ADDRESSED TO:
Mrs. Helen Stage, Darbyville, Pickaway Co., Ohio
FROM: Thetge twins
Mansfield, June 10 – 1889

Dear Helen: –
It has been some time since I heard from you I intended to write before but on account of the flood the trains has not been running but now they bring the mail by stage I suppose you have seen the Mansfield paper and heard all about the flood The water was in most of the houses here on the flat but we happened to be just high enough so the water did’nt come in here You could see the boys all the forenoon down around here riding on rafts It is a bad looking place here now but they say Lambs Creek looks terrible

Editor’s note: The Johnstown Flood, May 31, 1889

I havent seen your mother since the flood but I heard the water was in her house She was up here at the time I guess she went down to next day. We are not working this week nor did’nt last. The last time i saw your mother she told me to tell you your brothers child was dead (Georges the one that lives in York State) Anna Myres has gone to Greenwood to work She left the shop some time ago.I havn’t seen Ell in over a week I suppose she is down home cleaning up i guess they got their carpets all up the night before the water come in. I would like to see Tessie i suppose she is getting to be quite a girl by this time. Do you think you like it better out there than you did here? Your mother gave us one of the babys pictures. It is raining again today Has rained most everyday for a week Will be glad if it ever gets pleasant weather again. Helen you must excuse me for writing with a pencil but I am in a hurry and thought I could write quicker. This is so mixed up I dont suppose you can make it out. This is no news here much All you can hear about is the flood. Ans. soon and I will try not to wait so long again.
Love to you all.

From your friend
Louie Thetge

Your mother is here now Has just come tonight I guess she will stay all night I guess Loutie is going to write to you too.

Mansfield Pa.

Dear Hellen: –
I have been thinking for some time that I would write to you but kept neglecting it as I generaly do. If I havent writen to you it is not because that I have for-goten you for I think of you nearly every day and often wonder if you are home-sick. I hope you are not.
Later –

Your mother is here Guess she will stay all night. Louie and I are going to work in the morning Am glad of it for I am feeling pretty poor. Would like to step in your house and see what you are doing. Ive been washing today and am awful tired. Guess I will not write a very long letter for Louie haswriten all of the news. Kiss Tessie lots of times for me. Ma sends her love to you all and all of us would like to see you very much. Good by with lots of love

Loutie