Photographs. Ten color snapshots of the home of Robert C. Lea and gatherings at the house. 2013.257.1987: Front view of 'Leaway' (a.k.a. 'The Ways') 1978, home of Robert C. Lea 1963-xx (The Lea house was built by Vaux.) (B) Lea house; (C) Lea house 1985; (D) Eleanor and Net Watson, Aug. 1, 1994, Traditional Small Craft Assoc. Wooden Boat Show, with Frank & Susan Durham, on left are Nancy (Kellogg) Lea and Robert Lea. (E) Left to right: Richard Cox, Ruth Westphal, Wren Richmond, Gretchen Westphal (back to camera); (F) Bill Goldberg and woman; (G) Mary Curley (in red), Carl Curley, Buzzy Day (flowers), Bruce Komusin on far left, Ken Norton (Noether's spouse); (H) Hans Noether (white shirt holding sweater), Gregory Noether (young man), Rev.Arthur Forrester, and a friend; (I) Rev. Arthur Forrester, Gerry Noether, Wini Smart, Hans Noether (back to camera); (J) Robert Lea and Gretchen Westphal. (See also 2013.257.1995 for documents about The Ways.)
Description: Photographs. Ten color snapshots of the home of Robert C. Lea and gatherings at the house. 2013.257.1987: Front view of 'Leaway' (a.k.a. 'The Ways') 1978, home of Robert C. Lea 1963-xx (The Lea house was built by Vaux.) (B) Lea house; (C) Lea house 1985; (D) Eleanor and Net Watson, Aug. 1, 1994, Traditional Small Craft Assoc. Wooden Boat Show, with Frank & Susan Durham, on left are Nancy (Kellogg) Lea and Robert Lea. (E) Left to right: Richard Cox, Ruth Westphal, Wren Richmond, Gretchen Westphal (back to camera); (F) Bill Goldberg and woman; (G) Mary Curley (in red), Carl Curley, Buzzy Day (flowers), Bruce Komusin on far left, Ken Norton (Noether's spouse); (H) Hans Noether (white shirt holding sweater), Gregory Noether (young man), Rev.Arthur Forrester, and a friend; (I) Rev. Arthur Forrester, Gerry Noether, Wini Smart, Hans Noether (back to camera); (J) Robert Lea and Gretchen Westphal. (See also 2013.257.1995 for documents about The Ways.) [show more]
Document, 1 sheet, legal contract dated 27 Mar 1874, by Joseph Perley and John Russell, partners in "Perley & Russell", to sell "certain real estate" on Cranberry Island to John E. Bunker for $525, payable in two notes of $262.50 each, at 7.5% interest, one payable in 1 year, the other in 2 years. The land was previously sold to Perley & Russell by Bunker himself. Transcribed.
Description: Document, 1 sheet, legal contract dated 27 Mar 1874, by Joseph Perley and John Russell, partners in "Perley & Russell", to sell "certain real estate" on Cranberry Island to John E. Bunker for $525, payable in two notes of $262.50 each, at 7.5% interest, one payable in 1 year, the other in 2 years. The land was previously sold to Perley & Russell by Bunker himself. Transcribed.
Booklet, "Cranberryana" by Mary Frances Parkman, 1944, about the founding of the Cranberry Club, with membership list. Appears to be reprint of 1926 edition, item 14, but with memberhip list updated to 1944, and with date of membership included.
Description: Booklet, "Cranberryana" by Mary Frances Parkman, 1944, about the founding of the Cranberry Club, with membership list. Appears to be reprint of 1926 edition, item 14, but with memberhip list updated to 1944, and with date of membership included.
Magazine articles. Two articles from Down East Magazine. (1): Down East, December 2014, "Alone Together" p. 73-79, 118-130, by Virginia Wright, photos by Douglas Merriam. Magazine, tear sheets, and scanned copies; digitally as pdf. (see also: http://www.downeast.com/alone-togethe). Storyline - Islesford and Great Cranberry facing the future side by side, with photos and statements by Blair Colby, Tiffany Tate, Beverly Sanborn, Eileen Richards, Phil and Karin Whitney, Tom and Becca Powell, and a cameo photo of Anne Grulich walking in front of the church. (2): Down East, April 2015, "The Secret Lives of Houses" storyline - clues to your old home's age and the people who lived there p. 59, 68, and 70, by Virginia Wright with photos by Brian Vanden Brink. PDF copy and print out. Tells the story of the GCI parsonage house 2014 renovation and how the four concealed shoes in the fireplace wall lead Anne Grulich to research into the house's history, connected it with 7 other cape houses built about the same time, information from other houses, and how to research old houses in general. (There are some mistakes: Bulger didn't live in the Parsonage House. She may have the wrong Enoch Spurling as "ship captain" and owner.) See also www.downeast.com/the-secret-lives-of-houses.
Description: Magazine articles. Two articles from Down East Magazine. (1): Down East, December 2014, "Alone Together" p. 73-79, 118-130, by Virginia Wright, photos by Douglas Merriam. Magazine, tear sheets, and scanned copies; digitally as pdf. (see also: http://www.downeast.com/alone-togethe). Storyline - Islesford and Great Cranberry facing the future side by side, with photos and statements by Blair Colby, Tiffany Tate, Beverly Sanborn, Eileen Richards, Phil and Karin Whitney, Tom and Becca Powell, and a cameo photo of Anne Grulich walking in front of the church. (2): Down East, April 2015, "The Secret Lives of Houses" storyline - clues to your old home's age and the people who lived there p. 59, 68, and 70, by Virginia Wright with photos by Brian Vanden Brink. PDF copy and print out. Tells the story of the GCI parsonage house 2014 renovation and how the four concealed shoes in the fireplace wall lead Anne Grulich to research into the house's history, connected it with 7 other cape houses built about the same time, information from other houses, and how to research old houses in general. (There are some mistakes: Bulger didn't live in the Parsonage House. She may have the wrong Enoch Spurling as "ship captain" and owner.) See also www.downeast.com/the-secret-lives-of-houses. [show more]
Photos and telephone books. Scanned versions of loans of a two paintings and one photograph. (A) Portrait painting of Brooks Peterson as a young woman by Betsy Flagg Melcher 1964. Donor says Melcher was a member of the Cranberry Club to which Brooks belonged; (B) scanned photo of Brooks Peterson as an older woman; (C) Painting of Harold Stanley's boat came with the note: "Harold Stanley's boat, built by B. Spurling? painted by Harry Spurling 4B". (D) Invitation to Chamber Music Concert and Reception 8/10/1986 on GCI to benefit the Arcady Music Festival. (E) Newspaper article by Liz Roman Gallese, Staff Reporter of the Wall Street Journal, undtd (elsewhere article date is 24 Nov 1975), "Down East in Maine, The Cranberry Club is for Brahmins Only;" (F) 1994-95 Cranberry Isles telephone book, (G) 1999-2000 Cranberry Isles telephone book. (H-I) Two tourist MDI resort maps undtd. (J-K) Ellsworth tephone books for 1969 and 1975.
Description: Photos and telephone books. Scanned versions of loans of a two paintings and one photograph. (A) Portrait painting of Brooks Peterson as a young woman by Betsy Flagg Melcher 1964. Donor says Melcher was a member of the Cranberry Club to which Brooks belonged; (B) scanned photo of Brooks Peterson as an older woman; (C) Painting of Harold Stanley's boat came with the note: "Harold Stanley's boat, built by B. Spurling? painted by Harry Spurling 4B". (D) Invitation to Chamber Music Concert and Reception 8/10/1986 on GCI to benefit the Arcady Music Festival. (E) Newspaper article by Liz Roman Gallese, Staff Reporter of the Wall Street Journal, undtd (elsewhere article date is 24 Nov 1975), "Down East in Maine, The Cranberry Club is for Brahmins Only;" (F) 1994-95 Cranberry Isles telephone book, (G) 1999-2000 Cranberry Isles telephone book. (H-I) Two tourist MDI resort maps undtd. (J-K) Ellsworth tephone books for 1969 and 1975. [show more]
Photos. Collection of 19 small black and white, and family photos of Winslow Bunker (1912-1992) and family. Winslow was the son of Percy Bunker; he was grandson of Willis Bunker and Rena Stanley Bunker. Winslow married M. Rosalee (Rosie) (1919-1967). He served in WWII. People and places in several of the photos have been identified including: Winslow and Rosie Bunker, their house, Percy Bunker, Winslow's lobster boat, his dock, his dog Gus and cat Smokey. Winslow's dock was on The Pool on GCI near the present Richman house. Richmans bought Winslow's house. (See 2016.323.2096 for Winslow Bunker's boat "Wild Rose.)
Description: Photos. Collection of 19 small black and white, and family photos of Winslow Bunker (1912-1992) and family. Winslow was the son of Percy Bunker; he was grandson of Willis Bunker and Rena Stanley Bunker. Winslow married M. Rosalee (Rosie) (1919-1967). He served in WWII. People and places in several of the photos have been identified including: Winslow and Rosie Bunker, their house, Percy Bunker, Winslow's lobster boat, his dock, his dog Gus and cat Smokey. Winslow's dock was on The Pool on GCI near the present Richman house. Richmans bought Winslow's house. (See 2016.323.2096 for Winslow Bunker's boat "Wild Rose.) [show more]
Photographs. Collection of scans of photos 2013.344.2110 (A-Y) made in 2004 from photos recovered by donor in either Hilda Spurling or Marjorie Phippen's GCI house. Unclear whether we have original photos at GCIHS. (Note: Original photo names were pw01 thru pw027, museum photos now identified as A-Y.)pw01 - pulled from an album; post-it note on back: "Moss House" (Image of Moss House with haystacks 1927)pw02 - on back: "1947"; post-it note on back: "Hilda Spurling 1947"pw03 - on back, in ink: "this is Harvard Beals Boat we are hauling on the ice" in pencil: "March 1923"pw04 - pulled from an album; on back, ballpoint ink: "Little Elener (now Buzzie)"; on post-it note: "Seimer House"pw05 - postcard; pw06 - unknown housenext 3 photos were clipped together by phil whitneypw07 - unknown man in unknown boatpw08 - skyline of New York City?pw09 - pulled from an album; unknown kids on slednext 4 photos were clipped together by philpw10 - unknown shipwreckpw11 - post-it note on back: "Spurling Cove 1923"pw12 - pulled from album; post-it note on back: "Field across from Wesley Bracy's house" but i think this is wrong as the houses across the way seem too close & numerouspw13 - post-it note on back: "Murch dock"pw14 - on back: "Sherley Louise & cat 'Jiminey'"pw15 - on back: "Margie & Hilda"; post-it note on back: "Margie Phippen & Hilda Spurling"pw16 - pulled from album; on back: "Bertie's cat 'Goody'"pw17 - on back: "Hilda & Ethel B."pw18 - pulled from album; on front: "Harriet's room, one of my rooms, my bedroom" on back: "Where we let...etc."pw19 - pulled from album, double exposure; post-it note on back: "Morrie Newell House"pw20 - on back: "Margie & Mother"pw21 - unknown vesselpw22 - unknown vessel; on back: "ship wreck on back of cranberry island" (same vessel as pw10)pw23 - on back: "The cove froxen over" post-it note on back: "Spurling Cove 1923"pw24 - on back: "Bagley's Barber shop with a little snow on the side Ha! Where I have my hair dressing done Marcel Wasco and so on Ha!"pw25 - unknown house, seems same as pw06 but has additional dormer and latticework under porchpw26 - seems to be same kids and same houses as pw14pw27 - luxury yacht passing by GCI
Description: Photographs. Collection of scans of photos 2013.344.2110 (A-Y) made in 2004 from photos recovered by donor in either Hilda Spurling or Marjorie Phippen's GCI house. Unclear whether we have original photos at GCIHS. (Note: Original photo names were pw01 thru pw027, museum photos now identified as A-Y.)pw01 - pulled from an album; post-it note on back: "Moss House" (Image of Moss House with haystacks 1927)pw02 - on back: "1947"; post-it note on back: "Hilda Spurling 1947"pw03 - on back, in ink: "this is Harvard Beals Boat we are hauling on the ice" in pencil: "March 1923"pw04 - pulled from an album; on back, ballpoint ink: "Little Elener (now Buzzie)"; on post-it note: "Seimer House"pw05 - postcard; pw06 - unknown housenext 3 photos were clipped together by phil whitneypw07 - unknown man in unknown boatpw08 - skyline of New York City?pw09 - pulled from an album; unknown kids on slednext 4 photos were clipped together by philpw10 - unknown shipwreckpw11 - post-it note on back: "Spurling Cove 1923"pw12 - pulled from album; post-it note on back: "Field across from Wesley Bracy's house" but i think this is wrong as the houses across the way seem too close & numerouspw13 - post-it note on back: "Murch dock"pw14 - on back: "Sherley Louise & cat 'Jiminey'"pw15 - on back: "Margie & Hilda"; post-it note on back: "Margie Phippen & Hilda Spurling"pw16 - pulled from album; on back: "Bertie's cat 'Goody'"pw17 - on back: "Hilda & Ethel B."pw18 - pulled from album; on front: "Harriet's room, one of my rooms, my bedroom" on back: "Where we let...etc."pw19 - pulled from album, double exposure; post-it note on back: "Morrie Newell House"pw20 - on back: "Margie & Mother"pw21 - unknown vesselpw22 - unknown vessel; on back: "ship wreck on back of cranberry island" (same vessel as pw10)pw23 - on back: "The cove froxen over" post-it note on back: "Spurling Cove 1923"pw24 - on back: "Bagley's Barber shop with a little snow on the side Ha! Where I have my hair dressing done Marcel Wasco and so on Ha!"pw25 - unknown house, seems same as pw06 but has additional dormer and latticework under porchpw26 - seems to be same kids and same houses as pw14pw27 - luxury yacht passing by GCI [show more]
Description: Tool, medical, lancet, spring loaded, for bloodletting or lancing boils; previously owned by the donor's father. Item #1215 is custom box for it.
Letters. Collection. Folder of 13 letters relating to Samuel Sanford v. William Preble lawsuit, with mention of a claim by Fernald [and possibly Spurling] 1900-1904. These materials indicate Preble was in so much debt he could have lost his entire property. (See other materials related to suit at end of this description.)1. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law (Offices at Ellsworth and Bar Harbor), from Ellsworth, Me. Feb 2, 1900 to Capt. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 2 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top, with handwritten corrections within. Two suits now pending by [Samuel] Sanford against Mr. Preble [William P. Preble], the second suit causing more delay. Lawyer has taken testimonies and wants to take more testimony; auditor can't make his report until completed. Doubts if there will be a trial in April. Things are complicated by W. H. Preble's death [W.P's son] who knew the details of the case. Lawyer says Sanford did furnish a lot of supplies and labor, even if a bit exaggerated, and thinks there will be a balance due Sanford, even with Preble's charges for Sanford's board and his bill to Sanford (which Peters thinks is over-charged). Suggests stave off both suits until October term and make a decent settlement. "Of course we are for the defendant and the longer we put them off, the more we tire them out, and the better prospect we have of getting a favorable settlement." (This letter was scanned 12/21/16.) [Note: The envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to Mrs. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor dated June 1901] 2. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 3rd, 1900 to Capt. Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 3 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top. Responding to Spurling's letters of Feb. 25 and March 30th. Sanford suits will be delayed until October. "The old gentleman cannot be disturbed as long as we hold off Sanford, and prevent his getting any judgment…" Preble's place is "attached for large sums of money." Spurling and William P. Preble, Jr. [Preble's son] will assist with Preble's matters. Peters talks about Spurling's mention of papers that Mr. Preble gave to William H. Preble, but knows nothing of them. "His property will have to go first for the payment of his debts, and I do not imagine that there will be anything left after the payment of the debts." Mentions Mrs. Fernald's claim on page 3; she stands to get the same percentage as the others. Wonders how long Spurling will be away on his fishing business and if he knows of a good trade in a sloop boat, "a good large boat of the knockabaout style." [Envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles Maine and postmarked June 1901]3. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 25, 1900, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Me, Two typewritten half-pages, bluish ink, marked "dictated" at the top. Peters writes of his correspondence with Capt. Spurling who is evidently your good friend. They did not have a chance to get down to see Preble before Spurling left for Bristol. He hopes Preble will not "borrow any trouble about the matter" (worry), and Peters is sorry to hear of the "recent grief that has befallen your son's family." With envelope postmarked April 25, 1900.4. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Sept. 20th, 1900, to William P. Preble, Esq., Cranberry Isles, Maine, Two typewritten half-pages, marked "dictated" at the top. This letter is blurred purplish ink. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of Sept. 18th and explains he hasn't seen him because he didn't want to disturb him with matters of the case. Auditor is still taking testimony - took the deposition of William P. Richardson last week at Bar Harbor. Richardson's testimony somewhat damaging to Preble. Preble seems to have charged Richardson a lot less than Sanford for shore privileges in connection with the outer weir. Peters has asked Capt. Spurling to come up to Ellsworth and go over the testimony. 5. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Jan. 24th, 1901, to Capt. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Two typewritten pages, marked "Dictated" at the top. This letter is purplish ink. Peters responds to Spurling's Jan 7th letter. He says he got the case continued to April with considerable difficulty. The report of the auditor was filed "and I send you copies of his report in each case" (note: copies are not with this letter 12/12/16 they may be with previous catalogue entries), and he asks that Spurling return them to him. Still hoping to procure further delay. Peters says "If the old gentleman holds on until March it would be my idea to have you go to Cranberry Isle and meet Sanford and Mr. Preble, and see if you could not arrange a settlement by setting off to Sanford some land, which he should take title to by deed, to take effect ater mr. Preble's death, that is reserving a life interest to Mr. Preble." "I presume the principal thing now is to make it comfortable and easy for Mr. Preble as long as he lives, and also to save something for your sister who has served so faithfully." 6. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 15th, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One handwritten page, both sides, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of the 13th and regrets very much Preble did not follow his instruction to rest easy. He will send copies of the "deeds we passed with Sanford" after they are recorded. Thinks they made a favorable deal with Sanford, the suits are out of court and no litigation pending. Seems Preble may have been confused about some of the details including a shore access right of way. To have contested the report could have entailed considerable expense; Peters speaks of other options they could have taken that wouldn't have been so favorable, reminds him that he'd desired Peters to make the best settlement he could. He'll send details and figures in his next letter.7. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 22nd, 1901, to Mrs Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One and a half typewritten pages, purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Mrs. Spurling's letter of the 18th, saying "Your father was likely to lose the whole of his property, but I effected a settlement, so that he saves a large portion of it." Says he tried to telephone your town (Boothbay) to get her husband to go to the Island but he was away to sea. Mrs. Richardson was not called to testify because "your late bother and your father did not think it wise at the time." He would have been glad to have her testimony. She's "a woman of a very sharp tongue" and "so I rather though at the time that they hardly dared to call her." [Note: Is this Carrie M. Richardson they speak of here?] 8. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One typewritten page purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Enclosing the statement in full and detail of settlement with Mr. Sanford, the value placed upon each lot, and a copy of your deed to Sanford and the original [and a copy] of Sanford's deed to you. [Nothing with this letter 12/12/16.] States Preble will be "undisputed n your premises, and free of litigation in your old age." He also states the matter of why Mrs. Richardson was not called as a witness is mentioned in the statement.9. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to Mrs. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One typewritten page marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters sends her the statement of the recent transactions in the suits between your father and Mr. Sanford with a summary of the settlement and other details relating to the closing up of the suits."10. Letter from Wm. P. Preble (by C.M.R) [Carrie M. Richardson] Cranberry Isles, Nov. 15, 1901, to Hon. J. A. Peters, Jr., Ellsworth, Maine. Two handwritten pages, two-sided. Preble is telling Peters about his affairs. On the 29 [next letters illeg], and the day after he found himself locked out from his own buildings when he went to the shore. Preble is very upset: "Must I submit to this, and is there no redress?" Preble also writes that Wm. P. Richardson has purchased of S.C. Sandford [sic] a piece of woodland run off by G. R. Fuller (sp?), on the [southern or northern] part of my home lot which now remains to be proven." Please let him know what to do. He mentions Capt. B.H. Spurling but unclear what he means.11. Letter from Egenia Brumell(sp?) of 304 Harrison St., Syracuse, NY, to her brother Benjamin Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, dated Feb. 4th, 1903; three, two-sided, handwritten pages. Explains she's been unable to get the facts of the case[Sanford v. Preble presumably]. She wrote to his wife, Fannie. Fannie thought she was crazy. Author says she has endured insults the last time she visited the homestead. How gladly Matilda closed the door on her and father would not say goodbye. Says her dear stepfather who she always loved has since send his blessing and goodbye. Says Preble took Samuel Sanford and the family too much in his confidence. She prayed the Matilda and Dora[?] should die and Sam be deprived of all he thinks will be his. Implores brother to take her advice immediately. Explains the homestead lot belongs to the heirs of Samuel Spurling (now deceased). What father bought since belongs to his children alone. Gives advice and begs her brother to get father to sign to this effect, that undo influence was used and father didn't know what he was doing. He's injuring his children. Undo the wrong. "Sam [Sanford] has no right to it." Do it now [Preble is old and ailing]. Spurling heirs are entitled to that place, so many acres, land, house etc. God is on her side. She is willing to sell to her brother and take out mortgage from him to hold her claim in the property and secure herself. Wants to visit the island next summer. Mentions Frank is in Trinidad and heading north, "Oh that my sons were safe on shore." Carrie [Richardson?] is interested in missionary work at home and is president and treasurer of the "Society." They had a blizzard yesterday. Author will be 68 on 20th June and is still in good physical shape. She has hired a room from a very accommodating man and wife but is tired of the city. Talks about current difficult issues in the world, her predictions for future, and how she works for every penny. Mentions that her brother's eldest daughter is taking medicine for asthma. "I have known poverty and am disgusted with it, particularly when I would like to play lady bountiful."12. Letter from Thulma(?) M. Harding of Lamoine [ME] to her brother Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated Mar. 29th, 1903. Responds to her brother's letter, saying she's of the same mind as before. She can't see why she's called to help take cre of "Esq." [is this Preble?], and she 'does not know of the many benefits I have received from him." Surely my father left property enough to take care of his children. "I know I worked hard enough taking care of The Esq.'s children to pay for all I ever received." She doesn't feel the debt of gratitude. She has never received anything from her father. "Has not the Esq had the benefit of everything my father owned all his life?" Mentions Joseph (her husband?) got a bill for $100 for her wedding clothing. She agrees with her brother that he [Preble] has been wronged by those he chose in place of his own children. She almost lost her island home so she could go live in peace. She's glad Sarah can give up her part so willingly. When he is really ready to buy, she will name her price. She sends her love to Fanny and the family.13. Letter from T. E. Welles, Mayor, City of Pensacola, Fla, to Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated June 13th, 1904. One typewritten page, purple ink. Replies to the Captain's 'favor of the 8th' wondering at his silence. Sorry to hear he had lost two large schools of fish but glad he had a good trip after all. He had two letters from Sam Josephs who never writes much about his stock. He doesn't write unless he has a good trip of fish. Welles says we had just launched another new vessel, The Frances H., named for the wife of Mr. W. G. Robins, Treasurer of A Booth & Co., Chicago. Discusses other boat transactions. Said the vessels had stayed in for the primary election last Tuesday. He only has one more year as Mayor and may be able to get East after that. Closes with: Your friend. [Seems to be unrelated to the Preble lawsuit.]See also other catalogued items relating to these letters:Item Nos. 811-829, 832, depositions, court documents, family correspondence were gifts from a different donor.Item Nos. 1209-1214 are correspondence and documents re: suit, gift of this donor.
Description: Letters. Collection. Folder of 13 letters relating to Samuel Sanford v. William Preble lawsuit, with mention of a claim by Fernald [and possibly Spurling] 1900-1904. These materials indicate Preble was in so much debt he could have lost his entire property. (See other materials related to suit at end of this description.)1. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law (Offices at Ellsworth and Bar Harbor), from Ellsworth, Me. Feb 2, 1900 to Capt. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 2 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top, with handwritten corrections within. Two suits now pending by [Samuel] Sanford against Mr. Preble [William P. Preble], the second suit causing more delay. Lawyer has taken testimonies and wants to take more testimony; auditor can't make his report until completed. Doubts if there will be a trial in April. Things are complicated by W. H. Preble's death [W.P's son] who knew the details of the case. Lawyer says Sanford did furnish a lot of supplies and labor, even if a bit exaggerated, and thinks there will be a balance due Sanford, even with Preble's charges for Sanford's board and his bill to Sanford (which Peters thinks is over-charged). Suggests stave off both suits until October term and make a decent settlement. "Of course we are for the defendant and the longer we put them off, the more we tire them out, and the better prospect we have of getting a favorable settlement." (This letter was scanned 12/21/16.) [Note: The envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to Mrs. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor dated June 1901] 2. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 3rd, 1900 to Capt. Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 3 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top. Responding to Spurling's letters of Feb. 25 and March 30th. Sanford suits will be delayed until October. "The old gentleman cannot be disturbed as long as we hold off Sanford, and prevent his getting any judgment…" Preble's place is "attached for large sums of money." Spurling and William P. Preble, Jr. [Preble's son] will assist with Preble's matters. Peters talks about Spurling's mention of papers that Mr. Preble gave to William H. Preble, but knows nothing of them. "His property will have to go first for the payment of his debts, and I do not imagine that there will be anything left after the payment of the debts." Mentions Mrs. Fernald's claim on page 3; she stands to get the same percentage as the others. Wonders how long Spurling will be away on his fishing business and if he knows of a good trade in a sloop boat, "a good large boat of the knockabaout style." [Envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles Maine and postmarked June 1901]3. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 25, 1900, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Me, Two typewritten half-pages, bluish ink, marked "dictated" at the top. Peters writes of his correspondence with Capt. Spurling who is evidently your good friend. They did not have a chance to get down to see Preble before Spurling left for Bristol. He hopes Preble will not "borrow any trouble about the matter" (worry), and Peters is sorry to hear of the "recent grief that has befallen your son's family." With envelope postmarked April 25, 1900.4. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Sept. 20th, 1900, to William P. Preble, Esq., Cranberry Isles, Maine, Two typewritten half-pages, marked "dictated" at the top. This letter is blurred purplish ink. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of Sept. 18th and explains he hasn't seen him because he didn't want to disturb him with matters of the case. Auditor is still taking testimony - took the deposition of William P. Richardson last week at Bar Harbor. Richardson's testimony somewhat damaging to Preble. Preble seems to have charged Richardson a lot less than Sanford for shore privileges in connection with the outer weir. Peters has asked Capt. Spurling to come up to Ellsworth and go over the testimony. 5. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Jan. 24th, 1901, to Capt. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Two typewritten pages, marked "Dictated" at the top. This letter is purplish ink. Peters responds to Spurling's Jan 7th letter. He says he got the case continued to April with considerable difficulty. The report of the auditor was filed "and I send you copies of his report in each case" (note: copies are not with this letter 12/12/16 they may be with previous catalogue entries), and he asks that Spurling return them to him. Still hoping to procure further delay. Peters says "If the old gentleman holds on until March it would be my idea to have you go to Cranberry Isle and meet Sanford and Mr. Preble, and see if you could not arrange a settlement by setting off to Sanford some land, which he should take title to by deed, to take effect ater mr. Preble's death, that is reserving a life interest to Mr. Preble." "I presume the principal thing now is to make it comfortable and easy for Mr. Preble as long as he lives, and also to save something for your sister who has served so faithfully." 6. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 15th, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One handwritten page, both sides, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of the 13th and regrets very much Preble did not follow his instruction to rest easy. He will send copies of the "deeds we passed with Sanford" after they are recorded. Thinks they made a favorable deal with Sanford, the suits are out of court and no litigation pending. Seems Preble may have been confused about some of the details including a shore access right of way. To have contested the report could have entailed considerable expense; Peters speaks of other options they could have taken that wouldn't have been so favorable, reminds him that he'd desired Peters to make the best settlement he could. He'll send details and figures in his next letter.7. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 22nd, 1901, to Mrs Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One and a half typewritten pages, purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Mrs. Spurling's letter of the 18th, saying "Your father was likely to lose the whole of his property, but I effected a settlement, so that he saves a large portion of it." Says he tried to telephone your town (Boothbay) to get her husband to go to the Island but he was away to sea. Mrs. Richardson was not called to testify because "your late bother and your father did not think it wise at the time." He would have been glad to have her testimony. She's "a woman of a very sharp tongue" and "so I rather though at the time that they hardly dared to call her." [Note: Is this Carrie M. Richardson they speak of here?] 8. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One typewritten page purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Enclosing the statement in full and detail of settlement with Mr. Sanford, the value placed upon each lot, and a copy of your deed to Sanford and the original [and a copy] of Sanford's deed to you. [Nothing with this letter 12/12/16.] States Preble will be "undisputed n your premises, and free of litigation in your old age." He also states the matter of why Mrs. Richardson was not called as a witness is mentioned in the statement.9. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to Mrs. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One typewritten page marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters sends her the statement of the recent transactions in the suits between your father and Mr. Sanford with a summary of the settlement and other details relating to the closing up of the suits."10. Letter from Wm. P. Preble (by C.M.R) [Carrie M. Richardson] Cranberry Isles, Nov. 15, 1901, to Hon. J. A. Peters, Jr., Ellsworth, Maine. Two handwritten pages, two-sided. Preble is telling Peters about his affairs. On the 29 [next letters illeg], and the day after he found himself locked out from his own buildings when he went to the shore. Preble is very upset: "Must I submit to this, and is there no redress?" Preble also writes that Wm. P. Richardson has purchased of S.C. Sandford [sic] a piece of woodland run off by G. R. Fuller (sp?), on the [southern or northern] part of my home lot which now remains to be proven." Please let him know what to do. He mentions Capt. B.H. Spurling but unclear what he means.11. Letter from Egenia Brumell(sp?) of 304 Harrison St., Syracuse, NY, to her brother Benjamin Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, dated Feb. 4th, 1903; three, two-sided, handwritten pages. Explains she's been unable to get the facts of the case[Sanford v. Preble presumably]. She wrote to his wife, Fannie. Fannie thought she was crazy. Author says she has endured insults the last time she visited the homestead. How gladly Matilda closed the door on her and father would not say goodbye. Says her dear stepfather who she always loved has since send his blessing and goodbye. Says Preble took Samuel Sanford and the family too much in his confidence. She prayed the Matilda and Dora[?] should die and Sam be deprived of all he thinks will be his. Implores brother to take her advice immediately. Explains the homestead lot belongs to the heirs of Samuel Spurling (now deceased). What father bought since belongs to his children alone. Gives advice and begs her brother to get father to sign to this effect, that undo influence was used and father didn't know what he was doing. He's injuring his children. Undo the wrong. "Sam [Sanford] has no right to it." Do it now [Preble is old and ailing]. Spurling heirs are entitled to that place, so many acres, land, house etc. God is on her side. She is willing to sell to her brother and take out mortgage from him to hold her claim in the property and secure herself. Wants to visit the island next summer. Mentions Frank is in Trinidad and heading north, "Oh that my sons were safe on shore." Carrie [Richardson?] is interested in missionary work at home and is president and treasurer of the "Society." They had a blizzard yesterday. Author will be 68 on 20th June and is still in good physical shape. She has hired a room from a very accommodating man and wife but is tired of the city. Talks about current difficult issues in the world, her predictions for future, and how she works for every penny. Mentions that her brother's eldest daughter is taking medicine for asthma. "I have known poverty and am disgusted with it, particularly when I would like to play lady bountiful."12. Letter from Thulma(?) M. Harding of Lamoine [ME] to her brother Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated Mar. 29th, 1903. Responds to her brother's letter, saying she's of the same mind as before. She can't see why she's called to help take cre of "Esq." [is this Preble?], and she 'does not know of the many benefits I have received from him." Surely my father left property enough to take care of his children. "I know I worked hard enough taking care of The Esq.'s children to pay for all I ever received." She doesn't feel the debt of gratitude. She has never received anything from her father. "Has not the Esq had the benefit of everything my father owned all his life?" Mentions Joseph (her husband?) got a bill for $100 for her wedding clothing. She agrees with her brother that he [Preble] has been wronged by those he chose in place of his own children. She almost lost her island home so she could go live in peace. She's glad Sarah can give up her part so willingly. When he is really ready to buy, she will name her price. She sends her love to Fanny and the family.13. Letter from T. E. Welles, Mayor, City of Pensacola, Fla, to Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated June 13th, 1904. One typewritten page, purple ink. Replies to the Captain's 'favor of the 8th' wondering at his silence. Sorry to hear he had lost two large schools of fish but glad he had a good trip after all. He had two letters from Sam Josephs who never writes much about his stock. He doesn't write unless he has a good trip of fish. Welles says we had just launched another new vessel, The Frances H., named for the wife of Mr. W. G. Robins, Treasurer of A Booth & Co., Chicago. Discusses other boat transactions. Said the vessels had stayed in for the primary election last Tuesday. He only has one more year as Mayor and may be able to get East after that. Closes with: Your friend. [Seems to be unrelated to the Preble lawsuit.]See also other catalogued items relating to these letters:Item Nos. 811-829, 832, depositions, court documents, family correspondence were gifts from a different donor.Item Nos. 1209-1214 are correspondence and documents re: suit, gift of this donor. [show more]
Shotgun. 1925-1928, .410 gauge shotgun judging by trigger. Barrel is not twisted (that started in 1950s). Trademark STEVENS Reg. U.S. Pat Off & FGN. J Stevens Arms & Tool Co. Chicopee Falls MASS USA . Wood stock.
Description: Shotgun. 1925-1928, .410 gauge shotgun judging by trigger. Barrel is not twisted (that started in 1950s). Trademark STEVENS Reg. U.S. Pat Off & FGN. J Stevens Arms & Tool Co. Chicopee Falls MASS USA . Wood stock.
Description: Collection, minutes, documents on history of Ladies Aid (all modern photocopies or wordprocessed reprints). (Documents are from the Ladies aid 2000.)