The following letter was written by Lena Lacy, a Fayetteville resident who was attending the business college in Fayetteville during 1910.
Fayetteville, Ark.
Feb. 20, 1910
Mr. M.H. Cullen
Gays, Ill.
My Dear Cousin —
I received your letter about a week ago, and I will admit I was surprised, but let me assure, it was a delightful surprise. I would have answered sooner if I possibly could have, but I have to study till about two o’clock every night.
Every [sic] since I was just a little girl I have wanted to have some kind of communications with my relatives and I am more than delighted with the opportunity.
I am 17 years old. I never have seen any of my Aunts and uncles, but I have so often wanted to. I am more interested in your Father and Mother and her children than any of my relatives but I am not in communication with any of the others.
I am sure the young lady, who has visited Fayetteville, has splendid taste, and if she thinks our town lovely, it shows that she knows how to appreciate nature, for our town is the loveliest in the state. As you know, it is located in the Northwest part of the state, among the Magestic [sic] Ozark Mountains, and goes by the name of “The Beautiful Little Town of the Ozarks,” or the “Pearl of Arkansas.” It is noted among the cities of the South and West for its poultry, grain shipping, fruit and educational interests. The University of Arkansas being located at this point, gives it a decided distinction. Each year a number of students come here from all parts of the state, and some parts of Oklahoma and Missouri to attend the above named institution. Too, we are proud of a splendid Commercial College, of which I am a student. In summer our town is noted in the South for its beautiful scenery and pure air, and thus entices many visitors her [sic] to spend the summer. Fayetteville occupies more mountains than Rome covers and from the tops of those great mountains you can see for miles and miles away until the mountains fade away in dreamy mist. Step down from the heights of those mountains and at the foot you will find bubbling springs of pure, clear water, sparkling in the soft rays of the sun.
In winter the beautiful warm climate attracts people here for the purpose of spending the season. I am told our climate during the winter is something similar to that of Southern Italy, and Fayetteville is becoming famous for that reason.
At the Commercial College I am taking a course of shorthand and typewriting, and am very much encouraged when the professors of that institution tell me what a grand success I am making of it. I write shorthand now at the rate of 58 words per minute and I hope to gain a speed of 100 per minute in a short time.
I would like to visit you so much and intend to do so at some time in the future. My mother says she will never die satisfied unless she can see Uncle Mike and all his family.
If you will let me know when my cousin James comes home I will write to him.
I am sure the twin babies are sweet and interesting and I certainly would love to see them. Which is the boy, Vern or Fern?
I close with best wishes for you, your wife and babies, with hopes for an early reply.
Your cousin,
Lena Lacy
P.O. Box 111
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