May 23, 1929. Mrs. A. M. Soha, Jr., 1107 Denny Way, Seattle, Washington. Dear Martha: It’s simply ages and ages since I heard from you or wrote you a letter and this letter is prompted by that little yellow bird “Denny.” He is the cutest thing you ever saw. We let him out every morning when we are eating breakfast and he walks around over the table choosing the crumbs and things he wants specially. You can’t go near the cage that he doesn’t immediately attack you and beg to be let out. We are all crazy about him. I believe he has given me more pleasure than any one thing I ever received for Christmas and, of course, I always think of you when we are talking about how cute he is. Mrs. Trigg and Josephine have been here for five weeks. They are leaving for home tomorrow. We will be starting around the middle of the month and I know you will be happy to hear that the woman who has been with me all winter is going up on the train and cook for me this summer. As I am having houseful of people, this will be a great relief to me. You would hardly recognize garden and yard. It is really very beautiful. The pergola is nearly covered with honeysuckle, red rambler roses and the other little vine that is hanging full of flowers (I don’t know it’s name). We have had about ten little bird nests but poor little things have ended tragically, as there are too many cats in the neighborhood. We also have an avery[sic] with six birds or there are more than that now because the canaries have three babies and the nest is awful full right now. They will be hopping off soon. Some time, write me a letter and tell me all the things your are doing. I’m not a good correspondent but I think of you often and wish you and your hubby happiness and success. Mrs. Thoroughman has written three times for a print of that picture of me standing in the patio (the one you took just before you went away). Will you loan me the film that I may get some prints from it? It’s really a very good picture, as it’s flattering to the last degree.
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-12-06]