From Alice Waters Cairns to her daughter Janet Cairns Dickey (December 21, 1901)

[Envelope addressed: Miss Janet Cairns, Kenzieville, Barney’s River, Pictou, N.S.

Postmarked: Digby N.S. De 21 01. Two cent Queen Victoria stamp. Receiving postmark: Barney’s River, N.S. De 23 01. Written while Alice was away visiting relatives.]

Digby. Friday evening.

Dear homebodies,

          Mrs. Sutherland (Groveland) was on the freight to N.G., and Mrs. T. Henderson got on at Merigomish. I got my dress fitted & pd. $1.75 for the making, it is nice but that was dear. I got the two prs. boots at Higgins, they said the pr. I got for Amy could be taken back if they did not fit, and if they did I told them Mr. Cairns wld. pay for when he came to New Glasgow. I forgot the pr. I got at McNeils, left them on the shelf in my clothes press, Papa can take them back there and get what he likes, I never bought any overshoes for myself, or I need a new pair of rubbers, perhaps he can take the price up somehow. The book was Bob’s, and the nuts for Amy & Bob. Do be good to Bob, and let him have sugar for his porridge, do not scold or be cross to him. I waited in the station all the afternoon knitting bought my ticket to N.J. Miss Miller of Merigomish and her cousin Ora Millar’s sister came to the waiting room and talked for awhile.

Mr. & Mrs. Archibald met me in a sleigh so I did not have to walk. Carrie was over at Mr. Reids, decorating for the wedding. I left there early this morning at 10 to 6, and Mr. Reid brought Miss Kirk of Riversdale(?) And introduced her so I had a seat mate. The train was full of Normal, College & school rowdies of one kind & another. Mamma met me here at the Station we came to her room, Mrs. Fowlie had a delicious plate of clam soup and doughnuts, of which I partook with relish, then we talked for awhile, and went down town to inquire about Hillgrove, All very favourable reports yet, but we will go out to-morrow morning and see what we can see and hear what we can hear. We met Dorothy Oliver, who bit Tom’s nose, hauling her brother Robert on a sled. Then we went to Miss Smallie’s for tea we were invited, had, head cheese, baked apples, bread, preserved pears, biscuits, fruit cake, and cookies. I think now I will start for Boston on Xmas day. Did I leave the note book, perhaps you could send me the addresses to Boston. My ticket to N.J. was $4.10 to Digby 6.60.

This is all to-night.

Your affectionate Mother

Alice Cairns