Up for sale/sale is a poignant, 4-page antique handwritten handwritten letter dated June 7, 1914, written from 131 Anawan Avenue, West Roxbury, Massachusetts by \"Cousin Sue.\"
This deeply personal letter offers a captivating glimpse into early 20th-century family life, bereavement, and the contemporary reactions to early motor vehicles following a tragedy.
Key Highlights & Historical ContentDate: June 7, 1914
Location Mentioned: West Roxbury, MA; Revere, MA; Sharon, MA; Boston, MA
Early Automotive History Mention: The author vividly details her fear of motor cars after an accident:
\"Have always been afraid of automobiles, and now feel I never want to ride in one again.\"
Detailed Condolence & Reminiscence: Mentions family members (Sadie, Margaret, Mr. Rhind, Cousin Maud), past memories spent in Revere, MA, visits to Sharon, MA, and heartfelt sympathy following the passing of the recipient’s mother.
Condition DetailsFormat: Bi-fold stationery sheet (written on 4 sides).
Overall Condition: Very Good vintage condition.
Paper Quality: Clean cream-colored paper with original folding creases. Clear, legible cursive ink handwriting throughout.
Please review all high-resolution photos carefully for exact visual condition.
131 Anawan Avenue.
West Roxbury, Mass.
Dear Cousin;–
There was no time to say much to you the day of the funeral, and I am going to write.
It was good to see you, and I want to thank you for all your kindness to me the other day. I always appreciate any kindness, and like to say so. Was pleased to renew my acquaintance with your lovely wife, even tho’ the occasion was a sad one. Isn’t she a dear? A strange question to ask you.
Page 2What a beautiful home it is!
Poor little Sadie! I am especially sorry for her, and anxious, too. She and her mother were so dear to each other, it means a heart-breaking loss to her.
I know by experience what it means. Of course it is very hard for you all, I know, but you have your own families to live for, while Sadie is alone. It is a wonder she was not more seriously injured, or that they were not all killed.
I am thankful your mother did not have to suffer.
Have always been afraid of automobiles, and now feel I never want to ride in one again. Hope Margaret will soon be all right again.
I shall try to see you, soon.
Accept my tenderest sympathy, and much love for Cousin Maud, as well as yourself, from
Cousin Sue.
June 7, 1914
Page 3Glad to see Margaret, too, and Mr. Rhind. What a beautiful wedding day they have, today! Margaret will be a charming bride. She is a beauty, as well as her mother. I surely gained much, by missing the train for Boston.
You spoke of the days when I spent so much time in your home in Revere. I have been living over the good times with you all, in reading the \"journal\" I kept then. It seems long ago, but I love to think about it, for enjoyed much, and I became so fond of you children. Have never lost my interest and never shall.
I loved your mother dearly, and shall never forget how good she was to me then, and always has been.
Regretting are useless, but I am so sorry I could not...
Page 4...have visited her in Sharon.
I am glad she knew I wanted to do so. Had planned to go very soon, now that my duties were lessening, but had I known she was going from us, surely would have gone long before this.
It makes one realize, more than ever, the uncertainty of life. Cannot realize at all that I shall not see her again in this world. We shall, I hope, have much to talk over in the next.
I love to think of the blessed reunions there will be, when we reach \"Home\"–
We are never ready to have our mother leave us, and it is a mystery why your mother must go now, and in the way she did. I am more than sorry for you all, Eben, and mourn with you. Be thankful she was spared so many years, and, rejoice she could enjoy so much during her stay in Sharon.
