Blackwell Family Ethel Blackwell Robinson 1941 - 47 Blackwell Alice StoneMrs. Alfred B. Robinson 9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey Jan 22nd, 1941 Darling Cousin Alice, Friends are dropping in every day, -- and I am still writing letters. My good Jeanette, (who had intestinal flu and went to rest at her twin-sister's for nearly a week), is back, & brings in afternoon tea, while day after day I have tête-à-têtes with dear friends, & try to have them see that life is eternal & the larger life is in touch with us, if we realize it. Lovingly, Ethel B.R.Rambling A rambler I have ever been, Heigho! a rambler I would be, To fare me forth, to go afield, To revel in wide liberty. Let those who will be fetter'd close By self-forg'd bonds or others' rule; I range the land, I rove the sea, I live my life exultingly. Of rambling down from skies above And strolls in fields Elysian Aforetime, I do naught recall, Of transmigrations aeons gone, all Is veiled, my mem'ry scarce can reach My timid rambling at life's door, When babe from mother's knee did roam T' explore his vast extent of floor. The child pursues the sunbeam's ray, The lad to butterfly gives chase, In rambling we go joyously The light of zest upon each face. Youth craves adventure and romance, Scott, Spenser, Keats, the Odyssey, To browse on herbage pungent-sweet, That decks the meads of poesy. Now Cupid claims his empery, We ramble blissful hand in hand The joined way henceforth for aye, In hand we tread a saraband. I choose detour and winding path To take the pleasures of the way. I linger but I do not lag, I stroll afar, but not to stray. Full fealty I owe to truth Alone; my thought is my domain; O'er dale and wood, o'er mount and plain, The song I sing rings back again. -2- My heart to answering heart responds, The soul leaps to greatly do, My mind now comprehendeth well The lore that books can never tell. And so along the pleasant road Unto the land of heart's desire I wend' till greeting set of sun Ablaze in far horizon's fire. I ramble up, I ramble down, I ramble all my gladsome way, And rambling on I ramble where All things for all, are fair alway. Alfred Brookes Robinson (Written about 1920)The Crown of Heaven A pilgrim to the Holy Land when asked, "Whither today?" "A' Sainte Terre, a' Sainte Terre," replied, and joyous took his way. A saunt'rer, a saunt;rer in English speech was he, Intent on foot his high emprise to win, perdie, - The place of man's seen immortality.* No idle saunt'ring, no aimless rambling now, The light of his great quest illumes His path henceforth, and leads him ever on, Him nought can bar, no hurt him ever harm, His soul is fired from on high With flame unquenchable for aye. Dear Lord, vouchsafe to us wayfarers here The fervor that he had, that we In turn may win the Crown of Heaven, When we, as faithful followers of the light, Be it a blaze or but a gleam, are given CONVICTION of man's destin'd Immortality. *Christ's Ascension Alfred Brookes Robinson (Written in Hospital 1940)Panorama Hill, Chilmark, Mass. [Antoniette B. Robinson 9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey] Aug. 13th 1942 Darling Cousin Alice, This seems to be a day of pouring rain - it will probably clear up our two last days of considerable mist. You ask about signs of war on the island. I did hear fairly early this morning, two quite long-continued volleys of shots. We see very frequently two air-planes circling around and off toward No-Mans-Land. They fly very low, sometimes we feel that they would almost touch the houses. Air-wardens, or somebodies occasionally stop along the way, andinquire for somebody they are investigating. A few days ago quite a formation of air-planes went off to the south-east. As we came here on the island boat, we saw a great body of convoys, I counted 50 or so, & I think others who watched much longer than I, counted a number more, added, as they went on. The canal had been obstructed, so they came out further. A few days later, we counted 43 convoys from our western verandah; these convoys both west off in a south- western direction. the soldier boys from Peaked Hill, go to entertainments & parties around the island. I think Elizabeth Belden occasionally sees one or so of them, as she is riding horseback or somehow. Horace was driving us up the middle-road one day, & we halted for a moment, at the side-road going to the Peaked Hill section, when the guard at the entrance motioned us to go on. At Gay-Head all the cliffs & light-house have no admittance signs. It is rumored that there is some important sighting instrument sunk into the ground there. A great open truck-like automobile rushes up & down the main road from the Gay- Head Coast-Guard, often filled with a dozen or so men. Otherwise, all is peace-ful. I think I told you that Horace & his party of 4, picnicking on the Hornblower ocean-beach, having gone over to the dunes by canoe, were followed & questioned by two guards; & Horace had his license, with photo of himself, permitting him to help with Dr. [??sdell's] boat on the shore of L.I. They said they couldn't question that. But they told him to always answer if hailed. Because they were ordered to shoot on sight, if doubtful. I hear from Horace & Rita that Rita's sister Barbara Kendrick, has a lovely little new baby girl named Barbara Barrett Kendrick. She is to be called "Barry." Rita's sister was married a little earlier than Rita. Her husband is with her in New York hospital & L.I.; he is a Doctor in Jacksonville, Fla. But he is to go, with a Captain-rank, with the army, Sept 1st. The [??esdells] now have there own son, in the Navy, & this son-in-law, to go soon into the service. They are very fine & brave about it. We have decided to stay in our same apartments for another year, which makes it much easier & more restful. Madame Polivanov telephones by the Jones' telephone (from Edgartown), that she will com up to my Terrace House tomorrow. She telephoned last night. Tom was in N.J, & Blackwell& Barbara were out, & the little colored maid had a hard time understanding Madame Polivanov's russian- english. She only retained the number to which to telephone, if it was all right. This was indirectly [debailed?] to my Alice Smith who was passing. So I sent Alice Smith down in the pouring rain to telephone back that it was all right, (this morning.) I shall be glad to have someone else on the hill. As Alice Smith so enjoys her social privileges, that she is away all the afternoons & all the evenings. Here comes the grocer. Now our only delivery but sufficient. With very much love to you darling. I was much interested in your last letter [?] BB [Antoinette B. Robinson 9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey] Panorama Hill Fri., July 31st 1942 Darling Cousin Alice Where has the last month gone? Horace & Rita go back tomorrow; Rita takes the train part way. They stay over night somewhere, & reach Huntington L.I. Sunday A.M., to rest for Monday. We have had three sets of visitors, one was Dr [??esdell], Rita's father. He just loved the Vineyard, which is well. Tho' he thought the water cold, & did not swim.We are now about to start for a bath in the ocean, taking the Rieffell's, friends who are renting our bungalow for a week. They have 2 small children. (Later) Are bank-&-law-friends of Horace's; they have been here before, and just love it. They go back on Sunday, when Alice & I will then reign quietly supreme, unless, & until, Madame Polivanov, comes to rent the Bungalow for August, as she hoped to do. Counting Anna & Elizabeth, there were nine of us, at Anna's lunch party yesterday. We three, May Bruno & Jerome, Tom & Barbara. Anna set three little tables on the north verandah, leaving the fourth side free to walk on. She gave us an elaborate menu. Clam chowder with hot crackers, then avocado pear and pineapple salad, then peach and red-current pie in a sort of butter-scotch with meringue cover; & coffee!! The Helms dropped in after lunch. Then we all went in to the bright red floor of the living-room, with a bright red fire on the hearth, & chatted. Jerome, Anna & I sat at one table during the lunch, & I was surprised at the cute witty sayings which Jerome entertained us with. He has developed a jolly sort of repartee which is highly amusing.One thing he said to Reta, was, (he had much admired her salmon-colored sweater), that when her sweater had children, he would like one to give to his wife Francis. Later. Horace & Reta have gone, we have just waved them off. Mrs. Hayson of the "Totem Pole," is driving down at seven o'clock, to get Mr & Mrs Rieffel & me, to take up to her tourist place, so that the Rieffells can have a lobster & chowder dinner. I don't get a lobster dinner, but a very good one. My Alice Smith is to stay with the small Rieffells meantime, 9 mos & 3 1/2 years. Alice is very happy because not only does she love it here, but Bill Leigh's wife, & her mother, has acquired two island girls, as helpers, and Alice is now fraternizing with them. She is off in her bathing suit on the beach with them now. She said one of them walked her all the way own to the Chilmark Store & back, last night. She hoped they would not want to walk so far every night. It has been just wonderfulto have Horace & Rita for almost a month here. Horace has not had so long a vacation for eight years; and he, and they both, thoroughly enjoyed it. I think young airplane fliers are being trained here, and they zoom around, nearly touching the roofs of the houses. The coast guard is very watchful. A patrol followed our four, who canoed across to the sand-dunes & picniced there the other early evening. They asked Horace whether they were a pleasure party, & had he identification papers? Horace had taken, in his pockets, his permit with photograph allowing him to sail a boat with Dr [??esdell] at Huntington. They smilingly said they were obliged to accept that as they saw who had signed it, & that the photo was excellent. But they said, be sure and answer if you are ever challenged, as they are told to shoot on sight, if not answered. That was on Hornblower's beach by the dunes. I've picked black-berries twice and made some black-berry juice, which Horace much enjoyedI am invited to Mrs Stork's to supper on Sunday night, & to May Bruno's to dinner on Wednesday, with Anna & Elizabeth, etc., so I shall be quite gay enough. I shall have much more time for my "9 AM" reading and decreeing. Also I am hoping to try a little painting just for fun. We think and talk of you, sitting with your radio, whenever our family get together. You are not at all forgotten here, dear Cousin Alice. With much love Ethel BR June 21, 1942 Mrs. Alfred B. Robinson [9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey] 220 E. 73rd St. N.Y. Darling Cousin Alice, Brookes & I have just finished supper. He brings up cans of spinach soup, and Tropic Treat Figs, etc., which he finds at special places, and we have a treat together. I went down to the meeting this morning, and he came back with me. Horace is out at Huntington. I think Rita is coming in with him tomorrow. Yesterday I went out to see Antoinette. The darling has had some kind of weak spell for a few days. So I found her inbed. The doctor says it may be heart, tho' there are no other indications of heart trouble. He thinks she will be up and around again soon. I am hoping to send her some little thing every few days. But in these places, they have a way of picking up, & putting away, everything to keep all tidy, so apparently everything which isn't food and can be eaten right up, is destroyed, or gone. She seemed pretty content and happy, as usual. She never complains. She was in a room by herself, I was glad to see. I take her considerable fruit, a few cookies or candy, and this time Mrs. Alfred B. Robinson 9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey I took her a hard-boiled egg. She was quite delighted with the egg. She always did like eggs. I emphasized that to the doctor and nurses. I think they have many stews and puddings. But I don't know how much they, the patients, are given eggs. The doctor says he will keep me informed. And that at any time I can drop him a postal, & he will write me a letter about Antoinette. So I will have to be content with that, while having the two months at M.V. I almost wish the two months were over, so that I could stay put, and not have the exertionof house-keeping at M.V., etc. But of course, as soon as we are comfortably settled at M.V., I shall love it. And I will look at "the light on the Western sea," for you. Brookes says "Thank you for the resurrection remembrance with all the blessings of light." "God bless you, Christ illumine you, and set you Free in the Service of the Light!" He wants me to arrange something to heal your eyes. I'll see if I can, darling. Much love Your Cousin Ethel BRMy dear Miss Blackwell: May I add my little word of congratulations to the many good wishes that you will receive to-day? I am sure you do not remember me, but I used to see you way back in the days when The College Club was housed in [?] Studios. However, you may remember my father, Professor [Tay?] of Tufts College. I'm sending birthday greetings today, as to one Chauncey Hall girl from another. Mr William Ladd used to see one summers in [Tamworth?], New Hampshire, so he knew me as a mountain girl even before I became one of his pupils, and you can see from the following that he was very fond of me. One day he said: "Ethel, you will be the next to finest woman ever to graduate from Chauncey Hall School. I say next to finest, for no woman will equal Alice Stone Blackwell!"Your years of fame and service are indeed an honor to our fine old school! May your next birthdays see the strife of the moment ended and a return to the high ideals of the past, ushering in an even better world. Cordially Ethel Fay Robinson Boston, September 14, 1942 10 L 47 POET'S NARCISSUS Narcissus poeticus TRUMPET NARCISSUS Narcissus ajax BROWNIEMrs. Alfred B. Robinson [9 Glenwood Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey] 220 E 73rd St., N.Y. May 12th 1943 Darling Cousin Alice, I'm getting up material for the Radcliffe collection on Pioneer Women; can you tell me positively whether the William Ellery Channing who had a church in Cincinnati, to which theBlackwell sisters went, and its minister for whom Aunt Elizabeth painted a picture, (Father's Diary tells me), was the same Dr Ellery Channing of Boston? Or was he a younger Wm Ellery Channing? Horace went down to Washington on Sunday night, ready for work in law under the Navy in Aeronautics, on Monday A.M. He sent a very satisfactory telegram to Rita. He looked stunning in his lieutenant suit. Much much love, your aff cousin Ethel B.R.Panorama Hill Chilmark, Mass July 11th, 1944 Darling Cousin Alice, Yes, we are all ensconced safely on our hill, where we will welcome you in spirit at anytime, day or night. You know one always visits places in one's sleep. That is how we get refreshment for the day-life. Tom, with Barbara and her Christie & Sammy, just drove up with beets and juice beet-tops, onions, turnips, squash, and lettuce, - also a bunch of flowers. The mother stayed2 heavenly. No rain since we came twelve days ago. I would like to have three times two-months here, to do all I want to accomplish this summer. Yesterday, Will Leigh's wife Olga, & her mother, drove me down to Tom Benton's Mother's where we were invited for a little afternoon tea. Five of us, had lunch together at the Winslow Hotel last winter. So Mrs Benton senior, got the same five together here. We had a very interesting time. Her living-room is open to the roof, with two stair-cases running from the same place two ways, with a gallery and bed-rooms at each end of the house. Her living-room is 3) 35x45 feet, and decorated with pictures, [?], pottery etc., made by her Son, Sam Benton. She also had a beautiful violin, made by her father. She was one of eleven children, all from Texas, and they all married and there are innumerable grandchildren now. Her Father made 30, or so, violins, & has given them to different members of the family. She gave us home-made bread with butter, and cottage-cheese filled with chives. Also white cake and a wonderful chocolate cake, tea choice of Sherry, peppermints, smokes made by herself and she is at least way up in the seventies. She has a delightful flower-garden, sloping down, enclosed by native trees, and added spruce or pine trees, really exquisite.4 My young companion, Pamela Preston is proving a treasure. She bathes at our beach, or runs up the shore to where the others bathe. I expect Horace + Reta at about the end of the month, for two weeks or so, - to be with me here, - which will be a joy. I go back early in September, because Horace doesn't want me here alone, and so far away from him + Reta + Jerry. Jerry + a nurse will stay at Huntington, L. I., playing with his little cousin "Barry", (Reta's sister's child), the father is a Doctor in France, + the girls + their children stay with Dr + Mrs. Truesdell in summer. Washington in summer is too hot for Jerry. Horace is able to come up from Washington every week or two. From Sat. to Sunday. Much love to you, Cousin Ethel B.R.[*Ethel Robinson*] The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St, N. Y. Oct 30th, 1945. Darling Cousin Alice, Just a word to tell you we are rejoicing because Horace has done such good work that he has been promoted to "Lt-Commander". I expect him up this weekend, looking forwarding to seeing about probably joining up with his old law firm - about January. He did not have to promise to stay on in Washington for any set time. Reta's bother John2. & her sister's husband Dr Kendrick, are both home again, very happy, & have just been to Washington to visit Reta & Horace. Barbara & her husband Dr Kendrick & little Barry, are now probably in Florida, visiting Aunts of the doctor. John will stay on with Reta & Horace for a few days, seeing Washington. Navy Day was fine here. I saw, & heard, from the Loud speaker, considerable from our roof here, & my radio. May Robinson, who lunched with me next day, and I, went up in the crowd to the Riverside Drive, & saw some of the boats, the "Midway", for instance. 3. I am wondering whether anything further has been heard from Lane. It was so good to have the nice visit with Howard, when he was on vacation. I suppose George & Ethel's little people are all duly well again, - and Helen back home. Interesting doings at the Sesame Club, New York Unitarian League, & Unitarian Metropolitan Conference, are all giving me busy and fascinating meetings. Much love to everybody & much quiet satisfaction to you, dear Cousin Alice. (over) Lovingly Ethel BR.4. Effie Danforth MacAFee gave a talk this week at the Montclair Unitarian Alliance. Ethel Whidden introduced her, & telephoned me frantically to get notes on her. I did my best. It must have been a satisfactory introduction, because Ethel says Mrs E.D.M. kissed her four times afterward. Ethel didn't have a chance to hear about Kagawa. More was to be said about him, but I guess the talk was very full & it got elided. E.B.R. Mrs MacAFee sent messages to all the family most cordially. [*Relationships*] The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St., N.Y. Oct 1st– 1945. Darling Cousin Alice, I came across an address in my address book, which said "Cousin Lily Rogers Killiney 6 Donoughmore Road Bascombe England These, like Reynold Rogers, are Father's Cousins." If that is correct, then your Father & my Father were cousins of Reynoud'. Then you & I are cousins once removed of Reynolds, and we are second cousins of Myrick. Isn't that it? Then Agnes' & my children are cousins of Myrick, once removed, & our children & Myrick's children2. children are 3rd cousins. Isn't that it? Barbara Truesdell Kendrick's husband, has returned, & he, Dr Kendrick will be entirely out of service to the government, on Wednesday. Barbara is so relieved & happy. "Mother Truesdell", as Horace calls her, is doing well, but after another cardiograph, has to stay in bed another two weeks. So Rita & Horace do not take Terry & return to their garden-apartment in Alexandria, for another week. Rita has been extremely busy with the care of Barbara's little Barry, as well as of Terry, & her Mother, while Barbara & Dr Kendrick went off for a little trip. Horace came up for government work at the Grummond air-plane works on L.I., this week-end, & so could help The Winslow 45 E 55th St N.Y. Sept. 2nd– 1945 Darling Cousin Alice. This is glorious V.J. day! I found your welcoming letter awaiting me here yesterday. Thank you so much. And your work – the $28000.00 scholarship for women! When you say "this insignificant person", it sounds like a Chinese cousin:– insignificant indeed! A grandson of Bartlett's, with his pretty wife & wife's sister, drove me to the Mansion House, where I stayed over night, & arose in the wee sina' dawn, to take the 5.45 boat to New Bedford. A bus met the boat, & took us to Providence. There we took a 10 o'clock train to New York, reaching there a little after three. I loved seeing Howard & Helen, & Lawrence, & Kenyon, at M.V.Horace called me up at about 5.30 He was in N.Y., having been out to New Jersey to see about land. He was about to take a train out to Huntington, & Reta. He planned to remain over Labor Day, Monday, & asked me to come out on Monday. But I said, another week-end. The strenuousness of closing the Vineyard House, & the trip back, as well as the heat I found in New York, made me want to stay put for a while. Horace will probably come back a little earlier to New York on Monday, to see me. Bless him! He may get back to New York from Washington, permanently in say 3 months or so. Yes, we shall certainly be interested in Kagawa & in Lane! & the great too-big problems: only soluble by the ascended host, & little us. Much much love from Ethel B.R. 3. Reta a little. He took supper with me yesterday, on the way back to Washington. Dr Kendrick has 3 or 4 months freedom, if he wants to take it, & Reta has offered to take little Barry while he & Barbara take some longer trip. Reta will have her good Louise to help her, when she gets back to Alexandria. It is all very interesting and thrilling here. John Truesdell is expected back for "Navy Day". That will probably do more good than anything for Henrietta Truesdell, as she is of course devoted to her son. He will probably want to take his degree at Princeton – he was nearly thru: & has extra points now, toward it. They are all such an interesting family, & as I see now so little of my own family4. I have very much adopted Reta's, & Horace's new family. Brookes continues to enjoy Chicago & the "I Am" rays of light & love, pouring out to mankind. I am doing most of my "I Am" work here quietly by myself at present. In November we expect one of our brilliant and far-seeing leaders, who has inner vision, to give us ten days or so, of help. I shall then probably be very attentive at the New York group again. I am planning today to go out to our first meeting of the Sesame Club in Montclair. We are studying China. I love to hear from you, & all about Howard's & Helen's dear family. Much, much love, & many thoughts. Your aff cousin Ethel BR.NEW YORK, N.Y. SEP 3 10-AM 1945 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX Miss Alice Stone Blackwell 1010 Mass Ave., Cambridge, Mass. 64The Winslow 45 E. 55th St., Sept 2nd, 1945. I forgot to ask you, do you remember whether Myric's Father, Reynold Rogers, was the Cousin of your + my Father, or whether if was Rey- nold Rogers Mother who was cousin to our Fathers? Is Myric our Cousin or our Cousin one removed? With love your cousin Ethel B RPanorama Hill, Chilmark, Mass. Aug. 21st, 1945. Darling Cousin Alice, We all had a beautiful time with Reta & Horace. Almost too much was crowded into their days. But we kept our evenings free, and read aloud "The Lost Horizon," by James Hilton, & went to bed at a decent hour, so all went well. That is the beauty of being away on the hill. Horace had a telephone from the office, and talked with Washington; and for several days wondered whether he would be needed earlier, but it ended in his being able to stay for his allotted time. "He has to sign off a lot of contracts, as Peace comes in. What joy What joy! If only we can keep the peace. Of course we can, if we call enough to the Divine powers! But only in that way, -- to down the devils, - to the compound of light, until their evil can be dissolved. My little Mildred is doing very well: she stays until the 28th of August, so I have only three days alone. Reta has asked me to come to her on Long Island, for those three days; but I think there will be plenty to do here, in closing the house. We had a beautiful day with Anna & Elizabeth & Lawrence. Anna had managed to secure a wonderful Bonita, & stuffed it, and she had snap beans & corn from her garden, and made home-made bread and a delicious huckel-berry pie. What a dinner! She insisted on our going to the beach, while she cooked. And I saw that it would really leave her freer to cook, so I went with the others. We wound around the pond to their wharf; Horace rowed us over to the beach. Lawrence seemed older and improved, tho' rather thin. He said it was rather difficult in his work, to be bossed by people who knew only a tenth of what he knows about the job. He had flown the air-planes carrying merchandise, where now he had to load up. He was very nice and intelligent. They took water-wings to the beach. They are elongated pillow-cases, which are blown up, & one rides in on them on the incoming waves, clasping one's arms around them. They had rollicking gay times with them. And it was great fun to watch. See what announcements I am writing on! In looking over old poems, I came on these, & it amused me to write on them! Anna is expecting the family soon. How lovely! I do hope I can see them. But I leave on the 31st, and have no car. Well, summer is about over! Ever so much love, Affy! Your cousin Ethel BR. Mr and Mrs Samuel Charles Blackwell have the honour of announcing the marriage of their daughter Ethel to Mr. Alfred Brookes Robinson on Monday, the twenty-ninth of April One thousand, nine hundred and one at One hundred and thirty-nine West Sixty-fourth StreetPanorama Hill, Chilmark, Mass. July 20th, 1945 Yes, thank you, Cousin Alice dear, the type-written account has just come; & is lovable. Thank you immensely, Ethel BP.Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, 1010 Mass Ave., Cambridge Mass Panorama Hill, Chilmark, Mass. July 2nd, 1945. Darling Cousin Alice, I have very much enjoyed your poems of freedom! What a joy it must be to you, to find them unexpectedly quoted! And how you deserve it! I shall be interested in reading more and more of the poems of freedom, as I have time. I have rather a propelling feeling, that I should generally be reading and absorbing my large amount of "I AM" literature, most of the time. It is a real study,– with 8 or 9 volumes & a monthly magazine. It is fascinating, as it goes deeper and deeper into the laws of physics, in Life. The world news is on the whole encouraging;– it seems struggling to reach into more heavenly law.I hope everything continues to go well with you. I was glad to see the enclosure on Methodist ministers. Silly earthly restrictions have got to crumble, and more real freedom come in. I'm glad about your canned peaches,– a nice reserve. By the way, I have acquired a "Mildred". She is a Vineyarder of some years standing; about 38 yrs old. She is very small, but pleasant & willing. She is a case of infantile-paralysis, partially recoved. She is slow, but has so far given me excellent plain cooking. So I am very pleased about it. She will stay with me while Horace & Reta are here, & continue on with me, while I stay on, at least for the month. I wish I could feel free to stay on longer, but I have to assume payment of my New York room on Sept 1st. Much love to you! Your Cousin Ethel B.R.The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St., N.Y. Sept. 4th, 1946. Darling Cousin Alice, In ten days it will be your birthday! And so the years fly on! As Father always said, "many happy returns of the day, my dear, and increasing happiness with revolving years!" The 15th is Ethel Whidden's birthday; the 20th is Reta's birthday; & the 25th is mine. Reta expects her baby on Sept. 23rd. It may come on her birthday. Her sister Barbara's baby came on August 20th, & they were over-joyed that it was a boy! as Barry, their first child, is a 4-year old girl. Horace drove me in on Monday, Labor Day. He took me, and May Robinson, to lunch, & then2. drove right back to [avoid] avoid the traffic. And he was planning to take Reta for a swim at their Lloyd- Neck Bath Club. He had to come back into New York next morning for work. I plan to have dinner with him tomorrow night. It is very pleasant to be back in N.Y. in many ways, – so entirely independent. But Huntington was lovely. All those dear Truesdells! Reta is coming in, a little later, so as to be near the "Woman's Hospital". Horace hopes to tuck in a week's vacation in Huntington just before she comes in. He says a week's vacation in New York wouldn't be a vacation at all! He is working late almost every night, so as to get off Friday nights, instead of Saturday nights, for the week-ends. Reta sent me in with lovely garden corn & tomatoes and flowers. 3. And sent tomatoes & flowers to May Robinson. Bless her! She is so thoughtful! Horace put up my pictures of Mother & Aunt Emily, here in my room. Agnes did the one of Mother, & Dr. Cushier's nephew, Roland Perry, the one of Aunt Emily. By the way, from Father's diary, I was much interested in the girl whom Father fell in love with, before he knew Mother. From a picture of her, I had more pictures made. She is the one you [sent] wrote Aunt Emily said she feared Father would never find another as fine. Her name was Katie Vail. I wonder what in the world ever became of those pictures of her. I loved her for Father's sake. My, how things drift away! She fascinated me too; reading about her. She died, was ill. When I got back here I found they had washed down4. my walls, shampood my carpet-rug & put on my favorite bedspread, & put up new curtains to match,– due to my very nice room-maid, "Po". I am so glad I have a lovely picture of Alfred. The last part of our time together was so tremendously worth while. He was so wonderful, and grew really ideal! He is probably far ahead of me by this time. He always was, in loyalty & service, & scholarship, & memory. I am sure we shall see more of each other, as we work in Eternity– eternal life. Bed-time, and I'm sleepy. I hope the Howard Blackwells had a happy, happy time, with Anna, at M. V.! I don't know how soon the Whiddens & Tom return. I believe Kenyon was planning to take his bride down to M. V. again for over Labor Day. Oceans & sun-shine of love to you Cousin Alice, dear. Ethel B.R.The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St., N.Y. Sun., Dec. 8th, 1946. Darling Cousin Alice, I hope your radio continues to give you great satisfaction. Somehow, I am so busy reading my I Am literature, & doing all the little sewing, washing, preparing of breakfast & supper, etc., I do not use my radio much. A hot dinner is brought up to me at midday. I am absolutely being spoiled, if I dont look out! Arthritis, blast the word!, keeps my left leg, at present, so that I cant walk out. Of course, there is an inner reason, and I deserve it. Horace & Reta are wonderful. Reta is planning to have 15 at Xmas, including May. Yes I sent material about Mother to that Peoria Ill. woman.Robinson & me: & of course several servants. She herself is now taking care of baby Tommy – Thomas Drew. Brookes sends me wonderful cards from the western mts. He has been fulfilling his ticket-trip west. He is having a wonderful time thru Colorado Utah, Washington, the Canadian Rockies (as far as the weather will allow). He loves Seattle, as everyone seems to do. Just at present, I cant write to him, as he is not settled enough. Horace & Reta are very much enjoying seeing more of Kenyon & his Betty. I believe Kenyon & Betty have invited Bill & Olga Leigh to spend a week with them in Montclair, when they come to New York on the way down to visit Olga's mother. Florence de Leslie, in Florida. Oceans of love to you, darling Cousin Alice, Ethel B.R. Box 122 Care Dr E.D. Truesdell, Huntington, L.I. N.Y. Wed., July 24th, 1946. Darling Cousin Alice, I write in answer to your request, to tell you that all goes well with me, altho' I do not expect to get to M.V. at all this summer. It is the 3rd summer away. Once when Alfred took five of us abroad. Once when Horace was born. And now. Horace & Reta declare it is easier for them to have me with them, so that they know how things are going. Reta has had a touch of Bronchitis, & is resting. But all the branches of the family help out, to relieveher of the care of Terry. Horace would have had to take me to M. V., and he is really needed here with Reta. He is coming out Friday nights, & staying until Monday A.M. I really didn't feel quite ready to plan for the M.V. summer, & to run it. Also we had to pay for my room at The Winslow, all summer. So I can just leave all my things there. This arrangement is also much cheaper. John T. is to be my immediate postman, so au revoir With love Cousin Ethel BRThe Winslow, 45 E. 55th St. N.Y. Jan. 3, 1947. Darling Cousin Alice, Do not worry one bit about me. I now walk around with a cane, & can even go out into the street for a little way. But, you know, I would be happy to go on, now. I feel as tho' I could do more for my family, & the world, if I had higher powers, and not just these ones of earth. So rejoice, whether I am still here, or whether I am called away. Remember, rejoice! I ought to know, but I dont rember, Cousin Alice, how many books you have written, & I want to know. A man named Link (Link)2. is asking Ethel Whidden for material about the Blackwell family. I believe he once was a Montclair man. He apparently began his interest in Aunt Elizabeth, & then it spread to the whole family. Ethel Whidden says she is too busy with Montclair improvements, & with her fast growing & demanding family to ever think of writing up the family (as she once planned to do). So she is giving material to this apparently excellent man to do it. And she asks me for more material. Please let me know about your books. I know you have written several translations of poetry. 3. Translation of Armenian poetry of S. Amer & Mexican.. and Madam Babooska?, the Little Grandmother of the Russian Revolution. & Lucy Stone & an article in a book, was it called "What I got from My Father"? & & You took a lively interest in the — & Vanzetti matter, & always in the unjustly treated under dog. Of course "Editor of the4. Woman's Journal & Woman's Citizen & lots more. You see almost everything I have is at the Vineyard. I have so little here. I loved your Easter Card + am so glad the Vineyard Gazette printed it as usual Very lovingly your Cousin Ethel B. R.The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St., N.Y. Feb. 5th, 1947. Darling Cousin Alice, I wish I could drop in and feast my eyes upon you, instead of writing! But blessed is writing, & more blessed is thought & feeling. I had a great surprise a week ago [Friday?] Tuesday, (How time flies). Brookes walked in! He had given a vague suggestion that there was to be a very important "I Am" meeting in Philadelphia. He is looking remarkably well. He went to the Phila. meeting; and on Thursday, there was a very important meeting here at Murray Hill. One of the girls came for me, & she & Brookes & I went (in a taxi). I was immensely interested. So now I can get out, & even go to some meetings2. meetings. Brookes is now spending a few important "I Am" meetings in Boston. It has been very exciting having him around. I think, as he is trying to find a suitable place to stay, in the country, that he plans to be near here for some time. So far, he had only found one night stops. But the buses are too rushing, & too crowded, for my cane. And the taxi-men are sometime too "fresh", so I hesitate to go alone in taxies. Perhaps it's just as well to decree & work quietly here. Horace took me up to dinner, & an afternoon with the children, on Sunday. All are well, Terry now 4 yrs old, & Tommy 4 mos. Tommy smiles & smiles & longs to be taken up, & made much of as he is! Terry & his cousin Barry, were singularly quiet for a really long time as Horace read 3 or 4 stories to them. But the rest of the time, jumping from chairs, [building] building block-creations & demolishing 3 them, etc, etc., make my visits with the children, an astonishing event. In other words I am getting to be a somewhat fussy old maid, at my time of life. You are not in it! Brookes earned money in Santa Fe, in agriculture, in cementing trees, etc., & he brot. me a really beautiful watch, –gold, with a picture of a house & church in a heart, on its case. Reta saw at Macy's, Laura Kerr's book called "Doctor Elizabeth", & has lent it to me. It is interesting. She has made some mistakes, (not knowing Father's diary), but they are not so essential, perhaps. I very much enjoyed reading it. I think you said you had seen it. We are having a very cold spell just now, with some snow; so, as I like it extra warm, I am sitting with4. my feet & sciatica next my radiator. It is grand, and it dries any washed garments very quickly. I hope all the little things are comfortable for you, Alice dear; – warmth & light; & a comfortable matrass, & good food, and enough joy to keep your heart happy. Lovingly yr Cousin Ethel BR. The Winslow, 45 E. 55th St., N.Y. Feb. 12th., 1947. Darling Cousin Alice, I saw your Valentine to Miss Wood in the Vineyard Gazette So nice & friendly. I have lately acquired woolen stockings. And they are the greatest joy. I had been wearing two pairs of cotton ones, – which was not satisfactory, so I asked Reta to get me these. But when I draw one together, as a preliminary to putting a foot into one, if my hands are at all rough, they sort-of catch. It keeps reminding me of what you told me once. You said you didn't like woolen underwear, because it was "scratchy"! Brookes say he will come to see you the next time he goes to Boston.Funny, that makes me think of you each morning. Do you still mind wearing woolen underwear? Brookes has been off again to Philadelphia meetings, for a few days; & is just back. Horace came to see me this A.M., Lincoln's Birthday, but had to be at 80th St. for the afternoon, in case the man with whom he is working on a mercantile law-case, & who had come up from Washington for that purpose, should need him at the office, & call for him to go down to work. I dined with Dorothy Truesdell & Reta last Sunday. Horace was to have been there, but a special piece of work required him from 11 A.M. to 12 midnight, that day. So it goes, but he enjoys the work & the people he works with. May Robinson came in for an hour this afternoon. Much love from your aff. Cousin, Ethel B.R.