Grandview July 1914
Dear Bess:
I was in your town again yesterday for a few minutes. Papa was interviewing the County Court over a bridge. I saw Pete Harris and gave him an explanation of why I didn't take him to Oak Grove. I told him that papa had discussed urgent business in the city and therefore to the city we went. He didn't seem to mind, said he got to the picnic anyway.
We brought Uncle Harry home with us, for another short visit I suppose. I have to take the car to the factory but am almost afraid to start because I know he'll want to go to town. No, there's nothing really wrong with the car, Mary just ran into the gate and bent the front axle. I was fool enough to let her drive it to Grandview by herself, therefore and consequently I am solely to blame. The thing will run all right only I can't make it turn to the left to do any good. That would be a rather embarrassing situation if a large truck were coming around a corner from the right. The gate looks rather sickly. I am very thankful that she hit the gate instead of a stone post. She took it a sideswiping lick and yanked it off the hinges. I suppose she must have been going too fast and didn't straighten up the wheel soon enough after making the turn. Of course she says she was only barely moving. It is a very sore subject with her. She had gone to Grandview after Vivian and Luella. They are going to stay with us a few days. I sure did take a drive Sunday evening - only ninety-seven miles after five o'clock. When we got home I thought I'd never want to drive anywhere again. Jim Wright said he never expected to get so much riding in an auto in his whole life, let alone one day. I have arrived at the place where I can't appreciate his point of view, because it seems like no drive at all if I don't make at least one hundred miles before the day's over whenever I start out. Roads in Jackson County are becoming as familiar to me as the two blocks from Union to Delaware formerly were, and that's a fair acquaintance. I am getting so I don't object to driving like I did to begin with. Getting sort of used to it I suppose. 5,000 miles in three months is moving around somewhat. That's a 1,000 miles more than Frank Blair went in three years.
Vivian says I ought to sell the machine and buy cows with the money. I suppose I ought but I'm not going to, not just yet anyway. It sure would be a calamity to have to do without it. If it doesn't rain very soon though, I guess maybe, I will have to sell it to get money to buy gasoline! I fear very much that the road overseers picnic is going to be a fizzle. If it isn't I'll call you up about it. For my part I'd rather get Agnes and Earl and go to Little Blue. I'm hoping we can go some time very soon. I think the river has gone down to a decent stage by this time. Then there's our six party trip across the river that is still in anticipation. We must cram everything possible into this summer for the next may see Sal hopelessly wrecked if she starts for Frisco which I hope she will. Hope to see you the latter part of the week if Vivian goes home on the train. You owe me a letter anyway.
Sincerely, Harry