A Grandmother's Legacy

April 1904 - Insight Into Grandma

This weeks insight into Grandma takes us to April 9, 1904, with postmarks on the envelope that read: April 12, 1904 A.M., Quincy, Ill and Alva, Okla.

I do not know how much of an insight into Grandma it really is. It may be more of an insight into John C. McClure.

AND ... this weeks photo of Grandma may have been taken around 1904 that John keeps talking about someone stealing from his room.

Quincy, Ill, Apr. 9, 1904,
Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, O. T.,
Dear Friend Connie,

"I received your most welcome letter for the 1st. Was quite surprised to hear from you, as I supposed your old opinion of me had come back, and you decided that you was writing to the wrong fellow. I would like to know what your honest opinion of me is, anyway. I certainly enjoyed your last letter. I suppose the Snyder wedding was a swell afair (sic).

"Am surprised that somebody else was not the best. Oh yes, I wandered what you meant by buttermilk, but I remember it. I have not been to a party since I have been in Quincy this last time. Last winter I attended two or three a week, so I have not played Flinch here. We play it up home. Now I am going to guess who you ate supper with at that box social. It was either Kit Carson, or Al Thompson.

"Well how is Blanche and that Kansas bachelor making it.

"I didn't destroy that picture. I am sure that fellow stole it. I have tried to have mine taken twice but they made a fizzle of it both times. I and a boy who roomed here had some taken together. I am going to send you one to put on the bridge in front of your house. Not I guess no girl would want a picture of mine. If I ever get some good pictures taken, I am going to send you one, and if I can not get that one of yours back, I will want another. It snowed here all day yesterday, and it is cold here tonight. I am in the seventy word class. I have got a grade of 95 in spelling. I would like to get a position in Oklahoma somewhere when I get through here. What are you going to do during your vacation? Better come up and see me.

"This is leap year you know. Well, I will close for this time. Give my love to Nellie Corbet (Corben). Give some to May Vanossal (sic). Say a little for yourself. Don't wait so long.

Your True Friend,
John C. McClure,
524 North 9th St.,
Quincy, Ill.

Bye Bye."

This week's letter from John C. McClure to Miss Constance Warwick of Alva, O.T. takes us back to April 30, 1904, Quincy, Ill.

It is dated: Quincy, Ill., April 30,
Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, O.T.
Dear Friend Connie:

I received your long looked for letter today. I certainly believe you have lost track of me. So you are back in school again. How many times do you walk around the square each evening after school? I have been walking around some this evening.

Did you ever see anything of my hat. I supposed you had forgotten about that. I have not forgotten what happened the Sunday Eve after we came home. Have you?

I have changed rooming places. you never put the street address on my letters so I got it at the college.

I have been studying pretty hard of late. I am now in the 90 word class. Have 8 classes yet to make, then I am coming to O.T. to see you. What do you think about that.

Does Walter Rose go to school? He thought Bessie was all right when I was in Okla. Where is Blanche now?

There are 8 boys rooming here and 5 girls. 7 of them is a fright. We have some good times but I am sick of the whole shootin match. It will soon be warm enough to go boating.

There is going to be an excursion up to Keokurk tomorrow. Do they teach short hand in the Normal? I remember hearing Dr. Amotte when I was in Okla. They had the Lecture in the Assembly room.

Is WIlkson still teaching in the Normal and where is Ament? Well! I will have to close for want of something.

Your friend,
John C. McClure, address
435 North 7th St., Quincy, Ill.