Grandview, Mo.
July 29, 1911
Dear Bessie:
I misinformed you somewhat in regard to old Monegan. There is no tent city but mamma says a cottage can always be had. They rent them furnished. At least what they call finished. You go from Osceola to Monegan in a motor boat when the river is high enough, and in a wagon when it isn't.
Noel is just 201 miles from Kansas City and has a population of 500. It is just four miles from Sulphur Springs, Ark. and is in a very pretty county. I know Sulphur Springs is a good place to eat because I have eaten there. And a South Mo town of 500 always has at least three good hotels. So you can't make mistake by going to either place. If you let me know what train you go down on to either place I'll be at Grandview and tell you hello as you go by.
I have been working like Sam Hill on our Masonic Hall ever since I came home. We had our first degree work last night and I conferred the first one that was put on. You see some time in the far distant future I'll be bragging about having performed that ceremony. There were about a dozen high moguls out from Kansas City and some from Belton. We had a good Ladies Aid Society (?) time.
You most certainly may keep Ashes and Molly as long as you like. You see how promptly I am returning yours. I always leave home either between two suns or in a great rush and can never think to bring them. I'll try to next time. I have found that Mamma had two big maps of my face stored away and I lifted one of them. I am confident it will keep the cats away. It looks as solemn and sanctimonious as your former pastor. When I come in I'll also tote it.
I sincerely hope you'll have a magnificent (is that how you spell it?) time when you go camping. Really, though, if I were you I'd stop handy to a hotel. Send me a postcard while you are gone if you can't write.
Sincerely, Harry
One train gets to Noel at 9:30 p.m. and the other 7:30 a.m. They leave 2nd Wyandotte at 11:45 p.m. and 11:55 p.m.