman back. The man was not injured at all. I suppose the snow saved him.
Am going to lecture to-night by the editor of “The Banner of Light” a Spiritualist paper. The valentine you sent me was quite clever.
Write soon
Yours
Max
March 9, 1904
Yours received some few days ago and contents noted. I am glad to send what little reading matter I do. I have better opportunities for procuring the same than you and will send you some at different times.
Am sorry that punching bag did not last better. Please mail me the bursted bladder and I will see if I can get it replaced.
I hear that the water up your way is over the railroad tracks. But I don’t suppose it can get up on your hill. I expect we will have some trouble down on the
I don’t have very hard work and I don’t mind getting up early, except I can’t stand being out late every night. And I prefer to work Sunday, as I need the money. But I get back in
I keep posted some on War news, but it is hard to tell what is true in the newspapers, so I don’t read much more than the head lines.
I can’t say how long I will wear my present uniform. Perhaps all summer, or until I get discharged. I am taking chances on the latter every day, and also the News Co., may possibly lose their privileges on the Central.
Will know more after May 1. But if the run I am on pays out as well as I figure it will during the summer, it may pay me to hold it.
My train going east will get so it will be on time when weather clears up. This will give me time enough in
Yours truly,
Max
March 22, 1904
Am now in R.R.Y.M.C.A. Bldg. and have a little time before my train leaves so will profit by it by writing you. The train coming east is beginning to run on time now that the weather has moderated and I will have 2 or 3 hours here every day. Think I will canvass the town with card cases.
You inquired about Mr. Forrester. He is now working on the R.R. same as I am. Runs to
I sent your birthday present a few days ago. The book is a Tabard Inn’s Library book and the enclosed circular will explain the plan of the Tabard Inn Library. They may have a branch in
If you wish to do something this summer and the Tabard Inn have no branch in your part of the country, you would be able to make good money organizing one. It will do you no harm to write them and get their plan. It would be easy and pleasant work for you and you could remain home and do it.
Thursday evening I am to attend a concert given by a Choral Society.
It looks like Spring now and I am glad to see it. It makes me wish to get out on the road again. I hope that your mother and father and the children are all well.
I presume that it will be just as well for Josie to get out of partnership and I suppose that her idea of remaining in
My father is still out in
Will close now, hoping to receive an early reply. I think I will have to walk down to the post office to get an envelope for this letter.
Yours,
Max
I can get of most any Sunday by letting the boss know in time to get someone to take my place.
April 30, 1904
Yours received a few days ago.
Received a letter from Josie saying that she had placed out the 50 Boxes of Gum I sent her first. She did the McRay act. Caught the children coming from school. She will probably make arrangements for the teacher to collect money for her. It will make it much easier and will be no trouble for the teacher. Ha! Ha! I will send McFadden’s book a little later. Also the May Magazines. Last night I went to a euchre party and won eight games out of 15. My brother starts for
Yours truly,
Max
P.S. Mrs. Tohnan is in town. She has consumption and doctors say she cannot live long. She is not going back to
July 10, 1904
(World’s Fair
Addressed to Miss Rose Forderkonz,
Dear Rose:
The weather is lovely to-day. Have taken swim in the tub and feeling fine am at peace with the world. My train leaves here in about 1 hour so I will only have a short time to spare on this letter, as I have to be around early and see that everything is on and ready. I don’t expect to have much of a load to-day. Business here is a case of ups and downs. Fine one day and wretched the next. All the time living in anticipation of every day being fine; But then I think that I won’t drown. I have been keeping you posted about Metzger because he is from
His wife did not see the fair or he, himself did not get out to the grounds. Bu he did not care much about it. The Democratic Convention has helped things here this week but now that it is over, I don’t know what we will have next week.
Have you thought or done anything about teaching next term? Are you selling skirts? Or just living a life of ease?
On two day trips on the train time seems to pass twice as fast as on one-day trips and it takes no time for a month to fly.
Yours,
Max
July 21, 1904
Addressed to Miss Rose Forderkonz,
Dear Rosie:
Have a short time so will pen you a few lines. My brother’s train goes through here at 1:15 and is 35 minutes late. This is the only chance I get to see him, every other day.
Business has kept up pretty fair considering, with me lately, although nearly all are complaining. Sell quite a lot of souvenir postal cards now and make good money on them. At first they cost 10¢ per pkg and then dropped to 7 ½ and then to 6 ½. I went to the Mfrs. the other day and by contracting for 25,000, or 2,500 sets got the lowest jobbers price of 4 ½ ¢ per set. Can sell same to the other agents for 6 ½ ¢ and my brother and myself will make 20 1/2¢ on each pkg. we sell.
We have both got in the habit of talking shop, but I like to have you do so and take it for granted that you sometimes might be interested in details that I don’t tell anyone else.
A girl on the train last night lost her pocketbook just before getting off our train to change to a slower train. I think some one else copped it, but she could do nothing to regain. It contained about $20.00 and her ticket. I loaned her $1.00 to get home with. She felt bad because she had been as economical as possible at the fair so as not to come home broke, and failed at the last moment. She should have made use of her stocking.
Yours,
Max
October 8, 1904
Dear friend Rosie:
Have not heard from you in some time. I suppose that school is keeping you busy. I intended to write you last night, but I got so sleepy that I went to bed instead. I had been to the theatre the night before. I am going to attend a dance to-night.
Am still on the same run but stay is getting indefinite. I think that the Fair travel is going to take a sudden tumble in the near future and I don’t care to work for my present boss when business is not good. But will stay as long as it pays me to do so unless something happens. The circuses close this month and as the boss is an old circus man, a lot of circus butchers who act as news agts. during the winter will flock to
Have not yet decided where to go when I get through here. One or two others have spoken to me about going to
We have had some very very cold weather here in the last week. It begins to look like the approach of winter.
How is the weather there?
Write often
Yours,
Max
Gen
Have just thought that you might have written me to
October 26, 1904
Dear friend:
Your letters received. Also book. Have not had time to study book yet, but will do so later and give you a criticism on same.
Business has started to slump. A very cheap class of people are going toward
I have just received 500 sets of silver postal cards and if I did not have them I should give notice to quit at once. I am going to close them out as fast as possible. You probably remember that I was figuring on buying these cards in large quantities at $10 per (symbol that looks like a capital M with a circle through it).
Well I bought 10 (same symbol) at $7 per (same symbol) which shows that they are anxious to unload. I am now just as anxious and will let them go for whatever I can get.
Think of jumping to
John did not do very well at
He will go back to work out of
I have to see the dentist this evening. Am having a gold crown put on one of my forward teeth.
Yours,
Max
May stay here until Dec 1
Address Danville.
November 15, 1904
You probably expected to receive a letter from me Monday. And you also are probably surprised at receiving a letter directed from this town. Friday I was in Rochester Called on Josie and had dinner. Also saw Miller. Sunday night I started for NY City arriving there yesterday morning. It was a terrible windy day in NY all day.
Am located in room on
Have the gas burning now and am taking comfort. Called at Mr. Tohnan’s this noon, but he is out to Duquesque for the day. Will call on him some evening. Perhaps to-night. Have read some more in that book, but I cannot keep interest in for long readings.
There is a great sale in NY City for the “Simple Life” I bought a copy and glanced over it this morning. But I don’t see why such a stir should be made about it. If it were more simply written, so that it would hold the interest of any reader and would give a person some idea what the author considers “Simple Life” it might amount to something. But he doesn’t practice his own preaching about doing things in as simple a manner as possible or he would cut out 9/10 of his book and give us a simple idea of what he means.
I noticed that he gives his idea of the best religion and I have underscored it thinking it might interest you. When I get ready to writ my criticisms, etc. May make use of his statement here. Will mail Simple Life to you under separate cover.
NY City is a great city. Should like to remain there for a couple weeks if I had plenty of money to spend. Ought to have taken in the Horse Show which is running this week. But as soon as I finished my business, I thought it better to get out.
(rest missing)
November 21, 1904
Yours just received to-day. Have not read very much in book lately and then I expect I will have to read it a 2nd time to get meaning. You must not give me any credit for reading it because I am not doing very much in that way.
Expect to return home for the Xmas Holidays and then perhaps will leave again. Received letter from my brother the other day in which he states that he is thinking of going back to
The Fair will very soon be a thing of the past.
We have been getting lovely weather here since I have been there (the Indian Summer) I am out with the Card Case and am doing very nicely. Will do better alone as I will have more territory. Although I feel a little lonesome.
Florence Tohnan is in
But Mr. Tohnan has a house here furnished and a lease on it until Apr. 1. He is trying to sell furniture and lease.
Saturday night I went to see Maude Adams in the “Little Minister.” She is very fine. I fell in love her. Ha! Ha!
The “Still” man has quite a store in
I have some improvements in mind concerning card case business which I think I will take up after the first of the year.
Sorry to hear of the death of the
I presume I will go down to the “High Stool” and have “Fried 2 over and a Stack.” Or perhaps a Bowl of Force with water and a toothpick.
Write soon,
Yours truly,
Max
Gen Del Allegheny PA
November 27, 1904
Yours received. Last night we had a little snow and to-day it has been fearfully cold, so that I have stayed in my room nearly all day.
About the only day that I feel lonesome is Sunday and that is because Mr. Forrester and I were nearly always together when we were here Sundays. But to-day I have kept pretty well occupied reading. But I have not read any in that book to-day. Will send McFadden’s magazines in a few days.
Your wants for Xmas are very small and will be easily supplied. Young man is called Nelson but I would prefer to call him Howard. Miller did not say very much about him, but I presume it is because I did keep him on that subject. Mr. Forrester is doing very nicely on his present run. He thinks his trip out to
Yesterday evening I called on Mr. Tohnan. He has rather a bad cough a nd rather fear that he has caught the tub[erculosis] himself.
The “Still Man” is Mr. Tohnan’s cousin. I think I have told you about him. Always talking “Still”.. If not will tell you when we meet again.
Thanksgiving afternoon I went to see Anna Eva Fay. She performs some wonderful things such as having spirit hands assist her in playing on musical instruments etc. She also answers written questions and in that line she is way ahead of anyone else that I have ever seen. She is covered by a sheet on the stage and you hold your question in hand and she will tell you how your question is worded and how you have signed your name and then answer the same.
I deliver to-morrow in Homestead Braddock and
Yours truly,
Max
Gen Del Allegheny, Pa.
December 3, 1904
Yours received. My time here is drawing toward the end. – Unless I should decide to stay longer. -- This coming week is the last week I can take orders to have ready for Xmas and then I will have to wait until those orders are printed before delivering. But I shall be home the week before Xmas.
Received letter from my brother saying that he has gone to
I think that Anna Eva Fay has always traveled alone, as I have heard of her before and never heard of any sister. In fact, I know she hasn’t any.
Your hunting trip must have been exhilarating. I should enjoy the hunting and think I should feel better afterward at losing out on the game same as you did.
You might get me a gun for Xmas. But I don’t think you had better as I might shoot myself. But perhaps a razor might come as easy to die mit. But if it were a Safety it might be hard to hurt myself. – If you don’t think of anything better why not get a pocket knife. But then, anything will be deeply appreciated. I suppose your great trouble will be in getting things for your scholars.
Write soon
Yours,
Max
Gen Del. Allegheny, Pa.
December 13, 1904
Dear friend Rosie:
Yours received. Sunday I went to Mr. Tohnan’s to dinner and lunch and stayed so long that I did not get time to write any letters. Mr. Tohnan has a housekeeper and is getting along nicely. He is undecided about his plans. Not feeling very well and I don’t think he ought to stay in
Have been in
Are you going to stay at home, or are you going to
Please give me detail in your next letter.
Yours truly
Max
Judge from your letter that you must have heard the song called “Teasing”
January 14, 1905
Jan 14 1905
Dear Rose,
It is now just twenty-five minutes past ten o’clock on Saturday night when I am beginning to start your letter. I am waiting for the people to get to bed so I can have full swing in the bath tub or full swim I should said. I suppose you will say you are glad I am kept waiting or I would never write but it’s better late than never, Rose.
I suppose you are kept busy hammering knowledge into the heads of those youngsters down there. I wish you would send me some by male. You know I have just let another birth-day pass and I’m beginning to wonder if I hadn’t better pick up with some old batch before long.
Old age is honorable, but Old Maids are abominable.
You will have to excuse this letter Rose as its written so long past my bedtime that I’m not accountable for what I say.
Mrs. Esty thought your photo fine Rose. I believe I’ll have to have some taken to send to some Convent just for a bluff, seeing I can’t go myself send a picture. That’s an awful one on you, send your picture to the convent and send to
Never mind Rose. I’m only jealous because I have not a Howard of my own. If I had I would have joined the Sons of Rest long ago.
I really do believe I’ll have to shut up and go to bed it’s nearly eleven so hoping to get a quick reply I will say good night.
I remain as ever
Lovingly Marise (?)
January 16, 1905
Dear friend Rose:
Received your letter Saturday while in
Am a little over 2000 miles from you. This is my 3rd trip to this place. Make 1 trip from K.C. every 5 days. It is 1000 miles from K.C. I left K.C. Saturday at 2:35PM. Arrived here last night (Sunday) at 10:30 PM. Will leave here to-night (Monday) at 7:45 PM arriving in K.C. Wed. at 7:00 AM.
My last trip toward K.C. we were behind the California Limited when it was wrecked (killing 3 people). It delayed us so we arrived in K.C. 17 hours late (not giving me any time to write while there.)
1st in business way – I am not fully satisfied with my run. They saw that this is the dull season and that the run is a good one later. But I am not adding to my fortune very fast at present. The trouble is that I am on one train too long. Have the same people all the way through and if train is light I have wasted 2 ½ days without doing much business. It will make me appreciate the round trip a day runs in the east where if you get a poor train you have another one the dame day to make up. But they have some better runs here – the 3 day trips are better as they do as much business on them as we do on the 5 day run. I will make 2 or 3 more trips on this run and see what turns up before asking for change.
Get all kinds of climatic changes. While in K.C. they were experiencing their coldest weather of the season (
On a clear day,
While in
Yours,
Max
January 23, 1905
Kansas City, Mo.
Dear friend Rosie:
Have just finished shaving myself with the Safety Razor. This is the first time I have attempted it and I kind of feared making the first attempt. But I had very good success and it did not take me very long to shave.
I am here at my brother’s house. He lives in a nice little brick cottage It is about 3 or 3 ½ miles from city center and I think he pays too much rent for the place (27.50 per month) but it is a nice location and a very high elevation. Marguerite is at school. Elmer is now trying to shave himself. He is working on train. Goes out in the evening and back in the morning. He gets quite a while to sleep on train, so it is not a hard run. He made a trip to Albuquerque last week on the same run I have.
My brother has been inAlbuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque
It is entirely different from working on the other trains. SolidPullman train and he does not sell cigars, papers, books or anything like that. Only carries Navajo Blankets, Indian Curios, Filagree and Agate jewelry etc. He carries blankets at as high as $150.00 each so you see making an unexpected sale on train to passengers amounting to $100 to $200 is something that he has got used to. But the other men have sold as high as $700 in 2 trips.
To-morrow I go out on aDodge City run, but is in place of a man who is laying off, so I don’t know whether I will be able to holed it or not – Dodge City is about 370 miles from here and I go to Dodge City Kansas City
Marguerite was not put in as high a class here as atSyracuse Syracuse
My brother had his furniture shipped here fromSyracuse
Write often.
Yours truly,
Max
3021 Vine St, K.C. Mo.
Dear friend Rosie:
Have just finished shaving myself with the Safety Razor. This is the first time I have attempted it and I kind of feared making the first attempt. But I had very good success and it did not take me very long to shave.
I am here at my brother’s house. He lives in a nice little brick cottage It is about 3 or 3 ½ miles from city center and I think he pays too much rent for the place (27.50 per month) but it is a nice location and a very high elevation. Marguerite is at school. Elmer is now trying to shave himself. He is working on train. Goes out in the evening and back in the morning. He gets quite a while to sleep on train, so it is not a hard run. He made a trip to Albuquerque last week on the same run I have.
My brother has been in
It is entirely different from working on the other trains. Solid
To-morrow I go out on a
Marguerite was not put in as high a class here as at
My brother had his furniture shipped here from
Write often.
Yours truly,
Max
3021 Vine St, K.C. Mo.
February 7, 1905
Dear friend Rosie:
Yours received when I arrived here last night. I leave to-morrow on the Aluquerque run. I don’t know how many more trips I will stay on there. Was rather surprised (although I knew it wasw best) last night to hear that my brother had resigned and is going back to
It will hardly pay to have your watch repaired at the jewelers unless he w ill fix it for $1.00 or less. It probably has a broken mainspring and if he will put that in for $1.00 or less you might get it fixed. But if now, it will be cheaper to buy another one. I haven’t a catalogue here, but I think you have one of Singer’s catalogue. If so you could order one sent to you by mail. Add 5 or 10¢ for postage. You will find it catalogue as an enameled chatelaine watch at about $2.10 or $2.15 I think. If you do not order it, let me know and I will try and get one in
Yes, our birthdays are coming due soon. We will have to reverse our ages, as you can be taken for 28 and I think I can pass for 22.
Elmer starts east with the dog to-day. His father has gone to the depot with him. They all intend to stop over at
I will have to help them pack up some this PM. They will leave here the 9th so when I get back from
Good bye
Write soon
Yours truly
Max
Have never heard from letter I wrote to
February 10, 1905
Stationery from The Alvarado,
Feb 10, 1905
Dear friend Rose:
Will write you just a short note as a valentine.
My brother leaves K.C. to-night and will probably be working on the NYC in about 10 days. Mr. Cheney (the boss at K.C.) asked me if I intended returning east. I told him that I wanted to be where I could make some money and so far had not been making it on the
Just met a young
Write oftener,
Max
February 15, 1905
Stationery from The Alvarado Hotel,
Feb 15 1905
Dear friend Rose:
Yours of the 8th received. Wrecks seem to be rather common on the
Will return Miss Dickinson’s letter. She can write when she gets around to it, it seems. Try and be prompt in your answers and perhaps she will get the habit.
The weather here is much warmer than we had at K.C. It is snowing a little to-day, but the snow melts before it strikes the ground.
Have not yet taken out a claim yet. But there is yet time to get in line for Spring ploughing. Pretty near make up my mind to have every trip be my last one, but when I get in, I decide to hang on a little longer. Can make a living here, and the agents here seem to think this is so much better than the east I have been thinking perhaps I am not doing as well as I might after I get on to the ropes. But I guess it is because they don’t know what the east is.
Yours truly,
Max
February 20, 1905
K.C. Mo., Feb. 20 1905
Your 2 letters received. You must not figure on my being in
Went to the theatre Friday and Sunday nights not having any other place to go. When my brother’s family were here, I would stay home as they lived so far from center of town. I wouldn’t run back and forth. But now I am stopping downtown I get out to see what amusements are going on. Make a trip to
Write,
Max
Spring 1905
First page of letter missing. I believe it was written in Spring 1905
…me and can leave any time I make up my mind too. As long as they leave me on my present run, shall probably stay. Think I am giving satisfaction but it will create some dissatisfaction among them I am left on it. They are all kicking on the way he has been changing some of them around. And I don’t care enough about the run to say anything for it, so I will just let matters drift. Think I will be better pleased if I am taken off.
Wed. night I went to the Policeman’s Ball at Convention Hall at K.C. It was the largest crowd I ever see at a dance. Everyone in town seemed to be out.
One thing that looks bad for business here is the fact that we are liable to get tied up for a week or even 2 weeks account of Spring Wash outs. The floods in
Au Revoir,
Max
March 2, 1905
K.C.
Two letters received. Also the knife. It is a beauty and I thank you very much for it. Will be very useful to me.
Am still in K.C. and not yet preparing to leave.
Should not be surprised if my brother should get an office for the Union News Co., and in that event I would probably go to work for him.
Mr. Forrester writes me that business is none too good, so I may be as well of here. Have about decided to stay providing I am left on
It is hard to answer your question about securing a school. I don’t suppose there is any need of securing it too far ahead. If you don’t get a school and nothing else turns up I might get you a position as chambermaid at one of the
The weather here is just elegant. Has been like Spring for about 2 weeks now. O need for an overcoat to-day. I bet it is very much milder than
You are having all sorts of trouble lately. You want to read McFadden a little more closely. Also Hubbard.
Glad that your father won his case and hope that the State will settle with him O.K. Probably the lawyer will get your 50. But then you can take it out in board. Eat twice as much as usual if you can’t get it fast enough otherwise.
Or if I go broke I will let you send me a couple weeks board.
Write soon
Yours truly,
Max
February 22, 1907
My dear Rose,
Well, well, well, I certainly congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. Wish I could see the little cherub.
It may sound “fishy” for “actions speak louder than words,” but I have thought of you a great deal and meant to write long ago, for I knew that a word of cheer when the little darlings are on their way often helps considerably. But I have been too miserable most of the time to write letters, much as I thought about you. I have had so many colds, you know, which always put me back and I have just gotten over a beautiful attack of the grippe.
What do you suppose is the latest with us? We are going to
By the way, whom did you name your baby after?
Our baby is just old enough now to be cute. She looks like a great big doll with her large blue eyes and clear skin. She is a wide-a-wake baby, I tell you – doesn’t want to sleep hardly any though the day, and is the greatest little giggler you ever saw.
I was glad to know that you are getting along well and hope you will continue.
When you are able to write me, address me at
Now hoping you will keep well and promising to write quicker after receiving your letter I remain
Sincerely your Friend,
October 10, 1908
Souvenir Post Card
Viaduct, Port Hope, Ont.
Oct 10 1908
Arrived safely. Miss Curran is fine. We are at her brothers now Had a fine trip.April 22, 1909
To: Mrs. Rose A. Howard,
Saw Earl and Josephine at the station to-night. O.K. but I think Earl gave some trouble at night before going to sleep and probably will do so to-night. He was tickled to see me. Came to meet me on a run. To-morrow (or to-day) Friday, I will bring him on train with me and if you or someone of the family meets me at the station at
Enclosed find pictures we made Sunday. Did not have very good success.
If I do not get my camera to-morrow will want to come through to
If camera comes to-morrow morning (which is doubtful) will try and get there Saturday P.M. But do not waste any time looking for me Sat.
Business is still on the bum but will be better next week. Let me know how every one is.
Write,
Max
April 23, 1909
To: Mrs. Rose A. Howard,
Lieber Frau:
Received your letter to-day. Trust that your mother is improving all right. Did not have time to ask Fred to-day. Earl was tickled to leave
Should like to stop over to-morrow night but don’t think I shall be able to do so as there are several reasons why I had better come through to
Au Revoir,
Max
April 28, 1909
To: Mrs. Rose A. Howard,
Yours received this A.M. Have been busy around the house most of to-day. Straightened up office some and mounted maps on cloth. Made some prints of negatives made yesterday. Camera working very good. Helped Chas. develop to-night and it is getting along toward 9 P.M. so I will have to hustle down to corner with this soon as written. Am expecting camera tomorrow and hope I won’t be disappointed. Will probably mail roll of film for the Pocket Kodak to-morrow. It has slipped my mind as I intended to send it before this. Went to dentist. He is treating tooth and I have to go again Monday.
Nelson has not coughed much do-day. He vomited some last night.
My finger nails are getting brown from developer.
Au Revoir
Max
People here are all quite well now.
Mother went to Nick Peters to-day and did a little shopping.
April 29, 1909
To: Rose A. Howard,
Stationery: Howard Photo Co.,
Views, Groups, Flash Lights
Portraits at your own home.
Yours received to-day. Have just finished developing and am washing films now. Let Chas. out o f the work entirely to-night. He is visiting with Satie now. She came in a few minutes ago. Probably thinking about the fact that Chas. will need a girl this summer.
Alfons telephoned up to-night and said that he would come after letter to-morrow night.
Camera came O.K. this morning. I started out at once taking the 9 o’clock car to Baldwinsville. Started in the country from there intending to work over to Little Utica. It was rather cold for calling the people out of doors. Stopped at 4 places and made pictures at 3 places. The other place was a Pollack.
So you see that the people want pictures.
Then it started to snow and I walked back to Bville nearly freezing my fingers on the way back. I seem bound to lose this week’s work but will make up for it next week. I forgot the film again to-day. I will bring my new camera up Sunday and perhaps your father might get a better picture with it. Will perhaps be able to tell you to-morrow ight when I expect to arrive in Port.
I see that Peroxide is good for whooping cough if sprayed with an atomizer.
Satie is talking to Chas. and mother all the time while I am writing. They are in the kitchen.
Hope the weather clears up to-morrow morning.
Au Revoir.
Regard to all. Will tell you lots Sunday. Remember to remind me of Newell and paper returns.
Max
April 30, 1909
To: Rose A. Howard,
Stationery: Howard Photo Co.,
Views, Groups, Flash Lights
Portraits at your own home.
Yours received and it sounds as though you weren’t feeling very well yesterday.
The weather has indeed been very bum lately but it ought to be good when it starts to be good. Of course you know how it rained this A.M. It warmed up about noon so I took the 1:30 PM car to
The maps are a great help in picking out a route.
I made 16 pictures some o f them were on a gamble but if they turn out good expect results from most of them.
Light was rather poor and I probably could have done better.
Willis Wright is back from
I intend to go out to-morrow morning in country and if I can get back on time will try to reach the farm Saturday evening.
Will probably take a train to
Will decide what train to return on when I see you. We can arrange some way to get goods back. Can express if no other way. Will bring our old suit case.
Yours truly,
Max
Nelson just came up stairs to tell me that Alfons is here.
Supper is also ready.
Alfons would not stay to supper. He is getting 10 per week now.
Have finished supper and will now seal letter.
Max
August 30, 1909
To: Rose A. Howard,
Dear Frau,
Two letters received from you to-day and pleased to hear how well you are getting along.
I haven’t been out of the yard to-day but will have to go out to mail this letter very soon as it is getting along toward 10 o’clock.
You received a post card from Alphonse to-day. He is in
Made quite a batch of prints to-day. Will have to get up early in the morning and make about 90 small pictures that I didn’t get finished. Chas. got 6 rolls film from Weld Dalton Co. to-night. Enclosed find button to your sweater.
I made one print from flash light picture that is out of contact on one half so will send the good half to give you an idea how the picture looks. I suppose you met all your old friends yesterday. Write.
Yours truly,
Max
August 31, 1909
Yours received to-day. A man was killed near the Park this afternoon in a runaway. Father saw it and is telling Chas. about it now.
Business was pretty fair at the Fair Grounds to-day. Next week I probably won’t be able to go anywhere else. Also Chas. work in dev. and prtg. is booming to-day. About a week’s work from Weld-Dalton Co. Chas. collected 2.75 to-day from 3 orders he made Saturday.
Don’t seem able to find Alphons’ post card to-day, but enclose letter received from Mrs. Illston to-day. Saw Frank for a couple minutes on my way back from Fair Grds. Men are getting along pretty well with shingling and will be done in a couple days. I made 11 prints of the Flashlight picture and mailed 1 to Mr. Shuts at NY and 10 to the store in Chittanango and am now looking for duplicate orders. If I need your help before the latter end of next week, will let you know, although if you finish your visit, glad to see you home anytime.
Let me know it any time and I will meet you at the train. Am going down town to deliver a couple orders that we can’t find at home during the day. Will look up shoes and shirt waist in a day or two.
Write.
Yours
Max
September 2, 1909
To: Mrs. Rose A. Howard,
Dear Frau:
Yours received to-day. Do not seem to get much other mail while you are away. Enclose post card received from Alphonse a few days ago.
Had my shoes tapped to-day.
Have been home all day and made about 300 prints. Ordered 5 (symbol that looks like an M with a circle though it) post cards to have the imprint “Howard Photo Co.” on. Expect them next Wednesday an d don’t expect to have enough for Fair week.
Monday is Labor Day. Shall probably see what I can do with paraders.
After seeing you on the train last week I went to see Mr. Sauber. His brother is running an office for the Murphy News Co. at
I presume you will want to come home Wed. or Thursday next week? Have you heard about our friend Mr. Cook (Walter?) discovering the North Pole. Think we had better spend the winter there.
You seem to be getting along all right with the children and they are probably enjoying theirselves.
Write.
Au Revoir
Max
Chas made some photos at Mrs. Blanche Laubenheimers to-day. Baby and house. He’s getting interested in 8 x 10 camera. He believes in making few pictures and getting the 50¢ ones.
September 4, 1909
Your short note received today.
Went to Fair grounds to-day. Had fair success with pictures there, although the rain and cloudy weather spoilt my chances of making any more pictures this afternoon. Monday is Labor Day. I don’t expect to make any more pictures for the workers at the fair as they will soon be through but I shall probably put what I have left on sale at 5¢ each Tuesday.
Father is talking big about the people he is going to get as subscribers. He tried to get Sam last night and he is going to land everybody that has ever done business with Chas. such as Theodore – Mather – the milk men, etc.
Chas. of course will land the same people for photographs.
There is a Buffum Automatic press in drug store downtown. This is similar to the one I was considering only a different make. It looks like a good proposition and I almost think I made a mistake in not starting that last Spring. But I think we will come out O.K. in the Fair.
I have been downtown shopping this evening. Did not send any laundry this week so I had to buy some clothes. Bought 2 pair socks – 2 collars – 1 white shirt – 2 pair near trousers – ½ lb candy. Just arrived home.
To-morrow morning will have to go down to Italian district to deliver some Button pictures and then from there to the Clam Bake at
Will miss you to-morrow when I shave as my neck needs shaving.
Don’t forget to bring Kodak home with you. I never thought about mailing any films to you.
Write
Yours truly,
Max
October 12, 1909
Dear Frau:
Am in kitchen while Josephine is getting supper ready. Miss Slattery from
Met Miss Curran this afternoon. She does not look very good but is getting around all night – and works at the same restaurant she formerly worked out.
Mr Shear (as I told you last night) is rooming here.
Mr. Miller just came into the house.
Josie rented one room to-day to a couple who she expects to be permanent. That leaves 2 rooms vacant. Roomers keep shifting pretty well.
Ought to have brought my rain coat with me but will get along.
If I raise the price may run down to see you Sunday. Miss you here. It doesn’t seem quite so much like home without you and the children.
I can’t give you much idea of how business will be yet. Although I am not expecting a $100 week.
Negatives made last night were all right but the lights are not arranged for any good picture. At corners they just have a cluster of lights shaped something like a bell and they are all similar. Then today I monkeyed around all day getting in shape to print and made up some developer and after getting it made up got too much bromide in so that prints would not have good blacks. Will get up early to-morrow and run some off as I know where I am at now, but don’t really anticipate any tremendous sales. If business does not get good will try the country Thursday or Friday. Am not rushed so as to need you assistance up here, but see no reason why you couldn’t be here if printing is all done there and wished to be here. But perhaps we can finish up there better if you stay for a while but if you feel like it you can clear out at any time and come here for a week’s visit if you have the fare.
They have rather bum weather so far for the exposition.
We had five at table to-night for supper. Other was Miss Drumma of Canandaigua. Please send on any mail that will interest me and keep any that won’t where I can look it over.
Write
Yours truly,
Max
January 17, 1910
Envelope engraved: Howard Photo Co.,
To: Rose A. Howard,
Arrived home O.K. last night. The Limited car does not stop at Port for
The store had a little over $3.00 business Saturday.
Went to Camillus on noon train to-day and delivered work O.K. and made a little new work. Landed order for 6 subjects on printed card. Will make 300 of each subject at $1.00 per 100.
Will not clear anything on first order but expect will duplicate several times. Do you prefer to have shanty built on rear end of lot or front. Seems less homelike around here with the family gone.
Write
(Have just arrived from Camillus and will go down and mail this before eating supper.)
January 18, 1910
Yours received this morning and dropped in fire. I forwarded letter from Josephine after reading. Noticed what she said about mortgage. Might write her to try some of the real estate companies for loans. It rained so hard this morning that I did not try to take camera with me to-day.
First thing I did was to take car down to
Then I went to deliver that order of post cards with 2 ladies and babies. Found a Scarlet Fever Placard on house so did not go in. Returned to town and went in to see Rice Co. and do not think that we can come to any agreement yet as every time I have been in there they have wanted more than before. To-day he wanted 100 besides the lot down. So we had probably better rent for awhile. Will find some sort of place when you think you want to start in.
Went to
Went over and looked at 4 room flat that Cash Papworth(?) advertises at 2.00 per week. Store had another $3.00 day yesterday. Not so good to-day.
Write.
Yours truly,
Max
Enclosed find Lantie’s letter. Write to
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