A while back, on a whim, I acquired a stack of letters from 1900 written to an Adolph B. Lane. At the time he was living in Hanover, New Hampshire.
The letters were written by “Carrie”, presumably Adolph’s intended. She was writing from Barre, Vermont. The first letter was dated November 7, 1900. Here it is, in five pages, with a transcription after each page. I used parentheses to indicate words that were unclear to me. I believe Carrie addressed Adolph as “Tad”, perhaps his nickname.
Letter 1 - Page 1
Barre Vt. Nov. 7, 1900
Dear Tad!
It is about 10-30 Wed. eve. My it seemed good to talk to you sweetheart. I really believe it helps to keep me from getting lonesome talking once in a while, it makes you seem nearer. I was sorry I made you feel obligated to let me know about that. I will telephone up to Bess in the A.M. and tell her to send it to some one she would like invited. Twas nice of you to think of sending me a letter by (Reed), it always please me lots to get one that way.
Letter 1 - Page 2
I have been sewing all day since 9 a.m. making me a (???). I am tired and my head aches and I ant to go to bed or I shall lay all the (???). What a surprise the election must have been to Bryan, if he really expected to get it. My (Tad) I would like to be where I could watch you and hear you when you preside at that whole long table full of boys. Say (Tad) have you got your cap and gown or when do you have them, it has bothered me some because I did not know about it :( Good night dear one, lots of love.
Carrie
Letter One - Page 3
Thursday Eve.
Dearest: Oh (Tad), I don’t see how I can tell you about it, but I expect I shall not be in Barre this winter dear. It is not fully decided but it is pretty nearly so.
It seems as if it could not go away dear, Barre is home to me and it is your home too.
I think we shall go to Boston, dear, maybe you can see me sometimes dear. I can’t tell you much about it now for I am so busy.
Papa came home this
Letter One - Page 4
morning and he and mamma are going back tomorrow on the noon train from here. I thought I would let you know so if you wanted you could go down to the (???)
Momma said not to write you at first but I thought I would, I thought you would like to go down if you could conveniently.
Momma said she would like to see you awful well but to tell you not to put yourself out at all. I would not lose any classes dear for it
Letter One - Page 5
would only be a few minutes. I must hurry for there are lots of things to do. I will write you tomorrow, dear, (Edith) was just here and she and Archie are going to drive back and post this for me. Dear I want you. I love you lots.
Good night my own.
Carrie
Stay tuned for future installments of Carrie’s letters to Adolph and to learn more about the history of the Lane family!
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