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1903 Marietta PA Railroad Construction Letter H.S. Kerbaugh Co. Envelope Produce
Approximately 5” by 8” plus envelope.
Item Details:
Date: October 7, 1903
Origin: Marietta, Pennsylvania (posted from Columbia, PA, Oct 6, 1903; receiving postmark Petersburg, PA, Oct 8, 1903)
Writer: Geo. M. Huston
Addressee: Mr. F. S. Stewart, Petersburg, Huntingdon Co., PA
Content: 2-page handwritten manuscript letter complete with original cover (stamped with 2¢ Washington red stamp).
Historical Context & Content Highlights:
Railroad Contracting History: The writer states he is working for H. S. Kerbaugh Inc. Contractors on the railroad construction job running from Marysville to Columbia, PA, noting he has been with the company for two years.
Mercantile & Produce Trade: Inquires about pricing for wholesale produce shipped by rail cars, specifically requesting rates on chickens (in coffee box quantities), onions by the bushel, potatoes, and eggs by the crate, as well as butter.
Social & Local Names: Mentions local figures including McSwope, Reuben Croyle, and Charlie Stryker, and asks for Albert Lawton’s address. Mentions wanting to go up for a week's hunt.
Full Transcription:
(Page 1)Marietta Pa.Oct. 7th 1903.
Friend Florry:If you are still in the Mercantile business will you please quote me prices on Chickens on board cars at your place in lots say about what a coffee box would hold. Also Onions by the bushel, and potatoes "do".
I am living here now. Have been here and Columbia all summer. I am with H. S. Kerbaugh Inc. Contractors on the job from Marysville to Columbia. I have been with them for about two years.
(Margin P.S. on Page 1)P.S. Quote Eggs by crate and Butter. Will make a order later. G.
(Page 2)I was through Petersburg on the 16th of last month on fast train. Saw no one I knew but McSwope walking with a cane.
If you will ship me some stuff once in a while I may be able to use quite a lot as there are quite a number of families of us here.
Give my regards to your father Mc, Reuben Croyle and all the friends Not forgetting Charlie Stryker.
Wish I could go up there for a weeks hunt but cant this year.
By the way, what is Albert Lawtons address.
Hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience I am as ever Your friendGeo. M. Huston
