READING THE PAST

Reading through some of Nettie Bullis's letters that are a part of this collection, we've come to realize what we've lost with the increasing use of email and text messages.

For example, here's the text of a typewritten letter from one of Nettie's friends. (We think you'll enjoy reading it as much as we did.)

"Dear Nettie:

We miss seeing you, very much, since the trolleys stopped running, and I do wish you could come over once in a while. 

If you find you can drop in to a meal any time coming or going, do not hesitate to take "pot luck" with us. We would all be glad to have a sight of you, any time of day or night!

My hopes came up quite a bit this morning,  When we came over the new bridge on the main road to Fairport - and, oh, yes, we came over it the first time on our way home last night.  So I suppose the busses will soon be (some of them at least) coming that way - you know that is not far to walk from our house.

I ran across some verses that made me think of you - so I am sending them - you may be familiar with them.

I also enclose a quotation from a book I have just been reading by Dallas Lore Sharp, which exactly describes my feelings about riding on the train! I do so hate to miss anything.

Please excuse my using the machine. I will try to write a better letter some other day.

Kindest regards from us all.

Lovingly
(Signature) Margaret Wood

November 25, 1931

P.S. Do hope you will enjoy your holiday."

What a great experience to read a real letter again, one that a writer took time to sit down at her typewriter and--using complete sentences--to express her affection and concern for her friend.

There is at least one question that the letter's references generate for us today.  Which current bridge is the  "new bridge on the main road to Fairport" she mentions?  Do any of you know? (Comment: Those of us who are currently dealing with canal bridge closings can relate to the writer's excitement at its opening.)

We assume (and, we hope, correctly) that the trolley reference was to the Rochester, Syracuse, and Eastern Rapid Railroad, which ceased operations during 1931. Understandably, Margaret Wood, Nettie Bullis and other area residents were inconvenienced by the loss of that service.  If any of you have memories to share of the trolley days in this area, please stop by the Bullis Room. We'd love to see you. We'll even show you the original copy of this letter and the enclosures that a woman named Margaret sent to her dear friend, Nettie.