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4448 Berkeley Ave. Chicago, 8-9-93
My own dear Mother, Once more I sit down to write to you. I find it almost as pleasant to write, as to enjoy what I try to put on paper, for then I am sharing with you. How nice it would be this lovely morn, the house so still that the tick of the clock is almost painfully loud, if we could talk instead of write; however I'll try to imagine you lying on the lounge near me and will answer all your questions the best I can. My last closed with my going to George's to open the house for fresh air. H. had been obliged
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to tell him of my coming, but he did not know I was there, so when he came in and saw the windows open, he exclaimed "My gracious!" and rushed to the back of the house to find the burglars, came back saying "every thing is all right, this must be Sister's doings, wonder if she isn't here somewhere," then I appeared from behind the parlor door, and got a big hug and kiss. He is looking first-rate, reported all well at the Lake. Presently we went to dinner, and it did seem so good to sit down with a brother on each side, though the thought of lonely Mother caused a pang. After dinner returned to G's, staid till bed-time. G. and H. arranged that G. should go to the Fair with me
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next day, Tu. So next morn. we started as soon as breakfast was over, about 8 o'clk. Got off at 60th St. and went into Midway, where all sorts of curiosities are for sale in the booths on each side, while the street was thronged with a motley crowd. Almost every step added a new feature. When we first entered it was yet early and some exhibits not open. To improve the time G. proposed that we should see the Bernese Alps. You will find description on page 238 of guide. On entering we ascended a spiral stairway till we came to a platform supposed to be Maennlichen a mt. 7000 ft. high and all around were the everlasting hills, many wearing a snowy crown. It was very
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wonderful, that the canvas should be only 43 ft. off, yet one seemed to be looking miles and miles away. I almost feel as if I had actually
Climbed and gazed alone, From a airy Alpine throne.
The echo of the lecturer's voice seemed to come from the rocks themselves. Here and there a cataract or quiet lake added to the scenic effect. Passing out we sat down to rest and absorb. Over head rumbled almost constantly a train of cars for we were in the viaduct between Cairo St. and German Village. After resting went through a Turkish bazaar where rich embroideries are a specialty.
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some silver work was beautiful and curious, one tiny wine set especially. Cairo St. was our next point, (see page 235) as the guide says it must be seen to be appreciated. The camels were just having their trappings put on, if I had not seen the under carpets &c (for about 6 pads were put on before the gaudy outside cover), I might have yielded to George's desire that I should ride, but they were so awfully ragged and dirty that I could not bear the idea of contact. An Egyptian temple next took us in. Musicians with a horrible horn and drum attracted attention at entrance. The walls were covered with paintings