Browse Items (812 total)

Notes: The date 1880 appears above the front door of the school. Note the magnificent wineglass elms, a species now virtually wiped out by disease. This is the first (and only) card from Nellie Dyer. The card is addressed to her sister, Mrs. A.…

Mrs A. W. Roberts Nantucket Island, Mass Mother gaining slowly came down to dinner the 4th but it was too much for her and C. had to carry her up. so she has not tried since. The folks came Tuesday. Five of them. Do they eat. It is awfully…

Mrs. Jennie Dunham 5 West Chester Street Nantucket, Mass Dear Sister, I am so pleased to hear from you. Received the card this AM. Geo (?) I have had a nice time so far this summer. I may go to Atlantic City next I am much better than I have…

Notes: The first in a chronological string of 7 or more cards manufactured by The Hugh C. Leighton Co. A good example of the inner dialogue Emma is carrying on with the images. Reading the newspapers from that time period might offer clues that…

Notes: “Aunt A” is Anna Melia Baker, born on the 15th of August, 1839. When Emma wrote this card, Anna would have been 71. This woman was only a couple of years younger than Emma’s mother Mary Emma (Baker) Cotton. Given Mary Emma’s death at 47…

Mrs Jennie Dunham 5 West Chester Street Nantucket, Mass Dear Sister, I think I am having the best time this summer. Ever- How are you all. I am much better since I came home from I (?). I am going now to see my babies. Emma Aug. 14th 1910 Aunt…

Mrs Jennie Dunham 5 West Chester Street Nantucket, Mass Dear J. I think father painted the umbrella in the picture once. I think he will remember. He said it was a very warm day when he did the job. It is very warm today. Lovingly Emma August…

Notes: Apparently “the umbrella” is the “Resting Pavilion” of the title on the card. Notice Emma's helpful "x" on the face of the card. More than once Charles Nelson Cotton was listed as a painter in an earlier census. This is one of the few…

Mrs Jennie Dunham Nantucket Island Nantucket, Mass. Dear Sister - I thought I would let you know. We are all well - and hope you are all the same. I would at least like to get just a card. lovingly Emma

Notes: Emma sent two copies of this card – something that happened very rarely. It's a card worth having in duplicate. The composition is quite terrific. We’ll probably never know who took the photograph, but it’s a careful construction. Emma…