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Collection

Benjamin Kite, Jr. correspondence, 1825-1828

4 items

This collection is made up of letters that Benjamin Kite, Jr., received from his parents and siblings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between 1825 and 1828. The Kite family, who were Quakers, shared news of Benjamin's siblings, discussed his father's retirement, and wrote about their religious views.

This collection is made up of 4 letters that Benjamin Kite, Jr., received from his parents, Benjamin and Rebecca Kite (September 28, 1825, and May 1, 1828), and from his siblings Nathan (March 30, 1827) and Mary (June 1, 1828). The Kite family lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rebecca Kite expressed her belief that married couples, such as Benjamin and his wife Eliza, shared a common interest; and she provided news of Benjamin's brother Joseph, who was suffering from a grave illness. Nathan Kite wrote a humorous letter of introduction for "W. Kite," remarking that the traveler would be renowned for his trip down the Delaware River.

Benjamin Kite's letter concerns his retirement and his son Thomas's printing establishment; he expected to move in with Thomas, becoming his bookkeeper and errand-man. Mary Kite's letter contains news of each of the Kite siblings and encourages Benjamin to contribute to financial support for their parents. She also wrote about the family's move away from their longtime residence and reflected upon the impermanence of the temporal world.

Collection

Benjamin Stark, Jr. papers, 1898-1902

31 items

This collection contains 31 letters, telegrams, photographs, and documents related to Benjamin Stark's service in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.

This collection contains 31 letters, telegrams, photographs, and documents related to Benjamin Stark's service in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. Stark wrote 2 letters to "Daisy" from an army camp in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in June and July 1898, while awaiting departure for Puerto Rico or Cuba. One document pertains to the estate of Benjamin Stark, Sr., and the appointment of William M. Stark as its administrator (November 25, 1898).

From November 17, 1898-April 20, 1899, Benjamin Stark, Jr., wrote 8 letters to his siblings from Manzanillo, Cuba, where he was stationed with the 4th Volunteer Infantry Regiment ("Immunes"). He discussed various aspects of military life, shared news of other soldiers, and described his duties while filling in for a promoted quartermaster. In the summer of 1899, Stark lived in Washington, D.C., where he attempted to reconcile his debts and other financial affairs. During this time he sent his sister a cedar chest made of wood from an old Spanish fort in Cuba. A telegram ordering Stark to report to the 31st Volunteer Infantry (July 13, 1899) is present, as is a copy of Stark's telegraphed acceptance of the commission. In letters from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Presidio, California, Stark described camp life and mentioned the difficulty of transporting horses from the United States to the Philippines.

Stark's remaining 9 letters (February 10, 1900-April 2, 1902) pertain to his service in the Philippines, where he reported on local customs, the possibility of active combat, and his surroundings. Though he had an opportunity to return home in the spring of 1901, Stark decided to remain in the Philippines, where he became superintendent of a military prison and farm at San Ramon. He described the farm, which included two mills.

The collection's 4 photographs depict United States soldiers in uniform, ca. 1898-1902, and an unidentified military encampment.

Collection

Benson J. Lossing collection, 1850-1904 (majority within 1850-1891)

0.25 linear feet

This collection is primarily made up of Benson J. Lossing's incoming and outgoing correspondence concerning his writings about and interest in numerous subjects in American history. Essays, newspaper clippings, and ephemera are also included.

This collection is primarily made up of Benson J. Lossing's incoming and outgoing correspondence (179 items, 1850-1904) concerning his writings about and interest in numerous subjects in American history. Essays, newspaper clippings, and ephemera are also included (18 items, 1849- ca. 1884).

The Correspondence series (179 items) mostly contains incoming letters to Lossing about his career as a historian. Some writers thanked Lossing for sending them copies of his books or otherwise commented on his works, such as his Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812. Others offered biographical details on historical figures, notes on family genealogies, and information about historical events. Some older correspondents provided firsthand accounts of events, and other writers shared information about potential primary source material. The American Revolutionary era and War of 1812 were common topics, though at least one letter was written during the Civil War. Historical figures discussed included John André and Oliver Hazard Perry; one man wrote about busts of George Washington at Mount Vernon. Some authors enclosed newspaper clippings in their letters, and two made drawings: one of an unidentified building (June 2, 1851) and one of the grave of James Ross (May 11, 1852). One letter from a publisher postdates Lossing's death.

Benson Lossing wrote occasional letters about his work, and at least one of his letters contains a printed form letter requesting historical information.

The Writings and Biographical Sketches (8 items) are brief essays about historical topics, mostly in Benson J. Lossing's handwriting. Subjects include copied inscriptions from a monument marking the Battle of Red Bank and biographies of Colonel Anthony White, William H. Winder, and Alexander Lillington. One item is a copied "Parole of Honor," with Lossing's added notes on some of its signers. Two signed manuscript drafts of articles include "The British Flag and the American Sailor Boy," which was later published as "Anna Van Antwerp and John Van Arsdale" in the Christian Union, and "Mr. Lincoln A Statesman," which appeared in Osborn H. Oldroyd's The Lincoln Memorial: Album-Immortelles. An essay about William H. Winder is attributed to Mrs. A. W. Townsend of Oyster Bay, New York.

The Printed Items series (10 items) is comprised of programs, newspaper clippings, obituaries, a chapter in a published volume, and engravings. One clipping is a reprint of an article written by Benson J. Lossing.

Collection

Bernard J. Davis letters, 1944-1945 (majority within 1945)

10 items

This collection is made up of letters that Sergeant Bernard J. Davis sent to his wife while serving in the United States Army's 249th Port Company during World War II. Writing from various locations in the Pacific and from Manila, Philippines, Davis commented on his experiences in the army and on the growth of his son.

This collection is made up of 10 letters that Sergeant Bernard J. Davis sent to his wife and their young son, also named Bernard, while serving in the United States Army's 249th Port Company during World War II. Davis responded to news from home, particularly regarding young his son's growth and activities, and expressed his desire to reunite with his family. His letters occasionally include references to his army experiences, such as the rationing of cigarettes (March 25, 1945), Philippine children's efforts to find food (May 27, 1945), and the recreation centers where American soldiers could obtain foods from home (July 28, 1945). Davis wrote 2 letters home after the war ended, eagerly anticipating his return to the United States but encouraging his wife not to get her hopes up for his quick return.

Collection

Bernard M. Baruch collection, 1920-1949

65 items

This collection is made up of letters by Bernard Baruch and Mark Sullivan regarding United States foreign policy, financial policy, national politics, and personal matters.

This collection is made up of 60 letters between Bernard M. Baruch and Mark Sullivan, a testimony and several pamphlets by Baruch, and a signed, dedicated portrait photograph of Baruch. The majority of the collection consists of Baruch's letters to Sullivan. The correspondence addresses United States politics, beginning in the early 1920s with foreign policy, farm policy, and the long term outcomes of the Paris Peace Conference. Later letters contain Baruch's critiques of U.S. fiscal policy, foreign policy, and military preparedness, as well as general thoughts about the U.S. economy and the political environment following the Wilson administration.

Baruch and Sullivan discussed their writings and other works, offering critiques, recommendations, and congratulations. They discussed Sullivan's journalism and historic works, and Baruch's political career and treatment in the media. In one letter, Baruch gave a narrative account of his early education in South Carolina (January 21, 1927). The letters also contain discussions of more personal matters, holiday greetings, and invitations for Sullivan to vacation at the Hobcaw House. At various points in the correspondence Baruch expressed his perception of anti-Semitism in U.S. politics and education. The collection includes one photograph portrait of Bernard M. Baruch, signed and dedicated to Duane Norman Diedrich. See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for more information.

Collection

Bessie Kucher letters, 1903-1904

0.25 linear feet

This collection is made up of around 37 letters that Bertha Kucher wrote to her sister Ida while living in Seattle and Enumclaw, Washington, from June 1903 to October 1904. She commented on fashion, hearing loss, and her work as a housekeeper.

This collection contains around 37 letters that Bertha Kucher wrote to her sister Ida while living in Seattle and Enumclaw, Washington, from June 1903 to October 1904. She commented on fashion, hearing loss, and her work as a housekeeper. In her first letter, written on successive days after June 20, 1903, Kucher recounted her journey to Seattle and her safe arrival in the city, where she joined her brother Charles and his family. She frequently commented on his wife Elva and their son Ronald, and described Washington fashion and local travels. In 1904, she sought work as a housekeeper, and she was employed by a man in Enumclaw, Washington, by the fall. Many of Bertha's letters to Ida are over ten pages in length. Enclosures include flowers, a ticket from the S. Willey Navigation Company, and cloth samples. A woman named Nellie Van wrote one letter from New York, dated January 29, 1904.

Collection

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania collection, 1741-1784

47 items

This collection contains letters and documents related to the early history and economic development of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

This collection contains letters and documents related to the early history and economic development of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Most of the items originated in the town itself, though correspondence addressed to Bethlehem locals also forms a significant portion of the material. Examples of documents are a copy of the original indenture for the plot of land that became Bethlehem (July 18, 1741), an order to open a road through the town (June 7, 1755), and a number of receipts and financial documents. Of interest is a petition sent to the Pennsylvania General Assembly on behalf of a group of Bethlehem residents, who wrote, "...the said Brethren are willing and ready, to contribute whatever sums of Money shall be necessary for the Defence of his Majesty's Person and Government in such Proportion, as such sum is usually rated on other Persons residing in the said Northhampton County" (March 30, 1759). Moravian and other religious influences are apparent throughout the collection, which has a minute book kept by an anonymous religious society between 1745 and 1747. Other material includes a significant amount of correspondence focusing on financial matters, as well as a series of affectionate personal letters written by John Okely of Philadelphia to Heartzel Brownfield in Bethlehem. Also of note is a German-language letter from Peter Böhler to an unnamed group of brethren about Native Americans and treatment of Native Americans in Philadelphia at the close of the French and Indian War.

Collection

Bettye Clement letters, 1944-1945

9 items

This collection is made up of correspondence related to the Clement family of Hanford, California, including 8 letters that Bettye Clement wrote to her brother, A. Russell Clement, and 1 letter from Bettye's boyfriend Bill to her parents. Bettye's letters pertain to her life in California during World War II and to her relationship with Bill, a member of the United States Navy.

This collection is made up of correspondence related to the Clement family of Hanford, California. Bettye Clement wrote 8 letters to her brother, A. Russell Clement, from Hanford and Fresno, California, between April 19, 1944, and April 1, 1945. She discussed her work and social activities, and shared news of friends (frequently revolving around their romantic relationships). On at least two occasions, she visited local USO centers, where she, her sisters, and a friend played pool and met soldiers. Clement often referred to her relationship with Bill Harp, an active-duty sailor, commenting on his return from overseas duty in February 1945 and explaining their decision to break up because of his desire to remain in the navy and her desire to settle down and begin a family (March 15, 1945). Bill Harp wrote to Bettye's parents from the United States Naval Hospital at San Diego, California, around February 13, 1944. Harp thanked them for a recent gift and discussed a recent illness that had prevented him from deploying with his former ship.

Collection

B. F. Tarr letters, 1841-1848 (majority within 1845-1848)

12 items

This collection is made up of 12 letters that New England native B. F. Tarr wrote to family members while living in Chillicothe, Missouri, in the 1840s. He described several aspects of life in Missouri, including differences between the South and other regions of the country, the health of his family, and his legal career.

This collection is made up of letters that B. F. Tarr wrote to Moses Lane, his brother-in-law (6 items, October 29, 1841-February 25, 1848); Edward F. Tarr, his brother (3 items, January 25, 1846-July 11, 1848); and 3 other recipients (February 14, 1847-December 7, 1847) about his life in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Tarr's letters contain some of his observations about local farming practices and the differences between life in New England and in the South. His letter of December 10, 1845, contains a passage on the "spirit of improvement" among Northerners and slow industrial progress in the South. He often shared personal news, such as his intention to establish a legal practice and updates about his family's fragile health. His wife Harriet occasionally contributed to his letters until her death in 1847, and he reflected on his loneliness after his children moved temporarily to Wisconsin (April 16, 1847). Though he focused primarily on personal matters, he mentioned giving a speech after the American victory at Vera Cruz (April 16, 1847).

Collection

Biddeford High School (Biddeford, Me.) student compositions, 1850-1851, 1859

1 volume

This volume contains 21 compositions by 12 students (eight girls and four boys) of Biddeford High School, Maine, between 1850 and 1851 (approx. 90 pages). These "prize compositions" pertain to subjects such as nature, morality, happiness, music, comparisons between the country as it was versus how it is now, industry, and intemperance.

This volume contains 21 compositions by 12 students (eight girls and four boys) of Biddeford High School, Maine, between 1850 and 1851 (approx. 90 pages). These "prize compositions" pertain to subjects such as nature, morality, happiness, music, comparisons between the country as it was versus how it is now, industry, and intemperance.

The volume concludes with a one-page letter of thanks from Biddeford High School principal Horace Piper to his students, September 10, 1859, thanking them for the gift of a chair; and a two-page letter from the "Ladies [of] Biddeford" to the Triumph Engine Company (fire brigade), presenting them with an American flag.

Flyleaf: "Prize Compositions Biddeford High School, Fall Term, 1850"
  • Page 1: "Botanical Chart"
  • Pages 3-6: Elizabeth L. P. Adams, "Reading"
  • Pages 7-9: Maria C. Grey, "Advantages of Industry"
  • Pages 11-13: Hannah A. Burnham, "Saco Falls"
  • Pages 15-18: Henri B. Haskell, "Beauties of Nature in Oxford County"
  • Pages 19-24: Elizabeth L. P. Adams, "The Beauties of Nature"
  • Pages 25-27: Robert Russell, "Beauties of Nature"
  • Pages 29-32: Maria C. Grey, "The Beauties of Nature"
  • Pages 33-36: Luther T. Mason, "The Art of Writing"
  • Pages 39-41: Charles Nichols, "Children should obey their Parents"
Page 43: "Prize Compositions of Biddeford High School, Winter Term, 1850 and 1851"
  • Pages 44-47: Maria C. Grey, "Happiness"
  • Pages 48-51: Sarah M. Kendell, "A bad Sholar [sic.]"
  • Pages 51-52: Unsigned, "Intemperance"
  • Pages 56-59: John B. Lowell, "This Country as it was and as it is"
  • Pages 60-64: Luther T. Mason, "This Country as it was, and as it is"
  • Pages 65-67: Hannah A. Burnham, "Happiness"
  • Pages 68-69: Ellen Smith, "Doing Good to Others"
  • Pages 70-74: E. L. P. Adams, "Happiness"
Page 75: "Prize Compositions Biddeford High School, Spring Term, 1851"
  • Pages 76-77: Maria C. Morton, "On The improvement of Time"
  • Pages 78-80: Maria C. Morton, "To a Flower" (poem)
  • Pages 81-84: Julia A. Lord, "Music"
  • Pages 84-89: Maria C. Grey, "Flowers"
Concluding pages of the volume:
  • Horace Piper, "A Card To my Former Pupils who honored me with a present on the ninth instant", Biddeford, September 10, 1859 (1 page)
  • Ladies [of] Biddeford, to "Gentlemen of the Triumph Engine Company" (2 pages)