Family Correspondence Archive

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The Ruth Harris Collection — letters, memories, and everyday life from Nova Scotia across generations.

July 9, 1920

Ruth Harris Writes Edward

Written from The Rectory in Mahone, Nova Scotia, this lively summer letter captures Ruth in the middle of a busy day: a Masonic picnic, boats gathering at the wharf, errands before the store closes, family news, and affectionate reminders sent to Edward in the heat of July.

Scanned handwritten letter from Ruth Harris dated July 9, 1920
Original handwritten letter dated July 9, 1920.

Ruth Harris Writes Edward

The following text is presented as a readable transcription of the original family letter.

The Rectory . Mahone N.S. July 9th 1920 Dearest Edward I have been wanting to write to you ever since I sent that awful crumpled up scrawl, but really have not had a chance. Even now am only going to write a few lines as I have to go over to Hysons before the store closes and shall post this then. Well this has been a most exciting day, how I wish you could have been here. Dad has been so excited over this Masonic affair for several days and very busy. He painted the two round globes in the hall, one as the world and the other the firmiment. They look lovely, also he made a gilded latin text or Motto “First Lux” over the “sunrise end” of the hall. We shined the car all up in the morning and Dad drove some of the Masons to L’burg and back. Not nearly so many arrived on the morning train as were expected, and Dr. Cochrane suggested asking the “lady frens” of the Masons to go on the picnic to Mr Ernsts Shack. The day looked threating at first but it got beautifully fine, and ever so many masons came There was a big crowd at the Wharf and Obed Hamms boat as well as S. Ernst. W. Ernst E.A. Ernsts Mrs Pettingils and Obed made two trips in his. There were three other boats I forgot to mention, so you can imagine what a big crowd. We had a lovely time. I’ll have to stop and post this now and finish telling you about the Masons in my next which will be written tomorrow as it is only half a letter. Was out last eve. and had to work the vacum later. Heaps of love and hoping you are getting on O.K. and not working hard in this heat. I am sorry I forgot to send your collars but will on Mon. for sure. Is’nt it sad about Cliff. Am sending a magazine all I could find. Love Ruth Young Ruth HarrisYoung Ruth Harris