A number of letters written to my grandfather Mort Austin or his brothers (in the 1880s through at least 1910) indicated that the Austins and their friends often thought of moving somewhere else to find work to pay their expenses.
Charles Metzger, Catskills, N.Y., to Mort Austin, Eldred
November 1896
Well Mort! Old Sport,
I am glad to know that you are still alive, and rejoicing in our Republican Victory.
You are going to put yet another winter at Eldred are you? Well probably, it’s wise not to make a break right in the teeth of winter. But for land sake, pull out of there next spring, or you will get grated there for good yet.
Since my return from that little trip to Eldred, I have earned over $150. Where could I have done that in Eldred during Sept. and Oct.? I did not loose a day. I even worked all of Election day (I didn’t forget to vote though.)
You ask (1st) am I going to remain here this winter? (2nd) am I coming to Eldred?
Well, 1st if I can get enough work to make expenses, I am going to stay. (2nd) I am not going to Eldred in any event, as there is nothing there for me except vexation and you know that I have had my share of that.
If I get laid off I am not sure yet where I will go, but I don’t intend to lay still unless I am compelled to.
So there are to be two new houses at Eldred are there? I am glad to hear that. I suppose that when I see that Town, I will hardly know it.
Hoping that you are in good health and spirits. And to hear from you in the near future.
Your old friend,
Chas. C.R. Metzger
