Letter Dated 7 July 1877, Parisville, Michigan

Lieber August,

We are married! Enclosed is a photo we took after Mass. I cannot wait for you to meet your new brother-in-law!

And another surprise: William and I are building a hotel! Parisville is growing. More people pass our way each day — lumbermen heading north, trappers and fur-traders — and they all seek lodging. The railroad will come soon, bringing still more people. This hotel is such opportunity! And when you arrive, we can perform duets for guests. A respectable hotel needs beautiful music, right?

Deine Schwester, 
Berta