This collection consists of a small book of manuscript poems owned by Mary Jane Daggett (née Mason) of New Haven, Connecticut, in 1854, as well as 5 letters that Daggett's children wrote to Santa Claus between 1872 and 1876. The book, dedicated to "Lizzie" by Charlotte A. Bennett on September 10, 1853, is 16 pages long and contains poems by authors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Westport, Connecticut; New Haven, Connecticut; and Brooklyn, New York (composed between 1849 and 1854). The poems mainly concern friendship and remembrance; some had been composed for remembrance albums. An additional 4-page insert includes copies of 2 Civil War songs: "The Battle Cry of Freedom," by George F. Root, and "Kingdom Coming," by Henry Clay Work.
Mary Jane Daggett's daughters, Edith M. and Grace E. Daggett, wrote 4 letters to Santa Claus between 1872 and 1876; the collection also contains an additional undated letter to Santa Claus. The first letter, dated November 29, 1872, includes a note from Edith in her own hand, as well as 2 notes in neater penmanship, attributed to Grace and to "Edith, Gracie, John, and James," respectively. The children shared news, anticipated visiting local shops, requested presents, and asked questions about Santa Claus and his reindeer. In final undated letter to Santa Claus, Daggett's son John identified himself as "one of the naughtiest boys in town."
Mary Jane Mason was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 3, 1840, the daughter of James and Eliza Mason. She married Alfred Daggett, Jr. (1837-1878), an apothecary, on November 18, 1863; they had four children: Edith M. (b. 1867), Grace E., John M., and James Mason (b. 1875). After the death of her husband, Daggett and her children moved into her parents' home. Mary Jane Mason Daggett died on February 24, 1917.
