BLACKWELL FAMILY ALICE STONE BLACKWELL GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE BaMy Dear Madam: Blackwell, Just a few lines to inform you, that I am of Armenian parents, born in Lynn Mass, I am 22 yr's of age, went to public schools, but my misfortune was unable to continue threw fault of mine. My father told me to write to you knowingly that in the past that you have helped a lot of Armenian young men, in my letter I am asking you to help me learn a trade so I will be able to be useful to my self and my fellow man. My ambition is to learn some kind of trade if possible. My father is unemployed and has no mean's of sending me to a trade school. so am asking you for help, As a famous suffragist, and a person how loves the Armenian race. am asking you too help me to recover so I could become an honest American citizen. Very sincerely yours Harry [Babuian?] Jr.Harry [Babairuan?]Dear Miss Blackwell- Best wishes from Mrs. Eliza Rieger and myself Maude R Babcock It was with great joy that I read the announcement in our local newspaper yesterday of your anticipated honor on Monday,- a degree of Doctor of Humanity from Boston Univ. You certainly deserve all the honors any university can bestow. The only person I ever heard of who refused a degree was, according to a joke, a Mr. Fiddle, who has studied to be a minister. When his friends asked the reason, he said," How it would look to see a preacher advertised as Mr. Fiddle-dee,dee?Mrs. Rieger may try to have some of your poetic translations on birds, trees and flowers read at a meeting of the Garden and Tree Club. Just now I am using what little time I have in getting people to study the program of the United Nations. The churches are beginning to waken up a bit. As I was talking things over with Mrs. Reiger, she told me of a letter she had received from Helen Kellar, thanking her for work done for the blind. I shall never forget Miss Kellar's appearance in Dunkirk, especially when she beat time to the music of "Nearer my God to Thee." Her great spiritual power thru vibrations must have brought her close to God. So it is with you, dear Miss Blackwell. How often you have heard the vibrating cry of Humanity for justice and you have tried to bring it in tune with The Infinite. 2) I hope you will be pleased to learn that our Unclarion pastor, Mr. Lion, formerly assistant of Dr. Hitchen of West Newton, read your translation of Sun and Moon, by Chocano, on Mother's Day. It was much appreciated especially by my friend, Mrs. Eliza Rieger, who brought suffrage work in Chautangna Co. to a successful conclusion. She is still, altho a widow and quite lame, at the head and front of good work in the county and organized the Northern Chaut League of Women Workers. She had planned to send (with me) a congratulatory telegram, but we found they were permitted only to those in our armed forces. [Armenia] Post office at Maragha, Persia The 11th of November 1900 Hon. Miss Alice Stone Blackwell in Boston Mass U.S.A "Oh the good we all may do, While the days are going by"! Permit me to take the liberty of presenting to you "Our Way: a picture of human endless suffering in poor, bleeding American, herewith, telling you in the same time that it contains a page of those all and selfsacrificing Fedais' life, who during the passed 25 years of continued bloodshed, mongolian de- monstration, groan, grief, tears and agony have made most praisworthy, strenuous, efforts to sane their brothers and sisters in that awful country where: "Money, Malice, Might Overcome Law and Right." and where, as a German traveller said: "Besser wird immer, Sahlim er wird immer." P.S. I hope and trust it will please to your noble, christian heart to accept my humble offering. (MB) It is again famine in Armenia and the fierce winter is at hand What is going to become of the millions of afamished people in Armenia? I believe with many of our nations great and glorious American happy and loving sympathizing Friends your noble heart and for-seeing mind will be preoccupied with this awful and heart rending problem of the day and I know you will do all you can to alleviate this most terrible situation in Armenia I thought this sad story could be a favorable means of accomplishing something in this purpose if it were published as as pamphlet and sold to the public in America during the coming happy days of Thanksgiving and the Xmas If you would kindly there fore let it be published at one I believe my heartfelt desire and yours too int his case could easily be realised and much good may be accomplished Yours most respectfully Mihran Baghiasarioh B.D.New home address 69 Cypress St. Brookline Mass [LS B?] WOMEN'S CITY CLUB OF BOSTON 40 BEACON STREET Sept. 29-1930 - My dear Alice Stone Blackwell - In Saturday's Transcript I read a review of your book "Lucy Stone" and needless to tell you & at once felt I must have a copy - One is on my desk now and ⅔ is finished, the remaining ⅓ will soon make the total. Congratulations for your work, so clearly and delightfully written. I am to have a copy in the Brookline WOMEN'S CLUB OF BOSTON 40 BEACON STREET Public Library where it will be read by many - It is a disappointment for Drummond and me not to be at Chilmark this year, the first break in sixteen years - We long for "Survival Camp" which has meant so much to us all these years - and to see the dear friends of so many years = Much love for you and your cousin, whom I suppose is still with you - If Drummond were here he would endow the love to you Affectionately, Susan Lewis Ball -[LS Pioneer] January 15, 1960 Dear Mr. Ball: In October-probably the 25th, I went into the director's office and took a copy of LUCY STONE - PIONEER OF WOMAN'S RIGHTS, and a copy of the play "LUCYSTONE" by Mrs. Maud Wood Park. The first volume was written by Alice Stone Blackwell. I told the young woman with whom I talked that it had been reported to our committee by a student from the Emerson College dramatic committee, that when he had tried to borrow the two books he was told that they were now out of print and were not available in the circulation department. I gave her a copy of each of the two books at that time, and said we would be glad to furnish additional copies for your branch libraries if they were desired. We find that a good many high schools have this book on their book report list, and we have had a good many requests for it lately. Now I cannot tell from your letter whether you know that a copy was given in October, for which I have had an acknowledgment. But we are still ready to furnish additional copies if you wish them. We must ask only for the postage charge, since we do not have any funds for that purpose. There are probably fifty copies left of the final edition and the plates are about to be destroyed, since a new biography of Lucy Stone is forthcoming. Cordially yours, [FRONT DOOR LOBBY- Excerpts from Opink]1922 36 Grove St. March 27 Dear Miss Blackwell - At Emma Goldman's request I am sending you the enclosed articles, the NY World will supply you with the rest of them, as I sail for Europe shortly. Sincerely Stella BallantineWORLD'S WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION FOR GOD AND HOME AND EVERY LAND FOUNDED IN 1883 TIME OF PRAYER—Noontide. BADGE—A Knot of White Ribbon. OBJECT—To unify throughout the world the Work of Women in Temperance and Social Reform, and to circulate a Petition addressed to all of the Governments of the world, for the overthrow of the Alcohol and Opium trades. METHODS—Preventative, Educational, Evangelistic, Social, and Legal. HONORARY PRESIDENT: MARY CLEMENT LEAVITT, Care Kidder, Peabody & Co., Boston, Mass. PRESIDENT: FRANCES E. WILLARD. VICE-PRESIDENT AT LARGE: LADY HENRY SOMERSET Albany Buildings, 47, Victoria Street, Westminster, London. SECRETARY: MARY A. WOODBRIDGE: Ravenna, Ohio. ASSISTANT SECRETARY: ANNA A. GORDON, Evanston, Ill. TREASURER: ELLA F. M. WILLIAMS, 26 Chomedy Street, Montreal, Can. LECTURER WORLD'S W.C.T.U.: MISS FLORENCE BALCARNIE, 47, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER. S. W. LONDON, Dec 21 1892 My Dear Miss Blackwell, I can't let the New Year pass without sending one kind of greeting and best wishes to you all - to you - your dear Mother, Father, Miss Wilde & Miss Turner. I am very very busy - but Xmas has brought a brief respite. If you like & when I have time I will send a brief sketch of some of the work Lady Somerset & Miss Willard are doing in this country just now. I daresay you may have space & will care for an English letter. O! how I miss you sometimes - this humid[*Write Miss Garlin*] warmth is very hard to bear after the bracing dryness of your land - I am hoping to have the U.S.A. ladies to spend Xmas with us. I feel in many ways almost in America still for I am so much with Mrs Whitall Smith, Miss Willard Miss Gordon & Miss Hood - Miss Hood is a perfect gem of a woman - I can't speak too highly of her. She acts as secretary at our office & generally keeps us all in order - & in such friendly fashion too - It is so nice now to have no office work - for when [to] not travelling I just write from home tho' nominally from the office - I hope your work progresses - It was sad indeed to find out what a fiasco had occurred in New Zealand. Love to each & all of you - Your affect. - Florence Salyarui [*I had no Thanksgiving Dinner this year alas*]Louis Albert Banks Florence Aiken Banks 243 South Main ST. Rosenburg, Oregon April 17"30 Dear Alice Stone Blackwell It was very sweet of you to remember me with the beautiful Easter card that came to me from your kind hand today. My memory of you and of your dear Father and Mother who were among my first friends in Boston so many years ago is very precious indeed. May God bless you and He will! With every good wish Louis Albert Banks Barbizon Plaza Hotel 101 west 58th street central park south new york [Esther Bariff] Sept 11, 1942 Dear Miss Blackwell: Are you the Miss Blackwell who took such a noble interest in the (S..? ?). A reply will be appreciated. Sincerely, Louise Albert Banks[*Esther Barker*] [*B*] Fairlight Station Rd Hatfield Peverel No. Chelmsford 22- 2- 31 Dear Miss Alice Thank you so much for sending me a copy of your letter, which I received on the 20th & so sorry to hear Miss Barry Blackwell had been so ill, & trust by now she is feeling a little better. I'm sure you have a very difficult task some times to suit her tastes of food & drink, & not being able to see makes it much worse for both of you— & I expect you have had very cold & damp weather. I do think we all need more sun shine, & long forlike spring + warmer weather what a comfort you + little Jack must be to her I do think it is wonderful with her failing sight that she takes such an interest in things generally which is a blessing I do feel so sorry for her Please give my love to her + she is often in my thoughts & I do thank you dear Miss Alice for your kindness in writing - for her - with your busy life. [Yours?] very gratefully [Esther Barker?] [* Mrs. John Barnett Sr*] Independence Iowa [* Ans*] Nov. 15th, 1930. My dear Miss Blackwell; The literary club of which I am a member is studying Russia this year and the topic Committee assigned a review of of "The Little Grandmother of the Russian Revolution" to me. I have read the book which concludes with her return from Siberia. I have also read a short sketch of her life in the 1928 Americana and she was living at the time this was written. I have a vague recolection of noting her death in the daily paper but am not sure so am (over)asking you to be so kind as to tell me if she has passed away, and, if so, some particulars of her last illness. If she still lives I fear she is disappointed as it does not appear to me, from what we read, of the soviet government, that conditions in Russia are improving. Hoping that you are well and happy, as you deserve to be, for your devoted and unselfish dedication of your life to helping women in every way, and, thanking you in advance for information concerning these last years of Catherine Breshkovsky I am, yours sincerely, Mrs. John Barnett Sr. Independence Iowa 119 4th St. S.E. J. SARAH BARNEY, M.D. MAIN STREET STATION FRANKLIN, N.H. Dec. 13, 1947 My dear Miss Blackwell, I wish to thank you many times for the cards you have sent me over the years at Christmas and Easter. The sentiment is beautiful with the little poems of your own. - I hope you will be spared to continue your work. Miss Mary N. Chase of Andover, N.H. is in her usual health but feels the check of advancing age. With love and appreciation. J. Sarah Barney B. U. Sch. M. 1896J. Sarah Barney, M.D. Main Street Station Franklin, N.H. March 29, 1942 My dear Miss Blackwell, Many thanks for your kindly remembrances in Christmas and Easter cards. I hope you are enjoying a good measure of health and have many good seasons in store. Sincerely yours, J. Sarah BarneyBarney Dr. J Sarah Barney 622 Central Street Franklin, New Hampshire Dec. 30, 1948. My dear Miss Blackwell, Many thanks for your Christmas greeting. It gave me cheer and courage. I prize your greetings highly. They are bookmarks for my diaries and often read them. Miss Mary N. Chase of Andover N.H., is very happy in a Home for the Aged in Hyde Park, Mass. 50 Beacon St. My very best wishes to you. Sincerely J. Sarah BarneyThe Christian Register Terms: Including Postage, $3 per year in Advance. No. 141 Franklin Street, Boston Boston, May 6, 1894 My dear Alice, This introduces to you Mr. Barsoom, who brings to you an excellent young man for your work. Mr. Barsoom is the gentleman of whom Dr. Zakusuken o??te Yours truly, with love, J.C. Barrows.Isabel G. Barrows American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions Congregational House, 1 Somerset Street, Boston, April 8, 1895. Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, 3 Park St., Boston. My dear Miss Blackwell:- I find here this morning yours of April 7th together with a copy of the proof which you mention. I have looked over the latter carefully and most heartily approve of it. The plan is an admirable one, showing a great deal of enterprise, and will undoubtedly exert a broad influence. There is only one suggestion I would make as to change, and that is, in the second column of the 4th page, where you say "There is an American medical college and hospital at Beirut", I would add "and an American hospital at Aintab and also one at Mardin". There was a medical college at Aintab but it was closed on account of lack of funds. I think your recommendations are very moderate and to the point. You have seen in the papers that our government has already order two of its ironclads into Turkish waters, which is a long step in the right direction and just in line with the recommendations which you make. I will add nothing farther except to again say that I heartily commend this edition of your paper and think you have done it admirably. You will undoubtedly hear it from it in the future. Most sincerely yours, James L. Barton *The Woman's JournalDr. James L. BartonSept. 25, 1921 P.O. Box 866, Stanford Univ. California My dear Miss Blackwell; This is just to let you know that I am still alive and that I have not forgotten that I owe you a considerable sum. I was planning to send at least $60 this year, but it was impossible to find a job for the summer. I consider myself lucky for having been able to take care of my current expenses. I am writing this letter to assure you that I consider as one of my most important duties to return your money as soon as possible. You helped me when my life was at stake, I must show that I appreciate kindliness. I graduate last June. Upon graduation I was elected member of the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. I was also granted a graduate scholarship for the coming term. I plan to stay here a few more months and work for a masters degree. I feel pretty confident that I shall be able to secure a permanent position by the end of this school term then it will be pretty easy to pay off my debt. I got to overcome one difficulty. That is to convince certain people that sometimes foreigners can do just as good as native sons. There seems to be a pronounced antagonism against foreign to born citizens in this part of the country. Yours gratefully, S.W. BarooshianS M BarooshianHOTEL ARLINGTON ARLINGTON SQUARE AND CHANDLER STREET BOSTON, MASS. Dear Miss Blackwell, Considering the aims and purposes of the Lucy Stone League, I would like to have you reply thro the columns of The Woman Citizen in regard to the position of your Mother in taking only her own name. Under the Laws which she lived, will you kindly state if any difficulty arose in Legal affairs in signing Legal and business Documents, did she or was she obliged to sign Blackwell or was that seeming difficulty passed over? Any statement that you would kindly make in the Citizen would perhaps help many voters in this seeming confusion of Ideas.Is this matter decided by you in the the affirmative as to women retaining their maiden name in all circumstances? Yours Sincerely, Mrs C. G. Barr— 112 Pembroke St— Boston, Mass. Ward 7 Votes March 9, '23OUR HOME PAPER, PUBLISHED BY HOME PAPER COMPANY. Attleboro, Mass., Dec 5 1882 My Dear Miss Blackwell: The new venture of which I hinted when you called at our house is a monthly having the same heading as this sheet, and a copy of No. 2. has been mailed to the Womans Journal. It started here but now has a Boston office, and a circulation of several thousand. Mrs. Barrows and myself edit, and in fact, did all the writing for No. 2. If you find it worthy a notice please treat it as it deserves. Do not mention our names in connection with it. "Queer Lady Baggage" may suit you. Very truly yours C. M. BarrowsB My dear Miss Blackwell, May I write a most informal note to you this morning, expressing from my heart my pleasure in your editorial? It was a joy to find your name among the recent contributions. I had missed you, in the People's Forum. Your courage in the declaration of what you feel to be the truth, is a stimulus to all of us - who face the problems of this day - perplexedwanders from the righteous way! My most sincere appreciation of your earnest and devoted life.- Hazel B. Barrows. 24 Willard Street East Braintree Massachusetts May 14, 1937. and often times, confused. More power to your pen! No doubt you listened to the Coronation broadcast & were, as I, spellbound. The love of England lies deep-rooted in all of us who know her heritage. On Coronation Day, I felt it in my heart to forgive her the shortcomings of the past- if she can hold to her pronounced ideals for future years! God save the King - & God save you to reprimand him, - if heHazel Barrows card? P.O. Box 537 Auburn, Calif. February 17, 1927 My dear Miss Blackwell, I am enclosing a check for $30. You probably wander why I have been so delinquent in meeting my obligations. The reasons have been many, which I don't intend to explain to you in detail. I wish to assure you, however, that it has simply been impossible for me to do any better. I have had to redeem several notes which I had signed during my undergraduate years. I have sent a very important part of my total earnings to my relatives in distress, and about this time last year I had a very severe attack of influenza which affected my lungs with the result that I was compelled to abstain from all work for practically four months. I would have sent you at least $150 last year, were it not for this unexpected relapse that I had. My heath, at the present time, is not perfect by any means. I am able, however, to work and earn a living. Please do not think for a moment that I am ungrateful, and inclined to neglect my obligations. I am just askindly appreciative of your kindness now as I was when the condition of my health seemed dangerous. But as I have already stated, it has been a physical impossibility for me to do any better. I love to hope that, the time may not be very far when I shall give you ample proof that I am worthy of your confidence and good friendship. Yours very truly, Stephen H. Barrowshian(?) THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES ATHENS GEORGIA March 22, 1944. Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, 1010 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dear Miss Blackwell: I have known of your work in the Sacco-Vanzetti case for years. The other day, I saw it again on the stationery of the Civil Rights Committee that is helping the Minneapolis sedition(?) defendants. So I looked your address up in Who Who's. I have lived in the South all my life except a year at Columbia University in New York where I took my B.S. in Library Science. Before July 1937 I practiced law in Nashville, Tennessee from April, 1927. I became interested in civil liberty cases and volunteered my services in several including the Scottsboro case. I aided on the legal research work, suggestions, attended the trial at Decatur, Alabama, and made an investigation at my own risk in Alabama that was dangerous. I am on the trial in the lower(?) in the Herndon case. I spent much time in efforts to aid Ray Becker who would not accept a parole. He is out now- time was commuted to time served in Oct 1938. I asked a brief in 2 Jehovah's Witnesses cases- one is reported in 25 Atlantic (?) Reporter (?). State of Maine vs Peacock, I was law librarian at University of Kentucky at the time- 2 yrs ago. I have collected all I could on Free speech, freedom of press, persecution for opinion, and the like. I have one the best private collections in the United States on this. Many lawyers gave me briefs, records including Mr. Osmond K. Frasnkal(?) of N.Y. Mr. Roger Baldwin was amazed at my collection. I have been trying to obtain a letter by Vanzetti and one by Sacco. I'm sure they are precious documents to you- and probably you desire to keep them as long as you live- so I wouldn't blame if you did because I would be that way. Mr. Leonard Abbott gave his letters to Gardner Jackson whom I have not written. Miss Mary Donoven now Mrs. Hapgood(?) lives in Indianapolis has several letters and books that Vanzetti gave her. I hardly know how to ask you if you sell, give, or will one or two of the letters. If you wish to keep all of these letters that have (?) seems to me have eternal value. I couldn't blame you because I hesitate to ask for something of such great value. If you have written anything on this case, if you have a copy of the same I would like to have it. I remember a person in New York making the remark: " Don't you wish you could use English as Vanzetti? " My friend, Harry Weinberges of N.Y. died March 5. If I get up your way again, after this war, I will try to see you. You have done much for freedom and civil liberty. Sincerely yours, Ewing C. Baskette Reference Librarian What became of the S (?) V. letters that Mrs. Evans had? 337 Broadway, S. Boston Nov 14. '82. Dear Miss Blackwell A remark that you made one day to a friend and myself in the N.J. Office has been treasured up by us ever since, and just now I am quite desirous to turn the matter to good account. I refer to a willingness that you expressed on that occasion to participate in a discussion upon Woman Suffrage. Ithas occurred to me that one of the evenings of the club to which I belong, (South Boston Woman Suffrage Club) might be well appropriated in this way. Now may I ask you if it would be agreeable to you to be present with us at our March meeting (first Sunday Evening in March) and engage in such a discussion with Miss Hardaker as opponent. I have not conferred with Miss H. personally, but have good reason for thinking she would be willing to come. Should you give a [responsible] favorable response to my request, I will then see Miss H. or write to her the result of which you shall know as speedily as possible. With kind regards I am Very Truly Yours Julia M BaxterPhone AUdubon 3-0090 MALAKU E. BAYEN, M.D. On Special Mission for His Imperial Majesty HAILE SELASSIE I and THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE March 25th, 1937 Dear Madam: I am in this country as the personal representative of His Majesty Haile Selassie I., Emperor of Ethiopia, on a special mission. I have credentials given me by my Emperor, authorizing me to present the case of Ethiopia to the American people. We have heard of you as one who is interested in the peace of the world and in sympathy with Ethiopia for the injustice inflicted upon her. I would like very much to have the privilege of meeting you at your earliest convenience. If you will let me know when and where, I shall be happy to come to see you. Respectfully yours, Malaku E. Bayen Malaku E. Bayen, M. D. Mrs. Alice Stone Blackwell 29 Wendell Street Cambridge, Massachusetts Mailing Address P. O. BOX 32 COLLEGE STATION, N. Y. ----- London Address FAIRFIELD, BATH, ENGLAND ----- Cable Address ETHIOPIA, N. Y. C.[*Malaku E. Bayen*] Ware Mass April 27 - 1927 My dear Miss Blackwell I am sure you must think it strange not to hear from me before this. It was so nice of you in sending me such a nice Easter [Greeting?]. I thank you so much. I [trust?] that my soulis better for reading those beautiful words. I feel that I can arise above the pettiness and fear of this life and go on to nobler things. I hope you are all well, I owe my dear friend Kittie & Mrs Bayer each a letter shall write them very very soon. Hope your arm is alright again. Spent last Sunday evening with Maria. She is fairly well. Busy with her Spring work. Give my love to all the family. Lots to yourself. Emma BarlowEmma Barlow Ware, May 3. 1930 Dear Alice; Don't chide yourself because you do not write as often, or as long letters as you would like; I think you do remarkably to keep me informed about Kitty and yourself when your life is so crowded with interests and demands upon your time and strength. I don't see how you manage to do it all. After reading your letter received today a thought leaped into my mind which I will pass along to your. A meeting of woman doctors in N.Y. next week; it would not be strange if Dr. Esther Loving Richards of Johns Hopkins U. attended that gathering. If she should be there [I am] P.S. Tell Kitty a letter to her is begun & will come soon. I wanted you to get this, if possible before you leave for N.Y. M.2 and you met her, you could say "my cousin, Phebe Stone, and your mother, Etta Coffin Loring, were dear friends in their Wilbraham student days, and friends through their lives, although because of family cares they did not often meet in late years". Etta was a dear friend of mine also, a young woman of beautiful character, whom I love to remember. Her father was a sea captain and the family often travelled with him. I have never seen Dr. Richards but have had letters from her and a beautiful card at Easter. She is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke. Her dept. at the University is either psychiatry or psychology, I'm afraid I don't know their exact significance, but she is authority on mental diseases. Her brother is one of the law firm of Chas. Evans Hughes & Co 3 About anecdotes of you as a baby or little girl, I cannot help you much. That first sight of you, that 'great fat baby', as your mother said, and one more when you were perhaps two, at your grandfather's, when your mother told you of the little birds breaking the shell, - she tapped on the arm of the chair in which she sat, you in her lap, are all I remember until my first visit to Kitty, Sept. 1863. And then I only recall that you were at Dr's one day and we, Kitty, you & I, were taken into the Infirmary to see some very late arrivals, one being but two hours old. It makes me feel as if one had lived a long time when only one or two people now live who knew personally some who are gone. At the funeral of my earliest friend Carrie Blodgett4 this past winter I was the only one present who had known her all her life, and the only one who had known her mother. Last week I went to West B. to spend an afternoon with a friend; Alice White took the same bus, both going and returning, we sat together and had a little visit. She attended a meeting of the Quaboag Historical Soc., in Brookfield which flourished back in the '90's but has not often met of late years. I told Miss White of the biography to be published this year and she was interested. This cutting from the Sp'l'd Union touched me deeply. I don't know whether it will give Kitty too much pain to hear it; do just as you think best about reading it to her. Mr. Hawkes is blind, is a writer, is known as the Blind Poet of Hadley. Affectionately Maria. Maria Barlow Ware, Oct. 25. 1930 Dear Alice; The Biography arrived yesterday (Friday) afternoon. I dipped into it here and there as soon as it was out of its wrapping. Now I have begun to read it in order, from the beginning, and am greatly enjoying it. I wonder if the number now living who remember your grandparents is not very small. I do remember them, I recall your uncle Frank calling at our house - the old home - to tell us of his mother's death. My first clear memory of your mother is when she with you, three weeks old, and Mrs. Lawrence called on their way to Gardner to get suppliesfor my sisters attending a select school and rooming in the Lawrence house, but of course I had known about her since I could remember anything. As I read it I seem to be living in those early days, there on the farm, they seem so real to me. Very heartily do I thank you for the gift. I hope great reward will be yours, not only pecuniarily, but in realizing the appreciation of the readers of the book. This is the third book I have received from the author, for I count Dr. Elisabeth's, given me by Kitty as one of them. Years ago I sometimes contributed to the Wellspring and received at one time in payment "Fifty-years in S.S. Work" written by the editor Rev. Asa Bullard. So I feel rich. Another thank you, with love, Maria Ware, May 30, 1931. Dear Alice and Kitty;- Memorial Day; I wonder where and how you are spending it. Perhaps in Cambridge making the visit which had to be given up last Sunday. I hope the lungs have ceased to be sore and that both of you are feeling much better. Yesterday and today are of summer heat and I am glad that I changed my winter underwear last night for something thinner which I have not felt the need ofdoing before. This morning Dr. Cummings took me to the beautiful cemetery, Aspen Grove, where I placed flowers on 8 [nine] lots; our own, Mrs. Hills, who will be 100 on Aug. 25, my dear S.S. teacher Miss Sage, and at her, Mrs. Hills', request, on the grave of a Mrs. Coney; another Mrs. Coney, a former neighbor of ours, Eva (Gibbs) Willis a schoolmate of mine who died in '69, Hattie Danforth one of my H.S. classmates, and the graves of David and Emma. Now I am having a quiet, restful afternoon. Your birthday gift, Alice, I found awaiting me on my return from Springfield Thursday night. Thank you. You had sent me a folder before which I had passed on to Miss Smith our librarian. I am very much pleased with the book. I first read your article, of course, and could see your father's cheerful face as he sat at the table, could hear some of his witticisms, e.g.; when he confided to me that he was sorry you even learned to read; and when he asked Kitty and which she would rather be an admirable wife, or and Admiral's wife. Kitty laughed and said, "O, Mr. Harry!" I have read Vachel Lindsay's tribute to his father, also Pres. Woolley's to hers, and I recall that one of my friends was a parishoner[s] of his years ago, in Pawtucket and very much liked him and Mrs. Woolley. I shall find thebook of great interest and shall lend it to friends as I have the Biography, which is now away on its fifth loan. My trip to Springfield was not planned for, but the condition of my mouth called for radium treatment again, my doctor here and one in Palmer who treated me for deafness advising strongly. I had not had so long a ride since last August. The treatment was very painful. I lay down and rested nearly 2 hours before starting home. I have not fully recovered from the fatigue yet. Our kind minister, Mr. Handanian, took me in his car and was very thoughtful for my comfort. I am alone now, my helper leaving the first of this week. Cousin Fred does a great many things to help, both outside and indoors. With love, Maria. Maria A. Barlow Ware, Sept 12, 1931. Dear Alice;- Hail to the lady who has a birthday on Sept. 14! May the sun shine, birds sing and the ocean give an anthem. May it be a joyful day for her with many happy returns of it. I hope there will be many tokens of esteem, respect, and love received which will give her pleasure. Now, to drop the third person and take the first, if only I were a poet I would write you some musical verses. As nature denied me that gift, I bring my tribute by re-tellingthe story of how, when, and where I first saw you. Now you know just what is coming. Early in October 1857 Mrs. Lawrence called at my home on the farm on her way to her father's; she would return the next day with your mother and you, and would take to the girls any supplies we wished to send. Clarinda and Eliza were attending a select school in Gardner that fall, rooming at Mr. Lawrence's and boarding themselves. The next afternoon into the yard drove the expected callers — in a chaise, I think, and mother and I, seven years old, went out to greet them, mother carrying a sack of potatoes, bread, and other eatables for the two students. I can see it all now, the chaise stopping under a big apple tree in the yard, can hear mother saying to your mother "What have you here?! And the reply, "A great fat baby!" How the years have rolled away since that October day bringing light and shade, joy and sorrow, loss and gain. May this coming birthday be one of the very best. I have been alone since a week ago today, doing little but get my simple meals, water the potted plants and some of the garden, write a few letters, rest a good deal, read some, but my eyes are not strong.I am rereading after many years Ian Maclaren's "The days of Auld Lang Syne", and enjoying it as much as when first read, 30 or more years ago. Wouldn't Kitty like to have it read to her? I realize that I am not able to care for myself and do the work at present, I do not think I can possibly do it in the winter. The present plan is for my nurse, who returns tonight, to stay here until April - if all is well. She is a very capable, kind, reliable and companionable woman about 60 I judge, a married woman with children settled in their homes. I am glad your word is ready for use now. Here it has been very hot for the last 3 days. Air is much cooler today. Love to Kitty; she shall have the next letter. Affectionately, Maria. Ware, September 12. 1933. Dear Alice and Kitty; Do excuse my blunder above; my mind was wandering, and without thinking, I started to write the name of a city instead of a month. Rather a poor beginning to what I wanted should be a very friendly birthday letter. It will be that however notwithstanding I tripped at the start. Your letters arrived today and were read with warm interest. I am so glad, Kitty, to know you are better. Some day, as soon as I can, I will be gladto write you about my first trip to M. V. which is quite vivid in my mind though it was 65 years ago. I can tell the years of most of my visits there, but the events are not so clear as were those of that first year, 1868. O yes, I'll write an Island Story. Does that bring to mind Mrs. Antoinette's book "The Island Neighbors"? Now for the birthday due in two days. May there be many happy returns of it, "increasing happiness with resolving years", or something like that I think Kitty used to say. How well I remember the time when you rode into our yard on the farm and when my mother said "What have you there", your mother replied "A great fat baby". Can it have been A. D. 1857? I think it was and I was 9 years old. A busy, useful life you have had, full of good works. There have been clouds and sorrows, the lot of all, but they have not had the mastery of your life. I suppose such experiences rightly viewed help to form character. I hope your health will permit you to work on for many years, only do not carry on beyond your strength. One of my friends here is now reading your Life of your mother which I lent her and is enjoying it. To another friend I have lent "What I owe to my father". I have come to like very much Biography. Calling yesterday at one passage, we chanced to speak ofHenry Ward Beecher when Mr. Handanian asked if I had ever read his Life. I have not but would like to, and he is to bring it to me some day as it is a large heavy book. Mr. H. goes to Cambridge, or Boston, for two days this week to an alumni meeting of his Seminary class. He lends me his Ms. sermon regularly, a great help to me as I can hear only portions of it and lose the connections. Tomorrow my cousin Hattie Jones of W. B. is coming for a two days visit. It has grown quite cold and I have today had the sittingroom stove put in order for winter use, and tonight have covered my potted plants. One large and handsome begonia is to be given to the Mary Lane Hospital here in town. A brilliant sunset tonight, the cloud pictures were very beautiful. For the last two days I have been feeling better for which I am very thankful. Affectionately yours, Maria Ware, June 21. 1933. Dear Alice and Kitty; Now for a little visit with you this afternoon of clouds and sunshine after a rainy morning. I have no news to write, things move on quietly in this home; housekeeping, gardening, resting, reading, now and then a call made but not many. I ought to make more calls, but it is so much easier to stay at home, and I yield too much to that feeling. Lately I have been reading with interest Hamlin Garland's "My Friendly Contemporaries" and am nearing the end of the big, thick book. It is more than 40 years since I first heard of him, when he came to Boston a young man and boarded at the same2 place with a friend of mine who was taking a course of training in kindergarten work. Garland has written many books, given frequent lectures, travelled much. A large part of his time seems to have been spent in attending lunches and dinners, and I wondered when he had time to write. Of all the famous writers whom he met, only two have I ever seen, George W. Cable, and William Lyon Phelps. If tomorrow is fair, Sadie Peck (cousin Fred's stepdaugher) and I are to have a picnic of two at my old home on the farm. It is now owned by a Polish family, the mother of five does not speak English. The two eldest children I have met once, pleasant young people. We shall miss the kind family who lived there more than 40 years, and those who went with us, but we shall see the old familiar hills and fields and have a pleasant change. 3 Leo Lapointe, the young man who does my outdoor work, will take us up there about 11 A. M. and come for us in the afternoon. What are we going to have for lunch? Canned baked beans heated in the house, coffee, sandwiches, doughnuts, a regular N. E. repast, eaten out under the trees, with perhaps a friendly dog for company. Do you remember the old home at all Kitty! After so many years, and your wide travels, I can hardly believe it has a place in your memory. This afternoon the 4 Protestant S.S.s. of Ware have a community picnic in or at, Forest Lake, a pleasant place about 4 or 5 miles away on the road to Palmer. The Community feature is new, and very sensible I think, bringing people of the different churches together in friendly contact. S.S.s arevery small compound with former years, much to be neglected I think. I go to church every Sunday when able, weather permitting, but I hear little of the sermon, words and clauses [*I hear*] but fail to get connections and to follow the thought of the minister. Now Mr. Handanian lends me his Ms. at the close of the service which I bring home and greatly enjoy reading. One more of his kind acts to me. Are you able to go to Cambridge now? I hope so, and tenet that you will have sound health again. May the Vineyard bring you, Alice, much needed rest of body and soul. Let the various societies take care of themselves for awhile and give yourself to nature's treatment, sea breezes, sunshine, rest, and hearing 'what the wild waves are saying'. Affectionately, Maria. Ware, Aug. 18. 1934. Dear Alice and Kitty;- To have a letter from you mailed at Gay Head, carried me back many years in the past. I never had one mailed at that office when I used to hear from friends at the Vineyard. I remember the cliffs of colored clays, the lighthouse where I once spent a night. All these Indians there now, and and [*an*] Indian church! Which brings to mind my first night at aunt Deborah's and what Jamie Vincent said as I was escorted to bed up that staircase; he and his father were in bed when I arrived but had to get up and see the stranger, clothed in shirt + trou-3 sers Jamie watched me closely, then said "All gone". He was two years old then, born Aug. 9. '66; do you know if he is living, and what kind of a man he makes? I think there was a half sister, daughter of Mr. Vincent's second wife, for Agnes (I think that was her name) did not live beyond her thirties. I am glad those memories of place and people have remained with me. You and Kitty were wise to lay Jack's effigy away where no harm could befall it and where it could offend no one. Kitty will never forget her dear friend, and his birthday with its celebration, a pale day for her and Jack. I hope she has gained strength in the outdoor sea air, and that the lame toes will respond to treatment. Am glad she has Mrs. Sumter to read to her. 3 This is only a short letter as I do not feel at all well lately and cannot write long ones. Many a morning I have wished I could stay in bed and be cared for, but I keep up, do very little work and lie down a great deal. My mouth gives much pain, have little appetite and can only eat soft things. I dread the thought of having a stranger come here to stay, but it will have to come I fear. I never want to go to a hospital. Do not worry about me, I have a good doctor, good minister, and good neighbors. Will write you again in a few days. Affectionately, Maria. Wasn't Aug. 14 your mother's birthday? No Aug 13Ware, Aug. 8, 1934 Dear Alice and Kitty; My week's ironing is waiting for me, fortunately not a large one, but I reasoned that I could better write a letter before than afterward, so at 8.30 A. M., I am my desk for a short visit with you. It is a pleasant cool morning after a cool night. We have not had a great deal of hot weather this summer, only a few days at a time, then a change. There has been less rain than usual and pastures are dry. My lawn has not needed many cuttings. I think of resting in Quitsey, those stairs at Aunt Deborah's are very plain to me; I recall a night, my first year there, when there was a hard thunder shower in the night. Aunt D.2 with a light, came up to sit with me thinking I should be afraid. Speaking of it to a friend next day she said "But Cor! she was as calm as a summer day." That was true of me outwardly, but not my inward state of mind. Of course you miss Jackie, your companion for so many years. Not long ago a St. Bernard dog living with a nice family on the Gilbertville road, gave birth to 17 puppies, 8 of which survived but the poor mother did not. One, a pretty little lady, lives at Mr. Hyde's, next door to me, but will be returned to its first home when the boys return to school, one for his last year at Harvard, the other as a freshman at Bowdoin; it is very seldom that any students in this vicinity become Bowdoin pupils. I had a pleasant call from Bowman Beeman week before last; I had not seen him for a long time and I enjoyed his visit. They live too far from here for me to take the walk. I think the 3 youngest son is clerk in a drug store this summer. My health has been failing for some weeks, my strength growing less, my mouth giving great pain at times. Have had to ask three friends whom I love to have visit me, not to come at present. Have not attended church since June 24. I have a woman helper every Monday p.m. for two or more hours, the rest of the work I do, but it is not easy. It looks as if I should have to have a regular helper before long. This is not much of a letter but will let you know how things are going here. Hope it will be a very happy summer for you and Kitty. About K's toes paining her try rubbing them with Cascara ointment. With love, Maria. Ware, April 5, 1934, Dear Alice and Kitty; This is the loveliest spring day we have had so far, bright sunshine, clear blue sky, wind somewhat cool. I hope it finds you both very comfortable, Alice, busy with your many interests, and you, Kitty, perhaps listening to Mrs. (Sumter?) as she reads you something you enjoy. I am reading now a volume of stories by Sarah Orne Jewett, selected and published by Willa Cather. Some of them I read years ago; I presume Miss Jewett is not living now. I wonder how a person can choose certain stories of an author and have them published again, after the author has passed away. Thank you for the lovely Easter cards you sent me. I had several cards but I sent none: It was not easy to go to the 2 stores when they should have been bought. The announcement of a wedding in Maryland was received which may interest you, Kitty. You remember Dr., & Mrs. Blodgett; (Carrie Adams that was) He's announced the marriage of their oldest grandson, Ellis Munson Goodwin, to a lady in Federalsburg, Md He was 33 last Dec., elder son of Dr. & Mrs. Carrie (Blodgett) Goodwin of Newark, N. J. It is many years since I last saw the young man. After graduating from Princeton U., he spent 4 years in banking business in the Phillipines, and after a vacation, has had some years in a government position in Port au Prince, Haiti, where they will be after May 1st. It means a good deal as one grows older and many friends have passed away, to be remembered in this way. Mrs. Goodwin still owns her father's house in Ware, and calls on me when she comes to town, but that is not often. April 3d, was an anniversary day for me. Can you guess Kitty how 3 many years have passed since we left the old home and came to live in Ware? Don't believe you can; well it is 69 years; it was the day of the fall of Richmond, which really ended the Civil War. Not much does this street now look as it did then. In its entire length, nearly 3/4 of a mile, there are now but two vacant house lots. Snow is all gone, leaf buds on the lilacs are swelling, robins and bluebirds are here though I have not seen them, and it is doubtful if I could hear their songs now. No one without the experience can understand what impaired hearing means. I am not stone deaf, far from that, but I do miss much I would enjoy hearing. Tomorrow I expect the telephone addition will be removed. It gives volume, but I do not get words clearly, and it does not seem to be worth while to keep it. I thank you Alice for your gift of it, but it does not help enough to pay the extra cost. The man who brought it is very pleasant and thoughtful, and has been so each time he has been here. I shall keep the telephone 4 I must have it to order supplies, and to call help if it should be needed. I remember that Emma Blackwell once wanted to have one put in [Clarinda's?] house, but C. did not care for it as she did not hear well. I have lately heard that [Eva Bierman?] has gone to N. Y. to have an operation for tumor; I am sorry for her and hope she will recover. It is several months since I have seen Bowman. Perhaps I wrote you about going to Springfield March 23d for radium treatment; I had not been since Dec. 7. It was very painful. After a few days it was much better, no pain at all, and it seemed such a relief, but - , the pain is returning. Do you go to Cambridge every Sunday now? Has Mrs. Belden gone to Washington to be homekeeper for -- the name has slipped from my mind, but you know whom I mean, the man who married Jessie Wilson. Where is Elizabeth now? and Lawrence? With love to both of you, Maria . Ware, Jan. 7, 1934. Dear Alice and Kitty; I was glad to have your letter of Jan. 1st, telling that your cold is better, of the Christmas gathering, and for the article about the Lenox school. One of my neighbors to whom I spoke of the Lenox school, seemed to know about it. She said that Bishop Davies of the Episcopal church had much to do with founding it. He lives in Springfield, I think, and I remember attending a union meeting in our church some years ago, where he was the speaker. I was invited to dine with a friend on High St. on Christmas, and have not been out of my yard since. The cold has been so severe, the walking so bad, my place was in 2 my own home, where I kept pretty comfortable with two coal fires. The cold found its way into the house and the mercury, outside, dropped to 26º below, so my milkman said. The water did not freeze at all for which I was very thankful. Mr. Hyde, next door, with a furnace, had to call a plumber to start the water in his pipes on the coldest morning. A stand of potted plants is stationed at one of the front windows and is usually safe there, but had to be brought out and parlor door closed, that my bedroom be comfortable for me; and nothing froze. I believe coal from the government has been brought to town lately for the needy. It is quite a piece of work to care for two fires and five rooms, and as I do not work as quickly as I once did, takes me about all the forenoon. My helper comes once a week for two or three hours, and a boy every afternoon sifts ashes and brings hods of coal into the kitchen. I hope I can get 3 down st. soon, for there are many things needing my attention, one of which is having my glasses changed. I was remembered at Christmas by many friends, in 10 states, Calif., Kan., Ill., Va., -- with two cards from Washington D. C., Md., N. Y., Conn., R. I, Mass, and one from Nova Scotia, coming from more than fifty people. I has been a pleasure to look them over and to think so many thought of me. Our annual church meeting is on Jan. 11, in the Parish House; a supper at six, followed by a business meeting, reading of reports, choosing offices for this year. There was a large deficit, matters were serious, the mortgaging of the parsonage was to be considered, when a gift of $1000 was received given by one whose name is not to be made public. It is a great relief to the church to receive it. I do not expect to attend the annual meeting, not seeing well, and my hearing grows less, which is a great loss. In the whole of 1933 I was away from4 my home, but one evening, at an old folks concert; yes, I was away two days and a night with my cousin Hattie Jones, in West Brookfield. I am not complaining; it is much better that staying in bed all the time. I hope Kitty keeps well. I am glad she could go to Cambridge. And Jock, how is he? Does he have outdoor exercise now? 3 doors below me is a pair of homely, funny looking, doggies not larger than a medium sized cat, they look like pigs, but I expect they are choice and high bred. One of them has five little puppies now. Every day some dog comes into my yard, looking for scraps of food which I throw out, but I do not care to own one. There is a bird box beside the path to the door where I put grain or crumbs every day. The boys on each side have gone back to college & school, Harvard, Wilbraham; Harvard Medical C., and one, a graduate last summer of Worcester Tech. who has been seeking work ever since, and waiting is rewarded at last and begins work tomorrow with the Westinghouse Co. in Springfield. All are fine young men. I wish this letter were more interesting. Affectionately yours, Maria.Ware, Aug. 30. '34. Dear Alice & Kitty; Was glad to receive your letter with the picture of Jock's effigy. Hope all is going well with you. A cold morning here today, 50º, about 9' oclock. I am writing this in bed, about 10 A. M. Have been laid aside from work a week; have a helper all the time. I sit up out in the sunshine all the pleasant afternoons. Affectionately, M. A. B.[*Maria Barlow*] Ware Mass Aug 30 230 PM 1934 Miss Alice Stone Blackwell Chilmark, Mass.Springfield May 19th - 35 Dear Miss Blackwell. As you know Miss Barlow passed away May 6th funeral may 8th and she looked very lovely. Scarcely a line in her face. A lot of nice flowers and a beautiful service - I remained in the house the remainder of the week to pick up: but nothing can be done with her Will until the heirs appoint another administrator.I hope you and Miss Kitty are both well. I am well but very tired and will take part of the Summer to rest - There is a case in Palmer Mass "that I could have. But don't feel equal to it - Very lovingly Mrs Jan Buskirk As the one [he?] had appointed passed away too last week. He was a very old man 91 years old. [The?] stocks and property is to be turned into cash. I shall be here for two more weeks then I am going by Buss to Chicago to my other daughter. Will stay there for a few weeks. [Then?] I shall go to my home in Nova Scotia - Where I have my Husband and married son - My ad" there is Aylesford Nova Scotia - Mr Barlow's nurse Ware, April 21, 1933. Dear Alice; - The Pioneer Work arrived safely on Wed. noon. I have read the very interesting supplementary chapter. I had never realized before that those travels on the Continent, and sojourns in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, were in the nature of rest, of need of recuperation after such a busy life as Doctor lead. That chapter adds much to the interest of the book. I have lent the book to Mr. & Mrs. Hyde that they may enjoy that last chapter as they did enjoy my copy which went to Dr. Richards. My cold is wearing away slowly; it has drawn heavily on my strength. I have not been down st. for nearly two weeks. Shall hope to put the book into the librarian's hands in a few days. I could send it to her, but would rather do it myselfand explain how it came about. I am sure you will have an appreciate note from Miss Smith. It is good to have sunshine and milder days, to see leaf and blossom buds swelling and hear the birds. Glad to know Kitty continues to improve, and hope the weekly visits to Cambridge can be continued now. Affectionately Maria.(Barlow) Maria said she looked as if she were born to be a grand mother. Grandma had 2 blank books, one w red cover, & one w ordinary cover, & she recorded the doings of Florence & Alice in them.Dear Alice; - Are you a member of a University Club in Boston? If you are and have met the Pres. chosen I think last winter, you may be interested to know that he is a native of West Brookfield, born in a house on Central St. midway between Main St. and the R. station. A clipping from a Boston paper came to my notice which gave a large picture, and the reporter's account of an interview with him, the new Pres., Carl F Woods. His parents were New Braintree people both of whom I knew. His mother died when he was ten days, or two weeks, old. He was mother-ed, and brought up by his aunt Emily Woods, and his fathers a fine man. The aunt was once a teacher of mine, in district school. Maria Barlow P. S. Would Mrs. Sumpter consider coming here with Kitty for a two days visit? Would it meet with your approval?days, boarding with us on the farm for two winters, a very dear friend thro' her life; she died in 1914. Carl went to Dartmouth, was not over 16 when he entered, and specialized in chemistry. When a very small boy he came here with his aunt, and I visited them two or three times in a year. I do not remember ever seeing him after he went to college. He married young, and to the great sorrow of his aunt, (his father had died earlier) chose a Catholic wife. Both father & aunt were sincere, earnest, evangelical Christians and Carl was brought up to go to S. S. and church. This may not interest you, yet if you are a member of that U. Club and have seen Carl Woods, you may be interested. I hope you will take a real vacation in Chilmark; let your head and hands rest. O yes, write some letters now and then, but nothing else that takes time & strength. The other day a Wilbraham quarterly was lent me which contained pictures of the classes '72, '82, '92, '02 & '12. In the first, '72, I placed Phebe's pictures, looking first as she did in those far away years. Affectionately yours, Maria [*3*] It was so cold yesterday that a coal fire in the sittingroom was started which will I suppose have to be kept right along all the time. I tried today to hang the oval picture of Naples between the front parlor windows but my left arm and shoulder refused to do its part so it waits until Fred works for me some day and will hang it. One will, I think, hang above the bookcase, one over the couch in the sittingroom, and one in my room. I will report which one hangs in these places when all is done. Last Sat. I went to Springfield to attend the National Council for a few hours; had not been to the city for over two years. Was glad to see and hear several speakers whose names are familiar; it was a great gathering. I had a short time in a picture gallery at Forbes & Wallace which was a great pleasure. Among [the?] pictures were three large oil portraits once owned by the Nap. Bonaparte family, sold by them to a Welshman from whose grandson Mr. A. B. Wallace (of this firm) bought them. Peggy followed me to the car Sat. A.M., went into it and was quite grieved when I took her by the collar and led her out. She sat down in front of the Public Market watching that car for ten minutes and her eyes were still on it as we left the street. She is a funny little dog. Old Blackie disappeared for two days but is here today as usual happy with his boy playmates. I wish some one would adopt him, he is such a nice intelligent dog. I hope all is going well at No. 3 Monadnock St. Perhaps I will send a little note to Emma with this and a real letter later. My writing is in arrears and I'm trying to catch up. I hope you will write again with your ownMaria Barlow To Alice Stone Blackwell part of letter