Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1914 — Peter H. Zea Writes Interesting Letter From “Jersey.” [ARTICLE]

Peter H. Zea Writes Interesting Letter From “Jersey.”

Atlantic Highlands, N. J. Dear Editor: On learning that The Democrat would publish a homecoming edition for Christmas, it struck me at once that it surely would be a fine thing, from the fact that many of its readers, now scattered far and near, would be much interested in hearing from many of their old associates and friends, as to their whereabouts, and how they were getting along. We live in old New Jersey, about 20 miles south of New York City, close to the jumping off place, or, in other words, near the west edge of the ‘‘big pond,’ that separates us from the strife that is raging on the other side. It makes one feel much safer when they remember that there are three thousand miles between them and the “75-S’ that are in action. And this conflict is with the nations that for forty years have been preparing for war, that peace might be secure. Had one-hundreth part of the effort been put forth in teaching the people peace, that has been done for war, there would be no war now going on amongst them. We have a class, also, in this country, who are very desirous for peace along the very lines that brings war. Let us study peace, and practice it, which is the best antidote for war known to man.

As we live about twenty miles from New York City, we have opportunity to see, coming and going, every kind of craft known, which comes from all parts of the world, with\heir merchandise, to the greatest port on earth. These vessels have to pass several forts before they arrive at their destination; but in times of peace these machines of destruction are as harmless as doves, but it aroused from their silent condition, woe be to anything that gets within ten miles of their hungry mouths, and the “boys” that do the work are well skilled in their profession. All along this coast is great for summer resorts. They come here from the cities, in fact from all parts of the world, to spend the hot weather and get a change of living. There are many fine hotels, casinoes and other places of amusement to entertain and care for the throngs that come and go from May till October. All kinds of country produce brings a good price in season, as there is much demand for it. Many are engaged in trucking and small fruit, as it is in ready demand at good prices, especially so with butter, eggs ana poultry; the demand is always much greater than the supply, and finds a ready sale at a good profit. I took a position with the government soon after coming here, which I still hold. As there are some who will read this might like to know of my family, as they knew them when we were in the west, will say: Our son Paul is married, living in Brooklyn, New York, doing business for himself. Jennie (Mrs. Shepherd) lives in the same town near us. Her husband works for the government, being chief clerk in the department. Helen, our youngest daughter, is a successful teacher, is principal in the same school where she commenced to teach six years ago. James, our youngest son, is in the civil service workjng for the government at a good salary and with good prospects for the future. Mrs. Zea is well and is very well contented here. We have been favored with short visits irom sdVeral of the western people since coming here, and will say if. any of The Democrat’s readers chance to come this way, remember the latch-string hangs on the out-

side, a gentle pull, and walk you in, will be very muoh appreciated. We have many -remembrances of friends and acquaintances that are near to us whom* we left behind, and ih reading The Democrat we sometimes see sketches from some of them as to their whereabouts and how they are getting along, which Ts very interesting to us. But I must close, with kindest regards to all the old-line acquaintance, and may long live The Democrat and may it enjoy all the good things to Avhich it is entitled, I remain,

Yours very . respectfully,

PETER H. ZEA.