Walton, New York March 26, 1877 Friend Emma, As I think of visiting New York (City) sometime this season (thinking of making you a visit), I have concluded to drop you a line to find out your whereabouts whether Pike … Continue reading
This February 1877 letter indicates Chester would like to spend some time with Emma. Though Emma thinks it would be improper, she still asked him about visiting. The friend-acquaintance tiff continued. Walton, New York February 13, 1877 Friend Emma, Yours … Continue reading
In October Aida Austin, in Eldred, wrote her brother Lon, in New York City. Aida, age 15, at some point started corresponding with Chester, who replied to her, as we will read in future posts. October 29, 1876 Dear Brother … Continue reading
In June of 1876 Chester wrote to Emma who was in New York City, caring for the five-month-old son of her Cousin Addie. At some point Emma became very (too) focused on Tommy, which seems to have affected her usual … Continue reading
Note: All these images are on the Library of Congress site.
In In Emma’s May 1876 letter to her brother Lon, she included her visit to the 1876 Centennial, in Philadelphia, along with discussion of their family’s financial and other problems. May 1876 Dear Brother Lonnie, …At the opening exercises of … Continue reading
Aida to Emma, May 3, 1876 On May 3, 1876 Aida Austin, in Eldred, wrote her sister Emma, who was in New York City, caring for Cousin Addie’s five-month-old son. Dear Sister Emma, I have been busy and could not … Continue reading
In February of 1876 Emma, her sister Aida, and their mother were in New York City. Aida, age fifteen, was attending school, like Emma had some years earlier. “I did not go to school this morning because I did not … Continue reading
The year 1876 was a difficult one for the Austin family. Henry lost his New York City business as a result of the 1873 national financial panic and the 1875 depression. He returned to Eldred as a full time farmer. … Continue reading
Chester must have been ill when he last visited Emma, who must also have been ill. In this next letter Chester invites Emma to visit him and his wife in Walton. Walton, N.Y., April 26, 1874 Friend Edith, Yours of … Continue reading
