April 11, 1924 letter to Nancy Brown from Louese Harris

April 11, 1924

To: Nancy Brown

From: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI

She has trouble doing things and mornings are the only time she is free from lameness and pain. Mildred is hustling to get the spring sewing and house cleaning done before she and Fred take a three-week vacation. Aunt Kate is piecing a quilt for Blanche and is planning a trip to Detroit in August. Louese is amazed that a woman her age wants to do so much traveling alone. Jim is suffering from asthma again and can’t lie down or work.

Shelbyville Apr. 11-1924

Dear Sister:

I am writing this card to let you know I do not owe you a letter, but it’s alright. I know you are busy as well as my self and it is most impossible to do any thing out side of housework and every thing that goes with it. If I could only move swift but it’s no use. To day some of the time I was’nt sure whether I could keep my feet moving or not to morrow may or will be better. Only when I first get up in the morning am I the most free from lameness & pain. Mildred[1] hustles all the time trying to get our spring sewing done. Then the house cleaning before she & Fred[2] have their vacation the very last of May. Have their passes now, going to his sisters at Bourbon Ind. with auto so can have it to use while there. From there go to Washington D.C. – dont know where next but expect to be gone three weeks. The roads are settled now so Fred goes to & from work with car, leaves home at 2.15 P.M. returns at 11.30 eve. A letter from Aunt Kate[3] last week asking me for silk pieces she is piecing quilt for Blanche.[4] I could not get at it to pick up more for her until this week, sent them to day. Now I have to write a letter. Sent card last Mon telling her I’d rec’d hers. She writes as if she thought Fred was not working. I can’t understand it as he has’nt missed a day since he came here. She’s planning on a trip to Detroit in Aug. will visit us and the folks at home of course. Can you imagine a woman of her age[5] wanting to do so much traveling and alone. Jim[6] has been having asthma again. Can’t lie down – can’t work. The Star runs just the same. No Mrs Harding has not sold and is not going to. A partial bargain made but she had’nt told Ruby & ____ they could have it & now she has sent word they can’t. Ruby has a baby boy two weeks old. Dorothy does not go out unless after dark. She looks like seven mos. Evry one thinks six or seven. Mrs H- feels just awful. She looks very bad and is pretty near a nervous wreck. Every body feels sorry for her. LaVerne[7] rec’d your letter and will ans. soon. I will too. Very sorry for you all.

Love to all

Lou

——-

[1] Louese’s daughter, Mildred (Harris) Cripe

[2] Mildred’s husband, Fred Cripe

[3] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, widow of Louese’s and Nancy’s Uncle Hiram Crawford Jr.

[4] Kate’s daughter, Blanche (Crawford) Hessey

[5] Kate was 83 years old

[6] Louese’s and Nancy’s brother, James Keith

[7] Louese’s daughter, LaVerne (Harris) Boyer

April 7, 1924 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

April 7, 1924

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne

From: Nancy Brown

Nancy is writing about the tragic death of a friend, Harold Gibson, who had been killed in a car accident. Harold was coming home from work with his employer’s nephew in the car. The nephew wanted to drive but because he had been drinking, Harold refused. However, to save himself some trouble, he at last gave in. The nephew crossed onto the other side of road and smashed into a big car. Harold was killed and the two men in the other car were not expected to live. Harold was in World War I with the First from Illinois and went through every major battle. He said the best sleep he ever had was after days of fighting when he was so worn out he pushed the dead aside, laid down between them in blood and mud and slept like a baby for a number of hours, with bombs whistling over his head the whole time. Thought they might get a letter from Joe telling something about Lou as she supposed they went to see him yesterday, but nothing came. She thinks Dorothy will be married on the 29th of May but it hasn’t been finalized yet. She thinks they will be married at home with just family and a few friends as guests. It will be less expensive than going to Claude’s and having a larger wedding. Their apartment is almost finished; walls papered and floors varnished last week. It is new and their furniture is all new, so it will look nice. Even though they can’t be near Bess Nancy is glad they will be near her.

Monday April 7″ 1924

Dear brother and sister

If I had known the hens were laying I would tried and had the crate there but in your last letter Hannah you said they had laid three. I thought we would send it this week and it would be there plenty of time. If Robert[1] has time to get it this aftern will send tomor. I dont know why it was put back and under so much truck[2] last fall. Lela[3] has advertised her rooms again. Not one answer. That makes 40.00 in adds (not paid) rec’d no results. No one can understand it. We have not heard from Lou[4] since Lela was there Thursday so he is not able to write. Dorothy[5] had a letter from Wilma.[6] She wrote Ruby Curies husband had bought Mrs Hardings place. Its too bad. I’m sorry for Lou.[7] Harold Gibson[8]. I guess you know who he is. The ones that used to go to Mrs Ogdens[9] with Lizzie.[10] Mr Gibson spent his vacation three or four years ago in Shelbyville boarded at Jims.[11] Harold was going home from work (he is married[12] lives on Winnemac Ave north of us) last Wednesday in his car. His employers nephew[13] was with him. He wanted to drive but he had been drinking a little. Harold refused but at last to save trouble let him. He went zig zag and across on other side of road. Before H– could stop him or get the wheel smashed in to a big car. Two men in that. Killed Harold. The driver was only shook up good. The other two men are in hospital not expected to live. The driver in jail waiting the out come. He is only 19 is married has one child. Harold is 23[14] maried last October. He went to the world war with the first from Illinois went through evy one of the big battles. I think I told you he said the best sleep he ever had was after days of fighting at Chateau-Thierry when he was so worn out he pushed the dead aside laid down between them in blood and mud and slept like a baby for a number of hours the boms whisteling over his head all the time. After all of that to come home and be killed. He was ___ when the war closed but wanted to go right on into Berlin. They all take his death very hard. Lizzie & Will[15] move the 22^nd. I cut the picture out of yesterdays paper. It made me feel homesick. I was back in the Burg[16] ___ ___ I said I could almost imagine it was taken in front of our house, the picket fence and and the men. I dont remember the medallions and the cars.

The Crooks family[17] are about all gone, guess Sarah[18] is the last. Of course there are a good many nieces & nephews. Postman just been here. Thought we might get a letter from Joe[19] telling something about Lou as I suppose they went to see him yesterday but nothing came. I think Dorothy[20] will be married the 29″ of May, not just decided yet and guess will have the families and a few girl and boy friends, be married at home. It will be less expensive than to go to Claudes[21] and have a larger wedding. Their appartment is about finished papered & floors varnished last week. That is new & their furniture is all new so thing will look nice. As long as they cant be near Bess[22] I’m glad they are so near us. Time to get lunch. Cold & windy this forenoon. Im writing to LaVerne.[23] I get so homesick to hear from them. Hope to hear from you soon.

With love,

Nan

Will send letter when we send crate.

[1] Robert Recoschewitz, Nancy’s grandson

[2] Under so much miscellaneous stuff

[3] Lela (Brown) Mueller, Nancy’s daughter. As a result of injuries sustained by her husband, Lou, in a street car accident, Lela tried to take in boarders to supplement their income

[4] Louis Mueller, Lela’s husband, who sustained a brain injury in the streetcar accident and was institutionalized

[5] Nancy’s granddaughter, Dorothy Recoschewitz

[6] Wilma Keith, the daughter of Nancy’s brother, James Keith

[7] Believe Nancy is referring to her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[8] Charles Harold Gibson, Jr a friend of the family

[9] Amanda (Brown) Ogden, Lizzie’s mother (see next footnote)

[10] Nancy’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[11] Nancy’s brother, James Keith

[12] He had been married less than a year to Margaret (Johnson) Gibson

[13] William B French

[14] While both this letter and a search at the homicide.northwestern.edu database listed his age as 23, the 1910 Census listed his age as 13, which would make him 27 when he died

[15] Lizzie’s husband and Nancy’s brother-in-law, Willis Brown

[16] Galesburg, Michigan, the family farm where Nancy grew up and where her brother and sister still lived

[17] This referred to Joseph Crooks, who died April 5, 1924. His sister, Minnie (Crooks) Crawford, had been married to Nancy’s cousin, Eugene Crawford, and she died January 25, 1921. See also the April 6, 1920 letter which had the obituary of Joseph and Minnie’s brother, Smyth Crooks

[18] Sarah (McCloskey) Searles was actually the half-sister of Joseph, Minnie and Smyth Crooks

[19] Joseph Langmayer, Dorothy Recoschewitz’s fiance

[20] Nancy’s granddaughter, Dorothy Recoschewitz, married Joseph Charles Langmayer on May 29^th, 1924

[21] Claude Keith Brown, Nancy’s son. As it turned out Dorothy and Joe were married at Claude’s home in Wilmette, Illinois

[22] Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz, Nancy’s daughter

[23] Nancy’s niece, LaVerne (Harris) Boyer

March 10, 1924 letter to Nancy Brown from Edna Tullar

March 10, 1924

To: Nancy Brown

From: Edna Tullar

Edna Tullar is making arrangements to purchase a box of candy from her cousins. She is certain that her nephew, Robert Carlson, will love the candies more than anything else. She is also updating her cousin on the activities of her family, including the desire to visit California to see her nephew, Donald Carlson, who is begging for Edna and her husband, Jack, to visit. She also mentions her Aunt Kate Crawford, her cousin, Jessie Crawford Eck, and wonders when Jessie’s daughter will marry. Edna is concerned about a growth on her son, Ted’s, neck. It had been growing for six months and seemed to be affecting his hearing. After a thorough examination and x-ray, it was determined to be a stone in the gland and needed to be operated on immediately. Although it is not a serious operation, it is a tedious one that will take about two hours with nothing but local anesthesia. Poor Ted is worried sick over it. Her other son, Frank, is traveling for the week and will be missed. The company is doing very well and Frank brings in most of the business. Edna is bringing Nancy up to date on her sisters, Kit, Lizzie, Lulu and Bird. Lulu and her husband, Ed Witte, have had a struggle this winter. His insurance business has not been doing well and it has created financial problems for them. In the midst of all this trouble, Aunt Kate wrote and wanted to visit Lulu. Lulu never answered the letter; however, Edna filled Aunt Kate in on Lulu’s situation. Aunt Kate could appreciate the position Lulu was in for she had been there herself. Bird & family well.

Monday Morn March 10-1924

Dear Nancy

Your good long letter came this A.M. and I am ans. right back for I am going to city and I will enclose money order for $3.00 and tell you the card box, will be all right. I am sure now if this amount isnt enough, you be sure & tell me, for if I can afford to do this, I can pay the price. I know Rob.^[1] will like the candy more than anything else I can afford to send him & he can share it with Melisse.[2] Mrs. Fraser called me up Friday, said they had just gotten a letter from you, said she had called me before, but could not get me. Well I will admit that I am some what of a gadder[3] & possibly I might have been away from home. She will have news to tell you when they ans. He is to be retired this yr. & their Calif. _____ theirs. So you can see how nice it will be when we all get there. Sure you can go with Jack^[4] & I and we will all find something to do when we get there, keep house for Don,^[5] he is begging us to come in every letter he writes. I tell him to get married & have a home of his own. He say “no wedding bells for him.” Now Nancy you will just have to plan on coming to us this summer for you must visit the Frasers once more. We expect to go to Wis in June & on our way back we will stop over a day & you come on home with us. Now if the girls have Dorothy^[6] this summer they can spare you for a while. Isnt it just fine Dorothy is to be so near you and I am so pleased for her. I guess she is as old as you & I were when we were married[7] – & age don’t mean anything. It’s just how sensible they are, and I am sure she has is that all right. That is a mighty fine start. We didnt have that either did we? I cant tell, Nancy, how Uncle Harry worked father[?] for. I was going to say $50.00 when I first thought, but I am not sure. $50.00 was a lot of money in those days. Is he up to something more now? When will Jessies[8] daughter[9] get married. Aunt Kate^[10] wrote me about her engagement. Also I hope she will do differently than the other one,[11] get a better man I mean. We are a little worried and worked up at our house. Ted^[12] has had a buncle[13] on his neck for over 6 months. Pearle^[14] and all of us have tried to have him attend to it. Well he asked his doctor at factory about it & he could not tell him much, but advised Ford Hospital for thorough examination. It has kept growing & seemed to affect his hearing so last wk. he went – had Xrays & all. They tell him it is what is called a stone in his gland. Said from neck down he was perfect – physically – but this must come out immediately or would cause cancer. So next Sat. he is to be operated on & while it is not a serious operation it is a tedious one about two hours & nothing but local anesthesia done from inside & can work much better when one is concious. Poor Ted, never a thing before this matter with him. He is about sick over it & I do feel sorry for him. When we think of all the operations you have had for your self & family this seems silly but just the same I cant help but wish it were over. Ted will be 39 next Monday. He said he would clebrate in Hospital. I am so thankful they are fixed so it wont mean much to him in a financial way or if Ted has to stop work for a while. Pearle is spendid about it & wants everything done right, no money spared. Frank^[15] has gone to Lansing & those[?] town for a part of the wk. We are lonely with out him. Factory doing spendidly – biggest months income in Feb. they have ever had & Frank brings in most of it but Chester^[16] is doing well by him & Frank seems quite contented and happy he is getting to be such a big fellow. Dear Hannah & Ethan.^[17] How I wish I could go to them when they have such a long lonely winter or they could come to me. I am going to write Hannah & very soon. Did you ever hear how Madge^[18] came out with her suit? It would be so much easier if Bessie^[19] could live near Lela^[20] and it is fine they mean so much to each other. Oh I know how it is. Kit^[21] and I were just that way & it was so hard when Kit was married & went away. She never was Kit again to me and then after Louise came she was so near and dear & we used to visit and talk like sisters and now I am so far from them all. Poor Lizzie^[22] has a nice new house, new furniture, new Buick car and was sick in bed with no one to do a thing for her. They have done splendidly in a financial way but Lizzie says she can not make C.S. make him well any more & is so tired trying. Lulu^[23] & Ed^[24] have had a hard struggle this winter. Ed in insurance business for him self & not doing much. Lu wrote me at Xmas time said they were in debt. She had no shoes, hat or gloves not much else. Could I send $50.00. Well I had a Xmas fund of $50.00 so I sent her $35.00 then wrote to Lizzie & Bird.^[25] Lizzie sent her $25.00, Bird $10.00 & a hat & I sent gloves & stockings. Well after that they got $1,000 from Ed’s mothers estate so they will fly high for a little while but Lu has gone to taking borders. Just in the midst of all this trouble Aunt Kate wrote & wanted to visit Lu. Well Lu never ans. the letter, said she was to near crazy but I told Aunt Kate some thing of situation & told her Lu would write someday. I guess Aunt Kate can realize the position Lu was in for she has been there herself. Bird & family well. Donald, her second son, has been in Seattle but comes home this mo. Carol[26] in Normal school, now home. Nancy, send some more of your cards.^[27] Bird wants one & some more I know I want to send to. Well I must ring off. Do hope Lou^[28] get so he can come home. Poor fellow, such a home & he has to be away.

Lovingly

Edna

Nancy you might send this to Hannah & Ethan it will tell them about Ted & girls. I’ll write you a card as soon as Ted is opered on.

——-

[1] Believe this is her nephew, Robert Carlson, whose birthday was March 17. He had lived with the Tullars at the time of the 1920 Census

[2] Melissa P Keiser, who married Robert on August 4, 1920

[3] To move about restlessly or with little purpose

[4] Edna’s husband, Jackson Tullar

[5] Believe this is her nephew, Donald Carlson

[6] Nancy’s granddaughter, Dorothy Recoschewitz

[7] Dorothy was engaged to Joseph Langmayer; she was 20 years old. Nancy was 20 and Edna was 22 when they were married

[8] Jessie (Crawford) Eck, Edna’s cousin

[9] Believe this is Katherine Eck, although Katherine did not actually marry until 1944

[10] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, widow of Hiram Crawford Jr. who was Edna’s and Nancy’s uncle

[11] Edna is referring to Jessie Marian Eck, who was married to Charles Meiss

[12] Edwin Dale Henry, Edna’s son by her first husband

[13] Edna appears to be referring to a carbuncle

[14] Ted’s wife, Pearl (Shelly) Henry

[15] Franklin Tullar, Edna’s son by her second husband

[16] Chester Wagner Tullar, Edna’s brother-in-law and President of the Tullar Envelope Company

[17] Nancy’s sister and brother, Hannah (Keith) Towne and Ethan Keith

[18] Madge Allen, granddaughter of Edna’s & Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford

[19] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[20] Nancy’s daughter, Lela (Brown) Mueller

[21] Edna’s sister, Katherine (Crawford) Birkland

[22] Edna’s sister, Melissa (Crawford) Smith

[23] Edna’s sister, Lulu (Crawford) Witte

[24] Lulu’s husband, Edward Witte

[25] Edna’s sister, Cynthia (Crawford) Carlson

[26] Carol Carlson, Bird’s daughter

[27] Presume she is referring to business cards for Nancy Keith Candies

[28] Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller. Lou had previously been hit by a streetcar and sustained a brain injury. As a result he would have seizures. Lela was able to care for him at home in the beginning but had been admitted to St. Mary of the Hills in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

January 3, 1924 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

January 3, 1924

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

This letter was Nancy’s first letter of the New Year. She is sending $5.00 and the girls are sending $5.00 of Nancy Keith money. Writes about the candy business; Edna has ordered 15 pounds in the last two and a half weeks.

Thursday Jan 3^rd 1924

Dear brother and sister

My first letter of the new year. If I had one dollar for every letter I have sent home the first of the new year we could buy two horses. I am enclosing five dollars and the girls[1] are sending ” ” [five dollars] of Nancy Keith[2] money (your first installment hope it will get so they can do the same every week. I told Lela may be this was where your four million is coming from.) You can call part of it butter money or “candy” money just as you wish. I think of you all the time. This cold weather dont know how you stand it Ethan, when I think of the wood, no horse. While I know it makes the chores easier it is hard not having a horse. Lela is getting ready to go down town will mail this. We have not sent the candy yet, may tomor.  Not much doing with candy these days. Will make again tomor. The girls needed the rest. Lela spent New Years with Lou[3] or rather Monday. Alice[4] went with her. She only stayed about two hours. Lou felt awful bad not to come home. Lela says he seems all right. I would not be surprised if he did come home, dont know when. How are your teeth Hannah. I think of their aching all the time. Try to think they are not. Alice gave Lela & Lou each 10.00 and the children[5] 2.50 each. Jessie[6] just phoned, had a letter from her mother[7] this A.M. she is sailing arond feels fine. She had better stay where she is for it would be ____ for her here. Marian[8] and family still there. I disipated[?] New Years night. Mrs Laff invited the remnants of our old club to see the old year out & the New Year in. When it started the first year we were here there was five tables now only three. I went with Wills folks. Did not get back to Wills till “three oclock in the morning.” Will brought me home Tuesday none of us went away to dinner. Jean[9] has not been to school this week. I am afraid she has pin worms the way she looks and acts. Jessie says to give her sage tea. A few lines from Edna,[10] has ordered two more pounds of candy. That makes fifteen pounds they have ordered in about two & one half weeks. This goes to California. Lela is ready to go so must stop. Wish I could come and stay a few days. I want to write to Mildred[11] but cant find her address. Seems to me its 1024 N. Edward but I’m not sure.

Good-bye with love

Nan

——-

[1] Her daughters, Lela (Brown) Mueller and Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[2] The girl’s candy business

[3] Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller, who had been admitted to a sanitarium

[4] Lou’s sister, Alice Mueller

[5] Eda “Jean” and Helen Mueller

[6] Jessie (Crawford) Eck, Nancy’s cousin

[7] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s Uncle Hiram Crawford

[8] Marian (Eck) Meiss, Jessie’s daughter

[9] Lela’s daughter, Eda “Jean” Mueller

[10] Edna (Crawford) Henry Tullar, the daughter of Nancy’s Uncle Robert Crawford

[11] Mildred Harris, the daughter of Nancy’s sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

June 21, 1923 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

June 21, 1923

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

Another update on Lou’s condition. He wants to come home but they could not take care of him. The Ravenswood Manor Association has offered to pay Lela $150.00 for collecting dues from the membership. She will have to go door to door, but can do it in her own time, but Nancy doesn’t know where she will find the time to do so.

Tuesday June 21- 23
3-40 P.M.

Dear ones at home

Seems as if we dont know any thing about you. Have wished a good many times we knew if Lou[1] was there. Such hot weather. I think of you Ethan working out in the hot sun drinking hot tea and so tired. I was not intending to write till tomor, but Lela[2] just got a letter from Dr Wern[?] (Lous[3] doctor). It has about used Lela up and of course I am more or less nervous. He said Lou had two convulsions Tuesday and this morning between three and five oclock had _____ but has come out of them but left him in a weakened dazed condition. He wants she should come up there as he wishes to have a talk with her. She will go tomow morning. Bess[4] or Claude[5] will go with her. She feels bad. Every letter she has had from Lou, only a few lines at a time, but he wants she should come and get him but that cant be. We could never take care of him and he could not have the treatments he needs. We feel like a funeral all the time. Dont or cant make any plans but let each day take care of itself. The Ravenswood Manor association of which Lela & Lou are members have offered her the business of collecting the dues. Has to go from house to house here in the Manor. Will let her take her own time, do as much or little as she can when she can. She will get one hundred and fifty dollars for doing it. Of course she has axcepted it. None of us can see when she will find time to go out. I was going to send crate yesterday then it rained so hard Martha[6] could not take it and now she wont have time as Mr and Mrs Eckles[7] are coming here to supper. This Manor Association takes care of the park ways, keeps shrubry, trees and lawns in fine condition. I wish you could all see how pretty it looks. Its like a big park, nice lawns, shubbry & trees and the flowers. We have four large rose bushes. There are hundreds of flowers and birds. So many others have the same beside so many Peonies, all colors, and all kinds of flowers. Our quince tree is full of fruit but no garden. Lou thinks he made and has as fine a garden as ever was he tried to. The morning he went away he called me to come to the back door and told me to see how even the rows of every thing was and so free from weeds. Showed how much more he knew and understood gardening than any one else. Said in about five days we could have all the beans we could eat and our neighbors culd to. Not a thing out there but weeds and a few radishes, but he saw them all right.

Friday 3.45. As you see this did not get finished last night. Mr & Mrs Eckels came but the empty crate went. The girls went on ten A.M. car this morning, dont know when they will be home. Train leaves Milwaukee every hour, takes two hours to make the trip. They wont be home before eleven or twelve. Will let you know Monday how they found and left Lou. Did you get the last money order 15.00 I think you ought to have had it last Saturday. Hannah I wish I could hear your rheumatism was better. I think about you and Ethan evry minite. If I dont write of any thing. June[?] phoned. She is going to have Uncle Henry, Virginia[8] and myself over for lunch before Aunt Kate[9] goes. I think she will ask Clara.[10] I have planed to go home the 30^th but Lela wants I should wait a little longer till we know a little better how Lou is. Hope this finds you all feeling better.

Nan

——-

[1] This could be referring to their sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[2] Nancy’s daughter, Lela (Brown) Mueller

[3] Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller, who had to be admitted to a sanitarium

[4] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[5] Nancy’s son, Claude Brown

[6] Martha Lueder, one of Lela’s boarders

[7] Lela’s next door neighbors

[8] Henry and Virginia (Worley) Crawford, their uncle and aunt

[9] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[10] Henry and Virginia’s daughter, Clara (Crawford) Hopkins Hammatt

June 8, 1923 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

June 8, 1923

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

They are all upset about Lou having to go to the sanitarium but it is a relief as they had to watch and worry all the time. They have been very busy with candy orders.

June 8th 1923
4-10-P.M.

Dear brother and sister

Cant write much. We had orders come in for candy. We are all so upset over Lous[1] going away and work all over the house in such condition. Thought _____ not to try to make candy to day but orders have come in so that Bess[2] and Carrie came about one oclock to make more. They will be here for dinner, also Hedwig. She has a hard cold and is home to day. That makes three extra I was not planing on. Lela[3] has been all in, could not even get the children ready for school but she finnally phoned Dr Roberts. Has been over to see him and looks and feels so much better. They took Lou yesterday, left here about 9-20. He was anxious to go. They had dinner at Waukegan. He ate hearty and enjoyed that. Was pretty tired when they got to their stopping place. He is assigned to St. Mary of the Hills. Lela says very pretty quiet and so clean. After they had been there about ten minutes the Dr told his nurse to take him to his room. They gave him a bath put him to bed then Lela was the only one who saw him. She said he looked so restful and quiet. Tears came to his eyes when she left but he was all right and willing she should go. Lela felt discouraged. Dr said he would not say what he thought for at least a week. Will keep him in bed and watch & examine him in every way. It seems hard to say it but its a relief for we dont have to watch and worry all the time. No one but Bess knows what a winter and spring it has been. We all began getting afraid. He got so he was careless about every thing. Would use the wash basin instead of toilet when he made water. Talked every thing to any body. Dr Statz[?] is sure he can be helped if he can be made to follow instructions.

Will B is bad off goes to Hospital Monday for two operations, piles & hernia. Let us know if you get crate. We sent it by a mail box Wednesday. I put 2 cucumbers[?] in. Will enclose money order for 15.00. I guess up to date.

My diner needs seeing to. A card from Lou.[4] Told me Aunt Kate[5] was going to see Blanche.[6] Train car was on the bum[?]. Hope it will be so they can go down Sunday. I could talk a mile if I was there.

Love to all

Nan

——-

[1] Nancy’s son-in-law, Louis Mueller, who had to be admitted to a sanitarium

[2] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[3] Nancy’s daughter, Lela (Brown) Mueller

[4] Their sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[5] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, their Uncle Hiram Crawford’s wife

[6] Aunt Kate’s daughter, Blanche (Crawford) Hessey

March 27, 1923 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

March 27, 1923

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

Nancy is sending some vegetables and eggs. The girls are busy every minute. Bess goes home late at night which worries Nancy.

Tuesday 5-15-[1]

Dear brother & sister.

Time for me to start dinner. Martha[2] has just gone with the crate. There are a few little things in the egg boxes, not much, but the vegetable boy came this A.M. I got a few beans & head of lettuce, the carton eggs one ____ cocoa nut. Intended sending to kinds but did not have them so they could be packed. The three girls are hustleing every minite. I hate to have Bess[3] go home so late at night. Has to change cars once, some times wait quite a time for car. Wish I knew how you both are. Aunt Kate[4] is better so she went down town last week. Gladys Doyen came to Claudes[5] to day for two or three weeks visit. Hope you both feel better

Love

Nan

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[1] Believe this is referencing the time as the envelope is postmarked March 27, 1923

[2] Martha Lueder, one of her daughter Lela’s boarders

[3] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[4] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, her Uncle Hiram Crawford’s wife

[5] Nancy’s son, Claude Brown

Nancy Keith Candies

Lela (Brown) Mueller and her sister, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz, needed a way to support their families.  Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller, had been hit by a streetcar and sustained a brain injury. As a result he would have seizures and wasn’t able to work. They took in boarders which helped bring in some money, but it wasn’t enough. Bess’ husband, Julius Recoschewitz, was a musician and played in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, but it wasn’t enough to cover their living expenses. The sisters decided to open a Tea Room near the downtown area. They found a place which had equipment – chairs, tables, etc. They didn’t know why the previous owner left it all, but it was exactly what they were looking for. They were given keys to the place and so they went in and cleaned everything so that it would be ready for business when the deal was consummated. On the day of closing they went to the store to look over the place and make sure everything was in order, but were shocked to find that the place had been emptied of all the furniture and equipment. Since they hadn’t signed any papers they were able to get out of the deal.

Bess enjoyed cooking and one of her specialties was candy. Lela and Bess decided to make candy for Christmas. Their brother, Claude Brown, told them to make as much candy as possible and he would buy anything left over to give to his friends. He also told people they could order the candy. All of the candy sold and Lela and Bess didn’t have any left for themselves. And so Nancy Keith Candies was born. Originally the name of the business was Nancy Lee Candies but it was changed to Nancy Keith Candies using their mother’s maiden name.

Most of the time the candy was made in the basement at Lela’s home, although sometimes Bess would make the fondant at her house, jump on the streetcar and bring it to Lela’s home to flavor, mold and dip. Otherwise the cooking of the fondant was done on the first floor and then carried up to the third floor to flavor, mold, dip and pack. Orders started coming in so Claude gave Lela and Bess money to fix up the basement. They cleaned and painted it and put in two doors so the heat of cooking wouldn’t interfere with the dipping. Claude also bought them a candy-cooking stove and a marble slab which was used to pour the fondant on. After the fondant cooled to the proper temperature they would work the batch (spade) to the point where it could be flavored and then molded into balls ready to be dipped in chocolate.

The business took off and while they continued to make the candy at Lela’s home, they opened a store at 1123 Argyle in Chicago. As the business grew they moved it to 1021 Argyle and finally to 5240 Sheridan Road. Various family members worked in the business and it thrived. Bess died in 1950 and her daughter, Dorothy (Brown) Recoschewitz, and Lela (at this time she was 72 years old) continued running the business. In about 1953 Lela and Dorothy decided to close the store.

 

February 23, 1923 letter to Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

February 23, 1923

To: Ethan Keith & Hannah Towne, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

Writes how she has been muddled for over a week and at times things seem to be a blank. Reports on how the candy business is going. Claude is giving the girls money so they can fix up the basement and buy a stove and marble slab to make it easier for them.

Friday P.M.[1]
Feb 23rd 1923

Dear brother and sister

Every thing is at sixes and sevens or I am at least. Cant think how to even spell. I have been terribly muddled for over a week. Cant tell how only every thing seems to be a blank at times. Its so slippery out. I have not dared to go out to get a stamp and send the Argus[2] money. Lela[3] is going down town about three. If she has time will see to it if not I’ll get it as soon as I possibly can. I had a nice letter from Ina to day. Said she was going to write to you and Lou.[4] She had a nice long letter from Walter thanking us for the candy. He addressed it “Nancy Lee Cholate Co.”[5]

I wrote Aunt Jennie[6] a long letter to day it got return was returned. I took the address from the Argus.  Hedwig has been home sick all the week. Guess its the flue all right. Aunt Kate[7] only sits up about half the time. Has bronchial phenomonia asthma. Water[8] writes the medicine his father[9] is taking is helping him they think. I wrote Jim the first of week to see if he got the coat. Have not heard a word. None of them have written one word about the candy from Jims. I wish they would let me know about the coat. I think it ought to be worth a post card. Its a good warm coat. Claude[10] paid one hundred and ten dollars. Of course its worn some but not ragged. I sent it had it insured so it dont cost them one cent. When I sent it I wrote a letter and asked some of them to let me know if they got it. I wont bother Lou to let me know. It dont make any one feel like spending much time or money. Bess[11] has been home three days this week coming again ____ afternoon. To day is Carrie Svensens birthday 42 same age as Bess. Bess has fixed her up a nice box of candy. Claude is going to let the girls have money to fix up about half the basement get them a large stove and marble slab. Then they can make in one batch as much fondant as they have to now in in one batch as it takes them to make five now and much easier for them. They will make fondant in basement, mould and dip and pack in attic. Claude has been awful good to the girls and Lou.[12] The girls appreciate it too.

I could talk if I could see you. I told Lela this morning if the children[13] had two weeks vacation this spring and you were both well enough I take them and go home for the two weeks then make my visit later but she says  they only have one week. She has gone and forgot my letter but I’ll certainly send Argus money next week. How much did Will charge you.

With love

Nan

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[1] Written upside down in front of the word “Friday” was the word “Quarantine”

[2] Believe she is referring to a newspaper

[3] Nancy’s daughter, Lela (Brown) Mueller

[4] Nancy’s sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[5] See the following page for information on the candy business

[6] Virginia (Worley) Crawford, her Uncle Henry Crawford’s wife

[7] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, her Uncle Hiram Crawford’s wife

[8] Believe she is referring to her nephew, Walter Keith

[9] Nancy’s brother, Jim Keith, who had asthma

[10] Nancy’s son, Claude Brown

[11] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[12] Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller. Lou had previously been hit by a streetcar and sustained a brain injury. As a result he would have seizures. Lela was able to care for him at home in the beginning but later had to admit him to Elgin State Hospital where he remained until his death in 1942

[13] Lela’s daughter, Helen and Eda “Jean” Mueller

September 5, 1921 letter to Nancy Brown from Lela Mueller

September 5, 1921[1]

To: Nancy Brown, Kalamazoo, MI

From: Lela Mueller, Chicago, IL

She tried to keep Lou from going to Davenport, but he was so anxious to go and to take Jean that she thought it might be good for him to go. Wrote about Mr. Dee getting married and how he told her how much it meant to him to have lived with them the past year.

Monday 5 P.M.

Dear Ones All:[2]

I feel as though I could draw a long breath for once. Have hustled all day but the washing is done and a good deal of the ironing, the house in pretty good shape and things ready for school to-morrow morning. It has been a strenous week for every one I guess.

I did quite a bit of sewing last week, made Jean[3] a black suit, bloomers and top in on piece, also her net dress, a pair of panties and finished her coat, then forgot to send her coat but she hasn’t needed it. Her net dress looks real pretty. I bought a light blue silk slip for her to wear under it. Got her a pretty little shirred blue lawn hat, and black suede oxfords – or rather got brown (on sale) and had them dyed. It almost broke her heart when they came home black but she got over it. She looked cute and happy as a lark when she went. Lou[4] wasn’t himself[5] and I tried to have him not go, but he seemed to want to and was so anxious to have Jean go, otherwise I should have kept her home but when I saw how he felt I thought it might be better for him to have her to take up his mind. He wired as soon as they got there, said every thing was fine and mother[6] met them.

Joe, Bob and Anna[7] expected to drive there Sun. and return Monday. Was sorry about that, but they didn’t want mother to know they were coming.

Dorothy[8] came up Fri night and is still here. She and Helen[9] have gone to the train to meet Lou and Jean. Joe[10] is coming up after supper and they are going to a show and then home. He was up last night.

I took Jean to the 11 A.M. train then went over and had lunch with Aunt Lizzie.[11] After that I shopped, got home at 5, just as Mr Dee[12] was getting into the taxi. He seemed to feel very badly about leaving, he filled up 2 or 3 times Friday eve. and said he couldnt show his feelings but they were deep. Also said “and I love those children.” He told me Friday A.M. that so many thot he was a confirmed bachelor and he said I thot so too; “but after living in the environment I have the past year I feel different.” He says “You dont know what it meant to me when those children would run to the corner to meet me, and the few evenings I staid home to hear their chatter, play the victrola and then tap on my door with a dish of pop corn. I made up my mind then that I wasn’t getting what I should out of life. His brother came for some of his things Fri eve, and he said you never will know how much my brother appreciated the home he had here and the nice things he always had to say about all of you. Mr Dee said all the men at the office knew Helen and Jean.

I have told a whole lot that wont interest any one but you, but I know you will be interested. He wanted me to remember him to you and he said he had become so attached to you, thought you were one of the finest “old” ladies he had ever known. Helen said my Grandma is not an old lady – she she said it right from the shoulder. We dont know where they were married, I mean the address, but were married at her home, and went from there to the Edgewater Beach Hotel. They are going to board this winter over on N. Washtenaw, near Lawrence. Said he was so glad they could stay here in Ravenswood Manor. He is near where he lived before he came here. I said you’ll feel you’re back home. He said this is all home to me. He went all over the time he came here to see the room, the first time he met Lou, said he never felt the least bit strange, said we had always done so many nice things for him.

Burn this up – It sounds foolish to any one who doesnt know him.

I looked every where for a hat for you but didnt find any thing. Can you fix yours as Bess[13] said. If not we are planning to go down town Thurs. A.M. and will try and get one then. I sent you a waist. If you dont like it return it to me. I thought it would be prettier with your sweater than a flat front, and the material is fine and pretty. If you want I’ll send a lace to put around the collar, cuffs and frill. [Written in the margin: blue waist sold wholsale for 5⁰⁰]

Dorothy, Martha[14] Helen and I went out to the farm Sat. with Uncle Will[15] and Aunt Lizzie, came back Sunday night. Brought in a big basket of beans. Uncle Wills folks have lots of cucumbers and tomatoes gave us some of those. We didn’t rest very good. Would have done us more good to have staid home and loafed and we could as we had no meals to get except as we pleased.

When I wrote last week I was so broken up over Lou’s being sick and so much to do. I dont think I even mentioned receiving the pillow cases napkins and the candy and nuts. Every thing was lovely and the children enjoyed their candy. They kept it up on the pantry shelf, and broke off a little at a time. We took all the nuts, I mean all that werent eaten and put them into some fudge – it was certainly good. Dodo[16] made it Sat so we took it out to the farm. Uncle Will enjoyed it too.

Bess has her money and mine for the eggs – 2 crates – 9⁰⁰ and will send it Tuesday – to-morrow is that right.

Sadie Crawford[17] is married again.

I wont write about the Davenport[18] trip till the next time – will not seal this till they phone they are here and if Mother came with them.

Mrs Leuders has been here most of the day. When she came said Helen and Louise were coming in the afternoon, but when she saw how busy we were she phoned them not to come.

One day Jean was talking about Michigan and said I wis I could go to Auntie Ethans[19] house and see the child cow.

I’m enclosing Aunt Kates[20] letter. When your beef is gone let us know and we’ll get more if we can. We’ll pay for this.

Lou just phoned. Mother didn’t come. Said he felt all right. We must get supper – rarebit.

Lots of love to all.

Lela

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[1] The postmark on the envelope is September 6, 1921

[2] Nancy lived with Lela and Lou, but was visiting her brother and sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne and Ethan Keith, in Galesburg, Michigan

[3] Her daughter, Eda Jean Mueller

[4] Her husband, Louis Mueller

[5] Lou had previously suffered a nervous breakdown

[6] Lou’s mother, Augusta (Ficke) Mueller

[7] Lou’s sister, Johanna (Mueller) Holmquist Langhorn and her daughter, Anna Holmquist; Bob was Johanna’s second husband, Robert Langhorn 

[8] Her niece, Dorothy Recoschewitz

[9] Her daughter, Helen Mueller

[10] Joseph Langmayer, Dorothy’s future husband

[11] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[12] Mr. Dee was one of Lela and Lou’s boarders

[13] Her sister, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[14] Martha Lueder who was staying with Lela and Lou. Don’t know much about her other than that for some reason her mother wasn’t able to care for her at that point. It is unknown how old she was

[15] Her uncle, Willis Brown

[16] Dorothy’s nickname

[17] Sarah (Ruddy) Crawford Anderson. Sarah was the widow of Byron Crawford who was the son of Lucius Prosper “Pros” Crawford, Nancy’s uncle. Sarah (Sadie) married Orvis Anderson on July 19, 1921

[18] Davenport, Iowa, where Lou’s mother lived

[19] Nancy’s sister and brother, Hannah (Keith) Towne, who was referred to as Auntie, and Ethan Keith

[20] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s uncle, Hiram Crawford Jr.