AUGUST 1st, 1897 - RGJ to ELG

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Envelope postmarked South Harpswell, Maine, Aug 2, 1897. Addressed on preprinted stationary from "The Lawson, South Harpswell, Maine. A. & H. M. Welch, Proprietors" to "Mr. Edward L. Greene, South Paris, Maine." The Stationary is preprinted for the hotel, the same as the envelope. "Marion" is Ruth's sister, Marion Winifred Jones. I have Marion's letter to her mother written on the same date in which she mentions that Ruth is busy writing to "Eddie."

August 1st, 1897.

My Dear Ned: --

As it is your birthday, I am going to write to you and I am going to ask you to pardon me for using a lead pencil. I began to write with ink and spill some on my silk waist so thought I would try a pencil. Smart girl, can't write without covering my clothes in ink.

I had a very pleasant trip yesterday and the sail out to Harpswell was beautiful. I arrived at the Lawson House about four o'clock and after selecting my room I dressed for supper. The Lawson House is about as far from the water as from my house to Mrs. Merrill's on our side, but it is a mile from the steamer landing. I have a very pleasant room. There are three wide verandas nearly all the way around the house and where I am sitting I can look way out to the light-house at "Half-Way Rock." Orr's Island is just across from the Hotel and I intend to go over with Hattie and Tom tomorrow. Oh, the view is just grand here. This morning I went to walk with Hattie, Marion, Helen, and a gentleman and his daughter showed us the way to the loveliest little grove right on the shore. Opposite on Orr's Island was the house where Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote "The Pearl of Orr's Island." I went to meeting this afternoon. I went into dinner at 1:10 and got through at 2:35. You will probably say what an appetite to eat so long by table girls are scarce and there were only three for nine tables so we had to wait. The set an elegant table Everything nice. Every time I look at the beautiful scenery and admire it I wish you were here to enjoy it. I know you would like it so much.

Well how is your courage now? I felt pretty blue and homesick last night but feel a little better today and if "Moses" were here everything would be complete. I did not get to sleep Friday night until after one o'clock. I no need tell the reason why. I do hope you have enjoyed your twenty-first birthday and I hope you will have many happy returns of the day. Only wish I were at home to go to C. E. meeting this evening.

There are only thirty of forty boarders at the hotel now and of course it is real quiet.

Well, I have written all I can and I hope you will write and let me know whether you are going away or not. i.e. if you know. Give my regards to every body I know and reserve a good big share for your own self. and believe me

yours affectionately,

Ruth Gertrude.

The following text is written at right angles at the top of pages 2 and 3, and on a small slip of paper inserted with the letter.

I guess you will think I am scared to use much paper. But I thought I wouldn't take too much at a time because I might write again.

When we go to dining hall, we have to cross a large music room. The floor is just slippery as can be. I had on new boots this morning and expected to fall down but didn't for a wonder.

Marion and I have lots of fun. We think hotel life fine. Under the electric bell in our room is the following list: -

Ring 1 for Bell Boy.
Ring 2 for Ice Water
Ring 3 for Hot Water
Ring 4 for Towels
Ring 5 for Boston Herald
Ring 6 for Chamber Maid
Ring 7 for Clerk
Ring 8 for Fire.
Isn't it nice not to have to work for a week and be a lady of leisure? It's nicer than ever now don't you know really.