JUNE 11th, 1900 - ELG to RGJ ______________________________________________________________________________________

In envelope postmarked South Paris, June 11th, 1900, 10 AM, addressed to "Miss Gertrude Jones, Intervale, Maine, c/o Geo. Wharff" On the back, someone has pencilled "41." Nelson Elder's occupation is listed as "Clerk" in the 1906 Paris Directory. He died Apr 12, 1931, at age 67. "Will Morton" was William Prentiss Morton, manager of the Paris Advertising Company (which made signs). He married Agnes Penfold Feb 12, 1908 at age 45, and died in Lewiston Apr 21, 1926, age 63. "Williston" refers to Williston Church in Portland. Interestingly, Ed's mother, Dora (Rideout) was an original member of this church when it was organized February 5th, 1873.

Sunday Eve.
June 11th, 1900

My Darling Ruth.

I am pretty tired and sleepy but am going to write to you before I go to bed.

I suppose if you had known how near to you I have been inside of an hour and a half you would have made an effort to get your eyes on me, but it is to late now and I did not have any chance to let you know in season so it could not be helped.

Nelson Elder took Mr. Andrews team and drove into Portland last night after he got out of the store and he pitched into me to go with him so I got ready after 9 o'clock and we started about 9.50 for the city. we got in there about four o'clock or a little past this morning so you can see we made an all nights job of it.

Did you wake up in the middle of the night or have hard work to get to sleep after you retired?

I tried to think of you strong enough to disturb your slumbers but I suppose I did not, did I? I thought perhaps the force of love as it acts between two persons according to the laws of life might cause you to wake.

I was awfully sleepy this morning after we go in and Nelson & I had to wait round about an hour or more before we could rouse her (his wife) to let us in.

Ed Garland and wife are away for a week or so on a visit in N.Y. state so Emma is down there staying with the children.

They called me at about 9:30 just in season to eat my breakfast, shave and go to church. Emma couldn't get ready to go so he and I went alone.

We attended Williston as that is where the Garlands go so I saw and heard Dr. Baker speak.

It was "childrens day" so I did not hear much of a sermon, but he talked well to the children. He got of one remark that was pretty sarcastic in one sense and in the other very touching. There was a little baby set up a screech, and (it was a screech to) and the congregation laughed and after they got through he said let the baby cry if it wants to it will do him good, and he then he said there are some of you who would like to hear your own baby cry, as much to say some were not able to get any and some were beyond the grave.

I came out on the six o'clock, and when we came by your boarding place I stood out on the steps between the last two cars and looked and looked for my Ruthie, but could not see her anywhere. where were you when the train came along.

We stopped at N.G. (New Gloucester) and waited for the Berlin excursion train and if you could have only known about it you could have come to the station and seen me for a few minutes.

The little Garland baby is awfully cunning he is about two years old and just as good as a kitten. He walks and talks and the first thing he did this morning after I came down was to back up to me for me to take him up and that has been the way he did all day long I took the two boy to walk this afternoon and they had a great time.

I heard you went to Lewiston Saturday and if I had known it in season would have come down my-self but perhaps it would not have been agreeble to your folks seeing that they were there.

Will Morton had two tickets given him for Adv. the (Wild West Show) on his bill-board and he said I could have them if I went if I would collect his bill of them for him so he would not have to go.

I would have gone if I had had any idea of your coming up.

Well my dear I hope this has been a happy day with you and that you are well and happy and longing for the close of school. What a shame that we are loosing all all these lovely day and eve. when we ought to be enjoying them.

Well honey I must close and turn in. hoping to get a letter from you tomorrow night.

Your Loving and aff. hubby with hugs and kisses.

Ned.

Enclosed with the letter is a playbill from the Norway Opera House describing "Bell Rock." The actual bill is 22" long by 6 ½" wide on red newsprint. I have reproduced just the top portion here. No reference is made to this opera in the letter.