Grandview, Mo.
August 27, 1911
Dear Bessie:
Your letter came day before yesterday and I have been searching for something to write on every since. I found Mary's stationery box this morning and am robbing it. We haven't even a tablet in the house.
Thank you very much for the tennis court directions. I shall try and follow them as nearly as I can. For the rest of this year I'll just make a grass court. We have a heavy field roller and I can make it as hard as the road and mow the grass real short and it will answer. I bought the outfit the other day. Went to Smeltzer's and tried to buy and they asked me $25.00. Got on a car and went out to Montgomery Ward's and got the same outfit for $13.20. How is that for five cents? I am going to have it ready by Labor Day.
Mamma said tell you she is going to have a chicken dinner that day and shall expect you all to attend. Be sure and remember that. We'll look for you in time for dinner on Labor Day. Not town dinner but midday meal, see? So be sure and come.
Yes, of course Ethel had to take me to church. She always does her sisterly duty by me, but I don't care. I had to go home that day and tried to get the Southern at Sheffield but missed. So I went to Dodson and phoned and Papa came for me. Houchens didn't leave until 12:00 P.M. that night.
I looked for Aunt Ella to tell him to set the milk bottle or throw the morning paper up the steps, but she didn't. I guess I'm not telling tales for he had a foghorn cough and all the neighbors could tell when he left.
Now be sure and come out on Labor Day. I saw Bill downtown Friday but didn't get a chance to talk to him. If you think it is necessary, I'll send them a special invitation with a map of the road.
Let me know if you decide not to come. You owe me four pages.
Sincerely, Harry