Dear Helen: -
    It has been some time since I heard from you   I intended to write before but on account of

the flood

The Johnstown Flood occurred on May 31, 1889.

the trains has not been running but now they bring the mail by stage   I suppose you have seen the Mansfield paper and heard all about the flood   The water was in most of the houses here on the flat but we happened to be just high enough so the water did'nt come in here   You could see the boys all the forenoon down around here riding on rafts   It is a bad looking place here now but they say Lambs Creek looks terrible   I havent seen

your mother

Mary Elizabeth (GANOUNG) WOOD.

since the flood but I heard the water was in her house   She was up here at the time   I guess she went down to next day.  We are not working this week nor did'nt last.  The last time i saw your mother she told me to tell you your brothers child was dead (

Georges

George J. WOOD.

the one that lives in York State)   Anna MYRES has gone to Greenwood to work   She left the shop some time ago.  I havn't seen

Ell

Working theory: Ella LANIGAN.

in over a week   I suppose she is down home cleaning up   i guess they got their carpets all up the night before the water come in.  I would like to see

Tessie

Tessie Viola (STAGE) DARCY.

   i suppose she is getting to be quite a girl by this time.  Do you think you like it better out there than you did here?  Your mother gave us one of the babys pictures.  It is raining again today   Has rained most everyday for a week   Will be glad if it ever gets pleasant weather again.  Helen you must excuse me for writing with a pencil but I am in a hurry and thought I could write quicker.  This is so mixed up I dont suppose you can make it out.  This is no news here much   All you can hear about is the flood.  Ans. soon and I will try not to wait so long again.  Love to you all.

Your mother is here now   Has just come tonight   I guess she will stay all night   I guess Loutie is going to write to you too.

---

Dear Hellen: -
I have been thinking for some time that I would write to you but kept neglecting it as I generaly do.  If I havent writen to you it is not because that I have for-goten you for I think of you nearly every day and often wonder if you are home-sick.  I hope you are not.     Later -

Your mother is here   Guess she will stay all night.

    Louie and I are going to work in the morning   Am glad of it for I am feeling pretty poor.

    Would like to step in your house and see what you are doing.

    Ive been washing today and am awful tired.

    Guess I will not write a very long letter for Louie has writen all of the news.

    Kiss Tessie lots of times for me.  Ma sends her love to you all and all of us would like to see you very much.  Good by with lots of love