Whitehern
Hamilton March 21st 1903

My dear Calvin

Thank you ever so much for your gift nothing could have been more acceptable. I do hope it isn't pinching you. Spaced very well Mamma gave me an umbrella , Hilda a pair of gloves, Ruby a bell and tie, Mrs. Whittemore a fancy wool apron. We had buns (for the old maid) and sponge cake for tea and Charlotte Rune for dinner also cream puffs. The poor old doctor is getting on very well but is not settled as so an anestant am afraid he will find it rather hard to obtain anyone on such indefinate terms. I do hope Anderson will not accept it, will be terrible uphill work and he will probable break his heart over tEnt'd he indifference of the congregation. They showed what they were like in voting for Wilson. Mrs. Leitch did not vote for Anderson as he said he was to spiritually minded to cope with the doctor and it is a fact the doctor would want no one who would put him in the shade The best way out of the difficulty would be for him to resign altogether but he won't. They have been having trouble at St. Johns Church too but I believe that is yet patched up. Mrs. Youngs great fault is his poor sermans. They did not ask hin to resign but only to give a little more time to his sermons.

Henry of Knox Church has most peculiar views. The quite upset Mietr who went to hear him one night by saying that job was an allegory. She came home furious and wanted to know how one coukld believe part and not all of the bible. It seems a pity he is a higher critic for the young men flock to hear him and he could do so much good if he would only stick to the bible. The Bells had quite an exciting time yesterday. The woman was clenaing out the attic and took a lot of rubbish outside to burn. She set it on fire and went into the hosue again, even though it was terribly windy. About 12:30 Charlie came home and saw smoke. He supposed it was just the man burning up leaves but thought he had better go and see if it was all right. He found the whole orchard in flames and ran to the cannign factory and sent in an alarm for the Hughson street hose wagon. The telephone girl got rattled and sent in a general alrm so down came the foor and ladder, chemical engines when the chief sized up the situation he sent all home except one hose wagon. The lock fence was lined with the "small boy" to the number of twenty as the fence was beginning to go she tries [directing??] a stream of water to it. Result- boy disappears as if by magic. Flo and Charlie nearly cried over what Charlie called the vanishing act. In the midst of it "whisks" arrived as white as a sheet. He has been almost angelic to Mrs. Bell of late.

Tom writes me that he is having an interesting time over the gamey trouble. Gibson and ross simply delight in getting Whitney on rope. He loses his temper so quickly. One time Gibson was tormenting him when he suddenly rose in his seat shook his fist at Gibson and said "How dare you." Mrs. Ross Rose and said "Is the honorable gentleman a prize figthter?" and the crowd gave Whitney the merry "ha ha" I do wish you could have seen the palace [rink??] hop the twig. I can tell you it ws a magnificient sight no smoke simply red flames. Reggie Whittemore is getting along nciely, he can eat sponge cakes and jelly so is quite happy. Tom is widelined to think the doctor made the case out worse than it really was. He ahs been moved to McMillan Street with his landlady and likes it very much. The two old dances on Wood Street had a free fight some time ago, Tom having to separate them but I suppose he has told you. Mamma and I went to hear Miss Ben O'lid when she was here and liked her very much. She explained so many passages of scripture. Well my dear boy as my epistle is so lengthy will close up short hoping you are keeping well and with fondest love and kissess,

Lovingly yours,
Mary B McQuesten