Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1931-09-17 letter to Family - AEntry/Object ID
1990.1.184Context
10 A.M. Thurs.
Gliding along on a splendid day coach between Allerton and Corydon Ia. Only 6 passengers in the coach now. Thermometer reached 97 in Des Moines yesterday but much cooler this morning. After writing last night I went to my berth (upper). It was one of their new Pullmans and has two small windows in position so you can lie on your pillow and look out every waking minute. I slept pretty well but happened to be awake as we crossed the Miss. at Rock Island and Davenport. I was awake early and ready before arriving in Des Moines. The train from Minneapolis was ready and soon we were on the go. The land here is quite broken. My there is an old cane mill in actual operation. An old black horse is treading the circle to furnish the power. If it does as they used to it will stop when it gets behind the mill. We used to like old blind Sally because she didn't know when to stop. The fellow in front feeding the mill I picture as myself standing there dreaming of future days. I remember about 44 or 45 years ago I was with my girl until at least 10 o'clock on Sun night and on Mon m started in the cane. I did the grinding while father took charge of the boiling. Father said we had better run all night as the weather was nice. The rest of the boys went to bed so there was nothing for me to do but be gone until bed time Tues night. I got so sleepy that occasionally I would put a stick of cane between the cogs rather than the rollers. Of course I took time enough to help lick the pan. The setting on and off the pan, the straining of juice, keeping up fire etc all come vividly to mind. Happy days they were had I only known how to appreciate them. The farm is a wonderful educator if you have the proper guidance.
The crops here are splendid, a good soil. I took breakfast on the train, cantaloupe, toast, milk 60c/. An old soldier and his wife are two of the passengers. They are having a great time chatting and looking at the country. The G.A.R. has an encampment at Des Moines. Drilling wheat with tractor. Many hay stacks, cutting corn. They have ponds and water tanks for watering stock instead of the running springs as we have in Southern Ohio. Corn looks like hail had hit it. The land here seems low and in need of drainage. Some fine dairy herds. Coming into Corydon 1800. The old soldier and wife get off about 12 passengers get on. Two or three hick people standing about enjoying us who are traveling and having a good time.
Now at Trenton Mo. (Grand River). Land needs tile. No wonder they used to have ague. Here is a tract of water lilies. Considerable forest. Now at Cameron Junction. I passed through this place twice last wk on the Burlington. Now we run into some limestone hills. Now at Kas River. In Kas Cy in 15 mins. Here is aero field and city looms in sight. Will try to mail this tho change to another train at once. Crossing river.
Love to all
Dad.
