From the Ipswich Tribune Thursday, May 30, 1935 edition

WISHES OLD HOME MUCH LUCK

Mrs. Robert. J. Burns nee Mamie Cox, recalls much of interest in Life on Prairies and Small Town in Youth to a letter to H. E. Beebe. We publish the letter.

My Dear Mr. Beebe:

Your letter concerning material relating to pioneer days came this morning. I shall be very glad to have a copy of the Tribune and school picture.

Your request for anecdotes of early life in Edmunds County by return mail presents difficulties because such a flood of recollections tumble into my mind it is difficult to separate one or even a few.

I remember well seeing the few buildings from Georgetown being hauled to Ipswich site by the Milwaukee railroad, also a Fourth of July Celebration at Freeport, another contender for the railroad preference.

Then there was water sold from barrels with tickets like milk tickets, the houses unplastered at first, the paper put on over a cheese cloth base. There were two school buildings, Miss Bredel and O. F. Trace teachers. At recess all joined up on two sides to kick a large round rubber foot ball.

There were happy hours in the skating rink, at the little library, now a place of beauty.

The Russians came in their long coats with “the fur side inside”. There was the blizzard of 1888 and the stunning losses caused by hot winds.

The Churches and their organizations united their efforts to assist each other and promote community welfare in an ideal way.

There was the childish panic on being awakened to see flames bursting from every window of the Pryor House and the other disastrous fires later.

When the brick school house was built the town was justified in putting on airs and many can attest to the excellence of instruction, recalling for instance Mr. Gromer and Mr. J. W. Arbuckle now of Waterloo, Iowa.

Being a pioneer in any country is a potent factor in ones life and there are certain things about life in the west that leave marks on their own. One reared in the west never absolutely ceases to be an optimist, never really gives in that it is not possible to accomplish practically anything by trying hard enough.

The visit of Susan B. Anthony for a lecture was an important event. Many were surprised to find the militant suffragette a mild mannered slightly oldfashioned woman. My Father was mayor on a salary of five dollars (or was it two dollars) per annum. He made the address of welcome.

The building of the Catholic church was quite an undertaking for the small parish. Father Haire’s pastorate and his successors who for many years enjoyed the hospitality of the Cox home and ministrations of my gentle mother, furnish many happy remembrances.

Father Haire first came unannounced on a Saturday night. Sunday morning he improvised an altar with boards and nail kegs. These memories have been the base of sincere sympathy for men of the missions, their zeal and their loneliness.

We are sure that at this time many will pay tribute to the memory of Frank Tracy a great hearted citizen.

There are some school mates still living in Ipswich. I do no wish to mention names because those left out might think themselves forgotten. To all who remember the Cox family I sent greeting, joined with my brother Ed Cox who yearly recalls happy days of hunting on the prairies.

Hoping that prosperity and all of its benefits may encompass a good old Ipswich am honored to have been remembered at this time.

Yours Sincerely,

Mamie Cox Burns.