1891
The cold has finally eased a little and perhaps spring will come. Right now, it is just all mud. Ma has not been well since she went to Boston with a pain between her shoulders. She and Pa were weighed at Oren’s over a week ago and she weighs 12 pounds more than Pa. She is 148 pounds and Pa has 136. Mrs. Bell Orens has 141 1/2 pounds.
 Mrs. Bob Orens has at last decided to have Dr. AJ for the birth when that wonderful event comes which she expects will be in the very near future. She is going to call it, if it be a girl, Louisa-Jeanetta. Such a name for a little creature.
Dr Bickell died. I must write to Nell about the elections in Sudbury. I suppose TJ is almost wild knowing how he feels about his opponents, Dr. Lauderkin against Blythe Mac Millan Clarke will be quite a contest.

March 1891

Dear Nell,
Thank you for your letter with all your news. It was good of you to write since you are so very busy. I am glad that all are well and your little visitor is not causing you too much trouble.  You have to do a great deal of sewing to get ready for its arrival. It is good that you found some patterns and material so cheaply when you were in Toronto. I will give you more news of around here as you said you enjoyed hearing about all your old friends and neighbours.  I was in town on Saturday to see Mrs. Ritchie. She sends her love to you. I am going to buy some patches from her (silk and plush) as soon as she gets some gathered together enough to make a crazy cushion for that rocking chair of mine at home. Bertha gave me a work basket with 12 silk spools in it for Christmas so I have enough silk thread and I can do it I think. The chair is one of those old fashioned arm chairs  But the arms are gone. I have my patched quilt almost done but the knitted one I can’t manage to get it done this year. I’m afraid it is one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had to do. But I’ll get it done some day. Got four new patterns of lace from Mrs. Hermeston but cannot take them off. I’m afraid but when Georgie Clarke comes home I’ll get her to show me how, she is a splendid hand at sewing.Am getting Bertha to get me a pair of corsets, they are to be made to order. She had a beautiful pair on when she was home I’m to get them at the same price she gets them at the shop she knows. I suppose cousin Lizzie will have quite a large school. You say she thinks the gentlemen of Sudbury “don’t know nuthin”, and so checks their advances but as Newton Williamson once said to me, “it is a long road that hasn’t a turn.” Lizzie may find out the truth of that saying yet. I am glad that you are keeping so busy. What will your Irish friend think if you keep on? He will wish you had never landed in Sudbury.
You did not answer my question about dentistry. I am quite serious about it Nell, so please tell me what you think, 
Affectionately.
Jennie

Dear Nell,

You may remember I sent you a paper about dentistry. I have been doing my sums and I think if I continue to teach for two more years I will have enough for my fees an another $400.00 to put out at interest to keep me and I would hold back $50.00 for clothes and other expenses. I want to get a warm cape, muff and storm collar next winter. I want it of seal so that will take some more of my money. Got my navy outfit and it looks very nice indeed so I am wearing it now and sparing the black and the plaid outfits.

Since Pa got a new horse the boys bring me halfway here so that on Sunday mornings I ride with them to Church. I had a book lent me, “Illustrated Notes of English Church History”, by one who is deeply interested in the welfare of the Church and who tries to get more members for that denomination. I fear he may be interested in me rather more than my opinions for the book. He is at the school waiting for me when classes end. What should I make of that?The book was intended to prove the question that the Church was not losing any of its dignity, etc. It was, I thought too much about slighting the other churches to suit my taste. Have you seen it? It costs 35 cents a volume and there are two.


I will tell you more about the Reverend Mr. Black in another letter, but I must mail this now to catch today’s post. Please write soon and tell me what you think about the dentistry question, I am determined to get a good paying profession.


My best to all your family,
Lovingly,

Jennie