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Show 234 are living with her, as she owns the place but merely occupies an upstairs room. The house still stands, a part of the Avenues Historic District. During this period, when she is at home, she will share in the lively family life of some of her grandchildren. By 1912, daughter Ellis has three children, including a third-generation namesake for our own Ellis. Ellis Musser has given her mother and a new homesick hired girl some theater tickets. They have had a good time on this night out, but the girl probably won't stay. A card addressed to "Miss Nellie Shipp" at Pleasant Grove and postmarked September 16, 1912 acknowledges the young woman's first day in the new role and that the family misses her. After Sunday School, about a month later, it would appear that daughter Ellis has the care of her own and her sister Olea's children and that Ellis is writing to the absent mother, for she urges that a letter be sent to Nellie and that her own be enclosed. With so many to write to, if mother should send long letters all the time, she would have time for nothing else but letter writing. Ellis is upstairs sitting peacefully with little Olea and the boys; and daughter Ellis has gone downstairs to get the babies fed while the chicken gets tender. Yes, she says, exultantly, we're having chicken, and I wish you were going to have some, too. The quiet is shattered before the first page of the letter is complete. Later its author comments, "You know ours is a busy house and the periods of restfulness are short." |