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[to EDITH HOWSER CHASE : 1874-1887 LARGE ARCHIVE OF COLORFUL AND DETAILED HANDWRITTEN PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE AND EPHEMERA OF A YOUNG WOMAN COMING OF AGE IN RURAL NEW YORK IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THE 19TH CENTURY

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer are a large archive of 45 letters and related ephemeral material, for the family of Edith H. Chase, of Salisbury Mills, Orange County, New York, all dated between 1874 and 1887. The collection mainly consists of incoming letters (approximately 33) to Edith Howser Chase, with about half dated 1886-1887, when Edith would have been between the ages of 18 and 19 years old. Other letters are addressed to members of her family, her grandmother, Aunt Nellie, and others, as well as girlhood friends. Edith wrote several letters as well. There is much description of family, domestic life and activities and health matters. Edith Howser Chase was born April 20, 1868 and appears to have died in 1889. The circle of family and friends who are corresponding reach as far west as Manhattan, Kansas, to various towns in Missouri, like Creve Coeur, Foristell and Jonesburg. Edith's friends wrote from South Boston, Massachusetts, Brooklyn (Greenpoint), Binghamton, New York and Dunmore, Pennsylvania.. The extended network of family is well illustrated with correspondence that spans from granddaughter to grandparents. The letters are mostly addressed to Edith at Salisbury Mills, Orange County, New York. Salisbury Mills is about 8 miles southwest of Newburgh, New York. Edith's grandfather, J. K. Schultz, apparently moved to Missouri from New York, as did some of her other relatives. Her Aunt Nellie, a correspondent, also wrote Edith from Manhattan, Kansas, in 1885. The collection consists of a total of 180 manuscript pages plus related ephemeral items including 6 pages of scrap paper with notes, copied poems, etc., dated 1883-1885, 1 postcard addressed to Andrew Schultz, Chester, NY, dated 1886, 1 manuscript Christmas poem, dated 1883 by E. H. Chase and 1 card with Boston Linen Company letterhead. The letters are all in good to very good condition. Some contain age-toning or ink fading, or both, but all the letters are legible and readable. Each letter comes with its original envelope attached. Sample Text: “South Boston. Nov. 7, 1883. Dear Friend Edith. I concluded that I might as well answer as I received your welcomed epistle November Second and I thought I would never get an answer. I was very glad when you said you took music lessons. How far are you I suppose you have a piece have you not? Have you got your organ yet? I should think Josie must be getting quite large by this time is she not? Have you still kept your cow I suppose you go for her every day the same as usual. I should think it would be very lonesome for your Grandma now since your Uncle John has moved away, I presume you have not seen Rover since have you? I should think it would be lonesome now as Winter is approaching.I suppose it looks desolate over the forests...Now Edith I know this is not a very nice letter and hope you will excuse it as U will try to write a nicer one next time. Your loving Friend. Katie.”; “May 4 / 86. Manhattan, Kansas. Dear Niece, I received a letter from you about two weeks ago and should of answered sooner had I done as I ought. We were very glad to hear that you were all in so good health, but sorry to hear of the baby’s death although no doubt better off than in this suffering world.”; “St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 23rd, 1886. Dear Edith, Will now commence to answer your welcome letter which I rec’d since here, in the big City. It was forwarded to me, as was several others. Am glad you all enjoy such good health, and it such was not the case with me don’t know what would become of me, but I am never sick or at least have never been so far and would hate awful had to be sick here;/ I came down the First of this month had a place the ninth and went to work same day...by the way I have a present I don’t remember telling you of in the shape of a ring, plain gold but is very pretty. My dutchman presented me with it and he is evening down to see me soon...You must write to me soon Edith as I get so lonesome. Your aunty Nell.” (Background: Edith Howser Chase was born April 20, 1868 and appears to have died in 1889. She was the daughter of Joseph M. Chase and Mary Anna Schultz (1847-1910), who married about 1864. Her mother was the daughter of Jacob K. Schultz and Helen J. Howser (1826-1884). The Schultz family appears to have been from Cornwall, Orange Co. New York. Edith's father was a brick mason. He served in the Civil War with the 169th Regiment New York Volunteers. He enlisted as a private in 1864 at the age of 24 with Company F of the 142nd Regiment and transferred to the 169th in June of 1865. The 1880 Census has Edith living with her parents and siblings, at the 2nd Enumeration District for Cornwall, Orange County, New York. According to the 1910 Census, Edith appears to have had 12 siblings, but her parents outlived 9 of the children, including Edith. The Chase family, as well as the Schultz family, are buried at the Bethlehem Cemetery, adjoining the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at Bethlehem (Cornwall) Orange Co., New York.) OVERALL: VG. Manuscript. Book Condition: Very Good

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