NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Beeman Family Marion Beeman Ware Mass Nov. 9 '38 Dear Cousin Alice: Your very welcome letter and that splendidly written book on Aunt Lucy came safely and we all wish to thank you for both. We have been reading the book aloud as the boys thought they could understand it better, and then everybody wanted to read it at the same time. It is doubly interesting (2) perhaps to our family as we are living in the same house, & of course "Hemlock Hill" is one of the places our young people enjoy as a picnic ground. The account of her tuition & board bill etc. & her wedding also seem to have a particular fascination for Rachel & Barbara. They cant imagine prices today for college tuition being like that, and they cant think why people should deny a woman a voice in matters. It surely doesn't take long for people today to adjust themselves (3) to the things as a matter of course that our elders had to fight hard for, does it? I have one or two more appointments at the dentists & some extracting to be done a bit later but I believe he will send his bill for what has been completed soon. It surely is lovely of you to do this for me, Cousin Alice, for with so many ways for our dollars, I'd never had it done until it was an absolute "have to," & one he extracted had a large pus sack on the roots. I imagine my odd monthlies may be because of my age but dont know. You see I was 41 Oct. 14th. & I began when I was eleven years old. (4) The last time in Oct. they lasted nearly 2 weeks & so far haven't come in Nov. so perhaps things are straightening out. I don't worry much for I've always had an unpleasant time with much pain & discomfort, & that is trivial in comparison to what ailments some people have to contend with, cancer or T.B. for instance. Leila has returned (after going to California with Audra) & reports a delightful trip. Dorothy this year is going to Chicago University. Francis joins me in sending thanks for the most interesting book & also sends love as do we all. Lovingly Marion. [*Beeman*] 116 South St. Ware Mass. Aug.27.1941 Dear Cousin Alice- We were very much surprised when we read our Ware River News today to find a letter from Leonard there and thought you might be interested in reading it for it is typical of Leonard to see the bright side of things. We could have filled just as much space telling of the hard time he was having in bed all that time and not able to get home or get out and do all the things he would like to do but instead he told all the pleasant things. But you can see for yourself what it is like. We had a pleasant visit at Eva's Uncle after we left Howard and they brought us home Sun. P.M. Then I painted on the house Mon. and on Tues. my brother and his wife took us up to Merrimac Mass. where we called on mutual friends On Wed. I took another try at the painting and Thurs. went to New Jersey to visit Marjorie and on Fri. night we met Sheldon in the city and we went to a broadcast together and I went out home with Sheldon. On Sat. we went out to Jones beach and I had a chance to have a dip in the oceans surf which I enjoy greatly. Home again Sun. and back to work Mon. Eva had been over to Evelyn's while I was in New York as she did not feel up to such a strenuous trip as I took. She got back a little later than I did on Sun. P.M. This afternoon Eva's cousins that we saw at Natick came out here and we went up to see the big water project at the Quabbin Reservoir. There is a new tower there that I had not been to the top of before and it was a very pretty view as it was very clear today. Your cousin Bowman Stone Beeman [*Ware River News*] Wednesday, August 27, 1941 Ware Boy Tells About Soldiering Up in Vermont Medical Detachment 1110 C.A.S.U. Fort Ethan Allen, Vt. August 21, 1941 To the Editor: Several of the soldiers from town have written letters to you telling of their wonderful camps, or, of the enjoyable lives they are experiencing while in the service. I believe my experiences as a selectee are somewhat unique too. You hear stories about getting on the right side of the "General" and all that sort of thing. Well, we don't even have a general at our fort, but I had been here only twelve days, before I had a unique set up whereby I managed to get service that should make any soldier envious. For a hundred and twenty-three days now I have managed to maintain this abnormal style of army life and I believe it will continue for some time yet, though, of course, it is unwise to predict anything definite in the army. Well, to make a short story no longer I will give you a few of the unusual aspects of the life I enjoy here. First, though the other men in my outfit have to get up at 5:15 a.m., I am allowed to sleep until 6:00 and sometimes until 6:30. Then, secondly, comes the dream of many a housewife as well as that of a soldier. I have my breakfast served to me in bed! That is a luxury in any man's life. Many a rookies first downfall comes in trying to make his bed up in the style and neatness demanded in the army. Having worked in a hospital for the six months prior to my induction I was spared this embarrasment, and, believe it or not, under my new style of living I have my bed made for me. It has never failed to pass inspection! Probably one of the things most feared by the men with free time in camp is to be caught for some dirty "detail." In the past one hundred and twenty-three days I haven't been assigned to a single unpleasant job of that nature. All the previous facts may sound too good to be true, but don't start doubting my story as I haven't finished my list of luxuries yet. When the other men go out to their tedious marching drills, and yes, even at class time, I am allowed to lie peacefully on my bunk and rest while the others perspire from their mental and physical labors. The ever so thoughtful authorities even consider my comfort while I am resting. To prevent my back from getting tired from so much lying around a young lady drops around on the average of twice a day to give me an alcohol rub. One more outstanding feature of my set-up is that though I am just a Buck Private I have had corporals, Sergeants, Second Lieutenants, and even First Lieutenants waiting on me. No doubt by now you must have caught on that it isn't that I go out with the Captain's daughter that rates me this seemingly elegant style of living, but that I am a hospital patient. The Corporals and Sergeants wait on me indirectly as they are in charge of various departments in the hospital; the Second Lieutenants are the female nurses; and the First Lieutenants are the doctors. - All of which explains my last claim to a unique style of living, and my other features explain themselves when you apply them to a hospital patient. I never thought I would live such a life of ease in this world, and least of all live it while in the army! Though I have been in the hospital since April 20, I have continually been given good care plus many little added kindnesses. The Post Chaplain has been very kind and not only has he gotten books for me to read and the like, but he has also let me have the use of his own radio, which is a great comfort. He is a very come in and who have learned to look up in admiration to my fellow ward-mate. They are really cute. Recently this fellow and I have been put in a ward with four other rheumatic fever patients. The other day when the six of us added together our time in the hospital it totalled to more than two years. That is really quite a long time when you consider that most of us will be in a month or two longer. Our predicament was well-expressed by a poem sent in by a private from Fort Jay to the Liberty magazine. Just change the "week" to "months" and the following expresses the mind of the fellows in this room. To get in the Army Hospital Is simple and quite easy You just complain of a cold And say you're slightly wheezy. A week (?) will pass, or maybe two, And you have won the bout, But then your trobules really start; The job of getting out! I didn't mean this epistle to be so lengthy. Sincerely, Leonard Beeman All the previous facts may sound too good to be true, but don't start doubting my story as I haven't finished my list of luxuries yet. When the other men go out to their tedious marching drills, and yes, even at class time, I am allowed to lie peacefully on my bunk and rest while the others perspire from their mental and physical labors. The ever so thoughtful authorities even consider my comfort while I am resting. To prevent my back from getting tired from so much lying around a young lady drops around on the average of twice a day to give me an alcohol rub. One more outstanding feature of my set-up is that though I am just a Buck Private I have had corporals, Sergeants, Second Lieutenants, and even First Lieutenants waiting on me. No doubt by now you must have caught on that it isn't that I go out with the Captain's daughter that rates me this seemingly elegant style of living, but that I am a hospital patient. The Corporals and Sergeants wait on me indirectly as they are in charge of various departments in the hospital; the Second Lieutenants are the female nurses; and the First Lieutenants are the doctors. - All of which explains my last claim to a unique style of living, and my other features explain themselves when you apply them to a hospital patient. I never thought I would live such a life of ease in this world, and least of all live it while in the army! Though I have been in the hospital since April 20, I have continually been given good care plus many little added kindnesses. The Post Chaplain has been very kind and not only has he gotten books for me to read and the like, but he has also let me have the use of his own radio, which is a great comfort. He is a very likeable man with a temperment and personality very suitable for a chaplaain. Right now he is in the hospital himself with a cold. When I was on duty I worked on wards that were isolated for German measles and venereal diseases, but I managed to get caught by the scarlet fever bug. That put me in a ward with other scarlet fever patients for a month. Just two days before I was to be discharged I became much sicker than before. This later proved to be rheumatic fever. I was eventually left alone in the ward as the other patients got well, but for two weeks I had the company of another man in my outfit who is also layed up with some rheumatic trouble. This fellow is a Boy Scout Commissioner and it is both amusing and amazing to see the large number of loyal little friends who came in to visit him. The most entertaining are the smiling, twinkle eyed, dirty faced and barefoot youngsters under scout age that Bowman Stone Beeman Hideous of Leiou but so good of yummy laughing. Taken by Leiou himself 116 South St. Ware Mass., Nov. 10, 1935 Dear Cousin Alice: - I was very glad to hear from you and have had an envelope addressed and ready for a letter almost a month. I have tried to find out something about the Cousin John Locke that you mention but with no success so far. If I later run across any mention of him will try to let you know. Have been reading about her (you Mother's) expenses at college and it is some contrast with what it costs today. Suppose you know that Louise has gone to college this fall at De Pauw univeristy Greencastle Indiana. She is taking Spanish and has your book of Spanish-American Poems with her. She is also taking both Psychology, Philosophy (both of which she greatly enjoys) English Bible and English composition. Last year she took, a graduate course in our High School and worked afternoons for our minister's wife and they were both graduates of De Pauw and enthused her to go there. She is getting a big kick out of all her expereinces, especially such as hearing Amelia Earhart Putnam, Dr. S. Parkes Gadmen, Dr. Davies and some English writers etc. She also enjoys hearing Dr. Oxnam the Pres of the college when he speaks at Chapel. She has written some very interesting letters which we have all enjoyed and then sent on to the other children for them to read. She expects to be able to come home from Christmas vacation as they haev two weeks and a few days. Marjorie and Wayne have moved to Dumont New Jersey there they have a whole house to themselves and seem to enjoy it a lot. Sheldon and his wife have also moved but are not far from their old place. His new address is 7825 4th Ave. Brooklyn N.Y. we hope they will all be able to get home here together while Louise is home for her Christmas vacation. Evelyn's husband Dick is getting through at the place he is working and has not as yet any other job and they may come here and try to get work here in Ware. Leonard is the BUSY boy these days-going to High School and working in the fruit department of our local market afternoons after school and Fri. night till around ten o'clock and all day Saturday till after eleven o'clock at night and then also playing football with the High School team. On Sunday he goes to Church and teachers a class in Sunday School and usually attends the young peoples meeting in the evening. He is a big boy and about as tall as I am though he is not as large as Francis' boy Joe. Farncis' daughter Barbara is taking training as a nurse at the Franklin County Hospital in Green field Mass, but is now in Boston at the Boston City Hospital where she has six months training. She enjoys her work very much but does not like the night work as she cannot sleep well days. She did very good work in her studies especially in Drugs and Prescriptions (which is the bane of most of the girls) and got some very good marks. We were very glad to get news of Howard's family and think it was fine that Helen could go over to come back with John. I read some of John's letters the last time I was there and they were very interesting. Leila took a trip last summer with our friend Bertha Martin and they went clear to the Pacific coast an among others saw Blanch and Gale. She said that Blance was writing a novel. Lela also saw anna one time she was in Washington and she brought Dorothy and little John here to see us after she came back from her trip west. Tell Lane Blackwell that my boss' son John Mac Laurin of Warewis a freshman at Harvard last year that would make him a Soph this year. Suppose there are so many there that there would be little chance of knowing him. Hope you will write us again when you have time as we like th hear from you. Lovingly, Bowman S. Beeman Bowman Beeman A Merry, Merry Christmas and A Happy, Happy New Year! Eva and Bowman Stone Beeman (over) Ware Dec 25 1949 Dear Cousin Alice - Please pardon the lateness of this card It seems as though I had been writing lots of letters and cards this first week - I know that Howard had kept you informed of Eva's condition, She seems definitely on the gain but it will be some weeks yet before she is fully healed & her sister Emma Smith from Groton Vt, is here to care for her - We also have the visiting nurse every other day to irrigate her colostomy. Emma is going over to see Francis' family today and Barbara says Francis is better - With love from Eva and me. Bowman Stone Beeman ASB "Lucy Stone" December 1, 1960 Dear Mr. Beeman: I am mailing you today, under separate cover, an autographed copy of Alice Blackwell's "Lucy Stone - Pioneer of Woman's Rights". Mrs. Elinor Rice Hays visited me last summer, soon after her journey to the land of Lucy Stone, and she told me how very much you wanted a copy for one of your children. I am sorry that my own name is on the front cover of the book. This the only copy I have with the autograph and I want you to have it. My daughter has one which Miss Blackwell inscribed to her in 1930 and she will not need to have this one passed along to her. I am sure you must know what a joy it is for me to document Miss Alice's papers for the Library of Congress. She and I were dear friends for many years and I am so happy to have the privilege of perpetuating the family history for her. I wish very much that your son in California, who has, I believed prepared the family record, could furnish me with a copy to be incorporated with the archives. He would be given credit for the gift and I am sure it would guarantee that scholars writing in the future, would correctly identify the family. Cordially yours, Mrs. Guy W. Stantial B Oct. 6,1930 Dear Cousin Alice; I am enclosing a program of the tercentenary celebration, on Sat last, as we thought you would be interested in the various events of the day. All of our young people participated in it. Rachel & Barbara on the Quilting Party float, Joseph on the Colonial School (he was the schoolmaster) & George on receiving good marks. Barbara for her 2 yrs work has won her letters & we trust when her Junior year is over will have won pro merito too. Joseph & George, sad to say got very ordinary marks. We still have hopes though that they will do better. I am now going to the dentist, but I usually have only one appointment each week & sometimes I have to skip a week as my monthlys have a habit of appearing twice each 28 days frequently & then I have to remain at home. I surely appreciate all you have done for us. & are doing now for me. Francis joins me in sending love & the hope you are well. Lovingly Marion the "Punishments" float. This last received 3d prize so George was quite happy. Francis, as one of the Selectman, of course, was in the parade & later on the platform. It was all very much worth while & Mr. Whiting of Boston gave a very nice talk. We wish you might have been here to have seen it all; the old time costumes & the spirit of the people in putting so much work into the program will long be remembered. You will be pleased perhaps to hear that Rachel has received the pro-merito pin for high rank during her high school 3 yrs & as a Senior is Marion Beeman to program Ware, Massachusetts Dec. 28, 1930 Dear Cousin Alice: Thank you ever so much for the money which you sent me for Christmas. It certainly is nice of you to remember us all every Christmas. I hope your Christmas holidays have been as pleasant as mine, We have had a glorious time here at home just doing what we pleased when we pleased. All of the family are here together and since it doesn't happen very often we certainly enjoy it when we can all be together. This last snow storm was ideal for Christmas wasn't it. It certainly is beautiful out - even though it does make it more difficult for those who have to travel. This vacation I have been taking advantage of the spare time I had and have been reading those lovely books you sent to Dad. Since we don't get any Spanish at our school until our Junior year I cannot read the poems in Spanish but I certainly do enjoy those in English. What a task it must have been to translate all those poems and put them into such exquisite form. They certainly are lovely! All the family have enjoyed your book on the life of Aunt Lucy Stone. Dad had told us much concerning her but I found the 116 South St. book especially interesting because of all the detail of her life. In one of our courses at school we studied about Lucy Stone and other outstanding women of America so the book proves an interesting supplement to the course. I certainly hope that this coming year holds much of health and happiness in store for you. Sincerely Evelyn E. Beeman WARE Dec 29 4 PM Mass Miss Alice Stone Blackwell 3 Monadnock Street [Uphams?] Corner Boston Massachusetts Ware Mass Sept. 18.1927 Dear Cousin Alice,- Your letter of the 12th with the enclosed check came all right. I don't know how I can thank you for the check & all that you are doing to help me. I certainly appreciate it very much. I used it to pay my taxes and it has relieved my mind a lot. We are all about as usual & Marion joins me in sending love. Francis. Francis Beeman 1/17/61 Dear Mrs. Stantial We appreciate your sending us Cous Alices picture - its a very fine likeness - and think it kind of you to offer us more. If you can spare four (4) one for each of our young folks, we would be most grateful. We will send postage back to you & thanks very much. We have been quite anxious about our son Joseph - He is the one who had the Laryngectomy 2 yrs ago for cancer. Has been a patient at Mars Eye & Ear Inf. but is back now at his home in Holland Mass. They hope the new [[?]] tissue removal operation corrects the trouble. Sincerely Francis Beeman BROOKFIELD MASS. JAN 17 5:30 PM 1961 Mrs. Edna Lamprey Stantial 21 Ashmont Street Melrose, 76 Mass Brookfield RFD 99 June 7, 1945 Dear Cousin Alice: It was very nice of you to mail us the clipping with your picture & both Francis & I think it is fine that you received the degree from Boston University. Sorry I was slow in writing this note, but first of all we didn't get the clipping for a time as it was sent by mistake to East Brookfield. How are you this Spring? If we only had a bit more sun we would all be happy but we here in Charlton feel most thankful that the war in Europe has ended for our youngest son George has been with the 7th Army many long months & Barbara's husband Whitley has been with the 3d Both are gunners in tank battalions & George was for 153 days on the lines without going back once. We do so hope the boys may come back to the States before going to the Pacific area. A letter from Leila tells us that she will start for Montana to visit Audra & Lud on June 18th. How the families are scattered. I often think of the visit you made to the old farm at the Lucy Stone celebration event. wish we could meet to have another visit with you. Love from Marion B. #116 South St. Ware Mass, Mar.30.34 Dear Cousin Alice, Thanks for the Easter Card. Yes, I think your address for Leila is right and Dorothy Arnold White is there with Leila. Maxwell White has just received his Dr. degree from Chicago Univ, and is spending some time with his wife at Leila's with his wife and that wonderful son John. Audra Arnold Bowman 6116 Blackstone Ave, Chicago, Ill. is the last address I have. Eva has been spending two weeks visiting Marjorie and Sheldon in Brooklyn and went over to see Leila and her folks there. Eva had the Dr. examine her before she went to New York and he thinks she should have that operations soon probably in about a month. Will let you know as soon as she is operated on, she naturally dreads it but we think it is best to go ahead with it. Evelyn has been over here keeping house for me while Eva has been away. We expect Eva back this week end. I went with her when she went down there and spent the day with the children and came back the same day. They run an excursion from springfield so it was possible to make the trip at cost of two dollars to New York and back to Springfield. Give my regards to Cousin Kitty Your cousin, B.S. Beeman Bowman Beeman Asks md Cousin? Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Stone Beeman announces the marriage of their daughter Louise Annette to Mr. Don Russell Hetsler on Monday the sixth of September nineteen hundred and thirty-seven Ware, Massachusetts 1937 Bowman Stone Beeman grandson of Bowman Stone Bro of Lucy Stone Phebe S. Beeman St Johnsbury Vt Rec Dec. 10/85 Write Miss Shaw about Mrs. Susan Hill of St. Johnsbury Vt. St. Johnsbury Vt. Dec. 7.1885 My dear Alice: It was very kind of you to answer my letter so promptly when your hands and heart are so full. I sent the letter to father as it had much news in which he would be interested. He wrote expressing sympathy with Emma in Leanne's sickness. I wrote your mother just before she went - west - of a lady who subscribed for the Woman's Journal for three months when Anna Shaw was here. She has never received the paper. I have lent her some of mine. She does not believe in the cause and I want her to have it. Perhaps it has been sent to some other Mrs. Hill. Her name is Mrs. Susan Hill. The children have a few numbers of Pansy which your mother brought to W.B. They enjoy the stories much. A full volume would be very nice. I have just had The Nursery, which your mother sent to Phebe for two years, bound. The boys do not read any yet but are learning many things of importance to them. Father thinks I am neglecting Bowman by not sending him to school at five. I think he will think all he ought to without being sent to school till he is seven. He and Wilbur both go to Sunday School and enjoy it. Our church work is going on very pleasantly. They are good workers and very kind to us. We were away all last week to a Preacher's Meeting. I had some missionary meetings while we were away. I hope if we are here next summer you can come and make us a visit: I want to have you know my boys - They are both a little on the sick list to-day but not any thing more than a cold I think. I was at a Camp Meeting last summer where the Presiding Elder, in introducing the ladies who spoke on missions, said he not only believed in the woman's missionary society but also in woman suffrage. I thought that was quite a help to the cause. We all send love to the house hold - I shall write to Emma sometime. Every your loving cousin Phebe 116 South St. Ware Mass Nov. 25, 1945 Dear Cousin Alice - Was glad to hear from you and am hastening to answer your letter. Sheldon's address is Sheldon P. Beeman. 1058 W. Spring St. Lima Ohio. They have a new son named Richard Ernest Beeman born Oct. 5, 1946. This makes our tenth grandchild and the first grandson to bear the name Beeman. On Thanksgiving day Louise and all her family from Linden Ind. and Margorie and her family from Ridgway Penn. went to Lima Ohio to have Thanksgiving with Sheldon's family. They called us up about 5 P.M. and we talked with all of them. They even held the baby up to the phone so we could hear him. Do not know whether you have Margorie's new address. It is Mrs. Wayne P. Van Vranken 306 Charles St. Ridgway, Penn. Wayne likes his new position and does not have that long trip to work every day that he used to have at Dumont when he was working in Brooklyn. Sheldon has had a promotion at the Westinghouse Company there in Lima so now he has quite a responsible position. We are glad for him as we feel that he is quite capable. Now as for ourselves we had Leonard from Brattleboro and Evelyn and her family, including their baby Priscilla Alden Tracy, together here for Thanksgiving. So our whole family was gathered together in two groups one in Lima and one in Ware. When Leonard went back to Brattleboro Eva went with him and he put her on the night train for Vt. where she is visiting her sister. They have an aunt over 85 who had a shock and is at the point of death so Eva felt she should go up there and I can get along alone here all right. I have done it before when she was away. Our mill is very busy and has just gone on a day and night shift which will keep me busy there so I will not have much time to be lonesome. Shall be glad to hear from you when you feel like writing. With much love, Bowman Stone Beeman P.S. Meant to mention that there is some talk of using the top of Coy's Hill as an Airport to serve the Brookfields Warren, Ware and Gilbertville. As I understand it it will be land owned by the Days across the road from the land we used to own up there. Those who know say it would be an ideal place for an Airport as there is plenty of room for the longest runways they could need for the largest aircraft and no obstacle for danger in their taking off. It is midway between Worcester and Springfield also. It is only in the [talkig] talking stage as yet but I thought you would be interested just the same. Please remember me to Howard and family and also Anna and tell them I would be glad to hear from them and hope to get down that way when we get over working every Saturday. B.S.B. May Joy and Cheer and Peace abide With you and yours this Christmastide! Barbara & Sheldon Beeman BOWMAN S. BEEMAN 116 SOUTH STREET WARE, MASSACHUSETTS Dec. 10, 1939. Cousin Alice: What wonderful weather we are having for December. I am in no hurry for winter to set in in earnest. You asked about the addresses of my children. They are all the same as last year except Louise, her new address is Mrs. D.R. Hetsler, Idaville Ind. They were moved at Conference time so he could be nearer Chicago so that he could take his Theological course. They were able to make a trip home last summer and all the other children and grandchildren were here at the same time. It made a group of 17 people and we were very much pleased to get them together. We expect Leonard and maybe Marjorie and her family here for Christmas. We were at Evelyn's place last week end while Leonard was here for Thanksgiving. I wrote to that cousin in the navy who visited you and had a nice letter from him. He was planning to come out to see us but the war must have changed his plans. I had hoped to get to Boston to see you before this but have not been able to as yet. Eva sends best wishes for the holiday season. With my love. Bowman S. Beeman Dear Cousin Alice - We think of you often even when we don't write. Our big family scattered over five states keep me busy just keeping in touch with their busy lives. There are now Eleven grand children. 8 girls and 3 boys Leonard is teaching in Middlebury, Vermont and will be able to spend a few days with us around Christmas time. We will eat Christmas dinner with Evelyn and enjoy with them their family Christmas tree. We have had a wonderful fall so mild and so many sun shiney days. I wouldn't mind if snow and cold skipped us this year but that is more than we can expect and live in New England. Bowman is well and busy as usual. This evening he is attending the High School's Senior Class play. Last evening we both attended a very fine concert but I don't go out evenings very often. Home suits me pretty well. We thank you for your Christmas Greeting - lots of food for thought on that card. Love & best wishes - Eva 116 SOUTH STREET WARE, MASSACHUSETTS June 15 1948. Dear Cousin Alice - That card I sent you was just one from Washington saying that I heard a Woman Representative speak when I visited the House of Representatives. Thought you or especially your Mother if she had lived till now, would get the same thrill I did in seeing it. Things have progressed a long way since she began her crusade. Had intended to mention in my former letter that we are having a new Radio Station here in Ware. It is W.R.M.S. and the broadcasting tower is on top of Coy's Hill. It is about 200 ft high. We went up there last Sun. and climbed up to the top of the house where we had a fine view all around. It was somewhat hazy so we could not see very far but it is a wonderful view. Came down by the old farm and saw the plate on the house saying it was the birthplace of Lucy Stone. Our local paper said that the station was to have a trial broadcast after midnight the next night. So I said to Eva when I went to bed "If I waken in the night I am going down to see if I can hear our station" I happened to wake up and did hear the broadcast from Coy's Hill. They are going to start broadcasting the last of this month. Then last night the owner took some of us who were on the Book Com. of our library up to see the studio here where they broadcast from. It was very interesting to me as I had never seen a studio before. I told the owner that you were Lucy Stone's daughter and he said he would be glad if you would write me something that he could broadcast. He is to have items of local history and thought you might have something of interest to send. I knew that your Mother loved Coy's Hill and of course it has a place in our hearts as well. Our oldest daughter Marjorie is here today and is celebrating her 42nd birthday. Evelyn and her two girls came over here for dinner to help her to celebrate with gifts and a cake with candles etc. After dinner they all went over to see the radio studio and the man showed them all around and explained things to them. Ann Evelyn's daughter is 12 and going into 8th grade next year and she was very much interested in seeing all the things there. Our radio station will broadcast on 1250 kc. but only from dawn to dark and has only 500 kilowatts so probably you could not get it there. Our son Sheldon and family are on a vacation trip to South Carolina to his wife's home and then plan to go via New Orleans and up the Mississippi and so on home to Lima Ohio. They were here last summer and he took his family and me down to Plymouth to see Plymouth Rock. Did I ever tell you that I have what seems a clear line back to Gov. Wm. Bradford of the Mayflower? It is on Father's side of the house and he never knew about it. Hope you are well and wish you would remember me to Howard and family when you see him next. Your Cousin, Bowman Stone Beeman [*Eva Beeman*] 116 South St. Feb. 18. 1931. Dear Cousin Alice - Bowman has been quite busy since your letter came so I think I'd better answer for him. Alice Mabel Phillips' address is just Mrs. Ernest Phillips Petersham, Mass. Ernest is a member of the Board of Selectmen there so they are well known. No, Frances was not seriously hurt by the horse only somewhat bruised but it certainly was a narrow escape. Another man was killed this winter [in] under almost exactly the same conditions and when we saw the account of it in the papers we realized more than ever how fortunate Francis was to escape as well as he did. Rachel, Francis's oldest girl is going to New York Saturday to spend her vacation week with Leila - naturally she is quite excited and happy about it. All the members of both families are well and busy. It still seems a little strange for us to have only two children at home but Marjorie & Evelyn come home quite often - we expect them this next week-end as Washington's Birthday gives them an extra day. Orders seem to be coming in pretty well where Bowman is working and it looks now as if things would go on about normal schedule - for a time the plant was run on 3 or 4 days per week but they have done much better than other industries in town. In spite of all the relief work done here I'm afraid a good many people have had a pretty hard winter. The unusually cold & stormy winter hasn't made it any easier, except as the street department have had to hire more help. We sincerely hope you will keep both well & happy this winter. Much love from the family Eva Beeman BOWMAN S. BEEMAN 116 SOUTH STREET WARE, MASSACHUSETTS Mar. 18, 1940. Dear Cousin Alice - Please pardon my delay in answering your letters. I have been trying to find out about that woman who wrote to you claiming relationship. I never had heard of her and asked some people in West Brookfield who should know and the nearest I can make out is that she was a Sampson and related to Cousin Clara Barlow and having heard her call you cousin took it for granted that she was cousin also. I want to thank you for the Easter card with its fine sentiments. You make very nice selections for your cards. I am still in hopes of getting to Boston when warmer weather comes. Louise sent a picture of her little boy Leonard when he was ten months old. He is a fat baby with curly hair and the nicest smile on his face. Eva keeps the picture where she can look at it often. She was out there a year ago now as little Leonard will be a year old on Mar. 25. We had Francis Beeman, his wife and daughter Rachel with Rachel's husband and her two little boys here for dinner about three weeks ago. We had a nice visit from them for we do not see them so often now that they are in Charlton. The next Sun. my daughter Evelyn and family were here for dinner. We had not seen them for some time as the going has been so bad. We have had some very cold weather here and quite a lot of snow the latter part of the winter but our little house is cozy and we have kept very comfortable. My work is near at hand so I do not have far to go and I am working only 42 hours. a week and still getting as good pay as I did before for which I am very thankful. Am afraid if my pay had been cut that I could not have been able to keep Leonard in college. And now this is his Senior year and the end seems to be in sight. As you know he has been studying Physical Education with the idea of getting a coaching job and teaching some other subjects as well. Now the next thing is to find a job. Does the Fisk Teachers Agency still carry on since Mr. Fisk has died? The rest of our family were all well at last reports. It seems pretty quiet here with just Eva and me here all alone, but we manage to keep well and happy. We also have read quite a number of books as we have a fine library here. Eva sends her best wishes. With love, Bowman Stone Beeman TOWN OF WEST BROOKFIELD Massachusetts Office of the Selectmen Mar. 10, 1927. Dear Cousin Alice,- I want to thank you so much for the lovely check of $100 that came last night, it is such a big help and I will put it toward my West Brookfield taxes which have not yet been paid. I have paid the Warren taxes. I had bargained with a man to buy some of the wood way over in the Henshaw Pasture and he had paid me most of the money and when I asked the Federal Land Bank for permission they made the conditions so hard that I couldn't do it so I had to return the $300 that he had given me & I will try again later to make a deal with the F.L.B. I am so sorry you have had such a time with your arm and I surely hope it will mend all right now. We were very glad to get the paper with the account of Aunt Lucy in it that you sent a while ago and I failed to acknowledge. Rachel took it to school & her teacher was very pleased and showed it to a number of her friends. We have been quite well this winter and have been able to doctor our own colds and ailments. Our Dr. is in Florida this winter & we stocked up on the regular medicines so with him gone we are doubly glad that we have had no serious sickness. We do wish that you could come and see us this Summer when the weather gets fine. it has been a long time since we have had a visit from you & I would so like the children to know their Cousin Alice. Rachel is in the 8th grade. Barbara the 7th and Joseph in the 3rd & Geo will start next Fall. Marion joins me in sending love and thanks again for your thoughtful kindness in sending such a big check your cousin Francis. WOMEN IN THE CHURCHES. Mrs. Phebe Stone Beeman, wife of the Methodist Episcopal presiding elder of Montpelier District, occupied the pulpit at Windsor, Vt., on a recent Sunday, speaking on "Missions." A collection of $55 was taken up -- the largest in the history of the church. [*June 10/93*] Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.