BLACKWELL FAMILY ALICE STONE BLACKWELL GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE 1085 Zelba Vista Ave Oakland California March 6th - 47 Dear Cousin Alice - Twas very glad to receive another message from you. How very few of the - friendly happy Camp cribs are left! There lately been me again remembering gratefully what its meant to me to be included in this by dear Aunt Mable and by you serving the following Winter in Boston - oh - the weekly office gatherings.dismayed" and kept on until we won. Two of my young girl nieces while at Dona Hall School later took me secretly aside and with shining eyes confided to me that they were suffragists Your father had visited the Wellesley school and his lectures had brought this about. Ever since they have been true to this conviction. One is now a very useful physician psychiatrist and the other for years although without medical training has been working with physicians in Long Island mental Both -- of these experiences opened the way to having the congenial companionship I a stranger from the West greatly needed. I think I am a born suffragist. I simply cannot be anything else -- and under the leadership of Mrs. William Keith I did what I could to further the cause which was not generally approved of. In spite of the swell bond of earnest workers to be counted on, we nearly succeeded in having the bill passed -- Only the liquor element defeated us -- but we returned from Sacra- ments "cast down but nothospitals. Both have started in Zurich, Switzerland with Dr. Young. They both realize how greatly -- they are indebted to your mother and Aunt and all the other early suffrage pioneers who made such opportunities possible for women. I am oh- eighty nine, the last member of my immediate family, living in a very pleasant Rest-House away from the business section of Oakland, alone yet-never lonely as I take an active part and interest in the fine helpful work all of the young generations are going towards "making the world better." Even though I now seldom leave home -- I am so thankful you can as a radio listener also can keep in sympathetic touch with the life of the world. Notwithstanding all the many disheartening aspects I finally believe in the "Coming of the Kingdom" don't you? God's in His Heaven all's right with the world" -- His world we so often-- in the -- past and now , the present have misrepresented. Ever in affectionate friendship Bertha S. Shafter overOne of the many encouraging organs her is the relevent awakening of the Orthodox churches at last to the necessity for active cooperative work in national government affairs, as a vital part of religion. No longer will our Unitarian ministers be criticized and called to account for emphasizing this in practice & preventing this as Gospel truth. THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE VISION America is poised today, as if in mid-flight, between a past that cannot be recaptured and a future that must be made. Seldom have we had greater need of vision and courage in our leaders and in ourselves. For our country, still adolescent and immature finds itself compelled to reexamine and transform institutions and ideas which have for a century given it its rapid and vigorous growth. We have been swept into a torrent of change with a hard choice of advancing to perilous experiment or retreating timidly to ancient ways which bred disaster. Today we need individualism to persuade the strong--made stronger by every invention--to accept such central control as will coordinate out stalemated industries. We need vision which can reconcile our national thirst for freedom with our hunger for security, which can find a middle path between the unrestricted freedom of the strong to exploit the weak and the voiceless serfdom of all citizens as the herded employees of a dictatorial government. We need vision to reconstruct democracy so as to leave the franchise universal while limiting office to rained intelligence. Once we were a simple people of homogeneous blood and belief. We have become a complex people of a thousand stocks and a hundred beliefs. We must find in ourselves and in our leaders the vision and sympathy needed to weave these varied strains into the harmony of a united state. If the fortunate of the land understand that the concentration of wealth, inevitable consequence though it be of natural inequality of men, ruins every society in which it is not controlled, then America may still realize the dreams it once awakened in the hearts of men. The problems of today and tomorrow challenge the vision of the individual. They challenge every one of us. With our country going through experiments that involve the life of the whole nation, each of us should sharpen his mind with an understanding of the efforts to construct a society freed from the defeats of the past. We cannot appreciate the work of those on the firing line until we confront their problems for ourselves. In vision lies our one hope against chaos; vision which will give to our country one mind and one will. America is halfway across its abyss. Some of use may turn back; some of us will fall; but some of us will go on. ----Will Durant FEBRUARY 1934 Synthetic Gentleman A gallant novel of man who found himself in another man's shoes and wore them splendidly The house stood alone on a sand dune overlooking the sea- dark, deserted, and silent, except for the swish of the rain blowing against the shingles. Wet to his skin, and shivering, the Duke found an open French window. From his dank coat pocket he drew a tiny flashlight. With this in his hand, he turned to look toward the highway. It was invisible, two hundred yards from the porch on which he stood, winding over and around and about these dunes. Not a car in sight; even if there had been one, on a night like this, who would observe a pin-prick of light so far off the road? The Duke's thumb pressed the button, and, momentarily, the ray revealed waving wet beach grass and a single scrub pine bent in the wind. It was easy for a slim and agile man to climb through the window. Once inside the house, he paused. Would the electric lights be working, and would it be safe to turn them on? Why not? Half the summer residences in Southhampton had been opened for the season. Even an observant pastry-by -- if there were to be one -- would think a brightly lighted room less remarkable than a furtive way. This house had been opened, too, he would think. The family had arrived, or the servents. "Caution not incompatible with com-7 Greenbank Ave 1934 Piedmont (Oakland) California Easter Sunday Dear Cousin Alice : So good at last to sit me down for the express purpose of writing my promised letter to you. Ever since the New Year I've been involved in a difficult business matter on which I've had to concentrate long and hard with- out the usual help of my lawyer nephew who has been very ill. After this was settled I was much elated to be told by my lawyer and also [brother?], that I had a "good business head and had shown much astute acumen." How's that for an untrainedoccupied with home and outside duties and interesting. We keep in close intimate touch with with each other but there is only one to whom I can say "Do you remember" -- so I'm thankful for this happy vivid treasure stored within, of memories to which I can turn. The workaday world of today now so tempest tossed, appeals deeply to my sympathy. The young people in it especially -- My niece and her husband are psychiatric physicians in from San Francisco, and it is pathetic to hear of the cases that come to them for guidance and help in solving problems confronting them for [100?] 76 year old? Now I mean to do much spring and summer loafing for the ordeal has been, severe and prolonged I feel no desire to go away. only want to stretch out in my long chair in the garden with the birds and flowers and the cat, and doze and drift for a while - During such quiet solitary hours, I find much pleasure in dwelling on old memories of dear friends and being alone never feel lonely. My subconscious treasure of memories is I find more and more priceless as years pass. Don't you feel the same about those you have garnered? My relations now all belong to the younger generation, and one early in life, way beyond their character growth and attainment, and such as you and I knew nothing of in our more protected youth. We have "sown to the wind and are reaping the whirlwind," that is the way I read the origins of the present times. My comfort is that all about me, I also see signs of character building as the result of loss, suffering and disillusionment. This is the case in the family group, since our financial losses two years ago. All are dead in earnest, and hard at work preparing for independence as workers in one way or another; and meeting 2. life experiences freely & squarely with a cheerio spirit that is most promising and gratifying. Back of all this outer turmoil, and upheaval, stand the great number of "Invisible Helpers." My faith is firm and strong, that something very mighty and profound is being worked out, towards a new order of life for the world, that instead of being farther away from the "coming of the Kingdom" we are closer to it than ever before. I look for a spiritual Renaissancevision." and redeem the past by putting into practice the Christ principles of righteous living so definitely clearly taught by Jesus Christ. It seems as if these truths are now being impressed upon the world as a whole - as never before - We are being put to a sharp uncompromising test collectively and individually. It is a time of great personal responsibility and obligation - We are being "weighed in the balance" - and must not be "found wanting." How much I should enjoy talking with you about all these. I believe we are "being born again" - and what the world is enduring now, are the pangs of this new birth. We are being taught that the time is at hand when Christianity must be lived not merely accepted as a belief. This is the vision that is keeping many hearts and minds about me here, steadfast undismayed and undaunted - Surely there is no other - "way of escape" from the evil we ourselves have wrought than to acknowledge that we have erred - and been "disobedient to the heavenlyworld matters! It's a great time to be a part of isn't it? Tremendous issues are at stake. Please share this with Harriet Turner. My warm friendship is yours and hers unfailingly - I hope the long cold winter is nearly over now and that you have both kept well in spite of it. Let me hear from you when possible Greetings of affection from Bertha S. Shaftson125 North St. Pittsfield, Mass. March 8, 1927 Dear Miss Blackwell, I had occasion to give your name as a reference for us to our landlord Woolworth Co. As Henry wrote to you some time ago, we have started a little oriental rug business here, in a second floor room in the local Woolworth building. Due to our newness and also due to the general business depression throughout thecountry, business has been very slow with us, and we therefore asked the Woolworth Co. to cover our rent. They asked for references and I took the liberty of giving them your name. If they should make any inquiry with you, you will know what it is about. Hoping you are enjoying the best of health, and with best personal regards from Josephine, Henry, and myself. Sincerely your friend, Alice J. Shamlian Alice ShamlianAn Easter Thought of You"And the angel answered...He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." Matt. 28:5,6 When Easter bells in lofty towers Ring out their holy lay I think of you, dear friend of mine, And wish for you that day A spirit filled with radiant joy And in your heart a song Of faith that will accompany And bless you all year long. From. Henry Blackwell Shamlian and family and Mother"THE SUNSHINE LINE" E584 Made in U.S.A.NOTARY PUBLIC PEOPLE'S PHONE 4574 Arthur Sharp Private Banker Real Estate Bought, Sold and Exchanged Stocks and Bonds Money to Loan, Collections Made, Houses for Rent, Property Cared For [*File*] THE ARCADE, SUITE 31 Akron, Ohio March 22nd, 1913. 59 SOUTH HOWARD STREET BRANCH OFFICE, NEWTON FALLS, O. 18 ODD FELLOW TEMPLE Miss Agnes E. Ryan, Boston, Mass. Dear Miss Ryan:- Please pardon me as I beg to reply to the article attached hereto discussing Mrs. Page's suggestions as to Bachelors Maids:- It would be an outrage upon the female sex,and is ridiculous to think of placing a state tax on Maidens in any part of the country, Owing to low wages,most of the Female sex have a hard struggle to meet expenses and keep soul and body together, most of the girls need every dollar they make, and can put the same to some better use than paying a State tax for the purpose of keeping some Politicians in luxury walking around the country, If the girls wish to remain single, and they injoy single blessedness that is their business and they have a right to continue in the injoyment of the same as long as they wish to do so. In the matter of the female sex being allowed to propose, Why the facts are that they should have this right , and should have equally the same rights as men both in courtship and the ballot and in all other matters, and the time will come when women will have all these rights and will be on an equal with man, and when they do we will have better and happier homes and better Government. I note in said article that you say it is worth more than $5. a year for many girls to remain single, that is true in many cases, as there are thousands of men who will never make good husbands, and it is worth thousands (2) sands of dollars ( not five ) for a girl to remain single rather than marry one of these such men as heretofore mentioned. I note that Miss Alice Hunter states that she is a Bachelor woman, but not through any fault of her own, there are thousands of other Ladies who are just the same as she is, there are also thousands of men both widowers and bachelors who are and have been just as unfortunate in not finding their affinity, in fact this also applies to my own case, and also applies to several men Bachelor [?] friends of mine who have discussed this very thing time and time again. Two of my Bachelor friends have made a trip around the world looking for their affinities, I have also made ten trips to European countries [also] looking for my affinity, and we all have failed to find then during all our travels, four of us are going to sail again for Europe next June, with views to matrimony, and we like thousands of others including most of the widowers and backelors in the great State of Massachusetts would all get married if we can only find the right woman. Now if there is going to be a tax put on either sex because of remaining unmarried,, put it on the male sex and make it good and heavy. We are all of good characters and can furnish the very best of references as to same, and desire to hear from any real good Christian Ladies either widows or Bachelor Maids at any time. Wishing all the Massachusetts Ladies, and particular the members of the Massachusetts Suffrage Association, every success, as we are all suffrage supporters. Yours very truly, Akron Bachelor Club By, Arthur Sharp, Pres.March 16 [1916?] TAX ON BACHELOR MAIDS WELCOMED Girls Willing to Pay $5 to Remain Single - Provided They Are Allowed to Propose. Boston, March 15 - Boston's Bachelor Maids, discussing Mrs. Frank Page's suggestion that they be taxed $5 a year by the State, say they wouldn't mind if women and girls are allowed to propose. In other words, they want every year made the same as leap year under the new law. They believe in equal rights for women, whether it be in courtship or the ballot. Miss Agnes E. Ryan, manager of the Woman's Journal, suggests "it is worth more than $5 for many girls to remain single. Tax the single women, if it must be, and treat them equally with the bachelor men, if needs must. Then allow the women to propose, and especially permit them to vote." Miss Alice Hunter, clerk of the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association said: " I think that many men willfully remain bachelors, but I do not think the same is true of girls. I am a bachelor woman and not through any fault of my own." Mrs. Susan W. Fitzgerald said: "Bachelor girls are already heavily taxed by the economical and industrial situation. Until we have universal equal pay to the sexes there is no sense in approaching the marriage question from "such an angle."MRS. LINDLEY M. GARRISON, wife of the new Secretary of War. CONSUL GENERAL DROPS AID WHO BROUGHT IN GIRL British Officer Takes Immediate Action When Immigration Office Deports Young Woman. WAS ONLY "A PROBATIONER" His First Appointment in BritishDear Miss Blackwell for your appeal in the Transcript from I.P.S. 5.$ Yours Sincerely Isabella P Shaw Wellesley Sept 19thMrs R [G ?] Shaw ans.TELEPHONE TAKE REAR ELEVATORS NEAR MAIN 1663 STOCK EXCHANGE HARVEY N. SHEPARD Counsellor at Law 1048 to 1051 EXCHANGE BUILDING 53 STATE STREET BOSTON 9, MASSACHUSETTS May 9, 1923. Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, 3 Monadnock street, Boston, 25. My dear Miss Blackwell: I am very greatly obliged by your kind letter of May 8, which I shall keep for use when the time comes for me to prepare the article I have in mind. I return the article from the Christian Register with thanks for the opportunity of seeing it. Very truly yours, Harvey N. ShepardLEFT COLUMN Mrs. John H. Sheridan 14 Dover Road Wellesley, Mass July 3, 1921 My dear Miss Blackwell, - My attention has just been called by Mrs. Shaw, to your letter on Ireland in the recent number of the "Christian Register." I can't tell you how happy and comforted I feel to know that you, the leader whom I have loved and followed for so many years, is now raising her voice in behalf of another just cause, in which I am so deeply interested. Just now the case of independence for Ireland seems to be rather unpopular in this country [our?] ours - but there was RIGHT COLUMN Mrs. John H. Sheridan 14 Dover Road Wellesley, Mass a time when suffrage was just as unpopular - but we now our way to victory. All just causes must win in the end, and we are so grateful to you for your help. I wonder if you would be willing to let us reprint your letter in our Wellesley paper? Your name and your well-known devotion to liberty would have great weight with many of our townspeople who need to be educated. With all good wishes to you, I am Gratefully yours, Elizabeth D. SheridanMrs. J. H. Sheridan Thanks for Irish Letter '21[*Mrs. E. W. Shippen*] 425 La Salle Ave April 27 [*1895*] Dear Miss Blackwell Your letter is just rc'd. I will gladly watch the Inter-Ocean & send Jon copies - There was no need to enclose stamps - mine are at your disposal. I also rc'd yesterday the package of Women's Columns just after I had written you. I find also that it is an enormous work to send to all ministers I shall therefore go to the Boards, as the Presbyterian Convention or Board which meets here weekly I hear, & to the Baptist Board & so on & ask themway of escape than that - for they would be annihilated & the Turk would reign supreme in such a revolution just now - And yet I would not blame them for feeling like it - especially now when England & America both seems so apathetic - . About the Armenian Garabedyan - you are quite right. Besides he might do better. He promised to and he ought to have a chance; to be helped. He has many friends who write me defending himto have each one of their ministers be recommended to speak on the subject Armenia - Our society of "United Friends of Armenia" is scarcely formed - but I shall call a meeting in a few days for arrangements for a mass meet'g or reception & for completing and publish'g our constitution and names of Officers I hope also to speak at several places soon. In view of the threatened uprising of the Armenians we ought to work harder to find them some other& certainly in two years while a visitor in my family he appeared a true gentleman and Christian. Gentle, kind, never speak'g ill of anyone. He promised to remain in the background till he could prove himself to be in life and character what he wished to be - What more could he say The Woman's Column About Armenia is valuable & I congratulate you on it - I have sent it & Mr. Greene's book to Dr. Stone our rector of St. James & to my old friend Rev. Jenkin LLoyd James & asked them both to speak for Armenia - the latter at the Unitarian Conference now being held at La Porte Ind. Little by little the bird builds her nest & little by little we may undermine the Sultan - Yours Sincerely Elizabeth Winslow Shiffen pious people in Chicago at least that we have many ministers trying to make us so - & my "Columns" will not go [round?] - Can I have some more? enclose price inc - I am speaking as often as possible on this Armenian question - I fear much the rising of the Armenians as they are not strong enough yet nor well organized enough to do themselves any good & to fail would only make it worse for them -425 La Salle Ave April 20 - Dear Miss Blackwell, Thru the kindness of your office or from New York I am in receipt of a number of the issue of April 5th of the Woman's Column. Following out Miss Frances E. Willard's practical suggestion I am sending a copy to each minister with a personal request that he should devote one morning service to the subject. And also read Dr. Greenes book - You know we are a veryYours Sincerely Elizabeth Winslow [Shippens ?] Pres. "United Friends of Armenia in Chicago. Mrs. E.W. Shippen 1895