My Dearest Sister, I’m going to begin keeping you updated on my adventures in Canada. I’m very sad to hear of mother’s death from the White Plague, it is beginning to be a problem in the United States as well, an epidemic almost. I hope you are doing well at home now that it is just you. It’s been 14 years since we’ve moved here. Will and I have been living well, and we make good money off of the crops and animals we sell from our farm. Will is now married to a French woman named Lilith, I’m sure Mum wouldn’t have liked her because she is French but what can you do. The railway that goes across all of Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway, is now completed and I believe if the opportunity came to me I would move to a province in the west, British Columbia. I would miss Will dearly but because of the railway I could come and visit. I would only be able to move if I married someone interested in it as well, because I wouldn’t be able to support myself there on my own. I hope you are doing well back and coping with everything. Love, Alexa November 28th 1890 1810 Bayham Street London England

Dear Taylor, How have you been, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you Dear Taylor, How have you been, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. There’s a large problem here in Manitoba currently regarding the school’s, and it isn’t impacting me but it is impacting Will and Lilith. The dual schooling program is being changed to only English speaking school’s. With the dual program children could learn in their own language, if it was French or English, now it is only English. Will is relieved because he wants his children to learn in English, our home language, but Lilith wants them to learn in French, her language. But since Lilith speaks English as well I don’t know why it is such a large problem, if she wanted her children to learn French she could’ve chosen to live in Quebec. I’ve met a man, his name is John. He grew up in Ontario and he moved with his family to the Red River Area but is planning on leaving soon. He asked me to move to British Columbia with him. He would work in the lumber industry and I would continue to do all the work at our home if we do move. I have yet to discuss this with Will, but I’m sure he will support me through this decision. Wish me luck, Alexa December 5th 1890 1810 Bayham Street London England

Dear Taylor, How are my nephew’s doing Dear Taylor, How are my nephew’s doing? In the time since I have last written to you I have gotten engaged to John and I am preparing for my trip to British Columbia. John has gotten a job opportunity in the Lumber Industry so we have bought the train tickets and we are departing 2 weeks from today. We are going to arrive in the quaint town of Port Coquitlam. It is apparently much more rugged in British Columbia because it is new to the Country. The climate there is less harsh there than it is in Manitoba though, with lots of rain though. It will be an adjustment but I’m looking forward to the not as extreme winters. The trip will be a lot easier than my trip to Manitoba all those years ago, if mother ever told you about that. I will write to you again after my journey Wish me luck, Alexa Febuary 12th 1891 1810 Bayham Street London England

Dear Taylor, We have arrived in Port Coquitlam, the people here are kind and they speak English. John is going to be beginning his work next week and we are settling in in our log home. The house is small but it is cozy, I can see myself making a life here. I miss our brother dearly but I’m sure the room I’m no longer taking up in that home has better use. Nearby Port Coquitlam in the city of Vancouver they have a ‘Chinatown’ which as the name states, is where large groups of Chinese people live. John is upset about this because the Chinese are taking away job opportunities from the Europeans. The head tax doesn’t seem as if it is stopping them from coming to live and work here. I can’t see myself affiliating with them at all. I am going to continue doing house work here, while John works. It is very beautiful here and I am excited to flip over this new leaf in my life. Someday soon I will send more letters updating you on my life and my adventures. Until then, Alexa March 19th 1891 1810 Bayham Street London England