NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Atwood, Beth H. Beth Atwood Homestead, Prudence Island, R.I. Dear Miss Blackwell, I was very glad to receive your letter and the enclose letter of Prof Geuthe. It was nice to hear from him but sorry to hear he is in poor health due to lack of food. Hope he has received your generous box of food by now from the Address I see he is in the Russian Zone. I agree with Prof Geuthe there should be stamps for your Mother Father & you. In the Vineyard Gazette of Aug 8th there was a very fine article about Mrs Robinson, also enclosing the clipping of Mr Jones Memorial service. Alice has spent two weeks with me. She was glad to be here during this hot weather last week and Mark came down and they went home Sunday To day we had a severe thunderstorm which cool the air. I hope your apartment has been comfortable during this extreme hot weather. Regards to Mrs Smits & with love Beth Atwood. P.S. I return Prof Geuthe letter Thank you. Aug 26, 1947. 101 Penseter St Dorchester 21 Mass Dear Miss Blackwell, I was glad to hear from you. We thank you for renewing the Christian Science Monitor, we all enjoy reading it. When we finish reading it & passed it on to Alice & Mark. Ernest is about the same, he suffers great pain and needs constant attention. The doctor has not amputated the toe as he thinks that will spread the gangrene, the toe has to be dressed three times a day and the doctor comes twice a week. Ernest stays up stairs now in his room and has his radio beside him. Mrs Bruno came to visit Helen & the children at Wellesley Hills & she call us up. but I did not feel as if I could leave Ernest to go to see her. I had a nice note from Evelyn Barrows which I am enclosing for you to read. You need not return. The Vinyard Gazzette came & thank you for sending this With best regards to the family Affectionately Beth Atwood. [*Beth Hager*] 1. Thursday afternoon Aug 16, 1894 My Dear Miss Blackwell, I received your card this morning and I was very glad to hear from you. I hope you are well and are resting and enjoying yourself. Miss Brown's rooms have been close up for about two months she must be away on her vacation but I will try and find out went she is coming back she will certainly be at home by September The cat has had two kittens and she had them behind the little yellow silk curtain between the 2 two book-cases in the library. They are both gray with white noses; we made a place for her up in the linen closet and left the door open all of the time it some strange she didn't go there. Mrs. Blackwell has gone in the city she went this morning and has not come home yet. Mr. B. & Thomas were in too but came home at 12:30. June came over to play with the children and such raceing up and down stairs and knoking me down cutting out paper dolls getting over the floor and everywhere. I shall never forget this day Anna & Francis are very saucy and don't mind anyone except their mother and they 3 delight in teasing me. They have everything up side down there is no need to sweep or clean up for before your through it will be the same. First they went up in the big den and got at the papers open the bay windows up there so we could not get them down till this morning. Mr. G. B. has just gone down for Mrs. B. and he didn't take them with him so they running down Boutwell Ave after the carriage hollering to him. And Mrs. Blackwell is just walking up Rhode’s drive way having missed the carriage as she came out on an electric car. I am very glad went I see them going tomorrow yet I supose it will be rather lonesome for 4. This is a very long letter and I will close Yours sincerely, Beth ?? Thayar. Your father. Mrs. Blackwell is a nice and kind as she can be, but those children are something terrible and them its pretty hard and tired-some to have late dinner there isnt a night that Howard or some-one being late and to get dinner for such a large family we thought we would die during the hot days it was something awful. Hot boiled cabbage & turnips but now the day are cool and one don't mind them. Last Saturday evening we had two gentlemen from Cambridge they 5. out to ride and then didnt get home till 7 o'clock it was 9.45 by the time the last dish came out. I told Mrs. B. we never had so much style and have had better people than those two gentleman. Monday noon Agnes came and stay over night we expected Ethel yesterday but she hasnt come yet. Mrs. Killimn is very low and is not expected to live more than a few days. Mr. Killiam has gather pears this afternoon and Mr. G.B. pick the black-berries for it house the children make their beds and have their lesson every morning. I wrote to my aunt about my vacation and she said the board was 7 dollars a week two dollars fare and its very dull down to Brant Rock so some friend of mine were going to Holderness 6. N. H. next Monday and they ask me to go. But the board is five dollar a week fare $4.75 around trip and as they were only going to stay one week I thought it hardley worth while to pay as high for railroads fare. Mrs. B. said there would be nobody hear after they go so I guess I will stay at home and take few trip down the harbor. My sister was out Saturday after noon on her wheel and I learn how to write she has gone to Georgetown Mass for two week or more. Well, Sarah has gone now over two week Jessie has not heard from her yet. I went down to the boat to see her off and than she didnt look out for me, so I did not see her she know I was coming and might have look out for me. We were all sorry she were out I think Sarah told more lies than the 7. truth I wish I had found her out before if she every should come back I would never believe a word she said. Neither would Mr. Killian and some other people. She said I never did any work and that I was lazy and all kinds of things about me Here I help her so much with house-cleaning and did as much as she did if not more I didn't say a word when she told you about the pay she did all the talking. I many anight help her with dishes or wash them up for her went she had left them. I will say that she was a good worker and always did her work was up early; but than she was deceitful and I guess you will find it out. Lizzie says she has know her from a little girl and knew what she was she told her own friend in the city the biges lies and they found 8. her out. Jessie is a nice girl and I like her and I guess everyone else does. Now what use was it her making up and telling Lizzie you didn't want her. I heard myself went you engaged Lizzie (July 5) I never like Lizzie myself because Sarah talked so much about her but I find her just a nice girl as she was although I don't know very much about her yet. I have written all the news and I been wanting to write to you before for I alway wrote to Mrs. Stone last summer and told her everything. Mr. Blackwell went away yesterday morning and has not yet returned their are two letters hear from you for him one came yesterday one this morning. I clean out your closets put the dresses on the line and wash the closet out and put Penzine around. I am glad you are resting yourself for you needed it very much. I went down to Doctor Cobby she was out so Dr. Taylor gave me some midicine which did me no good so I did not go again as I feel better only I get nervous cross and frighten easy. Beth Hagar Rec'd Sept. 19, 1900. Boutwell Ave, Sunday. My dear Miss Blackwell, I've been quite busy since coming home so haven had time to write and tell you about my trip to Anset. I had a very nice time although I did not enjoy it as well as last year. Most of the young people had gone home and Mr. Plaisted? could only stay two days but I had a good rest which did me a lot of good. to get home again. Mr. Blackwell is well he enjoyed having Mrs. Blackwell here as it gave him an opportunity to take them driving. I have taken Aunt Ellen and Annie out several times. Wednesday we canned pears thirty two quarts. That was the day we had such an awful wind, the ground is full of pears and apples which flew down. Yesterday afternoon we all went for a drive, first we drove over to Miss Wilde's & left some clothes. This last week I have gain as I feel my clothes getting tied for I have good appetite and sleep well. So I feel the change has done me a great deal of good. While at Anset we drove to "Gray Gables" and saw the Colonel and children also saw the home of Joe Jefferson the actor. Once I went sailing on Buzzard Bay the last week I was there it was very dull as everybody went home Labor day Only three of us were left at our cottage so I was glad enough which she had left here than we drove to Milton & found a cidar mill. Mr. Blackwell hopes to have a the apples that are on the ground made into vinegar. Today it has rained but Mr. Blackwell was out all this morning after dinner we had a nice duck & green corn, sweet potatoes for dinner. This afternoon he has gone to Brookline on business. It was too damp so he didn't drive but took the cars instead. All our winter cord is in and the barn is going to be reshingled as the rain just poured down today. I did up the things you wanted and Harry took them & a large cabbage and basket of fruit over to Trayer? Ave. I also send Lizzie McDongall address to Miss Hayes I doubt if Lizzie will come up to Boston again. Last evening it was very cold and we had a fire in the Library. Mrs. Dorsey came up the first evening I was home she seems be be well I think she went away for a week vacation. I thought of you on Friday your birthday I wanted to write and wish you many happy returns but I did not find time. Aunt Ellen send kisses accross the table for you and we all hope and wish that you may live to see a great many years. Mr Gentle came last evening and spend the evening with Mr Blackwell. We are all well, hope to see you home soon. No more news. Sincerely yours, Beth Hagar Ada M. Tyack 14 Rosseter St. Dorchester, Mass. Sept, 27, 1927. Dear Miss Blackwell, Ernest called up the telephone Co. today and they will connect your telephone by Friday. Mrs Tyack was here to dinner Sunday and spend the afternoon She said, she was going to write you, about the repairs in your apartment Saturday morning I was over there and two men were painting the wood work in your room also finiashed the bath room. Everything will look nice & clean when you return. I think we can get along with the stove for the winter as next spring we will know where we can have more light and sun. The radio we will leave till you come back. I will be glad to see you and Cousin Kitty home again. With love Beth Atwood 101 Rosseter St. May 8, 1934. Dear Miss Barry, I was very sorry to hear today, that dear Jack has passed on to the skies above. We all send our sympathy to you. He will be greatly missed by everyone. He was a devoted and faithful dog to you. You must keep up courage knowing you did everything to make him happy & comfortable. With much love Beth Atwood. Chilmark, Mass July 2nd, 1929. Dear Miss Blackwell, I was glad to hear from Mrs. Papazian, you and the family were coming down next Saturday - hope you will have as cool a day as we had. We are almost through cleaning drift-wood. Alice & Helen went in swimming this morning they said the water was cold. This afternoon we are going to call on Mrs. Robinson & Antoniette. Yesterday morning Mrs. Mayhew was here and I showed her the different things which needed to be done. Stovepipe to be put up, the washers in the pumps & the ceiling upstairs near the chimney which fell down. She said, she would see that they were done. Last evening Mr. & Mrs. Cook called they both looked well, happy. Paul Mayhew is working for Mrs. Cook part of a day now, & when Robert comes they plan to keep both. Walter is carrying the mail now but Baillett Mayhew meets all the boats & brings up passengers. Misses Greene's have not come yet we expected them yesterday. Our next door neighbors are very nice & quiet never would know there were two small children here. Mrs. Rogers is looking well. Mrs. Geitz call while writing this letter so must close to get letter in tonights mail. With love Beth Atwood. Beth Atwood 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester, Mass. Dec. 28, 1931. Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you very much for your Christmas present. Mother used it with Miss Barry's gift to buy me a very nice pocketbook. We had a very nice Christmas. Our tree this year, is very beautiful. We like to sit with all the lights turned off except those to illuminate the tree, and look at its shining and glistening beauty. Yesterday we had an interesting children's service at the church. We had a junior choir consisting of about twenty small boys and girls. They sang more earnestly and with more enthusiasm than older people. It was as joy to see them. I wish you a very Happy New Year. Sincerely yours, Helen Atwood. Helen Atwood Atwood 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester, Mass. Aug. 20. 1933. Dear Miss Blackwell;- We all were pleased to hear of Jacks birth-day celebration and to hear Miss Barry has regained her strength. Last Sunday I thought of your mother's birth-day, but I did not see the article the Sunday Post had of your mother. Much to our surprise Robert came home sick last Wednesday eve. The nurse at the Crawford House send him home as he had a bad case of indigestion. He was in bed for several days. I went to see Mrs Cook at the Hospital on Friday, she was sitting up and feeling much stronger. She is going to the Vinyard as soon as the doctor will let her, they have ask Robert to go down with them and work for the rest of the summer. for her. Alice is still at Providence Island and will stay till the first of September. I was glad to hear you had such a nice visit with Mrs Garrison. They love the Vineyard and I'm glad they found a cottage. With love to you and Miss Barry Affectionately Beth Atwood. 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester Aug 30, 1933. Dear Miss Blackwell; After your letter came this morning I went to Monadnock St. The janitor told me there was no mail left at your flat; except this morning a letter came for you & the post man forwarded it. I went up stair & found everything all right. There was some mail mostly circulars & post cards for Mrs Boyer. I found her mail in the chest in the hall. I inquired about the documents but they had not come. We had the first news from Robert today, we wondered how he & Mrs Cork were I am feeling all right again just had an upset from eating old corn. We had a letter from Mrs Garrison inviting us down for a day or over the weekend. but we can't afford to go besides we expect Bell Brown next Saturday. She is going to make us a visit. Alice will be home Monday too. It will be nice to see Bell & Alice. Henrietta's hay fever is beginning but she is able to get some sleep . Helen has been working all summer. She is selling or taken orders for the "Volume Library" [?which] is a school guide for the children. She's been working eight hours a day and her district is Roslindale. Every book she sells she gets the commission. I think she will be glad to go back to school again. I hope you and Miss Barry are feeling rested, and I think of you often. With love Beth Atwood. Beth Atwood 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester Mass. Aug 15, 1934 Dear Miss Blackwell, You will be surprised to hear that Alice is at the Beth Israel Hospital, 330 Brookline Ave. She was operated on past Saturday for a mastoid. Dr [Prinn?] operated on her, He said it was absolutely necessary there was so much pus. She is quite comfortable, her head is all bandaged up. She likes the hospital, nurses & food. She is in a room with two other women. I go every afternoon to see her and Henrietta went this evening. She will have to stay at least a week in all depends on how fast she improves. It was such a shock to us as last Saturday we expected the two girls down over the weekend. At five o clock we received word that she was in the hospital. I packed my suitcase & came back on the 6 o clock boat reached home about ten o'clock & Henrietta was glad to see me as she had two very hard days taking care of Alice was the best thing to do & I am glad Miss Barry thought so too. It must be a comfort to her to have him hear her. Every time I looked at him I felt badly for he was not the Jack we know and love. Louise surprised me by coming from Harvard this morning & we went to see Alice together. With love to you & Miss Barry & the family. Affectionately Beth Atwood and she was all alone at home. We thought there was no need of Ernest coming home as he had one more week vacation . [?&] Ernest, Helen, & Bob are at Prudence. I was glad to hear June is with you. The Vineyard air & sleep & rest ought to do her a world of good. She needs more than two weeks vacation after the hard winter she had. I took you letter to Alice to read & she was very much interested to hear about Jack's burial. We all think it 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester Mass Aug 19, 1934. Dear Miss Blackwell, Alice came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon She thought she could convalesce at home just as well and save another week Ward fill at the hospital Dr Prem will come every other day with a nurse to dress her wound till later on then I can help him. She is to stay in bed for a few days longer to rest & be quiet. Last night she had a good nights sleep. I did not have to be up with her. Louise went back to Harvard this afternoon. I was glad she came and stayed with me for a few days. Henrietta did not hear that Alice was coming home so she went down to Providence over the weekend & tonight she & her father will come home together. Helen has invited a school friend for the week at [Providence] Today has been a beautiful day much warmer than past week when it really was cold. Our neighbors garden looks beautiful with bright flowers. The church sent Alice a lovely bouquet this morning and several friends sent flowers. Remember me to June, Miss Barry & the family. with love Beth Atwood [*Beth Atwood Rec'd Jan. 13, 1937*] 101 Rosseter St., Dorchester Tuesday eve Dear Miss Blackwell I enclose a few newspaper articles, we was in last night Boston Globe by Uncle Dudley. It was very nice what he said about you and your mother. We also saw your picture and interesting story in Sunday Herald. Thank you for your letter and check. I will follow Dr. Duckiring advise When you go to see her I hope she will find you much better and stronger. I will be very glad to have Miss Barry’s Chemises and will come over after them. With love Beth Atwood. 101 Rosseter St. Dorchester, Mass. Dear Miss Blackwell Mrs. Genths letter was very interesting and I sent it on to Howard last evening, I was glad to see what her views were of Hitler. Thank you very much for the check for the cottage at Prudence. I have not written yet but will do so on Sunday. Id rather go there than any where else as it is quiet & restful. Helen had a week's vacation Tuesday she took a group of girls from St Marks church to the Blue Hills. They walked from Mattapan to the Blue Hills They took their lunch, it was a beautiful day for a walk. When she came home her face was sun burned. Alice took her group of Girls Reserve to the Walter Baker Chocolate Mills where they were shown all over the mill, each one received a small cake of cooking chocolate & a cake of sweet chocolate. Robert is having a terrible pain full time, where that one tooth was pulled out. Yesterday morning at three oclock he had a hemorage it was hard to stopped, on his way to work he stopped at the dentist who packed the cavity with gauze, he then sent him home yesterday afternoon. Today he is feeling better; The bleeding has stopped. June [Alt???] came Sunday to dinner & Mr King was here too. There were nine of us around the table, we all had a nice time. The girls church had a childrens service at four oclock and June went with us. Each child carried a pretty pink geranium. I had a nice visit with you and you looked happy and rested, considering you have your eye trouble, With Love Affectionately Beth Atwood April 22, 1938 [*Beth Atwood*] 101 Rosseter St Dorchester Dear Miss Blackwell, Thank you for Sally Kitchen letter it was very interesting and amusing I am glad to hear she will have some of her sketches at the Art exhibit. While she was at Chilmark she made several fine drawings of our dog Spot! I forwarded the letter on to Mrs Rogers. We received the Vineyard Gazetter and we all were glad to read the Chilmark news. The pottery class that Alice belongs to went to visit the Plymouth pottery today. She found it very interesting and it reminded her of the Miss Cohen's workshop at the Smith home. I will come over Saturday afternoon about four oclock. With love Beth Atwood. May 5, 1938. Beth Atwood Beth Atwood Homestead R.I. Aug 17, 1938. Dear Miss Blackwell, Your letter with all the interesting news and the one from Mrs Stantial arrived this morning Thank you for sending it [It] So much news about the Vineyard and Walter & his family. Poor Walter I feel so sorry for him, hope he will improve and live a few years longer. I was glad to hear Mrs. Robinson was a little better. It certainly was thoughtful of Horace to engage a nurse for his Mother with good care will soon be stronger and able to go about. I will send the letter on to Henrietta for I know she would like to hear all the Chilmark news & Henrietta will return it to you. Ernest, Alice & Bill arrived Saturday and Sunday Henrietta & Bill went home again. After two days of very hot weather we had a terrible thunder storm last evening the wind blowing a perfect hurricane, the wind blew the piazza screens out and started to make a clean sweep of the piazza blew the ice chest open and everything was trashed. Ernest & Helen worked all the morning patching up the screens so as to protect us against mosquito & flies. The storm did a lot of damage on the island. We felt thankful to be alive, Ernest said he never saw such a storm in life You did not have such a storm in Cambridge but the heat seems to be every where. The Gazettes arrived thank you. The mail boat is on the way over to Prudence so must stop. With love Beth Atwood Llewsac Lodge Bedford, Mass April 5, 1939. Dear Miss Blackwell, Your letter was forwarded and I received it this morning. Thank you for your Easter Greeting card. Your poem will bring cheer and comfort to many people during these trying times. I like the other poem too. Mr. Blackwell was a great man for fun + jokes beside he was kind and thoughful of others he knew I liked bananas and he would bring thim home even if he had a heavy bag to carry. You are like your Father always thinking & doing kind deeds to everyone. Everybody is very nice here and I'm enjoying, resting. With love and best wishes for a Happy Easter Affectionately Beth Atwood Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.