June 20th, 1915

(From Funk, Nebraska)
(To Richvale, California)

Friend Charlie,

Now I've waited so long to write, so I'll have to write you a few lines tonight, I've even forgot which one of you boy I owe a letter first.  but if this aint right just write me again and I'll know next time, and I'll answer sooner than I did this time.  First I want to let you know that we have lots of rain this summer, weve had somewhere around twenty inches of rain already since spring begin, so the ponds are full of water, all over, and theres water across the roads on several places between here and town so we cant use our auto if yet it is fine roads elsewhere.  but I suppose that will sink away if it dont come a hard rain too soon again.  This afternoon Elmer, Zek(?) Lind, Victor Nelson, and I were down in Clauses pasture boatriding but It didnt get very good the long grass polks up through the water so one fellow can hardly move it with four in.  There's so deep water all way the whole mile so it nearly goes over a persons(?) rubber boots.  There quite a few ducks around here and also many mud hens.  The corn isnt big enough to be cultivated decent, on account of all the rain.  but the wheat and oats is fine where the ground aint too low or where they have had hail.  We havent had any hail yet, around Willcox, south east of Funk, and east of Holdredge there's been hard hail.  Its got easy to hail this year so we may get ours anytime.  Our picnic will be held July 1.  You ought to be here then.  How is everything in Cal?  I would like to go there this year but I dont think I'll have the time and money.  "Elmer says, tell 'em that I'm still alive, I'll write some time."  Duzenia(?) is in Wahoo at present, She's been there on Lillie Linds wedding.  How soon will I get to hear of your wedding?  Is Albin married yet?  How is Richard coming along?  Was to the Farmers Union Picnic the other in Verbacks grove, had a pretty good time, Do you play in a base ball team this year?  Greet all of 'em from me.  Write soon and let me know about everything.

Your friend
Emil Gustafson