Antonia's Letters Home

The letter was likely included in the receipt for the month of December. There are other examples of this in the letter collection. Maybe it was to save the cost of a stamp (two cents). More likely it at the request of the Academy. They probably encouraged a letter home showing that the student had good manners and had not forgotten her benefactor.

I think she is using a dip pen, and her handwriting leaves something to be desired, especially in a young person of 1907 who is going to a fancy music academy away from home. She seems hurried.

Attempt at text:

Ursuline Academy
St Louis, Mo
Dear Father
Am very busy studying to-day for examination therefore have not time to write much - am looking for a letter from you soon.

How is Harvey getting along with his studies? Tell hem I said to study hard and I shall bring him something nice when I come home - am looking forward to coming home Christmas.

Am getting along very well with my music. Have taken twenty swrse studies in Cramer - shall have gone through the fifty by the holidays.

Gave an entertainment last Thursday night. I played two movements of Beethoven's Sonaa opus 10. No. 2 - also read quotations from Tinnyson. It was not a public entertainment - Father English and the Nurse and Mr. Isbell were the only persons who were here.

Mrs. Coghill and her daughter were out to see me Thursday afternoon. They said they had turkey from Fulton for dinner - wasn't that fine. I practiced all morning so I had no time to be homesick on Thanksgiving day.

Please remember me to Mrs. Hamilton and let me hear from you soon, love to all.
Lovingly
Antonia Hofmann
Sunday after noon.

Although I can not read the words exactly, it shows she played the piano.

Johann Baptist Cramer (1771 - 1858) maybe. His books of technique studies are still being sold, and have tortured meny generations of pianists since Beethoven.