A. Munro correspondence, 1872-1873
9 items
The A. Munro correspondence contains nine letters written by the Michigan laborer from 1872-1873, addressed to his wife in Ohio. In his letters, Munro described the challenges facing timber industry workers in Michigan's harsh winter climate. Though he was happy to be employed by Holden & Loney, Munro initially planned to return to Ohio in the spring of 1873. His most frequent complaints were about the weather, as he told Mary, "I hate to leave Mr. Loney but what can I do it's a pretey hard place to live hear" (January 26, 1873). Munro described his financial difficulties and frequently promised Mary that he would send her a portion of his wages. By March 1873, Munro's thoughts on moving seemed to have changed, and he wrote, "Mary I have no great liking to go to Ohio[.] Some how or other & if do go it will be to stay the summer season & return hear in the fall when cold weather coms" (March 25, 1873). In the final letters, Munro indicated that he was making arrangements for Mary and their young son to live in Michigan City, Indiana. His letter dated November 15, 1872, contains a child's pencil sketch.