Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Mechanically reproduced copy of a letter inviting the recipient to fill out an application to the "Yellow Kid" Corresponding Society. Members have their names printed "in our neat and attractive list." "This is not a matrimonial agency, but an organization of refined and well-known ladies and gentlemen. The initiation fee for gentlemen is ten cents, no due ladies." On "Yellow Kid" Corresponding Society letterhead.

Call Sheet for the Boston Ladies’ Military Band directed by D. W. Howard. Bottom of the call sheet features the Pratt’s name typed, naming him as the Business Manager. States that the next stand will be in Herkimer New York, which they will get to via the R[ome] W[atertown] & O[gdensburg] Railroad. Many menus from various hotels and events are pasted on verso.

Costs of producing colored fabric flowers. Includes cut-outs of designs with prices.

Valentine’s Day poem to William, the author’s husband. Addresses their lack of children, reassuring him. “Though married now for many years, / Your children didn’t appear; / Your friends they look and smile at you, / And say it’s very queer. / … / But William, you just try again, / For you are hail and stout; / If you will do it with a will, / You’ll bring the thing about.” Includes a drawing of a man holding the hands of a young boy and a young girl.

Comments on her loneliness and preparations for winter.

Descriptions of exhibits at the Midway of the Pan American Exposition.

Sends a copy of one of her Little Colonel books, but not the one in Arizona. Life in Arizona is very quiet; she can walk for hours and meet no one, sees no cowboys, and few Native Americans.

Details of the clothing she is sewing with her new sewing machine. “You don’t know what a fine dress maker I am. I am seriously thinking of putting out my shingle.” Comments on children’s schools and her belief that it is unwise to change their schools too frequently. Thoughts on taking evening courses, dances, Edwin Stowell reading sermons at New Salem, and going to Boston for shopping. Notes on a local woman’s hired help and her difficulties with her cat and dog. Would like her to visit if they come for Boston’s Mechanics fair.

Description of the Queen. Playing deux piano in the Queen’s boudoir. Dinner with the King and Queen.

Discussion of Joan’s current housing and the activities of her family. Joan works for social reformer Octavia Hill. Extensive talk of the art scene and theatre performances in London.