Photo of David Wright on a Horse

David Wright on a Horse

Family Letters: Second letter from Sarah Wheeler Sanders to her daughter Lucy Amy Reed

Sarah Wheeler Sanders

Here is the second letter between Sarah Wheeler Sanders and Lucy Amy Reed I am transcribing.  AS I said, I have very little idea of what order these should be in so am transcribing them as I come across them.  

Tuesday Morning

My Dear Lillie

    I am very glad that you are feeling so well and like staying in Greenfield.  We are having cold weather as well as you.  Yesterday was very cold with snow squalls all day but this morning it is warmer and the sun shines a seems quite pleasant.  Rebecca left this morning for Rangley where I suppose she will speak this afternoon and she hopes to get back tonight. She has been making me a black silk shirt waist. It is not quite finished will be when the collier and belt are [ILLEGIBLE] 

    Sunday as you know was my birthday and R. gave me a very handsome black silk [ILLEGIBLE] with white [ILLEGIBLE] and black [ILLEGIBLE] and a belt buckle.

    She made a birthday [ILLEGIBLE] we had a nice dinner within [ILLEGIBLE] four layer the cake for desert.  The boys sent me [ILLEGIBLE] colliers one black silk embroidered with white and the other white muslin embroidered.

    Albert came home Saturday night did not think it best to go to Northampton although he wanted to.  Cousin Lucius is expected this week and would like me to go home with him. I do not know what I will do. Auntie thinks I had better go I am so near and Albert is inclined to think so to.

    I am feeling very well but do not [ILLEGIBLE] I could endure a great deal. They are very [ILLEGIBLE] of me I went to the city again Wednesday and had a pleasant time.  [ILLEGIBLE] went to [ILLEGIBLE] parties these days [ILLEGIBLE] but two are in the afternoon. She enjoys life always has everything on hand.

    Amy is well again and busy in school and [ILLEGIBLE] also.

    Auntie writes that aunt Mary Wilson is very [ILLEGIBLE] and Mrs. McCloud has been taken to Dickenson Hospital. I do not think she will ever be any better.  I shall be glad to go home when it is best but I am not disconsolate. 

    Remember me to John.

Yours with love

S.W. Reed

Here is the scanned copy of the letter. Gain, I would really appreciate anyone checking my work and seeing if they can identify any other words. Here are some things I can pick out from the letter:

• Lucy is lining in Greenfield.  Not sure what state but possibly New Hampshire.
• The boys mentioned are likely my Grandfather David Wright and Granduncle Edward Wright
• Albert is Sarah's son, and Rebecca is his wife. 
• I don't think Sarah is in Northampton when this was written.  She may be with Albert's family in Evenston, IL.
• John is Lucy's Husband John Lawrence

Family

• Joseph Sanders(1764-1829) married Elizabeth Hall(1765-1836)
• David Sanders(1791-1863) married Amy Wheeler(1793-1874)
• Sarah Wheeler Sanders(1823-1919) married Benjamin Franklin Reed(1819-UNKNOWN)
• Jane Caroline Reed(1846-1936) married David Joy Wright(1851-1908)
• Edward Nimes Wright(1884-1947) know as Ned
• David Sanders Wright(1887-1967) married Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)
• Caroline Wright(1930-2016) married Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• Me
• Lucy Amy Reed(1848-1918) married John Dresser Lawrence(1847-1907)
• Albert David Sanders(1852-1947) married Rebecca Clark Strong(1854-1935) referenced as R
• Amy Sanders(1887-1937) married Murray Arnold Hines(1876-1969)
• Nathen Sanders(1800-1887) married Betsy Sheed(1805-1887)
• George "Lucius" Sanders(1838-1919) married Mary A. Steele(1842-1909)
• Charles Lucius Sanders(1877-1939) married Mary R. Andrews(1877-1962)

Unknown

• Charles
• Mrs. Foobes
• Old Ted, who I believe to be an animal
• Auntie
• Mary Wilson
• Mrs. McCloud

Photo of Mary Putnam in a greenhouse

Mary Putnam in a greenhouse

 

Family Letters: First letter from Sarah Wheeler Sanders to her daughter Lucy Amy Reed

Sarah Wheeler Sanders

I have a bunch of family letters that need to be transcribed which I have been putting off.  Many of them were sent from my 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah Wheeler Sanders to my Great Grandaunt Lucy Amy Reed.  Not all of these letters have dates so I may not get them in order.  Also, Sarah's hand writing can be a bit challenging.  I am doing my best with the transcriptions but there are a number of words I can't identify. I'll give a link to a scanned pdf with each post so you can give me suggestions.

 Sunday Afternoon

My dear Lillie,

    I have been looking for a letter from you for several days but [ILLEGIBLE] that you are busy and have not been fit to write.

    We heard [ILLEGIBLE] though [ILLEGIBLE] this last week.  We have been having beautiful weather the last week although rather dry and dusty but this morning it has rained and everything is looking finely. Cherry trees [ILLEGIBLE] and daffodils are in full bloom. The flowering almond that was [ILLEGIBLE] when you lived here has blossomed [ILLEGIBLE] full.

    I went to church this morning although was rather wet but it was communion day and I have not been to communion for some time and was anxious to go.  I'm united with the church on confession and [ILLEGIBLE] by letter.

    You was much on my mind this morning and I was wishing I might have the privilege of sitting with you at the table of our Lord. Will you not come?

    These May days bring our dear Charles last days to mind with [ILLEGIBLE]. We shall go to him but he will [ILLEGIBLE] no more to us. Dear boy.

    We had a letter from Evanston last week and they are all well and happy. R. seems to be just as busy as you with duties at home and [ILLEGIBLE]. She is a great woman I think [ILLEGIBLE].

    All well at the Wrights and all went to church this morning.  The boys sheep are at home [ILLEGIBLE] and Ned has twin lambs and David has one.

    They have measles and [ILLEGIBLE] in the school and [ILLEGIBLE] likely they may get them but I have had measles and I am glad.

    [ILLEGIBLE] had a letter from Mrs. Foobes to yesterday and I think they must be quite near you. As near as I can make out they are at Lockhaven N.H. 

    [ILLEGIBLE] the [ILLEGIBLE] is not very [ILLEGIBLE]. It is near a lake and I guess a summer rent.  I think you will receive a call sometime from [ILLEGIBLE] and her husband.  Old Ted is all right has a good apatite but is not as fat as in the winter. I [ILLEGIBLE] it is of no use to say I [ILLEGIBLE] have but hopes you will be able to sometime. 

Lovingly S.W. Reed

Here is the scanned image of the letter if you want to try and fill in the blanks.  Some items of note from what I can see:

• It appears to have been written in May.
• Ned is my Granduncle Edward Wright
• David is my Grandfather David Wright
• Given the Wright reference, Sarah was likely writing from Northampton, MA

Here is how everyone mentioned is related to me:

Family

• Sarah Wheeler Sanders(1823-1919) married Benjamin Franklin Reed(1819-UNKNOWN)
• Jane Caroline Reed(1846-1936) married David Joy Wright(1851-1908)
• Edward Nimes Wright(1884-1947) know as Ned
• David Sanders Wright(1887-1967) married Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)
• Caroline Wright(1930-2016) married Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• Me
• Lucy Amy Reed(1848-1918) married John Dresser Lawrence(1847-1907)
• Albert David Sanders(1852-1947) married Rebecca Clark Strong(1854-1935) referenced as R

Unknown

• Charles
• Mrs. Foobes
• Old Ted, who I believe to be an animal

                                                                                          

Photo of Ervin Putnam and Friends

Ervin Putnam and Friends, Mary Connelly third from left

 

Photo of David, Charles and Catherine Wright, 1925

David, Charles and Catherine Wright, 1925

 

Possible photo of Catherine Wright on a Sleigh

Possibly Catherine Wright on a Sleigh

 

Photo of Unknown Woman and Dog

Photo of Unknown Woman and Dog

I suspect this is a family member of the Smiths but I am not sure.  It could be Florence's sister.
 

Photo of Catherine Ellen McCann and six unknown women

Catherine Ellen McCann and six unknown women

 

Photo of Florence Smith and four unknown friends (and a dog)

Florence Smith and four unknown friends (and a dog)

 

Another Christmas Card

Christmas Card Front

Christmas Card Inside

Christmas Card Back

 

Photo of the Camp on Meduxnekeag Maine

Photo of the Camp on Meduxnekeag Lake, Maine

Postcard photo of 3 unknown friends and Florence Smith

3 unknown friends and Florence Smith

 I believe this is another college photo.  These appear to be the same people as the last photo with Florence.  

Photo of 3 Unknown Friends and Florence Smith with Flower hats

3 Unknown Friends and Florence Smith with Flower hats

 Not sure when or where this is taken, but I suspect Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts.  It is likely my Grandmother Florence Smith and so friends.  

Florence Smith and Friends

Florence Smith and 5 unknown friends

 Not sure where this is taken.  It could have been when Florence was at Holyoke.   

Mystery Monday: Photos of a plane in Massachusetts or Maine

 These photos were in with the various Putnam family photos.  I have no idea who these people are or when this was taken so was seeing if others can help.

Side view of plane

Rear of plane

Front of plane

Crew of plane

Crew of plane

Another historic Christmas Card

Front of Christmas Card

Inside of Christmas Card

 

Photo of Catherine Wright, age 14 Months

 

Catherine Wright, age 14 Months

Photo of Catherine Wright, 1940

Catherine Wright, 1940

 

Photo of the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA abt 1923

The 306 Maple St house in Housatonic, MA abt 1923

 

Another Historic Christmas Card

Front of Card

Inside of Card

Back of Card

 

Photo of Catherine, David, David Joy and Florence Wright at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA

Catherine McCann Smith,  Catherine Wright, David Sanders Wright, David Joy Wright, Florence Smith Wright and Merrick Smith at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA, abt 1923

 

Photo Friday: Can anyone identify this make of car?

 

This car either belonged to my Grandfather David Sanders Wright or my Great Grandfather Merrick Luther Smith.  I believe it was taken at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA. If you look closely inside the car you can make out David Sanders Wright, Florence Edna Smith and 2 children. The person beside the car may be Merrick Luther Smith, but I am not sure. I came up with the year based on the license plate of the car.

Car at 306 Maple St, abt 1923

Historic Christmas Cards

 I found some cards my Mother kept so I've scanned them to share.  This one was sent from my Grandaunt to my mother, probably in the the late 1940s.

Front of Christmas Card

Middle of Christmas Card

Note from Aunt Estella to my mother

Back of Christmas Card

Photo of Charles, Catherine and David Wright playing in a sandbox, 1925

Charles, Catherine and David Wright playing in a sandbox, 1925

 

Photo of Charles Wright, 1925

Charles Wright, 1925

 

Photo of Catherine, Charles and David Wright, 1925

Catherine, Charles and David Wright, 1925

 

Photo of David Sanders Wright and Charles Merrick Wright, abt 1925

David Sanders Wright and Charles Merrick Wright, abt 1925

 

Photo of David and Catherine Wright, 1924

David and Catherine Wright, 1924

 

Photo of Charles Wright and Florence Smith. 1924

Charles Wright and Florence Smith. 1924

 

Photo of Catherine, Charles, David Wright and Florence Smith, 1924

 

Catherine, Charles, David Wright and Florence Smith, 1924

Photo of Catherine, Charles and David Wright, 1924

These are all best guesses based on the content and placement in the photo album.  If someone has a better idea of who people are, please let me know.

Catherine, Charles and David Wright, 1924

 

Recipes Revisited: Merrick's Plum Pudding Sauce

 Merrick's Plum Pudding Sauce

This is what was on the sheet:
"Sauce
Make a plain sauce of custard, sugar, salt, slice of butter and cold water.  Guess at the amounts of each
Then flavor with French brandy "

It isn't a lot to go off of, so I found another that I used as a base.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp  French brandy
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat until pale and fluffy. Add sugar and continue to beat until smooth.  Add brandy and vanilla one tablespoon at a time. beat until combined.  Cover and refrigerate the hard sauce for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.  Bring to room temperature before serving.

Again, if you want to see all the recipes I've transcribed check out this page.

Photo Friday: Postcard of the B.D. RIsing Co. Risingdale, Mass

 

Postcard of the B.D. Rising Co. Risingdale, Mass

Recipes Revisited: Great Grandfather Merrick's Old England's Plum Pudding

 

Recipe Sheet for Merrick's Old England's Plum Pudding

I posted this back in 2016 but thought I would repost now as it is a holiday dessert. This recipe came from my Great Grandfather Merrick Smith. If done right, this takes about a month to make, but you can definitely shorten that time. I'll post the recipe for the Brandy Butter Sauce next. Again, I am compiling all the family recipes here. If you have any you want to add, let me know.

Merrick’s Old England’s Plum Pudding

• 1 lb raisins
• 1 lb currants
• ½ lb citron (thinly sliced)
• ¼ lb candied lemon peel (chopped)
• ½  teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon mace
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb suet
• 1 ½ cup brandy
• 1 lb bread crumbs
• 1 cup scalded milk
• 6 eggs
• 1 lb Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon salt

Blend raisins, currants, citron, lemon peel, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice, black pepper, and suet in a bowl. Add ¼ cup brandy. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 days, add ¼ cup brandy each day. Soak bread crumbs in milk and brandy. Combine with well-beaten eggs, flour and molasses. Blend with the fruit mixture. Add flour, baking soda, salt and mix thoroughly. Put the pudding in buttered bowls or tins, filling them about ⅔ full. Cover with foil and tie it firmly. Steam for 6-7 hours. Add a dash of brandy to each pudding, cover with foil and keep in a cool place. To use, steam again for 2-3 hours and unmold. Sprinkle with sugar; add heated french brandy. Ignite and bring to the table. Serve with Merrick’s Plum Pudding Sauce.

After steaming

Served Flaming

Mystery Solved: Chili Casserole from Kate

 My cousin had a full copy of the recipe from my Mom, so here it is.  Her copy was labeled Chili Casserole Aunt Carol but the original seems to have come from my Aunt Kate.  Thanks to everyone who helped track this down, no I will have to try it!  I'll slowly post all the different recipes here.

Chili Casserole from Kate

• 3 lbs Ground Chuck
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cans green chili pepper-seeded and chopped
• 2 10oz cans Hunts tomato sauce w/ bits
• 1 lg can Italian Tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 Packet of Red Star Yeast. 
• 1 1/2 cups Flour
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp salt
•  pinch thyme
• pinch marjoram
• pinch oregano
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter + melted butter
• grated parmesan cheese

3 lbs ground chuck added to 2 chopped onions browned in skillet.  Add 2 cans green chili peppers-seeded and chopped, 2 10oz cans Hunts tomato sauce w/bits, and 1 lg can Italian Tomatoes (chopped). Simmer while making the topping.

Dissolve yeast in a sm amt of warm water*. Combine 1 pkg of Red Star yeast w/ 1 1/2 cups flour*, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, pinch thyme, marjoram, oregano 2 eggs and a mixture of 1/2 cup hot scalded milk and 1/2 cup butter.  Beet at medium speed for 3 minute. spoon over hot ground beef mixture.  Brush w/ melted butter and sprinkle w/ grated parmesan cheese.

Let stand in warm place for 30 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

*Red Star Yeast-Dissolve 1/4 cup warm liquid w/ 1 tsp sugar to activate yeast.  

*Corn Meal-substitute part of flour w/ corn meal (1/3 cup corn meal)

 

Grandma Wright and Catherine, 1921

 

Grandma Wright and Catherine, 1921

Mystery Monday: Half a recipe from my Aunt Kate

Here is another item from my Mom's stuff.  It is a recipe, or at least part of one.  

Chili Casserole from Kate 

• Use mixture on page 14 (Chili Book)
• This is the big missing piece.  I have no idea what book this is.
• Top with
• 1 pk. Red Star 
• suspect this is Chili seasoning, but not sure.
• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• pinch thyme, majoron, and oregano
• 2 eggs
• mixture of 1/2 cup hot scalded milk and 1/2 cup butter
• Beat at med. speed 3 min.
• Spoon over hot ground beef mixture.
• Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with ground cheese (Parmesan).
• Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 min.

Catherine and her daddy, 1921

Catherine and her daddy, 1921