Correspondence

File — Box: 5, Folder: 2

Identifier: III

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

1886; Blair, George E., to Nellie Thatcher
Love letters, invitations, and notes accompanying gifts are found in this folder. George often encourages his "Ilkie" to continue practicing her music noting, "Each day lost is gone forever .... The preparation we make in this world, sweetheart, enables us to progress more in the future or Spiritual World." One of the many invitations is to attend the theater where is playing. While working on a ranch at "Poverty Flat, Starvation Valley, Idaho" he writes often describing the country around Franklin, Idaho. There are "log houses with only 2 rooms--sometimes a dirt roof--nearby some corralls and stacks--dirty children & pigs running around promiscuosly." He notes the ground is covered with grasshoppers which the residents call "hay jumpers." His writing is often poetic, i.e., "As far as this world happiness is concerned it is but the chaff left by the wind of Destiny. A few kernels of the grain are to be found along our path, imbedded in the Soil of Kindness - Ready to burst forth & bear the sweetest fruits when loving words and gentle hands do act as gardeners." At night by moonlight he plays his guitar and sings and thinks of her. Quotes Longfellow, Plato, and Grey, helping to express his deep feelings for her.

Dates

1836-1968

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.