June 28, 1911

Marion to Father


Dear Father,

You will see by the heading where I am. (Richmond). I only got here Monday evening for I went to Hudson with the Fields' and had a fine time. They have a cottage on the lakeside. Mother, Edith and Flora have gone to our opera house to hear the famous Lorne Elwyn and I am keeping house with Floss (dog) for protection. Did I tell you that we really have got an increase of salary for next year so that I will be getting $650. next year and they have given me the next class on my way to the top, so that my work I hope will be easier.

August 5, 1911

Marion to Norman (Dad)

Flora will tell you that she has been accepted to MacDonald College and she is very pleased and I am sure she will find the work there very hard.  We are trying to sew her up to be ready to start the 5^th. She will have no fees except two deposits of $5.00 - one for the use of the chemical laboratory and the other is what is called "caution" money to pay for anything broken during the year and returned at the close of term if there has been nothing broken or spoiled. Her board, washing etc., will, I think amount to $20.00 per month, at least as far as we know. I think that ought to cover all which will be paid in advance or there is an extra charge. And, I think, since they have given me an increase, I will be able to send her 10.00 every month, so if you can manage the rest, will send her off.

August 5, 1911

Flora to Dad

Dear Father,

I have been accepted at MacDonald College for a model diploma. So my fate is sealed and I am to become a school marm.  Marion thinks there must be something wrong with them when they have decided to allow me to go there. MacDonald opens September 5^th, so does Marion's school, so we will go together.  I am to room with a girl from Kinsey, Mabel Shaw, is her name. Do you know the Shaw's from there?  Marion Watters knew her last year, said she is very nice. One thing, she will know all the ropes having been there last year. Marion Watters has been accepted in Montreal Earl Grey School in Montreal. Do you know where that school is? I must stop as it is now tea time.

August 10^th, 1911

Norman to Flora

Your welcome letter of the 5^th received last morning. I was pleased to hear of your success in being accepted at MacDonald. I note what you say about the financial part of it and am writing Marion to have her let me know how much the whole amount will be. Your roommate is the daughter of O C Shaw of Kinsey. I think mother knows her father. She is a cousin of the Popes' in Melbourne. Her being at MacDonald will make it nice for you.

One thing, you are going to see a nice place when you reach Ste. Anne. I passed it when coming home. It's on  the banks of the Ottawa River. See that you do not go boating or the river, as it is always dangerous. Do not be persuaded by any man to go as I have read of so many drowning accidents.

Richmond

August 10, 1911

Margaret to Norman

Yours of the 5^th received on the 6^th. So you see, Flora has her certificate to enter McDonald, all we have to do now is to get her ready. We are trying, but with the hot weather and a good many interruptions, we are  not accomplishing very much. You will know now that Parliament is dissolved and you better try and make some arrangement with Tobin. Yesterday they had their liberal convention, he was chosen again without a dissenting voice. In the afternoon they had their speeches in the Town Hall. I went, of course, with Edith and Flora, as Edith was out at Kingsbury for the day. The first speaker was Tobin in English and then French. And Begin of Windsor Mills and RG Smith KC of Montreal. After hearing him I am quite in favor of reciprocity (free trade with US)  and he also explained Sir Wilfrid's stand on the Navy bill.  I don't think Tobin has anything to fear as the other counties are sure Sir Wilfrid will be returned to power.  I shook hands with Tobin, he asked for you. A number asking for you, saying you will be here for the fight. Last eve Marion and Flora went to play tennis. Our wood is holding out well.


August 15, 1911

Rec'd your letter and about Flora's expenses for the first month there is the chemical laboratory fee of $5.00, Caution Money of  $5.00, doctor's fee of $3.50 which gives the attention of a doctor Dr. throughout the year and 4 weeks board in advance which is $16.00, so that will be $29.00. I don't know what books she will need but she can get most of them from Marion Watters if she has them.  I think that is all and we are all busy getting her sewn up. What do you think of the elections and are the Liberals to be returned?



Continued