| Title: | O'Donnell, Annie to Phelan, James, 1904 |
|---|---|
| ID | 6292 |
| Collection | Your Fondest Annie: Letters from Annie O'Donnel to James P.Phelan [A. O'Donnell] |
| File | fondestan/55 |
| Year | 1904 |
| Sender | O'Donnell, Annie |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | children's maid |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Pittsburgh, Penn., 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 | 879 |
| Genre | family, work |
| Note | |
| Transcript | [20? Jan 1904] [Darlington Road & Forbes Street Pittsburgh, Pa.] Wednesday My dear Jim, Well, we saw Pollie off last night, and I assure you I didn't feel as gay as the evening I went there to meet her. I am not much when it comes to saying good-bye. Honestly, I felt sorry for your uncle. He is such a good old soul himself. I felt sorry to see her go for his sake. We stood just where you saw me last, and I waved to her as long as her train was in sight. As we turned towards home, well did my thoughts go back to that dreary morning when that same old train carried away my heart. On our way to the car your uncle kept calling my attention to furniture stores etc., but, at the same time I could see he missed Pollie and often did he say, 'She'll be telling Jim all about you for she told me that Annie was horrid and she didn't see why Jim ever cared for her.' You know he teases me terribly sometimes, but I take it all and have lots of fun. I know he likes me, or he wouldn't take the trouble of even teasing me. We will have him out here one evening before we leave, and I expect to see him on Sunday if I can go out. Wasn't it too bad that Pollie couldn't have stayed a little longer? We had set Thursday evening for a visit to my sisters. All the girls were invited, and the housekeeper would see that we all got off. It was too bad they couldn't have been earlier in setting an evening for us, but I must not be too hard on them now, for my boy was not well and they had no idea that Pollie would leave so soon. How disappointed they will be as no doubt they will have everything as nice as they can, and they are so sensitive about small things. I know they will feel bad. Ellen, Rose and I will go in and explain matters. Ellen is very fond of them and I am sure, Jim, you will have no trouble when you come here this time in gaining their affection. They are hard to get acquainted with, but once you know their little odd ways, there is nobody can be nicer. They are now 15 or 16 years here, and I don't believe they know half a dozen families. They are real Irish in their thinking, and I believe America will never change them. Whenever Ellen or Rose go in, they claim they can't spend a more pleasant evening anywhere. And since they found that you are soon coming, they speak of you quite often. My sister Mary said, 'Just at Xmas time, I hope we will be in a nicer house and have a better chance of seeing him when he comes this time.' How nice it is to think about your coming and really the time will not be so long after all. If you come when we get back, then you will stay, and I will be happy. There will be a few other anxious people looking for you too. If you only knew half of all the nice things that are said about you, Jim, really I think you would get vain. I am awfully glad you joined that society. It is quite a thing here. Most of the young men here have joined it. I can imagine you laughing going through all those performances. I don't believe I'd ever get through, but I know they exaggerate a good deal, and it's only fun after all. Well, Jim, indeed I often make that old mistake not only to Harry but to the Jap, but poor Jap will not be with us now very long, and he feels so bad about it. The Mellons want competent help. They pay good wages, but you must be just right, or you can go. It doesn't take long for them to tell you so. George was so nice to us, and he thought the world of your uncle, and he always called you, 'Mr. Jim, when is he coming? I want to see him?' Whilst Pollie was here, the weather was pretty fair, but since she left, the rain has not ceased for a minute. The streets are flooded and an attempt at walking is impossible. Seldom have I heard of a girl spoken of so nicely, but Pollie is one of the nicest girls I have met. She has an attractive manner that endeared her to all and so jolly. How we all enjoyed the time she spent with us. I have written this letter under difficulties, started it on Wednesday and this is Thursday evening, so you will excuse mistakes. I am so anxious to get your next letter. It will tell me all about Pollie's trip and what she thought of Smoky City. I know she was tired when she got home. Now, Jim, let Sunday's letter be a long one and give my love to your aunt and Pollie. I must now finish. With my best love to you, Jim, I am as ever Annie XXXXX |
