Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Ellen White Continues to Write

As the work of clearing land and planting trees on “Ellen White's farm” continued in the weeks of early spring, and the construction of her little home progressed, she stood by to serve in running errands for the workmen to save their time. Yet she pressed in a little writing. 4BIO 227.1

Starting almost from scratch, as it were, in early August, the men made considerable progress on “the farm,” and the foundation was in for the house (Letter 156, 1896). Her August 28 description of the little camp at Sunnyside is revealing: 4BIO 227.2

I am seated on the bed writing at half past 3:00 A.M. Have not slept since half past one o'clock. Ella May White and I are the sole occupants of a large, comfortable family tent. Close by is another good-sized tent, used as a dining room. We have a rude shanty for a kitchen, and a small five-by-five storeroom. Next is another tent, which accommodates three of my workmen. Next is a room enclosed but not finished, for washhouse and workshop. This is now used as a bedroom by two men, Brother Shannon, my master builder, and Brother Caldwell. These five men we board. Several others are at work on the land who board themselves. Fannie Bolton occupies another tent, well fitted up with her organ and furniture. You see we have quite a village of tents.—Letter 42, 1895. 4BIO 227.3

She could write to Elder Olsen, “I have been enjoying tent life for four weeks.”—Letter 64a, 1895. 4BIO 227.4

But tent life for her and some of her helpers ended in early September as she returned to her Granville home. 4BIO 227.5