Whithern
Hamilton Aug 30 1903

My dear Calvin,

Tom said something about your taking your holidays this week and spoke as if you were undecided to come here first or last.

Ruby leaves here on Monday or Tuesday of next week but says not to mind her as she sees you sometimes. Mamma is at present at Mrs. MacKays. They thought the poor old lady was at her last and telegraphed for Mamma. Mamma may be home by now or she may not.

If you are leaving Monday night you might telephone her Tuesday morning as she may have to stay at Mrs. MacKay's longer. The whole thing is so upsetting that I don't know how to advise. Mrs. Bell and Herbie are home from Muskoka but Flo is still there. Ruby thinks Mrs. [Penson??] said something about closing in September. Mrs. Fletcher and Annie come home next Tuesday.

The Gartshores are still at Lake Simcoe but we don't think the air is invigorating enough. Besides one has to send word whenever they intend to stay as you have to be next at the Point and be driven to your destination.

I am quite sure you could get board at Mrs. Van Norman's, Orchard Beach at @ $5.00 per week. It is just about 1/4 of a mile from the Gartshores, but 2 miles from Warden and Kilgours. Mrs. Westlake was still there when I left I think he said something about leaving the beginning of September you might find out from Capp Clark or his brother who is in [sail??] advertising department. Van Normans as night door to Fernwood and has two boats. The Gartshores are about the only people who have a canoe. However you will have to decide for yourself. As to the boat ticket I will be using it to-morrow, but Mamma's sworn paper that the regular fare until the close of the season would be only fifty-cents return.Tom looks exceedingly well It was so dissapointing to him to come to a motherless home.

Your friend Johns dropped in last Tuesday. It is a great pity he is engaged. Couldn't you treat it off in some way? I do hope you will be able to understand what I have written , as to your movements, but am afraid it is somewhat mixed at least it seems so to me .Hoping to see you soon.

Your loving sister,
Mary B. McQuesten