Alice Austen and Julia T. Martin Correspondence Collection
PI
Version: 4 (current) | Updated: 12/9/2025, 9:40:29 PM | Created: 12/9/2025, 7:26:49 PM
Added description
Description
Alice Austen and Julia T. Martin Correspondence Collection (November–December 1892)
Overview
This collection comprises five handwritten letters exchanged between Elizabeth Alice Austen (1866‑1952), a pioneering Staten Island photographer, and her close friend Julia T. Martin (Albany, NY). The letters were written between 2 November and 26 December 1892 and are preserved as high‑resolution JPEG scans with accompanying OCR‑derived transcriptions. They are part of the 15‑year folder “1892‑1898” in the Austen Family Papers (MS 1) at the Alice Austen House Museum.Background
Alice Austen’s correspondence offers a window into late‑Victorian social life among Staten Island’s upper‑middle class. The letters were produced during a period when Austen was expanding her photography business, selling images from the upcoming 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, and acquiring a Steinway piano. Julia T. Martin, a friend from Albany, provides a complementary perspective on family, social events, and cultural pursuits of the era.Contents
Each letter is a scanned image of a handwritten envelope and its contents, with OCR text that captures the informal, conversational tone. The letters discuss:- Family and friends: mentions of Mrs. Lively, Mrs. S, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Smively, Mr. S, Howard, and others.
- Social events: Christmas preparations, Thanksgiving plans, skating parties, church gatherings, and whist parties.
- Personal interests: references to a Steinway piano, music lessons, and teaching.
- Professional matters: Austen’s photography business, including sales of images from the 1893 World’s Fair.
The collection also contains brief notes on travel to Riverdale, NY, and North Bennington, VT, reflecting the broader geographic network of the Austen family.
Scope
The collection covers a narrow temporal window (November–December 1892) and focuses on personal, social, and professional exchanges between Alice Austen and Julia T. Martin. It includes material from Staten Island, Albany, Riverdale, and North Bennington, and touches on themes of family, social life, photography, music, and holiday celebrations. The collection is limited to the five letters and their transcriptions; it does not include other correspondence, photographs, or business records from the Austen Family Papers.Raw Cheimarros Data
@alice_austen:person {full_name: "Elizabeth Alice Austen", birth: @date_1866, death: @date_1952, occupation: "photographer", residence: @staten_island}
@julia_t_martin:person {full_name: "Julia T. Martin", relationship: "close friend of Alice Austen", residence: @albany}
@staten_island:place {state: @new_york, country: @united_states}
@albany:place {state: @new_york, country: @united_states}
@riverdale:place {state: @new_york, country: @united_states}
@north_bennington:place {state: @vermont, country: @united_states}
@westwelt_avenue:place {address: "166 Westwelt Avenue", city: @staten_island}
@mrs_lively:person {gender: "female"}
@mrs_s:person {gender: "female"}
@mrs_cooper:person {gender: "female"}
@mrs_barnett:person {gender: "female"}
@mr_s:person {gender: "male"}
@mrs_smively:person {gender: "female"}
@howard:person {gender: "male"}
@judge_grey:person {title: "Judge", surname: "Grey"}
@hattie_ricci:person {gender: "female"}
@schuyler:person {gender: "male"}
@amy:person {gender: "female"}
@walton:person {gender: "male"}
@curtis:person {gender: "male"}
@edith_robinson:person {full_name: "Edith Robinson", gender: "female"}
@mr_jennings:person {gender: "male"}
@mrs_jennings:person {gender: "female"}
@ben_brown:person {gender: "male"}
@tomas:person {gender: "male"}
@steinway_piano:concept {type: "musical instrument"}
@worlds_fair_1893:event {name: "World's Columbian Exposition", year: @date_1893}
@photography_business:concept {related_to: @alice_austen}
@christmas:concept {}
@thanksgiving:concept {}
@skating_party:concept {}
@whist_party:concept {}
@church_event:concept {}
@alice_austen_julia_martin_correspondence:collection {title: "Alice Austen and Julia T. Martin Correspondence Collection", creator: [@alice_austen, @julia_t_martin], institution: "Alice Austen House", created_range: {start: @date_1892_11_01, end: @date_1892_12_26}, language: "en", subjects: ["Correspondence","Victorian social life","Family relationships","Photography","Social events","Christmas","Thanksgiving","Family visits","Teaching","Music"]}
@file_pinax:file {type: "metadata", format: "PINAX"}
@file_pinax -> documents -> @alice_austen_julia_martin_correspondence
@file_1892_11_2_nov_1002_jtm_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_11_02, content: "missed your letter, mentions Mrs. Lively, Mrs. S., Mrs. Cooper"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_lively
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_s
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_cooper
@file_1892_11_2_nov_1003_jtm_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_11_02, content: "talks about Mrs. Smively, Mr S, Howard, Christmas"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_smively
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mr_s
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @howard
@julia_t_martin -> references -> @christmas
@file_1892_11_2_nov_1004_jtm_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_11_02, content: "asks about Mrs. Robinson, describes mountains, mentions Mrs. J. and Mrs. Cooper"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @edith_robinson
@file_1892_11_nov_3002_jtm_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_11_30, content: "plans Thanksgiving with Howard, Amy, children, Walton; mentions Riverdale aunt"}
@julia_t_martin -> references -> @thanksgiving
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @howard
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @amy
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @walton
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @riverdale
@file_1892_11_nov_3003_jtm_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_11_30, content: "mentions Judge Grey, 166 Westwelt Avenue, Hattie Ricci, Mrs. Smively, Schuyler"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @judge_grey
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @westwelt_avenue
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @hattie_ricci
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @schuyler
@file_1892_12_26_dec_4002_martin_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_12_26, content: "thanks for picture, mentions Tomas, Mrs. Smirly, Browns"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @tomas
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_smively
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @ben_brown
@file_1892_12_26_dec_4003_martin_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_12_26, content: "describes stockings, silver neck lace from Mrs. Lively"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_lively
@file_1892_12_26_dec_4004_martin_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_12_26, content: "sends card, mentions church, New Year wishes"}
@julia_t_martin -> references -> @church_event
@file_1892_12_26_dec_4005_martin_copy_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {when: @date_1892_12_26, content: "describes skating, cold weather, mentions Mrs. Lively, Ben Brown, North Bennington, Mrs & Mr Jennings, Edith Robinson"}
@julia_t_martin -> references -> @skating_party
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_lively
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @ben_brown
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @north_bennington
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mr_jennings
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @mrs_jennings
@julia_t_martin -> mentions -> @edith_robinson
@alice_austen -> participated in -> @photography_business
@alice_austen -> sold photographs from -> @worlds_fair_1893
@alice_austen -> purchased -> @steinway_piano {when: @date_1894}Metadata
Files (9)
OCR Text
Mrs. Lively through so much of her trouble & it has been heart sick trouble. She has become very dear to me & when one sees all the influences brought to bear, & in any thing, it makes one oh so much more charitable than just looking at bare facts. Mrs. S. has taken this step with Mrs. Cooper's approval. It is sad beyond everything to me—and many a good cry I have had—if I do not care to have you say anything more, than to say I told you it has been done with Mrs. C.'s approval, if anyone should ask you if I have said Dear Alice: I missed your letter the first part of the week. I was glad it came yesterday. You always write such nice letters. It is next to talking to you—I did not think you would be surprised to learn about Mrs. Lively. I could not write about it before, as of course you know I hold a peculiar position in the house & must be very guarded. I enclose an article I cut out of the paper. Being with
OCR Text
anything about it to you—I shall never forget the kindness & interest shown me in every way by Mrs Smively & as I told her a few days ago she has my warmest affection. I never, either, cared for Mr S—but he is her husband surely & will be till he dies & I wish (God forgive me) he would kick the bucket & depart. I do not mind staying up here till Jan—although I shall miss my friends, but the life here is very pleasant & I think we will have a lovely Christmas with the boys & all. Mrs Barnett said she had seen you a few Sundays ago—the urged my coming to make her a visit too, but you understand Alice. I cannot. Mrs Cooper is a woman who does not like to be left alone, & unless someone is here, I do not even go to Albany for a day. Have only been twice since last June—What a fine time you must have had on your trip—I should have enjoyed being with you. I was quite startled to learn of the new ornament possessed by my brother—I can not picture Howard with a moustache
OCR Text
Why do you not look Mrs Robinson up? I suppose she is still at the Florence. I wish you could see the mountains around here now. Several are covered with snow & at sunset a red glow covers them & they are really grand. Mrs J. has been driving Mrs Cooper & me a good deal lately & I have enjoyed it so much! We go from fifteen to twenty miles & right along too. Give my love to all at your home & write ever much for yourself believe me Affectionately Julia F. Martin
OCR Text
me to spend Thanksgiving with her. She has asked Howard, Amy, the children, & Walton, so I hope we will all be together. I shall stay with them over the day and come to Amys Friday morning, after lunch on to Mammas for the night returning Saturday. Resume & come over to see me. Won't my tongue go. I was so interested to hear about Effie's baby & those to come. Your letters are the only newsy ones I get. My Albany friends keep me posted do to things there. I have been walking today. (This afternoon) Curtis Sunday Dear Alice, I was glad your letter finally came and am going to answer it now while Miss Cooper is writing. I have quite a surprise for you. You will see me on Friday if you will come over to Amys or Mammas', for I am actually coming to see how S.S. looks. My Aunt at Riverdale wrote Miss Cooper that she wanted
OCR Text
Mrs. Smively & the boys. Dear me I wish this trouble was ended. I read in the paper that Judge Grey's term expires, so if he does not get re-elected, he is going back to New York. They will be greatly missed in the society circles. I am thankful that all the things are back at 166 Westwelt Avenue & that you still have my writing desk. Hang on to it. When it possible I should come over to see your Mother & Aunt, but my time is so limited I do not see how I would do it. I did I write you that Hattie Ricci is going to have a baby. I would like you to meet her. We are better friends than ever & my one & only gripe is that Mrs. Smively does not love her. I am getting on finally with little Schuyler studies and he seems so interested & his Mother so pleased that it is quite satisfactory. Now till Friday good bye with love ever affectionately Julia L. Martin.
OCR Text
Spot—Thank you so much for remembering me. I believe I missed last week. It was such a busy one with Tomas & forty other things that I could not get time to send my usual letter. Well it is Tomas & has been a very quiet but pleasant one. Last evening Mrs Smirly had a tru for the boys. The Browns came in, three in number, & we had a very nice time, & lots of presents which made me thought it was really not really not sure very love to you "Larmers" Dear Alice; You are just a dear to send me "yourself" at Tomas time and nothing could have pleased me better. It is a beautiful picture and I notice the long contested flower pot. When you write will you tell me in just what part of the piazza it was taken for I can not quite locate the
OCR Text
but my friends had not forgotten me. Before going to bed we all hung up our stockings and besides a potato, a tooth brush, an eraser etc., I found a beautiful silver neck lace from Mrs. Lively. She used to wear it when she first came out & thought it would be nice for me. Yes the papers are correct in saying the suit is thrown out (& ended without a doubt) although the Albany paper I see reported this morning that the suit was to go on, but from no reliable source. I feel awfully sorry for Mrs. Lively & for that reason & because I am fond of her, I am glad we are to be here all winter, which is now fully decided. Mrs. Cooper goes to Albany on Jan. 4th and when she goes on to N.Y. I shall stay at Mrs. McCaughey's for three weeks & then come back to Mrs. Lively to teach Schuyler & be with Mrs. Lively.
OCR Text
have it too—I have just been racking over this letter & think it is awful, but please forgive it. Give all at your home my love and wishing you a bright, happy New Year, believe me with love. Affectionately, Julia T. Martin I sent you a card for Mrs. Julia T. Martin. Haytun & hope you received it in time to put in her pew in church today. I did not know her address. I received cards to the Marches' mother. It was kind in them to remember me if they What do you think I am going to do when I get over allergy. Cake making lessons, battle hymn next week and a new little saying. He had a singing habit & would sing to me once, & wanted to send to me another with a certificate. Mrs. Cooper thought I could not replace so I wrote her, I would accept with pleasure, unwillingly for a. And just before James came a telegram containing a farewell message to a lady.
OCR Text
or appears better, than her Mother. I think she is fit for a little sewingage. The air was splendid & we had a fine skate. Yester- day the thermometer were eight below zero. But it was cold. I slept & ate & all my under clothes on - the wind just howled around this hill, but the air so as dry & splendid it. I hear that little Mirigley have the hockthing sang & fell. complete, & the tickets waiting at Mrs Mc Hargs. Will it not be fun? I am wild for it, & they have started such a good riding school in Albany. The other day Mrs Lively, Ben Brown and I drove over to North Ben- nington to skate with Mrs & Mr Jennings. It never occurred to me that Mrs Jennings was Edith Robinson until I saw her. She is a very pleasant woman, & has better manners than
Version History (4 versions)
- ✓ v4 (current) · 12/9/2025, 9:40:29 PM
"Added description" - v3 · 12/9/2025, 8:32:26 PM · View this version
"Added knowledge graph extraction" - v2 · 12/9/2025, 7:48:41 PM · View this version
"Added PINAX metadata" - v1 · 12/9/2025, 7:26:49 PM · View this version
"Reorganization group: Correspondence_Julia_Martin"
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