Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn to her father, Dr. George R. Starkey. “S” seal pressed into top center of the page.Gertrude misses her father greatly and wishes he could come home permanently. She feels there is a lack of the “masculine element” with no grown men in the house, and she sometimes wishes they had a thoughtful man around to break the monotony of the “feminine ways of viewing things.” She confesses that she has grown fonder of gentlemen’s society as...

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. Gertrude has been intending to answer her father’s letter regarding her potential confirmation into the Church, but the family’s time has been taken up by Mrs. P.’s sickness. Mrs. P. still suffers, but she was moved to Mrs. Knight’s yesterday, which Gertrude feels is better for everyone. Mr. Pendleton consulted with Mr. Arthur and saw no objection to performing the confirmation in the...

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 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 postal card from Mary A. Burnham in Philadelphia to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn at 1638 Green Street, Philadelphia, PA. Cross-written in different ink.Transcription: “My Dear G. I want to make you a little call, by card, this morning. -when there will be no danger of fatiguing you, as I most feared I might have done yesterday. I do hope you are feeling better today, & that I shall hear this evening (or before) of a decided improvement. I always feel after a good...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Mary A. Burnham in Lancaster to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. Dated “June 26th”, no year. Filed under 1879. 2 pages, double-sided.Contents: -inquiry into Gertrude’s health following recent “mental & bodily wear” -reflection that perhaps Providence separates Academy friends because too much time together could hinder internal spiritual struggle through excessive external enjoyment; Burnham finds peace in Bible or New Church books when lonely -how was rest...

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...