Letters to Mary E. Dixon, 1876-1890.

0.21 linear ft. (1 box)

English

Purchased from Carmen D. Valentino on the Frederick W. and Carrie S. Beinecke Fund for Western Americana, 2006.

Collection consists of 36 manuscript letters written to Mary E. ("Mammie") Dixon of Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania, primarily from juvenile family members Susie C. Dixon and James E. Brinton. The collection primarily documents the daily life, family events, and pastimes that occupied these three young people. The collection also includes two letters from "Uncle Enoch" of Astoria and several additional letters to Mary Dixon from young female friends in Pennsylvania. The 19 letters from Susie C. Dixon between 1872 and 1890 document Dixon's childhood in Ft. Collins, Colorado, recording her health, Christmas presents, school vacations, and daily life. The last two letters in 1890 from Susie, now "Mrs. Robert Barron", are sent from Laramie, Wyoming, and discuss family life, including her health problems following the birth of a baby. Nine letters from Mary Dixon's cousin James E. Brinton of Astoria, Illinois, written between 1881 and 1884, relate boyhood observations in a rural setting, reporting on farm animals, and relaying news of Brinton's health, daily life, and family activities.

September 28, 2006

Letters to Mary E. Dixon. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Letters to Mary E. Dixon. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.