Background: Ella is writing to Edith who is in Cedar Falls Teachers College. In the letter, Ella refers to Frank (Frances) and Monroe Ebi, Ella's sister, Julia Sanders. Muscatine July 7th, 1908 Dear Edith, I returned from Davenport this afternoon by train, I intended coming on the boat last evening but a hard storm came up about time to start from Franks so decided to stay over another day, the Columbia would have gone down the river today but took out an excursion instead. I had a pleasant visit and was surprised to find how much improved Frank is. They have no help, Monroe and she do the work, going upstairs and doing up her hair are her greatest trials, I believe I wrote you before that Helen and family are in Denver now and that Bert and family are going to start for the same place next Saturday and Frank is going with them. If the climate agrees with her she is going to stay until Helen comes back in the fall, if not, she will come with Bert in a few weeks. Julia met me at the depot this afternoon and we had quite a little talk before train time, I tried to get her to come home with me but could not induce her. She said Al is in Moline now at work but she has not seen him yet and would not go away anywhere for fear he might come. I found two pretty post cards from you awaiting me on my return. You are very kind to remember me so well in that way, I will save them all and they will make quite an addition to your collection. I saw Mr. Jameson coming from the train, he said Mrs. J. received a card having on "Dear Mrs. Jameson" nothing more, they made out the post mark Cedar Falls, from that got an idea who it came from, do you know anything about it? One thing I write for especially tonight is in regard to a house. I have a chance to get the one George Jackson built for Bruce, he has moved down nearer his business on second street. The rent is $16 2/3. I like the location very well, it is next to Mrs. Lanes, but would you? If you teach in the Cedar street school it would make more of a walk for you. Please drop me a card right away. I promised to let him know Thursday if possible as another party is after it and our rent -day is tomorrow. Geo. K. will probably call Thursday or Friday. Lovingly, Mama Written sideways on top margin of first page: You say nothing about your health how are you and how are you sleeping. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES