A Letter from Dennis E Austin to His Folks

Transcribed by me:  Martha Ellen Drake Bishop  1 Sep 2012

Note:  This is transcribed exactly as it was written.  I have taken the liberty of breaking this into paragraphs so it is more easily read.


11 am Sunday June 19-10

My Dear Parents

We rec'd your Dear letter + was so glad to hear you were both well.  I am sorry you are feeling so blue though mother.  And for your sakes you should try and throw it off.  For don't you know any time you can't live in old Mich in comfort -- you still have a home + care coming in the only Houston Tex.  Now please don't forget that while I live you will always find me ready to make this good too. 

I expect to buy two more lots soon + if on any of the 6 vacant lots you would like to have a garden the whole year round with a cow and chickens + fruit why I guess we could find a chance to put up a nice cozy 4 room and bath cottage + you won't need to have the blues at all for since I am by myself I could make a painter of father I know.  With your chickens eggs + milk at 10@ (sic) per quart + garden I don't believe you would ever feel but what you had plenty. 

I cannot imagine what the matter can be up there for I feel that Claude should be all that thru boys would be to you located right next door as it seems to me when I feel how far away I am.  I am going to write him today although he has not answered my last letter + I don't want to wait any longer.  I shall take it myself to talk to him just as an older bro has a right, for I know that he little appreciates the natural responsibility that is his + would be mine were I located so near you.  I have never asked you nor have you told me of your deal in the place whee he lives + I cannot think he would do anything but right by your.  And if it is anything of this nature you must tell me + if I cannot advise I can at least have the chance to help you. 

I wish so much I could have a good visit + help you see the bright side.  I am glad to say I don't have the sour stomach I used to have.  I think the climate + being busy all the time that I just work eat + sleep + don't think at all.  I have been rushed some for the last two weeks, but tomorrow I put on another man + get caught up a little.  There is lots of work in sight + now that I am by myself + (unreadable word) to look after it.  I can make much more than I could with a partner.  I got up this am at 5 + done my garden work befor the sun got up.  I tore out root + branch 8 hills of cucumbers that were bearing fine.  I bet there was a wash tub full of all sizes of them but I had to take them in two armfuls and put these around the peach plum + fix trees in the chicken yard, then I took the sickle and went around the tomato vines + I pruned there sure so a little more sun could get in.  I have 8 tree tomatoes that stand up nice + the fruit has a chance to ripen all I have to do is to drive a stake and tie the stalk to it. 

I wish you could come to dinner today.  Roast veal new potatoes green corn sliced tomatoes.  Sliced onions and cucumbers.  Ice tea, but no pie or cake.  Now I happen to think when is that note due + do you want it renewed with int at 8 per.  Write and let me know in your next letter more about your business affairs + also if your int with what you raise on the little place keeps you.  I don't know but it seems to me that when I see men with no business ability with the price of $200 lot build a @600 cottage on it + sell the whole thing for from $1500 to $1800 that there are better things than digging.  That's why I am (unreadable word) into lots any time some one wants that particular location I will finish paying for them in a lump sum + negotiate a lone with the lumber Co + double my money + get 8 per cent on the bal of purchase price even if one has to hold the lots the int + taxes are not 1/4 of what the regular rise in price is, when $1 a foot is tacked on to them regularly twice a year helps some. 

Well I have written a whole lot + said nothing + I must save a little room for the women folks.  So I will say good bye.  Try and cheer up.  With best love + kisses to you both I am always your Dennis.