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This is a fascinating original primary source document from early 20th-century Texas history. It consists of a two-page handwritten letter on the decorative official letterhead of the F.W. Heitmann Company of Houston, Texas, dated September 9, 1914, complete with its original matching postmarked envelope.
The letterhead is a stunning example of industrial lithography, noting the company as the "First Exclusive Iron Dealers in Texas" (established 1865) and listing officers F.A. Heitmann, T.C. Lorenzen, and H.A. Neumann.
Content & Historical Highlights:
The letter is addressed to Mr. H.F. Peebles in Mineral Wells, Texas. It provides a rich snapshot of Houston life and business in 1914:
• Automotive Provenance: The writer mentions, "Your Pierce Arrow is at stable not being used awaiting your return," a rare mention of one of the era's most prestigious luxury automobiles.
• Business Operations: Mentions a "Jackson complaint" regarding a credit to the T.&B.V. R.R. (Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway) from 1913.
• Social & Leisure: Includes a wonderful account of a fishing trip to Seabrook, noting that "he and Gustave caught 20 to 30 Trout & Red fish every day."
• Workplace Dynamics: Discusses office staff taking vacations and the state of business in Houston ("Business is very dull, about the same as you left it").
