Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Franklin Ballou in Pittsburgh to ? (name illegible; possibly Herrin Linbrow Gunn or Gums?) in Philadlephia. Date may be 1873 or possibly 1876? Handwriting difficult to decipher. Summary: Ballou’s miserable ears are giving him so much trouble that he has almost decided to come to Philadelphia and have Dr. Turnbull (?) operate on them. This would require two operations with a day in-between, and “as there are no golden chords that would hold [him] to the city of quaker...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn in Philadelphia to her father, Dr. George R. Starkey. Gertrude has been thinking about her father lately and the constant strain he is under to upkeep the family’s finances. She feels something ought to be done to lower their cost of living, and she suggests moving somewhere with cheaper rent and provisions where they can dress more plainly. While she enjoyed being a bridesmaid and her trip to Boston, she now regrets the expenses involved;...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn in Philadelphia to her father, Dr. George R. Starkey. “S” seal pressed into upper lefthand corner. Gertrude updates her father on household news. Mrs. Peirsol felt it was impossible to live in a house where it was evident she was not wanted by one of the members. Miss Mary is so sick she can scarcely take care of herself, and Miss Martha cannot leave Mrs. Knight, so Auntie Peirsol has come to stay with the Starkeys. She requires little...

Scope and Contents Typed copy of a letter from Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn in Philadelphia to her father, Dr. George R. Starkey. Gerturde received Starkey’s note with arbutus this morning. Paul and Dora looked for arbutus at the Park yesterday, but they think it will be two weeks before it blooms. Gertrude continues to hear good things about her confirmation, and she is very glad she had the service. She reports that their doctrinal class was well attended this morning, and that interest in the Dickens party...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn at “Home” to her father, Dr. George R. Starkey. Seal of a woman’s profile pressed into upper left corner. Dated “Last day of fall.,” no year. Possibly 1873/1874, filed under 1875. The family is comfortable, though Mother has a cough and Carrie is ill. “Em” was in for tea this afternoon after taking the oxygen, and she was “all excitement” at the idea of Gertrude going to Boston. After going through the expenses involved (cashmere dress, hat,...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Hannah (surname unknown) in Newtonville to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. 1 page, double sided. Contents: -everyone has a right to their own views; why should difference of ideas affect Hannah & Gertrude’s old friendship, as long as they both live good lives?; Gertrude’s new friends seem to be “in the ascendency” -Hannah happy in her work; has 102 children to live for -baby Edith christened as “Edith Gertrude” last week -Wilfred always climbing &...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Leonard Tafel in New Brighton, NY to John Pitcairn, Jr. Tafel has received Pitcairn’s letter. He supposes they have now returned from their journey, and he hopes Mr. Benade has fully recovered from his sickness. Tafel looks forwards to Pitcairn’s advice concerning the Greek which he desires to commence in April. He writes that the plates for Matthew have arrived from Germany and that copies will be ready on the first of April. He inquires regarding Benade’s...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Mary A. Burnham in Lancaster to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. “Academy of the New Church: Adventus Domini” letterhead. 1 page, double-sided.Contents: -when will Gertrude visit? welcome anytime -well tell Gertrude about visit with Pittsburgh “Saintesses” Maria & Mary when she visits -Gertrude’s father may soon expect a patient on M. A. Burnham’s recommendation Names mentioned: Walter C. (Childs), Maria & Mary (Hogan?) Places mentioned:...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from M. A. Burnham in Lancaster to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. “Academy of the New Church: Adventus Domini” letterhead. 2 pages, double-sided.Contents: -disappointed Gertrude won’t be visiting Burnhams; happy she has opportunity to visit Pittsburgh -prospect of being together next winter; looks forward to reading & discussing truths of the Church -Dr. (N. C. Burnham) suffering from rheumatic troubles & back pain; sends love & says he will soon send...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Mary A. Burnham in Lancaster to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. “Academy of the New Church: Adventus Domini” letterhead. 1 page, double-sided.Contents: -Gertrude’s letter received -Burnham’s short stay in Phila; hoping to find rooms on Girard St.; will meet Gertrude at her father’s office; lunch & long talk -Maria (Hogan) will make Gertrude another visit -sorry to hear of Gertrude’s illness; hopefully cold weather will help -Dr. is well & sends love...