February 25, 1895

            The author of this letter is Anna Laura Quaife Winne.  It is not known to which of her four half-brothers this letter was written. “Lila” is Delilah Quaife, one of Anna’s half-sisters.  After Anna Quaife Winne died, Delilah Quaife (Simonson) raised Anna and Ed Winne’s daughter Emma.

            The school the brother was attending may have been Coe College in Cedar Rapids.

                                                                        Feb. 25, 1895

                                                                                    Waverly, Iowa

Mr. Quaife

                                    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Dear brother,

            Emma is asleep, Ed is in the kitchen working on an ice box.  I have just finished a letter to Lila.  So now I will ans. your card.  Am glad to hear you arrived there safely and was ensconsed in your room so soon after your arrival.  How do you like it there?  You must write and tell me all about it: What studies you take, who your teachers are and how long it will take you to go through.  Have you formed many acquaintances yet?  You must be very careful who you chose for companions.  Study them thoroughly before you choose them for companions and be sure they are the right kind.  Shun as much as possible all that are evil unless you have an opportunity to help some one that had fallen that would do better if he had a helping hand.  There are so many temptations that it is much easier to fall than it is to rise.  I do not think you are the the boy that will be easily led astray.  But there are ever so many good boys that lack the courage to say no.  If you use your influence for good, you will never have cause to regret it.

            When do you think you will go home on a visit?  Don't you think (about) going home with out stopping here.  The last few days have been quite like spring.  I hope they will continue so.  When you write to Ed. please remind him that he owes me a letter.  Tell him he had better be answering it.  I got a letter from Aunt Sarah the other day.  She sent me a sermon which I will send to you.  I thought it was a good one.

            I haven't any more to write so I guess I will close for this time.

            Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain,

                                                                        Ever your loving sister,

                                                                        Anna