Herrick Family Papers, 1829, 1863-1939

Title:

Herrick Family Papers, 1829, 1863-1939

Creator:

Herrick family

Accession / Call Number:

2001.010

Object ID:

2001-010

Date:

1829, 1863-1939

Physical Description:

1 box, approximately 65 letters and 100 photographs ; 0.42 linear feet

Scope and Content:

The bulk of the Herrick Family Papers, 1829, 1863-1939, consists of letters to Francis Hobart Herrick from his mother Hannah and his sister Lizzie [Elizabeth], as well as a few letters from his father Reverend Marcellus and brother Charles. The letters from this close-knit family detail daily life to Francis while he is at St. Paul’s School, Dartmouth College, the Vermont Episcopal Institute, and John Hopkins University. Most of the letters are written from Tilton, NH, though census data states the family lived in Northfield, NH. Throughout the letters, Francis' mother and sister often remark on how much they miss him and love him. In a letter from October 23, 1873, as Francis is at St. Paul’s School in Concord, Lizzie writes, "I would rather be poor and have you than have all the money in the world and no dear brother Frank." She goes on to send him "1000000 double kisses 500 bear hugs and a whole heartful of love. Cold days just put one of the hugs inside your jacket and two or 3 kisses on the end of your nose and you will keep warm." The letters from his family also provide updates on the church, their friends, and their father’s work, as well as inquiries about Francis’ school, relaying updates they have heard from his teachers at St. Paul’s School. After the death of his father in 1875, the letters also contain reminisces of Marcellus around holidays and the anniversary of his death. Many local illnesses and deaths are also touched upon in their letters. Starting in 1882, Lizzie's letters describe schools she is teaching at, including Saint Agnes' Hall in Bellows Falls, VT; an art school in Boston, MA; and a brief note on her work at the North Bennet Street Industrial School. Only one letter in this collection is from Francis. Dated September 6, 1888, he writes from Adelbert College in Cleveland, OH, writing about his journey to Cleveland, his living arrangements, and life as a teacher there. The later correspondence is predominately from Lizzie to Francis and his wife, Josephine, during her travels to London in 1897, and France and Italy in 1898. She spends time with Josephine’s family in London, telling of her travel from home to London and her trips to museums and art galleries, including that of Josephine’s brother, Herman Gustave Herkomer. There are a few letters from Josephine to Francis during this time, while he is away visiting his mother. Other papers in this collection consist of Elizabeth Herrick's will, a short biography of Francis Herrick, an appointment of Israel Putnam as Justice of the Peace, and numerous family photographs, including a photograph album and identified portraits. Consisting of family photographs, the album contains images of children, adults, and numerous photographs of pets (cats, dogs) and farm animals (horses, cows, and geese). Some events are included, as well as images of gardens and an unidentified family member in military uniform. Only three images are dated: 1908, 1913, and 1914. The only identified image in the album is that of a dog named Douglas. Also included is one image of a man and woman in front of the Great Sphinx and a pyramid in Egypt.

Subjects:

Art , Artists , Biography , Cats , Clergy , Correspondence , Death , Dogs , Education , Families , Photographs , Religion , Soldiers , Teachers , Travel , Wills

Locations:

Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA
Burlington, VT
Cleveland, OH
Concord, NH
Egypt
Italy
London, England
Northfield, NH
Paris, France
Tilton, NH

People:

Herrick, Charles Putnam, 1854-1925 , Herrick, Elizabeth Adelaide, 1851-1940 , Herrick, Francis Hobart, 1858-1940 , Herrick, Hannah Andrews, 1817-1899 , Herrick, Josephine, 1860-1952 , Herrick, Marcellus Aurelius, 1822-1875 , Herrick, Martha, 1888-1971

Organizations:

Adelbert College
Dartmouth College
Herrick family
Johns Hopkins University
North Bennet Street Industrial School (Boston, Mass.)
St. Paul's School (Concord, N.H.)
Vermont Episcopal Institute

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Inie Platenius.

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Level Description:

Collection

Finding Aid Link:

RS65281_Herrick_Family_Papers_2001.010.pdf