Date: February 23, 1886
Context: In this letter, Abbie writes to Calvin while he is away studying at Black River Academy in Ludlow. She laments that their father won’t tell her more about Calvin’s studies; he only mentions algebra, a course that Calvin struggled in. She also updates Calvin on the winter farm work, particularly the arduous task of gathering firewood in the snow.
Dear Brother,
I thought by this time you would be getting homesick, and want to hear from home. How do you like going to school to the academy? I can’t get papa to tell me any studies you take only algebra. Matt and I got in enough wood to last till Friday, I think. Today we borrowed grandpa Moore’s hand sled, to draw it up to the door, for we got the wood out doors and it was quite snowy and when I got sick of bringing in wood my feet would be cold. Yesterday Matt bought some more of that pinned cloth. I have got two more of those sores comming on my chin and one of them has got most well. Grandma Coolidge went up to West Bridgewater with Warren to-day and yesterday she came over here and had Matt do some sewing on the machine. Papa has gone down to the Union to-night – Grandma Moore says to tell you to be a good boy I miss you very much.
Write soon from your sister
Citation: Coolidge Family Papers, Vermont Historical Society
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The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Agustin Reiter, who prepared this document for digital publication