(A/N: During the Great Depression, many teenagers jumped onto trains (illegally) to find jobs and money elsewhere)
Dear Ma, June 10, 1934
Oh boy, my first letter! I finally got a hold of a piece of paper ̶ given to me by Ms. Howard, don't worry ̶ after working for about a week. The train took Annie and I to a tiny town called Bowlderville in Colorado. Even though we're still in the Dust Bowl, we found work at Ms. Howard's.
Ms. Howard runs the local inn and recently took over the post office (because that good-for-nothing postman ran off with a train, and Ms. H is the only responsible person in town without family to care for). Anyhoo, she had a ton of work to get done in about a week, and was willing to take Annie and I in. She's letting us stay in her own home, next door from the inn, provided we don't do stuff Johnny would've done.
Man, Ms. H is the best! Not only does she give us work, lodge and feed us, she also don't mind our "bum" selves.
Keep calm. Money should be coming soon.
Your loving daughter,
Sue Ellen Johnson
YOU ARE READING
Riding the Rails
Historical FictionAn original short story turned into a longer story. Sue Ellen Johnson is the 2nd oldest of 5 children. Her dad is gone the moment the Great Depression starts, finally succumbing to his unknown sickness. Her older brother, Johnny, died a long time ag...
