Centre County Library and Historical Museum - Keller Letters

This is a letter between schoolmates. Miss Johnston darned her stocking after 'coming home from singing'. She asked whether Sallie had completed her composition and was taking part in the 'dialogue' at the 'Exhibition'.

Request for immediate payment letter from a drug company to Henry because of an outstanding bill. The drug company offered to accept a reduced amount if paid quickly. If not paid at once the company will 'send the account up for collection' and will insist upon the full amount.

Written on back and intermixed with her Uncle Benjamin S. Schneck's letter because of lack of paper, Ada writes about illness in Boalsburg including small pox and measles, her husband (or future husband) who is stationed in Lewistown, PA and her request for her Greenleaf's key back.

Correspondence appears to be long after last correspondence. Ada traveled with her husband Boyd to Lewistown, PA, Huntingdon, PA, and Harper's Ferry, Va. meeting various acquaintances along the way including Col. Irwin (most likely the then commander of the 49th PA Infantry). She returned by herself to Huntingdon, PA after Boyd (a 1st Lt. in the 49th PA Infantry) headed to his unit. Boyd got a photograph of himself taken in Washington, D. C.. The cards sent to Ada were probably carde de visite photographs. Boyd also sent Ada seven pieces of music. Ada is heading back to Centre County, PA.

Sallie enjoyed hearing the news of her sister, Ada, having a daughter. Sallie is homesick but still has 7 more weeks of teaching school to her 35 students. In note to her brothers, Henry and Frank, Sallie notes that butter is scarce and asks how they are doing in school.

Since their father was ill he likely could not bring Ellen home from Bellefonte, PA at the end of the week. Ellen's school is finished at the week's end. Ellen is homesick.

This is a note added on the end of a letter from Boyd Hutchison to his wife, Ada, starting on Page 3. Ada asked her father to send Boyd the latest 'Central Press' that has a list of drafted men. Her copy was used up. However Ada will send to Boyd weekly copies here on out. Boyd's father bought a farm for $30 an acre. When Boyd's father gets the crops in they will get $1,000 or $2,000.

Letter is from a student to her former teacher and friend. Edith mentions other students in Jacksonville, PA.

Alfred states his intentions of marrying Ellie (Margaret Ellen Keller) on Dec. 27th to her parents. Alfred is open to changes if the date does not suit them. Alfred is building a house for completion in the Spring but if not married his desire to complete it would be affected. In terms of wedding celebrations Alfred has 'no taste for lively gatherings and that day cannot be too quiet for me'; and '...to be amongst strangers affords me no pleasure...'.

Ada is expecting another child and asks her mother about getting a nurse, supplying bandages and rags and getting a 'wooden nursing rocker' built. Boyd and Ada also need 'lard very badly'. Ada is looking for three diapers.

Correspondence between two teachers who are also friends. Jennie is teaching in Beech Creek. Jennie went to the Temperance meeting, and mentioned the monthly Institute meetings that she has not gone to yet. Jennie mentioned that members of the local Sabbath School went ice skating on Sunday and were told about it by the reverend that evening. Jennie wrote about other teachers in the area.

Boyd told his father-in-law that their infant son died on Dec. 30th from some unknown 'internal ailment'. Boyd and Ada buried him in the cemetery. Ada is well and appears to be getting 'strong rapidly'.