Mahone Bay, N.S.,
June 23, 1910
Dear Mother:
Your most welcome and unusually interesting letter was received last Friday – a day after I wrote you last week – also Bikle’s fine long letter and the letters from Mr. Childs, all of which were most highly enjoyed. Carolus received the two dollars in closed, in good time for his birthday and returns thanks to whom thanks are due. The young lad has now $6.28 in his bank which is at least six dollars more than his daddy has. We were expecting to hear that Jennie Lee’s marriage would take place sometime this summer, but did not dream that it was so near at hand. If we had had a little more notice we might have been able to send something nicer and better than we did. As it was we had to hustle and did not have time to consider and make deliberate selection. We both wish Jennie Lee and Walter all the happiness possible in this life and would be pleased to have them come up and pay us a visit before they are tied down as we are for good and all. You must write and tell us all about the wedding. We were more than surprised to hear that Hermine was going to follow suit so soon. We inferred from what you wrote sometime ago that she had
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a beau on the string, but had no idea that she intended to close in with the bargain on so short notice. But as it is better late than never, so perhaps it is also better early than late; and any way “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. Mr. Childs certainly writes a nice, gentlemanly sort of letter. I didn’t have to do it in writing, but I don’t think I could have put up a better one on the subject myself. I was glad to hear that he was not a Baptist, a Methodist being a shade better. But if Hermine can convince him of the truth and make a Lutheran out of him it will be best of all. When they are married, there will be two [?] right at the start, so I guess there will be no doubt about their being children. Inclosed I return the letters. Bonnie and I extend to Hermine our hearty congratulations over her engagement. Tell her to write to us and give us an account of her future man. I suppose her wedding will be a swell affair. Bonnie says it is with her and Jennie Lee, as it was with herself and Meda, one in the Church and one at home.
Bikle writes as though the marriage fever is sort of epidemic down that way. He seems to feel like a fish out of his element. Every girl he goes to see is either married or on the verge of it, leaving him, as it were, all out in the cold. But tell him I said he needn’t be in such a stew or rush. Girls are plenty and they grow up as fast as weeds in a garden. And if
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he will come up this way when he gets through I will guarantee that he will get one and a good one without any trouble. Carolus is well of his sore eye and is as healthy and happy as he can be. He has just cut another double tooth. This make his 13th. He runs around everywhere and can walk out of doors as well as in. He has walked off some of his superfluous flesh, but is as solid as any child you ever saw. At one year old he tipped the beam at 22 1/2 lbs. He kisses us when we tell him to and does many cute tricks. He doesn’t talk much though yet, but he understands almost everything and will shake his head “yes” of “no”. he likes horses. I had him down street the other day walking and holding him by the hand. He looked back and saw a horse coming and let go of my hand and started back for it. We have him out every day now. For the past few days it has been quite nice and warm. My garden things are coming up nicely. We expect to have lettuce and radishes tomorrow evening out of our garden. Mrs. Bermon and baby from New Germany are coming down tomorrow on a visit and will stay over Sunday. Bonnie has been as busy as a bee all day getting ready for the event. It would take me nearly all night to tell you everything she got through with today.
I would like to write more, but it is getting late and I must get ready for bed. With love to you all, I am
Most affectionately your son
[signed] Carroll H. Little
