1884 A Strassburger Quakertown PA Nursery Order Letter Wm H Moon Glenwood For Sale

An original March 11, 1884 Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) from A. Strassburger of Quakertown, PA, to nurseryman Wm H. Moon of Glenwood Nurseries in Morrisville, Bucks Co., PA (received March 12, 1884). This detailed correspondence includes a significant order for a wide variety of fruit trees and plants, reflecting the agricultural commerce of the era.Strassburger\'s letter begins with a request for additional catalogues without prices, indicating a desire to use them for sales. The core of the document is an extensive, handwritten order list specifying numerous fruit varieties and quantities. Notable items include 7 Ben Davis apples, 31 Smiths Cider apples, 61 Reeves Favorite apples, 1000 Osage Orange, 561 Gregg raspberries, 24 Kittatinny blackberries, 90 La Versaillaise currants, and 12 Rea Mam Mouth quinces. The order also details various peaches (e.g., Grimes Golden, Old Mixon Free, Stump the), pears (e.g., Vicar of Winkfield, Beurre de Anjou, Keiffer), cherries (Yellow Spanish, Napoleon Bigarreau), and plums (Lombard Plum), along with ornamental plants like Wistaria Sinensis Blue and Norway Maple. A vertical note on the margin requests clarification on the age or size (1-year or 2-year growth) of the stock, as the catalogue only listed prices.The letter is accompanied by its original envelope, addressed to \"Mr Wm H Moon Morrisville P.O. Bucks Co Pa.\" It bears two 2-cent U.S. postage stamps (Andrew Jackson, blue, Scott #207 type) and a clear \"QUAKERTOWN PA / MAR 11 / 1884\" postmark. The envelope also features period docketing, \"A. Strassburger Recieved 3-12-84 Order.\" The letter itself shows visible fold lines, some minor staining or discoloration, and a small hole in the lower part of the sheet. The envelope exhibits creasing, minor tears and wear along the edges, and a small hole near the center of the address. Despite these signs of age, the handwriting remains generally clear and legible, offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century nursery operations and plant commerce.The Bucks County Moon family of Glenwood Nurseries descended in part from the Sotcher line: Ann Sotcher, daughter of John Sotcher (William Penn’s steward at Pennsbury Manor) and Mary Lofty (Penn’s head housekeeper), married James Moon in 1753 — linking these nursery papers to one of Bucks County’s earliest Quaker colonial networks.Quick facts:Q: Who wrote this letter?A: A. Strassburger.Q: When was the letter written and received?A: Written March 11, 1884, and received March 12, 1884.Q: Who was the recipient?A: Mr. Wm H. Moon of Morrisville, Bucks Co., PA.Q: What types of plants were ordered?A: A wide variety of fruit trees and plants, including Ben Davis apples, Grimes Golden peaches, Vicar of Winkfield pears, Gregg raspberries, Kittatinny blackberries, La Versaillaise currants, and Osage Orange.Q: What was the origin and destination of the mail?A: Sent from Quakertown, PA, to Morrisville P.O., Bucks Co., PA.Q: What notable features does the envelope have?A: Two 2-cent Andrew Jackson stamps, a clear Quakertown postmark, and period docketing noting the sender, receipt date, and \"Order.\"Q: What is the overall condition of the document?A: The letter has fold lines, minor staining, and a small hole. The envelope shows creasing, minor edge wear/tears, and a small hole near the address. The handwriting is legible.Q: How is there a William Penn / colonial Bucks County connection to the Moon family?A: The Bucks County Moon family associated with Moon / Glenwood Nurseries descended in part from the Sotcher family. Ann Sotcher — daughter of John Sotcher and Mary Lofty — married James Moon in 1753. John Sotcher served as William Penn’s steward at Pennsbury Manor, and Mary Lofty was Penn’s head housekeeper; the couple came to Pennsylvania with the Penn family in 1699 and were later entrusted with the care of Pennsbury. That places the Moons in one of Bucks County’s earliest Quaker and colonial family networks.