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Bay City, Michigan. Personal letters, primarily of Susie Holmes living in New York from family members in Michigan detaining daily activities and family matters.

The Holmes papers, dating ca. 1883 to 1957, have been divided into four major series: Susie Holmes Papers, Harry Holmes Papers, Other Holmes Papers, and Miscellaneous. For the most part, the Holmes Family collection documents events and concerns of a middle-class family running a family business and socializing with other middle-class business families. The family enjoyed good hotels when they traveled, they worried about profits and losses, and they commented occasionally on national events of the times. But in sum, their work ethic, comments about life and death in general, and concern for family and friends are the themes that distinguish this collection of family letters.

The bulk of the papers consists of letters from the family to Susie Holmes. From 1897 to 1903, Susie was living near, and working in, Buffalo New York for Charles G. Butts. In addition to family correspondence, business correspondence from her boss, and personal business material such as her insurance notices, the Susie Holmes series includes church activity announcements, a few wedding invitations, a batch of 3 x 5 cards with English and American literary references, and letters to and from other members of her family which were subsequently forwarded on to Susie.

Three young girls named Lillian Holmes Keyes, "Mildred," and "Edith" wrote these 6 letters to their grandparents in the summer of 1896. Edith's letters were penciled by her mother, Fannie. The girls wrote on illustrated children's stationery and commented on scenery, wildlife, health, and family news. Mildred addressed one of her letters from East Tilton, New Hampshire.

Three young girls named Lillian Holmes Keyes, "Mildred," and "Edith" wrote these 6 letters to their grandparents in the summer of 1896. Edith's letters were penciled by her mother, Fannie. The girls wrote on illustrated children's stationery and commented on scenery, wildlife, health, and family news. Mildred addressed one of her letters from East Tilton, New Hampshire.

Lillian Holmes Keyes wrote 2 letters to her grandparents on July 19 and 22, 1896, about her ongoing recovery from scarlet fever. Though she could not interact with other children, she did enjoy a trip to a nearby lake with her Aunt Alice. "Mildred" sent 2 letters (July 9, 1896, and undated), describing a picnic and other outdoor activities such as swimming. She also thanked her grandmother for throwing her a 7th birthday party. The final 2 letters are attributed to a child named Edith, though they are written by her mother, Fannie. The first letter reports family news, such as the recent sale of their store and an anticipated August vacation. The second offers greetings to various family members and bears scribbled drawings by a young child (possibly Edith).

Each letter is written on illustrated children's stationery with images of children writing, accepting a letter from a dog, riding in a cart, and repairing a doll.