The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Howe, Sarah Lydia Robbins                                      

Title:               Letters

Dates:             1833-1859

Call No.:         Doc. 333

Acc. No.:        85x43

Quantity:        14 items

Location:        31 C 3

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Sarah Lydia Robbins Howe resided in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  She was born on December 16, 1787 in Milton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Edward H. and Elizabeth Murray Robbins.  Her sisters were Mary and Anne Jean.  One of her brothers was James Murray Robbins, who continued to live at Brush Hill, the family property in Milton.  On October 11, 1813, Sarah Lydia Robbins married Samuel Howe.  Their children included daughters Mary E. (born circa 1817) and Sarah R. (born circa 1827).  Sarah Lydia Howe died in Cambridge on June 17, 1862.  Mary E. and Sarah R. Howe never married and continued to live together, with their unmarried aunt Catherine Robbins.  Sarah R. Howe was listed as a teacher in the 1880 census.

 

The relatives in Cincinnati with whom Mary E. Howe resides were Uriah Tracy Howe, his wife Sarah, and their children, including son Tracy.  Estes Howe is another relative who is mentioned.  In Northampton, Mary stays with her Lyman relatives, uncle Joseph and aunt Anne Jean Robbins Lyman.  Sarah Lydia’s sister Mary Robbins married Joseph Warren Revere (1777-1868), the son of the noted silversmith, and Revere relatives are mentioned in the letters.  The Robbins family was also related to the Forbes family. 

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Consists of 14 letters written by Sarah L. Howe to her daughter, Mary E. Howe, who was living with relatives in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Howe writes concerning social life in Cambridge, parties and events in Boston, family affairs, the health of relatives and friends, engagements, weddings, funerals, travel, and attending lectures by Thackeray and Emerson.  On Thackeray's lectures, she commented: "I have continued to like them very much--but do not agree with him in many of his literary criticisms ... I think he mentions the drinking frolics and convivialities of these men with a gusto that tells me he has no great objection to that sort of thing himself."  Howe also comments on books she read and her association with a book club in Cambridge.  Additionally, there is a letter written by Sarah to her sister, Catherine Robbins, who was attending school in Northampton, Massachusetts.  Catherine's later activities were often recorded in letters from Sarah to Mary.

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

The letters are in chronological order.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

 

Purchased from Robert F. Lucas.      

 

 

RELATED MATERIAL

 

The Revere family papers are available at this repository on microfilm, Mic. 2837-2851.  Although they do not seem to contain any papers directly pertaining to Sarah Lydia Robbins Howe, the collection does contain letters from members of the Robbins family, and an account of the Forbes and Robbins family written by Mary Robbins Revere.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

            People:

                        Howe, Mary E.

                        Robbins, Catherine.

                        Howe family.

                        Thackeray, William Makepeace, 1811-1863.

                        Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882.

 

Topics:

            Marriage customs and rites - Massachusetts - Cambridge.

            Funeral rites and ceremonies - Massachusetts - Cambridge.

            Manners and customs – History - 19th century.

            Book clubs.

            Books and reading.

            Mothers and daughters.

            Cambridge (Mass.) - Social life and customs.

            Letters.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 31 C 3

 

 

84x43.1           Sarah L. Howe, Cambridge, June 13, 1833, to sister Catherine Robbins and daughter Sarah [R. Howe], care of Mrs. Hunt, Northampton, [Mass.]

                                    From Sarah L. to sister Catherine: Glad Catherine and Sarah reached Northampton safely and hopes Catherine is better.  Mrs. Danforth to come to tea this afternoon.  Mr. Phillips and Miss Hill married; Mary Howe went to their party.  James Howe recovering from lameness.  Bennet [Forbes] is to return to Canton [Massachusetts, where the Revere family had a business].  Mr. and Mrs. Revere came with Mrs. Danforth for a visit.

                                    From Mother [Sarah L.] to Sarah R.: Obey your aunts and be kind to cousins.  Learn much in school and write mother a letter.  News of acquaintances.  “I miss you very much….”

 

 

85x43.2           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, Cincinnati, September 25, 1836.

                                    Mother not able to attend centennial celebration; has been nursing Mayer who had typhus fever.  Mrs. Spelman and Catherine helped with the task.  Was finally able to procure a nurse.  Dr. Jackson came several times; prefers him to Dr. Plympton or Dr. Barrett.  Sarah [R.] stayed with Susan because it was too quiet at home; grandmother has returned home.  News of friends.  Visited Mount Auburn.

 

 

85x43.3           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, care of U. T. Howe, Cincinnati, January 13, 1837.

                                    Aunt Catherine is in Northampton, where Anne is in decline.  News of grandmother (ill with rheumatism) and aunts Revere and Mary Robbins.  Winter has been mild and plants are blooming.  Book club met; did not buy any books and was provoked that Mrs. King was not elected a member.  News of friends.  Has been attending Charles Jackson’s lectures on geology.   Mentions books read.  Emma Forbes invited Harriet, James, and Sarah to her New Year’s Eve party, but they unable to attend.  When Mr. Revere returns from Washington, hopes to hear news of the exploring expedition.  More news of family and friends.  

 

 

85x43.4           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, care of U. Tracy Howe, Cincinnati, February 23, 1837.

                                    Glad to hear news of birth of Tracy’s son [also named Tracy] and that mother Sarah is doing well.  Richard Robbin’s wife died in childbirth.  Sorry to hear that Estes has decided to “relinquish his profession.”  Surprised that Tracy is also considering another profession.  Catherine [Robbins] much upset by Anne’s death.  Sending Mrs. Farrar’s book, Wendall Holmes’ poems, and Mrs. George Lee’s book.  Hopes Joshua Davis will help Mr. Dana as Mr. Davis is rich and “had nobody better to love and serve than that dog who died so genteelly last spring.”  Sarah Perkins much besieged by suitors this winter.  Many cotillion parties being held.  Mr. Sumner going to all the parties.  Is reading The Lusiad but doesn’t enjoy it much.  Went to Emerson’s lectures upon Philosophy of History.  News of friends.  Suggests that Mary not try to travel back to Cambridge unless she can find a female companion. 

 

                        Written in pencil by a later hand: “Note about my father abandoning his profession.”

 

 

85x43.5           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, care of U. T. Howe, Cincinnati, April 22, 1844.

                                    News of family and friends.  Catherine [Robbins] and S.L.H. enjoyed themselves at Mrs. Dixwell’s party.  The students burned a shed near Dr. Walker’s cellar; it had contained a set of carpenter’s tools.  Mr. Codman and 28 other sophomores were placed on probation because of their poor exam results.  E. Williams very ill and in decline.  Mr. Bulfinch died; Mr. and Mrs. Greenleaf may be moving here.  Will be spending coming week with the mantua maker Miss McF.  Has several things to read, including Life of Sir David Wilkie. 

 

 

85x43.6           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, care of Hon. Jos. Lyman, Northampton, Mass., September 27, 1846.

                                    The travellers  (Tracy and Sarah Howe and their children) reach Detroit after a comfortable lake crossing.  Tracy “at once immersed in business” [railroad building, apparently].  Bought a Stimpson Range [cook stove], got the cellar and yard cleaned, moved the bedsteads, rented part of the house to Miss [name unclear], and had painting and papering done.  Various family visits.  Mrs. Follen likes her new abode and has her piano set up.  News of friends – an engagement, two deaths, calls.  Received a presentation coy of Mr. Sumner’s oration.  Am reading Campbell’s lives of the chancellors.  

 

 

85x43.7           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, care of Hon. Jos. Lyman, Northampton, Mass., October 5, 1846.

                                    Glad she is enjoying her visit; no need to rush home.  Visits to and from relatives.   Made a call on the newly-wed Mr. and Mrs. Felton.  James’ mills are going well.  The new range works well.  Comments on lack of beauty in Edward’s and Munson’s wives.  Book club did not meet.  Making underclothes for Estes.  News of friends.

 

 

85x43.8           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, no place, October 13, 1852.

                                    Carrie [Wilson] received a summons home, and James saw her safely on the train to New York.  Maria Fay hosted the book club, about 50 persons; Fanny attended with her.  Took a “tour” around Norfolk County starting on Friday, visiting friends and relatives.  Dr. Davis has purchased a farm near Winchester, Virginia.  Visited the lot where John proposed to build; the trees were gorgeous, “gleaming with gold and glowing with rubies.”   Dr. Johnson and Dr. Charles Foster plan to establish practices in Cambridge.  News of friends and travellers. 

 

 

85x43.9           Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, no place, December 9, 1852.

                                    Mild winter.  Bennet Forbes, Margaret, and Fanny leave for England soon.  James Howe has taken a house on Mt. Vernon Street, more convenient for Harriet to make and receive visits than their residence in Brookline.  Eye troubles.  Does not like going to evening parties.  Did not go to book club meeting.  Mr. Mumford not having much success at fund raising.  Can send her Mr. Hillard’s Webster oration if she has not seen it.  Ladies planning a fund-raising fair in the spring; starting needlework next week.  Brattle House balls next week, but Sara does not wish to go alone.  Rogers courting E. Lincoln.  News of family and friends.

 

 

85x43.10         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, no place, January 5, 1853.

                                    New Year greetings.  Christmas was pleasant [does not further describe, however].  Continue to attend Thackeray’s lectures; discusses what he says.   Revere and Lyman relatives also attend lectures; Aunt Lyman must move by April 1.  On New Year’s Day, went with Estes, Lois, M. White, and Sara to home of James and Harriet; “they have gas, water, furnace and all conveniences.”  Enjoyed Charles Norton’s recent lecture on Calcutta.  Boston assemblies start soon, and hopes Sara will have someone with whom she can attend them.  Has enjoyed Life of Mrs. Ware [Memoir of Mary L. Ware, by Edward B. Hall].   Mentions lodger Mr. Clough, “very polite and refined.”  More about Mr. Mumford’s fund raising efforts.  Mr. Clough’s lecture on English literature was not the best.  News of family and friends.

 

 

85x43.11         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, [Cincinnati], February 28, 1853.

                                    Has been in Boston and unable to reply to her letter.  Death of Mrs. William Allen a great affliction to all.  Visits with family and friends.  Fanny received 79 presents [for a wedding, it seems].  News of extended family.  James and wife Harriet are taking French lessons.  Miss Emily Jenniser[?] died, “which is something to rejoice at as there was nobody to take care of her.”  Having a hard time getting daughter Sara to go to parties, such as the one given by Dr. Lowell for cousin Florence Russell.  Archie starting to read.  Sidney has gone to Washington for the inauguration.   News of others’ travels.

 

 

85x43.12         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, [Detroit], August 2, 1855.

                                    Enjoyed her letter about the trip to Lake Superior.  Sally wrote about the wedding [does not say whose].  The couple taking a trip to North Conway and the mountains.  News about various members of the family.  Other engagements and weddings.  Made currant jelly and raspberry jam and is knitting – eyes cannot take much sewing or reading. 

 

                        Note in other hand, stating that Mary was staying with the family of U. T. Howe in Detroit.

 

 

85x43.13         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, [probably Cincinnati], January 28, 1859.

                                    Purchased stockings.  Sent a newspaper account of the [Robert] Burns festival, with some good poetry.  Visited Mrs. Bradford, Mary, and James.  “Mary much engaged in anti-slavery business…” and was involved in a fund-raising event for the cause.  Mrs. Bradford hopes Mary will go visit Fanny in Detroit.  Estes and Lois plan to go to Washington, D.C., and Sara plans to go with them.  Sara will get some new dresses for the trip.  Thinks a dark dress is what Mary needs for “that smutty region.”  Contents of the February issue of Atlantic, including a “charming story” by Mrs. Stowe.  News of family and friends.

 

 

85x43.14         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, no place, February 22, 1859.

                                    Estes, Lois, and Sara enjoyed Washington.  Sara’s luggage was lost on the way home, but she will “gradually get more clothes.”  Mentions engagement of Jeanie Revere[?], but no day has been named, nor has a house been procured or furniture purchased.  News of family and friends.

 

 

85x43.15         Sarah L. Howe (mother), Cambridge, to Mary E. Howe, no place, March 4, 1859.

                                    Sarah Dewhurst has been making a dress for her, and she has seen to getting gas piped into the house next door.  Sara’s luggage was found and returned, thankfully, as some of the items were borrowed.  James enjoying his trip to St. Augustine.  Early March very cold.  Death of Mrs. Jane Sedgwick, with her last words.  Corruption in Washington as exposed by Albert.  Lois hosting a parlor concert tonight.  Mrs. Otis is hosting a ball for the Mount Vernon Association.