Isaac Freeze’s letters to his wife, 1883-1884

Glenbow Archives (M-1641)

Mrs I S Freeze Anagance, N.B. Chaudiere Junction, Que. May 15/1883 Dear Evelyn Have just arrived safely here and in good health. It is now nearly 8 P.M. Take the Grand Trunk for west in about an hour – There are a good many men from NB for the West - and we have had so far a very pleasant time. Love and kisses for Mamma and the girls Papa

Port Huron Michigan

May 17th 83

7A.M.

My Dear Wife

We have just breakfasted as we cross River St. Clair from Sarnia on the Canadian side to Port Huron on the side N.S. This is a charming country plenty of woods interspersed through the low lands to make it beautiful-

We will not know much about the prairies until we get to Chicago tomorrow morning.

Am now looking north on Lake Huron – we crossed the River St. Clair on a boat that is, our whole train was run on the boat and steamed across the river. Are provisions are holding out pretty well - bread is nearly gone, but have most all the sweets yet. We are now just starting west from Port Huron here we see the elevators and all the signs of a busy town –

Slept from about 1 oc last night until this am about 6.

Having tons of people on this train all for Manitoba & the North West

Our lady companions have plenty of children and are xxx from xxx and were posted. One of them being over the road before –

Hope you will take a rest now and get xxx before you go to work at dresses- Was in to see Aunt Jane in Moncton – she thinks of going to Montreal next month, but says it will cost a great deal, she is very close.

H.D. and Sam think they will never farm again in NB after seeing what they have seen this far –

Nothing special to write - I have not yet formed much of an opinion of this country in my time

Love and kisses to Mama, Dio & Edna. You might write to Pense to me any time your wish

From Papa

Pense Station CPRY

Assiniboia Canada

May 27th 4PM [1883?]

My dear Evelyn

I wrote you a card last night, but as today is Sunday and I am at leisure I thought best to write you more fully about this county than I have hitherto done. This part of the country is an immense plain and on the horizon in a circle around the station you can see about twenty shanties or tents – these are situated from 1 to 3 miles from the track – the reason they are so far away is that there is a reserve of one mile on each side of the track. Beyond these shanties the land is all taken up for miles back. The soil is heavy but when broken and subject to the action of the frost it becomes fine like powder and is pronounced to be very fine wheat growing soil. There is now at this station a steam plough, which will plough one hundred acres in twenty-four hours. With appliances of this kind it would not take long to break up a good portion of the North West.

There is one small stone house at Pense, something like Hope’s was at Anagance but there is no doubt that in a few years Pense will be quite a village and maintain quite a few stores.

It is astonishing to see the small towns that have arisen between Winnipeg & Moose Jaw, but at all the main centres there is so much competition that I think the margins for many of them will be small.

In my opinion the chances for speculation and trade are not much better than they are in N.B. My reasons are because there is so many and so much capital coming in the country and everyone or almost everyone one who wants an easy living are dabbling in trade – of course I think a few years will wipe many of them out as they do not manage their affairs on strict business principles, and you could not expect them so to do, as they do not understand it.

Will Hallett is soon to be married, (so the ladies here inform ne) to a school teacher, he has a station of his own now-

The weather here is beautiful and it don’t get dark until nearly 10 oc. Mr. Levis says that in a month or so it will be twilight most all night.

It is certain that this great North West is to be filled up with settlers, and every farmer with whom I meet are pleased with the country, and have unbounded faith in its success. Most every one we see is from Ontario, the counties of Huron and Bruce are very largely represented.

Have not seen Sam & Chris since last Monday, but I feel assured they are much taken with the country and will settle here that is Ab Woolsley which I think is a fine agricultural field – wages are low so many laboring men coming in - Mr. Stewart is here and likes it, he is getting $1. 50 per day - I would like to see you and the little ones to get some kisses. Hope you are getting along nicely. I expect to go to Regina tomorrow and the next day to Moose Jaw - the track is now completed to Medicine Hat (or Leopold which is the proper name) - There is so much I ought to write that I cant think of it.

Kisses for the boys and dear Mama,

from you loving husband I. S. Freeze

Swift Current C.P.R.

North West Territory

May 31st/83

My dear Wife,

We arrived here last evening at 4:30 P.M. and found the rest of our party camped here – We bought two buffalos and put them under us, we passed very comfortable night - It is quite cold this morning - we leave for Maple Creek & Medicine Hat this A.M.

We are well - Have lots of bed covering so will be warm.

Have a chance to mail letter home so thought would let you know we were in good health and at this point, now 510 miles west of Winnipeg.

[letter fragment]

Medicine Hat

Saturday June 2nd /83

Noon

My dear Wife

I wrote you last from Swift current about 140 miles east of this point - We left there about 7 PM. Thursday, had nothing but a caboose to ride in and is crowded, so we had uncomfortable night

not getting any sleep. This train brought us to 13th Siding about 40 miles east of Medicine Hat - We waited there for a few hours and got on a construction train, placing our luggage in a car that had some horses in it - we mounted up on top the box cars and rode to within 10 miles of Medicine Hat, there we hired a freighter to drive us & luggage to the river Saskatchewan for $6.00 We arrive here at about 9 P.M. yesterday an pitched our tents in the town site of Medicine Hat - slept splendidly last night and fell much refreshed today - I eat pork, gravy etc. and have no signs of dyspepsia. There is something romantic in this kind of life, yet I think I would prefer a more civilized way of getting along. I am writing on my knee in tent and have a book under the paper. The river Saskatchewan here is about 300 high. The town site is a flat about 30 feet above the water now. The railway crosses the river here and they have the bridge nearly ready for crossing. There is plenty of coal, 6 miles up this river, which will be brought down here in and iron is to be had. Tis said there is plenty of iron 26 miles from here.

The soil is very light on this side of the river (southside) but is said to be better on the north side or west side. There are a few trees along the river all polars. I would like to live here in a few years as I have no doubt it will be a large city.

We have engaged a Mormon to freight us and luggage to Calgary for $75.00 for the rip. Everything is high here and everyone trying to get the best of you but our party have got along well so far. We will probably not leave here until Monday morning and will arrive in Calgary in 9 or 10 days.

I don’t imagine I will strike anything in this country. Every branch of business is overdone and people here live more by their wits than by hard labor. I could go back to some of the smaller stations and run a small business and make a little but as am so far I guess it is best to see the Rockies and then will be contented. This N. W. country is a bubble to a large extent but there will be a great deal of business done in a few years as county is filling in and people will stay. I see lots of ponies and mules, they are much used in this country and are very hardy. Our Ontario friends will buy here a pony or two – they have two buckboards.

Have just had dinner and concluded to cross the river this afternoon as there are a great many tams crossing on the ferry most all the time, so if we should wait here until Monday we might not get across for a good many more hours. We will pitch our tents on the west side of the stream. There is no game here to speak of as the lakes are scarce.

We see but very few white ladies in this country.

The wind is beginning to blow quite heavy so will have to tighten up tent some. There is a large tent store here blown down a few days ago.

I feel great since dinner, eat very hearty. H.D.c. and I have great appetites.

Mr. Vanwart and Howard have just gone out to buy provisions for our trip. There are about a dozen stores here already, bakery and several hotels. We board ourselves quite cheaply. Have canned plums and plumb jam, lobster etc.

I would like to drop in and spend the afternoon with you. I had a great notion to end my trip here and go back, but have concluded to go on as it won’t cost me over $30.00 to go out and back again to here.

There are some very fine farm lands in this country but it isn’t all like this. Plum creek is the best I have seen. The Qu’Appelle valley is also good and I guess southern Manitoba is good.

How are you getting along collecting?

If I don’t like Calgary I won’t stop there only a very few days, so I may not get any of yo8ur letters at all. If we ever get rich I will take this trip with you in say 10 years. It will then be splendid. How are my treasures and darling wife getting on? I send you all a lot of kisses and love. Don’t fret about us. We are getting on grand. Goodbye for this time. All my trouble is that I can’t get your letters as I should like to have one very much, it would give me a new start.

Your loving husband,

I.S.Freeze

65 miles Northwest of Medicine Hat on line C.P.R (find the original!!!)

Wednesday June 6, 1883

Dear Wife-

Have arrived so far in good health and safety. Water is very bad, such as we have at home in our frog ponds. Have not seen a tree since we left Medicine Hat. A good deal of this land is good but the want of wood and water would be serious drawback to the settlement of this section of the Northwest. Have camped for the night and had supper. I am having great appetite and drink lots of tea made out of this bad water. I haven’t much to write you about thought would write a few lines to let you know we are well. Will send this to Medicine Hat if I see a team going out there.

Love and kisses for Mama, Dio and Edna,

Your loving husband,

I.S. Freeze

Calgary, N.W. Territory, Canada

June 16, 1883

Dear Evelyn

As I write to Silas to send me some legal documents, I thought would drop you a few lines as this will make a quick trip as it goes with Government mail. Major Dowling sends it for us to Fredricton and it will be remailed from here. Father can tell you what papers I want.

I am well and hearty – tramped 15 miles today and an pretty tired. I hav 4 acres plowed on my farm. The soil is very choice, it cost me $40.00. I will get my lumber to build shanty the first of next week – after that I will go down to Winnipeg to buy a stock of goods. Mr Vansart and I will

join each investing $1000 – will build small store on as cheap a scale as possible. It is hard to tell how I will succeed out here but have hopes that I may succeed, at any rate shall work along safely. The town wherever it will be, will soon be located and then will have better idea of matters.

Expect to get some letters from you tomorrow, 17th as that is the date the mail arrives. I long to get a letter from you. You must write often and send me a daily paper very day so I can see what is going on down east. Address your letters for the present via Fort Fenton.

Yesterday was my wash day, did things in very good shape and got them all dried. How are my precious darlings getting on? I will write again to leave by mail via Ft. Benton on the 19th – it will have longer trip than this as this goes by special courier to Medicine Hat. Have written a great many letters to you and you must get them not very far apart, but if you had not heard from me at all up to this time, you would feel as I do, very lonesome. I want some letters, those would nerve me up for the hardy task of perservering in this country. I have met here two young men from Sussex, one Samuel Frith and I forget the other’s name. They came out with John last spring.

Tea is $1 per lb., sugar 2 lbs for $1, bacon 35c per lb., syrup $3 per gal., beef 20c per lb. There is great opening here for a butcher, father could really make a fat thing…. [part of letter missing]

Oats are worth $3.40 per bushel, potatoes $6.00 per bushel, mile 12 1/2c per quart, so you will form an opinion that his is an expensive country to live in. Most of these articles will be lower after the C.P.R. reaches here.

How are you getting along? Are you alone now or is Bertha with you? Remember me to Bertha and all the friends.

I hope if all goes well to see you out here next spring, that is if I find that I can make you comfortable. We have a doctor here already …[few lines unreadable?]

With love and kisses for my darling wife and Dio and Edna.

Goodbye for this time

From PAPA

Calgary, North West Territory, Canada

Via Fort Benton

June 17th, 1883

My dear –

Today being Sunday am lying in tent, concluded to send you a few lines which will leave Tuesday morning by mail going down to Fort Benton on the border then to the Northern Pacific Railway, then East.

I will endeavor to describe our position here in Town.

Our tent is pitched at the junction of the Elbow and Bow Rivers and on the south side of the Elbow. All our luggage is in the tent with us, we also have sheet iron stove. Mr. Vanwart lies asleep on the south side of tent on a buffalo robe with blankets for pillows. Br. Graves is in similar position on the north side while I am leaning again my valise with my pillow under me and a small book on my knee on which I am writing you this epistle.

Yesterday was so hott one could hardly bear it while today is cloudy, windy and old. The nights are always cool here so near the snow-capped Rockies, I suppose.

We buy our flour in bags here instead of barrels. What we have now, we bought in Medicine Hat. It is worth here at least $12.00 per 100 lbs, Bacon 35 c per lb, Butter 50c to 75c, Tea $1.00 per lb., Oats $ 3.40 per bushel, Sugar 50c per lb., Milk 12 ½ per qt, Beef 20c per lb, and other things correspondingly high. Board is about $9.00 per week, wages range from #2.00 to $4.00 per day.

Lots of Indians and Half-breeds round here, but they are very quiet, afraid of the Mounted Police and the Guard Mount: but they will steal anything they can get their hands on, if not seen.

There were about five ladies at Church last Sunday.

Major Walker and wife leave here tomorrow for Medicine hat in a boat. It will take them three days to sail down the River.

Write often and send papers and magazines, no reading matter here yet, great treat when mail comes in for all.

Pense, N.W.T.

June 29, 1883

Dear Evelyn –

I send you a letter that I might let you know that I am on my way to Winnipeg. Stopped last night with friend C.T. Lewis – he and Mrs. Lewis were up to Moose Jaw and came down here on same train I did. The mosquitos are very bad here – they nearly ate me up last night. We don’t have any at Calgary so they bother me considerably not being used to them.

Left Calgary last Saturday at 9 am. Our outfit was 1 double wagon covered and drawn by 1 span of horses and one span of mules. We slept in the wagon, had very bad water on way from Calgary to Medicine Hat. At Calgary and at Medicine Hat the water is splendid – good spring water as we have down east.

Met Christ here last night just getting on train to go east – his wife is so poorly he has to go home … [words missing]… Mr. Lewis gave me a letter from you that came inside Mrs. Lewis’. It was dated May 23 and was open when I got it. It was very pleased to get it but disappointed when he

told me he had sent so few letters forward to Calgary, only one or two he did not know which. You must write more frequent – H.D. Graves gets more letter from home than I do.

John Stewart has telegraphed for his wife and family. He has taken up land about 4 ½ miles south of Pense.

You need not worry much about the Building Society as I spoke… and they said it would not make any particular difference if it was … paid just on time yet it will be best to attend to ti as sharp as you can.

Haven’t had occasion to use insect powder yet –

Board is very fair in N.W., healthy at any rate. I can eat anything now. Lewis says I have improved greatly but I don’t weigh any heavier - 130 ½ lbs my weight at Medicine Hat day before yesterday. I am almost as black as an Indian, burnt and blistered - I am sweating like a beaver now writing this letter - it is awful hot.

…[letter torn]… Babcock up Goshen …tho Ben Blakeney

…give you $24.00 for it … balance is $2.05… thought he could pay in a month. Jas. Buckley was the one that talked about the interest – it is all right as it is (that is the note). Hurry them up as fast as possible and if hard up borrow from Father. Our saw is worth from 75c to $1.00.

Have not got another watch yet – mine is like our clock, goes very seldom. I guess have answered all the questions in your letter. Have written you about twenty letters since I left home and you must write often to pay up for getting so many. Send daily papers every day and all the other papers you can get hold of.

I left my partner, Mr. I.G.Vanwart, at Calgary putting up store for us 18 X 24. It will cost about $500. – will be rough affair and cheap as can be built. Expect to go to Winnipeg tonight so will spend Sunday and 1st only there. Will see all our friends in Winnipeg if I can find them. Will buy stock of goods about $3000 worth – the freight on this lot to Calgary will be nearly $1000. We will go into business carefully and use the same judgement as we did eat so far as we can. If the business pays I will want you to come out in the spring. You would like this place (Calgary). It is so nicely situated and cool even in the hottest weather with plenty of shade trees along the river. Excellent fishing so grand place for sports.

Mr. Vanwart and I have bought an acre on Calgary bottom form a squatter – if he can give us a good title we have made good investment, but it is uncertain whether he will get the land yet. The H.B.Co. lay claim to it and they are hard Co. to buck up against. Address your letters in future to Fort Calgary, North West Territory, via Winnipeg. Is Bertha with you yet? How is your health = are you any better of about the same. I will send you my diary if I see Chris before he goes so you can see the whole business. How is my Dio and Edna – I would like to see you very much but will have to bide my time.

Goodbye, Love and kisses from Papa.

Postcard stamped CPRy. west of Winnipeg

Monday night, 11:30 o.m. July 10, 1883

Dear Evelyn –

Am on train for the west. Will arrive at Pense about 2 a.m. Will lay over there to get my trunk so will not get another express train until 2 tomorrow night. Don’t fancy this night work – Hearty as usual. Kind regards to all.

With much love

From Isaac

(part of letter written from Regina on return trip from Winnipeg to Calgary)

… when the railway is completed to Calgary and the passenger trains run through it will be very different, yet even then you would find it very tiresome travelling so far. When I get back to Calgary will have travelled since I left home well up to 6000 miles - a long trip. Yet I don’t begrudge time or money as it has been the means of restoring my health and I think (but don’t know for sure) that when I return to N.B. will be in as good financial condition as when I left. I want to take some pleasure this summer. If you would go to the Point and board for a few weeks it would recruit you – I know it must be very tiresome and lonesome staying so close to home.

By the time you get this Christ will be home - let me know how the parson receives him and how Sarah is. Did Sam Chittick go home with Chris? Is Uncle Brock alive yet? If so, remember me to him and also to Parson Smith.

Regina doesn’t suit me, could not feel satisfied here but Calgary with its cool mountain streams or rivers, its beautiful cottonwood trees and its hills and valleys is beyond my expectations and I think I will like to live there. But, dear Wife, I would want you and the children there to make me contented.

How would you like to move out in the spring if we can succeed here? - would not say to anyone that you are going to go out, for perhaps by that time I would be contented in N.B. – hard to tell about these matters so far off. Yet it is no harm for you and I to talk them over in our letters, it will help us to write longer and consequently more desirable epistles…

Medicine Hat

July 15th, 1883

My Dear Evelyn –

As time rolls heavily upon my hands here I thought I would again write you a short note which even if it did not contain much information would be a letter from the far West. Wrote you a card this am so you will likely get them together. Attended Methodist service twice today an enjoyed the meetings very much. This is the best country for collections that I was ever in, nothing but silver and bills. I suppose this evening’s collection amounted to nearly $10. If the Parson was here preaching he would think this very fine country. It is really astonishing how active men are here. They build a house while they would be thinking about it at home. Medicine Hat, which a few weeks ago was only a flat beside the river, has not about then miles of side tracks and large station, coal shed and freight shed going up. It is now as large or larger than Petitcodiac and the town is not yet surveyed so people have to build without regard to streets.

The singing in Church today was something splendid, mostly everyone joined in and had good voices. I am much taken with the class of citizens in these new towns. They are about the choice of where they come from and very much exceed in intelligence our ordinary audiences down east.

The weather is very cold and changeable here and I have heard that the winds at some times carry tents, pebbles, bales and tins around in the air like it does leaves and feathers down east, but I have not seen anything of the kind yet. Guess it is slight exaggeration yet I believe we have more winds than at home and sometimes they are very sudden.

I met here an agent for Sanford Vail & Co. who wants me to give him an order for fall clothing but I will not do so at present as I wish to get a start in trade so as to find out the requirement of the trade.

If my freight is not here tomorrow morning I shall get my fishing rod in order and try the fly in the Saskatchewan. This will while away a few hours.

I think a good deal about you darling, and hope you are enjoying some but I know how lonesome it is with the dear eons far away. Trust the time may speedily come when we will all meet safely together again either in this country or perhaps down east.

With much love for darling Mamma and the dear pinks.

Your loving husband –

I.S.F.

Calgary

Aug.5, 1883

My Darling Wife –

This is a beautiful morning, slept until nearly 9 a.m. then got up and after breakfast went down to the Elbow River for a bath. The water is quite cold so makes a person feel very much refreshed afterwards.

Yesterday we made out our order for more groceries and hardware. It will take 4 weeks to get these letters to Winnipeg and our goods shipped back. Our trade is increasing and prospects are very satisfactory.

Our town is not yet located but late reports say that it will be on the west side of the Elbow

(letter continued on August 9th ) The C.P.R. has reached the Ferry at Walker’s Lumber Mills two miles from here and on Saturday the iron horse will plant his first footsteps in once Distant Calgary. I do not look at it as you do that a person coming here is without friends, one will soon make new friends. Here we have the highest order of intelligence, here most everyone is well educated and full of energy and push and mostly young men. And what must be the end of a country rich in vegetable and mineral wealth with men of this class at the helm? I wish you could see our audience here. I looked them over Sunday evening 9 (about 150) and couldn’t keep from contrasting them with our audiences East. Even while the sermon was being preached you could see intelligence stamped on most every brow and the keen quick eye showing business capacity.

Mr. Armour, who is going to edit our paper “The Calgary Herald”, is here with his wife, have been in the store several times and seem very nice people.

(letter continues August 12th ) The C.P.R. train came in yesterday afternoon about 5 p.m. There was a big crowd of men laying down the sleepers and rails. It looked very pretty to see so many of the steel sledges that they use driving in the spikes glistening in the sunshine. The Indians and Halfbreeds were out enmass to witness the performance.

Our “Calgary Herald” will be issued in a day or two, the Press and outfit are all here and partially in working order. I will send you the paper. It will keep you better posted in Calgary items than I could do. There will be a big rush here in a few days, lots of ladies coming in now …

Calgary, Alberta N.W.T.

Sept. 2nd, 1883

My Darling Wife –

Another Sunday has arrived, it seems to me very soon and the weeks pass by as if they were days. This is occasioned I suppose by having our minds wrapped up with our business matters.

After breakfast this a.m. I took a stroll out on the hill-top overlooking the town; from these points of observation you can see for miles, but as the atmosphere today is smoky, observations at long distances are obscured.

This forenoon I called into a photographer’s tent, he is here taking views which will be sold all over the world. The views are stereoscopic. I wish you had a dozen - they would help your present assortment. I looked at all these views through his glass; they are fine, equalling if not excelling the grandest scenery in the world. Yesterday a photographer came with his instrument and took view of our street - I was standing in the shop door smoking. Some others were

standing and sitting outside. May send you a dozen views if I can afford it. Will know later when I see how our local view looks. General views are $5.00 per dozen.

H.D.Graves is now writing to his wife. I guess he has made up his mind to go home this fall and fix up his business so he can come here and go to work farming or cattle raising in the spring. You need not mention this to Mrs. Graves a she will no doubt tell you about it herself and it would be better for it to become public through her rather than through you or I. So by and by you will see a real live Calgary man directly from the front who can inform you on all matters of interest which I fail to write about. H.D.G. will write to his Mrs. That he will be home not later than Dec. 1st – I think the probabilities are that he will be home a good deal sooner as when it gets too cold he will not remain here doing nothing –but don’t breathe this to Mrs. Graves as it is only supposition on my part.

Sales during past week have been $356.00. Our total sales so far have been $2,362.61 – this is not bad for one month and August at that. I believe it is a few days over a month, two days in July. Our stock now is very full in groceries we are literally piled up with …

Sept. 9th (partial letter)

I think this part of the country is specially suited to my health. I am feeling fine. The bracing air and the cool nights are very invigorating. I attended service this p.m. (3:30) in a large tent being our best Church accommodation at present but very soon several churches will be built. The minister this afternoon was Mr. Turner. I also attended service in the evening, our friend and companion on our first trip to Calgary. Rev. Mr. Robertson, was the speaker. Their sermons were both interesting and instructive…

Calgary, N.W.T.

Sept. 20, 1883

My dear Evelyn-

This is Saturday evening and as I have a chance to send letters east by Moses Burpee, Govt. Engineer (formerly of N.B.) I accept the present opportunity of sending you a few lines. We had a mail Thursday, 27th , and I got one letter from you and one from John – also had mail by C.P.R. yesterday and I got another letter from you but I could not make out the dates of either of them. After this we get two mails a week by the C.P.Railway, one on Wednesday and the other Saturdays. We will soon have daily mail which will shorten the trip of your letters to me very much.

Our sales this week amounted to $566.35, of this I sold just to one man $256.00 of goods. He is fitting out to start a restaurant up at the Park in the mountains. We sell wholesale and retail and are about the cheapest store in town. Since writing the above have sold upwards of $10.00 in goods. Your letters now before me, one seems dated Sept. 1st – this is the one I got last night, will now proceed to answer it. John writes me that he thinks he will go home – he and I may go home the same time and take Christmas dinner with you – hard to tell. Won’t count on it for sure

but I want to get to you or you to me as soon as possible. I have to go east anyway to wind up matters so it may as well be one time as another, the expense will be the same. I will have to make suitable arrangements with Vanwart.

If I go home I will straighten out the Anagancers and make them foot up. Anagance is one of the last places to bring up a family in – Calgary is 100 times ahead of it now and is just an infant. Next summer will show some smart work here. We will sell our house the if possible at a low figure if can’t get a good price.

Now comes the next letter dated Sept. 3rd – hall stove cost about $12.00 get the most you can for it. Store marked H.B. is the Hudson Bay Store. I have no interest in Cows – milk is now down to 25c per gallon.

Good foot bridge across the river. Town will be on both sides, station I think on the west side but not known for sure yet. Let Chris alone till I come home, I will fix up with him. Howard Tenkles (?) will be all right a little later in potatoes, hay etc. – Jas Buckley can bring you potatoes, send them to G. Davidson and give Buckley what they will bring. Sitting room stove coast $8.00m I think. The bottom of the old stove is good, could easily get a new top. That textbook belongs to Spencer D…(?) I think. That D.T. McL is very cheeky to say the rent covered his bill. I credited him with $2.00 which he said would do but I suppose he is a dead beat and no use to try him for anything.

Graves and McKelvie have their houses up – both have good building 20 X 28 – upstairs will be good dwelling, ceiling about 9 ft. They built on the west side of the Elbow River – I want to be here very early in the spring and if the town is laid out this fall may not be able to get away. Will remain in this country until the road is through to the Pacific anyway – this will be about three years yet. No rain here – beautiful weather but very smokey on account of prairie fires in the distance.

Graves’ building will cost about $700, maybe a little more. Vanwart expects his family out in October. We have sold since we commenced (about 2 months) upwards of $4,000.00 worth of goods – don’t know what profit but at least $1000. Could continue this for year of tow and would have good stake myself. Look for dull winter but hard to tell. Expect lively trade in spring. Wish could be with you for awhile – would be pleasanter chatting than writing. I will now write to John and find out when he goes east.

Send some kisses for Mamma – and kind regards to the friends – from Papa. This is great scribbling, expect you will have hard time to decipher it.

Calgary, N.W.T. October 6, 1883

My Dear Evelyn-

Received a letter from you yesterday (without date) enclosed in September magazine. I suppose it to have been written about Saturday 22nd of Sept. as H.D. Graves got one today written Sunday 23rd. Now that we have daily mails your letters will make much quicker trips. I expect I will get one from you tomorrow as the mail from McLeod come in then and I think a few of our letter are there having been sent from Medicine Hat before our daily mail was established. Under the old mail arrangement we always got letters every mail as it only came every ten days. Now as the

mail comes daily we look for letters every day as you do at home so you will have to write oftener now on account of this change.

The weather has been very fine this fall so far, had quite a rain night before last the first for a long time. Have not got our stove up in store yet, it is on the way from Winnipeg, was shipped from there Sept. 22nd, it is box stove about the same as the stove in the Public Hall at Anagance.

I am enjoying splendid health since I had that dysentery, eat lots of beef-steak and toast now, we also have some of the self-raising buckwheat and have had some pancakes; they suited our taste very well. Flour (good) is very scarce in town, most all the old flour is musty and the new not I yet. We expect a carload of flour out of the new wheat – look for it now every day.

Our town is at last to be surveyed. Instructions are on the way by mail to the surveyor – we do not yet know when it will be but expect Section 15 will be the town plot – this is on the west side of the Elbow. The owners of Section 14 will also survey it and put it on the market so the town will be on both sides. Very smokey yet – have been good many prairie fires in the distance.

The railway is now up at Padmore in the Gap in the Rockies, and by Christmas will be at the Summit in the mountains. In about two years will be able to leave Moncton and travel all rail to the Pacific via C.P.R. This country is full of coal, they are finding it in a great many places. It is pronounced to be best anthracite, so the fuel question is settled – will have coal this winter at not more than $8.00 per ton - and wood at about $6.00 to $8.00 per cord.

We have put new outside on our store – tongue and groove … letter fragment)

October 24, 1883

(from Manitoba)

I ordered car of potatoes from Manitoba for Graves and McKelvie who intend running store here this winter. Potatoes retail from $1.50 to $2.00 per bushel. I will have carload of flour in this week, retails at $4.50 per 100 lbs.

We now have 20 stores, 10 hotels, 4 billiard halls, 4 Doctors, 6 Lawyers and 1 barber. Times will be dull here this winter on account of our town not being surveyed, but we all expect lively times in the spring as then there will be a grand rush to the Rockies prospecting for minerals. A Good many claims have been taken and assay very rich.

I have not been up to the mountains yet. They are about 60 miles west of here, but look as if they were only a few miles away. The richest discoveries are in the Castle Range and near the Park now called Silver City. Grading on the C.P.R. is completed to the Summit and they have discharged the men passes East. The track layers are still at work and will lay the track to the Summit then quit work for the winter.

I think the chances for making money in this country are very good that is if a person has capital to start with. There can be no better paying investment than stock raising but a person wants

capital enough to buy his stock for starting, also to build sheds and cut and stack a limited quantity of hay in case a very severe winter sets in, say like last winter.

H. D. Graves will go East and arrive at home about the last of November and anyone who wants information about the country can apply to him… (letter fragment)

Canada Post Card

Mrs. I.S.Freeze

Anagance, I C Ry

New Brunswick

Canada

Dear Evelyn

Have about an inch of snow here but will likely be all gone very soon. Thermometer this morning at sunrise 10 above zero. Weather beautiful – clear and perfectly calm. Am enjoying splendid health and am much in favour of this part of the country. Next spring will see the grand rush here to occupy the fine lands both to the north and south of here, and also to the Rockies in which quite a few towns are already built.

With much love,

Isaac

Calgary N.W.T.,

Sunday, 25 Nov., 1883

My Dear Wife –

We are having a pretty cold snap. Thermometer this morning at 8 – 23 below zero – no wind, so doesnt not seem very cold. It was 4 below zero in shop this morning when we got up. Will have to put more expense on building – will put in another floor and ceil the walls and ends, and also lay a floor overhead. I got 500 ft. lumber yesterday and papered and ceiled one side and half of an end. Billy and Vanwart helped me – I made a mistake in selling my last stove as this cook stove is not a sufficient heater for cold building, keeps you all the time putting in wood. We have about an inch of now here. Have always heard that a cold building was very healthy - if so, no wonder that we enjoy such good health; but in a few days more I will have it quite comfortable.

Billy will get a job here and will have employment most of the winter, so will do well. He will likely board where he will be at work - viz “Walker’s Mills.”

I get water from the water carrier and have to pay him 20c per week. This will often save a cold run in the morning to the river as well as missing a customer sometimes.

Have had quite a lot of Indians in today to warm themselves. They say it is stow-yah which means cold. Poor devils it is a wonder they don’t freeze.

Business is very dull and will be duller this winter. I am not buying any more than can help. It will cost me about $70.00 to fix up comfortably. Sales for past week were only $88.00, pretty low, but as much as would do at Anagance. This is now Sunday evening and the therometer says 20 below zero, this must be frosty but it does not seem very cold outside. Will not get to Church tonight – have to keep putting wood in the stove every few minutes.

How does Howard lie N.B. now? I see by the paper they had over a foot of snow in Ontario on the 14th – also notice St. John River is frozen over. The Bow has just frozen over. While speaking of frost might say be careful you don’t freeze in bed some cold night. You ought to get two large flat stones and heat them and put them in your bed – these would create quite a warmth. I wish I had a good heater in my bed - something like what I had east – take care of it – will want to use it again by and by.

Darling, I’m getting to be a joker but oh my! wouldn’t I like to clasp my beloved in my arms and imprint a thousand kisses upon those ruby lips, and drink deep in the fountain of bliss – ah, yes – no joke about this. –

Well, sweet, I see by above that I have been expressing a good deal of sentiment – but am Like you spoke of in your last letter - seem to feel it all over, but guess if I was down east I would enfold….?

I promised you to look over those accounts, but has been so cold in here have had to do a good deal of work, but will attend to it later on. Anyway, don’t worry – get what you can. The rest we will have to leave.

This is extremely cold wave – 28 below zero tonight – have to keep very close to the stove – back will be nearly freezing while the opposite parts are nearly roasting. Here I sit on a chair – a foot on each side of the stove (front stove doors open) taking what is familiarly termed a shin heat and writing at the same time. It must be the extreme heat that makes my thoughts wander to the general tenor of this epistle. Haven’t much to write about this time but have filled a large sheet nearly. How is Douglas Hoyt getting on? Did you speak to Chris yet?

Papa sends a lot of kisses for his Dio and Edna and wishes he could give them hugs. Cut Edna to ask kitty if she was lonesome without papa. Well, darling, it will surely freeze between me and thee this night - know it won’t by and by – a month from today you will have Christmas – not an extra merry Christmas to us. God night and pleasant dreams and may He who can, guard and preserve thee

Your own Isaac

Calgary, N.W.T.

Tuesday, Dec. 4th, 1883

My Dear Wife,

Since writing you have been up to the Rockies as far as Silver City. Left about midnight Sunday and at daylight reached Padmore.

This is my first sight of the Grand old mountains during the trip up, and when I got out of the train stood for some time reflecting on the majestic grandeur of this wonderful scenery. No wonder they were named the “Rockies” for it’s rocks piled upon rocks, some turrets reaching high up in the heavens – I could not help gazing at them continually for the remainder of the trip owing to the sublimity of the scenery and wondering in awe at the omnipotence of Jehovah who made all things.

We remained there three hours so engineers could get sleep having run one thousand miles without any. We breakfasted here in log shanty, filling the inner man. I, with two others, then walked up to the side of the mountain where there are columns or rather pyramids, standing side by side and from twenty to thirty feet high. Legend says here three sisters (Squaws) were buried in an upright position and then the pyramids were built around them by their relatives; but anyone who takes the trouble to go and examine them easily sees that this Legend is unfounded, and that the pyramids were formed by the action of the water, say many thousands of years ago.

Padmore is the end of a Division and the C.P.R. are building a large Roundhouse and other buildings that are require there. This is what is termed the big park, a level place of a thousand acres between the mountains and in some parts covered with trees, no snow yet at Padmore.

About 9 we got on board again bound further west and are soon off at rather a slow rate of speed but the different changes in the scenery make time pass quickly. Have followed the River since entering the mountains – no trouble to build the railway as far as it is, that is to the Summit. But after that trouble begins great tunnels will have to be cut through for say thirty miles west of the Summit, the work will be very difficult and expensive.

The next valley we come to is called Cascade Park, and is a pretty spot. Here will be a station. About noon we came in sight of Castle Mountain, which sets sway up in the sky and resembles some grand old Castle. Half an hour more brings us to Silver City – situated at the foot of Castle Mountain. This is the embryo of a soon-to-be famous town, provided the mines in the vicinity prove good. And I talked with old miners yesterday who have mined all through the States, and they informed me that the float indications were the best they ever saw. The Superintendent of the mine “Queen of the Hills” just back of Castle Mountain, told me those mountains were full of wealth – and that if our Dominion Government would this winter pass mining laws similar to those of British Columbia, next season would see these mountains covered with prospectors. The trees in the mountains are very tall and straight as an arrow, not very large, with limbs short and drooping. About six inches of snow at Silver City and twenty miles further west, at the Summit, there is three feet – a great place for snow, what falls does not melt.

We had very pleasant trip and arrived home this (Tuesday) morning at daylight. Again Calgary is cut down to one passenger train per week, coming in on Wednesdays and going out on

Thursdays – so we will now only get our mail once per week – too bad. But I suppose it would not pay the C.P.R. to run daily passenger trains through the winter.

The weather since our cold snap has been charming – so very mild and clear. Rumour says Town is to be surveyed soon but she so often proved incorrect.

I forgot to tell you I climbed the mountain side and procured a mountain ivy, at least that is what I call it.

The mail comes in tomorrow and I hope to receive two letters from you, or more. We look for our home letters like a small boy expecting Santa Claus. (letter fragment)

(Letter with beginning missing ca late December)

I feel as though I would like to go out prospecting next season; about June will be early as they can commence as it takes good while for the show to get off the MRs. But I’m cool as ever and know I can’t do a great many things at once with my capital. But it would please me dreadfully if I had about $50,000.00 to work on out here – may be worth it after awhile, hard to tell about these things. Hope so at least, that is what I came west for – but now I like the country on its merits and think it is far ahead of N.B. If Christ and Sam had only had courage enough to come out here they would have been fully satisfied.

Willie Hayward has been helping me but I have got him a job with Walker and he will go to work Monday morning. He will likely have work all winter so will do well. We are getting up Masonic Lodge here – will organize about 1st of January.

Our town is growing all the time, good many buildings in course of erection now. No Herald this week – changed from Friday to Tuesday.

Wish every day was Thursday (our mail day) so could get letters from you dear, it’s lonesome without the good long letters – you’ll get a lot of mail when you get this as this is the second letter I have written to go next Thursday and have also package to send. Am afraid I’ll encroach too much on your valuable time, writing such long letters, and very hard to read, but can’t write much plainer unless I write very slow.

I suppose you ha vagina seen H.D.C. by this time and have procured all the information you desire about Calgary and its surroundings. Let me know all about what H.D.G. says. I would like to see him - he would say “Oh man, but that’s the country for me.” He is fine good hearted chap is Howard – was sorry to lose him for the winter.

How is Douglas Hoyt getting? Is there any of the boys or girls getting married? Tell me all the news – visits and all. How is Aunt Bert – does she look good with those teeth out? -suppose she feels good, that is the best. Toothache is dreadful, glad I’m not troubled with it. Do you have notion of getting more teeth? I thought you had a good outfit of teeth – suppose you want to prepare for our beef steak – it’s very tender, don’t take as good teeth as the beef in N.B. – This will do for teeth.

My books – I would like to have them – you might send me one once in a while by mail – don’t cost much more than freight.

Our freight from N.B. will have to be shipped early or it won’t get here before the middle of summer – unless you could get it in Howard’s car - that would be best plan. If it comes through the States it would have to be bonded, George Davidson could find out about it for you. Wish I could be there to help you and accompany you on the rip – will be very tedious. You will want to fix up yourself and the children very warm so you won’t catch cold. Will be pleasanter, so many of you coming together.

I must now close – getting sleepy – it must be 10 o’clock, was out to meeting of the Masons last night until after 10 so these are late hours for me who is generally is in bed at 9 and often before.

Good night dear – may a kind Providence guard thee and bring thee safely to him who loves thee every much –

Kisses for all my darlings Papa

(note written in diary or journal)

Dec. 25, 1883

I have spent a very dull Christmas away from Home but had a good dinner at the Royal. We had soup, Roast Turkey, chicken, all kinds of pies and puddings and oranges, grapes etc; and a host of other stuff, I forget what it was called. The bill for fare was fine and tables beautifully decorated for the occasion.

Saturday evening

Dec. 29th/83 - 9p.m.

Well, love, another day has passed away and I am now alone so feel inclined to write a few lines – got the papers this morning containing the advertisement. The reason I did not get it with the letters was the mail was so large that most of the papers had not been sorted when I got my letters. I’ve got a very sore back, or rather a pain over my right kidney, makes me feel a little old – but I will likely be all right tomorrow. I’m dull so won’t write any more tonight.

Sunday evening 10 p.m.

Am up, dear, and just finished a lunch as felt hungry, this being only my third meal. Put in a dull Sunday, didn’t get to Church at all today - sorry, but was interested in reading matter so didn’t turnout. Must make it up some other Sunday by going twice. Don’t seem to have much to write not so as ‘tis late will retire.

Tuesday evening, January 1st, 1884

My Darling, again I resume the pen to finish this letter as tomorrow I will have to put it in the office. This first day of the New Year I have spent very idly although busily engage during the day. Have been reading a story by George Elliot called Felix Holt the Radical.. He is amusing and in some parts illustrative of all life though there are very few in this world (if any) who had such lives of self sacrifice as the two principal actors in this drama.

Today for dinner I dined with a friend at the “Virginia Chophouse”. Kept by a Mulatto, I should say, judging from his looks. No use to try to tell you what we had, could tell you about as quick by enumerating what we hadn’t . The old chap had no end of dishes served up and we ate very heartily. Breakfast and Tea I had at home in my usual good style.

My goods have not arrived yet and my stock is pretty low in staples. I will now answer your letters – no crumbs so far, have been very fortunate. Yes, you will need both pillows and quilts or blankets on your trip out, also to clothe so that you will not catch cold. I will endeavor to have matters so arranged by the time you get here that we will have no trouble to eat or sleep. To be more explicit, I trust to have decent apartments for us, have not decided just how yet but will do the best I can. I haven’t felt so much like writing since I wrote the last half sheet,

Much love and kisses from my darlings

from Papa

Sunday evening, January 6th

[written on back of a Herald flyer advertising Calgary, missing parts and sentences in complete]

Have just returned from Presbyterian service – beautiful today

This poster is the latest out – the syndicate lots will be on the market this week - I don’t know where to buy my lot. Some lots in what will become the best of business portion of the city will be worth a good deal in time – others will not increase in value very much. Wish I knew what part would turn out best. Lots will go reasonable I think on syndicate section. The Denny estate are trying to have the town on the east side of Elbow … and syndicate are trying all they can to block the east side… next week I will … selected my lot … are not too high … them as you see will … west of Elbow River …think the best of the … be so far up …my watch don’t go – I eat when I’m hungry regardless of time of day…

much love from Papa

[Letter fragment, date missing]

Well dear, I have given you enough on Calgary - only that I wish I had a lot of money to spend here. Want a provoking thing it is to be stinted fro means. I hope someday Providence has provided more for us than we deserve.

Howard will not be very anxious to come and he will miss a thing or two by not being here as Johnnie McKelvie doesnt not know what to do under the circumstances – as buildings have to be on the lots and occupied by April in order to get the rebates.

Trade is quiet, but will now be better especially in hardware or building material. My stock not in yet, but it must surely be here in tomorrow night’s freight - my grocery side is pretty empty.

The Theatre is going on tonight again but I’m better employed than being there - in writing to my darling whom I would like to see so very much. Half of January gone, February, March – just two months and a half to the end of March. This will soon pass by and then if Providence permits we will all be together again, happy in each other’s love, never to separate again during life, for so lengthy a period of time. You will be charmed with Calgary - I can see you now feasting on the beautiful scenery and admiring Nature’s townsite for the West.

If you have any suggestions about building in would be well to write me of them in your next letter. Your carpets will come in all right here in spring,that is those of them that are worth freighting out. How did the table sell we bought at McLellan’s sale? You will, I suppose, take the works part of your sewing machine and pack with the feather ticks – and box the other part – but you will know better than I do about it. There are lots of things we have there that would sell well here if we wanted to dispose of them, so would pay to bring here rather than sacrifice at home. You will judge about these matters.

Can the house be sold for cash and subject to the Mortgage, it will pay us to take $600 – if can’t get more. Drib-dab payments of $100 or $200 per year is no use – I would rather have $600 cash them $1000 in drib-dabs.

You understand that I mean that the party who buys will have to pay Building Society, and also pay us the $600.00. Try for $700 or more - get all you can.

Purse up lips for a kiss - now a good smack - much love for all my darlings

from Isaac

Calgary N.W.T

Jany 26, 1884

Saturday evening

My Dear Wife

Another week has silently slipped away, and in the chain of time is hardly a link, still the links are run over very rapidly, and soon we will be at the end of our chain. Others come after us to count over the same links, thus we go on from one generation to another. Mr. Alley of the firm of Sanford, Vail & Co. has just come in, so I will have to leave off writing and entertain him.

Sunday evening - I have just returned from Church so will add some more to this. Slept until 11 this morning, then got up, built a fire and dressed up. Put on a boiled shirt, the first for quite a while – I have an invitation from Mr. Alley to dine with him today at the Royal so I cordially

accepted same and did amply justice to the good things with which the board was spread. We remained at the Royal after dinner long enough to smoke two cigars each then we went out for a constitutional, walking up to the new station, and surveying the new Townsite. I gave Mr. Alley an order for $500 worth of clothing for spring.

My frame is up and the upper and lower floors laid - the police have notified my carpenters three times to quite work, they claim that section as a Police Reserve. It beats all what rowing they are having about the townsite here – I think it will be all arranged early tomorrow as Mr.

Ramsay, the Agent of the Northwest Land Co., has telegraphed about it and told me he expected a reply early tomorrow so I will know before I mail this.[remainder or letter missing]

[Letter fragment, date missing]

I have an offer to move my store up to my lot in Block 62 for $55.00 - this is reasonable and I think will accept it. Will have to take stock out during the moving process, guess will put it in my house if it is ready by that time. Expect will move in a couple of weeks – I will move this time on runners and it won’t take much over half a day for six teams to draw it up - I asked you in a previous letter how your finances were – would like to know how you stand.

Tuesday morning - AM. Just after breakfast – a late one too. Last might the Masonic odge4 was organized here – I was in attendance and was appointed Inner Guard. We broke up about 11 p.m. The officers then received an invitation from Mrs. Reilly, our Past Master’s wife, to wait on her residence and partake of some refreshments. Thither we hied, and many were the good things that Mrs. Reilly paced before us. After supper toasts were given to our hostess and host and to the different officers of the Lodge replies were given by each of the officers to the different toasts. I had to get up and reply to the Toast to me. I often wish I had a full eye denoting language – but without it have to do the best possible under the circumstances. The toasts were drunk with nice coffee. We had a very enjoyable evening and broke up a quarter to one, so this accounts for my late breakfast.

I have not yet received that document from Alf, he is a very poor hand to forward promptly – and I want it so much.

Tuesday evening – Sales have been pretty fair today, but all over town business is generally quiet. I sold about $30.00 worth today, this is counted now as an extra day

What kind of stove would you like – do you wish water tank so you could have warm water? Weather quite cold again about zero, but the days are fine and quite warm. Our house is going on nicely, the walls are ceiled up and part of the roof on – I have given the contract to side it outside, it will look much better.

Guess have given you all the news and latest developments so will close for this time as letter have to be posted tomorrow.

I often look at those locks of hair of our little ones – I have them in my Bible, and also have your picture there too – ‘twas well I thought to bring it - I kiss thee a kindly good night Darling.

Isaac

[Letter fragment, date missing]

[Sunday evening, March 2/84, see end of letter]

It is just cozy little place for us and the children – I never liked to have people living in the same house – wouldn’t be so bad if there was plenty of room but we don’t want to be cramped up. I have had hard enough times up to this time so this summer I want a little comfort; still we’ll talk it over when you come.

You may not have to pay for the children, under five or six (I forget which) is either half price or free. You will find out when you buy your tickets or before. I have written Fred tonight quite a long letter – but you may be half way her before it arrivers there.

The Post Office is opposite my store quite near. It is on Block 51 about Lot 30 and fronting on Stephen Avenue. The Methodist Church is to be moved and goes on lots 39 and 40 in Block 40, very near our house. I expect the Presbyterian Church will also move up handy.

[diagram of street?]

Stephen Avenue will be the Main Street

The Lakes would be the cheapest route if navigation was open, but you will leave too soon to come that way.

Mrs. Reilly has a very small house – she does her own work – not much furniture but comfortable. I have just read over your letter – lots I might have written about things you speak of but you’ll soon be here & see for yourself – and maybe as I said before that you will be away when this letter arrives as it will likely be 18th anyway.

Be a good girl and take care of yourself on the trip. Put plenty more underclothing. It wouldn’t be safe for you to carry much money with you – buy drafts on Bank of Nova Scotia, Winnipeg. These drafts would be no good unless endorsed. If anyone stole them they might forge the endorsement. Sew them in your clothing underneath. Lots sharpers on the trains, always best to keep secrets to yourself.

Those are great kisses of Dio’s, I’ll get some good live ones soon - he’s a noble looking boy. This is Sunday evening, March 2nd

Tuesday, March 4, 1884 ‘Tis uncertain just where the Methodist Church will locate. I understand they can’t get that corner lot, Mr. Ramsay the Agent, told me so last night. It snowed about 4 inches yesterday and last night – this is the most like winter we have seen but a few

hours of sun will make it scarce. The Royal Hotel is going to move over this week. It is I guess decided now that the Church will go where I have marked “X” on Block 42.

Wednesday p.m. fine today but cold last night. The Presbyterians had a meeting to see about moving their Church - I guess they will soon move. The East side is sickly looking town now – old cellars, tin cans and rubbish.

P.O. Box 161

Calgary, Alberta

Mar. 9th /84

My dear Wife

I did not expect when last I wrote you to write you again at Anagance, but your last letter suggested that the probability was that you would not get away much before the 1st April.

I trust you will get through all right and speedily - sometime in April in Illinois and some other states they have freshets delaying trains for quite a length of time.

Today is a real March one – blustery, we would say East, but so little snow on the ground that it cannot form much of a drift.

I have allowed a young man from Winnipeg (a Mr. Steele) nephew of the Commanding officer of the Fort, to lace his mattress upstairs and sleep there. He also boards with me. He is a married man 9his family in Wpg.) but is not very well fixed so has to be economical. He is Insurance Agent, Real estate, Wining etc., a very intelligent young man of 35 years. I am not writing at his desk, his office is in my store. I don’t charge him anything only he pays for his grub – he gave me free advertisement in a directory or register he is getting up. I told him he was welcome to my accommodations until 1st April – he is soon to build an office.

Out town is growing rapidly and the East side is moving over. Stephen Avenue is the main street, but Atlantic Avenue is a good stand for a store. My sales last week were over $250.00 and I have been out of a good many articles, but expect them by next freight.

I want Fred to come, I intend learning him the business and if he proves a business man we will start a branch somewhere a year from this spring.

I don’t want to ask others to come as they might not succeed. My opinion is that parties who cannot succeed east will not be able to compete with the tact and ability of these western people – so I would not be persuade Scott, Murray, Kevin etc. to come out.

Dawson, Y.T.

Apl. 17/02

Dear Stanley

I received your letter of (you forgot to date) about the middle of March and was very pleased to get it as was wondering why you never write me. So you are 17 and weigh 147 lbs. – grown like a week since I came out here. It would be about all I would want to do now is to pile you an Ernie one on top of the other. I recollect well when I was your age, was attending Normal School in St. John preparing for a Teacher.

I was pretty proud of myself in those days – thought I was very apt, in fact was rather good in Mathematics for my age. Had one of the lady students for a chum 9 not in the dictionary meaning of the work, but as a companion for walks and talks). Habits formed during youth are not easily broken so if a young man can have a philosophic turn of mind to note that virtue brings happiness and contentment, while vice has its accompaniment misery and degradation he will see what it takes many men fifty years or more to see.

I recall times when I did not show proper respect to my parents, now that they are in the grave it often causes me many sad regrets.

A gentleman is called so because he is gentle in manner and speech - I would like my boys to preserve their manhood and to be gentlemen. These qualities help greatly our business, as we come in contact with the world.

Re your chest measure – if you desire to become skillful, remember that “practice makes perfect.” In you next give me Edie’s weight, height, etc. – does she enjoy herself pretty well?

Love to all, your affectionate Papa

I.S.Freeze