Contributed by Judy Liskey
Here in Virginia, we have what we believe to be some very cold weather. But have we had anything to compare with the February weather in Illinois back in 1885? And notice Rilah says the snow is removed from the roads by shoveling. Can you imagine that? The temperatures were well below zero.
Some of the neighbors, including Dorcas’s Uncle Wells Heavener, were going to the Worlds Fair in New Orleans—if they could get to the train through the snow. The temperatures there were quite a contrast to those in Ottawa.
Ottawa Ills.
Feb/15/85
Dear Friend Dorcas
As we are so lonesome this eve I will write you afew lines. We are just completely snowed in. It has been snowing and blowing just a week this eve. The snow is just 2 feet on the Level: and is drifted very much from five feet to ten feet deep in places and mostly in the road. The roads are impassable but they had shoveled them out. But they are filled up just as much as ever. So tomorrow or when ever it quits blowing they will have to go to work again and shovel out. We have had the coldest winter I certainly think I every experanced and so much of it. It is not cold one or two days. But just keeps on for months at a time. only 25 and 30 below zero. It is so cold we can’t get out side of the door without freezing. I think it never gets that cold in va. Unless I forget how cold it gets there. I think we do from one winter to an other. Well I am glad we do but this is one we will not forget soon. Your Uncle Wells started for New Orleans last Thursday. They did excpect to start on Tuesday but they could not get to the train on account of the snow. Their were quite a good many went from this neighborhood. “Oh” I could hardly stand to have them go and not I. We wanted to go so bad. But thought we could not on account of moving. It certainly would off been such a nice trip for you and your Mother. If you only thought you could go. I know you would enjoyed it highly. Need no overcoats or wraps. I tell you quite a contrast from that to here. but we could stand it. We will not hear from Mr. Hevner until he gets back. Unless we do through the neighbors. As you know how that is your self. He will stay two weeks or more and when he gets back he will start for your place. He talks so much about you and all the Doctor—and wonders how they get along at home. As they have high times. But hope they do better. Have you your little boy yet. And I presume at times a big boy or rather A young Gent will be the rite way to exsplain it. I know he calls round at times not for Apart too keep your flowers from freezing and not let the fire go out. Well we have not moved yet but will some time in this month if it don’t keep so cold. I am getting real anzious to get in our new home. but you can imagine how lonesome I will be. For awhile anyway. But hope we will have good health. The Children have bad colds. And are croupy too. Ott almost had it last night. Well I will close my scribble for this time hope to hear from you soon if you write this month I will get it here/if not Direct-Peabody Marion Co. Kansas Much love to you and your ma
Rilah
