After discussing a real estate transaction, Noble adds: “It is very hard times about these parts as I suppose it is else where, Some of the factories in this have stopped operations entirely others have been obliged to reduce the price they have been paying their hands so as to make it possible for them to keep running which if a few of these establishments should stop it would be the means of a great deal of suffering among the poor people especially at this season of the year. We are in good health at present but have pretty tight scrubbing to keep along with my small salary and keep clear of debt but am in hopes if we are blessed with health to come out clear of debt in the spring…”