Wagner Week: News From Home, 1904

It’s a Wagner Week! In case you were wondering what the rich people in Water Valley were doing during this month 122 years ago, then here is a letter from Jesse Wagner to her little brother George. I’m glad to see that sending teacakes has stood the test of time. I have some in my kitchen right now, sent to me by my own mother. “Wanamaker’s” and “scalybark” are cool things to Google. I was surprised to learn that Jess is keeping her little nephew Dudley away from her brother John and his wife Evelyn – Dudley’s own dad and stepmom – because Jess thinks they’re mean to him. Interesting new family dynamic.

January 27, 1904
My dear old George,

I’m sure I don’t see why you don’t get a letter from me every week because I certainly write and mail one. This week, however, you will get something much nicer than a letter. I finished your box last night and left it on the 4 o’clock train this morning.

If it wasn’t quite so nice as it might be please remember that I was sick in bed most of last week and I’m not very well yet. I tried to make it good, though, and hope you will like it. I think it will serve eight very well — at least I fixed eight mince pies, the turkey was not as large as I expected but I’m sure it will be tender. We put in three sweet potatoes because I thought you might like some of our Southern kind. You and Beck — be sure to tell him that I sent part of the things to him and that I do hope he will be there at the feast this time.

We packed in a small box of scaly-barks, too, so they could remind you of home. The teacakes I forgot to pack but I’m sending them by mail today. Please don’t despair of your cushion I really am going to make it for you very soon.

Have your gowns come? I ordered three – sent you from Wanamaker’s. It is much too cold for your summer ones now and I trust these will be much more comfortable.

Mrs. Pate-Leland made your coconut cake and Mary picked out lots of the nuts because I was ill. Neva helped pack the box so she came in right in the thick of the fight.

The baby continues to grow fast and seems very well. John and Evelyn have been criticizing Dudley again so that I have not been down of late. They are both trying to make up again now, but I will never let Dudley go or go myself to any place where he is not considered kindly.

We have been having some of your cold weather yesterday and today. Down to 15 which is bad for us, you know. Will has gone after another lot of mules but the weather is so unfavorable that I don’t know when he will return from the trip.

Goodbye. Write soon. Hope that the box and gowns will be all right. Be sure to let me know how you like them. We also send lots of love and wish you could be here with us.

Lovingly, Jess