NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE BARROWS, Evelyn Evelyn Barrows 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE 46, MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I think of you so very often and always with true affection, but I so seldom seem to write and tell you so. I always like your poems, though they are too flattering. You are as wonderful as ever in all you do. I had a good letter from Tom last week saying how much he was longing for the Vineyard. How our thoughts all go there as soon as Spring is in the air. The grass is green in several places, and the crocuses are out in the next garden, so spring is just around the corner. I am looking forward to the warmer weather, so I can get out in my wheelchair again. A letter from Mayrie last week tells me how much they are enjoying their new home in Chicago. I hope Blackwell and Barbara are going to enjoy their new home in Haverford, Penn. as much. So many of my friends sons are overseas and are so kind about writing to me. I received two valentines from "Somewhere in Germany" 1945 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE 46, MASSACHUSETTS and two from "Somewhere in the Pacific." I am glad we were able to supply valentines to our boys at the front to send home. It pleased them I am sure. We have all kept free of colds this winter. My family keep as busy as ever, and bring me home much of interest from the outside world. My very dearest love to you. Affectionately always, Evelyn March 10, 1945 (Barron) [*Barrow*] 109 St. Paul Street Brookline 46, Massachusetts Dear Miss Alice, It was very kind and thoughtful of you to write me about Tom. I did know all about him for Ethel (his daughter) is so kind about writing to me. She wrote me when Tom went into the hospital, and the day before his operation and the day after. Kenyon also wrote one the day he took his father home. Tom wrote me himself twice from the hospital, and he has written one twice since he went back home. I had such a cheerful letter from him last Wednesday. he said he was getting on nicely except he could not understand why the little walks he took on clear days tired him so. I do feel so very sorry for Tom, and dread the suffering I fear is before him. Maybe the dear Lord will take him suddenly. I agree with his dear children one must do all we can to make his last days as happy as possible, and I try to write him cheerful letters. It seems about all I can do to help. hear all the family news. My very dearest love to you. I think of you so very often and alwasy with the truest affection. Affectionately, Evenlyn March 8 [*Evelyn L. Barrows*] 109 St. Paul Street Brookline 46, Massachusetts I think you are so wonderful the way you write. I can always read every word. I am rejoicing in the the thought of Spring coming, and then I will be able to get out in my wheelchair. Just then the telephone rang and it was Anna Belden to say she was coming over to see me this afternoon. I always enjoy her visits so much, and like to [*Barrows*] 109 St. Paul Street Brookline 46, Massachusetts Dear, dear Miss Alice This carries my very best love and birthday greetings to you! I wish I could just run over to see you. How we would talk over our many happy times together, and have some good laughs I am sure. My thoughts go to you more often than you can imagine. We have both been thinking of the Vineyard these days I know. I so often look at my Vineyard pictures and some have pictures of your dear father in them. A letter from Tome Jones last week told me all was going well with all the Vineyard friends. He was so happy to have Kenyon with him there. He was on a furlough. I hope he may soon be released from the Army now. I like to think of Meyric and his family so happy in the former Beach Plum. They certainly built an attractive house on that spot. We have had a pleasant summer and I have lived out on the piazza all the good days. We eat most of our meals out there. I shall be glad when Anna Belden comes home now, for then she comes to see me and brings me the latest news of you. I am so glad you are 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE 46, MASSACHUSETTS celebrating your birthday this year in a world that is at peace. My very dearest love and birthday wishes from your affectionate and always admiring friend. Evelyn [*Barrows*] September 9, 1945 Barrows 109 St. Paul St. Brookline 46 Dear Beth, It was very sweet of you to remember my birthday and I did appreciate your kind thought. I have wondered so often how you were, and am so sorry to hear of Ernests illness I do hope each day will bring him more relief and more strength. I know how hard it is for you to see him suffer. I have not been as well, and had to spend much time in bed, but I am much better now, and have had two lovely rides in my wheelchair on the warm days. I think spring will be good for us all, and how grateful we are for such a warm, lovely March. I am glad Ernest can enjoy the radio. I get both pleasure and amusement from mine. Come to see me when you can for I do enjoy your visits. I shall want to know how Ernest is. My love to you all. Affectionately, Evelyn April 3 '46 [*E. Barrows*] Jan 25, 1944 Dear Cousin Alice: - I am enclosing the letter of your mother's. am glad it is giving you so much pleasure. I have decided that the name I wasn't sure of on the 3rd page of her letter is Mary. "(if Mary is able to keep house)" - however, I don't know who Mary is as she had no sister of that name & of course there was no Mary in the Stone family. However, another letter I have written at the same time from Bowman to Phebe's sister Martha - asks her to come there to help out (Phebe must have been expecting the baby named after her - my grandmother, then.) because Mary couldn't stay. Also I don't understand who the "Lucy" can be to whom she sent the kisses. Bowman & Phebe had only the two children at that time, Francis & Jonathan Edwards -- "Frank & Eddy". Those are the only "family" names I wonder about. Of course you would know more to whom the other names apply. I do hope you enjoy this letter as I have, and if it is possible when you are through with it. I should like it back to keep for my children. This has been a good winter for us so far. last winter was such a trial for us here on the farm we hope we don't have another like it for years & years. Much love to you Evelyn 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I think of you so often and with such deep affection but I seem to do less and less writing. I am afraid I am getting lazy. Knowing you so well I feel sure you are getting some pleasure out of life, even with your great affliction. Your courage is so wonderful and an inspiration to us all. I do greatly appreciate the poems you write me, though they are far to flattering. I still miss all my kindergarten children greatly, and wish I might be teaching. My friends are very good in bringing their children to see me. Yesterday my Doctor's wife brought her little daugther of five, and her small son of two to see me, and we did have such a good time together. A letter from Tom and one from Ethel Whidden last week and a good visit from Anna Belden helped me to catch up on the family news. I am sure Ethel Robeinson must be pleased to have a grandson. I read and knit and 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS so fill my days and listen some to the radio. I am so very glad to have the Boston Symphony on the air again. I am looking forward to the warmer spring days when I can get out in my wheel chair. My very, very dearest love Affectionately, Evelyn [*Barrow*] March 6, 1943 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I have hoped to write to you ever since Elizabeth left us, but cannot always manage. I like to think of her having gone when she was near Meyeric, and in such a peaceful way. We will both miss her letters and her warm friendship. We had many happy times together, and I am grateful for them all. How she did enjoy her little vineyard home, and how glad you must be to feel all the pleasure you gave her. so many of my dear friends have opened the door, and stepped into the next beautiful world, this year, that it makes it all seem very near and home like. I had a very dear letter from Meyric. I am so glad Elizabeth was able to see his books, dedicated to her and his father. I do hope you have 109 ST PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS escaped these miserable colds, which are going around. I have been very fortunate in doing so. I had a nice little portable radio given me at Christmas, which I have on the table by my bed, and as I listen to some things, I often wonder if you are doing the same. My very dear love and endless admiration. Affectionately, Evelyn [*Barrow*] February 1, 1941 [*1940*] 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I came home from Nahant a week ago after having such a quite time out of doors. It was lovely to be out in the air so much, lying in my comfortable chair. There was a great deal of fog, but it was always cool and comfortable, and we slept under at least two blankets every night. It was quite a change to come home to the great heat here, however summer always means heat, and this lonely cool day makes us forget all about it. I am hoping Mrs. Crowsby will be coming to see me soon. Next Monday a friend from New York is coming to see me, but any other time is right if she will just telephone to say when. I should like to see her very much. I am glad the strike of the Vineyard boats is settled enough for them to run again. I wondered how our friends would get back and forth. I like to think of Ethel settled in her own home now, and Barbara Blackwell and Christine helping to make it less lonely for Tom. How splendid it is he can have the children around him. 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS My very good nurse has to go to the hospital next week and have an operation on her knee, so I am going to have another nurse, who I hear is very kind and pleasant for a few weeks. What a terrific thunder storm we had Tuesday. It made me think of the ones we used to have at the Vineyard. I wonder if they have as severe ones there these days. Such a beautiful elm tree near us was blown down. Mrs. Decker wrote me how delighted she was to have a letter from you. she had her eightieth birthday last week. My very best love to you. I think of you so often and our very happy visit, and will hope for another in the Autumn. I do hope you are feeling comfortable. Affectionately, Evelyn [*(Barrows)*] August 2, 1940 [*Nov 7 1940*] 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I know you won't mind a letter written in many sections so I will start this on November first. It is just four thirty a.m. and the time I can write best, as my hand gets so shaky after I use it a little. I love these quiet, early morning hours and soon I can watch daylight creep slowly in. I do miss the lovely bird hymns of the early summer. How wonderful you are! I am always overcome with your poems but find them far too flattering but do love to remember that you think of me so kindly and with such affection. I assure you my thoughts go to you so very often and I think of the many happy days and years we had together. I so often think of your dear Father. What good company he was and how many jolly laughs we had together. Agnes' letter made me remember the visit from your Aunt Elizabeth. Do you remember how after dinner she would come to me and say "Evelyn do you think we could have a few of the old songs tonight?" Then she and your Father and I would go in by the piano and I would play. Annie Laurie, Loch Lomond, How Gently Sweet Afton etc, and so often she would sing them 109 ST. PAUL STREET . BROOKLINE . MASSACHUSETTS very softly sitting right by my side. And your Father loved them too. I am so glad to have known such fine older people and I never leave out Dr Emily in my thoughts. I admired her so much. I cannot realize I have reached the age where it is quite permissable to reminisce, but I like it and I think each age has its own special blessings, don't you? We always laughed over one of the remarks of a neighbor at the South End House. One of the older residents had grown much stouter in the past year and she said "Dont Miss — look grand since she quit struggling?" I suppose she thought she had spent her time struggling for a husband. You can imagine my joy over Agnes being so much herself again. Of course she is so brave and gives herself to cheering us all on our way. Her letters with all the family doings bring me more pleasure than she can ever imagine and without a family of my very own I feel I have a real one in hers. Ethel and the boys have always seemed so a part of my life and interest and now the grandchildren give a new 109 St. Paul Street Brookline Massachusetts joy to us all. November 7. What a lovely surprise you and I have had since I wrote the first part of this. It was just too lovely to have Tom and Agnes come together. They certainly are wonderful loyal friends and I shall live on the thought of their visit for months. It was the very best medicine in all the world. My family are well and busy and as dear as ever. They bring me in so much of interest from the outside world and their coming home at night is a real event. I am so sorry Elizabeth Rogers is not going to reach Boston this year – should so love to see her. I am interested in Meyrics new position and do hope he will find it satisfactory. It was such a shame his good work at St. Louis was so interfered with. My best love to you. You are a brave wonder – and such a comfort to all your friends. Affectionately, Evelyn 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I had the lovely poems that Agnes had written and the beautiful petition brought me great comfort. How like Agnes the line "Keep them with the happy hearted", is. She brought such joy into so many of our lives. I am so glad Tom and Ethel could go to Florida. A letter from Ethel yesterday said she had to return Sunday. I do hope someone was able. [was able] to go down and drive back with Tom. I gathered from Ethel's letter they had found it rather cold. I am so sorry Elizabeth Rogers has been ill. I wrote her about two weeks ago. It is pleasant to think Meyric is enjoying his new work so much. Anna probably has told you of our good visit. It was so lovely of her to come and tell me about the services for dear Agnes. Tom wrote me about them and I think they must have been just what she would have wished them to be. My best love to you dear Miss Alice. My loving thoughts fly over the river to you so very often. Affectionately, Evelyn Feb. 22, 1940 MISS ALICE P. TAPLEY 8 GLOUCESTER STREET BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS January 19, 1940 My dear Miss Blackwell: In talking with Evelyn yesterday, she said that she had recently heard from Mrs. Belden, and that the latter was planning to come see her. Evelyn feels that Mrs. Belden would rather be independent in coming to see her and would not need to be sent for. While I am quite ready to do anything to help, I think it would perhaps be better to leave the matter as it is for the present. Sincerely yours, Alice P. Tapley (G) Jan 30 1940 109 ST. PAUL STREET . BROOKLINE . MASSACHUSETTS Dear, dear Miss Alice, My thoughts so naturally turn to you for we share a great sorrow. When Tom's telegram came yesterday my first thought was gratitude that Agnes would not suffer any more. I had watched Esther through three months of it. But my heart aches for Tom and the children and all of us, for a radiant, lovely soul has gone ahead of us. What joy and blessing dear Agnes brought to so many people, and how much richer the world and me are for having had her with us. Just now I cannot think of life without her, for even if I did not see her often these last years I felt she was right there and how wonderful a friend she was to me. Her frequent interesting letters were such a joy and comfort to me. She had the genius of friendship and gave without thought of herself. My dear love and sympathy goes to you and my great appreciation of your loyal friendship. It is a great comfort to me now to think of you. Affectionately. Evelyn January 30, 1940 [*Ev – Barrows*] 109 ST. PAUL STREET . BROOKLINE . MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I have been thinking of you so much, and hoping all the time that your eyes are improving. I was so delighted when I heard you had been to Dr. Greenwood for I know how fine an occulist he is considered to be, and he has done wonders for some of my friends. If only I were well enough to come over some days and be eyes for you. I enjoy reading aloud although now I dont do it. Miss Blood, one of the friends I live with, reads aloud extremely well and gives us many a pleasant evening. What a pleasure it was to see Tom and hear all the latest news. He thought your apartment was so pleasant. Please tell Mrs. –– I cannot remember her name at this moment, that Mrs Decker is living in Brooklyn. She is seventy-seven now and very courageous and cheerful. She has arthritis very badly, and is only able to walk around her room a little with a cane. Thank you for all the letters. I did enjoy them. I have much time to think and I live over again so many happy days. I know your active brain is working all the time, but it does seem cruel to me that your most prescious eyes should fail you. You are much worse off than I am. Miss Wheelock came [*Evelyn Barrows*] to see me a few weeks ago. Her eyes are so wonderfully useful again. You perhaps know she had cataracts removed from both of them about two years ago. The book you spoke of sending has not come, but I think perhaps you have not started it on its travels as yet. My very dear love. Affectionately, Evelyn [*(Barrows)*] November 27, 1937 have stood that. It was not malignant to our great joy. All went well for a week then a kidney infection set in which still continues. Why she lived is a miracle, and she told me she prayed she might go as she could not bear to live any longer and be a burden. We brought her home ten days ago and hard to understand. When your company have gone do write and tell me all about the doings. You know how I love to hear about it all and how well I can picture it. Give my love to Ethel and tell her I want a snapshot of Sammy & Barbara. My best love to you and Tom. Do you know what I am going to hope hard all summer? That after Labor Day when you and Tom start on your trip home it is going to include Boston and me. Just to see you both would do my heart good. Affectionately, Evelyn July 1934 [*Evelyn Barrows*] rejoice in this lovely quiet spot for her. Her bed-room is large and airy She has suffered terribly, but is as sweet patient and uncomplaining as ever. The Doctors and nurses said they never saw such courage and patience. Of course all this was an extra and does not in anyway help her other troubles. Why do people have to suffer so? It is 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, I was so glad to have your letter and hear more about Elizabeth Rogers. I am so sorry she had this upset. Wasn't it wonderful of Anges (?) to come on to me? We had such happy visits and you can imagine how we talked. She went to the Art Museum on day and he and Maybel Toughton (who lives with me) went to the Symphony Saturday night. Agnes is a loyal wonderful friend and so good about writing to me. I had a most amusing letter from Sammy Saturday. Mostly pictures cut out and pasted on a piece of paper and his name printed on it. Ethel wrote he was in bed with a cold so that kept him busy. Agnes and Tom are coming back from Washington today (Tuesday). I am sorry to see by the paper it was a rainy week and there also. I am so grateful for your letter but you must not use your precious eyes on me. 109 ST PAUL STREET BROOKLINE MASSACHUSETTS I wish you might sit on our verandah with me. Just this last week the peach tree and pear tree next door burst into bloom. Two apple trees are covered with blossoms and the elms are all a feather green. Our black kitten causes us all much amusement. He is really handsome ,but of course no cat could really be as handsome as Alcihedos. A letter from Helen Blackwell a couple of weeks ago rounded as if they were enjoying Washington. How wonderful it is to have a disposition like Miss Kitty. Giver her a little caring pat from me even if she has no idea who it is from. My very best care to you. Affectionately , Evelyn May 4, 1936 [*Evelyn Barrows*] SUITE FOUR 26 EVANS WAY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, Esther and I were so very sorry to hear you had been so ill. I am glad you are better and do hope some warm weather will help you to gain your strength. I wish it were Vineyard time so you could sit out doors. I don't think there is the slightest hurry about sending on Aunt Isabel's book. I am so very glad about Elizabeth Belden's prospects. She is so perservering she deserved to get what she wanted. Esther really seems stronger and is able to go for short rides. Our dear love to you. I can't bear to ever think of you as ill or suffering. Please be careful now for the sake of all your friends. Affectionately, Evelyn April 5, 1932 [*1929*] 26 EVANS WAY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, You will never know how pleased and proud Esther and i are with your lovely present of the book. We, as a family, have read, aloud many of the poems and are charmed with them. I am sure they will awaken interest - and appreciation of our American neighbors. How ever did you find time to translate them You certainly are a wonderful person and I am proud to know you and have your friendship. Esther and I hope you can come to lunch with us in the near future. I am better and 26 EVANS WAY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS am back at Kindergarten, but find I cannot do very much else just yet. I have been having some trouble with my right arm and cannot use it very much. Please remember me to Miss Kitty. With a heartful of love and thanks to you. Affectionately, Evelyn November 19, 1929 Evelyn Barrows Evelyn L. Barrows writes: 'So many of my dear friends have opened the door and stepped into the next beautiful world, this year that it makes it all seem very near and home like' 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE 46, MASSACHUSETTS Dear Miss Alice, This is just a note to tell you how often I think of you and with so much affection. I hope you are feeling well and are able to enjoy your radio as much as ever. I am so very glad that we are able to hear so much more good music over it for that is what I enjoy so much. I am also much interested in the way they are putting so much better stories for children over the radio. Many people have been working hard to get that over. Of course I miss Tom and his letters with all the family news, but Ethel Whidden is so good about writing to me. Blackwell sent me a picture of his children, Christine and Sam, a few weeks ago. they are darlings, but how fast they are growing up. Of course you know that Kenyon's wife is expecting a baby in June. My family attended many interesting lectures and concerts, and help the Red Cross, and are both active members of the League of Women Voters, so bring home much of interest to me. 109 ST. PAUL STREET BROOKLINE 46, MASSACHUSETTS I had such a good visit from Anna Belden a few weeks ago, and am hoping for another soon. I often think of the happy, happy days we all had at the Vineyard. How much pleasure I get from thinking about it. We have so much to be thnakful for. My very dear love to you. Your affectionate and admiring friend. Evelyn [*Barrows*] March 1 Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.