Volume 11 , Issue 34

Insight Into Grandma & John C. McClure

This weeks letters are dated August 17-30, 1905, from John C. McClure of Alva, Oklahoma Territory to Miss Constance Estella Warwick, whom is vacationing at her Uncle Paul Warwick's home in Mountain Grove and receiving her mail at Vanderpool, Virginia. In the last August 1905 letter Constance had visited the seashore of Virginia. Also, There was an empty envelope dated August 16, 1905, but no letter. That must have been the empty envelope John was talking about in the August 17th letter.

August 17, 1905 -- "My Little Dearie, I rec'd two letters from you today. I also rec'd that picture, that Ihave been longing for. But I am not satisfied yet. Bet you can't guess. I spect you will think it funny that I don't write but this hot weather has nearly fixed me up. I have been sick for over a week. I would like to have been with you on your trip.

"We had a terrible rain and wind storm. I wondered where I could have been while it was all going on.

"I must tell you about our picnic. The Wiley girls got it up. A whole hay rack load of us went out to Kings Grove. We had a good time. I took Josie home. I like Josie fine. I see Miss merchant on the street nearly every day. Lowe is sporting a $175 diamond now. I reckon he thinks he will beat me out of my S.H. but I guess he won't. I guess he has a girl out by Ashley. Grace is dead gone on him I guess. Ross Frazier were out surrey riding Sunday eve. I had Miss Titus. He had Grace Wiggins. I reckon you have heard it by this time. You have not told me how many fellas you have had. My brother-in=law is coming from Illinois tomorrow night. When are you coming home? I want to see you awful bad. Lovingly, John McClure.

"P.S. I reckon you got that envelope. I did not know I had not put in the letter until this eve. When I started to write another. If you get it before you get this, I can guess what you will say.

"I got an invitation to go to another picnic Friday. A watermellon picnic out east of town 6 or 8 miles. I am supposed to take Hazel Camel. Guess I and Ross will go in a surrey. I will close. Yours Faithfully, John."

August 21, 1905 -- "Alva, O.T., Sun Eve, Dear Girl, I rec'd your little receipt today. I don't want no more of those little fellows. It rained nearly all forenoon. I have not been to church today. Bummed around a little this evening.

"Well! We had that watermelon party. All went in buggies. Had a good time. I nearly broke my back in that swing. Josie was not there. I was sorry, taws me ikes here (sic). Fred black said he carried a letter out for you from the County Superintendent Cooprider. I saw Gertha and Grace parading the streets last Saturday. Guess I know why you did not write me a longer letter.

"There was a Dutch wedding at the church this eve. Jno Schafers daughter married a man from the East. Lowe went on an excursion to Oklahoma City today. Don't believe there were very many going.

"When are you going to start home, or can you tell when you will get in Alva? If I can not meet you drop me a Kaird (sic). I will close. Yours Lovingly, Jno McClure. Write soon."

August 30, 1905 -- This short letter was written on the First national Bank of Alva, Oklahoma stationery and began, "I rec'd your letter a day ago. The reason I have not been writing was I thought you were on your way home. Perhaps home. I have been sick for a while but have been working all of the time. Merchant told Lowe you would soon be home. Tell me when you will reach Alva. Jno McClure."

August 30, 1905 -- Here is another letter postmarked August 30, 1905, 3p.m. which began with, "Alva, O.T., Friday Eve, Dearie, I rec'd two letters from you today. I would have been in better humor, if Ihad got one yesterday. They suited me quite well though, but that picture.

"Gee you must think lots of that Aunt of yours. When I get my pictures you shall have one as soon as ma. If you want one.

"It was hot today. I went to the Band concert last eve. Lowe was there too, of course. He walked home with Forbis and Merchant. Lowe is terribly afraid I might say a word to either of them. So I have hardly spoken to them. Connie, I want to know if Lowe asked you if he could take you home that night of the street fair? I mean take you out in the country the next day. I and Lowe get along fine, except that he is the least bit jealous.

"I don't propose to go out of the way to speak to Forbis or Merchant, and it is hard to tell what I would do if I met them.

"I hope you have a good time at the sea shore. You can sve me a little boddle (sic) of sea water, and anylittle old thing you happen to pick up. There is going to be an excursion to Wichita Sunday. I hope you are taking in a portion of that preaching. You had better come back converted. Then with that two hundred lbs more or less you can guess what I'd do. Affectionately, John McClure."
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