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1873 Vintage Letter Sunbeam Illinois Music History Cropuet PP Bliss Ephemera
4 pages approximately 5\" by 8\"
Item Overview
Type: Original Handwritten Manuscript Letter (Ephemera)
Date: May 9, 1873
Location: Sunbeam, Illinois (Mercer County)
Addressee: Mr. Albert Hook
Themes: 19th-Century American Sheet Music, Hymnists, Musical Conventions, Local Illinois History, Croquet, Pioneer Life.
Historical Significance & Content Highlights
This fascinating post-Civil War era letter offers an incredible glimpse into the 19th-century Midwest musical convention circuit. The writer discusses teaching music classes ($5.00 per evening) and details interactions with prominent musical figures of the era.
Musical Conventions & Figures: Mentions \"Mr. Bliss\" (highly likely the famous gospel hymn writer Philip Paul Bliss) conducting a convention in Burlington, as well as \"Mr. Palmer\" (likely Horatio Richmond Palmer) conducting a convention in Aledo, IL.
Period Music Publications: References reading a copy of the \"Evergreen\" and looking out for something good in the \"Joy\" (popular music books/periodicals of the time).
Social & Daily Life: Describes local weather impacts on farming (\"Wheat looks well. Corn is not planted yet... Oh Horror! the mud!\"), playing Croquet with visitors from Chicago (Mr. & Mrs. Kimball), and mentions several local names including Towne, Martin, Stillman, A.H. Moore, S.W. Mountz, and Florence Mathews.
Full Transcription of the Letter
[Page 1]Sunbeam Ills.May 9 1873Mr Albert HookDear FriendI am in a somewhat writing mood today and will give vent by writing to you. not that I think it my duty by any means for you dont deserve an answer for 27 years Well alright anyhow. I have nothing new to write, for we are enjoying about the usual monotony of this season of the year. not much to do. But as to my work last winter, it was pretty immense. had seven classes. all at $5.00 per eveng. Some few conventions.
[Page 2 & 3]Am going to my Father\'s on a visit soon. Mr Bliss will conduct a Convention in Burlington next week. I expect to attend it if possible. have read a copy of the Evergreen. Look Out! you will see something good in the \"Joy\" no doubt. you intimate that Towne, Martin, and Stillman are going to hold a Normal. Where? I hadnt heard of it. I dont intend to go to Normal this year. will probably hold some conventions. dont know where yet. would be glad to come across you somewhere. have you heard anything from Mr Fish?
Mr Palmer was at Aledo this Winter and conducted a convention. but I being engaged also in one at the same time in Sunbeam could not attend. was very sorry. Palmer was well thought of as he well deserves to be. Have not written any music lately, have you? Mr & Mrs. Kimball from Chicago are visiting with us now. having a fine time. play Croquet &c, &c. Mrs. Kimball requests me to tell you that she read your letter and Photo, that she intended answering but put it off from time to time until she finally never wrote.
[Page 4]I wish you were here to see it to rain. it can rain so easy, and nice. but Oh Horror! the mud! if it dont get dry soon I dont know what will become of us. I am so fuserated [frustrated] that I know even less than usual. Wheat looks well. Corn is not planted yet. I see A. H. Moore and S. W. Mountz occasionly. They are not doing much I believe. See Mr Wile somtime. Miss Florence Mathews played for some of my conventions this winter. She is quite a nice player for convention. Have not heard from Saunders lately,(Cross-written top margin): Our Babe is a little charm. send lots of love to you. In great haste. Mrs S and baby.
