New and Old

I changed out the very poor cell phone image. I just couldn't stand to look at it any longer, or think that it was sitting there for all to see. I was out at Deer Flat NWR today beginning to photograph some 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps work that they wanted documented before some renovation begins on one of the dams at the reservoir. Some of these structures will be destroyed in the repairwork, so they want some documentaiton of them before that happens.

Anyway, here's the History I promised:

I waited until today because one of the things I acquired a few days ago, other than the Lindbergh photos, was a letter written from a J.B. Elliott from Yellow Pine, Idaho (a small mining town in the central part of the state) to an O.D. Eckley in Donnelly, Idaho (about 32 miles as the crow flies southwest of Yellow Pine - see their relationship Here with Yellow Pine at the upper right).

The letter was written November 6, 1921, 86 years ago today. I've copied it below as written, grammar and spelling intact. Enjoy this tiny bit of history.

Dear Sir:

I left you a note that I would look at those: When I left I took one of your saddles. You see I had 5 head & was short saddles, being you took wagon. I had figured if Doc didn't want the wagon Id haul it back. But any way I figured it was sure worth $75 specialy after I hauled it out. Fact I couldn't afford to sell it for less. But I'll tell you what you do. I'm up against it for some money. Got a note out at cascade bank due the 15th & a bill at McCall I promised to pay. You get me the $75 into the Intermountain state bank as soon as you get this, so I can meet the note etc & you can write me if you want to sell any of those hides & least you will take & I'll see about it in yellow pine.

Bring saddle back next (can't read - maybe "Monday") But I can get along for a while on $45 in the bank soon as you get this & then when that trial comes off I'll be out there, & you find out from Doc when it's to come off & I'll come out & bring those if you don't sell any see. So if you can come down I'll turn them over to you. And I may need you at the trial, get me. You see what lumped me I was to start work here the 1st Nov. & work until April. But [Oberlilly] went out & left no word about me & the mine was full handed. So that just let me down cold. So you be sure & get the 45 in the bank as suddenly as you can. I'll depend on you for it as I have no other way to Hack it. Now. So by Gosh Eck don't let me down on it. The note is due on the 15th Nov. I will just have to let the other bill go for a while. I hate to have the note due & run over. Theres one fellow down there may buy them: I'll be finding out. But I don't think he will give over $10 for Big & $5 for small ones. They're worth more you know that. But I'll look elsewhere. Old John turned Roy & Hugh down for work too. Well addiose I'll expect to hear from you soon.

Yours Surely,
J.B. Elliott