JANUARY 1899 - RGJ to ELG ______________________________________________________________________________________

This undated letter fragment - page numbered 5 and its reverse, and page 6 - sends Ed Ruth's Farmington address. I believe it was written at the start of her second semester at Farmington State Normal School, in January 1899. This supposition is supported by her familiarity with "Lena" who she would not have known so well, or could have expected Ed to know, had this been written at the start of her fall semester in 1898. Also, Ruth uses the word "now" in referring to her box number, suggesting that it might have been something else previously. The letter previous to this, dated November 6th, 1898, suggests that in the fall she had box 57. "Mr. P." is surely George C. Purington, Principal of FSNS.

The "Norway Branch" is the Grand Trunk railroad spur running from the South Paris station to factories in Norway, several miles away. Ed served as a fireman on the locomotive and also handled general loading and unloading chores. Legend has it that on one cold morning after firing the engine, he attempted to pull it out of the engine-house - only to discover that it was in reverse when he backed through the wall of the building.

Some days I get blue and think that I am useless in this world and no one cares for me and then comes the blessed thought that I may be the means of making one life brighter in my humble and homely way, and I wish and wish I was better than I am and with God's help I am striving each day to make my life broader and stronger, hoping that some day I may be a blessing to some one. I am glad if my "smile" as you say, pleases you and perhaps it is as Mr. P. told me, when he said "You have the loveliest smile, and it is so helpful to me, that I sincerely hope that the cares of this world will never deprive you of it, for it is worth a fortune."

Don't you think he was very kind to say so to me. It isn't the first time he has spoken of it.

I am hoping that you are through work on the Norway Branch for it is a source of worriment to me. Wish I could write all this evening to you but I must go to C.E. Meeting.

I was so glad you wrote to me twice last week, and think it very sacrificing to give up your needed rest just to write to a "poor little girl" in Farmington.

Well I must write to my mother now. Thank you for pleasing me about the "old man" picture. You are so good to me.

Write when you can to your Ruthie who sends love to Ned.

Truly yours with love,
R.G.J.

The following appears as a marginal note.

I sent you a postal Saturday. Didn't have but a minute to write for Lena was late to office so made me hurry. If you didn't get it will write my address here. It is Box 223 now.