[D9202AAT], Letter from David McConnell Smyth to Thomas Alva Edison, February 29th, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9202AAT
Transcription
Ans March 17/92 Received Mar 7-1892 [TAE Marginalia] In couple years I propose coming out + will come + see you-Don’t [illegible[] to dry rot ain’t good-put up a small shop in [rest of TAE Marginalia illegible] Pasadena Cal, February 29th 1892 Thomas A. Edison Dear Sir: I’m sure you hardly remember me. I very much desire it [illegible] of old times [illegible] the world [illegible] upon us as it now doe. Those had success with my Book Sewing Machine and being not over ambitious, and a little lazy perhaps I have left the whirl of invention and purchased a house here in what seems the pleasantest place in this whole word, and propose in the future to enjoy what I have [illegible] away. The oranges and exotics, I need not describe a place so well known as Pasadena, but really having read everything written about it I find a reality I had never dreamed of. I came here in November for my health, and the whole winter has been one Springtime and my harden is [illegible] with golden fruit and I wander among flowers as frequent as Florida with sunshine and fragrance and beauty everywhere. From my place I overlook everything to the islands in the Pacific Ocean, 23 miles away. The great Sierra Madre Mountains are but 3 miles in another direction and the great snowy peaks in the far distance it is delightful and the fall and the summers are equally pleasant. I have fully recovered my health and am happy. It is a great place for the development of [illegible] the hand agent who has everything that nature could give has a corner on the west wind and asks double for a site as situated as to get the full benefit of it. Everything he showed is as prolific in invention especially and has thus made a stroke of genius necessity the mother of invention. Should you come to California or desire to come we would be very happy to see you and made you [illegible] Yours respectfully David Mc Smith P.S. We have very few storms and but little thunder and lighting we have had are furious wind that lasted two days it came drawing through the Carriers a hurricane of sand doing considerable damages it was a clear sky but was winded very unpleasant to be out in. I hear there was in a belt of country about three miles from the mountains a curious electrical phenomenon during the storm the electric fence was seen at every metal point as from stores are [illegible[ are in fact about [illegible] and doors so as to [illegible] the people and through that belt the trees seem to be scorched and withered perhaps it is only a common matter, it is new to us and may interest you Yours D.M. Smyth