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- Description:
- A letter written to Lt. C.H. Curtiss from the Quartermaster General's Office in Washington City, D.C. The letter, dated June 24th, 1864 discusses the return of clothing, camp and garrison equipment to the office. The form is printed in black ink with handwritten remarks from the sender.
- Date Issued:
- 1864-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter typewritten on Harrison Granite Company stationary from the company to Frances A. Pingree, dated December 4, 1903, written to accompany an account statement four promissory notes on the remaining cost of the construction of her mausoleum. The letter instructs her to sign, and return the notes, and notes that they do on bear interest. The letter is signed by the company's president W.H. Harrison.
- Date Issued:
- 1903-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter from Walter E. Morrison, president of the Dow Portable Electric Assistant Company of Braintree, Massachusetts to the Electric Service and Appliance Company on 166 Randolph Street, dated December 11, 1901, written in reply to a previous letter from the company. Morrison, or someone writing on his behalf states that "our Mr. Morrison" will be leaving on a trip on Friday, but he will call from his trip if possible. Additionally the letter says that there has been a delay in the manufacturing of the six inch park coils which the Electric Service and Appliance Company has ordered. Morrison's signature closes the letter. It is printed on Dow Portable Electric Assistant Company letterhead, which includes an engraving of a portable receiver built into a carrying case.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from Lewis Cass to William Foxen. The letter reads: Washington Sept 2, 1860 My dear William, I have delayed writing you about the paintings till the [...] that I sent the estimate of cost, [...] back to Detroit, so [...] write you without it. and stuck other places, as are [...]. The other we will do in the spring. I leave it to you to manage [...] Lewis Cass
- Date Issued:
- 1860-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter written on Hotel Ellwood letterhead. Printed on the letterhead: Café and Grill Room in Connection; Jno. W. Curtis, Proprietor; 534 St. Antoine. Dated Oct 26th, 1915.
- Date Issued:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter from P. W. Norris of the Norris, Perkins & Co. Real Estate Office to James B. Jermain of Albany, New York, dated December 4, 1871. The company letterhead is printed in black ink on white paper. The message is handwritten in dark brown ink.
- Date Issued:
- 1871-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One 2-page letter, dated July 12th 1905, to "O.E.D. [Oliver E. Dunbar]" from "H.T.D. [Harris T. Dunbar]." The letter is handwritten in black ink on white linen paper (both sides) that has pre-printed light blue lines. The letter is transcribed as follows: "O.E.D. The numbers on the house safe are 40-60-35. The D&S bonds are in the upper left hand space - You will find space where you sign and on numbers 7, 14, 21, & 28 you sign twice - You can take those four with you if you desire or leave them in the safe. You will find directions on my desk to open D&S safe if you wish to get in it. Don't let Julia see these bonds. H.T.D." "July 12th /05 Recd. of O. E. Dunbar the four above mentioned bonds numbered 7-14-21-28 which I am to put in safety deposit vault at Manufacturers & Traders Bk. L.H. Dunbar" H: 27-26-25-24-23-22 A: 20-19-18-17-16-15 F: 13-12-11-10-9-8 L: 6-5-4-3-2-1 J: 7-14-21-28 L F A H 1st date of registry Mar 19/04. Transfer date of registry July 6/05. 7-14-21-28 transfer OED Trust July 7/05."
- Date Issued:
- 1905-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter on Harrison Granite Company stationary from the company to Frances A. Pingree thanking her for her payment of $290 for the cost of the foundation of her mausoleum, dated June 19, 1903. The letter reads: New York, June 19/03 Mrs. Hazen S. Pingree, Detroit, Mich. Dear Mrs. Pingree: We thank you for your remittance for $290. in payment of cost of foundation of your mausoleum, received to-day. Yours very truly, Harrison Granite Company, Per W.H. Harris Pres.
- Date Issued:
- 1903-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Edward F. Marschner who was the president of the Detroit Board of Education. The paper is printed with light red lines and shows the letterhead of the Board of Education of the City of Detroit as well as the names of officers. It also has the watermark, "English Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit, Mich. December 31st 1900 To the Hon, William C. Maybury, Mayor of Detroit. My dear Sir, Your suggestion to prepare, for future reference, records and documents, showing the progress made during the closing century (the 19th) these records to be placed in a box and sealed, to be opened a century hence, I deem a very good and valuable one and I take great pleasure in doing my share in the matter by complying with your request to submit a report upon the subject: "Progress of Public Education in Detroit in the 19th Century." This being the century in which the 1st steps were taken toward the establishment of a "Public School System" makes this statement a valuable and interesting one for our coming generations and I earnestly hope that nothing may occur to destroy it. The earliest records we have of any attempt being made to introduce Public Schools are from the year 1802 when a petition to congress was presented asking for "one or more townships of land for the purpose of erecting or endowing an academy." In March 1804 the government directed that section No. 16 of the public lands of every township be appropriated to educational purposes. This law laid the foundation of the primary school fund of the state. Nothing was done toward establishing schools under the above act until 1827 - at which time there was an act passed authorizing each township to determine by vote whether they should maintain township schools. If so, a township of 50 families was to have one schoolmaster for a period of six months in a year; a township of 100 families, a teacher for a period of 12 months; a township of 150 families, two teachers and those of 200 families two teachers and two schools. Under this act Detroit secured a teacher and in May, 1827, a common school was established in a room in the academy. In 1832 the city was divided into two districts and a school taught by one Chas. Wells was opened in the academy. In the same year a number of ladies formed a free school society, and a notice published by the society in 1833 tells of their progress as follows: They had opened a school under a competent instructress during the year with an average daily attendance of 50 pupils and an enrollment of 150 pupils, they had paid to their instructress and for fuel and other expenses $233.00, had erected a school house at a cost of $475.00 toward which they paid $350.00, leaving an indebtedness of only $125.00 at the end of the year, the schools were kept for a half day only and on two days each week the girls were taught sewing. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 years only were admitted and were furnished books and tuition free. The methods employed by the ladies of the free school society for raising funds to maintain their schools were many and unique. They gave fairs and also prepared tomato catsup which was sold by the bottle or dozen, by dealers, the proceeds of sale being devoted to the maintenance of their schools. In 1836 the society maintained two schools. In 1837 they maintained 3 schools with an attendance of 200 children. In 1837 the state was admitted to the union and the government granted 1,067,397 acres of land for public schools. In 1838 three school inspectors were elected who proceeded to put the state law in operation. They ordered a census taken which showed that there were 1,320 children under 15 years of age. They also divided the city into seven districts and maintained school in five districts for three months each. In 1839 the city received the first money from the primary school fund, the amount of which was $1,342.08, last year, ending June 30th 1900, we received from this fund the sum of $116, 456.00. On February 2nd, 1842 an act creating free, or public schools, and making Detroit one school district was approved and took immediate effect. Under this act all schools organized within the limits of the city were to be public and free to all children between the ages of 5 and 17 years residing within the city. The first "Board of Education of the City of Detroit" was elected under this act and consisted of 12 members, and the Mayor and Recorder of the City, there were 6 Wards in the City and each ward elected 2 members. The interest in education matters now increased steadily, every thing was done to advise learning until at the present time we maintain 69 schools which are attended by 34,153 pupils who are ably guided by a corps of 898 teachers. Our expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30th 1900 were $1,085,710.16. With this I will close my brief scetch [sketch]. Time will not admit my giving a fuller report and I will close with a wish that the new Century will be one of prosperity and advance to our education institutions. May education advance in the coming years in such strides as to fully erase ignorance, superstition and poverty from all mankind and substitute intelligence, reason and happiness therefore. This is the sincere wish of yours truly, Ed. F. Marschner President Board of Education 1900-1901."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from Lewis Cass, Jr. to the wife of William Foxen. The letter reads: Clarendon Dec 9, 1874 Mrs. Foxen, The enclosed cross and chain have been blessed by his holiness, the Pope [Pius IX], & I request you to accept them, as a token of my esteem for your husband. Lewis Cass. Mrs. William Foxen, Detroit
- Date Issued:
- 1874-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- A letter from Ralph Emery, a clerk working for the Detroit Stove Works, to his father, Robert T. Emery, in Belfast, Maine, dated October 14, 1886. The letter is written on Detroit Stove Works letterhead, which features a lithograph, credited to the Calvert Lithograph Company, depicting the Detroit Stove Works offices in Detroit and Chicago as well as the company's foundry in Hamtramck, Michigan. The letter reads: My dear Father, Was glad to receive yours of the 10th. There is very little going on now in Politics. election here first of next month + there will be a hot fight. We are having one of the worst storms there has ever been in Detroit, it began raining this morning + continued until noon, when the wind began to blow, + has been blowing a hurricane ever since, have never seen it blow so hard, the damage will be great, both on land + in the lakes, the ferry boats have been unable to run + the vessels along the docks have received considerable damage, hear one or two [steeples?] have blown over + a large number of trees - a part of the roof of one of our buildings at the works blew off this afternoon but nothing serious, one of the McMillian from Furnaces had the lot blown off this a.m. - the city tonight is almost in total darkness, as there is trouble with the wires running to the electric lights, it seems very strange not to see this city brightly lighted. The Hazeltines will probably arrive here this Saturday, shall be so glad to see them - Glad you enjoyed your trip to Boston + found all friends well, saw by the "City Press" Will [Quimby?] was married also had a letter from a friend in Boston, who wrote a friend that saw them at the Fremont House, said if he ever saw a foolish looking couple they were one - Please remember me to all friends + write whenever you can. Your affec. son, Ralph Emery
- Date Issued:
- 1886-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One letter, dated February 10, 1870, from the Banking House of John Johnston & Co. of Port Huron to the Richmond & Backus Company of Detroit. The letter was handwritten in black ink on white paper that has black letterhead text at the top.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 9-page letter is a blue carbon copy that was typewritten onto slightly to heavily yellowed paper by Wales C. Martindale who was the Superintendent of Public Schools. The paper shows his office letterhead in fine black script in the upper left corner of the page (first page only). The letter is dated December 31st, 1900, on the first page and is signed, "Wales C. Martindale," in black ink on the last page. He has also signed "W. C. Martindale" along the left margin on pages 1 through 8. The body of the letter gives many details and statistics concerning the history and development of the public school system in the city. The pages of the letter are held together at the top with two brass prongs.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter of introduction for William D. Purdy, with envelope, written by C.E. Applegate, the Chief Steward of the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, dated November 5, 1906. The note is on Brown Palace Hotel stationery, and the envelope is printed with an image of the exterior of the hotel. The letter reads: Introducing Mr. Wm. D. Purdy, who for several years, was associated with The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, Colo., first, as store keeper and wine room superintendent from which two positions, he later on, was promoted to the position of Assistant Steward which latter position, he held when he, in order to better his conditions, resigned and accepted a position as Steward of The Hotel Chamberlain, Des Moines, Iowa. We found him to be at all times intelligent, faithful and painstaking in the discharge of his duties. Respectfully C.E. Applegate, Chief Steward, Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, Colo.
- Date Issued:
- 1906-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter, with envelope, from Divie Bethune Duffield to the family of Jacob Merritt Howard, expressing sympathy upon the senator's death. The letter is handwritten on both sides of a piece of stationery from the "Law Offices of D.B. and H.M. Duffield, Nos. 23, 25, and 27 Seitz Building, Congress Street." The letter reads: Detroit Mich., April 7th, 1871 In pursuance of instructions, I beg leave to transmit the enclosed proceedings of the Detroit Bar to the members of the family of the late Senator Howard as expressive of their views of his professional & individual character & to announce that the Lance have been duly presented to the U.S. District Court & also to the Supreme Court of the State, the latter of which ordered the same to be published in the forthcoming volume of its reports. Accompanying this paper with my own deep sympathy for you all in this very sore bereavement, I beg leave to [?] myself with great respect. Your ob't sev't D. Bethune Duffield Secretary of the Detroit Bar To the children & family of the late Senator Howard.
- Date Issued:
- 1871-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter sent to Thomas E. Clark of the Electric Service and Appliance Company of 166 Randolph Street from T. Marshall, the general freight and passenger agent of the Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway on July 4, 1902. Marshall expresses that he was impressed with the demonstration of Clark's wireless telegraph during his recent visit to Clark's office. He is interested in testing the system with the Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway railroad car ferry SHENANGO. Marshall closes with his signature. The letter is printed on Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway, Traffic Department letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 3-page letter written by Malcolm J. McLeod, President of the Trades Council. It is printed in typewritten text that has been mimeographed onto slightly yellowed paper. The paper is printed with light blue lines and also shows the letterhead of the Detroit Street Railway Employees' Association in dark blue text across the top. The letter is dated "Jan. 1st 1901" and is signed in black ink by Malcolm J. McLeod. Several handwritten corrections have been made in black ink throughout the letter. The body of the letter discusses the trades union movement, typical wages rates, and working hours.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter from writer Julian Hawthorne in Philadelphia, to Eli Ransom Sutton of the University of Michigan, dated May 2, 1902, concerning the proposition of writing a biography of Hazen S. Pingree. The letter is on Julian Hawthorne's stationery. The letter reads: 1208 Spruce St. Phila. May 2, 1902 My dear Sutton, I have looked through the type-written book you finally sent me. I am [?] written you briefly, agreeing, for reasons which I partially indicate, my object in doing so. I have received no communication since then from Mrs. Pingree or any one acting in his behalf; [?] since the correspondence hitherto has been between you and me, I will now number my first [?] on the subject, and thoughts[?] to it above. Let me say, in passing, that the book of memorabilia[?] has great [?] judgment and diligence, and would, I think, fulfill the [?] for which it was completed[?]. I wish also to express my [?] of our unfailing [?] and look [?] throughout these [?]. But Mrs. Pingree seems to have been maligned by his friends. The biography of a man like her late husband is a [?], and should not be treated or regarded like a matter of bargaining for a parcel of merchandise.. When I was first invited to consider the biography, I had no anticipation of such treatment as I have received. The proposition which I first made was [?] to the interests of both parties. It was desirable that the biography should be brought out in a form adequate to the reputation both of the subject and of the writer--a dignified and thorough book, such as would be generally recognized as a worthy and acceptable ambition[?] to the march[?] of our epoch. The sum I asked for my work--ten thousand dollars--would have repaid me in some degree for the [?] of labor which I wanted to devote to it; and I should have made such magnitude with the [?] as would have [?] to Mrs. Pingree returns[?] which would[?] in the [?] have [?] this expenditure[?]. No attention was paid by her to my proposition, and I understand that the letter was [?] to her. Meanwhile, time went by; and time in relation to the issue of a biography, in this hurrying and forgetting age, is of great importance. The book might now to be nearing completion, and to have been [?] thoroughly[?] [?] by the ambitious[?]. It has been constantly delayed, to its serious detriment; our [?] then next insofar, it might as well be [?] altogether. Especially is this the case in view of the fact that the widow of Governor Pingree has thought it [?] to publish a [?] manuscript of her late husband, instead of an [?] biography. She will truly incur the risk of ridicule form Gov. Pingree admirers, who knowing his financial circumstances, will question the motives of her conduct and such[?] to cast doubt upon her loyalty to him. I am bound to say, in justice[?] to myself, am not of [?] to the memory of Gov. Pingree, that the only thing which can now save this book from contempt and regret[?] will be my name-or that of some literary name as well known and of good standing-upon the page. I can [?] save it; but if the matter be further delayed, I will not save it, and I will feel compelled to decline to have anything to do with it. My reputation will not allow me to connect myself with a failure. I must ask a word about the financial aspect of this affair. I calculated my average[?] [?] from literary work in a year at $15,000. When therefore I undertake to spend four to five months on this biography for $2500. Mrs. Pingree will understand that I am [?] making her a percent of an equal amount. I would gladly give more than that if I could afford, for the sake of receiving[?] the memory of a Great American from [?] or misconception; but that is the limit of which I am able to do. Mrs. Pingree must [?] make no misconception as to the matters which have prompted me to make the concession I have made. I can make no more. If she wishes me to write the book, I must repeat that she take action upon my [?] at once[?]. A check for $2500 must be sent to me immediately, and an agreement drawn up to pay me one half of the sum received as royalties, after the said royalties shall have repaid her the advance to me of $2500. Unless I hear from her to this effect on or before May 10th, I shall conclude that she has decided not to go on with the negotiations, and will return the typewritten volume of memorabilia. Meanwhile I remain available [?] Julian Hawthorne Let me know how to [?] with the [?]
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 5-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by James Schermerhorn who was the Editor of the TO-DAY newspaper. The newspaper letterhead is printed in black text at the top and each page and has the watermark, "Persian Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1900. The press of 1901 salutes the "fourth estate" of 2001. The newspapers of the present time speak for themselves even as the public prints of that distant day when these words shall be read, will speak for themselves. They must bear their own testimonies of the times through the printed words and the testimonies of their own traits and merits. In the Free Press and the Tribune, of the morning field, the News, Journal and To-Day, of the evening field, and the Abend Post and the Volksblat, of the German evening field, Detroit has better than the average specimens of American daily newspaper making. The Free Press, the pathfinder of Michigan newpaperdom, found glory and distinction formerly through its humorous sketches and other literary features. Late years, like all the once flourishingly journals of light vein, it has been happy to put aside the reputation of being a funny paper and has aspired to the higher rank and influence of the great and serious newspapers of the times. The Tribune - once the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day to the faithful Republicans of the state - no longer essays political leadership or claims party followers. The decline of partisan newspaper-making is revealed in the situation in Detroit at this writing, one daily paper only being an out-and-out exponent of a political faith. Happily the thick-and-thin party organ appears to be passing away. The German papers have their appreciative constituencies - not very large, but very loyal. The Evening News led the way into the two-cent newspaper field twenty eight years ago and achieved a great success. The Journal has followed it through many vicissitudes to prosperity. "To-Day," the latest comer, has received a welcome in the closing weeks of the nineteenth century that presages permanency and prestige. The last is least in price, selling for one cent and foreshadowing that twentieth century day when the smallest coin will be the universal newspaper price. One hundred years hence will see the newspapers mightily increased in number, but reduced in size. In good time the daily prints must take on more compact and manageable form. There must needs be increasing discrimination in the selection of news as the country grows older, and the business of printing the happenings of the passing day will absorb all of the daily paper's energies and resources. Twentieth century newspapers will be compelled by the necessities of the situation to devote themselves exclusively to the chronicling of the weightier facts of the hour, leaving to other publications the mission of serious discussion of pending problems and the moulding of public opinion. Prophecy: The twentieth century newspaper will be a newspaper and nothing else, and there will not be so much of it. James Schermerhorn, Editor, TO-DAY."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten note on Michigan Central Railroad Company letterhead asking for a free pass in New Hampshire for Nelson Bowen, the favor would be returned. Signed by Thomas Frazer, general ticket agent, M.C.R.R. Dated July 31, 1854
- Date Issued:
- 1854-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 7-page letter was typewritten in black text on light gray paper by Jeremiah Dwyer who was the President of the Michigan Stove Company. The first page shows the letterhead of the Michigan Stove Company and is dated "December 31, 1900." The first page also has the watermark, "Crane's." The remaining pages have a watermark that shows the "Garland Stoves and Ranges" emblem along with "The Michigan Stove Company." The body of the letter gives some company history and a list of approximately 90 of the largest manufacturing companies in Detroit. The last pages offer some general descriptions of the city, high hopes for the continued success of manufacturing, predictions for the benefits of electricity, and best wishes to future residents of the city. Several pages have some handwritten corrections.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Charles L. Freer. The sender's address, "33 Ferry Avenue," is printed at the top in black text. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Scribner's Linen." The handwritten text is transcribed as follows: "December 31st, 1900 Congratulations to the citizens of Detroit on the Centennial Anniversary of this day! In looking forward to that day I see Detroit ablaze with the radiance of more perfect and higher life; brilliant with the light of shining ideas and noble actions - gracious in simpler and truer relations between men - useful in broader and countless ways. The "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center" are immeasurable! Her excellent climate, her blue skies, her clear running waters will not change! Her educational, mechanical and business methods will change - for the better! And in her onward march will follow a long train of scientific and mechanical practices, having chiefly in aim, the economic utilization of natures forces and materials, and improvement of the means of transportation by rail by water, underground and in the air. In the invention, development, adoption and possible manufacture (in part) of each of these powerful agents Detroit will occupy high rank. Her geographical position will enable her to compete most successfully in the markets of the whole world, not only in the varied lines of present manufacturing but also in many others, as yet, unknown. The growth and expansion of Detroit's beautiful streets and parks, more general use of her charming river and lakes, keener appreciation of her exceptional educational and religious advantages will attract to her gates exceptional artisans and laborers - Nothing will bar them out! The intelligence, loyalty and skill of her workmen, which today, is unsurpassed, will continue and broaden superiority of workmanship and quality of materials used will long distinguish articles of Detroit manufacture. Men of vigor and resources, honest and fearless, will direct her splendid manufacturing establishments, and their wisdom in respecting both manual and mental labor, and in sharing fairly with each, will open the perfect way to the great advantages of fittest employment for each worker - factory conditions possibly only in cultivated and beautiful communities. Surrounded as Detroit is with vast quantities of natural wealth, blessed with armies of energetic and courageous workers, governed by a free people, here, surely, the battle of progress will be constant and the possession of health, wealth and happiness will be the probable reward of all those fortunate ones who may cast their lot with the manufacturing industries of our fair city during the coming century. Charles L. Freer"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One 2-page letter from W. G. Turner of the Mount Royal Park Incline Railway Co. of Montreal, to Messrs. Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co., of Buffalo. The letter is handwritten in black ink on white linen paper that is watermarked "Superfine Linen Record." The letter is transcribed as follows: "18th Feby. 1909 Messrs. Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. 644 Prudential Building Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sirs Yours of 16th inst. [instant] enquiring about your transactions in Abbey Salt recd. You invested $6500.00 in this Co. and part of the scrip was given to you by the Abbey Co. I now enclose you Scrip No. 00846 for 95 shares of £10 Stg. [Sterling] each or = $4750.00. This scrip was left in my charge by Mr. F. E. Dunbar ('Alley") to sell if a good chance offered, but unfortunately no such chance presented itself. There was a lot of juggling with Abbey stock. 1st A Canadian Co. was formed, then 2nd An American Co. then 3rd The English Co. took over the Canadian and I think the American Co. also and gave stock pro rata to these shareholders in the English Co. I hope this will give you the necessary information and the scrip enclosed will be what you are lacking. Give my best regards to Harry & Alley and acknowledge receipt of this. Yours truly, W. G. Turner"
- Date Issued:
- 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from the Huron Woolen Manufacturing Co. of Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Theodore H. Eaton & Son, dated July 21, 1870. The paper is slightly yellowed with faint blue lines and is printed with the Huron Woolen Manufacturing Company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Form letter from N.W. Ayer and Son, Philadelphia; April 3, 1880. A very early example of a printed form letter with blank spaces for the insertion of an address. This particular letter was in reference to publication of a D.M. Ferry and Company advertisement.
- Date Issued:
- 1880-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter of reference for a Mrs. W. Miller on Hull Brothers Company, Wholesale and Retail Grocers, stationery addressed "To whom it may concern!," signed, "Hull Brothers Co.," and dated April 26, 1895. The letterhead features an engraving of the Hall Brothers Company Building and Hull's Annex located on the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Farmer Street. The letter reads: Detroit, Mich. April 26, 1895 To whom it may concern! This is to certify that the bearer hereof Mrs. W. Miller was in the employ of Hull Brothers for two years. We found her to be faithful in the discharge of her duty and strictly honest in every way. Any favors extended her will be appreciated by us. Hull Brothers Co. Me.
- Date Issued:
- 1895-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Partial half-folded handwritten letter written presumably by Dora Wright, daughter of Stevens T. Mason and Julia Elizabeth [Phelps] Mason, addressed to "my dear husband," with the address 334 West 124th Avenue, New York, concerning several inherited items, including an underlined section about a silver service set. The letter is printed on beige stationery with a black border indicating mourning. Only the top portion of the second half of the letter remains. The letter reads: 334 W. 124th A-. Oct. 16th '89 My dear husband-, Annie & Eleanor wake so late that I have taken to writing in bed as I do not like to wait for my breakfast after I am dressed, and I can not sleep later then 7 o'clk so excuse pencil. We are going to Ohio [?] various things mother left and did [?] in that paper. The old dinner service of gill and white china which came from Paris in 1816. Grandpa Phelps bought it. Of course it is such budernful[?] some of the larger pieces are left. Then also some plated silver is to be divided. You may remember brother left you that silver goblet[?] which is [?] Phelps gave to father . I did not - and it to you as I considered it belonged to father but it is yours. […] Laid up in heave I wish you could write to Walden. He […]
- Date Issued:
- 1889-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by John M. Donaldson of Donaldson & Meier Architects. The paper has a watermark that shows the image of ancient oil lamp and the words, "Rialto Mills." The letter is dated Dec. 31st, 1900, on the first page and is signed, "John M. Donaldson of Donaldson & Meier Architects, Detroit, Michigan," in black ink on the last page.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Envelope for a letter (1952.061.004b) sent by Gabrial Richard to Major Jonathan Kearsley, receiver of the land office in Detroit, on March 5, 1824. Richard has signed "Free" beside his name to invoke his free franking rights as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The remnants of a red wax seal are on the envelope.
- Date Issued:
- 1824-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 6-page letter written by Michael W. O'Brien, President of Peoples Savings Bank. It is a blue carbon copy which was typewritten onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper. The last page is signed in black ink, "M. W. O'Brien, " and is dated December 31, 1900. Most of the pages have several handwritten corrections that have been made in black ink. The body of the letter generally discusses past and present banking practices and laws in Michigan.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter from Ernest G. Swift, the manager of Parke, Davis and Company's Canadian laboratory to Thomas E. Clark, of the Electrical Supply and Construction Company at 166 Randolph Street, dated February 21, 1902. Within Swift thanks Clark for providing further information on his wireless telegraph systems, and says he will send one of his telegraph operators or electricians to witness a demonstration. Swift also says he awaits a price for equipping Parke, Davis and Company's Canadian and American laboratories with such a system. The letter closes with the signature of Swift. It is printed on Parke, Davis and Company, Canada Branch, Walkerville, Ontario letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from the Portland Woolen Company of Portland, Michigan, to T. H. Eaton & Son of Detroit, dated August 9, 1873. The paper is white with light blue lines and is printed with the Portland Woolen Company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1873-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from J.R. Thompson of Sunderland, England to David Birrell concerning the Queen's address at the opening of parliament, and her remarks regarding American Civil War and U.S.-British relations, as well as a question concerning the pricing of pharmaceuticals, dated February 6, 1861: 261 High St. Sunderland My dear Birrell, I received your letter of the 27th of Dec. some days ago, which was forwarded to me from Thirsk, where I no longer reside, having left home, and entered upon business on my own, etc. I also received yours of Oct. 15/ 59 [Oct. 15th, 1859?]. The port of Sunderland is one of the most important on the North Eastern coast of England. It is between 50 and 60 miles north of Thirsk. Yesterday Her Majesty the Queen opened Parliament in person and, as is usual on such occasions, she delivered a speech from the Throne to the members of both houses. In it she alluded to the rupture which has arisen among the states of the North American Union and in reference to which she said "It is impossible for me not to look with great concern upon any events which can effect the happiness and welfare of a people nearly allied to my subjects by descent- and closely connected with them by most intimate and friendly relations." "My heartfelt wish is that these differences may be susceptible of a satisfactory adjustment." Her Majesty also alluded to the "Kind and cordial" reception given to the Prince of Wales during his visit to America, and expresses her "warn appreciation of the loyalty and attachment to her person and Throne manifested by her Canadian and other North American subjects on the occasion of the residence of the Prince of Wales among them." The different states of Europe appear to be in a very unsettled state- as regards their political relationship with other. I believe war is looked upon as possible at any moment. Denmark and Germany don't appear to be on very friendly terms. Italian affairs are not settled, & Hungary looks for concessions from Austria. In your recent letter I should be glad if you would tell me on what principle you make your charges for drugs and medicines in America. Do the prices charged usually bear any definite proportions to the cost price? How do you charge to the public Oleum Jecoris Asilli of [...]? With Kind regards Believe me Yours truly Jno. R. Thompson Feb. 6th 1861
- Date Issued:
- 1861-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter from Mr. William E. Scotten, President, of the Scotten Tobacco Company to Mr. Frank W. Kuchenbecker, dated January 2, 1901. The letter is handwritten in black ink and includes the engraved letterhead of the Scotten Tobacco Company of Detroit. The text of the letter is transcribed as follows: "Mr. Frank W. Kuchenbecker % J. Jenks & Co. Harbor Beach, Mi. Dear Sir: We have written to Messrs. J. Jenks also - asking them to recommend a young man who would like a chance to sell our goods in the Thumb and adjacent territory and have their letter in reply recommending yourself. If you wish to take the position and demonstrate your ability, write us at once and report here as soon as possible. Awaiting you prompt reply, we are Yours truly, Scotten Tobacco Wm. E. Scotten Presdt."
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter dated May 13, 1874, from Peninsular Iron Co. of Detroit, Michigan, to T. H. Eaton & Son concerning a stock dividend payment. The paper is printed with light blue lines and the company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1874-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 4-page letter handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Commission. The paper has the watermark, "Springdale." The letter is a summary of the police department personnel and equipment for the current fiscal year. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Mich. Dec. 31 - 1900 --Board of Police Commissioners-- July 1 - 1900 to June 30 - 1901 George W. Fowle Marvin M. Stanton Ralph Phelps Jr. Homer Warren George W. Fowle President J. Edward Dupont Secretary J. Henry Cleveland Asst. Secretary George F. Robinson Attorney Dayton Parker M.D. Surgeon --Officers-- John Martin Superintendent --Captains-- C. C. Starkweather Wm. Thompson Jesse Mack Wm. Nolan A. H. Bachmann J. T. Spillane E. F. Culver James McDonnell Alphonso Baker L. Guyman George Heigho Appropriation for maintenance of Police Department for fiscal year ending June 30 - 1901 --$574850.00-- --Composition of Force-- Superintendent…………………………………….………1 Captains…………………………………………....……..11 Lieutenants……………………………………….……….27 Sergeants…………………………………………….……32 Detective……………………………………………...……1 Patrolmen………...……………………………………...419 Doormen……………………………………………………23 Total 514 From the above special details are made as enumerated below - Captains…………………………………………………….4 Lieutenants…………………………………………………8 Sergeants………………..………………………………...3 Detective…………………………………………………...1 Patrolmen………………………………………………..114 Doorman……………………………………………………1 Total 131 --Distribution of the Force-- Detective Bureau…………………….…………………..20 Central Division……………...………..………………...44 Central or First Precinct………….……………………122 Second Precinct…………………………………………63 Third Precinct……….……………………………………71 Fourth Precinct………………..………………………...57 Fifth Precinct……………………………………………..68 Sixth Precinct…………..………………………………..33 Seventh Precinct……… ……………………………….35 Total (Superintendent not included) 513 In addition to the Force proper, herein before enumerated there are employed by the month or year as follows. Clerks in Secretarys Office………………………....…….2 Chief Clerk and Stenographer Superintendents Office...1 Clerk in Detective Bureau…………..……………………..1 Janitor Headquarters Offices.………………....………....1 Superintendent of Signal Service Telephone lines…..…1 Inspectors-Truchman-Operators-Timekeepers…………16 Police Matrons…………...………………………………...7 Telephone boy in Harbormaster's Office………….……..1 Hostlers……………………………………………………..7 Janitor at Hamlin Station…………….…………………...1 Telephone Operators Superintendent's Office…………..3 Total 41 --Sites and Buildings valued at $268051.99 1 Headquaters Building 1 Headquarters Barn and Signal Office 1 Harbor Master's Building 11 Station Houses --Horse and Vehicle-- 63 Horses 8 Patrol Wagons 3 Road " 1 Bus 2 Trucks 2 Buggies 1 Three Seated Carriage 6 Wagons 2 Sleighs 25 Saddles with the necessary equipments for mounted Service --Signal Service Department-- Number of Street boxes in service……………...........………229 Number of Private Signal boxes in service………..................25 Number of Telephone owned and in use by the department…52 Number of Miles of wire on Belle Isle………….…………………8 Number of Miles of wire over head in City……….……………230 Number of Miles of Covered Cable under ground…..………....11 Number of Miles of Single wire under ground…………...……..35
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One letter, dated January 12, 1870, from the Board of Supervisors of Saginaw County to the Richmond & Backus Company of Detroit. The letter was handwritten in black ink on white linen paper that has light blue lines and requested that the company furnish real estate record books for the county government.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter addressed "To whom it is concerned," introducing the bearer, J.L. Ernst, as an authorized Encyclopedia Britannica salesman for the J.L. Hudson Company, dated November 8, 1901. The letter is typewritten on J.L. Hudson Company stationery which features an engraving of the store by the Calvert Lithographing Company. The letter is signed by the manager of the Britannica Department.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 6-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Dr. Theodore A. McGraw, M.D., who was a surgeon. The paper is printed with faint blue lines and shows the watermark, "The Richmond & Backus Co., Detroit, Mich." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "On Dec. 29th 1900 in the afternoon I received a letter from Hon. Wm. C. Mayberry, Mayor of the City of Detroit asking me to write a paper on the Progress of Surgery during the century now closing. - The paper should be finished and delivered on the last day of the year. - Had I received the request earlier, I should have been glad to undertake the labor of summarizing the achievements in the surgical art and science, which have distinguished the nineteenth century and of analyzing as well as I could the influences which had led to such wonderful changes in surgical practice. I felt, however, that a hastily written article on a subject so vast and of so much importance would convey a mean impression to our descendants, of our culture and I wrote to Mr. Mayberry, declining the commission on those grounds. - He, however, insisted upon having this department of science represented and I accordingly consented to write a short article on the subject. The growth of the surgical art and science during the last hundred years has been due to many complex causes which can hardly be enumerated here. - It has felt the impulse which was communicated to all branches of learning by the great awakening of the human mind at the time of the French revolution. - There is no science which it has not laid under contribution for its own purposes and its history therefore if carried out fully, would embrace that of all sciences and arts. - Abstaining however from a discussion, which would be endless, I will only mention a few of the many important discoveries which have had a powerful influence in changing the habits of surgical thought and practice. First of all, I must note the increasing tendency manifest even in the early part of this century to determine disputed points by an appeal to experiment. Surgical experiments have to be conducted on the lower animals and excepting anaesthesia, there is hardly a great discovery in surgery closing the last century which has not been led up to by vivisection. - Before the year 1805 the profession had been in a sad state of uncertainty regarding the proper method of ligating arteries. Every surgeon approached a large operation with a dread of the secondary hemorrhages which destroyed so many lives. - Even John Hunter, when he performed the famous operation, of tying the femoral artery for aneurism, tied the artery with a tape and inserted another tape under the artery higher up, to be tied in case of secondary hemorrhage. - Jones, an English surgeon, operated on a number of dogs and studied carefully the changes produced in their arteries by different methods of ligature and published his results in 1805. It is not so much to say that this book revolutionized the surgery of the day, for it taught surgeons, what they did not know before, exactly how an artery should be tied and thus enabled them to operate with the certainty, that their patients would for the most part escape secondary hemorrhages. The second great even in surgery was the discovery of anaesthesia. - The influence of this discovery on operative surgery is almost incalculable. Before the day of anaesthesia, no surgical operation was undertaken which was not absolutely necessary and the surgeon was obliged to operate with extreme rapidity. - After anaesthetics were introduced, patients submitted themselves to the knife for lesser troubles and the surgeon, no longer urged to rapid action, became more careful and considerate. - I need not dwell on a matter which every one fully understands. The third great change in surgery was that due to the labors of Pasteur, Lyster, and others, with reference to the nature of fermentative and suppurative processes. - The causes of sepsis were shown to be the microscopic cells, which swarm, wherever life exists, in mild climates and low altitudes. Surgery on the internal organs became possible when surgeons were enabled to shut out these organisms from the great cavities of the body. This knowledge gave an enormous impulse to operative surgery, but only we who practiced surgery before the days of Lyster can realize the differences in modes of thought and practice, which have followed his teachings. - The three events which I have noticed seem to me to stand predominantly above all others as the controlling influences which have determined the development of surgical art and science in the nineteenth century. - What can be done in the twentieth century to equal these achievements of the nineteenth. - Will it be possible for the scientist to discover the nature of cancer and sarcoma? Or to hasten the disappearance from the human body of that useless and dangerous organ the appendix? Operative surgery would seem to have nearly reached its limits. Will there arise a prophylactic surgery which will eradicate the germs of disease before they have time to develop? What will the surgeon, who on the final day of the twentieth century, shall open this paper think of our theories and practice? Will he also give chloroform and aethis for anaesthesia? Will he also extirpate uterus and ovaries? Will he too, seek a quick solution of all morbid phenomena by the use of a knife - Will he too use the elastic ligature, my own invention, for the performance of gastro-enterostomy? To you, my brother, yet unborn this paper will bring you greeting from one long since dead. - Theodore A. McGraw M.D. Detroit Dec. 31st 1900"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 10-page letter written by George T. Moody, President of the Detroit YMCA. It is a blue carbon copy, typewritten onto slightly yellowed, thin paper with a watermark that shows "Roman Bond." The last page is signed in black ink, "George Taylor Moody." All of the pages are bound together in a green folder which has two brass prongs at the top.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter, with envelope, from William Duncan, chief engineer to Joseph Campau, dated April 9, 1851, inviting him to attend the fire department's annual inspection in front of Firemen's hall. Campau's address is handwritten on the envelope in French. Letter reads: "Sir, In behalf of our Fire Department I would respectfully tender you an invitation to be present at their annual inspection which takes place this afternoon at half past two o clock in front of the Firemen's Hall the Common Council and those of our citizens who intend to be present will meet in the Bidille[?] House trusting we shall have the honor of your presence. I remain Respectfully Yours William Duncan Chief Engineer
- Date Issued:
- 1831-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- 2-page letter written by Dr. Samuel S. Stephenson, M.D. It was typewritten in blue text onto slightly yellowed, thin linen paper. The letter is dated Dec. 31st, 1900, and the last page is signed in black ink, "Samuel Shakespeare Stephenson, M.D. " The body of the letter briefly discusses the medical practice of "Biopathy."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One 2-page general announcement letter, dated July 29, 1908, from the Abbey Effervescent Salt Companies to shareholders. The carbon copy letter is typewritten in blue ink on vellum paper. The letter explains a proposed company re-organization involving the formation of a new Canadian company for the Abbey Effervescent Salt Company.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter dated August 22, 1887, from Sarah Midgley to Mrs. Harvey concerning the settlement of an account. The letterhead and lines are printed in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper.
- Date Issued:
- 1887-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Letter, dated February 10th, 1903, from the Peninsular Stove Company to L.J. Bahler of Walnutcreek, Ohio. The letter discusses a complaint by Bahler that the High Closet for his Emblem Range stove does not fit properly, with the Peninsular Stove Company writing that they are sending a new one to him and asking that he return the old at his earliest convenience. At the top of the letter is an image of the Peninsular Stove Company's logo and a stylized version of the company's name.
- Date Issued:
- 1903-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One letter, dated February 16, 1909, from Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Company of Buffalo to Mr. A. G. Turner of McNamee & Mann of Montreal. The carbon copy letter is typewritten in blue ink on yellowed vellum paper. The letter concerns recent stock share transactions in the Abbey Effervescent Salt Company.
- Date Issued:
- 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten order from Vassar Woolen Company of Vassar, Michigan, to Theodore H. Eaton & Son of Detroit, dated August 17, 1883. The paper is slightly yellowed and is printed with the Vassar Woolen Company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1883-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One letter from Wilcox, Luff & Fuller of Detroit to Devol, Durian & Co. of Bristol, dated July 7, 1857. The letter is handwritten in dark brown ink on white paper and shows the company letterhead in the upper left corner.
- Date Issued:
- 1857-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- A letter from Ralph Emery, a clerk working for the Detroit Stove Works, to his father, Robert T. Emery, in Belfast, Maine, dated November 13, 1886. The letter is written on Detroit Stove Works letterhead, which features a lithograph, credited to the Calvert Lithograph Company, depicting the Detroit Stove Works offices in Detroit and Chicago as well as the company's foundry in Hamtramck, Michigan. The letter reads: My dear Father, Was glad to receive your last letter - I should have answered it before but for the past week have not been well, took cold + generally feel unwell but am now somewhat better + hope to be all right again in a few days. We are having some truly cold weather + have had two or three snow squalls, but none as yet to amount to anything. Business is very good but not what it should be at this time of the year. How is the newspaper succeeding, how large a subscription list have you. I like it very much + hope it will be a great success. What is there going on this winter for excitement in Belfast. Will the XII Club have a Ball - How is Ed Frost doing. Is Charlie Burgess able to be out. Write whenever you get time, will do the same. Hoping this will find you all well + with kindest regards to all. Remain your affec. Son, Ralph Emery Over Have just had a letter from Cullen Libley, who expects to be in Detroit over Sunday on his way to Chicago - he will probably arrive sometime tonight, shall be glad to see him.
- Date Issued:
- 1886-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from writer Ann S. Stephens to Charles Christopher Trowbridge in response to his conference of honorary membership in the Michigan Historical Society upon her. The letter is folded with one half marked to show the recipient and return address when folded. The letter reads: New York Feb. 15 /41 To C.C. Trowbridge Esqr. Dear Sir, Permit me to request that you will convey my thanks to the President and members of the Michigan Historical Society, for the honor they have conferred in making me an honorary member of their institution. I have never had the pleasure of visiting your state but feel much interest in the success of your society and shall do anything in my power to aid it, with my whole heart. I did not receive the notice of my election until last January, and at that time was confined by illness to my room. [?] first use which I make of returning health is this [?] to repay my sense of the compliment paid me by the Michigan Historical Society and to wish it all [?] success. Very Respectfully Ann S. Stephens
- Date Issued:
- 1841-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society