| Title: | O'Donnell, Annie to Phelan, James, 1902 |
|---|---|
| ID | 6259 |
| Collection | Your Fondest Annie: Letters from Annie O'Donnel to James P.Phelan [A. O'Donnell] |
| File | fondestan/22 |
| Year | 1902 |
| Sender | O'Donnell, Annie |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | children's maid |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Spring Lake, New Jersey, USA |
| Destination | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Recipient | Phelan, James |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | friends |
| Source | |
| Archive | |
| Doc. No. | |
| Date | |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | |
| Log | unknown |
| Word Count | 691 |
| Genre | holiday, news, prospects |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Spring Lake [New Jersey] Tuesday night 24 June My dear Jim, I surely thought my picture would be here by this time, but as yet none have shown up, and even when they do come, I doubt that they will be particularly good. I shall send them out though that you might be able to distinguish me if that be possible, when we meet- if nothing else occurs to shatter those hopes we now realize. Won't it be terrible if we meet like strangers, for I assure you I am not much like the girl you saw on that blessed Adria as you will see when you get my picture. I often picture myself waiting for you at the station, but I always pride myself on the fact that I will know you. Don't you wish the months would hurry up and why does time drag so slowly when you are anticipating any event? Ellen and I often have little talks about such incidents. She certainly likes you as she delights in hearing about you. Spring Lake is becoming quite gay now. The hotels and casinos being opened since Saturday and quite a number of the cottages occupied, and from the merry peals of laughter on the boardwalk, it sounds like old times. This is the customary place for the boys and girls to meet after work is done. A beautiful new church has taken the place of our old one. It was donated by a Mr. Maloney in memory of his little daughter who died here some few years ago. No money was spared to make it the admiration of all, and people of every denomination speak of it as a credit to the worthy gentleman. It is most gorgeous throughout, everything being of the richest kind. I am just in love with it reminding me so much of the Dominican Church in Galway- We go to mass every Sunday, the only consolation we have here, and I remember you in my poor prayers now. Even though I am far away, you see I still remember, and if you knew how I appreciated your effort in answering my last letter soon as I had asked you. I think you were pretty nice. You know I look forward to a few lines from you as I know you have not much time at your disposal. What delightful nights these are for bicycle riding. We must soon treat ourselves to a few. I don't care for going alone, and Ellen, as yet, does not like to risk it, but I think soon she will be well enough to ride. I have been thinking so much lately of the hospital and cannot come to a conclusion what to do. I dread the period of three years more than the work for my heart goes straight out to anyone in pain. I consider nursing the noblest work one can do, but I fear three years steady work would outdo me completely especially when compared to my present occupation. Of course, if I don't try it by this fall, it's doubtful I ever will. If I could see any way for getting through in less than three years, I wouldn't hesitate a moment, but heaven direct me to the best is all I can say. I know that at present I am doing well. I could not have a better place, for we have everything as we make it ourselves. Nobody interferes and the highest wages are paid. Still, I suppose if that be my vocation, I will get there at all cost. Well, dear Jim, I hope you are having good times there, and I suppose the weather must be warm, as it is nice here as yet. The nights are quite cool though, but beautiful on the beach. That lovely ocean. What a picture does it present these glorious moonlight nights. Now I must bring this letter to a finish and hoping to hear from you very soon. I will remain as ever Annie, and say a fond good-night and ask you to write soon to cheer this lonely heart, so good-night, x |
