1937 Lon Austin’s Card to his brother

by Louise Smith Posted on December 26, 2011
Lon Austin's 1937 Christmas Card to his brother Ell.
Inside Lon's card to Ell Austin.

With the card was the following letter from Lon Austin (80) to his brother Ell Austin (82), which mentions their sister Aida Austin (76).

There had been some strong family friction with Ell Austin over the Austin property, though it is still unclear what the situation was.

This letter, a number of letters between Ell and my grandfather Mort, and the next letter I post (from Aida to Ell) indicate that things had resolved when the siblings were older.

Lon’s letter Continue reading →

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An Eldred Christmas, 1905

by Louise Smith Posted on December 16, 2011

Jennie Crawford, Eldred, N.Y., to Lillie Austin, Bethel, N.Y.
December 25, 1905
Dear Lillie,
Let me tell you of my Xmas presents. Mrs. Maier gave me a summer shirt; George, a pound of Sparrow’s chocolates and more small boxes; Mom a pair of mittens and 2 pairs slacks; Edna, a bunch of artificial leaves; Dad, a cake plate and some candy; Uncle Joel, a bag of nuts; Aunt Maude a stocking bag, a hat pin, and a collar; Lillie either a clock or a cream set, but I don’t know which was for Xmas.

I had a very nice Xmas, only Lillie Austin wasn’t here. Darn her. I was home all day. George came up; he went home at 8 p.m. It is 20 past now.

Tomorrow we have to wash a three weeks washing. I just dread it. George and I, also his Aunt Phebe went to the Congregational Xmas tree.

What did you have for Xmas dinner? We had chicken, jelly, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, Hydeen salad, mince pie, raisin cake and cocoa nut cake, coffee. Wasn’t that wonderful?

Come out! Well I will close.

Lovingly,
Jennie Crawford

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