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1890s Handwritten Letter from Concordia NY to Edith – Social Advice, Travel, Family News
4 pages Approximately 5\" by 8\"
Book 12 page 25
This is an original handwritten three-page letter dated November 22nd from Concordia (likely Concord, NY), addressed to a young woman named Edith. The letter is written by her mother and provides a fascinating glimpse into late 19th-century family life, social expectations, and transatlantic correspondence. Topics include:
Social advice on overcoming shyness and meeting people
Commentary on household help, including Irish domestic workers
Mention of a Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Glen Hastings, and Hon. Katherine Scott
Reference to a letter received from Kate Byron in Malta
Personal sentiments and affectionate closing messages
This intimate and eloquent letter is ideal for collectors of Victorian-era ephemera, genealogy researchers, or social historians studying women’s correspondence and etiquette of the time. Written in ink with good legibility for its age.
[Page 1 – begins]
Concordania
Nov. 22d
My dear Edith,
I did not write my usual Monday letter – this will go by Saturday’s steamer.
I am prostrated with neuralgy. Pray him I fail to write it.
Mrs. Taylor’s Miss H. – sometimes am too lucky – Ellen is still but a rough untamed Irish woman.
If she were younger, I should think prospects of making a Cook of her.
She is thoroughly at home only among the “brutes of men.”
She often speaks of Miss Eda.
Harry saw Mrs. Brown & (heard?) she said that Mrs. Glen Hastings –
so sorry not to see you when you called. I hope you will see Mrs. Browning –
She seems such a
[Page 2]
nice gentle girl. I was surprised that so many Concordania people should find their way to [?Bahama?].
I hope you will always try to see as many people as come in your way – strangers or otherwise.
It will be a great benefit to you if you are inclined to be shy – you will never get over it if you shrink from being social –
I know this to be so from wide experience. I think shyness almost amounts to ill-breeding.
Your father always said (that he hoped he should) never have a diffident child.
Do go & see Mrs. Gallant, Miss Sewell, or any one with whom Aunt Kate acquaints you –
It will be a lasting benefit to you – It would be surprising if Aunt Kate did not meet some very nice people.
I was about the Hon. Katherine Scott – Yes, the newspapers have come – I supposed
[Page 3]
I have received a letter from Kate Byron – Malta Nov. 5th – London Nov. 9th – rec\'d here Nov. 20th – only two days longer than yours in coming from Fifeshire.
She enjoyed the trip with you & was sorry to part with you.
Mrs. Ogle sent Fred a pink ribbon for “Sleip” – he is looking as ever.
I have written shockingly – Do not copy.
Your mother
Here is Fred for the letter
Good bye – love & kisses for Aunt Kate & yourself
Joanna wishes to be heard to Aunt K.
Your loving
Mother
