Abstract

The community of Bryn Athyn was formed in the late 19th century by members of the Philladelphia Swedenborgian Church (New Church).  This collection documents the early Village Association (before becoming a Burough) as well as the various community groups, old and new, that sprang up in the community.  This collection does not contain any official records of the Borough of Bryn Athyn.

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from B. F. Glenn at 1700 Green Street, Philadelphia to John Pitcairn, Jr. B. F. Glenn asks J. Pitcairn why his visits to the Glenn home have become less frequent than they once were. Glenn worries it may have to do with the “unhappy difference” that arose between himself and Mr. Keith, which extended to numerous others. J. Pitcairn remained neutral and continued his visits to the Glenns’, which caused others to become jealous. Glenn wonders if something was said about...

Scope and Contents Handrwitten letter from C. Sargent to John Pitcairn. Written at the Logan House in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Rail Road Company letterhead. C. Sargent, who appears to be a coworker of John Pitcairn’s on the Pennsylvania Rail Road, writes to Pitcairn about his two recent fishing trips; one out West in Iowa with his sister Verlinda, and one in Sandy Ridge (PA?) with 7 other railroad men. He hopes Pitcairn will join them on the next one. He mentions Pitcairn’s last letter to him, a...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D.C. to his wife, Caira Skelton Starkey. “G. R. Starkey, M. D.” letterhead. Dated “Wednes 29 1875” Starkey has received Caira’s letter and is worried about the state of her “distressed shipwrecked body.” He hopes it is only the result of extreme exhaustion, and that her vigor will return after a few days “free from care” at the home of their friends. If Caira has no objection, he thinks Dora and Cara should accept the invitation to...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washinton, to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. "G. R. Starkey, M.D." letterhead. G. R. Starkey writes this letter as his representative tomorrow on Gertrude’s 19th birthday. He is enclosing “a large sum of money” - 100 cents – to commemorate the day, though he wonders if it isn’t time for the children to start giving their mother something on their birthdays to express what they owe her. Mrs. Hatch sends Gertrude love and congratulations on her...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Mr. E. Ferrett in Philadelphia PA to John Pitcairn, Jr. Oval seal of a figure stamped into top left-hand corner. E. Ferrett informs J. Pitcairn of a resolution passed by the Philadelphia Society of the New Jerusalem at a recent meeting, following a suggestion by the Broad Street Society that the two societies unite in celebrating the Christmas festival. The resolution states that “the Superintendent of the Sabbath School, assisted by Mr. J. F. Scott and Mr. John...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Edith Abell at 173 Charles Street, Boston to "Gertie" Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. Edith and her family were glad to receive Gertrude’s letter as it relieved them of anxiety as to her fate. Edith is sorry to hear of Gertrude’s severe cold, and she hopes that rest, quiet, and steady warmth will restore her voice so that she can tell her mother and the children of her time in Boston. Edith regrets to report that Mrs. Brown made an appearance with Andrew Wesber in tow...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Emilie Tafel at 14 Rothbury Villas, London to John Pitcairn, Jr. Two pages, second page damaged and particularly fragile. On returning from Birmingham, the Tafel’s received the paper announcing Pitcairn’s safe arrival in New York. They have been expecting a letter from him ever since regarding the rest of his trip to Ireland and voyage home. Rather than wait, Mrs. Tafel has decided to send news and to say again how thankful she and Mr. Tafel are for Pitcairn’s...

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 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...