February 27th, 1891
From the 'Rockledge Heritage' Facebook page.
|
Rock Ledge Friday, Feb 2, 1891 (Perhaps misdated? Based on the calendar, as well as the letter's content, it seems more likely to have been written on Friday the 27th) Dear Wife, I must render an account of my week's work. Monday was cold and rainy, and did little but work at oranges. Tuesday: was transported to Fairy Land, sailed in the small steamer Ramona, across and down the river about 6 miles, landing at a small wharf. We disembarked by the keeper of 'Fairy Land', one Dr. Wetfeld(?) and assistant and ferried across the intervening lagoon called Honey Suckle Lake and then, conducted by the Dr. we made the rounds, he calling attention to the different fine views and many tropical trees, plants, flowers, and fruits, etc, including a fine pineapple patch. And giving quite an extended lecture, the doctor himself is quite a curiosity, imagine a gallant, fluent and educated gentleman, with the manners of a chesterfield and the appearance of the "Raggetty Man." It was great pleasure to see him pluck a flower or fruit and present it to one of the ladies with uncovered head and low bow. Altogether I enjoyed this trip hugely. Wednesday: Joined a small party of gentlemen for a sail and fish on the river in a sail boat. Taking our lunch with us we started out at 8 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. with very little success at fishing and a very huge enjoyment of the lovely day and the fine breeze. We also landed at a Banana Grove down the river, and were enabled to see the fruit in all stages of development, from the small plants too bloom and matured fruit. Thursday got up at 6 o'clock and with Rosa(?) went marketing to Cocoa sailing up on freight boat "Sweeney" and walking back with supply of fresh meat the first have had since my arrival, 25 cents lb, milk 15 cents qrt. Rested thru the day and in afternoon walked south(?) thru the Hammock(?) to Macgruders grove(?) the 'Fishermen" to show them some points of interest. Friday, today, had made arrangements to go fishing to Lake Poinsett, but a "Norther" struck us during the night, the thermometer dropping to 35 degrees. Think of it -- from 80 degrees and froze us up, I have had to put on my winter flannels and trip was given up, and have tried to get warm by hustling oranges since dinner. Tell Ralph that an alligator was seen in the river right at the front door yesterday and the man next door hunted it. He went out on pier and shot and shot but the balls just glanced off and the alligator leisurely floated off up the river. The boys down here use small trees for hobby horses. They bend them over, get straddle and away they go, up and down, up and down. Have enjoyed myself very well on this trip but can see very plainly that should have enjoyed it so much more if wife had accompanied me, and will never pleasure travel again without her. It beats the world how the money goes, the expense of this trip would have provided many small and numerous luxuries that we deny ourselves. Hope Ralph is better and that all of you are well. Will endeavor to start early next week, but at this date cannot promise. Yours Truly, RJ Mason |
This letter has no envelope.