• ✓ v4 (current) · 12/9/2025, 9:39:43 PM
  "Added description"
• v3 · 12/9/2025, 8:30:42 PM · View this version
  "Added knowledge graph extraction"
• v2 · 12/9/2025, 7:48:13 PM · View this version
  "Added PINAX metadata"
• v1 · 12/9/2025, 7:27:02 PM · View this version
  "Reorganization group: Julia_T_Martin_Correspondence"

These are items that you sent after I already sorted the folder by year:

1891_4-2-Unknown Sender envelope Apr 2 1891001 copy

1891_12-10-MacFarland invite002 copy

1891_12-10-MacFarland invite003 copy

1891_A J Macauly invite001

1891_A J Macauly invite002

1891 Letter Transcriptions

Jan 4, 1891: 23 Elk Street, Albany, NY

My dear Alice,

It is nearly church time, but I am going to start a letter to you and
finish it this afternoon. Julia Walsh is coming for me, and we are going
to St Peters together. I just expect to be an in iceberg when I come in,
for it is only 4 above this morning.

The sleighing is fine & yesterday afternoon I had a splendid sleigh ride
with my friend Mr Durant. Two horses & a cutter & at the rate of “a mile
a minute.” Tomorrow a young man, (Dr Van Rensselear) has invited about
70 people to drive to Troy where we are to dance & then drive home. I
think it will be lots of fun if it is not too frigid. I don’t know how
the Dr happened to ask me, for I hardly know him. I suppose he thought I
was staying at Mrs Cooper’s. I am sure I do not object.

You see, my fun has begun & when you see me again on Staten Island,
expect it. The reception was without exception the nicest thing I ever
went to & I did enjoy it very much; much more than I expected. Mrs
Snively arranged everything so that Mrs Cooper wasn’t at all tired. She,
in black velvet & point lace received with Mrs Snively in blue silk
covered with lace & a dream of beauty with Angelica Crosby. The latter
was a great disappointment to me.

Her beauty only is in her exquisite complexion, but otherwise she is not
more than a fresh, pretty girl. She is very light, & her hair something
like Amy’s, about as tall as Mrs Snively, but slight. The three made a
lovely picture. Mrs Crosby was there & is too hideous for words.

Schuyler [Sky-ler] was on the scene too & flirting like sixty with a Mrs
Dr Townsend. I went up in the dressing room & there the two sat in the
hall in the dim light of a half turned down gas jet. I thought it
horrid, myself. He came and talked to me for a few seconds & was awfully
nice. I can readily understand how he fascinates women. He has the same
bright eyes & very much the same expression & the same way of using them
as Mrs Snively. The cards said from eight till eleven, so we went at
nine & at about eleven, Angelica lead the dance & we all soon followed.
I danced till twelve then had to come home & for the first time in my
life I was not ready. All left at about one & everyone had a nice time.

Friday morning I went over at 9 o’clock to see how they all were, and
found only Mrs Cooper eating her breakfast, and as fresh as could be.
Later I went down in the kitchen with an unmentionable person & packed
up what was left over in the refreshment line & of course did not taste
anything; this done, we took a long walk.

Uncle Jim sent down to 134 State a beautiful bouquet.

Sunday afternoon:

I think it is a good thing that I had to leave this letter when I did,
for my thoughts were beginning to run on our subject & in consideration
of your feelings it was well I could not continue. She was in church &
had a pink rose in her hat & looked like the rose here endeth.

In a very little while I am going for a walk with Julia Walsh & Miss
Buttershall & I wish you were here to go also. They are ever so
pleasant.

Miss Dexter called the other day on us & asked after you & gave us both
enough taffy with that vile old tongue of hers, to sink a ship. She said
she thought we were so patient with Schuyler. What a false old hen she
is & how I h – a – t – e. her.

Miss Abbie Walsh also came to see me, but I was not in so did not see
her.

I thought of you yesterday afternoon enjoying the opera.

I must go now in a few minutes so will put an end to this.

Give my love to your mother & to Mrs Miller and with lots for yourself
believe me ever-affectionately, Julia T Martin.

This is a vile letter, so after reading it please let it feel the fire.

January 12:

[letter from Maria Brandt]

My dear Alice, I see Julia has been scribbling a line to you and tho
rather late in the day to mention it, I have been intending to thank you
for the perfect picture you have taken of Julia. I mean the standing
one, the likeness is very good of you, and tho the picture really
belongs to Julia it gives me a great deal of pleasure to look often at
it. Julia had a perfectly lovely time at your home; thank you all very
much for your kindness to her. It seems very natural to hear her speak
of all the old residents.

Both the girls came home from Brooklyn with colds but are better again &
have settled into home routine.

Please remember me very kindly to your home circle and with love,
sincerely yours, Maria Bredt

Jan 15, 1891:

23 Elk Street, Albany, Jan 15th

My dear Alice,

I was so glad to receive your letter & much obliged to you for sending
the Opera money so promptly to me. You are a very good girl to take so
much trouble for me. I am awfully sorry to miss “Fidelio” for I have
only seen it once & liked it so much.

Yes, I am having a great time. Everyone is so kind to me that I couldn’t
help it if I would.

My latest crush is (not a very new one) Hattie Pruyn [Prine], and I have
seen a good deal of her. The other night she asked Kate Walsh & me &
three men to go snow-shoeing & oh what fun. I had never walked on them,
but it is very simple & great fun. We also had time to go down on the
toboggan slide. The slide is 90 ft high & you go down lickety split. A
Dr. Van Rensselear took me down the first time & I was nearly paralyzed
with fear. I shut my eyes & hung onto the toboggan for dear life & how
we did go. After the first time I liked it ever so much.

Uncle Jim & Mrs Snively were to take me last evening, but after getting
all dressed, did not. I got a note from that “crank” saying we couldn’t
go but would go tonight & as I am going out to tea, I have to give it
up. Isn’t that enough to make a minister swear. It means that I can’t
have one with Mrs S, for most of the evenings this week are taken up &
Mrs Snively goes on Monday. I am simply heart-broken. Yes, my head is
more turned than ever in regard to our mutual friend. She’s a dear –

Eve Crosby left last week; she did not make the sensation she was
expected to & I did not mind her in the least, still I am glad she went
away. I am going to Mrs Coopers on Monday, so when you answer this
letter send to 134 State St.

I have met Miss Lynch. She was at the toboggan slide the night I was &
it was also her first time down, & she expressed her admiration by
saying it was the bulliest thing she had had in a long time.

The lady with whom she is staying, Mrs Reynolds, is a cousin of Mrs
Harry Alexandre & a very lovely woman. I have seen a good deal of her &
I like her very much. On Saturday she is going to give a small dance for
Miss Lynch, to which I now expect to go.

This afternoon I am going to receive at Mrs Cooper’s. Last week, Kate
Walsh & Hattie Pruyn poured tea & I talked to people. This week Susie
Vanderpool & Trudie (the latter is visiting here now) are to take Kate’s
& Miss Pruyn’s place & I am to do the talking.

I do not like Susie Vanderspool at all. She thinks too well of herself &
I am awfully sorry she is to be at Mrs Cooper’s. After the reception,
Mrs & Mr McHarg & I are going to take tea at Mrs Delavans.

The Dr is away. We have had a falling out, & have nothing whatever to do
with each other, but Mr Durant is on hand still. He took me on a dandy
sleigh ride yesterday afternoon & Kate Walsh saw me, which means she
will tell Hattie Pruyn & the two will have me crazy.

Mrs Grew Is on hand everywhere. She is a very handsome & entertaining
woman. They call her the female Henry VIII. I have seen her at all the
receptions etc. & quite like her. She lives only a few doors below here.

Sunday:

After reading the above point I went out & have not had a minutes time
in which to finish this letter, but will do so now before going to
church. Hattie Pruyn is going to stop for me & we are going to the
Cathedral together. The dance last night for Miss Lyman was a great
success. It was more of a reception than a dance, but we had a lovely
time. I cannot tell you how Miss Lynch looked, as I did not see her, but
will take a doubly good look on Monday night, when she will be at
another dance.

Miss Pruyn got up another toboggan party Friday night: the same six went
as the two times before & we had a splendid tramp for two miles & a
half. We drove a couple of miles to the country, then walked over the
hills, which was most exciting as we went to the bottom twice before we
arrived at the top, then met the sleigh & drove home, getting back at
about eleven. I feel that I know all so well now that I have a fine
time. We are going out again some day this week.

Miss Dexter invited me to dinner today with Mrs Cooper and Mrs Snively,
but I am not going.

About your rubber. I have not got it. If I took it by mistake it must be
at home, but I hardly think I did, for yours were smaller ones than
mine, and besides I would have noticed an odd one, as mine are always
smooth. I think I must have left both of mine at your house, as I could
not find mine & so bought a new pair.

I am surprised that Mattis Is to be married so soon, as I thought that
great event was not to take place till June.

I must stop now, as it is time for me to dress.

My best love to your Mother & Aunt & with lots for yourself –

Affectionately, Julia T Martin.

I am awfully glad you went to the Hunt Ball. I heard it was not a great
success.

18th of January 1891: Hotel Normandie, Washington DC

Dear Alice,

The top of the morning to you these fine days. And may you not rest in
tranquility until Ash Wednesday.

Here I am with my Aunt to enjoy all the delights of the Capitol. I only
wish you were along, what fun we would have together.

My camera is here, and I hope to take back some work with me.
Undeveloped of course. Did you succeed in securing some snow plates this
year? What opportunities you must have had with this season of cold.

There are no end of things to take here. And most of them have been
taken and are to be had for a quarter by a horrid process arrangement.
Nevertheless, I shall essay some myself. For these are things, some of
them no end worth having, done all one’s own self.

Send me a line to learn of the absent ones. Where is Julia Martin all
this time? And why don’t she look me up in New York?

Caught a glimpse of you at the opera, ‘Flying Dutchman’ but don’t think
you saw me.

Think I am to have a 6 ½ by 8 and want you to come and spook round with
me, looking up the right thing when I return to New York.

With kindest regards to your mother.

Ever thine, Violet M.E. Ward

1891_1-22-james mcandrew002 copy.jpg – MARRIAGE INVITATION

Feb 3, 1891: 134 State St. Albany

My dear Alice,

You will smile when you receive this letter telling you it is 11pm but I
am wide awake so you will not say never send me a line again written
after dark.

Mrs Snively came down unexpectedly this afternoon to spend the night &
is at present in the parlor with a certain person. Who?? The answer to
that question has been here all the evening making himself most
agreeable as has Mrs S. Oh dear why isn’t she here all the time. By the
way, she told me the other day she expected to have you visit her but it
will be impossible for me to stay on longer.

Mrs Cooper is not at all well which is the reason you have not heard
from her. She admires you so much.

I am having a fine time snow-shoeing, though much more quiet than when
at Mrs McHarg’s. One reason is because it has been warm enough to thaw,
so much so, that the toboggan slide will have to be repaved & I read in
this evening’s paper that it would not be reopened as it hardly pays, so
few people using it this winter. Isn’t that maddening, as I have two
invites for the week & it is getting very cold again.

I cannot remember if I wrote you that Mrs Snively, “Uncle Jim” & I went
down twelve times one evening & oh what fun. The last time I went down
all alone – wasn’t I brave?

The other night Miss Pruyn*(*I am more than a little cracked about this
young lady. She is lovely.) took me snow shoeing again & I wish you
could have seen me. I sat partly on the snow-shoes partly on Miss Pruyn
in the front of the sleigh with my feet projecting half a yard in
mid-air. I am sorry to say Miss Pruyn has gone to New York for a few
days, but will return on Saturday & that evening you can think of us
all.

It is the greatest fun. How I do enjoy it.

It is very sad, but most true that my best beau Mr Durant has gone back
on me. Isn’t too bad. My heart has such a crack. I have not laid eyes on
him in a cat’s age & he has not taken me to drive since I really don’t
know when.

Our friend Miss Dexter is very much on hand. She lives right opposite &
we see her head popping back & forth watching who comes & ready to let
that tongue of hers out on the slightest provocation.

I was so shocked to hear of Mr Hopkin’s death. It is simply awful, but I
fully believe he was not in his sane mind. I feel so sorry for his
family.

I want to thank you for the ticket money again. It just comes when I
want it & has kept me in pocket money to a fine degree. I am too sorry
that the German Opera is to be given up. The seats will be too steep for
me next year, but I hope I shall be able to get a single ticket once in
a while, as I should like to hear an Italian Opera.

I saw today “Henry the VIII.” She is awfully bright & great fun, but
should imagine Albany, after the novelty wears off, would seem dull to
her, & I should not be surprised that she soon return to New York to
look up number four. She & her husband dined with Governor Hill Friday
night at the Pruyn’s & I was told she looked very handsome.

Don’t speak of my dear little niece. I am wild, crazy, to see her & am
wild to get home for that; but oh dear, I shall be sorry when these good
times come to an end. Who do you think I met on the street a week ago &
who called on me? L. Smith. Have you any breath left in your body? I
hadn’t when I saw him walk in. He was so pleasant, I liked him very much
& have come to the conclusion I shall have to live away from home to
know my friends there.

You will probably see me at the Opera two weeks from this Saturday & if
Mamma & Papa come here I expect you to come home with me & we will talk
all night.

Well, enough. Your nicely written & newsy letter puts mine to shame, but
I am now & suppose I always shall be your ever most loving but half daft
friend.

Julia T Martin

If Mrs Cooper & Mrs Snively knew I were writing I am sure they would
join me both in love to you & kindest remembrances to your mother, who
Mrs C always calls “pretty Mrs Austen.”

1891_2-10-Feb 2001– WEDDING INVITATION

1891_2-10-Feb 6002 – WEDDING INVITATION

1891_2-6-Feb 5005-pasadena– ENVELOPE FROM PASADENA

Feb 15: letter from Pasadena from Edith Blunt

Pasadena Cal⠀Care Mrs. Dexter⠀Sunday Eve.⠀Feb. 15th⠀

Dear Alice⠀
I must drop you a line to night before I close my eyes or I shall not
rest. You will be surprised to see where we are - Stanhope’s cold has
been hanging on so long that the Dr’s thought a change of air the best
thing for him. Mr. Blunt is away from home away way in recruiting
service so I thought we might as well see a little of southern Cal
before Trudie returns – Mrs. Buchanan has lost her lovely voice, so she
was delighted to join our party - and travel with us to warmer parts. We
came down by steamer to Santa Barbara went all over that town saw
everything; there to Los Angeles and took that all in we are now right
in the same place mamma and papa were in 1 or 2 years ago – it is
perfect that is all I can say. When we want oranges all one has to do is
to pick one – we sit out in the sun all day long in large easy chairs
and do next to nothing – we shall stay here one month & I do hope baby
will be well & Mrs. Buchanan also by that time. Trudie wants the rest so
it is just as well for her - She went so hard before she left Presidio
that she looked sadly. I started to thank you for your good picture it
is splendid of you & also of Papas library. I was so glad to have it. I
must close this scrawl now as I have been writing all the evening and my
back is tired.⠀
We all send love⠀
believe me your true friend⠀
Edith E. Blunt

February 19th:

Dear Miss Austen,

Will you lunch with me on Thursday February 26th, at half after one
o’clock.

To meet Miss Platt

Very cordially, Orline Alexander

Arrochar, SI

February nineteenth

March1: letter from Quarantine:

Dear Miss Austen,

Unfortunately, the workmen have not finished the new tank & consequently
it cannot be photographed today. I will notify you a day in advance. The
set which you have just sent are very satisfactory & a check will be
sent to you.

Sincerely yours, AH Doty March 1 1891.

MAYBE HERE: letter from Julia Bredt

April First (black lined)

My dear Alice: I have a jolly little collection of letters here. This is
my sixth only not all written today. I am in Germantown and have been
here for two weeks with Claire Chapman it is a perfect spot I think
“School Lane” is about right. Don’t you? I have met some lovely people
and have had a very pleasant time. Did you meet the Browns on “School
Lane” They have …

2…such a pretty house and their furniture is so pretty. I have not been
to see the Aulbergers. I hear now and then about you from G. Boothe he
seems to take quite an interest in you he asks all about you etc. etc.
but I think he knows as much as I do. But that was a joke about the
arrowhead? Was it not? He made such a fuss over naught. Alice do you…

3… know I am crazy to travel also I seem to be possessed with the idea
lately it is so strange you should be also. I wish we could go together
can’t we? May be you can propose something. It is after six, and so dark
I can hardly see to write, but I will light the light for if I cut this
sheet now I am sure you would say I have sandwiched you? How lonely you
must be with out Gertrude. Is it not strange…

4 …everyone seems to be away traveling around the country. It is the
strangest thing. A friend of mine sails on the 19th. I would have loved
to go to Europe with them but they are going to make quite an expensive
trip of it. So my Mamma said no, I did not mind so very much still I do
want to go somewhere don’t you? To see something of the world you know
we are so young.

5…And would like so much to see something of the world you know? I will
remind Will about the photos they were elegant. I am not at all sure
about this summer I rather expect to go to Muncy in June, and I have two
or three other invites but I think I will have lots of time to come to
L. Island & I think it sweet of you to ask me. And if we …

5… have not decided where we can go before then we will settle it.
Although I would like to start at once say not? By the way what a joke
about Emily Scott? I got cards just to think of her? Who is the man is
he rich etc. etc. tell me all about it. Anyway how…

6… old is she? were are they to live. It is simply ridiculous is she to
have a large wedding tell me all. My dear girl this is a dreadful scrawl
but you must excuse it is still so dark, write to me soon now remember
it is your turn. I am in haste. Every yours, Julia Bredt.

… (8) this letter is the most ridiculous thing, nothing but the same
words used ten times on a page but you will excuse. Julie

May 3, Bessie Strong

New Brunswick, May 3rd/91

My dear Alice: This being a rainy Sunday I have decided to remain at
home or perhaps go to church this evening if it clears.

Indeed I have not been to church for three Sundays. We have been passing
through a series of …

… domestic resolutions and both mother and I were pretty well worn out.
We are not settled yet, as the specimen who has been posing as cook for
a week goes tomorrow. Such a stupid I have seldome seen, and what is
more she cannot learn anything. Theodore has nicknamed her “Old
Shakespeare” – Of course you have…

… read the accounts of that horrible murder, in the papers. Don’t know
that I have much of interest to relate. The first two weeks after my
return were spent in the house, as I contracted a fearful cold before
leaving Louisville, and kept adding to it until I thought surely I was
in for pneumonia. That ran me down of course and I have taken more nasty
medicine.

Spent a night at Staten Island about two weeks since. Went over to New
York to shop, and ran down to Uncle’s late one afternoon. Left early
next morning. Looked about for familiar faces on the boat but did not
see many. Mr Molineux went down from NY with me, and I had the pleasure
of Mr White’s society from …

…the Island next AM. I hear you are no longer a Director of the Ladies
Club; did you get tired of the office?

I doubt very much if I shall do any more tennis playing; do not believe
it is a good thing for me.

Did I write you how miserable Eva had been? She was finally ordered away
from home by her physician, and is now with Mr Calwell’s

… mother, a little way from Philadelphia – I am quite anxious about her
as she does not seem to improve. But a change may be what she needs, and
seeing Mr Caldwell will work wonders doubtless.

I did have such a delightful visit in Louisville. Spent six weeks there,
met lots of pleasant people and had a good time generally. We were most
inveterate theatre-goers.

I saw “A Texas Steer”; “Shenandoah.” Sothern; Jefferson and Florence,
DeWolf Hopper & Co., Agnes Huntington and Margaret Mether. I simply lost
my heart to Agnes Huntington; have heard her twice and think her the
most superb creature.

About the only dissipations since my return have been the card clubs. I
had our whist club here not long ago, and we shall probably meet at
Emily Shenck’s this week. Friday night the seniors had their play, “A
Lost Inheritance” at the Opera House. It was very good, and well acted.
The audience was a fine one, and so enthusiastic. De. Scott received a
perfect round of compliments and applause. Have done nothing in
photography since my return except to print off some pictures for
exchange. Hope to begin work as soon as house-cleaning and servants will
permit. With much love in which mother joins, and trusting you will
write more promptly than heretofore. As ever yours, Elisabeth B. Strong.

1891_5-20-May 2002– WEDDING INVITATION

June 4: letter from Edward C. Center of NYC

Edward C. Center, 50 Broadway, New York.

My dear Alice,

I am very much obliged to you for the card to Ladies Day, and shall try
and get down. Hope I shall see you there I have been meaning to come and
see you but on my return from Staten Island when I visited, there I
found my mother sick & in bed and up to this

… time she has only been out of the house once. So you see I have had
but little chance to see my friends as I am down town all day and Mama
wants me home in the evening. My brother has been south on the Medusa
for 4 weeks and I was left at home.

Remember me most kindly to Mrs Capt Miller & the Capt. Your good mother
and believe me always your

Sincere friend

Edward C. Center

Please excuse business paper. I find I have no other here. E.C.C.

1891_6-June 2001 & 2002– NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

June 7: letter from Bessie Strong, New Brunswick, NJ

  My dear Alice. I am exceedingly sorry you cannot be here for
  commencement. For there is quite a good deal of fun in Prospect and I
  think you could have a good time together. But I know how much you
  always enjoy your visits to Bethlehem. So in this case I only am the
  loser. Think I shall start the fall rolling on Thursday by having a
  crowd here to eat strawberries and be photographed. The strawberries
  are coming in full force in such beauties. Doctor mechanick we'll be
  out next Saturday to help us eat them and to go with us

  … to the tennis tea provided he is not on duty. Of course you saw the
  account of the. Drowning of the two students in the canal. It was a
  dreadfully sad thing I had never met. Either of them enclosed. You
  will find the amount for the picture. I hate to send it in stamps, but
  $0.50 is such an inconvenient amount to send any other way. I expect
  to be at Doctor Bogert sometime this summer and shall see you then. I
  hope. I'm afraid I cannot get in a visit to you this season as I have.
  Promised several others and I must be at home. Part of the time with
  love as ever yours Elizabeth B Strong.

June 10:

My dearest Loll. You are so very good to write me so soon. I am
delighted that the trunk is alright. You are a wonderful packer, no
doubt about that. I hope you have enough.

… close to struggle on with but we must try for more. I hope you will go
to Mount Chunk and over the switch back. Railway it is very. Curious and
interesting. I wish you could see. A mine also. Lucy Shortt came in
yesterday at 20 minutes to 7. She wanted to see your auntie about a
laundress. Your auntie would not see her, but I did. She had had a
washwoman who sent home the clothes with insect specimens attached. She
wants the other kitten. She can have it. Tommy came in yesterday at
dinner. Rusty starving thin and very…

… wild. He cleared the plates and departed.

Katie Joyce has not come and I'm going to town. I thought I cleared off
the list the last time, but I have 15 items today. Your Grandpy is much
impressed by the way you sent the trunk. He says he was afraid it would
be lost. He cannot comprehend how you sent it ahead and then took it
with you. Take very good care of yourself. Do not work too hard. My
dearest from your momma. Poor Tommy has a bad chew on his lame foot.

June 12:

My dearest Loll, I sent your butterfly yesterday, there are some pink
ribbons that belong to your dress and some tags. I think your hair would
look beautiful hanging down, it is so very long. I went to town and
changed the select ribbon. Miss Butler was amazed. She said she had
never seen such a piece of ribbon, so imperfect and full of dressing.
The gingham dress you liked at Altman’s was in the window. It has as you
said the flounce all around with two rows of velvet ribbons an inch
wide. It is not as pretty as yours will be. The window was full of thin
dresses, I took in the details, a ­crowd of ladies blocked the sidewalk
doing the same. I sketched one bow of ribbons on my list paper.

Nothing more about Mr Martin or anyone of any one indeed; I am glad that
you are going to Glen Onoko,your grandpa says it is lovely. Stay at
Bethlehem as long as you care to. I am only too pleased that you have a
change. Your Auntie has a new dressmaker today. Mrs Davitt. She did not
know the way in so looked in the dining room window. I will write again
soon my precious one from, your Mama

June 16:

Staten Island; June 16th/91

My dearest Lollie, I have today got your letter of Monday which was very
welcome. I am sorry it is hot down there, if it is like this place it
must be dreadful. Today and yesterday were fearful. The grass is burnt
yellow, and one cistern has given out, but no sight of rain.

Katie gave the dogs a bath and they slept for hours after. All the
animals are well. Chico sleeps a good deal under my bed where it is dark
and cool. Tommy is frightful from wounds and want of hair. On Sunday the
Camdens sent for your Auntie to come to lunch, they had fifteen in the
house. The old set, Sallie Hargons and her fiancé Duncan Elliott, Ned
Bulkely, the Havemayers. In fact, Flora Davis was not there. Sir
Roderick is in Canada. The Captain was kept busy photographing of
course.

I wish I had some news to send you but all is quiet. Nothing from Mr
Martin. Mr Satterlee’s Infirmary accounts are declared correct. I
believe the trustees have made up the loss. The Bethlehem ways are too
provincial for you, I know. What you miss is New York though you do not
live in it. Fishkill is dull to you for the same reason. It is the
influence of a great city that you require, your mind is too active to
be satisfied elsewhere.

I have saved some newspaper cuttings. I wish you could see the Herald
that is the paper for news. It says Lady Brook who let out about the
Basics at Business is called “the babbling Brook.”

The Captain saw Harry Cammon’s present to his ushers on Duncan, he says
they were the poorest sleeve buttons he ever saw, links in white enamel
with a monogram in gold. In New York yesterday it was 96 degrees in the
shade.

Katie Joyce has not come today I have written her a second note. Good
bye my dear little Child, Your Mama

1891_6-25-June 1002 – WEDDING INVITATION

July 2: Chapman Quarries, PA,

My dear miss Austen.

On returning home this morning I was very much surprised and delighted
to find the five beautiful pictures you so kindly sent me.

They will remind me during many a long evening - of a delightfully spent
day. After seeing your awfully pretty work, I am afraid you will not
think much of the paperweights I have been working on in which you will
receive as soon as finished.

Many thanks for the beauties. Very sincerely yours, CR Chapman

[Claire Chapman – Julie Bredt’s friend]

July 2: letter from Henry G Wesh?,

Bethlehem, PA, at the Eagle Hotel.

Dear Miss Austen

  Dear Miss Austin, thank you very much for the pictures and allow me to
  congratulate on your skill displayed as a photographer. It was
  extremely kind of you to Remember me, and I thoroughly appreciate it.

  Very sincerely. Henry G Wesh.

July 28: letter from Brooklyn, from Julie Bredt

  My dear Alice, Your telegram just received, am so sorry I could not
  get off today but I have not a single thing with me but one black
  heavy gown, I have just sent for some clothes but fear they won’t come
  till Sat. but if it does not rain I will come down tomorrow morning &
  spend the night. Have lots to tell you in but haste, Julie –

  Here I started today but it pours so I had to come back. Stella goes
  to the country tomorrow so I will spend the last day with her. See you
  tomorrow.

1891_7ish-JTM-Julia Bredt undated 2001 through 2006. – I think it’s
around July 1891

You had this letter as Julie Bredt – It’s Julia Martin

Dearest Alice – Here I am back in Schenectady after a most delightful
restful visit & have come back here to take up the dirty work again.

Alice, I kept thinking all the time that it was last summer & kept
looking for you all the time & wishing you were with me. Bennington has
waked up really & is really quite gay. I was so dead tired on Sunday &
finding I could not have Mamma here alone I decided to go right…

… B. for a few days & come back. So I went on Monday, “Nancy” met me &
after tea we all went to Mrs Wellington’s (who by the way is a sister of
one of my best friend’s at Miss Irving’s, Cora Townsend), & played that
game of making words from one given. We played till quite late & oh what
a good sleep I had & it was so delightful to wake up & feel I could loaf
the whole day, which I certainly did. I got three big pillows & a book,
went out on the piazza in one of those steamer chairs & slept dreamed,
read & thought of you all day till six, then I took tea at Mrs Cooper’s
& afterward she & I took a drive …

… on the Williamstown road & gathered ferns in the woods. Mrs Snively
was at a musical at Mr Tibbits which I did not care to go to. On Tuesday
afternoon Mr Wellington, Mr King & the two Miss Clarks quite young girls
& I played tennis at the Griswells. They have a fine court & they have
kindly made it public property so that lots of people play & it is quite
fun. Do you remember this place. It is a white house standing on a small
hill, on the long road to the village. Don’t you remember the first time
we went to the village with the donkey we got to the top of the hill &
Mr Donkey would not go & a young girl was so amused.

I hadn’t had a game for so long I enjoyed it so much. Mrs. Snively then
took me for a drive to the village. Miss Wellington also came & we all
carried on in our usual style. The hotel looked as natural as ever. A
woman & her brother has keeping it & I believe it is quite a success. I
looked up at our window & felt like whistling & seeing you pop your head
out [EAA was there in 1890]. Mrs Robinson was not there. Her mother had
died & she had gone on to the funeral. Fred was there but I did not see
him. Mrs Cooper told me that the Jennings were lovely people.

… so I guess that was a good match. On Thursday, yesterday Mr Hart I do
not think we met him last summer, got up a large party dutch treat to
drive to Williamstown. There were 14 in all. His sister Miss Hart & the
two girls who live in the Bennington in that beautiful place with the
woods behind that we drove in, were among the party. The rest were all
strangers except Miss Wellington. A Mrs Patterson from the hotel was
Chaperone. We all were in a four horse wagon & really had a delightful
time. I left the party there and took the train for here in …

… the afternoon arriving last evening. Mama, Alice, is physically much
better & stronger but mentally is a wreck. I do not think she will ever
go crazy but I fear her mind will all go like softening of the brain & I
find it is not possible for me to leave her here as I expected to do &
very much to my regret. She does not sleep one wink all night long &
while quiet as far as moaning & groaning, she walks all over & Harriet
the wife of Mr Davis will not let her sleep alone. While I was away she
was kind enough to sleep in her room & she looked worn out when I came
back & I would not impose …

… on anyone. It is kind enough in them all to ask us all here & I can
not tell you the kindness we have received at their hands. Harriet & Mr
Davis told me I must get a nurse as H is not strong enough to be awake
at nights but we can not do that. I slept last night in the room & slept
pretty well, but every time I woke up she was awake. We lock all the
doors so she can’t get out. It is not that she is out of her head but
she can’t sleep poor woman & gets up walks about in the hopes it will
make her sleepy. Yesterday she dressed herself & came down stairs & saw
some of her friends. They do not excite her in the least. In fact, if
they come in the morning by night she forgets when they were here. She
told one of them that her husband had been away two months & she had not
heard one word from him. She said her back is sore from a fall she had &
she keeps asking her if I have written Mrs Pool to thank her for keeping
her. We think she has mixed them up with the Hillhouses, for when
Harriet asked her who Mrs Pool was, she said her husband’s name was John
Hillhouse.

She does not talk by any means this way all the time but we all can see
her memory is all gone. She had been talking of my going to Bennington &
yet when I came back she asked me how Amy was & later she knew she had
made a mistake & told me so. Alice it is an awful, awful thing to see
one’s mind like this. I have made up my mind if she does not hear form
Papa in another week to take her to a hospital in Albany & Schuyler & I
can stay at Mrs McHarg’s. I can not say I relish this…

But it is the only thing to be done. I feel truly sorry for her, but of
all helpless, inefficient people, she is one & what is to become of her
I have given up trying to solve. I do not know how long exactly I shall
be here. I am sorry now I did not bring my trunk but don’t want it sent.
I have a hundred & one things I want to do at home & here I am tied
down. It is a queer word this! I do not know why I have bored you with
this lingo? Still I know you will be glad to hear …

… just how Mamma is. Don’t repeat what I have written. I am going to get
you to stop at the Post office & tell Ludlow to forward all letters to
me. Union Street Schenectady. Care James E. Davis Esq. Write to me when
you can & with much love. Affectionately, Julie

If you have not given all the books away I would like you to save the
Harpers bound & some others that you think would be nice for the prison
??

Excuse this letter I have just read it over, but can’t write it again.

Aug 4: 715 Columbia Street

Dear Alice I did not write immediately to thank you for the pin for I
wanted to write a letter and not a note. The pen is very pretty and you
were awfully good to send it to me. Your friend St. John has left us but
not Seattle, he is ??ing? now, you would have been very much amused to
hear his account of his admiration for…

… Miss Brett [sic]; according to his story, you asked him to call, he is
quite good fun sometimes, he is such an egotistical cub, he thinks you
very nice and was quite indignant at the account in the “World” of
Gertrude Williams being the first tennis player and not you. Kintzing
has gone to Sedro he found nothing to do in Seattle; he went Saturday
morning, we expect him back at any time for he sent word he did not like
it very much and would not stay long. Mamma thinks you would…

…like it here, that you would enjoy the cable-cars and the hills, I wish
you would arrange to come out and spend next summer with me.

St. John is very enthusiastic over Seattle says he would do anything if
he can only stay, he comes up about twice a week that is quite often
enough for we had a good big dose of him.

Poor Julia Martin I feel very sorry for her, I hope she will be happy in
this place she has got, she never was happy at home so, perhaps…

…she will be now Trudie’s friends the Harringtons are here now, they
said she was a great belle in San Francisco, very much admired etc.
Mamma says “tell Alice that Kin and I have wished she was with us a good
many times on the Canadian Pacific when we came through the beautiful
scenery. With lots more thanks for the pin and much love from both of
us.

Your loving friend, Effie S. Alexander

Aug 22, 1891 postmark: Budd’s Lake, NJ letter from Julia Martin

Dear A – Are you at home now & would it be convenient for me to come to
you for my little visit on Thursday. Please let me know at once, will
you? As they would rather I would come a little later to Riverdale. Love
& in haste, JTM

August 23:

Sunday Aug 23d/91

My dearest Lolla, I was very glad to get your card so soon. I am anxious
to know where you are settled at the Hotel or elsewhere. I went to town
on Friday and left your shoe. The man said he expected it before and
could not send as soon as he had promised. I told him to forward them as
soon…

… as possible to Bay Head Pecan Co. NJ. I believe you did not give me an
address. I hope this was right as I shall put it on this note. About six
o’clock on Saturday a card came from Julie Martin that I enclose you see
she wants to come on Thursday. This you must not let her do for it would
quite break up your outing which is short enough as it is, besides I
want you to go to Lake Mahopac if possible.

Julia kept you in an uncertainty all summer…

… fixed a date herself and she should not try to change it now. Stay at
Bay Head as long as you can. Miss Edwards told your Auntie that Mr
Martin had not bought the house from Mrs Easton but had leased it for
ten years which is now expiring and Mrs E has come over to look after
it. She has been seen on the Island with her husband the Count who is
lame. If this is so the Martins cannot receive the rent for the place is
Mrs Eastons, what a snarl It is.

Sir Roderick came late on Sat midday? And made your Auntie go back and
dine. She had on…

… her calico with the sailor collar, so she went into dinner on his arm
she in a calico, and he in a dress suit. She went also with the Camerons
to call on the Hicks and Hoyts, and Gracie. The latter’s baby is very
ill indeed. Eddie Hicks ran away when he saw the carriage, so did Eliza
but came back, they passed Eddie on the road afterwards, but he would
not look towards them. Real Staten Island this.

Aline was home after Mr Hoyt, who was astounded at finding out that your
Auntie had been Mrs Sam Hicks, and had staid in that house thirty years
ago. She looked at her old bedroom now the library. Good Bye dear Babe.
Write me what you are doing, your Mama

Would it do to ask Mr M. about your dividend?

August 27:

Staten Island

Thursday, August 27th/91

It is a week today my dearest Loll, since you left, and the day Julia
Martin threatened to come. I hope you have written to put her off.

Your Grandpa saw Mr Montgomery at his office on Monday I think, and M
paid you a great many compliments. Thought you one of the brightest
girls he had ever met etc.,

… The idea of Gilman being at Bay Head and M. also, and that howling
Munroe left at home I think in all this I can see Nellie’s fine hand. I
hope your shoes have come. I wish now we had mailed the other. What a
good idea it was to get the sage? Just the thing for you down there.
Carrie Ward has just called to know if you had brought home from that
house a paper parasol? As if you could possibly do such a thing. I sent
word…

… that there was nothing of the kind here. Your Auntie is waiting for
Alice W’s ship which is due today. She has not been to town since the 3d
of June when she bid A.W. good bye.

Sam Dix called Tuesday night quite late. He told the Captain he had not
been away this summer but spent his vacation loafing.

Somebody said to your Auntie that Mrs Carleson said she expected Jack
some day to be a millionaire he was doing so well; did you ever.

Daisy Camden saw Maria…

… Winthrop at Newport. Says she is very bashful – never says a word,
does not care for society.

Sir Roderick is building a new stable to cost $10,000. Bella still has
the chills? Miss Edwards says that Katie could have Woodie if she chose,
but Sir R. objects. I should think he would snap at Woodie if he is so
well off.

Your letter was very interesting, odd you should meet some of the
Bayside people, they are a jovial set, if you ever get to Flushing you
would know quantities of distant cousins. I hope I put on the right
direction. Do be careful in the surf. From your Mama

September 9:

My dear Alice: I am sure you never answer that sandwiched letter, will
you? So I will try again, I am at home again now and Ernestine got back
from West Virginia last night & Fritz home from Virginia a week ago so
we feel quite home like again. Fritz has the record of killing the
largest bird at Wallop’s island he shot it & gave it Mr Dodsons. He is
going to have it stuffed so fritz is quite proud. I began this letter
when I first came home and now the news so far is rather old, but still
you will forgive it. Last night we went to a spider party at Dodsons it
was the greatest fun they had Miss…

… run all over the house, a ball for each person. And then we had to
untwist it and at the end win a prize. Then we danced afterwards.
Yesterday we went to Ross Emmons? I mean the Quarry on a picnic. Claire
Mrs Chapman Elise and I, Mr ? and Clif (he had been up at Ross Emmons.
That Miss Miller left yesterday, he came down with her & then came to us
he said he had had such luck with these paper W. of yours, but Mr West
told me he was the handsomest he had ever seen, of the kind you know. Jg
Booth, Mr Pinter we had lots of fun, and came home…

…just in time to go to Dodsons. I want you to come up some time this
winter. I think when there is skating will be most fun, don’t you?

O! Alice I did have the most perfect time this summer simply fine, I
never had such fun. Muncy is very jolly & Berkely was so nice also. Here
I have to come to New York in a week or so again on account of some
business then I guess it is over for a while, it is real nice though
coming over so often I only hope it will keep up but of course it won’t.
one of the men I met this summer may be in SI staying at the Stones
around the same time, he is an awfully nice…

… fellow. Be sure & be nice to him I was staying with his sister he has
heard lots about you, and is quite anxious to meet you. I think it is
going to be so cold this winter, I am fully glad, Clif asked all about
how you were yesterday and I found if he sent his love, or I guess it
must have been only to be remembered what are you doing? And what did
you do this summer? Tell me all the news, and give my best love to your
Mamma and Auntie and with lots to yourself. I am as ever Lovingly, Julia
Bredt.

September 9:

Dear Miss Austen – Many thanks for your little note received this
evening. Howard showed me today the photos he took on the sailing party
– they are amusing and some of the likenesses of your back hair are very
good but unfortunately there is none of your face by which you could
possibly be recognized.

… The sky was rather cloudy for instantaneous work. I am promising
myself the pleasure of seeing the ones you took as soon as you will let
me come to see you –

I can come almost any evening next week so far as I now know.

I went to Bayhead again last Saturday and succeeded in getting in three
sea baths not –

… withstanding the rain which made things rather moist for a while in
the ?? Sunday.

Once I had to retire in haste and ig??? From the water being somewhat in
the predicament of Paddy from Cork!

I believe I am expected to go there again next Sunday – but haven’t
decided yet whether to go – we are all going down tomorrow night to hear
the ?? orchestra at Madison…

… Square Garden - & wish you could join us. It is about the only
amusement of that kind I allow myself in these days.

Won’t you suggest an evening next week when I can come down and make a
call – don’t say Monday or Saturday. As always. Truly yours. Henry K.
Gilman

Flushing, September ninth

September 19: Clifton-Berley Staten Island

Sir Roderick & Miss Cameron request the pleasure of Miss Austen’s
company on Saturday September 19th at 9 o’clock

Dancing

RSVP

October 17:

My dear Alice, your very pretty gift was received less evening and Jack
and I both thank you so much for the remembrance and hope to do so again
on Thursday next. I hear Miss…

… Brett is visiting you if she remains over Thursday, I shall be most
happy to send her. An invitation. So please let me know if she does.
Trusting that nothing will prevent you coming on Thursday and thanking
you again for your kindness to us. I am your sincerely, Marie Parmele

October 20:

23 Elk St, Albany, Oct 20/91

Dear Alice, Don’t think I have made mistake and believe it to be Sunday,
for I am quite aware of the fact that it is not, but I think you will
get this in time to send your Sunday answer.

First of all let me tell you how sorry I was not to see you on Saturday,
but it was lucky we did not wait for the later boat…

…as we had not a minute too much time. I had a fine send off. Walton,
Howard, Amy, King, and my cousin Susie Martin were all at the Depot soon
after one. The latter good?? A beautiful bouquet of flowers & I sat next
to a young well dressed man in the sleeper & I think people took us for
bride & groom. If so they must have thought the bride a very sleepy one
as I was in the land of nod most of the way.

I hadn’t much to pay on my trunks after all…

… Who do you think I saw Sunday morning just as I was starting for
church, why Alice King and Mr Edgar. She seemed as surprised as I and
was very pleasant, I was delighted to meet her for it saves me the
trouble of writing her a letter.

Albany is very quiet, but quite a number have called on me. Hattie Pruyn
spent most of Monday with me and a Miss Cooper came in on Sunday. I went
last night to Miss Townsend’s wedding. It was lovely & lots of people
there & lots were awfully sweet to me, as I feel very happy in my mind.
Mrs Cooper wrote me today that she wanted me before Xmas so you see I
have a long time here before then. I suppose you are all excited about
the wedding tomorrow night. I should like to see it.

Do hurry up & finish our photographs, I am so anxious to see them & do
write me and tell me all the news.

My best love to you and all & believe me ever affectionately, Julia T.
Martin

October 22:

1891_10-22-Oct 6001 – Jack Eccleston wedding invitation

October 26: Portledge

  Dear Alice. Lou Alexander and Mr. Richards are coming to dine
  informally with us this evening. Will you not join us at 6:30 Yours
  very truly, Mary W Emmons.

1891_10-27-Oct 2002 – WEDDING INVITATION

October 29:

The Cottage, Oct 29th

My dear Lola, The photo you sent me of the south view of the Presqu’ile
house has been so much admired that they have expressed a wish to have
it and I am going to ask you to send me two more at your leisure. I am
in no hurry for them and feel as if I am almost trespassing on your
kindnesses to send so many orders – but when I ask too much you must say
so – I know the printing is very troublesome – my only objection to that
south view…

… of the house is that it makes me feel homesick every time I look at
it. It shows the awning? Part of the house and all the flowers, and I
can just fancy myself sitting at that south window & looking in the bay
of mountains, then I look at Jane’s window & it brings back to me the
enjoyment she used to have on watching the changes of light in the
mountains and the lovely view of the bay, so you see my dear child that
your talent for photography is not a selfish pleasure largely to the
enjoyment of others – I have felt sorry…

… not to be able to ask you or your dear mother here this summer but my
sickness in the spring left me feeling very weak and unwell all the most
part of the summer – I am happy to say that I am much better now – and
think I have been most blessed that many others who seem still to be
suffering from the effects of the Grippe. I want to know what you & your
mother have been doing all summer. We have had some very pleasant
weather ?? this month but it has been a very dry season and we have had
quite a water…

… famine here and will still require some heavy rain to relieve it – if
the old adage is true that Winter cannot come till the ponds are full I
think we will have a late Winter. Give much love to your mother. Emma
sends her love to both of you. She has been very busy lately with a fair
for the benefit of the church from which they have netted $384 – Yours
affectionately, E VanRensselear

November 2:

Sunday Evening

Dear Miss Austen – I think a sight of you would help me to shake off a
desperate attack of the blues which seems to have fastened their
demoralizing clutches upon me, and I wish you would drop me a line to
say which evening this week I shall find you disengaged – either
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. I am living at 103 Montague St. Brooklyn
now. and my evenings are free to the pitch of absolute loneliness.

In fact I feel like saying with our friend “Bunthorne”

“Oh to be wafted away

From this bleak of sorrow

Where the dust of an earthy today

Is the earth of a dusty tomorrow”

So do take pity on a poor, grubbing, desolate soul, and lay up for
yourself treasures in Heaven by a charitable action – and experience the
highest pleasure in life, by waking another’s lot in life less dreary –

Expectantly yours, Henry K Gilman

November 2:

My dear Alice – It is ten thirty P.M. and if you could look in upon me
now you would see a very wide awake young lady sitting in her “nighty”
ready to send a few lines to Staten Island.

I intended writing you this afternoon but when I came in from Grandma’s
I found Mr McHarg waiting to take me for a walk.

… and it being such a fine walking day I could not resist we struck out
and did three miles in an hour. I wish you had been with us. As I went
along I wondered if you and Trudie were doing the same thing.

I literally have nothing to write about. I only came back yesterday. As
I could not get hold of Walton stayed a day longer than I expected. I am
very glad I went now for while I did not get all I expected, I got some
information which was…

… quite unexpected. I arrived here at 1:30 yesterday & right after
dinner Mr McHarg took two of my friends & me out for a 25 mile drive. We
went way off in the country and the foliage was perfectly beautiful.
Tomorrow I am going out again but for only a short drive.

Mrs Cooper is back. She came on Thursday I think, but is only here for a
few weeks, then she will be at 73 Park Ave.

… If you are at Dr. W. why do you not call on her. She would be
delighted to see you, and you need not necessarily see anyone else. Eva
Crosby was at St. Peter’s church this morning – she is staying with Mrs
Snively & came up to church here. I guess her Uncle Thaddeus is too much
for her. She was dressed beautifully and looked very well – I have not
laid eyes on Mrs Snively nor upon “Uncle Jim.” I believe the latter is
in town now however & I dare say the former will find she needs to see
her mother every day or two. I shall probably take up my abode with her
soon after she returns from NY. Don’t let next Sunday pass without
writing for I shall take great pleasure in looking for the only reg.
letters I now get. Love to all—

November 15:

23 Elk St. Albany, Nov 15/91

My dear Alice – It is not midnight yet, but it is not so very far from
it yet you see in spite of your suggestion to cease these nightly
briefs, I still no heed.

I looked for your letter on Tuesday and when none came I was very much
disappointed, but when Wednesday came & …

… brought me such a nice long interesting one, I felt well repaid for
waiting.

Your letters really put my poor attempts to shame – but forgive all
deficiencies knowing what a “crank” I am.

Let me see, I have not much to write about. The latest excitement has
been watching the eclipse through a telescope on the top of the Pruyn’s
house.

Jack was there. He is queer and has been ever…

… since his romantic fiancé gave him the slip. Yes I knew all about it,
except that the girls sister died and so deprived Mr Hopkins of a wife.
Seems to me if he has his way it won’t be long before he finds another!
I have seen a great deal of Hattie Pruyn. She is so kind to me. On
election afternoon she drove me and two men out to the Country Club. It
is about four miles from here in an awfully godforsaken place & does not
compare to ours on SI. We carried on like ?? and had a jolly time,
though we were all nearly perished before we reached home. Then I went
out with my girl again last week. She is always at home at five and
there are always a lot of people there and it is awfully pleasant & to
drop in, which…

…5 I do every few days.

Since Mrs Cooper has been in the City I have been out with her every few
mornings. She went to New York yesterday and is to be at 73 Park Avenue
for two weeks.

I do not know that she sent a special invitation to you to call on her
but I know it would give her pleasure and she sees lots of people who do
not now or ask for the Hillhouses…

… I have only laid eyes on Mrs Snively for the fraction of a minute
since I have been in Albany. You will have to be patient until I go to
Mrs Cooper then I will try hard to rave for your special benefit. I
doubt if I go to Mrs C till after Xmas, and I do not know that I am in
any great hurry. It is very pleasant here where more or less, I can do
exactly as I like.

Miss Dexter met me the other day and was…

… overpoweringly polite as ever. She is a regular old snake. She and our
friend Mrs Greenfield should live together.

Has Bob Wright moved to New Brighton? It must seem queer to have Jack
Eccleston living on the Island and not in the Rectory.

Clara Rich I suppose had a great reception. I doubt if she paints for I
have seen her color go and come. Perhaps on special occasions she adds a
little to her natural beauty. You must tell me how you and Trudie liked
Sara Bernhardt. She is coming here, but as neither Mrs or Mr McHarg
approve of her, I doubt if I get to see her.

That Cameron item was very interesting. I think it served you both right
for going, but I hope you gave as good…

… as good as you got.

So Mary skipped did she? Well I can not say I was surprised to hear of
it. I hope your Aunt will get a more reliable kitchen lady. Although
they are certainly far and few between.

When you see Trudie tell her my patience is nearly exhausted waiting for
an answer to that letter I wrote to her in California. Tell her for me
that even if her…

… thoughts are mostly over the ocean she might think occasionally of the
friends on the side.

I hope the trial separation is proving satisfactory in every respect.

Be very careful of those “Boston ushers,” and do you and Trudie have a
can or they will cut the others out.

I am going to stop now. I think it is about time don’t you – but not
before sending my love to you all, and especially…

… amount for yourself. I am working hard for the manicure set, but with
poor results.

Now good night & good bye. Again with love believe me

Lovingly, Julia Taber Martin

1891_11-25-Nov 3002 – LOU ALEXANDER WEDDING

November 29:

New Brunswick, Nov. 29th/91

My dear Alice:- I am so stupid that if I would I could go to sleep in
about ten minutes. But I am determined not to give in until we begin to
dissipate when an afternoon nap will become a necessity. You girls who
can sleep until ten or eleven in the…

… morning after a “night of it” do not require such things.

I remember how you used to laugh at me for napping after dinner. You
always were a scoffer.

It turned out I was right in my determination not to go with you to the
horse show. My friend arrived in less than half an hour after I left
you, and by the time I reached home I was anything but comfortable…

… Used up all my cash too, then saw some curtains I wanted for the
library, so bought them on my own responsibility and sent them out
C.O.D. fortunately mother was pleased with them too.

Wish you were going to be here for the dance on Wednesday night. Expect
Rosalie tomorrow or next day for quite a visit. She will have to stay
for the “Zete” dance which comes off on the 11th. Girls, as usual, are
scarce. I had serious thoughts of urging Mrs. Austen to get you here for
the 2nd but remembered you said you could not come at present. I do not
want to wait until February for you can you not possibly run over before
that? I am sure you are not more rushed than I expect to be this winter.
Saturday nights…

… choir meeting, Thursday nights boys Club, Friday my night at home;
then every two weeks a meeting of the Whist Club, and every two weeks
one of our dances with the Zeta Psi and Delta Phi dances mixed in
between. I am busy every minute without accomplishing one half I want
to. Helen and I fully expect to be wrecks by the end of the season: we
are not used to such…

… a whirl, and am quite sure our constitutions will suffer.

We had a jolly party Thanksgiving day, Dr & Mrs Woodbridge, Helen and
Freeman, Jack Van Dyke and ourselves. Did not finish dinner till four
and before we knew it the day was over. I persuaded Helen to stay for
the night, Freeman went down to get the returns from the football match,
then came back to play whist.

We are rapidly becoming…

… whist crazy, and play it on every possible occasion.

Rosalie sent me a lot of music the other day – vocals and instrumental.
Do you know I Love Thee by Hope Temple? Of course you have heard “Every
rose must have its thorn, from Wang”

I told Charlie Ludlow that you would probably be here for some of the
dances, he seemed very much pleased.

Am in attendance on the dressmaker these days, and must go tomorrow to
have a dress tried on. How convenient it would be if clothes would just
grow on one as they are required! One wastes so much time in getting
them made.

But rather than moralize further I will bring this to a close. Next time
just remember that I am not “obstinate” but that I know best. Write to
me soon with love, aff’ly, Elisabeth

November 29:

23 Elk St. Albany Nov 29th/1891

My dear Alice – I have just finished my breakfast and I think I will
send my letter to you off on my way to church. Do you know I think this
idea of yours of writing every other Sunday is a fine one. And do I not
keep to it well – much better than your thought I would?????????

… You say tell me more about the people so I will try to do so if you
really with to know & I will begin by introducing to you Miss Florence
Gardiner. She lives the next house below me and is the step-daughter of
the Bishop’s daughter. This morning she is going to stop for me and we
are going to the Cathedral together. I have not been over since I have
been here ad the Bishop pleases? I have known this girl ever since I
have been in Albany, but she was never congenial to me nor…

… I to her but as she is very intimate with the Pruyns & as I have been
to se Hattie Pruyn a great dealm I have been thrown more with F and we
now like each other very much. You are very kind old lady to say you are
glad I have made a friend in Hattie Pruyn. I do not know what I should
have done if I had not nown her. Mrs Pruyn now too is getting above zero
& gave me a most cordial invitation to come in at any time. She is a
very…

… pompous woman, there is no doubt of that, but underneath it she has a
kind heart & I think I might like her if she would let me. You know
Cooty Chandler said Hattie was so airy. She has by some that reputation
and affected too, but I think she is a very diffident first & covers it
up that way & I do not think she likes many people , then she has that
manner. She has been so kind and is showing me how to play whist.

… 5 May Cooper, you have heard me speak of her, had a whist club last
winter and she has asked me to belong. Hattie told me she was going to
and said she Hattie would teach me so I could say I could play. So every
day for the past week I have been studying it & yesterday May Cooper, F.
Gardener and Hattie played with me. My first four handed game. I did not
make bad work of it & they all insisted on my…

… belonging to the Club. I think they are awfully kind to me so a week
from tomorrow I am going to play at the Club – check? It through until I
learn. This May Cooper is older than I, but she is the youngest of a
family and seems as young as we. They are awfully funny people – except
this one, quite poor but delightful thre are two older sisters. I should
say 33 & 35 years & they dress in…

… most peculiar manner. If the fashion is to wear long dress, straight,
theirs are ankle length & all draped. Mrs Cooper dresses in a most
peculiar way too, but she is very pleasant. These three girls May
Cooper, Hattie Pruyn, and Florence Gardiner, with Julia Walsh will be
the ones you will hear me speak of as I know them all very well, yet
they do not all go together as Julia & Florence are younger than May
Cooper, and Hattie and Florence do not know Julia W very well. Now if my
introduction has been too long please let me know. I do not want to bore
you to death but I am glad to have you know my friends.

I wonder what you all did on Thanksgiving. There is a country club about
four miles from here and on thanksgiving about 40 people went out. I had
a number of invitations to drive out, but…

…9 was it not mean I could not go, as the McHargs had dinner just at the
time. I was quite disappointed. However I had a 18 mile drive with Mr
McHarg in the morning, so survived. The day before, Julia, Hattie & I
climbed the pulpit at St. Peters. The church looked lovely. Do you know
I am truly & actually roped into the Sunday school. Mr Richards the
assistant (young & fine) came to call on me and insisted on my being a
regular substitute.

That is going down every…

…Sunday to fill absent teacher’s places.

I wrote to you about the “King’s Daughters” did I not. Last Monday I
went to the second meeting & had a very nice time. It is queer that I
should have been asked for all are quite a good deal older than I.
Marriage Marches, with the exception of two girls, a Lilly Reed, very
jolly and pleasant, and a Lilly Hand – not o.k. there is not the
distinction in ages in Albany than there is usually found in most
places.

Don’t fail to write to me…

… next week. You do not know how I count on your letters. They are all I
get from that part of the world. Mr McHarg said he read about a large
dance given on the Island & from what he said I gathered it must be the
first assembly. When your letter comes I shall want to hear about it. I
suppose Lu is off now. I was much interested in reading about her
presents, etc. I hope hood will fit you. She has cut that cloth suit
waist (brown) in a most peculiar manner. It fits like a glove but it
gives me a horrid square figure. I think she is inclined to be careless
but if she wishes she can do very well. Let me know how you like your
dress – I have no idea of what my family are going to do. I would not
now be surprised at anything If they move to SI I shall be very sorry,
but I doubt they’re going at present. Give my best love to all your
family and with ever much for yourself. Believe me, affectionately, JTM

… Why don’t you finish up & send me the photo of those three men. I have
been looking for them for a long time.

December 2, 1891 postmark

Tuesday Evening

Dear Miss Austen, I was very much pleased at receiving your note last
evening and was promising myself the pleasure of spending Friday evening
at your house but your “second edition” which has just come in puts a
different complexion on the affair and puts my expectation under the
head of “hopes deferred” until Monday evening when d . r. I hope to be
with you – I look forward to it (as a weary traveler in the desert night
to a cool shady spring) as one of the few pleasures in a life full of
trouble and worry and annoyance –

There are many things to tell you – though really when I come to
enumerate them I am bound to admit that most of them are about myself or
rather closely concerning me and therefore not concerning of the most
interesting character to you – but egotism seems to be as natural to
some people as being attractive is to others!

Till Monday, then, believe me

Truly yours, Henry K Gilman

December 8:

My dear Alice, I am delighted to hear you are to be here for the fat
dance. And want to make a request that instead of going back on Monday,
you remain over until Thursday. I am going to have the first of the
House dances on Wednesday the 16th and very anxious you should wait for
it. Would insist upon your coming here, but Rosalie is going to stay
over an Eva and her husband may come out. In which case we shall have no
spare room. We are alarmingly gay thus far. The dance last Wednesday
was…

… a very jolly affair. We are delighted that everything passed off so
well. Yesterday, Rosalie and I were invited to a swell 11:30 breakfast
at Adam Akalis and in the evening attended a meeting of the Whist club
at Bessie Howards Wednesday. We have a few people to lunch informally.
You do not say what time you are coming on Friday, but we shall look for
you at the earliest opportunity. Rosalie would join in love where she
here always affectionately Elizabeth B. Strong.

December 15:

Tuesday; My dearest Loll, I was so glad to hear from you; the note came
last night. You

made wonderful time on Friday, but then you always do when you are
alone. You must have enjoyed the Philharmonic, it is so long since you
heard any music.

The parcel came from Mary, also the one from Cullen yesterday. All I
know about the Rectory, is a story from Peter, the boy, that a burglar
got in and Dr Thompson telephoned for a policeman and caught the man,
who was a stranger. There was nothing in any papers about it, I think
you must have seen the Tribune.

Mr Hapton is better, I fancy he will pull through now. I was in town
yesterday to buy some dress linings – the crowds were dreadful. I went
to the Gotham and bought a silver thimble which I wanted badly. I got
the very handsomest – price 1 dollar, not dear for once.

I asked to see the glove menders, but they were all sold. They said the
price was 4 or 5 dollars, the Bazar said $1.50. Alice Parmale and Mrs Ed
Butler called Friday afternoon, they seemed very sorry to find that you
were not at home. I do wish you had the blue serge waist with you.
Indeed, I thought you had taken it. Nellie is such a good sewer she
would have perhaps directed something. Punch misses you, he comes into
the middle room every night and cries and Katie has to take him with
her. Nellie asked me if the dogs were brothers, she says she thinks
Chico a perfect gentleman.

I hope you will stay as long as you like. Give my love to Pete and
Nellie, good bye my precious one, Your Mama.

It looks much like a storm here today, much colder

December 16, 1891:

134 State St, Albany, Dec 16th

My dear Alice –

I know well enough what you are saying that Julie Martin has kept up the
writing scheme just as long as I expected, but it is not so
Mademoiselle, only this week was so busy, and I was too stupid to write
but am going to send a few lines off today.

My delightful visit is over Alice, at Mr McHarg’s and I am so homesick
that I have no heart for anything. I am cheered up, however, today, and
my spirits are raising hourly. I came to Mrs Cooper’s on Monday & she is
as sweet and kind as ever, and I realize how thankful I should be to
have such a home.

The days fly by for they are & will be, I hope all Winter very busy.
Every morning at eleven or before we got out shopping and do not get in
till dinner time, after which I read aloud or help Mrs Cooper with
anything, then I go out to make calls or to teas etc, so that my
mornings & evenings are mostly engaged, but my afternoons free. But of
course, I feel a certain obligation and at first when I thought this is
my home, no shipping off to Alice Austen’s to Governor’s Island or to
other parts of the earth surface, I felt a little shaky, but I am
alright now, and one certainly must be away from one’s friends to
appreciate them.

There is to be a great deal going on here this Winter. The Assemblies
and many small dances. I shall not take them in, as I am not anymore
fond of such things in my old age, than in my younger days. On Saturday
night Mrs Pruyn gives a large dinner for all the brides of 90 & 91. And
a number are asked to come in afterward, I among the number. Then on the
30 of December, there is to be a grand spree of all sorts at a Mrs
Boyd’s to watch the old year out & new. This too, I am expected to
attend. Perhaps I will, perhaps I will not.

This afternoon there is to be a tea; tomorrow, two teas, & another
Saturday, so you see I get to all these & I have begun following your
advice and going to everything. It is much better so, for I see if I did
not, it would soon be expected of me not to do so & it is both better
for Mrs Cooper and for me to get out & see people every day. The Whist
Club met last week at a Miss Farnsworth’s. she lives on Elk St & has a
queer duck of a Mother.

I played again with Col. Rice. Did I not write you that he was dead in
love with Hattie Pruyn. He always plays with me. I think he quite likes
me because he knows I am fond of Hattie. After the latter goes to
Europe, I suppose he will come to see me for consolation. Poor man. Mrs
Pruyn does not shine on him. We are all dying for some snow, so that we
can have some snow-shoeing before the Pruyn’s go away to Europe. Woe be
to me when that sad day comes.

Mrs Cooper is calling me, so I will close this uninteresting epistle.
Will not let my Sunday pass again. The photographs came all right &
many, many thanks to you for sending me them, and humble apologies for
not acknowledging them before – love to all, affectionately, Julia
Martin.

1891_12-17-Dec 5002 – WEDDING INVITATION

1891_12-23-Dec 7001-martin – STRAY ENVELOPE W EAA PENCILED DATE

December 16:

Dear Alice, Many thanks for your pretty card and the kind thought of me
that never fails – I wish I had a pretty one to send you in return but I
must beg you to accept this little note as a token of my faithful love
and best wishes for happy years to you & your dear mother.

I have been a close prisoner for nearly a month past & much of Christmas
business & pleasure has been lost to me thanks to La Grippe.

Cordially yours, G?N Errington

December 27: New Brunswick

My dear Alice. Your letter came this morning and found me in the midst
of a talk with Adam McCauley. She was a dear girl. Instead of going to
church came and sat with me, a real Christian act. I've been shot
indoors since Tuesday. With the grip it caught me just exactly 2 years
from…

… the day I was taken before the meanest time in the whole year, just
before Christmas. I'm not nearly as sick as I was then, but have such a
wretched cold in the head. My ears, eyes, and nose all doing as they
please and giving me no end of trouble. But the purpose of this letter
is to convey my thanks for the gay butterfly which came in at my door
Christmas morning. He is a beauty. An already adorns the lamp in the
parlor. I presume he is your handiwork, for I know you…

… do make such things. Am glad you have taken the blotter as a hint,
only hope the good effect won't wear off. I did sniff when I read that
pretty part of your letter about the good time you had between 6:00 and
8:00. Indeed audibly too. Then I remembered. Certain Tete a tete's in
various corners that evening, and if I had been a slangy girl. Should
have remarked Rats!

But you ask about my Christmas. Well, I had a lot of things as usual,
and most of them would. I really wanted mothers present was a little
coffee spoon. You know I have begun a collection. Alan Theodore gave me
money, add an Annie, a Spanish lace scarf. My uncle who is visiting us
gave me money. Also, Jack Vandyke, a silver pen holder and a Silver
Glove buttoner. Helen W a vase, Rosalie table cover, Etta Macaulay
silver mounted eraser. And brush the newest wrinkle. A cousin in
Louisville sent me a Bureau drawer sachet and an aunt sent me. A smaller
sachet. From his Bogert there was a Pretty Little basket for rings or
any..

.. Sort of jewelry from another cousin. A paper cutter from Lily Mason.
An awfully pretty blotter painted. Then there. Little booklets and cards
which finished the list, I believe. Jack Vandyke's present to mother was
a pair of beautiful etchings. One Dubigny. Jack spent the day with us.
As usual and as I said before, my uncle was here, Rosalie was dreadfully
rushed, getting ready for Christmas. She always gets lovely things, so
I…

... Am anxious by waiting her account. Her most glorious letter from
her, in which she pronounced her visit. The pleasant, is she ever had in
her life at which I was gratified, of course. Mr Elling went over with
her that Thursday afternoon, and on Saturday Fritzie called upon her and
stayed to dinner. He told us all about it on Monday night at the
committee meeting we met at Helens to send out the notices of the next
dance, January 11th. I suppose you saw it in the paper. The death of
John de Witt's mother last Thursday. Her death was caused by an
operation for cancer. No one knew she. Had such a thing, she was a
lovely woman and John will feel her lost terribly. Mother joins me in
much love. Certainly celebrated Christmas Day. With a vengeance. Look
out. Or you will have gastritis. Again with thanks, believe me yours as
ever Elisabeth B Strong.

December

The BS Club request the pleasure of your company at a dance to be given
on Wednesday December the second at the Clifton Boat Club (Through the
kindness of the latter,) at eight o’clock.

1891_12-John Eccleston Calling card001 copy.jpg