A Grandmother's Legacy

September 1904 - Insight Into Grandma

This week's Dear Connie letter from John C. McClure was posted, September 10, 1904.

The letter of September 11, 1904 was type-written on a translucent, tannish type of paper that was hard to read at times.

It was postmarked Quincy, Illinois, Sep. 10, 1904 11 a.m. and delivered to Alva, Oklahoma Sep. 11, 1904 at 3:30 p.m. to Miss Constance Warwick.

It begins ... Quincy, Ill, Sept. 10, 1904, Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, Okla., Dear Connie:

"I received your ever welcome letter after waiting for a long time. Don't you wait so long next time.

"So you had a swell time at the fair. I suppose my cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Bolte will be in that crowd this week, but the fair is the least of my troubles now. I don't care to see it at all now.

"What are you trying to give me about Nellie keeping me posted? I suppose you mean Nellie Corben. Now do you really think I would write to her? Perhaps that is not what you mean, but I just imagined it was, as I could think of nothing else. You will please explain. Tell me what you heard. You are the only one girl I am writing to.

"Say, How do you like my stationery? I found a whole note book of this kind of paper in my desk and it can't be written on with pen or pencil, so I am trying it on the typewriter. I don't know whether you will be able to read it or not.

"I am in the speed class now, and I don't believe I will stay any longer than next Friday night. I think, I will go to Chicago.

"The Fall term of school has opened with a big enrollment. Out of 150 pupils in one department, there are only 6 or 7 girls, this is in the Book-keeping D. The girls in the Shorthand D. are the homeliest looking set I ever laid my eyes on, and you certainly know that I know that I know a good looking girl when I see her. If I put a few more (That I knows) in this letter, you will think that I am self righteous. I believe the School Moms are the best looking set yet.

"I wish I could get a position in Oklahoma for I would like to go there.

"It has been nice and cool here all summer, and it has been fine to go to school all the time.

"You did not say whether you got a first grade certificate or not. Did you? When is Miss Gateka going to get married? She surely must be or she would be teaching.

"The next time you write, tell me all the home news, for you know I cannot rely upon Nellie very much, Ha.

"Well, I will close for this time, please answer by return mail, as I am awful anxious to know about what you mentioned in the latter part of your letter. Be sure and write before I leave Quincy.

Sincerely yours,
J. C. Mc., G.C.B.C., Quincy, Ill.

This week's insight into John and Constance's true friendship takes us back September 20, 1904, from Altona, Illinois to Alva, Oklahoma Territory.

Constance sent John a "beautiful, highly prized" souvenir. What was it?

It begins as usual with, "Altona, Ill, Mon. Eve, Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, Okla.

"Dear Connie, I found your picture. I did think sure that fellow got it. I'll bet it don't get out of sight again.

"I received that beautiful little souvenir before leaving Quincy. My roommate said I acted as though I prized it more than I did my shorthand. I won't tell you what I said. You would call me an idiot.

"I came home from Quincy, Saturday eve. Was glad to get home. I am reviewing my shorthand.

"I suppose you are teaching school now. Don't forget to tell me about that Nellie Corben affair. Well! I will close. Many thanks for your kindness in sending me the beautiful souvenir. I assure you I prize it most highly.

Yours Sincerely,
J. C. McClure, Alton, Ill."