Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 98, 1890

White, W. C.

Petoskey, Michigan

July 31, 1890

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

I received a letter from Addie last night, the first one that I have had from any of our people at home. I have peppered you with letters pretty well. I attended one meeting of the assembly and heard Mrs. Livermore speak. She is an excellent speaker. Marian attends all day long and so does Emma much of the time. I think this is going it rather strong for them. The large auditorium is full and there are able speakers and there is far more to this Petoskey than I had an idea. I am pleased with the inhabitants of Petoskey. I think with proper labor there can be a large church raised up in this place, but it must be a workman that we have no need to be ashamed of. 6LtMs, Lt 98, 1890, par. 1

If we have men affected with malaria or debility, this is the place for them to labor and grow strong. Confirmed consumptives better not come, but those who have throat difficulties and weakness only of lungs will improve in this climate. We are delighted with the lake view. We have some warm days but cool nights and the breeze from the water makes it very agreeable. We have just had a beautiful rain and now we can go out and pick red raspberries which are very plentiful around here, but very small. They grow wild everywhere. I have kept our people supplied much of the time. 6LtMs, Lt 98, 1890, par. 2

There will be an abundance of blackberries and they are close by us, growing wild in a ravine, but it is too early for blackberries yet. 6LtMs, Lt 98, 1890, par. 3

I wish Brother Olsen and yourself to come here and look over the ground in regard to [a] meeting house, what it shall be. We shall have one, anyhow, for we believe the Lord will open the way, but the question is, what dimensions? We want you to come here and stay a couple of weeks. Brother Olsen needs it, you need it. We want you to see the places of resort just across the bay. We see the field is favorable and we desire you to come. It will surprise you, the beauty of the place, the healthfulness of the atmosphere. Let Brother Olsen just lay off from the Michigan camp meeting that comes so soon, and let Elder Van Horn and others labor there, and he gather up strength in this place to attend future important meetings. I will still urge that this is in the line of your work. You must see and know for yourself, then you can speak and act intelligently. 6LtMs, Lt 98, 1890, par. 4

I do not feel strong, but I expect I am improving. I am seeking the Lord for wisdom to know my duty that I may do it in the spirit and strength of the Lord God of Israel. Should you come we have a bed for two. There are rooms close by, all furnished, that can be secured, if others desire to come. I learn the winters here are not as cold as in Wright or in Battle Creek. The lake does not freeze over until January. Then it is some time after that before it is all frozen over. February and March and April are the coldest months. The snow falls here, sometimes deep; but potatoes do not freeze because covered with snow, and they are left in the field all winter. Well, come, come, come, come. 6LtMs, Lt 98, 1890, par. 5

Mother.