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- Description:
- Letter, dated April 13th, 1913, from the Peninsular Stove Company to the Soo Hardware Company of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The letter discusses an incomplete order sent to the Soo Hardware Company and the Peninsular Stove Company's efforts to rectify the situation. At the top of the letter are images of the Peninsular Stove Company's logo and its stove works in Detroit.
- Date Issued:
- 1913-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by James E. Scripps who was the President of the Evening News Association. The letter is printed with light blue lines and a double red line for the left margin. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit December 31st 1900 Hon. Wm. C. Maybury My dear Sir You invited me to indulge in a prophecy for Detroit as a Metropolis. By metropolis you mean I presume a chief or leading city to which all others for a long distance around will be more or less subordinate and tributary. I fully believe in such a distinction for Detroit in the century upon which we are entering. I base my belief upon certain historical precedents and upon peculiar advantages which the location possesses favorable to a great concentration of population. With all the civilized world open to him the Emperor Constantine the Great in AD 324 chose as the site for the capital of the Roman Empire a precisely analogous location on the banks of the Bosphorus. The advantage of location enjoyed by the City of Constantinople has been universally conceded, and yet the Black Sea of which it forms the key can never for a moment compare in its commercial possibilities with the great lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron with their rich mines of iron and copper, their vast tracts of valuable timber and their numerous natural outlets for the grain crops of the richest and most productive country upon earth. If a great metropolis were possible at Constantinople how much more so at Detroit. When in the 17th century the famous French explorers LaSalle, Tonty, Hennepin, DuLuth, Cadillac and others penetrated to every part of the wild northwest they shrewdly hit upon the Detroit River as the most peculiarly advantageous point for the location of a colony with view to French domination of the entire region. It had previously been the favorite gathering place of the indians and Cadillac found no difficulty immediately upon his founding the post of Detroit in collecting around it a native population which made it at once one of the most populous cities on the continent. I have no doubt that the same influences still govern and that the vicinity of the Detroit River possesses at once strategic advantages for the domination of a wide extent of country and also attractions for the concentrating of vast population. I believe in no other in the entire country are greater advantages for homes offered. The climate in winter is far less bleak than that of Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland or Buffalo owing to our remoteness from the great ice fields which cover the larger lakes and chill the breezes which sweep over them. In summer there are few cities which enjoy such advantages for boating, yachting, extended excursions by water, fishing and hunting. The sources of amusement are unsurpassed. With adequate drainage and abundance of pure water there should be no healthier city than Detroit. The locality which possesses such natural advantages for homes must ultimately attract a great population. No other city on the whole chain of lakes enjoys so perfect a harbor as Detroit. Never exposed to storms from any quarter, with a practically unvarying depth of water and depth sufficient for the largest vessels, and with a shore line for wharves and docks sufficient for all the commerce of the world superior commercial advantages would be possible. With the experience of Manchester an inland city being made a sea-port by means of a ship canal and with the certainty of a system of ship canals of the largest size being constructed in the near future connecting the great lakes with the Atlantic there can be no doubt that a few decades will see ocean vessels loading and unloading at our wharves. Detroit will become as distinctively a seaport as Boston or Philadelphia. Detroit's decennial increase of population for the past forty years has averaged nearly sixty per cent. At this opening of the 20th Century it is without doubt growing faster than ever before. Suppose for the next 50 years the decennial increase to be but half what is has been in the past 40 years and we shall have in 1950 a population of 1,077,000 souls. Halving this ration again for the second half of the century and we shall have in the year AD 2000 a population of over two millions, a larger population than any American city has today except the consolidation known as Greater New York. I think it far more likely that the population of AD 2000 will be greater rather than less than this estimate, and if no war, pestilence, or other destructive influence intervenes I think it not improbable that the ration of 30 percent decennially will be kept up through the century in which case Detroit will enjoy a population of fully four millions. I prophesy that a century hence the belt embraced between the 38th and 43rd degrees of north latitude and extending from the Atlantic sea board to the Mississippi will be the most densely populated region in the world. Very sincerely yours James E. Scripps"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Two handwritten letters, written back to back over two pages of blue paper, the first from T.R. Spence to David Birrell concerning a job for Birrell's son also named David, and the second from the senior David Birrell to his son forwarding the previous letter along concerning the job. The letters read as follows: Detroit, May 4th 1853 Mr. Birrell Dear Sir, I had the pleasure of receiving yours of 25th all in due season and owe an apology for not acknowledging it earlier. I have been very busy reserving goods and have alas been some what at a loss in regard to the time that I can do without David which will account for the delay. It affords me pleasure that my proposal met with your approval and hope it will also be satisfying to David. If it will not interfere too much with your arrangements I would be very glad to obtain him the first of next month (June). When I wrote I did intend to get along if possible until the time you mention and feel unwilling to break up his progress in school. My own health has given out a little, and business is often pretty good in June or by the middle of it - I have some intention also of going East and all these considerations will explain to you my reasons for asking him at an earlier day. I will pay him quarterly or semi-quarterly just as you desire and shall be regular about it. You will please express your preference about it, and authorize me to pay to him as you think proper. Business is very good and I think a reasonable prospect of a gradual improvement. It shall be my effort and desire to render David's situation advantageous and agreeable to himself as well as profitable to me. You will also greatly favor me by pursuing a [?] and open course. In all things I prefer to be honest and open and hope if at any time you or he have any unpleasant feelings that you will mention it. With best wishes I remain yours [?], T.R. Spence Dear David, Your letter of the 4th was as you say waiting for me when we got back from Bristol this morning. We enjoyed our jaunt very much, & were very hospitably entertained. I will get Marge to Ivy & give you all the news sometime this week. I have enclosed you five dollars. You will see from Dr Spence's letter that he wishes you in by the 1st of June next & you had better go, I will write the Doctor tonight that you will come then & that your salary may be paid quarterly, & that you will write him yourself stating the exact day you will be in Detroit which you will please do as soon as you can arrange exactly when you can leave, & tell me in your next if you think you can come to Adrian & spend a day or two before you go to Detroit. I did not sleep any last night so I am very tired, we left Bristol at 1:25 AM this Monday morning. It is very cold, snow on the ground, & while we were away a cow broke into the garden & made sad work of it. Kind love from your affectionate Father, David Birrell
- Date Issued:
- 1853-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter and envelope sent by the J.L. Hudson Company to Mrs. William H. Johnston of 17 West Bethune Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, accompanying six halftone photographic images of women modeling clothing for the upcoming Fall season. The envelope is postmarked 1918. The letter is on J.L. Hudson Company stationery. The message reads: Dear Madam: We are presenting herewith a group of photographic reproductions of the newer models in Fall apparel. May we not have the pleasure of a personal visit in the near future and a further introduction into what we believe is appropriate in style and texture for the coming season? Yours very truly, The J.L. Hudson Co.
- Date Issued:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was typewritten in blue ink on slightly yellowed paper by Myrtle P. Hurlbut who was the Secretary and General Manager of the Office of the Commissioners of the Parks and Boulevards. The paper shows the office letterhead in raised green text across the top of the page. Also, the paper has a watermark that shows the image of shield along with the words, "Linen" and "Brunswick." The letter is dated December 31, 1900, on the first page and is signed, "M. P. Hurlbut," in black ink on the last page.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- 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 March 6th, 1887. 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, Yours of the 26th came duly at hand + as usually was glad to hear from you. No I have not written Andrew Gibson for a long time but shall very soon, have kept writing it off in order to get a picture to send him that he wanted. It doesn't seem to me the XII Club Ball could have been up to any of its preceding ones - am sorry that are not Keeping them up to standards. I suppose before I get an answer to this letter election will be over + we shall know which party is victorious. I noticed the illusion[sic] to "Gentle Annie" in the "Press" but did not know what it meant. Am glad you explained. Brackett is a "chump." They are trying to get Prohibition in Mich. + will vote on it in a special election this spring but don't think they will carry it. The "Press" seems to be doing the "Age" up in great shape. Notice in the Press of 1st, under "News of the Creek" that the Michigan Club of Detroit has soured on [James G.] Blaine because he was not here to the Banquet on Febr 22nd - While everyone was sorry Mr. Blaine could not be here, he gave couple reasons for not coming - the Mich. Club is one of the most, if not the most powerful Republican organization, outside of the Lincoln Club in Chicago, in the West it is solid for Blaine - I would like to see Blaine + [Russell Alexander] Alger (gov. RA) (of Detroit) nominated. Please tell Emery that the Club has not soured on Blaine. The weather is very disagreeable, has been raining all day + yesterday it snowed - Write first chance am quite busy at present. With regards to all friends. Your affec. son, Ralph Emery
- Date Issued:
- 1887-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
107. Handwritten letter from Father Gabriel Richard to Major Jonathon Kearsley, dated March 5th, 1824
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from Father Gabriel Richard to Major Jonathon Kearsley, dated March 5th, 1824. The letter reads: Washington March 5th, 1824 Major Kearsley Dear Sir, I have received your favor of the 4th Jan. in its time i.e. about 4 weeks after its date. Immediately I have sent your letter to Whitney in his way to Detroit. I have understood by a letter that he writes me from New York, that he has left New York for Hudson on the 1st March. At Hudson then he will receive your letter. When he gives me any communication in reference to you, I will have the [...] to it. I have the honor to be your obed'. affectionate servant. Gabriel Richard P.S. turn over -- I have called, on Mr. Crawford once and on Mr. Jones his Chief Clerk 3 times in relation to the reports forwarded by you and Mr. Woodbridge. Yesterday Mr. Jones informed me that he had 4 Clerks employed in making two transcripts of them. Mr. Crawford had decided that it was not in order to send the originals altho Mr. Rankin the chairman of the Com. of pub. L. with whom y had a conference upon the subject did tell me that to save time as the [?] was much advanced he thought it would do to have only the original, especially as he was informed that yr. report was very voluminous as soon it will come before the com. of p. L. I will do all in my power to urge a quick decision to confirm your report.
- Date Issued:
- 1824-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter written by Louis Phélypeaux, comte de Pontchartrain at Versailles on December 24, 1692. The letter is watermarked with the royal arms marked "Cvsson." Translated, the letter reads: Monsieur, I have received your letter of the 15th of this month. The King has approved the account of the award that you have made at a discount for the clothes that are to be distributed to those condemned to the galleys and you can act accordingly. His Majestry does not doubt that you have taken all the precautions possible to reduce this expense and that you will see to it that the contractor provide the clothes of the quality that has been explained (explique'e) to them. At Versailles 24th December, 1692. I am, Monsieur, your most humble and very affectionate servant, Pontchartrain.
- Date Issued:
- 1692-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from Henry Schoolcraft of 846 Clinton Boulevard, Michilimackinac to Charles Christopher Trowbridge of Detroit, dated September 2, 1838, sent accompanying devalued money from the wildcat bank, Bank of Clinton. Schoolcraft uses the Ojibwe words, "Ka. onishishin," to describe the currency. "Ka" means "no," and Schoolcraft, in his book, "The American Indians: Their History, Condition and Prospects, From Original Notes and Manuscripts," defines "onishishin" as "that which is good, or fair." The letter reads: Michilimackinac, Sept. 2nd 1838 My dear fri, On returning from a short trip to Lake Superior I found $46 of Clinton money, in my pocketbook to have, in the meantime, become Ka. onishishin. I take the liberty of enclosing it to you, with a request that you will sell it, for what it is worth, or do whatever else you please with it, and be accountable for [?] here after. I add, that I received every dollar of it, from Mr. Wells, as past pay on a check from Maj. G. for salary. Truly yours Henry R. Schoolcraft C.C. Trowbridge Esq. Detroit The recipient and sender's names are handwritten on the verso, in such a way to be visible after the letter is folded.
- Date Issued:
- 1838-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter on Pingree Company stationery from John B. Howarth to Frances A. Pingree, dated December 8, 1903 concerning two matters of Mrs. Pingree's personal fiances--her dealing with the Harrison Granite Company for the construction of her mausoleum, and the insurance on her property. The letter reads: Dec. 8, 1903. Mrs. H. S. Pingree, 1020 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Dear Mrs. Pingree: I am returning the letter from Harrison Granite Co. with their statement enclosed, together with copy of our reply. You will find enclosed your bank-book and a few blank checks. The insurance on your property is distributed as follows: $30,000 on the house; $3,000 on the barn; $35,000 on contents of house; $2,500 on contents of barn. Total $ 70,500. If you would like these amounts changed please let me know. It strikes me that the insurance is ample. The rate is $4.65 per $1,000 for three years. Sincerely yours, John B. Howarth
- Date Issued:
- 1903-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society