Great Depression Era -- Un-mailed letter to A. T. Tomerlin, Sr

To the U.S. Dept. Agric. Camp on the Florida Keys

From Homestead, Florida (transcribed 2001)

Dearest Daddy,

Just in case you don’t come today I’m going to write a note. Of course the babies and I are all looking for you and they are planning on going to the show.

I must get them some clothes and I intend to order them from Sears today – the order will be $6.55 or near that but then the M.O. & postage too. That will include a $3 dress and one $1 one & 2 – 59 cent ones plus the supporter.

We canned 112 cans of kraut I paid $1.oo for Tops and borrowed 25 cents from mama for Alfred’s school book he needed. 5 cents of Alfred’s I borrowed then we had 20 cents more. I think he has let someone cut up his ball & glove. Their trycycle (sic) is broken at the top wheel. Might be possible to weld it, I don’t know.

Myrtle is to go to Miami tomorrow. Kirkland is supposed to be gone for good so Mama says. Bernice & Geo [[Campbell]] are still here. Hope Swan doesn’t let them down but afraid he will.

I washed & ironed yesterday & just washed Mama’s. We are all well & looking for you.

Love, Ruth & babies

Alfred said he wanted to send his daddy a letter so here it is. I had to help him with his spelling but he framed his own sentences. Charley [[Fales]] came by last afternoon and wanted to see you. He has had the flue & hasn’t had any work since you started down there. [[USDA eradicating wild cotton.]]

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I owe $2 for Gro I got Sat. You know I paid Herman [[Marks]] $10 – lights $3 and $1 to Mr. Jackson and then $1 for can tops for C jars & I spent $3.oo for gro Sat week. We spent 10 cents Sat for hamburger our last .10 cents.

One of Mama’s boarders sent her $10 Sat the tall one that staid in my old room.

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